Sur La Terre-Issue-20 by Firefly Communications

EDiTORiAl We like to think that, over the last 19 editions of sur la terre, we have offered you, our loyal readers, the best in rich and compelling luxury lifestyle content; perhaps, even, some of the best in the region. However, as we celebrate our milestone 20th edition, some of the content is not just rich, but will come to life before your very eyes.

SLT has joined forces with uK-based aurasma group to be one of the first publications in the Gcc to use their aura technology. here is how it works: If you have an android or apple-powered smartphone, download the aurasma lite app for free from the itunes app store or android marketplace. When you see this logo...

...activate the app and hold your smartphone over the page (for best results, use it in a WiFi-enabled area) and wait for the images to come to life. the first one for you to try in this issue is just a couple of pages away on the Qatar discovery advert (page 8). this is our first attempt at an aura-enabled magazine, so there are only a few examples this time; however, we will be adding more “slt Vision” in future editions. We would love to get your feedback, or any ideas for content you think would be good to include. email me at jmccarthy@surlaterre-me.com or contact us through twitter @sltmiddleeast. as well as these high-tech enhancements, SLT continues to deliver all of your favourite lifestyle content, with a fashion shoot, courtesy of our friends at SLT Asia, diamond Jubilee chic from style maven sophie Jones-cooper and more cool britannia as we go in search of a truly deluxe Olympics experience. Kevin hackett heads to china with lamborghini, while steven Paugh enjoys an express Oriental journey through the menu at the Four seasons doha’s nusantao. On top of all that, megan masterson looks back at 175 years of tiffany & co and we serve up exclusive interviews with comedian maz Jobrani as well as Chronicle writer, max landis. also, we celebrate the the recent Jaidah Photography awards, the theme of which was “reflections,” by using the winning entries as our “breathing pages” in this issue. shake into the mix For Your eyes Only, Globetrotter, marketplace and a host of high society events, and you have a classy cocktail of cool that is guaranteed to take the edge off the early summer heat. James McCarthy

regional Managing ediTor

. sur la terre . editor’s letter .

CONTENTS

DOHA NUMBER 20

the list A r t , c u lt u r e , l i f e s t y l e

the scene W e r e yo u s e e n o n t h e s c e n e ?

st y le con fiden ti a l J e t- s e t t i n g s t y l e

gl obe tro t ter Yo u r g u i d e to g lo b a l l u x u r y

f o r y o u r e y e s o n ly Th e t h i n g s yo u n e e d to o w n

rev ue W e s a m p l e n u s a n ta o

i n focus Grand designs

u p cl ose a n d per son a l Ta l e n t e d a n d pa s s i o n at e p e o p l e

fa s h i o n Afternoon delight

tr en ds con fiden ti a l C o o l b r i ta n n i a i s b a c k i n fa s h i o n

. sur la terre . contents .

CONTENTS

DOHA NUMBER 20

looK booK th e b e s t lo o k s f o r g u y s

i n Mo tion m e e t l A m b o â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n e W b r e e d o f b u l l

lifestyle th e l At e s t h A u t e h o r o lo g i e

fe atu r e A l u x u r y g u i d e to lo n d o n

girls

20 12

102

or igi ns 175 y e A r s o f t i f fA n y

110

M a r K e t p l ac e p r o d u c t s AVA i l A b l e lo c A l ly

112

o u t o f t h e b oX g o u r m e t f o o d , W e d d i n g s A n d s pA s

118

be t W ee n t h e li n e s luxu ry by n u m b e r s

. sur la terre . contents .

K h a led I s m a i l I br a h i m - 1s t p l a c e Jaidah Photography Awards 2012

the list arts and culture

5-8

25-26

Ramadan 2012

Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition

Red Bull Flying Bach

WHEN: July 2012 WHERE: Various WHAT: Religious Celebration With the arrival of the crescent moon in the July night sky, Muslims across the world will begin to celebrate their holiest month. Fasting is the most recognised activity during this period, but it is just one of the pillars of the Islamic faith, helping to remind Muslims of the plight of the poor, sick and needy. In Qatar, Ramadan has been known to be marked by the firing of a traditional Arab canon near the Corniche area, and the call to prayer, with Imams beckoning people to the mosques for prayer and to share food with family, friends and the less fortunate. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period and is a great celebration throughout the Muslim world, with fireworks, functions and various activities occurring around the country. In the evening of Eid al-Fitr, it is common to get together with friends, families and loved ones for a feast, while cafés and restaurants around Doha fill to the brim with young and old alike as they come together and socialise until the early hours of the following day. www.ramadan.com

WHEN: September 5 - 8 WHERE: Abu Dhabi Int’l Exhibition Centre WHAT: Regional Sports & Culture The Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition, or ADIHEX for short, is one of the finest showcases of traditional sporting culture in the entire Gulf region. In fact, it has been the only dedicated consumer and trade event in the Middle East for weaponry, equestrian, outdoor and marine sports, safari, arts and antiques, and the promotion and preservation of culture and heritage since its launch in 2003. To celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2012, organisers have promised to make the show even better this year with a myriad of great activities, including painting, photography and poetry competitions, as well as live animal contests and shows revolving around the two most beloved companions in the Gulf, the horse and the falcon. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconer‘s Club, and supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the 2012 ADIHEX is expected to bring in over 100,000 visitors from across the globe and is guaranteed to be a one-ofa-kind experience. www.adihex.net

WHEN: September 25 & 26 WHERE: Drama Theatre, Katara, Doha WHAT: Culture Clash At the Red Bull Flying Bach event taking place in the Drama Theatre at Katara on September 25 and 26, legendary German breakdance crew, Flying Steps, will team up with accomplished opera director, Christoph Hagel, to mash up the worlds of contemporary urban dance with classical music from one of the most celebrated musicians of all time, German Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Yup, THAT Bach! His most well-loved anthems will come to life before your ears in piano, harpsichord and electronic beats, while before your eyes, the flurry of furious and surprisingly synchronic movements from the well-travelled BBoys will set your head to spin as fast as the performers twisting before you on-stage! Not since Baz Luhrmann’s take on Romeo & Juliet have we so fiercely craved a concordant clash of cultures! www.redbull.com

JULY

sep

. sur la terre . the list .

sep

the list ENTERTAINMENT

14 June14 july

25 June25 july

july

Dubai Summer Surprise 2012

Byblos International Festival 2012

GoldFest 2012

WHEN: June 14 - July 14 WHERE: Throughout Dubai WHAT: Regional Sports & Culture Known on the streets simply as “DSS,” the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is the city’s, and arguably the region’s, most popular entertainment and shopping festival throughout the year. Even though the temperatures during the event are mindmeltingly hot, you’ll be sure to find some amazingly cool shopping deals, family entertainment options and even giveaways worth in excess of millions of dirhams. This is the fifteenth straight year that Dubai has hosted the event, and the city has become exceedingly good at opening itself up to the visitors that flock there for the event, opening the doors of its spas, malls and entertainment venues for a cavalcade of commerce and recreation. Just remember to keep hydrated and follow the crowds during the event, which happens from June 14 to July 14. That’s a whole month of craziness to enjoy! To find out more about the event, head over to the website. You might want to start training now, so that at the end of your epic shop, you won’t, in fact, drop. www.dubaievents.ae

WHEN: June 25 - July 25 WHERE: Byblos, Lebanon WHAT: Music Festival Even with the legendary Lebanese love of libations and partying, it’s still pretty impressive that the Byblos International Festival has become such a huge institution in the years it has been around. Originally conceived in 2003 to promote tourism, art and music throughout Lebanon, it now stands as a key stop on the international concert/festival tour. This year’s event is set to be the best yet, featuring a line-up that stretches from rock and blues, to cabaret and the ultimate in Arabic music. The festival kicks off with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash, moving on to a performance by Kadim Al Sahi, one of the most successful singers in the Arab world. We’re most excited about the rare opportunity to see the “King of Blues” himself, BB King (pictured), make his beloved guitar, Lucille, sing for an appreciative Middle East audience. For a truly international, yet uniquely Lebanese experience, the Byblos International Festival should definitely be on your social calendar this summer. www.byblosfestival.org

WHEN: July 4 -7, 2012 WHERE: Parkorman Venue, Istanbul, Turkey WHAT: Rock & Roll Festival The GoldFest has pulled off quite a coup in its inaugural year, thanks to a great venue and heaps of star power. Promising to be Istanbul’s newest and biggest open-air festival, GoldFest will be a hub for both the diehard and casual fans of rock n’ roll, nu-metal, symphonic rock and hard rock. Accordingly, there will be a robust retinue of rock & roll greatness on-hand to transform the city’s iconic outdoor Parkorman venue, which has just recently enjoyed a refurbishment, into a stage of pure savagery. On the docket for this first-of-akind-in-Turkey event will be none other than Evanescence, Within Temptation, Godsmack, Lacuna Coil, In Flames, Apocalyptica, Ugly Kid Joe, Skindred and of course, the headliners ... Guns N’ Roses! While you’re there enjoying the international acts, you’ll also be treated to some of the hometown heroes of Turkey, like Pentagram, Redd, Erdem Yener, Gürcan Ersoy and Ayşe Saran. This one is going to be fierce, so get ready to get loud! www.facebook.com/TuborgGoldFest2012

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4-7

the list Lifestyle

8 June31 aug

14 June22 aug

21 June18 july

Dubai Sports World 2012

Modhesh World 2012

Salalah Tourism Festival

WHEN: June 8 - August 31 2012 WHERE: Dubai Int’l Exhibition Centre WHAT: Sports Festival When it’s sweltering outside, no doubt the last thing on your mind would be to indulge in a spot of five-a-side. But what if one of the largest events in the Middle East offered all your favourite sports under one airconditioned roof? That’s what Dubai Sports World promises! Basketball, rugby, beach volleyball, a cricket academy, indoor running on a 660-metre track and even fitness boot camps are all on offer at this annual event. From 10am to 5pm, attendees can join football training sessions on a full-size pitch, ending with evening tournaments, 12-week rugby training classes and a health and fitness programme. Those aiming to become the next NBA superstar can even take on a specialised programme designed to improve skills. For those more keen on watching events unfold, there is the Summer Sports Majlis, the ultimate hospitality box, perfect for corporate team-building, and offering catering throughout the day by top-level chefs. www.dubaisportsworld.ae

WHEN: June 14 - August 22 2012 WHERE: The Airport Expo, Dubai WHAT: Family Entertainment Over the years, Modhesh World has grown into one of the most successful summer events in the region, attracting more than 500,000 visitors. Perhaps that’s because it’s a fantastic indoor family entertainment venue offering a smorgasbord of activities, especially suited to children. The aptly named event (“modhesh” means “amazing” in Arabic) engages children and their families through interactive entertainment and educational activities, including arts and crafts, soft play, horse and camel riding, the ever-popular inflatables and trampolines, a sports zone, skateboarding clinics, and free play with Lego. The play and learn opportunities don’t end there, though! Modhesh World will keep things fresh and appealing to all age groups with a book bazaar, funfair, mini animal zone, and water games and rides. It’s truly a perfect place for children seeking summertime fun and parents needing to get the family out of the house during the year’s hottest months. www.dubaievents.ae

WHEN: June 21 - July 18 2012 WHERE: Lake Ampitheatre, Salalah, Oman WHAT: Culture & Entertainment Festival Salalah, the second largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, will host a fantastic, fun-filled, six-week festival this summer at the Lake Ampitheatre. From events and happenings that celebrate the ancient Arabic city’s heritage, such as folk music and traditional games, to art shows and children’s games, the Salalah Tourism Festival is the largest of its kind in the area. Located at the foothills of the Jabal Ateen mountain range, Salalah is known as the “Perfume Capital” of the Middle East, and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its abundant flora and fauna, featuring an incredible array of birdlife, hyena and even leopards. The annual festival is the ideal opportunity for those living in the region to explore the area, offering 48 days of events, contests and shopping. For more information about accommodation and travel, as well as the festival itself, visit the official website. www.salalahfestival.com

tH e scen e

Doha Bank Opening, The Gate —

Q ata r’ s Pr e m I er FI na n c I a l I n s t I t u t IO n O Pe n ed I t s n eW OFFIc e s at d Oh a’ s n eW e s t r e ta I l de s t I nat IO n

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5 1. Isabella Ibrahim, mathew Verghese, rahman sab, abbas salman and hekmat Younis. 2. Puneet, rim and dali. 3. mabelle, Irish, Yogita, Youssel and amira. 4. damon and William. 5. Youssef and amira. 6. maria, sunil, len, cathy and Kc. 7. Isabella Ibrahim, abdulsalam abu Issa, mathew Verghese, rahman sab, abbas salman and hekmat Younis.

. sur la terre . the scene .

th e scen e

Mövenpick’s Thai New Year Celebration —

Doh a’ s V I P S c elebr at ed T h a i n ew y e a r wi t h t r a di t io na l T h a i foo d a n d c u lt u r a l di s pl ays

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5 1. The Japanese Ambassador to Qatar, HE Kenjiro Monji, and his wife. 2. Guests enjoying Thai hospitality. 3. Ambassador of the kingdom of Thailand, HE Panyarak Poolthup, with Mövenpick General Manager, Jan Kaiser. 4. Ambassador, HE Panyarak Poolthup with Mövenpick General Manager, Jan Kaiser. 5. A Thai dancer plays a traditional classical instrument. 6. Traditional Thai dancing.

. sur la terre . the scene .

th e scen e

The Last Hangman Book Launch —

Doh a’ s Li t er at t i t u r n ed ou t i n forc e t o c elebr at e t h e l au n c h of Pe t er N u t t y ’ s n ov el , T h e L a s t H a ng m a n

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4 1. Peter Nutty with his daughter, Amy. 2. Alex Lochhead & Liz Davies. 3. Claire & Peter Nutty. 4. Peter Nutty with Ian Lillie. 5. Barry Brittain, Peter Nutty, Carol Brittain. 6. Brian Frost, Peter Nutty, Collette Frost. 7. Dean Goodfellow, Peter Nutty, Amanda Goodfellow.

. sur la terre . the scene .

th e scen e

Zenith Boutique Opens At The Gate —

Lege n da ry t i m e pi e c e m a k er , Z e n i t h ope n ed a s ta n d - a l o n e s t or e at T h e Gat e

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5 1. Zenith Boutique at The Gate. 2. Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser bin Khalid Al Thani, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani and Nabil Abu Issa. 3. Mr. Nabil Abu Issa, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani and Marwan Abu Issa. 4. Jean-Frederic Dufour. 5. Jean-Frederic Dufour, Nabil Abu Issa and George Bechara. 6. Amar with Mohamad al Imadi.

. sur la terre . the scene .

th e scen e

The 20th Dubai International Boat Show —

T h e r egio n ’ s pr e m i er e lei s u r e m a r i n e ev e n t m a k e s a s pl a s h i n i t s 2 0 t h y e a r

For 20 years, the great and the good of the marine industry have descended on Dubai in March to take part in the region’s flagship leisure marine event, which after two decades, has become a beacon for the burgeoning industry in the GCC. The event drew exhibitors from more than 40 countries, with debut appearances of companies from as far afield as Madagascar and Tunisia.

. sur la terre . the scene .

—

th e scen e

Marino Collecchia —

C r i t ic a lly Ac c l a i m ed I ta l i a n A r t i s t e x h i bi t ed h i s l at e s t wor k s at t h e Gat e’ s A r t Ga llery

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7 1. & 2. Marino Collecchia. 3. Frank and Neville. 4. Yasser and Nada. 5. Laura and Manuel. 6. Doriana Dirino and Macarena Abascal. 7. Ewa and Isabella. 8. Carly Jane and Ben Friggis.

. sur la terre . the scene .

tH e scen e

Audi Q3 —

s a a d buZ Wa I r m O t Or s brOuGh t au dI ’ s l at e s t m O t Or I nG m a s t er PI e c e t O t h e d Oh a m a r K e t at a G lI t Z Y l au n c h

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6 1. mostapha al Khatib and Khaled Zebib. 2. mahmoud al Fahany and ahmed shkifi. 3. Paul Kalouch and Georges maouad. 4. Georges moussa. 5. & 6. mostapha al Khatib. 7. Georges moussa and suhir bittaz. 8. ahmed Ghanem, sara badr and ahmed alfakharny.

. sur la terre . the scene .

Lifestyle Wellness: Body, Mind and Spirit Feel the music and move your body in a perfectly dynamic sports environment. Evade daily life stress by joining our Health Club facilities that include a 15-meter-long indoor swimming pool giving you a chance to enjoy aqua-aerobics. Our gym is equipped with the newest and most advanced cardio machines with touch screen LCDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Choose the activities you prefer among our series of entertaining activities such as the number one Spinning Class in Doha, Pilates, Yoga, Karate, Salsa, Samba, water aerobics, and more. The most advanced equipment are also available for a free fitness test that will be offered to you once you choose to start your fitness program with us. Join our outstanding environment and enjoy the unlimited sports activities!

Ahmed Bin Hanbal St. (behind The Mall) P.O. Box: 19282 Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4466 2558 / 4465 2963 Fax: +974 4466 2855 Email: info@almashatabeautycenter.com www.almashataspa.com

Photos of Al Mashata Spa Qatar, available on

tH e scen e

Alfardan Properties Awarded ISO 9001 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

c O m Pa n Y c elebr at e s W I t h a c ert I FIc at e Pr e s e n tat IO n

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

4 since 1987, the last word in quality management certification has been the IsO 9001. however, such certifications are not easy to achieve and require a great deal of work, so it was with considerable pride that alfardan Properties proudly showed off its achievement. to all who took part in the certification process, Sur la Terre offers its congratulations. 1. K.c. dalal, a.r. tebbal, basem Obaid, Omar alfardan and muhibullah mani. 2. christopher thompson, amjad assaf, Fadi hashem, basem Obaid, James chan, a.r. tebbal, nader Oweini and Frank szabo. 3. cris cocjin, Owen magdaraog, beth tacda, cyril Pablo and anwar sada. 4. Frank szabo, bilal atout, moazzam malik, anwar sada, amjad assaf, arige abu Kishk, Fadi hashem, muhibullah mani, nader Oweini, chadid assaf, tara avancena, beth tacda, agnes tana and cyril Pablo. 5. Fadi hashem, K.c. dalal, amjad assaf and bilal atout. 6. amjad assaf and Fadi hashem.

. sur la terre . the scene .

The All new 2013

malibu

A journey refined

Starting at Q.r. 75,499*

SucceSS never looked So good wherever you’re headed in life, the right car makes all the difference. Malibu features bold Camaro-inspired design to help you make the right impression. • whisper-quiet cabin • ice Blue ambient lighting • 7-inch color touchscreen radio *Terms and conditions apply.

• Bluetooth connectivity • rearview camera • remote start

style confidential

JET-SETTING STYLE Escape to cooler cultural climes this summer with SLT’s pick of the most stylish travel companions, destinations and essentials. Compiled by Sophie Jones-Cooper

SUMMER ACCESSORIES Bohemian Rhapsody When it comes to holiday accessories this season, pile ‘em high and brazen with some tropical colour, do the fandango and generally pack as much as your bag will stretch to accommodate. 1. HEADSCARF Missoni at Boutique 1 2. EARRINGS Tom Binns at Boutique1.com 3. NECKLACE Lanvin at Net-a-porter.com 4. CUFF Emilio Pucci at Net-a-porter.com 5. BRACELET Aspinal at Accesssoriesdirect.com 6. CLUTCH Matthew Williamson

. sur la terre . style confidential .

WHAT A CARRY ON If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to your own 24 hour porter, let these weekend bags from Net-a-Porter.com give you a stylish helping hand.

ON SAFARI... Mulberry oversized Alexa leather weekend bag.

COUNTRY RETREAT... J Crew Conran calf hair and leather bowling bag.

CITY JET SETTER...Victoria Beckham textured-leather duffle bag.

TRAVEL SWIMMINGLY

BOLD OVER

Stella McCartney is not only making sure the British Olympic swimmers make a splash in style this summer with her Team GB kit, but also any styleseeking ocean dwellers. Thanks to her catwalkinspired Spring/Summer 2012 swimwear there is no excuse to let your style slip when the heat rises or the waves call.

It seems there is no stopping high street giants H&M. Having brought us a super lust-worthy collaboration with Marni, launched their own luxury line and another high street store Monki, they are now teaming up with yet another style guru. This time it is Vogue Japan Editor and general style star Anna Dello Russo, who is designing an accessory collection for the store that is set to launch in October. If her bold and out-there signature style is anything to go by, autumn looks set to continue summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clash-tastic more-is-merrier vibe.

. sur la terre . style confidential .

LONDON CALLING The UK is on fire this summer! Not only is the nation celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics, but this June, London is also hosting its very first dedicated men’s fashion week – London Collections: Men. For the last three years, the men’s collections have had to make do with a single day of shows tacked on to the end of women’s fashion week. This year, however, sees a three-day showcase of diverse British talent spanning from the historic tailoring of Savile Row, to designers of the moment, including Tom Ford, Jonathan Saunders and Margaret Howell, as well as Britain’s emerging talent and high street brands. Speaking of the relevance of a dedicated platform for menswear, Dylan James, Editor of GQ explains: “Menswear has never been as important as it is at the moment, not just in terms of its commercial force, but also the creative energy that you see around you. This generation has produced such incredible designers, plus it is building on the last two generations of British menswear designers.” So what can the gents expect to see making their way down the catwalk? Jeremy Langmead, Editor in Chief of Mr Porter gives us a heads up: “This year, men are becoming so much more experimental. There is a lot of bright colour in the collections for this summer and next year, and pattern and print are hugely important.”

STYLE STOP: SELFRIDGES If you are London-bound this summer, don’t leave without a visit to Selfridges and their Jubilee and Olympic celebration, The Big British Bang. The festivities include The Big British Shop selling fab designs from British design icons, including Union Jack-emblazoned Mulberry Bayswater handbags and Nicholas Kirkwood Pearly Queen heels as well as hosting “Britannica 1951-1953,” an exhibition looking back at an era of great British style. You can even enjoy the true British pastime of “high tea” on the store’s legendary rooftop. For brides-to-be, their pop-up Tiara and Queen Shop would also be worth a visit, selling tiaras ranging from $9 - $90,000. For more information visit style.selfridges.com/whats-hot/big-british-bang

TWO FOR TEE According to fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, style is an extension of who you are. “My approach is to enhance the personality of the wearer so he has his own voice,” explains the British designer. So if you have something to say this summer, we suggest you make your message loud and clear with a statementmaking tee like these from Topman (left) and H&M (right).

. sur la terre . style confidential .

5 OF THE BEST FASHION HOTELS Fancy laying your head on a rather fashionable pillow? Book into one of our favourite haute hotels complete with designer pedigree. 1. HOTEL: Bulgari Hotel WHERE: London HAUTE HOTELIER: Bulgari WHY: It’s the newest fashion hotel on the block and opens in June. Get your front row seat. 2. HOTEL: Gallery Hotel Art WHERE: Florence HAUTE HOTELIER: Salvatore Ferragamo WHY: A minimalist fusion of art and style. We love the terrace of penthouse suite 707 with views of Palazzo Vecchio. 3. HOTEL: Maison Moschino WHERE: Milan HAUTE HOTELIER: Moschino WHY: A contemporary wonderland of fashionable design and style at every chic corner.

Bulgari Hotel, London..

Gallery Hotel Art, Florence..

Maison Moschino, Milan..

Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh..

4. HOTEL: The Pineapple House Hotel WHERE: Montego Bay, Jamaica HAUTE HOTELIER: Ralph Lauren WHY: A tropical style haven for ocean dwellers in search of luxury and refinement. 5. HOTEL: Hotel Missoni WHERE: Edinburgh HAUTE HOTELIER: Missoni WHY: Suite d’Argento on the top floor is utter style indulgence with stunning views of Edinburgh.

DESIGNER DESTINATIONS Fashion’s most stylish leaders share their favourite destinations around the world… “India is my favourite country… It’s like an assault on the senses... the colours and smells have had a huge impact on my designs.” Fashion designer Matthew Williamson “London is one of those very few places in the world that truly celebrates eccentricity.” Shoe designer Camilla Skovgaard

India..

London..

Lebanon..

Croatia..

“I am not a huge fan of cities. Cairo would be my favourite, as described in the books of Naguib Mafuz, but I prefer the countryside.” Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik “I love to travel, but constantly being away makes me crave a little bit of home. I miss being in the comfort of my own country of Lebanon.” Haute couture designer Georges Chakra “I really enjoyed travelling to Croatia, as it really inspired my work and designs.” Jewellery designer Kara Ross

. sur la terre . style confidential .

GlOBetROtteR

WhERE: MonTreal, Canada WhAT: osheaga MUsiC fesTival WhEN: aUgUsT 3 - 5 www.osheaga.com

WhERE: The MeTroPoliTan MUseUM of arT, neW YorK WhAT: Bellini, TiTian and loTTo; norTh iTalian MasTers WhEN: MaY 15 - sePTeMBer 3 www.metmuseum.org

GlOBAl GAThERiNGS Global Gatherings is your at-a-glance map of magniﬁcence, directing you to all of the culturally essential, entertaining and luxurious events and happenings that will be taking place across the world (or perhaps, we should say, “sur la terre”) over the coming months.

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

WhERE: london, england WhAT: 2012 olYMPiC gaMes WhEN: jUlY 27 - aUgUsT 12 www.london2012.com

WhERE: Poland & UKraine WhAT: eUro 2012 WhEN: jUne 8 - jUlY 1 www.uefa.com

WhERE: Paris, franCe WhAT: Paris jaZZ fesTival WhEN: jUne 11 - jUlY 31 www.parisjazzfestival.fr

WhERE: BalaTon, hUngarY WhAT: inTernaTional gUiTar fesTival WhEN: jUne 23 - 30 www.balatonguitar.hu

WhERE: liBreville, gaBon WhAT: gaBon PoWer BoaT grand PriX WhEN: jUlY 12 - 14 www.class-1.com

WhERE: Penang, MalaYsia WhAT: inTernaTional dragon BoaT fesTival WhEN: jUne 30 - jUlY 1 www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

GLOB ETROTTER

nightlife

SHOPPING

D*LUX

Alexander Wang Flagship Store

Where: Kiev, Ukraine GPS: 50˚ 27’ 05.11” N, 30˚ 32’ 01.35” E

Where: Beijing, China GPS: 39˚ 56’ 04.08” N, 116˚ 27’ 14.22” E

In case you haven’t heard, the EURO 2012 footballing jamboree is about to begin in Poland and the Ukraine. While the top 16 European footballing nations will be entertaining us on the pitch, off it, you need to be heading to D*Lux, widely reported to be the most luxurious, energetic and chic club complex in Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev. It is the nightspot where the city’s social, political, business and arts elite mingle to play and be seen, and has been at the centre of the socialite scene since the old Soviet days when it was opened back in 1939. Nestled in a beautiful park, surrounded by lush greenery, the complex is entered by a creatively-lit, majestic staircase and is housed in a 2,500sq.m mansion-like venue. The Park is a spacious and open, fully-glassed terrace restaurant offering exquisite European, Ukrainian and Asian fusion cuisine. In the summer, it is transformed into an elegant open-air veranda filled with flowers and gentle breezes. The Lounge Bar can comfortably seat 200 guests around a central bar in a relaxed, cozy environment combining soft lighting, a chic and innovative interior design and a unique lounge soundtrack especially selected to create just the right atmosphere. Then, of course, when it’s time to really party, the D*Lux Nightclub offers two-levels of spacious dancing real estate. Live shows and internationally renowned DJs keep the energy level rising until the sun does. If you’re travelling with your entourage to the Euro Championships, then you might be glad to know that the entire club complex, accommodating up to 2,000 guests, can also be secured for private functions. www.dlux.com.ua

Shanghai was originally destined to be the location of designer Alexander Wang’s second flagship store, then he paid a visit to Beijing. The spot he chose for his Chinese invasion is the new Sanlitun Village (pictured), in the city’s Chaoyang District. Designed as a village of freestanding shops and restaurants with street access, Wang’s new property will rub shoulders with the likes of Moncler, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Marni and Balmain. Architect Joseph Dirand designed the space, reportedly treating the project as if it were a sculpture. The design includes a marble staircase between one bronze and one mirrored wall, while asphalt flooring contrasts with the many varied high-lustre surfaces. The 4,000 square-foot store houses the full range of Wang products, including both the women’s and men’s collections, a full range of accessories and some site/region-specific items. The Beijing flagship opened in April in a shower of glitz and glamour with an inauguration event attended by Wang. www.alexanderwang.com

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

HOTEL

restaurant

InterContinental Warszawa

Cépage

Where: Warsaw, Poland GPS: 52˚ 13’ 56.52” N, 21˚ 00’ 09.94” E

Where: Wan Chai, Hong Kong GPS: 22˚ 16’ 35.56” N, 114˚ 10’ 05.35” E

Like Ukraine, as a co-host of the upcoming EURO 2012 competiton, Poland offers much for the five-star football fan, not least among which is a choice of top notch accommodation. Located right in the heart of Poland’s developing and thriving capital, Warsaw, the brand-new five-star InterContinental Warszawa provides not only an architectural landmark as one of the tallest buildings in the city, but also services that are tailored to, and often exceed, the expectations of its discerning guests. The InterContinental Warszawa offers 326 guest rooms and 75 Residence Suites, which are all exquisitely furnished and fully equipped with the latest technology. In the hotel’s three restaurants and two bars, guests can sample the best of Polish and international cuisine. Eleven banqueting rooms are available across two floors and can accommodate events for up to 700 guests. One of the most stunning features of the hotel is the Riverview Wellness Centre, located on floors 43 and 44, which offers a swimming pool, gym classes, fitness equipment, sauna, steam bath, solarium, massages and beauty treatments, all with a spectacular view of the city. Unique to the city are the hotel’s Residence Suites. These 75 comfortable apartments, in six different configurations, offer the ultimate services for those guests who wish to combine the advantages of having their own private space with the services of a five-star hotel. Fully equipped kitchenettes, comfortable furnishings and state-of-theart technical equipment all provide that feeling of a “home away from home” for which InterContinental hotels are internationally regarded. www.intercontinental.com

Michelin-starred Cépage offers exquisite French-Mediterranean fare in an ambience inspired by 18th century French villas, but with a modern spin. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the three-storey restaurant, which comprises a main dining hall on the first floor, a lounge/bar and private dining rooms on the third and a rooftop bar. The main dining hall seats up to 42 guests and despite the modernity of the building, features timber arches, each embellished with 100-year-old antique chandeliers, which were all hand-picked and flown in from Europe. There are also two wine cellars housing over 2,100 wine labels; such is the restaurant’s emphasis on tailored wine pairings. Resident Chef Sebastien Lepinoy promises light and contemporary dishes at Cépage, such as cold angelhair pasta with Aquitaine Caviar, Japanese kombu and white truffle oil, wild mushroom risotto, pan-seared foie gras and langoustine and Celeriac, as well as Japanese organic egg yolk ravioli with truffle jus and seasonal mushrooms. Dishes to look out for include the Pyrenean milk-fed lamb rack with eggplant caviar, roasted pearl onion, cherry tomato confit and the Iberian porcine cuts of meat en sou vide with Iranian Beluga caviar and champagne sauce. To get a taste of what Cépage is all about, opt for the seven-course Menu Degustation. www.lesamis.com.sg

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

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WELCOME To a world where money is no object and Cool comes at a price. FYEO is A millionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopping list that gives you an iNSIDE track to the things you need to own.

The Last Word in Writing >>> The pen, it is said, is mightier than the sword. There is no doubting the power of the written word; it has toppled governments, fermented peace and eviscerated the plans of evil-doers for centuries. For the writer, the pen is his Excalibur and, like the legendary blade of monarchal rights, should be gilded as such. This is why we here at Sur la Terre have fallen in love with the Aurora Diamante. Items such as this donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally escape our radar, but for whatever reason, we have only just discovered this functional, yet stunningly artistic scribing tool. Priced at US$1.5 million, it is the most expensive pen to have dipped in our inkwell. It is studded with more than 30 carats of De Beers diamonds embedded on a barrel forged from solid platinum. Its two-tone rhodium-treated nib is crafted from 18-carat gold which can be personalised with a portrait or coat-of-arms. The really special thing about the Aurora Diamante, however, is its rarity. The company only puts a single pen on sale each year, meaning the prestige of pulling one of these beauties from your pocket at a meeting will be akin to that of unsheathing Excalibur at a Round Table conference in Camelot. www.aurorapen.it

. sur la terre . for your eyes only .

Black Beauty >>> There is nothing worse than getting home from a lavish five-star party and realising you have left your phone in the limo. Well, actually, there is: finding out that you had misplaced this little number, the first of two products we feature this issue from the atelier of Sur la Terre favourite, Stuart Hughes. This is the world’s first black diamond-encrusted iPhone 4S. Priced at $22,600, this unique handset is bejewelled with no less than 591, 4.8-carat to 0.16-carat black diamonds, which adorn both the bezel and the “menu” button. As if dripping in nearly 600 of the world’s rarest gemstones wasn’t enough, this phone is made even more unique due to its limited run of just one hundred pieces worldwide. The phone is available now from Stuart Hughes’ first wholly-owned boutique, Billionaire Toys, at the Ritz Carlton Beijing, the famous Colette store on Rue Saint Honoré in Paris and by visiting the Stuart Hughes website. www.stuarthughes.com

Putting On The Glitz >>> Stuart Hughes strikes again, this time in conjunction with Manchester, UK-based tailor, Richard Jewels, to deliver the world’s most expensive suit. Made from a rich blend of Cashmere wool, silk and, of course, 480 0.5-carat, colour G, VS2 quality cut diamonds, the suit took 600-man hours to create. Only three of the suits are being made - to measure, obviously - and each set of these fine threads will cost around $970,500. The aptly named Richard Jewels states that, with this latest creation, he hopes to enable the wearer to “solidify one’s individuality,” which you would think would be a no-brainer with 250-carats of diamonds hanging from your lapels. Mr. Jewels also says that his customers will enjoy complementary trips to glamorous five-star global locations, where, we assume, wearing “the suit” will be considered de rigueur. Be careful with the wine though, because dry cleaning will always be a worry. The fear of turning up at a party in the same outfit as someone else, however, will not. www.stuarthughes.com

. sur la terre . for your eyes only .

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Diamond dogs >>> We have become used to seeing pampered pooches, nestling comfortably in the Louis Vuitton handbags of socialites from Paris Hilton to Tara Parker Tomkinson, but no canine is classier than the lucky Pugs that will be adorned with these opulent collars from I Love Dogs Diamonds. The leader of the pack in the company’s glittering collection is the “Amour, Amour” (pictured), dubbed the “the Bugatti of dog collars” by Forbes magazine. The 18-carat white gold collar drips with 1,600 hand-set diamonds, totalling 52-carats of gemstones and all set off by the chandelier design featuring a stunning 7-carat centerpiece. Soft but durable crocodile leather provides additional comfort for its wearer and guarantees the longevity of the collar which is priced at $3.2 million. However, if you don’t want your Shitzu to out glitz you, for $899,000, try instead the “Amour de la Mer” collar, which sports an 8.5-carat sapphire pendant and is illuminated by a slightly less ostentatious 600 hand-set diamonds on an ostrich leather band. www.ilovedogsdiamonds.com

Nice threads >>> So you have your $1,000 hand-made Berluti shoes, but they are just a bit too understated for you? Or maybe you own a $50,000 pair of diamond-studded Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, but you just don’t think they have enough pizazz? Worry not, because at SLT Towers, we have the answer: Mr Kennedy 24-carat gold shoe laces. For just $19,000, the stylish folk at Mr Kennedy will deliver to your door (wherever you are in the world), under the watchful eye of a fullytrained security detail, a pair of shoe laces woven from solid gold, hewn from materials mined less than 10 miles down the track from where they are manufactured in the Cauca gold belt region of Columbia. Mr Kennedy will also send someone to lace up your shoes for you. If gold isn’t your colour, then you’re in luck as, for just $3,000 a pair, the company produces silver laces, too. However, both sets are limited in number, with just 30 pairs of the silver laces and only 10 pairs of the gold version being manufactured. www.mr-kennedy.com

. sur la terre . for your eyes only .

ThE BEAUTiFUl GAME >>> With the euro 2012 just around the corner, football fever is set to reach another high this summer. What better way to enjoy the pre-match build-up with your friends than with a bit of table footy? however, being Sur la Terre-ans, any old foozeball table just won’t do. You need the limited edition teckell cristallino Gold le football table. this stunning table is part of the multi award-winning b.lab Italia’s new teckell calcio balilla collection and is designed not just for connoisseurs of the game, but collectors of beautifully functional objets d’art as well. through its teckell range, b.lab has introduced table football as an elegant design piece for formal living rooms. using sophisticated construction techniques, the cristallino Gold le is hewn from crystal glass and highly polished aluminium, and each of the tables has been crafted by skilled Italian artisans. the “pitch” is designed in transparent black-coloured crystal, while one set of the “players,” along with the scoreboard and other accessories, are kitted out in 24-carat gold. bringing a whole new meaning to “the beautiful game,” b.lab are making just fifty of these 142kg tables, with each one costing $21,000. www.teckell.com

DiSARMiNGlY lUxURiOUS liNkS >>> roland Iten, the precision engineering genius that brought mechanical cufflinks and belt buckles to the world, has collaborated with Fonderie 47, an organisation dedicated to disarming africa of the proliferate aK-47 rifle and transforming these destructive weapons into objects of peace and beauty. the fruit of this partnership is this incredibly desirable set of cufflinks, which, in his inimitable style, are capable - with a few twists, turns and gear changes - of connecting to become a bracelet. as limited editions, the cufflinks are made using solid white gold, titanium and, of course, steel repurposed from an aK47. the serial number of the gun, which was destroyed to make them, is engraved on the $33,000 links along with Iten’s name as their creator. they are available exclusively through the Fonderie 47 website and, by buying a set, you will be removing around 100 assault rifles from circulation in africa. www.fonderie47.com www.rolanditen.com

. sur la terre . for your eyes only .

r evu e foo d

The hidden tao of Nusantao 3.5 Pearls

Back in issue 17, SLT Senior Editor Steven Paugh heralded the coming of Nusantao to the Four Seasons. Now, he goes back to see if his excitement was well placed ...

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he Four seasons hotel in doha is hiding something. When the good folks there first told Sur la Terre about its enigmatic nusantao sea Kitchens concept, they said that its culinary spirit was reflected in its name: a supposed amalgam between the word nusantara, meaning “archipelago” in the ancient language of Javanese, and the word tao, which, as any etymologist worth his weight in verbs will tell you, means “way” or “direction” in chinese. however, my considerable research into the matter has yielded what may turn out to be a hidden conspiracy, the clandestine nature of which has never before been seen anywhere within doha’s culinary map! to wit, I have learned that the name “nusantao” is actually associated with noted american anthropologist, Wilhelm G. solheim II, and his seminal work, Archaeology and Culture in Southeast Asia: Unraveling the Nusantao (which can be purchased on amazon.com for the small fee of us$20.94). In it, mr. solheim postulates that the nusantao is, in actuality, a first-ofits-kind conglomerate of nomadic maritime sailors during the neolithic age, who were responsible for spreading culture in the southeast asian region via a vast seafaring trade network. that’s right, readers, the Four seasons’ nusantao restaurant is actually based on a forgotten civilisation of prehistoric sea dogs that secretly shaped the very fabric of society, or as I like to call it ... the lOst cItY OF atlantIs! now, no one has ever drawn a line between the so-called “nusantao maritime trading and communication network” and atlantis before, but that’s only because they employ things like logic, reason and a modicum of intelligence. my inquisitive nature, however, has never before been halted by such trivial concepts, and I refuse to let it be so now! thus, in a bid to discover the true nature of nusantao after jumping to this startling conclusion, I enlisted the assistance of Sur la Terre’s regional managing editor, James mccarthy. Only he could fill the role of the hot pants-clad aqualad to my more regally-garbed aquaman as we embarked on a culinary quest that would take us to the subversive and succulent heart of this flavour-filled history mystery! the evening began, as you may or may not expect, with an enigma...

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Perhaps coincidentally, though I suspect not, on our way to Nusantao, Sur la Terre’s new Twitter account (@SLTMiddleEast) was suddenly suspended for unknown reasons. The more levelheaded James remarked that it was most likely a simple yet frustrating misunderstanding, while I, using what past teachers have called “a deeply flawed and disturbingly unrealistic deductive reasoning,” concluded that it must have been ancient Atlantean magic, blocking our communications network in an effort to keep its treasure at the Four Seasons somehow buried. However, my thirst for knowledge, matched only by my hunger for dinner, would not be denied! And so, we sallied forth into a night balmy with a pleasant breeze ... and secrets. Owing to this pleasant evening, James and I decided to sit at the outdoor patio to the side of the restaurant. Like Atlantis, Nusantao reminded me of an otherwise impossible union of two worlds; not, in the case of the former, an underwater city populated by fish-people, but rather a grotto in the desert peopled by the peckish. You could almost see the reflection of the lapping sea against the walls as the wind played against the fronds that danced atop the surrounding palm trees. Obviously, this would be an ill-advised seating arrangement in the coming summer months; luckily, as an alternative, the interior of Nusantao evokes a mellow, subaqueous lustre, the modern spirit of which, while not necessarily unique to Qatar’s dining scene, is no less inviting in its refreshing cool. As I ruminated over the menu placed before us by the friendly, attentive and ethnically diverse staff, it finally dawned on me that - shock of all shocks - I may have actually been right ... sort of. The theory put forward by Wilhelm G. Solheim II that the Nusantao forged, via trade, the basis of a heterogeneous, shared culture made up of many different societies and indeed tastes within Southeast Asia, was alive and well at the Four Seasons. Okay, maybe I was way off with that whole Atlantis thing, but this discovery was just as thrilling! The menu at Nusantao is based on seven different styles of cuisine found in Asia: Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and even Middle Eastern. Now, with so many options on one menu, authenticity immediately comes into question, as does quality. Having so many different types of cuisine available can be overwhelming at best, and could spell disaster for too enthusiastic a restaurant, causing a laden menu to devolve into an ambitious mess, where each cuisine pales against the inclusion of another. Time would tell if the Four Seasons would suffer from its own zeal to impress. Deciding not just to try a smattering of one or two dishes (or nations for that matter), James and I divined the spirit of Solheim’s beloved Nusantao and committed to bringing together, in one place, the entirety of the restaurant’s regional offerings and, with the intent of trading our own experiences (again, like the Nusantao), share what we found. It all began, as many things do, with a shrimp cracker. The complementary table starter of prawn crisps, while flavourful, more-ish and every bit the quintessential appetite whetter, came with an interesting side and unexpected presentation, neither of which I’m certain entirely works. Served inside a pestle and mortar, which was

undoubtedly an aesthetically-pleasing (yet somewhat thematically mismatched) nod to Nusantao’s ethos of mixing spices, the thai sauce that accompanied the crackers was, for me, simply too “shrimpy.” This was thanks to an infusion of shrimp paste, which, given that it was served on top of prawn crackers, I found to be excessive. The effect was a sort of strong cheese taste in the fore, which I wasn’t too keen on, but James didn’t seem to mind. It finally settled into a spicy and reasonably pleasant afterglow, but only after a fierce battle for flavour supremacy. This will be one that you either inhale or ignore. Admittedly, this wasn’t the most ideal start for me, but I had hopes that the true magic of Nusantao was still to be found. Once again, quite surprisingly ... I was right. We officially began with our seven-tiered expedition into the extraordinarily edible Indonesia, with a Gado Gado Salad. A favourite of the starters for both James and me, this satay-topped salad of greens and sprouts enjoyed a freshness that was not burdened by its deliciously addictive peanut sauce. Elsewhere, this dish could have suffered a death in gooey heaviness, but here, it was simply heavenly. This was tempered both expertly and surprisingly in our next starter from, of all places, the Middle East. James was a bit dubious when I ordered the Lsanatsald, a mixed salad of sprouts and braised tongue, but he was pleasantly surprised as the crisp, citrusy flavour succeeded in cleansing our palates and acted as the ideal companion to the Gado Gado salad. Already it was clear that the Nusantao of the Neolithic knew what they were doing when marrying flavours of cultures together, while keeping each one distinctly its own. The next dish, Siew Mai, from China, was a credit to the texture and flavour of Dim Sum. Packed with steamed chicken and shrimp,

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infused with an essence of black truffle and topped with caviar, its dense and chewy consistency allowed a lengthy enjoyment of its rich, earthy flavour before tearing into a course of a different colour. The Japanese Chawanmushi may not cleanse the palate in the same way as the Lsanatsald, but the way it proffers a tiny island of foie gras in a tiny sea of egg custard with a wasabi infusion made it seem like the Land of the Rising Sun’s savoury answer to crème brûlée. While rich, it was a welcome change of pace to prepare us for something completely different. We sailed to Thailand for a taste of the sausage-like Thod Mun Pla fish cakes, which were not heavy (although apparently fried), and benefitted from a liberal spice and fresh herbal kick. Up next were ginormous salt & pepper prawns, which, like the Siew Mai Dim Sum, were thick and meaty. Dusted with a tasty crust, they weren’t “dry” as such, but would have benefitted from a bit of sauce, which, if there was one, either wasn’t served to us or got lost amidst the army of dishes that marched across our table. An Indian sea bass with coriander and mint finished our starter courses, and enjoyed a simplicity of presentation and preparation that gave it a decidedly southern Indian verve. Sea bass is an easy fish to over-cook and over-spice, but its essential flavour here wasn’t weighed down by extraneous attempts to singe or “zing,” and it was another firm favourite of the bunch. With the armada of appetisers finally dispatched, it was time to address the mains. James went for the Gulai Kambing, a Malay curry with lamb. Malaysian curries aren’t typically as heavy as their Indian forefathers, and this was no exception. Light, yet brimming with taste, the lamb seemed to melt after basking in its amber pond of curry and was the perfect note for James to end on, without making him feel too full. My

complete contentedness came from offshore, with another style of sea bass. The steamed Pla Neung Manao harkens from Thailand and in its mint and chili dressing was, for me, the star of the show. The menu promised it to be spicy and sour, and it rang both bells ... and then some! It was rich without being overly-strong, meaty without being heavy and was, without question, perfection in pescetarianism. We finished everything off with a banana fritter and coconut sorbet combo for James and a rich chocolate fudge and yuzu fruit sorbet pairing for me. Both of our desserts combined blissfully a rich flavour with an instantly refreshing icy treat; the only problem with each, however, was that there wasn’t more of it - not that there hadn’t been plenty to savour over the evening. That’s the thing about Nusantao: even though James and I had run a nigh-gluttonous gamut, neither of us were left uncomfortably full nor wanting; simply, satisfied. I do recommend, however, that, like the Nusantao people of old, you converge with a group of friends to enjoy the exemplary cuisine, as well as the atmosphere of shared adventure. Much like my research into the backstory of its nomenclature, as well as this very article, my experience at Nusantao began somewhat strangely. However, and I think you’ll agree, all of the above ended in what I would call a “magical realisation.” Sometimes, divergent paths, be they those undertaken by dynamic Neolithic sea-dwellers, those travelled by a clearly addled Sur la Terre journalist or those that lead to a truly redefining culinary experience, work well when done right. And at Nusantao, it is definitely done right. Indeed, much can be learned from Nusantao, both historically, and at its current placement at the top of the Four Seasons’ food chain.

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i n FO CUS

grand

Designs Shaikha Al-Sulaiti is a homegrown agent of change. Born with a naturally creative mind and educated here in Qatar at Virginia Commonwealth University, she is part of a new wave of forward-thinking and ambitious Qatari women committed to investing their creative talents in shaping the future landscape of the country. In her case, this dedication manifests itself in a very literal sense, as her inherent enthusiasm and burgeoning skill-set have taken her down the path of interior design. Her current role sees her collaborating with a team of international designers on one of the largest, most highlyanticipated projects in Qatar - Musheireb. In an exclusive contribution to Sur la Terre, Shaikha Al-Sulaiti describes the evolving culture of interior design in Doha, what she represents within that world, the challenges she faces, and her role in changing the way the world will see Qatar in the future.

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here is a new architectural vision in Qatar, and I want to be at its centre. As a Qatari interior designer, I believe it is important to maintain what is sometimes forgotten: Qatar’s heritage and history, and I intend to keep that culture present and meaningful, while at the same time changing the way people think about interior design. This is not going to be easy. Interior design is more than what people imagine. Let me first say this: it is NOT just decorating! It is a holistic approach to creating a space, rather than just deciding where to put furniture or hang pictures in a room. Interior design is a means of enabling people to utilise a space to its maximum potential, taking into consideration things like the view, sun orientation (which is particularly important for the region) and the overall architecture of the home. There must be a cohesive articulation of architecture and interior. In addition, the spatial relationships of various rooms in a home must make sense; keeping the private zones and public zones separate while maintaining their functions and utilities, these are all very important elements. Then of course, you must have a practical understanding of code to accurately implement things like fire safety, or suitable designs for disabled persons. It is easy to take a “copy & paste” mentality to interior design, especially as clients can be hard to communicate with and want everything done yesterday; however, there is more success in personalising spaces to reflect the client, or the image they wish to portray. Confidence is important and personality is key. Client accommodation is part of the job, but it is also our responsibility to show them why a space should be designed in one way, and how, either aesthetically or structurally, that may be an improvement on their vision. My role is to help them get there, while adding just a little touch of me. As I develop my own confidence and experience throughout my career, I will be able to involve my presence more. Until then, I am here to help, to showcase what is possible and advise on what makes each space work. The landscape of interior design is changing in Qatar. The quality of design is improving and evolving into an international standard. Within the next 10 years, Qatar will be leading the industry in the region, as well as being recognised globally for its interior design. The Gulf is also going greener, and people here want to incorporate more ecologically-friendly designs into their living and working spaces. Just look at Musheireb, which is one of the largest developments in the world to go completely green. Part of what led to that shift is that people today want more function in their spaces, and these green technologies allow the expansion of that new mentality. Projects in Doha today also have to be “green certified” before going forward, so it is important

to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, environmentally-friendly methods and new materials into Qatar’s emerging design world. As much as this new way of thinking is about function, however, it is also about form and a more universal approach to taste. Qataris today, thanks to a new international standard of education, are given great opportunities to express their style. That focus on the development of the community and economy enables and encourages the people of Qatar, particularly its women, to excel in every aspect of their lives. We also have greater opportunities to travel and interact with other cultures, much more than we used to in the past. All of these factors have allowed Qataris to recognise that there is more to design than the classic, more intricate tastes that have adapted regionally over the years. In fact, the few people that have already asked me to design something for them here have requested a more contemporary, rather than a classic look and feel. What I personally would like to do - and what I think is the future of design in Qatar - is to mix the classic with the contemporary. I love contemporary design, but I also love my heritage, and I think there is something beautiful in the traditional style - something that we should not lose. If you lose that idea of tradition, you lose your identity, and it’s important to hang onto that, from both a cultural and an architectural viewpoint. Then again, there is simply not much Qatari history available, so a lot of what I do relies on my own research. I talk to my friends and family in the older generation to find out how they used to live, what life looked like and how it was shaped. People from my generation, like my sisters and me, are not familiar with how life was or the way it looked before gas was discovered, or before Qatar started building. But now I want to look back. To see how the country has developed is to understand where we have come from, and maybe where we are going. From an architectural or interior design viewpoint, that is amazing. Of course, it is important to learn from internationally recognised designers and architects. Their creativity, more relatable personalised approach and in-depth knowledge about interior design is invaluable in creating something completely new in Qatar. It is that mix between a Qatari perspective and an international understanding which leads to professional development and encourages personal creativity. The more you understand, the more you are inspired and the more you can do. I personally intend to read more, to go out and do more; to learn and explore other areas of design. Through broadening my own horizons, I want to create even more awareness on how interior design can improve lifestyle. I want to encourage a new standard of living in Doha, and hope to be a catalyst in pioneering an identity of interior design throughout Qatar.

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fi s c h er Roel a n d t s i s a bel - 2 n d p l a c e Jaidah Photography Awards 2012

Clown Prince of Persia

u p close a n d per so n a l

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Maz Jobrani Actor, comedian and founding spoke in the “Axis of Evil Comedy tour,” Maz Jobrani brought his unique brand of stand-up comedy to the region in April, performing shows in Dubai, Doha and Bahrain. Sur la Terre met with the man who put the “Purr” into Persian over coffee at the W Doha. -

here did you get the inspiration to become a standup comedian? I was a big fan of Eddie Murphy when I was a kid, and then I started doing plays when I was 12 and really enjoyed being on stage. I actually got side-tracked for a while because my parents wanted me to be a lawyer so I went to college and studied political science. At some point, I decided I wanted to be a professor, so I got into a PhD programme at UCLA and, while I was there, I started doing plays and the acting bug got me again. I then dropped out of grad school and had to get an office job just to kind of make it seem legit. I worked in an advertising agency and it took me a little while. You know, there are some comedians that start in their late teens; I started when I was 26. It took a long time to realise that this is my life and you’ve got to do what you want to do.

In your show, you poke fun at your parents pushing you to be a doctor or a lawyer, were they really against you performing or did they eventually become supportive? They did eventually, once they saw I was happy and I could make a living. My father had actually moved back to Iran at the time and, traditionally speaking, they just don’t know that world. My father was a businessman, my mother was a housewife and they were affluent. They come from this place where they had friends who are lawyers, doctors and generals. They just wanted their kid to do something secure. I don’t think [parents] have any malicious intent, they just want you to have a good life. And that is what they think gives a good life and it gives the family a good name. So they didn’t really get it at first. My mum thought I was crazy at first; she started saying, “Why don’t you at least learn to become a mechanic? People are always going to

need to get their cars fixed.” Then she started recommending other careers based on the last guy that come into our house to fix something. I swear, she would be like, “What about a washing machine fixer.” So it took them a while. My mother started to come around once she started seeing the success and started seeing my star rise among the community, and when her friends and people started talking about me, she’d come to a show and see the adulation and all of this stuff, she became very supportive. I think one of the things that I had that was good was my relationship with my parents. I was the eldest son, my sister was older, but I was the eldest son. I had always been a little bit more mature and had this mentality of “I am going to do what I want,” you know? It wasn’t that I would ask permission, I would just say, “This is what I am doing,” and they would resign themselves to it. Have you ever received a lot of criticism from the Iranian or Middle Eastern communities? I grew up in America and a lot of my friends were American. I had a handful of Iranian friends. My dad had this thing, we’d have a name in the community kind of thing, I don’t know what that means but I always kind of didn’t buy into it, but I did, however, feel the pressure of it. Then we moved to Los Angeles where there are a lot of Iranians. The interesting thing was when I first started doing stand-up, there were some Iranians that would come out and watch the stuff, but a lot of them were very Westernised. I started off in the American clubs and coming to the Middle East was never part of the plan, when I did it. I never thought I would be performing in front of a lot of Middle Easterners. I always thought I was in front of an audience that happened to be Westerners, so there wasn’t a lot of knowledge of me in the community until I was successful and, at that point, they embrace you.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

How do you think that your humour goes down over here? When I saw you in Dubai with the Axis of Evil, there were some things that you guys said that was quite close to the knuckle. Have you actually done anything that has put you into trouble when you have been doing these shows? I have never gotten into trouble myself, but every time I have done shows in this region, I will get told there are certain subjects that are off limits. In the states it’s called a tV-friendly set, which is when you don’t swear, etc., so you try and go that route. some of the things that you say you have to temper. somebody was saying to me once that just by being in the region and doing stand-up I am pushing the envelope, because this is a relatively new thing. Western stand-up here has only been going since 2007 or so. When the axis of evil came in it really helped, now you see these locals doing it, and some of them are more risque than the guys coming over to perform. It is a cultural thing and in the West you could sit there in the front row and make fun of some guy’s wife and he would be laughing. here you wouldn’t do that! With the Qatar stand-up guys performing at your show, do you see a bright future for this stand-up comedy in this region? Well, you need to have places to practice. With comedy, the only way you get better is to get up on stage and get writing. You should be doing that around five to 10 times a week. so it’s not just a problem with doha, it can be a problem with Wisconsin. there are places in the us that don’t have places for somebody to get up five to 10 times a week and perform. really you have to be in new York, la, san Francisco or maybe chicago, as there are a handful of places to do this. here in Qatar, it is great to see this comedy group that they have put together, great to see guys coming from dubai. and if they are able to create a regional network so they are creative and enable to do two shows a week, one in dubai and one here and one wherever, you know? Just around this region, I think it will be beneficial.

Do you have any good “Spinal Tap” moments that you look back on and laugh at? What is the most ridiculous situation that you have ever found yourself in at a show? One of the fi rst tour dates that we started doing axis of evil: it was me, ahmed ahmed and aron Kader and we had just done a show in san diego at the height of the bush admistration with the country on red alert and all of that crap. We had to get on an aeroplane to go to boston for a show the next morning, so we showed up at laX in the morning and they tell us that the fl ight is full and we can’t get on. We explained that we had to get to a show in boston, so we are trying to figure out what to do, thinking of every option and we asked about flying to new York and taking a train. Finally they found a route for us, we were going to land at JFK, get a cab to laGuardia airport, with basically an hour to get through new York traffic to get a plane from laGuardia to boston. We would be half an hour late to the show, but at least we would make it. so they got us into the last row on the fl ight from la to JFK. as the plane is landing, we are thinking every second counts, so we need to get off this plane before everybody else. We asked the stewardess if she could ask the other passengers to stay in their seats as there are people trying to get connecting fl ights. they said that they will announce it but most likely people are going to get up and go, so they were like, “as soon as it lands, before the bell goes, you guys need to get up and run down the aisle…” so you had three middle eastern guys with backpacks, running down the aisle of plane discussing how quickly we can get away... We were just running down the aisle trying to sound as american as possible, “exsqueeze me, ma’am” and all that. We got to laGuardia and there was this crazy situation, us just running with backpacks… I was like, “are you serious?” but the staff just kept on saying, “Go for it.” the three of us could have classified as a sleeper cell, but we made the show and didn’t get tazed or shot!

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Mad Max

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. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Max Landis “Do you like bad guys?” This question could have been a soundbite from any of the conversations hurling about the first Middle East Film & Comic Con in Dubai in April like so many lightning bolts. Conversations like this were rife throughout the spectacular two day festival. Steven PAUGH knowS THIS, because as a devoted comic book nerd, he took part in many of them. However, in this case, the above quote came not from some sweaty guy in an old Batman suit, but instead from one of the celebrity guests... -

ax Landis is an endearing guy. He may have been in attendance at the MEFCC as a special guest thanks to his screenwriting duties on one of 2012’s most successful Hollywood blockbusters, Chronicle, but in reality, he would probably be here anyway as “just one of the guys.” His exuberance for the nerdier side of pop culture, in which he is now professionally entrenched, is infectious, and just as palpable, if not more so, than that of the fanboys and girls that swarm him for an autograph. Then again, that passion is what shot him to fame in the first place.

Before his screenwriting prowess was celebrated by both critics and fans for what will undoubtedly be his first of many blockbusters in Chronicle, comic book geeks discovered Landis on YouTube. The now famous 17-minute video, in which Max, with the help of his trusty sidekick (Johnny Walker Red) and some friends (Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore and Ron Howard to name a few) deconstruct and lambaste the classic 1992 comic book story arc, “The Death and Return of Superman,” with a hilariously cynical, riotously indignant and fairly inebriated parody, still sends both the die-hard and non-fans into stitches. If you haven’t seen it yet, Google it immediately! In a similar way, the unique character-driven, “found superhero footage” style of Chronicle made it a massive cross-genre success, shooting the relatively small budget picture to Number 1 in America and internationally on its opening weekend. So what is the secret behind Max Landis’ success? Is it method or magic in his madness? And what can we expect from him next? You must be in pretty high demand right now thanks, of course, to Chronicle! Has all of this attention already led to other things? Well, as a writer, I guess I’m in high demand, yeah. I’m writing Chronicle 2, I’m writing Space Mountain for Disney, I have a movie with Ron Howard, I have a movie I’m directing and something I’m producing. So I’m really busy. Writers complain a lot, but I’m having a really good time!

Of course, you’re also known for your YouTube videos. Any plans to produce another one or maybe try something different? Everyone wants me to make another video, and I do want to make another one, but the problem is, like I said, I’m just really busy! But you know what I think I’m gonna do? A professional wrestling story! A lot of people that watched the Death of Superman video didn’t read comics, so now I want to do something for people who don’t watch wrestling. I wanna keep changing it. I’m also thinking of doing “Lazy Star Wars,” which will be episodes 4, 5 and 6 without enthusiasm or imagination. I’ll call Darth Vader “The Black Meanie,” and the Death Star “The Floating Death Ball.” I’d call Luke Skywalker “This guy,” Han Solo “Fred” and Chewbaka “Jar-Jar.” I think R2-D2 and C3PO would be a trash can and a gay guy, and when I eventually name them something, they’ll be “Rooter-Tooter” and “Pepepio.” [laughs] I dunno ... I like to get people mad. Speaking of doing crazy things, with all of the other comic cons and festivals going on, why did you choose to make a stop here in Dubai at the Middle East Film & Comic Con? WHY DID I CHOOSE TO COME TO DUBAI?? [laughs] It’s a trip, man! Why wouldn’t I come? Look, I don’t go to ALL of the other conventions. I go to San Diego for the Comic Con there, and I’m set! It’s my Mardi Gras! I’m there for four days, I have the time of my life, I yell at people about [Image comics’] Spawn. It’s a good place to be!

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

these viral prank videos using telekinesis. So I sort of took that and ran with it. The whole “Anakin Skywalker” element where the guy snaps at the end was my thing. You have said that Chronicle isn’t necessarily a “superhero” film, as such, and that it has more in common with Stephen King’s Carrie than it does with Spider-Man. Can you elaborate more on what Chronicle is, or what you intended it to be? What it is and what it .... “IS” are different things. Okay, Chronicle is very slyly a superhero film, but I wanted to do things with a superhero film that hadn’t been done. I know that everything’s been done, but I realised that the way into superheroes that hadn’t been explored is through a character drama. I mean, there was [M. Night Shyamalan’s] Unbreakable, but that didn’t really take its [expletive deleted ... let’s call it “spirit”] out; it didn’t go “YES!” at the end of the movie, it just kinda went, “Yeah, there it is...” I wanted to trick people into thinking they were seeing something they weren’t. I wanted to tell a good story while at the same time saying, “Hey, these kids mean something to you. Doesn’t this look like fun? Don’t you wish you were playing with them?” ‘Cause that’s always the best part of the superhero movie, right? The first act in Iron Man, Spider-Man, even The Dark Knight, the first act is a period of discovery, that point when you’re exploring this new and exciting world. I wanted to give a whole movie to that, and I really wanted to do it through the characters. When I got offered this on Facebook, which is the only way to reach me, they were like, “Do you want to go to Dubai?” And I mean, Dubai, if you’re from America, it’s like... Las Vegas? It’s MORE than that! It’s the Emerald City of Oz! It’s Coruscant! Twenty hours on a plane, and I’m in the weirdest place I’ve ever been ... and I’ve been to Portland, Oregon! But you know what my biggest Dubai adventure has been so far, besides getting my camera crushed by a camel and running away from a scorpion? I went to this giant mall, and first of all, your malls here are absurd! Anyway, I saw this American couple; they were eating at Fatburger, had a Quicksilver Bag, a Gap bag and a Forever 21 bag... YOU COULD DO THIS ANYWHERE IN AMERICA!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?! I had reverse culture shock! Why would you pay that much to get here, spend all that time travelling, and you ... buy shorts? Come on! Yeah, there is that consumerism side of the Gulf, but have you thought about taking part in the growing pop culture element in the region with things like the local Dubai or Abu Dhabi Film Festivals, or maybe collaborating with the Doha Film Institute in Qatar? I want to learn more about this kind of stuff, definitely! But you know, it’s funny, because I’m such a studio guy at this point. I kind of skipped the “indie” stage of my career - I’m working with Disney, I’m working with Universal, FOX and MGM. So coming out here and trying to be part of that feels like a lateral move at this point. But who knows? Getting back to what got you here in the first place, let’s talk a bit about Chronicle, which was recently made available on DVD and Blu-Ray. What inspired you to write this film? Josh Trank, the film’s director, had this idea to do

And that’s why you say it’s different from Spider-Man or comic book movies like it? Yeah, kind of, but it is still kind of similar ... but in a different way. So like, the guy who everyone thinks is the villain in Chronicle is NOT the villain, he just lost his $#!+ and went totally insane. You know what he is? He’s Spider-Man if, after Uncle Ben gets killed by the thief, Spider-Man loses it and kills him. I really wanted that feeling of danger - the feeling that we were witnessing something NOT good. I didn’t want Spider-Man fighting the Green Goblin, I wanted a scene between two characters we knew and cared about in a fight for their lives - a fight that shouldn’t even be happening. When that big action sequence that everyone expects finally came, not only did I not want you to be excited by it, I wanted you to shout, “NO, STOP! I DON’T WANT THE “GOOD GUY” TO WIN THE FIGHT, I JUST WANT THE FIGHT TO END!” There are many books and studies today, like well-known comic book writer Grant Morison’s historical analysis, Supergods, which look at the superhero/comic book story medium and use it as a way to reflect how society has evolved since the format was established in the early to mid-20th century. Would you agree with that, and is it why you chose superheroes as the medium to tell your story in Chronicle? Ah, this is the theory that comic books are the new mythology. Yeah ... you know, I chose magical realism because it’s where I’m most comfortable writing, not necessarily because of superheroes. I like magical realism because it allows you to invest in a character in a way that’s illustrative and in a way that is extremely ... lyrical. When someone gets mad in these types of stories, they don’t just smash a plate, they smash a car! Something about superpowers and that kind of element of fantasy is compelling to me, because it’s something we wish we could see in our everyday lives. That’s the difference between what I did in Chronicle and what I like to call a “world-driven” movie, like Transformers. Those types of movies are driven by the visuals you’re seeing rather than the words that people are saying or what you’re feeling. But when my main character, who everyone perceives as “the bad guy,” goes crazy at the end, in any other world, that would have been a school shooting. If he didn’t have his powers, his arc would have been much the same. The important thing when writing superhero stuff or stories with powers is to make sure that it works WITHOUT the special effects. That’s the big trick. That’s what makes it a human story. ** Chronicle is available on DVD and Blu-Ray at Virgin Megastore **

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Everyday He’s Trufflin’

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. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Chef Jean-Pascal Fayet Much like the truffles he so loves to use, Chef Jean-Pascal Fayet is a “fun guy.” While that play on words may be, admittedly, a bit ... hard to digest ... it doesn’t make it any less true. With all of these puns, we’re beginning to feel a bit like butter. You know ... on a roll? Moving on... -

ffervescent, passionate and quite frankly hilarious, Chef Fayet is a joy to experience, as undoubtedly will be his new Italian concept restaurant, Sormani, which held its soft opening from its location on The Pearl in April 2012, with an official launch happening later this summer.

Secondly, I want Sormani to be an experience. If you come here, you first have to enjoy quality food. Again, it’s like when you’re buying a luxury car - you expect the best! You want more than just normal. You want a spectacle! It’s like going to the theatre or the cinema - it should be an experience.

Known for its authentic yet creative Italian cuisine, the original Sormani, found just down the street from the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, enjoys a well-deserved reputation, thanks as much to its high-end culinary options (known for their liberal infusion of truffles), as to the stardom and renown of its head chef. However, similar to the dishes he creates, after a few “bytes,” you want more of Chef Fayet. When we asked him, for example, what separated Sormani from the other finedining options in Doha, he said simply that it was all about the chefs. “All of the other chefs here ... they are good. They are normal, and I respect them for it. But me?” he continues with a wry smile, “I’m crazy.”

At the same time, in the restaurant business, you can’t take yourself too seriously, but you have to work seriously. You have to love well what you do to do well what you love. That’s Sormani.

As anyone who has ever tried Sormani in Paris or Doha will tell you, crazy can be a good thing. Chef Fayet, tell us something about... Ah! Look at the name of your magazine! Sur la Terre - very nice! You know, “terre’ in French, means “land” or “earth.” But do you also know it means “kitchen?” This is great! We have something in common! [laughs] Haha! Well, that and good taste! Of course! Of course! [laughs] Speaking of tastes and new flavours, the Sormani culinary concept was revolutionary when it first arrived in Paris, so it’s sure to cause quite a stir in Doha. For those who may be unaware of its “truffle restaurant” style, can you please tell us in your own words what to expect and why you chose to present such a concept? Well, let me explain that the concept of Sormani does not mean everything is drowned in truffles. That ingredient, that flavour is simply a nice surprise when you try one of our dishes, like some seafood or a bit of pasta. It’s like driving a Ferrari. If you drive it every day, it loses its power. It becomes too “du jour,” and the same is true with truffles. You can’t overdo it, and we don’t. To keep things like truffles special, to keep them exceptional, you have to use them well. On the other hand, fresh tomatoes, fresh pasta, all of these fresh foods - these are the things we focus on offering you every day. Not just truffles.

What made you decide to open another Sormani here in Doha? Well, first of all, it wasn’t because of the money. Everyone thinks it’s the money, but it’s not. I don’t need money! I don’t drive around in Ferraris or Porsches back in Paris. I ride a bicycle! What made me want to come to Doha was its people. I have hosted many Qataris at Sormani, Paris. They love truffles and fresh ingredients as much as I do, and I admire their taste. That’s why I’m here. Will it be a challenge to provide fresh ingredients in Doha? We are in the desert, after all. No problem! No problem! Look, even in Paris, we ship some of our ingredients. Some of the truffles come from Paris, but others come from Italy and the lobster comes from Canada. It will be the same here in Doha. Will the menu be the same as in Paris, or are you planning on shaping some of the local dishes on the culture? The menu will be the exact same as the Sormani, Paris. We have a strict policy that our diners in Doha will have the same dishes with the same quality that we have in France. And they will share the same experience. Even some of the decor will be the same. I love to paint! [points to a stack of paintings leaning lazily against one of Sormani’s walls] These are mine, and I have paintings from the same set at the restaurant in Paris. What’s really special about this is that the money I make from selling these paintings goes completely to charity. You know, we can be rich and have a lot of money. We can sit here in this restaurant, have a very good meal, some good wine, but we have to remember those that may be less fortunate. Because we are all here ... we are all “sur la terre,” you know? We are all on this earth together.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

LANDMARK MALL LLAGIO MALL DOHA Bahrain - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - UAE - Oman - Kuwait - Jordan - Lebanon www. maya-la-chocolaterie.com follow us www.twitter.com/maya_choco www.facebook.com/maya-la-chocolaterie

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. sur la terre . fashion .

Dress by Christian Dior, Watch by Roger Dubuis Previous page: Lace Dress from Flynow Black

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Fendi Dress, Earrings by Matina Amanita Opposite: Dress by Hooks, Belt by Maru.

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Dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER, «Ice Cube» necklace and «Temptations» earrings CHOPARD Page on the right: Draped sleeves JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER, Dress ARZU KAPROL

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Dress by Gucci. Opposite: Dress by Gucci

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Lace Dress by Flynow black

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tr en ds confidential

Red, white and blue

anyone?

Don’t let your style credentials slip this summer, says Sophie Jones-Cooper.

hen it comes to dressing for events, why do so many women feel compelled to dress up rather than dress appropriately? At Christmas, out come those dreadful glitzy themed earrings – snowmen with flashing buttons, a sprig of holly with sequin berries or most annoyingly, jingling bell reindeer. At sporting events, when did becoming painting your country’s flag on your cheek become acceptable? Not a sophisticated look. Unless there is a red carpet on the agenda or a dress code implied, out goes any style credibility and in come the OTT, tacky and a catwalk of seriously shameful fashion faux pas.

If the invite says fancy dress, then yes, go for gold with a no-holds-barred attitude. This is your time to push the style boundaries and even become a walking fashion reject; in fact, you will be praised for such efforts. However, if you are simply attending an event, there is no excuse to let your style standards drop and all your fashion credentials fly out the window. Yes, we all want to be patriotic or feel part of the team, but why does that involve the need to dress up to Lady Gaga levels and beyond? You don’t see Victoria Beckham in an England kit at David’s away games or Samantha Cameron in her whites at Wimbledon. At Christmas, yes, don a bit of festive sparkle – perhaps a sequin jacket, or even wear your team’s colour for a sports match and of course wear a fabulous hat to the horse races, but that should be the extent of the dressing up. So with two of the world’s most highly anticipated social and sporting events of the decade upon us, the London 2012 Olympics and The

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, there is going to be a serious need for an army of wardrobe police to patrol the streets. Already, Britain is awash with all things Union Jack – from tea cosies and sofas, to underpants and wall art – and it is all selling like hot cakes. Yes, let’s celebrate these historic and memorable events, but let’s do so in style. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a bit of bunting and British merriment, but when it comes to my wardrobe, you won’t see any union jacks or Team GB hoodies taking up valuable hanging space. So how do we support in style? The key is to not change anything. Know your style and just adapt for where you are going. If you are going to a Jubilee garden party, think elegant yet feminine. The D&G and Chloé summer collections are a good starting point. Ditch the stilettos and go for wearable yet leg-lengthening wedges, a pair of billowing wide legged trousers and a floaty floral blouse – stylish, classic, on trend and extremely wearable. Sipping bubbly and eating cucumber sandwiches while minding the toddlers and impressing the neighbours can all be done in style; no red, white and blue required. For the Olympics, well that has Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney and Celine written all over it. Cropped pants or bright skinny jeans, brogues or pumps, a loose tee or smock blouse and a printed jacket. Crowd friendly, cool and comfortable and each is a stylish nod to sport. The designers have actually made it very easy for us this summer. As well as some gorgeous summer staples, delicious denims, bohemian maxis, tailored jackets and pyjama pants, the designers have been inspired by the royal festivities and Olympics for their SS 12 collections. Now, they and I

. sur la terre . trends confidential .

Louis Vuitton..

are not dictating that just because of the Jubilee we should all dress like Queens, or because of the Olympics we should watch the Men’s 500m in hi-tops and a mesh singlet. But if you are looking for some style inspiration this summer, and want to embrace the more regal or sporting side of fashion, then two of summer’s most notable trends, regal elegance and sports-luxe, are the ideal style accompaniments to the summer social calendar. For fans of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, your vote will go to summer’s ever-so ladylike prim and pretty fifties-inspired dressing, while for the more pared down dressers in the crowd, summer’s haute casual styles will come out on top. Sports-luxe would appear to be the harder trend to pull off. There aren’t many women with the midriff to stomach a cropped top. But urban sportswear has become a style synonymous with British street culture and has made its way onto our catwalks for several seasons now. Celine and Stella McCartney are just two designers whose sports-inspired wears have given the more traditional RTW styles a run for their money. This season, more than ever, designers have made it very easy to embrace the sporting spirit, offering a grown up take on the traditional skin-tight lycras and baggy tracksuits. For summer, sportswear has been given a lick of luxury, combining the casual with the luxe and the trick to this trend? Don’t try too hard.

Victoria Beckham..

. sur la terre . trends confidential .

Versus..

Roksanda illincic..

stella Mccartney..

team a numbered sweatshirt with a leather mini and metallic trainers, pair grey ankle-grabbing joggers with a sleek silk shirt or ripped cropped jeans with a mesh vest and contrasting singlet and parka. It is not so much what you wear, but how you wear it. even Victoria beckham gave her collection a sporty feel this season, proving even the most feminine of women have a rebellious edge. leather, lurex, cotton and jersey never looked so good together. One teaming that I am not so keen on when it comes to fashion this summer is red, white and blue. If I am going to be patriotic when it comes to my summer wardrobe, I would rather pay homage to the year the Queen took to the throne, than dress myself up in the colours of the british flag. It really comes as no surprise that the fifties are a big reference this summer, harking back sixty years to 1952 when elizabeth became Queen. nippedin waists, full skirts, sugary shades, demure knee length hems and pretty florals, patterns and prints are all key signatures of the decade and designers have embraced these styles with their summer collections. Of course, this fashion flashback comes updated for the 2012 woman; less twin set and pearls and more revealing cuts, richer materials and exaggerated shapes and silhouettes. roksanda Illincic has beautifully updated old

school elegance, adding a splash of vivid colour, while carolina herrera, Prada and dolce & Gabbana all played with feminine and fun prints, adding a flirty girly charm. louis Vuitton also gave us a sugary sweet princess style with gorgeous broderie anglaise and dreamy pastel lace dresses, both great alternatives to the more formally tailored below-the-knee dress, skinny waist belt and cardigan. We salute you, marc Jacobs. but it is not all about dresses for summer. a peplum waist top with a pencil skirt will scream femininity and is a great curve enhancer for channelling that fifties hourglass silhouette. at the end of the day, trends are not black and white (but neither are they red, white and blue). they are simply a guide and a source of inspiration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take them or leave them. I for one will be giving a wide berth to anything too sporty and certainly not be wearing a tiara to work.

. sur la terre . trends confidential .

LO O K BO O K

Fit for a queen

Channel your inner elegance with a classic yet contemporary day dress.

Marc by Marc Jacobs at Net-a-porter.com, Reiss, Hobbs, Diane Von Furstenberg at Boutique1.com, Oscar de la Renta at Net-a-porter. com, Alberta Ferretti, Giambattista Valli at Net-a-porter.com, Miss Selfridge, Issa at Net-a-porter.com, Dorothy Perkins, Roksanda Illincic at Net-a-porter.com

TOP TIP: Follow the Duchess

of Cambridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead and opt for three-quarter sleeves, a knee-length hem and nipped-in waist.

. sur la terre . look book .

Catwalk MOMENT:

Osman adds an acid yellow injection, proving elegant neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be dull.

LO O K BO O K

Sport the stripe It’s simple – just add some stripes to your wardrobe this summer. Job done. SHORTS BOSS at House of Fraser, SHORTS Stüssy at Urban Outfitters, BELT Burton, ESPADRILLES Ralph Lauren at MrPorter. com, TRAINERS Gucci at MrPorter.com, POLO Libertine Libertine at Urban Outfitters, POLO Marc by Marc Jacobs at MrPorter.com, POLO Ralph Lauren at MrPorter.com, POLO Etro at MrPorter.com, CARDIGAN Burton, JUMPER Burton, SHIRT McQueen at MrPorter. com, POLO Gucci at MrPorter.com.

Image courtesy of Topman..

TOP TIP: If bold horizontal stripes are too much for your style, opt for a subtler striped belt or some hi tops.

. sur la terre . look book .

A l a a a h m a d q a sem - 3 r d p l a c e Jaidah Photography Awards 2012

i n moti o n

. sur la terre . in motion .

Never Mind The Bullocks;

It’s A Lambo SUV When Lamborghini wanted positive reinforcement of its plans to launch a third product line, it called upon Sur La Terre and asked for our opinion. Four months later, at the recent Beijing Motor Show, it was SLT’s Kevin Hackett, who by invitation only, was there to witness the waiting world’s reaction to the birth of a whole new breed of Raging Bull.

. sur la terre . in motion .

ould Lamborghini have a more suitable president and CEO than the always perfectly coiffured Stephan Winkelmann? The name might not immediately conjure up images of Latin loveliness (he was born in Germany and even served in the German forces as a paratrooper in his early years), but see him in action, hear his words pour forth like warm honey, or spend time in his company, and you’d think he’d never left the beautiful confines of the country he now calls home. He’s as Italian as it gets, yet as ruthlessly efficient as any German – quite possibly the best of both of those opposing worlds.

Lamborghini needs this, and the world needs Lamborghini. Could Winkelmann be the most important man in the motoring world? You won’t find me arguing the toss with that one because, under his leadership, the bad boy of the supercar industry has flourished, yet retained its essential je ne sais quoi. You could argue that it’s no wonder Lamborghini has survived, what with its parent company being Audi, but you’d be missing the point. Every manufacturer under the Volkswagen family umbrella needs to stand on its own, be able to wash its face and turn a profit. Even Bugatti needs to justify its existence to the bean counters. Winkelmann knows this more than anyone and lately, he tells me, he’s been having difficulty sleeping at night. And it has nothing whatsoever to do with the army of leggy lovelies he insists drape his cars at various international motor shows. The pressure is on him, he admits, to cushion Lamborghini from the uncertainty of world economies and the machinations of the financiers who so often get things very badly wrong.

The company is profitable, but it needs to be more so in order to survive while others are flailing, and he wants both my opinion and that of SLT big cheese James McCarthy while he’s in town for the Qatar Motor Show. Alarm bells are ringing but hey, the models are on the stand so what have we got to lose? The alarm bells are ringing because I think I know what it is he wants to talk about. Rumours have been circulating for months on the internet about a Lamborghini SUV and the various computer renderings doing the rounds have looked quite hideous – like a Gallardo, an Aventador and a Porsche Cayenne have had an unholy liaison resulting in an overblown, overweight child that even the devil himself would have to think twice about spawning. A third model line is something we’ve spoken about before. There were rumblings a few years back about a baby Lambo – perhaps a competitor to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage – when I interviewed him for The Times newspaper in the UK. “We have no need for a third model, those stories are complete fiction,” was the response as he thumped his desk looking at once both calm and quite scary. That was, of course, when the very suggestion of a worldwide recession would have resulted in the men in white coats ringing your doorbell. Times change remarkably quickly these days and Lamborghini needs to move with them if it intends to still be around when the markets eventually recover. Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot. McCarthy and I, suited and booted, rock up to the stand five minutes before the allotted time, gawp at the cars and the girls and then he emerges from behind the black screens that surround the exhibition area. Smiling like Tom Cruise on the red carpet, he bounds over and shakes our hands as though we’re old friends. It’s impossible to not like this guy. With his trademark skinny navy suit, narrow-knotted necktie and greying tousles, he cuts a dash among the corporate dinosaurs and stands out as a beacon of good taste. This, McCarthy and I like to think, is why he wants our opinions. He recognises pure class when he sees it, obviously. We joke about with our iPhones. He’s mesmerised by an App on mine that fires missiles at people and, when I cause a virtual meteorite to land on McCarthy’s head, he thinks it’s ace. How many car company bosses could you clown around with like this? I can’t think of any other. But business is business and, non-disclosure agreements signed, we head into the temporary inner sanctum, away from the prying eyes of the assembled motoring hacks and serial bloggers. He proceeds to ’fess up. The rumours are true – the intention is to build a third model – but it won’t be the stunning four-door Estoque saloon that was unveiled in 2008. Right car, wrong time, he says. What he says Lamborghini needs is its own Porsche Cayenne. Oh dear. When Porsche unveiled its monstrous SUV ten years ago, the motoring world reeled in horror, not just because it was criminally ugly, but also because Porsche had, up to that point, been exclusively a sports car manufacturer. The masses saw things differently, though, and bought the Cayenne in massive numbers. Pretty soon, that carbuncle on wheels represented half of all Porsche’s worldwide sales and, while time has done nothing to diminish my loathing for the early models, I’ve come to see the Cayenne as a good thing. Because the money that car makes for Porsche allows it to keep building epic, low volume sports cars like the Carrera GT and 911 GT3RS.

. sur la terre . in motion .

Winkelmann has watched this situation unfold over the years and has taken to heart the fact that Porsche’s reputation was not sullied one bit by the change in direction. In fact, in china, Porsche isn’t even known for making sports cars – the market there is totally skewed towards suVs and big, luxurious saloons. For the chinese, a 911 isn’t a proper Porsche. a cayenne or Panamera is. so if we’re to keep having lambos like the new aventador or the evergreen Gallardo – both of which are absolutely brilliant cars – we need to accept that a lamborghini suV might be the only way to secure their futures. I don’t have a problem with that but, in light of bentley’s best-forgotten recent suV concept, a lamborghini ’ute would have to knock your socks off, blow you away, hit you between the eyes. It would have to rock. as requested, we give him our honest opinions as outlined above. he nods, scratches his chin, makes notes. and then, after a quick glance to make sure nobody else can possibly see, he lifts the screen and shows us five computer renderings that bear no relationship to what I’d seen on the web. the sense of relief is palpable – it rocks, alright. lamborghini, unlike most luxury or sports car manufacturers, has previous form when it comes to suVs, namely its lm002, unveiled first as a concept called the cheetah in 1977 and then as a production car nine years later. Just 328 lm002s were built over a period of seven years, mostly for the middle east market, but the company’s rep didn’t suffer because it was totally and utterly barking mad. With a V12 engine lifted straight from the countach and gigantic, run-flat tyres that looked like they’d been stolen from a 747, it was rightly dubbed the “rambo lambo.”

if We’Re tO keep HAVinG lAMBOs like tHe neW AVentADOR OR tHe eVeRGReen GAllARDO – BOtH Of WHicH ARe ABsOlutely BRilliAnt cARs – We neeD tO Accept tHAt A lAMBORGHini suV MiGHt Be tHe Only WAy tO secuRe tHeiR futuRes.

. sur la terre . in motion .

While the images McCarthy and I pore over show a car more restrained in its styling than the LM002, it is still evidently a Lambo while managing to be so much more than a bloated Aventador. The powertrain is, he says, yet to be decided. In fact, VW hadn’t yet decided if it could even enter production. All anyone knows is that a prototype concept car was being finished for an unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show in April. He says he wants me there to see it. I say yes. After our time is up, we shake hands and we leave, feeling a bit dirty if we’re honest. We both like what we saw; we just don’t like ourselves very much for liking it. It’s a guilty pleasure we’ll have to keep secret for months. Six weeks later, I receive an invitation to a closed gathering of select worldwide media at the factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. I attend, see the real car emerge in the design studio as dry ice is pumped out with the thumping electro music, and I stop feeling dirty. Everyone there is in unison: this, as yet unnamed SUV, is the dog’s dangly bits. Those renderings had done the car little justice. Fast-forward to Beijing in April and Winkelmann has just given a masterful presentation to a crowd of mainly Chinese journalists that must be 20 people deep. He’s a rock star; in front of him is the mosh pit – everyone goes completely nuts, he smiles, he waves, he disappears behind the stage, followed by an army of sweaty hacks desperate for a soundbite – anything – about what he has just unveiled to collective gasps and rapturous applause. It’s safe to say that 2012’s China Auto Show has just been stolen by a wild looking bull, right under the noses of the justifiably embarrassed Bentley contingency. I have just witnessed two leggy models pull the satin cover off the Uranus. No, my mistake, it’s the Urus. What? This cannot be. Winkelmann is insistent, however, that this name perfectly fits the Lambo SUV and, to be fair, it does sound much better when he says it. Try “Lamborrrgheeenee Oorooz.” The crowd doesn’t seem bothered – all everyone knows is that this red Lambo is the maddest SUV they’ve ever seen. He wants to sell 3,000 a year, he says. He could probably achieve that in the Middle East alone. Details are still sketchy, but he talks about it being a four-wheel drive, putting out around 600hp, being best in class when it comes to CO2 emissions, having fully adjustable suspension for different ground clearance settings and it being at least four years away from production. It has one of the most incredible interiors I’ve ever seen, crafted from Lamborghini’s own patented carbon fibre weave material, and its stunning body suddenly makes the Range Rover Evoque look a bit old hat – its lines are so sharp you could cut your teeth on it. As I look over it again from my vantage point, I can see Bentley’s unforgivable EXP 9F concept SUV on the next stand. Earlier, when one of Bentley’s PR men tried to get me to look around it and I objected, he resorted to, “Well OK, how about the interior? At least that’s nice.” He’ll be looking at the Urus with envy – this is what an outstanding SUV should look like. Team Lambo has done good. I can’t in my wildest dreams imagine Winkelmann changing any plans for this car if either McCarthy or me had expressed any serious doubts or negativity. But it was nice to be asked and, if nothing else, it’s a sign of enormous trust in this esteemed organ that we were among the first to be told about it. Journalists are, by their very nature, opinionated – sometimes too opinionated if we’re honest. But maybe our opinions are worth more than I thought after all. And it’s my opinion that Lamborghini should build this thing. Change the name to that of another fighting bull, I beg you, but build it, sell it and long may you prosper. We need you.

. sur la terre . in motion .

l i fe s t y l e

Around the Clock Geneva continues to prove its credentials as the epicentre of global timekeeping innovation. As the dust settles following some of the world’s biggest jewellery events, SLT International picks out the horological highlights. Text : Désirée Mitterrand Photographs : all rights reserved

Brasilia Mini 2012, Ebel

Loyal to the design standards that have made Brasilia so successful among women, this elegant and glamorous timepiece features the characteristic rectangular case, a dial enlivened by a central guilloché motif, blue hands and elegant Roman numerals that leave space for the intertwined double « E » for Ebel at 3 o’clock. This latest design is distinguished from earlier models by a precious new signature – an exquisite gemsetting on the case. Two rows of diamonds create a delightful, sparkling effect. Here, the finely balanced proportions and clever detailing that are iconic for the Brasilia are further enhanced by a festive and seductive air.

The «Première Flying Tourbillon » watch, Chanel

On the 25th anniversary of Chanel’s first watch, the Première, Chanel offers women the opportunity to enter the world of high mechanical complications. After its first Tourbillon on a J12 model in 2005, this year, for the first time, Chanel presents the Flying Tourbillon. This Tourbillon, developed in close collaboration between Chanel and the Swiss manufacturers, engineers and master-watchmakers Renaud & Papi (APRP SA) – the advanced research and development branch of Audemars Piguet – is a first for both companies. The Flying Tourbillon makes one rotation per minute, with the petals indicating the seconds. Equipped with a power reserve of 40 hours, this movement has been mounted on a custom-designed rectangular bottom plate. All the finishes and parts that are chamfered, drawn and circulargrained by hand, adhere to the highest Swiss watchmaking traditions. The hour and minute hands are offcentre and set higher on the black ceramic dial. The case, bezel and crown are set entirely with baguette-cut or roundcut diamonds or other precious stones. Produced in a limited edition of 20 numbered pieces, the « Première Flying Tourbillon » in 18-carat white gold is set with 101 baguette-cut diamonds for a total of 5.2 carats, and 127 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total of 2 carats.

. sur la terre . lifestyle .

L.U.C Lunar One, Chopard

The L.U.C Lunar One Grande Complication model, a perpetual calendar with an orbital moon-phase display, embraces the line’s new aesthetic, featuring generous curves, optimal readability and absolute comfort. The voluptuously rounded 43 mm-diameter case in 18-carat rose gold embraces the new curves of the L.U.C collection. The polished and satinbrushed lugs have been entirely redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort and perfect stylistic equilibrium. The hours are displayed as Roman numerals. The mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.13-L calibre is endowed with an approximately 70-hour power reserve. The moon phases are displayed with great precision and they rotate around the small seconds axis, hence the name, « orbital ». Their degree of precision is such that the difference between two lunar cycles amounts to a mere 57.2 seconds, meaning one day in 122 years! Only the most reputed watch manufacturers are able to offer such sophisticated horological complications.

MasterGraff Double Tourbillon GMT, Graff

Graff Luxury Watches are proud to present the 48mm MasterGraff Double Tourbillon GMT; an exquisite new addition to the MasterGraff collection. Set with over 30 carats of the highest quality diamonds, the iconic white or rose gold facetted case displays a mesmerising self-winding double-tourbillon along with a dual time zone indicator, allowing frequent travellers to keep track of time while enjoying the finest in Graff diamond setting expertise and a double tourbillon GMT with 60 second rotation. Each tourbillon features a small seconds disc, 72 hours of power reserve, 306 diamonds 30.61 carats and 10 AT. The model is limited to 10 pieces in both white and rose gold.

Serpenti, Bulgari

Serpenti is a direct heir to the historical legacy of the brand. Inspired by the Bulgari heritage collection and reinterpreted in an contemporary manner, this sophisticated and charismatic new jewellery creation coils around the wrist with precious, flowing ease. The gleaming 18-carat gold Serpenti bracelet is fashioned in accordance with the most traditional goldsmithing techniques. This masterpiece features a diaphanous pink gold double wraparound structure, clothed in jet-black or eggshell-white scales set with brilliant-cut diamonds. In its single-coil version, the scales are made of diamond-set pink gold. Forming a natural extension of the bracelet, the case shaped like a snake’s head houses a Swiss quartz movement specifically personalised for Bulgari, and is set on either side with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.6 carats) framing the black sapphire or white mother-of-pearl dial (depending on the version) graced with 12 diamond-set hour-markers.

New Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon, Jaegger LeCoultre

The Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon is a truly original model uniting technical performance, elegance and a spectacular complication. This Grande Complication model vividly demonstrates that it is indeed possible to combine technical performance, discreet aesthetic elegance and spectacular horological complexity. The result is a watch that can legitimately claim to be the first tourbillon watch adjustable to the nearest second. Using the Dual-Wing concept enabled Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers to create the first precision-adjusted tourbillon. A push-piece at 2 o’clock serves to bring the small seconds hand positioned beneath the tourbillon back to zero, according to the flyback principle. Above and beyond its exemplary reliability, the chief characteristic of this Sphérotourbillon watch, the fourth exceptional model in the Duomètre line, is its tourbillon. The openworked dial provides a fascinating view of the tourbillon performing an extremely unusual rotation movement. As well as revolving around the axis of its titanium carriage, the tourbillon also spins around a second axis, inclined at a 20° angle. The combination of these two distinct and fast rotations (respectively 30 and 15 seconds per revolution) serves to free the watch from the effects of gravity.

. sur la terre . lifestyle .

Constellation Co-Axial 27 mm, Omega

A new star is born in Omega’s Constellation family : The Co-Axial 27 mm in 18-carat red gold equipped with the brand’s proprietary Co-Axial calibre 8521. The luxurious timepiece’s brushed case with polished claws is crafted from 18-carat red gold. The matching bracelet has brushed links and polished bars set with 144 full-cut diamonds totalling 0.54 carats. The bezel is paved with 32 full-cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 carats. The screw-in caseback features a sapphire crystal that reveals the perfection of the Co-Axial movement inside. The mother-of-pearl dial is completed with, appropriately, a constellation of applied 18 ct red gold stars, some that are raised and others with a recessed profile. There is a trapezoidal date window at 3 o’clock. The Co-Axial movement at the heart of the Constellation is equipped with Omega’s Si 14 silicon balance spring. The dimensions of the movement have allowed Omega to introduce its proprietary Co-Axial technology in a 27 mm wristwatch for the first time. The Omega Constellation Co-Axial 27 mm is water resistant to 10 bar / 100 metres / 330 feet. An 18-carat yellow gold model is also available.

Chrono Tourbillon, RJ-Romain Jerome

The Chrono Tourbillon is the new flagship model of the Titanic-DNA Collection by RJ-Romain Jerome. RJ-Romain Jerome introduces a rare watch of which each of the three steel, black PVD or red gold versions is issued in a 9-piece limited edition. Fusing the material of the Titanic with the finest watchmaking expertise, the Chrono Tourbillon is as much an objet d’art as a temporal compass. Through the openworked dial, each tooth and intricate component of the chronograph and tourbillon are immediately visible. The perfectly-forged metal of the case evokes the power of the boiler room and the curves of the portholes through which voyagers could view the immensity of the world outside. The metal of the bezel, comes from an extraordinary fusion of materials from the Titanic, recovered from the depths of the Atlantic, and steel from the Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built a century ago. It symbolises the secrets of the ocean cherished by its sailors.

Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello, de Grisogono

Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello swathes its new mechanical movement – an off-centre tourbillon at 8 o’clock – in an abundance of sparkling white diamonds. This marks the first time de Grisogono has created a tourbillon specifically for women. The Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello is the first in a watch trilogy comprised of white, black and brown diamond designs. This time-keeper, with its mother of pearl, its white diamonds and the elegant curves of its bridges reflects de Grisogono’s contemporary baroque design aesthetic at its purest. It is a marriage of technical excellence and jewellery art. The Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello bears an XL white gold case, unusual for its oval shape. The watch is also waterproof to 30 metres and has a 72-hour power reserve. With 8.57 carats of white diamonds, including 33 generously-sized stones lining the full length of the watch from the sides all the way up to the lugs, the watch radiates an exceptional brilliance. The effect is even more intense thanks to a setting method, ‘à quatre grains’, which conceals the metal from view under the diamonds.

Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin, Piaget

The new Altiplano watch from Piaget is a concentrated blend of the expertise acquired since 1874 by the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget and boasts a double world record: the world’s thinnest self-winding skeleton model (5.34 mm) houses the world’s thinnest self-winding skeleton movement (2.40 mm). The new Calibre 1200S comprises a number of innovations. In addition to the micro-rotor in 950 platinum, the balance-bridge also features an harmonious and symmetrical new aesthetic. The hourwheel bridge has been slimmed down in order to ensure the extreme thinness of this movement. The stylistic effect is based on the alternation between matte, creating a contrast with the polished angles and the varied rhodiumed or black colourings. The eminently contemporary and finely-structured Piaget Calibre 1200S takes the art of skeleton-working into a whole new dimension, with resolutely modern lines displaying profound respect for traditional craftsmanship.

. sur la terre . lifestyle .

Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton, Hublot

The Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton is equipped with a new movement just 2.90 mm thick, developed by Hublot. It is made to a resolutely graphic design, enabling one to admire the watch’s regulating part, the balance and the escapement. The dial side features the small seconds at 7 o’clock and hands that match the design of the first Hublot watches. With a 90-hour power reserve and 50-metre water resistance, it is available in titanium, limited to 1000 pieces, and 18-carat King Gold, with just 500 pieces.

Black Beauty, Frederique Constant

Introducing Frederique Constant Black Beauty, an exciting addition to Frederique Constant’s bestselling Double Heart Beat Collection. The deep black mother-ofpearl dial and many diamonds of the Black Beauty and the original and registered design of this range - with two intertwined hearts forming an aperture in the dial revealing the «heart beat» of the movement - makes the Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat more than just a watch. Frederique Constant’s Double Heart Beat watches are created with precision design and are assembled by hand, allowing for a high quality timepiece each and every time. Passion definitely shows through Frederique Constant craftsmanship, as well as its charitable donations, with US$50 from each watch sold in the Collection donated to various charities, including those related to the heart and children. Hence the slogan for this collection, «Assembled by hand to touch your heart».

Legacy Machine No 1, MB&F

In fidelity to high-quality 19th century pocket watches, LM1 features a sedately oscillating (2.5 Hz), large diameter balance with traditional Breguet overcoil suspended from majestic twin arches; its enigmatic regulating mechanism is in full view, but without apparent connection to the movement. Both the hours and the minutes on each of the two sub dials can be set completely independently of each other, their domed dials further reinforcing visual references to the golden age of watchmaking (1780-1850). Looking like a miniature sextant, a world-first vertical power reserve indicator keeps track of available power while providing a visual three-dimensional counterpoint to the graceful arches supporting the balance. Immaculate Geneva waves, highly-polished gold chatons and bridges with impeccably executed bevels following deliberate internal angles, showcase the movement’s absolutely peerless fine-finishing. With Legacy Machine No.1, MB&F has majestically reinterpreted traditional 19th century watchmaking excellence to create a contemporary, three-dimensional work of art.

Tank Anglaise, Cartier

The Tank Anglaise watch is pure, distilled Tank. Cartier pairs this generous, ample volume with characteristic Tank features such as the bracelet seamlessly incorporated into the case, Roman numerals, chemin-de-fer chapter ring, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. The signature parallel brancards now house the winding crown, which is perfectly streamlined. With a winding mechanism that blends perfectly into the brancard, the Tank Anglaise seemingly follows to the letter the aesthetic demands of Louis Cartier in his quest for streamlined design. The form stands as an intelligible, coherent whole; yet when the watch is tilted to the side, the winding mechanism comes into view, treating the knowing eye to a glimpse of the wheel of a tank. The Tank Anglaise watch is available in three ladies’ and men’s sizes in three colours of gold. The large models are powered by the Manufacture 1904 MC movement, visible through the open back.

. sur la terre . lifestyle .

Royal Oak Quartz 33 mm, Audemars Piguet

This dainty 33 mm-diameter model is a return to its roots: the pure aesthetic and powerful lines of the original Royal Oak. It successfully unites all the design codes that forged the success of the world’s first prestige sports watch. The case middle, the bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds, the crown, the bracelet and the folding clasp are all made of steel. The case is water-resistant to 50 metres and fitted with a glareproofed sapphire crystal. The bracelet is secured by a new Audemars Piguet triple-blade folding clasp distinguished by a double-safety fastening system. Also typical of this collection, the silver-toned dial of this Royal Oak bears a « Grande Tapisserie » pattern that now becomes a signature for all Royal Oak Selfwinding and Quartz models. This new 33 mm-diameter Royal Oak houses quartz Calibre 2713 driving hour and minute hands as well as a window-type date display. This Royal Oak Quartz watch is also available in steel with a black or white leather strap, or in a pink gold version with a white or brown rubber strap or a pink gold bracelet.

Tourbillon Fusée, Rose Gold, Breguet

Breguet’s emblematic « Tradition » collection is being enriched this year with an original model in 18-carat rose gold. This « Grande Complication » timepiece features a tourbillon, fusee and chain transmission, and a Breguet balance spring in silicon. Its modern aesthetic sets the stage for the tourbillon and the fusee and chain transmission located on the upper part of the mainplate. The rose gold re-edition of the « Tradition 7047PT » features a silicon Breguet balance spring, as well as a new black galvanic-coated and engine-turned 18-carat gold dial. This highly technical new rose gold model is a source of pride for the Manufacture Breguet, which remains in the vanguard of research and development.

Formula 1 Series, TAG Heuer

Inspired by high-performance Formula 1 automotive technology, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is the definitive casual watch with all the specific characteristics of a professional TAG Heuer sports watch. For the 2012 launch, a total of 18 completely new editions of the Formula 1 are on offer, all co-engineered with the F1 team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and tested by its star drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Three movements are available — chronograph, alarm and watch — all with 42 mm cases. Among the highlights are the TAG Heuer FORMULA 1 Chronograph (42 mm) Black and Red Bezel, a stylish quartz movement chronograph with black titanium carbide-coated steel fixed bezel and an eye-catching red aluminum ring. The sleek black dial sports an angled date window at 4 o’clock and 3 black chronograph counters with red hands — 1/10th of a second and hour chronograph counter at 6 o’clock; minutes chronograph counter at 9 o’clock; and running second counter at 3 o’clock. The pushbuttons are in black titanium carbide-coated steel, as is the famous TAG Heuer « Easy Grip » screw-in crown, which is adorned with a raised, fine-brushed TAG Heuer shield. The strap is in black rubber with protruded TAG Heuer logo and a fine-brushed steel folding clasp. Water-resistant to 200 metres, it is now available at TAG Heuer retailers worldwide.

. sur la terre . lifestyle .

fe At u R e

GOiNG FOR

Gold

yOu MiGHt HAVe secuReD yOuR Vip tickets tO tHe suMMeR OlyMpics 2012 in lOnDOn, But nOW yOu HAVe tO Get tHeRe BefORe tHe stARteR’s Gun GOes Off. tHis is tHe WAy suR lA teRRe WOulD RAce tO OlyMpic GlORy.

. sur la terre . feature .

Bombardier Challenger 605..

he 2012 London Olympic flame will soon be lit and athletes from every corner of the globe will be rewriting the record books and competing in feats of skill, endurance and speed. London will be awash with colour and a festive spirit to mark the games of the XXX Olympiad and everyone who is anyone, from European monarchs to Hollywood royalty, will be looking to be a part of it. While hotels will be bustling and flights will be full, there is no reason why your route to the games cannot be effortless if you follow this little luxury guide to doing the Olympics in sybaritic Sur la Terre style.

Flights Of Fancy While Hermes, messenger to mythical Greek gods of Mount Olympus, flew on golden wings, so too can you. Rizon Jet, a private charter plane company, which recently inaugurated its own private VIP terminal at Doha International Airport, is happy to fly you to London in a class of your own. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Doha, Rizon Jet also flies out of the United Arab Emirates and focuses on providing a comprehensive suite of private aviation services. Part of Ghanim bin Saad al Saad & Sons Group Holdings (GSSG), the company will welcome you aboard one of its fleet of opulently-appointed aircraft, which includes two Bombardier Challenger 605 “heavy jets” if you’re taking the whole family, plus the slightly smaller Hawker 900XP if you and a couple of friends just want to arrive in style. Flying into London’s Biggin Hill terminal, Rizon Jet is fully ready and waiting for your call in the run up to the Olympic Games and the company has been upping its capacity to handle anticipated demand, already receiving advance booking requests from customers preparing to travel to the Games. To book your private plane, just log on to the company’s website at www.rizonjet.com and fill out the quotation form and get your jet set.

. sur la terre . feature .

Bombardier Challenger interior..

Rizon Jet’s new Doha VIP Terminal..

Bulgari Hotel, London..

The Best of Rest When you alight from your private jet, you need somewhere to call home for the month. There is no better place to enjoy the games in glitz and glamour than perhaps London’s most luxurious address the newly-opened Bulgari Hotel, which, we are told, is more sumptuous than the beard of Zeus. Located in the heart of central London’s prestigious Knightsbridge area, it is the first brand new luxury hotel to be built in London for 40 years. The Bulgari Hotel and Residences, London, pay tribute to Bulgari’s silversmith origins and Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions with an understated, elegant design thanks to Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners. Many of the furnishings and textiles throughout the hotel and residences, made exclusively for Bulgari and crafted by Italian manufacturers, bedeck the 85 plush rooms and suites, from custom made silk curtains with patterns inspired by some of the classic Bulgari jewellery designs, and bedside table lamps inspired by Bulgari’s silver candlesticks. The silver theme continues right through the hotel and residences, with hand-crafted Italian detailing, such as two stunning solid silver Bulgari chandeliers in the Ballroom, creating a dramatic centrepiece. A sweeping silver staircase also guides you down to the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Il Ristorante, where you can enjoy menus incorporating the finest Italian cuisine and wine designed to complement the stylish and lavish atmosphere. The hotel also boasts one of the finest spas in town, appointed in opulent onyx, teak and Vicenza stone. The spa, which spans two floors, includes 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite, replete with its own steam room, Jacuzzi and private treatment room; a 25m swimming pool, created from Vicenza stone and featuring a shimmering green and gold mosaic and a 150m² fitness area with a fullyequipped, state-of-the-art gymnasium. The hotel also incorporates a luxurious 47-seat screening room, offering state of the art cinema-quality sound and vision and an exclusively-curated library of more than 500 new and classic films that will help the family keep the boredom at bay and while away the hours between Olympic events. To book yourself a room in this palatial pad, check out www.bulgarihotels.com.

It’s suite living in the Bulgari Hotel..

Master Bedroom, Bulgari Hotel..

The Bulgari’s Vicenza Stone pool..

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The Road To Victory While London has invested a lot in public transport and infrastructure to deliver a compact but efficient games, jumping on a hot tube train with the flag-waving masses is not very SLT. Wafting past the crowds in a Rolls-Royce Ghost or flying to the finish line in an Aston Martin DBS are just two of the best ways to get to your VIP seats in style. If shipping your gilded wheels over to Great Britain is more hassle than you would like, then check out Signature Premium Car Hire. With a concept built entirely around what the client really wants. Signature manages a fleet of current luxury prestige and super cars, which are all professionally stored, maintained and always ready in pristine condition. At its West London Experience Centre, you can select the perfect car to suit your Olympic odyssey’s requirements. Signature owns all of its vehicles, meaning it has full control over the cars’ specification and maintenance. The company offers an amazing array of marques including, but not limited to, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. The company requires that drivers are aged between 28 years to 70 years and hold a full driving licence for at least three years and, depending on the car you choose to hire, a returnable deposit between £2,500 and £5,000 may be required. You can see the full fleet, prices and make a booking through the company’s website www.signaturecarhire.co.uk.

Get a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce from Vennards of London..

If you don’t feel like driving yourself, then check out Vennards of London, which offers a VIP Chauffeur Hire service that promises to deliver you in comfort and grace to any sporting event going on in the UK at any time. Offering a fleet of Bentleys, Range Rovers and RollsRoyce cars, Vennards’ experienced drivers also have a broad knowledge of the social scene in London and will be your guide should you wish to visit any of the theatres, shops or restaurants when booking your car. Bookings can be made through the website at www.vennards.com.

Hire an Aston Martin DBS from Signature..

If you’re worried about the traffic, then there is only one way to beat the lights, and that is to be lighter than air. Fly over traffic queues to get to the Olympic Stadium by chartering your own chopper. Atlas Helicopters has been delivering VIPs by air to major events for over ten years, and offers a bespoke service that will ensure you get to your seat before the athletes get to the blocks. Sur la Terre recommends you ask for the Eurocopter EC155. Widely accepted as the pinnacle of the helicopter charter industry, the EC155 uses the very latest cutting edge technologies and offers all of the amenities of a private jet, but without the need for a runway. Thanks to its advanced rotor system, sound-proofing, climate control and luxuriant leather interior, the EC155 will provide you with unrivalled levels of flying comfort. www.atlashelicopters.co.uk

Arrive in style in an EC155 chopper, courtesy of Atlas Helicopters..

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The Delaunay was voted.. Tatler ’s best restaurant for 2012..

The Finish Line With the thick pall of firework smoke hanging heavily over the London skyline, and the last ticker of tape flapping in the wind, the opening ceremony is done. You made it there in style and mingled with society’s elite, but the party is over and it’s time to hit the town. For the perfect celebration dinner, head to The Delaunay at 55 Aldwich in WC2. Voted Tatler’s best restaurant for 2012, The Delaunay’s two Private Dining Rooms seat up to 8 and 14 guests, respectively, and are available to book for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The two rooms can also be opened up to accommodate a long table of 24 guests, should you acquire some hangers-on from the Olympic Stadium. Clad in beautiful wood panelling and featuring original paintings from the restaurant’s outstanding collection, the rooms are perfect for celebratory meals and, with a plasma screen available in the Kean Room, you can catch up on the highlights of the events at the opening ceremony while you tuck in to a dinner from one of the set menus and complemented by one of the finest wine cellars in London. For reservations, visit www.thedelaunay.com. You can also try one of the city’s best new eateries, the Hawksmoor Guildhall, a finedining steakhouse at 10 Basinghall Street in EC2. Also offering a 22-seat private dining room, the restaurant is a javelin’s throw away from the epicentre of the Olympic hubub and just as far from what may well have been the world’s first steakhouse, which went by the unlikely name of Dolly’s and reputedly first stoked up the grill between 1702 and 1714. Much like SLT envisages the Hawksmoor will soon be, Dolly’s was frequented by a who’s who of London’s elite, boasting patrons such as Fielding, Defoe, Swift, Dryden, Boswell and Pope. By booking a table there, you could be the first of Doha’s decadent denizens to enjoy the meaty delights that the Hawksmoor has to offer. To reserve your table, visit www.thehawksmoor.com. If you feel like working off some of those calorific delights once dinner is done, then dancing is a good way to do it. For the top echelon of society, like your good selves, there are plenty of VIP dance dens to frequent in the UK’s capital, but perhaps the one with the most VIP patronage of all is Mahiki. City bankers and leaping lords alike frequent this Mayfair-based club on the corner of Dover Street and Piccadilly. With its Polynesian theme and reputation for offering the well-heeled a good time, it has become a favourite haunt of Princes William and Harry and their effervescent high society friends, as well a host of A-list celebrities. The prices are as high as the incomes of its guests and it is by far one of the city’s most celebrated nightspots. Sprint over to www.mahiki.com to plan your podium finish.

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Kitted Out Olympians of the modern age are no longer toga-wearing Titans. Their kit is created to help them to perform to the highest possible standard and incorporates swathes of clever fabrics and textile technology to ensure a winning result. These days, it seems, they also mash sporting chic with luxury couture together with the force of a Heracles hammer throw. TeamGB’s kit was designed by none other than Stella McCartney, Team USA will be flying their flag in a Ralph Lauren-designed ensemble, while the Italians will sport Giorgio Armarni’s EA7 creations when they take to the track. Turning up in your designer finery, then, will be a good way of showing your support. If you want to show your colours by wearing the replica kit, then visit www.kitbag.com for the whole range of Stella’s TeamGB apparel; www.ralphlauren.com for Team USA gear and the Armani-inspired Italian kit is available through www.armani.com/ea7. Of course, when you are running to a tight schedule you need to keep time accurately. The official timekeeper of the XXX Olympiad is Omega, who are also celebrating another British icon this year with its Seamaster James Bond 50th anniversary limited edition watches for men and women. Head down to their Bond Street flagship store, or take some time to visit www.omegawatches.com to synchronise your watches for the London Olympics.

Origins

Mad About

Blue

Credit: Tiffany & Co.

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Is there any gift in the world as likely to set pulses racing as one that appears in a pale blue box, wrapped with a white ribbon? The promise of Tiffany & Co has – for 175 years – made women swoon and men look good. Megan Masterson looks back at how this venerable institution has woven itself into history.

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Nothing very bad could happen to you there,” a dreamy Audrey Hepburn coos about the iconic Fifth Avenue store of Tiffany & Co, in the 1962 classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

In the 50 years since then, the jeweller has become synonymous with romance, luxury, style, and even New York City itself, where tourists line up outside the store’s famous windows at Fifth and 57th Street to have their “Audrey” pictures taken. But Tiffany’s is so much more than a Blake Edwards movie and a photo op for busloads of tourists. For 175 years, it has been the luxurious, coveted backbone of New York’s haute society. It is, after all, America’s first great jeweller, and is as intrinsically linked to the rise of New York City as a glamorous world capital, as it is to the old-money cachet of its devoted clientele, the likes of the Vanderbilts, the Astors and the Whitneys.

A gilded age

Back in the 1830s, New York City was filled with golden opportunity for anyone with a little capital and an oversupply of imagination. Twenty-five-year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young took a mere $1,000 loan from Tiffany’s father to open a “stationery and fancy goods store” in 1837.

The uniquely beautiful Dragonfly brooch features sapphires, diamonds and enamel in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum. Credit: Carlton Davis

The fashionistas of the day travelled through narrow, cobbled streets, bypassing horses and carriages, to discover Tiffany & Co’s emerging “American style,” one that stood entirely apart from the patterns, opulence and Victorian aesthetic of European design. The young friends were inspired by nature’s simplicity and clarity, and their early designs became the hallmarks of Tiffany’s, first in silver hollowware, then flatware and finally jewellery. By 1870, their fledgling company had grown in influence to become America’s jewellery purveyor of choice. It was during New York’s Gilded Age that Tiffany’s began to flourish like never before. This period after the Civil War was marked by ostentatious displays of wealth by the city’s billionaires – super-rich industrialists and financiers such as John D. Rockefeller and JP Morgan – and prominent families came to the fore as a new American upper class.

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The artistic touch of Jean Schlumberger is felt in this Lotus bracelet with paillonné enamel, 18-karat gold vines and leaves, platinum-set diamond, lapis lazuli seedpods and cabochon sapphires. Credit: Carlton Davis

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Throughout the world, Tiffany’s became renowned as the undisputed leader in the word of jewels. The company’s exhibit at the 1889 Paris Fair was heralded as “the most extraordinary collection of jewels ever produced by an American jewellery house,” an honour that was followed by the 1900 fair, where Tiffany’s debuted a magnificent collection of silver pieces inspired by Native American pottery and basket designs. Before long, Tiffany’s was the Imperial Jeweller and Royal Jeweller to the crowned heads of Europe, the Ottoman Emperor and the Czar and Czarina of Russia, cementing its status as the preferred jeweller of the world’s most astute and demanding clientele.

Building on a legacy

With the death of founder, Charles Tiffany in 1902, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, became the company’s first Director of Design, forging his own path with his fertile imagination and fortitude for hard work. Just as his father had created fantastic jewels for the wealthy, Louis set about becoming a leading designer in the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements, creating remarkable works of beauty out of leaded glass, Favrile glass, colourful gemstones and enamel. This love for working with a multitude of diverse and unexpected materials is no surprise when discovering that Louis had originally trained as a painter, beginning his career with every intention of becoming an artist. When the family business inevitably called, Louis traded his canvas for other forms of creativity, and he turned his hand to designing furniture, lamps, frescoes, candlesticks, bookends and mirrors, giving the public a wide range of beautiful objects that brought luxury to everyday life. Greatly inspired by nature and his travels as a painter through Europe and North Africa, he amassed a large personal collection of Etruscan, European, Egyptian and Moorish art and artefacts, such as Babylonian and Egyptian necklaces, Benin arm bands, gold Spanish and ancient Greek earrings, 17th-century Italian silver and Hindu jewellery, all of which influenced the design details of his many projects.

The flagship Fifth Avenue store of Tiffany & Co... Credit: Andrew Bordwin..

America’s jeweller

Tiffany & Co’s designs have captured the spirit of each era, translating the extravagance of the 1920s, the modernism of the 1930s and the dynamism of the 1940s and 50s, into coveted works of art, be they to adorn the neck of a beautiful woman or a suitably sombre men’s club for billionaires.

Louis also created stained-glass windows, glass domes and mosaics for building lobbies, banks, waiting rooms, hospitals, department stores and hotels, forever changing the landscape of impersonal big-city architecture.

From President Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, to Babe Paley and Diana Vreeland, Tiffany’s’ clients have called upon the jeweller to commemorate the special moments in their lives. The company’s china sets the stage for every White House dinner, and it is Tiffany’s that designed the United States’ Congressional Medal of Honour, the country’s highest military award, the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the National Football League Super Bowl Championship, and the 2010 World Series rings for the San Francisco Giants. Even the 1885 redesign of the Great Seal of the United States – which can be found on official government documents and the one-dollar bill – is an achievement of the legendary company.

By the time of his death in 1933, he was an internationally acclaimed leader of design, his passion for the beauty of nature and the lure of the exotic resulting in some of the most powerful artistry of the 20th century.

For almost two centuries, Tiffany’s has been the ultimate source of gifts for life’s most cherished moments. That signature Blue Box indeed symbolises a rich heritage and an unparalleled reputation. No wonder it is so instantly capable of putting a smile on a woman’s face…

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As successor to his father, Louis Comfort Tiffany . used his background as an artist to build a legacy... Credit: Tiffany & Co

Maria Sharapova celebrates her semi-final win at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, wearing Tiffany earrings. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Celebrating 175 years in style

In 2012, Tiffany’s marks 175 years of design excellence with the creation of Rubedo, a new jeweller’s metal. This unique alloy is the first creation of its kind in Tiffany’s history. Lightweight yet strong, it polishes to a smooth lustre and has a glowing colour that is exceptionally flattering to the skin. Among the luminous creations in Rubedo are elongated cuffs and a similarly-shaped ring, as well as a necklace featuring interlocking circles of Rubedo with contrasting sterling silver.

Natalie Portman wins her Best Actress Oscar for Black Swan in 2011, wearing Tiffany accessories – rubellite tassel earrings with rose-cut diamonds, an Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard bracelet and Jean Schlumberger diamond earrings (worn as hair accessories) and diamond ring. Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Be my bride…

Tiffany’s signature blue box and white ribbon is still the most coveted by brides, beginning with their proposal and ending with their wedding registry. In 1886, Tiffany introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. Known as the Tiffany Setting, the company was the first to lift the diamond above the band with six platinum prongs, allowing the stone to truly show off its brilliant sparkle from all sides. Today, it is one of the most popular engagement ring styles in the world, a testament to 175 years of Tiffany’s innovation.

Rubedo designs are inscribed with the signature of Tiffany & Co founder, Charles Lewis Tiffany, and are only available in this special anniversary year.

Tiffany 1837™ wide ring in RUBEDO™ metal, inscribed with the founder’s signature. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

The six-prong engagement ring created by Tiffany’s and now a favourite design around the world. Credit: Carlton Davis

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The Tiffany Diamond

In 1878, Tiffany acquired one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds from the Kimberley mines of South Africa. The Tiffany Diamond, as it came to be known, was cushion-cut under the supervision of Tiffany’s chief gemologist from 287.42 carats to 128.54 carats with an unprecedented 82 facets – 24 more facets than the traditional 58-facet brilliant cut – giving the stone its legendary brilliance. It has been set on five occasions, two of which included original designs by the renowned Jean Schlumberger, who set it in the Ribbon Rosette necklace to promote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as well as Bird on a Rock for a 1995 retrospective in Paris. To mark Tiffany’s 175 years, the Tiffany Diamond – now in its fifth setting of a breathtaking diamond and platinum necklace, featuring white diamonds totalling over 120 carats, 20 Lucida diamonds and 58 brilliant-cut diamonds – will be present at anniversary events in Tokyo, Beijing and Dubai in 2012, before returning to its home at the 5th Avenue store in New York City.

A part of pop culture

- The first American Bond girl was Tiffany Case, 007’s love interest in the 1971 film, Diamonds Are Forever, who explained that her name was inspired by the jeweller. - Marilyn Monroe sang about Tiffany’s in two different movies, 1948’s Ladies of the Chorus, and 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in the famous song, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”.

The Tiffany Diamond: Set in the Ribbon Rosette necklace, created by famous Tiffany’s designer, Jean Schlumberger. The necklace featured the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond and white diamonds totalling more than 120 carats. Credit: Carlton Davis

- In the Sex and the City TV show, Charlotte York imagines that she is being proposed to by her boyfriend in front of Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue. - In the film, Sweet Home Alabama, Reese Witherspoon’s character is surprised by her boyfriend with an after-hours date at the Tiffany’s store, where he proposes marriage and asks her to pick out the engagement ring of her choice.

- Eartha Kitt’s classic Christmas song, “Santa Baby”, mentions buying decorations at Tiffany’s. - Holly Golightly (pictured), the main character in Truman Capote’s 1958 novel, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, often refers to the store as “the best place in the world” – the classic 1961 film of the same name was based on Capote’s novel. - In the movie, Legally Blonde and its sequel, the main character, Elle Woods wears a heart necklace from Tiffany’s. - In the TV show, Gossip Girl, popular Blair Waldorf is a fan of Audrey Hepburn movies and has a dream referencing Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In another episode, her best friend throws her a Tiffanythemed engagement party. - In the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle, Meg Ryan is seen walking around Tiffany’s with her fiancée, selecting their china pattern. - During the second season finale of TV show, Glee, characters Rachel and Kurt are seen having breakfast in front of Tiffany’s.

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For 175 years, Tiffany’s has been the luxurious, coveted backbone of New York’s haute society. Did you know? The many triumphs of Tiffany & Co

- In 1867, Tiffany & Co became the first American design house to be honoured by the foreign jury at the Paris Exposition Universelle. The company was awarded the grand prize for silver craftsmanship. - Tiffany was the first American company to employ the 925/1000 standard of silver purity, a ratio that was adopted by the United States Congress as the American sterling silver standard. - The most prominent members of society have been frequent Tiffany’s customers throughout its history. The Vanderbilts, Astors, Whitneys and Huttons, JP Morgan, F.Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Mellon, all commissioned Tiffany to produce gold and silver pieces. President Lincoln bought a pearl necklace for his wife, and Franklin Roosevelt invested in an engagement ring in 1904.

just about every notable field of sport in the United States. From horseracing, tennis, polo and baseball, to rowing, yachting, golf and even NASCAR, a Tiffany’s trophy marks the pinnacle of American sporting glory. - In 1877, an insignia that would eventually become the famous New York Yankees NY logo was placed by Tiffany’s onto a medal of honour, to be issued to the first New York City police officer shot in the line of duty. - Frank Gehry, one of the world’s most renowned architects, established a partnership with Tiffany’s in 2003, making him the latest design genius to collaborate on a collection with the jeweller. Gehry followed in the footsteps of Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and Paloma Picasso, all of whom have left their indelible mark on Tiffany & Co.

- Custom-designed sterling silver Tiffany’s trophies are presented at the moment of victory at the Super Bowl, World Series and in

- In 1919, Tiffany’s made a revision to the Medal of Honour on behalf of the United States Navy, creating the Tiffany Cross, an extremely rare medal awarded only for combat and made even more so after it was eliminated in 1942.

World renowned architect Frank Gehry.. has left his design mark on Tiffany’s... Credit: Michael Thompson..

Charles Lewis Tiffany, aged 87, is seen in his.. Union Square store with Charles T. Cook... Credit: The Jeweler’s Circular..

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J u n a de m u li a - p u b l i c v o t e Jaidah Photography Awards 2012

M A R KETPL ACE

WelcomE

to the SLT Marketplace.

a go-to guide

Omnia Coral 65ml perfume by Bulgari, available from Salam Stores in Qatar and Bulgari boutiques and high end perfumeries region-wide.

The Del Rey Bag from Mulberry, available through Mulberry stores at The Pearl-Qatar; Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates in the UAE and The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City.

The new Radomir California 3-Days (PAM00424) from Panerai, now available at its boutique in Villaggio Mall Qatar and through Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery region-wide.

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to the hot products available in the local market now.

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(a,b) S/S 2012 menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accessories collection now available at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique on The Pearl-Qatar.

Oud Afghano from Khayali is available through Sephora stores region-wide. The Vapor International Collection from Tumi is available in Qatar through Salam Stores and through Tanagra and Tumi boutiques in the UAE.

Ties from Kenzo Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/Summer Collection available at Kenzo stores region-wide.

Constellation Candy, the latest luxury smartphone from Vertu is available through Rivoli Group region-wide.

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out of the box

Jonesin’ for Jones Not only was Sur la Terre Senior Editor, Steven Paugh, recently given an exclusive sneak peek of the Australian gourmet food emporium, jones the grocer, before it slung open its doors to the public at Doha’s newest luxury retail spot, The Gate, he also got the chance to speak with the owner of jones and guru of gourmet groceries, John Manos to see exactly what we have in store. Fine food fanatics, prepare to be dazzled! -

onesing, or as the kids today say it, “jonesin,’” is a relatively old bit of slang, which basically means, “a deep and intense craving.” This little idiom of a bygone age can be used in a myriad of ways - some of them more salacious than others - but if I were to give an example, it would be something like, “I am seriously jonesin’ for some mac & cheese,” which is then usually followed with a healthy “yo” for added emphasis. Ah, youth. Still, as silly as this term may appear, it is the perfect way to verbally express my excitement over the impending “Doharrival” of one of the finest international gourmet food institutions to ever grace Qatar. Admittedly, this may have something to do with nominal similarities, but it is also thanks to the “deep and intense craving” I developed after dropping by its new site at The Gate for a pre-launch visit.

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As any foodie will tell you, jones the grocer has been making quite the name for itself as a purveyor of exemplary provisions since its flagship store opened in Sydney during the city’s initial cafe craze back in 1996. Since then, jones has become a full-fledged cultural icon, not only of the casually caffeinated, but also the culinary connoisseur. In the words of John Manos, whose procurement of the original brand and current leadership as its owner have seen it flourish to internationallylauded heights, the draw and popularity of jones are thanks in part to its pedigree. “We’re an Australian brand, and true to our origin, we focus on providing natural, preservative- and additive-free ingredients and products, produced by artisan suppliers largely from Australia, as well as select parts of the world. Our aim is to provide our customers with a full gourmet food experience, from shopping to dining to education.”

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Now, to the keen observer of the ever-growing fine-dining/shopping scene, this may all sound like well-trodden territory. However, I can personally attest, after my maiden visit, that jones has a few tricks up its sleeve to make it something truly magic. Admittedly, it may not have the fresh produce we have come to expect from other establishments, as jones focuses more on quality non-perishables, like coffees, teas, jams, candies, chocolates, spices and pastas. It also may not even have a similar store’s size, but what it may lose in these areas, it more than makes up for in its focus on specialty gourmet offerings and unique features. Its walk-in cheese room, for example, is one-of-a-kind, and is in no small way responsible for its renown. In fact, it is perhaps jones’ most stand-out feature, chock-full as it is with a collection of gourmet cheeses. The cheese room has wowed customers since its inaugural days at the Sydney store, and it has been doing the same thing since the brand opened its doors throughout the UAE, where it has won several “Best Cafe” honours over the years. Its intimate yet promisingly diverse charcuterie is also set to impress, along with its more extensive in-house bakery, which I am told will literally “rise” to the occasion with some of the best breads and pastries the region has ever seen, if the UAE sites are any indication. That’s quite (if you’ll pardon the pun) a mouthful, but everyone at jones seems confident that the brand, in its concept and in practice, is not biting off more than it can chew, and instead will change the way Doha used to think about cafe dining. “Our concept is unique,” says Manos. “There is a café and bakery making pastries daily, there is the cheese room, specialty coffee and tea stations, as well as food education classes. You can expect to see all of our award-winning jones the grocer offerings in Doha – a vibrant

contemporary cafe, a wide range of fine artisan groceries, a European deli, homewares, gifts and hampers.” None of this is yet mentioning the hot offerings on the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, which also promise something to behold. In fact, I was told at the site inspection that both the eggs benedict and Wagyu beef burger were the stars of their respective meals, and should not be missed whilst enjoying jones with friends before or after a day of shopping at The Gate. That, of course, is the final slice that makes the jones pie so enticing. What Manos and his team are doing at jones the grocer is forging a cafe community here in Doha, something they have become exceedingly good at in the UAE and all of their sites internationally. On my visit, jones was about 90% complete, but I could even then gather the spirit of the place, as the diligent workers began to gather themselves for a mid-morning coffee and a sampling of the menu. As tables were gathered round and chairs pulled up, I could begin to see the concept take shape. This is a casual place for the contemporary coffee quaffer, a high-end space to chill-out and enjoy some really, really good food with neither the pomp and circumstance, nor the greasy spoon feel at either extreme of the cafe spectrum. “We are neither a fine dining establishment that you can only visit on an irregular basis,” says Manos again, “nor are we a mass market food chain. What we offer is a casual, high quality dining experience at an accessible price point. We have been able to establish a strong presence in this part of the market because people are seeking a high quality experience and are able to visit on a regular basis.” We could not agree more, and look forward to our future regular visits.

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out of the box

The Patron Saint of weddings “To me, making a wedding unforgettable is all about paying attention to the small details.” This is one of the first things that Bonnie Jung will tell you, should you ask her opinion on the subject of nuptials. As the current St. Regis Doha wedding planner, and with 10 years of international experience in wedding planning, you get the idea that she knows her stuff. However, it’s a bit difficult to immediately see what she means by praising “the little things,” when this self-same conversation is taking place in the largest five-star ballroom in all of Qatar. Then again, if it is one place that will run the gamut of matrimonial options, from both the negligible to the grand, it is most definitely the St. Regis Doha.

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This simple truth initially came to light when Sur la Terre was invited to meet up with our friends at the St. Regis at this year’s International Wedding Exhibition & Fashion Show (IWED), which took place in April 2012. At the event, the hotel hosted industry expert, Sarah Haywood, whose ubiquitous presence working within or commenting on highprofile marital unions has garnered her the reputation as a go-to global wedding guru. Seeing her at the St. Regis booth at IWED was our first inclination that the local chapter of the international accommodation king would be committed to establishing a new regional class in coupling. However, it was only after meeting and speaking with Bonnie and her colleague, Eman Boutrif, St. Regis’ wedding planner, and scheduling a trip to take a tour of the hotel’s big event offerings, that we got an idea of what it really has in store for brides and grooms-to-be.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about the wedding services available at the St. Regis is this: they are big, and in fact, seemingly infinite in scope and breadth; at the same time, the culmination of all their designs are manageable, because each is individually catered to you. This includes the hotel’s venues, like the first you will explore when surveying its premises: the Grand Foyer. Now, this is not the main entrance that you might have already experienced (or soon will) when visiting the hotel. The Grand Foyer is actually a level down, and acts as a sort of self-sustaining, “underbelly antechamber” to the St. Regis events experience. What this does is allow for a sort of “Batcave” feel; while not skimping on the luxurious intrigue and grandeur of Wayne Manor, it does give each entrant his or her own privacy, allowing each superhero and heroine their own fortress of solitude. At 1000 square metres, “grand” is not just a clever title, exemplified that much more in its decoration, which merges the international thread of all the world’s St. Regis destinations with enough local DNA, like a mural of Doha’s skyline and artistic renderings of the souq, to help you remember where you are. It was also designed with the traditional majilis in mind, not only providing a certain breathing room and discretion, but also enough functional adaptability to let you build the introduction of your wedding any way you see fit. There is even, for example, a bar in the foyer, which can be used for either coffee or cocktails. This is when we began to understand Bonnie when she was talking about appreciating the small things within a large context.

Hallway to Heaven..

“It’s all about personalisation,” she told us. “The signature services we offer, those small details we keep in mind and flex to fit, we present as a wide choice. At the same time, we want to help you discover something meaningful to you, specifically, and bring it to life.” This is an idea that became even more apparent as we continued our tour through the expansive 700 square metre Ballroom Foyer, and into what will no doubt become the biggest selling point for the St. Regis wedding team: the Grand Ballroom.

St Regis’ specially-designed dinnerware..

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Planning at work in the Grand Ballroom..

The A-Team: Bonnie Jung & Eman Boutrix..

The Wedding Majilis provides a place to escape..

The 1850 square metres to its name may make the Grand Ballroom the largest in the land, but more important is the creativity it will bring to boil in all of the brides-to-be lucky enough to choose it as their preferred venue. Luckily, St. Regis is able to adapt every centimetre of its record-setting space to make sure those dreams will come true. Of course, each of the permanent features in this cavernous chamber, such as the thematic gold and green highlights that punctuate its environs, the massive windows that allow for the most sunlight to ever grace the interior of a Doha-based ballroom or the contemporary and elegant crystal chandeliers that provide its interior skyscape, is done to perfection, and they all come together to paint into life one of the most impressive event spaces we have ever seen in Qatar. However, as Bonnie mentioned, the St. Regis is not just about tasting what is put before you (no matter how awe-inspiring it is), it’s also about tweaking.

and will work constructively with the family, and in the process build a relationship with that client.”

Each guest is encouraged to shift the space as he or she sees fit - whether that is throwing up some drapes, or dividing the room into separate but equal parts - and every tastable flavour welcomes adaptation. The menu, for example, is something very unique to the St. Regis wedding service. For starters, there are no buffets available at the St. Regis. As we live in an “all-you-can-eat” society here in Qatar, that fact may be a bit jarring, but trust us when we say it will inevitably be remembered for the innovative foresight it deserves. Instead of the classic “wedding trough” of food, the St. Regis offers, as its basic option, a bespoke fourcourse menu. Served on custom place settings painstakingly designed to resemble the interior mother of pearl oyster shells (in honour of the pearling traditions of the Al Fardan family), the culinary creations exemplify the tailored experience you will sample at St. Regis. Each menu, and in fact each dish, can be individually catered, with the chefs working directly with the bridal party.

Our final surprise in our visit to St. Regis was lying in wait just steps outside the ballroom. The Wedding Majilis is essentially a luxury suite based around a large, opulent sitting room with several alcoves for relaxing, watching tv or chatting while taking in the exciting buzz of the day. Adjoining this main room is a fully-equipped bedroom with a massive en suite bathroom. All-inall, this is the ideal place for a bridal party to come directly before the wedding to prepare their often pernickety hair and make up needs. Of course, this is the St. Regis, so, as is its bespoke wont, you can also arrange such things as massage or spa services to be sent down to the majilis, or request anything else from the room’s dedicated, yet nonintrusive (female) butler. Failing all of this, as the team mentioned, this would make an excellent “holding area” for the groom...should he so require it.

“These are very interactive tastings,”says Bonnie, “where the chef comes out to the table and sits with you to help design your perfect meal. He even asks questions about where you had your first dinner together, and will then try to incorporate elements of that story into the dishes or overall menu.” On top of that, the level of attention to detail is exponential, even within the catering staff at the St. Regis. As Bonnie continues to explain, “The international, multi-ethnic kitchen team is MADE for banqueting - any food you want, we have the chef here to do it. Not only that, but each member is open to receiving feedback

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And that is another secret to what will be a success at St. Regis - that almost familial commitment that rom Bonnie and Eman for the welfare of the near20 weddings the team has already set up in the coming year. “We’re not in it just for the wedding,” says Bonnie, “we want to build a connection with you.” The bespoke service is catered to the individual, which is why, well in advance of the wedding, the team meets with the wedding planner and the bridal party, not only to get a better idea of the event, but also to get to know them. In their first wedding, which took place last April, they met with the bride-to-be and, based on their meeting, adapted everything down to the amenities in her room. “It’s those little surprises that show we are listening,” says Bonnie, “that we care.”

As one of the new kids on the block, the St. Regis Doha has a lot to prove, not only in terms of luxury accommodation, but especially now, during the wedding season, in demonstrating its ability to manage high-end, lifealtering events. While Sur la Terre was unfortunately not able to join the weddings that have already been scheduled at St. Regis, due to the hotel’s commitment to maintaining discretion in respect of the attendees, we can personally say that with Bonnie, Eman and the entire team on the case, each wedding held there will be, from top to bottom, unforgettable. ** If you are interested in booking the St. Regis Doha for your wedding or special event, or if you have any other enquiries, please contact Bonnie Jung at bonnie.jung@stregis.com **

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out of the box

Guerlain Spa Will Re-Tune Chakra Your Chakra What’s in a name? Well, quite a bit if you’re in the Spa business. And when it comes to complete sensual relaxation and holistic calm, there is no name bigger than Paris-based Guerlain. So much so, in fact, that Doha’s eminent Spa Chakra recently underwent a name change to better impress the quality of its existing products and services, all based around the famous French brand.

uerlain Alfardan Spa stretches itself elegantly over two levels, starting at the 39th floor of Alfardan Residential Tower in West Bay. As you rise up through the long bamboo chutes that surround the lift on each side before finally coming to a solid gold atrium, it is impossible not to notice the thematic concept of the spa; mixing a timeless, organic comfort with a poised and polished modernity. A journey through the spa starts with a regal, almost throne-like chair in which the guest is treated to a complementary foot bath, juice and a pre-therapy questionnaire to help the professionals customise your treatments even more. As any good piece of royal furniture should, these seats lord over a picturesque scene; in this case, that means a pristine swimming pool, which similarly looks over the rising sprawl of West Bay. It is truly something to behold. Each treatment room is actually a suite, wherein every client is given a bathroom, a personal closet and an amazing shower that pierces the mellow dark of its environs with a stream of luminescent water. Inspired by the Guerlain Institute in Paris’ Les Champs Élysée, all of the Guerlain products showcased are specially brought to Qatar to be used exclusively by the Spa’s trained professionals, perfectly enhancing the peerless quality of their services. There are also other health and beauty treatments such as revitalising facials, manicures, pedicures, detoxifying treatments, aroma and hydrotherapy, as well as a host of massages and therapies for both men and women.

Coupled with all of these relaxation offerings is Guerlain Alfardan Spa’s on-site health club, which uses a peaceful atmosphere, state-of-the-art equipment and specialised personal training to help tone and strengthen your body. Sessions can be suited for each body type, which is analysed by professional male and female fitness trainers, who will not only offer training packages and weight loss programmes, but also one-onone sessions. Women can also enjoy exclusive ladies hours while their children play at Alfardan Towers Kid’s Club. If you are interested in experiencing, quite literally, the height of Spa offerings in Doha, you can book through Guerlain Alfardan Spa’s central reservations on +974 44999250.

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