Design by sieger design
The name says it all Offering plenty of extra storage space and extra elegance, the X-Large furniture series is popular with instinctive good taste. And they can now develop this even further with the X-Large series, which Duravit now has completely re-interpreted. Great in terms of function but even more sophisticated in terms of form.
X-Large
FASHION
Fashion Clippings p. 22 Beauty Clippings p. 24 Person of FLAIR: Fashion Pirate p. 26 Interview: Beik & Moll p. 30 Ramadan Wish List p. 32 Runway p. 34
May 2018
LIFESTYLE
Ramadan Nights p. 40 Home: Maison Chantemerle p. 42 Feature: Best of Baselworld 2018 p. 50 Boutique Hotel: Adare Manor p. 54
DESIGN
Feature: Salone del Mobile p. 60 Interview: Nadia Salem p. 64 Hot Address: Kaleo Beirut p. 68 Design Notes: Everyday Chic p. 70
REGULARS Editor’s Note p. 8 Happenings p. 14 FLAIR Loves p. 18
On the Cover Zeynab El-Helw Photography by Mixalis Khoury Dress by Reemami
A TR ADITI ONAL R A M ADAN ... W ITH ROYAL FL A I R
Embrace a Ramadan that blends the spiritual with heritage in the unrivalled grandeur of the Palace. The soft glow of twilight heralds Oriental and Egyptian Iftar classics, grills and luscious desserts at Omar’s Café ... In the early hours delight in succulent meats, sizzling tameya, hotpots of foul and warm breads for a ‘street chic’ Sohour in our unique Som3a Basha. Party with family and friends among the Fawnees lanterns enjoying shisha while watching mega screen entertainment or listening to the live bands. The splendour of our ballrooms and salons provide a magical setting to host Iftar and Sohour banquets ... while our outside catering specialists will brilliantly create a Ramadan celebration for connoisseurs in your own home. Ramadan Kareem!
16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM ARABIC.MARRIOTT.COM
EDITOR’S NOTE
Ramadan with FLAIR
W
e kick off our Ramadan issue with an interview with one of the most prolific fashion faces in the region and beyond-Zeynab El Helw. Also known to her legions of fans and followers as The Fashion Pirate, the London bred influencer and this issue’s cover star lets us in on interesting tidbits about her and much more. Find out why she’s a “pirate” and what are her surprising hidden talents.
This issue, we also cover two of the most exciting exhibitions of the calendar year. First up our Europe Editor Daniela Bonetto visits the 57th edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan and gives us a glimpse of the most fascinating items on show this year. Next, Kate Dannies rounds up the hottest 10 timepieces of this year’s Baselworld. Read with caution, these pieces for the ladies and gents are to die for. From Basel, we go back home to shed light on Egypt’s latest watch brand. Sarah Guirguis interviews the duo behind Beik & Moll-the recently launched label that is taking the capital by storm. Read on and you will find out why their elegant watches with Cairo-inspired designs make the perfect item to gift this Ramadan. Have a blessed month!
Hind El Ramly editor@flair-magazine.com
MY PICKS FOR THE ISSUE
Ramadan Nights p. 40
Adare Manor in Ireland p. 54
Salone Del Mobile Picks p. 60
Interview with Nadia Salem p. 64
LE MERIDIEN CAIRO AIRPORT T +2 02 2265 9600 lemeridien.com/ cairoairport
EXPERIENCE THE BLISS OF THE HOLY MONTH AT LE MERIDIEN CAIRO AIRPORT Discover magical moments this Ramadan at EVOO with uniquely Arabian style atmosphere presents a daily open buffet “Iftar and Sohour” featuring a lavish selections of culinary choices and traditional Ramadan favourites in addition to a delightful variety of shisha, oriental desserts and eclairs, Accompanied with soulful sounds of the live Entertainment by pool. For reservations and more information call: 02-2265-9600 ©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Le Méridien and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates
May EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ahmed I Hassan
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Hind El Ramly
EDITORIAL Europe Editor Daniela Bonetto Editorial Consultant Kate Dannies Staff Writer Sarah Guirguis Staff Writer Nour Ibrahim Staff Writer Mohamed Taky Contributor Amy N Pugsley ART DIRECTOR & VIDEO EDITOR
Tony Atia
PR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Bashayer Alridi
ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER
Omneya El Awamry PHOTOGRAPHER
Hassan Ibrahim
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Maged Azoz
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Christena Samir
DISTRIBUTION Distribution Officer Farid Sayed Distribution Officer Ahmed Ibrahim PRINTING |
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CONTACTS Adress: Apt. 1, 11 Bahey el Din St., Off Giza St., Giza, Egypt 0235720632 Mob. (+2) 01000493100/200/300 Fax. (+2) 0235720632 INQUIRIES
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A TASTE OF RAMADAN
Celebrate Ramadan this year in the warm and inviting surrounding of Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski. Be it Bab Al �asr Tent by the pool with its live entertainment, The State Restaurant and its appetising buffet or Bab Al �asr Restaurant’s oriental flavours, it will be a memorable experience.
For outside catering services please email meetings.royalmaxim@kempinski.com For reservations or enquiries please call 01097111151
FLAIR TEAM
DANIELA BONETTO A psychology graduate who probably needed a therapist herself, Daniela decided that her form of expression was writing. Curiosity, tenacity and just enough vanity has brought her to desire ‘all things beautiful’ which she extends to in her lifestyle blog, “theinkedition.com” Excited about the world, her greatest pleasure is traveling and discovering new things.
BASHAYER ALRIDI An advertising and public relations graduate, Bashayer is incredibly passionate about movies. The social media enthusiast also has a knack for photography and is a makeup addict!
TONY ATIA NOUR IBRAHIM Student. Loves Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Comic books. Bakes for unhealthy amount of time.
“Don’t just make an eye catching design; create ideas to change minds.” With a passion for drawing and art, Tony started to design graphics at the age of 15. He loves the guitar ,the violin and the cello as well as reading and playing sports.
KATE DANNIES Kate is a writer an editor with a penchant for luxury, history, and politics, which she has found to surprisingly compatible. An adopted Cairene for six years, Kate currently lives in exile in Washington DC.
OMNEYA SARAH GUIRGUIS EL AWAMRY For as long as she can remember, Sarah has had a passion for creative writing. Being on the lookout for inspiration anywhere she goes, she also has a knack for photography. She lives by the quote, “What is done in love is done well,” and believes that everyone’s potential is endless and worth being explored.
Our new Advertising & Sales Director has worked many years in the field of PR and communications. She believes that hard work and passion will lead you to success.
AMY N PUGSLEY Amy is the latest contributor to join the magazine. She is a Persian-Canadian international development specialist and an educator living in Cairo.
MAGED AZOZ Incredibly dedicated to his work, Maged’s passion is unmeasurable! Flair Magazine truly is his baby.
CHRISTENA SAMIR
Our new office coordinator studied information systems and computer programming. A self proclaimed shopaholic, Christena loves to travel and experience new things.
RAMADAN BY THE NILE AT THE TERRACE Feel the magic of the Nile breeze at an elegant out-door venue, select your favourite Sohour from our lavish Ă la carte Sohour menu, follow the night by smoking your favourite Shisha and playing one of our available games while listening to our nightly live entertainment.
For reservations please call +201001604031
Terms & Conditions apply.
HAPPENINGS
Farewell Gala Honoring Mr. Magdy Naguib In honor of Mr. Magdy Naguib’s years of exceptional service, Mr. Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman of Mirage Hotel Corporation & Golf Hotels, Mrs. Mounir Ghabbour, and Mr. Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director Marriott International, ME & A, hosted a farewell reception party. The event was held in the Tutankhamun Ballroom at JW Marriott Cairo and was attended by 500 invitees who all wished Mr. Magdy happiness and success in the new chapter of his life – a well earned retirement. Speeches by Mr. Alex Kyriakidis, Mr. Mark Satterfield, Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International Africa Region, Mr. Magdy Naguib and Mr. Mounir Ghabbour filled the night with emotion as everyone wished the hospitality legend farewell. The heartfelt speeches were followed by a gala dinner, prepared by the hotel’s extraordinary culinary team.
Avon Releases EPIC Lipstick Avon, together with O! solutions, joined forces with media and influencers to introduce the market to its new Avon Epic Lipstick through its competition: Battle of Lips. Avon’s new Epic lipstick is their first ever lipstick with double pigment in just one swipe and available in 18 bold shades. Influencers and media took part in the competition where they competed in several makeup challenges given to them by Avon’s official makeup artist, Yasmine Ebeid. The invitees were put in groups and then competed against one another for the chance to the full line of Mark makeup line. Photographers were available on sight to capture all the guests’ makeup looks that were created during the battle. Guests were then treated to dinner at Pepenero restaurant in Korba, Heliopolis.
El Welily & El Shorbagy Winners of El Gouna Open With intense games and heated crowds, the seventh edition of El Gouna International Squash Open has come to an end, leaving world’s number two Raneem El Welily and world’s number four Marwan El Shorbagy winners of the tournament. The final took place on Friday, April 27th, with the attendance of H.E. Minister of Youth and Sports, Khaled Abdel Aziz and H.E. Minister of Tourism Rania Al-Mashat, General Ahmed Abdallah, Governor of Red Sea, Mr. Samih and Naguib Sawiris as well as celebrities and public figures, followed by a closing ceremony awarding the champions.
GROHE Red Wins Award Grohe, one of the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings has won the coveted “Kitchen Innovation of the Year®” award for its Grohe Red water system in the “kitchen sinks and fittings” category during the International Consumer Goods Fair “Ambiente” in Frankfurt on the 10th of February 2018. The award enjoys the highest level of trust among end consumers and is awarded to particularly consumer-friendly products. Amongst this year’s participants, GROHE’s water system Red received one of the most wanted prizes. The GROHE Red water system quickly delivers filtered water at a temperature of up to 100° C and puts an end to frustrating waiting time.
Hilton Hotels in Egypt Rack Up Industry Awards The Luxury Travel Guide Awards, which recognize and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry, have heaped praise on Hilton this year. Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch received the overall title of Luxury Hotel & Restaurant of the Year 2018, with Conrad Cairo taking the same honors for Egypt as the country’s Luxury Hotel and Restaurant of the Year 2018. Hilton Alexandria Corniche has the distinction of being awarded Luxury City Hotel of the Year 2018 across Middle East and Africa, and Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences won the Luxury Island Hotel of the Year in Egypt. Trip Advisor also gave Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch two 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards as a Top 25 Value for Money in the Middle East, and Top 25 Value for Money in Egypt. Hilton Hurghada Resort won two 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards as a Top Hotel for Families in Egypt and in the Middle East. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa has been awarded a total of four 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards from Trip Advisor as a Top 25 Luxury Hotel in both Egypt and across the Middle East, as well as a Top 25 Service Hotel in Egypt as well as the Middle East.
IKEA launches “make room for cooking and eating” Recently launching their “Make room for cooking and eating” campaign, IKEA is a one-stop destination for all the cooking and eating activities. The goal is to cater to the needs of busy, on-the-go people. IKEA kitchens and accessories make cooking in Ramadan easy and fun, offering high-quality, beautiful and clever kitchen solutions like organization solutions and accessories that fit both traditional and modern styles. While some people have a knack for cooking, the rest of us need a little help. IKEA has clever, durable tools that make it easier to do two (or five) things at once, including durable pots that make it a treat to sautée, steam and boil your way through your favorite recipes. Whether you’re just popping popcorn or serving up a restaurant-worthy fish fillet, SENSUELL cookware makes it easy to cook like a master chef.
Citystars Celebrate Orphans Day For the twelfth consecutive year, InterContinental Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suites Citystars joined forces with Citystars team to celebrate Orphans Day on Friday April 6. The team invited 300 orphans at Stars Centre where a special all-day agenda was specially prepared for them. The children started the day at Stars Cinema where they enjoyed watching the latest kid’s movie. After that, the group headed towards Magic Galaxy where they spent hours playing and enjoying the indoor theme park to the fullest. Lunch was then served to the children at Citystars food court, prepared and catered by InterContinental, Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suites Citystars hotels. Children then moved to a theatre at the mall where a special Disney show was prepared for them to watch and gifts were distributed to them before their departure.
Marriott Mena House Hosts CNN Interview Marriott Mena House, Cairo was honored to host CNN’s renowned TV anchor Richard Quest for an interview with Dr. Rania El Mashat, the first female Minister of Tourism in Egypt. Richard Quest is CNN’s foremost international business correspondent and presenter of Quest Means Business. Quest’s dynamic and distinctive style has made him a unique figure in the field of business broadcasting. His discussion with H.E. Dr. Rania El Mashat, which is considered one of her first international interviews, was aimed at the current economic position of Egypt and the revival of tourism, one of the leading sources of income, crucial to Egypt’s economy.
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L’Oreal Egypt Launches Fellowship for Women On the occasion of the program’s 20th Anniversary, L’Oréal Foundation & L’Oréal Egypt celebrated the launch of the new program L’Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science Egypt National Fellowship, with a new commitment to empower more Egyptian exceptional female scientists & researchers. The program was launched in a press conference followed by a cocktail reception attended by a crowd of successful women’s scientists in Egypt, led by Her Excellency Dr. Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment & International Cooperation. The press conference also witnessed notable presence of Prof. Mahmoud Sakr; President of The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Mrs. Annie Black L’Oréal Foundation program director, Mr. Benoit Julia L’Oréal Egypt Managing Director, Dr. Ghaith Fariz, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States, program’s fellows, number of government officials & scientific bodies’ delegates, academic institutions representatives and top tier media.
Mula Fashion Releases Latest Collection Mula fashion show launched its latest 2018 collection with a theme that revives simple and elegant style once again. The event was attended by a large number of celebrities, VIPs and media figures at Cairo Marriot Omar El Khayyam Hotel & Casino. The runway was filled by the timelessly elegant collection, which was all tailored with love to show a blend between authenticity and modernity in every detail. All that was accompanied by the sweet taste of music that left the audience with good vibes.
Spring Party at Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences Since there’s nothing more lovely than spring in the city, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences organized a Spring Party for Egyptian Media and Press at The Terrace on pool deck overlooking the Nile and the sunshine. More than 30 members of the media and key figures attended the event from the local press. It was hosted by Tarek Zaki the Hotel Manager, Haidy Magdy the Director of Business Development and Magda Abu Al Soud the Marketing and Communications Manager. Tarek Zaki expressed his gratitude to the attendees and praised the valuable role played by the media in promoting Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences.
Cure and Beauty Clinic Recently founded, the Cure and Beauty Clinic is already offering its patients exceptional care and experience, with a goal to give clients a great smile makeover. “At Cure and Beauty Clinic, we believe that patients should have sufficient information to take the best decision for their oral health,” said Co-Founder of Cure and Beauty Clinic Dr. Ruba Alamary. Dr. Rana Khaled, Teaching Assistant at Fixed Prosthodontics Department, Future University, said, “We always make sure to answer questions in order to develop the ideal doctor-patient relationship. The clinic offers a variety of treatment options such as gum disease management, dental implants, veneers and teeth whitening.
FLAIR REVIEW
Le Meridien Cairo Airport LAUNCHES RAMADAN MENU
Le Meridien Cairo Airport has launched their Ramadan menu and we have the lowdown on the tantalizing dishes that will be served throughout the holy month. Take your pick from their various set menus for both Iftar and Sohour and enjoy the live entertainment by talented musicians along with the traditional Ramadan vibe-décor of the restaurant as you spend the night away with family and friends.
Iftar Menus (Family Style) Start off your meal with their beautifully seasoned starters and dip some bread in mezzeh, including Babaganouj, Mutable, Tahina, Hummus, Balladi salad , offered with a selection of oriental pickles and olives. As ritual as this sounds, make sure to throw in their fried meat kebbeh and spinach fatayer in the mix and try the local sausage. They’re definitely worth your indulgence. For tagine, the set menus include mombar, rice with vermacili, white snapper sayadia, moussaka with meat, Turkish dolma and rokak bel lahma, but our recommendation is easily in favor of their tasty macaroni béchamel. For the main course, take your pick from this variety: - Marinated chicken and kofta served with oriental rice and grilled vegetables - Mix grill and kofta, beef Fillet, shish tawook, served with oriental rice and grilled vegetables - Marinated grilled beef fillet served with roasted potato and sautéed vegetables and mushroom gravy sauce - Mix grill seafood and seabass, calamari, shrimp one piece served with greatened potato and broccoli, Sa Ron cream sauce and drill rice Since a Ramadan meal is not complete without dessert, make sure to have their basbosa, konafa, zalabia, balah elsham, or Om Ali… or all at the same time. Why not? We won’t judge.
Sohour Menus (Family Style) Inaugurate your meal with Hummus, Tahina, Labneh, Taboula, cucumber/tomato salad or plain yoghurt and fruit, which we highly recommend for those with a reluctant stomach in the morning. For those with a tough stomach, you can pick from the hot mezzeh selections: - Boiled Eggs, Falafel - Foul with Condiments, Baked Potato - Feteer Meshaltet with Honey & Tomato Cheese - Visit the Egg Station for live-cooking - Foul with Olive Oil & Lemon, Spring Rolls - Sambousek with Meat & Cheese - Dawood Basha - Grilled Chicken - Khalta Rice - Vegetables As for dessert, which we predict that you’re already wondering about, the menus offer Mohalabiya, Om Ali, Dates, Kamar El Din pudding, Konafa with nuts/cream, Kataif, Basbousa, Zalabia, Balah El Sham and a fresh fruit display. We know we’d be naive to recommend the last healthier option but we’ll let your conscience do the talking here.
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FLAIR #LOVES By Daniela Bonetto
A SLICE OF NYC New York architect David Rockwell and his studio the Rockwell Group has teamed up with Surface magazine to celebrate its 25th anniversary with The Diner, a celebration of American design, presented as an unforgettable contemporary interpretation of the archetypal roadside restaurant. The installation, which is being staged in one of the cavernous vaults under the famous Milano Centrale train station as part of Ventura Centrale by Ventura Projects, will immerse visitors in four distinct environments. This installation is not to be missed! [ The Diner, Via Ferrante Aporti 11, Milan; ]
A SPLENDID WORLD Artefatto who is the fairest of them all? Well of course its Snow White. Launching at Salone, the collection for Scarlet Splendor. For their first collab they showcase some beautiful design crafted with the softest sheepskin leather and held by golden frames. Time for some serious lounging (POA, scarletsplendour.com)
HANG LOOSE! Don’t know about you but I loathe seeing coats bunched up and hanging messily on coat hooks near the door. But perhaps this spring we have a surprisingly beautiful solution. Feel light as a butterfly while welcoming your guests to undress {erm, within reason} with the new Coat Hanger by Artemest. Absolutely gorgeous! {Butterfly coat rack by Ghidini 1961, £1660; artemest.com}
DON’T BE A STRANGER It’s spring so we demand a pop of colour – or two. Royal Stranger, a new Portuguese brand is on our radar for adding some much-needed sunshine indoors. We are absolutely loving this aqua green combo. {Marshmellow Collection, from 1,950 EUR; royalstranger.com}
THE NEW, THE SILVER, THE BLACK & THE BLUE This year Tom Dixon Studio institute a fresher crisper colour palette with an application of a super glossy black, a sharp, precise stainless steel and a pop art electric blue. For 2018 Dixon explores the power of colour. From pendants to table lamps, it’s bound to be exciting. [Top Silver Pendants, £375 & Scoop High Chair, £950; tomdixon.net]
RUG RAGE Rugs have been all the rage recently and we are still very much into them for spring. If sprucing up is what you are after a new rug can do wonders to update a room with a mega redecoration. We are currently loving the new rug collections by Hella Jongerius – Bravoure, Silhouette, Glory and Lattice, all handwoven, made from pure New Zealand wool or a mixture of wool and cotton and available in a range of standard or customisable styles. (Silhouette, £ 501 per sq m; kvadrat.com)
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Fashion
P. 62 Fashion Pirate/ Beik & Moll/Ramadan Wish List 23
FASHION CLIPPINGS By Nour Ibrahim
Alaïa in the Middle East “It’s an Alaïa,” exclaimed Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher when refusing to give a mugger her coat up in the cult movie Clueless. Founded by the recently deceased Azzedine Alaia, the brand is known for its glamorous styles and sophisticated silhouettes. Surprisingly until now, the brand had never had a boutique in the Middle East. This has changed however with the opening of the first boutique in the Middle East. The Dubai Mall is now home to the first branch of Alaïa boutiques in the Middle East. The boutique’s glamorous interior design and architecture help elaborate on the strength and power found in the boutique’s designer items. The long overdue brand will finally reach a whole new market with this exciting move.
Anne Marie K Tiyi Line Named after the Pharaonic Queen Tiyi, Anne Marie K, Egyptian designer, has collaborated with Ahmed Ragab, CEO of Baraka Retail Group and award-winning designer Marie Louis Bishara of the Bishara for Fashion group on this line to revive Egypt’s role in the global fashion industry. Set to open two new Tiyi stores with Baraka Group in September 2018 and five more in 2019, Anne Marie expects to go regional by the end of the latter year. The local stores will be available at Cairo Festival City and Mall of Arabia.
Alexander McQueen Documentary Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival was the documentary on the renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen. While the star of the documentary himself was not consistently on camera, his old home videos of him as a teen did the incorporation of his more personal side justice. These VHS tapes show the growth of his career and present rare archival videos of the designer’s earliest runway shows. This origin story represents the tragedy as well as glamour that the artist went through throughout his career, summarizing the story of one of the greatest designers of our time.
Tom Ford Underwear The American designer Tom Ford is entering the undergarment industry, and honestly, we should have all seen this coming. Collaborating with Italian manufacturing firm Albisetti International, Ford is planning to enter the new segment solely through the comfort of his own stores and selected department stores. It will also be sold online through the Tom Ford website as well as the stores of other online partners. These luxury undergarments are set to come out sometime this year.
BOSS Womenswear Launches in Cairo While men in Egypt have been lucky to shop from Hugo Boss stores in the city, now women can find the latest from the luxury brand as its Spring/Summer 2018 collection is now available for the first time at the Hugo Boss store in City Stars. For the new season, the boss woman heads to the coast in a new collection, entitled ‘Summer of Ease’, created under the artistic direction of Jason Wu. The collection is more relaxed than ever before, with a nautical mood evoking a new ease.
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BEAUTY CLIPPINGS By Nour Ibrahim
L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom L’Occatine has released a limited edition Cherry Blossom Collection. Using the refreshing and fruity smell of the bright Cherry Blossom, the brand has perfectly utilized the essence to its greatest strengths. The soothing scent is matched up with the perfect products to encapsulate it’s floral and airy nature. Coming in a perfume, shower gel, body milk, and hand cream, this collection with its uplifting aroma is designed to be the scent of the summer.
Makeup Filters IRL Charlotte Tilbury has launched a limited edition collection inspired by the filters we have all grown to love. Whether on snapchat, Instagram, or even your plain old phone camera, filters are available everywhere to accentuate and animate our features. Charlotte Tilbury has took this face changing technology back into the real world with a line meant to make your eyes look bigger, your skin softer and face more defined. It the real-life makeup that’ll want to take a picture filter free.
J Lo x Inglot J Lo is known for her flawless beauty looks. So it came as no surprise when she partnered with makeup brand Inglot to create a diverse collection with lipstick at its forefront. Coming in basic, matte and gloss finishes the line provides all shades of natural. The line also covers the whole 10 yards with eyeliners, shadows and lashes as well as highlighters, bronzers, blush and powder- but no foundation. The collection also features nail polish, reusable and customizable makeup containers, and finally some J Glow selection line that combines the most special and golden of all the makeup mentioned before. The collection not only expands the makeup game but also portrays the J Low essence perfectly.
Nars for Erdem This makeup line has been top-secret for a while now, but we have finally caught a glimpse of what is to come. Entitled Strange Flowers this collaboration between fashion brand Erdem and makeup brand Nars is meant to take the colors of wild flowers with daring shades. Inspiration for Erdem came from flowers such as the Moon Orchid and Carnal Carnation. But that’s not all. These colors are set to be transformed into lip powder, to replicate the rugged, matte and natural effect the colors would have in nature. A truly gorgeous and exciting line lies ahead.
CliniqueFit Workout Makeup Who said you need fitness clothes to go to the gym, when in reality you need fitness makeup! Gone are the days where your mascara runs while you run. Clinique created a line titled CliniqueFit to cater to a new market need. Instead these waterproof and smudge proof items are meant to last you the whole workout session. Wearing makeup to the gym was constantly seen as a hindrance, which is why this line is great in making it an easy accommodation again, no matter how much you sweat.
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PERSON OF FLAIR
The
Fashion
Pirate
Zeynab El-Helw
Photographed by: Mixalis Khoury
With her signature long locks, lean silhouette and sports sneakers, The Fashion Pirate has made a name for herself as one of the fashion icons in the region. Whereas bloggers and style influencers try hard to achieve and perfect their look, Zeynab El-Helw AKA “The Fashion Pirate” stands out with her effortless style. Born and raised in London, we speak to the half-Egyptian half-Turkish influencer about her passions, c ollaborations, and more…
Dress by Alexis available at Moda Operandi
Tell us a little bit about your background?
I have always been passionate about fashion art music and literature. Studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London and then went on to do a masters in marketing and then a second masters in business. When I was younger I used to cut up my twins clothes and safety pin them together.
What led you to start blogging about fashion?
It accidentally happened. In the beginning I just loved writing and creating content. I eventually ended up having so much so it was a form of a diary to record and keep track of things I like. I always used to write and take photos as a child and collect memories. In a sense it’s this day and age diary.
How did the name The Fashion Pirate come about?
Always been a fan of pirates and wanted to cater to something unusual, I dressed up as a pirate for Halloween a few years back and since then it stuck!
How would you describe your personal style?
Very laid back, casually simplified.
How does it feel to constantly have your fashion sense open to critique on social media? Some days it can get tough but we are out there and build thick skin - I have learnt to take any form of criticism as a compliment in essence.
What’s your favorite thing about being a media influencer?
Being able to have a platform to express a voice, a feeling a mood. Being able to share your taste, travel and thoughts with people. For me I see it as a storyboard.
Dress by Reemami
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What’s the least favorite aspect of being an influencer?
Most probably not taking a timeout. You’re always hungry to see and do more and always on the look out for content.
What are your criteria in choosing whom to collaborate with?
To collaborate with people or brands I believe in or genuinely love. I’m very open to learning about new brands too.
How did your partnership with Onyx Designer come about?
We actually spoke on instagram! Onyx gifted me a few items when I first started and then we started to team up together and create designs together and sell it on my platform as well as opening channels in point of sales such as Beymen and participate in events such as Fashion Forward. And now we still continue and have become good friends.
Tell us about your collaboration with Platform 3 fitness in Dubai…
As it’s a core activity and I always want to share especially if it motivates others around me
Quick Questions: First Fashion Icon: Aaliyah Comfort Food: Burgers!! Favortie city: NYC Hidden Talent: Classically trained in piano and flute
Dress by Alexis available at Moda Operandi Sneakers by Givenchy
INTERVIEW
Beik&Moll
CAIRENE
TIMEPIECES
By Sarah Guirguis
Capitalizing on growing interest in local products, Karim El Beik and Khalid Moll joined forces and launched their namesake watch brand Beik & Moll. Despite their recent introduction to the market having just launched last January, the watches became an instant hit. So far many of the watch models continue to quickly sell out. It seems that everyone, including us, is falling in love with their elegant, Cairo culture-inspired designs. We sat with the “partners in time� to find out more about their brand, production, and long-term goals for their budding brand.
How did the idea to start your business come about?
We noticed how the younger generation was starting to care less about brand names and focus more on the style and design of a product. There is also a big movement going on in Egypt right now where successful local products are emerging and we wanted to jump on that train. One of the many things that we have in common is a love for wristwatches and we decided to study this market. We came across watches such as Daniel Wellington, Corniche, and Max Rene and we thought to follow their same business model while adding our own unique twist to it. This is when we decided to produce watches that are influenced by the art and history of Cairo. The goal was to make watches very special for Cairenes but also beautiful for those who have no connection to Cairo at a very affordable price and absolutely no sacrifice to quality.
Why call it Beik and Moll?
We have spent nights trying to come up with a clever name that relates to the idea of our product. We came up with hundreds of names and sketches but none of them clicked. There was just something missing that we couldn’t figure out. We showed it to our close friends to get a feel for how people would react. One day we overheard one of our friends say to someone, “Did you check out the Beik and Moll watch that they made?” (All our friends call us by our last names) and it hit us both right there. We realized it’s not the name of the product that should matter because it’s all about design and idea.
What are the main inspirations behind your designs?
Our inspiration is the rich culture, history, and art of Cairo. The city holds a countless amount of historical and gorgeous art and architecture and we are planning to capture each one with each collection we produce. Our watches are designed by the brilliant Salma Elashaar. She has the exact vision we wanted for our brand and a deep knowledge of art and design. She is currently our art director and designer and we are blessed to have her on board.
Where are your watches manufactured and why?
Our watches are currently being designed in Cairo but they are made in China. This is the only option we have so far. We have already contacted many watch manufacturers in Egypt but either they aren’t able to produce the quality we needed or they are unwilling to work with us because they consider us small-scale. When we mention that our products are made in China, people would automatically think
“cheap and low quality”. They should know that the majority of watches are actually produced in China, including much of the mainstream watch brands. We are keen on making as much as we can in Egypt, including our genuine, organic leather straps, which are made by the talented Mohamed Tolba who owns Garage Leather. Even with our boxes, we have them made in the heart of Dar Al Salam in Cairo. We can easily have these items also produced in China and save a huge amount of money but it would defeat our mission. Our “near long-term” plan is to finally open our own watch manufacturer where we can proudly say our watches are 100% Cairene but unfortunately we just don’t have the capital right now.
Why did you decide to use “Arabic” numerals in your watches? How does that affect your demand?
Here’s a quick and simple history of Arabic numerals. It reached Western Europe back in what some sources claim to be 1200 AD and has replaced the Roman numerals since it was much easier to use because its based off of the annotation of tens. However, these “Arabic” numerals actually originated in India. Therefore, we cannot claim to be the first watch brand to use the “Arabic” numeral because this has existed a long time ago. There are also other brands out there that are currently only using these same numerals. But what we can proudly say is that we are the first Egyptian watch brand. And as for demand, the numbers speak for themselves. We have launched our watches last January 22nd and have nearly sold out in less than three months. This is obviously a big hit and has definitely motivated us to work harder.
How does it feel to have most of your watches quickly selling out?
Absolutely thrilling, but a little scary too! We are so honored by the fact that our customers love our watches and have received so many wonderful comments. The scary part is that we wanted to meet everyone’s demand but we didn’t expect such a fast sell so we are trying our best to produce more watches and have them come in time. We are learning so much in this process even though we are learning the hard way.
What are the greatest challenges that you face in the business?
We’ve been facing challenges from the start - from designing and naming to producing. It was so hard at first to find a proper manufacturer with a small budget. Then again, working with the producer is such a pain because of the long distant relationship. We had to send back many of the watches since they didn’t meet our quality standard. Then, there was the marketing. We didn’t want to have the typical ad where you see a sexy lady or attractive man posing while wearing the watch. We wanted our customers to focus on the watch itself and decided to leave out the human element as you’ll notice on our Instagram page. It has proven to be a huge challenge to be creative everyday. The human element comes from our amazing customers and influencers who post and tag Beik&Moll. We didn’t even have the budget for marketing and had to use our resources of friends to help us out, such as Karim Sherif of Cocaina Studios who photographed and edited the watches, Moustafa El Beik who also edited the photographs, Hisham Moll of Mollapse who created our short videos for advertising, and all the influencers who were in love with the watch who helped us to get the product out there.
What future plans do you have for the brand?
We have so much on our agenda right now. First, we are setting up a website in order to help sell overseas as we have received so many requests from abroad. Our biggest goal is to build be our own manufacturers as mentioned before where we can produce our own watches along with anyone else who is interested in making a brand name, since it’s also our goal to promote local products. In respect to designs, we have plans to expand outside of Cairo to find the inspiration for our coming collection. We are always searching to find local talents to help build our watch in creative and unique ways. After we feel stabilized with our watch product, we may be thinking about venturing into other fashion accessories by which we feel that we can bring out the art and history of Cairo.
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RAMADAN WISH LIST
Dima Jewellery
Azza Fahmy
Dima Jewellery
Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti Massimo Dutti
Salvatore Ferragamo Hugo Boss
Dima Jewellery
Hugo Boss
Massimo Dutti
Hugo Boss
Azza Fahmy
Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo
Hugo Boss
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RUNWAY
Balmain Balmain
Oscar de la Renta
Christian Dior
Sizzling Sequins Michael Kors Collection
Christian Dior Christian Dior Marc Jacobs
Chanel
Calvin Klein Balmain Balmain
Plastic Play
Balmain
Balmain
Salvatore Ferragamo
Valentino
Balenciaga
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Valentino
Max Mara
Dolce & Gabbana Calvin Klein
Sheer Dressing
Marni
Christian Dior
Paco Rabanne
Oscar de la Renta Tommy Hilfiger Gucci
Lifestyle
P. 54 Ramadan Nights/Maison Chantemerle/Best of Baselworld
RAMADAN NIGHTS
InterContinental and Holiday Inn Citystars Ramadan is the time for families and friends to gather over sumptuous feasts of Iftar and Sohour. At Citystars Hotels, all events and services are tailored to become your ideal destination to experience the ambience of Ramadan. With an extensive range of restaurants, the best from top cuisines all over the world is offered with blue-ribbon services. Gather with your family and friends at Esplanade and savor on a variety of delectable selections for Iftar for EGP 450 or enjoy a lavish Sohour for EGP 230. Fayruz is the haven for Lebanese food lovers can treat themselves to an assortment of this cuisine’s exceptional appetizers and dishes in a daily set menu and soup trolley of 3 kinds for EGP 460. Try Indira’s special set menu for Iftar for EGP 340, or take a trip around the world with Windows Iftar buffet for EGP 370 and a Sohour buffet for EGP 165.
Jaz Collection Jaz Collection invites visitors to enjoy special accommodation packages as well as Iftar and Sohour promotions throughout Ramadan. With more than 45 hotels all over Egypt, Jaz Collection welcomes you with an array of authentic, inspiring and inviting venues in which to reflect, share and give thanks. A stunning selection of breath-taking locations, sincere hospitality and local flavours await you, with the opportunity to enjoy a truly meaningful celebration and create lifelong memories. A note worth mentioning is the uniqueness of Jaz Collection that lies in the renowned service standards and the diversity of choices; catering for ultimately every holiday need and taste.
Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo In the spirit of giving and precious gatherings, this year The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo invites guests to break their fast with an array of delicious food offerings at Al Qahira’ and ‘Alf Leila Wa Leila’ Ballrooms, which are ideal for big groups or family gatherings with a dramatic fountain, leading guests to their spacious foyer as well as exquisite chandeliers, upholstered walls and dreamy lighting. The culinary team has also put together a selection of gourmet Arabic and International delicacies for an extensive Iftar buffet experience at Culina Restaurant, where main courses are provided through interactive cooking and molecular gastronomy stations. ‘Wust El Balad’ Ramadan Tent, located in a spacious garden with a view of the magnificent Egyptian Museum, features a unique Ramadan tent for memorable Sohour nights and delicious shisha flavors. The Ramadan tent includes large TV screens, which will air the most popular TV shows and series of the season.
Semiramis InterContinental, Cairo As the lanterns are lit and excitement approaches Cairo streets, Semiramis InterContinental has set its venues for the most authentic Ramadan this summer. From Night & Day’s multi-ethnic Iftars to Fawaness by Nile Terrace’s open air Sohours and Café Corniche’s sweet treats, they give you the ultimate Ramadan experience. Night & Day is serving up numerous buffets all Ramadan with authentic Egyptian specialties as well as Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes. Fill your appetite for Iftar with some mouthwatering items such as tabbouleh, seafood Tepanyaki and for dessert, a sweet Om Ali fresh from the oven. Banquet halls are the perfect setting for any Iftar or Sohour functions with their largest ballroom holding up to 1,200 persons. To make life simpler, outside catering is also provided along with everything from menu planning to cutlery to waiters whether it’s for a corporate Iftar for 30 persons or Sohour for 1,000 or more.
Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah Share Ramadan days with your family and friends at Sofitel El Gezirah. This year, it offers you a truly fantastic experience with a variety of dishes to be share with your loved ones. With Fawanees 3al Nile, taste some authentic culinary, Middle Eastern speciality, including a delightful variety of oriental sweets in the following restaurants: La Palmeraie for authentic tagines, Casa Mia for a lavish buffet created especially for Ramadan and Kebabgy for traditional barbeque specialities with ambient music and live Oriental takht. After the fabulous Iftar or Sohour, try the special collection of shisha flavors in the private terrace overlooking the Nile.
Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino, Cairo Enjoy the summer breeze accompanied by the unique Ramadan atmosphere at the Swimming pool Lounge at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino - Cairo. Treat yourself to delicious Iftar and Sohour specialties, while enjoying the traditional Ramadan spirit and nightly live entertainment overwhelmed by typical Ramadan decorations and various Shisha flavors. Special prices for groups and companies Iftar & Sohour.
Radisson BLU, Cairo Ramadan is a time when Cairo comes to life as families and friends head together to enjoy Ramadan tents and break their fasts with an iftar or sohour. Radisson BLU offers delicious and authentic Arabic cuisine served by a variety of promotions. According to your preference, you can choose between the Radisson BLU catering team, the Katayef Tent by the pool for Sohour, or the grand Restaurant MIX, which is perfect for those who want to break their fast in style.
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HOME
MAISON
CHANTEMERLE
A Secret Hiding Place By Daniela Bonetto
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The house, nestled in the heart of the Drôme Provençale, seduced Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet with its sense of escape, in perfect harmony with nature. The house provides refuge, and is simply furnished with a white base, leaving the spotlight on authentic materials and the surrounding nature. This place is a favoured destination to relax, for a couple or a group of friends. Take the time to both appreciate and savour the tranquillity of these landscapes, as well as to entertain friends and family. It is their secret hiding place‌ Inside Studio Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet used decorative concrete throughout the house which gives the tranquil vibe a more edgy side to its personality. The talking point of the dining area are the unique chairs, woven in leather and bamboo-style wood. Throughout the property, Studio MHNA have signed with their touch of creativity in assembling the space with a mixture of their own designs but also distinguished finds to give the house a personality of its own.
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In the kitchen sits a Smeg gas stove adorned by painted vinyls by Raymond Waydelich series Lydia Jacob. The bell is by Asiatids. The furniture is made of concrete and raw metal and is a craft design by Yvon Rosier. The in the cupboard and industrial metal cabinet are a collection of blue and white porcelain china from all over the world. The office displays an industrial looking teak and raw metal table. The lamps are aluminium Mid-Century Industrial pieces by Ferdinand Soler for Soler. The wall chandeliers are 1940s antique sconces in embossed metal, ethnic costume belt. The chairs are once again woven leather and bamboo-style wood. In the bedroom the bedside table is a MHNA design using lacquer and brushed stainless steel. The bedside lamp is a customised Ikea hack. The striking wall decoration is a 19th century embroidered Chinese Kimono, a travel souvenir picked up along the journey.
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In the second bedroom MHNA placed an 18th century chair in black velvet and silver leaf which contracts beautifully with the white wash of the room. The artwork is HOM FEM by Bernard Quesniaux. On the bed lay some bespoke hand-painted velvet cushions in gold on a mohair plaid by Lelièvre. The bedside tables and lamps are antiques. On the table there is a 1940s Murano glitter and gold lamp. The desk on which it is perched on was designed by Marc’s grandfather and recently repainted in matte black. The entire house comes together in an optimal mix of interior architecture and design which the Paris Studio is known for. Situated somewhere between a laboratory for ideas, a study on functionality and a piece of momentary poetry, the two artists tell stories from around the world in this home.
studiomhna.com
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FEATURE
Timeless Timepieces
Best of Baselworld 2018 Baselworld never fails to disappoint, especially when it comes to the array of extravagant and extraordinary timepieces on display. Our favourite luxury brands always seem to be unveiling something new and lust-worthy at Baselworld, and this year is no exception. We’ve pored through the offerings and bring you the best of timepieces for men and women for those looking to add a special new piece to their collection. By Kate Dannies
For the Guys Omega Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds The new Omega Seamaster 70th anniversary edition has been dubbed the 1948. It’s Master chronometer certified, and sized at a versatile 38mm, which is big enough to feel masculine, and discreet enough to look chic. This in-demand item is limited to 1948 pieces, so collectors must act fast!
Chopard Quattro L.U.C The new Chopard Quattro L.U.C with a blue saffiano strap is striking yet timeless. This men’s watch has an extraordinary 216-hour-power reserve and is crafted from a subtle rose gold. This piece is going to be in high demand: it’s limited to a miniscule 50 pieces, making its wearer one of the very lucky few.
Tudor Black Bay ‘Pepsi’ GMT Rolex and Tudor just got that much closer. The new Black Bay GMT, a close relative to the new Rolex GMT Master II – boasts a mid-century aesthetic that is the perfect blend of casual and chic. The blue and red ‘Pepsi’ bezel is another nod to the archives, making this dive watch a new classic in itself that people will be lining up to get their hands on.
Breitling Navitimer Super 8 Breitling is diversifying its look to embrace a more expansive aesthetic that will make its timepieces more wearable by men of different tastes. The vintage-inspired Navitimer Super 8 ticker is a historical revival of the brand’s Reference 637: a stopwatch made for bomber pilots from the 1930s onwards. We love the historical reference and Breitling’s new look.
De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius De Bethune’s latest DB25 brings its lucky owner that much closer to the heavens. The customisable dial allows the wearer to select a section of the night sky to suit their mood. Perfect for the quirky and astrologically inclined connoisseur of fine watches.
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For the Ladies
Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon High Jewelry This million-dollar stunner is set with 380 tapered baguette diamonds totalling 13.5 carats, all custom cut to fit on the dial, case, horns and bezel of this tourbillon. The red arc at 9 o’clock on the dial is a power reserve indicator – it has a five-day power reserve. It comes with a bullet-resistant Karmaloog jacket made of crocodile leather.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow The Cosmograph may be the most recognizable watch in the world right now, holding the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. The rainbow gradient of sapphires set into the bezel is matched by the markers on the dial as the colors change. Fifty-six diamonds are set into the lugs and crown guard.
Graff Secret Timepiece This watch disguised as a bracelet, set with 35 carats of fancy-cut diamonds, lets the gems speak for themselves. As they should! The diamonds seem to be arranged randomly, but are actually carefully placed and connected, using CAD technology. It is constructed in sections to allow for optimum movement. The cover slides open to reveal a pavé dial and a baguette-set bezel.
Chanel Code Coco Chanel debuted the Code Coco in 2017. As its name implies, the look of the watch is taken from the “codes” of the house, from the quilting-like pattern on the bracelet to the turning-lock clasp on the dial, meant to evoke the clasp on Chanel’s iconic 2.55 bag. At Baselworld, Chanel debuted an all-diamond version of the Code Coco, featuring more than 500 diamonds in baguette, princess and brilliant cuts totaling roughly 55 carats, all set in 18-karat white gold. We want!
Harry Winston: Ocean 20th Anniversary Biretrograde Automatic The jeweler is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Ocean Collection with a limited-edition watch that uses a coveted gemstone to celebrate the color of the sea. Limited to 20 pieces, the Ocean 20th Anniversary Biretrograde Automatic 36mm features 120 brilliant-cut Paraiba tourmalines — not only on the mother-of-pearl dial, but also on the white-gold rotor, visible through the transparent caseback. Brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the dial and the white-gold case and buckle. The alligator strap, meanwhile, is dyed to match the Paraiba tourmalines.
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BOUTIQUE
Irish Escape Limerick’s Adare Manor By Kate Dannies
Completed in the 1860s and converted into a hotel in the 1980s, Adare Manor, an historic mansion in Limerick, Ireland, has been given a new lease of life. A neo-gothic masterpiece set on a rolling 840-acre estate, the manor recently underwent the largest restoration project of its kind in Ireland and has reopened as one of the world’s best hotels. Count us in!
One of Ireland’s richest men, J.P. McManus, bought Adare Manor in 2014 and ran it as normal for one year to get an understanding of the property’s unique features. After soliciting feedback from guests and retaining the services of ReardonSmith Architects, the hotel specialists behind the successful reworkings of London hotel legends Lanesborough and Savoy, the hotel was shut down and work began to revamp it into a new and improved destination combining the best of its historical opulence and world class service. The transformation has seen every inch of the hotel renewed, replaced and refurbished. Every single roof tile was taken off and repaired or replaced. Individual carvings were cleaned, polished and replaced where necessary and the 19th century leaded windows were renewed by specialist conservationists. The whole
hotel now has air conditioning and furnished with carpets and curtains specially commissioned to evoke the hotel’s history. Antiquities on display include 17th-century Flemish choir stalls decorated with handcarved biblical scenes, and original grand marble fireplaces. The reopening has proven just as exciting as anticipated. A new entryway takes guests through an old stone gate and past the ruins of a 14th-century Augustine
abbey, through woodland dense with some 19,000 trees and to the doorway of a significantly expanded homestead. Originally a “calendar house” with 365 windows, 52 chimney stacks, seven pillars and four towers (to represent the seasons), the building now includes a new 42-bedroom West Wing, which is a perfect replica of the original building, bringing the total number of rooms to 104. Each with a decorative fireplace and all
individually styled, bedrooms and a scattering of suites have been reinterpreted. Many rooms feature standalone tubs, four-poster beds, bespoke wallpaper and plush, traditional furnishings. Other touches are designed to be discreet, but are much appreciated by seasoned jetsetters. For example, on televisions and phone handsets, power lights turn off automatically at bedtime, and an automatic sensor activates a dimmer light in the bathroom. Future-proofing comes in the shape of doors
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that can be opened both by keycard and phone, and entertainment systems that remember your inputted preferences for your next visit. Serving rare Irish whiskeys and local craft beers, the Tack Room bar will host performances of traditional and contemporary Irish music near nightly; set to be one of the grandest breakfast and afternoon tea rooms in Ireland, The Gallery, where breakfast and afternoon tea will be served, is the second longest room in Ireland, just behind the Long Room in Trinity College Dublin. The vast vaulted room holds wood carvings, antique tapestries, three massive fireplaces and stunning stained glass windows. is decorated with original wood panelling and flooded with light from its double-height windows. Illuminated only by candles and serving modern-Irish cuisine, The Oakroom is the manor’s fine-dining restaurant with Michelin aspirations. The vast majority of produce will be sourced from Ireland. We cannot picture a better Irish escape, and the world agrees: Adare Manor has been dubbed one of the world’s best hotels. Whether you are looking to golf, take in the great outdoors, or simply revel in the aesthetic and comfort of this historic property, Adare Manor will not disappoint.
Design
P. 60 Salone del Mobile/Beit Nadia/Kaleo Beirut
MUNNA
FEATURE
LIVING NATURE
SALONE DEL MOBILE. MILANO
ISN’T IT ANY WONDER…. The 22nd April marked the end of the 57th edition of the Salone del Mobile. Milano. The numbers once again speak for what had now become the design festival of the year; 434,509 attendees, in 6 days, from 188 different countries, made for a 17% increase compared to the 2016 edition, and an increase of 26% compared with the 2017 edition. So, isn’t it any wonder that the entire world decides on the Italian city for a week of fascinating design, compelling technology and creative inventions?
By Daniela Bonetto
ARTEMEST
SCARLET SPLENDOUR
“We are extremely proud of the success of this event and of the level of professionals who have come to this edition, proving that the Salone del Mobile is a global benchmark. A unique event, in which business and culture become the virtual model for an Italy that functions, where the industrial system and the institutions are working in sync towards a common goal”, said President of the Salone del Mobile Claudio Luti. “Over the last few days we have witnessed the very best creativity, products and capacity for innovation and narration – showcased by displays with all the evocative power and enchantment of the very best theatrical sets. This means that we are now ready to start thinking about the next edition, with even greater commitment to maintaining our acknowledged leadership of identity and values and responding to business and market demands.
TIMOTHY OULTON
SUBRELLA X MARC ANGE
HUGUES CHEVALIER
SCARLET SPLENDOUR
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1,841 exhibitors, 27% of them from 33 other countries, showcased their products at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, EuroCucina and the International Bathroom Exhibition, plus the 650 designers under 35 featured at SaloneSatellite – three of whom were presented with the SaloneSatellite Award. The party at Palazzo Marino to celebrate the end of the business event, included the presentation of the three Salone del Mobile.Milano Awards of equal merit for outstanding contributions to the world of furnishing and design at this edition. The winners – selected by a jury of professionals – were CC-Tapis, Magis and Sanwa. Till next year Salone… arrivederci!
SANWA
MEZZALUNA
NOLTE
MISSONI
MAGIS
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INTERVIEW
Beit Nadia Nadia’s Blooming Home By Sarah Guirguis
Just last July, Nadia Salem, 24, launched Beit Nadia, a multi-disciplinary design house that has quickly become one of our favorites. Not only does it provide a flexible variety of design services for clients, it is definitely an exemplar of good taste and good quality, a gem brand in the Egyptian market. We sat with Nadia to give you an inside look into her inspirations and the challenges she faces in the world of design.
What was it like learning interior design in Florence, Italy?
It was very inspiring. It was a lot more artistic than London for me. What I learned in London was a lot more technical than artistic. Every corner and every street in Florence is historic and inspiring in its own way. Italy is full of design ideas, both modern and old. The buildings, the art, the way they live and the way they re-invent old buildings with a modern touch is very inspiring to me.
How did your experience at Alchemy Design Studio influence your current career?
It mainly taught me more about the business and heightened my sensitivity to details and standards that we don’t necessarily find prevalent in the Egyptian market. This includes certain technical details, material combinations, and lighting techniques.
How did you come to develop your own identity as a designer?
I just do what I want to do. What I see fits the project well and in coordination with what the client wants, I implement. There’s no certain formula, really. My style varies with every different project but what remains a common theme throughout is my rule to pay attention to details.
Tell us about your creative process.
Usually, the client and the space itself are my main inspiration. I just translate it into something tangible. We start with mood boards and finalize our plans. Then we go
ahead with 3D renderings and technical drawings.
Where are the most random places you find inspiration?
In my dreams! I dream a lot about my work and most of the time, I find solutions for a lot of things during my sleep.
Which project stands out to you most? Why?
There is no particular project. Each one has its own charm and identity, so I can’t really pick a favorite. Commercial projects are always more interesting to me, though.
Explain to us the multi-disciplinary business style that you apply.
Basically, we do anything that’s design-related. Beit Nadia offers a variety of services from interior design to architecture. We offer furniture and styling consultancy. We do branding, and landscape and outdoor design, as well. We actually just launched our furniture line “Noon”, so this is the newest addition to our line of work. We do it all. If you have a project and you come to me with an idea in your head, we can build together the concept, the logo, the branding, the little details, the packaging and the interior that will go with it.
How would you say your aesthetic style has developed over time?
International trends have a very minor role in my style, to be honest. I try my best to produce something timeless with a design that will last, but of course, my style changes as the world evolves. You can’t help but grow with what is happening around you. Otherwise, I want to avoid being cliché as much as possible.
What main challenges do you face in this field?
Timing and implementation. Sometimes, clients want high quality but demand it in a very short time period and at the cheapest price. It doesn’t work like that. Something has to be compromised in order to get what you want. You also don’t always find contractors who can implement the international-inspired details that you want.
What do you hope to accomplish with your brand in the future?
Hopefully, the brand can expand to the Middle East and I can expand my furniture line internationally. It’s a local brand for now and we just launched but we’re hoping to reach the international audience eventually.
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Nadia’s Top Tips For Home Décor Don’t play with too many colors. Just have three dominant ones, two or three different materials and an accent. Always accentuate with your doors and your curtains. Have them exaggerated so they can make the space look bigger. Styling is very significant. It’s what carries personality and that’s always down to the client. It’s the small little things, including the frames and the personal items that are elemental to any space.
HOT ADDRESS
New Beirut Favourite Kaléo
It is hard to convince us away from our staple hotspots in one of our most beloved cities, but the buzz about Kaléo, a new contemporary European restaurant from Lebanese hospitality group Found’d, has caught our attention, and we are converts. Located near the Al Omari mosque in downtown Beirut, the restaurant has been transformed by Beirut design studio David/Nicolas into an oasis at the center of the city. The façade of the building blends into the district’s post-war architecture, but interior evokes the unique architecture of historic Byblos; a perfect blend of what we love best about Lebanon. By Kate Dannies
Kaléo reflects the rhythm of its location in downtown Beirut and the vivid life at the heart of Lebanon’s capital that brings together the best of the country’s diverse cuisines, cultures, and styles. At the entrance to the glass-fronted space, a bold wall rug greets guests, setting the tone through the contrast between modern plate glass and colorful carpet. The piece’s pattern introduces the restaurant’s vibrant colour palette of Mediterranean blue, pale pink and cedar green. Inside, an exploration of texture continues; the walls and the pendant lights both have a tactile popcorn finish, while the velvet upholstery by Pierre Frey brings a deep warmth and dignified elegance to the space. Kaléo is all about novelty without pretension. The design team focused on a central element that would be repeated in various ways, creating connections and linking space and objects into one cohesive yet interesting effect. Tiles, bar, chairs, tables chandeliers, couches, service stations, carpet and stools were imagined to work together visually. They also contrast one another with the materials and colours, finally blending into what is distinctively Kaléo. In the midst of cookie cutter downtown dining establishments and architecture, Kaléo stands out as a unique space designed with great appreciation for the intersection of aesthetics and culinary enjoyment.
The fine dining menu, unsurprisingly, does not disappoint, and the decor serves to enhance the dining experience in a very special way. The menu features contemporary European dishes prepared with carefully sourced seasonal meat, fish, game and vegetables, accompanied by sumptuous desserts. International chefs will visit for occasional residencies, shaking up the menu. In a city full of extraordinary dining experiences from the most casual to the most sumptuous, Kaléo’s unique
blend of casual elegance and simple, delicious cuisine is a refreshing addition that we crave. We love the fact that Kaléo provides a new oasis in downtown Beirut and we will be returning regularly to partake. From the glitz of Achrafieh to the shabby chic of Hamra, Kaléo takes its place in the middle, creating something new and instantly classic from all that we love best about Beirut.
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DESIGN NOTES
Everyday Chic Home Staples by Luxury Brands By Kate Dannies
From high-end to high street, the worlds of fashion and interior design have never been so closely aligned. Recent years have seen countless collaborations between prominent fashion designers and established homeware brands, who have realized that consumers are hungry for a complete lifestyle experience. Any why shouldn’t our everyday lives be graced with as much beauty and style as our wardrobes? We look forward to collecting as many of these glee-inducing everyday items as possible and using them every day.
Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection encompasses a group of delightfully idiosyncratic, avant-garde foldable furniture and travel accessories created by a formidable roster of contemporary design stars. Some are available as limited editions, while others are experimental prototypes. All of them, however, are seriously seductive. The venerable French luxury goods house has been synonymous with chic travel for more than 150 years and with this line is set to retain this distinguished pedigree for at least as many more.
Kate Spade New York Home In this collection, which launched in 2016, Kate Spade’s cheerful, feminine looks have been elegantly translated to a line of homewares. The downside is the prices, which, at least for the furniture pieces, can be a bit steep, but the good news for fans of the brand is that there are also lots of smaller pieces that will put less of a strain on the budget.
SMEG x D&G Following from last year’s success when SMEG and Dolce&Gabbana teamed up to realise 100 unique hand painted refrigerators, this year the collaboration focused on smaller products such as toasters, citrus juicers, coffee machines, kettles, blenders, stand mixers and slow juicers. All these products are decorated with reflective interpretations of Sicilian folklore. Lemons, prickly pears, and bright red cherries are just a selection of Sicilian decorations that are framed in triangular motifs known as crocchi, that decorate these delicious small appliances.
Gucci Decor Gucci’s popular motifs and patterns are now available in a delectable home decor line that brings the best of the brand’s iconic style right into your living room. From candles to throw pillows, arm chairs, and folding screens, the vibrant colors and captivating je ne sais quoi that Gucci is known for will have the same effect on your home as it does on your wardrobe.
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Tiffany Everyday Objects Tiffany & Co. might be best known for their crystal glassware, sterling silver money clips, and of course, engagement rings. But the brand has recently stepped into new territory, debuting a luxury home accessory collection featuring items like $250 straws plated in gold and a $1,500 sterling silver coffee cup. Here’s to everyday luxury!
Fendi Casa Since 1989, Fendi Casa has been creating furniture and prestigious design objects that bring the unique Fendi flavour into homes all over the world. A pervasive lifestyle project where tradition is never nostalgic and innovation is paramount. The collection contains a large variety of home furnishings, decorative lighting and accessories, all designed and manufactured using the finest materials and exclusive finishes. The production is 90% handcrafted by Italian artisans using traditional techniques in Italy.
Badgley Mischka Home This formidable fashion house introduced their new home line at New York Fashion Week in February. Everything is very, very shiny, and even a bit ponderous—these are definitely not pieces for small spaces. But they’re certainly very striking, especially if you want your home to look like a fancy hotel lobby. And if you ask us, who doesn’t?
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