FLAIR 9-2016 by FLAIR Magazine

OPEL MOKKA

THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

www.opelegypt.net

The rounded corners and unmistakeable PuraVida lines also feature in the toilet area. The toilet and bidet are available both in the 36 x 54 cm wallmounted version and in the 36 x 63 cm floor-standing version with visible cistern. Once again, the parts appear to float and communicate the typical PuraVida lightness. All toilet seats feature the silent SoftClose lowering mechanism. The free-standing PuraVida bathtubs features simple, uninterrupted lines. The collection of PuraVida baths comprises one free-standing, one console and three built-in versions.

PURAVIDA

Design by Phoenix Design

September 2016

FEATURES

Feature: Izaak Azaneil p. 54 Feature: Arm Candy p. 56 Beauty: Kailijumei p. 58 Attention to Retail: Dior Bond Street p. 59

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

Person of Flair: Stacy Martin p. 22 Person of Flair: Scott Eastwood p. 24 East Meets West: Binti Home p. 26

Fashion Clippings p. 32 Photo shoot: A City Like No Other p. 34 Interview: Margo Cooper p. 40 Runway Haute Couture p. 44 Bijou: Haute Joaillerie p. 50 Wish lists p. 52

Home: One Shenzen Bay p. 62 Boutique: Valencia Hostel p. 72 Passport: Top Suites & Villas p. 74 Book Club: Hair p. 78

DESIGN

Design Notes: Maison & Objet 2016 p. 82 Coming soon: Four Seasons NYC p. 84 Exhibitionist: Banksy in Rome p. 86 Driven: Porsche 911 Targa 4S p. 89

REGULARS

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note p. 8 Happenings p. 14 International Trends p. 18 Stylish Living p. 90 Totally Flair p.100

EDITOR’S NOTE

New

Beginnings

can remember it like it was yesterday. I was at Virgin Megastores’ only branch in Cairo back then when I spotted an all-silver magazine cover embossed with a hot pink logo that read flair. I thought it looked ‘so cool’ and I proceeded quickly to buy it, just like your impulse buy of a pack of gum near the cash register. Little did I know that it was the magazine’s second anniversary issue (although it said so right on the cover!), and that I would be hired to work in this very magazine shortly afterwards. I loved magazines and although I had my byline grace a few publications, I consider FLAIR my first real job post graduation. How exciting is it to be back at the place that started it all for me and be reunited with good friends, and get to work with new ones as well. A place that for me; as cliché as it may sound, feels like home. As we close in on our tenth anniversary issue, I hope you find this issue of FLAIR as cool the one I had laid my eyes on eight years ago… For many reasons, it is considered that September-and not January-marks the true start of the year. The seasons begin to change and so does our wardrobe. The lazy summer days are behind us, kids are back in school, and our favourite characters are back on TV. For the September Style Issue, it’s time to look forward to everything new and the latest styles in fashion, design, and luxury. Even the belle of the ball has to work hard to maintain her glamour. That’s why FLAIR is getting a mini-makeover just in time for the new season. Over the course of the few months we are rolling out new sections and updating our design for an even more enjoyable FLAIR read. Here’s to new and exciting beginnings full of flair. Hind El Ramly editor@flair-magazine.com

MY PICKS FOR THE ISSUE

An interview with our cover girl Margo Cooper p. 40

A picture-perfect tour of Souraya Hassan’s home p. 26

A bold Balmain blazer to upgrade a casual look p. 52

Haute Couture & Haute Joaillerie 2016 p. 46

A W EDDI NG FOR THE YOUNG AT HE A RT.

LIGHT UP THE PAL ACE W I T H YO U R O W N M A G I C . Write a fresh page in the majestic history of the Gezirah Palace with a wedding for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern bride and groom. Blend timeless splendor with stylish chic in any of Salon Royal, Eugenie, Salon Vert and the grandeur of Aida Ballroom or enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and stunning views of the Nile from Almaz. Say YES to #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott...

CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAYYAM CASINO 16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM

September 2016 EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ahmed I Hassan

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hind El Ramly

EDITORIAL UK Editor Daniela Bonetto Editorial Consultant Kate Dannies Staff Writer Farah Amin Staff Writer Nour Ibrahim BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Christena Hanna ART DIRECTOR

Tony Atia

PHOTOGRAPHER

Hassan Ibrahim

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Mohamed Ibrahim

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Maged Azoz

DISTRIBUTION Distribution Officer Farid Sayed Distribution Officer Ahmed Ibrahim PRINTING |

INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Adress: Apt. 1, 11 Bahey el Din St., Off Giza St., Giza, Egypt Tel. (+2) 0235720632 Mob. (+2) 01000493200 Fax. (+2) 0235720632 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES e-mail: editor@flair-magazine.com DISTRIBUTION

Al Ahram ONLINE

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/flairegypt www.flair-magzine.com Website powered by FOR FEEDBACK send us your comments to info@flair-magazine.com is a magazine of ASAA Publications Ltd. Registration 4265325 Sherif El Chourbagy Advertising Representative Clarity Advertising & Trade is a registered trademark. Â© All Rights Reserved Reproduction of any material in FLAIR is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher or editor.

DANIELA BONETTO A psychology graduate who probably needed a therapist herself, Daniela decided that her form of expression was writing. Running now into her 7th year as an Editor at Flair is seeing her concretise her passion for editorial. 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.

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.

FLAIR TEAM FARAH AMIN With a BA in Journalism, Farah started out as a Flair writer, left us for a while, and recently rejoined the team. Obsessed with fashion blogs and Pinterest, she is also a health and fitness enthusiast who loves to spread the bug around too!

NOUR IBRAHIM Student. Loves Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Comic books. Bakes for unhealthy amount of time.

MOHAMED IBRAHIM A truly gifted communicator, he believes in the words of his friend, Tarek Fathy, “we become as good as we can communicate.” Furthermore, another quote that sums up his ideology is “never put a question mark when God puts a full stop.” Work smart! It’s not how hard you work, but how much you get done.

MAGED AZOZ Incredibly dedicated to his work, Maged’s passion is unmeasurable! Flair Magazine truly is his baby.

CHRISTENA HANNA With an HR Diploma from Cambridge University, our Business Development Manager is definitely the best at what she does. Also a fabulous jewelry designer–working with pearls and crystals–she also enjoys coloring and horror movies.

TONY ATIA “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.

HAPPENINGS

Hyde Park…Going Strong In light of Hyde Park’s strong presence in the Egyptian real estate market, the company put forth five tenders to accelerate the construction and finishing of units, which will be delivered in the coming months out of Hyde Park’s commitment to customers. The new tenders aim to double the construction capacity and speed up the process. Eng. Amin Serag, CEO of Hyde Park Properties for Development, stated, “We are starting to double our construction rate through a large number of contractors as part of the company’s commitment to deliver its units to new customers at the nearest time. Our top priority is to facilitate all obstacles, provide all living means, all services within the project, and create a luxury residential community.”

New General Manager at Hilton Alexandria Corniche

Jörg Potreck has been recently appointed by Christian Muhr, Vice President, operations Hilton Worldwide Egypt & Levant as Cluster General Manager of Hilton Alexandria Corniche & Hilton Hurghada Plaza. Potreck is a hospitality veteran bringing 28 years of hospitality experience with major international hotel chains to Alexandria. Potreck is known for his remarkable efforts and impressive career path and his ability to lead productive teams, which will undoubtedly support delivering the high standards, and exceptional service guests expect from the Hilton Worldwide brand.

Adidas’ Young

Athletes Adidas Egypt announced opening three new Adidas Young Athletes stores in Cairo’s Point 90, Cairo Festival City and Alexandria’s City Centre shopping malls. The new stores have raised the number of Adidas Young Athletes stores to a total of five across the Greater Cairo and Alexandria regions. Kamal Hodroge, Adidas Egypt General Manager, said: “At Adidas, we understand that today’s youth will soon grow into becoming our future athletes and that building sports’ stars is a process that should start at a very young age. Thus said, Adidas has opened specialized Young Athletes concept stores across Egypt and we are planning to make it one of our main growth pillars in Egypt. “

Sushi

at La Gourmandise La Gourmandise; located at heart of the luxurious First Mall complex has announced a new sushi menu. The new sushi menu available daily from 5 pm is specially crafted by the resident Four Seasons Sushi Chef using the highest quality of the freshest raw fish to create a selection of new-style sashimi, innovative maki rolls that will certainly tease the palate such as three salmon skin, green tea tempura, kamekaz and tazuna sushi roll. The menu also includes all classic favourites such as spicy tuna and California rolls.

Pioneering ‘Tatweer Misr’ Wins Award Tatweer Misr was recently awarded the highly coveted Cityscape Global Awards for Emerging Markets in the Low Rise: Future category, at the 2016 ceremony in Dubai, for its flagship project IL Monte Galala in Sokhna. This marked the first time an Egyptian company has won this award. The finalists were chosen by a panel of industry experts and regional professionals and, in the category of Residential Low Rise – Future projects, Tatweer Misr was competing against the two shortlisted projects “ID residences” from Brazil and “Fumba Town Development”, Tanzania. Notable is that Tatweer Misr represents the only Egyptian Real Estate Developer shortlisted in all 13 categories of this prestigious global award. The award was presented to Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, Tatweer Misr Managing Director and Board Member at the Cityscape Awards Ceremony, held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai, with more than 500 people attending the event. Commenting on the award Dr. Shalaby said “We are extremely proud to be recognized for the pioneering work we are currently undertaking in our flagship project IL Monte Galala in Sokhna, Egypt.

Corniche

Festivities

EGBANK dominates Sahel EGBANK made quite the appearance this summer in the North Coast as part of their “Smart Makes Easy” campaign. The bank was strongly present in Marassi, Haceinda and Diplomaseean with smart and innovative services that caught the attention of everyone. EGBANK has also installed a number of ATM machines in different locations to facilitate deposits and withdrawals. To keep your personal belongings safe on the beach, EGBANK placed a safe box under each umbrella to keep your wallets, mobiles and personal belongings safely. To facilitate moving around, EGBANK provided golf cars and mini Coopers to drive people around wherever they want, in addition to placing directional signs for easy navigation.

For an unforgettable celebration, Hilton Alexandria Corniche is famous for their wedding festivities in their luxurious ballrooms with magnificent sea views. A dream wedding comes true in their newly renovated Royal Hall with its luxurious decoration or modern wedding at their Imperial and Superior Hall overlooking the stunning view of the sea. Who doesn’t love a fabulous open-air wedding at the Hilton’s private beach complete with exclusive extras and unique touches that provides memories for a lifetime? Their event planners also have individually tailored wedding packages to accommodate all needs, whether you are planning a large wedding or an intimate gathering of family and friends.

Intercontinental Center Stage As part of InterContinental Hotels Group belief that the key to great hotels guests love is supporting employees and encouraging them continuously to reach their potential and nourish their talents, InterContinental Hotels Group Cairo Citystars supported the hotels’ theatrical group to stage its play “Al Ashiqa” on Al Hanager Theatre in Cairo Opera House during the Ninth Egyptian National Theatre Festival. The Play made an impressive success and the actor Riham Abu Bakr received a certificate of recognition for her role from the Festival’s committee. 15

Oktoberfest at Le Méridien The world’s favourite German beer festival is set to return again this October at Le Méridien Cairo Airport from the 6th to the 14th. Celebrate a week of extreme fun with drink promotions, drinking games, live entertainment by the Bavarian folk band Die Steirer Buam & Jassy from Austria, authentic German cuisine and much more. You can book a room after a long night of celebrations for the complete Oktoberfest experience.

Get into

Gear

Samsung Electronics recently unveiled the Gear S3, combining timeless design with the latest in mobile technology, including IP68 water resistance, mobile payments, LTE connectivity, and built-in speaker and GPS, making it the ideal addition to any watch collection. Samsung Gear S3 is available in two bold designs, frontier and classic. For the first time on the Gear series, the Gear S3 features Corning® Gorilla® Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher, more scratch resistant and crisp display. The 16-megapixel full-color Always On Display and Super AMOLED technology further differentiates the Gear S3 from other smartwatches. The Gear S3 has built-in GPS functionality, Alti/barometer and Speedometer that allow users to track everything from altitude and atmospheric pressure to sudden changes in weather, distance traveled and speed.

Award Winning Le Deck Le Deck by Laurent Peugeot restaurant the French-Japanese fusion restaurant at Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah has won the world Luxury restaurant (Egypt winner award at the World Luxury Restaurants Awards 2016) The World Luxury Restaurant award is based on the voting process which is totally unbiased as it is not undertaken by any jury or panel judges. Instead, it is based on the food experience as a whole, combined with aspects of service excellence, presentation, and quality and menu choices. Votes are only done by the regular patrons, guests and also from industry experts.

Orange Social Venture Prize Orange has recently announced its 6th edition of the ‘Orange Social Venture Prize 2016’. The competition aims to encourage entrepreneurs to participate and take part in the challenge by providing a new service or product that involves Information and Communications Technologies and has a social impact. The prize gives the opportunity for projects designed to be deployed in at least one of the African or Middle Eastern countries in which Orange operates, with the use Information and Communications Technology in an innovative way to help improve the living conditions of the populations in these countries then to win. Four winning projects will receive grants of € 25000, € 15000, € 10000, and € 5000, along with six months monitoring provided by Orange and a special prize from Orange Egypt. For more information about the competition visit www.entrepreneurclub.orange.com

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS By Daniela Bonetto

#ADOPTANOBJECT On the day that the Design Museum formerly left Shad Thames in London, they announced the launch of their fundraising campaign, Adopt an Object. The campaign will attempt to raise over £200,000 towards the £1 million needed to cover the construction costs of their new premises in Kensington High Street. Adopt an Object signals a new age of fundraising and audience engagement with a campaign focussed primarily on mobilising the museum’s substantial online audience by asking them each to adopt an object for £5. All donations will help to complete the construction of the new Design Museum in the former Commonwealth Institute in west London. In return each adopter will receive a personalised thank you film showing an iconic object from the Design Museum’s permanent collection making its own way from Shad Thames to the new Kensington site, where the collection will be on free permanent display for the first time in the museum’s history. The twelve specially commissioned films, which include a pair of Louboutin heels riding a tube escalator and a Dyson vacuum cleaner crossing the road, will be sent to donors, who will also get their name displayed on the museum’s award-winning website. designmuseum.org

A SLICE OF ITALY The new Little Italy Pizzeria restaurant located within a small neighbourhood mall in one of the most prestigious areas in Amman is split on two levels with a pizza oven on the ground floor and seating upstairs. A small terrace outside at ground floor level features timber benches with locally sourced plants and herbs. Michaelis Boyd used black corrugated steel on the walls and wooden crates to create a cosy and rustic finish. A series of pendant lights lead up the staircase of the restaurant to the mezzanine floor. The design is complemented by beautiful furniture made by local craftsman. Co-founded by Alex Michaelis and Tim Boyd in 1995, Michaelis Boyd is a design-led architecture practice with a creative approach that has earned a reputation for simple, elegant architecture with an emphasis on sustainable, environmentally sound architectural solutions. Michaelis Boyd’s portfolio encompasses projects ranging from residential new build and renovation, to hotels, luxury private members’ clubs, restaurants and bars for clients in the UK and internationally. michaelisboyd.com

WATER, THE ORIGIN OF LIFE Vitae appears as an integral bathroom collection meant to arise as the new bathroom design. Noken and Zaha Hadid Design have come to a revolutionary notion for the bathroom. This new series features astounding elements that remind us of the spectacular designs created by Zaha Hadid. Fluid lines that evoke water flow are the leitmotif of this outstanding collection. For this reason, it has been named Vitae (“life” in Latin), because in water is where all sort of life begins. This is Vitae, a collection with incomparable designs that will stand for a revolutionary notion in the bathroom. Water is the architecture of nature, and due to its movements the most incredible natural creations can be seen worldwide. So is Vitae. Brassware, sanitaryware, bathtub, mirrors, toilet, … A complete bathroom collection whose aesthetic value is out of the question. Dynamic in its shapes and with an avant-garde personality, Vitae presents all its elements as essential for the bathroom of the future. noken.com/vitae

THE KATE INSIDE Respected Italian music photographer Guido Harari collaborated for ten years with the extraordinary Kate Bush (1982-93). The Kate Inside limited edition book contains over 300 images many unseen and unexpected photographs, Polaroids, contact sheets, personal notes from Kate and out takes covering the period of her boldest albums, The Dreaming, Hounds of Love, The Sensual World, The Red Shoes including her film The Line, The Cross & The Curve. A London exhibition at Art Bermondsey Project Space will accompany the book’s release. At the end of the 70’s Guido was working with the legendary Lindsay Kemp Company documenting every detail of their tour of Italy for Kemp’s first official photo book when he was introduced to Kate Bush in Milan, who was there to promote her album The Dreaming. Kate knew little of Guido’s work with other musicians like Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed, or Bob Dylan but she was so impressed with the photographs he had taken for Kemp that she asked him if he could handle the job of photographer for her. Guido was already a huge fan and readily agreed. Kate has tremendous respect and affection for Lindsay Kemp. “Lindsay inspired me to take a new direction, he introduced me to a form of dance, even dance itself for the first time, that’s why he is so important to me.” They first met when, following in David Bowie’s footsteps, Kate made her way to the Dance Centre in Covent Garden. Timid and shy, Lindsay brought her from the back of the room and encouraged her to ‘show him her heart and soul’. project-space.london

AN ELEGANT AFFAIR Like a lotus flower fully opened to its creativity, Anantara Angkor Resort invites guests to immerse in the local Khmer culture through build-your-own-adventure activities. There are a selection of all-inclusive packages, world-heralded Khmer cuisine and indigenous spa treatments, all the while given personal attention through the resort’s dedicated Experience Butlers. Nestled only 10 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Area that includes the legendary Angkor Wat. The addition of a one and two bedroom Jim Thompson Explorer Suite has been the cherry on the cake. Boasting 178 and 235 square meters respectively, imported Thai silk will overflow throughout each suite, draping the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal. The Explorer Suites will be available by January, 2017. The Anantara and Sothea suites are not forgotten, and will also receive a fresh makeover. Dining at Anantara Angkor is an elegant affair, and lets you savour the distinctive flavours of the region amidst the legendary setting. The 1,000+ temples of Angkor are considered a must-visit destination. A melange of bucket list-type activities give way to endless adventure. Dine by Design is like no other here, as guests can choose their time of day, method of transportation, unparalleled location, dining and drink enhancements from a list of over 100 possible combinations. Enjoy a sunset in a countryside rice paddy after zoomed up by quad bike to a pre-set barbecue with bubbles, or enjoy the quintessential sunrise at Angkor Wat before whisking off in a private car to a secret temple for a picnic breakfast. The resort’s Experience Butlers and dedicated destination experts offer visitors a one-stop opportunity to couple their imagination with the spectacular locations around Siem Reap. anantara.com

MUSLING RESTAURANT Situated on the edge of the Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne food market, overlooking the square, Musling is a perfect spot for a humble and relaxed dining experience. For the interior design, Space Copenhagen have worked towards an understated and honest approach to materials and ambiance, creating a space that reflects the nature of the open markets and resources outside, focusing on authenticity. The space features warm muted hues, stained oak, burnished steel, warm leather, natural surfaces and simple warm lighting. High tables and streamlined barstools designed by Space are used in the space with a rugged, iron bar. Musling is Space Copenhagen’s latest project with Anders Selmer and Bagge Algreen, the team behind Fiskebaren - Copenhagen’s meatpacking district, featuring a sustainable menu of seafood and snacks including oysters, local greens and natural wines. spacecph.dk

FLAIR REVIEW

Chef Bossert

Bold Changes at the Cairo Marriott

Les Coquilles St Jacques et CrevettesIt

The Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino is famous for its high quality accommodations and services, so it is only natural that they have brought in an even higher quality player to the aboard their team-Chef Philippe Bossert. Starting out at 16 years old, Bossert has traveled across countries near and far to perfect his skill. Armed with a passion for cooking, an impeccable taste for fusing food, and a strong belief in team work, Bossert is taking high quality to a whole new level. We sat down for a talk with the hotel’s newly appointed Executive Chef to know what’s cooking at the Cairo Marriott. By Nour Ibrahim What attracted you to work at the Cairo Marriot? The challenge. The idea of orchestrating 14 different restaurants was a huge step for me, and I love a good challenge.

his restaurant. I trained there for three weeks to see the quality, to understand the produce, and to see the reality. After these three weeks I came back home and said to my father, “I want to be a chef. That’s my vision, I want to be a chef.”

What is the greatest technique for efficiency in the kitchen? Communication. With such a large team- 14 kitchens- it is important to establish good communication. All your chefs need to be with you. They need to understand what you are looking for and to give them a vision. How to cook, what to cook, the way to cook. You need to communicate to them your vision and passion. As a professional, you want to be open, and to share your knowledge and teach others. I am not here to only say, “This is not good, this is not good.” I am here to help and advise them. To help make any problem better. To solve this, you need teamwork. Without teamwork, the kitchen would fall apart.

How do you like to present your dishes? Presentation needs to be fresh and transparent. I don’t like to change the original food too much for the sake of decoration. I like keeping it natural and true to its original product.

What inspired you to become a chef? My father. He was also a chef as was the rest of my family. He would grow his ingredients himself and would use them in his restaurant. After that I myself was inspired to become a chef, and I asked him to let me go train in

What is your signature dish? Les Coquilles St Jacques et CrevettesIt an Egyptian/ French fusion that consists of pan fried scallops, shrimp, molekhaya, and ravioli. It is part of the new Saraya Gallery restaurant menu. I was inspired by the product of molekhaya so I decided to interpret it with a French twist. I also decided to increase its value and decrease its liquidity making it creamier while still having a hint of the classic Egyptian taste of chicken and molekhaya. What changes can we look forward to in the hotel restaurants? There are some big changes in store for the Saraya Gallery restaurant. In the bakery we will have all fresh

new ingredients and bread. We have paninis, wrap, bagels along with meat, fish and vegetarian sandwiches that are all freshly made right in front of you. We are also placing a chef there to follow-up on the quality. We also have new pastry options available, including a French President Cake. We also have a new display for the food, making it look more valuable and transparent. Another big change that is happening is in the Torri restaurant menu. We have altered the options from being strictly Japanese to having a broader range of Asian Fusion dishes, giving us more flexibility. We are also turning the display away from the white bowls and moving it towards more transparent bowls to show the authenticity and nature of the dish. These of course are just a few changes to the many esteemed restaurants in the hotel and I plan to ever so gradually apply some change to the rest of them over time. What do you love most about being a chef? To work with people, because in the end, it’s all about the people. You cannot work 14 restaurants alone. You need teamwork. In our meetings I tell them what’s going on, what’s happening throughout the day and then I let them talk. Good or bad I let them talk, because it is important to listen to your team and to follow up. This is one of the things I love most about being a chef.

P. 26

Photography by: Souraya Hassan

Features

Stacy Martin/Scott Eastwood/Binti Home 21

PERSON OF FLAIR

Miss

Miu Miu Stacy Martin

Few stars have been thrown into the spotlight as fast as Stacy Martin. The British-French actress is best known for her breakthrough role as Charlotte Gainsbourg’s character in director Lars von Trier’s sexy drama film Nymphomaniac. Since then, the actress has captured the eyes of not only film fans worldwide, but also fashion fans. It is no surprise then that the young beauty has been selected by fashion house Miu Miu as the face for their first ever fragrance… You are lending your features to the first-ever, much-anticipated Miu Miu perfume. What pushed you to accept this role? One of the things that I admire with Miu Miu is its duality in references and style. It mixes past iconography and modern tailoring, takes references and evolves them for women today. There’s something very playful and at the same time very strong and assertive about the woman Miuccia Prada envisions when you see her creations. I’d worked with Miu Miu beforehand for their F/W 2014 campaign. I was invited in a family that was passionate not only about fashion, but also film, art, music, culture, and so many other things. A family who believes in art and the process of making art itself. It was a very natural decision for me to continue working alongside Miu Miu and especially for their first fragrance. I think it encapsulates what Miuccia Prada does with Miu Miu on a new level, scent. Did Miuccia Prada’s interest and commitment to cinema and actresses influence your decision? Of course, and you can see her commitment to cinema through her work which is very inspiring. I think it doesn’t just stop there too. She collaborates with architects and artists on different aspects of her work. It’s something I naively didn’t expect from a fashion designer. And it has really changed my relationship to fashion. Every season in Paris, the Miu Miu fashion show attracts young, talented actresses who are notable for their strong personalities. What do you think about being part of this “family” of actresses united by Miuccia Prada? The first time I was invited to the Miu Miu fashion show at the Palais d’Iena I wasn’t too sure what to expect, I wasn’t too familiar with how shows proceed and had just shot with Steven Meisel for their campaign so everything was quite new. I remember being at the front row and thinking how great it was to have someone like Mrs Prada to attract these strong personalities and putting them together. There’s a real mixture of talent which reflects her nonconformist and exciting taste. And to use the word “family” is a reassuring and grounding word when you enter the world of fashion which I find sometimes very intimidating.

Miu Miu’s universe is unique and naive, luxurious and avant-garde, fantastic and sophisticated, sharp and poetic… what does this house represent for you? Miu Miu for me is a house where you can play with contrasts. Contrasts in colors, patterns, textures, and most importantly in attitudes. There’s a real sense of adventure and femininity. The Miu Miu universe is one that transcends fashion to different spheres in life, every piece created has a link to Mrs Prada’s world and vision and really tells a story on its own. Miu Miu’s fashion has a cinematic dimension. Each collection, each campaign tells a story in which the Miu Miu girl reveals a part of her personality. Which Miu Miu girl are you? I don’t particularly believe in adopting one style or “personality”. I actually enjoy being versatile with my work and with Miu Miu, that’s one thing that can easily be achieved. We are, as

human beings always evolving, changing and searching who we are. I enjoy the idea of playing with that and searching a new side of myself. In what ways does this fragrance reflect your personality? I’d like to let other people come up with that answer! But if I were to say anything I would say it reflects freedom and zeal to life. What kinds of emotions did you feel when you smelled the Miu Miu fragrance for the first time? I enjoyed discovering the scent as it evolved and developed once I sprayed it on myself. It reacts differently to skin and I felt a variety of scents that infused a mixture of emotions. It’s a perfume that brings up and mixes tenderness with vitality, sweetness with coarseness. It’s full of contrasts, true to Miu Miu.

What does lily of the valley, the primary note in the floral bouquet, evoke in your imagination? Lily of the valley is a delicate flower, small and pure but also very poisonous. I find the opposition very interesting, something that is so beautiful and lethal at the same time.

What place does perfume have in your life? I’ve started to realize that perfume is almost an extension of myself. I don’t think about it much or change perfume often at all, but it’s become part of my morning routine, like putting on your favorite jeans or shoes. It’s something that makes complete sense without having to think about it because it continues to reflect who you are.

When will you wear the Miu Miu fragrance? I try to stick to the same perfume when I’m not working so it would be every day, whatever the occasion.

What is your favorite smell, outside of perfume? The smell of freshly mowed grass

When you apply perfume, do you spray it everywhere, or are you more inclined to put a few drops behind your ears and on your wrists? A few drop behind my ears and on my wrists so the scent doesn’t take over too much.

Is perfume evocative of memories for you, in the same way as Proust’s madeleine? Perfume for me is something very intimate. It’s one of the rare things that can bring me back, like a flashback, to memories of people at a certain time in life. And also, the same perfume will smell differently on two people so it’s also something very personal and delicate.

PERSON OF FLAIR

Scott Eastwood Loves the Ocean

With his all-round American good looks and undeniable charm, Scott Eastwood is one of the fastest rising starts in Hollywood. You can currently catch him on the silver screen in the action packed blockbuster Suicide Squad alongside stars Will Smith and Jared Leto. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Scott Eastwood is Hollywood royalty, being the son of the legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood. Most recently, Scott has been handpicked by Davidoff Cool Water to not only front their campaign, but also help the brand’s ongoing mission in protecting the ocean. It is no surprise as Eastwood, having been born in California and raised in Hawaii — feels a special connection to the ocean. This summer, the brand released a new film featuring its ambassador Scott Eastwood. The message of the film is a call to action to safeguard one of the world’s most precious natural resources - but also one of its most endangered. The film is an extension of Davidoff Cool Water’s Love the Ocean campaign in support of the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas project, which aims to protect 10% of the world’s ocean by 2020. The new film released and screened across a wide range of digital platforms, steps up the Love the Ocean initiative with an individual call to action. The film’s aim is to convince each and every one of us that we can make a difference. “As individuals, we have more power to change the world than we think,” says Scott Eastwood. Shot near the actor’s home in San Diego, the Water film highlights Scott Eastwood’s concern for ocean conservation and his commitment to fighting water pollution issues. It also features a beach clean-up organised in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Surfrider Foundation.

What does the Ocean mean to you? The ocean represents life to me. I was lucky enough to have been raised between California and Hawaii. I’ve lived a very, very lucky life, to have experienced the things that I’ve experienced, and most of them revolve around the ocean. When I’m away from the ocean is when I’m the most sad. As long as I can be close to it, I feel good. Tell us about more about the Davidoff Cool Water fragrance Every time you buy a bottle of Davidoff Cool Water with the Love the Ocean sleeve, you help to protect 10,000 square meters of ocean. That means raising awareness for ocean conservation, supporting scientists like Enric Sala, who spearheads the Pristine Seas expeditions which are part of the Love the Ocean project. What is the expedition about? The Pristine Seas Expeditions are a National Geographic program, sponsored by Davidoff Cool Water. They are spearheaded by explorer Enric Sala. They go out on expeditions, spending thousands of hours exploring underwater ocean life, finding out what reefs are in danger of becoming extinct, what’s being overfished. Last spring they did an expedition in Mozambique. How do you protect the ocean? I grew up doing beach cleanups for years. I think it’s really important for people to reduce their use of plastic water bottles – that’s huge and it’s easy to do, people can get glass water bottles and refill them.

FEATURE

EastWest Meets

Souraya Hassan of Binti Home By Hind El Ramly Photography by: Souraya Hassan

At the young age of 27, Dutch-Egyptian designer and entrepreneur Souraya Hassan is already making waves in the design world. Living and working between the Netherlands and Egypt, Souraya has impeccable style. Her work seamlessly blending between seemingly opposing worlds: the east and the west. Her trademark style is truly her own. Think a unique balance of Scandinavian cool fused with traditional Egyptian elements. The result? Eclectic chic with a hint of bohemian quirkiness. A design jack-of-all-trades, Souraya has her own company, Binti Home, a studio for interior design, styling and photography. She also works on styling and design projects for private homes, businesses as well as photo shoots for brands, magazines and events. And if that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to impress you Souraya also manages her award-wining blog where she shares her inspirations, travels, and projects. Read on to find Sourayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secrets of style and marvel at her picture-perfect home.

How do you define your style? My style is a mix of a modern base, Scandinavian design and Arab influences. Scandinavian modern meets Bohemian chic. I love colour as it is the key for all the projects I work on. Creating a colour palette that suits the client; a home or a product is the nicest thing to do. My favourite colours are earth tones like ocher yellow, camel, beige, green and blue tones. This always matches perfectly with pure materials such as wood, glass, linen and marble. How do you combine between the minimal Danish design aesthetic and traditional Egyptian pieces? I love to work with soft contrasts, mainly with pure materials. I start with a colour palette as a base with colours like white, grey and earth tones as an accent. This good base makes sure it is easy to combine strong Danish shapes with the tradition pieces. It’s important that the products somehow connect, by colour, shape or material. I also have an online shop where I sell products from Dutch, Danish and Egyptian brands. I also work together with Egyptian craftsmen to create my own vases, cushions and more to come. What are your favorite pieces in your home? Why? All the textiles, like cushions, throws and plaids. It’s definitely, in my vision, the most important part of styling a home. It makes any style cosy and it connects the different colours in the room together. Also, I can’t live without being surrounded by plants! My home is like an urban jungle with a mix of big plants, small succulents and cacti. A must have for every home for a lively and cosy look! How do you keep the design of your home looking fresh for each season? Actually I don’t really think about the season. I think an interior can be the same the whole year, maybe you add a bit more candles and throws in the winter, and softer products in the summer. But I believe that the most important part is to feel home and be surrounded by products you love. It doesn’t matter which season you’re in.

What are your favorite home and furniture brands? I like the Danish brand House Doctor and Hay, Dutch brands Fest Amsterdam and Zuiver, and Egyptian brands Inca&Co, The Nile Co, Reform studio, Caravan Serai and Eklego. What are your top tips for creating a put-together look for a home? Always work with a colour palette consisting four or five colours. Make sure this colour palette is seen in your complete room or home. I often see that people have a basic interior and add the accent colour only through two cushions and a vase. But it’s better to spread it over the room. For example, if you put a green colour on the wall, make sure this green, and lighter and darker tones, are coming back in the cushions on the sofa, maybe parts of a carpet, vases, paintings and small decorations. You can do this with all the colours. Make sure there is a balance. Preferred social media? I absolutely love instagram, I am heading to 50 thousand followers and that’s amazing. Because of instagram I get to know so many inspiring people from all over the world. It’s so nice to stay in close contact with followers from my blog. Even collaborations with brands come first through contact on instagram. For example, I discovered Egyptian brand Inca&Co on instagram and now one year later we’re working on some amazing projects together. I sell their products in my online shop and also did some photography for them. You can follow me on instagram.com/bintihome. Also, my blog is the best marketing tool for my business.

What is your plan for the coming years and your dream project to work on? I am already living my dream by living and working in two countries, which are in my heart. The following years I would like to focus even more on my blog and instagram. I already work on amazing projects, good collaborations with brands and I travel around the world and I hope it can stay like this. One of my big wishes is to design a hotel with the Binti Home concept and colours. Maybe one day! I would also start a business in Egypt, like an inspiration store where all my projects and products come together in a Binti Home style. We will see what beautiful things might happen. ‘’Love what you do and Do what makes you happy!’’ I say. bintihomeblog.com

FLAIR REVIEW

Somabay

Outstanding by Nature

Among Hurghada’s glittering string of coastal gems, Somabay sparkles the brightest as the epitome of sundrenched luxury to sum up the exclusive essence of the Red Sea. Rolling out on ten million square meters, this year-round resort destination has miraculously survived the onslaught of package tourism to stand out as a comprehensive community of unrivalled quality. Flowing into a landscape of natural wealth, Somabay not only hosts five star luxury hotels, up-scale residential developments and a vibrant marina, but also boasts Gary Player’s signature golf course and the ‘World Luxury Spa’ award winner of the year ‘Cascades Spa & Thalasso’. Somabay’s continued commitment to promote Egypt’s tourism industry has earned it Cityscape’s annual award for the year 2015 as the top ‘Community, Culture & Tourism Project’. Over the past year, Abu Soma Development Company (ASDC) has recorded several unprecedented achievements that have strategically transformed the resort’s breathtaking landscape into an international destination of choice. From upgrading visitors’ Internet experience to 210 MB to carrying out a 40,000-m2

extension to the existing marina introducing Soma’s vibrant Boulevard. Located only thirty minutes by car from Hurghada International Airport, Somabay offers a variety of contemporary living options where it’s Golf/ Marina Apartments and Abu Soma Reef have swiftly become its sold out successes. To meet the rising demand for investment opportunities, Somabay has also launched an attractive portfolio of residential projects to include Somabreeze, Abu Soma Reef, WadiJebal and Bay West Villas conceiving breathing spaces of elegance that resound with nature all around. Synonymous with world-class hospitality, Somabay has successfully converted La Residence Des Cascades into Westin Hotel to welcome on board an internationally acclaimed haven of tranquil elegance. It has also signed a ten-year contract extension with Robinson’s Club Hotel, renovating more than 300 rooms to invite more travelers to indulge in its exciting five-star resort experience. Ensuring there’s something for every taste, Somabay has launched its stylish SoBar for cocktail enthusiasts, Kempinski’s La Pergola Restaurant for an exquisite culinary experience, as well as Kempinski’s state-of-the-

art conference center catering to business-oriented travellers. Adding new colorful experiences to its family of hotels, Somabay is welcoming on board an internationally acclaimed luxury brand. In 2016, Someday has made a name for itself as an exclusive host for major international events including Mercedes National Golf Trophy Tournament and the Turkish Airlines World Cup. Drawing the world’s attention to its natural beauty, Somabay has brought an abundance of fresh entertainment experiences to Egypt crowned with the success of its rock-epic Dire Straits concert, which made international headlines as the most exciting concert of the year. Following in its success footsteps, the 7th of October will witness an ultimate revival of the Pop era as Jenny Berggren; the voice of Ace of Base and Thomas Anders of Modern Talking will land for the very first time on Egypt’s shores. Somabay guarantees a fun-packed weekend reunion of pre and post bon fire parties by the beach in a memorable experience that you would not want to miss.

www.juliaskalozub.com

Fashion

P. 40

Margo Cooper/ Haute Couture/Arm Candy 31

FLAIR FASHION

Fashion Clippings By Nour Ibrahim

Plus Size Beauty Finally the fashion industry is releasing itself from the binding holds of the plus size taboo, in the form of model Ashley Graham. The gorgeous plus size model is now fronting H&Ms latest autumn/winter campaign. Graham isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only taking the modeling world by storm with her works features in Vogue, Elle, Glamour and most famously Sports Illustrated, but she is also a beacon of beauty in a still discerning world. A real role model to women everywhere, and wow, is she killing it in those pictures!

Gigi for Hilfiger Gigi Hadid is gorgeous, Tommy Hilfiger sells gorgeous clothes, but them together and- oh look, the world exploded from the amount of gorgeous. Coming back as a brand ambassador, Gigi Hadid has collaborated with Hilfiger to create a line so sophisticated and classy youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bow down at the sight of it. Having a nautical military vibe, the various outfits, shoes, and bags all add up to ravishing collection that will have jaws dropping on the floor.

First Fragrances They say seven is the magic number- I say that today it has been confirmed as Louis Vuitton, for the first time ever, is finally unleashing a perfume line with not only one but seven unique and daring aromas. Released in September, these alluring scents are taking the world by storm. Coming in refreshing floral fragrances, these one of a kind bottles were made with very advanced technology (which happen to be exclusively developed for LV). To increase environmental awareness, the creative director of Louis Vuitton Nicolas Ghesquière has confirmed that the bottles are refillable, meaning that you can keep on smelling fresh as a flower time after time.

Alexa Takes Charge After years of swooning over Alexa Chung’s style in magazines, the British model and television presenter is finally coming out with her own personalized line. Promised to be full of denim, daywear and eveningwear, we cannot wait to see what the fashion icon has in store for us. Women everywhere are excited that Alexa Chung is spreading her fashion wings and is ready to take off in the world of designer clothing. Her collection is scheduled to hit the stores starting May 2017.

Perry Pumps It Up Katy Perry’s daring style and personality never seem to wear thin. No wonder she’s starting a shoe line to represent just that. Women rejoice, from prices ranging from 59$ to 299$ her shoes are meant to be for everyone. Fierce and unique in every way, this particular line wasn’t meant for anyone that doesn’t have the guts to shine. Katy Perry has done it again and has helped us realise our unique and exclusive build. These kicks will grace the market in the spring of 2017.

PHOTO SHOOT

City Like No Other

Images Courtesy of Bloomingdales

This fall season, Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrates the new season by paying homage to the city of Dubai. Featured in the campaign are a group of Dubai-based personalities all hailing from a mix of backgrounds and lifestyles, while coming together to embrace the unique, playful identity and the dynamic city they all call home.

Charicycles: Zaina & Rania Kanaan/The Urban Free Spirits Rania and Zaina are co-founders of Charicycles.com, an enlightened business that up-cycles vintage bicycles in a quest to conserve the environment and give back to children in refugee camps. Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun loving free spirit, the other a risk taking old soul.

The Sand and Smoke: Sally Matthews & Ruthie Fischer/The City Girls Sally and Ruthie are the founders of www.sandandsmoke.com, a luxury online magazine that is dedicated to stylish active living. A completely new genre in the region, Sand & Smoke was born after Sally and Ruthie realised a gap for high quality content that truly captured the intersection of style, fitness and health that they, and also the women of today, demand.

Nouraldin Al Yousuf/The City Trotter No stranger to the cameras and the style scene, TV presenter Nouraldin’s passion for Dubai stems from growing up in the city. “This is an ever-changing city of opportunity and I’ve had the thrill of watching it undergo metamorphosis throughout the years.”

INTERVIEW

Top Model

Margo Cooper Our Cover Girl, Margo Cooper, the newly minted winner of Top Model of the World 2016 took on the competition with grace, poise, and a heart of gold. Globally aware and equally gorgeous, Margo is a combination of beauty and brains. Carrying flags from Russia, Bulgaria, and UAE, FLAIR got up close and personal with the multicultural model. By: Hind El Ramly & Nour Ibrahim

Congratulations! How does it feel to have accomplished such a feat, especially as you are the first ever Bulgarian and UAE resident to have ever won the competition? Thank you! I feel blessed! I was working hard for many years and was following my dream to become one of the best professionals in the modeling industry. I cannot say yet that I have reached the level that I want, but winning the Top Model of The World gave me a lot of power, inspiration and of course opportunities to continue my career. And I’m proud to do something good for Bulgaria and to show to the world that people from my country are working hard for their ambitions. And I’m happy to be a resident of UAE, I got a big support there and I cannot wait to come back for new projects and work. What were the best parts for you in the competition? The best part of this competition was an opportunity to work with the best professionals of the world and to exchange experience with other girls. Every contest is an opportunity to learn something new, to make good connections and to meet people from all the world. You wore so many beautiful outfits in the competition, which was your favourite? I loved my red dress for the final. It was tailored especially for me. It’s the classic of evening gowns for the beauty contests. And it was my idea to do this type of dress, I even bought the fabric by my own.

Why did you make Dubai your home and what are your favourite things to do in Dubai? I was dreaming to live in Dubai since I was a teenager. For me, it looked like a fairytale. And the dream turned into a reality. Dubai is the safest place in the world and best location for expats. There everyone can feel like at home and to have many possibilities. Dubai is very modern and has all the best, highest, cleanest, best quality, largest in the world. I’m happy to be a part of this multicultural environment. And I enjoy summer all the year; water sports, great restaurants, exhibitions and I cannot wait to visit Opera! Your good will towards the world and your message of peace are what many truly admire about you, how will you use your title to even further promote this message? I think the horror of wars touches the heart of every human being. Now in Syria people lost their homes, everything. And what will happen to the children who lost their parents, who don’t have anything in this world, who didn’t see anything yet besides of war, who at the young age already got so much pain. I think its responsibility of all of us and we cannot stay indifferent. Because no one can choose where they are born. These children should get a good care, education, and same opportunities as other children of their age and of course love. The only way to make this world better is to start from yourself and to be kind and to help someone. I don’t believe in words of support, only in actions.

How did you start your career in modeling? I never wanted to become a model. I got my first degree in journalism, then I worked as a marketing manager but afterwards I got bored and started to search for myself. And I went to my first beauty contest just to have fun, but after it I started to get offers in modeling and had a few contracts abroad. For me, it was an amazing chance to travel all over the world. Is there anything you would give up modeling for? Modeling is something that I really enjoy and I didn’t reach my goals yet. But for me the most important thing in life is self-development and now I want to use my new title to do other things. Because I have a lot of interest in life and for me, it’s not enough to be just a model. How do you keep fit? I have a very active lifestyle. I don’t like to go to the gym, for me it’s boring. But I love jogging, dancing, boxing, extreme sports, water sports. And I walk a lot, like 10-15 km per day. I just do everything that makes me happy. I dream to run a marathon in Dubai and to learn how to play tennis.

www.juliaskalozub.com

What’s your beauty routine? I trust my beauty to professionals, it’s very important to go to cosmetologist who will make the right care of your skin and will recommend what to use every day. But the basics of all the beauty care is to drink water, to clean and to hydrate skin, to be on the fresh air, to protect skin from the sun and to try to eat healthy food. It’s important to take care of health first of all.

Hidden talent? I think I don’t have talents, for me it’s all about working hard and giving you 100% in everything that you do. Modeling life can get tiresome sometimes, how or where do you like to relax from it all? For me, the best way to renew my energy is to travel somewhere. I prefer a cultural rest such as sightseeing, visiting galleries, and museums. And I like to try something new! For example, my plan for this year it to go to yoga school in India and to surf camp in Bali. I love to spend time with my family and friends, as for me, it is the best way to spend time. Also, a massage is always a good idea to avoid tiredness. Favourite inspirational quote? Be a better copy of yourself every day and when you have the chance, give it with your best shot. And be kind to everyone.

YOUR PERFECT GETAWAY ADDRESS THE PLATFORM CORNICHE EL MAADI FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 01156711114 / 25287175 /THEPLATFORMEG @THEPLATFORMEG

RUNWAY

Haute

Couture Catwalk

This issue we present you a Haute Couture Edition of Runway, your fabulous inspiration guide to conquer the upcoming wedding season. From Lebanese master couturiers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad to Italian ateliers Armani PrivĂŠ and Atelier Versace, here are the to die-for looks from the Haute Couture Paris Week catwalk.

Armani

PrivĂŠ

Atelier

Versace

Elie

Saab

Giambattista

Valli

J.Mendel

Zuhair Murad

BIJOU

Haute Joaillerie 2016

Timed to show along Haute Couture Week in Paris, which shows the most sophisticated couture looks down the runway, high jewellery maisons equally wowed spectators with their dazzling creations during Haute Joaillerie 2016. Proceed with caution. These pieces are not for the faint hearted. By: Hind El Ramly

Chanel’s Matelassé

Chanel’s famous matelassé pattern graces many of its products- bags, watches, sunglasses, and boots to name a few. This time, the French maison took the pattern to new heights as it recreated it for its haute joaillerie collection. Transferring the intricate motif of the matelassé into jewellery pieces was not an easy feat. The designers had to employ a multitude of large and small stones to achieve the desired effect with stones such as mother of pearls and diamonds.

Piaget’s Sunny Side

You can count the house of Piaget among the optimists. Naming their new high jewellery collection, Sunny Side of Life, the collection is divided into three themes: sunlight, lush nature, and poolside. With rich greens, Côte d’Azur blues, and hot pink designs, Piaget chose a cheery redhead to present its collection- Hollywood star Jessica Chastain.

LV’s

Blossoms Louis Vuitton’s iconic four-petal symbol has been making an appearance on Louis Vuitton’s trunks since the 1890s. As you might imagine, it was bound to happen as the French luxury house incorporated the symbol into a jewellery collection. Using rare stones the collection was characterised by a look that was familiar and yet had a startling effect.

Dior’s Granville

Named after Granville town on the Normandy Cost where Christian Dior was raised, Dior’s Granville collection is fit for an Indian Maharaja. Bold colours were fused together by Dior in the same piece to create vivid and dramatic pieces with a mix of gemstone size and shapes.

HER LIST

Burberry Brit

Balmain

Chloe

Gucci

Tommy Hilfiger

Smooth Sailing Summer days might be over, but the nautical trend is still going strong. Navy blue, stripes, whites, hints of red, and gold button accents were seen on pieces by the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Balmain on the runway

Gianvito Rossi

RED Valentino

Sea J Crew

HIS LIST

50 Shades of Degradé The ombré and degradé trend is traditionally used in winter cashmere and wool sweaters. This season, they also made their way into shoes as seen in Jimmy Choo loafers and Tod’s sneakers Bottega Veneta

Michael Kors

Burberry Brit

Alexander McQueen

Emporio Armani

Missoni Boss

Salvatore Ferragamo

Jimmy Choo

FEATURE

IZAAK AZANEI By Daniela Bonetto Daniela Bonetto meets up with girl boss Karishma Khemlani Rajwani on what triggered her to start a family business, it’s incredible success and what lies beyond. Izaak Azanei is the new brand on a lot of lips these days. Albeit being around for only a relatively short period of time IA has already caught the eye of socialite Olivia Palermo and fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni. These ladies have gladly been posting themselves wearing the über trendy cardigans which define the brand. Made with only the finest materials their cashmere cardigans are embellished with furs and easily characterise what a statement piece is. Behind Izaak Azanei are three sisters, Karishma Khemlani Rajwani, Roshni Khemlani and Mehta Deeya Khemlani who exude urban chicness. “New York and London and the popular culture within these cities inspire us”. I meet Karishma on a sunny day in London and she is wearing one of her cardigans. Paired with a simple white tank and slouchy trousers, with the most awesome silver brogues (which she later reveals are from Zara), Karishma looks fantastic. “Ladies rely on a wardrobe of day-to-night essentials, simple pieces that work equally as well with sneakers as they do with killer heels”. She is right. Today style seems to be the most ambiguous term around. Fitness wear can be worn to work and trendy pyjamas can be adapted for a night out. Style isn’t about classic confinement anymore but rather a

Roshni and Karishma

fluid concept. Fashion boundaries have gone out the window and personal style is having its biggest moment. The Izaak Azanei muse can hold any style whether it be a tailored suit, ripped jeans and a plain white tee, or a beautiful silk dress and this sister has just shown me how it’s done. Indeed, today it is the IA cardi which takes centre stage in Karishma’s otherwise modest outfit. But it is the quality which surprises me. At a price point which won’t break the bank it can easily become a wardrobe staple. Recognising that a statement piece needs not be loud in cut or colour, Izaak Azanei has created a line of luxurious basics centred on elegant shades of honey, black and charcoal with delicate touches of jewel tones intertwined to add a glimpse of eveningwear to the collection.

Having launched in November 2014 the sisters are currently riding a tidal wave which took them a little by surprise. They utterly believed in their product but didn’t think it would take off as quickly as it did. “Izaak Azanei was born from our mutual love of fashion. We worked in finance prior to launching the brand and like most women, were obsessed with finding beautiful products that we loved which were not trend lead. With this in mind, we really saw a gap in the fur market for a timeless brand which was high quality but accessible, whilst being fun and suitable for all ages. In 2014 we decided to take the plunge and spent months travelling, meeting suppliers and stores alike to get our brand out there.” In homage to the city girl, Izaak Azanei’s AW16 collection offers a refined new edit of knits and accessories reflecting the modest aura of cool and the effortless

style of the muses that inspired them. To solidify the concept of the 24/7 chic, this month also sees the introduction of longer length cardigans and bias cut sweaters to sit alongside Izaak Azanei’s trademark ‘The Trim’ and scarves. Today the brand’s aim “is to become the urbanite’s goto cover up”. Which, seeing the drive, creativeness and success of these ladies, doesn’t seem like a farfetched idea at all. Each of Izaak Azanei’s designs can be worn with the utmost ease whilst adding that je ne sai quoi that appears effortless. izaakazanei.com

FEATURE

Low Profile

Arm Candy In recent years handbags have taken the top position when it comes to statement accessories: with an increasingly diverse range of brands, styles and colours, it is impossible to have too many. From simple styles and muted tones for everyday wear to bold colours and eye catching hardware for fancier occasions, the new seasons designs are certain to surprise and delight even the most seasoned bag collector. With exciting concepts coming from up-and-coming designers such as Strathberry, Sophie Hulme and Hill & Friends, we finally have a reason to get excited about fall. By Kate Dannies

Strathberry An Edinburgh-based luxury brand founded in 2013, the Strathberry brand features leather handbags and accessories handcrafted in Spain using the highest quality materials. Up to twenty hours is devoted to the creation of each product, and it is this painstaking attention to detail that has made Strathberry one of the hottest new accessory designers. A key component of Strathberry’s designs are its signature bar closures, which are hand added to each piece. The company’s current collection includes a pleasing array of backpacks, totes, and office bags. Colour ways range from muted pastel combinations, such as grey and pastel blue, to single-colour pieces featuring bold tones such as yellow and fire engine red.

Mansur Gavriel Touted as an overnight sensation by the fashion world, the Mansur Gavriel label is the product of a partnership between designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel. Founded in 2012, the first run of the brand’s signature bucket and tote bags sold out in a matter of weeks. When it comes to Mansur Gavriel, style and affordability is key. The latest collection features simple and refined silhouettes featuring both classic and quirky colour options and prices that won’t break the budget. While bucket bags have become the brands signature, styles range from totes to backpacks to laptop sleeves. The brand also produces a shoe line, including suede heels in a number of different heights and shades, so there is always the option to match the shoe to the bag.

Sophie Hulme When it comes to simple elegance, Sophie Hulme has it down to a science. Launched in 2011, the brand is well known for its sophisticated designs, gold hardware and unexpected details. The designer and brand namesake Sophie Hulme produces four collections each year that are retailed in over 250 locations across 30 countries, including major department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. With a strident commitment to detail, quality and craftsmanship, all bags are sustainably produced in Italy, Hungary and Spain. Located in London, the Sophie Hulme headquarters is housed in an old toy factory where collections of toys and trinkets mingle with product prototypes and timelines. Elegantly refined but with a twist, Sophie Hulme designs are functional and stylish without compromise.

Hill & Friends For those looking for a funky and fun riff on high fashion designs, look no further than Hill & Friends. Exceptionally crafted and ridiculously functional pieces come in array of patterns and shades from metallic foil to leopard haircalf leather. While familiar accents such as gold chains and clasps grace the bags, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled, these are not your grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purses. In addition to meticulous design and craftsmanship, Hill & Friends is committed to 100% transparent sourcing and uses certified fair trade vendors. When it comes to the bags it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about sustainability, Hill & Friends strives to embrace a warm and generous relationship with all of their customers while delivering the best in quality and design.

BEAUTY

Kailijumei

Sheer Magic By Nour Ibrahim

‘Magic doesn’t exist,’ they say; ‘Witchcraft isn’t real’, they say. Well they have been proven wrong because there is definitely some magic happening with these wicked lipsticks. Having the power to appear colourless one second and popping with colour the next is a sign of the supernatural. Odd, curious and stunning, this German made Japanese lipstick is eye-catching and mindboggling to the extent that its quirky name Kailijumei doesn’t do it justice. The gel-like, see-through lipstick is decorated with a light floral gradient and made even more mesmerising by having a little flower placed in the center of the product, showing just how clear and colourless the lipstick really is. Of course you must be thinking ‘Nothing that looks so good can actually work’ or ‘The colour probably isn’t even visible’ or even ‘if it does work then it’ll definitely dry out your lips’. These worries are all valid, but numerous people have attested that not only are the colours vibrant and popping, but it was also reported that they were very moisturizing and very much like actual lipstick. The only concern is that the women who tried it didn’t want to use it for fear of ruining how it looked! Alongside the weird yet wonderful effects of the product, each colour has a cool name to boost. Flame Red for a uniquely hot pink, Minutemaid for a juicy watermelon pink, Dream Purple for a lovely lilac, and Pink Barbie Power for-well exactly how it sounds. These colours are both bright and beautiful and most definitely a joy to look at. A great addition to any makeup kit whether you want to apply it for a night about town or just stare at it for a couple of hours.

ATTENTION TO RETAIL

New Digs

Dior New Bond Street

When it comes to the world of high fashion, the name Peter Marino has become synonymous with artful design. While his client list includes big name fashion designers such as Ermenegildo Zenga and Louis Vuitton, his artistic vision has nothing to do with clothing. By Kate Dannies

The American architect born in Queens, New York, apprenticed under I. M. Pei and cites Andy Warhol as a mentor and early patron. With a degree in architecture from Cornell University, Marino is in the business of designing storefronts for the world’s biggest names in fashion and design. Tasked with creating enticing storefronts for the biggest name brands on London’s prestigious New Bond Street, including Chanel and Bulgari, it is a wonder that Peter Marino does not run out of inspiration. However, tasked with designing the latest entrant to New Bond Street, Christian Dior, Marino was left with express instructions to outfit the space in tones of grey, pale turquoise and pink. True to form, the House of Dior space is certainly an homage to grey. Seemingly endless shades of the colour wash over four floors, punctuated by a winter garden filled with trellises of jasmine. Flashes of pink are incor-

porated with the use of Baby Dior bee-printed wallpaper, while turquoise light installations illuminate the grand staircase. The space features an array of specially commissioned art, including sculptures by Tony Cragg and Rado Kirov and a collaboration with artist Mark Quinn, comprising of a collection of handbags featuring his work. The layout also includes three private VIP shopping areas, a demi-measure floor for Dior homme, and a dedicated shoe gallery. Sparing no expense, the four-year long project was overseen by president and chief executive of Dior, Sidney Toledano. Toledano wanted to create a space that allows shoppers to sit back and relax: ‘The real deal is time. Time to sit on the soda, time to talk with people…Time is dreaming. We give the ability to the people to have a moment of dreaming.’ With a soothing colour palatte, eye catching design accents and endless silver squishy sofas, Toledano and Marino have certainly achieved their goal.

FLAIR REVIEW

Mountain View Sets Refined Standards and Embraces a Tuscan Style Concert, Il Concerto, at Diplo Ras El Hekma

On the occasion of inaugurating Mountain View Diplo Ras El Hikma in the North Coast, Mountain View, the Real Estate Development and Investment Company has organized Il Concerto live performance. The event took place on a Friday afternoon August 5th, in the presence of ambassadors, diplomats, esteemed guests, and Mountain View clients. The ceremony, which was held at Mountain View Diplo Ras El Hikma North Coast, was attended by 22 ambassadors and high-rank diplomats from different countries, including Switzerland, Mexico, Ecuador, Finland, Venezuela, Ukraine, Paraguay, Chile, Japan, Croatia, Senegal, Mexico, and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, a large number of socialites were also in attendance. They included politician and TV presenter Moataz Abdel Fattah, radio presenters; Sherif Nour El Deen and Yara El Gendy, lifestyle TV presenter Sherif Madkour, and Egyptian Premier league footballer Muhammad Zidan, as well as a number of celebrities and Mountain View clientele. Razan Maghraby, the diva Lebanese artist fabulously took on the role of MC for the event. Razan expressed her tremendous admiration for Mountain View’s leading projects in the Egyptian real estate market. She also

mentioned with great enthusiasm Mountain View’s ability to meet customers’ needs, as well as their timely delivery dates. She stressed on how the company wowed the clients with some new and outstanding innovations and she requested from the audience “not to miss the opportunity and hurry up and book a unit-as she will do herself ”! Mountain View’s Founder and Chairman, Eng. Amr Soliman delivered a short speech highlighting that Mountain View has a clear message, which is “to bring happiness to our customers”. He stated that this is what constitutes Mountain View’s secret of success and competitive standpoint. During the event, Eng. Amr Soliman has also honored a number of ambassadors from the Egyptian Youth Diplomats Association founders. Undersecretary of State, Ambassador Ayman Kamal also delivered a speech, where he expressed his pride in Mountain View’s project, the company’s ability to achieve in such a short time, and making their innovative dream a beautiful reality. He concluded that Mountain View is an Egyptian company that always generates new ideas and significantly supports the growth and development of Egypt’s national economy.

The ceremony, which was attended by thousands of Egypt’s crème de la crème, was topped by the musical tracks played by the world-class musician and composer Zade Dirani. He rocked the event with his vibrant music that has made him a hit with millions of fans worldwide. Dirani also expressed his respect for Mountain View Diplo Ras El Hikma, which, as he expressed; measures up to various glamorous projects in Europe and the US. He also expressed his pleasure to be performing for the first time before an Egyptian audience-which he says places great respect for. Pianist Zade Dirani kicked off the performance by playing a number of his musical pieces. He started with Oman, then Heya, plus a selection of his most beautiful compositions. He concluded the event by playing Dalida’s song Helwaya Baladi accompanied by a delightful audience enjoying a Tuscan style setup and glamorous gourmet food. All the way from France, the Flavor band concluded the event with their high energy dancing songs to dazzle the audience in Mountain View Diplo Ras El Hikma, bringing a glorious ending to the exclusive party.

Lifestyle

P. 62 One Shenzen Bay /Valencia Hostel/Top Suites & Villas 61

HOME

Four Cities One Destination

You can argue that there isn’t a name in design bigger than the award-winning interior and product designer Kelly Hoppen. So it comes as no surprise that when she was tasked with designing magnificent show flats in “One Shenzen Bay”, the most sought after address in Hong Kong, Hoppen didn’t just create one style for the luxurious destination. The interior design star created four

distinct looks inspired by the biggest metropolitan cities on the planet-London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. Developed by Shenzen Parkland Real Estate Development, the Hong Kong property was also designed in association with the renowned international architect Steve Leung, the extraordinary venture boasts Hoppen’s iconic design philosophy of sleek, crisp lines and subtle fusion of both Eastern and Western details. The four show flats of One Shenzen Bay reflect the grand scale of the project itself as well as showcase these opulent lifestyles, acting as symbols of ultimate luxury.

63 63

Paris

embodies the idea of Parisian chic in an international context, with details inspired from luxury Parisian fashion houses like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Celine, bringing the same elegance and sophistication into the apartment.

Hong Kong

illustrates the idea of contrast, like a Chinese mountainous landscape juxtaposed with a modern cityscape, to capture the complexity and beauty of modern Chinese design.

London

represents a mix of classical structure and heritage elements, always with an unexpected twist that lends a charming quirkiness to a well-structured space.

New York

recreates the eclectic vibe of the global cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural and architectural influences, designed as a modern flat adorned with art and furniture pieces

BOUTIQUE

Hostel Upgrade Valencia Lounge Hostel

When it comes to travel, the word hostel is often used as a catchall phrase to describe budget and shared accommodations. This term can get tricky, as not all hostels are created equal. From dusty industrial rooms stacked with bunk beds to immaculate private units with complimentary WiFi and breakfast, the quality of the hostel and its amenities can vary greatly. Enter Valencia Lounge Hostel, part backpackers respite, part artists loft, and 100% of what we look for in luxury budget accommodation. By Kate Dannies

With a décor that is simultaneously cheerful and chic, the Valencia Lounge Hostel’s revamped interior cheekily toes the line between cheap and refined. Designed with the help of local studio Masquespacio, the hostel’s eleven neoclassical rooms and common areas reflect a combination of bright colours, graphic patterns and contemporary finishes.

When it came to the room design, creative director Ana Milena Hernández Palacios had a distinct vision: ‘We wanted guests to feel like they were staying in a home, but one that makes them dream, disconnect and live a new experience.’ In response to this, each room has been given its own identity, or theme, ranging from a Memphis-inspired roost to a surf-themed room, each with its own unique colour play.

Recently refurbished, all renovations hold true to the hostels Old Town location. Vintage cement tiles and plaster moulding-adorned ceilings are highlighted, while mix-and-match furniture adds a fun twist. Located in the beautiful and historic El Carmen district, all hostel rooms benefit from ample natural light and showcase sweeping views of Old Town Valencia.

In terms of amenities, the Valencia Lounge Hostel does not disappoint. The property contains four shared bathrooms with the option for towel rental. The common area and guesthouse includes a lounge with sofas and free WiFi, along with a community kitchen and private balcony. The helpful staff offers help with bike rentals, as well as a free walking tour of the city.

When it comes to chic and cheap travel, the Valencia Lounge Hostel is a step above the rest. With cheerful private bedrooms, a bright and inviting common area and amenities that rival a full-scale boutique, the Valencia Lounge Hostel has set a new standard in the realm of budget travel accommodations.

PASSPORT

More is More

Top Suites & Villas Around the World

As group travel continues to be one of the hottest travel trends of the year, spacious suites, villas and larger accommodations remain a preferred choice for business trips, family getaways, adventures with friends, and special occasions. However, in this competitive market, there is more to enriching travel experiences than size: Sense of place, Instagrammable moments, and the calibre of service that generates return guests, to name a few. Keeping these elements in mind, here is an outline of some of our top selects for fall and winter travel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and beyond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the U.S. and the Caribbean to Europe and Africa.

By Daniela Bonetto in collaboration with Alice Marshall Public Relations

Best for Creating Instagram Envy The Residences at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia Set between the UNESCO World Heritage Piton mountains, The Residences at Sugar Beach offer some of the most Instagrammable views in the Caribbean. The crown jewel is the four-bedroom residence that features personalized butler service, a private walled garden, two sun decks, secluded outdoor shower, a private plunge pool off of the master bedroom, and an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. Rates: Starting at $1,260 per night.

Best Romantic Escape The Spring Villa at Nayara Springs, Costa Rica Built among the tropical rainforest at the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, the Spring Villa at Nayara Springs features a secluded plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, private garden with dual rain showers, a personal host to attend to guests’ every desire, and a sleek four-poster bed with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Rates: Starting at $650 per night

Best Suite for Tree Lovers The Estate Lodge at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley The 157-acre resort preserves the life and beauty of the valley’s ancient oak trees – the official national tree since 2004. Not a single oak tree was removed during the construction of Calistoga Ranch. Of special note is the 2,400 square foot Estate Lodge that is prized as the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience. It even features an oak tree growing undisturbed through the deck of the Lodge. Rates: Starting at $4,820 per night.

Best for History Buffs The Presidential Suite at Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Mexico Declared a UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity site in 2008, the historic town of San Miguel de Allende was the first city free from Spanish rule during the Mexican War of Independence. Travelers looking to dive deeper into the city’s storied past can stay with Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada – located inside an 18th century mansion and a short walk from the popular Historical Museum of San Miguel de Allende. When not exploring the centuries-old architecture and monuments, guests of the Presidential Suite can take a dip into their private plunge pool or soak in the polished-copper tub in the heated Talavera-tiled bathroom. The suite’s two furnished terraces are ideal for entertaining or an alfresco private dining experience.

Best for the Royal Treatment Grand Riad at Royal Mansour, Marrakech Of Royal Mansour’s 53 individual three-story accommodations, the four-bedroom Grand Riad is the undisputed crown jewel. Referred to as a “hotel within the hotel,” the 19,375 square-foot residence features a private library, two swimming pools, a cinema, hammam, gym, multiple dining and living rooms, and a glass-enclosed split-level terrace with a retractable roof. Guests of the Grand Riad also enjoy the services of a dedicated staff that includes a chef, watchman, housekeepers, and butlers. Rates: Starting at $40,000 per night

Best Spot to Step Back in (New England) Time

Best of Old & New Royal Suite at Hotel Royal, Evian-Les-Bains, France This Belle Ă&#x2030;poque hotel commissioned by the Evian mineral water company in 1905 has recently unveiled an 85 million Euro, three-year restoration, which includes seven new suites accessible via a private elevator. The suites can be booked individually or interconnected to create one super-suite. The 2,228 square-feet and most prestigious Royal Suite, features a pool table, bar, and three private terraces with panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Town Hall which is the former home of the LumiĂ¨re brothers. Inside, historical heritage meets contemporary design; period furniture, vintage photographs, and traditional materials such as mahogany, oak, and rosewood are found alongside modern touches like Carrara marble in the guest bathrooms. Rates: Starting at $4,134 per night.

White Elephant Loft at 32 Main Street, Nantucket History buffs can visit Nantucket to walk in the footsteps of Maria Mitchell, the first female American professional astronomer, and Captain George Pollard, Jr., the commander of the ill-fated whaler Essex. Those who want to go back in time to the heart of it all can opt for the 2,500 square feet, three-bedroom Loft, the only bookable accommodation on the cobblestone Main Street that has served as a ballast for ships during the whaling era. Located in a 19th-century brick building with a discreet entrance, the apartment-style Loft is tucked among generations-old basket weaver shops, colourful lobster boats, and lively waterfront restaurants. Rates: Starting at $1,500 per night.

BOOK CLUB

Hair! By Farah Amin

Hair is a curated portfolio published by Assouline and prominent hair stylist John Barrett, of whom the swankiest women and men have taken the elevator to his salon at the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman-home to the John Barrett Salon. Barrett’s impressive client list includes the likings of Beyoncé, Hilary Clinton, and Dame Judy Dench, just to name a few. Adding author to his title, and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge about all the hair-dos in the book, John Barrett gathers some of the most iconic and symbolic hair moments that have defined our cultural world. Showcased in the book are some of the cultural figures and celebrities that have defined an era with a

single hairstyle and making an everlasting impression for followers and idolisers.

Elvis’ sideburns and pompadour and not to leave out Rod Stewart’s sexy shag that signifies rock-and-roll.

Hair, as portrayed in this book, has been not only a visual statement or a simple adornment, but also a means of communication of a person’s identity, culture, standard of beauty, individuality as well as political standing, and nevertheless a presentation of evolving social value.

The book covers sixties youth by including the face that made it, or rather the hair of-Twiggy’s pixie cut as well as Farah Fawcett’s tousled waves of the disco era. Furthermore ‘Hair’ also takes the reader all the way back to the roaring twenties covering from bobs to punk mowhaks, 18th-century perruques to dreadlocks and Afros.

Beautifully displayed in ‘Hair’ are a plethora of fine photographs that have become quintessential hair history, especially in the past century: The soigne waves of Lauren Bacall and Veronica Lake, the epitome of Hollywood golden age glamour personified in the do of Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow; the mop-top of the Beatles’,

Hair by John Barrett Assouline.com

FLAIR REVIEW

FLAIR’S Top Picks from

Ikea’s 2017 Catalogue

Getting your hands on a brand new copy of Ikea’s latest catalogue is a favoured yearly ritual amongst millions of people worldwide. And with1,600 new products featured, the latest 2017 edition did not disappoint. From improvisational cooking style to out-of-the-box furnishing solutions, the Ikea products are designed to inspire people to create their own home looks and environment, making everything simpler and even more enjoyable

VALLENTUNA A smart sofa that fits many needs, the Vallentuna seating sectionals can be configured in a multitude of ways to suit your space. You can also mix and match its covers for a unique look. A sectional can be opened for sleeping, and others could be lift up so you can store extra bedding inside.

LIXHULT The new Lixhult cabinet series from Ikea comes in a multitude of bright pop colours. The modular cabinets can work in any room in your house or office space. You can stack the cabinets or remove the legs and mount them on the wall for chic and functional storage.

BARKABODA The dark brown wood with a herringbone pattern of Barkaboda counter top will surely add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Made with a layer of solid wood that covers a particleboard core, the durable material is designed to withstand water, moisture, heat and scratches.

Design

P. 82 Maison&Objet 2016/Four Seasons NYC/Banksy 81

DESIGN NOTES

Flair

Favourites Maison & Objet Paris We bring you our picks for Maison & Objet Paris 2016, the renowned furniture, design, and interior annual Fair

INTERIORS

Hamilton and Conte Hamilton Conteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations are typically inspired by 20th century lines and particularly by the 1970s. For this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s September presentations at Maison & Objet Paris, the brand has allowed itself a bit more scope and brought in elements of the art deco and orientalist movements hamiltonconte.com

STATIONERY Galison The stationery company Galison showcased two special collections at Maison & Objet Paris. First up the Christian Lacroix Paris gift collection with a theatrical flair and an unparalleled richness in design. Galison also showcased their Andy Warhol stationery and gift collection that includes some of Warhol’s most iconic works, such as Marilyn Monroe, soup can, and banana galison.com

ACCESSORIES Tom Dixon This year’s Tom Dixon’s collection at Maison & Objet Paris fuses a collection of materials. The aluminium and the stone, the wood and the glass, the wax, the iron and brass all come to life with new shapes, new smells and new functions through various products and accessories for the home tomdixon.net

COMING SOON

Luxury Quintessential

Four Seasons Downtown NYC

Beginning in the mid-19th century, rapid industrial development and limited land space prompted New York City architects to build up instead of out. Significant economic growth after the Civil War and technological improvements eventually led to the construction of the classic iron-framed structures, such as the famous Woolworth Building, that remain a key architectural feature of the city to this day. In honour of these historic structures, an exciting new development by the Four Seasons will see the creation of a new skyscraper in the heart of downtown New York City. By Kate Dannies

Soaring 926 feet above the historic streets of Lower Manhattan, the new Four Seasons development is a timeless tribute to the city’s classic early 20th century architecture. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, once complete, the building will boast 82 storeys, 195 hotel rooms and 157 private residences. The hotel will also feature a spa and fitness centre, event spaces, and Wolfgang Puck’s first New York City restaurant, CUT. Located on the same block of Barclay Street as the Woolworth Building, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown features a two-story lobby with original artwork hanging on rich wood walls and plush wool carpeting. Brushed bronze accents and luxurious textiles encourage lounging, while a suspended staircase ushers the viewer’s gaze to gathering spaces above.

The hotel interiors are designed by Toronto and Soho-based Yabu Pushelberg, who combines varied textures to create a modern yet welcoming feel. Hotel rooms feature large windows offering sweeping city views and include all of the luxuries of a world-class resort including Egyptian cotton linens, high speed WiFi and sprawling marble bathrooms with dual sinks and a separate soaking tub. A hidden getaway in the heart of the city, the Spa at Four Seasons offers an array of relaxing treatments and therapies. The soothing atmosphere combines white tay wood walls with oak and travertine floors, while each of the seven treatment rooms feature clean, organic lines and natural light. Set for completion in October 2017, the Four Seasons New York Downtown combines clean lines and modern luxury with classic New York City charm.

EXHIBITIONIST

Banksy By Nour Ibrahim

On War, Capitalism & Liberty Photography by: Dario Lasagni

Being a profound street artist, film director and political activist, Banksy is not one to be reckoned with. Originally from Bristol, the street artist became known after causing a wave of consciousness and self-awareness to rise among the everyday passerby. Exploiting his talents for the greater good, Banksy started out as, and still essentially is, a street artist. Yet he has gone beyond the simple graffiti. Rather than just doodling on an abandoned wall for the thrill of it, Banksy takes it to a whole other league, sending a very societal,

very thought-inducing message through his work. One cannot help but be both moved and educated when looking upon his art. The saying “a Picture is worth a thousand words” may just embody his art style-for a thousand words is what comes from just glancing at his craft. Always thought provoking, always entertaining. Humorous yet dark- a true talent. And as his talent grows, it fails to remain unrecognized. Being held at Palazzo Cipolla in Rome, private owners of Banksy’s art have gathered together with Fondazione Terzo Pilastro to display 120 pieces of his works. The event was created to give the world access to view and analyze his art. While being his greatest art exhibition yet, the artist still remains anonymous. From its release on May 24th 2016 hundreds of art enthusiasts and interested spectators have flocked from around the world to view his works in gallery form. Nothing short of the beauty of his original street art, these prints, paintings and sculptures are more than just uniquely twisted and mesmerising-they are real. Waking up a silent voice in our heads by peaking our interest and keeping it with its message.

Many of the arts are highly controversial as well as politically challenging. The anonymous name truly is a silent blessing, as many of these contentious messages are sure to stir up some controversy. Yet, even one who may not agree cannot deny the talent the artist withholds. Truly a must-see, the exhibit was surly a progression in the world of urban art, and a definite turn point in Banksy’s career. Now more famous than ever, the anonymous street artist walks down to get his milk every day without anyone giving him a second glance. A truly remarkable persona that deserves all the fame and recognition that ever comes his way.

FLAIR REVIEW

Bab El-Sharq Gateway to the Orient

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo brings a world of mouthwatering flavours with Bab El-Sharq, a gastronomic destination serving up traditional Arabian fare. Executive Chef Khaled Ibrahim and his culinary team at have designed a tantalising menu of classic dishes to be enjoyed in a sophisticated environment. Guests get their first glimpse of the restaurant through a stunning entry way that leads to a lavishly laid out dining area featuring an ornate ceiling and boasting marvelous views of the famous Egyptian museum. The hotel’s signature Arabian outlet, Bab El-Sharq, recreates traditional Arabic cuisines including signature grills and savory baked dishes. With a traditional woodfired oven the restaurant plates up perennial classics in a lush indoor-outdoor garden that offers a pleasant, cool and cheerful venue to relish the culinary mastery of the dishes.

Guests will be not only dining in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience but will experience a gourmet menu with outstanding dishes such as, Mashawee Meshakala, a traditional mixed grill platter combining kebab, koftas, chicken and lamb chops marinated in Arabic spices. This is in addition to a fine selection of hot and cold mezzeh, soups and salads. The menu will also feature Chef Khaled’s piece de resistance – the ‘Pigeon Seafood’ – pigeon stuffed with shrimps and lobsters, allowing guests to indulge in a symphony of flavors. Enhancing the dining experience at Bab El-Sharq are many oriental touches, such as flavoured shisha, a rich entertainment schedule that includes a belly dancer as well as Egyptian and Khaleeji singers. The entire atmosphere of Bab El-Sharq ensures that the culinary experience stands out for its flavors, ambience, music and memories.

DRIVEN

Eruptious Targa Porsche 911 Targa 4S By Farah Amin

An epitome of a modern classic, abiding by tradition, individuality, craftsmanship and passion for detail is what sums up the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. First showcased last summer in Germany only a limited number of vehicles is set to be produced of this edition-making it a collector’s item. Similar to all vehicles in the Porsche Exclusive production lines, the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition vehicles are hand-finished in Zuffenhausen. The colour of the car is painted in a solid “Etna Blue”, named after Europe’s largest active volcano Mount Etna. The car’s hue also pays homage to the standard colour

in the “356 B (T5)” that was released from 1960-1961. With elements of gold metallic and a satin finish to the car, this exclusive colour combination also continues in the vehicle interior. The seats are covered with graphite blue leather with “province blue” contrasting stitching. In addition, it comes with graphite blue leather trimming on several surfaces. The 911 Tagra 4S features door entry guards that are made from black anodised stainless steel and bear the name of the edition. The first line “911 Targa 4S” is illuminated in blue, while the second line “Exclusive Design Edition” is etched into the black steel. The head-

rests are engraved with the Porsche logo and a 911 Targa silhouette embellishes the cover of the storage compartment in the centre console. On the trim of the dashboard the letters “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” highlights the vehicles exclusive origin. The vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder twin-turbo engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters. It generates 420 horses power and 368 lb-ft of torque performance. With a powerful engine that can reach 60 mph within 4 seconds and 187 mph of top speed quote, this car is almost as eruptious as the volcano it was named after.

STYLISH LIVING

Semiramis’ Sabaya Semiramis InterContinental Cairo hosted a media dinner to introduce Lebanese chef Walid Baz, the newest addition to the property’s list of resident professionals. Baz is revamping the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, Sabaya, and introducing a new menu. The event was attended was numerous traditional and online media platforms as well as several PR personalities and influencers who enjoyed Baz’s signature dishes.

STYLISH LIVING

Huawei Sponsors Amr Diab’s concert at the North Coast

Photos: Mohamed Fouad

Huawei Consumer Business Group sponsored Amr Diab’s Vodafone “Red” concert that was held this summer at North Coast. Huawei granted two of Amr Diab’s biggest fans the chance to take pictures with the superstar backstage, using a Huawei smartphone camera. The concert was attended by many businessmen, artists and celebrities from the entertainment sector, along with all his biggest fans, who had a special red carpet entrance organized by Huawei

STYLISH LIVING

Jebal Ain Sukhna Signing Skybridge, the real estate development company signed the construction and engineering consultancy contracts of Jebal Ain Sukhna Resort project with the Portuguese consultant Norvia. The event was hosted by Mr. Abdelwahab Belal the CEO of Skybridge, and moderated by the Lebanese star Razan Maghraby. The event also included contract signing between Skybridge and the Super Star Tamer Hosny to be Jebal Ain Sukhna Resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand ambassador.

STYLISH LIVING

Omar Khayrat enchants in White Bay In an unforgettable night, White Bay hosted Egyptian musical legend Omar Khayrat’s first ever white-themed beach concert in Sahel. As the symphonies began to rise, the glamorous sunset cast its golden beams on a crowd elegantly dressed all in white; Khayrat and his orchestra included. Khayrat’s captivating piano strokes got his audience heartily clapping and swinging to the tunes, and the magical setting on one of Sahel’s most beautiful bays got everyone in ‘selfie mode’.

STYLISH LIVING

Banquet Openings at Concorde El Salam Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo had more than a reason to celebrate as they hosted an event to celebrate the opening of their two banquet halls Donia & Farah. The event was attended by Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite and esteemed guests.

STYLISH LIVING

The Opening of Bab el Qasr Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski celebrated the opening of Bab el Qasr by the pool. General Manager Gerhard Mitrovits welcomed celebrities, media figures and prestigious society members to the event. Over 150 attendees enjoyed the outdoors Lebanese ambience and the tantalising performance of the belly Dancer Amie.

STYLISH LIVING

Fashionable Night at Coterique The founder of Coterique Egypt, Dana Khater and interior designers Nevine Soliman and Amr Sherif, hosted a dazzling fashion display of Egyptian designer Maram Aboul Enein’s newest collection in Nevine Soliman’s fabulous showroom in Zamalek.

TOTALLY FLAIR

Reach for the

Null Stern By Farah Amin

Most of us average folks, go for the hotel with the larger star number. The more stars it has, the more attracted we become. The Null Stern breaks that tradition in more ways than one. The much hyped about Null Stern hotel which translates into ‘No Star’ is the concept of the peculiar, but interestingly popular hotel that is trying to break the norm by offering zero-stars because according to them the “only star is you.” Null Stern opened its new installment this summer, where they are offering only an open-air double bed; it is the only “room” with no ceilings or walls, where a double bed is placed beneath the night sky on a mountain in Graubundan in Switzerland. The room is a double bed that books for 154 Euros a night and is on a seasonal basis due to weather conditions. Reservations could be cancelled on a short notice if poor weather occurs. Founders of the unorthodox hotel are conceptual

artists Frank and Patrik Riklin and hospitality professional Daniel Charbonnier. Their shared goal for Null Stern is to showcase the beauty of Switzerland’s landscape. Daniel Charbonnier explains the essence of the concept is “to put the guest at the center of the experience and to focus on the intangible by reducing everything else to the minimum.” Despite the minimalistic ethos of this “double-bed-hotel”, a butler adorned with gloves and a bow tie warmly welcomes guests and as he serves warming shots of Röteli and cuts of saucisson. To complete the real-zero-estate-motto of Null Stern, there are no bathrooms available, except for a facility at a public bathroom, which is 10 minutes away from the bed. Images Courtesy of für Sonderaufgaben /Null Stern

LIVE BY THE ORCHARD PARK.

O PERATED BY BUSTAN AQ UAPO N I CS.

19333 alburouj.com