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ONEGIN.ONLINE Lifestyle Living is a niche, high-end magazine, exclusively dedicated to creative, even edgy lifestyle. It showcases the best that life has to offer, through the perspective of cutting edge design. It aims to provide a style statement through a inspired rendering of the unusual be it original designer jewellery, electronic gizmos, futuristic automobile blueprints, a hi-tech airport, an automated temperature controlled swimming pool, a celebrity’s personal space, an airline’s service design, ingenious interiors be it a spa/ home/hotel or office. It includes the realm of hi fashion and cosmetics, inventive art & craft and world class paintings.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR KEWAL GILL EXECUTIVE EDITOR KAMAL GILL VICE PRESIDENT VIVEK MITTAL MANAGING EDITOR ARJUN GILL DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR SIMRAN MISHRA EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR PRABIR BISWAS, RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR INDIRA LAUL ASSISTANT EDITORS CHETAN BHATTARAI, ROUBLE RAGHUVANSHI CONTRIBUTING EDITOR PRAMILLA BHARAT SINGH ART GROUP ART DIRECTOR AMITABHA SEN ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANKUR JAIN VISUALISER MANDEEP SINGH MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DELHI OFFICE GENERAL MANAGER AMIT KHURANA ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER VAGISH MISHRA MUMBAI OFFICE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER ALOK SINHA FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION GENERAL MANAGER AJITH KUMAR LR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER VIJAY GOSAIN ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION INDU MATHUR FOR ADVERTISEMENT ENQUIRIES CONTACT: NEW DELHI Tel: 91-11-29841710 -13 Fax: 91-11-29841714 email: gillindiadel@gmail.com Editorial e-mail: lifestyle.editor@gmail.com Gill India Communications Private Limited O-46, 2nd Floor, Lajpat Nagar II, New Delhi-10 024 MUMBAI Tel: 91-22-29252652, Fax: 91-22-29254492 email: gillindiamum@gmail.com 111, 1st Flr., Atlanta Arcade, Marol-Church Road,Opp. Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400059

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News events 8 Celebrity the big O 12

Opulence wings of uber rich 18 Architecture avant-garde car factories 22

Lifestyle Living is published/printed by Kewal Gill on behalf of Gill India Communications Private Limited and published from: O-46, Second Floor, Lajpat Nagar - 2, New Delhi - 110024, India Printing & Processing: Gokul Offset Pvt Ltd, D - 159/A, Phase 1, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi. All rights reserved All information in LIFESTYLE LIVING is derived from sources, which we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The contents of this publication contain views of authors and are not the views of Gill India Communications Pvt Ltd (GIC). Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared/ do not necessarily reflect any opinion of GIC. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is strictly prohibited. Material appearing in the publication cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

contents (s)cape Escape dream islands 30 Getaway blame it on brazil 36 Retreat nothing monastic about it 40

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

indul(g)

galleri(e)

Smarthomes Hospitality the goliath TV arrives 46 when luxury gets personal 66 Collection Watches a british-french love affair 48 fawaz gruosi-signature style 68 Accessories Weaves foot fetish 52 ezma's wrapturous yarn 72 Lavish travel sans baggage 54 Eyewear shades of desire 56 Makeup hair you go 58

(n)tertainment Theatre body talk 76 Personality in defiance 80 Chatterati celeb buzz 84 Forecast tarot 86

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NEWS EVENT LAUNCH

THE JAGUAR LAND ROVER ROARS INTO INDIA Tata Motors recently announced that it will drive Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) marquees into India in June 2009, one year after it bought the brands from US car-maker Ford. "We are delighted to formally enter the Indian market and in offering our premium products to a whole new group of customers. It is an important strategic move for Jaguar Land Rover and will enable us to realise our competitive potential in this significant market," said David Smith, CEO, JLR. It has reached an agreement with Tata Motors to be the exclusive importer of models like Jaguar's XF and XKR. Land Rover's Discovery and Range Rover will be part of the vehicles slated for the Indian market. The Jaguar is synonymous with sophistication and elegance, not only for automobile connoisseurs but also for the general public. Now, with this new collaboration with Tata, the Jaguar– considered one of the best luxury vehicles–the brand will deliver exciting, desirable and innovative new products for the Indian audiences.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

NEWS EVENT

CARTIER CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY Cartier’s 100th anniversary party on April 30 was a star-studded event. Joining Bernard Fornas, President & CEO, Cartier International, and Frédéric de Narp, President & CEO, Cartier North America, were Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway, Sir Elton John, Demi Moore, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and Justin Timberlake, among others. Cartier marked what it called its 100 Years of Passion and Free Spirit in America by an exhibition at the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in New York that displayed hundred one-of-a-kind Cartier Collection creations. These were showcased alongside pieces loaned from private collections of some of Cartier’s most celebrated clients. The event honoured Bruce Weber and the launch of his new book, Cartier I Love You: Celebrating 100 Years of Cartier In America.

ALLEN SOLLY LAUNCHES GO Allen Solly has introduced a unique clothesline for corporates. The ‘GO’ range comprises stretch-free and wrinkle-free trousers with DOW XLA, a fibre that comes with the twin benefits of no-iron convenience and stretch comfort. The revolutionary GO trousers help one leap, soar and fly through everyday battles. The new line also has the advantage of soft hand feel and colour fastness. The collection has been launched keeping in mind the discerning executive, who demands comfort, performance and style. On the occasion of the launch of the new clothesline, R Satyajit, Chief Operating Officer, Allen Solly, said, “We are proud to launch GO, the new performance collection in the apparel market. There is a growing demand for wellfitted garments that adapt to body shapes and are wrinkle-resistant for wearing comfort.” The GO collection comes in six colours— grey, black, beige, camel, chocolate and navy, and is priced at Rs 1,799. It is available at Allen Solly stores across India.

125 YEARS OF BVLGARI Bvlgari is celebrating 125 years of its legendary jewels, with the first retrospective in the brand's history. "Between History and Eternity" 1884-2009 will open on May 20 at Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome and will be open to the public from May 22 to September 13, 2009.

This comprehensive display will feature over 500 pieces of jewellery, watches and objets d'art.

The pieces have come from Bvlgari's Historical Archives as well as from private collectors from around the world. The retrospective will also feature a collection of never-before seen sketches, drawings and photographs of artists, aristocrats and celebrities who have worn Bvlgari over the years. The exhibition tells the story of the brand chronologically, through eight galleries, starting with a collection of silver works from the late 19th century crafted by Sotirio Bvlgari, the Greek silversmith who founded the company. The original Bvlgari moved to Rome in search of fortune, and these pieces represent the beginning of Bvlgari. An entire room will be reserved for Elizabeth Taylor's personal Bvlgari collection: sixteen one-of-a-kind pieces including the diamond and 18 carat emerald brooch that Richard Burton gave Taylor as an engagement present in 1962. Other galleries will focus on Art Deco jewels of the 1940s and 1950s, Bvlgari's stylised pieces from the 1960s, the Pop Art pieces of the 1970s, the bold designs of the 1980s, pieces from the 1990s, and finally, a gallery that showcases the most magnificent creations of the new millennium, including a diamond necklace valued at over 20 million euros.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

NEWS EVENT

EYE OF THE TIGER Solid Stone Company recently launched the Tiger Eye Collection. According to Milan Khakar, the company’s Managing Director, “The Tiger Eye Collection will endow the purpose that will aesthetically improve the ambience of your homes and bestow its customers with something unique and original. The Collection can be used to create entire floorings, including checkerboard tiles, bathroom sinks, bowls, mosaic tiles, shower rooms, basins, vanity counters, office and home tabletops and medallions with beautiful and realistic paintings.”Tiger Eye, a semi-precious gemstone is not only beautiful to possess, but also has health benefits, like helping relieve blood pressure.

MADAME TUSSAUDS NY UNVEILS AB’S WAX FIGURE Madame Tussauds hosted a “Bollywood Bash” at Times Square in New York City to unveil the wax figure of Indian film’s legendary star Amitabh Bachchan and a new Bollywood Zone. “We are thrilled to welcome Amitabh Bachchan to his new home in Madame Tussauds,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York. “Bachchan is a Bollywood film legend and we could think of no better figure to open the new Bollywood Zone, which is an exciting addition to our Times Square attraction.” Bachchan’s new wax likeness is dressed in a traditional black sherwani suit, with a gold and black scarf draped around his neck. It is the first figure to be part of Madame Tussauds New York’s all-new Bollywood Zone, which was created after numerous visitor requests. The brightly-coloured, fully-interactive area includes the Taj Mahal, videos of authentic Indian dancers and a photo area where visitors can pose as Bollywood stars—all designed to recreate the experience of being on a Bollywood film set with Bachchan. Over the coming years, Madame Tussauds plans to expand the area to include figures of other prominent Bollywood stars.

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PORSCHE DESIGN ON DISPLAY Porsche Design products featured at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York as examples of successful product design from Germany.

Porsche Design displayed five exhibits within the Design Deutschland exhibition, from May 16-19, 2009. It was for the first time that the German Design Council initiated the series at the ICFF, one of the most important exhibitions anywhere in the world in the field of interior design. The exhibition illustrates the success of German products past and present, together with prospects for German designs in the 21st century. The American public got an opportunity to see Porsche Design products such as the Bounce:S premium running shoe, the P'6750 Worldtimer, the P'9522 mobile phone, the P'7111 desk lamp and the P'9120 table-top radio—all award-winning products. The Bounce:S, for instance, was not only voted one of the 50 best inventions of 2008 by Time magazine, it also won the 2008 Plus X Award, the biggest technology, sport and lifestyle contest in Europe, as well as the 2008 German "red dot product design award" for`innovative design’, an annual award voted by an international jury of well-known design experts.

SONAM KAPOOR JOINS L’OREAL PARIS L’Oreal Paris, one of the world’s leading beauty brands, recently welcomed the beautiful and vivacious Sonam Kapoor as a part of the L’Oréal Paris Dream Team, at a party hosted by the brand at Olive restaurant in Mumbai. Present on the occasion were Bollywood celebrities Karan Johar, Reteish Deshmukh, Manish Malhotra, Kunal Kohli, Amrita Rao, among others. The L’Oréal dream team already includes global beauties such as Aishwarya Rai, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Lenoir, Andie MacDowell, Beyonce Knowles, Laetitia Casta, Kerry Washington, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson. Dedicated to celebrating the diversity of beauty, the values of the brand shine through in its choice of ambassadors from across the globe. Sonam Kapoor will now symbolise the synergy between superior products and outstanding personalities, centred on a single strong affirmation: “Because I’m worth it”. Sonam will endorse products from the skin, make-up and haircare portfolio of L’Oréal Paris. Speaking on the association, Vismay Sharma, Director, Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal India, said, “L’Oreal Paris is delighted to welcome Sonam Kapoor, a talented, passionate actress, as the new L’Oreal Paris spokesperson for the Indian market. With her talent, beauty and charisma, Sonam is highly aspirational and an ideal choice for the Indian market.”

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

this

(&) that news 8 the big O 12 US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey holds such sway over TV audiences that it may not be an exaggeration to say that one of the reasons why Barack Obama was voted to the White House was Oprah’s presence at his Presidential rally, where she named him “the One”

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April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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CELEBRITY OPRAH WINFREY

the big o US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey holds such sway over TV audiences that it may not be an exaggeration to say that one of the reasons why Barack Obama was voted to the White House was Oprah’s presence at his Presidential rally, where she named him,“the One” RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN OPRAH’S MAIN characteristic is her ability to make an emotional connection. Most recently, she made the news by doing a show on ‘dating violence’ in her The Oprah Winfrey Show, focusing on Chris Brown's alleged beating of singer Rihanna.

Dedicating the hour to what she described as, "all the Rihannas in the world and all young men who would think of hitting a woman," Winfrey told one member of the audience, "If you go back to a man who hit you, you don't think you're worthy of being with a man who won't." At Oprah's side was supermodel Tyra Banks, who echoed her thoughts by saying, “There's no excuse for a man to put his hands on a woman, ever, ever, ever."

It was, incidentally, not the first time that Oprah has used her extraordinary influence to shed light on a pertinent issue. And as always, she was sincere, offering a lot of websites and phone numbers for viewers in similar situations to contact.

An area where she has been able to leverage a huge impact is regarding best-selling books. Part of her TV show is her book club, Oprah’s Book Club, where she reviews a new book with other book club members. Any book that is discussed on the show, even if she doesn’t actually rave about it, becomes an instant best-seller. That’s Oprah’s avatar as the influential book critic, her own favourites being I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora NealeHurston, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

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and The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

So, what makes her tick? Her other talk show compatriots are immensely popular too, but Oprah brings her own unique charm and perception, not to mention her boisterous BlackAmerican personality, to mesmerise her audiences and break the ice, like no other. This magic worked not only on her live audience, but on millions of TV audiences across the world. Before one knew it, one was hooked, eagerly waiting for the next episode of her show.

If one had to define her formula, it would be loads of warmth, with a good dose of humour, a sprinkling of stardust (Hollywood celebrities being a staple of her shows) and striking an emotional chord–this has made her one of the richest women in America. Her gross annual earnings last year touched $275 million.

A lot of her money goes towards charity, and in a way that inspires others to do the same. In 1998, Winfrey started her Oprah's Angel Network, a charity aimed at encouraging people around the world to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. The Angel Network has raised more than $51,000,000 ($1 million of which was donated by singer Jon Bon Jovi). In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Oprah asked her viewers to open their hearts–and they did. Donations to the Katrina registry totalled more than $11 million, which helped build homes in four states. Oprah herself gave $10 million to the cause. In all, she has

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

“As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you, the first time around�

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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CELEBRITY OPRAH WINFREY

donated an estimated $303 million, making her one of the most philanthropic celebrities.

Oprah also extends her generous spirit to her staff. To celebrate two decades on national TV and to thank her employees for their hard work, Oprah took her staff (and their families)–1065 people in all–on a vacation to Hawaii in the summer of 2006.

Oprah also enjoys spending money on herself. One of her favourite investments has been real estate. As she explained on one of her shows, quoting American philosopher Mark Twain, “God’s not making any more of it, so I want some before it runs out.” Her home in Montecito, California is a 42-acre estate called ‘The Promised Land’, which has amazing ocean and mountain views. She also owns a large amount of land in Maui, Hawaii. While taping her Chicago-based TV show, Oprah lives in a penthouse condo in that city.

Her internationally syndicated show has won multiple Emmy Awards and is the highest-rated talk show in the history of television. She is also an Academy Award nominated actress (for Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film, The Color Purple) and a magazine publisher (the magazine is titled O).

Born in rural Mississippi to a poor, teenage, single mother, Oprah has, indeed, come a long way. Her first TV chat show was People Are Talking, based in Philadelphia. The show became an instant hit and Oprah stayed with it for eight years. After this, she was engaged by a Chicago TV station to host her own morning show, A.M. Chicago. Her competitor in that time slot was Phil Donahue. But in several months, Oprah's personal style won her 100,000 more viewers than Donahue and took her show from the last place to the first in the ratings.

With her popularity growing, Oprah

ASH ON OPRAH’S SHOW When Indian actress Aishwarya Rai was invited to Oprah’s show, it generated a lot of curiosity, especially in India.

They discussed kissing in movies, or the lack of it. Asked why there was hardly any kissing in Bollywood movies, Aishwarya replied, “I come from the land of Kama Sutra, so we obviously do have a normal, healthy, sex life. Kissing is a more private expression of emotions. So I guess, art imitates life and that, kind of, comes across in our cinema as well.” There was also a famous part on the show where Ash taught Oprah the nuances of wearing a sari.

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launched her own show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, in 1986, as a nationally syndicated programme. With its placement on 120 channels and an audience of 10 million people, the show grossed $125 million by the end of its first year, of which, Oprah received $30 million. She soon gained ownership of the programme from ABC, drawing it under the control of her new production company, Harpo Productions ('Oprah' spelled backwards) and making more and more money from syndication.

So, is there a man in her life? Stedman Graham has been a constant since 1986. But they are yet to tie the knot. In 2003, Oprah told Essence magazine, "The truth of the matter is, had we gotten married, we wouldn't be together now, because in no way is this a traditional relationship."

Oprah also famously loves her dogs and has made them the focus of several of her shows. Recently, Ivan–one of two puppies adopted by Oprah from PAWS Shelter in Chicago–died of parvovirus, while a second, Sadie, was being treated against the highly contagious virus.

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

NEWS EVENT

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

wings of uber rich 18 Tom Cruise is a frequent flier on board his Gulfstream IV. It's useful for film promotions, South Pacific vacations, and, of course, the romancing of Katie Holmes avant-garde car factories 22 The factory is where it all starts. The world’s favourite cars are conceived, drawn on paper, designed and take shape in these super, hi-tech and environment-friendly industrial units

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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OPULENCE PRIVATE JETS

wings of uber rich Tom Cruise is a frequent flier on board his Gulfstream IV. It's useful for film promotions, South Pacific vacations, and, of course, the romancing of Katie Holmes

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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OPULENCE PRIVATE JETS

PRABIR BISWAS YOU ARE a quintessential jet-setter, rolling in billions. Your average annual income runs into around $9.2 million. You spend $147,000 a year on watches and maybe $117,000 on clothes. Or perhaps $248,000 a year on jewellery. Your business or social commitments compel you to crisscross various parts of the globe at short notice. Time is always at a premium for you. Privacy is sacrosanct for you. Therefore, you can settle for nothing but a private jet tailored to your requirements and ready to fly you pronto.

Flying in a private jet is akin to experiencing a stay in a five-star deluxe resort. In fact, your plane is your home, with customised interiors like mahogany panelling, gold-plated fixtures and, maybe, a jacuzzi, or a screening room. There are cavernous interiors offering the latest in luxury. You have flat-screen televisions and a personal wet bar and

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lounge to sit and relax in. Liveried attendants cater to your whims and fancies. There are modern communication facilities, conference areas, generous office space and dining areas.

Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page are customising a Boeing 767-200 for private travel. Once legal issues with the designer are sorted out, Google One (not the official name) will feature separate state rooms for Sergey, Larry, and CEO Eric Schmidt, as well as come up with a seating for roughly 50 people. Steven Spielberg and Bill Gates are the proud new owners of a Bombardier Global Express XRS jet. John Travolta acquired his customised Boeing 707 as part of a Qantas promotion; as an honorary pilot of the company, he personally flew the Australian soccer team to Germany for the 2006 World Cup. His 707 is registered under ‘Jett Clipper Johnny LLC’. Paul Allen owns

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

your family, or even, a serious corporate meeting, minus any hassles.

Large commercial airlines only have a limited number of airports, routes and airfields that they can use, while a private jet service gives you access to thousands of other airports in many different places around the world. And the aircraft could range from a full-sized plane to a smaller turbo jet.

Says Robert W. Mann, Jr President, R.W. Mann & Company, Inc. founded in 1993, who has conducted more than 90 advisory assignments for airlines, airframe manufacturers, aviation industry investors and employee groups, worldwide, “The private jet lifestyle is all about time efficiency, comfort, travelling on your schedule and not having to worry with the complexities that are often involved with commercial airports. It allows you more destinations in less time, and you can even return home the same day before dinner.”

Owning your jet brings other advantages as well. Most airports offer private parking, personal security checkpoint, executive lounges, and sometimes, free transportation to the airport. When you land at your destination, you won't have to wait for a gate, or wait for your luggage to make its way through the airport to the luggage carousel.

You are on your own, with no strings attached.

two customised Boeing 757s–one for personal use and one for his sports teams (the Portland TrailBlazers and the Seattle Seahawks). Both are registered to Vulcan Aircraft Inc. But he may be setting his sights even higher. Jim Carrey enjoys his private jet as well as leases his Gulfstream V, which he purchased in 2001, for $8,000 an hour.

What makes the rich and the mighty go for these jets? Well, the reasons could vary, or even include, luxury, convenience of travel, freedom and the ability to see the world. Travelling on your own private jet lets you choose the exact time when you want to leave and assures that you'll get to your destination on time, without delay. You can plan your travel itinerary, including the point of origin, the final destination, the airfield and the route. Your private jet can become the venue for business meetings, a lavish ‘do’ with friends, holidaying with

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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ARCHITECTURE SMART WORKSHOPS FACTORIES

avant-garde car factories The factory is where it all starts. The world’s favourite cars are conceived, drawn on paper, designed and take shape in these super, hi-tech and environment-friendly industrial units

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN CAR FACTORIES today are realising a vision where both the product and the factory are an integrated work of art. Examples include the Volkswagen (VW) factory in Wolfsburg– a city in north-western Germany–that features 200-foot-tall robotic silos at the end of the production line and an eco-friendly VW assembly plant in Dresden that is transparent and sits right at the centre of the city.

BMW's new plant in Leipzig, Germany, costing 1.3 billion euros, is easily one of the most innovative car factories in the world, not only because it rolls out dream machines but also because of the state-of-the-art

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

design of its main building. When plans were being made for building this factory, Plant Manager Peter Claussen decided to hold an architectural competition. The brief was crisp: design a central main building that would have huge interior spaces to help line workers and managers communicate with each other, an atmosphere that encourages productivity and holds a capacity for speedy problem-solving. What he had in mind was soaring, transparent spaces, with daylight streaming in, and open, cascading work areas.

Prize-winning London-based architect Zaha Hadid transformed that vision into a factory that is also visually striking.

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ARCHITECTURE SMART FACTORIES

“Great facilities attract great people.

We need highly-motivated, dedicated people, and such people can only exist if you provide them with an environment in which they can aspire to be the best” – Ron Denis, Chairman and CEO, McLaren Group

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

The central building is home to an administrative and communication centre that combines modern forms with a variety of functionalities. It connects production areas, offers space for meetings and communication, and gives an understanding of production. A 90-minute guided tour lets visitors experience its architectural splendour.

In this newest building, which forms part of the worldwide production network of the BMW Group, additional production capacity has been created due to the extension of the product range and the higher demand for BMW automobiles. Up to 700 vehicles a day roll off the conveyor belt.

The main function of the central building provides a short-cut between the great production halls, offering space for encounters and communication, and allowing people to experience the production process first-hand. It has won for itself the German Architectural Award 2005.

The McLaren Technology Centre, out of

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

which roll out the new Mercedes-Benz SLRs, is spread out on a 50-hectare site located approximately three kilometres north of the Woking town centre in Surrey, UK. The building's 57,000 square metres of office space is home to a majority of the McLaren group's 900 employees. The building is environment-friendly, with natural light used wherever possible and energy recycled throughout the site.

It is a very large building–100 metres by 200 metres and 11 metres high–yet, the design makes it look flat. It has been planned in a way that it gives a circular appearance. The main body of the building is broken into 18-metrewide 'fingers', with six-metre-wide strips in between, called 'streets'. These allow daylight into the interior of the building and give employees a connection with the outside.

They also form part of the ventilation system of the building. There are also mezzanine floors 18 metres wide, incorporated in 11metres, from the ground to the roof level. The design,

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ARCHITECTURE SMART FACTORIES administration and light assembly area people work on the upper level, directly beneath the roof.

One of the signature features of the building is the lake. Functional as well as aesthetically attractive, its 50,000 cubic metres of water form a vital part of the cooling infrastructure of the building. The lake’s water is pumped, one third directly and two thirds via a natural filtration system of reed beds and a cleansing biotope through a series of heat exchangers which extract heat from the chiller plant. The water is recirculated via a 160 metre-long cascade that extends around the far edge of the lake, its temperature reducing as it cascades down

a series of shallow steps. The fast flowing water causes it to aerate, thereby helping to oxygenate the system.

The best thing about the McLaren Technology Centre is the planting of one lakh new trees. The 62-hectare site on which the building was to be located during the time of its construction, had to be handled sensitively.

Due to height limitations, the building was sunk low, and shielded from outside view by the new trees. The green effort is further enhanced by the choice of trees planted here: there’s Turkish hazel, Norwegian maple, whitestemmed Himalayan birch and Scots pine trees, which have been specially selected along with a wide variety of ornamental shrubs and

RENAULT DISTRIBUTION CENTRE The Renault Centre in Swindon, UK, has been described as the practice’s most ‘playful’ structure.

Yet, it is also highly flexible and adaptive, able to accommodate a warehouse, a training school, restaurant and showroom, within a single enclosure.

Primarily a showroom, as evident in its suspended car body shells, the gallery was used

by Renault as a popular venue for arts and social events, encouraging wider community involvement in the building.

As much as its internal spaces, however, it is the building’s almost festive Renault-yellow skeleton that gives the Centre such an identifiable character. Significantly, this created such a memorable image that the building, alone among the company’s facilities, did not need to carry the Renault logo. In fact, for many years, Renault used it as a backdrop in its UK advertising campaigns.

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two-and-a-half kilometres of box hedging to provide an ever-changing, year-round display.

In addition, 33 hectares of the site have been sown with wildflower seeds to establish a wildflower meadow.

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the McLaren Technology Centre on 12 May 2004.

In the words of Ron Dennis, CBE, Chairman and CEO, McLaren Group, “The McLaren

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

Technology Centre is a model for the new technological optimism and a showcase of industrial architecture for the 21st century.” His next few words drive home the point that atmosphere affects people. “Great facilities attract great people. We need highly-motivated, dedicated people, and such people can only exist if you provide them with an environment in which they can aspire to be the best.”

The Volkswagen factory breeds a new kind of automotive culture. Its transparent factory

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

makes the fascinating process of car production transparent to the world, establishing a link between technology, environment and people that has never been seen before. Volkswagen is opening up a whole new dimension in public relations: the birthplace of the Volkswagen luxury-class car and a combination of manufacturing and event hosting that’s unique throughout the world.

At Volkswagen, it’s about communication and interaction. The transparent factory offers

visitors the opportunity to experience the creation of a Phaeton, a large luxury sedan introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. It represents a piece of automotive culture, offering a transparency and openness only Volkswagen can offer. Applying innovative production methods closely oriented to the traditions of precision craftsmanship, each vehicle is built virtually by hand. The Phaeton tradition has its basis in Dresden, with its long tradition of craftsmanship and manufacturing.

It was here in 1709 that Johann Gottfried Böttcher produced the first white porcelain in Europe. Later, in 1836, Andreas Schubert built the first German locomotive in the city. In fact, collecting their Phaeton from Dresden is a special event for all new owners. After taking a tour of the transparent factory and undergoing an introduction to the Phaeton, the vehicles are ceremonially presented to their new owners in the Salon.

Wolfsburg, Germany, the headquarters of Volkswagen AG offers complete immersion into a world of Volkswagens. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of the factory grounds which cover 8 square kilometres. The four signature power station chimneys tower more than 410 feet in the air. The twin 20-storey car towers next to the Kunden Center (customer delivery centre) in AutoStadt isquite a site, with every slot filled with cars from ground level to the top. The 1.6 square kilometers (395 acres) of indoor factory facilities are geared to systematic, state-of-the-art and hi-tech production of cars.

Veering across the world to Asia, Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has its headquarters in the city of Toyota, less than one hour east of central Nagoya. Next to the headquarters stands the Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall, where Toyota's new models and technologies are displayed to the public. The Kaikan Hall also serves as the meeting point for plant tours.

Tours are held from Monday to Friday in English and Japanese.

For people who can't make it on a plant tour to Toyota City, the best substitute is a visit to the Toyota Techno Museum (also known as Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology) in central Nagoya.

The museum introduces the history of Toyota from its beginnings as a textile machinery manufacturer and also features many exhibits on automotive technologies and car production processes.

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

(s)cape dream islands 30 Find out what exclusive, ultra-luxurious, private-island lifestyle is all about. You can be certain they offer much more than just the deep end of the ocean blame it on brazil 36 Jet-hopping to Sao Paulo for a business meeting? Stay at Hotel Unique, a new landmark in the happening Brazilian city nothing monastic about it 40 Figuring on the Forbes’ List of The Middle East's Ultra Luxury Hotels, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel offers the ultimate escape for those who have seen it all

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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GETAWAY ESCAPE PRIVATE ISLANDS

dream islands

Find out what exclusive, ultra-luxurious, dreamy private-island lifestyle is all about. You can be certain they offer much more than just the deep end of the ocean

The world's richest person and Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive, Bill Gates, is not known to own his own island but has stayed in Grand Bogue Caye, the largest private island in Belize, which is priced at $25 million and has 314 acres and long stretches of pristine beach

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

LL BUREAU EXUBERANT DANCERS, 500 cases of vintage Pol Roger champagne, caviar and exotic seafood celebrating a European billionaire’s birthday party taking place on a private island in the Maldives, where the guest list includes George Michael and Jennifer Lopez. Such iconic images of island excesses continue to attract public attention, while luxury seekers continue, in turn, to look for even more remote and opulent hideaways.

And now, this dream is coming true for many, with people making ever-new lifestyle choices. The aura that a mere mention of St. Kitts used to create is now within reach of the growing tribe of the rich. You can be one of hundreds of A-list celebrities arriving at Male airport for instance pushing Louis Vuitton luggage, before being taken by seaplane to a perfect Maldivian island resort.

So, what draws people to islands? It is, of course, the idea of getting away from it all. The blue expanse, bordered by white sands and swaying palms is a theme that never stops to thrill. But today, it is so much more than that. The time and space that it gives couples who lead busy lives cannot be underestimated. Hours of doing nothing

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

but staring into the blue, till you feel like a crab yourself, are moments that define an island experience. But there’s much more than merely deep sea gazing. Most private islands offer visitors a wealth of activities that make for memorable lifetime experiences.

Take the famed twin island paradises of St. Kitts and Nevis, where uninhabited jungles clothe the steep slopes of dormant volcanoes, fringed by sandy tropical beaches. You can enjoy moonlight and soft music, dinner at a Caribbean waterfront cafe or an elegant cliff-top restaurant. You're staying in a private Caribbean beach villa, with your own sauna and whirlpool, and champagne service at your call.

The island is yours to explore. Moving through the glorious days, you can enjoy championship golf, cricket on the green, horse racing at the savana, paraglidging, sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sunset cruises or take to the sky with a helicopter ride. You can get in touch with your inner self with a guided hike on a trail through the rainforest and up steep ravines to the volcanic rim of Mount Liamuiga.

See Ospreys, frigate and other magnificent birds that rest in Barbados

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GETAWAY PRIVATE ISLANDS

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on their long migration flights. See hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles laying eggs along the beach. Learn about costal tides and life along the Caribbean sea shore and island coral reefs.

The sun blesses the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus, home to the most upmarket island hideaways. Living on an island in the Cyprus offers an altogether different experience. You are not only surrounded by the blue Mediterranean Sea and the mountains with spectacular views, the unique villages also offer an unforgettable experience that keeps you coming back for more. There’s water sports, walking and hiking during the warm weather and skiing in the cooler months, and a rich history worth exploring.

A perfect getaway in the Fiji Islands? This is the place to relax and energise with fresh fruits and punches, ice packs and yoga, aromatherapy, massage and meditation, acupuncture, or a private gourmet dinner on a star-lit beach. Just breathing in Fiijian air exhilarates your soul. You can

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

either pack your swimsuit with your lap-top or get ready to do business in the sea on an exclusive island, which is hi-tech and connected while giving you a perfect hideaway retreat. You can also virtually vanish into thin air at a quiet island, which proclaims: no news or shoes, you’re here to chill out...even your cellphone won’t work here.

One of the few island experiences impossible to beat is to be found on Faafu Atoll, 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé. The Rania is hidden from the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean. From tip to toe, the island is just 0.7 kilometre long, 0.5 kilometre wide and covers just seven acres. It lies just 122 kilometres south of Male International Airport and is the only one of its kind in Asia. This private residence is on the edge of the seaplane fly zone and offers its guests total privacy and laidback luxury– with only the fish and stars for company.

The stay is so private, exclusive and unique that you will find a private

island sanctuary all to yourself, as well as your own 86-foot yacht with a crew, butlers and a team of chefs. It comes complete with superb accommodation–both on the island and on board–a spa, a bar on the water’s edge and gourmet cuisine prepared at any time of the day.

Cruise the Maldives and return to the seclusion of the island at your leisure. Explore world-class dive sites with the island’s own instructor, or go big-game fishing. Indulge in relaxing and pampering spa therapies, then, dine wherever you wish.

The term “private island” is not only a tropical paradise lush with palms; it can mean a remote archipelago that can only be reached by plane, then car, then boat; or an estate close enough to help you commute to work.

But visiting an island is altogether different from and renting one out for your own. There’s an element of

A recent ad by Queensland Tourism seeking a caretaker for Hamilton Island with a pay of $150,000 dubbed it as "the best job in the world". Best job or not, getting away to an island far from the madding crowd figures on most people’s list of top-ten dreams

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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GETAWAY PRIVATE ISLANDS

fantasy to having your own private island, especially given the prices. Though pocket-sized properties without beaches in dubious or chilly parts of the world can be had for as little as $200,000, private islands are increasingly rare. "Islands are very scarce, the good ones," says Farhad Vladi of the international brokerage firm Vladi Private Islands in Hamburg, Germany.

ISLOMANIACS Celine Dion owns Île Gagnon, Quebec The towering French-style chateau on this quiet island is all that people know about it.

Leonardo DiCaprio owns Blackadore Cay, Belize Leonardo DiCaprio purchased his 104-acre Belizean isle for a reported $1.75 million. He intends to convert it into a landmark example of sustainable development, with a resort and eco-tours.

Mel Gibson owns Mago Island, Fiji Joining other Fijian island owners like the billionaire founder of Red Bull Energy Drinks, the Australian actor purchased the 5,400-acre Mago Island in 2005 for a reported US $9 million. Apart from a modest personal residence, the island is in its pristine state.

Nicholas Cage owns Leaf Cay, Bahamas Reportedly purchased for US $3 million, it’s now back on the market and could be yours for US $7million.

Johnny Depp owns Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas Johnny Depp’s haven is in the Bahamas, which he reportedly bought for US $3.6 million to enjoy with his family. The actor announced recently that his island will be run exclusively on solar power. He is reported to refer to his little piece of paradise as “F**k Off Island” Marlon Brando owns Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia Marlon Brando loved the still waters and swaying palms of Tetiaroa, his South Pacific retreat which was not simply an island, but an entire atoll–more than 580 hectares spread over 13 islands.

The atoll was recently purchased by hotelier Tahiti Beachcomber SA.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

ISLAND HOTSPOTS

Necker Island is one of the most famous among the privately-owned Caribbean islands, as it is the much-publicised private island paradise of Sir Richard Branson, the CEO of the Virgin Group of Companies; Branson naturally had to choose the British Virgin Islands to have his own holiday pad. All of 74 acres, Necker can house 28 guests in its nine bedrooms located in the Great House and the five private Balinese houses. If one wishes, one can hire Necker Island for exclusive use. And if you are planning to just make a getaway to an island paradise sitting in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches, you can book individual rooms for singles or couples during the Celebration Weeks and enjoy the fabulous island paradise in ‘house party’ style.

The Indian Ocean, too, offers numerous options for an island getaway. Dhoni Mighili, located in Ari Atoll in the Maldives, is a gorgeous island located southwest of the capital Male. A 30-minute seaplane flight from the capital over the necklace of atolls glistening in the Indian Ocean leads you to Dhoni Mighili. It happens to be the only island in the Maldives that can be booked exclusively by an individual, or a group. Once on the island, there are plenty of activities you can indulge in–there’s scuba diving, water sports, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. A 68 feet luxury cruiser offers private excursions that include sunset fishing and deserted island snorkelling. There’s an inhouse bar where guests can help themselves to a fine selection of champagnes and wines. The island spa’s philosophy revolves around nature-friendly therapies, with internationally-trained therapists imparting the treatments.

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

Hvar, Adriatic Sea An emerging stunner in the Adriatic Sea is the Croatian island of Hvar. Close by are other sun-drenched havens, which encourage island hopping on the Dalmatian archipelago.

Try out Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, or the more sporty Brac, the vivacious Vis, or the lovely Sveti Klement islands.

Ibiza, Spain The famous island of Ibiza located in the Mediterranean Sea about 80 kilometres off the coast of Spain is well known for its summer club parties. It offers non-stop partying if that is what you want, or disappear into remote resort retreats where your privacy is guarded.

Mykonos, Greece Mykonos, the Greek island, is renowned for its cosmopolitan character and intense nightlife. It offers white sunshine, blue bays, clear air and all the luxury activities you may want to opt for, or even opt out of.

Musha Cay, Exuma Cays, the Bahamas You'll have to be friendly with the magician and owner David Copperfield to visit this island, but once you've arrived, you'll never want to leave. Comprising four private islands, 137 kilometres southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas, the mini-archipelago offers some of the best diving anywhere.

Huvafen Fishi, Maldives A waking dream and set within its own lagoon, Huvafen Fushi Maldives is a pristine island resort offering 43 naturallymodern bungalows. It is also home to the world's first underwater spa.

Mustique, West Indies There's a good reason why rock stars and royal family members jet across the globe to vacation on the private island of Mustique. The 1,400 acres of tropical paradise, with aquamarine surf and pristine white beaches, will cast a spell on you.

Turtle Island, Fiji Recognized as the site of the Blue Lagoon film, starring Brooke Shields, the Turtle Island is legendary for even more reasons.

From hydroponic and organic vegetable gardens to 500,000 trees planted over 30 years to being a hyper-romantic, gorgeous destination, Turtle Island has dozens of private beaches and a stunning resort comprising eco-friendly villas.

Bermuda, North Atlantic Ocean Bermuda's mix of colonial-style architecture and paradisiacal settings has attracted the rich for years. Enjoy Bermuda's pinksand beaches, amber sunsets and green gardens.

Barbados, Caribbean The island is completely flat, meaning luxury hotels and finedining restaurants are a plenty along its white-sand coastline. The Sandy Lane Luxury Golf & Spa Resort at St. James was the much-publicised wedding venue for Tiger Woods, a few years back.

Cocoa Island, Maldives If Robinson Crusoe had hung out with Kevin McCloud and Giorgio Armani instead of Man Friday, his desert island dwelling would probably have looked a lot like Cocoa Island.

The individual over-water villas have soothing white-onwhite interiors and teak flooring. The scuba diving here is terrific, and after an afternoon of reef watching, you can soothe away any aches and pains in the world-class Como Shambhala Spa. Mnemba Island, Indian Ocean The secret is out about Mnemba. Although quite near Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is about as far from civilization as you're ever likely to get, with only 10 beachside lodges, each with their own verandahs overlooking white beaches, blue waters and glowing sunsets. The island is just one mile in circumference, with a conservation barrier that protects the coral reefs, giant turtles, ghost crabs and tropical fish surrounding it.

Cousine Island, Seychelles In the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, there is an island like no other, where nature thrives and man is just a silent observer. Part-luxury resort and part-nature reserve, Cousine Island is just 62 acres in size and can only be reached by a helicopter.

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GETAWAY HOTEL UNIQUE

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

blame it on brazil

Jet-hopping to Sao Paulo for a business meeting? Stay at Hotel Unique, a new landmark in the happening Brazilian city

April June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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BENEATH THE SKYE Skye, the restaurant at the penthouse level of the Hotel Unique, boasts a unique design, a relaxing ambience and first-class cooking. The decor is João Armentano’s handiwork, while the menu has been designed by French chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. A range of gastronomic choices are offered in a single, cosmopolitan environment.

Besides Bassoleil’s delicacies, sushi and pizzas are also on offer. “Adhering to the Unique concept, we have prepared a menu with various influences, so that it is cosmopolitan like the city of São Paulo itself,” explains the chef.

RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN HOTEL UNIQUE is true to its name: the luxury boutique hotel promises to become a worldwide reference in design and comfort and reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the Latin American country’s largest city.

It’s an urban work of art, an architectural landmark that showcases a global design.

Bold design, objects of exquisite detail, elegant and well-balanced colours–these are the features of this unique hotel. The eyecatching cooper façade that resembles a gigantic piece of cheese served on a plate; a round window cut into the wall that’s reminiscent of a ship’s porthole and gives a glimpse of Sao Paulo’s skyline; the flat-screen TV mounted on a wall that slopes towards you; a narrow lounge that looks like a squash court; doors with keyholes punched into the centre; a bar that touches the ceiling, and writing chairs made of hollow wooden trunks–everything spells unique.

The roof-top pool is also extraordinary.

You swim in a long, red mosaic pool, surrounded by breathtaking views of Sao Paulo. There is also a good indoor pool with underwater music in the basement.

When work began on the construction of the hotel, it seemed like a project that had no parallels–it was like a township plan as well as a work of art and had to become a world reference in hotels. No wonder that the best professionals in their fields–true Brazilian creative artists–were invited to accomplish this task. While the architectural design is of “Master” Ruy Ohtake;

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the interior decor is by João Armentano; the landscaping has been created by Gilberto Elkis; and the construction has been practically “sculpted” by Método Engenharia. The cuisine is the handiwork of Emmanuel Bassoleil. Behind this “unique” property is Brazilian entrepreneur Jonas Siaulys.

Ohtake defines the property’s design as being “inimitable in its architectural concept and its town-planning position. The design is a reflection of São Paulo, the metropolis, and São Paulo, the contemporary, with its content of Brazilian architecture, and is, undoubtedly, an important reference point.”

As in other design projects undertaken by him, Ohtake created this hotel as a work of town planning art. The Unique stands out by its shape–a huge inverted arc, 100-metrelong by 25-metre tall–and the 1.80-metrediameter circular windows which contribute to the distinctiveness of the project. The two, 25-metre-tall access spaces give the clear

impression of a piece of town planning. Only in large cosmopolitan cities would this entrance way be possible, claims Ohtake.

The six guest-room floors boast a very remarkable design–while the corridors are a succession of curves, whose tangents are blessed with natural light; the curved shape of the architecture imparts a feeling of infinite depth.

Ohtake describes the splendid view from the terrace thus: “I have no doubt that it is the most charming view of São Paulo.”

The hotel has six floors and 95 guestrooms, ranging from 36 to 312 square metres, each room offering a fine view of Ibirapuera Park or the tree-lined Jardins neighbourhood.

The roomy, 1,200-person Events Space is located in the basement. Covering a 100metre-long-by-50-metre-wide (5,000 square metres) area with a 6-metre-high ceiling, the Space is flexible enough to form different sections, each having all the required support services.

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

Be it the bar that touches the ceiling or writing chairs which are made of hollow wooden trunks– everything spells unique design

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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RETREAT

GAMIRASU CAVE HOTEL

nothing monastic about it Figuring on the Forbes’List of The Middle East's Ultra Luxury Hotels, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel offers the ultimate escape for those who have seen it all 40

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

“Truly a diamond in the rough of the valley” - Lynn Levine in Frommer’s Turkey Guide

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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RETREAT

GAMIRASU CAVE HOTEL

RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN SET IN the heart of Cappadocia in Turkey, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel is an exquisitely restored, one-thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat offering modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which is known to have been inhabited for more than five thousand years.

Comprising a set of six beautifully restored and integrated cave houses—a common feature in this part of Turkey—all the 18 rooms in the Gamirasu are beautifully designed to blend with the landscape, yet offer every luxury you can dream of. One of the newest suite

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rooms at the hotel, the Hittite Suite has an original "key stone door" in the shape of mill stone as in the underground cities of Cappadocia.

This type of architecture is from the Hittite times (dated back to 1200 BC) so the original shape of the room has been respected during restoration. It has a small window and is a real cave.

Another beautiful room is the Eagle Nest Deluxe Suite, which is rumoured to have a four-thousand-year-old history. An enchanting terrace offers a view of the valley. The suite has a bathroom with sauna and jacuzzi. From your jacuzzi, you may enjoy a view of the caves. No

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

wonder, the hotel has earned rave reviews from its privileged guests and designers around the world.

The incredible atmosphere has to be experienced … a 12th century Byzantine Christian church actually forms part of the Gamirasu, there are fairy chimneys set against a moonscape-like scenery, some of the rooms, which were until recently used as monks’ habitat, are naturally cooled by volcanic rock that keeps the temperature at a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, some of the furniture is carved from stone, the church still boasts of original frescoes and an old monastic kitchen holds centrestage. As you sit in the balcony, you hear live Turkish music floating up to you. The stylish ambience and the inviting atmosphere create a romantic setting that’s irresistible. It comes as no surprise that the Gamirasu Cave Hotel is emerging as a favourite destination for honeymooners.

The USP of the resort is the warmth of a home away from home.

Breakfast consists of all local and organically grown produce, including freshly-baked bread, clotted cream, honeycomb and fresh fruit, even fresh cow’s milk. For lunch and dinner, be prepared to be treated to traditional Turkish six-course meals.

Cappadocia literally means “land of pretty horses”. There’s a sense of tranquillity and authentic village atmosphere around Gamirasu that is soothing, with nothing to disturb you but the sound of birds. A creek going under a 13th century Seldjoukide bridge and flowing in front of cave houses adds its own tranquillity. A seven-kilometre-long hiking trail leads from the hotel to a remote valley, with a beautiful brook flowing through it.

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

the goliath TV arrives 46 The BeoVision 4, 103-inch plasma TV incorporates state-of-the-art performance with audio, video, moving mechanics and intelligent home integration–all controlled with the Beo5 remote a british-french love affair 48 British fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s outfits have a French flavour. His signature looks include billowy dresses cut in hourglass silhouettes, frock coats paired with skinny pants, darkly romantic gowns covered in intricate embroidery and lace foot fetish 52 Sandals rule the summer, with bright-coloured shoes and patent finishes ruling the ramp. There are platform sandals, neon pumps and safari heels to choose from travel sans baggage 54 Get these ultra-luxury, light and stylish luggage to move around with comfort and confidence shades of desire 56 Some sunglasses not only make a style statement, but also completely change the way you look at life hair you go 58 Let your imagination soar by adding a dash of vibrant and moodsetting colours for a great look and glossy finish

indul(g) 44

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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SMARTHOMES BANG & OLUFSEN

the goliathTV arrives RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN

The BeoVision 4, 103-inch plasma TV incorporates state-of-the-art performance with audio, video, moving mechanics and intelligent home integration–all controlled with the Beo5 remote

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THE ULTIMATE flat-screen TV is here. Not only is Bang & Olufsen’s BeoVision 4, 103-inch one of the biggest TVs on the market, it is also the only giant TV to come with a stand that can lift the TV at the touch of a button and also turn and tilt it to optimal viewing positions.

“BeoVision 4 is not only an outstanding, top-of-the-range TV, it is also a truly unique product concept. It provides a strong brand statement, and confirms Bang & Olufsen’s position as the world’s leading AV-provider,” according to CEO Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen.

Powerful and discreet, when placed on a motorised floor stand, BeoVision 4-103 represents a whole new approach to the placement of a giant, flat-screen TV. The screen itself rests only inches above the floor when the TV is not in use, thus reducing its prominence in the room and concealing all integrated applications. When the TV is turned on, the screen elegantly elevates itself to optimal viewing position, and the seamlessly integrated BeoLab 10 centre loudspeaker emerges underneath the screen, moving forward until it is flush with the front frame of the screen. At the same time, the screen will turn and tilt according to the user’s preferences.

When the TV goes into standby mode, the whole process is repeated in reverse; all at the touch of a button on the Beo5 remote control.

The size of the carefully crafted 103-inch screen, with its high-grade aluminium frame, is impressive, but it becomes even more impressive when the screen starts to move in a powerful, sturdy fashion. The movements of the screen and speaker are accelerated and decelerated in the process to underline the muscular progress, while the initial lift of the

screen is timed with the start-up time of the BeoSystem 3 picture and surround-sound engine, which is about 18 seconds. Electronic curtains, which symbolise a hallmark of Bang & Olufsen’s design, are then pulled aside while the BeoLab 10 centre loudspeaker moves forward into position.

Home cinema is what comes to mind when one thinks of the BeoVision 4-103, due to its exceptional picture quality and significant size.

However, this TV incorporates a range of picture improvement technologies, such as automatic picture control and an anti-reflection, coated contrast screen, which also enhances the viewing experience, besides offering a superior integrated surround-sound solution which makes it possible to connect up to 14 BeoLab speakers to BeoVision 4-103.

No doubt, in this era of intelligent homes, this TV would be the cornerstone. A fantastic hub for combining audio and video experiences with other home-automation systems with their sophisticated interfaces, Bang & Olufsen customers can actually control and operate all their A/V and home automation equipment from the programmable Beo5 remote control from anywhere in the house.

The control of light settings plus access to security systems, ventilation, curtains, pool cover, burglar alarm, etc are only some of the countless possibilities.

Due to the extensive flexibility of BeoVision 4, 103 and its built-in competencies and highend performance, the customer gets a unique Bang & Olufsen solution that can be customised according to individual preferences by the professional Bang & Olufsen retail organisation and carefully selected specialist partners.

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

47

COLLECTION ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

a british-french love affair British fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s outfits have a French flavour. His signature looks include billowy dresses cut in hourglass silhouettes, frock coats paired with skinny pants, darkly romantic gowns covered in intricate embroidery and lace 14

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

15

COLLECTION ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

A favourite of critics, McQueen McQueen has a celebrity following that comprises Sarah Jessica Parker, Cate Blanchett and Kate Moss

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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ACCESSORIES FOOTWEAR

foot fetish

Sandals rule as spring turns into summer, with brightcoloured shoes and patent finishes ruling the ramp.

There are platform sandals, neon pumps and safari heels to choose from

MANOLO BLAHNIK Buttoned walking day shoe

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Jet Crystal bootie

PRADA Red multi-coloured whip-snake platform sandal

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

JOHN GALLIANO Blue iguana pump

ANNA SUI Laser-cut leather sandal with ankle cuff

LOUIS VUITTON Multi-leather platform sandal CHRISTIAN DIOR Crocodile and stingray safari heel

June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

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LAVISH LUGGAGE

travel sans baggage Get these ultra-luxury, light and stylish luggage to move around with comfort and confidence 54

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

HENK TRAVELFRIEND Now, luxury borrows from nature. This HENK Travelfriend is made of genuine crocodile leather and is a unique piece. The crocodile species is called "Crocodylus Porosus" , the Australian salt-water crocodile .

The interior is made of an elegant Italian brown wood veneer, combined with Prussian horsehair on the inside of the doors and the lids of the top lockers. The button on the top of the handle is made of Madagascar ebony. www.henk.com

RIMOWA TANGO Rimowa Tango is the new definition of luggage. This series, made of polycarbonate, has an innovative, dual-chamber system that provides separate access to each part. The cases stand upright and actually, don’t even need to be unpacked. www.rimowa.com

ZERO HALLIBURTON Stylish, yet functional, artistic yet extraordinarily durable–the Zero Halliburton briefcases and luggage don't just stand the test of time–they transcend it. This lightweight polycarbonate luggage in Classic Zero Halliburton design is available in vibrant colours for fashionable style and ease of identification. It comes with TSA locks, custom retractable handles, custom latches and a luxurious interior to organise your packing and travel. www.zerohalliburton.com

HERO UPRIGHT SILVER The hero piece in the Samsonite Black Label collection takes design inspiration from the human ribcage. Influential designer Alexander McQueen took a mould of male torso and began to work from there. Available in bone, black and chocolate brown, the hero piece boasts a rib-cage and sternum outline in the front, and a backbone on the back. www.samsoniteblacklabel.com

PORSCHE DESIGN DRIVER’S SELECTION If travelling by Porsche, you can start your journey in a relaxed and carefree manner with the equally exclusive and reasoned luggage collection from Porsche Design Driver’s Selection. Be it the luxury Carfit Series or the tried-and-tested classic, the Porsche Travel System (PTS), both fit perfectly into the storage and space concept of the Boxster, 911, Cayman and Cayenne. www.porsche-design.com

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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EYEWEAR SUNGLASSES

shades of desire Some sunglasses not only make a style statement, but also completely change the way you look at life 56

1. ROBERTO CAVALLI Demeter is synonymous with agriculture, these frames evoke the rural word with their intricate leaf detailing: three concentric decorations in perforated metal illuminated with little bits of strass that connect the ample front with the sides in total harmony. The open-cut shape lens have a lightening effect on the frames.

2. BVLGARI Limited edition wraparound sunglasses with crystals, black frame and gray lenses.

3. DIESEL Diesel DS Sister Yes 2/S is built in acetate frame and high quality lens for durability.

4. VERSACE The seductive pair of wrap glasses is sure to turn heads at every step. Features a Swarovski crystal encrusted circle around a signature Medusa head on temple.

5. MARC JACOBS Signature horsebit plastic oversized sunglasses for luxurious moments. These oversized plastic bevel sunglasses feature a signature horsebit adornment on temple.

6. GUCCI Charmingly oversized with a distinctive vintage appeal, these round plastic sunglasses feature the Gucci signature horsebit on temple for a touch of iconic flair.

7. CHRISTIAN DIOR Dior Lady 1 - Signature Ring Temple Sunglasses with a pop of colour and flirty charm. The oversized rounded sunglasses showcase a high gloss finish and cut-out circular temple detail with logo.

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MAKEUP HAIR COLOUR

hair you go Let your imagination soar by adding a dash of vibrant and mood-setting colours for a great look and glossy finish

Hi-Octane Orange

Atomic Pink

Deep Purple

Nuclear Red

LL BUREAU THERE’S A whole new range of hair colours to choose from in case you wish to stand out from the crowd. There’re special effects, manic colours, crazy colours and more. If sporting punk style, the rainbow is the limit when it comes to choosing bright and vibrant colours ranging from pink to violet. They came with fancy names as well—there’s Blue Mayhem, Atomic Pink, Deep Purple, Hi-Octane Orange, Hot Lava, Iguana Green, Nuclear Red, Purple Smoke, Sonic Green and Virgin Rose. Then, there’re a range of darker colours to suit Gothic hairstyles.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

“Change your hair, change your life�

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MAKEUP HAIR COLOUR

PINK REQUEST Julia Roberts was spotted some time back at a fundraising event, sporting a new hair colour, though very little of it, only some at the tips of her hair. When queried by people present at the event, “You have a little pink?", Julia said with a laugh, "Oh, the pink!" The mother-of-three proceeded to explain her new hair colour. "Well, Hazel (my daughter) said, ‘Mommy, I wish you had pink hair’, and I thought, well, I don't know if all of it would look nice, so I just did a little patch."

In today’s eco-conscious environment, even alternative hair colours, with vegetable base, are available. New to the world of hair colouring? Well, have no fear; it certainly isn’t a roller-coaster ride. If wary, start with a semi-permanent colour; the idea being that if you don’t like the colour, you just have to shampoo a couple of times and voila, you are rid of it.

Primary hair colours include blonde, brown, black and red, and these are usually available in light, medium and dark shades. The key to choosing a colour that will suit you is to first decide what skintype are you. Is your skin warm or cool? Most hair colours fall into either 'warm' or 'cool' families. You're a 'warm' if you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category). You tan easily and the veins in your inner wrists are green. You're a 'cool' if you have fair skin and blue or green eyes. You burn before you tan and the veins in your wrists run blue.

If you have warm skin, select “golden”shades such as caramel and bronze in a shade darker than your skin. Avoid jet-black colour, which will wash you out.

Also, if you choose a golden shade, don't go for too light a colour or your hair could turn orange. If you have cool skin, avoid colours such as gold, auburn or copper, which will highlight the‘ruddiness’ of your skin tone: Ash blondes and cool browns work best.

You’ll make a great ‘blonde’ if you had blonde hair as a child. But even if you didn’t, fair skin anywhere in the world goes best Iguana Green

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with blonde. If legally blonde is what you’re after, avoid brassy blonde colours or highlights with a warm skin tone. Opt for a mix of highlights and lowlights. You’ll discover that darker hair actually complements brown or green eyes better than blonde hair.

Some people’s favourite dream is to go red.

Almost anyone can go red, but what's most important is finding the right shade to complement your skin colour. Women with a cool (read pink) skin tone can pull off red best, according to stylists.

Gray hair can, however, be hard to colour because of its coarse texture. If your hair is not too gray, choose a semi-permanent shade that’s lighter than your natural shade or one that matches it. This way, the gray will blend in. If you have a lot of grey, a permanent ashy colour will suit blondes.

For those who worry about hair colour’s side effects, it’s good to know that semi-permanent colour is less damaging than permanent colour.

But what if you look in the mirror, and say “Uh-oh, the colour's all wrong!”Then, seek professional help as only they can do a good job of colouring over colour. At-home colouring is best for people only looking to go a couple of shades lighter or darker or keen to cover gray. It is also a good option if you wish to save lots of money at fancy salons.

If colouring at home, choose subtle shades.

The simpler, the better. Anything more complicated should be handled by a pro. The same goes for permed or damaged hair. You may also like to try two colours. Many stylists create lighter strands around the face and darker ones behind.

To get this look at home, buy a second shade lighter than your true colour and paint it on the strands around your face.

If your hair does not turn out to be as light as you had expected, take more colour, mixing in an equal portion of shampoo. Lather and keep it on for five minutes. When you rinse, you'll notice the difference. As evident, shampoo dies affect coloured hair. Therefore, for coloured hair, it’s important that you use a shampoo with a formula created especially for coloured hair.

If you have dry hair, you’ll soon learn that using hair colour seems to dry up your hair even more.

Therefore, make sure you use a deep conditioner.

Because the ingredients in hair dye are very concentrated, it may be a good idea to condition dry hair a week before you colour it as well as after you have coloured it, so as to keep your hair soft and wavy.

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

when luxury gets personal 66 The Zuri Whitefield, Bengaluru believes in providing hospitality the way it's meant to be–personal, prompt and top-notch fawaz gruosi – signature style 68 Meet Fawaz Gruosi, the brilliant artist and astute businessman, who combines contrariness and wisdom in a virtuoso performance ezma’s wrapturous yarn 72 Ezma’s pashmina and cashmere shawls are sensuously soft and come in an unbelievable range of weaves and colours

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OPULENCE WEAVES PRIVATE JETS WRAPS

ezma’s wrapturous yarn Ezma’s pashmina and cashmere shawls are sensuously soft and come in an unbelievable range of weaves and colours INDIRA LAUL SAY SAMEER MEHRA and you could be virtually spelling out the name Essma–so synonymous are the two with one another.

When boys his age possibly wielded sophisticated toys of the digital variety, the young Sameer, currently the Executive Director of Essma, accompanied his grandfather, MG Mehra, to his textile mills and played around with piles of wool. Some would

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say this was fortuitous, because Mehra donned the mantle of the family business early in life, culminating in a scholarship at the prestigious Wool Research Organization of New Zealand, at the behest of the New Zealand government.

From then onwards there was no looking back for Mehra, who infused a new passion into the whole textile business. The brandname Ezma is Mehra’s brainchild and is the outcome of an initiative which took the fine art of weaving to another level. Mehra introduced a new R&D venture to explore the possibilities of artistically converting precious and exotic fibres such as cashmere and vicuna into textiles by the amalgam of western technology and traditional Indian weaving.

Apart from an elite clientele in India, Mehra’s company also has an exclusive repertoire of international designers, such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, who are supplied with design interpretation and textiles. The soft sensuousness of Ezma’s cashmere scarves, wraps and shawls, in the most exquisite designs and colours, have to be seen to be believed. There is innovation in style and technique and the products exhibit the contemporary and the traditional in a breathtaking array of shades and textures.

Lifestyle Living met up with the charming and pioneering

genius at his workstation and in-house factory in Gurgaon, Haryana.

LL: What exactly is the difference between cashmere and pashmina?

SM: Pashmina is just cashmere–there's no difference between the two. Pashmina is simply the Indian word for cashmere. This amazing wool comes from the capra hircus goat found in the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Because they live at such high altitudes (approximately 14,000 feet above sea level), these special goats grow a uniquely thin, inner coat of hair that insulates them during the long, harsh Himalayan winters. It is this inner coat of hair that is used to produce fine pashmina. This hair is stunningly soft and comforting to the touch, yet is surprisingly strong and durable and could last many lifetimes. And it takes the entire growth of three goats to create just one pashmina shawl.

LL: How is the natural fibre for pashmina obtained? Are the animals harmed in any way?

SM: We collect the fibre either by shearing or combing the animal during the moulting (shedding of hair) season. The goats moult during the spring season for a few weeks. Hand sorting is followed for coarse hair that is moulted, after which, the fibre is washed to remove dirt and grease; next, a process called dehairing removes the coarse outer guard hair, at the end of which the pashmina is dyed and is ready to be spun into yarns for weaving and knitting purposes. The animals are not harmed in any way.

LL: What is Ezma’s USP? SM: We have four decades of experience in the trade. My father pioneered shawl making on jacquard. Ezma has an exclusive shawl

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

division that aims to reflect India's heritage in presenting the pashmina, cashmere, jamavaar, angora, camel hair alpaca and diverse wool blend collection. At Ezma, we give certified authority for the purity of our products; we have certification of the Woolmark and Woolblend Mark from the International Wool Secretariat. Our prices are controlled and we retail from select outlets, such as The Oberoi hotel in Delhi and Khajuraho, Hyatt Regency, Maurya Sheraton and some major Taj hotels in the country.We use our own yarn and all the processes such as spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing of wools are done in-house, therefore the purity of our products is impeccable.

For instance, Ezma’s plain shawls use a 2-ply configuration instead of a single yarn. We use a 254-ply, which is double that of the ordinary one. This translates to a superior quality in terms of fine gossamer. We have also introduced the most difficult and exclusive art of kani weaving, which is a series of eyeless wooden bobbins, called kani in Kashmiri, and is filled with coloured yarns.

This replaces the shuttle used in ordinary weaving and enables the actual designs to be woven into the fabric of the cloth. At our factory, the customer can actually place an order for his shawl and watch it take shape on the kani.

Our company also aims at minimising environmental pollution by using environment-friendly dyes instead of harmful chemicals and azo dyes.

LL: Could you tell us something about your range in shawls and wraps?

SM: Our collections do us proud in terms of weaves, colours, textures and the fact that they are a blend of the traditional and modern. There is the elegant Ezma Paislyon collection, based on the early 18th century paisley shawls of Scotland and France; the Elegancia collection, with its exquisite new patterns and colours; the Melange, Natrale and Classique collections; plus Ezma’s special collection of exotic wraps, which include the Vicuna Peru, which are hand-woven shawlsin superfine vicuna; Paper Mache, embroidered and decorated shawls, and a unique blend of hand-painted and embroidered shawls by Vinod Nair. And, of course, our popular Kashmiri kani shawls. Our “showstopper” will be the Ezma Souffle collection, which is a 60-gm wrap. You can fold it up and carry it with you in your bag. You can sling it around your chiffon sari in summer or wear it like an odhni with your salwar suit.

LL: Who are your target clientele?

SM: Our shawls sell at Rs 4,000 onwards, so they are not unaffordable. Besides, shawls have an emotional attachment to them, they are given away to honour people. It’s my fervent dream that every woman should use a pashmina shawl and enjoy doing so.

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WATCHES DE GRISOGONO

fawaz gruosi – signature style KAMAL GILL DE GRISOGONO is a name to be reckoned with in the jewellery world, but it is the man behind the famous brand who makes it special. As president, owner and founder of de Grisogono, Fawaz Gruosi is a man of passion and creativity…and an entrepreneurial genius.

The obvious contrariness is reflected in his personal life, his tastes and preferences, resulting in a quirky individualism which is his hallmark. Gruosi was not predestined to become one of the most sought-after watch and jewellery makers of his generation.

“He who dares…wins,” he says simply, reflecting the audacity incorporated within all the designed pieces created by him–and the events that shaped his life.

For Gruosi, everything started one day when, driven by the necessity to work, he quit school and trained as a sales assistant with a renowned Florentine jeweller. Some years later, Gruosi is asked to oversee the opening of a new store in London, where he soon becomes the store director for a period of four years. At 30, Grosi is acknowledged by the Alizera family, a prominent business family, official agent to Harry Winston, the noted American jeweller, and he becomes their representative in Saudi Arabia. Entrepreneurial and dynamic, Gruosi begins to imprint his personality in the niche segment he is working in. Three years later, upon his return to Europe, Bulgari, a mythical name in the jewellery industry, creates a new position for him within Bulgari, making Gruosi , the first within the Group to sell the newlycreated jewellery collections worldwide, with the exception of the Bulgari stores, of which there are only eight at the time!

Gruosi makes precious and long-lasting contacts during this period. In 1993, without any kind of commercial strategy, he launches de Grisogono with two associates. “What do you know about designing jewellery?” I was asked. Nothing, I said,” he

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Meet Fawaz Gruosi, the brilliant artist and astute businessman, who combines contrariness and wisdom in a virtuoso performance

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WATCHES

DE GRISOGONO reminisces. It is this boldness that is the leitmotif of his decisions.

The events of his life illustrate Gruosi’s unique ability to adapt and come up a winner, no matter what challenge he is given. He has the patience to allow events to take their course, learn on the job and sharpen his marketing skills, because that was what was demanded of him at the time. And finally, when he knew instinctively that the time was right, Gruosi took the big risk of blending experience and creativity with the launch of his signature brand Grisogono.

One could even say that Gruosi allowed his artistic skills to lie dormant till he mastered the art of selling, and the risk of establishing his store on the rue du Rhône in Geneva, was lessened by his inventiveness in creating exclusive objects of art as well as matchless jewellery creations. However, if one were to stop here, all one would have had would have been one more creative artist with a signature style.

Barely one year after Fawaz Gruosi separated from his two associates, a new chapter opened for de Grisogono. “I had this urge, this passion, to do something wonderfully new, which would delight and awe. One day, I was reading when I chanced on an article on a gem known as the “Black Orlov”. I was instantly fascinated by this 190- carat black diamond,” he confesses. Then began months of work as Gruosi set himself to create a first-of-its-kind, unique, black diamond jewellery collection in its honour. His creations stun the elitist circles. Three years after its launch, the price of black diamonds explodes on the diamond market and stuns dealers and jewellers, alike. Today, he uses black diamonds in necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, and compliments them with the world’s most voluptuous pearls, flamboyant rubies, deliciously deep green emeralds and white diamonds.

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Gruosi continues to trust his instincts. His jewellery creations continue to seduce his clientele and surprise professionals. Each collection is a masterpiece, whether it is his Icy Diamonds collection, a new “ Brown Gold” collection, his patented Sting Ray, ‘Galuchet’ bracelet or his digital mechanical watch titled No Uno. As evidence of Gruosi’s insatiable inventiveness and inspiration is his trail-blazing path into the world of Swiss watches. “Again”, he says, “when I decided to design watches, people asked me, “What do you know about making watches?”’ and I said, “Nothing”. But I knew what I wanted to design. I wanted to make watches that no one else could, and I did. ” What followed were singular time-pieces set in steel or jewel-encrusted with dual time-zones, oversized dials and massive cases.

“I always follow my intuition,” he explains, “and I also have a lot of luck.” Gruosi is neither a gemologist nor a designer, it is his passion, curiosity and, without doubt, creative talent, to which he owes his success. He creates trends, often against the flow, and exclusively listens to his own inspiration. “Everything I see around me, in nature or everyday objects, is a source of inspiration to me. The drama of creation–I have this gift (I hope it doesn’t go away) of constantly getting ideas–nature, a cup of tea, gives me ideas to mix colours–I take a note and tell my team, and when I go back, I change the design or keep it or throw it away. I explain what I want to my technical specialists. The constraints of time and money don’t scare me,” he confides.

Gruosi goes on to say, “I think being simple and open helps design creativity. I hate to copy. If you ask me about India–I love the exotica. ( I tried meditating, but I can’t really concentrate. I tried yoga, but it’s very hard). I mix colours like I am breathing–totally illogical at times. No matter where you travel, after some time, you have the eyes to see the beauty. Subsequently, I absorb things. I have travelled all my life… Far East, Russia, Middle East, America... one day, when I started to create, it all came together. In my work, I let my intuition take the upper hand, with everything else. It doesn’t matter whether a work of art is classical or contemporary, I am simply an aesthete”–an implacable truth illustrated for the past 14 years and

rendered in the most wonderful way through the means of de Grisogono watch and jewellery collections.

There are two life beliefs for Gruosi…everything is possible, he believes, followed by an uncompromising dedication to excellence. He willingly admits to his impatience.

“I love reactivity. I want things to move quickly.

The people working for me accept that”. A holiday? Never!” exclaims Gruosi. I have a lot of trouble relaxing; some think I am crazy”. What scares him the most? “Health followed by freedom. Don’t be a slave of person, money, business… anything.” His favourite food and drink? “Pasta and vodka. What I most dislike?

Stupidity. My heroes in real life? The Dalaï Lama,” Gruosi rattles off in quick succession.

Dwelling on the challenges in the current environment he says, “Actually we were to open shops in Shanghai, Vegas, and a second shop in New York – now it all stands cancelled.

Sometimes you have to do things for survival.

Manpower is the most difficult to find. The business climate has changed and is at risk. But luxury remains. You have to change the way you conduct business and keep innovating.

Controlling costs is the key. In India, you are not really affected but on a big scale–all effects trickle down. I don’t think it will last long.”

Grousi concludes, “The creation part continues–it is our reason to exist. Novelty is on in 2010. In watches, we will do something new– totally unexpected. In jewellery–we will continue to be the haute couture segment, with priceless, exclusive jewellery pieces.”

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

(n)tertainment body talk 76 “My main goal as a choreographer is to explore the phenomenon of the Russian soul, as something special in art. Is it still alive, or can’t we find qualities, such as warmth and particular emotionalism, in people anymore?” says Boris Eifman, widely considered as Russia's greatest living choreographer in defiance 80 Cerebral artist, a creative fireball in many roles–director, producer and screenwriter–Edward Zwick has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood celeb buzz 84 tarot 86

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

body talk “My main goal as a choreographer is to explore the phenomenon of the Russian soul, as something special in art. Is it still alive, or can’t we find qualities, such as warmth and particular emotionalism, in people anymore?” says Boris Eifman, widely considered as Russia's greatest living choreographer

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

KAMAL GILL THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED premiere of “Onegin. Online” , a ballet, at St Petersburg in end-March and its progress to the US is making headlines. Famed choreographer, Boris Eifman, whose musical scores have famously included Pink Floyd, uses two unlikely musical themes: Tchaikovsky and a Russian rock group Autograph in this play.

Unsurprisingly, there remains a great deal of excitement about the show Theatre lovers know it is notoriously difficult to obtain tickets for famed choreographer Boris Eifman’s work. No wonder then that Alexandriinsky Theater , which eagerly hosted the world premiere of Eifman’s new ballet, “Onegin. Online” , based on Alexander Pushkin’s classic novel in verse, Yevgeny Onegin, opened to a packed house

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

recently. The performance is the only one in the city till the return of the award-winning St Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theater of Boris Eifman from a tour of the US, this summer.

Promising an original take on Pushkin’s novel and modern ballet, Eifman’s clever use of Tchaikovsky’s opera “Yevgeny Onegin,” and music by the Russian rock group Autograph has the theatre world agog. “Onegin. Online” is the third part of a trilogy of Eifman ballets based on Russian literary classics, having been preceded by “Anna Karenina,” based on Lev Tolstoy’s novel, and “The Seagull,” based on Chekhov’s play.

Speaking to the press at the world premiere, Eifman is reported to have said, “For me, it is very important to reflect the spirit of

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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE

the time and the emotional world of Tolstoy or Chekhov. In my ballets, I try to create dance that is full of expression and emphasize upon the psychology behind human nature through movement.” To explore this issue, Eifman decided on a powerful new interpretation of Alexander Pushkin’s classic.

The story was originally set in the 19th century against the opulent backdrop of the Russian Empire, but in Eifman’s inimitable and perceptive choreographic style, he has set the classic in today’s world.

“I must confess that even for me, it is a great secret how a ballet grows from the first vague plans and is transformed into a real performance,” said Eifman. “I am very glad that we have got the opportunity to create a full professional archive and creative laboratory at our theater,” he said.

The Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg, Russia returns to the Orange County Performing Arts Center in California for its fifth engagement at Segerstrom Hall on May 20 and from 22 to 24. Eifman is clearly a favourite by those who thrill to his lavish, dramatic spectacles, filled to the brim with emotion, and showcased with beautiful costumes and sets.

Critics agree that Eifman’s ballet has revolutionized the concept of classical dance in Russia by taking the art of ballet to its highest–and most modern–level of expressiveness. The Los Angeles Times called the Eifman ballets “…dynamic, theatrical, visionary works that delve into characters' lives in the most exciting, probing, titillating and wondrous ways” In a revealing comment, Eifman has told a magazine, “The language of the body, as

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the most ancient form of self-expression, bears universally understood emotional and spiritual values. By turning to the literary original source, I make it my goal to reveal what is of concern to my contemporaries and what can be expressed only through the great art of choreography. I use my art to understand the secrets of the Russian soul.

Basing a ballet on Pushkin’s classic is one more attempt to express innermost spirituality through dance.”

He continued in the same vein,“I transported Pushkin’s characters to our times, placing them in new circumstances, more dramatic, even extreme, when the old world is collapsing and life dictates new rules. I needed that experiment in order to answer the question that troubles me: what is the Russian soul today? Has it preserved its uniqueness, its mystery, its attraction? What would the novel’s characters do with their lives today? What in the novel was just a reflection of the times and what was a sign of the destiny of many generations of my fellow countrymen?

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PERSONALITY EDWARD ZWICK

in defiance

Cerebral artist, a creative fireball in many roles– director, producer and screen writer–Edward Zwick has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood RADHIKA RAVI RAJAN AS THE NEWEST brand ambassador of electronics giant LG, Edward Zwick is the man behind films such as the Tom Cruise-starrer, The Last Samurai (2003), and the Leonardo di Caprio-starrer Blood Diamond (2006). Zwick released Defiance on December 31, 2008, starring the newest “Bond” in the lead role. As Daniel Craig later told dailymail.co.uk, “As soon as I read the script, I saw it was something I wanted to get involved in and expose to the world.”

Defiance depicts the story of four Jewish

brothers from Poland who manage to escape from the Nazis and fight back to rescue fellow Jews. In fact, the film is such an accurate report of the horrible event of the 20th century that American schools have decided to use it to teach students about this period in history. Terming the film as accurate may have a touch of the ironical about it, because critics consider Zwick’s movies as being ambiguous when it comes to the authority of the script, often leaving it to the viewers to decide the truth for themselves. “ To

LG CAMPAIGN LG Electronics is to run a glossy press ad campaign featuring Edward Zwick by adapting its 'Life's Good' strapline to 'Life Looks Good'. Zwick is the first celebrity to feature in the global advertising campaign. The ads feature Zwick sitting on a film set, watching a widescreen LG TV. They also feature video interviews, with Zwick talking about the use of technology in the editing process of films. As to why Zwick was chosen, Andrew Warner, Marketing Director– UK & Ireland, LG, said, “Previously, our adverts promoted individual LG products, but the ‘Life Looks Good' campaign focuses specifically on building an emotional connection with the brand. To create this, we have used subtle branding and made Mr Zwick the focal point of the campaign, bringing a personality to the brand.”

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PERSONALITY EDWARD ZWICK

me, Defiance is the refusal to have the life force denied,” he is reported to have said to a magazine.

Zwick is a thinking viewer’s director. He graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s in Literature in 1974. He was accepted to Harvard Law School, but he instead accepted a Rockefeller Fellowship to study experimental theatre in Europe, much to the dismay of his parents. It was while in Paris that Zwick had the most unlikely and serendipitous of encounters–out of the blue, he ran into Woody Allen on the street. Mustering his courage, Zwick introduced himself to the filmmaker and asked if he needed any help. Soon enough, he was Allen’s assistant on Love and Death(1975).

Zwick is immensely respected for being a cerebral director whose epic movies consistently feature holistic characters, difficult moral issues and plots driven on the ambiguity of authority and on individual conscience as the ultimate arbiter of truth.

His artistic obsession with war and the men who fought it has been a constant leitmotif in his works.

MOVIE MANTRA Speaking to MovieMaker magazine, Zwick humourously enlisted a few simple rules to great moviemaking. “Unfortunately, I never learned them. These are the best I could come up with on short notice,” quipped Zwick, as he ad-libbed…

1. Remember to breathe. You’ve probably worked for two years to get to this moment, and there’s no guarantee you’ll ever get to do it again. You might as well enjoy it.

2. The camera is a Buddha. It sees the world as it is. It doesn’t photograph your expectations or your fantasies. Try to see as the camera sees.

3. No plan survives contact with the enemy. Over-prepare and then, be ready to throw it all away when the actor feels his character wouldn’t do it that way.

4. Life is messy. It doesn’t stop while you’re talking on the telephone. If it feels too comfortable, it’s probably wrong; if it feels right, it’s probably too slow.

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“I know that I'm more interested in the personal stories than the hardware. Explosions and squibs and stunts, those are easy. People are harder. It's also a way to have ideas subversively find their way into popular entertainment,” admitted Zwick in an interview with Wall Street Journal. Difficult films touching upon some of history's heaviest subjects, such as the Civil War (Glory), child soldiers in Africa (Blood Diamond), his latest, the Holocaust story (Defiance) are his touchstones of truth.

Zwick’s big string of successes as producer came with movies like Shakespeare in Love (1998), Traffic (2000) and I Am Sam (2001)–all big hits. For The Last Samurai, Zwick shared screenplay credit with John Logan and Herskovitz. The 2006 release, Blood Diamond, was equally successful. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for DiCaprio.

What comes next for the director of Defiance?

Reports say he is venturing into new waters. This time round, the story will revolve around a whale, and the film will be called, The Heart of the Sea. The story is based on the legend of the whaling ship Essex, which was stalked and ultimately destroyed by a whale in 1820. The story was also the inspiration for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, where, the ship’s crew were lost at sea for 90 days, and only eight persons were rescued. For the film, the original script written by Charles Leavitt of Blood Diamond fame has been rewritten by Ed Zwick, with Marshall Herskovitz. Seeing Zwick’s prowess, it promises to be a whale of a tale!

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

CHATTERATI CLEB BUZZ CELEB BUZZ

THE BUDDHIST WAY TO GATHER NO MOSS British supermodel Kate Moss is known for her wild ways and party-loving lifestyle. Now, she has started believing the same about herself and is seeking peace through Buddhism, a religion that already has many Hollywood celebrities, including Richard Gere, in its fold. The religion, which advocates choosing the middle path to achieve peace, is known for its calming ways. Moss started by bringing home a 4-feet-by-2-feet Buddha statue made of bronze, and now sits in front of it to practise meditation in an ambience filled with the aroma of sandalwood.

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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

CAMERON’S NEW BOYFRIEND What’s it with Hollywood actresses and lead singers of pop groups? Cameron Diaz’s latest is Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine.The two were spotted at the Chateau Marmont garden restaurant, enjoying each other’s company. Diaz was laughing at all of Levine’s jokes and the two were even wearing similar clothes. Diaz recently split from boyfriend Paul Sculfor. The photos revealed that it was not the first time that the two may have met and the two are, indeed, a couple very much in love.

NO CRICKETERS, PLEASE Preity Zinta, who recently broke up with her beau Ness Wadia, has been the cynosure of the paparazzi who are keen to know who fills the empty slot. Furious at all the unnecessary attention, Zinta lashed back, saying, “For me, the line between my professional life and my personal life is pretty sharp. I do not owe anyone any explanation about my personal life.”However, for those who are still curious, Zinta–who has always held that she would never have a serious relationship with an actor who is a married man–now says even cricketers are a no-no.”

ONL Y HANDSHAKES, NO HANDCUFFS ONLY

Keen to clear up the air about his arrest over “indecent exposure”, Akshay Kumar told the press recently that he wasn’t captured, so there was no question of a surrender.

None of this was necessary. Those genuinely offended by my wife unbuttoning the top button of my jeans shouldn’t own or watch a TV. What if a topless shot of an actor comes up on screen? Would they be ready to change the channel? Such incidents only show our people in a poor light.”

CARLA’S LITTLE CABBAGE French President Nicholas Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni have been shot in a video sharing intimate moments during an interview. Even as her 54-year-old husband is seen sitting on the edge of his armchair, she is seen openly flirting with him, patting his bottom, and whispering endearments into his ear. She calls him“chou chou”or “little darling”. Actually, in French, chou means cabbage, but when pronounced twice, it becomes a term of endearment. The video has stunned TV viewers across France, who see their President trying to look as serious as possible as his wife flirts with him.

GIRLS DREAD THE ‘F’ WORD After Sushmita Sen, it’s now the turn of Miley Cyrus to react to being called “fat”. Bloggers had a field day after spotting photos of her in a bikini on her holiday in The Bahamas. Well, she used her page on Twitter.com to hit back, calling her critics “hateful bullies” who use “fighting words”. She lambasts them, saying, “Talk all you want. I have my flaws. But there’s nothing I want to change about my body. But your words can scar people, causing them to do damage to themselves. People that are so okay with being so hateful need to spend less time on a gossip website and more time reading the Bible.”

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

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FORECAST TAROT

forecast GEMINI The year 2009 will prove to be quite beneficial for a Gemini.The placement of the Strength Card in your sign seems rather positive.You will have tremendous courage and confidence to carry out your career pursuits. You may also have to undertake frequent journeys, which will result in the opening of new horizons.

Jupiter’s position in the 7th house, between January and May and again between September and December, would be favourable. An expansion in the same area of interest or launching of a new venture is not ruled out. The family atmosphere will be pleasant and there would be harmony among members in spite of some initial misunderstanding.

There are strong chances of a celebration in the family.

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KIREN RAI

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

ARIES 21 March ~ 20 April

The Lovers denote a spicy, romantic and emotionally fulfilling period ahead. This will be especially true as both Mars and Venus will now allow your magnetism to run at peak. New romantic prospects will find you irresistible. With Mars on your side, you will be less patient, more assertive and more likely to take the most direct route to accomplish your goals.

TAURUS 21 April ~ 21 May

The Ten of Cups indicates stronger and more enduring relationships this month. Success boosts the strength of business partnerships, while love relationships may advance to the next level of commitment. This month, you may be contemplating a home in another locale. If so, investigate before you make any impulsive moves.

GEMINI 22 May ~ 21 June

June will prove to be a month of changes for many of you, and that includes your love life. The King of Wands denotes creative projects. If you face a situation of conflict, instead of reacting emotionally to what others say, simply let things go by. When the mood becomes more peaceful, you will be able to reach an agreement.

Plan your finances so you can handle any changes.

CANCER 22 June ~ 22 July

With The Two Of Pentacles showing up, living up to the numerous expectations regarding your relationships, home and career goals could be a demanding, even overwhelming, chore this month.

If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in new projects that express your creativity. Strength will come from your ability to undertake anything.

LEO 23 July ~ 23 August

With The Ace of Cups as your card, some truly magical moments are likely to occur in the areas of partnering and love this month. This is a great month for fun, creativity, entertainment, good humour and adventure.

A good time is in store for you, this month representing the best chance you'll have all year to envision new possibilities for yourself.

VIRGO 24 August ~ 23 September

The Two of Cups speak of new engagements. You will get a great opportunity to leap ahead in your career. Romantically also, things are looking up. If single, you've been hampered by Saturn, the ruler of your fifth house, being retrograde in your chart.

Happily, with Saturn turning direct on May 16, relationships will change for the better from now.

April 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in June

LIBRA 24 September ~ 21 October

Things are looking up, and with the Ace of Pentacles as your card, new opportunities await you in areas of money, health, career and material gain. As the initiator of the suit of pentacles, the Ace is a sign for improved finances and promotions on the job front. In matters of love and relationships, the Ace of Pentacles indicates stability, increased trust, and new bonds made in an existing relationship.

SCORPIO 22 October ~ 22 November

When the Three of Cups shows up in our readings, there is tremendous energy available for those who seek to explore personal relationships from the enlarged perspective of their spiritual centre. The great progress you are making in your career lately, can be attributed to a better integration of all your creative energies. It’s an upbeat month in all respects.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November ~ 23 December

With The Hierophant in your sign, you feel free to express yourself and to be yourself. Your primary drive is to do what you want and as much as possible to set your own priorities. This is the time to be yourself, but it is also a time to become conscious of who you are. Do what you can to recharge your spiritual batteries, be it going on a vacation, or spending time with family and friends.

CAPRICORN 24 December ~ 21 January

The World indicates a feeling of harmony and balance as you are in greater control of your financial circumstances. You feel at ease, expressing your deeper feelings to loved ones.

However, as the month moves forward, the possibility of pressure between juggling your work and domestic life increases, and any challenges you face could be a way of establishing a pattern and making progress in both areas.

AQUARIUS 21 January ~ 19 February

The Empress directs a lot of your energy in domestic matters in June; nevertheless, you find time for fun and games. In fact, you may be in the mood for entertaining at home. You need outlets for your creative impulses, and you are seeking appreciation. The last week of June brings health, work and daily routines into focus. The urge to reorganise is strong.

PISCES 20 February ~ 20 March

Creative self-expression is strong in June. The urge to reach out and communicate with others is powerful now, and might even be profitable! With the Nine of Pentacles, new friendships or the strengthening of ties with acquaintances are likely this month. The month brings a flurry of professional activity that demands your attention.

Otherwise, your focus is on your personal life.

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