Global Citizen 58

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

THE BUSINESS OF GIVING BACK

DISCOVER PHUKET

REAL ESTATE’S NEXT FRONTIER

LAUSANNE: NATURE MEETS LUXURY

THE AGE OF GOOD

HOROLOGY RICHARD MILLE

ROLLS ROYCE

BREGUET

BENTLEY

BLANCPAIN CHOPARD

AUTOMOTIVE

ANTHONY HOPKINS THE MIGHTY THESPIAN

AUDI

USAIN BOLT

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BIG BANG INTEGRAL 18K King Gold case with integrated bracelet.

In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

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2 SEPT / OCT 2021 Shot in a villa at Sobha Hartland

Exquisite. Flawless. Crafted.

A few words you don’t hear in the real estate world.

Rera 1544, 1949

At Sobha Realty we see the big picture, by focusing on the little details. This attention to detail flows from a legacy of craft - from designing for the royal family, to the name behind the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. As the only real estate company that guides a project from concept to completion, we ensure that even our materials are personally sourced. The result is a flawless living experience. We find that it all adds up to a finer living experience.

We spare no effort to ensure that your home is perfect when you move in, and for generations to come.

2021 SEPT / OCT @ sobharealty

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800 999 999 | sobharealty.com

4 SEPT / OCT 2021

2021 SEPT / OCT

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The musical theme of The Godfather is etched in our collective cultural consciousness, and now the new Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather masterpiece integrates this iconic music, the logo of the film and even a miniature Godfather figure, into a timepiece. This combination of high watchmaking (gravitational triple axis tourbillon, 658 movement components) with a traditional Swiss music box (two cylinders turn against two combs, playing the 120 notes of The Godfather theme) is a world first in Swiss watchmaking.

New York 48 East 57 Street, New York, NY 10022, USA +1.212.719.5887 Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva 33, Quai des Bergues, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland +41 22 316 00 96 OPERA BY JACOB & CO. - THE GODFATHER WATCH PRODUCED UNDER LICENSE FROM PARAMOUNT LICENSING. TM & © 2021 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

jacobandco.com

8 SEPT / OCT 2021

2021 SEPT / OCT

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SUPER CHRONOMAT

The Cinema Squad Charlize Theron Brad Pitt Adam Driver

People who see challenges differently, see the world differently.

A world where healthcare workers are better equipped to treat patients. Where energy is more sustainable and can power more lives. And where faraway places feel closer with flight that’s more fuel-efficient.

Because seeing a smarter, healthier, cleaner world isn’t something that’s far in the future.

It’s the world we’re building now.

CONTENTS 44 BUSINESS 22 COVER STORY

The boundless versatility of Sir Anthony Hopkins makes him one of the generation’s mightiest thespians

28 BUSINESS

An exclusive interview with Ari Kesisoglu, Property Finder’s President

34 BUSINESS

Idealz, the revolutionary e-commerce platform, not only rewards customers, but helps the less fortunate around the world

36 BUSINESS

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women empowers women to start and grow successful businesses

40 BUSINESS

ZāZEN’s sustainable, community-centred mindset promotes quality of life

48 BUSINESS

Shaan Qasim, Founder of the The Saffron Souk, gives creative makers and artists a platform to thrive

50 BUSINESS

Marc Cirera, Founder & CEO of Companies for Good, shares how companies can operate in a more sustainable and responsible way

52 BUSINESS

Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille come together to showcase rising contemporary artists

54 BUSINESS

58 AUTOMOTIVE

The yacht-inspired Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is the ultimate statement in luxury

62 AUTOMOTIVE

The Continental GT Speed is the most capable, performance-focussed Bentley ever

64 AUTOMOTIVE

Emotive design and revolutionary technology: the Audi e-tron GT quattro and the Audi RS e-tron GT

68 AUTOMOTIVE

Porsche launches its fully electric Taycan Cross Turismo

70 AUTOMOTIVE

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé combines signature BMW driving pleasure and sporting elegance

Exclusive interview with award-winning film producer Valentina Castellani-Quinn

Straight-talking consumer expert Kate Hardcastle discusses consumer spending in a post-pandemic world

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16 SEPT / OCT 2021

ALPINE EAGLE XL CHRONO The pure yet bold Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is a column-wheel chronograph equipped with a flyback function. Its 44 mm case houses the Chopard 03.05-C chronometer-certified automatic movement, for which three patents have been registered. This exceptional timepiece is made of Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive ultra-resistant metal based on four years of research and development. Proudly handcrafted by our artisans, it represents the expertise and innovation cultivated in our Manufacture.

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72 HOROLOGY

80 FASHION

73 HOROLOGY

82 LIFESTYLE

Richard Mille’s RM 07-01 combines a timeless appeal with a high-tech nature Wear the spirit of adventure on your wrist with the sporty yet elegant Breguet Marine collection

74 HOROLOGY

Boucheron’s rainbow-inspired jewellery like you've never seen before .

This massive luxurious superyacht concept comes with three hulls instead of one

84 FASHION

92 GADGETS

Our top picks of the best gadgets and tech out right now

Introducing The Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition

Adidas creates the world’s first ever liquid billboard for the launch of their new burkini collection

94 LIFESTYLE

75 HOROLOGY

86 FASHION

96 LIFESTYLE

90 GADGETS

98 LIFESTYLE

91 GADGETS

100 LIFESTYLE

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The Chopard Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is the gentleman driver’s chronograph

76 HOROLOGY

Glashütte Original unveils a limited-edition chronograph-duo in strong colours

78 HOROLOGY

Rolls-Royce collaborates with Swiss master horologists BOVET 1822

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Update your wardrobe with the men’s fall 2021 collections LG’s Signature OLED R is a work of art fit for your luxury lifestyle Leica’s new M10-R packs a 40-megapixel sensor

The importance of quality sleep and how to get it Anantara’s top ten things to see and do in Phuket The best men's skincare buys to enhance your daily routine From Michelin-starred restaurants to worldclass spas and hotels, Lausanne, Switzerland is a haven for all

Nature is a gentle, prudent and just guide

www.brunellocucinelli.com

Montaigne

EDITOR’S LETTER O

ur 58th edition is an exhibition of inspiring personalities, starting with our cover story on Anthony Hopkins (p. 22). As one of the world’s greatest actors and a devoted philanthropist, we uncover the many sides of this multifaceted figure.

On page 36, discover how the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s 100,000 Women Campaign supports women in lowand middle-income countries around the globe to start and grow successful businesses, along with the ability to redefine the future for themselves and those around them.

As companies continue to look for ways to operate in a more sustainable and responsible way, Marc Cirera has made it his mission to help companies champion change through his social enterprise, Companies for Good. Turn to page 50 to read how the business ethics and CSR specialist is redefining CSR. In horology, Breguet is making waves with its sporty yet elegant Marine collection (p. 73), Glashütte Original unveils a limited-edition chronograph-duo in bold new colours (p. 76), and an artistic collaboration brings together Rolls-Royce and Swiss master horologists BOVET 1822 to create unique timepieces for the first Boat Tail coachbuilt commission (p. 78).

For your travel bucket list, explore the beauty of Phuket with the top 10 things to see and do (p. 96), then continue to Lausanne, Switzerland where nature meets luxury with a bevy of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class spas and hotels (p. 100).

As always, I hope you find plenty to inspire and delight you as you peruse the pages. Enjoy the read!

Andrea Antal

20 SEPT / OCT 2021

GLOBAL CITIZEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Antal COPY EDITOR Sameer Denzi ART DIRECTOR Omarr Khattab CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Esmezyan www.global-citizen.com www.issuu.com/global-citizen www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenMag www.instagram.com/GlobalCitizenMagazine MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Fierce International Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com

FIERCE INTERNATIONAL FZ LLC PUBLISHER Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 Copyright 2020 Fierce International. All rights reserved.

Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Fierce International. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Global Citizen. All information in Global Citizen is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

2021 SEPT / OCT

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www.brunellocucinelli.com

COVER STORY

22 SEPT / OCT 2021

COVER STORY

FROM HANNIBAL TO PHILANTHROPIST - THE MANY ROLES OF ANTHONY HOPKINS The boundless versatility of Sir Anthony Hopkins makes him one of the generation’s mightiest thespians

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nthony Hopkins is a living legend with a cinematic career spanning over five decades. With his movies ranging from light-hearted comedies to period dramas to horrifying terror movies and gripping thrillers, Sir Anthony is arguably one of the greatest living actors of our time.

He ranks among a generation of actors as steadfast and serious as their steely gazes. Men like Sean Connery and Jack Nicholson, actors who can deliver stellar performances with an unmatchable grace and air of professionalism. A man who is preceded only by the characters he has portrayed, decades of roles that have created an unshakeable career.

The celebrated thespian has gained critical acclaim due to

his game-changing performance as one of the most maniacal, mentally perverse villains Hollywood has ever encountered, Hannibal Lector, in the hit 1991 movie Silence of The Lambs.

His other notable films include Bram Stoker's Dracula, Hannibal, Red Dragon, The Mask of Zorro, Thor, Nixon, and The World's Fastest Indian. This Academy Award winner went on to receive multiple honours, including a BAFTA Award, Emmy Award, Saturn Award, Cecil DeMille Award, and many more. Hopkins has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 for his excellence in the field of cinema. In 2008, Hopkins received a fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

The knighthood was a tremendous honour, I don't dismiss it. But I feel embarrassed by the flowery, theatrical stuff that goes with being an actor.

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COVER STORY

I tried acting, liked it, and stuck with it.

I saw it as the way I would keep that promise to myself of getting back at those who had made my school life a misery.

Off-screen, many are unaware of Hopkins’ prowess as an artist and musical composer. His single, Distant Star, peaked at 75th position on the U.K. Charts.

Born in Wales on December 31, 1937, Philip Anthony Hopkins was the only child of Richard Hopkins, a baker, and his wife Muriel. Having trouble excelling at school, he often felt isolated and lonely as a child, finding solace in art, such as painting and drawing, or playing the piano. In 1949, to instill discipline, his parents insisted he attend Jones' West Monmouth Boys' School in Pontypool. He remained there for five terms and was then educated at Cowbridge Grammar School in the Vale of Glamorgan. In an interview in 2002, he stated, "I was a poor learner, which left me open to ridicule and gave me an inferiority complex. I grew up absolutely convinced I was stupid."

Hopkins later dropped out of school at age seventeen and enrolled in a drama class at a local YMCA. With his piano skills, he earned a scholarship to the Cardiff College of Music and Drama, where he studied for two years. After two years of military service, Hopkins worked in theatre. In 1961, he received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. After graduating in 1963, Hopkins 24 SEPT / OCT 2021

worked at several different theatres before applying to the famous National Theatre in 1965. It was during this time that his film career began to take off, but he quickly became known for his temper—he walked out in the middle of a National Theatre performance of Macbeth —and his excessive drinking.

Finally, in 1975, he moved to Hollywood, California and quit drinking to focus on his budding acting career.

In 1991, Hopkins earned an Academy Award for best actor in The Silence of the Lambs. He played the infamously gruesome Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter. Although he appeared in only twenty-seven minutes of the film, this role finally catapulted Hopkins to stardom.

Adding to an almost implausible number of roles under his belt (over 140 and rising), and stints in film direction and music composition, Hopkins has made an unforgettable career filled with harsh characters, British personalities, wise men and troubled souls. Yet beneath the gruff, and at times secluded manner, the undeniable wit and personifying charm that only a Welsh fellow can offer, he is a man who, like so many of the roles he has portrayed, has led a life of personal struggle, a journey to overcome his demons and perhaps a desire to be known for more than just his astonishing acting skills.

COVER STORY

2021 SEPT / OCT

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COVER STORY

26 SEPT / OCT 2021

COVER STORY

Like many in the spotlight of fame, he is involved with various philanthropist causes, though unlike the lot who simply sign cheques, the causes Hopkins helps often tie directly into his own life, evident in the work that he does for numerous charities both in his childhood stomping grounds, the UK, and his current homeland of America (he became a naturalised American citizen in 2000).

He has donated over one million pounds sterling towards the preservation of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. As well, Hopkins regularly contributes his time and well-honed skills to teach young actors the craft at the Ruskins School of Acting in Santa Monica, California.

In 2020, Margam Fine Art and Twila True Collaborations teamed up to launch Anthony Hopkins, AH eau de parfum and home fragrance candle and diffuser collection, a uniquely personal brand inspired by the legendary actor’s love of art, music, and the magic of cinema.

“This is a timeless, elegant collection; scents have a memory, it’s the illusionary dreamlike quality of life that has inspired me,” said Hopkins. “It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with an audience in an entirely different way, creating a symbiotic relationship between fragrance and art allows me to paint a scent.”

In line with the launch of the new fragrance collection, the actor saw an opportunity to give back, and with that, every purchase of the fragrance provides up to 50 meals to kids in need through No Kid Hungry, a national campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.

A passionate artist, Anthony donated a series of his landscape paintings to the San Antonio library for their literacy program, Born to Read.

He also contributed music, which he composed, for a fundraiser to benefit the financially troubled San Antonio Symphony.

People ask, 'Should I call you Sir Hopkins?' But I say, 'No. Call me Tony,' because it's too much of a lift-up.

He was a Guest of Honour at a Gala Fundraiser for Women in Recovery, Inc., a Venice, California-based non-profit organisation offering rehabilitation assistance to women in recovery from substance abuse.

A true philanthropist at heart, Tony, as he likes to be called, has further supported a number of causes, including Cancer Project, Free Arts for Abused Children, LEAP Foundation, Legacy of Hope Foundation, Midnight Mission, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters.

Back on the big screen and off the back of securing his second Oscar win for The Father earlier this year, the 83-yearold will next lead the cast in the indie drama Where Are You, a

story about a photographer who experiences an artistic decline and starts taking his aggressions out on his artist girlfriend.

Hopkins has changed little since his time in Port Talbot.

He is still a loner, taking long trips in his car by himself to relax. He has continued to push himself, but he has also learned not to push too hard. He told Vanity Fair magazine, "It can't get better than this. Years ago I wanted to be rich and famous, and it all happened to me. They pay me a lot of money, more money than I ever dreamed of. It just cannot get better than this."

He is an actor not only at the top of his game and gifting the world an unforgettable tour de force, but also one who tops a magnificent career with great majesty and artistry.

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BUSINESS

R EAL ESTATE TAK EN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

GC’s exclusive interview with Ari Kesisoglu, Property Finder’s President

28 SEPT / OCT 2021

BUSINESS

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ri Kesisoglu joined Property Finder in 2020, following a long-standing career serving some of the world’s largest tech companies - including Facebook and Google. In his last role, he was Facebook’s Vice President managing its business in the Middle East and Africa region. Prior to that, he spent ten years with Google, where he held senior roles in the EMEA organization including Sales, Operations, and Finance.

Ari is passionate about technology and the role it plays in empowering people, especially in emerging markets. He believes that technology companies that focus on their missions can be a source of good for the world while being profitable.

Ari holds an MBA from INSEAD and a bachelor's degree in business from Bogazici University in Turkey. He resides in Dubai with his family.

Property Finder is one of the largest technology start-ups in the region. What is the long-term goal for Property Finder as a tech company?

Property finder seeks to become a reference in the world of technology, leaving its mark on the whole ecosystem in our jurisdiction. It believes that this can be achieved through a strong long-standing relationship and partnership with the government, introducing innovative products and data-driven systems. Combined, these will provide customers with a platform for a seamless experience throughout their journey.

Another key growth area for us is the Mo’asher report – the first and unique official house price index for the Emirate of Dubai that consists of a tool to aid the real estate journey for investors, customers, and agencies by offering better and more transparent insights on the city’s property landscape. Mo’asher has been a great success in creating further transparency in the real estate market, and our aim is to improve our ranking on the index, further extending its implementation throughout the UAE and in our jurisdictions.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how Property Finder was born?

Founder and CEO, Michael Lahyani is the brains behind Property Finder. In 2005, Michael noticed a gap in the market for a customer-friendly and trust-worthy real estate listings portal. Shortly after, he launched the UAE’s first printed real estate classified, that eventually transitioned into a digital platform in 2007, now known as propertyfinder.ae. Since, the company has penetrated across key regional markets, including Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, and in 2018, secured a funding of $120 million from US private equity firm General Atlantic.

As for my background, prior to joining Property Finder in January 2020, I had spent 15 years working with tech giants Google and Facebook. My last role as the regional vice president for Facebook entailed managing its business in the Middle East and Africa region, prior to which I worked at Google for 10 years across the sales, operations and finance teams. I bring all that with me to my new capacity at the company to spearhead its operations to achieve our short- and long-term goals.

Property Finder has expanded beyond the UAE into Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as other countries in the region through acquisitions with local real estate portals. Do you have plans to take on other markets in the near future?

For the moment we are focusing on consolidating our position.

We have a strong presence in the markets we currently operate in, and it is important that we really solidify and build top tier teams and products across these countries. We have witnessed a healthy organic growth across the GCC, and we will continue to invest in our existing markets, where we see significant potential. We have grown our team in Egypt and created a tech hub in Turkey to support all our brands and services.

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BUSINESS

Many real estate startups have suffered a negative impact due to the Coronavirus. What problems do you see in current markets that must be solved?

The pandemic has greatly impacted how we, as individuals, go about our day-to-day lives and how businesses react and adapt to these times. However, the real estate industry, especially the residential market, was resilient in the UAE. We are observing record-breaking trends, which have had profound implications for real estate investment and development.

Touching on real-estate startups, they too, like other businesses and industries, faced the brunt of the pandemic. The world is going through an accelerated pace of change, creating a new normal for many industries. Startups, to survive, must to be able to adapt quickly and seamlessly to the new reality.

Has your business model shifted at all in times of the Coronavirus crisis?

The Coronavirus crisis changed many things for us, mainly around our own collaboration internally as a team and a company. Our business model, on the other hand, remained unchanged: we are a marketplace matching home seekers with homeowners. We are very passionate about performing well, and we work together with our real estate partners to make this possible.

Navigating the pandemic, as has been for every industry, proved to be a learning curve for us. It’s something no one from our generation had witnessed before and the sheer amount of uncertainty that surrounded it was the most challenging— How long would it last? How long would we have to stay indoors? What did this mean for businesses in the region? Even though we are an entirely digital concept, simply transitioning from working in the office to working remotely came with its own set of issues.

Before joining Property Finder, I had never worked from home. In literally four days, we had to transform a very physical-space-reliant company into one that could continue operations remotely without any changes to the customer experience. Companies around the world witnessed this change, but in our case, we had to maintain seamless operations across our online platform, which meant that the engineers needed to be able to edit the website, and an entire physical customer support office had to be almost reimagined. We had to connect the physical lines to the mobile phones of our support staff, and this, along with other elements required a lot of infrastructural changes for the company.

On a more positive note, while the pandemic did come with its fair share of difficulties, it also pushed us to boost our growth and transformation. We had to devise new and innovative solutions to cope with all these challenges. Our customers were unable to carry out face-to-face property viewings. We implemented a program called Ninja, a monthlong sprint to develop products and tech that led to the launch of live viewings. Despite movement restrictions, this idea was conceptualised and brought to life to smoothen our customer journey within only two weeks. As lockdown rules eased, agents were able to visit their properties and live stream to a wide audience.

We onboarded several new professionals on a C-suite level, built new operating systems, upgraded our existing products, established a new operational rhythm in the company, and 30 SEPT / OCT 2021

redefined our strategy for a more streamlined vision. Property Finder has always doubled down in crisis. Exactly like we did back in 2008—we witnessed a crisis, doubled down, and made sure we captured the market when everyone else was shying away and waiting until the situation settled.

Having worked with some of the world’s largest tech companies, including Facebook and Google, what are some of your personal goals for the company?

I’ve been lucky to spend 15 years combined at Facebook & Google and learned a lot from this experience that I was happy to bring with me to Property Finder. One of their least mentioned, but key differentiators in my opinion, is how well they execute. This is true across the board for all parts of the business: the hiring process, team development over time, product development, and planning for the future of the company, to name a few.

I believe that startups should adopt these amazing management practices for a smoother and more efficient workflow, and that is my personal dream: to have worldclass execution capabilities like to global tech companies, and hopefully become a beacon in the region modelling this approach.

I was brought on board to transform the business into a tech-first company. Since my appointment, our goal is to leverage our data and tech expertise to build targeted and innovative products, making product development the core of the company.

Apart from fine-tuning our offering and operations, Property Finder used to follow a corporate-mentality and one of my first goals was to transition into a startup mentality.

It may seem like a rather insignificant change, but startups encourage an open-door policy, welcoming members from across all teams and levels to voice their opinions, making room for fresh ideas and strategies that, in turn, contribute to the growth of the company.

What are some trends that you expect from real estate and how it affects startups and investments in general?

Speaking of real estate alone, the two trends we have witnessed shaping up the entire industry are urbanisation and suburbanisation. Certain cities are witnessing extreme growth caused by a massive migration that is taking place globally.

Dubai particularly, being the metropolitan city that it is, attracts investment from around the world, and this has encouraged developers and foreign investors to further focus on this market.

Additionally, with the various proactive government initiatives over the past year, combined with a decline in real estate prices and the lowest interest rates we have ever seen in the UAE, Dubai residents are also more eager to invest in property within the city. The introduction of the Virtual Working Program has been another driving force, encouraging more individuals to reside within the city, thus further opening it up to real estate investment.

Based on the data we have generated through the past year, we have seen that as people are spending increased amounts of time at home due to the movement restrictions, there seems to be a growing appetite for more spacious homes and homes with more outdoor spaces. With companies around the world implementing long-term work-from-home solutions, people

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BUSINESS

are now seeking more comfortable homes that perfectly align with their needs.

When it comes to startups and businesses in general, there are two prominent trends that we have witnessed over the past few decades: personalisation and convenience are forming the backbone of every industry, and both these factors can be further empowered through increased use of data. The home search journey too is going through a similar path, being digitised as more consumers are looking to find their perfect space at their own comfort—be it online from their homes or on-the-go, via property search apps.

Another key factor that we have noticed and have been actively working towards is that working with governments is essential for success – for the company, and on a larger scale, for the economy. Commerce revolves around trust – the bigger the trust, the more business is generated. If the details and environment are uncertain or unclear, it is less likely for outsiders to invest in the country. We partnered with the Dubai Land Department to launch Mo’Asher in 2019 to bring further transparency to the UAE’s real estate prices, thus injecting more trust into the system.

The launch of the index has significantly contributed to boosting the city’s transparency – according to JLL’s 2020 real estate transparency index, Dubai ranked 36th, up four positions from 2018. JLL suggests that one of the key initiatives that contributed to this jump is the launch of Mo’Asher.

32 SEPT / OCT 2021

What are some of your career achievements you’re most proud of?

Building the entire operation of not one but two global tech giants here in the region has obviously been a very exciting path to walk. What is even more exciting though, is to be able to apply my learnings from these experiences to build Property Finder into becoming a lighthouse technology company for the region.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since joining Property Finder and how did you overcome it?

In the technology ecosystem as well as in the knowledge economy at large, the biggest challenge is to have the best minds inside the company. This is how we will be able to create the best products and build the best partnerships.

Our journey at Property Finder was a very clear proof of this: while we had many challenges during my time here, the most consistent one was to be able to attract top talent to the company. We made a lot of progress, and I can now say we have one of the most impressive leadership teams here in the region, who in return are working towards building their own teams by appointing top tier talent. Building a strong team is an ongoing process and isn’t really a challenge that can be “overcome” – It’s a cycle – as businesses grow, there’s going to be more and more space to take on new talent, who will help boost a company’s growth, and we’re back to appointing more team members – the cycle keeps going on.

BUSINESS

I invest a lot of my time meeting great people to both get to know them as well as to explain our vision to them. With the rapid growth we have experienced over the past year, Property Finder has a spectrum of opportunities within different teams and across the region – both for industry newcomers as well as more seasoned professionals, we’re proactively looking to expand our team with key talent that will help boost our position in the region.

Clearly, you have a huge experience in tech. Can you offer advice to those who are just beginning their startup in real estate or perhaps a startup in tech in general?

If I had to offer budding entrepreneurs five quick tips for paving the way to success it would be: 1. Solve a problem, a real problem. You need to define an obstacle (in the industry you are looking to venture into) and work towards finding a way to overcome it.

That should be the very core of your business and that is what eventually would form your business model to ensure all your strategies, plans and operations revolve around solving that problem.

2. Quality of talent: A company’s success lies in the hands of its workforce. Keep an eye out for leaders, achievers, and mentors – even if they’re only starting off their career – it is the attitude and energy of a team that holds the power to take a business to the next level.

3. Use data as the foundation of all decisions: Understand the importance of data and research. Key tech players like the Googles, the Facebooks and the YouTubes would not be where they are today if it weren’t for how efficiently they utilised their data. Data allows you to predict trends and develop streamlined products and services to perfectly align with your customer’s needs.

4. Make every failure a learning: Everyone fails, but you need to make peace with it and learn from it. Each time you fall, you need to be able to rise up and be stronger than before. This messaging should be enforced throughout your business and across your teams to ensure each member learns from their mistakes and works towards achieving the company’s goals.

5. Have a vision: As a leader, you should have a vision – have a view for the market and drive yourself and your teams towards it. If you don’t have a vision, find a problem, and try to solve it, and keep doing so until you have a clear and defined vision, because otherwise you might just be building a machine without an end goal.

Are there any new developments for you and Property Finder that you’re looking forward to?

We are working on a lot of exciting things at Property Finder.

One of our key focuses right now is to integrate some of the world’s best practices into different parts of our business. This has had a significant impact on our company basics and has brought us back to a ‘learning and growth’ stage. Via these new systems in place, we are working on launching an array of new and targeted products to further ease and smoothen a home seeker’s real estate journey here in the region.

Each customer has an ‘ideal’ home in their mind when they head out for their search, and many times these searches may not always result in a transaction. That’s not because there are no relevant properties for them, but simply because they aren’t able to find these properties. Our aim is to fix this by simplifying our customer’s journey and search, thus helping to create more transactions overall. Property Finder is on its way to reaching its true potential of becoming a lighthouse tech company and I am looking forward to the journey and all that it brings with it for the company and our customers.

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BUSINESS

THE BUSINESS OF GIVING BACK

Idealz, the revolutionary e-commerce platform, not only rewards customers, but helps the less fortunate around the world

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he e-commerce industry has come a considerably long way from its simple buy-sell model. In 1991, the World Wide Web was created and just 5 years later, over 40 million people had access to the internet with global online sales surpassing $1 billion for the year. This jump gave clear signals of the industry’s later growth but even so, no one could have predicted the $25 billion in online sales reported in 2000.

Today, over 4 billion people are connected to the internet and almost half of them can attest to the convenience of online transactions. By 2040, around 95 per cent of all purchases are expected to be via e-commerce. With this, it’s no wonder that this mega $3.5 trillion industry continues to attract retailers

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from around the world, both established in-store players and startups. E-commerce startups have witnessed approximately 30 per cent annual growth in investments across the last five years globally.

This leaves us to contemplate how will e-commerce continue to add value to the lives of the devout online shopper?

Better pricing? Fast deliveries? Broader access to products? All of these are true but all of these have also become a common standard. Is there an e-commerce store that provides greater incentive than just faster delivery or wider product variety?

How about a big chance to win a luxury watch, or a brand new sports car when you make a purchase? This is where we stands out.

BUSINESS

Founded in 2016 on the idea of rewarding online shoppers, Idealz has reimagined the online shopping experience. Buy any of their merchandise and you will get the chance to win a wide range of luxury prizes. All their products can be found within any of their five campaign categories: cars, watches, cash, electronics and lifestyle. Once a customer purchases a product, he or she will receive a complimentary ticket into a specified prize draw. All products within a campaign are limited to a set quantity, and therefore, the complimentary tickets are also limited. Once all the products within a campaign are sold out and all the complimentary tickets have been awarded, the draw takes place and a winner is selected at random. Idealz CoFounder and CEO, Jad Toubayly, explains, “E-commerce has and hasn’t come a long way since its debut in the 90’s. While it has spread to almost all corners of the earth creating a very connected economy, the general modus operandi of buying online has changed very little.” He continues; “My partner and I wanted to create something a bit different, something untraditional, something that was a win-win-win for all involved parties, those being us as a business, our customers, and most importantly, those less fortunate around the world.”

Idealz has taken a different approach with regards to integrating CSR into its business model. CSR is generally less prioritised by private companies in this part of the world and even less so with startups. When we launched Idealz, we wanted to make sure that giving back was at the forefront of our business model. and that we could find a way to proactively and innovatively fulfill our CSR goals. Idealz provides customers with the option—and not the obligation—to donate the products (or the cost of such products) they have purchased

to charity. If they opt to do so, the customer will be given an additional complimentary ticket for every product purchased and donated, thus potentially doubling their chance to win the prize. Through this mechanism, we managed to expand retail contributions to charity beyond depending solely on kindness and goodwill.

The uniqueness of the business model coupled with the power of the incentive has generated substantial contributions to Dubai Cares. Since launching in 2017, contributions have grown exponentially and Idealz has most recently supported the construction and operation of a school in Nepal, in partnership with Dubai Cares, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation that provides quality education to children and youth around the world. We have chosen Dubai Cares because of their global footprint and impact, which has so far reached more than twenty million children and youth across sixty developing countries. As part of our CSR approach, we are also planning to build three more schools this year, and we are continuously looking at various CSR activities that have a positive impact on the community.

With society moving more and more into the digital economy, the e-commerce industry will continue to enjoy healthy growth rates in the short and medium term. “I would expect to see more disruption in the way people interact and shop online with more use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality). These are definitely sectors that are yet to dominate the e-commerce landscape in the future. It is recommended that CSR is embedded into the startup business model early on, rather than when they are more mature and capable.

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The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women empowers women in low- and middle-income countries to start and grow successful businesses – and to redefine the future for themselves and those around them

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dvancing the rights, opportunities, and full participation of women and girls is the great unfinished business of the 21st century”: the unmistakable voice of Hillary Rodham Clinton rang out, at the January 2020 launch of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s 100,000 Women Campaign—at the Global Citizen Forum Lounge, Davos.

By then, we had directly supported over 160,000 women entrepreneurs across more than 100 low- and middle-income countries through a range of skills building and learning programmes. Building on these successes, the Campaign represented a bold new goal: to reach 100,000 more women in just three years—raising £10 million in the same time to do so—and to make significant strides towards creating a more enabling global ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

Women’s economic equality is not only an issue of gender justice but is a smart, sustainable investment with long-term returns for us all. It changes health and education outcomes for children, creates safer, more prosperous societies, and brings greater innovation and creativity. And yet, particularly in lowand middle-income countries, women face huge barriers to entrepreneurship such as gender stereotypes, legal challenges, and a lack of access to finance.

Our Campaign called upon companies, leaders, and philanthropists everywhere to support us to tackle these barriers by empowering and equipping women with the necessary skills, resources and networks to start, grow and sustain successful businesses. We made a flying start... Then the world changed.

With a massive, unprecedented global pandemic came an unforeseen and potentially devastating challenge compounding all existing barriers holding women back. With a rapidly escalating crisis on our hands, we spoke to the women in our programmes and, overwhelmingly, heard the need to protect their businesses—and in turn their livelihoods and their

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families’ futures.

Fortunately, the tech-based, online nature of our services helped us adapt rapidly to meet this need and provide relevant support and resources, equipping women to emerge as well as possible from the crisis. And thankfully, many others also recognised the importance of our work and our ability to combat the pandemic’s impacts on women.

In addition to our existing corporate supporters, 2020 saw us form a host of new partnerships with PayPal, DHL, USAID and Salesforce, bringing our business training programmes to Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nigeria and Mexico. We made our entrepreneurship skills app HerVenture available on iOS for the first time, with new learning resources focusing on digital marketing and e-commerce to meet emerging needs. We also upscaled and redeveloped our global, online professional mentoring programme.

Joining Hillary Rodham Clinton in supporting our Campaign we were delighted to welcome Olivia Colman, Toyin Saraki, First Lady of Paraguay Silvana Abdo, Indra Nooyi, Noella Coursaris, First Lady of Serbia Tamara Vučić, Sheryl Sandberg, June Sarpong, First Lady of Albania Linda Rama, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Fadé Ogunro, Tessy Antony de Nassau and Cécile Reinaud, offering their time, knowledge, influence and experience to further our work and promote the voices of women entrepreneurs around the world.

But of course, the beating heart of the 100,000 Women Campaign and the purpose of everything that we do is the women themselves. We are now halfway through our Campaign and are proud that with our supporters’ backing we reached over 24,000 women in 2020, despite an unprecedented global heath and economic crisis, and this number has continued to grow throughout 2021. In Kenya, for example, over 1,100 women entrepreneurs used HerVenture in 2020.

Within just a few months, and despite COVID-19, 38% of users reported an increase in sales, 31% grew their customers

and 68% felt optimistic that the financial situation of their families would improve as a result. Now this year we’ve brought another of our flagship programmes, Road to Growth, to the country to train another 3,500 women.

Meanwhile, of our 2020 graduating mentees, 100% were either satisfied or very satisfied, 96% built skills in strategy and 88% in marketing. 95% reported increased confidence levels, 95% became more innovative, and crucially 88% reported that they kept their business from going under during the pandemic thanks to the programme.

While we celebrate our successes, however, we must also take stock. The Campaign’s second year also sees us publishing our second annual audit report, with shocking findings relating to COVID-19. A huge majority (83.8%) of women surveyed report that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their businesses. Nearly four in ten (38.5%) said their business will or may have to close as a result, and nearly one in ten (9.2%) reported that the pandemic was the single greatest challenge they had ever faced.

The implications are startling: nearly half (46.9%) of those whose businesses are at risk of closing say they would struggle to support themselves if that happened, 43.8% would struggle to support their families, and over a third (34.4%) would struggle to afford basic necessities, like food. 18.6% also felt that they would be very unlikely to become a business owner again.

The report also uncovers further unacceptable challenges relating to access to finance, gender stereotypes and discriminatory legal and policy barriers. And so, while we know that it’s absolutely vital women get the support they need right now, and it makes more economic sense than ever to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship, it seems we have our work cut out for us.

This past year and a half has thrown into sharper relief the importance of our work in supporting women to keep their businesses afloat and, in turn, support themselves, their families and communities. And so, we redouble our urgent call to the

global community to invest in women entrepreneurs in lowand middle-income countries, both to support a speedy and equitable recovery from this crisis and work towards the full realisation of women’s human rights.

By the end of this year, we’re aiming to have reached at least 35,000 more women through our programmes across Vietnam, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Guyana, while our online Mentoring programme will continue to support women in over 100 countries. We’re now welcoming businesspeople everywhere to become a professional mentor, and we’re also thrilled to begin new advocacy capacity building work in multiple countries so women entrepreneurs can influence their own local policy environments for the better.

And next year—our Campaign’s final year—will launch with a bang in November with a huge online global summit on women’s entrepreneurship. As our ambitions continue to grow even further, it's with this in mind that we invite you, whether as a corporate partner, an advocate, a mentor, or a transformational donor, to attend our Women Entrepreneurs Mean Business summit. Join our 100,000 Women Campaign today and be part of global history. Full details are on our website and tickets are free.

We’d like you to meet some of the women our Campaign’s reached so far: Ilgin Ozdemir Yazgan is a graduate mentee of the Foundation’s Mentoring Women in Business programme, and the founder of maternity and nursing business wear brand Accouchée. She joined us in Davos at our Campaign’s launch, sharing her thoughts and experiences in a moving speech that embodied women entrepreneurs’ flare, creativity, and collaborative spirit, highlighting the additional barriers to entrepreneurship that Turkish women face. She praised our Mentoring programme as not only supporting her to gain skills, confidence, structure, and clarity, but also serving as a “rubber stamp of approval” which enabled her to soar into new markets and gain major opportunities.

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And she has gone from strength to strength: since her mentoring experience, Ilgin just became one of three finalists for Turkey’s Woman Entrepreneur of the year. She told us, “I believe that giving a speech in Davos was a pivotal event in Accouchée’s story. The rubber stamp you provided me with took me all the way, so I wanted to tell you all to show your impact on women’s lives”.

Ngozi Oyewole is another of the 100,000 women we’re supporting over these three years. A participant in our Road to Growth programme in Nigeria, she runs office furniture manufacturer Noxie Ltd, facing her fair share of gender discrimination in a male-dominated industry: “You’ll have people thinking ‘oh she’s a woman, what can she do’”, she told us, “so you are faced with snide remarks, with people not taking you seriously, with the banks telling you ‘I wish you came with your husband’, with people walking into your organization, looking at you and going “oh, we were expecting a man”.

Fortunately, Road to Growth has already helped her release her potential and thrive in the face of these barriers.

Calling it “a literal road to growth”, Ngozi used the marketing knowledge she acquired through the programme to boost her business during the pandemic. And the ripple effect of supporting women entrepreneurs, which we see every day at the Foundation, is clear to Ngozi: “when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. If I am doing well, then everyone around me from my family to my community will be empowered, especially the women”.

Asilia Otieno exemplifies the ambitious, resilient, driven nature which we see in so many of the women we work with.

She owns a grocery shop in Kenya. As the global pandemic hit, we brought our business skills training app HerVenture to Kenya for the first time, with new learning ‘tracks’ to help women’s businesses remain strong and to provide training that would help them thrive in a post-pandemic, more digital world.

Asilia quickly took advantage of the app: owning her shop changed her life for the better, and the pandemic could easily have changed things back again. But thanks to HerVenture, she was able strengthen her business, stay open even through a huge downturn, and put food on the table after her husband has lost his job—which could easily have turned into a crisis for her family. She remarks, “people wonder how I have been able to stay open even when sales have been down”, but the app taught her how to navigate the loss of customers caused by the pandemic.

Our work in Kenya grows even bigger this year: not only are we targeting thousands more women with HerVenture, but we’re also bringing Road to Growth to the country for the first time! We can’t wait to see what these women achieve.

We know that when women are economically empowered, everyone benefits. We also know that when the clock turns back on women’s empowerment, it isn’t just women who suffer but families, communities, economies, and entire societies.

It’s devastating to think that four in ten of our incredible, resilient, ambitious, talented women entrepreneurs are now facing business closure, crushed dreams, and hungry children.

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What’s more, our new report reveals the magnitude of impacts that COVID-19 stands to have not only on individual women entrepreneurs, but on women’s human rights more broadly and on entire economies as a result, potentially far into the future.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we can all come together—governments and institutions, corporations and NGOs, communities and indeed individuals—to put women entrepreneurs front and center of our thinking around COVID-19 recovery and economic policy, we can turn things around. Not only will we see a huge boost in the global economy by doing so, but we will be doing our bit to ensure there is no further rolling back of women’s access to their rights and protections as business owners and that women have a fighting chance of equal economic participation. So, it’s imperative, now more than ever, that we see ourselves as global citizens and act accordingly in response, together, harnessing the power we have to make real change.

It’s in this spirit of collaboration and progress that our Foundation operates, it’s in this spirit that we launched the 100,000 Women Campaign with Global Citizen Forum at Davos a year and a half ago, calling to all of you to join, and it’s in this spirit that we need to act now to “build back better” from the pandemic.

While our report uncovers the stark threat women entrepreneurs are facing, our Campaign can help mitigate this, provide resilience, and contribute to an equitable and swift rebuild of a better world for women. And so I repeat the call to action I made at Davos in 2020: if you won’t stand for the ongoing crisis of missed potential that women’s economic inequality represents, and if you share our vision for a better, more equal, more prosperous world, join our mission today and help change the lives not just of 100,000 more women but also their families, communities and economies, and support human rights, global prosperity and ultimately a better postpandemic world for us all.

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BUSINESS

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH VALENTINA CASTELLANI-QUINN

Global Citizen speaks with award-winning film producer Valentina Castellani-Quinn, who unveiled her new film, Polo, at this year’s Cannes Film Festival

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cclaimed filmmaker Valentina Castellani-Quinn has teamed up with H.R.H Prince Nereides Antonio Giamundo de Bourbon and the Royal Arab United Emirates, to produce her latest film that centres around polo - the sport of kings - which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival in July.

“Our attitude and courage is what makes us kings, not the sport or our social status,” she highlighted.

The award-winning film producer is the president and chairman of Quinn Studios Entertainment, an L.A.based production company that she launched in memory of Francesco Quinn, her late husband and son of Oscarwinning actor Anthony Quinn, who passed away in 2011.

GC caught up with Castellani-Quinn, who shared her insights about Polo, and life as a filmmaker.

Tell us about your motivation to create Polo I love producing films about sport. In 2019, our film Wonderful Loser was a candidate for an Academy Award and won several awards at 18 international film festivals.

About a year and a half ago, I read this beautiful true story and fell in love with the message. Since last year, my

production Company, Quinn Studios Entertainment, joined forces with Nereides Group, HRH Prince Nereides De Bourbon, a dear family friend and long time colleague.

I shared the idea with Nereides and we both decided to produce Polo together.

What message you hope to impart by telling the story of polo?

Polo for centuries has been considered “the sport of kings,” a very exclusive royal sport, destined only to the elite class.

Our story tells a different tale, one where it is actually our courage and our attitude as human beings that truly makes us kings.

In the last year, I collaborated with Francesco Mitrano, President of The Monte-Carlo Polo Federation, who is the Sport Consultant for the film. Watching his team play made us realise the rich traditions and code of ethics behind this sport and its noble roots. The relationship between man and his horse and the team work involved, brought us back to the secular polo traditions developed by Argentinian gauchos, where the sport is considered a family tradition, passed down each generation from father to son. The level of pride is akin 2021 SEPT / OCT

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to their attachment to their land, animals, and family spirit.

I loved this aspect of polo and wanted to capture it in a film.

When deciding whether to join a project as a producer, what do you look for?

I look for a story that stretches my limits, that makes me grow and learn new things. I look for a story that inspires me and will hopefully inspire others. A story with human spiritual content, a sense of courage and hope. I also believe that the right projects come to us in a sort of magical way. We are all destined to a journey, we just have to decide to walk through it, no matter the obstacles. Because when we make that decision, we discover our true self through the journey.

Are you currently working on any other film projects?

Quinn Studios Entertainment, my production studio in Hollywood, alongside Nereides Group, is producing two documentaries on Native Americans and alternative energies to oil, entitled The White Snake, which has already started filming in the Native American Reservations; and a documentary on the albino community in Africa. I like to choose subjects that touch the human spirit, makes us reflect, expand, and go into dark, forgotten places to bring light to it.

You have been recognised and celebrated for your social work and humanitarian efforts by several international organisations, including the U.S. Congress, United Nations, UNESCO, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), and the Women Empowerment Global Forum, to name a few. What has been your proudest moment thus far?

Probably the presentation of our film One Rock Three Religions (www.onerockthreereligions.com), which received the U.S. Congress Award recognition. Because of the impact of this film, two new bills were created for the protection of minorities in the Middle East. This is the powerful impact a great film or documentary can have. It can literally shift society at the government level. Nowadays, a film is the most powerful platform to convey an idea.

Through Quinn Studios Entertainment, you embarked on a new business initiative, the CC-Forum, together with its creator Max Studennikoff, focusing on sustainability. What are the goals of the forum?

CC Forum is a business sustainability forum, a kaleidoscopic summit where organisations meet, discuss and compare business models, and initiatives and projects geared towards world sustainability. This year, with the impact of Quinn Studios Entertainment, we also put an emphasis on women empowerment and social impact entertainment.

Everyone has a unique origin story. What was your first job in film and how did you progress to becoming a producer?

I started very young as an actress, but it was never my calling.

I preferred being a visionary. I then worked as an assistant producer alongside award-winning composer Andrea Guerra, in the award-winning film The Pursuit of Happiness, produced by and starring Will Smith. Working with such

amazing talent inspired me tremendously. The film’s true story and its narration made me feel inspired to challenge myself more deeply. It was with the sudden death of my husband though, Francesco Quinn, that I embraced the producer position. I needed to find the journey back to joy, to inspiration, to serenity. Creativity has always been my way to transform reality, to heal, to grow. It was only in 2012, when I launched Quinn Studios, that I truly became a real producer.

Why did you decide to become a producer above all other industry job roles?

I believe a project, like the inspiration to start a job, is an initiative that comes to you, not vice versa. I see the role of a producer as the one of a storyteller, A producer has the complete vision of the film project. It feels more complete, like coming full circle.

What have been some of your proudest moments in your career as a film producer?

Winning the Human Rights Award, having two films in the running for an Academy Award, but also tackling important topics and being able to make a difference, working with people from all walks of life, and having the opportunity to speak at the United Nations. These were important moments that defined my work and my growth as a filmmaker, and most importantly, as a human being.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job, and how do you approach it?

I believe one of the biggest challenges is getting everybody to swim together as one, like an orchestra. Each individual is an important piece of the puzzle and needs to feel certain and serene in order to give their best. A producer is there to guide, to coordinate, to listen, to remind everybody of the complete vision, and to humbly solve problems.

What is something you do every day that is essential to your career?

Find a moment to connect with the people I love—my family, my daughter—no matter where I am in the world. Also, discipline, ethics, staying flexible in order to evolve, and to reflect often. Every day I challenge myself to refine my vision. Showing up on time, taking every opportunity to be of service. These are choices I make every day and find essential for my career, but also for my personal growth and happiness.

Do you have a mentor? How did you find your mentor and forge a relationship?

Lorenzo Soria, the former President of the Golden Globe Awards HFPA, has been a great mentor and like a father figure to me. He taught me so much about this business. He passed away last July, but I can always hear his voice when working on a new project. Lorenzo's great personality, combined with his knowledge and sense of humour have been of great guidance to me and the film industry, and are greatly missed.

Complete this sentence: “If I couldn’t make movies, I would…”

Write or paint and be an artist.

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BUSINESS

PAVING THE WAY FOR CONTEMPOR ARY COMMUNITY LIVING

ZāZEN’s sustainable, community-centred mindset promotes quality of life, in line with Dubai’s 2040 vision 44 SEPT / OCT 2021

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he continued hot topic within Dubai is, of course, real estate. In the lead-up to Expo 2020 and the rise of new and exciting projects, ZāZEN Properties is trailblazing a new style of living, coined as contemporary community living. Launched in 2018, ZāZEN Properties is building unique residential real estate developments in established communities of Dubai, providing high-quality finishing, large living spaces, multiple common facilities, and clean designs.

At the helm of ZāZEN Properties as co-founder and COO, Madhav Dhar aims to create a sustainable community lifestyle across all of ZāZEN’s developments. The company aims to provide contemporary residences that are spacious, green-conscious, well-designed, and have all the facilities residents are looking for to fit their modern lifestyle.

Beginning his real estate career in the UAE at DAMAC group, Dhar brings a wealth of knowledge in the field, co-founding ZāZEN Properties and taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Dhar handles the real estate product development, from conception through to delivery.

Being a hands-on leader, Dhar is involved in creating,

executing, and managing the company’s formation, from strategy, government relations, to marketing sales efforts, and customer relationship management. Dhar is currently leading the first development, ZāZEN One, carving out niche living spaces in the vibrant Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) community.

Here, Global Citizen talks with Madhav Dhar about the inspiration behind the business, community living, and the future of residential property development.

What was the vision behind setting up ZāZEN Properties?

We launched ZāZEN Properties in 2018 to build unique residential real estate developments catering to the midmarket segment consumer. As a brand, we want to provide holistic living experiences at a reasonable price point, presenting all that a community has to offer in one place.

The vision of ZāZEN Properties is in line with Dubai’s 2040 vision, creating developments that are connected, have larger living and communal spaces with sustainability in mind.

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Your recent project, ZāZEN One, focuses on community living. Why was this important to the DNA of the project?

Prior to the launch and ever since the concept was created, we wanted to achieve a ‘community within a building’, where people could live, play, and work without really having to leave. With facilities like a temperature-controlled adult and kid pools, jogging track, residents’ lounge, study area with WIFI, rooftop BBQ, to name a few, the building provides countless opportunities to create a sense of community. It is also located in a developed community with schools, parks, play areas, a mall, and a four-star luxury hotel across the road.

What are the cornerstones of community living from a residential property perspective?

Creating a 'community' experience is essential for the modern-day consumer and developers need to plan for this from the outset of the development's design. It can no longer be about building and selling but must be about how people want to live and interact. This could be in the way of better facilities, more livable space, higher quality finishings and better-connected spaces for residents to socialize, participate in activities, events, and workshops. ZāZEN One, located in JVT, offers residents exactly these opportunities, with bestin-class community amenities to help improve their overall quality of life. ZāZEN One is also part of Jumeirah Village Triangle’s bigger community, where residents will also enjoy

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the fruits of an active community management team. Over the past year there have been events such as Arts & Crafts fiesta in the afternoons, Movie Under The Stars at night and environmental clean-up days, all managed by the Nakheel community development team.

What are the types of amenities ZāZEN focuses on to create a more community-centric vibe?

As mentioned, alongside the large contemporary apartments, ZāZEN One offers amenities and spaces to interact, unwind and focus. Be it the state-of-the-art gymnasium and 350-meter jogging track where you can walk with your spouse or go for an early morning jog. The temperaturecontrolled pool deck and kids play area, where you can relax with your family and neighbours. The rooftop BBQ and Residents Lounge to hang out with friends, play pool, or watch a movie together. Or the private study area, equipped with WIFI, for those important calls and Zoom meetings that you can't do from home. At ZāZEN One, we provide residents with opportunities to enjoy a more holistic lifestyle.

What are some of the major trends people are seeking when investing in new properties post-pandemic?

IIn a pre-pandemic world, people took connectivity and access for granted. For most people, homes were meant mainly to sleep in as they would otherwise be out at the office, bars, beaches, and other places of entertainment. The mindset

now has changed as people look to be more self-sufficient and have more facilities at their disposal. COVID may have made buyers look for more space, connectivity, better quality, and more facilities, but at ZāZEN this has been our core concept since inception How is Zazen addressing the needs for the work-fromhome movement?

At ZāZEN One, working from home can be done in several ways.

We have created more livable space inside each apartment with loads of natural light, allowing residents the freedom to move around in their own homes and use each space as they see fit without being on top of each other.

Within the building we have also provided a residents lounge and WIFI-enabled private work spaces, where you can work from a desk, book a meeting room or even give a presentation.

What makes Dubai an attractive destination for foreign property investors?

With a stable government, almost negligible tax and its status as a leading international trade and tourism hub, Dubai has always been an attractive destination, especially in real estate.

Over the last 5 to 7 years Dubai, has also developed worldclass infrastructure, facilities, security and safety procedures, as well as executed excellent healthcare services (as witnessed during the pandemic) and put in place long term initiatives such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, to make Dubai the best city in the world to live and work. Such action has encouraged even more foreign investment into Dubai and encouraged more long-term commitment to the city.

Pegged against leading international cities, rental returns even in a down market are still considered strong, averaging between 4-5% net.

Add to that the low-price entry point for freehold properties and low mortgage rates, it's no surprise that June 2021 alone has recorded 6,388 sales transactions worth

AED 14.79 billion in sales, the highest value of sales in eight years.

Dubai has also now revised its residency program.

For instance, real estate investors are granted a five-year visa for investments with a minimum value of AED 5M (approximately USD 1.37M). The visas granted under this category are valid for five years for primary applicants, their dependents, executive directors, and advisors.

Dubai has grown exponentially over the past few decades. Where do you see it growing in the next 20 years?

Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze me. In the past 50 years alone, the city has accomplished so much and considering the new 2030 and 2040 strategic plans, I am certain we will see massive growth. On one hand, the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 aims to elevate Dubai into a global platform for knowledge-based, sustainable, and innovation-focused businesses.

The strategy is projected to help generate an additional AED 160 billion by 2030. On the other hand, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan maps out a comprehensive plan for a sustainable urban development in Dubai. It focuses on enhancing people’s happiness and quality of life and reinforcing Dubai as a global destination for citizens, residents, and visitors over the next twenty years.

I believe the industrial and manufacturing sector will play a pivotal role going forward over the next 5 to 10 years. With more focus from the government on supporting local manufacturing and exports, Dubai will aim to move from just a leading trading hub to production and export hub, which will help secure the Emirate. Not only will this add value in terms of GDP but will also require a higher workforce, which leads to more spending, more needs for housing, transport, and retail. In terms of real estate, once the world steps into the post-pandemic era, these low property prices are bound to rebound, especially considering the upcoming plans.

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BUSINESS

SAFFRON SOUK: THE MAKERS MARKET

Shaan Qasim, Founder of the The Saffron Souk, gives creative makers and artists a platform to thrive

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he Saffron Souk is more than just an online marketplace; you can connect, interact, and shop from a host of independent small businesses who all share a love for creativity and beautiful things. With worldwide shipping available too, The Saffron Souk gives a global platform to all of the individual sellers across the GCC and allows customers from all over the world to discover and shop a truly curated Middle Eastern marketplace.

Behind the brand, Shaan Qasim is the creative force and passionate maker herself, who wanted help the creative community in the region flourish and gain global recognition.

She also gives small businesses the support that they need to grow in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, allowing a group of like-minded individuals to chase their dreams!

What is your background professionally?

I started my e-commerce journey with my own shop called Life in a Balloon, searching for distinctive products, small batch made or handmade, to present the audience with special party supplies that can make their celebrations unique.

What inspired you to start Saffron Souk?

During my journey with Life in a Balloon, I encountered many creative makers who had amazing authentic, handmade

products that were made with no intention of mass production, which inspired me to create an online community to provide them to digital platform to show their creations and develop their craft.

Saffron Souk is premised on the idea of “maker culture.” What does maker culture mean to you?

Maker culture defines our makers, designers, and sellers.

They take various items that we use in our daily life, and turn them to one of a kind products and creations that have artistic and aesthetic value to present to our buyers a product that cannot be found easily elsewhere.

Why do you think that’s been so successful for Saffron Souk?

We always measure The Saffron Souk’s success by our partners and various sellers, by having new sellers’ applications on a weekly basis, adding new products regularly, engaging and establishing contact with their buyers, and growing their business in a steady way.

How has the business grown since it started?

The Saffron Souk’s growth has been rewarding; we have established our e-commerce website as THE marketplace for creators and designers. Our mission as a small business 2021 SEPT / OCT

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BUSINESS

THE AGE OF GOOD

Marc Cirera is the Founder & CEO of Companies for Good, a social enterprise designed to help businesses change for good, As a business ethics and CSR specialist, Cirera has a clear vision: A world where companies operate in a more sustainable and responsible way First off, what is CSR? Corporate Social Responsibility gained traction in the 70s and the 80s, during a period were businesses were allowed to do pretty much whatever they wanted to make money. Throwing barrels of chemicals into the ocean, dumping filthy water into the rivers, these things came as standard. Discriminating against women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, all cool as long as the cash kept rolling in. Paying a bunch of doctors to publicly promote the benefits of smoking, great idea!

In this world, CSR not only made a lot of sense – it was essential. The world needed a way to talk about business’ behaviour. And businesses needed a way to offset their negative impacts and protect their reputations.

Since then, we’ve seen a number of evolutions. In the 90s, we had Triple Bottom Line or the Three Ps (People, Planet and Profit). In the noughties ‘sustainability’ became increasingly popular. Then many moved beyond ‘sustainability’ to create their unique programmes, like M&S’s ‘Plan A’, or Nestle’s ‘Creating Shared Value’ programme. Now we’re seeing companies jump onto the SDGs bandwagon.

At the end of the day, all these are just newer versions of CSR. They all imply that businesses have a legal and moral obligation to operate in a certain way and are expected to give back to their communities. And, when you think about it, who better to solve the world’s most pressing issues than the organisations with the people and money to do it?

So, what’s the problem?

The reality is that while we’ve been trying to make CSR happen for decades, the same challenges remain. Hunger, child labour, gender inequality, people trafficking… – these issues all still exist, and others are getting worse by day. We’re reaching a point of no return with climate change. The planet is being plundered for resources at an utterly terrifying rate.

And we have no plans for how we’ll cope with a rapidlygrowing global population. It’s clear that we’ve reached the limits of CSR and we need to leap forward. To embark on a new era. An era where businesses actually, effectively make the world better.

How do we make this new era happen?

As the name suggests, CSR, means Corporates have a Responsibility towards Society. However, as we know all too well, responsibility on its own is not a powerful motivator.

When we have to do something, we do it, but we do the

bare minimum. Responsibilities don’t make us feel good because we don’t have a choice, however, when we want to do something, our attitude changes. Caring genuinely about the task at hand makes us feel good, and so we put more effort into our actions — this is a fundamental human truth that goes beyond business.

This is a fundamental human truth that goes way beyond business: whether you’re quitting smoking, going vegetarian, or taking up exercise, you only succeed if you personally, actively want to do it. And this insight shows us how we’ll move beyond CSR into this new era – by shifting from responsibility to desire; from ‘CSR’ to ‘Good’.

What does this 'Good' era look like?

In the Age of Good, we won’t take positive action because it’s the right thing to do, we’ll do it because we want to – it makes us happy. We won’t recycle because a policy says we have to, we’ll do it because we want to – and because it’s easier than chucking stuff in the general waste bin. In this new era, we’ll do good and it will make us feel good. And because we feel good, we’ll do more, even greater things. By changing the paradigm, we’ll change the world.

The most critical part of this new era? It won’t be led by governments, or charities, or businesses. It will be led by us, the people who want to make change happen. Organisations will, of course, play an essential role in shaping the new era, but they will not drive change. We’ve tried finger pointing. We’ve tried asking nicely. And it’s not working. Governments and businesses won’t challenge the status quo that’s giving them power. Charities are doing important, noble work, but they’re largely patching up a flawed, unfair economic system. Harsh to hear, but we’ve tried this model for decades, and things aren’t getting better. Inequality is growing. Pollution is getting worse.

Water is depleting by the day. We can’t rely on others. We have to make change happen ourselves.

This is what inspired me to start a business that focused on ‘doing good’ as opposed to ‘being responsible.’ Through Companies for Good, businesses -and their people- have the opportunity to do good instantly, it is essentially good, on demand. All our activities focus on involving people and having fun – as well as making a positive impact. Companies work with us because they want to, not because they have to. And that’s the holy grail of this new era. It is only by creating scenarios where everyone wins that we can achieve the changes we so desperately need.

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BUSINESS

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BUSINESS

LOUVRE ABU DHABI ART HERE

Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille create new exhibition and art prize to showcase rising contemporary art talent

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ouvre Abu Dhabi and Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille have jointly announced the launch of a new annual exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here, along with the creation of The Richard Mille Art Prize, promoting the best of contemporary art. For its inaugural year, the exhibition and prize will shine a spotlight on Emirati and UAE-based artists as part of the UAE’s wider 50-year Jubilee celebrations.

Set to launch in November, the international exhibition serves as an annual platform to showcase contemporary artists working in a variety of media. Each year, the exhibition will see four to six artists selected through an open call for proposals, with each exhibiting their artwork in the Forum, a space of interaction and exchange within Louvre Abu Dhabi dedicated to contemporary art.

Following their submissions, one of the chosen artists will be awarded The Richard Mille Art Prize, with the announcement of the winner to take place in a ceremony organised at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The annual cash reward of US$50,000 will be part of a ten-year commitment between the museum and Richard Mille.

“The announcement of the creation of The Richard Mille Art Prize and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition is the latest reminder that Abu Dhabi is accelerating its support and promotion of local creative talent, while simultaneously cementing its position as an attractive and inspiring destination for global creatives,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “We already know that world-class artists live among us. This new prize and accompanying exhibition will serve to spotlight the best of current UAE artistic talent in a year where our nation is both celebrating 50 years of achievement and looking forward to the next 50.”

Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, said, “In a few short years, Louvre Abu Dhabi has become one of the most iconic art museums in the world. Richard Mille and Louvre Abu Dhabi are both built upon the tenets of excellence in innovation, artistry, mastery and savoir-faire. As an avid art collector, I have long been inspired by the visionary perspectives brought to light by contemporary artists.

Therefore, I’m especially proud to see this collaboration between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille come to life, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent.

The Richard Mille Art Prize will redefine the benchmarks of contemporary creativity, with a goal to offer exceptional artists the opportunity to create a new dimension of their potential.”

“Our partnership with Richard Mille represents a mutual, long-term commitment to supporting contemporary artistic talent within the UAE and this region, while connecting Louvre Abu Dhabi to its territory,” said Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. “We aim to provide these artists with a highly visible platform from which to come together and showcase their work to both our community and the global audience. This initiative also represents a decisive step forward by Louvre Abu Dhabi into the arena of contemporary art, as we further expand on our mission to shine a light on the cultural connections which unite us all.”

The announcement of the winner of the inaugural Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 and The Richard Mille Art Prize will run parallel to the UAE’s cultural season, which is made up of Dubai Expo 2020, Abu Dhabi Art, Dubai Design Week and Art Dubai; an exciting addition to a growing local calendar celebrating modern-day creativity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 exhibition will run from November 2021 to March 2022.

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BUSINESS

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BUSINESS

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS

Consumer spending looks very different in a post-pandemic world. Here, Kate Hardcastle MBE, TV’s renowned "Customer Whisperer," straight-talking consumer expert, and multiple business award winner, strongly believes in the power customers can wield to force change

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t a time that has seen most of us change the way we work, rest and play, our consumption habits have changed forever – indeed we are living through a spending revolution.

Globally, the shift to online retail has seen a decade of development in a matter of months. Consumers who had been reluctant to spend via a click of a button have been persuaded to use online stores as on/off lockdowns has seen many non-essential stores and businesses close down over the last 12 months.

We have also seen a pivotal change in the way we exercise – home fitness product sales have rocketed as we welcomed a new generation of intelligent exercise equipment into our homes. We have had to experiment (with mixed success rates) self-administered beauty routines and hairstyling – including for some, the perilous experiment of home hair-cutting and dying.

Our homes have had to be shape-shifted into multifunctional spaces, transforming into schools, cafes, workplaces and cinemas – all in the same four walls and space we always had to begin with.

Life has changed. We move on to the next normal.

But which of these new habits will leave their mark on us global citizens for good?

Even prior to the pandemic, and before many of us started using the word ‘unprecedented’ addendum, the Centre for Progressive Policy surveyed consumers about social responsibility in businesses. The results were loud and clear – 80% wanted businesses to step up and do more.

There was a clear demand for the organisations of tomorrow to do right by their stakeholders; to swerve customers with authenticity and respect, and certainly demonstrate their compassion for the environment, community, and the future.

We are now so much more fragile in so many ways.

Experiencing the pandemic means we hear that daily echo in the news and on social media with statistics like daily death rates. Many have felt the pain of loss and the overwhelming impact of the cessation of things that brought joy.

We have faced a tidal wave of Covid-19, which has churned up a seabed of so many other issues – diversity, mental health, isolation, and climate.

We are weary from fighting the fire the pandemic has fuelled with an exhausting “right here, right now” in every moment since it started. And as we stand looking at the dawn of a new horizon, we are using the power we have to make positive change.

We as consumers have realised that there is no business without the customer, and that there is power in every dollar we spend.

Social media has opened up our conversations directly with organisations. We see brands brought to life in this space, and many consumers feel their voice can finally be heard. As well as being a popular place to air any grievances, many consumers have also become empowered to use social media to question organisations about everything from environmental issues to fair pay for employees. Indeed, consumers are really starting to recognise and use the power of their voice.

Authentic communications matter to this generation of shoppers, who are tired of “green-washing” and any disingenuous claims from an organisation about ethical matters. This demand for greater transparency is already making change in the boardroom, as global organisations understand the vital importance of keeping it real for customers.

A welcome change in many territories has been the pendulum swing of spending shifting back towards more local, independent businesses. Smaller organisations can not only offer a greater level of personalised service, but can often play a large role in supporting local economies, generally using more local suppliers and supporting community initiatives.

History tells us that pandemics of the past have redeveloped the economy, pushed creative thinking beyond comfortable boundaries, and changed the course of the trajectory.

Businesses should do well by doing good, and if they do, they can start to engage our hearts and minds as consumers. It will build better relationships for both parties – and as someone who has long seen this moment coming, it will be an honour to play a part in making that change.

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aggregator in the META region is to find talented craftsmen and entrepreneurs, give them access to our platform to gain more exposure, and provide them with the necessary assistance to help them increase sales on The Saffron Souk, nourishing their creativity to keep their craft and passion alive.

During the year, The Saffron Souk benefitted greatly from the surge in online shopping due to the pandemic. We have seen this momentum continue into 2021 as the site is now available in Arabic as well.

What trends or changes have you noticed in the creative makers space in the past couple of years?

The pandemic resulted in the birth of new start-ups, entrepreneurs that want to define success on their own terms, making their passion their daily profession. This trend is still growing due to the results that entrepreneurs are getting, and how it affected their professional life after the pandemic.

As your sellers scale their business and perhaps find the need to increase production, do you think you would consider changing your fundamental premise to enable sellers to use outside manufacturers?

Our fundamental premise is solid and will always remain intact, our sellers might use outside manufacturers to aid their production, but at the end the product in question is the result of their passion and creativity, we will always support small batch makers, even those manufactured by a third party.

How does Saffron Souk help customers discover products that they don’t even know exist?

When potential customers visit The Saffron Souk, they search for products, and based on those searches, The Saffron Souk shows users similar products when revisiting the website (product discovery).

We also have a what’s new section in our homepage that 56 SEPT / OCT 2021

showcases new added products on our platform. This is in addition to our social media accounts (currently Facebook and Instagram), where we promote our new products and sellers and our regular newsletters.

With the increase of online shopping, particularly with major players, such as Amazon, more and more online retailers are looking at the customer experience as a differentiating factor. How do you see your ability to compete?

Major players have their own approach to the e-commerce business.

We at The Saffron Souk have a different approach, starting with our niche, hard to find products, and as a small business aggregator we offer a direct link to the seller, a guarantee of the product authenticity and quality, and safe and secure online payment transactions.

How do you see the business growing in the future?

The Saffron Souk’s target is to aggregate micro and small business, providing creatives and new entrepreneurs with an online platform to have their own business, grow their passion and succeed on their own terms. We see very good growth in our business in the future based on our platform, buyers and sellers’ customer service, digital marketing services, which creates chances to new entrepreneurs and small businesses to launch their shops, merge their passion into their profession.

Do you have any tips for creatives or makers out there who are looking to get their products into the marketplace?

We encourage creators to take the leap to the online shopping community, join The Saffron Souk, and succeed on their own terms.

December 2021 GLOBALCITIZENFORUM.ORG

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THE MAKING OF A COACHBUILT MASTERPIECE

The yacht-inspired Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is the ultimate statement in luxury 58 SEPT / OCT 2021

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ith the launching of the Boat Tail, Rolls-Royce Coachbuild becomes a permanent fixture in the vast portfolio of bespoke options for RollsRoyce clients.

“Coachbuilding is a highly distilled expression of Rolls-Royce Bespoke and is reserved for those who look to move beyond existing constraints. It is based on a true commission model and represents a collaborative exploration of meaningful luxury, design and culture between the marque and its commissioning client. The results become pivotal moments in time that create a future historical legacy, advancing designs which in turn define an era, extending influence far beyond the original intended purpose of a mere means of transportation. Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is contemporary patronage in its truest form,” said Alex Innes, Head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild Design.

This means that Rolls-Royce can now align their motor cars with a lifestyle in which the client’s investments in luxury, from property, clothing and jewellery to works of art, yachts or private aircraft are personal, individual and unique.

At nearly 5.8m long, the Boat Tail makes quite a statement.

The front profile features a new treatment of Rolls-Royce’s iconic pantheon grille and lights. The grille is now flanked by deep-set daytime running lights and classic round headlamps, a styling feature from the Rolls-Royce design archives.

The side view offers nautical references. The wraparound windshield pays styling homage to the windshields on vintage motor launches like the iconic mahogany Chris Craft, while a sculpted lower bodyside creates a lithe impression, making an historical reference to the running boards of prominent heritage Rolls-Royce designs.

But it’s at the rear where the nautical references become even more apparent. The aft deck, a modern interpretation of the wooden rear decks of historical Boat Tails, incorporates large swaths of Caleidolegno wood veneer.

The open pore material features a linear wood grain which is visually elongated by brushed stainless steel pinstripe inlays.

Additionally, deep-set taillamps establish a low reference point, evoking the dipped stern of a motor launch under power and on plane.

The Boat Tail features a removable fixed-canopy roof with gorgeous flying buttresses. If inclement weather is encountered while the roof is removed, a temporary tonneau can be temporarily fitted.

The incredible uniqueness of the Boat Tail is revealed when one opens the split rear deck to expose the “Hosting Suite.”

At the press of a button, the deck opens in a sweeping cantilever motion to reveal bespoke chests appointed with the perfect accoutrements for a true Rolls-Royce al fresco

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dining experience; one side dedicated to aperitifs, the other, cuisine, complete with cutlery engraved with the name Boat Tail, made by Christofle in Paris.

A double refrigerator was developed to house wine or champagne at the correct temperature for preferred vintages.

Highly-polished cradles were created to stow the specific bottle sizes within the refrigerator.

A classic design element of contemporary Rolls-Royce motor cars is the stowage of Rolls-Royce umbrellas in the doors, and in anticipation of possible poor weather, a unique umbrella is housed beneath the rear-center line in anticipation of sunny weather. A telescopic movement opens the unique canopy inversely, ensuring effortless deployment.

Cocktail tables, which rotate to mimic the offering of an attendant, open on either side of the hosting suite providing access to two contemporary, minimalist stools, which are discretely stowed below. Designed by Rolls-Royce and created by Italian furniture maker Promemoria, the slim-line interlocking stools are formed from the same technical fiber found on the exterior of the car.

Inside, the Boat Tail is all Rolls. Thousands of Bespoke options are available to clients, while the initial commissioning was executed with blue leather throughout.

The dashboard is distilled in its appearance, providing a modern aesthetic. Unique timepieces from renowned

horologists BOVET 1822 were specifically commissioned for Boat Tail clients. A pair of reversible tourbillon timepieces are featured, each designed to be worn on the wrist; used as a table clock, pendant or pocket timepiece; or placed within the dashboard as the Boat Tail’s timepiece.

Inside the glove box, a Montblanc pen in a hand-crafted aluminium and leather case, extends the full luxe treatment Rolls-Royce clients have come to expect and demand in their bespoke luxury motorcars.

The instrument panel dials are adorned with a decorative technique named Guilloché, more commonly perfected in the workshops of fine jewelers and watchmakers.

The cost of bespoke craftsmanship is not an issue for those who wish to acquire specialised items for their treasured collections. The Roll-Royce Boat Tail as currently commissioned carries a price tag of more than $25 million.

The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail was commissioned to “mark a sense of occasion and serve that occasion like nothing else.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, RollsRoyce Motor Cars, remarked, “Boat Tail is the culmination of collaboration, ambition, endeavour, and time. It was born from a desire to celebrate success and create a lasting legacy. In its remarkable realisation, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail forges a pivotal moment in our marque’s history and in the contemporary luxury landscape.”

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AUTOMOTIVE

ADRENALINE, ACCELERATED The Continental GT Speed is the most capable, performance-focussed Bentley ever—with no compromise to comfort or luxury

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entley’s new Continental GT Speed is heralded as the marque’s most dynamic road car in its 101year history, and the ultimate performance-focussed interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.

Designed, engineered, developed, and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007—itself inspired by the three-litre Speed models of the 1920s—the latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.

Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, said, “The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring.

This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car.”

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“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”

For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic rear differential (eLSD). Specifically tuned together with the traction control and active chassis systems, the eLSD provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability, and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.

To complement the extra capability of the chassis, a newly engineered Carbon Ceramic brake system has been introduced as an option on the GT Speed. Carbon Silicon Carbide discs provide additional brake bite, with a strong, firm brake pedal feel and excellent brake fade resistance.

Not only does the Continental GT Speed offer impressive performance, to maximise efficiency the model benefits from Bentley’s Stop-Start technology where the engine rests not only

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when the vehicle is stationary, but also at near-to-stop speeds.

The muscular bodywork of the Continental GT has been amplified still further on the GT Speed. Unique exterior detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance, blending seamlessly with the effortless elegance inherent to the Continental GT. Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, as well as unique, more sculpted sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender.

Another signature feature of the most potent version of the Continental GT is unique, 22” Speed wheels in bright silver, with the option of a dark tint or black gloss finish. “Jewel” versions of the fuel and oil filler caps are standard, while illuminated Bentley treadplates to both sills are a nod to the Speed’s performance credentials.

The cabin of the new Continental GT Speed showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating the world’s finest automotive interiors. Handcrafted materials blend with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and can be further personalised if desired.

The Continental GT Speed’s credentials are further highlighted by a unique duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the

steering wheel. The exterior badging is matched with an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.

The luxurious interior can be further personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split.

The centre console can be finished in new dark tint engine turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and a beautifully patterned finish.

Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT. A range of veneers are available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard. Customers can also choose Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus at no extra cost, with three open pore options (Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa) available as additional options.

As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and exceptional grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres.

Packed with exquisite detail, a technologically advanced instrument panel and the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display, the new driver-focused model widens the Continental GT’s performance credentials.

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ELECTRIC, SPORTY, AND PROGRESSIVE

Emotive design and revolutionary technology: the Audi e-tron GT quattro and the Audi RS e-tron GT

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lectric mobility is becoming dynamic and fascinating, as the Audi e-tron GT proves. The four-door coupé, which will be introduced in the market as an RS model at the same time, reinterprets the classic idea of the gran turismo: Its design is highly emotional, the technology revolutionary. Two powerful electric motors provide confident electric all-wheel drive and stunning road performance. The high-voltage battery with a capacity of 85 kWh (net) enables a range of up to 488 kilometers (298.3 mi, predicted WLTP for the Audi e-tron GT quattro) and can be extremely quickly recharged thanks to its 800-volt technology. Suspension, lights, controls, connection, or e-tron sport sound: The Audi e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT demonstrate accumulated technical expertise and the Audi brand’s passion for details.

The all-electric Audi e-tron SUV and the e-tron Sportback SUV coupé were the pioneers with which Audi embarked on its successful electric mobility journey. Now the brand is making its second statement: The four-door e-tron GT coupé is a gran turismo with dynamic elegance and an Audi such as 64 SEPT / OCT 2021

the world has never seen before. The e-tron GT is powerful, sporty, confident, and emotive. It reflects all the passion with which Audi develops and builds cars.

The Audi e-tron GT represents yet another chapter in Audi’s history: It is a supreme gran turismo, and the RS version comes with particularly pronounced dynamic handling. It combines an expressive design language with powerful electric output, high efficiency, and excellent everyday usability. These properties make it a pioneer full of character that is shaping the future of the brand. The e-tron GT brings “Vorsprung durch Technik” to the road and emphasises the Audi standard as the company’s electric figurehead: sporty, electric, and pioneering.

As is always the case at Audi, the design is not an end in itself but rather the connection between form and function: In line with electric mobility, the design of the e-tron GT enables sophisticated aerodynamics – aesthetics thus also arise from efficiency. The e-tron GT deliberately adopts established design elements of the e-tron, the first electric car from Audi, and refines them in a targeted manner. These elements include

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the strongly modelled insert above the door sill trims. It emphasises the battery pack in the center of the vehicle as the car’s powerhouse.

Sportiness and comfort are the two classic design principles of a gran turismo. The design of the Audi e-tron GT takes up this idea and adds a new perspective to it: Sustainability plays an important part in electric mobility. It begins with the initial idea and is expressed through the design. The optimised aerodynamics of the e-tron GT are visible proof of the pursuit of sustainability. Its low drag coefficient of 0.24 increases the level of efficiency and enables a longer range.

These basic ideas are also found in the interior of the e-tron GT. For example, the dashboard – which is turned toward the driver as is typical for sporty Audi models – rests within a spacious interior design that is characteristic for a comfortable and dynamic touring sports car. At the same time, the e-tron GT demonstrates with its leather-free design package, which consists predominantly of recycled materials, that sustainability is an important aspect of the electric gran turismo.

The technology packaging of the electric drive allows for a flat front end, thereby providing the driver with a fascinating view over the front end and directly onto the road. This view is focused since the hood is framed by sharply curved fenders on both sides. This unusual perspective and the dynamism of the drive create a driving experience that shapes the character of the electric gran turismo to a great extent.

Aerodynamics isn’t just the means to an end in the e-tron GT but an important design feature. The design with its drag coefficient of 0.24 looks as if it were shaped by the wind – and it is. It was developed in close collaboration between designers and aerodynamics engineers.

The e-tron GT is also top-class when it comes to aeroacoustics. Its windshield is made of noise-insulating glass as standard, and the side windows are rear window are available

with this type of glass upon request.

The strong focus of the interior on the driver, inspired by the monoposto idea, is a characteristic of sporty Audi models and the e-tron GT in particular. The central dashboard is tilted slightly to the left, and the pronounced three-dimensional instrument panel looks light and lean. Its upper section is drawn away from the driver in a large, elegant arc. The display of the Audi virtual cockpit plus stands freely in this space, while the MMI touch monitor is surrounded by a black piano finish bezel that seems to float above the instrument panel. If the ambient lighting package plus is on board (standard in the RS model), it features a lasered and backlit “e-tron” badge in the right-hand section.

The suspension is one of the elements that play a crucial role in shaping the harmonious overall character of the Audi e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT. It is a congenial partner to the dynamic drive, while always remaining confident and relaxed no matter how much strain is put on it. This, too, perfectly embodies the gran turismo philosophy.

The Audi e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT have been introduced to the market with a wide range of driver assist systems. The Audi pre sense front and Audi pre sense basic safety systems are standard, as are the lane departure warning system and cruise control system. The optional systems are subdivided into the “Tour,” “City” and “Park” packages. Night vision assist and surround view cameras are also optional, in addition to a range of other features.

In terms of controls and displays, the e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT follow the current Audi concept: All information appears on two large displays. The driver operates the Audi virtual cockpit plus via the multifunction steering wheel and controls the central MMI touch display via touch.

Behind the control and display functions in the e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT is the state-of-the-art third generation modular infotainment platform.

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ALL ELECTRIC. ALL PORSCHE.

Porsche goes to the extreme to kick off the launch of its fully electric Taycan Cross Turismo

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oinciding with the arrival of the first models, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE celebrated the new allelectric Taycan Cross Turismo with a thrilling video that showcases the versatile model being pushed to its limits in two remote locations with opposing climatic extremes. Driving cinematic content creation to a new leveI, it is the first time that an automotive brand released a campaign video captured entirely by a first-person view (FPV) drone in such challenging conditions.

Two identical race tracks, one in the sandy desert in Liwa (UAE) and the other on a snow-blanketed frozen lake north of the Arctic circle in Levi (Finland), play host to the project, titled Drive2Extremes, which sees the Taycan Cross Turismo power between two contrasting worlds. Taking the viewer on this visual journey is the FPV drone videography of talented Johnny Schaer, heralded as one of the world’s top drone pilots and better known as Johnny FPV. Reflecting the nature of the Taycan Cross Turismo, the world’s first electric Cross Utility Vehicle, the landmark hero film features groundbreaking FPV drone cinematography capturing epic driving moments, extreme landscapes and genuine, compelling human performances.

Key to the project’s success and the visual appeal is the

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unique combination of exciting young talent. Drone innovator Johnny Schaer, and Emmy-award-winning director, Nicholas Schrunk, link seemlessly with professional racing driver and Porsche driving instructor, Jukka Honkavuori, to create the world-merging edit, captured between the biting cold of Levi and the blistering heat of Liwa.

Commenting on the project, Chief Executive Officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, Dr Manfred Braeunl, welcomed the launch video for the new Taycan Cross Turismo: “Innovative, exciting, and bursting with Porsche DNA, this model proclaims ‘adventure’ and an ‘active lifestyle’. With this leading-edge production, we want to highlight the versatility and durability of the all-new Taycan Cross Turismo for a creative, ambitious and individual lifestyle.”

Markus Peter, Marketing Director at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, added, “By parterning up with innovative content creators, we authentically showcase the car in new perspectives and create curiosity, enhancing the awareness for our electric products.”

With its off-road elements and benchmark performance, combined with typical Porsche comfort and innovative design, the Taycan Cross Turismo is the all-rounder among electric sports

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cars. Three derivatives of the Taycan Cross Turismo are now available, all featuring the Performance Battery Plus as standard, offering up to 456 km of range from the 93.4 kWh battery.

The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo generates overboost power of up to 350 kW (476 PS), accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed 220 km/h, with the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo further in front. The Turbo model is the most powerful of the three, delivering up to 500 kW (680 PS) and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h.

The new models feature all the assets of the Taycan sports saloon, including the 800-volt architecture, two-speed transmission on the rear axle, and high recuperative power of up to 275 kW. Additionally, the new Cross Turismo range features more headroom for rear-seat passengers and a maximum luggage compartment capacity of over 1,200 litres loaded via the large tailgate. The new chassis, with standard all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension, is height-adjustable.

Design elements include special wheelarch trims, unique lower aprons at the front and rear as well as the side sills. The

optional Off-Road design package increases ground clearance by up to 30 mm for more challenging off-road terrain. The standard “Gravel Mode” improves the suitability of the new model for driving on rough roads.

Braeunl is convinced that the Taycan Cross Turismo is an important addition to the brand’s range: “Already, we have seen significant demand for the Taycan across the region and I expect the unique and adventurous Cross Turismo will add to that as we further extends the brand’s already significant progress towards sustainable mobility.”

The Drive2Extremes video is released on Porsche’s official YouTube channel as well as on the Porsche Newsroom. Notably, beyond the one-of-a-kind hero video, a series of behind-thescenes and explainer videos will take viewers deep into the distinctive production ensuring a wide range of interesting content that will be launched soon.

All CO2 emissions from the production of Drive2Extremes were offset through a partnership with ALLCOT, a project developer managing initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to actively combat climate change.

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READY TO IMPRESS

Signature BMW driving pleasure and sporting elegance are brought together with modern functionality in the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé

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MW’s latest four-door coupé captures the imagination with its noticeably enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design following the BMW brand’s new design language, a refined premium feel for its interior and a host of innovations in the areas of operation and connectivity. Comfortable access to the rear compartment, five full-size seats, a large tailgate and a variable-usage load compartment ensure the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé retains its model-specific skillset in everyday driving and on longer trips.

This time around, a performance version of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, courtesy of BMW M GmbH, will be available from the car’s market launch (due to get underway in November 2021) alongside four other model variants.

The model-specific body concept results in a versatile interior, offering generous amounts of space in the rear. The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé offers 470 litres of boot space, the primary capacity in the directly viewable area of the boot having grown by 39 litres.

Inside the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the high centre console and flowing surface structure running from the instrument panel into the door panels generate a cocooning feel in the front seats. The Start/Stop button for the engine is positioned in a classily designed control panel in the centre console, which also houses the BMW Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control unit and electromechanical parking brake alongside the

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model-specific gearshift lever. The rear seat bench with folding head restraints allows three child seats to be fitted.

Sport seats and a Sport leather steering wheel come as standard. The dynamic style of the interior is accentuated in the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé and in M Sport cars by features including knee pads on the centre console. The list of optional equipment provides extensive scope for individualisation. Driving pleasure and comfort can be enhanced with items such as seat heating and ventilation, Vernasca and BMW Individual leather trim options, Sensatec or leather coverings for the instrument panel, the M Sport package Pro, a large glass slide/tilt sunroof, ambient lighting and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

All the engines team up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Meanwhile, the optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (standard in the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé) complements its sharper shift dynamics and shift paddles on the steering wheel with a Sprint function. This prompts the powertrain and shift characteristics to maximise dynamic performance when putting in a sudden burst of speed or overtaking.

The sporting characteristics of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are also well served by a low centre of gravity and almost 50:50 weight distribution. An intelligent material mix has been employed to optimise the weight of both the body and chassis technology. And the bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area can also take credit for the car’s superb handling

AUTOMOTIVE

agility and precision.

The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé comes as standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Standard specification for the new BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé includes 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential with electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential. This is also available as an option for the BMW 430i Gran Coupé if M Sport suspension or adaptive M suspension is specified.

Standard specification comprises front collision warning, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control, the Reversing Assist Camera and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View and Remote 3D View can also be ordered as an option.

The driver and passengers in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé benefit from the extended possibilities provided by BMW Operating System 7 as standard. Customers can take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: control display touchscreen, familiar BMW Controller, multifunction buttons

on the steering wheel, voice control or optional BMW gesture control. There is also access to a range of highly advanced digital services, including the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Digital Key, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrades.

The standard-fitted BMW Live Cockpit Plus comprises the iDrive operating system with 8.8-inch control display and a 5.1-inch colour display in the instrument cluster. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a fully digital screen grouping including a high-resolution instrument cluster with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch control display.

The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system offers extremely fast and precise route calculation and arrival times, real-time traffic data updates at short intervals and the ability to enter any word when searching for a destination. With smartphone integration fitted as standard, customers can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the car’s operating system. And the Remote Software Upgrades function allows improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.

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HOROLOGY

THE POWER OF PASTEL With the RM 07-01, Richard Mille has a ladies’ watch in its collection that combines a timeless appeal with a high-tech nature

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he undisputed feminine icon of Richard Mille, the RM 07-01 collection, continues to cause a sensation with every new iteration. Three new limited-edition models in technically advanced ceramic, with radiant multi-material guilloché dials embody the RM 07-01 collection’s no-compromise approach to aesthetics and performance, combining the very highest levels of mechanical watchmaking, movement engineering and decorative finish.

Each of the three models in the new RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection, set apart by brand new case colour and graphic dial elements, is limited to an edition of 50 timepieces.

The RM 07-01 Pastel Blue, RM 07-01 Pastel Pink and RM 07-01 Pastel Lavender are shots of sheer summer delight, housed in cases of ceramic and animated by the automatic CRMA2 in-house movement. The segmented central dial plates are assembled from inserts of ceramic, geometrically patterned rubber and — a first for Richard Mille hand-crafted guillochage.

Guillochage is a decorative craft that has its origins in the 16th century. In its most authentic form, dial guillochage consists of individual repeating lines, cut by a hand-turned lathe, that intersect and overlap to create a graphic motif. Practitioners of this art, known as guillocheurs, can train for decades before they are considered masters of their craft.

Seen today in watches of classical style, Director of Creation and Development Cécile Guenat considered incorporating this within a Richard Mille watch but with a unique fresh pop of energy.

Therefore, in typical Richard Mille fashion, the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramic models have taken this centuries-old technique and applied it in creative ways that demonstrate the brand’s ability to subvert established ideas.

The rhodium-plated red-gold dial element at the center of

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each RM 07-01 is a segment of a larger pattern, a motif that is part botanical with six lobbed, part sunburst, part Art Deco and all Richard Mille. Their lines subtly align with the floating hour markers on the microblasted titanium flange. Surrounding the guilloché dial segment and reinforcing the theme of modernity blended with tradition, are geometrically shaped elements of ceramic and rubber, in perfect complement with the ceramic case and bi-colour rubber straps.

There are three colour variations within the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection — TZP pink ceramic with cerulean-lilac rubber strap, TZP lavender ceramic with coral-tangerine rubber strap, and TZP blue ceramic with olive-aqua rubber strap. In deciding on the colours and textures of these new models, Cécile Guenat and her team worked through multiple versions before arriving at these final configurations. ‘I was inspired by the Art Deco architecture you see in Miami, these pastel colours and bold patterns that are so distinctive and convey such an amazing vibe and attitude.’

The use of new coloured ceramic in the larger family of RM 07-01 watches is above all playful and energetic but is anchored by its exceptional performance as a case material. TZP ceramic is light, hypoallergenic, durable and virtually scratch-proof, thanks to its zirconium oxide composition and sintering manufacture process. This level of performance is perfectly matched with the automatic in-house calibre CRMA2, made of microblasted and electroplasma treated titanium and capturing its power from a 5N red gold variable-geometry rotor that maintains the watch optimally wound at all times.

Together with the bright energy of the bi-colour rubber straps and the hand-finished sheen of the gold guilloché dial, the ceramic cases of the new RM 07-01 make for three of the most enjoyable Richard Mille watches.

HOROLOGY

THE NEXT WAVE

Wear the spirit of adventure on your wrist with the sporty yet elegant Breguet Marine collection

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reguet’s Marine collection symbolises the spirit of adventure and conquest. It is inspired by the timepieces of yesteryear that were used as scientific instruments, particularly in maritime navigation. In 2021, Breguet adds to this line new variations in rose gold with a slate-gray dial, and in titanium with a blue dial.

In order to offer a wide range of watches to choose from, the House of Breguet is introducing new variations of its Marine 5517, 5527, and 5547 models this year. The first one incorporates a pristine look with a three-hand display and a date indication. The 5527 model furthermore features a flyback chronograph function, with a large central hand indicating the measured time. Three counters located between 3 and 9 o’clock display the timed minutes, the hours, and the small seconds. Reference 5547 includes an alarm function and displays a second time zone. All three timepieces display the date in a separate window.

The new generation of the Marine line, launched in 2017, embodies sporting elegance, reinterpreting the aesthetic elements of Breguet in a contemporary style. The three models presented feature an hours chapter with Roman numerals and luminescent dots, the famous moon-tipped Breguet hands in luminescent faceted gold, and a central hand with subtle marine detail. Breguet proposes several types of straps and bracelets for these creations: leather, rubber, and metal.

In presenting the first versions of the 5517, 5527, and 5547 models in 2018, Breguet also introduced a new material to the collection: titanium. Its remarkable properties make this material the ideal choice for the maritime-themed line. In addition to its

resistance to salty air and corrosion – a major advantage in a marine environment – it is also light and robust. Since 2019, the House of Breguet has also offered a titanium bracelet that emphasises the contemporary aspect. Breguet incorporates in its titanium Marine models a dial with a sunburst finish created by hand. Very fine lines extend from the frame containing the brand name to the edges of the dial. As a tribute to the spirit of the collection, these new timepieces are finished in blue tones, reminiscent of the sea.

The variations in rose gold of the Marine models feature a type of guillochage specially designed for the collection that mirrors its original inspiration. The gold dial, like a ship’s porthole revealing a glimpse of the sea in motion, incorporates a guillochage pattern in the form of waves. This piece of craftsmanship, which has always adorned Breguet timepieces, adds an extra touch of character to these watches, thanks to the expertise of the engine-turning artisans trained at the House of Breguet. Highlighting the different indications of the dial, and extremely complex in design, the guillochage is here presented in slate-gray tones, offering a stunning contrast with the depth of the rose gold.

At Breguet, aesthetic excellence goes hand in hand with absolute technical mastery. The calibers of these models are designed entirely in-house at Breguet, using the most advanced technologies, and working with top specialists. The three selfwinding calibers are tested in six different positions. Silicon is used for the balance spring and in the escapement, a material with multiple qualities, including its resistance to magnetism. The three models also feature a gold rotor.

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HOROLOGY

“NO RAD” LIMITED EDITION Introducing The Blancpain Tribute To Fifty Fathoms No Rad Limited Edition

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lancpain reinterprets one of its emblematic historical timepieces, the Fifty Fathoms "no radiations". This mid1960s diving instrument, of which one version was used by the German Navy's Combat Swimmers, had the characteristic feature of being stamped with a "no radiations" logo indicating that Blancpain was not using luminescent materials composed of radium. This distinctive symbol on the watch dial has forged its success; the timepiece and its variants are now among the most iconic Fifty Fathoms models, which the new Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad intends to honour. Collectors take note: this watch is issued in a 500-piece limited series.

The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad watch revisits the historical model that inspired it. Its matt deep black dial is punctuated by geometrical hour-markers, combining traditional round dots as well as rectangles and a diamond-shaped mark at 12 o'clock. The chapter ring, the hands and the time scale on the bezel all feature "old radium"-coloured Super-LumiNova® reprising the beigeorange hue of vintage indicators bearing the patina of time. At 3 o'clock sits a date aperture highlighted by a white rim, as seen on one of the 1960s models. The yellow and red "no radiations" logo remains the dominant element on the dial, adding to the already strong character of this timepiece. The unidirectional rotating bezel, featuring a graduation typical of the initial Fifty Fathoms models, is fitted with a sapphire insert, a distinctive feature of the contemporary collection. Its domed profile contributes to the depth effect of the watch face, already enhanced by the use of a glassbox-type sapphire crystal. Water-resistant to 300 metres, the steel case measures 40.3 mm, a diameter exclusive to limited-edition Fifty Fathoms watches. It houses Blancpain Calibre 1151, a selfwinding movement equipped with a silicon balance spring and endowed with a four-day power reserve. Its two barrels are wound by means of a rotor with a cartouche-shaped aperture, a nod to some of the historic timepieces in the collection, including the very first Fifty Fathoms. This now atypical detail was formerly used to increase the suppleness

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of the oscillating weight in order to safeguard the movement in the event of impacts. The watch comes with a strap in "Tropic"type rubber, a material very popular with divers back in the day because of its durability and wearer comfort.

With this limited series, Blancpain is restoring a cult instrument from its past as a supplier to the navies of numerous armed forces worldwide. In 1953, French Combat Swimmers were the first to use the Fifty Fathoms for their underwater missions.

Thanks to its watertightness, legibility, safety and robustness, the watch immediately became an indispensable component of their equipment. Others were to follow, including the German military, which in the mid-1960s acquired the Fifty Fathoms RPG 1 model, now better known as "BUND No Rad". This name refers to the term "Bundeswehr" (armed forces), engraved on the back of the watches that equipped the "Kampfschwimmer", the elite German frogman commando unit, until the early 1970s. The distinguishing attribute of the RPG 1 model was the "no radiations" logo, featured for the first time on the dial of a Fifty Fathoms.

In the early 1960s, radium – a radioactive element used in watchmaking for its luminescent properties – was declared harmful to health. To reassure professional divers, as well as experienced amateurs who purchased their Fifty Fathoms watches from specialist equipment providers, Blancpain thus decided to clearly indicate that its timepieces were radium-free – and hence harmless. The special symbol consisting of three red segments on a yellow background with a black cross was accompanied by the words "no radiations" designed to ensure that the message was easily understood. The same logo subsequently appeared on the Fifty Fathoms RPGA 1 model, a calendar-based variant of the "BUND No Rad", for which it would remain the main criterion.

These diver's watches, whose dial indicated the absence of radium through the "no radiations" logo, have become particularly sought-after collector's items. They now form part of the Fifty Fathoms’ legendary heritage spanning almost 70 years.

HOROLOGY

READY, SET, GO The Chopard Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is the gentleman driver’s chronograph

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ince its revival in 1977, the 1000 Miglia race has continuously set the engines of legendary cars and the hearts of competitors throbbing over a 1,600 km loop through San Marino, Rome, Siena and Florence. As the main partner and official timekeeper of the event since 1988, Chopard is renewing its commitment once again this year, unveiling the Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition chronographs for the occasion. Available in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces in stainless steel or in a two-tone version of 250 pieces in stainless steel and 18-carat pink ethical gold, this elegant timepiece equipped with a movement featuring 'Chronometer' certified precision reflects Chopard's unwavering passion for motor sports.

The 2021 1000 Miglia took place this past June, marking the 39th historical re-enactment of ‘the race of the Red Arrow’. The first-ever 1000 Miglia took place in 1927, when a group of car enthusiasts in Brescia staged the race as a response to losing the Italian Grand Prix to Monza. The 2021 route will pay homage to the original race, with this re-enactment running — for the first time ever — in a counterclockwise direction. Four hundred motor cars will head to the Tyrrhenian coast from Brescia, stopping in Viareggio, before driving to Rome, the Apennines and Bologna.

Every timepiece in the Mille Miglia watch collection is resolutely sporty and completely reliable. The latest model to be inspired by the rally is no different; an automatic winding chronograph created to — first and foremost — measure time dependably.

The Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition model is a watch to be trusted, with 48-hour power reserve, stop-seconds function, water-resistance to 100 metres as well as a glare-proofed sapphire crystal to increase legibility.

Both options, the 1000-piece stainless steel version and the 250-piece stainless steel and ethical 18-carat rose gold version, feature a movement that has been chronometercertified by the COSC, a guarantee of precision that is important to Chopard Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele.

The chronograph indications are highlighted by red-tipped hands enhancing the legibility of the central sweep-seconds hand, the 30-minute counter positioned at 12 o’clock and the hours counter at 6 o’clock. Subtly preserving the pleasing proportions of the dial, the small seconds display appears at 9 o’clock and the date aperture at 3 o’clock.

The bezel bears a polished black ceramic tachymeter scale with white lacquer markings representing the perfect tool to help racers calculate the average speed during the 1000 Miglia rally.

The historic motorsport event hinges on precise timings — and that is why Chopard, precise and accurate in every aspect of watchmaking, continues to be the best partner for the race.

The high-performance Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is functional and durable, but it also benefits from aesthetic style.

The bezel, in stainless steel or polished ethical 18-carat rose gold with a black ceramic insert, takes its visual cues from the dials and gauges of classic automobiles. The case-back is secured with screws, and bears a chequered flag, the 1000 Miglia logo and the inscription ‘Brescia > Roma > Brescia’ to further reinforce the relationship between the timepiece and the historic rally. With intense grey and silver colours, accented with red touches, the entire watch has a strong visual identity.

The short lugs fit most wrists, and the design of the 44mm stainless steel case takes strong inspiration from classic car design, mixing contemporary styles with vintage spirit. Even the calfskin leather bracelet is inspired by traditional perforated racing gloves; red or black tone-on-tone stitched, rubber-lined and reminiscent of the motif on 1960s Dunlop racing tyres — a motorsport nod first included in Chopard’s 2018 Mille Miglia collection.

Finished with a polished and satin-brushed stainless steel folding clasp, the strap is an integral part of the Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition’s high-octane character.

The grey dial, obtained by galvanic treatment on a brass base, features a circular satin-brushed finish performed by dialmaker artisans. The famous 1000 Miglia ‘Red Arrow’ motif points to the semiinstantaneous date display at 3 o’clock — legible through a date magnifier. The hands and hour-markers are coated in Super-LumiNova to further ensure the readability of both day and night-time indications — an essential feature when driving in the heat of competition.

The Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is more than just a watch. It is a beacon of motorsport pedigree and the sign of a motorsport aficionado. Ownership of a Mille Miglia Race Edition shows a true passion for cars and respect for the community of driving adventurers of which Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is a proud member.

It is an heirloom in the making. The passion for racing is often passed down through generations, with the 1000 Miglia itself frequently raced by fathers and sons together. This watch is both a commemoration of the event, and a token to remember when your family ran the most beautiful race in the world. Suitable and stylish, the Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is a talisman for a new generation of gentleman drivers and racing enthusiasts alike.

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HOROLOGY

THE SEVENTIES ARE BACK Glashütte Original unveils a limited-edition chronograph-duo in strong colours

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lashütte Original invites you to enjoy an exceptionally stylish journey through time. The popular Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date makes a name for itself once again, giving its latest limited edition two of the decade’s favourite colours: sunny yellow and bright turquoise. Our handmade timepieces celebrate the feeling for life of a decade whose design, music and fashion trends enjoy cult status today. The watches are powered by an elaborately finished manufactory movement with automatic winding and flyback function.

It would be difficult to name a decade with a more laid-back attitude than the 1970s. Even today, Hollywood productions and artists make use of the clothing, cars and furniture of this decade when they’re looking to present a casual lifestyle enhanced by the sound of a rock electric guitar, funk or disco music. It was a decade that set the stage for decisive aspects of our society today: the first PC was launched, the modern environmental movement began, traditional conventions were questioned. And on the silver screen and TV, great science fiction classics created an aesthetic that was to make a lasting impression on the genre, filled with the characteristic brown, yellow and green hues and curved forms of the time.

The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date models from Glashütte Original celebrate this retro-futuristic style of the 1970s.

The latest edition – a pair of chronographs – combines the familiar round corners of the Seventies wristwatch with strong colours.

While one of the dials is coated entirely with yellow varnish, the second version was first given a refined sunray finish prior 76 SEPT / OCT 2021

to coating with a turquoise-black varnish with dégradé effect.

Super-LumiNova highlights on the hour and minute hands and on the appliques ensure optimal legibility in the dark as well. A grey-brown calfskin-Nubuck leather strap rounds off the vintage look in a stylish fashion.

As laid-back as the design of this watch may be, it is an exceptionally precise timepiece. Its automatic movement, which beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and features a column-wheel switch, was designed to be compact in order to ensure maximum efficiency.

This permits the manufactory’s 37-02 movement to guarantee a high degree of precision, reliability, and low susceptibility to interference. In addition, a bilateral winding rotor ensures a rapid delivery of energy; the power reserve is a generous 70 hours.

A special sapphire crystal case back allows one to view the manufactory movement, which presents several highly refined features. Among these are such characteristic elements of Glashütte watchmaking as bevelled edges, polished steel components, blued screws and the Glashütte three-quarter plate with Glashütte stripes finish, along with a skeletonised rotor with 21-carat gold oscillating mass and the brand’s signature double-G logo.

The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date takes up the cult designs of the 1970s and gives them a contemporary look and feel. The two models mentioned here are limited to 100 pieces each and are available worldwide from Glashütte Original Boutiques and selected authorised dealers.

HOROLOGY

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HOROLOGY

AN ARTISTIC COLLABORATION

Rolls-Royce collaborates with Swiss master horologists BOVET 1822 to create unique timepieces for the first Boat Tail coachbuilt commission

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he clock in a Rolls-Royce motor car frequently assumes a jewel-like status, often becoming a canvas for the client to tell the story of their commission in miniature. For RollsRoyce Boat Tail, the recently unveiled first of three coachbuilt creations, in which every element has been created to the owners' exact specifications, this iconic centrepiece has been elevated to new technical and aesthetic heights.

In a spirit of warm collaboration, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Swiss master watchmakers, BOVET 1822, have created a pair of unique timepieces for Boat Tail and its owners. This ambitious undertaking brought together designers, engineers and craftspeople from both luxury Houses, in a magnificent demonstration of their shared values of excellence, precision, heritage, artistry, innovation and attention to detail.

The timepieces are unique to both the horological and automotive worlds. Made as a pair—in lady's and gentleman's versions—they are reversible, and housed in BOVET 1822's patented Amadeo case, which allows them to be worn on the wrist, or used as a table clock, pendant or pocket-watch, as well as being placed front and centre in Boat Tail’s fascia as the motor car’s own timepiece. Both are fitted with tourbillon mechanisms to ensure perfect accuracy.

BOVET 1822 initially earned its reputation making luxury pocket-watches for wealthy patrons in China; today, it is renowned worldwide for its exquisite timepieces featuring hand-painted

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dials, detailed engraving and finely finished visible mechanisms.

The timepieces created for this first iteration of Boat Tail have specially designed 18K white gold cases and feature matching front dials with the same Caleidolegno veneer found on the aft deck of Boat Tail itself, and finished with the owner-couples’ names. The gentleman’s timepiece is highly polished; the lady’s is ornately engraved then filled with blue lacquer.

On the reverse side, the dials are more individual. The gentleman’s features an aventurine dial with the celestial arrangement of the night sky over the place of his birth on his birth date; the lady’s is decorated with an ornate miniature painting of a flower bouquet on a mother-of-pearl dial. This design is a traditional BOVET 1822 motif, chosen by and personalised for the owner.

Both reverse dials have hand-engraved Bespoke sculptures of Boat Tail, complete with wheels, door handle, mirrors and other fine details. By working closely together, the teams at Rolls-Royce and BOVET 1822 were able to achieve a precise colour match between the lacquer on this tiny work of art and the full-size motor car.

Further close cooperation was required to ensure the timepieces conformed to the demands of their unique role as motor car clocks. In watchmaking, weight is rarely an issue for a complex timepiece, but in this instance, there was a limit on the combined permissible weight of the timepieces and their holders. BOVET 1822 met this requirement by creating an entirely new 44mm white gold case. In addition, the timepieces and holders also had to be

HOROLOGY

tested to automotive-industry standards for vibration and crash safety – something never previously undertaken on mechanisms of this kind.

At a conservative estimate, the timepieces’ design, engineering, sculptures, miniature painting, marquetry, bespoke movements and cases took a total of 3,000 hours to complete.

When a pocket-watch is left static in one position for any length of time, the effect of gravity on key moving parts can impair its accuracy. At the end of the 18th Century, watchmakers solved this problem by developing the tourbillon, where the escapement and balance wheel are mounted in a cage that slowly revolves, cancelling out the gravitational effect. In a wristwatch, the wearer’s natural physical movements diminish the need for the tourbillon.

However, when that same timepiece is mounted vertically in a car dashboard for many hours at a time, the tourbillon truly comes into its own.

BOVET 1822 is a specialist in tourbillion timepieces, for which it holds a number of patents and has received many awards including the Aiguille d’Or, watchmaking’s highest honour. It is also one of the only companies in the watch industry to manufacture its own spirals and regulating organs. To reduce potential impact from the vibration from the car, the tourbillon has pivots rather than the traditional ball bearings; a heavier balance wheel and an increased oscillation rate to aid precision. Finally, the tourbillon bridge is finished with a miniaturised Spirit of Ecstasy handcrafted in gold.

The timepieces have an astonishing five-day power reserve, rather than the 42-48 hours of a 'standard' watch, to allow for their role as motor car clocks.

The holder mechanism is unique to Rolls-Royce Boat Tail and was designed by BOVET 1822 engineers and the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild design team from a blank sheet of paper. Although in a Rolls-Royce vibration is naturally reduced to an absolute minimum – undetectable vibrations are inevitably still present. This highly complex mounting assembly serves to isolate the timepieces from these micro-vibrations. It also ensures they operate silently, are easy to mount and remove from the dashboard and, above all, remain safe and secure.

These challenges were unlike any normally encountered in watchmaking and car manufacture. From the start, BOVET 1822 was determined to follow a purely mechanical approach in keeping with its tradition of Swiss handcrafted production.

The engineers’ innovative solution was to keep all the system’s moving parts external, with the dashboard providing a solid setting for the holder. Finally, Rolls-Royce ensured that when the holder is not housing one of the time pieces, it can be covered with a beautiful engraved and lacquered display plaque. Below the clock, the dashboard is fitted with a special drawer, lined with the same leather as Boat Tail’s seats, which serves as a safekeeping receptacle to house the timepieces, straps, chain and pendant when not in use.

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FASHION

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FASHION

THE RAINBOW CONNECTION

Boucheron’s rainbow-inspired jewellery like you've never seen before

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oucheron unveiled its new collection of rainbow luxury jewellery, Holographique. Boasting holographic hues, the jewellery brand used a combination of materials to reach a rainbow-coloured design. The brand's reputation for uniting technical mastery with avant-garde aesthetics is cemented through its newest line.

Creative director Claire Choisne was inspired to create prismatic pieces reminiscent of the vivid colour experiments of artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Luis Barragan. The collection includes 25 new pieces, each made by subjecting precious metals to high temperatures and spraying them onto ceramics and rock crystals. This creates pieces with magical iridescent hues. One notable opalescent piece features a twirling fish over a sea of powdered opal, cradling a central opal.

To create their holographic effect, Choisne tapped French aeronautics company, St. Gobain, for a special material typically used to coat the lights on airport runways.

“They start with oxide of titanium and silver, and they crush those metals to create a powder, and then they molt the powder down and spray it at a high temperature on rock crystal and white ceramic to add the coating,” says Choisne. “They

do 10 layers of really thin spraying for this effect. And you can play with the colour with the number of layers applied.” The result is a whole new take on the pervasive gem-set rainbow theme—popular in both watches and fine jewellery in the last couple of years—that knocks the competition out of the park.

The highlight is a stunning statement necklace arranged in slices of rock crystal set in white gold and sprayed with the special material and lined with diamonds across the ridge of each piece. At the center is a 20.21-carat octagonal Ceylon yellow sapphire that appears suspended between the crystal.

“We started with a mockup using plastic and we played with the slices,” says Choisne. “It was funny because this part of the collection was made with light as well because I used the light on my iPhone to project natural shadows of those slices to design naturally the structure of the necklace.” Despite its rigid appearance, it is supple in movement thanks to the expertise of Boucheron’s in-house craftspeople. And it is also versatile in appearance, changing colours against the clothing or skin tone of its wearer, as well as reflecting various shades depending on the light in which it is worn.

Choisne coins her achievement rather reservedly: “I wanted to bring a little bit of joy and I think we need that.”

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SAIL AWAY

This massive luxurious superyacht concept comes with three hulls instead of one

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outh Korean-based Yeojin Jung designed the Estrella superyacht in hopes of breaking the mold of traditional yacht configurations. The superyacht's split-hull design is highly reminiscent of the Y-Wing Fighter from the iconic Star Wars sci-fi films. However, Jung admits his direct influence came from cantilevered architecture.

While there are over 5,000 superyachts around the world, the Estrella sets itself apart from them all. Its

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outlandishly luxurious design is envisioned to look like the jewel of the seas. This superyacht is entered for the enjoyment of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). Its split-hull feature creates interesting divides that separate the yacht into one main component and two floater components on either side. To ensure a smooth ride, Jung states that the yacht comes with separate stabilizers on individual side-hulls.

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FASHION

BEYOND THE SURFACE Adidas creates the world’s first ever liquid billboard for the launch of their new burkini collection

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FASHION

A

didas recently unveiled the world’s first ever liquid billboard in Dubai, in line with the brand’s recent debut of its Burkini Collection. The first-of-its kind stunt celebrates adidas’ drive to offer a wider choice of technical apparel for athletes everywhere, simultaneously inspiring confidence in women and building on its commitment to make the future of sport as inclusive as possible.

A YouGov survey commissioned by adidas in 2021 reveals that only 12 per cent of women in the United Arab Emirates are completely comfortable wearing a swimsuit at a public beach or pool. Body shame and lack of privacy are the two main reasons women do not feel comfortable in their swimsuits.

The new campaign is fronted by spoken word-artist and sport inclusivity activist, Asma Elbadawi, who created a specially commisioned poem to celebrate her relationship with the water and the confidence it can bring to all women.

“This is a project that is close to my heart and i am incredibly proud to support a campaign that will remove barriers for women across the world to enjoy swimming,” she commented.

The ground-breaking activation, which took place at one of Dubai’s most popular public beaches saw the reveal of an incredible five-metre high and three-meter-deep swimming pool. The liquid

billboard could fit around 3,319 adidas shoe boxes and is made of reinforced transparent acrylic. Its walls can hold a whopping 11,500 gallons of water equivalent to nearly 163 bathtubs. The structure took a team of 32 people to build, working around the clock for three weeks to deliver.

Ladies of Dubai were invited to take a public “leap” of faith and participate by taking a dive “Beyond the Surface,” reinforcing the brand’s global attempt to ensure that sport is welcoming for all.

Those who took the public dive into the liquid billboard included adidas ambassador and amputee triathlete Dareen Barbar who is also a Guinness World Records title holder as well as adidas ambassador Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi Arabian female to climb Mount Everest.

Amrith Gopinath, Senior Brand Director, adidas GCC, said: “Our belief is that nobody should be prevented from enjoying the benefits of being in and around the water, hence the recent launch of our diversified product offering for all women and our Burkini Collection. Each piece is also carefully crafted to ensure that additional fabric does not reduce a swimmer’s ability to move in the water. The range went through a detailed testing process with consumer groups across multiple regions to help find the perfect balance of fit, features, performance and coverage.”

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FASHION

BERLUTI FALL 2021

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FASHION

FALL FASHION PICKS

Keep your wardrobe stocked with the latest drops from the men’s fall 2021 collections presented by major labels and new brands to know

PHILIPP PLEIN PHILIPP PLEIN JAEGER-LECOULTRE

SAINT LAURENT

VALENTINO

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2021 SEPT / OCT

87

FASHION

JACQUEMUS

7 FOR ALL MANKIND

JACQUEMUS

OMEGA 88 SEPT / OCT 2021

RICK OWENS

FASHION

ERMENEGILDO ZENGA FALL 2021

2021 SEPT / OCT

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TECHNOLOGY

TOMORROW’S TV, TODAY

LG’s Signature OLED R is a work of art fit for your luxury lifestyle—it’s the TV that appears when you need it and disappears when you don't

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elivering the the most innovative development in television technology in decades, LG’s Signature OLED R has been lauded as a triumph in engineer-ing and user-centric

design.

The epitome of exclusivity, The TV’s 65-inch flexible OLED display is created from one sheet of glass and features self-lit pixels and independent dimming control to deliver picture quality of astounding depth and vibrancy.

Each LG SIGNATURE OLED R rollable TV is custom built to order, meticulously assembled and finished with top quality craftsmanship by the most experienced production professionals at LG’s factory in South Korea.

LG’s latest technological innovation empowers users to deploy three distinct viewing modes – Full View, Line View and Zero View.

Full View rolls the LG Signature OLED R out to its full 65-inch size, offering a captivating display of colors and sounds for a truly immersive experience. Powered by LG’s leading processor technology, the TV employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a deep learning algorithm to optimize picture and sound quality according to the environment and content being showcased.

The LG Signature OLED R also features voice-activated control in a number of languages, including English, Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian. With Natural Language Processing (NLP), the TV can understand complex questions. For example, users can ask for the name of an actor, the films they have starred in, the background music and more. The TV will recognize these follow up questions as part of the same context – avoiding the need for repetition. With Arabic AI functionality, the LG Signature OLED R

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can understand not only standard Arabic dialect, but also Emirati, Saudi Arabian and Egyptian variations.

Line View allows the LG Signature OLED TV R to be partially unrolled, allowing for management of specific tasks that do not require the full TV screen. In Line View, users can choose from features and modes including Clock, Frame, Mood, Music and Home Dashboard to operate other home appliances remotely.

Users can initiate Clock mode to check the time and weather at a glance, or Frame mode to enjoy family photos shared from a smartphone, while Mood mode creates a more relaxing atmosphere.

Unlike other TVs, which take up visual space even when not in use, the rollable screen offers greater flexibility. When in Zero View, the OLED display disappears without a trace, creating perfect spatial and visual harmony in any interior setting. Even in Zero View, users can enjoy music and other audio content which emanate from the 4.2-channel, 100W front-firing Dolby Atmos audio system.

The premium look and feel of the LG Signature OLED R is also evident within the materials used to craft the TV, from the brushed aluminum casing to the quality wool speaker cover designed by textile experts at Kvadrat of Denmark.

LG Signature OLED R employs an OLED panel certified by Swiss-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) for producing less air pollutants, reducing the use of hazardous substances and being easier to recycle. The TV employs the world’s first Eyesafecertified TV panels that meet the low blue light emission requirement of US-based Eyesafe and has also been rated favorably by TÜV Rheinland and Underwriters Laboratories.

TECHNOLOGY

REDEFINING IMAGE QUALITY

Leica’s new M10-R packs a 40-megapixel sensor

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hile Leica builds premium mirrorless cameras like the recent full-frame SL2, it’s best known for its iconic manual-focus rangefinders. Now the German manufacturer has released its highest-resolution model yet, the full-frame, 40.9-megapixel M10-R, making it able to capture even the finest textures and details.

Its base sensitivity of ISO 100, combined with fast Leica M-Lenses, makes it easy and flexible for shooting wide open spaces and achieving maximum background blur and strong bokeh even in bright daytime light.

On the other end of the spectrum, the new sensor allows for a longer maximum exposure time of 16 minutes, lending the user more creative freedom when capturing star trails, motion blur or bringing out the tiniest amount of light in a nighttime landscape.

All of this versatility at these new heights of resolution and higher dynamic range make the M10-R an imaging powerhouse for any application.

The Leica M10-R is more than just a big megapixel count. Its image quality is supported further by other vital components to ensure a complete package of imaging prowess.

The super quiet mechanical shutter, first established with the Leica M10-P, allows for stealthy operation and minimal vibrations to minimise camera shake and help ensure sharper photos.

The Maestro II processor yields lossless compression of raw files for manageable file sizes containing incredible amounts of detail. Every bit of the camera is focused on offering unprecedented quality with real everyday benefits to the user’s photographic life.

The exclusive use of high-end materials, along with the timehonored ‘Made in Germany’ production quality, culminate in a resilient and reliable photographic companion to last a lifetime.

The exclusive use of high-end materials, along with the timehonored ‘Made in Germany’ production quality, culminate in a resilient and reliable photographic companion to last a lifetime.

At $8,295, it's as much a status symbol as camera.

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LIFESTYLE

LENSO SPACESHIP PROJECTOR

Embark on an immersive media viewing experience with the Lenso Spaceship Projector. With Lenso, you can connect wirelessly to different devices or directly via HDMI or USB, making it universally viewable, shareable, portable, and all the more powerful. Lenso's built-in Hi-Fi speakers eliminate any need for portable audio devices to enjoy your favourite movies, shows, and music on the go. Using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Lenso can cast anything from any of your devices onto any surface.

It also features a 32GB built-in memory so you can download and stream your media even when you're offline.

WRISTUMENTS

Wristuments is a unique Apple Watch application designed to help you learn to play the guitar using augmented reality. The Wristruments app offers you a convenient way to play guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar directly from your smartwatch. Its hand-free learning technology enables users to learn at their own pace. You’ll be able to play almost anything with your new library of chords, scales, and songs, and and sing and play easier than ever coloured chords and scrolling lyrics.

TRIGGER POINT ROCKER

If you suffer from aches and pains in your neck, shoulders or back, you may be interested in the new Trigger Point Rocker, designed to help alleviate and correct issues with your spine alignment, neck aches, backaches, and more. According to its creators, the system provides natural pain relief while targeting your shoulders and upper back to help relieve any issues you may be experiencing. The unique shape of the TPR promotes the natural position of the spine in which all three curves are in proper alignment.

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TECHNOLOGY

ARKON CLAMP STAND

The Arkon Clamp Stand is a versatile photography accessory that will make the process of filming or photographing overhead viewpoints far easier for users. The unit works by being paired with your choice of photography device, including either a point-and-shoot, DSLR, smartphone, or tablet, and will securely hold it up overtop of filming locations. The stand offers up to 29.5 inches of length when fully extended to easily accommodate a range of different filming styles. The Arkon Clamp Stand can be easily connected to your choice of table or countertop and is ideal for content creators looking to capture premium content from the comfort of their living space. A series of tightening knobs allows for optimised control and capability.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ TURNTABLE

This collaboration between Pro-Ject and the Hard Rock Café amounts to a very unique turntable. It comes with distinctive artwork from Hard Rock, making this turntable not only an affordable masterpiece, but also a true collector’s item. The supplied cartridge comes from Pro-Ject's long-time partner and phono pioneer Ortofon. The pre-installed MM pickup, OM5e, is just like the deck itself—in a class of its own —and serves the turntable with pure audiophile sonics.

MUDRA BAND

Mudra Band lets you control your Apple watch using subtle finger movements, and supports discrete, continuous, air-touch interactions. The unique watch band instantly turns your Apple watch into a single-handed device, letting you easily multitask while operating the watch, without blocking the display. According to the brand, you don’t need to stop, stand, look at the watch, touch it, or use your other hand to control your musical soundtrack.

Simply move your fingers to switch tracks, skip around, adjust the volume, etc., and keep exercising without interruption. When you’re doing something that requires both hands and your full attention, you don’t want to be fidgeting with your watch’s touchscreen, digital crown, or home button. Simply use subtle finger movements to control the watch and keep the display visible.

HYPERCUBE CHARGING STATION

HyperCube is an all-in-one charging station that moonlights as a sleep aid, wake-up light, and alarm clock. With three wireless charging panels and a USB-C output port, HyperCube can charge up to four devices at the same time. The wireless charging panels charge automatically on contact, so all you have to do is plug in HyperCube and set any Qi wireless compatible device on the panel to quickly return it back to full power. HyperCube is engineered to be portable and versatile, so no matter where you go, both you and your devices can wake up recharged.

Lay it out completely flat to easily charge multiple devices at once, or keep it as a cube to save space. When you're done, it folds into a convenient two-inch stack, so you can take it with you anywhere.

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LIFESTYLE

SLEEP WELL

Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Expert, and spokesperson for Hästens, the ultra-luxury Swedish brand recognised for making the best hand-crafted beds in the world, Dr. Michael Breus provides insights on the importance of quality sleep and how to get it

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LIFESTYLE

G

ood quality sleep is just like bad quality sleep; it affects every mental and physical aspect of life. Everything you do, you will do better with quality sleep: your thoughts are clearer and your memory functions at greater capacity; you will be physically faster and you will be in an emotionally stable position.

When we don’t get enough sleep our bodies reduce the release of leptin, a hormone that helps to supress appetite and encourages the body to use energy, which has implications on weight. Researchers believe that poor sleep throws the body’s hormonal balance off and leads to less control over appetite and metabolism.

Hand-in-hand with this is the relationship between poor sleep and diabetes. Type Two diabetes is more common in those suffering from sleep deprivation. Older adults who don’t get enough sleep are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Type Two diabetes – sleep helps regulate glucose and a lack of sleep can lead to a spike in cortisol, which can make cells more resistant to insulin.

Like the rest of the body, the heart needs sleep to function at its best. Several studies have shown that poor sleep contributes to factors leading to heart disease. Just last year a study of 4,000 healthy participants showed that those who slept the least had the most harmful build-up of plaque in their arteries, which is an early sign of cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of a heart attack. Interestingly, this was true of participants of any age, weight or fitness level.

Immune function and sleep are very much linked. Poor sleep reduces the production of cytokine – a protein that helps the immune system respond to threats. Sleep deprivation means the body isn’t able to act as quickly to counter problems it may run into.

What sleep means for our ability to function Memory is directly connected to sleep habits. When we receive new information our brains need time for it to ‘stick’. This process is called ‘memory consolidation’, where what we have learned shifts from short to long-term memory. Research has shown that sleep aids this process. Brain scans show the cerebellum, which

controls short-term memory, is more active when sleeping; this means that getting a full night’s sleep offers more time to reinforce new learnings. Research suggests we retain 40% less information when sleep deprived.

Not only does sleep support memory, but it also improves focus. Billions of neural cells are at work in our heads, helping us make decisions, process information and focus. Sleep deprivation hampers the brain cells’ ability to work together. REM sleep – or the ‘rapid eye movement’ stage – is also known to be key to creativity. This is the period in which we start to think abstractly, when acetylcholine – a chemical that acts as a messenger between cells – floods the brain.

The importance of a good bed Sleep is a performance activity, which requires the right skill set. It’s no different to a runner performing better with the best trainers, outfit and equipment. Sleep is just the same, if you have the right tools your body will perform better. But at the core is the mattress – this is a fundamental priority for everyone.

Comfort and support are the two key factors, but don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re the same thing. The goal is to provide your body with sufficient support to bring the spine into alignment and allow your muscles to relax during sleep, without sacrificing comfort.

Waking up with pain and stiffness is a clear sign that you’re not getting the right amount of support, regardless if you felt comfortable or not.

A great mattress is the foundation on which great sleep is built. With some up-front effort and a willingness to invest, you can help ensure many restful nights. Whether a super firm or soft mattress is the best for you, support comes from a wellconstructed mattress, made with high-quality materials. A lowercosting mattress most likely won’t deliver sufficient support for as long as a higher-priced piece, meaning you’ll have to replace it sooner. There is no piece of furniture that you will spend more time in than your bed.

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LIFESTYLE

DISCOVER PHUKET Anantara’s top ten things to see and do in Phuket

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or decades, Phuket has been one of the most popular island destinations in Thailand, attracting millions of visitors each year.

With the disappearance of international tourists for the last 18 months, the island’s stunning beaches have once again become pristine, the azure waters teeming with an abundance of sea life, and the surrounding islands rejuvenated with lush greenery.

As the island welcomes back visitors from around the world, Anantara has put together the top ten things to experience on your next visit to Phuket.

1

GO ON A WALK-THROUGH HISTORY Phuket has come a long way from its beginnings as a tinmining settlement, but with a little imagination you can almost see the merchants of yore arraying goods inside the ornate SinoPortuguese shophouses in Phuket Town. Converted into trendy restaurants, guesthouses, and boutique hotels, they have since received a new lease on life; many restored to their former glory.

4

TAKE PART IN A SEA TURTLE RELEASE Five of the world’s seven existent species of sea turtles – Leatherback, the Loggerhead, the Olive Ridley, the Hawksbill and the Green turtles – can be found in the waters of the Andaman Sea. All are classified as either endangered or threatened. Mai Khao beach is one of the few Phuket beaches that continues to welcome nesting turtles, thanks to the efforts of Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation that focuses on enhanced nest protection and improved incubation conditions. Anantara Mai Khao’s Annual Turtle Release takes place around the Songkran holiday in mid-April and brings the entire community together.

5

TIPPLE ON THE ISLAND’S OWN RUM To explore a more contemporary side of Phuket, head to the award-winning Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. Plan to spend a few hours here as you tour the facilities learning the centuries-old French technique of using copper stills, before joining a cocktailmaking workshop centred on Chalong Bay’s pure sugarcane juice rum. Distilled and bottled in Phuket and packed with local botanicals, it skillfully showcases the terroir of the island.

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INSTA-FLOAT AMONGST GIANT LILIES If you like your nature to come with a side of strange and unusual, you will love the Ma Doo Bua café. A must-visit destination for botanists and Instagrammers alike, this lakeside eatery is home to a colony of giant water lilies strong enough to hold the weight of a child (or a very light adult).

3

A BRIDGE TO THE HEART Ask any older resident of Phuket and they will recount the story of the island’s very own Romeo and Juliet who met their untimely end on the Sarasin Bridge. Connecting the mainland of Phuket and Phang Nga in southern Thailand, the bridge opened in 1967 and is considered by some, the most beautiful bridge in the country. In 1987 it entered the collective memory when the tragic romance between two young lovers was made into a film titled "Saphan Rak Sarasin" (Sarasin, The Bridge of Love). Whether you come here to reflect on life, love or have a photo shoot at the pretty pergola overlooking the river, Sarasin Bridge is guaranteed to make an impact.

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EXPERIENCE LOCAL LIFE Koh Panyee is a small fishing village built on stilts a 20-minute longtail boat ride from the main island. The local Muslim community are always welcoming and ready to show you around their unique home in the shallow waters. The floating village has

LIFESTYLE

a school, a mosque, small souvenir shops, and restaurants. The community are also football mad and have their very own floating football stadium and their love of the game has made them one of Southern Thailand’s best football teams.

7

SEE GIBBONS ETHICALLY Gibbons were poached to the brink of extinction in Phuket’s jungle over 40 years ago. Today, they are illegally kept as pets or used as props in tourist photos feeding the demand for baby gibbons. But there is a way to engage with these gorgeous creatures in an ethical way. Phuket’s Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, a research division of the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF), rescues gibbons and rehabilitates them so that they can be reintroduced into their natural habitat. Visit the Centre to learn about the work the Centre is doing, as well as observing the animals at the designated viewing areas.

8

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN LAYAN EXPERIENCE Your mission if you choose to accept it is to enjoy the ‘Golden Gun’ experience at Anantara Layan Residences.

Catch a private jet from Bangkok to Phuket, be whisked by chauffeur-driven limo to the 8-bedroom, Villa Similan, the largest and most luxurious of the resort’s residences. Enjoy martinis (shaken not stirred) by your own private butler before being presented with THE actual golden gun from the 1974 movie. A glamorous yacht cruise around Phang Nga Bay, where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed, with free-flowing Krug champagne tops off the Bond experience.

9

SHOP TILL YOU DROP Phuket’s famous Sunday Walking Street Market on old Thalang Road has something for everyone from secondhand goods, clothes, souvenirs and the best part of it is the amazing array of local food to sample. Even if you aren’t looking to buy, the electric atmosphere and historic setting is guaranteed to charm.

10

GET BACK TO NATURE Take a hike to the island’s last virgin rainforest Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The rainforest is known for its wide array of birds and wildlife, but the main attraction is the Bang Pae waterfall offering a cool spot to swim after a long hike.

(Pic: Khao Phra Thaeo)

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LIFESTYLE

FACE-SAVING SKINCARE

An optimal regimen should include a cleanser, an exfoliator, a serum, a lotion, and a sunscreen, with the addition of traditional grooming essentials, such as after-shave balm. But no matter whether you're ready for a full routine or simply seeking the closest thing to a one-and-done, these are the best men's skincare buys to get you started

CLARINSMEN ENERGIZING EYE GEL Fight tired eyes with the help of this soothing eye gel The tri-ball applicator on the ClarinsMen Energizing Eye Gel massages and drains the eye contour to visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness, giving you a refreshing pick-me-up whenever necessary. Small enough to be transported anywhere, this reliable and soothing formula will soon become your most trusted companion.

ALLURE HOMME SPORT AFTERSHAVE LOTION Restore moisture and suppleness with a fresh and discreet fragrance A splash formula after-shave lotion that leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed and lightly scented with the exhilarating notes of Allure Homme Sport. The sparkling freshness of Italian mandarin blends into clean, intense notes of cedar and white musk for a deep, enveloping trail. Apply onto dry skin after shaving to intensify the scent.

PERRICONE MD COLD PLASMA FACE PLUS Powerful ingredients improve skin’s texture, tone and elasticity Perricone MD's Cold Plasma Face Plus advanced serum dramatically restores radiance while eradicating discoloration, redness and enlarged pores. Targeting your skin's individual needs to deliver visible, personalised results, this concentrate boasts numerous powerhouse ingredients including copper tripeptides, to improve skin's elasticity, and vitamin C, to reduce the appearance of dark spots.

TOM FORD HYDRATING LIP BALM Soothe, condition and protect dry lips from harsh conditions One of the simplest things a man can do to elevate his looks is to combat dry lips and improve their smoothness and texture. This ultra-emollient lip balm from Tom Ford contains a unique blend of natural oils, vitamins and butters to soothe and condition.

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LIFESTYLE

ADAM GROOMING ATELIER CHARCOAL FACE WASH An energising and revitalising face wash The Charcoal Face Wash from ADAM Grooming Atelier is designed to deep clean pores while still being gentle enough to use on a daily basis. It’s enriched with a blend of the brand’s signature essential oils and soothing aloe vera to calm the complexion and leave skin feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

LAB SERIES FUTURE RESCUE REPAIR SERUM Made for those who want to look as young as they feel If you’re looking for a high-performance, concentrated formula that will instantly turn back time on your skin, the Lab Series Future Rescue Repair Serum is just what you need. Defending against environmental aggressors while working to erase any visible signs of ageing, it is made to be applied to clean skin at morning and night before following up with a favourite moisturiser.

PATRICKS EB1 EYE BALM A revolutionary balm with triple-correction technology Giving your eyes that much needed sparkle after a late night, a long flight or before an important meeting, Patricks’ EB1 Eye Balm is packed with vitamins and active ingredients that work together to rejuvenate your skin. Gently roll under the eye to activate the delicate vegan formula and get rid of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness.

KIEHL’S CLOSE SHAVERS SQUADRON RAZOR BURN RELIEF Rejuvenate stressed skin with this nocturnal treatment Banish bumps and burns with Kiehl’s deeply soothing Close Shavers Squadron peel. Applied overnight beneath your moisturiser and serum, this micro-peel concentrate gently exfoliates with sustainably sourced quinoa husk, refining pores and preventing ingrown hairs and other signs of irritation from taking hold to ensure you awaken to soft, radiant skin.

Sarah Chapman Pro Pore Refiner Deter blackheads with Sarah Chapman's innovative products Continuing to push the boundaries of traditional skincare, Sarah Chapman presents the innovative Pro Pore Refiner. This three-step programme mimics clinical extraction methods by using suction technology to decongest skin for a clearer complexion.

ACQUA DI PARMA FACE CLAY MASK A face mask that deep cleans the skin Designed to recreate the pleasure of traditional shaving in the comforts of your own home, Acqua di Parma's Collezione Barbiere provides products of the highest Italianmade quality for the modern gentleman. This face clay mask is the perfect addition to your grooming routine. Formulated with natural clay and lemon oil, apply a thin layer to clean skin and wash away with warm water for a refreshed finish.

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LIFESTYLE

NATURE MEETS LUXURY From Michelin-starred restaurants to world-class spas and hotels, Lausanne, Switzerland is a haven for all

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scape to nature in Lausanne, nestled in the picturesque Canton of Vaud region, where visitors can enjoy some of the finer things in life. Its breathtaking scenery of winding roads through the mountain valleys offers a natural escape from city life for a romantic break or a family adventure alike.

The region’s captivating lakes are a stunning backdrop to the offerings around the region, which include some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants and wellness retreats.

In addition to the natural panorama, there is much to do in the region, from walking holidays to exploring the region’s history and culture, with the backdrop of some of the Alps’ most dramatic peaks.

The Lavaux vineyard terraces, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, are among the region’s natural wonders, in addition to the unforgettable Lake Geneva and the region’s highest point, Glacier 3000.

The region hosts some of the country’s finest hotels where luxury meets heritage, such as the world-renowned Hôtel de Ville de Crissier and Beau-Rivage Palace, which both pay homage to the region’s rich history and culture.

Other visitor favourites include the Lausanne Palace, Royal Savoy Hotel and Spa and the 12th century Chateau d’Ouchy.

Gastronomes will find an array of fine dining options to tempt them to the region, with several world-class, Michelin-starred restaurants in some of the most magical locations. Topping the gastro-tour would be the three-star Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville de Crissier, while two-star Anne-Sophie is not to be missed either.

With one star, the area also offers, La Table du Lausanne Palace, Le Berceau des Sens and Auberge de l’Abbaye de Montheron, ensuring that every day can bring a new gastronomic experience.

For relaxation and wellbeing, the region is rich with some of the world’s best spas set in the most luxurious of locations.

Internationally renowned spas include Spa Cinq Mondes at BeauRivage Palace, CBE Concept Spa du Lausanne Palace and Spa

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du Royal Savoy, all offering unforgettable escapes.

Medical tourism has boomed in the Alpine region, with some of the world’s best clinics and professionals from around the world.

From Hirslanden Clinique Bois-cerf to Clinique Montchoisi, the region has become a hub for global health. From the cutting-edge medical technology to the perfect surroundings for a fast recovery, the region has much to offer its patients.

But it is not only relaxation which visitors can find in the region.

Activities and culture abound with offerings such as lake cruises, heli-tours and a raft of museums and historical sites to entice guests. Château de Chillon is just one of the stunning castles guests can visit in the region, while the Olympic Museum is a firm favourite with sports fans.

Offering year-round snow, active travel lovers can walk on the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks at Glacier 3000, while water sports, cycling and an array of thrill-seeking activities await those who prefer the warmer climes.

Whether road-tripping by car around the region or hopping on the Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway, getting around the expansive area is simple.

Nestled in the southwestern part of Switzerland in its Frenchspeaking region between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the Canton of Vaud is a dream vacation destination. The region is served by Geneva international airport, a short 40-minute train ride from Lausanne. The region boasts a strong infrastructure including luxurious and affordable accommodation and well-connected transportation system. The Canton of Vaud features beautiful towns such as Lausanne, the Olympic Capital and Montreux Riviera, all steeped in centuries of rich history and culture. The region has influenced and inspired many artists over the years from Lord Byron and Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Canton de Vaud is best known for its art of living, local and internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, world-class gastronomy, traditions, and culture.

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