Y O U R
G U I D E
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H I G H
L I V I N G
Art 2014
A Monumental Achievement Lost & Found: Mankind’s Greatest Art
Capturing The Moment 50 Portraits by Gregory Heisler
The Way Forward Trends Report: Fashion Forward
The Act of Dining Reviewed: The Act Dinner Show
CONTENTS 14 18 24 28 34
FEATURE
A Monumental Achievement The most important pieces of art saved by the Monuments Men
DINING
Raising The Bar 5 new hotspots to shake the dining scene in Dubai THE ACT OF DINING Restaurant review: The Act dinner show
ART
Capturing The Moment A look back at 50 Portraits exhibition by Gregory Heisler Painting The Picture Of Success Art Dubai wraps up its eighth and most successful edition to date
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TRAVEL
44 48 52
STYLE
Three, Two, One, Action! Exclusive to Very First To: Visit your favourite film sets on a blockbuster world tour The City Of Angels: Luxury Redefined Discover Los Angeles with Haute Dubai correspondent Victoria Baker Talking Walls At Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
The Way Forward Haute Dubai brings you the hottest trends straight from the runways of Dubai’s definitive fashion week Artistic Complications 6 pieces of art for your wrist Head Over Heels Buying highlights from Level’s Alberto Oliveros
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CONTENTS 54 58 60
Sparkling Construction L’Odyssée de Cartier, Parcours d’un style Collection Secrets From A Makeup Artist Award-winning makeup artist Lina Hussain shares some top secret beauty tips with Haute Dubai PC Haute Couture Cottin rollout their exclusive PC in Dubai
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LEISURE
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LIVING
68 72 76 79 80
Twilight Tee Times Beat the heat and tee off at these floodlit golf courses
Drawn to Design Haute Dubai picks collectible furniture pieces from Design Days Dubai
YACHTING
Masterpices To Sea Zaha Hadid and Blohm+Voss Design the yachts of the future In The Artistic Lane Coachbuilder Touring Superleggera re-sketches the legendary ‘Disco Volant’
SOCIETY
2014 Dubai World Cup Highlights Haute Dubai highlights of the World Richest Race Day from hoof beats to fashion and after-party Design Party At White Moments from Dubai Design District d3 Party celebrating creativity in the region Haute Happenings Events in May-June
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EDITOR’S MESSAGE Dear Readers, Like me, you can probably think of many parallels between luxury and art, but perhaps the first one to come to mind is that both are the product of careful attention to detail. In this issue we celebrate art in all its forms, from the kind that is hung on the walls of museums and galleries to the art behind the aesthetics in your home, wardrobe, car and dinner plans. In honour of great art, our feature visits the legacy of the Monuments Men. Certainly, this story is one that is worth telling and it’s easy to see why a luminary like George Clooney would direct a film about it. Clooney builds the story with an intriguing scope that got us diving into the history books in the search for more. And in keeping with such intrigue, we decided to bring you a round-up of the most important art pieces that were saved by the Monuments Men. Gastronomy is another form of art that we admire at Haute Dubai. In this issue we review The Act dinner show. I know it’s been a long time coming but what better time to review The Act than our Art issue, right? Also, be sure to check out our pick of the hottest new restaurants in Dubai. For your fashion fix, turn to our Style pages where we have highlighted the top trends seen at the regions premier style showcase, Fashion Forward. Also in Style, makeup artists Lina Hussain shares with us some of her beauty secrets. Gentlemen, we haven’t forgotten about you! In our motoring pages we take a look at the lovingly hand-crafted Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera. Built strictly to order, this work of Art with a capital A, is a true connoisseur’s car. For the golfers among you, summer in Dubai may not be the best time to be out on the greens but we hope our round-up of floodlit golf courses for night play will help you find the coolest tee off time. Until our next issue of Haute Dubai, I leave you with the words of Pablo Picasso: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” Editorial Team
HAUTE Publishing & Advertising P.O. Box 13294, Dubai - United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 258 3778 Fax: +971 4 258 3779 E-mail: info@hautedubaimagazine.com www.hautedubaimagazine.com © 2014 All rights reserved. The publisher regrets that it cannot accept liability for any errors or inaccuracies printed, however caused. All articles contained within HAUTE DUBAI magazine are under copyright to the publisher and cannot be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission of the publisher.
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A MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT The treasures saved by The Monuments Men
Last February, George Clooney’s epic screen commemoration “The Monuments Men” hit the theatres. The film, which is based on Robert M. Edsel’s book “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History”, dramatizes the efforts and successes of an unlikely group on a quest to save great works of art during World War II. In peacetime, those men were art historians, curators, archivists, and librarians. But with art trapped behind enemy lines, the Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time, risking their lives to protect and defend mankind’s greatest monuments and cultural treasures. The film shows the Monuments Men uncovering millions of priceless paintings, sculptures, and other masterpieces and artefacts. Being so touched by the film, we could not help but investigate further to find out about some of the most significant pieces the Monuments Men help preserve. Here are some of the most iconic and valuable works of art that were saved by those brave men and women...
American soldiers admire Manet’s “In The Conservatory” after recovering it from its hiding place in a mine
NEW JERSEY: Almost sixty-five years later, Harry Ettlinger reflects with pride on a life well-lived as a Monuments Man as he stands in front of his grandfather’s print of the very painting he was never allowed to see as a Jewish boy growing up in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Scene from the film The Monuments Men
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Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” Czartoryski Museum, Kraków, Poland The lady in this intriguing painting by Leonardo da Vinci is believed to be Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. The painting, which Leonardo is believed to have painted in 1489-1490, is one of his four portrait paintings of women. Lady with an Ermine was discovered by the Monuments Men in Bavaria and returned to Poland at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków.
Jan Van Eyck’s “Ghent Altarpiece” Saint Bavo Cathedral, Gent, Belgium Also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb or The Lamb of God, the Ghent Altarpiece is a complex painting that consists of 12 panels. The altarpiece was commissioned by Ghent Joost Vijdt for Saint Bavo Cathedral and completed by Jan Van Eyck in 1432. Having spent much of World War II hidden in an Altaussee salt mine, the altarpiece was found and returned to Saint Bavo Cathedral by the Monuments Men after the war was over.
Johannes Vermeer’s “The Artist’s Studio” Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria This famous 17th-century oil on canvas painting by the Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer, depicts an artist painting a female subject in his studio. Hence, it is also known as “The Art of Painting” and “Painter in his Studio”. The painting was rescued from a salt mine at the end of World War II and was escorted to Vienna by the Monuments Men.
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Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Mona Lisa” The Louvre, Paris, France To protect this famous painting, Louvre officials expertly hid the Mona Lisa in various homes throughout France. The location of the painting was changed several times during the war to provide its falling into the Nazis had. The Monuments Men helped in transporting and protecting the painting as it was moved from one secret location to another.
Michelangelo’s “Madonna of Bruges” The Church of Our Lady, Bruges, Belgium The Madonna of Bruges marble sculpture by Michelangelo was the only sculpture by artist to leave Italy during his lifetime when it was bought by Giovanni and Alessandro Moscheroniof Bruges. The sculpture was smuggled to Germany by Nazi soldiers enveloped in a mattresses in a Red Cross truck during their retreat in World War II. The Monuments Men found the sculpture in the Altaussee salt mine two years later, and returned it to Belgium where it is now displayed in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.
Claude Monet’s “The Parc Monceau” Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA As one of six the views of the Parc Monceau Monet had painted, this canvas was found by the Monuments Men on November 28, 1946 in Rome and returned to France to be restituted to the Lindon family. In 1959, Jacques Lindon sold it to the Metroplitan Musem of Art in New York.
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Édouard Manet’s “In The Conservatory” Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin, Germany This 1879 oil painting by Édouard Manet depicts the conservatory at 70 Rue d’Amsterdam in Paris, which Manet used as a studio for nine months. The couple in the portrait are believed to be Manet’s friends, the Guillemets. The painting was taken from the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin during the Nazi plunder and was recovered in 1945 by the Monuments Men from a German salt mine where it was stashed with a vast amount of stolen art and other valuables.
The Bust of Charlemagne Aachen Cathedral, Aachen, Germany This Late Medieval bust is one of the most significant examples of Gothic gold-work and the best known example of a reliquary bust. It was kept in the Aachen Cathedral treasury during the war. In an effort to save the bust from theft, Monuments Men George Stout and Walker Hancock went behind enemy lines to recover the bust and save it from falling into the Nazis’ hands.
Rembrandt’s “Self-portrait” Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Germany This Rembrandt self-portrait was found by the Monuments Men at the salt mines of Heilbronn, where the oval-shaped painting was one of many priceless pieces that the team discovered after the war. Harry Ettlinger, aged 88 today, was the Monuments Man to spot the painting between the thousands that were hid in the mine. He had heard of its magnificence as a child growing up in the German city of Karlsruhe.
Johannes Vermeer’s “The Astronomer” The Louvre, Paris, France Dating back to 1668, The Astronomer is another Vermeer’s oil painting that was seized by the Nazis and hid in the Steinberg salt mine in Altausse. The painting, which belonged to Edouard de Rothschild at the time, was discovered among others and returned to Rothschild by the Monuments Men after the war. It was later acquired by the French state to become part of the Louver’s collection.
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Raising The Bar 5 new hotspots to shake the dining scene in Dubai
This year in dining is off to a strong start! With trendy, fresh places opening up on almost on every corner of the city, there are plenty of new hot tables to be had. From chef ventures to cocktail dens, here are the hottest five new venues everyone will be talking about this month.
Cielo From the team behind the likes of Okku and Claw, this ultra-chic roof loungeis the perfect place to enjoy sun-downers and spectacular views of Dubai Creek and the magnificent Dubai skyline. The menu features shareable flavours from all across Spain along with some delicious sangrias and cocktails. Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club +971 4 416 1800
Cielo
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GQ Bar Restaurant
GQ Bar Inspired by the leading men’s lifestyle magazine, GQ Bar offers much the same as its namesake – a sophisticated restaurant and lounge lined with GQ memorabilia to reel in the city’s wellheeled crowds. The contemporary food offering at GQ Bar has been specially curated by the Director of Condé Nast International Restaurants, Gary Robinson, and GQ Bar Head Chef, Bruno Carvalho, offering international temptations for the most discerning of foodies. JW Marriot Marquis +971 4 321 4541
GQ Bar Lounge
Rosemary seasoned Rack of Lamb with Date and Orange Cream Couscous with Dried Fruits and Pine Nuts
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Toko
Boneless Chicken Wings, Smoked Miso Butter
Toko This multi-zoned new arrival, splashing down in Downtown Dubai with an interesting take on modern “izakaya� style, offers diners an intimate Japanese style garden with calming water features, floating Japanese umbrellas, and Bonsai trees. The menu features some lifechangingly delicious Japanese flavours dished out in artful presentations. Vida Hotel Downtown +971 4 442 8383
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Slow Roasted Eggplant
Atelier M We expect this newcomer to be a hot ticket since the man behind it, Mohammad Islam, is also the previous driving force behind some of the world’s most soulful restaurants like Chateau Marmont and The Mercer in the culture-dripping foodie-centre of New York. The decor mirrors the inspired deconstruction and reimagining of cuisine (French with a modern Asian & Mediterranean twist) where grand, old world Art Deco is overlaid with ultra-modern details. Pier 7 Dubai Marina +971 4 450 7766
Atelier M
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Tartare de Seriole - Yellowtail Tartare with chives and oscietra caviar
Sass Café Book well in advance before coming to this new exclusive restaurant and nightlife concept as it is the first outpost of the decadent Monaco hotspot, renowned for its celebrity following. Adding to the glitzy scene of the Financial Centre, Sass Café’s is set to become one of the trendiest hangouts in Dubai. We sat down for a chat with Samy Sass, son duo of Sass Café in Monaco to uncover a few secrets… What made you choose Dubai as the first overseas location after Monaco? I think Dubai is growing rapidly. I regularly visit and it is incredible, you leave for two months, you come back and everything has changed. I also think the clientele here are is similar to that we have in Monaco. Dubai has become a huge platform for rich people all over the world, just like the French Rivera.
Sass Café
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For those who don’t know Sass Café, what can you tell them about the feel and vibe of the place? Sass Café is a place between a restaurant and a nightclub. That means it is a good place for those who want to have dinner and enjoy music by our DJs, as they can do the two things without having to move places, and those who prefer to eat somewhere else and join Sass Café for drinks afterwards. The Cuisine is Mediterranean and simple as such. You will find things like cold cuts, seafood and risotto in the menu. We also bring live music and DJs which creates a very lively atmosphere.
Sass Café Monaco has stood the test of time for over 20 years. What’s your recipe for keeping it a “hotspot”? Well first of all, it’s a family business. My dad and I opened Sass café in 1993 and we have been very close to it and our customers ever since. We are always at the restaurant with our guests and I think it’s this kind of passion that adds value to any place. Another thing is the consistency of the service. We have been consistent for 20 years in Monaco and I hope it will be the same in Dubai. I, of course, will be spending a lot of time here to make sure everything is running the way it should. We have also chosen great partners, Bulldozer Group, who are behind many fantastic venues here in Dubai to make sure this restaurant becomes a success. Sass Café Monaco seems to be a favourite spot with celebrities. What do you think the reason behind that is? Well, we make them feel at home. I, for example, never ask a celebrity for a picture the minute they walk into the restaurant. I think it’s ridiculous to bother someone like that. All the pictures with celebrities you see on our website have been taken naturally. Plus, Monaco is a city that celebrities visit all the time so it is like fishing, you need a good bait to attract the fish, and we work very hard to make Sass Café an attractive place. Any plans for another venue with the Sass label in Dubai or somewhere else? In Jumeirah! Ha-ha-ha, not really, I’m just teasing you. For now we will stick to one branch in Dubai
Samy Sass
and see how it goes. But I have always wanted to open a branch in London so that could be the next thing for Sass Café. I think Monaco, Dubai and London are connected by a magical triangle where all the rich and famous fly about. Sass Cafe is located in Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC To make a reservation, call +971 4352 7722
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THE ACT OF DINING Restaurant review: The Act dinner show
Once known as a swanky saloon where couples went to wine and dine and enjoy a healthy dose of people watching, the supper club has been making a come back in the world as a very popular destination – a place where art, music and fine food come together to draw in the most stylish of crowds. The Act Dubai seems to be pioneering this new-to-Dubai concept. Haute Dubai went in to investigate… From what we have heard of the avantgarde venue, we knew we were in for many surprises, but our expectations soon fell short of the kind of surprises that were coming our way. With a concept hailing from Las Vegas, The Act lives up to the city’s doctrine: “What happens in there stays in there”, with a “no photography” sign on the door which reminded us of the backdoor of a high school musical. But the scenery changed very quickly once that door was opened, and we were ushered in by a waitress dressed in a corset, one that matches the Victorian expression of the restaurant of course. Our table was facing the stage which is hard to miss, not because we were sitting facing it, but due to the shimmering golden theatre curtain flowing down from the ceiling. Once we were done noticing the stage, it took our eyes a moment to grasp all the other fascinating surroundings: Baroque balconies, Victorian-style tables and chairs and
The Act interior
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The Act interior
Empanada de cola de buey (Braised Oxtail Filled Peruvian Pastry)
vintage-looking chandeliers that abound. Eager to sample the highly-regarded Peruvianinspired cuisine, we wasted no time in asking for the menu. We were just about to choose our dishes when one of the performers sneaked up on us, starting the first of many sporadically short shows, which when we visited, revolved around the theme “Toys in the Attic”. The changeable high-octane shows, incorporating circus skills, dance and musical theatre, were liberal, edgy and never before witnessed in Dubai, not over dinner at least. It was as if the team behind this restaurant are more choreographers than chefs. Yet, the head chef was recently nominated for “Chef of the Year” at the region’s prestigious BBC Good Food Awards. With the closing-curtains of the first act, an attractive selection of starters from the sharable set menu we had opted for arrived. We opened with tiradito de beef anticuchero which consists of seared tenderloin in togarashi spice, avocado and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Next, soft empanadas prepared with slow-cooked braised oxtail, followed by pulpo anticuchero grillado (grilled Spanish octopus) and spicy salmon ceviche; were in order. We were told that the salmon ceviche would tickle our taste buds – and tickle them, it did! A couple of breath-taking short acts later and the main was served. Our selection of three main courses included a dish of pasta (tagliatelle a la huan-
Arroz con pato (Roasted Duck, Corriander Rice & Orange Sauce)
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Dinner Show
caina y hongos de monte), roasted duck (arroz con pato) and steak (wagyu ojo de bife) with a side of grantinated potato (pastel de papa). While the steak was just fine, the pasta with black truffle and Peruvian chilli sauce was todie-for good, and so was the roasted duck served with coriander and orange sauce. After the delicious main course, the strawberry cheesecake we ordered for dessert seemed like it would tarnish the amazing mix of flavours our taste buds had already enjoyed but that thought quickly evaporated after the first spoonful of this savoury cheesecake . Apparently, it was prepared using macerated strawberries, black pepper and white balsamic reduction. By the time we finished our desert, the curtain call to ‘Toys in the Attic’ was due, but this dinner show will continue to run Monday to Wednesday for several weeks until another stunning act is choreographed.
Wagyu ojo de bife (Grilled Rib Eye)
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 4409300 ext:726
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CAPTURING THE MOMENT
50 Portraits opening at Gulf Photo Plus
For 36 years, Gregory Heisler, has captured evocative and powerful portraits of celebrities, athletes, and world leaders. Today, his best-selling book “Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer’s Photographer” tells the fascinating, thoughtful, often humorous stories about how 50 of his iconic photographs were made. Although the book is the first-ever public showcase of Heisler’s work, his iconic photographs have made the covers of some of the world’s most influential magazines, and were often a subject of controversy.
Guests viewing one of the portraits at the exhibition
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Gregory Heisler (from the right) at 50 Portraits opening
the flesh have recently graced Dubai with an exhibition hosted by Gulf Photo Plus, a photography institution within Alserkal Avenue. The exhibition coined as “50 Portraits by Gregory Heisler” ran from March 6 to April 19, and featured Heisler’s 50 evocative and powerful portraits including those of Yasser Arafat, Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Hillary Clinton, Muhammad Alis and the famously controversial portrait of President George H.W. Bush. The opening night of the exhibition kicked off the 10th edition of GPP2014 Dubai’s Photography Festival which offered the photography community in Dubai a golden opportunity to soak up the experience of 14 world-class instructors, Including Heilser, who lead workshops, talks, and seminars covering a variety of photography genres.
Heisler has gained acclaim not only for his photographic talents, but also as a sought after speaker and educator, guiding and inspiring those who wish to follow in his footsteps. Heislers photographs work and the man in
Gregory Heisler signing his book
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Yaser Arafat’s portrait portrait as captured by Gregory Heisler
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President George H.W. Bush’s Portrait as captured by Gregory Heisler
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Michael Bloomberg’s portrait as captured by Gregory Heisler for 9-11 memorial
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PAINTING THE PICTURE OF SUCCESS Art Dubai wraps up its eighth and most successful edition to date
Art Dubai’s largest and most global edition welcomed 85 participating galleries from 34 countries and featured the work of more than 500 artists. With a combined value in excess of US$45m, galleries reported healthy sales to local, regional and international collectors and institutions from the moment the buzzing collectors’ preview opened on March 18, and throughout the week. Over the course of four days, attendance at the fair exceeded 25,000 visitors. The opening on March 19 attracted capacity crowds, while the Global Art Forum, titled “Meanwhile…History”, witnessed packed houses for both its Doha and Dubai programmes. The talks and sessions were livestreamed in Arabic and English via the Internet to audiences around the world. Art Dubai 2014 included the launch of a third gallery hall (Art Dubai Modern), to complement the Contemporary and Marker gallery programmes and provided a unique, curated, and enthusiasticallyreceived outing for masters from the Middle East and South Asia. 70 museum groups and more than 400 curators and museum representatives attended the fair, confirming Art Dubai’s role as the meeting point in the Middle East and South Asia, and the global fair of choice for the art world. The fair also saw its highest-ever levels of attendance from universities and colleges, welcoming more than 500 UAE and GCC-based students on specially organised tours. The Campus Art Dubai core class of 2013-14 held its graduation at the fair, with two members (Raja’a Khalid and Suheyla Takesh) also awarded fellowships from the New York University Abu Dhabi’s Find programme. A “Saturday
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art school” for UAE-based artists, writers and curators, Campus Art Dubai is a partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and is supported by d3 Dubai Design District. For the youngest creatives, The Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program, which featured workshops and Discovery Tours of the fair, attracted over 1000 children plus their parents. Art Dubai and The Cultural Office have today signed an agreement to work together through 2015 and beyond, building on the success of the children’s programme at the fair. “We’re thrilled with the outcome and the response to our eighth edition,” said Antonia Carver, Fair Director, Art Dubai. “The great attendance of more than 25,000 art professionals and enthusiasts shows that Art Dubai is not only responding to an appetite for art in the region, but also driving it. The growth of the fair echoes the development of the arts scene in the UAE and indeed, the region as a whole.” “This year’s fair featured a number of firsts, including the addition of the Modern section, and saw significant growth in the geographic reach of exhibiting galleries. Our roots are here in the UAE but there is no question that Art Dubai is now a global fair with a global footprint and global relevance, and that we are at the heart of a region that not only acts as a hub, but also creates and generates great work and ideas. We are immensely thankful to all those who have participated in and collaborated with the fair, and who continue to support us, year-round.” As well as the organisers, galleries and exhibiting artists, also celebrating the outcome of the fair was artist Younes Rahmoun, the winner of the John Jones Art on Paper Award, whose work was exhibited by Galerie Imane Farès, Paris, in Art Dubai Contemporary; Rasheed Araeen, awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Artnow magazine, and also exhibiting with Grosvenor Gallery, London, in Art Dubai Modern; and The Abraaj Group Art Prize winners, who exhibited their works in a dedicated exhibition, ‘Garden and Spring’, to critical acclaim. Audiences–from the world’s leading curators to UAE-based families–interacted with twelve new commissioned site-specific works and performances, which formed part of the dynamic Art Dubai Projects, while Falgoosh Radio, led by UK-based artists Fari Bradley and Chris Weaver, played out live from Art Dubai to audiences across the world, throughout the fair week. Art Dubai Cinema featured films by John
Akomfrah, Shezad Dawood and Taus Makhacheva, plus talks with the artists throughout the week. Art Dubai 2014 also hosted a range of collateral events, adding to an extraordinarily rich programme. These included the British Council and British Embassy’s reception to highlight cultural ties between the UK and the UAE, which featured a keynote by British Museum curator Venetia Porter. Among many events celebrating art publishing, ‘calligraffiti’ artist El Seed discussed his book Lost Walls with a capacity audience, while the late Egyptian artist HamedAbdalla was celebrated with the launch of a monograph about his work. The UAE National Pavilion, with the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, held an event to mark the appointment of Sheikha Hoor Al- Qasimi as curator of the UAE Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennial.
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Nelson Wilbert, Untitled 2013 180 X 180 cm Courtesy of Bolsa de Arte
Galina Konopatskaya, Cosmic Mother 1970 124 x 91 Courtesy of North Caucasus Branch
Rashid Rana, Stillness of Life 2013 172.5 X 105 cm Courtesy of Chatterjee & Lal
Nabil Nahas, Untitled 1979 122x122cm Courtesy of Lawrie Shabibi
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Three, Two, One, Action! Visit your favourite film sets on a blockbuster world tour
Life always looks better in movies. This could be due to the fact that film makers spend months scouting for the most dramatic and spectacular settings for their pictures. And while settling down to watch a film is great, most of us have wish that we could jump on a plane to visit that exotic place in our favourite film. Fortunately, this fantasy has just become possible, thanks to VeryFirstTo – the luxury service provider offering this blockbuster trip. This once in a lifetime opportunity, managed in partnership with Unmissable – a luxury travel company, offers couples the chance to visit many of the most iconic film locations in the world over a period of three months. The trip is suitable for most people, and you needn’t necessarily be a film buff to enjoy it. You will visit and experience 20 of the world’s most iconic film locations in 10 countries. Private guided tours will enable you to relive scenes from classic films including having more of “what she is having,” at Katz’s deli (When Harry Met Sally); or Breakfast at Tiffany’s in New York; marching the rugged landscape of Glencoe in Scotland (Braveheart); falling in love at the romantic Trevi Fountain, Italy (La Dolce Vita); enjoying the streets of Montmartre, Paris (Amélie); and being absorbed by the magic of the Wudang Monastery, China (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon). Round-trip Business class flights transport you around the globe with stays in world class hotels including: Hotel Bel Air (Los Angeles); Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland); Four Seasons (Paris) and the Mandarin Oriental (Tokyo) amongst other stunning destinations. In addition to that, a donation of £1000 will be made to the Prince’s Trust for each trip purchased. The cost of this trip is £198000.00 and includes organisation of travel, airport transfers, accommodation and guided tours with vehicle. To book this trip or to know more, visit www.veryfirstto.com
On the itinerary:
Katz’s Deli, New York, USA (When Harry Met Sally) Tiffany’s, New York, USA (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
United Methodist Church of La Verne, California, USA (The Graduate) Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA (Alcatraz)
Church of Gran Madre Di Dio, Turin, Italy (The Italian Job) The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy (La Dolce Vita) Maccu Pichu, Peru (The Motorcycle Diaries)
Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan (Laurence of Arabia)
Petra, Jordan (Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade) Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand (The Beach)
Bookshop, Notting Hill, London, UK (Notting Hill) Glen Coe, Scotland, UK (Braveheart)
The apartment, Montmartre, Paris, France (Amelie) The apartment, Paris, France (Last Tango in Paris)
Park Hyatt Hotel, Tokyo, Japan (Lost in Translation) Imperial Palace, Kyoto, Japan (The Last Samaurai)
Wudang Monastery, Wudang, China (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) Forbidden City, Beijing, China (The Last Emperor)
Lassaters Casino, Alice Springs, Australia (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) Fake Metropolis, Sydney, Australia (The Matrix)
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Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Wudang Monastery, Wudang, China
Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA
Petra, Jordan
The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Imperial Palace, Kyoto, Japan
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THE CITY OF ANGELS: LUXURY REDEFINED Words by Victoria Baker
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has long bewildered and fascinated its visitors. A mirage or an oasis, depending on your point of view, it is the place to see and be seen, to find oneself, to lose oneself. Discerning travellers the world over are drawn to the celebrity lifestyle, all hoping in their own way to claim their share of Hollywood make-believe. The Los Angeles experience can be whatever you make of it... a haven of bespoke luxury, unparalleled opulence and glamour bounded only by the limits of your imagination. From the glitter of Hollywood to the iconic Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles is a city where dreams are made...the question is: how big do you dream?
GETTING THERE
into a hotel in 1946. Almost immediately it became a spot favoured by the rich and famous and well...in that respect it hasn’t changed. Even the air one breathes feels a little more rarefied at the Hotel Bel Air: it’s pure glamour...she’s like a rare Madeira wine in a sleek new bottle. Highly recommended.
Emirates flies non-stop daily from Los Angeles to Dubai on its new Boeing 777-200LR, offering eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for 216 passengers in Economy. Operating daily the service is the first non-stop operation connecting Los Angeles International Airport to Dubai.
Chateau Marmont
Modelled after an infamous royal residence in France’s Loire Valley, Chateau Marmont is Hollywood’s most intriguing property. Indeed, so steeped is it in history it defies the mere description of hotel. Its hallowed walls resonate with the voices of Hollywood icons of yesteryear: Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe all passed through here. Today it continues to host the crème de la crème of Hollywood society as well as a highly discerning international clientele desiring only the very best in luxury. Each of the sixty-three rooms, cottages and bungalows are a home of their own. The majority have full kitchens, dining rooms
WHERE TO STAY Hotel Bel Air
Pure Hollywood glamour in its most unadulterated form...the famed Hotel Bel Air, now part of the Dorchester Collection, is where celebrities go to hide away in Bel Air’s most beautifully manicured gardens. Its hallowed gardens and now renovated bungalows once housed Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. The Bel-Air estates were purchased by Alphonso Bell in 1922 and transformed
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and private terraces: the stuff dreams are made of. The Chateau Marmont is simply a masterpiece of glamour, luxury, privacy and pageantry. Like the Mona Lisa, it is inimitable and indefinable.
DINING
Restaurant at Chateau Marmont The premier place for a distinctly glamorous and uniquely Hollywood dining experience.Soak in the rarefied ambiance in this haven for celebrities and discerning travelers alike: both in pursuit of luxury.
Bazaar by Jose Andres
Located in the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel, Bazaar is Celebrity Chef Jose Andres’ exclusive dining experience on the West Coast. Dine in an opulent Philippe Starck decor whilst enjoying Chef Andres’ unique Spanish inspired molecular gastronomy. This is a Tapas deluxe experience not to be missed.
SLS Beverly Hills, Bazaar
Urasawa
Reputed as the most expensive restaurant in Los Angeles, Master Hiro Urasawa himself is to sushi what a maestro is to the finest symphony. Without question one of the most celebrated dining establishments in LA. A haven of culinary excellence and opulence.
SHOPPING
House of Bijan Rodeo Drive has always been the ultimate address for the discerning shopper. House of Bijan maintains its pride of place on that street as one of the most exclusive and expensive boutiques. An appointment must be made in advance in order to shop. Menswear, Fragrance, Jewelry and Timepieces as well as accessories all make House of Bijan a luxury oasis.
Tod’s J.P. Club
Hotel Bel-Air, Grace Kelly Living Room
Tod’s J.P. Club on the third floor of Tod’s Rodeo Drive boutique is the new men’s club that offers a shopping experience sans pareil. The oneon-one personal shopping experience necessitates an appointment to explore their Sartorial Collection (from $1,700) in leather trunks in a gentleman’s club atmosphere. The Rodeo Drive store is one of only five in the world to carry the new Sartorial Collection. All pieces can be customized with a choice of Tod’s exclusive Nuvolati leathers that go through multiple rounds of hand-buffing, five colours of English leathers or 11 shades of alligator and an optional embossed or silver monogram.
secondary home in the glamorous City of Angels, once again your possibilities will be bounded only by your imagination. Hilton & Hyland, the premier Real Estate brokerage firm has properties that will satisfy even the most lavish of real estate wishes.
Whether you are traveling to Los Angeles for pleasure, business or as an investor, the pursuit of luxury is what makes the city tick. It is the place to see and be seen, a place where luxury knows no bounds... just like in the movies, anything is possible. After all, one comes to expect nothing less from the city where dreams are real and reality is but a dream.
Hilton & Hyland Luxury Real Estate
Should you wish to prolong your stay with a
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Talking Walls
At Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
When it comes to accommodation, artistically-inclined travellers today are becoming all the more interested in “art hotels”. And while some still walk the line between hotel and gallery, others make the smarter choice – staying in hotels that present both, side by side.
In Dubai, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel seems to pride itself not only on its hospitality but also on its role as curator. The hotel’s intriguing, even controversial art collectiondrawssavvy, art-obsessed clientele, who arrive here to encounter much more than the usual insipid “paintings” found in the average hotel lobby.
where the hotel stops and the art begins. The collection, curated by Camelia Esmaili, comprises of 482 works by over 51 artists, and spans over different media including painting, sculpture and other installation. It also brings together both acclaimed artists and emerging talents from the region.
Committed to providing a renewed perspective on Middle Eastern contemporary art, the specially commissioned art collection is artistically placed in nearly every nook and cranny of the property, making it hard to discern
The architecture of the property – exposed concrete walls and high glass ceilings like those of an art gallery – whispers with the same artistic breath of the contemporary art found within. Besides this extra, guest-engaging layer,
The collection
Art in all its forms
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel - Lobby Area
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Jumeirah Creekside delivers all the other comforts guests are accustomed to receiving from the Jumeirah brand, a brand synonymous with hospitality excellence. Essentially, paintings and sculptures are not all there is to admire here – five unique restaurants and bars dish out a range of culinary options in both casual and formal settings. At the vibrant steakhouse, Blue Flame, the leisure of cultivating your skills at culinary art is serviceable through the state-of-the-art Cooking Pod and frequent cooking classes. With the landscaped gardens of the adjacent Aviation Club and the lush Dubai creek Golf and Yacht Club in proximity, the hotel is also well-positioned to offer its guests a myriad of sporting and leisure activities from body workouts at the gym to tennis and golf.
Finding the hidden within While most works can be discovered by guests through chance encounters, some are not so easy to spot and may be mistaken for interior design. In fact, these works, just like 90 percent of the collection, are specially commissioned to the hotel. But you don’t have to turn your stay into an art hunt as the hotel offers guest a tour of the collection every Thursday, when these hidden or less-obvious pieces are revealed. The tour also takes you through all the pieces found in the hotel and explains the meaning behind every one of them. Here is a closer look at some of the more impressive ones…
Flying Carpet by Halim Al Karim Flying Carpet is a major and self-referential work by the artist, a reference to joy and happiness, expressed in its highest form through an electric pink colouring. This giant flying carpet refers to a soul leaving its being via a symbolic Arabic mashrabiya repertoire.
Belly Raining by Asmae Alami The artist’s practice is, in essence, an exploration of the invisibility of human thought which is virtuously expressed in Belly Raining. A large-scale sculptural work exclusively commissioned for the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, it shows a calligraphic-styled, Arabic letter through the ‘Water’ element symbolising heavy rains.
Untitled II by Marzieh Garamli In her series Dream in the City, Garmali presents us with two surreal scenes. Reminiscent of the computergenerated graphics of a video game, a group of women wrapped in traditional attire, their faces covered, parade across the picture plane. The strong colours add to a sense of fun and game-playing evoked stylistically, yet the women appear compelled in their movements, as if controlled by the game player. In this sense, Garamli depicts the high wire act that women must perform in a world that remains to a large extent the playground of men.
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The Way Forward Haute Dubai brings you the hottest trends straight from the runways of Dubai’s definitive fashion week
Fashion Forward Season 3 Images Courtesy of Ian Gavan & Stuart Wilson
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Taller Marmo
Ezra
True Blue It’s time to rollout the blues as blue was seen on every runway this season. From Turquoise to inky and deep blue, all the shades of the colour are of-the-moment obsession. For men, blue paired with neutral underpinnings or multiple shades of the colour in a single look, is the way to go.
Velsvoir X Patrick Hellmann
Emperor 1688
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Ezra
Asudari
Back In Black Although blue is taking over the runways this season, you can be sure that black is still in fashion. This season, the timeless colour trend comes in the form of a play with different fabrics and textures.
Tahir Sultan
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Said Mahrouf
Jean Louis Sabaji
Essa
Emperor 1688
Zareena
Jean Louis Sabaji
Floral Fun Floral prints and patterns are definitely blooming this spring, and designers at Fashion Forward seem to have had a fabulous time with floral designs in all different colours, sizes and textures.
Jean Louis Sabaji
Jean Louis Sabaji
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Jean Louis Sabaji
Amato by Furne One
Artistic Complications
The marriage of art and function is a difficult pursuit. In horology design, when this match is achieved, you get what watch artisans call “metiers d’art.” Here is this year’s haul of decorative timepieces that will spark profound emotions…
ARTYA | SON OF SOUND BROKEN GLASS A tribute to the world of music and particularly that of rock, with this case featuring a revolutionary shape. The dial with its 3D lucky charm broken glass motif splinters like guitar chords in an ear-shattering rock’n’roll performance. Beneath the strings, the time indications are larger to ensure enhanced readability. With this new Sun of Sound Broken Glass fitted with active tuning pegs, saturated guitar riffs set the pace for the year 2014.
ARNOLD & SON | TIME PYRAMID Seemingly suspended between two sapphire crystals, the A&S1615 calibre at the heart of this fascinating watch borrows its pyramid structure from the historic regulator clocks made by John and Roger Arnold. Like the watch’s indications, the different components of this vertical, linear movement are set out on three levels, producing an astonishing three-dimensional effect in a skeletonised composition that is inspired by nineteenthcentury English table clocks. A true feat of mechanics, devised and built by Arnold & Son, this movement has a separate power-reserve indicator for each of the two barrels.
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GRAFF | DIAMOND GYROGRAFF The perfect union of watchmaking and jewellery, this new timepiece from Graff shines the spotlight on a gyroscopic moon phase and a double-axis tourbillon, no less. The bezel is embellished with a mosaic of diamonds in a stunning and patented invisible setting, the work of the jeweller’s master craftsmen using a technique which took one year to perfect. This sculptural composition is formed by three rows of diamonds, with two triangular diamonds surrounding a hexagonal diamond. A triangular emerald lends the ultimate prestige to the guilloché dial, while another diamond adorns the crown at 2 o’clock. The Diamond GyroGraff is proposed in two iterations, in pink gold or in white gold, each a limited series of 20.
HUBLOT | BIG BANG POP ART Pink, blue, purple or apple green... the iconic Big Bang injects a fun splash of colour into haute horlogerie with these four watches. Hublot isn’t afraid to liven things up with its own interpretation of Andy Warhol’s pop art. Like the famous Marilyn portrait, this watch is an explosion of colour, the brighter the better. The chronograph counters go for multiple shades while the bezel is set with 48 baguette-cut stones: topazes for the blue version, amethysts for the violet version, sapphires for the pink model, and tsavorites for the green.
FENDI TIMEPIECES | CRAZY CARATS In its Italian workshops, Fendi takes fur towards peaks that have not been explored for almost a century. Bearing testimony to this long-standing tradition, the new Crazy Carats watch is fitted with a precious strap in two-tone mink, while the watch itself features a number of sparkling surprises. A turn of the crown reveals three different types of gemstones according to the mood of the moment. White diamonds or blue or pink sapphires alternately light up this luxurious composition, underscored by fascinating gemsetting on the bezel. The mysterious and enchanting Crazy Carats comes in four different versions, each available in a 50-piece limited series.
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HARRY WINSTON | PREMIER LADY CHRONOGRAPH Mr. Harry Winston loved women and set out to conquer the most extraordinary precious stones in their honour. In the same sparkling vein, the Premier Lady Chronograph is a combination of bejewelled extravagance and creative virtuosity. Derived from the first collection, launched in 1989, this timepiece features a slimmer case in pink gold with reworked attachments whose signature form alludes to the arches of Harry Winston’s flagship Salon on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Forging even stronger ties with the company’s heritage, generous diamonds, made all the more magnificent by a delicate setting, illuminate the wrist with their radiance and purity. The elegant Tahitian motherof-pearl dial introduces a touch of brown with smoked accents. An exquisite crown brings the final, perfect detail that sets the seal on this timepiece’s jewellery legacy.
Head Over Heels
Buying highlights from Level’s Alberto Oliveros
Strongest Emerging Designers PAUL ANDREW Paul Andrew SS14 flower print sandals and embroidery pumps blend sophisticated elegance with vibrant bold colours.
“SHOES ARE OFFICIALLY THE NEW HANDBAG! SPRING/SUMMER 14 WILL BE A STRONG SEASON FOR SHOES AND PARTICULARLY FOR OUR REGION. WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE THE INCREDIBLE DE VELOPMENT THAT OUR KEY DESIGNERS HAVE DONE AS THEY UNDERSTOOD AND INTERPRETED OUR COSTUMER DESIRES AND NEEDS.”
SOPHIA WEBSTER Sophia Webster’s “insect world” is cute and playful. Butterflies, lady bugs and beetles are transformed into standout styles. Her butterfly sandal, which uses a lazier cutting technique to project a wing on each foot, is gorgeous, fun and so girly. Sophia created the design in black and gold exclusively for Level Shoe District.
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Spring/Summer 2014 Trend Report ABSTRACT FLORALS Printed florals in graphic or dainty designs are the most popular. Black &White geometric patterns and leopard combinations are seasonless – Spring/Summer 2014 is no exception.
BUTTERFLIES For spring/summer 2014, butterflies and nature inspired 3D motifs and prints remain an on-going trend. Macro butterflies or 3D wings cut in leather make a dramatic statement for pumps and sandals.
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Sparkling Construction L’Odyssée de Cartier, Parcours d’un style Collection
Kingelez builds a large number of buildings and arranges them into cities, thus creating a totally imaginary urban space. Surrounding Kingelez’s module, Maison Cartier imagined an immaculate white city somewhere between dreams and reality… embodying the wealth and culture of which is constantly revealed within Cartier universe. This city contains a thousand different facets of a creative collection that depicts the various sources of inspiration and influences, such as the East, Africa and China, with a focus on a theme dear to Cartier: the City. This unique theme has triggered the imagination of both the Artist Kingelez as well as Cartier “the Jeweller” which has reinterpreted the movement, geometric lines and its modernity in many jewellery creations and designs.
L’Odyssée de Cartier, Parcours d’un style Collection is a voyage through a world in perpetual motion offering an unexpected trip of discovery. Inspired by two imaginary cities contrasted with beauty and global diversity, the collection and the inspiration behind it were presented by Cartier at Art Dubai 2014. Cartier and the Fondation Cartier pour l’artcontemporain strived to find the perfect balance of opposites with African artist Bodys Isek Kingelez’s model of a colourful imaginary city “Maman Isek Mabo Bendele” juxtaposed with the white city created by Cartier. Created by the artist in 2000, following his first exhibition at the Fondation Cartier pour ’art contemporain in 1995, “Maman Isek Mabo Bendele” is the product of the inexhaustible imagination where
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City The city, extending the domain of Cartier’s jewellery expression‌ the city, a fabulous realm of linear expression which Cartier sets into motion... The city, the setting for cultural blends, connections and unions... In phase with the world around it, Cartier captures these new codes that inspire its creative vocabulary. A line of buildings on the horizon, architectural details, and the lights of perpetual city traffic... Perspective plays on depth to spark a dynamic. Asymmetry, forward and reverse angles.
East Ruby balls, engraved emeralds, brightly coloured. Stones: this is the east, an inspiration Cartier cherishes today bursting with modernity... Revealed through a kaleidoscope of forms and colours, a joyful apparition in a multitude of prisms: The East, as Cartier sees it... the Tutti Frutti style invents itself as buoyant, luscious jewellery; the intensity of fuchsia tempered with diamonds; jewellery pieces blooming with volume, ethereal and physical, connect the earth to the sky.
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Africa Africa, land of jewels… Africa, lands bathed in heat and sun... Africa, a faraway territory who’s beauty becomes a jewel... A powerful bracelet that magnifies the zebra motif to evoke the feel and sensuality of real zebra skin. A traditional African form, an intrinsically animal motif, Cartier to the core, enhanced by exquisitely detailed craftsmanship: an ultra-complicated paving of irregular onyx strips in a mesh of brilliantcut diamonds, adjusted one by one like a puzzle of jewels.
China China, materials, motifs, ideograms, animals and divinities. All inherited from china: Cartier’s treasure chests enriched by its Chinese splendours... Stir things up with stones rich with zestful opulence, see the golden winged phoenix take flight, bask in the benevolence of a mischievous dragon, soften at the sight of a baby panda or observe two dragons head to- head, revelling in time everlasting... A timeless experience between land and sky, L’Odyssée de Cartier Parcours d’un style beckons you into the infinity of China...
SECRETS FROM A MAKEUP ARTIST
Award-winning makeup Artist Lina Hussain shares some top secret beauty tips With Haute Dubai
Lina has made thousands of brides and TV personalities including the likes of Raya Abirachid look their best. Her tutorials have made the Sephora Middle East network and most recently, she has been named the Winner of the Wojooh Jamalek Makeup Competition on MBC. Today, she share some tips with Haute Ladies…
the skin with a mattifying primer is the best way for longlasting makeup, like on a bride; and moisturiser is best for natural/barely-there makeup, like on a photo shoot.
How do you figure out what makeup suits you best? First I have to match the colour of the skin with foundation; once I have the canvas, then it’s a mixture of intuition, personal style, and what dress and hairstyle will make the finished look.
What’s the best way to apply foundation and concealer? When I work on clients I always use a brush. Personally, I switch it up between fingers and a foundation brush. Generally, though, I like to use the brush, and that’s what I teach my clients – because it helps keep the makeup on for longer. When you use your fingers, makeup tends to melt within a couple of hours. It just doesn’t have staying power like with a brush.
What are your favourite beauty trends right now? Red lips, eye liner, bright lip colours like tangerine and fuchsia, and bare, glowing skin.
How do you prepare skin for makeup? Great skin care is the best way to make sure you get amazing makeup. When a woman has good skin, makeup is guaranteed to look flawless. Having said that, priming
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Image Courtesy of Haya Magazine
Cream or powder blush? For dry skin, cream. For oily skin, powder. The rule is: cream on liquid or cream, and powder on powder.
What are some of the biggest makeup mistakes you see women making? Blocked eye brows. I love the natural hair of the brows swept with a bit of natural colour, from the middle, creating a pointy tip. I can’t stand tattooed brows. Black eye pencil on the inside rims of the eyes and none on the top lash line, which makes the eyes look droopy and tired, especially if the pencil melts. Pink foundation, which makes a woman look pastywhite or, if she’s olive toned, grey. Contouring with blush. Too much mascara on straight lashes when they haven’t been curled. Eye liner that is uneven or ends into a block on the outside corners, instead of into a flick.
What are your top five favourite beauty products? Dior BB cream, Clinique concealer, my Mandelic Acid cleanser by Beauty Secrets, Labello in cherry, Maybelline Colossal waterproof mascara, MAC Studio Fix powder in NC35.
Do you recommend certain eyeshadow shades for certain eye colours? Of course! Blue eyes look great in mustard or camel gold. Brown makeup looks good on all eye colours. Green eyes look best in purple. Dark olive green makeup is best for brown eyes – they make them look hazel. And blue or turquoise eye pencil on the inner rim of the eyes to make eyes whiter and more vibrant.
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PC Haute Couture
If you think your old computer or handheld device is not so worthy of your royal lifestyle, then you might want to have a look at the newly-opened Cottin shop at The Boulevard in Emirates Towers. The Parisian company is one of the very few to bring an air of exclusivity and unmatched design into personal computers and gadgets.
In celebration of the opening of their first store in Dubai, Cottin have created a very exclusive laptop,
While Cottin computers are fairly standard when it comes to specs – Intel Core i7 processor 6GB memory and a solid state drive running Windows 8 Pro – they truly shine when it comes to design and craftsmanship; every Cottin piece is crafted with precious metals and adorned with diamonds and gemstones. Additionally, Buyers can opt for the bespoke option, and have the computer personalised to match their other luxury items, be it a supercar, yacht or jet plane. Components like the casing, hand rest and the side panel can be customised, choosing from wide range of precious metals, exotic leathers and semi-precious gemstones. To make every piece all the more personal, special engravings can be done by Cottin artisans to give buyers of their devices the opportunity to create a truly unique piece. Apart from the design elements, Cottin offers a two year global Concierge service that is accessible by pressing the dedicated key on the device. This exclusive service provides assistance that fulfils a range of requests, as well as diagnosis and support for technical issues.
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this piece extra special by adding gold lace on the casing as well, which I designed and did the lace work for.
HD: What was the process of working on this lace like? SB: I started with a very thin 15x15 cm gold plate and it took about 300 hours for the lace cutting as the plate is thin and very delicate. Actually, most jewellers would say it’s impossible to make a lace this thin with such fine detail. HD: What are the main design influences of this gold lace? SB: I’ve been studying lace design and motif for several years. I have also worked in a museum before where I have come to find out that lace design is very mixed up. For example, if you research Portuguese lace you will find Arabic influences. In turn, some people see Oriental and African influences in my work. However, in this particular piece the design is typically French but the geometrics in the piece are common between many cultures.
HD: What other materials and aspects are you interested in exploring these days? SB: I mainly work with precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. I also design jewellery and do design conception for different objects. Last year I worked with Guerlain and did the silver lace for the 21 bottles of their exclusive perfume collection, La Petite Robe Noire.
the Shamsah Troisors. This masterpiece, plated in 24K pale gold, has been exclusively designed in collaboration with gold lace-maker Sara Bran, and is undoubtedly one of her most technical and outstanding piece to date. Sara has spent 30 hours for the drawing itself and then she has been working on the delicate 0.5mm exterior lace for more than 200 hours, while special care has been taken for the selection of the 16 pear shape diamonds that adorn the lace, making Shamsah Troisors a truly timeless showpiece.
Talking Design To know more about the aesthetics of Shamsah Troisors, we caught up with Sara Bran on the opening day of Cottin shop in Dubai… Haute Dubai: Can you tell us about your collaboration with Cottin and what it means to you? Sara Bran: I happened to meet the French brand, Cottin,a year and half ago, and we realized that we both a have niche market and offer a very high quality products so that’s how the collaboration came about. The first idea was to add some gold lace to the decorative bars on the computer. Later, and with the opening of the shop in Dubai, we decided to go a step further to make
Sara Bran
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Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club
TWILIGHT TEE TIMES
With the sizzling summer temperatures in the UAE, Golf might seem like one of the crazier things to do that even the most avid of golfers abandon the course. However, as many golf clubs have floodlit their courses for cooler evening tee times, golf after sundown is catching on. So whether you are a serious golfer or simply after a social nine-hole after work, here are the best courses where you can drive off into the twilight.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Fifteen minutes from the city centre and just ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Golf Club features 27 Championship holes, over 162 hectares of land. The course has nine holes under floodlights (Holes 1-9 then 1927) for night play.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club is located in the Mushrif area in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The nine-hole, par-70 floodlit course is set in the middle of a racetrack, offering golfers an exciting set of challenges. +971 2 445 9600
+971 2 558 8990
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Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club As the only fully floodlit eighteenhole course in Dubai, the Faldo course continues to light up the night sky enabling golfers to enjoy a full round of eighteen-hole championship golf in the heart of Dubai. +971 4 380 1234
Dubai Creek Golf Club
For those looking to improve their short game or for just enjoy a round of social golf after sunset, the Par 3 course at Dubai Creek Golf Club is floodlit and is open daily from 7am- 10pm.
Emirates Golf Club
+971 4 380 1234
The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
Tower Links Golf Club
Tower Links Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole, par 72 golf course. The club possesses an outstanding range of facilities enabling golfers to improve their standard of play. The back nine holes and practice facilities are fully floodlit for night play.
Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Peter Harradine, the fully floodlit nine-hole golf course at Sharjah Golf & Shooting club, enables play well into the evening. 600 547778
+971 7 227 8555
Dubai Creek Golf Club
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Drawn to Design According to the Art Nouveau philosophy of applied art, art should be a way of life. This philosophy is very well reflected through Design Days Dubai. Dedicated to collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects, the annual fair brings the best of design to collectors and design enthusiasts. Here is our pick of top exhibits from regional galleries at this year’s edition.
Shellf by Paula Rodriguez Nakkash Gallery Taking inspiration from natures delicate and playful forms, this chic nautilus shell-shaped storage and divider unit can create nooks for showing off your stuff as well as an artwork in itself. This sculptural piece is constructed with a wood frame and veneered in natural-finished bamboo.
Davamand console table by Shirin Ehya J+A Gallery The Davamand console table is made from wood with a fine glossy red lacquer finish. It has an unusual insert adorned with classical Iranian mirror work (ayeneh) which gives the table a shiny bling from each direction you are looking at it. This table from the Isfahan collection by emerging designer Shirin Ehya has been hand-made in Isfahan from experienced craftsmen and with traditional methods.
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Equilibrium III by Farber Acoustics Nakkash Gallery This challenging concept reproduces authentic “Live” atmosphere even in very large rooms. The impressive design, exclusive natural stone and outstanding sound reproduction sets Equilibrium the benchmark for luxury-class in the world of audio systems. The use of unique materials for the spherical Horns used nowhere else in the world of audio. As this system is completely custom made, our customers can choose from a variety of natural stone materials and colours to provide a unique design harmonizing with and enhancing their living environment.
Sentient Long Wool Sofa by Nersi Nasseri J+A Gallery This Sentient Long Wool Sofa is so much more than a sofa; it’s a superb piece of original design using long wool Icelandic sheepskin together with antique reclaimed oak. The icelandic sheepskin wool is chaotic, wild, soft and long. The hair falls in all directions resulting in an array of warm beige, brown and golden colours.
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MASTERPICES TO SEA Zaha Hadid and Blohm+Voss design the yachts of the future
With a design concept based around the sculptural form of a master prototype conceived for a 128m yacht, the Unique Circle Yachts by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss is a family of five individual 90m yachts that creatively explore the design philosophies of the master prototype within the technical requirements of a fully-engineered yacht design.
The overall design is informed by fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research shaping the design of the hull. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals. Whereas traditional yacht designs adhere to a strict horizon-
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tal order, this exoskeleton creates an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design. The fluid design language of the master prototype has been applied to the five subsequent 90m variations of the Unique Circle Yachts, creating a design with the highest correlation between the various options. The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss. Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the
specifications required for ocean crossings. In addition to JAZZ, four further 90m yachts have been designed to fulfil the different requirements and individual requests of their designated owners. Each design will vary in layout according to the owner’s preferences. The design process was very much a collaborative one, with Blohm+Voss and ZHA working together to address the practical challenges of designing a yacht while remaining true to the design language of the master prototype. The resulting designs are
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the synergy of Hadid’s design vision and the technical expertise of Blohm+Voss, allowing a flexibility and customisation in the eventual design of the yacht. Blohm+Vosshas the proven experience, the in-house technical expertise, and the capacities to offer tailor-made solutions for the most demanding buyers in the superyacht market. The naval architects of Blohm+Voss are forever pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In recent years Blohm+Voss has built many of the world’s most prestigious mega yachts. These include
the ground-breaking 394-foot “A” designed by Philippe Starck, the “Eclipse”, designed by Terrence Disdale, which at 533 feet (162.5 m) is the world’s second largest private yacht. Other Blohm+Voss superyacht projects include, the “Mayan Queen IV” and the “Palladium”. Zaha Hadid Architects and Blohm+Voss have transformed yacht design; creating an innovative concept and developing this vision into a fully seaworthy prototype that offers dynamic new possibilities for naval architecture.
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In The Artistic Lane Coachbuilder Touring Superleggera re-sketches the legendary ‘Disco Volant’
There are very few cars in existence that arouse the imagination more than the Alfa Romeo C52, so innovative that it influenced automotive design for decades. The briefing for the C52 – initially aimed at races in the Sport category – at Carrozzeria Touring in 1952 specified the need for a shape that was “insensitive to wind”. The unique basic design, featuring an oval cross section, evolved into different versions, and was registered as “design patent”. It was not long after that the car reached the status of design icon and was nicknamed “Disco Volante”, Italian for Flying Saucer. With an ever-lasting appreciation of this 1952 style icon, the prestigious Milanese coachbuilding firm, Touring Superleggera, has created a few additions to the Disco Volante. Their most recent interpretation was in 2013. Underpinned by the two-seater Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the Touring Superleggera treated Disco Volante reaches a top speed of 290 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The Touring Disco Volante, just like you would expect it to be, is ultra-exclusive. With the official endorsement of Alfa Romeo, Touring Superleggera builds the car only on demand to discerning collectors with appreciation for the craftsmanship, quality, innovative design and automotive history of the Disco Volante.
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DESIGN The new design blends innovation, emotion and aerodynamic properties into a timeless and essential shape. While some elements are inspired by the original dramatic form and proportions, the new body is also quite futuristic with its unusually wide front wings covering the wheels, and the thin rear end encapsulated in powerful shoulders. Inside, the 2013 Disco Volante continues the car’s design philosophy with a “science fiction” feel including red LED interior light profiles. Aeronautical-inspired touches also feature on the dashboard, instruments and controls as exemplified by the seat adjustment lever. The bespoke leather hides for the upholstery were manufactured to match the exterior body shade and are matched with black Alcantara. Naturally, buyers can personalise the interior design to suit their preferences.
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DYNAMICS The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassi forms the basis for the coach-built bodywork of the Disco Volante, integrally conserving the rolling chassis and drive train. Chosen for its light and rigid structure and outstanding dynamic properties, the Alfa 8C’s steel space-frame and other structural elements were retained to guarantee torsional stiffness, high performance and the highest possible quality standards. The frame members and the central carbon cell remain unchanged. Elements of the underpinning and the body, such as the engine bay and firewall, the windscreen and cowl, the A-pillar and the locks and hinges have been retained too, along with the dashboard, instruments, pedals and steering wheel. Certain parts, such as the doorframes, roof frame and C-pillar have been modified to accomodate with the new shape. The front-central mounted engine, transaxle transmission and rear-wheel drive layout offers optimal weight distribution. To ensure excellent handling the front and rear double-wishbone suspension is combined with forged aluminium hub carriers and additional trailing arms for the rear suspension. The lightweight and compact 4.7 litre V8 engine delivers 450hp and is coupled with a six-speed, sequential transaxle gearbox with electronic control and paddle-shift gear selection. Together with a limited-slip differential and a state-of-the-art braking system with large diameter, ventilated discs, a precise, dynamic and exciting drive is assured. ENGINEERING All new and modified components of the Disco Volante have been CAD designed, using the most advanced IT tools and simulation techniques to cover feasi-
bility, safety, homologation, aerodynamics and structural analysis. To ensure torsional stiffness and noise reduction, special attention was paid to the under-body structure and its elements, such as the tubular frames supporting the rear wings and bumper, and the roll bar joining the C-pillars. Other complex design issues include the tailgate hinges, the 3D-cambered door window, and the front wheel covers. The lightweight bodywork for the Disco Volante is a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre which provides the optimal balance of weight, resistance, precision, finish and quality, as well as ease of repair in case of damage.
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Silvestre de Sousa salutes the crowd after riding African Story to victory in the Dubai World Cup
2014 Dubai World Cup Highlights
As Dubai continues to establish itself as a stage for some of the world’s biggest events, the Dubai World Cup remains the most anticipated one on the Emirate’s bustling calendar. Taking place at the magnificent Meydan Grandstand, the annual event is the richest horse race day in the world with US$27.25 million prize money across nine horse racing spectacles.
The Hoof Beats
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with a seventh triumph. Ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, the seven year-old African Story, pulled two and a half lengths clear down the final stretch to see off Mukhadram who valiantly gave her all under jockey Paul Hanagan.
With more than 80,000 spectators viewing the action, this year’s race day concluded with another exceptional turnout as Godolphin runner, African Story, streaked away with the 19th running of the $10 million Dubai World Cup, providing HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and
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Judges at the Jaguart Style Stakes
Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors
Winner of the Best Dressed Man category
The Style Stakes Although the race was breathtakingly exciting, the competition was not just confined to the horses; prizes were awarded to the best-dressed race-goers who had brushed off their finest attire for the Jaguar Style Stakes. From a long line-up of participants, Sarah Jayne Heart was named the overall Jaguar Style Stakes Best Dressed Lady and was chosen from hundreds of entrants by an expert judging panel. Sarah Jayne Heart is pictured
Meydan Grandstand Racecourse
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Best Dressed Lady presented to Sarah Jayne Heart by Bruce Robertson of Jaguar Mena
Contenders in the Best Dressed Couple category
next to Jaguar’s award-winning sports car, the Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible, with Bruce Robertson of Jaguar Land Rover MENA, which she will enjoy driving for one year. Additional prizes in other award categories including Best Dressed Couple and Best Dressed Man were presented by Jaguar and other sponsors of the event.
Beyond Equine & Fashion
As no expense is spared to keep the crowd entertained, the Dubai World Cup is a must-attend social event even for those with little interest in horse racing or fashion. The day boasts a host of world-class entertainment ranging from fireworks to lightshows and amazing post-race concerts which saw the multi-talented superstar Jennifer Lopez put on an amazing performance this year. Jennifer Lopez raised the temperature of the house full of cheering fans for an hour and a half before her very warm thank you to Dubai that closed the day-long event which once again proved magnificent.
Fireworks before the final race Jennifer Lopez performing at the closing party
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DESIGN PARTY AT WHITE
d3 Event
Stephanie Khouy, Nazneen Khodjasdeh and Danielle Blaker
The renowned Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery from London/Paris, and the future of design hub in the Middle East, the Dubai Design District d3 hosted an exclusive party to celebrate creativity in the region during the Design Days Exhibition. The party was held at the Dubai outpost of the famous Beirut nightspot White, the newest Dubai al fresco hotspot at Meydan Grandstand Rooftop, Meydan Hotel. The most spectacular party of Art Dubai was attended by Dubai’s elite, who were seen enjoying the chilly outdoors in the company of cocktails, smooth beats and delectable Sushi. Guests enjoyed their drinks as they sat by White’s stunning Island Bar and caught glimpses of Dubai’s dazzling skyline.
Loic Le Gaillard, Rola Wazni and Julien Lombrail
Todd Towers, Patrick Rogers and Andrew Lee
Alpana Depala, Nausheen Noir, Lashley Pulsipher and Tiffani Bates
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Haute Happenings L7M
The Lost Empire by Fouad Elkoury
When: 23rd April - 23rd May Where: The Mine, Al Qouz Marvel the works of famous Brazilian street artist L7M. L7M’s work is influenced by sorrow, the beauty of life and the disarray of the surrounding environment. themine.squarespace.com
When: 30th April – 29th May Where: The Third Line, Admire Fouad Elkoury’s photographic journey through abandoned soviet military bases. thethirdline.com
Mirror for the Soul
When: 1st-3rd May Where: Madinat Theatre Embark on a theatrical journey through the nooks and crannies of your soul and subconscious. madinattheatre.com
Justin Timberlake Live
Dubai Tango Festival
When: 23rd May Where: du Arena, Yas Island Witness megastar Justin Timberlake bring his electrifying 20/20 Experience world tour to du Arena, Yas Island. thinkflash.ae
When: 21st-25th May Where: Meydan Hotel Connect with all tango lovers through various workshops, Milongas, a Tango Dance Night and Gala. Dinner. tangodubai.org/festival
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