AIR Empire Aviation Nov'13

IS SU E THIRT Y | NOV EMBER

2013

Ai Weiwei China’s activist artist on his

Produced in International Media Production Zone

life as a marked man

MIKE TYSON How the former Iron Man of boxing found his softer side

ABU DHABI ART What collectors should seek out at the city’s biggest ever art fair

ZAHA HADID Why the starchitect’s grand designs run through to her wardrobe

LIFTING THE LID Raymond Blanc opens up on his life in and out of his celebrated kitchen

Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar

m i n u t e c o u n t e r s i n a s i n g l e t o t a l i z e r a t 12 o ’c l o c k , a

Digital Date-Month. Ref. 3792: Taking a big idea and squeezing it

small hacking seconds hand, a flyback function and a perpetual

into a tiny space like a watchcase isn’t impossible. At least not when

calendar with large double-digit displays. The semi-transparent

our engineers, designers and watchmakers are involved. That’s how

subdials ensure that the digital display discs for the day, month and

the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month became a

leap year are never entirely concealed and give the dial its unusual

reality. The big news, however, is the use of a material typically

appearance. On 31st December, thanks to IWC’s revolutionar y

found in motor sport: titanium aluminide. The case is made of an

quick-action switch, all the discs are synchronously set in motion

alloy that’s lighter and tougher than pure titanium. The IWC-manu-

to welcome the New Year. Why would anyone need more room

facture d 898 02 c a libre supplie s the watc h’s f unctions a nd

for ideas when all that fits inside a case measuring just 46

complications with power. These include the combined hour and

milli metres?

IWC . E N G I N E E R E D FO R M E N .

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Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

www.montegrappa.com Montegrappa Boutique, Boulevard - Emirates Towers, Dubai UAE +9714 3880620

The most powerful drive: instinct.

The New Flying Spur.

Emirates Dubai Tel: 00971 4294 4492 Emirates Abu Dhabi Tel: 00971 2222 2445 Doha Tel: 00974 4411 4411 Bahrain Tel: 00973 1723 8822 Kuwait Tel: 00965 2473 5199 Beirut Tel: 00961 161 3670 Jeddah Tel: 00966 12606 7323 Riyadh Tel: 00966 1121 73838 Al Khobar Tel: 00966 13814 4443 Oman Tel: 00968 2457 3798 New Delhi Tel: 0091 11241 21616 For further enquiries please call 00973 1619 8827 The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © October 2013 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: New Flying Spur.

CONTENTS / FEATURES

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Editorial Director John Thatcher Business Development Director David Wade david@hotmediapublishing.com Editor Leah Oatway leah@hotmediapublishing.com Contributing Editor Hazel Plush hazel@hotmediapublishing.com Senior Designer Adam Sneade

Ninety Six Designer Andy Knappett

Like Mike Iron Mike may be “dead”, EXW OLIH LV VWLOO D ¿JKW IRU Mike Tyson. The legendary boxer opens up to AIR in an exclusive interview.

Illustrator Vanessa Arnaud Production Manager Chalitha Fernando

Seventy Eight Advertisement Manager Rawan Chehab rawan@hotmediapublishing.com

Fast & Louche Hollywood portrayed James Hunt as a reckless, danger-loving playboy, but was it all an act? AIR asks those in the know.

Advertisement Manager Sukaina Hussein sukaina@hotmediapublishing.com - 13 -

CONTENTS / REGUL ARS

Twenty Six

Radar Your chance to bid for Ringo Starr’s former and very rare - sportscar.

Forty

Timepieces The iconic Rolex Daytona celebrates 50 years with an auction of very rare pieces.

Forty Seven

Jewellery Why diamonds have always been the best friend of Valerie Messika.

Fifty Two

Interiors Sara Cosgrove on how RQH R̆ SLHFHV FDQ DGG unpredictability to a room.

One Hundred & Ten

Motoring Billed by its maker as WKH 0LGGOH (DVW¶V ¿UVW supercar, meet the Lykan.

Fifty Seven

Art & Design Renowned architect Zaha Hadid reveals her passion IRU IDVKLRQ¶V ¿QHVW QDPHV

One Hundred & Four

Gastronomy Raymond Blanc on life in and out of his Michelinstarred kitchen.

One Hundred & Fourteen

Travel This month sees a raft of new luxury hotel openings - we cherry pick the best.

One Hundred & Sixteen

Tel: 00971 4 364 2876 Fax: 00971 4 369 7494

What I Know Now

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. All prices mentioned are correct at time of press but may change. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in AIR.

Motor racing champion Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal on his life lessons.

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%LEGANCE IS AN ATTITUDE 3IMON "AKER

#ONQUEST #LASSIC

NOW OPEN IN ABU DHABI

T H E G A L L E R I A S O W WA H S Q U A R E

02-6743666

W W W. G R A F F D I A M O N D S . C O M

EMPIRE AVIATION GROUP

November 2013

WELCOME ONBOARD

Welcome to this special issue of AIR – Empire Aviation Group’s onboard lifestyle magazine for charter guests and aircraft owners.

Dubai Air Show (17-21 November 2013) brings together the international and regional aviation industries – private, commercial and military - into a single show that always proves to be an exciting event. This edition will be no GL̆HUHQW DQG LQ IDFW ZLOO EH D VSHFLDO RFFDVLRQ EHFDXVH WKH VKRZ ZLOO EH KRVWHG IRU WKH ¿UVW time at the new Dubai World Central airport.

We will be presenting our full portfolio of aviation services at our own dedicated pavilion in the heart of the air show, which will include Empire Aviation - India, a new division of EAG that was launched at the start of this year.

Our team in India has done an outstanding job in setting up the new facilities, ensuring that these conform to EAG’s high standards of maintenance management, operational safety, DQG ÀLJKW RSHUDWLRQV We share with you in this issue news of the recent addition of two Falcon 900DX EASy DLUFUDIW ZKLFK MRLQHG RXU PDQDJHG ÀHHW LQ Nigeria – Africa. With these additions, EAG currently manages over 22 aircraft spanning the Middle East, Africa and Sub-Continent.

In keeping with the advances in mobile technology, we will also present at the Dubai Air Show our new and exciting partnership with aviation technology specialist SkyTECH Solutions, with whom we are developing an array of new e-services and m-services to connect aircraft owners to key information about their aircraft availability, destinations, ÀLJKW SODQQLQJ DQG VXSSRUW ¹ HDVLO\ DFFHVVLEOH from their smartphones and laptops.

All of this means that we are looking forward to the Dubai Air Show with great anticipation and, if you are visiting the show, please stop by our pavilion and say hello.

Steve Hartley Executive Director

Contact details: info@empire.aero empire.aero - 17 -

Paras Dhamecha Executive Director

EMPIRE AVIATION GROUP NEWS

EAG takes delivery of two Dassault Falcon 900DX EASy business jets The EAG team has recently acquired a Dassault Falcon 900DX business jet on behalf of an owner based in Nigeria and also taken under management a second 900DX aircraft. Both aircraft will be based in Nigeria and fully managed by EAG. The trijet Dassault Falcon 900 series helped pioneer LQWHUFRQWLQHQWDO EXVLQHVV MHW WUDYHO DQG ZDV WKH ¿UVW ODUJH FDELQ )DOFRQ DQG WKH ¿UVW WR EH HTXLSSHG ZLWK Dassault’s EASy cockpit, an intuitive man-machine LQWHUIDFH ZLWK ODUJH IRUPDW ÀDW VFUHHQV DQG VLPSOL¿HG commands that improve safety by placing greater emphasis on human factors. The DX’s travel range is QDXWLFDO PLOHV DQG LWV ÀLJKW FHLOLQJ LV D VXEVWDQWLDO 51,000 feet.

It has one of the largest cabins in its class and features a range of key executive-travel amenities including phones, fax, SATCOM, data link, video screens, television and conference tables. Typically, the cabin is divided into three separate sections to maximize space and comfort and has plenty of natural light from its panoramic windows; a full-service galley allows hotmeal preparations.

Falcons are popular aircraft and, today, there are more than 1,900 Falcons in operation around the world.

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EMPIRE AVIATION GROUP NEWS

Empire Aviation Group and SkyTECH partner up

EAG and SkyTECH Solutions are working together on bringing new information solutions for aircraft owners. SkyTECH Solutions specializes in providing software solutions and services to the aviation industry (airlines and airports) but for EAG, SkyTECH has developed a mobile based application - a Flight Information Management (FIM) System, designed to deliver information over mobile platforms and devices such as iPhone, iPad and Blackberry.

Already established in the US and India, SkyTECH recently launched in the Middle East and ($* LV RQH RI WKH ÂżUVW DYLDWLRQ customers. The company has quickly built a strong client base and made an impact within the industry, winning the Best Technology Provider Award at the recent Global Travel Marketing Forum 2013, Dubai.

SkyTECH’s solution portfolio for the aviation segment is the outcome of more than a decade’s experience in the industry, providing end-to-end services including EXVLQHVV FULWLFDO ,7 V\VWHPV OLNH ÀLJKW SODQQLQJ DQG scheduling systems, loyalty management systems,

safety management systems, baggage tracking systems, ERP systems and ancillary revenue generating applications enabled by e-commerce and m-commerce.

SkyTECH solutions helps clients enable their business with technology and directly helps improve customer satisfaction levels, providing value added services that improve operational ḢFLHQFLHV WKDW SRVLWLYHO\ LPSDFW the client’s brand equity, top lines and bottom lines.

With the EAG team, SkyTECH has been working from the ideation stage to execution and implementation and support, developing technology capabilities to complement the business from platform enhancement, web enablement, customer relationship management and mobility.

The FIM system solution is a web and mobile based application that enables owners to book their aircraft IRU SULYDWH XVH ,W FDOFXODWHV URXWHV ZLWK ÀLJKW WLPLQJV provides destination weather information and allows the user to calendar-view booking schedules. The app is FRPSOHWH ZLWK DOHUWV QRWL¿FDWLRQV DQG LV GDWD VHFXUHG for owners.

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RADAR

> If you’re flying in for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix then be sure to stop by the city’s Etihad Towers to see the brilliant work of Spanish artist Tachi Pintor.

His exceptional portraits of famous people have won critical acclaim in his homeland and beyond, and for this exhibition, his first in the Middle East, he’s turned his hand to the champions of Formula One. See it until November 6. tachipintor.com - 23 -

RADAR

> At this month’s Dubai Air Show (November 17-21), the latest private aircraft from the world’s biggest manufacturers will be on show. Included among them will be this, the Falcon 5X, which its maker Dassault Falcon LV KDLOLQJ DV WKH PRVW DGYDQFHG )DOFRQ PDGH 7KH ¿JXUHV WKDW EDFN XS WKDW FODLP LQFOXGH VL[ IRRW VL[ LQFK FDELQ height - the tallest in business aviation, a top speed of .90 Mach, and a range of 5,200 nautical miles, both of which are achieved with the lowest fuel consumption in its category.

> Those who made for Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace to watch last year’s brilliant Coutts Polo at the Palace will be keen to head there again for its second staging on November 22-23. As well as watching competitive polo, attendees will also get a chance to test drive Maserati’s latest model and see a UAEinspired creation of high jeweller FabergÊ.

- 24 -

RADAR > After Taylor and Burton and before the Beckhams there was Birkin and Gainsbourg, the celebrity couple of their day whose very public love affair captured the imagination of the media. But what made French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg and British actress (and subsequent Hermès muse) Jane Birkin different to the other mediaadored power couples was the access they granted to their private life. A new book, Jane & Serge A Family Album offers a fascinating insight into the daily life of the then most photographed couple in the world, with hundreds of pictures shot by Jane’s brother Andrew Birkin. taschen.com

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RADAR

> This supremely rare car was once owned by Beatle Ringo Starr and on December 1 it will be auctioned at Bonhams, where it will likely achieve a sale price of 350,000 pounds

sterling. When it launched in 1961 only 182 models of the Facel Vegal Facel II were made, and most were quickly snapped up by the celebrities of the day – Tony Curtis and

> Like the phoenix before it, Richard Branson’s Necker Island home has risen from the flames which reduced it to ashes a little over two years ago. The Great House retains much of the look and feel of its predecessor but is bigger and can now cater for up to 30 people, should you be on the lookout for somewhere to stage the ultimate private party.

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Ava Gardner both bought one.

It was famously dubbed ‘the world’s fastest four-seater’ and was purchased by Starr for only 5,70 pounds sterling when it took his eye in 1964.

The Markgraaf Estate Kalmthout in Belgium

Domain Markgraaf is an exceptional estate of approximately 57 acres, It is located on the Kalmthoutse Heide just 10 km from the Belgian-Dutch border and few km from the center of Antwerp.

This very exclusive domain includes several distinctive buildings including a prestigious castle villa, a charming cottage villa, a professional Olympic-size horse indoor and outdoor riding arena. The horse riding indoor area is equipped with 18 stables and is extendable to 25 stables.

The castle villa consists 5 different levels, where one underground. It is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated equipment for central heating, air and water treatment, air conditioning, solar energy, telephony, audio and video facilities, central vacuum system, video security monitoring, alarm security system etc.

The totality is a fantastic estate that is particularly suitable for horse lovers.

For information please contact Jan Anton Rijsdijk Mail to: janantonrijsdijk@gmail.com Phone: +3236660447 or +3236664288

PAOLO F ERRA R I · CEO + GLOBAL CITIZEN, LOS ANGELES · TUMI.COM ABU DHABI MALL . +971 2 6738574 . THE GALLERIA . +971 2 4124115 THE DUBAI MALL . +971 4 3398536 . MIRDIF CITY CENTER . +971 4 2363408 DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY . +971 4 2326500 ALSO AVAILABLE AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE

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Film Mr Nobody Dir: Jaco Van Dormael Four years after its Venice Film Festival premiere, WKLV VFL Âż GUDPD DERXW the choices we make in OLIH VWDUULQJ -DUHG /HWR LV ÂżQDOO\ JHWWLQJ LWV 86 cinema release.

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&OKPZ 4IFSBUPO $MVC CFOFmUT XJUI ZPVS 3PPN PS 4VJUF BU UIF OFX 4IFSBUPO %VCBJ .BMM PG UIF &NJSBUFT )PUFM The Sheraton Club boasts fantastic views over Dubai and provides a calm working environment, great F&B offers and additional club benefits. Direct access to the famous Mall of the Emirates and the proximity to the major business hubs of Dubai create the perfect symphony between business and leisure.

For reservation please call +971 4 377 2005 or visit sheraton.com/dubaimalloftheemirates

©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheraton.com/dubaimalloftheemirates

CRITIQUE

Theatre ([SUHVV QHZVSDSHU LV ERZOHG RYHU E\ WKH YLVXDO SRZHU RI WKH SURGXFWLRQ ³:LWK RQH KDOI RI WKH FDVW GUHVVHG RXW RI $UDELDQ 1LJKWV DQG WKH RWKHU OLNH 3UXVVLDQ +XVVDUV WKLV HFR IDLU\ WDOH ZLWK D IHPLQLVW VODQW LV DQ ROG IDVKLRQHG IHDVW IRU WKH H\HV FRPSOHWH ZLWK PDJLF ODQWHUQ FXW RXWV DQG $ODGGLQ VW\OH PLQDUHWV ´ %XW 0DUN 6KHQWRQ RI 7KH 6WDJH TXHVWLRQV LWV XOWLPDWH DSSHDO ³7KH VKRZ KDV DQ XQUHPLWWLQJ HDUQHVWQHVV WKDW PDGH PH ZRQGHU MXVW ZKR LW ZDV GHVLJQHG IRU &KLOGUHQ DUH OLNHO\ WR EH ERWK ERUHG DQG FRQIXVHG DQG DGXOWV ZLOO ¿QG LW KDUG WR FDUH ´ 0HDQZKLOH IRUPHU 'RFWRU :KR 'DYLG 7HQQDQW¶V SRUWUD\DO RI 5LFKDUG ,, DW WKH 5R\DO 6KDNHVSHDUH 7KHDWUH LQ 6WUDWIRUG XSRQ $YRQ GLUHFWHG E\ *UHJRU\ 'RUDQ LV JRLQJ

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AIR PROMOTION keep pace with the complexities of modern SLHFHV 7RGD\ WKH +DOOPDUN RI *HQHYD RĚ&#x2021;FH is part of TIMELAB â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Geneva Laboratory of Horology and Microengineering, and the assessment of a timepiece is conducted by RĚ&#x2021;FLDOO\ DSSRLQWHG VZRUQ LQVSHFWRUV ZKR QXPEHU XS WR VHYHQ DQG VXSSRUWHG E\ DW OHDVW one audit of the manufacturer each month.

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To comply with the new criteria, the movement, additional modules and the

Quality Delivered Vacheron Constantin and the Hallmark of Geneva

F

or both manufacturers and collectors of exceptional timepieces, what matters most is quality. In watchmaking, the measure of absolute quality is the Hallmark of Geneva, inscribed on mechanical watches approved to exacting standards and reserved for watchmakers domiciled in Geneva, the very heart of watchmaking. Not only does its appearance constitute a seal of approval, but a mark of distinction too, of which there is nothing of equal in the world of luxury goods.

It was as far back as November 1886 that DQ RĚ&#x2021;FH ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG DQG WDVNHG ZLWK protecting the cherished reputation of Genevamade timepieces, a move made in response to WKH VLJQLÂżFDQW QXPEHU RI FRXQWHUIHLW SURGXFWV that were being peddled at the time.

6LQFH ZKHQ LW ÂżUVW DSSOLHG IRU LWV watches to carry the prestigious seal (one of WKH YHU\ ÂżUVW PDQXIDFWXUHUV WR GR VR 9DFKHURQ Constantin has proved a true ambassador of the Hallmark of Geneva, even training its watchmakers and related departments so that their skills and techniques are KRQHG WR UHĂ&#x20AC;HFW WKH VWULQJHQW FULWHULD RI WKH hallmark. For more than a century, then, 9DFKHURQ &RQVWDQWLQ KDV SURGXFHG WLPHSLHFHV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ YHULÂżHG E\ H[SHUWV WR EH RI WKH upmost quality.

The impeccable standards a watch must meet before it can be issued with the hallmark has of course evolved over time, so as to

exterior parts of the watch have to be approved by the sworn inspectors, and thereafter their making is regularly inspected by auditors.

These same inspectors also test the waterresistance, the functions, the power-reserve and the rate of a cased-up timepiece, in conditions reproduced to closely match those commonly experienced by the watchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wearer.

Once their work is complete and the Hallmark of Geneva issued, a guarantee is set in stone. It is a guarantee of origin, that the watch was assembled, adjusted and casedup in Geneva, where it will return if ever in need of repair. It is a guarantee that each component has met strict manufacturing

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vacheron Constantin produces the largest number of timepieces stamped with the Hallmark of Genevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements and the watch as a whole has been subject to strict tests, so that it will prove reliable and accurate. And, above all, LW LV D JXDUDQWHH RI Ă&#x20AC;DZOHVV TXDOLW\ WKDW WKH brand has the know-how to produce and repair watches in accordance with the principles of WUDGLWLRQDO ÂżQH ZDWFKPDNLQJ 7KDW LV ZK\ ZKHQ \RX ZHDU D 9DFKHURQ Constantin timepiece you are wearing much more than a watch.

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TIMEPIECES

FREDERIC WATRELOT Christie’s watch specialist on the enduring appeal of the Rolex Daytona To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Rolex Daytona, there will be a special sale in Geneva on November 10, dedicated to the history of the most mythical chronograph wristwatch ever made. With estimates ranging from $10,000 to $300,000, many of these models are coming to the market for the very first time to form what can be considered the finest group of Rolex Daytona wristwatches ever seen at auction. Together, Christie’s and leading Daytona watch expert, Mr. Papaleo, have travelled the world and located, in the most distinguished and most private watch collections, precisely 50 examples of this legendary sports watch. Only watches in mint or close to mint condition were accepted, making impeccable quality and originality paramount.

Amongst the highlights are some of the rarest Daytona models ever produced. In some instances, the total production was less than ten examples. This auction also includes watches once worn by Eric Clapton, Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7 astronaut) and car racing champions Bobby Unser and David Brabham – what could be more appropriate given this month’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Rolex Daytona was introduced in 1963 as the logical heir to the chronograph-making brand. This model was revolutionary, as it was the first chronograph made

by Rolex in which the tachymeter scale was no longer printed on the

dial but featured instead on the bezel, enhancing practicability and readability.

Since its creation, the Rolex Daytona has seen a continuous development without ever losing its original spirit and over the last century it has been produced in a number of case materials, ranging from steel to gold, but also in platinum since 2013. All the while it has enjoyed an impressive variety of dial designs and technical upgrades.

This auction will present the first ever 1963 model - not named Daytona but simply ‘Cosmograph’, this watch was exclusively cased in stainless steel and nicknamed - 40 -

as the ‘Double Swiss Underlined’ and was originally released in the US market only.

It has an estimate: US$40,000-80,000.

The top lot of the sale is a spectacular, and previously unseen at auction, mint example made in 1974 for Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman, which features his red signature and has subsequently been nicknamed ‘Arabian Night’ (pictured here). It is expected to sell for around $300,000-500,000.

The rumour is that some of these remarkable watches may even make a stop off in Dubai before the sale.

If they do and you want to come and take a look, do get in touch…

A . L A N G E & S Ö H N E • BA L LY • B O S S H U G O B O S S • B R E G U E T • BV L G A R I • B U R B E R RY • CA N A L I CA R T I E R • C H L O É • D E G R I S O G O N O • E R M E N E G I L D O Z E G N A • F A U C H O N L E C A F É • G I U S E P P E Z A N O T T I • G I V E N C H Y • H E R M È S • H E R V E L E G E R • I W C S C H A F F H A U S E N • JA E G E R - L E CO U LT R E J . M . W E S TO N • K I TO N • L A N V I N • M A N O L O B L A H N I K • M O N T B L A N C • O F F I C I N E PA N E R A I • P I AG E T P O R S C H E D E S I G N • R O G E R D U B U I S • R O L E X • SA LVATO R E F E R R AGA M O • S T E FA N O R I CCI S T E P H A N E RO L L A N D • TO M F O R D • VA N CL E E F & A R P E L S • VE R SACE • VE R T U

AVENUE AT ETIHAD TOWERS is dedicated to exclusive luxur y and home to the world’s most desirable brands. Immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi’s most sophisticated boutique retail destination and indulge in the joy of living and shopping. w w w.AvenueAtEtihadTowers.ae

TIMEPIECES

> Chopard’s long history of involvement with, and enjoyment of, historical racing cars spans decades and its Mille Miglia 2013 watch celebrates twenty five years of the brand’s association with this most famous of three-day motor races. A self-winding chronograph featuring a 24hour dual-time indication, it has the date displayed in the centre of an eye-grabbing red arrow - the logo of the Mille Miglia race. It’s housed in a 42.8mm case and the racing theme extends to its rubber strap, stamped with the 1960s’ Dunlop racing tyre emblem.

> On November 23 at Sotheby’s New York, two of the world’s foremost design pioneers, Sir Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson, will auction off a collection of influential design works they have curated over the past year, with the proceeds going to Bono’s global charity (RED). Among the items under the hammer are pieces customized by the design duo, including a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 561 clock with unique red accents, and a Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea watch, which has been customized with a red dial and the (RED) logo engraved on its back. The Atmos 561 clock - surrounded by a transparent Baccarat crystal bubble has been hailed as one of today’s great design pieces, which makes this unique example of it all the more valuable.

> With more than a passing nod to the underground clubbing scene – for those of you who can cast your mind back – Concord’s newest model is a limited edition design in 18ct rose gold. Engraved on its centre is the Côtes de Genève, while it owes its striking appearance to the electric green Superluminova detail, which makes it come alive in the dark.

Additionally, it has a 42-hour power reserve, is water resistent to 100 metres, and a 43mm case, all of which is signed R̆ ZLWK D PHWDOOLF JUH\ alligator strap.

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TIMEPIECES

> A quarter of a century ago, Chanel launched its first watch, aptly named Premiere. This month it releases a brand new version of that iconic watch, boasting a different dial and type of glass, and also a brand new size. In fact, in the words of Nicolas Beau, Chanel’s Director of Watches “everything but nothing” has changed. But its overall shape remains steadfastly Chanel – designed to reflect the shape of the stopper on a bottle of No5 perfume and the geometric proportions of the Place Vendôme, Chanel’s Paris home. This model has a striking, black lacquered dial framed by snow diamonds and held by a spectacular white gold and diamonds chain bracelet.

- 45 -

JEWELLERY

Skinny LOVE Words: LEAH OATWAY

The creative genius behind French jewellery maison Messika, talks diamonds, family and why her Skinny collection broke the mouldâ&#x20AC;Ś - 47 -

JEWELLERY

V

alerie Messika is as beautiful as the unique diamond jewellery she creates, which is no mean feat. The GHVLJQHU LV D PDYHULFN LQ WKH ÂżQH jewellery world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; creating fresh, delicate pieces that enhance rather than overpower their wearers and capture the imagination of A-listers and Vogue editors alike.

When we meet in the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai, Messika is seven months pregnant with her second child and resplendent in a cotton maxi dress accessorised by a simple but eye-catching necklace and bracelet combo that I later learn are part of her Skinny collection (an elastic-like line that ensures jewellery stays close to the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin). She is also on time and smiling warmly, impressive given that just hours earlier she had hosted a swish launch party to announce her brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival in Dubai with partners Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to be here,â&#x20AC;? said 0HVVLNL ZKR GHÂżHG WUDYHO DGYLFH WR ensure she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the big night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like this region so much. People

are very warm and friendlier than in parts of Europe. The connection is easier. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also exciting in terms of creativity, because I feel that I can push myself more here. They care about jewellery: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their blood.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also in Valerieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: the daughter

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RI RQH RI )UDQFHÂśV PRVW SUROLÂżF diamond distributors, Andre Messika, the Parisienne grew up VXUURXQGHG E\ VRPH RI WKH ÂżQHVW gems in the world. It was perhaps inevitable that she would follow in her fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was young my father helped me with my eyes to recognise nice things and to have a nice feeling with them,â&#x20AC;? she recalled fondly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had small pressure from my dad [to join the family business] and I am afraid I will do the same [to my daughter] because I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good.

I will try not to push her too much, but she does like jewellery...â&#x20AC;?

Valerie, a self-confessed workaholic, was a marketing and communications graduate when her father coaxed her to join him in the diamond business. While she quickly discovered that trading was not for her, she was convinced that she could launch a brand that would plug the gap between top end and entrance price diamond jewellery in France. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When in Europe I ask people what they think about diamonds they say they wear them maybe once or twice in their life. They keep them in the safe [the rest of the time]. So

I said, if people buy bags from 1,500 Euros, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make something with diamonds and gold for that price that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to wear every day, that is quite cool, that you can mix with jeans.â&#x20AC;?

Her father agreed, but with two conditions: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He said to never copy anyone, because he used to supply big brands, and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make a brand that is 100 per cent diamonds, because that was our legitimacy, our expertise.

Soon after, Andre Messika began work on creating a diamond manufacturing company, leaving his daughter the freedom to realise her vision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it actually helped.

Otherwise, I think it was going to be quite complicated for me because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very charismatic person and always when I had to make a choice I would be asking his advice and wasting a lot of time, not trusting in myself.â&#x20AC;?

Valerie began, 12 years ago, with a collection that cost between 500 and 10,000 Euros. But with access WR VRPH RI WKH ÂżQHVW GLDPRQGV on the market, she soon grew the FRQÂżGHQFH WR FUHDWH KLJKHU HQG pieces, all the time remaining committed to a soft and casual look.

As we chat about her vision for the brand, she reaches for an exquisite silk necklace in white gold and diamonds by means of explanation: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can look at this necklace, which is like a piece of fabric â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each stone is independent from each other and they are linked behind. As my creation must only be diamonds, I created a rhythm between the GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW VL]H RI WKH VWRQHV WKH GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW VKDSHV RI WKH VWRQHV DQG GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW OHYHOV <RX KDYH PDUTXLV shape, roundâ&#x20AC;Ś so we create a mix.

The most important thing for me is that people say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know what I

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Women in the GCC care about jewellery: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their bloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Natural Treasures â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My father helped me to recognise nice thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

like about your jewels?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m never over-looked by themâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;?

Arguably Messikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic collection, though, is Move: essentially three diamonds sliding in a gold cage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did it seven years ago for a company that asked creators to come up with something to represent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I love you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Afterwards, I thought it would be quite cool to have three diamonds, the message is nice, but I would love them to move because my philosophy was to make casual jewellery.â&#x20AC;?

Today, Valerie draws inspiration from everywhere: fashion, architecture, travel and other women. It was observing the way women wear things so close to their skin, such as watches, that inspired Skinny, her elasticated diamond range. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I made the suggestion to my people, my workers, they said it was not possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that it would break. But we developed a system with a nano spring under the metal that is very durable. Now we use it for high-end pieces.â&#x20AC;?

A not-to-be-missed Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geneva auction features some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest gemstonesâ&#x20AC;Ś

Messikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team is 60-strong but, ultimately, it remains very much D IDPLO\ DĚ&#x2020;DLU +HU husband is in charge of the distribution, her best friend takes care of the buying, her cousin works with her on the creation and marketing and Andre, while busy with his own side of the business, remains a great support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot of love between each other but also we love the brand,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a small baby we see growing every day a OLWWOH ELW ZH VHH WKH ÂżQDO FXVWRPHU wearing our jewellery. We see actresses (such as Alexandra Lamy, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin) on TV wearing them and it still feels unbelievable that people love the jewellery. It gives me a lot of strength.â&#x20AC;?

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A flawless 59.60-carat pink diamond worth more than US$60 million is one of several exquisite gems going under the hammer this month as Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geneva hosts its Magnificent Jewel sale. Taking place in the Swiss city on November 13, The Pink Star is the most valuable diamond to ever be offered at auction. It is one of 370 lots up for grabs for those with an eye for the extravagant.

INTERIORS

SARA COSGROVE

The head of interior design at Harrods steers us through the giddying trend for design-led furniture and lighting Throughout my career, the most important thing for me to have achieved within each individual interior scheme for my clients is the originality of the design. Of course, to be able to create uniqueness within an interior design space, the key is to include a selection of handSLFNHG RQH RĚ&#x2020; SLHFHV WR VSULQNOH D little bit of something unpredictable into the mix.

Create a dramatic focal point in a room by sourcing a distinctive piece of furniture, lighting or sculpture that will stand out from the rest.

When we think â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sculptureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, we think â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but there is an increasingly popular trend towards the use of bold metal sculpture as a design direction in furniture. This idea of combining art and lifestyle has long been a favourite of mine.

To highlight a few brands that are also familiar with the trend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hudson, a furniture and lighting brand based in New York, translate it beautifully with their amazing feature lighting such as the Pangea or the Pantheon that have been KHDYLO\ LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHG E\ MHZHOOHU\ design to look like giant, oversized necklaces. Add one of these to a contemporary scheme for real impact. Terzani is another fantastic brand that creates really dramatic pieces including the Atlantis, a large show-stopping chandelier made from a curved metal frame draped LQ ORWV RI ÂżQH FKDLQV WKDW LV HTXDOO\ LPSUHVVLYH ZKHQ VZLWFKHG RĚ&#x2020; DV LW LV

when illuminated, and was recently installed in the kitchen of one of The Studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more modern projects.

Metallic and sculptural elements in furniture are also really impactful. A gorgeous sculptural side table or console in your entrance hall can create a dramatic HĚ&#x2020;HFW ZKHQ \RXU JXHVWV HQWHU \RXU home. The Portuguese furniture company Ginger and Jagger have a quirky, creative approach to design and one of their pieces, The Fig Tree Console, certainly generates plenty of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factor.

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to stop at lighting and furniture; we often integrate PHWDO ÂżQLVKHV RQ ZDOOV DQG Ă&#x20AC;RRULQJ WRR 3KLOLS -HĚ&#x2020;ULHV ZDOO FRYHULQJV DUH SDUWLFXODUO\ HĚ&#x2020;HFWLYH ZLWK many collections having a metallic component woven into the paper to DFKLHYH D ORYHO\ UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLYH VKHHQ 7KHLU 0D[ÂśV 0HWDOOLF 5DĚ&#x2021;D LV incredible and has a fabric like structure but with a metallic wash which creates lots of theatre.

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> If Saraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s column has inspired you to invest in jawdroppingly beautiful lighting, then this Baylar Atelierdesigned Mother chandelier should be on the top of your to-buy list.

The multi-faceted chains are handdraped, making each piece unique. hudsonfurniture inc.com

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spectacular backdrop to hang art on and if you direct the right amount RI OLJKW RQWR WKH UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLYH HOHPHQWV youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create a magical feel.

The Wallpaper Handmade exhibition is currently showcasing in Harrods windows, and showcases a number of interesting sculptural pieces that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fail to inspireâ&#x20AC;Ś

> The unique crescent shape of the Ploum sofa by design duo Ronan Bouroullec, for Ligne Roset, is designed to encourage those who sit on it to face each other. It’s also big and comfortable enough to mean that if you nod off in front of the television you won’t wake up regretting it.

Aati, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

> If you haven’t checked out 1stdibs.com then you really are missing out.

The auction site enables lovers of antiques to find and purchase some of the finest pieces of furniture in the world, with just a few clicks of a mouse. This is Million Flowers, a chandelier created by Italian Murano glass creative Flavio Poli in 1958. It is worth more than one million dollars and is just one in a plethora of beautiful items available for collectors to acquire online. Fine art, fashion, even great estates, are all online for the taking. 1stdibs.com

> Bodice Rocker by creative furniture house Splinterworks is perfect for homes where the aesthetic appeal of a furniture piece is every bit as important as functionality and comfort.

Poised vertically, the leather piece takes on a sculptural form, with some comparing the shape to that of a foot. It rocks back and fore as if weightless, but with two nudges it drops to the floor and you can stretch out on it in style. splinterworks.co.uk

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sowwahsquare.ae

ART & DESIGN 1.

CAPITALof CULTURE Discover the beauty of Abu Dhabi Art 2013 as the UAE capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier art fair embarks on a fifth year of creative expressionâ&#x20AC;¦

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The fifth edition heralds a moment of renewal for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art sceneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ZKLFK IHDWXUHV ODUJH VFDOH VFXOSWXUH LQFOXGLQJ D YDVW LQVWDOODWLRQ PDGH RI SODVWLF EDJV EHLQJ VKRZQ E\ *DOHULD &RQWLQXD %LGD\D ZKLFK IHDWXUHV HPHUJLQJ 'XEDL JDOOHU\ /DZULH 6KDELEL H[KLELWLQJ ZRUNV E\ DUWLVWV 1DELO 1DKDV DQG )DUJKDOL $EGHO +D¿] DORQJVLGH 0HHN\RXQJ 6KLQ IURP .RUHD DQG <XGL 1RRU IURP ,QGRQHVLD DQG 6LJQDWXUH IRU XS DQG FRPLQJ DUWLVWV

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1. Forever by Damien Hirst, at Paul Stolper Gallery 2. Spaghetti Bâle by Pablo Reinoso, at Carpenters Workshop

2.

- 59 -

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ART & DESIGN

1.

Performance Art This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Abu Dhabi Art sees live performance mix with static art as it continues to push artistic boundariesâ&#x20AC;Ś - 61 -

ART & DESIGN

3.

2.

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or the past six months, French journalist and art expert Fabrice Bousteau has been working around the clock to ensure HYHU\WKLQJ JRHV WR SODQ IRU KLV ÂżIWK WXUQ at Abu Dhabi Art. Since the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception, Bousteau has curated the Art, Talk and Sensations programme - that is, the interactive portion of the fair. This year though, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mixing things up a bit, bringing performance, screenings and poetry together with two additional segments that all fall under the umbrella title of Dunes and Waves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea is to set aside the conventional theme H[KLELWLRQ DQG WR GR VR E\ RĚ&#x2020;HULQJ D QHZ SHUVSHFWLYH ´ explained Bousteau, â&#x20AC;&#x153;mixing live performance and artwork. That way the major challenge rises from the PXOWLGLVFLSOLQDU\ FKDUDFWHU RI WKH HYHQW ´ The much-anticipated international line-up this year includes Chassol, a musician mixing videos and sounds

live, and fellow video artist Alexdrine Leclere. Excitingly though, Bousteau has also arranged two parallel exhibitions for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair: Small is Beautiful, a collection of small-scale works from galleries in the Modern, Contemporary & Design sector; and Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;People can spot an artwork, love it, buy it, bring it home with themâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Waves, where participating galleries from around the world promote their star artists (future, present or past). â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the start, Art, Talks and Sensations, the innovative, unconstrained element of Abu Dhabi Art, focuses on mixing live performances with artistic LQVWDOODWLRQV NQRZOHGJH ZLWK SOHDVXUH ´ KH H[SODLQHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;It invites visitors each year to explore more than an

- 62 -

1. Self-Portrait, Prayer Rugs,

by Afra bin Dhaher at Galeri Zilberman 2. Untitled work by Antonis Donef at The Breeder 3. Fabrice Bousteau 4. Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art gallery exhibit 4.

exhibition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a new life experience. Enjoy performances, interactive artworks and spectacular installations created by contemporary artists brought together to FRQVWLWXWH D UHPDUNDEOH SURMHFW OLQNHG ZLWK D WKHPH ´ Up until now it has always been run parallel to, rather than within, the main fair. But inspired by Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ÂłVSLULW´ Âą ÂłD ODQG RI LQQRYDWLRQ H[SHULHQFHV FXOWXUDO PL[´ Âą %RXVWHDX IHHOV LWV LPSRUWDQW IRU WKH SURJUDPPH this year to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;the heart of the art fair, as well as its XQLYHUVH EXW ZLWKRXW RFFXS\LQJ D VSHFLÂżF VSDFH´ Small is Beautiful is a new platform that enables each gallery to propose a piece of art that in some way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either aesthetically or philosophically â&#x20AC;&#x201C; considers the concept of being small. It is, the Frenchman said, a great opportunity for would-be collectors to purchase pieces they can enjoy immediately â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;people can spot DQ DUWZRUN ORYH LW EX\ LW DQG EULQJ LW KRPH ZLWK WKHP´ Bousteau is curating the proposed pieces and mixing them with the other new addition: Artists Waves.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea is to revise and renew the concept of the art fair that is based on conventional gallery stands and ERRWKV ´ KH H[SODLQHG Âł6R 6PDOO LV %HDXWLIXO DVVXPHV the form of a mini exhibition of artworks that I have not selected myself. Quite a challenge, and audacious, too, on the part of Abu Dhabi Art, as well as on the JDOOHULHVÂś SDUW VLQFH YHU\ GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW ZRUNV ZLOO EH EURXJKW together, placed alongside each other, in dialogue or juxtaposition, without the gallery or the artist having GHFLGHG VR ´ Outside, video screenings and live performances will take place between the buildings and, mysteriously, %RXVWHDX VD\V WKHUH ZLOO HYHQ EH ÂłWDVWLQJ SHUIRUPDQFHV´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Art, Talks and Sensations project is not just DQRWKHU H[KLELWLRQ ´ KH DGGHG Âł7KH LGHD LV WR VHW DVLGH the conventional theme exhibition and to do so by RĚ&#x2020;HULQJ D QHZ SHUVSHFWLYH PL[LQJ OLYH SHUIRUPDQFHV DQG DUWZRUN ´

- 63 -

Kingdom of Bahrain: Al Aali Mall Tel: +973 1758 2588 • Seef Mall Tel: +973 1758 3399 • Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 1717 9898 UAE: Mall of the Emirates Tel: +971 4 3410917 • Dubai Mall Tel: +971 4 4343113, Tel: +971 4 4341251 • Mirdif City Centre Tel: +971 4 2840123 • Al Wahda Mall Tel: +971 2 4454703 www.devjiaurum.com

ART & DESIGN

I FEEL MY ART IS MY ONLY ESCAPE The Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei on growing up in a labour camp, living under surveillance, fatherhood and when he felt most threatened

- 65 -

ART & DESIGN

A

s soon as I wake Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on my feet, like a soldier. My bedroom is simple. The walls are white; there are no pictures.

I have a small, square window that looks out onto a garden.

It takes me time to gather my thoughts. They scatter while I sleep, like pieces of a puzzle messed up by cats. I change and wash, and, WKRXJK , KDWH P\ EHDUG , DP WRR OD]\ WR VKDYH LW RĚ&#x2020; I then strap my arm to a machine to check my blood pressure. It has been high for 10 years, so I have to watch what I eat. When I was detained two years ago I lost 24lb, but the weight came back after six months.

My wife, Lu Qing, who is an artist too, has her own room upstairs. We are no longer like husband and wife â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re friends and live in northeast Beijing, in D FRPSRXQG WKDW , GHVLJQHG ,W LQFOXGHV P\ RĚ&#x2021;FH P\ rooms and a dormitory for the students who work with me.

I cross the courtyard and sit at my desk. I have the LQWHUQHW EXW EHFDXVH RI WKH ÂżUHZDOO \RX FDQÂśW DFFHVV D ORW of pages, or Twitter. I pay about 5,000 yuan [Dhs3,000] D PRQWK WR MXPS WKH ÂżUHZDOO , DOVR KDYH D +RQJ .RQJ line for my mobile, so I can talk freely. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expensive, but I have to have it.

PXFK DOFRKRO DV LW DĚ&#x2020;HFWV P\ EORRG SUHVVXUH $IWHU lunch, my driver takes me to a park for my hour-long My colleagues arrive at 8am and we eat breakfast.

ZDON ,ÂśYH EHHQ GRLQJ LW IRU ÂżYH \HDUV DV , QHHG WR NHHS They bring food from the village â&#x20AC;&#x201C; congee, deep-fried ÂżW 7KHQ DW SP , SLFN XS $L /DR IURP VFKRRO +LV name is what my mother called my father when he was ROG ,W WUDQVODWHV DV Âľ2OG $LÂś +H JRHV WR DQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO VFKRRO ,WÂśV H[SHQVLYH EXW he cannot go to a local Chinese school as he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have D KXNRX >RĚ&#x2021;FLDO UHJLVWUDWLRQ@ Âą KH ZDV QRW ERUQ ÂľOHJDOO\Âś LQ &KLQHVH WHUPV >KH ZDV WKH FKLOG RI DQ DĚ&#x2020;DLU@ 0\ VRQÂśV PRWKHU LV D ORYHO\ JLUO D ÂżOP GLUHFWRU EXW , GRQÂśW KDYH EUHDGVWLFNV DQG EXQV , KDYH DERXW PHPEHUV RI VWDĚ&#x2020; feelings for her now. $L /DR LV D FXULRXV ER\ +H LV DOVR DUWLFXODWH +HÂśOO Some do research or archive work, others focus on my say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why should I fear death if dead people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel art, design and shows. anything?â&#x20AC;? When I was in detention, the one lie I was $IWHU P\ GHWHQWLRQ , ZDV RQ ÂľSUREDWLRQÂś IRU D \HDU , WROG WKDW KXUW PH ZDV , ZRXOGQÂśW VHH KLP IRU \HDUV +LV was never told [by the government] what my crime was. mother told him I was doing an exhibition in London, , WKLQN WKH\ ZRUU\ , DP WRR LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQWLDO DPRQJ \RXQJ people. They still have my passport and watch me. There so when I saw him again, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go back to Britain!â&#x20AC;? If it werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for him, I know I would take bigger are 15 surveillance cameras around the compound, and plain-clothed police follow me when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out. These days, risks politically.

If the city pollution is bad we stay indoors, walking I can spot them. around a shopping centre, and eat at one of our +RZHYHU , DP XVHG WR EHLQJ ZDWFKHG , JUHZ XS LQ D favourite Japanese restaurants. I then take him back communist society and, when I was a baby, my family to his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. They live in an apartment close to was blacklisted because my father was a poet. We were WKH $PHULFDQ HPEDVV\ DQG KH ZLOO UXQ WR WKH OLIW DQG watched by neighbours and my classmates. Until I was shout, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bye!â&#x20AC;? That used to be hard for me. Now it is just 10, I grew up in a labour camp in Xinjiang. I accept my VWUDQJH ,ÂśP EDFN LQ P\ RĚ&#x2021;FH E\ DERXW SP DQG LW FDQ conditions now, but if my family is with me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially EH DP ZKHQ , ÂżQDOO\ ÂżQLVK P\ ZRUN , WHQG WR VKRZHU P\ IRXU \HDU ROG VRQ $L /DR Âą , JHW DQJU\ LI SHRSOH and, once in bed, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out in seconds.

IROORZ XV $QLPDO LQVWLQFW WDNHV RYHU 2QFH , JUDEEHG Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living through an interesting chapter in Chinese their camera and took the memory card. It had photos of history, and I, too, have faced dramatic situations. It my rooms, the places I go to, my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pramâ&#x20AC;Ś $W PLGGD\ RU SP ZH VWRS IRU OXQFK 0\ FKHI SUHSDUHV KDV PDGH P\ OLIH ULFK EXW WKH ÂżJKW IRU IUHH VSHHFK LV IDU from over. vegetables and meat. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not fussy. I have tea, not so - 66 -

Image: Corbis / Arabian Eye

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It takes me time to gather my thoughts. They scatter while I sleep, like pieces of puzzle messed up by catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Dubai Mall | Dubai Marina Mall | Mall of the Emirates | Wafi | Gold Souk

ART & DESIGN

STAR OF STRIPES A new exhibition explores the Technicolor world of fashion designer Paul Smith

W

ithout the colourful wizardry of Paul Smith, there is little doubt that the world of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion would be a considerably duller place.

The Britâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold transformation of a-typical English styles using EULJKW VWULSHV Ă&#x20AC;DPER\DQW SULQWV and super-sharp cuts, thrust him into the limelight with his 1976 Paris debut. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remained at the top of his game ever since.

Nearly forty years on, with 14 GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW FROOHFWLRQV XQGHU KLV belt (including womenswear, shoes and furniture), the Londonbased designer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose dreams of becoming a racing cyclist were dashed by a serious accident at the age of 17, forcing him to consider an alternative career plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is an established household name around the world.

This month his achievements are set to be celebrated at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design Museum in Hello, My Name is Paul Smith, a four-month exhibition that examines his meteoric rise to fame and global success.

Drawing on the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal archive, the exhibition traces his success from its humble beginnings in a Paris hotel suite in the Seventies to the seasonal shows he now holds during London and Paris fashion weeks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The exhibition will explore how Paul Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intuitive take on design, together with an understanding of the roles of designer and retailer, have laid the foundations for the FRPSDQ\ÂśV ODVWLQJ VXFFHVV DQG RĚ&#x2020;HU D XQLTXH LQVLJKW LQWR WKH PDJQLÂżFHQW mind of Paul Smith,â&#x20AC;? say organisers.

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Among the highlights of the design exhibition will be a replica RI 6PLWKÂśV ÂżUVW VKRS ZKLFK ZDV just three metres by three metres in size in Byard Lane, Nottingham.

Nearby, an immersive digital room ÂżOOHG ZLWK VWLOO DQG PRYLQJ LPDJHV will also feature thoughts narrated by the eminent British designer and sounds that they claim will attempt to â&#x20AC;&#x153;place you in his mindâ&#x20AC;?.

There will also be a recreation of 6PLWKÂśV RĚ&#x2021;FH ZKLFK LV QRWRULRXVO\ FKDRWLF DQG ÂżOOHG ZLWK ERRNV DQG objects that inspire him, many of which are sent by fans who know he has a pre-disposition for pretty things (one fan has been sending him things covered in stamps for some 20 years). In a bid to illustrate his LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV DQG KLV ZD\ RI WKLQNLQJ some of these will be on show too. Âł,I P\ ZLIH FRPHV >WR WKH RĚ&#x2021;FH@ she almost immediately has a nervous breakdown,â&#x20AC;? he once joked with a journalist from The Talks. ³œ2K P\ >JRRGQHVV@ 3DXO KRZ FDQ you let it get like this?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And then VKH JRHV WR WKH JLUOV LQ WKH RĚ&#x2021;FH and says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You have to do something about it! Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a disease!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Today, while Smith is predominantly known for his menswear prowess, he also has a well-received selection of collections that include shoes,

womenswear and even furniture. A VHOHFWLRQ RI KLV ÂżQHVW SLHFHV DFURVV these lines will be explored at the Design Museum show, as will the unique designs of his shops, of which there are more than 200 globally.

Smith began the business with a small amount of savings and has never borrowed money.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We just do what we do and luckily people like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The clothes sell and people like them and not just because we give them away or because we have celebrity front rows or because we spend 80 million Euros a year on advertising,â&#x20AC;? Smith once told journalists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just do what we do and luckily people like it and hopefully it continues to do well.â&#x20AC;?

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith runs at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design Museum November 15, 2013-March 9, 2014. designmuseum.org

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ART & DESIGN

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- 72 -

POWER DRESSER

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ART & DESIGN buildings. Iraq then was liberal and western-looking, and she describes a childhood of freedom and creativity.

She studied in Beirut, then London, where, as well as the blackouts of the winter of discontent, she remembers being obsessed with Biba.

Professionally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been her destiny to stand out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People say I do curvy things because I am a woman, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think so.

Women in architecture â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WKH\ FDPH IURP D GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW place. There were no role models.â&#x20AC;? Her early approach to fashion suggests sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been comfortable with her notoriety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was at school, I had the brightest pink feather coat by Chantal Thomass. I went to Moscow wearing it and the whole of Moscow followed me.

Imagine, in the

communist era everyone was wearing uniform and I was in bright pink feathers,â&#x20AC;? she says with delight. The ÂżUVW ZRPDQ WR ZLQ WKH GLVWLQJXLVKHG 3ULW]NHU SUL]H in 2004, Hadid still stands alone in a male-dominated profession. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are lots of very talented women in many professions who are not pushed to the forefront, because there is still the idea that men do it better,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If women had more FRQÂżGHQFH WKH\ FRXOG GR EHWWHU WKDQ men. That is the lacking part.â&#x20AC;?

She believes clothes can play a role in gaining ground. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They JLYH \RX FRQÂżGHQFH :KHQ I was teaching, I had a beautiful Yohji jacket. If you buttoned it one way you could create

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wear the same things winter or summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

KATARA HOSPITALITY, SHAPING AN ICONIC LEGACY There is much more to being a world-class hospitality organisation than just owning, managing or developing hotels. At Katara Hospitality, our appreciation for the past powers our aspirations for the future. Decades of experience,

an innovative mindset and meticulous attention to detail enable us to craft unique masterpieces that set new standards for others to follow. With us, it is all about our boundless passion for creating legendary hospitality, building on our heritage.

Katara Hospitality Building Marina District, Lusail City, PO Box 2977 Doha, Qatar T +974 4423 7777 F +974 4423 7860 info@katarahospitality.com www.katarahospitality.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hadid has collected more than 1,000 Issey Miyake pleated piecesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

- 76 -

Text: Claudia Croft Images: Corbis / Arabian Eye

ART & DESIGN

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Fast

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Louche He was the Formula 1 champion with the playboy image whose life has just made waves on the big screen. But is Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depiction of James Hunt an accurate one? Matt Rudd discovers what really drove him

T

he Seventies. The hirsute decade, all Brut aftershave, unbuttoned shirts and medallions. A decade when men could be men and racing drivers could be bonking, boozing racing drivers. And the king of them all was James Hunt, the last great playboy world champion.

His reputation as a hothead, an oaf, a serial ZRPDQLVHU SUHFHGHG KLP +H SXQFKHG RĚ&#x2021;FLRXV UDFH WUDFN RĚ&#x2021;FLDOV KH XULQDWHG LQ UHVWDXUDQWV DQG ,ÂśP sorry to remind those of you with a weak disposition, he VRPHWLPHV ZRUH Ă&#x20AC;LS Ă&#x20AC;RSV WR EODFN WLH GLQQHUV +H DWH OLNH D SLJ DQG GUDQN OLNH D ÂżVK and then he drove a racing car.

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The Ron Howard movie Rush further glamorises WKH VWRU\ )RFXVLQJ RQ WKH VHDVRQ DQG +XQWÂśV rivalry with the reigning Austrian champion Niki Lauda, the pair cast as chalk and cheese. The cheese is Hunt, the archetypal posh British playboy racer.

The chalk is Lauda, the even more archetypal Germanic competitor, a fastidious, humourless stickler for rules.

Surprisingly, Lauda himself was enthusiastic about the portrayal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The story is absolutely true,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing to talk about because it is the story of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;76 season. My only complaint to Ron is that in the movie, James is the real, UHDO SOD\ER\ DQG , DP WKH UHDO UHDO VHULRXV UDFHU 7KH WUXWK LV , ZDV KDOI -DPHV DQG KDOI WKH VHULRXV UDFLQJ driver.â&#x20AC;? ,W VHHPV HYHU\RQH OLNHG WR SDUW\ Âł%DFN WKHQ ´ KH explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to go into Formula 1 you had to make up your mind: do you want to drive these cars at these speeds

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;James had a front of being a playboy, which took the heat offâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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DQG ULVN JHWWLQJ NLOOHG" :H KDG WR FRQVWUXFW HFFHQWULF personalities, to show no fear, no fear at all, knowing that at least one guy out of 16 would get killed every year.â&#x20AC;? /DXGDÂśV QHDU IDWDO DFFLGHQW DW WKH 1Â UEXUJULQJ LQ LOOXVWUDWHV KLV SRLQW ,Q WKH VHFRQGV LW WRRN IRXU other drivers to pull him from the burning wreck, Lauda VXĚ&#x2020;HUHG VHYHUH IDFLDO EXUQV DQG GDPDJH WR KLV OXQJV Âł:H OLYHG D GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW OLIHVW\OH EHFDXVH ZH QHYHU NQHZ how long we were going to be alive,â&#x20AC;? he says.

6R WKDWÂśV WKHLU H[FXVH WKHQ +XQW DQG WR D OHVVHU H[WHQW /DXGD ZHUH VSXUUHG LQWR DFWLRQ RĚ&#x2020; WKH WUDFN E\ WKH FRQVWDQW ULVN RI GHDWK RQ LW Âł7KH GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQFH EHWZHHQ PH DQG -DPHV ZDV , DOZD\V NQHZ WKHUH ZDV D OLPLW ´ adds Lauda. %XW ZDV +XQW UHDOO\ VXFK D VZDVKEXFNOHU" ,Q VKRUW no. Behind the headlines of the time and the lurid documentaries and unauthorised biographies that followed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; behind the â&#x20AC;&#x153;absolutely trueâ&#x20AC;? Hollywood blockbuster â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is another version of events. His friends KDYH MRNHG WKDW LI KHÂśG VHW KLV PLQG RQ JRLQJ LQWR WKH FKXUFK UDWKHU WKDQ PRWRU UDFLQJ KHÂśG KDYH HQGHG XS DQ DUFKELVKRS +H GLGQÂśW DQG KH ZDV QR VDLQW (YHQ KLV most loyal supporters admit he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;a swordsmanâ&#x20AC;? who

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Only victory would do for James. He always had to winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ÂłELQJH SDUWLHG´ %XW LW DOO FDPH D ORQJ ZD\ GRZQ WKH OLVW RI +XQWÂśV SULRULWLHV )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW KH ZDV D VSRUWVPDQ ZLWK D QHDU UXLQRXV GHVLUH WR ZLQ +H ZDV chalk, just like Lauda.

According to his younger brother David, James was by far the most troublesome of the Surrey stockbroker :DOOLV +XQW DQG KLV ZLIH 6XHÂśV VL[ FKLOGUHQ +H ZDV QDXJKW\ +H ZDV HEXOOLHQW +H ZDV H[WUHPHO\ GLĚ&#x2021;FXOW +LV ÂżUVW FUDVK FDPH \HDUV EHIRUH KLV GULYHUÂśV OLFHQFH when, as a toddler, he tipped up his pram and made a break for the door. $Q XQFRQWDLQDEOH FKLOG WKHQ SDFNHG RĚ&#x2020; LQ WKH IDPLO\ WUDGLWLRQ WR :HOOLQJWRQ ZKHUH KH H[FHOOHG DW LQGLYLGXDOLVW VSRUWV VXFK DV VTXDVK WHQQLV DQG FURVV country, but found sitting still in class a challenge. As a teenager he was already a hit with the girls, but his H[WUDFXUULFXODU IRFXV ZDV RQ D GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW W\SH RI ELUG +XQW ZDV IDQDWLFDO DERXW EXGJHULJDUV :KHUH PRVW NLGV RI KLV DJH PLJKW KDYH D SHW RU WZR KH EUHG DQ DYLDU\ full. Years later, after his F1 career had ended, he would return to budgies, transporting them to competitions the length and breadth of the country in an old Austin $ YDQ +H ZRXOG HYHQ FRPH WKLUG LQ WKH EXGJHULJDU equivalent of the world championships.

Third would have annoyed him. According to his - 81 -

IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV +XQW ZDV GHÂżQHG E\ KLV RĚ&#x2020; WKH VFDOH VLQJOH PLQGHGQHVV DQG KLV GHHS IUXVWUDWLRQ ZKHQ KH GLGQÂśW ZLQ *HUDOG 'RQDOGVRQ KLV DXWKRULVHG biographer, records how he entered a tennis tournament IRU XQGHU V DW WKH DJH RI DQG QDUURZO\ ORVW WR D \HDU ROG LQ WKH ÂżQDO 5DWKHU WKDQ FRQJUDWXODWLQJ himself, he cried for hours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only victory would do for -DPHV ´ VDLG KLV PRWKHU Âł+H DOZD\V KDG WR ZLQ ,I KH GLGQÂśW LW ZDV WKH JUHDWHVW SRVVLEOH FDODPLW\ ´ Today, his extreme focus coupled with his resistance to authority could have earned him a diagnosis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can imagine him being prescribed Ritalin,â&#x20AC;? says his brother. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or winding up in a special class or a special VFKRRO , FDQ VHH WKDW KDSSHQLQJ WRGD\ ´ %XW WKLV ZDV long before we became quite so enthusiastic about ODEHOV +XQW ZDV OHIW WR ÂżGJHW WR SOD\ HQGOHVV VSRUWV KH EHFDPH D FRXQW\ OHYHO VTXDVK SOD\HU DQG D :LPEOHGRQ junior) and to breed his budgies. :KLOH KLV VLEOLQJV IROORZHG WKH SDWKV H[SHFWHG RI WKHP EDUULVWHU DFFRXQWDQW ZRUNLQJ LQ ÂżQH DUW DQG VR on), Hunt did not. After a chance trip to Brands Hatch at 18, he ditched a place at medical school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He came home and announced that he was going to be world FKDPSLRQ ´ VD\V KLV EURWKHU ,Q WKH QDLYH KRSH WKDW WKLV might just be a phase, his parents refused to support

XSVLGH GRZQ DERXW WKUHH IHHW XQGHU , ZDV MXVW DERXW WR WU\ WR GR VRPHWKLQJ DQG XS KH SRSSHG DERXW \DUGV away. He had the requisite amount of blood running down the side of his face, plus a lot of weeds and mud.

2WKHU WKDQ WKDW KH ZDV ÂżQH ´ 7KH QH[W ZHHN DW 0DOORU\ 3DUN +XQWÂśV FDU Ă&#x20AC;HZ RYHU 'URQÂśV DJDLQ DOPRVW GHFDSLWDWLQJ KLP DIWHU WKHLU ZKHHOV WRXFKHG RQ D PSK FRUQHU Âł:H JRW RXW RI RXU wrecks and sat down by the side of the track. He pulled (PEDVV\ RXW RI KLV OHIW KDQG SRFNHW DQG SDVVHG RQH WR PH :H OLW RXU FLJDUHWWHV DQG FDUULHG RQ ZDWFKLQJ WKH race, as if nothing had happened.â&#x20AC;?

This, and the many accidents that followed, earned +XQW KLV LQHYLWDEOH QLFNQDPH 6KXQW ,W IHG LQWR KLV reputation as a hothead but it was wrong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was certainly not a reckless lunatic,â&#x20AC;? says Dron. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were SHRSOH ZKR GURYH OLNH WKDW LQ WKRVH GD\V EXW WKH\ GLGQÂśW last long.â&#x20AC;? &KULV 0DUVKDOO +XQWÂśV WHDP PDQDJHU LQ )RUPXOD DJUHHV HYHQ WKRXJK +XQW FUDVKHG RXW WLPHV LQ UDFHV LQ WKH ÂżUVW VHDVRQ Âł7KH SUHVV SLFNHG XS RQ that nickname because it was just too good, but it ZDVQÂśW IDLU ´ KH VD\V Âł,WÂśV YHU\ YHU\ FORVH UDFLQJ LQ )RUPXOD EHFDXVH WKH HQJLQHV DUH DOO ZLWKLQ WKUHH RU IRXU KRUVHSRZHU RI HDFK RWKHU VR WKH GULYHUÂśV VNLOO LV

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Most F1 drivers come from racing stock. They have petrol in their blood and money in their trust funds. Hunt was on his own from the startâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; him, so he sold his beloved budgies, took a range of menial jobs, scrimped, saved, avoided costly nights out, and began to build his own competition Mini.

Most F1 drivers come from racing stock. They have petrol in their blood and money in their trust funds. Hunt was on his own from the start and yet his persistence saw him move up the lower ranks of racing. %\ KH KDG UHDFKHG )RUPXOD )RUG WKH FXW WKURDW kindergarten for boy racers. From there, he graduated to )RUPXOD ZLWK KLV IULHQG 7RQ\ 'URQ %RWK UDFHG RQ WKH HGJH %RWK PLUDFXORXVO\ VXUYLYHG KLJK VSHHG FUDVKHV RQ FRQVHFXWLYH ZHHNHQGV 7KH ÂżUVW ZDV DW 2XOWRQ 3DUN Âł, was in third place and challenging for second,â&#x20AC;? recalls 'URQ Âł, ORVW JULS RQ D IDVW FRUQHU DQG VSXQ YHU\ YHU\ IDVW ² VR IDVW WKDW , ORVW YLVLRQ 0\ FDU HQGHG XS RQ WKH grass, just below track level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The guy who was in fourth went past me without WURXEOH EXW -DPHV ZDVQÂśW VR OXFN\ +LV FDU Ă&#x20AC;HZ RĚ&#x2020; WKH corner, straight over my car. He then took a huge chunk RXW RI WKH DGYHUWLVLQJ KRDUGLQJ DQG YDQLVKHG , VWDUWHG running after him and found bits of the front of the FDU 7KHQ , IRXQG ELWV RI WKH EDFN RI KLV FDU , IRXQG KLV rollover bar and bits of the front again. Âł, UHDFKHG WKH ODNH DQG VDZ WKH UHPDLQV RI KLV FDU

SDUDPRXQW :H ZDQWHG KLP LQ WKH ÂżJKW :H GLGQÂśW ZDQW KLP VD\LQJ Âľ$IWHU \RX &ODXGH Âś %XW KH ZDV DZDUH WKHUH was no point in driving crazily.â&#x20AC;? $OO WKH VDPH +XQWÂśV VKXQWV ZHUH H[SHQVLYH $IWHU \HW another heavy accident that left the car â&#x20AC;&#x153;shaped like a bananaâ&#x20AC;?, Marshall summoned his driver to a meeting to inform him they were out of cash. â&#x20AC;&#x153;James leapt to his IHHW EDQJHG WKH GHVN DQG VKRXWHG Âľ1HYHU ,ÂśP QHYHU JRLQJ WR TXLW ,ÂśP JRLQJ WR EH ZRUOG FKDPSLRQ Âś Âł +XQWÂśV VROXWLRQ ZDV WR GUDJ 0DUVKDOO WR KLV SDUHQWVÂś KRPH DQG DVN WKHP WR DGYDQFH KLP 8. 6WHUOLQJ Â&#x2026; LQ OLHX RI DQ DJHLQJ JUDQGPRWKHUÂśV ZLOO Âł:H WXUQHG XS DW KLV SDUHQWVÂś KRXVH LQ &KHDP :H ZHUH LQ WKH VLWWLQJ room, having tea and biscuits, and his mum said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Right, \RX KDYHQÂśW FRPH KHUH WR KDYH WHD ZLWK PH :KDWÂśV WKH SXUSRVH RI WKH YLVLW"Âś Âľ2YHU WR \RX &KULV Âś VDLG -DPHV DQG , SXW RXU FDVH :KHQ ,ÂśG ÂżQLVKHG VKH WXUQHG WR KHU KXVEDQG DQG VDLG Âľ:DOOLV RYHU WR \RX ϫ Âł&KULVWRSKHU ´ FDPH WKH UHSO\ Âł, KDYH VL[ FKLOGUHQ DQG , VHQW WKHP DOO WR WKH EHVW VFKRROV WKDW , FDQ WR JLYH WKHP D ÂżQH HGXFDWLRQ DQG WKH EHVW VWDUW LQ OLIH :H KDYH D QLFH house here, there is always a bed and there is always a meal for any of my children, but there is no money.â&#x20AC;?

Any prospective world champions would have

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chucked the towel in, but once again Hunt ploughed on. +H VKDUHG D WDWW\ EDVHPHQW Ă&#x20AC;DW LQ ZHVW /RQGRQ ZLWK /DXGD KLV IXWXUH DUFK ULYDO DQG FRQWUDU\ WR WKH PRYLH portrayal, good friend, and there was still no money.

(YHU\WKLQJ ZDV DERXW JHWWLQJ WR WKH QH[W UDFH LQ RQH piece with a car in one piece as well. This continued XQWLO D FKDQFH PHHWLQJ LQ D FRZ ¿HOG QH[W WR D UDFH WUDFN LQ %HOJLXP LQ +XQW KDG ORVW KLV SODFH LQ WKH 0DUFK (QJLQHHULQJ WHDP DQG TXLWH E\ FKDQFH $QWKRQ\ ¾%XEEOHVœ +RUVOH\ a car dealer, needed a driver for a team he had started up with Alexander Hesketh, a twentysomething with a large inheritance and a sprawling estate in Northamptonshire. ³+H ZHQW IRU D SHH , ZHQW IRU D SHH ´ UHFDOOV %XEEOHV ³+H VDLG KHœG MXVW JRW ¿UHG VR , DVNHG KLP LI KH ZDQWHG WR GULYH ZLWK XV DQG WKDW ZDV LW ´ :LWKRXW IXUWKHU DGR %XEEOHV LQWURGXFHG +XQW WR WKH ¾*RRG /RUGœ DQG WKHUH in a Belgian bog, the next stage of the James Hunt myth was sealed with a handshake. The combination was WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH D IULJKWIXOO\ (QJOLVK IULJKWIXOO\ amateur racing team bankrolled by a portly baron and UHSUHVHQWHG E\ D MXPSHG XS SXEOLF VFKRRO ER\ ³,W UHDOO\ GLG SOD\ WR WKH KHDGOLQHV ´ VD\V %XEEOHV ,Q truth, Lord Hesketh had been hesitant about recruiting the Shunt. The nickname alone sounded like it would be expensive. Bubbles convinced him that Hunt was fast

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hunt took his racing very seriously. He had toâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DQG WUXH WR IRUP +XQW WRRN WKH OHDG LQ KLV ÂżUVW UDFH Âł, ZDV YHU\ H[FLWHG ´ UHFDOOV +HVNHWK Âł:HÂśG QHYHU EHHQ LQ WKH OHDG EHIRUH :HÂśG QHYHU EHHQ QHDU WKH IURQW RI WKH JULG DQG VXGGHQO\ ZH ZHUH LQ ÂżUVW SODFH 7KHQ -DPHV spun and went straight into the pit wall, right in front of me.â&#x20AC;? ,Q WKH QH[W UDFH +XQW ZURWH RĚ&#x2020; WKH UHSODFHPHQW 'DVWOH 0. LQ D VSHFWDFXODUO\ DHUREDWLF FUDVK ,W ZDV an unfortunate start and, once again, the team was very QHDUO\ ÂżQLVKHG 0RUH KRUVH WUDGLQJ PRUH ORDQV PRUH desperate petitioning from Hunt, and Hesketh Racing UHWXUQHG QRW WR )RUPXOD EXW )RUPXOD $JDLQ WKLQJV went badly.

Again, more opportunity to chuck in the towel. The UDFLQJ HVWDEOLVKPHQW WKRXJKW WKLV PHUU\ EDQG RI (QJOLVK HFFHQWULFV D MRNH DQG WKDW YLHZ KDGQÂśW FKDQJHG E\ WKH WLPH WKH\ DEDQGRQHG WKHLU ZHDN DVVDXOW RQ )RUPXOD and arrived in Monaco for their debut in F1. As Hunt put LW Âł$OH[DQGHUÂśV DWWLWXGH ZDV ZH ZHUH GRLQJ SUHWW\ EDGO\ LQ )RUPXOD DQG IRU YHU\ OLWWOH DGGLWLRQDO FRVW ZH FRXOG do pretty badly in Formula 1.â&#x20AC;?

They certainly arrived in style. Hesketh hired the

VHFRQG ODUJHVW \DFKW LQ WKH PDULQD WKH IW 6RXWKHUQ %UHH]H *URXQG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ ZDV D 5ROOV 5R\FH Corniche in Hesketh colours, the Hesketh helicopter was on hand for the run to and from Nice airport, and the team wore matching overalls with their names on WKH EDFNV +HVNHWKÂśV UHDG /H 3DWURQ DQG +XQWÂśV UDWKHU optimistically, Superstar. Textbook Riviera playboys, then, here for the champagne and the ladies as much DV WKH UDFH 7KH FHPHQWLQJ RI +XQWÂśV UHSXWDWLRQ DV D frivolous fop. ,W ZDV DOO IRU VKRZ FODLPV +HVNHWK QHDUO\ \HDUV on: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The American journalists understood us. They GLGQÂśW JHW KXQJ XS RQ WKH SXEOLF VFKRRO QRQVHQVH 7KH\ saw that we were doing something, we were up at the front and we were doing it with less money and fewer people.â&#x20AC;? The team did not stay on Southern Breeze.

They had their own, much smaller, boat on which to sleep and talk tactics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hunt spent maybe an hour on the big boat greeting JXHVWV EXW 0RQDFR ZDVQÂśW DERXW WKH SDUW\ ´ VD\V %XEEOHV Âł,W ZDV YHU\ KDUG ZRUN -DPHV ZRXOGÂśYH EHHQ behaving.â&#x20AC;? Or as Marshall puts it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;James and his chums KDG D IURQW RI EHLQJ SOD\ER\V ZKLFK WRRN WKH KHDW RĚ&#x2020; ´ Besides, Hunt had more pressing concerns than chasing women. He was trying to come to grips with the H[WUD OHYHO RI SK\VLFDO HĚ&#x2020;RUW UHTXLUHG WR GULYH DQ ) FDU Âł$IWHU WKH ÂżUVW SUDFWLFH VHVVLRQ ZH KDG WR SXOO KLP RXW RI WKH FDU ´ VD\V +HVNHWK Âł+HÂśG ORVW RU SRXQGV ´ Formula 1 in 1974 was nothing like it is now. Today, \RX KDYH SHRSOH LQ D WHDP ,W WDNHV RI WKHP with laptops just to start the car. Back then, everything was manual. The car was a machine, not a computer. Âł,W ZDV GDQJHURXV DQG GLĚ&#x2021;FXOW ´ H[SODLQV 7LĚ&#x2020; 1HHGHOO ZKR LQKHULWHG KLV ÂżUVW ) GULYH DIWHU &OD\ 5HJD]]RQL EURNH KLV EDFN DW /RQJ %HDFK LQ Âł,W ZDV RQO\ ZKHQ FDUERQ ÂżEUH FDPH LQ WKDW UDFLQJ EHFDPH VDIHU $QG GULYLQJ ZDV IDU KDUGHU 7KHVH GD\V \RXÂśYH JRW MXVW two pedals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; go with the right, stop with the left. You Ă&#x20AC;DS \RXU SDGGOHV WR FKDQJH JHDU DQG \RXÂśYH JRW SRZHU steering. The G forces are higher but everything else is much easier.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hunt took his racing very seriously,â&#x20AC;? says Sir Stirling Moss, who had been forced into early retirement a decade earlier, but became friends with Hunt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You KDG WR LQ WKRVH GD\V ,W ZDV PXFK PRUH GDQJHURXV ´ Of course Lauda, scarred for life after his crash at the 1 UEXUJULQJ DJUHHV Âł7RGD\ GULYHUV KLW HDFK RWKHU EHFDXVH WKH\ NQRZ QRWKLQJ ZLOO KDSSHQ ,W LV VR PXFK VDIHU :KHQ ZH ZHUH UDFLQJ ZH VDZ HYHU\ WZR PRQWKV somebody dead.â&#x20AC;? ,Q VKRUW \RX FRXOGQÂśW PXFN DERXW DQG ODVW IRU long. You needed physical and mental toughness.

Hunt managed ninth place at Monaco. His team was delighted, the party boat partied, but he realised he had work to do. He eschewed the cocktails and went home to train with Chelsea Football Club. He ran every evening, VWHSSHG XS WKH VTXDVK DQG EHJDQ WR ÂżQG WUXH VXFFHVV

on the track. The ninth place was followed by a sixth in France, a fourth at Silverstone and a third in Holland. :KDW DERXW WKH FODLPHG ZRPHQ" )ULHQGV LQVLVW this claim, from one biographer, is wildly exaggerated. &HUWDLQO\ ZRPHQ ZHUHQÂśW D SULRULW\ ,Q +XQW DQG 'URQ GURYH PLOHV WR D ÂłIXQQ\ OLWWOH DLUÂżHOG´ LQ $XVWULD IRU D ODS UDFH WKH\ IHOW ZDV LPSRUWDQW IRU WKHLU FDUHHUV Âł:H ZHUH LQ D UHDOO\ FKHDS KRWHO DQG KLV URRP ZDV QH[W WR PLQH DQG LWÂśV DOPRVW SDSHU ZDOOV VR \RX FDQ hear everything,â&#x20AC;? says Dron. Âł:H ZHQW WR EHG KDYLQJ FRQVXPHG QR DOFRKRO :H QHYHU GLG WKUHH GD\V EHIRUH D UDFH , WXUQHG RĚ&#x2020; P\ light, and heard this little female voice from the next URRP VD\ Âľ3OHDVH -DPHV SOHDVH Âś DQG KLV YRLFH UHSOLHG Âľ*R EDFN WR \RXU RZQ EHG ,ÂśYH JRW DQ LPSRUWDQW UDFH WRPRUURZ ϫ +RZ GR ZH JHW IURP WKDW WR WKDW SUH UDFH QLJKW LQ 7RN\R" 'LG +XQWÂśV SULRULWLHV FKDQJH" 'LG FHOHEULW\ LQWR[LFDWH KLP" ,Q KH UHDOO\ EHFDPH ZRUWK\ RI WKH ÂľVXSHUVWDUÂś HPEOD]RQHG RQ KLV RYHUDOOV +H PRYHG to McLaren to take on Lauda at Ferrari. Photoshoots with glamour models, lucrative advertising deals and SULPHWLPH FKDW VKRZV IROORZHG %XW RQ WKH ÂżHOG KH started badly, lost races on technicalities, and looked OLNH KHÂśG KDYH WR VHWWOH IRU VHFRQG /DXGDÂśV FUDVK SXW him out for six weeks, enabling Hunt to close the gap, only for it to be opened again on yet another frustrating technicality. +XQW KDG EHHQ EHVHW ZLWK QLW SLFNLQJ EXUHDXFUDF\ WKURXJKRXW KLV FDUHHU DQG ZDV QR GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW 7KH boy who had burst into tears when he lost that tennis tournament 15 years earlier was bound to throw his toys RXW QRZ WKH VWDNHV ZHUH VR PXFK KLJKHU :KHQ D YLFWRU\ at Brands Hatch was cruelly quashed, his hopes were all but dashed and Hunt went on a bender. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His decision not to follow the dress code, to behave badly, was a reaction to the fact the world was not the beautiful place he expected it to be,â&#x20AC;? concludes Dron. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He saw that people did not behave properly, that they were hypocrites, scoundrels, liars and cheats. His inner EHLQJ ZDV VOLJKWO\ GLVWUHVVHG WR ÂżQG WKH ZRUOG OLNH WKDW and to some extent he turned his back on it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mum described him as having an overdeveloped VHQVH RI IDLU SOD\ ´ VD\V 'DYLG +XQW Âł:KHQ -DPHV KLW the real world and found it to be dishonest, he reacted against it.â&#x20AC;?

Hunt, the optimist let down, feels like a more appropriate explanation for his wild side than Hunt, the JRRG WLPH JX\ +LV ERUGHUOLQH REVHVVLYH GHWHUPLQDWLRQ to win, frustrated by the system, was always likely to VHQG KLP RĚ&#x2020; WKH UDLOV $V IRU WKDW ODVW FUXQFK UDFH DW 0RXQW )XML QRERG\ , VSRNH WR DFFHSWV WKH VWRU\ DERXW WKH ZRPHQ +XQWÂśV EURWKHU 3HWHU ZKR ZDV ZLWK KLP DW the time, described it as â&#x20AC;&#x153;absolute nonsenseâ&#x20AC;?. Others say that he was bound to have met a girl or two in Tokyo but on the eve of the race? No way. :KDW KDSSHQV ZKHQ D PDQ DV IRFXVHG DV +XQW

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget James, because he was outstanding â&#x20AC;&#x201D; personality, lifestyle, racing, everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; achieves his goal? After success in 1976, not much went ULJKW +H ZDV QHYHU WR PDWFK WKRVH JORULHV DJDLQ ,Q 1978, he pulled his mortally wounded friend Ronnie 3HWHUVRQ IURP D ZUHFN RQ WKH ÂżUVW FRUQHU DW 0RQ]D A year later, he retired after telling Bubbles he had â&#x20AC;&#x153;become afraidâ&#x20AC;?. The risks of racing were not worth it unless you were winning, and Hunt was no longer GULYLQJ D FRPSHWLWLYH FDU $FFRXQWV RI +XQWÂśV SRVW racing life vary wildly. Some portray him as a restless, miserable boozer and addict. Others say he was happy breeding his budgies, raising the two young sons from his second marriage and providing colourful punditry WR RĚ&#x2020;VHW WKH KLJK 1 UEXUJULQJ SLWFKHG WRQHV RI 0XUUD\ :DONHU His son Tom remembers a devoted father: â&#x20AC;&#x153;when he and Mum got divorced, we would go and spend ZHHNHQGV ZLWK KLP +HÂśG WDNH XV WR IRRWEDOO WUDLQLQJ ZHÂśG JR RXW RQ :LPEOHGRQ &RPPRQ ZLWK KLP WR Ă&#x20AC;\ PRGHO DLUSODQHV WR IHHG WKH JHHVH QRUPDO VWXĚ&#x2020; ´ Then there were other, less normal times, such as the DIWHUQRRQV ZDWFKLQJ KLV IDWKHU WU\ WR EHDW -LPP\ :KLWH DW VQRRNHU DQG SUREDEO\ JHWWLQJ DQQR\HG ZKHQ KH ORVW

2QH RI 7RPÂśV FOHDUHVW HDUO\ PHPRULHV LV RI KLV IDWKHU building an elaborate climbing frame in the garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He ZDV WRWDOO\ IRFXVHG YHU\ VLQJOH PLQGHG :KHQ KH VHW KLV PLQG WR VRPHWKLQJ KHÂśG ÂżQLVK LW ´ 5HPDUNDEO\ WKH VLJQLÂżFDQW ZRPHQ LQ +XQWÂśV OLIH remained on friendly terms with him until the end.

7KH\ VHHPHG WR DFFHSW WKDW KH ZRXOGQÂśW FKDQJH Âł,W ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ YHU\ GLĚ&#x2021;FXOW WR KDYH EHHQ D JLUO DQG EH ZLWK KLP EHFDXVH VKHÂśG EH LQ KLV VKDGRZ ´ VD\V &KULV 0DUVKDOO Âł+HÂśG H[SHFW WKHP WR EH RQH IRRW EHKLQG KLP be there when he wanted her.â&#x20AC;? Or to put it another way, he had his mind on other things.

Did Hunt leave this world a penniless alcoholic, as most reports suggest? Certainly, there were poor investments and expensive divorces. The last time 6WLUOLQJ 0RVV VDZ KLP KH ZDV ULGLQJ DQ ROG ODG\ÂśV ELNH ZLWK Ă&#x20AC;DW W\UHV DQG D JROI FOXE IRU D KDQGOHEDU EXW friends say he cleaned himself up after that. He had fallen for a waitress 18 years his junior and he proposed WR KHU WKH GD\ EHIRUH KH GLHG Âł+H ZDV FOHDQ VREHU ÂżW an absolutely perfect guy,â&#x20AC;? says Lauda of his old foe. Âł$QG WKHQ KH KDG KLV KHDUW DWWDFN :KHQ SHRSOH GLH \RX IRUJHW WKHP VRRQHU RU ODWHU <RX GRQÂśW IRUJHW -DPHV because he was outstanding â&#x20AC;&#x201D; personality, lifestyle, UDFLQJ HYHU\WKLQJ $QG , WKLQN WKLV LV WKH PRVW \RX FDQ achieve in life.â&#x20AC;?

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PROMOTION Enhanced Rear Cabin Luxury The 5.0 V8 supercharged longwheelbase Jaguar XJ with enhanced rear cabin luxury features â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; style reclining seats with massage function, increased headroom, foldout business tables and a specially re-tuned rear suspension set-up to enhance rear seat ride comfort.

The rear passenger reclining seats feature three massage programs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wave/Rolling, Lumbar and Shoulder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to provide optimum levels of relaxation during long journeys, with lumbar adjustment, and two memory settings for each seat. The total recline adjustment of each seat is 11 degrees, with 14 degrees of upper articulation movement.

The new centre armrest, which can be stowed in the upright position to allow the use of the centre seat, houses all the seat controls as well as the Front Seat Activation button which allows control of the front passenger seat from the rear.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The 2014 Jaguar XJ represents the summit of Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury saloon range. The XJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unparalleled breadth of talent combines class-leading levels of luxury, comfort and performance with the elegant, contemporary design for which Jaguar is renownedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

and fold out of the seatbacks of the front seats.

To keep rear seat passengers shielded from the sun, and to RĚ&#x2020;HU SULYDF\ WKH -DJXDU ;- RĚ&#x2020;HUV electric rear-side window blinds that are operated via the window lift switches. An increase in rear headroom by 13mm gives rearseat passengers the optimum in luxurious, limousine levels of comfort.

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain luxuriously cosseted at all times, the long-wheelbase version of the new Jaguar XJ features revisions - 90 -

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PROMOTION ‘With a dynamic set-up tuned for both performance and incredible comfort, the new XJR brings immense breadth of capability to the segment, creating the ultimate highperformance luxury saloon car’ Andrew Dobson, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XJR

optimized rear suspension providing a smoother journey for rear seat occupants.

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Executive Entertainment Rear-seat passengers in the 2014 Jaguar XJ long-wheelbase model are provided with a wide range of entertainment features. The Rear Seat Entertainment package comprises two 10.2” high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests. Audio can be transmitted through the wireless headphones, allowing each passenger to watch separate entertainment sources. The rear seat environment, including the entertainment, is managed by a - 92 -

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Shot on location at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi. Photography and Styling: John Pocock. Hair and Make-Up: Carolyn Gallyer. Models: Bareface.

PROMOTION

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1.

LIKE MIKE Wherever you are on the planet, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost certain youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find someone with an opinion on Mike Tyson. As he prepares to bring his one-man show to Dubai, Leah Oatway catches up with the former heavyweight champion Words: LEAH OATWAY

L

ove him or hate him, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no denying the formidable power Mike Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name has carried since he burst onto the global sporting scene in the 1980s.

Today, aged 47, Tyson is still a force to be reckoned with, but he cuts a less LPSRVLQJ ÂżJXUH WKDQ KH GLG LQ KLV KH\GD\ VDYH IRU WKH somewhat ominous facial tattoo), when just the sight of him walking robe-free to the ring would send shivers up the spine of boxing fans and opponents alike. +H LV WKH ÂżUVW WR DGPLW KH LV VRIWHU QRZ QRW MXVW physically, in the gentle contours of his face and hulking frame, but also in his demeanour. Iron Mike â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the aggressive, unforgiving, relentless force to be reckoned with, who slayed his opponents in the ring with embarrassing ease â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has long since gone. He would like, he has said on numerous occasions, to be known simply

as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;People have to realise that Iron Mike is just dead. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just doing something else now. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just what it is.â&#x20AC;?

What heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing now is essentially taking his life RQ WRXU 7KLV PRQWK WR WKH GHOLJKW RI ÂżJKW IDQV LQ WKH region, the Spike Lee-directed one-man show that is 0LNH 7\VRQ 8QGLVSXWHG 7UXWK DUULYHV LQ WKH (PLUDWHV courtesy of producers and organisers Alchemy Project.

Tyson wrote the show with the help of his wife Lakiha â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Spicer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an at times painfully honest insight LQWR WKH SHUVRQDO OLIH DQG FDUHHU RI WKH OHJHQGDU\ ÂżJKWHU whose outrageous antics in and out of the ring ensured he rarely left international headlines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This started right after we came from watching Chazz Palminteri perform his one-man show A Bronx Tale,â&#x20AC;? he said when AIR caught up with him ahead of the show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told my wife that I could do that. I could do

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my own one-man show. So the next day Kiki started writing out an outline of topics to discuss in the show.

Once we agreed on the topics to discuss, she started drafting out the script. She would review with me and I would tell her what to change. It was a real harmonious experience, working with someone that knows you so well. This made it very easy.â&#x20AC;?

The show, a monologue of his life, sees Tyson wax lyrical about his troubled youth, legendary boxing career, key characters in his life and his tempestuous SHUVRQDO OLIH LQFOXGLQJ KLV WLPH EHKLQG EDUV $QG DV itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scripted, it also tests Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprisingly adept performance skills.

His only ambition when he started the project, he said, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;just to do a good performanceâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I realise I am not Shakespeare. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not trying to be anyone but myself and I wanted the authenticity of who I am to be translated on stage and I believe it does. The audience OHDUQV D ORW DERXW PH ,W LV WKHLU ÂżUVW WLPH WR UHDOO\ VHH

DGXOWV (YHU\RQH KDG D WDUJHW RQ WKHLU KHDG LQ P\ neighborhood.â&#x20AC;?

Tyson soon had a run-in with a local gang member who killed the boxerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved pet pigeon. The beating Tyson handed out on the street that day saw him quickly earn notoriety as a force to be reckoned with. He caught the attention of a local gang called Jolly Stompers, who enlisted his help in terrorising the community, carrying out muggings, robberies and burglaries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought I would be dead before 20,â&#x20AC;? he said matterof-factly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where I come from, young black men donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it too far. They are either murdered or in prison.

1LQHW\ ÂżYH SHU FHQW RI P\ FKLOGKRRG IULHQGV IURP P\ old neighborhood either have life sentences in prison or are dead. I just thought I would be a criminal because that is all I was ever taught. Then when I went to reform school I was introduced to boxing.â&#x20AC;?

It was at Tryon School for Boys, upstate, where he met former boxer Bobby Stewart, a boxing coach at the reform school. It was Stewart who would introduce the \RXQJ ÂżJKWHU WR OHJHQGDU\ ER[LQJ PDQDJHU DQG WUDLQHU Constantine Cus Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amato, who took Tyson under his wing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From that point on, I only wanted to be a boxer.

If I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t boxing, I would have been dead or in prison.

Boxing saved me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just remember the boys in my reform school coming back to the dormitory with bloody noses and cracked ribs, but they were happy,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They would be bragging about boxing with Mr. Stewart. I wanted to the many layers that have made me into who I am.â&#x20AC;? join his program but he ignored me because I had a So far, the response from both the public and critics reputation as a troublemaker. I just thought I would take alike has, for the most part, been extremely positive.

The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initial run in Las Vegas in the spring of 2012 these new moves back to my neighborhood and use them when I went out robbing. I had no idea meeting him caught the attention of fellow Brooklyner Lee, who has would change the path of my life.â&#x20AC;? known Tyson since 1986, when both their careers took Tyson was a phenomenon and Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amato saw his RĚ&#x2020; /HH ZRUNHG KLV PDJLF RQ WKH SURGXFWLRQ DQG LW ZHQW SRWHQWLDO ERWK DV D ÂżJKWHU DQG DV D \RXQJ PDQ ,QGHHG on to spawn a string of sell-out shows on Broadway and when he was later released from Tryon and after Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D ZHHN QDWLRQDO 86 WRXU DV ZHOO DV DQ +%2 VHULHV mother died, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amato took full custody of him. Life In the past Tyson has described the show as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a at Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amatoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 14-room Victorian mansion was quite a collection of dynamic stories about my life that people change of lifestyle for the young Brownsville resident. are aware of, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m telling them why it happened.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was a pretty quiet kid,â&#x20AC;? Tyson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was so â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am beyond grateful to do my show in Dubai,â&#x20AC;? he focused on boxing. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk about or want to talk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am just really looking forward to giving a good about anything but boxing. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go out with SHUIRUPDQFH ([SHFW WR VHH D NQRFNRXW SHUIRUPDQFH ,WÂśV D UROOHU FRDVWHU ULGH RI HPRWLRQV RQH PLQXWH \RX ZLOO friends or hang around girls. I was obsessed on being the best and Cus told me the reward of riches would want to cry and then the next you are bellied over with FRPH LI , VDFULÂżFHG QRZ +H VDLG EX\LQJ D ELJ KRXVH laughter.â&#x20AC;? would be like paying for a candy bar if I listened to him Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story, in equal measure entertaining and and stayed focused.â&#x20AC;? emotional, begins in Brooklyn in 1966, where he was 7KLV QHZIRXQG VHOI FRQÂżGHQFH LQVWLOOHG LQ WKH \RXQJ born to Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Lorna Smith Tyson.

ER[HU E\ 'Âś$PDWR VDZ KLP WKURXJK KLV ÂżUVW ÂżJKW His father left the family around the time of Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s QHUYHV Âł, KDG P\ ÂżUVW DPDWHXU ÂżJKW LQ WKH %URQ[ 1HZ birth, leaving his mother to raise her young son alone.

York, and I was so scared I said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going downstairs Strapped for cash, they moved to Brownsville when to the store and I was thinking â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Man, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gonna he was 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a low-income housing estate plagued for never come backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I just wanted to leave. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want decades by poverty-related crime.

WR ÂżJKW QRERG\ÂŤ (YHQ DIWHU DOO WKDW WUDLQLQJ , ZDV â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was the same kid,â&#x20AC;? he recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I moved from totally intimidated. But I put myself together with the one bad neighborhood to a way worse neighborhood. discipline I learned from Cus and I went in the ring and I just knew I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust anyone, especially

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I thought I would be dead before 20.

Where I come from, young black men donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it too farâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Mike Tyson, 2013.

Pre-fight, 1886.

Versus Michael Spinks, 1988.

Versus Mitch Green, 1986.

Versus James Smith, 1987.

Versus Cliff Etienne, 2003.

scored a third-round knockout.â&#x20AC;? Tyson didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look back.

He went on to become the most feared heavyweight champion to ever grace the ring and at the age of 20 became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

From there he took the WBC, WBA and IBF world KHDY\ZHLJKW FKDPSLRQVKLSV DQG ZDV WKH ÂżUVW ÂżJKWHU WR hold all three belts simultaneously. Success tumbled in, and so did the money. Âł7KH ÂżUVW WKLQJ &XV ERXJKW PH ZDV D &DGLOODF ´ 7\VRQ recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved that car. I was a horrible driver but it felt so cool driving around in that car. The money and the fame came so fast. Looking back, I realise why I was VXFK DQ HPRWLRQDO PHVV , KDG VR PDQ\ SHRSOH GHSHQGLQJ RQ PH ÂżQDQFLDOO\ DQG NLVVLQJ P\ EXWW OLNH ,ÂśP VRPH *RG just because I was the money maker. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prepared for that kind of fame. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anyone can ever be prepared for that kind of fame. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unnatural.â&#x20AC;?

While inside the ring things couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have looked URVLHU FUDFNV ZHUH DSSHDULQJ LQ WKH ÂżJKWHUÂśV SHUVRQDO ZHOOEHLQJ +LV ÂżUVW PDUULDJH WR DFWUHVV 5RELQ *LYHQV was heading for the divorce courts and he parted company with his management team, heading to Don Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp. In the immediate years that followed much was made of his supposedly less rigorous training UHJLPH DQG OHVV HĚ&#x2021;FLHQW ER[LQJ ,Q LQ ZKDW ZDV D PDVVLYH XSVHW IRU WKH ER[LQJ ZRUOG KH ORVW WKH ÂżUVW ÂżJKW of his professional career to Buster Douglas in Tokyo.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I realise Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not Shakespeare. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not trying to be anyone but myself and I want that translated on stageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Then, in 1992 Tyson was convicted of the rape of Desiree Washington, a then 18-year-old college student.

He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars. He served three years for the crime, which he continues to deny today, but the trial sparked international attention and questions about racial attitudes within the Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; justice system.

Much has been made of Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude towards ZRPHQ EXW ZLWK VXFK REYLRXV DĚ&#x2020;HFWLRQ IRU KLV ZLIH DQG daughters, are they the reason for the change? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to understand, when I was at my height of my fame and insanity, women were throwing themselves at me and the ones that came around me didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t act like respectable women,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up in a neighborhood where ZRPHQ ZRXOG ÂżJKW \RX DQG FXW \RX ZLWK NQLYHV DQG FRQ you out of your money. I was never taught about respect and most of the women around me were only around to take something from me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t excuse my behaviour. Yes, I could have been more of a gentleman, but I was never taught these [things] and had to learn these lessons the hard way.

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3.

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4.

There were many women in my life that I did respect as well though. My wife is a good woman. She isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perfect but she is perfect for me. We make a good team. We trust each other and understand who we both are.

My relationship with her helps me be a better parent as ZHOO , OLNH EHLQJ PDUULHG WR .LNL LW HVWDEOLVKHV D QDWXUDO boundary. Thankfully, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have problems with women anymore. I have my life partner and like being faithful to her.â&#x20AC;? $IWHU SULVRQ 7\VRQÂśV FRPHEDFN ÂżJKWV ZHUH D VHULHV of smash and grab wins that saw huge pay-per-view VXEVFULSWLRQV ,Q KH IRXJKW (YDQGHU +RO\ÂżHOG IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH +RO\ÂżHOG ZKR FDPH RXW RI UHWLUHPHQW for the bout, defeated Tyson by TKO in the 11th round DQRWKHU KXJH XSVHW DQG LW VSDUNHG WKH ÂżJKW WULORJ\ WKDW ZRXOG HQG ZLWK RQH RI ER[LQJÂśV PRVW LQIDPRXV ÂżJKWV WKH ear-biting incident. Tyson, who as a child had idolised Roberto Duran â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;he was tough and spoke his mindâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

now had a reputation as an unpredictable hothead.

Almost two decades later, he continues to answer questions about the period of his life, reliving â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ÂżJKW DQG FRXQWOHVV RWKHU FOLSV WKDW VKRZ KLP JHWWLQJ DJJUHVVLYH ZLWK ÂżJKWHUV DW SUHVV FRQIHUHQFHV IRU example. How does it make him feel to constantly have to relive his mistakes? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m embarrassed now. I have children that have to watch this footage now and I talk to them about my mistakes. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change the past but I DP LQ D WRWDOO\ GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQFH VSDFH LQ P\ OLIH , KDYH SHDFH of mind and I am trying to be a better example for my children.â&#x20AC;? ,QFOXGLQJ SXUVXLQJ D FDUHHU LQ ÂżOP ZKLFK VR IDU DQG much to the surprise of critics), is going pretty well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to act. The Hangover movie franchise was a real blessing; I had no idea that it was going to become a cult phenomenon.â&#x20AC;?

While the gloves are well and truly hung up, Tyson is

- 102 -

Text: Leah Oatway Images: Getty Images; Corbis / Arabian Eye

5.

6.

VWLOO ÂżJKWLQJ EXW WKLV LV D ORQJHU PRUH DUGXRXV EDWWOH â&#x20AC;&#x153;My drug and drinking issues started to spiral out of control after I retired from boxing,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boxing was the only real structure in my life at that time and without it I just lived a life of extremes.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Islam has given me a sense of stability.

It has helped me gain some serenity and understanding of who I amâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thankfully, he grew tired of it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change my life that I would die. So I went to rehab for a year and then I had some relapses. I got married and Kiki and I had a daughter, Milan, and I wanted to be a better father, so having the structure of a wife

DQG FKLOGUHQ WR UDLVH KHOSHG PH ÂżQDOO\ JURZ XS , ZDV over four years clean and sober and had a relapse with alcohol, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like starting all over again. The one UHODSVH ZLSHV RXW DOO RI WKH VREHU \HDUV , KDYH KDG WKLV disease is that powerful. However, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m now over 70 days totally sober and have no desire to ever pick up a drink again.â&#x20AC;?

Tyson attributes at least part of this newfound spiritual strength to his reversion to Islam more than 20 years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Islam has given me a sense of stability,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has helped me gain some serenity and understanding of who I am as a person. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I made my Hajj two years ago. I am not professing to be a good Muslim or the poster boy for Islam; my relationship with Allah is my own personal relationship and how I grow in my religion is my journey alone. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just trying to work on myself and grow as a person and love all of Allahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations.â&#x20AC;? Alchemy-project.com

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GASTRONOMY

- 104 -

Words: LEAH OATWAY

With the success and the incredibly hectic schedule you now have, do you still enjoy cooking?

I love it. I love being in my kitchen and I love being able to experiment. I was among WKH ¿UVW FKHIV WR H[SHULPHQW ZLWK PROHFXODU JDVWURQRP\ EDFN LQ WKH 6HYHQWLHV ± ¿QGLQJ RXW DQG H[SORULQJ WKH VFLHQFH RI IRRG ,I WKHUH are any recipes I love, they are Maman Blancâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ¿QHVW ± WKH RQHV , UHPHPEHU DV D boy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the joy associated with being LQ RXU NLWFKHQ DQG PH EHLQJ DQ HDJHU FRPPLV FKHI IRU P\ PXP ZKLOH VKH FRRNHG XS ZRQGHUIXO GLVKHV IRU XV

His prowess in the kitchen has earned him worldwide acclaim, an OBE from the Queen of England and two Michelin stars.

AIR catches up with French master chef, Raymond Blanc...

How much did your childhood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly your parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; influence your career choice? , GRQ¶W NQRZ LI \RX FDQ VD\ WKH\ LQÃ&#x20AC;XHQFHG LW EXW WKH\ ZHUH DQ LQWHJUDO SDUW RI HYHU\WKLQJ , GR DQG GLG %RWK P\ SDUHQWV DUH VWURQJ LQGLYLGXDOV 0DPDQ %ODQF ZDV WKH PLVWUHVV RI KHU GRPDLQ ± VKH NQHZ HYHU\WKLQJ VKH QHHGHG WR NQRZ DERXW ingredients: what was in season, when things VKRXOG EH SLFNHG 0\ GDG ZDV SXUYH\RU RI WKH garden, where he tended and grew vegetables DQG NQHZ ZKHUH WR KXQW DQG IRUDJH IRU DOO QDWXUH KDG WR RÌ&#x2020;HU 7KH\ ZHUH VR LPSRUWDQW WR P\ LQÃ&#x20AC;XHQFHV ZKHQ JURZLQJ XS DQG DOVR JDYH PH D GHHS UHJDUG IRU RXU ZRUOG DQG KRZ ZH live in it.

What can you tell us about those early memories of home and cooking? Are there lessons that you learnt then that remain with you?

0\ HDUOLHVW PHPRULHV" 7KDW¶V D WRXJK RQH WKHUH DUH VR PDQ\ 3HUKDSV RQH RI WKH VLPSOHVW and best is being asked by my mother to pick WRPDWRHV IRU D WRPDWR DQG RQLRQ VDODG WKDW ZH KDG GXULQJ WKH VXPPHU 6KH NQHZ H[DFWO\ WKH one to choose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Marmande variety â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and \RX KDG WR SLFN WKHP ZKLOVW WKH\ ZHUH ¿UP DQG EHIRUH WKH\ IHOO WR WKH JURXQG EHFDXVH LI \RX OHIW WKHP WKDW ORQJ WKH\ ZRXOG EUXLVH DQG EH XVHOHVV ,W LV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ,¶OO DOZD\V UHPHPEHU ± WKH ¿YH RI XV P\ EURWKHUV DQG - 105 -

GASTRONOMY VLVWHUV VLWWLQJ URXQG ZDLWLQJ IRU 0DPDQ %ODQF WR FUHDWH WKH ZRQGHUIXO EXW VLPSOH GUHVVLQJ 'LMRQ PXVWDUG VHD VDOW EODFN SHSSHU DQG ZLQH YLQHJDU 0\ IDWKHU ZRXOG WKHQ RSHQ WKH SURFHHGLQJV E\ PDNLQJ D VLJQ RI WKH FURVV RQ WKH FUXVW RI D PDVVLYH ORDI RI EUHDG ± DQG ZH ZRXOG EH OHW ORRVH RQ WKLV IHDVW PRSSLQJ XS WKH MXLFH RI WKH VDODG ZLWK FKXQNV RI EUHDG , FDQ WDVWH WKDW PHPRU\ QRZ« GHOLFLHX[ What were your favourite dishes growing up? Do you continue to cook them? , KDYH PDQ\ IDYRXULWH UHFLSHV IURP P\ FKLOGKRRG RI FRXUVH DQG , DOVR KDYH D YHU\ sweet tooth. I ate Maman Blancâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floating ,VODQGV ZLWK JXVWR ZKHQ , ZDV \RXQJ 9HU\ VLPSOH WR PDNH WKH ¿QHVW SRZGHUHG QRXJDWLQH ¿OOHG ZLWK D FRQ¿W RI DSULFRWV WRSSHG ZLWK SRDFKHG PHULQJXH WKH EHVW YDQLOOD FUHDP DQG WKUHDGV RI FDUDPHO , KDYH VHUYHG LW DW /H 0DQRLU DX[ 4XDW¶6DLVRQV SLFWXUHG DQG DP YHU\ SURXG >WKDW SHRSOH KDYH ORYHG WKH GLVK@

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My kitchens are quiet places where everyone feels that they are learningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; You trained as a waiter before making the move into cooking. Can you tell us about that experience and how it influenced the way you approach your work today?

Whatever I did, I wanted to be the best at it.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as simple as that. When I was a cleaner I wanted to make things spotless. When I was a glass washer, I wanted to make those 3DULV JOREHV VKLQH OLNH QHYHU EHIRUH ,W KDV DOZD\V EHHQ SDUW RI P\ SHUVRQDOLW\ WR PDNH WKLQJV DV VKLQ\ DQG SHUIHFW DV SRVVLEOH ± DQG LI WKH\ FDQ¶W EH SHUIHFW WKHQ DV LPSUHVVLYH DQG KHDUWIHOW DV WKH\ FDQ EH 7KLV H[SHULHQFH JDYH PH ZKDW PRVW FKHIV GRQ¶W KDYH DQ XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI KRZ LPSRUWDQW WKH ZKROH H[SHULHQFH LV 7KH VHUYLFH ZLOO GH¿QH WKH H[SHULHQFH IRU WKH JXHVWV DORQJ ZLWK WKH IRRG ZKHQHYHU \RX JR WR D UHVWDXUDQW \RX NQRZ LQ D IHZ VHFRQGV ZKDW NLQG RI H[SHULHQFH \RX¶UH JRLQJ WR KDYH 7KDW¶V MXVW RQH RI WKH WKLQJV WKDW P\ HDUO\ H[SHULHQFH WDXJKW PH DQG LW¶V VWD\HG with me.

You moved to England following that to cook. How was that?

When I came to England back in the Seventies

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WKH ZDLWHU UHWXUQHG ZLWK D SODWH DQG IURP WKDW plate emanated a smell like no other smell I KDG HYHU HQFRXQWHUHG 7KH DURPD RI VKDUS DQG VRXU YLQHJDU ± QRWKLQJ HOVH 7KDW PHPRU\ FRPHV EDFN WR PH RIWHQ DQG W\SL¿HV D ORW RI ZKDW , VDZ LQ %ULWDLQ ZKHQ , ¿UVW DUULYHG 7KHUH VHHPHG WR EH D ORW WKDW ZDV YHU\ GLÌ&#x2020;HUHQW IURP ZKDW , KDG WKRXJKW %ULWDLQ ZRXOG EH OLNH $W WKDW SRLQW LW ZDVQ¶W LQ JUHDW VKDSH WKH HFRQRP\ ZDV IUDJLOH WKH FRXQWU\ ZDV UXQ E\ WUDGH XQLRQV XQHPSOR\PHQW KDG JRQH WKURXJK WKH URRI %XW DW WKH VDPH WLPH ZKHQ , DUULYHG LQ 2[IRUG , ZDV VXUSULVHG ± LW ZDV YHU\ SOHDVDQW IULHQGO\ SHRSOH VWRSSHG DQG VPLOHG DQG FDOOHG PH µORYH¶ DQG , WKRXJKW µ,¶P JRLQJ WR EH SRSXODU KHUH

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How brave a decision was opening that first restaurant? Where did you find that self-belief to take that chance? , UHJUHW WKDW , GLGQ¶W VSHQG DV PXFK WLPH ZLWK P\ VRQV DV , ZRXOG KDYH OLNHG WR ZKLOVW WKH\ - 107 -

Being a chef, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well documented, can be an incredibly stressful career choiceâ&#x20AC;¦ It is no myth, kitchens can be hell to work in: WKH\¶UH KRW WKH\¶UH EXV\ WKH\ DUH FRQ¿QHG SODFHV ZKHUH ORWV RI WKLQJV DUH EHLQJ GRQH DOO at once. Everyone is trying to make magic at WKH VDPH WLPH ± HDFK LQWHQW RQ WKHLU SXUSRVH

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The pursuit of perfection is an endless task but one worth striving forâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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MOTORING

6 speed sequential gearbox

0-100km/h in 2.8sec

Diamond encrusted LED headlights

BEST IN SHOW

The Dubai International Motor Show this month will see a production sample of the region’s first supercar, the Lykan HyperSport, on display – priced at US$3.4 million

- 110 -

Max speed 335km/h

750HP - 1000NM tourque

Full carbon fiber body

Limited to 7 cars

- 111 -

MOTORING

I

t may be a relatively new company, but W Motors knows how to attract attention. In January of this year it surprised attendees of the Qatar Motor Show by unveiling D SURWRW\SH RI LWV ÂżUVW HYHU FDU WKH Lykan HyperSport. Many were impressed by the looks, the intended performance, the luxury touches and the technology used throughout â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its incredible price tag of US$3.4 million, and the fact that it is the ÂżUVW ÂľK\SHUFDUÂś WR EH ODXQFKHG E\ a company from this region, were headline news, and succeeded in causing a stir with motoring enthusiasts.

But there is more on the way.

From November 5-9, the Dubai International Motor Show takes place, not far from the W Motors KHDG RĚ&#x2021;FH LQ 'RZQWRZQ 'XEDL

where the company plans to create a stir once more. On its stand will EH WKH ÂżUVW /\NDQ +\SHUVSRUW 2014 production car, with a chance to experience all that had been promised earlier in the year, as well as the opportunity to chat with the : 0RWRUV VWDĚ&#x2020; DQG UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV from its various partners. Will it result in showgoers eagerly handing over US$3.4 million? Time will tell.

One person who will be on hand is W Motors CEO Ralph Debbas.

Based on the reactions in Qatar, and the press coverage that followed, he is naturally excited about the show in Dubai. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reaction of people, from car enthusiasts to automotive professionals and the press is unparalleled,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some were a little bit sceptical when we announced the price, but after learning about the technology, performance, luxury and exclusivity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that we are planning only seven cars, completely hand-made â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they understood why.â&#x20AC;?

The performance is something that ZLOO EH GLĚ&#x2021;FXOW WR LOOXVWUDWH ZLWK WKH car on the stand, but those interested will at least be able to read up on the spec. They will also be able to gaze XSRQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;DW VL[ HQJLQH DQG WZLQ turbocharging system, producing 750bhp, with a 0-100kph time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 245mph. The lightweight carbon composite body will not hinder this performance either, helping all to XQGHUVWDQG WKH PHDQLQJ RI WKH FDUÂśV QDPH Âą D SOD\ RQ WKH ZRUG ÂľO\FDQÂś which is a type of werewolf that can control its transformations.

The HyperSport is said to literally transform from a work of beauty to a beast on the move.

Something else that is sure to impress is the technology used inside, with an interactive holographic display system for the navigation, phone and audio functions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We replaced the screens \RX ZRXOG XVXDOO\ ÂżQG ZLWK D projector that renders all of the images in three dimensions,â&#x20AC;? Debbas explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can control them, - 112 -

Text: Chris Anderson Images: Supplied

feel them and hold them LQ PLG DLU OLNH LQ D VFL Âż movie. This is the only car in the world with that technology inside.â&#x20AC;?

It may be something that needs to be experienced to be fully understood, with the same applying to WKH FDUÂśV RWKHU OX[XULRXV elements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are bespoke rear-hinged scissor doors with remote operation,â&#x20AC;?

Debbas continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and each Lykan comes with diamond-encrusted LED lights, gold-stitched interior seats, a 24-hour elite concierge service and a unique patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch, exclusive to the owners of this extraordinary car.â&#x20AC;?

The watch alone is said to be worth US$200,000, with it easy to see how much of the US$3.4 million is being spent.

But a car justifying that kind of price tag would not be possible without the help of some very skilled partners. Debbas lists multinational engineering company Magna Steyr, Italian designers StudioTorino, coachbuilders Carrozzeria Viotti and German car manufacturer RUF Automobile among those who have participated in its creation, with each contacted during the early days of W Motors, back when it was based in Lebanon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We built our production facility in Turin, Italy, and proceeded to GHYHORS WKH ÂżUVW $UDELDQ K\SHUFDU based on our designs from Beirut,â&#x20AC;?

Does the fact that other companies DUH LQYROYHG GHWUDFW IURP WKH /\NDQÂśV VWDWXV DV WKH ÂżUVW $UDELDQ VXSHUFDU" Debbas thinks not. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company, the design, the engineering and idea are completely $UDE ´ KH FRQÂżUPV Âł%XW WKH Middle East does not yet have the necessary expertise in automotive development. We opened our production facility in Turin, along

with our international partners, to ensure the Lykan is a worldclass automobile. After six years of development, we have made sure that it can be built in line with all of the international rules and regulations for safety.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are planning only seven cars, completely hand-madeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Perhaps the trick is to head to the Dubai International Motor Show and see the car on the stand. And true to : 0RWRUVÂś UHSXWDWLRQ IRU VXUSULVLQJ there will be other reasons to visit.

One is to see an exterior prototype of the Lykan HyperSport in a special W Motors Blue colour, and the other is for the debut of its second car. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SuperSport will be launched - 113 -

at the Dubai Motor Show this year DQG IROORZV D GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW VWUDWHJ\ ´ 'HEEDV FRQÂżUPV Âł,W LV IRFXVHG RQ performance, power and speed, rather than exclusivity, luxury and technology.â&#x20AC;?

There are plans to actually build this second car in Dubai â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making LW WKH ÂżUVW FDU WR EH IXOO\ SURGXFHG in an Arab country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and perhaps addressing some of those concerns VXUURXQGLQJ WKH UHJLRQÂśV DXWRPRWLYH expertise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will be opening a new production facility in the UAE next year,â&#x20AC;? says Debbas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regional research and technology centres, and automotive design schools are also part of our long-term plans.â&#x20AC;?

So the appearance at the Dubai International Motor Show could be the start of something big. And just as the Lykan itself has the ability to transform, maybe the company behind it can change the face of the motoring industry within the Middle East too.

TRAVEL

Open doors

AIR curates the best of new hotel openings around the globeâ&#x20AC;Ś

M

aybe thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something in the water, but this month sees a smorgasbord of fabulously stylish luxury hotels opening, or in one case re-opening, on some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most illustrious islands.

Leading the charge is the Louis Vuittonmanaged Cheval Blanc Randheli, which opens in The Maldives. You could forgive us for not feeling the need to explain just why a Louis Vuitton-managed property on The Maldivesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Noonu Atoll may be worth a visit (surely that speaks for itself), but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go into detail anyway because, quite frankly, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glorious. Forget high fashion: while undeniably chic, this is a property designed ÂżUPO\ ZLWK 0DOGLYLDQ WUDGLWLRQV LQ PLQG

al fresco bar and a huge dining area that looks RXW WR DQ LQÂżQLW\ SRRO %XW DERYH DOO WKDW LV WKH H[FHSWLRQDO OHYHO RI SULYDF\ LW RĚ&#x2020;HUV LWV occupents - it even has its own entrance.

Over in Phuket, Thailand, Iniala Beach House is a feat of design: a GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW international designer from countries including Spain, Thailand, the UK, Russia and the US UHOHDVHG WKHLU FUHDWLYH Ă&#x20AC;DLU RQ HDFK of the 10 bedrooms in the traditional Thai house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; meaning no room is the same. And mouth-watering food LV RQ RĚ&#x2020;HU WRR FRXUWHV\ of three-Michelin-starred Spanish chef Eneko Axta.

Chedi Sakala %DOL LV VSHFLDO 6HW LQ WKH IRUPHU ÂżVKLQJ YLOODJH RI 7DQMXQJ %HQRD WKH property allows guests the opportunity to HQMR\ WKH WUDQTXLOLW\ RI WUDGLWLRQDO %DOLQHVH life. While it is too big to go unnoticed (there

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Barefoot living is the order of the day at Cheval Blanc Randheli: 45 loft-style villas that are homely rather than haughtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DOEHLW ZLWK WKH ÂżQHVW UDWWDQ EDPERR FRFRQXW VKHOO WHDN DQG WKDWFK %DUHIRRW OLYLQJ LV WKH order of the day here: 45 loft-style villas are homely rather than haughty, respectful of their beautiful surrounds, while interiors are modern with a serene colour palette, lofty ceilings and grand glass doors that open right out to bring the outside in.

Not too far away, on the southwestern side of Mauritius (the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best), The St Regis Mauritius Resort has yet another reason to lure in discerning guests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; adding one glorious villa to its ranks, The St. Regis Residence Villa. It packs in all manner of WKLQJV ORXQJH RĚ&#x2021;FH JXHVW URRPV IDEXORXV

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DUH VXLWHV DQG YLOODV WKH HĚ&#x2020;RUW SXW LQWR ensuring its less-is-more design ensures it blends into its environs. Inside, every room is tactile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with an incredible blend of beautiful %DOLQHVH WH[WXUHV ,W DOO ORRNV VR FRPIRUWDEOH and inviting that the greatest challenge is likely to be dragging yourself outdoors (until you notice the villasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rooftop pools, with builtin whirlpool baths, that is.

The St Regis Residence Villa Chedi Sakala, Bali The St Regis Residence Villa Iniala Beach House, Phuket Cheval Blanc Randheli - 114 -

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5.

LIFE LESSONS

WHAT I KNOW NOW

Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal Motorsport Champion and IWC ‘Friend of the Brand’ My parents have been my greatest inspiration. They have always been there for me, sharing their experiences in life and pushing me to live my dream and make the best of my life without forgetting to give back to the community and be the person they raised.

The only way to overcome challenges is to face them.

For me, life itself is an every day challenge that I face and overcome with a smile, determination and clear objectives. I think my biggest challenge is yet to come but I am and will be well prepared.

I feel so grateful to have the opportunities that I have to work with amazing people, to feel their passion and to live their dreams along with them. This is the ultimate honour and I never, ever take that for granted.

Success is about hard work and determination dream big and you’ll achieve big. But always know your weaknesses.

That is the best advice I’ve been given.

I never had a passion for watches but when I was introduced to the engineering side of IWC I was really amazed. I think we have a lot of similarities in terms of character, ambitions and lifestyle.

Gain respect of others and lead by example are the keys to being a reputable person.

I believe in following dreams to wherever they take you.

If this means challenging the world around you, then it is truly worth doing. Your fuel is your courage, your aim is to win, your vision is achieved when you share all with those around you.

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WITH ADVISORS FROM OVER 56 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, WE BRING THE WORLD TO YOU. Britain’s most prestigious private bank.

MIDDLE EAST

HONG KONG

LONDON

SINGAPORE

GENEVA

Coutts & Co. (Registered in England No. 36695), DIFC Branch, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Coutts & Co. (Registered in England No. 36695), 5*' &VERGL MW VIKYPEXIH F] XLI 5EXEV *MRERGMEP 'IRXVI 6IKYPEXSV] %YXLSVMX] 5*'6% 'SYXXW 'S (YFEM VITVIWIRXEXMZI SJ½GI ERH 'SYXXW 'S %FY (LEFM VITVIWIRXEXMZI SJ½GI EVI VIKYPEXIH F] XLI 'IRXVEP &ERO SJ XLI 9RMXIH %VEF )QMVEXIW