Le CITY deluxe Autumn & Winter 2011

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SUMMARY AUTUMN & WINTER © photo cover Cesar Urrutia

Le CITY deluxe Magazine

Balmes 209, 6º 2ª 08006 Barcelona, España Tel. +34 93 184 50 83 info@le-citydeluxe.com Le CITY deluxe is published twice a year ©Le Barcelona deluxe Le Deluxe™ + Le CITY deluxe™ are registered trademarks of VIP MEDIA PRESS, S.L.U. Balmes 209, 6º 2ª, – 08006 Barcelona www.le-citydeluxe.com Tel +34 93 184 50 83 associated publication

CEO Claudia Trimde claudia.trimde@le-citydeluxe.com International Head of Editorial Vikram Kashyap Art Director Felipe Pfister felipe.pfister@le-citydeluxe.com Director of Operations Toni Delgado toni.delgado@le-citydeluxe.com Content Supervisor Jazmín Castresana jazmin.castresana@le-citydeluxe.com Events & Distribution coordinateur Judith Castilla judith.castilla@le-citydeluxe.com Contributors of this issue Rosa Girona, Elena Cella, Pablo Manzanelli, Andrew Rance, Anthony Bain, Laura Pearson, Javier Alonso Esquerra, Carey Zamarriego, Rebeca Saray, Jose Valle, Anaí Ibarra, Noelia Domenech, Matias Fernandez

VIP MEDIA PRESS S.L.U. Barcelona / Spain Tel. +34 93 184 50 83 Fax +34 93 550 71 09 info@le-citydeluxe.com

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CLIVE OWEN An English Intruder

www.le-citydeluxe.com Litografia Rosés S.A B. 37668-2011 Distributed in Luxury Hotels and Places all over the World. Please consult distribution list at www.le-citydeluxe.com Advertise your luxury business or products: advertise@le-citydeluxe.com grup LE CITY deluxe magazines are published by the trademark owner or under licence in: Worldwide. Also available BARCELONA deluxe, MADRIDdeluxe, ISTANBUL deluxe. Coming soon MIAMI deluxe and NEW DELHI deluxe No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without prior written consent of BARCELONA deluxe. // Queda totalmente prohibido reproducir total o parcialmente el contenido de la revista, aun citando procedencia, sin autorización expresa y por escrito del editor. BARCELONA deluxe guarda siempre los derechos de Copyright de la maquetación realizada. © 2011 by Le CITY deluxe – grup LE CITY deluxe www.le-citydeluxe.com

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JUDIT MASCÓ Unveiling longlasting Beauty

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DAVID DESSEAUX A frenchman in Moscow

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PEDRO ALMODOVAR A noir flashback

SPECIAL HOTELS The best hideaways in the world

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ST. PETERSBURG Magical winter city

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CHOPARD Creators of Fantasy

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ROBERT VADRA Witness the fitness

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FERRARI 458 SPIDER Italian Capriccio

LETTER

Dear brand new CITY deluxe readers,

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ou are holding in your hands the very first copy of what inspires to be from now on your worldwide luxury city guide. The insight to the ultimate DELUXE experiencein which ever capital you are in the world. Meet the people that drive savoir fair businesses, artists that challenge boundaries, editorials that feature the most exquisite garments, or gourmet temples that challenge your taste buts.

I invite you to become a member of our Le CITY deluxe Social Club which you can join online at www.le-citydeluxe. com and with our exclusive Club card reap benefits wherever you travel in the world. Explore and get inspired by our take on luxury in major capitals of the world.

Sincerely, Claudia Trimde

Claudia Trimde

AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

claudia.trimde@le-citydeluxe.com CEO Le CITY deluxe

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PORTRAIT

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JUDIT MASCÓ Unveiling longlasting Beauty

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looks: Losson Couture // jewels: Union Suiza

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looks: Sergidevcia // shoes: YSL

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looks: Thierry Mugler PARIS VINTAGE // shoes: D&G

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looks: Losson Couture // jewels: Union Suiza

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P PHOTO & EDITION REBECA SARAY HAIR & MAKE UP STYLE JOSE VALLE SPECIAL THANKS UNION SUIZA & PARIS VINTAGE LOCATION EL PALAUET LIVING BARCELONA

INTERVIEW CLAUDIA TRIMDE

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he began modelling at a tender age.

The cover girl for domestic and international magazines and the image of prestigious brands, Judit Mascó is an icon for femininity, elegance and luxury. With words influenced by her personal experience in this profession, she speaks to us about Barcelona and other parts of her life. She is the star of this edition.

Since the legendary Sports Illustrated cover which established you as the “first Spanish model to grace the cover of this publication”, how has that cover influenced your career?

While I had been working as a professional model for years and had a portfolio full of covers from the most acclaimed domestic and international fashion magazines, being on the cover of that famous American magazine certainly did increase my popularity. It represented international recognition. It raised my profile as a model, and I feel I used it to my benefit. From that point forth, I started taking part in fashion shows in Milan and New York, had the top fashion photographers calling me and was featured in a number of television adverts. It changed the direction of my career.

Watching you mature, jovial, friendly, incredibly beautiful, helps view modelling from a different perspective. That is, not as a career which ends when you reach a certain age, but as a profession viable at any stage of life and at any age.

There’s no denying our profession is intimately linked with youth, but also with a good image, professionalism, charisma, femininity, experience and elegance, or knowing how to emphasise the clothes we wear, so that, while I always thought this would be a short career, experience tells me not only am I still working and making a living from my job as a model, but that I’m enjoying it more than ever.

Ever charitable and deeply involved in a number of causes concerning, above all, childhood and food, what spurred your commitment to these NGOS? Do you feel that when celebrities or high-profile individuals support certain causes this encourages people to discover the organisation and help out?

Yes, provided they’re doing it from the heart.

What made me decide to get involved was verifying that we all have certain basic rights to

a decent life, and as some people can’t exercise them, we need to ensure they’re exercised for them.The needs aren’t enormous. We just have to make a change.

My goals are just like those of any other person looking to collaborate with an NGO, not simply donating money, but seeking a greater implication. And the advantage or difference I have is that my popularity means my voice reaches more people. Hence why my commitment started by getting to know and getting involved in the projects I now collaborate in.

You were born in Barcelona and have always lived here. What is the first thing that comes to mind about this city?

I travelled a lot for many years, but I always came to the conclusion that Barcelona is a city that has the perfect amount of everything, and is extremely well positioned. Beside the Mediterranean Sea and just over an hour from the Pyrenees, it lets you ski and eat paella on the seafront in the same weekend! And as a cosmopolitan city, it has the virtue of being more human than other European capitals, not only thanks to its size but the way of life in its neighbourhoods, which end up feeling like little towns. It’s a great city to live in and I love it.

This year you are the image of Union Suiza.

What are your ideas for next year? Which job would you be thrilled to receive?

I’m the image of Ferrero Rocher chocolates and I still feature in the television advertising campaigns, I have my weekly slot on Catalunya Radio with Manel Fuentes and I’m excited to work with the Union Suiza jewellers.

Soon, I’ll be starting a blog for the magazine Marie Claire, and I hope other pending projects will materialise in the upcoming year.

I’d be thrilled to go back to television. I had a great time and learned a lot

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In your opinion, what is the most gratifying part of this profession?

I’m independent, and I’ve always liked and still like travelling, but spending extended periods of time alone made me miss my loved ones and my city. But I’d say the best part is the job itself, that is, walking the runway, posing in front of the camera or filming an advert. I find it incredibly exciting! It’s something I’ve enjoyed ever since I was little, and still do.

All the sacrifice was worth it. Modelling is my profession, and along the way I’ve grown and learned a lot. All professions, and even modelling, although it sounds superficial from the outside, are tools which help you make the most of life. Well-assumed sacrifices and successes are part of my life experiences. Both the good and the bad have helped me become who I am today.

How has your professional life changed since becoming a mother? How do you balance your profession with family and personal life? What’s your secret?

When you really want something, it’s not so complicated. I got pregnant at 27 because it represented an incredible source of joy for both of us. I had been working hard for many years, as I started out young. There weren’t any complications, but I did harbour certain fears about what would happen to my career after having my first child. To my surprise, work increased, and it became clear that with effort and good organisation, it was possible to balance family and work. Like so, so many other women who work in this country, nothing is perfect. But with hard work, it’s possible. Especially if the grandparents lend a hand!

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Michael Mina & Carles Abellán Michelin Stars in La Boqueria PHOTO ANAÍ IBARRA // CT CLAUDIA TRIMDE M MICHEL MINA C CARLES ABELLÁN

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breakfast star is in the Boquería Tuesday at 9:30 am. Le CITY deluxe is meeting with Michael Mina, an internationally recognized michelin star, and Carles Abellán, Executive Chef at the W Hotel and mentor of Project 24. With them is Claudia Trimde, Director of the magazine, as they travel through the stands of the Boquería market, a badge of fresh, local produce in the city and a space alive with authenticity. Where everyone knows each other and every customer has their favorite stops. Lights, cameras, flashes and a delicious breakfast made to liven a morning star.

Carles Abellán, student of Ferran Adria, has managed to successfully surf the executive kitchen at the W Hotel in Barcelona. For the past four years he has also worked with

Project 24, guiding the cuisines of a group of local Mediterranean restaurants into one of their greatest accomplishments, Commerce 24, which earned a Michelin star.

Michael Mina is a distinguished chef who has been awarded two stars in the Red Guide Gourmet with restaurants that bear his name in San Francisco and Las Vegas. In his search for inspiration, a hidden element in all of his 16 restaurants spread throughout the United States and Mexico, he is in Europe to be nurtured by the culture and cuisine of Greece and the cities of Istanbul, San Sebastian, Rome, Florence and Naples. After passing through St. Tropez and Monte Carlo, he arrived in Barcelona for dinner at El Bulli, and for insight into the tastes of this country. “I really wanted to know the flavor and the taste of Medite-

rranean cuisine and products,” he says as he walks with his eyes on the colors that emerge from each product in the market.

CT· What has been the most outstanding experience out of all the things that you have seen?

M: I think the seriousness of the products and technique with which they work here. The level of the products is very high, the highest in the world. In Barcelona the food has more style and the flavors are pronounced in the dishes, the flavors are very interesting.

CT· What do you look for in the selection of your products?

M: I always look and smell the products. I touch them and feel their texture.

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CT· What inspirations will be born from this trip?

M: When you’re a chef and you travel, the inspiration that you take back home with you is what you have gotten from an entire restaurant’s concept, especially the atmosphere, bye inspiration is only an idea to further develop in a restaurant.

Carles Abellán believes the differences between American and Mediterranean cuisine is due to the culture. In the sense that the two kitchens are different but the common denominator is the technique and internationality.

Elements both these cuisines share.

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CT· I would like to see how different it is.

For example, what would you make with this fish?

M: First I would like to see what Carles would make.

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C: I would make a Suquet with potatoes, tomatoes and garlic, a typical dish here...

CT· And you Michael... do you have an inspiration for this dish?

M: In the kitchen, I like to use four infallible elements: acidity, spice, sweetness and delicacy.

Those are the four elements that I always try to balance in food. Staying true to the products I use in the United States, I would introduce a bit of seafood combined with pepper in a slow cooker. It would be like a fish with strong flavors of meat.

CT· Interesting...

C: Now I change my plate ... (laughs) CT· How important is the decoration in a Michelin Restaurant?

M: My personal opinion is that it comes last.

Always start with the product, the technique and the flavor idea, the balance of acidity, sweetness and salt. If you start with this, the presentation will be very easy.

CT· And you Carles?

C: To me, everything has an order and the presentation is the last stage.

After a stroll through the Boqueria stands, discussing similarities, differences, dishes and inspirations, Carles invites us to breakfast where he makes a dish in one of the restaurants in the market. We are welcomed by the owner, who greets us and reminds us that the market is characterized for being also, a meeting place.

Laughter and flavors prolong a morning full of stars

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David Desseaux

a Frenchman in Moscow

TEXT ALINA DYACHENKO PHOTO ALABINA MARIA & STEPAN KRAMORNY

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e met with David Desseaux, chief consultant of the luxurious restaurant company Mercury, restaurateur of the year in 2008 according to the magazine «GQ», the author of “When the Foie gras meets caviar”, a permanent member of the club of best chefs of the world Escoffier, in Moscow’s exclusive restaurant Cristal Room Baccarat, which he is co-owner.

Was it hard to move to Moscow?

Very hard! The first time I did not know a

What do you think about the food culture in Russia?

In Russia there is a very rich cultural heritage in literature, music, art, but not in the kitchen. Most Russian people eat just to eat.

And we in France get a huge pleasure from food and enjoy quality products. I think the average family budget on food in France is three times higher than in Russia. And this is a great indicator of food culture.

Do you think something has changed during your stay?

Prior to the first crisis I could feel a huge change. The middle class had been actively visiting good restaurants. Then there was the fall. After the 2002-2003 years again there were favorable changes. Even people who could not afford a good restaurant, specially set aside money to at least afford it once a month.

For me it is very nice, and it’s a great indicator of food culture. But then again came the crisis, and now in Moscow there is thriving cafes

with average quality. There people do not realize what they eat. For me, it is foodding. But in Russia it is a little wrong. There is foodding in the U.S. and Europe. But in Russia, if you open a cafe or a restaurant, then there must be everything – Japanese, French, Italian, Russian cuisine ... It is wrong, and the food is wrong there, in my opinion.

Are you trying to adapt the kitchen to the Russian public?

Of course! If the French people want to eat one way, then Russian in another! We are constantly trying to adapt the best cuisine to local tastes. Also, I like to communicate with guests, to know their preferences. I have customers that never look the menu, and rely only on my taste. And it’s very nice! But at first nobody trusted me (laughs).

What do you think about the luxury restaurant segment in Moscow?

Do you think that it is presented at a decent level, or is there something to aspire to?

Good restaurants in Moscow with good food - this is luxury, because all the high quality products, with delivery from France, Italy, Argentina, etc., have a very high cost. But that’s not all! Very important approach, the

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David, tell us a little bit about your professional career.

I began my career in France, of course. I graduated from the prestigious culinary school, then pursued an internship in many famous places. Then I wanted to become a pastry chef, and in 1987 I recieved the grand prize of the France Championship. I continued my career in a restaurant at the Paris 5-star hotel “Royal” as a sous-chef confectioner. I worked in Switzerland and Latin America and was the owner of a restaurant in Costa Rica. In the late 90’s I arrived in Moscow, signing a permanent contract for a year. And finally I’m here already 18 years! (laughs)

single word in Russian, the language is very hard for me, like from another planet. And the culture is markedly different from the French. So, I had to get used to a lot of stuff and to learn a lot.

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hands, from which these products become culinary masterpieces. Therefore, we are very careful with our approach when hiring and training staff.

In the luxury segment interior and service are also very important. And in Moscow, all of this is presented at a very high level.

Do you select the products for the restaurant on your own?

All the products I control myself personally. I want to know what we serve to the guest. Twice a week we get delivery by air with fresh products from France, the most succulent fruits from Chile...

How would you rate the service of Moscows resturants ?

I can say that in good restaurants in Moscow service is better than in many good restaurants in Paris. Now has come a new young generation of waiters who took over the experiences of European colleagues, who understand and love their work. They know what service is.

That, I couldn´t say before.

Let´s imagine that a person is at first time in Moscow, at first time in Cristal Room Baccarat. Which dish would you recommend to try?

To understand what we are, I would suggest to try our signature dish Foie gras, seafood platter, and then stewed meat. And our sommelier will help to choose the best wines.

What are your creative plans for the future?

I will soon be 43, and I think it’s time to completely change my lifestyle, because 25 years in the kitchen - it is very difficult, both morally and physically. I plan to go to France.

I love Moscow, but I can not live without my house in a small city. I plan to leave the business in Moscow, and manage it from France. And for me - it’s luxury, the opportunity to combine business with pleasure. I’m in Russia for a long time, and if I did not like it, I would have left a long time ago. I did not expect that, but I fell in love with this city and this country

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CINEMA

Pedro Almodóvar A noir flashback TEXT TONI DELGADO / PHOTO EL DESEO

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erhaps I find I’m immersed in that legendary abyss in which writers voluntarily plunge when confronted with a blank page. Intoxicated by the music of Alberto Iglesias, it serves as backing for my own music, which rises from the keys of my laptop, morphing it into a make-shift piano sensitive to the memories the melody stirs within me. An entire lifetime of emotions shared with these notes; notes which inescapably form the soundtrack of our lives.

Under the cloak of this personal implication lies a host of different emotions. The serenity and closeness we feel when speaking about Pedro Almodóvar, as if he were a family member.

Not for nothing, as he has been shelling out films with puerile curiosity, frame by frame, word by word, for 30 years. While this undoubtedly bolsters security in terms of documentation, on the other hand, I can’t refute the hefty responsibility inherent in stringing together a series of words at once aesthetically pleasing and intelligent.

In this journey through the chiaroscuros of Pedro Almodóvar’s work, as with Leo Macías, I try to write pink and it comes out black.

The Skin I Live In is the 18th film of the director’s career. A number that denotes surpassing the legal age, while suggesting the emergence of a certain level of responsibility and hinting at the loss of innocence in people entering adulthood. The same significance goes for Almodóvar’s films.

Arrival on earth “I was born during a rough time for Spain, but excellent for film. I’m talking about the

1950s”. With these words, Almodóvar explains how he entered the world, a dual and premeditated vision which would later feed his cinematographic legacy.

Light and darkness, colour and black. A Spain shackled by a dictatorship, bleak; this is the situation Almodóvar faced right from the beginning, literally his beginning. Noir already formed part of his genetic makeup.

“I went about discovering my mother by chance, listening to her while she spoke to other people. For instance, while I was preparing Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, I discovered she had dressed in black from the age of three up into her thirties.

We were in El Corte Inglés looking for a dress for her to wear in the film (she played a news anchor), when I overheard her telling the shop assistant who was helping us and insisting on dark colours, ‘Give me something with colour, I don’t want dark dresses. I’ve spent my whole life wearing black. Since I was three, when my father died, until I got pregnant with him (pointing at me), I was in constant mourning’.

This discovery rattled me. I had never imagined my mother wearing black while she was expecting me. I deduced that I was the reaction against that anti-natural tradition.That, despite the blackness of her dress, my mother was plotting her revenge against black inside her: Me, someone whose life would be determined by colour, and would use it in excess to express himself. When I heard my mother speaking to the assistant, I understood the reason behind my natural tendency towards bright colours”.

Pedro Almodóvar spent his childhood at a religious school. These years, in which film

became his escape of choice and his initial perceptions were forged, proved decisive.

“At school, the priests tried to form my spirit, deforming it with religious tenacity. Fortunately, a little further up the street, wedged into a seat at the movie theatre, I reconciled with the world, with my world. A world dominated by perverse emotions I felt sure I belonged to.

Early on, when I was eleven or twelve, I was forced to make a choice, and I did so with the boldness only inexperience affords. If I deserved to go to hell for watching Johnny Guitar, Picnic, Splendour in the Grass or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, I had no other alternative than to accept my punishment. I didn’t know what genes were, but there’s no doubt my genetic code was branded, like cattle, with the stigma of a provincial cinema buff. I was much more receptive to the voice of Tennessee Williams emerging from the lips of Liz Taylor, Paul Newman or Marlon Brando than my Spiritual Director’s mushy, dim-witted mutterings.

There wasn’t a shadow of a doubt. The call of the light, which streamed into my eyes like the reflection from a movie screen, was much stronger than any other calling”.

History has always helped us understand the present. Yet, in regards to Pablo Almodóvar, some of his childhood and adolescent experiences prove immensely revealing and conclusive when it comes to comprehending the so-called “Almodóvar Universe”. In this new world, custom-built to his imagination, everything and nothing is happenstance, and everything has a how or a why. Because, as Pedro himself defends, “There’s no better way to begin a story that by retelling the birth of

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its main character. It’s what we call ‘starting at the beginning’”.

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Boiling point 1980s. La Movida (Madrid’s counterculture movement), Spain has reached a boiling point, a fledgling democracy. This is where Almodóvar’s films slot in, bursting onto the scene like a breath of fresh air and immediately staking his position as an icon of modernity and transgression. Through his pictures, Almodóvar manages to breach borders and woo international audiences like no other Spanish director before him; with the permission of his majesty Luis Buñuel, who Almodóvar has referenced on countless occasions.

His initial films scream freshness and spontaneity. Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap, Labyrinth of Passion, What Have I Done to Deserve This? and Law of Desire consummate a complete social radiography in which their characters move in chorale fashion. Coincidence, chance and the constant use of this type of resource throughout his film catalogue etch a hyperrealist puzzle which shows Almodóvar at his sleaziest. Yet it also evidences a latent and rampant appe-

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tite to delve deeper into each particular set of circumstances his characters are forced to live.

By the decade’s close, Almodóvar has become an acclaimed director outside of Spain, while the unrepeatable Women on the Verge and the perfection of Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down! crown Pedro in the international market.

With no better prospect that the Academy Awards in Hollywood, Almodóvar graces the red carpet for the first time as nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. While the award did not go his way, he scored huge with the international public and press, who have not ceased to coddle him.

From those initial movies, we will forever remember unforgettable characters like Ricky, the anti-hero from Tie Me Up,Tie Me Down! played by Antonio Banderas, the desperate Pepa from Women, starring Carmen Maura, and countless other secondary characters who Almodóvar recycles in future films, affording them and their stories the protagonism they deserve.

Pain and life In the ’90s, Pedro Almodóvar raises the bar,

and his characters mature alongside him, gradually accruing an increasingly palpable depth.

The director from La Mancha is interested in depicting the most heart-rending face of emotions, pushing the performances of many of his favourite actors to the limit, as with Victoria Abril and Marisa Paredes in High Heels, Juan Echanove and, again, Marisa Paredes in The Flower of My Secret and Cecilia Roth in All About My Mother. These performances strike at the very core of the public, which initiates a relationship with the “other” Almodóvar, one capable of overwhelming and entertaining, of engendering the same story with both pain and life.

Thus, Pedro Almodóvar starts discerning an unavoidable path towards his past, a return to the roots and values his initial characters from the 1980s seemed to lack. His characters, increasingly more mature, begin to flirt with death, chance, fate and blame, constant motifs which will mark the pace and style of upcoming endeavours.

“With age, I’m discovering I feel closest to complex and flawed characters. Provided I’m able to describe their flaws, which means describing them as human beings. My mission

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as a scriptwriter and director consists of disrobing their complexity, so that, in their eyes and in their words, you can read the motives behind their actions”.

Accolades and international awards surmount with growing frequency. Yet there is a new chapter in his film catalogue which will mark a before and after in his career. The new millennium dawns with All About My Mother.

A journey with no return The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York recently announced it would honour the Spanish director’s film career during a charity dinner held at the institution’s

main location. Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas were chosen as hosts. In the latest edition of the Cannes Festival, Pedro Almodóvar unveiled his most recent project, one he himself describes with the following words: “Some processes are irreversible, a path with no return. The Skin I Live In spins the tale of one of these processes. The main character involuntarily travels down one of these paths.

She is violently forced to embark on a journey from which she can’t return. Her Kafkaesque story corresponds to a sentence dictated by a one-person jury: her worst enemy. The verdict, therefore, is but a form of extreme revenge.

The Skin I Live In narrates the story of this revenge”.

The film manages to connect and, furthermore, takes home the Youth Award. A dark tale, yet not too distant from the work to which Almodóvar has us accustomed. The contrast between colour and black, comedy and drama, pain and life is nothing new in his movies. Yet, while we caught flashes of noir in instalments like Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down!, Live Flesh, Bad Education and Broken Embraces, never has it been so intense

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Return to his roots “My idea in the beginning was to make a film about the ability some people who aren’t actors have to act. As a child, I remember seeing this trait in the women in my family.

They were better at deceiving and did it more often than the men. And, thanks to these lies, they managed to avert more than one tragedy.

Forty years ago, when I lived in La Mancha, it was an arid, chauvinistic place, where the man reigned over the family from atop his armchair, upholstered in shiny imitation leather.

Meanwhile, the women were the ones who really solved the problems, in silence, often resorting to lies in order to do so. In response to La Mancha’s chauvinism I remember from

childhood, perhaps slightly embellished, the women feigned, lied, hid and, consequently, helped life run its course and progress, without the men finding out or getting in the way. Beyond vital, it was spectacular. The first show I ever saw was a group of women talking, in the patios. I didn’t know it, but it would become a theme in my 13th movie, women’s ability to feign, wounded maternity, the spontaneous solidarity between women”.

These ideas, along with the capacity to selfregenerate, start to grasp hold of his scripts, stringing together the beaded necklace formed by films featuring close, familiar characters.

His unique blend of candour and perversity, latent in films such as Talk to Her, Bad Education and Volver, and the ability to make the most atrocious events comical, managing to find beauty and hope where none should conceivably exist, is one of the most remarkable aspects of his movies.

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COVER

Clive Owen

an actor capable of anything

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here are two things Clive Owen relishes more than work. One is the affection of his family, who lavishes him with devotion whenever professional duty does not call him to a film set or to present his movies around the world. The other is his passion for watching his football team, Liverpool, seated in a pub, shrouded by friends.

Born 47 years ago in Coventry, in the English Midlands, he is the fourth child in a family of 5 siblings. His artistic gene was perhaps inherited from his father, a country and western singer who left home when Clive was barely two years old. Clive Owen admits to a certain rebellious streak as a child, while adolescence invokes the difficulties he had outlining his future. Unable to secure a job which satisfied him, he discovered an alternate way of life in the theatre. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1987.

Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Pidgeon and Jane Horrocks formed part of the brilliant acting class with whom he studied.

London’s famous Young Vic Theatre established the backdrop for Clive’s initial theatrical forays in works by Shakespeare. With

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his television debut in 1988 came certain recognition and, most importantly, a bit of money. He shortly became a recurrent figure on the small screen, especially following the success of the British series Chancer. When the spotlight became too bright, Clive quit the show to focus on his film career.

In 1998, he showcases his talent in the film Croupier, his ticket to the major leagues.

Robert Altman calls him to take part in Gosford Park, where he rubs shoulders with the crème de la crème of Britain’s cinematographic armada. The next step, Hollywood.

Having received extensive screen time in The Bourne Identity, pursuing the intelligence agent played by Matt Damon, his face begins to grace illustrious marquees courtesy of the film Closer, directed by Mike Nichols. Based on the play by the same name, the characters are divided into four powerful leading roles.

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PHOTO CESAR URRUTIA CLOTHES GIORGIO ARMANI STYLIST PATRICIA FIGUEROA

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And Clive Owen etches his name alongside Julia Roberts, Jude Law and rising star Natalie Portman. Notoriety guaranteed.

Success to boot. Owen and Portman both receive Oscar nominations and each scoop up a Golden Globe Award. The Brit’s exalted performance also earns him a BAFTA. Not too shabby. Clive Owen had become a star.

Sin City, under the auspices of Robert Rodríguez and Quentin Tarantino, submerges Clive into the world of comic books, while in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, he plays a knight at the beck and call of the Queen, played by Cate Blanchett, who takes home an Oscar.

His role as King Arthur and the multifaceted characters he portrays expose him as an actor capable of anything. “I much prefer success to have come later on. When you’re young, it’s very easy to lose your head”, explained Clive when inquired about how he was dealing with gaining international recognition at a mature age. “For an actor, balance, focusing on your work, is extremely important. Your career always hinges on your last film”, he added.

While it goes without saying, Clive finds balance in his family, alongside whom he lives in London, without even the slightest inclination to move to Hollywood. He met his wife, actress Sarah-Jane Fenton, while performing the lead roles in a theatrical production of Romeo and Juliet. They were married in 1995 and have two daughters, Hannah and Eve. Both laugh about their father’s fame and the fact he is frequently billed as one of the film industry’s most attractive men.

Yet success and fame have not altered Clive’s habits. He continues to program his life and effortlessly assumes the endless string of activities being a star of his calibre generates. At any rate, fame has allowed him to select roles with less urgent criteria and granted him the luxury of sharing casts with preferred actors.

Hence his performances in The International and Duplicity, where he shares billboards with Naomi Watts and Julia Roberts, respectively.

Contemplating numerous options from individuals he respects, Clive Owen agreed to take part in Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s latest project and star in the recently premiered

Intruders. The script for this Spanish-Anglo Saxon thriller was penned by writer Nicolás Casariego, Nadal Award finalist for his novel Cazadores de luz (Hunters of Light), while the film was directed by Jaime Marqués.

Shot between London, Madrid and Segovia, Intruders helped Clive further discover Spain, a country whose culture and cuisine he admittedly adores.

During the numerous presentations for his latest film, Clive offered insight into how he prepares his work. “I like to spend a lot of time with the script, even in scenes with little dialogue. By reflecting and thinking about it, you start to uncover the nuance, tantamount to the final performance. That’s my method.

I have a hard time when someone hands me a short scene, even if it’s only two pages, and says ‘Do it now’”.

With new and assorted films under his belt, Clive Owen does not rule out tackling the role of director in the future. Naturally, it all depends on the project, his family and the Premier League fixtures

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LIVI N G & D ECO

DURAVIT Living Bathroom

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ou will certainly recall, on the back of the odd memory, the tiles that used to decorate the almost always tiny bathrooms of the homes of long ago, and those flowers on the tiles whose shapes and colours were the only thing that might stand out in bathrooms and consequently in our memory.

This has now changed and tiles have left part of their leading role to the units that furnish a room long forgotten by decorators until recent years and one that seemed to have been passed by in any effort at renovation or display.

Who would have imagined that a designer like Philippe Starck would dedicate part of his work, of his imagery, his design and his creativity to designing bathroom furniture? Yet

thanks to designers like Starck, the bathroom is finally playing a well-deserved central role, illuminating these rooms to make them into veritable museum pieces as well as welcoming spaces. A new version is being launched to turn the bathroom into a new concept: the “Living bathroom”.

Companies like Duravit have been working on this idea for more than a century, constantly reinventing their designs and, like in the rest of the household furniture, adapting them to create the trends and fashions that dominate each era. Televisions, sofas or shelves are not the only things that change.

Risk-taking, the ethos behind this brand established in the Black Forest, undoubtedly influenced the creation of these lines and the

painstaking care that goes into each detail.

This is what sets apart the design produced in this area by the Rhine.

Bathrooms with large windows, integrated high-tech baths, mini-pools to enjoy a bath with a view, anything as long as it meets users’ needs. Minds such as those of the German industrial designer Christian Werner or Sir Norman Foster’s applied architecture create unique, audacious pieces that are so special that surely those remembered flowers will be left behind as we usher in these pieces. They transform the bathroom into a deserving space for the sanitaryware designs that brands like the German Duravit are generating in each product

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MIAMI

Nacho Polo is a revered interior designer.

Born in Madrid, he has directed major domestic and international projects for both design and architecture companies.

Furthermore, he has collaborated with a number of industry-related magazines and TV programmes. He summarises his life as “Art in all its manifestations”.

He currently resides in Miami, the place where, in 2003, he opened his own studio: Nacho Polo Interior Designer.

Premier

Miami with

Nacho Polo

www.nachopolo.com

Parking has never been this enjoyable

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iami is a shop window full of locations which exceed design and architectural expectations. It is hard to visit the city and not inhale avant-garde and modernity from every impeccable corner.

A place not to be missed and a remarkable architectural pearl is 1111 Lincoln Road.

This building, envisioned by Robert Wennett and designed by Herzog & de Meuron, represents a perfect collaborative effort which includes renowned architects, landscapers and designers, all united to craft an incomparable experience: shopping, restaurants, luxury residences and parking, the latter with remarkable splendour.This project has managed to resolve, in highly aesthetic fashion, one of the city’s biggest problems: parking lots.

1111 Lincoln Road has become one of the world’s most emblematic parking lots. And it is no surprise that, with 300 spots offering panoramic views of the city, this building makes parking an enticing experience. It encourages us to drop the notion that searching for parking is a time investment and, instead, view it as an activity bordering on pleasurable. With a stripped down, uncluttered and airy architecture, architect Jacques Herzog described this building as “pure naked muscle”. The location proves clean, pleasant and diaphanously beautiful.

Built with reinforced concrete and glass windows, it was designed so that automobiles would circulate around the building’s core, alternating panoramic scenes between business and city views.

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The idea promoted by this new project oversteps the question of aesthetics. It strives to turn parking lots into a place for recreation and enjoyment.

And it does so with a design in which patrons can go shopping, eat dinner and have lunch on the ground floor. The sizeable enclosure also has space to hold social and cultural events and presentations, and may be used as a film or advert set.

The luxury residences at 1111 Lincoln Road afford an ideal balance between harmony and accessibility. Each detail has been affectionately selected, complementing the parking lot’s overall architectural vision. Plants, palm trees and gardens comprise a veritable tropical paradise in the middle of the city. Nothing has been left to chance. The interior patio of these exclusive residences was designed by Raymond Jungles and, with its 2,500 square metres, indulges the complex’s inhabitants in the pleasurable life Lincoln Road has to offer.

1111 Lincoln Road was built atop the land formerly occupied by Suntrust Bank, before the latter moved next door. Now, both buildings share more than the ebb and flow of people streaming between them across large walkways. They share a new vision of Miami.

It is here, 1111 Lincoln Road, within this new location and with this new perspective, where visitors can admire the uniqueness of Miami and contemplate the wonders which emerge from the city PHOTO NELSON GARRIDO

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The Webster

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The third floor functions as an area for holding events and private dinners, fashion shows and art and photography exhibitions.

The Webster’s roof features an open-air terrace which offers spectacular views of the sea and city and a tranquil, elegant atmosphere. Originally constructed as a four-storey hotel, the top level was respectfully removed to afford the interior a new 1940s Art Deco dimension.

A touch of modernity, heaps of creativity and a contemporary spatial vision helped nourish the location with the grandeur only a handful of boutique buildings in the world enjoy.

The original terrazzo floors, rounded stairways and ceilings and pastel colour scheme, visibly manifest in light pink and baby blue, lend the interior a minimalistic tropical feel. With 1960s painted grape harvest wallpaper, a smooth stone fireplace and the use of natural colours, The Webster radiates warmth and intense cosiness.

The Webster symbolises the perfect union formed by its owners: Laure Heriard Dubreuil, Dechnik Federico and Milán Vukmirovic, all with marked experience in the world of fashion and design.

A superb selection of vintage furniture and modern designs continue to stamp the Art Deco seal on each of the location’s fascinating hideaways. BDDW furnishings complete an atmosphere dominated by imagination, good taste and, first and foremost, a spot-on concept crafted with pure style and the delicateness of people who understand fashion as a concept which surpasses clothing, as an inhabitable space that transports visitors to the very confines of its origins

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ne of the many architectural gems which line Collins Avenue, dab in the heart of Miami’s South Beach, is The Webster. This luxurious three-level multi-brand boutique is devoted to fashion, elegance and sophistication, as well as art enjoyment and exclusive social events. You see, this building, designed and built as a hotel in 1939 by famed architect Henry Hohauser, still preserves its distinctive Art Deco style and is embellished by an historical façade and vestibule. An architecture which shapes an honest building in which the world’s most important fashion and jewellery firms live in enriching harmony; a place where luxury is synonymous with exclusiveness and unparalleled service.

The Webster stretches over a 1,800m2 surface area divided into three floors, each with a refined charm. The ground floor, with its lofty ceilings, houses a lounge and a spacious, modern vestibule, where luxury sportswear lines and collections from emerging designers take centre stage. Here, contemporary denim and brand-name t-shirts coexist with prestigious swimsuit brands.

The second floor is a veritable ready to wear temple. With natural light and a magnificent sitting room, this level plays home to exclusive men’s and women’s collections, accessories, bags, shoes and jewellery from top-name companies the likes of Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain, Chanel, Trussardi 1911 and Givenchy, Balenciaga, Prada, Azzedine Alaïa, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Pierre Hardy, Martin Margiela and Marc Jacobs, among, altogether, eighty-five luxury brands.

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ST. PET ERS B U RG

St. Petersburg magical winter city www. vi si t-p e t e r sb ur g. r u

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he mystery of winter St.Petersburg annually attracts millions of visitors. Many festivals, celebrations, masquerades, winter balls and festivities will move you around to the historic atmosphere of the reign of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, and open the world of Pushkin’s poetry and mystical drama of Dostoevsky.

Due to the unique location of the city, gorgeous embankments, numerous of canals and bridges (more than 400), various gardens and parks, Saint-Petersburg is relegated to the most beautiful and harmonious cities in the world. Winter is the best time to see this beauty.

Winter season “White days 2011-2012” starts with the VI international festival “Aleksandrinsky”. The first event of the festival will be the play “Gedda Gabler” (Genrik Ibsen) staged by Kama Ginkas. A central place in the

festival is the performance “War and Peace” by Viennese Burgtheater. In this play the director Matthias Hartmann offers his paradoxical vision of the famous Lev Tolstoy’s novel .

The program “World Museum Masterpieces in the Hermitage” will begin in November.

Ice sculptures holiday is held in December.

Petersburg becomes fairy-tale city in the magic light of ice figures and favorite walking place for locals and guests of the city.

“Night of music” gives an unforgettable impression. One can be immersed into the atmosphere of music of the greatest geniuses such as Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Mussorgsky, Rahmaninov, Scriabin. This music like a soul of Saint-Petersburg sounds everywhere: outdoors, in museums, in hotels and even in the subway.

The season of “White days” is usually decorated with brilliant ornament of luxurious balls and masquerades among which “New Year

masked ball”, traditional “Christmas ball”, the ball of maestro Y. Temirkanov which takes place in Yusupov Palace. Even the youngest guests can turn into the personages of imperial times during children balls.

Winter Petersburg can delight gourmets who fond of gastronomic tourism. As noted

by Mary Jons, the member of Gourmand Guild: “It’s far too many countries have such admirable palaces, and, besides they are mostly used as museums and private residences, that’s why common tourists don’t have a possibility for any money to have a dinner there. In this respect Saint-Petersburg makes an unique proposal to the world”.

During the winter season Petersburg brings something interesting. Opera and ballet festival “Pancake Week” fills the city, including Mariinskiy Theatre with the atmosphere of jolly fest. You can enjoy the masterpieces of world classical ballet and opera accompanied

by Valery Gergiev.

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The international festival of ballet, which is called “Mariinsky�, is opened in April.

Ulyana Lopatkina and Diana Vishneva, one of the famous ballet dancers in the world, will participate in this festival.

The Winter gathers at the same place a lot of famous people of modern world.

Undoubtedly the Northern capital attracts by hospitality, generosity and heartiness of Russian soul, which you can feel visiting Russia. During the Christmas and Pancake week people can visit the Christmas fair, which welcomes to take part at the celebration of New Year and Christmas days, sledding, buying the handicrafts, tasting of pancakes and the other Russian traditional gastronomic delights!

St. Petersburg is amazing and splendid at any time of the year, but winter season is special!

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HOTEL UNIQUE w w w.h o tel u niqu e.com.br

Modernist luxury at its best

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otel Unique is a masterclass in modern design and architecture.

It stands proud in the residential district of Jardins (the upmarket area of Sao Paulo) with its striking green copper façade. This, together with its porthole style windows, makes it resemble a grand ocean liner. Its sleekness continues inside. It’s a hotel that combines 21st century modernism with home-comfort luxury. Height, space and light are everything. The lobby’s minimalist design is enhanced with open-plan staircases and walls of windows. Whilst stark, it is also homely- a bookcase corner with seating encourages you to sit, relax and admire the view.

The rooms are equally as breath-taking. 85 rooms and 10 suites are exquisitely designed for the discerning traveller. They have all the amenities and comfort one could require, without detracting from the modern sparse design that guests appreciate this hotel for.The circular windows, curved walls, no-nonsense Brazilian hardwood flooring and almost sci-fi lighting fixtures provides visitors with an expe-

rience they will never forget. It’s modern, but luxurious. Jacuzzi tubs and Bvlgari toiletries await in the carefully designed bathrooms.

The plump queen-size beds will provide an excellent night’s sleep, and the workstations with complimentary high-speed internet and Wifi allow you to have a break that can be work as well as play.

Hotel Unique also provides guests with outstanding fitness and relaxation facilities.

There is a fully-equipped gym; and experienced personal trainers can take you through a daily workout. There are two outdoor heated swimming pools; one of which takes up the roof like a floating lake. Its glass side offers a stunning, if not death-defying, view of the park and city surrounding the hotel; and its underwater sound system makes it an experience unlike any other. Dining at the hotel is also an experience. Restaurant Skye sits next to the swimming pool on the roof terrace. You access Skye via a panoramic elevator; heightening your senses before you even get to the food.

Like the design throughout the property, the

menu is innovative. French chef Emmanuel Bassoliel prepares the culinary delights in a relaxing atmosphere, with excellent service.

His influences come from Brazilian, French, Italian and Japanese cooking styles to produce an eclectic range of choices. The Wall is the hotel’s signature bar, and it is aptly named. It sits in the hotel lobby next to the wall of windows (which are particularly striking at night); and the bar contains an impressive must-see 60-foot vertical bar wall. Shelves as far as the eye can see are stocked with bottles containing the world’s best alcoholic concoctions.

Jardins, the district of Sao Paulo where Hotel Unique is situated, is a well-heeled area.

Staying at Hotel Unique will place you close to downtown Sao Paulo, the financial district, and Jardins’ excellent luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. It is conveniently 15 minutes from the domestic airport Congonhas, and just 40 minutes from Guarulhos International Airport. The metro is the way to get around and explore the city of Sao Paulo itself

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The Eresin Crown Hotel

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History and fine art in turkey’s first museum boutique hotel

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expression give voice to his works, echoing history down the ages.

The hotel also features a classical concept of dining in traditional Mediterranean settings.

The guest can experience Turkish cuisine in the hotel’s Mosaic Terrace restaurant with views of the Istanbul’s blue mosque and overlooking the Princess Islands in the sea of Mamara. The restaurant is highly recommended offering varied dishes of Turkish and Mediterranean origin served with wines made with Antolian grapes.

The hotel is home to the Mosaic Restaurant which gets its name from it’s authentic Byzantine floor mosaic dating from the 5th and 6th centuries. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with antiquities and prints in a delicately refined setting. Offering some of Istanbul’s finest cuisine.

The hotel’s bar; Column bar gets its style and concept from the many famous Columns around Istanbul, offering a comfortable intimate setting, perfect for relaxing in contemplation after a day of sightseeing around Istanbul’s legendary Grand Bazaar.

The Hotel offers 60 Exclusive and Superior rooms all equipped with modern facilities and comfort giving the guest a stay in Turkey second to none for business travelers and tourists alike.

The hotel is located in Istanbul’s historic district the hotel is within walking distance of some Turkey’s most unique historical landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cisterns.

The Eresin Hotel offers a cultural experience deeply rooted in history and exuberance. Certainly the only Boutique Museum in Turkey to offer such a wealth of art and antiquities, and possibly even the only in the world

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he dawn of a new era begins at the crossroads between east and west, the birth of a new concept; a combination of Hotel, boutique and Museum.

Housing a wealth of Fine Art passed down through the ages from a culture rich in history, opulence, and hospitality. History and culture begins with luxury and ends with The Eresin Istanbul Crown hotel.

The hotel is built on the site of the Great Palace in Sultanamhet, a site of great architectural significance. The hotel’s museum contains art works and artifacts dating back to Byzantine and ottomans empires. The only place in the world to offer such grand antiquities outside of the British Museum in London.

The gallery brings a new idea of modern neoclassical living, being heavily immersed in a rich cultural and exclusive environment. The guest can expect to be overwhelmed in wonderment to the array of art works from great civilizations on show and historical artifacts dating back to the 2nd and 3rd Centuries BC. In addition to the Museum, The Eresin Island Crown Hotel houses the works of impressionist Gültekin Çizgen which are displayed in the hotel’s art galley.

His works feature, artistic media-photography, multimedia productions and computergenerated art. This internationally celebrated artist has already published 24 books on his journey through history and art, featuring such names as “Ottomans” and “wonderous creatures”.

“They have a significant place in the Turkish miniature tradition. In my work I try to bring this traditional visual experience to the modern world.” remarks Gültekin Çizgen. He composes traditional arts from the east such as calligraphy and ceramics. Contemporary

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LISBOA

Vidago Palace

The rebirth of a Legend.

www. vi dago p al ac e. c o m

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riginally opened in 1910 the Hotel Vidago Palace in was for decades one of Europe’s most prestigious and luxurious hotels.

Now almost a century after first opening the Hotel is reborn after a major refurbishment, bringing this incredible monument of sophistication into the twenty first century.

Its focus is to return this luxury hotel back to legendary status. Offering guests a unique experience that combines a five star hotel and historical monument with the charm of the Portuguese countryside.

The hotel and country estate is located only an hour from Oporto in a hundred acre forest dotted with magnolias, redwoods and ancient trees which were present to bear witness to the Hotel in its glorious heyday.

The area is a source of natural mineral springs and has been renowned for its waters since the 17th Century and is known as the “Tras-os-Montes”or “Beyond the Mountains”.

The area is littered with spring fountains each housed in an ornate belle epoque pavilion.

Each fountain has a slightly different chemical composition. Generations ago physicians

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would prescribe specific fountains from which to drink and encourage patients to “Walk the water” and take a path through the forest from one spring to the next.

In the late nineteenth century, the town of Vidago was frequented by Kings and Nobles who came to take advantage of the healing properties of its thermal waters.

The nearby Douro Valley region is also famous for port wine, with rolling hills covered with vine-terraces falling down to the river banks producing such names as Taylors, Cockburns, and Sandeman.

The interior of this great hotel was designed by the Portuguese interior design studio Basitor. All 70 rooms and suites are decorated in an elegant and refined style that pays homage to the ‘art de vivre’ of the time. High ceilings, bright wallpapers and romantic expressionism create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

While the huge windows of the bedrooms give views overlooking Vidago park.

Among the various attractions this hotel has to offer there is a spectacular 18 hole golf course designed by the internationally acclaimed Cameron Powell. The golf course

club house was designed in 1886 by Portugal’s Pritzker Architectural Prize-winner Alvaro Siza Vieira. Previously a bottling house for the Vidago mineral water, the clubhouse now houses a bar, restaurant and meeting rooms.

The crown jewel of the Vidago Palace is the spa, located on an area of the estate with fragrant pine, cedar and lavender also designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira. The spa is typical of a simple thermal spa design from the 17th century conceived as an extension to the hotel. The spa has an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath and gym, plus 20 cabins for the implementation of innovative treatments in collaboration with prestigious firms such as MCCM Aromatherapy Associates Cosmetic and Medical Cosmetics.

The Vidago Palace Hotel and all the surrounding estate is owned by the company UNICER, a leader in the Portuguese drinks market. UNICER has left the Vidago Palace management in the hands of the GLA Group Hotels, which operates several luxury hotels throughout the world

ANDORRA

Hotel Hermitage Spa resort

Winter Ski and Luxury

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expect to take a journey through 5 levels of thematic therapy with saunas, vapour baths, 19 exclusive treatment centers, developed by the Prestigious Payot y Valmont. The crowning glory of the hotel is the outdoor Jacuzzi complete with crystaline waters and mountain views.

After an exhilarating day on the slopes the guest can immerse themselves in a white chocolate vapor bath, get a sports massage to ease out the muscle tension or even receive a unique body treatment with gold nuggets and diamond dust, or take advantage of the rejuvenating youthful benefits of this “Sensation divine aux Champagne” treatment.

The hotel offers a number of exclusive services to the sporting guest, including Ski storage and shops. A private Ski instructor service is also available where the guest can discover some of the secrets of the off -piste skiing where few lucky skiers are able to venture. Dog sleds and snow mobiles, guided walks with snowshoes are some of the winter activities also offered by the hotel.

Why not take a helicopter and Ski the wealth of Andorra’s resorts and admire their majestic beauty from above with the Heli-Ski package?

The principality of Andorra is a shopping dream come true, the guest can take advantage of a Fiat 500 to make a shopping route through Andorra La Vella, the capital of the principality and visit some of the capital’s exclusive boutiques.

The hotel offer two types of gourmet dining; The restaurant 5.0 which gives itself exclusively to fusion cooking with a menu full of daring innovation and some of the best oriental dining. The restaurant 1.8 features Mediterranean cuisine using fresh seasonal products with the essential tastes of Fois Gras with figs, succulent meats and fish prepared to the highest standard.

To top off the night a visit to the Glass bar is a must for cocktails from the classic mojito to more cutting edge combinations and flavors.

Accompanied by a Pianist who will willingly take musical suggestions to ease the guest through their stay

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ituated at 1.850 meters above sea level in Soldeu; Andorra lies a small oasis of Luxury and five star service.

The Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa is pure prestige in the mountains.

Located at the foot of the Grandvalira Ski Station, considered to be the largest Ski area of the Pyrenees. The hotel is a testament to 5 star luxury in a mountain setting where the guest can be taxied from Barcelona by Helicopter.

The hotel hosts 120 modernist, avant-garde rooms decorated in wood with deluxe soft finishings. Each room comes with innovative up to date hotel technology and a terrace with specular view of snow capped mountains.

The hotel goes out of its way to ensure the comfort of its guests, who after a long day “en piste” want to enjoy the in room hydro massage bath, delicately scented by Acqua di Parma toiletries and a specially selected box of Chocolates.

Alternatively the guest may wish to don their bath robe and visit the hotel’s impressive 5.000 meter spa, where the lucky guest can

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MAURITIUS

The Residence Mauritius a perfect island getaway w w w.th er es id e nce.com

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he Residence Mauritius Hotel is luxury at its most luxurious. It is surrounded by tropical gardens and a kilometre-long white sand beach.

Views stretch across the ocean; creating the ultimate haven of relaxation. It’s situated in the Belle Mare area, on the North-Eastern coast of the island; and offers extensive water-based leisure activities which are complimentary for hotel guests.

However, if water adventures aren’t your thing and you prefer to be pampered instead, the hotel’s Sanctuary Spa is an experience not to miss. It is a 600 square-metre area; dedicated to the body and mind’s wellbeing through a menu of massages and skin treatments.The spa uses luxury products such as French skincare brand Carita to ensure you come out glowing and refreshed. Don’t be afraid to bring your family if you want a relaxing break. With the hotel’s kid’s club, there will be plenty of opportunities for quality time to yourself. The Planters club for children is located just off the beach, and provides them with various acti-

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vities such as snorkelling and pony rides. At night, dinner is provided for them in a fun environment (all free of charge for hotel guests); leaving you to enjoy a peaceful meal in The Residence’s exquisite restaurants. The hotel is themed according to the luxurious colonial palaces of times gone by, and the sugar-cane plantation houses which were situated on the island. The restaurants and bars on the property also hark back to the history and native produce of the island.The Verandah is situated next to the inviting swimming pool, and serves light meals and snacks that are perfect for lazy afternoons sunbathing. The menu includes ovenbaked pizzas, salads, toasted sandwiches and ice-cream sundaes. Also next to the pool is the Gourmet Kiosque for those with a sweet tooth. It serves fun waffles, pancakes and a variety of ice-creams. The Plantation is another of the hotel’s restaurants, and is decorated in a colonial style with wood and wicker. It sits on the oceanfront, and serves an excellent range of seafood and Creole inspired dishes. Traditional island dancing is on offer

on some nights of the week as entertainment whilst dining.

The hotel’s lobby is an impressive sight, and makes guests feel like they are entering a royal palace. Tall elegant marble pillars dominate the view down the long lobby, and the view of the tropical gardens through the windows at the end, draw you inside. The 125 guest rooms and 28 suites continue this elegance and luxury. Continuing the colonial influences, white and creams are the dominant colours.

Special touches are everywhere to create a relaxing atmosphere, and each room has a butler assigned to it, to unpack luggage and run guest’s baths.

The Residence Mauritius is 50 minutes from the island’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Helicopter transfer from the airport to the hotel can be arranged if required.

It’s the perfect place for a quiet but quality getaway. You can relax knowing that all your needs are taken care of TEXT LAURA PEARSON

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The Ritz Madrid Celebrate the holiday season Parisian style w w w.r i tz madrid.com

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TEXT ANTHONY BAIN

Ritz considers this the most special night of the year with a menu created by their professional team of chefs, starting with the perfect winter dish; duck liver terrine with nut and raisin melba toast, through a menu infused with sweet winter fruits and finishing with “bûche de noël” the classical Christmas log.

Celebrating Christmas at the Ritz means you are a part of the family. The chef Jorge Gonzalez will prepare a brunch full of exceptional delicacies and steeped in tradition with food fit for a Ritz family member.

Following Christmas day is “Gourmet night” at the Ritz and the professional culinary team will make this a night to remember, offering such incredible dishes as natural oysters Marennes-Orleon, Special Daniel Sorlut Nº2 served with lemon peals, grilled lobster on spiced tomato soup and Roasted Carrè of lamb with almonds and vanilla sauce. All this washed down with Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne.

The New Year’s Eve gala dinner is the

longest night of the year at the Ritz with a night full of expectations and surprises. The Ritz plans to deliver an evening of opulence in true Parisian style; emulating its glamour and glory days with a big band orchestra and Can Can dancers, and a menu fit for the Paris elite. Continuing on from the dinner The Ritz Madrid offers an exclusive party to going on into the small hours of the New Year.

Following “The greatest night of the year” The Ritz is giving the first Brunch of the year. Their kitchen team plan to make this a memorable time, giving the guest their first great experience of the 2012 with the best ingredients that Spain has to offer and delivering a bunch second to none.

In Spain the celebrations continue into the New Year with the “Epiphany Eve Gala Dinner Dance” followed by the “Epiphany Buffet Lunch”. These days are dedicated to children with a visit from their majesties; the three oriental kings for the children’s most special day of the year

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his year will bring the most magical Christmas and New Year celebrations yet at The Ritz Madrid as it was in 1910, when the famous Cesar Ritz opened this fine Spanish Hotel.

With typical style and grace and with the utmost panache, the Ritz in Madrid Ritz is planning to bring its guests the most incredible program of the year.

Bringing a wealth of entertainment harking back to the social delights of Paris of the 1900’s when the city began to bloom and flower into the culinary and cultural capital of the World.

These special holidays at the Ritz will emulate the golden age of Paris and the Moulin Rouge, giving celebrations and merriment true to that era in time and of seeing off the year with a bang and welcoming in the New Year with classical Parisian chic.

Toast the beginning of a 2012 in style with endless celebrations beginning with the “Children’s Chorale Christmas concert.”

Christmas Eve is the “Silent Night” and The

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B A R C E LO N A

www. e p l i vi n gb ar c e l o n a. e s

El Palauet Living Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia’s Crown Jewel TEXT TONI DELGADO

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arcelona’s streets have been chosen on numerous occasions as the preferred backdrop for acclaimed movie directors, global advertising campaigns and music videos starring famous artists. Because Barcelona is unique. Its streets and avenues are an endless architectural spectacle, an affable seduction that enters through the eyes and renders it impossible to resist her charms.

Along the city’s main luxury avenue, Passeig de Gràcia, stores from the world’s most prestigious companies, the stock market and historic and modern, futuristic buildings coexist in perfect harmony. Yet, outdoing the rest, we uncover numerous examples of Modernism, the prosperous trend best expressed through architecture, which gifted Barcelona an authentic pearl necklace that stretches the length of Passeig de Gràcia and is reflected in every façade and building designed in this recognisable style. Many are renowned thanks

to their highly relevant architects, while others safeguard sublime secrets and are reserved for but a privileged few.

A prime example is El Palauet Living Barcelona, the hippest option in urban accommodation, a distinct and exquisite concept.

Located on one of the most historical stretches of Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia, we discover a charming Modernist building, an authentic masterpiece of the city’s most representative architecture El Palauet Living Barcelona is a consummate palace which impresses right from its façade: merely the prelude to the beauty held within. The atmosphere breathes classic Catalan style, an elegant ambience elicited by the carved wood doors, stairs and handrails, which blend with the soothing honey-coloured light radiating from the cluster of grape-shaped lamps. This locale bids a warm welcome and divines a place which personifies the true meaning of the word “exclusiveness”.

Inside it houses six exquisite gems: the suites. Technology, design and good taste abound in each. Intelligent home technology has been applied to the spacious 150m2 (and more) rooms, enhancing the guests’ stay and affording a sense of comfort difficult to eclipse.

Acclaimed designer names grace the items and furniture which adorn the rooms: Platner, Jacobsen, Citterio, Phillip Stark and Mies Van de Rohe, among others. This exquisite palace features 45 distinctly ornamented roofs, specially constructed based on the specific area and embellishing craftsmanship, making each room exclusive. What’s more, it offers an efficient personal assistant and concierge service, so that nothing in terms of customer service is overlooked.

El Palauet Living Barcelona, a pleasant location drenched in exclusiveness and service quality, situated along the city’s finest avenue, providing guests the chance to enjoy the Modernist spectacle from the inside and out

IBIZA

Hierbas de Ibiza

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www. hier b a s d eib iza. com

The essence of Ibiza

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of men and women the world over; people who appreciate the value of emotions. This legendary and liberating essence is Hierbas de Ibiza, which continues to amass both famous and anonymous disciples year after year. In 2006, Tom Kalendrian, vice-chairman of Barney’s New York, informed the New York Times that, “Recently, I’ve been spraying myself with Hierbas de Ibiza Eau de Cologne. After years of being addicted to Green Water by Jacques Fath, I’ve finally found a worthy substitute”.

Hierbas de Ibiza has become a must have international signature perfume. And all thanks to the management of the Torres family, who personally oversee the entire Hierbas de Ibiza universe. In this amazing world, the intrinsic elegance of simplicity and naturalness is not only embodied by the entire line of packaging, but by the formation of a unique work philosophy, fine-tuning each detail, evolving step by step, yet without losing track of the company’s leitmotif or traditional value.

Among the select assortment of Hierbas de Ibiza products, apart from the firm’s undisputed crown jewel, the Eau de Cologne,

we encounter two gems which immediately connect us with Ibiza’s land and sea. The first is the Salinas de Ibiza Bath Salts, consummate miniature gems to the eyes and touch, yet particularly lauded for their high concentration of beneficial, 100% natural marine particles.

These salts represent the simplest way to transport your body to Ibiza, from anywhere in the world, and without leaving your bathtub; a highly personal luxury.

The second choice is undoubtedly the Soap Enriched with Aloe Vera, a genuine vintage product which invokes memories of a time in which the whiteness of the clothes drying in the country sun radiated a pure, light, clean and fresh fragrance, the distinctive seal of Hierbas de Ibiza.

Today, Hierbas de Ibiza is not only a global cult company, it goes a step further; it is a philosophy of life which contains the very best the island has to offer: light, the transparency of the air, the sea foam, sunsets, the smell of the surrounding flowers and the colour of its sky... the true essence of Ibiza

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raversing the island of Ibiza, it is highly recommendable we wind our way down secondary roads, follow them blindly, lose ourselves without an inkling for destination or time.

Doing so, we are virtually assured of becoming intoxicated, little by little, by the serene landscape of the fields, until we voluntarily curb our movement and savour a few moments of silence. Alone with the surroundings, we confront the whistling wind which pleasantly cools our faces and swirls in a faint perfumed scent, imbuing us with an energy unique to this corner of the world.

The aromas of orange blossom, oranges, lemons, thyme, sage, rosemary and geraniums emanating from some resplendent cove envelop us, caress our skin and, with an effect intensified by the rays of the Pine Islands’ singular sun, produce a scent that is impossible to forget. An aroma one strives to retain even after leaving the island. The essence of Ibiza refuses to be erased from our memories.

The Torres family has been bottling this essence for decades, to the delight of thousands

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LI FEST YLE

IBIZA

Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena The Soul of Ibiza

AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

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biza has always been more than a fortunate piece of land. Since times ancestral, it has been inhabited by a number of civilisations. Archaeological excavations prove that the initial settlements on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera date to over 3,000 years ago.

Megalithic civilisations, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Muslims and the Christian conquest in 1235, until modern times. All have left an indelible imprint on the largest of the Pityuses, the name the Greeks used to baptise this archipelago.

The appellation means “abundance of pine trees”, due to the species’ heavy presence on the islands.

Thus, the history behind the attraction this beautiful island wields over human beings is nothing new. Even Nostradamus predicted Ibiza would become the earth’s sole inhabitable enclave following a world war. Because this island is imbued with an undeniably special energy. Did all of these people discover inspiration and satisfaction in the Ibizan’s tranquil lifestyle?

“Tranquil” is one of the most commonly uttered words in Ibiza. A word that summarises an entire philosophy of life: “be at peace with

yourself, and live in harmony with nature”, i.e. the soul of Ibiza.

Not all newcomers to the island have managed to comprehend the “soul of Ibiza”.Though fortunately for us, we tracked down one of the immense talents who did decide to reside in Ibiza and arranged a meeting: Alvar Lipszyc, or as he would describe himself, “owner of Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena”.

The Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena sits nestled in the northeast corner of Ibiza, on a property which borders the sea, 180 metres above sea level, and boasts 2 kilometres of shoreline.

Breathtakingly enveloped by a Mediterranean pine forest (ensuring extra privacy), it is one of the last unspoiled areas on Europe’s ecological map; an immense privilege.

Atop one of the Hotel’s numerous terraces, we are treated to one of the greatest spectacles Na Xamena has to offer: its remarkable views.

We meet with Mr. Alvar Lipszyc at sundown, whereby our conversation is backlit by one of Ibiza’s most spectacular landscapes.

When did your love affair with Ibiza begin?

Over 50 years ago, when I came here with my parents. I remember our arrival distinctly, seeing the taxis that still worked by winding

the crankshaft, and the impeccably uniformed taxi drivers who kept their cars spotless at all times, back when the roads were dirt, not asphalt.

What other memories do you have from your early island visits?

Another memory I have is the impact the people’s tranquil lifestyle had on me; friendly people who lived in perfect harmony with their surroundings. I remember one evening, my father, an architect by trade, grabbed my hand and brought me out to where we are right now, and sitting down, watching the sunset, he said, “Alvar, we have a responsibility to share this with other people. We need to share the soul of Ibiza”.

Was that when you decided your future was in the hotel industry?

I, a normal teenager and oblivious at the time, didn’t take stock in his words. Though over the years, I’ve come to understand exactly what he meant... “the soul of Ibiza” consists of everything that remains intact, the friendliness of the people, its coves, its trees, its winds... and the harmony which exists between them all.

IBIZA

www. hot el ha ciend a - ib iza. com

TEXT TONI DELGADO / PHOTO ANXO COTERILLO

Is this the same philosophy you have applied to your hotel?

Indeed, starting with the name. We decided to use the Hacienda concept to create a closer, more intimate feel.

Although Na Xamena is a 5-star hotel, you shy from excess...

That’s right. We approach luxury from the point of view of comfort and service excellence.

Excess labels and overly familiar treatment don’t guarantee quality. There is a middle ground which is relaxed and comfortable for the guests, and that’s where we’ve decided to focus our efforts.

With the building as well, which sits in perfect consonance with the island’s traditional structures. White walls, stone, wood... they’re materials that connect us directly with the land on which we live.

You have created the perfect hideaway, a veritable window into nature...

Everything was designed to harmonise the hotel’s interior and exterior. Waterfalls and rivers, patios, abundant greenery, arcades, galleries, numerous plant species, traditional architecture and Ibiza’s eternal whiteness. All of our 65 rooms offer an unforgettable view of the Mediterranean Sea. Wellness is another of Na Xamena’s strong suits...

Absolutely. We have managed to unite the most advanced spa treatment experience with the most effective traditional techniques, all surrounded by nature in our Spa Posidonia.

Our “suspended waterfalls”, which hang 180 metres atop a cliff with a commanding view of the sea, also provide a unique experience in the world of wellness.

A thalassotherapy circuit featuring 8 seawater pools, each with a different temperature and all interconnected. It creates the sensation of literally floating in air, overlooking the sea of Ibiza, which guarantees a deep relaxation and ensures one of the fondest memories from the island.

Is Na Xamena a finished piece?

No, on the contrary, I always find myself concocting new projects or additions. You have to keep working, improving the cuisine, the service. Retaining the personality and innovative spirit is crucial. I always strive to offer something new and different.

A stroke of luck for customer enjoyment...

It’s incredibly important for Na Xamena not to lose touch with the customers, get to know them, listen to them and offer them what they need.

We treat everyone equally as well at Na Xamena. From guests who come to watch the sunset and have a quiet coffee to famous guests or celebrities who stay in one of our suites.

This is exactly the responsibility your father commended you...

That’s right. We have a responsibility to share this with other people. We need to share the soul of Ibiza AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

You were a pioneer in this luxury concept...

Our idea was distinctive: a luxury hotel that was completely different from all other 5-star hotels. Architecture, decoration, staff, service and activities were all designed so that guests can discover tomorrow’s luxury today.

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JEWELS

CHOPARD

Creators of fantasy

AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

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Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele

INTERVIEW CLAUDIA TRIMDE / PHOTO CHOPARD

Creative director and vice-president of Chopard

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partan in words and with a spirit that distinguishes such a prestigious company, Caroline GruosiScheufele, creative director and vice-president of Chopard, invites us on a tour through 150 years of history, tradition and constant innovation in which beauty, audacity and quality have helped forge exceptionally charming pieces.

Chopard is a company with a world class format. Everyone knows that and associates the prestigious company with high quality, design, international stars and high-class events… 150 years of history imply hefty responsibilities…

To run a brand with this history implies a great deal of responsibility, of course. But working in accordance with our 5 essential qualities, know-how, tradition, creativity backed by innovation and our commitment to philanthropic and responsible patronage activities, guarantees our success in the present as well as in the future.

Karl-Friedrich, your brother, a goldsmith and clockmaker, is in charge of distributing Men’s Chopard Manufacturing in Fleurier with related developments and is responsible for the technological and commercial side of the company… You, passionate about gemstones and a gemologist by trade, manage the creativity, high jewellery, organisation and management, along with the boutiques, perfume and accessories department... Were the activities divided among the family by nature or was it voluntary?

It was natural for both my brother and I to join the company. It’s true we started working in different fields to pursue our interests and strengths, but as we share an office we both know everything that goes on in the company.

To transmit your savoir-faire and spur innovation, you opened an internal training centre in 1944. Here, 25 apprentices take a 4-year training programme supervised by a teacher who encourages their continuous learning.The Best Training Company Award 2009, given by the State of Geneva in the Applied Arts Field, recognised Chopard’s commitment to education. This is invaluable in the company’s history...

Yes, it is very important to us to invest in educating apprentices, as they are the future of the watch-making industry and guarantee the preservation of its know-how and traditions.

As head of the organisation and management of Chopard boutiques, can you tell us how the company was affected by the socalled “economic crisis” (if it was affected)?

Like any other company, we were hit by the economic crisis. In the harder times, we concentrated on our aforementioned core values and continued to develop the brand by focusing on emerging markets like Asia and India.

In 2007, Chopard launched a new boutique concept created by architect Thierry Despont, opening a flagship boutique at 709 Madison Avenue in New York, followed by the opening of a boutique in Singapore with this same new decorative concept. Explain the main differences between the previous design and the one which started in 2007...

All Chopard boutiques worldwide present the same corporate identity: a very warm, traditional and cosy feeling with wood fittings

and an inviting fireplace. The new concept is true to the brand’s DNA and history but remains innovative and up-to-date with the times. It represents an evolution in the brand image, combining tradition with innovation.

Wall panels and store fixtures were made from White Oak, fine leather was used for wall panels and furniture fronts and velvet was used for the curtains and chair upholstery. The Madrid boutique will reopen in November with more space and this new concept.

The Chopard look feeds on the roots of the house, i.e. Art Nouveau and Art Deco ...

Today, what defines the Chopard Look?

A Chopard creation stands for beauty, audacity and quality. We create unexpected pieces that express creative freedom as well as attention to the choice of gemstones and the talent of our finest craftsmen.

In 2010, Chopard consolidated its presence in 124 countries, with 1,700 employees, 120 boutiques and 1,600 stores, and had an annual production of 75,000 watches and 75,000 pieces of jewellery... Impressive figures... What expectations do you have for the next few years?

We want to continue consolidating what we’ve built with the same passion for our work.

We now have over 130 boutiques worldwide.

Passionate about diamonds, like your father, you use these precious stones to decorate Chopard’s most delicate models. Albeit renovating Happy Diamonds designs, launching new collections or developing others, such as Red Carpet High Jewellery... In your opinion, what is the most important collection?

Maybe the high jewellery collection we created to celebrate the brand’s 150th Anniversary, the Animal World Collection.This collection was the perfect example of Chopard’s craftsmanship: beauty, quality and audacity consistent with the high jewellery tradition.

150 pieces which are also a tribute to my love for animals. The largest and most diverse high jewellery collection devoted to a single theme until now

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In Meyrin, Chopard even makes its own gold ingots. Pforzheim essentially focuses on jewellery, while the Haute Horlogerie L.U. Chopard watches are produced in Fleurier. What’s more, Chopard has an internal decoration department that creates booths for trade shows and displays for boutiques.

After-sales service is also integrated, as well as communication and marketing... This is an unusual structure in a global business landscape where the tendency is to outsource services...

Being independent is one of our strengths and we have been, and still are, working hard to vertically integrate our production. For example, in 2009 we opened Fleurier Ebauches, a company that forms part of the Chopard Group and supplies us with movement ébauche. For us, managing a piece from production to sale is a guarantee of its quality.

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J INTERVIEW CLAUDIA TRIMDE / PHOTO MATIAS FERNANDEZ & CHOPARD / CLOTHES SITA MURT & CHOPARD WATCH

Marc Coutte

Head of Chopard’s high jewellery creation department.

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ow does a piece of high jewellery come into being? Who takes part in this magical process? How is a piece of jewellery valued? BARCELONA deluxe travelled to Chopard’s workshop in Switzerland to see how some of the company’s most prized pieces are born and fashioned. We spoke with Marc Coutte, Head of Chopard’s High Jewellery Creation Department, our guide on this marvellous tour.

Jewellery in hand, Marc Coutte begins by explaining some of the details concerning this enthralling world. In this instance, he is holding a bracelet-watch shaped like a tiger.

“A very realistic piece, as the tiger’s claws are clutching the watch case. It’s an exceptional piece”, he remarks. And he goes on to mention that the piece belongs to the Animal World collection created to mark Chopard’s 150th anniversary. “A customer bought the necklace with this tiger and later requested we make this exclusive watch with the same animal”.

Are Chopard pieces initially designed in 3D? No, only in 2D, but it’s something that gives the company enhanced value, as, this way, the sculptor has more creative margin to draw inspiration from the drawings of the animal in motion. That way they see their shape, their muscles... The entire Animal World Collection –comprised of 150 pieces– adheres to this same creative process in which duties are divided among all team members.

How do you value a job like this?

Where do the stones come from?

The stones come from all over the world.

We have formed a network with the world’s finest sellers. Madame Karin Scheufele and Madame Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele are the people charged with selecting and buying the stones. This network affords us an exclusive opportunity to find unique stones, distinct colours and non-habitual shapes.

What is the secret to combining 150 years of history and tradition with setting trends?

Great question! You need a lot of passion and humility, and, first and foremost, creativity and energy. Have an excellent work team and high quality stones. You also need talent and astuteness. Truth is, you need all of these qualities to achieve your objective; everything counts. The times change awfully quickly, and you have to know how to adapt.

From a creative point of view, what are Chopard’s values?

I’d say diversity and fantasy. Diversity because we fashion a wide variety of themed collections. We’re constantly looking to experiment and connect with the world of fantasies; that’s our objective.

What has been the most difficult piece you have created?

It was a piece composed of a group of 150 pieces. It was a truly colossal undertaking and

took ages to complete. However, the most difficult pieces are those still to come. We’ve always managed to resolve complexity thanks to a fantastic team and finding a technical level of excellence to uncover a solution. Generally speaking, each new piece is a fresh challenge.

What kind of requests do you receive on a daily basis? Are they namely the same or are the challenges also daily?

They’re different every day. We sometimes get the impression we work at the same hectic pace as the kitchen in a typical Paris restaurant.

We have to work quickly, because we have a sizeable demand from private customers who commission last-minute birthday or wedding presents, and it’s down to us to figure out where to get the time, the stones, the design, etc. to arrive just in time to pay tribute to the person they love.

If you could choose a future project, what concept would you transform into Chopard jewellery?

I’d probably make pieces for children. Based on games, on symbolic gestures, little totems that are important in everyone’s life and on those moments, those things we want to “crystallise”. I’d create a small totem that sums up little moments of happiness.

Chopard first designed watches and later incorporated jewellery. What is the next step?

I don’t completely agree that Chopard started by designing watches. Since the beginning, it has worked, in a similar manner, to discover the future of jewellery, striving to turn watches into jewellery. It has always developed jewellery, in the sense that the overall brand has developed. We have always looked beyond watch-making, wanting to turn watches into jewellery and, of course, always at the highest level

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From the moment the idea arises to the final piece, how much time passes?

It all depends on the complexity of the piece, but it could be anywhere from 50 to 2000 hours.

The main thing is the time the jeweller needs to create the piece. Afterwards, the price of the stone you’re using is important and then the added value generated by the Chopard brand name, which makes the piece exclusive. The final price almost always depends on the stones with which the piece was created. The stones make a piece unique.

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BUSI N ESS

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SKYWORK AIRLINES A personal way to fly TEXT: ANTHONY BAIN

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kyWork Airlines is a high flying venture operating out of its base in Bern’s Belp Airport in Switzerland.

It all began back in 1983 created as a flight training school by Alex Gribi. By 1989 SkyWork began to change its focus to transport private individuals and business travelers to destinations throughout Europe.

Today SkyWork is still owned by the Gribi family and has expanded to over 14 destinations across Europe and their currently fleet has quadrupled in size including two De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 and two Dornier 328-110 aircrafts.

During 2011 the Company has constantly added new European and North African destinations to its routes also providing charter flights to popular tourist destinations during the summer months.

SkyWork airline’s motto is “A personal way to fly”and prides itself on giving an exceptional “Made in Bern” service.

The customer has access to an Ipad during flights to check the day’s papers or virtually visit their destination before arriving. The SkyWork website also runs a free travel guide service in association with Arrivalguides.

com. The company also runs a travel service, SkyWork Travel which offers holidays packages to all of their major destinations.

The airline has it’s own exclusive range of complimentary food on board including special dishes styled to the flyer’s favourite destinations, such as the Barcelona Menu, smoked ham, chorizo and manchego cheese with antipasti vegetables and white bread. The Bern; typical swiss cold cuts with bap and The London menu; a toasted sandwich with roast beef, chedder cheese and pickles.

SkyWork is growing with incredible vigor.

The Airline’s CEO Tomislav Lang said in a recent press release; “The innovations in our summer flight plan underline our ongoing endeavors to offer our customers a well-rounded program from Bern.”

During the summer of 2012 the airline will run a daily service instead of the current four times a week schedule from Bern to Barcelona thanks to the recent acquisition of travel agency Aaretal Reisen. Flights to Madrid and Mallorca are also to be part of their regular schedule.

The location of SkyWork in Bern is having a substantial positive effect on this province

of Switzerland. “As the homebase carrier of Bern Airport, we are proud to be making a significant contribution to the development of Bern and being able to offer our customers a real alternative to Zurich and Basel”. says Tomislav Lang.

Bern is the city of the bear and the federal capital of Switzerland. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and ranked amongst the top ten cities for quality of life in Europe with its 6kms of limestone buildings, medieval arcades and renaissance fountains. Founded back in 1191, the city is a true monument to preservation and architectural achievement.

Located among alpine foothills in the Bernese Canton, it was once home to Einstein and has several incredible tourist attractions such as, The Clock Tower (Zytglogge), BearPark, Parliament Building (Bundeshaus), Cathedral (Münster), Zentrum Paul Klee and the Einstein Museum.

The city of famous for Emmental cheese and housing one of Europe’s longest covered shopping promenades and its central location in Switzerland makes it perfect for exploring the country

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Barclays

has just launched Premier Life

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AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

here are many avenues, but there is only one Avenue; there are many regattas, but there is only one Regatta. There are many payroll accounts, but only one is the Payroll Account.

Barclays has just launched Premier Life, a product designed to revolutionize the payroll accounts market in Spain.

The entity has enquired its clients and non clients in the Premier segment about their needs and has subsequently created a comprehensive financial solution for them. Premier Life is not just another payroll account, is currently the “payroll account” in the market.

Premier Life is a transactional account without commissions and with associated bank cards for free; with a 2% balance remuneration, a 4% refund in bills and without difficulties in the exchange of bank payments; with free cash withdrawals across all the Servired cash points network; and including also a series of day-to-day services such as free online IT assistance, TV worthiness tests or urgent household matters resolution in less than 4 hours.

Premier Life is not only this but much more. It also allows having access to a series of exclusive services and to the full advantages of being a Premier customer at Barclays, such as accessing the investment advice of a personal fund manager, the access to all Barclays Premier centers across the globe, preferential invitations to events, the benefits program of Barclays Premier Gallery cards and monthly reports about the evolution of financial markets, among other advantages.

As a requirement for being a Barclays Premier Life account holder, the customer needs to deposit their payroll or regular income of net €2,500 or more, or rather to acquire an investment product valued at more than €30,000.

Premier Life shows that, for Barclays, everything revolves around its customer needs.

Barclays offers the best remuneration and, at the same time, it makes life easier. Barclays, you first

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PRODUCTION · Le CITY deluxe

PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITON · REBECA SARAY

SPRING & SUMMER 2011

HAIR & MAKE UP · JOSE VALLE

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LOCATION · ESFERIC BARCELONA / www.esferic.es

MODEL · OLGA MARQUEZ / MIREIA SERÓ / REBECA FUEYO

FURNITURE · BOCONCEPT / www.boconcept.es

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looks: Toni Francesc // shoes: Bordello & Dior

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looks: Sergidevcia // jewels: CroxĂŠ // Atrezzo: Dress by Sregidevcia, shoes

by Dior & YSL and jewels private colection by Sergidevcia

E looks: Sergidevcia // jewels: Croxé

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looks: Toni Francesc // shoes: Dior // glasses: Roberto Cavalli

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RACING CHIC PRODUCTION · Le CITY deluxe

PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITON · REBECA SARAY

HAIR & MAKE UP · JOSE VALLE

DRESS & SHOES · ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA / www.zegna.com

WATCH · CHOPARD / www.chopard.com

MODEL · DANI CLOS

SPRING & SUMMER 2011

SPECIAL THANKS · FINALLY PRESS / JESUS DEL POZO

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AUTUMN & WINTER 2011

INTERVIEW

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DANI CLOS

knocking on the Formula 1’s door INTERVIEW CLAUDIA TRIMDE / PHOTO REBECA SARAY / CLOTHES CUSTO

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he Formula 1 will continue to speak Spanish in the years to come. Because Spain produces phenomenal drivers. The latest gem is Dani Clos, a 23 year old from Barcelona who began in the kart world at the tender age of 7. In 2006, he was proclaimed champion of the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 and is currently the sole Spanish GP2 driver. His dream: racing with the big boys. And he’s certainly not lacking the drive or talent.

were championship contenders, and, towards the middle of the season, I had an accident in which I fractured a vertebra. They had to operate, and I missed two races. Even so, it was a pretty good year. I finished fourth, just one point away from third. This year (his third in GP2), while I had more experience, certain decisions and changes within the team meant we had problems tuning the car and with tyre wear early in the season. We wound up losing quite a few points, and this proved costly.

How would you sum up your career through GP2?

I’ve always been crazy about motorsports.

I started driving karts when I was young, around 7. Then came championships in Catalonia, Spain, Europe and the world until I moved into open-wheel cars, with which I’ve competed in several categories.

Will you continue in Racing Engineering?

You never know. We’re currently studying a number of options, in both GP2 and the Formula 1...

Describe a normal day in the life.

My daily life consists of both physical and mental training. Although it seems we (the drivers) only move the steering wheel and pedals, races are long, and you lose tonnes of

Which specific sporting activities do you practice?

A driver needs to be an athlete and have skills in all sports. Cycling, swimming and running are fundamental. Working on balance and reaction is also important. At 300km/h, you need to react very quickly. What’s more, maintaining accuracy at these speeds is extremely complicated.

Nutrition is another important aspect.

Of course. I don’t adhere to a strict diet, but I eat very healthy, low in fat. And my body thanks me for it.

You have been the subject of our first male editorial. How was the experience?

Very positive. I’m not used to posing and I felt very comfortable. The team’s been great.

You’ve treated me phenomenally and I must say I’m grateful

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You’ve spent three seasons in the GP2, the prelude to the Formula 1. Your first year you finished 21st. The second you came fourth, and now eighth. How do you explain these changes?

The GP2 is one of the world’s most challenging championships. Your first year is always difficult. We endured a lot of accidents, some caused by other drivers. Last year we

Your big dream must be to take that leap into the Formula 1...

The Formula 1 is my ultimate dream; it’s what I’ve worked for my entire life. I’m ready, thing is, unfortunately, it’s extremely complicated. While you might have excellent results, the team needs the driver to have money.

liquid. We have to be extremely well prepared, and, as we have virtually no time to train with the car, we spend session upon session in the simulator. I also like to study languages and spend time on my hobbies.

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PHOTO CAROLINA HERRERA NEW YORK

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NEW YORK’S FASHION FÊTE TEXT CAREY REED ZAMARRIEGO

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America (CFDA), NYC & Company and the City of New York, began in 2009 to build consumer confidence during the recession. Its success has spawned similar events throughout the world and online-only fetes.

One of the standout events this September was a special pop-up gentleman’s lounge created on the metro level men’s department of NYC’s iconic Bloomingdales department store. The event promoted ethical lifestyle fashion label Edun, which was created by Ali Hewson, along with her husband, U2 front man Bono. “Founded on a commitment to develop trade with Africa and to encourage others to do the same,” they launched the label in 2005. Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, stars of the popular American TV series How to Make it in America co-hosted Edun’s event.

The Double Seven and The Lambs Club created an authentic atmosphere in the department store. Double Seven, which recently re-opened in a new location in the meatpacking district, crafted the cocktails. Tasty bites were prepared for guests thanks to culinary virtuoso Geoffrey Zakarian’s Lamb’s Club, a swanky restaurant and bar with a distinctly Mad Men-esque feel located in the chic, Art Deco design Chatwal Hotel.

The morning after all the parties, models, designers and hair stylists went to work in the white runway tents. One of the most notable shows was that of Carolina Herrera, who played with geometry and ornithology in her garments. The Venezuelan designer’s spring/ summer 2012 collection juxtaposed hard geometric shapes with gauzy fabrics, creating

some delightful, as well as dizzying optical illusions. The color palette was filled with bright and bold limes, lemons and apple reds.

Catalan designer Custo Dalmau, who has grown increasingly in demand for interviews at NYFW, performed his own optical illusions.

For his spring/summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection he created 3-D prints using shifting holograms. The pieces even come with a pair of high-tech 3-D spectacles at time of sale.

First-time fashion week participants Falguni and Shane Peacock also favored strong geometric shapes on their hand painted fabrics. Known for doing intricate detailing and embellishing garments with feathers and metals in vivid red, royal blue and gold colors, their clothes have been worn by Madonna and Katy Perry.The Peacock philosophy: “life is too short to blend in.” After the show, audience members commented that Peacock’s luxurious, ultra-feminine garments would surely show up on Hollywood starlets at this year’s Golden Globes in January.

A short month after Peacock gowns go down the red carpet, the fashion frenzy in New York will begin again with the fall 2012 collection shows. But, the fashion hungry need not suffer before then. The Chatwal Hotel’s Fashion Cognoscenti Package treats guests to a full or half day of shopping with an experienced personal shopper and stylist. Jean Mayer, founder of upscale online shopping boutique, Lacolleta, customizes bespoken tours of the Big Apple. Something to tied fashionistas over until February

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eptember 8, 2011 was a sticky, rainy and gloomy day in New York City.

People grumbled via tweets and Facebook status updates about the extra effort they’d have to make to attend Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). FNO responded on its Facebook page with encouraging, positive updates describing all of the incredible events happening at the more than 1,000 stores that were participating this year. In the hours before a question lingered: Would anyone show up?

Yes, thousands of them. Neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow could keep fashionistas from the extended store hours and discounts, celebrity appearances, free musical performances and surprises that abound at the event that kicks-off Fashion Week.

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week (NYFW), one of the major fashion weeks, along with those held in Paris, London and Milan happens twice a year. Every September designers from around the globe descend on the white tents to show their spring and summer collections. A few wintry months later in February, most return to share their fall and winter wares for the upcoming year.

Since September 2010, the opulent Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, home to the city’s Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, has hosted the Mercedes-Benz sponsored event. Growing even more popular than the actual shows are NYFW parties, the first of the season being Fashion’s Night Out, which falls on the eve of the first runway show.

FNO, a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of

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Alfredo Palmero Spanish art in the world TEXT TONI DELGADO

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lfredo Palmero, one of Spain’s most renowned contemporary painters, recently held an exhibition in the main hall at the Hotel Grand Hyatt Doha, showcasing his collection of large-format works under the title Entre lo humano y lo animal (Between Human and Animal).This exhibit was supported by, among other major institutions, the Spanish Embassy in Qatar. With rave critical and public acceptance, Palmero’s work certainly made an impact in Doha.

Afterwards, Palmero journeyed to Hong Kong on the insistence of Sofia Gaspar and treated onlookers to a selection of works brimming with realism and the brush strokes to which Palmero has us accustomed.

Le CITY was privileged enough to get to know Alfredo Palmero and visit the artist in his natural habitat: his studio.

Setting foot inside Alfredo Palmero’s studio is like diving into his personal universe, replete with tiny objects, vintage furniture and an endless collection of brushes and bottles with colour tests that inundate the space. Classic works from the family saga hang from the historic walls, transporting us immediately to scenes of quaint cafes and quixotic battles.

Meanwhile, outside the windows, the frenetic life of modern-day Barcelona continues incessant, oblivious to the private oasis Palmero has stitched together, the chosen stage where his creativity comes to life. An artist who has used his ample vision of life to move between exterior and interior, past and present, classic and modern.

From the comfort of home, he explains the reasons behind this honest duality, and other matters:

Would you define your Meninas series as the best example of this duality?

Absolutely! My Meninas represent two distinct techniques; the figures and busts were painted with an easel in “the more traditional way” and the lower part on the floor, by dripping and splashing, a bit like Pollock... I don’t know, Informalism. The hard part is mixing and coming up with something that doesn’t seem unoriginal, it’s an easy trap to fall into.

Meninas by Velázquez, Pollock, have they been your biggest recognised influences?

Picasso has influenced me a lot, particularly his ability to take leaps in terms of style... in the end, he’s a painter who loves classicism, but dual. There’s a quote from Picasso which I find absolutely essential: “Paint what you like, but do it with skill”.

What effect do life events have when it comes to creation? Do they encourage these style leaps you mentioned about Picasso?

I don’t like to speak about artists as distinct people oblivious to problems. Painters create a sort of autobiography of who we are, what we feel, what’s going on in our lives... I’d keep painting no matter what happened.

What inspires you?

Some mornings, when I enter the studio, the light breaks through the window’s old, thick glass and I discover colours which I try to create right away and transfer to the canvas.

They’re moments in which you feel an inner click; that is my inspiration.

Are they joyful moments?

Everything seems to flow better when I’m happy, so I paint; it’s the best way I have to express how I’m feeling. My grandfather used to say, “You have to paint with joy”. That’s how it goes with me; colour has an important presence, I have a hard time with gloomy. Now, when I’m sad, I write music, something no one has ever seen, nor will they (he says laughing).

When did you decide to become a painter?

I don’t remember when I became a painter, but I do remember when I started painting...

I come from a family which has always taken art very seriously. We used to discuss great Western paintings, the Renaissance, Leonardo, Classicism, as something natural... and I started painting in that same way. If we take exhibitions as a measure of when I became a painter, I’d say I’ve been exhibiting for 20 years, although that’s not what makes you a painter.

Alfredo Palmero is the official portrait painter for His Majesty King Juan Carlos and Prince Felipe de Borbón, for whom he created a magnificent portrait. He has permanent collections in the Castile-La Mancha Contemporary Art Museum and the Sofía Gaspar Contemporary Art Museum in Hong Kong.

Palmero’s works feature in the private collections of the Royal Family, the Prince of Asturias, the Casa de Alba Foundation, Juan Antonio Samaranch and Carlos Ferrer-Salat.

Alfredo Palmero is planning a number of international exhibitions in 2012. Just like in Doha and Hong Kong, Le CITY deluxe will continue to support Alfredo Palmero as a media partner and will visit him in cities like Moscow, St Petersburg and Monaco

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Most people believe that artists live in a kind of bubble. Is this true in your case?

Yes, and what’s more, I feel extremely lucky, because I had some learning patterns that

were completely different from the period in which I was born. I spent the first half of my live with my grandfather, a more classic court vision, a true vocational painter trained at the San Fernando Academy in Madrid in 1912 and who was taught by Sorolla and Moreno Carbonero; while on the other hand, I have a certain genuinely self-taught, independent side.

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he speaks with natural ease, as if the concept of normalcy were reflected in each photograph she takes; photographs which, with genuine deftness, she morphs into magnificent examples of art and photographic talent.

The work of Rebeca Saray is out of this world. This Galician photographer has been dabbling in the discipline ever since she was old enough to use reason. “Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved the world of painting, illustration and, later on, digital design. It was easy to find me stained with oil paints or hunched over an illustration during school playtime or in class. Over time, I realised this was what I really enjoyed doing and started mixing stock photographs with my illustrations, and I ended up discovering a broad range of possibilities to recreate the worlds in my mind”.

What started by chance, and also through

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an instant, a moment that, in my opinion, always has something to tell, a story, a feeling, a memory, and everything and each one of its parts needs to be reflected”.

Her immense aesthetic ability yields two utterly distinct types of work: “On one hand, I collaborate with magazines, first and foremost, as a portrait artist, taking fashion shoots, although I also work with advertising agencies, television, film and catalogues. The other is my more personal work, which I do for pleasure or on commission from customers looking for something unique. This includes photographs and photo-manipulation in the realm of fantasy and horror”.

Both professional facets produce commanding projects, like those undertaken alongside a host of celebrities: Pilar Rubio, Jorge Lorenzo, Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal, Vinila Von Bismark, Custo Dalmau, Sara Carbonero, Gary Dourdan, Craig Fairbrass,

Mark Keller and a string of others who have posed for her camera.

Committed to her profession, which she defines as “her life”, and ever willing to enjoy her work, Rebeca is currently juggling several new projects. “I have two books ready to be published. One is my adaptation of the story Alice in Wonderland with Norma Publishers and the other has a retro-futuristic theme and will be entitled Ensueño. It will be published

by Dibbuks. I’m also preparing a book on technique for the Anaya Publishing House, and the new album by Chenoa will be released soon, from which you can already see the initial photos and music video in which I was both video and artistic co-director. While there are plenty of other things to tell you, I prefer to keep them quiet, and check out my webpage over the next few months to view them”

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necessity, ended up becoming her profession.

“The stock photos, because of their low quality, no longer sufficed, and that’s when I first considered buying a camera and taking my own photographs”. Her talent and immense creativity were recognised by the Norma Publishing House, who decided to publish a book on her endeavours in this field.

From then on, one job followed another, leading to five years of intense dedication in which she was never lacking excitement, passion, hard work or energy.

Rebeca stands out thanks to her ability to capture photos which border on poetic. This requires a special artistic and steric sensibility, an element the photographer wields with remarkable malleability and transfers to her photographs in impeccable fashion, constructing a picture which speaks with its entire composition.

“For me, photography is about capturing

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Robert Vadra Witness the fitness TEXT CLAUDIA TRIMDE / PHOTO ANAÍ IBARRA / INTERVIEW ANA CRISTINA ALEXANDRE

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I maintain in my business” says Robert.

However there is something more Vadra has become known for; his fitness.

Mental balance and a strong dedication to his workout routines have a strongly influenced his business practise’s, the need to stay one step ahead of the pack, both introspectively and physically.

Robert Vadra talks to Le City Deluxe about why exercising and staying in shape is a crucial part of his life, keeping mind, body and soul in perfect harmony; the mandate for his fitness philosophy.

Balance is the key factor for Vadra when

maintaining a healthy and invigorating life and he is openly candid about this “Fitness is my life” he proclaims “It’s not just about improving my looks, it has improved my health, and overall mindset.”

He featured in 2009 Mens health Magazine, India’s largest selling lifestyle magazine mounted on his Suzuki Boulevard super bike, striking a lean and muscular pose.

He is a man constantly on the go, travel is a big part of his life, “In the morning I wake up and head down to the hotel gym for a quick 45 minute work out”. Depending on his travel routine, long hotel stays will involve circuit

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obert Vadra is well known as the son-in-law of Indian politics, married to Priyanka Gandhi daughter of Sonia Gandhi – the current president of The Indian National Congress.

Business is Vadra’s middle name, owner of Artex a fashion accessories company and his other partnership ventures in aviation, hospitality and real estate means he is involved in every component of business right down to the last detail. “ its always good to keep things in moderation to make things interesting and not biting off more than one can chew, that’s the principal

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training and running. Getting out in open air a is major bonus for Vadra with his own self styled ‘Window Shopping by Running’, “It’s the best way to see the town” he emphasizes.

His vacations are no different, sports orientated activities are a priority with his two childrenRaihan and Miraya, if they are not scuba diving with marine life, they are out cycling, river rafting or on Safari.

Vadra workouts are demanding and he usually runs a solid 10-12kms at a time, 5 or 6kms back in his home in India “Because of the weather conditions” he adds.

He embraced exercise 12 years ago when encouraged by his sister, 3 years ago he began to take it to the next level. At the time he weighed 86 kilos and after being challenged to lose weight by a friend he reduced his weight to 66kg. “I don’t believe in a quick fix” Vadra exclaims “I lost weight gradually, In a healthy way and I’ve been able to maintain it”.

For those readers feeling somewhat discouraged about exercise and weight loss Vadra has some sound advice. “Keep at it!” he declares “It becomes challenging, you need to push yourself further than before than you have before, yes it is a lot of effort and it can be difficult, but stick with the hard work, the results are worth it”. Vadra’s philosophy and hard work reflects in business he emphasizes this with a guru like concept “It’s about how you walk into a meeting, how much energy you have,

how good you feel about yourself. The mental strength and balance is what you achieve.”

Vadra has words for those who find it hard to fit exercise into their daily lives. “Incorporate your workouts around your regular life but initiate small changes such as after work walks and bike rides on weekends”Moderation in life is fundamental for Vadra to able to maintain his lifestyle and outlook. “Moderation is key, it will help you with everything in life”. Vadra’s philosophy allows for breaks in his regime “I indulge, yes of course, but I practice balance, if I decide to eat a little more one night, I know that the next morning ill run or cycle longer”.

His passion for sports are shared by his brother-in-Law Rahul Gandhi and the two often cycle together, clocking up to 50kms in a session.

Vadra’s advice for Le City’s deluxe readers extends further than the gym and business, his life’s philosophy is part and parcel of his everyday being “It’s not just about how many pushups you can do or how far you can run.

It’s about making it fun and incorporating activities that you love to do in your daily routine. Don’t think that you are just working out your body. Exercise will greatly effect your strength and focus your mind. To become balanced strong and a well respected person, you need to do an all round workout-focused exercise, this is the ultimate tool to grant you the greatest luxury life has to offer; health.”

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Bazaar deluxe

TEXT ROSA GIRONA

REDS, GOLD AND LUMINOSITY Chanel´s les Scintillances. A limited edition makeup collection. Centre stage is given to the Les ceintures illuminating powder, inspired in one of Mademoiselle Coco’s belt buckles

www.cha ne l.com

PERFUME-JEWELLERY Limited edition by Thierry Mugler.

Angel Fragrance and necklace

www. m ugl e r. c o m

LUXURY COSMETIC LIFTING

www.g u e rlain.com

THE NOBEL OF COSMETICS Ultimate Regenerating Serum, by Shiseido. A youth concentrate which protects the skin from future damage and repairs any sustained to date

www. sh i se i do. c om

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Guerlain longevity concentrate. Refines skin visibly and immediately.

Affords your skin the same homogeneity and level of perfection as an orchid petal

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Freedom and peace in the magical world of

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resplendent harbour bustling with luxury yachts, exclusive beach clubs and celebrities the likes of Prince Charles, Paris Hilton and Roman Abramovich... While this panorama might make one think of Mykonos or SaintTropez, it isn’t. Thanks to the millions of dollars invested by Eastern multi-millionaires and Saudi royals, Bodrum has become the epicentre of the Turkish Riviera.

CHS Yachting Group invites its passengers to spend “the holiday of their lives” aboard one of its incredible yachts, embarking on a cruise across the Aegean Sea towards the cradle of European civilisation.

The journey begins at the Milas-Bodrum

Airport. Upon arrival, a personal advisor will pick the passengers up in an exquisite limousine and escort them to the Marina Yachting Club, where the welcome dinner is held. This prestigious restaurant, regarded as one of the city’s gastronomic and cultural musts, is renowned for its tempting menu meticulously crafted by Hasan Huseyn Erde, one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs.

When the enthralling time comes for passengers to board the magnificent yacht, a friendly crew will be on hand to welcome them and take care of any wishes they may have.

The chef will receive word of their culinary preferences, and, over the course of the journey, passengers will have a chance to savour their

favourite dishes along with gems from the Ottoman and Mediterranean recipe books.

The cabins feature all the commodities of a five-star hotel, including a royal bed, whirlpool and spectacular panoramic sea views.

The journey offers guests the chance to view the two Wonders of the World located in Turkey, Halicarnassus and Ephesus, appreciate the beauty of Hellenistic and Byzantine ruins and discover a number of other archaeological sites which far outshine those from Greece or Italy.

A slight push to set sail and the boat is off, flying over the waves towards the magical world of freedom, peace and joy

S MORE THAN JUST A YACHT! Inspired from the passion for the sea.

Constructed to international specifications and with a particular emphasis on durability and reliability.

The exterior of this elegant sail yacht gives an air of an old corsair ship, and her interior decoration combines elements of classical design with ultra-modern hi-tech gadgets. A large sun deck will allow you to enjoy outdoor space.

She is equipped with the latest navigation equipment and engine of the moment.

Maximum use has been made of the interior space, which is light and spacious decorated in creams and sand tones.

You never will be disappointed aboard this comfortable and maneuverable beauty, sharing unforgettable moments with your family and friends. 路 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Vessel Type: Ketch Date Launched: 2010 Length of Overall: 47,00m Beam: 8,84m Draft: 4,04m Classification: RINA Hull Material: Mahogany Laminated Max Speed: 13,5 knot Cruising Speed: 11 knot Crew: 7 路 ACCOMMODATION Twelve passengers in six cabins: 2 Master Deluxe Cabins 2 Guest Cabins with double beds 2 Guest Cabins with two single beds All cabins include en-suite shower & toilette, individual air-conditioning units, plasma TV, Hi-Fi stereo system and sound isolation within thick mahogany walls. 路 WATER TOYS Dinghy, water ski, canoe, snorkel gear, wake board, jet ski.

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ASKING PRICE This yacht can be seen during Barcelona Boat show from 5 to 13 November Please contact CHS Yachting for appointment info@chsyachting.com

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BOOKS

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The Official Ferrari Opus TEXT PABLO MANZANELLI

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Maranello concern, from the current chairman Luca di Montezemolo to Piero Ferrari, Jean Todt, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. The Official Ferrari Opus is illustrated with more than 2,000 spectacular images, boasting among them previously unpublished rarities belonging to private archives and those captured in private sessions by the prestigious photographer Rankin.

The Official Ferrari Opus will consist of three editions: Classic, Cavallino Rampante and Enzo. The Classic edition will be the first on the scale, with a price that exceeds 2,000 euros per copy. Meanwhile, the Cavallino Rampante edition, at a price of 4,200 euros, will carry on the cover an official emblem identical to that of Ferrari’s road models.

The most exclusive cut of The Official Ferrari Opus will be the Enzo edition with a print run of just 400 copies, enhanced with the signatures of the team’s living world champions. The elegant cover in black carbon fibre, enhanced with the brand’s mythical racing badge, will come with a stand custom-created by the renowned British firm of designers Candy & Candy. Its price will be around 23,000 euros.

The Official Ferrari Opus comprises 852

pages, weighs 37 kilograms, is printed on Matt Art paper with 5 colour processes and each copy boasts handmade detailing in materials of the very finest quality.

Copy number 1 of the Enzo edition of The Official Ferrari Opus is signed by Luca di Montezemolo as well as other historic personalities from the “scudería”. This copy will visit each one of the current season’s Grands Prix, returning to the Maranello factory once it ends. Perhaps it will be accompanied by the world title so feverishly pursued by the majority of participants in this top world motoring category.

If luxury is what it’s all about, then its best representation lies in “The Enzo Diamond Edition”, an exclusive and limited publication which Ferrari and Opus have created from the Enzo collection.The jewel-book is red-leather covered, ornamented with a 1,500-piece diamond ‘Prancing Horse’,a hand craft performed by the Siroya Collection team. With a price of $250,000 USD, this amazing masterpiece can Only be enjoyed by one person per country

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f there is one brand in the world that symbolises a concept, that brand is Ferrari.The name, the logo, the “Ferrari red” or any of the various icons that represent the most celebrated and sought-after car manufacturer: all are irresistible, both to those who drive these veritable motoring purebreds and to the “Ferraristi” who enjoy its sporting achievements.The truth is that no-one has ever remained indifferent to the significance of Ferrari, to its motors, its prancing “cavallino rampante” horse, the huge personality of Il Cavaliere Enzo Ferrari and the magnificent sporting trajectory that sustains the legend year after year.

Ferrari and Opus Media Group, in a quest to reflect this history, have launched a work that measures up to the myth represented by the world’s most renowned motoring brand.

It is The Official Ferrari Opus, a 37-kg book that embodies the most ambitious graphic work ever produced in the history of the Maranello house.

Such a task required the concourse of those who could best narrate the life of Ferrari and everything it symbolises. A group of specialised writers have interviewed the most knowledgeable personalities involved in the

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F1 paddle-shift transmission, enables the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in under 3.4 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 320 kilometres per hour.

Yet the new Ferrari 458 Spider does not only shine with its stratospheric numbers.

The combined-cycle HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system ensures genuinely praiseworthy emission and fuel consumption stats in the city. Likewise, the aluminium chassis and other alloy parts adhere to European safety protocols scheduled for implementation in 2020.

However, one of the factors in which Ferrari has delved deepest in recent years is vehicle customisation, affording the Italian company a mark of distinction that all other supercar manufacturers struggle to match.

Ferrari’s customisation programme offers a full range of fabrics, colours, finishes and fixtures. It features three collections: Classica, Scuderia and Inedita, all specially conceived at the Ferrari Design Centre.

The second customers decide to purchase a Ferrari 458 Spider, they benefit from the advice of a personal designer who accompa-

nies them throughout the entire purchase and customisation process until the vehicle is delivered. The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme continues to provide full customisation options geared towards a select public.

However, as with all Ferrari creations, each new model which hits the showroom must outshine its predecessors. Thus, certain features, such as the accelerator pedal mapping or multi-link suspension, have been calibrated to ensure maximum sportiness even with the top down. Even the sound of the engine has been tuned to captivate occupants; a manner of tempo rubato even Vivaldi would be proud of.

With every inch of aluminium and leather drenched with this enthusiasm for excellence, the Ferrari 458 Spider raises the automobile industry bar yet another notch. Perhaps this is fruit of the philosophy Enzo Ferrari managed to instil in his company, back when their cars were still blue and, while the Formula One did not exist, they were already winning races.

That’s how a legend is made.The inhabitants of Maranello know it well

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hen neighbours in the peaceful town of Maranello saw Fernando Alonso whiz past aboard a brand-new yellow Ferrari, they knew what had been whispered about in recent months was now ready for the streets. The macchina unveiled by the Italian company at the most recent Frankfurt Motor Show had arrived to delight the eyes, ears and hearts of Ferrari fans the world over.

The Ferrari 458 Spider is the new and exclusive 8-cylinder Italian gem, which the company from Maranello designed to assuage the crème de la crème of its demanding clientele. We’re talking about a two-seat, mid-rear engine vehicle that boasts a retractable allaluminium top, a feature virtually unheard of in this type of car.

The 458 Spider’s new hard top is not only 25 kilograms lighter than the traditional soft top, it is also quieter and faster, as it retracts and rises in just 14 seconds.

A 570 horsepower Ferrari V8 engine is charged with propelling the 458 Spider wherever the driver decides. The aforementioned engine, in tandem with the dual-clutch Ferrari

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CITY GUIDE

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NEW YORK

MIAMI

NEW DELHI

· Gourmet

· Gourmet

· Gourmet

BLUE HILL 75 Washington Pl. +1 212-539-1776 www.bluehillfarm.com

FORGE 432 Forty First Street +1 (305) 538-8533 www.theforge.com

BUKHARA Maurya Sheraton, Diplomatic Enclave +91 11 301 0101 www.itchotels.in

GORDON RAMSAY 151 West 54th Street +1 212-468-8888 www.gordonramsay.com

STK MIAMI 2377 Collins Avenu +1 (305) 604-6988 www.onelittlewest12.com

CHOR BIZARRE 4/15 A Asaf Ali Rd +91 11 2327-3821 www.chorbizarrerestaurant.com

· Hotels

· Hotels

· Hotels

SOHO HOUSE 29 9th Avenue +1 212-627-9800 www.sohohouseny.com

THE VILLA BY BARTON G. 1116 Ocean Drive +1 (305) 576-8003 www.thevillabybartong.com

HOTEL MAHARAJA CONTINENTAL 8194-96/6, Arakashan Road, Paharganj +91 9212169944 www.hotelmaharaja.net

FOUR SEASONS 57 E 57th Street +1 212-758-5700 www.fourseasons.com

FOUR SEASONS MIAMI 1435 Brickell Avenue +1 (305) 358-3535 www.fourseasons.com

TAJ PALACE HOTEL Sardar Patel Marg , Diplomatic Enclave +91 11 26110202 www.tajhotels.com

· Wellness

· Wellness

· Wellness

MANDARIN ORIENTAL 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street +1-866-801-8880 www.mandarinoriental.com

AMATTRA SPA Spa Ashok Hotel, 50-B, Chanakya Puri +91 11 24122921 26 www.amatrraspa.com/

BLISS 57 2 W. 57th St., New York +1 212-219-8970 http://www.blissworld.com

MIAMI LIFE CENTER 736 6th Street +1 (305) 534-8988 www.miamilifecenter.com

CANYON RANCH 6801 Collins Avenue +1 (800) 742-9000 www.canyonranchmiamibeach.com

· Shopping

· Shopping

· Shopping

BARNEYS 660 Madison Avenue +1 212-826-8900 www.barneys.com

INCA 2317 Collins Avenue +1 (305) 673-9170 www.theincacollection.com

EMPORIO ARMANI Sujan Singh Park, Lodi Estate +91 08750 699819 www.emporioarmani.com

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BOUTIQUE 965 Madison Avenue +1 212-396-1884 www.christianlouboutin.com

THE W STORE 2201 Collins Avenue +1 (305) 938-3000 www.whotelsthestore.com

LOUIS VUITTON Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj +91 11 46690000 www.louisvuitton.com

· Business

· Business

· Business

THE BLANCH LAW FIRM 261 Madison Avenue 12th Floor +1 0018-888-252-624 www.theblanchlawfirm.com

RBC WEALTH MANAGER 801 Brickell Ave +1-887-RBC BANK www.rbcwminternational.com

STATE BANK OF INDIA Chaukhandi, Tilak Nagar +91 11 27672381 www.statebankofindia.com

BARCLAYS CAPITAL 200 Park Avenue +1 212-412-4000 www.barcap.com

THE ADVOCATES 1221 Brickell Avenue, Suite 900 +1 (305) 347-5135 www.theadvocates.com

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 4, San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri +91 11 24107200 www.adb.org

THE GRAND NEW DELHI SPA Vasant kunj - Phase II, Nelson Mandela Road +91 11 26705550 www.thegrandnewdelhi.com

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· Gourmet

· Gourmet

· Gourmet

GORDON RAMSAY 68 Royal Hospital Road +44 020 7352 4441 www.gordonramsay.com

GOLD Via Carlo Poerio, 2/a +39-027-577-771 www.dolcegabbanagold.it

AGAPÉ 51 Rue Jouffroy d’Abbans +33 01 42 27 20 18 www.agape-paris.fr

L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON 13-15 West Street, Covent Garden +44 020 7010 8600 www.joelrobuchon.co.uk

LA RINASCENTE (7TH FLOOR) Milano Piazza Duomo 20121 +39-02-8852-471 www.rinascente.it

LASSERRE 17 avenue Franklin Roosevelt +33 01 43 59 02 13 www.restaurant-lasserre.com

· Hotels

· Hotels

· Hotels

THE CAVENDISH LONDON 81 Jermyn Street, St James +44 020 7930 2111 www.thecavendish-london.co.uk

BULGARI HOTEL Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7/8 +39-02-8058-05 www.bulgarihotels.com

HOTEL DU LOUVRE Place André Malraux +33 01 44 58 38 38 www.hoteldulouvre.com

ST. MARTINS LANE LONDON 45 St. Martin’s Lane +44 020 7300 5500 www.stmartinslane.com

PARK HYATT Via Tommaso Grossi, 1 +39-02-8821-11 www.milan.park.hyatt.com

RITZ 15, Place Vendôme +33 01 43 16 30 30 www.ritzparis.com

· Wellness

· Wellness

· Wellness

BLISS 60 Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DD +44 020 7590 6146 www.blissworld.co.uk

MANZONI SPA Via Santo Spirito, 20 +39-02-7600-5700 www.hotelmanzoni.com

DIOR INSTITUT 25 Avenue Montaigne +39 01 53 67 65 35 www.spaplazaathenee.com

KIMANTRA URBAN SPA 5 Camden Passage, London N1 8EU +44 020 7226 8860 www.kimantra.co.uk

YOUNIQUE Via Falcone, 5 Milan +39-02-9443-5063 www.yhc.it

MAJ CLUB WELLNESS CENTRE 30 Rue la Perouse +3901 45 00 83 70 www.majestic-hotel.com

· Shopping

· Shopping

· Shopping

TIFFANY & CO 25 Old Bond Street, Mayfair +44 020 7409 2790 www.tiffany.co.uk

DOLCE & GABBANA Via della Spiga, 26 +39-02-7602-1529 www.dolcegabbana.it

CHANEL 26 Old Bond Street +44 020 7493 5040 www.chanel.com

GUCCI Via Monte Napoleone, 5-7 +39-02-7712-71 www.gucci.com

HUGO BOSS 115 Avenue des Champs-Elysees +39 01 53 57 35 40 www.hugoboss.com

LOUIS VUITTON 22 Avenue Montaigne +39 01 45 62 47 00 www.louisvuitton.com

· Business

· Business

· Business

HSBC BANK PLC 129 New Bond Street +44 020 7499 7624 www.hsbc.com

LARUFFA E ASSOCIATI Via Malpighi, 4 +39-02-7712-71 www.laruffaeassociati.it

HSBC PRIVATE BANK 109 Avenue des Champs Elysées +39 01 49 52 20 00 www.hsbcprivatebankfrance.com

MADIGAN BROWNE ARCHITECTS 63 Grosvenor Street +44 020 7036 6290 www.madiganbrowne.com

MILANO NOTAI STUDIO via Manzoni 14 +3939-02-7601-7512 www.milanonotai.it

BIGNON LEBRAY ADVOCATES 14, rue Pergolèse +39 01 44 17 17 44 www.bignonlebray.com

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BERLIN

MOSCOW

BARCELONA

· Gourmet

· Gourmet

· Gourmet

HARTMANNS RESTAURANT Fichtestraße 31 +49 (0)30 - 61 20 10 03 www.hartmanns-restaurant.de

CRISTAL ROOM Nikolskaya Ul. 19-21 +7 (495) 933-3389 www.baccarat.com

AROLA BARCELONA Hotel Arts, Marina 19-21 +34 93 483 80 90 www.arola-arts.com

RESTAURANT 44 Augsburger Straße +49 (0) 30 / 220 10 2288 www.restaurant44.de

NOBU st.Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 20 +7 (495) 645-3191 www.miramarmonaco.com

SOBA SUSHI & LOUNGE Taquígraf Garriga, 87-89 +34 93 363 13 47 www.sobaculture.com

· Hotels

· Hotels

· Hotels

HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI Unter den Linden 77 Am Pariser Platz Phone: +49 (0) 30 2261 0 www.kempinski.com

RITZ CARLTON MOSCOW Tverskaya Ul. 3 +7 (495) 225-8888 www.ritzcarlton.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40 +34 93 151 88 88 www.mandarinoriental.com

THE RITZ CARLTON BERLIN Potsdamer Platz 3 +49 (0) 30-33 7777 www.ritzcarlton.com

SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY Kosmodamianskaya nab., 52, building 6 +7 (495) 787 9800 www.swissotel.com

HOTEL ABAC BARCELONA Avinguda Tibidabo, 1 +34 93 319 66 00 www.abacbarcelona.com

· Wellness

· Wellness

· Wellness

ONO SPA Potsdamer Straße 3 +49 (0) 30 590 05 11 00 www.onospa.de

BELLEFONTAINE Trubnikovsky per.8/15 +7(495) 988-5071 www.bellefontaine.ru

RITUAL DE ORIENTE Calle Loreto, 50 +34 934 191 472 www.rituelsdorient.com

YI SPA Monbijouplatz 3a +49 (0) 3028879665 Web: www.yi-spa.com

SPA BALTSCHUG Baltschug Ul. 1 +7 (495) 287 2000 www.kempinski-moscow.com

FITT ENTRENAMENT PERSONAL Balmes, 109 +34 93 451 36 24 www.fitt.es

· Shopping

· Shopping

· Shopping

KADEWE Tauentzienstr. 21-24 +49 (0) 30 21 21 0 www.kadewe.de

HERMÈS Moscow GUM, 3 Red Square, +7 (495) 620-30-19 www.hermes.com

CHOPARD Passeig de Grácia, 78 +34 93 467 54 36 www.chopard.com

THE CORNER SHOP Französische Straße 40 +49 (0)30 20 67 09 50 www.thecornerberlin.de

LOUIS VUITTON Stoleshnikov Lane, 10/18 +7 (495) 933-35-30 www.louisvuitton.com

UNION SUIZA Av. Diagonal, 482 +34 93 415 04 61 www.unionsuiza.com

· Business

· Business

· Business

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL Alexanderplatz 1 +49 (0) 30 31 51 93 5-0 www.ebc-hochschule.de

PLESHAKOV, USHKALOV AND PARTNERS 15 Volkonsky lane +7(495) 542-00-54 www.advocates.su

CUATRECASAS GONÇALVES PEREIRA Paseo de Gracia, 111 +34 93 290 55 00 www.cuatrecasas.com

BERLIN CAPITAL CLUB Mohrenstraße 30 +49 (0) 30 206 297 6 www.berlincapitalclub.de

MAGNUSSON 8A Strastnoy Blvd. +7 (495) 988 92 42 www.magnussonlaw.com

GLOBAL ABOGADOS C/ Muntaner, 261 +34 93 362 05 45 www.globalabogados.com

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