eighth edition
The magazine for guests of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Anniversary edition
THIS IS YOUR PERSONAL MAGAZINE – PLEASE KEEP IT WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS
Jewellery Atelier 104 Amathountos Avenue, Seasons Plaza B-C Ayios Tychonas (opposite Four Seasons Hotel) 4532 Limassol, Cyprus Tel: 25313302, Fax: 25314734, Mobile: 99692256, 99652263 e-mail: jewelleryatelier@cytanet.com.cy
G E N E VA - G S TA A D - H O N G K O N G - K U WA I T - L O N D O N - M O S C O W - M Y K O N O S N E W Y O R K - PA R I S - P O RT O C E R V O - R O M E - S T B A RT H E L E M Y - S T M O R I T Z - T O K Y O
w w w. d e g r i s o g o n o . c o m
View from the Top Dear Guest, I have the pleasure to announce the appointment of Alexander Haeusler as the new General Manager of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort. Mr. Haeusler, an Austrian native, has graduated from one of the leading hotel management colleges and has wide experience in fine hotels around Europe, Middle East and Asia. His last position was General Manager at the award winning Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Thailand for 6 years. This year Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort is celebrating its twentieth anniversary and I feel extremely proud of the way the owning company has transformed this originally 5 star hotel into the outstanding and world recognised resort that is today. Another milestone for our hotel is the commencement of the development of 5 super luxury residences on prime land within the hotel’s exclusive gardens. The eventual owners of these villas will enjoy all the unique facilities and services of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort. We are deeply committed to providing you with the most unique of holiday experiences and luxury services. To this quest our new management team ensures that your stay is even more memorable. We love to say “welcome back”! Yours sincerely
Costas Galatariotis Executive Chairman
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eighth edition
Anniversary edition
Contents P.O.Box 56560 CY-3308, Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: + 357 2586 2000 Fax: + 357 2563 4222 enquiries.limassol@lemeridien.com www.cyprus.lemeridien.com Status Privé In-house Magazine of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort 8th edition - Anniversary edition Summer 2009 EDITORIAL TEAM Ilya V. Loysha Editor in Chief
View from the Top 1
General Manager’s Welcome 7
Then & Now 8
Private Villas at Le Meridien 18
Penguin village - a decade of service! 23
William W. Weaver Associate Managing Editor Dmitry Beliaev Art Direction
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Valerie Kouznetsov Art Execution Contributors Jennifer Marangos, William W. Weaver, Erhan Gota, Christina Georgiadou, M. Evangelou, Miroslav Kalinic, Paris Kounoudis, Yiannis Ioannou, Celia Blair, Anne Raichoux, Anna Marangou, Wendy Kenny Photography Agis Agisilaou, Christos Papantoniou, Erato Kantouna, Le Meridien Archive, AMME Archive, Barone Ricasoli archive, Erhan Gota, Ivana Jovanovitch, Wendy Kenny, Ilya Loysha Admin. & Advertising Chr. Anexagoras N. Efstathiou
Relaxation and Pampering at Le Spa 28
Gourmandising 35
Savouring Life with every sip! 41
Perfection is All About Trying 45
Fashion in Crisis? 49
Modern Vintage in Fashion 63
Investing in Brands 69
‘Basking’ in Fashion… 77 Co-ordinator M. Evangelou Published by AMME Consultancy ISSN 1986-0609 fotini@logos.cy.net
Noblesse Oblige 78
Welcome to Limassol 81
General Manager’s Welcome Dear Guests, Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort has spent these past twenty years being the recipient of enthusiastic support from business partnerships that have helped us become what we are today. We shall remain forever grateful for this co-operation from the community, but of course, we shall not rest on our laurels: we have a great vision for the future that will demand further dedication to our goal of remaining the best (and only!) five-star international chain hotel in Cyprus located directly on the beach. Nestled in 100,000 square meters of exquisitely landscaped gardens overlooking a fine beach, our hotel has been voted the “World’s Leading Spa Resort and Leading Europe’s Resort” for three consecutive years. Thus our hotel has accommodated a long list of accolades and trophies in the course of its development as one of the world’s great hotels. The end result has been the gradual evolution of our hotel as a destination within a destination: a place where the personal touch leaves its imprint on every aspect of customer service with one objective in mind: exceed the expectations of our guests. On a personal level, I feel deeply privileged to have been appointed General Manager of Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort, and in the face of so many awards accumulated by our hotel, I have made it my own special commitment to build on those past successes and to further enhance the reputation of the resort. Naturally, guest loyalty is particularly important to us: we want you to come back to repeat the memorable experiences you had and to explore the many opportunities we offer through our eight restaurants; five bars; six swimming pools; extensive banquet, meeting, and wedding facilities; and Penguin Village, an unrivalled children’s paradise. The only one of its kind in Europe, our famed Thalassotherapy Spa offers four outdoor and three indoor seawater treatment pools with a selection of over 130 Thalgo and Elemis treatments to pamper your every need. Of course, the secret to our success relies squarely on us, and the focus and motivation of our highly trained associates. As your host, our prime objective is to insure that our team continues to meet and anticipate your needs, and to deliver the brand service promised by our name as part of the worldwide network of Starwood Hotels and Resorts consisting of 960 hotels with nine distinctive brands, including Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort. Where else does art, architecture, haute cuisine, and an elegant lifestyle come together more seamlessly than at Le Meridien. As a Starwood Preferred Guest one enjoys the benefits of this fine progam which has been repeatedly voted as the best loyalty program winning more Freddie Awards than any other frequent guest scheme. We have indeed become a model for the entire hospitality industry. Of course none of this would be possible without you, our valued guests and friends. You are our best ambassadors and we heartily thank you for your continued support and patronage. Yours sincerely Alexander Haeusler
General Manager
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Then & Now
H OT E L D O S S I E R By Costas Galatariotis Executive Chairman
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t is exciting to look back on the gradual evolution of Le Meridien Limassol over the past twenty years and to realize how much it has changed in terms of the core concepts that make our hotel what it is today. From its launching in 1989 until 1997, we were mostly a business-oriented hotel offering comfortable rooms and facilities. After 1997, and especially with the creation of Penguin Village, Le Meridien began to attract families which enhanced the use of our facilities, especially the garden villas. Then, in 2000, came a complete upgrade of the image of the hotel, with the creation of Le Spa, the Ultimate Indoor/Outdoor Thalassotherapy Spa, which is the only one of its type in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Middle East. Le Spa consists of indoor and outdoor heated sea water pools each with a different salinity content and temperature and 34 treatment rooms. This was further complemented by the opening of the Royal Spa Wing with 18 Superior Spa Rooms, 6 Cabanas each with a private Jacuzzi, 4 Royal Suites overlooking the fresh water grotto swimming pool and a unique seawater swimming pool. Simultaneously 13 of the existing garden villas were upgraded having a private swimming pool The above, along with the renaming of the hotel as Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort, automatically lifted our image and set us into an entirely different league. Almost overnight Le Meridien became a huge success with Tour Operators promoting it as a preferred destination for their distinguished clientele. The revenue indicators rose substantially and from its first operational year as a new Spa Resort, the capacity, the occupancy rate and the room rates ALL increased thus, doubling the annual revenue. After three years – in 2003 – and armed with the success of Le Spa - we created the first Residents Only hotel in Cyprus, adding new
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Then & Now
H OT E L D O S S I E R restaurants, a theatre venue, a leisure land for teenagers, pedestrian walkways, and other topnotch facilities found in the hotel today. Following the first turbulent season, mainly because of the Iraqi war, the Residents Only concept was, gradually but steadily, proven a correct move. Now, after twenty years of continuous upgrading, we are taking a step further by creating five exclusive residences within the grounds of the hotel, for sale. The eventual owners of these residences will enjoy the unique facilities that Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort offers. Parallel to the creation of the residences, we have commenced to study a grand Renovation that will upgrade even further this unique resort thus securing our market leader status for many more years to come. n
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1993 The late Stavros Galatariotis Founder and Executive Chairman of the Galatariotis Group of Companies escorting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Summit
2004
2008
F R O M
O U R
P H O T O
G A L L E R Y
A R C H I V E
Then & Now
Sepp Blatter 8th and current President of FIFA
Fashion Designer Jean Paul Gaultier with Costas Galatariotis Executive Chairman and Alexis Galatariotis Executive Director
2007
Michel Platini and his wife
2009
Prince Abdul Aziz Al Saud (right) of Saudi Arabia with our Executive Director Alexis Galatariotis
H OT E L D O S S I E R
2004
Lennard Johanson, President of UEFA, listening to his distinguished colleagues update
2004
Franz Beckenbauer FIFA & UEFA official – ‘the Kaiser’ of German football and Sven Goran Erikson Coach of Britain’s National Team and now of Mexico
2006
Angelo Gaja – one of Italy’s most famous wine producers
2009
‘Man of the Match’ Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic with our Erhan Gota
2004 UEFA Congress at Le Meridien Limassol 2008
Pavel Nedved Juventus’ Midfielder
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ur special approach to hospitality has been confirmed over and over by the long list of distinguished guests who have established Le Meridien’s international reputation. Highlighting a few of the thousands of events hosted and the guests we had the pleasure to entertain in our hotel over the years please share with us: October 1993 – the 12th Commonwealth Summit Conference – gave us the honour to welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Opening Ceremony and other events of the Meeting of the Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth, including Britain’s Prime Minister John Major, and over 40 Heads of State residing with us at Le Meridien, the official venue of the Conference. 2000 – Set us in the spotlight with the Miss Universe Pageant returning to Aphrodite’s cradle and Le Meridien, the Main Hotel to host the International Beauty Contestants. And what a joy that was!
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GEORGE MARIE
ΛΕΜΕΣΟΣ Αρχ. Μακαρίου 278 P.O.Box 51960, 3509 Λεμεσός - Κύπρος Τηλ: 25 582141 | Φαξ: 25 591609 E-mail: marie@cytanet.com.cy
GRANT
ΛΕΜΕΣΟΣ Αρχ. Μακαρίου 210B Τηλ: 25 379866 & Kολωνακίου 25 Τηλ: 25 313120
ΛΕΥΚΩΣΙΑ Αγίας Ελένης 7Α & Β Τηλ: 22 757347
ΠΑΦΟΣ Αρχ. Μακαρίου 132 Τηλ: 26 934660
ΛΑΡΝΑΚΑ Γρηγόρη Αυξεντίου 10 Κατάστημα 3 & 4 Τηλ: 24 626330
ΠΑΡΑΛΙΜΝΙ Νίκης 2 Τηλ: 23 812400
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e don’t need to put the word “experience” in italics at Penguin Village in order to emphasize the fact that our track record speaks for itself. Ten years and nearly 100000 kids has given us the opportunity to test new ideas and novel techniques to make our children’s department at Le Meridien the best of its kind in Cyprus – indeed many say that it is the best anywhere, just read the comments in our guestbook. We now have four permanent staff members who are on site all year around and then the staff expands during the peak season (as many as nine additional assistants) plus extras now and then to lend us a hand in the crèche and with the little ones. Our team is both international and multilingual so that our youngest customers can talk to us without stress and confusion in the same language they speak to mum.
IN OUR PENGUIN VILLAGE ALL KIDS ARE VIPS Our creche area is designed specifically for under one through three years old. After your hotel registration form is completed you can book your kids any time between 10 am and 4 pm. Some children arrive for 2 to 3 hours, others for the full day. Programming for the crèche has to be ready by the end of each day for the day following so we can plan ahead for the number of helpers we will need, which is why we like to hear from you the day before sending your child to the crèche area. The childto-adult caretaker ratio in the crèche never exceeds 3:1 and children under one each have their own nanny for the
H OT E L D O S S I E R
PENGUIN VILLAGE CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SERVICE!
by Erhan Gota, Head of Animation and Sports
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day. We also maintain a detail book that records all the special needs for each child and what was done for them while at Penguin Village: feeding times, nap times, and the like. All the children receive equal care and attention and they return to their parents as well scrubbed and smiling as they were when handed over to us.
PENGUIN VILLAGE FOR THE OLDER SET Day-ahead booking is not so essential for the older kids because we have many activities to preoccupy them and supervision is a little more flexible. The indoor and outdoor area covers about 2500 square meters, so there is plenty of room between 10 am and 6 pm – we never turn children away. The secret to making the kids happy is to give them the freedom of choice from engaging games to activities that mimic learning activities in school. On the other hand, we do not pretend to be teachers, just their grown up friends who will keep an eye on them and encourage them to try new things and to meet and have fun with the other kids they are with. Parents of children coming to Penguin Village must fill out a registration form giving us details about allergies, special needs, special likes and dislikes, food preferences, and so forth. Additionally we are one of the few children clubs that also accept special-needs children, in which case we do not provide special medical care, but supervision to insure that they do not feel left out. Those children always receive their own adult supervisor. n
H OT E L D O S S I E R If you have kids and are considering Penguin Village, here are some important statistics to keep in mind:
PENGUIN VILLAGE CRECHE Ages: 0-3 years old Open 10 – 4 pm. All year round Fee – 9 Euro per hour for families with 2 kids under 3 years old 50% discount on second child Booking: 24 hours notice No sessions – any time suitable for guests Staff ratio 3:1 Indoor Area – sleeping room, soft room, baby bathroom, mini kitchen, fully air conditioned Outdoor area – crèche garden – fully shaded Feeding – Food and drinks can be provided by parents or ordered from room service
PENGUIN VILLAGE KIDS CLUB Supervised play area of 2500 m2 with trained multilingual staff Ages 3 and over
Open all year round: from 16 March to 15 November - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; from 16 November to 15 March 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Free of charge excluding food and drinks Indoor Amenities – arts room, playroom, games room with puppet theatre.. OUTDOOR AREA – swimming pool (only with staff supervision), mini football pitch, mini basket ball pitch, bouncing castle, climbing frame, and much more. Area designed for kids 3 – 6 years old – fenced fully shaded Animation team workshop includes clay making, pottery, painting etc LUNCH – Upon request, every day in Kid’s Restaurant 7 DAYS ANIMATION TEAM PROGRAM OLYMPIC DAY, TALENT SHOW, AWARD CEREMONY ONCE A WEEK
INDOOR – 4 lane bowling, electronic games, disco club, table tennis.. OUTDOOR – 4 tennis courts, 5a side football pitch, mini golf course, multiple purpose course (basketball, volleyball, badminton, darts, archery) billiards, table tennis, sports bar. PRIVATE LESSONS – swimming, tennis, yoga, gym instructor, charge per lesson BICYCLES FOR RENT (adults and kids) 7 DAYS ROTATING ANIMATION PROGRAM
LEISURE LAND
Kids swimming pool Water slide pool Kids restaurant Games rooms
For all sports’ fans Area – animation office with all sports equipment
BABY SITTING SERVICE Arranged through Penguin Village or Concierge Desk with 24 hours notice. Charge – 17 Euro transportation fee plus 9 euros per hour until 10 pm and 13 euros per hour after 10pm. Babysitter is per family.
OTHER KIDS FACILITIES IN THE HOTEL
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Relaxation and Pampering at Le Spa A Return to the Sea for Body Mind and Spirit – Even for Mothers-to-Be
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H OT E L D O S S I E R
M
any exciting things have happened since the opening of the Le Spa at Le Meridien. Prestigious international awards have accumulated, staff has grown, new techniques have been introduced, but one thing remains remarkably constant about our world-famous Indoor/Outdoor Thalassotherapy Spa: it is still the only spa of its kind in Europe, and it has created a new definition for the meaning of relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing the frazzled inner self. The high stress of today’s complex, fast-paced lifestyle demands an antidote up to the challenge, and we are proud to say, many thousands of satisfied guests have left our uniquely designed spa with the smile of contentment on their faces. Indeed, we have many repeat customers, because only here at Le Spa will you find the curative powers of Nature channeled into the most remarkable treatments derived from the sea. Like Aphrodite, our native-born goddess who came to us on the invigorating foam of the blue Mediterranean, Thalassotherapy draws on those same fertile waters so rich in minerals and rejuvenating elements. For the uninitiated, thalassotherapy is a term adapted in the 19th century to describe the
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many uses and curative effects of natural sea water and substances procured from the sea, such as seaweed, sea mud, sand and sea spray. At Le Spa, this translates into a world-renowned supervised thalassotherapy programme, a unique experience with a variety of health and wellness benefits, suitable for both men and women. Spa guests who decide to treat themselves to the curative effects of mineral enriched seawater will spend time relaxing in Le Spa's four outdoor and three indoor thalassotherapy pools, each of which purposefully offers a different temperature and salinity content. Combined with a series of carefully positioned hydrotherapy jets, these special waters are very beneficial for joint and back problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, water retention, not to mention the type of sheer indulgence and relaxation to which mere mortals often aren't privy! In addition to this, Le Spa offers a hammam and two saunas as well as a heated indoor seawater pool with a negative flow section. Apart from the thalassotherapy pools, Le Spa provides an extensive array of services to pamper guests literally from head to toe. Along with 34 treatment rooms offering a wide range of Thalgo and Elemis treatments,
special consultants are available to advise guests on what treatments are best suited to them, and which special menus might provide additional benefits. We offer a full range of specially prepared spa foods from our special menus which are not so much designed for weight loss as they are for conditions like detoxification and restoring balance to the body and its functions. These foods are also carefully matched to complement and increase the effectiveness of the treatments received in the spa. With packages ranging from a glorious six days of personalized attention and care to a single day of luxury and an impressive list of 125 a la carte services, Le Spa leaves nothing to chance in working to ensure that its guests exit the mini-oasis created by Le Spa's arrangement of pools, arches and alluring passages having had a one-of-a-kind experience that they will not soon forget. How could they? The pleasant sense of well being, the after-glow of each intensive treatment lingers for many days. In addition to the thalassotherapy pools, Le Spa offers a variety of therapies that exploit the riches of the ocean in its marine-inspired Thalgo treatment rooms. Decorated in soothing shades of aquatic blues and greens that mirror the peaceful waters and serene beaches visible from the window in every Thalgo room, the Thalgo areas within Le Spa offer special nautical touches like sand-filled window boxes adorned with seashells and starfish, plus soft music and a few well-placed candles to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. Thalgo treatments, too, are inspired by the sea, capitalizing on vital underwater ingredients, including Thalgo's original, medically patented Micronized Marine Algae. In fact, it is the foundation of many Thalgo treatments, including a signature facial that blends pure marine algae with specific serums and creams in order to rebalance sebaceous secretions to purify and normalize oily skin. For men, Thalgo's Cold Marine Facial offers the chance to firm and relax tension lines and wrinkles, again with Thalgo's intrinsic understanding of the power and potential of the sea as the foundation. On that note, Thalgo's mineral rich Micronized Marine Algae Wrap is a seaweed body wrap that relieves aches and pains, detoxifies and revives the metabolic balance, while the Marine Prelude combines natural sea mud and sea salt, followed by a massage with specific essential oils designed to stimulate and invigorate, leaving the body smooth, detoxified and tranquil. But like the island of Cyprus itself sitting as it does at the crossroads of cultures, Le Spa is also a unique venue where seemingly divergent views and alternative perspectives harmoniously come together. Nowhere is this dichotomy more evident than when you head up the stairs to the second floor of Le Spa and take a peek at its Elemis treatment rooms, the perfect Yang to the Ying of
19 Le Spa's thalassotherapy pools and the Thalgo treatment areas. Here, rich, deep earth and jewel tones grace the walls, lush Asian-inspired fabrics drape the furniture and opulent, musky scents perfume the air. Within this sensual decor, Le Spa's Elemis treatments draw on the magic and mystique of the orient, combining the best in contemporary health and wellness techniques with the time-tested wisdom of the ages. Guests seeking to soothe away the stresses of modern life can bask in the pleasure of an Elemis Spa Harmony Massage in which warm massage oils imbued with lavender, chamomile, melissa, geranium and bergamot are smoothed over the face and body, while a "Spirit Reviver" Elemis Harmony Massage helps the body to energize and detoxify using the essence of lemon, lime, peppermint and grapefruit. Those with a taste for the more exotic might want to consider the Elemis Coconut Rub & Milk Ritual Float, described as a "ceremony of pure unadulterated pleasure." Aphrodite may have relished such queenly treatments on Olympus, now you can do the same! But we have taken Olympus one step farther: Le Spa now offers nurturing treatments for mothers-to-be: what a
welcome idea, considering the complex bodily upheavals experienced during pregnancy. We do this with a unique beanbag that is specially positioned to achieve ultimate comfort and relaxation by working with two heartbeats as one. Safe, tested massage techniques are combined and adapted at each stage of pregnancy. Any woman who has experienced the fluctuating rhythms of motherhood, will welcome the news that our programme brings relief to tension in the lower and upper back, and reduces swelling in the hands and feet. First visits comprise 90 minutes, with 15 minutes devoted to initial consultation and another 15 minutes for resting and changing. We recommend that treatments occur every 21 days. For more information, speak with one of our special consultants at [25863100]. Of course, if time is pressing, and you cannot take advantage of the spa, you can at least take home a wide range of Thalgo and Elemis products that will allow you to do a little relaxation and nerve repair at home. Just ask at the Le Spa registration desk and one of the staff will be glad to explain what is best for your needs. n
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H OT E L D O S S I E R
Gourmandising THE WORLD OF FOOD IS ONLY A RESERVATION AWAY
S
ince the very beginning the planners of our award-winning hotel have thought very carefully about the culinary needs of our guests, and we are proud to say, that the test of time has borne out our best instincts. Over the past 20 years, we have aimed not only for a variety of dining experiences tailored to whatever suits you at the moment, from trendy and formal, to poolside relaxation, we have also created a team of the very best chefs to work their magic on even the most casual buffet. Of course, our overall theme is to bring the best food that is representative of our Mediterranean lifestyle and to provide you with truly memorable meals, and don’t forget our extensive wine lists to accompany them. We have some of the best wine cellars on the island and a wine sommelier who is perhaps the best in all of Europe. On the other hand, we also offer a nicely rounded selection of dining motifs, should you feel one day to test the waters of Japanese fare, or the next to try some traditional Cypriot grilled meats. But we have not forgotten Bella Italia, or the luxuries of France, indeed, if you are so inclined, the world of fine cooking is at your fingertips, all you need to do is make a reservation. And if there is something that you would like to try, but have not seen it on a menu, all you need to do is ask. Our talented chefs are very good at preparing foods a la carte and they have a huge reference library of recipes not to mention many years of cooking experience, so the challenge is yours! Release your inner connoisseur, and see what a dining adventure we can create for you! Here is a list of the places to go, with a few recommendations from the chefs to get you started.
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La Trattoria / Open May to October Dine al fresco by the shimmering Mediterranean. Our traditional Italian restaurant offers a lively atmosphere that is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening where you can watch the chefs prepare authentic Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizzas, and regional culinary classics. The panini al rosmarino e formaggio (rosemary and cheese roll) made with garlic flavored pizza dough is not to be missed. It is accompanied by a variety of dips and is a perfect match for robust Chianti (see our article about Tuscan wines on page 45).
Kojima / Open May to October
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The Kojima Restaurant serving Japanese cuisine is situated on the little ‘island’ in the middle of an artificial lake full of exotic fish and presents a most exciting open-air dining experience. Chef’s recommendation – the Sashimi Moriawase salad, a plate of seared tuna and a sushi boat, with Teppanyaki grilled dishes: gyuniko – fillet mignon with three kinds of mushrooms (shitaki, oyster and butter mushrooms), and tori tsunami brochette in yakitari sauce.
For the more casual at heart, this is a relaxing way to enjoy a poolside meal anytime of the day. The main focus is an eye-tempting buffet (some describe it as truly poetic), but there is also a fine a la carte menu. One of the popular features of Le Fleuri is an ongoing series of theme nights, when different cuisines are featured in the buffet. There is a French Night, Middle East, Caribbean, Italian, Cyprus, Fish and Seafood, and even an International Night with a wide selection of fusion food. This is a great way to try new tastes under the balmy moonlight sky of the Mediterranean.
H OT E L D O S S I E R
Le Fleuri / Open Daily with Daily Buffet
Le Vieux Village/ Open May to October This is where you can explore the spirit of Cypriot cookery and try an array of enticing meat specialties, some grilled on spits, not to mention a range of intensely flavoured side dishes that come with our classic meze. You know you are in an exotic world because the taverna is nestled among cascades of bougainvilla which are constantly rustling in the cooling breeze drifting in from the sea. Our chef recommends that you try the braised pork with sage and lemon grass, or the pork braised with vegeta23 bles and white wine. These traditional dishes are baked in earthenware pots in a wood-fired beehive oven.
Mickey’s Children’s Restaurant Cheerfully painted with bright colors and simple menus that appeal to kids, this is the perfect place to bring your child, even the fussy eaters. We have a lot of experience making the little ones happy, and the menu here has been designed to include foods they have asked us to serve.
Le Nautile / Winter Season Once the chill of winter sets in and January rains drive us all indoors, we open Le Nautile offering a stylish mix of Mediterranean cuisine to continue the party at Le Fleuri. We recommend the seasonal dishes prepared here since they reflect the varied nature of Mediterranean cooking and the fact that during cool weather, Cyprus is abundantly supplied with a wonderful range of local greens, both wild and village grown.
AMATHUSIA RESIDENCES
For more information visit our Real Estate Boutique at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort.
P.O. Box 50019, CY-3600 Limassol, Cyprus, Tel: +357 25863203 or 25891000, Fax: +357 25863206 Email: sales@kgamathusia.com, www.galatariotisgroup.com
AMATHUSIA VILLAGE
K+G COMPLEX PUBLIC COMPANY LTD
GALATARIOTIS GROUP OF COMPANIES
H OT E L D O S S I E R
Savouring Life WITH EVERY SIP! by Miroslav Kalinic Head Sommelier
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W
hile it is the chef’s assignment to create great food, the sommelier is somewhat like the conductor of an orchestra, because it is his (or her) job to coordinate the wine and food and thus transform the meal into a highly sensory and memorable event. In the past, the role of the sommelier was seen as relatively narrow: a wine specialist whose presence was largely relegated to the role of advisor, a word here, and hint there, and perhaps a deft choice of beverage to save a puzzled guest from floundering in the complexities of wine language and labeling. The basic task was to serve the wine perfectly and then let it frame the meal. Today, things have changed. Not only must the sommelier develop a deeper knowledge of wine in general, considering all the new places in the world where wine is now produced, but he must also bring a broader range to skills to the table, in a sense becoming a culinary diplomat capable of understanding all the nuances of the food and especially developing a sensitivity to both the chef’s intentions and the expectations of the dinner guest. The matching of the food and wine requires close cooperation with the chef, for in the end the sommelier wants to showcase the food in the best possible way while acting as a friendly advisor to the guest. To that end, chefs are now taking courses on wine, and sommeliers are learning a great deal more about food and the art of cookery.
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Of course, at the heart of the sommelier’s job is the challenge of creating and updating the wine list, for the sommelier is in charge of the wine cellar and must anticipate the sort of shifts in the menu dictated by seasonality, not to mention sudden opportunities for obtaining very special wines at prices our guests can afford. So the sommelier must be something of a prognosticator, always thinking ahead, always looking for wines that will cellar well, and keep the chef abreast of the changes in the wine inventory. Building the wine list is one place where a sommelier can bring passion, creativity, training and a real sense of adventure to the work, since it is imperative to remain open-minded and experimental. Thus the wine cellar becomes a mirror of the sommelier’s personality and a measure of one’s commitment to excellence. Recently, the wine list of Le Meridien has changed dramatically. It has been updated with more than 220 labels representing a huge diversity of soils, terroir, varietals, and viticultural techniques of each and every country on the wine menu. This commitment to quality and variety, which allows our chefs to explore many types of cuisines with the right wines to go with them, has been refined over the past few years by an active programme of traveling to the countries of origin and exploring their wine regions just to see how the wines match up with local cuisine. We are also interested in new trends and stay abreast of what is happening in the world of wine so that we can bring this knowledge to the dinner table with ease and confidence. We are extremely proud of our wine list and would like to provide you with a little information about some of the wines we consider the treasures of our collection and which may be found in the very best of the Michelin starred restaurants as well as the five star hotels around the world. Here is a quick trip through our cellar with some of the blue-ribbon wines we hope you will be tempted to try with your next meal.
H OT E L D O S S I E R
Cote-Rotie "La Mouline" 2004. - E.Guigal. FRANCE Deep ruby-red, super-ripe, bacon fat, woods smoke and pepper. Super concentrated and lush, with peppery quality leavening the impression of sweetness. A wonderfully velvety wine that also boasts terrific inner-mouth energy and grip. Offers superb depth of dark fruit flavors and long building chocolate aftertaste. Greatly expressive of the terroir. This exceptional wine needs an exceptional food pairing: we suggest wild game or lamb with black pepper. Condrieu "La Dorianne" 2007. - E.Guigal. FRANCE Brilliant clear, pale golden yellow colour. On the nose the white flowers, apricot, peaches, intensely powerful and elegant aromas. The palate is intense, fresh, round, rich and full-bodied. A pleasant light acidity is well balanced with round fleshy fruitiness. Might be paired with foie gras or a delicate fish. Riesling Grand Cru Rangen "Clos St-Theobald" Domaine Schoffit. ALSACE Exotic nose of honeyed peaches and apples intermingled with scents of spring flowers. Full-bodied and fabulously intense wine. Gastronomical suggestions: seafood, shellfish or poultry with a sauce of cream. Eiswein, Johannisberg Goldatzel, 1998. H.H.Eser Johannishof - GERMANY Fabulous ripeness, mineral-like fragrance, exhibits a honey, cherry, tropical fruit scented nose, and a very long finish. This wine is great and very powerful. Suggested with desserts or on its own. Brunelo Di Montalcino, Sugarille, 2000. Angelo Gaja - ITALY Gaia-Rey, 2006. Angelo Gaja – Piedmonte - ITALY Chateau Leoville, Las-Cases, 1994. - BORDEAUX Grange, 1997. Penfolds - AUSTRALIA Clos Apalta, 2006. Casa Lapostole - CHILE Pinot Noir reserve, 2006. Villa Maria - NEW ZEALAND Tannat reserva, 2007. Domaine Monte De Luz - URUGUAY Biblia, 2008. Chora - GREECE Petritis, 2008. Kyperounta - CYPRUS Marques De Caceres Gran Reserva. Rioja - SPAIN Gruner Veltiner, 2007. - AUSTRIA Malbec Reserve, 2005. - ARGENTINA Chardonay, 2006. Napa Valley - USA Pinotage, 2006. Stellenbosch - SOUTH AFRICA Zambartas, 2007. Shiraz Lefkada. Zambartas - CYPRUS Of course, there are many more that you will find in our new updated wine menu. Enjoy each and every glass and please join us for organized wine tastings. It is a great way to learn about wine, and then apply what you have just learned to a memorable meal! SANTE Miroslav Kalinic Head Sommelier
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oldest champagne house since
1729
49, Ayiou Athanassiou Avenue, 4102 Limassol, Cyprus 15, Ammochostou str., P.O. Box 50479, 3605 Limassol, Cyprus Tel. 25 736220, Fax : 25 731426, la.maison.du.vin@cytanet.com.cy 37 B & C Kennedy Ave., 1075 Nicosia – Tel.: 22 442235, Fax: 22 514516
www.ruinart.com
T he
is All About Trying:
H OT E L D O S S I E R
Perfection Le Meridien Cooks Another Award Winning Gala
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erhaps it was inevitable that an island like Cyprus flowing with wine and deeply imbued in an ancient winemaking tradition would eventually find its viniferous soul-mate in one of the great wines of Italy. It all came together in June 2009 in a very happy and impressive way at Le Meridien Limassol, which helped to sponsor a gala dinner honoring Baron Francesco Ricasoli and Victor Papadopoulos, owner of the exclusive La Maison du Vin in Limassol. Ricasoli, famed for his Brolio vineyards in Tuscany, appointed La Maison du Vin as his official Marchand des Vins for the very finest of the Ricasoli vintages. Wine connoisseurs throughout Cyprus took note. To commemorate this historic cultural event and the recent publication of an important book on the nineteenth-century efforts of the Ricasoli family to improve and perfect its famous chianti, a glittering guest list of wine lovers, foreign dignitaries (including the French and Italian ambassadors), were brought together at Le Meridien where the baron spoke about his passion for wine and the long, persistent family dedication to viticulture of the very highest quality. To say the least, with the energetic inspiration of Ricasoli on the one hand, and the high expectations of the guests on the other, our chefs at Le Meridien created a veritable gastronomic extravaganza that will not soon be forgotten by anyone who attended this remarkable event.
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His Excellency the Baron Francesco Ricasoli with Victor Papadopoulos of La Maison du Vin, Costas Galatariotis Executive Chairman of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort and Alexander Haeusler General Manager of the hotel
30 The chic, understated elegance of Baron Ricasoli and his superbly polished wines, was captured in the menu itself, and astounded even the baron, who did not realize how serious Cypriots are when it comes to taking up the cause of haute cuisine – a passion for which they were internationally famous in the Middle Ages. So now we have come full circle and the intricately prepared five course meal went over the top with raves, not to mention a careful, indeed genius matching with well-chosen Ricasoli wines. These included Albia Rose (2008), a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot; Torricella Chardonnay (2007), often described as an aristocratic dry wine with intense yellow colour and bouquet; Castello di Brolio (2004), a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot; Castello di Brolio Vino Santo (2003), made from Malvasia; Grappa de Castello di Brolio Riserva, an amber distillate that is excellent as a palate cleanser at the end of the meal. And how should we describe the magical food? It arrived like works of art, the aromas of each dish blending with and accentuating the perfumes of the wines. It all
H OT E L D O S S I E R His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Ms Luigi Napolitano with Baron Francesco Ricasoli
His Excellency the Ambassador of France and Ms Nicolas Galey with Alexander Haeusler General Manager of the hotel
started with a carpaccio of prosciutto di Parma, followed by pan roasted black cod with wild mushroom tortellini (tossed in foie gras butter, tomato, and basil oil), braised filled of beef with olive potatoes and an exquisite pumpkin puree flavored with Chianti classico, and finally as the culinary apotheosis of the meal, cream of ricotta cheese and green apples on almond biscuit, chocolate tarts, and fruit compote. Our chefs were delighted by the challenge, and the sommeliers did extra homework to help bring it all together with effortless perfection, and finished the day thrilled that as a team they had hit a new high for culinary standards in Cyprus and would gladly do it all over again! Perhaps the motto on Baron Ricasoli’s coat-ofarms “Rien sans Peine” (understanding the real meaning of the fruits of one’s hard labor) is also the motto of our culinary team at Le Meridien: like Olympic players, it is all about daily training and state of mind. While it is always stimulating to receive the accolades of the rich and famous who attend special events at Le Meridien, our team is also eager to take up the challenge for our regular guests and make your stay with us a gala dinner every day. n
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FASHION DOSSIER
Fashion in Crisis
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Or Does Crisis Remake Fashion? 32 Now that in the USA Bernie Madoff has been sent to jail for 150 years for bilking the rich and famous of ill-gotten billions, and many a former multi-millionaire has been reduced to picking for food in garbage bins (as one of his victims testified in court), the age of flamboyant excess seems to have come to a sudden and unceremonious halt. The global economic downturn, of which Madoff is but one tragic passing symbol, has swept down the runways of the fashion world and robbed haute couture of its haughty reassurance that tomorrow we shall all wake up and find it all a bad dream. To put it bluntly, beauty is taking it on the chin: high fashion is waking up to a crisis and endless pages of red ink. Big changes are in the wind. It is no secret that the leading fashion houses have been hit hard by economic woes, and by a general belt-tightening of even the wealthiest of their clients. Thousands of employees have been laid off by some of the big-name businesses like Chanel for one, and serious economic difficulties are looming ahead for Estee Lauder and Benetton. The gloom seems to be spreading: IT Holding Spa, the Italian investment company specializing in fashion accessories, announced a few days ago that it would file for bankruptcy protection for one of its divisions, yet
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another victim of the turn-down of the world economy. But IT is dragging many others down with it: the house of Gianfranco Ferre, famous for men’s couture and evening clothes, and other firms like Roberto Cavalli, Versace, C’N’C Costume National and John Galliano, all to whom IT has had difficulty in paying its loan obligations not to mention royalties to their designers. The debts of IT and the chain reaction they are causing represent at the moment an emblematic example of what is happening to the luxury industry in general. Even though the firms of eponymous designers increased profits in recent years by promoting very expensive handbags, shoes, sunglasses, and clothes, in the European market the rhythm of their creative output actually dropped drastically. One stellar example is the Italian jewellery house of Bulgari, which announced that their annual sales for 2008 fell from 1.09 billion Euros to 1.08 billion Euros, whilst the profits of Cie. Financiere Richemont SA experienced a decline of 7% from the last October to last December. This is the same firm that owns Cartier of France and various Swiss firms like Jaeger-Le-Coultre. Worse still are the omens forecast by the marketing firm of Bernstein Research, which predicts a fall of 10% in profits for the world luxury market. It looks like we are all back to basic black.
Is High Fashion in Mourning? The question now is: what is the colour of pragmatism? How will the fashion houses large and small weather this crisis, and what is the new face they must wear to make it happen? One of the first moves already noticed has been a reduction in what designers call costly profiles: clothing with excessive volume and ornament. This was quite obvious at the recent Milano Fashion Week. Most of the collections shown lacked that flamboyant golden touch in favour of minimalism, comfort, and a streamlined look. Some critics were at a loss for words to describe the style shift other than “Recessionesque.” But there were some bright spots. The sight of David Beckham in a fine blue jacket smiling into the photographic lens from his front seat at Milan’s Fashion Week, and the explosive presence of Kelly Brook changed the ‘grey’ mood of the designers and im-
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FASHION DOSSIER Karl Lagerfeld of the Chanel House
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proved the climate of a show that this year was certainly different from all others. The sparkle, the much discussed parties and the impressive creations that usually accompany the shows in that ‘Mecca’ of the European fashion gave way to uncertainty about the future, the spreading gloom and the meaning of the simple, unaffected clothing that surfaced during the course of the show. If reading inner meanings into this new clothing style has proved as futile as reading tea leaves, at least one truth was evident to everyone, famous couturiers and attendees alike: every economic crisis since World War II has hit high fashion with a vengeance. The show of the Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 men’s collection in Milan was inaugurated by a marathon string of shows that will last for two months. It was here that the clothing first showed signs of the new look, with the atmosphere of pessimism reflected in the clothing design itself. Designers retreated to secure choices, back to the roots kind of attire, chopping out all the former overstatements that so often sent a message that it was just clownish party costume, nothing to be taken seriously to begin with. ‘Contemporary nostalgia’ is how Burberry’s has branded the new look. With its sales falling like Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, and even Roberto Cavalli, Burberry’s “contemporary nostalgia” seems to be following the same pre-ordained route of the other fashion houses, a response to new realities rather than setting the pace. After many rumours – the newspaper ‘Il Sole 24 Ore’ confirmed that Roberto Cavalli is selling his 20% share of the company to
Miuccia Prada The Devil Wears Prada?
the private investment capitalists Clessidra SGR Spa. He is not the first nor will he be the last to jump ship during these times of highly troubled waters. In one year alone LVMH (Louis Vutton, Kenzo, Givenchy) and the Swiss Richemont (Cartier, Montblanc) have lost 40% of their market value and the Italian Jewellery house of Bulgari has witnessed its profits diminished whilst the American colossus Tiffany has ruled out expectations of good returns this year. Faced with a free fall in their profitability, the big names in fashion are now compelled to change strategy. Giorgio Armani was one of the first to ‘smell’ ‘this period of bony cattle’ (to use a phrase applied to famines) and tried to exorcise the evil by mobilizing the popular Beckham couple. The ace of Milan starred at his show with his wife Victoria supplying the new ‘face’ in Emporio Armani underwear. A few hours afterwards ‘Posh Spice’ and Katy Holmes also starred in Miu Miu advertising, whilst Scarlet Yiohanson was transformed into a Marilyn Monroe look-alike for a new series of cosmetics brought out by Dolce & Gabbana. On the other hand, there are an optimistic few who are reading positive signs from the economic crisis. The veteran German fashion designer of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld contends that the downturn is ‘cleaning up a system that was rotten’ and firmly believes that fashion will only come out a winner as a result. As for the historic fashion house of Chanel for which he designs, the company recently dismissed 200 temporary assistants. In spite of that ominous move he is convinced the firm will not go bankrupt. Dedicated to the famous child of Brazil – Karmen Miranda – who conquered Hollywood in the 40’s and 50’s (this year is the 100th anniversary of her birth), Fashion Week in Sao Paolo ended in an atmosphere of sheer optimism. There were more than 39 shows by local designers, whilst among the honoured guests were the dazzling Zizel Bundhen and Agnes Dane, Britain’s favourite model who for many people is the noble successor of Kate Moss. ‘In the midst of so much gloom we wanted to give an elevated tone to our event’ commented the organisers. At least in the Southern Hemisphere the clouds above Haute Couture are not grey. But Karmen Miranda with her banana-laden hats could not compete with the intrigues of the recent Milan Show. The popular saying that poverty brings grumbling even in the best of families proved prophetically true in Milan because instead of scissors, the tool of the fashion trade, out came some very sharp knives, and yes some back-stabbing as well. Dare we mention that two top designers got involved in a fierce fight over a pair of trousers – an altercation that was reported in minute detail by BBC, describing the public war of accusations which had no precedent in the fashion world. The duo Dolce & Gabbana presented their new design of silk trousers with their firm’s signature. At the same time Giorgio Armani, in his show,
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FASHION DOSSIER 36
brought out the exact same piece. To say the least Armani went ballistic and accused Dolce & Gabbana of stealing of his intellectual property. “Now they are copying, later they will learn,” he declared. To which Dolce and Gabbana answered: ‘Surely we have a lot to learn, but not from him.” It remains to be seen how far this battle of the silk trousers will go, and whether the creative impulse that gave them light will come under the legal scrutiny of an Italian judge. If the battle of silk trousers were not enough, the limelight of even the most routine ramp models is beginning to go dim. Shows are fewer, advertising campaigns are down, and the gold once showered on modelling is beginning to dry up. Even the big names in modelling are having trouble finding work. It has been a filter-down process that started with announcements like that of the famous American designer Marc Jacobs who last November decided to cut his budget by 40% and that for the first time in the history of his firm he cancelled his famous Christmas party. This translated into less work for models, and of course, no opportunity to work the party circuit to pick up jobs. Following suit, Donna Karan postponed for an indefinite time the photographing of her firm’s new advertising campaign, whilst Vera Wang announced huge cuts in the shows of the woman’s collections bearing her signature. Almost overnight, models began to see work opportunities evaporate. Not only that, aside from cutting back on fabrics, many designers are now cutting back on the salaries of their models as though to confirm the chorus of voices claiming that the age of glamour has passed. Indeed, if the pessimists are correct, then the golden era of high-paid supermodels may be a thing of the 90s and already well behind us. On that note, Paris Fashion Week could have been called back to black since most of the designers like Miuccia Prada and the houses of Givenchy and Boss chose black as the dominating colour in their collections for winter 2009/2010, pushing back into the wardrobe closet anything hinting of flamboyant. Still some are viewing the present period with optimism because challenge can lead to inspiration and the opportunity to re-invent one’s priorities in the fashion world. ‘Colour is vital in times of crisis” – said designer Veronique Nichanian of the Men’s Department of Hermes. “Things will not get better if everyone dresses in black or grey. Only beauty will save the world.’ Franck Boclet, stylist for Ungaro House added: “In times of crises you get the wildest ideas. Now we must become more creative than ever.’ A lot of his avant-garde colleagues feel the same way. So what comes next? It’s all about black or not. With or without colour, next spring and even next winter are expected – dresswise at the least- to retain the more classic tailored look of the past. The design radicals, while resisting the label of
retrospective or even revivalist, intend to turn back to the decade of the 60’s and 70’s giving to all those who cannot afford to own their creations the chance to unearth from dusty attics the old bell-bottoms of our mothers. What shall we call it? Nouveau Beetles? David Beckham
On the business front, private labelling is certainly well established in many parts of the globe so selling labels or brands instead of realizing profits from highly priced products is certainly one strategy that all fashion houses are exploring. Don’t consider it strange if you should see launched in an Attica or the Golden Hall or some other department store, products with designer labels that will not differ in design or quality from the original Burberry or Missoni that they copy. The only difference is that they will be cheaper. Finally everyone seems to agree that the biggest change at hand is the end of the Age of Glamour. A certain levelling of taste has occurred. Hollywood is no longer elegant; the big screen has changed and with it the clothing worn by the stars. The emphasis on opulence is giving way to a love of the classic and simple perhaps even the minimal – something perhaps more realistic and human-scale. Whether this new minimalism will mean realistic prices remains to be seen; otherwise if less means costlier we are still moving full circle back to the beginning, the vanities of taste and a luxury for the few. n
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FASHION DOSSIER 38
Modern in Fashion Vintage
Sonia Rrykiel and Nathalie Rrykiel at their fashion show
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ld and eponymous fashionable pieces in new editions with numbered labels and overstated prices The keyword in this fashion moment is ‘vintage’ meaning a good old eponymous piece: a known quantity with well-tested design. And on that note this year there is a fascinating new dimension in the planning of haute vintage creations by designers who have taken the old and reinvented or reshaped it to conform to contemporary ‘mood’. The first to indulge in this new flurry of retrocreativity was none other than Yves St Laurent, whose Parisian shop of 32 Rue de Faubourg St Honore launched a ‘smoking’ based on an authentic design YSL of 1966, followed by a classic safari suit of 1968, and a classic raincoat trio with quart and a coat. According to Loulou de la Falaise who has lightly “contemporised” the proportions of these remakes: ‘they are not the same, first of all because it is not permitted to make exact copies and secondly, because we have
to-day better technical experience’. These limited editions of classics with slight changes are accompanied by a numbered label and a highly inflated price: 45,000 French francs (or 5,800 US dollars) for the fitted smoking, that was ordered from a dozen of clients, who realize that now that YSL’s prêt a porter has been passed over to Tom Ford, this label is like the last of a good wine from a superb year. Sonya Rikel also has gone back to her firm’s archives, via her daughter Natali, who first understood from her children’s reactions (specifically 17 year old Tatiana and 15 year old Lola) that the new generation was hungry for the creased pullovers and the easy dresses with which the house established its name. Until now they have reworked seven pullovers and three dressers including a 1960 version with geometric openings. They also come out with the label ‘Modern Vintage’ that includes the number and date, and when they were first presented on the catwalk in March looked just as fresh and contemporary as the rest of the 2010 collection. ‘ I suddenly realized why Rykiel has become so much a fashion rage with the new generation’ said Natali, ’This style has jumped a generation. Nobody wanted to dress like their mother but here we are discussing the wardrobe of the grandmother’.
The Pleasures of Being Unique
Fashion designer Oleg Cassini (left)
Maria Callas in La Traviata at La Scala, 1955
It started with Julia Roberts and a graphic black and white Valentino dress, a design from the 80’s that she wore to the Oscar ceremony, winning the approval and acclaim of even the most demanding fashionistas. Ever since, every star who wants to be equal to the title, now exchanges the new clothes of the big name designers for their old classics. Rene Zellweger paid personal homage to Jacqueline Kennedy’s style, when attending the gala of the opening of the Jackie Exhibition in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, she wore a dress designed by Oleg Cassini, Kennedy’s favourite American designer. To the same social event, Marie Chantal, wife of Pavlos, son of the ex king of Greece, appeared with a drape satin dress in the colour of aquamarine- recreated from a Valentino archive design that was created in 1964 for Kennedy’s visit in Cambodia. The idea of creating a copy of an archival evening dress is now the new mania. The success of the vintage clothes is mainly due to the pleasure of owning the unique – an individualistic approach to style in an era now dominated by globalized couture. From some time now stars have been frequent clients of London Virginia(98 Portland Road WII) and Steinbeck and Tolkien (193 Kings Road SW3) and also the Parisian Didier Ludot (24 Galerie Montpensier, Jardin du Palais Royal, Paris 1). London’s Portobello Road and the curiosity shops of Paris have become the hunting grounds for designers who search for ideas and for fashion maniacs who know that a good old vintage piece can create a new kind of personal fashion statement.
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FASHION DOSSIER
Mrs. Kennedy, 1962. The dress by Oleg Cassini
Castelbajac under the Hammer 40
The drawing power of old eponymous clothes was proved in the auction of 11 June, when a collection of old traditional pieces by Jean Charles de Castelbajac fell to the auction hammer in Paris at Drouot Montaigne. These exquisite samples of haute couture are familiar to auction houses and are usually bought up by museums. The phenomenon of the eponymous has made the prices to fly sky high for clothes belonging, for example, to Maria Callas and Marilyn Monroe. But this Castelbajac collection is contemporary, starting with the appearance of the designer at the end of the 1960s through 1992. It comprised such characteristic items as clothes with fur teddy bears, surrealistic pieces made of gloves and hand-painted using the fabric as a pop art canvas. The auctioneer Catherine Charbonneaux treated this archival collection as works of art and expects hammer prices from 1,500 to 15,000 francs (US dollars 200 to 2000). The first auction house to recognise the possibility of auctioning clothes that would have otherwise gone to curiosity shops or to collectors were Sotheby’s of New York. Tiffany Dubin, founder and first director of the Fashion department at Sotheby’s, wrote the book ‘Vintage Style’ recently published by Harper Collins which deals with the way that old style clothes are now sold and worn. n
Investing in Brands A Coup de grace …in volatile times
Well, it is not sure that a dog’s collar costing about 800,000 Euros is the best choice for an investment but it is really surprising how the ephemerals can to-day earn much higher values that the all-respected, at one time, blue chips! In these volatile times when the symbols of permanence are crowded together with the unmasking of grim news of having been exposed to piranhas, word is finally out: our existence is ephemeral. What a revelation! So instead of moving into a deep, philosophical response for all those not yet ready to accept the realities of life, we vote in support of the ephemeral. Contrary to all estimations, there is actually a boom at present in all things ephemeral because they make us feel happier, be it by buying an unaffordable dress or jewelry, or some exotic getaway holiday. Let’s face it: stacking money away in a bank is not at present a good investment option. While great thinkers abound on TV with advice on how to deal with the tribulations of our times, the real news is something quite the opposite: people have gotten on a merry-go-round to please the senses, the ephemeral rewards of the moment. And this has become fertile ground for Fashion. Conscience is thrown to the winds, solace is found in the euphoria of shopping, spending, and
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FASHION DOSSIER
Jean-Paul Gaultier at the end of a fashion show
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savouring the loot. Rather than stocks, the new game is investing in brands. “Exceptional Kelly bag, 40 centimetres, Hermes, in red crocodile, handles and fermoir en plaque d’or, chain, keys,well kept. Excellent condition. Estimated value 12000/14000 euros.” A hand is raised, then another, and finally a third. The hammer fell on Lot 436 for the auction of “Hermes Vintage” in November 2008 realizing 19000 euros (24083 euros in real costs, since there was an auction house percentage and VAT). And all eyes turn to this happy buyer for yet another successful auction of Vintage Fashion, haute couture, bags and accessories. The sales are specialized, thematic, with all items bearing papers of authentication to satisfy the aspirations of connoisseurs of the ephemeral. Private collectors and purveyors of luxury have created havoc with the prices realized at auction, and men’s clothing has been no different than women’s. In a January 2009 Paris auction called “Man and His Accessories” the auction rooms were packed with Frenchmen as well as foreigners who pitted pocketbooks for such items as a vest by Jean Paul Gauthier that sold for 2100 euros and a Hermes lambskin vest (estimated value 250/300 euros) which sold for a startling 1100 euros. The design houses themselves are one of the main elements in the bidding, for there is a continuing need on their part to distinguish themselves in a unique light, albeit in the shadow of Hollywood stars who were the first to launch this fashion craze. There is also the natural desire to take down a piece at the lowest possible price, not to mention a pronounced taste for the synonyms of the Good Life and a styling that transcends generations. Hermes is
probably the number one favourite on that point, followed by Vuitton, but they are not the only motivating factors. Buying a unique item at auction also means avoiding the inevitable long queue on waiting lists for those who order from exclusive shops that create dreams on demand. Under such circumstances, back in December 2008, a Birkin bag realized the exceptional price of 33,500 euros – en plein crisis! For the design houses with brand names, the auctions also provide an opportunity to recover their own heritage or to buy back certain pieces in order to decorate their window displays, such as those found at Louis Vuitton Malls in the fashion houses of Paris and New York, or for specific archival collections like those at the Hermes museum. Yet intermingled in the crowd of bidders for the fashion houses, we find a number of well-healed private collectors who are lured to the sales by pre-auction publicity and presale exhibits designed to pump up the hype of the auction event. Such was the case with the sale in 2006 at Christie’s in London when the black evening dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” sold for 936,178 dollars, a record price in this genre of auction. This also recalls the 500,000 franc price realized at Sotheby’s in New York for a Gerard Darel creation: a collar of glass stones designed for Jackie Kennedy. That sale generated so much publicity that Darel issued a “new edition” recreating the design, which was displayed around the neck of supermodel Stephanie Seymour, thus winning for the house a whole new following for its brand. For better or for worse, inspired branding is the sale of dreams, or for the lucky few of dreams come true. n
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Welcome TO LIMASSOL
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W
herever you search in Europe, you are not likely to find as interesting a city as this one! And the people? Well, you are surely not likely to find anyone like them in the world! Now should you suspect that we are over stating our case when speaking about Limassol, please note that our writer is from Nicosia and if you have been on this island for any length of time you would know that there is no love spared between these two cities‌ so there might be some strands of truth to our opening comment. For workaholic Nicosians the Limassolians are seen as just the opposite: they will find any opportunity to hold a feast! Long days of feasting for the carnival, long days of feasting for Green Monday, Easter, May for the flower festival, Kataklysmos, then all the Summer paniyiria, then the Wine festival, then starting winter celebrations and in between festivals of dance, music festivals, short film festivals, open-air events, one time in a square, another on the main roads, and other times before the old Limassol castle where even Richard the Lionheart once celebrated his wed-
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ding. Dare we suggest that Limassol is a city of feasting and festivals? Even the ruins of ancient Amathus refuse to rest quietly in their dust. The old agora becomes the venue for musical entertainment most nights during the summer, and then the Enaerios beachfront takes the lead. This initiates a round of beach competitions, sailing competitions, rally competitions, full moon romancing and happy ‘naked’ crowds (not exactly naked but uninhibited) dressed in all sorts of casual paraphernalia or just crowds dressed only in their swimsuit – walking about, jogging, clubbing, dancing, mainly living it up and laughing!!! The party atmosphere is certainly contagious! Throughout the neighbourhood, small villages hold their own Commandaria festivals, or Soutzoukos festival, or some fruit festival, or Rose festival – anyways all the time you will find yourself ‘munching’ happily as you do
the rounds and partaking of the Cypriot’s favourite hobby: Eating. If you never tasted souvlaki on a pitta – we send you our condolences. Once treated to this local delight you will surely become addicted – not forgetting of course the sheftalies which you can either enjoy on their own in the pitta or as a mix pitta with souvlaki and sheftalies. And of course we might want to sell our wine, but aren’t our local beers fantastic? Of course you must, at least once, try the 30-40 little plates served as Meze … then you will learn piece by piece the entire history of the Mediterranean cookery as you graze from plate to plate. Now depending on your interests there is much to keep you occupied in Limassol; at dawn, daytime, lunchtime, sunset, dusk and night, and considering your sleeping needs, the whole 24 hours repetitively! Just enjoy it all – breathe in the scented breeze of the sea, if you are around the seafront, walk around the old town and find the best kept secrets of artisans and artists continuing their own timeless artistic journeys through the past, present and future and mostly talk to people and strike up new friendships as only the old god Zeus Xenios would have it be…
So here begins your tour: The Myth of Dionysos (Bacchus) Dionysos the god of wine and the vine, happy life and merry making was probably the most popular god of ancient Greece. There are many fantastic stories about his birth and life. His father was Zeus and his mother a mortal princess of Thebes, Semele. As soon as Hera found out about Zeus and his infidelity, she appeared before Semele transformed into an old lady and advised her to ask Zeus for a favour – to appear in his whole glory and majesty. Credulous Semele forced Zeus to swear that he was going to do everything she wished. Forced by his oath Zeus appeared in front of her among his lightning and thun-
derbolts. Unlucky Semele fell to the ground dead. Zeus rescued the unborn child from her body and put him in his thigh for three months to complete the cycle. When the time came, the baby Dionysos was born from his father’s leg and Zeus asked Hermes to take care of him as he was still afraid of Hera’s jealousy and vindictiveness. Hermes took the baby to Nymphs who raised him and became his companions until Dionysos started to wander in the forests. His head was crowned with a wreath of ivy and vine leaves, and the Nymphs followed him singing and dancing. Wherever Dionysos went mag-
nificent and extraordinary things transpired. Wine springs appeared from the earth and the rocks. Instead of water, rivers flowed with milk and honey. His sacred plants were the vine, the ivy, the oak tree, the walnut tree, the fig tree, the rose and the asphodel. Dionysos is the god of delight. He reigns in feasts among flower wreaths. He enlivens the joyful dances with the sounds of his flute, provokes ‘ mad’ laughter, turning away all dark thoughts. His nectar on the table of the gods increases their happiness and mortals find forgetfulness in his blissful cup of wine. According to local legend, Dionysos was a frequent visitor to Cyprus. Sometimes he came to participate in the Adonia (Aphrodite’s feasts commemorating her passionate love for Adonis who was killed by a boar). Lately the altar at Amathus has been named for Adonis by modern worshippers who hold annual ceremonies between the three ancient holy altars: Amathus, Apollo Hylates and Aphrodite’s temple at Kouklia. Find these sites on your map and draw a line across them. A triangle will be revealed. If you are here on 21 June you can participate with a colourful crowd of lovers of ancient religion who will be playing the flute, sing hymns to the sun and reciting Sappho’s poetry at all these sites (sunrise in Amathus, noon at Apollo Hylates and sunset at Kouklia). Today Dionysos seems to have left a lasting mark across the Krassochoria villages (the wine villages) the first being the beautiful village of Lania that bears his daughter’s name and to-day is one of the villages with an old linos probably for making Commandaria. A lot of artists are now living there and enjoying the calm beauty of
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the place and then nearby in Monagri, there is a certain spot under a bridge bearing Dionysos ‘physical’ mark since the locals are fully convinced that he once crossed it and left his footprint there. Once in Monagri do not lose the opportunity to visit the nunnery of Holy Maria of Amasgos and its tiny ancient church decorated with wonderful murals; and of course our friend’s Nicos Aristidou winery – Menargos – and sample some of his wonderful wines. Soon, Menargos winery plans to market the first non-fortified Commandaria, a drink that is perhaps identical to wine originally produced in Cyprus under supervision of the Knights Templar and Hospitalier back to the Middle Ages. Visits to Menargos winery are by appointment. Tel.: +357-25433674. A kilometre or so away is the village of Doros where next to the 12th century church of Ayios Epifanios you can taste the Karseras Commandaria and visit a more traditional winery using the traditional method of aging Commandaria in pytharia. And as you try to drive back to the main road for Platres or Troodos, once you try to exit Doros you will discover a little home industry producing wonderful sweets – fruits in syrup – that you can take back with you to savour Cyprus and its sunshine during the long winters of your country. n