THE BESPOKE EDITION LUXURY... PERSONALIZED
In theory, it is impossible to combine a perpetual calendar with a moon-phase display also indicating the constellation of the moon, earth and sun without impairing legibility of the watch.
RICHARD LANGE PERPETUAL CALENDAR “Terraluna”
The Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna” combines
The opposite side showcases a horological innovation: Lange’s patent-
mechanical complexity with remarkable functionality. Apart from
ed orbital moon-phase display. It reproduces the moon phases with
hours, minutes, and seconds, the dial features four precisely jump-
extreme precision and shows the ever-changing constellation of the
ing calendar indications that are always unambiguously legible.
moon relative to the earth and the sun. The display tracks the synodic
Morad Yousuf Behbehani · Salhiya Complex – Ground Floor · Kuwait · Tel. + 965 2242 1945 · www.myb.com.kw
But only in theory.
The patented orbital moon-phase display
month of the moon so faithfully that if the watch runs without inter-
of the movement. The calibre L096.1 is endowed with a patented con-
ruption, it has to be corrected by one day only after 1058 years. In the
stant-force escapement. It controls the enormous power stored in the
centre of the display, the earth rotates about its own axis once a day.
twin mainspring barrel and assures consistently high precision dur-
The fixed position of the sun is occupied by the balance on the edge
ing the power-reserve period of 14 days. www.alange-soehne.com
ISSUE NUMBER 81 - NOVEMBER 2016
JUST A THOUGHT Dear Passionate Readers, Welcome to our Bespoke Edition. In today’s luxury world, a man can personalize almost anything. Customize his car, his yacht, his furniture, his leather goods, his clothes... choose the material, choose the colors, choose the style... But can one choose to customize his life? In the realities of today’s world, can a man still maintain his vision of himself, his dreams and his desires? To initialize his life with his own imprint rather than allow life’s realities to turn him into a byproduct of the production line? I say, the world’s greatest have all seen their fair share of struggles and yet they have always risen above the limitations of their realities. As such, I dedicate this issue to you my readers; Kuwait’s greatest. To a Bespoke life, Till next issue,
Zeina Mokaddam Managing Director
ON THE COVER:
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amera Al-Awadhi November 2016 The possession of luxury isn’t the ultimate luxury. The ultimate luxury is what has been crafted expressly for the owner. Limited editions of watches, cars, jewelry may have run down in the single figures, but if you want to be truly exclusive you want to know that you’ll be the only one to own it. Sometimes, bespoke makes perfect sense too. The only guaranteed way to wear a suit that fits you (and only you) perfectly, is to have it tailor-made. This edition is a celebration of those craftsmen skilled enough to fulfill your desires with the highest quality to work. It is also an acknowledgement to those amongst us you appreciate it too.
PUBLISHED BY
MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam GENERAL MANAGER Chimene Ibrahim BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Nouf Al-Hajri GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR Yousif Yousif Abdulsaid
THE BESPOKE EDITION LUXURY... PERSONALIZED
MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom
CONTENTS 12 Rolls-Royce Bespoke Inspiration is Everywhere
26 Brioni Bespoke in 5 pPoints
16 A. Lange & Söhne Master Engravers
28 Emanuele Maffeis Fit and Fabric
20 Atelier Reverso The Privilege of Imagining Your Own Watch
30 Cor neliani The Master Tailor
22 Be Unique with Tanagra
LEGAL CONSULTANT Khaled Al-Kandari Al-Kandari Law Firm
EDITOR Pamela Azzi CONTRIBUTORS MaryAnn D’Silva Anna Amin (Cityscape) Rita Makhoul (Arabnet) CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nidal Al-Shaker HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri PRODUCTION MANAGER Jad Nahhas PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait. Telephone +(965) 2572 0810 Fax +(965) 2572 0860 Website www.ph7-kw.com To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contribution and feedback are welcomed. Please email your suggestions to zeina@ph7-kw.com For advertising, do not hesitate to contact info@ph7-kw.com For subscription, please email your details to info@ph7-kw.com PH7 wishes to state that the opinions expressed in MEN’S PASSION are those of the authors concerned and not necessarily those of the publisher. BPA Audited - 2015
HUGO BOSS AG Phone +49 7123 940 hugoboss.com
The Art of Tailoring Kuwait Boss Store Prestige The Avenues T: 22288020 Kuwait Boss Store Mariam Complex Salmiya T: 22288021 Kuwait Boss Sportswear Store 2nd Avenue The Avenues T: 22288010 Kuwait Boss Sportswear Store Marina Mall Salmiya T: 22288023
THE LUXE REVIEW
34 Harvey Nichols 44 Paris Motor Show 2016 47 The New Panamera 4 E-Hybrid New hybrid strategy based on the Porsche 918 Spyder 48 103EX The Future of Luxury 50 BMW and the Future of Driving Pleasure With Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW
66 Boss The Trend Report 68 Continental Shift Occident x Orient 70 Levantine Nights at Le Gray, Beirut 74 2016 Red Bull Bar Bahr Championship Engines roar on sand and water in the Red Bull Bar Bahr Championship on November 11. Race kicks off with quadbikes and ends with jet skis on Marina Beach
52 Mille Miglia GTS Automatic A Model from a Complete Collection 76 Monaco Yacht Show Our pick of 2016 54 Chopard and The Art of Living 56 The Reverso by Christian Louboutin 58 Tissot UCI World Cycling Partner 60 Philippe Charriol The Art to Live Distinction 64 Dolce & Gabbana Run Domenico, Run!
80 Jewel of the Caspian 84 ZEITGEIST Solarin Smartphone – The World’s Most Secure Cellphone 88 EVENTS 103 LISTINGS
It’s time for Christmas magic. TISSOT CHEMIN DES TOURELLES AUTOMATIC.
TI S S OT WATC H E S .CO M TISSOT, INNOVATORS BY TRADITION
THE MOTOR CAR
Rolls-Royce Bespoke Inspiration is Everywhere
R
olls-Royce Motor Cars has provided luxury connoisseurs with the pinnacle of automotive excellence for over a century now, writes Pamela Azzi, and has set a remarkable benchmark for what luxury means to each individual, whether that is globally or locally through Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the sole authorized dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the official importer of BMW and MINI in Kuwait. “Bespoke Operation” is the distinguished service that allows Rolls-Royce clientele to customize according to their tastes, making their Rolls-Royce the ultimate expression of themselves. The Bespoke service proposed previously specific interiors, or dedicated tone leather, without forgetting the remarkable Picnic set with fine plates and crystal glasses slid into the trunk base. Today, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke team is dedicated to bring to life whatever inspires the clients in their car. Among the intricate craftsmanship taking place at Goodwood in England, one is of specific importance: the exquisite marquetry work featured in each and every single Rolls-Royce motor car and guided by the client’s inspiration. A dazzling 20,000 wood veneer combinations are available for every Rolls-Royce motor car. Each model has 120 different wooden parts which are created with individual decorative veneers, making them unique to every client, and it can take up to 40 pieces of quality wood to create each veneer. But this is merely the start - each individual part is then lacquered, carefully sanded, finessed and rigorously inspected to ensure only flawless pieces of wood are used in the creation of the car. The art of marquetry is just one service of many that make difference; this dedication to the pursuit of perfection will continue to set Rolls-Royce as the ultimate luxury traveling marque.
Another feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning clients, is the Starlight Headliner, a unique, alluring addition to the roof of a Rolls Royce vehicle. First introduced in 2007 on the Phantom Coupé, the inimitable feature was designed to resemble stars in a clear night sky, giving passengers an awe-inspiring experience whilst travelling in their ultraluxury vehicle. To create the illusion of stars, specialists at the leather-shop in the home of Rolls-Royce, hand-perforate the leather on the roof of the ceiling, before delicately threading fibreoptic ‘stars’ through their dedicated holes. The network of fibres that lay beneath the surface are carefully gathered and positioned in a discreet way, ensuring the final product is as seamless as it is beautiful. As well as being a tasteful addition, the brightness of the stars can be altered to reflect the mood of the elite passenger. Rolls-Royce has had many Bespoke requests from clients to personalise the Starlight Headliner to their desires, including the constellations of their star signs or the constellations on a specific night that holds emotional value to them, such as the birth date of a loved one or wedding. The Starlight Headliner is another example of the stretches the ultra-luxury marque’s Bespoke Programme can go to, to cater to its discerning clientele’s requests, and displays the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating the world’s best vehicle.
THE MOTOR CAR
There is no finer way to make a unique statement or express your personal style than through a Bespoke Rolls-Royce.
12 13
THE MOTOR CAR
THE MOTOR CAR
“Take the best that exists and make it better and when it doesn’t exist, design it” Sir Henry Royce
Symbolizing the quality and uncompromising craftsmanship that is synonymous with the meticulous creation of a RollsRoyce, the coachline is applied entirely by hand, unaided by any machinery, running over both flanks of the full six meters of a Rolls-Royce vehicle.
With the use of premium leather, examined and treated by a selected team of specialists, the interior of a Rolls-Royce is crafted into an experience of sheer luxury. The leather is sourced from bulls reared on high-altitude plains in a region of Europe.
It can either be single or double line, in a single color or two-tone and can feature anything from logos, to family crests or even Arabic calligraphy, based entirely on what the customer requests through the famed Rolls-Royce Bespoke program.
The color layer is then applied using a process called drum pigmentation, creating a colour surface that is six times thinner than any other premium automotive leather, allowing the texture of the Full Grain Leather to be clearly seen. This process also ensures that the colour permeates right through, allowing a consistent colour throughout, if it is accidentally scratched.
Some of the beautiful and elaborate designs that have featured on the coachline of exclusive Rolls-Royce Bespoke models in the past few years include the intricate Arabic calligraphy elegantly expressed on the coachline of the “One Thousand and One Nights” Ghost Collection and the exquisite Peacock emblem decorating the Emerald green coachline of the Rolls-Royce Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupé. The artist behind the coachline is Mark Court and his unique talent allowed him to leave his fingerprint on some of the world’s most impressive Bespoke vehicles with painstaking craftsmanship. One of the truly unique elements of a Rolls-Royce is the use of Grade-A Natural Grain Leather. When a client first sets foot inside their hand crafted Rolls-Royce they can immediately see, feel and smell the inimitable quality of the interior.
The client reaps the result of the painstaking process when they first open the door of their new Rolls-Royce, settle into the meticulously crafted seats, surrounded by the smoothest and softest premium quality Natural Grain Leather, and feel confident that there was no compromise in any aspect of creating their very own automotive masterpiece. Each and every single element of a Rolls-Royce is intricately crafted through a process that marries human endeavour for perfection with cutting-edge technology; followed by a fastidious process of quality control, utilizing the world’s most accurate measuring tool – the human eye. As well as the marquetry team, the entire team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is dedicated to ensure the finest quality items and finest creation work together Photography: Nawaf Al Ali to create such a masterpiece.
14 15
THE WATCH
A. Lange & Söhne The Master Engraver
I
t is one of the smallest departments at Lange: only consisting of six staff members and situated on the ground floor of the historic Lange headquarters. In the focused peace and quiet of this small art studio those six master engravers turn each Lange watch into a truly unique item – by applying a freehand engraving onto the balance cock, which is not even the size of a fingernail.
With engraving the balance cock and other parts of the watch, Lange draws on an old craftsman tradition and diligently carries it into the modern age. Generations ago the high-end pocket watches by A. Lange & Söhne of the so-called 1A-quality had been artistically finished with delicate engravings. With good reason the master engravers back in those days are still appreciated today. Their works are perceived as a source of inspiration due to the precision, imagination, aesthetics and their balanced proportions. The good old tradition of engraving the balance cock is based on the historic timepieces. The small balance cock holds the oscillating balance and with it the centrepiece and “heart” of the watch. In terms of design it suited well to emblazon this small component with elegantly curled ornaments. For modern watches even today every balance cock is still engraved by hand at A. Lange & Söhne. Its size varies and depends on the model. Therefore the traditional pattern is adapted to the respective size, yet it has remained the same motif used by the engravers at A. Lange & Söhne for 160 years: petals framing the middle screw of the cock, and floral patterns winding their way into every corner, and a grid that defines the position of the index. A “V“ which stands for “Vorgang“ (fast) and an “N“ for “Nachgang“ (slow) set the limits to the adjustment scale of the index, which is then used by the watchmaker to accurately regulate the frequency of the Lange watch. Every cock is different, however. It is marked by the sweep of the engraver’s stroke, the depth of the pattern and the angle of the lines that
has an influence on the splendour of the artwork as such, because this angle determines the degree of reflection. Bespoke - Requests and Variety The Lange engravers are happy to do exceptional special requests, as they always add new challenges to their work. Upon request engravings can be applied onto the buckle, the sides of the case, the lugs or the solid caseback. The balance cock can also be customised: engraving the initials of the owner, hardly visible by plain eyesight, make the Lange watch a truly special and individual item. There is almost no limit to the customer’s creative ideas. But the manufacture reserves the right to decide which requests will be realised. The most popular motifs include monograms, weapons, dedications, and portraits. Every engraver has his own signature style. Therefore it will still be possible to tell his work from the work of others years later. By visiting the manufacture the owner of a Lange watch can meet “his” engraver and personally encounter the creator of the little masterwork on his wrist. The completion of an engraving in freehand technique takes time. To finish a small balance cock takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the size, whereas more than a week is indeed required for the application of an engraving onto a caseback in gold or platinum. Essentially two different engraving techniques are applied at Lange: the intaglio and the relief technique. The intaglio engraving is a graphical illustration,
THE WATCH
16 17
THE WATCH
whilst the relief technique produces a plastic image that protudes from the metal. The intaglio technique is particularly suited for engraving writing. Typical for it is the fine curl of the lines. With the relief the material around the motif is carved away, such that a protrusive relief remains. The incised lines and ground surfaces can be filled with coloured enamel, thus providing a visual highlight. Special tools are required for each type of engraving. Only burins of varying width are used for the intaglio technique, but additionally a chisel and punch are needed for the completion of a relief engraving. It is not rare to find more than 40 different burins on the desk of an engraver. Depending on the cutting edge and area, the burins are classed as follows: onglette burin, round edge burin, bevel burin, lining burin and flat edge burin as well as some special variations. The burin has to lie in the hand firmly and safely. Therefore each engraver manufactures his tools himself and adjusts them to match his own ergonomic requirements.
THE WATCH
In Rest Lies Art Engraving is an art “en miniature”. The engravings are therefore exclusively done under a microscope with a magnification of ten to twelve times. In order to accomplish an engraving in perfect manner, the engraver must be able to operate the chisel and burin to 100 per cent. It takes three years to complete the training as engraver. But a certain personal predisposition is required for reaching the master level in this occupation. First and foremost a “quiet hand“ is paramount. Equally important are the faculty of three-dimensional imagination, drawing skills and extensive artistic talents. The independence of an engraver in terms of design is not just reflected in his “own handwriting“. He is also the free creator of his works, which he completes by order of the customer. The name “artist en miniature” suits him perfectly and is by no means an exaggeration.
18 19
THE WATCH
Atelier Reverso
The Privilege of Imagining your Own Watch
C
hoosing a Reverso watch is a significant act. One hopes for it, dreams of it and finally makes the choice – sensitive to its history, seduced by its iconic design as much as by the expertise of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, and won over by the smooth move of sliding the case to reveal its hidden face. Personalising the back of the model is a unique way of claiming ownership of one’s watch. Jaeger-LeCoultre has imagined a way of rendering this experience even more exclusive by offering the “Atelier Reverso”. Aficionados of the Duo and Duetto versions now also share the privilege of personalising their Reverso. No watch will ever be as precious as one that closely matches our desires. An Incomparable Experience Whether at the time of purchase or at any given moment, JaegerLeCoultre already offered the possibility of having the back of the Reverso engraved, as well as changing the strap. These options that endow the watch with a strong identity remain as relevant as ever. The solid-back models of the Reverso Classic and One collections lend themselves perfectly to engraving. The Manufacture now wishes to share its horological culture – with all its joys, its careful reflexion and its suspense – in a whole new way. The Grande Maison is thus now offering each watch lover the chance to take part in the adventure of their own Reverso by choosing the design of the back dial. The hands of Jaeger-LeCoultre artisans in the Vallée de Joux, at the heart of the Swiss Jura, will give shape to the imagined ideal. This experience proposed for Duo and Duetto models in the Reverso Classic collection is intensely thrilling. Areas of Absolute Freedom Each of us has our own sensitivity and style universe. Atelier Reverso enables us to express such personal wishes and desires through the proposed range of dials, such as versions made of stone or adorned with an ivy motif. Each colour infuses the timepiece with a distinctive vibrancy, from the tender hues of delicate pink, to profoundly moving shades of dark blue or magnetic grey expressing contemporary elegance, or the energy-filled glow of reds and browns. On the Reverso Classic Duetto model, the dial can be intensified by gem-set hour-markers that infuse the face of the watch with a majestic star-like quality. These gem-set hour-markers may also be complemented by a gem-set centre that creates a sparkling radiance. These particularly exclusive gem-set dials will be available only on limited editions. The composite beauty of the Reverso is equally irresistible when adorned with an ivy motif, graced with stylised leaves symbolising faithfulness and depth of feeling.
The Reverso Classic Large Duo watch lends itself equally well to the Atelier Reverso adventure. This model features an entire front side dedicated to tradition and expertise, with a brushed and guilloché dial hosting a 24-hour day/night indicator at 6 o’clock. Swivelling the watch reveals local time and this dial can now be clothed in new colours: an intense pigment-saturated dark blue or a sophisticated burgundy, while a choice of three different stone versions ensures a powerful graphic statement. Atelier Reverso naturally also enables a choice of straps in a wealth of refined shades as well as calfskin, alligator leather, ostrich and satin materials. The Manufacture Spirit Pervading Each Boutique Atelier Reverso kicked off in the spring of 2016 in JaegerLeCoultre boutiques. Dial samples, a digital app, careful guidance and advice: everything is being done to ensure that the process is a passionately exciting and indeed truly galvanising experience, ensuring the steady but sure transformation of the Reverso into that intensely personal watch one has always dreamed of. In this respect, JaegerLeCoultre boutiques become an extension of the Manufacture, offering a blend of luxury and the hand-crafted atmosphere of an artisan-style workshop. Each location has already been designed in this spirit. The Art Deco ambiance, the hushed, plush lounges conducive to exchanges between passionate watchmaking enthusiasts, the subtle light effects, the current collections echoing the historical pieces and treasures from the proud heritage of the Grande Maison: all contribute to the flow of inspiration and to stirring the imagination. It is here that one can express a uniquely personal vision of one’s Reverso; here that one senses the powerful sense of pure creative pleasure. For Jaeger-LeCoultre, watchmaking is an exhaustible wellspring of experiences. Atelier Reverso is one that now awaits your unique touch.
THE WATCH
20 21
THE ARTISANS
Be Unique with Tanagra
N
ovember is an important month for aficionados of handcraftsmanship, the bespoke, the unique. And Tanagra is the place to be.
Tanagra is opening its doors to collectors and just the plain inquisitive visitors in the month of November with a huge and unique event that will be held simultaneously in three branches of Tanagra: at Villaggio Mall - Qatar, Avenues Mall - Kuwait, and Mall of the Emirates - Dubai. The event will include the launch of an exceptional selection of luxur y pieces in a show exploring the know-
Dromadar y - Dromadaire Thierr y Peureux
how and craftsmanship of porcelain and cr ystal painting, hand-embroider y techniques, and metal engraving. This event will present visitors the oppor tunity to enjoy and learn about the latest novelties from specialized global brands including Daum, Moser, Richard Ginori, ST Dupont, Mazlo, D. Por thault, Christofle, Baccarat and Lalique.
Ner vous Chandelier - Ner vous Zenith Fondnoir HD
THE ARTISANS
Christofle - Mood Precious
Daum - Majestueux
Mazlo - Box 3D Test
Mazlo - Birds at The Pagoda Gate
22 23
THE ARTISANS
Moser - Pear Interiors Categor y
Moser - Sapphire
Moser - Elisabeth
Moser - Kostra Paula
THE ARTISANS
Richard Ginori - Hand Painting
Richard Ginori - Line Painter
ST Dupont - ART NOUVEAU Lighter
ST Dupont - Chinese Lacquer Dupont Factor y Faverges
24 25
THE SARTORIALISTS
Brioni
Bespoke in 5 Points
F
ounded in Rome in 1945 as men’s tailoring company, Brioni is appreciated all over the world for its exquisite sartorial garments. The Brioni Bespoke is the highest expression of the brand’s tailoring art, result of a genuine Italian workmanship carried out by Brioni tailors. A Long Standing Tradition for 70 Years Brioni has provided the Bespoke service for 70 years, since the brand was established in Rome as a men’s tailoring company. Its service of personalizing garments represents the pinnacle of Brioni tailoring; a process in which the brand’s master tailors apply all of their knowledge and years of experience to construct impeccable suits. These are not just garments, but a real experience, synonymous with dynamism, innovation and research, aimed to interpret and satisfy a client’s needs and adapt them to their lifestyles. An Atelier Housed by 1.000 Tailors At the core of Brioni’s longstanding tradition are the Brioni tailors: men and women behind the artistry and beauty of each sartorial garment. Reminiscent of a genuine Italian workmanship, they handwork each creation with meticulous attention being paid to each detail. Brioni’s tailors are trained at the company’s tailoring school Scuola di Alta Sartoria where they embrace “the Brioni method”, according to which each suit undergoes 220 steps of workmanship. From the drawing to cutting and tacking phases, to the shoulder construction and placement of artisanal buttonholes, down to the ironing phase, they know each step necessary to bring a Brioni suit to life. Quality Ensured by 440 Expert Hands Each Brioni suit is shaped by 440 hands, which work the garment for more than 22 hours. This intense workmanship
requires between 5000 and 7000 hand stitches to assemble a jacket – 90% of which are internal and unseen. This precious art, infused in the essence of the suit, ensures the most elegantly wearable garment, caressing the body lightly and shaping the silhouette with absolute perfection. A selection of Exclusive Fabrics The company offers a wide range of high-quality fabrics from its seasonal and permanent collections, which are available through the personalization service. The choice of the best fabrics depends on what the client defines as his style, and what best fits the selected model of suit. The majority of Brioni’s fabrics are made exclusively for the house. Reflect the brand’s customary, signature patterns and color palette, each of these fabrics are made-in-Italy – guaranteeing the best. This has been protocol throughout the years. A Personalized Service All Over the World The Bespoke service is available in all Brioni stores worldwide but can also come to the client, wherever he may be. The master tailors spend approximately 90 days travelling around the world providing clients with the service and assisting them for any specific needs they might have. It is a personalized service in the purest sense of the word. To Brioni, the means offering the best in terms of sartorial experience any time, any place, and any silhouette.
THE SARTORIALISTS
26 27
FIT AND FABRIC
Emanuele Maffeis Fit and Fabric
T
he Company was founded in Bergamo in 1958 by Emanuele Maffeis, a man who enjoyed the legacy of many past generations of knowledge. This has resulted in the creation of a shirt of the highest quality within the traditions of the Italian textile industry.
The success in responding to the market’s ever increasing awareness and quality demands is based on a series of elements and experience gained which has always allowed the Company to create unique garments. The continuous research both at home and overseas for special fabrics, the development of perfectly fitting patterns, the near obsessive attention to detail together with the ever present hand-finishing are the hallmarks of an Emanuele Maffeis shirt. The combination of handcrafted detail with the search for innovation, have resulted in unparalleled comfort and perfect fit. Strict quality control at all stages of the manufacturing process together with the final check where every shirt is examined individually and commitment to provide unrivalled customer service distinguish Emanuele Maffeis from all other companies. Style and Elegance of an Emanuele Maffeis Shirt Every garment is the result of superb digital dexterity and painstaking dedication of the work force, using time-honoured skills. The hand embroidery, the fastidious attention to details, the choice of fine quality fabrics and perfect fit are the secrets of its elegance and incomparable style. The opportunity to personalize the shirts through choice of fabric, detail, shape, fit, hand finish etc, is the final testimony of Emanuele Maffeis’ ability to create unique yet perfectly comfortable garments to the customers’ own requirements. Their made to measure and bespoke garments allow customers to choose from a wide selection of fabrics, ranging from classic to casual styles.
Unique styling coupled with faithful adherence to traditional handcraft skills, but always in keeping with contemporary fashion. As usual attention to the fancy fabrics (every season they propose a selection of more than 500 chose from the best weaving in the world) joined with the care of detail and finishing, such as the arm – hole, the lockstitch, the gauntlet, the shoulder, the box –pleat, the buttonholes, the gusset, the tailoring collar, the band. Even machine sewn finishing is scrupulously carried out in full respect to details and precision as can be observed by the 10 stitches per centimeter, 2mm hem, pre-ironing of sleeves, centring of lines and the closed sleeve apart from the wide variety of choice of fabrics and models. The best Egyptian cottons, Sea Island, Irish linens, cashmere and Italian silks are used to create Emanuele Maffeis garments. Customers are able to express their own particular tastes and preferences for their made-to-measure shirts by choosing from a wide choice of details including button holes, gusset, tailoring collar, arm-hole, lockstitch, gauntlet, shoulder, buttons. The same inspirational values which epitomises Emanuele Maffeis is also expressed in a collection of men’s intimate apparel of consummate quality. The choice of colours and prints, the soft fabrics, the various phases of handcraftsmanship applied by the skilled seamstresses, add prestige to these garments, but always keeping faith to the philosophy of the Emanuele Maffeis trademark.
FIT AND FABRIC
28 29
THE MASTER TAILOR
Corneliani The Master Tailor
T
he pursuit of excellence has always driven Corneliani’s approach, and nowhere is this expressed more keenly than in its Made to Measure service. It is based on Corneliani’s vast, proven experience and reflects the historic values – tradition, quality and modernity – which have shaped the brand’s identity, values it has adhered to with dedication and passion for over half a century. The home of the Corneliani Group is Mantua, a city steeped in art set in a truly enchanting landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008 and Italian Capital of Culture 2016 it is famous for its pivotal role in the Renaissance, to which it owes its incomparably beautiful monuments. So much splendour certainly influences the tastes and sensitivities of anyone who works and lives there, and it explains the vocation for beauty of this company, surrounded by harmony and immersed in the idea that elegance is a question of substance over form, with the Made to Measure suit as its ultimate expression. Corneliani’s commitment to preserving hand-sewing and hand-finishing techniques – offset by cutting-edge technology and painstakingly detailed checks at every stage – is epitomised by the image of the needle and computer: an expression both of the brand’s identity and the identity of each individual customer. Not surprisingly, the byword for every Made to Measure garment is “personalisation”. Contemporary men seeking out their own style are increasingly aware of this: for what counts above all is the perfect fit, the key to the demeanour essential to elegance. The superlative quality of the materials and workmanship behind each garment require a very specific approach. Steeped in rigorous tailoring, it is closer to a work of art than a mere fashion piece. Choosing to create a Made to Measure garment is a source of pleasure and personal satisfaction, a process which results in something unique: a reflection and celebration of each man’s finest qualities. Taking time to select fabrics and details is a special occasion. Corneliani, which has always striven to mirror its customers’ tastes, provides the “Made to Measure” service in a selection of its multi and single-brand stores in some of the world’s most celebrated luxury shopping destinations. The service
includes a VIP lounge, with tailors and assistants on hand to ensure that the customer’s individual styles and requirements are met to the full. As befits the identity of the brand – renowned for its subtle sophistication and clean, tapered lines – Corneliani tailors unique, one-off garments. It is truly a multi-sensorial experience, one which begins with sight and peaks with the touch of the light, soft, smooth fabrics. The finest cashmeres, silks and linens, plus a selection of fabrics from the “Road to Excellence” project, guarantee unforgettable comfort and fit. Corneliani offers over 750 of the world’s most exquisite fabrics which come in a various combination of colours and weaves. Each fabric undergoes meticulous inspections, from checking every metre of cloth to ensure the finished product is free from defects to assessing the hand, colour, stability, workability and durability. Steps are also taken to stabilise the performance of the fabrics during production: wool is steamed, while interlinings are dampened by hand with warm water and left to dry naturally at specific temperatures. Most fundamental of all are the details, a question of sensitivity more than style. Never ostentatious, they emerge gradually as the exquisite features which set aside “Made to Measure” and the men who wear it: from buttons and stitching, linings and undercollars, to the inside label, hand-embroidered with the name of the person who desired that particular garment. It takes 548 top stitches and 27 manual procedures to make a jacket, all done by expert hands who have mastered the art of men’s tailoring after years of experience. It is the irreplaceable craft skills of Corneliani tailors which bring perfect garments to life, shaped around a structure which combines soft interlinings (made from camelhair and wool, horsehair, goat hair and cotton) with manual dexterity. Made from 100% natural cloth, the internal structure acts as the support for each part of the jacket, assembled using
THE MASTER TAILOR
30 31
THE MASTER TAILOR
tacking and stitching alone. This is the cornerstone of the “sartorial construction” which gives the finished garment its stretch, softness and fit. Last but not least comes attention to style, from the classic to the contemporary. Constantly evolving, it is always a reflection of what the members of Corneliani’s “Made to Measure” club most desire. A series of careful choices must be made before the Made to Measure service is set in motion. Once measurements have been taken, individual volumes and shapes are looked at – shoulders, chest, hips, sleeves, body shape – and the customer’s specific needs and preferences are taken into account: a single- or double-breasted jacket, with or without side or central vents… and much more. Consideration is also given to the customer’s personal style and, last but not least, his cultural origins. Next decisions are made over the length, fit and shoulders, the size of the armholes, the waist, the trouser turn-ups and
base, the style of the lapels, the real jacket sleeve buttonholes, buttons, stitching and linings. State-of-the-art software is then used to process all the information and produce a customised design. It takes a mere three weeks to realize the dream of a made to measure garment. Delivery is the last stage in a service so meticulous it is almost a rite. Staff at the boutiques make their last checks of the garment, which must match the specifications exactly, and are always ready to make any final tailored adjustments whenever they are required. This is the story of the supremely artistic suit which accompanies the cosmopolitan man on those very special occasions – or, why not, throughout every moment in life. It explains why Corneliani has a world-wide reputation, proving its passion and flair for interpreting true male elegance, rooted in the savoir faire at which Italian tailors excel like no others.
THE LUXE REVIEW
THE LUXE REVIEW Our exclusive guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more. In the Luxe Review we look at the best, and meet the people that are making it happen.
32 33
Dananeer - Tailoring Brands Sartoria Latorre Italian Craftsmanship Michele Latorre founded Sartoria Latorre in 1965, initially as a little local company, to produce made-to-measure suits. During the years, Michele gained experience serving local customers in his small workshop at Locorotondo, a beautiful village, in the very heart of Valle d’Itria, Puglia. However, his far-sighted vision and his entrepreneurial curiosity brought him beyond his village walls, towards the “high tailoring”, that gives “Made in Italy” an international strength. Michele always considered the Neapolitan bespoke tailoring an essential referring point. Even today, his creations, still inspired by this culture, are appreciated all over the world. His sons Vito, Alberto, Luciano and Alessio have treasured his experience, harmonizing it with a new, young and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, still looking after the craftsmanship of the classic tailoring, synonymous of high quality and precision.
Photographed by: Jalil Marvin Featuring: Abdullah Al-Habib
Sartoria Latorre Available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait
Sartoria Latorre
Sartoria Latorre
Available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait
Façonnable Cote D’Azur – French Riviera Jean Goldberg, a master-tailor opens a boutique-atelier on rue Paradis in Nice the birthplace of the brand. Heir of the tradition and know-how of the great artisans of the Eastern Europe, he very quickly became a staple of the French Riviera. The result of his work was to dress the stars of this era such as Cary Grant or Tony Curtis, with his unique form of classic style with a twist which helped quickly establish the brand in France. Albert Goldberg takes over a Nice workshop. Along with know-how and inheritance received from his father, he learned the art of cutting and finishing. He creates a new fashion footprint for the contemporaries of his time reflecting the essence of the French Riviera.
Faรงonnable Available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait
Faรงonnable
Faรงonnable Available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait
Corneliani Life as a Masterpiece Man. The great masterpiece of nature. His style and character make him unique. The life of a great man is knit from instances, making them immortal, unique, eternal. Corneliani dresses the greatness of these men who embody only the best of each moment, seizing the meaning in every shard of time, turning every second into an endless masterpiece. A classic world, where suits and accessories make for a unique experience, Corneliani quality has always been an expert blend of skillful craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that respects the grand tradition of Italian tailoring. By studying shapes and volumes inspired by various art forms, in particular architecture and design, the result is a fruitful and promising future, where a man who is aware of his own centrality is at the helm.
Corneliani
Corneliani Available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait
THE LUXE CARS
Paris Motor Show 2016
T
he Paris Motor Show adopted the motto of ‘Freedom, Diversity, and Mobility’ for its 2016 edition. With new models, concept cars, innovations and dream cars the show was held, as always, in early October. This year the show was oriented towards future technologies and the new usages of the cars with the launch of several electric models from most of the exhibitors. Here we look behind the marketing hype at the news that really matters.
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Seven years after the launch of the first generation, Porsche has decided to refresh its Panamera sedan, and it was at the Paris Motor Show 2016 that the German firm presented the second to the general public. From the outset, the new Teutonic sedan seduced, skillfully blending elegance and sportiness with a redesigned front bumper, the LED headlights and a modified shape. At the back the optics are more refined and connected by a red band like the 911 models. In addition to a dual exhaust on each side, just to silence the skeptics. As for the interior, it was also entitled to some changes, particularly in terms of instrumentation, classic with 5 digital meters, but accompanied by a large central screen.
THE LUXE CARS
Lexus UX SUV Concept To draw its vehicles, as current or future ones, the premium manufacturer Lexus stays focused on offering its unique style of designs. The concept UX, the first glimpse of a series of SUV planned for 2017, is in the same spirit, even pushing some limits. The Lexus crossover adopts uncommon characteristics. Including front seats – straps that are supposed to improve the internal wellbeing, visibility and comfort, a back seat ‘sofa’, a removable sound bar and hinged doors. To create a ‘unique driving experience’, Lexus has integrated Human Machine Interface (HMI) and a completely redesigned dashboard, very dense screens, even broadcasting some holographic data. On the outside, the concept is still equipped with countless edges, a ‘crushed’ roof significantly reducing the size of the windows. BMW i3 Electric City Car The BMW i3 Electric opens the range of BMW i automobiles. This city car is characterized by numerous technological innovations, which should mark a new beginning for the electric cars’ industry. Inside the car, we immediately notice the similar control screen tablet located on the dashboard. The mostly often-used materials are reinforced plastics with recycled carbon fiber. However, the natural and elegant touches are provided by the wooden parts of the dashboard in front of the passenger seat and on the left of the steering wheel. The car has everything related to new technologies, such Internet and Bluetooth. Who said that “green” cars are boring?
44 45
THE LUXE CARS
Audi Q5 It was undoubtedly one of the stars of the Paris Motor Show. Like the rest of the Audi range, the new Audi Q5 adopts sharper lines than the first generation, with more pronounced edges and finer lights. Also, this new version grew slightly compared with the previous 4.66 meters. The German manufacturer has promised a better space for rear passengers and the boot has a working volume of 500 liters expandable to 1,550 liters. The interior of the SUV includes technologies from the Audi A4, including a digital dashboard and MMI infotainment system. Like the A4, A3 and Q7, the 2017 version of the Audi Q5, claims its share of driver assistance; safety distance alert, road assistance, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with traffic function, allowing semi-autonomous driving. Ferrari A few months before their 70th birthday, the Italian manufacturer took advantage of the opening of the Paris Motor Show to announce the release of a very special collection of cars inspired by their seven decades of building motorcars. Each of the five models in its current range - the California T, the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider, F12 Berlinetta, and the GTC4 Lusso – receive special treatment from Maranello’s ‘Tailor Made’ team with special finishes for 70 of each model. All in all, 350 unique examples will be available for sale. A unique identifier of these cars is in their wearing of a special 70th anniversary logo designed by Ferrari and a plaque revealing the name of the original vehicle, which inspired the new model. Alongside the new GTC4 Lusso - the first four-seater powered by a V8 turbo engine in the history of Ferrari – was the marque’s unveiling from earlier this summer: the convertible version of the gorgeous coupé LaFerrari Aperta. Aesthetically, this car is a true work of art. The LaFerrari Aperta cut and style were purely designed for aerodynamics without removing the charm that every Ferrari worthy of the name must have. Customers who have fallen for this canon of beauty were given the choice between a retractable hardtop in carbon fiber and a more traditional soft top. Inside, the custom-made is always appreciated with this overwhelming feeling of being in a cockpit and ready to hit the road. The LaFerrari Aperta was not for sale in Paris - production being already sold out to loyal customers of the brand.
THE LUXE CARS
The New Panamera 4 E-Hybrid New Hybrid Strategy Based on the Porsche 918 Spyder
A
t Porsche, the term “hybrid” is synonymous with not only sustainable mobility, but performance too – a fact proven not least by the victory of the 919 Hybrid in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2015 and 2016. This philosophy is now also defining the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The new Porsche plug-in hybrid always starts in purely electric mode and drives without generating any local emissions within a range of 50 kilometres and a maximum speed of 140 km/h. And yet this Panamera too is a sports car among the luxury saloons: The all-wheel Porsche achieves a top speed of 278 km/h and delivers a system torque of 700 Nm from stationary without hesitation. The four-door hybrid sports car breaks the 100 km/h barrier in just 4.6 seconds. The torque is transferred to all four wheels and the standard three-chamber air suspension ensures an optimum balance between comfort and dynamism at all times. The superlative performance is no accident: The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features a hybrid strategy never before seen in this segment – a strategy based on the 918 Spyder. The 652 kW (887 hp) 918 Spyder is the fastest seriesproduced vehicle ever to circumnavigate the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its record lap time of 6:57 minutes can in part be attributed to the additional power provided by two electric motors. As with the 918 Spyder, the power of the Panamera electric motor – 100 kW (136 hp) and 400 Nm torque – is made available as soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal. On the predecessor model, the pedal needed to be pressed at least 80 per cent of the way down to unleash the additional power of the electric drive. Now, the electric motor and petrol engine interact in perfect harmony from the very outset. Like with the 918 Spyder, the electric motor is available to deliver additional power at all times. This, together with the performance characteristics of the new 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine (243 kW/330 hp/450 Nm), generates an impressive boost scenario based on electric motor and turbochargers. In the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, the electrical energy is also used to increase the car’s top speed. At Porsche, this new type of “E-Performance” – more power, more driving fun, lower fuel consumption – is seen as the performance kit of the future.
46 47
THE LUXE CARS
103EX The Future of Luxury
T
he Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100, codenamed 103EX, has now made its North American debut at the historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. 103EX is the marque’s first ever pure ‘Vision Vehicle’ and defines the future of luxury mobility. It presents an intriguing and aesthetically dynamic vision of the future of luxury mobility – a completely personal, effortless and autonomous Rolls-Royce experience, wrapped in a design that ensures a ‘Grand Sanctuary’ for its occupants and a ‘Grand Arrival’.
THE LUXE CARS
103EX is one of four visionary creations announced by the BMW Group in Munich on 7 March 2016, as it launched its centenary celebrations. In addition to being the centenary of the BMW Group, 2016 also represents a seminal moment in the history of RollsRoyce Motor Cars. For Rolls-Royce, the end of production of the seventh generation Phantom – considered by aficionados to be “the best car in the world” – represents the completion of the first phase of the Rolls-Royce brand’s renaissance under BMW Group custodianship. The success of Phantom, Ghost, Wraith and now Dawn serves as the foundation for a bold new chapter. 103EX is the vision of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team, led by Director of Design, Giles Taylor. In the spirit of the great coach-built cars of the past, Rolls‑Royce will create the chassis of the future, hand-built from the most advanced materials and powered by a zero emissions powertrain. The Legacy of Eleanor The ‘Voice of Eleanor’ inhabits 103EX, delivering the dream of an effortless future to her owners. Digitally connected to every aspect of her owners’ lives and her surrounding environment, ‘Eleanor’ becomes their virtual assistant and chauffeur, freeing them of all effort and encumbrance. Ever vigilant, ‘Eleanor’ safely delivers her passengers to their destination, having already predicted the situation and surroundings that await them. The Grand Sanctuary As one would expect from a Rolls-Royce, the environment of the Grand Sanctuary is crafted from the most precious
and contemporary of materials. What is unexpected is the feeling of lightness and simplicity, an effortless elegance. The centrepiece of the cabin is the beautiful sofa. The best seat in the house, it is an exquisite, futuristic interpretation of modern furniture design. Clothed in the most opulent fabrics, it gives the impression of floating within the cocoon of the cabin thanks to the artful use of lighting and modern materials. The Grand Arrival The very size of 103EX announces the importance of its precious cargo. At 5.9 metres long and 1.6 metres high, it mirrors the perfect dimensions of today’s Phantom Extended Wheelbase, whilst the ever constant Spirit of Ecstasy grows in stature, harking back to the regal Phantoms of the 1920s. Hand-crafted by the finest European glassmakers of today, she lights the way to the future of luxury. She is poised atop the re-imagined, yet still iconic, Pantheon grille with the red Double-R badge of an experimental Rolls-Royce. Whilst this radical new design language also contributes to an ef for tless, unruf fled journey thanks to improved air flow and reduced air resistance, its unquestioned drama delivers a grand arrival. “The Grand Arrival gesture of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 creates a stage for our important passengers as they arrive at their ultimate destination,” comments Taylor. “It is an expression of our intrinsic understanding of the possibilities for a true luxury brand and the desires of its customers.”
48 49
THE LUXE CARS
BMW and the Future of Driving Pleasure With Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW
T
he BMW Group is a pioneer in the field of electric mobility and already offers a range of models with electrified drive systems. The all-electric BMW i3 and the five-strong line-up of plug-in hybrids – with their combination of electric motor and petrol engine – are already a sales hit with customers, and the BMW Group will develop even more models with electric drive systems in the future. Equally, though, conventional diesel and petrol engines will play a major role for a long time still.
THE LUXE CARS
In his talk at the 26th Aachen Colloquium Automobile and Engine Technology, Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, Development, presented the full spectrum of drive technologies possible in the future – and, in so doing, mapped out the journey ahead. One of the key messages of his speech centred on how the challenge of keeping both customers and lawmakers happy by meeting all their requirements would call for a wide variety of different drive systems. “There will be no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution,” stated Fröhlich confidently. “We see the approach of using myriad technologies continuing for many years.” The proportion of electrified vehicles on the roads is growing steadily. In the USA and a number of European countries, demand is increasing at a faster pace than in Germany. Here, too, sales figures received a major boost from the launch of the BMW i3 with new 94 Ah battery. August 2016 saw worldwide sales of the BMW i3 rise by over 70% compared to twelve months previously. There is tremendous potential for electric mobility in China, although this is subject to considerable local variation. Electric mobility will continue to be multifaceted in nature for a long while yet, guided by the particular concept and market at hand. A total of 34,664 BMW i and BMW iPerformance models had been sold in 2016 up to the end of August. A significant fall in costs is not expected until after 2020. It will be a few years before the battery electric vehicle (BEV) becomes the all-encompassing solution for customers and model classes across the board. Pure battery-electric drive systems allow customers whose daily journeys don’t generally exceed 100 kilometres (62 miles) to enjoy zeroemission electric driving in small to medium-sized vehicles. The BMW i3 exemplifies a possible approach here, and now also offers customers an electric range of over 200 km (125 miles) in real-world use. When it comes to medium-length journeys and mid-size vehicles, the BMW Group offers an extremely wide choice of plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs). These all-rounders offer an entry point into customer-focused e-mobility in many segments.
Meanwhile, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEVs) offer the ideal combination of zero-emission motoring and everyday practicality when extended ranges and high running resistances are required. The key benefit for customers of fuel-cell drive systems is their short refuelling time – which is similar to that offered by vehicles with conventional combustion engines. What is lacking here, though, is the requisite hydrogen infrastructure and production set-up, and cross-sector partnerships have been launched to accelerate the process of establishing such an ecosystem. All of which means that the large-scale manufacture of hydrogen fuel-cell technology will become viable in the course of the next ten years, putting it firmly on the radar for customer usage. Although it is true that internal combustion engines will decline in impor tance in the medium term, they will play a vital role for a long time to come and still of fer potential that could be tapped into with additional investment. However, a wide spread of evolutionar y advances will be needed to meet future requirements with respect to CO2 and other emissions, and 48V energy recuperation systems will play an increasingly impor tant role in this regard. The latest demonstrator and research vehicle with a hydrogen fuel-cell electric drive system is derived from the BMW Group’s modular electrification toolkit. Partner networks, such as the one that exists between the BMW Group and Toyota, are an excellent way of arriving at objectives more quickly and cost-effectively. Fröhlich outlines the roadmap to hydrogen-powered fuelcell electric driving as follows: “BMW will enter the fuel cell market early in the next decade, starting with very small production runs. However, until 2025 at least costs will remain too high and the hydrogen infrastructure too sparse to allow broad-based market penetration. By the time the fundamentals are in place, the BMW Group will also have marketable products ready that are attractive to customers.”
50 51
THE LUXE WATCHES
Mille Miglia GTS Automatic A Model from a Complete Collection
T
he Mille Miglia GTS is a complete collection composed of a three-hand watch with date display, a chronograph and a power-reserve model. These three models with their eminently masculine curves are inspired by the classic cars that took part in the race between 1940 and 1957. The steel case of 43 mm are fitted with short, pointed lugs that are carefully tapered to ensure optimal comfort on the wrist, while the sporting nature of this timepiece is enhanced by facetted hands.
THE LUXE WATCHES
The Mille Miglia Automatic watch is driven by a Chopard movement. Calibre 01.01-C is entirely designed, developed and assembled in the Fleurier Ebauche workshops. They are highly prized by Chopard and meet all the quality demands of the Mille Miglia, respectively equipping the Automatic and Power Control versions of this new Mille Miglia GTS collection. The exclusive nature of this watch entirely matches that of the glorious classic cars that take part in this race. Its construction ensures the robustness that is indispensable on Mille Miglia models dedicated to competitive racing. Its automatic winding ensures essential ease of use. Its 60hour power reserve enables its owner to find it still running smoothly and accurately after a period of rest. Finally, its certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) testifies to the precision of its rating, a must-have attribute for Chopard watches in general and of course for racing drivers. This much-coveted statute is reflected by the “Chronometer” inscription appearing on the dial which bears the inscription “Chronometer”. Contemporary aesthetic and vintage spirit for a Chopard grand classic Dedicated to Italy’s most famous and closely followed classic car race, the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic watch is designed as wrist worn auxiliary navigation instruments. The bezel of the various models feature a graduated black aluminium insert accentuating the sporting nature of the Mille Mille GTS Power Control. The dial of the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic is black with red and white accents, a tribute to the aesthetic of vintage car dashboards. The date aperture appears in the Mille Miglia red-arrow race logo, a nod to the numbers on the doors and bonnets of the competing cars. The lively, dynamic nature of the race as a whole is symbolised by the distinctive presence of red on the dial, particularly on the minutes track and the seconds hand of each timepiece. This watch is available in steel with a rubber strap. The latter also recalls the racing world and draws inspiration from the Dunlop tyres of classic 1960s cars. This Automatic version introduces a font characteristic of the new Mille Miglia GTS collection. The dial features oversized 6 and 12 o’clock numerals painted in Superluminova and reminiscent of the dashboards of classic cars that forever preserve the spirit of the “competizione” dear to the hearts of classic racing enthusiasts. The Mille Miglia GTS Automatic watch is a tribute to “la corsa più bella del mondo” dedicated to drivers combining a competitive spirit with distinctive style.
52 53
THE LUXE WATCHES
Chopard and The Art of Living
A
longside its watchmaking and jewellery expertise, Chopard has developed a collection of accessories extending the reach of the Maison to encompass multiple expressions of luxury craftsmanship.
Aesthetes are well aware that the excellent workmanship and the beauty of the objects that surround us on a daily basis help create an exceptional environment and an authentic quality of life. Chopard is a past master in the art of designing and creating such privileged living areas. Such is the promise embedded at the core of every object bearing the signature of the Geneva-based Maison. Cufflinks, handbags and clocks For the end-of-year festive season, six exceptional objects are enriching the Chopard accessory collection. Each is produced with the same concern for quality and excellence embodied in the brand’s watches and jewellery. With a nod to the famous Mille Miglia collection, a pair of cufflinks along with a superb table clock reflects the stainless steel and black rubber design powerfully evoking the legendary Italian car rally. For gentlemen, a pair of onyx-set stainless steel cufflinks with rose gold accents is inspired by tourbillon wings, whilst an L.U.C 1860 alarm clock joins the iconic eponymous watch in tribute to the founding year of the Maison.
THE LUXE WATCHES
The Reverso by Christian Louboutin
A
wild breeze is blowing through the Reverso. In 2016, the iconic model is toasting its 85th birthday with a whole host of surprises. To celebrate this milestone on a high note, the Jaeger-LeCoultre icon appears arrayed in brand-new festive garments born of an encounter between the Manufacture and Christian Louboutin. The designer’s rich and original perspective reveals unexpected facets of the Reverso. Prepare to be surprised by this intersecting of two worlds that, despite their differences, are bound together by powerful shared values and a boundless love of beautiful things.
THE LUXE WATCHES
When Christian Louboutin meets Jaeger-LeCoultre It is the kind of encounter rarely experienced in the life of two such Maisons. The paths of Christian Louboutin and the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre have crossed to stunning effect in a brilliantly fanciful collaborative endeavour. These two apparently very separate worlds in truth share the same vision of excellence founded on the precision and virtuosity of their craftsmanship, along with a taste for fashioning materials, constant attention to detail, and a quest for perfect balance. The collaboration between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Christian Louboutin is also rooted in sharing creative approaches, and a sense of openness offering new perspectives on the world. These two Maisons with their respective iconic creations harbour great mutual respect and admiration. They are now placing their joint signature on an unexpected Reverso collection that will mark their history. When a look becomes a design A modern watchmaking icon graced with pure, timeless
Art Deco lines, the Reverso is also a blank page, a strong base that lends itself to personalisation and playful effects. Christian Louboutin’s eye spotted this immediately. Guided by his imagination, the designer gave free rein to his inherent inventiveness in exalting the beauty of this emblematic watch and revealing new aspects of its personality. Sticky tape, glue, pencils, material samples… Christian Louboutin seems literally to think with his hands. He combines colours and materials with an artist’s instinctive flair and sees immediately if the result is right. His travels nurture his creativity more than any other factor. Just as bright, vibrant, iridescent and shimmering colours are juxtaposed in his creations, the latter also showcase the intersection of different worlds. The covered galleries of Paris, the carved wood lattice work of North Africa, oriental stones… For certain models, the designer has also drawn his inspiration from the universe of his shoe collections. Each Reverso seen by Christian Louboutin reveals an unexpected aspect of the watch, playing with classical design codes while respecting its identity. A surprise with each piece that is launched.
56 57
THE LUXE WATCHES
When watches turn to jewellery For Christian Louboutin, a watch is inseparable from its strap, as these two elements form a whole. The creative designer has thus envisaged the Reverso models in the same way that one creates a jewellery collection, giving each one a strong, original identity. Exuberant, transparent, glowing or ultra-feminine, the Reverso is clothed as if for an exceptional event, an evening that promises to be unforgettable. Available in two sizes, the Reverso Classic Duetto chosen for this transformation retains its emblematic face on the front, with pure, classical Art Deco lines, while the back, framed by two rows of diamonds on either side of the dial, takes on a delightfully crazy touch infused by Christian Louboutin. Several models in the collection vividly symbolise the fruits of this encounter. Like the carapace of a scarab beetle, one creation is adorned with an iridescent dial and strap. Tilting it towards the sun enables the eye to marvel at the range of greens, blues and purples offering subtle nuances one could never imagine when
the watch is immobile. It subtly evokes a scene such as the nightlights of Hong Kong shimmering across its bay. Christian Louboutin loves working with transparency on his shoes, in order to flatter the skin while relegating the shoe to a subtle backdrop role. One of his creations for Jaeger- LeCoultre is fitted with a transparent plastic strap that makes a perfect match with the mirror-style back dial. Finally, another model features a textured white mother-of-pearl dial. It is teamed with a strap subtly hinting at the imprint of the iconic Louboutin shoes. An authentic nod to the designer’s core skills. These few pieces offer a glimpse of the rich, mischief-filled universe that Christian Louboutin has dreamt up around the Reverso. The designer has successfully played with this watch to enchant women, and fans of surprises will doubtless find a perfect fit with their individual personality.
THE LUXE WATCHES
Tissot UCI World Cycling Partner
T
he Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Swiss watchmaker Tissot, a company of the Swatch Group, have the pleasure of announcing the extension their partnership for a further 4 years (2017-2020). The agreement ensures that their long-term partnership will last for at least a quarter of a century. The latest partnership agreement, which started in 1995, sees Tissot become the first “World Cycling Partner” in the history of the UCI. Alongside this, Tissot remains the exclusive Official Timekeeper of the UCI for the totality of it events and disciplines. As far as Track Cycling is concerned, Tissot becomes the first ever title sponsor of the UCI Track World Cup and the first presenting partner of the UCI Track World Championships. This new status takes immediate effect from the 2016/17 season starting from the opening leg of the Tissot UCI Track World Cup, which will take place in Glasgow (GBR) from November 4-6. In addition, Tissot will also be the presenting sponsor of all future attempts at UCI World Hour Record. Tissot’s new status in track cycling responds perfectly to the disciplines requirements for reliability and innovation, which are essential in a discipline where the difference between victory and defeat can be fractions of seconds. Tissot will also provide its timing services for all of the World Championships of the UCI’s Olympic disciplines (road, track, mountain bike and BMX) as well as for all of the legs of the UCI Track World Cup and any future attempts at the UCI Hour Record.
Regarding the agreement, UCI President Brian Cookson said: “I am extremely pleased about this historic agreement, which makes Tissot the Official Timekeeper of cycling. This partnership allies Tissot world-renowned precision with the growing popularity of our Olympic sport across the globe. All of our disciplines will benefit from this alliance and our fans will surely appreciate the technological savoir-faire of our trusted partner.”
At the UCI Road and Mountain Bike World Championships, the UCI’s historic partner will also provide GPS data, which play a growing role in presentation of the discipline to athletes and fans alike. As a further part of the partnership, Tissot will also present each of the future individual UCI World Champions in the Olympic disciplines with a watch in the “Tissot Watch Award”.
François Thiébaud, Tissot President commented: “We are reinforcing our commitment to the UCI by becoming not only Official Timekeeper but also the first “UCI World Cycling Partner”. Our values of precision and innovation have allowed us to stay at the top of the game and to gain the trust of UCI. For us, this title proves it. We hope it will give another reason to our partners and customers to be proud of Tissot.”
58 59
THE LUXE INTERVIEW
Philippe Charriol The Art to Live Distinction
O
ver the years the Maison Charriol has gained a worldwide reputation and set itself apart from other brands with the iconic cable, their distinctive trademark. The Charriol boutique opened its doors on October at Avenues Mall, encompassing a broad range of luxury products including timepieces, fragrances, jewelry, leather goods, eyewear and their new line of fashion bags bringing style to all aspects of life. Men’s Passion had the chance to meet with the figure behind Charriol brand, the eponymous Philippe Charriol himself.
THE LUXE INTERVIEW
Is this your first visit to Kuwait? My first visit to Kuwait was in 1973, and I have visited many times since. I only started my own business in 1983, I used to work for Cartier before going on my own. When I started coming here with my brand things were fantastic for us; we witnessed the times pre-occupation and post-occupation and the brand was absolutely ‘hot’ back then. It’s not my first boutique in the Middle East but the first in Kuwait. I have a wide distribution of my brand in the Middle East: in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain, Qatar, and here we now have a new partnership with Trafalgar and we’ve launched very successfully the Charriol brand by adding a new category to our lines - the fashion bags. How would you define Charriol as a brand? I would say first that Charriol is a family brand, which is quite rare nowadays. Most of the brands belong to big groups and are faceless - there’s no one behind the brand. At Charriol it’s different… it’s purely family. I ran the business and I’m now being helped by my son who is in charge of the visuals; my daughter who is in charge of the jewelry; and my wife who is in charge of the worldwide public relations, so the entire group is family. Coralie, my daughter lives in New York, my son lives between Hong Kong and Los Angeles, my wife lives in Paris and I live around. It’s interesting and attractive to clients. First; the fact of knowing that the brand is run by a family and that they love the brand and are working very hard for its success. Second; we talk about the product. When I started the Charriol brand in 1983, I looked for very unique products because when you want to start a business it’s easier to start it with unique and distinctive products. So, I discovered some gold jewelry created by the Celts, I found their work interesting and I got my inspiration from their work and I translated it with the introduction of the cable. The two pillars of the brand swing between the family aspect and the uniqueness of the product. What is the secret to creating timeless pieces? First we need to create a product that is in demand and then ultimately you have to convince the clients around the world
that this is a timeless product, and that they should own it. This is your passport to penetrate into the market, people are demanding your products; clients don’t only look at the brand but the product they are getting is very important. Nowadays we have a lot of “Brand Power” talk – where it’s more about the brand and forget about the product! So if you have the brand and you add the product in demand by the clients, then you have a win-win business. This requires a lot of work. From where do you get inspired? Once you are into a business whether it is fashion or watchmaking or jewelry you are part of the business; today the world is very big machine where everybody is connected instantly, so the trends suddenly surface and then you catch it and add your own flavor, taste and tendencies. Or you can be very courageous or gutsy to set up a trend which is very difficult, because the amount you need to advertise and communicate is beyond what one can expect. We basically say the trend, but as I said earlier, the DNA of the brand is found in the cable trademark that belongs to Charriol worldwide. I’ve done it once and I hope I don’t have to do it again; I created a timeless feature for the brand, that’s the quality and uniqueness of Charriol. Who’s behind the creation ideas? Basically it’s me, and again being a family business my son and my daughter, with the help of designers. But the family gives the global direction and management. What is the added value that Charriol brings to the watchmaking industry? I think it’s only a matter of style; in terms of the accuracy of the movement when we talk about movement they are all equal, when it comes to mechanical watches it’s quite even worldwide. So it’s either the style, or the complication of the movement or the complication of the watch by itself. So the added value for Charriol is the design of the watch and the design of the bracelets: so we can look for the mechanism, the design, the bracelet, the movement and finally the watchcase.
60 61
THE LUXE INTERVIEW
How do you see your collaboration with Trafalgar? Excellent!! The Trafalgar management understands perfectly the brand, the mentality and the taste of the Kuwaiti people. They are strong investors and know how to operate the trade business for the leather goods, jewelry and luxury watches, so we have a very solid understanding of each other. What does Charriol offers its Kuwaiti clientele? Charriol is an ‘in demand’ brand for Kuwaitis, and for this year we offer them a unique line of handbags, which is something quite new at Charriol and of course, the new range of watches and jewelry called “The Forever” collection. The collection itself is young and fresh; the fragrance is also called “Forever”. We have a wide range of fragrances for our Kuwaiti clientele and the product range we offer them is unique. What are Philippe Charriol’s most significant accomplishments? The big accomplishment is in “me” managing alone without being part of a group or sponsor or system or help, alone together with my children and wife to build a worldwide brand, which continues to develop globally. Our biggest market now is China and we are involved there into the ready to wear and shoes. It’s not the moment for this line in the Kuwaiti market yet. What is the DNA of Charriol? It’s the cable and will always be the cable. It’s about the family brand and the cable and its use. What do you have to share with our readers about the opening of your new boutique today? Well I entered Trafalgar in a new era and I think that this stand-alone boutique is one of the few that we are intending to open in Kuwait and we intend to continue to grow in this market. Regardless of what is happening in the region, we are confident that Kuwait is very strong.
THE LUXE INTERVIEW
“With the vision of an alchemist, I created the Charriol style from a purposeful blend of classicism and modernity, whilst striving for an appealing balance of understatement and exuberance� Philippe Charriol.
62 63
THE LUXE STYLE
Dolce & Gabbana Run Domenico, Run!
D
olce & Gabbana have distilled the brand’s elegance and added it as a sparkle to what could otherwise be the most mundane of footwear. We love the two new models of sneakers that are now part of the D&G family: Ibiza with lapin Sneakers with bicolored zigzag rubber sole and velcro straps. Detachable patch in black lapin (rabbit). Upper in coloured mesh: Ibiza without lapin This new sneaker features an upper in neoprene and crisscross elastic detail. The zigzag sole is in bicolor rubber.
THE LUXE STYLE
64 65
THE LUXE STYLE
Boss The Trend Report
B
oss Menswear for Fall/Winter 2016 presents an artistic take on light and shadow. The juxtaposition of shiny and matte, textured and smooth, uses the impact of light on different surfaces to create distinctive effects. Glossy nappa sits beside suede; brushed textures are paired with neoprene; wool contrasts with rubberized finishes. The BOSS tailoring DNA stands at the center of the collection. Clean cuts and sharp silhouettes are the signature, but color, detail and combinations herald a new mood.
cotton, a glimpse of the interior revealing vibrant color. Jersey also plays an important role, with raw-cut suits presenting a distinctive new option for the BOSS Man’s wardrobe.
Sportswear elements signal a modern way of dressing, but balance is key. Sharp tailoring is completed with clean sneakers or a backpack, while sporty separates are dressed with a briefcase and lace-up leather shoes.
The Fall/Winter 2016 collection leads us further in a new direction for BOSS Menswear. With the influence of modern sportswear, the look has a definite ease, but the message is always this: precise, masculine and sartorial.
Suits in understated grays and refined navy blues are shot through with highlights of color. Full monochrome looks feature a pop of yellow, rich red or bright blue – either in a tie and leather accessory, or as a bold outerwear piece – a parka jacket or bomber. Sometimes the suit itself is the point of impact, in an intense blue or graphic houndstooth. Tailored excellence is brought into focus, with the introduction of the full canvas suit capsule. The full canvas suit combines expert tailoring techniques with cuttingedge technology for unparalleled results. Each piece is made in Germany, in dedication to master craftsmanship. A Fall/Winter collection would not be complete without outerwear. Ultimately luxe, even the heaviest-looking pieces are reworked with a lighter touch this season – whether it’s a boiled wool coat bonded with insulating neoprene or eiderdown filling on the perfect quilted jacket. Craftsmanship is also key to soft, tailored coats made from double splittable cashmere. Working by hand, the edges of the cloth are opened up and the two layers folded back and stitched together to construct a garment that is cleanly finished and super light, eliminating the need for a lining. Reversible blousons and bombers in nylon and nappa leather allow for two completely different looks. Waterresistant jackets are laser cut and crafted from bonded
THE LUXE STYLE
66 67
THE LUXE TRAVEL
Continental Shift Occident x Orient
T
he month we’re mixing up too extremes of the Orient, with Thai recommendations from our friends at Leading Hotels of the World, and a favorite venue of ours that’s slightly closer to home and finely balances Occident with Orient.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok The Okura Prestige Bangkok is situated at the intersection of Wireless Road, known as “Embassy Row”, and Ploenchit Road, the city’s leading commercial district, conveniently located for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel embraces an Asian design that harmonizes Japanese and Thai cultures, and boasts cutting-edge facilities and Okura’s original hospitality principles of calmness and comfort to ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay. All accommodations are located above the 26th floor and offer spectacular panoramic city views, comfortable furnishings and modern conveniences. The opening in May 2012 of The Okura Prestige Bangkok, the first of its kind, marked a new phase in development for Okura Hotels and Resorts. The first Okura hotel opened in Tokyo in 1962. The Okura Prestige Bangkok harmonises the Japanese principle of ‘Wa’ with Okura’s philosophy of ‘Best A.C.S.’ (Best Accommodation, Best Cuisine, Best Service) to create an hotel that provides outstanding hospitality, comfort and luxury in a city well known and appreciated for its outstanding levels of customer service. Prestige Accommodation All 240 rooms and suites offer impressive views across the dynamic Bangkok skyline through the triple-glazed e-coated panoramic windows. The rooms combine comfort and luxury with the very latest technological developments designed to impress business and leisure travellers - from the finest Egyptian cotton sheets to environmentally-friendly bathroom amenities, digital bedside control panels and flat-screen internet - enabled TVs. Club Level rooms offer an exclusive level of privacy with bespoke services available at the Okura Club Lounge.
THE LUXE TRAVEL
Prestige Dining & Leisure Guests love the fine dining choices at our three outstanding restaurants: Yamazato, Elements and Up & Above. Yamazato is the definitive traditional Japanese restaurant where the quality of each dish is matched only by the attention to detail in the preparation and presentation. The restaurant is open for Japanese set breakfast, lunch and dinner. Elements is new generation lifestyle dining where East meets West with classic ease. The restaurant, located on the 25th floor, presents French cuisine with Japanese influences. Elements provides outstanding cuisine in a relaxed and informal atmosphere with the added attraction of an open kitchen. The Terrace Bar is the ideal location for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner digestifs. It’s also a pleasant place to chill during Bangkok’s cooler winter months. Up & Above is our all day dining venue serving international breakfast, buffet lunch and à la carte choices for dinner. The traditional Sunday brunch combines popular Asian and western dishes with some dishes cooked à la minute.
Up & Above Bar presents Okura Afternoon Delight with a combination of western and Japanese sweet and savoury items and a choice of coffee, tea and sake. The half-moon terrace is a popular setting at any time of day. The bar is a perfect location for an aperitif and digestif. La Pâtisserie, located on the ground floor of the Park Ventures Ecoplex, is stocked with sweet and savoury items baked daily by chefs at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. La Pâtisserie offers a teasing combination of classic croissants, savouries, cakes, mouth-watering pralines, an amazing range of macaroons, sandwich and traditional Japanese maki. FITNESS & SPA One of the hotel’s most dramatic and spectacular features is the 25 metres long cantilevered infinity pool on the 25th floor. The Okura Spa is our very own hidden sanctuary. The journey begins with a professional consultation and continues to an elegant, fully-equipped treatment room. Trained therapists use exclusive organic teas in a range of treatments designed to conjure relaxation and well-being.
68 69
THE LUXE TRAVEL
The Nai Harn, Phuket The Nai Harn is an iconic Phuket resort overlooking immaculate Nai Harn Beach and Bay. Stunning scenery and lack of crowds make Nai Harn Thailand’s finest beach. Nestled in a tropical hillside rainforest opposite Promthep Cape, the resort offers intimacy, privacy and restful seclusion and is only a short drive from key entertainment and shopping areas. The Nai Harn is a tasteful manifestation of Phuket’s worldfamous hospitality. Following a meticulous, 18-month renovation, it offers the largest sea facing hotel rooms on the Island, and is equipped more than ever to offer the highest-standard luxury service from one of the island’s most-coveted locations. Every indulgent detail has been carefully orchestrated: designer bathroom products, private barbecues on the terrace and beach-side butler service, to name a few. With a fresh color palette and a floor plan leading out to a four-poster daybed on the balcony, Phuket’s largest rooms offer glorious views of the beach and bay. Rooms Settle into your own private sanctuary, complete with cuttingedge technology (interactive TVs, built-in USB chargers and
Wi-Fi), contemporary design, plush fabrics and luxurious amenities. The expansive rooms at The Nai Harn showcase the glorious view of Promthep Cape, with thoughtfully laid out floor plans leading out to spacious terraces equipped—in most cases—with four-poster daybeds. Dining Enjoy Mediterranean delights and local delicacies at Cosmo, or lounge at our glamorous, chilled-out beachside restaurant Rock Salt as you sip colourful cocktails and nibble on wood-fired pizza or spicy satay. Innovative, international menus and one of the finest dining-with-aview experiences on the island make The Nai Harn the preeminent Phuket dining destination. Spa The Spa at The Nai Harn offers a mix of traditional treatments, cutting-edge therapies and sought-after indulgences. Throw in a few eclectic inventions from our spa team and you’ve got an ocean of treats derived from the purest of natural ingredients and handpicked products. We can create bespoke treatments that incorporate natural ingredients, based on the key benefits and results you are seeking.
THE LUXE TRAVEL
Levantine Nights at Le Gray, Beirut
Y
ou can say what you like about the Levant and Beirut in particular – it’s living with its issues and it’s far from perfect – but there you’ll receive a welcome and hospitality quite like no other in the Middle East. The city remains a balance of cultures. It’s long been at the crossroads of east and west, and while it may often seem that just now isn’t ‘the right time’ to visit, the truth is that every time is the right time. And none more so than now. As the days cool and, be warned - the nights turn decidedly chilly at the end of the year, Beirut becomes the greatest of regional cities for the urban explorer. When we’re looking for a central base, there’s only one choice – Le Gray. Located at a corner of Martyrs’ Square, a couple blocks inside the downtown area and just a step and two skips from the waterfront, it’s central for pretty much anywhere you’re going to need (and want) to go. Opened in 2009, Le Gray, Beirut offers a contemporary vantage point for discovering Beirut, with 360 views of the city. The boutique hotel offers 87 stylish rooms and suites, including 62 Executive Suites, 10 exquisite one bedroom Corner Suites and two Presidential Suites with generous private terraces. It’s a design-ista’s delight. Just after opening is won the uber-cool best new hotel award in Wallpaper magazine’s 2011 Design Awards, and regularly pops up on the hot lists from Condé Nast Traveller, the Robb Report, CNN and the Luxe List. The hotel’s contemporary interior design was developed in close collaboration with creator, Gordon Campbell Gray. Le Gray’s rooftop restaurant, Indigo on the Roof, is an International restaurant with a Mediterranean twist which offers breathtaking views of Mount Lebanon and the Mediterranean and wonderful al fresco dining. Other dining and entertainment venues include the seasonal ultra-chic rooftop destinations Bar ThreeSixty and Cherry on the Rooftop, a cosy Cigar Lounge with a terrace and Gordon’s Café, which is a stylish street-level cafe with a casual vibe, open all day serving fresh and healthy food. The award-winning PureGray Health Club and Spa is a luxurious yet intimate spa which is committed to offering privacy, quality treatments and contemporary urban style. Its
70 71
THE LUXE TRAVEL
facilities include six therapy rooms - including one couples’ room and one wet treatment room - a pre and post-treatment chill out lounge, a hair and beauty salon, a state-of-the-art gym, a chlorine-free rooftop pool, and separate male and female saunas. For a city so full of chaotic energy, Le Gray provides the perfect antidote – an oasis of calm within a whirlwind of movement. If you haven’t visited the city for a while you’ll be suitably impressed by the great strides taken in the sphere of the arts. Beirut is now home to two of the regions greatest art spaces. You’d have had to have been living under a rock not to have already heard about either of them, but with the openings of the new Sursock Museum and the Aishti Foundation this ancient city has staked its claim to become not only a regional center for the arts once again, but even a global one. Nights out are reason enough to visit the city. The well-trodden paths of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze never fail to entertain (nor surprise – there’s always something new popping up). Or try the Badaro district – up and coming, lively but not yet
THE LUXE TRAVEL
thronged in the same way as the more traditionally popular areas. Revisit Rue Monot – a longtime favourite (a long time ago) it’s staging a small revival and has a cosmopolitan character and quality not quite matched elsewhere in the city. As thoughts turn to where to see in the new year, we’ve placed Beirut and Le Grey right at the top of our ‘to do’ list. For the flipover to 2017 Le Gray, Beirut, is inviting guests to join them for a festive holiday that enjoys the best of this vibrant city center with their rooftop dining and Moulin Rouge themed celebrations with views of the Mediterranean. They’ve assured us that everything is set to welcome 2017 in style at Indigo on the Roof, Le Gray’s iconic rooftop restaurant, where this year’s theme for the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve party is the spectacular Moulin Rouge. Two or three nights in this cradle of civilization seeing in the new year overlooking Beirut’s rooftops, with spires and minarets side-by-side, doesn’t sound too shabby. Can you think of a better place to be?
72 73
THE LUXE SPORTS
2016 Red Bull Bar Bahr Championship
Engines roar on sand and water in the Red Bull Bar Bahr Championship on November 11. Race kicks off with quadbikes and ends with jet skis on Marina Beach
L
and and water motorsports are different in many ways, mainly the nature of the track consisting of solid ground in the first type and water in the second. In addition to the vehicles and the way they are driven on each track. Nevertheless, a unique event came to combine between the two types once again, in a relay race between competitors racing on quadbikes and their teammates on jet skis: “Red Bull Bar Bahr” which returns to Kuwait for the second time on November 11, on Marina Beach in Salmiya. The race will be preceded by qualifying rounds on November 10 to select those who will participate in the finals. The level of thrill and adrenaline will double for speed and adventure lovers who will witness, starting from Friday, November 11th, at 2:30 PM, two consecutive races on the two quadbikes and jet ski parallel tracks. The event is organized by Basel Salem Al-Sabah Motorsport Club and will be held under the sponsorship of Nissan AlBabtain, Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Kawasaki, GoPro, Acqua Eva, Marina Mall, Al Anbaa Newspaper, Kuwait Times Newspaper, and Studentalk magazine. A relay Race involving 24 teams The 24 teams will be vying for “Red Bull Bar Bahr” title, with each team consisting of a quadbike racer and a jet ski driver. The competitions kick off with quad racing on sand, and upon reaching the end of the land track, the driver will have to hop out of his bike and run towards his teammate to hand him the key so the latter can begin his jet ski race to reach the finish line. The land racing track consists of a track designed to bring out the racers’ driving skills, and includes curves of medium and sharp edges, bumps, and sand barriers, driving thus the event to more exciting levels. Buoys, however, delimit the water track, and particular maneuvers will be required for this kind of competition, including double or triple turnovers and similar details that add, in turn, more excitement to the race. A committee of experts to supervise the race A committee of motorsports experts will oversee the smooth functions of the qualifying rounds and the finals; it includes motorsport stars and Red Bull athletes, UAE national Mohammad Al Balooshi, Kuwaiti national Mohammad Jaffar, and Kuwaiti Mohammad Burbayea who won the championship’s first season in 2014. The mission of the racing’s technical committee will focus on supervising “Red Bull Bar Bahr” competitions and the participants’ commitment to the rules and regulations.
THE LUXE SPORTS
In order to participate in the championship, each quad bike competitor must possess a driving license and be owner of his bike. Participants in the Jet Ski category should have a license from the Marine Sports Club of Kuwait. The preparation of the “Red Bull Bar Bahr” Championship land track on Marina Beach will require five days of continuous work, stretching from midnight of every night until 9:00 of the following morning. The track which is designed and supervised by Red Bull athlete, UAE national Mohammad Al Balooshi, will require up to eighty trucks loaded with sand to be transported to the event site. A large bulldozer will work for five days on strewing sand on the track site and delimiting its borders, assisted by a small bulldozer given the required delicate process at this level. A roller will handle the leveling of the track for four days to render it suitable for the race after spraying large quantities of water on the track, reaching six tanks per day. Two vehicles will be working on a daily basis on paving the road. The “Red Bull Bar Bahr” Championship was held for the first time in 2014. It was an extraordinary event in Kuwait and the Middle East when quadbikes and jet ski motorsports disciplines were combined in a unique competition, which announced Mohammad Al Khulaifi (quad) and Mohammad Burbayea (jet ski) as the winning team. 2016 “Red Bull Bar Bahr” Championship Category: Quad Bikes and Jet Ski Location: Marina Beach Qualifier: Thursday, November 10th, 2016 Final: Friday, November 11th, 2016 – at 2:30 PM Number of teams in the finals: 24 For participation, call: 67765544 or visit www.redbull.com/barbahr Profile of race committee members Mohammad Al Balooshi Mohammed Balooshi always knew he was destined for
something great. Although he started riding at the late age of 20 (the average age to start riding is seven), Balooshi was determined to train twice as hard in order to reach his goals It took him three years of intensive practice to be able to enter his first competition. It took him three years of intensive practice to be able to enter his first competition. In Balooshi’s own words, 2009 was his year of success, and was a big step closer to his dream of riding with the world’s greatest motocross riders. Mohammad Jaffar Kuwaiti Red Bull athlete Mohammad Jaffar is famous for being specialized in motorbike races of “Motocross” category. He started his racing career in 2007, and soon the sports became an integral part of his life, namely after he won his first continental championship in the United Arab Emirates in 2011. Mohammad Jaffar is one of the best racers in the Middle East in the “Motocross” discipline, and the 28-year-old is working his way to achieve international fame. Besides supervising the race, Bou Hamad, as his friends call him, is involved in the preparation of Quad bike racing track, ensuring a competition full of thrill and challenge. Mohammad Burbayea Kuwaiti 2014 “Red Bull Bar Bahr” Champion Mohammad Burbayea will be in charge of supervising the Jet Ski category. The “Champ” or hero, as his friends call him, does not hold this title by chance; he scored many victories in the Jet Ski discipline throughout 9 years only, starting from his first participation at the age of 16. Burbayea is the first Jet Ski champion in Kuwait and the second internationally. He holds 28 titles, including 19 world championships. 27-year-old Burbayea, the top Kuwaiti athlete in 2015, encourages the competitors on the 11th of November to enjoy the event through following the saying by the famous racer Dale Earnhardt: “Finishing races is important, but racing is more important”.
74 75
THE LUXE YACHTS
Monaco Yacht Show Our Pick of 2016
T
he 26th Monaco Yacht Show celebrated the best of this year’s superyachts. The crème de la crème of the marine world was in attendance, and now that the last canape has been downed and the final show boat has left Port Hercules, it’s time to take a look at two headline yachts – each one an award winner at this year’s MYS, each one a headturner.
THE LUXE YACHTS
Best Interior Design Award for Sybaris S/Y, 70m, 2016 The Sybaris sailing yacht by the Italian shipyard Perini Navi was awarded for the design and bespoke work made on her interior areas by the designers Peter Hawrylewicz and Ken Lieber from Miami based design studio PH Design. PH Design aimed to give Sybaris (named after the ancient Greek settlement in southern Italy whose population was renowned for its pursuit of life’s pleasures) the serenely sophisticated interior the owner desired. The open-plan layout, clean lines and custom-designed furniture made of the highest quality materials provide a crisp and contemporary style that acts as a muted backdrop to the bold works of art from the owner’s private collection. The main salon features sculpted pillars milled from solid titanium were used to support ‘floating’ Hermes designed travel trunks clad with alligator skin. “The effect is modern with a remote reminiscence of Old World travel,” says founder of PH Design, Peter Hawrylewicz. “The allure lies in the confluence of these two temperaments.” To blur the boundary between the inside and outside environments, the titanium ceilings panels in the main salon continue through the glass sliding doors into the aft cockpit and softly bounce the illumination from the LED lighting recessed within. The same reasoning has been applied to the flooring, where the extra-wide planks of teak in the cockpit are mirrored in the oak floorboards of the main salon.
76 77
THE LUXE YACHTS
Exterior Design Award and Finest New Super-yacht Award for Galactica Super Nova, M/Y, 70m, 2016 Two awards that distinguished the refined work made by the Dutch shipyard Heesen on the aesthetics of the Galactica exterior shapes and interior design, on her quality of comfort and performances. Galactica Super Nova’s head-turning exterior design was achieved by Espen Øino. Her profile embodies Heesen’s DNA, but also introduces new design elements that make her one of the brightest stars of the company, hence the granted award. The designer worked closely with the owners to create a design that perfectly suits their lifestyle and taste. The main living area comprises three distinct areas: a welcoming conversation zone with low coffee tables, the semi-circular library with a mesmerizing open fireplace, and the formal dining area. There is minimal divide between the exterior and the interior. Thanks to glass sliding doors that act as a windbreak, guests can move freely between the covered lounge area
and the open decks. The foredeck serves as a touch-andgo platform or as a lounging space for sunbathing. The main deck behind the terrace with its built-in futons is a delightful recreational space where guests can enjoy the relaxing sound of the swimming pool’s waterfall feature. At night, creative LED lighting provides a magical atmosphere for entertaining. The 6-metre infinity pool with glass-paneled bottom, spa jets for hydro-massage and swim jets is the centerpiece of the main deck aft. The sun’s rays stream through the pool floor, bathing the lower deck beach club with dappled light beams. The lighting and waterproof sound system can be synchronized with the beach club to create a double party zone. Both the bedroom and the bathroom with floor-to-ceiling onyx panels extend across the full beam of the yacht; a central walk-in rain shower connects the separate bathroom entrances and the vanity units. The design of the Galactica Super Nova is holistic; each space and area is an integral part of the entire design.
THE LUXE YACHTS
Dubai International Boat Show Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi
28 Feb - 4 Mar 2017
WHERE OUR BOATS ARE ONLY OUTCLASSED BY OUR BUYERS Anchor your business in the region’s $61bn industry and target 480,000 Middle Eastern UHNWIs that are more likely to own or buy a boat than anywhere else in the world.
Join us: For exhibiting & sponsorship opportunities call us on +971 4 308 6275/6204 or email dubai.boatshow@dwtc.com
With no other event bringing together more of the maritime industry, come and inspire more than 28,000 passionate mass affluent ocean adventurers as they get set to spend more than $68m on an array of elite superyachts, leisure crafts and the latest watersports equipment.
ORGANISED BY
VENUE
boatshowdubai.com
SUPPORTING MARITIME AUTHORITY
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
PARTNER
OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER
OFFICIAL COURIER HANDLER
OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Jewel of the Caspian
A
zerbaijan has risen to prominence in the last two decades, not only because of oil wealth but due to the architecturally distinctive skyline of its capital, Baku. Cityscape magazine investigates.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
In just 20 years, the population of Baku has surged, growing from 1.5 million to almost four million residents. According to Ilham Behbudov, Director of Baku-headquartered Corporate Real Estate Solutions (CRES), this has been the catalyst for strong domestic demand, with a rising price-meets-quality focused middle class driving residential development. “Combined with the historical scarcity of residential stock and fast paced economic development, there has been major pent-up demand for residential space in all segments,” he remarks. “Developers are already responding to the demands of a stronger middle class, and many projects within the Baku White City area are good examples of this trend,” he adds.
expatriate population, the majority of who work in the oil and gas industry, is ensuring sustained demand for leased residential and office space. Investment The investment landscape is equally diverse. Says Behbudov: “The primary demand is coming from domestic buyers, who are buying homes to live in as well as for investment purposes. “However, the combination of quality infrastructure, major tourist destinations, an enjoyable climate and government focus on economic diversification is turning Baku into a regional jewel; and, moving forward, we anticipate increasing demand from foreign investors and buyers.”
Luxury projects have set the market tone in recent years, and he also sees ongoing opportunity at the higher end of the market. “I am confident that this segment will continue to develop in line with the overall strategy for Baku to become a regional tourism, cultural and business hub,” he adds.
According to August 2016 data published by Numbeo, an online database of user contributed data for cities and countries worldwide, the average price per square metre for a city centre apartment stands at Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) 2,417.50 (USD 1,482) with units outside of the centre averaging out at AZN 1,006.76 (USD 617) per square metre.
And tourism growth is very much on the government agenda. What is perhaps less well known is the fact that Baku is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former Capital of Islamic Culture (2009).
Investors can expect a gross rental yield of around 5.45% in Baku city centre and 5.14% outside of the centre with rental rates for a one-bedroom in central Baku currently averaging around USD 317 versus just USD 140 farther afield.
Historic attractions including the old walled city, Shirvanshahs Palace and Maiden Tower sit alongside 21st century landmarks like the Flame Towers, the Zaha Hadiddesigned Heydar Aliyev Centre and the giant rolled carpet inspired Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.
Three-bedroom city centre units rent for around USD 784 per month, which drops dramatically to USD 273 out of the centre.
However, with fluctuating oil prices and global economic issues reaching all corners of the real estate market, Azerbaijan has not escaped unscathed, as Behbudov explains: “Obviously, we are not immune to the downturn in the world economy and impact of falling oil prices; and oil revenue is still a substantial part of the country’s revenue. “But decades of investment in infrastructure and new developments has turned Baku into a fantastic location with major tourism attractions, an active event calendar and business attractions. By taking into account new economic realities, we are seeing price stabilisation.” Significant domestic demand is also fuelling interest in higher quality developments. Added to this, the resident
Notable Developments Popular residential developments include Port Baku Residence and units within the high profile Baku White City project. A masterplanned city within the city, and located just four kilometres from the medieval walled city area, the longterm multi-phased Baku White City project is transforming a 221-hectare site into a series of 10 mixed-use urban districts under a government decreed regeneration plan. Once fully completed it will be home to 50,000 people and include up to 18,000 commercial and retail units. A luxury residential development with Caspian Sea and city waterfront views, Port Baku Residence’s three residential towers comprise 800 top quality apartments. Listings on CRES’ website for the development include a 127-squaremetre two-bedroom apartment on Neftchilar Avenue for a monthly rental of USD 1,962 and an 84-sqaure-metre two-
80 81
REAL ESTATE REPORT
bed unit for sale for USD 281,000, with a 266 square metre four-bed hitting USD 767,000. “Port Baku Residence is designed to accommodate the taste of the high-end and luxury segment of the market, with Baku White City appealing to middle and upper class buyers,” says Behbudov. Situated on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the capital’s new architectural icon, the Flame Towers trio includes the Fairmont Hotel as well as 130 luxury apartments and 33,000 square metres of Grade A commercial space. He also says that gated residential housing communities from developers like Dreamland are introducing new lifestyle opportunities to the market, with a combination of modern infrastructure and the comfort of more ‘rural’ locations. “Historically, suburban locations would be viewed as suitable for seasonal residences only, not for year-round living; but this is changing.” Lending and financial sector market confidence is also turning a corner, as he explains: “Many large banks are focusing on mortgage programmes and real estate
financing; and there is also a show of support on the part of the government to make real estate more affordable to the middle and lower middle class segments of society.” This is a prime area of concern for the lower end income buyer, with Numbeo data putting the average disposable net monthly salary at around USD 280 with a yearly mortgage interest rate of 10%. Rise of High-Quality Offerings With the fast tracking of Baku’s skyline in recent years, competition in the development sector has also undergone something of a sea change. “Historically, in the late 90s to early 2000s, developers were spoiled by overwhelming demand and would invest little into marketing campaigns as well as including features and amenities to create added value for buyers, and raise the profile of their development,” notes Behbudov. “This has significantly changed, with developers now competing for buyers and placing a much stronger focus on these features such as parking, playgrounds, wellness services etc., as well as financing offers,” he adds.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
With buyers coming to the table with much higher expectations, Behbudov says that this has also presaged a move towards mixed-use developments. “Many developers have turned towards mixed-use, which offer an allinclusive experience ranging from shopping, wellness and, kids facilities to the provision of office space. Port Baku Residence and Port Baku Towers are two very good examples of high-end mixed-use developments.” Foreign real estate ownership is a work in progress, and while there are no restrictions in freehold title ownership for developed properties, freehold land ownership for foreigners is not permitted. Baku remains at the forefront of development for the country’s real estate industry, as the vibrant economic heart of Azerbaijan. However, Behbudov is seeing the city slowly extend its residential real estate perimeter to reach new boundaries. “Surrounding suburban areas are gaining in popularity since they can now offer comparable lifestyle experiences and, in many cases, easier access without the congestion of big city living,” he remarks.
“Looking outside of the capital at regional locations, summer and winter resort area such as Shahdag, Quba and Qebele are seeing strong demand, with many Azerbaijanis choosing to invest in second homes for seasonal use. It’s also worth looking at suburban Baku locations close to the sea where you can find amazing villas/houses for investment,” he concludes.
This article is supplied by Cityscape Magazine.
Cityscape magazine is the Middle East’s leading real estate investment title and is owned and published by Informa Middle East Limited. For more information, please visit www.cityscape.org Visit Cityscape Kuwait, the only international real estate investment event in Kuwait for buying your dream home.
82 83
THE LUXE ZEITGEIST
ZEITGEIST Good design, where form and function come together so exquisitely, should always be celebrated.
This month Men’s Passion features some of the most desirable and well executed products that define the times in which we are living.
Solarin Smartphone – The World’s Most Secure Cellphone
THE LUXE ZEITGEIST
Imagine a smartphone designed specifically for business leaders, entrepreneurs and partners in financial firms – what would it look like? This is the question that a small start-up set out to answer as it embarked on a path that would lead them to the launch of their first product, Solarin, a smartphone that it claims is the most secure ever. Two and a half years and $72 million of funding later and the founders claim that they have built such a device.
84 85
THE LUXE EVENTS
Porsche Centre Kuwait Celebrates Arrival of the New 718 Cayman Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, has announced the arrival of the new, stronger and sportier 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S with an exclusive launch event at the contemporary Kuwaiti fine-dining destination Dar Hamad. The entirely redeveloped mid-engined sport coupÊ was showcased to existing customers and enthusiasts at a venue especially chosen for its aligned history. The Dar Hamad restaurant perfectly balances its own history where classic design and Kuwaiti heritage are matched with a modern ambiance and exceptional hospitality. The new 718 Cayman boasts more power, increased torque, a higher top speed and a stylish redesign and follows the traditional four-cylinder, mid-engine approach implemented in Porsche’s infamous 718 race cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
THE LUXE EVENTS
Jaeger-Lecoultre and Behbehani Honour the Reverso’s 85th Anniversary
The who’s who of Kuwait gathered on a balmy evening on Tuesday, October 18th at the city’s well-known Dar Hamad restaurant to join in a unique and very special celebration. The occasion was an elegant homage to 85 years of one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most iconic and well-loved watches, the Reverso. Hosts Jaeger-LeCoultre and its partner in Kuwait, Behbehani, welcomed an exclusive gathering of guests including VIP clients and the city’s top media. Marc de Panafieu, Brand Director of Jaeger-LeCoultre said: “This is a very special year for us as we celebrate the 85th birthday of one of the world’s most extraordinary timepieces, the Reverso. Kuwait is such an important market for JaegerLeCoultre, and we are proud and privileged to have a loyal following here. It gives me special delight to share this celebration with our important guests who have taken the time to be with us this evening.” The unique setting of Dar Hamad, a traditional Kuwaiti style home, now transformed into a fine dining destination, was the perfect backdrop for the event. It was chosen for its
symbolic and highly successful fusion of past and present, in tune with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s own ethos of nurturing the imagination and blending boldness with expertise. A special Reverso exhibition, which had been curated just for this evening, attracted much attention. Guests were invited to discover the newest Atelier Reverso creations designed by Christian Louboutin, and a range of novelties from the Reverso collection launched this year, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, in Geneva. Mr. Ali Morad Behbehani, President of Behbehani Group added: “I would like to warmly welcome our friends and supporters to this unique and memorable event. We are so proud to support a brand as pedigreed as Jaeger-LeCoultre, and prouder still to be part of tonight’s celebration. As we all know, the Reverso is a style icon which transcends all trends and generations in its eternal appeal. Its rich 85-year history is worth this special tribute. We firmly believe that now, and in the years to come, there is and shall always be a Reverso that’s perfect for every wrist!”
86 87
THE LUXE EVENTS
Trafalgar Takes Luxury to New Heights With the most recent opening of the renovated Trafalgar store in Avenues mall, 2nd Avenue; the company is taking their luxurious ethos to new heights. The renovated Trafalgar Avenues showroom reflects the heritage and evolution of the company and houses leading International luxury brands like Chopard, Bvlgari, Dior, Gucci, Charriol, Aigner Fashion, TAG Heuer, Versace, Versace Fashion, Salvatore Ferragamo, Maurice Lacroix and Montegrappa. The highest standards of customer service are a company hallmark, as local and international clientele continue to select Trafalgar as their preferred destination for luxur y watches, jeweller y and fashion. Ambition, dedication, imagination are words that describe how Trafalgar became Kuwait’s premier luxur y retailer. From modest beginnings in 1972, Trafalgar has grown to 25 elegant showrooms under the dynamic leadership of Amer and Christiane Al Ansari. With prime locations throughout Kuwait, its showrooms and boutiques are individually designed to highlight the extraordinar y craftsmanship of each product and to create an exclusive customer experience referred to as the ‘Trafalgar Difference.’
THE LUXE EVENTS
DE BEERS Boutique Opening at Avenues at The Prestige
DE BEERS is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of diamond jewelry creation. Through innovation in design and craftsmanship new frontiers of diamond artistry are explored and expanded. Under the “A Diamond is Forever� leitmotif DE BEERS celebrated the success of their grand opening in Kuwait late October at Prestige, the Avenues Mall in the presence of Mr. Francois Delage, DE BEERS CEO, David Rees, De Beers Commercial Director, Jenny Greenwood, De Beers International Franchise Manager along with Abdullah Ajrash, ABDG CEO and owner of De Beers in Kuwait, and Abdullah Al Herz, ABDG COO. The opening was very unique by unveiling the DE BEERS high jewelry collection with their unique pieces and wedding specials. The Kuwaiti social media circle, media, newspapers and social figures attended the event and lived the DE BEERS experience.
88 89
THE LUXE EVENTS
Elevated Night at The C Club PH7 Group hosted its first Elevated Night at the upscale C Club at Bida’a. The night was a showcase for five of the Middle East’s most renowned jewelry designers including Tarfa Itani, Fatima Al Jassim, May Al Qassar, Sylvette Blaimont and Gaelle Khouri. Guests invited to this exclusive event also had the opportunity to meet the designers and mingle in style during an evening of specially curated activities – each created to elevate the senses.
THE LUXE EVENTS
90 91
THE LUXE EVENTS
Perrin in Kuwait Originally glove makers, Perrin opened its doors in 1893 in HauteVienne, a region in France historically known for this craft. Today, for the first time, it has a store in Kuwait – at 360 Mall. In the 21st century, handbags take center stage at Perrin, combining the finest quality skins with highly conceptual design; gloves remain present in a nod to its historical past. Architectural volumes, marvelous multi-faceted details and playful elegance, Perrin Paris is a surrealist landscape that resonates a jazzy tune. A strange fantastical dream, like a silent burst of laughter, Perrin remains a family-owned and operated heritage brand bridging the past and present. With four boutiques around the globe, the newly opened boutique in Kuwait, located in 360 Mall marks Perrin’s international expansion, catering to the trendy, fashion forward customer who has an appreciation for craftsmanship and originality. Consistently inspired by muses in the creation of the collections, this season was particularly enamored by two women: Catherine Deneuve, the classic French beauty; always slightly detached, poised and humbly self-assured; and lee miller, the avant-garde American model turned photographer who famously bemused the Parisian surrealist scene with her modern beauty and unusual mind.
THE LUXE EVENTS
Arabnet Kuwait Conference
Over 500 digital leaders gathered at the ArabNet Kuwait conference to discuss the latest in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and the opportunities they bring for Kuwait’s businesses and youth. Held under the patronage and with the presence of H.E. Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and with the sponsorship of the Kuwait National Fund (KNF), Alghanim Industries, and Mefazec, the highly-awaited first edition of ArabNet Kuwait brought together government leaders, enterprise decision-makers, innovators and investors to connect and exchange ideas on how to leverage technology to drive business growth and improve quality of life in Kuwait and the region. The conference was launched on October 4th, with a welcoming note by ArabNet Founder and CEO, Omar Christidis. To quote Christidis, “there is a strategic government interest in supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem - including the
launch of the $7B Kuwait National Fund for SME Development, as well as a number of initiatives by the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs. And we’re thrilled to be partnering with both of them to achieve our vision here: helping build bridges between the Kuwaiti digital market and the world, and connecting the diverse stakeholders in this ecosystem - entrepreneurs, investors, corporations and government leaders”. The welcoming note was followed by a speech by H.E. Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah. The Opening was followed by a dynamic panel discussion on the state of entrepreneurship in Kuwait, with Shafeeq Al-Saed Al-Omar, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs; Abdulaziz B. Al Loughani, Vice Chairman of the National Fund for SMEs Development; Essa Al Essa, Chairman at Mefazec; Mohammad Alhajeri, Chief Investment Officer at Impulse International (part of the National Technology Enterprises Company NTEC); as well as Mohammad Jaffar, the entrepreneur and investor behind the success of Talabat.com.
92 93
THE LUXE EVENTS
Young Arab Women Leaders: The Voice of the Future Following on from the success of the Young Arab Women Leaders: The Voice of the Future conferences in Amman, Beirut and Dubai in 2012, Palestine in 2013, London in 2011 and 2014, and Doha in 2015, the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF ) held its eighth conference of the series and its first ever event in Kuwait in October 2016. The Young Arab Women Leaders initiative in Kuwait has the valued suppor t of the Kuwait Ministr y of State for Youth Af fairs, which since its inception has delivered crucial backing to over 250 successful projects and initiatives to empower young Kuwaitis by facilitating the development of young entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders across a number of sectors and spheres and working closely with Kuwait’s leading universities on educational outreach initiatives designed to address societal issues that directly impact Kuwaiti youth. The 8th Young Arab Women Leaders conference was opened by Guest of Honour Her Excellency Sheikha Al Zain S Al-Sabah, Under Secretar y of the Ministr y of State for Youth Af fairs of Kuwait, and aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution of business women in Kuwait and inspire the next generation of young Kuwaiti women leaders to contribute to the development of the national economy and to MENA economic grow th overall. It will address how the public, private and civil sectors can help young people in business achieve their potential by launching and growing scalable, profitable businesses that will create jobs and positively impact Kuwait’s economy. The 8th Young Arab Women Leaders conference addressed oppor tunities for collaboration between Kuwait and the international business community on developing and widening the role of women business leaders; exploring the challenges, prospects and success stories for women doing business in the MENA region and the unprecedented oppor tunities arising from technology and cross-border commerce; and the role that social media can play in promoting youth-led Arab entrepreneurship and mainstreaming the successes and challenges of Arab women entrepreneurs.
THE LUXE EVENTS
Fight Like a Girl As part of October’s global breast cancer awareness initiatives, AWL hosted their annual ‘Fight Like A Girl’ Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar at Kuwait’s Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel. This well-supported and valuable event stems from a belief in the importance of raising awareness of breast cancer and supporting the cause in general. Its aim to make a positive impact by highlighting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and regular screening.
94 95
THE LUXE EVENTS
Celebrating Women of Kuwait New book ‘Women of Kuwait: Turning Tides’ by Kuwaitbased writer Chaitali Bannerjee Roy was given a formal launch within the confines of the National Library in midOctober. At an event hosted by His Excellency Sunil Jain, The Ambassador of India, the writer introduced her book featuring 16 prominent Kuwaiti women. Women who, for Chaitali, have “challenged belittling stereotypes and become exceptional role models, not only for their compatriots but women elsewhere”.
THE LUXE EVENTS
Startup Kuwait News The non-profit consortium that forms Startup Kuwait includes Kuwait University, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Gulf University for Science & Technology, American University of Kuwait, Box Hill College Kuwait, Arab Open University, Australian College of Kuwait, and Kuwait College for Science & Technology. Their respective students team (2-4 members) are participating with their business ideas-projects in Startup Kuwait-National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge for fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. Dr. Redha mentioned that as programs roll out into next phase, we will establish close links with industry, adding further to Startup Kuwait value proposition for the economy. Dr. Majeed Qais, program director of PAAET, stated that PAAET has joined this consortium as part of existing close collaboration between PAAET and KU. Dr. Qais mentioned that up to a dozen teams are participating in fall 2016 Startup Kuwait Program, and PAAET would continue of the same in spring 2017 with more teams. Dr. Arezou Harraf, program director, at BHCK in the consortium now (as well as in spring 2016), stated that BHCK is proud that has continued in participating in Startup Kuwait-National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge for the second year in a row. BHCK’s participation in Startup Kuwait is spurred from the belief that learning, leadership and innovation come about where students are provide with tools and skill sets, launch pad platform to undertake projects with complex tasks and mentors that can guide them through this process.
96 97
THE LUXE EVENTS
Philippe Charriol Genève at Avenues Philippe Charriol and Creative Director Coralie Charriol Paul inaugurated the first of their impressive new Charriol boutiques, in Avenues Mall - Kuwait on October 18th, 2016. More than 3 decades ago Frenchman Philippe Charriol rapidly achieved international success with his eponymous luxury brand of timepieces and jewellery, housed in Geneva, Switzerland. Inspired by early Iron Age Celtic metalwork Charriol uses innovative technologies and materials to create the iconic “twisted cable” design, globally patented and internationally recognised as the hallmark of the brand. Delivering heritage, high quality products ensures the success and growth of Charriol. With the brand now lending its iconic style and distinct heritage to leather goods, Charriol continues to expand into new products and territories in the Middle East. The Charriol boutique features travertine inspired marble with the interiors that reflect the strength and history behind the Charriol Celtic cable sitting beautifully alongside the brand’s rich use of colour. The boutique in Avenues Phase II, will display leather accessories including handbags and wallets, watches and jewelry. Showcasing Fall Winter 2016 the collection features the iconic “Celtic” bag made by the finest luxury leather goods artisans to be found in Florence Italy.
THE LUXE EVENTS
Les Oiseaux de Paradis Kuwait’s Dar Al Funoon gallery hosted Rose Morant with her ‘Les Oiseaux de Paradis’ exhibition during October. Rose Morant finds her inspiration in elements of nature: gold, silver lacquer, bamboo, semi-precious stones . Rose is a multidisciplinary artist who renews our vision of ancient knowhow by reinventing unique pieces of jewelry, spheres, birdcages, trees. A universe, where the magic of the nature meets exquisite craftsmanship to enchant the viewer. The exhibition ran from the 17th to 21st October.
98 99
THE LUXE EVENTS
OMD Opens its Doors in Kuwait As part of its regional expansion plan, OMD has opened its newest office in Sharq. This will enable the marketing performance company to better meet the growing needs of current and future clients in Kuwait and strengthen its relationships with its local stakeholders further. As well as several regional advertisers, OMD manages a growing portfolio of Kuwaiti clients, including the recent addition of Al Babtain Group, whose businesses include the Nissan and Infiniti dealerships. The new office provides all of OMD’s services, from insights to planning, from buying to performance marketing and from content marketing to advanced analytics, across the full spectrum of brand communications. The new office is headed by Tro Taslakian, a 15-year veteran of the media industry. A long-term resident in Kuwait, he has progressed from assistant planner in 2001 to acting GM of a leading media agency in Kuwait, working on both local and international brands in a wide range of sectors. These include automotive, confectionery, casual dining and food products. Taslakian reports to Wissam Najjar, OMD’s regional managing director for the Lower Gulf, Levant and Emerging Markets. “Tro has an impeccable track-record that combines technical expertise with local fluency. He is ideally placed to ensure OMD’s product blends international best practice and local relevance, two key contributors to performance,” explained Wissam Najjar. “Kuwait is not a new market to us as such and we believe that it does and will continue to offer exciting opportunities, both for local advertisers and beyond. This direct presence ensures that our team in Kuwait is fully empowered to stimulate growth for its clients’ brands. After our opening in Qatar a couple of years ago, this is the latest step in a broader expansion plan for the OMD network in the Middle East.” “Kuwait has a lot of ambition and companies here have long demonstrated their talent in achieving success at home and abroad. We’re designed to support them in these endeavors and play a significant part in their growth,” Taslakian commented. “As clients’ needs and market dynamics evolve, our agility and responsiveness make us the ideal partners for ambitious brands. OMD’s cutting-edge approach and expertise will be a great addition to the market.”
THE LUXE EVENTS
Radio 88.8 FM Selected the 360 Mall as their Headquarters Blu-General Trading and Contracting Co. announced the new location of Radio 88.8 FM headquarters to be at 360 Mall Complex, the company has completed over the past period all the necessary equipments in preparation for the radio airing on November 10th. Blu-General Trading and Contracting Co. has acquired the 88.8 FM frequency by the Kuwait Ministry of Information, for a period of five years starting from November 10. Following its acquisition of the radio frequency, Engineer Talal Thanian AlYaqout was appointed as the Executive Director of the radio, with a media experience spanning more than 24 years. The Radio will continue after its launch on November 10 to address the different generations and segments of society, especially the young contemporary audience, and focuses on providing standardized content based on a variety of tastes, in addition to preserve the public used to the frequency.
100 101
THE LUXE EVENTS
Artsharks Manayer AlSharekh curated the latest of her wonderfully whimsical Artsharks Art House Pop-ups at Kuwait’s Dar Al Funoon at the end of October. Her shows have built a reputation for their eclectic mix of works and vibrant crowd that they attract. If you missed this one, make a point of ensuring you don’t miss the next.
THE LUXE LISTINGS
Listings Our carefully curated monthly list of events not to be missed.
Poor Image What: Exhibition of the works of Khalid al Gharaballi Where: The Sultan Gallery, Subhan When: 8 – 24 November, 2016
A Fifteen-Year Journey What: The Art of Amira Behbehani Where: CAP, Shuwaikh When: 9 November – 22 December, 2016
This is Khalid al Gharaballi’s first solo exhibition after first establishing a duo practice with Fatima Al Qadiri and then co-founding GCC, the artist collective whose work has been exhibited at MoMA PS1, the Sharjah Art Foundation, the New Museum, the Fridericianum, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
It’s hard to believe that a full fifteen years has passed in the career of one of Kuwait’s most popular and accomplished artists – yet the first words that come from her lips are still that she’s perpetually learning. Known for her ability to tackle a wide range of subjects using a broad range of media, the exhibition is curated by Iranian gallerist Simindokht Dehghani.
Nuqat What: Design, creative and thought conference Where: Amricani Cultural Centre When: 10 - 12 November, 2016
Gulf Bank 642 Marathon What: Marathon Where: Souq Sharq When: 19 November, 2016
For their seventh conference, ‘The Seventh Sense: Powering The Creative Economy’, the Nuqat team have put together a week long program which will include interactive talks, discussion panels, roundtable sessions, workshops, cultural tours, galleries, live performances and more. Register online.
Why 642? 642 is the total number of muscles in the human body! Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is made for every individual who wants to experience a run, touring through the beautiful landmarks of Kuwait. From challenging athletes to beginners and even families. This event caters to everyone. Pick your distance and run! The route passes famous landmarks throughout the city.
Ain’t Nowhere To Hide What: Exhibition by Tagreed Darghouth Where: CAP, Shuwaikh When: thru’ 30 November, 2016
GulfRun Karting Endurance Race What: 24-hour kart race Where: Sirbb Circuit, Shuwaikh When: 2 – 3 December, 2016
Tagreed Darghouth examines transformations in culture and lifestyle in her native Lebanon through her multiple series of meticulous paintings. In 2011 Darghouth presented Canticle of Death in Beirut. This solo exhibition consisted of two series of paintings, apparently independent and ultimately linked by the idea of death: nuclear weapons and skulls.
GulfRun Karting Endurance Race is a 24 hour annual go-carting race that takes place at Sirbb Circuit. It has around 20 teams participating with the minimum 4 drivers to a maximum of 12 drivers. Each team races continuously for 24 hours to win the title of 1st place. The race is part of the Sodi World series.
102 103
2016\127\ ج-ت
transfer your salary and win a Nissan Patrol every month with Al-Thuraya salary account
Burgan Bank now brings more chances to win a Nissan Patrol every month with Al-Thuraya salary account. Transfer your salary today and enter the draw every month! • The offer is valid for existing and new customers. • The car featured in the ad is for reference only.
follow us on:
Burgan Bank Official page
@burganbankgroup
For more information call 1804080, or visit www.burgan.com
www.youtube.com/burganbankchannel