THE BESPOKE EDITION Have it your own way
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THE BESPOKE EDITION ISSUE NUMBER 99 - NOVEMBER 2018
COULDN’T BE BUSIER, COULDN’T BE HAPPIER
Dear Passionate Readers, This, by all means, has been the busiest month of the year for me! One deadline after the other, drawing the ideas, charting the logistics, implementing, supervising, tweaking, and delivering all the while having to plan for next year, it is like a mad house in my head!! And I couldn’t be any happier!! That adrenalin rush that we all seek… Each one of us finds it in his own different way, but we all seek it and pursue it with the same passion and drive…. For at the end of the day, it is what makes us feel truly alive! And I wonder… What is the secret behind that innate motivation? Is it our inbuilt survival mechanism of fight or flight and as we are in an increasingly challenging and demanding lifestyle we are finding ourselves continuously in that mode? Or is it our existentialist condition that pushes us to evolve as a human race regardless of whatever life situations we are in? Or is it a combination of the two as no evolution can take place unless we push are we are being pushed to new limits?! I have always been fascinated by humans and as much as the world around us might seem chaotic at times, as much as I am continuously amazed by what some of us are doing and what all of us are actually capable of doing…If only we know… To new heights, Till the next issue,
Zeina Mokaddam
ON THE COVER: November 2018 When you think bespoke you probably think suits and, perhaps, shoes. Watches and cars are another item at the top of most people’s bespoke-list. Today you can add perfumes, vacations, investment portfolios and even skincare. Where will it end? One thing is for sure – it’s not going to end any time soon. The market’s desire for bespoke is accelerating. For this month’s issue, we bring you some of our top picks from the global world of uberbespokeness..
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nouf Al-Hajri LEGAL CONSULTANT Khaled Al-Kandari Al-Kandari Law Firm PUBLISHED BY
MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam GENERAL MANAGER Chimene Ibrahim MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom EDITOR Rawan Qabazard
CONTENTS The Bespoke Edition When you think bespoke, what comes to mind? 14
Have It Your Own Way
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The Automobile Bentley by Mulliner
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The Timepiece Bovet - The Art of Personalisation
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The Suit Huntsman of Savile Row
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The Writing Instrument Montegrappa
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Bespoked A curated list of further reading at passionsarabia.com
Special Features
CONTRIBUTOR Danah Al Ansari IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri
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.
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Girard-Perregaux High-quality Swiss watches since 1791
Please email your suggestions to info@ph7-kw.com
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Making Time With David Tedeschi, Hublot’s Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa
For subscription, please email info@ph7-kw.com
Life Refined Our carefully curated guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more. It all starts on page 32.
For advertising, please contact 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
MEN’S PASSION
The Bespoke Edition HAVE IT YOUR OWN WAY
When you think bespoke you probably think suits and, perhaps, shoes. Watches and cars are another item at the top of most people’s bespoke-list. Today you can add perfumes, vacations, investment portolios and even skincare. What is the ultimate future of bespokeness? Nutrition? We say, why not? Read on to learn more. Bespoke Editorial
BESPOKE
“The age of personal nutrition is here. I believe this is the next frontier and will transform the food industry in the next two decades,” Campbell Soup Co’s VP of science and technology, Anouchah Sanei predicts.
appealing to a particular consumer pain point, be it skin health, immunity, energy, or a host of other health outcomes. Like Sanei, Clabbers insisted that this narrow definition will not be the case in the future.
Campbell Soup Co. is bullish on the potential of personalised nutrition. According to Sanei, developments in this space stand at the juncture of technology, business and the consumer – a sweet spot for sticky and disruptive innovation.
“Sometimes people think personalised nutrition is about reinventing food. That is not always the case: it is about making the right food available to people at the right time.” The data that is collected – the biomarkers that are measured – in personalised nutrition are important to demonstrate and communicate positive outcomes. But for personalised nutrition to catch on with a majority of consumers, it needs to make a tangible difference to how people feel.
“The nutrition area and digital worlds are colliding,” Sanei observed at the Future Food Tech Innovation and Investment summit in London. “Where can we find disruption? We believe at the intersection of real food, health & wellness and technology.” Campbell – best known for its namesake canned soup brand and other heritage products like Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers – has been eyeing the personal nutrition space for some time and as far back as 2016 Campbell invested in US personal nutrition start-up Habitat. “For so long, we have heard about what is wrong for us. It is time to talk about what is right for you,” Sanei insisted. The development of personal nutrition should be considered within the context of growing demand for healthy products. The health and wellness mega trend can be seen in almost all aspects of food industry innovation – Health and wellness trend expanding from the drive to reformulate to consumer demand for fresh products with clean labels that they view as better-for-you. While more effort is required on the reformulation front, it is nevertheless time to move “beyond reducing sugar and sodium” to “positive nutrition” , Sanei argued. Today, that is about the “yes-yes” list, incorporating more vegetables and whole grains. Tomorrow, positive nutrition will be an entirely different ball game: “We believe the yes-yes list is not enough… As you think about the next level, it is more about functional benefits. Beyond vegetables and whole grain, what is functional? Personalisation.” Nard Clabbers, business developer for personalised nutrition and health at TNO, concurred that personalised nutrition has the potential to shape future food industry innovation, putting data and the consumer at the heart of product development to improve health outcomes. “Personalised nutrition is about the consumer of the future, that has more data available and wants to use this to their advantage. We think this consumer will desire more bespoke products and services,” he predicted. Today, many people think of personalised nutrition as the preserve of the supplement industry, which works on the effective basis of
Currently, this is something of a barrier to the mainstreaming of personalised nutrition, Ian Wilcock, an investment adviser with Seventure Partners, suggested. “Personal nutrition has the potential to unlock a whole new public health debate… But it needs to be relevant,” he commented. “Current tools haven’t translated to a change in behaviour.” Relevance is key, Rob Beudeker, senior investment manager at DSM Venturing, added. “To make it relevant for the consumer, they need to feel better. We need to ask how they feel, how it effects their emotions.” Beudeker observed that people are currently able to supplement with the “right nutrients” through personalised nutrition. “It is starting as a niche market for people with health conditions… Personal nutrition today is not really mass market.” He thinks personalised nutrition in mass-market processed food is a decade away from fruition. One of the most significant challenges barring the widespread uptake of personal nutrition is data collection. Beudeker said that some of the most difficult data to collect is the simplest: “The most difficult data to get is daily food intake… Novel ways to collect intake will be key… A non-invasive measure [to collect genetic data] will also be key to the mass market.” Delivering a truly personal experience or product is also a massive hurdle for a food industry that is geared up for high volume mass production that drives down cost, improves efficiency and drives up availability. Currently, the nutrition industry’s approach has been characterised by segmentation and the development of products targeting particular consumer groups with similar need-sets, for example, senior or infant nutrition. Wilcock pondered: “With nutrition, the question is how personal does it need to be – both in terms of information and delivery?” For proponents of personalised nutrition, the answer lies in technological developments that will answer the elevated expectations of the consumer of the future.
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The Automobile BENTLEY BY MULLINER
Bentley Motors is demonstrating the beauty of bespoke with a new very special limited edition Mulsanne. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner pays homage to the founding father of the company and incorporates a genuine piece of Bentley history in every car. Bespoke Briefing
BESPOKE
Inside each of the 100 limited edition Mulsannes, a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre car decades ago - the last model he designed for Bentley Motors back in 1930 - is displayed. As Bentley approaches its centenary in 2019, Mulliner designers reflected on the last 99 years of an extraordinary British automotive story to imagine the new Mulsanne W.O. Edition. In doing so, they have created a truly unique collector’s item. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition can be specified on any of the threemodel Mulsanne range, based on customer preference. Key features include a colour split interior cut from Heritage Hide reflecting the patina of vintage cars, elegant Beluga black wheels, and a stunning cocktail cabinet or bottle cooler featuring a slice of W.O’s own 8 Litre crankshaft set into the armrest. This special model made its public debut at Monterey Car week in California, USA in late August, with customer deliveries commencing in 2019 - Bentley’s centenary year.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition can be specified on any of the three-model Mulsanne range, based on customer preference. Each model is already a true statement of Bentley’s innovation and craftsmanship. Bentley’s flagship model is the world’s finest handmade car, representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance. The Bentley 8 Litre - The Last Car Designed By W.O. The 8 Litre was described as W.O. Bentley’s finest grand tourer. Launched in 1930, it was also the last car he personally designed for Bentley Motors. It was the largest and most luxurious Bentley of its time, featuring the most powerful engine of any car available in Britain - a 7,983cc straight six that offered remarkable performance. W.O. said of the 8 Litre: “I have always wanted to produce a dead silent 100-mph car, and now I think we have done it.”
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner - A Piece of History
Originally registered GK 706, W.O.’s was the second 8 Litre off the production line and became his personal transport. He commissioned HJ Mulliner co build a saloon body on the 12-foot, short-wheelbase chassis. W.O. was then forced to sell his beloved car in 1931.
The new Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner draws on design cues taken from the 8 Litre - built in an era that has been defined as the ‘golden age’ of motoring in Britain. Just 100 examples will be handcrafted by Mulliner.
It was bought back by Bentley Motors in 2006, when the car then underwent a sympathetic restoration, including replacing the original crankshaft, slices of which are now being symbolically installed in the new Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner.
The interior displays a range of exquisite features inspired by luxury living in the 1930s - key to which is the Mulliner illuminated cocktail cabinet. A marquetry scene on the handcrafted unit - depicting the geometric front matrix grille and headlight of the 8 Litre - reveals a display window, inside which a piece of the crankshaft from W.O. Bentley’s own 8 Litre car is showcased. Just below the machined metal display case is an inscription detailing the significance of the Bentley artefact.
W.O.’s 8 Litre has since become a symbolic ‘company car’ for each successive Bentley CEO, preserving a tradition chat dates back co the company founder. It is now a focal point in the Bentley Motors Lineage Exhibition, situated at company headquarters in Crewe, England.
To create the marquetry scene, a number of different veneers and materials were used. Four different wood types give contrast and depth to the piece, while aluminium is used to achieve the highlights, signature and geometric pattern. The diamond-like borders that run parallel to each side add to the contemporary look while retaining an art deco feel. The piece is finished with W.O.’s signature. An interior colour split made from luxurious Fireglow Heritage and Fireglow hide is complemented further by Beluga hide detailing and blind stitching. Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer extends co the minor gauge panel, steering wheel rim and ocher areas.
Bentley’s Centenary - 100 Years of Extraordinary In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today. The 1 th of July 2018 marked the start of Bentley’s 100 th year and the countdown to the brand’s centenary in 2019. This extraordinary milestone - reached by only a special few companies - will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history and its global success today.
The Mulsanne is finished with Fireglow lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, privacy curtains co the rear doors, and a rear seat entertainment system. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition further enhances its formidable road presence with Onyx paintwork (although customers can specify other colours from Bentley’s extensive pallet), chrome bonnet strip and graceful Flying B Mascot atop the optional chrome radiator shell and grille. A discreet W.O. Bentley signature badge is displayed on the lower bumper, while special centenary badging adorns the selflevelling wheel centres and door treadplates.
You’ll find more about Mulliner’s work with Bentley online at passionsarabia.com as well as manifested on Instagram here: @bentley_kuwait and @bentley
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FROM REQUESTS AS SIMPLE AS MONOGRAMMED UPHOLSTERY TO THE KIND OF ELABORATE TAILORED BODY MODIFICATIONS THAT CAN ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN WITH THE PROVEN EXPERTISE OF A TRULY ESTABLISHED COACHBUILDER, THE MULLINER TEAM DELIVERS LUXURY ON A NEW LEVEL; RARITY ON A DIFFERENT SCALE.
BESPOKE
MULLINER IS MORE THAN JUST CUSTOMISING A BENTLEY – IT IS PERSONALISING YOUR LIFE.
IN THE WORLD OF MULLINER, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. IN THE MULLINER WORKSHOP – YOUR DREAMS BECOME REALITY. INDEED, THE ONLY LIMITS ARE YOUR IMAGINATION. HAVE THE THOUGHT, AND BENTLEY WILL GALVANISE THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD’S MOST DEDICATED CRAFTSPEOPLE, SUPPORTED BY THE VAST STYLING AND ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE OF THE MARQUE, TO MAKE IT A REALITY. THROUGH 3D-VISUALISATION, AND METICULOUS NURTURING, YOU WILL WITNESS THE MESMERISING EVOLUTION FROM A SIMPLE PIECE OF PAPER TO YOUR VERY OWN EXQUISITELY PRODUCED, UNIQUELY PERSONAL BENTLEY.
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The Timepiece BOVET - THE ART OF PERSONALISATION
Bovet’s history is rooted in craftsmanship and decorative arts, and in keeping with tradition, each of its limited-edition timepieces - as well as unique one-off pieces - can be personalised. In fact, almost one third of all timepieces manufactured by the Maison each year are specially crafted creations commissioned by collectors. Bespoke Briefing
BESPOKE
A BOVET timepiece can be customised in a variety of ways, all linking back its connection with the decorative arts. Those with a passion for horology can choose from limitless options of celebrated miniature paintings most often associated with the Maison, to endless engraving choices such as incorporating simple text like names, initials, and dates, to guilloché motifs or figurative engravings, different gems and settings, and specially made bracelets. The boundless possibilities for personalization are made possible through various levels of expertise of the Maison, and its ability to take decorative arts to inimitable heights. Engraving Hand engraving is ever-present in BOVET’s collections, and in addition to decorating the dials, flanges, bezels, middles, or bows, it features on almost every movement. Of all hand-engraving techniques, one is prized above all by BOVET: Fleurisanne. Fleurisanne engraving is a form of relief engraving used to enhance the patterns in flowers and volutes. The craftsmen carve the patterns before engraving them onto the surface. BOVET is also known for an embossed “broken glass” motif, used on cases and movements, and for the infinite array of decorations possible on limited editions and unique pieces. Miniature Painting Miniature painting on enamel was widely used to decorate 19th-century pocket watches, but in the 20th century, the skill of enameling almost disappeared - and there are very few craftsmen today adept at it. BOVET typically uses the polished lacquer technique for its miniature paintings, but remains open to new technologies that allow it to accentuate the miniature painting that has played such an integral part in its history. In 2017, for example, BOVET unveiled a world first: a miniature painting combined with coats of the luminescent material Super-LumiNova®, where the design is visible by day and illuminated at night. Grand Feu Enamel As part of BOVET owner Pascal Raffy’s continuing commitment to supporting and maintaining traditional decorative arts, he turned to the Russian designer Ilgiz Fazulzyanov to create a collection of unique pieces decorated with Grand Feu enamel miniature paintings exclusively for the Maison. Experts refer to Fazulzyanov as the heir to the greatest enamellists of all time. His first designs were presented in 2016, and crafted for both men and women. BOVET combines traditional know-how with an avant-garde spirit. Drawing inspiration from a rich heritage, passionate craftsmen render a personal, artistic touch to each surface and mechanism, enlivened by incomparable attention to detail – making the Maison synonymous with personalization of timepieces. BOVET creations represent far more than beautiful objects; each is an artistic masterpiece, imbued with soul. You’ll find the results of Bovet’s passions manifested on Instagram here: @bovet1822
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The Suit HUNTSMAN OF SAVILE ROW
If the suit is the most favoured of all bespoke choices then, for the most classic of looks, 11 Savile Row’s Huntsman is the tailor of choice. With more than a century and a half of history, its address was recently cemented within contemporary culture when it was used as the headquarters in the blockbuster Kingsman films. For sure, there’s no greater reputation for bespoke than that earned by Huntsman. Read on. Bespoke Briefing
BESPOKE
“Huntsman is the spiritual home of bespoke tailoring, a mythical name, tailor to kings and Hollywood royalty as well as the home of the fabled one button coat made in checked tweeds of an almost magical power.” H. Huntsman & Sons has always striven to uphold the most prestigious standards of Savile Row bespoke tailoring. Founded in 1849 and patronised by high society from the outset, the house has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most exclusive tailors in London. Favoured by Hollywood’s elite, the likes of Clarke Gable, Marlene Dietrich and Lawrence Olivier all called themselves clients, as did Gregory Peck, who ordered over 160 suits and enjoyed a lifelong relationship with the house. Other notable customers include statesmen such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, and fashion designers like Alexander McQueen or Sir Hardy Amies to name but a few. The house’s iconic style, known simply as the ‘Huntsman cut’, is inextricably linked with this glamorous heritage. Characterised by a long coat with cut with strong shoulders and a perfectly poised single button fastening, it’s a timelessly elegant silhouette that lends itself to a comfortable, yet sophisticated look – perfect for those in the public eye, professional arena or under the spotlight’s glare. Though the house prides itself on its remarkable history, it is also one of the most forward-thinking tailors on Savile Row. In 2017 a new pied-à-terre in New York on 57th street was opened, allowing Huntsman’s American clientele a permanent home in the States, with antique house-tweed covered furnishings and remarkable photographs from Huntsman’s past adorning the walls. Also innovatory are the overseas trunk shows that the house is pioneering. These include regular visits to nine of Asia’s major cities, as well as trips down both the East and West Coasts of the United States, through Europe and the Middle East, all of which allows overseas clients access to the Huntsman bespoke team at least three to four times a year. In addition to its bespoke offering, Huntsman has also taken steps to provide clients with a carefully curated collection of luxury ready-to-wear clothing, all of which is beautifully handmade in England. From exquisite navy blazers to the perfect grey flannel suit or technically correct morning dress, the collection exists to provide luxurious wardrobe staples for Huntsman’s clientele, without compromising on the quality associated with the house’s bespoke craftsmanship. With so much to its name, the Huntsman of today is determined to be not just a Savile Row tailor, but also a British luxury institution, as ambitious and uncompromising now as it was over 100 years ago. Catering to gentlemen and ladies who understand that a beautifully cut suit is not just a piece of clothing, but a lifestyle choice that informs who they are and how they present themselves, Huntsman aspires simply to be the ultimate in luxury British tailoring.
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Huntsman in the movies Huntsman served as the inspiration for Matthew Vaughn’s blockbuster movie Kingsman: The Secret Service. During an appointment with his cutter, Vaughn, taken by the history on display at 11 Savile Row, imagined moving beyond the walls of the fitting room, with the legendary premises acting as a smokescreen for his team of spies, the Kingsmen. September 2017 saw their 11 Savile Row headquarters return to the silver screen for Vaughn’s thrilling sequel: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Vaughn, who first visited the fitting rooms at 18 years of age, has a long relationship with Huntsman. Upon reaching that milestone age, his mother brought him in for his first bespoke outfit, urging her son to consider only Huntsman for proper suits! The experience made a lasting impression on Vaughn, and he has built an enduring sartorial rapport with the Huntsman team over the years. When Huntsman was acquired by Pierre Lagrange, executive producer of Vaughn’s movies since Stardust, the story of Kingsman at Huntsman gathered momentum and never looked back! Very alert viewers will recognise Huntsman’s Creative Director and Head Cutter Campbell Carey in a cameo role in the movie’s tailoring rooms. The action-packed and hilarious spy caper plays tongue-in-cheek homage to other “secret service” films but stands head and shoulders above them in its close attention to sartorial elegance. James Bond may have cut a dash, but Colin Firth, in his role as dapper Harry Hart, and Taron Egerton, his protégé Eggsy, really up the ante in the style stakes. Viewers will recognise the shop front, iconic stags’ heads and fitting room, with its familiar wood panelling, coat hooks and three-ways mirror - now called the Kingsman fitting room. Become a Kingsman yourself and be transported by this iconic fitting room. The action-packed and hilarious spy caper plays tongue-in-cheek homage to other “secret service” films but stands head and shoulders above them in its close attention to sartorial elegance. James Bond may have cut a dash, but Colin Firth, in his role as dapper Harry Hart, and Taron Egerton, his protégé Eggsy, really up the ante in the style stakes. Viewers will recognise our shop front, iconic stags’ heads and fitting room, with its familiar wood panelling, coat hooks and three-ways mirror - now called the Kingsman fitting room. Become a Kingsman yourself and be transported by this iconic fitting room. Visitors to Savile Row in October 2015 and February 2017 may have found the street closed and the surrounding area chock-a-block with production trucks. This was for the filming of director Matthew Vaughn’s two Kingsman movies. Huntsman leant its services as a key location for the production, our premises proving the perfect setting and the opening sequence for Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Based on the comic books by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar, the fun and action-packed spy film stars Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Samuel L. Jackson and rising star Taron Egerton. It was fascinating to see how promptly and deftly the set designer and props team (assisted by Huntsman’s Johnny and Paul) transformed the shop and its frontage for the production before restoring it back to its original self, all within 48 hours.
BESPOKE TAILORING IS ABOUT MORE THAN CLOTHES, IT’S A WAY OF LIFE: CELEBRATING THE VERY BEST THAT THE HUMAN HAND CAN MAKE AND THAT MONEY CAN BUY.
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TODAY, MONTEGRAPPA’S ATELIER SPECIAL SERVICE WILL ENSURE THAT YOUR MONTEGRAPPA PEN IS TRULY UNIQUE. WE MEAN THAT IN THE LITERAL SENSE, THAT IT WILL BE LIKE NO OTHER PEN ON EARTH.
The Writing Instrument MONTEGRAPPA - A MOST ILLUMINATING FORM OF BESPOKE
At Montegrappa, they have never known a period without offering hand-finished objects for discerning customers. They have always welcomed the challenge of offering a truly authentic and genuinely custom-made service, understanding precisely what the client desires. The reward for them is the opportunity to create an object to match expectations... an ever-growing passion. Bespoke Review Amphora Amphora fountain and rollerball pens possess the curvaceous, almost human form that is rounded in ways which ensure that the pen falls naturally to the hand. The cap disc can be either hand-painted or handengraved, with any design element the customer might wish it to carry. Your Amphora pen will join the objects handed down from one generation to another. To ensure that the pens of the Amphora Collection are to be treasured, each is a bespoke offering. The pen thus becomes a personal statement, and the customised writing instrument, manufactured in pastel black resin with sterling silver trim, is rendered unique according to the cap top. The cap disc can be either hand-painted or hand-engraved, with any design element the customer might wish it to carry. Crafting techniques to achieve this added personalisation include miniature hand-painting with modern acrylic colours or hand-engraving with a burin. Additionally, you can choose from the 12 exquisitely hand-painted or hand-engraved cap tops depicting the Chinese Zodiac. Extra Bespoke An image of a family member or oneself, a much-loved pet, a favourite building, a cherished possession, a landscape or an object of art, a family’s coat-of-arms, a personal symbol or sign. Using ages-old techniques and traditional tools, Montegrappa’s craftspersons translate the customer’s chosen image into a pattern to be hand-engraved or hand-painted on both precious metal or resin, at the client’s behest. It is at this exact moment that your pen is transformed into a true objet d’art. From a palette of 24 colours, the client can also select the exact hue which best defines and complements the mood and spirit of his or her bespoke pen. They offer choices that range from earthy tones to primary colours to gem-like mixtures. The pen trim is a matter of personal preference: be it sterling silver, or solid 18k white, yellow or rose gold. Arte From cars to tailoring, from one-off timepieces to customised hi-fi, the demand for made-to-measure creations is returning to levels that rival the boom period of the 1920s and 1930s. At that time we saw the most flashy cars that ever traversed the avenues of Nice, Beverly Hills, Paris or Berlin, and it was also the era of writing instruments that were just as splendid. Those days have returned and Montegrappa welcomes them with ARTE, a new programme of custom pens. Montegrappa will work closely with each client who chooses to commission an ARTE writing instrument. For such a truly personal object, one that is held in the hand and controlled entirely by the user in a manual fashion, there can be no more individual a presentation than ARTE.
BESPOKE
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Bespoked A curated list of further reading at passionsarabia.com
What are you going to choose as your next bespoke project? Get some inspiration from the archives online at passionsarabia.com We’ve curated some of the world’s finest bespoke options and brought them together to tickle your style-buds and get your creative juices flowing. Want to know more? There’s a link to further information for every feature. Bespoke Briefing
BESPOKE
Vacheron Constantin
The Geneva-based Maison’s fine watchmaking department The role of the “Atelier Cabinotiers Special Order” department is to perpetuate the unique expertise of their master watchmakers, who work in the great Genevan tradition of the Cabinotiers watch workshops. The Atelier Cabinotiers offers clients a highly exclusive service: that of producing unique timepieces, entirely custom-made and created on an individual commission basis. www.passionsarabia.com/brioni-bespoke/
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Brioni Bespoke A piece of wearable art
A Brioni Bespoke suit is a unique piece of art, an item of sartorial architecture that is truly personal. Quite possibly the best suit in the world, and exclusively for you. What’s not to want about a suit like this? www.passionsarabia.com/brioni-bespoke
BESPOKE
MORE ON PASSIONSARABIA.COM What is worth being made bespoke? You’ve made the commitment to going bespoke. Where’s best to begin?
Ferrari Tailor-Made
When you’re going to go bespoke, it’s a unique chance to get things more right for you than they will ever be when buying ready-to-wear. Here’s where to invest your time and money wisely.
Creativity, sophistication, originality of materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail “Clients make their personalisation choices on site in Maranello”
www.passionsarabia.com/ bespoke
What are you going to do when you want your Ferrari to stand out from the crowd? The marque’s Tailor-Made program is what you need. Continuing a longstanding Maranello tradition which began in the 1950s and 60s, when clients personalized their cars as a matter of course and enjoyed huge freedom when it came to materials, colors and finish, today’s results are genuinely unique cars tailored to suit the desires of each individual owner. Learn more at: www.passionsarabia.com/ferrari-tailor-made
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LIFE REFINED Our carefully curated guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more. In Life Refined we look at the best, and meet the people that are making things happen.
Drive: Ferrari GTC4Lusso: Urban Elegance p50; Aston Martin by Hackett p54; Aston Martin Works Heritage p55; Porsche presents the new Macan p56; Rolls-Royce: Luxury of Privacy p58; Maserati at the Cannes Yachting Festival p60; Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 p61; Audi A7 sportback p62; Audi e-tron p63; Watches: Vacheron Constantin a Maison for connoisseurs: p34; Vacheron Constantin - The FiftySix, One of not Many, The FiftySix Tourbillon p66; The Rado Tradition 1965 Auto p70; Style: Hugo Boss p72; Dolce & Gabbana p74; Z Zegna p76; Allsaints p80; Corneliani p82 Outdoor: What are you going to do when the weekend comes? p86 - Concierge: Coco Bodu Hithu p92; Wellness: Coffee and your Health p96; Trending on passionsarabia.com p98 - Events p100 - What’s On p106 32 33
MEN’S PASSION
Girard-Perregaux Swiss Haute Horlogerie since 1791
In the vanguard of horological innovation since its establishment in Geneva in 1791, this high-end Swiss Manufacture is one of few who can claim an unchallenged place amongst their peers of the world’s watchmaking elite. The brand seeks perfection and, with more than 100 unique patents to its name, Girard-Perregaux has been on a quest towards horological excellence in both technical and aesthetic for fully 227 years so far. With a rich legacy on which to build, the Manufacture continues to innovate. At the 2018 edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie de Genève (SIHH), Girard-Perregaux unveiled new and stunning creations, heirs of the icons on which it has built its reputation over the centuries.
WATCHES
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WATCHES
Laureato Chronograph, 42mm, in 904L steel, Panda dial, Ref: 81020-11-131-11A
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Neo Bridges, 45mm, Titanium, Ref: 84000-21-001-BB6A
WATCHES
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WATCHES
Laureato 42mm. Steel on bracelet.
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Laureato Tourbillon, 45mm, Titanium and Pink Gold, Ref: 99105-26-231-BB6A
WATCHES
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WATCHES
GIRARD PERREGAUX watches are available at Behbehani Luxury boutique in Al Hamra Luxury Center Tel.: (22270206/7/8)
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La Grande Route PARIS TO MONACO WITH MASERATI
For those not fully acquainted with the ethos of Maserati, there are three keywords to learn and remember: elegance, sportiness and personality. While many of today’s contemporary motor cars can lay claim to any combination of two out of these three characteristics, very few tick a trio of boxes. Maserati - through their Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli – successfully score a full-house with each model. Simon Balsom
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The history of the automobile is rooted in the essence of the grand tour. What began as a rite of passage for mainly upper-class European young men became, by the dawn of the motoring age, a true test of man and machine. Today, each of the world’s most iconic driving challenges is an event of considerable endurance – we’re thinking Mille Miglia, Le Mans and Dakar. In homage to these great adventures, and as the October sun rose on a distinctly autumnal morning, we set out on our own (slightly less edgy yet nonetheless eagerly anticipated) grand tour from Paris to Monaco. What lay ahead would be over 1,000km of exclusive Maserati-time heading south enroute towards the sun and sea of the Côte d’Azur. Our starting point of The Peninsula Paris provided a suitably unchallenging overnight stay. Once the home of Spain’s Queen Isabella II, after which it became the Hotel Majestic and where, in 1922, what is known as ‘the dinner party of the century’ was attended by Marcel Proust, Igor Stravinsky and Pablo Picasso, today the hotel provides signature Peninsula luxury on Avenue Kléber in the 16th arrondissement.
As we thread our way through the Paris’s narrow and congested streets, the Levante remains a docile supplicant to our driving demands. With a light if not entirely nimble feel, it is a confident and comfortable partner. The interior design of the Levante is focused either on luxury or sportiness, respectively in the GranLusso and GranSport trims. The spacious cabin blends innovative solutions, such as the state-ofthe art infotainment system, with precious materials like the newly introduced full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather. Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) is a highly responsive interface unit that works like a tablet, recognising drag, scroll, swipe and rotate gestures. The system includes radio and Bluetooth and supports satellite navigation. Abundant space for five passengers, fine selection of premium materials, state-of-the art human machine interface and front - rear passenger compartments in sheer harmony are some of the first class features in the cabin of the Levante.
Gentlemen, start your engines - The Levante We’re cocooned from the worst of the morning’s Parisian chill within the new 2019 Maserati Levante. The Levante has rapidly become the Modena marque’s key model – it currently accounts for more than half of Maserati’s global sales. Here’s what we already knew about Maserati’s luxury SUV – in the two-years since launch, the Levante has established itself at the very top of the crossover pecking-order. Combining elegance with functionality, the design concept of the Levante combines coupé lines with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. The Maserati of SUVs is instantly recognisable from a distance, thanks to its imposing grille, which was inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept, but also pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. For 2019, what was already a remarkable automobile just got even better. With a refinement of the exterior, including the addition of some well-engineered styling cues, the changes come most notably through Maserati’s installation of an upgraded version of its powerful Twin Turbo V8 engine under the bonnet of the Levante to deliver two of the fastest SUVs ever built. It is the first time that Maserati mates the mighty Twin Turbo V8 with its Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
We find our way on to the highway and the traffic clears, and now the Levante reveals a fresh side to its character – one hinted at through those rather mouth-watering performance figures. It’s easy to forget the utilitarian and off-road abilities of this automobile. Right-foot firmly planted, and making progress amongst a fast-flowing line of cars is an inspiring emotion. There’s a wealth of driver assistance systems under the skin of all 2019 Maseratis. Today, within this high-end segment, many of these are considered the basics – adaptive cruise control, surround view camera and park assist, traffic sign recognition. Others, including highway and lane keeping assist, are newly integrated and aim to reduce driver fatigue. These latest curios provide an element of fun and adventure, challenging some drivers to test how far they can travel with their hands off the steering wheel. No one gets very far – Maserati wisely fitted a ‘hands on wheel’ detection system, so the car swiftly returns responsibility to even the most foolish of drivers. As a lunch stop beckons, we point the Levante down the pastoral lanes of Burgundy’s rural idyll and head for Château de Pommard. Dating back to 1726, a fine Burgundian lunch awaits at the end of an untroubled 50km tour of village streets, farm tracks and other unpaved roads. The Levante makes its home on any road. The road to Lyon - The Quattroporte
Although it maintains the same 3.8-litre capacity and the V90 degree architecture, it has been re-engineered and significantly upgraded to deliver significantly higher power output, from 550hp in the Levante GTS to a prodigious 590hp in the Levante Trofeo. It’s a big car, yet one with genuine sportscar performance and drivability. Performance figures have been upped to the higher end of the SUV class and are comparable to those of modern-day supercars: it takes 4.2 seconds for the Levante GTS to accelerate to 100 kmh while the mighty Levante Trofeo needs only 3.9 seconds for the same sprint. Top speed is respectively 292 kmh and 304 kmh.
The afternoon’s shorter yet more dynamically challenging route to Lyon was reserved for the Quattroporte. A classic example of Italian design, the Quattroporte has embraced gracefully the virtues of elegance and sporting attitude, particularly in the GranLusso and GranSport trims. With a heritage that dates back as far as 1963, the modern-day Quattroporte is as distinctive and exclusive as its predecessors the least. The dominant, powerful nose is sculpted around the Alfierishaped three-dimensional grille, which is pointed and imposing, featuring vertical chrome rib elements that contrast with the depth of the ‘sharknose’ effect.
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THE PLACE TO GO TO IN KUWAIT TO FIND OUT ABOUT MASERATI FOR YOURSELF IS AL ZAYANI AUTOMOTIVE. YOU’LL FIND THEM ON THE 4TH RING ROAD IN AL RAI, AND ALSO ONLINE AT AL-ZAYANI.COM DISCOVER THEIR VISUAL MESSAGES ON INSTAGRAM @MASERATIKUWAIT
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FOR THOSE NOT FULLY ACQUAINTED WITH THE ETHOS OF MASERATI, THERE ARE THREE KEYWORDS TO LEARN AND REMEMBER: ELEGANCE, SPORTINESS AND PERSONALITY. WHILE MANY OF TODAY’S CONTEMPORARY MOTOR CARS CAN LAY CLAIM TO ANY COMBINATION OF TWO OUT OF THESE THREE CHARACTERISTICS, VERY FEW TICK A TRIO OF BOXES. MASERATI THROUGH THEIR LEVANTE, QUATTROPORTE AND GHIBLI – SUCCESSFULLY SCORE A FULL-HOUSE WITH EACH MODEL.
YOU CAN ALSO LOOK FURTHER INTO THE MARQUE AND DISCOVER MASERATI’S FABULOUS GHIBLI ‘RIBELLE’. PRODUCED IN A LIMITED EDITION OF JUST 200 CARS FOR THE EMEA MARKETS, OFFERS OWNERS EXCLUSIVE DESIGN AND ELEGANT INTERIOR TRIMS SHARING A COMMON DENOMINATOR: THE REFINED, SOPHISTICATED “NERO RIBELLE” MICA COLOUR, WHICH SHOWS OFF THE CAR’S UNIQUE DESIGN TO EXQUISITE EFFECT. THIS NEW LIMITED EDITION GHIBLI WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH ALL OF THE SPORTS SALOON’S THREE POWERPLANTS, THE 275 HP V6 TURBODIESEL AND THE TWO PETROL OPTIONS, BOTH TWIN-TURBO V6 DELIVERING 350 HP AND 430 HP, DESIGNED BY MASERATI POWERTRAIN AND BUILT AT THE FERRARI PLANT AT MARANELLO.
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“With effortless elegance, a profusion of sportiness and more personality than Nicki Minaj, the 2019 Maseratis represent icons of Italian design expressed as a sum of their parts.” New colours, wheel designs and interior veneers, a redesigned gearshift lever and Pieno Fiore natural leather interiors provide the ultimate refinement to the Maserati flagship sedan for 2019. A superbly appointed interior, delivering streamlined, wraparound forms, which endow the dashboard and tunnel with a feeling of lightness, has long established the Quattroporte as the archetypal Italian sedan. The dashboard features a full-width surface in a variety of exclusive, precious trims, underlining the refined character of the Quattroporte and rounded out by decorative inserts on the front and rear door panels. The roomy, comfortable three-seat bench offers excellent legroom in the rear. Two individual seats are also available as an exclusive option on the Quattroporte GranLusso. They feature ventilation and electrical movement, ensuring unbeatable relaxation during long working trips, and they can also be fitted with individual entertainment screens. Whilst it’s perfectly possible to spend all day luxuriating in the rear of the cabin, don’t overlook the fact that Quattroporte is a capable driver’s car too. The flagship 3.8-litre V8 engine is the perfect representation of Maserati’s performance tradition. The engine produces 390kW at 6,800 rpm and 650 Nm peak torque from 2,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm, and the peak torque figure can be automatically overboosted to 710 Nm between 2,250 rpm and 3,500 rpm. These engine figures help the Quattroporte to reach 100 kmh in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed well above the 300 kmh barrier at 310 kmh. Driven on both country roads and highways alike, the Quattroporte is an eager participant in this motoring adventure. Keen to propel its occupants at what in other lesser automobiles would be considered a reckless pace, the chassis of the Quattroporte has been precisely designed to meet the performance and comfort demands of Maserati buyers while maximising safety levels. With similar driver assistance systems to the Levante, and a wellsorted suspension, the Quattroporte is the car of first choice for allday cruising. Perhaps it’s the ideal contemporary expression of luxury Italian motoring; for sure it’s too often overlooked as such. For 2019 though, it’s more eye-catching then ever with two brand new tri-coat colours, the race-inspired Rosso Potente, which has been created to celebrate the heritage of Italian sports cars, and the Blu Nobile, with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. Race to the sun - The Ghibli A night spent at Lyon’s sleekly urban Villa Maïa was further boosted by dinner at Tetedoie. France’s third-largest city is well-known for its gastronomic prowess, and Christian Tetedoie’s eponymous restaurant with its Michelin star is something worth walking over broken glass to get to and enjoy.
The final leg of La Grande Route would take us from Lyon to Monte Carlo – and with the spirited Ghibli. Although this is the least changed of Maserati’s 2019 offering (of this we approve – we like it just the way it is) the fine men and women of Modena have added new adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights as standard on GranLusso and GranSport, new colours, wheel designs and interior veneers, plus an updated Nerissimo package, a redesigned gearshift lever with shorter travel and improved operation and the addition of Pieno Fiore natural leather now widens the choice of exclusive interiors. None of these improve the performance of what was already an astonishingly nimble and pleasurable automobile but, to some, it may make it even more gorgeous to the eye. Exactly where are we going with performance here? Well, the rangetopping Ghibli S and S Q4 versions deliver 430hp and 580 Nm peak torque. This class-leading power output gives the Maserati sports sedan a top speed of 286 kmh and remarkable acceleration: Ghibli S makes it to 100 kmh in 4.9 seconds and the Ghibli S Q4, with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel Drive system, in just 4.7 seconds. The Ghibli is the quite possibly the perfect grand tourer. Like the Quattroporte, the chassis has been precisely designed to meet the demands of dynamic performance and long-distance comfort. It provides class-leading front legroom and, despite its coupé-like silhouette, comfortable head and legroom for all occupants. The driver’s seat offers 6-way electric adjustment, while the GranLusso and GranSport trims both have standard 12-way power front seats. The rear seats can accommodate three people, providing optimised lateral support and guaranteed comfort even on longer journeys. And, as you’d expect, in common with the Levante and the Quattroporte, there’s a host of driver assistance gadgetry involved in making the Ghibli go even faster and stop even quicker. There are few places more pleasant to watch the French countryside go by than from the driver’s seat of a Maserati Ghibli. If the concept of the grand tour were to be created today, we feel sure the Ghibli would be first choice for Europe’s young men and debutantes. With effortless elegance, a profusion of sportiness and more personality than Nicki Minaj, the 2019 Maseratis represent icons of Italian design expressed as a sum of their parts. Featuring the best of interior design, urban design, fashion design and architectural design rounded off with fine engineering and Ferrari-derived powertrains, time in the Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli should be on everyone’s 2019 wishlist. As we rolled in to the Monaco Yacht Club at the end of our second day riving La Grande Route, we felt more than a tinge of sadness as we were parted from our automobiles. On the other hand, we felt like fully-fledged grand tourers in our own right.
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The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan A CLASSY ROUTE TO SPORTING FLAIR
The BMW 3 Series Sedan has epitomised the concept of sporty driving pleasure in the global premium midsize class for more than 40 years. Exuding dynamic design, agile handling, exceptional efficiency and innovative equipment features, it takes the signature characteristics of a BMW and turns the volume up several notches. The sedan represents not only the core of the BMW 3 Series range but also the heartbeat of the BMW brand. This latest edition of the car sees BMW building in particular on the sporting tradition of the 3 Series.
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The new Audi Q8: large, elegant and luxurious… plus an extra portion of wow WITH DANAH ALANSARI
Audi’s Q8 is the new face of the Q family, and it’s now available to order in the Middle East. The largest of the Ingolstadt marque’s ‘Q’ range of SUVs, it’s also the most luxurious and deeply tech-laden. Eager to see for ourselves, Men’s Passion’s Danah Alansari joined Audi Middle East for two days of desert-bashing and road-miles in Oman. Men’s Passion, on the road in Oman
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Versatile, sporty, elegant: the dimensional and space concept The Audi Q8 brings together the best of both worlds – the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé and the practical talents of a large SUV. The generously dimensioned interior with variable luggage compartment, state-of-the-art operating and suspension technologies as well as intelligent assistance systems make the Audi Q8 a composed companion for business and leisure. A powerful, yet efficient 55 TFSI with mild hybrid system producing 250 kW (340 hp) provides the dynamics implied by the muscular design. With the permanent quattro all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of up to 254 millimeters, the SUV coupé can keep going when paved roads end. “Very stable and smooth on even the roughest of terrain, the Q8 delivers a sense of stability rare amongst even the largest and most accomplished of today’s SUVs. Its 360-degree comfort adds to the driving experience, boosts driving confidence, and keeps passengers happy – all at the same time!” Style-defining: the octagonal Singleframe The imposing Singleframe in octagonal design is the calling card of the Q8 and
also the new face of the Audi Q family. Six vertical chrome struts give the radiator grille a dominant appearance. The crossbars are recessed and finished in dark gray. A wide mask optionally finished in a contrasting color connects the Singleframe to the distinctive headlights – a reminiscence of the Ur-quattro. The spoiler, which is pulled towards the front, and the large, strongly contoured air intakes additionally highlight the self-assured look. “Why choose a sports coupe or a family-sized SUV when you can have them in one? The Q8 is the perfect combination of both styles. From its slender lights to its 22-inch wheels, the Audi Q8 combines the luxury and sportiness of coupe with the practicality of large SUV. Packaged with plenty of high-technology and refined luxury, the new Q8 delivers elegance, comfort and a spirited drive.” Digital character: the daylight running light signature For the headlights, Q8 customers can choose between two versions, both in LED technology. From a distance the two-piece luminaires look very flat. Integrated into their upper section are the daytime running lights and the low beam, among other functions. The high beam is positioned underneath, darkened and offset
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“The Q8 delivers a sense of stability rare amongst even the largest and most accomplished of today’s SUVs.” Danah Alansari
to the back. In the optional HD matrix LED headlights, each high beam comprises 24 individual LEDs. They illuminate the road dynamically and precisely while excluding other road users from the cone of light. They also serve as the cornering light. “When your route planning involves mountain trails, off-roading or business trips through the urban jungle… the Q8 has it all! Comfort is a given when driving thanks to the custom power seats and the entertainment systems.” Extremely smooth and fast: the transmission The Q8 is paired standard with an eight-speed tiptronic that shifts fast and smoothly. A torsional vibration damper, which acts based on engine speed, largely compensates vibrations due to the engine’s work cycles to allow efficient driving even in the lowrev range from 1,000 rpm. When coasting and rolling out, a clutch in the central transmission opens and interrupts the power connection. With its electric oil pump, the tiptronic can engage the gear required for restarting while coasting with the engine switched off. Special ventilation allows off-road use. “With the same ground clearance as the Audi Q7, the Q8 adds a touch of sportiness to the elegant. Under the hood is a 340 hp supercharged 3.0 litre engine with seven driving modes to suit every one of your moods.” Sporty and robust: the suspension Responsive on narrow country roads, composed on the highway and robust off-road: the suspension of the Audi Q8 also combines the best characteristics from various worlds. Five-link suspensions are used at the front and rear so that longitudinal and lateral forces can be handled separately.
“Of course, the Q8 doesn’t only have a driving appeal… it has 54 colours options, with Dragon Orange being exclusive to Q8. You can also customize your own colour.” Simplicity rather than complexity: the interior design The interior of the Audi Q8 is a luxury lounge. The central element is the top MMI touch response display. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off. When active, its simple, easy-to-understand graphics symbolize the digital precision of Audi and the high level of integration between architecture and operating concept: simplicity replaces complexity. All fundamental lines originate from the large display, for example the cont0inuous air vent strip with integrated chrome fins and an elegant aluminum-look strip. “Technology is at the forefront in the Q8. A 360-degree camera, cellphone system complete with signal boosting and a wireless charger, traffic sign recognition and four-zone automatic air conditioning are just the beginning of a very long list of the latest tech from Ingolstadt and beyond.” New concept: touch displays instead of switches The operating concept in the Audi Q8 needs almost no buttons or knobs. It focuses on two high-resolution touch displays. This allows the brand to demonstrate how it transfers its uncompromising quality claim to the digital world. The graphical user interface is so clean that information can be gleaned quickly. As on a smartphone, the menu structure is flat and easy to understand, and includes freely configurable favourites and start screens. Find Audi in Kuwait at Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive // @audikuwait
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New Porsche GTS models TWO ATHLETES JOIN THE PORSCHE PANAMERA FAMILY THE NEW GTS MODELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ORDER NOW. FOR COUNTRY SPECIFIC MODEL INFORMATION, PRICING AND MARKET ARRIVAL DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL PORSCHE CENTRE.
Porsche has added two sporty models to its luxury saloon series – the Panamera GTS and the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo. With a powerful performance from the four-litre V8 biturbo engine (460 hp/338 kW), extra dynamic chassis systems including three-chamber air suspension, and their own unique design elements and equipment, the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo harness a oneof-a-kind performance set. The Sport Design package with black exterior elements and large Alcantara surfaces in the interior comes as standard. In addition, Porsche has expanded its portfolio of comfort and assistance systems to include a head-up display with various configuration options for the entire Panamera range. Emotion and efficiency: V8 engine with 460 hp and sports exhaust system At the heart of both new GTS models is a four-litre V8 engine with 460 hp (338 kW) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience in combination with the standard sports exhaust system. The biturbo engine outperforms its predecessor by 20 hp (15 Kw) and 100 Nm. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.1 seconds (with standard Sport Chrono package). The Panamera GTS has a top speed of 292, while the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo reaches up to 289 km/h. There are no interruptions in tractive force as power is transmitted to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system by the eight-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox. Despite those performance credentials, the Panamera GTS has a fuel consumption of just 10.3 l/100 km (Sport Turismo: 10.6 l/100 km).
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A Badge of Honour MCLAREN’S NEW SPEEDTAIL - IT’S IN THE DETAILS
The extent of bespoke made possible by McLaren’s Speedtail evidenced in beautiful bonnet badge. Uniquely fashioned in 18 carat white gold with carbon fibre inlays. The 106 individuals who have reserved McLaren’s next Ultimate Series, the McLaren Speedtail, are being offered the chance to add a unique finishing touch to their 243mph-plus Hyper-GT by selecting from a range of optional finishes for their car’s badging. The material finish that McLaren has chosen to exhibit first is a combination of 18 carat white gold and carbon-fibre inlays. The materials used represent just one of the innovative ways Speedtail is combining art with extreme performance and is already proving popular with customers who have seen the car at its first private preview event McLaren Automotive’s famous brand badge, featuring the McLaren ‘Speedmark’ logo, is
crafted in gold by a specialist company in the UK’s Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. A set of three badges, two brand badges (front) and one name badge (rear), is available as part of the limitless tailoring opportunities available from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for the superb three-seat Hyper-GT. The 18 carat white-gold emblems on the front and back of Speedtail are laser-etched with a McLaren hallmark, showing where and when they were created, and feature carbon inserts utilising McLaren’s new and exclusive TPT (Thin Ply Technology). The front badge weighs 100 grams. But for the more weight-conscious customer, a
lacquered transfer which weighs almost nothing can be specified instead. The gold badge set has been hand-crafted for the Woking-based sportscar and supercar manufacturer by Vaughtons, which since 1819 has been creating the most exclusive badges and trophies - including Olympic gold medals and football’s FA Cup. It is not the first time that real gold has been used in a McLaren car. Speedtail’s three-seat, centraldriving-position forerunner, the legendary McLaren F1 of 1993, famously used gold foil as a heat shield in the engine compartment.
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Porsche 911 Speedster Dream becomes reality: The driveable 911 Speedster Concept, initially presented on June 8 in 2018 in Zuffenhausen as a “Heritage” version, will go into production in 2019. The car was developed at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach in cooperation with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. New concept study provides an outlook on the production version
The future 911 Speedster, based on the 991 range, will be the first car to be offered with the new Heritage Design Packages. This exclusive accessory line by Porsche Exclusive allows for an even higher degree of personalization for the 911. In addition to the eye-catching paintwork, 21-inch center lock wheels are another visual highlight of this latest concept study presented in Paris. Their cross-spoke wheel design is similar to that of Porsche racing cars such as the 911 RSR and the GT3 R. The tinted day-time running lights were also inspired by racing. Matching the study’s paintwork, they are kept in red. The two “Talbot”-shaped exterior mirrors as well as the fuel tank cap – centrally positioned on the bonnet – shine in black-chrome and platinum. In contrast to the previously shown “Heritage” version, the interior is using partly perforated black leather upgraded with red highlights. All body components as well as the entire technology of both the 911 Speedster Concept cars are identical. This includes the shortened window frames with their lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows as well as the carbon-fibre rear bonnet with the double-bubble cover behind the seats. Both cars come with a lightweight Tonneau cover, fitted by Tenax buttons, instead of a convertible soft top. The concept cars’ body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The fenders, as well as the front and rear bonnet are made from lightweight carbon fibre composite while the chassis was taken from the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the GT development department provided the exhaust system with its titanium tailpipes and the drivetrain including the manually operated six-speed gearbox. The same goes for the centrepiece of the limited special edition: The Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing more than 500 hp and capable of engine speeds up to 9,000 rpm.
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THE CONCEPT STUDY, PRESENTED DURING THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF THE SPORTS CAR MANUFACTURER, WILL BE PRODUCED AS A LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION: PORSCHE HAS DECIDED TO START PRODUCING THE PURIST PORSCHE 911 SPEEDSTER IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2019. EXACTLY 1,948 UNITS OF THE OPEN-TOP TWO-SEATER WILL BE BUILT. THE NUMBER REMINISCES THE PORSCHE 356 “NUMBER 1” THAT RECEIVED
ITS OPERATING LICENSE ON JUNE, 8 BACK IN 1948. IN PARIS, PORSCHE PRESENTED THIS YEAR’S SECOND SPEEDSTER CONCEPT STUDY. ITS GUARDS RED PAINTWORK IS A REFERENCE TO THE 1988 911 SPEEDSTER OF THE G-MODEL GENERATION. THE NEW CROSSSPOKE 21-INCH WHEELS IN CROSS SPOKE AND THE BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR CREATE A TASTEFUL AND SPORTY APPEARANCE.
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550 Maranello (1996 – 2002) After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was presented in July 1996 at the Nurburgring racing circuit in Germany. The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari’s return to a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for its its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer. The model name referred to the 5.5-litres total engine displacement and to the town of Maranello, home to the Ferrari headquarters and factory. Both the exterior and interior design were executed by Pininfarina, the favoured designer of the time. Frame and main engine components were shared with the 2+2 Ferrari 456, although at 2,500 mm (98.4 in) the 550’s wheelbase was 100 mm (3.9 in) shorter. The 550 used a front-engine, rear-wheel drive transaxle layout, with the six speed gearbox located at the rear axle together with the limited slip differential. It achieved a top speed of 320km/h and could accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds. In 2002 the 550 was replaced by the 575M Maranello, an all-around improved version or modification of the car, fitted with a larger 5.75-litre engine. In total 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced. 575M Maranello (2002 – 2006) The key elements of the new 575M Maranello could be neatly summed up in the model name. In fact, the engine was described by the new numerical code, 575, as an abbreviation of its capacity, increased from 5,500 to 5,750 cc, resulting in an increase in both power and torque. The letter M, an abbreviation of”modificato” (modified), underlined the fact that changes have been wrought to all areas of the model’s performance. Key amongst these, apart from the engine, was the introduction of an F1-style gearbox, the first time this had been applied to a 12-cylinder Ferrari road car.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast FERRARI’S MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION CAR TO DATE DISPLAYS A NOBLE V12 PRANCING HORSE PEDIGREE
In March 2017, Ferrari kicked off its 70th year anniversary with the world premier of its most powerful production car to date, the 800-cv 812 Superfast. The unveiling of this flagship V12 berlinetta was a particulary significant moment, as Ferrari’s noble V12 heritage has its roots in the founding of the company, 70 years ago to this year. Ferrari remains to this day the only manufacturer to have continuously produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines throughout that time. Here, we trace the illustrious lineage of the Ferrari V12, charting the impeccable inspiration that has created a truly modern motoring icon; the 812 Superfast.
When it came to the style of the vehicle, Ferrari sought to retain the balance and sober looks of the 550 Maranello which had ensured it the status of instant classic, perfectly in keeping with Ferrari’s return to a front-engined high performance car. Modifications were limited to those regarding technical changes: different shape and size for the air intakes in the new front end of the car, with refinement of the aerodynamic and fluid-dynamic efficiency and a new treatment for the front spoiler. Finally, the light clusters were redesigned, with colour-coded headlamp bodies and grey surround, combined with xenon technology for the dipped beam and headlamp washers. The wheels were also a new. On the aerodynamic front, Ferrari’s engineers improved airflow around the wheels by introducing small flaps to reduce drag, while the underbody was designed to generate downforce while reducing drag. The objectives for the new V12 engine in the 575M Maranello were to increase both the power curve as well as the torque. It enjoyed a maximum power output of 515 bhp (379 Kw) at 7,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 60 kgm at 5,250 rpm (588.6 Nm,), with an increase in mid-range torque of 1.5 kgm between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm compared to the previous engine fitted to the 550 Maranello. 599 GTB Fiorano, (2006 – 2012) Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10. The stunning new all-aluminium two-seater was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, setting a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world. This new model was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result achieved the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.
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CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP: 599 GTB FIORANO, (2006 – 2012) F12 BERLINETTA (2012 – 2017) 575M MARANELLO (2002 – 2006) 550 MARANELLO (1996 – 2002)
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The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 3.7 seconds and boasted a top speed in excess of 330 km/h. However, it was the new model’s uniquely innovative content that guaranteed superior driving pleasure, handling and sportiness. The technical specification of the engine spoke for itself: 5999 cm3 displacement, a specific power output of 103 hp/litre (a first at the time for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement). The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano replaced the last in that great line of berlinettas, the 575M Maranello, of which – together with the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996 – no fewer than 5,700 were been produced. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also owes a debt to Alcoa for its allaluminium space frame, and to Delphi for its innovative suspension system. F12 Berlinetta (2012 – 2017) When releases at Geneva Motor show in 2012, the F12berlinetta turned heads, as Ferrari’s most powerful product to date. Known as the F12, the F12berlinetta replaced the 599 family to deliver unparalleled performance. Its direct-injection, 6,262cc normallyaspirated V12 engine introduced a new generation of innovations, winning awards, bulding passion. Sensuous design and aerodynamics - two automotive goals often at odds - were 100 percent synchronized in F12berlinetta. Pininfarina and Ferrari Style Center exceed expectations with brilliant style and balanced proportions. Though it is largely original in looks, many signature elements from the grand Ferrari V12 history remained. Despite compact exterior dimensions, the F12berlinetta offered superb cabin space and comfort. Designers also left room for innovation. The F12berlinetta uses the smart Aero Bridge where the hood and front fenders meet to create downforce. In a similar vein, Active Brake Cooling opens air ducts only when the brakes reach a threshold temperature. The result was extreme aero efficiency, a fact borne out by the F12berlinetta’s drag coefficient of just 0.299, while also generating 271 pounds of downforce at 125 mph. The naturally aspirated 6.3 litre Ferrari V12 engine in the F12berlinetta won the International Engine of the Year Awards 2013 in the Best Performance category and Best Engine above 4.0 litres. The F12berlinetta was also named “The Supercar of the Year 2012” by car magazine Top Gear. In 2014 it was awarded the XXIII Premio Compasso d’oro ADI. Accepting the award was Ferrari’s Senior Vice President of Design, Flavio Manzoni. 812 Superfast The 812 Superfast thus ushers in a new era in Ferrari 12-cylinder history, in doing
“The 812 Superfast ushers in a new era in Ferrari 12-cylinder history, in doing so building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdg.”
so building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdg. Its aimed at connoisseurs demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range: an uncompromising sports car that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners enjoy it as an all-round experience. Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12, the 812 Superfast is the benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, achieving its maximum power output at 8,500 rpm, which ensures the kind of thrilling top-end performance that is the exclusive characteristic of Ferrari’s V12s. Maximum torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm, a significant 80% of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving driveability and pick-up at low revs. The 812 Superfast is striking for both its highly innovative design and aero package, as well as its unparalleled handling. It is the first Ferrari to introduce Electric Power Steering (EPS) which, in line with Ferrari tradition, is used to fully exploit the potential of the car in terms of performance. The introduction of the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) combines the electric frontwheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept based on tyre dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. All integrated with the vehicle dynamics control systems, based on Version 5.0 of the SSC, with the aim of improving the agility and response time to steering wheel inputs. 812 Superfast. Iconic Ferrari DNA.
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Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph RACING STRIPES EDITION
The sporty and sophisticated new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Racing Stripes Edition model is presented this year during Rennsport Reunion VI. Limited and numbered edition of 50 pieces, this special model is a tribute to the strong history of American racing cars and features the famous racing stripes on the dial and on the caseback. A true watchmaking icon that boldly demonstrates the classic racing spirit cherished by Chopard
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Held at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Rennsport is the world’s largest gathering of Porsche racing cars, to which drivers of the legendary German brand return for an amazing aficionados reunion. A keen devotee and collector of racing cars in general and Porsche in particular, Chopard CoPresident Karl-Friedrich Scheufele drives the Mille Miglia race every year at the wheel of a Porsche 550A Spyder RS. It was therefore quite natural for Chopard to associate the Maison with this extraordinary gathering of iconic vehicles, attended by those who have designed, engineered, and driven them to victory in the world’s most famous sports car races. A watch symbolising passion and strong racing history To encapsulate this collaboration and celebrate a major connoisseurs’ event, Chopard has designed a limited edition of its flagship Mille Miglia collection, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Racing Stripes Edition, featuring blue racing stripes on the dial evoking those applied in 1951 to the Cunningham team race cars. In the 1950s, FIA rules stipulated that race teams should use colours which represented their countries: American entries were painted white and if frame rails were exposed, they were painted blue. In some classes, and Formula 1 especially, cars tended to all look alike – especially at speed – and the different colors, keyed to each entrant’s country, thus helped race fans tell them apart. Millionaire American sportsman and owner of a small
auto manufacturing business, Briggs Cunningham dreamed of winning the most prestigious sports car race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1951, he entered a pair of sports cars of his own design and manufacture, appropriately called Cunninghams, and painted white according to FIA regulations, but with the distinctive American blue stripes running up the hood, over the top and extending down the rear deck. Although Briggs Cunningham never did win Le Mans, his cars became instantly recognizable and the twin stripes were referred to as “Cunningham stripes.” An icon of the Mille Miglia collection This chronograph is inspired by cars having taken part in the Mille Miglia between 1927 and 1940. Enhanced by two traditional pushers and a fluted crown echoing those of vintage chronographs, the steel case of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Racing Stripes edition features pleasingly balanced dimensions. The dial ensures perfect readability thanks to wide Arabic numerals that are luminescent in the dark, as are the hands. The slim cursive fonts and the counters are inspired by 1920s car dashboards and stand out clearly by contrast with their background. The sweep-seconds hand features a bright red tip to tick off the precious seconds of the race. The arrow-shaped “Rossa Corsa” red Mille Miglia logo appears at the heart of the dial at 12 o’clock, as well as around the rim of the exhibition caseback. Embodying an ideal blend of precision, comfort and elegance, these watches are authentic auxiliaries for drivers driving at top speeds.
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Rado True Thinline Studs Limited Edition EYE-CATCHING STATEMENT TIMEPIECE
Swiss watchmaker Rado is continuing its design collaboration with renowned designers from around the world. As a key player on the international design stage, Rado continues to push the boundaries in pioneering design, working with designers to bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and individual style to Rado’s timepieces. This time focusing on the contemporary True Thinline collection, Rado has worked with award-winning British designer Bethan Gray to bring luxurious materials and intriguing elements to the brand’s slimmest watch.
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Renowned for bringing bold texture, pattern and luxurious materials to her designs, Gray’s signature style has won her global acclaim, including the ‘Best British Designer’ award in 2013/2014. Rado has worked with Bethan Gray to combine her flair for materials and eye for details with the revolutionary design of the True Thinline family. Black and Gold Taking inspiration from her furniture and textile designs, the limited edition True Thinline Studs features a shimmering grey marquetry pattern dial, echoing the look of Gray’s unique creations. Appearing to float above the dial is the contrasting gold coloured Rado logo, which has been metallised directly onto the underside of the sapphire crystal. This study in contrasts continues on the strap, where the supple, grained black leather is offset with gold coloured studs set in a hopscotch pattern. The matt-black high-tech ceramic monobloc case with gold coloured elements on the dial ring and crown complete the aesthetic of Rado’s latest collaboration. As the Master of Materials, Rado has not forgotten to make this showstopping True Thinline Studs Limited Edition just as comfortable as it is good looking. The watch still features the extreme lightness, scratch resistance and hypoallergenic properties for which Rado’s True Thinline is renowned. “I love the strong visual impact of this watch,” says Rado CEO Matthias Breschan. “This True Thinline is eye-catching, luxurious and unmistakably Rado. Bethan Gray’s approach to materials and pattern perfectly complements Rado’s True Thinline collection.” Taking Rado in a new and exciting direction in terms of design and materials, this watch mixes textures, subtle patterns and gold coloured details with the sleek lines of Rado’s minimalist masterpiece. Limited to 1,001 pieces, the True Thinline Studs Limited Edition is a timepiece guaranteed to catch admiring glances for years to come.
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Making Time WITH DAVID TEDESCHI, HUBLOT’S REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
In town for the launch of the extraordinary Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph 45mm Special Edition ‘Kuwait’ Watch, we sat down with the brand’s Regional Director David Tedeschi to discuss the making of the watch, the making of the brand and the evolution of both. Hublot’s new limited edition for Kuwait
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“We wanted to come with an unusual material and bronze is one of the toughest alloys. It is resilient… just like Kuwait.” Hublot takes great pride in its exclusive special edition watches that rely on its “Art of Fusion” philosophy to celebrate countries, cities and landmarks. After the success of the 2016 special Kuwait edition, the brand has is presenting this year a new Classic Fusion Chronograph 45mm Special Edition ‘Kuwait’ in a captivating bronze case, dedicated to its collectors in Kuwait. The timepiece’s remarkable case is made of black brushed bronze, a hard and resistant alloy that even had an archeological period named after it: The Bronze Age. Its gradient matte blue dial features the “KWT18” logo at 8 o’clock. The highly anticipated watch comes with two black rubber straps, the first in blue alligator with blue stitching, and the second in brown alligator with brown stitching. Available in Kuwait only, the 30 pieces were created by Hublot exclusively for its customers and those of Morad Yousuf Behbehani. What inspired you to make this model in bronze? First of all, it’s a material that is quite unusual within the watch industry. We decided to do something completely different for Kuwait. We wanted to come with an unusual material and bronze is one of the toughest alloys. It is resilient… just like Kuwait. Pick three words that highlight what makes Hublot different from the other brands in the market. That’s easy – first, different, unique. What we’re always trying to do is combine these. Sometimes we’re first, sometimes we’re different, sometimes we’re unique. When we combine all these, it creates a great success for us. This year we launched a new flagship model – the Big Bang Unico Red Magic. The case is 100% red ceramic – it’s something that hasn’t been done in the watch industry until now. And even to use such a bright red ceramic as the Red Magic, it hasn’t been done before either.
It’s a limited edition, and people are always happy when we create limited editions because they know the watches go only to a small circle of customers. Time is changing, and yet time stands still when it comes to classics. What is your direction? How do you maintain your clientele and how do you expand towards attracting new customers? Our plans for the Middle East are to always do something tailor-made specifically for local clientele. In this regard, I believe we were the first luxury watch brand to create an Instagram and Twitter account both in English and Arabic. We want to become closer to the customers in the region. Also, the content we share is created within the region. We’re also moving into new segments of business – for example we’re creating products specifically for women. It’s working well for us and for our customers. Globally our women’s business equates to 30% of our total. Regionally, this figure is higher when we include women who are buying for themselves from the men’s collection. We’re probably close to 40%. I’m very happy with this. It’s working well for us, and we’re looking at growth of around 30% in Kuwait this year. A watch is not only about time, it’s part of the individual’s personality. How do you consider the future of smartwatches? Do you think these will impact the future of the luxury business? To be honest, no. People want mechanical watches. We’re not afraid of the smartwatch. It won’t affect us and it’s not our core business. Having said that, for the 2018 World Cup you’ll remember we launched the smart ‘Referee’ watch – it was a huge success. Even this was something we created because we knew we could be first, different and unique. I’m not sure we’ll follow this with another smartwatch but, if we do, it will be something completely different and most likely a first, different and unique.
WE LIKE THAT JEAN-CLAUDE BIVER WHO, IN 2008, GAVE DAVID HIS FIRST OPPORTUNITY AT HUBLOT, CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINS THAT SMARTWATCHES WILL BE GOOD FOR THE WATCH BUSINESS AS A WHOLE, SAYING THAT TODAY’S YOUNG GENERATION WILL GET USED TO WEARING A WATCH ON THEIR WRIST AND, IN A FEW YEARS, THEY’LL WANT TO UPGRADE TO A MECHANICAL WATCH.
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Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Chronograph Special Edition ‘Kuwait’ Technical Specifications: Reference: 521.BZ.6670.LR.KWT18 Limitation: SPECIAL EDITION XX/30 Diameter: 45 mm Thickness: 13.05 mm Water Resistant: 5 ATM (50m) Case: Black brushed bronze Bezel: Black brushed bronze Bezel Lug: Black composite resin Screws: Polished titanium Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment Crown: Black brushed bronze with HUBLOT logo Pushers: Black brushed bronze Case back: Microblasted black ceramic engraved “SPECIAL” + ”EDITION” + ”XX/30” Case back Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment + “KWT18” logo printed Dial: Gradient matte blue Polished rhodium-plated appliques + special applique at 8 o’clock Hands: Polished rhodium-plated hands Movement: Caliber Hublot HUB1143 Type: Self-winding Chronograph movement Dimensions: Diameter 30 mm; Thickness 6.9 mm Date: Window at 6.00 No of Components: 280 Jewels: 59 Frequency: 4 Hz (28’800 A/h) Power reserve: 42 Hours Strap: Black rubber and blue alligator with blue stitching Second Strap: Black rubber and brown alligator with brown stitching Buckle: Black PVD stainless steel deployant buckle clasp with brushed bronze insert
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Hublot’s ode to Kuwait Classic Fusion Chronograph 45mm Special Edition ‘Kuwait’ David Tedeschi, Regional Director Hublot Middle East and Africa, and Ali Morad Behbehani, President of Morad Yousuf Behbehani, unveiled the timepiece during a private dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel, Burj Alshaya, welcoming Hublotistas and collectors who discovered the watch up close and admired its uniqueness. Mr. Tedeschi hosted a friendly breakfast for members of the press on the 18th, during which he presented the watch and discussed the brand’s accomplishments so far this year, as well as upcoming regional growth and future developments. “Hublotistas in Kuwait have been very supportive of the brand, and we are happy to honour them with this new special edition. We are looking forward to seeing the watch on their wrists,” said David. The timepiece’s remarkable case is made of black brushed bronze, a hard and resistant alloy that even had an archeological period named after it: The Bronze Age. Its gradient matte blue dial features the “KWT18” logo at 8 o’clock. The highly anticipated watch comes with two black rubber straps, the first in blue alligator with blue stitching, and the second in brown alligator with brown stitching. Commenting on the watch, Ali Morad Behbehani said, “We are honored to present such a special timepiece. The watch was inspired by our country which makes me certain it will meet the satisfaction of our esteemed guests.” Available in Kuwait only, the 30 pieces were created by Hublot exclusively for its customers and those of Morad Yousuf Behbehani.
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Tissot Seastar 1000 Gent Automatic DIVE INTO DESIGN
Seamlessly marrying style and performance, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Gent Automatic is an elegant watch for watersport lovers. Its sporty look is subtle enough to make this the ultimate choice for both day and night, with superb accuracy assured thanks to the Powermatic 80 movement which offers 80 hours of power reserve. In the water, the performance doesn’t falter - reassuringly robust, it can handle pressure up to 30 bar (1000ft), a feat reflected in the name of the watch itself.
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Tissot T-Race Marc Marquez A tribute to the 2018 MotoGP World Champion Tissot is proud of its ambassador 25-year-old Spaniard and Tissot Ambassador, Marc Marquez, is the youngest rider to win seven World Championship Titles in all classes including five World Championship Titles in the MotoGP class from just six attempts. Team colours The Tissot T-Race Marc Marquez combines the sporty body of the Tissot T-Race with design touches which are a homage to the celebrated new Tissot ambassador, Marc Marquez. The youngest ever five-time MotoGPTM World Champion, one-time Moto2 and one-time 125cc World Champion speeds to victory in his orange team colours, reflected here in pops of bright colour and in exuberant orange stitching on the sporty black rubber bracelet. A sleek watch case in black and grey PVD adds an efficient edge, hinting at the proficiency of Marc Marquez himself. Racing attributes Inspired by motorbikes, the Tissot T-Race Marc Marquez incorporates the athletic body of the Tissot T-Race Limited Edition 2018. A case encircled by a fibreglass ring, pushers engraved with start and go and tyre tread marks all succinctly depict the speed and adrenaline of the race track, while a brake-disc bezel and bracelet that resembles the racers’ suits conjure up the atmosphere of race day. Marc Marquez’s silk-printed logo is proudly displayed on the glass caseback making this limited edition, with only 4999 pieces available, very special indeed. Presented in a stylish helmet presentation box inspired by the design of Marc Marquez’s racing helmet, it will make a significant collector’s item for race fans everywhere.
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Dolce&Gabbana ACCESSORIES FOR SPRING 2019
Dolce&Gabbana spring/summer 2019 is a master class of their greatest hits. After a few seasons of working with millennials, the duo is ready to turn the page. Rather than catering to the younger crowd, they’ve learnt to listen to what people wanted: classic Dolce&Gabbana. Style Preview
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The tailoring remained razor sharp. Think embellished gold detailing, jacquard baroque prints and vibrant pops of colour. Even their casual options were just as opulent. Silk printed camp collar shirts and T-shirts, huge fur coats worn with denim jeans and sandals, and heavy embellished blousons. There are a lot of words that can be used to describe the collection - opulent, over the top, in your face, maximalist; words often associated with Dolce&Gabbana. But in this collection, they’ve stuck to the staples that they’ve built their empire on and fused in a healthy dose of youthful swagger. But, ohhhh, those accessories...
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Unlike Mark Weston’s first collection in London last season static presentation, pretty damned good clothes - this runwaydisplayed sophomore outing had the whiff of serious corporate investment behind it.
Reflections DUNHILL LONDON: AUTUMN / WINTER 2018
“The idea of the dunhill man is multiple, not singular. And in turn, so is the idea of Britishness - something crucial to dunhill and the way we approach style here. There is not a single way of being British, there are many; there is classicism and tradition as well as an idea of the contemporary and shifting.” Mark Weston, Creative Director of dunhill London
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The extravagant is made everyday and vice versa, while ‘executive style’ is both celebrated and subverted. Altogether, the codes of dunhill London are reflected and reconfigured for a new chapter at this storied British brand.
In the Autumn-Winter 2018 campaign, the reflection becomes the visual metaphor for a multifaceted approach at dunhill; towards luxury fashion, masculinity and what defines a British brand respectful of tradition yet finding a new voice in contemporary culture right now. Focusing on the model Clement Chabernaud - a purposefully familiar face from the menswear world and a favourite from the dunhill runway - the photographer, Jack Webb, captures him in the shifting, reflected settings of London. Shot in the streets and through the glass fronted buildings of Mayfair, the timeless terrain surrounding Alfred Dunhill’s Bourdon House is explored via ‘stylised reportage’; a reflected world of half fact, half fiction.
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Here, Chabernaud wears the mix of the traditional cut through with the casual, found on dunhill London’s Autumn-W inter runway. Sinuous tailoring and layered outerwear, in the form of traditional cashmere coats, still maintain a feel of ease when mixed with dunhill’s peerless masculine leather goods, encompassing shoes, bags and even trousers.
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Photographer: Jack Webb Model: Clement Chabernaud Casting Director: Leila Ananna Grooming: Matt Mulhall
“New sneakers, a new mid-narrow jean, and a new casual deportment in the unfussy styling added to the sense of a Dunhill more—at least, apparently—at ease. Strong and stable stuff.” Vogue
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CORNELIANI PRESENTS A NEW CHAPTER OF ITS COMPELLING NARRATION WITH A SPRING SUMMER 2019 COLLECTION CELEBRATING THE LABEL’S SAVOIRFAIRE THROUGH A WIDE AND VERSATILE OFFERING DEVELOPED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CONTEMPORARY MEN’S DYNAMIC LIFESTYLE.
Corneliani SPRING / SUMMER 2019 - BEYOND SILK
A sophisticated style reflecting the unique and personal attitude of each man. An instinctive and natural elegance infused in an exclusive and timeless wardrobe, perfectly balancing aesthetic and functionality. Style preview
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Silk is the protagonist of the collection. It’s not only presented in a classic version with a shiny effect, but also with mat finishing and washed effects. A noble and precious fiber, silk combines with superfine wool for suits showing lightweight constructions and comfortable silhouettes, while it creates intriguing textures in the linen-wool blends of deconstructed blazers. A Nineties’ feel gets a contemporary makeover in the featherweight garment-dyed jackets embellished with precious color effects, while the urban-chic bombers are crafted from washed silk. A summery and Mediterranean mood translates in the prints, inspired by refined tie and tile motifs, which bring a graphic and multicolor touch to silk shirts and practical blousons. Lightness and versatility also define the leather offering, spanning from sophisticated reversible napa-suede blazers to suede bombers treated with wax. The collection’s fresh and relaxed feel is exalted by the color palette inspired by natural elements, in particular flowers and fruits. It includes powdery tones of indigo, periwinkle blue, hydrangea, orchid and apricot, matched with neutral hues of gray, oil green and tobacco.
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In addition, Corneliani unveils three special projects, - each distinguished by its own dedicated label, - which complete the offering of the brand, revealing its composed and varied nature. The heritage of the brand, established in 1930 by Alfredo Corneliani as a trench manufacturer, is celebrated with “Beyond the Rain”, a capsule collection of four iconic raincoats, which mix tradition and innovation. Defined by four different silhouettes, ranging from a Fifties’ double-breasted style to a classic belted construction and a oversized and cocooning shape, each trench stands outs not only with its peculiar material, but also with its exclusive technical details, the precious embroideries and the sophisticated applications. Elegance and performance meet in the “Style& Freedom” project, which, through a special offering of sweatshirts, joggers and knitted sweaters, all crafted from upscale materials, reflects the more sporty and casual soul of Corneliani. In keeping with the hyper connected lifestyle of contemporary men, the “Connected Style capsule includes a series of iconic pieces, including a zippered jacket, a field style, a backpack, a small travel bag and a computer case, - which, behind an elegant and refined look, hide a high-tech soul. Each item includes a customized power bank, which through electromagnetic induction, enables to recharge the mobile phone in the pocket of a jacket or a bag. To guarantee extreme safety, all the products included in the “Connected Style” line feature a silver film protecting from radiations.
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THERE ARE NUMEROUS REASONS WHY WE’RE IN LOVE WITH MANDARIN ORIENTAL. PERHAPS UPMOST IN OUR MINDS AS WE BOOK ARE THE WELCOME WE’LL RECEIVE, AND THE FLAWLESS QUALITY OF SERVICE THROUGHOUT OUR STAY. WE VENUES IN ALL THE WORLD’S POWER-CITIES - AND BEYOND - MANDARIN ORIENTAL IS INVARIABLY AT THE TOP OF OUR GO-TO LIST WHEN PLANNING TRAVEL.
For discerning gourmets, Mandarin Oriental, Milan launches Antonio guide’s chef’s table experience
The Mandarin Oriental Foodie Guide We have put together a collection of some of the most desirable food and beverage offerings that Mandarin Oriental has to offer around the globe, including two Michelin-starred outlets. From Europe to Asia, guests can enjoy an array of dining options whilst staying in the luxury of a five-star Mandarin Oriental property. The gourmand’s delight
Mandarin Oriental, Milan has launched a Chef’s Table package for foodies to experience the atmosphere of Seta restaurant’s Michelinstarred kitchen. Available throughout 2018, the Antonio Guida’s Chef’s Table Experience includes luxury accommodation, a sevencourse Chef’s Table dinner, a signed recipe from the award-winning chef and other exclusive treats. With two Michelin stars, Seta serves refined gourmet dishes in a serene setting. Combining fare from southern Italy’s Puglia region, Tuscany and France with Asian touches, Executive Chef Antonio Guida creates thoroughly contemporary dishes. The Antonio Guida Chef’s Table Experience includes: • Luxurious accommodation. • Daily breakfast for two served in-room or in the vibrant Mandarin Bar & Bistrot. • An intimate, immersive dining experience at the heart of Seta’s two Michelin-starred kitchen with a seven-course dinner for two at the Chef ’s Table. • A complimentary bottle of chilled non-alcoholic Prosecco served with gourmet dessert by Executive Pastry Chef Nicola Di Lena. • A signed signature recipe by award-winning Chef Antonio Guida. • Upgrade to next accommodation category at time of checkin, subject to availability.
CONCIERGE
CAN’T GET THERE YOURSELF? GIVE MORE THAN A GIFT AND LET THEM UNWRAP AN EXPERIENCE. DELIGHT YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES BY GIVING THE GIFT OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL’S LEGENDARY SERVICE, MICHELINSTARRED CUISINE AND AWARD-WINNING SPAS IN THE WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATIONS, ALL WRAPPED INTO ONE ELEGANT PACKAGE.
Singapore food trail with Mandarin Oriental, Singapore Paying tribute to Singapore’s reputation as a foodie paradise, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has curated the Singapore Food Trail experience. With panoramic floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay, guests can unwind in a Marina Bay Suite and enjoy the traditional Peranakan delicacy of Nonya Kueh served in a ‘tingkat’ carrier. Accompanied by Executive Sous Chef, Eric Tan, guests will be taken on a gastronomic journey during their stay, to Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre to savour hawker fare and other heritage foods. At the hotel, guests will gain further culinary insights during a handson experience learning to create Rojak, the traditional vegetable and fruit salad dish from the region. The Singapore Food Trail package includes: • Accommodation in a Marina Bay View Suite • Breakfast at Melt Café • Welcome amenity of Nonya Kueh • A visit to Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre with Executive Sous Chef Eric Tan • A Rojak culinary class • A Pandan Bliss treatment each in The Spa
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Ya Ge Chinese restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei awarded one Michelin Star status by the inaugural Michelin guide Taipei 2018 Mandarin Oriental, Taipei’s Ya Ge restaurant has been awarded one Michelin-star status. The gourmet Chinese restaurant has been included in the Michelin Guide Taipei 2018, the first-ever Michelin restaurant guide published in Taiwan. Following recognition of Ya Ge’s culinary excellence, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group now holds a total of 22 Michelin stars for 15 of its restaurants, more than any other hotel brand in the world. Within its sophisticated, contemporary interiors created by internationally renowned designer Tony Chi, Ya Ge offers a wide selection of timeless, authentic Cantonese classics. Under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Tse Man, Ya Ge’s experienced kitchen team add enticing touches of modernity to seasonal menus that feature dishes made with locally grown produce.
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Mandarin Oriental, Geneva launches “Taste our Geneva” room package for cheese and chocolate lovers Mandarin Oriental, Geneva has unveiled an accommodation package for lovers of Swiss cheese and chocolate. Guests booking Taste our Geneva will enjoy the finest local artisan cheeses or chocolates and receive an insider’s guide to the city. Fans of sweet delights can choose to discover the art of chocolate tasting from an expert chocolatier. The Taste our Geneva package includes: • Luxurious accommodation in a Deluxe Room • Breakfast for two at Café Calla • A private one-hour chocolate tasting for two or private one-hour cheese tasting session for two • Access to the hotel’s Insider’s Guide to Geneva
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Al Manara A NEW LUXURY EXPERIENCE ON THE SHORES OF THE RED SEA
When you think of Jordan, what do you see? Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum? All fine places with generations of rich history. And then what? Although we admire Amman’s efforts to reshape itself as a modern and design-led metropolis, we’re simply not big fans of the city. So, any visit to Jordan involves a hop, skip and jump through the rather impressive Queen Alia International Airport, before diving in to a taxi and heading directly to our seafront hotel of choice. Travel briefing
CONCIERGE
Over the years we’ve curated a short list of our favourite distinations in Jordan. Yet, as good as they are, they all lack a sense of place. Fine, luxury hotels each and every one – but we’d almost given up hope of finding a true home-from-home in the Hashemite Kingdom until we stumbled upon the Al Manara Hotel in Aqaba. The new Al Manara is inspired by charming Middle Eastern tales and embodies sophisticated luxury and rich heritage. Nestled between Aqaba’s rose-red mountains and overlooking the pristine Gulf of Aqaba, the hotel’s unmistakable architecture features arabesque motifs, invoking the unique and colossal beauty of the country. The hotel’s interiors, in particular the manor house, echo the strong Arabian influence in the architecture. Each of the 207 rooms at Al Manara, including 43 suites and two villas, feature inviting balconies and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Red Sea and striking mountain ranges. Vibrant soft furnishings showcase local weaving skills reflecting family traditions that have been handed down through generations. Guest rooms, set with dark wood furniture accented with mother-of-pearl, combine local elements such as a brass-topped coffee table and other decorative items, along with plush Luxury Collection beds and relaxing bathrooms with rainforest showers. Dine like an Aqabite The main dining venue Taybeh Al Manara, serves northern Mediterranean cuisine with an international flair, with talented chefs preparing fresh specialties at live cooking stations, alongside an efficient a la carte service. Kubba Levantin, a casually elegant Middle Eastern restaurant, offers a journey of flavors from the Levant with an emphasis on local fresh produce and spices. The outer terrace overlooking Saraya Aqaba’s lagoon is sure to become a favourite spot for hotel residents and discerning Aqabites alike, drawn by highlights such as the charcoal grill and traditional bread oven and special tasting menus with paired beverages. Al Manara’s waterfront bar and restaurant Amwaj will serve the freshest seafood from the Red Sea alongside an international fish selection unrivalled in Aqaba, with a special smoked fish menu with cocktail pairings. Set against the rugged backdrop of an expansive granite mountain range, guests seek out this opulent seaside escape, taking advantage of year-round sunshine over the hotel’s private beach and boutique pool. Being the only coastal city in Jordan, Aqaba offers variety of water sports discoveries such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, parasailing and paragliding. It’s always spa time Overlooking the picturesque and serene Saraya Aqaba Lagoon, the spa at Al Manara is a hidden sanctuary of discovery and transformation for body, mind and spirit. The spa offers an extensive sensory experience, a diverse range of treatments and a comprehensive array of alluring facilities. Inspired by local traditions and enhanced with the latest techniques, the spa presents the world’s finest skincare products by Subtle Energies, Terres d’Afrique and Sodashi. Those who simply can’t visit Jordan without calling in on the unchanging face that is Petra will be reassured to learn it is no more than a dusty 90-minute drive away, and Wadi Rum is an even shorter journey. On the other hand, you might prefer to do what we did and simply arrive at the hotel with a lengthy reading list, a good companion, and make the most of Al Manara’s fine hospitality. Possibly the best in the country.
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MEN’S PASSION
As adults we associate sleep - and crawling under the covers - with laziness and defeat. We guzzle coffee and binge-watch Netflix to avoid it. Stifling yawns, we brag about not needing it, propping ourselves up with the old canard, You snooze, you lose. At the very least, sleep could use an image refresh. What it really needs is a revolution. Rethinking our relationship with sleep. Arianna Huffington, the Greek-born political activist turned digital publishing mogul, has famously been leading the charge to the bedroom for the last few years. She’s loudly decried sleeplessness as a public health crisis tantamount to smoking in the mid-20th Century. In her books and talks, and on her new wellness platform Thrive Global, the selfdescribed sleep evangelist makes the case that improved sleeping habits and prioritizing rest will forge better students, teammates, leaders and lovers. She’s all about “changing the collective delusion that burnout is the price we must pay for success.” But really the revolution should embrace something even bigger, believes Rubin Naiman, Ph.D., a psychologist and sleep specialist. “All of sleep medicine asks the same [thing]: How can sleep make us better waking people,’’ he said. While there’s no question that nourishing rest improves our performance, mood and overall health, there is this presumption that sleep is subservient to waking life. And that’s the wrong approach, the thinking that must be upended. We need to re-imagine our relationship with rest. And get to the bottom of why we resist this biological drive. A brief history of sleep science. The field of sleep research is a relatively new one, and scientists to this day still struggle both to define sleep and agree on its core function. Modern research is said to have begun in 1953, when Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman, of the University of Chicago, discovered REM sleep and connected this high-activity sleep stage to vivid dreaming. Progress continued when, four years later, Dr. William C. Dement of Stanford University—considered “the father of sleep medicine”—measured brain activity during sleep using electroencephalography, or EEG. This allowed the stages of sleep to be observed, and subsequently defined, for the first time. Barring a few tweaks this classification is used today.
Good night? HOW YOUR LACK OF SLEEP IS KILLING YOU
Sleep is easy to undervalue. And it begins in childhood. When bedtime rolls around we beg for one more story to be read, or to play one more video game. When those tactics fail, our strategy shifts to an organized plot to take control of the house and topple the leadership. We equate giving in to sleep with missing out - on something. Whatever it is that parents do when they close our bedroom door. The science of sleep. Get your head down.
Dement went on to found the Stanford Sleep Clinic, the first full-scale sleep research center, which paved the way for the more than 1000 sleep clinics across the country today. Over the next 40 years, sleep disorders were identified; treatments, including devices like the CPAP (for sleep apnea) were invented; and psychiatrists discovered that rats died from sleep deprivation within two to three weeks. During the last decade researchers have linked poor sleep to a host of chronic illnesses and diseases, as well as compromised emotional and mental health. Although none of us needs scientific proof that our mood and worldview turn bleak after a few rough nights, many of us still cling to the idea of sleep debt as a badge of honor. Huffington was one of those people, until a smashed cheekbone sparked her personal sleep revolution. “We sacrifice sleep in the name of productivity, but ironically our loss of sleep, despite the extra hours we spend at work, adds up to 11 days of lost productivity per year per worker,” Huffington writes. In other words, unless you sleep like a boss, you’ll function like a peon.
WELLNESS
Healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life. Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good sleep hygiene. Try to keep the following sleep practices on a consistent basis: Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps to regulate your body’s clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep or remain asleep. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon. Power napping may help you get through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help. Exercise daily. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but not at the expense of your sleep. Evaluate your room. Design your sleep environment to establish the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be cool – between 60 and 67 degrees. Your bedroom should also be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep. Finally, your bedroom should be free from any light. Check your room for noises or other distractions. This includes a bed partner’s sleep disruptions such as snoring. Consider using blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy – about 9 or 10 years for most good quality mattresses. Have comfortable pillows and make the room attractive and inviting for sleep but also free of allergens that might affect you and objects that might cause you to slip or fall if you have to get up during the night. Use bright light to help manage your circadian rhythms. Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning. This will keep your circadian rhythms in check. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine can disrupt sleep. Eating big or spicy meals can cause discomfort from indigestion that can make it hard to sleep. If you can, avoid eating large meals for two to three hours before bedtime. Try a light snack 45 minutes before bed if you’re still hungry. Wind down. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. For some people, using an electronic device such as a laptop can make it hard to fall asleep, because the particular type of light emanating from the screens of these devices is activating to the brain. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid electronics before bed or in the middle of the night. If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment. Use your bed only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep. If you associate a particular activity or item with anxiety about sleeping, omit it from your bedtime routine. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or to find a sleep professional. You may also benefit from recording your sleep in a Sleep Diary to help you better evaluate common patterns or issues you may see with your sleep or sleeping habits.
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Trending on passionsarabia.com
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What’s trending at the home of Men’s Passion online
look at the hottest stories from the past month on Men’s Passion’s online home at passionsarabia.com. Follow us on Instagram @passions.arabia for a regular dose of the styles, the trends, the brands, the maisons and the marques... with stories of the passionate people who are making it happen. Bazza Alzouman The name behind Kuwait-based label ‘Bazza Alzouman’ tells us that she was undeniably interested in fashion from an early age, but never really considered it a career until she got to college. passionsarabia.com/bazza-alzouman
Kawther Alsaffar There are few designers so eloquent about their craft than Kawther Alsaffar, but is she qualified to comment? We think so - she attained her BFA. in Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design, passionsarabia.com/kawther-alsaffar
Coco Bodu Hithu – a luxury hideaway There’s much talk about this place or that being the ultimate getaway. We have to admit that we’re guilty of being as fickle as a three-year-old when it comes to choosing our favourite things, but when it comes to hideaways, we think we need look no further than Coco Bodu Hithu in the Maldives. passionsarabia.com/coco-bodu-hithu-a-luxury-hideaway
PASSIONS ARABIA
Pink Affair We have noticed an array of colors and hues on the runway, but don’t you agree that there’s that one color that just pops out and you know that’s the ”it color” of the season. This month it’s all pink! Clothes, bags, shoes, sunglasses… you name it. passionsarabia.com/pink-affair
Studio Toggle What goes through the mind of a designer? Let’s ask one… or in this case, two. Headed by Hend Almatrouk and Gijo Paul George, Studio Toggle is a relatively young architecture and design studio with offices in Kuwait and Portugal and a wealth of experience. passionsarabia.com/studio-toggle
Ferrari GTC4Lusso: Urban Elegance Architect and photographer Dima Alsoufi gets a full day-pass with Maranello’s superb four-seater – the 690cv V12 GTC4Lusso – courtesy of our good friends at Al Zayani, Ferrari’s official dealer in Kuwait. passionsarabia.com/ferrari-gtc4lusso-urban-elegance
Vacheron Constantin On September 11th 2018, Abbey Road Studios hosted Vacheron Constantin’s guests for the launch of the Fiftysix collection. The evening brought to a close three days of events which also saw the introduction of the maison’s new signature ‘One of not Many’. passionsarabia.com/vacheron-constantin-the-fiftysix-and-their-one-of-not-many
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Tory Burch x Farida Fleming Created exclusively for the Middle East
Tory Burch launched the Farida Fleming Collection - a curated assortment of beautiful leather accessories - at The Avenues, Kuwait. Created exclusively for the Middle East market, it includes a shoulder bag and a wallet distinguished by quilting and embellished with unique charms. With diamond-stitched black leather on clean-lined shapes and adjustable chain straps for the shoulder bags, the Farida Fleming Collection balances elegance with a touch of whimsy. The symbolic charms, including a hamsa, a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover, are associated with good luck and protective qualities, a nod to Tory’s superstitious side. Farida, an Arabic girl’s name meaning unique, is a fitting term for the collection, which celebrates Tory Burch’s growing presence in the Middle East.
EVENTS
All-aboard the Tanagra Express Spirit of the Orient Express is revived in downtown Kuwait
Designed to evoke the experience of the famous Orient Express carriage from the golden days of railway travel, each window makes your return home as exciting as ever. The ‘journey’ continued through time; fascinating pieces and luxury collectibles from Tanagra enrich your life and living spaces. During your journey, the train will stop at: Christofle, to visit its Mood and Nomade collections, ideal for your next road trip; Daum, to behold its inspirational floral collections and animal sculptures - for all nature lovers; L’Objet, the go-to source for elegant accessories and games to entertain your coffee break; Anna’s delicate Afternoon Tea collections, which will enlighten your living and work spaces with precious stones and materials; Lalique, where you can discover its Champs-Élysées collection in time for your next trip to Paris; Baccarat, to rediscover its Eye and Butterfly collections, which will bring good luck to your home; Lladro’s limited edition figurines, whose precious artistry will inspire you to dream and enlighten every room.
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Tumi Fall / Winter 2018 Collection launched in Kuwait
The Al Qibla Lounge at The Four Seasons hotel, Burj Alshaya was the venue for Tumi’s Kuwait launch of their new Fall / Winter 2018 Collection - Scandinavia. Tumi travels to Scandinavia for Fall 2018. Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality and minimalism, and is rooted in elements within nature and its own tradition in craftsmanship. The Tumi Fall 2018 Travel collection takes inspiration from this region and explores ideas that focus on the relationship between the technical and the handcrafted. Tumi has been creating world-class business and travel essentials since 1975, blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity.
EVENTS
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L’Occitane en Provence New boutique in Kuwait
It all began in the markets of Provence. With nothing but an alembic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, a 23-year-old named Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally. He expanded his production from oils to soaps to creams, taking inspiration from the land he grew up on to bring natural beauty to homes across the world. Now, they’ve opened a boutique at Grand Plaza - The Avenues. At L’Occitane, they share the very best Provence has to offer, for a glowing beauty that’s unique. Every day, they commit to preserving the breathtaking natural environment that never ceases to amaze.
EVENTS
Mohammad Qambar ‘Inscription on the Walls’ - at The Hub Gallery, Kuwait
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Cadillac’s 2019 XT5 The future has a new drive
Cadillac Alghanim celebrated the arrival in Kuwait of the new XT5 Crossover with a special tour around the country for an equally special group of invitees. Beginning at Le Notre, a convoy of new XT5s headed first to the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, then on to the Sahara Club and the Hilton Mangaf before finishing back at Le Notre. Versatility that makes a statement. Style that takes a stance. The most sophisticated and refined crossover Cadillac has ever created. This is the 2019 Cadillac XT5, a thoroughly progressive luxury crossover whose dynamic style is matched only by its limitless flexibility. Take control and master the road ahead because, for 2019, the future has a new drive.
EVENTS
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LISTINGS
OUR CURATED HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT’S ON IN THE REGION DURING NOVEMBER
In Jewels, India is the Treasury of the World What: Lecture Where: DAI Kuwait When: 19 November 2018 Sir Thomas Roe, English ambassador to the Mughal court, stunned by the vision of the emperor Jahangir laden with jewels, pronounced, “In jewells hee is the treasury of the world.” What Roe saw was just a minuscule fraction of the immense wealth that reposed in India. This talk will present the art of Indian jewelry. It will decode the deep symbolism of forms, discuss the connections between jewelry as personal and societal statements that are manifest in material and motifs, and tell the captivating stories of love and passion, and trade and war that are enshrined in Indian jewels. daimuseum.org.kw
Songs from Black and White Movies What: Music Where: JACC Kuwait When: 27-30 November 2018 In its golden age, the Egyptian film industry was distinctly characterized by placing songs, mostly romantic ones, at the forefront of movies’ plots. Musical films in particular were a cornerstone of an industry that rose to prominence on the shoulders of some of the biggest names in Arab music, such as Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Layla Murad, Abdel-Halim Hafez, Najat and others. In return, their movies served as a shortcut to the hearts and minds of fans who grew up associating their favorite songs with timeless scenes on the big screen. In Songs from Black-and-White Movies, JACC bring back these memories by playing some of these classic songs in a stunning show that combines music, acting and performing arts, featuring singers Abeer Ne’ma and Tariq Bashir with the participation of JACC’s orchestra. jacc-kw.com
TOP PICK: FEEDER With arena tours and festival headline performances under their belts, British rock band Feeder are taking to the Dubai Opera stage on 27 November. Since 1996 they have released 10 studio albums and 40 singles and have globally sold over 5 million records. Feeder has been ranked as one of the UK’s most successful chart acts of the past 50 years, and with an incredible set list including Feeling a Moment, Just a Day, Buck Rogers, Just the Way I’m Feeling, High and many more… this is set to be an incredible night of rock music.” Dubai Opera House 27 November 2018 dubaiopera.com
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Pierce Brosnan
A r r ay a C e n t r e , G r o u n d F l o o r