The Collector’s Edition Stamps, cars, art and watches. The how and the why of collecting.
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ISSUE NUMBER 71 - OCTOBER 2015
JUST A THOUGHT Dear Passionate Readers, Perpetually in search of the secret to eternal youth, whenever I discover a new fad I immediately share it with all my friends and readers. We have all heard and witnessed the miracle of Botox; but have you ever gone through a Brain-Botox? That is exactly how I felt when I took a course in digital marketing. As someone who was raised in a home that values knowledge and mastery above everything else, I have often felt frustrated whenever I am introduced to any new, alien concept. Slowly, the feeling of incompetency starts creeping throughout you, and you start wondering if you are too old to learn new tricks. Then one day you wake up and decide you’ve doubted yourself enough and you take that plunge in to the unknown, in to that world you want to conquer. And conquer it you shall. And when you do, it is the greatest Brain-Botox you will ever have. So, my passionate readers, if you want to feel the same energy of your teen years, find that one thing that you are dreading to face and take it head on. The effects, I promise you, are far more potent than any cosmetic invention! Till the next challenge,
Zeina Mokaddam Managing Director
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ON THE COVER: October 2015 Collecting, it’s many things to many people, but when the passion to collect bites it can be an all-consuming affair. Reasons for collecting are as individual as the collectors themselves. Some collect for sentimental reasons, some as part of an investment strategy, some out of curiosity for their subject, the element shared by all is the ceaseless goal of adding just that one special piece. This month we met some of Kuwait’s most inspired collectors and learned from them.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amera Al-Awadhi LEGAL CONSULTANT Khaled Al-Kandari Al-Kandari Law Firm PUBLISHED BY
MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam ACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR Nouf Al-Hajri MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kamakshi Handa
CONTENTS 14 Sulaiman Al-Musallam Porsche and fast automotives
30 Investing In Art, The Basics How To Collect Art Like A Pro
18 Muhamad Jamal President of the Kuwait Stamp and Coin Collectors Society
32 Sursock Collection The Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum
22 Rashed Al-Fadala The Salhiya Medical Pavilion 26 Saud Al-Yaqout Timpiece af icionado
38 Barjeel Art Foundation Patron: Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi 40 A Day in the Life of Fahad AlRahmani Brought to you by BMW i8
CONTRIBUTORS Yasmine Bandar (Editorial) Zeina Al-Ayoub (PR) MaryAnn D’Silva (PR) Cityscape (Real Estate) CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tarek Kabbani HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri PRODUCTION MANAGER Nidal Shaker PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait. Telephone +(965) 2572 0810 Fax +(965) 2572 0860 Website www.ph7-kw.com To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contribution and feedback are welcomed. Please email your suggestions to zeina@ph7-kw.com For advertising, do not hesitate to contact info@ph7-kw.com For subscription, please email your details to info@ph7-kw.com PH7 wishes to state that the opinions expressed in MEN’S PASSION are those of the authors concerned and not necessarily those of the publisher. BPA Worldwide Consumer Publication Audit Membership Applied for September 2014.
THE LUXE REVIEW 54 Driving the Gran Turismo Sport 72 Roger Dubuis An unmistakable character at Watches&Wonders 2015 56
The GTS Principle Boosted Performance, Sonorous Sound and a Striking Design
58 The Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner An Awe-Inspiring Experience 60
The Pinnacle Of Style And Performance The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé
62 Bentley Bentayga A sector-defining new model 63 McLaren – Victory At Spa Parente extends championship lead 64 Victory Motorcycles 2016 line-up 66 Dual Time Manufacture – Monaco 67 Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Historical horology 68 Seven Cars, Seven Jets, Seven Chronographs Bentley and Breitling 70
Heavenly hours with Glashütte Original The complexity and beauty of the moon phase display
71 Rado HyperChrome Si3N4 The Ceramic watch of the future
74 Luxury Resorts Hugo Boss Fall 2015 76 Brooks Brothers Fall Winter 2015 78 The Blue Lanvin 80 Bally Men’s Autumn Winter 2015 82 Brioni The Fragrance 84 Azimut 77S A gutsy, state of the art craft with ultimate charm 86 Princess 35M Superyacht Makes Stunning Monaco Yacht Show Debut 88 Berlin Of libertines and luxury 90 Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin 92 Beirut Art Fair 2015 Contemporary Art Hub at the Crossroad between East and West 94 Zeitgeist Marc Newson designs the Apple Watch of fountain pens 96 Investing in Istanbul 100 Events
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THE CAR COLLECTOR
Sulaiman Al-Musallam Porsche and fast automotives
A
s a lover of all fast cars, for company owner Sulaiman Al-Musallam there’s something special when it comes to Porsche. Currently in his well-stocked garage you’ll find three variants of the 911: a GT3 and a GT3 RS together with his pride and joy: a 2011 911 GT2 RS – numbered 222 out of a worldwide production run of just 500. He’s got the Boxster and Cayman under current consideration. We met Sulaiman to learn a little more about his collection and discovered, amongst others things, that he doesn’t regard himself as a collector at all…
THE CAR COLLECTOR
What is unique to you about Porsche, what makes the marque so special? Besides the fact that I am passionate about fast cars, this was love at first sight. I’ve always admired the look and feel of a Porsche and wondered how will a man feel behind the wheel of such an icon. I guess the curves of a Porsche are irresistible, and also the ride and even the smell; too many reasons to list.
How closely do you judge the correlation between the success of Porsche on the race track and its leading role on the road? The fact that Porsche has collected so many victorys over the years never meant much for me; not until I understood that this is the main source where all the road car technology is drawn from.
How do you keep informed about developments within Porsche?
It is very simple, how can you make a good car even better, safer and faster. The answer is GO RACING. The aspect handling alone could fill many pages of explanation. The double-clutch technology that shifts much faster than any human with manual transmission can, is enough to make your head spin.
Even though that I am not affiliated with any club, I am always up to date. I’m a regular reader of the motoring press - in print and online – and am in regular contact with the local Porsche dealer in Kuwait.
The same Boxster engine that keeps on providing more power with every model generation, with more fuel economy and less CO2 emissions. Astonishingly, the parts last even longer than ever before
You’ve attended Porsche Precision Driving Programmes – can you tell us a little about your experience within these.
Is there a ‘dream’ Porsche out there which you would most love to add to your collection?
This is where it all it came together. I joined my first PSDS (Porsche Sport Driving School) back in 2010; the track assigned for the event was L’Anneau du Rhin. The picture was amazingly clear. The safety, the performance, the thrill of control; and obviously the aftermath feeling that you mastered a Porsche this magnificent piece of engineering.
I always feel that I am like a kid in a toy store. I seriously can’t find any model of this car I wouldn’t want to have. Each car provides one with an endless supply of fun on a day-to-day basis.
What was the first Porsche you bought? It was a 1998 996C2 in silver.
I became an addict for the experience after this. I am proud to say that I have participated in six PSDS programs; the last one being the most enjoyable for it gave me the experience of actually racing an official GT3 cup car. The other programs where equally exhilarating: precision, fast track, G-force. Each one has its own flavor. There is nothing, with the one exception of flying, that this car cannot do, but the one thing that keeps me reaching for the keys is the rush I get once I am on the road.
How do you approach your passion and how do you see yourself as a collector? I don’t necessarily call myself a collector, I simply enjoy cars. I own other brands too; not for the value of them but for the way they make me feel. I take some of them to the track at least once a month besides driving them on a regular basis. I pride myself as a Porsche addict. I enjoy the new ideas this marque brings. Obviously without the support from the right people that make this automotive brand a continuous joy; today’s success just wouldn’t be there.
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THE CAR COLLECTOR
خاصة لديك؟ يميز بورشه ويجعل لها مكانة ما الذي ّ ّ بشكل عام ،تستهويني السيارات السريعة ويمكنني القول أن األمر بالحب من النظرة األولى .لطالما أعجبني تصميم بمثابة الوقوع ّ وأظن أن انسيابية شكل سيارات بورشه و واإلحساس بقيادتها، ّ ً أم ا سيارة بورشه الخارجي هو ما يخطف األنظار والقلوب حقاّ ، فحد ث وال حرج؛ باختصار، بالنسبة لركوب هذه السيارة ورائحتها، ّ تعد وتحصى. األسباب أكثر من أن ّ
أي سيارة بورشه اقتنيتها قبل غيرها؟ ّ الفض ي. كانت من موديل C2 996لعام 1998باللون
كيف تبقى على ّ اطالع بخصوص المستجدات في عالم سيارات بورشه؟
ً وثيقا بين نجاح بورشه برأيك الشخصي ،هل ترى ترابط ًا على حلبة السباقات ودورها الرائد وأدائها على الطرقات؟ أن بورشه قد ّ حق قت مجموعة انتصارات يعن لي األمر بصراحة لم كثيرا ّ ً ِ خالل السنوات السابقةّ ،إل أنني وصلت إلى مرحلة أصبحت أعي أن هذا هو المصدر األساسي الذي تبنى عليه تقنية سيارات فيها ّ السباقات على الطرقات. األمر بغاية البساطة ،فالطريقة الوحيدة لتحسين سيارة هي جيدة ً ً أن المسألة أصل هو عبر جعلها أسرع وأكثر أمان ا .وجوابي لك هو ّ تكمن في وضعها على مضمار السباقات فالشرح حول جانب المناولة وحده قد يطول لساعات. أم ا تقنية القابض المزدوج التي تنتقل بسرعة تسبق أي سرعة يمكن ّ ً حتما. يدوي ا ،فهي كفيلة بإصابتك بالدوار، ألي إنسان التغيير بها ً ّ ّ ّ لكل يوف ر الزخم بمحرك Boxterذاته الذي وتتمت ع سيارات بورشه ّ ّ وتقل نسبة جيل من السيارات ويزداد التوفير في استهالك الوقود
أي من النوادي ولكنني أبقي نفسي في الواقع ،أنا لست عضو ا في ّ ً على ّ اط الع من خالل قراءة اإلصدارات المطبوعة واإللكترونية ذات الصلة بعالم رياضة السيارات باستمرار ،كما ّأن ني أحرص على ّ المحل ي في الكويت. التواصل مع وكيل بورشه
أن انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون منه .وما يثير الدهشة أكثر هو ّ القطع تدوم لفترة أطول أكثر من السابق.
حصل أن شاركت في برامج القيادة الرياضية من بورشه، ّ حدثتنا قلي ً ال عن تجربتك في هذا اإلطار؟ هلا ّ
هل من بين موديالت سيارات بورشه ما تحلم باقتنائه إلى جانب السيارات في مجموعتك؟
القص ة مع اشتراكي ألول مرة في مدرسة القيادة الرياضية بدأ ّ تم اختيار حلبة رين في حيث 2010 العام في وذلك بورشه من ّ فرنسا .وإذا ما رغبت باختصار صورة ما حدث من تجربة مذهلة ّ والتحك م بالقيادة والشعور هناك ،أستطيع ذكر السالمة واألداء
الممرات داخل متجر دائم ا ما يساورني شعور وكأنني طفل يجوب ً ّ ّ أود اقتناء ّ فكل كاف ة موديالت بورشه بأنني قلت إذا أبالغ ال لأللعاب. ّ ّ لكل يوم. تتمي ز بجانب من المرح منها ّ
العارم الذي أصابني بعد قيادة سيارة بورشه باحترافية ،وما أدراك ما البورشه بهندستها الرائعة! أستطيع أن أقول أن هذه التجربة قد أصبحت تجري في شراييني وأنا أفتخر بأنني شاركت في ستة برامج من بورشه للقيادة الرياضية. وكانت آخر مشاركة هي األجمل حيث شاركت في السباق بسيارتي وهي GT3 cupالرسمية. أما البرامج األخرى كانت بالزخم نفسه ،فالدقة والسرعة وقوة كل ها كانت موجودة .كما أن ّ التسارع ّ كل تجربة كان لها طابعها إن الشي ء الوحيد الذي ال الواقع، في بها. ز والممي الخاص ّ ّ ّ يمكن لهذه السيارة فعله هو الطيران .هو ذلك الشعور في داخلي والذي يعتريني أثناء قيادة السيارة ما يدفعني لقيادة مرة بعد أخرى. السيارة ّ
ماذا يعني لك شغفك بسيارات بورشه وما هي نظرتك كهاو القتناء السيارات؟ لنفسك ٍ هاوي ا القتناء السيارات ،فالسيارات أسم ي نفسي ليس بالضرورة أن ً ّ ّ وبكل بساطة هي مصدر سعادتي .وللعلم ّأن ني أملك سيارات من ّ مصن عين آخرين ولكن ال اقتنيها بسبب قيمتها المادية ولكن إي أثناء قيادتها .فأنا أشارك في بسبب اإلحساس الذي تمنحني ّ بعض السباقات بهذه السيارات مرة واحدة في الشهر على األقل عدا عن قيادتها باستمرار. ّ بتعل قي بسيارات بورشه ويسعدني أن أتلقى األفكار أنا فخور الجديدة التي تطرحها هذه العالمة التجارية .ومن الواضح أنني أحظى بمساعدة األشخاص المناسبين لتكتمل فرحتي بسياراتي من نوع بورشه ولوالهم لما كنت قد ّ حق قت النجاح الذي أحتفي به اليوم.
THE CAR COLLECTOR
سليمان المس ّلم سيارات بورشه والسيارات السريعة
محبي السيارات السريعة .سليمان ،وهو مالك إحدى الشركات نتحد ث عن أحد نتحد ث عن سليمان المس ّلم فإ نّنا عندما ّ ّ ّ التجارية ،شغوف بسيارات بورشه دون غيرها من السيارات .حالي ًا ،يعج مرآب السيارات في منزله بثالثة تعديالت من أحب الموديالت إلى قلبه وهو موديل GT2 RS 911عام 2011 فئة :911فهناك موديل GT3و GT3 RSباإلضافة إلى ّ ّ يفكر سليمان المس ّلم اليوم بشراء سيارتي Boxter ورقمها 222من أصل 500سيارة ضمن مجموعة ُأ نتجت عالمي ًا. و .Caymanكان لنا شرف اللقاء بسليمان وتجاذب أطراف الحديث عن مجموعته فأذهلنا أنّه ال يعتبر نفسه هاوي ًا لجمع السيارات على اإلطالق...
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THE STAMP COLLECTOR
Muhamad Jamal
President of the Kuwait Stamp and Coin Collectors Society
A
t a time where letter writing remains in rapid decline, there’s an increasing interest in the collecting of postage stamps. This year Kuwait’s Stamp and Coin Collectors Society celebrates its tenth year. We met with its President, Muhamad Jamal, to learn more about this area of collecting and his own approach to it.
THE STAMP COLLECTOR
What inspired your passion for stamps, and when did you begin to collect? I was studying in primary school in the early fifties – about 1954 - most of my classmates and other students started to collect stamps of different countries. At that time Kuwait had just started to export oil and the country’s income started to flourish. As a result correspondence between Kuwaiti merchants and foreign companies had increased tremendously. Most of correspondence was through letters, which meant that hundreds of letters used to be received by Kuwaiti traders and businessmen, most of whom used to get rid of the envelopes. This inspired the young students to collect the envelopes to take off the stamps. I remember the students, coming out of school in the afternoon, running to those shops and offices asking the traders to give them the stamps. Also many of the traders used to keep the stamps and distribute them among the children. That period probably marked the startup of the spread of the hobby of stamp collecting between the school children in Kuwait. Do you focus on a particular sector of stamps? Perhaps from specific geographic areas, or themes? I collect mainly mint stamps and old covers (envelopes with stamps) – referred to as postal history- of Arab countries. I have acquired most, if not all, of the stamp sets issued by all Arab countries since they have started to issue stamps, up to the end of the 70s. How do you gather information on what is available? I have always been keen to acquire Stanley Gibbons Stamps Catalogues since 1971 to follow up new stamp issues and their prices, and was eager to follow up the changes in their prices. Where/ how do you buy? I used to have continuous contacts with several stamp auctioneers in Europe and the USA, and used to bid for rare and unique sets which I liked to acquire. That helped me to collect a lot of scarce and remarkable sets of many Arab countries. Are you buying with a view to selling at a later date? My interest has always been to acquire the stamp sets that I liked, and have never thought of selling any of them. However, over the past five years, I started thinking of disposing of extra sets and those sets that are not of particular interest to me. Which are the particular stamps in your collection that give you the most pleasure? Some of the sets that I would always like to enjoy viewing is Kuwait first set printed in French spelling “Koweit”, which was immediately withdrawn in 1923 by the British Authority because of its spelling. Also I love to go through my Egyptian, Iraqi, Syrian and Yemani and other collections to go through the historic events that took place and marked in the stamps.
For example I really enjoy viewing my Egyptian collection to look through the historic events that took place since the first Egyptian stamp issue in 1866. I also like to view the stamp issues of the Suez Canal Authority in 1868, and the stamps carrying the portrait of King Fouad and King Farook and the early days of the republic. I also enjoy to review my Iraqi collection to go through the historic events that took place in that country since the Ottoman Empire stamps, then the British Occupation, and after that King Faisal I, King Ghazi, king Faisal II , that ruled Iraq after independence, and so on. Which stamps are currently not in your collection, but that you are most keen to add- and why? I used to have the first set issued for Aden when it was a British Protectorate. It happened that I sold that set in the 90s, and have really regretted that. And since then I tried to buy that set without success. The Kuwait Philatelic & Numismatic Society is celebrating its tenth anniversary this summer. How have you seen this improve the experience for philatelists and numismatists in Kuwait? The Kuwait Philatelic & Numismatic Society has played an important role in gathering the collectors since its establishment and introduced them to each other. We are presently meeting every Tuesday evening to exchange views, review the collections of each other and probably exchange stamps, and sometimes we hold stamp auctions in the society’s headquarter. The members also organize stamp and coin exhibitions in Kuwait and some Gulf countries. The members also participated in many stamp and coin exhibitions in Asia and Europe during the last ten years. Does the Society hold shows, where the public can enjoy viewing member’s collections? The society has been very active in this respect through organizing exhibitions and certain events. This year for example we have organized several exhibitions, the first of which was for celebrating the occasion of 100 year for the post office in Kuwait. The celebration took place in the location of the first post office which was opened in 1915 in the British Consulate, with the presence of the British and Indian Ambassadors in Kuwait. Another celebration was conducted by the Society in cooperation with National Council For Culture, Arts and Literature to celebrate the Fifty Sixth Anniversary of establishing the National Post Office. This celebration was attended by many of old employees who worked in the post office when it was opened in 1959. The Society presented to these employees Memorial Certificates indicating their date of employment in the post office which was very much appreciated by them. Finally I would like to mention that our society has been issuing a periodical that covers all aspects of stamps and coins collecting and related events. This quarterly issue, named “AL-POSTA” started in 2006, one year after the establishment of the society and we have just issued number 36.
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THE STAMP COLLECTOR
شجعك على هواية جمع الطوابع ومتى ما الذي ّ بدأت بجمعها؟
طالب ا في المرحلة االبتدائية – في في أوائل الخمسينيات ،كنت ً تقريب ا – عندما بدأ معظم زمالئي في الدراسة وطالب العام 1954 ً آخرون بجمع طوابع من دول مختلفة .حينذاك ،كانت الكويت قد بدأت بتصدير النفط إلى الخارج وتعاظمت إيرادات الدولة وحصل أن التج ار الكويتيين والشركات األجنبية بشكل تزايد عدد المراسالت بين ّ تتم من خالل الرسائل ،كان التجار المراسالت ولم ا كانت معظم كبير. ّ ّ ورجال األعمال يستلمون المئات من الرسائل وبالتالي كان معظمهم ّ ّ المغل فات وإزالة المغل فات .هنا ،بدأ الطالب الصغار بجمع يرمي أن الطالب كانوا يخرجون من المدارس الطوابع عنها حيث ما زلت أذكر ّ ّ المحلت والمكاتب لطلب الطوابع من بعد الظهر ويهرعون باتجاه ّ ويوزعونها التج ار .كما كان كثير من التجار يحتفظون بهذه الطوابع ّ أن هذه الفترة هي التي شهدت انتشار على األطفال. شخصي ا ،أعتقد ّ ً هواية جمع الطوابع بين طالب المدارس في الكويت.
محدد من الطوابع حسب المناطق هل يستهويك جمع نوع ّ المحددة؟ الجغرافية أو ذات المواضيع ّ ّ والمغل فات القديمة (أي أحب جمع الطوابع غير المستعملة ّ ّ المغل فات مع طوابعها) – أي التاريخ البريدي للبالد العربية. وقد حصلت على معظم هذه المجموعات التي تصدرها الدول ً العربية أو حتى ّ وصوال كل ها ،وذلك منذ بداية إصدارها للطوابع إلى نهاية السبعينيات.
عم ا هو متوافر؟ كيف تقوم بجمع المعلومات ّ ً حريصا على جمع دالئل ستانلي جيبونز للطوابع وذلك لطالما كنت ّ لالط الع على آخر إصدارات الطوابع الجديدة وأسعارها منذ العام 1971 ً ً التغي رات في أسعارها. حريصا على متابعة دائما حيث كنت ّ
أين وكيف تقوم بشراء الطوابع؟ لقد قمت ببناء عالقات وطيدة مع عدد من أصحاب المزادات في ّ المت حدة وكنت أشارك في مزادات المجموعات أوروبا والواليات النادرة والفريدة التي كنت أهوى جمعها .وهذا ما ساعدني على جمع والممي زة في عدد من البلدان العربية. الكثير من المجموعات النادرة ّ
هل تقوم بشراء الطوابع لبيعها في المستقبل؟ ً منصبا على جمع الطوابع التي تعجبني ولم لطالما كان اهتمامي ّ أفك ر ببيعها قط .ولكن حصل منذ خمسة أعوام أن بدأت بالتفكير ببيع المجموعات الزائدة والمجموعات التي لم تكن تعني لي ّ تذك رني بتاريخ الدول العربية الكثير ،فأنا أهوى جمع الطوابع التي الهام ة. واألحداث ّ
أي من الطوابع التي تقتنيها يستهويك أكثر من غيره؟ ّ ً دائما ما أسعد بمشاهدتها هي مجموعة من المجموعات التي الكويت األولى التي ُط بعت بالفرنسية أي « »Koweitوالتي قامت فورا بسبب الطريقة السلطات البريطانية بسحبها في العام 1923 ً ّ أتصف ح مجموعاتي المصرية أحب أن التي ُك تب بها اسم الكويت .كما ّ
والعراقية والسورية واليمنية باإلضافة إلى غيرها من الطوابع التي ً أحداثا تاريخية حفظتها الطوابع .على سبيل المثال، تعيد إلى الذاكرة أستمتع بمشاهدة مجموعتي المصرية الستعادة األحداث التاريخية التي وقعت منذ تاريخ إصدار الطابع المصري األول في العام .1855 ّ وأتصف ح الطوابع التي أصدرتها سلطة قناة السويس في العام 1868 ً تؤرخ أليام وأخر فاروق والملك فؤاد للملك رسما تحمل أخرى وطوابع ّ جدا وأحب مشاهدتها الجمهورية األولى .ومجموعتي العراقية مميزة ً الستذكار األحداث التاريخية في العراق عبر طوابع السلطنة العثمانية واالحتالل البريطاني وعهد الملك فيصل األول والملك غازي والملك فيصل الثاني الذين حكموا العراق ّإب ان االستقالل وغير ذلك.
ما هي الطوابع التي ترغب بإضافتها لمجموعتك ولماذا؟ الخاص ة بعدن عندما خضعت كنت أحتفظ بالمجموعة األولى ّ ّ ولكن ني بعتها في التسعينيات وندمت على للحماية البريطانية ذلك .ومنئ ذلك الوقت وأنا أسعى لشرائها ولكن دون جدوى.
تحتفل الجمعية الكويتية لهواة الطوابع والعمالت بعيدها العاشر صيف هذا العام ،كيف تنظر إلى دور الجمعية في تحسين تجارب هواة جمع الطوابع والعمالت في الكويت؟ ّ أن الجمعية الكويتية لهواة الطوابع والعمالت قد ّأدت ال شك ّ محوري ا في تقريب الهواة من بعض منذ تأسيسها وساهمت دورا ً ً ً أسبوعيا مساء كل يوم ثالثاء لتبادل في تعارفهم حتى ّأن نا نجتمع ً سويا ،ولربما يحصل أن يقوم بعضهم اآلراء ومشاهدة المجموعات أن كما الجمعية. مقر في للطوابع مزادات بتبادل الطوابع أو إقامة ّ األعضاء ينظمون معارض للطوابع والعمالت في الكويت وعدد من الدول الخليجية .باإلضافة إلى ذلك ،شارك األعضاء في العديد من الخاص ة بالطوابع والعمالت في آسيا وأوروبا في السنوات المعارض ّ العشر الماضية.
هل تقيم الجمعية عروض ًا كي يتسنى للجمهور مشاهدة مجموعات األعضاء؟ حد كبير في نعم ،وفي الواقع ،لطالما كانت الجمعية ناشطة إلى ّ هذا المجال من خالل تنظيم المعارض والفعاليات؛ فعلى سبيل أو لها كان لالحتفال بالذكرى المثال ،أقمنا ً عدد ا من المعارض ّ المئوية األولى لتأسيس مكتب البريد في الكويت والذي أقيم ً قائما عليه عام 1951في في المكان ذاته الذي كان هذا المكتب القنصلية البريطانية ،حيث حضر االحتفال سفراء ّ كل من المملكة ّ المت حدة والهند في الكويت. ً احتفاال بالتعاون مع المجلس الوطني للثقافة كما أقامت الجمعية والفنون واآلداب لالحتفال بالذكرى السادسة والخمسين لتأسيس مكتب البريد الوطني حيث حضر االحتفال عدد من قدامى الموظفين الذين عملوا في مكتب البريد عند افتتاحه في العام 1959والذين حصلوا على شهادات فخرية تشير إلى تاريخ عملهم في مكتب البريد ً ً وأخيرا، وتقديرا من هؤالء الموظفين المخضرمين. والتي القت صدى جمعي تنا تقوم بإصدار مجلة دورية تتناول هواية جمع بأن أود أن أذكر ّ ّ ّ الطوابع والعمالت والفعاليات ذات الصلة وهي تصدر ّ كل ثالثة أشهر ّ المجل ة في العام تحت اسم «البوسطة» .صدر العدد األول من هذه ّ المجل ة في واستمرت 2006وذلك بعد سنة من تأسيس الجمعية ّ ّ مؤخ ًرا. الصدور حيث صدر العدد 36
THE STAMP COLLECTOR
محمد جمال
رئيس الجمعية الكويتية لهواة جمع الطوابع والعمالت
في الوقت الذي تتالشى فيه المراسالت البريدية شيئ ًا فشيئ ًا ،نشهد تزايد ًا باالهتمام بجمع الطوابع البريدية واقتنائها .في الكويت ،تحتفل الجمعية الكويتية لهواة جمع الطوابع والعمالت بالذكرى العاشرة لتأسيسها .في للتعرف على هذه الهواية ونظرته إليها. هذه المناسبة ،اجتمعنا مع رئيس الجمعية -محمد جمال - ّ
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THE ART COLLECTOR
Rashed Al-Fadala The Salhiya Medical Pavilion
T
hroughout history, and it’s a tradition that continues today, some of the world’s greatest collectors have been businesses or individuals who are sometimes seen as patrons of their passion. Continuing this in the field of art is Rashed Al-Fadala, and his Salhiya Medical Pavilion. An avid collector, he’s not merely collecting for his own pleasure, he’s also combining art with wellness at the practice by hanging the works throughout and, indeed, by commissioning new and original pieces. We visited the clinic and asked Rashed to give us a tour.
THE ART COLLECTOR
We’re always excited to see art in accessible places and as part everyday life. What inspired the inclusion of art in Salhiya Medical Pavilion’s plans? At The Salhiya Medical Pavilion we have created an environment that is clean and stylish, clinical yet comforting. The facility is a study in modern design and understated elegance. That’s when we have decided that every suite should have its own art piece which will add the final touches to the guest experience. Apart from the aesthetic beauty of art, is there documented evidence of its therapeutic value in a medical center? One imagines this value to be carried through to other work environments too. Recent studies from the University of London show that viewing art increases dopamine levels (a feel-good hormone) in the brain. This in turn promotes a feeling of relaxation and well-being. What do you currently hold in the collection? Art lovers will enjoy browsing through each of our medical suites to view original works by Kuwaiti artists Fareed Abdal and Muneera Al Rumaihi, Syrian artists Adnan Abdulrahman, Refa’e Ahmed, and Mahmoud Majdal and Iraqi artist Mohammed Al Shammery. How do you select the art? What are the criteria involved? Do you select art with a view to its increasing value, or is this of secondary concern? Selecting an art piece was never based on a certain criteria, ie., value, artist, style. If you love art, you will feel that connection the moment you see it, and that’s how I selected these pieces. The Pavilion includes a rather engaging mural you commissioned by Shahed Al Wadani. Can you tell us a little about this? Playful animals and graceful butterflies frolic in a lush jungle setting. Children coming into the suite become engaged with this beautiful mural, forgetting the initial reason of their visit which in turn takes away the fear of being at the doctor. Salhiya Medical Pavilion – Their Philosophy Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It is a process, not a result. At The Salhiya Medical Pavilion, they see wellness as the making of choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life, toward a state of equilibrium, of complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being, beyond the mere absence of illness. Salhiya Medical Pavilion is staffed by prominent Western and Kuwaiti physicians, and comes with appointment only access, your own Personal Health Concierge, an environment that fosters tranquility, and an experience that is unparalleled in any healthcare facility world-wide.
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THE ART COLLECTOR
يسعدنا دوم ًا أن نرى الفنون في أماكن نرتادها عادة في ّ مخططات توصلت إلى دمج الفن في حياتنا اليومية .كيف ّ الصالحية مديكال بافليون؟ جو نظيف وأنيق سعينا في مركز الصالحية مديكال بافليون لخلق ّ الطب ي ،حيث يجمع هذا المبنى بين التصاميم ومريح بالرغم من طابعه ّ ّ ّ العصرية واألناقة غير المتكل فة .لذلك ،ارتأينا أن يكون في كل جناح فيه قطعة ّ الزوار. فن ية تضفي اللمسات األخيرة على تجربة ّ ّ بغض النظر عن الجانب الجمالي للفنون ،هل من دليل على قيمتها ّ طب ق طب ي؟ ولعل نا نستنتج هنا ّ أن هذه القيمة قد تُ ّ العالجية في مركز ّ ً أيضا. على بيئات العمل األخرى بأن مشاهدة األعمال في الواقع ،أظهرت الدراسات الحديثة من جامعة لندن ّ ّ الفن ية ترفع من مستويات إفراز هرمون الدوبامين (هرمون السعادة) في الدماغ ،وهو ما يبعث الراحة النفسية والسعادة عند اإلنسان.
تتضم ن مجموعتك الحالية؟ ماذا ّ الطب ية سيستمتع هواة الفنون بمشاهدة ما تحمله جدران األجنحة ّ ّ لفن انين كويتيين كفريد عبدال ومنيرة الرميحي، لدينا من أعمال أصلية ّ وفن انين سوريين كعدنان عبدالرحمن ورفاعي أحمد ومحمود مجدل، ّ محم د الشمري. والفن ان العراقي ّ
كيف تقوم باختيار اللوحات الفنّ ية؟ ما هي المعايير المعتمدة؟ وهل تختار اللوحات الفنّ ية على خلفية قيمتها المتزايدة أم ّ أن ذلك ليس من األولويات؟ ّ ّ الفن ان معي نة كقيمتها أو اسم بناء على معايير الفن ية ال نختار اللوحات ّ ً ّ الفن يشعرون برابط قوي يجذبهم عشاق إن بل ي، الفن أو األسلوب ّ ّ مباشرة نحو عمل ّ معي ن ،وأنا اخترت لوحاتي بهذه الطريقة. فن ي ّ
في البافليون جدارية مؤ ّثرة من إبداع الفنّ ان شهد ّ ً قليلا عنها؟ هلا أخبرتنا الودعاني، سجي تها وفراشات ترفرف برشاقة وتمرح فيها حيوانات تلعب على ّ في غابة ّ غن اء .وعندما يراها األطفال القادمون إلى الجناح ينسون سبب زيارتهم للمركز وخوفهم من الطبيب ويسرحون في خيال هذه الجدارية البهية.
مركز الصالحية مديكال بافليون – فلسفة المركز ّ محطة ،هو عملية وليس نتيجة ،ونحن الرفاه رحلة وليس في مركز الصالحية مديكال بافليون ننظر إلى الرفاه على صحي أنّه مجموعة خيارات نتّ خذها للوصول إلى نمط حياة ّ ومجز وإلى حالة من التوازن والتعافي الجسدي والذهني ٍ ّ التغلب على المرض. مجرد والعاطفي ،بد ًلا من ّ أطباء غربيون يعمل في مركز الصالحية مديكال بافليون ّ وكويتيون ويسعدنا استقبال الضيوف بحسب المواعيد فقط مع توفير طبيب شخصي لهم .نحن نعمل في بيئة أي من منشآت يملؤها الهدوء لتوفير تجربة ال تضاهى في ّ أي مكان من العالم. الرعاية الصحية في ّ ّ
THE ART COLLECTOR
راشد الفضالة
مركز “الصالحية مديكال بافليون” الطبي
قدمهم للعالم على مر الزمان وحتّ ى اليوم ،وشغفهم هذا ّ هواية الجمع تقليد مارسه األفراد والمؤسسات على ّ المسمى بـ“الصالحية مديكال بافليون”، الطبي يستمر مع راشد الفضالة والمركز رو اد هذا الولع .حمل الشعلة أنّهم ّ ّ ّ ّ المرة في مجال الفنون الممزوجة بقطاع الصحة ،حيث نجد اللوحات الجديدة أو القديمة األصلية مع ّلقة هنا وهذه ّ فانضموا إلينا! وهناك داخل هذا المركز ،بعد جولة في داخله رافقنا فيها راشد الفضالة نفسه، ّ
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THE WATCH COLLECTOR
Saud Al-Yaqout Timpiece aficionado
B
orn and raised in Kuwait, Saud has a Bachelors of Arts degree from Kuwait University, and a Masters degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. in the United States. He’s the Operations Manager of www.theconfectionersshop.com in Kuwait, as well as the author of a book “Letters to Myself”.
THE WATCH COLLECTOR
But he’s more accurately defined by what he wears on his wrist. The possessor of a finely curated collection of luxury timepieces, he’s passionate and knowledgeable about the world of haute horology. Appreciating watches for their design, materials, workmanship and their heritage, he’s not a man to follow trends but instead to follow his heart.
What do you feel your collection says about you?
We sat down with Saud to learn more about his approach to collecting.
How do you buy, and where?
Saud’s Current Collection: • Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chronograph Kasparov 39mm stainless steel on black dial • Vacheron Constantin 49150 Overseas chronograph boutique blue • Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Squadra white dial • IWC 7-day Portuguese manufacturer • Panerai PAM050 • ULC Chopard Mille Miglia 1 of 500 in Titanium w/red dial • TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph Through your collection do you focus on particular brands of watches, or particular styles? Through my admiration towards the world of rotors and gears and ticking time telling, I have matured. And as such my tastes matured with me. I started seeking the big houses of le vallée de joux learning their histories and started collecting based on their accomplishments, heritage and stylings. Right now I seek in-house movements, I seek craftsmanship and I seek finesse and prestige. The list of brands I carefully monitor is, Audemars Piguet, Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, Blancpain, Jaeger LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, IWC, Panerai and A. Lange and Sohne. Which piece gives you greatest pleasure, and why? The Audemars Piguet, for two reasons. It’s the first watch that I had to work a year to buy, and for the fact that when I got it in 2011 I was made fun of for having spent my money on something that is not a Rolex. However, today I stand proven as Audemars Piguet has become a sensation in Kuwait. The second piece is the Reverso Squadra by Jaeger le Coultre. The Squadra is one of the few pieces that have an automatic mechanism and when flipped or “reverso’ed” you can see the movement through a skeleton back. Sometimes I wear the watch on reverse just to make whoever is looking at my watch is confused as to how to tell the time and then see their faces light up as I flip to the original dial. Also, the watch helped me a lot to determine the local time in Kuwait as it kept home time and local time which was a blessing as DC was about 7 hours behind.
It says that I do not follow the herd but I follow my own sense of appreciation. I do not buy a watch just because it holds its value so I can resell it. I buy art that will stay with me for years and be passed on to my children one day.
Everywhere, practically who ever gives me the best deal. I also buy used watches if the piece is worth it. Most of my collection is bought in the USA from official dealers the rest is from Kuwait. Do you consider yourself a collector, or investor? Have you / would you sell pieces for profit? I am a collector, I do not buy for the sake of economic value, I buy for the self-satisfaction of having to wear what people who are timepiece-illiterate can’t process; yet what someone who is watch-savvy would admire. I feel like my timepieces are accessories to the soul not just time-telling aesthetics. What criteria do you use while deciding what to add to your collection? I am aiming to get a watch from the ten big houses. In each brand there is a flagship watch, in a flagship line that never changes for example; Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Patek’s Nautilus and Jaeger’s Reverso. Once I acquire those watches, I feel like I have trace of each house in Switzerland in the palm of my hand. Moreover, I try to buy watches that are not jewelry, so I stay away from Cartier and Bulgari as they did not immerge as watchmakers. I stay away from commercial watches such as Rolex and Omega. I call Rolex “the Toyota” because people buy it just for its resale value. Then comes in-house movements, it’s funny how many people don’t know what an in-house movement is; and how most of their timepieces’ movements are by Eterna, ETA or Valjoux. The last criteria that I search for is a story, for example how Panerai started as a military watch for the Italian royal navy or how the Reverso was originally made for Polo players so they won’t scratch the dial’s glass or how Vacheron use to make king Farouq’s pocket watch; all of that gives you a story to talk about once someone glimpses at your watch as you move your hand to engage in a conversation. All you need to say is “you know what’s cool about his watch?” What are the pieces you’re currently considering adding to your collection next? • A. Lange and Sohne 1815 in platinum or a platinum Sax-o-Mat • Patek Phillippe Nautilus 5711 in white dial • Jaeger Le Coultre Reverso calendar • Clerc hydroscaph chronograph forged carbon • F.P. Journe Chronometre Souverain
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THE WATCH COLLECTOR
يمي زه، أن اختيار سعود للساعات التي يرتديها هو أكثر ما غير ّ ّ والممي زة ،وهو شغوف بعالم الفاخرة الساعات من مجموعة فلديه ّ الساعات الفاخرة ويمتلك ثقافة عالية في هذا المجال .ما يجذبه للساعات هو تصميمها والمواد المستخدمة فيها وحرفية صانعها وعراقة إرثها ،فال تستهويه الصيحات بل يختار أكثر ما يروق له بحق. للتعرف أكثر على أسلوبه في كان لنا شرف إجراء مقابلة مع سعود ّ اقتناء الساعات.
المجموعة الحالية التي يقتنيها سعود • ساعة «رويال أوك» من أوديمار بيغيه كاسباروف ،قطرها 39ملم ومصنوعة من فوالذ «ستينلس ستيل» على ميناء أسود • ساعة فاشيرون كونستانتين طراز 49150أوفرسيز بميناء أزرق • ساعة «ريفيرسو سكوادرا» من جايغر لوكولتر بميناء أبيض • ساعة « 7داي بورتغيز» من «آي دبليو سي» • ساعة « »PAM050من بانيراي • ساعة «ميل ميليا» من شوبارد وهي قطعة من أصل 500مصنوعة من التايتانيوم وبميناء أحمر • ساعة تاغور كاريرا
هل تركّ ز في مجموعتك على اقتناء أسماء تجارية أم معينة؟ تصاميم ّ في عالم النوابض والساعات ،وصلت في رحلة اإلعجاب إلى للتعرف محطة النضوج ،ومعها نضج ذوقي .في البداية ،سعيت ّ ّ المصن عين السويسريين من وادي «لو فالي دو جو»، على كبار فتعرفت على تاريخهم وبدأت بجمع الساعات التي تبرز فيها براعة ّ أم ا اليوم ،فتستهويني حركية الساعة اإلنجاز ،واإلرث والتصميمّ . من الداخل والحرفية واإلتقان والفخامة التي تنطوي عليها. معي نة مثل «أوديمار أتتب ع عالمات تجارية وبالتالي أصبحت ّ ّ بيغيه» ،و»باتك فيليب» ،و»فاشيرون كونستانتين» ،و»بريغيت»، و»بالنبان» ،و»جاجي لوكولتر» ،و»أوليس ناردان» ،و»آي دبليو سي» ،و»بانيراي» ،وآ النجي آند زونيه».
يميزها عن أحب إلى قلبك وما الذي أي الساعات ّ ّ غير ها ؟ ً ّ أوال ،هي الساعة األولى التي أفض ل ساعة «أوديمار بيغيه» لسببين. ً لمد ة سنة كاملة القتنائها ،وثانيا ألن هناك من استهزئ عملت ّ ً ماال على ساعة بي عندما اشتريتها في سنة ،2011كوني أنفقت
ليست من صنع رولكس .واليوم ،ثبت ّأن ي كنت على ّ حق ،فساعات ً ً كبيرا عليها هنا في الكويت. تهافتا «أوديمار بيغيه» باتت تشهد أم ا الساعة الثانية التي تستهويني فهي «ريفيرسو سكوادرا» ّ المزو دة القليلة الساعات إحدى وهي لوكولتر»، «جاجي صنع من ّ سمي ت رأس ا على عقب (ولهذا بآلية أوتوماتيكية ،وعند ارتدائها ً ّ ريفيرسو) يمكن مشاهدة حركة العقارب من خالل إطارها الخلفي ّ الشف اف .في بعض األحيان ،أرتدي الساعة بهذه الوضعية ألربك ّ سيتعذ ر عليه قراءة الوقت ،وسرعان ما أرى البريق يتفح صها إذ من ّ
أن في عينيه عندما أعود وأقلب القرص األساسي إلى األعلى .كما ّ ّ المحل ي في الكويت هذه الساعة أراحتني من عناء احتساب التوقيت عندما كنت في واشنطن ،فكنت أضبطها لتعطي قراءتين للوقت بفارق 7ساعات بين المدينتين .وجدتها نعمة!
برأيك ،ماذا تقول مجموعتك عنك؟ مم ن يركبون موجات الموضة، هي تكشف بالتأكيد ّأن ني لست ّ
القي مة لدى بل أتبع ذوقي الخاص وقدرتي على تقدير القطعة ّ ّ وسيتسن ى لمجرد ّأن ها باهظة الثمن مشاهدتها .أنا ال أشتري ساعة ّ ً ألن ني أرى فيها قطعة ّ الحق ا .بل أشتريها ّ فن ية ترافقني لي بيعها ثم أهديها ألوالدي ذات يوم. لسنوات ّ
كيف وأين تشتري ساعات مجموعتك؟ يقدم لي صفقة قد أشتريها من أي مكان ،وبطبيعة الحال أذهب مع َم ن ّ جي دة .كما ّأن ني أشتري الساعات المستعملة إذا كانت ذات قيمة .وإن ّ أغلبية الساعات في مجموعتي اشتريتها من وكالء معتمدين من ّ المت حدة األميركية ،والباقي اشتريته من الكويت. الواليات
هل تعتبر نفسك هاوي جمع أم مستثمر ًا؟ وهل سبق ّ تفكر أن بعت إحدى الساعات لتحصيل ربح ما ،أو هل بالقيام بذلك يوم ًا ما؟ الماد ية .بل أنا لمجرد قيمتها هاو ي جمع ساعات وال أشتريها أنا ّ ّ ٍ بالتمي ز، وشعور رضا من قلبي في تبعثه لما الساعات هذه أقتني ّ كوني سأرتدي قطعة لن يفقه قيمتها أو تفاصيلها ّإل نخبة من إلي ،الساعات هي من كماليات ّ الذو اقة في عالم الساعات .بالنسبة ّ الروح وليست فقط ملحقات زينة أو أدوات لمعرفة الوقت.
ما هي المعايير التي تعتمدها عند اختيار ساعة جديدة تضيفها إلى مجموعتك؟ ّ ّ مصن ع من بين لكل في الواقع ،أطمح القتناء ساعة واحدة ّ ّ تقد م ساعة رائدة تجارية فكل عالمة المصن عين العشرة الكبار. ّ ً في مجموعتها الرائدة .مثال ،هناك ساعة «رويال أوك» من «أوديمار بيغيه» ،و»نوتيلوس» من «باتك فيليب» ،و»ريفيرسو» شخصي ا ،إذا اقتنيت هذه الساعات ،سأشعر من «جاجي لوكولتر». ً ّ ّ ّ بأن ني أحمل بيدي بصمة المصن عين في سويسرا. لكل من كبار المرص عة بالجواهر، أضف إلى أنني أحاول شراء الساعات غير ّ ّ أتجن ب شراء ساعات كارتييه وبولغاري ،فهذه األسماء لم وبالتالي ّ تحق ق بعد كامل مكانتها االحترافية في صناعة الساعات .كما ّ أشب ه فأنا وأوميغا كرولكس التجارية الساعات شراء ب أتجن ني ّأن ّ
ساعة رولكس بسيارات تويوتا ،فالناس يشترونها بسبب قيمتها تتضم ن آلية حركة عند إعادة البيع .وبالنسبة إلى الساعات التي ّ ّ الكم الهائل نرى أن المصن ع ذاته ،فمن المثير للسخرية من ّ من األشخاص الذين ال يعرفون معنى أن تكون اآللية من صنع ّ المصن ع ،وبالتالي يشترون ساعات تكون اآللية فيها من اتيرنا أو
القص ة وراء أم ا المعيار األخير الذي أبحث عنه فهو ّ ETAأو فالجوّ . ً فمثال ،كانت ساعة بانيراي تُ ستخدم صناعة هذه الساعة أو تلك. وباألخص في البحرية الملكية اإليطالية. في السلك العسكري ّ ً أم ا ساعة ريفيرسو ،فقد ُص نعت خصيصا لالعبي البولو لحماية ّ ً أيضا، ممي زة قص ة زجاج الميناء من الخدش .ولساعات فاشيرون ّ ّ مخص صة لصناعة ساعات جيب الملك فاروق .وهكذا، فهي كانت ّ أقص ه ما جعبتي في يكون ساعاتي، إحدى إلى أحدهم إذا نظر ّ ّ أرد دها فهي :هل أم ا الالزمة التي ال أنفك ّ عليه لبدء حديث معهّ . الممي ز في ساعتي هذه؟ تعلم ما ّ
ما هي ا لساعا ت تا لي ًا ؟ مجموعتك
ا لتي
ّ تفكر
في
ا قتنا ئها
في
• ساعة «آ النجي آند زوني» 1815المصنوعة من البالتينوم أو ساعة ساكسو -مات البالتينية • ساعة «نوتيلوس »5711من باتك فيليب بميناء أبيض • ساعة «ريفيرسو» بتقويم من «جاجي لوكولتر» • ساعة «هيدروسكاف» من «كليرك» من الكربون الصلب • ساعة أف .بي .جورني كرونوميتر سوفيران
THE WATCH COLLECTOR
سعود الياقوت هاوي جمع ساعات
ُو لد سعود الياقوت وترعرع في الكويت وحصل على بكالوريوس في اآلداب من جامعة الكويت قبل انتقاله العامة واتصاالت الشركات من جامعة جورجتاون إلى الواليات المتّ حدة حيث نال شهادة ماجستير في العالقات ّ بواشنطن .هو يعمل اليوم في الكويت كمدير عمليات لموقع ،www.theconfectionersshop.comكما أ ّلف كتاب ًا بعنوان “رسائل إلى نفسي”.
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COLLECT LIKE A PRO
Investing In Art, The Basics How To Collect Art Like A Pro
T
his business of art is a universe of beautiful chaos wherein it is difficult to mount a supernova on your wall. Where does art start and stop, and what’s more, when can it become something defined by ownership or possession?
There’s found art, stripped of contexts and reupholstered in newer, shiner thematic bows; there’s pricy gallery store art from local or established artists trying to make it as movers of meaning and memory. There’s everything in between. And if you want it, how can you get it without being a monoclewearing walking-money-bag hustling to auctions where they probably have little numbered signs and the auctioneer snootily says your number followed by naming off some huge sum? “Sold, for a thousand, skrillion dollars to number one,” this irksome human wealth-stain might say. Why do you want to collect art? Is it for cache? For riches? It should be for cache. Do you love art and need to be surrounded with it the way one might surround oneself with kindly stacks of books or particularly tolerable people? Do you love a certain aesthetic and want to maximize it with art, or conversely bend your apartment’s design around an artist or art style? The more you feel it, the better. For collecting art to someday resell it and be rich is a costly gamble that will probably leave you with a gaping hole. In most cases, wealthy art collectors buy established artists’ pieces and if they resell them at all, they do so for comparable value. For some, art collection is an economic game. For others, it’s a lifestyle veneer covering other lifestyles. Do you love art? Do you like art staring back at you? Do you like being watched sometimes? Consider being a collector.
COLLECT LIKE A PRO
If you truly love art, collecting it will be like owning a gigantic block of soap you whittle constantly into shapes. It’s not marble—marble is too hard to put back together. When you get soap wet, you can sort of mush it back into one form. So it is with art collection—by immersing yourself in artwork, you will ebb and flow with stylistic interests like the artists themselves. Do you prefer minimal work? Loud sculpture? Animal prints? Ugly, smeared portraiture? Photography of all colors or subjects? You will whittle this figurative giant soap block into shapes that interest and intrigue you. Collecting art will teach you that there are many ways to invest in people. Hanging work by friends and family is another example of just how art can function. It’s not just about challenging yourself with images, but about giving shout outs to your loved ones. Art makes a home out of a house. Art makes a town into a community.. Why not familiarize yourself with the University’s art buildings and show fliers? We do not know the directions the art world will take. We cannot map or measure that which is at its core wildly seeking abstraction and subversion. The best you can do is observe. Consider using Facebook (or whatever bigger-fish social networking site ends up eating Facebook) to learn about emerging local artists, THEIR artist friends and THEIR artist etceteras! When you meet artists, ask questions. There’s a troublesome phenomenon I see a lot at readings; I will hear people whispering their questions to one another about the work or know them personally and know they have things they’d like to speak to the writer about, usually about process of esotery of the work. But when a Q and A happens, the energy becomes so pointedly focused that they don’t want to risk impaling themselves in front of everyone by talking. What makes art openings special is that you can approach the artist often in confidence—imagine if YOU were that artist. Wouldn’t you love people expressing interest in your work? No matter how cool and aloof they look, that’s what they’re feeling. Asking is learning. Know your limits. Do you have the room for your art? There’s nothing sadder than an impotent art collection languishing in butcher paper or cardboard piles unhung and unappreciated. Collecting art needs to be like a weird umbrella that opens slowly, largely, colorfully and begins to draw attention from wet streetwalkers. Lots of artists like Helvetica-font-andtons-of-white-space-Tumblr websites. Seek them out. Where you live can be the art community you never realized you were seeking all along.
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THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
Sursock Collection The Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Museum
O
ne of the most significant art collections in the Middle East is once again opening its doors to the public. After an eight-year closure, during which $14 million has been invested in redeveloping and expanding (largely underground) the museum facility, Beirut’s Sursock Museum reopens in October.
The Sursock Museum’s collection is comprised of over 800 works by predominantly Lebanese artists, from the late 1800s to the early 2000s. Primarily works on canvas and paper, the collection also includes sculptures and mixed media works. Notably significant is our collection of Lebanese art from the first half of the twentieth century, whereby key modern Lebanese artists such as Chafic Abboud and Amine el Bacha are represented.
Following the opening, on 8th October, four diverse exhibitions will launch the museum’s new era.
The collection is closely linked to the history and evolution of the Salon d’Automne, an open call exhibit held at the Museum since its opening, as artworks were often acquired by the Museum following the Salon. As such, the collection’s scope and breadth give insights into Lebanese modern art. Major Lebanese artists featured in our collection include Chafic Abboud, Etel Adnan, Assadour, Daoud Corm, Paul Guiragossian, Jean Khalife, Hussein Madi, Jamil Molaeb, Omar Onsi, and Aref el Rayess.
The City in the City (through 11 January 2016) – through video, photographs, maps and etching, this group exhibition showcases recent work by artisits, designers and researchers exploring contemporary Beirut.
The collection is equally shaped by the various artworks that were gifted to the Museum following exhibitions. As a result, the collection also includes an Islamic art collection, Japanese etchings, and ancient Arabic manuscripts.
Regards sur Beyrouth: 160 ans d’images (through 11 January 2016) – bringing together over 200 rarely seen works from private collections, the exhibition traces the city’s evolution from a provincial Ottoman town to the capital of a nation state.
Picturing Identity (through 11 January 2016) – a selection of 19th-century Cartes de Vistes and studio photographs, this exhibition traces the construction of local class typologies through the studio practice of the Bonfils family, the Saboungis and the Abdullah brothers. Collection Display – a selection of works from the Sursock Museum Collection.
THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
WILLY ARACTINGI b. 1930, New York City, United States – d. 2003, Barcelona, Spain [Gigantissime] Gigantism 1988 Oil on canvas 125 x 153 cm Gifted by the artist, 1988 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
FLAVIA CODSI b. 1961, Beirut, Lebanon Lives and works in Beirut, Lebanon [Les Trois Mounira] The Three Mounira 1996 Oil on canvas 200 x 137 cm Exhibited at the 20th Salon d’Automne, 1996 Sursock Museum Prize Purchased by the Museum, 1996 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
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THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
AREF EL RAYESS b. 1928, Aley, Lebanon – d. 2005, Beirut, Lebanon [Hommage au tapis volant] Flying Carpet Tribute 1965 Acrylic on canvas 152 x 102 cm Exhibited at the 5th Salon d’Automne, 1965 Sursock Museum Grand Prize Purchased by the Museum, 1965 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
SHAFIC ABBOUD b. 1926, Mhaite, Lebanon – d. 2004, Paris, France [Les amours et les jeux] Love and Games 1979 Oil on canvas 149 x 88.5 cm Gifted by Brigitte Schehadé, 1983 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
PAUL GUIRAGOSSIAN b. 1926, Jerusalem, Palestine – d. 1993, Beirut, Lebanon Untitled 1966 Oil on canvas 120 x 90 cm Exhibited at the 6th Salon d’Automne, 1966 Second prize for painting Purchased by the Museum, 1966 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
YVETTE ACHKAR b. 1928, São Paulo, Brazil Lives and works in Beirut, Lebanon Composition in black and pink 1987 Oil on canvas 124 x 147 cm Purchased by the Museum, 2003 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
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THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
HUSSEIN MADI b. 1939, Chebaa, Lebanon Lives and works in Beirut, Lebanon [Jeu d’amour] Game of Love 1965 Oil on canvas 78 x 78 cm Exhibited at the 5th Salon d’Automne, 1965 Sursock Museum Prize Purchased by the Museum, 1966 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
THE SURSOCK COLLECTION
ETEL ADNAN b. 1925, Beirut, Lebanon Lives and works in Paris, France Mount Tamalpais 1985 Oil on canvas 148 x 125 cm Gifted by the artist, 2007 Sursock Museum collection Courtesy of the Museum
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THE FOUNDATION
Barjeel Art Foundation Patron: Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi
B
arjeel Art Foundation is an independent, United Arab Emirates-based initiative established to manage, preser ve and exhibit the personal art collection of Sultan Sooud Al- Qassemi. Amongst those to have benefitted from loaned artworks courtesy of the Barjeel Art Foundation is Kuwait’s Contemporar y Art Platform.
The foundation’s guiding principle is to contribute to the intellectual development of the art scene in the Arab region by building a prominent, publicly accessible art collection in the UAE. Part of this objective involves developing a public platform to foster critical dialogue around contemporary art practices with a focus on artists with Arab heritage internationally. The foundation strives to create an open-ended enquiry that responds to and conveys the nuances inherent to Arab histories beyond borders of culture and geography. By hosting in-house exhibitions, lending artwork to international forums, producing print and online publications, and fashioning interactive public programmes, the foundation strives to serve as an informative resource for contemporary art by Arab artists both locally and on the global stage. In addition to building an informative database of artists, the foundation is seeking to develop an educational programme that both understands and involves the local community. By establishing partnerships with arts and cultural institutions internationally, the foundation looks to create opportunities to encourage public awareness of the importance of art to the community.
THE FOUNDATION
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A Day in the Life of
FAHAD ALRAHMANI Brought to you by BMW i8
Photographed By:
Khalid Al-Saleh
PHOTO SHOOT
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PHOTO SHOOT
Well known amongst his followers on social media, Fahad’s first action is to make a sandwich for both himself and his mother – and in a lighthearted yet symbolic gesture, Fahad believes your day will go according to whom you’ve started your morning with.
7.30 A.M.
PHOTO SHOOT
His work starts from even before heading to the office. Fahad always answers his business calls no matter the place or time.
Dressed by Dananeer Brought to you by BMW i8
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PHOTO SHOOT
After finishing his day’s work in investments, Fahad dedicates all his spare time to his passions, marketing, social media consultancy and script writing for TV shows and books.
Dressed by Dananeer Brought to you by BMW i8
PHOTO SHOOT
Much of Fahad’s life is shared through interaction with his thousands of followers – to whom he looks for inspiration. He hopes that his messages have a positive impact on his followers.
4:00 P.M. Brought to you by BMW i8
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PHOTO SHOOT
PHOTO SHOOT
An early adopter of new technology, not only is he active in pushing social media boundaries further, he has created and developed Social Kard, his own app that was presented in Silicon Valley.
Brought to you by BMW i8
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PHOTO SHOOT
Fahad cares, and he utilizes social media as a tool for positivity. Using his connections, both online and personal, he is an instigator of change. Brought up in an activist and compassionate home, Fahad is also known for his active role in a number of charitable organizations, the latest of which is the Layan campaign that supports Syrian refugees in northern Lebanon.
PHOTO SHOOT
Dressed by Dananeer Brought to you by BMW i8 I8
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PHOTO SHOOT
From casual to formal, from social to direct interaction, from cafĂŠs to diwaniyas, Fahad maximizes on every waking hour in his life to enjoy a 360 degree life.
8.00 P.M.
PHOTO SHOOT
Dressed by Dananeer Brought to you by BMW i8
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PHOTO SHOOT
“The bedroom is my real office. All my creative thoughts and 80% of what I’ve achieved was originally created during the late hours of the night”. Fahad AlRahmani
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THE LUXE REVIEW FUTURE LEADING PROJECTS
THE LUXE REVIEW Our exclusive guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more. In the Luxe Review we look at the best, and meet the people that are making it happen.
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THE LUXE CARS
Driving the Gran Turismo Sport An unmistakable character
P
o rsche has taken sporty performance and unrivalled driving pleasure to new heights with its GTS family. Boasting a more varied model line-up than ever before, a selection of GTS models were brought together for us in Stuttgart, Germany for a spirited drive through the Black Forest to showcase exactly why the GTS badge is the mark of a purebred sports car, a motif matched with iconic styling.
THE LUXE CARS
Photography: Graeme Fordham / RIGHTLIGHTMEDIA
What’s the essence of the GTS? What’s its ‘added value’? Several hundred kilometres of German autobahns, city streets and mountain roads revealed the truth. In 2015, the GTS range features nine versions, across five model series, for the first time ever. These models represent Porsche’s sportiest and most dynamic vehicles and are the ultimate exemplification of the brand’s unrivalled racetrack lineage matched with iconic styling. Sliding in behind the wheel of any Porsche guarantees a raised pulse through delivering a direct connection to decades of unparalleled motor racing success. With the added advantage of a GTS underneath you, you’ll finally become the driver you always wanted to be. Few are the cars that are so eager to be driven. All GTS models combine exceptional engine power with precise handling for a true sports car experience. The engines boast more power, more torque reserves and even shorter acceleration times. The adaptive Porsche Active Suspension Management System (PASM), which comes as standard in all GTS models, lowers the ride height by 10 to 24 mm dependent on the model, for even better traction, while larger brakes provide first-class deceleration values. Coupled with the Sport Chrono Package, further boosting acceleration and available across all GTS models, Porsche’s racing DNA has never been more obvious to see and feel. Sitting at the top of the GTS pile in Stuttgart were the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé and the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet. As a GTS version, the 911 epitomises the same versatility that fans of the iconic model have loved for decades: sporty performance and a passionate driving experience; efficiency and everyday practicality. 430 hp from the 3.8-litre flat-six engine sees the
Carrera GTS Coupé propelled from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 306 km/h. Meanwhile, the Cabriolet makes it to a paltry 303 km / h – however it easily wins on style points with the roof down. For a sense of the pure racer, we looked at the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS. With similar performance figures (0 – 100 in 4.7 and 4.6 seconds respectively), both models delivered a close connection to the road through 20-inch Carrera S wheels and their sporty look and feel. The Cayenne GTS drives in a way no SUV has the right to. 0 – 100 in 5.1 seconds, and pushing on to a top speed of 262, the Cayenne GTS is truly a law-of-physics-defying automobile. There was no sense of the vehicle’s bulk as it nimbly tracked its way up the Black Forest’s sinuous mountain roads. A 3.3-litre V6 biturbo and ride height lowered by 24 mm make this the most agile of the Cayenne models, and it also provides an able match for many other marques two-seater sportscars. All that was missing from Porsche’s line was a four-door sports car capable of cutting it on the racing circuit without sacrificing practicality. With the 2009 unveiling of their Panamera, Porsche completed the loop. Did we save the best for last? Well, for sure, no vehicle satisfies the requirements of a sporty Gran Turismo better than the Panamera. As a GTS, the Panamera takes on the form of a perfect luxury sports car. It combines the best transverse dynamics in its class with the extensive comfort and convenience features of a premium saloon. The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine impresses with its acoustic presence and ample torque. Visually as well, the Panamera fulfills the claim of the GTS letters with its sporty elegance.
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THE LUXE CARS
The GTS Principle
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Boosted Performance, Sonorous Sound and a Striking Design
t Porsche, the keyword “Gran Turismo Sport” signifies purebred sports cars: sporty, passionate and exclusive driving machines – built in equal measure for the circuit racetrack or for a sporty tour on a mountain pass road full of bends. The GTS models impress with excellent performance, a very sonorous engine sound and the functional aesthetics of their equipment features. They combine exceptional acceleration and sprint qualities with high transverse dynamics. Back in 1963, Porsche already understood how to make this claim a reality in its 904 GTS – a street-legal racing sports car. It brought car racing technology to the road so that it could be experienced in everyday driving. The family of GTS models is currently more varied than ever before in the history of Porsche: a total of nine model versions – ranging from the sports car to the four-door Gran Turismo and the universal SUV – in five Porsche model series.
Boxster GTS
Compared to the S models of each model series, the GTS versions have more power. Engine tuning and other engine modifications, depending on the specific model provide for an even more spontaneous release of power. The GTS engines offer even more torque reserves, which guarantee even better elasticity. The Sport Chrono Package enables even shorter acceleration times depending on the model and type of transmission. The driver can also use the Sport Plus button to influence the accelerator pedal characteristic and the gear shifting strategy of the transmission. The transmission downshifts sooner and runs out the gears longer, and throttle blips are automatically executed during downshifts. Boxster GTS GTS specifications are an ideal match for this lightweight midengine sports car. In its model series, they make the two-door roadster an even more precise and sharper sports car. The sporty tuning of its adaptive PASM suspension harmonises excellently with the perfectly balanced chassis. The powerfulsounding boxer engine not only delivers impressive driving performance figures; it also appeals with its unique sound stage. Cayman GTS
Cayman GTS
This mid-engine sport coupé has ten hp more than the Boxster GTS. Its other typical GTS features are identical with those of the Boxster GTS.
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911 Carrera GTS
911 Carrera GTS The GTS models of the 911 model series – as Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions – fill the gap between the S models and the 911 GT3 race sports car in terms of power and driving dynamics. The customer can choose from three body versions. With the exception of the Targa 4 GTS, they are all available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Customers can also choose between a seven-speed manual transmission and the PDK dual clutch transmission. As a GTS version, the 911 epitomises the same versatility that its fans have loved for decades: sporty driving performance and a passionate driving experience; efficiency and every - day practicality. Panamera GTS Gran Turismo Sport – no vehicle satisfies the requirements of a sporty Gran Turismo better than the Panamera. As a GTS, the Panamera takes on the form of a perfect luxury sports car. It combines the best transverse dynamics in its class with the extensive comfort and convenience features of a premium saloon. The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine impresses with its acoustic presence and ample torque. Visually as well, the Panamera fulfills the claim of the GTS letters with its sporty elegance.
Panamera GTS
Cayenne GTS The new downsizing engine in the Cayenne delivers greater power and better driving performance than the one in the previous model. At the same time, its fuel economy has been improved significantly. The Cayenne GTS rounds bends at a high rate of speed like no other SUV. The sporty interior outfit is also a perfect match for the driving dynamics master among SUVs. The Cayenne GTS delivers everyday practicality and unalloyed ride comfort as well as maximum transverse dynamics – thanks to the sporty tuning of its PASM chassis – all with the same virtuosity.
Cayenne GTS
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THE LUXE CARS
The Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner An Awe-Inspiring Experience
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olls-Royce Motor Cars is globally recognised as the most elite motor car brand, with a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. Combining state-of-the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, the ultra-luxury marque is renowned for providing luxury connoisseurs with the pinnacle of automotive excellence through its unique selection of vehicles.
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One feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning customers more than any, is the Starlight Headliner, a unique, alluring addition to the roof of a Rolls-Royce motor car. First introduced in 2007 on the Phantom Coupe, the inimitable feature was designed to resemble stars in a clear night sky, giving passengers an awe-inspiring experience whilst travelling in their ultra-luxury vehicle. To create the illusion of stars, specialists at the leather-shop in the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, hand-perforate the leather on the roof of the ceiling, before delicately threading fibreoptic stars through their dedicated holes. With the ability to accommodate 1600 ‘stars’, Rolls-Royce customers have the luxury of personalising the starlight headliner to feature whatever their heart desires – whether this is the initials of a loved one, a family insignia, a preferred star constellation or simply the Rolls-Royce emblem - the possibilities are endless. The network of fibres that lay beneath the surface are carefully gathered and positioned in a discreet way, ensuring the final product is as seamless as it is beautiful. As well as being a tasteful addition to the world’s most luxurious motor car, the brightness of the stars can be altered to reflect the mood of the elite passenger. Whether they require sufficient light for reading, relaxing or creating a romantic environment, the Starlight Headliner can be used to cater to their needs. This feature is best represented by its use in the one-of-a-kind Bespoke Phantom ‘Celestial’ car created in 2013. This masterpiece celebrates a seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s recent history under the stewardship of the BMW Group: the handover of the first Phantom to its owner at midnight on 1st of January 2003. Upon entering the car, passengers are welcomed by the constellation of stars exactly as they were placed at midnight on that historic evening represented by over a thousand fibre optic lights handwoven into the Celestial Phantom’s headlining. The Bespoke Suhail collection, a unique collection conceptualised by Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole authorised dealership of RollsRoyce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, is another example of how each vehicle tells its own tale. Inspired by Ibn al Haitham, an Iconic Arab astronomer, the collection features a Starlight Headliner which depicts the Suhail Star constellation, which was discovered by Ibn al Haitham. The Home of Rolls-Royce has had many Bespoke requests from customers to personalise the Starlight Headliner to their desires, including the constellations of their star signs or the constellations on a specific night that holds emotional value to them, such as the birth date of a loved one or wedding. An enchanting feature, the Starlight Headliner is another example of the lengths the ultra-luxury marque’s Bespoke Programme can go to, to cater to its discerning clientele’s requests, and displays the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating the world’s best motor car. More details on Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ renowned Bespoke services is available through Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the sole authorized dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the official importer of BMW and MINI in Kuwait.
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The Pinnacle Of Style And Performance The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé
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he new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé combines the sportiness of a coupé with the strengths of an SUV. Exceptional agility, distinctive engine sound and typical sports car acceleration are united with poise, assurance, tremendous pulling power and perfect traction. Its avant-garde exterior design and exclusive interior adds to its stand-out appeal - a unique creation for those looking for an all-round vehicle with high-performance technology and an emotional design.
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The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé comes with a powerful, hand-built AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine and a wealth of AMG-tuned enhancements that add unrivalled performance to its sleek coupé styling and commanding SUV strength. The one-of-a-kind engine is hand-built according to the traditional AMG philosophy of “one man, one engine”. A characteristic feature of the “one man, one engine” production process is the AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the responsible engine fitter. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative production quality, the AMG engine plate also attests to the peerless DNA of MercedesBenz’s high-performance brand. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension works with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and the AMG-specific Sports DirectSteer system to make handling tremendously responsive and cornering razor-sharp. And thanks to the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and 5 DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the agile and adaptive GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé is ready to match your driving mood, whatever it may be. “The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe offers increased driving performance, exceptional dynamics and an undeniable presence whether cruising down a busy highway or dominating rugged terrain. The commanding SUV promises its drivers comfort, style and a performance beyond expectations,” said Michael Ruehle, CEO, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Company. GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé customers have a choice between powerful and extra-powerful: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine develops a maximum power of 410 kW (557 hp) and a torque of 700 Nm. The S-Model raises the respective values to 430 kW (585 hp) and 760 Nm. Whichever variant the customer opts for, the 8-cylinder powerplant, delivers immensely powerful performance. The 5 DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes of Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, which the driver selects, using a rotary control on the centre console, assign fundamentally different characteristics in terms of driving dynamics. Design: commanding, extrovert and powerful Visually, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé skilfully embodies the firmly established principles of Mercedes-Benz design: sensuousness and clarity. The top-of-the-range V8 model from Affalterbach manages in an emotively appealing way to bring the fascination of motorsport to everyday life with a powerful dominance. A first glance reveals the new four-door coupé to be an extrovert, standing powerfully on its large wheels. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé adopts the AMG design philosophy, familiar from many other high-performance
vehicles, with the characteristic “A-wing” in the front apron. The model’s sculptural front design includes a twin-blade louvre in silver chrome with integral AMG lettering, and large central Mercedes star. The A-wing is painted in the colour of the vehicle, while the trim strip is in silver chrome. The new front view is especially characterised by the two lateral, large air inlets, while the above-positioned, black flics ensure an optimal flow of air onto the cooling modules. At the sides, the GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé design is inimitable, from the long wheelbase and the “V8 BITURBO” lettering, to the dynamic look of the roofline, low windows and beltline. The rear end of the vehicle has a decidedly sporty look, the spoiler lip on the boot and the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims are just two of the many breath-taking elements. Added exclusivity and visual presence can be achieved with the Night package, which features black radiator grille louvres, exterior mirror housings, roof rails and window surrounds. High-grade interior: exclusive design elements and features Like the exterior design, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé also boasts many exclusive design elements and features. High-grade materials, first-class precision and a luxurious quality feel are the hallmarks of the interior. Thanks to its distinctive upholstery with greater contouring and higher side bolsters at the front, the sports seats offer excellent lateral support. Perforated nappa leather, special seat upholstery layout with topstitching and AMG badges make for an exclusive look and feel. This is further complemented by the 3-spoke Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather. Attractive equipment packages The GLE 63 4MATIC Coupé has many extraordinary features. The Driving Assistance package Plus includes DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. The Parking package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC guarantees an excellent overview and problem-free manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. Night-time visibility is improved by the LED Intelligent Light System which is a standard feature on all models; adverse weather conditions resulting in impaired visibility are defused by MAGIC VISION CONTROL – the heated, adaptive windscreen wiper system. For the first time projection of the Mercedes star onto the floor has been integrated into the ambient lighting and is activated on opening and closing the vehicle.
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THE LUXE CARS
Bentley Bentayga A sector-defining new model
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he Bentley Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless performance and everyday usability.
With an all-new W12 powertrain, the Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. It offers a true Bentley driving experience and showcases innovative technology features. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, the Bentayga’s styling is pure Bentley. Sculptural with an elegant, timeless execution, it perfectly balances athleticism with confidence. From the four round LED headlamps and large matrix grille, to the distinctive power line and muscular haunches, the Bentley DNA is apparent throughout. The Bentley Bentayga boasts the world’s finest automotive cabin, with unrivalled levels of precision. The detailing in metal, wood and leather – including meticulous tolerances between elements of trim – is the epitome of modern British luxury. This level of perfection is only achievable thanks to the exceptional craft and skill of Bentley’s colleagues in Crewe. An all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is at the heart of the new Bentayga. The mighty 12-cylinder unit combines efficiency and refinement with ultra-luxurious levels of power and torque. With 608 PS (600 bhp / 447kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb. ft) delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) and a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h), the Bentayga is the world’s most powerful and fastest SUV. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.” The Bentayga made its full public debut at the IAA Frankfurt Show from 15 to 27 September. Customer deliveries commence in early 2016.
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McLaren – Victory At Spa Parente extends championship lead
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n incident filled race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium saw McLaren GT factory driver Alvaro Parente and teammate Miguel Ramos extend the lead of the International GT Open championship with a double podium finish for customer team Teo Martin Motorsport. Changeable conditions midway through the first race caught out the team’s sister car, driven by fellow McLaren GT factory driver Rob Bell and McLaren GT Young Driver Andrew Watson, but the pairing showed strong pace throughout the weekend, securing pole position and a solid top five finish in the second race. Qualifying for the first race of the weekend saw Rob Bell qualify the #59 650S GT3 on the front row of the grid, closely followed by championship regulars Parente and Ramos in P3. From the start, Bell took control of the race, maintaining the lead until he pitted to hand over to Young Driver Andrew Watson. On rejoining the circuit with slick tyres, the young Ulsterman was caught out by a sudden downpour through the notorious Eau Rouge. Despite his best efforts, Watson was unable to prevent the car sliding off the track into the barriers, bringing his charge to an early end. A well-managed stint by Parente’s teammate Ramos, saw the Portuguese factory driver take over for the second stint and he wasted no time in chasing down the leaders. With time running down, Parente showed his class in the tricky conditions, closing the gap on each lap, and was quickly up into a podium position. At the end of the 27 lap race, Parente brought the #2 650S GT3 home in P2, just 1.421s behind the race winner. This result crucially maintained the championship lead for Parente and Ramos by a single point. The grid for race 2 of the weekend was set during a damp session on Saturday, ahead of the first race, and it was a closely-fought battle over the front row positions by Watson and Parente. The two McLaren drivers traded fastest times during the session as a dry line started to appear around the 7.004km circuit. In the dying seconds, Watson returned to the track taking a gamble on slick tyres, and moved himself back up to top the timesheets on his championship debut. The race itself saw Bell and Ramos take the start for Teo Martin Motorsport, with the pair holding position. As the pit-window opened, the McLaren duo pitted for routine driver changes with both cars running strongly. Parente returned to the track and moved into the lead with Watson close behind in P2. As the chequered flag fell, Parente took the race win and was followed over the line by Watson in the #59 650S GT3. However, a postrace investigation penalised the young driver with 40 seconds added to the youngster’s race time, dropping to P5.
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THE LUXE BIKES
Victory Motorcycles 2016 line-up
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he 2016 line-up has been fine-tuned with design updates and new colours across its cruiser, bagger and touring models. Victory Motorcycles is now putting its focus on performance while its class-leading motorcycles already carry a reputation for reliability and handling. The manufacturer engineers ‘Modern American Performance’ into every bike that rolls out of the factory at Spirit Lake in Iowa.
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Dario Baraggia, Motorcycle Brand Manager EMEA says: “Victory Motorcycles builds bikes that crave the open road, can blast through city streets or rip off from the green light. But it also builds bikes to win NHRA races, to break land speed records, race at the Isle of Man TT and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. We have also built a bike for ‘Grizzly’ and his endurance team to circumnavigate the world in less than 100 days in 2016. And Victory’s stunt team, well, there’s no predicting what they’ll do next. And, last but not least, Victory has started the production of the first electric bike in its seventeen-year history, the Victory Empulse TT. Victory Motorcycles is now without question, all about ‘Modern American Performance.”
HAMMER S and HAMMER 8-BALL The Hammer S is on sale only in Black with Red Rally Stripes this year. Its sister bike, the Hammer 8-Ball (8-Ball versions are always completely black), gains the same wheels of the “S” but keeps its footpegs in a forward position, so this is the cruiser to choose for those who want the classic American cruiser riding position. The Hammer S has dual front discs for a more aggressive riding style while the Hammer 8-Ball has a single disc.
For 2016, Victory Motorcycle’s line-up of bikes is split into four categories. These are Cruisers, Baggers, Touring and Electric. However, the firm says that the launch in EMEA of the new electric Victory Empulse TT will be subject to demand for the bike.
BAGGERS
Here’s a look at what’s on offer. CRUISERS The 2016 Cruiser line-up is the brand’s most aggressive iteration of American muscle yet. The line-up consists of the Vegas 8-Ball (all-black) and Vegas, the Hammer 8-Ball and Hammer S performance cruisers and the Judge sport-cruiser. Let’s not forget the Gunner, which has been a huge sales success and finally, the High-Ball, which is in high demand for its bobber-style. Three of the cruisers – the Judge, Hammer S and Gunner – have the footpegs placed mid-frame instead of forward, giving riders in EMEA a sportier riding position to what riders in the USA have. The Gunner, High-Ball and Judge all have ABS as standard. VEGAS The Vegas 8-Ball (all-black) and the Vegas have had the biggest changes this year. Each has an improved round headlight and colour-matched frames. Victory has also upgraded the wheels for each model, fitting cast aluminium axe design ‘Falchion’ wheels. These are lighter and stronger. The painted frame adds a custom touch, but not a gram of weight. A new, sleeker headlight further slims the profile. The Vegas 8-Ball comes in Gloss Black and the Vegas is only on sale in Sunset Red. GUNNER The Gunner comes in two colours; grey or green, with the official paint names of Suede Titanium Metallic and Suede Sagebrush Green Metallic. JUDGE This is one of Victory Motorcycles’ sportiest models and one of the best-selling Victory bikes in EMEA region in 2015. The Judge is recognisable out of the other cruisers from the race number ‘106’ on the side with the 106 referring to the engine capacity in cubic inches. This year it’s on sale in a new colour – Sunset Red with Black Rally Stripes.
HIGH-BALL Finally, there’s the High-Ball, a model that is becoming ever more popular as riders start to appreciate its bad bobber style, white rimmed tyres and its ape hangers.
The 2016 Bagger line-up consists of the Cross Country and the Magnum. MAGNUM The Magnum is the boldest bagger ever put into production. For 2016 it has had the biggest makeover in the range with new paint-schemes that have stripes running from the fairing to the tail. The Magnum will come in three colour options with two of these completely new for 2016. The two new schemes are Black Crystal over Havasu Red and Suede Pearl White with Black. The third colour is Black Crystal over Super Steel Grey. CROSS COUNTRY The Cross Country was built for escaping the average every day. Known for its balance of handling (thanks to its revolutionary cast aluminium frame), performance and carrying capacity, the versatile Cross-Country is as comfortable riding from green light to green light as it is chasing down the endless horizon. Featuring standard ABS, cruise control and a vast array of accessories, the Cross-Country unapologetically puts all other bagger in its rear-view mirrors. In our region, the Cross Country will only be on sale in Havasu Red Pearl. TOURING The Victory touring line-up is ready for the longest rides through the most diverse conditions. With ABS, cruise control, heated seats and grips, adjustable foot controls, the longest floorboards, fantastic carrying capacity and ultimate rider comfort, both 2016 models eliminate any excuse for not hitting the highway. CROSS COUNTRY TOUR The Cross County Tour carries a whopping 156 litres of gear atop a versatile cast-aluminium chassis. Ride two-up with fully loaded bags and the chassis is stable and confident. Strip it down for a solo ride by removing the quickdetach rear trunk. The Cross Country Tour will be on sale in two colours; Gloss Black or Gloss Pearl White over Super Steel Grey. VISION The Vision’s modern design broke the mould for American touring models immediately on its release. The bold and flowing design wraps the rider in unparalleled comfort. The aerodynamic bodywork and frame-mounted fairing featuring a power windshield gives the rider a smooth pocket no matter what speed they ride. And the cast aluminium chassis carves through corners and smoothens out highways no matter how long the trip. This year the Vision is available in Gloss Black.
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THE LUXE WATCHES
Dual Time Manufacture – Monaco
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lysse Nardin, Seven-time Principal Sponsor of the Monaco Yacht Show, Honors Event’s 25th Anniversary with Special Edition of the Iconic Dual Time.
With a nautical history as deep as the oceans, Ulysse Nardin has been steering timepiece technology for nearly 170 years. Harnessing the rhythm of the sun, moon and tides, Ulysse Nardin watches have been guiding sailors across the seas with exact precision for decades. It’s no wonder the manufacture selected the Monaco Yacht Show as the premiere setting to showcase its savoir faire in watchmaking. Located in the pristine and picturesque Principality of Monaco, the Monaco Yacht Show is the world’s largest megayacht exhibition. Here, there are no limits to luxury. Hosted at Port Hercules from September 23-26 under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Monaco Yacht Show celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Ulysse Nardin will be there as the seven-time principal sponsor, and to commemorate the occasion, the high horology master will present an original rendition of its iconic Dual Time. A limited edition of 100, the Dual Time Manufacture Monaco reveals a fresh face, as well as a new addition to this apprized Ulysse Nardin piece. Crafted in stainless steel and sporting a deep blue aesthetic as rich as the ocean’s depths, the timekeeper reveals a second time zone feature where time zone setting is simplified. Positioned over the crown, the function to set both the date and time is designed in such a way that it does not call for pushing or pulling the crown. Each manipulation is easily made by turning the crown forwards or backwards. Now, sailing through time zones is a breeze. Equal part modern, equal part classic, the commemorative timepiece is ideal for stylish sporting adventures and leisurely yachting days. Each exquisite wristwatch is numbered and engraved with the custom Ulysse Nardin Monaco symbol, presenting its wearers with both a memory of this fine event and a timepiece that is the ultimate travel companion.
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Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Historical horology
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he Tissot Chemin des Tourelles is a very special piece that encapsulates an important part of Tissot’s history. It takes its name from the street in Le Locle, Switzerland, where the Tissot manufacture was established in 1907, and where the company can still be found today. The watch compliments the company’s vast 161 years of expertise with a contemporary design with an elegant case that comes in a variety of different finishes, including polished and brushed, perfectly demonstrating the technical know-how Tissot puts into every piece. The result is wonderfully luxurious, but still easily accessible thanks to the good value Tissot is still proud to offer.
A model for ever yone The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles comes in a variety of different versions, but all models pay close attention to detail and offer enough to keep ever yone happy. Some pieces - both three hand and chronograph - have beautiful details such as clous de Paris under the Roman indices which are in a hypnotic circular pattern you will not be able to take your eyes off. Customers will enjoy choosing the right watch for them. Some will enjoy sunray dials that play with the light in interesting ways, while other s will prefer to go for more sober models that have a date display, which gives sophisticated symmetr y to the design. There is enough variet y to ensure this is set to be a ver y popular piece. Features • Swiss made • Automatic movement • 316L stainless steel case with see -through caseback and domed scratch-resistant sapphire cr ystal with antireflective coating • Water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft) •Leather strap with but ter fly clasp with push-but tons or 316L solid stainless steel bracelet with but ter fly clasp with push-but tons •Bicolour and Rose gold executions are PVD coating
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THE LUXE WATCHES
Seven Cars, Seven Jets, Seven Chronographs Bentley and Breitling
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n case owning a very rare, high-performance car is not enough, Bentley and Breitling have ensured owning an equally rare watch will keep even the most discerning of customers happy. As part of the limited edition Bentley Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series, each of the seven cars comes with a corresponding Chronomat 44 Breitling Jet Team limited edition timepiece. Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, designed the seven vehicles to echo the Breitling Jet Team aircraft, using a special livery and interior materials.
The exterior is painted in a striking duo-tone split of Hallmark and Onyx with highlights of Breitling Yellow matching the jets. This bespoke colour theme is continued on the interior, with unique sculpted seats featuring accents in Breitling Yellow. Taking customisation to new heights, each car is individually numbered and corresponds to one of the seven Breitling Jets. The dashboard’s carbon fibre fascia panel displays an image of the seven planes in their signature Avenger flight formation, with the corresponding jet highlighted in Breitling Yellow. Moreover, the exclusive timepiece features the Breitling Jet Team logo on the dial, a sleek black steel case, onyx black dial, and distinct yellow accents mirroring the colours of the Jet Team’s fleet. The caseback of the model features the Breitling Jet Team American Tour logo and just like the seven vehicles and seven jets, the timepiece also includes the limited edition numbering. The Breitling Jet Team is the world’s largest professional civilian flight team performing in jets, comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros Jets that can reach speeds of up to 565 mph and fly within just a few feet of each other. Like their automotive counterpart, the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the team is widely recognized for their breathtaking displays, incredible speed, and flawless performance.
THE LUXE WATCHES
THE LUXE WATCHES
Heavenly hours with Glashütte Original The complexity and beauty of the moon phase display
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hen the clouds let us see it, it rules the night sky: the moon. For thousands of years the earth’s satellite has cast its spell on human beings and influenced their lives. Its elementary forces affect the ocean’s tides, the growth of plants and even how we sleep. There’s no denying it: human life is closely bound up with the rhythm of its irresistible allure. The myth of the moon In classical antiquity the moon was already believed to influence secular and religious life: whether as the goddess Luna of Roman mythology or the Egyptian god Thot, the quiet wanderer was repeatedly linked to a supernatural power. It magic lives on into the present day. In China, for example, one still celebrates the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the old Chinese calendar. In Chinese culture the full moon is considered a symbol of harmony and community, and the festival is accordingly celebrated in the traditional manner with family and friends, admiring together the splendid full moon. One of the most charming complications in the ar t of watchmaking The meaning of the moon influences our daily life not just in emotional and cultural ways, but also in practical terms: the sun and moon form the basis of our calendar and temporal divisions. It is no surprise, therefore, that the moon phase cycle has attracted the attention of watchmakers as well. As early as the 16th century the image of the moon appears on some of the most ambitious clocks of the time – and undoubtedly some of the most beautiful: the moon in its orbit, lit by the sun, gives rise to the fascinating spectacle of a waxing, waning crescent in the heavens. To complete one revolution always requires approximately 29.53 days, while as we know a month has from 28 to 31 days. With a moon phase display the moon’s progress is usually indicated by means of a rotating disc beneath a dial window. To set the display one need only ascertain the current moon phase, by consulting, for example, an up-to-date lunar calendar. The watchmakers at Glashütte Original, too, have been inspired by the phenomenon and have created two models in commemorating the important role of the moon: the PanoMaticLunar for men and the PanoMatic Luna for women. Whether the moon is seen as male or female, its fascination is undoubtedly universal.
THE LUXE WATCHES
Rado HyperChrome Si3N4 The Ceramic watch of the future
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ado takes pride in pioneering materials in the watch industry and the new Rado HyperChrome strengthens this leading position. With its case and bracelet made of ultra-light silicon nitride ceramic and a new movement with aluminium bridges, the HyperChrome is now lighter than ever. Silicon nitride, whose chemical formula gives this ultra-light urban timepiece its name, is naturally dark grey in colour. The addition of a matt finish gives the watch a superhero feel. Although it follows the HyperChrome’s streamlined design with stainless steel side inserts, this model breaks out into a field of its own, with a black dial sporting a supercar vent-like design. The red-tipped second hand stands out against the dark matt background of this watch as it flies round the dial like a car on the track. The new HyperChrome Si3N4 is the ideal watch for the man who likes a bit of mystery. Its stand-out style will make heads turn, while the material responsible for its unparalleled lightness remains enigmatic. Its unparalleled comfort and lightness make it ideal for everyday wear, while the silicon nitride ceramic ensures it will stand the test of time.
traditionally use brass. Developments have also increased the power reserve offered by the movement by 22 hours. Offering a minimum of 64 hours power reserve, your watch will still be ready to go on Monday morning after a whole weekend of rest. Anodised aluminium offers an innovative design and as well as increased corrosion resistance and wear resistance compared to untreated aluminium. The high-tech movement, materials and know-how combine in the ultra-light watch of the future.
Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) This ultra-light high-tech ceramic was first introduced by Rado in 2012 for the watch case of a limited edition True Thinline. Since then Rado has dreamed of making a full watch out of this distinctive ceramic, and in 2015 the dream has become a reality. Known for its exceptional properties, Silicon Nitride is an extremely light-weight, hard, man-made, high-performance material used elsewhere in the production of mechanical and thermal applications such as automotive engine parts. While its hardness of 1,450 Vickers renders it super scratchresistant, its density of 3.4g/cm³, less than half that of standard high-tech ceramic, makes the material ultra-light and adds an extra dimension of comfort to this new HyperChrome. The lightness of the beating heart Created with the motto “Design, Lightness and Performance” in mind, the new ETA calibre A31 ALU is the perfect movement for this new ultra-light Rado watch. By using an ébauche (movement blank) made of aluminium, the weight of the movement is significantly reduced compared to ones that
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THE LUXE WATCHES
Roger Dubuis at Watches&Wonders 2015
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anufacture Roger Dubuis had its third consecutive participation in Asia’s most prestigious Haute Horlogerie Exhibition, which ran from September 30th to October 3rd in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Watches&Wonders provided yet another exciting opportunity for the Maison to display its latest creations centred around the Astral Skeleton theme, as well as its inimitable theatrical brand-setting talent embodied in its cutting-edge World of Roger Dubuis.
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Commenting on this year’s edition of Watches&Wonders, CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué expressed a sense of eager anticipation: “Building on its double status as the pioneer of contemporary skeleton calibre and a specialist in architectural and technical mechanics, Manufacture Roger Dubuis is excited to be presenting its raft of new 2015 launches in Asia. It will also be premiering the Excalibur Star of Infinity – a model every bit as generous and dazzling as its name implies.” Outstanding jewellery expertise transcends the beauty of mechanical complexity. Like several of this year’s releases, this latest jewellery timepiece to be exclusively unveiled at Watches&Wonders 2015 from Roger Dubuis reflects the Astral Skeleton principle. The concept is based on the unique star-shaped design of Roger Dubuis contemporary skeleton movements, borrowed from nature and its heavenly constellations. In the Excalibur Star of Infinity, formal aesthetics meets functionality, since the tips of the RD01SQ skeleton double flying tourbillon ‘star’ point to several hour-markers and thus enhance clarity. Even more significantly, they appear to stretch out towards the vast expanses of space… the infinity evoked in its name. This luminous interpretation glows with the fire of 312 baguette-cut diamonds totalling approximately 14.93 carats and adorning the full-pavé white gold case, the flange – as well as the star itself, which sparkles with 34 of these gems (0.96 cts). The pristine radiance of the precious stones admirably complements the rhodium-plated charcoal grey of the calibre with its finely circular- grained plate and illuminates the twin Celtic cross-shaped tourbillon carriages. This shining example of the two-fold jeweller y and watchmaking exper tise cultivated by Manufacture Roger Dubuis bears the Poinçon de Genève cer tification and is fitted with a hand-stitched black alligator strap creating a striking contrast, secured by an adjustable folding buckle also glittering with 32 baguette- cut diamonds (approx. 1.33 cts). Once upon a star in the constellation of Horologia In 2015, the World of Roger Dubuis is a dreamlike fantasy world powerfully evoking the Manufacture’s theme of the year: skeleton-work and its multiple interpretations in nature, art and watchmaking. Stepping into this area will instil a sense of entering an enchanted, legendary Arthurian forest subtly evoking the world of the Excalibur line, as well as discovering an extraordinary tentacular creature that looks as it has been released from its cage. Rubber meets metal, while curves and powerful lines meet the rounded fascination of an eye opening and shutting like a window onto the very soul of horology. Even the integrated display windows recall the circular shape of timepiece dials. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the sensorial 3D Astral Skeleton Experience thanks to Oculus glasses.
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THE LUXE STYLE
Luxury Resorts Hugo Boss Fall 2015
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rom Aspen, Colorado to St. Moritz, Switzerland: the new BOSS look is inspired by sophisticated winter destinations. Tailored luxury with a sense of the outdoors – these looks reflect the architectural cool of our favorite winter resorts. Finding a balance between clean, tailored lines and functional fine materials, the new styles embody serenity and simplicity.
From quilted winter sports coats – the elegant alternative to down jackets – to lightweight outerwear. The collection also features a cotton-alpaca blend slim fit suit with a large check pattern, worn with a sand-colored turtleneck sweater, double-strap monk shoes and an oversized tote bag – think iconic conductor Karajan visiting the Cresta Run in St. Moritz. The elegant tailoring has a casual ease that makes the looks both downtown- and mountain-ready. Superior quality fabrics incorporate travel-friendly breathable technology and waterrepellent finishes. Pants are crafted in a pure wool knit, coats in superfine Merino wool, tops in mohair and cashmere. The structures? Mouliné knit fabrics meet classic herringbone patterns, mesh finishes and brushed surfaces. A coated finish on outdoor jackets gives this season’s collection an ultra-modern twist. New shapes, contemporary fits: the coats and suits are perfectly proportioned. Even the chunky knit pieces are cut close to the body. Elegance remains the byword for every look in the collection. BOSS showcases refined tonal shades and introduces some unexpected winter colors: the spectrum ranges from cool granite and glacier blue to the brick red of a slightly boxy virgin wool trench coat. The combination of high-altitude cool and cozy warmth reflects modern alpine architecture. The key words this season: tailored precision.
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THE LUXE STYLE
Brooks Brothers Fall Winter 2015
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his season’s men’s collection expands upon their much-heralded tradition of iconic American style and classic luxury. A timeless elegance is found throughout the collection with a nod to country pursuits and equestrian elements as well as field and stream. This Gentleman feels equally at home strolling through Central Park.
A combination of mixed textures and patterns are layered and worn with suits, knits and outerwear. The luxurious and durable Harris Tweed, which Brooks Brothers was the first to import to the United States 115 years ago, is offered in everything from rustic outerwear to refined tailored clothing. A range of accessories including hats, briefcases, shoes and boots get the Harris Tweed treatment as does a button-front cardigan for a look that is equally casual and sophisticated. Colors include loden green, camels, mustard, and navy are contrasted with subtle grey and taupe accents Sweaters include a SaxXon button front cardigan jacket in a novelty moss stitch as well as a hand knit navy cable turtleneck and cream fisherman sweater. Trousers are offered in either a fine wale or 14-wale corduroy, and a Scottish tartan executed in cotton. Sportshirts are shown in heathered twills, chambrays and rich saturated color in oxford solids and prints. Brooks Brothers is located in Dubai Festival City, Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre and a shop in shop in Galeries Lafayette Dubai Mall, The Avenues Mall in Kuwait, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Mall.
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THE LUXE STYLE
The Blue Lanvin
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blue “to stiffen your neck”: this is how Jeanne Lanvin described the emotion she felt when she discovered the blue to feature in her collections.
It is only natural, then, that this shade has since been included in the fashion house’s male wardrobe. It is present everywhere: on a tie, a pocket, embroidery, a gros grain collar or as a total look in a Lucas Ossendrijver show. For Winter 2015, it adorns a pyramid backpack with a simple strap and bar with a signature zipper. It is placed on baggy roll neck sweaters, emphasizes the waist with a fine blue belt, or electrifies low-waist baggy trousers. The Cross-Training Sneakers, which have had a starring role in the Lanvin look for several seasons, boldly opt for a petrol blue tie-dye print, which is found on a wide range of little accessories: wallets and cardholders.
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THE LUXE STYLE
Bally
Men’s Autumn Winter 2015
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nfluenced by the notion of an urban explorer and his effortless combination of old and new, Bally’s Autumn/Winter 2015 collection includes bold statement pieces in exotic skins, teamed with classic staples, inspired by the retro aesthetic of film director Wes Anderson’s timeless classic, The Royal Tenenbaums.
Shoes this season consist of new additions such as the traditional Arabic sandal collection, created exclusively for the Middle East market for AW15, as well as fresh updates with the Haido sneakers, whilst the Scribe Novo collection and the Swiss moccasin offer more formal shoe options. The Crescent Toile range of bags introduced in Spring Summer continues into Autumn Winter and includes the new Crescent Toile luggage set. A multitude of bags complete the collection and include totes, holdalls, portfolios and messenger bags to name a few, available in various leathers and exotic materials. The bags are crafted with the most luxurious black calf leather, made with space for all essentials during the working week. The Dottic finish is inspired by the Bally archive and renders the leather scratch-resistant.
THE LUXE STYLE
THE LUXE STYLE
Brioni
The Fragrance
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rioni, the most prestigious Italian menswear luxury couture house, presents its new fragrance inspired by the brand’s uncompromising craftsmanship and artistic vision.
Simply called Brioni, it traces both the Maison’s tradition and its innovative spirit, celebrating the uniqueness of the fabrics that bring to life our one-of-a-kind suits. Just as when wearing a Brioni suit, the fragrance becomes a man’s second skin. “When a man wears a custom Brioni suit, he exudes a sexiness because he feels confident and protected,” says Brendan Mullane, Creative Director. “We wanted to bottle that feeling with a sensual and elegant scent.” Realized by the renowned fragrance house Firmenich in collaboration with fragrance designer Raymond Matts, it is composed by three accords: Citrus Accord – The notes include Sicilian lemon cold pressed Boutonnière Accord – A man’s boutonnière inspired the floral notes of magnolia, Italian iris, and violet Woody Accord – The richness of the fragrance is attributed to intense smoked woods blended with saffron, cistus leaves, oud, and black licorice. Art wrapped within art. An object of desire. Talented designers Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard of London’s Fredrikson Stallard Studio designed the luxurious bottle - a glass sculpture enriched with a hand-aged top that contains the fragrance with high style. The 75 ml eau de toilette is carried in the Brioni boutiques, in select perfumeries and for six months will be available in exclusive at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus in the U.S and at Selfridges in the U.K. In Kuwait it is sold at the Brioni boutique in the Arraya Centre (Ground Floor), telephone 22997663
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THE LUXE YACHTS
Azimut 77S
A gutsy, state of the art craft with ultimate charm
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legance and guts are the distinctive features of the Azimut S Collection, the ultimate worldwide benchmark for sports yachts. The new Azimut 77S provides a perfect example of this philosophy, thanks to its aggressive styling ideally balanced by its classy design. Thanks to its sophisticated technological solutions, even its fuel consumption provides a pleasant surprise.
THE LUXE YACHTS
The new Azimut 77S once again displays the vertical bow and the steel shield, the 55S, a true commercial success story with over 40 crafts sold since its launch. What sets the Azimut 77S apart from all others are two very exclusive features: the pivoting stern platform and the double open air area, one fore and one aft. The first, with its 8 sqm is perfect to launch every kind of water toy (a 3.85 m long jet tender, a jet ski, or alternatively 2 Seabob Cayago F7s), but it’s also a marvelous private beach where you can relax just a few inches away from the water while enjoying absolute privacy. There are also two very spacious open air living areas on board the Azimut 77S. The traditional aft cockpit with a sunbathing area of 8 sqm, a dining table for as many as eight and a kitchenbar area with a BBQ, fridge and icemaker. To enjoy all the shade you might require there’s also a very effective electrically powered soft-top. The fore cockpit is an eating and relaxation area that is utterly secluded even when docked and exciting during navigation. Here too there’s an eight person sofa, a coffee table and all the space needed to relax in the sun, or in the shade thanks to an electrohydraulic bimini cover. All of the main deck is laid out on one level, from the cockpit right up to the staircase that leads into the night quarters. One is completely surrounded by natural light thanks to the two large windows and the vast crystal entrance door, which is just short of nine foot wide and made out of three segments that fold away into the starboard bulwark, so that the living room and cockpit can become a single environment. The brightness is further increased and made utterly unique by the broad prow facing windscreen and especially by the sliding glass roof. The Design and décor created by Carlo Galeazzi exploit gloss Zebrano wood essences and leather details, all produced by the best Italian craftsmen. ‘Ocean Drive design decorative panels are effective: their uniqueness lies in its distinctive “embossed” structure, with three-dimensional effect. On the lower deck the master suite is in the centre of the vessel and exploits to the full the maximum beam of the 77S. The luminous and breath-taking view over the water are guaranteed by the bulwark windows, characterised by six squared glass panels in traditional Azimut S style. The fore VIP cabin with a traditional lay-out and a private bathroom offers two guest cabins, both with separate beds and ceilings over 6ft 6’’ high. Besides the main piloting station in the saloon, the Azimut 77S has a second open air piloting station on the sport fly. Integrated within the external sporting line of the craft there’s a 10 sqm deck equipped with a cockpit with double seating and a sunbathing area that can be converted into a front facing sofa. Ultimately, the new 77S is not just a study in excellence in terms of design and functionality, it is also a technological marvel, made possible thanks to the long standing experience and research that has gone into Azimut Yachts.
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THE LUXE YACHTS
Princess 35M Superyacht Makes Stunning Monaco Yacht Show Debut
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ollowing her world launch at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the magnificent new Princess 35M, an innovative, powerful and graceful yacht offering a luxurious and sociable onboard experience, makes her Monaco Yacht Show debut.
THE LUXE YACHTS
Powerful and graceful, the 35M exterior is simply breathtaking and while she takes design cues from the Princess 40M, it is clear that the 35M is a further evolution for the M Class craft. The 35M’s exterior spaces are vast and versatile with an innovatively designed cockpit and transom area creating an informal ‘Beach Club’ arrangement where a large seating area incorporates a combination of aft and forward facing seating. An optional bar can be specified to create an informal leisure space that can easily be transformed into a formal dining area. This inspired design continues in the raised pilot house, which is accessible from both the flybridge and lobby area. A port side door also provides access to the vast and ingeniously designed foredeck which incorporates an attractive and spacious seating and sun lounging area. From the moment you step inside the main saloon, you’ll feel drawn in by her ambience, a beautiful realisation of your vision. Space is found in abundance, made all the more enjoyable by vast panoramic windows. Across the main deck, a full beam owner’s stateroom is accessed via an ante-room which can be specified as an office. Large panoramic windows, two walk-in wardrobes and a generous bathroom with bath, shower and toilet facilities complete the owner’s suite. On the lower deck, three or four beautifully appointed en suite staterooms accommodate six or eight guests, which can be customized with the help of the Princess Design Studio. Crew quarters located forward comprise of three en suite cabins. The 35M is a breakthrough design for a yacht of this size with an unmatched combination of features and performance.
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THE LUXE TRAVEL
Berlin
Of libertines and luxury
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erlin is a city of constant transformation. Whilst it has remained a prime tourist destination for the past decade, there still exists a place for the independent traveller and free-thinker who wants to explore the city a little bit deeper yet still stay on the right side of luxury. Here’s our guide on what to do and where to go during your 36 hours in the city.
Day One: 10am – yes, it’s late for breakfast and early for brunch (they only open at 10 weekends anyway), but call in to the (wonderful) House of Small Wonder, just off busy Friedrichstrasse. This is their second branch, and when we tell you their first is in Manhattan you’ll have an idea of what to expect here. Relaxed atmosphere, and right now you’ll feel the crisp light of Fall spreading across the well-lit tables. Homemade, fresh, with local organic ingredients. Midday – a brisk walk to the Museum Island (go via Ziegelstrasse and Montbijoustrasse and you’ll have the very finest view of BodeMuseum revealed to you as you cross the Spree river. Spoilt for choice here – we’d recommend starting with the Bode itself. Built in 1904 it is now home to the city’s prized collection of sculptures and Byzantine art together with coins and medals. From then on it’s your choice of the Pergamon, Islamic Museum and the Altes
Museum (Roman and Greek, with its beautiful Lustgarten). 3pm – time to hit the shops. As a tourist, Friedrichstrasse is one of the nicest places to go shopping in Berlin. If you are a tourist, you might not only be interested in shops but also in the touristic attractions. Friedrichstrasse is closely related to the rich history of Berlin and the Second World War. whilst shopping you can take a break at Checkpoint Charlie (U-Bahn station: Kochstrasse) or see pieces of the Berlin Wall. The more independent and adventurous-minded traveller might prefer to head east out of the Museum Island and head for Hackescher Markt, A mixed area of small stores and great cafes, it rewards those who seek the area out. Station Hackescher Markt can be easily reached with the S-bahn. The station is located just one stop from Alexanderplatz.
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5pm – and relax. Back to the hotel and a chance to kick off the shoes and hit the spa before a night on the town. Our choice of hotel – the Adlon Kempinski. Originally opened in 1907, the Hotel Adlon is legendary within Berlin and throughout Europe. Possibly the best address in the city – it nestles with the US and British Embassies as close neighbours, and has the best view of the iconic Brandenburg Gate to its side – there’s no finer place to rest and recuperate. Find out more about the Hotel Adlon Kempinski in the second part of our feature on the following pages. 6pm – Adlon Spa by Resense. Yes, it’s kind of tucked away at the rear of the fabulous Hotel Adlon, but this oasis of calm is guaranteed to ensure you’re recharged and refreshed. Indulge in pure relaxation and exquisite service to balance your inner self and to gain new strength. With its 9,000 sq-ft spread over three levels, the Adlon Spa by Resense, Berlin’s greatest wellness haven, invites guests to enjoy soul nourishing treatments. 8.30pm – Dinner at Nobelhart & Schmutzig on Friedrichstrasse. The quality of life has changed tremendously in Berlin since the Wall fell. The city, with its vibrant restaurant scene, has become the most important partner to the region’s farmers. Nobelhart & Schmutzig support producers in and around Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg and the Baltic Sea by featuring their locally made products. The menu is seasonal, and varies according to what Billy Wagner and his team buy at the market, but if you see the sturgeon and mushrooms on the menu – have it!
neighbourhood around Potsdamer Strasse and are drawing the interest of other companies in the creative sectors. Recently, Galerie Circleculture has had a large space in the neighbourhood, showcasing urban art. On the former Tagesspiegel premises on Potsdamer Strasse, international galleries such as influential London gallerist Blain Southern have brought in the crowds. Some time ago, several well-known companies in the media and film industry have moved into the area, making it even more attractive. Another highlight here is the 1,000 m2 concept store by Andreas Murkudis, offering select fashion and design, art editions and other luxury items. 2pm – a move over to the Auguststrasse area, stopping off for for lunch at Katz Orange. Set in the charming courtyard of an imposing converted brewery in Mitte, inside you’ll find a grown-up but generally trendy clientele spread out over two floors amidst a modish mishmash of found objects, travelling souvenirs and artistic endeavours, including an attentiondrawing chandelier centrepiece made of ping-pong balls. A coterie of casual young staffers in trainers keep things casual and upbeat. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Berlin, Auguststrasse in Berlin-Mitte has been able to establish itself as a gallery district. Exhibition rooms such as the Kunst-Werke Berlin have enjoyed a great deal of international attention and shaped the character of the street.
Day Two: 9am – start at Barcomi’s on Sophienstrasse. A smart café that roasts its own coffee and serves elegant breakfast plates and tasty bagels. 10am – gallery hopping around Potsdamer Strasse. Whether an artist, gallery owner, curator, critic or collector, no art professional can pass by Berlin. It’s been known for a long time that Berlin is one of the most vital and exciting centres for art in the world. As a result, many artists are drawn to the German capital, whether for a few weeks, months, years, or for a lifetime. A young, international generation of artists has helped the city obtain new levels of prestige in the art scene. Galerie Arndt has moved to its fifth location in the city and now makes its home in an old town house on Potsdamer Strasse near Potsdamer Platz. The area is booming and is seeing more and more galleries move in; the galleries support each other’s business and even coordinate their opening hours with one another. Up-and-coming gallerists Tanya Leighton and Tanja Wagner have been in the area for some years now. In the meanwhile, almost 45 galleries have breathed new life into the
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Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
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herever we travel, we select our hotels with as much care as we select our lifepartner. We’re long-term and confirmed fans of Kempinski and, having lost count of the nights we’ve stayed, now feel part of the family. Far from letting the brand be the star, we like the way Kempinski management allow the hotel’s and the city’s character to shine through, yet to underpin this through the Kempinski guarantee of service and quality.
The Adlon Kempinski IS the best of Berlin embodied. An integral part of the city’s society for more than a century now, throughout several guises, it remains the unofficial guest house for visiting heads of state and (not that we are one to drop names) recently hosted the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II. A hotel is more than its history. A hotel is people: its own and its guests. We met two key Adlon Kempinski Berlin players – executive chef Jürgen Bemmerl and senior concierge André Höftmann. Who better to give us a personal view? Jürgen first… MP: What is it that defines the culinary identity of the Adlon today? What is it that people come here expecting? Jürgen: We have a number of iconic dishes, each of which is relevant to our different restaurants in the hotel. For example at Sra Bua our diners expect, and receive, exotic and edgy Japanese - Thai cuisine by our star chef Tim Raue whereas at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer they’re assured of Michelin two-starred Chef de Cuisine Hendrik Otto’s exciting and expressive European-inspired cuisine. MP: How important is it that you are able to include local and regional produce in your menus? Jürgen: There’s a fine line between localising food and ensuring its quality. It’s hip to be local, but it’s essential that the product is the best. If the best is local, then we’ll use it. We’re always looking for the best local produce. For example, we’ve found a local producer of beef – we’re getting wonder ful local steaks now. But I’m not sure the diner always cares too much where his meat is from, as long as it’s the best. Berlin now has its own locally produced mozzarella. Made here by an Italian mozzarella-master, the hotel has even adopted its own mozzarella buffalo.
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MP: Any traditional signature dishes of Berlin you’d like to highlight? Jürgen: Well, we have the currywurst. It’s essentially a fast-food item, but it’s something we take to another level at the hotel. We looked at every detail – from what to put in the sausages through to every aspect of the curry sauce. We’ve made it slow-food, and exquisite. And André. Regular readers will be aware of the importance we place on getting know our hotel concierge. Once the connection is made, he can often be the most important person you’ll know in the city. MP: You are Berlin born and raised. What, for you, is the magic of the city? André: It’s that it is ever-changing. I’ve spent time in New York – and when I returned to Berlin I had the same feeling – the arts scene is constantly evolving. City’s are driven like this – when the arts scene starts moving, other elements are inspired to support this. Berlin is an open-minded city, very international and multi-cultural. There are restaurants you’ll go to here where they’ll speak every language – except German. I like that the city is so welcoming. It’s the greenest city I’ve lived in – we have some wonderful parks. MP: What do you see your role as senior concierge? How do you fulfill it? André: I try to be everything the guest wants me to be. The most important thing is to be available when someone wants to talk. I see myself as a host, as a greeter and a fixer. Essentially, whatever question I am asked my answer is always ‘Yes’. And then it is up to me to find a solution. MP: You must know the city better than almost anyone here. We like to define the cities we visit be the quality of their cafés. Where’s the best coffee here today? André: Easy. My favourite roastery is Five Elephant on Reichenberger Strasse. They also do great New York cheesecake. In fact it was their cheesecake that led me to the café in the first place. MP: Best gallery scene? André: Auguststrasse is the area best known for galleries, but even now the new area that’s emerging is Lichtenberg. It’s a little further out of the city and not somewhere you’d easily stumble on – but it’s well worth a visit.
The Adlon Spa by Resense Having not enough time to indulge our senses with a full head-to-toe pampering at the Adlon’s tranquil Spa by Resense, we instead opted for the 60-minutes HydraFacial MD treatment, because we’re facial-addicts and regularly use one as part of our essential grooming regime. The HydraFacial MD method of skin renewal improves the overall appearance of the skin and helps reduce small wrinkles, blocked pores, oily and acne-prone skin. By combining soothing and stimulating treatments with advanced medical technologies, HydraFacial MD achieves immediately visible, long-lasting results. The unique formula and technology is suitable for all skin types and is the ideal alternative to invasive methods as visible results can be achieved without the need for a skin regeneration phase following treatment. Realising that such treatments are an incredibly personal and subjective experience, we can only tell you what we found – and beyond the hype we were left with clearly improved skin, skin that felt different to the touch. Deeply cleansed for sure and, no doubt were we to commit to a series of treatments we’ve every reason to believe that our wrinkles, if not reduced, would well be kept at bay. Aside from that, experiencing a treatment hitherto only available at dermatologists but now within the oasis that is a Resense managed spa, is only a few steps from Utopia. Do it. The Adlon Day Spa by Resense has brought new meaning to the term spa-ing in Berlin. Appealing to singles, couples or small groups, this Spa delivers extraordinary design combined with an outstanding range of wellness options in a unique ambience. Spread over 990 square metres, the Spa, a sophisticated urban oasis, offers a selection of high-quality treatments, massages and beauty programmes, all based on both traditional beauty rituals and high-tech cosmetic research. With interiors designed by Anne Maria Jagdfeld, who beautifully combined minimalism with a Manhattan style, enable guests to feel enveloped from the moment they arrive. After being greeted in the welcome area, which is equipped with a fireplace and Alabaster light walls, every guest receives a pair of soft slippers and a warming tea or cold soft drink. The motto is “Arriving” without compromises. The international product lines La Prairie, Elemental Herbology, HydraFacial and Truefitt & Hill are used and available to The Adlon Spa by Resense.
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THE LUXE ARTS
Beirut Art Fair 2015
Contemporary Art Hub at the Crossroad between East and West
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rom September 17th till 20th, 2015, the Beirut Art Fair continued to maintain the existing artistic links between the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, thanks to the work carried out by the galleries that participate every year. Based on a demand for quality and on the willingness to make new discoveries, the same approach, which was observed in the past years, and which brought the galleries together once again.
THE LUXE ARTS
More than twenty new international galleries chose to exhibit at Beirut Art Fair this year, among them Kappatos Gallery (Greece), Galerie Odile Ouizeman (France), Galerie Mamia Bretesché (France), AD Galerie (France), Galerie Rauchfeld (France), AcquestArte (Switzerland), ifa gallery (China/Belgium), Cortade’Art (France), My Web’Art (China), Sud Gallery (France), Galerie Vanessa Quang (France), Wadi Finan For Arts (Jordan), Albareh (Bahrain), Q0DE (Jordan), Artspace Hamra (Lebanon), Golestan Gallery (Iran), Noir sur Blanc (Maroc), Galerie Béatrice du Passage (France), as well as, SAMA association (Lebanon), the publishing houses Editions Tamyras (Lebanon), and Ci Editions (Turkey) affiliated to Contemporary Istanbul fair. The galleries presented both established and emerging artists whose works reflect the potential that drives the ME.NA.SA and international artistic scene. Open to all artistic practices, the sixth edition of the Beirut Art Fair reserved a special place for representatives of contemporary design. Here we must highlight Créations by W|F (Lebanon), Nalbandian SAL (Lebanon), HHD Henry Dakak Jr (Lebanon), Hadi Maktabi Gallery (Lebanon), Berge Panossian (Lebanon), Cities design, art and lifestyle store (UAE), and young designers; Saccal Design House (Lebanon), WeDesign (Lebanon), Renaissance design by Randa Kuzbari (Lebanon), and Joseph Kfoury (Lebanon). 51 galleries, coming from 19 countries, presented more than 1500 artworks for 300 artists including Marina Abramovic, Serbia (Kappatos Gallery), Resmi Al Kafaji, Iraq (Wadi Finan for Arts), Shadi Alzaqzouq, Palestine (Artspace Hamra), Mahi Binebine, Morocco (Noir sur blanc), Dalila Dalleas Bouzar, Algeria (Galerie Mamia Bretesché), Chaouki Chamoun, Lebanon (Mark Hachem Gallery), Robert Combas, France (AD Galerie), Duvier del Dago, Cuba (South Border Gallery), Elger Esser, Germany (Galerie Tanit), Gao Brothers, China (ifa gallery), Paul Guiragossian, Lebanon (Emmagoss Art Gallery), Jamil Kacha, Syria (Tajalliyat Art Gallery), Farah Khelil, Tunisia (Galerie Mamia Bretesché), Rachid Khimoune, France (My Web’Art), Mehdi Meddaci, France (Galerie Odile Ouizeman), Marwa Najjar, Jordan (Q0DE), Claudia Scarcella, Italy (Galerie Epreuve d’Artiste - Art Forum Society), Alfred Tarazi, Lebanon (Galerie Janine Rubeiz), Lydia Venieri, Greece (Galerie Vanessa Quang) and Brigitte Zieger, Germany (Galerie Odile Ouizeman). Alongside galleries and artists from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, United States, and Asia, thematic platforms reinforced Beirut Art Fair’s position among the international fairs. “Since 2010, Beirut Art Fair has conquered the international scene with a ME.NA.SA stamped art vision. It has become a primary source of information on artists, trends, galleries, publications, and institutions, contributing to the increasing importance of art in this region,” explained organizer Laure d’Hauteville.
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THE LUXE ZEITGEIST
ZEITGEIST Good design, where form and function come together so exquisitely, should always be celebrated.
This month Men’s Passion features some of the most desirable and well executed products that define the times in which we are living.
Marc Newson designs the Apple Watch of fountain pens
THE LUXE ZEITGEIST
Apple’s Marc Newson is one of the best designers in the industry. His plane-inspired Lockheed Lounge chair was reflective, smooth and looked incredibly uncomfortable. And we’re still enjoying the look and feel of our Apple Watches, even if the other night a drunk girl at a bar made fun of me for wearing mine in public. And that was hurtful. But Newson isn’t just about shiny devices and even shinier chairs. He’s recently teamed up with luxury accessory designer Montblanc to create the Montblanc M, a classic fountain pen that looks like it came from the future. “Montblanc M brings together Newson’s trademark biomorphic style, defined by its fluid and pure organic forms, and Montblanc’s iconic design cues, resulting in a new and unexpected expression for writing instruments,” Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert says in a press release. It really is a gorgeous pen. It’s the sort of thing that makes you want to write a letter. Like, in ink, like a caveman. Possibly on some parchment or a scroll of some kind. But it isn’t all about the classics because the Montblanc M contains modern-day features that add some wow to the whole thing. For example, it has a magnet in the cap that makes sure the clip perfectly lines up with the company’s logo when you put it on the pen. And it isn’t just for letters or signing checks for ridiculous amounts of money, either. “For the first time ever, a Montblanc writing instrument takes on an additional function as a Fineliner pen for technical and precision drawing,” the press release says.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT
Investing in Istanbul
A
s the demand for housing continues to grow, residential development in Turkey is booming while savvy developers focus on high-end projects that attract foreign investors. By Anna Amin, Editor, Cityscape magazine.
Manzara Adalar, project by IS GYO, Kartal, Istanbul
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Over the past 10 years, the Turkish residential market has grown significantly, and continues to do so on an annual basis, driven by a continuously expanding population, increasing availability of affordable mortgage loans and rising demand for earthquake resistant buildings. Demand for housing is especially high in Istanbul, the country’s most densely inhabited city. As a result, house purchase prices throughout Istanbul are following an upward long-term trend, says Colliers International. According to the firm, house purchases peaked in 2013, partly under the impact of falling mortgage interest rates. While house prices in Istanbul fell back 4% in 2014 over the previous year, Turkey as a whole saw an increase of 0.7%. Continuing major government projects such as the 3rd Bridge, 3rd Airport, Istanbul Financial Centre and the urban regeneration initiative further drive housing development and investment in Istanbul and across Turkey. According to JLL, Marmaray and other transportation projects are shaping residential sub-markets. “For example, the Sancaktepe residential market has been impacted by the 3rd Bridge connection roads positively, with several large luxury housing projects being developed. Ataşehir has also grown in terms of housing stock, being located in the proximity of both the Bosphorus and FSM bridges. Another case is the increase in housing prices in the Üsküdar and Yenikapı sub-markets after the Marmaray rail project’s opening,” says Avi Alkaş, Country Chairman, JLL Turkey. Since land in the city centre is scarce, the Istanbul Metropolitan Planning Centre’s regeneration plans aim to shift industrial production to the outskirts of Istanbul in order to develop more recreational and residential areas within the city centre, supported by improved public transport, explains Alkaş. As a consequence of the shift of housing development back to the city centre, JLL expect the scale of new residential projects to shrink due to the scarcity of large land plots. Furthermore, the trend towards smaller scale projects is further supported by Turkey’s newly introduced Consumer Protection Law, which dictates that the developer must provide equity capital for the entire project, making large scale projects more risky.
Foreign investor interest In addition to population growth, another important and recently emerging factor affecting residential demand in Turkey is individual investor demand from foreign countries, says Avi Alkaş. “In order to boost demand, the government abolished the rule of reciprocity in June 2012, which enabled nationals from 42 countries to buy residential property in Turkey,” the JLL expert adds. While Turkey’s residential market has been attracting individual foreign investors since the early 2000s with the restoration of macroeconomic stability, says Alkaş, it was only with the introduction of the new law in 2012 that residential sales to foreigners really started taking off. “Holiday resorts such as Antalya and Bodrum are the two most popular destinations for residential investment for foreign investors. Istanbul, within this regard, is the only metropolitan city popular with foreign investors in Turkey,” Alkaş says. Istanbul has been undergoing massive transformation mostly due to increasing density in the city centre and rapid increase in land prices. As a consequence of the high land prices, residential developers largely focus on high-end projects targeting upper middle and top income investors, the JLL expert explains. “We also see a trend towards luxury residential projects as part of mixed-use developments,” Alkaş says. “This started with the prime areas in the Central Business District and spread to the strategic locations in the non-CBD. Lack of available land for development in Istanbul’s city centre has forced residential developers to shift towards the periphery. The Municipality supports the emerging residential areas with planned transport plans.” Before mixed-use projects came into play, the residential market was largely dominated by local investors, but the entry of international investors to the residential market set new standards, JLL says. The mixed-use projects that have emerged over the last five years incorporate residential areas with retail, office, and hotel components. According to JLL, branded residential projects are expected to take the residential market to a new level.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT
While the retail areas in the branded residential projects “are often designed to answer the needs of the project itself, in some cases these areas are designed as shopping centres targeting outside customers,” says Alkaş. Examples of mixeduse projects with significant retail GLAs include Akasya, Emaar Square, Zorlu Center, and Mall of Istanbul. Rise of high-end developments As mentioned above, due to high land prices in Istanbul and in order to meet foreign investor demand, developers in Istanbul and elsewhere are largely focusing on high-end projects. One such example is the Sea Pearl Istanbul project, jointly developed by Turkish Kuzu Group and Qatari Diar. Located in a prestigious location on the banks of the Marmara Sea close to Istanbul International Airport, the top-end development includes over 1,400 luxurious apartment units, a five-star hotel, high-end boutiques and lavish restaurants. Sea Pearl Istanbul targets international investors, especially from the Gulf region. Another noteworthy development is the İnistanbul Gala project, a joint project of IS GYO and Nef. Located in Topkapi, one of the most sought after urban districts in the centre of Istanbul, İnistanbul Gala is a mixed-use redevelopment of an industrial site. With over 2,500 housing units, “the project responds to the rising demand for integrated urban living at the heart of a growing metropolis.”
The site plan emphasises shared greenspace by creating a series of outdoor rooms and public plazas. Shared amenities include garden terraces, courtyards, swimming pool, playgrounds, paths, and athletic fields. With direct connections to tram and metrobus lines, İnistanbul Gala also lies in proximity to central districts including Zincirlikuyu, Çağlayan, Yenikapı, Bakırköy, Ataköy and Atatürk International Airport. A further major high-end real estate development will be built by IS GYO on nearly 37,000 sqm of land in Istanbul’s Kartal district. The “objective of this urban center is improve the quality of urban life by creating a unique and ecologically advanced 5.5 sq.km area of development in the southeast of Istanbul’s Anatolian side.” The project will be a mixed-use development containing highend residential units, offices, retail, recreation and sports facilities and offers views of the Sea of Marmara. The site offers excellent access to auto, rail, water and air transportation while being near to education and research centers, with easy acces to main centers being one of the project’s key features. However, residential projects targeting middle and lower middle income groups are still in need in Istanbul, says JLL’s Avi Alkaş, adding that some developers have already started to focus on housing projects targeting middle income profile.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Istanbul office market However, it’s not just the residential sector which is booming in Istanbul. The office market is driven by the continuing government projects such 3rd Bridge, 3rd Airport, Istanbul Financial Centre as well as the urban regeneration initiative. Istanbul is one of the world’s 20 most expensive office markets, with prime rents of USD 45/sqm per month. Political and economic developments over the past six months have however led to some favourable conditions for tenants. According to Cushman & Wakefield, Istanbul’s office stock has increased to 4.5 million sqm in 2015 and is expected to further increase to approximately 6 million sqm until the end of 2016. On the European side, Maslak, Kagithane & Cendere submarkets have seen a significant increase in supply while the Atasehir sub-market on the Asian side has the highest supply pipeline overall, Cushman & Wakefield says. According to Togrul Gonden, Atasehir and the Maslak/Cendere sub-markets are expected to be the up and coming areas for development/investment due to availability of land (green/brown field) and proximity to central business and good quality housing areas, which is a key concern in terms of staff travel. Investment outlook Whilst the political uncertainty caused by the elections in Turkey has generally impacted on international investor sentiment in Turkey over the past eleven months, this didn’t seem to be the case when it comes to investors from the Gulf region.
will bring together key decision-makers from the public and private sectors, supporting investment, development, bringing transparency and encouraging collaboration.
“We observed that, since the end of local elections in 2014, Gulf investors were back on the market, with concentration on residential developments either by block acquisitions for investment purposes or unit acquisitions for individual use. On the other hand, the market witnesses partnership establishments in an existing platform where Gulf investors collaborate with local developers,” JLL’s Alkaş explains.
Following the introduction of the reciprocity law in 2012, Cityscape has welcomed a fast growing number of Turkish real estate developers to its events, in particular to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Kuwait. In 2014, Cityscape Global welcomed over 30 Turkish companies, representing the largest international participation covering 2,500 square meters of exhibition space.
JLL expect that European and U.S. investor interest in Turkey will remain limited in 2015, although the firm believes that prime assets will continue to attract significant interest. Cityscape Turkey Cityscape Turkey will take place from 24 – 26 March 2016 at the Istanbul Congress Centre. Cityscape Turkey is the latest addition to Cityscape’s world renowned portfolio of events, and is set to be the meeting place for real estate developers, private and institutional investors, home buyers, architects, consultants and other real estate service providers to network and do business. Featuring a large scale exhibition, the Cityscape Turkey Awards and other networking functions, Cityscape Turkey
This article is supplied by Cityscape Magazine.
Cityscape magazine is the Middle East’s leading monthly real estate investment title and is owned and published by Informa Middle East Limited. For more information, please visit www.cityscape.org
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THE LUXE EVENTS
Imdad Brings ARTAS®
The First Robotic Hair Transplant Technology
Imdad, the leading provider of Aesthetic Medical Technology and Business solutions in the Middle East, announced in a press conference the installation of ARTAS ® the First Hair Transplant Robotic System in the Middle East at Dr. Dany Touma’s Clinic “The Skin Clinic” in Beirut. The ARTAS ® Robotic System is the first and only physiciancontrolled, computer-assisted technology for hair transplantation. ARTAS’ advanced technologies provide accurate results, enabling patients to view and adjust the outcome prior to the procedure. This technology has eliminated the drawbacks typically associated with traditional transplant methods, opening the door for a new age of hair transplant procedures.
Tamer Wali, Chief Executive Officer of Imdad, said: “We are thrilled to bring the ARTAS ®, the First Hair Transplant Robotic System to the Middle East. This cutting edge technology provides accurate results and gives patients the exact result they are seeking. This is achieved using an advanced vir tual hair studio program, which enables patients to view and adjust the final outcome they want. Hair is transplanted without stitches or scarring, and recover y time is fast.” B e i r u t h a s w i t n e s s e d t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n of t h e f i r s t A R TA S ® R o b o t i n t h e M i d d l e E a s t a t D r. D a ny To u m a’s c l i n i c, o t h e r c i t i e s i n t h e r e g i o n w i l l f o l l ow i n t h e near future.
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- Sharq
- Kuwait City
- Sharq
- Fahaheel International intoptique Optique