Men's Passion #79 - September 2016

The Style Edition Fall 2016 - It’s sharp

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ISSUE NUMBER 79 - SEPTEMBER 2016

JUST A THOUGHT Dear Passionate Readers, I wonder where this summer has taken you... I surely hope that, whichever part of the world you landed in, you were able to create memorable moments that will last far longer than the duration of the trip.

Earlier this year, Cityscape opened my eyes to Montenegro while they were promoting it as a newly found investment opportunity. I personally was intrigued by the natural beauty it offers.

So I went.

Would you believe me if I tell you that I have never seen the world in such colors?

The blues were so dark, they were almost black.

The greens were so green, they were almost black.

No wonder it is called Montenegro - the black mountain.

All hues were so saturated; it actually took my breath away.

As I was gazing one day at the world from a-top the 1,350 steps of Kotor’s Fortress, I stopped for a moment to thank God and all my lucky stars that even today, after all that my eyes have seen and ears have heard, I can still say I am experiencing something for the first time, and I can still be awed...

May we always live to be awed ...

Till next issue,

Zeina Mokaddam Managing Director

HUGO BOSS AG Phone +49 7123 940 hugoboss.com

The Art of Tailoring Kuwait Boss Store Prestige The Avenues T: 22288020 Kuwait Boss Store Mariam Complex Salmiya T: 22288021 Kuwait Boss Sportswear Store 2nd Avenue The Avenues T: 22288010 Kuwait Boss Sportswear Store Marina Mall Salmiya T: 22288023

ON THE COVER: September 2016

MEN’S PASSION - September 2016 - ISSUE #79 - SOLD IN KUWAIT KD 3

The way we dress speaks more about us than many of us can express through words.

It’s a silent calling-card, a visual statement.

At Men’s Passion we’ll always place style above fashion, and we pride ourselves in knowing the difference. For this special Style Edition we spoke to some of our favourite and most stylish gentlemen. We also took a look at what some of our favourite labels are bringing us for Fall, and sneaked a peak at what we can expect in 2017.

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

The Style Edition Fall 2016 - It’s sharp

CONTRIBUTORS MaryAnn D’Silva Anna Amin (Cityscape) Rita Makhoul (Arabnet)

CONTENTS 14 Hani Al Azem

A man of style, dressing a nation

30 Salvatore Ferragamo

Fall 2016-17 Campaign

18 Omar Bin Khediya

O Concept Store, Dubain

32 Dolce&Gabbana

Winter 2017 collection

20 kickstq

Getting his kicks

34 Paul Smith SS17

24 Gucci

Fall Winter 2016 26 Hackett Mayfair

38 Ralph Lauren - Purple Label SS17 42 Prada Men’s Special Displays

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nidal Al-Shaker HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri PRODUCTION MANAGER Jad Nahhas

28 Rhythm And Moves…

…in new Boss Menswear film PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait.

Telephone +(965) 2572 0810 Fax +(965) 2572 0860 Website www.ph7-kw.com To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contribution and feedback are welcomed.

Please email your suggestions to zeina@ph7-kw.com For advertising, do not hesitate to contact info@ph7-kw.com For subscription, please email your details to info@ph7-kw.com PH7 wishes to state that the opinions expressed in MEN’S PASSION are those of the authors concerned and not necessarily those of the publisher.

BPA Audited - 2015

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THE LUXE REVIEW

48

Mission Accomplished for Solar Impulse OMEGA proudly watched the successful completion of the first ever round-the-world solar flight

72 Bentley redefines luxury customer experience

Opens largest showroom in the world

on Sheikh Zayed Road

50 Ge o p hys ic ® 74

The milestone collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre 52

The House of Creed From father to son since 1760

Roger Dubuis - first Kuwait Limited Edition 76 The Professional Traveler Rare pieces celebrate the nation

TUMI’s Creative Director

Michael Petry 54 Manero Peripheral

Elegance With A New Movement 78 The Hotel Hunters

On the trail of the extraordinary 56 Breitling’s Time

with Jean-Paul Girardin, CEO 82 Monaco Yacht Show Preview 60 The True Thinline in marvellous monochrome 86 Investing In Miami’s New Asset Class

Rado reveals three lightweight minimalist masterpieces 90 The New Europeans

Residency Bond Programs 62 Looking Back on the McLaren F1

The car that began a new legend 92 ZEITGEIST

Karen Chekerdjian 66 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition

Available for a limited period 94 The Rise of Kuwait’s Startup Ecosystem 68 Elvis’ BMW 507 lives on

Comeback at the Concours d’Elegance in 98 EVENTS

Pebble Beach 70

Aston Martin DB11 receives prestigious Car Design Award 2016 First award for new DB11

THE HOME OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Cityscape Kuwait is the premier international real estate investment event in the state of Kuwait and is a key meeting place for real estate developers, brokers, home buyers, private and institutional investors, architects, consultants and other real estate service providers, who wish to find investment opportunities, network and do business.

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THE PROFESSIONAL

Hani Al Azem A man of style, dressing a nation

P

art of the latest generation of Al Azem’s, Hani was born in to a world of style and elegance. His family’s Dananeer store has been dressing this country well for many years now, and he’s long been our ‘go-to’ personality when it comes to questions of sartorial integrity.

Navy deconstructed blazer by Sartoria Latorre Grey lightweight wool pants by Sartoria Latorre Tie & Pocket square by Corneliani Bracelet by Corneliani

THE PROFESSIONAL

Here, Hani unbuttons himself and shares his thoughts of the moment.

What is the style essence of Dananeer. What style message do you endeavor to reflect?

Dananeer is about elegance. Fashion is constantly changing and evolving, yet elegance will always remain. What I try to represent is a timeless elegance that supersedes the runway looks, but reflects a modern sophistication and class.

What’s exciting you most amongst your labels for Fall 2016?

Two things I am particularly looking forward to this season are Corneliani and Sartoria Latorre. Corneliani is constantly evolving its products, and the innovation they produce in their clothing is subtle yet exciting. Corneliani’s reversible vest has become an iconic item, and set the standard for vests in Kuwait. Sartoria Latorre is a southern Italian tailoring house that combines an incredible modern fitting with great quality but at a reasonable price. This is exciting because in all my years in this business, good fitting with high quality fabrics at a lower prices just never worked, the product was always lacking one aspect.

We contend that these days the Gulf’s men are as well groomed and well dressed as any. What’s your view of the way men interpret st yle on this side of the Arabian Peninsula?

In the past ten years I have seen a huge shift in our customers.

Their brand knowledge amazes me, especially when they mention something that I haven’t heard of. Men today are looking for an item with meaning, something with a history, and quality is the most important aspect when choosing an item. I feel like the big fashion brands have lost their edge, the high-end customer seems to avoid associating themselves with the standard names, and are more interested in tailors, small producers versus massproduced ‘fast’ fashion that is more about glamour.

How do you assess the region’s style sense? Are we leaders or followers?

If you consider the last five years, I would say that the region has switched from followers to leaders very quickly. I am surprised to see so many local designers, producers, and even established brands coming up. Walk into an internationally recognized department store in Kuwait and you will find a range of products from local designers and brands.

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THE PROFESSIONAL

How would you define your own personal style?

I consider my style chic, and sophisticated. I try to always find a theme in what I am wearing, and combine colors to complement each other. It starts from the color of my shoes, to socks, even the watch has to match. This carries over to my sports clothing, to coordinate each item and have a unified color theme. For example, my road bike is black and blue with white accents, so my shoes are white, my helmet is black and blue. It might seem hard to pull this off, however I build my closet with a color theme in mind. I do not buy a clothing item just because I like it, it has to have a place in my closet, or else it will have a lonely life and rarely get worn.

What do you feel are the key items of apparel through which individuality can be expressed?

Every occasion has an item that can express your individuality, and it is only defined by how you combine that outfit. In business, wearing grey pants with a navy blazer is a very common outfit, adding a pocket square to match your tie with it will then add your individuality. Going to the gym, black shorts with a yellow detail is also very common, choosing a shoes that matches the yellow detail brings out your individuality. This is what I mean with subtle style, it doesn’t have to be metal chains, or an antique pocket watch, it’s how you combine colors to bring the outfit together creating a unique color theme to you.

What’s the most common mistake men make when buying and wearing clothes?

Cobalt Blue S’130 Wool Made to Measure Suit by Corneliani Tie & Pocket square by Corneliani

This is difficult to answer, as everyone is unique to the way they dress. But through the years, men repeat one mistake that does get on my nerves, and it is when the over wear one item. For example a favorite suit, or t-shirt, you can see the colors have faded, the fit is wrong, a stain or two that are too stubborn to be removed. They develop a certain comfort with that item, and in their eyes it is a beauty, but a sore sight for the people around them. When it comes to buying an item, I feel they sometimes buy something because they think it will look good on them, but what they realize later is that it does not match their personality and usual style, making that item stand out and feel out of place. Like we say in our industry, does the suit wear you? Or are you wearing the suit?

THE PROFESSIONAL

Style extends beyond the clothes we wear. What are the other key areas of style a man can explore to express his style?

Style definitely extends beyond clothing, it is more than the accessories we add to our outfits. True style is a way of life. It starts from what we choose to eat, fast food vs. regular food, Snickers bar vs. praline, and it goes into our home, car, and hobbies. In my line of work, we get to see a very personal side of our customer, and share stories that give us an in depth look into their lives. For example, a man who’s hobby is to fish, he selects his clothing to match the areas he will travel to, the boat he owns will have details that combines with his car, so you will start to see a unified theme that defines his style.

In brief: • Style over substance? Do you dress for comfort or for looks?

It’s a common misconception that stylish clothing is uncomfortable. But choosing the right kind of fabrics and fitting will allow you to have both. A lightweight stretch cotton can give you the modern fit with the comfort you need. But when it comes down to choosing one over the other, it will be a stylish look over comfort, because funnily enough I won’t be comfortable if it didn’t look good.

• Buttons or cufflinks? Are you a sartorial traditionalist when it comes to cufflinks, or do you think they belong to another era?

Cufflinks are timeless and I always prefer them over buttons. The only reason some sartorial traditions are fading is because manufactures opt to cut costs and promote fast selling items vs. traditional ones that cater to a specific client.

• Favorite designer?

Corneliani is by far my favorite designer and producer.

• Most stylish city?

Florence during the Pitti Uomo.

Blue stripe shirt by Paul & Shark Navy lightweight stretch cotton by Paul & Shark Blue leather yachting shoes by Paul & Shark

Sartoria Latorre available at Dananeer, ground floor Arraya Centre 22997662 Corneliani, ground floor Arraya Centre 22997662 Paul & Shark, ground floor Arraya Centre 22997680

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THE VISIONARY

Omar Bin Khediya O Concept Store, Dubai

W

henever the topic of a conversation turns to regional style, Dubai is never far down the list of cities to applaud and, indeed for some, to denigrate. It’s a city that divides opinions. For us, if you know the right places, it’s an environment of the most refined and contemporary of tastes.

One store we always make a point of heading to is O Concept Store on Jumeirah Beach Road. Opened in 2012 by Emirati entrepreneur Omar Bin Khediya, for the past four years he’s covered clothing, accessories and even food from the most stylish and unique of perspectives.

Who better to get a view on the bigger picture on style than from Omar?

Style is an often-ephemeral concept. But what, to you, defines the essence of true style?

True style comes from within. We can all dress from head to toe in expensive brands but unless we exude from the inner core, what is on the outside is pointless in my personal opinion.

And what is the style essence of O Concept Store.

What style message do you endeavor to reflect?

O Concept is a multi brand high-end boutique and we endeavour to reflect a sense of peace, calmness and an enjoyable shopping and eating experience.

What’s exciting you most amongst your new brands for Fall 2016?

We are honoured and excited to have exclusivity with a leading Italian brand called Tom Rebel. This line for men and women is highly popular and brings an edgy feel which is in great demand in the ever evolving UAE fashion scene.

Which are the Kuwaiti brands that you stock?

We love Kuwaiti talent and are constantly on the lookout for up-and-coming as well as established designers in association with PR Passion, namely Tara Sillery. Last season we stocked the popular Kuwaiti designer, DesignME

by Mashael Al Mutawa and look forward to announcing more leading Kuwaiti designers for the coming season.

THE VISIONARY

How do you assess the region’s style sense? Are we leaders or followers?

The UAE is a very transient country with many nationalities and is a hub for fashion designers and fashion trendsetters. I believe the region for sure is a leader within the industry and this is clearly evident by the number of International Designers who approach us on a daily basis. Many of our clients are from all around the GCC as well as locally and are definite leaders when it comes to making an impact in the fashion industry.

Does the region generate its own style, or do we today reflect a morphed global style?

I believe we reflect our own style. Despite our Emirati culture of wearing local attire, you can see how stylish the women are with their shoes and handbags and the men with accessories. It’s also very well known that Kuwaiti women are one of the most stylish groups of ladies in the world.

How would you define your own personal style?

Whilst I love wearing my national attire, international fashion is a core element of who I am as a person. I love wearing clothes to match my mood and obviously due to travelling so often to buy for the Boutique I always have a great opportunity to try different styles and colours. My style is somewhat conservative with a twist of adventure and an element of “going outside of the norm”, within reason of course!

Food is one of today’s biggest style indicators and O Concept Store has a great café. What are the hottest items on the menu? What will be 2017’s kale and quinoa salad-beater?

I don’t need to think about that ! Home-made Pain Brioche with mixed berries and Nutella! We are known for our love of sweet things in the UAE and this for sure is a best seller. We are also very renowned for our signature coffee; Nanacino.

We are continuously following food trends in the market and endeavour to bring a more organic feel to the menu for 2017.

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THE STYLE INFLUENCER

kickstq Getting his kicks

O

ne of Kuwait’s most followed style-influencers, kickstq is famously reticent when it comes to revealing his face or full identity. Nonetheless, he’s built a formidable following on all the right social networks, and even more through his website. Here he reveals his thoughts on the region’s style, the future of social media and his own anonymity.

Style is an often-ephemeral concept. But what, to you, defines the essence of true style?

I approach style as a way of self-expression as well as a chance to be creative. I enjoy the thought process behind putting an outfit together and showcasing who you are as a person through your garments. The essence of it all comes from within.

What trends are exciting you most amongst the brands for Fall 2016?

I’m excited to see the military and extra-long sleeve trend carrying on into the Fall/Winter collections. I’m also looking forward to the tracksuits and puffa jackets. I feel those trends will compliment street wear the most.

How do you assess the region’s style sense? Are we leaders or followers?

The regions style sense is not quite there yet, in terms of authenticity. There are a select few who actually get it, and I feel that it’s only a matter of time until the real talent in the region will be globally recognized.

Does the region generate its own style, or do we today reflect a morphed global style?

The latter, even though the potential to generate so many different styles exists among us. The upside is there, and can be reflected through our strong culture. It’s only a matter of pushing the envelope.

How would you define your own personal style?

Eclectic might be the right term. It varies from formal, casual, but mainly street.

THE STYLE INFLUENCER

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THE STYLE INFLUENCER

Your identity remains obscure through your postings, and even through the images with this interview. Why is this important to you?

Revealing my identity and showing my face might take away the focus on the outfits, picture composition, and message behind it - which is what I want my followers to observe the most. Remaining obscure also allows me to push the message of modesty.

Where do you see the future of social media heading?

Which are the important platforms for you today and in the months to come?

People connect more to the influencers they follow through video nowadays, and it makes sense. I feel YouTube, Snapchat and the recently added Instagram stories will be the way to go.

In my case, I would say Instagram, Snapchat and my website are currently my most important platforms.

As a member of, and protagonist for, what was once called ‘the new media’, what do you see as the future role of traditional print media in the world of fashion and style?

Print is less practical now with the technology that’s come out, but I still feel print will always be around. I personally prefer picking up a book or magazine instead of reading articles on my phone, tablet, or laptop. Moving forward, there is no telling what technology is capable of; merging the two is very possible.

What’s next for you? We imagine that even if sustaining your profile is achievable, you’re going to want a little more from life. What might that be?

Everything has happened organically through out this whole experience, I’m just going with the flow.

FALL 2016

Gucci Fall Winter 2016

T

he Fall Winter 2016 Gucci Fashion Show, that took place in Milan, featured the Gucci Ghost collection.

FALL 2016

This collection was created in collaboration with Trevor Andrew, an artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Trevor Andrew was personally chosen by Gucci’s Creative Director, Alessandro Michele to Grafiti a number of handbags, accessories and clothes for this specific collection. The print is also shown on a variety of accessories such as scarves, phone covers, wallets and small leather goods. All the graphics are hand painted on the items, which makes each piece unique.

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FALL 2016

Hackett Mayfair

H

ackett Mayfair’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection takes its cue from Hackett’s refined British heritage, offering an inspired and contemporary update on classic pieces whilst presenting a new and innovative wardrobe for the modern Hackett man.

Continuing its global viewpoint this season, the Hackett Mayfair collection introduces ‘Art of Travel’; a range for the international executive who requires to look and feel good throughout his busy schedule. With a classic colour palette of grey, navy and blue; the range includes a series of three travel suits, available in both plain and check options that retain their beautiful shape whether packed in a case or worn for hours on a plane. The internationally renowned mill Thomas Mason, adds to the shirt range by offering a selection of luxury cotton shirts from their Journey Range. Made from pure Egyptian cotton, the shirts have been treated with a special finishing that is resistant to creasing and requires minimal ironing, thus providing a sharp and crisp shirt perfect for the man who travels extensively and wants to look just as good at the end of the day as he did at the start.

A series of technical outerwear pieces are available in the range, a stand out piece is the flannel quilted blazer which is combined with high performing technical materials for comfort and performance. The jacket has been designed specifically for the outdoors to ensure unmistakable style and elegance regardless of weather. Another stand out piece is the grey duck down filled chesterfield jacket which is super light weight, easy to pack, retains warmth and regulates body temperature.

To finish off the ‘Art of Travel’ wardrobe is a range of new perfectly woven leather travel accessories for the man on the move, which includes a washbag, charger case, travel case, passport holder, pencil case, credit card holder and cigar case.

Hackett Mayfair’s ‘Natural Territory’ range is a curated mix of key pieces for every gentleman’s wardrobe. Highly luxurious fabrics make up the collection in an autumnal colour palette of camel, brown, navy, grey and cream. Sheepskin is prominent; key pieces include a brown double breasted shearling coat and a brown shearling aviator style jacket complete with trim detailing. Highlights in the collection include a luxurious goat leather suede jacket and leather biker jacket; both give a striking revamp to a casual look.

Tailored outerwear pieces influx the collection for Autumn/ Winter 2016, ensuring the Hackett man is properly attired and

FALL 2016

formal whilst still retaining those practical elements needed during the winter months. The classic camel coat is updated in a single breasted option, whilst heavy double breasted coats are available in a structured herringbone and a navy Prince of Wales check. Worn underneath are wool and cashmere roll necks, chunky knit jumpers and textured double breasted jackets with denim jeans and twill trousers.

Grey suits dominate Hackett Mayfair’s tailoring collection this season in classic and slim fitting styles. The finest fabrics and trims have been used, with great attention to detail to encapsulate the essence of the timeless tailored suit. Key pieces include the double breasted flannel suit in dark grey and the striking contrast check grey suit, both made from the finest Loro Piana wool.

08 Suede jacket in brown Cashmere crew neck jumper in brown Shir t in white Herringbone tie in grey Flannel trouser s in grey Chelsea boots in brown

vy

ouble

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02 Check suit in grey Check shir t in grey & white Check tie in wine Polka dot pocket square in wine Brogues in brown Hackett Bespoke optical glasses

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FALL 2016

Rhythm And Moves‌

A

‌in new Boss Menswear film

clock ticks. A fan whirrs. In the reception area of an abandoned factory, a sharply dressed young man waits alone.

FALL 2016

Restless, he stands and begins to explore. As his movements evolve fromsubtle finger clicking to spinning, sliding, striding and finally somersaulting onto the factory floor below, the space around him comes to life. TVs crackle with static, machines crank into operation, and the man’s outfit seamlessly changes as he steps from one empty room to the next. Directed by the visionary Barnaby Roper and starring young Dutch model Sven de Vries, the energetic mood of the film is perfectly in sync with the new BOSS Menswear collection. Strikingly contemporary silhouettes and fabrics meet iconic motifs and materials – houndstooth, pinstripe and corduroy are all reworked for a bold new aesthetic.

The vibrant film ends as it began – the man returns calmly to the waiting room and the clock continues to tick. We are left to ask ourselves: were the dynamic scenes were simply a product of his imagination? Whatever the truth, this bold new-season film continues to evolve the unique, modern vision of BOSS Menswear.

A strikingly rhythmic and vibrant new film announces the Boss menswear collection for fall / winter 2016. View it at menspassion-online.com

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FALL 2016

Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2016-17 Campaign

L

uxury house Salvatore Ferragamo has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2016-17 advertising campaign, extending the concept that celebrates an inherently Italian activity – revelling in the splendour of life – and we love it.

FALL 2016

While depicting the joie-de-vivre and playfulness central to the House today, lo splendore della vita also marries with the timeless values of founder Salvatore Ferragamo, as he dedicated himself to the pursuit of luxury living.

The campaign imagery, shot by acclaimed photographer Craig McDean, captures the spirit of today’s cultivated global traveller, in his or her own leisurely quest for pleasure and contentment. A sense of ease and confidence underpins the style of these modern men and women as they recline in the season’s elegantly proportioned skirts and refined tailoring. In a colourful clash of creativity and craft, their relaxed attitude in colour-blocked plissé and abstract prints is testament to the vivacity at the heart of the campaign spirit.

The same concept is brought to life in a short film, directed

by Theo Stanley, as the char-acters engage in a light-hearted game of hide-and-seek within the classical grounds of a Italian countryside villa, capturing the mix of heritage and modernity central Ferragamo’s creative practice.

Both the images and film communicate a thoroughly modern sensibility that is both elegant and playful. It’s an attitude present in the Autumn/Winter Ferragamo men and women, as together they savour the splendours of understated luxury.

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WINTER 2017

Dolce&Gabbana Winter 2017 collection

T

he Dolce&Gabbana Men Winter 2017 collection is yet another declaration of love for Italy and its culture. It was inspired by the iconic “Spaghetti Western” movies directed

by Sergio Leone that in the ‘60s brought the Italian movie industry to the attention of the international crowds and that are revisited and reinterpreted with a modern eye. There was a very strong play on the contrast between the past (embroideries and embellishments on the clothes) and the present (shapes, cut, fit, etc.).

WINTER 2017

During the creative process, Mr. Dolce and Mr. Gabbana referenced their memories of these classics films, while listening to the music that Ennio Morricone composed for these movies and that are the soundtrack of the fashion show.

The SARTORIAL part plays a big role in the collection. All the pieces are perfectly tailored following the tradition of the brand.

In the collection there were not the usual cliché connected to the West: forms and shapes are modern, while the clothes are enriched with embroideries and needlepoints décor that are reminiscent of the Wild West – like roses, guns, cacti.

Everything is enhanced with the DNA of Dolce&Gabbana and aims to show how a memory can become something contemporary.

There are no reference to the past, but a poncho top that reminds of the looks used in Giuliano Gemma’s movies.

For Mr. Dolce and Mr. Gabbana what matters is always to tell a story, to present clothes with a soul, that warms the heart.

It is the imagination that makes you realize the inspiration, not the use of the cliché of the genre.

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SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

Paul Smith SS17

F

or spring/summer ’17 Paul Smith promotes a message of peace and positivity expressed through an optimistic use of colour and print.

SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

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SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

Paul made his first trips from Nottingham to London as a teenager in the ‘60s, crashing on a friend’s floor in Notting Hill before heading out to explore the city. Simultaneously, the first Notting Hill Carnival kicked off in 1966. Having called West London his “home” since the ‘70s Paul’s experiences, then and now, feed into this collection as past and present brush up against each other.

1960s tailoring references are brought up to date with super lightweight construction and highly breathable Italian wool fabrics, which make the dressed up, Sunday best styling effortlessly wearable. Meanwhile, a contemporary edge comes from sportswear shapes and diverse casting that mirrors the multicultural reality of London in 2016.

Confident use of colour is a Paul Smith trademark and in fairly gloomy times these optimistic bursts of brightness are designed to lift the collective mood. West Indian warmth flows from familiar colour combinations of yellow, green and red, which come together to create a series of stripes – another Paul Smith mainstay – and a tropical tartan fabric that appears throughout the collection. This same hot Caribbean colour spills over onto the runway itself, which has been transformed into one long, unbroken stripe.

Finally, a bold ‘17’ graphic dates the collection and offers the hope that 2017 will be brighter, happier and more peaceful than the year that preceded it.

SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

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SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

Ralph Lauren - Purple Label SS17

T

he Ralph Lauren Purple Label Spring 2017 Collection embraces one of life’s greatest luxuries, perfect imperfection. This touch of leisure is woven through sportswear, haberdashery, formalwear and accessories.

SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

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SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

Sportswear exudes ease with signature rugged and rustic details while speaking to a more active and urban lifestyle, introducing air-spun cashmere and jersey sweaters, tropical-wool running shorts and water-resistant track pants. A nautical theme is woven through a group of highperformance pieces, such as a neoprene duffel coat with handmade leather details and an ultra-lightweight airmesh windbreaker. Fine craftsmanship is celebrated in a battle jacket and jumpsuit with embroidery, and handsome suede is put into a hooded sweater with a laced henley opening.

Suiting takes on a more relaxed silhouette in rich and innovative garment-dyed and textured fabrics, styled in sophisticated tonal color combinations. There are separate haberdashery groups in gray, taupe and navy that mix custom-designed lightweight silk and linen blends with special touches such as basket-weave and chevron patterns for additional dimension. Modern fashion details include high-waist and wide-leg trousers, deconstructed unlined jackets with patch pockets, and versatile knitwear layers.

The clean geometric architecture of the Art Deco era informed the inspiration of the formalwear, illustrated by the graphic contrast of bold black and white. Jacquards are crafted with nuanced contemporary patterns, and the iconic Chrysler Building, a legendary New York destination, lands on a novelty sweater.

A new collection of Purple Label accessories builds on the exciting sportswear story with the introduction of a carbonfiber and burled-wood surfboard, and neoprene espadrilles and tote, while other fleece accessories are inspired by performance auto seats in Ralph Lauren’s own personal collection of cars.

SPRING 2017 PREVIEW

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PRADA FASHION WEEKS

Prada Men’s Special Displays

T

his year Prada presented three special displays in its Florence, Milan and Paris stores, on the occasion of three iconic Men’s Fashion Weeks for the 2017 Spring/Summer collection.

A set in three acts on three prestigious stages and each mounted with a different approach.

FLORENCE The first act is staged in the Florence store, in Via Tornabuoni.

In a sophisticated presentation of the dis-dressed project, a series of exclusive photographs shot by Willy Vanderperre take us behind the scenes of the Prada Uomo and Donna 2016 Autumn/Winter collections to examine, with unusual intensity, their aesthetic world and the points of contact between the two collections.

The photos are a constant, deliberately indiscreet presence throughout the store. On this occasion, every part of the store has a new layout and is restyled with carpets that give a 3D twist – and also introduce shades of green, red and grey – to the classic black-and-white chequer pattern, and new seating. (14-26 June)

PRADA FASHION WEEKS

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PRADA FASHION WEEKS

MIL AN Created by OMA (Rem Koolhaas’s Office for Metropolitan Architecture) and Michael Rock, creative director of New York 2X4, the decoration of Prada Men’s Monte Napoleone store in Milan draws inspiration from the video and digital world. In this case the main features in the windows and ever y par t of the three-floor store are giant LED screens showing Chronicle and dis-dressed image loops. A contemporar y, modern and innovative layout, par ticularly in keeping with the spirit of the collection. (16-26 June)

PRADA FASHION WEEKS

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PARIS The final act, staged in the privacy of an exclusive apartment on the top floor of the Prada Faubourg Saint-HonorĂŠ store in Paris, presents a preview of the Prada Uomo 2016 Autumn/ Winter collection advertising campaign. Posters of a modern masculinity in step with the times, the present moment shown as a theatre of history through a series of haunting portraits of the lead actor, Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, The Danish Girl), taken by photographer Craig McDean and evocative of the atmosphere of 19th-century paintings. (22 June-8 July)

THE LUXE REVIEW

THE LUXE REVIEW Our exclusive guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more.

In the Luxe Review we look at the best, and meet the people that are making it happen.

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Mission Accomplished for Solar Impulse OMEGA proudly watched the successful completion of the first ever round-the-world solar flight

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olar Impulse flew into Abu Dhabi and into the future by completing the first ever roundthe-world flight powered only by the Sun.

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As a Main Partner, OMEGA congratulated Bertrand Piccard, André Borschberg and the entire Solar Impulse team.

After years of preparation and many astonishing flights that began in March 2015, the round-the-world mission has been completed. A great achievement for the future of renewable energy. Along the way, it has set a number of records including the new world record for a solo endurance flight (117 hours and 51 minutes from Japan to Hawaii).

OMEGA has been a keen supporter of the Solar Impulse project and has not only provided capital but has also made key technological contributions.

In the early days of Solar Impulse, OMEGA developed a performance simulation and testing system for the project. Soon afterwards, the OMEGA Instrument, an easy-to-read device that displays important parameters to assist the pilot during approach and landing, was invented by astronaut and Swatch Group Board Member Claude Nicollier.

OMEGA also developed a landing light system which, including cables and mounts, weighs only about a kilogram and delivers an incredible “watt to weight” ratio. The brand has also been responsible for an energy dispatcher that can transfer energy from one engine to another.

Through its work with Solar Impulse, OMEGA has once again been an enduring partner in mankind’s greatest dreams. The watch shown is the Solar Impulse Skywalker.

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Geophysic ® The milestone collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre

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enowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. Geophysic® line reveals its gripping story, so that we can better tell our own.

The first glance reveals a clean-cut design that is the epitome of elegance and equilibrium. Each model in the Geophysic® line features several layers of meaning. It gradually unleashes a powerful and innovative horological content expressed through classic characteristics. This refined and contemporary creation asserts its masculine nature in a number of subtle ways.

The collection is named after a watch that belongs both to universal history and to the heritage of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance.

The Grande Maison is now choosing to revive this legendary name in two models blending aesthetic elegance, technical sophistication and 21st century user friendliness: the Geophysic® True Second® and the Geophysic® Universal Time.

Refinement and discernment

Nothing that Jaeger-LeCoultre does is governed by exclusively external considerations. This is demonstrated by the case of the Geophysic® True Second® watch which measures exactly 39.6 millimetres, an elegant and reassuring diameter confirming its cultural roots in the field of Haute Horlogerie, and the choice of which was determined by a quest to find the perfect size enabling the watch to express perfect harmony.

Geophysic® explores the subtle nuances of contemporary classicism, reinforced by the traditional hands reflecting the codes of the Vallée de Joux as well as the linear hourmarkers. The design of the case in turn reveals another facet of its personality through finishes worthy of the most precious Jaeger-LeCoultre models. The lugs do not meet the case middle with a gentle curve, but rather with a decisive angle expressing strength and confidence. Their sides are polished to accentuate their sleek silhouette. In becoming better acquainted with the watch, the observer realises that its bezel slightly overlaps a tiny part of the case and lugs, thereby creating an extremely pure overall aesthetic. The case-back is screwed in, like that of the 1958 model, so as to ensure greater water resistance. This flowing visual effect is enhanced by the fact that the eye does not linger on any screws, while the watch features the inherent reliability of a system traditionally used to equip diver’s watches. Finally, the case middle also echoes the inspirational original with its extremely dynamic Super-Luminova®* dots that enable easy read-off even in the dark. The balanced, refined and unostentatious tone is set in subtle touches, leaving plenty of scope for the reactions that this exceptional watch unfailingly provokes.

A new collection gets a new high-precision calibre The movements driving the Geophysic® collection, automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibres 770 and 772, are synonymous with high precision and mechanical beauty. These calibres called upon the talents of the most highly specialised engineers of the Research & Development division within the Manufacture. The strength of their expertise and their imagination drives their authentic capacity for innovation.

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The latter is in this instance expressed by an atypical balance wheel featuring a non-circular configuration that required lengthy research in order to reduce air friction. Named the Gyrolab®, this device was initially developed in a laboratory version back in 2007 to equip the Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 watch. It took eight years to transition from this confidential version to one that could be incorporated into an entire watch line. Geophysic® is the first collection to enjoy the full benefits of this key breakthrough.

This precision is also expressed by the true seconds system

that causes the seconds hand to move forwards while “beating the second”, meaning by performing a jump every second.

This is no ordinary feat for a mechanical movement, and one that does not disturb the smooth running of the watch. True seconds mechanism involves an extremely sophisticated construction whose effectiveness is expressed on the dial by a pleasantly rhythmical reading of the seconds. This specific expertise, which has been mastered by the Maison since the 19th century, testifies to the authentic instrument-worthy nature of the Geophysic®.

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Roger Dubuis - first Kuwait Limited Edition Rare pieces celebrate the nation

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hilst we were away over the summer, Swiss Manufacture Roger Dubuis unveiled its first-ever Limited Edition timepiece dedicated to Kuwait. The stunning Excalibur timepiece with a uniquely striking Malachite dial has been commissioned to celebrate the long and fruitful partnership between the Swiss luxury maison and their Kuwaiti partner, the M. Y. Behbehani Group.

The commemorative timepiece, of which just 30 are being produced, is a veritable Collector’s Item. It represents all the brand’s penchant for inventiveness and innovation that has gone into putting together this iconic and memorable timepiece.

The iconic Excalibur for the first time in the collection’s history, features a malachite stone dial. The variegated green surface of the malachite dial provides a resplendent sheen and an unique background that distinguishes the Excalibur from the flock. The dial has been painstakingly fashioned from carefully selected samples of malachite and worked on to achieve a flawless finish by the craftsmen at Roger Dubuis.

The unique green of the malachite also sets off the silvery time markers and watch hands quite nicely, with the silver of the hands and markers being silhouetted by the luminescent intensity of the malachite backdrop. The Limited Edition timepiece, like every other creation of Roger Dubuis, bears the Poincon de Geneve, hallmark of Swiss watchmaking excellence.

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“We at Roger Dubuis are extremely appreciative for the instrumental role played by our partner M.Y. Behbehani Group in advancing the brand’s presence across Kuwait over the years. The Limited Edition Excalibur is a token of our esteem for their outstanding efforts,” said JeanSebastien Berland, Regional Brand Director, Middle East and India for Roger Dubuis.

“Roger Dubuis timepieces have always maintained their reputation for being outstandingly complicated, technically complex and innovatively creative in design, setting themselves apart as a brand with a difference. Fine watch lovers in Kuwait recognise these attributes of the maison, which is why we have been a success in the region,” said Ali Morad Behbehani, President of M.Y, Behbehani Group.

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Manero Peripheral Elegance With A New Movement

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t Carl F. Bucherer, Manero stands for the authentic art of watchmaking. It is precisely for this reason that the new caliber CFB A2050, developed in-house, is also making its debut in the Manero line. The new Manero Peripheral combines sophisticated modern engineering with classic watchmaking.

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With the presentation of the new Manero Peripheral timepiece, Carl F. Bucherer is consolidating its reputation as an innovative Manufacture brand. It also marks the launch—after several years of innovation work—of the CFB A2000 caliber series, designed and produced entirely in the watchmaker’s own development workshops. The CFB A2050 movement was specially developed on the basis of the CFB A2000 for the new Manero Peripheral. In addition to its central hours and minutes hands, the new Manero displays the small seconds at 6 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock.

Classic Manero This new watch movement is housed in a classically designed, multifaceted round case. Visual intensity is created by clear edges, soft curves, and contrasting polished and matte surfaces. The dial is a Manero classic: elaborately finished with raised wedge hourmarkers. And, as is usual for the Manero series, the time is indicated by faceted lance hands.

Classic Carl F. Bucherer The classic look is complemented by modern engineering.

The automatic movement draws its energy from a doublesided self-winding mechanism with peripheral rotor. A design principle that Carl F. Bucherer was the first to bring into series production with its CFB A1000 movement has thus been adapted for the new CFB A2050 Manufacture caliber, which, with its linear design, is both technically and visually characteristic of the brand. The Geneva Stripes adorning the movement’s bridges and balancecocks are a tribute to Swiss watchmaking tradition. An impressive rotation momentum and a power reserve of 55 hours make the new member of the Manero family a reliable and enduring companion for elegant gentlemen.

Available in six versions The new Manero Peripheral is being launched in six versions: The 40 mm case is offered in rose gold or stainless steel, each with exquisite dials in deep matte black or elegant porcelain white. The fine strap crafted from alligator leather perfectly complements each variant.

The stainless steel models are also available with a steel bracelet and refined double folding clasp.

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Breitling’s Time with Jean-Paul Girardin, CEO

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or those folks who believe that the current generation of ‘smart’ timepieces represents the first time watchmaking has been at the forefront of technology, we’ve got some news the design and manufacture of watches been at the cutting edge ever since Peter Henlein created his first ‘clock-watch’ around 500 years ago.

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Those five centuries of watchmaking are laden with stories of artisan’s endeavors to make pieces smaller, more accurate and, typically, more complicated. Along the way craftsmen have not merely employed technology in their quest for perfection, indeed often they have created new technologies. Whilst today’s ‘smart’ hyperbole may centre on brands with little or no watchmaking heritage (we’re thinking of those arrivistes Apple and Samsung), the last one hundred years has demonstrated the value of a slow folding of contemporary technology in to a style and substance created over generations is a far more sustainable route to follow.

One man acutely attuned to today’s developments is Breitling’s CEO Jean-Paul Girardin. During lunch and an engaging tour of the Breitling Chronometrie workshops in the Swiss Jura, he presented a realistic view of the brand’s future – emphasizing evolution rather than revolution.

What are the core values of Breitling today?

The same as they’ve always been – precision, functionality and a strong aesthetic. And since our very first days, back in 1884, we’ve focused on technical watches and chronographs – a focus that remains today.

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Something else that remains unchanged, and is particularly unusual in the watchmaking sector today, is that Breitling remains family owned. You’re competing against brands within large groups with, perhaps, far deeper pockets. A disadvantage?

It could be – but we choose to make it an advantage.

Although we’re small, we have a large perceived presence.

And because we’re small, we’re able to be more unique, and able retain our strong character built over the years.

Being family-owned makes Breitling a little bit special.

It’s important to recall that technology existed before smart-watches. How do you balance the legacy of the brand with today’s demand for technical innovation?

The legacy of the brand IS technical innovation. We employ technology to improve our watches, to make them more accurate, more useful, and easier to use. One-hundred years ago we invented the push-pieces at 2 o’clock to make the functioning of the chronograph easier. We’ve only ever adopted technology where is has a value of use – never just do the sake of trends.

Long before the names ‘smart’ and ‘connected’ watches were even coined, you created the Breitling Emergency and were communicating with satellites.

Today, with the Exospace B55 you have a connected watch that offers fabulous value of use.

For sure it does. The Breitling way is to adopt and utilize the aspects of contemporary technology that follow our values. Functionality is number one – supporting high precision and strong design. Our slogan is ‘Instruments for Professionals,’ so this new connectivity technology was an opportunity for us to improve the functionality of our chronograph. We didn’t want to just deliver another smartphone for the wrist. We acknowledge it’s very difficult to compete with such a user-friendly interface as the touch screen, so to have a weaker phone on the wrist wasn’t really the purpose, but it was about having a real Breitling chronograph with real hands and a real dial – a watch that looks like a real Breitling chronograph. And if we add connectivity to this, it makes the users life much easier. In this case, it’s the other way around – the smart phone is in service to the watch, and the watch remains the master.

Where does this leave traditional watches?

Their future is secure. Notice the way we are employing the technology – it is in support of the traditional watch.

For as long as the watch remains the master, technology serves the master.

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Breitling’s Flight Connection The company punches above its weight when it comes to brand perception. Yet their positioning within the aviation industry is borne of a genuine passion for the air – Theodore Schneider, the (if not reclusive, certainly media-shy) owner is as likely to pilot his own aircraft from the head office to the factory as he is to drive there.

The Breitling Jet Team, Wingwalkers, Super Constellation and DC-3 are further manifestations of the brand’s obsession with the skies. They’ve long made watches for pilots, and being pilots themselves they’re able to deliver and speak the same language.

Cheat Sheet - Breitling Exospace B55 The avant-garde Exospace B55 connected chronograph houses an exclusive SuperQuartz™ movement endowed with a range of original functions tailor-made for pilots. It stands out in terms of its new connection philosophy placing the smartphone in the service of the watch in order to enhance its functionality. The user thus enjoys the optimal comfort of the phone for performing certain adjustments and, conversely, can download the results of certain measurements to the smartphone as well as receive notifications. This future-oriented instrument is also distinguished by its resolutely technical design featuring a titanium case and rubber strap. The new-generation connected chronograph.

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The True Thinline in marvellous monochrome

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Rado reveals three lightweight minimalist masterpieces

ess is more: Swiss watchmaker Rado is breathing new life into the old adage with the addition of three minimalist masterpieces to its collection. In a world weighed down by visual clutter and manic multitasking, this super slim, toned down trio delights with its utter simplicity.

Styled with an uncompromising “back to basics” approach, these three new additions to the True Thinline family have been stripped to their barest essentials. Each piece is crafted in a monochrome colour palette – pure white, stark black or lustruous plasma – using Rado’s signature material, high-tech ceramic. Free of indexes, subdials and flourishes, the True Thinline’s dial is a beautiful blank slate – even the second hand has been done away with.

The timepiece’s sober, restrained lines and incredibly slim profile make a fresh and modern impact – a new way to make a fashion understatement.

With a case that measures just 4.9 mm, the True Thinline is the thinnest ceramic watch that Rado has ever produced.

These new True Thinlines have taken this minimalism a step further, embracing not only a minimal size but also a minimal aesthetic. The result is a design that transcends fashion trends, a deliberately pared down shape that reveals the poetry of a watch in its most basic form.

Afloat on the wrist Hailed as a marvel of engineering when it first arrived on the watchmaking scene, the True Thinline’s elegant simplicity is powered by an unbelievably thin movement of just 1 millimeter. The Thinline owes its extreme lightness and super slender silhouette to its monobloc ceramic case – a groundbreaking type of case construction featuring

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Looking Back on the McLaren F1 The car that began a new legend

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sually we spend our time looking forwards. We’re always asking what’s the next big thing?

Who’s creating the finest today? Once in a while it’s good to look back, and to remember how we got to where we are. This month we’re looking back to 1992, and to the launch in Monaco of the then (and indeed now) shatteringly quick and beautiful McLaren F1.

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The launch set a chain of events in play that have, by 2016, delivered us a full stable of ever gorgeous McLaren automobiles. We’ve revisited that day in southern Europe with some timely pictures and the words of the day from the car’s chief designer – Gordon Murray: “For many of us at McLaren, this opportunity to design and construct the ‘ultimate sports car’ has been a dream come true… We set out to develop the world’s finest driver’s car by applying Formula 1 technologies to offer Grand Prix-style capability, control and quality throughout; a car individually built and tailored to the most discerning of owners. We set out primarily to build our own car in our own way. As the programme progressed, we analysed and evaluated all existing midengined sports and ‘supercar’ designs. Our established objectives remained unaltered. Our target has been to create the purest driver’s car, compact and above all ultralightweight, to achieve optimum all-round performance.

It also had to embody the most advanced engineering,

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intricate and elegant detailing and peerless quality – all to the standards hitherto found only in the modern Formula 1 racing car. An entirely purpose-designed engine and transmission were essential, combined with innovative modern structures, frontier aerodynamics and pure, balanced styling. Practicality was also vital, the finished car to be functional yet exciting to drive under all condition. This concept – targeted strictly upon minimal weight, maximum driveability and practicality – combined with our company heritage of exceptional performance, painstaking build quality and uncompromising safety standards – entirely merits the car being named the ‘McLaren F1’. We set out to produce the best roadgoing ‘driver’s car’ ever built – or ever likely to be built – and we are confident that this first McLaren production model represents the pinnacle of twentieth century highperformance sports car design.”

Did they achieve everything Murray hoped they would?

We say they did – and then some more.

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911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition Available for a limited period

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he 911 Targa is the modern classic in the 911 range. Porsche Exclusive has now further refined the vehicle’s distinct style by developing the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. This novelty version of the model is presented in the special Etna Blue exterior colour, which is derived from the 356 B (T5) of 1960 and 1961, with numerous elements accentuated in White Gold Metallic (satin-gloss).

The unique colour combination of the exclusive Targa is also reflected in the model’s interior, which features exclusive equipment and a range of handmade details in high-quality finish. Powered by a 420-hp bi-turbo boxer engine, the special edition is available for a limited time.

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Throughout the vehicle, a range of exterior details such as the front spoiler, covers for the headlight washer system, the “targa” logo on the wide bar, rear apron and model designation are all coated in the vehicle’s unique colour. The black LED headlights at the front provide an eye-catching contrast, whilst the Targa bar, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels and the decorative Porsche side logo glisten in White Gold Metallic. The rear lid grille and quadruple sports tailpipes deliver dynamic contrasts with their striking black finish.

The interior of the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition features door entry guards that are made from black, anodised stainless steel, bearing the name of the special model. Luxurious comfort awaits the driver and passenger on the inside, thanks to a high-quality, Graphite Blue leather interior with decorative stitching in Provence Blue.

The headrests of the adaptive Sports seats Plus, with 18way adjustment, are embossed with the Porsche crest.

A 911 Targa silhouette adorns the cover of the storage compartment in the centre console, while the lettering “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” on the dashboard’s trim highlights the vehicle’s origin. The seat’s decorative piping, air nozzle slats and floor mat leather edging are presented in Provence Blue. The interior’s comprehensive refinement also includes leather trim on the seat backrests, steering column casing, parts of the dashboard and air nozzles.

Following their assembly, all vehicles are hand-finished on the Porsche Exclusive production line in Zuffenhausen.

For 30 years, Porsche Exclusive has strived to deliver individuality straight from the factory and boasts a longstanding tradition of crafting limited vehicle projects.

With each car, the customer receives a specially designed indoor cover as well as a photo album documenting the production process. Every photo book features the individual vehicle identification number ( VIN).

The 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition from Porsche Exclusive is available for order for a limited time only.

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Elvis’ BMW 507 lives on Comeback at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach

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he glittering comeback is now following one of the most spectacular classic-car discoveries of recent times. The BMW 507 was driven by US musician Elvis Presley, famous already at that time as the “King of Rock’n’Roll”, while he was doing his military service in Germany. After that it disappeared for nearly 50 years and was believed to have been lost before returning to the limelight.

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After almost two years of exacting restoration work, BMW Group Classic is presenting the roadster for the first time in a public arena. Restored to its original condition, it will be exhibited on 21 August 2016 at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. The BMW 507 with chassis number 70079 will be on view for visitors to the popular classic car show exactly as it was when soldier Elvis Presley took delivery of the car on 20 December 1958: with paintwork finished in Feather White, the 150 hp V8 aluminium engine under the bonnet, centre-lock rims, black-and-white interior and a Becker Mexico radio.

“The opportunity to bring back the BMW 507 owned by the King of Rock’n’Roll to us here in Munich for purposes of restoration in accordance with the wishes of the previous owner, Jack Castor, was a dream come true for all those involved,” commented Ulrich Knieps, Head of BMW Group Classic. “This was an exceptionally fascinating project. The outcome is not simply a source of great pride to us. Jack would undoubtedly have been delighted by the outcome.” In the summer of 2014, the exhibition of the unrestored discovery at the BMW Museum generated a great deal of excitement among classic car enthusiasts, but it also threw up questions: Was this really once Elvis’ BMW 507? And will it even be possible to transform this roadster back into a jewel of the 1950s?

From “Return to Sender” into “It’s Now or Never” The condition of the two-seater really was a cause for

concern. Although the original body parts and other components were virtually all present and intact, the roadster had lost its engine and gearbox. The rear axle was a “replacement part” of unknown origin, rust was eating away the floor assembly, the seats were worn and there was no instrument panel. However, the fascination of a rare and beguilingly beautiful automobile outweighed all the inadequacies and deficiencies, augmented by the memory of Elvis Presley and his greatest hits. While the roadster came back to Munich under the slogan of “Return to Sender”, the solution was undoubtedly “It’s Now or Never”. A project managed by BMW Group Classic succeeded in restoring the automobile. In-house experts and external specialists joined forces to carry out the work and the result defined new benchmarks for the restoration of a BMW 507.

Looking back on the process, the story of Elvis’ BMW 507 and its restoration is pure Rock’n’Roll: as captivating as the swinging hips of the “King”, energy sapping, an emotional roller-coaster, and full of surprising twists and turns. This is not simply a tale about the young GI Elvis Presley. It is also about the experienced “hillclimb champion” Hans Stuck, kissable lips daubed on white paint, a retired space engineer and a warehouse for pumpkins, a Chevy engine that was much too big, rubberised coconut mats and door handles printed in a 3D process. And the story already began three years before the “King” started military service with the US Army stationed in Hesse, Southern Germany.

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Aston Martin DB11 receives prestigious Car Design Award 2016 First award for new DB11

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ston Martin is celebrating a victory in the prestigious Car Design Award, presented at the Salone dell’ Auto Torino, Italy.

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The new DB11 was named Production Car of the year by a jury of experts from ten international automotive magazines.

The jury stated: “The design team has further evolved Aston Martin’s historical design cues and proportions – an elongated bonnet, aluminium roof and muscular rear fenders – a more daring interpretation. Flowing in an unbroken arc from A-pillar to C-pillar, the dramatic new roof strake adds a new flavour of modernity to the DB11. Once again Aston Martin has demonstrated of being capable to blend elegance and power.”

The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond. DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures.

Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “We are delighted that the new DB11 has been awarded this prestigious award so soon after its launch, this is testament to the brand values and design philosophy of Aston Martin. Every millimetre of DB11 has been reimagined from the ground up, and every part of DB11 is designed to create the world’s most alluring DB to date.” The award ceremony took place in Parco Valentino Torino last Wednesday. Mark Kenworthy, Regional Director of Aston Martin Lagonda of Europe, said: “The Aston Martin DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition. Winning this prestigious award even before the DB11 arrives at dealerships in October this year, underlines the outstanding achievements of our design and engineering teams.”

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Bentley redefines luxury customer experience Opens largest showroom in the world on Sheikh Zayed Road

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entley has taken luxury customer experience to extraordinary new heights with the opening of the largest Bentley showroom in the world on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The pioneering showroom, which was developed with the region’s most discerning customers in mind, is a sector-defining move by the British marque in the world of automotive retail environments. The official inauguration of the showroom took place with the attendance of prominent members of the Al Habtoor Motors, representatives from Bentley’s regional headquarters, and friends of the brand.

Mr Karl Hamer, the Managing Director of Al Habtoor Motors commented “We are all so proud of the opening of our new flagship showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road. With its iconic design it will truly put a mark on Dubai’s skyline where all our current and future customers can indulge in an extraordinary five star experience . We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the world of Bentley.”

A world class dealership Bentley’s new flagship showroom is the result of a 100 million Dirham investment from Al Habtoor Motors, Bentley’s exclusive retail partner in the UAE. The colossal 75,000 Sq.Ft showroom is Bentley’s largest standalone dealership in the world and is set to revolutionise customer service in the world of luxury motoring.

Destined to become one of the most iconic buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Bentley Emirates showroom was designed to go beyond any previous luxury automotive experience, as well as featuring one of the world’s most advanced luminary façades. Comprising 160,000 LED lights, the façade is able to display a full spectrum of colours including all of the standard colours on Bentley’s vehicle pallete as well as projecting the visuals of all of Bentley’s iconic bespoke veneers. The façade is capable of streaming HD quality video as well as an unlimited range of graphics and luminary spectacles.

The unprecedented showroom building encompasses three stories for model display as well as three basement floors

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for parking, a roof garden, a Bentley merchandise boutique, a VIP Majlis, a specialised customer handover area and Mulliner room for bespoke commissioning.

orchestrated journey of the Bentley brand. The Bentley coffee shop serves luxury Bentley chocolates, patisserie and the world’s finest juices and coffees.

Redefined customer experience After consulting with leading hospitality experts to ensure that Bentley customers enjoy an unparalleled experience at the flagship showroom, Bentley has crafted a superlative customer service model, taking inspiration from the world’s finest five star hotels like the St Regis, its global affinity partner.

The dedicated Bentley Boutique provides customers with the perfect accessories to match their vehicles, from Bentley fragrances to clothing and luggage. A beautifully appointed guest elevator, which features a lining of Mulliner’s bespoke diamond quilted stitching, in Bentley leather, transfer passengers from floor to floor to experience luxurious spaces that could rival any five star hotel in the city.

An experience beyond the ordinary dealership, the showroom features one of the world’s first Aqua Graphic Water Curtains. The Aqua Graphic Water Curtain works by projecting any type of visual, A world first, the water fountain is used to welcome customers with their name in water. The fountain software is also capable of automatically recognising a customer on arrival through number plate recognition, projecting his/her name in 3D as soon as he/ she walks through the doors.

Upon entering the extraordinary world of Bentley, visitors will be met with a greeting more likened to a high-end luxury hotel. Upon arrival every guest will enjoy complimentary valet parking and be greeted by a doorman specially trained by the St Regis hotel. A concierge will then provide the customer with a refreshing cool towel and a drink of their preference.

A tantalising journey of the senses, the well curated showroom floor will take each customer through an

Elsewhere a VIP Majlis has also been developed to host Bentley owners and VIP friends of the brand. The VIP Majlis conveys a design that’s bespoke, contemporary yet traditional and luxurious. The design infuses a blend of traditional Arabic patterns with Bentley’s contemporary corporate identity, creating a unique concept.

Speaking about the opening of the showroom Stephen Reynolds, Regional Director, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Bentley Motors, said “We have worked together with with the Al Habtoor Group to deliver a true blend of luxury and performance to our discerning customers in the region.

Combining Al Habtoor Group’s world-class experience in luxury hospitality and Bentley’s long standing reputation for providing bespoke services to the most discerning of customers has produced the world’s first truly luxury showroom.”

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THE LUXE GROOMING

The House of Creed From father to son since 1760

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t began as a bottle of Royal English Leather— a rich mix of mandarin, ambergris and sandalwood— commissioned by King George III (after becoming enamored with a pair of Creed scented gloves). Passed from father to son for seven generations since its London founding in 1760 by James Henr y Creed, The House of Creed has been handcrafting uncommon fragrances for royal houses and discerning patrons for over 250 years.

THE LUXE GROOMING

As the only fragrance house to rely on an ancient infusion technique to capture the raw and rare materials of each perfume, Creed has created a legacy of unrivaled scents, both commissioned and worn by history’s greatest names: Queen Victoria (Fleurs de Bulgarie); Empress Eugenie of France (Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie); Emperor Franz-Josef of Austria-Hungary and his wife, the Empress “Sissi” Elisabeth (Fantasia de Fleurs); Spain’s Queen Maria Cristina (Vanisia) and a host of global politicians including Sir Winston Churchill (Tabarome Millesime); President John F. Kennedy (Vetiver); as well as constellation of movie stars and several First Ladies.

Based outside of Paris today, each scent is weighed, mixed, macerated and filtered all by hand in the highest tradition of the House’s founder, James Creed. Today, sixth generation and master perfumer Olivier Creed and his son, Erwin Creed, carry on the craft from their Parisian laboratory. Father and son each personally seek out the purest elements from around the world to continue the art of Creed’s perfume making—a timeless, yet modern take on history, bottled.

Traditional Perfuming Methods The Creed “Millesimes” have been created from essences of great quality. Olivier Creed personally seeks out the purest elements from around the world from which he crafts his perfumes. The infusion technique, now abandoned by modern industry, enables Olivier Creed to preserve the originality of his timeless fragrances. In turn, Creed manufactures an unrivaled product through its unique infusion process and by using the finest natural ingredients. The components are weighed, mixed, macerated and filtered all by hand in the highest tradition of the House’s founder, James Creed.

Explore the variety of exclusive creations in the only Creed – Boutique in Kuwait at The Gate Mall – Aqeila / Basement Floor.

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THE LUXE TRAVEL

The Professional Traveler

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TUMI’s Creative Director - Michael Petry

s the brand celebrates its 40th year, its newly appointed Creative Director Michael Petry celebrates the end of his first year with the luxury luggage brand. We sat down with Michael to get the low-down on his first year, and what his plans are for TUMI.

You’ll soon complete your first year at TUMI. What do you feel you’ve added to the brand in your time so far?

It’s been a whirlwind of a year, that’s for sure! Since beginning my role here at TUMI, the goal has been—and will continue to be—to evolve the brand aesthetic by making cool product as well as to elevate the creative of the product and our global marketing appearance. For Fall 2016, worked very hard to keep the brand’s DNA in every single product we made while updating the silhouettes, the styling and paying particular attention to every little detail and touch point.

The brand continues to evolve every season. At TUMI, we are always looking at ways to elevate our product through material innovation—ranging from various leathers, textiles, trims and hardware details.

I’m sure the consumer will see my aesthetic and design language infused into the products when they hit stores in the next few months. But, with that having been said, I think the consumers will also say that each and every product is inherently TUMI and maintains the DNA that has made the brand loved throughout the world.

What are the lines you’ve added which you’re already able to identify as taking TUMI to a new level (of technology and / or style)?

Some highlights include ultra-premium Landon, made from matte pebbled leather and beautifully refined hardware signature to the collection; Haydon—a new lightweight assortment of soft, relaxed silhouettes that are both fashion-forward and functional; and TUMI V3 (main image) — our lightest-ever hardside collection of luggage, which

is constructed from a multi-layer polycarbonate shell that is engineered to offer unparalleled strength and impact resistance at a very light weight.

That’s your first year taken care of. What do you see have been the reasons for TUMI’s success throughout its 40 very full years?

The brand has a reputation for making stylish and timeless products and being known for superior quality and durability. TUMI’s uniqueness and success comes from the core ideals upon which the brand is founded—Quality, Style, Functionality and Iconic Design—ensuring any TUMI piece can fit our Global Citizens’ diverse lifestyles. We will always ensure these principles are carried out in our designs, while also evolving them and the materials we use for our products.

Who is the typical TUMI customer? Has this profile evolved over the years, and are you keen to see it evolve further? (If so, how will you achieve this?)

The TUMI Global Citizen is an established individual in his or her career, or someone who’s just starting a career but is serious about being a professional. Someone who is no longer interested in carrying around a “student bag”—our Global Citizens have now entered into professional life. So there’s a customer at two points in the career ladder – the individuals who might have received TUMI as a graduation present from their parents for their first job, and those who are already established. The TUMI Global Citizen is also worldly, technologically savvy, travels a lot and is interested in an integrated lifestyle.

THE LUXE TRAVEL

We’re talking travel. What is the key piece of luggage every man should have to hand?

First you need a good carry-on piece. Second is you need a good duffel bag, because depending on who you are—I typically can pack pretty light—but you can pack for a week in that or a weekend in a duffel. Those are your two critical pieces from a luggage and bag standpoint.

Since traveling is part of the job, I’ve learned to become quite the expert packer. I keep it streamlined to only the necessities; I don’t pack something because I “think” I may wear it. Depending on the length of the trip, it can take me between thirty minutes to an hour to pack. I like to have everything laid out before I put it into my suitcase.

When searching for that ideal piece of luggage, what are the key attributes we should be looking for?

I believe that art of intelligent design should be grounded in multifunctionality—using innovative design to creatively provide travel solutions to make life easier. When you get into designing objects, they obviously have to function— the baseline of everything we do here at TUMI is about ‘functionality’—but I think the drive has been to make things more stylish, and infuse that fashion element onto the function part. Because people want to look good no matter where they’re going or what they’re doing. Luggage in general is becoming more of a fashion and lifestyle accessory. Consumers are demanding both comfort and style, and thus these key attributes play a crucial role in our designs. We see these consumer needs equally as impor tant as the functional elements of our products.

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THE LUXE TRAVEL

The Hotel Hunters On the trail of the extraordinary

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ravel should always be a pleasure. Whether for business or pleasure, each time we step on to a foreign land it opens the doors to a world of possibilities. One can always settle for the ordinary, but that’s just not our style. Join with us as, over the coming months, we visit a collection of some of the world’s finest, most luxurious and extraordinary hotels.

1. Ashford Castle, Ireland This 13th century Castle is located 45 minutes from Galway city in the west of Ireland. Once the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford opened as a luxury hotel in 1939.

In 2013 Ashford was bought by the Tollman family of the Red Carnation collection, who began a loving restoration project resulting in a “Palace inside a Castle”.

The Castle offers 82 bespoke bedrooms, a 32 seated cinema, multiple dining options, a Library, a Billiard’s room, a Cigar terrace, beautiful public lounges and 21st Century technology throughout. The Ashford Estate offers an array of activities including Orvis fly fishing to Ireland’s First school of Falconry, and a brand new state-of-theart Spa. Top Tip: Dine at George V Restaurant, where Executive Chef Philippe Farineau creates classic dishes using only the best, locally sourced produce to offer a mouth-watering dining experience. The George V offers a choice of a Table D’ Hote menu, a seasonal Tasting Menu and also an A la Carte menu.

THE LUXE TRAVEL

2. The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland Set on 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, just one hour from the international airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Gleneagles is a dream destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Famed for the three championship golf courses, as well as facilities for, and instruction in, worldclass archery, falconry, horseback riding, off-road driving, and a Gundog School.

It is a great family destination, as children can join in with junior golf and off-road driving lessons, mini Highland games, and even a spy school. At the two-Michelin–starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie @ Gleneagles, much of the produce is sourced locally. This commitment to the environment extends to an award-winning green program, which sees staff on bikes and corks reused in drainage—all to help to preserve the resort’s awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Top Tip: Bring your golf clubs. Even for a champion and acclaimed golf architect like Nicklaus, The PGA Centenary Course was a challenge. It had to be a great golf course and Nicklaus described it as “The finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with.” The tees are graded at each hole in five stages, including a challenging 6,757 yards from the white markers down to 5,271 from the red. A feature of the PGA Centenary Course is the feast of views of the spectacular countryside in which Gleneagles is set.

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THE LUXE TRAVEL

3. La Bastide de Gordes, France Set atop a rocky outcrop, the village of Gordes offers exceptional views of the Luberon mountain range, in Provence.

As you walk through the curtains that hide the front desk from the road, you already feel as though you have travelled through time. Guests are captivated immediately, as if having stepped into a theatre of yesteryear, with the team of traditionally dressed personnel performing on stage. The 18th century terracotta floor tiles release a heart warming ancestral whisper with each passing footstep. Everything is in keeping here.

It took more than a year to gather together all of the furniture and decorative objects, matching them up as if they had always been there. Every piece of furniture, trinket, light, rug, table, marble sculpture, candlestick and piece of ceramic was searched out from all over France, from big antique dealers and auction houses in Paris, as well as Italy and Switzerland. The collection has succeeded in transforming this hotel into a veritable castle where one truly feels at home, like a family dwelling passed down through the generations.

“It’s a dream for all those who never had the chance to own a family retreat”, shares Christophe Tollemer.

Amongst the incredible treasure found by this aesthete to the core, was a letter from the secretary to Louis 14th and Louis 15th, which are now elegantly framed.

Each new stone added for the extension of the Bastide came from neighbouring quarries, some even dating back to the 16th century. Other materials were retrieved from castles dating back to the same period.

THE LUXE TRAVEL

No two rooms or suites are the same. Indian stretched canvasses, typical regional fabrics, pastoral toiles de Jouy from Pierre Frey and other beautiful fabric designers, give the impression of entering the bedroom of an aristocratic grandmother from Provence, who would have collected ceramics and portraits all her life.

Some of the 16th century cement floor tiles in the bathrooms bear “Zuber style” panoramic frescos, inspired by distant landscapes of yew trees under a slightly orange sky, and meticulously painted by talented visual artist, Louis-Daniel Jouve. Each bedroom features hand sheened low wood panelling, harmoniously matched to the antique carpets that cover the old parquet floors.

Top Tip: In this five star hotel, the flavours of the Mediterranean and the exceptional produce of the Luberon take pride of place. Under the guidance of Head Chef Edouard Henry, focus on regional dishes with a touch of modernity for the Orangerie and the Citadelle. At Pèir, the 3 Michelin starred iconoclastic chef Pierre Gagnaire pays tribute to Provencal cuisine by honouring poivrade artichokes and red pepper bavarois with mint, Rougette de Montpellier lettuce, blue poached lobster, wild rice from Camargue, bottarga…

To find out more about these and other extraordinary hotels, and for the simplest of booking procedures, check out those lovely folks at Leading Hotels of the World at lhw.com

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THE LUXE YACHTS

Monaco Yacht Show Preview

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rom 28 September to 1 October 2016, the 26th Monaco Yacht Show will celebrate the best that Superyachts have on offer with 34,000 participants from around the world.

THE LUXE YACHTS

Private yacht owners, future buyers of yachts and decision-makers from leading companies in the yachting and luxury sectors will discover 125 of the most desirable yachts from the past year, the latest trends in naval architecture and the technological gadgets or nautical leisure accessories of tomorrow.

The MYS delivers a spectacular exhibition that is renewed every year that reflects the constant changes in an industry driven by the desires – and the purchasing power – of its wealthy clientele.

Three years ago, the show reoriented its development strategy in order to meet and even anticipate the needs of its participants – private clients, high-level visitors, managers of large brokerage or shipyard companies and all the sectors directly linked to yachting or complementary to this great luxury industry. The Monaco Show is considered to be an important indicator of the

health of the sector but to its visitor’s it must also reflect an emotional experience. The declared aim of the Show’s organisers is to make MYS a genuine label. This unifying ambition translates into the development of daring and innovative solutions to promote the market to a worldwide audience, the high point of which naturally remains the still unrivalled end of September MYS event.

High-level guests at the MYS For the last three years MYS has participated in Monaco Week in China, in collaboration with the Monegasque Embassy in China and the show’s historic Asian media partner, Bluinc Media group. This press and public relations operation took place in Chengdu, the economic and financial capital of western China with 20,000 high net worth individuals in its population. This operation involved two phases, in China and then in Monaco, where a delegation of Chinese VIPs were welcomed to the Show in September. While China remains a region with

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THE LUXE YACHTS

enormous potential to develop yachting, it still represents a challenge for players in this market, whose determination has been clearly displayed in the promotional activities that have been undertaken in recent years.

On 27 September 2016, 400 top guests will be invited to the show’s opening gala evening. This will also be the 3rd edition of the MYS Superyacht Awards and trophies will be presented to some of the superyachts exhibited at the MYS. A few hours before that, the MYS organisers will have held a new edition of the Monaco Yacht Summit, this time in a new version for an exclusive VIP audience limited to about fifty invited guests.

Enjoy the MYS experience ... and come back every year.

In response to the express desire of the finest automobile manufacturers to participate in the MYS in recent years, a totally new exhibition space, the Car Deck, dedicated solely to ultra-high-quality vehicles will be launched.

Several prestige automobiles with be on display to the Show’s clientele and available for purchase or a test drive in the heart of the town. The Car Deck will thus supplement the exhibition space set aside exclusively for luxury sectors linked to yachting.

Created as a confidential service for exhibitors, the Sapphire Experience offers a bespoke visit to the

THE LUXE YACHTS

MYS exclusively for private clients (Only 100 Sapphire Experiences are on offer).

Particular attention has been given to improving transport facilities so as to ensure regular trouble-free transit between the different exhibition areas that now cover the whole of Port Hercules: the network of launches will offer direct routes between the various quays, including a special line for the crossing between the Quai de l’Hirondelle and the Quai Antoine 1er. On land the golf cart service introduced in 2015 will offer new stops and extended service hours to back up the networks of bus shuttles and courtesy cars that will continue to

connect hotels in Monaco directly with the show. Three helicopter lines will provide services between Monaco and Nice airport or the Cannes and Saint-Tropez business terminals. The new MYS application, to be launched at the end of August, will additionally facilitate access to transport solutions.

The 2016 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show will occupy an exhibition area totaling 20,000 sq. m., once again presenting 580 exhibiting companies and MYS partners, 125 superyachts including some forty new vessels making their world premiere and a selection of luxury tenders and other accessories for water sports and leisure activities.

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REAL ESTATE REPORT

Investing In Miami’s New Asset Class

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s it emerges as a technology hub in the Americas region, investing in tech startups in Miami can be a lucrative business.

Written by Cityscape magazine

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Tech startups are increasingly beginning to resemble contemporary art as an asset class that provides another good way of diversifying personal or corporate wealth. As with investments in art, investments in tech startups can be modest or substantial. It all depends on what the startup has to offer and the appetite and financial capacity of the investor.

An April report from CBRE titled The technology sector increases its footprint states: “Office leasing by South Florida tech firms doubled between 2013 and 2015.” For biotech and manufacturing companies, the increase was tenfold. Every year over the past three years workspace companies have signed new leases for more than 100,000 sq. ft.

At the two-day eMerge Americas conference in Miami in April, attendance was capped at 13,000 people due to the size of the space at the Miami Convention Center which is being refurbished. Attendees from 60 countries circulated among three main stages with often simultaneous speakers, areas for early and later stage startups competing for investment dollars as well as exhibitions from major technology companies like Citrix, EMC and Microsoft.

Quinn Eddins who wrote the report is CBRE’s director of research and analysis. He notes that the region’s ability to attract a multilingual talent pool and the ability to code is a “powerful combination.” As tech companies in the U.S. choose South Florida over other areas, Latin American firms are targeting Miami as their home base.

Technology is central The third eMerge Americas confirmed founder Manny Medina’s vision when he decided several years ago that Miami could become a hotbed of new technology. Medina was a developer who turned to technology with Terremark, an Internet connection point for Latin America that he sold to Verizon in 2011 for USD 1.4 billion.

At a news conference, Medina mused about what eMerge had achieved. It’s “only a platform,” he explained, “priming the ecosystem” of technology companies in South Florida. “Art Basel [Miami] jelled something that was already happening.

We have the same hope for eMerge.”

The importance of technology in Miami and around the globe for every industry is obvious. Among founding exhibitors at eMerge who attended in 2014, 2015, and again in 2016 are the Miami Association of Realtors (MAR) - the largest chapter of the U.S. Association with 42,000 members - and EWM, a residential brokerage allied with Christie’s International and belonging to Warren Buffet’s empire that does USD 3 billion annually.

Christopher Zoller, Broker Associate with EWM, said: “The art of real estate is going mobile and high tech. With cell phones, our business is one of demand and of the moment.”

Lynda Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Public Relations & International at MAR, added: “We definitely support high tech. We’re a global city so something like this makes sense.”

The growth of shared workspaces is evident. WeWork, for example, has leased 40,000 square feet in Miami Beach and will open another centre in downtown Miami.

Pipeline and Büro cater primarily to star tups and creative-oriented firms. Airbnb is located in Büro in the Midtown section of Miami.

Venture capital investments According to the CBRE report, South Florida firms received USD 301 million in 2015, making the area 21st among U.S. metropolitan areas in venture capital investment. Funding went to 26 firms. Most were in biotech and healthcare: USD 50 million for MDLIVE, a tele health company; USD 38 million for Modernizing Medicine, a medical records software company; USD 22.9 million for Orthosensor, an orthopedic medical device producer.

However, the star among young high tech companies in South Florida is Magic Leap, focused on virtual reality and 3D software. It received USD 542 million in 2014, the largest single amount for any company. Last year, Magic Leap was responsible for the largest office transaction when it leased 260,000 sq. ft. for its new headquarters.

So far, no startup at eMerge has ever found this level of investment. However, Mediconecta was selected as the later stage winner of the 2016 Startup Showcase and received USD 100,000. The company is a Latin American tele health innovator that provides on-demand medical consultations via video conference using an in-house network of physicians and a proprietary platform.

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REAL ESTATE REPORT

In addition, Cetus Labs and Tinker.build were named early stage and university startup winners. Judges included NBA player Elton Brand and Investor Jose Antonio Hernandez-Solaun, who as judges committed to investing in the winning company.

Representatives of venture capital firms are becoming regulars at eMerge. Susan Lyne, Founder and President of BBG Ventures, heads an early stage fund that focuses on women entrepreneurs. So far, BBG has collected 30 startups in its portfolio of consumer internet and mobile startups with at least one female founder.

Among the speakers at eMerge were Ray Kurzweil, Futurist, founder of Singularity University and Director of Engineering at Google; Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC and Co-Founder of America Online (AOL) and Bibop Gresta, COO and Deputy Chair at Hyperloop. All three are or have been associated with venture funds and have invested directly in startups and young companies as well. Their participation

was public unlike Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos who was spotted in stealth mode among the startups.

Another trend is for major tech companies to field their own venture capital funds. William Crowder heads the Catalyst Fund at Comcast Ventures. He said Catalyst has funded more than 60 star tup companies in the past four years.

Funds like Catalyst ensure that the parent – in this case, the media conglomerate Comcast – stays in touch with new technologies.

Some Holly wood, music, and spor ts star s have begun to invest in tech star tups. The actor Ashton Kucher who por trayed Apple co -founder Steve Jobs in a film is a co -founder of A- Grade Investments that funds early stage companies. eMerge veteran and investor, the singer Pitbull, always at tends the conference, this time

REAL ESTATE REPORT

appearing with Cesar Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal International Group and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, and Mark Hoffman, President of CNBC. He didn’t speak at the conference or take any public role.

Finally, for small investors, crowd funding may be a good way to enter the startup arena. Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe are some of the best known. Announced around the time of eMerge is Idea.me which started in Latin America – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay – and is now coming to the U.S. via the Create Miami campaign.

This article is supplied by Cityscape Magazine.

Up to now, the crowd-funding platform has supported more than 1,700 projects with money from 110,000 people in these countries. “Our goal is to engage and connect the Greater Miami community,” said Director Alejo Nitti. “We want to partner with passionate entrepreneurs to take their creativity around tech and innovation to the next level.” Very likely the investors will be watching.

Cityscape magazine is the Middle East’s leading real estate investment title and is owned and published by Informa Middle East Limited. For more information, please visit www.cityscape.org Visit Cityscape Kuwait, the only international real estate investment event in Kuwait for buying your dream home.

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HUNGARIAN RESIDENCY

The New Europeans Residency Bond Programs

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ccording to many sources, Hungary is offering the best permanent residence program within the Schengen countries in terms of cost, global mobility and quality of life.

The residency bond program evolved from a combination of proven practices around the world and is addressed to business people who are not residents or citizens of the EU.

HUNGARIAN RESIDENCY

Investors acquire special “residency” bonds issued and guaranteed by the Government. Upon completion of the mandatory 5-year holding period the principal investment amount is refunded to investor (without accrued interest).

The program is designed for businessmen and for investors and family dependants who wish to secure their future in an alternative country of residence - should the need arise.

Hungary is one of the fastest growing EU member states and its capital - Budapest - is the second best city in the world to visit (CN Travel). The country is a prime tourist destination and Budapest was selected within the 10 most beautiful capitals of the world.

Besides its safety, it is inexpensive and offers diverse cultural, sports, recreational activities and health care facilities (the country is in the 30 most visited travel destinations globally).

Program features • Permanent residence permit for investor, spouse and children.* • No purchase of real estate is required.

• Exemption from physical residence in Hungary.

• Permanent residence holders can freely travel to and within the Schengen-zone.

• No tax levied.

• Children are eligible for EU tuition schemes.

• Newborn babies are automatically enrolled and included.

• Eligibility for citizenship after completing 8 years on permanent residency.* • Permanent residents are free to start their own business in the EU member states.

• Permanent residents are free to take up employment in the EU member states.

• Eligibility to high quality education & health care services.* * Terms & conditions apply To learn more, contact client@permanentresidencybond.org

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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.

Karen Chekerdjian

THE LUXE ZEITGEIST

Throughout the summer, Lebanese-Armenian designer Karen Chekerdjian has had plaudits rain down upon her for the installations and exhibits that formed her show ‘Respiration’ at Paris’s L’Institut du Monde Arabe. If you haven’t found time to view it, it’s too late; it closed at the end of August.

To true design aficionados, this is a detail of little consequence. It has already been pored over, analyzed, dissected and explained in poetic detail by numerous possessors of the highest journalistic eloquence. Curious readers won’t need to search too far online in their attempts to learn more.

The real story is what lies behind her three-month tenure in Paris. Her apprenticeship in Milan, her decade and more honing her skills within the demanding market of her home city, Beirut, and the subsequent awakening of the world to her talents over the past couple of years.

Her time of experimentation at L’Institut may have passed, but what is of far more interest to the true aesthete is what will Chekerdjian do next? www.karenchekerdjian.com

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ARABNET

The Rise of Kuwait’s Startup Ecosystem

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uwait’s oil reserves, which amount to more than 100B barrels, account for more than 60% of GDP and 95% of exports and have shaped the country’s economic strength. The oil reserves have ensured robust public finances and funded the development of a substantial welfare system.

ARABNET

Pumping Fuel in Startups The State has been developing a startup-fueled digital economy to diversify its economy away from oil, and to create more private sector jobs for Kuwaitis, who currently are almost exclusively employed in the government sector. In efforts to expand the private sector, a $7B Kuwait National Fund for small and medium sized businesses was introduced in 2013 focusing on smart capital, education, legal framework, and mindset.

Most companies in the region usually have access to only one round of funding, even though follow-on funding is critical to startup growth. Smart capital involves providing technical and strategic guidance for entrepreneurs by facilitating access to multiple rounds of funding as well as to markets, talent, land, and services.

In terms of education, learning how to run a business is traditionally hard earned by slowly climbing the corporate ladder. But the fast-moving entrepreneurial ecosystem requires a solid and diverse set of skills at the onset. The Kuwait National Fund seeks to fill that gap and engage with students early on by supplementing extracurricular and curricular activities in their program.

On the legal side, the entrepreneurial ecosystem requires a venture-friendly framework to prosper. This requires changing the mindsets of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, which can be the most challenging task.

Governments need to have a forward-looking vision to build a fully integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem. Before launching the fund, Kuwait fully inventoried and evaluated its resources (university graduates, skills, subsidies, etc.)

and found that by focusing on technology, light industries, media, and design, the country would have the best chances of competing regionally.

Additionally, whereas, many countries in the region allow a lot of strategic autonomy for governmental or semigovernmental bodies supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Kuwait actually consolidated all these bodies into one centralized governmental agency for that purpose.

What many entrepreneurs worry about is the bureaucratic hassle associated with government-sponsored programs.

The legal system, notorious for its red tape, has to be one the most difficult ones to contend with. There are laws for foreigners requiring a local partner, and Kuwaitis have to endure endless bureaucracy and high fees, moreover, laws governing digital business are still in their infancy.

Accordingly, the private sector would play a role in implementing a government-sponsored SME strategy in the most efficient and time sensitive manner reducing bureaucratic procedures and eliminating any negative connotations usually associated with governmental procedures.

Also, to help put things into perspective, the Kuwaiti ecommerce market was estimated at $1.26B in 2015 according to Payfort. Coupled with high GDP and a 91% Internet Penetration Rate, the opportunity for growth of online goods and service providers, as well as mobile transactions, is very high.

Kuwait has a population of 4.2 million, of which an estimated 67% are youth; therefore, it’s not surprising that Social

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Media penetration in Kuwait is at 96% (one of the highest globally), while Kuwait leads in MENA, on platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Kuwait is also home to GCC’s most affluent online influencers.

The Thriving Ecosystem Entrepreneurs require the proper startup ecosystem to nurture and thrive. The recent growth of the Kuwait startup ecosystem is incredibly exciting and has been extremely evident, as is distinct in the collaborations amongst entrepreneurs, support organizations, and investors.

A startup ecosystem is formed by several components interacting as a system to create and sustain startup companies. A successful startup ecosystem is highly developed in all areas of the components. For ecosystems to become a self-sustaining source of innovation, lead to economic growth, and create jobs, it needs to have the following 6 pillars: Human capital, knowledge resources, capital, governance, infrastructure, and markets and networks.

Taking into consideration all the 6 pillars, Kuwait may not have a highly developed startup ecosystem; however, there really is no startup ecosystem in the world that is perfect.

We have observed several positive signs indicating that the

Kuwait startup ecosystem is headed in the right direction Kuwait’s entrepreneurship scene is vibrant and has gained momentum since the announcement of the $7B Kuwait National Fund for SMEs. As apparent in the ecosystem map, the market has witnessed a surge in entrepreneurship support and institutions: funds, co-working spaces, angels and investors.

This was further inspired by the $170 million acquisition of Kuwait’s Talabat.com, a deal that was lauded as a landmark in the region since as it was one of the first and largest regional exits. Berlin-based Rocket Internet acquired the food delivery service platform with 1,300 restaurants on its platform and services the Gulf, in early 2015.

The Startup Explosion Many cities around the globe have sizeable star tup ecosystems today and are home to VCs, accelerators, and caf feinated star tup founders and their teams. According to the 2015 edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Index, the fastest grow th of entrepreneurship is taking place in the MENA region despite political turmoil.

The main reason for this star tup explosion is that star tups may be built for thousands, rather than millions

ARABNET

of dollars, as they did in the past. Cloud computing and coding have become so abundant and cheap as well as the Internet itself, which is much faster than it was, is universal and wireless. Today’s lean star tups can outsource most of what they do, and no longer have to operate their own ser vers.

ArabNet Coming to Kuwait The regional digital hub, ArabNet, will be coming to Kuwait on October 4th and 5th for the first time to host a 2-day conference focused on the Kuwaiti and GCC market, highlighting local trends, opportunities, startups, and rising stars.

Since it does not cost as much to produce a star tup, we’ve seen new t ypes of investors come about such as angels, micro-VCs, and accelerators. Many star tups don’t need a large amount of seed funding, so these investors can invest in a big number of smaller companies rather than pump millions into one company.

The 2-day conference will consist of the TechFair, an exhibition area for leading digital companies and rising startups to connect, in addition to a full day of keynotes and panels covering digital media topics focused on technology in media and advertising influencers, brands and new age marketing; eBusiness topics will cover mobile enterprise, digital banking, and the state of ecommerce in Kuwait, topics that will be also discussed related to technology are the latest hardware technology and innovations, retail mobile platforms, and gaming, in addition to the landscape of entrepreneurs’ supporters in Kuwait.

Another factor in the star tup explosion is a cultural shif t in at titude. Parents used to consider that get ting a traditional job was a safer bet, discouraging young people from star ting up their own ventures. With the rise in youth unemployment in many countries today, entrepreneurship is being promoted to create jobs for the growing youth population.

With the cost of entr y-level for star tups at an all-time low, funding for early-stage star tups more available than ever, the world becoming a single market, and babyboomers creating job oppor tunities, it seems rather unlikely that the star tup movement will die out soon.

The conference will also hold a full day of workshops and discussions on parallel tracks dedicated to entrepreneurs and marketers. The workshops focus on building skills and expertise in addition to delving into the latest and hottest topics in media & entrepreneurship with market leaders.

Check ArabNet’s website for more information: www.arabnet.me

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THE LUXE EVENTS

The Protégés – ‘The Musical’ Kuwait’s next burgeoning generation of business leaders enjoyed an expansion of their cultural oeuvre during a unique evening at the Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah’s Yarmouk venue.

Hosted by Dr. Fathi Khamisi, the current intake of The Proteges program listened to a performance by Sheikh Sayed Darwish which included numerous works of both Arab and international origin.

THE LUXE EVENTS

TAG Heuer and Trafalgar announce winner Back in July the TAG Heuer boutique at The Avenues hosted an event for the announcement of the winner of a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 experience. Guests were able to view the latest collection of TAG Heuer watches in the brand’s premier showroom in Kuwait. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is this season’s final race, and takes place in November.

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THE LUXE LISTINGS

Listings Easing ourselves back into a season of busy social rounds, this month we’re heading off to Dubai and Beirut for our dose of culture and entertainment.

Opera Without Words What: Opera – but without words When: 5 September, 2016 Where: Dubai Opera House

Cityscape Global 2016 What: Real estate When: 6 – 8 September, 2016 Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

An evening of Italian Opera’s greatest overtures and interludes performed

by Fondazione Teatro Lirico “Giuseppe Verdi”, Trieste. Without the human voice there would be no such thing as opera, but the orchestra provides the pulse that makes an opera breathe. The greatest opera composers have always written as well for instruments as for voices. In the process they have created magnificent orchestral pieces that have taken on a life of their own and this collection brings together Italian Opera’s most beautiful.

Cityscape Global has been running for years and has now become the key event during which real estate investors, developers, regional and city investment promotion authorities, architects, designers and other real estate professionals gather together to share thoughts and ideas and drive growth in the real estate markets around the world. Cityscape is the annual opportunity to build and maintain your presence across Middle East real estate markets.

Coppélia What: Dance When: 15 & 17 September, 2016 Where: Dubai Opera House

Beirut Art Week What: Art Week When: 13 - 20 September, 2016 Where: Beirut

Performed by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia. Set to Léo Delibes’ beautiful score, Coppélia is a captivating and entertaining family ballet based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Dr. Coppélius is an eccentric toymaker who has built a life-sized doll, Coppélia, and daydreams of her coming to life. Franz, a young villager betrothed to Swanilda, is unaware that Coppélia, who sits at Dr. Coppélius’ window, is only a doll and falls in love with her, even though he is already engaged. Infatuated with the inventor’s new doll, Franz sneaks into Dr. Coppélius’ workshop and chaos ensues. This performance is supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.

From 13 to 20 September 2016, Beirut Art Week opens public spaces and luxury boutiques of the capital to artistic expression. Beirut Art Week brings out the historical heritage of Beirut, by investing new territories in order to conquer a new public. Monumental works settle in downtown streets and shops and open the doors of contemporary art to all. The itinerary is composed of around twenty interactive projects combining installations, sculptures, and performances that will take shape throughout Beirut’s symbolic landmarks such as Martyr’s Square, Beirut Souks, Zaitunay Bay, Saifi Village and Harbour Square.

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