MP issue#108 November 2019

BESPOKE YOUR LIFE Sharpen your edge!

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When your world gets busy, escape to some peace and quiet in the luxurious Lincoln Aviator.

The serene, calm interior is equipped with the latest innovations and meticulously crafted for your driving pleasure. The refined styling talks persuasively of your polished taste and preference for sophisticated, yet powerful performance.

Take the quietly eloquent Lincoln Aviator for a drive at your nearest showroom.

The All-New 2020 Aviator

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THE BESPOKE EDITION ISSUE NUMBER 312 - NOVEMBER 2019

TIME TO REBRAND Dear Passionate Readers, I am writing this letter while witnessing one of the most historic and proud moments of our beloved country; Lebanon.

I call it ‘ours’ since I have truly never met a single human being who has ever visited Lebanon without falling in love with it.

Why is it such a historic moment?

Because for the first time since I opened my eyes to the world, I have seen my compatriots united.

At the beginning of the revolution I was appalled!

What will happen to Lebanon now? Haven’t they ruined it enough?

Then, as the days passed, I could not but be in awe at the peacefulness, unity and solidarity of a revolution that started against corruption and grew into a national call for true unity regardless of religion, sect or creed.

A new Lebanon is being born!

A Lebanon that we had stopped daring to even dream of!

Yet the dream is very much alive now, and I hope and pray that by the time you’re reading this letter, the revolution would be over, with its main objectives achieved, and that together we will witness and build the new and bespoke branding of Lebanon!

Till next issue,

Zeina Mokaddam

ON THE COVER: November 2019 Consumer demand for a distinct and seamless customer experience leaves little room for a lessthan-perfect fit in today’s retail market. Clothing companies face a unique convergence of consumer needs: the desire for custom clothing at mass-produced prices with similar convenience.

This demand is spread across every sector of the market – bespoke is in demand. Homes, cars, events, vacations, watches. If you can think of it, it can be bespoked. Who’s doing it well? We look at a few good examples.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nouf Al-Hajri LEGAL CONSULTANT Khaled Al-Kandari Al-Kandari Law Firm PUBLISHED BY

MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mishleen AlKazzi

BESPOKE YOUR LIFE Sharpen your edge!

CONTENTS 12 The Bespoke Artisans Berluti

Bespoke Footwear 16

The Bespoke Event Bibi Hayat

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The Bespoke Hotel Yabu Pushelberg x Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

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The Bespoke Automobile McLaren Special Operations

MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom EDITORS Rawan Qabazard Anju Kakar CONTRIBUTORS Adel Al-Ansari Yousif Abdulsayed Jalil Marvin SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shadi Moufied IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri

PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait.

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

Please email your suggestions to info@ph7-kw.com For advertising, please contact info@ph7-kw.com For subscription, please email 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.

KUWAIT CITY Arraya Centre Ground Floor, Al-Shuhada St. Phone: +965 22997662

MEN’S PASSION

The Bespoke Artisans Berluti Bespoke Footwear

A century-old history, artisanal craftsmanship and creativity that is constantly renewed, Berluti’s bespoke shoes are the quintessence of the House. At Berluti, the client is at the heart of all they create. His unique allure, absolute comfort and vision of elegance drive the design and the creation of their infinitely customizable footwear.

THE BESPOKE EDITION

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THE BESPOKE EDITION

Unlike the ready-to-wear or “demi-measure” shoes, which are simple adaptations of existing models, the bespoke footwear is handassembled and customizable from the wooden last to the choice of leather and patinas to create a unique piece according to the morphology of the client’s foot.

How it all begins The shoemaking journey begins with an encounter, a conversation between two people with a mutual passion for the craft. The master shoemaker listens to the customer’s wishes, to understand his habits and tastes, and also to share vast know-how and make suggestions on the kind of fit, the soles, the lining and patina to create a one-of-a-kind piece that suits his requirements and specifications.

Design The last maker sculpts a piece of hornbeam, a hard and dense wood, to the shape of the shoe. The wooden form, known as ‘last’ is then smoothed with great precision to match the morphology of the food, while maintaining the elegant shape of the shoe.

Production Once the last is tailored to the right fit, the pattern-cutter coats it with an adhesive canvas, on which he draws the model. The canvas is then used to recreate the design on a cardboard pattern, from which the pieces of leather are cut, with the help of a skiving knife. These cut pieces of leather are pared, assembled and sewn by a craftsman to form the ‘upper’ of the shoe.

The First Fitting The client is requested to return for a second-appointment, in which he tries on a prototype of the shoe that is made of leather, but not the final leather to evaluate the fit, the room for the foot and the style, following which the last is adjusted and perfected to produce the perfect pair of shoes.

Imagination A key aspect of Berluti’s custom-made footwear is that at every stage of the construction, craftsmen can accommodate any further personalisation as requested by the client, as long as the style continues to be in line with the identity of the House - whether it be a flowered tip on the vamp, drawings or initials or even embroideries to embellish the ‘plateau’ of a loafer.

Patina For finishing touches, the colourist applies the ‘Patina’ as selected by the client from a range of options to give the bespoke shoes their unique personality. The Berluti Patina is the House’s secret pigmentation technique and is available in a variety of shades for customers to choose from, such as Autumn Leaf, Caviar, Saint-Emilion Red, Nero Gigio and Tobacco Bis brown.

Delivery After months of work, delivery is always a moving ritual for the master shoemakers. Each pair is presented to the client in a Venezia Scritto leather box, personalised in the colours of the she’s patina and engraved with the name of the owner, as are the bespoke shoe-trees, whose colours and customised details are also chosen by the client.

Need to Know Berluti was established in Paris in 1895 and has been built by four generations of shoemakers. In 2005 fine leather goods were introduced and, in 2011, a complete clothing collection. A unique bespoke service from head to toe is now available through Berluti’s workshops in rue Marbeuf and rue de Sèvres. Berluti now has over 45 stores worldwide, and their shoemaker will be in the Gulf on the 14th and 15th of December 2019.

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The Bespoke Event Bibi Hayat Thoughts in mind for that once in a lifetime event? Business launch ahead? Going as a guest? Parties and events aren’t what they used to be. Doing it right is more important than ever. And, more than ever, doing it right invariably means doing it with the right people. Right? Pick the best organiser, and your evening is going to go with a swing and, critically, shine the right light on you.

The best organisers make the whole thing look easy, and the best that we know is Kuwait’s Bibi Hayat. In business for more than a dozen years, she’s also launched a carefully curated portfolio of niche companies under her umbrella – each setting the highest of benchmarks in its own arena.

At the top of the tree sits Bibi Hayat Events. And that’s the reason we’re here today, to learn what truth lays behind making the creation of finest bespoke events appear so easy…

THE BESPOKE EDITION

A bespoke event is, for some, the very pinnacle of luxury. It’s your role to make it look easy! We know it isn’t. What’s the secret behind a smoothly run and finely-tuned event?

Years of experience, an educated and well-rounded team... and of course planning, checking, rechecking, addressing every single detail of the event, as well as working with reputable vendors.

But the most important factor is clients trust in our company. I always say... “with trust from our clients… we excel”.

How far in advance does the planning (typically) begin?

It’s never too early to plan for an event. The more time allocated for planning and design the better the outcome. As I pride myself on not copying and not repeating designs; I allocate ample time for research and development. I research, I look for inspiration, I collaborate with my team then I design - and that all takes time.

Are social events the core of your business – or corporate as well?

Perhaps, increasingly, the two converge. What can you tell us about this?

I plan and design both social and luxury corporate events. Naturally most of my business comes from social events, however, over the years I have worked on numerous high-end luxury brand events ranging from Net-A-Porter, DeBeers, Bentley, Chopard, McLaren, and others.

Hosting the ‘right’ event can be an important launch-pad for a successful business. What’s key? The selection of venue, menu, entertainment, guest list? How do you approach the balance?

All the above-mentioned elements are crucial to a successful event and they all have to work together seamlessly and harmoniously.

Hence, what distinguishes my business is the strong relationships and trust I built with catering companies, sound and lighting companies, photographers, hotels, restaurants, chocolatiers, etc. We work closely with third-party vendors and a very important aspect of my services is overlooking and managing the other vendors associated with the event apart from design and decor.

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These days the smaller and more exclusive and curated the event is, I find has a better impact on the event, if documented well with a great videographer and photographer, the clients can then push out the imagery on social media for everyone.

So, ‘bigger’ isn’t always ‘better’.

I always mention that I would rather have a few luxurious pieces, accent decor items than an overflow of artificial flowers and design elements.

The guest experience is the final 20% of a successful event, most of the time if the event is too large, it loses its fun vibe and warmth, the feeling of leaving a happy and great energy filled space resonates with the guests for weeks after - we must acknowledge the importance of this - and then it’s all about the design and the details. I care about the details from the coffee tables to the bowls to the accessories... they all complete the big picture.

What’s on-trend for social events today? Where is Kuwait on the global ‘trending’ scene? Followers, early-adopters, or leaders?

I march to the beat of my own drum. Of course, I am very much aware of the global trends from pantone colors to themes to patterns, but I am very committed to my own design process. We always ask our brides to present us with 5 -7 inspirational pics to understand her better and get to know her. We usually present one design based on her mood board and one that is “outside the box”. My goal is to continuously be innovative and creative. Kuwaiti brides are very well rounded, they’ve travelled a lot, they’ve seen a lot... the majority of brides worldwide still go for the romantic feminine theme...that will never be out of style. Generation Z brides are a little more daring and are not followers...they are individualist in every sense of the word.

THE BESPOKE EDITION

We have to be aware of the trends, and test them in our own way... but trends fade out really fast... and no one wants their event to be “so last year” or “out of style” adding 30% of trend-based design to the mix is the best recipe.

What are the key elements of a successful event? More than ‘fun’, are clients looking to offer great networking opportunities?

Each and every client looks for comfort and service first. Do they have a place to sit? Is the service reaching them in time? Are they able to manoeuvre around the venue easily? That’s why I have a team of architects and designers that study every single aspect of the venue... the seating allocation, circulation, service doors, safety rails, etc.

The key to a successful event is when the host is taking care of their guests and enjoying their time, allowing us to do our job, in addition to a wonderful vibe. and energy, a few wow factors throughout the night, and excellent entertainment and the best quality light and sound technology.

Toughest challenge you’ve been asked to complete?

A customized tent structure during the heaviest rain season to ever come across Kuwait. Kuwait was flooding, our warehouse was 60cm deep in water, but we had to just push on and finish the project... it was a challenge, but we managed to make it happen. I couldn’t have done it without amazing team members, contractors and vendors though!

Find out more for yourself, at bibihayat.com

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The Bespoke Hotel Yabu Pushelberg x Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait Buy a bespoke suit – sure. Bespoke your shoes – easy. Your car?

Have it your own way. But, a hotel? Well, of course. Going beyond mere interior design, Yabu Pushelberg – from their New York and Toronto offices – delivered a fully bespoked design for the new Four Season Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. More than curating a collection of commercially available products, they went through the inventory (furnishings included) and, inspired by motifs found across the Middle East, delivered a highly contextual and contemporary style.

Totally unique, totally bespoke. Learn how…

THE BESPOKE EDITION

The Four Seasons Kuwait represents the utmost in modern sophistication and elegance. Richly layered details inspired by Middle Eastern motifs and architecture are re-interpreted in a modern way, providing a uniqueness that is entirely of the Four Seasons Kuwait.

Colors and finishes throughout the hotel are informed by the intensity of the desert and the local climate; playing with the contrast between daytime heat and cool nights.

Grand Foyer & Lobby Lounge Much like a grand home, characterized by the expansion and contraction of linked compartments, the square entry space eases guests in through to the main lobby, gallery and the adjacent lounge.

Soaring ceilings enhance the sculptural quality of the architecture, punctuated by an iconic crystal sculptural installation suspended from the center of the lobby ceiling. Surrounding walls are clad in textured limestone, combined with carved oak panels reminiscent of oversized sculpted wood doors. Geometric patterned stone floors traverse the lobby, further enveloping the space in neutral tones.

The reception desk, designed as a sculptural object, sits at opposite ends from a stunning framed view of the grand stair. Set against a backdrop of intense burnt orange, the monolithic grand stair, framed

by Middle-Eastern-inspired extruded textured bronze screens, extends up the full height of the lobby with statement-making impact.

Leading to the elevator lobby, set against deep indigo walls, cabinets of carefully collected sculptural objects add interest and texture.

Furnished in a purposefully curated way to express a welcoming, residentially-inspired quality, the generous lounge offers a beautiful range of colors and textures. The room is bordered by curved oak panels, further layered with custom glass screens laminated with a geometric gold-leaf ‘village-scape’. Wood floors, in a similar pattern to the lobby, are dotted with deep indigo area rugs, while overhead, a romantic, layered bronze lightbox casts a gentle glow.

Ballroom & Pre-function The pre-function area asserts a strong geometric statement in the repetition of sculpted ceiling details and floor patterning. Handwrought textured metal screens play with the geometry on the ceiling and floor, while simple dark charcoal grey portals create contrast within the space, leading through to the ballroom.

In the ballroom, a highly-engineered ceiling of reinforced plaster in a faceted, geometric pattern broadly arcs overhead. To compliment this, textured charcoal grey wood walls with a gradated pattern and custom carpeting echo the same line and geometry. The whole effect is remarkable soft and nuanced.

All-day Dining Expanding upon the notion of a food-pantry presentation, the design concept behind All-day Dinning supports the theatre in food production. Similar finishes and themes found in the rest of the hotel are reinterpreted in this space in a more dramatic way; the use of the arch as an outline, repeated and intersecting at different angles creates visual interest, adjacent to a walnut-wrapped dining area, all with stone floors laid in a modern geometric pattern.

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THE BESPOKE EDITION

Spa, Hammam & Pool Calming, restrained and ethereal, the overall concept behind the pool and spa is grounded in sculptural refinement. Treatment rooms and suites are curated on an intimate scale with a soft, residential quality to furnishings and finishes. Convex walls in the Hammam have an enveloping effect, and an otherwise neutral palette is enhanced with soft, subtle indigo gradients.

The architecture of the indoor pool is based on a modern colonnade with the pool, and its dozens of glowing lanterns above, running down the center of the space. Perimeter walls and the pool itself are lined in deep indigo stone with dramatic veining, while smooth and textured limestone highlight the archways. Niches between arches allow for Intimate lounging areas furnished with plush daybeds and bronze accents.

Rooms & Corridor Corridors, lined in oak, are embellished with Middle-Eastern inspired patterning that wraps the ceiling and dissolves toward the carpeted floor. Bronze room numbers are treated as objects of interest, casually leaning on custom bronze shelves.

Upon entry, guests follow a short millwork-lined corridor as the room unfolds beyond. Neutral furnishings are complimented by moments of bold color; sculptural, framed elements are softened by curvilinear furnishings. Up lit indigo glass decorated with dissolving motif frames the area behind bed and on the opposite wall, and burnt orange lacquer panels define the entry niche, pantry and stationary wall.

Custom furniture with wood, bronze and dark grey lacquer elements were designed exclusively for the Four Seasons Kuwait. Other bespoke details include hand-laid mini herringbone oak floors, topped with a modernized flat-woven rug in the sleeping area. A curved sofa, following the same curve as the wall it sits on, defines an area for the working, eating or relaxing, a feature that gives even standard room the feeling of a suite.

Patterning on sliding glass doors leading to the generous bathroom mimics the glass panels behind the bed. Wrapped entirely in stone, with small mosaic tiles on the curved wall behind a free-standing tub, and slabs of the same stone on the walls, floors and vanity top. The vanity, designed as a furniture piece, includes the same bronze accents as the custom furniture in the guestroom. Layered, framed mirrors

Rooms are explicitly chic with every comfort carefully considered.

with integrated lighting complete the bespoke look.

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The Bespoke Automobile McLaren Special Operations

The history of McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is unique. Officially MSO was launched at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2011 to provide a bespoke personalisation service for McLaren customers. In fact MSO’s origins actually date back over 20 years, as the division grew out of the McLaren Customer Care Programme that was set up in the early 1990s to service, maintain and personalise the McLaren F1 for owners.

THE BESPOKE EDITION

Today MSO still offers an unrivalled level of knowledge and expertise on the McLaren F1, but as its unique tailoring service for McLaren customers continues to expand and the division embraces an unprecedented period of growth, five new tiers now identify the levels of bespoke work available from McLaren Special Operations.

Through MSO Defined, MSO Bespoke, MSO Limited, MSO Heritage and MSO Programmes, McLaren Special Operations is able to offer the complete tailoring of any McLaren model. Whether it’s a custom paint colour with matching stitching for a 650S, the personalisation of your McLaren F1, a dream to build a one-of-a-kind vehicle using our unique carbon fibre chassis, or the wish to experience our most powerful model ever, the new McLaren P1™ GTR, McLaren Special Operations can accommodate every customer request.

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THE BESPOKE EDITION

McLaren Special Operations offers a near limitless level of tailoring to its customers through the MSO Bespoke tier. It may be a unique exterior paint, or a personalised interior with custom leather and stitching colours. Or a customer could utilise the unique carbon fibre chassis of their McLaren to create a one-off vehicle specially designed and engineered with a unique body.

The possibilities within the realms of MSO really are endless, and since the launch of the 650S, 20 per cent of vehicles built at the McLaren Production Centre have featured MSO Bespoke content.

Approximately 95 per cent of all McLaren P1™ hypercars have been personalised through the MSO Bespoke service, with customised items including 24-carat-gold heatshields around the engine bay, inspired by the famous McLaren F1.

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LIFE REFINED Our carefully curated guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more. In Life Refined we look at the best, and meet the people that are making things happen.

Automot ive: A l l-new F l y i n g Sp u r p3 0; Por s che Tayc a n 4S p3 2 ; - B l a ck B ad ge Daw n , O p en t o Ad vent u r e! p3 4;

F8 Tr ib ut o p3 8 - Por s ch e

r et u r n s to si ng le -s e at er r ac i ng p 42; Wat che s : E l P r i mer o A 3 8 4 Rev i va l p 4 6 - Audem a r s P iquet’s new M i l len a r y p 4 8; Jae ger-L e Cou lt r e p 5 0 - T he New Lu m i nor D ue p 5 2 - O r i s Movem b er E d it ion p 5 4 ; St y le: G i a m b at t i st a Va l l i x H&M p 5 8; D olce & G a b b a n a Men’s DN A Col le c t ion p 6 2 - G u cc i’s Gr ip p 6 4; Conc ier ge: Ava n i+ S a mu i Re s or t p70 Si ng ap or e Sl i ng ! p7 2; B a n k i ng : Ru n for a C au s e w it h t h e G u l f B a n k 6 42 M a r at hon p74 , F l y : Su m m it i n UA E op en s do or for mor e i nve st ment s i n av i at ion s e c tor 28 29

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All-new Flying Spur Bentley blends sports sedan performance and luxury limousine refinement

The world’s most advanced luxury grand touring sports sedan – the all-new Flying Spur – is now available to order across the Middle East.

AUTOMOTIVE

Designed, engineered and handcrafted at the Home of Bentley in Crewe, England, the all-new Flying Spur is built for both driving and to be driven in. It perfectly combines a unique blend of limousine luxury and sports sedan performance. Re-designed from the ground up, the Flying Spur pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segmentdefining levels of performance and refinement.

Whilst showcasing Bentley’s unique application of cutting-edge technology, the luxury car maker has seamlessly integrated the latest British craftsmanship, innovative features and attention to detail to create the finest super-luxury sports sedan ever built.

The new Flying Spur showcases Bentley’s modern sculptural design language through elegant yet muscular proportions, and the marque’s latest generation of unique, cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps and new wrap-around rear lamps with ‘B’ motifs.

Newly-designed for Bentley’s second century, a ‘Flying B’ mascot adorns the nose of the new Flying Spur for the first time in modern memory, rising from beneath a beautifully modern Bentley badge denoting the precious quality of the model.

The new Flying Spur is the most advanced luxury Grand Touring sedan available today, offering a host of cutting-edge technologies to deliver a driving experience of extraordinary breadth and capability not seen in this segment before.

At the heart of the new Flying Spur is an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twinturbocharged W12, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission for faster, smoother gear changes. This new TSI engine delivers 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm, 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h.

Its long wheelbase means the new Flying Spur features a spacious and luxurious cabin that offers peerless comfort and refinement. As well as an extensive list of Single and Dual Veneer wood options, the sedan offers both Bentley’s new fluted leather seating and the unique Mulliner Driving Specification diamond quilting on the seats and an automotive world-first: three-dimensional diamond quilted leather door inserts.

The all-new Flying Spur is now available to order across the region.

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Porsche Taycan 4S Stuttgart extends electric sports car model range

Last month the new electric sports car from Porsche was given a high-profile premiere simultaneously on three continents – and we were there to witness the European launch. Now, the company is presenting the third version of its sports saloon with the introduction of the Taycan 4S.

AUTOMOTIVE

What do we have here? The new model is available with two battery sizes including; the Performance battery which produces up to 530 hp (390 kW) and the Performance battery Plus which delivers up to 571 hp (420 kW). Following announcement of the Taycan Turbo S and the Taycan Turbo, the Taycan 4S is now the new entry-level model in the series. A single-deck Performance battery with a total capacity of 79.2 kWh comes as standard. The two-deck Performance battery Plus familiar from the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo is optionally available, delivering a total capacity of 93.4 kWh. What you need to know: Power and range output vary, with the Performance battery, the Taycan 4S generates up to 530 hp (390 kW) overboost power. Equipped with the Performance battery Plus, it delivers up to 571 hp (420 kW). In both variants, the Taycan 4S accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h in both cases. The range is up to 407 kilometres with the Performance battery and up to 463 kilometres with the Performance battery Plus (in accordance with WLTP) – the highest value of the current Taycan range. The maximum charging capacity (peak) is 225 kW (Performance battery) or 270 kW (Performance battery Plus).

Innovative drive machines and dynamic performance: The Taycan 4S features breathtaking acceleration, tractive power typical of sports cars and continuously available power. The permanently excited synchronous machine on the rear axle has an active length of 130 millimetres and is therefore exactly 80 millimetres shorter than the corresponding drive component on the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo. The pulsecontrolled inverter used on the front axle in the Taycan 4S operates with up to 300 amps, and the inverter on the rear axle with up to 600 amps.

With two permanently excited synchronous machines on the front and rear axles making the model all-wheel drive, as well as a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, the drive architecture comprises the same main technical highlights as featured on the other two already announced Taycan derivatives. The same also applies to the intelligent charging management and exemplary aerodynamics. With a cd value from 0.22, the aerodynamics makes a significant contribution to low energy consumption and range.

Puristic exterior design with Porsche DNA: With its clear, puristic design, the Taycan signals the beginning of a new era. At the same time, it retains the unmistakable Porsche design DNA. From the front, it looks particularly wide and flat with highly contoured wings. The silhouette

is shaped by the sporty roof line sloping downward to the rear. The highly sculpted side sections are also characteristic. The sleek cabin, the drawn-in rear C-pillar and the pronounced shoulders of the wings result in a sharply emphasised rear, typical of the brand. There are also innovative elements such as the glass-effect Porsche logo, which has been integrated into the light bar at the rear.

Distinguishing features of the Taycan 4S compared with the Turbo and Turbo S include the aerodynamically optimised 19-inch Taycan S Aero wheels and the red-painted brake callipers. The front apron with new geometry, side sills and rear diffuser in black ensure further visual differentiation. LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) are equipped as standard.

Unique interior design with a wide display band: The cockpit also signals the start of a new era with its clear structure and completely new architecture. The free-standing, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver axis, meanwhile a central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look.

As standard, the Taycan 4S comes with a partial leather interior as well as front comfort seats with eight-way electrical adjustment. However, with the Taycan Porsche also offers an entirely leather-free interior for the first time, with the use of innovative recycled materials which underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.

Centrally networked chassis systems: Porsche uses a centrally networked control system for the Taycan chassis. The integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time. As standard, the Taycan 4S features adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology including electronic damper control PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

The latest addition to the model range has six-piston fixed-calliper brakes on the front axle with internally vented cast iron brake discs.

The brake disc diameter is 360 millimetres on the front axle and 358 millimetres on the rear axle. Four-piston brakes are used on the rear axle. The brake callipers of the brake system are painted red.

Model availability and pricing for the Taycan 4S across the Porsche Middle East and African region will be announced in the first half of 2020.

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Black Badge Dawn, Open to Adventure!

Up the UAE’s mountain roads!

Bold, powerful, sophisticated and utterly adventurous, the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge enjoys an unrivalled motoring supremacy that dominates the road, from city streets and highways to winding mountain routes.

AUTOMOTIVE

The Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge dares to accept the challenge presented by the UAE’s mountain drives, with the journey to the peak offering a stunning backdrop for driver and passengers to enjoy.

The excitement of being behind the wheel of the two-tone Magma Red and Black Diamond Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge is unmatched thanks to the combination of imperious power, seamless grace and potent dynamism.

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This route to the top of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Kahimah, UAE, was both demanding and beautiful, with the rugged scenery of the Hajjar mountains perfectly complementing the twisting roads and audacious power of the motor car for an experience that exceeded all expectations. The combination of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge and the great outdoors was a ‘double delight’ for all the senses.

AUTOMOTIVE

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F8 Tributo Hands-on, and in Kuwait!

The F8 Tributo - a new mid-rear-engined sports car that represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater berlinetta. A car with unique characteristics and, as its name implies, is an homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history.

And we were amongst the first to drive it in Kuwait – at the Kuwait Motor Town National Circuit.

AUTOMOTIVE

As guests of Al Zayani, the sole authorized dealer of Ferrari in Kuwait, we got a rare invite to the F8 Tributo’s first appearance on track in the country. Along with a small number of their VIP customers, we were joined at the event by Ferrari test drivers – each charged with making sure no one poked their loaned F8 in to the retaining wall – and no one did!

Al Zayani also brought along a Portofino and 812 Superfast – comparisons were superfluous… each being the master of its own domain!

The F8 Tributo sets the market benchmark for performance, driving pleasure and ease of handling. It makes the exhilarating performance of the best 8-cylinder in the world accessible to all drivers, with unprecedented handling and superior ride comfort.

In a motoring world that is increasingly turning to electric power, it is good to hear a roar of the Tributo’s twin-turbo V8. A blip on the throttle is guaranteed to see the heartrate rise!

Replacing the 488 GTB, the F8 Tributi is the Ferrari with the highest performance matched by the greatest driver involvement. There are significant improvements across the board aimed at providing even better control on the limit along with greater on-board comfort.

In the automotive world, Ferrari’s V8 engine is seen as the very epitome of sportiness and driving pleasure. This is particularly the case when it is mid-rear-mounted in a two-seater. Ferrari has been honing the scope of abilities of this architecture, which creates an optimal weight balance, and thus delivers unparalleled thrillingly sporty driving, to perfection for over four decades.

Grip is, as you’d expect, superb, and the testing circuit at Kuwait Motor Town provided the ideal opportunity to put the F8 Tributo through its paces.

Reserved – when appropriate. Downright raucous – when wanted.

Supremely balanced – at all times.

For a car which shares its DNA very closely with Ferrari’s Pista (dedicated track-car), the F8 Tributo is reassuringly comfortable – yet gives little away in terms of out-and-out performance.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasise Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the F8 Tributo is the most aerodynamically efficient series-production mid-rear-engined berlinetta ever designed.

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AUTOMOTIVE

The F8 Tributo features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, integrating innovations and expertise developed thanks to the company’s involvement in the GT and Challenge championships. The solutions have been honed to create a series-production mid-rear-engined berlinetta with the highest level of performance available.

It was only through close synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre that the strict aerodynamic constraints could be so flawlessly interpreted and integrated into the car’s design. A good example is the S-Duct at the front and the redesigned blown spoiler system at the rear which are underscored by the car’s clean yet decisive lines.

The cockpit retains the classic, driver-oriented look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas. Every element of the dash, door panels and tunnel has been completely redesigned specifically for the car. The F8 Tributo also boasts a new generation steering wheel and steering wheel-mounted controls as well as new styling on the standard seats.

Overall performance levels are significantly higher than those of the 488 GTB, thanks to the increase in power, weight reduction and improved aerodynamic coefficient. That performance is also now accessible to a larger number of drivers thanks to vehicle dynamics systems that make driving on the limit an easier and more confidence-inspiring experience.

The figures? Thankfully, our lap time wasn’t recorded (or, if it was, to save our blushes it wasn’t shared with us), but be sure, in the right hands, the F8 Tributo will be one of the fastest road-going automobiles on track… indeed, with deliveries now starting in Kuwait, it’ll soon be one of the quickest away from you at the lights on the Jaber AlMubarak Street... so, make sure you’re the one driving it.

You should do your best to experience it…

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Porsche returns to single-seater racing It’s been 30 long years

After more than 30 years away from single-seater racing Porsche is back, following the first laps of the new 99X Electric car at the official test drives of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for the 2019/2020 season in Valencia, Spain. Late October, Neel Jani and André Lotterer, the two regular drivers for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, joined rival manufacturers at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia for three days of track testing ahead of the contest’s November launch.

AUTOMOTIVE

Porsche’s competitive debut in Formula E will take place on November 22 and 23 at the Diriyah Circuit, in Saudi Arabia, a tough test in the street racing series described as ‘very challenging’ by drivers. This year sees Porsche enter the Formula E fray against the biggest line-up of manufacturers in the contest’s history, with 10 manufacturers and overall 12 teams on the starting grid. Kicking off Season 6 for the series, Porsche’s 99X Electric will compete for the first time on the track created in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The stakes will be high in the Kingdom, as it hosts a doubleheader. One man focussed on those early races is André Lotterer, who believes his team will learn a lot. And, new rules being introduced this year by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), present an opportunity for engineers to play an increased role in the path to victory, said the driver who joined Porsche this summer.

Speaking at the recent launch of the ‘Diriyah Season’, a month of sports events being staged in the Kingdom including Formula E, André Lotterer said: “It’s very exciting. The Diriyah Circuit is the best track in the championship’s calendar, it is very challenging to drive and, of course, thrilling as well because I’ve changed teams and I am coming with Porsche.

“There will for sure be a lot of things to learn for our first race together, but I will try to give them the most from my experience as possible. To be part of Formula E is fantastic. For me it is the place to be, the best professional environment, and for sure the race series of the future.”

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Last year, the new Porsche driver tackled the Saudi street circuit with the Techeetah team, finishing 5th on the day, and 8th for the entire season. What sets the Diriyah track apart from others in the calendar is the number of turns, 21 in all, and the challenge they present. Some are ascending, some of them are descending, so drivers must contend with slopes and corners simultaneously, one second going down the next second going up. The course also features one of the longest straights of the championship where drivers will look to their cars to attack at speed.

Lotterer has been a Porsche works driver since 2017 and has also been active in the electric race series since the 2017/2018 season. In July, Porsche announced he was joining the manufacturer’s TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team to partner with Swiss racer Neel Jani. Jani has been a works driver since 2013 and at the wheel of the Porsche 919 Hybrid he took outright victory at Le Mans in 2016 and became FIA World Endurance Champion the same year.

Asked about his first race in Saudi Arabia, Jani said: “Special and very unknown I would say, because it is absolutely an adventure with many new aspects, and I will call it definitely a very new challenge in my life. But I personally look very much forward to finally kick off our debut season very soon.”

The Swiss driver added: “The Diriyah Circuit looks very tricky, very challenging and very technical. So, we are pleased to have a good simulator where we can hopefully really learn the track by heart at home

AUTOMOTIVE

in Germany. Obviously, we prepare the car as well as possible, but in the end, we are still a new team and there are a lot of thing we need to learn, for example how to handle a weekend, which we cannot learn at home. So, the first race will be a big challenge for us.”

Like all ‘Gen 2’ cars on the track, the Porsche 99X Electric will feature the same chassis and battery as its rivals, as per FIA rules, however, all powertrain components are developed by manufacturers. This gives Porsche engineers free rein over the electric motor, inverter, brake-by-wire system, transmission, differential, driveshafts, the suspension components attached to the rear-axle, as well as the cooling system and the engine control unit, the ECU. The energy efficiency of the powertrain plays a decisive role in the competition, especially this year as new rules introduced by FIA mean a greater emphasis on this vital area, as drivers cannot conserve energy during race stoppages. It is a return to the early days of Formula E that saw rash drivers run out of power and stop metres from the finish line.

André Lotterer believes this will be a good development. He said: “The rules have changed this year, it means that when there are interruptions in the race, such as the safety car or a red flag or full course yellow flag, no energy can be saved. That will change the strategy and the dynamic of the race and I think it will be interesting for everyone watching.”

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El Primero A384 Revival The time has finally come

50 years since its introduction in 1969, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the El Primero calibre, as well as the anniversary of the first watch to feature the revolutionary movement, the El Primero A384. With its distinct and instantly recognizable design, the A384 brought a new sense of style and substance to the world of chronographs, becoming a collectible icon. Now, the El Primero A384 makes its return in the form of a Revival series. More than just a vintage inspired watch, the Revival is a historically accurate recreation of one of the most emblematic chronographs ever made. With its retro-futuristic styling, timeless proportions and emblematic chronograph calibre, the A384 is the final piece in the El Primero 50th Anniversary Revival series.

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When the El Primero automatic chronograph calibre was first announced in 1969, it took the world of watchmaking by storm. It was the first automatic chronograph movement and brought forth a set of distinctive features, which have allowed it to stand the test of time and remain an exceptional movement half a century on: a high frequency of 36’000 vph, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, and an automatic winding system that delivers 50 hours of power reserve.

Coinciding with the announcement of the movement in 1969, the first watch to house it was also announced: the Zenith El Primero A384. As groundbreaking as its movement was, the A384 also stood out with its original design. For the A384 Revival, Zenith sought to preserve and reproduce just about everything from the original watch by adopting a “reverse engineering“ approach, where every component is faithful to the original. Each part of the original A384 from 1969 was digitized so as to be accurately reproduced, from the 37mm faceted steel case to the lacquered white and black tachymeter dial. The only differences, or rather improvements, are the sapphire

crystal instead of an acrylic glass, the display back replacing the solid steel case back, and the latest version of the El Primero 400 chronograph movement, the culmination of half a century of gradual fine-tuning and perfecting. In keeping with its inherently retro appeal, the El Primero A384 Revival comes on a black alligator leather strap with a black rubber lining, completing the vintage look of the A384 with contemporary durability. An integrated metal “ladder” bracelet option is also available, mimicking the look of the one from the original 1969 El Primero A384.

Following the highly sought-after El Primero box set unveiled in January, as well as A386 Revival series in three gold alloys announced during Baselworld, the A384 Revival will be produced as a special edition on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the El Primero, marking the final piece of the El Primero Revival series paying tribute to iconic Zenith watches that first used the illustrious calibre. Unlike the A386, the A384 Revival is not produced in a limited edition, making it an exclusive yet attainable piece of El Primero history.

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Audemars Piquet’s new Millenary Millenary Frosted Gold Aventurine

Swiss Haute Horlogerie Manufacture Audemars Piguet presents a new Millenary timepiece, the Millenary Frosted Gold Aventurine. The innovative model underlines the creativity of the Millenary collection with a deep blue aventurine dial and seconds counter that recall a star-lit sky.

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Aventurine glass was created in the 17th century thanks to a chance manipulation (“all’avventura”) in a Murano glass factory when copper filings were dropped into cooling molten glass, creating a constellation of sparkling particles. Today, this glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt, which colours the glass in blue.

This hint of outer space is contained by the 18-carat white gold case finished with Frosted Gold on the case sides, bezel, inner bezel and lugs – a technique that Audemars Piguet owes to jewellery designer Carolina Bucci. The watch is complemented by a hand-made and hand-polished 18-carat white gold Polish mesh bracelet which adds a vintage touch, while dressing the wrist like a second skin.

The Millenary Frosted Gold Aventurine is equipped with a hand-wound Manufacture movement, calibre 5201, which perfectly integrates the elliptical case. The construction of the escapement has been reversed to match the watch’s asymmetric style. The beating heart – balance wheel, escapement and lever – usually hidden on the caseback side, is now revealed through the partially open dial.

The cross-through balance bridge, which ensures enhanced shock-resistance, is also part of the dial design with its two screws and circular Côtes de Genève, which nicely contrast with the horizontal Côtes de Genève decorating the mainplate.

Inspired by architecture and art, the Millenary has been a canvas for creativity with its elliptical case, eccentric dials and visible hand-wound movement, since it first appeared in 1995. While the collection was originally conceived for men, the first models for women made their appearance in 1998, becoming more prominent over the years. Since 2015, the collection has been exclusively designed for women presenting a variety of off-beat models.

This watch of contrasts intertwining technical savoir-faire and innovative design embodies Audemars Piguet’s uncompromising spirit and time-honoured Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre A NewPolaris Date Limited Edition

Following the successful launch of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva last year, the Grande Maison is extending the Polaris line with a special new creation: the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date (limited edition). Produced in a limited series of 800 pieces, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date combines the Manufacture’s high-watchmaking expertise with contemporary proportions, vintage design motifs, and several important aesthetic changes.

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A new watch with classic appeal Drawing inspiration from the 1970 Polaris II, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date features a new hand- lacquered, blue double-gradient dial with sunrayed, grained and opaline finish, unique to this special model. The central disc and main dial now each incorporate a shimmering, color-change effect - from deep turquoise to a brilliant shade of royal blue. The blue rubber Clous de Paris strap, also unique to the model, is color-matched to the inner bezel, which, like the original Memovox Polaris and Polaris II, rotates for added functionality.

Keeping with the signature look of the Polaris collection, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is instantly recognizable thanks to its elongated Arabic numerals, trapezoidal hour markers, and baton-style hands. These elements are each treated with SuperLumiNovaTM to provide maximum legibility in low-light scenarios.

For this application, the luminescent coating is vanilla-tinted, another nod to the famed Polaris watches of the 1960s and 1970s.

Still, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is a fundamentally modern creation. Hewn from stainless steel, the case measures 42mm in diameter and has two prominent crowns—one to adjust the time, the other to control the aforementioned rotating bezel. Incorporating brushed and hand-polished surfaces, the case’s graceful appearance belies its real-world sporting credentials, as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is water resistant to 200 meters.

Inside, a self-winding mechanical movement delivers all the precision and craftsmanship one would expect from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The in-house Calibre 899A/1 faithfully keeps the seconds, minutes, hours, and date (displayed through a dedicated window at the three o’clock position) while offering a power reserve of 38 hours. It’s secured by a closed caseback, which has four special engravings, including a SCUBA diving insignia, the Jaeger-LeCoultre crest, and the phrase “1000 HOURS CONTROL”, denoting the watch has undergone testing of the movement before and after being cased up as well as on the fully assembled watch beyond official timing tests before leaving the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.

Finally, the words “Limited edition - One of 800” are inscribed near backing’s outer edge.

An evolving tradition The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is the latest addition to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection, which is inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris. This historic model was developed at the suggestion of the American market, and produced between 1965 and 1968. Today, the original Memovox remains synonymous with adventure and technical innovation, as it introduced a revolutionary amplified underwater alarm function for divers. The watch is also remembered for its distinct, sophisticated design code: a threering concentric dial layout, rotating inner bezel, and multi-crown case. The new Jaeger- LeCoultre Polaris collection pays homage by continuing to carry these visual elements, but has been entirely redesigned for the modern era, with shorter lugs, a slimmer bezel, ergonomic crowns, and a sapphire glass box crystal.

Technical characteristics: Dimensions: 42 mm Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 899A/1 Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, rotating inner bezel Power reserve: 38 hours Case: stainless steel Dial: special blue double-gradient, hand-lacquered, sunrayed, grained and opaline finish Water resistance: 20 bar Reference: Q9068681, limited to 800 pieces Jaeger-LeCoultre Since its founding, Jaeger-LeCoultre has made precision an art form in its own right, balancing skills and artistry with sophistication and aesthetical finesse. In keeping with the inventive spirit of 1833, the artisans of the Manufacture create collections which have always been at the forefront of fine watchmaking: Reverso, Master, RendezVous and Atmos. This rich legacy built by the Grande Maison over generations serves as a constant source of inspiration in pushing the boundaries with unprecedented timepieces.

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The New Luminor Due The Evolution of The Species

A challenging achievement of the new millennium, in keeping with the Panerai character, the Luminor Due continues its process of evolutionary adaptation.

Technical, functional and formal.

A landmark.

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Perpetuating a traditional aesthetic signature by projecting it into the spirit of today. Maintaining creativity as it takes a new approach.

In keeping with the genetics of the Luminor Due family, Panerai remains unconventional in its attitude and its predisposition. The new watches have been mechanically redesigned in terms of size and consequently they are innovative. Naturally inclined to change, today the Luminor Due with its new content is acquiring a more pronounced identity. Leading the way, on the one hand there are three new models sharing the brushed titanium of the case and the blue satiné soleil finish of the dial. On the other hand there are three updated models of varied character, embodying a consistent array of style and versatility. All of them are united in being fitted with mechanical Manufacture movements and quickly changeable straps.

Each one is original, and therefore part of a new chapter in the modern history of the brand.

Substantially thinner while completely respecting the classic design.

A perfect historic compromise, the elegant proportions of the Luminor Due now appear in three striking new models, which confirm their innovative identity through an iconic dial on which only the Panerai logo appears. With the clear message of its unequivocal personality, its formal sophistication and its eclectic Italian style, the Luminor Due is continuing its bold exploration of unknown territories. And through structural improvements its range of features is becoming wider. In terms of materials, a Luminor Due 38 mm (PAM00926) appears for the first time in titanium. As for combinations, a Luminor Due – 42 mm (PAM00927) is the first model of its size to associate a titanium case with an automatic mechanical movement. So far as solutions are concerned, the Luminor Due GMT Power reserve – 45 mm (PAM000964) is Panerai’s first “45 mm” watch, and it has an interchangeable strap with the Quick Release system.

Distinctive refinement, expressed in a more evidently informal

character, is however the key to interpreting the three new Luminor Due watches perfected in the 38 and 42 mm sizes and offered with a stainless steel or GoldtechTM case. Common to all are the radically revised dial designs, sophisticated and elegant with printed Arabic numerals and numbers while fully realising Panerai’s iconic level of visual language. The new style is complemented by the wide choice of personal leather straps which is available.

In the perpetual pursuit of perfection, that of the Luminor Due is reflected in the careful refinement of the movement. The Manufacture movement is strictly mechanical, rigorously following Panerai’s demanding specifications, but from now on it will exclusively have automatic winding. This requirement is dictated by practical considerations, the need to reconcile the watch’s physical and aesthetic design with the challenge of dimensions, the main characteristic of the collection. This was the reason behind the introduction of the new P.900 Calibre with its thickness of 4.2 mm, one of the thinnest automatic movements produced at the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. It is the first Panerai automatic watch of this diameter to have both a date display and a power reserve of three days, a fundamental solution it shares with the Luminor Due – 38 mm (PAM00926 – PAM1043 – PAM1045) and the Luminor Due – 42 mm (PAM00927 – PAM1046). Even greater mechanical sophistication is to be found in the P.4002 Calibre used in the Luminor Due GMT Power Reserve – 45 mm (PAM000964). Twin time zones with dial-side power reserve indication and a 24-hour display with am/pm indicator are incorporated in a movement just 4.8 mm thick.

Genetically predisposed to change, these new Luminor Due watches are supplied with interchangeable straps equipped with the Quick Release system. They are water-resistant to 3 bar (a depth of about 30 metres).

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Oris Movember Edition Movember’s bold vision is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent by 2030

Oris backs Movember’s campaign for better men’s health, and teams up with New York Yankees’ Manager Aaron Boone

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Oris has partnered with Movember and New York Yankees’ Manager Aaron Boone in its mission to bring change for the better. “As an independent Swiss watch company, Oris has the freedom to go its own way and to choose projects we consider not just important, but urgent,” says Rolf Studer, Oris Joint Executive Officer. “One of those is men’s health, which is why we’re working with Movember, a charity working to stop men dying too young.

“Movember is doing incredible work to promote action and awareness around men’s physical and mental health,” he continues.

“We’re delighted to present the Oris Movember Edition, a special version of the iconic Oris Chronoris in support of the charity.”

rates have doubled in the last 50. Each year, more than 500,000 men die by suicide around the world, meaning men account for three quarters of all suicides. Globally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-old men.

Movember was founded in 2003 and has grown rapidly since. It has now supported more than 1,250 projects around the world that address these issues. Oris is proud to be one of the charity’s supporting partners.

“Men’s health is in crisis,” says Simon Traynor, Movember’s Executive Director. “Right now, too many men are dying too young from the issues we’re tackling; prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.”

Fans come from all walks of life, but they unite in support of the team’s pursuit of victory. Similarly, Oris is bringing its community together to bring change for the better. As well as spearheading a worldwide fundraising campaign, Oris will donate part of the proceeds from the Movember Edition to Movember.

Movember has seen how community can help men struggling with serious health issues. Much like Yankees fans lift the team in times of adversity, Movember is looking for supporters who can help make a difference.

Building stronger communities Too many men are dying too young. Experts calculate that prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years, while testicular cancer

“Whatever you do, from growing a moustache, to hosting an event, or getting active and taking on a physical challenge – it can all start a dialogue and save a man’s life,” Simon continues. “Our bold vision

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is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent by 2030. And, for the third year running, with the help of Oris and the Oris community, we will take another important step towards achieving that. Oris has become a significant partner in spreading awareness and raising vital funds.”

Community is a major focus for the New York Yankees. On the following pages, team manager Aaron Boone explains his powerful philosophy: that brotherhood and community are critical components in success.

The value of the right mindset Aaron Boone, manager of the world’s most famous baseball team, the New York Yankees, talks to Oris about how team mentality and community support are critical to success.

What’s your role at the New York Yankees?

I’m the manager of the New York Yankees. I head up our coaching staff and players on the field. I get us prepared to go out and try and win as many games as we can, and chase after that next championship.

Does your approach to management include a core mantra?

I don’t know if I have a core mantra, but our expectation of our guys – and I tell them this all the time, not just because it’s an expectation but because they’re great players – is we want to come and dominate. That’s our expectation. We have a bunch of guys that

are very hungry and do a really good job in being relentless in the way they prepare every day. In a sport in which you play 162 games, one of the biggest challenges is having that consistent mindset, effort level, focus level and work ethic on a daily basis. You’ve got to be able to compartmentalise every day. No matter what happened yesterday, good or bad, you’ve got to be able to lock in and turn the page. I feel like our guys do a great job and that’s something we try to drive home all the time – today is the most important day. It’s served us well so far.

How do you think the support of fans in the community impacts the players?

We feel like at Yankee Stadium we have one of the great home advantages in all of Major League Baseball. Our fans are knowledgeable and passionate. Obviously, we have amazing history with this franchise. A history of winning. A history of excellence.

And I would say to a man, our guys absolutely feed off the energy of our fanbase. Any time we’re playing in a tight game, a big game, you can sense the fans getting behind us here at Yankee Stadium. It means a lot to everyone.

How does the team come together to support players who are struggling?

Struggles are part of Major League Baseball. Success, failure, adversity – they’re all inevitable in our game, and I think one of the prerequisites to being successful as a Major Leaguer is you’ve got to be able to deal with those things. Not only as a team, but individually

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and on a daily basis. The really good teams help establish a culture where when a guy is struggling, they create an environment that addresses those things.

We want that our guys can’t wait to get here, to work and improve.

We all play a role in that. From myself to coaches and players, supporting one another so we can get the most out of each and every guy.

A team that works well can be like a brotherhood – do you try and foster this mentality, and if so, how?

The culture we create in our clubhouse is so important. Part of that is a brotherhood. Some of the best clubs I played for, the culture was strong because everyone was so supportive of one another. In the end, you’ve all got to pull the same way and have the same drive and mission to be out there and be the best team we can be. I absolutely believe that a strong culture shows up and wins over a long season.

How do you manage the pressures your players face so they perform to their best?

We try and prep behind the scenes, so that when we go out between those lines and when the game starts, we’re just playing and reacting to all the work we’ve already put in. When you have really good players and they’re prepared, ultimately they’re going to walk out on that field and hopefully the best can come out of them. And that’s what we try and focus on. Being prepared for every single day. Then when it’s time to go play, turn your brain off – and go play.

What mental and physical health challenges do you have to deal with at the moment?

One of the challenges we face is that we’ve had a lot of guys fall to injury. Some guys have been out most of the year, some guys have come back and then returned. It’s been one of our challenges we’ve had to deal with and one of the inevitable adversities we have to face as a club. I feel we’ve handled it really well. We’ve had a number of guys from within the organisation, from within our minor league system, or even from outside the organisation who have come and really stepped up and filled impactful roles for us that have allowed us to be in a position to have a great season. So many people have stepped up in the face of different health challenges we’ve had. Obviously, injuries might not be as serious as life-threatening illnesses or mental health problems, but they can be linked. It’s important we have a strong and supportive culture to look after our players, our team and our community so that when there’s a problem, we can get passed it in the right way.

What does being part of the New York Yankees mean to you and your players?

One of the things you think of with the Yankees is the hat. Wherever you are, here in New York or anywhere around the world, chances are you’re going to come across someone wearing this iconic hat.

That gives us a sense of pride and a sense of responsibility. We understand the responsibility that it is to wear this hat. To be a part of that and to be in the community, it makes you proud.

“Success, failure, adversity – they’re all inevitable in our game. You have to be able to deal with them”

“Today’s the most important day. I absolutely believe that a strong culture shows up and wins over a long season” Look after yourself – and each other Around the world, men die an average six years younger than women for reasons that are largely preventable. Here, Movember offers five tips on how to live a longer, healthier life 1. Spend time with your favourite people Stay connected to your best mates. Make time for each other. Catch up regularly. Ask ‘how are you?’ – and mean it.

2. Talk more, listen more Statistics show we’re here for our mates, but that we don’t rely on them ourselves. You don’t have to be an expert or the sole solution.

3. Get yourself checked out At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer. If you’re black, or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, do it at 45.

4. Examine your bits and pieces Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Check them regularly, and if something doesn’t feel right, go and see your doctor.

5. Get up and get moving Be more active and find ways to move more. Might be a walking meeting, or getting off the bus a stop early. Physical and mental health go together.

Oris Movember Edition Oris marks its partnership and support of the pioneering men’s mental health charity Movember with a special edition Chronoris In detail Case Multi-piece stainless steel case Size 39.00 mm (1.535 inches) Dial Black with rose gold-plated hour and minutes hands, orange seconds hand and white indices Luminous Material Hands printed with Super-LumiNova® Top Glass Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside Case Back Stainless steel, screwed, special engravings Operating Devices Stainless steel crown at 2 o’clock for setting time and winding; second crown at 4 o’clock for adjusting inner rotating bezel Bracelet Available in two different sets with either a brown leather strap with stainless steel buckle or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp Water Resistance 10 bar (100 m) Movement Number Oris 733 Functions Centre hands for hours, minutes and seconds, date window at 3 o’clock, instantaneous date, date corrector, fine timing device and stop-second Winding Automatic Power-Reserve 38 hours Extras Both sets supplied in a special presentation box with a leather travel pouch and a red and white NATO fabric strap with stainless steel buckle

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Giambattista Valli x H&M The season’s hottest collab delivers men a touch of globetrotting bohemia too!

Giambattista Valli is loved by stylish women of all ages, known as the Valli Girls. So far, the designer has never created clothing for men, which makes his debut in menswear with the Giambattista Valli x H&M collection particularly exciting. For the first time, the Valli Girls will meet their Valli Boys: as spirited, individual, eccentric and eclectic as one would expect.

Style preview

STYLE

Not a designer to follow the beaten track, Giambattista Valli approached menswear in reverse. Instead of having women borrow pieces from the men’s wardrobe, as it usually happens, Valli explored the idea of free-spirited men taking pieces, patterns and fabrics from the women’s wardrobe; sampling and mixing freely, like DJs. The choice of flesh pink as the basic color – the simplest tee in the collection is pink, not white – says it all.

The collection is a quirky selection of timeless items meant to be adopted and adapted, mixed and matched. The animal patterns, flower motifs, punk allure and military glamour suggests an eclectic vision of masculine style: the same cool approach to the art of dressing of a Berlin artist, say, with the insouciant laissez faire of a skater. The Valli Boy comes across as a free-spirited bohemian, part surfer part art collector, who mixes bits, references and pieces; an eccentric globetrotter who breaks the rules. Girls are invited to wear the collection, too.

Statement outerwear.

The pieces that make the strongest impact, and perfectly capture the masculine/feminine spirit of the collection, are the coats, parkas and blousons: a veritable feat of eccentric prints, luscious embellishment and personality. The leopard spots long coat and the embroidered black riding coat sum up Valli’s approach to menswear: they started life in Valli’s women’s collections and are now adapted to the men’s wardrobe. The embroidered tailcoat is an homage to the jacket worn

by French intellectuals and artists when they join the Académie Française. High uniform embroideries elevate and glamorize a bleached denim jacket. The dovetail parka is overprinted with art portraits to great effect; red leather and plush fabrics give blousons an aristocratic allure.

Eclectic tailoring.

A master when it comes to precise lines, Giambattista Valli offered his own vision of sharp tailoring with an eclectic vibe in the collaboration with H&M. Central is the double-breasted blazer, which comes in a rather surprising tiger print, and is meant to be worn with cargo pants, dressed down instead than up. The sharp dress shirts are equally surprising: a collarless one in white silk features a pleated bib, another one swarms in flower prints; the humble denim shirt is embroidered on the collar and front.

Eccentric everyday wear.

A designer with an unremitting point of view on everything, Giambattista Valli gave his own, precious spin to basic everyday items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies. The central piece here is a black sweatshirt with an art print and an embroidered string of white pearls around the neck, identical to the one Giambattista wears everyday: a veritable feat of ease and sophistication. Leopard and flower motifs swarm on tees and hoodies. High uniform embroideries give the zip up hoodie a majestic touch. Fatigues and track pants come in eye-catching, genderless animal print versions.

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Accessories.

There is a bit of autobiography to the accessories selection: Giambattista Valli hand-picked some of his own favorite items to complement the collection. Not only are the boots and the crepesoled lace-ups identical to the ones the designer wears, but so are the sport socks - which come in white, black, flower and leopard prints - the sunglasses and of course the string of white pearls, which are a whimsical signature touch. A painted duffle bag, beanies and sunglasses complete the offer.

The elements to play with are eclectic and varied. And the styling is up to all the aspiring Valli Boys.

Men’s Passion’s five minutes with Giambattista Valli Men’s Passion: This represents your first men’s collection. We’ve two questions here: was it a daunting challenge and, why did it take so long for you to present for men?

Giambattista Valli: Not at all. I truly treasure the span of offering and the variety of pieces from this collection: from street and daywear to evening and party looks, customers can enjoy the world of Giambattista Valli. Menswear has been on my mind and I am very proud of having approached it for the first time with this collaboration, although I always design for characters, regardless of their gender. Freedom of expression is the ultimate luxury, not the value of the price tag!

MP: How did you approach styling men? How different an ethos did you employ to when you’re dressing women?

GBV: With the menswear, I approached it in reverse. Instead of having women borrow pieces from the men’s wardrobe, as it usually happens, I explored the idea of men taking pieces, patterns and fabrics from the women’s wardrobe. The choice of baby pink as the basic colour – the simplest tee in the collection is pink, not white – says it all. The collection is a selection of timeless items meant to be mixed and matched according to personal style. In this way, I do not distinguish pieces between womenswear or menswear, rather, I designed this collection for customers regardless of gender. When I create a piece, it is about the character who wears it, their personality and their own distinguished style and culture, and how my design could embrace these. So regardless of womenswear or menswear, it finally comes down to these core elements of an individual.

MP: Who, for you, is ‘The Valli Boy’? Who, for you, is ‘The Valli Girl?

GBV: The Valli Girls and Valli Boys are very independent. They don’t follow any trends and they’re very nomadic in their sense of style. They are very eclectic. The Valli People adapt to any situation in such a beautiful way because they are comfortable with themselves.

STYLE

Men’s Passion’s five minutes with H&M’s Creative Advisor, Ann-Sofie Johansson

MP: This is H&M’s 19th designer collaboration and, this time with GBV, H&M goes couture. What’s your customer’s reaction been?

MP: What did you see in GBV’s other recent work that you saw would strike a chord with H&M’s customers?

ASJ: The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. I believe they’re looking forward to the beautiful, well-crafted pieces that are also effortless and timeless. And there’s a wonderful high-low mix of partywear and more streetwear-inspired garments, which ultimately act as a wardrobe for different occasions and means there will be something for everyone!

ASJ: We chose Giambattista Valli for this year’s H&M designer collaboration because he is the undisputed master of couture with an amazing ability to create strong silhouettes, and both H&M and Giambattista himself wanted to share that with our customers around the world. We were also drawn to how he speaks to the modern woman and man as much as the craftsmanship and beauty of his designs, which you’ll be able to see throughout the collection.

MP: Did it take a leap of faith to have GBV launch his debut men’s collection as an H&M collab?

ASJ: Not at all. Giambattista Valli really relished the challenge and he had a great idea. Normally, women are borrowing pieces from the boyfriend’s wardrobe, but the Giambattista Valli x H&M menswear collection is the opposite: it’s inspired by womenswear and encourages customers to dress their personality. Animal and flower prints, as well as sequins and the signature Valli pearls, are seen on traditional menswear pieces such as blazers, fine-knitted sweaters and shirts, but also on modern classics such as the parka and hoodies.

MP: Personal stand-out pieces from the current collaboration?

ASJ: For the womenswear, the dresses are obviously important and the most recognisable item from Giambattista Valli’s oeuvre, but the outerwear is just as spectacular and the jewellery is pretty special, too. For the menswear, the tailored blazers are key as are the embellished jersey pieces and the fine knitwear. As for my personal favourites, it’s always hard to choose, but my heart does beat a little faster for the maxi-length black floral tulle dress with the jewelled neckline, ruffled details and poet sleeves.

View our highlights from the Giambattista Valli x H&M men’s and women’s collections at passionsarabia.com/gbv-hm-1

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Dolce & Gabbana Men’s DNA Collection Fall Winter 2019-20

Discover the new Dolce & Gabbana Men’s DNA Collection for Fall Winter 2019- 20 and get inspired.

STYLE

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Gucci’s Grip A collaborative skateboarding-inspired project

Gucci’s striking Grip watch becomes the focus of a new collaborative project harnessing the spirit of skateboarding.

Creative Director Alessandro Michele has long been fascinated by the skateboarding community, always genuinely inclusive, diverse and radical, where all that matters for membership is your commitment to carving, kickflips, tail slides and airwalks. The genderless Grip watch is a response to this – inspired by the grip tape that skaters use on their decks, it literally grips the wrist firmly.

STYLE

Paris

Now, Alessandro Michele has invited a number of skateboarders and artists from different cities around the world to participate in a project and share their personal stories.

This will be a visual exploration of the global skateboarding and related communities, with participants of different ages and genders. Many of them will be wearing the Grip watch, with its unique design that blends timeless appeal with highly contemporary style.

Skaters and their friends and families will be documented and pictured skating and hanging out, and the end result will include images, artworks and videos that together form a joyful portrait of action, creativity, inclusion, sociability and subculture. The cities to be featured are: London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai and Seoul.

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London

Among the collaborators is the skateboarding project Unity, a Californian group founded by artist Jeffrey Cheung and Gabriel Ramirez in 2017.

Unity hosts monthly skate gatherings around the world and the images will focus on its Paris skate days. Additionally, Clémentine Schneidermann, the French photographer based in Wales, will document a cast of skaters in typical London scenes. Meanwhile, New Yorkbased skater Tyler Blue Golden will be the focus of a shooting

by LA-based photographer Noah Dillon. Other projects will feature couples of China’s young skaters and a group of skater girls from Seoul, documented with their families.

In Tokyo, Japanese skater Shinpei Ueno will be portrayed with his local community of artists and musicians. Lastly, in Rome, photographer Niccolò Berretta will document a cast of skaters including Orlando Miani, the artist and skater who starred in the Gucci Cruise 2020 advertising campaign.

STYLE

New York

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Rome

To celebrate the collaboration, Gucci unveiled a new instalment of its ArtWall project, showcasing the Grip watch, just off East London’s famous Brick Lane. The wall features an illustration by British artist, designer and art director Kieron Livingstone, who mixed graphic elements with distinctive House codes in his whimsical style. Kieron is the lead designer of multiplatform creative collective Project Zoltar, which has been an expression of the British punk-rock street scene for over a decade.

Gucci Grip and the spirit of skateboarding are also the focus of the third game added to Gucci Arcade, the new section of the Gucci App that allow users to play with House characters, inspired by vintage video games.

STYLE

Shanghai

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Avani+ Samui Resort New resort gets the nod from Condé Nast Traveller’s readers

After launching less than a year ago, Avani+ Samui has made a deep impression on Condé Nast Traveller’s discerning readership to confirm that the signature Avani experience in Samui is truly down to earth.

CONCIERGE

As one of the longest-running awards in the travel industry, Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards are coveted as a recognition of excellence. This year, over 600,000 readers from around the world submitted a record-breaking number of responses, rating almost 10,000 hotels, resorts, and destination spas, with just about 15% receiving awards. Among them is Avani+ Samui as one of the top resorts in Thailand.

“To achieve this recognition after opening at the end of last year fills us with pride and inspires us to continue pursuing authentic local experiences for all our visitors at every Avani,” said Javier Pardo, Vice President of Operations for Avani Hotels & Resorts. “Avani+ Samui has captured the essence of the island, and we are so happy that Condé Nast Traveller readers appreciated this so much.”

Opened just at the end of December 2018, Avani+ Samui offers a seaside hideaway with 25 guest rooms, 27 private pool villas, and six beachfront pool villas, all complete with every modern amenity for optimal comfort and enjoyment. Bright, airy accommodations accented with nature-inspired interiors create an ideal beachfront sanctuary overlooking the secluded Phangka Bay where visitors can escape to while still easily accessing the full island experience of Koh Samui.

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Singapore Sling!

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore Partners with Singapore Sidecars to Debut New Cultural Package

Discover the sights and sounds of the Lion City from a different perspective, with Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s new Singapore by Sidecar package.

With a prime location in the heart of Marina Bay, the hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the sights and sounds of this dynamic metropolis. Accommodation in the hotel’s Ocean View rooms offer views of some of Singapore’s famous sites, including Benjamin Sheares Bridge and Singapore Flyer, while afternoon tea in its MO BAR is a must-experience for foodies visiting the city.

Guests staying on this room package gain access to all exhibitions at National Gallery Singapore, a stone’s throw away and home to over 8,000 outstanding pieces of modern Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. For an adventurous slice of Singapore’s charm and culture, guests will also enjoy a 60-minute vintage Vespa sidecar ride. Suggested routes include a night ride

covering heritage areas such as Kampung Glam and Little India or a zip around hipster neighborhood Tiong Bahru.

What will you get for your SGD 599 per night for two guests?

• Luxurious accommodation in an Ocean View room • Two all access passes to National Gallery Singapore • A 60-minute Singapore Sidecars experience for two persons • Daily breakfast for two at Melt Café • Afternoon Tea for two at MO Bar Sounds good! Who’s in?

CONCIERGE

Nespresso’s new Vertuo Coffee, your way

Following the success of Vertuo in North America, Europe and Asia, it is now available in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, more than 70% of consumers in these countries prefer a large cup of coffee, often starting their day with one that is more than 200 ml. With Vertuo, Middle Eastern coffee drinkers will be able to enjoy large black or white coffees made at home, with the quality Nespresso is known for.

We get the low-down from Nespresso’s Business Development Manager, Julien Mario.

We’ve been a big fan of Nespresso since day one. Tell us why we should switch to the new Vertuo now? In fact, there’s no need to switch – you can use the two of them. It’s not like one system is better than the other. Vertuo simply appeals to those who enjoy drinking a long cup. The beauty of the Vertuo system though, is that you can go from espresso up to a travel mug of 400ml!

Are there new flavours available for Vertuo? We have 28 Grand Cru coffees – with new flavors coming all the time. We have a pipeline of flavour innovations on both the original line, and the new Vertuo.

Who is the Vertuo aimed at? You, me, everyone. The signature of Vertuo is its crema – the foam – it is thicker than with our classic machine. And, as I said, anyone who wants a longer cup!

We love our coffee, but we’re health conscious. There are a lot of urban myths about how many calories are there in some Nespresso capsules.

Perhaps you’d like to set the story straight. What size calorie hit are we taking with your flavoured capsules? I’m not a specialist. It’s like everything in life – take things in moderation. Our basic capsules are around 1 calorie.

The flavors add more – but each small cup is a moderate amount of calories.

We’re also environmentally conscious! We’re aware Nespresso is addressing recycling of capsules. Can you tell us the best way to deal with this in Kuwait. We launched recycling earlier this year – in March. We’ve seen a lot of acceptance for this in Kuwait. We’re delighted with our customers’ response. But recycling is just one pillar of Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability. We also source our coffee from AAA programs. All of our packaging is recyclable. The new Vertuo capsules are also recyclable.

Anyone who uses our ecommerce ordering site will receive a bag in which to return their used capsules. It’s easy! They can be returned for recycled in the Nespresso boutique too.

For the first few years, Nespresso had exclusive rights to producing capsules for your original machines. Now other brands make competing capsules that fit your original machines. Have you tasted them? What are your thoughts? There are more than 240 capsules competing with Nespresso – each of them has pushed – and continues to push – us to make ourselves better and to innovate. This is the key to our future – and offering a great customer experience too.

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Run for a Cause with the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon Ready to warm up all 642 of your muscles for a good cause?

With only a few days left, you still have plenty of time to register for one of the biggest community events of the year: the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, set to take place Saturday, November 16, 2019.

Whether you are a challenge-seeking athlete or a beginner runner, there is something for everyone at Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, with the option to choose between four distances, from 5 KM to 42 KM. The best part? With every meaningful step, you will be running to raise awareness for a local cause, helping those in need and giving back to the community.

For the fifth year in a row, Gulf Bank is launching the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon in partnership with Pro-Vision Sports Management. The race takes runners through beautiful landmarks in Kuwait, starting at the entrance bridge of Souq Sharq, and heading in and out of Souq AlMubarakiya. As a participant, you have the option of competing in one of four categories: 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, and 42KM. The familyfun activity brings together people from all over the local community, with last year’s marathon bringing in over 7,500 attendees, with over 66 nationalities competing at the event.

Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is proud to announce the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings – is a global age group marathon ranking system. The rankings will culminate at the first AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championship race taking place in spring 2020.

This will allow all runners participating in the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon 2019 to get a chance to qualify for the age group ranking program at AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. Participants in the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon will earn points according to their age, time and gender, aligned with the following age groups for men and women: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. This gives

runners taking part in the event the chance to be part of a new era of age group marathon running.

Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of Abbott World Marathon Majors said: “We are very excited about the response to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings from marathons around the world. More than 125,000 runners aged 40+ participate in AbbottWMM race each year and this new system will allow even more runners to become a part of the AbbottWMM family.”

Ahmed AlHuzami, Chief Executive Officer of Pro-Vision Sports Management, said: “This is a great upgrade for Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, making it a global event, allowing participants the opportunity to take their running experience to a whole new level. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to this great venture.”

Every year, Gulf Bank partners with a local cause in order to give back to the local community. As part of Gulf Bank’s social responsibility, Gulf Bank is partnering with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to donate funds for medical aid to those who are unable to afford medical treatment in Kuwait. All proceeds will go towards the provision of medical devices including pacemakers, cochlear devices, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs and stents.

To learn more about Gulf Bank’s 642 Marathon or for more information regarding participation as a corporate or in groups, please visit www.gulfbank642marathon.com or check out the Instagram account @GulfBank642.

BANKING

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Optimism runs high among investors in aviation sector UAE aviation sector open to investors from outside country

Investors are keen to capitalise on the increasing opportunities in the aviation sector globally, according to industry experts. “Over the past decade, as the global economy has improved, airlines have grown in profitability, matured in terms of employing better capacity management and cost controls, and have benefitted from the explosion in demand for passenger air travel,” according to Aviation Industry Report released by KPMG. Talking about the investment environment prevailing in the UAE, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, DirectorGeneral of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA), said, “Being one of the biggest aviation industries in the world, UAE is open to attract investments from outside the country to our aviation sector, and we welcome any investor to establish their business in our national carriers and airports. A lot of investors have now started their business with the UAE’s aviation sector, which is worth over $I trillion.”

Al Suwaidi added, “Our airports and free zones have less restrictions on foreign capital and we welcome any foreign investor to start their company to contribute in the advancement of our sector.”

In an exclusive interview, Tahnoon Saif, Vice-President of Aviation at Dubai South, said, “We created a platform at Dubai South platform exclusively for aerospace and maintenance activities. We are meeting our clients regularly with the support of GCAA, and our business is growing at Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. We are optimistic about growing our business further by 2020.”

Aidan Cronin, Ambassador of Ireland, highlighting another growing sector within the aviation industry on the margin of the networking event of Global Investment in Aviation Summit, said, “Aviation industry is a major sector for Ireland, and have around 250 companies in Ireland working particularly in leasing side, a growth industry with a turnover of Euro 4billion last year. We look forward to attending Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS) next January to understand the business prospects in the sector.”

Further boosting the confidence of the investors, KPMG, in their report has cited that more than $100 billion worth of projects are planned and/or under construction spanning the Gulf and beyond. “[Despite] a number of clouds on the horizon… Emirates and other carriers in the region still enjoy a great geographic advantage in terms of access to key growth markets with state-of-the-art fleets and hub capacity,” said international aviation expert and industry consultant John Strickland.

The long list of regional projects includes Bahrain International Airport’s US$1 billion expansion programme; a multibillion-dollar new terminal and additional runway at Kuwait International; the triphased redevelopment of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and, closer to home, expansion projects at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi airports.

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Trending on passionsarabia.com

A

What’s trending at the home of Men’s Passion online

look at the hottest stories from the past month on Men’s Passion’s online home at passionsarabia.com. Follow us on Instagram @passions.arabia for a regular dose of the styles, the trends, the brands, the maisons and the marques... with stories of the passionate people who are making it happen.

Sheikha Majda Al Sabah – An Advocate for Mental Health October 2017 saw the birth of an initiative that gives enormous hope and shines a light on the socially barricaded topic of mental health. The ‘ASAP Initiative’ was co-founded by Sheikha Majda with her sister and created out of a percentage of the renowned beauty brand ASAP’s sales with the sole objective of highlighting and promoting mental health awareness. passionsarabia.com/sheikha-majda-al-sabah-an-advocate-for-mental-health

The Perfect Meeting of Form and Function The Work of HZMB Architects – Hamed Zubaid and Mona Al-Baghli passionsarabia.com/the-perfect-meeting-of-form-and-function

Tania Fares & Fashion Trust Arabia – putting fashion at the heart of contemporary culture In a world where ‘algorithm’, ‘empowerment’, and the ‘new normal’, compete to be amongst the hottest of today’s buzzwords, it is easy for fashion to be viewed as frivolous. In fact, fashion is at the very heart of our contemporary culture.

Fashion is fundamental, not frivolous. This is true nowhere more than the Arab World and, if you didn’t already know it, Tania Fares and Fashion Trust Arabia are on a mission to make that clear. passionsarabia.com/tania-fares-fashion-trust-arabia-putting-fashion-at-the-heartof-contemporary-culture

PASSIONS ARABIA

Run for a Cause with the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon With only a few days left, you still have plenty of time to register for one of the biggest community events of the year: the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, set to take place Saturday, November 16, 2019. passionsarabia.com/gulf-bank-642

Ferrari F8 Tributo – Live for the moment An invitation to drive Ferrari’s sublime F8 Tributo on the roads around Maranello, and on track at Fiorano. It’s the dream ‘Save The Date’, right? passionsarabia.com/ferrari-f8-tributo-live-for-the-moment

Health through stealth – SHA Wellness Clinic When the time comes to reset yourself, what are your choices? The global spa scene offers an array of one-stop-shop solutions. You could go total bootcamp and sweat it all out in Utah, or plump for the super-luxe pampering of a Swiss clinic. Alternatively, there’s nothing quite so dramatic as the full medical inventions favored by some. However, for an all-round, holistic, and also soothingly comforting reset, there’s nowhere quite as good as SHA Wellness Clinic. passionsarabia.com/health-through-stealth-sha-wellness-clinic

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Adventure – Urban outlook, unparalleled versatility Zenith Pilot Type 20 Adventure combines a wholly urban outlook with unparalleled versatility. Expressing reliability, comfort and robustness, the Pilot Type 20 Adventure also comes in a chronograph version, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Adventure. passionsarabia.com/zenith-pilot-type-20-adventure-urban-outlook-unparalleledversatility

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Porsche Centre Kuwait welcomes the new Cayenne Coupé Porsche has extended its Cayenne range with the addition of the Cayenne Coupé – a version that features an all-new body shape, two different roof concepts and impressive performance. Launched at a showcase event held by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company at Porsche Centre Kuwait, the model shares the same technical attributes as the successful third generation Cayenne, meanwhile its sharpened proportions and dramatically sloping roof line give it a more athletic appearance. Three derivatives are now available for customers to order, this includes; the Cayenne Coupé, Cayenne S Coupé and Cayenne Turbo Coupé.

Speaking during the launch event, Peter Green, Group General Manager, Behbehani Motors Company, said: “We are delighted to unveil the Cayenne Coupé for the first time here in Kuwait. A truly worthy addition, this model offers the option of an extra sporty variant within our SUV range. The Cayenne Coupé also reinforces the evolutionary approach Porsche takes when developing its sports cars for the new era. Inheriting the same technical capabilities implemented in the third generation Cayenne, alongside a sharpened design, the Cayenne Coupé is more progressive, athletic, and emotional in its own right. I have no doubt that this impressive model will generate interest amongst current Porsche owners and enthusiasts alike.”

EVENTS

Meet New Vertuo The perfect long cup at a touch of a button with the new Nespresso Vertuo Following the success of Vertuo in North America, Europe and Asia, it is now available in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, more than 70% of consumers in these countries prefer a large cup of coffee, often starting their day with one that is more than 200 ml. With Vertuo, Middle Eastern coffee drinkers will be able to enjoy large black or white coffees made at home, with the quality Nespresso is known for.

Sergey Makarin, Business Executive Officer at Nespresso MEA explained, “By introducing Vertuo in the Middle East, we are expanding at-home coffee options for coffee lovers with a range of large coffees without compromising the taste or extraordinary quality that Nespresso is known for. We feel that Vertuo system will meet the consumer needs for a convenient and easy of use coffee machines to produce variety of coffee sizes.”

The Vertuo system revolutionises the way coffee is made by introducing Centrifusion™, the unique rotational extraction technology, along with a new range of capsule sizes that together allow for different coffee experience from an espresso to a large cup.

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Bottega Veneta opens its first flagship store in Kuwait Measuring 415 square meters, the boutique is accessible from three entrances and showcases an extensive range of Bottega Veneta pieces for both men and women, including ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, shoes, jewellery, fragrances, eyewear and accessories.

With a façade made from silkscreen glass panels recalling the House’s emblematic Intrecciato motif, the interior is designed around the theme of lightness with the Marmorino walls and floors of natural oak wood and ivory limestone. The environment is highlighted by sleek lighting coves that run along the ceiling perimeters, bathing the walls with light to enhance the artisanal variations of textures and materials. Every element of the boutique’s interior, from the new display tables made from pale natural hued oak wood, silver Travertino and glass, to the handcrafted vitrines and door handles sheathed in leather, is custom-made. Furniture from the Bottega Veneta Home collection is featured throughout the store, with pieces from the modernist Tassello and Rudy families made in vibrant colours.

EVENTS

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Tanagra hosts Baccarat and Mathias Tanagra hosted an enchanting evening at their store in Salhiya Complex during October. The occasion? French luxury brand Baccarat’s launch of world-famous designer Mathias’ Mille Nuits Collection – and in the presence of the designer himself!

EVENTS

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Hyundai says “Technology loves you” Under the slogan “Technology Loves You”, North Gulf Trading Company launched the all-new Sonata with its impressive presence at The Avenues.

The philosophy of elegant design highlights its sporting spirit and shows the strength of the 8th generation Sonata – already crowned with the 2019 International Design Excellence Award

North Gulf launched the all-new Sonata 2020 model at the Motor Show event at The Avenues Dome 3. This new Sonata is the first model based on Hyundai’s innovative third-generation vehicle platform, which provides more power and weight reduction to enable improvements in design, safety, efficiency and driving performance.

EVENTS

Arab Artist’s Forum Arab connections Eli Bou Chaaya, with the support of the National Council for Culture Arts and Letters, presented a unique collection of work by 30 of the Arab world’s leading artists. Held at Kuwait’s Ahmed Al-Adwani Gallery, it comprised many art styles and reflected many varied artistic methods, and was inspired to communicate the connections between Arab people.

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F8 Tributo On track in Kuwait!

The F8 Tributo is the new mid-rear-engined sports car that represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater berlinetta. It is a car with unique characteristics and, as its name implies, is an homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history – and we were amongst a select group who got to drive it on track at Kuwait Motor Town.

Massively powered, supremely poised, an exhilarating ride. Only one small step away from Ferrari’s outstanding track-specific Pista, the F8 is the finest expression of Maranello’s V8 technology!

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Riviera turns pink!

For breast cancer awareness Riviera restaurant, at The Avenues Mall, turned pink for an evening in October. The reason? Breast cancer awareness month of course. Guest of honor Shurooq Salmeen was joined by a select female-only guest list from across Kuwait society who joined together to celebrate the month’s initiatives. Wondering what the dress code was? Well‌ pink, of course!

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2020 Supra Ready for the Road The legend is back Years of anticipation among the region’s sports car enthusiasts came to an end today with the launch of the fifth-generation Toyota GR Supra in the Middle East. The eagerly-awaited return of the iconic vehicle is set to delight Supra fans and inspire a new generation with its stunning design, high-octane performance, and exciting driving experience.

The launch press conference was attended by Mubarak Naser Al Sayer CEO, Bengt Schultz COO, executives of the Top Management at ALSAYER Holding, Scott McNicol General Manager Toyota Sales, along with Sales consultants, representatives from the press and media in the presence of Tetsuya Tada, Chief Engineer of new Supra, Naoya Inoue Project Manager and Yoko Nawa Assistant Manager from Toyota Motor Corporation.

EVENTS

The world’s leading wellness clinic in integrative medicine SHA SPAIN since 2008

SHA MEXICO opening 2021

shawellnessclinic.com T +34 966 811 199 I info@shawellnessclinic.com

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Nasj hosts ‘The Art of Weaving’ In celebration of the first anniversary of Kuwait’s Nasj Boutique, a uniquely curated showcase of the work of hand-picked designers was held. Designers included Baraka, The’haba Jewelry, Sho Shoes, Khalayat, Store 23, By Falooy, and Ebrahim AlQassab.

EVENTS

Luxury exemplified Nautilus 2019

Request a test drive and your Lincoln chauffeur will be at your doorstep.

The Lincoln Nautilus embodies the refined elegance with which you approach everything in life. Its meticulously sculpted design, thoughtfully engineered features, and carefully selected materials combine to offer you an impressively luxurious experience unlike any other.

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LISTINGS

For November, we’re setting up camp at Kuwait’s Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre. Here’s why… something to suit a wide range of musical tastes!

Marwan Khoury 7 & 8 November I a two-hour show, Lebanese artist Marwan Khoury will perform many of his best-known songs for the first time at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre, including ‘Kel Al- Asayed’, ‘Khedni Maak’, ‘Albak ala Albi’, and “Mughram”.

Nawal Al Kuwaitia 17 November For one night only, Kuwait’s own Qaitharat Al Khaleej will perform at JACC. With numerous singles and almost 20 recorded albums, there are plenty of hits for Nawal to choose from (and her fans to hope for) during this two-hour performance.

PKF-Prague Philharmonia 19, 20 & 21 November With one of the most recognized orchestras in the world, PKF-Prague Philharmonia, JACC hosts three classical evenings for music lovers, featuring a selection of classical pieces and Kuwaiti composed pieces on the first two nights, and a selection of film gala scores on the third night.

The PKF-Prague Philharmonia is an orchestra based in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 1994 at the initiative of the world-famous conductor Jiří Bělohlávek, and under his leadership has developed into one of the most recognized Czech musical ensembles with a worldwide reputation.

Today, PKF’s music director and chief conductor is Emmanuel Villaume, a French conductor based in Dallas, who performs on prominent opera and concert scenes all around the globe, in cities such as New York, London, and Paris.

Visit jacc-kw.com to learn more

EVENTS

PASSIONS ARABIA EXHIBITION WINTER IS COMING Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait - Al Mirqab Ballroom

Sunday 24/11/2019, by invitation Monday & Tuesday 25,26/11/2019 From 10 am to 1 pm & From 5 pm - 10 pm info@ph7-kw.com

7% of the proceeds will go to the NGOs ALNOWAIR - ASAP INITIATIVE - EITHAR - SPREAD THE PASSION

•@asap.kuwait •@bazzaalzouman•@Ebbarra•@eightsunglasses•@hamsakwt•@k7lcosmetics @laila_alhanbali•@eithar.kw•@myintisars•@nadaalayoubkuwait •@prismologie•@roqayas_rocks @suhadperfumes•@thhaba SAUDI @nasibahafiz LEBANON @garendemirdjian•@marianebechara @falamankbytarfaitani•@the.twist•@rafaatkarimeh MOROCCO @zyneofficial EGYPT @okhtein

KUWAIT @abdullalawadi

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