Mp issue #88 september 2017

THE STYLE EDITION Dress you up

ISSUE NUMBER 88 - SEPTEMBER 2017

JUST A THOUGHT Dear Passionate Readers, How many times have you heard, or repeated to yourself, the famous saying, “That which does not kill you, makes you stronger”?

Well I, I must confess, have turned it into my life’s mantra ever since my mom taught it to me at a very young age!

I have always lived by it without ever questioning it!

Until recently...

What is stronger? I asked myself.

And how much stronger does one have to be?!

For what?

Till when?

Till we tire no more, ache no more, feel no more?

Till we reach our goals only to set higher goals?

What if my definition of strength has been wrong all along?

What if by “stronger” they meant “stronger faith”?

Faith in one’s beliefs, in one’s values, in what we stand for?

At the end of the day, aren’t these the ones that get challenged the most with every experience?

My passionate readers, may you always have strength, true strength.

And may you always remain truthful to your beliefs.

Till next issue….

Zeina Mokaddam Managing Director

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- Sharq

- Kuwait City

- Sharq

22409341

International Optique

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KuwaitCL.com

- Fahaheel

Yaal Mall - Fahaheel 22219359 / 97232948

ON THE COVER: September 2017 Style. One of the most elusive of attributes to pin down. You know when someone’s got it, but you don’t always know exactly how or why.

This edition is a salute to those who have it and to those who appreciate it. But mostly it’s to those who know style is about more than the clothes we wear. It’s a salute to those passionate men and women who let style be a determining factor in every aspect of their life - from the way they dress to what they read, and to the way they interact with the rest of their society.

Because, for sure, the way we behave is perhaps our truest measure of style.

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam GENERAL MANAGER Chimene Ibrahim DIGITAL DIRECTOR Ali Sultan

CONTENTS 16

E b ra him Al Qa s s a b As co-founder and partner at Kuwait’s newest cultural venue ‘The Hub’, Ebrahim Al Qassab lives his life through an equitable balance of culture and style.

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Bader Al Hejailan and Ahmad Al Ghanim The original Thouqers, and as founders of the brand they’ve been at the zeitgeist of the region’s style for long enough to see many trends wax and wane. Always a step ahead.

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Nada Alawi She started her career in the Texan oil and gas industry before moving back to her native Bahrain to co-found Annada - a luxury brand of art-inspired scarves and women’s accessories.

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Dr. Wael Abul An extraordinarily well-dressed man, Dr. Wael Abul always puts style ahead of fashion and has an eye for the finest of details.

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Street Style Meet the real people of Pitti Immagine Uomo.

MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom EDITORIAL Rawan Qabazard CONTRIBUTORS Nadia Al-Sayed Mohammad Aldamkhi IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait.

Telephone +(0810 2572 (965 Fax +(0860 2572 (965 Website www.ph-7kw.com To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contribution and feedback are welcomed.

Please email your suggestions to info@ph-7kw.com For advertising, please contact info@ph-7kw.com For subscription, please email your details to info@ph-7kw.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.

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THE LIFE REFINED

DRIVE 36

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The Grand Tour(ers) Three weeks... and three of the world’s newest and grandest grand tourers Ferrari 812 Superfast It’s the most boisterous GT to come out of Maranello Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid If this is the future of motoring (and it is), we love it!

Maserati Gran Turismo Red-blooded and with curves in all the right places The Porsche Boys Zaid Ashkanani and Al Faisal Al Zubair WATCHES

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From the Trenches to Dunkirk Omega’s watches as instruments of survival Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride More than 70,000 gentlefolk and their motorbikes for a good cause Tissot Chrono XL It’s time to think big Longines Legend Diver Watch Performance and elegance combined PA Charles de Gaulle An Oris Limited Edition Fendi Selleria Man Expression of boldness and masculine allure Certina DS Podium Chronograph Track time for a fast racing professional STYLE

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Gucci’s Alchemist’s Garden An anti-modern laboratory for Fall / Winter 17-18 Setting Sail Z Zegna’s Summer 2018 sets sail for a vintage regatta Corneliani - To Dress Passions Five different men, three cities and five different passions Hugo Boss The global traveller - dressed and ready for everything modern life demands CULTURE & DESIGN

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The Retail Revolution Dolce & Gabbana’s new formula The Hub A creative space with no limits Ali Cha’aban Artist, and observer of culture Wind Tower AGi Architect’s award-winning Salmiya development Go Pro Karma It’s back!

SAIL 86 America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand win the 35th America’s Cup

FLY 88 Embraer’s Phenom 100

Embraer celebrates the tenth anniversary

of the first flight of the Phenom 100 CONCIERGE 90 91 92 94 95

Maldives Sandbank Pop-up Khouyi Noureddine checks-in The Big Four The Globetrotter’s Guide Rosewood Hotel Georgia WELLNESS

96 Punkt-ing Connectivity 97 Super Superfoods ONLINE 98 Trending on passionsarabia.com

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

CALENDAR 100 Listings

What’s on and where to go this month

THE STYLE EDITION

Ebrahim Al Qassab A master of style

T

o us, he’s a beacon of style; he’s an effortless influencer of elegance.

When looking forward to our annual Style Edition we decided there could be few men better suited to curating this issue than Ebrahim Al Qassab.

But first, there’s the question of precisely how we’re going to define ‘style’. Well, I say ‘precisely’, but there’s really no precise definition at all. It’s a fluid concept, and something we’re all expressing individually. For the uber-stylish Al Qassab, it’s a straightforward question of what he wears, what he eats, how he works and how he thinks. “For style”, he muses, “I think life-style”.

An all-encompassing lifestyle. “The first thing people see - their first impression of us - is very important. It’s worth spending time on mastering what we deliver as this first impression. It’s a complex process to grasp, but over time and with age we learn. This process will eventually become a repetitive pattern that becomes a lifestyle”.

He’s keen to stress, however, that it’s not rigid – as we evolve it evolves in direct relation to our openness to learning, and this pattern like any other will change depending on how much we are exposed to learning, we read and adapt.

He’s very much the perfectionist in everything he does – and his approach to style is no different. The finest proponents of style make it look effortless, and Ebrahim has it nailed. His secret? “Dressing to the occasion, and making it all about the details – the watch, the shoes, the scarf and the socks”. Yes, the socks too. Often the details can be hidden from the eye – it may be the lining of his suit – but he knows that when everything comes together we carry ourselves in an elevated state.

THE STYLE EDITION

“Brad Pitt, Tom Ford and David Beckham do style particularly well”

As co-founder and partner at Kuwait’s newest cultural venue ‘The Hub’, Ebrahim Al Qassab lives his life through an equitable balance of culture and style.

You can read more about The Hub on page 78.

Our individual style is defined by more than simply the way we dress, and today our lives are exposed to others in more ways than ever in history. We’re judged post-by-post. How we handle these judgements speaks volumes about us.

Ebrahim is very matter-of-fact about his style, “I think honesty is very important when we define style. Social media must be used with honesty to reflect and represent who we are. In the past, you had to be a high net worth individual to be able to look stylish, but now the market’s offerings are very diverse with less expensive stylish choices. You need to have the taste, not only the money. People make mistakes sometimes and use fake brands to show their style – this is never a good decision.

Equally, our home, our food, our choices when traveling and our education are all factors that are involved in creating who we are. As I mentioned at the beginning, it’s a complete lifestyle”.

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THE STYLE EDITION

“If I could have lived through a different era, I would choose the 1960s. Swinging London was a youth-oriented phenomenon that emphasized the new and the modern. It was a period of optimism and a cultural revolution”

There’s one area of men’s style that often divides opinion – jewellery. Ebrahim is pro-jewellery… in the right circumstances.

“It depends on who you are and what message you are trying to convey, and also the occasion you are attending. Men’s bracelets, rings and watches are the basics that I am most often seen with. Younger men and celebrities can go beyond that - as long as it still serves the purpose.

As a regular traveller, he’s well placed to judge our style against the style of others. “Kuwaitis have a great eye for setting trends - especially the women. On the international scene, I would highlight the Italians; their style is very clean with simple lines – it’s all about the cut. The British too; they express their style with edginess and colour blocking”.

He’s positive about the region’s style future, saying, “I think our region is looking good, especially when we take in to consideration our cultural and religious restrictions. We have done a great job in standing out by being smart on how to create our own formula for style - we have a great ability to mix and layer things. However, we we lack institutional support in developing fashion designers with professional knowledge to take the industry to the next level”.

Ebrahim Al Qassab spoke to Simon Balsom Photographer: Maher Al Nouri Location: The Hub, Kuwait For Ebrahim’s style-notes and details of who dressed him, visit passionsarabia.com

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THE STYLE EDITION

If anything has symbolised Kuwait’s style movement over the past fifteen years, it’s Thouq. Always a step (or two) ahead of common thinking

Bader Al Hejailan and Ahmad Al Ghanim

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The original Thouqers

n 2004, when Ahmad Al Ghanim (right) and Bader Al Hejailan (above) got together with two other Kuwaiti creative entrepreneurs to launch the lifestyle magazine ‘Thouq’, perhaps no one realised the impact it would have or how, nearly a decade-and-a-half later, it (and they) have evolved and maintained its relevance and context at the cutting-edge of regional style.

THE STYLE EDITION

“We all love dressing up and sometimes mixing and matching different styles.

We are definitely going towards a mature and unique sense of style”

Thouq was, from the very first day, ground-breaking in many aspects. The most obvious was through the magazine’s portrayal of both male and female models on its covers – something we take for granted now but which, then, caused ripples of minor controversy. They each had a background in different creative disciplines, and the creation of Thouq allowed them to share their creativity with – as we now know – an audience hungry for something that reflected itself.

Ahmad recalls those days, “At its formation in 2004, Thouq Magazine was a picturesque, limited edition, and definitely original. It has transcended to become a cutting-edge style guide for the region’s young and trendy circle. Showcasing the best of fashion, art, culture and travel. Thouq Magazine featured ground-breaking photography and exclusive highprofile interviews and essays.

“Thouq magazine pioneered in many levels throughout the years. The fashion-forward magazine used Kuwaiti models, artists and designers in a bid to create a progressive stance for its growing social circle. Thouq has collaborated with esteemed artist and designers to create events and special artworks.”

Fast-forward to today, and Thouq has evolved through a number of identities. Bader reflects on those early years, and brings the story up to date.

“To us, Thouq was a creative state of mind and not just a conventional print publication. Thouq evolved to be a brand with popular social networks, limited-edition books, an online shop, travel guides, and a concept shop for exclusive design items, clothing and affordable art.

“Today, we create beautiful ideas through our physical and online shops such as pop-art pieces, design accessories, and trendy streetwear.

“The founders’ tastes in fashion and contemporary art is an example of young Kuwaitis who, like their Arab counterparts are fans of the digital age media and incorporate their culture with modernism treating the colors of contrast with fun and enthusiasm.”

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THE STYLE EDITION

“Thouq evolved to be a brand with popular social networks, limited-edition books, an online shop, travel guides, and a concept shop for exclusive design items, clothing and affordable art”

What of Arabs’ relationship with style? To the rest of the world we appear exotic – our traditional dress, furnishings and lifestyles drip of style in the eyes of others. To us, perhaps, we’re simply being functional within our environment. Where, historically, do they see we’ve shown our greatest collective and individual style messages?

Ahmad feels that young Khaleeji men in general spend a lot of time and effort in looking beautiful and chic. “That’s why people of neighbouring countries consider our society an extremely fashionable one.

“Yet, some people’s perception of fashion in our society is a little unusual. Because the same people who flood the shopping malls everyday, and always make sure they look trendy and glamorous, are the same people who think fashion is trivial and inconsequential.

The traditional-wear also got an upgrade. With a lot of upcoming skilled designers who are creating their own take on traditional-wear.”

We contend that the Middle East is today one of the world’s most switched-on and stylish regions. Driven by what though?

Is it an appreciation of beauty; or simply a competitive nature to collect and show ‘the best’ with no thought or education?

“We all want to look beautiful and successful,” Bader suggests. “However, nobody is obligated to follow fashion.

It won’t be a shock to find people even in New York City who care less about fashion. I believe it should start with passion.

“I think our biggest challenge is to understand that fashion is not about putting on famous labels, it’s about finding your own unique perspective through the art of mixing and matching different items from different labels and places.

“Today with the open borders of social media, our region’s sense of style is absolutely high and engaging. The average individual in our region interprets fashion as buying new clothes and accessories from high-end stores. But I’m surprised everyday by how some people in Kuwait – especially men - are looking effortlessly trendy and fashionably up-todate. They are also familiar with new independent designers and upcoming trends.”

“Fashion is evolution, and Khaleejis have come a long way.

If you know Kuwait, you’ll know SoMu. It’s the new and trendy

THE STYLE EDITION

“Just like any skill, style can be learned. Style is a very positive state of mind. And dressing up is very uplifting.

Even though many people dismiss it, but the power of fashion is astonishing”

More at thouq.com Follow them on Instagram @thouq

souk in the ‘old’ district of Almubarakiya. A beautiful place located behind Souk Bin Duaij and next to Souk Al-Kuwait building.

It all started when the original Thouqers opened their first concept shop in an abandoned but promising corner. That is what Thouq visionaries only ever wished for Kuwait’s oldest commercial and cultural hub, Souq Al-Mubarakiya. And the souk has once again became a thriving hub for arts, culture, and fashion.

Today, SOMU is thriving with new locally conceived businesses. Different concept shops that offer a wide range of stylish products. Amazing restaurant and cafes with indoor and outdoor seating areas.

It is developing to be the stylish-heart of an ever more styleaware Kuwait. Thoughts turn to the whole concept of style. Is style innate, or can it be learned?

Bader feels that, just like any skill, style can be learned.

“Style is a very positive state of mind. And dressing up is very uplifting. Even though many people dismiss it, but the power of fashion is astonishing.”

Perhaps we in the midst of creating our own unique contemporary Arabian style-signature? What is it? Where and how is it revealing itself? Or are we too close to it, perhaps it will only become clear when we look back to 2017 in the years to come?

“The style of Arab men, especially Khaleejis,” says Ahmad, “is a mixture of modern and traditional. We all love dressing up and sometimes mixing and matching different styles. We always look for quality of design and fabric. We are definitely going towards a mature and unique sense of style.

And what of the challenges that lay ahead in our society if we are to hope for an increasing appreciation and adoption of style? We leave the final words to Bader, “I think we need to adopt a more effortless approach to style. We don’t have to follow every new and crazy trend. I think we need to appreciate beauty in everything and love the imperfections in life around us. Though fashion tends to repeat itself and come up with crazy ideas, we should always have fun along the way.”

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THE STYLE EDITION

Nada Alawi Art-inspired, enduringly stylish

W

e each develop our own unique routes to style, but Nada Alawi adopted what could perhaps be called the route less typical. From an early career in the Texan oil and gas industry, she returned to Bahrain to establish a business centred on an inspired fusion of art and fashion accessories. It’s quite a story, and one that is routed in the region’s natural flair for style.

Of course, a background in oil and gas does not at all preclude an appreciation of style. Style has always been an integral part of Nada Alawi’s life – as has art. A collaboration with an artist friend – renowned Bahraini artist Abbas Almosawi - led to more than she’d anticipated.

“I started to paint to cleanse my soul,” she explained. “I had just arrived at a time of my life when I wanted to do something different. I needed to express myself on a different platform”.

“His work is incredibly beautiful. Although I’ve been working with him for many years now, his work never fails to amaze and surprise me”.

It was never Nada’s plan to be a professional artist, it was simply part of a journey. Whilst involving herself she become ever more aware of the region’s rich depth of art. “I noticed that, despite the fact that we’re creating great art here, it’s not always accessible. Most of what we see here is Western art”.

It was this thought that provided the trigger for what would become the super-stylish Annada label.

Co-founding the company with her sister Noor Alawi, together they’ve now partnered with twenty artists and created a luxury lifestyle brand of unique scarves and other female accessories – dressing many of the region’s style-aware women along the way.

THE STYLE EDITION

“I learned most about myself and my style during my twenties.

I think this is what your twenties are for!”

That the region should be led by a woman of style such as Nada Alawi, who is equally as commerically switchedon - then we know the future of style is in safe hands.

It is incidental to Nada that she’s seen as a Bahraini endorsing local, regional and now international artists and fusing their works with luxury fabrics. Whilst it may be incidental to her, we see her as an important flag-waver for the Gulf – and for its style profile across the globe.

“I’m a proud Bahraini, and remain very true to my roots, but I see us taking at Annada a very global approach”.

When it comes to Nada’s style, a large amount was absorbed and developed during her time living in the United States. “I learned most about myself and my style during my twenties, I think this is what your twenties are for!”

She learned an appreciation for beautiful fabrics – an appreciation that continues to serve her well through her

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“Local and traditional clothing remains at the heart of our region’s style, but we’re seeing people doing increasingly interesting things around it”

work at Annada. She values fit, and she values simplicity.

“After these are all in order – then I like to accessorise,” she enthused.

doubt that the Gulf is now one of the world’s leading ontrend regions. We’re great adopters of style, and becoming increasingly important creators of style too.

“I had an obsession with Hermes many years ago, and art was something I felt needed to be shared. Linking these two passions was the inspiration behind establishing Annada” she recalls.

Nada feels, “I do think we’re developing our own style in the region now. Our local and traditional clothing remains at the heart of our region’s style, but we’re seeing people doing increasingly interesting things around it. We’re seeing nicer fits and more beautiful fabrics being used”. And this, again perhaps incidentally, creates a very positive image for the region as these clothes are worn internationally.

The company has received numerous awards – including being named amongst the fastest growing in Dubai but, more importantly for Nada, she has built a loyal and growing following amongst the region’s style-aware. As the company has grown, so has the region’s take on style. There’s little

Now there’s a whole generation of fashion designers, people who have studied – both at home and abroad – and who

THE STYLE EDITION

She is referred to by those around her as ‘Coco’.

A loving reference to the famous Parisian couturier.

It is, indeed, a fair comparison.

are applying what they’ve learned and highlighting just how creative and stylish the region is. “It makes me very proud to see what my colleagues are doing” Nada reflects.

Indeed, at her own brand they’ve created a whole new and exciting take on the traditional abaya. This piece is generating wide interest – locally as well as from within Europe. In her hands it has become a garment that transcends civilisations and has become a key piece for any woman of style.

She is referred to by those around her as ‘Coco’. A loving reference to the famous Parisian couturier. Whilst she hesitates to pitch herself at quite the same level, she’s nonetheless flattered by the comparison. It is, indeed, a fair

Find out more at annadaonline.com

comparison. As Mme. Chanel was instrumental in creating a uniquely continental and enduring elegant style, perhaps we’ll look back in years to come and see that Nada Alawi and Annada did the same.

For sure, the region is ready. It is standing with great style confidence, and looking for an icon through which to channel its own sartorial signature.

As Annada has continued to evolve, it has done so at every step hand-in-hand with the changing style vibes of its native Bahrain and the region. That the region should be led by a woman of style such as Nada Alawi, who is equally as commerically switched-on - then we know the future of style is in safe hands.

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THE STYLE EDITION

Photographer: Mohammad Aldamkhi (@dm5y_)

Dr. Wael Abul

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Sartorial eloquence

tyle is as unique as it is intangible. Some people have it, others simply don’t. Whilst it’s an innate skill for many, others have to work hard to attain it. Cosmetic and reconstructive dentist Dr. Wael Abul is amongst those blessed to fall in to the former category. An extraordinarily well-dressed man, he’s someone who puts style before fashion – and we like that. Here we learn about his relationship with style, his inspirations, where we should be thinking of spending our money - and the importance of highly polished shoes.

What’s the key to having effortless style? Some guys we know just “have it” and always seem to pull together great looks with minimal effort, but other always feel contrived.

What’s the secret?

The key is to think young and be playful. Have fun; never trap yourself in a look that you can’t get yourself out of. We all have the basic pieces in our wardrobe – but never rely only on those basics otherwise you’re always going to look washed out. Keep people guessing about what are you going to show up wearing next. You make the look; the look should never make you. Your style, your spirit should always be present whether you are wearing a tuxedo or on the beach in a swimsuit.

For Wael’s style-notes and details of who dressed him, visit passionsarabia.com

THE STYLE EDITION

An extraordinarily welldressed man, Dr. Wael Abul always puts style ahead of fashion.

Follow him @waelabul

Where do you turn to for inspiration? Which magazines and websites do you feel most represent your tastes and style?

“Have your own style but respect your silhouette fit is very important�

I love world culture, and it is interesting to see how people translate fashion and style around the globe. I keep my eyes open and always try to discover my own trend for the season and then add it to my collection. The best place to start is by following the fashion shows of designers you like, and the best way to do that is through the Vogue runway app.

Are you comfortable only with big name brands, or always looking for the next new hot label?

I am always looking for the story behind the label. I like to

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THE STYLE EDITION

“Keep people guessing about what are you going to show up wearing next. You make the look; the look should never make you”

invest in the person behind the brand who is changing the label. A perfect example is what Tom Ford did for Gucci in the 90s, and then Alessandro Michelle who transformed the brand again in 2015. I think that’s what makes a label hot.

What is the one garment always worth paying top-dollar for? What’s the piece that’s going to make or break a look?

Jackets, jackets, jackets – and in all shapes and forms. I find it ridiculous to pay top-dollar for a t-shirt with an iron-on cartoon or picture – but a jacket takes a lot of skill to construct and to tailor. Another very important piece to complete every man’s look is his shoes. Remember to dress from head to toe - always think of the toe shape of the shoes and what pants to wear with it.

What are your thoughts on the region’s males and their approach to dressing with style? Getting it right?

That’s a tough one. I believe that the region’s men are breaking out of the traditional mould even when they are dressed in traditional attire. They’re creating a form of colourful expressionism.

Style is more than sartorial. Through which other elements of your life do you feel able to express your style signature?

Traveling enables me to be creative. This begins with packing my suitcase and carries on through to the events on my agenda. It adds a new dimension of glamour and tolerance.

Conservatism diminishes with exposure to different destinations – and this way I can push my imagination further.

THE STYLE EDITION

“I believe that the region’s men are breaking out of the traditional mould even when they are dressed in traditional attire”

Five Questions with Wael Abul How do you define today’s man of consummate style?

I think the world is effectively getting smaller - all men are more into grooming and style. I think simply being ‘neat’ is one way to sum everything up.

Pochette or no pochette?

Good luck fitting your keys, phone and wallet in your pockets!

If you could then there would be no need for a pochette.

Pochettes are handy and functional, just don’t confuse them with toiletry bags.

Wide or skinny lapels?

Skinny or shawl lapels, never wide unless it’s a classic fit suit and accompanied by the right size and design of dress shirt collar.

Other than at a black-tie dinner, when was the last time you wore a tie?

I believe in neckwear, but not necessarily always a classic tie.

It’s been a while since I wore a classic tie.

What is people’s biggest style error?

They forget that style is not to simply buy the full outfit as it is displayed on the mannequin. Have your own style but respect your silhouette - fit is very important. And always make sure your shoes are polished.

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THE STYLE EDITION

Street Style

The real people of Pitti Immagine Uomo

T

he menswear crowd landed in Florence once again in June, this time for the 92nd edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo - the largest and most influential global style trade show. With Spring 2018 on their mind, designers, manufacturers and store buyers descended on the city dressed up to the nines. While the business was going on within exhibtion halls, showrooms and along catwalks, often the most informative representation of what to wear was delivered out and about on the streets. Photographer Adam Katz Sinding captured the vibe. From impeccably tailored Italian suits to old-world classics, there were peacocks aplenty.

THE STYLE EDITION

Brunello Cucinelli, founder and CEO of Brunello Cucinelli ”Pitti Uomo is an open

‘parade’ of 30,000 people whereas in Milan the

big brands present the

collections in their own

spaces: they are two distinct yet complementary events.”

Of course, there was real work going on too. The headlines and highlights from this year’s Pitti Immagine Uomo: PS by Paul Smith, after the success of the last edition, the British designer’s contemporary line returned to Pitti Uomo and chose a new location in the Padiglione delle Ghiaia.

Tommy Hilfiger premiered the Hilfiger Edition Spring 2018 collection and took part in the fair for the second consecutive season.

Bally, the Swiss accessories and clothing brand, took advantage of the extraordinary audience attending Pitti Uomo to present a new collection of sneakers, and created a special installation located in the fair’s Main Forecourt.

Bagutta presented a project realized in collaboration with Alessandro Squarzi: 11 shirt models designed for every occasion in the contemporary man’s life, from the evening tuxedo to the jungle jacket; the capsule collection was celebrated with a cocktail party at Se-Sto On Arno c/o the Hotel Westin Excelsior.

D’Avenza returned to Pitti Uomo with a special project on male elegance that marked its new course.

With Vitale Barberis Canonico the Polveriera was transformed into a chamber of marvels. Under the spotlights were fabrics from the historical archives recounted by the same men who wore them. Their sophisticated and, at times, eccentric style emerged that the Lanificio has managed to safeguard over time.

A savoir faire of over 354 years that it brings to the Lanificio’s current collection.

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Paul Smith, founder of PS by Paul Smith “Pitti Uomo is a key reference fair that hosts very many designer brands and represents all the product categories.

Following the presentation of my collection at the Dogana during the last edition I decided to come back here with a new project: a sign of the continuity of my collaboration with and my esteem for Pitti Immagine.”

Lanerossi, the historic brand belonging to the Italian textiles tradition, celebrated 200 years of business at the Limonaia of Villa Vittoria with an exhibition-event. A focus on the works of the big names who have worked with the company since the Thirties – from Adolfo Busi to Armando Testa to Ugo Mulas. The exhibition, sponsored by Filivivi and Marzotto.

K-Way came back to Pitti Uomo: in the Corridoio dell’Arco, alongside the historic rainproof and foldable iconic jackets, K-Way for SS 2018 presented a collection of jackets and coats featuring innovative models and surprising fabrics.

In the striking location of the Sala delle Colonne, RRDRobertoRicciDesigns presented a techno-sartorial collection with ‘60s inspired fluid shapes, made using Holistic Technology®, a special technique that is the result of the Tuscan company’s research.

Tretorn, the historic Scandinavian outerwear and footwear brand designed for the Nordic climate returned to Pitti Uomo with a new collection on display in the I-Play section.

Belstaff presented its iconic new collection at Pitti Uomo designed for movement: “Origins” showcased the evolution through the innovation of the brand, based on a technology oriented towards movement, performance and protection for modern lifestyles.

Superdry, the British lifestyle brand, reaffirmed its style by returning to Pitti Uomo with a new space inside Urban Panorama.

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

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The Grand Tour(ers)

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Three weeks... and three of the world’s newest and grandest grand tourers

t’s been quite the summer. Fully expecting a few weeks of reflective rest and recuperation, we cleared the diary for July and planned our list of summer reads. The automobile world had different plans for us however as not one but three opportunities to drive the world’s grand tourers pinged in to our inbox.

A visit to Maranello and Fiorano saw us spending time with the new Ferrari 812 Superfast; Brescia for the revised 2018 Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio; and Vancouver Island for the latest Porsche Panamera. It was, without exaggeration, a very grand summer.

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Ferrari 812 Superfast

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Welcome to the machine

n paper, it’s the most boisterous GT to come out of Maranello. Front-engined, rear-wheel drive and 800 horsepower, the 812 Superfast’s dramatic theme has echoes of the recent – and much acclaimed - F12berlinetta. But this isn’t an automobile that lives on paper so, bags packed and with an invitation from Al Zayani Kuwait, the official Ferrari Dealer in Kuwait, Simon Balsom jetted off to northern Italy, to Fiorano to be precise, and met Ferrari’s head test driver Raffaele di Simone for a few hot laps followed by a couple of hundred kilometres on the roads around EmiliaRomagna. Wish you were here?

First things first. The 812 Superfast is the evolution of the F12berlinetta species. Along with this and its insane cousin – the F12tdf – Ferrari have set about refining the way the world thinks of its Grand Tourers. Let’s look back further; fully two decades to the 550 Maranello, now consider the 575M Maranello, next 2006’s 599 GTB and then on to the F12 and, while the improvement in performance figures might leave other manufacturers lost for words (the 812 will reach 200kmh in around 8 seconds whereas 1996’s 550 required a rather more leisurely 14 to get there), Ferrari’s recent GTs have the highest ever levels of on-board creature comforts and usability.

There’s no doubt - the 812 is the best performing and most funto-drive Ferrari V12… ever.

Technological innovation has long lay at the heart of Ferrari’s DNA, and for their latest model they’ve come up with a new way of delivering power from their V12, and pushed the envelope further with vehicle and aero dynamics.

Ferrari estimate that up to 90% of the 812’s buyers will choose the model primarily based on the performance of the car. Their customers won’t be disappointed. The V12 is the heart of the marque’s newest model, and it’s a motor like no other before – indeed it’s been redesigned from the ground up and includes 75% of new parts. At 800 cv it’s Ferrari’s most powerful front engine ever; the wizards in Maranello’s engineering department have squeezed an extraordinary 123 cv / litre out of this naturally-aspirated 6.5 litre. And while doing this they’ve improved on the F12’s fuel economy figures and delivered lower emissions too.

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Whichever way you look at it, it’s a superlativeladen automobile A revolutionary fuel injection system is part of the key to the new motor – whereas the F12’s direct injection pumps at a pressure of 200 bar, for the 812 it’s a massive 350 and into a redesigned combustion chamber. Revving to 8,900, and with its maximum power delivered high in the range at 8,500 rpm, it’s easy to see how this really is Ferrari’s most fun V12.

Sound quality has been enhanced. The distinctive V12 Ferrari soundscape has been emphasized and specifically characterised. The 812 utilizes a unique 6-in-1 exhaust manifold, and employs a new gearshift strategy. Shorter ratios increase acceleration and make greater use of higher engine revs - in this case, that means more power.

Faster upshifts (30% quicker), faster clutch torque restitution and faster paddle response are the headlines of the 812’s selectable ‘race’ mode. Downshift isn’t overlooked – a 40% quicker engine speed synchronisation is achieved – glorious engine-braking!

With all this power and performance on-tap, and Ferrari has used every piece of information gained from its F1 programme in the creation of this car, it would be easy to see them go down the route of not trusting its customers enough to handle it, and to have them add total systems control. Yet, while the 812 is one of the most technologically advanced automobiles ever, it’s connected in such a way that it leaves the fearless driver in control and, for those who want to do things the hard way, the 812 is as wild as you want it to be.

Ferrari still rely on mechanical components to deliver extraordinary mechanical performance on their own – the integration with their new Side Slip Control (SSC5.0) electronic control systems merely enhances these properties. Here you’ll feel the benefit of both front and rear axle steering – when turning in and exiting. Steering torque is modulated prior to the approach, and torque adjusted to improve the feel. Power oversteer support adds engine torque to modulate rear slip – the result is a tighter turning radius. Biding his time, the driver’s action on the steering wheel is still required to maintain the

balance of dynamics. Purists will be happy to know that the 812 doesn’t drive itself.

There are no words to describe the depth of anticipation prior to depressing the ‘start’ button of a new Ferrari. You have to experience it yourself. The 812 will bimble quite happily around town and, despite its obvious size, is amenable even at low speeds. You can even find yourself in seventh gear at only a little over 55kmh.

Take it out of town though, and that’s where the 812 finds it’s natural habitat. Up to 6,000 rpm and there’s a sense of it straining at its leash. Beyond – and remember its seven-speed dual clutch gearbox has been fitted with close ratios – it becomes an eager and adventurous companion keen to stretch its legs.

The SSC’s digital brain kicks in seamlessly, controlling the model’s E-diff, traction and stability controls and rear-wheel steering. Its input is hard to detect – exactly the way Ferrari intended.

It’s a big car, but it’s agile and with huge grip – look at the wide section 275 front tyres if you want a clue as to how – another reminder of Ferrari’s insistence on mechanical grip as a priority.

Part grand tourer and part sportscar – it’s straddling the line.

With both a superbly equipped cabin and raucous power, its infotainment is delivered through a large touchscreen, and for the driver, a programmable digital display sits either side of the dominant tachymeter. Key driving controls are never more than a finger’s length away on the steering wheel. The most iconic of all is the manettino – with this you’ll control the 812’s moods - depending largely on your own. Relaxed or thrilled, senses remain engaged.

The 812 Superfast is the most powerful Ferrari production car ever; it has the best dual-clutch transmission on the road, it is the most desirable of Maranello’s GTs and has looks enough to become a future icon. In short, it’s a superlative-laden automobile whichever way you look at it.

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Hot lap - Fiorano Good times with the Ferrari 812 Superfast

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iorano. A circuit graced not by the many, but by the few. Built by Enzo Ferrari in 1972 on two large fields surrounding his home on the edge of Maranello, La Pista di Fiorano went on to become central to the marque’s F1 successes of the next three decades.

Built as a test-track – not a race-track – its corners simulate many of those on iconic circuits around the world. Its figure-of-8 shape ensured Enzo fitted a whole lot of circuit in to a very small space. With F1’s regulations mandating that test days are now limited and controlled, Ferrari’s road cars, trackonly FXX creations, and ex-Grand Prix Corse Clienti machines have unfettered access for lap after lap of Fiorano - and we’re about to tackle it in the new 812 Superfast.

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First stop; a briefing with Raffaele di Simone – former race driver and the marque’s head test driver, as a man at the centre

of Ferrari’s road car programme he’s been involved in the development of every recent model. After a handful of laps as di

Simone’s passenger, during which time he ably demonstrated the 812’s ability to shorten straights and straighten bends, we

returned to the pit box, swapped seats and, as I strap in, it

dawns on me that I’m sitting where Gilles sat, where Niki sat, where Michael sat – looking out through pit exit on to Fiorano.

A dab on the throttle and we’re on the circuit. Straightened up,

and the first opportunity to press the pedal to the floor – we’re heading for Turn One. A right-hander. Following some heavy

braking and multiple flicks downshifting to 2nd and I’m pushing

hard while looking for the apex – it’s hidden, and until you see it you’re aiming for the invisible.

The transition to Turn Two and I’m working the steering all the way – there’s barely a straight here and the wheel (the 812 is

the first Ferrari with electric power steering) is always a few

degrees from central – but let’s accelerate anyway – the car gains speed smoothly through every gear change. The 812’s

engineers have perfected the mechanicals and the software boffins have made certain that maximum power goes through

the wheels - we’re planted. Turns Two and Three form a flowing S (right – left) of increasing speed. We’re fast now.

Heading towards the double right-handers (Turns 4 and 5). One

before the bridge, one after. Turn 4 tightens, but on exit there’s

plenty of opportunity for the 812s V12 to get up through the

gears... building speed before the crest of the bridge; caution is advised here - because you will go airborne and arriving at Turn

5 unsighted at entry makes a clean manoeuvre rather tricky

and something possible only for drivers more familiar with Fiorano than me.

From here – if you divert your eyes from the tarmac for the briefest of moments – you’ll be rewarded with the best view of the circuit laying ahead and to your right.

Barrelling down towards the slowest corner of the circuit (Turn

6) – 1st gear, 180 degrees – the temptation is to brake and turnin too early – late brakers and those following the smoothest entry are rewarded. Here’s where I imagined I’d get a rest, but

instead this was where I found myself working hardest and it’s the only place around the lap that I felt my heart pounding – somewhat alarmingly too.

However, it’s soon forgotten with entry the fastest part of the circuit – time to put the 812’s ultimate speed and Ferrari Power Oversteer (FPO) fully to the test. Flat out on towards Turn 7 – a

kink which involves a lift of the throttle rather than any troubling of the ceramic brakes - and then drag up to Turn 8 – it’s a short straight in the 812 – then brake heavily in to it - a smooth and

medium speed lefthander with a nice wide and opening exit that despatches you back on to the pit straight – down under the bridge, box to the right, and off on another lap...

Breathe. Repeat.

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Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

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If this is the future of motoring (and it is), we love it!

he launch of any new Porsche is an event in and of itself. When such a launch reveals a refinement in technological direction from the boys from Stuttgart, the event becomes iconic.

Earlier this summer we were the guest of Porsche and the Porsche Centre Kuwait in Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia, to get acquainted with the newest Panameras - including the 680hp Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, their top model, and the Panamera Sport Turismo – the first and only vehicle of its kind in the luxury segment.

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What are we going to do here then? Compare the E-Hybrid and the Sport Turismo. No. That’d be pointless. While they are clothed similarly inside and out, these are two different cars yet potentially for the same driver. Whilst the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo with its V8 bi-turbo offers executives-in-a-hurry a top speed of 304km/h and 0-100 performance of 3.6 seconds (and all in state of the highest luxury), the Turbo S E-Hybrid does more of the same, but with a manner that will pin you harder in your seat-back.

Whilst the headline for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is that it’s the only vehicle in its class to combine the option of pure electric driving with the performance of a true sports car and the comfort of a touring car, and that as the second plug-in hybrid model in the model line – following in the tracks of its predecessor, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (462 hp) – the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid highlights the importance of electromobility to Porsche – let’s not forget that behind this lays a finely engineered fuel-burning and fully performing Porsche.

The best thing about the E-Hybrid is that you can forget it’s a hybrid altogether and drive it in just the way every Porsche is designed – with passion.

A key characteristic of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is its superb power delivery across engine speed ranges. At just above idle speed (from 1,400 rpm), the car has 850 Nm of torque at its disposal; this value remains constant up to 5,500 rpm. The eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission transfers power to the all-wheel Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system. The electric motor and V8 engine take the Porsche to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, or 3.5 seconds in the Executive model with extended wheelbase. The boost strategy was developed directly from the system used in the 918 Spyder super sports car.

The electric drive not only delivers exceptional energy efficiency, but also additional thrust – creating an additional electric turbo that enables Porsche to rightfully position the Panamera sports car in the same class as its large touring counterparts. In short – it’s a hybrid – but not as we know them.

Two cars in one?

That would be over-simplifying things, but the E-Hybrid really does offer responses to two totally different real-world motoring scenarios – efficient and smooth city driving, and mile-munching long distance touring.

The new Porsche is powered by an electric motor in combination with a V8 petrol engine adapted from the Panamera Turbo.

The electric motor delivers 100 kW (136 hp at 2,800 rpm) and provides a maximum torque of 400 Nm (up to 2,300 rpm).

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The most powerful hybrid saloon in the world

The top model in the Panamera line can travel up to 50 kilometres on electricity alone – an electric range that will allow many drivers of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to complete their daily, local commute without generating any emissions at all. In Germany, for example, investigations by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure have established that 80 per cent of all car drivers in the Panamera’s home country cover less than 50 kilometres per day. We’d venture to suggest that the typical commute within our region is even shorter than this. Home to office and back again, electric only?

Nothing new there. But in a car that you actually want to drive – now there’s a novelty.

And grand tour ready it certainly is – the extended standard equipment of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid includes auxiliary air conditioning, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Power Steering Plus and 21-inch alloy wheels in the 911 Turbo Design.

The basic pack-age also includes adaptive aerodynamic elements and three-chamber air suspension system, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Furthermore, the Executive version is equipped with rear axle steering as standard.

In keeping with the overall concept of the Panamera, the chassis combines the ride comfort of a luxury saloon with the performance of a true sports car. The basic chassis layout is

complemented by a multitude of innovative systems designed for maximum comfort and performance. Virtually all of these assistance and convenience systems are part of the standard specification of the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – including adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the active chassis control system and anti-roll system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).

On track The Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit opened just last year – it’s sympathetically carved in to the gently sloping hillside of the Cowichan Valley. Surrounded by the beautiful sweeping pastoral roads that encircle and cross the Island but which are patrolled vigorously by the fine men and women of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, this 2.3 km circuit provided an ideal environment to squeeze more out of the Panamera than we otherwise could have (legally) done.

With 19 corners and almost 100 metres of climbing, you’d imagine this is a circuit more suited to quick laps courtesy of a Boxster or a Cayman – and while you’re not wrong, you’re not 100% correct either. Such is the power and the poise of the E-Hybrid that it displayed no signs of its weight nor size. Keep in mind the ‘hybridization’ of the Panamera adds around 300kg to the weight of the car – but such is the performance boost

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Here’s a hybrid that you’ll actually want to drive Read more at passionsarabia.com it is quicker and feels even more nimble than the non-hybrid Sport Turismo.

It’s every bit a grand tourer, but with a sports car at its heart.

Along the track’s short straights and around its tight-tosweeping corners, the Panamera never required more than a light touch of the wheel at speed - and all the time the 8-speed PDK made the most of each and every one of those 680 German horses. The Sport Chrono’s Sport Plus mode meanwhile ensures harmony from the electric anti-roll bars, optional four-wheel steering, torque vectoring, carbon ceramic brakes, three-chamber air suspension, Porsche traction management and launch control.

As the most powerful hybrid saloon in the world, it’s a gamechanger in the luxury car sector. Someday, all grand tourers will be built this way, and for 2018 Porsche have stolen a march on the competition with their very accomplished Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. With this, they haven’t reinvented the motor car – but they’ve pushed it a long way down the path of positive evolution.

All about the Sport Chrono Package Including the mode switch integrated into the steering wheel, this forms part of the standard equipment on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The mode switch and the Porsche Communication Management system are used to select the various driving

modes. These modes include the familiar ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ modes from the other Panamera models equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. The hybrid-specific modes are ‘E-Power’, ‘Hybrid Auto’, ‘E-Hold’ and ‘E-Charge’.

E-Power: the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid drives up to 50 kilometres on electricity alone for emissions-free local journeys.

Hybrid Auto: a completely new development. When this mode is selected, the Panamera changes and combines the drive sources automatically for ultimate efficiency.

E-Hold allows drivers to consciously conserve the current state of charge to enable them to switch to electric and therefore zero-emissions mode in an environmental zone at their destination, for example.

In E-Charge the battery is charged by the eight-cylinder engine; to achieve this, the petrol engine generates a higher level of power than is actually needed just for driving.

Sport and Sport Plus deliver the highest level of drive performance. The V8 biturbo is active continuously in these modes. In ‘Sport’ mode, the battery charge is always maintained at a minimum level to ensure that sufficient boost reserve capacity is available when needed. ‘Sport Plus’ mode is all about maximum performance. In addition, the battery is charged as quickly as possible to ensure maximum performance.

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Maserati GranTurismo

Red-blooded Italian - and with curves in all the right places

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o be honest, if you’re looking for a superbly engineering, finely-tuned, high-perfromance and luxurious Italian grand tourer these days, you’re spoiled for choice. There are a handful of exceptional models to choose from. But, if you want one that’s red-blooded, with race-engineering at its heart, and that’s got curves in all the right places, there’s only one - Maserati. You see, even after more than one-hundred years of making motors cars, no-one makes ‘voluptuous’ in quite the same way as they do. And for 2018, it just got even better.

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It’s ten years now since Maserati first introduced their GranTurismo – and they’ve worked hard to ensure it has remained relevant and contextual to the segment ever since.

With this latest facelift – aesthetic and technological – they’ve breathed new life in to what was already a desirable automobile.

A full four-seater sportscar, it’s the ideal city-car when called upon; and capably fast when required – it’s the consummate grand tourer. For 2018 The GranTurismo range has been streamlined and two well-defined versions will be offered – Sport and MC. The 4.2-litre GranTurismo has been discontinued, while the Sport and MC share the same powertrain and interior personalization packages.

When restyling the GranTurismo for 2018, Maserati approached the original Pininfarina design with the greatest respect. As a result, the changes are barely noticeable but still substantial and the car is aerodynamically even more efficient.

Over the years, GranTurismo has evolved to become one of the world’s most iconic sports cars. It is also, of course, a Maserati design classic – a resolutely sporty luxury coupé with a uniquely timeless elegance. According to Marco Tencone, Head of Maserati Design, there is good reason for this: “GranTurismo was originally considered a courageous design, even for Pininfarina standards. This helped it remain contemporary throughout the years. In fact, the boldness of the initial design was adopted by other luxury brands in the following years. As a result, the car still looks fresh today – it is a timeless design”.

The long front, muscular rear and defined lines suggest forceful forward movement – even at a standstill.

For 2018, the sumptuous, hand-crafted interior of the GranTurismo features more dynamic design, improved ergonomics and a new, state-of-the art infotainment system.

Inside you’ll find a completely new infotainment with 8.4” high-resolution capacitive touchscreen; a redesigned central console with double rotary control; compatibility with Apple Car Play and Android Auto (as you’d expect in these highly connected times); fitted as standard - the Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.

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The leather wrapped interior has been redesigned, echoing Maserati design traits by using the finest real materials, while subtle chrome rings around the buttons and stitched Trident logos on the headrests aptly illustrate the exceptional care given to each and every detail.

The state-of-the art infotainment system of the GranTurismo is the latest one adopted by the entire Maserati range. The 800x600-pixel display offers drag and drop functionality and features a 3D perspective effect in a greenish ambient light. This is an ideal match with the backlight colour of the instrument cluster and that of the courtesy lights.

The 2018 model follows a new architectural philosophy, according to Maserati Head of Interior Design, Gianni Colonello: “We took the chance to redesign the interiors combining the craftsmanship appearance for the new instrument panel volumes with the updated infotainment elements. With the adoption of this approach the dashboard is now more clearly focused than before, comprising two, perfectly arranged areas: digital and physical.”

Briarwood. These options are available on both Sport and MC versions.

There are also three optional interior Anniversary Edition packages. They include Poltrona Frau® leather upholstery in three different colours (Bianco Pregiato with strip design, Nero and Black leather/Alcantara®) combined with the dashboard, central console and armrests in stitched leather and the Trident logo stitched into the headrests.

The naturally aspirated, Ferrari-built V8 engine in the GranTurismo – true to its red-blooded racing pedigree – provides sharp throttle response, free-revving character and a unique, soul-stirring Maserati soundtrack.

The state-of-the art 4.7-litre powerhouse in the GranTurismo is one of the last naturally aspirated V8 engines in the segment today. Based on the F136 family of 90º V8 petrol engines, it was developed jointly by Ferrari and Maserati and produced by Ferrari in Maranello.

Maserati offers a personalization programme unlike any other, allowing each customer to create a unique GranTurismo, according to precise individual wishes and tastes.

What makes the GranTurismo engine unique, and what gives it that famous Maserati sound, is the exclusive use of a crossplane crankshaft, instead of the flat-plane version used in Ferrari supercars.

For 2018, there are eight interior colours available and five interior trims – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut

This, along with other clever design features and advanced electronics, also creates an engine character that combines

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the best of two worlds – high-rev output (up to 7,200rpm) and strong torque at low revs. And when it comes to throttle response, the Maserati V8 is incredibly sharp – it almost feels directly connected to the driver’s right foot.

lower fuel consumption and improve reliability. Nikasil-coated steel cylinder liners are extremely tough and wear-resistant; Diamond Like Coating (DLC) and super-finished camshafts originally developed for motor sport are also used.

In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati.

With the six-speed ZF Automatic gearbox, the GranTurismo Sport accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 299km/h. Its combined fuel consumption is 14.3 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are 331g/km.

Acceleration and top speed values for the lighter MC version are, respectively, 4.7 seconds and 301km/h.

Attached directly to the rear of the engine, the MC Auto Shift gearbox is a perfect match to the character of the GranTurismo, delivering comfortable to extremely sporty gearshifts through its five operating modes.

Read more at passionsarabia.com

It all adds up to a thrillingly dynamic driving experience in the GranTurismo. That and the ability to cover long distances with seemingly limitless, endlessly obliging power always on tap.

The MY18 GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero™ tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero™ is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileage by at least 30%.

Racing has always been in the Maserati DNA. For the GranTurismo, this is directly manifested in the use of Formula 1-derived special coatings for components subject to high stresses in the V8. These reduce friction for increased power,

The six-speed ZF Automatic gearbox (MC Auto Shift) has been conceived to match the extra performance of the V8 powerhouse. Engine power is fed to the rear wheels via an asymmetric limited slip differential – 25% in traction and 45% in release – with a final ratio of 3.54.

The luxurious four-seater sports coupé was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of our very first production grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947. And over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character.

This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination – bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Maranellobuilt V8 engine; and hand-crafted comfort offered by four individual, Poltrona Frau® seats.

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The Porsche Boys

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1- Zaid Ashkanani - Kuwait’s favourite racer motors on...

ollowing an emphatic eighth edition of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, plans are already in motion for the spectacular return for Season 9 this year. The announcement comes midway through the global motorsport calendar, as some of the drivers that competed in the Middle East over the winter period are now battling it out in the prestigious Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup across Europe.

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Kuwait will hope to see potential new talent joining the grid in Season 9, representing motorsport in the country and hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous Kuwaiti champion Zaid Ashkanani. The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East was established with the vision of offering drivers from the region a pathway to compete on the international stage and at the highest level of motorsport.

After eight successful seasons, that pathway is now very much proven, with several drivers emerging through the championship to reach the pinnacle of one-make racing, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

How have you been finding competing in the Porsche Supercup this season?

Competing in Porsche Supercup is never easy, but I would say that we have had a good start. The level of competition is always high here. I believe we are doing the right things and, as long as we keep learning and developing, we will continue to see stronger results.

Did the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East prepare you for the step into Europe? And did you think it would happen this quickly?

Yes, I would definitely say that the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East has paved the road for me to race in Europe.

I started racing with Porsche in the Middle East and this is where I gained most of my driving experience. I learned a lot from racing in the championship and I noticed that the level of competition is continuously increasing in the Middle East, which is always a great result for the series.

What would you say are the main differences between driving in Europe and driving in the Middle East?

There are several differences between racing in Europe and the Middle East. One thing is the racing culture, which is more developed. Another is the competition; it is generally tougher in Europe as it is a hub for international motorsport. In terms of racing conditions, it rarely rains in the Middle East, while in Europe the weather is always changing from one circuit to the next - conditions can even vary during the same racing weekend. Also, the historical circuits in Europe like Silverstone and SPA have their own character which adds a unique experience to each race.

The results of some of the drivers that have competed in both the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and now Supercup this summer have been very different. For example, Dylan Perreira is getting some very strong results and Al Faisal Al Zubair has been qualifying ahead of Ryan Cullen in some rounds, why do you think this is?

To be honest, I couldn’t tell you the exact reason behind the drivers’ different results. I myself expected to do better here

after getting strong results in the Middle East, but I would say it all comes down to how prepared you are - each race in Europe can be very different. Some teams have started stronger than others, so you just need to keep pushing, working hard and finding more speed where you can.

As a young Arab driver that has progressed from the Porsche Middle East GT3 championship to driving with Porsche in Europe, would you recommend this as a pathway for other young drivers interested in motorsport in the Middle East?

I definitely do. The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is without a doubt the strongest series in the region - the set-up, the driver coaches and the overall organisation is extremely professional and provides the perfect opportunity for aspiring drivers in the Middle East to get involved.

Will you be returning to compete in the Porsche GT3 CCME in Season 9 and if so what are your hopes for the season?

I hope to be returning to compete in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East next season, I enjoy the set-up and it feels good to be racing in a professional environment in the Middle East. It’s always exciting to see which new drivers will be competing in the series; we saw Al Faisal Al Zubair as one of the newcomers last season and look how well he has done.

It is always difficult to commit to taking part in a championship at this early stage, but I definitely would like to come back and drive again in Season 9.

This has been a huge step forward for you in your career, what is the next step and hopes for the future?

Competing in championships such as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is always going to benefit your motorsport career.

It’s great to be involved with such a prestigious competition and I am hoping I can continue competing at this level and higher. In the future, I would like to become a works driver for a manufacturer like Porsche, but I know that it wouldn’t be easy and it would require a lot of hard work which I am always ready for. That is the dream.

How can you see the participation of yourself and drivers like Al Faisal Al Zubair in Europe helping to boost the profile of motorsport in the Middle East?

Both Al Faisal and I wish to support in improving the profile of motorsport in the Middle East. We know it will take time, but hopefully one day we will be able to see more drivers from the Middle East reaching the same level of competition as in Europe and the rest of the world. To reach this level, more support is needed around the sport at the lower levels in the region and we must continue to generate media interest.

Sometimes it can be difficult for drivers to generate sponsors, but there a competitions like the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East that will provide a great pathway to further your motorsport career.

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THE LIFE REFINED

2 - Al Faisal Al Zubair - Oman’s teenage sensation...

Following an emphatic eighth edition of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, plans are already in motion for the spectacular return for Season 9 this year. The announcement comes midway through the global motorsport calendar, as some of the drivers that competed in the Middle East over the winter period are now battling it out in the prestigious Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup across Europe.

Championship organiser Lechner Racing has revealed heightened interest from drivers keen to be part of the future schedule. With the regional debut of the brand-new Porsche GT3 Cup car and the continued commitment to deliver a world-class series to nurture racing talent in the Middle East, it’s clear to see why Season 9 is seeing a high level of interest.

Oman will hope for the return of teenage sensation Al Faisal Al Zubair, after a very successful debut outing last season saw him go on to compete in Europe with Porsche over the summer.

There is also potential for new talent to join the grid, eager to follow in the footsteps of Al Zubair, continuing to develop motorsport in the Middle East. The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East was established with the vision of offering drivers from the region a pathway to compete on the international stage and at the highest level of motorsport.

How have you been finding competing in the Porsche Supercup for the first time?

My experience in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup so far has been amazing. The competition is very tough and every driver is extremely quick. Sometimes it is good to be amongst such a high level of driving as you find yourself raising your own levels without even noticing. My results and times are getting better and better with each race, so that is all I can hope for - I will keep working hard until the end of the season.

What have been the biggest challenges or adjustments you’ve had to make?

The biggest adjustment that I’ve had to make is getting used to qualifying. You have less time out on the track in this competition compared to the Middle East -setting a quick time as early as possible is key. What makes it more difficult is that everyone is setting such quick times across the board, which means you have to focus 101%, as sometimes one tenth of a second can be the difference of four or five positions.

Nearly halfway through the season now, what are your expectations for the second half and down the stretch?

I can’t really expect anything, with a grid of over 30 drivers and competing on a lot of these circuits for the first time I just have

DRIVE

to go out there and do my best. I would like to be able to finish in the points for the remainder of the season, and finish my debut year in the highest position possible.

How much did the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East prepare you for the Porsche Supercup?

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East helped me a lot, it taught me the dynamics of how to drive a Porsche, race craft, qualifying and gave me so much track time to get used to racing the car. I came to Europe being on the pace with the car, and felt confident to be able to compete within the grid. It’s great to be able to come from a professional set-up in the Middle East as it prepares you for competitions like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and makes you confident within your own ability.

As one of just two Middle Eastern drivers in the Porsche Supercup field, along with Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani, how much pride are you taking in representing the region and showing off its talent?

It’s a great honour for me and Zaid to be representing the Middle East as Arab drivers in Europe. The fact that the races follow the Formula One schedule also means that we can carry our flags with pride, and show the world of motorsport that Arab countries like Oman and Kuwait can also produce a high level of driving talent which is an amazing feeling for me. It is also nice that Zaid and I get on very well, and we hope to continue getting good

results and raising the profile of motorsport in the Middle East.

Why is the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East such a good platform for Arab drivers to progress through the ranks and go further in their motorsport career?

I believe the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East is the perfect platform to start racing for young Arab drivers. It takes place at the best time of year for weather, you learn the car inside and out, you learn everything about qualifying and improving your speed. There is also a real mixture of drivers, amateurs and seasoned professionals, giving every driver a goal and somebody to compete against. So yes, overall I think it is the best way to start and develop and then, if you progress well, there is a potential pathway into Europe. I’d like to think I am a great example of that.

Will you compete in this year’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and if so, how much do you expect your season in Porsche Supercup to help you?

The plan is for me to return to the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East for Season 9, I am very excited to race again in the championship, especially following such a successful first season. I left Season 8 with a race win in the final round in Bahrain and, I think now with my Supercup experience over the summer, I can come back and really push for strong results and challenge the front-runners for the title!

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From the trenches to Dunkirk

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Omega’s watches as instruments of survival

he 20th century will forever remain scarred by two World Wars that divided nations and left a devastating mark on history. At the heart of each conflict were the soldiers who risked, and often gave, their lives for their countries. On the allied side, many of these soldiers depended on their OMEGA watches as instruments for survival. The brand was one of the biggest suppliers of watches during both wars and is still recognised today for the critical role it played.

World War One Certain qualities made OMEGA an ideal supplier of military watches at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Precision was the first advantage. The brand had a strong history of observatory records that proved the accuracy of its timepieces.

More importantly, OMEGA’s incredible manufacturing ability meant that it could deliver high quantities of these precise wristwatches and pocket watches for service. Very quickly, OMEGA became the prime choice of Great Britain’s Ministry of Defence as well as its allies.

When warfare moved into the trenches, OMEGA’s wristwatch chronographs, which were amongst the first ever made, became essential tools for com- manding officers. By timing the exact difference between the flash and sound of opposing gunfire, they were able to work out the distance between themselves and the enemy; A truly important piece of information when planning your attack.

World War Two OMEGA’s good reputation continued into World War Two. In fact, the brand delivered more than 110,000 pilots’, navigators’ and soldiers’ watches to Great Britain’s Ministry of Defence to support its Air Force and Navy pilots during service. Incredibly, this means that more than 50% of all Switzerland’s watch deliveries to the United Kingdom during the war came from one company, OMEGA, with all other brands sharing the remaining 50%. from Great Britain to the USA, france and even Greece, all allies benefitted from OMEGA’s watches.

WATCHES

The CK2129 - as worn by Tom Harby in ‘Dunkirk’ The CK2129 was the most commonly worn OMEGA timepiece for RAF personnel in the early days of the Second World War. Its unique rotating bezel was highly valuable for pilots and navigators during missions as it enabled the timing of specific intervals. On bombing raids, for example, these timing intervals became crucial. The rotating bezel could also be locked by the watch’s 2nd crown, so that the timing couldn’t be affected by accidental knocks.

The newly released film ‘Dunkirk’, directed by Christopher Nolan, has correctly placed this model on the wrist of Tom Hardy’s RAF character.

2,000 of the models had been delivered to the MoD at the start of the war. The watch was made to be particularly easy to read, which is why it featured a contrasting cream dial with clear Arabic numerals and poire hands.

The Legacy With the war won by the allies, Field Marshal Lord Montgomery, the hero of El Alamein and Operation Overlord, specifically requested a visit to OMEGA’s factories in Biel, Switzerland.

On two separate trips, one official and one private, he proudly expressed his satisfaction with OMEGA’s watches during the war and met with company representatives to thank them for the help that the brand had given.

OMEGA would continue to provide military watches into the future. Most importantly, the lessons learned by OMEGA during both wars had strengthened its overall expertise and capabilities. This built an important platform for progress and is a defining reason that, in 1948, so soon after the war had finished, its iconic Seamaster collection could be born.

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Panerai Luminor Marina 1950

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3 Days Automatic Acciaio

anerai presents a new Luminor Marina fitted with a steel bracelet perfectly integrated with the case, the individual links being inspired by the iconic device for protecting the winding crown.

With the classic, unmistakable design of its case and dial, the new Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic for the first time has the new metal bracelet with links inspired by the shape of the device which protects the winding crown, like the first bracelet created by Panerai in 1999.

The shape of each individual link recalls the iconic “bridge” device, and each one integrates perfectly with the rest – without any screws – forming a perfectly ergonomic bracelet which is flexible and pleasant on the wrist, being sporty but sophisticated in the design of its details and in the alternation of polished finish with brushed.

Strong and robust but much lighter than those previously developed by Panerai, the new bracelet is made of AISI 316L stainless steel, the same as the Luminor 1950 case. With its brushed finish and contrasting polished bezel, this case is also light and slim thanks to fact that the automatic P.9010 calibre is only 6 mm thick. This movement is clearly visible through the wide sapphire crystal porthole set in the back.

The calibre, made entirely in the Panerai High Quality Watchmaking Manufacture in Neuchâtel, has a power reserve of three days and it is wound by a bidirectional oscillating weight.

It is fitted with the device for stopping the balance wheel when

WATCHES

synchronising the watch and the system for rapidly adjusting the hour hand, which can be moved forwards or backwards without interfering with the running of the seconds hand. Very useful when setting the time or changing time zones, this function also enables the date on the dial at 3 o’clock to be adjusted very quickly.

The quintessential modern Panerai Read more at passionsarabia.com

The dial of the new Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic is black, in pure Panerai style with large luminous beige markers and the seconds counter with a small blue hand at 9 o’clock.

The sandwich structure of the dial ensures optimum visibility at night and underwater, a feature which is part of the DNA of every Panerai watch. Water-resistance is guaranteed to 10 bar (a depth of about 100 metres) for the model with a case 42 mm in diameter (PAM00722) and to 30 bar for the 44 mm model (PAM00723).

The bracelet of the new Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic can easily be replaced with another strap thanks to the system patented by Panerai which uses a little pushbutton under each lug, operated by using the special tool supplied. The steel strap is also available separately and it is compatible with the Luminor 1950 case of models with the P.9010 movement.

The Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic delivers an authoritative presence on the wearer’s wrist.

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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

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95 countries. 600 cities. More than 70,000 gentlefolk and their motorbikes for a good cause

enith is supporting the gathering around the world, and creating on this occasion a magnificent PILOT TON-UP watch in bronze, engraved with the effigy of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Only 5 of these watches will be produced, and gifted to the finest donors to the cause. Number 0 will be auctioned at a special event held in Milan on the same day.

WATCHES

This event is gaining unprecedented traction in the Vintage Biking world: on Sunday September 24th 2017, in 600 cities

spread across 95 countries around the world, more than 70,000

gentlefolk will meet up on the same day aboard their motorbikes to support research on prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of the Movember Foundation.

What do they all have in common? Belonging to an array of

vintage bikes, café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other exceptional customised models that will be taking part in chic and festive parades thrumming along roads and cobblestones.

The goal? To raise funds. An operation on behalf of the Movember Foundation in its bid to finance prostate cancer and men’s mental health programs – the aim being to pass the USD 5

million mark this year (having already raised more than USD 8M since it was created by the Australian Mark Hawwa).

Among the celebrities who will be taking part in the 2017 edition,

American actor Eric C.Olsen (from the NCIS LA series), Australian actor Jai Courtney, as well as fashion blogger Mariano Di Vaio (DGR Milan) have already confirmed they will be participating with their motorbike.

Elegance and generosity: Zenith is proud and happy to be supporting this global charity event for the second year running.

To mark this gathering and in tribute to the generous donors, the Swiss watch Manufacture will produce six very special numbered Pilot Ton-Up watches, each bearing the inscription DGR 2017, celebrating timeless design and ageless mechanics for a good cause. Five are intended as gifts to the main donors, while a special “Number 0” model will be auctioned on behalf of the Movember Foundation by The Rake magazine and its Founder and President Wei Koh at an exceptional gala evening in Milan.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an operation to benefit the Movember Foundation and its support for prostate cancer and men’s mental health Read more at passionsarabia.com

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Tissot Chrono XL

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It’s time to think big

he Tissot Chrono XL is characterised by its big case that has a diameter of 45mm. The size of the dial makes time easily readable, with contemporary Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.

The chronograph function adds to its urban style. It’s time to see big with the Tissot Chrono XL.

The Tissot Chrono XL collection offers multiple styles.

Some may prefer the vintage touches of old school leather bracelets in various shades of brown with stylish stitches.

Extra character is added with grey or black PVD coating on the case of certain watches. The dials vary depending on the model, from dark green, blue or black. Others may prefer the mat stainless steel bracelet and case for a more sophisticated feel. Whichever one you choose, the Tissot Chrono XL will definitely make a statement.

Features: • Swiss Made Quartz Chronograph movement • • 316L stainless steel case • Water resistance up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m) • 316L stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and

push-buttons or leather strap with standard buckle • All grey and black executions are PVD coating •

Diameter: 45mm

WATCHES

Longines Legend Diver Watch

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Performance and elegance combined

ith 185 years of rich history, Longines likes to revisit historical pieces that helped it achieve its reputation.

An iconic piece from the watchmaking brand’s Heritage line, the Longines Legend Diver Watch is the reissue of a diving watch from 1960.

military and sports diving flourished, the Longines Legend Diver Watch looks back to the bold style that made the original watch so successful.

While retaining the codes and design typical of the sixties, Longines has put its current expertise at the service of this contemporary edition to guarantee legibility, waterproofness and practicality. This watch combines high performance and timeless elegance. Today, the Swiss watch brand celebrates the 10th anniversary of this reissue by offering a new version with a Milanese mesh bracelet.

The lines of the original watch are repeated, including the domed crystal, reminiscent of the technical limitations of the time. But while preserving the sixties spirit of this legendary timepiece, Longines has given this piece contemporary and performanceoriented technical features: a sapphire crystal, and screwed crown and back to guarantee a water-resistance rating of 300 m, or even an internal bidirectional rotating disc for divers. The latter – the flange – is activated and locked by one of the crowns, thus making it possible to determine the remaining bottom time.

Longines has always associated its name with the prestigious exploits of pioneers who sought to push the boundaries of performance ever further, and in particular in the discoveries of underwater environments. A reissue of a diving watch from 1960, produced at a time when underwater exploration and

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PA Charles de Gaulle

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Oris Limited edition

ris has created a limited edition watch made to honour the crew of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship. The PA Charles de Gaulle Oris Limited Edition is based on one of the company’s most emblematic models, the Big Crown, and will be limited to 1,890 pieces, a figure inspired by the year the iconic French general and founder of France’s Fifth Republic Charles de Gaulle was born.

Oris worked closely with the ship’s officers to create the watch. The PA Charles de Gaulle’s insignia is printed on the dial, the curved central seconds hand is tipped with the blue, white and red of the French Tricolore, and the case back is engraved with the PA Charles de Gaulle.

The crown is embossed with ‘R91’, the aircraft carrier’s identification number. The watch is a fitting tribute to one of the world’s finest navy ships.

When it was admitted into active service in 2001, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, or porte-avions in French (hence PA), became the French Navy’s (la Marine Nationale) first nuclear-powered surface vessel and France’s eighth aircraft carrier. Today, she remains the only nuclear-powered carrier completed outside the US Navy, and the largest Western European warship currently in commission.

For more than 15 years, the Charles de Gaulle has served as a deterrent in protecting France and her allies. She can

WATCHES

be mobilised in 72 hours, traverse an operational zone at 27 knots, and travel distances of 1,000km a day. She has two 75m-long catapults that can launch a 25-tonne plane in two seconds at a speed of 270km/h every 30 seconds, meaning 20 planes can launch from her deck in 10 minutes. The ship can hold a crew of 1,950 sailors and has served in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq and Syria.

The PA Charles de Gaulle is based on the Oris Big Crown, and becomes the company’s latest military watch. Oris has been making watches designed for challenging environments for over a century and is today recognised by navigators, pilots and divers all over the world as an innovator and creator of robust, reliable, high-functioning watches.

The new watch shares many features with the core collection Big Crown models. It has a 40mm stainless steel case with a fluted bezel and a steel oversized winding crown (a design harking back to the original Oris Big Crown of 1938), and a black dial with highly legible printed Super-LumiNova® numerals and hour markers.

Inside it is an automatic mechanical movement that powers Oris’s signature complication, a pointer date, indicated by a central hand with a red crescent tip that points to a scale running around the outside of the dial.

“We were very honoured to be approached by the crew of the PA Charles de Gaulle and invited to create a watch for them,” said Ulrich W. Herzog, Oris Chairman. “The ship and her crew serve France and her allies with bravery and distinction. It is a great privilege to present this limited-edition watch and to carry the Charles de Gaulle name on an Oris watch.”

Product Features PA Charles de Gaulle Oris Limited Edition Ref. No. 01 754 7679 4084-Set LS, 40.00 mm Limited to 1,890 pieces • Automatic movement Oris Cal. 754, based on Sellita SW 200-1, with pointer date function • Multi-piece stainless steel case and screw in security crown, water-resistant to 10 bar/100 metres, with marking R91 on the crown, referring to the PA Charles de Gaulle’s identification number • Sapphire crystal domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating inside • Screwed stainless steel case back, embossed with the PA Charles de Gaulle and the limited-edition number • Black dial featuring the PA Charles de Gaulle’s insignia, with applied Arabic numerals printed on top with Super-LumiNova® • Nickel hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova®.

Central seconds hand with special shape and printed with blue, white and red tip • Dark brown leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp • Special presentation box with the PA Charles de Gaulle’s insignia on the inside

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Fendi Selleria Man

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Expression of boldness and masculine allure

ubtly embodying the Selleria iconic aesthetics, the new Selleria Man timepiece exclusively dedicated to men is infused with cutting-edge materials and harmonious color combinations.

With its distinctive geometric-cut shape, the Selleria Man is elegant yet sporty, celebrating the FENDI Man unique urban sophistication. It features an exclusive patented interchangeable strap system developed by Fendi Timepieces to ensure exceptional personalization opportunities. Accompanied by three different straps, the watch offers three looks with a simple twist of the case back. The Selleria Man houses a Swissmade automatic movement revealed through the sapphire crystal case back opening.

This new Selleria Man watch is presented in a total black stainlesssteel version (shown here) enhanced with an embossed carbon fiber pattern on the dial, highlighting the confident masculinity of this timepiece. The second version features a black stainlesssteel case with 18-karat rose gold plated bezel and crown for an ultimate sophistication. The Roman numerals on the dial pay homage to the FENDI Roman roots. The black transparent ring in the center of the dial reveals a date disc in an aperture at 4 o’clock showcasing three successive dates at a time with a yellow or white luminescent index as a date indicator on the outer dial.

The Selleria Man celebrates the unique creativity of the Roman Maison by offering three interchangeable straps to suit any occasion: a casual black FENDI Cuoio Romano calfskin leather strap, a classy black or brown genuine alligator leather strap or a spor ty black calfskin leather strap with carbon finishing.

Bold yet contemporary, the design of the new Selleria Man embodies the FENDI craftsmanship and tradition of innovation.

WATCHES

Certina DS Podium Chronograph

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Lap Timer - Racing Edition. Track time for a fast racing professional

he energy and excitement of motorsport has been one of CERTINA’s main driving passions – quite literally – for as long as anyone can remember. With the launch of the new DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer – Racing Edition, the Swiss watchmaker brings the precision and highspeed thrills of professional racing to the wearer’s wrist. In a timepiece capable of measuring tenths of a second in real time and certified as a genuine COSC Chronometer, a lap-timer function adds the final touch that every racing fan will cherish. The yellow-and-black first run of the Racing Edition is dedicated to the ADAC GT Masters series. Chrono XL. For decades the CERTINA name has been associated with motorsport – an engagement not without its share of consequences. A particularly exciting one now comes in the form of a zero-compromise timepiece, the new DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer – Racing Edition, equipped with the superbly accurate Precidrive™ quartz movement and COSC certification as a genuine chronometer.

Read more about the DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer and keep up to date with the latest news from the world of fine watches at passionsarabia.com

The chronograph functions are specially tailored for motorsport timing. The lap timer, for instance, can easily measure and add round-the-track times, in a few simple steps. Totals are shown on the 60-minute counter (located at 10 o’clock on the dial), to match the exact time duration of an ADAC GT Masters race. The tenths-of-a-second display (at 2 o’clock) outputs in real time for two complete minutes, corresponding to an average lap time.

The CERTINA DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer and its 42mm black PVD case also looks uncompromisingly sporty. The special Racing Edition, dedicated to the partnership between CERTINA and the ADAC GT Masters, is dressed in the official colours of the racing series. A yellow lacquered tachymeter scale stands out against the black PVD bezel surface, while on the dial – red and white hands and indices, with yellow SuperLumiNova® coating, create strong visual contrast, for utmost clarity. Yellow accents on the crown, ergonomic pushbuttons and in the stitching/edging of the smart and sporty black leather strap, complete what is clearly an exciting, race-ready design.

The new DS Podium Chronograph Lap Timer Racing Edition marks the launch of a new CERTINA product series to celebrate the brand’s continued commitment to motorsport. Three additional variants will also be produced: brushed and polished stainless-steel case with black dial and either a three-row stainless-steel bracelet or black perforated leather strap, as well as a black PVD case model with green/white detailing on the dial and black leather strap with green stitching.

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Gucci’s Alchemist’s Garden

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An anti-modern laboratory for Fall / Winter 2017-18

here’s a garden of plants and animals. A garden inhabited by signs, symbols and archetypes invoking and recalling remote worlds. In this magic place, curious hands play with the matter, blending it with the unconscious. They mould it with subtle and joyful intuitions. As in an alchemic laboratory, the substances are selected, analysed, decomposed and treated. It’s a creative process with the beat of slow incubation and sudden epiphanies. A process in which the power of imagination forces the inertia of reality.

As alchemy tried to transform base materials into gold, what emerges here is a precious distillate, resulting from a dreamy process of transmutation of the matter. A transformative whirl that reassembles fragments, codes and stories projected on a fresh horizon of sense. A change of status where echoes and survivals, “repressions and returns of the repressed, repetitions and revisions, traditions and missing links, tectonic movements and superficial earthquakes” (G. Didi-Huberman) create the plot of a new tale.

The alchemist’s garden is an anti-modern laboratory because it denies some of the principles on which is based a certain scientism characterised by rigidity and determinism. It’s the place where the deadly logic of non-contradiction is overcome.

The place where the ambivalence, intended as possibility to welcome antithetic explanations of the real, is celebrated. In this frame, dualisms (man-woman, essence-appearance, shadowlight, immanence-transcendence, body-spirit, good-evil, inside-outside), classifying approaches and strict separations deflagrate.

It’s an operation directed to recover the complexity of existence where superimpositions and shades, apparent contradictions and false antinomies live together. To think of oneself as individual, in fact, involves the necessity to recognize oneself as a multiple becoming (G. Deleuze): a unity that shelters inside a “parliament of selves” (G. H. Mead), a multitude of identities, conciliatory and conflictual, known and unknown.

This unity is well represented by an ancient Egyptian symbol, the Ouroboros: a snake eating up its own tail. A symbol containing any paradox: it destroys and conceives in a process of self renewal that englobes the opposite. An androgynous, hybrid, spurious revolt that saps the foundations of the deadly rigidity of dichotomous thought.

STYLE

See more backstage shots from Gucci’s The Alchemist’s Garden online at passionsarabia.com

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Setting Sail

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Z Zegna’s Summer 2018 sets sail for a vintage regatta

hirty-six years of performance, fueled by a fascination for the open seas. Where the wind can turn from friend to foe, and the breaking crest of every wave longs to tell its story. In a reality where speed is measured by knots and every breath is taken with anticipation, Zegna has accompanied some of the most elegant and challenging Regattas since the early 1980s.

STYLE

The Z ZEGNA SS18 collection, with its dynamic style attitude, is the perfect evolution to the brand’s “Tailoring meets Performance” state of mind

Now, Z ZEGNA blends a vintage regatta spirit with

To ensure optimal performance in dynamic situations, the

wardrobe as suitable for the deck as for the city. The eclectic

Australian merino wool garments certified by The Woolmark

performance-enhanced garments to create a new seasonal mix of contemporary Italian style and active-wear emphasize uninhibited motion. As navy and deep ocean blue are paired

with matt black and aluminum greys, subtle whites and vibrant maritime-inspired accents in yellow and orange are boldly

decisive. Silhouettes are sharp yet easy, sportswear layering

plays with innovative tailoring, cutting edge details and an ample use of nautical-inspired chromatic graphics encourage

TECHMERINO™ collection sports naturally-enhanced pure Company. The incredible benefits of this noble fiber help

to ensure unrestrained freedom and breathability even on hot summer days. Innovation in TECHMERINO™ tailoring

debuts with TECHMERINO™ WASH & GO suiting which is

domestically machine washable while maintaining the same performance with a natural casual fit.

a sense of freedom and the thirst for adventure. The vintage

In parallel, Z ZEGNA has created an exclusive new Capsule

selection of TECHMERINO™ wave sneakers and rubberized

Italian skipper, Giovanni Soldini. The new Z ZEGNA Maserati

regatta influence extends into the accessories, featuring a leather boots paired with colorful boat bags in tridimensional sailing fabric, water-repellent TECHMERINO™ backpacks, ocean hoods and soft-shell sailing hats.

Collection inspired by the Maserati Multi70 led by renowned SS18 Capsule Collection replicates the exclusive outfits

designed by Zegna for the Maserati Multi70 crew, underscoring its iconic, performance-driven expertise.

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Corneliani - To Dress Passions

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Five different men, three cities (London, Milan and Paris) and five different passions

tribute to the jacket with chest piece invented by Corneliani 10 years ago: by now, it has become iconic and although it can be interpreted in different ways, it remains faithful to itself and always delivers what it promises. As embracing Corneliani’s style may be like belonging to an exclusive club, the 2018 Spring/Summer collection is inspired by the concept of shared passion.

Corneliani have come up with five new jackets with chest pieces inspired by five passions that, despite being different, all reflect the idea of classy lifestyle. Each jacket will feature an element linked to five different themes: vintage cars, motorcycles, golf, sailing and horse riding. Whether it is the choice of technical fabric, or other distinguishing features, the reference is clear, with a touch of subtle elegance and comfort in any moment of our leisure time.

PASSIONS Two filmmakers Vincent & Kristell (V&K) have made a film that will accompany Corneliani on an emotional journey.

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones mad to live, mad to be saved (…) who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn”. Jack Kerouac.

Five different men, three cities (London, Milan and Paris) and five different passions: these are the elements that inspired and guided them throughout.

The film contains mementos, perspectives, city views and interviews that come together to form something of a mosaic characterised by the central theme of passion; an emotion that, despite taking different forms, unites us all and enables us to take on and overcome the triviality of everydayness with its continuous challenges. Whether it is finding the right words, coming up with the right ideas or intuition that leads to career success, passion is key in being able to make sense of the seemingly incomprehensible in an urban landscape that may otherwise overwhelm us. You can discover more at passionsarabia.com

STYLE

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Hugo Boss

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The global traveller - dressed and ready for everything modern life demands

OSS Menswear for Fall/Winter is inspired by the global traveler, who needs the attire for any place or situation he might find himself in. This season presents a journey from the easy-going surroundings of the coast, through the busy city and out to the colder climes of a mountain retreat, where keeping warm in style is essential. In a time where the lines between dressing for business and for leisure are increasingly blurred, the collection is set for travel, both on and off duty. This is menswear ready for everything that modern life demands.

STYLE

The color palette is deep with all the sartorial classics covered – dark navy blues, burgundy, black, grey and brown, highlighted with orange and red.

The ability to transition seamlessly is a focus – be it temperature or situation. Styles look sharp, but offer the comfort required by fast-paced lifestyles. A nautical theme, often with collegiate details, offers a freshness and ease that is ultimately sartorial.

Expect clean stripes, a palette of navy with burgundy, sports coats and college patch details.

Signature suits are ready for time on the go in the city. Tailoring is mixed with sportswear in both styling and in design – think an overcoat with a track top, or wideleg tailored pants with a drawstring waist. There’s even a jersey suit, offering all the comfort of a tracksuit, but with a clean, tailored look. Sharp-cut wool coats, leather and fabric-mix bomber jackets and trench coats in lightweight nylon add an allimportant final layer, which is both protective and perfectly sartorial. New silhouettes step into the spotlight for Fall/Winter 2017. Double-breasted designs emerge alongside oversized shapes created by soft-

shouldered jackets and looser tailored pants for a more relaxed attitude than ever before.

Made in Germany, in an exclusive limited edition, a packable suit is the ultimate way to travel in style. Its stripped-back internal construction and performance fabric allow it to be folded away without creasing and crumpling, while the new stretch craftsmanship allows for superior comfort in wear. A new stretch lining is paired with 100% wool stretch outer cloth, the two working in perfect harmony to reduce restriction and enhance movement from the inside out. When venturing out into the cold, the look is completed with ultra-lightweight down jackets in a range of colors, which can be packed away into their own practical pouches. So let the journey begin. With the new Fall/Winter 2017 collection, no matter where the BOSS man travels, he will most certainly never be lost when it comes to style.

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“We opened our first boutique in Via Montenapoleone: a dream that wasn’t in our initial plans, but it’s a challenge for us, an honour and a responsibility. We saw the store when empty, and we fell in love instantly… we wanted a new boutique, different, strong, but recognizable. The idea was to explore our DNA with a technological approach with true creative freedom…”

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

The Retail Revolution

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Dolce & Gabbana’s new formula

ith the opening of the boutique on Via Montenapoleone in Milan, Dolce & Gabbana announced a global revolution of its own retail network. This marks the end of the concept store philosophy, with one model for the entire world, in favor of a new formula where emotion, dialog, diversity and cultural exchange come together in spaces that are stages, not shops, where experience and storytelling are the protagonists.

Milan, Porto Cervo, Capri, Tokyo, St. Barth, London, Brussels, Monte Carlo, Venice, Beijing, Los Angeles, and Dubai: the boutiques in these modern hubs for travel and international shopping will change radically. The idea of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana is to take customers on a Grand Tour, following an ideal path on an imaginary journey where aesthetics and brand values are combined with the unique features, elements of excellence and cultures of each city.

Five architectural firms were involved: Storage Associati (Milan, Italy), Gwenael Nicolas’s Curiosity (Tokyo, Japan), Steven

Harris (New York, USA), Marco Costanzi (Imola, Italy) and Eric Carlson’s Carbondale (Paris, France). The two designers initiated a dialogue with them to create radical and unusual perspectives for the brand and the location where the boutiques will stand.

“After several years in which we carefully analyzed our sales network and, more generally, the market, we felt the need to end the classic concept store approach. Today’s customers are informed, highly connected and involved daily in real and virtual travels. They want more than just goods - more than clothes

DESIGN

and accessories - and they long for experiences, elements of excellence, and a narrative. For this reason, we decided to consider our new stores as places of dialogue between our aesthetic and the local cultures. It has been a long, very rewarding and enriching project. This change in strategy and vision ushers in a new evolution for Dolce&Gabbana.”

Each boutique will be one of a kind: a unique stage where the Italian heritage of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana blends with the local cultures and elements of excellence. The idea is to build sets, not just architectural spaces, which place the spectator at the center of a theater, an experience in which he becomes a protagonist and interpreter. From the radical, founding establishment of Milan to the sophisticated, airy holiday mood of Capri; from the ancient, monumental drama of Beijing to the tropical lounge feel of St. Barts; from the kabuki theater in black and white with the imaginary shadows of Sicilian afternoons of Tokyo to the American-style Harry’s Bar of Los Angeles: the Grand Tour of Dolce&Gabbana’s new retail network is a journey where emotion, culture, experience and excellence come together with lightness and theatricality.

Everything revolves around two elements: green marble and briar-wood. The choice of the colour green, which is unusual for Dolce&Gabbana, comes from a long study of colours and their emotional impact. Green is the colour of chlorophyll and a symbol of rebirth that maintains its original connotations.

Briar-wood is a symbol of strength and stability which does not change with time.

Gwenael Nicolas, founder of the Curiosity Architectural Studio, was asked to interpret the different souls of Dolce&Gabbana and to bring them to life with technological and creative spirit in one of the most prestigious 19th century aristocratic palazzos of Milan.

The space blends baroque style and the sleek simplicity of modernism: this contrast becomes the ideal scenario for appreciating the sophistication of each garment and accessory on display. The white ceiling, reminiscent of the ‘60s, features lighting that illuminates the collections on display, making each garment unique and defining a strong contrast between the green marble and onyx. The lava stone floors are a classic Dolce&Gabbana element.

The boutique has two floors for the womenswear collections, accessories, fine jewellery and watches, and one floor is dedicated to menswear. An imposing green marble staircase leads to the first floor, which is dedicated to menswear, and to the second floor that is home to eveningwear and jewellery.

Green and onyx marble dominate the space, covering the floors and walls in two different shades of the colour and blending with the precious stucco reminiscent of the motifs used for Verdi opera sets. Large mirrors and gilded baroque furnishings are stunning elements that make an impact in the rooms.

Dolce&Gabbana boutique at Via Montenapoleone, 4 looks on Via Baguttino, with large windows on both sides. The store covers a surface area of 1,600 square meters and is on three levels.

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“We wanted the Saint Barth store to have a relaxing atmosphere, that it be a meeting place to enjoy a moment of tranquillity at the water’s edge”.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

DESIGN

“Japan is a country full of contrasts: it is simultaneously classic, modern and contemporary. Our boutique will be luminous. Visitors will feel as if they were experiencing a sunny Sicilian day in Tokyo…”

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

View more details of the stores in ‘Dolce & Gabbana’s Retail Revolution’ online at passionsarabia.com

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The Hub

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A creative space with no limits

fter many years of success, Sharq’s FA Gallery has been reinvented. Consistently one of our favourite art and social locations, there are now more reasons than ever to pay the newly launched The Hub a visit. With a different vibe and different aims, The Hub is much more an open space.

The transformation is part of a vision Mohamed Al Otaibi and Ebrahim Al Qassab have believed in for some time - in today’s world, innovation in Business is the key to success. For them both, the word Hub has a broader meaning encapsulates their ambition to create a destination for Kuwaiti, regional and international visitors. Today, The Hub is a creative space that is open to all disciplines and welcomes all ages.

What can visitors expect to discover at The Hub? The uniqueness of our location and the accessibility are the key factors. Then comes the wide range of offerings that will include art exhibitions, workshops, a unique café space, a social hub for the exchange of knowledge through our well curated library and, last but not the least, help for youth in developing their ideas through our consultancy services and creative platform.

What events have you already hosted?

After our rebranding and during our soft-opening period we hosted the Abolish Article 153 art exhibition; a pop-up food event and a private event for the prestigious Hermes brand.

What events do we have to look forward to over the coming months?

We have a busy schedule starting in September 2017, and we will be hosting a range of unique events and exhibitions in collaboration with local, regional and international creative people and organizations. We’re also working to establish an NGO as a creative platform that will serve the youth.

CULTURE

We’ll be keeping a close eye on The Hub’s events calendar at passionsarabia.com Follow The Hub @thehubkuwait

A key motto is “Where dots connect you to arts, culture and society”, and your branding now includes words written in Braille. What’s the story behind this?

There is a child’s puzzle called “Connect the Dots” - used to play it when I was a kid. The idea was to begin with 1 and then draw a line to 2, then 3, and so on until all the dots had been connected. When I was finished the lines, I had drawn would have created a drawing of a dog, elephant, or some other figure of interest.

I used this metaphor when conceptualizing The Hub. We aim, by connecting various creative elements that are scattered and make no sense, to come up with a solid idea, a place where we can blend efforts to reach one clear goal.

Also looking at dots in the Braille language is the same. It might not make any sense to most of us, but it’s a complete language that helps people with visual impairment to read and gain knowledge. So, as part of our social responsibility efforts, The Hub will be the first location in Kuwait, perhaps regionally, to welcome the visually impaired and to include them as equal members of society. This is accomplished by having all our printing material, including special training software, and our workshops supported by Braille.

Our interior and branding theme is also based on dots, and we’ve included the tag-line: ‘Let’s expand our vision at The Hub”.

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Ali Cha’aban

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Artist, and observer of culture

urrently Jeddah-based, the Kuwait-born Lebanese artist Ali Cha’aban (above) is best known for his works ‘This Too Shall Pass’ (2016) and ‘The Confused Arab II’ (2016) – pictured to the right – and celebrate his first solo exhibition at the beginning of 2017 at Dubai’s La Cantine du Faubourg.

Savvy enough to realise that if he’s going to be a success it’s a

(2016)’, ‘The Confused Arab II (2016)’, ‘What’s halal my killer?

good thing to master many skills, he’s also a rapidly rising star

What’s haram my dealer? (2013)’ and ‘Subject to Extinction’.

amongst the region’s fashion photographers and has conducted shoots for publications including Vogue Arabia.

Labelled sometimes as an observer of culture which he often reflects in his work, he’s a pop-culture analyst so to speak. His

As well as being one of the leading contemporary artists of

work revolves around the notion of nostalgia which he depicts

Hafez Gallery (Jeddah) exhibiting in Art Abu Dhabi, Beirut Art

in his art, tackling socio-political issues such as the Arabian

Fair and Art Dubai; Cha’aban’s artwork includes ‘This Too Shall

identity and the state of dystopia. He met with Nadia Al-Sayed -

Pass (2016)’, ‘Strangers Everywhere (2016)’, ‘The Broken Dream

their full conversation can be read at passionsarabia.com

CULTURE

Ali, on being an artist in the Middle East: “It’s been a rough ride, with its ups and downs, but in the end the respect and appraisal I get has surely strengthened my drive

Read Nadia Al-Sayed’s conversation with Ali Cha’ban at passionsarabia.com

to create more. With all that is happening in the world, an artist like me can never rest, because there are so many topics to discuss. We as artists decode and record history for the ages. To relive a certain era through our work; that’s what motivates me, to keep creating until you become a reference for someone; an inspiration or an idol.”

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Wind Tower

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AGi Architect’s award-winning Salmiya development

afra Vertical Housing introduces a new concept to urban living that adapts to the evolving lifestyle of 21st Century contemporary Kuwait. Considering the increasing demand for land in the city, the transformation of single family dwelling typologies becomes a must, where tenants should be able to enjoy privacy as well as benefit from vertical solution amenities and prime location.

Understanding and reinterpreting local environmental techniques is one of the main targets of this design. The services core of the building is thus located on the southern wing, in order to minimize sun exposure and consequently reduce energy consumption – acting as a thermal barrier to the rest of the building. Hence, minimum openings are placed on the aforementioned façade, while on the other hand the building opens to the North, facing the sea and enjoying its privileged views. Optimal opportunities for natural lighting and cross ventilation also become an essential driving force for the design, which give the tower its character and determine its final orientation. Taking the idea of the traditional middleeastern courtyard typology and developing it volumetrically, the initial concept flourishes in the form of the tower. The courtyard is no longer constrained to the core of the building; instead, it borrows light and ventilation from the facade, funnels it through the pool area and flows through all levels finding its way out through the opposite façade.

Granite stone is chosen for the façade, in order to give the tower an aspect of a monolithic sculpture that is carved by the wind, in contrast with the smooth surfaces of the interior courtyard that are rendered in white plaster.

Functionally and geometrically, the tower is raised on a plinth that comprises 2 levels, where public spaces – including swimming pool and gym area – are located. The apartments rise up organically and allow for light and ventilation to penetrate through. Full tower height is 13 levels, where 12 duplex apartments are piled in order to preserve privacy. An extra penthouse crowns the building, including rooftop gardens and terraces that are advantageously profited.

DESIGN

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GoPro’s Karma It’s back!

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apture professional quality footage in the air with the GoPro Karma, which has a detachable HERO5 stabiliser mount that reduces motion blur. The stabiliser can be easily removed and used as a standard GoPro mount, so that every shot is enhanced whether you’re filming handheld, with the included grip, or with your regular mounts.

The easy to use controller lets you stream what the drone sees live, while the GoPro Passenger app is perfect for sharing your flight with family and friends.

(which has a built-in screen), the handheld grip, a battery and charger.

Thanks to the lightweight, folding design, the GoPro Karma is easy to pack away and take with you on every adventure – so you can enjoy a whole new view of every setting.

The 3-axis gimbal can be swapped between the drone and the Grip handle so you can get stabilised handheld shots. Plus, the Grip can be mounted to vehicles and even your body thanks to a new range of mounts.

What features does the GoPro Karma have?

The Grip has a built-in battery that’s said to last almost two hours.

GoPro has thought carefully about how to make the Karma convenient. Everything you need - apart from the camera - is included in the box.

Which GoPro cameras are compatible with the Karma?

You get a backpack into which fits the fold-up drone, the controller

One of the most important questions: the new Hero 5, Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Black / Silver will fit in the included gimbal mounts.

DESIGN

Karma drone specifications It uses brushless motors and screw-on self-tightening propellers. It takes a proprietary Li-Po battery with a capacity of 5100mAh and GoPro says it’s good for up to 20 minutes of flight time. It takes an hour to recharge, while the controller takes 2.5 hours and the Grip 2 hours. Only one of the Grip or Controller can be charged at the same time from the battery charger.

Maximum Speed 55 kph (15 m/s) Maximum Distance 3280ft (1000m) Maximum Flight Altitude 14,500ft (4,500m) Maximum Wind Resistance 35 kph (10m/s) Operating Frequency 2.4GHz Dimensions (Opened/No Propellers) Length: 12in (303mm) Width: 16.2in (411mm) Height: 4.6in (117mm) Dimensions (Folded/Transport) Length: 14.4in (365.2mm) Width: 8.8in (224.3mm) Height: 3.5in (89.9mm) Propeller Length 10in (25.4cm) Weight 35.5oz (1006g)

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America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand win the 35th America’s Cup

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nother dominant race win for Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand in race nine of the America’s Cup Match, presented

by Louis Vuitton, gave the Kiwi team victory on the Great Sound in Bermuda, sparking wild celebrations on board their America’s Cup Class (ACC) boat, and the team’s support boats on the Great Sound. Burling now adds the 35th America’s Cup to the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup trophy he won in San Francisco, 2013.

The Kiwi team dominated the final stage of the 35th America’s Cup, winning eight races to ORACLE TEAM USA’s one race win, giving the New Zealanders a final winning scoreline of 7-1.

The America’s Cup was last won by a team representing New Zealand in 2000 and they are now the Defenders of the America’s Cup for the 36th instalment of the competition for the oldest trophy in international sport.

In the final press conference of the 35th America’s Cup, Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, also announced that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has accepted the challenge of Circolo della Vela Sicilia, who will be the Challenger of Record for the 36th America’s Cup and will be represented

by Luna Rossa.

SAIL

Glenn Ashby, Skipper, Emirates Team New Zealand “It’s just an amazing feeling of satisfaction to have finally won the America’s Cup. It has been an incredibly tough journey to get here. We came across late to Bermuda from New Zealand and to be able to get the boat into good shape in such short time is all credit to our amazing team.

“I’m just so proud to be a part of this team and to be able to bring the Cup home and I want to thank the support of the whole country.

“What happened in 2013 was a brutal experience for everyone involved, to be so close was extremely disappointing and is something that will live with all of us for the rest of our lives.

“So to be able to come here a few years later and pull off an unbelievable victory has really redeemed that situation for New Zealand and it feels like justice has prevailed.

“I think we’ve seen some unbelievable advancements here with the boats and the type of races we’ve seen and it’s great for our sport. From a sailing perspective, it’s going to be hard to sail anything else after what we’ve seen in these boats, the technology is just absolutely amazing.”

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Embraer Phenom 100

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Embraer Celebrates the tenth anniversary of the first flight of the Phenom 100

n July 2017, Embraer Executive Jets celebrated the tenth anniversary of the first flight of its Phenom 100 entry level business jet. This celebration is the theme of the Company’s presence at the Experimental Aviation Association’s annual airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where a mockup of the aircraft was first displayed, in 2006.

The Phenom 100 was certified in December 2008, when the first aircraft was delivered to a customer. In 2009, JetSuite and Executive AirShare introduced the Phenom 100 into their fleets. By the end of 2010, 199 aircraft had been delivered and the Phenom 100 had become the most delivered business jet in the world.

Today, with over 350 aircraft flying in 37 countries, the Phenom 100 is renowned for its high utilization design and low operating and maintenance costs, among owner-pilots, corporations, charter and fractional operators. The aircraft is also considered ideal for preparing cadets for multi-engine jet operations, and is in use by flight training academies worldwide.

In July 2016, the Phenom 100 EV was introduced, delivering greater performance, especially in hot-and-high operations, and the first aircraft of the line was delivered to a customer in March 2017.

The fleet of Embraer Executive Jets’ Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 is approaching 800 in close to 40 countries, and together, they have now reached the mark of one million flight hours, having entered service in late 2008 and 2009, respectively.

FLY

The Phenom 100 has a range of 2,182 km.

What does that mean? Lunch in Kuwait, dinner in Istanbul - without stopovers

About the Phenom 100 EV The Phenom 100 EV features modified Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E engines, with 1,730 pounds of thrust, reaching a 405 ktas high speed cruise and up to 15% more thrust at hotand-high airports, which equates to more range and a faster time to climb. The aircraft has a four-occupant range of 1,178 nautical miles (2,182 km), with NBAA IFR reserves.

The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation, with situational awareness enhanced by the advanced man-machine interface of the touchscreen-controlled Prodigy Touch flight deck, based on the Garmin G3000, with larger HD displays, split screen capability, and a new weather radar.

The Phenom 100 EV is the evolution of the roomiest aircraft in its class, bringing interior enhancements, such as a new floor sill, featuring a straight line design to increase the aisle area, and relocated power outlets with USB chargers. The aircraft features eleven interior design collections, abundant natural light from large windows, even in the private rear lavatory, a feature typically only seen in larger aircraft, which is also the case of the refreshment center, the integrated air stair, and the largest baggage compartment in its class.

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Maldives Sandbank Pop-up

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Unforgettable experience at Baros

aros Maldives are taking luxury dining to a whole new dimension with the introduction of their new pop up restaurant on a sandbank outside the resort’s lagoon. A concept and experience that has taken over city streets, parks and local malls across the world, will now for the first time be set on a secluded sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Guests can dine on powdery, white sand under the twinkle of the stars as the sea washes up against the shore whilst the island’s chefs create gastronomic treats in the open air.

Whether it’s with that special someone, family or a close friend this memorable experience is designed to create magical moments that reflect the very essence of the Maldives.

Get whisked away on a short cruise to the sandbank just in time to catch the stunning Maldivian sunset. Greeted with a glass of bubbly, guests will have the attention of seven renowned chefs who are on hand to prepare gourmet dishes from an a la carte menu - a fusion of Maldivian and Mediterranean cuisine. Feast on a or Tandoori Seafood Platter for two or a Mixed Grill Platter of Foie Gras, Beef, Lamb and Chicken. There is also a Salad Bar and a Sushi and Sashimi Station for those that prefer light

bites. Over and above the attentive waiters providing classic table service, a sandbank sommelier is also available to help guests choose from a selection of premium beverages that are brought directly from the wine cellar of the resort’s renowned Lighthouse Restaurant.

This temporary ‘’pop up’’ event on a sandbank is presented and run as a gourmet dining experience typical of a fine restaurant, keeping in mind every guests’ preferences and with the exemplary attention to detail that has become Baros Maldives’ trademark. The idea for the “pop up” came from guests themselves who have continuously commented on the unique combination of being served gourmet cuisine under the stars in the simple and romantic setting of a sandbank, creating an unforgettable and pure Maldivian island experience.

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Khouyi Noureddine checks-in

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Corinthia Hotel London appoints Senior chef de partie Khouyi Noureddine

iddle Eastern guests staying at Corinthia Hotel London will be able to order native culinary treats from newly-appointed Senior chef de partie Khouyi Noureddine (pictured above). Khouyi’s culinary journey began in Rabat in the Eighties and Nineties, with spells in the Hotel Rabat Hilton, Hyatt Regency Rabat and Sofitel/Ibis Rabat Morocco.

By the millennium he was based in London, cooking up a storm at five new restaurants serving Moroccan, Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, including Head Chef at Cave des Rois in Piccadilly, Mayfair restaurant Mamounia, Soho’s Zaytuna and as Executive Head Chef at the expansive Mitchells & Butlers food group, whose brands include All Bar One and Browns.

Here, Khouyi’s responsibilities included delivering Moroccan and Lebanese food to Harrods Food Hall.

In his time he has provided created Moroccan wedding buffet and Middle Eastern menus at Arsenal Football Stadium as well as an official dinner for Moroccan Embassy guests at The Berkeley Hotel.

Hotel London,” says the hotel’s Managing Director Thomas Kochs. “His undoubted experience and flair will add a new dimension to the range of cuisines we are able to offer our guests.”

“I’ve found the perfect home at Corinthia,” says Khouyi. “I can put all my experience to good use, from breakfasts and buffets to banquets, canapes de prestige and room service menus,” he says.

“We are delighted that Khouyi has joined our team at Corinthia

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The Big Four

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Milan, London, Paris and New York fashion weeks are here - where will you stay?

ith fashion week right around the corner, we’ve put together an exclusive travel list to honor the most fashionable month with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Travellers visiting the fashion capitals of Milan, Paris, London and New York, can explore the style secrets that each city has to offer while staying in the luxury of a five-star Mandarin Oriental property.

Milan

Paris

From art museums to the city’s world class restaurants, Milan is packed with stylish wonders. Milan is arguably the home of global fashion with the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Prada showing here twice a year. From the glitz and glamour of top-notch designer stores to one-off bargains in the boutiques and outlets that span this city, there is something to be found to suit every taste and budget. As the beautiful city gets ready to host its upcoming the S/S’17 shows, Mandarin Oriental, Milan is the perfect place to kick off your heels at the end of a long, fashionable day. With an enviable central location, Mandarin Oriental, Milan is a 5-star luxury hotel, just steps from the famous La Scala. With spacious rooms, elegant suites, innovative dining and a fabulous spa, the hotel is the ideal urban retreat for globetrotting fashionistas.

Often called the ‘international capital of style’, the city of love and light is where it all began. Fashionistas all know that Paris is synonymous with high style and a trip to Paris is incomplete without some serious retail therapy at the city’s wide range of boutique stores; Brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel call this European city home. Out of all the fashion weeks, Paris Fashion Week has a reputation as being the trendiest and glamourous, falling at the end of the international schedule.

Stylish travellers heading to Paris during the fashion season can complete their trip by staying in one of the most elegant hotels in the world, Mandarin Oriental, Paris. Situated on the renowned rue Saint-Honoré and just steps from Place Vendôme, the luxury property enjoys a wonderfully chic location surrounded by haute couture and only steps from the Louvre.

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London

New York

There’s nothing like the thrill of a good fashion find! From highend designer stores and boutique shops, to hip street markets and vintage treasure troves, when it comes to things to do in London, shopping is a must. It’s the only fashion capital where travellers get to see the best of both, high end fashion and high street fashion, all in one perfectly formed metropolis. With countless streets full of international flagships and luxury stores, London is most famous for its eccentric yet sophisticated style.

The city is also home to some of the top fashion universities where people from all around the world flock to study the art of fashion and design.

New York City never disappoints when it comes to the fashion and shopping scenes, whether you’re heading out for a quick cup of coffee, meeting up with friends or even just going for an evening stroll, fashion matters and New Yorkers always dress to impress. Everyone speaks the language of fashion in New York and it’s the one place where creativity is highly appreciated. The city is also the main hub of some of the hottest vintage boutiques specializing in everything from Art Deco jewellery to ’50s cinched-waist dresses and’70s designer disco wear.

London gave us the department store and now visitors can take advantage of the huge multi-level fashion hubs such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, attractions in their own right. A busy city break needs a conveniently located base and London’s most celebrated five-star hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers just that. The hotel exudes an enticing mix of elegance and luxury with world-famous restaurants and a stunning spa, promising all guests a timeless stay in the centre of the British capital.

There’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in New York.

Fashion enthusiasts can find the best of every high-end designer, fast fashion and vintage all in one go. New York has everything a visitor could wish for, including a Mandarin Oriental hotel to make the experience even more enjoyable. Located at the very top of the Time Warner Center, the hotel enjoys a prime position overlooking the Hudson River, Central Park and the famous skyscraper skyline. Enjoying a stunning setting and beautiful views of Manhattan, the hotel offers the ultimate in service, comfort and style.

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The Globetrotter’s Guide

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1 - How to arrive in style

s present-day Kuwait-based travellers we’re almost unavoidably air-travellers. Today, the region is the global hub of aviation... but we’re still a long way from anywhere. So, any journey we make is going to be lengthy, and yet we’ll want to hit the ground running and in the best of shape. The longer the flight the more important this is, and a recent intensive spell of travel reminded is what works and what makes even travelling for business a pleasure.

Do – arrive on-board well hydrated. Leaving it until after takeoff before remembering how air travel dehydrates you and then downing copious amounts of Highland Spring will only result in lengthy times spent queuing for the bathroom.

Do - eat lightly, sip water reguarly throughout.

Do – dress comfortably, yet smart, for travel. When that seat clicks in to full-recline mode and your head goes down, you won’t want to feel restrained. By all means kick off those shoes, but bare or stockinged feet are out. Slip on the Mahabis.

Travel light – pack for the best scenario not the worst, and aim to carry-on only. As a man, this is relatively straightforward. A couple of blazers – navy and grey; drill slacks, a pair of cords; half a dozen each of dress shirts, pairs of socks and briefs.

Your hotel’s laundry service is your friend. One dark, knitted tie; one belt. One cotton cardigan, a couple of t-shirts. Cotton t-shirt and shorts for sleeping. Ultra-suede ankle-boots, a pair of trainers and Mahabis summer slippers.

Refresh yourself inflight – don’t rely on your once-sparkling carrier to supply the requisite toiletries for the long-haul. You know Dr Jackson’s works for you at sea-level – so 35,000 feet up isn’t the place to be taking risks with the airline-supplied Kiehls. Your trusted moisturiser, lip balm, pack of wipes, minitoothbrush and tube of Swiss Dent will see you set for a fresh landing.

Plan ahead – that favourite restaurant you’ve been dying to try while in town would have loved to have heard from you weeks ago. Don’t leave it until you arrive before calling around – you’re bound to be disappointed. The chances are, your destination is much more a cashless society than the one you’re leaving – but there’s nothing gives a weary traveller more confidence than the feel of local currency within his calfleather wallet – make sure you’ve got smaller, tip-sized, notes handy.

Essentials – get two-and-three-pin savvy: America’s NEMA or Europe’s CEE? Then the Brits like to go their own route. The Flight 001 4-in-1 adaptor is the solution for more than 150 countries. Mobile hotspot? Keep your devices connected by investing in a portable WiFi unit before you travel – and buy a local data-only SIM card on arrival. External battery pack for your devices, and all the requisite cables.

Uber is not the only way - check ahead and discover what the locals are using. In NYC swap your Uber for a Lyft, and in Copenhagen you’ll need to tip your concierge handsomely if you don’t want extended waits in the lobby - the Danes banned ride-hailing apps earlier this year.

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Rosewood Hotel Georgia

A Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel and spa for the fifth consecutive year

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osewood Hotel Georgia and its Sense spa first appeared on the Forbes list in 2013, when they became the first hotel and spa in Canada to earn the highest Five-Star rating. The annual Forbes Travel Guide Global Star Ratings assess luxury hotels, restaurants and spas using more than 500 criteria and a team of professional inspectors that regularly visit each individual property.

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia combines the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties with contemporary design and comfort. First opened in 1927 as Hotel Georgia, the historic property reopened as Rosewood Hotel Georgia in 2011 following a full restoration and has since played host to a who’s who of the entertainment world including Elvis Presley, Nat “King” Cole, Katharine Hepburn and British royalty. Today, the legendary boutique hotel features 156 guest accommodations, four distinct dining venues and the Rosewood Royal Suite, which is considered to be one of the most palatial suites in the city.

A welcome escape from the city’s busy streets, Sense, A Rosewood Spa® at Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a luxury retreat designed to stimulate the senses and to restore the mind and body. This intimate and elegant Vancouver hotel spa calms the mind and provides daily relief for guests, offering a full range of therapies, treatments, massages and facials from a highly-trained staff.

“We are delighted to recognize the 2017 Star Rating recipients, an exceptional collection of hotels, restaurants and spas that demonstrates a strong culture of service,” said Gerard J. Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide.

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THE LIFE REFINED

Punkt-ing Connectivity

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Digital detox

counterculture phrase coined by Timothy Leary in 1966, ‘Turn on, tune in, drop out’ was quickly viewed by many as an invitation to ‘Get stoned and quit all productive activity’. Today, keen to return to his original intentions where ‘turn on’ meant to trigger one’s neural equipment, ‘tune in’ to interact harmoniously with the world around, and ‘drop out’ to gracefully detach from involuntary or unconscious commitments, Simon Balsom is doing this by switching off – even if only occasionally – his smartphone.

Be clear - Punkt’s MP01 is little more than a cellphone for making calls and sending / receiving texts. Here you’ll discover emoticons, not emojis, are the delightful order of the day. There’s a calendar and phone book too, but the Jasper Morrisondesigned handset takes tech-minimalism to the extreme - and devastatingly well. A modern classic, its balance of form and function combine in ways that are all too rare these days.

My work as a Beirut-based writer has delivered me a circle of daily contacts stretching from London to Dubai. So, far from being a Luddite, I embrace mobile technology - but I want it to work for me and not the reverse. Weekends are the natural place to focus on for stepping ‘off-grid’, and I’ve embraced a digital interpretation of the 5:2 diet. Emails are browsed through on my laptop a couple of times a day when at home, but the moment I step out of my front door it’s just me, my partner and the Punkt.

Although a late-adopter (the iPhone 4S of 2011 was my entry point), today a smartphone is rarely out of my hand and never (really, never) more than two meters out of reach. I regard myself as focused and disciplined, but a look back over my days makes it easy to identify the regular stream of peeks at a variety of ‘essential’ apps which, if I’m honest, much of the time provide nothing more than the diversion of a vicarious view in to the lives of others. I’m also a habitual ‘rapid responder’ to emails. Feeling productive, in truth this constant connectivity is eroding my affinity to experiences immediately surrounding me. And it’s time for change.

Simply leaving the phone at home really wasn’t an option – I want the ability to make calls, plus those who call me invariably feel they have a good reason for doing so, and they deserve to be answered. Switching off 4G and Wi-Fi was a possible solution but it felt half-hearted and, I decided, if I’m going to do this then I’m going to do this properly – with a Punkt MP01.

The MP01’s understated looks are at odds with the huge statement this phone makes about its user. It is a cellphone for the hygge generation. It is a badge for those who want it to be known that they’re currently as far off-grid as is sensible to get in 2017, and they’re reconnecting with the time when social networking was at its purest and required just two people, one café and a couple of cups of coffee.

For sure, there’s an initial feeling of deprivation - a sense of questioning what one is missing out on but, in truth, there’s little to be lost and much to be gained. Conversations take on a new life when there’s no Siri to provide a quick and definitive conclusion to a discussion. Reflecting the experience of travel and of a balanced life, it’s a reminder that there is as much pleasure in the journey as there is in the destination.

There’s always a mild sense of trepidation as I return the SIM card to my smartphone and switch it on for the first time in 60 hours but, after the fanfare of social media notifications subsides, I invariably find myself looking forward to doing it all over again next weekend. Once more, my phone will become a secondary instrument in my life and I’ll be afforded the greatest of luxuries – mastery of my time and the sense of being intimate with the world and people around me.

WELLNESS

Super Superfoods

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Cancel the kale… bring me my moringa

till eating kale and quinoa?

Oh, you’re just so 2016 dahling! For the “if you didn’t post it you didn’t eat it” generation, food trends come and go quicker than Donald Trump’s fake promises. The rise of superfoods isn’t totally unconnected to the rise of social media – in particular Instagram – and eyes are constantly on the feeds of the most popular global influencers of food style and nutrition. Here’s our look at this year’s ‘must-eats’. How many have you had on your plate?

Moringa: the latest exotic superfood to hit the scene. A tropical leaf, and one not easily found in supermarkets. You’re more likely to find it sold in powdered form in natural food stores. High in iron, protein and calcium. Add it to smoothies or tea.

Turmeric: nothing new here, but 2017 has seen this humble spice hit the big time. A wide variety of health benefits are suggested, including for stomach complaints, cold and liver disorders. Can two-thousand years of Ayurveda medicine be wrong?

Insects: for the non-vegans amongst us, insects represent the future. Weight for weight, crickets contain more than twice the amount of protein than chicken breast. For the squeamish amongst us, we just wish they looked a little less like crickets and more like chicken breast. Insect burgers are coming.

Tilapia: although you may have never heard of it, it’s the world’s second most highly-farmed fish. Once a favourite of the pharaohs, this fast-growing white-meat fish is low in calories and high in protein. Unusually for fish though, it’s low in our favourite fatty oil – omega-3.

Maca powder: with its high levels of vitamins B, C and E as well as calcium, iron and zinc, it could mean the end of popping those mutli-vitamin pills.

Avocado oil: our kitchen store-cupboard is overflowing with the on-trend oils of the past few years. Avocado oil is high in Vitamin E which means great skin for us. But we yearn for the days when the choice was simple – olive, virgin, cold-pressed.

Naturally, all this talk of faddy superfoods should be taken with a large pinch of salt – pink Himalayan, of course.

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THE LIFE REFINED

Trending on passionsarabia.com

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

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

Fashion Weeks at Mandarin Oriental With key fashion weeks right around the corner, here’s an exclusive travel list to honor the most fashionable month with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

passionsarabia.com/fashion-week-with-mandarin-oriental

Reverso Tribute - Two New Models The Reverso Tribute collection is expanding in 2017 to encompass two new models – the Reverso Tribute Moon and the Reverso Tribute Duo – that will further delight anyone who loves a complication watch with character.

passionsarabia.com/reverso-tribute-two-new-models

Revealed: The Ferrari Portofino The Ferrari Portofino is the new V8 GT set to dominate its segment thanks to a perfect combination of sportiness, elegance and on-board comfort.

passionsarabia.com/revealed-ferrari-portofino

PASSIONS ARABIA

Porsche’s 3rd Generation Cayenne The third generation of Porsche’s Cayenne is in the starting blocks. passionsarabia.com/porsche-3rd-generation-cayenne

Athens – Forget About the Past You think you know Athens, right? The Glorious City, that city of the violet crown.

You think Acropolis, Aristotle and austerity. Think again.

passionsarabia.com/athens-forget-about-the-past

Fatima Al Mattar The Ferrari Portofino is the new V8 GT set to dominate its segment thanks to a perfect combination of sportiness, elegance and on-board comfort.

passionsarabia.com/fatima-al-mattar

Melbourne – world’s most liveable city Melbourne’s reign as the world’s most liveable city has been extended for an unprecedented seventh year by the prestigious Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) annual Liveability Index. passionsarabia.com/melbourne-worlds-liveable-city

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Listings

Our essential guide. What not to miss in September Contemporary Sculpture What: Sculpture exhibition Where: CAP, Kuwait When: thru’ 13 September 2017

Top Pick

Kuwait’s Contemporary Art Platform’s Summer Exhibition continues through until 13 September. So, these are your final weeks to see pieces from the gallery’s collection, including works by Jeff Koons, Sami Mohammad, Hussein Madi, Aya Haidar, Reza Aramesh, Wafa Hourani and Ali Cherri. capkuwait.com

Beirut Art Fair What: Art fair Where: BIEL, Beirut When: 21 – 24 September 2017

Così fan tutte What: Opera Where: Dubai Opera House When: 8 – 15 September 2017 Così fan tutte was Mozart’s third and final collaboration with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, following Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni. Così fan tutte is often said to be the perfect ensemble opera. A small cast, the six roles are almost equal in weight and equal in importance to the piece, without a ‘leading lady’. Performed in Italian with English surtitles. dubaiopera.com

Beirut Art Fair is the leading platform for the discovery of new artists, trends, galleries, institutions, and publications from the ME.NA.SA., thus representing a principal catalyst for artistic development of the region. As Beirut is a bridge between East & West, the fair establishes and builds artistic links between diverse cultures, fostering collaboration between galleries with a demonstrated commitment to making discoveries. beirut-art-fair.com

Skate Girls of Kabul What: Photography exhibition Where: QM Gallery, Katara, Qatar When: thru’ 21 October 2017 Award winning photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson will present her series of striking portraits, Skate Girls of Kabul, which will tell the extraordinary story of Afghan girls who took up skateboarding, thanks to Skateistan, an Afghan charity that provides skate parks as a hook to get children from disadvantaged families back into the educational system. qm.org.qa

Maysoon Zayid What: Stand-up comedy Where: NYUAD, Abu Dhabi When: 13 (Arabic) – 14 (English) September With grace and wit, the hilarious comedian, actor/writer, and disability advocate jokes about her family, global culture, and her life with cerebral palsy. Maysoon had the number one TED Talk of 2014 — “I Got 99 Problems…Palsy is Just One” with more than 14 million views to date — and she was named 1 of 100 Women of 2015 by BBC. nyuad-artscenter.org

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