N°59 2018
THE GREAT ESCAPE
CALIBER RM 07-01
Promenade Du Por t Por to Cer vo - Italy
Via MonteNapoleone, 7 Milan - Italy
Via Maistra, 33 Sankt Moritz - Switzerland
a n d s e l e c t e d M u l t i B r a n d S t o r e s Wo r l d w i d e
Sh op on l i n e at l ar u s m i an i .i t In s tagr am : @l ar u s m i an i
THE WORLD IS YOURS WITH LOUIS FOURTEEN Personalized concierge and lifestyle services, with attention to every detail, aiming to go beyond all expectations to fulfill your every desire!
At your service 24/7 Central offices in Dubai with liaison offices in Geneva, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles
T: +971 4 425 8600 | E: info@louisfourteen.com
14 Chairman SHAHAB IZADPANAH
EDITORIAL
PUBLISHING
Editor in Chief MOJEH IZADPANAH
Brand Manager KELLY BALDWIN
Managing Editor NATASCHA HAWKE
Sales Director NADINE CHEHABEDDINE
Features Editor ANNIE DARLING
Digital Sales LAURA SOBH
Contributing Editors MARYANNE HAGGAS DEVINDER BAINS HAFSA LODI SOPHIE BEW ANNY SHAW
Office Manager JULIA NICOLAE Senior Publishing Executive DESIREE LABANDA-GAVERIA Paris Representative GHISLAIN DE CASTELBAJAC
Guest Fashion Stylists MAR PEIDRO INA LEKIEWICZ
Advertising Inquiries Tel: +971 4 553 90 49 Email: advertising@mojeh.com
Contributing Photographers CARISSA GALLO VIVIENNE BALLAÂ BORNA AHADI JULIA CHERNIH INA LEKIEWICZ
Subscription Tel: +971 4 553 90 49 Email: subs@mojeh.com
LOUIS FOURTEEN FOR MOJEH
ART
Tel: +971 4 425 86 00 Email: louis@louisfourteen.com
Production and Creative Direction MOJEH MAGAZINE
Published under HS Media Group FZ LLC Registered at Dubai Design District Building No. 8, Offices 212 P.O.Box 502333, Dubai, UAE.
Art Director AMIRREZA AMIRASLANI Graphic Designer BALAJI MAHENDRAN
Cover photographed by Carissa Gallo From left: Mercedes Maxwell wears dress, CHANEL | Boots, CALVIN KLEIN | Necklace, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Earrings, MM DRUCK | Ear cuff, J. HANNAH
WWW.MOJEH.COM Louis Fourteen for MOJEH Follow us on Twitter @MOJEH_Magazine MOJEH Swiss Representative Office: Rue de Rive 4, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland Average qualified circulation (January-June 2016): 12,275 copies. For the UAE printed by Emirates Printing Press LLC. Distribution- UAE: Al Nisr Distribution LLC. Bahrain: Jashanmal & Sons BSC (C). Oman: United Media Services LLC. Lebanon: Messageries Du Moyen-Orient The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessary those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademark is acknowledged, therefore reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All credits are subjects to change. Copyright HS MEDIA GROUP FZ LLC 2011
16
36
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ALBERTA
54
Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti arrives in Dubai to
discuss her distinguished career and long-lasting legacy
SILENCE IN TAIPEI A wash of white offers a welcomed break from the more vivacious palettes quite often associated with summer. Think crisp shirts and feminine dresses
96
LONG HOT SUMMER
112
Use the sweltering heat of the Middle Eastern summer as
the perfect excuse to stay indoors and treat yourself at one of the region’s many luxury spas
THE DESTINATION Life is meant for living so pack your bags and set off on a unique adventure to the Maldives, Goa or Mexico via a James Bond island escape
18
EDITOR’S LETTER
Model Mercedes Maxwell wears Chanel, photographed in Los Angeles by Carissa Gallo
OUT OF OFFICE The July/August double issue is all about the good things in life and symbolises our time to escape. As the temperatures soar, we take our cue to explore new places and embark on some unique experiences, appropriately well dressed, of course. Being located in Dubai means we are ideally situated in the centre of the world with easy access to Europe, India and Asia. In this issue be inspired by the incredible natural beauty of Turkey’s Cappadocia (Breathtaking Cappadocia, page 100) and its spectacular southwest coastline (Into The Blue, page 104), if a European city is high on the agenda, Florence offers romance, style and food to die for (Finding Florence, page 108). For somewhere further afield, Phuket, Mexico’s Los Cabos and the shoot locations of Taipei (Silence in Taipei, page 54) and Los Angeles (Wide Open Spaces, page 44) provide new angles. Of course with travelling comes packing, so we have filled the issue with luxury luggage, beauty and fashion to make the most challenging side of holiday prep easy, and researched some of the region’s best spa treatments to assist in a beach body that’s toned and buff, see Long Hot Summer on page 96. to the skies. Bon voyage! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Mojeh_I and write to me at editor@mojeh.com
Mojeh Izadpanah Editor in Chief
Photographed by Hana Levan
Lastly, you’ll need some good reading material, so pack this issue of MOJEH and take
Clockwise from left: Bag, CHANEL MÉTIERS D’ART PARIS-HAMBURG | Healthy Glow
Photography: Julia Chernih at The Factory ME. Shot on location at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa; Nikkibeachhotels.com/dubai
Gel Touch Foundation SPF 25 in Les Beiges, Les Eaux De Chanel Paris-Venise and Coco Noir Hair Mist, CHANEL BEAUTY
BON VOYAGE! From the Cote D’Azur to the streets of New York, designers offer the most luxury accessories to take you from Athens to Ibiza in effortless style
20
Bag, sunglasses and trainers, CHLOÉ
Bag, passport holder and wallet, BALENCIAGA
22
Bags and shoes, SAINT LAURENT
Bag, DIOR | One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum and Diorblush Light & Contour Duo Sculpting Stick Duo Shadow & Light in 001, DIOR BEAUTY
24
Suitcase, bags, shoes and accessories, BOTTEGA VENETA
Trunk bags, ASPINAL OF LONDON available exclusively in The Dubai Mall
26
Bag and shoes, GUCCI
Suitcase, bags and accessories, LOUIS VUITTON
1
Alexander McQueen’s structured trouser suits.
2
Sensible style fit for
12 PRE-FALL LOOKS TO LOVE
feminists continues at Dior.
3
Show-stopping polka dots by Valentino.
4
Light, modest layering seen at Chloé.
Photograhy: Courtesy of brands
THE STYLE EDIT
28
5
NOW TRENDING: STRIPES
Victoria Beckham’s day-to-night elegance is key to transitional style.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
6
Invest in fashion artistry with Fendi’s laser-cut leather coat.
7
Adopt a disco stance in Pucci’s full sequins.
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
NOON BY NOOR
8
Stella McCartney’s head-to-toe fluoro prints. VICTORIA VICTORIA BECKHAM
30 ON BOARD IN BALMAIN Inspired by the glamour of the Côte D’Azur, Balmain’s capsule collection for Net-a-Porter offers chic separates with typical nautical influences, from swimsuits to flat-fronted sailor’s trousers complete with gold buttons — think Goldie Hawn in Overboard
THE TRAVEL EDIT
for style inspiration. At Net-a-Porter.com
BALMAIN exclusively at Net-a-Porter
WHAT TO PACK 1
2
5
3
6 4
1. Dress, RHODE RESORT at Matches Fashion | 2. Hat, EUGENIA KIM at Ounass | 3. Sunglasses, CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC | 4. Bag, CHANEL | 5. Suitcase, FENDI X RIMOWA | 6. Shoes, AVEC MODÉRATION at Shopbop
CASE FOR COLLABORATION Set yourself apart this season with some exclusive luggage born from the coolest collaborations. Gucci has teamed up with Globe-Trotter to create some covetable luggage sets and vanity cases that are as pretty as they are practical. Cooler still, Off-White’s Virgil Abloh injects some street style into a collaboration with luxury travel brand Rimowa in the form of a transparent polycarbonate carry-on case that will ensure you carefully curate what you want the world to see. Travel trunk, GUCCI X GLOBE-TROTTER
Vanity case, GUCCI X GLOBE-TROTTER
Carry-on case, RIMOWA X OFF-WHITE
Coco Neige collection, CHANEL
HIT THE SLOPES IN CHANEL For the first time, Karl Lagerfeld has created a line designed specifically for the slopes. The Chanel Coco Neige collection, modelled by the lovely Margot Robbie, echoes Gabrielle Chanel’s own love of the open air in pieces created especially for the powder hungry. Slender, sporty silhouettes in tweed, satin, wool, denim, leather and, of course, quilting, all finished with windproof materials and heat-sealed seams, create protective outerwear fit for the most pro of skiers, or apres-ski afficionados. In Chanel boutiques from July 2018
32 BASKET CASE Nothing says summer like a raffia bag. Usually confined to the beach, this season the basket bag has been given a designer upgrade. Led by Gucci, totes, bucket and shoulder
THE ACCESSORIES
bags are suitable for beach or bar.
MICHAEL KORS
LOUIS VUITTON
COLOUR FALL Louis Vuitton introduces the New Wave bag arriving in stores in July. Distinctly rock ‘n’ roll with a touch of kitsch, it comes in three shapes: a chain tote, chain bag and a pochette, in a palette of Smoothie Pink, Malibu Green, Black, Scarlet and Snow. The Vuitton logo is given a unicorn makeover in a wash of rainbow colours, breathing new life into tradition.
ARANAZ at The Modist
MALONE SOULIERS at Boutique 1
MALONE SOULIERS X BOUTIQUE 1 In Boutique 1 stores from July, Malone Souliers exclusively presents a capsule collection of seven unique styles. On sale in the Boutique 1 London and Dubai stores, as well as online, the best-selling Maureen style and the new Mika sandal are given a dash of disco in metallic nappa leather and colourful printed elaphe with bright brushstroke stripes.
GUCCI
NEW ADDITION
Fujairah-based designer
The newly launched online go-to for pieces
Madiyah Al Sharqi is now
a little bit left of field, Coveti.com is a veritable
available at the click of a button
treasure trove of fun fashion. Shop conversation-
on Madiyahalsharqi.com.
starting bags by Philippines-based brand Joanique and earrings by London label Opes
THE .COM
Robur to accessorise a summer party.
JOANIQUE at Coveti
MADIYAH AL SHARQI
OPES ROBUR at Coveti
JET-SET STYLE 3
Do not pack your travel bags before logging on to Moda Operandi’s Mem’o blog to consume
1
The Moda Guide to Summer 2018 and shop all the fabulous holiday fashion to send you on your jet-set way. Modaoperandi.com 1. ASHLEY PITTMAN | 2. ALOHAS SANDALS | 3. ADRIANA DEGREAS | 4. SENSI STUDIO all at Moda Operandi
2
4
THE JEWELS
34 OH BOY! First introduced in 2015, the Boy-Friend watch from Chanel has been upgraded to house a fine watchmaking skeleton movement, the Calibre 3. Taking three years to perfect, the in-house designed movement looks beautiful at any angle and when worn by any woman.
Caroline de Maigret wears the Première Boy Skeleton watch
Lady Kitty Spencer models Bulgari
LVCEA Watch, BVLGARI
BEAUTY & BVLGARI Following her cousin Prince Harry’s wedding, Lady Kitty Spencer, niece of Princess Diana, has been appointed brand ambassador to Bulgari, while in local news, three new LVCEA watches have been designed especially for the Middle East in a combination of steel or pink gold with diamonds and emerald settings.
JACQUIE AICHE
HIPPIE HIPPIE CHIC The symbolic designs of LA-based Egyptian jeweller Jacquie Aiche have fast gained popularity thanks to the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Candice Swanepoel, and Gigi and Bella Hadid draping themselves
Actress and model Meryem Uzerli is brand ambassador for Atasay
in her colourful talismans. The evil eye, hamsa, peace and zodiac signs all appear in her delicate jewellery which, she says, “carry a special, spiritual energy with them. Precious gemstones have insane healing powers that balance your energy and blending them with diamonds and gold makes you feel even more beautiful and empowered.” Take the hippie trail this summer. Jacquieaiche.com
Turkish jeweller Atasay this year celebrates the opening of eight new UAE-based boutiques. Here, TurkishGerman actress and brand ambassador, Meryem Uzerli, tells MOJEH why it is her go-to for fine jewellery. Tell us about the jewellery brand, Atasay. Atasay is a company that was founded 81 years ago, and it has a huge history and cultural background. It is a Turkish brand, and as the daughter of a Turkish father, I’m very proud to be a part of their journey. Which Atasay pieces are your favourites? I just love rings and the Meryem and Huyam collections are very powerful. Atasay has something for every mood, season and personality. Why is it important that jewellers cater to the styles of different women? Women are all unique individuals. We’re as unique as a fingerprint or a fragile leaf on a tree. You cannot categorise us. What influences your jewellery decisions? I am an emotional person and what I wear largely depends on my mood and situation. I might choose a gorgeous little pair of pearl earrings to go with my jeans or a casual
Necklace, TIFFANY & CO.
top, and if I’m picking pieces for a red carpet event I’ll choose instead to go for big statement jewellery to mark
CHAIN REACTION
that special occasion.
Tiffany’s 18-karat gold Hardwear necklace, a ball, chain and
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
padlock, is a stylish keepsake that speaks volumes in its symbolism.
A television series, and definitely a movie. I’m reading scripts
For Dhs51,000 you can chain yourself to a loved one for all eternity.
at the moment with my agency. I’m busy but very happy.
36
MOJEH INTERVIEW
Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING
ALBERTA Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti arrives in Dubai to discuss her distinguished career and long-lasting legacy Words by Annie Darling
“
In the Middle East, women still love elegance and luxury for really special occasions. Alberta Ferretti
W
hen I first started in fashion, I was very young,” recalls Alberta Ferretti when we meet during her latest visit to Dubai. “I was unaware. And I was very brave.” Incredibly warm and welcoming, the Italian fashion designer radiates sophistication in an all-black ensemble. Thick blonde curls barely graze her petite shoulders as she leans forward; her chocolate-coloured eyes lighting up as she reminisces about her eventful past. The daughter of a dressmaker, Alberta opened her first boutique in her hometown of Cattolica when she was aged 18. “Was I positive that I’d become a successful fashion designer? No, I can’t say that,” she admits with a smile. “But I was always very passionate about fashion.” She recalls admiring her mother sewing in the family’s tailor shop when she was a child. “I thought to myself, ‘When I grow up I’ll become involved in something like this.’” Not one to disappoint, she founded her eponymous label in 1980 and showed her first ready-to-wear collection in Milan the following year. “When I started Alberta Ferretti, the trends in fashion at that time were that women dressed like men,” she recognises. Alberta, however, sent models onto the catwalk draped in chiffon, georgette and layers of satin. “And don’t forget the furry slippers,” she laughs. “I’ve never really been one to follow trends.” Alberta’s whimsical evening gowns set her apart from the then-trendsetting crowd who largely championed masculine silhouettes and sharper structures. A year after her first collection was showcased, Alberta’s brother Massimo joined the business and the duo established Aeffe, a distibuting and manufacturing company, which continues to be active in the design of fashion heavyweights Moschino, Blugirl and Jean Paul Gaultier, among others. She would also launch her spinoff brand Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti in 1984, and today she employs 1,400 creatives to work in her ever-expanding atelier. Despite her international success, it’s important, Alberta insists, that the brand stays true to her Italian roots, as well as traditional craftsmanship, which is evident in her coveted couture collections. “I think it’s very important to continue the tradition of haute couture,” she reveals, adding that her pieces are particularly popular among Middle Eastern women. “I love working on dresses that’ll be worn at sophisticated occasions,” she says, “and in the Middle East, women still love
Alberta Ferretti’s pre-fall 2018 collection takes on a darker and more moody aesthetic
38
Dresses combine femininity with power in a nod to the feminist movement
Although less whimsical, Alberta’s pre-fall 2018 line remains romantic
elegance and luxury for really special occasions.” How would she define the region’s women? “They are fashion lovers,” she insists. “They really have a passion for fashion and glamour.” For her role in promoting Italian culture and business worldwide, Alberta has been awarded several accolades, including the Cavalieri del Lavoro in 1998 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Her success has oftentimes taken her away from fashion: She introduced her first namesake fragrance in 2009; she refurbished the four-star Palazzo Viviani hotel in Montegridolfo; and she became the first female board member of an Italian bank. “For me, I don’t think that evolving necessarily means having to betray what was my original concept,” Alberta explains when asked about her diverse career as an entrepreneur. This impressive ability to adapt is further evident in her varied designs, including her pre-fall and autumn/winter 2018 collections. Known as the go-to designer for delicate dresses, this year Alberta has chosen to swap clouds of lace for staple fabrics and structured shapes. “The women who wear my clothes are always sophisticated and feminine, but I always look around me for new inspiration.” She explains that the feminist movement has influenced her latest lines, as seen in her selection of thick ribbed cardigans, macrocheckered tartan trousers and silk faille trench coats with pleated details. “It’s very important to be aware of what’s going on around you and it should define a new collection,” she says when talking about her design process. “This season I really
wanted to work on a more decisive silhouette with statement shoulders and high waistlines.” She adds: “I’m not losing sight of the Alberta Ferretti woman’s femininity or her romanticism. After all, she is a woman. And she’s not only strong and decisive, but she’s a woman of assertion. She will always be sensual and passionate.” The couturier readily admits that she’s previously found it difficult to simultaneously innovate while maintaining the brand’s heritage and house codes. “The only thing that I perhaps regret is that at some points in my career I’ve lost the Alberta Ferretti style,” she reveals. “I think it’s something that happens to many designers.” The reasons behind these errors in judgement, Alberta explains, comes down to a lack of self-belief. “It was a kind of fear that perhaps my style, and my fashion, wasn’t up-to-date. That maybe it just wasn’t enough.” She pauses as she reflects on her past decisions. Her honesty is inescapably moving. “This happens. It’s easy to get things wrong when you’re impacted by outside influences.” Despite her decades-long career and wealth of experience, Alberta still finds her job demanding. “It’s challenging all the time, and I must admit that every time I present a collection, it becomes more and more emotional. It’s a wonderful emotion,” she clarifies, but no doubt exhausting. That being said, Alberta’s never shied away from backbreaking work. “I’m a very determined woman,” she concludes, with an illuminating smile. “I made my dream come true.”
THE MOOD
ROBERTO CAVALLI
DIOR GIVENCHY
MAX MARA
CHLOÉ
HERMÉS
GUCCI
VALENTINO
IT’S A WRAP The pre-fall 2018 collections usher in a plethora of new ways to wrap up. Think blanket coats at Gucci and Miu Miu in tartan check, classic camel coats at Max Mara and Dior, trench-inspired cover-ups at Valentino and Chloé, along with shearling lining, leopard print and cable knits. Shawling is also high on the agenda, and belts are the accessory of choice if a cinched silhouette be in favour. The good news is a classic coat is an investment piece, wearable regardless of the catwalk season.
40
FASHION IN FOCUS
8
1
2 STREET STYLE For city slickers and girls about town, a healthy dose of denim, leather and a statement slogan t-shirt are summer’s wardrobe essentials. Pair with designer
7
sneakers for comfort and cool in equal measure. 1. BURBERRY at MATCHES FASHION | 2. ALEXA CHUNG at BOUTIQUE 1 | 3. ALEXANDER WANG | 4. ETRO | 5. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN | 6. CHLOÉ | 7. RAG & BONE | 8. NATASHA ZINKO at BOUTIQUE 1
3
4
5 6
7 1
SAFARI SENSIBILITIES A nude and khaki colour palette is a stylish way to embark on holiday dressing. The epitome of chic colour pairings, a khaki shirt dress worn
2
with nude accessories in natural finishes works effortlessly from sidewalk to safari. 1. VANDA JACINTHO at THE MODIST | 2. J.W. ANDERSON at MATCHES FASHION | 3. CHLOÉ | 4. MOYNAT | 5. ULLA JOHNSON at SHOPBOP | 6. MONSE at NET-A-PORTER | 7. RAG & BONE
6
4 5 3
42
7
1
6
2 RIVIERA CHIC French fashion influences and nautical inspiration sit pretty together for summer dressing. Led by Dior, think retro denim, high waists and Breton stripes, wearable for everything from beachwear to work. 1. SEMELI at BOUTIQUE 1 | 2. MATTHEW ADAMS DOLAN at THE MODIST | 3. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO | 4. J.W. ANDERSON at HARVEY NICHOLS-DUBAI | 5. GUCCI | 6. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG | 7. BALMAIN at NET-A-PORTER
4 3
5
1
7
6 2
MODERN BOHO From the beaches of Ibiza to the streets of New York, bohemia is summer’s most romantic aesthetic. Floral dresses, embroidery, floaty silk and chiffon create the perfect look to complement weddings, brunches and beach parties. 1. NEEDLE & THREAD | 2. CHLOÉ | 3. YUUL YIE | 4. PRADA at OUNASS | 5. GUCCI at MATCHES FASHION | 6. ERDEM at MATCHES FASHION | 7. CAROLE LE BRIS PEREZ at MODA OPERANDI
3
4
5
44
Dress, ZIMMERMANN | Shoes, ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY ALEXANDER WANG | Bracelets, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Socks, STYLIST'S OWN
WIDE OPEN SPACES Take to the hills in light, breezy fashion that allows for easy movement; a little bit sporty, a little bit feminine, entirely fresh
Photographed by Carissa Gallo Styled by Mar Peidro
46
THIS PAGE: Top, ZIMMERMANN | Earrings, MONDO MONDO | Headband, STYLIST'S OWN OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress, TOWN CLOTHING | Boots, LOUIS VUITTON | Earrings, J. HANNAH | Necklace, STYLIST'S OWN
48
Dress, CHANEL | Bag, CREATURES OF COMFORT | Boots, CALVIN KLEIN | Necklace, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Earrings and ear cuffs, MM DRUCK | Ear cuffs, J. HANNAH
50
Dress, PHILOSOPHY BY LORENZO SERAFINI | Coat, COS | Shoes, CÉLINE | Earring, BALENCIAGA | Bag, STYLIST'S OWN
52
Top, COS | Shorts, ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY ALEXANDER WANG | Socks, DARNIER | Shoes, ZIMMERMANN | Bag, BALENCIAGA | Necklace, MM DRUCK | Earrings, J. HANNAH | Bracelets , STYLIST'S OWN Model: Mercedes Maxwell at Vision Models LA | Make-up artist: Silver Bramham using Stila Cosmetics | Hair stylist: Sami Knight at Starworks Artists | Styling assistant: Silken Weinberg
54
SILENCE IN
TA I P E I A wash of white offers a welcomed break from the more vivacious palettes quite often associated with summer. Think crisp shirts and feminine dresses
Photographed and styled by Ina Lekiewicz
Shirt, PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI
56
THIS PAGE: Dress, ROKSANDA | Shoes, REJINA PYO OPPOSITE PAGE: Shirt, SARA BATTAGLIA | Trousers, NATASHA ZINKO | Shoes, REJINA PYO | Earrings, LOEWE
58
THIS PAGE: Shirt, CHLOÉ | Dress, JOSEPH | Belt, MARNI at MYTHERESA | Shoes, REJINA PYO OPPOSITE PAGE: Shirt and earrings, CHANEL
60
THIS PAGE: Dress, MAGGIE MARILYN OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress, REJINA PYO | Boots, GIVENCHY
62
THIS PAGE: Dress, PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress and necklace, CHRISTIAN DIOR
64
THIS PAGE: Top, ELLERY | Trousers, ISA ARFEN | Earrings, ALIGHIERI OPPOSITE PAGE: Coat, ELLERY | Boots, CHLOÉ | Choker, CORNELIA WEBB | Earrings, ALIGHIERI
66
THIS PAGE: Dress, REJINA PYO | Boots, CHLOÉ | Choker, CORNELIA WEBB OPPOSITE PAGE: Shirt, PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI | Trousers, REJINA PYO
68
Dress, PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI Model: Carolina Balesteros at PRM Make-up artist: Po Tsang Ho Hair stylist: Pablo Kumin Photography and styling assistants: Karolina Jarosz and Jan Grochowski Local production: Kinga Wojciechowaska, New Order Brand manager: Kelly Baldwin/MOJEH Production
70
CALL OF THEWILD The allure of autumn calls for a medley of prints in rich tones and exquisite fabrics, for days spent beneath the setting sun
Photographed by Vivienne Balla Styled by Kelly Baldwin
Dress, ROBERTO CAVALLI | Trousers and bag, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Boots, SAINT LAURENT
72
THIS PAGE: Dress, belt, scarf, leggings and boots, VERSACE OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress and boots, GUCCI
74
Dress, OSCAR DE LA RENTA | Boots, LOUIS VUITTON
76
THIS PAGE: Dress, TEMPERLEY LONDON | Boots, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Earrings, LOUIS VUITTON OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress, TEMPERLEY LONDON | Earrings, CHRISTIAN DIOR | Necklace, LOUIS VUITTON
78
Dress, coat and shoes, BOTTEGA VENETA | Earrings, LOUIS VUITTON Model: Jade McSorley at Established Hair and make-up artist: Ania Poniatowska Videographer (live on MOJEH.com): Tamas Sabo Brand manager: Kelly Baldwin/MOJEH Production
80
Photographed by Thanassis Krikis
MOJEH.COM Our carefully curated digital platform delivers engaging, inspiring and timely content with exclusive access to the industry’s most influential players.
JEWELLERY EDIT Summer Spirit collection, CHAUMET
A SUMMER STATEMENT
Photography: Chaumet
Released just in time for a summer of fun, Chaumet’s elegant new additions to its coveted Liens and Hortensia jewellery collections are already making their mark. Mini watches are designed as bracelets that discreetly tell the time, while colourful rings are all set to be stacked. Pencil-thin pendants and brightly-hued earrings have also been introduced to accent a season spent lounging poolside. Black or white lacquered dials and metallic shades of blue, pink and taupe are on offer, as well as more vibrant shades of blood-red and orange. Feminine and wearable, these pieces will complete any ensemble, and add a youthful touch to your jewellery box.
82
MOJEH JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Jewellery designer Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader is widely recognised for having bridged the gap between fine jewellery and fashion. Here, she celebrates her latest boutique opening at The Dubai Mall
Words by Annie Darling
Photography: Mark Luscombe Whyte
SUCCESS STORY
Layers of gold and glistening gemstones in marine shades of here, the more I’m amazed by how fantastic the design is that’s blue and beryl adorn the neck and wrists of British designer being showcased.” Known for her signature clean lines and Monica Vinader when we meet at the Four Seasons Resort quality craftsmanship, Monica places importance on bespoke Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Monica’s eponymous jewellery brand, cut jewellery and contemporary diamond ranges. Customers which she founded alongside her London-based sister, has are encouraged to visit each boutique’s engraving bar, as her garnered a sophisticated following since its launch 10 years ago, goal is to craft personalised jewellery that holds long-lasting and she’s arrived in Dubai to celebrate the opening meaning. “At the moment I’m creating a gift for my mother’s of her latest flagship boutique in the newly-launched 80th birthday later this year,” she reveals. “I’m also making Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall. “It’s such an exciting lots of presents for my teenage goddaughters.” mall, and such an exciting extension,” she says about Full of colour and bursting with semi-precious stones, the coveted location. “We’ve wanted to be there for a number Monica’s collections are popular with women of all ages, of years.” and she’s noticed that more customers are choosing to browse Monica Vinader stores can already be found at Dubai’s City together. “We see lots of different groups shopping together Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates, and she believes — girlfriends shopping together, families shopping together, that the brand’s approach towards affordable luxury is what couples shopping together,” she says. “We often see grandma, sets it apart from rival maisons. “What defines us is that we mum and granddaughter shopping together. And they all place importance on integrity when it comes to the design shop for different things. Sometimes grandma is buying process. This includes a collection’s concept, as well as a present for the younger ones, and sometimes it’s the quality of the materials we use.” A favourite of names the other way around. It really varies.” So why does Monica Vinader appeal to all ages? including the Duchess of Cambridge, Olivia Palermo and Emma Watson, “I think it’s because the design is simple. “What defines us Monica Vinader is committed to It’s universal,” surmises Monica. “It’s the ethical sourcing of gemstones, got that sort of contemporary feel that is that we place and has been awarded the Butterfly appeals to lots of different ages, and also importance on Mark by Positive Luxury for its work a lot of different social groups, which is integrity” really good.” promoting sustainability. As a member of the Responsible Jewellery The Diamond Fiji Friendship Bracelet Monica Vinader Council, Monica’s designs have evolved Collection featuring pavé diamonds in sterling silver and 18-karat gold significantly over the years to ensure the use of ethically-sourced gems. “We recently introduced is particularly popular among Monica’s Middle Eastern some stones that we’ve never used before,” she says. “There’s clientele, and she reveals she’s set to unveil yet another a blue stone, called Kyanite, which is really beautiful. wearable piece this October. “It’s called a Capture bracelet It has literally just hit the stores and it is flying off the shelves.” that you can add charms to,” she explains. “It’s got a little To celebrate the maison’s 10-year anniversary this summer, mechanism in each link and in order to get that working right Monica will be supporting Women for Women International we’ve had to test it for years.” – a nonprofit humanitarian organisation that provides It’s important to Monica that her designs are both timeless practical and moral support to women survivors of war. In and up-to-date with today’s trends. “This year, with the Siren 2015, she exclusively designed the beautiful #SheInspiresMe Collection, instead of really big pieces, we’ve gone for tiny Friendship Bracelet for the organisation, and now has plans little delicate pieces, which you can either stack, or wear to donate all profits from the sales of an upcoming engravable alone.” This kind of jewellery, she says, has proven crowdbracelet directly to the charity. “We want to give back, and pleasing. “I get stopped at airports,” she laughs. “Recently Women for Women is a charity that I am quite close to,” she I was boarding a flight in Mexico and this woman came over says about the collaboration. “It’s a charity that empowers and said, ‘I love your earrings.’” women who have been or are still in areas of conflict.” “We design for the modern woman and we would never When asked for her thoughts on this region’s local talent, release something if we didn’t love it or really want to wear Monica expresses admiration. “There are some amazing it ourselves.” And with her constantly evolving collections, designers in the Middle East, and I think it has some there’s little wonder why Monica’s success story keeps incredible contemporary jewellers. The more I come back on going.
84
MOJEH JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Colours of Couture Soft pink has long been championed by Christian Dior, and its timepieces have taken inspiration from house colour codes
Words by Annie Darling
C
hristian Dior redefined the heights of elegance around the world with his debut collection, launched in 1947, and the designer’s vision continues to be examined, admired and built upon today. Dior’s magnificent timepieces are no different. Palatial and feminine, each elegant and individual wristwatch draws inspiration from the couturier’s own cultivated beauty and exquisite taste, and in particular, his fondness for colour. One of the designer’s preferred shades was a dusty pink, which still breathes endless inspiration into so many of the maison’s couture collections. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri has fully embraced this house colour, which can be seen in her romantic and whimsical semi-sheer dresses, floating pastel skirts and flushed feathered headpieces in strawberries-and-cream shades. Dior’s interest in this powdery palette stemmed from his childhood, which was largely spent exploring the decadent clifftop garden of his family home, Granville villa, which stands on a cliff facing the Channel Islands in Granville, Normandy, not far from Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Overlooking the sea, the spectacular Anglo-Norman property, built in the late 19th century, boasts a soft-hued garden within which, as a young boy, Dior would read about different flowers. The designer never ceased to preserve the spirit of Granville, and would frequently inject doses of pink and grey into his couture collections. “Those two colours remained my favourite shades in couture,” wrote the designer in his autobiography. His successors have followed suit, season after season, with Victoire de Castellane, creative director of Dior Joaillerie, crafting several timepieces that pay homage
to the founder’s fondness for rose-pink varieties. La Mini D de Dior Rose de Vents, for example, is instantly recognisable for the eight-pointed star at the centre of its dial, which is a reference to the couturier’s lucky star. An eye-catching timepiece, the emblem comes to life as the wearer moves, almost like a compass. Embellished with a rice-grain bezel and strap, La Mini D de Dior Rose de Vents is available in two new styles just in time for the summer months, one of which is fluo pink lacquer and set with diamonds. Earlier this year, Victoire launched another romantic timepiece in blush, La D de Dior Satine. This watch features a discreet bezel, making it extremely wearable, as well as feminine. The dial comes in either a white or pink mother-of-pearl, and the 25mm model features 17 diamonds weighing a total of 0.05 carats. Dior would spend most weekends at Granville combining colours when composing elaborate bouquets of blooming flowers with his mother, Madeleine. “Colours are marvellous, and show you at your best. One simply needs to choose them carefully,” he wrote in The Little Dictionary of Fashion. Appropriately, the Dior Grand Bal Miss Dior collection has recently unveiled two new timepieces, inspired by the beauty of flowers. Embellished with precious petals in pink and blue, these watches are tributes to Christian’s famous ‘Miss Dior’ dress — a short evening gown embroidered with flowers that was first unveiled in 1949. An engraved sun ray pattern and matte tie-dye effect adds a three-dimensional feel to the dial. The result is superb. After all, as Dior mused in his memoirs: “Why deprive fashion and women of the prestige and charms of colour?”
DIOR COUTURE S/S17
DIOR COUTURE S/S17
DIOR COUTURE S/S17
“
Colours are marvellous and show you at your best. Christian Dior
DIOR COUTURE S/S17
Photography: Sophie Carre and Morgan O’Donovan for Dior
DIOR COUTURE A/W17
Top: Dior Grand Bal Miss Dior features 392 diamonds that weigh a total of 2.32 carats Above: La D de Dior in steel has a beautiful pink mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds
86
LA VIE EN ROSE Layer and stack contrasting metals and pops of colour for a playful jolt of summertime fun
Photographed by Nicole Maria Winkler for Dior Fine Jewellery
THIS PAGE: Rose Des Vents bracelet OPPOSITE PAGE: Rose Des Vents mini ring, DIOR FINE JEWELLERY
88
THIS PAGE: Tête De Mort necklaces OPPOSITE PAGE: Tête De Mort rings, DIOR FINE JEWELLERY
90
THIS PAGE: Rose Des Vents Stud earring and Rose Des Vents Mini Stud earring OPPOSITE PAGE: Rose Des Vents necklaces, DIOR FINE JEWELLERY
92
THIS PAGE: Archi Dior earring OPPOSITE PAGE: Rose Des Vents necklace, DIOR FINE JEWELLERY
94
BEAUTY NEWS
Summer travel plans require smart beauty products that keep you looking your best, protect skin and fit neatly into a limited luggage allowance. MOJEH picks the best...
MAISON CHRISTIAN DIOR Nobody packages luxury quite like Christian Dior. From fashion to fragrance, the maison epitomises excellence and elegance, the most recent chapter being the debut of Maison Christian Dior, a line of exclusive scents and standalone boutiques dedicated to the art of olfactory. Created with perfumer François Demachy who has been designing unforgettable fragrances for the maison since 2006, the exclusive collection of which now stands at 26 signature scents is accompanied by perfumed candles, soaps, lotions and hand washes, to offer a fully immersive experience that looks stylish and smells divine. Available at the Dior Beauty Boutique at City Walk, Dubai
THREE OF THE BEST… CLEANSERS
DEREK LAM
Hydropeptide Cleansing
L’Huile Anti-Pollution
Caudalie Micellar
Gel, available
Cleansing Oil,
Cleansing Water,
at Enerbeauty.com
available at Chanel
available at Sephora
THE SUMMER BEAUTY HOTLIST Make packing easy with these holiday beauty buys
Karl Lagerfeld + Model Co’s Liquid Strobing Pen and Highlight & Glow are easy to use and give great highlight.
Travel light with La Prairie’s two-in-one Line Interception Dolce & Gabbana’s Velvet Collection of exclusive fragrance blends
Power Duo Night and Day cream
FIVE MINUTES WITH… DOLCE & GABBANA’S NOSES, CÉCILE MATTON AND JULIE MASSÉ
with SPF 30.
Tell us about Dolce & Gabbana’s new scent Velvet Incenso? Velvet Incenso was created around incense in a woody oriental structure, which highlights the smell at every stage of the fragrance, making you feel like incense is spiraling around you. What inspired it? This fragrance was inspired by incense burning in the palaces of Sicily… We imagined a palace at the top of a mountain, surrounded by trees, bathed in the sunlight. You can smell woods and resins from the trees, warming up in the sensual heat, hot rocks from a volcano, and incense slowly burning. We also wanted to capture the idea of being at a crossroads between East and West. Treat your skin
How does it differ from Dolce & Gabbana’s other scents?
after a day in the
It has an unmistakable Dolce & Gabbana signature: something baroque, excessive and qualitative. For us, it is the most mystical of all. Who is the Velvet Incenso woman?
Pack NARS Hot Tin
sun with Rodial’s
Roof Liquid Blush for
Vit C Energising
colour that works on
Face Mask.
cheeks and lips.
A mysterious, intriguing and sensual woman. Someone you cannot catch, just like incense smoke. It could also be worn by a man.
Dust Guerlain
How do you think some perfumes manage to transcend cultures
Terracotta Summer
and generations?
Glow powder all over
There are notes and structures that are universal and timeless. Classical ingredients, like incense, have these great qualities. Same goes for
chest to cheekbones
freshness or sensuality.
for evening shimmer.
Why do we form emotional connections to a scent? Olfactory memory is very powerful. A scent can take you instantly to
Keep hair hydrated
a place or make a person appear… Without even noticing it, we associate
with Harklinikken’s
scents with memories all the time. When it comes to a scent you wear,
paraben-free mask.
or the fragrance of a loved one, a very instinctive connection will take
Harklinikken.ae
place. It comes naturally and is maybe one of the most beautiful things in perfumery…
Spritz Jean Paul Gaultier’s Eaux
Describe your first fragrance memory?
Fraiches fragrances
Cécile: I have strong memories of scents of Africa, where I was born, like
for a nod to nostalgia,
rain falling on warm earth, for example. And the smell of my first lipsticks.
in new bottles
Julie: The smell of houses with tatamis on the floor from my childhood
designed by artist
in Japan.
André Saraiva.
96
MOJEH BEAUTY
LONG HOT SUMMER
Photography: Getty Images
Use the sweltering heat of the Middle Eastern summer as the perfect excuse to stay indoors and treat yourself at one of the region’s many luxury spas
SAVING FACE THE SUPER FACIAL For the first time in the UAE, Rebecca Treston, Dubai’s go-to skincare expert, has introduced the ultimate facial pick-me-up in the OxyGeneo Super Facial. The three-step treatment is designed to target all major skin concerns in one fast and effective hourlong procedure, with immediate results. To begin, skin undergoes microdermabrasion using a tablet that fizzes like Alka Seltzer onto the skin, removing dead cells to allow for easy absorption of the nutrient-rich gel that is to be pushed deep into the epidermis using ultrasound technology in step two. Step three is for oxygenation, increasing blood flow to the skin leaving it glowing. Results are instantly visible and improve over the days following with a definite increase in skin’s firmness and overall texture. Dhs1,575 per session, Euromed Clinic, +971 4 394 5422
CAVIAR ACULIFT FACIAL Tone and refine your skin with Willow Stream Spa’s luxurious facial that’s rich in protein and powerful antioxidants. Creamy Caviar products deliver age-defying nutrients, while an exclusive AcuLift massage improves the complexion. This is followed by a Marine Biomatrix Sheet for intensive hydration and immediate results that will leave skin feeling supple and radiant. Dhs829, Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont The Palm, +971 4 457 3545
LINDA MEREDITH HAUTE COUTURE FACIAL Known as the ‘Queen of Facials’, Linda Meredith’s treatments are the latest addition to The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai. Her Haute Couture facial is designed to address each client’s individual requirements with a thorough consultation that assesses any skin problems. The 60-minute treatment begins with a cleanse and gentle extraction, and is followed by a natural micro peel which removes dead cells and cleans deep beneath the skin’s surface. This dramatically reduces the number of everyday breakouts as it removes dead skin cells. To conclude, a facial massage and hydrating mask softens fine lines and wrinkles. Dhs850, The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai, +971 4 556 8888
PURIFYING FACIAL A deep cleansing treatment that works to regulate oil secretions, the Purifying Facial is ideal for congested and problematic skin, or those suffering from hormonal imbalance. The ESPA treatment begins with an in-depth skin analysis using SkinVision technology to identify conditions not visible to the naked eye. Deep cleansing refines open pores, and afterwards decongesting and anti-inflammatory oils are used to sooth and calm, which results in an overall balanced and clearer complexion. Dhs600, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, +971 4 376 6000
BODY BEAUTIFUL AYURVEDIC SPICES HAMMAM
TARGETED TONING TIGHTENER
It’s not until you have a hammam that you realise the benefits of it for your skin. The two-hour Ayurvedic Spices Hammam Journey at The Address Boulevard is a luxurious treat for a tired body in need of a refresh. A soapy 10-minute steam is followed by a scrub in the Turkish-style hammam using a mit to slough away old cells and reveal new, baby soft skin. A spice-infused shea butter body mask is applied and a head massage carried out to aid relaxation. The best part, as ever, is the hour-long full body massage that follows further softening skin and muscles alike with moisturising body oil. The result is a smooth body that’s ready for summer. Dhs622, The Spa at The Address Boulevard, +971 4 561 8126
For pre-holiday body prep, Sensasia’s 90-minute Ultimate Targeted Toning Tightener is all about results. Focusing on two problem areas, arms or abs, hips and thighs, it’s not for the faint-hearted as it involves plenty of pummelling. Working around the body limb by limb, the therapist applies a detoxifying clay mask to help remove water retention and effectively streamline limbs, what follows is a strong but strangely satisfying assault on each problem area to breakdown fat and tone skin through strong and continuous pummelling. Akin to being slapped consistently for around 10 minutes on each area, it’s less painful than peculiar, but it works wonders. Dhs599, Sensasia Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 422 7115
Photography: Getty. Rebecca’s portrait by Rebecca Hobday Photography
98
RELAXING AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE Drawing inspiration from the natural healing methods found in numerous Asian cultures, this relaxing 60-minute massage combines light-to-medium pressure to improve overall wellness by reducing tension. Muscles are soothed and circulation increased thanks to a beautiful blend of aromatic essential oils that are chosen specifically, depending on each individual’s needs. Prepare to be revitalised as the therapist spends time working into the body’s tissues to release stress and negative energy naturally. Dhs405, Chi The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai, +971 4 405 2441
SIGNATURE MASSAGE BY ANNE SEMONIN With nearly 50 luxurious treatments to choose from, the Waldorf Astoria Spa is certainly a place to stimulate the senses, with therapists incorporating traditional practices and high-quality products into their locally-inspired rituals. The spa recently introduced the 90-minute Signature Massage by Anne Semonin – highly effective skincare that’s designed to take into consideration environmental conditions, as well as hormone and stress levels. Making use of marine ingredients in addition to the exclusive signature touches of Anne Semonin treatments, choose between a relaxing, detoxifying or deep tissue experience, and then relax as an exceptional massage replenishes the body. Dhs500, The Waldorf Astoria Spa, +971 4 818 2222
ARABIAN EXOTIC SCRUB AND WRAP Unwind and relax in a plush setting, courtesy of The Spa at Anantara The Palm. To emerge refreshed and serene this summer, book in for the spa’s signature 60-minute Arabian Exotic Scrub and Wrap, designed to reveal baby soft skin worthy of the beach. Beginning with a floral foot ritual, a rough scrub consisting of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides with apricot is vigorously applied, removing dead skin cells, deep cleansing and stimulating blood circulation, leaving skin feeling brand new. Once showered, a moisturising body wrap loaded with peptides and vitamin C is applied that leaves skin feeling superbly supple and nourished. Dhs420, The Spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, +971 4 567 8888
FIVE EXPERT TIPS TO BEAUTIFUL SUMMER SKIN
1
HYALURONIC ACID IS YOUR BEST FRIEND Look for products that contain this skin-saving ingredient. A powerful humectant, it literally locks moisture into the skin and keeps collagen synthesis up to keep it plump and hydrated.
2
AVOID HARSH TREATMENTS DURING THE SUMMER Keep up with light exfoliations during the summer to maintain skin quality and a cleansing routine, but stay away from peels or any harsh treatments until after a holiday to avoid damage.
3
USE SHEET MASKS ON A REGULAR BASIS They’re easy to use, packed full of goodness and keep your skin well hydrated. Use a couple of times a week if possible to keep your skin protected and nourished against the heat.
4
DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR SUNSCREEN You’ve heard it before and I will say it again, do not go outside without sun protection. Wear a hat, high factor SPF, especially on your face, and reapply constantly.
ANCIENT HOT STONE MASSAGE This indulgent 90-minute body treatment makes use of warm, healing volcanic stones to penetrate deep down into tired and aching muscles. Combined with gentle stretching techniques, the heated stones are surprisingly comfortable and glide across the body, activating various energy points as they do, allowing the easy decompression of nerves. Deep breathing techniques help relax the mind and body for an overall feeling of wellbeing. A deeply relaxing treatment that will uplift, renew, calm frayed nerves and leave skin silky soft. Dhs760, The Spa at Raffles Dubai, +971 4 314 9870
5
KEEP YOURSELF FIT & HEALTHY Skin needs nourishment from the inside as much as the outside. Eat plenty of fruit and green veggies, drink plenty of water and maintain a good exercise regime to keep blood pumping. Rebecca Treston is a skincare expert at Rebecca Treston Aesthetics at Euromed Clinic, Dubai, +971 4 394 5422
100
TRAVEL EDIT
BREATHTAKING
CAPPADOCIA The history of this central Turkey travel spot is as dramatic as the landscape that has made it an Instagram sensation
Photography: Anton Petrus/Getty
Words by Maryanne Haggas
102
Hot air balloons fill the morning skies; the best way to appreciate this dramatic region of central Turkey
T
he striking countryside of Cappadocia seems as though it may have been plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With its honeycomb hills and soaring boulders, the Anatolian landscape is quite literally out of this world. This incredibly diverse region of central Turkey conceals a history that has led it to become one of the most Instagrammable travel spots of the 21st century; pulling crowds for its dramatic landscape, before the list of things to see, explore, eat and do here is even considered. Let’s start by setting the scene. Millions of years ago, volcanoes spewed out ash and tufa over a wide part of central Turkey, creating an area full of burrows, odd rock formations (which over the centuries became known as ‘fairy chimneys’), deep gorges and steep, soaring mountains. A few centuries later, locals moved to this region, taking refuge in the rocks and later turning them into houses, churches, stables, store rooms and even wineries, creating literal underground cities, all linked by tunnels. From the 14th century, this dramatic moon-shaped area has been a sight to behold, but in recent years, travellers have tapped into the variety of enriching experiences available here — whether that’s drinking in its history, dining out or flying high in one of the hundreds of hot air balloons that adorn the dawn skies each day. Göreme is the hub of Cappadocia, where summer days are
dry and hot, while winters are sometimes snowy. Göreme is home to some lovely restaurants and hotels, and also a great place to begin your adventure, as the centre of both culture and shopping. Start with the Open Air Museum, an ancient monastic settlement, including churches preserved to an astonishing standard. Cappadocia also boasts more than 30 underground cities, some burrowing down eight or nine storeys, where Christians sought refuge during the 7th-century Arab invasions. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are the largest and most impressive of these, each easily able to fit a horse below ground. One of the great joys of this region is hot air ballooning, which is at its most magical in the morning, and reveals the most breathtaking landscapes Cappadocia has to offer. Royal Balloon is a highly recommended option, which led us through a relaxed and invigorating 24-man balloon ride, despite the throngs of people around, and ended with chocolate-covered strawberries and bubbles. The company operates flights every morning from midMarch to early November, weather permitting. Horseback riding is another highlight of any trip to Cappadocia, and there are plenty of guided tours to take you through the very best of the countryside. Most companies offer two to four hour-long rides, full-day rides and even five- or six-day riding trips through the Taurus Mountains, for those who love the idea of embarking on an extended camping adventure.
Photography: Arman Zhenikeyev/Getty
Dining in Cappadocia is an educational as well as delightfully tasty experience, and trying the local cuisine is not only a must, but also nearly impossible to avoid. Top spots are Seki at Argos in Cappadocia and L’ila at Museum Hotel for fine dining, plus Ziggy’s and Kadeneli, both serving great mezze and fantastic manti — a traditional Turkish dish of dumplings, stuffed with meat, onion and spices. When it comes to resting your head, it is hard to beat Argos in Cappadocia, a hotel built into the landscape of the ancient village of Uchisar. Overlooking a magical moonscape of volcanic peaks, amid fragrant valleys of apple groves and apricots, Argos is as improbable as it is immensely inviting. Who would imagine a serenely beautiful, extraordinarily stylish and absolutely unique hotel built from ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels? Yet, here it is: an enchanting blend of 2,000 years of history, passionate devotion to authenticity and traditions of hospitality, finished with cutting-edge design and technology. A labour of love, 22 years in the making, and now a world-class property, the hotel began with the vision of turning a complex of ancient dwellings into a luxury hotel. What followed were years of careful excavation and research, training of stone, iron workers and carpenters in traditional crafts, delicate restoration of historical buildings, caves and tunnels, and the implementation of a grand, innovative design — crafted by one of Turkey’s leading master architects, Turgut Cansever. Finally, the Argos in Cappadocia opened its doors as an elegant masterpiece — a 51-room boutique hotel and concert hall that reinterprets the rich traditions of the past for today’s travellers. The hotel’s accommodations are offered in several styles, from stone rooms to ‘Splendid Suites’. What distinguishes these from other hotel offerings, is that they are situated in seven restored ‘mansions’, connected by underground tunnels and pay tribute, in design, to the region’s ancient underground architecture. Opening out to balconies, terraces and secluded courtyards, with splendid views of neighbouring Pigeon Valley and distant peaks, they are nonetheless caves — with all the latest modern conveniences. Other features of the Argos in Cappadocia include the outstanding 100-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant Seki, serving regional and Turkish dishes as well as international cuisine. The restaurant uses only fresh, local ingredients and even has a garden where herbs and vegetables are harvested. Foodies also have the opportunity to visit the garden and handpick herbs and greens for use in their meal — a lovely touch. Clad in blankets of snow in winter, dotted with red roses, wild oleaster, vineyards, gurgling fountains and freshwater springs throughout the spring and summer, Cappadocia is a travel dream come true, whatever season you choose to visit.
Göreme, with its stunning architecture, is the hub of Cappadocia
The Argos in Cappadocia pays tribute to ancient underground architecture at every turn
Accommodation comes via caves, complete with mod cons, at the Argos in Cappadocia
104
MOJEH TRAVEL
Sailing boats anchored in the turquoise waters of Bodrum Bay
INTO THE BLUE Turkey’s coastline offers everything from ancient history to five-star luxury
“
Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea.
Guest pavilions are decorated with local marble and acajou wood
Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba The Greek
Photography: Ayhan Altun/Getty. Supplied. For information contact Aman.com
T
he body of water that stretches between the coastlines of Greece and Turkey is well regarded as one of the most picturesque on earth. Its palette of vibrant blue hues, from a dazzling sapphire at sunrise to spectacular turquoise and translucent agate, has been documented in ancient fables, inspired poems and floods Instagram daily, meaning a trip to see its breathtaking beauty in person is an absolute must. The Mediterranean Sea runs along Turkey’s southwest coastline – appropriately dubbed the Turquoise Coast or Turkish Riviera – passed the popular holiday destination of Antalya all the way to Marmaris, before it meets the Bodrum Peninsula where it becomes the Aegean Sea. This is the same fabled coastline of Homer’s Odyssey and the area maintains an air of mystery in its many ruins which have made southwest Turkey a popular destination for travellers seeking culture and somewhere easy on the eye. Bodrum has seen a surge in popularity over the years, seeing its population increase from around 50,000 in low season to nearly half a million during the busy summer months, having gained a reputation over the years as Turkey’s answer to Ibiza and even likened to Saint Tropez. Often playing host to big name DJs at one of its many beach clubs that turn into club nights, it attracts a regular international crowd of pleasure seekers from London to Lebanon who loyally return every summer to enjoy its brand of laid-back cool. As a result, finding luxury accommodation in Bodrum isn’t a difficult task with a number of hotel brands now having opened in the area including Nikki Beach, favoured by the chichi Euro crowd, and most recently The Bodrum Edition. But if you’re idea of luxury means privacy, seclusion and peace then Amanruya, nestled along one kilometre of rustic coastline just 20 minutes out of town, fits the bill. Owned by Russian business tycoon and real estate developer Vladislav Doronin, Aman Resorts are regarded as some of the most luxurious in the world, now with 31 properties in 20 countries in its portfolio, there is even a name for its regular client base: Aman Junkies, elite
The entrance to Amanruya is elegance personified
A secluded pavilion with private pool
106
Spend hours gazing into the blue Aegean Sea from the deck of the beach club
travellers for who nothing but Aman’s style of hospitality will do. Far from cookie-cutter in its approach, each resort experience is carefully curated to highlight local culture and traditions in its accomodation, but executed to a standard that the international privileged traveller is accustomed. The name – aman meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and ruya meaning ‘dream’ in Turkish – says it beautifully. Sixty acres of untouched countryside is home to only 36 guest pavilions, each with private pool, it is boutique luxury personified and just as its name suggests, peace and quiet is at the heart of the experience – and the efforts to make it such do not go unnoticed. The property works in complete harmony with its surroundings, decked out in a neutral colour palette created by the natural stones, pebbles and locally-sourced Antalya marble – Turkey is a big exporter of marble – that give it the feel of an
ancient villa nestled amid pine forests and olive groves. It is a reassuringly tranquil space, not a sound can be heard aside from the continuous chirping of birds and cicadas, every so often interrupted by the hum of one of the resort’s golf buggies whizzing guests to and fro along the pebbled pathways – each ivory pebble placed there by hand – that weave through the property. The guest pavilions that work their way in layers up the hillside offer garden views of rustic countryside, or higher up, of the twinkling sea from their private pools and day beds. Built to complement the surroundings in a traditional stone, inside pavilions are canvas white accented with acajou wood shuttered windows and a fourposter bed. The vast marble bathroom is an homage to the traditional Turkish hammam and makes up for nearly a third of the total room space – an indulgent cleansing experience if ever there was one.
“
Photography: Supplied
It’s amazing how much time can be taken up gazing into the blue Aegean from a sun lounger. Should you wish to leave the sanctuary of your pavilion, when it comes to daytime activities, schedules can be as sparse or as packed as you wish – it’s amazing how much time can be taken up gazing into the blue Aegean from a sun lounger on the wooden deck of the beach club, or absent-mindedly lapping up and down the Olympic-size swimming pool. But for those with a thirst for knowledge, a trip into the local town is a must to tour the ancient ruins. The main tourist attractions are the historic remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (as the city was once known) built circa 350BC as a tomb for King Maussollos of Karia – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Other notable monuments are the 15th-century Bodrum Castle and the Antique Theatre, a beautifully preserved 15,000-seat amphitheatre with panoramic views across the Bodrum Peninsula. Also on offer from the resort is an organised visit to the nearby village of Etrim – a 45-minute drive away – that unearths the local talent for carpet-making. Almost unchanged, it demonstrates traditional village living and guests are invited to take lunch with the family, sitting on carpets hand-woven by past and present generations. Gozleme, bread stuffed with spinach and cheese, is freshly baked in a wood-fired oven and served as an accompaniment to mezze dishes of stuffed vine leaves, or dolmas, hummus and salads, before an introduction to carpet making, undoubtedly resulting in the investment of a colourful home accessory – shipping to nearly any destination can be arranged. An enriching experience that not only offers great insight into local tradition, but helps to keep it alive through fair trade. Food is a big part of any trip to Turkey and meal times, in and out of hotels, should be treated as a celebration of the local cuisine that consists of lots of freshly baked bread, cheese, vegetables and fish. Foodies should do as the locals do and head to the fish market in Bodrum Town to select a catch of the day, before taking it to a nearby restaurant to be expertly prepared. If staying on the property is more appealing then there is no shortage of traditional Turkish dishes on offer, from breakfast to dinner, and the staff will proudly make suggestions. If there is one thing that must be done when staying close to the Aegean Sea, it is to wake up early and watch the sun rise over the crystal clear water. If yoga is your thing borrow a mat and watch it uniterrupted from the yoga pavilion, hike up to the three-storey library on the hill, or simply sit in silence and experience the true meaning of the word Aman.
THE SPA EDIT Wellness and relaxation is king at these five-star resorts on Turkey’s magnificent coastline
CARESSE RESORT & SPA A Luxury Collection resort, Caresse is home to a luxury ESPA spa offering an extensive treatment menu that includes the traditional Turkish hammam. Caresse.com
THE BODRUM EDITION Newly opened in June 2018, The Bodrum Edition offers 102 guest rooms, suites and villas, as well as state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities. Editionhotels.com/bodrum
MANDARIN ORIENTAL Located in Bodrum’s Paradise Bay with two private beaches and a 2,700-square-metre spa spread over three levels. Mandarinoriental.com
108
MOJEH TRAVEL
FINDING FLORENCE This Italian city can be a hubbub of style in the summer, but with a few key directions, you can stay low and do as the regulars do
Photography: Gary Yeowell/Getty
Words by Sophie Bew
Pucci features heavily in the lobby of the newly-refurbished Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
Photography: Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy and Gucci
F
lorence, the home of Pitti and centre of men’s fashion week, is one of Italy’s ultra-chic sub-capital cities. Just this June, it played host to a cornucopia of stylish happenings — from the Cos x Wayne McGregor performative dance presentation, to catwalk outings for Roberto Cavalli and Craig Green. Remarkably for its diminutive size, Florence bi-annually plays host to hordes of well-suited, well-scented men’s style press, who know the city like the back of their hand. As such, one of the fashion crowd’s first stops off the train at Stazione di Santa Maria Novella is, in fact, a perfume shop. Or perhaps a perfume emporium would be more accurate. Deep-set in the cavernous chambers behind the exquisite 14th-century church of the same name is a Willy Wonka-style factory of delights for olfaction aficionados. Room-after-frescoed room of the time-worn farmacia houses bell jars filled with bergamots and lemons with blackened skins, dried rose petals or jewel-like frankincense. Copper weighing scales, iris toothpaste in apothecary-inspired packaging and tortoiseshell combs and brushes further add to the intrigue. A vault of top-shelf colognes — from Santa Maria Novella’s creamy Frangipane to the cool and smokey Città di Kyoto — stands proudly in the centre of the glimmering marble-floored foyer. Through the windows, you can spy visitors to the neighboring church ambling along the rose bush-lined cloisters. There’s no more charming, nor fragrant, an entrance to the city than this.
A suite at the Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
Gucci Garden, following its renovation by Alessandro Michele
110
The exhibition Italy in Hollywood is at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo until March 10, 2019
Today’s well-heeled visitor would be remiss not to check out the newly-refurbished Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy. Having reopened in April this year, after a six-month overhaul, the hotel has been significantly remastered. And with room numbers shrunk by a fifth, it means a lot more suites. The lobby and restaurant, reupholstered almost entirely in luxe Pucci-print silk, created in collaboration with Emillio Pucci, pays homage to one of the country’s most renowned designer labels. Each newly-enlarged room has also been directed by hotelier and interior designer Olga Polizzi and, via delightful garden-fresh wallpaper, combines the crisp, English-ness of the Savoy franchise, with decadent Italian touches. Exclusively designed Il Bronzetto tables, chairs, mirrors and pieces from the Chelini Firenze workshop, remind guests exactly where they are. Which — while square in the middle of the hubbub of Piazza della Repubblica, with bedroom views of the resplendent Duomo — would be difficult to forget. Another spot to be seen is just a five-minute saunter away, at Gucci Garden. Since Alessandro Michele’s renovation and its reopening at the start of this year, the three-floored gallery now includes an extraordinary restaurant and treasure chest of a gift shop at ground level. Between the illustrated matchboxes, meticulously curated literature, Florentine stationery and fur-lined and embroidered
Photography: Suttipong Sutiratanachai/Getty
Medieval stone bridge Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno River
Photography: Mike Randolph/Getty and Gallery Hotel Art
jacquard loafers — there’s a lot you’ll want to buy. But perhaps nothing more so than Massimo Buttara’s cloud-like Taka bun, proffered by a waiter in the ubiquitous loafers and a grosgrain ribbon tie. Ultra-gourmet burgers come in kitsch pink ‘Gucci-fied’ takeaway boxes, while risotto, carpeted with scampi carpaccio, arrives on special red-bloom emblazoned Richard Ginori porcelain. It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise. But if the centre of the Florentine universe isn’t quite your style, take a jaunt over the river. Take Ponte Vecchio, the famous medieval stone bridge over the Arno River — only by night, for by day it is chock-a-block with tourists. After dark, it’s majestic: the bats swoop beneath the age-old arches of the bridge, only to flap about the streetlamps that flank the furious river – that which this bridge has succumbed to at least twice. Cross the river and you’ll find another essential resting spot: the Gallery Hotel Art, one of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Lungarno chain. The fabled shoe maestro is a legend in this city, boasting a museum and no less than five hotels in his name. Aptly titled, this gem is tucked away on Vicolo dell’Oro, just a stone’s throw from Vecchio (but a world away in human traffic terms), and filled with contemporary art. Dotted with works by David LaChapelle, Steven Klein, and Lise Sarfati, it’s no wonder this lodging draws in the locals. That, and the Peruvian-Asian fusion food whipped up by its starred executive chef, Peter Brunel. While the tourists lap up the pasta, it’s the crispy tuna and Nikkei (a spicy sashimi and ceviche combination) that appeals to the Florentine fashion crowd. A walk down the river to the bohemian quarter of San Niccolò offers a decidedly less chi-chi evening, where low-key romantics will wander, stopping at the roadside Osteria Antica Mescita for melt-in-the-mouth ragù. By day, however, this little nook is an enchanting paradise: its winding road leading to a terraced rose garden, overlooking the entire city. From here, we peer into the Palazzo Pitti — a vast Renaissance palace, once owned by an aristocratic family, and now teaming with tourists. An entry ticket to the adjoining Giardini Boboli, and some determination, can lead you into the most peaceful gardens, trickling fountains and billowing willows. You just need walk far enough from the madding crowd. If quiet contemplation is what you really seek, a drive up and away from the city to Belmond Villa San Michele will slow you right down. A 350-year-old wisteria climbs the side of the 15th-century building (it was a Renaissance monastery) and watches over the guest-littered lawn. Embedded in the lush green hillside and enshrouded in lemon groves, the villa overflows with Tuscan romance. Inside, it brims with local street art, which pulls this beautiful villa into the modern day. Eating dinner on the terrace, the Arno seems less ferocious a river, as it snakes out into the distance, tamed by the soft-hued terracotta roofs crowding around it. Framed by a flaming sunset, it’s a postcard-perfect end to an elegant weekend.
Giardini Boboli is a place of total tranquillity, if you take a detour from the crowds
A guest room at the Gallery Hotel Art
ESSENTIAL ADDRESS BOOK: The Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Via della Scala; Smnovella.com Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, Piazza della Repubblica; Roccofortehotels.com Gucci Garde, Piazza della Signoria; Gucci.com Gallery Hotel Art, Vicolo dell’Oro; Lungarnocollection.com Belmond Villa San Michele, Via Doccia; Belmond.com Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Palazzo Spini Feroni; Ferragamo.com/museo
112
MOJEH TRAVEL
THE DESTINATION Life is meant for living so pack your bags and set off on a unique adventure to the Maldives, Goa or Mexico via a James Bond island escape 007 IN PHUKET For thrill seekers and trainee spies alike, the Anantara Layan Phuket’s Golden Gun package is a dream come true. Designed as the ultimate group holiday, whisk seven friends off in a private jet to the island where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Check into an eight-bedroom luxury villa perched high on the hill overlooking the ocean and live the life of the world’s most famous spy for three incredible nights. By day, enjoy the 22-metre infinity pool, take private Muay Thai lessons and cruise Phang Nga Bay. By night, enjoy a private cocktail party in the presence of the real golden gun. Phuket-residences.anantara.com
VICEROY LOS CABOS The second Viceroy property in Mexico, joining Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, the new Viceroy Los Cabos in San José del Cabo sits on the iconic coast of Baja California. Designed by architect Miguel Angel Aragonés, the contemporary 194-room property works in harmony with the water that surrounds it, is home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre created by LA-based celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and offers experiential activities curated by the in-house ‘Head of Vibe’ including surf lessons, scuba diving and fishing trips. For a spectacular preview watch the video on the hotel’s website. Viceroyloscabos.com
DETOX IN GOA If combining a holiday with weight loss and detox appeals, the Alila Diwa Goa is a great place to start. Three wellness packages: Revival, Detox Tour and Weight Management & Vitality, offer different ways to target health issues. Guests will receive a full body analysis, emotional assessment and a schedule packed full of daily holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, alongside yoga and meditation sessions. Diet is kept in check with nutritionally balanced meals that will educate as well as ensure optimum weight management. Then, of course, there is the surroundings, nestled in lush green rice plantations it is easy to relax into feeling yourself again. Alilamoments.com/diwagoa
KINGFISHER LODGE IN SHARJAH Not immediately the place you think of heading to for a weekend escape, but only two hours from Dubai the new Kingfisher Lodge, part of the Sharjah Collection by Mantis, is putting the emirate on the staycation map. A boutique lodge experience with only 25 luxury tented rooms, the property is located in Kalba on the Omani border, an area once only known for its fish market. Abundant with wildlife, visitors can spot turtles, gazelles and numerous bird species while kicking back. Burn off excess energy hiking and biking in the mountains or out on the water fishing, paddle boarding and diving. All important rest and relaxation is also available at the on-site spa or in the company of a good book on the villa’s private deck. Sharjahcollection.ae/kingfisher-lodge
THINGS TO DO
EXTRA EXPERIENCES Take time out this summer to do something new. Whether foodie or fitness fanatic, properties across the globe are revealing new reasons to pay them a visit. Art appreciators should look into booking a stay at La Réserve Genève (Lareserve.ch) to discover the six stunning Manolo Valdés sculptures that have found residence there until August 20. Dotted throughout the property they make for arresting additions to an already picturesque setting. For those who put exercise high on a travel agenda, book into the exclusive Maldivian resort of Cheval Blanc Randheli (Chevalblanc.com) for some aerial yoga lessons with teacher Szilvia Rung. The 45-minute classes are held on the Cheval Blanc Spa Island with 360-degree views of the ocean. If visiting London this summer, book into the Café Royal (Hotelcaferoyal.com) to view the new Piero Lissoni-designed lobby and to dine at Laurent by international chef Laurent Tourondel.
114
GET PACKING Booking the trip of a lifetime is the perfect excuse to invest in a new wardrobe. Pack these essential pieces for a summer to remember
MIAMI BEACH PARTY Colourful fashion choices, loud prints and statement accessories make for the ultimate beach party edit. From Miami to Ibiza, look to Missoni, Pucci and Christian Louboutin for the perfect party pieces. From left: Turbans, MISSONI and EMILIO PUCCI | Terracotta Cushion Fresh Bronzing Fluid Make-up SPF 20, GUERLAIN | Bag, KATE SPADE | Sunglasses, CHLOÉ | Shoes, CHRISTIAN
Photography: Julia Chernih at The Factory ME. Shot on location at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa (Nikkibeachhotels.com/dubai)
LOUBOUTIN
116 AFRICAN ADVENTURE For those with a taste for adventure, whether embarking on a desert expedition or safari, neutral colour codes and natural fabrics are the order of the day. From left: Bag, LOUIS VUITTON | Hat, JANESSA LEONE at Boutique 1 | Blanket, MISSONI | Imitation Woman Eau de Parfum, AMOUAGE | Shoes, GABRIELA HEARST at Matches Fashion | Bag, SENSI STUDIO at Matches Fashion | Sunglasses, CALVIN KLEIN
118 SUR LA PLAGE Look to riviera chic for inspiration when shopping for a beach break, from the Côte D’Azur to The Hamptons, a fresh palette of blue, white and red with pops of gold and yellow is the key to holiday dressing success. From left: The Ultimate Bronzer, TOM FORD | Bag, MUUÑ at Boutique 1 | Sunglasses, ETRO | Ring, OSCAR DE LA RENTA at Harvey Nichols – Dubai | Mandarine Eau de Parfum, PRADA | Shoes, MONSE at Boutique 1 | Earrings, OSCAR DE LA RENTA at Harvey Nichols – Dubai
120
FEATURING Competitive Gaming Steven Spielberg Virtual Reality Johnny Depp Star Wars
N°11 2018
SUBSCRIBE TO MOJEH MEN MAGAZINE HAVE THE VERY BEST IN STYLE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOU. Call or email us at +971 4 553 9049 and subs@mojeh.com
Photography: Jean-Philippe Delhomme for Louis Vuitton
CULTURE EDIT
New York Stock Exchange; Coney Island; Union Square, Greenmarket, Greenwich Village. By Jean-Philippe Delhomme for Louis Vuitton Travel Book – New York, 2013
EXPLORE IN STYLE This spring, Louis Vuitton has added four new titles to its style-savvy travel book series, illustrated by artists from all around the world. For each publication, a renowned creative has been chosen to document a specific city, and the result is a medley of colourful stories depicting everything from inner-city life to beachfront escapes. A fresh perspective on each destination is offered using an array of different mediums, from painting and collage to comic strip. Cuba is visualised by Li Kunwu, Prague by Pavel Pepperstein, Rome by Miles Hyman and Route 66 by Thomas Ott, and all will have you packing your bags for that much-needed week-long escape.
122
HOME SWEET HOME Go all out with vibrant wallpapers in floral prints and see your décor dreams come to life this season, courtesy of British creative Matthew Williamson. Dynamic prints are shaping up to be on-trend this season with the UAE furniture store Interiors unveiling numerous must-have patterns by the designer, from scattered orchids to water lilies. Romantic blooms should feature heavily in your home, but remember to consider the room’s furniture before opting for too bold a colour. Interiorsfurniture.com Wallpaper by Matthew Williamson available at Interiors
“
Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí
The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret. Salvador Dalí
THE WORLD OF DALÍ Coya Dubai, in collaboration with Alpha Soul, is set figures in art history, Salvador Dalí. Around 60 original works will be on display, including lithographs and photographs from several private collections. “Salvador Dalí is one of the most famous figures in the history of art,” says Dilyara Kamenova, founder of Alpha Soul. “We’re offering a mind blowing, full-on sensorial Dalí experience.” At Coya Dubai until the end of August
Photography: Jack Mitchell/Getty
to host a special showcase by one of the most iconic
CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS After a successful launch at the Jumeirah Al Naseem, Katsuya by Starck has opened a second location in the new Fashion Avenue extension of The Dubai Mall. This upscale restaurant offers an incredible range of speciality mocktails, Robata grills, and sushi platters, all created by the master chef, Katsuya Uechi. The eatery’s interior features the sophisticated and signature flair of iconic Parisian aesthete Philippe Starck – both inside and out – making the space ideal for a special occasion. The crispy rock shrimp and seared tuna sashimi are must-haves, and be sure to try a dish from the mouthwatering selection of Wagyu beef. +971 4 419 0676 Clockwise (from top): The terrace at Katsuya by Starck; Yellowtail Collar Robata; Crispy Chicken Salad
Links at Address Montgomerie
Top Chef Cooking Studio
HIDDEN GEM
LEARN TO COOK
Links at Address Montgomerie is one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets.
Take a class to enhance your kitchen skills with Top Chef Cooking Studio.
A local hangout, it’s off the beaten track but, at the same time, remains
Get hands-on experience with culinary experts at this state-of-the-art
atmospheric. Every Tuesday evening, from 7pm to 11pm, the eatery hosts
space, which makes for a fun afternoon out with friends and family of all
a curry night that boasts a delicious mix of meat and vegetarian dishes.
ages. From homemade pasta to culinary art and scrumptious desserts,
Butter chicken, oven-baked naan bread and other Indian delicacies are
learn more in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with the help of expert
just waiting to be tried. +971 4 888 3444
guidance. Topchefdubai.com
124
MOJEH CULTURE
THE NEW PROTAGONIST Syrian-American author Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar discusses her debut novel The Map of Salt and Stars and explains how even a magical piece of fiction can be politically motivated Words by Devinder Bains
I
n America, my existence in this country – as a person as: “to Syria what The Kite Runner was to Afghanistan”. of colour, as a Muslim, as the child of an immigrant, The story starts with the main character, Nour, a young as a Syrian-American, as an Arab — is inherently girl living in New York, losing her father to cancer. political. So is the story of The Map of Salt and Stars,” Jennifer has drawn from her own experiences here: explains Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar, as we quickly learn “Both Nour and I were born in New York City to multithe Syrian-American author is not faith families, are Syrian-American, have one to mince her words, or shy away synesthesia (a neurological phenomenon from a difficult question. “To write that amalgamates the senses), and both lost our fathers at a young age.” about and build empathy for refugees and for displaced folks in the time of But that’s where any similarities end. America’s Muslim ban is inherently Unlike Jennifer, who has lived in the political; to refuse to be silent about US her whole life, never having visited oppression is inherently political; Syria, her fictional protagonist’s life takes a very different turn. Nour’s to be a vocal advocate for the rights of the marginalised is inherently political. mother moves her and her sisters from New York to Syria to be closer to family. And these things are very important to me and to my work.” Civil unrest follows their arrival and Jennifer’s talking about the debut novel when a shell destroys Nour’s house, the that she gave up a successful career as family is forced to flee their home and a research scientist to write, she may become refugees. The novel tracks their not be physically living through the displacement across the Middle East and The Map of Salt and Stars, Touchstone war of her ancestral home but she’s North Africa, but what sets this story a woman who has seen her own hardships, not limited apart and in some way questions a political motivation to the fear and sadness she feels for her extended family (and prompt’s Jennifer’s opening response in this article) in Syria. The amalgamation of these feelings has resulted is the second storyline that takes place , 800 years earlier. in the rather brilliant The Map of Salt and Stars, which is This is the more fantastical story of 16-year-old Rawiya, stacking up accolades thick and fast — even being described a widow’s daughter, who leaves home to seek her fortune.
“
To write about refugees in the time of America’s Muslim ban is inherently political, and very important to me.
HOLIDAY READS Drama, commentary and humour to sate every literary taste
Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar
Disguising herself as a boy, she acquires the role of apprentice to a cartographer. She embarks on a fairy-tale journey traversing the very same plains that Nour will take on, hundreds of years later. The girls live their very different journeys across the same countries, centuries apart, on the pages of the very same book — and it’s done with breathtaking balance and a clever synchronicity. “I wanted to tell a story about the power of stories, and I wanted to do it using the storytelling traditions of my own ancestors in the Arab world, rather than using a more western structural approach,” says Jennifer of the dual storyline. “So much of the emotional life of the book exists in the tension between the two stories.” Both stories require an intimate knowledge of the Middle East and in particular Syria, something Jennifer didn’t have a lot of first-hand. “Because of my own family history and the ongoing conflict, I haven’t been able to visit Syria. I grew up surrounded by stories, photographs and connections to Syria,” she explains. “I did a lot of research on both the contemporary and historical timeline, and relied as much as possible on descriptions of the experiences of Syrians, told in their own words.” But what Jennifer could relate to, as a Syrian being raised in New York, and at times feeling that she belonged to neither country, was Nour growing up in diaspora, and in turn she wrote from this perspective. “I think much of the way Nour relates to Syria will resonate with folks who have spent time living in the West, and perhaps more with anyone whose family has migrated, crossed borders, or been displaced. The book grew out of a desire to talk about what folks with roots in Syria, who cannot go back right now (and whose children may not be able to go back for some time), can take with us.” And Jennifer’s real wish is that her novel will give some hope back to these readers. “As long as we remember that our voices and stories matter, and we create the space to tell those stories, our communities can hold on to hope, even as we grieve what is happening in Syria. Remembering our voices matter, and bearing witness to what has happened can, insha’Allah, help those who have survived trauma and loss to resist, and start to heal.” Amazon.com
What Fresh Hell by Lucy Vine If you want to swerve the serious for laugh out loud high jinks, this fictional comedy about nightmare hen parties is for you.
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala A critical, hard-hitting read by the rapper and political commentator, dissecting race and class in Britain.
Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough A psychological thriller, concealing dangerous secrets of a single mother, her daughter and best friend.
You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld These 10 fictional stories reveal shocking truths and extraordinary coincidences to keep your brain on high alert.
126
TALKING POINT
BREAKING POINT With talk of the glass ceiling forever present in the female workforce, is an unpaid sabbatical to rejuvenate your mind and body, actually the best way to further your career? Words by Devinder Bains
I
t’s Saturday June 2, 2018 and Katie Harvey, 33, is sat which has global offices everywhere from the US to the UAE, at Dubai International Airport waiting for her 3.45pm shows that in 2017, 12 per cent of employers were offering flight to Barcelona. She’s just repacked the suitcase that unpaid sabbaticals and five per cent were even offering paid was over the 32kg baggage allowance, and now she’s struggling sabbaticals. SHRM also found an increase (over the last with an extra heavy carry-on bag, as well as a bulging handbag, five years) of the number of employers offering ‘other’ paid and been forced to wear a pair of thigh-high Chanel boots time off for voluntary work and time to serve on the boards onto the plane. But she can be forgiven for overpacking: this of community groups or professional associations. isn’t a two-week jaunt in the the south of France or a lazy But how does this global trend fit in with the realities weekend in Oman, Katie is about to take a month-long career of working in the UAE, a place with a largely SMEsabbatical. “I just put my out of office on, noting it will be July driven market and a transient workforce? “The labour before I am back, which was both a thrilling and stomach- law does not include a provision for sabbaticals or turning experience.” And it’s no surprise. Katie has run unpaid leave.” Explains Mohsin Bajawa, operations Q Communications, one of the best-known PR and event director at Dubai-based PeopleFirst HR Consultancy. management companies in the UAE, “Unpaid leave is not common practice. for eight years. She employs 28 Larger corporates may account for this “I could feel myself people in offices in Dubai and Abu in their HR policy manual, but the Dhabi, and is dropping everything hitting a wall creatively. terminology generally states that the and leaving for a month-long break decision is based upon management I started to wonder in Spain. So why take the risk? discretion. Multinational companies how I could reboot “It was about a year ago that I started tend to be more flexible in accepting to get the itch. I could feel myself and accommodating unpaid leave as the system” hitting a wall creatively and felt like they generally have the manpower, Katie Harvey processes and systems to cope with I was just going through the motions, I started to wonder how I could reboot a prolonged absence in the workplace. the system. Last December, I put some research into my It is very difficult for an SME to continue to bear the cost of idea and after a conversation with my business partner, an employee on an extended period of unpaid leave.” the decision was made.” But this has not been an easy It might not be common practice in the UAE, but women decision for Katie: “As the date drew closer, I started to feel are still finding a way to make it work. Suki Kaur, 36, anxious: do I really want to be in a place where I don’t know decided she wanted at least a three-month career break. anyone? Will I talk to another human for 30 days? I’ve lived Rather than be time-limited or risk her sabbatical request in Dubai for 11 years and I love my life here, I have a network being rejected by her employer, she decided to leave her of friends so close they’re like family. Why leave? But that’s job in marketing solutions and social media strategy at the point. I’m taking myself out of my comfort zone, I’m hoping LinkedIn. “I’d worked for the company for five years, first to learn, grow and come back refreshed.” in London and then I was transferred to Dubai to help grow And Katie isn’t alone, taking time off, over and beyond your the region. Sabbaticals had been offered, but they were annual leave allowance, is on the increase. Research by harder to secure in Dubai. With it being a growing market, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), it would have been difficult to replace me for three months.”
Photography: Francesco Vincenti, MOJEH Issue 46
Last year, 12 per cent of global employers offered employees unpaid sabbaticals, with a further five per cent offering the time as paid leave
128
Photography: Pelle Lannefors, MOJEH Issue 43
Psychologists say extended leave allows us to process underlying emotions, gain perspective and learn to adapt in all areas of our lives
But Suki was determined to take a break from what at that I started telling people about taking my career sabbatical, point had been a 15-year career in media. “I hadn’t taken the women around me were very supportive, they encouraged a real break since I started university. At 33, I started me with a ‘go forth and rule the world’ attitude, that I now wondering what I was missing out on. I wasn’t inspired in project back for a living. A lot of the men I told were a bit more my current life or work any longer. I wanted an injection judgmental. They asked why I needed time off. Was there of something new, and my mental and emotional health something wrong with my health? Was it all getting too much? was suffering from years in a stressful career.” Suki drew They were very concerned about lack of money and the future inspiration from a manager in a previous role: “He was of my career. I’m a little less successful in their eyes now.” brave enough to take a three-month career break during It’s a sentiment that Katie agrees with: “Funnily enough, a crucial time at the company, but he knew the time out was there was more hesitation from some of my male friends, more important. On his return, he was full of motivation, rather than female. All the ladies were telling me: ‘Go! Enjoy! passion and a better leader.” Lap it up!’, but some of the gents questioned how Reem Shaheen, a counselling psychologist at I could leave the business. Why would I go for so long? What ClearMinds Center for Emotional Health in Dubai, was the real reason?” agrees that a career break can be very beneficial: But how do employers feel about a career gap on a potential “Often when people are faced with work-related stress, they employee’s CV? “If the duration is over a year, then it may feel the need to push through. When it isn’t addressed be unfavourable, as employers may perceive the time away immediately, that can lead to burnout and even an impulsive from work as time that the employee’s skill-set may have resignation from work. Taking a sabbatical or extended leave diminished, or market/industry knowledge lapsed,” says can help them recover sooner, without having to take any Mohsin. “If you work in the digital marketing/social media extraordinary measures.” She believes the space away from sector or the technology sector, the market is evolving every work allows increased awareness: day, and there could be a perception “Life is busy and can be overwhelming, that taking six to 12 months away “Careers can change, from work will mean you are out of time off gives the individual the free experience a setback time to explore their emotions and their touch upon your return.” But his own or be put on hold — thoughts are contrasting: “Personally, life trajectory. It helps them process their experiences, gain awareness I think sabbaticals can allow people just like everything surrounding their situation and make to recharge their batteries and else in life” adaptive life choices.” refocus on both personal and Reem Shaheen It’s this belief that encouraged Suki to professional goals and objectives.” write her resignation letter, she dated And Reem agrees: “Contrary to popular it for six months in the future, giving her time to prepare for belief, career progression is not supposed to be linear. the break. “I set myself up by working really hard and saving. Careers can change, experience a set back or be put on hold— Before I opted out, I had made sure that I was financially just like everything else in life. It is rather unrealistic to independent, as I knew I would be living off my savings, think of careers as a linear progression and most of the time I learnt to be very sensible with the purse strings, before and it is this expectation that leads individuals to struggle.” during my travels.” And now Katie is coming to the end of her sabbatical, do these She planned a trip that would include travelling around words ring true for her? “I’ve always seen career breaks as Australia, New Zealand and India. It would incorporate a very good thing, and actively looked for it on CVs. All the a three-week stay in Rishikesh to become a level two Reiki theory in the world is great, proven working track record is practitioner, as well as attending meditation, yoga and fabulous, but if you haven’t gone out and lived a little, it’s all Ayurvedic camps. And did the break help? “I can’t recommend very clinical. I want people with a curious mind, and a taste for it enough. Your brain has space to find inspiration from new adventure on my team. How else can we continue to push the things, your creativity rises and you are generally happier envelope?” Katie, who enrolled on an art course during her and more motivated on your return, which will give you break, is certain her career pause was a positive move: “I have higher job satisfaction.” Suki’s break gave her time to study. rekindled my love affair with art, and I’m excited to continue It stemmed a new career as a female empowerment and this journey when I get back. Creatively, I think I will be able wellbeing coach, and led to her launching an empowerment to bring more to the table. Taking a break builds character movement called I Am Woman. “The idea of supporting and gives you a more rounded, informed approach to work. other women has always been one I’ve loved. Even when If you have the chance to take a career break – jump on it.”
130
MOJEH CULTURE
THE ART MARKET
MASTERS While the art world enjoys a moment with virtual reality and contemporary African inspiration, it’s still the big names making the big bucks
Words by Anny Shaw
J
ust over 30 years ago, “millionaires had boats and jets, but didn’t necessarily have any art at all”, says Thomas Seydoux, the former chairman of Impressionist and Modern art at Christie’s. Speaking to Georgina Adam for her 2014 book, Big Bucks: The Explosion of the Art Market in the 21st Century, Thomas goes on to note how rapidly things have evolved since then. “For the very wealthy today, it’s not fine to not be interested in art,” he says. The combustion of the art market over the past few decades has led to an emphasis on a handful of ‘brand name’ contemporary artists that consistently crop up in global auctions. Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly and Gerhard Richter are the best-known among them. The collecting elite vie for their works, which are seen as investment opportunities as well as slices of art history that
Rainbow bridge, 2017, by Olafur Eliasson
are easy on the eye. The US artist Jeff Koons is arguably the master of brand building. The former ad man-turned-art market darling operates a slick publicity machine, which includes collaborating with anyone from Lady Gaga to Google and Dom Pérignon. It is a strategy that appears to be paying off; his monumental shiny sculpture, Balloon Dog (Orange), fetched Dhs215 million in 2013, making it the most expensive work by a living artist ever to be sold at auction. His latest campaign is a collaboration with Louis Vuitton on a series of handbags featuring Old Master paintings by artists including Rubens, Titian, Da Vinci and Fragonard. So far-reaching is Jeff ’s influence, the bags are thought to be having a positive effect on the notoriously unflashy Old Master market, according to George Gordon, the co-chairman of Old Master paintings and drawings for Sotheby’s.
Photography: Courtesy of La Petite Maison and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
Jeff Koons' famous sculpture, Balloon Dog (Orange)
Guardians of Life, 2017, mixed media on canvas, by Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar
Photography: Courtesy of Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar
Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar
The popularity of partnerships between artists and fashion designers has grown exponentially of late: the Andy Warhol Foundation with Calvin Klein and Lee Bul with Dior are among recent high-profile collaborations. These are alliances that benefit both parties, bringing a certain cachet to fashion brands and broadening the mass appeal of artists — potentially winning them fresh collectors. Not all collectors like to follow the obvious trends, however. The French-Iranian artist and collector Sassan BehnamBakhtiar, who started buying art in 2006 when he was just 22, says he was initially seduced by “the art market game,” investing in works by big-ticket, trendy artists. Before long, however, Sassan says he tired of the “same old patterns” and developed his own façon de faire, focusing on contemporary Iranian art. Fifteen years ago he established the Fondation Behnam Bakhtiar, which now boasts a 220-strong collection of Iranian artists including Shirin Neshat, Parvaneh Etemadi, Kamran Diba and Charles Hossein Zenderoudi. Sassan’s personal collection — which he estimates totals a number in the thousands — is broader, geographically speaking, featuring artists such as Andy Warhol, Peter Doig, Tracey Emin and Georg Baselitz. Over the past five years, Sassan has turned his attention to contemporary African art, amassing a collection of more than 100 works by artists including Hassan Hajjaj, Abdoulayé Konaté and El Anatsui. “There is a lot of noise being made about contemporary African art, so it is natural that we pay more attention
132
“
VR certainly adds a new dimension to an ever-evolving art world. Jacob De Geer
Virtual reality was a strong theme at Art Basel in Hong Kong in March
The Lady Dior, as seen by Lee Bul
to the scene,” he says. “It’s an area that will continue to grow in value.” A robust collector base is often key to an artist’s long-term success, as is a supportive gallery network. Some, however, made names for themselves by going it alone. Damien Hirst first came to public attention in 1988 when he conceived and curated Freeze, an exhibition of works by himself and fellow Goldsmiths College students, staged in an abandoned London warehouse. The show caught the attention of the advertising magnate Charles Saatchi, who became an early advocate of the YBA (Young British Artist) movement. Damien’s bombastic approach has kept him in the limelight for 30 years. His most ambitious exhibition to date, Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, closed in December in Venice to mixed, but plentiful, reviews. The show consisted of 189 pieces in bronze, marble, malachite and gold, said to have been recovered from a second-century shipwreck in the Indian Ocean. The show, which spanned two galleries owned by the billionaire and long-time Damien Hirst collector François Pinault, was accompanied by a mockumentary released on Netflix that follows a team of divers as they supposedly haul the artefacts to the surface of the water. The 10-year project was a huge investment, costing a reported Dhs408 million. But it seems this artist has not lost his Midas touch as, according to the New York Times, the exhibition has made more than Dhs1.2 billion in sales to date. The rise of digital technology has given way to a new trend in contemporary art, and with it a shift in collecting habits. Virtual reality (VR) is fast-becoming the new hot medium for big-ticket artists such as Paul McCarthy, Marina Abramović and Olafur Eliasson, and the market is hotting up with their entrance onto the scene. For artists such as Olafur — whose 2003 The Weather Project installation at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall drew more than two million visitors during its five-month reign — VR is another way of producing spectacular, immersive works of art. He produced its first VR piece, titled Rainbow, with Acute Art, a London-based gallery founded at the end of last year by the Swedish art collector Gerard De Geer and his son Jacob. The art world has traditionally been slow to adapt to new technologies, but that is gradually changing. Olafur believes that VR is “bringing a substantial revolution” to the cultural sphere, as well as to the world at large. Jacob De
Photography: Courtesy of The Third Line
Iranian artist Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian in her salon in 1975
Geer agrees. “VR certainly adds a new dimensions to an everevolving art world, but so many people are now interested in the potential of this technology,” he says. A signal of collectors’ growing appetite for VR could be seen at Art Basel in Hong Kong in March, where three VR works were unveiled. They included Abramović’s Rising and Anish Kapoor’s Into Yourself—Fall, both produced in collaboration with Acute Art. The works were available to view at a booth manned by HTC Vive, the VR headset manufacturer and content producer dubbed Art Basel’s first official VR partner. Alongside commercial success, institutional support is key in determining an artist’s career. For some, particularly nonwhite and female artists, critical recognition has come much later in life. For example, the 93-year-old doyenne of Iranian art, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, did not have her first US solo museum exhibition at the Guggenheim in New York until 2015, 70 years after she arrived in the country to study at Cornell University and the Parsons School of Design. The artist, who left Iran in exile after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when many of her works were confiscated and destroyed, returned to her home country in 2004. Last year, she donated more than 50 pieces to a museum dedicated to her oeuvre in Tehran – the first institution in Iran devoted to a single female artist. As the western canon of art history has begun to be redrawn, interest in contemporary African art is on the rise, and that interest extends to the Middle East.
At Art Dubai in March, African galleries increased by 50 per cent since 2017, rising from six to nine, and the number of African artists exhibiting grew by 17 per cent. Marwan Zakhem, the Lebanese-born owner of Ghana’s Gallery 1957, exhibited for the first time at the fair this year. He has been collecting West African art since he moved to Dakar in 2001, and now lives in Accra where he supports the work of local artists including Ablade Glover, Krotei Tetteh and Kofi Agorsor. Marwan says the emergence of international art fairs on the African continent such as 1-54 Marrakech and ART X Lagos “prove the increasing interest in contemporary African art”. He thinks auctions dedicated to African art at Christie’s, Bonhams and Sotheby’s have also helped promote African artists to UK and US collectors. He also credits the acceleration of social media for allowing artists to reach wider audiences. “In the past, this could only be achieved through physical travel. Now African artists can upload images of their work and instantly connect with collectors, writers and general art fans globally,” he says. Indeed, in an increasingly networked world, social media is not only shaping how art is shown and, in some cases sold, but also how art is produced. While artists may previously have had to wait years to gain recognition, fame and fortune is potentially just a tap away. Ultimately, however, the art world is still a largely conservative and predictable place, where collectors covet and buy the names that have withstood the test of art history.
134
MOJEH CULTURE
LIFE & STYLE With a passion for design, eye for antiques and enthusiasm for cultural Indian interiors, Reema Mukhi’s home is a tasteful celebration of East meets West
Words by Hafsa Lodi
Reema wears Lyla shirt by Reema Ameer, jeans by Frame, jewellery by Arts & Gems, and shoes by Office. Above hangs a painting by Sri Lankan-born artist, Geshany Balder
Clockwise (from right): A painting from one of Bali’s many roadside art shops hangs above an antique chair gifted to Reema by her mother; Artmax lamp from Interiors; framed photographs of Reema’s wedding to husband Pritan and handmade sketches from Pakistan adorn her home’s walls
Photography: Borna Ahadi
T
hese are old Indian diamonds,” says Reema Mukhi while gesturing to her glistening earrings. “They’re uncut slices of diamonds, and I wear these every day. I have three to four staple pieces and I don’t change them very much.” It’s a simple statement, but one that reflects Reema’s overall aesthetic: a passion for traditional Indian design elements – a culture that has long inspired her – and a tendency to lean towards style staples like the classic white shirt, which she tells us she is constantly reinventing. With a degree in politics and career in journalism, Reema relocated to Dubai in 2006 with an opportunity to work on an international fashion magazine. Her plan was to gain some work experience as a fashion journalist for two years and then move back to the UK. But 12 years, a marriage and two children later, Reema, 38, who is Sri Lankan and Lebanese, is clearly settled in her beautiful Jumeirah home with her husband, an Indian jewellery designer, and daughters. And while Reema initially moved to the UAE to pursue a career in publishing, she eventually found her calling in another realm: fashion design. “When I had my first daughter I wanted to raise her myself,
but then she was such an easy baby. I think she cried three times in her first year of life,” recalls Reema. “After working 18-hour days in the media world, I suddenly had all this free time on my hands.” The new mother was a fan of preppy Liberty prints and Bonpoint designer clothes for children, but found them to be too expensive, so took to designing her own, enlisting the help of tailors to produce them. When a friend’s wedding came around in 2013, Reema designed a tailor-made outfit for the occasion. Attracting plenty of attention from fellow guests, she then began designing long Indian jackets with cultural embroidery and contemporary silhouettes on request. After an editor friend wore one of her designs to fashion week, receiving numerous compliments from the fashion crowd, Reema decided it was time to take her hobby to the next level. “I put together a small collection of about 80 pieces and called the who’s-who of Dubai society, contacts I had from journalism, to come for a launch party. It did really well,” she says. Now, under her namesake label, Reema Ameer, the designer produces two collections per year: one for the spring/summer season and one for the resort season,
136
“
My parents collected antiques. We grew up in antique fairs my whole life. Reema Mukhi Clockwise (from top): colonial Burgomaster antique chairs sit underneath three fashion sketches by David Downton; two navy-blue armchairs by 2XL Furniture & Home Decor and a coffee table by Alf Italia from Interiors decorate Reema’s atelier; photographs of Reema’s daughters Sahar, 6, and Summer, 5; Reema wears Nayla shirt and Xavi culottes by Reema Ameer, and shoes by Chanel. She stands in front of an antique desk and framed painting in her office
Jojo trousers and Coya top by Reema Ameer’s resort 2019 collection
and she sells the pieces through trunk shows. “I don’t do autumn/winter. I find that shoppers in this region are looking for clothes when they come back from their holidays for the party season, or when they’re about to leave for summer,” she explains. Reema says her meetings with clients are more like social affairs. She invites them into her atelier, where they discuss upcoming events, occasions and potential bespoke pieces over coffee. And while she’s been approached by PR agencies and department stores like Bloomingdale’s – Dubai, Reema prefers to keep the business intimate and manageable. “What I love about the whole thing is that it’s like a boutique experience. It’s a very personal experience, and I love that side of it. I don’t want to grow so big that I lose control, because I think once you relinquish control, your brand gets a bit diluted. It loses its flavour.” Her personal style and approach to design are just as eclectic as her cross-cultural background. In her home, neutral tones, greys and powdery hues are interspersed with wooden carvings, abstract sculptures and a collection of fashion illustrations by David Downton. “And, there’s this amazing Sri Lankan artist, Geshany Balder, who I commission pieces from, from time to time, so she’s working on something for me now,” she adds. Reema reveals her décor is soon to be further enhanced by a collection of antiques being shipped from her mother’s home. “My parents collected antiques; we grew up in antique fairs my whole life,” she says. The shipment will include Louis XIV chairs, along with gilted accent pieces and antique paintings that the designer has inherited from her family. This is Reema and her husband’s fourth house together. “We started off small, in the Springs, because I wanted
Reema wears Dalia dress by Reema Ameer, belt by Givenchy, and shoes by Chanel
to keep it real,” she laughs. “Then we moved to DIFC, which was closer to my husband’s work, and I wanted to be somewhere where there was still hustle and bustle, because I was so used to being around people all day. I thought, if I have this baby and I’m living in the boondocks I’m going to go into some kind of depression. At least in DIFC, I would wheel her around and see all these suited and booted men and women, and meet my friends for lunch. But as the kids got older, we needed more space.” A Londoner at heart, Reema says that England will always be home. She’s even considering sending her daughters to boarding school there, as she and her husband both did. But she doesn’t envision a move back to the UK any time soon. “We’re kind of entrenched in Dubai, because my husband’s family is here and he works for the family business, and they’ve been here for 60 years.” That will certainly come as a relief for Reema’s loyal clients, who turn to her season after season for their summer, resort and wedding wear – like her best-selling harem pants, for instance. “I think I’ve sold more than 500 or 600 of them in the past year,” she beams. “They’re tailored harem pants but you can dress them up or dress them down. My clients literally have them in four or five colours.”
138
FINAL NOTE
MY MYKONOS
“Sunset at Little Venice is a must if you visit Mykonos.”
By Greek swimwear designer Elena Makri
Elena Makri
A ruin in Delos
“I live over the port of Tourlos — the new Mykonos port, with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. I love it because just across from my home is the sacred island of Delos, the place of worship of Apollo and the world’s trade centre during 2,500 years BC.”
Little Venice
“The music at Scorpios Beach Club in Mykonos is my favourite. It’s spiritual and atmospheric and I think it perfectly reflects the island.”
“For me, immortal Greek style is the airless element of the ancient Greek tunics. The beauty hidden in the simplicity of the transparent dresses worn by the nine muses in Greek mythology is the absolute Greek style.” The picturesque streets of Mykonos Town
Kaftan, ELENA MAKRI
“During the evening I love to wear either a maxi dress or kaftan with gold embroidery or silk-satin pajamas. I always want to feel comfortable on the island.”
“I eat breakfast on my terrace watching the endless Aegean Sea. Lunch too, looking at the sun shine on Delos in the horizon. Dinner, however, I love having in Mykonos Town. My favourite restaurants are Katrin’s, Concept on Psarou beach, and Nobu’s Matsuhisa Mykonos at the Belvedere Hotel.”
Matsuhisa Mykonos at the Belvedere Hotel
Photography: Getty; Elena Makri. As told to Natascha Hawke
Swimsuit, ELENA MAKRI at Harvey Nichols – Dubai
Photographed by Cecile Bortoletti
SUBSCRIBE TO MOJEH MAGAZINE HAVE THE VERY BEST IN STYLE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOU. Call or email us at +971 4 553 9049 and subs@mojeh.com