Jacob & Co.

An

The

An

JODHPUR

Interview

Courtesy of Patek Philippe SA / asik

Shalini Passi India

ShaliniPassiArtFoundation &MASH(MyArtShalini)

wwwmashindiacom

wwwshalinipassiartfoundationco

m PresidentfounderoftheShalini PassiArtFoundation&MASH.

ShaliniisarecipientofThe 21stCenturyIconAwardbeing aDelhibasedartistandArts PatronofFICA(Foundationof IndianContemporaryArt),and isalsoanimportantPatronof theKochiMuzirisBiennale PassisitsontheAdvisoryBoard ofKHOJ(thenotforprofit contemporaryartsorganisation inDelhi).

Spain

InternationalRelationsfor"The DiplomaticWorld"

In2010shebecameDirectorof InternationalRelationsfor"The DiplomaticWorld"an organization,subscribedby68 ambassadorsandchairedbyHer Majesty,DoñaSofíadeGrecia, QueenofSpain

In2011,intheGulfsheworked asajournalistfortheFinancial TimesGermany,interviewed membersoftheroyalfamily andotherdecisionmakersShe coorganizedSpanishRussian politicalforums,inMunich, PragueandMadrid,attendedby theexPresidentofSpainand theVicePresidentofRussia.

"MéditerranéeenLumière"

wwwmediterranee en lumierecom

Estelleisawriterandan internationaljournalistShehas specializedinArt,Costumeand Fashion,thusshecollaborates withCondeNastsupervising theentirereportageforVogue, AD,GQ,WorldofInteriors Shecontributesto theluxurychronicle com Shefoundedthepublishing house"Méditerranée en Lumière" whosemissionistoprotectthe Peoples,CulturesandtheSea oftheMareNostrum. MéditerranéeenLumièrewill publish“SecretEgypt”in2021.

wwwIgn Josephcom

FounderoftheIGNJoseph luxuryshirtingandaccessories basedonItalianartisanal productionForsome20years hishandsewncollarsand courageouslyclassicfabrics havebeendistinguishingfea turesintheselectionofhigh endattireamongthebest gentlemen'soutfitters.The Swisseducated,nativeSri Lankanisaveteranofthe luxuryhospitalityJosephisa frequentcontributorto discussionsofhistoricaland contemporarystyle.His philosophyof"effortless elegance"iscomplementedby “there is no self from the shelf”

Liliya Tippetts

Monaco

VicePresidMoralmoda,Monaco www.marlidresses.com

wwwArteLia Consultancycom

Liliyahasart&businessconsul tancycompanybetweenLondon/ Monaco(mediacommunication, art&businessadvisory).Shewas previouslyinvolvedincapitalraise andwealthmanagementata LondonfamilyofficeLiliyaisalso CoFounderofsustainable FashionlabelMARLIDresses (MonacoLondon)focusingon designingecoluxurywardrobe essentialsShehasrecently acquiredshareholdingin www.n winescom company

Dr.Leonovaisastrongbeliever in

Sheprovidesknowledge-basedconsultancytomultinationalstartups,R&Dteamsin theUAE.Dr.Leonovaisafrequentspeakerandaco-organiserof high-endeventsdevotedtotechnology(G20Foundationeventin Hamburg2017andduringDavos WorldEconomicForum2020).

Raquel Elena Díaz

Estelle Arielle Bouchet France

Ignatious Joseph Germany

Dr Yana Leonova

M O R A L M O

Dearreader, Thankyouforyourattentiontothetopicshighlightedinour39thissue Itisa truehonourtounveiltheexclusivecoverstory,featuringMrBenjaminArabov, CEOofJacob&Co.

WeinviteyoualsotodiscoverexclusiveinterviewswiththeartistVictoriaV, athletes,jewelleryspecialistsandmanymore

TheexceptionalsavoirfaireoffineSwisswatchmaking,artists,aswellasteams ofleadingluxuryMaisonsorientedtowardsconsciousandsustainableluxuryare highlightedthroughoutthisissue.

We aim to highlight incredible individuals, philanthropists, artists, strong women,aswellasteamsofleadingluxuryMaisonsorientedtowardsconscious andsustainableluxury.

Weremainthankfulforthesupportfromindividualsandphilanthropistssuchas ShaliniPassi,whocontributedwithafeatureonJodhpur,orflyawaywithZiad NakadtoFrenchcastle,thatisotherwiseclosedtopublictemporarily Notably art

capabilitiesarehighlightedinthisissue.AmericanphilosopherMartha Nussbaum argued that we should develop the human capabilities in order to increasethequality

life Thereforetheproductsandknowledgehighlightedin thisissuewasselectedwiththisparticularattention

GREATRESTORATION PROJECTCOMPLETEDWITH THESUPPORTFROMROLEX

The restoration work of the King's corner room is once again an opportunity for the Palace of Versailles and its sponsor Rolex for exchange of know-how.

ThePalaceofVersaillesunveilsrestorationoftheKing’sPrivateOfficeinpartnership withRolexFrance.Therococointerior,paintings,gilding,furnitureandpricelessdecor isbroughttoformersplendour,castinggoldenshinelikea18kgoldRolexwatch.Even thesumptuous"AmericanIndependence"candelabrafrom1785,commissionedbyLouis XVIfromPierre-PhilippeThomirelooksagainasnew.Thiscandelabrasignifiesthe timeconsumingnegotiationsthattookplaceinthisroomwithBenjaminFranklinand theKingin1778,whenFrancebecamethefirstpowertorecognizetheindependent

StatesofAmerica.

RolexFranceisthelatestsponsortojoinbigFrench luxurycompaniesthathavehelpedtofinancethe continuingrestorationofthePalace.Theresearch andpreservationofemblematicobjectsofart,atthe sametimeaddanewdimensiontothisexceptional site.

InFebruary2021,anotherlargescaleprojectwaslaunchedat the Versailles WithsupportfromAXAGroup,MadameduBarry’s apartmentoverlookingtheMarbleCourtyard,willberestoredto itsformerglory Theworkisduetolast17monthsandwill concernallfourteenroomsinthe350m²apartment,builtinthe heartofthepalace'ssecondfloor,justaboveLouisXV'sprivate apartment.

BornJeanneBécu,shemarriedtheCountduBarryIn1768she waspresentedtoKingLouisXV,whowaselderlyatthetimeand

hadsuccessivelylosthisson,theDauphinLouisFerdinandandhis wifeMarieLeszczyńska

AtthecourtMadameduBarryreplacedking'smistressandthe frivolityofrococowiththeNeoClassicalstyleShecommissioned a number of works from the cabinetmaker Delanois, the woodworkerLeleuandthepaintersFragonardandVienAgreat loverofthearts,andphilosophy,shevisitedherfriendVoltaire, untilhisdeathin1778 Whilesheherselfwasbanishedfrom Versaillesfouryearsearlier, wwwenchateauversaillesfr

The Versailles initiates the restauration work in Madame du Barry’s apartment

A R T I S T B E H I N D T H E B R A N D ,

H O L D S A C A D E M I C D E G R E E A N D

H E R U P C O M I N G A R T E X H I B I T I O N

I S P L A N E D T O B E P R E S E N T E D A T T H E F O U R S E A S O N S B O S P H O R U S

H O T E L

Madame du Barry (1768 1793) insisted to keep the white and gold décor for the main rooms generally used for princes The other half of the love nest has exceptional polychrome decoration which the museum will renovate with the traditional know how of some 50 craftsmen including joiners gilders masons and stucco specialists

An interview with VICTORIA V

The Author of Symbolic Expressionism Artworks

V incorporates in her art practice

influences of Eastern European aesthetics as well as Western approach. Interested in ancient symbols and mythology, she combines in an intuitive, yet

expressive manner the contemporary influences, planting Kandinsky’s and Itten’s theories on form and colour impact

Victoria V’s figurative and abstract artworks explore the humans’ social boundaries and personal too, engaging concepts of trance, subconsciousness, sexuality, mystics and symbolism; while the different media (acrylics, markers, collage, papier mâché, ink, etc.) used by the artist enable her to create multidimensional and textured artworks with strong emotional vibes

andspiritsofthepondsandlakes,andwheremagicalritualsare transmittedfromgenerationtogeneration.Iadmirethecolours foundintheUkrainiannatureandUkrainianembroideryand folkloreornamentsI’malsoinspiredbythesoundsofUkrainian musicOntheotherhand,Russianavantgarde,Westernabstract artandSurrealismalwaysfascinatedme,bringingmebeyondthe limitsofmyimagination

MM: What role do symbols and mythology play in your paintings? V.V.:AtsomepointIwasinterestedinancientsymbols in theirmeaning,intheirinnerharmonyandhowtheyinfluence usI’vereadbooksaboutrunes,theirmeaningandhowto connectthemIaminterestedinTarotassymbolicsystem describingourrealityIwasreadingaboutWesternceremonial magictradition,whichusesalchemysymbolsaswellassigil encryptedphrases.OneofthefirstbookswhichI’vereadwas aboutmythsofAncientGreeceI’veresearchedthattopiceven afterwards,ofcourseSymbolsandmythologyaswellas conceptsofsubconsciousnessarethebasicsofmyartpractice

MM: Which are the main schools of your artistic inspiration?

VictoriaV:Iwasalwaysinterestedintheimpactofsymbolsand colours,andI’vefeltexcitedbygraphicsofMauritsEscher, paintingsofSalvadorDali,GustavKlimt,VassilyKandinsky, FridaKahlo,JacksonPollockandGiorgiodeChirico,art practiceofYayoiKusama;literatureworksofStephenKing,Ray BradburyandtheStrugatskybrothers.Theseworldrenowned namesaremysourceofartisticinspirationandinfluencemea lotinmyartpractice

MM: Which Eastern European aesthetics and Western art movements have influenced your expression?

V.V.:IwasborninUkraine,wheremagicvibesareallaround;I wasraisedinthenaturewhereIwasveryconnectedtothe energyoftreesandanimals,ofenchantedforestsandrivers,

MM: Which techniques and media do you work with primarily?

V.V.:MostlyIusemixedmedia,i.e.I’mmixinginmyartworks acrylics,ink,markers,oilpaints,charcoal,collages,paper,Papiermache,threads,wires,structuredpastes,goldenleaf.Themixed mediatechniqueallowsmetogobeyondtheboundariesofjustone medium,achievingdifferenteffects.

MM: Emotion seems the primary object of your study and inseparable part of your art, consequently you explore emotion via different media, what does the emotion entail for you as an artist?

V.V.:You’reabsolutelyright,myfeelingsandemotionsarethe mainpointofmyartpractice.

I’maquiteemotionalperson(sometimesmaybeeventoomuch) HoweverthosepeaksofemotionsthatIexperience,inspireme withnewthoughtsandnewimages,whichIusuallybringtothe canvasImakemysketchesduringthedayandImakemynotes withideasformyfutureartworks.Isketchdowntheimagesthat IvisualisebeforeIfallasleep allofwhicharebasedon emotionswhichIregisterandexperienceeverydayForme, creatingmeansinteractionofenergiesandsubtlematters, meanings,symbols,colours,pigments,linesandcanvasesIt meansthefusionofthearchaicwiththepresentandthefuture

MM: You are making works on consignment for clients, what is the process to understand the emotional and physiological picture of the person?

V.V.:WhenIdomyartworksoncommission,Iusuallyaskmy clienttoproposeanyrequests,whethertheclientmightwantmeto encrypttheclient’sportraitorenergieswithsignsandsymbols,or s/hemightwanttocreateaspecialatmosphereintheofficeorat home.AfterwardsIusuallymeditateonthenameoraphotoandon theclient’srequest.Duringtheprocessofmediation,Iusuallyget thosesymbolsandcodes,whichIputtothepainting,whichis speciallycreatedandcustom-madefortheclient.Makingsketchesis animportantstep,though,whencreatingtheoriginal.Ithelpsmeto connectevenmorewiththeclientsandtheirinitialrequest.Thus, duringthisprocess,mysketchesandthefinalversionmightdiverge somewhat.

MM: Which artistic plans do you have for the near future?

VV:Ihope,thissummerfinallyitgoesonI’mplanning severalartprojects,oneofthemIwanttomakeinAustriawith anotherartist,asanopendoorformat.It’saboutexploringthe influenceofotherpeople’sperceptionsontheartistandabout theroleoftheartistinthesocietyAnotherprojectIamaboutto launchisexploringsexualityItwillbeinaninstallationformat, wheretheaudiencewillexperiencetheatmospherewithlight, musicandhavealookatthepaintings,whicharerelatedtothe eroticsideofourlife.Myartworkswillbepresentedasapartof severalartfairsinEuropeandintheUSMoreover,I’mstill eagertoexploredigitalartandI’malreadymakinganotherone collaborationconnectedwiththesubconsciousnessStaytuned!

JACOB & CO.

INTO A NEW DIGITAL FUTURE

Sincethetourbillon'sinvention220years ago,itsdevelopmenthasbeenpromotedby numerousfinewatchmakers.Arguablythe mostspectaculartourbillonsaremadetoday bythefamily-ownedluxurybrandJacob& Co.Asthedemandforfinemechanical watchesisgrowing,weseethatthenew groupsofcollectorsseekhighlypersonalised watchesthatcantelltheirstorythroughthe brand'ssavoirfaire.Jacob&Co.hasthe advantageoftheexceptionalheritageofits founderJacobArabowithhisbackgroundin thediamondsectorandtheabilitytointeract closelywiththebuyer'sandunderstandtheir preferences.Beinganindependentluxury watchmakercomeswithallthefreedom,but alsoresponsibilityandchallengeswhichthe industryentails.Nevertheless,JacobandCo. provesitscapabilitytokeepupwitharecord yearin2020.

Thebrandisknownforitsone-of-a-kind mechanicalandhighjewellerywatches. Jacob&Co.introducedtheAstronomia collectionin2014,followedbyotherrecordbreakingwatchcollections,notablyitssport watcheslaunchedinacollaborationwiththe Bugatti.

Stayingtruetoitsmotto“Inspiredbythe

Impossible”,theluxurywatchmakerhas pushedthelimitsofexceptionalcreativity andengineeringsinceitwasfoundedby JacobAraboin1986.Thebrandtakesits creationstonewheightswithrevolutionary finetimepiecesandexquisitejewellerythat havecaptivatedcollectorsandfans.Witha uniquetalentforcreatingdesignsthatareas innovativeastheyarespectacular.For35 years,JacobAraborepresentstheheartof thecompanyasadedicatedanddriven leaderoftheHQinNewYorkandSwiss hautehorlogerieateliersinthecradleoffine watchmaking,theSwissJuramountains. Thebrandisfoundatthemosthigh-end destinations.Thisenablesthebrandto retainacloserelationshiptoitsinternational collectorsfromthecreativeindustrytothe sportsworld.Mr.Araboisamanwho developsfriendshipswithmanycollectors. Mr.Arabowelcomescollectorsandprojects withexceptionalstoriesandbackgrounds, fromalltheworld.

Recentcollaborationunveiledhis passionfornatureconservation,whenin late2020thecompanyannounceditsnew limitededitionofAstronomiaTourbillon thathighlightstheemergencyofclimate

change.WiththeAstronomiaTourbillon Everest,itsvisionarycreatorJacobArabo signalswhy"Raising awareness about the dangers facing our planet is important”.With thelatestlimitededitionofAstronomia Tourbillon,thebrandtakesitswatchesto newheights-literally.Jacob&Co.'s collaborationwiththerenownedSwedish explorerandadventureactivistJohanErnst Nilson,whohadanAstronomiaTourbillon onhiswristduringhisrecentexpeditionto theHimalayas,isoneofnumerous remarkableimportantpartnerships.

The brand’s many iconic partnerships

ThedriveandcreativeforceofMr. Araboisevidentineachcollaborationand manifestedinuniquecollectionthatare createdfromthesynergyofthecreative groupsthatJacob&Co.hasinvitedto collaboratewithsofarincludingwithhyper sportscarmanufacturerBugatti,Universal Picturesfilmstudio,worldfootballstar LionelMessi,ParamountPicturesfilm studio,streetweariconSupreme,designicon VirgilAblohandOffWhite,tonamethe mostrecent,andBenjaminArabovisnow inpositiontotakethebrandfurther.

Witharespectfortraditional craftsmanshipandartistryandan abilitytoenvisionandrealize exquisitejewelleryandunique timepieces,hemakesthetruly extraordinaryarealitythroughthe alchemyofedgeandelegance. Luxurywatchandjewellerybrand, Jacob&Co.,hasnamedBenjamin ArabovasitsnewCEO.

Jacob & Co. records a record year

Theappointmentcomesatatime whenthecompanyexperiencedits bestyearintermsofrevenuedespite theglobalcoronaviruspandemic. Arabov,28,isthesonofJacobArabo, thecompany’sfounderwhogrewthe businessfromakioskintheNew YorkDiamondDistricttoamultimilliondollarinternationalbrandwith morethan100employeesandwith points-of-salethroughouttheworld.

ThetwowillworktogetheratJacob &Co.’sNewYorkheadquartersand boutiquewheretheywillfocuson theirindividualstrengths.

Sincehetookoverthesocialmedia activitiesofthecompanyin2017,the luxurybrand’ssocialmediaaudience grewfrom200,000to2.5million followers.HesaystheInstagram accountisthefastestgrowingamong itspeers,alongwithTikTok.

Inadditiontodigitalinitiatives,Arabovsaysthathisresponsibilities willbetocontinuethegrowthofthebrandglobally.Thiswillinclude managingstaffoverfivecontinents,developingandimplementing businessstrategiesandmaintainingrelationshipswithpartnerssuchas thehighperformancecarmanufacturer,Bugatti.Arabohasexpressed strongconfidenceinhisson’sabilitytomovethecompanytothenext level, “My vision for Jacob & Co. is multi-generational longevity. Our world is changing fast, especially after the pandemic.

The entire haute horology industry is navigating what the future will look like,”Arabosaid.“By combining Benjamin’s digital aptitude with Jacob & Co.’s DNA, I believe he will take our company to new heights. Benjamin will re-engineer Jacob & Co.’s core competencies as a global brand, as we are set to pioneer our industry into a new era. I am proud of the accomplishments we have had since I founded the company, and I am excited to launch its next chapter with Benjamin as our new CEO.”

“My vision for Jacob & Co. is multi-generational longevity. Our world ischanging fast.” - JacobArabo,FounderJacob&Co.

ALLIMAGESCOURTESYOF JACOB&CO

“We each have our unique skills sets that don’t cross over,”Arabovsaid.“So, we are not banging heads because as we all know, family businesses are not easy so it’s important that we collaborate but also stay in our own areas and focus on our strengths to take this business to the next level. Also, I’ve been learning from my father’s entrepreneurial mentality my whole life and now I get to continue doing that every day, working side by side with him in the business.”

Arabowillworkspecificallyonthecreative sidedesigningproducts,managingthesales team,overseeingproductproductionand focusingon“bigpicture”projects. Meanwhile,Arabovwillcontinuetofocus onJacob&Co.’sdigitaltransformation, somethinghe’sbeenconcentratingonsince 2017whenhebeganconsultingwithJacob &Co.

Digital game-changer

Theconcentrationinsocialmediahas directlyledtoannualyear-on-yeargrowth insalesof20%to30%forthepastfouryears. Adigitalgame-changerforJacob&Co.was whenaclientpurchasedtwowatchesvalued overaUSD1millioneach,sight-unseen, basedonanInstagramphoto.

Arabovhonedhisskillsasadigitalinnovator withanumberofhisentrepreneurialstartups,includingGrowEnrollments,a consultingcompanyhefoundedin2016that focusesongeneratingdigitalleadsfor educationalinstitutionsthroughGoogle AdWords.HestartedthebusinesswithUSD 1,500ofhisownmoney.

Thecompanyachievedmillionin revenuein2020.Thissuccessledhimtobe namedtotheForbes30under30listfor2021. “I’ve been an entrepreneur for a long time. I started my first business when I was eight years old selling Pokémon cards to kids in high school. I was always into sales, but at age 15 I started a business selling products on eBay and fell in love with figuring out how to make sales digitally. So, in terms of standing out, I’ve been at it for a long time and I’m grateful for the recognition by Forbes. It was an emotional moment for me and I really appreciate them selecting me from more than 20,000 submissions.”

“I’ve been learning from my father’s entrepreneurial mentality my whole life and now I get to continue doing that every day, working side by side with him in the business.” - BenjaminArabov,CEO Jacob&Co.

An interview with ROMMY GIANNI

Founder and Captain of The Monte Carlo Polo Team

By Liliya Tippetts VicePresidentofMoralModainMonaco

Rommy Gianni is the President of the Association and Federation of the Monte Carlo Polo and Captain of the Polo Team in Monaco Gianni talks about his passion to Liliya Tippetts at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, state of the art polo club in Dubai.

Liliya Tippetts: You are the founder and captain of Monte Carlo Polo Team that was founded almost 10 years ago Can you take us back though this journey and the founding years?

RommyGianni:IhavecreatedthePoloAssociationand FederationtenyearsagoHavingbeenMonteCarlocitizen since40yearsIthoughtitwouldbegoodideatobringpoloand mypassiontoMonacoThisishowitallstarted,andtodayIam CaptainofmyteamtheMonteCarloPoloTeamandPresident oftheMonteCarloPoloAssociation,andproudtorepresent MonteCarloWehaveplayedwiththeteamworldwideThe teamhascompetedinternationallyinArgentina,Brazil,England, India,StTropez,andtheUnitedArabEmiratesWeplayedat theWorldPoloCuponsnowinStMoritzfouryearsago,and wehavewontheWorldCupthreeyearsinarow.Weplayed internationallyeverywherewherethepoloishighlyappreciated.

L T: What does it mean to you as an athlete to play polo under the flag of Monaco Principality in Dubai?

RG:FormeitisanhonourtoplayundertheMonegasqueflag, IgrewupinMonacoanditismybasesincetheageoffourI’m ItalianandmyfamilyisfromRome,howeverIfeelathomein Monaco.

L T: In Dubai you and the Monte Carlo Polo Team compete at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, when did this cooperation start, tell us please about your long lasting friendship with the CEO of Al Habtoor, Mr Rashid Al Habtoor? What does it mean for your team to compete at this stage?

R.G.:Istartedplayingpoloattheageof21.Istartedplaying24 yearsagoPolowasmyfather'spassionandIstartedplayingat hispoloteambackthenItthenbecamemybigpassion,andI createdtheMonteCarloPoloTeam MyfriendshipwithMrRashidAlHabtoorcontinuessince1995 WhenIcameforthefirsttimetoDubai,andwemetup.I playedpolopracticehereattheAlHabtoorPoloClub.Since then,MrRashidAlHabtoorandbecamefriendsWehavealso playedpolotogetherinStTropezItisnowabouttenyears sincethefirsttimeIplayhereinDubaiwiththeMonteCarlo

PoloTeamWehavedecidedtocreatethiscooperationherein Dubaibetweentwofriends,whosharesamepassion,andthus unitethetwopoloassociationsteamsinthemutualpassion.

MM: Are there any logistic or other obstacles that can affect the team or horses competing abroad and in different settings and climate?

R.G.:Unfortunately,whenweplayhere,Iamnotabletobringmy horses,butMrRashidAlHabtoorissogeneroustolendhishorsesfor theteam.Itisverydifficulttobringmyentireofficialteamespecially now.WehaveplayersfromArgentinaonourteamandthetravel restrictionsdon'tenableallplayerstomeet.Thus,IplaywithMr RashidAlHabtoor'ssons,anditisapleasuretoplaywiththemand anArgentinianprofessionalpoloplayer.Wehavealreadyplayedthe firstgameofthetournamenttakingplacehereinDubai.

MM: How long do you intend to prolong the polo season here in the Gulf with Monte Carlo Polo Team, and when can we expect to cheer for you in Monaco/Europe again?

R.G.:Monacoisthebiggestdream-toplayinMonacosoonagainis ourpriority.Itiscomplicatedtoorganizeit.Weareplaningapolo eventonMonacogrounds,andweanticipatethatthiscouldtake placesoon.

MM: The Monte Carlo Polo Team partnered with fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young, why is philanthropy important to you?

R.G.:Iconsidermyselfveryluckytobeplayingthissport,itisgreat honourtobepartofthissportandpoloworldandweliketogive backtopeoplewhoareinneed.Oneofthefirstcharitiesthatwe organisedwashereinDubai.ItstartedabouttenyearsagowithMr RashidAlHabtoor.IalsodidacharityeventwithPrincessCharlene ofMonacofoundation,andwetrytodoasmuchaspossible.

Iworkonmygoals,oneofthemistosupporttheteamsubstantially andunitealldedicatedandpassionatepeopleaboutthisnoblesport backinMonaco, www.montecarlopoloteam.com.

Thank you

Rommy Gianni, in the center with The Monte Carlo Polo Team

Rommy Gianni, with polo team during the polo practice the Al Habtoor Polo Club Mr Rashid Al Habtoor (left) with Rommy Gianny (right) Courtesy all images of Gianny

ASTONMARTINBEGINS NEWERAANDRETURNSTO FORMULAONE™

AstonMartinmayhavebeenabsentfromF1™for61years,butthe company’scompetitivecredentialsarefirmlyintact.Thecompany’s returntothegrandeststageofmotorsportunderpinnestheBritish luxurycarmanufacturer’sgreatknow-howandcapabilityinthe sportcarracing.

Aston Martin and Grand Prix

AstonMartinwasformedbyLionelMartinandRobertBamfordin 1913withmotorsportattheheartofitsendeavour.Nextyearwill markacenturysinceAstonMartinmadeitsgrandprixdebut(in France1922),andthebrandhasenjoyedsustainedsuccessinsportscar racing.

AMR21,toberacedthisseasonbyfour-timeF1™WorldChampion SebastianVettel(DE)andrisingstarLanceStroll(CA),(centerimage andrighttop)carriesastrikingAstonMartinRacingGreenliveryin recognitionofAstonMartin’straditionalracingcoloursandglorious sportinglegacy.

ThenewAMR21,ispoweredbyaturbo-chargedMercedes-AMG F1M12EPerformanceenginewithhybridenergyrecovery.

The enginewasunleashedfortheveryfirsttimeatSilverstone duringapromotionaldayon4March,2021,beforeitjoinedF1™ calendar openingwithfulltestprogrammeinBahrainon12-14 March.

ExecutiveChairman,AstonMartinLagonda,LawrenceStrollsaid: “I’ve dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always been a car guy and I’ve always loved racing, too. My first dream was to own a Formula One™ team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. So, as I say, today is all about dreams, and it shows that dreams really can come true, in the shape of our new AMR21.“

The iconic Amber Lounge Fashion Show, where guests pledge their support in our live charity auction, followed by the Amber Lounge Dining and yacht experience. One U*NITED and exhilarating experience.

Thisyear,foritstraditionalcharityfashionshowduringtheMonacoGrandPrix,AmberLoungewillsupporttheBritishcharityCaudwell Children,whichimprovesthelivesofchildrenwithdisabilities.

BOOKayourticket:

Martin.

GIRARD PERREGAUXIS ASTONMARTIN’SOFFICIAL WATCHPARTNER

TheSwissManufacture,creatorofpeerlessexemplarsofHauteHorlogerie,partnerswithAstonMartininamilestone yearforbothbrands.Thetwocompanieswerefoundedbyvisionarieswithaninnatepassion.AstonMartinwasfounded in1913,whileGirard-Perregauxcancelebrateits230thanniversary,sinceJean-FrançoisBauttein1791,agedjust19, producedhisfirstwatch.

Girard-PerregauxbrandingwillfeatureontheAstonMartinCognizantFormulaOneTMTeamcarandteamuniform. TobiasMoers,ChiefExecutiveofAstonMartinLagondanotedthatthenewpartnershipsisfosteredonsimilarcore valuesandissupposedtoenhancetheexchangeofengineeringideas,experienceandsavoir-faire.

OtmarSzafnauer,AstonMartinCognizantFormulaOneTMTeamChiefExecutiveOfficerandTeamPrincipal,joined him,notingthat,“Formula One™ and Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team in particular will prove themselves to be respectively a fantastic promotional platform and a brilliant marketing partner for Girard-Perregaux,” PatrickPruniaux,Girard-Perregaux’sChiefExecutiveOfficer,addedthatbothbrandshavemuchtocelebrateandthat, “uniting our worlds to create something special is the perfect way to acknowledge and appreciate these milestones.”

Aninterviewwith LEOCRIACO SeniorSpecialistat

Christie'sJewelryDepartmentin Switzerland,ItalyandSpain

Leo Criaco is newly appointed Senior Specialist at Christie’s Jewellery. Before moving to Geneva he spent ten years in the field, first in London at the prestigious antique jewelers Bentley&Skinner

MM: What is your relationship to jewellery and Christie's?

LeoCriaco:IstayedsevenyearswithBentley&SkinneronPicca dilly,Mayfair,andthentwoyearswithinthejewellerytrade, beforeImovedtoGenevatojointheauctionworldin2015.

AtChristie’s,Ifulfillacentralroleacrossallthefacetsof auctionbusiness,includingconsignments,clientdevelopment andvaluations,withaspecificfocusontheimportantItalianand Spanishmarkets Anotheraspectofmyjobistoadviceclients abouttheirpotentialreshapingoftheircollections Oneofmy favoritepartsistobeinthesaleroom,withtheclientsonthe phoneandbiddingontheirbehalf.

Ingeneral,IloveoldgemstonesandanythingfromtheArt DecoorBelleEpoqueperiods notonlyJewellery!

MM: What are the perks of working at a leading auction house, and what expertise do you seek to develop at the Christie's?

L.C.:Inourjobpassionisthekeydenominator.Workingfor thegreatestauctionhouseintheworldmeansthatIgettohold thebestandfinestgemsandjewelsinmyhandsthatare otherwiseonlyaccessibletotheirownersandourclients This helps me to train my eye and to enlarge my knowledge constantly

Asthejewelleryworldiseverchangingdrivenbythe market,amarketthatchangessometimesradicallyyouneedto stayconstantlyupdatedanddeeplyengaged,togivegoodand valuedadvicetoyourclients Especiallyasjewellerycanbea veryemotionalfieldandisrelatedtopersonalandseasonaltastes, aspecialistneedstobeveryaccommodatingandknowledgeable aboutthelatesttrendsaswellastrendsofthepastNonetheless, it’sveryimportanttobeabletorecognizeanoriginalsignature fromaforgery,anoriginalantiquefromamodernreplicaandto beabletovaluetheobjectcorrectlyAtrainedeyehasessentially thepossibilitytobecomeagreatspecialistandtherewithtowork atthetopofthebusinesswhereChristie’soperates

MM: Which projects would be highlighted in your office calendar?

L.C.:ThisyearI’vehadthehonorandthepleasureofproposing

auctionsinItaly.TheDolceVitaJewelsonlineauction,stagediN MilanthisFebruaryperformedextremelywell,confirmingthelove andpassionofItaliansforjewellery,andreflectingthehugeglobal appreciationforItalianjewellery,as50%ofthebuyerswere international.Thisisanongoingprojectforme,whichIintendto expandandpresentthenextDolceVitaMilanoonlinesalelaterthis fall.

We’vewitnessedin2020asignificantboomforonlinesales, includingthesaleofthemostexpensivelot,a28caratdiamond sellingforover$2milliononlineOurJewelleryonlinesales haveveryhighsellthroughrates,whichareduetotheexpertise andknowledgeoftheglobalteam,withover300yearsof combinedexperienceandthestrongtrustourclientshaveinus. Thegrowthofnewclientsin2020wassubstantialandhas alreadycontinuedtoincreasein2021!

Throughout2021atChristie’sGeneva,whereweholdourpre stigiousMagnificentJewelsauctions,wewillpresentatotalof fourauctionsinMayandNovemberwithitsliveauctions,as wellasonlineonlyauctionsinJulyandSeptember OuradditionalEuropeansalerooms,whereweholdJewellery auctions,suchasLondonandParisarenowfullyoperating online,eachlocationtwiceayearNewYorkconductsmonthly onlinejewellerysale,andHongKongoffersacombinationof onlineandliveauctions 2020digitalizedourwayofworkingandopenednewformsof interactingwithclientsallovertheworldLecturesandconfe rencesviaZoomarenormalitytodayandthereforeIamworking onaseriesofprivateonlinelecturesforvariousprivateclubs, jewelleryfirms,familyofficesorsimplyforjewellerylovers

MM: How did Christie's record a big influx of consigned jewels?

LC:Thebeautyofmyjobisalsothatweneverknowwhat willcomenext,butfor250yearsChristie’sneverfailedto deliverthegreatestgemsorthefinestjewels,andwe’llcontinue todosoWe’reworkinghardereverydaytomakesureoursales includethemostimportantpiecesofjewelleryNottoforget thatwehavejewelleryforeveryleverofcollectingEveryclient isimportanttous

TheGenevasalewillofferfantastichistoricjewels,the sapphireparureofNapoleon’sadoptivedaughter,Stephaniede Beauharnais,GrandDuchessofBaden,orthelargestmined diamondinRussia,aswellasawonderfulselectionofsigned jewelsofferedwithoutreserveThecatalogueshouldbeonline endofApril,anditisworthwhiletobrowse Ipromise!

Courtesy by Christie’s.

Btoucheron was the first of the great contemporary jewelers to move to Place Vendôme in 1893.

Since 2020, ethically committed jeweler uses 100% responsible gold in its supply chain

WhenHélènePoulitDuquesnejoinedBoucheroninOctober 2015astheCEO,itwasamilestone.Forthefirsttimeamajor jeweleratPlaceVendômeisdirectedbytwowomen Sheis meritedtoleadtheMaisonwithherextensiveinternational expertise as well as great understanding of the luxury watchmakingandfinejewelry.

HerrolesatBoucheronincludepursuingthegrowthofthe MaisonBoucherononaninternationalscaleandstrengthening itspositionamongthemostprestigiousjewelersintheworld

HighJewelleryRingBleuInfini aquamarine,3153ctdiamonds,whitegold

PoulitDuquesnehassoundexperienceinmanagingand developingluxurybrands.AfterobtainingherMaster'sdegree fromtheFrenchbusinessschoolESSEC,PoulitDuquesnebegan hercareeratLVMHbeforejoiningCartierInternational,partof theRichemontGroup,in1998.

In2010,shewasnamedInternationalMarketingDirectorand becameamemberoftheExecutiveCommittee.Shethenbecame theInternationalBusinessandClientDevelopmentDirectorin 2014,beforejoiningBoucheron,apartoftheKeringGroup,in 2015Sheispassionateabouthorseriding,especiallydressage

Claire Choisne creative force at Boucheron ClaireChoisnejoinedBoucheronin2011,fascinatedbytheMaison's creativityand160yearsofrichhistorythatstartedwithitsfoundation in1858byFrédéricBoucheron. Choisnedrawsherinspirationwiththedesiretoreinterpretthe Maison'sclassicsand,aboveall,todesignjewelleryasaudaciousas contemporary.

Ajewelerbytraining,ClaireChoisneisasinterestedintechniqueas indesign,bringingatechnicalboldnesstohercollectionsthatis unparalleledonPlaceVendôme.Trainedatthejewellerycollegeof RueduLouvre(1994-1997),shereceivedtheprestigiousnational awardforthethreebeststudentsinjewelleryinthecountry.Shethen became,in1998,ajewellerydesignerforL'OiseauKebadjan,before settingupherownjewellerybusinessin1999.

In2001,shetookoverthedirectionofthedesignstudioofLorenz BaümerJewellers.ShethenworkedforthelargestMaisonsofPlace Vendôme,injewellery,finejewelleryandwatchmaking,before joiningBoucheronin2011.

Herveryoriginalstylecanbefoundinallthecollectionsofhigh jewellerythatshedesignsfortheMaisonduringthe2010s:"Artisan duRêve"in2012,"HôteldelaLumière"in2013,"Rêvesd'Ailleurs" in2014,"BleudeJodhpur"in2015,"26Vendôme"in2016,"Hiver Impérial"in2017,"NatureTriomphante"in2018,“Paris,vudu26” in2019and"Contemplation"in2020.

FollowinginthegreatBoucherontradition,sheemploysunusual combinationsofmaterials,exploresproportionsandinventsdifferent waystowearthepieces.InamoderntributetotheMaison's iconoclastiestyle,sheisreinventingwithpassionclassicBoucheron deviceslikereusingrockcrystal,introducingnewmaterials,suchas sandormarbleintohighjewellery,andinventingunexpectedand playfulmulti-weardesigns.

ShehasalsoworkedonnewversionsoftheQuatre,SerpentBohème andRefletcollections,whicharemust-seesoftheMaisonBoucheron.

French High Jewelry Maison BOUCHERON under the direction of Hélène Poulit Duquesne and Claire Choisne

HélènePoulitDuquesne,CEOBoucheron(abovelefttorightandoppositepage) andClaireChoisne,CreativeDirectorBoucheronAllimagescourtesyBoucheron

Soon in “Secret Egypt” book

Dahab Island Palace

a stroll along the Nile

Tribute to a Mamluk burjite ancestor

By Estelle Arielle Bouchet Photos: Nadia Rifaat

With this house I wanted to conclude by bringing back the glory of our ancestors. I immigrated as a child during the Egyptian Revolution and I had nothing left in Egypt. Our history was being forgotten and by building this House, I'm reviving it. My grandparents' memory, thus, God bless their souls, will be remembered.

NaguibHassanAbd-Allah

Dahab Island (The Gold Island)

ThereisasecretplacesomewhereinCairoonaforgottenisland, despiteitbeinginthecentreofthecity,namedDahabIsland(The GoldIsland) ItcanbediscoveredalongtheNilewhereonecould easilyimagineMosesbeingfoundontheNilewatersbythePharaoh’s daughter…

DahabPalacestandsinsharpreliefagainsttheseenchantinggreen landscapesvivifiedbytheNilesilt.GeziretAlDahaborGoldIslandis locatedintheGovernorateofGuizeh.

ThePalaceisclassifiedbytheMinistryofCultureasa“Vintage Heritage”.

ItissurroundedonlybytheNile,farmlandandsmallhomes,the Palacestandstallanddetachedandisvisiblefromacrosstheisland.

Youcanreachthismythicplaceonlybyboatorfelucca,the traditionalwoodenNilesailingboat.

Dahab Island Palace and the Mamluk heritage

Thejourneythereshouldtaketime;amomenttorelaxandmeditate inanorientaldimensionoftime…Afterpassingseveralgates,arches, gardensandpatiostheDahabIslandPalaceunveilsitselftothevisitor. Itsarchitectureisassoberasafortressandisreminiscentofthe Europeanneogothiccastlesofthe19thcentury.

ButitsstyledefinitelybelongstotheMamlukarchitecturestillpresent intheold neighbourhoodofEastCairo,aroundtheCitadelwhere thePrinceAgaKhanFoundationhasrestoredseveraloldMamluk Palaces.

TheMamluksdynastyruledEgyptformorethan260yearsandtheir ruleendedwiththeOttomanconquestin1517.

TheMamlukBurjitecamefromCaucasusandestablishedthemselves mainlyinEgyptwherethiscastofwarriorsruledthecountryfor almostthreecenturies.

DahabIslandPalace

Booking: dahabestate@yahoo.com Phone:00(201)00101013023

Princely Estate and its interior

Theowner,PrinceNaguibHassanAbd-Allah,French-Egyptian gentlemanisadescendantofEmirHassanTcherkesAbd-Allahwho foughtagainstBonaparte'sconquestofEgypt.TheEmirusedtolive inoneofthemostelegantPalacesofCairo,whereaccordingto Monge“ we could find treasures like in Louvre itself”.NaguibHassan Abd-Allah,aesthetehimself,decidednottofallintonostalgyandin 1994copiedtheplansofhisancestor'sPalace,andreproducedthe Emir'shousewitholdmaterialsandgiftedcraftsmen’sknow-howas atributetoEmirHassanTcherkesandtoMamlukBurjidheritage.

Naguib,veryattachedtohisEgyptianroots.returnedfromEurope tobuildapalaceandliveinEgyptagain,hisnativecountry,andalso incommemorationofhisgreat-grandfather'slegacy.IttookNaguib twentyyearstobuildthePalaceandletthetreesofthegardens grow,helpedbytheriverNile.

Returningtothepresentday,wherewe’restillfarfromtumultuous andnoisyCairo,DahabIslandPalaceistheperfectpeacefultopos forreceptionsandexceptionalevents;peoplefromtheEastand Westappreciatethismagicalandexclusivesetforunforgettable events,commemorationsorweddings.

Hassan Bey Abd-Allah, portraited as a young man with turban (1810-1909).2.H.E.Abd-AllahNaguibwithKingFaroukofEgypt. KingFaroukhandsoutH.E.Abd-AllahNaguibacup,1951-Egypt.

NaguibHassanAbd-Allah.4.NazemShahAbd-Allah.Copyrights EditionMéditerranéeenLumière.

generations of Egyptian gentlemen

Most Anticipated Hotels

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (left), were guests at San Domenico resort along some of the world’s most powerful and beautiful people.

Images: fourseasons.com

San Domenico Palace

Thissummer,FourSeasonswillwelcomediscerninggueststoitsthird Italianproperty,thelegendarySanDomenicoPalace,whichissetjust offthesoutherntipofItaly,onthelargeandlovelyislandofSicily. Sicilyhaslongbeenapopularplaygroundfortherichandfamous.San DomenicoPalaceisoneofthemostrenownedhotelsontheisland.Its historystartsin1374asaconvent,butitsdoorsopenin1896asoneof

Europe’sfirstgrandhotels.EversinceSanDomenicohasattracted royalty,artists,writers,scientistsandHeadsofState.Itsvisionaryowner PrinceCerami,whotransformedtheconventintoahotelhasplanteda seedtothegloriousfutureofthelocation.Thenewmanagementby FourSeasonsandGeneralManagerLorenzoMaraviglia,seeksto preservethehotel’srichhistory,famousforcateringtosomeofthemost celebratedfiguresintheworld, fourseasons.com.

NewBulgariHotelat “Triangled’Or”

BvlgariHotelispoisedtobecomethenew it venueintheworld’s mostvisitedcity,whenParisfinallybecomesitsauthenticItalian hospitalityaddress.Situatedthe8tharrondissement,inoneofParis's mainbusinessdistricts,the7thBulgariHotelwillbeneighbourtothe headofficesofmajorcorporationssuchasAXA,Bouygues,SanofiAventis,GDFSuez,HSBCFrance,and Standard&Poor's'France officeandlandmarksliketheChamps-Élysées,theArcdeTriomphe, thePlacedelaConcorde,aswellastheÉlyséePalaceMostFrench fashionluxurybrandshavetheirmainstorein huitième, too.

gueststoTheSt.RegisAlmasawiththerebrandingoftheAlmasaHotel. LocatedintheNewAdministrativeCapitalofEgypt,theprojectis realizedtogetherwiththeNationalAuthorityforManagement& InvestmentunderitsChairman,GeneralSherifSalahEl-Din,“The National Authority for Management and Investment is excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring the classic sophistication of the St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital of Egypt.”Thehotel’senviable addressissituatedashortdistancefromEgypt’sministerialdistrictand thenewArtsandCulturehubwhichishometotheGrandOpera House,Egypt’sCapitalsMuseumandtheCapitalLibrary.

The St. Regis and neoclassical sophistication

GuidoDeWilde,ChiefOperatingOfficer,MiddleEast,Marriott Internationalsaid,“This opening is a significant milestone in our journey and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us.”

TheSt.RegisAlmasablendstheneoclassicalstylewiththesurrounding lushgreenlandscape.Arcadesandcolumns,impressivelylinedaroundits vastcourtyardwithpool,giveprivacyto270rooms,90suites,60 apartmentsand14villas.Thehotel’sclassicaestheticblendseffortlessly withanelegantpalateofrichfabricstocreatearefinedenvironmentof luxuryandcomfort.Guestswillenjoythebrand'ssignatureButler Service,whichoffersaround-the-clockanticipatoryservice.

TheSt.RegisAlmasaboastsa42,000-square-footconventioncenterthat hostsofficialgovernmentconventionsandevents,aswellasofficial foreign presidents’ and delegation visits. The Convention Center includes3ballrooms,9meetingroomsand6VIPloungeswithaccessto aprivaterestaurant. ItalsofeaturesTheSummitHall,whichis renownedforhostingheadsofstates,andTeatroAlAsema,astate-ofthe-artspectatorvenue, st-regis.marriott.com.

Golden Triangle ParisianGoldenTriangleisheavenforluxuryescapism.It’sbordered bythehotelperseonAvenueGeorgeV,theChampsElyseesandthe AvenueMontaigne.Ideallocationaftertheatreplayorwalksalong therightbankofriverSeine.Its76rooms,mostofthemsuites,offer afullrangeofluxuryfacilitiesincludingaspawitha25-metrepool.

Haussman city planning

Bulgari’scityhotelstendtohaveexterioranonymityandcanbe almostimpossibletofindinthelabyrinthofstreetsinLondonand Milan.Whilethe19thcenturyHaussmanianurbanpatternsareform thehotel,itsredesignedfacadestandsoutthankstotheItalian architecturalfirmAntonioCitterioPatriciaViel,andtherenowned ParisianarchitectsValode&Pistre, bulgarihotels.com.

TopimageBvlgariHotelParis

TheSt.Regis,amongfirstluxury brandstoopen inEgypt’sNew AdministrativeCapital

“The property has layers upon layers of history, but it’s a brand new hotel with fresh energy...”

LORENZOMARAVIGLIA GeneralManager

Journey in time and tradition Pera Palace a stroll along the Bosphorus…

Text: Ignatious Joseph Photos: Cevdet Günay

IstillrememberthestoriesmyuncletoldmewhenIwasayoungboy abouthowCeylonteareachedConstantinople.Itwasnotinthose ancientcaravansbutintrainspulledbysteamlocomotives—although theyfollowedtheoldSilkRoad.TheBritishheldthenteamonopoly andhenceteawasdistributedtotheSultanate,whereitwasbrewedin themanyTurkishteahouses.Itriedtorecallthosememories,the anecdotestoldthen,whilelookingforevidencetoprovethetruthof myuncle’stales.

Retracing the heritage and family stories in Istanbul

MyuncleswereteatradersandIalsolearnedtobescepticalofall Orientalmerchants.Sellingandbuyingalwaysmeanstellingsomeone stories.Aconvincingstorymaymakeadealwithouttoomuchwaste ofthetruth.So,Idecidedtousemytriptoseehowmuchofmy uncle’stalesweretrueortall.

ItwasajourneythattookmemorethanfivedecadesbeforeIfinally gottovisitthebanksofBosporus.Constantinoplehasbeenatraveller’s magnetforcenturiesbecauseitstraddlesEuropeandAsiaacrossthe Bosporusstrait.ItsOldCityreflectsculturalinfluencesofthethree empiresthatonceruledfromhere.IntheSultanahmetdistrict,the open-air,Roman-eraHippodromewasthesiteofchariotracesfor centuries.Egyptianobeliskalsoremainsatthevastsquarewhere different periods and architects have raised a testimony to the importanceofthelocation,partlyinEuropeandpartlyinAsia.

TheiconicByzantineHagia(Saint)Sophiafeaturesasoaring6thcenturydomeandrareChristianmosaics.Nowadaystherenohorse carriages,butmoderntransportationlikeairplanes.Iarrive,afterafew hoursinflight,totheancientimperialcapitaltobewelcomedbythe friendlystaffofthatformertemporaryresidenceofwriterslikeDame AgathaChristie,PalaceHotelinPera,withasweetTurkishtee& Turkishdelight.Itisalwaysagreatpleasuretosetfootinsucha wonderfulhotel,locatedinIstanbul’sprestigiousandvibrantdistrict.

Mr Baris Atik, (right) Assistant Dir for Sales at the Pera Palace hotel, explaining how social life attheOrientBarchanged"astimegoesby"

MrIgnatiousJosephatPeraPalaceHotel'sentrance.

PeraPalaceHotel,themainHall,KubbeliSaloonTeaLounge.

“Since 1892, the Pera Palace has welcomed many visitors

guests from all around the world to enjoy and explore the capital to three empires

are delighted with to have you as a guest, and the team will take great pleasure in seeing old friends, and having the opportunity to extend our hospitality promise

Pera Palace a contemporary icon

Thishotelopeneditsdoorsin1892fortheEuropeantraintravellers ontheOrientExpress.Renownedasthefirstandoldest“European” hotelinthecity,itwasbuilttosatisfythedemandforsafe, comfortableandstylishaccommodationbythoseonbusinessor pleasureinthecity.

“CompaniesInternationalWagons-Lits”builtthehotelprimarilyfor thosearrivingatitscontinentalrailservicefromLondon,Parisor Vienna.Aircraftandhigh-speedrailservicemadetheovernight carriageobsolete.Forawhilethelinewasservicesasaluxurytourist attraction.Butthattoowasdiscontinued.Hence,allthatremainsof thefamousrailwayrouteisthehotel,whichalsochangedowners.

Modern design meets traditional hospitality

ThePeraPalacewasastateofartmodernhotelwhenitwasbuiltand aftermanyyearsitretainsitscontemporarityandsuperiorhospitality standardevenafterextensiverefurbishments.Today,thePalaceisa safehavenfortheworldtravellerwithalltheluxuryandservicethat isexpectedatthefivestarhotelandmore.

AgainIoptedforanicecosyroomoverlookingtheBosporus,aroom onthe“GoldenHorn”side.Mydaysarespentenjoyingtheservice, foodandbeverages,andthefeeloflazydayspassingby.Theromantic atmospheremakesrelaxationinthelobbyorinthebarapleasure. WhenItakeastroll,crossingtheGalataBridge,theSpiceBazaaris oneofmyfirststops.

Turkish spices and cuisine

Ultimately,Isettleforlunchat“RestaurantPandeli”aninstitutionthat datesbackto1901.Afterthoserichlambstews,Idefinitelyneeda Turkishcoffee.Icouldgetthisfromafriendlyshopkeeper,tryingto sellmesomecurrypowder.Invain,hewouldarguethattheTurkish mixtureisratherstrong.Myretortwasthatnothingcouldbeasspicy asmymother’smixture,onewithenoughchillipeppertomakemy fatherandunclessweatmorethantheSriLankansun.Ashotof “arrack”wouldtamethecurry,butmysiblingsandIhadtotakeour mum’scurry“pure”orwithabitofcoconutmilk.However,Ididnot comeheretobragaboutmymother’scooking.So,Iboughthalfa pound—ofcourseatadiscount—notonlybecauseonehastomakea

About the author: Ignatious Joseph, Founder of the IGN Joseph line of luxury shirting and accessories based on Italian artisanal production

For some twenty years his hand sewn collars and courageously classic fabrics have been distinguishing features in the selection of high end attire among the best gentlemen's outfitters worldwide The Swiss educated, native Sri Lankan is a veteran of the international hospitality industry Known from Düsseldorf to Delhi and Manhattan to Moscow for his unique style and hallmark "red shoes", Mr Joseph is a frequent contributor to discussions of historical and contemporary style His philosophy of "effortless elegance" is complemented by the simple motto that "there is no self from the shelf" ign Josephcom

dealinabazaar,butbecauseI’msureitwillbemoreintensethanthe spicesofferedinsupermarketsathome.Thismetropolishasalotto offer,eithersomethingspiritualorspecial,likethe“hammams”or bathinghouses,worldclassmuseums,artgalleries,cafés,teahouses, someoftheworld’sfinestclassichotels,andexclusiverestaurants, servingbothlocalandexoticcuisine.

Sipping in the Bosporus views with Turkish tea

Besidesseveralancientmonuments,theworld-famousBlueMosque, theprivateresidencesoftheformerrulersandsultans,andnaturally thehomegroundofoneofEurope’smostcompetitiveUEFAfootball clubs,thecity’senchantingpanoramaincludesexclusiveprivate homes,oldwoodenandnew,thatcanonlybeseenfromtheferries andexcursioncraftsthatplytheBosporus,wherethelocalfishermen catchsardinesandmackerels.

ThegatheringpointistheGalataTowerandGalataBridge,wherea teavendorwillserveahottea,tokeepthefishermen,withtheirlong hooks,fromlosingtheirpatienceandspirit.Infact,liketheformer Germanchancellor,HelmutSchmidt,wasfondofsayingwhenfaced withworryorchallenge,“waitawhile,keepsippingtea.”

AtriptoIstanbul—evenduringsuchtumultuoustimesasthese— offersjustthecalmandrefreshmentthatIneedtofacethefuture. perapalace.com

minute you step through the door will bring you back to the old glory days of Constantinople where East meets West

team and I will do our best to make sure you leave with fond memories ” Mr Murat Eti, General Manager of Pera Palace Hotel

MrMuratEti

LeftimagebyIgnatiousJoseph

dahlmannde

On a journey to: JODHPUR THE BLUE CITY: PART II

Text and Images courtesy: Shalini Passi

Five kilometers away from the city centre of mesmerizing Blue City of Jodhpur, lay a lake of mythical proportions known by the name Bal samand Lake

Whenthecitywasfounded,waterstructuresofvarioustypeswere employedtoharvestrainwatertomaketheregionhospitable throughouttheyear.TheLakeisanartificialreservoir,builtinthe 13thcentury,whichextendsoverakilometerinlength,fiftymeters inbreadth,andfifteenmetersindepth.Ontheshoreofastupendous lake,TheBalsamandPalacewasconstructedlaterasasummer palace.

The Royal Family’s favourite retreat

TheBalsamandlakepalacewithitslovelypromenadeonthelake, wasalwaysmorethanjustaresidence;apleasurepalaceinthefinest Mughaltraditionofthepicnic.ThepalacehasitsownOriental Garden,boat-house,swimmingpool,tennisandsquashcourtsandits expansivegroundsalongthelakemakefordelightfulwalks.It remainstheRoyalFamily’sfavouriteretreatandhousesavast collectionofAfricantrophiesalongwithoriginalwatercoloursby Snaffles.Onlateroccasions,acustomwascreatedwiththeRoyal FamilycelebratingthefirstrainsinBalSamand.Today,afterthe successfulcompletionofanambitiousrestorationandmodernization programBalSamandisthepalaceforallseasons.

Umaid Bhavan Palace

UmaidBhavanwasbuiltbyMaharajaUmaidSingh(19291942) andnamedafterhimSubsequently,thisexquisitePalace(right)is alsoknownasChittarPalaceduetothelocalsandstone chittar, utilizedinit.ThePalaceisnotedforitsimposingarchitectural features;ItisasplendidexampleofIndoColonialandartdeco architectureofthe1930sThedistinctivefeatureofthispalaceis themanuallychiselledsandstoneblockshavebeenassembledina uniquesystemofinterlockingwithoutanymortarbinding

Architecture and art

ThearchitectureofthepalacewasdesignedbyaBritisharchitect whohasrenderedanIndoSaracenicstyleofarchitectureinit

Thewonderfulfeaturesofthepalace’sarchitecturearebeautiful balconies,greengardens,charmingcourtyards,andstately roomsAportionofthepalacehasbeenconvertedintoahotel, theotherremainsintheformofanexcellentmuseumwhich housesmodelairplanes,weapons,antiqueclocks,bobwatches, pricelesscrockeryandhuntingtrophies.

StefanNorblinwashiredtomakepaintingsforthisresidence, onesthatwouldmatchitsmixofEuropeanmodernismand

traditionalIndianarchitectureNorbin’sextraordinaryinputs amongthepalacesdecoratedbyhiminIndia,UmaidBhawanis theoneheaffectedthemostThepalaceflourishedwiththe abundanceofvariouspaintingsandmuralsrevolvingaroundthe epicpoemRamayana.TheTriumphantReturnofRama,Sita, Lakshmana,andHanumantoAyodhyafromLanka,located directlybehindthethrone,isespeciallyimpressiveduetoits richness

TheJaswantThada(above)isacenotaphlocatedinJodhpur,in theIndianstateofRajasthan.ItwasbuiltbyMaharajaSardar SinghofJodhpurStatein1899inmemoryofhisfather, MaharajaJaswantSinghII,andservesasthecremationground fortheroyalRajputfamilyofMarwarThecenotaphisbuiltout ofintricatelycarvedsheetsofmarbleThesesheetsareextremely thinandpolishedsothattheyemitawarmglowinthesun

Abovetopandleft:ShaliniPassiatMandorePalace,JodhpurBelow:Interiorof UmaidBhawanPalace,Jodhpur

The Reverso family in the Jaeger-LeCoultre collections is celebrating 90th anniversary this year with new models in very limited editions. The highly decorated Reverso line instantly dazzles with its elegant contrasts and delicate finishes, even those too subtle to perceive. The Reverso collection stands out for its extraordinary savoir-faire and now features the world’s first watch with four faces; the most complicated Reverso timepiece ever made.

Itisimmediatelyidentifiablebyitspatentedmechanism.Inits90th anniversaryyear,theReversoHybrisMechanicaCalibre185features atotalof11complications,includingperpetualcalendar,minute repeater,indicationsofthesynodic,draconicandanomalisticcycles (neverbeforepresentedtogetherinawristwatch),requiring12 patents.TheEarth'ssatelliteholdsmanysecretsandweneverseethe farsideoftheMoon,whichalwaysfacesawayfromEarth. Nevertheless,Jaeger-LeCoultrecombinesuncontestedmasteryof chimingwatches,precisionmechanisms,astronomicalcomplications andultra-compactwatchmakingtounveilmanyoftheMoon's secretsonitsfourdials.

Face 1: Hour – Minute, Tourbillon (indicating the Second), Instantaneous Perpetual Calendar, Grande Date, Day, Month, Leap Year, Night & Day Naturally,thetourbillonisoneofthemainprotagonistsofthenew Jaeger-LeCoultreReversoHybrisMechanicaCalibre185(Quadriptyque).Thisyearisalsotourbillon'sanniversaryyear,itwas invented220yearsagobyBreguet.Dialoffersthe7o’clockposition ontherectofaceofthecase,foraflyingtourbillon(thuscalled becausetheabsenceofanupperbridgemakesitappearasitfloats).

Face 2: Jumping Digital Hour, Minute, Minute Repeater

ThestrikingworksoftheReversoQuadriptyquearecompletely exposedalongsideasecondarytimedisplay,indicatingthesametime astherectodial,butinajumping-hoursandperipheral-minutes format.AstheQuadriptyquestrikesthetime,settingasymphonyof springs,cams,hammersandgongsintomotion,theiracousticreport confirmsthevisualdisplayofthesecondarydial.

Face 3: Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase, Draconic Lunar Cycle (height of the moon), Anomalistic Lunar Cycle (apogee and perigee), Month, Year

Thisyear,forthefirsttimeeverinthehistoryofmechanical horology, Jaeger-LeCoultre unites three displays of lunar information—thesynodiccycle,thedraconiccycleandthe anomalistic cycle — in a single wristwatch. This unique micromechanicalcombinationofindications,locatedontheinterior faceofthecradleoftheReversoHybrisMechanicaCalibre185, allowsthedeterminationofeclipseevents(bothsolarandlunar)and rarelunarphenomenasuchassupermoons.

Face 4: Southern Hemisphere Moon Phase

OnthelastfaceoftheQuadriptyque,theexteriorfaceofthecradle, arepresentationofthephasesoftheMoonintheSouthern Hemisphereisshown, jaeger-lecoultre.com.

Jaeger LeCoultre unveils secrets of the Moon with

The Swiss luxury watchmaker Piaget is synonymous with extraordinary savoir-faire. The brand’s creations are intimately renownedwiththejetset.TheMaisoncountsnumerousartistsand socialitestoitsteamoffriends.PartlybecausePiagetmastersthe secretsofHauteHorlogerie,andhascapabilitytopairitalsowith HauteJoalleriecraftsmanship.

Piagetisoneofthefewwatchmakersthatnurturesthe savoir-faire to crafthand-madegolddials,braceletsandgemsettingtechniques.At thesametimePiagetalwaysfindsnewwaysmakeitscollections extraordinarybypushingthelimitsandbreakingtherecordsof watchmaking.

High-end sports watch with in-house movement

NotablythenewskeletonizedPiagetPolowatchbenefitsfrom immediateimprovedwearability,achievedthroughfinehorological artofskeletonization.ThenewPiagetPolocollectionfostersallthe valuesoftheSwisswatchmakingandunveilstwonewmodelsof high-endsportswatchwithin-housemovement.Thelinesthat describethebrand’snewPolomodelareinherentlyPiaget.Inspired bytheoriginalPiagetPolothatmadeitsdebutin1979.

Piaget’srecordbreakingultra-thintimepieces

Thisin-houseresearchacceleratedfromthelate1950s.Fromthisperiod, thePiagetarchivesholdrecord-breakingultra-thinmovementsfeatured inmodelslike'Ultra-thinWatch',(whichwasexhibitedasapartofthe recentPatrimonyExhibitionsatPiagetboutiquesinGenevaand Zurich).Thebrand’sfirstrecordisonthedevelopmentofthe12P movementwhichincarnatesthefirstgenerationofPiagetautomatic movements.Launchedin1960,the12Pmovementwasthethinnest automaticmovementintheworldofitstime:2.3mmthick.

‘SKELETONISATION’

Toreachfurtheronthisroadin2021,Piagetturnstoskeletonization ofthenewPolowatch,shavingallunnecessarypartsandmaterialfrom itsdial.Skeletonisnotalwaysthefirstchoiceforasportwatchbutit makessenseintermsofwearabilityandthefinalvisualresult.Not havingseenwatchesinpersononecanimaginethatreadabilityagainst skeletondialisnotimpairedevenfordialsthatarecoloured.Thewatch casegeniouslyretainsthedesignincorrespondencetotheoriginalPolo, whilethenewversionispoweredbytheentirelydevelopedin-house self-winding,manufacturemovement–1200S1,whichis2.4mmthin. Thiscanbesetincomparisontotheworld’sthinnestwatchAltiplano UltimateConceptWatch,whichPiagetlaunchedin2020asthinas 2.35mm.ForthisunimaginablecreationPiagetwashonouredwiththe prestigious“Aiguilled’Or”atthe20thGrandPrixd’Horlogeriede Genève(GPHG),Piaget.com.

AllimagescourtesyofPiaget

Inatributeto PiagetPolowatch anditsillustrious history,theluxury watchmaker adaptsthe FINEEXPRESSIONOF HOROLOGICAL ART

ThenewPiagetPolo luxurysportwatchhonoursthe glamorousbrand

The more streamlined Piaget Polo corresponds well to the Maison´s unprecedented quest to produce the world’sthinnestmovements.

Left: Limelight Gala Tiempiecee

Right: Limelight Gala Rainbow in 18K rose gold dameter: 32 mm (Bezel set with 5 brilliant cut green tsavorites (approx 091 ct) and 37 brilliant cut coloured sapphires from red to orange yellow blue indigo and violet (approx 790 cts)

Piaget manufacture self winding mechanical movement (501P1) G0A46188

PIAGETPREMIERSNEW LIMELIGHTGALA

ADORNEDWITHTHECOLOURSOFTHERAINBOWFROM“SERTIEDESCENDU”

SETTINGANDMOTHER OF PEARL

TheHouseofPiagetisrenownedforitshigh-endjewelleryand watchcollections,orcombiningthetechniquesfromboth,whichis whyPiagetcanunveilitsveryfirstLimelightGalaadornedwithsocalled “Sertie Descendu” gem setting technique preserved and perfectedinPiaget’s“Atelier de l’Extraordinaire”.Piagetisalsooneof thefewremainingMaisonsthathasthesavoir-fairetocrafthandmadegoldbracelets,andembellishmentswithararetraditionalcraft developedinthe1960sthatbecamehugelypopularthankstoPiaget’s boldcreations.

Mainlyinspiredbynature,Piagethasusedcountlessdifferentlifelikemotifstoadornitshand-madegoldbracelets,suchasleather design,oceanwaves,frost,flowers,foliage,bark,snakescalesand manymore.Thenewgoldbraceletisengravedinthesamepatternas thedial.

Foundedin1854,theSwiss,watchmakerremainsrelevanttodaywith aseriesofexquisitecollectionsandprojectsthatkeepenchanting connoisseurs,buyersandcollectorsandingeneralfansofhighvalued gems.

Two luxury timepieces with a profound narrative

Recognizingtheneedforluxurycreationsthattellastory,Piaget proposestwonewmodelsinanentirelynewcombinationof preciousmetalsandgemstones,andcoloursfromitsiconicLimelight Gala.Thecollectiondatesbackalmost halfacenturyandisamongoneofthemostadornedandwearableat thesametime.Verymuchthankstotheinhousedevelopmentand animpressiveteamofskilledartisanscapableofmakingcreationsthat turnheadswithitsperfectlyintegratedgoldcaseandbracelet,and lugs,whicharedelicatetolookatbuthavehighcomfortof wearability.

Piaget’s “Atelier de l’Extraordinaire”

ToPiaget,theultimateeleganceissynonymouswithits extraordinary watchmaking and ultra-thin watches. Finally the HouseofPiagetisarecordholderofcreatingtheworld'sthinnest watchandLimelightGalaperseexploresthindesign.

Piagetcleverlyachievesafurtherreductioninthedesignofthe goldbracelet.Theworkofachainsmithiscrucialhereandcanbe compared to that of a Haute-Couture dress-maker. For the seeminglydelicategoldbraceletthestrengthisretainedbyhundreds ofgoldlinks,whicharetightlyassembledbyhand.Inthenextstep, theartisanmakingthebraceletissolderingthecountlessminiature linksthatwillresultinabraceletofremarkablesuppleness.

Adorned with exquisite gemstones

Onlyafewartisans,whoworkinPiaget’s“Atelier de l’Extraordinaire”, havetheexpertisetohand-engravethispattern.Thedecoration alonetooktwohourstocompleteonthedialandeighthoursto finishacrossthebracelet.

Piaget retains the proportions right with progressively-sized, colouredgemstones.Sourcingsapphiresanddiamondsofthiscalibre isextremelychallenging.Piaget’sgemmologistssearchedlongand hardfortheexactcolours,carat,cut,andclarity,explainingwhythe seriesisnumberedandlimited.Onecanimaginethatthesettingalso demandedparticularpatienceandexpertisefromtheMaison’sgemsetters,whoneededtocreatetheperfectcolourandsizetransition fromonegemstonetothenextusinganintricatetechniqueof“Sertie Descendu”thatmagnifiesthebrillianceofeachgemstone, Piaget com.

For the very first time in its history Piaget has created a rainbow setting with a spectacular array of green tsavorites and coloured sapphires that range from red orange yellow blue indigo and violet

ImagescourtesyofPiaget

Going Green

LITTERALY

Going Green

&MORALLY

What started in 2016 with Rolex Daytona Green Dial 116508, has now evolved to includemoregreenRolexdials butalsofinetimepiecesfrom Patek Philippe and Chopard. Green is hope Green is calming to the eyes. When warm yellow is paired with coolblueaneutralshadetricks the mind to perceive it as green

Greencomplimentsseveralnew modelsveryelegantly.Perfect tone of dark green dial is framedbythelusterofwhite gold and diamonds at Patek Philippe, patek.com.

Butit’shardtotellfromthe photo whether the bezel of baguette diamonds amplifies theluxuriousesthetics

Since 2018 Chopard has set newstandardinluxuryby

working with ethical gold only. In the new Imperial collectionChopardunitestwo superior peaks, the ultimate ecoluxury with superior esthetics, chopard.com. Celebrating90thbirthdayofits iconic Reverso, the Swiss JaegerLeCoultreunveilsaptly namedReversoTributeSmall Seconds It comes in deep greenofthepineforeststhat

growintheValléedeJoux

The dial features all of the signature design elements of theReversoTribute:thehours aremarkedbyappliedindexes withfacetedshape.At6o’clock isthecirculartrackofthesmall seconds.Orwhynotoptfor one of four new Reverso Precious Flowers in four interpretations

RolexisintroducingfournewversionsofitsOysterPerpetual Datejust36featuringnew‘palm’and‘fluted’dialmotifs(above center).Thepalmmotifevokeslush,vibranttropicalforests,while theflutedmotifshowcasesthepatternfoundonarangeofRolex bezelsthathasbecomeoneofbrand’ssignaturestyles, Rolex.com.

Cartier unveils new movement for Tank. CyrilleVigneron, PresidentandCEOofCartierInternational,aptlyproclaimsthat 2021willbeayearofTankAcrossthesectorbrandsoffermore compactmodelsanddials Cartier’ssignaturestylesinspiredby contemporaryarchitectureandArtDecoiscelebratedinthe Tankcollectionthatgetsunprecedentupdate, Cartiercom

CartierTankMustwatch

MBandF unveils Legacy Machine X

celebrating a decade of groundbreaking LM series

SincethepasttenyearsMBandFhasbeenpushingthelimits ofimagination,engineeringandwatchmakingwithitsLegacy MachinecollectionTheMBandFkeepssurprisingthecollectors andindustrywitheachnewmodelandthe"evolution"ofthis collectionWehaveseenonerevolutionarymachineafter another.Indeed,thefinetimepiecesbyMBandFareaptlynamed machines.ThereistheHMcollectionwhichemphasises everythingthatthebrandstandsforParticularlytheLM

HoweverthisdoesnotpreventtheMBandFtothinkoutsideof the'box'Itequipsitscaseswithaexaggeratedlyhighsapphire crystaldomethatprotectstheflyingbalancewheelThiswasso beautifullyaccentuatedwiththebrand'sfirsteverladieswatch unveiledduringtheBaselworldin2019Inthesameyear MBandFlaunchedtheLegacyMachineThunderdome,jointly signedbyEricCoudrayandKariVoutilainen,featuringthe world’sfastesttripleaxisregulatingmechanismThenin2020

Theluxurybrandsputongreenglasses

Fromtopclockwise:Gübelin,SplendidFeathernecklacefeaturesgreen sapphires.Rolls-RoycepartnerswithHermèsforBespokePhantomOribe green.BegümKhannewelyredesignedinteriorsofboutiqueinIstanbul. QueenMáximaoftheNetherlandswithBegümKhanclutch.Piranesifine jewellery.Berevetimepiecesref.:C1.BV02.18BG.X2.U1EnamelGrand FeuChamplevégreendiallandwhitegolddust.SergioRossiSS21shoe collection.AnnaHuone-of-a-kind‘SkyTower’Necklace.Artolia's wellbeingnewcollection.CindyChao’sEmeraldSculpturalBanglesetwith 5,305diamonds,sapphires,demantoids,colour-changinggarnets,tsavorites andalexandrites,andtoppedwitha7.61ctColombianemerald.LES ENLUMINURES,ThePetitesHeuresofCharlesVIII,KingofFrance,c. 1490-1493.BulgariDiva’scollection,(allcourtesyofbrands).

Green is good

of

Centre image: Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, the hours are marked by applied indexes with faceted shape. At 6 o’clock is the circular track of the small seconds The slim 8

case houses the manually wound mechanical Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 822/2;

Gemstone Rating

TheHouseofGübelinisrenownedforitshigh-endjewelleryand gemstoneexpertise,butalsoahighleveloftransparency.

Foundedin1854,theSwiss,family-ownedfirmremainsrelevant todaywithaseriesofexquisitecollectionsandprojectsthatassist industryinsiders,buyersandcollectorstogradetheirhighvalued gems.

Recognizingtheneedforastandardizedgradingsystemwhich diamondsalwayshad,butgemstonesdidn’tuntilnow,Gübelin proposesatoolwhichpromotesassessmentofhigh-

qualitynaturalcolouredgemstoneswiththehelpoftheGübelin GemstoneRating,availablefromtheLucernelaboratory.TheRating enablestheassessmentofcolouredgemstonesaccordingtothreekey factors;quality,rarityandsalience.

Theratingisofferedfornumerousvarietiesofhigh-quality naturalcolouredgemstones,includingrubies,sapphires,emeraldsas wellaspadparadschasapphires,paraibatourmalines.

GübelinAcademy’snewonlinecourse

Collectorscanlearnmoreaboutgemstones,bytakingtheGübelin Academy’snewonlinecourse“Coloured Gem Professional: The Basics”.Itpresentsabroadrangeofknowledgefromexpertsin Lucerne,HongKongandNewYorkforonlinelearning.Thecourse offersexceptionalinsightfromthecurator,whomanagestheGem Lab’sreferencestonecollectioncomprisingmorethan27,000 samples.

TheluxurywatchmakerBreguetiscollected bytheroyalcourtsofAsiaandEuropesince itsveryearlystart.Hisearlycreationsform partofimportantprivatecollectionsand permanentcollectionsinsomeoftheworld’s most acclaimed museums, including the BritishMuseum,Louvreandofcoursethe BreguetMuseuminParis.

Queen Marie-Antoinette began ordering Breguetwatches,suchastheself-winding models,rightfromthebeginningofher reign,andshowcasedtheirexcellencetothe courtsofEurope.

Breguet

Inventor of the Tourbillon

Narrates its story in China

In 2021, Breguet celebrates the 220 years since the brand's founder AbrahamLouis Breguet (1747–1823) invented the celebrated Tourbillon. Aware of the importance of his invention the watchmaker applied for a patent, which expired after ten years and enabled a groundbreaking development of the watchmaking and timekeeping up to today.

The French revolution and Tourbillion

The Maison’s unprecedented quest to produce the world’s most accurate fine watches,resultedintheground-breaking innovation by Breguet after the French revolution.

MovingtoexileinSwissalpsBreguetused his unvoluntary Swiss intermezzo very efficiently.Hisground-breakinginvention tourbillionresultedina10-yearlongpatent andeventuallyshapedthefutureof fine watchmaking.

Ontheoccasionof220thanniversaryofthis majorinvention,Breguetlaunchesaretro-

spective exhibitions dedicated to the Tourbillon.Fromitsoriginstotheposition it has today in watchmaking, this complicationisamongthemostfascinating inventions. An exquisite mechanism of unrivaledcomplexity,theTourbillonliesat theheartofagenuinehumanadventureand contributesextensivelytothereputationof itscreatorAbraham-LouisBreguet.

Breguet's savoir-faire tours China

UnveiledinthetownofXiameninApril, theexhibitionwillthenstopinHangzhou, ShanghaiandShenzhen.Fortheoccasion,a historicalpiecefrom1808fromBreguet’s collectionswillbepresentedtoo:theNo 1188featuringaTourbillonandaconstant escapementwithafuse-chainsystem.

ImagescourtesyofBreguet

The Gübelin Gem Lab offers

Gübelin boutiques are found in Zürich Lucerne Geneva Basel Lugano and St Moritz plus the Salon Hong Kong or online at wwwgubelincom/virtual salon

TheglamorouscouturecollectionbyLebanesedesignerZiad Nakadismadeofexquisiteembroiderywhichcouldtakeupto3 monthstocompleteforoneweddingdress.Nolessthan500 metersoforganzawereneededtocreatethe15dressesofthe collection. The exquisite couture collection for the SpringSummer2021byiscompletelyhandmadeandpayshomageto Frenchheritage,libertyandmythologicalcharacters,symbolised bytheBirdsofParadise,whichlandattheChâteaudeVaux-LeVicomteforacollectionfullofcoloursandsymbols.Thisbeauty arrivesfromBeirut,bruisedbyrecentevents,longingforescape, fordreams,fortravel,seemoreon,vaux-le-vicomte.com.

Fordaysandnights,infulllockdown,theCreativeDirectorcuts thetripleorganzaofsilk.Thecontoursappeardelicately,andZiad wantedthiscollectionsexy,slightlyfrivolous,inordertoregain thecarefreelifeofyesterday.Thedressesaremajestic,transparent, airy,theostrichfeathersminglewithsilkandlace.

Allpiecesareentirelyhand-embroideredinthedesigner'satelier, ziadnakad com

COUTURESS21 SpringSummer 2021 FARHADRE

couturecollection

TheexquisitecouturecollectionfortheSpring-Summer2021,by FarhadReiscompletelyhandmadeandpayshomagetotheGreek mythologyandart,withitswhitelooksdrapedtoresembleGreek fashionandart.

Fordaysandnights,infulllockdown,FarhadRecutsthetriple organzaofsilkinavirginalwhiteness.Thecontoursappear delicate,andjustlikethemythicalfigurePygmalion,Farhad applies himself to carving a light, sculptural, architectural silhouette.

PygmalionisalegendaryfigureofCyprusinGreekmythology whowasakingandasculptor.HeismostfamiliarfromOvid's narrativepoem Metamorphoses,inwhichPygmalionwasasculptor whofellinlovewithastatuehehadcarved.Farhadcreatescouture insimilarapproach,withgreatpassionforhismetier.Nolessthan 500metersoforganzawereneededtocreatethe15one-of-a-kind dressesofthenewspringcollection.Theirvolumeandfluidity signallightnessthatcanbeexperiencedduringthesummer morningsspentneartheAegeanSea, farhadre fr.

Anniversary couture collection Spring Summer 2021 Rami Kadi “Retrospective 10”

Rami Kadi presents couture collection for Spring Summer 2021 that marks the tenth anniversary of Rami Kadi Maison de Couture. This collection has retrospective aspect and highlights craftmanship.

A decade of superlative success

RamiKadireflectsonadecadeofgreatcreativityandsupport, “This decade has been a decade of experimentation, learning, and growth ”Heandhisteamhaveexploredthemesrangingfromthe individualtothecollective,takinginspirationfromfestivals, books,films,events,inanimateobjects,andthegreatcreativity spiritofhishomelandLebanon.RamiKadiisnotonlybeloved bystarsofhishomecountrybutcountstheinternationaljetset amonghisfrontrowsupportersduringhisfashionshowsin ParisSocialmediaandcelebritieshavehelpedthebrandtogrow inEuropeandAsiaAttheCannesFilmFestivalin2019 AmericansingerandartistJessicaJungmaderedcarpet appearanceinRamiKadihautecoutureThewhitegownwas embellishedwithfeathersandmirrorembroideryandherlook wasbeautifullyadornedwithChopard haute joaillerie “During those ten years, we have been fortunate to receive the support of many celebrities and influencers, with whom we retain sincere relations, and to whom are utterly grateful”Similarly,thepresshasbeena supportiveforce,featuringusinprintandonscreen,andto thosepeopleinthepressindustryweoweagreatdeal.Assuch, itisonlynaturalthatweshoulddedicatethiscollectiontothis tenyearmark,recallingkeyhighlightsandthankingallofthe peoplewhohaveworkedwithus”

“Retrospective 10”

Thenewcouturecollectionconsistsexclusivelyoftenpieces, eachofwhichharksbacktoamilestonedress,revisitingitor fusingitwithanothermilestonedesigntobringoutsomething newIncontrastwiththechromaticboldnessthatusuallytypifies RKMaisondeCouture,“Retrospective10”basesitselfon metalliccolourssuchasgold,silver,platinum,andbronze

"In order to decide upon the dresses that we would base this collection upon, we dug into our archives and carried out research on our work over the past ten years" ,Kadiexplains.Ultimately,theselection processwasbasedontwokeycriteria:signaturestatusand endorsement“Signaturestatus”denotesadressthatcanbeeasily recognisedasRamiKadi,whetherintermsofcut,embroidery, ortreatment;whilst“endorsement”denotesadressthatwas wornbyamajorcelebrity(ies),orthatwasmetwithpopularor criticalacclaim

Hautecoutureandsustainableluxury AswithhisdreamycouturecreationforJessicaJungin2019,Rami Kadipresentsrichlyembroideredcouturethatretainsgraceful lightnessthroughtheuseofdelicatefabricsinchromaticcolour combination,“Inthisperiod,wehavelearntsomuchontechniquesin embroideryaswellasotherproductionaspects." RamiKadicoutureiswellrecognisablebymoderncutandfluid dresses,oftenshortlength,anddecoratedwithsimplifiedgraphics andsoftened,geometricembroiderypatterns.Thesecanbemodern orinspiredbytraditionalpatternsandrichLebanesefolklore,applied onfabricssuchastullepointillé.Couturecollectorswillappreciate richembroiderycraftmanshipwithSwarovskicrystalstones,glass beadsandsequins,metallicwaterysequins.Kadiremainshumble abouthisgrowthandinternationalrecognition,"Iwoulddescribethese tenyearsasalengthyprocessoftrialanderror,duringwhichwehavehad someachievementsbringingjoytoourhearts,aswellassomechallenges fromwhichwehavelearnt.”

UNGoodwillAmbassador

RamiKadiisalsorecentlyappointedtoRegionalGoodwill AmbassadorforsustainablefashioninWestAsiabytheUN EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP).AtthisplatformRamiKadiwill beabletoscalehisinfluenceandlauncheverlargersustainable projectsadheringtotheUNEP’s2030Agenda,followingthe pioneeringprojectsthathedidthroughtheMaisonRamiKadiasa sustainableluxurybrand.RamiKadi.com

All

byRamiKadiMaisondeCouture

FOUNDERS

OFCHEEKYCHERUB

asustainableStartUpforKids!fromLondon

InterviewbyEstelleArielleBouchet

Erika Abd Allah and Lucy James founded the Cheeky Cherub in 2020 to change the waste in the kids wear industry, while making the process efficient for mums Cheeky Cherub is now a one stop shop to buy and sell pre loved luxury items

Asamother,Lucyknowsjusthowquicklyhersonsoutgrow everythingfromclothestocribs.Butasafulltimecorporate lawyersheneverhadtimetophotographprelovedpieces,let alonemanagetheirresaleErika'scareerinadvertisingand marketingmeanssheisaccustomedtosolvingbusinessproblems throughunderstandingconsumerneedsThepairmet6years ago,discoveringasharedentrepreneurialspiritTogether,they recognizedagapinthemarket.Theycombinedforcestocreate aonestopshopfortimepoormotherswhotakesustainability seriouslyandappreciatequality

The Founders

LucystartedhercareeratAllen&Overyasacorporatelawyer Herpassionforretailledhertojointheinhouselegalteamat WestfieldworkingwithbrandsfromBurberrytoDisney.Sheis amotheroftwoboys,bothunder2yearsoldErikagraduated fromOxford,leadingtoalongestablishedcareerinadvertising andmarketing,workingwithglobalFMCGandluxurybrands fromP&GtoBelstaffHerpassionforbrandbuildingdovetails withLucy'sbusinessexpertiseTheyareunitedbyaloveof sustainableshoppingandsport(frombootcampstokarate).Not forgettingthecoffeethathasfuelledeverybrainstormoverthe yearsandisnowtopoftheirplanetfriendlyeverydayswitches: ErikaisneverwithoutherreusablecoffeecupandLucyhasn't lookedbacksinceswitchingtoreusablecoffeepodsinher espressomachineathome

The surge of second-hand retailing

ErikaAbdAllahanalysesthecontextofthis“NicheMarket”’

“There’s no denying that sustainability is a hot topic in the world of retail at the moment Whetherthat’sthroughthematerialsused, themethodsofrecyclingunwantedorunsolditems orthe increaseinthesuccessofsecondhandbusinessesVestiaire Collective,theFrenchonlineluxurysecondhandbusiness,has mostrecentlybeenvaluedatoverUSD1billion,securingan impressiveroundoffundingofUSD216millionfromthe KeringGroupAclearsignthatthistrendisheretostay

In London we’re seeing this second-hand trend rise at an incredible rate. Not just within womenswear, but also within the childrenswear market CheekyCherubisanonlineplatformthatlaunchedattheendoflast yearofferingpre-lovedluxurychildren’sitems;butnotjustclothing -frompramstoplaysuits,theystockitall.Theirobjectiveisto encourageparentstomaximizetheuseoftheirchildren’sitemsbut alsotocreateaplatformforbusyparentswhoarekeentoplayarole insustainabilityandthecirculareconomy,butwhodon'twantto compromiseonstyle,qualityortheirprecioustime.

"Our aim is also for Cheeky Cherub to remove any remaining stigma attached to the pre-loved children s’ market. Cheeky Cherub is founded on creating a premium and memorable experience for our customers; from our highly curated product selection to our attention to detail in packaging."

Anewwaytoconsiderourchildren’swardrobeapproach,more ethicalanddefinitelysustainable, cheekycherub co.

“Ourmissionistomakethe childrenswearspacecircular andmums'livesaseasyas possible,withahighlycurated productselectionandefficient conciergeservice.“

Erika Abd Allah and Lucy James, Founders of Cheeky Cherub

STARS&TALENTE

BYLEONAKÖNIG

New on TV: Stars &Talente by Leona König

ThefocusofKönig’sworkviatheIMFisto search,find,promoteandsupportthehighly talented children through master classes, auditionsandconcertsonalong-term.

Bydoingso,shemakesanimportant contributiontothefutureofthecultural heritageofclassicalmusic,especiallyinthe cityofmusic-Vienna.Forthisshehasbeen awarded“Austrianoftheyear“incategory culturalheritageinautumn2020.Nextto thenewTV-program“Stars & Talente by Leona König“ inORF,themusicsponsorship award Goldene Note willholdits5thedition inMay2021, im foundation com

SinceDecember2020LeonaKönigisthe creativemastermindandhostofthenew culturalTVShow“Stars & Talente by Leona König“whichisamonthlyseriesbroadcasted byORF—thebiggestAustrianTVchannel. WiththisnewTVprogram,Könighas againmanagedtocreateaplatformforthe youngtalentstofurtherfosterandpromote theminthefuture.Stars&Talentsisabout featuringtheyoungtalentsofthemusic award“GoldeneNote“andbringingthem togetherwithinternationallyknownstars withinthefieldofclassicalmusic.

Thehighlightofeachepisodeisa musicalperformancebythestarandthe talent.Forexample,inoneoftheepisodes theyoungstringensemble“Quartissimo“ sharedthestagewithbaritoneErwinSchrott astheirconductor.Thestarandtalents performedtogetherinthebighallatWiener KonzerthausinNovember2020.

Leona König and world stars

Anotherspecialperformancetookplaceat thebiggestAustrianCharityGala“Licht ins Dunkel“,whereLeonaKönigmetAndrea BocelliforanexclusiveinterviewontheTV programStars&Talents.

DuringtheCharityGalathe15-year-old Jennifer Gheorghita performed with violinistAlekseyIgudesman.Byarranging thiskindofperformances,theInternational MusicFoundationandLeonaKönigprovide theyoungartistswithastrongmusical networkfortheirfuture.

Anotherspecialoccasionforastartomeet thetalentwasinthestateroomsofthe Austrian National Library. Here, opera singerValentinaNafornițasangaSpanish piecewiththe13-year-oldviolinistFidelis Rümmele.Itwasaprivateconcertinthose beautifulhistoricrooms.

ForthenewestepisodeStar-tenorRolando Villazón meets child prodigy Alma DeutscherinSalzburg,thecityofMozart. Here,wegetaglimpseatAlma’soperaatthe LandestheaterSalzburgandmeetMaestro VillazónattheMozarteumforanexclusive interview.

LeonaKönighasjustfinishedfilming another new episode with tenor Piotr Beczałaandatalented12-year-oldpianist andGoldeneNotewinnerSoleyBlümelat theHotelImperialinVienna.

Königwillsoonfilmanepisodewith Elīna Garanča. Surrounded by classical music,theTVprogramalsotakesalookinto howthestarsmadetheirwaytothetopand especiallyhowtheygotsupportedandwhat cantheypassonthenextgeneration.All interviewsareledbyLeonaKönig.

Leona König, Founder of the Goldene Note music award and the International Music Foundation (IMF), promotes highly talented young musicians on a voluntary basis since 2016.

Right: Fidelis Rümmele performs with Valentina Nafornita,soprano,atthe AustrianNationalLibrary ©ORF/ThomasJantzen

Belowright:ErwinSchrottandLeonaKönigatHotel SacherVienna©ORF/RomanZachKiesling

AN INTERVIEW WITH TALAL ALRASHED EIGHT YEARS IN DUBAI

was3pmParistime,thewinwas announced,thustherestaurantthrewaparty andofferedrefreshmentsonthehouseto guests.

Ofcourse,everybusinessinDubaiwanted thattohappen.Asaresult,businesstransactionssurged.Theyears2014,2015and2016 wereapeakinDubai.

MM: Indeed, 2014 was the UAE's strongest economic year, (since its foundation, 50 years ago). What did this mean for Dubai?

T.R.:ItmeantexactlywhatIexperiencedat therestaurantthatevening:morework, moredinersandmorefun.2014wasthe busiestyearsinceGauchoDubaiopenedin 2011,anditwastheyearinwhichmany newhotelsandrestaurantsopeningswere announcedaspartofabig,long-term pipeline.

From Kuwait to the world, Talal Alrashed has extensive expertise within the luxury hospitality segment, as the founder of The Contourage brand for social media, digital marketing and PR, he has been actively hopping from one country to another for the past 12 years. His accounting university degree from Kuwait University has helped him branch out to Investment banking and real estate development after spending around three years in the prestigious Kuwait Fund for Economic Development. He then found a way evolve his hospitality passion by joining course in Switzerland, working in a hotel there, then in Bodrum, Saudi Arabia and finally in the UAE where he grew his hospitality and destination marketing career. In the following interview Talal analyses Dubai’s hospitality sector during one of the most recent rapid transformation and development of the city, www.thecontourage.com.

MM: You opted for Dubai in 2013 as a base?

TalalAlrashed: Yes,thefactthatDubaiis thehospitalityandgastronomyhubinthe MiddleEastmadememovethereandspend thelast8years.AsaKuwaiti,specializedand passionateabouthotels,restaurantsand luxury,IcouldonlythinkofDubaiasthe citywhereIcanboostmycareer.Itturned outtobetherightchoice.

NotonlydidDubaioffermeaplayground toexperimentandenjoymypassion,butthe cityebabledmetolearnfromthehigh calibrroftalentedpeoplethathadchosen DubaiashomebeforeIdid:hoteliers,Chefs, luxuryexperts,entrepreneurs,businesspeople,investors,skilledworkers,representing200nations.

AfterspendingtwoyearsinTorontoand myschoolperiodinSwitzerland,thatwere

bothmultinationalenvironments,IencounteredthesameculturaldiversityinDubai. YetitwasinanArabic-speakingnation, whichwasanadvantageformeasArabicis myfirstlanguage,inadditiontomy understandingaboutthelocalcultureofthe UAEsinceIamfromtheregion.Besides otheradvantages,asaKuwaitinational,and undertheGulfCooperationCouncil(GCC) zone,Ididnotneedavisatoresideinthe UAE.

Onapersonallevel,apartofmymother's familycomesfromtheUAE,andsomeof myfather'sfamilymembershavebranches oftheirbusinessesinDubaisincethe80sin real-estateinvestment,soIgrewuphearing aboutthecityandthebusinessandthe investmentopportunitiesitoffers.

MM: Towards the end of 2013, the UAE was elected to host the World Expo 2020, what changes could you notice in the following years?

T.R.:Itwassuchanexcitingtime,wewere allwaitingforthenewstobeannounced andprayingthatDubaiwouldwin.

Althoughalotofusdidnotreallyknow whatitmeantforDubaiandtheregionto hosttheExpoatthetime.Itwasabusy WednesdaynightatGauchoDubai,whereI usedtoworkinDIFC,andat7pm,which

Thedemandgrewforhotelcategories outsideluxury,too,henceEmaar'smid-scale Rovehotelswereintroducedshortlyafter. Airbnbgrewtoo,inordertoaccommodate theexpectedinfluxoftouristsandbusinesspeople.

Theluxurymarketwaspropelledforward withmoremassiveprojectstakingoffsuch asTheRoyalAtlantisandWthePalm.It wassuchanexcitingyearfullofevents,new launchesandactivities.

MM: In 2016 Dubai expands its cultural offering with the Opera District, by Emaar Properties, while Emaar Malls net profit goes up 13% to $510 million. Is there a mutual link?

T.R.:Emaarisoutstandinglycapableof creatingadestinationwithinthedestination. DowntownDubaiisamustforvisitors,and residentsvisititweekly.Emaarcreatedthe landmarkwiththeBurjKhalifa;the shoppingexperiencewithDubaiMall;the diningexperiencewithrestaurantsandcafes inandaroundtheMallonSheikh MohammedBinRashedBoulevard;andthe hospitalityexperiencewithTheAddress hotelsandtherestofthebrandssuchas ArmaniandVida.Itwastimetoinaugurate aculturalaspectthroughDubaiOpera, whichbroughtdifferenttypesoftravellers andcateredtoadifferentsegmentof clienteleresidinginthecity.

DubaiOperahasdefinitelyfilledthecultural gapthathadbeeninthedowntownarea beforeitsopening.

MM: The population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the country is expected to reach around 108,000 over the next ten years. What luxury segments do cater to the HNWIs?

T.R.:Firstofall,wehavetoconsiderDubai itselfasacitywithstrongbranding.Dubai

“The brands in Dubai compete ferociously to offer the best version of everything to the luxury seeker.”

haspositioneditselfeffectivelyasan attractivedestinationformillionaires.Ifwe zoomin,wecanappreciatehowthecitydid this;twoofthetopluxuryhotelchainsin theworldhavetwopropertieseachinDubai

TheRitz-CarltonandFourSeasons,both havearesortontheJumeirahbeachanda cityhotelsinDIFC;thesamegoesfor KerznerInternationalthathastwoOne& Onlyproperties,ThePalmandRoyal Mirage,andfurthertwoAtlantisproperties: AtlantisthePalmandTheRoyalAtlantis.

Icanthinkofseveralmoreexampleswhenit comestohotels,whichexcelincateringto bothbusinessandleisuretravellers.

RestaurantsoffertheirbestversionsinDubai comparedtotheirbranchesabroad:Zuma andLaPetiteMaison.Real-estatecompany suchasOmniyatisbuildingworld-class homesmanagedbyultra-luxuryhotelbrand, TheDorchester.

Additionally,Dubaigivesanopportunityto entrepreneurstostartsmallandintermediate businessescateringtoultra-richindividuals, oneexampleisNinthdegreeladiesclub whichcaterstoladiesowningluxurycars.

MM: Travelers spent recod sum of USD 30.82bn in Dubai in 2018. Visitors spend more in Dubai than in any other city and far above second Makkah in KSA (USD 20.09bn).

On average travelers spent about USD 537 per person per day in 2017, (almost twice as much when compared to Paris; USD 296 per day, or Singapore at USD 272 per person per day. What may motivate this growth?

T.R.:ItispartoftheDubaiexperienceto spendgenerouslywhenvisitingthecity, althoughmoreoptionsarenowofferedin thecity,witharangeofpricesthatallow luxuryexperiencebutwithouthurtingyour pocketmuch.Nevertheless,thecityisabout enjoyingtheexclusiveluxuryservicesthat areinsomecasesuniquetoDubai.Whileits geographicpositionandenvironmentgives thecityveryuniqueadvantageofbeing

setbetweenDubai’sgoldendunesandthe blueseawaves.

Finally,wecan’tunderestimatethepowerof strongcompetition.Onehastoappreciate theferociouscompetitionbetweenthe brandsinDubaitoofferthebestversionof everythingtotheluxuryseeker.

MM: The luxury sector powered through geopolitical turbulence and recession fears in 2019. The overall luxury market — encompassing both luxury goods and experiences — grew by 4 % at constant exchange rates in 2019 to an estimated €1.3 trillion globally. The core personal luxury goods segment followed a similar path, achieving 4 % growth at constant exchange rates and reaching €281 billion. The nature of luxury customers is evolving fast: younger luxury buyers seek an ongoing conversation with brands which will force them to innovate both their business models and value propositions. Can you recognize this from your experience in Dubai?

T.R.:Ilovethislastquestion.Indeed,asa hospitalityandluxuryconsultant,Ihave noticedtheswiftchangeinDubai’sluxury marketandinparalleltotheadversitiesin theregion.

TheUAEhavemanagedtokeepthe investors’andconsumers’confidenceata veryevenlevelbymanagingmedia efficientlyandputtingrumoursatbay,and thatbyleadingbyexample:thecountryhas continueditseconomicanddevelopmental agendawithoutinterruption,itwasadjusted naturally,howeverneverstopped.

Exceptfortheinternationaldisruptionof almostallprojectsthatthepandemiccaused.

TheWorldExpoplanwasfollowed thoroughlyandallthepertainingprojects thataremeanttocatertothemillionsof visitorsduetovisit:themetroextension,the airportexpansionandthetensofhotels openings.Ifthegovernmentwasdoingthe rightthing,peopleandforeigninvestorswill followleadandthegrowthoratleast stabilitywouldbeexpected.

Thank you very much

Thefirstofitskind

Thefirstofitskind,MonacoStreaming FilmFestival(MCSFF)willtakeitsfirststeps ontheredcarpetandstreameverythingon itsagendaworldwideviaitslivestreaming platform.

LaunchingJuly3-6attheGrimaldiForum (precedingtheCannesFilmFestival6-17 July),with Netflix Founding VP Mitch Lowe onboard as festival Co-Founder, and in conjunction with major Hollywood streaming studios, The Princess Grace Foundation and GEMA Foundation, this innovative hybrid “festival-meets-summit” experience celebratesthestreamingindustry’scontent, makers,creatorsandtalent,andleverages streamingtechnologytopowerthefestival.

Industryleadersandtalentwilldescendon theglamorousprincipalityofMonaco,the festival’s homebase, to partake in four dynamicdaysofpremieres,anawardsnight, VIP receptions, a marketplace, and a conferencefeaturingtalksand Apple CoFounder Steve Wozniak as keynote speaker.

MCSFFconsistsofacombinationofprivate filmindustry-onlyandpublicprogramming, consistingoffilmscreenings,asummitand events - including a separately ticketed AwardsGalatorecognizethebestinthe streamingindustryandtocelebratekeyfilm, media and technology innovators and personalities(selectnumberofticketswillbe availabletothepublicfortheAwardsGala).

One of the most anticipated events in Monaco this year

Eco luxurybrand MARLIDRESSES

SLOWFASHIONBORNINMONACO

ByAnkitLove,MaharajaofJammuandKashmir,forMoralModa

MMARLI Dresses brings back the soul in your wardrobe, silky and slinky with a focus on sustainability Feel divine and confident this season

Ourspecialinnovativematerialputssustainabilityandyour comfortattheforefrontastheperfectlybalancedmixofsilk,eco polyesterandspandex.Inthisbreathablematerialyoucanenjoy thesummersoulAfterunpackingyouarereadytogodrapedin handmadeshimmeringartsilkwiththeeaseknowingthatits specialwrinkleresistantpropertiesmeanyoucanpulloutofthe luggagefromyourflightandgostraightintoactiononthese summernights.

MARLIdressesisamostalluringfamilyaffair Createdbythe visionoftwosistersbasedinLondonandMonaco,thesedresses combinethecontrastinglaidbackrivierachic,andbigcity cosmopolitanflair Withacarefullycuratedcolorpalette,this selectionofMARLIdressesisstriking,envogueandversatilefor anyoccasion.Fromtheredcarpettothebeach,inaMARLI dressyouwilllookelegantandfemininewithouthassleor extraneouseffort

Theminimalisticcutandtaperedfitofthesedressescomeswith thereassuringsustainablecredentials,sothatyourconsciousness aswellasyourbodycanrestateaseinthesedelightfuldresses With the material procured from sustainable sources and techniques,wearingMARLIslipdresseshelpsyoutodoyour parttowardspreservingourenvironmentAllthewhileretaining thatfunlovingandfreeflowingfemalespiritthatcanconquer

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Mypassionformotorcyclesstartedataveryyoungage.Ican remembermyselfinapiyamahavingmybreakfastandstaring withfascinationatmyneighbor’sritualbeforehisSaturday morningride.HehadaHONDAVFR750RC30.Itismy favourite!

Afteryearsfixingmy ownbikeandfriends’, in2002Ihasadream ofsettingupmyown company. V&Classics Motorcycles®was bornwiththedesireto transformourpassion intoaprofession.

At V&Classics Motorcycles® we are dedicated to the restoration,customizationandtransformationofclassicand contemporarymotorcycles.

Wearespecialistsin all Vespa models. TheJapanese;both Kawasaki and Yamaha, Honda or Suzuki areother outstandingonesin ourworkshop,Aswell asSpanishclassics like Bultaco, OSSA or Montesa

We customize to make something unique

Thankstoalltheseyearsofpursuingourdream, withqualityineverydetailasamoto,wehave managedtomakeV&ClassicsMotorcyclesthe workshopitistodayandinwhichwebelieved fromthebeginning. Nineteenyearsofcommitmentandhardwork havebroughtushereandallowustooffer servicesthatmeetourandourclientsexpectations.

Mythicalbrandssuch as BMW, Benelli, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Aermacchi, Fantic andTriumphhave alsopassedthrough V&Classics.

At V&Classics Motorcycles, we are specialists in restoration.

Andnow,imagine...whatdoyouwanttodowith yourmotorcycle?Weareconvincedthatwewill knowhowtoshapeyourillusions. KawasakiZ900A4

Wecustomizetomake somethingunique. www.v-classics.com

THE AWARD WINNING ASIAN RESORTS RECEIVE MULTIPLE DISTINCTION AT WORLD LUXURY AWARDS 2020

Asian paradise resorts are calling but which destination to select seems to be eternal dilemma At the time of writing this article it is impossible to predict how Asian countries will reopen to international tourism So far it is valuable to note that Banyan Tree Group s Laguna Golf celebrated its triple win of international award recognitions The Group’s 18 hole oceanfront course Laguna Golf Bintan and its flagship hotel Banyan Tree Phuket were named Indonesia’s Best Golf Course 2020 and Thailand s Best Golf Hotel 2020 respectively by World Golf Awards, while Banyan Tree Lăng Cô won Best Luxury Golf Resort in Asia by World Luxury Awards 2020

Banyan Tree Group stays resilient amidst an extended recovery outlook as 3Q20 shows upward trends in groupwide occupancies and robust rebound for Property Sales

As a leading global hospitality company, the Group continues to receive industry recognitions built upon the central value propositions of its brands To date the Group has opened three properties and signed 18 Hotel Management Agreements to add to its pipeline of 35 properties opening over the next 3 years 3Q20 shows upward trends in groupwide occupancies with growth from 14% in 2Q20 to 27% in 3Q20 Robust rebound for Property Sales in Q320 driven by China and Russia markets

Forecast to meet 100% of 2020 Cash conservation goals Three new openings and a total of 18 HMAs signed in 2020 Hotel occupancies improve with new offerings and domestic business

The second half of 2020 shows a significant pickup in occupancies with increase in domestic business and some relaxation of travel restrictions between countries This pickup varies depending on region In 3Q20 hotels in China registered 52% occupancy whilst in Asia Pacific ex China and the rest of hotels globally each recorded a similar occupancy of 12%

In China where the domestic market is a historically strong base business has recovered substantially In the Asia Pacific region and specifically Thailand where the majority of the Group s owned hotels are located international travel remains predominantly

Phuket BTP

closed to international travellers Maldives has re opened its borders with international airlift limited to only certain source markets such as Russia and UAE The Group continues to pivot towards attracting domestic markets in the near and medium term focusing on ancillary revenue services and new products for extended stay travellers Hotel Investments contributed 34% to 3Q20 revenues Property sales provides a stable revenue stream In 3Q20 Property Sales segment had a robust rebound in sales of S$20 5 million which was more than 200% increase than the previous quarter This is mainly driven by strong marketing efforts from the Property Sales China sales team and continued confidence in the residential market separate from tourism Revenues to be recognised in 4Q20 is expected to significantly exceed the revenues year to date 3Q20 which was $15 6 million The Group s diversified, asset right strategy has enabled resilience through the industry’s downturn

Cash conservation goals met with positive momentum for 2021

To mitigate and address the effects of COVID 19 pandemic on its business the Group s prior announcements on 1 May 2020 and 12 August 2020 had outlined various strategic measures to contain cost and preserve cash liquidity For the nine months ended 30 September 2020, the Group met approximately 75% of $70m cash conservation target and is confident of meeting the full amount by year end The Group continues to exercise financial prudence in coming

PASSION FOR FINE TIMEPIECES

TheRolls-RoycePhantomTempus CollectionmadeitsChinadebutin Shanghaion16thApril2021.This Bespokemasterpiece,whichisinspiredby timeandtheinfinitereachesofthe universe,islimitedtoonly20examples worldwide, rolls-roycemotorcars.com.

Visitorshadthepleasureofmeetingthecelebrityguestsinvited byChopard,MontblancandPanerai Allimagescourtesyof W&W GuYue,(topabove)ChineseactorandUNICEF GoodwillAmbassadorCHENKUNINandChineseactress XINZHILEI(below) Leftbelow:SPACETIMEBYMICHAEL MURPHYforJAEGER LECOULTREbooth Piagetbooth

ThesecondeditionofWatchesandWondersShanghai wasthemostimportantwatchSaloneverheldonlineand offline.ItfollowedthelaunchingeditioninGeneva where38exhibitingbrandsgathered,April7-13,onthe watchesandwonders.com,presentingcloseto400new releases.

FromGenevatoShanghai,theSalonmorethandelivered asaglobalshowcaseforthewatchindustry,withmore than12’000visitorsattheWestBundArtCenterin Shanghai,anestimatedreachof500millionpeopleto date.

TheWatchesandWonders2021enabledtheEuropean watchmakersandbrandstoreacharecordaudience.

ROLLS ROYCE LAUNCHES PHANTOM TEMPUS COLLECTION: A HIGHLY INNOVATIVE DEBUT IN CHINA

MorlamodaMagazineartlaunchesinMonaco&Istanbul

"ProtectUNESCO'sWorldMarineHeritage thankstoscientificresearch" MonacoputsOceanartonthewall

Fromthestartof2021thePrincipalityofMonaco highlightsthethemesofcleanoceansand sustainabilitywiththenewexhibitionstitled "ProtectUNESCO'sWorldMarineHeritage thankstoscientificresearch”,theexhibitismade upof21photographsfromtheMonaco Explorationsmissions,displayedatthegatesof theStMartingardensinMonacoandonline

ThisexhibitionispartoftheUnitedNations DecadeforOceanScienceintheserviceof sustainabledevelopment(20212030),the preparationofwhichiscoordinatedbythe UNESCOIntergovernmentalOceanographic Commission(IOC)

Thelaunchofthismajoroperationwasmarked onJanuary28,2021byameetingofhighlevel supportersandinthepresenceofHSHPrince AlbertIIofMonaco

Imagesfromtheinaugurationoftheexhibition:H.S.H. PrinceAlbertIIofMonaco,imagesright,center,2021. ©CourtesyofINSTITUTOCEANOGRAPHIQUE FONDATIONALBERTIER-PRINCEDE MONACOMUSEEOCEANOGRAPHIQUE| AVENUESAINTMARTINMC98000-MONACO MAISONDESOCEANS|195RUESAINTJACQUES75005-PARIS.

Bodrum: BIGARTISTICCULINARY SURPRISESINSMALL, QUAINTTOWNS

Diningdestinationshavebeenalwaysassociatedwithbig citiesfromHongKong,NewYork,Moscow,Londonto DubaiNowtherealityisinoffgrid,smallerbutkey destinations

By Talal Alrashed

Wheninternationaltravelwasconvenient, notlongago,Iwasluckytoattenda friend’sweddinginSicily.Itgavemean opportunitytodiscoverthelovelyisland anditsbestdiningexperiencesAshop ownerinNoto,recommendedthatIleave thetownandheadtoMarzamemi,atiny fishervillageinthemostsoutheasterntip oftheisland.

Thedrivewhilethesunwassettingtook longerthanIexpected,butthesceneriesof thefieldsalongthecurvystretchofroad wassoenjoyableIarrivedtoMarzamemi, parkedandwalkedtowardsthemain squareinthevillage,PiazzaRegina

Margherita

Itwasbustlingwithdiners,unliketherest ofthevillageTavernaLaCialomawasa Michelinguiderestaurantfeaturingoneof themostdeliciousmenusThisrestaurant inSicilycametomindwhenIthoughtof diningexperiencesoutsideoflargecities ormainurbancenters,andmanymore followed,becauseIhavealwaysbelieved wherelocalsgo,nottourists,themost memorabletastebudsadventuresare found.HerearetwomorethatIfellin lovewithandcan’twaittorevisit.

IhavealongrelationshipwithBodrum,a celebratedresortdestinationinthe SoutheasternTurkey,whichI’vebeen visitingsince2005Duetothepandemic, I’vebeenhappilystuckinBodrumsince August2020

La Lara by Kozhokaru Aegeancuisineisdelicious,healthyand fresh,howeverwithtimeonelongsfora morecolourfulandethnicallydiverse selectionofdishes,alittlebitmorethan theusualmezzes,seafoodandmeat availableherealmosteverywhere.Agood friendofmineinBodrumfeltforme,and invitedmetoaninternationalcuisine restaurantcalledLaLara,itsoundedvery promising,andindeeditwasLaLarais locationinIstanbul,howeveritssecond locationisnestledinSpektrBoutique HotelandSpainBodrum’smostupper scaletownYalikavak,afewminutesaway fromthefamousYalikavakMarina,where Ilivenow

Itwasacarnivalformetoenjoythose colourfullygarnishedandinternationally influenceddishesEventhoughlambchops arenotforeigntoTurkishcuisine,theside ofmintedmushypeasandeclectically flavouredcondimentstookmeona sensorytripoutsideofTurkeyFordessert, asIreallymissthetropics,Iunhesitatingly orderedthePiñaColadadeconstructed parfaitwhenIsawitinthemenu

AccordingtotheChefAlexKozhokaruof LaLara,afamilyownedrestaurant concept,namedaftertheowners’grand motherLarisa,twothingsmakeYalikavak theperfectdestination:thestunning360 degreepanoramicviewfromSpektr BoutiqueHotel&Spa,andtheavailability ofadiverseorganicandseasonalproduce intheBodrumpeninsula,“it’s like another world that can only be experienced in dreams” theChefsaidaboutYalikavak.Withthe deepbluesea,thelushgreennatural reserveofKudur whichcanbeseen fromtherestaurantterrace;anddistinct mindblowingsunsetseveryevening,one cannotdisagreewiththeChef

TheartpartofChefAlex’swork,which makesLaLaraoneofthemostoriginal diningconceptsinTurkey,cameafterhe hadexperimentedwithsomany ingredients,condimentsandsaucesto comeupwithtechniquesandpatternsfor adazzlingpresentationThisishowLa Lara’scolourfulandhighlysophisticated dishesweredesigned:toachieveacontrast withthetraditionalandsimplecuisineof theAegeanregion @lalarabykozhokaru

Chef Alex Kozhokaru of La Lara, Bodrum

LAFORGE RAMATUELLE,SAINT TROPEZ,FRANCE

ThereisnodoubtthatFrancehas historicallybeenoneofthetopdining destinationsintheworldIhavefallenin lovewithParisanditsdiningscenethefirst timeIvisitedbackin2003,andFrench cuisinebecameanalltimesfavoriteofmine. Later,Ihavediscoveredthatgreatfoodis notonlyfoundinParis,butincitiesoutside thecapitalarea,suchasLyon,Niceand Toulouse,andmostenjoyableinthesimple villagesthatIcallhiddengems,suchas Ramatuelle,onethatIhavediscoveredfew yearsagonearSaintTropez.

Oneofmydearfriendsfromthehotel school,Francesca,openedherdreamItalian restaurantwithherpartnerchefPaolo, surprisinglynotinItaly,butinatinyvillage onahillintheSouthofFrance.Aftera coupleofyears,whenIvisitedherin2018 atherrestaurant,Irealizedwhysheopted forpicturesqueRamatuelleItisprobably oneofthequaintestandmostcharming villagesontheentireCôted’Azure,but withsuchabigcharacter.Allwhatit neededwasadashingchefsuchasPaoloand hisauthenticItaliandishespresentedwith theultimatefinessepossible

Ilovepastaallanorma,thereforeFrancesca suggestedthatIgowithTuffoli,apasta shapethatIneverknewbeforevisitingLa ForgeWhenthedishwasserved,Irealized howLaForgewasrevolutionizing Ramatuelle’sdiningscene,andthatby introducingtheItaliandishesinan inventivelyartisticwayItaliancuisinehas alwaysbeenrenownforitssimplicityand rusticity,butPaoloisoneofthoseItalian chefsthatchangedthestereotype.

TheTuffoliswereplacedverticallyand soakedwithtomatosauce,toppedcrispy slicesofeggplantsandshavedParmesan cheese,andgarnishedwithgarliclessPesto sauceThedishlookedsobeautifulthatI wasenjoyingitsomuchbutalsofeeling sorryIhavetodestructthisartwork.“You cannot be a real chef if there were not a from of art in your life”explainsChefPaolo,

“I feel lucky that I can express this kind of art through my cooking”ChefPaolohasalso beenplayssaxphonesincehewas12andhe isinlovewithFrenchandItalianpoetryIt isnowonderthatheandFrancescapicked thissuperromanticandsecludedvillagethat boastsbreathtakingviewsoverthedazzling SaintTropez

@laforgeramatuelle

LONDON DAIRY CAFÉ TEAM CONTINUE TO ROLL OUT ITS LDC BRAND WITH AN URBAN VENUE IN DIFC

LDCissetinDubaidowntownwithviews overlookingDIFCfromitshighraised terraceItishugelypopularfortraditional alfrescomenusetup,thetastiestsmoked meatsandotherdelightfultreats

LDCisservingupafamilystyleselection ofBBQfavouritesalongwithLDC’sspin ontheclassicsCompletewithgrassunder yourfeetandginghampicnicblanketson thetables,itwillticktheboxesofallof yourBBQdreamsReservationsare encouraged,butwalkinsarealsowelcome

Inkeepingwiththenewlookandfeel, LDCkitcheninDIFCisnowhometoa menucuratedbyChefOmarasatributeto allhisfavoriteinternationaldishes

On Instagram and FB: ldckitchen

Chef Paolo Amadori of La Forge in Ramatuelle, Côte d'Azur

BiCERistorante atHiltonDubaiJumeirah

BiCEoriginallylaunchedinMilanin the1920s.TodaytheBiCEbrandis knownacrosstheworldandspans oversevencountries.

InDubaitherenownedItaliandining venue,BiCERistorantetuckedaway

intheheartofHiltonDubaiJumeirah anditcontinuestobeaprominent restaurantinDubaiculinaryscenefor the past two decades. Guests can indulgeinviewsoverArabianGulf andAinDubai.Thesumptuousmenu

featuresalltheclassicsandauthentic Italiandishes,suchasthetraditional Burrata from Puglia Region, ParmigianadimelanznedellaBiCE bakedeggplantparmigiana,andnow anart-inspiredthree-coursesetmenu aspartofthisyear’sDubaiFood Festival(DFF).

BluewatersIslandistuckedawayunder thevastheightoftheAinDubai,andis renownedforitsvarietyoftastyand heathydiningoptions.TheSelfishBull isDubai’sself-proclaimedhiddengem

hasbeenbusycrankinguptheswankontheir cuisine,cutsanddécor.Bringingafreshnew menutothetable,aswellasaface-liftontheir interiors,thewood-firegrilledsteakandseafood restaurantisreadytoopenitsdoorstoservethe publicthetastiestmeatsontheisland.

New entries on celebrated meny Keepingsomeoldfavouritesandaddingsomenew additionstotheplate,TheSelfishBull’snewmenu willwelcomeyouintotheweekend,orindulge youinamid-weektreat,withitssizzlingsteaks, succulentseafoodandsignaturedrinks.

TherearealsotheclassicslikeTenderloin,RibeyeandNYStrip(fromAED186)Distin guishedfoodiescanoptfortheAustralianWagyu(AED294onwards)sourcedfromthe CarraraFarmsorJapaneseWagyu(300gforAED760)fromHokkaidoPrefecture,so delicateitcanonlybecookedonabrickofpinkHimalayanrocksalt

Guestswillbeabletochoosefromanamplemenu ofhandpickeddishes,butmakenomis-steak,the newcutsofmeatarethestarsoftheshow.Trythe 1.3kilotomahawk(AED740)thatissizedtoshare -butbeingselfishisencouragedatthisBluewaters eatery.

Steakhousestaplesalongwithfine diningdishe Ifsteakisn’twhatyoufancy,youcanchoosefromaselectionoffreshseafoodsuchasthe GrilledCanadianLobster,servedwithOldBaymayoanddrizzledwithdrawnbutterThe EmperorCaesar,TheSelfishBull’stakeonaCaesarsaladtoppedwithCanadianlobsteror delicateFrenchFineDeClaireOystersGroupExecutiveChefAhmadAlfakierofThe SelfishBullworkedextensivelyonthemenutocreatethevarietyofnewshowstopping dishes,statingthat“This menu has been tested, finalised, and re tested and re finalised several times, until we were confident that the new dishes would do our ‘steak and seafood’ concept justice You’ll find steakhouse staples along with fine dining dishes and a raw bar that serves oysters and tartares, making elevated dining more approachable We played and experiment with food to bring a real focus on both flavour and ambiance that compliments the brand as well as the location” TheSelfishBullisnowopen,reservationsareessentialatwwwtheselfishbullcomor +97143993638

THE SELFISH BULL features new menu, new look, but same iconic views.

THE SELFISH BULL Accentuates new flavours with new ambience but same iconic views

GAL Dubai The Galliard Gets A New Name

GAL Restaurant & Lounge formerly known as ‘The Galliard’ is prominently situated in the heart of the city featuring uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa The all new GAL continues to showcase Mediterranean Turkish fusion and inspired recipes from France, Italy and Spain whilst placing art and music in focus

Nothing has changed except our name 2020 marked a year of transformation for everyone so we used this opportunity to reignite and refresh our own brand and as such GAL was born The letters in G A L stand for our combined Gastronomy Art and Lifestyle while the word itself encompasses a strong female a beautiful woman a GAL said Cihan Kamer Chairman

The Mediterranean Turkish concept includes various facets such as: a bustling open kitchen; an extensive cellar a sophisticated cocktail bar and an open air terrace that boasts up close and stunning views of the iconic Burj Khalifa GAL is Dubai’s most eagerly frequented hotspot and brings surprises by way of flamboyant service live entertainment and signature dishes such as Ossobuco Black Truffle Veal Pappardelle, and GAL s signature Gamberetti Guvec Follow @galdubai

Huqqa Dubai Mall unveils sumptousIftar Menu

The Mediterranean themed dining hot spot Huqqa by renowned Head Chef Serhat Meci and The Market Dubai welcomes Ramadan 2021 with an array of contemporary Iftar offerings throughout the holy month With a nod to its Ottoman heritage Huqqa Dubai has devised an iftar set menu like no other

From sunset, guests may enjoy a myriad of Middle Eastern and Turkish inspired specialties such as Mixed Mezze Platter of Sarma Sogurme Aci Ezme Haydari Mutabbel paired with freshly baked bread olives and hummus Followed by a host of appetizers such as homemade soup of the week Coban Salad, and Dynamite Fries

Chef Serhat Meci has also created fresh from the wood fired oven the signature dishes including warming Cheese Pide, with its light crispy base and soft doughy centre, topped with flavourful Turkish white cheese Followed by Wagyu Adana Kebab Keşkek a barley risotto with pulled lamb and spices and special Vegetarian Saç Kavurma cast iron cooked vegetables in a tomato and red pepper sauce

Indulge in selection of Anatolian desserts paired with tea Turkish coffee Set Menu Iftar is AED 189 net per person Huqqa Dubai Mall 3rd Floor Fashion Avenue Dubai, UAE Follow @huqqame

Ramadan Iftar by Mama Rita

Mama Rita s brings many great deals for Iftar featuring dates soups, salads, a few starters and main courses of your choice The Ramadan Combo includes a wider variety of options from dates four salads or soups a large selection of hot & cold starters and main courses including oriental rice with lamb Kebbe bel saniye Kebbe Bi Laban Vegetarian Lasagne and Mama s Wara2 3enab and many more To provide a boost of energy after a day of fasting Rita s Special Katayef is the perfect shareable treat with family or friends for Iftar or Suhoor We recommend you to try the oriental rice with lamb which is available with the Ramadan Combo meals and the Katayef dessert to order on Instagram @mamarita or mamaritacom

Gully Kitchen a new exciting Indian QSR to land on Dubai s shores has been launched by India s largest F&B company K Hospitality as a delicious value for money Indian QSR offering freshly cooked Indian food for the UAE

In time for the start of the Holy Month Gully Kitchen has introduced dine in and takeaway meal deals for customers to enjoy with their families and loved ones Treat yourself to an authentic Indian delivery or takeaway from the heart of DIFC choosing from a selection of the restaurant s favourite biryanis gully rolls samosas and dosa pockets served along with karak chai and mango lassi Enjoy a Meal for 2 and Meal for 4 in vegetarian and non vegetarian options For orders please call +97143254399

Bombay Borough is introducing an Unlimited Iftar Menu to help you celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan For just AED 199 per head, guests can dine in UNLIMITED for 2hours and enjoy a feast The menu includes an exotic Indian mezze with dips, fruits and dates kebabs, biryani, salads, mithai dessert platter and a selection of Ramadan drinks from the special menu

Whether you are fasting this Ramadan or just in need of some indulgence you can book your table at Bombay Borough DIFC s Go To, All Day bar and eatery

Ideally located at DIFC Gate Village 3, Bombay Borough offers guests a carefully curated selection of India s unique ingredients spices and flavours reinvented Presenting itself as the perfect spot to break your fast the eclectic Indian restaurant will transport you on a culinary adventure Come Celebrate with your colleagues friends and family, and break your fast with delicious modern Indian cuisine, this Ramadan with Bombay Borough s Unlimited Iftar Experience

Prior Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and adherence to the covid safety protocols Please call +97143271555 or email at: reservations@bombayboroughae

Bombay Borough launches Unlimited Iftar Menu for Dine in

MM: You moved permanently to Dubai about 6 years ago What was your first impression of Dubai?

SashaRay:MyfirstimpressionofDubaiwasthatitistrulya cosmopolitancitywhereyoucanmeetpeoplefromalloverthe worldIt’soneofthethingsthatfirstattractedmetothecityIt’s alsoveryfutureorientatedandfullofopportunitiesforgrowth, bothpersonallyandprofessionally.Asidefromthat,I’dbelying ifIsaidtheweatherdidn’tplayaroleinpersuadingme!

Havingfinishedmysecondinternship,togetherwithtwobusiness partners,IopenedthefirstLuxuryTravelConcierge-Design Voyage.Mybusinesspartnershadsomeofthegreatestexperience andcontactsinthecountryandIhadafreshvision.Wecreated somethingabsolutelyunique–averypremiumservicetailored specificallytoeachofourcustomers.Thecompanyhasbeenastable successthroughouttheyears.

Oncethecompanygotsetupandwasoperating,Ihavemadea decisiontogoabroadandtotrymyselfinthelandofopportunitiesDubai.IrealizedthatdespiteahugenumberofpeoplefrompostSovietcountrieslivinghereand,unlikeotherbigcitieslikeLondon, NYC,LA,Paris,therewasaplacemissingforthemhere-ahigh calibrerestaurantwithRussian&Ukrainiancuisines.That’showmy firstrestaurantbrand“Vesna”(whichtranslatestoSpring)wasborn. Wehadthebestfoodandentertainment;wewerethefirsttostart karaokeinDubai(averypopularthinginourcountry).That triggeredcountlesskaraokeplacesopeningupinDubaithatyear. TherestaurantwasahugesuccessandaplaceforRussian& UkrainiancelebritiestofeelathomewhilevisitingDubai.

Afterafewyears,werebrandedtherestaurantas“MaisonRouge”. Thistimetheconceptwasveryinternationalanditwasthefirstplace tooffercabaretshowsinDubai.Thatwasexactlywhatwefeltthe marketneededatthattime.I’vebeenbringingthebestandthe mostbeautifulartistsfromUkrainetoworkwithus.MaisonRouge hasbecomeextremelysuccessfulwiththelocalaudience.

MM: What’s your favourite part about being public person?

S.R.:Irelishtheopportunitytomeetalotofinterestingand successfulpeople,learningfromthemandsharingunique, unforgettableexperiences.

Oneofthechallengesisrespondingtoallrequestsandmessages.I lovetoberesponsivebutitcanbeimpossibletodosowhenyouneed tobalanceworkandyourpersonallife.

MM: How do you celebrate the successful business project?

S.R.:Forme,successisnotmeasuredbyhowmuchmoneyyour businessismakingorhowmuchyourbankaccounthas.Weall knowthatthemostsuccessfulpeoplehavebeenthroughmany failuresintheirlives.Successshouldbemeasuredbyyourimpacton theworldandbythedifferenceyouhavemadeinpeople’slives.It’s abouttheobstaclesyouhaveovercome,howyoutreatpeoplewho workforyou,bywhatyourfamilysaysandfeelsaboutyouand,of course,byhowhappyyouareasaperson.

MM: How do you like to spend your free time?

S.R.:Iadorepeaceandquiet.Whetherthat’sbymyselforwithloved ones,there’snogreaterjoythanenjoyingamomentofreflectionand relaxation.

Sasha Ray talks to Moralmoda Magazine about her music and gastronomy careers, success and life in Dubai where she lives and shares her favourite parts of the city with her over 2 million followers on social media

"My biggest focus at the moment is to get back to making music and working on new content. I have a few other projects which are in the pipeline, but I can’t unveil too much yet. One is related to the film industry and I’m also starting my own brand I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to!" Sasha Ray

Swedish couture Maison

LOUISE XIN COUTURE

We want to create a sustainable world, and use fashion

media as a platform to transform lives

LouiseXincouturewasfoundedin2020andit'sthe world'sfirstrentalonly,nonesalecouturebrandEvery singlepieceisoneofkind,notpossibletorecreate It'shandmadefrommaterialsfromdifferentcornersof

theworld.Itcanbechinesevintagesilk,upcycledfabric,tradional JapanesejacquardorcouturefabricfromDubaiLouiseXincreates tailormadeconceptsandproductionbasedonthecustommade dressesforfashioneditorials,musicvideos,filmsandweddings

Alberta Ferretti Fall 2021

Text by Josip Grabovac

Alberta Ferretti s Fall 2021 Collection pays a homage to confident woman Ferretti adapts the next fall s dark palette with majority of looks in black, charcoal and anthracite, which is in stark contrast to the men ’ s colourfull fall 2021 collections (presented the month before) The darker tones through the collection would normally signal a series of uniformity but not from Ferretti

Each look appears striking and stands on its own up to the collection s finale that concludes with a dramatic black dress evoking Ferretti s sense of glamour to the daywear silhouettes

Ferretti bravely elevates black in fall’s daywear with an array of slender city coats with well defined shoulders

They are well tailored but appear wide and easy to move in, which is again Ferretti s genius touch of glamour for daywear Why shouldn t the woman feel glamouros and confident during the daytime seems to be the motto To add the extra touch of exclusivity in this department Ferretti’s blanket capes have hand stitched hemline

The artisanal finishes definitely add something elegant to the fabric and the way it moves is further emphasised by wide pants sometimes worn under slim pleated skirts Ferretti s attention to the detail and well defined silhouette is synonymous with the luxury brand that always seeks to propose elaborate textures and convey sensuality with a dose of Italian glamour

PerfumeCollection

MICHAEL CINCO's Fall Winter collection is inspired by the mystique of the blue ocean beckons from afar as we delve deeper into the verdant entrails of this jungle called life Perhaps to satiate a hunger; to quench a thirst We need to escape and flourish in the vast ocean of hope and aspirations Especially at this time of the pandemic To live To love To dream And to inspire

The Impalpable Dream of LOVE is a fairy tale like film with a story of a boy who dreams of a young girl who was lost in a secret garden He keeps on chasing for the girl but she is almost intangible, yet it prevails And her smell lingers, like a scent of a perfume that depicts the depth and boundless promise of the garden And when he finally found her, a sweet and innocent love blossomed between the two Michael will present a collection that is soft airy and feminine gowns but accentuating feminine waists At once it hugs the body, only as fleeting as the waves that touches the shore

At times it is airy and flowy like the calmness after a storm Other times, it is in myriad shades of blue, distinctive of its lust for stillness and tranquility In translucent tulle and laces it radiates like spewing an unforgettable scent and scenery that nonetheless remains on and on Just like an Impalpable Dream

“Delhi

Delhi by Shalini

It

C o u r t e s y p a t e k c o m www.patek.com