M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
Going green
Chopard's sustainable diamond collection
Exploring Belgravia The charm of genteel London
Matter of taste
A gourmet guide to Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
RYAN GOSLING The Canadian pin-up on the future with the much-anticpated Blade Runner sequel
E
PO Box 118740, Unit 402, D3 Building 8, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 277 1555 Email: info@55fifty7.com www.facebook.com/55FIFTY7 www.instagram.com/55FIFTY7 www.pinterest.co.uk/55fifty7 55FIFTY7
Jumeirah Magazine
Image: Getty Images
OCTOBER 2017
Jumeirah Corporate Office, Al Sufouh Rd, PO Box 73137, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 366 5000, Fax: +971 4 366 5001. Website: www.jumeirah.com Jumeirah is a trading name of Jumeirah International LLC. A Limited Liability company. Registration Number 57869. Share Capital Dhs 300,000 fully paid up. Jumeirah International LLC its affiliates, parent companies and subsidiaries (“Jumeirah Group”) and the publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication for whatever reason, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of Jumeirah Group or of the publishers. Readers are advised to solicit advice before acting on the information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Jumeirah Group and the publishers take no responsibilty for the goods and services advertised. All materials are protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (Including photocopying or storage in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright owner, except as may be permitted by applicable laws.
CONTENTS This Month
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner & Group Editor
lan Fairservice
16 City watch Discover the most exciting events, news and previews happening this month
Editorial Director
Gina Johnson Deputy Editor
Nina Catt Senior Editorial Assistant
Cecilia D’Souza
Featured
Art Directors
T Prasadan, Clarkwin Cruz Contributors
Tahira Yaqoob, Gareth Rees, Danae Mercer General Manager – Production
S Sunil Kumar Production Manager
R Murali Krishnan
16
24 A cut above After the nostalgia of La La Land, Ryan Gosling looks to the future with Blade Runner 2049, the much-anticipated sequel
Production Supervisor
Venita Pinto
30 Going green A look at Chopard’s fabulous and eco-friendly Green Carpet Collection
Chief Commercial Officer
Anthony Milne Publishing Director
Carlos Pedroza Group Sales Manager
Ziad Saleh ziad@motivate.ae For Jumeirah
Charlie Taylor, Claire Hill
Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, Tel: +971 4 427 3000, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
24 13
Senator Excellence
Glashütte Original Boutique ”The Dubai Mall“ ⋅ Financial Centre Street ⋅ 00971 04 3 39 87 62 ⋅ glashuttedm@rivoligroup.com
OCTOBER 2017
CONTENTS 66
Lifestyle 38 Diving into a new era of theatre with La Perle The new theatrical show is putting Dubai on the world entertainment map 42 Inside Frieze London Catch the international fair, a must-do for art lovers and collectors 48 The future of fashion Fashion Forward Dubai celebrates 10 seasons of showcasing regional designers 54 Watch this Paul Newman’s vintage Rolex Daytona goes under the hammer
54
60 Intelligent luggage Get your suitcase to check itself in
Travel 66 Exploring Belgravia Explore the charm of this genteel London neighbourhood this month 74 The insiders’ guide to... the Abu Dhabi food scene Chefs in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers serve up their favourite culinary delights 80 Featured spaces Sunset Sushi Lounge, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa, Mallorca 82 The high life Ambar, Jumeirah Al Naseem
15
City Watch
Key dates for your diary
Dubai
a Rom-com for the Stage October 25 Unfinished Novel is a Russian romantic comedy that will appeal to lovers of modern domestic serials. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns as the characters wrangle with the problem of how to find love and build a happy family. October 25 at 7pm in the Madinat Theatre. (in Russian). See madinattheatre.com for more details
Let Us Entertain You October 13 to November 11 The Madinat Theatre in the heart of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, one of Dubai’s most established performance venues, boasts an impressive autumn schedule over the coming months. There is still an opportunity to see The Woman in Black, Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s bestselling novel, before it closes on October 2. But if you miss out on tickets, don’t worry — there is plenty more to come.
tales of childhood
This month Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmonova, known as “the voice of Central Asia”, will grace
October 27
the stage for one night only on October 13. The star sings in Uzbek, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
An adventure story about the friendship
and Tajik and her set combines traditional folk songs and contemporary pop. She will be
between a wolf cub called Vova and a bear
accompanied by a band and traditional dancers.
called Leveret, Tales of Childhood follows the friends on their escapades as they travel
16
Next month a one-off gig by British stand-up comedian Russell Kane on November 9 will
through a forest.
be followed by a two-day run of Julia Donaldson’s children’s classic The Gruffalo.
October 27 at 2pm in the Madinat Theatre,
Yulduz Usmonova performs on October 13 in the Madinat Theatre, Dubai, Russell Kane on
Dubai. (The show will be in Russian). See
November 9 and The Gruffalo will show from November 10 to 11. madinattheatre.com
madinattheatre.com for more details
Bard Times October 5 to 7 The Junction — opened in Alserkal Avenue in 2015 by Arjun Burman, Gautam and Akansha Goenka and Rashmi Kotriwala, founders of the Dubai theatre company Backstage Productions — aims to provide a home for performing arts in Dubai and an affordable performance space for community theatre groups. It has already put on hundreds of nights of theatre, shows and concerts. The latest show to make use of the performance space is The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), which will be performed over three days this month. Directed by Dubai-based director/producer Wesley Newfarmer, the comedy show condenses 37 Shakespeare plays, with three female actors playing hundreds of parts, both female and male, young and old. The lighthearted, high-intensity, fast-paced performance lasts one hour and 45 minutes with one short interval. There will be evening shows on Thursday, October 5 and Friday, October 6 and a matinee performance on Saturday, October 7. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) runs from October 5 to 7 in The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. See thejunctiondubai.com for more details
Halloween Treat October 27 There's only one way to conclude an evening of Halloween celebrations in Dubai — the Fiesta de Los Muertos in the Dubai Autism Rocks Arena. This month the annual festival will be headlined by Gorillaz, the awardwinning British virtual band created in 1998 by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and the artist and co-creator of the Tank Girl comic book, Jamie Hewlett. The band, renowned for their electric live shows, are currently in the midst of their Humanz tour 2017 so expect animated musicians Stuart Harold “2-D” Pot, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs to perform tracks from their latest album Humanz, released in April seven years after their last album Plastic Beach. The show is likely to feature their greatest hits, such as Clint Eastwood, Feel Good Inc and Dare. Confirmed support acts include popular Lebanese-Canadian R&B singer Massari, who released his third album Beirut earlier this year and Salvador Jimenez Hernandez’s Mexican-inspired band The Mariachis. More artists will be confirmed soon. Fiesta de Los Muertos takes place on October 27 in Dubai Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. See 117Live.com for more details
17
Dubai
Oh What a Night October 11 to 14 Dubai Opera presents the regional premiere of Jersey Boys. The Tony and Olivier awardwinning musical, which charts the rise to fame and fortune of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, features the band’s hits, including December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry and more. Jersey Boys, Dubai Opera, Dubai. dubaiopera.com
Funny Man October 19 Dubai Laughs brings Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges to the UAE for a one-off gig in the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Glaswegian stand-up, who first garnered attention with a performance on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow in 2009, is one of the UK’s foremost comics. Kevin Bridges, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. dxblaughs.ae
True Crime October 5 to 6 The Auditorium in Dubai College hosts Capturing Pablo, a talk on the infamous criminal Pablo Escobar. For two nights, drug enforcement agents Javier Pena and Steve Murphy will talk about their role in the downfall of the Colombian druglord. Capturing Pablo, The Auditorium, Dubai College, Dubai. 117live.com
Amazing Dubai From October 4 A spectacular re-telling of the Emirates’ journey from a small fishing community in the 1800s to one of the most modern metropolises in the world. The musical focuses on how Dubai offers so much more than beaches and world-class shopping. The aim is for audiences to leave with a deeper knowlege and understanding of the vision, history, culture and heritage of this cosmopolitan land. Amazing Dubai at the Madinat Theatre, Dubai. Two shows a day at 11am and 2pm. madinattheatre.com
18
Abu DhAbi/istAnbul
Independent Cinema October 16 to 18 New York University Abu Dhabi’s film and new media programme partners with the university’s arts centre and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to present Cinema Na, a series of film screenings celebrating Arab cinema. The series includes Blessed Benefit on October 16 and This Is My Picture When I Was Dead on October 17. Both films were directed by Jordan’s Mahmoud Massad, who will host filmmaking workshops on both dates. The series continues in November. Cinema Na, the Arts Centre, NYU Abu Dhabi and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. nyuad-artscenter.org
Eclectic Tunes October 7 Veteran DJing duo David and Stephen Dewaele, two of the three members of critically acclaimed Belgian alt rock/electro band Soulwax, perform a set under the name of their latest project 2ManyDJs in Istanbul’s Garaj. 2ManyDJs, Garaj, Istanbul. 2manydjs.com
Extreme Sport October 6 X Games star Travis Pastrana’s action sports
On Film Until October 28
collective Nitro Circus comes to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit for the first time on its world tour. The show, which centres on a 50-foot-high Giganta ramp, features more
Galeri Nev Istanbul presents its new Karakoy space’s inaugural show Beneath the Horizon,
than 30 of the world’s leading action sports
an exhibition of work by Turkish artist Inci Eviner. The show features two video works
athletes, from freestyle motocross to BMX
— Beuys Underground, for which Eviner won the Sharjah Biennial Art Prize in 2016 and
and other disciplines.
Ordinary Condition.
Nitro Circus Live, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu
Beneath the Horizon, Galeri Nev Istanbul, Istanbul. galerinevistanbul.com
Dhabi. nitrocircus.com
19
london
Viva La Shakespeare Until October 15 Director Matthew Dunster reimagines William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing for Shakespeare’s Globe. Dunster’s retelling of the bard’s classic comedy is set during the Mexican Revolution and incorporates Latin music and dance. Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe, London. shakespearesglobe.com
Famous Friends October 7 to January 3, 2018 London’s Royal Academy of Arts shines a spotlight on the relationship between two of the 20th century’s greatest artists, Salvador Dali and Marcel Duchamp. Dali/Duchamp features more than 80 works by the two iconic artists as well as collaborations and correspondence. The exhibition is curated by Dawn Ades and William Jeffett with Sarah Lea and is billed as “a conversation taking place through art”. Dali/Duchamp, Royal Academy of Arts, London. royalacademy.org.uk
Bon Vivants October 30 French multi-instrumentalist and Bafta perhaps best-known as the creator of the
Word Perfect
score to Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film
October 13 to November 1
Amelie, plays London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This year’s London Literature Festival in the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall explores
Though classically trained, Tiersen’s music
“how literature and poetry can remind us of our shared humanity in a world on the brink”.
also incorporates elements of rock and
The festival boasts a star-studded line-up, including Tom Hanks, Annie Leibovitz and Philip
electronic music and cannot be described as
Pullman, the 50th anniversary of Poetry International, a Nordic Matters series and a young
one genre.
adult weekend special.
Yann Tiersen, Royal Albert Hall, London.
London Literature Festival, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London.
royalalberthall.com
southbankcentre.co.uk
award-winning composer Yann Tiersen,
20
frankfurt/Shanghai
Weimar Art October 27 to February 25, 2018 Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt’s exhibition Splendour and Misery in the Weimar Republic examines the art produced in Germany between 1918 and 1933. It features approximately 200 artworks by artists of the period, including Max Beckmann, Otto Dix, George Grosz, Lotte Laserstein and Rudolf Schlichter, as well as photographs, films, newspapers and posters. Splendour and Misery in the Weimar Republic, Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt. schirn.de
Chinese Tradition October 4 The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, follows the National Day holiday (October 1 to 3). Held in honour of a Chinese goddess who was said to have levitated to the moon, the festival is celebrated by gazing at the moon, eating mooncakes and making and displaying colourful paper lanterns. Mid-Autumn Festival, various locations, Shanghai.
Comic Hero Until October 15 Frankfurt’s Museum Angewandte Kunst explores the work of French comic book artist Marc-Antoine Mathieu in a show called Mapping Dreams: the Art of Marc-Antoine Mathieu. The exhibition features installations that aim to bring to life scenes from the artist’s stories, 50 original drawings, bronze sculptures, animated films and unpublished work. Mapping Dreams: The Art of Marc-Antoine Mathieu, Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt. museumangewandtekunst.de
Having a Ball October 7 to 15 Shanghai’s Qi Zhong Tennis Centre hosts the annual Shanghai Masters, the only ATP World Tour Masters 1,000 tournament to be held outside Europe or North America. Current world number two Andy Murray holds the tournament title, having beaten Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the 2016 final. Shanghai Masters, Qi Zhong Tennis Centre, Shanghai. shanghairolexmasters.com
21
Featured 24 A cut above
Ryan Gosling is the man of the moment
30 Going green
Image: Chopard
Chopard delves into eco-bling with its green collection
24
Words: The Interview People/ Aoife Stuart-Madge/ Images: Getty and supplied
feaTuRed: RyAn gosling
A Cut Above The world’s most famous pin-up has been setting internet memes alight since his breakout role in The Notebook. Now he’s flirting with the zeitgeist once more in the sequel to the sci-fi epic Blade Runner
A
fter startling audiences with his ability to sing, dance and play jazz piano in La La Land (he learned the latter in just three months) Ryan Gosling still has a few aces up his sleeve. Up next he’s starring in Blade Runner 2049, the sequel to the 1982 cult hit Blade Runner — proof positive that the 36-year-old is fast becoming the leading man of our generation. He’s certainly one of the most interesting: his movie projects run the gamut from low budget indies (Lars and the Real Girl and Blue Valentine) to acclaimed thrillers (The Ides of March, Drive), successfully dabbling in Oscar-bait musicals and star-studded romantic comedies along the way. Far from the typical two-dimensional Hollywood heartthrob, there’s a kooky sensitivity to Gosling’s handsomeness that both men and woman respond to. His face is the subject of a thousand ‘hey girl’ feminist internet memes but by the same token, men idolise him as a brooding action hero. His superstar status is a world away from his humble beginnings in Cornwall, Ontario, where his father worked in the local paper mill and his mother was a secretary. Twenty years on, Gosling still remembers the culture shock of arriving in LA as an aspiring actor at the age of 16.
25
“It was scary because as much as I had seen LA in the movies and I knew I needed to come here, it's a big city and it's hard to find your way in it when you don't know anyone. It took me probably five years before I started to feel like I was getting to know it but the beauty of Los Angeles is that you're constantly getting to know it.” He arrived in Hollywood via Florida, where he found early fame in Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club, alongside fellow prodigies Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. From the moment he set foot in the City of Angels, he was aiming for the stars (although he admits that it was partly visa issues levitating his lofty ambitions). “I spent a lot of time trying to work [in the US] and not having a permit so it was hard for a long time before I finally got a green card. And even more difficult because people wouldn't hire you for smaller roles because it wasn't worth it for them to pay for your permit. In a way, it helped because you could only audition for big roles — because those were the only roles where if you got them, people would pay for your permit. So it kind of forced me to aim high.” It’s a strategy that paid off and the actor has since paid homage to his adopted home in several of his movies. “I feel very lucky to have gotten to make films in the United States about the United States, showing the different facets of it. There's the facet of it where you're just driving around at night, sort of isolated in your car and we tried to capture that feeling in Drive. And there's this element of La La Land where you're surrounded by history — and now I’m into the future with Blade Runner.” Not content with dominating in front of the screen, Gosling is also emerging as a talented director. After making his debut in Lost River in 2014, he has two other works in pipeline, one a biopic of Hollywood choreographer Busby Berkeley. “I have two films that I'm getting ready to direct. I'm figuring out which one. One of them is a musical, which I was going to do before La La Land. I've had this Busby Berkeley project for a long time, it's just taken a long time to develop it. It's an incredible experience to direct a film because making movies, I think, is the greatest job there is. When you're an actor, it's an incredible job but the ride only goes so far. As a filmmaker you have the full experience.” While changing lanes into directing is a huge adjustment, few changes have been as dramatic as his recent transition to family man (he has two young daughters, three-year-old Esmeralda and eighteen-month-old Amada with actress Eva Mendes).
Ryan Gosling at his film premiere at the Cannes Film Festival
26
“[Fatherhood] changes [your life] for the better. Your life becomes better than you ever thought it could be.” And his young family certainly keep him on his toes, much more than the elaborate tap numbers in La La Land. “Everything is a potential danger. Ten heart attacks a day,” he jokes.
featured: Ryan gosling
Ryan Gosling in a scene from La La Land
I have two films that I am getting ready to direct. It's an incredible experience to direct a film because making movies, I think, is the greatest job there is
Ryan Gosling in a scene from Blade Runner 2049
27
featured: Ryan gosling Ryan Gosling at Cannes Film Festival
I think what’s exciting about the world of Blade Runner is that the original was so grounded. It all felt very possible somewhow
Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling in a scene from Blade Runner 2049
Speaking of danger, the perilous future depicted in Blade Runner 2049 is eerily prophetic. The climate has gone berserk, the ecosystem has collapsed and the ocean has risen. “I think that is what is exciting about the world of Blade Runner,” says Gosling. “Ridley [Scott] and the original film grounded it so much. It felt very possible somehow, which was what was so daunting about it. In some ways, I don't know if he predicted it or if it's life imitating art but he was right about a lot of things. It just feels grounded and very human.” Gosling, of course, remembers the original Blade Runner from his formative years when he fell in love with cinema through rented VHS tapes. “[I saw the original] when I was old enough, I think I about 13 or 14 and I was just blown away at how influential this film had really been. Not really in film but in my reality as well. It was quite a prophetic film in many ways. It was a world that had influenced the world I grew up in so it was so surreal to be there. To become a part of it — it's hard to say how special that was but it was really a wonderful experience.” Accepting the lead in the much-hyped sequel brought pressure and excitement in equal measure, he admits. “Yes, it was an excitement as well to bring
28
this to the films. I'm one of the fans. It's been 30 years in the making. It was exciting for us as fans to go back into that universe, live in that world and help carry on the narrative. I just felt more lucky than anything to be surrounded with such great people and such talented craftsmen and to be allowed to be a part of that universe that I've grown up with. That was really exciting.” While it’s undoubtedly surreal to be walking around the futuristic set, it’s not as surreal as the experience of working up close with Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, from whom he inherited the Blade Runner juggernaut. “It was a pleasure. He's such a wonderful actor and a great guy. He wanted to extend the story, felt like there was more to tell.” Although after more than two decades in the business, it’s hard to imagine Gosling getting starstruck these days. He has worked with everyone from Russell Crowe to Christian Bale, George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Not that his young family have any idea of the esteemed company their dad is keeping. “They're too little [to see any of my movies]. They're just babies. We’ll see what happens… in 2049,” he laughs.
Haute Joaillere timepiece set with marquise-cut diamonds in 18-carat white Fairmined gold and a buckle set with round and marquise-cut diamonds
30
featured: jewellery
Chopard strives to make the red carpet a little greener.
When it comes to the Cannes Film Festival, no one does jewellery better than Chopard. The official partner of the event since 1998, Chopard pieces have graced some of the most glamorous women around. In 2013 it was Jennifer Lawrence, a diamond necklace trailing down her back. Then there was Julia Roberts, beaming that famous megawatt smile while a 52.76carat emerald also sparkled. Everyone from Kate Moss to Julianne Moore to Sophia Loren has worn the brand while walking the famous carpet. The sparkle — often caught in camera flashes — hasn’t changed. Yet Chopard’s focus on eco-friendly jewellery has. In 2013, for the first time, Chopard announced it was partnering with Eco-Age, headed by Colin Firth’s wife Livia, to launch its Green Carpet Collection. The range featured a cuff bracelet and matching earrings made from Fairmined gold and using diamonds sourced from a producer certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. Eco went bling and the red carpet went green. “The first time [Livia and I] met was in LA when her husband [Colin Firth] won the Oscar,” says Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s vice-president. Firth started talking to Scheufele about Eco-Age and her focus on sustainable products. Then she put forward a crucial and pertinent question: where did Chopard’s gold come from? “As soon as she said it, I knew where she would take me,” recalls Scheufele. “[She] convinced me we could buy gold from responsible mines rather than from the banks and play an active role in sustainable and ethical luxury.” Everything happened from there. The high jewellery brand announced a partnership with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) in Colombia. They started focusing on raw materials, allowing only those that could be traced to their origin to be part of the collection.
31
Clockwise: Diamonds ready for casting; setting the diamonds on the earrings; last check of the necklace
In 2013, Chopard launched its first Green Carpet Collection with actress Marion Cotillard. On her neck glittered a supple necklace made from 144 pear-cut diamonds set in 18-carat white gold. The following year, Cate Blanchett took a best actress award while wearing the collection’s earrings. Later that year the brand unveiled a high horological watch made from Fairmined gold and in May 2014, Chopard released the first ever Palme D’Or made from Fairmined gold. By 2015, Chopard began supporting a new gold mine in Bolivia embracing sustainable practices. Recently, the brand partnered with Gemfields, the world’s largest supplier of sustainably sourced, coloured gemstones. Revenue from Gemfields' sales has gone toward anti-rhino poaching efforts, the Niassa Lion Project in northern Mozambique, building schools and constructing clean water boreholes. Lately Gemfields has worked to help set up a chicken farm managed by local women, all part of a companywide CSR project that, through its support, Chopard helps. “I think the ultimate luxury is knowing everything about your products from A to Z,” says Scheufele of the eco-focused direction. “Our younger customers feel quite concerned by this and hopefully our actions will stimulate some of our colleagues.” At this year’s Cannes International Film Festival, Chopard went one step further: it released a Palme d’Or (a trophy awarded to the best film) set with ethically sourced diamonds — a first in the brand’s 20-year partnership. And in March Chopard announced its re-entry into the fragrance market — only this time, its scents would include sustainably sourced ingredients.
32
Caroline Scheufele and Julianne Moore
featured: jewellery
Pendant and ring in 18-carat white Fairmined gold and oval diamonds
33
18-carat white Fairminded gold earrings adorned with 62 pear-cut diamonds and round diamonds
34
featured: jewellery
“There is a level of fear, a perception that sustainability diminishes a brand instead of adding value,” says Livia Firth at Chopard’s perfume launch event. “But consumers understand the stories [tied to sustainable brands] and want to hear them. Companies are starting to understand.” As Chopard develops its sustainable range, Firth has focused on her Green Carpet Challenge, an initiative that aims to push sustainable reform in the high-end fashion world through raising awareness. “When I started the challenge, I did it because red carpets are the biggest communication platforms today,” says Firth of the movement, which encourages celebrities to wear eco-friendly products at high-profile events. Last year, to prove her point, Firth wore a Stella McCartney dress made from certified organic floral cotton embroidery, accented by Chopard’s Fairmined sapphire and diamond necklace. “It’s not about what you are wearing, it’s about who you are wearing and whose hands made it.”
Chopard suite at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
A touch of chopArd with jumeirAh True sophistication and luxury is highlighted in
Today, Chopard is nearly synonymous with eco-friendly jewellery. The company’s green initiative has been so successful that it’s hard to separate where fashion ends and the sustainability focus begins.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers. This refined Dubai hotel features an entire Chopard ladies’ floor meticulously
Yet for Scheufele, there’s no need to distinguish the two; they go hand in hand. “People should fall in love with the piece first, and then discover the sustainable story.”
appointed with premium Chopard touches. Rooms are decorated with sophisticated floral arrangements while serene bathrooms feature a range of Chopard bathing products. There is also a dedicated make-up fridge. Additional touches like insuite yoga mats, a bathrobe and a kimono, imbue suites with an atmosphere of serene decadence. The floor is serviced by female colleagues, making it perfect for female travellers who wish a bit more privacy. All of this is offered alongside the benefits provided to every Jumeirah Emirates Towers guest, including unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and Jumeirah’s private beach. For more information, visit jumeirah. com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/ jumeirah-emirates-towers/
Stunning 18-carat white Fairmined gold ring with round and pear-cut diamonds set around a sparkling central diamond
35
lifestyle 38 Diving into a new era of theatre with La Perle
The spectacular is already playing to sold-out audiences in Dubai
Image: La Perle
48 The future of fashion
Dubai Fashion Forward celebrates 10 seasons of Middle Eastern style
60 Intelligent luggage
Packed and ready to go? Let your suitcase check itself in
DIVING INTO A NEW ERA OF THEATRE With 65 artists, a huge plunge pool, a flying puppet, impressive 3D projections and incredible talent, brand new theatrical production La Perle has got Dubai buzzing and sold out its first weekend. We find out why this high-tech extravaganza has got everyone talking
38
featured: arts and culture
a
s La Perle’s popularity continues to grow, Jumeirah steps behind the scenes to see just what goes into a modern-day theatrical masterpiece. Craig Hartenstine, La Perle’s executive producer, joins us for an exclusive interview. Here’s what he has to say about the UAE’s newest showstopping masterpiece. The great thing about what we’re doing here is that it is the first in the region. This is the first Las Vegas-style spectacular within a 12-hour flight time. Right there we have a point of differentiation. Unlike other places that have shows travelling through, this is a resident show, which means it’s going to be performing up to 10 shows a week, every week, for the next 20 years. Some of the shows Franco Dragone [the director] has created are more than 20 years old. These are destination-defining shows. Dubai is already known as a great destination with fantastic beaches and great shopping but now it will be known as a destination for world-class entertainment. If you think of the goals of the rulers of Dubai, they want to make Dubai an epicentre for live entertainment and the number one preferred choice for family travel. This show plays right into that.
39
What we all love to see is the ordinary person doing extraordinary things and doing extraordinary things means extraordinary risks. But we do manage those risks. Safety is our number one priority. We don’t do anything without testing it over and over again, instituting incredible safety protocols that not only protect the artists involved in the act but also the artists and the crew around them. This is one of the most high-tech shows in the world. We build safety interlocks between all the different [bits of] machinery so they cannot conflict and create a problem. This is self-monitoring equipment. We often talk about the theatre being cutting edge and state-of-the-art but the real gems of the show, the things that make it have heart and soul are the people in it. We have artists who have given up incredible careers just to be here. One of the leads of our show is an architect and he has put his architectural career on hold to come and perform here for the next several years. We have another man from Spain who is a medical doctor. Another woman was a police officer in Switzerland who put her career on hold to come and perform to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience of performing with Franco Dragone.
40
Dubai is already known as a great destination with fantastic beaches and shopping but now it will be known as a destination for worldclass entertainment
featured: arts and culture
xxxxxxxxxx
Fast Facts about La PerLe Show length: About 90 minutes Artists: 65 performers from 23 different countries Seats: 1,300 people across 14 rows. Seating wraps 270 degrees around the aqua-stage, providing ideal views from any angle The logistics: • 2.7 million litres of water used as part of the water stage • All lights are moving lights with a lifetime of more than 10,000 hours • Everything in the theatre is a projection screen * There are 135 loudspeakers, making for a 360-degree sound experience • Performances range from acrobatics to aerial stunts and will showcase over 450 performances every year the luxe treatment: For a more exclusive experience, guests can buy a VIP ticket that allows access to a premium lounge with private amenities Transport: Bentley Emirates is the official car partner of La Perle so you can arrive in style in a luxury chauffeured vehicle To book: See laperle.com, call 800 517 373/ +971 4 437 0123 or email boxoffice@laperle.com Stay: There are luxury Jumeirah hotels all within 10 to 20 minutes from the show. Visit jumeirah.com for more details
41
InsIde FrIeze London 2017 The contemporary fair is one of the biggest events on the international art calendar. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s show
Miquel Barcelo sculpture titled Gran Elefandret
42
featured: arts and culture
43
M
ore than 160 leading galleries from around the globe will converge for the 15th edition of Frieze London this month for a week of exhibitions, artists’ commissions, films and talks. Both emerging and established artists will be showcased during the five-day event, curated by some of the brightest stars on the international art circuit. Frieze London once again joins forces with Frieze Masters and Frieze Sculpture for an action-packed week that attracts art enthusiasts from around the world to London’s Regents Park from October 5 to 8 (with invitation-only previews on October 4), making it one of the best-attended events in the London cultural calendar. Ruba Katrib, curator from the Sculpture Centre, New York, is the talent behind the Focus section dedicated to emerging galleries while Ralph Rugoff of the Hayward Gallery in London will explore artists’ response to an age of ‘alternative facts’ by curating Frieze Talks for the first time. The Focus section brings 34 new and upcoming galleries from around the globe together, and this year, Cairo’s Gypsum Gallery will represent the Middle East, joining galleries from London, Berlin and Toronto. Meanwhile in a series of compelling talks, artists, writers, curators and thinkers will explore how, in an age of alternative facts, art and artists’ capacity to beguile, disorientate and disrupt conventional notions of what is real takes on new meaning. Takuro Kuwata, Untitled and Untitled (both 2016)
44
Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz’s Standing Figure with Wheel (1990)
featured: arts and culture
artists, writers, curators and thinkers will explore art’s capacity to beguile and disrupt in an age of alternative facts
John Chamberlain, Fiddlers’ Fortune (2010)
45
An exciting new addition to this year’s show is a themed gallery celebrating the legacy of radical feminist artists. Curated by Alison Gingeras, it will feature pioneering female artists who have been pushing artistic boundaries since the Sixties and the galleries who supported them. These artists – who faced censorship in their day – have inspired contemporary feminists working today. The Frieze Week buzz started in the capital with the opening on July 5 of Frieze Sculpture, London’s largest showcase of major outdoor art, curated by Clare Lilley of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. From the playful to the political, these significant works encourage new thinking on the social role of sculpture and the way it reflects on the human condition. Alternatively you can discover thousands of years of art history in Frieze Masters, which features more than 130 leading modern and historical galleries from around the world, showcasing art from ancient times and Old Masters right up to the late 20th century.
Reza Aramesh, Metamorphosis - a study in liberation (2017)
Peter Regli, Reality Hacking No 348 (2017)
46
FEATURED: ARTS AND CULTURE
WHERE TO STAY
JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER Experience the luxury of the Jumeirah brand in the heart of Belgravia, a stone’s throw from Harrods and Harvey Rasheed Araeen, Summertime, The Regents Park (2017)
Nichols. jumeirah.com
Sir Anthony Cragg, Stroke (2014)
JUMEIRAH LOWNDES HOTEL Tucked away near Belgravia Square, this chic and compact boutique hotel is ideal for those who want undisturbed luxury close to social and retail spots. jumeirah.com
GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES Luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Mayfair overlooking Hyde Park and within walking distance of Harrods and Selfridges. jumeirah.com
47
THE FUTURE OF FASHION Words: Tahira Yacoob
As the 10th season of Fashion Forward Dubai kicks off this month, we look at the city’s emergence as a fashion hub showcasing regional designers
48
lifestyle: fashion forward
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward 2017
49
I
f fashionistas mark their calendars by seasons, those living in the United Arab Emirates can set their diamond-encrusted watches by Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD), a regular fixture on the fashion scene, now entering its 10th season this month. The biannual three-day extravaganza celebrates the best of Middle Eastern couture, with a new showcase this season for ready-to-wear. In a city where no one knowingly underdresses and a trip to the supermarket means slipping on your Louboutins, it is an unmissable event, even for those unrelated to the industry.
Michael Cinco design
The event Like London and Paris fashion weeks, FFWD is primarily focused on buyers and designers, with plenty of events alongside to engage the fashion-loving public. “Our premise is that it is open for designers of Middle Eastern origin or any nationalities that are regionally based,” says co-founder and chief executive Bong Guerrero. The event first launched in the Madinat Jumeirah resort in 2013 and moved to Dubai Design District (d3) last year. Amato, Michael Cinco, Zareena al Yousif and Bouguessa have all taken to the catwalk in previous seasons - and international industry experts and critics are sitting up and taking note. “Before we launched, there was no definitive platform for regional designers to showcase their talent,” says Guerrero. “We have brought the regional fashion community under one roof. We target regional buyers but our designers do get picked up internationally and we have had some success stories.” They include Dubai-based Lebanese handbag designer Nathalie Trad, who launched her collection in the first season and is now stocked internationally.
Why go? “Fashion Forward Dubai has always been industry-focused but this season we are expanding it to appeal to the public,” says Guerrero. “We are crossing the five-year mark and this is a big moment for us in our short history. We can be proud of a lot of things we have done." This season will be as much about showing visitors how intrinsic the event has become to Dubai’s DNA, as well as providing a platform for designers to show the best of their collections to buyers. “There are a lot of activities to engage the public with pop-ups and retail catwalk shows outdoors,” adds Guerrero. The line-up will include a programme of music, entertainment, pop-up stores, fashion talks with industry experts and public and invitation-only runway shows.
50
Bedouin backstage
lifestyle: fashion forward Varoin Marwah
Royaled backstage
The venue The event has moved to the design quarter of d3 for the first time and will take over nearly half the buildings in the area. Three giant marquees will be erected on one side of the quarter for catwalk shows for the 24 designers taking part while a catwalk lounge will be set up in the central plaza for shows from mid-range stores, open to the public. The lobbies of about half of the quarter’s buildings and alleyways in between will be taken over with fashionthemed events and displays, including a collaborative pop-up enterprise between an architect and a fashion designer. Guerrero says: “For the last three seasons we have been in high d3, a cluster of white containers on the periphery of the design district, which were temporary offices. It worked quite well when we moved here because the design quarter was not ready and still quite unpopulated. Now the design quarter has matured and has 75 per cent capacity so there is a real buzz here. We are activating all the alleys within the district. We have more than 7,000 professionals here working in luxury design and fashion so it is the perfect creative environment to be holding our weekend event.”
Who’s coming FFWD only unveils its line-up shortly before the event but confirmed names include four Emirati designers. Among the returning designers will be Amato, Anaya, Bouguessa and Saudi couturier Arwa al Banawi. Then there are the fashion talks, which take place on the sidelines but have drawn big names in the past, from former model Yasmin le Bon and Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing to Steven Kolb, chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Imran Ahmed, the founder of Business of Fashion, which started life as a blog and is now one of the industry’s most respected sites. This year’s speakers have not yet been confirmed but Guerrero promises some industry big-hitters. “A lot of networking and a lot of business happens,” he says. “The talks have always been a developmental angle of our programme, where we share knowledge and experience from learned industry professionals, whom we invite from across the globe. It
51
Bedouin
52
lifestyle: fashion forward
While Dubai and the Middle East for most of the last two decades have focused on importing fashion into the region, as we mature it is only inevitable that we nurture our own stars
Amato
is the largest fashion event in the Middle East.” Critics in the past have included Antonio Mancinelli from Marie Claire Italia while Nowfashion. com and Vogue Arabia have provided global platforms for regional designers.
Why Dubai? “Dubai is a fast emerging market when it comes to fashion,” says Guerrero. ”Consumerism is at its highest here, especially in the fashion sector. It is only natural it should happen here. While Dubai and the Middle East for most of the last two decades have focused on importing fashion into the region, as we mature it is only inevitable that we nurture our own stars. We are doing the right thing at the right time as there is talent coming out of this region.”
Fashion trends Globally, modest wear has struck a chord with international designers and buyers. This summer Torino Fashion Week in Italy introduced a modest wear category in a collaboration with the Islamic Fashion and Design Council. Whether intentionally or not, many of the FFWD designers have captured the zeitgeist by highlighting demure attire. “Without intending it, we have showcased a lot of designers that have taken that direction - not explicitly, but it has always been a thread in a lot of their collections because they have grown up here,” says Guerrero. There will also be more of a focus on mid-range fashion, reflecting a belt-tightening economy which has impacted the industry.
Kristina Fidelskaya
Guerrero says: “You cannot ignore mid-range - that is where the business is. A lot of our designers are skewed toward luxury and they have their niche following and price points but a good sign of their success is when they start to broaden their appeal. “We are still in the infancy stages and last year was a bit of a concern for everyone in retail but I see the region and consumers adapting. We always adapt to the times.”
Don’t miss The Garden retail pop-up, originally created for the launch of FFWD but shelved temporarily, is being revived for the event’s new home. More than 30 fashion graduates from around the world have been invited to debut their collections in a show called Fashion Future. Then there will be popups throughout the design quarter and indoor and outdoor catwalk shows, plus a two-day preview from October 24. “There is a lot of curiosity and interest toward talent coming from the Middle East,” says Guerrero. “Dubai has this strong, international appeal and it helps that we have a cosmopolitan, eclectic flair in the city. While we are still able to highlight Middle Eastern heritage, we have 200 nationalities here with different influences. There is something fresh and organic happening in this region and Dubai is fast becoming a fashion hub.” Fashion Forward Dubai takes place in d3 from October 26 to 28. fashionforward.ae
53
WATCH THIS The most legendary of Rolex watches, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona is going up for auction this month and the world of horlogerie is buzzing
M Words: Alex Williams, © 2017 New York Times News Service
aybe you missed out on Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Stratocaster, which sold for a reported $1.3 million in 1993. Perhaps you were too slow to raise the paddle for the prototype Apple 1 computer, thought to be Steve Jobs’ and Steve Wozniak’s first, that fetched $815,000 last year.
54
Luckily, you still have a crack at Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona. This opportunity might not seem significant to the cellphone-toting masses who think of mechanical wristwatches as anachronistic devices once used by their grandparents to tell time. But to the swelling legions of watch geeks worldwide who think of vintage timepieces as fine art, a Paul Newman Daytona is the one watch that seemingly every self-respecting collector needs to own. And Paul Newman’s own Paul Newman? It is basically the Mona Lisa, perhaps the most famous timepiece in the world, coveted all the more because for decades no one outside the Newman family seemed to know where it was. Well, the secret is out. On Oct 26, Newman’s lost masterpiece will go on sale as the centerpiece of a watch auction at Phillips in New York, following a treasures-of-King Tut-style world tour to whip up interest — as if interest actually needed whipping up. Judging by the frothy response so far, you would think the lost ark of the covenant had just been listed on Ebay.
LifestyLe: paul newman rolex
55
The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona will be up for auction on October 26
“Paul Newman’s Newman could easily be seen as the most important watch there is,” says Andrew Shear, a prominent New York vintage watch dealer. “I could see it selling for $10 million.” Arguably, the Newman Daytona is the watch that “created the entire vintage watch market we know today,” says Charles Tearle, a vintage watch consultant and broker in Los Angeles, who estimates that the watch could bring in at least $3.5 million and that the figure could climb to eight figures if a few heavy-hitter collectors decided to thrash it out.
A regift of a gift from his wife No one would be more baffled by the commotion than Butch Cassidy himself. Newman might have been a marquee-topping Oscar winner and global sex symbol but in his daily life he was the antithesis of Hollywood, said his daughter Nell Newman in a recent interview from her California home. For decades he lived a quiet life with his family in leafy Westport, Connecticut, often driving a Volkswagen Beetle (albeit with a Porsche engine) and wearing a three-piece patchwork denim ensemble when circumstances forced him to dress up. Back then, his watch was similarly low-key. Although a modern Rolex Cosmograph Daytona costs $12,400 today, the models of the ’60s and ’70s cost about $250 and were little more than timekeepers for gear heads, featuring a built-in stopwatch for timing laps and a tachymeter for calculating speed. Newman’s 1968 model was a gift from Joanne Woodward, his wife of 50 years,
56
when the actor became consumed with auto racing. The back was engraved with the message: “Drive Carefully Me”. Even so, the 6239 model that Newman would make famous (he owned at least one other version later) was distinctive and relatively rare, featuring an exotic dial containing a number of stylish design tweaks including, most notably, the art deco-style numerals on the subdials that any true watch connoisseur could spot from 10 paces. There might be only a few thousand in the world today, dealers have said. Regardless, Newman apparently thought so little of this horological treasure that he gave his away on a whim. In a story that is quickly becoming a watch nerd’s version of Genesis, Newman casually handed over the watch to James Cox, Nell’s college boyfriend at the time, one muggy summer afternoon in 1984. “As far as he was concerned, it was a tool,” his daughter said. “He definitely didn’t have a strong attachment to things.” In an interview, Cox said he was helping repair a treehouse on the Newman property when the blue-eyed actor approached and asked the time. “I said, you know, ‘a hair past a freckle’ or some comment meaning ‘I don’t have a watch,'” says Cox, now 52. “To which he replied: ‘Well, here, here’s this watch. If you remember to wind it, it tells pretty good time.'” And it did, for the next decade or so, as Cox wore it daily, whether gardening or doing light construction jobs, thinking it was really valuable only to him, for sentimental reasons. His first inkling that his watch was valuable to others came at a trade show in 1993, when a Japanese man who spoke very little
LIFESTYLE: PAUL NEWMAN ROLEX
Well, here's this watch. If you remember to wind it, it tells pretty good time
Paul Newman watches his daughter perform in a horse show while sporting the Rolex Daytona
57
LifestyLe: paul newman rolex
When Newman became engrossed with auto racing, his wife gifted a Rolex with this special message
English approached Cox and excitedly blurted out, “Paul Newman watch!” “I looked at him like: ‘Oh my God, how does this guy know that this is Paul Newman’s watch?'” recalls Cox.
Daytona in the Pinterest age Unbeknown to Cox, the aura of the Paul Newman Daytona had been building since the early 1980s when Newman, according to watch lore, started flashing it in glamour shots for European fashion magazines. The legend continued to grow with the rise of the internet, when vintage shots of Newman, with his rugged good looks, no-nonsense air and yes, really cool watch, became a staple of style blogs and Pinterest boards, where the actor was hailed an all-American king of cool to rival Steve McQueen.
58
“I kept thinking: ‘I know the answers to these questions,'” he adds. But he says: “I’ve always erred on the side of trying to keep the family as private as possible and that was just the classy thing to do — keep quiet about it.” Finally, however, after discussions with watch experts, Cox spilled the secret in June when he came forward with his decision to auction off the watch and give “a big portion” of the proceeds, he says, to the Nell Newman Foundation, which focuses on environmental issues. “I told James: ‘Just keep it, man, what are you doing?'” says Nell, joking about the potential windfall from the sale. The likelihood of a huge payday increases with the building media attention. “We’ve received absentee bids already,” says Paul Boutros, the head of the Phillips watch division in the Americas. “Our best clients have been asking: ‘Please reserve me a seat at the auction.’ That immediate response, so many months in advance, has just not happened with any property we have offered.”
Not that anyone besides Cox knew where the watch actually was. As recently as three years ago, the watch site Hodinkee listed it as one of the 12 “greatest missing watches,” alongside Pablo Picasso’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Calendar, John Lennon’s Patek Philippe 2499 and Fidel Castro’s Rolex GMT-Master.
While Cox plans to keep some of the proceeds (perhaps to buy a new Daytona?), he has little doubt what Newman, the philanthropist behind the charitable Newman’s Own brand of salad dressing and popcorn, would say if he were alive.
Cox, who lives in Santa Cruz, California and runs a company that makes sunglasses for pilots, was only dimly aware of the hubbub. “At some point about eight or nine years ago, I realised that my watch had its own Wikipedia page and that there was this whole ‘where did it go?’ question and all this stuff,” he says.
“If Paul was alive,” says Cox, “and I went to him and said: ‘Hey, Paul, that watch you gave me, it turns out that it’s super-valuable, super-iconic,’ I think the first thing he would say would be: ‘Well, kid, what are you going to do with it? You know, you’re not going to keep it, are you? You’re going to do something important.'”
60 Text and images: The Interview People
lIfeStle: innovation
IntellIgent luggage Smart suitcases that can check themselves in are coming to an airport near you
61
lowres
62
LifestLe: innovation
B
esides getting wheels, luggage hasn't seen a lot of innovation over the decades. However, that might be about to change as the internet of things makes its presence felt in the world of the humble suitcase.
But who really needs all this? It's a matter of taste. In addition to the limitation of the batteries, there's also the question of how much smart luggage will weigh and how much that will leave for the contents of the case.
Smart luggage is starting to appear in airport lounges and terminals — that is, luggage equipped with digital technology. The range of functionality is broad, from mobile phone-charging capacity to GPS tracking.
Professor Ulrich Reinhardt from the BAT Foundation for Future Questions in Germany thinks people will buy smart luggage because of the bling factor but will rarely use it. "You might use it three times to find out where exactly the suitcase is." After that the novelty will probably wear off.
For example, Berlin start-up Horizn Studios sells luggage that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. An alarm will sound if the distance between your suitcase and your phone is more than 30 metres. "Our goal is to make travel more comfortable and carefree," says founder Stefan Holwe. Other companies are also trying to bring as much digital intelligence as possible to luggage. US company BlueSmart offers a suitcase that locks itself when it's a certain distance from the owner. It also has a built-in weighing scale that will display the weight on your smartphone. Another US company, Planet Traveler, offers a "networked suitcase". Called Space Case 1, it can be opened and closed using a biometric fingerprint. It also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker for playing music or making phone calls and an app that works as a concierge service, for example, by announcing airport gate openings.
Some of the innovations might have more practical benefits. German manufacturer Rimowa is offering a suitcase with an electronic tag which can be used to check in the bag from home via an airline app. Instead of a sticker showing that it has been checked in, the bag will use a digital display. The vision is of fully automatic drop-off stations where the case will be automatically weighed and then sent off in the right direction for the flight. Currently only Lufthansa and Eva Air use e-tags but United, Condor and Thomas Cook are in the test phase, says Rimowa. And then there's the R1, a self-propelled suitcase being developed by Chinese company Cowarobot. It will follow its owner using a smartphone connection and sensors will help it to avoid obstacles. The case is currently behind schedule but a company spokesperson said it will be coming to market soon.
The Geotrakr suitcase from Samsonite — the world's largest luggage brand — couples a tracking function with a speedometer that allows the case to detect when it is in flight so that it shuts down to avoid interfering with the aircraft's electronics. This case is reserved for the US market but for customers elsewhere, the company offers a case with a tracking function and distance alarm that works via Bluetooth. This autumn Delsey — the second biggest luggage-maker after Samsonite — is launching its own smart luggage that will tell you via an app when your suitcase arrives on the luggage belt.
63
Image: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa
TRAVEL 66 Exploring Belgravia
Wander around this charming neighbourhood full of artisanal shops and quaint cafes
74 The insiders' guide to... the Abu Dhabi food scene
Sumptuous culinary fare in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers — and the hands behind it
ExplorInG BElGravIa
Words: Danae Mercer, Images: Getty and supplied
From strolling down regal roads to cycling through streets lined with artisinal shops and quaint cafes, we highlight the charm of this genteel pocket of london
66
Belgravia is a district in West London in the city of Westminster and is one of the wealthiest districts in the world.
travel: Belgravia
67
Typical whitewashed Regency style row houses line the streets
68
travel: Belgravia
r
egal and rarefied, the quiet London neighbourhood of Belgravia has a lot to offer. Visitors can stroll between the white stucco buildings that line its leafy boulevards, taking in classical architecture and manicured gardens. The homes here are among the most expensive in England yet the vibe is classically understated. Along the way, a number of tiny shops and quaint cafes tempt travellers to stop — but as most are nestled unobtrusively behind quiet doors, they’re often missed by even the most seasoned traveller. That’s all part of Belgravia’s unique charm. This wealthy part of London doesn’t need to shout about its Michelin-starred restaurants or top-notch chocolatiers. Instead it whispers, inviting the elite in for elegant nibbles and refined drinks. So where should you go? Jumeirah reveals some of the most charming spots worthy of an afternoon stroll. The Fine Cheese Co
Nestled on Motcomb Street is this gem of all things dairy. Inside you’ll find 110 artisan European cheeses and an array of freshly cut charcuterie. For an indulgent evening, it’s possible to book a multiple course meal in A Table. Food can be enjoyed in an outdoor terrace. Just save room for a glass of grape — The Fine Cheese Co has more than 100 different types of European wine available. finecheeseshops.co.uk Wild aT hearT
Fragrant flowers are piled in every corner of Wild at Heart’s flagship shop. In between you’ll find hand-selected vases, pottery and interior decorations. The result is a charming stop that allows for those perfect dinner party gifts. wildatheart.com roCoCo ChoColaTes
As both a flagship Rococo Chocolates store and a chocolate school, this intimate shop is guaranteed to hit the sweet spot. You can grab a cup of hot chocolate then recline in a Moroccan-style garden or unwind with a slice of cake while watching experts prepare chocolate delights. The chocolate school offers chocolate masterclasses, tasting sessions, workshops and even children’s events. If that doesn’t satisfy all those sugar cravings, stroll down to Lowndes Street and pop into Pierre Herme for excellent macarons. rococochocolates.com
69
travel: beLgravia
Christian LOubOutin
Needing little introduction, this Motcomb Street shop sells an array of Louboutin’s famous red-soled shoes. Step inside for some of the latest heels, bags and other far-too-tempting merchandise. christianlouboutin.com peggy pOrsChen parLOur
This family-owned parlour is a little slice of sugary goodness. Founded by Peggy Porschen and her husband Bryn Morrow, the airy space serves cupcakes, cookies and frosting-topped cakes. Sweet slices can be ordered alongside artisan teas and steaming coffees. Or for a dash of added glamour, you can opt for a glass of Laurent Perrier rose champagne. peggyporschen.com
Peggy Porschen Parlour
DaviD thOmas
With pieces exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Scotland, goldsmith David Thomas has made quite a name for himself. This famous artist is known for his bespoke gold and platinum jewellery. You’ll find Thomas’s shop in Pimlico Road, nestled under pale awnings and filled with all things rare and stunning. davidjthomas.co.uk DayLesfOrD OrganiC Cafe
Serving up plates of pancakes heaped with fruit and honey, gluten-free muffins, fresh salads and hearty burgers, this Pimlico Road eatery is well worth a stop. Inside there’s a range of organic food, including an ever-changing series of daily specials. Expect a chic crowd and quite the buzz, particularly around brunch daylesford.com
Hire a bike from Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel for a ride through scenic Belgravia
Rocco Chocolates
Out fOr a spin If you have had your fill of strolling around Belgravia, why not go for a spin? Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel has partnered with British company Kingston Bicycles to create bespoke Belgravia bikes, available for hotel guests on a complimentary basis during their stay. These charming bikes come with British icons like the classic telephone boxes, teacups, umbrellas and the Union Jack flag. Decorated in red, white and blue, they are ideal for quintessentially English photos. The luxurious hotel has worked with Tally Ho! Cycle Tours to compile a list of recommended stops. The route takes cyclists around Belgravia and Hyde Park, suggesting things to see along the way. Highlights include the Wellington Arch in Hyde Park, Serpentine Lake, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Wilton Crescent (once home to the President of Colombia), The Grenadier (a hidden pub dating to around 1720), The Albert Memorial and Rotten Row. Other important landmarks — including Harrods and the Royal Albert Hall — are also displayed. For information on this and more, visit jumeirah.com If you’re staying in the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, the knowledgable concierge will be delighted to assist.
70
The InsIders’ GuIde To…
the abu dhabi FOOd sCeNe
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers at sunset
74
travel: abu dhabi
Li Beirut
Jouni ibrahim
Executive oriental chef in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
I was born and raised in the Tartous province of Syria, in a small village sitting on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean sea. I spent a lot of time as a young boy cooking with my older cousin. He taught me the basics of our traditional cuisine. Nowadays I look at the latest international trends and they influence my creativity in the kitchen.
Interviews by Gareth rees / Images: Getty
I worked as a trainee chef in my home town in Syria before moving to Dubai in 2004 to work in the Madinat Jumeirah, where I stayed for three years, working my way up from commis chef to junior sous chef. I then moved to the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and was promoted to sous chef. I worked for a short time as chef de cuisine at Gallery Lafayette Gourmet in Dubai before taking the role of chef de cuisine at Li Beirut in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi during pre-opening in 2011. I learned a lot from executive sous chef Nidal Daou during the opening of the hotel. Jumeirah offers better training than anywhere I have worked before. It is a place to grow and has built a very good reputation. Abu Dhabi was a completely new experience – very different to Dubai. In the last six years it has become a bit more like Dubai but although it is the capital city, it is not so crowded. Both cities are completely different to Tartous. Since I first arrived in Abu Dhabi a lot more high-end restaurants have opened serving cuisines from all around the world but we stand out from the competition because of our consistent high standard of food and service. The food we serve is classic with a modern twist and our signature dish is foie gras kebbe. When I’m not in the kitchen I like to socialise, go to the gym and play PS4. I have explored the local cuisine since I arrived in the UAE and my favourite Emirati dish is lamb ouzi. When I speak to people back home they think Abu Dhabi is an expensive city to live in but it’s not.
75
Takashi ando
Chef de cuisine in Tori no su
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. My grandmother inspired me to become a chef. She always cooked for me. I moved from Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai to Abu Dhabi in April 2012 for the opening of Tori No Su. Before that I had worked in Seoul in South Korea, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Beijing in China. When I first moved to Abu Dhabi I saw it was a nice environment to live in with lots of trees and more Emiratis than I had seen in Dubai. Now, five years later, Abu Dhabi has lots of new buildings and projects going on. It differs from Tokyo in that it is very hot, it only has two seasons and it doesn’t have any mountains. It is also different to the other places I have worked in that it doesn’t have as much local street food. I live in the Khalidiya neighbourhood. It is close to work and a comfortable place to live. My home has a swimming pool, which is good for the summer. When I am not in the kitchen I am either swimming, in the gym, watching television or reading. There are more Japanese restaurants in Abu Dhabi now than there were when I first arrived.
Tori No Su
Sushi in Tori No Su
We specialise in fresh sushi, grilled dishes and seasonal dishes and seafood from Japan. Our signature dish is gindara miso yaki. Working for Jumeirah guarantees a constant stream of new ideas and a diverse and supportive team. My favourite local food is shawarma but I have learned some Arabic dishes and combined elements of them with my sushi. The Emirati culture, the hospitality of the local people and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque make Abu Dhabi special. The greenery also makes the capital different to the rest of the UAE. The biggest misconception about Abu Dhabi is that there is a lack of things to do. It’s a pity there is no subway, but on the up side it’s very peaceful and there is almost no crime.
Sushi at Tori No Su
76
travel: abu Dhabi
Tartare in Ray's Grill
Daniel irvine
Chef de cuisine in ray’s Grill, Jumeirah at etihad Towers
I was born and raised in England. I like to travel and I love discovering different flavours so I figured becoming a chef was the right path for me. Before I moved to Abu Dhabi in 2012, I worked in Turkey, Egypt, the Philippines and Kuwait. I moved here because I was excited about the opportunity to live and work in a different destination. My first impression was that Abu Dhabi was a very quiet little city but it continues to grow and improve every year. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next. Abu Dhabi is completely different to England. I have lived in many different places in the world and the way Abu Dhabi brings together people from different cultures and walks of life continues to amaze me.
Ray's Grill
When it comes to the food scene, Abu Dhabi is always up with the latest trends and there is something here for everyone, young and old. It’s much more competitive than when I first arrived, but we focus on offering our customers a broad choice, lots of varieties of meat, great flavours, a wonderful selection of beverages, fantastic service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We also have the best view in the city. Our signature dish is teriyaki beef short rib with a pear, pink ginger and watercress salad with a miso dressing and wild rice. When I’m not in the kitchen I aim to spend quality time with my wife and son. Jumeirah is a fantastic company to work for. The team here will help develop your strengths as well as overcome your weaknesses. My favourite Arabic dish is umm Ali, a traditional Egyptian dessert. In the summer it’s too hot to go outside and enjoy yourself but everything you need is here. There’s always something to do – shopping, theme parks, beaches, you name it. Roast turkey in Ray's Grill
The biggest misconception about Abu Dhabi is that it is a very expensive city to live in.
77
Delfino Sanfilippo Chiarello
Chef de cuisine in Bice, Jumeirah at etihad Towers
I was born and raised in Sicily in southern Italy. I lived there until I was 20. The land inspired me to become a chef. I was raised in a farming family so from a young age I was involved in food. Before I moved to Abu Dhabi I was in London for 13 years. I worked in several restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze, which had a Michelin star. I moved to Abu Dhabi because I had always been fascinated by Middle Eastern culture and wanted to experience it for myself. When I first arrived I remember thinking how it was very different from London – a lot more spacious and with a slower pace of life. I have only been here for three months but I absolutely love it. I should have moved here earlier. The food scene is varied and interesting. In Italy, Italian food is supreme and people are not adventurous or open to trying new dishes. I live in the Hamdan Street area. I am very fortunate because there are many food
Octopus in Bice
outlets I can visit to find inspiration. Abu Dhabi is very international and so the food scene is very similar to Europe. There is an emphasis on fresh and tasty homemade food and that is exactly what I stand for. I love to cook with fish and game. We offer a world-class dining experience with spectacular food and exceptional service. We are always looking for ways to innovate and improve. We work as a team in the kitchen and that is why we are able to deliver such high standards. When I am not in the kitchen I love reading cookbooks and researching new cooking methods and techniques. I am working for a world-renowned hotel chain and at the same time I feel like I am part of an amazing family. My favourite local dish is chicken machboos. Abu Dhabi differs from the rest of the UAE in that it is very family-orientated but it also has the same mix of cultures as the other emirates.
Linguine vongole in Bice
Tuna tartare in Bice
78
travel: abu dhabi
Toro Toro
Toro Toro
Toro Toro
RICHARD SANDOVAL
Mexican chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurant empire comprises more than 40 restaurants and spans Japan, Mexico, Serbia, Qatar, the US and the UAE. Inspired by the success of Maya and Toro Toro restaurants in Dubai, Sandoval recently opened Toro Toro in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.
You have restaurants all over the world. How does the UAE compare?
You have been operating in Dubai for more than a decade, opening Maya
You opened Toro Toro in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in September.
in 2006 and Toro Toro in 2010. How well are your restaurants doing?
Why Abu Dhabi and why now?
They are doing very well, which is amazing considering how many more restaurants have opened in Dubai in the last few years.
The deciding factor in opening Toro Toro in Abu Dhabi was my partner Turab Saleem. I have known Turab for many years and we had always discussed opening a restaurant together. This opportunity came up in front of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. I loved the location and I trust Turab’s business instincts.
Why did you decide to open restaurants in the UAE in the first place?
I am very forward-thinking and the UAE has been one of the most exciting places in the world to do business as [its leadership] transformed a desert into diamonds. They are always investing in their country, bringing the best of all industries. What do you think of the UAE food scene? How has it progressed since your first restaurant opened in the UAE?
The UAE is cementing itself as a culinary hub, bringing multiple cuisines to a very diverse population. I always want to be in places where there is a vision, growth potential and a very diverse but knowledgeable clientele.
The UAE food scene has really evolved in the last few years. You see the best chefs from around the world setting up shop in Dubai, which I think puts it up there with the best food cities in the world.
How will Toro Toro in Abu Dhabi differ from Toro Toro in Dubai?
The DNA is the same as Toro Toro in Dubai, Washington, Miami and other parts of the world but people can expect a very vibrant Toro Toro in Abu Dhabi. The look and feel is different to the Dubai restaurant. The interiors are very colourful, you have an incredible rooftop and there will be live entertainment. The menu is very similar but I don't like to copy and paste so I always make adjustments so that every restaurant has its own identity.
79
80
Words: Meryllino
Travel: mallorca
featured SpaceS SunSet SuShi Lounge in Jumeirah Port SoLLer hoteL and SPa, maLLorca You might not associate the Balearic islands with the notion of taking a peaceful holiday. That’s probably because one of the four major islands that make up the archipelago has a reputation that precedes it and often eclipses reports about its sisters islands. It goes without saying, that island is the international party destination of Ibiza. Travel insiders, however, know thatthese islands can also offer the most tranquil of holidays. You just need to know where to look. A 35-minute drive from Palma International Airport, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Mallorca is a perfect example. Perched on a cliff, it boasts views of the pretty seaside town of Soller in one direction and the unspoiled beauty of the Unesco world heritage Tramuntana mountains in the other. Sometimes the hotel appears to hover between the sky and the sea. With three restaurants, an expansive spa and numerous pools, all encircled by terraced gardens, it's one of the island's most inviting destinations for some indulgent relaxation. Nestled away at the top of the hotel’s main building is the Sunset Sushi Lounge. Thanks to the hotel facing west, the restaurant offers breathtaking 180-degree views of the Mediterranean sea, the Port de Soller and the mountains. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sampling sushi prepared by the restaurant’s Asian chefs, washed down with one of the lounge’s signature sundowners. Sunset Sushi Lounge is open daily from 5pm to 1am and serves dinner from 7pm to 11pm. Call +34 971 637 886 or email jpsrestaurants@jumeirah.com to book a table.
81
The high life:
Ambar, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Al Naseem
THE LOWDOWN: A rooftop bar overlooking the Jumeirah Al Naseem
shawarmas to baba ganoush fritters. Nibble away but leave some space
gardens and the Arabian Gulf, Ambar comes from the Arabic word used
for drinks. That’s what you’re really there for anyway — that and the view.
Words: Meryllino
to describe the base scent of traditional Arabian perfumes — warm, musky,
82
rich, oriental and earthy. With the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as the backdrop,
On Wednesdays, the bar offers Her nights where women can enjoy 50 per
the lounge is one of the best places in Dubai to unwind during sundowners.
cent off selected beverages from 5pm to 8pm.
THE ATMOSPHERE: Considering Ambar is a rooftop bar, you’d best leave
INSIDER’S TIP: Order the lobster and crabmeat kibbeh. Come with a
the kids at home. The trellised layout creates nooks and crannies from
phone battery fully charged as you will be spoilt for choice when it comes
which to sip a cocktail while admiring views of the sea and the Burj Al
to Instagram-worthy pictures. As autumn sets in, the cooler nights mean
Arab Jumeirah. The place is always buzzing with an eclectic mix of visitors
you can make the most of the views.
from all backgrounds. bOOkINg DETAILS: Ambar is open seven days a week for dinner from THE FOOD: Ambar serves modern Arabian cuisine with mezze dishes to
5pm to 2am.
share. There are a number of options from a menu of about 10 appetisers. They vary from iced raw vegetables to fried calamari, from chicken
Call +971 4 432 3232 or email restaurants@jumeirah.com
Tel: (+971) 4 337 7000 Email: ahmad@ahmadkurdi.com www.ahmadkurdi.com https://www/facebook.com/ahmadkurdifinejewellery | https://www.instagram.com/ahmadkurdifinejewellery
Breguet, the innovator. Creation of a peerless style, 1775
With a particularly refined and timeless design, Breguet renewed the traditional horological aesthetic of the late 18 th century. Today, the Classique 7787 model, indicating the age and phases of the moon, is a contemporary interpretation of the Breguet style : white grand feu enamel dial, Breguet numerals, Breguet moon-tip hands and secret signature. History is still being written ...
BREGUET BOUTIQUE – DUBAI MALL
DUBAI (UAE)
+ 9 7 1 4 3 3 9 8 7 5 6 – W W W. B R E G U E T. C O M