Collection Couture Automne- Hiver 2012-2013 www.georgeschakra.com
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Shopping 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Lifestyle 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Living 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 publisher : 61 62 63 City News Privilege 64 65 on behalf of Le Cercle Hitti 66 Travel 67 68 69 editor in chief : 70 71 Anastasia Nysten 72 73 74 75 managing editor : 76 77 Helen Assaf Products 78 79 80 81 graphic design : 82 83 Genia Kodash 84 85 86 87 printer : 88 89 CHAMAS 90 91 92 www.3achamas.com 93 94 95 editorial assistant 96 97 Art 98 Susan Wilson 99 100 101 contributors : 102 103 104 Alia Fawaz 105 106 Avril Groom 107 108 India Stoughton 109 110 Louis Parks 111 112 Miriam Dunn 113 114 Owen Adams 115 116 Susan Wilson 117 118 119 advertising : Fashion 120 121 122 sales@citynewsme.net 123 124 t: +961 3 852 899
Welcome to Le Cercle, taking us into 2013 with dynamic verve. If you have a passion for fashion and all things innovative and deluxe, you’ve picked up the perfect magazine. We visit hotspots for the most discerning and nouveau: to Paris where La Première transcends the airport experience; an exclusive insider account of the culinary event of the 21st century so far, a rendezvous of global chef talent at Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV Monaco restaurant; and race to Modena, Italy, where the rival geniuses of Ferrari and Maserati meet under one distinctive yellow roof. We reveal where in New York, city of dreams, to stay, visit and dine for the best oysters, Lebanese cuisine and so much more. Zest and ingenuity are fused for a dozen incredible interiors from around the world, and an exploration of Philippe Starck’s bathroom creations where ecology and the water of life converge. We profile the visionary Eric Jourdan and Ligne Roset and delve into the most incisive and unprecedented art, including feather and moleskin sculptures. We also go window shopping for unique gifts. Le Cercle is crammed full of expressive, fresh ideas as we enter a year of promise. Great passion is the motivator behind this hothouse creativity, and we all feel it.
PARK VIEW BUILDING, BOULEVARD DU PARC - BEIRUT T. +961 1 99 21 16 CHARLES MALEK AVE., ELLIPSE CENTER - ASHRAFIEH, LEBANON T. +961 1 20 00 01 W W W. W S A L A M O O N . C O M
the WINTER
wishlist
goes window shopping for some of this season’s must-have purchases.
BraveNewWorld
Valentine
Freshwest
Marcel Wanders
Solid oak frame and cast iron weights
Crystal clear blown glass with lacquered
w.93 x d.270 x h.130 cm
shade, transparent cord and steel cable
Moooi
Ø 35.5/21 x h.29.5/18 cm Moooi
Trinitas Dögg design Black chintz exterior and white or orange interior Ø 74 x h.170 cm Ligne Roset
LaSimplex Guillaume Bloget Satin lacquered folded steel with black cable and manual switch w.19.5 x d.24.5 x h.28 cm Ligne Roset
LIGHTING
DearIngo Ron Gilad Powder coated steel Ø min 80 max 240 x h.50 cm Moooi
Emperortablelamp
RabbitLamp
Neri & Hu
Front
Bamboo rattan cage, aluminum
PVC/cotton laminate on metal
frame and glass diffuser
structure, rabbit polyester
Ø 60 x h.35 cm
w. 28.5 x h.54 cm
Moooi
Moooi
Dimensions
Raimond
Thibault Desombre
Ox-ID
Stem in square-section curved
Stainless ‘spring steel’
metal finished in satin-finish
Ø 43/61/89 cm
black or white lacquer
Moooi
Ø 24 cm x h.219 cm Ligne Roset
LIGHTING
Lucaarmchaircollection Jean-Philippe Nuel Ligne Roset
AVLShakerStool
Alster
Joep van Lieshout
Emmanuel Dietrich
Solid oak frame lacquered
Tubular steel with soldered
in three different colours
metal mesh. Thick fabrics
w. 40 x d. 40 x h.99 cm
w. 61 x d. 59 x h. 82 cm
Moooi
Ligne Roset
Tuftytoo Patricia Urquiola Available in different sizes B&B Italia
4-legged stool Ø 33.5 x h.40 cm
3-legged stool Ø 25 x h.40 cm
Pols Potten
Pols Potten
SEATING
Bloggersofa Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizio Manzoni w. 240 d. 104 x h. 69 cm Roche Bobois
WireDiabola
Mart
Steel wire
Antonio Citterio
Ø 38 x h. 45.5 cm
Thermoformed leather or fabric.
Pols Potten
Swivel base with four spokes in smoked stained oak Ø 79 x 68 cm B&B Italia
Husk Patricia Urquiola Hard shell in Hirek ®. Series of soft cushions
MiniPapilio Naoto Fukasawa w. 69 x d. 76 x h. 80.5 cm B&B Italia
w. 84 x d. 84 x h. 84 cm B&B Italia
Derive 2 Pierre Paulin Beech veneered birch. Fabric w. 57 x d. 100 x h. 95 cm Ligne Roset
SEATING
Ovnitable Base in varnished aluminum, top in smokey-grey glass ø 120 x h. 26 cm, ø 90 x h. 25 cm, ø 70 x h. 22 cm Roche Bobois
LaSecrete
Palette
Philippe Dutto
Pascal Mourgue
Walnut wood
Ceramic
w. 97.4 x d. 55.7 x h. 110.8 cm
w. 65 x d. 34 x h. 35 cm
Ligne Roset
Ligne Roset
Cronophot Sacha Lakic Glass cocktail table made of one 15mm thick extra-clear vertical panel and three 12mm thick smoked grey or bronze elements. w. 140 x d. 75 x h. 32.5 cm Roche Bobois
Mortaisecollection Yota Kakuda Ligne Roset
TABLES
FatFat-LadyFat Patricia Urquiola Synthetic fabric, felt, leather or pony skin. Polyethylene frame Ø 66/86/116 x h. 45/35/30 cm B&B Italia
Expression Top in 10 or 15 mm-thick tempered glass. Solid oak base with wrought iron crossbar w. 160 x d. 90 x h. 40 cm Roche Bobois
O Perché
Parigi
Julie Pfligersdorffer
Studio Catoir
Natural Beech. Satin black-stained beech
Pedestal table with base in gloss black
w. 45 x d. 45 x h. 64/112 cm
lacquered turned solid limewood; top in
Ligne Roset
natural varnished sycamore Ø 40 x h. 50 cm Ligne Roset
Baskettone Natural varnished or red-stained ash veneered MDF Ø 50 x h. 54 cm Ligne Roset
TABLES
accessories
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Lampe KING KONG Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Coral Vase Pols Potten
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Paire tasse Metal NO LIMIT Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
XS Geneva Sound
Mountain collection Baobab
accessories
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Platinum collection Baobab
XS Geneva sound
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Electrum collection Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Platinum collection Baobab
GIANT CANDLE HOLDER BUBBLE DROP. Vanessa Mitrani
Ludo candle Lifestyle 94
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Wheat straw sphere Pols Potten
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
accessories
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Twiggy Pols Potten
Mont Blanc Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Vase SNAIL Vanessa Mitrani
Nuage LILLIPUT Vanessa Mitrani
Bernard Lifestyle 94
Platinum collection Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Coral vase Pols Potten
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
accessories
XS Geneva sound
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Everest Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Ludo candle Lifestyle 94
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Celeste LSA international
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Ludo candle Lifestyle 94
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Electrum Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
accessories
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Ludo candle Lifestyle 94
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
XS Geneva sound
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Lampe LILLIPUT CLOUD Vanessa Mitrani
McKinley Baobab
Black tie Baobab
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Ludo candle Lifestyle 94
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Colors collection Vanessa Mitrani
Mini Vase KING KONG Vanessa Mitrani
www.rixos.com
Photo: Michel Gibert. Special thanks: TASCHEN
European Manufacture
Mah Jong modular sofa system hand-upholstered in design Hans Hopfer. Sismic low tables, design CĂŠdric Ragot. Domino rug, design . BEIRUT DOWNTOWN 33 rue Weygand Tel: +961 1 986 888/999 beirut@roche-bobois.com
See www.roche-bobois.com for collections, news and catalogues
fabric,
l’art de vivre by roche bobois
Rivals united in excellence
Wo r d s :
O w e n
A d a m s
W o r d s : Owen Adams
Enzo Ferrari once said: “Cars are only beautiful when they win.� At the birthplace of the motor-racing legend and entrepreneur in Modena, Italy, 19 beautiful cars on show from the pioneering glory days are bowling over international visitors.
From Left to Right:
Ferrari Tour De France 250 GT2
Ferrari 500 Mondial 2
Ferrari 375 Indy
T
he Museo Casa Enzio Ferrari exhibition is perhaps the most prestigious exhibition yet, and features models all with fascinating stories to tell, and not just built by Ferrari but his most serious and enduring rival, the Maserati brothers. The rivalry was born in the Italian city of Modena, a battle of creativity and innovation, science and technology, speed and thrills. For the first time the two immortal local casas have been brought together under one yellow roof - the official color of both Modena and Ferrari. Designed by the Czech visionary Jan Kaplicky and Future Systems, and completed by Andrea
Morgante of Shiro Studio in 2012 following Kaplincky’s death in 2009, the building celebrates and echoes the aesthetic values of car design. The giant monolith lies half-submerged in the ground, complementing nature. In a “gesture of appreciation”, the building sympathetically curves around the restored early 19thcentury house in which Enzo was born and raised, and its original workshop built by his father. Using 3,300 square meters of aluminum, the roof, sculpted by boat builders and fitted together using a patented tongue and groove system, has 10 incisions to replicate the air intake vents on a car bonnet, in this case used for ventilation
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Shopping 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Lifestyle 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Living 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 Travel 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 Products 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Art 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 Fashion 121 122 123 124
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Shopping 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Lifestyle 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Living 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Travel 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Products 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 Art 98 99 100 MEF Sfida Ferrari 101 Maserati 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 Fashion 120 121 122 123 124
and natural light. It’s also the first museum building in Italy to use geothermal energy. The cars have been shipped in from private collections all over the world, displayed as priceless artworks, and their incredible stories are told on interactive screens. The Ferrari 340, which won the 1953 Mille Miglia and Tour of Sicily, a 1958 250 GTO hillclimb supremo, and the first F1-winning Dino (named for Enzo’s son) built in 1956, are displayed alongside one of Ferrari’s rare failures, the 1952 Indy, as well
as the elite road car, the 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico from 1961. The nine Maseratis on show include undisputed masterpieces such as the 1954 A6GCS and the 250 F. Seen side by side, it becomes evident the Ferrari-Maserati great rivalry was a battle for excellence and supreme design, infinitely more noble than any commercial spat. When one raised their game, the other was compelled to follow suit.
Chef Alain Ducasse with Anastasia Nysten
Chef Alain Ducasse with Rima Nasser
A
lain Ducasse is undoubtedly the chef of chefs, and when he arranged a global pow-wow, 240 feted chefs and special guests from five continents were thrilled to accept his invitation for an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, gastronomic experience. We converged for this amazing, passion-drenched summit in Monte Carlo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Le Louis XV, the bedrock of the Ducasse philosophy of nature, simplicity and full flavor that has won the world over. Some of the guests began their culinary voyage under Ducasse’s personal tutelage, and have now fanned out to take up pole positions in haute cuisine in other countries. Monsieur Ducasse told us at a press conference staged in the beautiful Salles Garnier-Opera de Monte Carlo: “All my cooking is inspired from this area that
sings sunlight. From it, I draw strength and truth. The themes that remain the dearest to me all touch upon the Mediterranean… I hold many other subjects at heart, all of which speak of authenticity, aesthetic and identity. Themes centered on traveling and seasons, identifying to tradition and evolution, and then returning to harmony and memory. “The 25th anniversary of Le Louis XV seemed to me the perfect opportunity to gather around these values the greatest talents on the international culinary scene. An exceptional opportunity for encounters, exchanges, and discoveries centered on the produce and culinary traditions for an exclusive voyage throughout the land of ‘delicious and excellence’.” Ducasse, then a 33-year-old rising gastronomic star, was challenged in 1987 by none other than Prince Rainier III of Monaco to create the first three-star
Michelin restaurant in the Hotel de Paris within three years - a challenge he accepted and won. Fast forward to November 2012 and the weekend-long event began with cocktails, peaked with an anniversary gala meal and a special Grand Marché de la Méditerranée celebrating producers and containing 100 Mediterranean flavors – from anchovies to Tartuffodi Alba. In La Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, there were 14 live cooking stations hosted by international chefs, who interpreted the seasonal produce, watched intently by a sea of culinary masters all in their best chef whites. One of the 14, Lebanese chef Maroun Chedid of La Posta, created a new version of the ancient dish Syadieh with market-fresh sea bass, borage and Acquarello rice. He explained: “I decided to transform the [traditional] recipe into a risotto, presenting my personal and modern
interpretation of Lebanese cuisine. The aim is not to alienate but to enrich the texture and create a dish rich in flavors.” Other chefs from Peru, Japan, USA, Italy, Spain, and of course France, also took part. This historic international cook-up was presented by Jean Louis Marusel, the CEO of Société des Bains de Mer, whose 3,500 staff had spent two months preparing for the event. M Marusel told the assembled chefs, who hold 300 Michelin stars between them: “Usually the audience are looking at the stars from your angle, but today for the first time, it’s the stars who are watching the stage.” The Michelin three-star restaurant Louis XV has, in its quarter of a century, not only gained a reputation of being one of the best culinary experiences in the world, but from its idyllic location, a grand Principality located between the French and Italian Rivieras, Ducasse has taken his philosophy of simplicity and harmony with Nature’s bounty to the rest of the world, or as he
puts it, “from nature to the kitchen”. The Mediterranean is the real star, Ducasse insists. “The Mediterranean contains such an array of flavor… seductive to everyone around the world. Autumn brings the finest flavors to us: mushrooms, root vegetables and such a variety of fish… concentrations of Mediterranean produce; all the ingredients that allow us to pay tribute to Nature’s generosity and the passion of the producers, without which the chef would not exist. “Our expertise,” he explains, “enables us to preserve all the natural flavors that constitute a dish.” The cornerstone of Ducasse’s enduring philosophy is “to exalt the truth in all products without impairing them, searching for the source of the flavor. The cook only interprets with measure and humility what Nature has offered.” The high-ceilinged dining room in Monte Carlo’s Baroque Hotel de Paris steeped in grandeur, dazzling in light and gold, recalling the Belle Époque and
the Palace of Versailles, is where Ducasse developed and then dispatched his ecological and naturalistic culinary philosophy around the world. Like the gentle lapping of the waves against the Mediterranean shore, the experience is timeless and priceless: Louis XV serves the finest timeless gastronomy in a gloriously grand setting of frescoes, velvet, chandeliers, large mirrors, fine bone china, crystal and vermillion. The 25th anniversary menu conceived by Ducasse, with the restaurant’s chefs Franck Cerutti and Dominique Lory, paid tribute to both Nature and culinary artisans. We dined in the Hotel de Paris’s magnificent banqueting hall La Salle Empire. The summit concluded with a Sunday brunch at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort. “The chef is the craftsman for delicious happy memories,” Ducasse said. “We will cherish the memories of this incredible anniversary for the rest of our lives.”
Concept and Styling Collage Studio. Photo Fabrizio Bergamo.
MAXALTO IS A B&B ITALIA BRAND. COLLECTION COORDINATED BY ANTONIO CITTERIO. INFO@BEBITALIA.COM WWW.MAXALTO.IT
A taste of Heinz Beck’s
Apsleys W o r d s : Su s a n Wil s o n & A n a s ta s ia N y s t e nÂ
The idea of a German chef serving up the best of Italian cooking seemed an unusual one, that is until Heinz Beck came along.
G
erman born Heinz Beck is most famous for his three Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of Italy’s capital, La Pergola, serving up the best of Mediterranean cuisine from the awardwinning master chef. Married to a Sicilian woman and based in Rome, Beck describes himself as a European chef, citing his mother-inlaw’s delicious Italian cooking as the inspiration behind his “light, healthy, Mediterranean kitchen”. Beck’s style, his use of the freshest seafood and vegetables, and his signature dish - carbonara fagottelli - are some of the pleasures on offer at the Apsleys restaurant in the Lanesbourgh Hotel located in Knightsbridge, London. When Beck took over the head-chef-less Apsleys in 2009, it was the first restaurant outside of Italy for the internationally renowned chef. By February 2012 Beck had earned Apsleys its own Michelin star, the fastest acquired by any London establishment. Staffed by chefs handpicked by Beck, many of whom are Italian and have worked under him for many years, the restaurant offers up a menu of light and healthy Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Our Editor-in-Chief Anastasia Nysten was lucky enough to receive a personal invitation from Heinz Beck to dine at his London restaurant during a recent trip to the UK.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Shopping 17 Here are her thoughts 18 19 on the experience: 20 21 22 23 We had arrived later than 24 25 expected to the restaurant but it 26 27 still was an early dinner. We were 28 29 ready to taste Apsleys’ signature 30 Lifestyle 31 dish that Chef Heinz Beck had asked 32 33 to be prepared especially for us, the 34 35 carbonara fagottelli. As we entered 36 37 the restaurant, this huge distorted 38 39 mural, with a striking dominance of 40 41 red, rose into vision from behind the 42 Living 43 tables. It took a bit of time to adjust to 44 45 the space at first - a Venetian style 46 47 dining room with a glass ceiling, plush 48 49 upholstery and beautifully patterned 50 51 carpets. I chose a seat that would allow 52 53 me to see everything, keen to not miss 54 55 any aspect. I looked again at that 56 57 painting trying to figure out whether I 58 59 had already had a lot of wine or if it was 60 61 just so interesting that you could not 62 63 refrain from talking about it. We were 64 65 served our first dish,and then came the 66 67 Travel second, the third and the fourth from the 68 69 varied dinner menu. The dishes couldn’t 70 71 sound more delicious when said with 72 73 that Italian accent and explained with 74 75 expressive hand gestures. Everyone there 76 77 seemed to be from the land of food, 78 Products 79 Italy. The seven courses, including foie 80 81 gras, the famous carbonara, king crab, 82 83 and a delicious plate of miniature cakes 84 85 for dessert, were each accompanied 86 87 by a glass of wine handpicked by 88 89 Apsleys’ skilled sommelier from 90 91 different regions of Italy. Feeling full 92 93 by the fifth dish, I surprised myself by 94 95 sampling each of the remaining 96 97 98 Art courses with gusto; it just looked 99 100 too good to pass on. The chefs 101 102 and sommelier came to speak to 103 104 us personally, to check if we had 105 106 enjoyed the complementing 107 108 tastes of the food and the wine. 109 110 By the end of the night, I left 111 112 Apsleys full, satisfied by the 113 114 delicious Italian cuisine, and 115 116 more than a little taken by 117 118 the fine Italian wine. 119 120 Fashion 121 122 123 124
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Shopping 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Lifestyle 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Living 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 Travel 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 Products 79 80 81 Words: L o u i s P a r k s 82 83 84 85 86 87 stunning blend of 88 89 modernity and home 90 91 comforts, this Achrafieh 92 93 apartment reveals calmness 94 95 and serenity. Designed by 96 97 98 Art  Dori Hitti, the residence is replete with 99 100 individual, unique elements, and 101 102 seamlessly mixes old and new. Traditional 103 104 elements, such as an impressive library, 105 106 designed as a one-off piece, are given a 107 108 modern touch, and wide spaces with 109 110 natural brushed wooden flooring, cement 111 112 and metal complement the minimalist 113 114 design. 115 116 This three-bedroom 117 118 residence is currently home to a single 119 120 Fashion individual, and their unique tastes and 121 122 needs shine through in this bespoke 123 124 home, inspired by the principals of
Bibliophilic
living A
clear, volumetric design. A love of literature and art is clear to see, with any number of unique artworks adorning the walls, and Hitti was eager to embrace the idea of linking old and new through the collection. “The majority of the artwork was existing and the integration of this art was unique to the space due to the fact that it created a twist between the modern and the old,” he said. The various pieces of modern art create a highly personal touch, and, along with the blend of furniture styles - from modern pieces to Arabesque quilted chairs and cushions - convey a blend of minimalist functionality and the all-important personal touch. “The blend of furniture was specific to the area that the furniture was placed in. Also there were a few existing pieces that the client wanted to keep so we merged those into the new furniture selection, which worked well together,” said Hitti. The living area contains perhaps the most striking feature of the home. A large, square series of bookshelves forms an entranceway of sorts to the center point of the apartment. Functional, yet appealing shelves hold an intriguing collection of works that are clearly dear to the owner, holding a prominent place within the home, with the living area joined to one side of the structure. “Integrating the books
was an essential feature within the space. The books were a critical design element whereby we created a unique central metal bookshelf element within the space that was for both functional and design purposes,” said Hitti. The central bookshelf captures the imagination, drawing the guest into the communal living area. The entire residence flows from one area to the next, linking the different design elements into one harmonious whole, according to Hitti. The lighting is perhaps the element that unifies the space like no other. “The lighting that was incorporated within the space was mainly focused on functional areas and spaces and highlighted certain zones either downwards or upwards,” said Hitti. Dining tables and artworks,
workspaces and more are picked out by bespoke lighting arrangements; as a result the items standout, highlighted by this intricate, yet subtle, use of light. Hitti is famed for his ability to blend the old and new into something quite unique, and this apartment is no different. It’s a clear example of where a client’s unique personality and loves, in this case artwork and literature, can play into Hitti’s hands, giving him the license to create intriguing combinations. A tasteful combination of old and new, overlooking the Mediterranean, this Achrafieh apartment is nothing short of a revelation in terms of what can be achieved with the client’s trust and more than a little vision.
Plus Towers moving forward with style Words:
S u s a n
W i l s o n
Dori Hitti - the interior designer of the Plus Tower’s project currently underway in downtown Beirut - has lain out his plans to collaborate with B&B Italia and Maxatlo in the design for the project.
left: Entrance
Below: Living
T
he Plus Towers project, earmarked to be one of the central district’s most exclusive residential developments, has already began its construction by Zerok and Abniya. With the project due to be completed in 2013, interior designer Dori Hitti has wasted no time in outlining his vision for its interiors, seeking to create “designs to fit with B&B Italia and Maxalto style”. B&B Italia, the modernist Italian furniture company known the world over for their luxury products, and their
Maxalto collection - under the auspices of Antonio Citterio - have collaborated on the interior design of several high profile projects, notably the Bulgari Hotel in Milan. Now they are lending their expertise to the Plus Towers project, ensuring the highest quality materials, and modern, individualist, stylish furniture to complement the design of the new homes. Dori Hitti’s choice of B&B Italia and Maxalto as collaborators in the Plus Towers project is an intelligent one. Designers often work closely with those who produce the furnishing for their space,
top: Bedroom
above: Living
and complementary styles make the best collaborations. The signature style of B&B Italia and its Maxalto collection is well suited to partner with Dori Hitti. Not only because of their shared sense of a modern, minimalist style that blends individualism and comfort, but also because of the Italian influences that drive both. As Hitti himself put it, “because I studied in Italy I have the spirit�; the same spirit that drives B&B Italia, and all those who have been inspired by Italy’s elegance and style.
Live the Experience All you need to do is book your room or suite
BOOK TWO NIGHTS AT PUBLISHED RATES AND RECEIVE A CREDIT TO REDEEM FOR DINING OR SPA EXPERIENCES DURING YOUR STAY. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. THIS OFFER CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROMOTIONAL OFFERS.
GLAMOROUS MEMORIES...THE HEARTBEAT...TRULY BEIRUT +961 1 369 100 reservation@phoeniciabeirut.com
On the
Scene Take a walk through Le Cercle’s new regular lookbook of 12 inspiring interiors.
2
1
1_____Monster chair by Marcel Wanders — Moooi 2_____Container table 7043 by Marcel Wanders — Moooi 3_____Doyl chair by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti — B&B Italia 4_____Athos dining table by Paolo Piva — B&B Italia 5_____JJ armchair by Antonio Citterio — B&B Italia
4
6_____Mera side table by Antonio Citterio -—B&B Italia
3
7_____Michel sofa by Antonio Citterio — B&B Italia 8_____Cratis carpet — B&B Italia
8
5 6
7
1
1_____ Non Random by Bertjan Pot — Moooi 3_____Vica Chair by Bertjan Pot — Moooi
4_____Container table 7043 by Marcel Wanders — Moooi 5_____Firmship Carpet by Studio Job — Moooi
4 6
3
5
6_____Carbon Chair by Bertjan Pot & Marcel Wanders — Moooi
1_____Ruché sofa by Inga Sempé — Ligne Roset 2_____Antigone coffee table by Pierre Paulin — Ligne Roset
3_____Pan Pan decorative rabbit by B. Kuehne-Thompson — Ligne Roset 4_____Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy – Ligne Roset
5_____Bul floor lamp — Ligne Roset
1
6_____5 O’clock chair by Nika Zupanc — Moooi
2
7_____Tango adjustable recliner by Richard Frinier — Dedon
3
5 6
4
7
2 4
1 3 7
1_____Confession modular sofa by R. Tapinassi & M. Manzoni — Roche Bobois 2_____LouisMarie bookcase – Roche Bobois
3_____Confession coffee table with 1 drawer — Roche Bobois 4_____Roussel dresser — Roche Bobois
6_____Tea Time Coffee table by A. Gamba & L. Guerra — Roche Bobois 7_____Multy sofa bed by Claude Brisson – Ligne Roset
5_____Opinion large 3-seat sofa by Sacha Lakic — Roche Bobois
8_____ Discours sectional sofa by Philippe Bouix — Roche Bobois 9_____ Fly straight floor lamp by Sophie Larger — Roche Bobois 10_____ Ublo stool — Roche Bobois
6 5
9
10 8
1
3 2
1_____Evan sofa — Calia Italia
2_____Rio sofa — Calia Italia
3_____Pan sofa — Calia Italia
4
4_____Romeo sofa — Calia Italia
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Shopping 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Lifestyle 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Living 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Travel 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Products 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 Art  98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 Fashion 120 121 122 123 124
Experiencing
La Première W o r d s : Rima Nasser
Le Cercle’s publisher got up close and personal with Air France’s first class service: see why she loved it so much she didn’t want to leave…
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Shopping 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Lifestyle 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Living 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Travel 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Products 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 Art 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 Fashion 120 121 122 123 124
The Art & Décor
The Food
My experience of La Première lounge began in style; decorated with contemporary works of art from the Jérôme de Noirmont Gallery, it has already displayed works by internationallyrenowned artists including Jeff Koons and David Mach. As I entered I was transfixed by a piece in its latest exhibit, JonOne, made of fiber glass and painted with acrylics by the Harlem born artist John Andrew Perello. Each exhibit runs for four to six months, and Air France tries to work with sculptures that surprise their first class customers. This was certainly the case for me, walking past the art on display felt like a private screening in a gallery. JonOne’s style: graffiti and paintwork, unconstrained, bold and colorful was as captivating as it was unusual. As for the lounge itself, it was simple and elegant, with an impressive attention to detail.
What can I say about the food? Simply divine. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. Challenged in 1987 to turn Le Louis XV into the world’s first three Michelin starred restaurant Ducasse rose to the occasion, and in November this year he hosted an exceptional summit there with 200 chefs from 25 countries, along with a select number of attendees, among which I was privileged to be included. Therefore it was with a sense of anticipation that I partook of a gorgeous lunch from the à la carte menu specially created for Air France by the master chef. Every aspect of the meal was exquisitely presented, the food delicious, but most exciting for me was the dessert menu. Given the opportunity I simply had to try the Baba au Rhum - Le Louis XI’s signature dessert – while my daughter opted for the Brittany shortbread with a honey and fig cream. Neither of us were disappointed. My daughter’s dish was delicately presented and gorgeous to taste. As for my Baba au Rhum, it arrived in a silver cloche, the final touches being carried out by the waiter, cutting it open and drizzling the rum sauce over it. I can only describe eating it as an experience of truly spectacular cuisine.
The Spa
The Conclusion
Excited to try out a Parisian style massage, I opted for the luxury treatment. Lying down in the lounge’s spa I was treated to a full on back massage. Biologique Recherche famed for their clinical approach to beauty care - adapt all their treatments to the individual passenger, depending on the flight and connections. With a five hour flight in my future, my back was kneaded for an entire half hour, just before I was due to leave for my flight, the optimum time to keep me feeling relaxed. Truly, it gives you a different outlook on your upcoming travel. I felt so good after it that I was almost tempted to stay behind in the lounge!
The experience was everything I expected from first class travel and more! The lounge catered to my every need; the food, the spa treatments, the art, the décor were all simply fabulous. I departed for my flight happier and far more relaxed than I had ever been traveling long haul before. And then the service on board continued to delight! I had a meal from the menu created by Joël Robuchon - the French chef whose restaurants worldwide combine to a staggering 28 Michelin stars – and it was superb, in presentation and in taste. Each dish was accompanied by a wine specially chosen by master sommelier Olivier Poussier, which provided a perfect balance to the sensational meals on offer. With La Première now available to 29 destinations worldwide I cannot recommend it enough. The meals are as exquisite as the Michelin stars would suggest and the final touches performed by the waiters in front of your eyes raises the standard to that which you would expect from a world class service. With an experience like this on offer Air France is bound to influence the habits of its first class clientele. I for one will be arriving with hours to spare at the airport just to enjoy the luxuries of La Première treatment.
Photo: Michel Gibert. Special thanks: Pierre Stéphane Dumas – www.bubbletree.fr; www.moaroom.com for Boskke Sky Planter; www.geror.com.
l’art de vivre by roche bobois
European Manufacture
Large 3-seat Blogger leather sofa, design R. Tapinassi & M. Manzoni. Cute Cut cocktail tables, design Cédric Ragot.
BEIRUT DOWNTOWN 33 rue Weygand Tel: +961 1 986 888/999 beirut@roche-bobois.com
See www.roche-bobois.com for collections, news and catalogues
PUMPKIN armchair. Design: Pierre Paulin. Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com
Le Cercle reports on the latest and greatest places to be...
L
ilili Chris Goodney 6150
ilili Bar & Lounge Adam
ebanese restaurant Ilili is the love child of Lebanese American Philippe Massoud. The Lebanese born Massoud was first exposed to his trade at the height of the Lebanese civil war, helping his parents to run Beirut’s famous Coral Beach Hotel. After being sent to America to live with family for his safety, Massoud eventually settled in the country. Years of building a name for himself as a chef and restaurateur followed before he was finally able to pursue his dream of opening his own Lebanese cuisine restaurant in New York. The Ilili restaurant, designed by Lebanese American architect Nasser Nakib – whose team worked on the project by candlelight in Lebanon during the 2006 war – is a wide cavernous space that mixes the elegance of old time Beirut with a chic modern New York twist. An intimate space, it even has round tables for its patrons to truly experience the sharing atmosphere created by mezze dishes. All the best of authentic Lebanese cuisine can be found here – hommus, kibbe, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh - for those New Yorkers who want a taste of the Middle East and for those expats who want a taste of home. Not content to offer the best of Lebanon, Massoud is also keen to push the boundaries and experiment with food, with dishes such as Bone Marrow with Sour Cherry Tabbouleh also on offer.
S
tep out of the ordinary and into the night is the tagline of the Night Hotel, a boutique establishment just off Times Square. The Night Hotel is a stylish and sexy break from the norm in the heart of the city. A self-styled study in urban gothic aesthetics, the décor of the hotel is chic and minimalist, with a black and white color scheme throughout, from the stunning black exterior to each of the exquisitely styled rooms. With its unique ambiance, the hotel sets out to entice its guests, with provocative artwork adorning the walls, and an intimate allure. A mere minutes’ walk away from the bustling tourist-friendly theater district, and in walking distance of Central Park, Times Square and the Rockefeller Institute, this boutique hotel is ideally suited for those wanting to experience the streets and sights of New York City.
Night lobby
Night guestroom
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collaboration of some of the best known contemporary artists and designers, Thompson’s Lower East Side hotel is a design haven from top to bottom. The building was designed by award-winning architect Ed Rawlings, who along with Jim “the furniture pimp” Walrod, were responsible for the cool, gritty, sexy interiors. Oozing decadence at every corner, the hotel is also filled to burst with the work of contemporary artists. Each room has a custom-made light box by photographer and artist Lee Friedlander, along with graphic paintings by Ryan McGuiness, hailed as the “Warhol for the information age” by Afterimage. The hotel’s already stylish rooftop swimming pool contains a photolithograph of the man himself by close confidant of Andy Warhol, Gerard Malanga. As if that wasn’t enough the lobby is a showcase for the work of abstract artist Peter Halley, whose work is more usually found in the Tate and the Guggenheim. Located as the name suggests on the lower east side of Manhattan, this hotel is a must for any lover of art and design visiting the city.
Thompson Les Shang Diningroom — Images courtesy of Thompson Hotel
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nother Brooklyn breakout, Maison Premiere is an oyster and cocktail bar found on Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg. Recently hired head chef Jared Stafford-Hill has led the way in creating a new food menu for the establishment, but its reputation still lies in two things: its oysters and its absinthe. With over 17 varieties of oyster available this restaurant is definitely an oyster lover’s paradise. The latter certainly descend on Maison Premiere during its happy hour, when all oysters, regardless of original price, become just
$1 each! As for the drinks on offer, the Maison Premiere certainly likes to give its patrons choice, boasting one of New York’s largest lists of absinthe, white and green, that you can watch being made while sitting near the bar. For those less inclined towards the green fairy, the restaurant is also famous for its extensive list of cocktails to suit every taste bud. With happy hour every Monday-Friday between 4 and 7, there really is no excuse not to head out there and try a few different kinds of oysters yourself.
Wythe Guestroom
Reynards
W
hen you think of Brooklyn you could be forgiven for thinking of crime, Coney Island and that accent, but Brooklyn’s stereotypes have been gradually replaced. Its new watchword: hipster. It is certainly becoming the place to be in New York with galleries, chic hotels and arguably the best culinary scene in the city. The Wythe Hotel, located on the Williamsburg waterfront, is a perfect illustration of Brooklyn’s
The NoMad Exterior — Courtesy of Benoit Linero
F
rench architect and designer Jacques Garcia has lent his accomplished hand to the interior of the now fully restored turn-of-thecentury Beaux-Arts building that houses the NoMad Hotel. Inspired by the Parisian apartment of Garcia’s youth, the hotel is a design lover’s paradise, each of the rooms has its own hand-selected custom furnishing and original artwork. With the
The NoMad Fireplace — Courtesy of Benoit Linero
architecture providing high, spacious ceilings, the hotel’s restaurants and bars are also a great place to enjoy a gathering, with excellent food on offer under Michelin starred Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara. The hotel is located on the corner of Broadway in the heart of the NoMad North of Madison Square Park - district that lends it its name.
rejuvenation. A former cooperage, the eight story hotel blends the character of the original 1901 building, including its original pine beams and arched windows, with a new three story glass and aluminum addition. With a gorgeous floor to ceiling view of the Manhattan skyline in many of the rooms and filled with work by local artists, this stylish blend of the old and the new is a prime location for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Brooklyn.
Harvest
F
or those who fancy a quiet afternoon out of the city – perhaps tasting some wine while enjoying lunch on a deck– just six miles eastbound of the Long Island Expressway you’ll find the Paumanok Vineyard. Founded by the Massoud family – relations of Ilili owner Philippe Massoud – in 1983, Paumanok is a 103 acre vineyard owned and managed by Ursula and Charles Massoud along with
their three sons. Densely planted vines ensure the highest quality wine is produced at the vineyard, in which the Massouds planted the seeds for the finest of wines, consisting of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Groups are invited to visit Paumanok and taste their wines while enjoying a picnic lunch on the deck. There
are also three tours of the vineyard on offer: self-guided, guided and proprietor, the latter being an in-depth tour of the vineyard and its winemaking facilities with either Charles or Ursula Massoud. With the Paumanok vineyard being in control of their wines from the moment the grapes are planted to the bottling of the wine on the estate, this makes it an impressive and enriching place for wine lovers to visit.
W
ith a name derived from an 1896 law designed to curb the consumption of alcohol, the Raines Law Room in Chelsea is a speakeasy style establishment that oozes style and sophistication. Each space - the lounge, the parlour, the kitchen and the garden - is exquisitely designed by architect Delphine Mauriot. For those waiting for a table, the kitchen is a standing room only space designed for casual conversation while patrons watch the mixologists work their magic at the bar. The parlour, with its airy and translucent curtains, gives a sense of privacy while the lounge is the epitome of comfort, with electric buzzers to call on waiting staff. As for the garden, it is the source of many of the herbs and plants used in their spectacular tasting cocktails. Be sure to ring their bell while in New York.
W
hen the 1919 Prohibition Act swept America it turned nightlife and bartending into a lost art hidden in the speakeasy. Death&Co savors the progress made in the last century, and as they put it - to all those who shine after dusk - welcome to a new golden age. Located in the lower east side of Manhattan, Death&Co has a unique door policy. No reservations are taken at this bar: you come in on a first come first served basis. For those desperate to experience its fine wine, expertly crafted cocktails, and exquisite food, their doorman will take your cell number and call you later that night if seating becomes available.
L
ocated in Long Island City, Dutch Kills takes its name from the surrounding area that saw a historic settlement from the Netherlands – kills is Dutch for creek – and proudly upholds the tradition of drink-making passed down to them from the bars of New Amsterdam. Come here to enjoy classic and signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients and the finest spirits.
I
ts name derives from the historic 1800s British Colonial club located in what is now Burma. Described by Kipling in Sea to Sea as a club “always filled with lots of people either on their way up or on their way down,” the Pegu Club was famed all over the world for its house cocktail. Now its namesake located in New York’s Soho district - aims to bring back “the true art of cocktail culture”, and takes pride in its fresh and expertly created cocktails. Come down to enjoy a cocktail the way they are supposed to be made, along with a snack from their Asian inspired menu.
A
n Italian influenced gourmet restaurant located in Manhattan’s East Village, Hearth was created by the experienced team of Marco Canora and Paul Grieco. Their philosophy is the hearth is the home, and they aspire to the highest standards of hospitality. Marco Canora is the executive chef of the restaurant and has come to critical acclaim for his seasonal, Italian inspired cuisine that promotes his ideal of simple, fresh and healthy living.
H
eaded by chef and owner Christina Tosi, Milk Bar is the dessert and bakery branch of the Momofuku group. With its custom-baked cakes, cookies, pastries and more, the Milk Bar takes a playful approach to its creations, while sourcing quality ingredients using local dairy produce. Found in five locations throughout the city you needn’t to go far out of your way to enjoy cake in store, though for those who want the cake to come to them, the Milk Bar also offers take-away and delivery. They even have “tweet with tosi” Fridays for all your baking questions.
BirthdayCake
T
he feel of a 1920s speakeasy greets you as you seat yourself at the curved bar of Employees Only. Located in the West Village, Manhattan, Employees Only evokes the mischievous attitude of the Prohibition period with its stylish and extensive list of cocktails to choose from. It also serves hearty Eastern European inspired meals, created under executive chef Julia Jaksic. With a varied and interesting mix of locals and workers and those in search of a great atmosphere, the Employees Only bar is the place to be all through the night; their late night menu even runs to 3.30am!
D
ell’Anima, or ‘of the soul’ in Italian, is an intimate restaurant located in the heart of New York’s West Village. It was launched in 2007 by its head chef Gabe Thompson, and its sommelier Joe Campanale. With a menu that changes daily, the partners use local, seasonal, sustainably harvested produce where possible, and have a wine list that poses 150 handpicked selections. Prints of photographer and restaurant partner Jamie Tiampo decorate the walls of this friendly restaurant, and there is even space for six guests at the chef’s counter to marvel at the work taking place in Gabe Thompson’s open kitchen.
O
ffering yet more evidence of Brooklyn being the place to be in New York City, the Dressler restaurant is located in Williamsburg. Winning a Michelin star since 2008, this restaurant is certainly on par for a fine dining experience. It also boasts a stunning dining room, decorated with intricate metal work from artisans of the Brooklyn naval yard.
The illy Art Collection is a project that started twenty years ago in 1992 – when the classic design of the white illy espresso cup by Matteo Thun was first transformed into a work of art. With an ethos to engage the senses, and captivate the visual delights of the coffee-drinking experience, over 70 of the world’s foremost artists have created collections from this same blank canvas. Jeff Koons, James Rosenquist and Marina Abramovic are among a few of the contemporary greats to have contributed to the project, along with promising new international artists. Words: S u s a n
W i l s o n
Jeff Koons
Artistas do Brasil
Rufus Willis
Jeff Koons, 2001 The well known and sometimes controversial American artist Jeff Koons stays true to form with his collection of simple, bold, colorful shapes, reminiscent of children’s toys, with a bear, a giraffe and others clearly depicted.
Artistas do Brasil, 2001 Drawn together by their international outlook, from the same generation but differing styles and locations, these six Brazilian artists – Anna Maria Maiolino, Antonio Dias, Emmanuel Nasser, Nelson Leirner, Regina Silveira and Waltércio Caldras – have created this unique collection.
Rufus Willis, 2005 Rufus Willis, a young architect from London, has carried out research on the social responsibility of art and his collection reflects his interest. In ostensibly the most classical design, featuring peaceful landscapes in white and blue, you need only look closer to see the bleak cities in his work, a warning of dangers to come.
William Kentridge
Spirit Cup Marina Abramovic, 2002 Marina Abramovic, a Serbian artist based in New York, is known for her performance art and the connection of her art to her body. She used her collection to return to her childhood in Yugoslavia, and reconnect to the ritual and social aspects of coffee-making.
Miss illy
Dream
P.S.1
Arms, Legs, Feet, Parts
Shizuka Yokomizo, 2003 London-based photographer and video artist Shizuka Yokomizo explores a private theme – decorated with phrases and drawings she jots in her diary to remember her dreams.
P.S.1, 2001 An international jury chose six of nineteen teenagers participating in the 1999-2000 programme at the P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center (the oldest and one of the largest centres for promoting contemporary art in New York) to contribute to this collection.
Andrea Maqnetti, 1994 The first of the cappuccino cup collections by Milanese Andrea Manetti is a curious piece that chops and shapes the female body in a playful way.
William Kentridge, 2008 A South African artist, best known for print, drawing and animation, William Kentridge plays on reflections in his collection. Using the static picture on the saucer to interact with the images on the cup at varying angles, Kentridge creates multiple ways of viewing his art on the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.
Matteo Thun, 2001 The original designer of the classic white illy espresso cup, Matteo Thun returns to his design 20 years later adding just one thing – a Swarovski crystal – to the handle. This one-off cup was produced to support the German Association of bone marrow donors.
Starck’s ideas
keep flowing
for Axor Words:
O w e n
A d a m s
When it comes to the most dynamic ecodesign, less is a whole lot more. And that’s the reasoning behind Philippe Starck’s revolutionary bathroom design for Axor.
opposite: Axor Starck Organic 270 degree
above: Philippe Starck by Florence Maeght
T
hree years in development, the Axor Starck Organic range includes a new spray technology for wash basins, where 90 individual outlets each spray water over a wide surface area, but uses only half the amount of water of a conventional wash basin. Starck revealed that “a new intuition” came to him. “It was more a question: What is life, what is the energy of life? And I started to work – not in another way, but from a different angle of view with the same subject of the minimum.” Starck once said he “liked to open doors to people’s brains,” and what better way of doing it than playing around with water, the very essence of life. Bathrooms are often responsible for the most frivolous use of
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opposite: Axor Starck Organic Ambience
above: Axor Starck Organic new efficient water spray
same diameter connected at one junction, a cylindrical joystick handle in 2004, and his Axor Shower Collection in 2008, a modular system which allowed elements to be arranged vertically, horizontally or completely free. His new model is described as “organic-minimalist design,” with harmonious lines that echo shapes seen in nature. The two handles blend in visually with the body of the mixers, and no matter what position the handles are in, they reflect a perfect image. Axor chief Philippe Grohe told one Berlin publication: “To me, the essence of our work consists of allowing people to experience the fascination of water in its best way, and to provide innovative solutions of the highest aesthetic and technological levels.” Axor incorporates Starck’s designs in
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Furniture by design Words:
M i r i a m
D u n n
Clean lines and quirky concepts come together perfectly in Eric Jourdan’s creations
W
hen the contemporary French designer Eric Jourdan joked that he may have harbored a secret desire to be an architect, some admirers of his work probably wondered whether there was a grain of truth in his words. Coming from a family of architects, Jourdan certainly seems to pay tribute to his lineage in many of his designs, which are characterized by clean, parallel lines and sensuous curves. Nowhere is this influence more evident than in the collections he has created for the French furniture company Ligne Roset, such as the high-profile Dino range which includes tables, storage pieces and one of Jourdan’s all-time favorite pieces, a monochrome desk. The collection, which comes in veneered walnut and shades of gray and blue with an aluminum base, displays Jourdan’s trademark asymmetry of colors and shapes. “I wanted to suspend blocks within the sides and work on the level and color differences,” he explained. “I like the idea that the construction, the assembly of the volumes is present in the interpretation of the furniture which is in general closed boxes.” Jourdan, who was born in Chatou, graduated from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Saint Etienne and the L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Paris in 1989. He was soon participating in art and design exhibitions on the Parisian scene and quickly gained a reputation as a trailblazer in “modern, classic” furniture design innovation. While he still participates in design art today, his collaborations with furniture companies, led by the Ligne Roset partnership, have produced much of his most talked-about work. Jourdan explained that he still likes to start out on a project by putting his ideas on paper. “For me, the most interesting part is the first sketches and then to keep the spirit of those sketches ongoing as the project progresses,” he said. “I like to think through my hands. I draw every time and my projects are the result of this daily obsession.” He believes much of the success of the collaboration with Ligne Roset comes down to the fact that the company encourages designers to bring their innovative flair to the table. This winning formula is clear to see in one of the line’s bestsellers, Jourdan’s quirky Harry armchair, sofa and pouf series with its splashes of color and unusual dimensions. “Ligne Roset want their projects to get better and better,” he has said. “They can be both commercial and yet they still let designers propose innovative concepts.”
opposite: Meuble malle from the Dino collection
below: Eric Jourdan
Floor me
Le Cercle checks out carpets with a serious style quota
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CRATIS
MENHIR
B&B Italia
Ligne Roset
Made from 100% pure virgin New Zealand wool, this simple but elegant rug by B&B Italia is available in six colors and four sizes, or can be cut to size depending on your particular design needs.
Made from 100% wool, this sculpted rug is a colorful and geometric design in various shades of blue, hand tufted.
GAVRINIS 2
FIRMSHIP
Ligne Roset
Moooi
Sketches by the late Pierre Paulin, the seminal French modernist designer, were used to create this carpet, inspired by the megalithic artwork that adorns the Gavrinis cairn, c.3500 BC, situated in the Gulf of Morbihan. Made from 100% hand tufted wool, there are 48 colors available to choose from, 24 each for the background and the central pattern.
Designed in 2012 by Studio Job, the ‘NeoGothic’ collaboration of Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, this carpet was originally designed by the latter for a building at Rotterdam Harbor. Inspired by nautical iconography, this carpet is made from printed nylon threads in three complimentary shades of gray.
ABSOLU BONBON SONIA RYKIEL MAISON, Roche Bobois Designed by Sonia Rykiel Maison this multi-colored striped rug is made from 100% wool and in keeping with Roche Bobois’ ethos is available in four colors to customize to individual tastes.
CARPET NO.05
VICTOIRE
OUSHAK
Moooi
Roche Bobois
Ligne Roset
Designed by the cofounder and artistic director of Moooi, Marcel Wanders, in 2005, this bold pattern is made from printed nylon threads and is available in several colors.
This vintage Kilim patchwork rug by Roche Bobois combines traditional carpet patterns in a mesh of vibrant and colorful patches.
Available in specialized dimensions, this hand tufted rug is 100% wool, with a beige background that emphasizes the intricate pattern of the motif itself, available in a choice of colors.
Photo: Michel Gibert. Special thanks: Pots www.serax.com; TASCHEN
European Manufacture
Interview modular sofa, design Sacha Lakic. Features integrated USB port and position memory Features integrated USB port anddigitallycontrolled digitallycontrolled position memory feature for independent control of the seats and backrests. feature for independent control of the seats and backrests. Vador low tables (4 shown), design Carlo Zerbaro. BEIRUT DOWNTOWN 33 rue Weygand Tel: +961 1 986 888/999 beirut@roche-bobois.com
See www.roche-bobois.com for collections, news and catalogues
l’art de vivre by roche bobois
The Moleskine Orchestra Words:
India Stoughton
British artist Felix Thorn has a passion for art and music. His incredible mechanical musical sculptures recently went on show at Milan Design Week and formed an interactive exhibition at Hamburg Design Show.
C
reative as they may be, most artists limit themselves to one form of one school of the arts either visual or aural. Young British artist Felix Thorn works with both, creating otherworldly musical sculptures from an eclectic variety of materials. His works of art are not only beautiful visually, they also play Thorn’s own haunting compositions, with a depth of sound as rich and varied as an orchestra. In addition, each sculpture is fitted with miniature bulbs, programmed to work simultaneously with the music, creating a beautiful light and sound show performed live in front of viewers. Thorn was just a student when he began working on his sculptures, which he calls “Felix’s Machines.” “I have a background in art and sculpture and have always been into music,” he explains. “I have an obsession with electronic computerperformed sound and finding ways to combine musical composition with visual art. During a university course at the London College of Communications I studied sound art and music technology and started to look at ways robotics in live music performance could take the place of the human musician.” In the years since his graduation in 2006 Thorn has continued designing his unique sculptures. He uses a range of bizarre odds and ends to create his machines, finding music in the most unexpected places. “There’s a range of nice looking mechanisms in a piano that can be
arranged to articulate other sounds,” he says. “Aside from dismantled musical instruments, I’ve included anything I can find, from bathroom racks to hard drive bearings, springs from a CD tray, solenoids from an old typewriter, up-turned whisky cases, a slinky… and so on.” Earlier this year Thorn was approached by Moleskine, whose elegant stationery and notebooks have long been considered the natural choice by many artists and writers. The company asked him to use Moleskine products to build his machines, creating a mechanical orchestra whose sound emanates entirely from items of stationery. “Moleskine has recently expanded as a company who now produce a large range of stationery and other practical items,” Thorn explains. “The aim for me was to demonstrate the variety of their products by creating working music machines out of deconstructed Moleskine materials.” The results are stunning - a series of small but incredibly complex machines, covered with rivets, joints, levers and robotic limbs. These delicate, skeletallooking sculptures transform CD cases into drums, and notebooks into percussion instruments, a remotely controlled series of musical robots which together produce a beautiful exhibition of sound and light. To find out more about Felix’s Machines and see a video of them in action visit www.felixsmachines.com
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Capturing the
hero’s journey Tilmann Krumrey’s sculptures bring us the beauty and the horror of myths W o r d s : India Stoughton
G
erman sculptor Tilmann Krumrey is inspired by the ultimate mythological journey - the passage through life of every human being. Krumrey creates beautifully hand-carved sculptures - a rare and refreshing sight in the world of contemporary and conceptual art. He uses a wide variety of materials including molded plaster and wax, cast bronze, silver, gold and painstakingly carved wood and stone, taking his inspiration from mythological figures. In the end, Krumrey explains, they all tell the same story - the monomyth, or hero’s journey, a storyline which is repeated endlessly in countless ages, cultures and languages, as American mythologist and writer Joseph Campbell discovered, just over 50 years ago. Campbell discovered that myths from every culture he evaluated shared a common theme - a circular
narrative pattern of danger and redemption. The hero is forced to leave the safety of home, crossing a threshold beyond which lies adventure. He is exposed to great danger and has to face a series of tests, after which he receives divine help, discovers his true heritage and returns home to enrich the society he has left with his new-found knowledge. “I didn’t start with mythology,” Krumrey explains. “I started as an abstract modernist artist because I came from a family out of that tradition... At a certain point I found that I was just telling these universal stories mankind tells each other in all kinds of different pictures again and again. I am telling this story also but in letters of stone and wood and iron.” One of Krumrey’s most breathtaking sculptures is “Cain and Abel”, a double-sided work in bronze measuring over three meters high. The sculpture captures the two brothers with their torsos
linked at the waist, forever joined, yet forever opposed. Abel supports himself on his arms, face distorted in horror as he looks up at Cain, towering above him, a scream of rage on his face and a skull-sized stone clutched in both hands, ready to deliver the deathblow. The sculpture is at once aweinspiring and disturbing, as are many of Krumrey’s works. His heroes are not celebrating their victories, but facing their demons, pitiful figures caught in the most difficult and painful stages of their odyssey. Krumrey explains that he tries to capture his subjects at the same point in their journey as himself. “My work reflects my personal struggles as a human being,” he says. “I’m presently in the middle of my life... I’m working on the lowest point and from there it’s the entrance into paradise and the coming back. That journey will be reflected in my work in the future years.” Krumrey came to Lebanon in July to exhibit his sculptures as part of the Beirut Art Fair, his second journey to Beirut. “I love it - I’ve always had the impression that I have been here a couple of times before,” he says. “I somehow related to the Middle East... all kinds of culture comes from here, the Mesopotamian area - the old Sumerian stories, which are the very essence of all kinds of culture. People here are more heart oriented, more emotionally direct towards entering ideas, and I think that is a good way.”
The art of merging
abstraction with realism Words:
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ebanese artist Chadi Daccache could have easily been content painting portraits for dignitaries and frescos for churches, which is what he did successfully for years. The meticulous precision required to capture a lifelike image of someone is no easy feat but it is that rigorous training of detailed reproduction that has clearly prepared him well for launching his own original paintings. His work, which he began doing only two years ago, is about capturing the alluring space between abstraction and realism; it is about taking his subjects and creating a perception of reality that surrounds them whether it is playing on shadows and lighting or creating subtle backdrops of nature (such as clouds,
water and so forth). The result is an almost haunting real life scenario in a fantasy setting. His stunning work is predominantly in monochrome and acrylic paint is used generously. “I don’t really like mixing colors,” he explains, “that way I can’t create the right effects and mood.” His technique truly makes his work mesmerizing and motivates the viewer to look at it from close and afar. The human silhouette and modern architecture are common themes. He also has a few purely abstract paintings experimenting with thick blotches of paint spread in various degrees of intensity. “Yes, this one is more experimental,” he concedes when he sees a large canvas unlike the others that has caught my attention. “I used different
paints and techniques to get the exact results I wanted.” Daccache who is also an architect and an accomplished nay (reed flute) player is tremendously down to earth and affable in person. Surprisingly he does not have a website nor a catalogue of his material (with the commissioned portraits and frescos included he has done over 500 works) until now. His recent work is displayed in Le Cercle Hitti’s Downtown showroom and can be purchased upon request. He is currently working on new material that will be blocks of colors with lines set on a wooden canvas. There are also ideas he is still pondering about for his next series. “I am thinking to somehow depict Lebanese broken homes with people,” he says. However he portrays them, we can be sure he will enthrall us once again with his original interpretation.
Flight of fancy Words:
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British sculptress Kate MccGwire, known for her diverse use of natural materials, began collecting feathers years ago to create her visceral and otherworldly pieces. From November 23, 2012 to January 26, 2013 she will be displaying her latest works in a solo exhibition in London.
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Taunt, Kate MccGwire
s human beings we have a complex relationship with our feathered neighbours. Parrots we keep as pets, pigeons we call vermin and disease carriers, rats with wings. Nightingales sing the sweetest music, crows signify bad luck, even death, and magpies are all thieves. Each bird carries its own story, and each human has their own response - curiosity, affection, unease, and even fear. It is these emotions that war within us all as we take in the feathered sculptures of artist Kate MccGwire. Her recent work will be displayed in a solo exhibition at the All Visual Arts Gallery in London. Here she delves deeper into the unease her creations
evoke, exhibiting them bound and trapped in antique glass cabinets like exotic creatures on display. Her sculptures take on an anthropomorphic quality. They are brooding, physical creations that both compel and repulse the viewer. One sculpture, entitled ‘Cleave’, is a powerful and alluring presence, created from white pigeon feathers that the artist intends as a challenge to our inbuilt perception of the uncleanliness of pigeons. They are after all, the same species as the dove, a world symbol for peace and purity, or, in truth, a pigeon with white feathers. Another piece, entitled ‘Taunt’, is clamped to the wall of the exhibit, and curls in on itself with an almost serpentine quality, tethered and constrained. This is
ABOVE: Cleave, Kate MccGwire
another theme within her work: she creates pieces that straddle the balance of life and death, at once straining to be free and alive, yet constrained and statutory in nature. Each of the sculptures on display are, in her own words,‘both sensual and deviant in equal measure’. Her use of feathers came about naturally. Surrounded by birds on the Dutch barge she uses as her studio on the river Thames she had plenty of feathers at
lEFT: Coerce, Kate MccGwire
hand. When the scale of her sculptures emerged it became clear to the artist she would need thousands of feathers to complete her work. So she contacted pigeon racers, farmers and gamekeepers, and now has around 200 individuals who regularly send her feathers. What would once have gone to waste instead creates these powerful and visceral pieces of art.
Take two for
Les Plumes Gallery
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Just a few months after the launch of her larger gallery space 20 meters up the road in Les Jardins De Tabaris, Elsie Braidi is fast becoming the name in Beirut for exhibiting contemporary art.
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hen Elsie Braidi turned her 12 year passion for collecting contemporary art into her own business she was aware of the commitment she would have to bring to her work. “Many years ago I decided [to open a gallery] but my kids were so young I had to find time, it takes a lot of time ….it takes a lot of work,” she says. Braidi certainly dedicates a lot of herself to Les Plumes, traveling and meeting with artists, seeing the evolution of their work, and finding those up and coming names. This dedication has filled her new space in Tabaris, Ashrafieh. Designed by Braidi herself the new gallery is as contemporary as the work in it. With
Alain Salomon, from his converse collection, valued at several thousand euros.“The pieces of Alain Salomon are gorgeous, he is a gorgeous artist.” says Braidi, impressed with the contemporary nature of the piece from an artist in his 70s. Indeed wandering through the gallery it is hard not to be impressed with the collection Braidi has amassed. Changing exhibits periodically Les Plumes is “always moving inside”. Upcoming exhibits include Christian Nowaczyk with his violin women in December, Jean-Paul Donadini with his famous Marilyn Monroe penned in lipstick in January and Gregos and Jerome Maudron in February.
Art aficionados are drawn to Les Plumes through the art collector’s impeccable eye for displaying the top modern and trendy artists. Asked about the best way for the public to find out about her gallery, Braidi’s answer is charmingly simple, “Come and visit so they can appreciate [it for] themselves”. Les Plumes Gallery is found in Tabaris at Les Jardins De Tabaris Building, Zeidan St and Braidi Building, Chehade St. T: +961 1333537 www.galerielesplumes.com
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Concept and Styling Collage Studio. Photo Fabrizio Bergamo.
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Chanel’s Scottish affair W o r d s : Avril Groom
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ne of the fashion world’s worst-kept secrets was that Chanel’s cashmere sweaters are made in Scotland. Despite being indelibly associated with Paris, Chanel gets components from the places reckoned to be the best for that item, and Coco Chanel herself, who visited Scotland for the shooting season with her aristocratic British lover the Duke of Westminster, was well aware of Scottish cashmere, considered the world’s best because of the pure water from the local hills and the superior quality of its mills. Barrie, based in the Borders town of Hawick, had for decades made the distinctive cashmere cardigans and sweaters, always in the season’s colors and with a contrasting trim recalling the style of the famous tweed jackets, that are quintessential Chanel for many customers. But Scottish cashmere has fallen on hard times in recent years, largely due to competition from cheaper Far East production, and last August Barrie’s parent company went into administration and started looking for a buyer for its top-quality
producer. Chanel has already bought eight French artisan companies that contribute to its handmade couture side, and owns everything from Lesage embroidery to Lemarié feathers, so buying Barrie was not a large step. Fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky said, “This is natural as the factory has worked with us for more than 25 years, producing cashmere knitwear including Chanel’s iconic two-tone cashmere cardigans. Through this acquisition, we reaffirm our commitment to traditional expertise and craftsmanship, our wish to safeguard their future and support their development.” The buy has saved over 170 jobs and Chanel plans to develop the enterprise - as it has with the other firms so Barrie takes on work for other top brands. Every year, Chanel has a special Métiers d’Art collection showcasing the work of its subsidiaries and shown in the city to which the collection is dedicated. It is perhaps no coincidence that this season’s is called Paris-Edimbourg and was shown in a stately home outside the Scottish capital.