AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30
S I G N É
DRIVING FORCE
A SIT-DOWN WITH THE CEO OF ONE OF THE MOST DARING WATCH BR ANDS, HUBLOT.
DESERT RETREAT
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RAS AL KHAIMAH DESERT LIES A HIDDEN GEM, WE TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE AMAZING AL WADI DESERT.
AT HOME WITH ZEGNA
AN INITIATIVE MADE TO TAKE LUXURY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE TO NEW HEIGHTS; ZEGNA’S BESPOKE ATELIER IS THE GENTLEMAN’S HEAVEN.
THE NEXT GENERATION
A look at Maranello’s latest four-seater, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, a car blending performance, elegance and comfort.
LANVIN.COM
CALIBER RM 11-02 LE MANS CLASSIC
OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER
RACING IN STYLE. WORLD SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER SINCE 1988.
MILLE MIGLIA GTS POWER CONTROL (168566-3001). CHOPARD MOVEMENT, CALIBRE 01.08-C
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CONTENTS
Sprezzatura 042
CRAFTING COMFORT We present the latest Spring Summer 2017 from Corneliani, a collection perfectly blending craftsmanship and technology.
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MECHANICAL MARVELS
Scholars
A round up of the novelties released at Baselworld 2017.
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IL COMMENDATORE A look back at the life of Enzo Ferrari, the man behind the legendary brand.
Savoir faire
TIME FOR VERDI The Alta Orologeri project by Dolce & Gabbana represents the intersection between high fashion and mechanical marvel.
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TAILOR MADE DREAMS
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PRIDE OF BRITIAN We met the man behind the drivers seat of the Rolls Royce marque, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös to discuss clientele, marketing, and bespoke services.
A look at award winning mattress manufacturer, Vispring’s expertise in handcrafting the perfect bed.
THE GENTLEMAN RACER Our Signé Man for the edition, Tani Hanna, represents the true Ferrari DNA by mastering the art of speed.
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The Bespoke Atelier by Ermenegildo Zegna represents the ultimate destination for men aim to have their wardrobe made according to their own desires, demands, and lifestyles.
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THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
DRIVING FORCE Ricardo Guadalupe tells us more about the novelties and new ventures of his watch brand, Hublot.
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BERLUTI X OLIVER PEOPLES With summer around the corner the French fashion label presents its latest collection.
AT HOME WITH ZEGNA
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A guided tour of the TAG Heuer manufacture, the place where the watchmaking magic happens.
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THE SCENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP A fragrance inspired by the ancient Italian craftsmanship by Acqua Di Parma.
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THE NEW CLASSIC Paco Rabanne releases a new interpretation of its iconic fragrance, Invictus.
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etro.com
CONTENTS
Philanthropy
For Her
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MONTBLANC FOR UNICEF
THE ALCHEMIST
Nohma Kaaki discusses how her longstanding obsession with design translates into her latest modular jewellery line ‘Celestial’.
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A philanthropic collaboration with the aim of promoting literacy around the world.
Obsession
THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION
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The Bulgari Serpenti transforms itself yet again through an entirely new design that lends itself to customization without limits.
Serial entrepreneur Evgeny Kuzin gives us an open account of his rise to the top of the hospitality industry in the region.
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The Dubai-based fashion label Amato presents its Spring/Summer collection 2017, a floral line made for trendy women.
Lotus Arts de Vivre proves why they remain the most famous producers of single-piece jewellery at their brand-new boutique in Dubai City Walk.
Heritage
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Artsy Scarves and innovative designs, two concepts that define Purificacion Garcia’s latest collection.
Signé sits with the CEO of Bell & Ross to discuss the brand’s novelties as well as its source of inspiration.
Our cover story highlights the pedigree of Maranello’s latest four-seater concept, the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso.
THE MIDAS TOUCH
HOMEGROWN COUTURE
REDEFINING CRAFTSMANSHIP
SQUARE ART
THE DARING WATCHMAKER
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THE NEXT GENERATION
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CONTENTS
Active 100
CONNECTED WATCHMAKING Smartwatches are taking over, we present you three connected watches created by traditional watchmakers.
La dolce vita 106
DESERT RETREAT
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Ritz Carlton Al Wadi, a resort redefining the concept of luxury hospitality in the United Arab Emirates.
BEACH VIBES Vilebrequin has everything you need to be summer ready.
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ENERGISING SCENTS The perfect post-workout grooming products by Molton Brown.
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TABLE COUTURE TWG Tea presents its couture collection just in time for Ramadan.
A LAKESIDE ENCHANTMENT
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On the shores of Lake Como, the enchanting Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers an unforgettable escape from reality.
A roundup of the latest must visit outlets in Dubai.
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Haute Société
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RESTAURANTS
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FIRST MOVERS WILL ALWAYS CHANGE THE WORLD. BUT WHICH ONE? >> Discover our approach at juliusbaer.com/visionary-thinking
SIG NÉ ◊ ED I O N 2 50 3 locations worldwide. From Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Julius Baer is the leading Swiss private banking group and present inI Tsome Guernsey, Hong Kong, London, Lugano, Monaco, Montevideo, Moscow, Nassau, Singapore to Zurich (head office).
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I L C O M M E N D AT O R E
IL COMMENDATORE To pay tribute to the 70th Anniversary of Ferrari, Signé looks back at its founder’s life and passion for racing.
Mehdi Mabrouk Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was born in 1898, in the suburbs of Modena, Italy. His father, a native of Forli, owned a metal fabrication company. Enzo briefly attended school and became an instructor in a technical school in Modena. At the age of twenty-one, after completing his military service and attempting in vain to be hired at Fiat, he joined C.M.N. (Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali) where he became a test pilot. He made his racing debut in the coast race of Parma-Poggio di Berceto and ranked fourth. At the beginning of the 20’s, he joined Alfa Romeo and won his first victory on the circuit of Savio near Ravenna, after a fierce fight against fellow driver Tazio Nuvolari. In the late 20s, he founded Scuderia Ferrari with a group of friends. In the following years, the Scuderia Ferrari cars participated in more than 200 races and won more than 100. Following the birth of his son Alfredo, known as Dino, Ferrari put an end to his career as a pilot. At the end of 1937, Ferrari liquidated his racing team and was hired by Alfa Romeo who had created a new division devoted
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to racing. Ferrari was its director until the end of the 30s. He left Alfa Romeo for good in September 1939, with the stipulation he could not use the Ferrari name in association with racing or cars for at least four years. It was at the end of the World War II that Enzo would be able to start making cars bearing his name and subsequently founded Ferrari S.p.A. It was in 1947 that for the first time the “Cavallino Rampante,” the prancing horse would be seen on a car named Ferrari. It was seen on a yellow background, the color of his hometown Modena. Enzo settled in Maranello with one goal in mind, for his cars to beat Alfa Romeo on the track. Success in the biggest races was only the beginning for Ferrari; soon Formula One became one of the manufacturer’s priorities. Since 1950, the Ferrari F1 was aligned at the start of every Grand Prix of the F1 World Championship. It was in 51 that Froilan Gonzalez won in Great Britain the first success of Ferrari in Formula One, which was followed by three world championships by 1956. Around this time, the company also began producing cars
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for road use, with the wealthy and famous lining up for a chance to purchase one of these dazzling vehicles. The death of his son Dino in 1956 was a turning point in the life of the Commendatore; terribly affected, he took refuge in Maranello; from there he would run his business until the end of his life. Enzo Ferrari entrusted the production of some of his racing cars to Scaglietti, a Maranello-based company. In the early 1960s, Fiat bought Scaglietti and that eventually prompted Enzo to sell a 50-percent stake in the company to Giovanni Agnelli, owner of Fiat Auto in 1969. Enzo Ferrari remained the executive chairman of the company until his resignation from the post in 1977. Shortly after being conferred an honorary degree in physics from the University of Modena, Enzo Ferrari passed away from a lung infection on August 14, 1988. Over the course of his lifetime, his cars won more than 4,000 races and claimed 13 world championships. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Young Enzo Ferrari behind the wheels of a race car at the 1920 Targa Florio.
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Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Roll Royce Motor Cars.
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P R I D E O F B R I TA I N
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Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Roll Royce Motor Cars.
experience is very similar to a sports car. It has paid off very nicely for us, and all the customers who have driven the car so far are all blown away by it, and it carries what I would call a different lifestyle, the darker side, that’s why we even blackened out the Spirit Of Ecstasy and used black chrome. It represents a different requirement and we have given exactly that to our customers. We have also changed what we call our marketing story and how we tell marketing stories. It always starts with social media; we are engaged now in all channels worldwide. A couple of years ago we started working heavily on social media because I think we need to cater to social media and our customers are very much into it. It also allowed us to notice that the average age of our client is decreasing. When you were appointed in 2010, two years after the brand was acquired, what were the challenges you faced? Of course, we started off analyzing the market, and we realized that one of the primary goals was to rejuvenate the brand and enter new territories. That was basically the task I was handed at that point in time. We had to make sure the brand was relevant for a much
broader circle of customers who have the money to purchase one of our products. I wouldn’t say it was a challenge, but I think you can’t do radical things overnight. Today it all looks very natural but we created a lot of marketing stories, we have brought bespoke to a whole new level with one thing in mind, you tell us what you want, and we build it for you. They were not challenges, but there was a lot of work involved. Regarding bespoke do you get a lot of requests and how unique are your creations? Of course! Every customer has a unique requirement. We are probably the most customer centric company. I meet with our end customers quite regularly, two weeks of every month I am travelling to meet customers around the world to understand their needs and to get their feedback. We are selling four thousand unique cars a year. When you are a Rolls Royce customer, you are part of a family, and you can feel that as a customer you are part of a small exclusive circle. Once you are in you will never leave, and I think that is crucial.
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THE GENTLEMAN RACER
brake much later, that you can steer a bit more aggressive, that you can drive a car much harder than you imagine. They have four courses that teach you various things. After the first three, you start off driving in a racing car. Towards the end, you have a choice of pursuing a racing license. This prompted me to go ahead with taking up a racing license in Italy with Ferrari. The entire experience was a package completely provided by Ferrari Corso Pilota, including the race car, the instructor, and the whole weekend experience. I paid a flat fee, and I walked away with a racing license. I came back to Dubai and as you can imagine I immediately bought my first Ferrari. This was in 2005, and I purchased a Ferrari F430. How did you go from owning a Ferrari to being part of the Ferrari Challenge? Ferrari is a racing car. Even their road going cars are built to be taken to the track and pushed to their limits. These cars can really take what you throw at them. After my first Ferrari, it was just a matter of time before I graduated over to racing. If you drive a Ferrari and you drive them like they are meant to be you are already familiar with what it means to be in a race car. I have been racing since 2013 with Ferrari in the 458 Ferrari Challenge series. When I got into the Ferrari Challenge series, they put an entire support system around me including a team to advise me. The transition to racing is really being educated on what you do or don’t do on the track. When you go out onto the track, you need to take it stepby-step, and there is a learning process. It doesn’t come to you in a day. You need to learn the process. Sometimes it’s the simple things such
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as knowing not to push too early, the process of warming up the tyres. Maybe it’s knowing where to brake, where to accelerate, which steering angle to use, what tyres to use and at what pressure. It is a learning process. Tell us more about the Ferrari Challenge series. How does it work and how much time do you need to invest in this? The Ferrari Challenge championship runs on three different continents. It’s divided into North America, Europe, and Asia. I raced in the Asian series in 2013 and 2014 and in the year 2014 I placed second in Asia in my category. In 2015 and 2016 I decided to focus on certain tracks that I wanted to race on and excel at it. I picked the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet, then Le Mans, Mugello, Monza, and Daytona. I choose the tracks that I want to try out, and it’s no longer about the championship for me, it’s about my personal achievement on those tracks. You need about a week for each race. Between traveling, arriving, testing, qualifier and then the race itself it’s a weeks’ time spent. And you mustn’t forget to do your homework and practice before so there is all that time as well being invested. I make it a point to be on the Yas Island track as much as possible. I try to take advantage of being here and try to improve my skills whenever there are racing days. I bring my 458 challenge to the track and keep improving my skills. How many Ferraris do you have in your stable? The F430 was my first car followed by the F430 Scuderia. Then I ended up getting a 590GTO. This is a car I will never sell and one that I always love. This car it’s not an easy car to drive but if you are
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Tani Hanna took first place in both the Ferrari Challenge Coppa Shell and the Coppa Gentlemen at the Ferrari Mondiali 2014 held in Abu Dhabi. SIGNÉ ◊ EDITION 25
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THE GENTLEMAN RACER
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a good driver and you know how to handle its power it’s the most amazing car to drive on the road. I also have a 599GTB. I have a Ferrari 355 which is from a very different era. I have a yellow 1978 Testarossa and a 512TR. I also have a black 355 Spider. Looking at the more recent ones, I have a Ferrari FF, a 458 Speciale, a 458 Aperta and an F12 TDF. I have a La Ferrari, and I am hoping for another one soon. I have two racing cars which are 458 challenges. It’s like the regular 458 but the challenge cars are primarily for racing, and they are not road legal cars. I keep these cars with the Ferrari Challenge team, and I race them along with the team wherever the race is happening. I maintain one in Dubai which I use to race in Asia, and I have one in Europe which I use for races in Europe and North America. To enter the race with the 458 challenge cars you need to be a race driver and have a racing license approved by the FIA. They can sell the car to anyone but to drive it you still need to be licensed. What is the Ferrari Owners Club and what role do you play in the club? One thing you notice about Ferrari from the very beginning is that they treat you like family. There is a sense of connection to the brand. This is where the club comes in. It’s a place for Ferrari owners to get together as a family. At present, we have 165 members from various backgrounds and different nationalities, but there is a sense of belonging. This is my third year as the president of the Ferrari Owners Club. We get together as a group and partake in various activities. A highlight is a gala event that we organize every year. We have the annual general meeting for the club which is usually at the end of the season. We host a Christmas party as well. The club nights are very popular with the members. The summer tour is where we take cars overseas, and we drive them around. Last year we shipped 19 cars over to Italy and spent five days in Verona and five days in Cortina. We also contribute to certain charity organizations through the collective contribution of all the members. We get asked quite regularly to get involved in local initiatives such as participating in the public parade and so on as well. As the president, I make sure things are happening as planned and everyone has an opportunity to make the most of everything.
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DRIVING FORCE
DRIVING FORCE Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, welcomes us to the world of Hublot during Baselworld 2017. We talked Ferrari, marketing, sapphire crystals and the Art of Fusion
Mehdi Mabrouk The Art Of Fusion is one of Hublot’s iconic concepts and this year the brand dived into the culinary world, could you tell us more about this new collaboration? At Hublot, everything starts with encounters and meetings. We partnered with the culinary world before; we were partners of the famous Bocuse d’Or a few years ago. If you think about it gastronomy and watchmaking are similar domains, they both focus on quality and details. On top of that time is also a crucial component of gastronomy. The Chef we partnered with, Andreas Caminada, has an amazing story. He started with nothing but his passion for gastronomy, and he became one of the youngest three Michelin star chefs. He is now part of the Hublot family and adds a new side to the experiential aspect of the brand. We recently went to have a meal together, and it was a memorable experience, the kind you don’t forget. Hublot is a marketing powerhouse that can leverage celebrities without adding them to its “friend of the brand” roster. Are these marketing operations planned ahead or are you able to seize opportunities spontaneously? It happens rarely but when the opportunity appears we seize it. As
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an example the recent opportunity with DJ Khaled was possible because he liked the brand already; otherwise it would not have worked. We were in Miami, and he was having his birthday bash there so we decided to create a little buzz and it worked. This type of tactical campaign is a tool we used to give life to the brand on social media, and it helps to raise awareness. This year Hublot has been celebrating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary with some interesting releases, what does this collaboration mean for the brand? We are celebrating the fifth year of partnership with Ferrari, and we can say that it is a successful collaboration. We are not the Ferrari’s first watch partners, but we share the same values, and it allowed us to make this partnership a success. We are in constant contact with Ferrari, whether it is regarding design, marketing or distribution. We are present in all the aspects of the brand from Formula to traditional dealerships. We organize more than 200 events around the world with Ferrari. The strength of our partnership is the fact that we work with them as much as we can. It is not about putting the Ferrari logo on our watches and stopping there.
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Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
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DRIVING FORCE
Big Bang Unico Red Sapphire
Big Bang Unico Blue Sapphire
Could you tell us more about the Techframe Ferrari 70 years? After five years of collaboration Ferrari’s head of design, Flavio Manzoni wanted to create a watch for us so we decided to work on this project. The idea was for him to suggest different designs and we would choose one and work on it together. They submitted three separate concepts; we had to choose one since we could not release three new pieces. Hublot is open to various types of inspirations, and the result is fantastic. This chassis inspired watch boasting a chronograph, and a tourbillon is very Ferrari but very Hublot at the same time. Hublot is present in so many sports such as football, basketball and Formula 1. Are you trying to attract as many people as possible to the brand or are you breaking the codes of luxury advertising and sponsorship? It is a new strategy, very different from what has been done before, just because the world is changing. Today our customers are people who can go and watch a Grand Prix race as well as enjoy a football game. If they see Hublot in their leisure activities, they will feel like the brand is part of their lifestyle and that is what we want. It is also a way of creating a potential new market for us with the young generations who spent a lot of time watching sports and following everything that is happening around it. We become
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an aspirational brand for them, and we hope that they’ll become Hublot customers. What is the highlight of this year’s line up? It would have to be our work with sapphire. Sapphire is an existing material, but we were the first to industrialize it to produce sapphire watches in bigger numbers. Transparent sapphire is a beautiful material that brings a new and different perspective. This year we released a series in blue and red sapphire, and that is a world’s first. I think it opens new horizons, it is only the beginning of sapphire watches, and I believe it still has bright days ahead. In the past years have you witnessed a change in the Middle East region’s consumer behavior? The Middle East market has always loved our watches. In recent year we have seen a shift in the type of customers we welcome. We went from people who bought Hublot because of its brand equity to clients who are now interested in the technological aspect of the watches. It is not the case in every market; in the United States, a significant number of customers are more interested in brand names than specifications. Dubai has always been the center of the region for us, but recently there is a rising interest in Saudi Arabia, a market where we were almost absent.
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Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
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TA I L O R M A D E D R E A M S
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TA I L O R M A D E D R E A M S
wire gauges, and 58 spring types. Various combinations of these elements then adjust the delicate balance of strength and softness as per individual preferences. The complexity of the spring assembly doesn’t end right there. To provide the same level of support from one edge of the mattress to the other, all the units are then hand stitched together. This intricate technique takes craftsmen many years to master. Each bed is made with up to six rows of genuine side-stitching, using 100% natural twine and providing thousands of contact points between the mattress border and the spring unit. It takes up to eight hours to hand side-stitch one super king size mattress. The beds are upholstered with the finest natural fibers, fully biodegradable and sourced from renewable resources. In contrast to regular mattress finishing that consists of synthetic materials and foam, Vispring’s bespoke beds combine technical expertise with the finest natural ingredients such as Wool, Bamboo, Cotton, Vicuña, Mohair, Cashmere, silk, and horsehair. These materials are then blended to ensure the mattress is more breathable. Keeping in line with their policy of using only natural materials, there are no particle boards or MDF used in the construction. The timber used in the frames are slow grown Scandinavian softwood and hardwood also sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The quality of the product was a selling point from inception, and the bespoke comfort of Vispring’s mattresses had started to attract prominent clientele including prestigious hospitality clients and
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steamship companies of the early century. Having equipped their flagship vessel, the Olympic with Vispring mattresses in 1911, the prominent British shipping company White Star Line turned to Vispring for the fitting out of her sister ship, the legendary Titanic: each of the vessel’s 39 suites and 350 First Class cabins were decked completely with Vispring mattresses. Over the years, Vispring mattresses have graced the first class cabins of other legendary ocean liners including the Mauretania and the Queen Elizabeth II - and the suites of the world’s most luxurious hotels, such as London’s Park Lane and Savoy. Recently the company was awarded an official recognition, the highly prized Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Instituted by Royal Warrant, the Award honors enterprises that have excelled in the fields of international trade, innovation or sustainable development. Vispring will retail exclusively at The Bedroom by Intercoil Showroom, Jumeirah Villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Ten of the 14 models available in Vispring’s global catalog will be showcased exclusively at the Vispring Showroom, with each bespoke bed handmade in Vispring’s factory in Devon, before being shipped to the UAE. Commenting on the regional introduction of Vispring, Hassan AlHazeem, Managing Director of Intercoil International said: “Intercoil is committed to offering the best sleep products in the world to the UAE market, and expanding our portfolio with Vispring means we continue to do so at the highest level. This is a brand synonymous with luxury around the world, and one which we are confident will appeal to the discerning taste of many UAE residents who recognize exceptional quality and want the ultimate sleep experience.”
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AT H O M E W I T H Z E G N A
The tailor’s room, which sits behind a closed door and forms an entirely independent existence, is furnished with vintage pieces coming from Trivero, Necchi sewing machines, Joe Colombo lamps, Levaggi chairs. In the idea of domesticity and service, great importance is given to the restroom, in beautiful Persian onyx and Portoro marble: a place as welcoming and subtly precious as the whole Atelier. It’s not difficult to understand why the brand has gone to such lengths to create an environment of extreme opulence. This is a place that is designed with creature comforts in mind, to ensure that you feel at home and that you feel no need to rush the important work on hand, the business of Bespoke. Having items individually made, custom-built according to specific demands, is the complete opposite of uniformity. Bespoke requires time, and the will to wait in order to be rewarded with one-of-a-kind garments. Bespoke follows a precise ritual offering the gratification of total personalization. It creates a soulful feeling around a garment: the emotional bond of owning and wearing something that belongs to you only, that molds naturally to your body and will stay with you over time. The new Atelier offers a fully Bespoke experience focused on the customer’s needs which works in sync with the stylistic parameters of the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture line. The Bespoke Atelier provides impeccable tailoring, an expression of the highest craft, with an au courant, contemporary feel. Artistic Director, Alessandro Sartori, describes the service as a perfect embodiment of crafted modernity: it is, at once, the height of tradition and the pinnacle of innovation. The Bespoke service, available through worldwide private appointments from the Milanese Atelier in Via Bigli, delivers an entire wardrobe completely custom-made. Not only tailored suits and shirts
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but also sportswear, leather pieces, knitwear, and shoes can be made on purpose, however the customer prefers. All options are available to alter the specifications of any garment. The experience starts with the first appointment. Clients won’t find master garments in the Atelier, but they will be greeted by Angelo, the master tailor who will listen to their wishes and consequently turn this desire into a wearable object using swatches of the most luxurious, special materials. The choice is vast: 900 fabrics for suits, jackets, and overcoats and more than 230 for shirts. Most of these materials come from the Zegna Lanificio in Trivero, Italy, where unique fabrications are continually being developed in an integrated process that secures an unmatched level of quality and uniqueness. From the first encounter between client and master tailor, during which measurements are taken, a canvas is developed and then fitted during the second appointment. At the third appointment, the tailored jacket is ready for a fitting without collar or sleeves. The client can ask for further adjustments to get the perfect fit. After 3 months, in the final appointment, the pieces are delivered in their final form. Customers will always be given the option for final changes. A Bespoke garment is entirely created by and for the client. A suit requires 200 steps in the process of custom tailoring, during which 150 pieces are assembled for a minimum of 75 working hours. Each single piece is made in-house, by hand, lovingly. Lightness, attention to detail, elasticity and flexibility define these works of art instilled with craft, humanity and soul. The Bespoke service is subtle and private. While the newly opened venue is an obvious statement of luxury, the intrinsic luxury of the service being offered becomes apparent only in the act of wearing the garment.
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THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
After a busy Baselworld, Signé had the chance to visit the TAG Heuer manufacture in La Chaux-De-Fonds. From prototypes to assembly lines and limited edition watches we’ve seen it all
Mehdi Mabrouk Nestled in the Swiss countryside the TAG Heuer site in La ChauxDe-Fonds is one of three locations where the watches are produced. It is also home to the brand’s corporate offices as well as its famous 360° museum. As soon as you enter the building, you are to leave your belongings and don a TAG Heuer lab coat. This is the moment where you realize that you are about to get into a place where thousands of hands work all day to design, test, assemble and repair watches. It is also the moment where you realize that you are about to embark on an exclusive experience, not a lot of people get to visit watch manufactures after all. We started in the corporate offices where we met several members of the TAG Heuer team. The second stop was the CAD department where the watches are designed, and we were shown all the steps required. Creating a watch is, more than we would think, an industrial process, at least in the beginning. Designers work on the watch’s measurements and details on a computer and get a 3D printed model to get a real life feel of the watch. The
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3D printing process takes roughly 12 hours, so they usually start the process before leaving the manufacture at night to have the model ready when they come back in the morning. Once the specifications of the watch are approved, it is time for the prototype department to start working. The prototypes are created to have an actual model in hand for the different departments to make sure that it is the best watch that can be created within the guidelines of the design. From there it goes through a series of tests to see how the model reacts to shocks, temperature change and time. The goal of the tests is to recreate the daily use of a watch to make sure it will work well even when it’s not under warranty. After the watch is approved it will be produced and tested again to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality. The TAG Heuer manufacture is a maze of white walls, and it is so large that without a guide we might have stayed stranded in one of its hallways. From prototypes and tests, we moved to the assembly lines where we witnessed different stage of production. Once the movement is
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assembled, some workers put the dial on the movement, and then the date is placed and last comes the hands. These operations require steady hands and patience. Once the movement, dial, and hands are placed comes the process of encasing which involves putting the movement in its case and sealing it to ensure that air and water will not penetrate the case. Following the assembly, the watch will be tested in the quality control department to ensure they follow the highest standards. Our last stop on the production side of the manufacture was the Haute Horlogerie workshop where eight of the brand’s best watchmakers work on creating unique pieces and tourbillons. A lot goes on in a watch manufacture, and it is not entirely dedicated to making new watches. The customer service department is where sold watches are sent by their owners to be repaired or polished. In this department, each team member can polish up to 100 watches a day. It could be a tough task depending on the depth and type of damage the glass or case has endured. This
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T H E B E L LY O F T H E B E A S T
department also deals with sealing issues. As a watch aficionado and a Heuer fan, I was more than excited about the next two stops. The first one being the restoration department where Heuer fans like myself send their timepieces. The interesting aspect of this unit is the unknown factor; the brand is not actively tracking all of its timepieces, and vintage models resurface every day. This point also makes the department’s task very difficult, vintage parts are limited and if a part is not found or cannot be recreated it is sent back to the owner. Sometimes the manufacture has to refuse some customer requests because it goes against its restoration philosophy.
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For instance, some dials can’t be changed because a certain shade is not available anymore, even if the owner requests a different shade it would not happen. First, it would set a precedent and second it would create a hybrid watch. The final stop in our TAG Heuer journey was the 360° museum, a watch-shaped room where centuries of watchmaking revolve around the visitors. “The vitrines, designed to resemble the sub-dials of a wristwatch, chart the history of TAG Heuer, from its founding in 1860 to the present day and are enhanced by 50 magnifying lenses of varying sizes,” explains TAG Heuer in a statement.
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The museum features some of the brand’s iconic models such as some stopwatches, Autavia, Monaco and Monza. It also features its ambassadors and milestones. Every exhibit features 300 pieces but the brand owns around 3000 vintage Heuer, and TAG Heuer watches. Visiting a manufacture was an incredible experience because of the access we were given and because it puts things in perspective. We get to realize firsthand not only the tremendous amount of work put into the creation of every model, but also that time is the world’s most valuable thing and that keeping it is an art.
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CRAFTING COMFORT
CRAFTING COMFORT For their latest Spring Summer 2017 collection, Corneliani has harmoniously blended craftsmanship and technology to create garments that are deconstructed and unlined. The materials used in the collection are non-synthetic and consist of woolen Super 140’s and Super 160’s that have undergone specialized manufacturing processes to give them waterproof, anti-stain and non-creasing abilities.
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This is a series that is predominantly deconstructed and unlined and is therefore extremely light as well. Double-breasted, single-breasted with two buttons, frisé and printed yarns, pinstripes and over-checks are all present in the most classic colors, including blue and desert shades ranging from burnt earth to dark brown, with flashes of shaded emerald.
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CRAFTING COMFORT
The collection is designed for the man who makes details his distinguishing feature. Work performed by hand, such as the shoulder and armhole construction, help make the experience of dressing well every day an exclusive one, using a language that can only really be understood by those who already know what the best means. The personalized packaging underscores the sense of uniqueness.
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The fabrics used and its extraordinary properties, show off all its powers of versatility in this collection, proving to be the perfect solution for more casual designs as well. From the traditional suit to the pea coat, from the jacket to the car coat: the purpose may differ, but its totally comfortable fit remains the same.
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MECHANICAL MARVELS
MECHANICAL MARVELS With the watchmaking season coming to an end Signé presents a round-up of the Baselworld 2017 releases.
Mehdi Mabrouk
Blancpain The “Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC” is an homage to one of Blancpain’s iconic models. The timepieces boasts an in-house automatic winding caliber made of 210 components. This diver’s watch has a vintage look and feel while offering a four-day power reserve. Housed in a stainless steel 40mm case this new Fifty Fathoms will surely become a collector’s piece.
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Bulgari Bulgari, with its new 41mm Octo Finissimo Automatic, is breaking its own records. This new model is the slimmest automatic watch on the market. The movement is 2.23mm thick, and the cased watch measures only 5.15mm and still offers 60 hours of power reserve.
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Breguet The Marine Équation Marchante 5887 is a watchmaking wonder; it features a tourbillon as well as a perpetual calendar. On top of these impressive complications, the watch also boasts the equation of time function. It calculates the difference between civil time and actual sun time. Breguet proves once again, with this timepiece, that creating intricate complications is part of its DNA.
Omega The Railmaster is an iconic yet forgotten Omega model, usually overshadowed by the Seamaster or Speedmaster. This year the watchmaker released a new limited edition to celebrate the Railmaster’s anniversary. The watch looks exactly like the original reference created 60 years ago. It is limited in total to 3,557 pieces and is housed in a 38mm case, like the original model.
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MECHANICAL MARVELS
Sea Dweller One of the surprises this year in the Rolex line-up is the new Sea-Dweller Single Red. This model is directly inspired by the vintage version of the Sea-Dweller. The watch now boasts a Cyclops, a feature usually reserved
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to Submariners and flagships models. The Sea-Dweller is a bit bigger now; it moved from 40 to 43mm; while the hands remain the same and are coated with the usual Chromalight luminescent material.
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Cellini Moonphase Rolex expanded its Cellini line by adding a slimmer model to its line-up, the Cellini Moonphase. This 39mm dress watch comes with a complication that is pretty rare in Rolex models a moon phase that only needs readjustment once every 122 years. Two moons
are visible on the blue enamel disc at 6 o’clock: a full moon depicted by a meteorite appliqué, and a new moon represented by a silver outline. Staying true to its vintage origins, the Cellini Moonphase is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement.
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MECHANICAL MARVELS
Carl F. Bucherer Classic watches are coming back and are trendier than ever; the Manero series is not an exception. The Manero Flyback that was released this year at Baselworld is a beautiful timepiece halfway between a professional chronograph and a classy watch. Available in red gold or stainless steel it will soon become a must have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Tag Heuer 2017 marks the great return of the Autavia to the market. This icon of the watch industry made the fine days of the brand in the 60s and came back this year to satisfy the nostalgic. It boasts panda dial and date function at 6 o’clock; it comes with aged leather bracelet; A piece made for Heuer fans.
Zenith Staying true to its roots, the Defy El Primero 21 is a performanceoriented watch. It boasts a COSC-certified in-house along with a double-chain structure is based on two regulators, made of CarbonMatrix Carbon Nanotube composite, a patented new material that is insensitive to magnetic fields and high temperatures. Housed in a 44 mm titanium case, the Defy El Primero 21 lives up to its heritage, being The world’s most accurate series-made chronograph.
Chopard The highlight of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer is the officer-type case back that opens to unveil a sapphire crystal through which the L.U.C 96.01-L movement can be seen. Engraved on the inside of the very slim back cover is a beehive with bees flying around it – the placement and number of bees differ from model to model, which makes this reference unique.
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Patek Philippe Patek Philippe’s new Ref. 6006G Calatrava is an elegant timepiece with an analog date and a seconds subdial that pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Caliber 240 movement in special ways. The unconventional positioning of the subsidiary seconds dial between 4 and 5 o’clock is one of the particularities of the caliber 240 PS. When it was first introduced in 1991, this feature brought
considerable attention to the model and became a permanent feature of this movement. This new 18K white gold model replaces the Ref. 6000 series launched in 2005. The 6006G’s case was enlarged from 37 mm to 39 mm to make the model a little more current as well as to highlight its dial and features.
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TIME FOR VERDI
Inspired by Otello’s Opera Manual Mechanical Wristwatch Dolce&Gabbana 53.01 Calibre
Inspired by Don Carlo’s Opera Manual wristwatch with minute repeater and Tourbillon Dolce&Gabbana 13.01 calibre
Inspired by Nabucco’s Opera Self-winding with Toubillon Dolce&Gabbana 33.01 calibre
TIME FOR VERDI Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi serves as the backdrop of four very exclusive timepieces introduced by Dolce&Gabbana. The Alta Orologeria project represents the intersection between high fashion and mechanical marvel. Italian fashion powerhouse Dolce&Gabbana enters the world of highend timekeeping through the introduction of four exclusive watches within their Alte Artigianalità collection, a line that means high craftsmanship. The Alte Artigianalità collection is so very exclusive that only a handful of people globally are privy to its existence and even fewer are invited to view the collection. The famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi is the muse behind the four magical creations aptly named Otello, Nabucco, Macbeth and Don Carlo. Four breathtaking creations that tell a story of art, music, and magic. The heightened design emphasis is comparable to perfect overtures in which
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every detail, finish, and special feature blend in delicate harmony. The four watches are extraordinarily opulent due to their skillfully made friezes, bas-reliefs, and embellishments. The watch cases have been made in the grand tradition of Italian goldsmiths who work on high jewelry, where there is great attention to detail, painstaking selection of gemstones, and a high level of skill applied to working with precious metals. The calibres featured inside the watches were specifically designed in Switzerland, which is the cradle of watchmaking. This international partnership has led to the birth of four masterpieces with exceptional complications: a self-winding mechanical tourbillon, a tourbillon with chronograph
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and, the star of the collection, a tourbillon with minute repeater. It took two years of work by the various departments to complete the Alta Orologeria project. These one-of-a-kind pieces are identified with a Dolce&Gabbana calibre and a certificate of authenticity to preserve their value over time. The Verdi inspired watches are very theatrical in nature, and are therefore aptly stored in skillfully restored antique boxes. These one-off pieces are a combination of mechanical engineering and artisanship and represent the best of both worlds. This is in every sense the essence of Alta Orologerie, and Dolce&Gabbana have captured our attention with their excellence.
Inspired by Verdi's Macbeth "Column" wheel single-button manual wrist chronograph with Tourbillon Dolce&Gabbana 23.01 calibre SIGNÉ ◊ EDITION 25
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STREET SMART
STREET SMART Just in time for the upcoming summer season, Berluti releases an exclusive collection with Oliver Peoples, one of the world’s most distinctive eyewear brands. The collection will be sold only in the Berluti and Oliver Peoples boutiques as well as exclusive eyewear retailers and department stores around the world.
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The collaboration between the two brands came naturally as they both share the same values, love of heritage and authenticity as well as an obsession with detail. The collection comprises three masculine sunglass designs as well as a limited edition style that truly embodies the knowhow of both houses. The pieces are named after streets in Paris and London where Berluti boutiques are located.
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Rue de Sèvres The juxtaposition of an oversized yet tailored front with thin, streamlined, lightweight temples gives this sunglass a distinctive look. A striking design with a straight top line, this frame evokes bold elegance.
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STREET SMART
Conduit Street A classic pilot shape is detailed with refined elements emphasizing a contrast of materials. The sleek metal frame includes a sophisticated single top bridge with inlaid leather and lightweight acetate temples.
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Rue Marbeuf Inspired by Andy Warhol, this rounded shape with a defined top line perfectly pairs the quintessential vintage aesthetic of Oliver Peoples and the precious materials and color palette of Berluti.
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THE SCENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
THE SCENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
The fragrance industry is an intense field, and with more releases than one can handle some beautiful scents might go unnoticed. The Italian fragrance house Acqua Di Parma has been releasing amazing fragrances in the past years. The brand’s latest collection, Colonia, is an invitation to travel and discover
From oud to amber and ebony, the world’s best scents are gathered in one collection. Our favorite fragrance out of this original line is Colonia Ebano, an ode to the Italian Art of Cabinetmaking. Italian cabinetmaking was born in the Renaissance; it expresses its splendor in the Baroque Age and the 1700s. One of the domain’s legends is Giuseppe Maggiolini, an artisan that was called to work in the major courts of Europe and creator of the furnishings of Villa Reale in Monza. Transcribing an emotion or an atmosphere into a perfume is not an easy task, but Acqua Di Parma has been able to deliver
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on its promise. With opening notes of bergamot and petitgrain, core notes of essential oils, pink pepper, and ebony accords; the fragrance is perfectly balanced and offers a wonderful contrast with its base notes of vetiver and patchouli. “A visual, tactile and olfactory richness that resurfaces in Colonia Ebano. The solar spirit of Colonia encounters the natural warmth of the most precious wood essences and the enveloping notes of honey, to evoke the beeswax that completes and defines the surfaces of the inlays,” explains the brand in a statement.
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THE NEW CLASSIC
THE NEW CLASSIC
Since its creation in 2013 Invictus has been a tremendous success for Paco Rabanne. Today the brand is eyeing the Middle East with a new version of its best seller, Invictus Intense. Designed with the concept of victory in mind Invictus Intense is a well-balanced fragrance. Boasting strong and light notes, the perfume is a long lasting scent that will keep you fresh all day long. Invictus plays on the shock between blazing amber woods and the marine “salty skin” accord, in a woody-fresh wake. “First comes a spicy-fresh drive: green-aromatic laurel leaf and orange blossom electrified by the black pepper cardamom duo. Incisive freshness for an aftershock that’s seriously sensual” says Juliette Karagueuzoglou one of the perfumers behind the fragrance.
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Darker and deeper - right down to the scent, the fragrance is bottled in the iconic Invictus goblet. This solid glass cup topped with a metal cap adds a robust and masculine touch to the perfume. Paco Rabanne’s latest Invictus is a fragrance made for ambitious men; it incorporates scents familiar to the Middle East while keeping its iconic freshness. “The Intense version is an opportunity for the trophy to assert a new power,” explains the brand.
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FOR HER
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HOMEGROWN COUTURE
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HOMEGROWN COUTURE Dubai-based label, Amato, presents latest and critically acclaimed collection, a line with classy pastel and floral inspirations Amato was launched in 2002 and is the brainchild of designer Furne One and textile expert Rashid Ali. The starting point of the label was the will to build an avant-garde label that would break the region’s glass ceiling through bold and daring designs. Since its inception the label’s collections have been critically acclaimed and caught the eye of a plethora of international celebrities; from Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks to singers such as Beyonce, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj. “My creativity is inspired by my mother and grandmother’s quintessential style that colored my vision. I have always tried to create exquisite and ethereal designs tempered with a silent touch of strength. My collections aren’t for the faint-hearted woman, but one who is comfortable in her skin; her clothes are but a foil to reflect her inner persona,” said the designer in a statement. Amato’s latest collection is a trendy yet classy one that has nothing to envy to similar size European labels. It boasts sleek lines and cuts halfway between vintage and avantgarde dresses. The color palette used for this collection is current, and small details like embroidery and patterns allow this collection to stand out.
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HOMEGROWN COUTURE
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FOR HER
SQUARE ART
SQUARE ART
Created in 1981, Purificación García is an iconic Spanish brand. The label recently presented its Spring/Summer 2017 collection; one line caught our eye, the colorful hand painted silk scarves Purificación García has always been about creation, elegance and modern aesthetics; the brand regularly collaborates with artists to reinterpret the label and offer new products to its customers. Often using geometry and colors, the brand has been one of the most innovative and original in its category. “We are currently focused on developing the brand to make it available in new markets. It’s a challenge to adapt our collection
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to the demands of different markets and the changing times in the world of fashion. It is a project in itself. My plan for the future is to keep learning and bringing new ideas to my collections,” explained the designer in a statement. The Spring/Summer 2017 collection features a broad range of prints inspired by elements from nature and summer scenes. Handpainted in vivid tones and made of 100% modal or modal and cotton mixes; there is a design for every taste.
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PHILANTHROPY
MONTBLANC FOR UNICEF
MONTBLANC FOR UNICEF While many philanthropic collaborations can and do have a short life some of them are long lasting, one example is Montblanc and UNICEF who are celebrating their 13th anniversary
Mehdi Mabrouk It is normal that a luxury brand, better known for the creation of luxury writing instruments, is at the forefront of a global literacy and early childhood initiative. During the 13 years of their collaboration, Montblanc has donated approximately 10 million dollars to UNICEF. “It’s unfortunate in some ways that we still have to partner with UNICEF because it means there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki. “When you see that about 59 million children around the world are not even learning to write, or that more than 92 million children are dropping out before age 10, it is clear that there is still something significant that we can do,” he added. Baretzki, who joined Montblanc as executive vice president of sales in 2013, explains that the collaboration’s success is due to synergy. “At Montblanc, our roots are in writing, and everything begins by learning the alphabet, learning to use it, learning to read and write. And it is this simple step, which many of us take for granted, that provided the starting point for the latest limited edition of the UNICEF product collection.
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Montblanc Meisterstück Selection UNICEF
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PHILANTHROPY
MONTBLANC FOR UNICEF
Montblanc Meisterstück Skeleton UNICEF
The collection “Montblanc for UNICEF” is now available in Montblanc boutiques and on the brand’s website. For each piece of the collection sold, Montblanc will donate 3% of the proceeds to support UNICEF and its literacy projects, with a minimum amount of USD 1.5 million guaranteed by Montblanc. The new collection includes the signature color “UNICEF Blue” and the first letter of the six different alphabets that children use when they learn to write. The resulting six characters of text work subtly throughout the collection; delicately engraved on the iconic platinum lid of a fountain pen, boldly forming the 3D shell, woven into the lining of a selection of Montblanc backpacks, handbags, and small leather goods and engraved inside with a special UNICEF blue. Among the pieces in the collection, the Meisterstück, “Writing is a gift edition,” there is an original twist on the iconic Montblanc writing instrument with the UNICEF-inspired alphabet design. The
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leather articles have blue lining with the same alphabet characters. Regarding watches two editions of the Heritage Spirit, Orbis Terrarum timepieces are available and boast symbolic references to UNICEF. The collaboration, which this year focuses on projects in China, Djibouti, and Brazil, allows UNICEF to invest in the essential foundation of a child’s future in various ways. For example, train a teacher in early childhood development activities, or purchase teaching and learning materials like textbooks to help children learn to read and write. Hugh Jackman, ambassador of the brand along with Charlotte Casiraghi did not hesitate to praise the initiative: “We can have some things that we can enjoy and have for the rest of our lives, and at the same time we give back to people who have less. Education is not a privilege; it is a right. It’s a great honor to be an ambassador for a company that supports things that matter.”
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Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum UNICEF
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THE MIDAS TOUCH
Caption:Cipriani, DIFC
Downtown TOKO, Vida Downtown
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fared very well also. The success convinced me to move further into F&B and get in to the restaurant line. Today we are managing a host of venues including Venice’s legendary Cipriani, Monte Carlo’s famous Sass Café, London’s celebrity hangout Novikov, Sydney’s prominent Japanese-inspired Toko as well as Dubai’s home-grown concept Hobo. I find F&B extremely exciting. At the current pace of growth, we will be doubling our capacity by the end of this year. We are mainly focused on the premium segment but we have started on projects which are more accessible and existing restaurant chains. We have recently launched a new concept Eshak in city walk and we are scheduled to open many branches in the region. It is doing very well. It’s an Arabic-Uzbek restaurant. We are also planning to bring a Japanese restaurant concept in Dubai Mall. At the moment, we have 9 projects in Dubai and 11 projects under development scheduled to finish this year. We have a restaurant in Hong Kong
and another one about to open in London. We are also opening a Novikov very shortly in Riyadh. We are currently working on one of the largest projects in the Middle East located in d3. It is a revolutionary concept for this market and it will be the biggest dance floor in the region with 120 tables. Our latest concept Arena is a large format performance club on par with Vegas and Miami. With daily big acts and celebrities, it’s a concert every night! d3 is a district with great energy and our location is an open space. The most important key to success for long term business in this industry is customer service. This business is all based on the human factor. We must hire the right people to look after the clients. From people entering the door to people leaving, even minor details such as saying “welcome to our restaurant’’ or “thank you for visiting”, no detail should be missed out and the
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expression should be authentic. We provide a lot of training to the staff we recruit, and we bring in some of the best people from around the world within this industry. Today we have the most experienced people working for us, and we have the best operations team. You need to be hands on in this business and it can be very time consuming. I am married with two kids. The older one is 5 and the younger one is 3.5-years-old. My 5-yearold has started school so I don’t see her every morning. My morning breakfast is usually with family. I reach office by 10 am then start with my first meeting for the day with operations team and other departments. Lunch is usually with business partners. Afternoon is usually more meetings followed by visiting the various under-construction projects that we are developing. I go to gym in the evening then go home and spend time with family for an hour. In the evening, I am out again visiting some of my restaurants. Sometimes I end up visiting three or four restaurants in the same evening. This is the nature of the business.
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OBSESSION
REDEFINING CRAFTSMANSHIP
REDEFINING CR AFTSMANSHIP Lotus Arts de Vivre, an iconic brand revered globally across the world for its spectacular homeware, bold Asian and animal themed creations made with opulent raw materials, statement jewelry and fashion accessories opens its flagship boutique in the Middle East in City Walk, Dubai
Mehdi Mabrouk Rolf Van Bueren was born in Frankfurt, Germany in the post-war 1940s. He was raised in an artisanal environment where he was privy to art and its intricacies. “My father used to say that if you buy a painting and it doesn’t look back into the room, it is expensive wallpaper. I believe that Art is just another facet of life and it must have the innate ability to move you, to make you feel something,” states Rolf. His curiosity and exploratory nature led him to travel extensively around Asia where he learned about traditional craftsmanship, filigree, embroidery and raw materials. Rolf moved to Thailand in 1962, where his appreciation for culture and craftsmanship found a permanent home. He then started working closely with the best of Thai artisans to create some of the most beautiful statement jewelry, Home Décor & accessories the world has seen. He began Lotus Arts de Vivre 31 years ago, as a hobby and from its small beginnings it has now flourished to become a global phenomenon. Apart from being revered for their spectacular Homeware, Lotus Arts De Vivre is one of the most revered names in the jewelry business and often dubbed the “Asian Faberge” based in Bangkok. It is today one of the largest producers of single-piece jewelry in the world.
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Lotus Arts de Vivre boutique, City Walk
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REDEFINING CRAFTSMANSHIP
Rolf Van Bueren at the new Lotus Arts de Vivre showroom in City Walk, Dubai
Rolf’s desire to share the exotic stories of Asia and his personal travel experiences is what inspires him to both create and collect one of a kind art pieces. He is most recognized for his monumental size art pieces, and his labor-intensive masterpieces have become regular additions to serious collectors. Some of his more particular work resembles something out of Larry Elmore’s illustrations for Dungeons and Dragons, fierce, scaly creatures baring a mouthful of vicious teeth, twists of ebony topped and tailed with a serpent’s features in oxidized silver, a diamond-encrusted ram’s head with diabolical ruby eyes. So unique is his work that it has been exhibited in several international art galleries and museums, including London, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Today, Lotus Arts de Vivre has earned itself a fiercely loyal clientele who move within a highly individualized global niche of art lovers, globetrotters and collectors of luxury jewelry, all of whom have been drawn to the atelier’s designs and its use of predominantly organic raw materials which are crafted by hand as per ancient traditions to create eclectic contemporary designs. The craftsmen of Lotus Arts De Vivre pay homage not only to the brand’s Thai heritage, but also to Indian Moguls, Indonesian rulers, and Chinese emperors. Seamlessly melding precious metals and jewels with organic materials and bringing to life mythical beasts and ancient tales, Lotus Arts De Vivre also work with India for gem-cutting, Indonesia for wood carving, Thailand for Niello work, Japan for Makie Lacquer and China for Cinnabar Lacquer making each piece from Lotus Arts De Vivre tell a story and reflects a true global citizen who celebrates the finer things in life and the attitude of Lotus Arts De Vivre.
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Signature stores span across Dubai, Thailand and Malaysia, and representative stores based in Indonesia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, France, Istanbul, Russia, UK, and USA, with exhibitions being held globally. The Scarab Collection Found throughout the world, Scarabs are stout-bodied beetles that measure between 5 and 60 millimeters. The scarab beetle had captured the imagination of the ancient Egyptians who were preoccupied with the afterlife, as the mummies and large monuments testify. The Chinese equally associated the Scarab with the process of recreation and rebirth and placed Jade Scarabs into the mouth and the ears of deceased Emperors hoping for the afterlife. Using the scarab in a design and production process was another challenge that inspired Rolf. The scarab wings have exciting characteristics of color, fluorescent with different shades of blue, green, orange, and purple. Only the wings of beetles who have died a natural death retain their color, and they do so for hundreds of years. One antique scarab object, a vase at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo has kept its dramatic color since the 13th century. This is considered a miracle of nature and Rolf considers it better than the man-made substitutes of lacquer or enamel. Each scarab piece is carefully selected according to color and is shaved to thickness and then glued on. Each piece takes typically 5-10 minutes of work, and with each piece of Jewelry having anywhere between 50 to 1,000 scarab pieces, they become timeless pieces. Using the wings and necks of the beetles is the most tedious task one can imagine, and it takes 6-9 people around four months on average to finish one of the scarab items of the Lotus Arts de Vivre range.
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T H E D A R I N G W AT C H M A K E R
THE DARING WATCHMAKER
On the sidelines of Baselworld 2017, Signé sits with Carlos Rosillo co-founder and CEO of Bell & Ross to discuss novelties, inspiration, and communication.
Mehdi Mabrouk Rosillo started his Bell & Ross adventure in 1992 when he co-founded the brand with Bruno Belamich. Creating a watch brand had been a long-time project and he was able to bring it to life with his partner and friend Belamich. Both men have a common passion for the watch industry and a common goal: to create watches suitable for professional use that adheres to strict military specifications where function takes precedence over design. The turning point for the brand was 1994 with the introduction of its first collection. Since then Bell & Ross have been supplying and working with entities like the French Air Force, Raid, submariners, and anti-mine military squads. More recently the watchmaker expanded its range of products with models like the BR03 or the BR-X1 Hyperstellar, a watch inspired by satellites and astronauts. This year the brand has released several interesting models and one in particular has a sentimental value for Bell & Ross’ CEO, the BR03-92 Diver, a diver’s watch fitted on the brand’s iconic square case. From aviation to formula 1, Bell & Ross is a brand that’s in constant evolution where does this inspiration come from? Our strength is creativity, and that is why each year we can come up with novelties that amaze watch aficionados. Our inspiration mainly
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comes from the extreme, and not necessarily an extreme sport. It could come from fire fighters, astronauts, pilots and recently F1 drivers. The brand relies on a blend of talents. Once you combine the expertise of a designer, an engineer, a master watchmaker and a watch lover, the result you get is a Bell & Ross watch. Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Renault Sport Formula One? Our collaboration with Renault Sport Formula One Team marks a new milestone for Bell & Ross. It is the result of an encounter that gave us the desire to work together. Our two companies are passionate about mechanics and it is clear that we are both working with the on going pursuit of innovation, precision and performance. We hope this will be a lucky partnership on both sides and that we will make people dream and arouse our fans’ passion for wonderful mechanics. Regarding expansion, how do decide which market to enter? Is it solely based on demand or are they other factors? In my opinion, a luxury brand relies on four pillars, product, communication, distribution, and service. When we want to enter a new market we need the right partners; we need motivated retailers that can deliver a certain level of service. Demand is obviously important, and it comes from our retailers.
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Bell & Ross BR 03 RS 17
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T H E D A R I N G W AT C H M A K E R
Carlos Rosillo, CEO and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross
How long does it take to create a piece of Haute Horlogerie such as the BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor? From the idea to the actual product, it took us approximately one year to develop the BR-X2. The idea was to create a watch where the central part, the movement, was entirely visible but built on our iconic square case. We decided to take this idea one step further and get rid of the case, so we put a frame around our movement and place two sapphire plates to showcase it.
Is innovation the only way to withstand the current crisis? Innovation is a solution, but it has to surprise the market. Our strategy is to consider ourselves as challengers and focus on creativity and audacity. Another important thing is to have the financial means to survive and thanks to Chanel we have this chance.
What is Bell & Ross’ motivation when it comes to creating new models? Is it the technological advancement or creating something that has never been done before? It is a combination of design and technical challenges and this will to surprise the consumers. On the BR-X2 for instance, the design is innovative, nobody made an automatic tourbillon on a square case
When it comes to communication Bell & Ross is very active online; Is it because it is cheaper or is it a strategic move? Digital allows us to talk to the world and from day one we considered this platform as a strategic one. We had a website as early as 1998, our e-boutique opened in 2008. This year we are heavily focusing on our digital development.
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before and removed the case. It is a bold move, and that is the kind of statements we want to make.
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Bell & Ross BR 03-92 DIVER
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THE NEXT GENERATION
The new Ferrari GTC4Lusso is Maranello’s latest interpretation of the four-seater concept, which combines extraordinary performance in all driving conditions with sporty elegance and luxurious comfort for both driver and passengers alike The GTC4Lusso’s name references several illustrious predecessors, not least the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT, as well as the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which married extreme performance with stylish design and sophisticated materials and craftsmanship. It follows in the footsteps of the FF, the first ever Ferrari you could drive on rough terrain or take up mountains for a ski trip thanks to its predictive all-wheel drive system, and continues the lineage of Ferrari’s spacious 2+2 models that began with the 1948 166 Inter. Ferrari has updated the grand touring FF with a stunning new interior, sharper exterior styling, improved engine and handling and a brand new name that reflects the luxury that epitomizes Ferraris’ flagship models. Here we take a moment to reflect on the most significant models that have shaped the history of Ferrari’s V12-engined four-seaters.
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1948
166 Inter
The 166 Inter was Ferrari’s first ever road-going model and was based on the 166 sports racing models, such as the 166 MM barchetta, with which it shared a slightly lower-powered version of the sophisticated 2-litre V12. Typically for those years, no two cars were alike and one of the most popular coachbuilders of that era, Carrozzeria Touring, produced the majority of the model range, including this, the 166 Inter coupé Touring, which debuted at the 1948 Turin Motor Show. One of just five Ferrari cars sold that year, it was the first ever example of a two-door four-seater and thus the predecessor of today’s GTC4Lusso.
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1960
250 GT 2+2
The 250 GT 2+2 was the first four-seater Ferrari to be produced in large numbers. In fact nearly 1000 cars were produced between the model’s launch at Le Mans 24 Hours in June 1960 and the end of 1963. Although there had been other Ferrari models designated 2+2s in the early 1950s, the 250 GT 2+2 was the first with proper four-seat accommodation and the concept proved to be extremely popular, accounting for about two thirds of the total Ferrari 250 GT road car production of the period. The Pinin Farina-designed car was equipped with the 3-litre version of the V12 producing 240 hp, with the last fifty examples being fitted with 4-litre engines and designated 330 America.
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1964 330 GT 2+2
The 330 America was replaced by the 330 GT 2+2 coupé which was presented at the annual Ferrari pre-season competition press conference in January 1964, making its public appearance at the Brussels Salon later that month. Characterised by its front-end styling that included large quad headlights emphasized by chrome surrounds, its Pininfarina styling was viewed favourably and the new 2+2 was considered to offer substantial improvements over its predecessor. In all, the model garnered much praise from the press at the time. One of the most famous owners of the 330 GT 2+2 coupé was John Lennon of Beatles fame who was bought a model in 1965 by his band mates the day he passed his driving test.
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1967
365 GT 2+2
The 365 GT 2+2 was presented at the 1967 Paris Motor Show and was the replacement for the 330 GT 2+2. With its elegant, imposing lines, it was the first Ferrari to feature power steering and air conditioning as standard for the American market. Designed by Pininfarina, the 365 GT 2 + 2 takes up the torch from the Ferrari 330 and, like the latter; the name of the car comes from the unit cylinder capacity (365 ccs per cylinder). This 365 is a true GT, not intended for the tracks but rather the highways to take its passengers comfortably at high speeds.
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1971 365 GTC4
Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971 and breaking up completely with the direction its predecessors had taken; the 365 GTC4 was the successor to the 365 GT 2+2. The body style was very different from the models that it replaced: gone were the gracefully rounded curves and the elliptical radiator grille, to be superseded by a much more angular wedge design, which was coming into vogue at the time. The more compact design of a two-seater coupé hid the fact the car had two small rear seats which had folding backs to increase luggage space. Manufactured between 1971 and 1972, only 505 copies left the Maranello factory, making it in its own right, one of the rarest Ferrari.
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1992
456 GT
The 456 GT took the luxury 2+2 coupé theme to new heights and saw Ferrari return to the front-engine concept for the first time since the 1968 365 GTB4. The all-new 65° V12 provided unprecedented flexibility and power. The design of the 456 GT was entrusted to the Pininfarina design office. The designer privileged refinement and the discretion rather than a sporty look; the 456 GT was an immediate success for the Italian manufacturer. Never before had a Ferrari managed to combine a beautiful design, exceptional performance and a welcoming cockpit for four people.
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GTC4 Lusso Based on the same aluminium-alloy spaceframe, the new GTC4’s shape is recognisably similar to the FF’s, but it’s set is more forward, with wind-cheating scallops in the lower doors and a defiant roof spoiler to improve aerodynamics. Along with a new name, Ferrari has given the GTC4Lusso, updated lines, a new interior, and a touch more horsepower from its V12 engine. The performance displays the thrilling Ferrari soundtrack, with an increased power output from 651 horsepower to 680 ponies. This Italian horsepower allows the GTC4Lusso to reach 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds on the way to its 208 mph top speed. Importantly, the all-wheel drive Ferrari now has four-wheel steering similar to that found in the F12 TDF. Allowing all four wheels to steer and propel the car forward makes the car turn as fast as it can accelerate.
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While the engineering under the hood is the evolution of extreme engineering, the scenery inside the cabin is an ocean of serene hand stitched leather. The most engaging aspect is the new center console that is a huge new touchscreen undertaking a host of features. There is plenty of storage space accommodated around the center console keeping the other buttons to a minimum. The word Lusso means luxury in Italian and the interiors definitely take to this reference in all its literal context. The roomy back row and the spacious interior appointments make this an everyday car for four adults. The GTC4Lusso sports the latest evolution of the naturally-aspirated Ferrari GT V12 that melds incredible power with efficiency and provides a soundtrack which is thrilling in performance driving, yet discreet and harmonious in normal touring conditions, whether city, mountain or desert.
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ACTIVE
C O N N E C T E D W AT C H M A K I N G
CONNECTED WATCHMAKING Technology is taking more and more space in the watchmaking industry; Tag Heuer, Montblanc and Frederique Constant noticed the trend, we take a look at their latest smartwatches.
Mehdi Mabrouk Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 The Connected Modular 45 is a very high-end smartwatch, with an elegant design and whose main feature is the huge array of personalization options available to the buyer. After a successful first incursion into the world of watches connected with the Connected, released in 2015, Tag Heuer unveiled its new smartwatch model, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45. The Tag Heuer website already gives a first idea of the degree of personalization of watches: four types of materials for the bracelets, four types of materials for the lugs and especially the possibility to choose between an electronic module (the Android Wear watch) or mechanical (a Tag Heuer Caliber 5). The watch boasts a 1.39-inch AMOLED screen covered with sapphire glass 2.5. The case, made entirely of metal, is made of titanium. Inside the watch, of the very thick kind, there is everything that one can expect from a smartwatch in 2017: GPS, NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, ambient light sensor, resistance to water (5ATM), and a 4GB internal memory.
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Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
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Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch The Horological Smartwatch is Frederique Constant’s interpretation of the connected watch. The idea is to offer a watch that meets all the requirements of a Swiss brand in terms of design, while adding connected watch functions without sacrificing autonomy. The watch boasts a pedometer, the possibility of adding a second time-zone, a chronometer and a sleep monitoring mode with an autonomy of 2 years thanks to its quartz movement. All changes are made from the smartphone, and the crown is actually a push button used to connect with your smartphone via bluetooth. The Horological smartwatch boast a MMT quartz movement, a 42mm case, a crocodile leather strap and is water resistant up to 5ATM.
Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch
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Montblanc Summit
Montblanc Summit As often on this kind of connected watch, it is not so much its performance or specifications that will be the primary buying factor, but its design. And for the Summit, it must be admitted that it is rather beautiful. If it is a very thick watch, 12.5mm, and wide, 46 mm, it sports quality materials. Brushed metal is thus found in the frame, sapphire crystal on the screen and the crown is beautifully done. It is also an IP 68 waterproof watch with a heart rate sensor, gyro meter, electronic compass, barometer, 1.39-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip, 512 MB RAM and a 4 GB of internal memory.
The Summit runs Android Wear 2.0 and is available with a silicone bracelet or a leather strap. Other versions with woven bracelets also seem planned. The question that remains is, which one is better? Well, there is no definitive answer. The three models were created for different purposes and target different audiences. The Connected Modular 45 was made for active individuals that are into sports while the Summit is geared towards young and edgy urban professionals and looks more like a traditional watch. The Frederique Constant activity tracker comprises the best of both worlds and still looks exactly like a traditional timekeeper.
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BEACH VIBES
BEACH VIBES
With summer already in full swing in the region, beach days and pool afternoons have bright days ahead Finding the right pair of shorts is always tricky; whether it is the length, color or print pattern making that decision and finding the right fit is always more complicated than it looks. Vilebrequin’s Spring/ Summer 2017 collection has the flavor for any requirement. Fresh colors, summery prints, and timeless shorts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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“Vilebrequin has always cultivated a spirit of refinement and fantasy, staying true to the casual charm upon which the house was founded in St Tropez more than 40 years ago. Durable and always in fashion, Vilebrequin swimsuits have become a point of reference for generations,” says the French brand, in a statement. For its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, the brand has been focusing on relaxation and the zen attitude. With warm and radiant
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shades, clean cuts, balanced silhouettes, and symmetrical motifs; Each piece in the collection was designed to promote a strong sense of self-communion and harmony with our natural surroundings. “Each print is a pathway to inner peace and stillness: as anchor patterns emerge from clouds of India ink, seahorses gently whisper to one another, and palm trees begin to surface on the horizon, “ adds the brand.
ENERGISING SCENTS Sport products are not limited to trainers and clothes exclusively, grooming brands are aware of it and are releasing more and more products geared towards training. Molton Brown’s Sport Collection should soon become your partner of choice on this active journey. Molton Brown sport’s range is performance-driven and was designed with the iconic Re-charge Black Pepper fragrance in mind.
“Citrus notes of lemon, tangerine and bergamot oil have more ‘sizzle’ thanks to the grapefruit accord on top. The original ginger and coriander spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom and nutmeg; black pepper and Peruvian pepper round it off with a modern, masculine finish,” explains Elsa Chabert, Perfumer, Fragrance Essentielles.
Energising Body Scrub
Muscle Soak
4-in-1 Body Wash
An energising body scrub, blended with olive stone particles for microexfoliation and a deep-cleansing action. While it effectively removes dead skin cells, dirt and sweat it leaves skin deeply cleansed and subtly scented.
Built from the brand’s iconic scent and enhanced with mineral-rich thermal salts, this is your go-to blend to comfort and soothe over-worked muscles.
A multi-purpose cleanser, blended with skin conditioners for the face and body, ultra-shine complex for healthy hair and guar gum for a closer shave.
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D E S E R T R E T R E AT
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DESERT RETREAT Nestled in the Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi desert, lies one of the United Arab Emirates’ hidden gems; a hotel where luxury rhymes with simplicity
Mehdi Mabrouk After a one-hour drive, we passed the gates of what turned out to be the best retreat one could think of. Upon arrival, the staff of the hotel welcomed us in their traditional majlis for a smooth and seamless check-in.
Once done, we were one buggy ride away from our villa. The resort is made of a collection of private villas with their private pool. At Al Wadi Desert luxury is the synonym of details. From the moment you enter the hotel until you leave, the staff will be present
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to help you and remember your name while remembering your preferences as well as your daily routine. This hotel looks traditional from the outside, but its standards are higher than anywhere else.
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The architecture and decoration are greatly inspired by the region and the Arab World in general, with wooden ceilings, arabesque designs on the walls and an ochre palette of colors, the villas feel authentic. The resort blends with its surrounding and nature is an important part of the hotel’s philosophy One of the amazing features of this hotel is its quietness, even with other guests around you can still hear the sounds of the desert and enjoy a relaxing moment on your terrace. Privacy is key, and even with neighbors few meters away the villas are designed to make you feel like you are on your own. The only time you’ll see another guest is during check-in, meals, activities and check out. Activities Al Wadi Desert offers guests the opportunity to create bespoke experiences and itineraries based on their interests. This program was created around four key pillars of the Bedouin culture; the Art of Falconry, Equestrian and Camel rides, Nature and Environment activities, and the Ritz Rangers program for the younglings. The hotel also acts as a reserve for local endangered wildlife such as gazelles and antelopes. Guests can spot them around the property and can book a private tour to spot them in the desert.
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Additional activities such as an introduction to the thrilling techniques of archery, catch & release fishing activity at the waterhole and sunset camel hacks or trails in the desert are some of the many recreational activities guests can look forward to during their stay. Restaurants Al Waha, meaning “oasis” in Arabic, is where breakfast is served unless you opt for the in room option. It features different types of breakfasts from continental to oriental. For lunch head to Safran, a beautiful restaurant overlooking a waterhole popular with the desert’s animals. It offers an exclusive fine-dining Indian menu in a distinctly Arabian setting. Around the hotel, you’ll see several traditional watchtowers, and one of them stands out because of its size. Named The Tower, it offers private dining overlooking the desert. Guests will enjoy a dedicated chef who’ll prepare a spread of fine delicacies while you enjoy the desert’s night sky. Offering public and private options is a must for any luxury property but adding a regional touch to these offers is what differentiates properties like Al Wadi Desert.
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Redefining Luxury In today’s world, the definition of luxury has changed. It is not about the lavish suite, golden sinks, and marble walls anymore; guests are looking for experiences and memories. Today authenticity is a key aspect of luxury in the hospitality sector, travelers are willing to trust hotel chains with properties worldwide, but they do not want to stay in the same hotel wherever they go. They want the level of service to be the same, but the overall atmosphere of the property should reflect the country they are visiting and its culture. In that regard, Al Wadi Desert, a RitzCarlton Partner Hotel, is delivering on its promises. Through its location, architecture, and organization the hotel is an authentic Arabian resort. Activities are built around a certain theme, the desert, and that same theme is present in every aspect of the property, from Falcon carvings on the beds to the traditional coffee and dates served in the lobby. “I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Through the silence, something throbs, and gleams,” wrote Antoine de SaintExupéry and it describes exactly the effect the desert has on people and why desert resorts are trendier than ever in the region.
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A LAKESIDE ENCHANTMENT
A LAKESIDE ENCHANTMENT Dating back to 1910, the family-owned Grand Hotel Tremezzo commands one of the most enchanting positions on Lake Como with spectacular panoramic views of both the town of Bellagio, the Riviera Delle Azalee and the stunning Grigne Mountains Bearing a striking resemblance to the front façade of the hotel featured in Wes Anderson’s movie the Grand Budapest Hotel, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an overwhelming mix of great interiors and amazing outdoors. Located on the western shore of Lake Como, the hotel is but a brief walk from the beautiful 17th-century Villa Carlotta, which houses a collection of artworks including pieces by Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez. The hotel is decorated in the Art Nouveau style with lavishly appointed fabrics, period furniture and antique paintings and prints. Synonymous with A-listers across the course of the century, visitors have included both literal royalty like the Russian empress Alessandra D’Assia, who stayed in the 1920s, and the Hollywood kind: Greta Garbo, Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman. The historic hotel has 90 rooms and suites, each of which offers guests breathtaking views of the lake or the hotel’s century-old 20 acre garden decorated with sculptures and fountains, and home to all manner of exotic plants and flowers. The hotel has three swimming pools: Water on the Water, a floating pool in front of the private beach; Flowers Pool, a pool surrounded by its own delightful private gardens; and the indoor T Spa Infinity Pool. The hotel’s award-winning T-Spa, located in the 18th-century Villa Emilia, features a heated indoor infinity pool with five hydro-massage areas and an attached outdoor whirlpool tub. The panoramic relaxation lounge with sunbeds has floor-to-ceiling windows commanding lovely lake views. It offers traditional hammam treatments and signature wellness experiences exclusively designed by ESPA that use natural herbs and plants grown at the hotel. There’s a sauna with lake views, an additional frescoed relaxation lounge, and a mosaic-lined nail studio. The private T Spa Suite is especially designed for couples or friends, with its own whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room. There’s a gym set over three floors, and yoga and fitness classes are offered. The hotel features its own private motor launch and its marina of watercraft is expanding as well, with the introduction of Batt. This elegant new boat has been named after hotel-owner Valentina de Santis’s beloved grandfather and comes from Venice to the glamorous shores of Lake Como. Ruy, the hotel’s lovingly restored period Venetian motor launch, also remains available for lake excursions and personalized experiences.
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Tell the captain where you want to go and take in Como’s hidden gems and villas while sipping on your favorite tipple. Enjoy the best in fine dining at La Terrazza restaurant, with menus created by renowned maestro of Italian haute cuisine Gualtiero Marchesi. Alternatively, L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar offers a more informal option for a dinner based on fondues and barbecues; while T Pizza, set in the beautiful hotel gardens, is where guests can enjoy
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wood-fired pizza; or try T Beach for tasting delicious grilled meat and fish onshore. Famous British poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, was said to have been so enchanted with the beauty of lake Como that he used his inheritance to pay off all his debts and bought a villa on Lake Como. In 1818, Shelley wrote of Como to his friend Mr.Thomas Love Peacock, “This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty ... and has the appearance of a mighty river winding among the mountains and the
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forests.” If you are looking to experience the best of Lake Como, then this is undoubtedly the place to be. From the Park View Prestige Rooms, with period furnishings, unique touches and elegant interiors, to the individual historic suites inspired by great ladies and Hollywood royalty, and the show-stopping rooftop suites with personal butlers and expansive private terraces overlooking the famed lake, a stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo is tailor-made to be an unforgettable one.
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HAUTE SOCIÉTÉ
TA B L E C O U T U R E
TABLE COUTURE In the Middle East tea is more than a drink it is a cultural phenomenon. Tea is at the center of the local lifestyle and is meant to be shared with loved ones With Ramadan around the corner, TWG Tea celebrates the region’s Tea culture by releasing an exclusive collection. “Tea has been at the core of Middle Eastern social life, more so during the holy month of Ramadan. It has graced tea tables during family gatherings, served as a mark of hospitality to guests, been prepared in celebration of festive occasions, and simply enjoyed as a finale to a meal,” explains the brand. TWG Tea features a rich variety of tea infused blends, lavish tea accessories and tea scented candles to bring a warm oriental ambiance. To build on this concept, TWG created its Haute Couture Tea Collection to accompany its customers during the Holy Month from Iftar to Suhoor.
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The journey begins during Iftar with a cup of Alexandria Tea, a green tea that has been scent with mint and Mediterranean cornflowers. It is best consumed with dates as the starter of a delicious Iftar. Meant to be served in the brand’s Emir Teapot the Alexandria Tea will awake your taste buds and open your appetite. Later on, during Suhoor it is recommended to have a cup of Oud Night Tea. TWG Tea is famous for its unusual pairings when it comes to tea, but the brand always delivers beyond expectations. “Inspired by the ancient trading of Oud along the incense route of antiquity, stretching from Mediterranean ports
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through Arabia, India and beyond, the Oud Night Tea is an ardent offering, laden with a rich infusion of rare calambac, incense, and smoky black tea,” adds the brand. To complete the experience one should light TWG’s Oud Night Tea Scented Candle to leave a long lasting woody scent into ones majlis. To end the night on a sweet note, the collection comprises a Moroccan Sahara Tea; Moroccan tea is famous for its taste but also for its ability to wear away the heat, even though it is a hot beverage. TWG Tea has taken the region’s tea culture to new heights with a complete collection and with the addition of teapots and candles the brand has ensured that its smell and taste will never leave your mind.
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NEW IN TOWN
7 ELEPHANTS Located in the heart of Dubai’s financial hub this new lounge is strongly inspired by its location. With its stock exchange-inspired board and mobile app it offers guests a new type of experience with fluctuating prices and maybe some crashes. This after work oriented lounge will see people from all walks of life coming together to have a good time. 7 Elephants Dubai is a place where fun meets tasteful cuisine. The menu comprises the best of 7 cuisines with an eccentric menu created by
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Chef Mahmoud Turkmani. Paying tribute to Dubai’s multicultural façade it brings together cuisines from Italy, Mexico, Spain, India, Indonesia, Britain and the Middle East. This contemporary lounge is a spacious open format venue with floor to ceiling windows creating a fresh atmosphere for guests to lounge in. Guests are welcomed by a life-sized elephant at the entrance, painted by Dubai based Graffiti artist, Steffi Bow, as part of an on going activation that will change every 3 months.
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CUISINE: INTERNATIONAL LOCATION: LEVEL C, EMIRATES FINANCIAL TOWERS, DIFC
PLAY RESTAURANT PLAY Restaurant & Lounge is famous throughout Dubai for its original “Mediterranean” menu, a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s vision and attention to details has created a new standard in the local scene. The establishment’s latest creation, straight from its Research & Development kitchen is a flavourful dish named Spaghettini. The concept is simple and includes Mediterranean ingredients, cooked with Asian influences and topped off with the signature PLAY culinary flair.
A light seasonal dish, the Spaghettini features perfect al-dente pasta cooked in olive oil, lobster oil and garlic until it is a golden brown and sprinkled with herbs. The pasta is plated and accompanied by fresh langoustine, which is cooked slowly to absorb each and every flavor and topped off with grated Bottarga. This beautiful and classy restaurant has won several awards for its cuisine and once you taste it you will clearly understand why. PLAY gets very busy, so bookings are recommended.
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CUISINE: INTERNATIONAL, MEDITERRANEAN LOCATION: H HOTEL - FLOOR 36, DUBAI
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NEW IN TOWN
GRAPESKIN City Walk is quickly becoming one of Dubai’s new hotspots; Grapeskin at La Ville Hotel & Suites is the culinary epicentre of the area. From sundowners to happy hours and degustation events, it has everything you need to awaken your taste buds. You can become a beverage expert in 2 hours thanks to weekly tasting classes hosted by experts at Grapeskin. The expert will run you through a variety of food and beverage pairings in a fun environment. Classes are
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hosted every Monday from 7pm – 9pm, with a different beverage focus area per month, all served alongside a carefully selected choice of food items from the men . If you are more of a casual eater La Ville has plenty of other options to offer you. One of the most successful and tasty ones is the Pizza Weekend Special; every weekend Grapeskin offers a wide choice of Wood fired Pizzas paired with signature beverages. Perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends.
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CUISINE: INTERNATIONAL LOCATION: LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES, CITY WALK
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