Signe - Edition 13

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S I G N É

TOWARDS THE DIVINE WHERE THE COUNTRY IS PREPARING FOR THE HOLY MONTH, SIGNÉ BRINGS TO YOU A PERFECT GUIDE HIGHLIGHTING THE ETIQUETTES’ OF RAMADAN, GIVING YOUR FESTIVAL THE SIGNÉ TOUCH

REFINED AND DANDY SIGNÉ LAUNCHES SIGNÉ SOCIETY, A GENTLEMEN’S CLUB, WITH TWO INTIMATE DINNERS FOR THOSE WHO DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES WITH THEIR TASTE FOR LUXURY

TIME FOR COFFEE

This summer, Mararo takes you through a virtual tour presenting Italian culture through coffee flavors and luxury sports watchmaking with Officine Panerai

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CONTENTS

SCHOLARS

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020 CINEMA’S GOOD GUY Gregory Peck, to the outer world, is known for his contribution to Classic Cinema. As we walk closer, we unveil the other side of him defined by integrity, compassion and love for art

022 THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH Making an ambitious move by bringing VicenzOro to Dubai this year, Matteo Marzotto of Fiera Di Vicenza talks about his journey, initiatives, ideologies and more

024 CARVING A NICHE In conversation with a hotelier who has been driving his company to new exceptional heights with his planning and passion - Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President and CEO of Millenium & Copthrone Middle East and Africa

026 SIGNÉ MAN When art runs in the blood, the result turns out to be a masterpiece. Such is the journey of Neel Shukla, Owner and CEO of Ramesh Gallery who took art and interiors across the borders of imagination

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CONTENTS

S AV O I R FA I R E

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032 TIME FOR COFFEE The impeccable Mararo and the iconic Officine Panerai come together to take you through an unforgettable journey, presenting the different types of coffees hailing from Italy

044 QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE Timepieces are a reflection of rich heritage, status and class. We look back at Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II watch and present the intricacies of the visually arresting timepiece’s 2013 and 2015 edition,

048 SMART LUXURY Bestowing their trademark excellence are Vertu and Bentley Motors through their latest Vertu for Bentley smartphone, exhibiting sophisticated design, high end technology and bespoke services

052 A WALKING LEGEND Renowned French luxury shoemaker, J.M. Weston pays tribute to its classic 180 Moccassin with the launch of the Le Moc Weston this summer giving the contemporary piece a touch of its heritage

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FIRST MOVERS WILL ALWAYS CHANGE THE WORLD. BUT WHICH ONE? >> Discover our approach at juliusbaer.com/visionary-thinking

Julius Baer is the leading Swiss private banking group and present in some 50 locations worldwide. From Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Guernsey, Hong Kong, London, Lugano, Monaco, Montevideo, Moscow, Nassau, Singapore to Zurich (head office).

CONTENTS

SIGNÉ SELECTION

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056 SPREZZATURA This summer, Signé brings to you a selection of fine and chic pieces from brands like Brooks Brothers, Chopard, Longines and more

062 FOR HER Lebanese designer Lama Jouni brings her ready to wear women’s label from Paris to Dubai and unveils her Ramadan Collection while talking about her inspirations and future plans

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SINCE 1922

"Since 1922 we have been proud to be t he guardians of timeless values: handmade in Italy x e cellence, unmistakable style and understated luxury, in a winning balance of tradition and innovation".

Rubaiyat Store. Olaya Street. Riyadh. Tel. +966114632025. www.rubaiyat.com

TRUE LUXURY

CONTENTS

PHIL ANTHROPY

066 A CLASSIC REVIVAL

068 A DREAM COME TRUE

The Film Foundation, known for restoring some of the most significant films of the golden era, celebrates 10 years with ‘A ‘60’s Italian cult’ being aired at the 68th Cannes Film Festival

Omar Danial, founder of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai which is the first of its kind to bring International Bacccalaureate Programme, speaks to Signé about the idea behind bringing ‘Swissness’ to the city

066

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OBSESSION

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072 THE HORSEMEN Ferrari, today, is more than just a sports car.

Ensuring the moods and comforts of their Horsemen are well taken care of, Ferrari’s latest cars - F12 Berlinetta, California T and FF V12 are ideal for every occasion. Its no more about just cars, its about a lifestyle

086 REFINED AND DANDY An evening of brimming indulgence, designed for those who have a premium taste is what Signé Society’s inaugural dinner was all about.

Hosted at CUT by Wolfgang Puck by Signé, the event themed ‘only for the refined’ brought together gentlemen from all walks of life

098 BEHIND THE SCENES Officine Panerai’s impressive designs and functionality are known to all. We will, however, delve into the history of the brand and its latest collection - The Luminor Submersible 1950 3 days Automatic Titano - 47mm

100 ART OF THE MATTER Christie’s has a glorious history of providing artists a platform to canvas their vision.

Delving on the same we have Dr. Amin Jaffer, International Director of Asian Arts at Christie’s, thereby exploring the art scene in India and Dubai

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H E R I TAG E

104 INSTRUMENTS OF PRECISION

112 TOWARDS THE DIVINE

After investing several years in perfecting the art of watchmaking, Breitling have designed some creations that not only reflect contemporary trends but are also the heritage of their founder

The holy month of Ramadan marks a period of fasting, festivities and togetherness. Signé covers the etiquette of Ramadan, suitable attires and a selection of dining outlets to help you walk the divine path, the proper way

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L A D O L C E V I TA

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122 IN THE BACKSEAT A beautiful morning and a scenic view outside; all one needs is a Mercedes Maybach S600 to transform the drive into an experience, that one would cherish for a lifetime

128 ARABIAN CHARM Signature Arabian hospitality personified in a culturally stimulating and tech savvy setting is Manzil Downtown Dubai. Managed

by Vida Hotels and Resorts, the chic lounge encompasses luxury in the finest sense

134 HAUTE SOCIÉTÉ Its time to relax, rejuvenate and pamper yourself with some fine dining at TRE in Radisson Royal Hotel and a comfortable, ecological spa treatment at YHI. Amidst it all, make sure to visit the new extravagant Hublot store recently launched at the Dubai Mall

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SCHOLARS IDENTITY BEHIND THE BRAND

Behind all of the best brands and companies across the globe stand men and women with pioneering personalities and unique success stories. In this section, we take an in-depth look into the lives of the bold few who have shaped the world of luxury as we know it

SCHOLARS

C I N E M A’ S G O O D G U Y

Cinema’s Good Guy One of the greatest stars of the classic Hollywood era, Gregory Peck enjoyed a career that spanned over half a century. The award-winning actor is immortalised for his persona as much as he is for his contributions to the world of cinema and beyond BY

B E V E R LY P E R E I R A

A Hollywood actor as universally admired as Gregory Peck rarely comes along. On the big screen, he was the epitome of masculine virtue, representing

a military officer with a socially responsible conscience. He personified bravery with humility in the seminal war film, Twelve O’Clock High, in 1949. Both films, along

dressed Hollywood star over the last 50 years.

The dinner jacket that Peck wore to receive his Academy Award at the 1962 Oscars and the iconic overcoat worn in The Omen were some

everything that a good 1950s American man stood for. Women were attracted to his intelligence and conviction, and men, to his self-confidence and dignified persona. “He understood the doubts and disappointments of the decent man,” Martin Scorsese once said of Peck. Tall, dark and handsome, with a richly resonant voice, Peck was by all means an exceptional actor with a unique

with The Keys of the Kingdom (1944) and The Yearling (1946), were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. In a way, it appears that many of these roles were written just for him.

Perhaps it was Peck’s portrayal of the liberal Atticus Finch in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird that can well be called his glory.

of the key pieces on display.

Peck might have been the poster boy of male virtue in Hollywood films of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, but he didn’t always play the good guy. Peck challenged himself as an actor when he appeared as a writer who turns into a compulsive gambler in The Great Sinner (1949). In yet another daring career move, the versatile American actor took on

ability to portray the quintessentially dignified Hollywood hero. But his acting was not all illusion. In real life, Peck was a picture of integrity and compassion, not different from many of his onscreen characters.

Born in 1916 in San Diego, California, Peck developed an interest in acting during his formative years at the University of California, Berkeley. After graduating, he moved to New York, where he honed his theatre acting skills amid working odd jobs. His stage career took off in 1941, and by 1942, the young Peck had made it on Broadway in The Morning Star.

He would soon effortlessly transition from theatre performer to film actor after scoring his first film, Days of Glory, released in 1944.

Although he went on to star in over 50 films — including The Omen and Roman Holiday — Peck, for the major part, seemed to lean towards films built around compelling stories. He was known to choose his roles with care, often selecting and then mastering characters that portrayed dignity, strong ethics and moral conviction. In Gentleman’s Agreement (1947), a hard-hitting film that

Produced by the actor himself, the Oscarwinning film addresses racism issues in a powerful yet moral manner. His performance as a small-town lawyer with an unwavering sense of integrity is unforgettable, while his character Finch remains the essence of struggle for humanity under inhumane conditions. In 2003, the American Film Institute even lauded his portrayal of Finch as the greatest film hero of the past 100 years.

Peck’s handsome features and pleasant demeanour also contributed to his popularity and onscreen charisma. At 6’3, he oozed rugged masculinity and kindness, all at the same time. Even his sense of style was a study in all things suave. From his Southernstyle gentleman look, complete with a pocket watch and tortoise-tinged spectacles in To Kill a Mockingbird, to his wide-shouldered suits in Roman Holiday, Peck’s roles shaped the style of his era and long after. Even when the cameras weren’t rolling, he was impeccably dressed in well-tailored suits made by Huntsman, the famous Savile Row tailor.

Last year, Huntsman and Peck’s son Anthony

the character of the infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele in The Boys from Brazil (1978) with equal ease.

The thing about Peck was that he was always brimming with an inner exuberance, in spite of a personal life that wasn’t quite as smooth as his professional life. Still, he always found the time to give back to society during his illustrious lifetime. He chaired the American Cancer Society and served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, besides holding other notable chairs. Peck was a supporter of the worldwide ban on nuclear weapons and a lifelong advocate of gun control, even turning to politics later in life. He was outspoken against the Vietnam War, while remaining supportive of his son, Stephen, who fought at war. President Lyndon Johnson honoured Peck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 for his humanitarian efforts.

Among Hollywood’s pantheon of male actors, few effortlessly blurred the lines between real and reel. Gregory Peck was one of those rare talents. Even today, more than a decade

took on the prevalent anti-Semitism of corporate America in the 1950s, Peck played

hosted a month-long exhibition of some of the bespoke pieces stitched for the immaculately

after his death, he fails to disappoint. In fact, he is everything the world needs today.

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SCHOLARS

THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH

THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH Matteo Marzotto of Fiera di Vicenza brought the behemoth Italy-based jewellery trade show VicenzaOro to Dubai this year. Like the Valentino turnaround and the Vionnet relaunch, it was an ambitious move – one that puts another feather in the Italian tycoon’s cap

Matteo Marzotto loves a good challenge. Whether it was the revival of luxury fashion brand Valentino or the rebirth of French heritage fashion house Vionnet, Marzotto seems to have an uncanny ability

Italy’s most influential textile group, despite two World Wars and the Great Depression.

Marzotto joined the family business at the age of 25 and inherited extensive knowledge about textiles, entrepreneurial skills, and

me that the storied house was forgotten after all these years… so that’s how the Vionnet story happened,” he explains. In 2012, Marzotto found the perfect buyer in Kazakh businesswoman Goga Ashkenazi, who he

to turn businesses around. The Italian luxury and fashion entrepreneur also always seems to have a plan up his sleeve. In 2013, he replaced Paolo Mantovani as president of Fiera di Vicenza, organiser of VicenzaOro, one of the world’s leading jewellery and gold fairs. At the time, Marzotto had his sights set on the world of jewellery, and specifically, the precious work of Italian artisans, so often

a great deal of style. “I was lucky to have learnt from Gianfranco Ferré and to have worked alongside the Missoni family during those years,” he says. The man’s Midas touch became evident when he stepped in as chairman of Italian fashion house Valentino, acquired by the Marzotto group in 2002. By repositioning Valentino’s products to focus on contemporary tastes, he successfully

believed had the resources and motivation to keep the label going strong. “We had to be brave in trusting Vionnet to go on.”

A lover of bespoke suits, Marzotto knows each of the 107 pieces in his wardrobe down to the last detail. “ I don’t favour made-tomeasure suits just because I like them. It’s also because I have very long arms and a sloped shoulder.” For shoes, Marzotto’s go-

overlooked due to poor marketing. More recently, Marzotto oversaw VicenzaOro’s first international launch in Dubai – in association with the Dubai World Trade Centre – this April.

“Italy is a small country with a rich artisanal heritage, so VicenzaOro is the ideal platform to take it to the world,” says Marzotto, adding that Italian products are very much in demand among high-end customers across the world these days.

Now 48 years of age, Marzotto was once the president and commissioner of the Italian Government Tourism Board. With the ways things are shaping up, he can still very much be called an honorary ambassador for Italy.

“As an exhibition provider in Dubai, we are trying to demonstrate Italy’s products and the unique know-how that goes into making them,” explains Marzotto. VicenzaOro Dubai debuted by hosting 500 brands (122 of which were Italian), seven national pavilions, and thousands of buyers from over 70 countries.

Marzotto belongs to the sixth generation of an Italian family of textile tycoons that has been in the business since 1836. His

rescued the dying label and eventually sold it for a grand sum.

When Marzotto left Valentino in 2008, he found himself eyeing yet another challenge, which can well be called his most difficult yet. He would go on to successfully revive a legendary French fashion house outside its home territory. Vionnet, founded by French couturier Madeleine Vionnet in 1912, was dormant for several decades.

Under the charge of CEO Arnaud de Lummen, it eventually launched its first clothing collection in over 60 years in 2006.

Marzotto, among Vionnet’s investors at the time, would go on to buy the house in 2009. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cameron Diaz, Madonna and Natalie Portman are just some of Vionnet’s patrons during Marzotto’s years of leadership. “I didn’t want to disconnect Vionnet from its strong past,” says Marzotto, who reinterpreted signature elements like the asymmetrical cuts and drapes by “sticking to the DNA of Vionnet”.

“Madeleine Vionnet was exactly like my grandfather; she was a visionary and a

to bespoke shoemaker is Gatto, which once made shoes for his father and grandfather.

A skier, cyclist and motorcyclist, he prefers sports timepieces, nothing over 38-39mm.

He is also an avid watch collector, although he says: “It’s very sad that my safe with 27 pieces, many customised with my name and family motto, including an A. Lange & Söhne and a Breitling Emergency, was stolen in 2010 in Milan. I wasn’t able to look at a good watch for two years after that. But I’m slowly rebuilding the collection.”

The impeccably stylish and humorous Marzotto believes blue or dark-coloured socks, a blazer, and two showers a day are the only essentials a gentleman needs to stay on top of things. He does, however, stress on the difference between being stylish and trendy. “I like high-waist pants, which aren’t popular, but I feel comfortable and confident in them and that’s what matters.” Now busy overseeing Fiera di Vicenza, he admits that even though he has a lot of energy – a quality he says he inherited from his mother – there are days when he does get tired. Yet, he

grandfather launched the Marzotto Group, a fabric production company that emerged as

forerunner who oversaw the only fashion house of the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s. It surprised

manages to stay sleek, savvy and successful through it all.

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SCHOLARS

CARVING A NICHE

CARVING A NICHE Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President and CEO of Millennium & Copthorne Middle East and Africa, has been driving the company to new heights by cutting through the clutter of the region’s hospitality industry. In a freewheeling chat, Signé finds out more about the Emirati hotelier’s past, his future plans and what motivates him

Ali Hamad Lakhraim

Oman along with the group’s new Studio M

went through five or six years of recession,”

Alzaabi is an unstoppable force. As the founder, president and CEO of Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East & Africa, Alzaabi is the most widely recognised hotelier in the region for creating one of its fastest growing hotel groups. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lakhraim Business Group, a dynamic group of companies

budget hotel. Another city-centric brand, M Hotel, will also be unveiled. It’s good enough reason for the CEO to be bullish about being one of the three main players in the region’s hotel industry.

Alzaabi completed his Bachelors of Science degree in engineering management from the University of the Pacific in California,

says Alzaabi, who adds that as many as 43 projects were put on hold because of the downturn. “We also lost our hold on many hotels in Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia and Libya because of the unrest.” Had it been otherwise, Millennium & Copthorne would have had a little over 100 hotels across the Middle East and Africa.

with investments and ventures in market segments as varied as hospitality, real estate and F&B across the Middle East and Africa.

He might have succeeded in building from scratch – and sustaining – an empire with hotel assets worth millions of dollars. Even this amount of grand success isn’t enough to stop him, in spite of enjoying 19 long years in the industry. It makes one wonder where

USA. While his background may have less is common with his current profession, he feels that being an engineer allows one to do just about anything. “Engineers have an open mind because they think in terms of numbericals and academics. It makes things easier provided that you want to succeed,” he explains. Upon the completion of his degree, Alzaabi worked at Etisalat but soon realised

Not one to chew on more than it can handle, the group has now set the centennial target for the year 2020. “We believe Saudi Arabia will soon be as big a market for us as the UAE has been. We are planning to open 20 properties in Saudi Arabia in the next 5 years says Alzaabi. “The offering has for long been limited in Saudi, and we want to be a part of the change because the people of

Alzaabi’s drive and passion stem from. “If you enjoy success, you will succeed at everything you do,” says Alzaabi matter-of-factly.

He is proud of his formidable move to bring in a UK brand as big as Millennium & Copthorne to the MEA hospitality industry.

Today, the group’s aggressive expansion plan is well in place. There are an astounding number of operating properties to nurture and as many as 50 hotels in the pipeline.

Within the UAE itself, five-star hotels like Millennium Hotel Fujairah has opened and the 677-key Bab Al Qasr Hotel will be opening in Abu Dhabi in later this year. The Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre Kuwait has recently launched. The Millennium Executive Apartments opened in Muscat in March, with another set to open in Dubai Marina later this year. Three hotels under the Millennium brand will open in the Holy City of Medina, as will another in Ha’il and Makkah, and two others in Riyadh.

Many new brands are also being created to serve the region’s interest, like the group’s eco-lifestyle Agarwood brand that was

that the work wasn’t exactly suited to his liking.

He was essentially exposed to the dynamics of the flourishing real estate industry when he started working in the real estate department of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 1992.

Having been exposed to the inner workings of the hotel industry through the lens of real estate, Alzaabi then served as the head of transport division for the Abu Dhabi National Hotels hospitality group, and later as its deputy general manager, a position that offered him even more exposure to the local and international market via the company’s diversified interests in hotels, tourism, transport and catering. One of his proudest moments, he says, was the conclusion of the joint venture between British catering megacompany Compass Group and Abu Dhabi National Hotels in 1999. “...It remains one of the most successful businesses that the hotel has done till date because the merger turned the hotel into a regional business,” he says.

Alzaabi’s partnership with Millennium & Copthorne dates back to 2001, when he saw eye-to-eye with the UK group’s chairman

that region deserve it. We want to transfer the know-how we have gained to create something good for them.”

Last month, Alzaabi was rightfully presented the title of Middle East’s Leading Personality for Outstanding Services to Tourism at the World Travel Awards. He naturally figured among the top ten on the Hotelier Middle East list, too. There’s a lot on Alzaabi’s plate right now. Yet, he makes it seem so easy. What, then, drives the hotelier to continually achieve these heights of success? “...I continue to build what I can because I believe we are here to develop the beauty of our motherland. Whatever you create does not become yours; it’s for others to enjoy and contribute to...” Alzaabi’s endeavours extend to the development of the Abu Dhabi-based Hamad Centre for Special Needs, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping autistic children. The humanitarian envisions the development of many more such projects as the group’s second level of expansion. “Philanthropy is the way to find yourself. You don’t work

announced at the Arabian Travel Market last month. It is set to make its global debut in

and founder, Kwek Leng Beng. “Today, we have over 20 hotels, not forgetting that we

to satisfy yourself. Satisfaction comes from giving back to society,” he concludes.

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Canvas

of life Dreams are an important part of everyone’s life. However, few manage to visualise, carve and transform their dreams into reality.

In conversation with Neel Shukla, owner of Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery who has lived his dreams, and continues inspiring others to dream good and dream big

Starting with sketching the outline of priorities with some strokes of consistent endeavours and a few shades of emotions, and our Signé man has drawn the perfect picture of his life. In conversation with Neel Shukla, Owner of Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery, the man who has enhanced the artistic appeal of some of the biggest hotels in the region with his creative insight.

Give us a brief background on your academic as well as professional path.

Having lived my whole life surrounded by art and being the son of a renowned artist, I learned from a very young age to appreciate and understand the ever-changing world of art and art expression.

In the mid 1970’s my parents started the first art gallery in Dubai, which was named after me “Neel Kamal Studio”. There I was actively involved in assisting organizing exhibitions for local and global artists.

I was educated at the University of Miami, achieving both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Management. My degree provided me the roots to carry on the legacy and my true passion of Art. My father’s experience as one of the pioneers in the art scene of the UAE since 1960 also inspired me to benefit from my education and background to launching my own gallery in Dubai.

Tell us more about your first memory of art. How was art inculcated in you during your formative years?

Since I recall, my parents were always involved with the arts. My father was actively involved with his art gallery and in his spare time he used to explore artistic moments through his camera in the UAE. Also, at a very young age I remember receiving a Rolleicord camera, which handled 110 mm film. I used to take pictures all time and I tried to mimic my father’s style and work. I used to sketch and paint with my mother frequently. Therefore from my youth, I was directly exposed to painting and photography. I learnt to see the world differently through the lens of my camera, Hasselblad.

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Since your father had his own gallery, how did the Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery start? How has it evolved over time?

It was my mission to create a place where I could showcase unique elements of art, lighting and furniture. With this desire and drive

edge and alternative art solutions for their projects. To achieve this, I have created inspiring and distinctive art collections in association with artist and design firms globally, all which are displayed in my gallery. The gallery caters for retail clientele and a dedicated project

to make sure the mission was achieved, I partnered with Majid Al Ghurair and established my first gallery in Bur Juman Shopping Centre. Our gallery was the first to showcase the Louvre Museum store in the region, which was even visited by elites such as H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Whilst the Bur Juman gallery was shaping into a successful venture, I also had connections with Fine Art Lamps, which is a

team caters for all project works where we create bespoke specialized products for any projects we work on.

Being actively exposed to art and design trends globally I am able to create and execute bespoke artistic concepts for projects all over the world. Servicing the design community from the Far East, Middle East to North America, I am able to associate with their needs and offer unique and exceptionally artistic solutions. Having worked on projects such as Marina Bay Sands (Singapore), Inter-

67-year-old lighting company established in Miami and furnishing high-end lighting globally. My first major project in Dubai born out of this connection was furnishing the Burj Al Arab with decorative lighting. Soon after completion of the Burj Al Arab, I envisioned the need for a Dubai based company that could offer creative and professional solutions for art, lighting and decorative elements for the region’s upcoming hotel and high-end residential projects. With the drive to achieve my new set goals, the partnership with Majid Al Ghurair was dissolved and Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery was

Continental Hotel (Kiev, Ukraine), Marriott Marquis (Dubai), I thrive on the challenges of emerging projects worldwide.

Apart from creating an artistic concept it is equally important to successfully execute and deliver. I have worked vigorously to establish art studios both in Dubai and Los Angeles. Working side by side with the studio artists. Through this I am able to bring to life individualized artworks for each project. As a Senior Art Consultant since 2000, I have applied my arts administration experience to provide strategies that have benefited numerous prestigious projects. My knowledge

formed. To cater for the showroom and projects, I also setup the largest picture-framing factory in the region, which has so far framed and installed over 75,000 artworks.

FSRG has furnished some of the most upscale homes and hotels in Dubai and has a distinguished clientele.

and hands on experience in picture framing prove to deliver the final perfect art piece.

Tell us more about Four Season’s involvement in such prestigious projects?

Four Seasons has furnished some of the most prestigious hotels in the region such as Marriott Marquis, Burj Al Arab, Sheraton Grand, The Address Hotels, Grosvenor House Hotel, Fairmount Hotel and many others. I personally dedicated time to create unique pieces of artworks and decorative lighting for these projects. This dedication has born fruits of trust from our clientele, as an example, recently Four Seasons had the privileged to provide custom portable lamps for the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace, which to me is a great honour and can only be achieved from the trust which I have managed to create for the brand FSRG.

In your opinion, how has the art scene changed in Dubai? Who are the primary groups of buyers in Dubai?

When I was growing up, with the exceptions of a few British artists who showcased their works in Dubai, the artwork scene was dominated with local and regional artists. Within the past 10 years the art scene is Dubai has changed drastically and has become a global playground for artists. The community of art buyers in this region is quite diverse in demographics and it is not easy to pinpoint any particular group as the primary group of buyers.

Based on what criteria have you selected pieces of artworks, bespoke furniture, lighting and accessories at the gallery?

My mission is to produce unique bespoke collections for my clients, which will ignite an emotional response and bring prestige to their brand or setting. To observe global art and design trends and be a resource and advocate to artists in providing strategies that empower

Are you a collector yourself? Which artists’ or designers’ works are on your wish list at the moment?

My parents passed down their influences for acquisitions to me. There were many artist and creative people always visiting my parents. One of my paramount memoires is of M.F. Hussain visiting our home on various occasions. His personal presence made a deeper impact on my early exposure to contemporary Indian art.

My artistic perception evolved once I was exposed to the global art scene through my extensive travels and attending various art shows.

Recently I met Damien Hirst while he had his largest solo exhibition in the Qatar. I spend some time with him and got to understand his world and his creative ability. I took an immediate fascination and

them to create unique artworks and advance their professional careers. To offer architects and designers globally eclectic, cutting

appreciation to him and his works. Therefore for the moment he is on top of my list.

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“...I envisioned the need for a Dubai based company that could offer creative and professional solutions for art...”

Suit: Tom Ford; Shirt: Luigi Borrelli; Shoes: bespoke from Santoni Gaby Katiela wearing Elie Saab

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What does style mean to you? What is your personal style like? What are your go-to designers for shoes, clothes and watches?

I am very diverse in style and I am not a person who fits into any particular style. I do not follow any trends but I will pick up clothing, shoes and accessories, which get my attention. Most of my shopping is done during my trips while in Los Angeles, Hong Kong or Milan.

I love colour and I don’t pay much attention to blacks/greys and boring colours. I am not loyal to any particular designer or brand.

My wardrobe consists of Armani, D&G, Gucci, Versace, Bogosse, Roberto Cavali, Ted Baker and others. For shoes I usually wear Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin.

Is there any particular activity that you enjoy with your family?

What are your leisure activities of choice otherwise?

We have a Precor gym in our villa and since we have such limited time my wife and I usually workout at home. Our children do participate too.

We have a good size swimming pool and that’s always a welcoming activity for our family or heading to the beach. We are part of the Ferrari Club and there are many activities for children for in the club, which we all participate in.

Where do you like to vacation? Is there a place you have longed to go but haven’t visited in a while?

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I have many favourite destinations like California, Hong Kong, New York, Berlin, Bali, and Paris. I would like to visit a very remote place such as Hawaii. I was there long time ago with my wife before we were married and I would like to explore those beautiful islands again with her and our kids.

What would your kind of gentlemen’s evening out be like?

Exotic cars fascinate me, so I would like to have a gentlemen evening which involves all guests starting their evening with a parade of exotic cars. There is an immense feeling to be part of an entourage of exotic cars. It’s wonderful both for the driver and spectators to see a group of exotic cars parade. I enjoy sunset dinners on a boat and I would love being part of an experience with a group of gentlemen on a boat for dinner. There are no distractions in a boat and the group can focus on personalized conversations and socializing.

Anything else that you would like to share with us that will help shine light on your love for art, personality and indulgence?

I must admit that I love to indulge in fine chocolates and I make it a point to visit chocolate boutiques during my travels. I enjoy spending extended time to explore various creations by chefs and that’s where I indulge in my cravings. I also make sure to gift several hundred boxes of fine chocolates to my designer clients each year, which delights both them and me.

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SAVOIR FAIRE The finely crafted A fine piece of artistry is made to be admired and cherished, but the hours of craftsmanship that go into making it is what makes it truly special. In this section, some of the world’s greatest artisans share their secrets behind the creations of one-of-a-kind masterpieces

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TIME FOR COFFEE

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Time for Coffee SIGNÉ UNITES THE IMPECCABLE MARARO AND ICONIC OFFICINE PANERAI TO BRING YOU THE MOST VISUALLY APPEALING ITALIAN COFFEE GUIDE EVER

P H O T O G R A P H E R : V I S A K A VA R D H A N HAIR AND MAKEUP : RIFQA ABRAHAMS L O C AT I O N : P E N T H O U S E O N E , T H E PA L M

Imagine a picture perfect start to your day. Waking up to a quiet morning, your windows opening to a cool breeze and the chirping of birds. You walk into your kitchen to the aroma of freshly baked brioche. Missing something? Signé takes you on a visual collaboration between the impeccable designer Mr.Mararro, and the iconic luxury sports watch manufacturer Officine panerai, to introduce you to the quintessential Italian coffee culture. Your mornings will now feel complete!

Italy is known for introducing flair to mens fashion. However, seldom do people know that Italians introduced coffee culture to Europe. Italians love their coffee and they have so ever since the first coffee bean arrived in Venezia, brought from the Islamic countries in the sixteenth century. Coffee, to the Italians, is much more than a drink. It defines their history, their rich heritage of perfection and their sense of fine taste.

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Espresso Drinking a freshly brewed espresso marks the start to an Italian day. In fact, italians have it after lunch, a quick shot during the working hours and after dinner before they head off for “passeggiata” or a stroll. In almost every household in Italy, one can find a classic “machinetta”, a stove that produces delicious espresso at any time, showing us how fond of coffee they are.

Irrespective of the occasion, espresso is one delicacy that must be done right every time. It should be fresh, rich, creamy and perfectly balanced from beginning to end with not even one coffee ground burnt by the high pressured, steaming water passed over it.

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Ristretto Ristretto, meaning restricted or limited, is another popular form of concentrated espresso shots that is gaining popularity by every hour. It is traditionally a short shot of espresso coffee, having a normal amount of ground coffee but extracted with only half the amount of water. With its color being somewhere between the shade of dark chocolate and umber and the tail end of the shots being much lighter, Ristretto is high on caffeine and that is what makes the difference. The coffee remains less diluted with water, hence retaining the flavors of the original coffee.

WATCH : OFFICINE PANERAI - LUMINOR 1950 3 DAYS GMT 24H AUTOMATIC ACCIAIO - 44 MM TOTAL LOOK : MARARO

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Lungo The opposite of Ristretto is a Lungo.

Caffè Lungo is the form of an espresso with double the amount of water in comparison to the original espresso. In Lungo, all the water is brewed making it less strong but more bitter as the additional water passing through the ground coffee extracts components that normally remain undissolved.

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Macchiato Macchiato is another type of espresso doing the rounds in coffee shops worldwide. In Italian, macchiato means stained so caffè macchiato literally means ‘stained coffee’, or coffee with a spot of milk. The term ‘macchiato’ has been used for foam through centuries but unlike it, the additive that lightens the dark espresso is traditionally the milk. Today macchiato is prepared with either hot milk, in which case the name becomes macchiato caldo, or cold milk, in which case the name becomes macchiato freddo.

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Macchiatone Amidst all of the other types of espresso, this one is called Macchiatone. As the name would give an idea, this one is between a cappuccino and a macchiato. It has less milk and equal proportions of water and coffee.

Hence, it is not as dense as Ristretto, nor is it as light as a Lungo. The addition of milk makes the espresso rich and slightly creamy, thereby bringing a balanced favor out.

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QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE

Quest For Excellence The hand-engraved Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II watch is the new interpretation of a timeless legend. We look at the 2015 edition to present the intricacies, contrasting with its original 2013 visually arresting timepiece

In 2013, Roger Dubuis introduced the Excalibur Knights of the

inner circle. So began the adventures of the 12 knights, who took the oath of allegiance

attributes are the same very aspirations that motivate Roger Dubuis in the quest

Round Table, a striking limited-edition timepiece based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Now, the Geneva-based watchmaker, reputed for its bold approach to watch design, has launched a reimagined version of this unique watch. Titled Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II, the latest launch is a spectacular interpretation of the timeless and legendary

to King Arthur and swore to spare no effort in order to overcome all obstacles and return triumphant. Today, qualities such as strength, bravery, loyalty and respect remain associated with this historical tale.

It can well be said that Roger Dubuis honours and reflects strong values, no different from those associated with the Arthurian legend. The Swiss

for its own Holy Grail of uncompromised quality. Product Design Director Lionel Favre explains: “In this standout model, the motto of the mythical knights, ‘Courage and generosity’, reflects the Roger Dubuis approach to its craft. It is nobly represented by the artists and watchmakers working in close collaboration to create an alliance of both traditions.”

2013 version.

The 28-piece limited edition Excalibur Knights of the Round Table watch featured the 12 noble knights seated around an enamel and decal reproduction of the famous Tudor green and cream-painted English Oak Round Table created for Henry VIII and placed in the Grand Hall of his castle at Winchester. The watch, distinguished by its boldness in true Roger Dubuis style, remains steeped in history, just like the legend of the knights.

Although the Arthurian legend is universal in appeal, one never tires of revisiting this intriguing tale of valiance and virtues set in the mythical forest of Brocéliande. Legend has it that Merlin once declared: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud.” Only the best, the noblest and purest of men,

watchmaker remains committed to offering uncompromised excellence, best epitomised in its 100 percent Poinçon de Genève certification. In a way, the legend’s

For the 2015 timepiece, again available as a limited edition of 28 pieces, the 12 bronze knights are positioned around a precious black jade dial. Now taking on a fresh expression of the storied Round Table legend, the masterfully engraved watch brims with symbolism. It is a stunning display of the Swiss watchmaker’s mettle when it comes to design, and in this case, of miniaturisation and precision.

While the 2013 Excalibur features gold figures, the new iteration features bronze-cast knights. Each figure consists of a three-dimensional casting in bronze with finely sculpted, hand-finished details and threedimensional micro-engraving.

In fact, this is the first time that bronze has been used for microengraving. The slight patina of the bronze serves to accentuate the contrasts of each timepiece, despite the need to manage the additional complexity.

whose strength of arm was equalled only by their strength of character, made it to this

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The noble figures with their swords form a circle, replacing traditional hour-

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“HW DH khak lhdfawhnasj kbaa mwbd” MARCEL LEJEUNE

markers. Each knight is only 6.5mm tall and unique in its own right. “The sum of this

“The sum of this precision and craftsmanship consists of detail that is so fine and intricate, it can only be appreciated when examined through a jeweller’s eyepiece”

It’s evident that only the most cuttingedge designs can be associated with a

precision and craftsmanship consists of detail that is so fine and intricate, it can only be appreciated when examined through a jeweller’s eyepiece,” says Favre. Indeed, the miniaturisation is breathtaking. Each watch is a masterpiece and the work of highly skilled and passionate artisans. The degree of extraordinary complexity and sophistication that goes into the making of this watch naturally renders each piece timeless, just like the Arthurian legend. After all, it takes an entire day to micro-engrave a single knight.

If the knights are a work of art, the intricately crafted dial of the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II represents the height of craftsmanship. Creating this elaborate dial called for 10 complete months of development, research and trials, and it takes an entire month to make just two dials. The satin white gold circular flange surrounding the centre of the dial is engraved and patinated. The cobblestone paving effect, the result of great skill and patience, lends that much more detail to the watch.

stone of protection, it stands for wisdom, power and self-control virtues, well in line with the Knights of the Round Table. The stone is also widely believed to help absorb and transform unhealthy and destructive emotions. But the decision to craft the watch’s dial in black jade came with its own set of complications, at least in the area of engraving. The stark contrasts achieved through the use of an all-new engraving technique that produced a smooth finish, without breaking or damaging this delicate

Roger Dubuis timepiece. Likewise, the technical prowess of a watch that comes out of the Swiss house is no less impeccable.

The Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II features a mechanical, self-winding Calibre RD821 with a comfortable 48-hour power reserve. Nestled inside the 45mm white gold case, this is the same, reliable calibre that found its way into the first edition of the watch. Like every Roger Dubuis timepiece, all 172 components of this calibre are handfinished and stamped with a guarantee of exclusivity, origin, expertise and durability, or the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.

The new version of the Excalibur does not cut back on emphasising the artistic DNA of its predecessor. A plain gold caseback developed by the house’s master craftsmen bears the solemn oath proclaimed by Merlin, engraved in a circle. The reverse of the timepiece, yet another tribute to the bravery of the Knights of the Round Table, frames a blue-lacquered coat of arms adorned with golden crowns. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II isn’t

The dial, in black jade, is yet another ode to the timeless legend. Honoured as a

material, proves that the time and effort that went into research has more than paid off.

just an accessory to tell time; it’s the stuff of legends… literally.

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SMART LUXURY

SMART LUXURY Two luxury British marques – Vertu and Bentley Motors – bestow their trademark excellence on the Vertu for Bentley smartphone. A current essential for Bentley loyalists and luxury connoisseurs alike, the phone places sophisticated design, high-end technology and bespoke services in the palm of your hand BY

B E V E R LY P E R E I R A

Luxury takes on a whole new meaning when niche labels collaborate. In fact, the coming together of elite brands might well be one of the best things to have happened to the high-end retail space.

The outcome represents the height of exclusivity, tailor-made for the discerning buyer. The recently launched Vertu for Bentley handset is the product of two entirely superlative British brands – Vertu, the world’s most luxurious phone maker, and Bentley, the world’s most sought-after luxury car brand. A Vertu for Bentley smartphone, then, is quite naturally the pinnacle of luxury.

When a five-year partnership was announced in July 2014, Vertu and Bentley Motors were already working on developing a special edition of its reputed Signature Touch smartphone based on “...a relationship that goes far deeper than the utilisation of materials and cues on design...” What followed in October was the birth of the inaugural Vertu for Bentley communication device that most certainly lives up to the storied history and performance record of its parents.

Vertu hasn’t exactly been known to churn out smartphones by the dozen; the phone-maker has only ever launched a handful of collections over the years, each comprising a slew of masterpieces.

Pioneered over a decade ago, Vertu still leads the market and has garnered loyalists who value the sense of exclusivity that it offers.

well as the addition of their initials. Bentley, the epitome of high-value British manufacturing at its best, caters to a similar segment of buyers who have an affinity for the most exclusive offerings that money can buy. Like Vertu, the 95-year-old British carmaker also sells through an emphasis on expert craftsmanship, style, exceptional materials, timehonoured skills, cutting-edge technology and bespoke services.

“The new Vertu for Bentley handset captures the essence of both our brands,” says Massimiliano Pogliani, Vertu’s Chief Executive Officer.

Indeed, the collaboration between the Vertu and Bentley creative teams is a strong one. Hutch Hutchison, Head of Concept Creation and Design at Vertu, has been known to pursue, achieve and maintain a sense of perfection with every Vertu product he has worked on. Thanks to the company’s ‘no boundaries’ work environment, Hutchison and his team, including former Creative Director Ignacio Germade, created yet another groundbreaking device with a tasteful design to match.

A single craftsman meticulously creates each Vertu for Bentley handset at Vertu’s headquarters in Church Crookham, England, using such peerless materials as grade-5 titanium, solid sapphire crystal and hand-finished calf leather. The supple leather is encased in a durable yet lightweight titanium body that features tactile diamond knurling on the side rails. An engine-turned pattern on the phone’s titanium back

Vertu’s Made-to-Order service also permits users to customise their phone, right down to the selection of colours, leathers and designs, as

plate opens to reveal the engraved signature of the craftsman who constructed the phone from start to finish, making each piece unique.

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SMART LUXURY

“The partnership between Bentley and Vertu allows customers to experience the Bentley brand while out of the driving seat,” explains Kevin Rose, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. A discreet reminder of Bentley’s role in the creation of this phone is portrayed through the iconic metal ‘B’ wings motif on the phone’s face. It also features a Vertu signature in the form of a traditional ceramic pillow, which has only been subtly remodelled to feature a sleeker and more minimal pillow trim that’s very much in line with the elegance and sophistication of products under the Bentley marque.

While a Vertu was never really designed to win the smartphone technology race, the company keeps the features highly relevant in

runs on a 2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and contains 64GB of internal memory, placing it in the high-end smartphone league. The use of solid sapphire crystal renders the 4.7-inch screen virtually scratchproof, while its Android 4.4 KitKat operating system ensures a user-friendly and convenient experience.

Given that imaging is one of the most important features of a smartphone these days, it is particularly assuring to know that Vertu has continued to work with the renowned photography experts Hasselblad to perfect the image tuning of the phone’s 13MP camera.

Audio quality – an equally integral part of the smartphone experience – is taken care of by top-notch acoustics, tuned in collaboration with

each of its phones. The new smartphone mirrors the performance of the well-received Vertu Signature Touch. The Vertu for Bentley handset

Bang & Olufsen and featuring Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound processing and stereo speakers.

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“The partnership between Bentley and Vertu allows customers to experience the Bentley brand while out of the driving seat” KEVIN ROSE

If you’re going to be spending like a king, it’s not overindulgent to expect to be treated like one. Luckily, this smartphone is distinguished by its well-curated set of services and offers, each available at the touch of a button. Exclusively available to Vertu for Bentley users, these bespoke services include a dedicated Vertu Concierge service, a round-the-clock tailored service that gives the phone’s owners access to just about anything that might catch their whim and fancy. Whether it’s a last-minute table reservation at a booked-out restaurant, a ticket to a sold-out concert or even a private yacht for hire, this service opens up an infinite world of privileges. Then there’s Vertu Life, an on-device service that offers complimentary access to exclusive events, and Vertu Certainty, which protects the phone and its data in collaboration with security powerhouse Kaspersky Lab. A Vertu for Bentley smartphone user will most likely be a Bentley stalwart, which is why the phone comes loaded with a bespoke Vertu for Bentley app that delivers the latest Bentleyrelated content directly to the device. Users are further indulged with exclusive experiences, recommended routes, dealer information and service centres, along with a shortcut to the Touch Screen Remote features for Bentley Flying Spur drivers.

In addition to the full spectrum of features and exclusive services, the smartphone is loaded with a custom start-up animation, 3D clock, 3D backgrounds and crisp Bentley wallpapers.

A complimentary slipcase crafted from Bentley’s signature Newmarket Tan calf leather depicts an embossed Bentley logo, which is yet another subtle reminder of the brand’s strong identity.

Four distinctive models are set to follow the inaugural Vertu for Bentley. But for now, the inaugural version has been released as a limited edition with a production count of only 2,000 pieces, giving consumers the promise of belonging to an exclusive community.

The Vertu for Bentley smartphone is lavish, if not something of an ostentatious purchase. But a true quality connoisseur might beg to differ. When it comes to buying a luxury product, what really matters, after all, is the history and consistency of the brand or brands in question. In the case of this smartphone, two unparalleled British brands have joined forces to create a desirable product that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to aesthetics, performance and class. This, then, becomes the cornerstone for owning one to begin with.

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A WA L K I N G L E G E N D

A Walking Legend The 180 Moccasin by J.M. Weston, a favourite with luminaries across generations, is the embodiment of timelessness. Now, the French heritage shoemaker pays tribute to this iconic loafer with the launch of the Le Moc Weston, a key footwear style for the summer that builds on its famous predecessor BY

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Fashion may be cyclical, but it is not always timeless. What was all the rage in a particular era might go on to trend again several decades later, only to disappear at the turn of a season. Then there are those one-off styles – be it in clothes, shoes or bags – that never really seem to go out of

1946. It couldn’t be a better example of what goes into the making of a timeless trend.

Now, with the birth of the Le Moc Weston, the 2015 avatar of this shoe, is only fitting to revisit the heritage brand’s beginnings right through the Swinging Sixties, when the N.180 loafer began to make waves.

truly French form of elegance that gives timeless shoe styles, a subtle, contemporary twist. Its ability to create eternal classics can be attributed to the combination of such qualities as ergonomics, aesthetics, quality, artisanal techniques and time-honoured traditions. Take, for instance, its legendary

fashion. What, then, turns a trend or style into a classic? The iconic N.180 Moccasin is very much on-trend today, even though it has been well over 60 years since the French luxury shoemaker J.M. Weston launched the style in

J.M. Weston has been at the vanguard of shoemaking expertise from its genesis at the tail end of the 19th century till date.

The house’s offerings for both men and women continue to be well received as a

Golf derby shoe, aptly named for legendary golfing brothers Aubrey and Percy Boomer, who were known to order their shoes from J.M. Weston. In the early 20th century, it wasn’t exactly rare to see golfers on the

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high-class greens of Europe – from SaintCloud to Chiberta – wearing this shoe that remains somewhat legendary in discerning

in French heritage and popular imagination alike. As a brand, J.M. Weston only came into being in 1922. But the luxury house’s humble

transcending appeal. The fact that it has shaped the looks of generations since, really comes as no surprise. The N.180, like every

gentlemen’s circles today.

Perhaps, there’s no other J.M. Weston shoe that is quite as brilliantly timeless as the 180 Moccasin. Ever since this classic penny loafer was launched, presidents and prominent businessmen have made it their shoe of choice. However, it was really during the 1960s, when the avant-garde

beginnings can actually be traced back to 1891 in Édouard Blanchard’s Limogesbased shoemaking workshop in the heart of France’s Limousin region, famed for tanning and leatherwork. His son Eugène, whose sights were fixed on America’s modern manufacturing techniques, joined the family business and took it to new heights. A

J.M. Weston shoe, is all about simplicity, flawlessness and quality. The company is also known for maintaining a deft balance in its shoemaking procedures. By blending the rich and the raw when it comes to materials – placing cashmere alongside denim, for instance, J.M. Weston has always mastered the art of balance.

movement was at its peak in Paris, that this moccasin truly achieved its iconic status.

It was a time of rebellion, when beat artists were fast becoming opinion leaders through the vehicles of unconventional music and style. J.M. Weston happened to be one of the few brands favoured by these young French dandies, who frequented Publicis Drugstore,

chance meeting between the entrepreneurial Eugène and Monsieur Viard, a dandy with a love for Paris’s high life, led the two to join forces, patent the brand name and open the first J.M. Weston store on boulevard de Courcelles. Today, the house’s Parisian appeal remains unmatchable, while its shoes continue to be produced in the same

Embodying French elegance that reflects an artful blend of opposites, J.M. Weston also manages to effortlessly inject a classic shoe with the nonchalance of rock ‘n’ roll aristocracy. “We never change history, we just re-write it,” says Artistic Director Michel Perry, who created the Le Moc Weston as a tribute to the benchmark-setting 180

the all-night shop and cafe on the stylish Champs-Élysées. Hence, the 180 Moccasin, in particular, formed their signature style. The Drugstore Band or La Bande du Drugstore, as this group of stylish French mods was called, wore these J.M. Weston loafers with wayfarers, jeans and a bare ankle during the day and at night. Little did they know that their sense of style, fuelled by rebellion,

Limoges atelier in accordance with original fabrication processes.

Over 150 procedures go into the crafting of each piece, and it still takes over two months to produce a detailed pair of shoes.

Likewise, the crafting process of the 180 Moccasin has also ceased to change since its 1946 launch. Designed by the original founder, its distinctive shape, unique fit and

Moccasin. The new style also proves that J.M. Weston has a keen ability to deconstruct timeless styles across eras without really changing the DNA of the original product, or even the brand.

The Le Moc Weston is reduced to the essential and suited to the easy, minimal style of summers. What you now have is a shoe that offers a comfortable and lightweight

would go on to becoming firmly entrenched

classic style has played a role in its era-

feel, while still respecting the inimitable look,

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feel and shape of the original 180 Moccasin.

The inner stiffeners have disappeared, while rigorously selected leather skins – cashmeretouch calfskin, suede calfskin and Scorzino grained leather, have been chosen for their impeccable suppleness and comfort. As this kind of leather tends to soften with time,

calls to mind faraway lands, landscapes reminiscent of Nicolas de Staël’s paintings and the colourful facades of Cuban houses.

Putting material and fabric on a pedestal, the Le Moc Weston comes in a host of colours, all previously unseen and suited to different personalities. The summer collection features

well be said that J.M. Weston effectively influences masculine elegance across generations. Its most recent launch, the Le Moc Weston, revives the timeless spirit of the ‘60s, when self-expression and freedom trumped conformity. The new, free-spirited generation also mirrors the very roots of

functional amendments to the stiffener permit the shoe to support and hug one’s foot.

Even though the Le Moc Weston is a practical yet subtle redesign of the famed N.180, recognisable features of its elder counterpart shine through it beautifully. The N.180’s unforgettable tip remains unchanged in the Le Moc Weston, save for a slight reinforcement that prevents the apron from collapsing. The apron, too, is ever so slightly reinforced to avoid the leather’s widening when being mounted at the Limoges atelier.

While the loafer strap is lock-stitched on the side as usual, its lower and upper straps don’t feature stitches, offering a Le Moc Weston wearer, added flexibility. Its natural-coloured heel has been lowered to offer a more casual and relaxed style, while its natural-coloured leather sole is fitted with a rubber insert to offer bounce and resistance.

Like the young J.M. Weston-clad dandies of the ‘60s, the modern-day Le Moc Weston gang comprises a myriad of personalities – dreamers, creators and brave hearts that roam the world freely, breaking all

mesmerising hues in such shades as cream, larch brown, night blue, turquoise, navy, red and camel.

As the most famous French maker of classic shoes that never fail to pique the curiosity of style-conscious men, it can

this shoe. Again, J.M. Weston’s inimitable endurance comes into play as the Le Moc Weston man goes for the bare ankle look.

He pairs it with rolled-up trousers and a linen shirt, and depending on how he wishes it to be, the look can be casual, relaxed or smart formal.

Since 1994, the in-house J.M. Weston Invites programme has seen collaborations with a slew of designers to reimagine certain shoe lines. Perry, who has been at the creative helm of J.M. Weston since 2001, also has no qualms about shaking up the past in order to recompose it in forms and materials.

The most recent collaboration between the designer and English tailor Charlie CaselyHayford resulted in a reinterpreted loafer as well as a double- and triple-sole derby. In a clip that captures the meeting of the two creative minds, the freethinking Perry says: “I’ve always had these combinations of tradition and rock in my life, together with influences that are, shall we say, a little bit alternative, slightly rebellious.” If the Le Moc Weston shoe – already a definitive summer

rules to move away from urban and formal environments. The Le Moc Weston range

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essential – is anything to go by, Perry’s inspirations are spot on.

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SIGNé SELECTION MATERIALISTIC JOYS Owning a luxury object is one of life’s great pleasures.

Signé Selection features products that define the lifestyle of those to whom quality is more important than price, while a sub-section titled For Her is devoted to a man’s significant other

S PR E Z ZAT UR A WORD: SPREZ·ZA·TU·RA PRONUNCIATION: /ˌsprɛtsəˈt(j)ʊərə / sprāt-tsä-ˈtü-rä DEFINITION: rehearsed spontaneity, studied nonchalance and well-practised naturalness

BRIONI

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2

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CASUAL BUSINESS 1. Brooks Brothers : Dyed Chinos 2. Brooks Brothers : Polo Button Down Shirt 3. Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier Chronometer : Watch 4. Salvatore Ferragamo : Shoes

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WORK AND PLAY 4

1.Bally : Wallet 2. Bally : Keychain 3. Longines : Watch 4. Bally : Buckle enamel 5. Bally : Shoes

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ACCESSORISE IT 1. Tateossian - 25th year anniversary collection Cufflinks 2. Montblanc Desk Accessories

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FOR HER

Feminine Intuition Lebanese designer Lama Jouni recently brought her eponymous ready-to-wear women’s label from Paris to Dubai.

The young designer, who recently revealed a Ramadan collection that is as luxurious as it is comfortable, talks about what drives her creativity and what’s in store for the future

Lama Jouni knows a thing or two about what women want. The designer’s Autumn-Winter 2015 collection, launched under her eponymous label, is a testimony to her knowledge. It comprises

she debuted her new collection at the fifth season of Fashion Forward in Dubai, one couldn’t help but take note of the designer’s unique aesthetic. For Jouni, who hopes to be a part of the show every season,

26 clean-cut, highly wearable pieces – think flattering maxi dresses, pleated pants, flowy kaftans and more – in a neutral colour palette. “I wanted to create pieces that can stay in your closet for years and be re-invented over time,” says the young Lebanese designer, who made her Dubai debut at Fashion Forward Dubai earlier this year. Many of these pieces also belong to her Ramadan capsule collection that was launched well in time for the holy month.

The Ramadan wardrobe’s key traits – grace, beauty and modesty – are very much in line with the sanctity associated with this month.

They reflect a blend of elegance, refinement and style, perfect for traditional iftar and suhoor gatherings. Curated by Jouni, the pieces in the Ramadan collection are as feminine and luxurious as they come, whether it’s the baby blush kaftan or the white jumpsuit. The maxi dress – in black or midnight blue – simultaneously speaks of a woman’s individuality, boldness and softness, while the white pleated pants and structural capes are statement mix-and-match pieces.

Jouni, who grew up in Saudi Arabia, had a calling to pursue a career in fashion from an early age. She moved to France when she was 17 years old to study at the Parsons Paris School of Art & Design, and went on to train at some of the world’s most respected fashion houses including Balmain, Rad Hourani and Reed Krakoff. “I learned that hard work and teamwork are as important as having a good spirit.

When the vibe is good, the result will always be good,” she says of her formative years in the French capital.

The designer launched her label, Lama Jouni, in Paris in 2013 after

Fashion Forward is an incubator for regional fashion that attracts the right audience and elements, from designers and buyers to educators and critics. “It’s a legitimate platform for us to reach new heights in a thriving home-grown industry,” she explains.

Speaking of her knack for deftly balancing a keen sense of style with a good deal of functionality, she says: “I always make sure that my fabrics are the most comfortable. It’s also important for me to have a great design with the highest form of quality. Ensuring that my pieces fit to every aesthetic sense is also necessary.” She believes that style is all about the personality of a person. “I personally feel that when a woman is comfortable, she naturally exudes confidence.”

So what’s a day in the life of this dynamic designer like? “I work a lot!” she says. “I’m always on my computer researching, reading or discovering new things. But I still find the time to work out or to enjoy the things I love such as music and movies.” While the inspiration behind her label has largely been Paris, Jouni says that life in itself encourages her to create and endlessly sketch designs.

“I am always looking around for inspiration. You can say that I’m the kind of designer who can get inspired by everything, sometimes even a state of mind.”

Jouni is currently working on her new collection, which, according to her, will be more experimental. She also has plans to launch the online store for her label very soon. “For my first collection in Dubai, I wanted to capture the essence of the woman who wears my designs while also portraying the brand image, which focuses on simplicity,

graduating and learning the ropes of the fashion world firsthand. But it was only in April of this year that she returned to home ground. When

minimalism and clean cuts. But I’ll be experimenting with prints, embroidery and more colours for the next season,” she signs off.

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ATTIRE TO ASPIRE TO LAMA JOUNI

Catering to the independent and passionate woman of our times, the Lama Jouni label brings together minimalism and cultural referents in clothes that are both timeless and unique. Clean cuts, effortless chic, dynamic designs and comfort best describe the Ramadan wardrobe, part of the Lama Jouni Autumn-Winter 2015 collection.

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PHILANTHROPY SOCI A L CONSCIENCE

Generosity is a barometer by which greatness can be measured. This section introduces the charitable and environmental efforts of brands and companies that choose to be considerate towards the world we all live in today

PHILANTHROPY

A C L A S S I C R E V I VA L

The Scream by Edvard Munch

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A Classic Revival This year, The Film Foundation celebrates 10 years of restoring some of the most historically and artistically significant films of our time. Its latest restoration, a ‘60s Italian cult film directed by Luchino Visconti, premiered at the Cannes Classics section of the 68th Cannes Film Festival last month

It’s no secret that Italian cinema produced a plethora of rich films and iconoclastic characters during the 1960s.

One such film is Luchino Visconti’s critically acclaimed Rocco e i suoi fratelli (Rocco and His Brothers), which was released in 1960.

When it was released in DVD format a few years ago, film critic Glenn Erickson called it “a prime example of a film that will accrue historical interest simply because it shows so much of how people lived and what places looked like 40 years ago”. Last month, the restored version of the film premiered at the 68th Cannes Film Festival, as part of the Cannes Classics section, where its relevance and significance to contemporary cinema and culture was strikingly evident. The film was brought back to life thanks to a longstanding collaboration between Italian fashion house Gucci and The Film Foundation.

Director Martin Scorsese created The Film Foundation in 1990 as a means to protect and preserve motion picture history.

Working with studios and archives to restore cinematic treasures permits the foundation to programme great films around the world.

Till date, it has restored over 620 films.

Additionally, the foundation, which has on its board of directors such luminaries as Wes Anderson and Steven Spielberg – imparts knowledge about film language and history through a groundbreaking curriculum adopted by educators worldwide.

Gucci’s partnership with the foundation dates back 10 years, and underscores the house’s unwavering dedication to the arts.

For the storied Italian fashion label, cinema is a powerful cultural force and source for creative inspiration that transcends eras and national boundaries. It also believes that

there is no way more powerful to make clear the idea behind preservation than to provide global audiences with the opportunity to experience cinematic gems firsthand. It was this view, coupled with Gucci’s interest in celebrating creative visionaries like Sergio Leone, Federico Fellini, John Cassavetes, Michelangelo Antonioni, Nicholas Ray and Luchino Visconti, which inspired its multi-million dollar commitment to help save cinematic treasures so that they may continue to inspire.

The new 4K digital restoration of Rocco e i suoi fratelli was carried out by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna’s L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with Titanus and TF1 Droits Audiovisuels. Since 2006, Gucci has committed to add one film per year to the growing collection of restored titles supported

by The Film Foundation. The 11 films, including the latest restored under Gucci’s 10-year partnership with the foundation, form a collection known as Cinema Visionaries.

The first film, restored in 2006, was the iconic A Woman Under The Influence from 1974.

It was followed by the release of other cult films like La Dolce Vita (1960) in 2010 and Rebel Without a Cause (1955) in 2013. As is the case with the most recent restoration, all of these films represent some of the highest achievements in the world of cinema. When originally released several decades ago, they were revolutionary in their own right and today, still have the power to contribute to the progress of contemporary culture, thus leaving an impact as relevant as when they were first made.

Set in the middle of the industrial and economic boom of 1960s Milan, Rocco and His Brothers is the story of how a new and

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fast-changing world, represented by Milan’s city life, impacts a peasant family. It focuses on Rocco, played by Alain Delon, and his three brothers, who travel with their widowed mother from the south of Italy to the north in search of a better life. Says Scorsese, who chairs The Film Foundation, “Rocco is one of the most sumptuous black-and-white pictures I’ve ever seen. The images, shot by the great Giuseppe Rotunno, are pearly, elegant and lustrous. It’s like a simultaneous continuation and development of neorealism.”

Commenting on the film’s director, he adds: “Visconti has often been referred to as a great political artist, but that’s too limiting and frozen a description. His sense of European history was vast, and he knew the life of the rich and the powerful firsthand, but at a certain point he was drawn to understand the other side of life… that of the poor and powerless. He had a sense of the particular manner in which absolutely everyone, from the Sicilian fishermen in his neorealist classic La Terra Trema to the Venetian aristocrats in Senso, was affected by the grand movement of history.”

When director Benicio del Toro, a longtime supporter of film preservation himself, introduced the film before its Cannes screening, he said: “It’s important to support the preservation of these films so that future generations can experience their power and artistry.” His sentiments will be echoed by many. Movies of the past have captured entire eras that we can never again be privy to, as well as cinematic styles that can serve as contemporary references. The expensive and tedious process of restoring films to their former glory is certainly the need of the hour.

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A Dream Come True The Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is Dubai’s first private school to offer a multilingual education through the International Baccalaureate programme. Signé speaks to its founder, Omar Danial, about the idea behind bringing ‘Swissness’ to the city

When the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) opened its application process in February, it received over 100 applications, or 30 percent of the target number, within the first four weeks. This says a lot about the much-

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in September. With a strong focus on a multilingual education in French, German, Italian, English and Arabic, the school is a welcome addition to Dubai, home to a large French and German community,

speakers,” says founder Omar Danial, adding that English was already well covered with the presence of UK and US curriculums.

A Swiss native who has lived in Dubai since 2010, Danial has six children, four of whom live in the city. The motivation behind

awaited private school that’s slated to begin the first phase of its operations with the

and a growing number of Italians. “Dubai was lacking alternatives for French and German

bringing the Swiss International School model really began with a desire to bridge

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this linguistic gap. “We are a bilingual family that speaks English and French. None of the education systems in Dubai were satisfactory to our needs because it was US and UK-centric. I was looking for a system that corresponds to what I want my kids to grow into because I don’t know where they’ll go from Dubai. Maybe they’ll go to the US or to England, or even back to Switzerland.

I wouldn’t want them to be boxed up in a system that might, perhaps, not allow them to return home and re-integrate but rather give them an international educational passport.”

‘Swissness’, or the right to use the ‘Swiss’ brand and its values, is defined by

SISD introduces Swissness to Dubai under two broad angles – linguistics, and the International Baccalaureate, which was created in Geneva for the same reasons that Dubai now needs it. “Dubai is home to this transient, international population looking for international exposure and an international passport that will allow their children to integrate or re-integrate in the international system in other countries,” says Danial. SISD is the first officially designated Swiss school in Dubai, and will soon be the city’s second boarding school when it welcomes its first batch of boarders in 2017.

The school also has on board a range

and its values,” he adds. Among current members of the Board of Governors are Francis Clivaz, Founder of Collège du Léman; Dr. Franco Vigliotti, Dean of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the Middle East; and Sean Power, Director General of Institut Florimont. Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, son of the founder of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, was also a natural choice.

“Abdul Hamied, the school’s co-founder and Chairman of the Board, has been with us since the beginning. Coming from a family that represented quality Swiss brands for a very long time, he has ties with Switzerland, understands its mentality and was even

law in Switzerland, and requires the highest clearance from the Swiss Government.

of distinguished associates. “We needed to have partners who understand Switzerland

educated there – all of which were important to bring in the conceptual Swissness of the

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developers and investment managers, Danial is also known to lend his expertise to socially responsible projects. “I have always wanted to build a school,” says Danial, who has for long contributed to education programmes – be it through funding, teaching or, often, both.

“As a social entrepreneur, I had to make sure that SISD not only addresses the academic and economic side of things, but that it also serves a social, cultural and familial purpose,” he says. To this end, Danial has designed a scholarship programme tailored to both academic excellence and equal opportunity, which recognises that not every child is a high academic achiever. “He or she could be a very good artist or athleticallyinclined. There’s no discrimination as to who gets these scholarships that take a holistic approach to the child and are partially financed by the savings of the cost efficient, low-energy design of the campus,” explains Danial.

project to Dubai. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” explains Danial.

The school campus was designed as a low-energy building that consumes onethird of the energy consumed by standard buildings. This is because Danial wasn’t just keen to participate, but was also interested in helping to set up an eco-friendly, green campus based on a study of the same. Natural light levels, only reinforced if needed, and the highest insulation standards ensure that SISD doesn’t extensively rely on air conditioners or artificial light, which “also translates into a healthier and more comfortable environment conducive for better learning,” says Danial.

Backed by an education at Collège du Léman in Geneva, Le Lycée Français in Los Angeles, and business administration and MBA studies at the Webster University

system all too well. He believes that “... education is where it all begins and investing in education is a testament to a sustainable society...”. Recognised as one of Switzerland’s most successful business

The Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) offers a variety of sports facilities including an Olympicsized outdoor swimming pool, two basket ball courts, three tennis courts, a football and rugby pitch, an indoor and outdoor running track, and access to water sports activities like sailing rowing and paddling that takes full advantage of the school’s unique access to Dubai Creek.

Not one to leave the arts behind, SISD has a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 650 and that will play host to a varied cultural programme.

Geneva, Danial knows the Swiss value of excellency and flexibility in the educational

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The school is located in Dubai Healthcare City, which comes under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “We were permitted to open the school under the condition of offering a scientific programme. Students from years 10, 11 and 12 will be groomed to take up scientific courses within the International Baccalaureate diploma so that they can later access universities or even the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Centre to become more sensitive to healthcare,” says Danial.

He knows that it might be at least a year or two before this happens. As of now, the authorities have permitted the school to run the primary programme, while the secondary school will open in two years. “We’ll get there. This school is unique in the world; it was tailor-built for Dubai because that’s what is needed here. It could not be duplicated anywhere else under its present form. I live for this project because I’m building it for my kids. It’s a social and family project. The motivation goes far beyond a single day’s dream.” A dream come true indeed.

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OBSESSION In a quintessential world The world of luxury favours those who know the true worth of exquisite possessions and will never settle for less than perfection. Obsession introduces precious bespoke items and collectibles that are designed for the most discerning and sophisticated luxury aficionados

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THE Horsemen HORSEMEN IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH THINGS THAT DEFINE CREATIVITY, SPEED, POWER AND STATUS, IN OTHER WORDS, THOSE WHO OWN A FERRARI. TODAY FERRARI IS NO MORE A PURE SPORTS CAR BUT THEIR LATEST MODELS ARE CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO SUIT THE VARIOUS MOODS AND LIFESTYLE PREFERENCES OF TRUE HORSEMEN A horseman believes in balancing life, and giving equal time to each of his endeavours. Even though his lifestyle is centred around his horse, everything around him is significant to him and defines his personality and outlook towards life. He enjoys riding his horse in every phase of his life. A Ferrari, just like the horse to a horseman, is at the centre of a Ferrari mans lifestyle. It is a symbol of prestige and power, a possession that holds value in every endeavour of theirs, experiencing every accomplishment with them. The Ferrari blends in with the day-to-day activities of the Ferrari man, just like the horse, enhancing the experience of every moment.

Hearing the winds thrashing on the windows, the feel of driving at 200kmph is like giving your dreams the Ferrari angle. The all-new F12 Berlinetta, which is more than just a sports car, can canvas your dreams into reality. Delivering unprecedented performance with its exceptional new engine, the F12 sees a combination of innovative design redefining classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics. This is, in fact, the most powerful and high performance Ferrari road car ever launched. The shortened wheelbase, lowered dashboard and seats have revolutionized the concept of a sports car giving it a cutting edge. With its latest generation carbon ceramic brakes and suspension control system, the Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-200kmph in just 8.5 seconds thus accentuating the taste for speed, thrill and challenges.

In a world where sports cars are associated with leisure time, one car that you are comfortable heading to work is a beautiful, subtle yet elegant California T. Even though it carries the DNA of Ferrari the elegance and subtle nature of the car is a perfect drive to the office. The moment you open the door of your chic and suave California T, you will be taken aback by the inside look, the seats, the covers and the accessories only ensuring sumptuous comfort. The combination of the uncompromising architecture, dynamic controls and new engine guarantees consistent fun behind the wheel both in challenging and more relaxed driving conditions, in perfect Grand Tourer style.

Horsemen, usually, are passionate about adventurous driving, especially when it comes to driving their horses. Be it on a racetrack, a snow covered surface or a casual evening city drive; they love it all. Ferrari has, hence, launched the FF V12 which works best for an adventure enthusiast, which enables a horseman to share his adventurous experiences with his family.

FF is an acronym for Ferrari Four indicating it being Ferrari’s only four wheeled and fourseated car. This new V12 melds to an unparalleled level an extremely sporty, high performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience. Thanks to the cabin space and boot capacity, the revolutionary V12 can accommodate four people with their luggage, enabling them to enjoy a comfortable drive to their favorite destinations with company.

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Model : Andrea Cardigan : Hardy Amies at Bloomingdale’s Shirt : Giorgio Armani Trousers : Armani Collezioni at Bloomingdale’s Gloves : Hermes Shoes : Christian Louboutin Watch : Bulgari Octo Regtrogradi

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THE HORSEMEN

Model : Mario Short suit : The Emperor 1688 Shirt : Shirt by The Emperor Shoes : Berluti Gloves : Hermès Handkerchief : Etro Bag : Louis Vuitton Glasses : Giorgio Armani Watch : Bulgari

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Model : Andrea Suit : Alexander McQueen Shirt : Versace Handkerchief : Etro Shoes : Santoni Glasses : Giorgio Armani Watch : Bulgari Bracelet : Bottega Veneta Suitcase : Louis Vuitton

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Model : Mario Leather Jacket : Bottega Veneta Polo : Berluti Trouser : Salvatore Ferragamo Gloves : Hermès Glasses : Giorgio Armani Watch : Bulgari Diagono

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THE HORSEMEN

Model : Andrea Suit : Alexander McQueen Shirt : Versace Handkerchief : Etro Shoes : Santoni Glasses : Giorgio Armani Model : Mario Suit : Versace Shirt : The Emperor 1688 Shoes : Berluti Glasses : Louis Vuitton 80

Leather Jacket : Bottega Veneta Polo : Berluti Trouser : Salvatore Ferragamo Gloves : Hermès Glasses : Giorgio Armani Watch : Bulgari Diagono

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Model : Andrea Shirt : Alexander McQueen Trousers : Hermès Scarf : Berluti Belt : Bottega Veneta Shoes : Berluti Glasses : Louis Vuitton

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Model : Andrea Blazer : The Emperor 1688 Shirt : The Emperor 1688 Trousers : Etro Bracelet : Bottega Veneta Shoes : Berluti Glasses : Ferrari Watch : Bulgari Solotempo

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THE HORSEMEN

Model : Mario Pullover : Giorgio Armani Trousers : Etro Shoes : Louis Vuitton Gloves : Hermès Bag : Ferrari Glasses : Ferrari Watch : Bulgari Diagono Magnesium

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PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM BROWNING-HILL FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T : D R E S S C O D E B Y FA R A H H A I R A N D M A K E U P : K AT H L E E N S U M N E R S MODELS : MARIO OLIMPIO & ANDREA DE ANGELIS L O C A T I O N C O U R T E S Y : YA S M A R I N A C I R C U I T , A B U D H A B I

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SIGNÉ EVENTS

REFINED AND DANDY It was an evening brimming with indulgences, designed for a very select handful of gentlemen who share a passion for the finest things in life. Hosted by Signé at CUT by Wolfgang Puck in The Address Downtown Dubai, the intimate dinner celebrated the launch of Signé Society, the magazine’s private, invitation-only club for gentlemen in the UAE. Themed ‘Only for the Refined’, the inaugural event was held on May 5 and attended by 15 handpicked founding members, each donning his customised Signé Society loafers, quite aptly in royal blue. The event started with a decadent meal in the seclusion of Cut’s private dining room and finished with members enjoying fine, exceptionally flavoured cigars from Cuba on the outdoor terrace of the elegant outlet. As a result, invitees were given the opportunity to meet with highly influential individuals, and in the process, exchange ideas with and learn from the experiences of other ultra-connected pillars of society.

The philosophy of the society ‘an organic extension of the luxury publication’ is based on the conviction that living well is the most important, and simultaneously difficult, form of art. Our members are aware that in order to appreciate the object of desire, they need the right key, without which they will only be able to admire it through the keyhole. There is only one way to truly appreciate and understand a product, the difference between vice and pleasure: The Knowledge. Signé Society’s members have entered a closed club composed of like-minded gentlemen, albeit with very different personal or professional backgrounds, who are successful, insightful and luxury matured. A figurative enclave of the elite, if you will.

In keeping with the tradition of the world’s finest private clubs, membership to the Signé Society is strictly by invitation only. Members are selected wholly by the Signé Jury based on their passion and lifestyle preferences. The common denominator is their understanding and appreciation of all things rare and exclusive in life, which are explored in greater detail on the pages of Signé magazine, thus contributing further to the knowledge of the eminent few who redefine luxury in Middle East today. It wouldn’t be entirely untrue to claim that traditional gentlemen’s clubs cater solely to old money and expect a strict formal dress code to be adhered to. However, in contrast to this often forgotten institution that feels like a symbol of an ever-receding past, Signé Society is a social club like no other in Dubai. These members also have the advantage of recommending friends, family members, colleagues and business associates for membership.

If deemed suitable, the nominees will go through a screening process and must be approved by the Signé Jury. Furthermore, Signé Society’s membership list is kept confidential.

More than bragging rights are at stake here. Belonging to Signé Society offers members the exciting opportunity to explore the world of luxury from a different, highly coveted angle: behind the scenes. Our events will see members invited to participate in workshops conducted by the best artisans of the most esteemed luxury brands from around the world. These eclectic events will be hosted at changing venues to help our members fully benefit from the many sides of the city’s experience. Guests can discuss, debate and candidly express their views in a relaxed yet distinctive atmosphere, a welcome retreat from the pressures of the day.

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An evening of Aroma and Attire Signé society’s second private dinner was all about exploring the world of men’s grooming where clothing and fragrance play a vital role. Held at the very posh Gaucho at DIFC, the event was witness to one of the finest presentations on perfumes and attire.

Explaining the art of perfume along with the launch of Valentino Noir perfume for Men was one of the highlights of the event. Our gentlemen were intrigued by the dynamics of the world of perfumes. Members had the chance to get insights into the inner workings of perfumery and experience the recipe of the Valentino Noir Limited edition perfume first hand.

The second highlight of the evening was the charming Italian tailor and designer – Mr.Roberto Mararo.

Mesmerized by the particularity and knowledge of Mararo, our members inquired further on the etiquettes of wearing bespoke suits and how to carry them. Mararo’s passion and pleasing personality added the much needed energy to the event.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE SCENES Officine Panerai – a name that has redefined time and its worth, and has witnessed many technological innovations for over a century. Let’s go back into the past, where in the middle of a street in Italy, Officine Panerai took its first steps. Further, we shall look into the latest collection of Panerai – The Luminor Submersible 1950 3 days automatic Titano – 47mm

Ponte alle Grazie in Florence was where the first workshop of Giavanni Panerai was established in 1860. It wasn’t only a shop and a workshop but also the city’s first watchmaking school. The shop was later relocated to Palazzo Arcivescovile in Piazza San Giovanni, changing its name to “Orologeria Svizzera” at the beginning of the twentieth century. Progressing further, to meet the military needs of the Royal Italian Navy, Officine Panerai created Radiomir, a radium-based powder that gives luminosity to the dials of sighting instruments and devices. From this point till date, there has been no looking back be it in terms of technology, appearance, functionality or style.

For 2015, Officine Panerai brings back its original masterpiece and releases a quartet of new iterations on popular models as well as one reissue from the heritage collection. The first model is the Radiomir 1940 with equation of time. The others are Panerai Luminor submissive watches, one Panerai Radiomir and one special novel reissue. The New Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titano – 47mm reunites features which have in common the military context of the origins and they appear as two contemporary watches with a strongly sporting character, with great personality and the purest Panerai identity. We will take a look closely at the Luminor submersible 1950 3 days Chrono Flyback and Carbotech.

Luminor Submersible 1950 3 days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titano – 47mm Similar to all Panerai timepieces, the main point of reference is of course the sea. The iconic design of the case, immediately recognizable by the device protecting the winding crown, is integrated with an element whose historic origins go back to the model created by the brand in 1956 for the Egyptian Navy: the unidirectional rotating bezel for calculating the time of immersion. The unique element of this timepiece is the flyback chronograph. This function, also known as “retour en vol”, enables the chronograph hand that is always moving to be zeroed and instantly restarted by a single pressure. Ensuring the clearest reading possible, the chronograph minutes and seconds hands are both colored differently and positioned centrally on the central dial. Both versions of the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titano are supplied with a spare strap, a screwdriver and a special strap changing tool.

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Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 days automatic – 47mm Officine Panerai’s next innovation, the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 days automatic is different from others. Its case is made of carbotech, a composite material based on carbon fibre, been used for the first time in the world of watchmaking. Apart from providing, exceptional technical performance, carbotech has an uneven, matt, black appearance, which varies according to the cut of the material, resulting in each example being unique. The structure, the mechanical properties of carbotech being much higher than those of similar materials, makes the watch lighter and more resistant to external solicitations. Additionally the bezel rotates only anticlockwise and enables the time of immersion to be calculated which is a very useful function for a professional underwater instrument. This exclusive piece is fitted with a black rubber strap, personalized for the first time by the OP logo, in Panerai blue.

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ART MATTER OF THE

Dr. Amin Jaffer, International Director of Asian Art at Christie’s, is reputed as one of the world’s leading experts on Asian art. Signé meets the suave and stylish Jaffer, who sheds light on his role at Christie’s, the art scene in India and Dubai, his art wishlist, and more BY

B E V E R LY P E R E I R A

In October 2014, a heritage collection of royal Indian jewellery from the 17th to the early 20th century went on

happens at our auctions, despite the fact that these moments can also be stressful,” he says.

in Kigali, Rwanda, is ethnically Indian. He remembers being exposed to art at an early age through books and his first visit to the

display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The private collection, owned by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Thani, CEO of the Qatari private investment company Qipco, comprised bejewelled pieces created especially for maharajas across 400 years.

Al-Thani was first enamoured with these precious Indian objects at an exhibition titled Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, in 2009. The exhibit was hosted by the then V&A curator Dr. Amin Jaffer, who would go on to assist the Sheikh with oneof-a-kind acquisitions some five years later.

Such is the meticulous detail and passion for art that goes into a day in the life of Jaffer, now Christie’s International Director of Asian Art. Since 2007, Jaffer has been responsible for developing the renowned auction house’s brand and business within India, and among Indians across the world. “At Christie’s, we deal with great works of art, great collectors and consigners, and always in a superb location. So it’s this combination that really

Christie’s is a big supporter of education related to Indian art. By bringing on board a roster of modern artists, including V.S. Gaitonde and M.F. Husain, the auction house has effectively generated interest among enthusiasts and collectors alike. “We had an exhibition of Gaitonde’s works at the Guggenheim in New York last year, which will travel to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice this October. Until around 20 or 30 years ago, we could not conceive of major Western art institutions showcasing a headline exhibition on an Indian artist,” says Jaffer, adding that most modern art collectors in America who saw the show have since started to buy Gaitonde’s works. Likewise, collectors in India – well aware of the artist – would likely reappraise him because of a major exhibition and catalogue. “Often when something belongs to your own culture, you don’t really pick up on its importance until an outsider recognises it.”

Jaffer’s current role undoubtedly stems from a deep passion for art, fuelled by years of studying it across cultures and periods.

Louvre at the age of six with his mother. “But when I was growing up, it seemed impossible to have a career in the field of art, considering the fact that I come from a business family,” he says. He was expected to join his father’s import business, but he imagined that becoming a lawyer would have been more practical at the time. He did eventually enrol for courses on the history of French opera and the development of French Renaissance chateaux, alongside ‘sensible’ subjects during his first year.

“The art courses that I took were satisfying on a level much deeper than the basic economics, political science and law courses that I had to take. All those bar graphs and figures about the GDP of countries meant nothing to me.” Jaffer, positively clear that he wanted to study art, confided in his mother about his dilemma. She suggested that he go ahead with the art degree without telling his father who, according to Jaffer, would have wanted him to finish his very practical degree. Jaffer completed his degree in art history from Trinity College in Toronto and

makes it thrilling. But if there’s one thing that I enjoy the most, it must be the bidding that

But it’s also a testament to his fascination for India’s art heritage. Jaffer, although born

took up a course on ceramics in his final year at the Royal Ontario Museum.

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Jaffer’s association with the Victoria and

For the last seven years, Jaffer has

or even to the Grand Palais in Paris, there

Albert Museum began as a student. He would eventually go on to work at the museum in the capacity of researcher, and later, as senior fundraiser and curator. It all began when he opted for a Master’s degree course on the history of design, which the Royal College of Arts offered in collaboration with the museum.

“The course was an eye-opener for me

tirelessly worked with the Christie’s team to assist in individual and institutional acquisitions. It’s an enviable job and a constant learning process, but it’s not as leisurely as one would imagine. Longterm relationships with clients might often encompass extensive travel and active engagement to provide pieces to suit their

are long lines of people, including children, who may never actually buy a work of art in their lives, but are intellectually engaged with it. We need to grow that image in India,” he explains.

As for his advice to first-time buyers goes, Jaffer says: “You needs to first immerse and educate yourself. When people ask me what

because as a student, you were based in the museum. When I visited the India gallery there, I saw a lot of objects that were borne out of the cultural encounter between Europe and India.

I realised that I wanted to write about these things because I felt that I was a hybrid of both East and West. This really formed the basis of my doctorate and early academic career,” he

taste. “It’s all about making the client fully understand the artist and the potential of the artist. It’s not so much about the financial value as much as it is about the cultural value,

they should start collecting, I always tell them to visit galleries and museums to see what they actually like and respond to. Go to previews of auctions to understand the process, read

“The art courses that I took were satisfying on a level much deeper than the basic economics, political science and law courses that I had to take. ”

says. The museum hired him soon after he completed his PhD, and during his time there – from 1995 to 2007 – Jaffer worked on books, exhibitions and fundraisers.

In 2005, during his V&A days, Jaffer was approached by a publisher in India to work on a book that detailed the works of art made in the West for Indian princes. “In the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s, the maharajas started to go

which in turn makes the financial value.” On

books, look at art on the internet, and meet

to Europe to buy cars and jewellery. So I produced a book called Made for Maharajas that was eventually translated into many languages,” he says, adding that the book laid the foundation for his 2009 exhibition, which turned out to be more exhaustive than the book. “When I proposed this exhibition to the director of V&A, I also said that it must illustrate the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, depicting how the maharajas modernised with the passing of each century.” Indeed, the show that opened with an elephant on a howdah and closed with a vintage Rolls Royce was a fascinating revelation of the evolution of opulence across centuries. “In the 18th century, you see jewels from the Mughal Empire. In the 19th century, when they come under the British umbrella, you see maharajas using silverware and getting acquainted with the westernised way of life.

And then in the 20th century, when they start to look particularly towards Paris, you’ll see precious objects by Cartier and Boucheron,” he explains. Although Jaffer was already working at Christie’s when the show opened,

an institutional level, Jaffer feels lucky to work with collectors who might go on to create institutions, not different from the Barnes Foundation or the Frick Collection. “Our team at Christie’s has the pleasure of creating history,” he says. Jaffer is also a member of the South Asian Acquisition Community at Tate that brings art from the region to a global platform. “If you go to the Tate, you’ll see contemporary works by Arabs, Indians, Chinese and Iranians. You’ll see works by F.N. Souza alongside a Picasso in the cubism gallery. In a way, it provides a context.”

Jaffer feels there has been a huge explosion in the South Asian art market, thanks to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Delhi’s India Art Fair, as well as India’s museums and institutions – the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the Devi Art Foundation in Delhi, the Jagdish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian Art in Hyderabad, the Kolkata Museum of Modern Art, and the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum. Having said that, while India has many collectors, Jaffer feels that the need of the hour is to actively engage

fellow collectors to understand what is in demand and what isn’t.” Commenting on Dubai, Jaffer adds: “It’s remarkable to see how far and how fast the cultural scene has evolved in the city. The galleries put on amazing shows, the public programming for Art Dubai is superb, and there are many new institutions coming up the UAE.” Jaffer is a passionate supporter and collector of contemporary Pakistani art, but feels that while Pakistani artists are in demand abroad, the market within the country remains hindered because of security issues and the political situation. Nevertheless, he says, Pakistani artists are gaining popularity.

In Dubai, itself, recent shows by Ali Kazim, Faiza Butt and Noor Ali Chagani were well received. When asked about his art wishlist, pat comes the response: “I’d love to have Gaitonde’s work from the early ‘70s, Tyeb Mehta’s Rickshaw series, a small altarpiece

by European artist Rogier van der Weyden, a dramatic El Greco, a Gustav Klimt landscape, a Hellenistic bronze… the list is endless and my taste is all over the place. If I had all of

he worked in the capacity of curatorial advisor for this project.

different audiences in art appreciation. “If you go to the MoMA and the MET in the US,

these in one room, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to leave!”

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HERITAGE ANECDOTES OF A BEQUEST

Behind every brand of note there are stories of success and failure, trial and tribulation. However, it is these tales that define a brand’s identity. Here, the narrative of a brand’s history is shared, from humble beginnings to present-day triumphs and every story on the way

THROUGH THE AGES

INSTRUMENTS OF PRECISION Swiss timepiece house ‘Breitling’ has built a world crafted to conquer for watch aficionados, and although several years of steady production, the future for this legend looks rosy as ever. The brand’s high-end timepieces symbolise a fusion of horological proficiency and a unique personality.

Its contemporary creations manage to recapture the success that the brand has enjoyed over the years, as well as preserve the special heritage of Founder Léon Breitling’s outlook

Specialising in technical timepieces, Breitling has played a vital role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and is a forerunner in this complication, without a doubt. The brand has shared its supreme moments in conquering today thanks to its sturdy, dependable and high-performance instruments. This family business is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.

In St Imier, in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland, Léon Breitling opened a workshop in the year of 1884. This was when Breitling chose to devote himself to an exclusive and demanding field: that of chronographs and timers. These instruments of accuracy were initially crafted for sports, science and industry. Due to high-quality products and a perpetual quest for creativity, the brand accompanied the boom of competitive sports and of the automobile — as well as the first feats of the aviation pioneers. In the year of 1892, Breitling observed a significant growth in the company, and he relocated to the centre of Swiss watchmaking in those days — La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is home to Breitling today.

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1936 Breitling becomes the official supplier to the Royal Air Force.

This marks the start of a longstanding record of cooperation with international aviation.

1923 The firm perfected this system by separating the stop/start functions from that of resetting. This patented innovation thereby made it possible to add several successive times without returning the hands to zero – which proved extremely useful both for timing sports competitions and for calculating flight times.

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1952 Breitling launched its renowned Navitimer wrist chronograph featuring a circular slide rule serving to perform all navigation-related calculations. A cult object for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, it has been continuously manufactured for almost 60 years – making it the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph still in production.

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1962 This Black Dial Mens Watch is a special version of the Navitimer and a tribute to the model that made its first flight into space on the 24th May 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Scott Carpenter.

This model is distinguished by its 24-hour display making differentiation between day and night less relative. It also features a fly-back chronograph and a bi-directional slide rule bezel.

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1984 The Chronomat is launched — in close collaboration with the Frecce Tricolori elite flight team. With its secure case and famous bezel with rider tabs, the Chronomat marks the return of the mechanical chronograph and swiftly becomes the bestselling line in the Breitling collection, a position it has held ever since.

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2001 With the introduction of SuperQuartzTM, the brand provides movements ten times more accurate than the standard quartz. The timepiece house thereby proves itself as a benchmark in the field of quartz: its electronic movements are the only ones on the market able to meet the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) requirements.

1995 Breitling presents the Emergency, a multifunction instrument watch with built-in micro-transmitter broadcasting on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency.

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2013 Breitling introduces the Emergency II with dual frequency distress beacon. The new model broadcasts distress signals on the original 121.5 MHz frequency (that can be received on land, by ships and also aircraft) and on 406 MHz, which can be picked up by the satellites of the Cospas-Sarsat system.

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2015 One of the last remaining, independent family owned watch brands, Breitling is continuing these traditional and privileged ties with aviation by collaborating with the world’s elite pilots. Several extraordinary teams fly the colours, including the famous Breitling Jet Team and Breitling Wingwalkers with their remarkable aerobatics. Breitling models are worn by all national display teams, including Fursan Al Emarat. The brand is also associated with the greatest airshows on the planet, such as the famous Reno Air Races and the Red Bull Air Race, in which its own team competes under the Breitling hues.

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T O WA R D S T H E D I V I N E

TOWARDS THE DIVINE FASTING ETIQUETTES’- WHERE TO BREAK YOUR FAST, WHAT TO WEAR DURING IT, AND MORE – SIGNÉ COVERS ALL THE BASES IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ALL THINGS TO DO DURING RAMADAN

BY SAMIA QAIYUM

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June marks the beginning of Ramadan, which is deemed a holy month for the over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. This year, it is expected to begin on June 18 and end on

FAST TO FEAST

July 16; its actual dates on the Gregorian calendar vary from year to year as they are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims who are physically fit and of sound mind will fast dawn to dusk, abstaining from impure thoughts, immoral behaviour and material desires. Since the month is valued as a time for introspection and self-discipline, they try to focus on spiritual cleansing and undertake charitable work. Noteworthy is the fact that business activity will inevitably slow down in most Muslim countries during Ramadan due to shorter working days. Even though it is the most relaxing month for the working population, the market does witness a drastic slowdown. It is therefore advisable to take these dates into account when planning your travels. The month’s ending is marked by the three-day holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which translates to ‘the festival of breaking the fast’.

fast at sunset – and continue right through the night. Signé’s picks for five dining outlets to try during the holy month are:

ETIQUETTE ESSENTIALS The UAE is a tolerant country that respects people of all cultures, races and religions. However, since Ramadan is a time of piety and high religious consciousness, gentlemen are advised to: • refrain from consuming food and drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during fasting hours.

• abstain from playing loud music as neighbours could be fasting and/or resting.

• show patience towards and avoid getting into arguments with those who are fasting.

•

steer clear of swearing, animated behaviour and demonstrative acts of affection that may cause offense.

With the country’s flair for celebration, Ramadan in the UAE makes for a unique experience. Festivities start with iftar – the breaking of the

Delphine The bona fide taste of Arabian culture will allow diners at Delphine in The H Dubai to embark on an unparalleled gastronomic journey, thanks to one of seven regional cuisines represented each day of the week. The iftar begins with a generous selection of mezze served sharing style directly to the table. Guests are then guided to the live cooking stations to select freshly prepared mains and desserts. The dining experience will be enhanced by a live oud player and a gallery of cultural artefacts designed to deepen the understanding of Ramadan.

Rang Mahal For an iftar with a side of superlatives, head to Rang Mahal at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the world’s tallest hotel. The award-winning restaurant will host a sumptuous meal with 11 dishes that celebrate the heritage of traditional Indian cuisine infused with a contemporary twist, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. The a la carte menu available after 8pm is as vast as the restaurant, with an array of tempting options from small dishes and salads to main courses divided into five forms of Indian cooking – tawa griddle, sigri charcoal, tandoor oven, curries and biryanis – all designed for sharing.

Solo Gastronomical haute cuisine stars at this award-winning bistro in Raffles Dubai, complemented by pop art and New York loft-inspired

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décor. Throughout the month, Chef Corrado Pani will showcase a threecourse set menu of authentic Italian cuisine at its finest. Comprising an array of carefully selected signature dishes and lighter options, patrons can choose between the light Insalata del Marcato, Burrata e Salmone or Vitello Tonnato to start. Mains will include a gluten-free Gnocchi di Patate served with prawns, Pollo alla Diavola with a spicy

and cardamom to break the fast. The innovative spread will include small plates such as black bean hummus with tahini and lime, entrées like grilled lamb chops with stuffed lamb saddle and black bean hash, and a choice of bread pudding with orange blossom honey cream and pistachio or sorbet with meringue, yuzu and coconut water for dessert.

red velvet marination or the nourishing Broccolini Mandorle e Arancio.

The menu will be rounded off with dessert choices like the Mela e Mela apple sorbet crumble, Torta al Formaggio e Cassata Ghiacciata and the decadent Tiramisu.

Asia de Cuba Located at the St. Regis in Abu Dhabi, the menu at this restaurantlounge creates the perfect union of Latin and Asian flavours with an

Smoking Doll Expect a veritable feast on the iftar menu of the capital’s Asian culinary hotspot, which promises signature preparations across an array of courses. Incorporating Thai and Vietnamese influences, its offering starts with vegetable spring rolls, fish cakes served with a green mango salad, and the pandan leaf chicken. Lighter options are covered by the som tam salad and Bangkok tom yam soup. For the main course, diners can look forward to the pad ki mao, a dish of spicy

Arabic touch. From sundown, guests can explore a perfectly executed four-course menu. The tradition of Ramadan is kept alive with exclusively created dishes, starting with stuffed dates with goat cheese, pistachio

noodles, or the Thai green curry. Those looking to satiate their sweet tooth can sample the always-popular mango sticky rice with coconut cream for a delectable end to their iftar.

Rang Mahal, J.W.Marriott Marquis, Dubai

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Dining hall, Asia De Cuba, Abu Dhabi

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DRESS THE PART A conservative look is the order of the day during Ramadan, and this applies to both, men and women. It is t-shirts and shirts as always, but ensure that your shorts are knee length. While the month’s more relaxed pace may translate to a lenience in terms of dress code, there is no excuse for sloppy attire. Wearing a suit can be a challenging affair, what with the unforgiving humidity, so look for natural fabrics that have open weaves and have your summer suit jackets half- or un-lined. In terms of cut, single-breasted and unfussy is best, as are lighter hues. Or you can simply do as the Italians do, and rely on the made-to-measure services offered by tailoring powerhouses Prada and Gucci to take the guesswork out of seasonal dressing.

Prada Offered solely to its male patrons, the made-to-measure program is accessible at the Prada boutique in Mall Of The Emirates. The appointment-only service evokes old school swank, combining sartorial tradition with contemporary style to offer clients the possibility of creating bespoke suits, coats, jackets, shirts and trousers that are entirely hand-crafted in a process featuring hundreds of different stages. With more than 300 fabric options for suits and jackets, and 230 for shirts presented, you’ll appreciate the guidance as an expert in-house tailor holds your proverbial hand through each step of the process.

Gucci Advancing the House’s philosophy of personalisation and signature attention to detail, Gucci’s made-to-measure service is available at the Mall of the Emirates outlet and guarantees impeccably tailored garments thanks to the brand’s made-in-Italy tradition and sartorial expertise. The range of top-quality materials includes nearly 155 textiles that allow for 295 possible combinations of colours and fabrics – wool, cashmere and mohair in shades of grey, navy blue and brown, alongside silk satin, velvet and baby lama for evening wear. Clients can also customise casual essentials from the sportswear collection, with military shirts and chino pants making ideal picks for the blistering heat.

Now And Then Once almost exclusively white in colour, the kandura continues to evolve with time thanks to young designers hard at work, presenting their own fresh take by experimenting with fabrics and highlighting the cut, tailoring and finish. Leading the pack is Hatem Alakheel, founder of Toby. Renowned for creating trendy, tailored lines using the finest materials, the Saudi designer’s Ramadan collection was inspired by the typical Toby gentleman’s weekend retreat in order to gather his thoughts and recharge his batteries away from the urban arabesque lifestyle that he inhabits. In keeping with the subdued tone of the month, the collection is all about returning to a natural sense of elegance, but with playful elements of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them type that have become an Alakheel signature.

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Prada and Gucci made-to-measure services are available, by appointment only, exclusively at their boutiques in Mall of the Emirates.

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“The month is all about inner peace, family and friendship, discipline, caring and giving.

Ramadan means so many things to me, to the point where words are not enough to describe its significance.”

DHAHER BIN DHAHER

MUST-HAVES THIS MONTH With a full month of fasting ahead, Signé curates a selection of what to spritz, sip and slip into.

Rustic Respite Fresh, intriguing and quintessentially Italian, Bottega Veneta Pour Homme is the signature men’s scent by Venetian leather atelier Bottega Veneta. Signed by perfumers Daniela Andrier and Antoine Maisondieu, it features notes of precious Labdanum, Fir Balsam and Bergamot blending into Bottega Veneta’s renowned artisanal leather.

The woody, aromatic scent is rather understated in nature and doesn’t venture far from one’s body, and as a result, always office-appropriate.

Step This Way The summer season translates to new wardrobe staples, with slip-on styling being the most obvious choice for the heat. Recent years have seen the trend of high-end designer brands such as Prada, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana looking to this part of the world for inspiration, creating hand-finished sandals in leather and soft-brushed skin as well as luxury skins like crocodile and ostrich. They work as well with traditional garb as they do city shorts, which is why we’ll be swapping our favourite flip flops for these minimalist style statements.

Leaves of Luxury Drawing inspiration from seasonal flavours and aromas, specialist tea purveyor Avantcha recently launched its Thulathi collection, a trio of organic whole leaf teas perfect for the month of Ramadan. The handblended collection features three palate-pleasing flavours – White Rose, Fig Delight and Date & Sandalwood – all of which carry cultural significance for the region. They’re packaged in a sleek leather box that can be personalised or corporately branded, making the set a great thank you present and the ideal gesture with which to kick off Eid festivities.

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MY RAMADAN Emirati entrepreneur Dhaher Bin Dhaher, creator of Tola Perfumery and founder of Villa 515, shares his thoughts on the holy month.

What does Ramadan mean to you?

The month is all about inner peace, family and friendship, discipline, caring and giving. Ramadan means so many things to me, to the point where words are not enough to describe its significance.

How do your priorities change during this month?

The holy month provides an opportunity to step back and put things into perspective.

Outside of Ramadan, I find myself so busy that this period becomes a good time to set my priorities straight and reflect on the things that consume my everyday life.

What’s your favorite Ramadan tradition and/or ritual?

It has to be iftar! It’s such a family affair and a real time of bonding for my loved ones.

You can feel the warmth of many people gathering at the iftar table, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal.

Emirati entrepreneur Dhaher Bin Dhaher

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Spa Pavilion, Hotel Cheval Blanc - Randheli.

AVENUES OF ESCAPE

Lap Of Luxury Having staked a claim as the most stylish resort in the Maldives, the postcard-perfect Cheval Blanc Randheli is nestled in the pristine Noonu Atoll. Journey to this intimate haven of 45 villas to indulge in tailor-made experiences, courtesy of the team of ‘Alchemists’ who craft each guest’s stay to meet their individual needs. Snorkelling and PADI-certified diving, moonlit yoga, family desert island adventures, Guerlain treatments at the signature Cheval Blanc Spa, and sunset cruises are only some of the luxury amenities on offer. Meanwhile, food at the maison is an absolute art form, with Executive Chef Laurent Chancel to include ‘feet in the

Culture Quest Frequently referred to as “the Dubai of the Caucasus” thanks to its designer boutiques and somewhat slapdash architecture, Baku is a contradiction of sorts. The metropolis is rapidly emerging amidst a backdrop of UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites due to the wave of optimism funded by Azeri ‘black gold’. The city’s baffling crossroads of cultures, religions and languages lend itself well to the artistic expression that has significantly progressed in recent years. Stroll along the leafy Fountains Square and stop by the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature to pore over thousands of manuscripts, rare books, illustrations and memoirs. The atmospheric Karavan Jazz Club is the heart of Baku’s jazz scene, one of the city’s most enduring passions, while a repertoire of performances can be attended at the lavish Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre that was constructed in 1910. With the above avenues to explore, this

sand’ dining at the White restaurant, fresh Mediterranean cuisine at the Deelani, and a journey through East Asian dining at the Diptyque.

Ramadan make sure you make the most of it either within the UAE or across borders.

The Eid holidays offer the ultimate chance to briefly escape social obligations and the scorching summer heat. Our two getaway picks appeal to very different mindsets, but with the common dominator of under five hours of flying time from the Middle East.

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LA DOLCE VITA Curated with a passion A guide to the world’s highest standards of living, covering all aspects of a lifestyle that can be maintained by a lucky few. Whether it’s a life-changing trip to one of world’s natural wonders or an unforgettable gastronomic indulgence, the exclusivity of the experience is guaranteed

L A D O L C E V I TA

I N T H E B A C K S E AT

IN THE BACKSEAT With exclusive upgrades, fine interiors and a plethora of personalisation options, the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S600 stands out as the ultimate chauffeur limousine. Signé attends the preview and brings to you insights of the car.

Exclusivity, individuality and opulence – these are just a few adjectives that spring to mind when Maybach is mentioned. It may not be the first name one thinks of when it comes to sedans – for the time being anyway – but for those with a passion for motoring, the Maybach epitomises the notion of modern luxury. But where did it come from? It

Johannes Reifenrath, Director of Product Strategy and Planning at Mercedes-Benz Cars, says: “It enhances our line-up in the S-Class segment by an option that appeals to sophisticated customers and stands for individual and extremely demanding exclusivity. With a length of 5,453 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,365 millimetres, the

all started in the 1890s when German car engineer Wilhelm Maybach, hailed as the “King of constructors”, produced a line of limousine-sized cars designed for wealthy clients to be chauffeur-driven in. Little did he know at the time, but his surname would eventually become one of the most prominent names in the luxury car industry, but not in the way he would have expected. Over time, his eponymous company closed, but the Maybach spirit lives on, thanks to the pioneering efforts of developers at Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Maybach S600 exceeds the long-wheelbase S-Class in both dimensions by 20 centimetres. It is, first and foremost, the rear-seat passengers who benefit from the opulent spaciousness of the Mercedes-Maybach, as well as from the standard equipment with ‘executive’ seats left and right, and many further exclusive details.”

In addition to its length, the car contains a number of features that make it an ideal pick for backseat passengers.

Its acoustics, in particular, are outstanding. Through

In the early 21st century, when chauffeur-style vehicles from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley dominated the garages of many businesspeople, Mercedes-Benz burst onto the scene with its own version. Named after the engineer, the Maybach featured a highly distinctive elongated body. It was successful to an extent but production of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach ceased while the brand focused on creating a topof-the-line series of luxury vehicles, the S-Class. Interest in the Maybach remained high, however, and this year MercedesBenz revives the model as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz.

The flagship of this collection, the Mercedes-Maybach S600, launched in February of this year. Ahead of this date, Signé was invited to California to test drive the new vehicle from two perspectives: the driver’s seat and the rear passenger’s seat.

By comparing it to previous S-Class models, we discovered that the Mercedes-Maybach S600, while a pleasure to drive, is truly in its element as a chauffeur vehicle.

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the S-Class collection, it revolutionised the company. The first three variants – S-Class, S-Class Coupe and S-Class Sedan – were well received, but it was the fourth of six models, the Mercedes-Maybach that was most anticipated for a number of reasons. The unique model serves to stretch the boundaries of car design and test the limits of the Mercedes-Benz brand. It is packed to the brim with innovative design elements, all while making sure

insulation and the optimisation of air ducts, Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in creating “the world’s quietest production limousine”. If silence is not what the passenger wants, however, the vehicle boasts a high-tech Burmester® High-End 3D Surround-Soundsystem, with 24 speakers carefully placed around the car. Perhaps the most unique element of this sound system is the voice amplification function that was added for enhanced communication between driver and rear-seat passengers. It works by digitally processing the driver’s voice and reproducing it via the backseat speakers with increased clarity. It seems the need for a driver to shout or turn his/her head to speak is finally over.

The rear of the car is also kitted out with first-class business console equipment. Television screens provide ample entertainment, while temperature-controlled cup holders keep beverages as hot or cold as a passenger desires.

Designers have taken every element into consideration, even down to scent. Purchasers of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 will receive a specially-created fragrance named Agarwood that sits inside an in-built holder and disperses a subtle woody aroma throughout the vehicle.

Stepping into the Mercedes-Maybach S600, there is no doubt that it was born to be a chauffeur limousine. The rear features two executive seats, both with excess legroom and a myriad of functionalities. The seats also feature fold-out tables

the S-Class’ values blend seamlessly with the fundamentals of the Maybach.

and – unlike in previous S-Class models – the front passenger seat can be put totally forward.

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Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Pullman

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Giving one of the rear passengers even more room. Taking all these elements into account, it’s almost akin to being in a business class seat on a top-tier plane, only with more luxury.

“It’s very important for businessmen to be comfortable as well

impressive from the outside. It differs from other S-Class models in a number of ways, including its elongated body. Taut lines create a dynamic side view, while a redeveloped rear door design enhances privacy. A panoramic sliding roof, meanwhile,

as being able to work,” says design engineer Frederik Knothe.

“The car is definitely for wealthy, successful people.”

From the cushion behind your head to the lamb wool carpet under your feet, every aspect of the car’s interior design reflects the best in style, exclusivity and comfort. Knothe adds: “Most of the trim parts are totally new, we call it flowing lines.

On one side, you have the pin-striped feeling of a suit, while the other shows the volume of the trim parts very nicely. It’s very precisely milled; we’re very proud of that. Then you have the diamond stitching, which is about richness. What is also very special about the Mercedes-Maybach is that the A, B and C pillars are made from Nappa leather. All the parts that you usually see in plastic are in leather, and it’s all hand-crafted.”

As with most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, there are optimal elements that customers can choose in order to tailor-make their perfect vehicle. With regards to interior design, customers can select from two unique colour combinations – red with cyan beige or titan grey with cyan beige. They can also choose to add the Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky Control to the roof, so passengers can switch between transparency and darkness with the touch of a button. In terms of features, they have the option of adding a fridge between the seats that is the perfect shape to store a bottle of champagne. Beverages can then be served in handmade silver-plated Maybach champagne flutes… it seems the only thing missing is a waitress.

creates a bright ambience. Under the bonnet, a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine powers the car and the latest technologies – including pedestrian recognition, rear-end collision protection, cross-traffic assist and a head-up display – ensure a smooth and hassle-free drive.

With this exciting new launch, Mercedes-Benz is really attuned to its customers, combining their wishes and values to create a vehicle that epitomises modern luxury. “Many of them have expressed the desire to drive a highly exclusive and individual variant of the best car in the world. These customers want that certain something, but on a level that is best described by the word ‘sophisticated’,” says Reifenrath.

So what is the target market for such a car? “Potential Mercedes-Maybach customers are very successful financially, and often at the pinnacle of society. They cultivate a very conscious form of understatement and have clearly defined core values,” he explains. “For them, sophistication means authentic products, the very highest quality in technology, craftsmanship and service and, especially, the aforementioned understatement. This is precisely what we at Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach mean by ‘modern luxury’.”

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 fuses the ideals of the Mercedes-Benz brand with the exclusivity of the Maybach.

One of the most innovative launches to date by MercedesBenz, the vehicle boasts the most exclusive equipment and

While it’s easy to get carried away talking about what’s inside the vehicle, the Mercedes-Maybach is equally

features and is set to position the brand as a serious contender in the luxury chauffeur car market.

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ARABIAN CHARM

Arabian

Charm Manzil Downtown Dubai, managed by Vida Hotels and Resorts, has fast become the hotel of choice for leisure travellers and business guests alike. By celebrating signature Arabian hospitality in a culturally stimulating and tech-savvy setting, the upscale boutique hotel has defined a niche for itself in Dubai

The most recent addition to Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio has quickly garnered a reputation for its exceptional service standards, comfort and luxury among discerning global travellers as well as visitors from across the Middle East. Guests at the Manzil Downtown Dubai are treated to Arabian hospitality as soon as they set foot in this boutique hotel, centrally located on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and within walking distance to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. From the warm “Marhaba” greeting at the elegant lobby right up to the rooms evocative of the classical harmony of Arabian design, the hotel lives up to its tagline, ‘When Home is Arabic’.

Overlooking Souk Al Bahar, the 197-room hotel’s décor is worth writing home about. Arabesque touches mingle freely with sophisticated décor in a soothing palette of brown, beige and white. The rooms, too, are a treat for the senses — clean, modern lines contrast with textures and design elements reminiscent of ancient Arabia. The standard King rooms come with the option of pool or Burj Khalifa views, while the Twin rooms, also spacious, are no less appealing. Each of the eight Burj View suites has a balcony, while all rooms are well appointed with a host of facilities including 42-inch LCD TVs, and IPTV systems for room service, web browsing and music.

As one would expect, the dining options at Manzil Downtown Dubai are rather enticing. There’s Boulevard Kitchen – the hotel’s signature outlet – that serves delicacies from across the region, but treated with a modern twist. The Courtyard, the ideal setting in which to enjoy a glass of wine and unique shisha blends, offers a Middle Eastern-inspired menu brimming with signature dishes like Prawn Machboos. Meanwhile, the already popular sports hub Nezesaussi takes guests on an exciting culinary adventure through its menu, courtesy of cuisines from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

The hotel also houses the second outlet of the hugely popular Fümé, which first opened in the Dubai Marina neighbourhood.

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Stefan Viard, General Manager at Vida Hotels and Resorts, says: “We were impressed with the concept of the restaurant and the originality of its interiors, which complements the characteristics and feel of

The property combines elements of style, comfort and convenience to ensure that they’re able to make the most out of their visit, whether they are staying with us for work or play. For those in the region looking for

our property.” Spread across two floors and an outdoor space, Fümé offers a casual dining experience with a smoked food menu that blends European panache with distinctly North and Southeast Asian flavours.

Signé catches up with Stefan Viard, General Manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts, to find out more about Manzil Downtown Dubai:

a home away from home, or a ‘staycation’, we offer luxury within the warm surroundings of the hotel, infusing unique design combined with elements of Arabian hospitality. For international travellers seeking an authentic local experience, Manzil Downtown Dubai satisfies the criteria of contemporary design elements, Arabesque in-room amenities, and unique food and beverage offerings.

What inspired you to enter the field of hospitality?

You have a wealth of experience in the F&B sector. Do you

I was first exposed to the hospitality industry as a child. My grandfather was also a hotelier, so I was naturally curious about hotels in general. However, it was a first-hand experience when I was a student that was the turning point. I was given the opportunity to work at an event at one of the best five-star hotels in Cologne.

I was instantly attracted to the diversity and dynamic environment around me, and I knew that this was the industry that I wanted to fully explore. Travel opportunities, having the chance to work abroad,

plan to bring anything innovative to the table at Manzil Downtown Dubai?

We are lucky to have a very talented and creative Culinary Director, Spencer Black, driving our culinary team, which continues to push the boundaries and is constantly developing unique dining concepts that position us as leaders in the market. One of the greatest things about being in the hospitality industry is the opportunity to travel to various cities, and explore authentic concepts and culinary traditions. This

and discovering new cultures are definitely some of the things that continue to inspire me in hospitality.

is something that constantly inspires our team when brainstorming new concepts. It is also very important to offer different experiences within our food and beverage outlets to cater to the different tastes and dining requirements of our diverse clientele. Some of the most successful concepts that we’ve brought to the dining scene in Dubai include the VIDA Food Truck that brought gourmet street-style food to Downtown Dubai, the unique ‘nose to tail’ dining menu, and the launch of Dubai’s first Urban Picnic concept.

What efforts are being made to attract key audience to the Manzil Downtown Dubai?

The hotel’s strategic location, in the heart of downtown Dubai and within close proximity to key tourist attractions, combined with the unique boutique hotel concept has a strong appeal for our guests.

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You’ve worked at a host of properties worldwide. What are

is still a lot of room for development and growth. This is an exciting time for the UAE, especially with all the planning and infrastructure developments underway for the highly anticipated Dubai Expo 2020.

From initially being positioned as a destination for leisure travellers, Dubai has now managed to also establish itself as a key business and MICE destination with the organisation of successful annual exhibitions including GITEX, Arab Health and Arabian Travel Market (ATM), among others. All these events and exhibitions contribute to the overall growth of the business and MICE segment. This trend will continue to gain traction over the next few years, especially in the run up to the Expo and the realisation of Dubai’s Tourism Vision for

your thoughts on the Middle East’s tourism industry?

The hospitality industry in the Middle East continues to grow, and there

2020. Hotels across the city will continue to refresh and update their offerings to match the expected demand.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge faced by the hospitality industry today? How can it be overcome?

The main challenge faced by any hotel chain – whether it is locally, regionally or internationally – is to maintain relevance. We have developed in a short period of time, and our concept was something completely new to the market. Staying one step ahead of our competitors, constantly bringing our guests fresh and creative concepts, and staying true to our niche of Arabic hospitality is essential to our growth.

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HAVEN OF PEACE S PA Situated in the Melia Hotel - Dubai, is YHI Spa, a haven of peace and tranquility. The aroma, the essential products and the perfect ambiance make it a one of a kind spa. From beauty treatments to special massages, YHI has pioneered it all with expert therapists hailing from different parts of the world ensuring every minute detail of your treatment is taken care of and that you are having a good time. Their products are carefully selected ecological ones, which provide a healthy nourished skin. They also specialize in hydrothermal rituals that use water as an important and a healing element. At YHI Spa, the entire place is flooded with paths that lead to peace and harmony. All you need to do is to go with the flow.

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THE RIGHT TIME TO GROW BOUTIQUE Celebrating the 10th year of its Big Bang collection, Hublot opens its 10th boutique in the Middle East in the region’s largest and most visited shopping destination, The Dubai Mall. The grand opening witnessed some well known personalities from across the Middle East like His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, further reinforcing the special bond between Hublot and Dubai. The brand’s famous “Art of Fusion” resonates through the new boutique in Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium through the fusion of different materials and styles basking in a warm, welcoming ambiance. Contemporary reinterpretations of 16th-century mouldings, silver brushed oak floors and upholstered walls covered in silk-fabric, interspersed with black wood and chrome steel details complement the Italian hand-made contemporary furnishing, enhancing the lavish feel of the surroundings and matching the exquisite timepieces.

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INDULGE IN FUSION R E S TAU R A N T Roberto Rella’s third foray in the region, TRE located on the 49th floor of the Radisson Royal Hotel in the heart of Sheikh Zayed road is sure to give your taste buds an indulging treat. Design is a major aspect in TRE’s identity, with each floor telling its own story with spectacular views, sophisticated, chic interiors featuring designer furniture throughout. TRE offers traditional Italian cuisine with Mediterranean influences primarily. They showcase seasonal produce with a progressive and an innovative touch. The restaurant features a special Crudo and Oyster bar serving the finest raw seafood dishes along with freshly shucked oysters. Other signature dishes specially created by Roberto include the Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with White Truffle Sauce, Blue Cod with Artichoke and Purple Potatoes and Roberto Rella’s famed deconstructed Tiramisu.

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