Signe - Edition 14 by Signé

AED 30 KWD 2.5 QAR 30

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NINE DOORS OF ELEGANCE

INNOVATION BY HERITAGE IS KEY WORD FOR THE DESIGN DUO DOMENICO DOLCE & STEFANO GABBANA. WE DISCOVER THEIR LATEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE SARTORIAL INDUSTRY- ALTA SARTORIA IN MILAN

DUBAI WATCH WEEK

ORGANIZED BY AHMED SEDDIQI & SONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GPHG, DUBAI WATCH WEEK IS AN EVENT TO HONOR TIME. MS. HIND SEDDIQI TAKES US THROUGH A CELEBR ATION OF COMPLICATIONS

A BURNING PASSION

Cigar Tycoon - Carlos Fuente Jr. on an exclusive interview with Signé reveals his family legacy while discussing the latest collaboration with Hublot

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014 SARTORIAL DISTINCTION The Duke of Windsor is known for his unconventional attitude, be it towards his reign or his fashion sense. We reveal to you the secret legacy of the style icon

016 FASHION’S GENIUS Known as the trendsetter in the British fashion scene, Sir Paul Smith takes Signé through his inspirational journey – from modest endaevours to his future aspirations

019 THE LUSH LIFE The Al Barari residential estate has redefined exclusivity. Mohammed Bin Zaal, CEO of Al Barari, pledges to take his father’s dream to unimaginable heights

022 LONG DRIVE In an exclusive interview with Signé, Tumi’s new brand ambassador – Nico Rosberg talks about his travel aspirations, goals and what Tumi means to him

026 SIGNÉ MAN Beyond being an engineer and a lawyer, Sharaz Gill exhibits an unparalleled elegance. Living the ‘La Bella Figura’ life, his fondness for clothing oozes out of every glimpse

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030 NINE DOORS OF ELEGANCE In conversation with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana,Signé discovers the Alta Sartoria in Milan, opening the nine doors, one by one, to a world of bespoke chic clothing

038 THE AROMA OF EMOTIONS Conveying emotions through the art of perfumery is what Jacques Cavallier, designer of The Noir collection by Bulgari, finds pleasure in. We explore the depths of the emotional aroma he creates

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GENTLEMAN’S CUT Bridging two of the most popular tailoring legacies – British and Italain, the Signé Cut suit defines every gentleman’s aspiration, further excavating the areas of bespoke tailoring with Knights and Lords

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TIME TO HONOR TIME Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the patrons of horology in the region, partner with Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, bringing an event like no other for watch enthusiasts – the Dubai Watch Week

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From Gucci to Salvatore Ferragamo to Tod’s, Signé has selected some of the finest and most classic brands which when put together, give a perfect Gentlemen’s look

Breaking through the eccentric contemporary norms of jewelry, Shadya Suad, designer of Deema Oman, inscribes her patriotism in her line of fine jewelry

FOR HER

SPREZZATURA

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Philanthropy 06 42 0

062 A TIMELY CAUSE Partnering with Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, IWC launched the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation watch. A move to improve the well-being of disadvantaged children

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A BURNING PASSION

INTO THE FUTURE

Makers and sellers of one of the best Cigars in the world – Arturo Fuente, headed by Carlos Fuente Jr., strive towards excellence through every move. Rendezvous with Carlos Jr on the brand and their collaboration with Hublot

Intricate designs, relaxed ambiance and futuristic functions – is what the latest BMW 7 series is all about. Crossing every frontier of brilliance and uniqueness, the automotive brings envisaged future, closer to reality

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TIME TO ACCESSORIZE

KEEPING GOOD TIME

Signé, through an special photo shoot, explores the different dynamics of a gentleman’s grooming, wherein the only witness to the intricacies of his lifestyle is an exclusive timepiece

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A. Lange & Söhne is one brand, long known for producing exquisite timepieces, headed by Wilhelm Schmid. He discusses with Signé, the need of the hour in the watchmaking industry

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80 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

TRIBUTE TO LOYALTY

Synonymous with creativity and innovation, Jaguar completes 80 years of delivering exceptional cars and services to their patrons worldwide. We turn back each page into discovering their glorious history

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Panerai, a brand known for exquisite craftsmanship of timepieces, launches the Luminor Base Logo Acciai, paying a tribute to their loyal virtual family - the Paneristi

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La dolce vita 104

104 THE CUT-TING EDGE Wolfgang Puck’s CUT at the Address hotel is one of the rarest fine dining American restaurants in town, providing your taste buds, new hankerings

108 THE HEALING TOUCH SHA wellness spa has transformed the Spanish lands into a anchorage of tranquility. Combining natural therapies with western technology, the Spa provides what only visitors could imagine

110 HAUTE SOCIÉTÉ This is the month to explore with Signé. With one of UK’s premium stores – House of Fraser opening in the UAE, your shopping needs are taken care of. For our watch lovers, Franck Muller’s newly opened store is a must to visit. Once hungry, you may dine at Delphine, which brings contemporary Californian cuisine to the Arabian land

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SARTORIAL DISTINCTION

The Duke of Windsor steered towards the unconventional when it came to royal duties and his sense of style. Even during his short reign as the king, the stylish Duke was every bit as unorthodox in these respects

One of the world’s most expensive sets of cufflinks to be sold at an auction once belonged to the late Duke of Windsor. The pair of Cartier diamond cufflinks, dating back to 1935, was adorned with the letters ‘E’ and ‘W’ in carré cut diamonds – a symbol of one of the greatest love stories of the 20th century. The Duke knew how to dress well, and he carried his fashion-forward self with great aplomb through the good times and the bad. Born on June 23, 1894 as Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, the Duke was third in line of succession to the throne. He was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary, and, at birth, carried the title of HH Prince Edward of York. At the age of 17, Edward was officially named the Prince of Wales, after which he represented his father, the King of the United Kingdom, on several occasions. Edward ascended the throne as King Edward VIII soon after his father died in 1936. He was known for assuming an unorthodox approach to his new role when it came to matters of the government, related duties and even his personal style. He broke the coinage tradition that saw each successive monarch face in the opposite direction to his or her predecessor by insisting that he face left just like his father, the previous king, had done. It is said that he did this to show the parting in his hair. That said, he was the first-known monarch to become a qualified pilot and even created The King’s Flight, now known as 32 (The Royal) Squadron, to provide air transport for the Royal family’s official duties. As King Edward VIII, he was loved on

abdicate his throne. He had been courting Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American who had already been twice divorced. Soon enough, word of his decision to marry Simpson created quite a stir in the British Parliament. Neither was she of royal lineage nor from European origin. Realising that he had to choose between the Crown and the woman he loved, he abdicated within a little over ten months of his monarchy and was succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York, who became King George VI. The new king made his predecessor the Duke of Windsor. As the Duke, Edward performed some official duties in WWII, when he was appointed Governor and Commanderin-Chief of the Bahamas. He would go on to marry Wallis six months later in France and remain estranged from the royal family until recent years before his death in 1972. Much of the Duke and Duchess’s time was spent travelling or at home in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, where the Duke of Windsor was known to enjoy gardening. Even during his years as the Prince of Wales and King Edward VIII, the Duke was conscious of his public presence. But he was also known for his approach to style that was quite unlike any other member of the British royalty. He was a sharp dresser, whose unconventional sartorial sense remained constant even as he shifted from one title to the next. A 1960 inventory of the Duke of Windsor’s closet recorded 55 lounge suits, 15 evening suits and three formal suits, each of which had two pairs of trousers, and nearly 100 pairs of shoes.

of being just 5 feet 5 inches tall, the Duke experimented with prints and patterns – polka dots, ginghams, plaids and stripes – and most importantly, carried them off with impeccable grace. He wore ties and socks in a range of colours and prints, while his cufflinks were often engraved with his initials or those of his partner. The Duke of Windsor tied his ties in what is now known as the Windsor knot. It is said that he always made sure to request his tie-maker to cut them thicker than usual. He might have lived in France for the better part of his life, but the late Duke was a keen supporter of British clothing manufacturing, opting for Scottish tweeds over more modern fabrics. Between 1919 and 1959, he loved his suits cut to perfection by Savile Row’s Scholte, and often referred to his sense of style as “dress soft”, preferring his clothes to move freely. He was known to tweak the proportions of his clothes for style, comfort and convenience. The Duke’s jacket waists were set high to elongate his silhouette, while his pockets were cut wider only on the left side of his jackets to accommodate a cigarette case. He also liked welted pockets over pocket flaps. However, he favoured a more American cut when it came to his pants. The late Duke of Windsor remains a fashion icon well into the 21st century and still finds a place on almost every one of the world’s best dressed lists. He was once quoted as saying: “I was in fact produced as a leader of fashion, with the clothiers as my showmen and the world as my audience.” Indeed, the Duke embraced his unique sartorial sense, all the while taking on responsibilities when

home ground and abroad, but he was also the first monarch in British history to voluntarily

He followed the classic rules of fashion, but also paved the path for his own. In spite

he had to and enjoying the finer things of life when he could afford to.

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“I was in fact produced as a leader of fashion, with the clothiers as my showmen and the world as my audience.” DUKE OF WINDSOR

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FA S H I O N ’ S G E N I U S

FASHION’S GENIUS Sir Paul Smith may be an iconic pillar of the British fashion scene, but his reach as a renowned designer, businessman and trendsetter spans far beyond – across almost every continent and artistic discipline

Beverly Parera As a child, Sir Paul Smith never imagined that he’d enter the world of fashion, let alone take it by storm. The British designer, loved for his classic cuts with unexpected contrasts, dreamt of becoming a racing cyclist. A serious cycle accident en route to his job as an errand boy at the age of 17 left him with sustained injuries and months of hospitalisation. This incident might have put an end to his childhood ambition, but it also opened up a new door. “I literally fell into fashion,” Smith jokes. On his way to recovery, Smith would frequent a pub in his hometown Nottingham, where he encountered art students from various creative fields. He would also meet his future wife there. Smith soon left his warehouse job to manage a fashion store for the next six years, and eventually went on to open his own shop in 1970 with a small bit of savings and a great deal of enthusiasm. Smith largely credits his wife for his leap into the fashion world. “I met Pauline, who was a teacher at the Royal College of Art in London, at the same pub during my early days. She was really the person who taught me all aspects of fashion design – you know, how to construct clothes,” he admits, adding that he never formally trained as a designer. While Pauline initially designed menswear for their store, Smith took over later. “It wasn’t really a

Smith, then 24, having felt the need to earn enough to support his own shop, busied himself with designing, and working as a magazine stylist and photographer. “My dad was an amateur photographer, who taught me quite a bit about photography. He was also a very charismatic man and I can hopefully say that I inherited some of his communication skills. It was great because I had an all-round experience with more than just designing.” He would go on to show his designs in Paris under the Paul Smith label in 1976 and become the first designer to open a store on Covent Garden’s Floral Street in 1979.

Today, Paul Smith Limited is synonymous with attire that’s wearable and unique, all at the same time. The label sells in more than 73 countries worldwide through well over 100 owned shops, and enjoys cult status in Japan with a definitive presence at 200 stores in the

own style – unique and fashion-forward with ample ability to be deconstructed. There’s no denying the impact created by his casual take on the classic British suit. “From the early 1980s onwards, we started to relax the previously stiff and rigid suit. I think people

shop. It was more of a tiny room open only on Fridays and Saturdays.”

country alone. Whether it’s a traditional black men’s coat or a women’s jacket, elements like

love a Paul Smith suit because they can wear it however they want.”

colourful linings, unusual buttonholes and his signature bright stripes lend Smith’s clothes a quality that he likes to call “classic, with a twist”. “You always have to have a reason for people to buy your clothes. In my case, the reason, I suppose, is that there has always been this little talking point or surprise for them.” Paul Smith Limited is a self-financed, privately owned company that, unlike many fashion labels, isn’t owned by a larger group. This translates into spontaneity, allowing the London-based designer to incorporate his own sense of individuality into the clothes. Smith’s collections are more or less a reflection of his

“ You always have to have a reason for people to buy your clothes. In my case, the reason, I suppose, is that there has always been this little talking point or surprise for them ”

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FA S H I O N ’ S G E N I U S

Today, Smith informs us that he is wearing a simple, classic pale grey and white striped open-neck shirt with brightly printed inner cuffs, a jacket and a soft pair of Paul Smith trainers. This very suit, he says, can be worn with a shirt, tie and a pair of classic shoes, too. Like his previous collections, the Paul Smith Autumn/Winter 2015 collection for men is one to look out for. The runway collection obliged him to execute his creativity through Mao shirts, crew-neck knits, shaggy coats, silk scarves and striped T-shirts in autumnal shades like deep terracotta and amber. At the London

latest travel-friendly suit called ‘A Suit to Travel In’. It was a show that really hit home. “I used loose canvas inside so that the suit moves with you when you wear it.” Smith comes with a long list of distinctions and awards. He received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), making him only the second fashion designer to be awarded a knighthood. The London-based Design Museum showcased a glamorous show that spanned 25 years of his work, while the Royal Institute of British Architects awarded him with an honorary fellowship. Even his artistic collaborations go far beyond creating

designed a range of cycling clothing, dressed the Manchester United team, designed limited edition books and a one-off bespoke version of the Land Rover Defender. When it comes to Smith, one never knows what to expect next. But it’s clear that creative inspiration is never in short supply. “I’m a very curious person. You could say that I am childlike, always asking questions. I’m looking out of the window right now and I can see a lot of sunshine. I feel blessed. I’ve got great staff and good energy at the company. I’m interested in many things like the arts, architecture and travel. The least of my problems is inspiration

Collections Men’s fashion week, gymnasts showcased the creaseless qualities of his

fashion for men, women and children. He has published a book, released fragrances,

or the energy to keep going,” concludes the down-to-earth design legend.

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THE LUSH LIFE Mohammed Bin Zaal, CEO of Al Barari, talks about his family as a source of inspiration, the serene residential estate that his father created in Dubai, and what luxury really means to him

Precisely 15 minutes from the city centre stands the antithesis to the city’s cookie-cutter villas, bright lights and outrageously tall skyscrapers. Al Barari, the 18.42 million-square-foot development of high-end villas, apartments and amenities set amid a lush, green haven is one of the most celebrated real estate projects in the UAE. Al Barari, literally meaning ‘wilderness’, also happens to be the UAE’s lowest density development project with impressive ecofriendly credentials to boot. What’s even more intriguing is that the project has a heart and a soul. Envisioned by Emirati businessman and visionary Zaal Mohammad Zaal in 2005, the Al Barari group is run by his immediate family that resides on the property itself. Mr. Zaal’s firstborn son, Mohammed Bin Zaal, took over the reigns from his father as CEO of the company by the end of 2009, but not without going through the grind. Born in England, Mohammed graduated from the Royal Military College of Science at Cranfield University, UK, before studying business at the American University in Dubai. Even though he was roped in to set up Al Barari in 2005, where he worked as a sales executive for the first two years and sold

to do after graduating. Once I took on the role, I seemed to have a knack for it.” Referring to his son’s climb up the corporate rung, from sales executive to sales manager and then on to COO in 2008, Mr. Zaal, Al Barari chairman, responds: “Mohammed, at one point, really turned this company around.” One year later, as CEO, Mohammed helped establish the group of 16 companies across interior design, construction, travel, development and landscaping that Al Barari now runs. The Al Barari group has always been in the news for good reason, and patronised by dignitaries and the like, right from the time it announced its first development in 2012. The Reserve, Al Barari’s first set of high-end bespoke villas, fast became the cornerstone of luxurious and sustainable living. Seventh Heaven, apartments with one to four bedroom sky villas, penthouses, duplexes and garden homes, was said to have sold out within 48 hours. More recently, its award-winning Ashjar project – low-rise luxury apartments – opened up sales to rave reviews. The Nest, a collection of 99 exquisitely designed contemporary villas, opened for sale in April this year. About 80 percent of the estate is made up of vast expanses of greenery, freshwater

this literal oasis within a desert, learned to love gardening during his studies in England. “He has always been passionate about greenery,” says Mohammed. “As a child, I remember being very worried about stepping on the flowers in his garden! In 2001, he expressed his desire to start a plant nursery in Dubai,” he explains, adding that it is now the region’s largest privately owned nursery. Mohammed’s sister Kamelia Zaal, Al Barari’s creative director, is just as passionate about green spaces and can be credited with creating the estate’s lush botanical surroundings. “At the time, in 2001, she was studying landscape design and had just set up her own landscape architecture company, Second Nature. It all developed from there into this dream,” he explains. Initially, Al Barari had to import plants through its company Green Works and acclimatise them to the weather. Now, the nursery is selfreliant. “For instance, we have 10,000 trees from a single palm imported from Thailand.” Sustainability, eco-friendliness and sheer luxury bind every Al Barari project. Whether an apartment or a villa, each offers a sense of privacy and community, so much so that an apartment, say, in Seventh Heaven

property worth 800 million dirhams, he says: “To be honest, I didn’t know what I was going

streams, landscaped lakes and themed gardens. Mohammed’s father, the founder of

or The Nest, practically feels like a villa. “One bedroom in an apartment is almost

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THE LUSH LIFE

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2,000-odd square feet, which is huge for a bedroom! We wanted to offer the same elements of natural light and indoor gardens that you would see in an Al Barari villa. With only 150 apartments that sit within gardens, it’s exclusive. But they are meant for people who don’t have the need for a six-bedroom villa,” explains Mohammed. At the moment, Al Barari is shifting its view to the second phase that will open up this lush destination to the public. People will soon be able to stay at the hotel, work in the offices, shop at its retail destinations and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, all the while enjoying the verdant surrounds.

Al Barari is a passion for life. You walk into the gardens and you can hear water all around, the birds singing. The Farm, Al Barari’s gourmet restaurant, was created in the middle of a garden. While you enjoy your lunch, you can spot ducks, which come naturally because the water in the lakes is natural and chemical-free.” Mohammed, whose family members are his source of inspiration, explains: “They all drive each other to create this lasting legacy that my father started. If I need some inspiration, I go to my father, who is very creative.” His mother Lesley, with her flair for interior design and an eye for detail, founded

brother Hezaa is a senior sales consultant at the company, another sister Nadia spearheads her own real estate companies besides having lent a hand at Al Barari. For Mohammed, who oversees the working of the entire group, luxury is not something that’s crafted from gold – and neither does it have to be shiny. “Luxury is about the quality of life. I live at Al Barari and have my own garden where I grow my own vegetables. Every morning, I have breakfast outdoors, under a tree. I saw a deer walking around the garden the other day! That is my kind of luxury and that, too, in the middle of the desert. Living here, we can make sure that Al Barari’s upkeep

“My father once said that these projects are not brick and mortar, or steel and concrete.

Etcetera Living – Al Barari’s dedicated interior design company. While his youngest

is top-notch. This is not a business for us. This is our life,” he concludes.

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LONG DRIVE

Redefining the combination of classic and contemporary, Tumi adds another feather to its crown with Nico Rosberg, a renowned Formula 1 racing driver, officially endorsing the brand. Where the latter inspires the drive to win over your desires, the former makes sure you drive carefree. Nico Rosberg talks about his love for Tumi, his travel aspirations and leisure

Travel, discovery and living envisaged thoughts is what every man dreams about. However, finding the right travel partner to take care of all your belongings with much care is a task. Tumi does that all for you and not only do we say this but even Formula 1 champion - Nico Rosberg agrees to it. Tumi’s brand ambassador and a Global Citizen Candidate, Nico Rosberg, talks us through his travel diaries and fantasies. Sponsoring his Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team, Tumi has always been an integral part of his journey. How does TUMI help to make your trips easier? The hard suitcases are awesome, because everything stays in place and nothing breaks. The bags never break – they are really robust and that is great. And then there are the carry-on bags. They are really well optimised for travelling with all the extra pockets they have for the computer and everything. That’s all perfect and makes everything a lot easier. I am really looking forward to receiving my new TUMI hand baggage. What are your top packing tips? It’s all about organisation and preparing everything in advance. The most important thing I want to do which I never manage at the moment is to make a proper list at home, so that every time I travel I just need to look at the list and I know what I need to pack. Because right now, I am just doing it randomly and that is not good!

My favourite destination is Monaco because I am at home, so I am sleeping in my own environment in my apartment and nothing beats that. What does a day in the life of Nico Rosberg look like? It’s being at home in Monaco. Getting up early and taking my dog Bailey out, then going to the office for an hour or two where I have some communication with the engineers and do some personal work. After that I go back home, have lunch with my wife Vivian and Bailey at the beach. Then I take Bailey out for a walk after lunch and go back home to digest a little bit. I do my two hours of training in the afternoon, then in the evening, I just relax with Vivian and Bailey. I have Dinner at home and Vivian cooks something nice. We finish our day relaxing and watching some TV. Is there anywhere in the world that you are yet to discover? Yes, there are still a lot of fascinating places that I haven’t seen yet. The Galapagos Islands, South Africa, the Caribbean… all those places, for example. I am a bit tired of just travelling to places. What I would really like to do is some adventure travelling – a Safari in South Africa would be great. What has travelling the world taught you? There have just been so many interesting experiences, with so many different cultures. It really opens your eyes and is good for your personal development.

What is your travel routine? I always need stress to get ready and that isn’t really great. I never do it in advance – it is always last minute, so I have to work on that as well. That’s why I am always two minutes too late!

What are your two favourite TUMI bags and why? My favourite case is the hard suitcase. It’s just perfect – it never breaks, it looks good, it’s cool and it’s very light. And the other one is the

What’s your favourite destination for a race and why?

carry-on bag with my laptop inside and all the different pockets for my passport and everything. Those are the best.

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What does TUMI represent to you? TUMI is the art of travel equipment – good quality and really ahead of the times. The products are made from good materials and they’re really good-looking. You know, in my world everyone has TUMI – it’s just the most popular bag and the best! What does being a Global Citizen mean to you? It’s being at home in so many different places. I really feel that. I am at home in Germany and Monaco, in my Motorhome, wherever I travel for all the European races… that is what it means to be a Global Citizen to me. And also to communicate with different people in different countries. That’s what I would see as Global citizen – and travelling a lot, of course. What is the best piece of travel advice you can offer? Be well prepared for it and be organized. That’s the best travel advice – even if I need to work on that a little bit myself! What are five items you must have when you travel? That’s got to be my BlackBerry, my toothbrush, my passport, my IWC watch and my wallet of course. What city inspire you the most? For me, the most amazing places I tend to visit are cities like London

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and New York, there’s just so much to see and cool things to do in those places – it’s incredible. What or where would be your dream holiday or destination? Who would you travel there with? My dream holiday destination would be to go to South Africa. I would really like to go on a safari and then afterwards it would be cool to go and stay in Cape Town for a while. When you’re away, what is it that you miss most? The main things I miss are obviously my wife, my dog and my family. I also miss the general things about being home of course, things like my own bed, my couch and all those other home comforts. On a yearly basis, how often do you travel? We are travelling all the time with F1; it is just a relentless timetable. As such I try hard to be organised when I am packing my TUMI bags and remove as much of the stress as possible from the process. That makes a year’s travelling a lot easier. Is there anything you dislike about traveling? Sometimes it can be frustrating being away from home so much of the time, however it is all part of being able to do my dream job – so I wouldn’t change it.

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STYLE THAT MAKES AN ICON With his tie gracefully complementing his pocket-handkerchief, and his shoes walking his style in elegance, Sharaz Gill has an unprecedented take on personal style. A lawyer and an engineer by profession, Gill makes sure his outfits speak more about his dandyism than any words could articulate. He discusses with Signé his fondness for living the ‘La Bella Figura’ life.

Diksha Vohra It wouldn’t be untrue to say that the only way one can distinguish between a man who knows himself well compared to one who dresses to impress, is through his style and how he carries himself. Being unique is harder and thereby involves more effort, which in the long run, is truly worth it as others start identifying one for their fine and refined tastes. Sharaz Gill, our Signé Man, is one such person who has developed a style for him which goes far beyond the accepted aesthetics of sophistication and dignity. How and where did you develop your sense of personal style? I was born in the UK so my education began there. When the opportunity arose to travel to Paris for a year to participate in a postgraduate research programme, I jumped at the chance. Paris was where I first learned the joy of dressing well, eating well and generally living the life of a dandy, albeit on a very tight budget. I should add that my early fashion inspiration had come from the likes of Adam Ant –I was an Eighties fashion tragedy! Influenced by the young French BCBGs, it wasn’t long before I had invested in my first silk handkerchief, which I bought from a shop called “Old River” in Les Halles. I still have that handkerchief. I had finally found a look that I could relate more naturally to, and that was where my fondness for elegant clothes began. I always wanted to do something different. Hence, when I was offered a job at the European Patent Office in The Hague, I again seized the opportunity. My time in The Hague was also marked by an upping of the ante when it came to dressing, because I finally had lots of money to spend on clothes. Also, many of my Italian colleagues seemed to dress with effortless elegance and I was impressed by their style. That was when I first came across the famous Italian concept of “La Bella Figura. This encompasses not only dressing well, but also speaking well and treating others politely and generally living decorously, things that I had always

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unconsciously aspired to. I live by my own slightly anglicized version of “La Bella Figura. I try to live as graciously as I can and indulge my own view of the aesthetic. What are the various challenges you faced while establishing your particular brand/company? I remember my first day in the office at Skepsis. I had resigned from a steady, well-paid job, obtained start-up funding, and navigated the labyrinth of setting up a company in the UAE. Then it struck me: what if my whole business concept was flawed? So, the first challenge was actually mastering myself, and reminding myself that whatever the reality, I had to believe in what I was doing. The next big challenge that I encountered was dealing with entrenched ideas and risk averseness. I pitched to companies, which on any reasonable view, should have been only too eager to use my service. What I very often found was that I was talking to in-house lawyers who were reluctant to champion a new approach within their companies, just in case it didn’t succeed and it damaged their standing. Instead, they preferred to carry on operating in the same old way even though it was bad for their employers. What I thought would be straightforward turned out to be an exercise in dealing with more or less constant rejection. It was very humbling, and even depressing at times, but such experiences are good for the soul and definitely character building. People resort to your company to identify themselves with. Which are your favourite brands that you like to identify yourself with? My tailor in London makes all my suits. I would never buy an off-thepeg suit. I ordered my first bespoke suit in 1999, and ended up having to throw away all of my existing suits because I realized none of them fitted properly. In this sense, bespoke suits can be a bit of a nuisance: a good one will render your whole wardrobe obsolete and unwearable.

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The only brand that I really do like is New & Lingwood. Most of my ties, socks and, more recently, my shoes seem to come from New & Lingwood’s Jermyn Street shop. What I like most about New & Lingwood is that they blend English style with Italian fabrics and patterns. The results are distinctive and identify with my own aesthetic. The majority of my shoes come from Joseph Cheaney though. I am also fond of Creed. I wear “Himalaya” and not the more popular “Green Irish Tweed” or “Aventus” colognes. Again, I buy it because I

I really hate to see men matching handkerchiefs exactly to their ties. I also always wear my gold signet ring which has a lapis lazuli stone.

like the fragrance and not because of the brand.

through beautiful landscapes. I also enjoy going on holiday with my children. I like to take my younger children on sporting holidays such as those offered by Mark Warner or Club Med, and it gives me great pleasure to watch them learn new skills and make new friends.

What does a normal day in your life look like? When I travel west, I am usually awake very early because of the jetlag, so I do a high intensity workout, which means that I can keep my training times short. When I travel east, I work out in the evenings. I eat a high protein breakfast, usually lots of eggs. I also try to find green juices at juice bars. When I am in Dubai, my days are simple. I spend my days in my office in DIC dealing with emails and calls. If I am not too busy, I slip out to Raw Coffee in Al Quoz to get my daily fix. What does the world ‘passion’ mean to you? Are you absolutely passionate about something be it activities or some collectables? To me, ‘passion’ connotes emotion. In this sense, I would see it as undesirable because it introduces emotion into what may be important

How would an ideal vacation look like for you? I enjoy activity-based vacations. In recent years, I have rediscovered hiking, which I did a great deal of when I was boy growing up in Yorkshire. Nowadays, I like to go on a walking holiday in Europe with old friends every year. There is something exhilarating about walking

“ I certainly like to be well dressed and feel most comfortable when I am, but it is just a preference ” Which is your dream car and dream destination? As I said previously, I am not really passionate about things. However, I would quite like to own a Morgan Roadster. It is nicely retro and

decisions, and that is never a good thing. As a younger man, I can say that I was passionate about sports. In my twenties I played competition squash and I really loved the game. Unfortunately, I played to excess and had to give it up in my early thirties due to recurrent injuries. I certainly like to be well dressed and feel most comfortable when I am, but it is just a preference. I love reading and like to buy nice editions of my favourite books, but it is really the content of a book that matters to me, and not the binding or how rare an edition it might be. The only thing that I am truly passionate about is my children. They bring me so much joy and I am probably irrationally protective of them –as most parents are.

would go so well with most of my suits! It would be quite fun to drive too, I imagine. Equally, I don’t have a dream destination. I would like to go on an adventure holiday with close friends though. Something like a railway trip across India really appeals to me. I have always found India fascinating, and the railways are an effective way to cover the vast distances without being insulated from the daily life playing out around you. It would be nice to end up in Nepal and to trek in the Himalayas.

Things you will not leave your home without? I would have to say that the only thing I really wouldn’t leave home without (other than my trousers) is my SPF . I do like to smell nice too, so I rarely leave home without my Creed. Finally, while it pains me to say it, I have to take my phone. It has become a necessity in the modern world, unfortunately. In terms of accessories, are you fond of adoring yourself with something particular? While I may lack a passion for things, I do have a fondness for things. When I wear a jacket, I almost always wear a handkerchief. If I am not wearing a tie, it is a very nice way to add panache to an outfit, without being gaudy.

Lastly, if you had a chance to barter your position with that of someone else’s, where and whom would you like to exchange that with? This may sound smug, but I am actually very happy where I am. Naturally, I would like to be a little more certain about the future both professionally and at home, but who wouldn’t? Equally, I have made mistakes in the past, which I regret, but ultimately, they have made me the person I am today. No matter how successful I am in my life, I will always need a challenge to keep me sharp, and I doubt that I will ever really retire. That means that it doesn’t matter where I am in the world or what I am doing, I wouldn’t be much happier than I am today because I would still be need to be confronted with comparable challenges.

If I am wearing a tie, naturally I match the handkerchief to the auxiliary colour or colours in the tie. I am a bit compulsive about this.

The short answer is therefore that I wouldn’t want to swap my life with anyone else.

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One thing that your day is incomplete without…. A good cup of coffee –but only one.

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NINE DOORS OF ELEGANCE

NINE DOORS OF ELEGANCE Sporting a suit that entails of the finest designers working on your favourite fabric, ensuring your outfit conveys an integral aspect of your personality from every angle, is the dream of every man who knows his tastes. Redefining exclusivity, Dolce & Gabbana recently launched the Alta Sartoria at the Palazzo Labus in Milan for such men

As you walk through the urban streets of Milan into the lavish Palazzo Labus with an idea of desired clothing in mind, you witness an era of luxury manifesting right in front of you. Walking up the graciously carpeted stairs into the nine rooms of the exclusive boutique, an unparalleled array of fabrics, accessories and designs to choose from reveal themselves. Your wishes are then commands for the tailors who will not only provide you with information on each fabric, your style appeal and the current trends, but will also make sure the final outfit surpasses your expectations. That’s the charm of Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana met in 1980 and together they launched their eponymous brand Dolce & Gabbana in 1985, giving the world of fashion a whole new look. Evolving over time, Dolce & Gabbana’s newest advancement is the establishment of Alta Sartoria, a bespoke men’s collection launched at the Palazzo Labus. Inspired by his father’s legacy as a master tailor, Domenico Dolce decided to launch this collection, which in English translates to ‘high tailoring’. As the son of a Sicilian tailor, Dolce, who stitched his first pair of pants at the age of six, feels a deep connection to the craft-driven practices of his childhood home.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

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“our tailors listen to their most intimate needs and try to understand their pwersonalities. A good tailor has to create an outfit that enhances any body shape.” D OMENICO D OLCE

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In today’s contemporary world, we are witnessing a shift from ready-to-wear to bespoke. The term ‘bespoke’ is derived from the

of the building dates back to the 1960s but the structure, as we see it today, is the result of two restorations that took place during the 1800s

English verb ‘to bespeak’, meaning to speak for something or to give an order for it to be made. The reason for the shift is that where the former communicates the designer’s emotions and choices, the latter conveys the personality and lifestyle of the client. Hence, one has total control over the final product he is investing in, right down to its buttons, threadwork and accessories. Additionally, bespoke clothing requires a much more extensive process. The collaboration is initiated through a conversation with the client to determine preferences and appropriateness of colours. The will to distinguish oneself from others gave rise to bespoke tailoring wherein the piece you own is not owned by anyone else in the world. Alta Sartoria offers exactly this. One can walk into the Palazzo Labus and convey the image of an ideal piece to the tailor, who in turn will make sure each of those specifics are well taken care of. You can, therefore, direct the design of any outfit that your wardrobe includes – from pyjamas to corporate suits, with each piece communicating an emotion integral to your living. In addition, Dolce & Gabbana also offers a selection of fabrics from Baby Cashmere to Vicuna. This is something specifically unique to the Italian fashion house, being the first ever niche creators in the history of bespoke tailoring. Although everything in the collection can be customised, Dolce maintains that he wants the line to reflect the ethos of the Italian Dolce Vita. According to Gabbana and himself, the line is intended to convey craftsmanship, functionality and above all, uniqueness. Located in Milan, the Alta Sartoria boutique can be found in

and 2000s respectively. We take your through a tour of the nine rooms of this glamorous boutique.

the former Palazzo Labus that is made of three adjoining buildings overlooking Corso Venezia and a corner of Via Della Spiga. The origin

off to the fitting room. The suave combination of crimson and gold gives a relaxing yet majestic atmosphere to the space around. The décor grows

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Room 1 Small armchairs by Gio Ponti, a wood desk with glass top recalling the Ulrich style, palms by Rosanna Toso and a ‘four seasons’ golden carpet by Piero Fornasetti grace the room. A beautiful chandelier – one of three made by Poul Henningsen for the Danish Embassy – falls from the ceiling, giving the room a regal yet artistic appeal. The walls of the room are covered in frescos and pale yellow brocade, enhancing its overall look. Room 2 In different shades of green brocade, the walls here carefully shelter the antiques present in the room. When we enter, our attention gets diverted immediately to the brass chandelier by Rupert Nikoll that, in combination with the ingenious furniture, adds to the authentic yet contemporary look of the room. While our eyes move between admiring the chandelier and the furniture, our feet are cushioned by another original Piero Fornasetti carpet. Where the furniture exhibits a mix of traditional and modern art, the armchairs are a mix of Gio Ponti designs and those dating back to the 19th century. Room 3 After exploring the epitome of creativity in the first two rooms, we head

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further intimate with a neoclassic-style chandelier casting a soft light onto the room. Covering the huge walls are fabrics depicting mythical animals in gold over an elegant red backdrop. The chairs and desk designed by Gio Ponti ooze a sense of pleasure and unprecedented comfort.

brocade and a chandelier by Barovier&Toso, the space exhibits emotions of opulence merged with modesty. An exotic table by Paolo Buffa and chairs by Gio Ponti decorate the space further. On the other hand, the handmade trunks serve as a functional element.

Room 4 Originally a ballroom, this is easily the biggest room in the entire boutique. Embellishments of small angels playing instruments evoke the theme of the room. Where rich pearl lines the walls and gold coloured damask, the furniture is white in colour with gold leaf details, as customary of 19th century classic arts. Adding to the splendour of the room are three large chandeliers, designed by Toni Zuccheri for a grand Roman hotel.

Room 7 Here was a powder blue room with a calm and composed setting, implying serenity and harmony. A chandelier made of crystals of the same hue enhances this fitting room.

Room 5 Decorated with Gio Pontiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emblematic pieces such as the glass table and small armchairs, this room speaks more of refined elegance with just a tint of glamour. Originally designed for the Hotel Parco dei Principi, the imposing chandelier here is more than two metres in diameter. The Cammei carpet by Piero Fornasetti, as well as the table, was the result of the cooperation between Fornasetti and Ponti.

Room 8 We then come into the main accessories room. Featuring an important desk by Ico Parisi, armchairs by Gio Ponti and the Coromandel carpet by Piero Fornasetti, the room carries a cosy atmosphere throughout. Various handmade trunks enhance the beauty of this room, while also showcasing shoes and accessories. A chandelier by Paavo Tynell intensifies the serenity of the room.

Room 6

Room 9 Here is the last diamond on the crown of the Palazzo, the changing room. Decorated with pomegranate coloured fabrics accented by golden hues, the room gives the sartorial journey a classic royal ending. Finely hand-decorated trunks, the Sole table by Fornasetti

As we walk past, we find a room that has completely given onto the internal courtyard. With walls covered in Renaissance-era

and the FontanaArte chandelier not only acts as a decorative element but also transmits the warmth of this room.

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Exploring further the inspiration behind the boutique launch and the uniqueness of Alta Sartoria, Signé speaks to the founders and designers themselves – Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. What comes to mind when you think about sicily? DD: It’s my land. I came from there. It’s home, tradition, beauty, Anna Magnani and Luchino Visconti’s Leopard. It truly is a timeless land. SG: It’s the most special place in the world. It’s Italia. Italian fashion – how do you think an italian views it and how does it differ from that of a foreigner’s views? SG: Italian Fashion is a point of excellence for our country. It is what Italians know how to execute well, just like cars, furniture and food. My take on this is that we have plenty of skilled tailors and designers that support the craftsmanship of our country. I am unsure of what could be a foreigner’s take on this. What I witness when I meet with them is great love for and passion towards Italian Fashion, Milan and the boutiques. This can only make us proud. Made in italy…? DD: It’s us! It is something that has become a brand in itself! When you think of craftsmanship you think of Italy. SG: With Alta Sartoria and Alta Moda we go back to the roots, to the highest values of the Italian culture and tradition. Our intention is to enhance the craftsmanship made in Italy, the culture of handmade, the ‘botteghe’ – workshops – the tailors, the small producers, all those who live and work scattered around the country to bring our most special dreams to life. Alta Sartoria, a one of a kind concept and an act of bringing elegance to the men’s world. Can you take us through the origin of the concept and thinking behind? SG: It was a natural process born after the first Alta Moda seasons. Truth said, it was actually the husbands of our clients who started requesting bespoke tailored pieces. They were requesting special cuts, hand-painted prints and special linings. Therefore we decided to create a line specifically for them: a project that would become a dream for them too and that would become a means to express their creativity and project their hidden desires on special outfits as well as to have a work attire in line with their needs. DD: Our tailors talk extensively with the clients. They listen to their most intimate needs and try to understand their personalities. A good tailor has to create an outfit that enhances any body shape. Choice of the palazzo, décor and mood for Alta Sartoriacan you take us through the important details and the reasons behind the same? DD: Alta Sartoria was a dream we had for some time so, when thinking of a location where to launch our exclusive showroom, Palazzo Labus seemed to be the perfect frame to encase the world of tailoring. The

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building has a natural Italian elegance, which is the perfect match with the creations inside the Atelier. SG: We wanted a building that lived up to our dream. It took us some time but we eventually found it. It is within the broader Corso Venezia building that is home to our menswear boutique, the Martini Bar, the Bistrot and the Barbershop. We enclosed the whole of the Dolce & Gabbana men’s universe within those walls and now, with the floor dedicated to the tailors and reserved to the one to one Alta Sartoria appointments, we have concluded a long restoration process. We are very proud of it. Why a concept like Alta Sartoria is crucial for gentlemen SG: Men are rediscovering their vanities. They want to wear unique outfits that follow the proportions of their bodies and enhance them. Men, like women, have infinite desires and needs: the office jacket, the boat shoes and the party outfit. We even created caftans and robes specifically for the boat and of course silk or linen pajamas. How would you define bespoke clothes for gentlemen? Do you see a growing trend for bespoke clothes in menswear? DD: Certainly. In the past, the creativity and the possibility to dare was reserved to women’s collections while a man’s style was expected to be more rigorous. Today men have become a lot more self - conscious. They pay attention to details, they know what they want and they know the power of clothing. They are aware of the image they want to project to the outside world and we love to add a touch of eccentricity whenever we can. How best would you describe a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria man? SG: There is no definition of a ‘Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria Man’. It’s about free men with a personal style. His tastes are refined yet not standard. He is creative and likes to reinvent himself and his way of living. His tastes go beyond the common rules of luxury and all he does and wears is in accordance to his own sense of luxury and to his personal desire for pleasure. DD: He knows no half measures! Nevertheless he is able to easily shift eccentric styles to more sophisticated looks. Five Alta Sartoria essentials are? SG: Smoking jacket, pajama, coat, double breast suit and pinstripe suite. You travel a lot for inspirations, why is that? SG: Everywhere we travel is a source of inspiration. We capture all we see and all the experiences until suddenly they all mix together in the creative process. It is hard to say what each individual journey brings to the overall creative process. Certainly we want to create clothes that can satisfy everyone’s desires. Describe Dubai in one sentence SG: The land where things are possible DD: Tradition meets innovation in Dubai.

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THE AROMA OF EMOTIONS

THE AROMA OF EMOTIONS Today we yearn to witness the oriental meeting contemporary. Bulgari, the Roman jewelers launched such a creation back in 1992 when they introduced The Vert. In 2015, we are welcomed yet again to witness Black tea manifesting into a perfume. Signé converses with Jacques Cavallier, the innovative designer of ‘The Noir’ collection, Bulgari

Diksha Vohra Inspired by black tea, master perfumer Jacques Cavallier has had an extremely nuanced and refined palette of flavors to offer. The Eau Parfumee au The Noir unfolds its facets through oriental ingredients, which give it an intense and a thrilling personality, leaving a strong floral and woody touch on the skin. For Cavallier, it’s more of an intimate journey where each of his flavors communicates a particular emotion.

expectations, target audience, trends and much more. Then we work on a concept that the brand is focusing on following which we have a briefing session. In the briefing session, lots of amendments are made. Sometimes the fragrance created is not like what the brand has envisaged so we work on changing it the way they like. It takes about a year to launch a collection of perfumes which is enough time for us to evaluate our products and introduce only the best in the market.

Perfume creation is an art. What inspired you to take this up

How and when did you liaise with Bulgari? How has the

as a career? Many things inspired me to take this up as a career. I am a man of emotions and I felt the need to communicate my emotions through my work and that is how I entered this industry. I am an artist who gets inspired by nature like the sky, flowers, people and much more. Hence each of my fragrance represents an emotion or a combination of emotions.

journey been with them so far? I started working with Bulgari 20 years ago. I actually work for the LVMH group and from time to time I have liaised with Bulgari, which has lead to strengthening my bonds with their team. The first scent I had launched for Bulgari was ‘Bulgari Pour Homme’ in 1995. It was then that Bulgari first launched a collection of men’s perfumes and since I started with them, our relationship got very strong. Later we created Aqua Pour and then the White Tea together. One thing I absolutely admire about Bulgari is their hard working team. It is very easy to communicate a concept to them and work towards it. Their team is actively involved in checking the quality of the perfumes. I am also a big admirer of their jewelry collections as they are really unique in the world of luxury.

What was the first fragrance you created and when? I created the L’eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake in 1992. Since I was very young then, I didn’t know much about the perfumery world. I owe a great deal to Miyake for taking time out and training me in this field. He also gave me an opportunity to create a perfume based on a concrete concept. That’s when I created the L’eau d’Issey based on the concept of tea. Please tell us more about the art of perfumes – how do you decide which fragrance to create, the process, the challenges and the final launch. It is a very simple process. So we start

What according to you makes Bulgari perfumes unique? Bulgari is not targeting everybody and that’s what makes it unique. They target the trendsetters. They believe in being unique and then being popular. They propose their collection and let the client choose what he likes to purchase. Innovation

with discussing the concept with the respective brand in terms of their

runs in their blood and hence working with them is always a delight.

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Tell us more about some of your perfumes for men. The first fragrance I created was with the wood, which at that time was a very innovative concept. It is still very successful. Then I created the Aqua collection with some very sophisticated flavors. Further, I created Bulgari Men in Black, which too was received very well. In each perfume I work on, I make sure it isn’t vulgar but very simple and classy. I don’t target highly intellectual men but those who only want to convey some emotions through their personality. How have the men received your perfumes? In this context, I would rather let others put forward their opinions. I have overheard people who try my perfumes say it is fresh and unique which does justify my purpose of creation. The increasing sales bars further indicate that our collections have been received well.

I was deeply inspired by the black tea so the purpose of the creation of the collection was to make its scent a part of our clients’ lifestyle. For me, black tea does not mean darkness but depth and freshness. I, then, envisioned a black tea perfume and went to China to smell some of the finest black teas. From the different varieties available, I selected a few and brought them to France. I started off with a basic black tea concept and added my own variations to each and proposed different types of those to Bulgari where they selected one. The wood used in the perfume is Agar wood, which I specially source from Dubai. The unique combination of Aga wood with black tea gives a smoky effect and adds depth to the perfume. The final version was introduced after a year’s of hard work. I intended creating something that is both modern and classy but not aggressive. Are you working on any other collections?

In terms of your Noir collection, what was the initial idea behind its conception?

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I am always working on new collections but I will let time reveal these to you.

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GENTLEMAN’S CUT

GENTLEMAN’S CUT The inimitable Signé Cut pays tribute to two of the most sought-after tailoring methods – British and Italian. By fusing two very classic cuts using a subtle alchemy, a Signé Cut suit bestows the discerning gentleman of today with contemporary sartorial flair

If there’s one thing that the British and Italians share in common, it’s a well-cut suit. While the cut of a suit originating in England noticeably differs from that of an Italian suit, it stands true that both countries come with a strong heritage in style and all things bespoke. The traditional British customised suit rose to popularity in the 19th century, particularly on Savile Row, where tailors set up shop and inevitably gave birth to the quintessential British suit. In 1860, King Edward VII was said to have placed a custom order with one of Savile Row’s best – Henry Poole & Co – for a tailless smoking jacket cut from fabric traditionally used for the more formal tailcoat. Today, this street in central London’s Mayfair remains the preserve of the highest excellence in tailoring. While the double-breasted suit is undoubtedly an invention of the British, it is the single-breasted suit – with a single row of buttons down the front – that is often referred to as the classic British suit style. Set apart from other forms by its contoured and fitted look, the traditional British cut harks back to its origin in the practice of hand-cut, made-to-measure suits from Savile Row. You’ll notice that the armholes of a traditional British suit are

two- or three-button style, usually positioned high. They have two side vents and use a medium gorge line. British suits feature a stiff chest canvas, lightly padded shoulders and heavier cloth, awarding more structure to the jacket. Trousers are generally cut with a high waist and feature two or three pleats. This iconic cut is favoured for business suits, especially for those with an average physique. Many men find that the British cut helps to minimise their width and accentuate their height. Reason being this style is far from boxy, but that’s not to say that it is exceptionally slim. Very slim suits that offer a highly tailored silhouette are distinctly Italian. Like Savile Row’s tailors, Italian tailors cut and sew every pocket, sleeve and lapel by hand. The history behind the ‘Made in Italy’ suit dates back to 1850 when Giovanni Castangia opened Italy’s first tailoring atelier in Cagliari. Even today, the suitmaker Castangia is lauded for its precision-cut suits that carry the embroidered royal warrant issued by the Savoy family. Much later, in 1952, the celebrated fashion house Brioni showcased the Italian cut at the world’s first men’s fashion show, taking it to new heights – even in America. Today,

higher for a closer-fitting sleeve. The shoulders are narrow and defined, while the waist is nipped-in and tapered. British-cut jackets come in a

the Italian cut is revered in Italy and beyond, and it is still a given that tailors take years to master the art of this clean cut.

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The Italian cut is typified by a close cut and lightweight construction. Single-breasted with two buttons, the jacket has small, high armholes and squared, high and fully-padded shoulders. You will not see vents on the back of an Italian suit, neither would you spot pocket flaps. An Italian suit, known for its extreme tapering or suppressing of the waist, has a tight-fitted chest. Paired with tapered, low-rise trousers, the Italian-style suit is associated with a well-fitted silhouette. Having said that, both British and Italian suits are acclaimed

cannot really call it a respectful drape cut in the truest sense, unless it has been cut directly on the fabric. In essence, for a suit to be in tune with the ‘eye of bespoke’, it would be natural for those tailors who have mastered the drape cut to follow Scholte’s hallowed ritual. The drape cut method of suit making comprises of cross-cutting, or the tailoring technique of cutting the suit against the grain of the fabric in a diagonal manner. The idea behind this cut, employed in a Signé Cut suit, is to allow the fabric to drape over the wearer’s curves,

across the world. Think of the British cut, and it’s hard not to imagine an impeccably groomed gentleman stepping out of a Savile Row atelier in a classic-cut suit. Then there’s the chap wearing a sleek Italian suit baring a bit of his ankles. Exuding a certain joie de vivre, he is a picture of effortless grace with a modern touch. The Signé Cut, the result of the alchemy between these two distinguished cuts, is the union of Savile Rowtrained tailors Knights & Lords with Signé of Italian orientation. To put things into perspective, this cut achieves an exemplary balance between the smoothness of the Italians and the stately charm of the British.

thereby enhancing his physique while concealing his flaws. Favoured for its comfort and ease of movement, it’s no wonder that the drape cut remains a highly coveted silhouette. This incomparable cut lends the jacket a fuller chest and a slightly flared hip with the midriff area taken in at a single central point for a fitted, slim outline from the sides. It also consists of a larger sleeve head that is eased into a smaller armhole by creating micro-pleats in the inner area by hand. This is why drape cut suits command an immense ease of arm movement, giving many men good reason to wear them for hours on end throughout the day.

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FIN ER D E TA ILS

Like traditional Italian and British suits, a Signé Cut suit is handcrafted using such tailoring methods as the drape cut, and incorporating such elements as the barchetta breast pocket, con rollino shoulders, and detailed lapel holes and sleeve buttonholes. The drape cut comes with a notable history. It was invented by the legendary Frederick Scholte of Savile Row’s highly venerated tailoring house, Anderson & Sheppard. When it came to the cut of a jacket, Scholte – King Edward VIII’s tailor from 1919-1959 – was known to attain the perfect balance between the shoulders and waist. What’s more is that he was known to cut the suit’s initial pattern for a client directly on the fabric without the need for a paper pattern of the client’s measurements. At the time, there were just a handful of tailors who could perform this commendable task. Adding more intrigue to this precious fact is a ritual that Scholte was known to perform before he laid down the fabric for cutting. With

A Signé Cut suit is all about the details – some subtle, others more noticeable. The shoulders of a Signé Cut suit are constructed by first measuring the angle of elevation of each shoulder separately. After all, rarely are both shoulders of the human body symmetrical. The padding is done as lightly and minimally as possible so that once the suit has been donned, the shoulders appear as naturally even as can be, even though they might not be so in reality. The sleeve of the jacket is attached to the shoulders by slightly raising the ends while simultaneously creating random pleats during the process of hand stitching. The outcome is a pleated roped effect known as the con rollino, which is as appealing to look at as it is to experience it. The breast pocket of a Signé Cut coat is cut in a curved, angular manner to resemble the shape of a small boat. Known as the barchetta pocket, it is a signature element of Neapolitan tailoring and serves to

closed eyes, he would seek guidance and inspiration from his third eye, which he referred to as the all-seeing ‘eye of bespoke’. Even today, one

accentuate the wearer’s chest. A Signé Cut suit’s lapel hole takes into consideration the fact that this jacket element remains one of the

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The drape cut method of suit making comprises of cross-cutting, or the tailoring technique of cutting the suit against the grain of the fabric in a diagonal manner

most significant features of a bespoke suit. Here, too, the lapel hole is completely done by hand by placing a slim wired thread in the shape of a lapel hole and then alternating the stitch – one over the wire and one under the suit fabric. The outcome is a slightly elevated and more

breast pocket edge and sleeve seam. Maintained at exactly 0.15cm from the edge across all these suit elements and then checked under a 10x lens, it is subtle detail, no doubt. It is also one of the most prominent traditional symbols of a handmade bespoke suit. However, this detail

prominent lapel hole that maintains the gaps between the stitches to a minimum so as to give it a smoother look and feel. One is free to match the lapel hole to the suit colour, or to choose an alternative colour that matches the lining of the suit. Kissing buttons, the small but distinct feature of a Signé Cut suit sees the careful placement of buttons on the sleeves in a slightly overlapping manner with buttonholes that are slanted. Interestingly, the first buttonhole and button thread are done in a different colour, shining some light on the personality of the wearer, albeit in a subtle manner. The idea is to nonchalantly leave the first button undone. Meanwhile, ‘surgeon’s cuffs’, also known as ‘working cuffs’, are an intrinsically English tradition in the world of bespoke suits. While the peak lapel is generally associated with double-breasted suits, it has now found a place on the single-breast Signé Cut suit. It is indeed a challenge to cut a good peak lapel for a suit of this sort, and this is especially so in the case of a fairly large lapel. But one cannot underestimate the power and force that a well-cut peak lapel exudes. Drawing attention upwards and accentuating the wearer’s chest, wide peak lapels – when worn well – showcase the wearer’s leadership prowess.

isn’t just about making a Signé Cut suit look dapper. The precision and perfection with which this delicate detailing has been executed naturally triggers elements in the mind of the wearer at a very subconscious level that makes him strive to achieve perfection in all actions in life.

SH A R P D R ES S PA N TS Finally, a Signé Cut trouser is all about maintaining a clean and clutterfree look. It is for this reason that the trouser features side fasteners that do away with the need for a belt. The inner area of the trousers is embedded with a special fabric at the centre. Called a snugger, this fabric ensures that the trouser gets a good enough grip on the shirt, which in turn makes sure that both the trouser and the shirt stay put. Like the trousers of an Italian suit, the bottom of a Signé Cut trouser is narrow, making the wearer appear a tad slimmer. The bottom of the trousers is also cuffed up, lending a traditional flair to this sleek, modern pant style.

B ESPO K E A N D B E YO N D

The coat of a Signé Cut suit is completely canvassed by hand using a single thread and the chain stitch method of stitching. This technique gives the fabric form, permitting the thread stitch and canvas to move with it. With repeated use, the canvas threads loosen and take the shape of the

Handpicked by the wearer from a range of options, the lining of the jacket is cut in the signature curved ‘S’ style of Knights & Lords, making it a symbol of the drape cut’s curved silhouette. The lining also features a border of a different colour, creating a distinct statement that highlights not only the suit fabric, but also the fabric of the lining. Taking the bespoke process up a notch is the option of having the

wearer’s body over time. Simply put, the suit fits better as time goes by. A fine hand-stitched detail runs on the suit’s gorge, lapel, pocket flaps,

wearer’s name or initials embroidered in a place and colour of choice inside the suit.

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Milanese Buttonhole

Slanted Ticket pocket

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Con Rollino Shoulder

Slanted Buttonhole

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GENTLEMAN’S CUT

Delving deeper into the art of bespoke tailoring, Signé’ meets with the founders of Knights & Lords - Pawan and Ashish, who are trained in the Savile row, bringing their expertise in british tailoring to Dubai.

Which kind of men, in your opinion, is bespoke tailoring meant for? It is for those who wish to preserve the supreme culture of being a true gentleman, who alongside doing justice to his true life purpose also

When did you decide to enter the world of tailoring? Our family holds a tailoring legacy for many generations now, and our father wanted us to take our skills to the next level and study the craft of bespoke tailoring where it all originated, Savile Row. We decided to learn from scratch and got ourselves a placement as apprentices on the Row. After successfully mastering all the necessary techniques, we realised there was something about bespoke tailoring that went beyond providing suits of superior craftsmanship – you were meant to shoulder the responsibility of spreading awareness of it in different parts of the world. We decided to start our own venture in Dubai to achieve our higher purpose in life as bespoke tailors.

considers it his duty and responsibility to dress like who he wants to be. It is this thought process that will constantly make him evolve through the different phases of life.

What was the inspiration behind it? Our tailoring house, Knights & Lords, was formed to remind today’s decision makers of the importance of having gentlemanly attributes and preserving the traditions left behind by the nobles of yesteryear. It crafts the true armour – bespoke suits – required for any man who seeks to make his mark in this new age battleground with his ideas.

What made you enter the Middle Eastern market? The Middle Eastern market is creating history by moving ahead with successful developments in every field at a rate that knows no boundaries. This region has an innate sense of longing to be the best in everything it does. It is a movement that is completely in line with the bespoke philosophy, which is to evolve through continuous improvement. We saw ourselves reviving the bespoke culture here in the Middle East in a manner that will remain an integral part of its history in the future.

Considering the West witnessed a shift from ready-to-wear to bespoke a while ago, Dubai is still experiencing a gradual shift. How much potential does this market have for your kind of work? Not only are more people opting for bespoke suits, but we’ve also seen Bespoke is an overworked word. What does it mean to you? several clients with a mature grasp of the craft, knowledge of the details Apart from being an item that has been made especially for you with they wish to embed into their customised suits, and a clear understanding precision and perfection, it is actually a state of mind. of fabrics. Seeing this in a nascent market like Dubai To some, bespoke is a means of reaching their full tells us what the future holds for us. We see the city Knights & Lords potential within the corporate world while for others, having the potential in the near future to shift away Shop 20, 1st Floor, it is a fantasy that has come into existence. To us, from ready-to-wear in such strong numbers that it will Al Fattan Shopping Center, bespoke is simply what propels you to arrive at your destined door of life’s unknown pleasures.

JBR - The Walk

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hopefully become feasible to have specially assigned places dedicated solely to the bespoke industry.

“ To us, bespoke is simply what propels you to arrive at your destined door of life’s unknown pleasures.” PAWA N A N D A S H I S H

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TIME TO HONOR TIME

TIME TO HONOR TIME The renowned horology experts, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons partner with Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) for the first annual Dubai Watch Week. To be held this October, the event will open new avenues for the owners as well as appreciators of exclusive and innovative timepieces

Diksha Vohra Right from the thin ticking needles, to artistic dials, to exotic metal straps, it is all-new and unique, waiting to be discovered by your eyes and honored through adoration. This too, is just an infinitesimal definition of what one will experience during the Dubai Watch Week.

patronage of the City and State of Geneva. However, it was officially established as a foundation in 2011. By annually highlighting and rewarding the excellence of contemporary watchmaking creation, the GPHG enables an international audience to follow the evolution of this art through

Chairman of Seddiqi Holding – Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi affirms, “Dubai Watch Week (DWW) is being established as a leading platform for education, debate and discovery into the world’s most innovative and covetable timepieces.” Mister Calo Lamprecht, president of GPHG Foundation

Join us through this immaculate journey of discovery into the world of fine watchmaking where some of the finest creators, founders and appreciators come together to celebrate innovation in watchmaking. Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in partnership with The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), have announced the inauguration of Dubai Watch Week (DWW), the first and largest dedicated horology event, to take place in Dubai from the 18th to the 22nd October 2015. The event is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The brand synonymous with timepieces in the UAE, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has thrived to become the largest retailer of luxury timepieces in the Middle East. Their passion for luxury Swiss Watches, which is deeply embedded in their family legacy, gets another channel in the form of the Dubai Watch Week.

a competition. Held in the autumn of each year in Geneva, the competition is open to all brands that have launched innovative watches throughout the year, awarding the best-recognised honours in the field. Interestingly, a travelling exhibition is also organised post the awards where the watches pre selected for the GPHG as well as the winners take part. This travelling exhibition invites people to discover and admire the finest timepieces of the year. The exceptional union of them all is one that doesn’t deserve to be missed. Celebrating the history, innovation, dedication and master craftsmanship, the Dubai Watch Week aims to engage established and emerging watch collectors, both regionally and internationally. In this exclusive event, presented through a cultural and educational platform including the GPHG exhibition, workshops and forums, the event will be witness to a global event celebrating and honouring the art of watchmaking. Both Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and GPHG

is also overwhelmed by the tribute that Dubai and the Middle East pay to the watchmaking industry.

The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) was created in 2001 under the

are elated at their alliance and looking forward to the Dubai Watch Week. The Vice

is the only globally recognized Independent International Awards for excellence dedicated

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Ms. Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, the Chief Marketing Officer of Seddiqi Holding, talks about their collaboration and the Dubai Watch Week in a special interview with Signé. Dubai Watch Week is the first of its kind in the region. What made you launch this concept? In 2013 we hosted the first GPHG tour in the Region, and the feedback from the industry experts and connoisseurs was amazing. Since then, we have been working on the idea of creating a dedicated horology event that will provide collectors and watch enthusiasts, an opportunity to get a deeper knowledge of the watch industry through a cultural and an educational platform. How did this collaboration with GPHG come about? The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)

Ms. Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, the Chief Marketing Officer of Seddiqi Holding

to the art of watchmaking. The main objective of the foundation of the GPHG is to contribute to promoting the Swiss watchmaking industry and its values around the world and our partnership with GPHG is based on mutual respect and appreciation for the watch industry. Has this concept of a watch week in association with GPHG been done elsewhere? The Dubai Watch Week is the only event of its kind with programs that include exhibitions, forum, watchmaking master classes and private talks with brand owners and this is the first time that GPHG has participate in an event of this magnitude. Please tell us more about the event – the activities during the event and what special are you doing for our watch enthusiasts.

Our program highlights include the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) exhibition, Rebels of Horology exhibition, Art of Horology Forum and the watchmaking master classes. We are currently working on the details of the program agenda, which will be posted on our website. Why is Dubai ideal for such an event? Dubai has been at the heart of trade throughout history due to its strategic location between Europe and Asia. The UAE is among the top 10 Swiss watch importers in the world, making Dubai one of the most important watch markets in the Middle East. Over the past 65 years, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has had the pleasure of advising and The Dubai Watch week will be held from the 18th to 22nd October 2015

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expanding the local watch collectors and as a result, Dubai has attracted an extraordinary selection of brands and unique pieces that have fascinated the attention of international buyers. Due to its strategic location, Dubai has also been chosen as the ideal destination where most of the watch brands have established their regional offices. What is your vision for the future of watch collectors in Dubai? Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has been regarded as the curators of time due to our rich history and association with the Swiss watch industry. Over the past decades, we have seen some of the most important watch collectors and buyers emerging from the region. The UAE collectors are among some of the most mature in the region and we believe that Dubai has a major role to play in expanding the proportion of watch collectors in the Middle East.

SPREZZATURA WORD: SPREZ·ZA·TU·RA PRONUNCIATION: /ˌsprɛtsəˈt(j)ʊərə / sprāt-tsä-ˈtü-rä DEFINITION: rehearsed spontaneity, studied nonchalance and well-practised naturalness

Polo Ralph Lauren FW 2015/16

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SHARP BUSINESS 1. Salvatore Ferragamo : Scarf 2. Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Chronograph : Watch 3. Bally : Bag 4. Berluti : Wallet 5. Salvatore Ferragamo : Belt

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Gucci FW 2015/16

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PREPPY 1. Salvatore Ferragamo : Cufflinks 2. Gucci : Lapel Pin 3. Tod’s : Document Bag 4. Salvatore Ferragamo : Belt 5. Berluti : Shoes

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Giorgio Armani FW 2015/16

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2 3

SARTORIAL ELEGANCE 1.Gucci : Sunglasses 2. Franck Muller : Watch 3. Prada : Bag 4. Christian Louboutin : Shoes

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Giorgio Armani FW 2015/16

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INTELLECTUAL STYLE 1.Salvatore Ferragamo : Scarf 2. Montblanc Blue Hour LeGrand : Fountain Pen 3. Salvatore Ferragamo : Cufflinks 4. Tod’s : Pen Case 5. Berluti : Bag 6. Santoni : Shoes

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KIEHL’S MEN’S PRODUCTS 1. Body Fuel All-In-One Energizing Wash 2. Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm 3. Facial Fuel Heavy Lifting Eye Repair 4. Oil Eliminator - Moisturizer 5. Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub

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MR PORTER 1. DR Harris : Shaving Set 2. Baxter of California : Grooming Set and Bag 3. Foreo luna : Cleansing System 4. Byredo : Gypsy Water Eau De Cologne 5. Byredo : Mister Marvelous Eau De Cologne 6. The Laundress : Sport Detergent

Available exclusively at www.mrporter.com

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FOR HER

ADORNING INHERITANCE

Where contemporary jewellery has taken the market by storm, Shadya Suad is one such designer who presents an intricate line of high-end jewellery in which contemporary style is seen amalgamating gracefully with her heritage. In conversation with the talent behind Deema Oman design house, we explore her patriotism and willingness to establish a connection with the past

Diksha Vohra Traditional Omani jewellery has been unveiling the story of its rich culture and history from time immemorial. Today’s world, however, witnesses a shift in jewellery preferences from traditional to modern. Hence, the sand of modern trends has covered the surface of traditional inheritance where the latter is gradually losing its identity. Shadya Suad, through her jewellery and other homeware articles, tells the story of their art and relationship with women today, thereby uniting them with their roots. You won the Super Achiever of the Sultanate. How did the journey start and what inspired you to take up jewellery as a career? With the local women entering the working industry, it became highly impractical to wear traditional Omani jewellery during the day. Gradually, its use drifted from being a part of the day-to-day outfit to becoming restricted to important social events such as weddings and Eid celebrations. As time progressed, many Omani women refrained from wearing their authentic jewellery due to its size, weight and much more. To preserve our heritage from fading out, I felt it was my duty to encourage modern-day Omani women to revert to our culture. I also felt the need to promote our culture to women of different backgrounds within and outside the Sultanate. Thus, the concept of Deema is to create a common ground of intercultural artistic tranquillity between traditional Omani jewellery and the latest trends in the exalted international jewellery markets. Were you interested in jewellery since childhood or did you gradually develop a passion for it? My passion for arts and design goes back to my school days. As a schoolgirl, I was naturally attracted to anything related to arts and design, and it was my dream to join an arts programme right after graduating from secondary school. Instead, I specialised in an area that has no connection with art and design, ironically ending up in the world of numbers and numerical analysis. Although I undertook different exciting roles in the area of finance, my passion for art and design did not shy away. Therefore, I sporadically continued to follow

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my passion by taking up various art works like painting, home design projects, and eventually into jewellery designing and making. The Middle East did witness a lack of original and contemporary jewellery. What were the various challenges you faced while making Deema a successful brand? I could group the challenges into two types – industrial and marketrelated. The jewellery making industry in our region, in my opinion, is still premature. Thus, we have been facing problems with finding the variety of materials needed and, if at all, we find some interesting stones, the cost would be unjustifiably expensive. Additionally, in the absence of skilful workers and workshops, making jewellery locally at the standards set for Deema was a challenge. Then, comes the market. Building up market trust at the start was something that we had to extensively invest in. Nonetheless, gaining international recognition through publications and invitations to prestigious events like the celebration of 150 years of the life and legacy of Sir Henry Royce in 2012 greatly helped. Deema was selected and used for the cover page of the November 2011 issue of British jewellery magazine Jewellery Focus. This was also of a great advantage. In addition to jewellery, what else do you design? We originally started as jewellery designers, however, with the increasing market appetite for other Deema products, the house revealed its fine dining tableware collection for the first time to the public during mid-2011. Unique chinaware sets are commissioned by the house’s clients to meet their unique requirements for customised features, and represent limited edition issues. Moreover, in 2013, a new line that is aimed for designing sophisticated high-end corporate gifts was introduced. Is there someone whose work inspires you in the jewellery industry? Considering the fact that Deema has been developed as a high-end brand, following new works of international jewellery giants like Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Bulgari, Chopard, Buccellati and Graff

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FOR HER

The concept of Deema is to create a common ground of intercultural artistic tranquillity between traditional Omani jewellery and the latest trends in the exalted international jewellery markets

was imperative. One should learn from these accumulated experiences without copying their work. Van Cleef & Arpels, however, does inspire me. I feel we very much think alike. I love jewellery with stories, jewellery that relates to nature and pretty much everything surrounding us.

certain colour combinations that you go for or favourite looks that you like to carry? White in its different shades has always fascinated me, and I would combine it with beige and any of the pastel colours. When in the mood for a dash of colour, I would look for purple, lime green and red.

How does your brand stand out from others? Deema is known for its exclusive designs, highest quality, and excellent craftsmanship that reflects the essence of luxury. Combining all these with the culture and heritage of Oman made Deema a highly soughtafter brand. Its products became desired gifts, proudly given to official, high profile visitors to the Sultanate of Oman e.g. heads of states and other important personalities. Since art is a form of expression, do you take conscious care of how you look and express yourself to others? Well, when it comes to my personal look, I tend to dress up how I feel comfortable. However, when it comes to the brand’s products and its image, following the guidelines is a given. It is important for Deema to be consistent in the way we portray the brand’s image and its messages to the marketplace. This means everything has to match market needs e.g. quality of the designs and finishing, packaging, marketing materials and tools, strategies, pricing, etc. In other words, show, in a consistent manner, how Deema is the solution to its market desires.

Which are some of your favourite fashion brands? There are many that I admire, but I’m more attracted to Dior, Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta and Elie Saab. In terms of leisure, what is your favourite holiday destination? Istanbul would be my absolute choice… the city that connects the east to the west, and offers many cultures in between. In addition, I find its rich history, the breathtaking architecture, and the arts on the walls of mosques very inspiring. I love the colours in the Grand Bazaar too. Istanbul is magical! After a hectic day at work, where do you like to spend a casual evening? At any decent spa for relaxation and indulgence, then end my day on a couch in my quiet living room, watching a light movie.

What is your usual sense of style like? I am always after comfort, so I tend to go for sleek, chic and timeless fashion with more neutral and calming colours. Having said that, it does not mean that I hate colourful garments. I do sometimes go out of my comfort zone and wear colourful outfits but in limitation. In contrast, when it comes to jewellery, I love playing with colourful gemstones.

In terms of expanding your brand further, what are your future plans? We still have aggressive plans for Deema to achieve. However, the short-term plan is to set up our new boutique in Oman, which is planned to be launched during the end of 2015. Moreover, Deema’s e-commerce website will go live around the same time. Later this year, the market will witness an expansion of our living line whereby luxury home products will be introduced for the first time to the public. For

Assuming you love playing with different colours and combinations while planning your daily looks, are there

the long-term, our key goal is to position Deema internationally as a high-end designing house that the country will be proud of.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2015 DE E MA OMAN JE WE L L E RY

Adapting a combination of the summer elements, Deema Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest collection brings forth some elegant jewelry pieces with the colors of summer - golden and green with a tinch of red. The necklace is a unique piece, which opens right at the front giving the look of a round stem with a luscious green leaf hanging. Additionally, the earings also follow the leaf pattern with a shade slightly lighter than the neckpiece to not over shadow it. The ring, in conclusion, is another classic piece giving the entire collection a contemporary look.

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PHILANTHROPY

A T I M E LY C A U S E

A TIMELY CAUSE IWC Schaffhausen recently launched the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation watch. It is the ninth limited edition timepiece to be created under the Swiss watchmaker’s partnership with Laureus Sport for Good foundation as a means to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged children through the power of sport

In April this year, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled a special edition timepiece at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai, China. Called the Ingenieur Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the watch joins a special series that the luxury watchmaker created as part of its long-term commitment to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. At the event, Goris Verburg, Managing Director at IWC Schaffhausen North East Asia, said: “The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is proof that by joining forces, we can achieve an enormous amount. We, as a company, are very proud to support and advance this global social commitment.” Also present at the star-studded event was Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, who produced a number of figures to underline the success of the sports foundation’s actions. “Since 2000, Laureus has collected over 60 million euros. This money has enabled us to support 150 local projects in 35 countries and has pushed the lives of 1.5 million young people in a more positive direction,” he explained. The watch is a definitive collectors’ piece with a production run of 1,500 units. Three hands, coupled with a timeless, clean design, practically render the sporty timepiece a classic in the hugely successful Ingenieur watch family. Surpassing the Swiss standards laid down for protection against magnetic fields in watches, it is simultaneously functional, robust and elegant. Its automatic mechanical movement Calibre 30110 is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case that boasts a striking blue dial and features 21 jewels. The watch comes standard with a stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp, and a generously sized

Schaffhausen has demonstrated its support to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which raises funds to provide financial and practical support to over 150 global projects. The foundation harnesses the power of sport to provide coaching and education to young people in some of the world’s most deprived environments. IWC supports the foundation’s global programmes by donating a percentage of the sales of these limited edition watches on an annual basis to further Laureus and its sport-related community development initiatives. Placing the Ingenieur Automatic Edition watch in a league of its own is the signature blue dial and a beautifully engraved case back that features a motif – both hallmarks of a Laureus special edition. Each of the eight IWCengineered timepieces has carried an engraving based on the winning entry to a competition for young people hosted by local Laureus projects. This year’s engraved motif is based on the winning entry submitted for the 2014 drawing competition that saw children and young people from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s global projects submit entries based on the subject ‘Time to celebrate’. The winning drawing, created by 13-year-old Nakayenga Zahara from Uganda, depicts a group of happy cheerleaders celebrating a goal. Immortalised on the collectible timepiece, the engraving symbolises the hope, positive influence and change that has taken place and continues to do so in the lives of the multitudes of disadvantaged youth across the world. The young and underprivileged Zahara, who comes from the destitute district of Nakulabye near the Ugandan capital of Kampala, represents just one of the many local youth who are infected with HIV/

screw-in crown shielded by solid shoulders. The launch of the watch marks the ninth time since 2005 that IWC

AIDS and now have access to a host of sports disciplines ranging from athletics, volleyball and boxing, to cycling and table tennis. By using

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sport as a means to establish contact with local communities, the Community Based AIDS Programme (COBAP), financed by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, has effectively created health-related

It is worth understanding the workings of this unique partnership between the charitable sports foundation and IWC. Take, for example, Seenigama – a village located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka –

awareness and an overall improvement in community well-being. The Nakulabye community is a precise example of just how encouraging the results have been across all of the foundation’s projects. Not only has the rate of HIV infection slowed down, but drug abuse, once rampant among the youth, has also showed a steady decline. Some of the world’s most famous sportsmen and women, along with celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch, were present at the exclusive charity awards event in Shanghai. Chinese artistic gymnast and multiple

that was the most seriously affected area in the 2004 tsunami. Four months after the catastrophe, representatives of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation aimed to put some hope and joy back into the lives of the traumatised children, many of whom were left orphaned. Teaming up with the local authorities, the foundation set up the Seenigama Sport for Life project that continues to see thousands of children participate in various sports activities and competitions like the IWC-organised drawing contest that helped to improve their social skills while giving

Olympic gold medal winner Li Xiaopeng also graced the show with his presence. The world champion, recently named as a new ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, said: “The Foundation has an enormous influence on the lives of many disadvantaged children. Children exposed to dire circumstances, whether in the middle of a big city or wartorn region, need something to hold on to.” Showing great respect for the foundation’s valuable work, Xiaopeng continued: “Laureus projects give them a cause for optimism and encourage team spirit, regardless of the

them something to look forward to. The IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph, created in 2013, had an engraved back case based on a 12-year-old Sri Lankan boy’s winning entry. A defined percentage of the earnings from the limited edition watch were then invested in support of the foundation. Many such stories of change come alive as you turn the pages of Let the Children Play, a not-for-profit coffee table book published in 2008 by IWC. Supported by renowned authors and photographers,

colour of their skin, religion or ethnic background.” The Swiss watchmaker has remained true to its longstanding tradition of crafting some of the world’s most desirable timepieces for men since 1868. This value, coupled with innovative solutions and technical ingenuity, has always effortlessly placed IWC among the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment. Historically, along with its sustained success, IWC Schaffhausen’s corporate philosophy embraces social commitment and is thus perfectly aligned with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’s cause.

the beautifully illustrated book contains rousing images of the many inspirational projects supported by both IWC and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Besides its partnership with and commitment to this foundation, the watchmaker continues to work against climate and environmental change. To this end, IWC’s charitable initiatives include extensive support to the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands and the Cousteau Society for the restoration of The Calypso – Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s former research vessel and the best known symbol for protection of the world’s oceans.

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OBSESSION

A B U R N I N G PA S S I O N

A BURNING PASSION Arturo Fuente, led by Carlos Fuente Sr. and his son Carlos Jr., is quite possibly the most reputed family-run cigar company today. Behind all the renown has always been the basic desire to make and sell the best cigars that it can. During a recent visit to Dubai, Carlos Jr. sat down for an exclusive chat with Signé to throw light on the company’s humble beginnings and its position in the UAE

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Carlos Fuente Jr. has tobacco running through his blood. Having grown up in a cigar factory in West Tampa, Florida, he

humidor that resembles a treasure chest. The partnership started off on a casual note according to Carlos Jr., who painstakingly chose each

was exposed to cigar rolling when he was as young as seven. As president of Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia, the company that his grandfather founded, Carlos Jr. knows that he has a huge responsibility to shoulder – and an even bigger legacy to carry on. “I was born in a clinic, and not in the factory, like my father,” says Carlos Jr. “The doctor, who was a big cigar smoker and friend of my grandfather, refused to get paid for his services. So he was given a box of fine cigars!” At 80, his father, Carlos Fuente Sr., still plays an active role at the company. It’s safe to say that when a family-run business enters the second

leaf for the ForbiddenX. “But it turned into a lifelong relationship. The more we spoke, the more we started realising that we have a lot in common. Hublot does everything by hand. Both brands have the same idea of respecting traditions. There’s so much passion and creativity that goes into each watch. Even the vision of how we see the future, innovate within our own worlds, and find ways to give back to society matched. We realised that we had the same consumers,” explains Carlos Jr., who sees the Hublot team as family. When asked whether there would ever be another Fuente-driven Hublot watch, he aptly

century of its existence, it cannot be described as anything short of a feat. An involvement of 103 years might be a big milestone for the cigar making family, but it is also one that arrived after years of victories and tragic losses. The company oversees the production of over 30 million hand-rolled cigars annually in its Dominican factories. From limited releases, new shapes and novel blends to diversifying into the watch, fragrance and spirit business, Arturo Fuente has always been associated with quality and consistence. As is the case with other countries, it’s often remarkably difficult to get hold of a Fuente cigar – mainly the limited edition lines – in the UAE. It’s not as if there is no demand for the brand in this cigarloving nation. “We have always shipped small quantities of cigars to the UAE. But you have to understand that we grow our own tobacco, and our plantation is of a certain size. We can only make so many cigars unless we start taking short cuts or changing blends, which is not what we do,” explains Carlos Jr., adding that on his first visit to Dubai, he felt the embrace of the people and their love for a good cigar. “I will definitely visit again to meet cigar connoisseurs and aficionados. We will continue to expand as demand grows since we are getting a lot of support from the people here.” Carlos Jr. was visiting Dubai for the launch of the Hublot Classic Fusion ForbiddenX, a second Hublot collaboration with Arturo Fuente dedicated to the world of cigars. Exclusively retailed at Hublot boutiques, the watch is a labour of love for Carlos Jr. and Marco Tedeschi, Hublot’s Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa.

responds with the question: “When you create a watch for the first time in history where the face of each watch has its own DNA, how does one outperform this?” For some, a cigar is a part of one’s heritage. For others, it’s a part of their lifestyle. Carlos Jr. views a cigar as an extension of his life. Reminiscing, he says he was all of 15 years when he knew that he wanted to be in the cigar industry. “I wanted to be just like my father,” he says. His involvement with the company was natural. After all, like his father, he grew up surrounded by cigar makers, many of whom were his aunts, uncles and close family friends. “Our cigar factory at the back of my grandparent’s home was small. But those were some

The dial of the timepiece contains an actual tobacco leaf from the Chateau de la Fuente farm, while the watch itself was delivered in a

from. Every time I take a puff, the smoke goes up in the air and I feel like my grandfather is embracing me.”

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“ Every time I take a puff, the smoke goes up in the air and I feel like my grandfather is embracing me ” of the happiest days of my life. To me, they were humble times that weren’t about luxuries and things like that. Ours was basically a neighbourhood business. My grandmother Christina used to make good food and strong Cuban coffee for all the cigar makers… it was that kind of an environment,” says Carlos Jr. fondly. “Cigars are about people and sharing conversations. It’s who I am and where I came

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The company’s story of cigar making goes back to 1902, when Arturo Fuente arrived in Key West, Florida, like hundreds of other Cubans looking for opportunities after the Spanish-American war left the Cuban economy in a dismal state. At the time, Tampa city was known as the cigar capital of the world with as many as 200 cigar factories importing tobacco from nearby Cuba. Arturo moved to Tampa and started his own company A. Fuente & Co. in 1912, and by 1924, the Fuente cigar had become the symbol of quality tobacco and fine craftsmanship. In between all the successes during the company’s history, it’s hard to look past the tragic occurrences that the Fuente family underwent every now and then. First, there was the 1924 fire that turned Arturo’s company into ashes. It would not be until 1946, after WWII had ended and the Great Depression had slowed down, that production of cigars resumed. Arturo re-established the company on the back porch of his home in the newly formed Ybor City. Not far removed from Cuba – complete with its close-knit communities – Ybor had a sizeable population of Cubans, Italians and Spanish who were all involved in the burgeoning cigar industry in some way or the other. Carlos Sr. and his brother Arturo Jr. were roped in to assisting with cigar rolling after school. Recounting the story of how his father met his mother, Carlos Jr. says: “My father, then 13, saw a young lady in a red dress crossing the street on his way to a Tampa Smokers game with my grandfather. He said, ‘Dad, that’s the lady I’m going to marry’.” Carlos Jr.’s grandfather joked that his son was too young to even think about getting married, but Carlos Sr. was persistent. Five years later, he would go on to marry the woman of his dreams. Carlos Jr., or Carlito as he is affectionately known, was born a year later in 1954.

elder son, Arturo Jr. But this wasn’t to be. The 22-year-old Carlos Sr. – known to spend many an hour on the job – was soon offered the responsibility of taking reign of the company. Carlos Sr. shifted from his father’s Ybor City home and factory to West Tampa, where he had purchased a two-storey building. The ambitious young man took it upon himself to establish the brand within Florida, but also had his sights set on making a name in New York City. It was a difficult task getting cigar smokers to try out a new brand, but he accomplished this by offering customers the choice of buying Fuente cigars on a credit basis. Rumours of a possible trade embargo started to surface shortly after the Cuban Revolution. Foreseeing a potential hiccup, Carlos Sr. stockpiled a three-year supply of Cuban tobacco. When the Cuban embargo did hit the island in 1962, the cigar front was fast changing. Every factory was taken over by the government, and families were given 48 hours to leave or were forced to go to jail. Cigars that were typically made of Cuban tobacco in the United States were now being made using tobacco sourced from new regions like Columbia and Puerto Rico. This event forced the young cigar maker to start working on blends that would possibly replace the ever-popular Cuban cigar. While Tampa’s cigar makers clambered to play catch-up with new Fuente blends, A. Fuente & Co. enjoyed steady growth. The 1970s brought with it the death of the family patriarch. To commemorate, Carlos Sr. started selling a cigar called 8-5-8, based on the Flor Fina 8-5-8 blend taught to him by his father. The cigar remains popular even today and it is said that the name, when read backwards and forwards, represents the age at which Arturo passed away. Rising inflation in the US brought another minor setback to the

By 1957, Arturo, then 70, was on the verge of retirement. He had always envisioned that the family business would be passed on to his

fore, but, as always, the Fuentes overcame it. The cost of employment was fast rising, and producing cigars in the country became somewhat

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uneconomical. To make more business sense of this issue, Carlos Sr. started to look towards Columbia and Puerto Rico to establish cigar production in Central America. While low production quality in these regions deemed this move unsuccessful, it opened a new door for the Fuente family. The company would soon move its production to Estelí in Nicaragua, where a budding cigar industry was already underway. Then, another fire brought the new Fuente factory down to the ground in 1979 during the Nicaraguan Revolution. Carlos Sr. was forced to mortgage his house for company capital, while Carlos Jr. contributed money in whatever way he could. The family moved to the Dominican Republic in 1980, where they started afresh with a factory in Santiago. Carlos Jr.’s love for rich, flavourful cigars shone through during his early days in the business. He helped purchase the family’s farm at Chateau de la Fuente in the Dominican Republic, where Tabacalera A. Fuente grows tobacco. In 1981, Carlos Jr. sought to revive a lost art by digging out some of his grandfather’s old cigar moulds to create the medium-bodied, flavourful figurado-shaped Hemingway line of cigars that remains one of the company’s bestsellers. Even back then, this masterful blend created waves because there were no shaped cigars in the market at the time. Life was a struggle in this new land but in hindsight, Carlos Sr. refers to the move as “decisive”. In 1986, the family joined hands with the Tampabased J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Today, the Fuentes continue to make cigar blends sold by the company that returns the favour by handling the production of all of Arturo Fuente’s machine-made cigars in America. By the end of the 1980s, Arturo Fuente had begun to grow its own tobacco on a substantial scale, investing in roads and barns along the way. The ‘90s heralded what came to be known as the cigar boom. New factories had mushroomed, and hundreds of Fuente rollers were lured into working for them. To counter this, Carlos Jr. started training people who had never made a cigar before. His aim was to teach them to craft cigars in a slow and careful manner. This, according to him, would not be beneficial to other blossoming cigar factories that gave importance to quantity over quality. In the midst of all this, Carlos Jr. attempted to undertake what was initially termed as the impossible – to produce a Dominican-grown wrapper leaf, the most risky component of a cigar. Based on the fact that there was no wrapper leaf being grown anywhere in the Dominican Republic, Carlos Jr. experimented, first growing a sun-grown Piloto Cubano seed, followed by a successful shade-grown plant. Many deemed this project futile, while others were not willing to believe that it even existed. However, it eventually yielded a favourable outcome, and the Fuente’s first pure Dominican cigar – the revolutionary Fuente Fuente Opus X – was born in 1995. History then repeated itself, with another fire burning down two barns filled with aged tobacco. Fortunately it had become commonplace

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to store tobacco in various barns. In 1998, Hurricane Georges arrived in the Dominican Republic destroying not only most of the Fuente barns, but also the precious wrapper leaves meant for the prized Opus

everything we do, we give back to the land, to the tobacco and to the people,” says Carlos Jr. The term ‘angel’s share’ used by spirit makers is a beautiful metaphor that represents the Fuente family’s philanthropic

X. Disasters only seemed to make the Fuentes stronger, who created a new cigar – the Añejo – that carried a similar blend to the Opus X but used a different wrapper. Today, very few cigar companies enjoy such a unique position in the market. Arturo Fuente has one foot firmly rooted in the past, while the other is ambitiously placed in the future. The family-run operation, no longer a neighbourhood business, is run by Carlos Sr. and his family, which comprises of Carlos Jr. and his sister Cynthia along with her husband Wayne Suarez. From natural disasters and unforeseen incidences, bankruptcy and economic crises, the Fuentes have been through it all. There have been as many milestones as there have losses. Besides the sought-after Fuente Fuente Opus X, there were other prized cigars. In 2004, director Andy Garcia approached Carlos Jr. for permission to film The Lost City in the Dominican tobacco fields of the Fuente’s Chateau de la Fuente. Nearly 15 acres of tobacco were planted, despite it being off-season. The crop, when harvested, resulted in the creation of the limited edition Opus X Lost City cigar. “Our cigars are unique because they are made according to our own style. We created the first aging room to age all our different blends at varying temperatures and humidity levels,” explains Carlos Jr. One of the things that he did differently from his grandfather was to take the company to the people. He did this by starting the Cigar Family, a community of approximately 20,000 cigar enthusiasts who share stories online and offline through events.

attitude, the results of which can be seen in the community around Chateau de la Fuente. The Fuente Family Foundation supports several hospitals and foundations along with the UN-recognised Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which was founded by the Fuentes and Newmans. “We support hundreds of children in over 13 communities in the Dominican Republic,” adds Carlos Jr. He goes on to recount the story of a young boy named Nelson, whose dream was to work in tobacco fields but is now qualifying to become a doctor. Located on a 26-acre plot surrounding Chateau de la Fuente, the foundation fulfils a wide range of community needs including education to over 450 students, a medical and dental clinic, community health and clean water programmes, a community kitchen, sports facilities, small-scale farming activities and local infrastructure projects. Carlos Jr.’s passion for cigars is evident in all the extra hours spent in the fields and at the factory. “Cigar making is an art form. Unless you have the passion, respect, vision and creativity, it is very difficult to perform. Most of my ideas come out of sleepless nights. It could be years until something happens and then one day, there’s this outflow of creativity,” he says. Concluding the conversation, he adds: “Even though I’m the one who runs the company, my father is really the pillar. He is 80 years old and still calls me every day to give me instructions. I’ve always had this dream to follow in his footsteps and yet, it is impossible to fill his shoes.” Looking back at the Fuente family’s beginnings through its successes, failures and unforeseen circumstances, it doesn’t seem like the first family of cigars has

This longstanding success, despite surviving on shaky ground, has always inspired the Fuente family to give back to society. “With

plans of slowing down anytime soon – much to the relief of tobacco enthusiasts everywhere.

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TIME TO ACCESSORIZE

Glashütte Original PanoMatic Inverse 19102020230

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Time to accessorize From waking to dressing up to working to leisure, our gentlemen do everything at the right time. Where on one hand they explore the unlimited possibilities of future, they do not compromise on enjoying what they have at present. An integral aspect of such men is grooming where they adorn the finest products and carry them off with utmost elegance. Being a witness and a partner to their respective efforts can be nothing other than time personified â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an exceptional timepiece. In this photo shoot, we take your through some of the most intrinsic events in the life of a gentleman wherein he is accessorizing himself, where his watch observes and prides in its owner being an ideal gentleman P H O T O G R A P H E R : V I S A K A VA R D H A N M O D E L : S T E FA N O G I U L I A N I L O C AT I O N C O U R T E S Y : L A V I L L A

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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

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra James Bond Limited edition 23110422103004

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Blancpain Le Brassus Minute Repeater Carousel 0235-3631-55B

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Breguet Classique Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar 40MM Platinum 3755PRIE9V6

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Jaquet-Droz SW Tourbillon J030033240

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INTO THE FUTURE The sixth-generation BMW 7 Series breaks new ground in terms of body construction, technology, design and power. It moves the benchmark of refinement so far ahead that it will be a while before you can expect to see anything like it

Earlier this year, BMW released a short film that beautifully depicts the evolution of its landmark 7 Series. Starting with the original E23 from 1977, it moves to the E32 (1986), the E38 (1994), the E65 (2001), the F01/ F02 (2008), right up to its most recent, the all-new G11/G12 luxury sedans for 2015 onwards. You’ll also notice that the shapes, sizes, engines, lights, paintjobs and other elements of these BMW flagship sedans might have changed through the years. However, there’s one thing that seems to remain untouched: BMW’s promise of delivering a luxurious and technologically advanced marvel. It is also very evident that the German automaker has consistently delivered many radical firsts with this series. When the BMW group announced the first ever BMW 7 Series back in 1977, it gave discerning car buyers and auto enthusiasts a spacious, elegant and truly original luxury sedan that offered a high degree of prestige on the road. Indeed, the flagship BMW sedan, the 7 series, is equal parts power, sophistication and technology driven. Today, these full-size luxury salons are in their sixth generation, and it is fair to conclude that since the introduction of its first model, BMW has not held back one bit. In spite of a fair bit of competition from other automakers in the luxury segment, the BMW 7 Series has effortlessly remained in a league of its own. The German automaker believes that the best way to predict the future is to create it. It turns out that BMW practices what is preaches, for the 7 Series continues to be known for its consistency in evolutionary design, features, engines and unrivalled athletic handling dynamics. Through the years, the BMW 7 Series has also offered a host of luxurious options that present a great deal of convenience and a mighty sense of accomplishment.

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The sixth-generation G11/G12 is the most technologically advanced 7 Series yet. It is a car associated with a long list of superlatives that

air conditioning. Electrically adjustable comfort seats, active ventilation and the Executive Lounge feature ushers in comfort for long-distance

set the benchmark for weight savings, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and intuitive operation. The new models are lighter, stronger, curvier and smarter, besides being more powerful, comfortable and instinctive. When it comes to design, the new 7 Series incorporates a grand number of changes that are still well in line with BMW’s design language. As with every model in the series, the latest also proves that it’s all about the finer details. So you can expect to see a curvier body

drives. To top it all, the massage function for the driver and front passenger seats and the Vitality Programme for rear seat passengers ensure an experience like no other. Another feature, the Driver Assistance Systems that includes Lane Control Assistance, makes sure that drivers do not have to change the customary positioning of their hands on the steering wheel in order to undertake on-road manoeuvres. High-end technology flows out on to the exterior through a pioneering headlamp technology, the BMW Laser Light, which offers

design with a more pronounced wedge shape, shorter boot and more sloping bonnet. Harmoniously proportioned with a strongly controlled surface design and precise lines broadly lend the car an unmistakeable aura of luxury. The vehicle’s body construction is made up of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), while the suspension receives air springs at both axles that are adjustable with electronic shock absorbers. Simply put, the structure of this car – now lighter by 130kg when compared to its predecessor – utilises a combination of carbon fibre structural elements,

a high beam range of up to 600 metres – double the length of regular LED headlamps. Welcome Light Carpet, a light-based feature that

“For us, the range of cars with strong characters, the use of cutting-edge technologies, prime quality finishing and ultimate comfort combine here to form what the new BMW 7 Series stands for today”

high-tensile steel and aluminium that make it the lightest 7 Series till date. Contributing to a drop in the car’s curb weight are its door skins and trunk lid, both of which are made from aluminium. Its efficiency is furthered thanks to the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an extensively updated V8 engine. The model is fitted with the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units – a six-cylinder 740iLi that offers an impressive 326hp with a maximum torque of 450Nm at 1380rpm. Or, there’s the eight-cylinder equivalent, the 750iLi xDrive, which accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds at 450hp. The interior is more spacious than ever, accentuated by horizontal surfaces and clean lines. Its plush driver-focused cockpit, the fusion of exquisite materials, precision craftsmanship, and the sophisticated functionality of the control and display elements all drive the car to new heights. Leather paired with clean wood and aluminium inserts alongside interior ambient lighting add to the luxurious feel of this car. Cabin technology comprises a number of gizmos and gadgetry like wireless charging, speech recognition, touch-sensitive climate controls and remote control parking to benefit both, the driver and the passenger. The refined iDrive 5.0 infotainment system comes with a touch display and gesture recognition control, which uses 3D sensors to detect pre-determined hand gestures to perform all sorts of tasks ranging from accepting and rejecting phone calls, navigation and adjusting the audio volume. Then there’s the Touch Command Tablet, a portable 7-inch Samsung tablet pre-loaded with a BMW app that offers the car’s rear

illuminates the area in front of the car doors with white light patterns, and the optional Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge with a unique light display, yet again, take luxury to new levels. The signature BMW kidney grille definitely adds an interesting design element, but there’s more to it than just good design. The active grille features visible air flap control shutters that open only when there is a need for increased cooling air, which translates into improved aerodynamics. Offering a high degree of personalised innovation, the new BMW 7 Series’ advanced chassis technology permits the driver to adjust the car’s set-up as preferred. Further, the new sedan will arrive in three luxury packages: the M Sport that accentuates the sporting characteristics of the car, and the Pure Excellence and Individual Design packages that reveal the car’s luxurious side. Over the years, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It has always represented the pinnacle of technology, comfort and luxury across the German automaker’s upperluxury car line-up. Now, as the sixth generation of this hallmark series will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, it won’t be surprising if it enjoys the focal point of attention. Later this year, the

occupants control over everything, from the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and infotainment to the heating, ventilation and

car will leave home ground for its Middle Eastern launch, where it is expected to shine bright, yet again.

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The executive lounge is equipped with an integrated table for you to comfortably work and enjoy the silence of the car Additionally, the backrests of the seats have an integrated massage function. The entire programme can be viewed in animated form on the BMW Vitality Programme that runs on the entertainment monitor - BMW Touch Command On the other hand, putting an end to using cables, the BMW 7 series comes with a wireless charging function where all you need to do is to slide your phone into the wireless charging box and remove it completely charged when required

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Supervising breaking, steering and accelerating together to ensure your safety, the BMW 7 series car can, now, be conveniently pulled in and out of your garage and parking spaces automatically, on the touch of a button on the remote Now there isn’t a need for a pushing button system, as the BMW 7 series is capable of understanding your hand gestures to either decline calls or to turn the volume up and more. You can also talk to your car and be guided by the same The interior is suffused with light and has an especially high-grade feel to it, even at night – over 15,000 light elements create an atmospheric ambience, a glittering pattern resembling the stars at night

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detail is consistently dedicated to enhancing passenger well-being. This includes not only high-grade materials and even higher-grade finishing, but also technical innovations such as the BMW Gesture Control, the Ambient Air Package with air ionisation and fragrant

Karim Habib, head of design, explaining the dynamics of the BMW 7 series to Roshin Rahman, Signé’s Editor-In-Chief

Over an exclusive chat with Signé, Head of Design BMW Automobiles - Karim Habib - shares an insider’s view on the creation of the new 7 Series and all its nuances. What was the thought process like when you sat down to design the new 7 Series? Take us through the journey. The design of the new BMW 7 Series was developed in a global competition that included our studios in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai. Moreover, the goal was to understand even better what stands for luxury today. To this end, we sent our designers to places such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Seattle to find out for themselves beyond the realm of automobiles what constitutes luxury today. One result of our travels was that we noticed modern luxury is becoming ever more similar, wherever you go. One difference remains – how much and what part of that

aromas, the new BMW Laserlight, and the Surround View system with 3D view and self-parking.

‘Contemporary luxury’ is the key term for the new BMW 7 Series. Can you elaborate? We strongly combine contemporary luxury with both, technological innovations and

When it comes to luxury, the devil is in the details. Can you tell us more about the selection and use of raw materials? We accorded great importance to function when selecting materials. The wing mirrors are a completely new development, and seem especially refined and light thanks to the thin chrome struts connecting them to the vehicle. Their shape reduces drag and wind noise between the car body and mirror. For the interior, we rely on high-grade, perfectly crafted materials that emphasise the 7 Series’ luxurious character. When making the BMW Individual full-leather interior, carefully chosen and faultless raw materials are used and crafted very sparingly. The leather thus retains its natural, open pore texture. The fine-grained and soft surface continues to breathe, offering the ultimate in comfort. Handwoven beading and stitching with the look of braiding on the seats expresses the

personal comfort, which plays a defining role in the interior of the new BMW 7 Series. Each

crafted precision and love of detail innate in the manufacturing.

luxury our customers wish to reveal changes from one place to another. Some attach greater importance to elegance, others to sportiness, depending on their tastes and cultural roots. We have taken these different needs into account and therefore, the new BMW 7 Series offers an array of different interior versions and customising options. For us, the range of cars with strong characters, the use of cutting-edge technologies, prime quality finishing and ultimate comfort combine here to form what the new BMW 7 Series stands for today. Modern luxury is personal, clear and intelligent.

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How important is artisanship in the luxury industry? Modern luxury is apparent and in-depth with the care shown to detailing in precisely crafted materials. Imagine you were overnighting in a luxury hotel. The whole impact goes

How is the BMW 7 Series futuristic both in terms of design and technology? The BMW 7 Series is full of trailblazing technologies – from the gesture controls to the laser lights. Yet the body structure is also innovative; important parts of it are made of

Another option to enhance well-being on the road is the Ambient Air Package, which enables air ionisation and fragrance with a choice of eight different aroma options. The likewise newly developed Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system,

up in smoke if you discover a detail in the finishing of the furniture, the comfort of the bed, the colour coordination or the service that jars the overall appearance. Bearing that in mind, we prioritised precision and quality manufacturing with the new BMW 7 Series. Hence, today luxury is about pricision.

the lightweight material carbon. The complex knowhow on working the innovative material comes from the development of the electric BMW i models. They are not only lightweight but also very stable, considerably reducing weight and therefore consumption and at the same time, increasing crash safety. The design is strongly oriented on contemporary luxury – simple, intelligent and personal – which is why we sought to achieve as great an effect as possible with the minimum number of lines. What changes have been made to the series to make it more comfortable and convenient for the owner? The interior of the new BMW 7 Series is dedicated to a sole objective – passenger comfort. The pleasant Welcome Light Carpet orchestrates a great welcome for passengers – hardly have the doors closed that outside sound ceases and complete tranquillity reigns. A generous sense of space, comfortable cushioning and the luxury fitout with high-grade materials in individually

tailored precisely to the interior of the new BMW 7 Series, guarantees outstanding aural enjoyment. You can choose between five scenarios customised to the entertainment program selected. They include the ‘Concert’ version, in which music is experienced as if you were in a concert hall, and ‘Cinema’ that creates an acoustic movie theatre mood when a film is played on the entertainment system. Unique in the luxury limousine segment, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge is an option for the long wheelbase versions of the new BMW 7 Series. The interior is suffused with light and has an especially high-grade feel to it, even at night – over 15,000 light elements create an atmospheric ambience, a glittering pattern resembling the stars at night. The drive is further enhanced by the active chassis components in the Executive Drive Pro as irregularities on the road surface are identified, and balance is adjusted accordingly. The Lane Departure Warning system ensures active safety. As a result, the BMW 7 Series achieves something

selected colour combinations all emphasise the feel of entirely personal comfort.

astonishing – it’s as much fun to drive as it is to be driven in.

How have you integrated artisanal values in the new 7 Series? Initially the vehicles are made by hand and that feel of handcrafting has been retained, even in mass production: For example, the visible stitches in the leather symbolise the human factor in making the cars. We also emphasised the interplay of the trim with the chromed strip that completes the appearance at the bottom. The latter is made by casting, meaning that the radii and sizes always differ marginally. In a new finishing process, the shape of each chromed strip is copied by a laser, and the trim then milled exactly on the basis of the data acquired. This way, we can be certain that the dashboard of a new BMW 7 Series seems to be made of a single unit, and the different materials are perfectly matched.

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Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, talks about the German watchmaker’s brand values, strategies, customers and current plans, while reflecting on the need of the hour in the watchmaking industry

An automobile brand has little in common with a watchmaking company, and it is rare for a person heading one to dive headfirst into the other. If anything, longstanding watch brands are either run by old hands from the industry or by someone from the family business. Wilhelm Schmid is certainly an exception to this norm. For almost a decade before he was appointed as the CEO of Germany’s most prestigious watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne in 2011, Schmid held various posts in the marketing and sales department of German carmaker BMW. “I am a very privileged person because watches and cars are two of the biggest passions in my life,” he says, admitting that the shift was the single biggest move he had ever made in his life. While both are established German brands, it could not have been easy adapting to a medium-sized, family-run business after working at one of the country’s biggest multinational corporations. Schmid, a German national, acknowledges that the transition to the Richemont-owned company

between BMW and A. Lange & Söhne since both brands have a global presence and give importance to brand values,” he explains, but not without highlighting the differences between them. While the automobile industry relies on a fixed set of manufacturing processes, the watch industry is all about labour-intensive work and craftsmanship. Schmid worked in almost every stage of the watchmaking process during his first few months in a bid to understand everything from inside out. A little over four years down the line at A. Lange & Söhne, Schmid is busy with what can only be described as the biggest and most expensive investment in the Glashütte-based watchmaking company’s history. Announced in 2012, the near-complete project entails the extension of its Glashütte facility as a response to the growth in the number of employees and as an investment in the future. The new two-wing building reflects the regional architectural style and uses geothermal energy and green electricity. “Quality assurance and sustainability are our main objectives for

optimise our production processes in order to further improve the quality of our timepieces by protecting the environment and conserving valuable natural resources,” he explains. A. Lange & Söhne’s history dates back to 1845, although the company ceased to produce in 1948. Resuscitated in 1990, the brand enjoys a firm grip on the fine watchmaking industry till date. Mechanical movements are still produced in-house in Germany, and all of the movements remain distinguished from those of luxury Swiss manufacturers. Simply put, the brand lets its timepieces speak for themselves through complicated timepieces and clean lines. “We have a very limited production, dictated by elements like the number of skilled workers, the attention to the finishing of our products and our unique double assembly process,” says Schmid, explaining that it is this factor that connects collectors with the brand. Schmid feels that the Lange 1 remains the company’s most iconic piece. “It has been around for 20 years and it goes without saying that this specific watch kick-started the brand

involved a steep learning curve. “From the business side of things, there are parallels

building the new manufactory. We want to create a perfect working environment and

in 1994. It has been around ever since, and I’m certain that it will still be around for the

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“ The real beauty is more for the owner than for the public. It means that if someone buys our watches, he doesn’t do it to impress others but to please himself. ” WILHELM SCHMID

next 20 years. There aren’t many products in the market that have that kind of a life cycle.” Off late, Schmid has been occupied with the launch of several new timepieces. In the A. Lange & Söhne pavilion at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva this January, a gigantic, fully functional version of the much-anticipated Zeitwerk Minute Repeater commanded attention. The brand’s first minute repeater as well as the new movement for the iconic Lange 1 will be available this year. The novelties, including the limited edition platinum 1815 model, went on display at a separate show to commemorate the 200th anniversary of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange. “That’s a lot of extra effort from the manufactory because launching products is one story, but producing them for sale, even if in limited quantities, is quite another.” It’s fair to say that a typical A. Lange & Söhne customer is male, but Schmid asserts that it’s difficult to pinpoint an average age or race. He does point out some common denominators among the brand’s customers

for. The second thing, he adds, is that A. Lange & Söhne’s design approach is subtle. “The real beauty is more for the owner than for the public. It means that if someone buys our watches, he doesn’t do it to impress others but to please himself.” When asked about his view on the current watchmaking industry, Schmid says: “It is our duty to hire young people so that 50 years from now, we still have the competence to serve and maintain these watches and to build new ones. We must not rest on our laurels, but push boundaries and find new ways using traditional methods.” Not exactly a fan of overly fancy materials, he also feels that it’s important to maintain a balance between innovation and mass production. “There are plenty of wall clocks or mobile phones around the world, so you don’t really need us,” he says. “What we do is more along the lines of creating a piece of art rather than a necessity. A. Lange & Söhne is rich in heritage, especially when it comes to brand values, craftsmanship and offering an innovative performance edge. We do things differently than they have been

“We launched a Grand Complication, we are about to open the new manufactory, and we have increased the global footprint. For a young brand, we have come along nicely, given that we only have a little over 20 years behind us since the company was re-invented in 1994 with the first collection,” he exclaims. The brand’s footprint has also increased over the last few years across the world, he says, in spite of operating just 14 boutiques globally. “Even if we have the same number of point of sales that we had four or five years ago, we are still covering far more countries now. It means that we close certain points of sales to open others. It’s our strategy,” explains Schmid. There has been a rise in interest in the brand from the Middle East for the last three or four years, he adds. “We have noticed that the Middle Eastern market is curious about what we do. I think it goes hand in hand with the number of people who are passionate about watches and who are collectors here. We are very much a collector’s brand. The boutique that we started in The Dubai Mall was definitely a kick-starter and took things to the next level

across the world. For one, they know about fine watchmaking and what the brand stands

done in the past, not for the sake of being different but for customer benefit.”

for collectors and enthusiasts here. Right now, we are exploring this very nicely.”

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H E R I TA G E

80 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

80 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE JAGUAR It’s no surprise that Jaguar has become synonymous with creativity and innovation. Having always stood for engineering supremacy and sleek designs, Jaguar has marked an era of excellence in the history of the automobile industry. Signé celebrates its glorious heritage by taking you through some of the brand’s historic and timeless creations

“Today, more than ever, Jaguar is a truly emotive British brand offering beautifully crafted engineering and striking design.” – Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. The British car manufacturer has been a future onlooker since the beginning, constantly working on incorporating the latest technology and successfully carving a niche for itself. Manufacturing more than just vehicles, Jaguar designed a number of iconic masterpieces that people grew attached to over the years. Developing from just a car to a veritable identity, Jaguar’s journey is worth a closer look. Along the way to success, it broke records, won trophies and established Jaguar’s reputation for innovative engineering around the world. With each model marked with perfection in every aspect, the beauty of the car lies not in its looks and performance but in the variety of emotions it exhibits while being driven. Spreading the layers of an impeccable legacy, Signé takes you back to the 1930s when the brand was established, and the journey that followed.

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1936 J AGUAR SS1 0 0 Where it all began Designed by co-founder William Lyons, the 2.5-litre model of Jaguar was based on a box section cruciform chassis. Upon revealing the car for the first time, Lyons asked his guests to speculate a price for the cost of the car. The average guess was £632 whereas the luxurious machine cost only £385.

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1951-1957 J AGUAR C- AND D- T Y PE The winning begins Realizing the extent of publicity a pure bred Jaguar racing car could generate, Lyons initiated a secret project of transplanting the XK120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanicals into the heart of a racing car in 1951. Malcolm Sayer designed this model by using the aerodynamic principles, making the shape not just sensational but even slippery. Due to its construction technique, it weighed 25 percent less than the XK on which it was based.

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80 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

1961 Jagu ar E-Ty pe

A true automotive icon Proclaimed by Enzo Ferrari to be the “most beautiful car ever built”, the Jaguar E-Type was one car that perfectly summed up the feline grace, power and beauty that the Jaguar name conjures. This masterpiece incorporated a central allow monocoque and front spaceframe and additionally, an independent rear suspension design and 2.4-litre straight-six engine. Available as a sleek coupé, the E-Type was an instant hit.

1975 J a g u a r XJ - S

The grandest of tourers Matching the grandeur of the E-Type couldn’t have been easy. However, the man behind the marque, Malcolm Sayer, designed a much more aerodynamic version – XJ-S – than its predecessor. The unusual C-pillar sail panels that cradled a small, concave rear window added the much needed cutting edge to the model. The fine chassis underpinning the XJ-S and its smooth spinning V12 gave the car an unmatched air of luxury.

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1992 J a g u a r XJ 2 2 0 Sensational speed Like many of the Jaguar models, even the XJ220 was driven forward by the vision of one man, in this case, chief engineer Jim Randle. He and his group of informal employees known as ‘The Saturday Club’ dedicated their spare time to this project. The stunningly sleek concept with scissor doors and all aluminum construction was commissioned to engineer a 6.2-litre version of the Jaguar V12, which produced 500bhp.

2006 J a g u a r XK

Elegance, the sequel The first Jaguar to be designed in the new millennium, the ultimate iteration of the XK was the XKR-S GT coupé. Benefitting from a front splitter, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler made from carbon fibre, the car also gained bespoke dampers and Jaguar’s first series application of carbon ceramic brakes. It boasted a staggering 503bhp and a 0-60mph time in just 4.6 seconds.

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2010 J AGUAR XJ

The legend continues Offering a striking blend of design, luxury and technology, the XJ offered much more than the previous models. Lighter than many of its competitors by up to 150kg, XJ entails all the benefits for performance and economy. The interior, which utilises traditional Jaguar craftsmanship in a truly contemporary manner, provides all the extravagance and comfort needed.

2014 J AGUAR XE

The sports saloon redefined Jaguar XE is undoubtedly the smallest, lightest and most aerodynamic Jaguar ever. What makes this model exquisitely unique is the new InControl, an infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, user interface, smartphone connectivity and Wi-Fi for multiple devices. Some of the advanced driver assistance systems include a laser head-up display and autonomous emergency braking.

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2015 J AGUAR XF A class apart The latest addition to the array of classic automobiles, the all-new Jaguar XF brings an unrivalled balance of unprecedented design, luxury and efficiency. The coupé-like design is formed around Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture and combines outstanding proportions, elegant surfaces and perfect lines with a longer wheelbase, more interior space and exceptionally low aerodynamic drag.

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A T R I B U T E T O L O YA LT Y

A TRIBUTE TO LOYALTY

Unfolding a legacy of expertise in watchmaking, Officine Panerai has successfully marked itself as one of the most sought after brands. Paying tribute to their esteemed watch enthusiasts, the brand launches the new Luminor Base Logo Acciai, foretelling a story of remarkable Paneristi passion

Established in the mid 1800s. Officine Panerai has managed to impress a worldwide audience not only with their incomparable timepieces but even their services. Giving an interesting turn to the story, around 15 years ago, an English watch lover – Guy Verbist, launched an online forum to connect the most loyal and passionate admirers of Officine Panerai. Independent off Panerai, the forum site www.paneristi.com has been the place where the Paneristi would share their joys and sorrows of life as well as great moments that the watch has either brought to them or

the contribution of their virtual family, Officine Panerai launches a special edition watch for the community. Each Panerai watch is as unique as the history it tells. Unfolding the pages of Panerai’s origination, we learn about how Giovanni Panerai opened the city’s first watchmaker’s shop in 1860 in Florence. Originally supplied to the commandos of the Italian Navy, every single detail of this master brand holds the purpose for which it was designed and made. After 1860, the next major event witnessed by Panerai was on the eve of the Second World War where

years, Panerai also created a watch for the underwater exploits of the commandos of the First Submarine Group, with many of the features that still distinguish it. Its large steel cushion shaped case, luminous numerals and markers delivering an unprecedented level of visibility underwater, and a wide water resistant strap, long enough to be fastened over a diving suit. This model was gradually transformed to meet the requirements of Italian Navy with the proportions becoming simpler and massive. Following the legacy of innovations, another groundbreaking move was witnessed in 2010, wherein the brand

witnessed with them. Commemorating this important anniversary and acknowledging

they developed, for the Royal Italian Navy, a prototype called Radiomir. In the following

paid a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the first celestial observation made by Galileo

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LUMINOR BASE LOGO ACCIAIO – 44mm

with his telescope. The brand created three timepieces ‘Tribute to Galileo Galilei’ which includes the Jupiterium planetarium clock. The latest addition to the series, seen in 2015, has been the presentation of the first watch in Carbotech, the composite material based on carbon fiber which is used for the case of the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 days Automatic. Throughout their journey, consistently producing exceptional timepieces became a routine for Panerai. In addition to these,

passion of the Paneristi over the years. For example, taking into account the preferences expressed by the participants in the discussion forum. Panerai created the Luminor Base logo in 2010 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the website’s founding. Five years after the launch of that model, the Florentine luxury sports watch brand is now presenting another special edition celebrating this remarkable story of passion: the new Luminor Base Logo Acciaio – 44mm, which features the inscription ‘Paneristi.com 15th Anniversary’ engraved

expresses solidity and strength, and it has the characteristic bridge device with locking lever to protect the winding crown, helping to ensure water-resistance. Distinguished by the exemplary minimalism of its lines, the Luminor Base Logo’s design is consistent with the details of the vintage Panerai watches, which is the source of inspiration of each model of the brand. Furthermore, in this particular model, the added inscription of ‘Paneristi’ is engraved on the locking lever. It is subtle but a very

Officine Panerai has also created several special models as a tribute to the loyalty and

on the back. The Luminor case in polished AISI 316L stainless steel, 44mm in diameter,

noticeable tribute to the community’s lifespan and loyalty.

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T H E C U T- T I N G E D G E

THE CUT-TING EDGE Where on one side Dubai witnessed the launch of various American restaurants, only a handful managed to achieve the limelight an authentic fine dining restaurant enjoys. CUT’s claim to fame owes to being the only restaurant concept of celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck to have been exported internationally. Restaurant Director Piero Giglio and Executive Chef Raymond Weber talk us through their journey

Diksha Vohra Introducing a unique cuisine into a dense market requires much more than just knowledge. CUT is one such restaurant that stands out amongst the crowd for its delicious food, exclusive service and above all, airy and welcoming ambiance. Piero Giglio talks about the managerial aspects, while Raymond Weber familiarises us with the world of fine taste.

How have the people here received your food? Piero: I would say that the market has received the quality and flexibility of the menu selection very well. The scene in UAE is constantly changing – you have to really think of ingenious ideas to stay relevant within the market. Since many places open and close weekly, it is important to keep up with current trends.

CUT is a renowned brand in the culinary industry. What brought you to Dubai? Piero: I believe that Dubai will soon be one of the world’s leading culinary destinations. CUT aims to deliver a unique dining experience that is modern, elegant and refined. For example, the interior of the restaurant reflects the essence of Downtown Dubai as a location that is home to exclusive residences, while serving as a vibrant business district and retail destination.

You are working on a private dining area. Please tell us more about it. Piero: One of the best parts of the restaurant is the private dining room. It is the ideal setting for any special occasion from company events and fashion shows to celebrations. We host both private and semi-private events. We can host from 20 to 60 guests with a bespoke set menu.

Knowing the F&B market in the region in quite saturated, what differentiates your restaurant from others? Piero: Delivering customers’ expectations worldwide is our strength, and in Dubai, we want to do the same. We try to stay seasonal and innovative through our culinary concepts and services. We provide a full visitor experience, which is highlighted by the contemporary design of the restaurant and our exquisitely prepared dishes. In addition, we also integrate new trends to the cuisines we offer. For a great meat dish, come to CUT. Additionally, we also have a good variety of vegetarian dishes. We ensure that our guests are completely satisfied with their CUT journey.

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What are your expectations from the market here in terms of accepting a new brand? Piero: I believe that if you have an identity and a new quality product to offer the market, accepting it wouldn’t be a problem. Are you planning on expanding into other emirates in the UAE and across the Middle East? Piero: We are always open to opportunities, and details will be announced in due course. What makes your cuisine unique? Raymond: Being a modern American steakhouse, we really push ourselves to only use products that are best in the marketplace.

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The menu changes often to ensure regular guests come back for our consistency and versatility. Tell us about some of your signature dishes – their origination and how they are cooked. Raymond: Our Hand Cut Steak Tartare is a very popular dish with all of our clientele. This dish is chopped to order and only uses USDA Prime Chilled Beef (Filet & Sirloin). We are also the only restaurant serving Halal-certified Japanese Beef. We offer Filet, Rib Eye and New York Sirloin. The beef is seasoned with our house steak salt and grilled over Italian Oak. All of these are highlighted by unique flavours.

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Having launched in the Middle East, do you have any special dishes for the Arabian clientele? Raymond: We have created the ‘Japanese beef bacon’, which has become very popular as it is a far better product than what the market currently offers. According to you, how is an Arabian client different from others? Is it hard to cater to their tastes? Raymond: I don’t really find the clientele to be that different than others I have cooked for. We cater to all tastes so it’s safe to say there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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Just like their food, their interiors too are carefully designed reflecting the essence of downtown Dubai. The CUT, hence, assures comfort and relaxation in every sense

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THE HEALING TOUCH

Located in Spain, SHA is a well-being clinic focused on improving the health of its valued clients using some of the world’s oldest known natural therapies alongside the most advanced Western techniques. Signé visits the clinic and brings back unforgettable memories

Situated on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park in Spain, SHA is an anchorage of comfort and luxury. With every step, you are greeted by a breath of freshness that not only rejuvenates your body, but also submerges your mind into an ocean of peace and tranquillity. Noted as one of the finest havens for wellness, SHA’s objective is that guests feel more vital, healthy and young following a pleasant day, thereby leaving inwardly and outwardly renewed. The beginning of the union of ability and wisdom becomes enriched by the curative power of food through the application of a macrobiotic diet, which is prescribed individually for each guest. Having helped thousands of people to discover a simple way to re-establish good health, macrobiotics focuses on providing a diet that adopts nutritional investigation while considering your area of belonging, average life span and many more factors. Where monitoring the diet is an important part, natural therapies like acupuncture, shiatsu, yoga and reiki play an important role in maintaining the balance between the body, mind and spirit. Supervised by internationally renowned experts, the team at SHA ensures you enjoy every bit of your stay whilst making sure there is no compromise on your wellbeing. Another strikingly important service offered at the clinic is the Healthy Aging area.

each person. You can, hence, enjoy this time of life with good health and vitality, avoiding the illnesses and discomforts that ageing tends to bring. Understanding our contemporary lifestyle, SHA has also established an inhouse sleep recovery unit. Since improper sleep causes insomnia, heart and other nervous system disorders, this sleeping unit ensures you can catch up on all your sleep amidst a peaceful environment in which your diet will ensure you are in complete comfort. On the other hand, a trigger for major illnesses is the intake of tobacco, which causes cancer as well as a range of heart, vascular and chronic diseases. SHA’s anti-tobacco therapy consists of previously knowing the client’s smoking profile and acting on the physic and the physical aspects in a personalized manner. The client first proceeds for a lung and heart check-up, and then an individual treatment is prescribed to help one get rid of the intoxicant altogether. The treatment embraces macrobiotic, phototherapy, laser and magneto therapy as well as advanced relaxing techniques in order to avoid relapse once the treatment has finished. All the suites at SHA are deisgned to modern tastes and include a lounge, dressing room, air conditioning and the very latest technology of important appliances. With each having a spacious terrace overlooking the

Some rooms also include a kitchenette where the chef can prepare meals in the suite itself, if the guest so desires. SHA’s Spa is another highlight that cannot help but mesmerise. Recognized as the Best International Medical Spa (Spa Finder 2012 & 2013) and Best International Clinic (Quality Spa 2012 & 2013), the Wellness Clinic is spread across over 4,000 square metres and divided into hydrotherapy and treatment zones. Imagine revelling in a heated swimming pool or one of the therapeutic pools, such as physic-hydro-massage, toneup pool, pebbles path, tepidarium, sauna, calidarium or sensation shower – that’s what hydrotherapy is all about. One can even avail the installations for chromotherapy and music therapy, thereby indulging in a multidimensional or aqua relaxing massage. Other kinds of natural therapies, massages and beauty treatments are offered in their 40 different luxurious cabins. They also have special ‘suites’ destined for treatments for couples or for thalassotherapy. If heavenly views all around while having an exotic spa treatment sounds appealing, you can avail one of the open air treatments offered in a unique environment of Balinese couches set on the terraces surrounding the infinity pool, or indeed in your own suite. The wellness area also features added treats such as a hair styling salon, pedicure and podology salons,

Here, the purpose is to slow down the ageing process and evoke the health potential of

Mediterranean Sea, you can enjoy your meal anytime of the day in the most scenic setting.

and a tearoom with oriental fitotherapy for relaxation and rest.

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SANDS OF TIME BOUTIQUE Known for exquisite craftsmanship and timeless creativity, the Geneva-based luxury watchmaker Franck Muller recently extended its horizons to the UAE. Launching a new flagship boutique at The Dubai Mall, Franck Muller joins the ranks of the most renowned watchmakers in the world at the Grand Atrium. Featuring various interpretations of the brand’s artistic numeral designs, the boutique’s exteriors and interiors embody the brand’s modern and lavish aesthetics. Accentuating a sense of mystery and sophistication, the store’s entrance is flanked on either side by a contemporary spin of the traditional Arabic mashrabiya, an architectural concept of carved latticework famous in the Middle East. The prestigious brand intends to introduce Dubai’s watch connoisseurs to a diverse universe of contemporary horology.

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STRENGTHENING PRESENCE BOUTIQUE One of the leading premium department stores from the UK, House of Fraser is expanding its roots in the Middle East by opening a second location in Abu Dhabi. Synonymous with heritage, style and quality, House of Fraser has long maintained its reputation as the ultimate destination for all lifestyle needs. The new outlet will be housed in Yas Mall, providing an exciting new avenue for the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopaholics to look forward to. The British department store, which features over 200 international and local brands, boasts two floors of fashion, accessories, jewellery, homeware, beauty and skincare, thereby taking high street luxury to another level. With an illustrious history of over 165 years in retail, the boutique is home to Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Kurt Geiger and Juicy Couture. In addition, House of Fraser offers other premium services including complimentary personal shopping with a private suite as well as relaxing beauty treatment rooms, ensuring a great experience.

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DINING HOLLYWOOD STYLE R E S TAU R A N T Bringing the freshness of a contemporary Californian cuisine to the region, Delphine Restaurant & Bar has launched its first concept in the UAE. Located at The H Dubai, the acclaimed Hollywood restaurant concept brings flavours all the way from Southern California to the happening city of Dubai. Capturing the laidback attitude of the West coast, Delphine reflects the best of Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casually chic style with velvet furnishings, art deco-inspired lighting and marble surfaces. The innovative dining house provides its discerning guests with Californian bistro cuisine with a contemporary arabesque touch alongside a wide selection of Californian grape beverages to complete the culinary journey.

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