Tarfa Itani
Falamank Jewelry A Dream Comes True
Laurent A. Voivenel
HMH - Towards A Sustainable Future
Fadwa Baalbaki
Little Black Dress Which Headwear Suits Me Best?
Rachel Trevor-Morgan
AED 25 KWD 1.9 QAR 25 BHD 2.6 OMR 2.7 US 7
McLaren Abu Dhabi Montazah Tower Sheikh Zayed The 1st Street Tel: +971 2 681 0403 Fax: +971 2 681 0458 Web: www.abudhabi.mclaren.com McLaren Dubai Al Habtoor Motors, Unit GF04 The Lofts, Downtown Dubai Tel: +971 4 382 7500 Fax: +971 4 346 7596 Web: www.dubai.mclaren.com
FURTHER IS NEVER FAR ENOUGH. Our unquenchable desire to constantly improve has led us to the 650S – five decades of Formula 1™ success transferred from the track to the road. We found an extra 25PS from our twin turbo V8, producing faster acceleration and blistering lap times. We enhanced the Formula 1™ developed carbon ceramic brakes, making them more progressive at high speeds. We sharpened its teeth. We tuned its roar. We pushed it as far as it would go. Then we pushed a little further.
EDITOR’S LETTER Dears, Dreams, dreams, dreams... Every time we read a story about someone who took the great step of quitting a job to follow a dream, we get touched. Some of us could never imagine walking such a path. In this issue of Eleganté magazine, we share with you several of these inspiring stories. Tarfa Itani was once a dreamer, fascinated by the world of shine and luster. She always knew that not only Diamonds are girls’ best friends, but so are pearls, rubies, sapphires, gold, silver and everything that glitters. From a graphic designer to an award winning jewelry designer, she made her dream come true. Nadine Kanso is no different; she ventured into the jewelry design world and recently launched her first men’s collection. Fifteen years ago, Carlo Traglio brought Vhernier to life and he believes that was the happiest day of his life. Ambition and persistence also brought Amanda Navai to the fashion world where she created her gorgeous collection of handbags and clutches. McLaren, Ferrari and Bentley are also a dream for some and a reality for others. But it always begins with “when I grow up, I will get a beautiful car like ...”. Harley Davidson and its latest collection were also the talk of the town this season. Dubai and Abu Dhabi had a lot to present to its people with the festivals of art and culture, receiving national, regional and international artists. More stories on different aspects of luxury and interior, along with interviews of renowned designers await you in the next pages, and may they inspire you to make your hopes and dearest wishes come true! Happy Reading … Ibtissam El Assaad
Member Issue 21 Spring 2015 UAE
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Abu Dhabi - Dubai - Doha - Muscat - KSA Beirut - Istanbul - Luxemburg - Kiev www.agegroup.co - info@agegroup.co
FEATURE WRITERS Jana Mingovska Maryam Abdinur Palvi Sharma
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ibtissam El Assaad
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sonam Bhoneshwar
MANAGING DIRECTOR Wissam M. Itani
MARKETING MANAGER Ese Sakpa
EDITOR Diksha Vohra
SALES EXECUTIVE Anam Tehsin
In Process Of BPA Auditing
ACCOUNT MANAGER Emad Youssef
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FEATURES CONTENTS
Cover Topic Tarfa Itani of Falamank Jewelry - A Dream Comes True
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Style Little Black Dress Which Headwear Suits Me Best? Christian Louboutin partners at Bridal Fashion Week Amanda Navai Gaydamak Karen Adler Carlo Traglio of Vhernier Bil Arabi Philippe Belais of Claude Meylan Frederique Contant Alessia Fabi Disney Shoes Fortedemarmi Guess Connect Smartwatch
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Business & Luxury Laurent A. Voivenel of HMH Changi Airport Makeover
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Luxury in Motion Ferrari 488 GTB George Duncan of Al Habtoor Motors McLaren 675 LT Harley Davidson 2015 Model Line-up Majesty 122 - Superyacht Launch
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Luxury Living Modenese Gastone Interiors - Creating An Inviting Home Love Affair Collection by Bang & Olufsen LeVault brings luxury pieces to the UAE
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You’ve arrived. Before you’ve even left. The new Flying Spur V8.
Success is its own destination. Exquisitely crafted, technologically advanced, with the power to propel you to 183 mph and 60mph in just 4.8 seconds. Flying Spur V8 fuel consumption – in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 18.4 (15.4); Extra Urban 36.7 (7.7); Combined 26.8 (10.6). CO2 Emissions 246 g/km. EPA Drive Cycle* in USmpg: City driving 15.0; Highway driving 24.0; Combined 18.0. For more information call: Al Habtoor Royal Car, Tel: 02 - 222 2445 Al Habtoor Motors, Tel: 04 - 294 4492 www.uae.bentleymotors.com, www.habtoormotors.com *Fuel consumption figures subject to Type Approval and EPA Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2015 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Flying Spur V8
BENTLEY EMIRATES 9 .
FEATURES CONTENTS
Culture & Art Meet D3 officially opens Art Dubai Hosts Latest Edition Abu Dhabi Festival 2015 Antolini Luigi & C. - Precioustone Collection
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Leisure & Sports Where the rich like to Vacation The Ajman Palace Hotel The Oberoi Spa Empty Quarter Desert At Anantara Hotel Dubai World Cup 2015 Go Beyond at the Grand Prix 2015 Emirati Nationals create history at Triyas 2015
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Dubai Polo Challenge 2015 British Polo Day
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Gastronomy Kanat Kutluk of Selamlique The Act Encore Restaurant Zero Gravity Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Twinings - The Journey of Tea Recipes from Tilal Liva Hotel Byblos Sur Mer
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Latest in Luxury
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Malgosia Bela by Mario Sorrenti
messika.com
Angel Collection
COVER TOPIC
Tarfa Itani Falamank Jewelry - A Dream Comes True From a graphic designer to an award winning jewelry designer, Tarfa took the first step. She followed her heart to achieve her dream. Each day that passes, the vision becomes clearer and things are coming to life. Dreams do come true. Ibtissam El Assaad
Was it from graphic design to jewelry or from a jewelry collector to a designer? How did you discover your passion? In early 2000, the designer in me decided that it’s time to quit my job as a graphic designer to pursue my dream as an antique jewelry collector. It was later on that I started designing my first collection of vintage jewelry. What was it about jewelry that attracted you? Like any young girl, rings, bracelets, necklaces and especially earrings mesmerized me and attracted my attention, at the time I didn’t know the difference between jewelry and accessories but was fond of the luster, and the designs grown-ups were wearing. What were your first collectibles? What kind of jewelry were they; vintage, modern, … ? I remember the first piece of antique jewelry I collected and became luckily my possession was my grandmother’s necklace and it was one of the few pieces that stayed in my private collection and never accepted to sell it.
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What did you do to move from a graphic designer to a jewelry designer (studies, certificates, …) Graphic design is the base of all types of designs, yet it is not enough for jewelry creation. GIA jewelry degree was a necessity to enter the marvelous world of gold and diamonds. The brand name you chose is a bit special. What does it signify? Falamank comes from the word ‘’Flam ant’’; Flamants were the first people to cut the diamonds from the rough hundreds of years ago. Since my first line was the vintage line, it was only normal to use a name coming from the history of diamonds and jewelry. What was the first piece of jewelry that you designed? What emotions were attached to it back then and what do you think about it now? A vintage hand of Fatima made of rose gold and rose cut diamonds was the first piece I created. It was and still is up till now a piece very close to my heart and in a way my lucky charm…
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COVER TOPIC
“Each jewelry piece of Falamank design tells a unique story or a unique feeling I passed through.”
Were your designs at first targeted to your family and friends? Who were your first clients? For sure the people that believed in me were my family and my extended families who are my friends. Today, and after years of design, what has changed in Falamank as a brand? What has changed in Tarfa as a designer? The brand after years of hard work has evolved for sure. Many different lines of jewelry were created and the brand itself became a know brand throughout the region. As Tarfa the person and the designer, I think I’m still the same with all my positives and my little flaws. What inspires you to design a specific piece? An emotion is always an inspiration for designing, sometimes the feeling of belonging would inspire me to create a ring coming from my rich oriental heritage, and other times a feeling of the positive energy of the sun would inspire me to create designs inspired from the sun and its positive energy. What was the most challenging piece of jewelry that you made till now and why? The mosaic hand of Fatima was a big challenge not only to design it but to produce it as well. The very intricate pieces of mosaic were a challenge to set them in the 18K gold and diamonds creation. Does each piece of jewelry you design have a story? Please tell us about your collections. Each jewelry piece of Falamank design tells a unique story or a unique feeling I passed through. At the end
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what differentiate my designs is the soul of every single creation has. Do your designs cater to all kinds of women at all occasions or you have a special niche and moment in mind? At Falamank, we have different styles of design catered to different occasions and different styles of women, but for sure if you look at one of our designs, you can immediately tell its a Falamank design…
“The luster of the gold and the shine are so beautiful and attractive to the eye that fashion jewelry cannot compete with. A woman who likes a jewelry design doesn’t only like the design itself but also the material behind it.”
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COVER TOPIC Do you do custom-made jewelry based on the special requests of certain clients? Sometimes, clients come to us with an idea they have in mind, we do few sketches for her to pick up her custom design creation. You are a winner of international two awards so far. What are they and what was so special about the pieces/collections that won? Yes, I am. Best fashionable design: Premier Awards Bahrain/ 2013 Best oriental design: Premier Awards Bahrain/ 2014
Best fashionable design: Premier Awards Bahrain/ 2013
In today’s world where fashion jewelry seems to be taking over, where do you see luxury jewelry standing? The luster of the gold and the shine are so beautiful and attractive to the eye that fashion jewelry cannot compete with. A woman who likes a jewelry design doesn’t only like the design itself but also the material behind it. What kind of trends do you see coming in the jewelry design industry now? More and more funky and trendy designs are coming and less classical ones. The oriental patterns are used a lot, not only in the Middle East but internationally as well. Jewelry industry is quite dynamic and lots of efforts are needed to match the current trends. Are you a trend follower or do you believe in defining trends for others? Honestly, I rarely follow up the trend. I do in the technique of manufacturing but never in the design itself. At the end, setting up a trend is much more exciting and fun than following what other designers do.
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What are your plans for Falamank for the near future? Are you planning any new expansions in other parts of the world? As you know, the brand is available throughout the Middle East and the gulf region, so the logical next step would be to reach the European one.
Please describe to us a typical day in the atelier of Tarfa Itani? There is no typical day in my atelier since my job is very dynamic. For example, sometimes I start my day by drawing and at other times, I start it by following up on orders or by packing my suit case to attend a jewelry exhibition. Any special interests that keep you busy other than jewelry designs? Besides designing jewelry which is my hobby, my other interest is traveling. Whenever I get the chance to discover a new part of the world, I never say no. What kind of jewelry would you wear on these occasions: A regular day at office, A night out, A family dinner At a normal day at the office, I would be wearing my (TARFA) Calligraphy earrings that became my signature and in a way my lucky charm; as for a night out with friends or family, I would wear jewelry that match the occasion and my dress code.
Any tips on how to choose the right piece for the right outfit you would like to give to the ladies wearing your designs in specific or passionate about jewelry in general? Honestly, a women first should look and feel good about herself, whether she is wearing my designs or any other piece of jewelry. I believe a beautiful smile is the most beautiful jewelry a woman can wear. What is your vision for Tarfa the designer? Do you see yourself designing men’s collections? As a designer, I would like to design for kids and eventually for men as well. The kids’ collection will be out in stores soon, whereas the men’s one will take more time. What is your motto in life? Be good, and goodness will come to you.
“An emotion is always an inspiration for designing, sometimes the feeling of belonging would inspire me to create a ring coming from my rich oriental heritage, and other times a feeling of the positive energy of the sun would inspire me to create designs inspired from the sun and its positive energy.” 17 .
STYLE
Little black dress FADWA BAALBAKI Re-think fashion is the motto at Lebanese Designer Fadwa Baalbaki’s Boutique in Jumeirah, where the traditional robe noir can be whatever you want. Opening the Fashion Catwalk at this year’s BRIDE Abu Dhabi, the dressmaker unveiled a rainbow collection of stunning evening dresses – proof that all great LBD’s are limitless, but most importantly inherently classic. Diksha Vohra & Maryan Abdinur
Hailing from Lebanon, The Little Black Dress continues its bespoke tradition in the UAE. Five years since opening her first boutique in Beirut to resounding success, Fadwa Baalbaki’s tailor-made concept continues to draw praise. Her approach is strictly to make transcendent pieces, inspired by the classical era of Audrey Hepburn and eighties Parisian chic of revered couturier Azzedine Alaia. She didnt always know she was going to be a designer. It was only after a few photo shoots, where she witnessed the mixing of colors and textures when she decided to take it up as a career. It was in 2010 that she finally decided to take the leap and launch her own boutique in Beirut which gradually gained more and more popularity among women who wanted to set styling standards for themselves and stand apart from the crowd. “I create dresses to bring a sense of unique style to women, maintaining an elegant and timeless approach to fashion, no matter how modern the piece” muses the designer. Baalbaki’s Spring Summer 2015 collection brought this
attitude to BRIDE Abu Dhabi’s runway where dreamy visions of rose, violet, crimson, and sea foam drew whimsical notes to be swept away in. Mixing vintage tastes with modern and daring twists, Balbaaki‘s play of contrasts depicted the female form with the LBD signature take on femininity. Off the runway, clients are invited to tailor their own creations under Balbaaki’s expert eye. For fashion lovers, her Palm Strip Mall boutique is a special gem. Storefront windows display delicate works of tulle, lace, chiffon, silk and organza. To the ladies who stream in, they are artworks, but more than that, each dress reveals another facet of the meticulous designer. Balbaaki is one of the growing designers in the region being recognised for her distinct ability to fuse her Eastern aesthetics with Western design influences. Citing her time in France as extremely influntial during her formative teen years, the designer reflects on the eclectic fashion that positioned her brand several years later.
“I didn’t always know I was going to become a designer, however after attending numerous photo shoots of high end couture designers, and observing their creations coming to life, and watching their mixing and matching of different textures and colours, I was even more drawn to the world of design and this encouraged me to enter it.” . 18
“The fact that more and more women are coming into my store and ordering dresses and customizing them is a wonderful feeling for me. It shows me that they trust in my design and expertise, and this is what keeps me going and makes me feel accomplished.�
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“My target audience is any woman, no matter whether she is a celebrity, a working woman, or a mother, looking to feel different, wear a masterpiece of a dress and shine. In my world, every woman is treated like a star.”
“I didn’t always know I was going to become a designer, however after attending numerous photo shoots of high end couture designers, and observing their creations coming to life, and watching their mixing and matching of different textures and colours, I was even more drawn to the world of design and this encouraged me to enter it.” Her gowns meld ornate embellishments with simpler style lines and bold palettes, with bi-annual on trend collections meant to stand the test of time. While referencing fashion icons like Hepburn for their timelessness, Little Black Dress’ clientele form the crux of the boutique’s inexhausable appeal. A consumer focus is deliberate and commercially sensible as savvy ladies increasingly look to labels that can help them create their own special fashion moments. As LBD cements its position as the definitive stop to undertake such a task, Balbaaki stands at the helm, guiding such moments along. “The fact that more and more women are coming into my store and ordering dresses and customizing them is a wonderful feeling for me. It shows me that they trust in my design and expertise, and this is what keeps me going and makes me feel accomplished.” At the heartbeat of it all, is the atelier nestled within the boutique. It’s the calming assurity that no two dresses are ever the same – every woman’s dream. In a world where online shopping and retail giants rein supreme, Baalbaki’s commitment to handcrafting sets her apart. Every cut
and adornment has its purpose, ensuring clients are “fully satisfied with what they are wearing, that their personality shines through.” Though Baalbaki has dressed local celebrities and big names who have graced Society pages, the designer is satisfied with the privilege of having been part of all the ’wow’ moments at her atelier. “My target audience is any woman, no matter whether she is a celebrity, a working woman, or a mother, looking to feel different, wear a masterpiece of a dress and shine. In my world, every woman is treated like a star.“ Inscreasingly as the luxury fashion industry churns out this season’s style stars, where fashion is a statement to be produced, captured and shared, Balbaaki credits advancements in social media channels and advertising methods with the growing prominance of regional designers. All the same it is her attitude towards fashion, defined by the very real women around her which set the stage for the expansion of her brand. Most resonating to clients is Balbaaki’s understanding that luxury is in the details. “Luxury to me is the effort and time that has gone into a certain creation, really making it unique, valued and worth the wait or price.“ It is distinctly her ability to echew mass appeal for individual flair which delivers the LBD moment so many are after, and thus her broader definition of luxury seems all the more pertinant to the modern woman.
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STYLE
RACHEL TREVOR MORGAN Which Headwear Suits Me Best? Stand out from the crowd in the coming summers as renowned milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan, hat-maker to HM The Queen of England, shares her tips on choosing and wearing the perfect headwear. Diksha Vohra
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What’s the best style for my face shape? When choosing a hat or headpiece for a special occasion it’s important to try lots of different shapes and styles regardless of your face shape. There are certainly no rigid rules but here is a quick guide to help:
Square – Avoid crowns that are narrow. I would recommend choosing styles with wide brims to soften your features; asymmetric lines work well too. If you opt to wear a pillbox hat, remember to wear it at an angle and not straight on top of the head to balance your jaw.
Oval – With this face shape it’s hard to go wrong since any style hat will suit you. Your two best options are smaller pillboxes and wider brims that will look chic and accentuate your proportions. Round – Try balancing out the shape of a round face with taller hats and pillbox styles. Asymmetrical shapes work well in giving proportion to your face – try hats with a feather to take the line up and off the face.
Heart Shaped – To complement your soft features, go for disc headpieces and slice hats – although heart face shapes also suit many different styles so try on a variety to discover your perfect piece. Another suggestion is to go for an asymmetric brim, avoiding tiny pillboxes that may look out of balance.
How to pull off the perfect headwear? Hats are an expression of individual style and have the power to capture the wearer’s mood, so choose a design that suits your personality. It’s a good idea to play around with different types of headwear, for example a disc headpiece is a great substitute for a brimmed hat as it gives you the same statement effect. To ease yourself in, choose a style in a neutral shade that goes with a variety of looks and can be worn to multiple events. Make sure your headwear complements your outfit and consider if the accessory matches with the event and the kind of look you want to achieve. Take into account prints and patterns, ensuring the piece adds to your overall silhouette. If your outfit is very busy you don’t want to have too much detailing on the hat, whereas a simple outfit keeps the focus on the hat which can be far more elaborate. To add a fun feminine feel to any outfit, I recommend a headpiece with feathers; they are a key trend this season. Last but not least; make sure to wear your hat or headpiece with confidence. Wear the hat, don’t let the hat wear you and most importantly have fun!
Oblong – Opt for smaller cloche hats that will not overwhelm the face. Volume in the trimming complements you best – flowers or feathers can add interest and balance.
Milliner to HM The Queen, British-born Rachel TrevorMorgan is renowned for her beautiful handwork resulting in glamorous, feminine hats and headpieces. Established in 1990, Rachel won the Headdress Designer Award in 1997 at The Brides British Bridal Awards and has since collaborated with many respected designers and members of the British royal family. Since 2006, HM The Queen has worn Rachel’s hats on many high profile occasions including Royal Ascot, her 80th birthday celebrations at St Paul’s and her Diamond Wedding celebration at Westminster Abbey to name but a few, and in 2014 Rachel was granted The Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen. The Rachel Trevor-Morgan for Jacques Vert collection boasts an array of 15 elegant and timeless hats, all made to the highest quality and perfect for those special occasions. Rachel Trevor-Morgan has collaborated on a range of hats with British occassionwear brand Jacques Vert, available from the brand’s concession in Debenhams, Mirdif City Centre.
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STYLE
Christian Louboutin Partnering With Designers At Bridal Fashion Week Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something...rouge. The lacquered red soles of Christian Louboutin took to the runways yet again this spring, this time in collaboration with three Bridal Fashion Week designers –Naeem Khan, Jenny Packham, and Marchesa. At Marchesa Bridal’s Spring 2016 collection presentation, it was petals upon petals. Flowers, blooms and blossoms were expressed wistfully throughout the collection through intricate threadwork, 3-D fabric petals, floral beading and feather flowers. The overtly feminine gowns were complemented by several Christian Louboutin styles including classics old and new like the So Kate, Pigalle Follies and Decollete 312 in white patent and kid leather, as well as the new Dalida in white patent, boasting a new Louboutin signature – the wavy mirage heel.
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Naeem Khan’s bride was a glamorous one. Refined and seductive silhouettes were detailed with rich beading and floral sequins. With artistry as the focus, each dress took inspiration from a destination – be it Saint-Tropez or Sorrento. To close the show, the San Francisco bride walked the runway in a memorable ivory satin sequin tuxedo jacket and matching pant, complemented by the glittering, strappy Toerless Muse - also seen on the Fall 2016 runway for Khan. Inspired by the enchanted environment and characters of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jenny Packham’s 2016 Bridal Collection offered soft silhouettes and delicate colours including ivory, aqua and blush, along with textured twists and unexpected embellishments. Pleats, draping, and beading made the back of gowns as memorable as the front, and classic, high and low -heeled Louboutin styles let the dresses take center stage.
“A woman’s beauty has always been at the centre of Louboutin’s inspiration, and the Summer of 2014 welcomed the launch of Christian Louboutin Beauté with its first nail colour, Rouge Louboutin, followed by 30 additional shades categorized into three groups: the Nudes, the Noirs and the Pops.” About Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin was created in 1992 when Louboutin opened his first store at 19 Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Paris. The brand currently has 103 stores worldwide including a number of dedicated Men’s boutiques. A seminal volume entitled ‘Christian Louboutin’ charts the success of the company over the last two decades, published by Rizzoli. Recent collaborations with legendary Parisian Cabaret ‘Crazy Horse’ and the Walt Disney Company, along with special projects with those from the worlds of music, art and film typify the creative dexterity of the designer. A retrospective exhibition of his inventive designs was held in 2012 at London’s prestigious Design Museum and more recently at the Design Exchange in Toronto, Canada.
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Amanda Navai Unveiling Her Exclusive ‘Python’ Handbag Collection Called the “universe of python1” when she became the pioneer in designing luxury python hand bags in Dubai, Amanda Navai celebrates her 10 year anniversary this year. The designer has been in the HOT 100 people of Dubai for 8 years and an Emirates Woman of the Year Award nominee within the artist section. Yet she manages to take time out for herself, her passions and likings. The ever smiling designer has had a glorious journey which took her from the streets of Lebanon to Dubai and further ahead. Diksha Vohra
In 2009, after working 7 years in the fashion industry Amanda Navai started thinking seriously about starting something of her own. Being an entrepreneur and having her own business was a dream for the designer ever since she was a child but was always too afraid to take that step. Navai decided to move forward carefully and started working on a collection while still working in a firm as she didn’t know how the collection and her interpretations would be received by people. She started her business with an investment of $5,000 that was spent to create the first collection and with that her first collection sold out and the money was used to create a new collection. She is proud of
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being self-sufficient since the beginning and has never had any outside investment which is testament to her both as a business woman and a designer. By November 2009 the designer had received her first batch of python leather and in March the brand participated in its first multi brand trunk show, The Odessey. On May 15th 2010, the brand launched officially in Bloomingdales Dubai with a debut collection that sold out within 6 days. Talking about her handbags, she addresses, “… each handbag is carefully handcrafted in Italy and Lebanon by local artisans using the finest leathers and artisanship to
“What caught our attention the most was her other travel bag which had an inbuilt charger to charge your mobiles or tablets during your travel. Innovation at its best!” ensure luxury quality finishing. The brand chooses to only work with family run companies as this gives that extra personal touch. Smart Practical Luxury is the ethos the brand tries to adhere to. The styles are eternal with a twist, each bag has its own unique details to make it special and versatile.” Showcasing her special 10 year anniversary collection, she says,”…since we are celebrating our 10 years, the collection includes some of my favorite personally designed pieces.” The lion head included in her latest collection is her hallmark of success. Navai, being a Leo herself, feels that a lion represents strength, courage, determination and victory which she has exhibited too over the years. While seeing her collection, our eyes got stuck on her Reversible Clutches. It was the first kind of clutch she had ever designed having two colors which, depending on the color of your dress, can be reversed to suit your style. Another impressive piece was her travel bag which had three different types of chains – cross body, metal and brass, which can be used for a casual handout, a formal party and for travel. What caught our attention the most was her other travel bag which had an inbuilt charger to charge your mobiles or tablets during your travel. Innovation at its best! On being asked why she chose to have a python skin collection, Navai explains that python skin had always been her favorite and she would specially travel to source the best python skin to design her collection with. She adds, “Pythons are my specialty and I take pride in it. The whole objective of my collection is to create affordable python bags which are timeless. You aren’t purchasing a bag, you are purchasing a collectable, a piece of art.” Her handbags and shoes aren’t restricted to a particular age group. The colors may vary and suit a particular age but overall, her pieces are pure classics in their true self. In terms of inspiration, strong women have always been her inspiration and the bags she makes are for the modern woman of today.
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Gaydamak
The Art Of Perfectionism Sibling love is the purest form of love. However, when that love unites with a passion towards achieving similar goals, the end results are spectacular. Such is the story of two Persian sisters, Katia and Sonia Gaydamak who discovered their mutual interests in jewelry designing and formed the brand in 2009. Their urge to create a new, influential brand, following a lifelong, boundless interest for jewelry design, is inspirational. Here’s Katia describing their magnificent and eventful journey and on their future goals. Diksha Vohra
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“The fabulous thing about jewelry is that there is no limit to what we can create and we are only five years old so we have plenty more ideas to develop.�
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Where the entire world is busy maneuvering around different styles of necklaces and rings, hand bracelets are a fairly new concept. How did you both think of doing something this unique? Like most things in our lives, it was pure luck. I had a bracelet that was too big. It fell down my wrist and the rest is history. The lesson that we got from it, is that sometimes an opportunity is just here, in front of you and all you need to do is, grab it and it will work wonders for you. When we were planning to launch our jewelry brand, we wanted to find a way to do some original, gracious and elegant jewelry but that would stand out. When we finished working on the samples for the hand bracelet, it turned out to be so unique and beautiful that it was obvious that this would become our signature piece. Did you think people would be interested in such accessories particularly when various brands are focusing only on presenting new collections in their established lines of accessories? To be honest it was. In the beginning, no one was remotely interested in the concept of hand bracelets. People were used to the norm and we were trying to bring something different to their plate. To our astonishment, initially most of the retailers we contacted wouldn’t even return our phone calls. Even our families were reluctant at that time. But after a while, things got better when we entered some established stores such as Montaigne Market in Paris or Browns in London. As people started seeing it more, it became easier to enter into their minds and into their list of likings. Nevertheless, it has now become even more challenging for our brand to create innovative jewelry as so much is expected from us. But we love challenges! Please tell us more about the process of developing this hand bracelet. It took us over a year to finish the hand bracelet just as we though it should be. We mean it was a long process as it involved a lot of research and physical efforts before getting comfort, quality, elegance, price and style all in one! We came out with three sizes that fit most women. But if you want something just for yourself, we also do bespoke orders for which we do a plastering of the hand of the customer and have it fit perfectly. Did you ever face criticism from the media or from your audience? If so, how did you handle it? Both Sonia and I, have a very critical mind. We never have any jewelry sent out to our retailers without having them checked. It is crucial for us to be satisfied by our work and that the result will be to the standards expected from us and our clients. About the media, they have been very supportive of our brand and we have been excited to work
with them throughout the years. The success of Gaydamak Jewelry is held in the hands of many; the people in the atelier, our partners, journalists, and most importantly our loyal clients. What were the various challenges you faced while establishing this brand? Well there isn’t a project without a few scares! For us, the challenging part is mostly finding people, our ateliers that would believe in our designs. When you ask for a wax of a diamond glove you need the craftsman to trust you and your ideas. The trust that the craftsman puts into your work, shows in the final version and those pieces make it to the top. So for us, that is undoubtedly the most important thing. You have recently launched in the Middle East. What brought you into this market? What are your expectations from the market? We came to the Middle East after having heard from our European retailers that a lot of our clients were from that region. And the market out here is growing each day. Each store has its own taste and it’s own buyers. For us, it was important to satisfy the demand of our ambassadors and adjust our designs to their taste. Also our designs are often inspired by the Middle Eastern architecture and therefore it was obvious that our presence would be received well by the locals. That’s what motivated us to launch here. The Middle East society is very different from the rest of the world. Does your jewelry incorporate any Arabian artistic designs? One of the first inspirations for the hand bracelet was to do a diamond henna tattoo. We have been using pictures from mosaics that you find in some of the mosques in Abu Dhabi, or designs from windows in Iran. The fabulous thing about jewelry is that there is no limit to what we can create and we are only five years old so we have plenty more ideas to develop. Apart from the signature hand bracelet, tell us about your other collections. The Kashmir collection in one of the strongest designs we have. It has been amazing to work around the paisley pattern. Lately we have been working on the gloves and using very fine and delicate drawings to make the end result as light as possible. It feels like lace on your hand. Are you planning to open a store in Dubai? What are your future plans? Our plan is to expand in the region. We have been invited to visit the Emirates and to decide on the next timing for our future events. We hope it will be soon so we can also enjoy some sun!
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Karen Adler The Next Generation Head Of Adler Jewelry From a distance Adler looked like another elegant luxury jewelry brand to me. However, when Karen Adler, the 4th generation owner of Adler, showed me her collection and introduced me to her long legacy of fine craftsmanship, I was truly taken aback. A story teller passionate, Karen is a focused and a determined individual with a strong business attitude, intending to tell the story of her family, culture and her roots through her work at Adler. As she takes over the business from her father Carlo Adler, let’s hear from her on her aspirations and expectation from the brand and beyond. Diksha Vohra
So Karen, please tell us about yourself, your career and how you made it to Adler. Adler was launched by my great grandfather who wanted to illustrate the art of the Byzantine culture to the world. I am the 4th generation who is taking over Adler and the legacy beyond its existing frontiers. I was always passionate about story telling which is precisely why I went to the US to pursue my literature studies. I have worked as a film producer for 20 years. But my DNA brought me back to Dubai where I came back to transfer the love of arts which I had inherited, into more unique pieces. So here I am. When you entered into the film production industry, did your family have any concerns with it? I moved out of my home when I was 18 years old. They always knew I was passionate about my work so they did not stop me. My father handled the business very well for 44 years and when I decided to move back to Geneva, he happily transferred the reins into the hands of my cousin, his spouse and myself. So the three of us are heading the organization now. How is Adler unique among other brands? Alder has always been a forward thinker in terms of designing. For example, for the first two years we used
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titanium and then we used carbon. Both these materials are actually used elsewhere and we have incorporated the same in our designs. Also regularly we explore new areas and materials to use to enhance our designs. We constantly work with new designers to develop new interesting pieces to suit the needs of our young clients. Your designs are not only oriental. They have touches of western designs. How did this blend come about? My father was born in Turkey and I was born in Switzerland. He studied in England and I studied in the US. My mom is from Spain so we did see a blend in cultures in our family as we grew. The same is reflected in our designs as well. We are very cosmopolitan. What kind of women adorns your jewelry? A woman that feels is confident and comfortable on making a statement for herself wears Adler. It is meant for the women who love walking the unconventional path and who believe in themselves. We have a large luxury jewelry collection including all you need pieces along with ones for special occasions. But whatever you buy, you know you will feel unique.
“Jewelry defines you and helps others identify with you. Hence our jewelry cannot reflect the same for too many people. We are unique and we shall remain unique always.” How does it feel when you see someone wearing your jewelry in the outer world? When I travel across and I find someone wearing an Alder ring or a bracelet, it feels great. In a way I feel that others are sharing my passion. Its like welcoming them into your family. When I see them happy with my jewelry, i feel elated. On a personal note, how are you as an individual? What do you like to wear? What do you like doing in your free time? I am the same at home as I am at work. I am a perfectionist and I work on something till every detail is corrected and carefully attended to. I love Japanese clothing and I feel their designs speak a lot about their culture, their thoughts and their roots. To me, clothing is a expression of personality which they really pay close attention to. In my free time, which unfortunately I don’t have too often, I like to read and spend time with my daughters. I see you not wearing much jewelry yourself. Why is that? I don’t wear jewelry generally. What I am wearing is all gifted by my family members. The ring I am wearing belonged to my grandmother, the bracelets to my other grandmother
and the earrings were gifted to me by my father on the birth of my second child. Like I said, everything around you tells a story of how it is related to you. With these I feel my family is always with me in every walk of life. I believe in giving such timeless pieces to others. Do you adapt to latest trends in the jewelry industry often? Why follow trends? I believe in creating trends and seeing others follow it. Being innovative runs in our blood and I would always want to have it that way. Jewelry defines you and helps others identify with you. Hence our jewelry cannot reflect the same for too many people. We are unique and we shall remain unique always. In terms of your target market, whom are your products focused at? Middle East is an important territory which I am focusing on. However, I wouldn’t mind exploring other markets like NYC or Miami as I feel they have a lot of potential too. the biggest challenge in today’s world is to create new technology and using them to create pieces which are out of the world. If you have done that, you can tackle any market.
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Carlo Traglio President and CEO of Vhernier Jewelry making is an art and only a few master it to perfection. Vhernier is one such brand which has created history for itself in the world of fine jewelry making. The Italian brand recently revealed its 2015 collection which tells the story of a journey between the Middle and the Far East. Introducing the collection and his ancestral vision is Mr. Carlo Traglio, the President and the CEO of the brand. Diksha Vohra
When did you launch Vhernier and exactly how did it all start? I bought Vhernier 15 years ago and I have to say that it was the happiest day of my life because Vhernier was, and is, the passion of my life, a real dream that has come true. In fact, it was not long before I established the first shop in Milano, then in Via Monte Napoleone, and then other branches in Italy and Europe. We had realized that in order for the brand to grow and be known, we had to expand geographically, even beyond Europe. That is when we decided to open in the US, notably in Beverly Hills, Miami, in Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC, Palm Beach, Houston and Puerto Rico. We also knew that we wanted to come to this region and so we thought of Dubai, and we searched for the right partners here. We went a long way before we formed our local partnership with Al Rostamani family, and we are now happy to say they are fantastic and the best partner. What was your inspiration behind launching Vhernier? How does it represent the culture blend between the Middle and the Far East? The new collection is indeed a fusion of the Far East and Middle East, in particular The Plisse collection, which widely draws inspiration from the Far East. The Plisse collection came to my mind when I was thinking of Asia and it is a combination of two ideas: fashion, through the admirable work of Issey Miyake, notably the dresses he designs, and also the idea of Origami, which is a very ancient tradition in eastern countries. For me, these two ideas melted together to create the Plisse.
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Developing unique concepts is something we see very rarely in the contemporary market. What made you combine these two diverse ideas? The combination of these two ideas was initiated a while ago, with a very young Thai designer, a graduate from the Politecnico di Milano, who worked on a few designs of Origami over a period of six months. Translating these designs into jewelry was obviously a very different story, as we wanted to reflect the form and softness of Issey Miyake’s dresses. It took an entire year to create The Plisse bracelet, ring and earrings line. I believe this line makes Vhernier go further. These very contemporary conceptions of jewels are not only new to Asia, Europe, but also the United States. What makes your jewelry unique? Vhernier is very different from other big brands, such as Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany, because they do what I call mass market jewelry. On the contrary, Vhernier produces a small quantity of jewelry that is entirely handcrafted. The small production results from the idea that the quality of the stone and execution must be extraordinary because this was the inheritance of the firm I bought. The jewel must be timeless, evergreen, so that it does not belong to a fashion, or a season, but can be worn at all times. I believe we distinguish ourselves. Vhernier stands by a different philosophy, in which the jewel is contemporary and is thought for women that are not looking to show off but simply buying it for their personal enjoyment. I also think that Vhernier’s pieces are recognizable. You can tell it is Vhernier.
Please tell us more about your latest collection aligning the relationship between the sun and the moon. I would say that The Plisse is the new collection’s special. We have presented this new collection all around the world, and it has been accepted worldwide, as well as has received a lot of attention. I must say I am really enthusiastic about it. This is the future of Vhernier. So far among all your collections, developing which has been most challenging? The Plisse was a real challenge in terms of the gold fusion, as well as really problematic in terms of the cast. Every time we had to create a new cast for every bracelet, ring and earrings. The major difficulty stemmed from the execution to perfect the gold surface, especially to create those perfect fine and small gold facets. What are your expectations from the Middle East market? I would like people to understand the quality of these jewels, as these are entirely handmade in Italy, and to truly grasp that they are unique. Every piece carries a singularity; it slightly differs from the others, as the stone and the cut vary vaguely. In fact, every piece has a progressive number inlaid that distinguishes it from the others of the same model. It is most definitely unique, and complicated, more than what people would tend to think. The job behind it is unimaginable, and these complications are always a challenge we like to have.
“Vhernier produces a small quantity of jewelry that is entirely handcrafted. The small production results from the idea that the quality of the stone and execution must be extraordinary because this was the inheritance of the firm I bought. The jewel must be timeless, evergreen, so that it does not belong to a fashion, or a season, but can be worn at all times.�
Where do you envisage Vhernier in the next couple of years? Our future plans are to grow in this part of the world. In fact, we have come to Dubai to test the ground and find other special spots as Dubai and other great opportunities. We truly think this region is very important, as it bridges Europe and Asia. Of course, we plan to expand in 2016 and 2017, in Asia, notably in China and Japan.
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BIL ARABI Hosted Swanky Event To Launch Men’s Line
Right: Nadine Kanso, Founder of Bil Arabi Left: Samer Al Ameen, Product Designer
Bil Arabi, the iconic Arabic-inspired jewelry brand, hosted an exclusive cocktail reception at China Grill at the Westin Hotel on February 1st to mark the launch of the brand’s first ever men’s line. The event was attended by Dubai’s most stylish VIPs and top editors. Guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés and were dazzled by the beautifully displayed collection. For this collection, Nadine Kanso, the creative mind behind Bil Arabi, which literally translates to “In
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Arabic”, teamed up with Product Designer and Creative Director Samer Al Ameen to create a unique men’s jewelry line which resulted in a very modern and masculine take on traditional Arabic calligraphy to create a linear and more structured aesthetic. The one-of-a-kind collection shaped Arabic letters into modern works of wearable art, and consisted of necklaces, bracelets, cuff links and rings, all in silver with each letter crafted in a unique way.
About Nadine Kanso: Nadine Kanso was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1968. In 2006, Nadine was invited to exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as part of a group exhibition entitled “Arabize Me”. Later that year, she adapted the exhibit for a solo show at B21 Gallery in Dubai, with a collection that included a series of portraits depicting Arabs from across the region with an eclectic mix of artistic, creative and cultural milieus entitled, ‘Who I Am’ or ‘Meen Ana’ in Arabic. About Samer Al Ameen: Samer Al Ameen was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1971 and spent his whole childhood there. After 13 years working in Advertising, he decided to quit the commercial world and launch his own career. In February 2006 he launched his Image Consultancy company 2503, and started to take over companies, shops, restaurants and transform them in a way that better suited their needs and their clients’ needs. After 6 years of creating spaces and environments, he decided to explore a different aspect of design: Product Design and has been producing objects for events and projects, as well as attending international design fairs in London, Milan, Paris and Stockholm.
“The one-of-a-kind collection shapes Arabic letters into modern works of wearable art, and consists of necklaces, bracelets, cuff links and rings, all in silver with each letter crafted in a unique way.”
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Philippe Belais CEO of Claude Meylan Defining new trends in the watchmaking industry What does it take to be different? I guess its legacy, attitude, lifestyle and ambition. Mr. Philippe Belais is a living example of all of the above. Behind the innovative watch designs, are his efforts to make Claude Meylan a brand synonymous with luxury. Having one of his signature movements, ‘Repitition 5’ shortlisted for the Grand Prix awards, Belais considers it to be just the beginning of a glorious journey. Diksha Vohra
Watchmaking industry involves very fine craftsmanship. How did you get into this line of watchmaking? By pure Heritage! The art of working over movements has been part of our family for so many years that quite rapidly, we evolved towards the Art of Skeletons and focused on this particular savoir faire since we are expressing our work on well proven existing Swiss movements. One of the things I enjoy is to express and translate an idea into a design that will make the parts and decors play together while getting “life” from the inner mechanism. Was it always a passion or something you developed eventually? Clearly a Passion! We were raised in the spirit of ‘do what you love and love what you do’, so by applying this philosophy, sculpting time has always been a never ending process and therefore work. There is so much to express, so much to enjoy and so many boundaries to cross that I always imagine and dream of new ways and material to create and share magical moments with teams and customers. What do you think makes your brand stand out in comparison to other brands in the industry? For Claude Meylan, it is most certainly its ability to provide high standards of craftsmanship at realistic prices while ensuring a large proposition of styles and harmonies. We are an access to high horology and all is based on Savoir Faire and our heritage. The fact that everything we do, we pay close attention to be it designing the skeleton or putting it together. The efforts involved are reflected on the pieces which make us one of a kind.
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Tell us more about the vision you have for your company. Claude Meylan embodies the art of skeleton and as such become the “Sculptor of time”. We will continue to focus on our savoir faire to maintain and further develop the endless creativity of our maison. You have recently moved into the Middle East. Why did it take so long to launch your brand here? Simply because we like to walk before we start running. Not so long ago, Middle East customers were either attracted by high end brands in traditional horology or pure fashion. Today, the customer has evolved towards smaller houses with specific knowledge and achievement because of a much higher knowledge over watches. Customers have been exposed and educated by the industry and now, they are able to trust and express their own taste by finding rare and true treasures – like us. What are your expectations with the Middle Eastern market? I believe in playing it by the day. Although I could quote Swiss watch exportation and inspire our answers by the figure that represents Middle Eastern import, I prefer to continue with being consistent and coherent with our collections. I want to do it to be able to ensure a good match and understanding from our growing customer base. Middle East has a huge market for timepieces but to penetrate the same is hard and tricky. You have to be distinctive in your approach.
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“To me, luxury is the ability of getting your own piece, made to measure and exclusively for you. The golden days of such luxury are now back and we can only hope to see more and more customer willing to be unique rather than branded.�
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What are the various challenges you faced while establishing your brand as one of the most sought after brands? I am sorry for I always keep going back to the point but our roots are fundamentals for us and therefore expressing our savoir faire an absolute key. The biggest challenge, according to me, was to find Swiss movements that are well proven, produced in mass and therefore affordable and reliable so our customer truly buys our art and not pay for a supposed manufactured movement. This is the very specific Niche we occupy and customers are really appreciating the true values and true expertise of Claude Meylan. The ‘Repitition 5’ is creating headlines today. Tell us more about the concept of the watch, the ideology behind it and the clients at whom it is targeted? “Répétition 5” is a tribute to the magical association of mechanics and sound. The idea is to combine the complexity of the movement with the simplicity of a melody. There are still many things to explore and create over that theme and customer do not necessarily have a profile, they surely have a passion and feel for magic.
How does it feel to have the Repition 5 being shortlisted for the Grand Prix awards? I am extremely pleased and proud in a way since we can see that small maison can be part of the selection. It is very satisfying and overwhelming for all our team to be recognized and chosen by a jury with such a broad competence. Watches are a huge luxury obsession. How do you feel your clients envisage your brand? I hope they are choosing Claude Meylan to acquire a piece that carries the ultimate savoir faire of the art of skeleton, made in Vallée de Joux where high horology begun and continues. What does luxury mean to you? To me, luxury is the ability of getting your own piece, made to measure and exclusively for you. The golden days of such luxury are now back and we can only hope to see more and more customers willing to be unique rather than being ‘branded’. Are you obsessed with some articles yourself? Watches it has to be. My passion for it has transformed into a need for giving the best to my customers. Finally, this is my ultimate obsession. Apart from your brand, which is your favorite watch brand? Apart from my own ‘Bébé’, my favorite watch would probably be a Breguet. Funny enough, their head office is physically in our garden, between the lac and our house. According to you, is the watch industry price savvy or appeal savvy? The watch industry is such a market that we clearly have both worlds. It really depends on the era and cultural trend of the moment. For some countries, discretion is the ultimate chic – no matter the price, for some others, ostentation is a must and inexpensive pieces are not an option. In between, there is a very broad range of tastes and trends. We can hope that customers will finally go back to their own proper tastes. Claude Meylan, however, can cater the two ends as we are very specific in style and very reasonable in price. How often do you take breaks from your work and where do you go? I love spending time with my family when I am free. Time with my family is priceless so mostly we match our children’s school breaks with ours and go where the wind pushes us.
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FredErique constant Introduces FC-945 Silicium Following the success of the launch of the first Heart Beat Manufacture Calibre in 2004, Frederique Constant has presented every year an additional version to its Heart Beat Manufacture range. Some features remained constant, such as the signature aperture, perfectly centred at the 6 o’clock position. Each year, however, new design features have been added; the Heart Beat is constantly being revised, updated and technically advanced. For the past two years, the R&D Department at Frederique Constant has been designing, developing and improving the 126 components contained in the all-new Heart Beat Manufacture. Now, our company is delighted to introduce its implementation of the newest, most technologically superior materials available in the world today. Solving old problems The accuracy of any mechanical timepiece is utterly dependent on the accuracy of the actual timing device, the balance wheel, balance spring and the escapement. The balance wheel’s job is to spin back and forth at a frequency of 4Hz. It is the frequency of the swing of the balance wheel, which determines the watch’s accuracy. The escapement’s most critical function is to keep the balance spring winding and unwinding. Since watches were first invented, the requirements assigned to the escapement have involved high levels of friction. The teeth of the escapement wheel are driven by the mainspring’s power source. They slide against the teeth of the ratchet a nanosecond before they lock together. This is the friction, which kicks the anchor. It is also the friction that means lubrication will be necessary. The ticking sound of a Frederique Constant watch is created when the balance spring gear and the escapement teeth lock together. In virtually all-modern escapements, the ratchet’s teeth are extremely hard and highly polished stone. Despite these levels of strength and polished smoothness, lubrication is still required. Unless an escapement is properly lubricated, it can become damaged to the point where metal parts will have to be replaced. Modern watches are typically more reliable than their predecessors due to the higher quality oils used to lubricate the escapement. To maintain mechanical watches in optimum working condition, they normally require cleaning and lubricating every four years. Introducing Silicium Silicium is the chemical element represented in the periodic table by the symbol Si; its atomic number is 14.
A tetravalent metalloid, Silicium is less reactive than its chemical analogue, carbon. Silicium does not freely occur in nature but mainly occurs in minerals consisting of virtually pure Silicium dioxide in different crystalline forms, including quartz, chalcedony and opal. It is also found in silicates (various minerals containing Silicium, oxygen and one other metal), such as feldspar. Silicium is the principal component of most semiconductor devices and takes the form of silica and silicates in glass, cement and ceramics. Silicium is widely used in semiconductors, because it remains a semi-conductor at higher temperatures than does the semi-conductor Germanium. In addition, Silicium’s native oxide is easily grown in a furnace and forms a better semi-conductor/dielectric interface than virtually all other material combinations. In its crystalline form, Silicium is dark gray in colour and has a metallic lustre. It is similar to glass in that it is quite strong. Pure Silicium has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance, because the number of free charge carriers increases with temperature. Manufacturing a Silicium escapement The crafting of a Silicium escapement wheel requires the use of a new technology called Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). A multiple image of the escapement is produced and projected onto a round Silicium wafer measuring 100 mm in diameter by just 0.5 mm in thickness. Typically, wafers are made in various sizes ranging from 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 11.8 inches (300 mm), and generally to a thickness of 0.5 mm. The wafers are cut from a boule of semiconductor using a diamond saw or diamond wire; they are then polished on one or both faces. Using a single 100 mm wafer, it is possible to produce up to 250 escapement wheels. The Heart Beat Manufacture features a Silicium escapement that uses less power and maintains amplitude more efficiently than a standard lever escapement, because it functions without lubrication. Building technical perfection into a beautiful body The Heart Beat Manufacture watches with the new Silicium escapement are part of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Collection. The Silicium escapement wheel can clearly be seen through the Heart Beat aperture in the dial, working tirelessly and at the same time creating an eyecatching effect. The new Heart Beat Manufacture Silicium Calibre is housed in a stainless steel case, measuring 42 mm in diameter.
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ALESSIA FABI The rainforest is the inspiration for the heart and soul of the new Fabi S/S 2015 collection. After exploring the bright colours of Central America in the last collection, Spring-Summer 2015 is inspired along the same lines: the natural, luscious green environment and bright, intense water-themed colours which draw in the eye. Alessia Fabi, the designer of the brand, takes us through her latest collection. Diksha Vohra
Theme of latest SS15 Collection The Fabi Women’s collection has 4 main areas. “Pluvial” interprets elegance, “Savana” casual style and “Colonial” the explorer look. Last but not least is a re-visitation of the great classics of Fabi. Pluvial This is the elegant portion of the collection. Pale colours and an ethereal spirit help to create a world of lightness reflected in water. The palette includes lavender, powder blue and several shades of water green. In this section of the collection we meet sparkling materials thanks to the use of Swarovski stones. All sandal models are iconic. A handpainted “heel sculpture” featuring elements of nature give this shoe its unique fashion appeal. Savana The range where the colours of wild nature hail the grassland found just before the forest. Here, Fabi uses prints, leather and suede on natural backgrounds reminiscent of sand and earth to achieve a casual elegance. In this line accessories confirm the label’s style, following the trend for warm tones with antique brass and interpreting the animal world. Colonial Natural and technical sports materials are the starting point for a legendary and enticing world. Colonial style is the expression of a specific aspirational view of life. An offshoot of the smart casual approach to life, for a woman who wants to escape from obligations and conventions and go in search of freedom and adventure.
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Re-visitation of great Fabi classics The S/S 2015 women’s collection concludes with a revisitation of the label’s best sellers, brought up to date in keeping with contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Central to the theme is craftsmanship, which brings value even to shoes for everyday wear, because Fabi knows that, every day, shoes are the deciding factor that make an outfit cool. Inspiration behind it The rainforest is the inspiration for the heart and soul of the new Fabi S/S 2015 collection. After exploring the bright colours of Central America in the last collection, Spring-Summer 2015 is inspired along the same lines: the natural, luscious green environment and bright, intense water-themed colours which draw in the eye. What makes this collection different? The Fabi 2015 Spring/Summer collection is special as it promises to be exotic. The women’s collection will reflect the typically warm tones and influences of summertime, as stylish women will be treated to a romantic and adventurous journey through the uncharted territories of ‘made in Italy’ fashion that defies the obvious: in true Fabi style. Nevertheless, women who cherish Fabi’s more classical style have no reason to worry. Indeed, the collection features reinterpretations of renowned Fabi classics, with finely-designed details that revive the lines and aesthetic solutions that have made our brand famous worldwide.
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Cinderella’s Glass Slipper Disney Enlists Designers To Reimagine The Luxury Shoe
In celebration of the release of Disney’s live action film inspired by the classic fairy tale “Cinderella,” Disney Consumer Products (DCP) has collaborated with nine luxury designer shoe brands across the globe to assemble an enchanting collection of shoes that reimagine Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper.
“Level Shoe District partnering with The Walt Disney Company to exclusively launch the very exciting Cinderella Footwear Collection to the region was a ’perfect fit’. We’re happy to offer our customers a glimpse into the world of one of the most celebrated fairytales.” – Rania Masri, General Manager, Level Shoe District
The distinguished designers, in alphabetical order, are: Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, Rene Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman. Each brand has created its own interpretation of the famed glass slipper Cinderella accidentally leaves behind when the clock strikes midnight.
All the shoes were revealed together for the first time within the Cinderella Exhibit at the Berlin Film Festival on Friday, February 13th.
“Cinderella’s glass slipper has become a magical symbol of transformation,” said Didier Vanneste, SVP & Country head MENA from The Walt Disney Company. “Each pair of shoes in this exciting global collection captures Cinderella’s elegance and grace through the lens of celebrated designers, making this shoe collection truly fit for a princess.” Swarovski, which produced the iconic glass slipper for the film under the direction of Academy Award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell, provided the crystals featured in the designers’ shoes.
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The re-imagining of this iconic story told in spectacular live action is directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, and includes the stellar cast of Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter and more. About Level Shoe District: Level Shoe District is the world’s iconic shoe concept store, spanning 96,000 square feet, with a curated space divided into 40 designer boutiques and four multibrand areas: Women’s designer and Contemporary, Men’s Designer and Trends. Here, in the heart of Dubai, Level Shoe District culminates in understated elegance and contemporary chic to futuristic fantasy and haute design; a one-of-a-kind shoe metropolis with over 250 international designer brands of which more than 100 are exclusive to the Level.
“Cinderella’s glass slipper has become a magical symbol of transformation,” said Didier Vanneste, SVP & Country head MENA from The Walt Disney Company. “Each pair of shoes in this exciting global collection captures Cinderella’s elegance and grace through the lens of celebrated designers, making this shoe collection truly fit for a princess.”
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FortedEmarmi Launches Jeweled Clutches High end accessories are reinvented this year with the launch of a luxury Italian jewelry house retailing an exclusive range of leather accessories and bejewelled clutch purses. Crafted with the finest materials sourced from around the globe, every Fortedemarmi piece embodies the essence of up-tothe-minute luxury. Unique, extravagant and definitively dazzling, Fortedemarmi re-imagines conventional approaches to jewelry. Viewing accessories as more than just a fashion statement, the boutique is driven by a desire to embed every piece with intrinsic meaning and beauty. Alessandro and Alena Lotti, co-owners of Fortedemarmi said, “Yes, jewels can be material objects but to us a pure jewel is the heart and soul of an individual surrounded by an aura of light. Our creations bring together the inner illumination of a person with the tangible beauty of precious jewels.” Every piece is handcrafted in Italy using age old goldsmith techniques passed down from generation to generation. The result is a collection of custom made masterpieces, each boasting its own unique characteristics. Using luxurious crocodile skin and python leather Italian artisans handcraft clutches with meticulous attention to detail. Clutches are crowned with an 18 carat gold clasp encrusted with dazzling diamonds and gemstones. Crafted with luxury materials and customised jewelled clasp a Fortedemarmi clutch is love in its purest expression. Referring to a carefully curated colour palette clients can customise pieces to suit their unique skin tone or taste. This allows fashionistas to create bespoke accessory sets that reflect their individuality.
“The full effect of the Fortedemarmi philosophy can be achieved by flaunting a unique jewelled clutch as well as a handcrafted ring, bracelet and pendant that captures the look and feel of evocative fashion,” adds Lotti. This season’s looks are bold, vivacious and fabulously feminine. Think vibrant purples, rich burgundies and fuchsia pinks that are guaranteed to get heads turning. All leather jewelry is encased in Fortedemarmi’s trademark gold sheathing to give the pieces a lustrous sheen. While the company makes it grand debut in 2015 its history can be traced back to 1963 when Italian artiste Otello Lotti founded a company manufacturing metal clutches for highend brands. Over the next three decades Lotti established his business as a leader in the Italian made luxury accessories sphere. In 1993 Alessandro and Alessio Lotti joined the company and began to manufacture customised jewelry and embellished clutches for VIP clients around the world. This year the company was refined and re-launched under the name of Fortedemarmi. Since its 21st century revamp the brand has quickly emerged as one of the most prestigious brands in contemporary fashion. For brides on the search for the ultimate in ceremonial chic the Fortedemarmi is a discerning choice. All pieces are handmade with love and can be customised to create the perfect wedding ensemble.
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GUESS CONNECT Smartwatch Powered by Martian Guess Watches proudly announces the launch of their new wearable tech timepiece, Guess Connect. Guess partnered with Martian Watches, a California based award-winning developer of fashionable smartwatches, to deliver a multifunction, fashion chic smartwatch line, designed for men and women. Fashioned after its global best-selling style called Rigor, this boldly styled smartwatch is powered by Martian technology that is updateable and replaceable to keep Guess Connect watches fresh and relevant for years to come. The Guess Connect smartwatches will incorporate Martian’s Dual Mode functionality, simultaneously offering voice command functions via Classic Bluetooth while utilizing Bluetooth LE to provide hands-free and eyes-free notifications to the wrist from thousands of popular apps and programs. By uniquely housing a fully-contained Martian module that sports a microphone and clear audio speaker, the Guess Connect allows users to connect to their smartphone’s resident voice command app, so wearers can give voice commands, talk and listen, and respond to texts and emails directly from the watch. In addition, using the free iOS & Android App, users can customize which notifications are received on the watch, create unique vibration patterns to distinguish between alert types, and recall the most recent notifications with just a tap of the watch glass. “The Guess Connect Smartwatch, Powered by Martian, has already received rave reviews and our customers are anxious to see the blend of fashion and wearable technology that speaks to both our craving for stylish watches but something that meets our busy lifestyle needs. We are excited to partner with a proven technology innovator like Martian to create smart, Guess designs,” said Cindy Livingston, President and CEO of Sequel / Guess Watches.
While fashion still drives most watch purchases today, Guess recognizes the value and importance of also providing smart, high-tech value on the wrists of their young, sexy, and adventurous buyers. The marriage of this fashion powerhouse with a leading smartwatch developer may become the first fashion smartwatch to be distributed through both the worldwide fashion watch channel and the consumer electronic channel.
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LAURENT A. Voivenel CEO of HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings Towards A Sustainable Future Sustainable living and high thinking is the motto of Mr. Laurent.A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH. Holding a number of hotels from luxury to budget, Laurent believes in providing a secure environment to its customers by creating dry hotels. Impossible to believe? Well it is true and let’s hear about his challenges, mission, ambition and accomplishments from himself. Diksha Vohra
You have travelled the world around. How does it feel coming to Dubai? I have been in the Middle East for 14 years and out of those I have spent the last three years in Dubai so I am not new to the region. The beauty of our job is to be able to move around. Having spent nearly 30 years with top hotel chains such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Hilton Hotels & Resorts, that took me to some of the most fascinating destinations across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, I felt it was time to take up a new challenge leading a dynamic hotel group like HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings. Dubai has everything that a Western would like – security, lifestyle, quality of life, great weather eight months of the year and friendly people. It is not only a hub for business but it also offers pleasure of living. In addition, from a business perspective investments are doing good and so is the hotel industry. The city is witnessing an unprecedented development of hotels. A key trigger has been Dubai Expo 2020 that has proved to be a massive stimulant for the tourism industry accelerating development of hotels particularly mid-market hotels. At the same time Dubai’s aim is to reach 160,000 keys from the current 95,000.
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The HMH hospitality group has 5 hotel brands. Can you tell us about them? HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings was founded in Dubai in 2003 by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi and Mr Michel Noblet. They had the vision at the time to create the Middle East’s first dry hotel chain. Therefore, HMH is a pioneer in alcohol-free segment. No matter where our hotels are (Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, UAE, Oman, etc) they are always dry. This places us in a very unique position as over the years we have gathered an amazing experience both in terms of operations and market intelligence in the dry as well as mid-market segment. Our founders also had the vision to create various brands to cater to different market segments. We now have five distinctive brands serving a broad mix of clientele from budget to luxury and operate huge properties in 14 major cities across the MENA region. These include The Ajman Palace Hotel (luxury 5-star), Coral Hotels & Resorts (4-5 star that represents 75% of our portfolio), Corp Hotels (3-4 star), EWA Hotel Apartments (serviced residences in 2-3 star category) and ECOS Hotels (budget brand to be introduced in Dubai sometime next year).
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How is each brand different from the other? Each is a carefully crafted brand in its own right catering to a different market segment. If we have to be a lifestyle company we have to target various markets. Money does not always come with age but very often it does. Today marketing is so deep, so precise that every single niche market is carefully studied by operators like us. And every single operator is looking at how they can attract the future market meaning the market of tomorrow i.e. the middle class. This is why for example at HMH we have three brands out of five targeting middle class because the middle class that today represents 2.5 billion will by 2025 represent 5 billion around the world. It is believed that due to recession people have stopped travelling. Do you resonate with the statement? How has that affected your group of hotels? If so, which brand faced the pressure more? Well, the financial crisis in 2009 hit every single company in the Middle East and HMH was no exception. I will add that not only the crisis hit us, what also hit us badly is the Arab Spring. Let’s not forget that we were in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen etc and all these countries were badly hit with the uprising. It was one after the other. So basically, we faced two crises and the second one was going on when we were still recovering from the first one. Coming to the question on the impact, yes the crises did affect us. HMH lost some fabulous hotels in the countries such as Syria, Yemen, Egypt and Libya. The bottom line is also that we survived through it; we are still here and growing. Following your second question, yes the crisis did leave a major impact on the travel industry as a whole. It not only affected the volumes, but the average rate declined drastically too and we are yet not back yet at the 2008 level. It is still going to take some time to recover from that.
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In respect to the Expo 2020, do you think launching a lot of hotels is beneficial to the economy or is it just an over ambitious move? Dubai Expo 2020 is an absolutely fantastic opportunity. Let’s be clear 2020 is only a milestone in the life of Dubai. The city is looking at attracting 25 million visitors during the Expo. In addition, it is targeting 20 million visitors annually. Now the beauty of 2020 is not the 2020 on its own. It is all the infrastructure which will be left after the Expo, the new roads, the new canal, the new malls, the new attractions, the new museum, the new opera – all these things will still remain in Dubai and will continue to attract tourists. In addition, people who visit the city during the Expo may come back for leisure and business and see so many news things that Dubai has to offer. Therefore, I believe Expo 2020 will have a very positive impact on tourism in Dubai not only during the six months but even after that.
“When we are fortunate to have what we have, I believe luxury is also to give back to the community what we have received.”
How would you define luxury? Luxury is unfortunately today about branding. And I will quote only two people which I think have defined it well. Mr Boucheron, from French luxury jewelry house Boucheron, was having a press interview wearing absolutely no jewelry but only a watch. And the journalist asked ‘how come someone who has so much passion about jewelry, makes money out of it, makes his living with it, can have so little to show on himself? And the gentlemen suddenly put his cuff buttons up showing his stunning bracelets. Then under his collar, he had a spectacular diamond chain. He said “…for me luxury is to have it but not to show it…” For the second one, I was watching not too long ago a TV show from Paris called Luxury and at some point of time, they went to a showroom of luxury cars. The journalist asked the showroom manager ‘how do you know if the customer coming over to your showroom is really serious on buying?” To that, the gentleman answered, “It is very simple, the real customer never asks the price. If he isn’t price sensitive, it means he can buy whatever he wants.” Somewhere, somehow, this is what luxury is about. If you can have it regardless of what it costs, that is true luxury. What is that one thing you can’t live without or you can’t imagine a day without? None. I have some passions but I am not obsessed. Luxury is material. As much as I like beautiful things, I don’t believe in the necessity of luxury. It is nice to have but it is not a must. If I had one luxury that I enjoyed every single day of my life is health. And that you cannot buy.
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What we are discussing today is luxury in terms of what you can buy. Luxury for one could mean basic for the other. I don’t put a price on luxury. Yes I enjoy some sort of luxury, but my luxury is nothing compared to billionaires. When we are fortunate to have what we have, I believe luxury is also to give back to the community what we have received. End of the day, I try to be a decent person and do my best to make this world a better place to live for everyone around. Therefore, taking care of the environment and community are equally important for me. You said you had some passions. What are they? I like sailing. The water is very important for me. Other things that are important to me are my family, friends and business because it sustains all of this. I am passionate about my job. I believe if you don’t have the passion you can’t be unique. You can be good and you can be excellent but uniqueness comes from the passion.
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From the hotels you have worked for, and aside HMH, which has been your favorite and why? I have been extremely lucky to work for absolutely stunning properties. I don’t have one favorite hotel; I just have a lot of beautiful experiences. Every single experience was either fun or not so fun. For example being in Pakistan was not a fun experience but it was one of greatest experiences I had as it taught me to genuinely appreciate a lot of things. Every single step, every single country I worked in brought me a new experience. It was just a learning curve, and the learning curve for me will only stop when I die because you always learn something from the destination, from the people or from the culture. Over the years, working in different cultures, the one most important thing I learnt is how to be flexible, tolerant, and above all, accept differences.
“Luxury for one could mean basic for the other. I don’t put a price on luxury.” What makes HMH and its brands unique in comparison to other hotel brands? First and foremost, we are dry. Some may think of it as a disadvantage. However, for us this is a big advantage for two reasons: one we create a much more secure environment for women and families. We have very high occupancy of female travellers and family-oriented customers. Based on the locations our customers are not only Muslim but about 70-80 per cent are Westerners. So a safe environment, outstanding location and great value for money are some of our USPs.
their asset, they know HMH will deliver. Today we are present in some of Middle East’s fastest-growing markets with very promising development prospects.
Command of digital technology is another key strength at HMH. We have invested about 90 per cent of our CAPEX this year in an all-round IT upgrade that helped us to close the gaps we saw. Right from rolling out a new e-commerce friendly website for better online conversion to embedding the right hardware and software at various levels of operations in order to increase efficiency and compliance of standards, we have put in place some major initiatives.
new hotels opening in quick succession that will boost the existing HMH portfolio by 25%. We also have a strong interest in the booming Asian markets such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. The way we are growing in 10 years we could be having 50 to 60 hotels.
Where do you see HMH in the next 10 years? At HMH we have a single mission: ‘We say, we do’. When developers consider our hotel management company as
At HMH we wish to grow the path according to our strategic plan that is sustainable in a physical sense. The GCC, with a special focus on the UAE and KSA, is central to our expansion strategy. By 2020 our aim is to have a hotel in every GCC country while doubling our portfolio in the UAE. Soon we will be expanding our presence in Dubai, Muscat, Beirut, Khartoum and Port Sudan with five
One has to look at the bigger picture for a sustainable future. We are not only looking at organic growth but also at how we can do business better and smarter. Our primary goal is to consolidate our business while continuing our strong growth. It is not only about business opportunities out there, rather our strategy is to drive ‘Value over Volume’.
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CHANGI AIRPORT A Jewel in Singapore’s Crown Layovers at the Singapore Changi Airport will soon be something you will actually look forward to. The airport is already underway with reconstruction as part of their ambitious project titled ‘Project Jewel’. Palvi Sharma
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This $1.47 billion project will do what no other airport has done before- bring the great outdoors inside. Yes, think trees, shrubs and waterfalls and Singapore’s Changi Airport will have it all. The nine times award winning airport already boasts of having movie theaters, butterfly gardens and gaming centers in its premises. But the Jewel project will create a paradise for travelers who will no doubt want to spend more time in the airport than get a jump start on their vacation. In fact, the airport has already planned early check-ins for passengers so they can begin enjoying the amenities. By 2018, the airport will have a giant donut glass and steel structure which would be 10 stories high out of which five levels will be in the basement. The gross floor area is of about 134,000 square meters. Singapore’s reputation for being known as the ‘garden city’ is perhaps the inspiration for the airport as it strives to turn the interiors into a Forest Valley. The airport is set to resemble a rainforest and will connect all three terminals. There will be trees, shrubs and waterfalls while at the same time, it would provide all modern amenities and more in the premises. Apart from all that, the structure will also house playgrounds and a hotel. Tentatively titled as ‘Project Jewel’, the airport will fulfill all the requirements for global travelers as well as letting them indulge in a taste of luxury with at least 300 retail outlets
inside the building and even known restaurant franchises, some even with patios that overlook the spectacular waterfall. The waterfall is the highlight of this ambitious project. In the middle of the forest is a 40 meter-high rain vortex that will cascade right at the center of the premises and at night will transform into a light and sound show with special effects. Travelers will be able to hike up the valley and bask in the surroundings of a fantasized forest where the tree trunks are taken from recycled trees from the airport’s old parking lot. On the top level, spanning to about 13,000 meters, are the gardens, walking trails, playgrounds and restaurants. The mission of this Canopy Park is just this- to serve as an area where visitors can unwind and have fun with their families and friends. While the whole airport will mimic a forest, travelers staying overnight to catch their flights will find delight in comfort by staying in YOTEL - an international hotel brand - that will comprise of 130 cabins. It seems that Singapore’s Jewel Changi airport is in no hurry to give up its top spot of being the world’s best airport. Come 2018, the airport will be an even tougher competition to beat with its new revamp in the works. This airport, when completed will certainly be another jewel in Singapore’s already ornamented crown for being the best airport for nine consecutive years.
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LUXURY IN MOTION
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488 GTB Setting New Benchmark In Ferrari’s Legendary History unveiled Diksha Vohra
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LUXURY IN MOTION Following its recent debut in early March at the Geneva Motor Show, the 488 GTB was unveiled in Dubai at an exclusive regional launch which took place at The RitzCarlton Hotel in early February. Forty years from the original launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rearengined V8 berlinetta, the 308, the 488 GTB opened a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture as the 488 GTB has set a new benchmark for the sports car sector globally.
the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.
Credit for this achievement must go to the 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Significantly, however, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired styling of the flanks.
Ferrari drew extensively too on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of
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The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.
The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902 cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750 Nm in seventh gear). The 488 GTB
488 GTB boasts a sleek new design, turbo engine, revolutionary aerodynamics and a plethora of patented solutions. Power output (670 cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively.
guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines. The 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.
The 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the 488 GTB’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an astonishingly engaging driving experience. Ferrari’s newest car, the 488 GTB, arrived in the UAE, making the country one of the first markets worldwide to receive the mid-rear-engined V8 Berlinetta.
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George Duncan Director of Al Habtoor Motors Driving the future forward Al Habtoor Motors(AHM) is a well known name in the Middle East for being one of the largest retailers of luxury cars. Right from Bentley to McLaren and Bugatti, they have it all. Mr. George Duncan tells us more about how AHM is different from the rest in terms of quality, vision and dynamism. Diksha Vohra
Why did you choose the automotive industry? Was it a passion or a mere coincidence? I was passionate about automotives since I was 13 years old. I loved the idea of thinking free and the entire feeling of independence that cars bring to you. since last 30 years, I have been working in this industry and I absolutely love it. You have worked with various brands previously. What inspired you to join AHM? Al Habtoor motors defines vision. They are strong and understanding. They are a very dynamic group employing individuals who take care of everyone like a family. AHM has always been a forward thinker, be it in terms of trends, quality enhancement or customer service. Once one project is completed, we move onto the next project. Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, CEO of AHM has built a very competitive company where the only motto is to move forward with everyone. For me, everyday is a different day bringing in more challenges and opportunities. I am very happy being here. As a regional company, what do you think are the USPs of AHM? AHM is a family organization which has inculcated core family values amongst all of its team members. They really care about each and every employee of theirs and look after them. They don’t dwell in the past but focus on how to create a better future for everyone.
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Being the largest dealer of luxurious brands like Buggati in the world for AHM wouldn’t have been easy. What were the various challenges you faced in this process? We haven’t faced any major challenges as such during our establishment. Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Sultan Al Habtoor have planned the operations of the organization very well. The plans are huge and the investments are huge too. For example if you see Bentley, it is all about luxury and performance so it wasn’t hard to AHM to be where it is. What differentiates a luxury from brand from another? The difference isn’t in the brand; it is caused by the one who drives it. If you drive with passion and heart, you will succeed. How would you define luxury and how do you feel the brands AHM handles identify with it? To me, luxury is anything that is personalized where I can see the effort of the maker in the end product. For example Bentley is handcrafted. Each piece of it has been designed with utmost care. Everything we do is handmade so for me, that is luxury. Who are your clients? How do you describe the AHM client? Our clients are usually the managing directors and the owners of various companies. Each individual is very successful in his own life.
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LUXURY IN MOTION How does a luxury brand client in UAE differ from another in a different market? I don’t find any significant difference between the two. They are mostly same. All successful entrepreneurs that come to us want a luxury car with high performance and quality. Doesn’t matter if they are eastern or western, their expectations from our automobiles are the same.
We interact with them through events and our media channels regularly as well as we arrange some overnight stays for them once in a while. We understand them and they understand us.
“Al Habtoor motors defines vision. They are strong and understanding. They are a very dynamic group employing individuals who take care of everyone like a family. AHM has always been a forward thinker, be it in terms of trends, quality enhancement or customer service.”
How much are your clients satisfied with AHM brands and with you as an agent? Do you measure such indicators? We measure our customer satisfaction by two indicators – by the AHM office and by our manufacturer. According to our statistics, 97% of our customers have said that
they are satisfied with our services and they will come back to us. Of course there is also a lot of word of mouth recommendation due to which we get more customers. We don’t want to sell a car, we want to deliver an experience. That is our selling point.
Aside from the services you offer to your clients, how do you describe your relationship as an agent with your clients? How much personalized is it? We go to every length to personalize our services for our customers. Even after sales, we make sure to keep in touch with our customers and share their valuable feedback with our team in order to keep improving.
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“Our customers are very important to us. We go to every length to personalize our services for our customers. Even after sales, we make sure to keep in touch with our customers and share their valuable feedback with our team in order to keep improving. We interact with them through events and our media channels regularly as well as we arrange some overnight stays for them once in a while. We understand them and they understand us.� AHM invests a lot in creating bonds with their clients through events and shows. What is the ideology behind the same? How has this been beneficial overtime for you? Our customers are very important to us. We, hence, like to personally meet our customers, catch up on them and thank them in person for being a part of our family. We also like to make sure if we could serve our customers in any other way. It has been beneficial for us because it makes our customers happy and that is precisely what we need. Last question, if you were not in this position today, where would you like to be? I don’t think I would like to be anywhere else except AHM at this point in time. The brand is very special for me so I would rather stay in the moment and enjoy to my fullest.
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McLaren 675 LT Power, A Beautiful Thing Diksha Vohra
The McLaren 675LT made its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT is the most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals. The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). In its first look, the car demonstrated a more aggressive look for the McLaren brand than has been seen before. Styling cues run from the extended carbon fibre front splitter, through an extended door blade and additional cooling intake, to the circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, giving a hint to the performance available for the most
powerful and lightest model in the McLaren Super Series. More than 50 percent of parts have been changed in the 3.8-litre V8 engine to deliver increased levels of power, torque and driveability. The upgrades include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. The low weight, low inertia power unit produces, as the name suggests, a power output of 675PS and a power-toweight ratio of 549PS per tonne. Yet, like its iconic predecessor, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, from which the LT name is derived, this is a car that is as exciting to look at as it is to drive. It also embodies the key attributes of the ‘Longtail’ ethos targeting light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.
LUXURY IN MOTION
The key to the ‘Longtail’ Success: Light weight and Aerodynamic Despite the revised, longer bodywork, the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was over 100kg lighter than its hugely successful predecessors. As it was nearly 20 years ago, weight reduction has been a key focus throughout the development programme for the 675LT and, in a subtle nod to its bigger brother, the result is a saving of over 100kgs over the other models in the Super Series. This savings have been achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre for the body panels, along with lightweight engine, chassis and body structure parts. In the pursuit of minimal weight, and to suit its purposeful intent, even air conditioning has been removed, but can specified as a no cost option. Below a newly designed front bumper sits a prominent carbon fibre front splitter, which works the air harder, complementing new front wing end plates to increase downforce levels over the front bodywork. The turbulent air from the front wheel arches is ‘cleaned’ as it flows towards the rear bodywork by sculpted carbon fibre side sills which run the full length of the lower bodywork. A
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subtle air intake is incorporated ahead of the leading edge of the rear wheel arch, below a more pronounced side intake behind the door, both of which feed clean cool air into the side-mounted radiators. The aero balance is optimised by the active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake which, as with the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, is larger – 50 percent larger than on other Super Series models. The reprofiled design flows into the lines of the new carbon fibre rear wings. Two circular exhaust pipes, forged from titanium, exit centrally through exposed bodywork below the rear wing. Despite a more complex design, the bespoke crossover system is designed to optimise performance and reduce weight, saving 1.1kg. The rear deck and sections flanking the exhaust pipes remain exposed; designed to evacuate hot air from the engine bay as efficiently as possible, while a lightweight polycarbonate rear screen features further louvres. A louvred carbon fibre rear bumper reduces air pressure over the rear wheels, while the rear design is completed with a dramatic integrated carbon fibre diffuser.
Rising Market in the Middle East for McLaren
#BlackSwanMoments By McLaren
Close to 450 of the 5,000 cars produced so far have been sold or allocated to the Middle East & Africa region, with the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia leading the demand.
As much as it is important to go global with your products, it is necessary to engage a global audience with it too. McLaren Automotive are launching an appeal across the Middle East for people to reveal their “Black Swan Moment” – an event that was truly a landmark moment in regional history.
This is a relatively small number of cars when compared to the numbers produced by McLaren Automotive competitors, however, this is a key component of the company’s business strategy to ensure exclusivity.
When it was discovered in 1697, the black swan became a symbol of a moment that completely changes the way we look at the world.
As such, the Middle East region has a strong 650S order bank, as exclusivity is one of the attractions of McLaren ownership along with greater power performance and technologies than the competition.
It has been launched as part of the rollout of the newest car in the McLaren range, the eagerly anticipated McLaren Sports Series, which will sit below the 650S in the range, and will open McLaren up to wider range of customer.
“The McLaren 675LT made its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren Longtail.”
Five Unique ‘By McLaren’ 675LT Themes The 675LT is offered in five ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications, which includes four bespoke colours never previously offered: Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey are all newly formulated paint hues for the 675LT. The famous heritage McLaren Orange completes the themes unique to the model. Each of the five ‘By McLaren’ specifications is complemented within the stripped out interior with carefully selected materials and colours.
The purposeful driver-focused cabin of the 675LT gives even further indication of track potential. A pair of ultra-light weight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara® as standard and modelled on those in the McLaren P1™, provide comfort and support with no compromise on overall weight. A subtle 675LT logo features on the headrest of each seat, and is also present on the rev counter. In a change to the other models in the Super Series, the air conditioning controls are now incorporated within the intuitive touchscreen infotainment system.
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Harley-Davidson Goes Full Throttle With The 2015 Model Line-up World class manufacturer, Harley Davidson, is all set to enthrall its loyal customers with a diverse range of motorcycles all lined up for 2015. Hot on the heels of their global launch of the Street 750 motorcycle, Project LiveWire and Project Rushmore, Harley-Davidson continues to roar ahead with models that promise world-class aerodynamics, exhilarating audio performance and dialed-in ergonomic fit. Harley Davison is known to design its vehicles to suit their customers and their new releases do not disappoint. According to Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson, the newer models are proof of their commitments to riders all over the world that the company will continue to deliver world class customer-led innovations. As with the 2014 models which were heavily influenced by Project Rushmore, the 2015 models too rely on feedback from customers. The new models promise some exciting new updates to their existing lines. Palvi Sharma
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Road Glide Special Motorcycle One of the most popular models, Road Glide returns after a brief hiatus in two different models - the base model and the special. Both come with Harley-Davidson’s HighOutput Twin Cam 103 engine, but it is the Special that comes with advanced features. The Road Glide Special has a fully-loaded vented frame-mounted fairing that minimizes head buffeting, Dual Reflector Daymaker LED headlamps, premium Boom! Box infotainment (that includes setup with touchscreen and GPS navigation), upgraded suspension and Reflex linked braking with Anti-lock Braking System. The Road Glide special is available in two colors - Vivid Black, Amber Whisky, Black Denim and Superior Blue. The cost of this bike is close to $24,000. Street Glide Special This is a state of the art motorcycle and a fully-loaded version of the touring model. The Street Glide Special is equipped with a High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain, Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system, Batwing fairing with splitstream vent, Dual Halogen headlamp, Enforcer cast aluminium wheels and Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS. If you are looking for highway comfort and modern technology, all packed into one- this is the motorcycle for you. The Street Glide Special is available in a wide spectrum of colors - Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Amber Whiskey,
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Charcoal Pearl, Morocco Gold Pearl, Black Denim, Deep Jade Pearl. The price of this motorcycle is close to $23,000. New Braking System for Softail Models Harley-Davidson’s “smoother” rides, known for their nostalgic looks and equipped with modern technology, are given important updates. The Softail series receives new and improved braking system that delivers modulation and responsiveness and decreases hand lever effort by 40 percent. The caliper and master cylinders are restyled to enhance the looks of each model. Also included are the new front brake components which include a rigid four- piston fixed front brake caliper with 34 and 32mm pistons coated to minimize initial displacement, brake pads with high-output friction material, a new master cylinder with a higher mechanical ratio, and a new 300mm front brake rotor. The Softail models are available in a variety of colors. Prices start at about $16,000. Ultra Limited Low Motorcycle With the new Low models, the company addresses a main concern for riders who are as tall as 5 feet 5 inches. According to Michelle Kumbier, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President of Motorcycle Operations, the Low models will allow many riders to feel more comfortable and more confident when they settle into the seat.
The Low models have a seat height of 25.6 inches – 1.7 inches lower than the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic model and the lowest of any premium touring motorcycle in the market. This will allow riders to place both feet flat on the ground when the motorcycle is stopped. The Premium front and rear suspension lowers the bike’s center of gravity and makes it easier to lift the motorcycle off its side stand, yet delivers exceptional comfort and handling. The bike is fully complemented with Project Rushmore features and comes in various colors. Prices start from $26,999. CVO™ Street Glide Motorcycle Harley-Davidson describes this motorcycle as a “rolling concert venue” and with good reason! This bike has a super-premium audio system capable of both shocking volume and outstanding quality. Consisting of Boom! Audio system backed by 600 watts of power streaming through four bi- amped front and rear threeway speakers, this bike delivers “shocking” volume and outstanding sonic quality. Apart from this, the bike has custom features like the new five-spoke polished chrome Aggressor custom wheels, extended saddlebags, Airflow Collection accessories from hand grips to muffler caps, a custom CVO seat, Daymaker LED headlamp and Wind Splitter windscreen. In accordance with Project Rushmore, there is also an iconic Batwing fairing with splitstream vent to reduce head buffeting and the Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system with touch screen and GPS. The bike comes in a variety of color options like Scorching Yellow/Starfire Black Flames, Starfire Black/Gold Dust Flames, Ultraviolet Blue/Molten Lava Flames and Hard Candy Mercury/Smoky Quartz Flames. The starting price of this motorcycle is $36,349.
CVO™ Road Glide Ultra Motorcycle The CVO Road Glide Ultra is touted as a “bar-raiser” and consists of an incredible list of features. The bike promises aerodynamics excellence and includes an 1800cc Screamin’ Eagle engine. The CVO Road Glide Ultra fairing has triple splitstream vents and a 13.5-inch touring windshield to virtually eliminate head buffeting. Influenced by Project Rushmore, this bike includes Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS, OneTouch Design latches, stout 49mm forks, and a passenger position with comfort that’s the envy of the touring world. As with the other motorcycles, the Road Glide Ultra includes a color touchscreen Boom! Box 6.5 GT infotainment system with 3D GPS, and 6.5-inch Boom! Bagger speakers with 75-watt-per channel amplification. The brilliant Dual Daymaker Reflector LED headlamps claim to turn night into daylight.
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The Majesty 122 Gulf Craft Launches Luxury Superyacht Diksha Vohra
UAE-based yacht and boat builder, Gulf Craft, made a number of breakthrough announcements at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, with an impressive display of its latest superyachts, sport cruisers and leisure craft. Standing as one of the top ten superyacht shipyards in the world, Gulf Craft globally launched its latest superyacht, the Majesty 122, at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). “As a superyacht builder based in the UAE, the Dubai International Boat Show provides us with the perfect platform for this global launch, which pays tribute to the country’s rich seafaring history and its unwavering commitment towards developing the yachting industry,” said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman and Founder of Gulf Craft.
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“The Majesty 122 is an example of how the needs and requirements of our customers are our priority when designing the yachts and boats.” In 2014, the UAE ranked in the top 10 yacht building nations, with Gulf Craft leading the yacht-building industry both regionally and globally. Demonstrating their remarkable ability to design and build premium quality vessels for all types of customers’ needs, Gulf Craft also launched a new brand of yachts that were designed for owners who like to enjoy the world’s most beautiful panoramic coastlines from the water. The first yacht in this new line was revealed at DIBS.
“As a superyacht builder based in the UAE, the Dubai International Boat Show provides us with the perfect platform for this global launch, which pays tribute to the country’s rich seafaring history and its unwavering commitment towards developing the yachting industry, said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali.”
“We endeavor to meet the differing needs of our new and existing customers. By combining elegant and innovative design, we can offer exclusive features, which is why our vessels appeal to our customers from all over the globe,” said Erwin Bamps, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Craft. The Majesty 122 is the latest addition to Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts line of luxury fly-bridge superyachts, which continues to serve the region’s growing appetite for truly royal cruising. The superyacht has been designed to suit the Mediterranean lifestyle, with unrivalled lounging areas for entertaining both inside and out, including two decks with lavish interiors, an extended balcony, and a spacious fly-bridge. The Majesty 122 also offers a fully equipped galley and luxurious accommodation for ten guests, with five spacious en-suite staterooms. The garage at the rear of the superyacht can hold a tender and two three-seater watercrafts, further raising the bar for recreation and entertainment. Now a regular feature of Gulf Craft’s event calendar, they hosted an exclusive preview in Qatar, allowing the yacht manufacture to reconnect with their Qatari clients by making local announcements and personally showing
them the latest designs. With strong prevalence in the Qatari yacht market, Gulf Craft welcomed this perceptive market’s appreciation for their exceptional breadth of yacht design. Gulf Craft also demonstrated its commitment to the Bahrain market by showcasing its latest luxury craft and the largest superyacht at the Amwaj Marina Boat Show. As an island country, Bahrain is closely aligned with the seafaring lifestyle, with leisure boating, fishing and water sports popular among residents and visitors alike, made it a natural choice for Gulf Craft to showcase its latest innovations. “Bahrain’s islands and waterways are ideal for the leisureboating lifestyle, and like other Gulf countries it has very strong cultural and historical links with the sea,” said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft. With the support of its dealer in Bahrain, Delma Marine, Gulf Craft is also bringing its exciting line-up of sport cruisers and leisure craft, including the range of Oryx Sport Yachts and Cruisers, powerful and elegant creations engineered to deliver luxury and comfort, and the everpopular Silvercraft family and fishing boat range. Gulf Craft’s wide range of leisure craft offers a variety of options for those looking to create memorable experiences on water with friends and family.
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MODENESE GASTONE Bringing Italian Craftsmanship To UAE With a 200 year long tradition in producing classic handmade furniture, Modenese Gastone brings Italian taste and style to the UAE. Elegante speaks to Designer & Creative Director Paride Modenese to discuss how his family run business has used tradition and innovation in their favour, and how a passion for luxury has brought them to the Middle East seven generations later Maryan Abdinur
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How and when did you decide to launch the concept of Modenese Gastone? Our production has a long and rich history passed on from the masters of carpentry of the Modenese family since 1818. The tradition behind each piece of furniture has been handed over from one generation to the next. We started in Casale di Scodosia, producing traditional small pieces of furniture for people leaving nearby. Today we have showrooms in Italy, Russia and the UAE and work directly with clients all over the globe looking for inspirational, luxury pieces. Throughout our company’s growth, we’ve stayed committed to our purely domestic production even when our competitors haven’t, and this standard is what separates us. What were your inspirations and ideologies behind its creation? Simply that every desire of our customers is realized, which means guaranteeing them a unique piece of furniture with the high quality associated with ‘Made in Italy’. Our clients often fall in love with our collections and look towards how they can adopt the pieces to match the spirit of their home. Together with our personal advisors they can choose carvings, fabrics, sizes, colors and finishes. This is the core element of our hand-crafted furniture: not simply industrial products, but standout art pieces, shaped on your dreams. What factored into the decision to open your first showroom in the UAE? Take us through this.
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The standard for luxury in the UAE is very high. Our clients are well aware of all the large international players and they all have showrooms here competing for the aflluent consumer. We decided to open only after we had presence on the ground for a few years and could really appreciate the market. We were responding to customer requests to fly over and redesign their homes, and increasingly it just made sense to develop a base here as well as the demand was so strong. It’s a tight market to enter but we had our own distinct approach which separated us. Our history and legacy resonated with clients who wanted authentic pieces. They also appreciated that we were involved in supporting them through the whole design process, advising them and offering customizable products in terms of sizes, colors, fabrics and finishes. Our clients here see their homes as a social space to be continually cultivated, we’re proud to help them feed that inspiration. Could you name one or few models which have played the key role in the development of your brand? Each collection carries the Modenese Gastone touch the pursuit of elegance and perfection, together with high quality workmanship and love for classic Italian luxury. When we unveil a new line we aim to tell a story which reflects the values and traditions of our history, while introducing design innovation wherever we can. As an example, the distinguishing marks of our Villa Venezia collection lie in the fine velvets and materials, magnificent carvings, handmade decorations, the natural pastel colors
of Venetian tradition. With this line we were on the quest for aesthetic perfection. The term Villa expresses elegance and richness, and Venezia recalls the long-lasting tradition of Venetian craftsmen, as well as the charming atmosphere of the well-known Italian city. What is the secret of invariable popularity which classical furniture enjoys? Tradition, passion and innovation - classical furniture merge all these things together, and they are enduring and always elegant. We take inspiration from tradition but are not afraid to produce iconic pieces and create new trends, blending today’s fashion with our own original concepts. This is art, it’s an interplay of many things. When you are working on a new model for Modenese Gastone, what are the points you consider? We look at quality. An aesthetically pleasing piece is great – but can it remain forever both in functionality and design? More than anything, our clients respond to the timeless quality inherent in our collections – and once they have insight into the eco-friendly production and our innovative style, they understand we are not just producing a beautiful piece of decoration – we’re in the business of creating elegance for the modern era. People want pieces that reflect their individualistic taste – furniture that is intriguing, fun, unique and classic all in one. We always strive to create this perfect balance. Wood carving is not just fine art, but science which is rooted in the past. The Italian master craftsmen reproduce the techniques from 12-15 centuries. Which are the most popular types of wood carving? Wood carving is a decorative technique realized with many different tools. Our artisans use more than 20 designed just for carving. According to a different tool and to a different wood type, it is possible to create different hand-carvings. Softer woods are suitable for big works and shapes; harder woods take more time to be carved but allows for greater precision and fine detailed accuracy. Depending on the client’s tastes we use a variety of techniques at our factory – creating more simple decoration to detailed and sophisticated shapes.
“Each collection carries the Modenese Gastone touch the pursuit of elegance and perfection, together with high quality workmanship and love for classic Italian luxury.”
What materials other than wood are used? Precious marbles and a variety of stones, different types of fabrics - velvets, brocades, leathers, silks - gold and silver leaves, and all the possible colors of natural paints. Our craftsman use these materials together with hand-craft wood furniture. We make the special effort to involve our clients in the process of selecting their preferred finishes, which essentially allows them to personalize and ‘dress’ their home. In each country the furniture carvers have their own secrets that make the production of furniture different from the rest, and pieces of furniture become characteristic as national traits. Are there any secrets in your factory? Modenese Gatone is rooted in strong family tradition. We’ve been around since 1818 - the passion and love is ingrained, and you can see it put into every single piece. We love what we do, and this is the main secret, why we’ve lasted seven generations. What are your future plans for the brand and its expansion? A great past is the foundation for a successful future. We want to continue improving and you will see this with every new collection. Each one is synonymous with luxury, elegance and refined Italian taste. We’ve proven that these traits are our brand signatures. Our heritage, consistent quality and each satisfied customer has brought us here. We’re incredibly excited about our newest showroom in Dubai, and we’ve already seen a great response from private home owners as well as for our contract division working in hospitality and government sectors. Now is the time to focus on expanding our client relationships in the region and sharing our passion for classic Italian luxury.
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INTERIORS LLC Creating an inviting home
They say to fill your home with love makes it a true home. From the colours on the walls to the prints of your favourite fabrics, every detail can reflect the homeowner at the centre of it all. The home is the heartbeat – the operation command centre should we say – for many of us. This is where the story begins and Interiors has made it its mission to help craft such a story. Your home is your palace, so how do we begin to reflect it as such? Have your living space exude love and togetherness this season with the new FAMA collection from Interiors. One of the most reputed furnishing companies in the UAE, Interiors presents a range of sofas and armchairs direct from Spain to decorate your house and set the mood. Known for comfort, durability and style FAMA integrates into every facet of homelife – whether you’re unwinding with guests and refreshments or looking for cosy ambience. FAMA combines technology with trendy design so your home has the best of both worlds. Furniture is retractable, sleek and made with impecable craftsmanship. The vibrant colours and modern layouts will breathe new life into any home, making it your true ‘home sweet home‘. Interiors brings an abundance of options meant to inspire.
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Maryan Abdinur
The shop fits to every designers whimsy, those looking for styles ranging from classical, neo –classical, modern, contemporary and country will be pleased. With a diverse range from the world over including Calvin Klein, Broyhill, Bernhardt, Paul Robert, Klaussner, Koher, Fejomi, Seven Sedie, Scappini, and Giorgio Collection the showroom nestled along Umm Hurrair Road cherry picks the very best international brands every season. Mr. Raed Dibs, General Manager of Interiors remarks “At Interiors, we understand your aspiration of having a warm and inviting home, so we offer the highest quality furniture and accessories, in a vast array of styles and colours with excellent value. We are the sole distributors of several trusted names in the furniture business, hence our customers are assured of long-lasting and elegant products. We invite customers to visit our showroom to experience the vast array of products tailored to suit their specific needs.” Interiors makes home decor a breeze. The FAMA collection and many others are exclusivelely available in the UAE at all Interiors showrooms located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
“At Interiors, we understand your aspiration of having a warm and inviting home, so we offer the highest quality furniture and accessories, in a vast array of styles and colours with excellent value.�
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BANG & OLUFSEN Commemorates Its 90th Birthday With The Love Affair Collection Launching a carefully selected range of its iconic products, Bang & Olufsen now offers admirers the chance to enjoy these products in a new rose golden nuance as part of this exclusive collection. The Love Affair Collection, announced by Bang & Olufsen on 4th March 2015, saw six of the company’s current products rejuvenated with a new palette option in keeping with the surge in interest towards beautiful materials – especially rose gold, which is experiencing a renaissance in the jewelry industry. One of the most emotive aspects was its underlying meaning. While white gold represents friendship and yellow gold means fidelity, rose gold represents love and was therefore the ultimate inspiration for this collection.
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During the roaring 20s, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen started their journey into technology when it was still an almost magical phenomenon, and with the accompanying flourish of Art Deco, it was clear that luxury, glamour and exuberance were at the heart of the time. Fast-forward 90 years and the company was pleased to launch a collection that truly captures the mood and style of the time, setting the stage for a love affair that could last the ages. Combined with the warm colour fabrics recently developed in cooperation with fashion designer Stine Goya, the company hopes it will truly capture the hearts of customers who have enjoyed a love affair with the company over the years.
“We see this exclusive collection as a living illustration of the love affair that has lasted from our origin, where the passion and dedication to craftsmanship and quality of two Danish engineers Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen has caught the attention of people all over the world�, stated Marie Kristine Schmidt, VP Brand, Design and Marketing. The radiant and romantic Rose golden nuance was achieved through a unique dyeing process, which in itself inspired the designers to create concepts that could match any style and any age, where the only limit was their imagination. This, combined with warm and elegant walnut wood, bridges past and present to represent the passion, pride and persistence that has been driving Bang & Olufsen for the last 90 years.
The Love Affair Collection consists the following six current products; the first is the majestic and recently launched BeoVision Avant 85, and then the all-in one entertainment solution BeoVision 11-46 and BeoRemote One. Also included in the range is the extremely popular magic-touch BeoPlay A9 music system and the elegant, lightweight BeoPlay H6 headphones.
Last but certainly not least, the collection will include the classic, slender and straight-lined BeoLab 18 with a new walnut lamella front and a cabinet in a stunningly elegant rose golden version. Bang & Olufsen was founded in Struer, Denmark, in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, two innovative, young engineers devoted to high quality audio reproduction. Since then, the brand has become an icon of performance and design excellence through its long-standing craftsmanship tradition and the strongest possible commitment to hightech research and development. Still at the forefront of domestic technology, Bang & Olufsen has extended its comprehensive experience with integrated audio and video solutions for the home to other areas such as the hospitality and automotive industries in recent years. Consequently, its current product range epitomizes seamless media experiences in the home as well as in the car and on the move.
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Le Vault Brings Luxury Pieces To The U.A.E Le Vault, a high-end luxury retailer that offers bespoke products opens its first boutique in Abu Dhabi, bringing high-end luxury goods to the Middle East. The boutique will showcase a collection of the finest luxury products from internationally renowned brands that include Döttling, Royal Trunk, Letrone design, Horus straps and It One Off. All iconic products that will go on display at Le Vault are unique and are developed by experienced crafters and designers that invest time and resources to create an exclusive masterpiece that suits the style of every customer. Le Vault partners with internationally renowned luxury brands that are inspired by traditional German, Italian, and American designs. The newly opened Le Vault boutique houses exceptional pieces of unique craftsmanship that is perfect for those with an appetite for extreme luxury.
Le Vault boutique also houses the Döttling Collectors Room Concept that provides the highest security and exquisite ambience for valuables. With Collector Rooms, Döttling guarantees a fully secured room with Döttling high – security access featuring high-security display cabinets made out of the finest materials. The Royal Trunk collection will also go on display at Le Vault and is known for its beautiful craftsmanship, understated branding, exceptional quality, and bespoke personalised pieces. The Royal Trunk collection will include contemporary trunks and high-end leather accessories including wallets, money clips, iPhone covers, cigar humidors, cigar holders.
Commenting on the opening, Samer Mashal, Owner and Managing Director of Le Vault said, “Opening this boutique is my way of expressing appreciation of custom luxury pieces. We have opened Le Vault for the sophisticated buyer, who craves elegance and luxury. I am delighted to be able to invite fashion enthusiasts with a passion for craftsmanship to visit the new boutique and experience an elite luxury that suits their lifestyle.” The Le Vault’s contemporary concept originated by Mashal’s love for craftsmanship and appreciation of bespoke designs. At the boutique you can find exclusive products from internationally renowned brands. Döttling originates from the Döttling Manufactury in Sindelfingen and consists of high-precision craftsmanship in luxury safes using exotic leather or 24k gold fittings. The Döttling collection includes personalised luxury safes of all sizes equipped with state-of-the-art-technology that rates high on vanity and safety and will suit any office or home. Around the world, Döttling safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry.
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Samer Mashal, Owner and Managing Director of Le Vault
One more brand that has recently come on board is It One Off, an Italian design company specialised in manufacturing exclusive one-off objects distinguish by excellent quality in handcraft. U.F.O which stands for the un-identified furniture object is the first and only one ground point rocking/swinging chair in the world. The limited edition of It One Off masterpieces will be displayed in the Le Vault boutique at the end of April.
“Opening this boutique is my way of expressing appreciation of custom luxury pieces. We have opened Le Vault for the sophisticated buyer, who craves elegance and luxury.�
In Le Vault boutique you will also be able to find the exotic collection from Letrone design. LeTrone is a luxury lifestyle brand focused on the application of the finest exotic materials to simple apparel. Each LeTrone piece is handcrafted from the finest materials, including Italian cashmeres & silks as well as genuine exotic leathers. The natural patterns found on exotic leathers give each LeTrone piece its own identity. No two LeTrone pieces are exactly alike. Le Vault has also teamed up with Horus, a maker of fine watch straps bringing you the best products from Miami, Florida. Each Horus Strap is hand cut and hand stitched by an artisan highly skilled in the craft of leatherwork. The brand allows its clients to choose any combination of leathers, colours, stitching, and more. Each Horus Watch Strap is a bespoke piece crafted for the client to their exact specification, making each strap a unique piece of art.
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Meet d3
Hailed As Major Success As Dubai’s New Home Of Design Officially Opens UAE’s community of both residents and tourists were treated to a three day celebration of design and creativity to mark the official opening of Dubai Design District. More than 30,000 design enthusiasts, foodies, music fans, followers of fashion, tourists and families visited d3 from 2-4 April 2015. They enjoyed the very best of UAE-based and international creative talent. The “Meet d3” event was specifically commissioned and curated to feature a 100 strong creative mix of UAE-based, regional and international designers, artists, musicians, concept retailers and unique dining experiences. Amongst the participants on display over the weekend, the Meet d3 programme included a significant number of d3’s business
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partners including: local designers through multi retail platform “Resid3nt”, Not Just a Label, Faux Consultancy, Lasvit, Silsal Design, S*uce, Tahir Sultan, Penguin Cube, Amongst Few, Wanders Wagner Architects, and Sole DXB. The programming was further enhanced with the participation of Emirati creative talent such as Khaled Shafar, Bint Thani, Jalal Luqman, Hamdan International Photography Award(HIPA), Cinema Akil & Gazette, Anthropology of Design and Dr. Reem El Mutwalli , artists represented under Brand Dubai as well international talents featuring world renowned British singer-songwriter John Newman and industry trends forecaster and presenter, Li Edelkoort, to name a few.
Hailing the success of the Meet d3 event, Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO, TECOM Investments, commented: “Meet d3” marks the official opening of The Dubai Design District to the world. Through the culmination of teamwork, community spirit, creative innovation and love for all elements of design, it has been a tremendous success. The feedback from the wider UAE community, who showed their support through an overall attendance of more than 30,000, has been incredibly positive and demonstrates a keen appetite for many more such events at d3 in the future”. The atmosphere of “Meet d3” throughout the three-day community event saw creatives, families, officials, food lovers, music enthusiasts and fashion decision-makers interacting and experiencing all elements of the design landscape within the newly-created d3 destination. “Apart from thanking our business and creative community partners for their participation, we would also like to thank all of our Government Authority partners in working closely with us in delivering this milestone event. “With more than 220 business partners signed up in Phase 1, d3 is looking forward to growing its partner base and the business interest just from this event has been extremely positive. We are very excited to commence the second phase of our master plan development, which is the delivery of the Creative Community scheduled for completion in 2017.
This will cover around 1,000,000 square feet within d3, and will act as an incubator for emerging UAE-based designers and artists, as well as providing a natural home for art galleries and studios looking to engage directly with the region.” Response from the wider community has been overwhelming. As part of d3’s efforts to capture real time feedback from its visitors, digital surveys were carried out throughout the event and the general response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We did not know what to expect from the ‘Meet d3’ event and were curious to find out. My family truly had an incredible time and there was something for everyone to experience and discover. We look forward to seeing this hopefully as a yearly event,” said a family of visitors.
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ART DUBAI Hosts Its Largest And Most Global Edition To Date
Art Dubai, the leading international art fair in the Middle East and South Asia, announced highlights from its ninth edition.
President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs UAE.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fair preview was inaugurated by the Crown Prince of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Art Dubai 2015 was held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and sponsored by Julius Baer and Emaar. The fair took place at its home, Madinat Jumeirah. Maserati was the Automotive Partner of Art Dubai 2015.
Art Dubai 2015 also saw HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, being awarded the Medal of the Commandeur des Arts etdes Lettres by Jack Lang, president of the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, at the fair. The popular Art Dubai Ladies Preview was opened by HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Art Dubai’s largest and most international edition to date welcomed 92 participating galleries from 40 countries and featured the work of more than 500 artists. With a combined value in excess of US$46m, galleries reported healthy sales to local, regional and international collectors and institutions from the moment the buzzing collectors’ preview opened on March 17, and throughout the week.
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Mashreq Private Banking, the exclusive partner of Art Dubai Modern, launched its corporate collection at the fair, acquiring twentieth-century works from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Over the course of four public days of the fair (March 18-21, 2015), Art Dubai attracted over 25,000 guests ranging from the world’s leading curators to UAE-based enthusiasts. The winner of the seventh Abraaj Group Art Prize, Yto Barrada, exhibited her specially commissioned work alongside shortlisted artists, Mounira Al Solh, Setareh Shahbazi and Sarnath Bannerjee in a dedicated exhibition, ‘Before History’, guest-curated by Omar Kholeif.
“Art Dubai’s largest and most international edition to date welcomed 92 participating galleries from 40 countries and featured the work of more than 500 artists.”
The Global Art Forum, themed around technologies and their impact on the world of art and culture, attracted capacity audiences throughout its sessions both in Kuwait and Dubai. Featuring over fifty high-profile speakers from the region and around the world, the Forum firmly reinforced its position as the regional hub for discussion and discovery. Audiences interacted with new site-specific works and performances from eleven commissioned artists and collectives, part of the dynamic Art Dubai Projects programme. For the first time, the fair’s not-for-profit programme included the creation of major site-specific works off-site – at Alserkal Avenue and other sites, including the Al Khail Road and in the Omani mountains. The Campus Art Dubai Core class of 2014-15 held its graduation at the fair. A ‘Saturday art school’ for UAE-based artists, writers and curators, Campus Art Dubai is a partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and is supported by Dubai Design District (d3). The class also programmed this year’s Art Dubai Radio, with a rich week-long programme of interviews, sound projects, music and more, which will now play out internationally through dedicated podcasts. For the youngest creatives, The Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program, held in partnership with The Cultural Office, featured workshops and discovery tours led by commissioned artist Nicolas Paris, working with 15 UAE-based artists. For the first time, the artists worked with Dubai-based schools in the run-up to the fair, and ran special workshops for teachers at the fair.
Art Dubai 2015 also saw the launch of ‘Fada’aat’, a special exhibition presented by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, exploring the spaces created in the intersection between culture, history and innovation. As a prelude to the forthcoming Metro Museums, the innovative, unique exhibition featured thematic spaces curated by medium and theme, including Islamic manuscripts and coins, maritime heritage, literature, photography and a live artist’s studio. The exhibition was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the opening of the fair.
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Abu Dhabi Festival 2015 The Abu Dhabi festival held this March 2015 became home to a pool of creativity and artists. From Europe to Middle East, lots of well known names showcased their talents to an engaging audience. Following are some of the highlights of the show.
FotoFest International made its Middle East debut at the Festival’s 12th edition This year, the Abu Dhabi Festival presented a packed visual arts programme at Emirates Palace, featuring a trio of exhibitions: View From Inside: Contemporary Arab Photography, Video and Mixed Media Art; the 2015 Festival Commissions; and Emirati Insights. The presentations was accompanied by two commemorative, limited edition publications, ‘View From Inside’ and ‘Art of the Emirates’. About View From Inside View From Inside showcased a diverse and stimulating selection of photography, video and mixed media art by leading contemporary Arab artists. The presentation of this exhibition affirms Abu Dhabi Festival’s role as a leading cultural event in the region.
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Organised by FotoFest International, View From Inside brought together one of the world’s leading curators of contemporary Arab art, Karin Adrian von Roques, with FotoFest’s co-founder and expert on the international photographic arts, Wendy Watriss. About Emirati Insights & The Festival Commissions The Festival commissions included the work on canvas and wood Perfume of the Earth by the Italy-based, Emirati artist Fatma Lootah. Lootah’s subjects were very often people from the UAE, real or imagined. In Ode to the Bouquets by Noor Al Suwaidi was a celebration of the return to the simple beauties that nature offers: It was as if Al Suwaidi was asking us to stop and smell the roses. Both Al Suwaidi and Lootah’s works were on display in the Emirates Palace Gallery.
On view in the Emirates Palace Auditorium Foyer was a specially commissioned installation by Sawsan Al Bahar entitled Wra’a il Zaman – Leaves of Time. Wra’a Il Zaman is a metaphor; a calendar of selected days carried away on the wind as time passes by. The installation was a depiction of the state of suspension in which Palestinian refugees live. Inspired by the old printed Arabic calendars (Roznama, or Book of Days), it consisted of suspended 3D sculptural pieces; each piece was a page from the Roznama carrying key dates in the past 70 years since the Nakba of 1948. The work resembled sheets of paper blowing in the breeze and captures a frozen moment in time. Wra’a Il Zaman was shortlisted for the 2015 Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award. Internationally acclaimed Q Brothers gave the UAE a fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies Performing at the Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, as part of this year’s festival in partnership with Art For All, Chicago based hip hop sensation, the Q Brothers, delighted the Abu Dhabi audience on Thursday March 5 with their modern rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Othello.
Drawing inspiration from the original genius lyricist, William Shakespeare, The Q Brothers’ Othello: The Remix by Chicago Shakespeare Theater & Richard Jordan Productions followed MC Othello out of the ghetto and straight to the top of the music industry where he won the respect and adulation of fans, along with the heart of the beautiful singer, Desdemonda. But he was also attracted to the spite of hip-hop purist, Lago, who has something more sinister planned for Othello than a rap battle. First concert in The Festival Recital Series deligheds audience with a stunning repertoire of classical piano Making her Gulf premiere in partnership with The Queen Sofia School of Music, South Korean pianist, Ah Ruem Ahn, officially inaugurated The Festival Recital Series, part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2015’s main programme of concerts. In her Gulf debut, Ms. Ahn delighted the audience with spellbinding piano classics such as Franz Joseph Haydn’s Piano Sonata No. 46 in E major, Franz Schubert’s 4 Impromptus, and Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Preludes. Having made her successful debut at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, New York, in 2013, Ms. Ahn is the first artist to perform in a brand new series of recitals at ADF15 by young role models of classical music.
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Antolini Luigi & C. Precioustone Collection Using The Strength Of The Past To Build The Future – A Culture Of Innovation Jana Mingovska
Entrenched in over 50 years of entrepreneurial experience, the Antolini family has established a legacy that harnesses the meaning of a “culture of innovation”, ever since it set foot and invigorated the art of skilled craftsmanship of natural stone. Stemming from its first business venture in 1920, behind the closed doors of a small workshop in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, in the Province of Italy’s Verona, Antolini’s entrepreneurial spirit sprung forth almost immediately, instigating investments to be made in order to increase the production site and buy up quarries. Three decades since its very first business establishment, Luigi Antolini took control of the company’s management, alongside his uncles, and not too long after, he ventured out and created “Marmi Antolini” with his sister. As a 1920born family company with strong ties to the surrounding territory in Italy, the firm first grew into Antolini Luigi & C. S.p.A. in 1956. The catalysts of Antolini’s legacy were the family’s third generation - embodied by siblings Alberto, Francesco and Alessandra – whose vision, efforts, and productivity established the company as one of the world’s main players in the stone field industry. Hence, between 1961 and 1989, the new family firm Antolini Luigi & C was established near the River Adige in Sega di Cavaion, in what is the marble contractor’s main building establishment today.
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In the years that followed, the company dispersed its presence on the international arena, spreading its innovative approach to natural stone processing and its influence along international markets. As an added testament to the company’s loyalty to the production quality and the economic milestones reached, Antolini Luigi & C picked up the Efibanca award. That milestone marked the beginning of the expansion of Antolini Luigi & C, and the family’s passion and innovation in the realms of its application and production methods has persistently established unsurpassed leadership across the decades, characterized by the in-depth research and the wide selection of natural stones and product lines.
Being a leader in an international marketplace implies unembellished advancements towards prosperity, innovation, productivity, originality and resourcefulness. Antolini’s motivational drive towards that goal is “Using the strength of the past to build the future”, and this aphorism encompasses applying new, creative methodology to process centuries-old stone, in order to transform what belongs to nature into a fine, elegant masterpiece.
finest minerals, these gems are unique and enchanting, and they embrace sophistication and charm. Combining style and originality with elegance, the Precioustones collection in particular reflects Antolini’s passion for design and stylish furnishing. As its title suggests, the natural elegance of the original material is interpreted in creative forms that convey magnificence, splendor, and luxurious’ passion for detail delivery.
As such, Antolini seeks to reflect tradition and technological advancement in giving new life to the original material, through its untamed passion and impeccable quality.
Antolini’s crafts artisanship has expanded its stone spectrum to include more than 1,000 stone materials, including granite, limestone, quartzite, onyx, travertine, Precioustone and Shellstone. All of the materials portray Antolini’s legacy, its quality standards and world branding. “Customers can therefore receive high-quality ‘made in Italy’ proposals every day,” said Alberto Antolini, “since the product offered by Antolini is the best summary of stone material robustness and versatile lightness of fashion.”
Today, there are more than 1,000 stone materials available from Antolini, including granite, limestone, quartzite, onyx, travertine, Precioustone and Shellstone - all characterized by Antolini’s quality standards and originating from any part of the world. “Customers can therefore receive highquality ‘made in Italy’ proposals every day,” said Alberto Antolini. When looking for the peaks of design creativity, look no further than Antolini’s Luxury Collection. Transforming the
As he explains, “This concept was rapidly developed throughout the years to make the company a leader for creative expression - with special attention given to the technology required to make products of the highest value.”
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The company’s drive has been built upon and focused on the offerings of nature, and hence, in order to expand and refurbish the product lines. the modification, polishing, and amelioration of its natural stones is perfected on every level, from its design creation to the manufacturing of the product itself. As the founding family preaches, “Nature has always offered winning and unique products, [and] at Antolini, we process stone as if it were silk.” When it comes to the creative compilation of Antolini’s proposals, a spectrum of options is made available to Antolini’s market spread. Having said that, Antolini even goes as far as offering its customers the opportunity of acquiring and manufacturing entire slabs compiled of original precious materials. The Precioustone Collection, made up of more than 100 different precious stones, has taken the dynamic stones used primarily in the artisan of jewelry, including amethyst, quartz, agate and jasper, and refined and fitted their composite gems into decorative adornment such as consoles, bathroom spaces, tub surrounds, pictures, columns, and pillars. Antolini therefore manages to instill and actualize the reality behind its conceptual driving motif: “to shape nature with fantasy and elegance”. The Precioustone Collection’s uniqueness proliferates not only for its colors, quality, and elegance, but also for the sensitive craftsmanship involved as well, made possible through the use of the most advanced production technology. Antolini’s technological investment hence spurred the company to invest in developing exclusive production systems that enable it to contour, modify and model precious stone and allow it to cater to the wants and needs of the brand’s dedication to its targeted audience.
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The creation of the Precioustone line, in particular, is compiled within the newly formed and highly technologically advanced production department at Antolini’s Verona. The process involves segmenting the rare precious stones into small pieces, and these gems, selected with detailed accuracy, precision, and unparalleled perfection, assembled by hand, and glued with special resins to form semiprecious slabs of full thickness – in order to achieve the quality and authenticity that is Antolini. Upon completion, slabs undergo a resin reinforcing “vacuum” process with a touch of polishing, all in an effort to obtain the desired effect in terms of texture, coloring and smoothness. “With Antolini, the past comes back in new forms and suggestions,” stated the company. “With Precioustone lines, actual marks of rare beauty, it is possible to relive the charm of old castles and the enchantment of royal palaces told in the most amazing stories.” As a result, through mixing traditional craftsmanship with modern science, Antolini has established its presence on the international arena. Whether matte, back-lit, on the tub surround, or on a pillar, the Preciousstone Collection has marked the Hall of Luxury. As its presence and popularity on the international market arena spreads out, Antolini has set out to establish itself as a leader in luxury living, and has set out an example for elite, haute couture. With their snowballing success in curating true masterpieces that accentuate Antolini’s unmatched durability, utility and beauty in each slab that carries in its core the family’s talent, each gem hence represents the artisanal legacy of couture virtue exposing the beauty and rawness of nature in every gem. “With its own emotion and soul, it transforms an environment to become its identity”.
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LEISURE & SPORTS
WHERE THE RICH LIKE TO VACATION Travel makes you richer, and when money is not an option, bespoke options are leading the way on the road to enrichment according to Virtuoso’s 2015 Luxe Report. Maryan Abdinur
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ositioned as the leading network of luxury focused travel advisors around the globe – Virtuoso’s newest study analyzed spending habits of affluent travellers serviced by its 355 by invitation only member agencies across the Americas, Aisa-Pacific, and Europe. Spanning over 25 countries, Virtuoso reaches the top tier of the travel market, generating over $14 billion in sales annually. The findings were in the dollars - travelers who spent at least $100,000USD annually on trips only seven years earlier have since increased their yearly spend by two to three times the rate of regular travelers. The types of trips they spent on also indicated a gradual trend emerging, with a preference towards more tailor-made, bespoke options. While motivations behind high end travel remained mostly unchanged, the survey of Virtuoso’s 8,900 elite travel advisors revealed their clientele increasingly desired exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. The new pattern reveals a predilection towards couture escapes where unique aspects of trip planning hold more merit than traditional factors such as star ratings. Whether it be far flung exotic destinations or weekend escapes the world’s wealthiest travellers are quickly redefining luxury escapes to mean a boutique experience crafted to their discerning tastes. So where will billionaires be flocking to in 2015? Unsurprisingly many popular destinations can be found in Virtuoso’s ‘Hot List’, proving the love affair with tried and true favourites isn’t ending anytime soon. Australia and New Zealand attracted adventure and nature enthusiasts once again, while gourmet food and fashions hotspots, Italy and France kept their top 5 positions. Boasting several scenic and historical gems which have earned it the nickname ‘The pearl of the Adriatic‘, Croatia also edged its way in as the leading emerging destination of 2015, Resoundingly, high-end travellers will be creating their own travel adventure’s this year. With money to spend, a holistic approach to travel reins supreme, where the traveller crafts their dream vacation into reality. Here is where their taste for premium, customised luxury will take them: Australia | Italy | New Zealand | Ireland | France South Africa | The Caribbean | Greece | England French Polynesia
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The Ajman Palace Hotel Creating Moments To Write Home About The Ajman Palace Hotel, managed by HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, is a picturesque sanctuary of privileged perfection conveniently located 22 km from Dubai International Airport and 11 km from Sharjah International Airport. Set on a private beach, this alluring hideaway is a heritage resort with a modern spirit. Bringing an unprecedented level of luxury, with captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is a destination unto itself.
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Balancing world-class facilities with the legendary Arabian hospitality, it offers 254 rooms, suites and serviced residences, a remarkable range of restaurants and lounges, fabulous meeting and event venues including the largest ballroom in the Northern Emirates ideal for weddings and conventions, as well as an array of leisure and recreation options at Encore Lifestyle Club featuring Encore Spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility. A magical experience awaits you here.
Accommodation Experience true Arabian hospitality in one of its 254 rooms, suites and serviced residences with captivating views of the Arabian Gulf or the different facets of the city such as the Ajman Corniche, the Ajman Harbour, and the Ajman Ruler’s court. All rooms at this luxury hotel resort have an identity that offers indulgent comfort and welcoming warmth. The rooms have been designed with an emphasis on modern convenience blended with a sense of place – conveyed by the Arabesque touches in the artwork, the use of “Mashrabiya” decorative fretwork, rich brocades and subtle gold touches. The city facing rooms, suites and residences on the second floor have access to a private green lawn terraces preferably for families. Internet access is available throughout the hotel including the beach, so you can stay in touch with family and friends or take care of business or anytime during your stay at the resort. The room categories include Deluxe Rooms, Lifestyle Club Rooms, Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites, Grand Deluxe Suites, Royal Suites, One Bedroom Residences and Two Bedroom Residences. Dining The Ajman Palace offers exceptional culinary dining experiences and is a culinary destination by itself. With an array of restaurant and lounge options, the luxury resort offers cuisine from around the world with a difference. Whatever your taste or style, The Ajman Palace has the restaurant to suit any occasion and palate, creating a true sensory voyage. The room service features a 24-hour service menu.
Encore Bistro ‘Encore Bistro’ with al fresco sea view option is an all-day international dining outlet. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves both international buffets with Mediterranean influences and an à la carte menu. The live cooking stations, master chefs and the best ingredients let you discover your gusto right in front of your eyes. Tantalizing dishes are served both inside the restaurant and at the al fresco terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The restaurant in the form of a half crescent is adorned by the hanging Arabian royal handmade lamps with mounted torches that lead you to another epoch. Its harmonious décor embellished with warm colours features Mediterranean and modern style furniture.
“Set on a private beach, this alluring hideaway is a heritage resort with a modern spirit.”
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Dragon’s Place ‘Dragon’s Place’ encompassing the true far-eastern atmosphere of the Asian fusion restaurant features a sushi bar, a private Teppanyaki dining table, and two private washitsu rooms with low floor seating. Guests savour finest Asian fusion delicacies with highlights on Japanese and Thai cuisine. Along the Japanese version of sushi infused with Middle Eastern flavours, “Arabic Sushi” brings a new twist to the menu offerings. Prolong with your dining experience and wind down on one of the two resort’s elegantly appointed terraces - the Sunset terrace offering pool and sea views or the private terrace with stunning views to the Arabian Gulf is the perfect spot for small gatherings and private events for up to ten people.
Meetings, Events and Weddings Whether you are holding a meeting for 5 clients or hosting a grand wedding for 700 guests, The Ajman Palace has a number of stunning venues to suit all your occasions. The hotel offers elegant spaces, custom menus and expert event planners to ensure your events are fully catered for. The Ajman Palace features a grand ballroom, the biggest in the Northern Emirates, Conference hall for distinct occasions, 4 meeting rooms for private affairs, and a VIP Majlis room for top dignitaries to hold important discussions. The venues can be configured to reflect the tone of your event and the uniqueness of your personality. All the event venues are fully equipped with state of the art technology ranging from large screen projectors to the latest generation of iPads.
In addition to the above restaurants there are: • The welcoming ‘Lobby Café’ • ‘H20 Lounge’ by the pool with endless views over the Arabian Gulf • Revitalize yourself at ‘Juice & Nutrition Bar’ • Take the stunning views from scenic rooftwop shisha lounge ‘Nojoom Lounge’ Kids & Teens The Ajman Palace Hotel offers number of activities for the little ones, where entertainment and limitless fun is guaranteed. The “Hathanah Kids Club” is the safest place to leave your kids while you are away from them. The Kids Club has been designed to create an environment where they can learn and engage in creative fun. Give us the opportunity to pamper your kids with activities like swimming classes from certified instructors, day out on the beach, painting, cupcake decoration, DVD kid’s movies and fun classes by professionals. Located on the same level as the Kids Club, the family floor gives you the added convenience of dropping your kids off at our entertainment club.
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Guest Services Experience a wide variety of recreational activities which will surpass your expectations. The host staff does everything possible to make your stay pleasant and memorable. Families with children are warmly welcomed at our family friendly resort. The Ajman Palace has a specially tailored service for families. The Ajman Palace Hotel values your need to be connected; the Wireless internet facility is accessible throughout the hotel including the hotel’s private beach. Complimentary high speed internet access is available in the Lifestyle Club Rooms, Suites, Serviced Residences, public areas, restaurant and lounges. The Experienced Concierge and Guest Relation team are available 24hours a day to gladly assist you with any requests. Ask our concierge about tours and excursions. The
team love challenges so make any request from restaurant reservation, Dhow Cruise, Desert Safari and Sky diving… We will make your special moments magical and endeavor to make your wishes come true. • Transportation assistance • Restaurant reservations • Tours & excursions arrangement • Flower deliveries • Entertainment Tickets Business Centre The Business Centre located on the hotel’s first floor is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that caters to all your needs. Photocopying, secretarial services, fax, and other electronic and communication equipment are available for guests.
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The Oberoi Spa Haven Of Peace And Tranquility Diksha Vohra
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Stress, pressure and anxiety are three most intrinsic and overused words when it comes to describing our lives today. Where the hustle and bustle of the city drains the energy out of us, amidst the city is a Spa that takes us into a different world altogether in no time. The Oberoi Spa, located at the third floor of the Oberoi, Dubai, offers an unparalleled experience to their guest. I had the pleasure of being their guests for a treatment at their Organic Spa and so I definitely recommend each of you to add the same into your list of ‘Must Do’s’ during your weekends. When I entered the Spa, I was graciously welcomed by their cordial Spa Manager who showed me around the Spa while my treatment room was being prepared. The Spa is spread over an area of 4700 square feet comprising of seven spacious therapy rooms, each accompanied with an en-suite steam shower and a personal washroom furnished with all amenities. Adding to its uniqueness is a special couple’s room equipped with its own terrace, thus taking one to an entirely different world where one can relax and rejuvenate till one wants.
sure that the music, the lighting and the aroma were just perfect to my tastes. The Zen-like ambience, complemented by the stunning marble, oak wood and the earthy tones used on the walls throughout the spa also set the right mood for the therapeutic experience.
After carefully deliberating over their extensive Spa menu which included treatments like Ayurveda, Aromatherapy, Balinese, Classical Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai massages, I chose to try the Balinese Spa treatment. As I sipped the ginger tea while walking to my bed, I was immediately transported to a haven of peace and tranquility. Wrapped in a lush white robe, I eagerly awaited my expert therapist who was very well trained and experienced. She knew exactly what ailed me and used her knowledge to give me just what I came for – relaxation. The treatment started with a foot massage wherein I was offered a selection of oils to choose from which relives one from physical stress, emotional stress and enhances relaxation respectively. As the therapist started the treatment, she paid attention to every detail thus making
I chose the lavender oil for the massage as it is believed to calm one down and it truly was the best choice. The 90 minute massage included a full body and shoulder massage. As the hot oil was being poured on me, it made me melt and let go my stress. As much as I would recommend the Balinese treatment, the Spa also has a selection of beauty treatments along with specialised Ayurvedic treatments carried out by their qualified and experienced staff. After the massage, my therapist recommended I take some steam to further increase the effect of the treatment I underwent, and I happily obliged. The heat felt incredible and left me longing for more. Overall, if you are looking for an invigorating full body treatment, or a cleansing one, or simply a place to relax in the calming luxury of pools and steams, The Oberoi Spa at The Oberoi, Dubai, is the ultimate destination for it all. Take a day off from work and experience these treatments and I assure you that you would have the time of your lives. They are open from morning 9am till midnight so feel free to book your appointments anytime.
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Empty Quarter Desert AT ANANTARA HOTEL, ABU DHABI Embark on a Luxurious Spa Retreat Diksha Vohra
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Leave the stress of day to day life behind as you embark on an overnight stay to the Rub al Khali and indulge in the new Spa Essence package at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Break daily routine and give your body the nurturing it deserves staying in luxury accommodation complemented by a 150-minute spa itinerary designed by the Anantara Spa experts. The package includes a one night stay in a Deluxe Garden Room, hearty breakfast, and a spa journey for two adults starting with a 60 minute Stress Release Massage, followed by a 60 minute Elemis Modern Skin Facial, and ending with a 30 minute Oriental Foot Reviver. Let pressure melt away as your Spa therapist uses rosemary, black pepper and ginger aromatherapy anti-stress massage oil to ease aching muscles, while the Elemis facial purifies and removes damaging toxins to refresh and boost your skin. By applying specific thumb and finger techniques to
key points, the foot revival offers a holistic revitalization of the upper body. Learn and master Indian Yoga techniques during a unique retreat in the Empty Quarter Take part in a transcendent yoga journey at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Leave the stress and tensions behind and revitalise body and mind throughout a three day programme in the peaceful surroundings of the Liwa desert. Experience yoga classes and sessions facilitated by master trainer Vipin Baloni especially flown in from Rishikul Yogshala school in India for the occasion, and adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle with a special diet to leave you enriched and renewed. The retreat is designed for novices and experts alike with daily sunrise and sunset sessions to discover or perfect Hatha and Ashtanga practices, and daily classes to learn and master pranayama breathing techniques, shat kriya cleansing practices, Ayuverdic lifestyle and yoga nidra and chakra meditation.
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Dubai World Cup Celebrates Two Decades Of Memorable Moments
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The history of the Dubai World Cup, from Cigar to African Story, Nad Al Sheba to Meydan, has taken many twists and turns through the years.
the contribution they and their connections had made to racing were responsible for the status the US$10m contest occupied as one of the most famous horse races ever run.
On Saturday March 28, that story completed a major chapter as the 20th winner of the world’s richest race was crowned.
There was the audacious victory of American superhorse Cigar at Nad Al Sheba in 1996, whose trainer likened the journey to Dubai as a “trip to the moon” and Singspiel’s rain-hit, washout year in 1997. Few race fans will forget the record-breaking time of the well-named Dubai Millennium, Sheikh Mohammed’s favourite racehorse, in 2000 or the epic duel between Pleasantly Perfect and Medaglia d’Oro in 2004.
Yet it was the 19 previous renewals of the 2000m race that brought the 20th running into sharp focus. The members of the Dubai World Cup Hall of Champions and
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s South American raider, Invasor was key in 2007 while American darling, Curlin swept all before him in 2008. Well Armed still holds the record for the biggest win with his 14-length victory in 2009 and Brazilian runner, Gloria de Campeo was the first Dubai World Cup winner after the race transferred from Nad Al Sheba to Meydan. In 2011 Victoire Pisa gave the Japanese a first Dubai World Cup win in the same year that a devastating earthquake and tsunami resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 15,000 in Japan. Animal Kingdom, US and Australian-owned, trained in the US by a Brit and ridden by a Costa Rican, represented one of the race’s most international winners while the most recent winner, African Story brought the tally of Godolphin-trained Dubai World Cup victors to six. This season the Dubai World Cup was staged for the first time on Meydan’s new dirt track – a fact that couldn’t fail to add a whole new dynamic to the day. Yet the spectacular race was not the whole story of the Dubai World Cup. The contest was the highlight of a day of racing worth a staggering $30m. Renowned as Dubai’s biggest sporting and social event, it brought down the curtain on the three-month Dubai World Cup Carnival and boasted a high-class, nine-race card featuring six Group 1 races and three Group 2 races. Crowds were treated to the best on-track action as well a day of luxury and hospitality in Meydan Racecourse’s glamourous track-side venues. Opened in 2010 and built to replace Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, Meydan’s iconic grandstand provided a stage equal to the splendour of the Dubai World Cup and the venue for the Dubai World Cup Ceremony. Created through the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Meydan is the beating heart of racing in Dubai.
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GO BEYOND Yas Marina Circuit Invites You To Grand Prix Abu Dhabi 2015 Yas Marina Circuit announces F1 tickets now on sale, with the seventh edition promising to be the best ever. New and improved ticketing, entertainment and hospitality offerings in store for #AbuDhabiGP 2015 Yas Marina Circuit announced that tickets to the 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are now on sale. They are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or +971 (0) 2 659 9800, as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores. Those booking before 31st May can take advantage of the 20 per cent ‘Early Bird’ discount, with a special 30 per cent ‘Early Bird’ discount for Marina Grandstand tickets. Demand is expected to be at an all-time high following 2014’s record-breaking, sell-out race weekend. Last year saw more than 60,000 fans enjoy a spectacular finale to a nailbiting season and a race-weekend that generated 1.9 billion twitter impressions for the ‘#AbuDhabiGP’ hashtag, and which trended number one worldwide on race day.
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The weekend also recorded the highest customer satisfaction scores to date, with an unprecedented 99 per cent of racegoers surveyed saying they had enjoyed their overall experience. With capacity remaining at 60,000 for 2015, this year’s tagline is ‘Go Beyond’ and reflects the expectations of an even more fulfilling experience for race goers across all aspects of the weekend. Fans will enjoy a greater selection of entertainment options, enhanced hospitality including the new Marsa Boxes for corporate guests, as well as allnew individual ticket packages, including the introduction of a one-day roaming ticket for Friday. Returning to Yas Marina Circuit on 27th, 28th and 29th November, the world’s only twilight race will be the last of the 2015 season, and could potentially decide the prestigious F1 driver’s championship title once again.
“Last year was a tremendous success and we are looking to build on that in 2015,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. “Our ‘Go Beyond’ ethos means that we are constantly aiming to improve our visitor experience and that the race weekend is about more than what happens on the track. This is our seventh Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and we keep going from strength to strength. Since we started in 2009 our weekend has become a signature event, not just on the Abu Dhabi calendar but on the international sporting stage.” Local culture will form a backdrop to the motor racing drama as the UAE’s biggest and best sporting and entertainment weekend will kick-start the UAE National Day celebrations in the Emirates, a major theme of this year’s Grand Prix. This will be reflected in an increase in heritage-related, off-track activities, affording the many thousands of international visitors an authentic taste of Emirati tradition and history. Away from the racing action, visitors are guaranteed a packed programme of entertainment, including world-class, A-list musical artists at the after-race concerts, and Oasis areas in all public sections boasting a wide range of exhibitions, challenges and games to keep the whole family amused.
time with F1 racing legend Mark Webber – guaranteed to make your weekend an unforgettable experience. Fans will be immersed in an interactive, digital experience in the run up to, and during the weekend. With the ‘#AbuDhabiGP’ hashtag making a welcome return in 2015, organisers are promising a more enhanced, integrated digital proposition. This includes a new improved YasHub smartphone app allowing visitors to plan every element of their race weekend and stay up to date with the latest race news and information, as well as virtual reality experiences.
Foodies are in for a real treat this year with the promise of a celebrity chef showcasing his culinary flair in the corporate boxes, while individual ticket holders can savour a sumptuous brunch as the tension mounts ahead of the daily racing action.
Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Bureau Director at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “We’re confident that this year’s F1 weekend will attract a higher proportion of international visitors drawn by the wider global appeal that Abu Dhabi offers as a destination, and entice them to stay on after the race to see more of the emirate’s attractions and enjoy Yas Island’s array of luxury hospitality options and leisure facilities.
A range of celebrity meet-and-greets exclusive to those enjoying corporate hospitality in the Marsa Boxes and Suites will wow those attending as they get the chance to rub shoulders with global stars, as well as the chance of spending
“As one of the world’s fastest growing tourism hubs, Abu Dhabi offers guests from around the world a complete visitor experience set against the glamour and excitement of Formula 1 racing.”
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TRIYAS 2015 Sees The Highest Ever Number Of Emirati Nationals Competing In The Event’s History
More than 100 UAE Nationals had signed up to challenge themselves at the sold out Triyas 2015. It was announced that more than 100 UAE Nationals took part in the sold out Triyas by Daman’s ActiveLife, the largest ever turnout of Emirati participants in the event’s history. Of the 100 UAE triathletes, 54 were women – yet another record for this popular community triathlon – and the Emiratis joined an already cosmopolitan mix of runners, cyclist and swimmers of the 1,500.
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Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We are delighted that this fantastic and challenging event is engaging record numbers of Emiratis. Yas Marina hosts a wide array of sporting and fitness initiatives in order to inspire and engage the people of the UAE to get more active, and it’s very rewarding to see that our own nationals are setting a fine example to others.” Dr. Michael Bitzer, CEO of National Health Insurance Company – Daman, said: “The fact that this year’s race
is able to attract Emiratis in such large numbers is a great testament to how Daman is actively making a difference in people’s lives in the UAE. Supporting events that encourage people to get active in order to improve their lifestyles and health is very important to us and we are very pleased that so many are engaging from our own community. Supporting events that mobilise the UAE community as a whole to lead a healthy, active lifestyle is one of our key objectives and we are very pleased that so many are engaging with these events.” Some of the Emirati team from the Awazen Wellness Centre & Abu Dhabi Tri Club were at the circuit to take part in a tailor-made training session coached by reigning Triyas Champion and pro-triathlete Olivier Godart. They were also joined by pro-triathlete Balazs Csoken from Hungary, in town for Friday’s race. Aysha Ali Bin Khalfan Al Dhahry from the Awazen female team, said: “We wanted to be a part of something that helped the UAE to become a fitter, more active place and to fight obesity and Triyas is the perfect event to bring us together as colleagues and friends and to train together. We
have been training for the last couple of months and are confident that we will put in a good performance on the following weekend”. Also new for this year was the addition of an elite wave of 12 pro-triathletes flew into the capital from around the world, a new KidsTri with a 150 children aged between 1216 as well as a female only category.
“Supporting events that encourage people to get active in order to improve their lifestyles and health is very important to us and we are very pleased that so many are engaging from our own community.”
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Dubai Polo Challenge Cartier Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Under the patronage and in the presence of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge was held at Desert Palm Resort & Polo Club on Saturday 21st February 2015. One of the most prestigious happenings on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar, the event was attended by Royals, celebrities, socialites, and of course some of the most recognised polo players in the world. The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge was first held in March 2006. This year, for the first time, six teams battled it out for the coveted Trophy in what has become regarded as the most celebrated tournament of the year. In a thrilling final, the Desert Palm team featuring Rashid Albwardy and Alan Meeker took the win, defeating the UAE Polo Team patroned by HH Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 10-4. Unfortunately, the morning’s sandstorm had forced the cancellation of the
subsidiary Desert Palm Trophy on pony welfare grounds and so Cartier Red and Abu Dhabi agreed to tie for third place. Among attendees at the event were HRH Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef of Jordan accompanied by his wife, HRH Princess Sima Al Abbas and HRH Princess Yasmine Bint Asem bin Nayef, Marques of Blandford George SpencerChurchill, Ambassador of La Martina, American socialite Olivia Palermo and Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama. Following the game, guests continued to enjoy a wonderful atmosphere and admire the elegant setting of the event, delighting in Cartier’s exquisite hospitality. Spectators enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea at this social gathering of the season. Throughout the afternoon they were welcomed at the Cartier Villa that was transformed beautifully to premiere the new Clé de Cartier watch creations. This outstanding collection was presented for the first time following its global launch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in January, and will be available in all boutiques worldwide starting April 2015.
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British Polo Day Dubai Leads The Field On 27th March 2015 – British Polo Day, presented by Land Rover, marked the second leg of its annual UAE Series with British Polo Day Dubai. Hosts, the Habtoor Family, welcomed over 700 VIPs and guests to the magnificent Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, heralding the start of Dubai’s landmark 20th Anniversary World Cup weekend. Arriving in chauffeur-driven Land Rovers to a Champagne Taittinger reception, VIPs including members of the Jordanian royal family, HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed, His Grace The Duke Argyll, Prince Alexei Cantacuzene Count Speransky, Her Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai Edward Hobart, Major General Carew Wilks, Jim and Fitri Hay, Dubai socialites Hugo Taylor and Lina Sammon and top polo player Pablo Mac Donough raised a glass to the historical and cultural ties that bind Great Britain to Dubai, and the ability of the international language of the horse to bridge cultural divides and bring people together. Celebrating these long-standing traditions, elite members of the Cavalry & Guards regiments of the British Army coaxed their camels onto the pitch for the Hackett Thesiger Trophy, beautifully modelled on a photo that Sir Wilfred
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Thesiger took of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan over 60 years ago. The match went the way of the JaegerLeCoultre Cavalry team who – over the course of three chukkas - found the flags three times. The Gaucho Guards made a valiant effort to come back in the fourth chukka, but it was too little too late. Equally entertaining for the pitch-side crowds was the Brompton Bicycle Polo Match – a rather amusing and unsteady example of pedal proficiency between Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Rest of the World. Rest of World put pedal to the metal and scored four triumphant goals, with no return from their Dubai contemporaries, resulting in a 4 – 0 win. Suitably amused by the spectacle, guests then sat down to a delicious al-fresco lunch – expertly paired with Justerini & Brooks’ fine wines - on the Club’s picturesque terrace. Following lunch, an afternoon of exhilarating and fastpaced polo began with The Falcon Plate – a hotly-contested battle between The Royal Salute Oxbridge and Sofitel Gulf Polo teams. After Pablo Mac Donough injured himself the previous day, teams were considerably altered but Stuart Wrigley and Jacqueline Hooper played out of their skins for the Royal Salute Oxbridge team and stemmed the tide of the
Sofitel Gulf Polo team. However when families get together – such as the Monteverdes – and when father is a ninegoaler, there’s only going to be one result. Ultimately, the Sofitel Gulf Polo team took the Falcon Plate by 7 goals to 6. Not to be out-shone, the Hackett British Exiles took to the pitch against home side, Habtoor Polo for the final match of the day – the British Polo Day Dubai Cup. Habtoor Polo - who have had a most successful season in the Gulf – proved stiff competition, although the Hackett British Exiles threatened their lead, up until the third chukka with some great play particularly by Jamie Morrison. The game was one of great spirit and good manners but the Habtoor ‘powerhouse’ saw off a brief challenge by the Exiles and a flurry of goals in the fourth chukka and won by 8 goals to 5. A score which belied the pace and play of the game
show under the stars in the Club’s beautifully-lit courtyard, before guests headed off to Dubai’s hottest night-spot XL Beach Club. Travelling with Abercrombie & Kent, guests, players and polo enthusiasts had spent the previous week at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, enjoying volleyball competitions, private beach-front yoga, ‘eco golf’ lessons and a spectacular Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari and Dinner in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, with Platinum Heritage. Tom Hudson, Co-Founder of British Polo Day commented: “It’s been amazing to see British Polo Day Dubai grow over the last six years. The British teams put on a great display, but our two captains HH Sheikha Maitha and Mohammed Habtoor, our host, came out on top in thrilling matches we are already looking forward to next year!”
While players swung polo mallets, guests took up their croquet sets in the pitch-side Harrods Garden Party, compete with a crowd-pulling caricaturist and a wonderful gallery of images by polo artist Mike Rumsby. British Polo Day’s resident Harrods Green Man kept order while guests enjoyed an afternoon of quintessential British charm, with an Emirati twist. Meanwhile, the Hackett and Taylor Morris ‘pop-ups’ added a dash of style and panache to the event, while the Royal Salute and Gaucho bars ensured that the Scotch Whisky and Watermelon Slings kept guests perky well into the evening!
Philip Parham CMG, HM Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates adds: “Style, speed, skill, dash, fun and excellence - the very British attributes of the very British Polo Day’s in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Polo, along with other equestrian sports, exemplifies the strong links between British and Emirati heritage past, present and - I am sure – future.
As the sun set on a day of top polo, guests gathered for the official British Polo Day Dubai prize-giving. Mr Ghazi Al Madani, the Manager of Sports Tourism for the Dubai Sports Council and Her Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai, Edward Hobart presented the outstanding British Silverware bespoke-designed Falcon Plate to a proud Sofitel Gulf Polo team. Land Rover’s Lorraine Toolan and British Silverware’s James Houghton then presented the British Polo Day Cup to Habtoor Polo.
British Polo Day Dubai followed its Abu Dhabi counterpart on Saturday 21st March in which guests including HH Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Falah Al Nahyan, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur and his father Maharaj Narendra Singh, His Grace the Duke of Argyll and HM Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham CMG and attended a prestigious black-tie evening at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. British Polo Day Abu Dhabi raised £35,000 for Women and Health Alliance (WAHA) and Help for Heroes.
The British Polo Days also exemplify the UAE’s role as an international sporting arena. So, many thanks to all our British and Emirati friends whose hard work makes the British Polo Day possible.”
Royal Salute’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ - Jamie Morrison was presented with a bottle of Diamond Tribute, while the Holland & Holland ‘Shot of The Day’ was awarded to nine-year-old Lucas Monteverde and ‘Best Playing Pony’ sponsored and presented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Official Timekeeper for British Polo Day - went to Envedia, ridden by Sheikha Maitha. British Polo Day’s Harrods Green Man then presented the Harrods ‘Luck of the Draw’ to Nicholas Grigorieff from Fashion 1 TV, while Prince Alexei Cantacuzene Count Speransky won Hackett’s ‘Best Dressed Male’. Celebrated womenswear designer, Fitriani Hay then set the tone for the evening’s celebration with a spectacular fashion
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KANAT KUTLUK CEO of Selamlique Redefining The Taste Of Turkish Coffee Even though Turkish coffee is a part of Middle Eastern coffee hours, many of us actually don’t know about the quality, aroma and taste of an actual pure Turkish coffee. The CEO of Selamlique, the pioneers of Turkish coffee in the Middle East, describes the same, giving some tips on how to make your coffee one of a kind everyday. Diksha Vohra
Let’s start from the beginning, how did it all start? I came to UAE in 2006 to set up the branch of an American origin multinational company operating in Industrial Hygiene Chemicals. Within some months I have realized two things: first is that the Turkish Coffee is widely consumed and readily available almost everywhere and the second is there was no good quality Turkish Coffee. My observation was that people were drinking all different kinds of Coffee like Lebanese Coffee, Arabic Coffee and some others and calling it Turkish Coffee.
the 16th Century. When Turks had to pull back from the outskirts of Vienna, they left many things behind. Austrian soldiers who found large barrels of brown dust and thought it is gun powder. Then they thought it is poison or some kind of flammable material. Later they found out that it is coffee which they had never experienced before. I must say coffee is important along with tea also since Turkey is the fifth biggest tea producer in the world and the highest consumer per person with 2.2 kg in one year ahead of the UK.
Even at the major five star hotel lobbies, I couldn’t drink a fine Turkish Coffee and service was not good at all. Once they wanted to charge for the water separately which comes along with the coffee in the original serving. I thought I can introduce a real good Turkish Coffee making so that people can live the real experience. Working 15 years in the corporate environment, having your background is from a totally different field, doesn’t help to move into your own business at all. INSEAD Executive MBA in Abu Dhabi campus helped me to give the right push to myself. They don’t only teach in the traditional terms but give you confidence so you better visualize things and act on it.
What’s unique about Selamlique that other coffees don’t have? I think confidently I can claim that we are probably the best Turkish Coffee in the world with respect to other brands. Selamlique Turkish Istanbul produces only Turkish Coffee from the best selected beans. We have a dedicated factory in Izmir where we monitor all phases of production by R&D specialists. The shelf life of our coffee is one year only due to its natural and organic ingredients compared to other brands which you can find in some cases two or three years shelf life due to the preservatives inside the coffee.
Were you always passionate about drinking coffee yourself? I was indeed. Turkish Coffee is in the daily lives of almost all Turkish people. It is in the culture. For instance we don’t have a word to say the color brown, we say “kahverengi” which can be translated as “the color of coffee”. Another important word can be breakfast which we call as “kahvalti” and the origin of the word can be broken down as “kahve alti” meaning before the coffee. Imagine a nation calling breakfast, an important meal to start the day as something we do before the coffee. West Europe first heard about the coffee from Turks during the war in Vienna siege in
Then we have the choices for different tastes of people. We have seven different kinds of Turkish Coffee: Traditional, Dark roast, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Chocolate, Mastic and Decaf. First time ever, we have introduced the Decaf Turkish Coffee for those who says I can’t drink it due to heart beat or other similar side effects. We have the Dark roast blend for those who likes the Turkish Coffee strong. We have Cinnamon and Chocolate Turkish Coffee for the Western Europeans who traditionally find Turkish Coffee as strong or bitter. They very much love our coffee despite the fact there is only 1% of these artificial flavors. Rest is all natural.
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GASTRONOMY “The shelf life of our coffee is one year only due to its natural and organic ingredients compared to other brands.”
Which was your favorite coffee before Selamlique came in? Until Selamlique Turkish Coffee was introduced, I was having different kinds of coffee, mostly espresso, and I used to have more tea. The different flavors of Selamlique give you a greater experience than having a Turkish coffee alone, Hence I switched to it. What was it that sparked your own desire to have your own brand? I think the desire to make the best Turkish Coffee since there was a lot in the market and none of them was premium like I would define, Only way I had was to do it my own way. It was a bit costly in terms of financials and work but I believe it will pay off since people tend to appreciate good things. Turkey is so far the best market for us of course but we are almost all over the Middle East either with our shops or with indirect selling points. You can drink Selamlique Turkish Coffee in all major five star Hotels in the region. Turkish Coffee is at the very center of the Turkish culture. Since there are many Turkish series on the TV I am sure people have already experienced our ritual of asking for the bride from the father with your family always having a Turkish Coffee served by the bride. The whole ritual although looks like a theatre has a lot of meaningful heritage carried from the past ages. Tell us more about the process of making coffee in terms of where you get your coffee beans from and how are the different flavors created? There are so many good coffee brands out there who make coffee from very traditional to modern techniques. They make all sorts of coffee. We only do Turkish coffee and we do it good. The beans in the very old days in the Ottoman Empire used to come from Yemen to Istanbul. Today, we get our selected Arabica beans from Brazil and roast it in our modern facility staying loyal to the centuries of know how created in Istanbul mainly.
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Do you only serve Turkish coffee or is there more to it? We sell and serve Turkish Coffee only at the moment. But besides we already have our signature Turkish Delights with rose, mastic, pomegranate and coffee flavors. We have eleven different kinds of delicacies and two kinds of praline, with rose and with Turkish coffee. All serve to enrich the coffee experience, designed to balance the taste of Turkish Coffee since Turks prefer not to use sugar but Turkish Delights along with the Turkish Coffee with a glass of water. Along with the Turkish coffee you order you should mention how you would like your sugar to be, no sugar, medium sugar or sweet but the difference should be very little between these three. For the Arabs, coffee plays a very important part of their life. What were the various challenges you faced while penetrating this market? We received a great interest from the Arab coffee drinkers since they knew the generic name as Turkish Coffee and they were drinking already. When they met with a premium one they just welcomed. Especially ladies liked our coffee so much. The reasons are, one that we had a lot of choices for different tastes and we also present a high quality Turkish Delight along with it with rose flavor and real gold dust on in for instance and second they wanted to take a better quality of Turkish coffee to their loved ones. Since we have very nice gift boxes with coffee and delights, accessories to make coffee, coffee cups and most important Turkish coffee machines. Our brand moved fast by word of mouth primarily. We have six thousand followers in our instagram page of selamliqueuae. When you look back, is there any decision you made that you regret? I think the only one which is important to mention is that Dubai Mall offered us a space in 2012 and we didn’t take it because of various reasons. The exposure of the brand would be much more today if we did. What is the most common myth about drinking coffee? There are a lot of them out there but in regards of Turkish
Coffee, I can say that it is too strong so it is not drinkable for those from outside of the MiddleEast, we have Indian, Chinese, Russian, English regular customers that loves Selamlique Turkish Coffee. Please give our readers a few tips on making some good and easy to make coffee. The process is quite simple if you do the traditional way: have a pot made of copper preferably, measure the amount of water with the coffee cup you will use so you don’t put more water than necessary into the pot. It has a direct impact on the taste due to dilution. Always use a room temperature water. I have a very nice spring water brands from Turkey that you can easily find. The amount of coffee to make one cup of coffee should be 7 to 10 grams. The more you put doesn’t make it better but only bitter in Turkish coffee case. Choose you sugar level, medium or sweet. Although the name refers to sweet we don’t mean it will have a sweet taste, rather it should be suppressing the strong coffee taste. The difference between medium to sweet is just a few grams in fact. So use the edge of a tea spoon to add the sugar into the pot. Very important: Stir the coffee and the sugar along with water in the pot before you put on the heat. Once it is on the heat never stir again. The least heat is better, so it will allow the coffee to dissolve better and give max taste and the foam will be better as
the process goes slow. Pour into your cup slowly but faster through the end of the pot so you don’t leave coffee in the pot but comes in to the cup. Double boiling kills the foam, people from Levant likes it but I personally don’t recommend. Serve as fast as possible, when serving water is a must some sweet is a gesture. We generally serve along with Turkish Delight but any sweet available can be used. In terms of the revenue earned, how do you feel the UAE market is at this point of time? The markets are for sure came back to life starting 2013. We had the crash in the last quarter of 2008. I guess everybody agree that the trend will be positive until the Expo 2020. Beyond that what will happen is a test we all have to pass. I think we have learned something from the last financial melt. Having said that, I see a bright future overall for the country and region. What are your future plans of expansion? We are cautious with the expansion since we care too much of our brand and delivering it to the audience. Our tendency is to stay a bit delicate and reserved instead of opening several brands in different areas. I think we will be deciding our path based on our client’s wishes. That was the case also when we opened in Abu Dhabi World Trade Center Mall besides our shops on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1 and Mercato Mall.
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THE ACT – DUBAI Rocking dinner shows Rock and roll super stardom is a rather bumpy road as told through The Act Dubai’s newest dinner show concept Rocker Girlz– but taking the journey with Head Chef Robert Segura’s inspiring menu makes the experience a rather tantalizing one. Maryan Abdinur
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The ingenious creative team behind The Act’s acclaimed thematic shows give us an inside peek on what it takes to go from garage to glory. At the centre of it all is heartbreak, and lead character CC knows all about the saying ‘hell hath no fury than a women scorned’. Feeling the shockwaves from a sudden break up with her rock star boyfriend, our lead girl picks up her guitar, grabs her girlfriends and simply put: rocks out. On her path to success are the typical characters one would expect in the music business, but what’s consistant is the unabashed support from her fellow Rocker Girlz. Situated close to the stage in our comfy banquet booth, the Elegante team is in the midst of it all. The music is classic rock power anthems, inviting audiences to cheer on CC through her musical journey, both the ups and downs.
The buzzing chemistry between performance and the food is expertly orchestrated. In tune with the ebbs and flows of the stage, waitresses circulate the room placing starters, mains, sides and desert with perfect timing. Master Chef Roberto Segura’s award-winning contemporary Peruvian fusion tasting menu is absolutely spell bounding – uniquely merging Peru’s multucultural food heritate, modern haute cuisine and international influences from Japan, China, Spain and Africa. The compartido menu offers diners their fill in Peruvian delicacies. Applause, Ovation and Encore offer combinations that can be shared among friends and family. It’s the perfect entry point for the ultimate culinary experience we’re promised.
It’s a stunning show with memorable ballads, impressive guitar riffs and most importantly a refreshing female perspective on rock. ‘Who Say Boys Get to Make all The Noise?’ is certainly fitting, and with CC and her bandmates we feel involved in their story.
We start with ceviche de salmon, a generous plate of fresh norwegian salmon and peruvian mango accentuated by the fresh flavours of coconut milk and aji lemon. Our eggplant carpacio complements perfectly demonstrating Segura’s masterful interpretation of the variations instrinsic in Peruvian cuisine. We enjoy the lightness of the grilled eggplant against the crispiness of the quinoa. Each appetiser after the next is different and surprising - plated just so, that we’re immediately intrigued.
The Act Dubai isn’t just the world’s highest theatre club, it really is among the most innovative and truly interactive concepts in Dubai. We must note that this doesn’t happen by accident; having a seasoned director and chef duo in the mix definately makes the 42nd floor of the Shangri La a world of its own. It’s the perfect venue to chat, eat and revel as the entertainment swells.
Standout are the mains, and the star has to be the arroz con pato, a succelent duck breast oven roasted and served on a bed of coriander rice. The sweetness of Chef Roberto’s orange sauce adds another dimension - a beautiful burst of flavour to an already dynamic dish. Equally as exquisite on our tastebuds is the short rib, slow braised for 36 hours and served with sweet potatoe puree.
The details are what we notice and appreciate. Tasteful decor transports you to Victorian era decadence: plush velvet, black marble tabletops, a second floor gallery and polished wood floors you can dance all night on.
Satisfied with a memorable meal and entertained throughout, dessert was an extra treat to commiserate over a wonderful night. The tarta de la abuela was that perfect finishing touch, a homestyle courguette cake dripping in pecans, yuzu cream and topped with banana ice cream. After the show, and after the food The Act has you wanting to stick around, waiting for what’s next - the magic of intrigue at work.
And we want to dance. Director David Ley incorporates a soundtrack reminscent of the genre’s greatest female legends: think Pat Benatar and Debbie Harry. Rocker Girlz serves up an eclectic artistic experience, one where diners can feel part of the makings of signature hits the show is inspired upon. Dancers amp the experience. We watch mesmerized as one easily knocks out a hoop performance as the music throbs, all limbs, precision and grace. The awe factor of The Act can be summed up by her alone. Above and beyond the dinnershow astounds our imagination, and that doesn’t end on the main stage either – the menu and service is spot on.
The Verdict: The creative team should be commended for bringing another of its hits to the main stage. The audience was receptive, involved and most importantly entertained. Much can be said for The Act’s ability to transform it‘s 10,000 sq. ft. multi-level venue into an intimate space, and this is the principle factor why diners will enjoy their experience. It’s pure spectacle with spectators in the thick o fit all. We would go again, and this time we wouldn’t hesitate to sing along.
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Encore restaurant A delightful experience
The Encore restaurant is a delightful restaurant beautifully nestled in The Ajman Palace, one of the most luxurious hotels in Ajman, UAE. Situated amidst the beach on one end and a scenic garden on the other, the restaurant is home to some great delicacies which one would yearn to enjoy and come back to. Their distinguished dining experience accompanied with the culinary skills of their experienced chefs makes them one of the most unique dining outlets in Ajman. Diksha Vohra
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As I entered the premises of the hotel, I was greeted by their warm and welcoming staff into the Encore restaurant. I was amazed to see such a lavish restaurant shaped like a half crescent, adorned by the hanging Arabian royal handmade lamps and the mounted torches which lead you to another epoch. The harmonious dĂŠcor embellished with warm colors, features Mediterranean and modern style furniture adding to your comfort. The warm lights and the soft music playing in the background gives you a relaxed feeling as you walk in through the course of your meal. After having seated me at a private spot looking onto the beach, their cordial staff introduced me to their Mediterranean and international a-la-carte menu. Even though their menu had a lot of tantalizing options to choose from, their Executive Chef recommended their exclusive buffet lunch as that included some of their best signature preparations with a good variety to choose from. Going ahead with his recommendation, I picked up my plate and walked towards the buffet.
eating some Spinach Fatayer accompanied with some fresh herbal bread and sauces. I also tried some vegetarian spring roll, hummus and some cutlets. While I was sitting on my table enjoying my starters, their staff quietly came and kept a bowl of fresh tomato soup by my side eagerly waiting for me to sip through it. I, then, moved onto trying some mains where I was offered a selection of pastas with sauces of my choice. They also had a good variety of Asian cuisine including Stir fried vegetables, dumplings and fried rice. As I filled my stomach with all these delicious dishes, my eyes slowly gazed upon the scrumptious desserts lined up at the counter. Since I have a sweet tooth, I decided to eat less of the main course and move towards the desserts.
To my surprise, the buffet was more extensive than what I had thought it would be. Confused as to where to start from, one of their friendly waiters held my plate and guided me through the buffet telling me about each dish in detail and convincing me enough to fill two full plates with only starters.
From chocolate mousse, to brownies, to cakes, to Arabian puddings like Umm Ali and Baklava, the Encore had everything I could name. They also had a section for some Indian desserts like Gulab Jamuns and Halwas which I quickly gulped down enjoying their everlasting taste in my mouth. As I went back to my table to settle down and eat in a proper manner, I was impressed to find my table already cleared, my mocktail refilled and my napkins folded properly just where I had left it. Their peculiar attention to each detail won my heart that afternoon which was like cherry on cake.
Considering I am a pure vegetarian, I dearly appreciated the guidance provided by their staff through every dish. Before you think I only tried the vegetarian delicacies, I would like to tell you that the non vegetarian items were equally enticing and it was a challenge for me to abstain myself from trying something on those lines. I started with
All in all, I would recommend the Encore restaurant for family outings as it is situated in The Ajman Palace which is a dry hotel and hence very safe and sound. If you are looking to go away from the world and relax with your loved ones in one corner, while enjoying a scenic view, The Encore Restaurant would be my best pick.
“The restaurant provides a distinguished dining experience accompanied with the culinary skills of their experienced chefs, which makes them one of the most unique dining outlets in Ajman.�
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ONSHORE BRUNCH AT ZERO GRAVITY Gets An Even Friendlier Price Tag For 2015 Maryan Abdinur
Zero Gravity is upping the showmanship, but lowering the price tag of its day-to-night party brunch for 2015. From Friday January 16, The Onshore Social will start from AED 395 per person and feature a carousel of entertainment, in addition to free-flowing food and drinks. Relish your Friday lie-in? That’s fine. The Onshore Social starts at the glorious hour of 3pm, where guests and groups can nestle into an inside or terrace table up on the brunchonly first floor, feel the beat increase in the hands of Zero Gravity’s DJs and live musicians, and be presented with endless platters of sumptuous food and exclusive drinks, right through to 6pm. Served family-style, but with a distinct fine dining edge, The Onshore Social offers a steady stream of fresh and healthy antipasti; Caprese and quinoa salads; assorted sushi and sashimi, plus baskets of dim sum and crispy tempura, calamari and camembert to start. The feast continues with a hearty helping of roast baby chicken, grilled lamb chops, seared steaks, beef boerewors, herb potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy, plus trays of Sea Treasure – lobster tails, tiger prawns, scallops, parsnip mash and lemon butter sauce... and so much more.
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Outside of the straight-to-table sharing experience, The Onshore Socialists can dip into as much as they like from the bread, cheese, live cocktail and decadent dessert stations; order endless punch bowls, pitchers, bespoke and traditional premium drinks and enjoy continuous surprises from the eclectic Zero Gravity kitchen, performance artists... and energy at every turn. As Friday brunch moves into Friday night... there’s no better place to be than this beach-side party spot. Offering unbeatable views of the sparkling Dubai city skyline, sunset and sundowners in the Zero Gravity garden is all about celebrating the weekend. Guests of The Onshore Social can enjoy complimentary access to its weekly Friday event series, Aurora, featuring international DJs and Zero Gravity residents on rotation. From Day... To Night. About Zero Gravity Zero Gravity is an exclusive beach club, bar, restaurant and large-scale event space located next to Sky Dive Dubai Drop Zone in Al Sufouh, making waves in the sparkling city of Dubai. Guests go From Day... To Night at Zero Gravity, where they can enjoy indulgent lounging on the private pristine beach, lunch or dinner in the ultra-modern restaurant and a full-on party vibe by night.
Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor, The Avant-Garde Indian Restaurant, Launches At Meliá Doha This March Meliá Doha, the first 5* Spanish hotel recently opened in Qatar, has opened Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor, the contemporary Indian restaurant, this month. The avantgarde restaurant, with a capacity of 60 pax and an outdoor terrace, will showcase “art on a plate”, an Indian dining experience where food is synonymous with entertainment. Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor has redefined traditional Indian cuisine creating imaginative dishes infused with new flavours, served artfully to guests. The menu includes Tandoori Wasabi
Lobster for a starter, Succulent Duck Stewed and Seared On Tawa for mains and Blood Orange And Ginger Kulfi for dessert The menu takes patrons on a culinary journey of India, aiming to appeal to the connoisseur in you. Rediscover Indian cuisine and explore the breadth and variety of flavours. The restaurant is also proud to offer an innovative vegetarian meals, which includes incredible dishes such as Paneer and Avocado Chutney Kebab served with Spinach and Mascarpone Tikki. The perfect venue for a sumptuous feast with family or friends, Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor has been designed to create an intimate atmosphere with elegant wooden finishes and white table cloths. Equally, the outdoor terrace invited diners to enjoy a delightful meal set against the backdrop of Doha’s West Bay. Catering for large groups or romantic evenings, indulge in a degustation menu specially created by our executive chef and paired with the best international wines and spirits. Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor brings a new dining experience to the expanding Qatar culinary scene with a focus on innovative Indian flavours to ensure a theatrical and memorable meal.
The ‘Journey of Tea’: Stephen Twining Hosted An Exclusive High Tea Event at the Burj Al Arab to Reveal the Brand’s New Premium Packaging Twinings of London hosted their first event in the United Arab Emirates on 19th November. The premium British high tea event took place at the renowned Burj Al Arab and unveiled the brand’s new exciting range and enhanced packaging. Hosting the event was Global Brand Ambassador and 10th generation Twining Family member, Stephen Twining who took guests through the enchanting ‘journey of tea’ that is central to Twinings. Selected guests gathered at the Burj Al Arab to witness a presentation by Mr. Twining on the origin of tea, as well as history and heritage of Twinings through the past three centuries. Karina Cooke, Marketing Manager at Twinings then took the stage to unveil the new Twinings teas in the Middle East. Guests were able to witness the brand’s new, more premium packaging and the introduction of Twinings’ first-class teas, Lady Grey and English Afternoon, to the region.
citrus taste.English Afternoon is a designer tea with refined character created specifically for afternoon occasions. The new Twinings packaging, with its premium and evocative design, highlights the brand’s continued investment in new packaging technologies. The new clicklock boxes are user-friendly and will retain their shape better and the new fully sealed envelopes will keep the teas fresher for longer and the new string and tag bags come without any staples significantly improving their recyclability. The new range will be available at all major supermarket chains in the region from February 2015.
Created by Twinings’ master blenders, Lady Grey became an instant classic with its aromatic blend of black teas infused with orange, lemon and bergamot creating a light, fresh
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GASTRONOMY
Sushi SALAD
Ingredients 2 nori sheets 0.05 kg crab sticks 0.1 kg cucumber 0.1 kg avocado 0.1 kg tomato 0.1 kg mango 0.3 kg sushi rice 0.005 kg wasabi 0.1 kg prawns 0.05 kg salmon 0.05 kg scallops 0.06 kg smoked fish 0.005 kg pickled ginger 0.05 lt soy sauce 0.05 lt rice vinegar 0.05 kg sessame seeds
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Method 1. Method to make rolls: Lay a piece of nori, shiny side down on a rolling mat and spread the rice over it leaving a 1/2 inch strip uncovered at the top and bottom. 2. Place the desired filling down the uncovered nori on the edge closest to you. Using the mat, start to roll the sushi tightly. Start the side nearest to you and roll away from you. 3. When the sushi is rolled, use the rolling mat to squeeze the sushi so it doesn’t unroll when you cut it. 4. Using a very sharp knife, cut the sushi into six or eight pieces, depending on how thinck you like your sushi. 5. To make the nigiri, hold the top ingredient in your left hand by lightly pinching it. Simultaneously, form a ball of sushi rice with your right hand, but keep it quite loose. 6. Rub the wasabi on your index finger and onto the ingredient and then place the sushi rice onto the top ingredient. With your right index finger and thumb, set the length of the sushi rice to make a dimple. 7. Slice off any dark areas, in fish (these can be blood vessels and are best avoided). 8. Use a very sharp knife to slice the fish along the grain in a motion downward towards you. Avoid sawing the fish. Cut the fish into bite size peices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and 1 inch to 1 and a half inches long. Garnish with wasabi and pickled ginger.
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GASTRONOMY
Traditional Fishermen Grill
Ingredients 0.35 kg lobster 0.2 kg prawns 0.1 kg hammour 0.1 kg salmon 0 kg lemon 1 kg onion 0.03 kg garlic 0.1 kg butter 0.01 kg parsley 0.1 kg tomato 0.005 kg salt 0.005 kg black pepper Method Season all the seafood with garlic, onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper, grilled all the seafood according to the timing, served lemon butter.
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Baked cheese cake
Ingredients 0.1 kg cracker crumbs 0.1 pcs margarine 0.3 pcs granulated sugar 0.1 kg caster sugar 0.1 kg cream cheese 0.002 kg lemon essence 3 kg egg 0.05 kg lemon juice 0.05 kg strawberries 0.005 kg vanilla sticks 0.05 lt fresh cream
Method 1. Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. 2. Crush the crumbs in a food processor (or put in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin). Mix with the butter. Press into a 20cm spring form tin and bake for 5 minutes, then cool. 3. Beat the cream cheese with the flour, sugar, a few drops of vanilla, lemon juice, eggs, the yolk and sour cream until light and fluffy. 4. Pour into the tin. Bake for 40 minutes and then check, it should be set but slightly wobbly in the centre. 5. Leave in the tin to cool. Served with fresh strawberries.
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Byblos Sur Mer AT InterContinental Abu Dhabi Re-defines The Lebanese Dining Experience Byblos Sur Mer at InterContinental Abu Dhabi pairs modern luxury with Lebanese culinary tradition
InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s latest gastronomic experience: Byblos Sur Mer has been announced. In a marriage of tradition and modernity, Byblos Sur Mer celebrates the best of Lebanese cuisine in a chic and stylish waterfront setting. Located in the hotel’s private marina, Byblos Sur Mer will transport guests to the ancient capital of the Phoenician coast, with a taste of the finest Lebanese delicacies. Mastered by specialised chefs, the menu at Byblos Sur Mer promises an exquisite selection of flavours with mezzeh grills, delectable marinades and exquisite Lebanese sweets. Currently open for sundowners and dinner, the restaurant will also open for both breakfast and lunch in the coming months. “We want diners to experience the best of Lebanese cuisine, and for this reason our team is led by experts in their craft,” said Ivor Prestwood, General Manager of InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Byblos Sur Mer, translated to English as ‘Byblos by the Seaside’, will delight visitors with its charming atmosphere and stylish decor reminiscent of traditional Phoenician citadels. Adding to the heart-warming ambiance, guests will
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also taste fresh baking from the onsite Lebanese bread baker. “At InterContinental Abu Dhabi we are constantly bringing together the elegance and sophistication of the modern world with world-class traditional flavours,” said Ivor Prestwood, General Manager of InterContinental Abu Dhabi. “That is what Byblos Sur Mer is all about.” The 300 seat restaurant is set over two floors. The ground floor and terrace will be the exclusive dining areas, where guests will be transported to the coast of Byblos and able to enjoy the magnificent seaside view. The second floor will host Byblos Sur Mer’s lounge bar where singers and performers will entertain guests throughout the evening. “Byblos Sur Mer is one of the most exciting new offerings in Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene.” Prestwood concluded InterContinental Abu Dhabi is an iconic landmark in the heart of the UAE’s capital, located just a short drive away from the bustling downtown, the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The hotel includes 390 rooms and suites as well as a wide selection of F&B outlets where guests can relax, rejuvenate and refuel.
LATEST IN LUXURY MaximiliaN-London
CARL F. BUCHERER
Alluring Jewellery Designs MaximiliaN’s Spring/Summer Collection
Carl F. Bucherer’s outstanding Patravi TravelTec models have enthused watch lovers for ten years now.
MaximiliaN-London, the premier Jewellery House, enters the new Spring/Summer season with a series of beautiful new jewellery pieces with the new additions reflecting intricate styles and beautifully crafted timeless pieces. The Fine Jewellery House of MaximiliaN-London is also involved in the production of a range of bespoke luxury items including, timepieces, writing instruments, and silver jewellery.
For the tenth anniversary of the Patravi TravelTec line, Carl F. Bucherer unveils an impressive new member of the family: the Patravi TravelTec II. The unique combination of three-time zone display and chronograph now comes in a bold compact case. To mark this anniversary the new Patravi TravelTec II will take its place beside the Patravi TravelTec and Patravi TravelTec FourX.
CR7 FOOTWEAR
RADO
CR7 Footwear celebrates Cristiano Ronaldo’s third Ballon D’or win by introducing exclusive Gold Edition, strictly limited to 300 pairs
Eight years after it was first launched, the awardwinning Rado True is back, and more irresistible than ever.
CR7 Footwear, the luxury formal fashion brand from Cristiano Ronaldo, is releasing a limited edition style to commemorate the sportsman’s third Ballon D’Or accolade. The exquisite, hand crafted premium leather Gold Edition is adorned with celebratory features and bespoke detailing and will be strictly limited to 300 individually numbered pairs.
Introduced in 2006, the True was the first Rado to sport both shiny and matt high-tech ceramic, allowing for more daring, eye-catching designs. Two highlights of the new True collection, made in chic plasma high-tech ceramic, stand out. The unique warm metallic colour of this ceramic is achieved without the use of metal, thanks to Rado’s mastery of materials. White high-tech ceramic changes colour through the plasma carburising process, a technique first used by Rado.
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