The Talk #86 - September 2016

Issue 86 / September - 2016

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content/ 10. Jil Sander

Fashion/

36. Ann-Sofie Johansson 48. Minoux Jewelry 52. Statuary

Health & Beauty/ Art & Culture/ architecture & design/ Life Style/ the talk - page 10

64. Hot Eyes for Hot Days 68. Glossy Bare Lips 76. Weight-Gain Prevention

80. Gerard Rancinan Chooses Dubai for his Worldwide Premiere

86. The Story Behind Villa Moda 90. Poetic Architectonics 94. Minimal Furniture Designers

108. Porsche Cayenne S

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the team/ Editor-in-Chief Nouf Al-Ha jri Publisher Zeina Mokaddam Creative Director Yousif Abdulsaid Editor Saad Tayee Contributors Mohammad Kassem

Faisal Al Shawa

Nasser Ashour

Senior Graphic Designer Chadi Moufied Managing Editor Simon Balsom

Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri

Production Manager Nidal Al-Shaker

Legal Consultant Khaled Al-Kandari

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letter/ These days, we find the term Minimalism thrown around very lightly.

While some do know and appreciate its true meaning, others use it as a sophisticated alternative to the word ‘plain‘. That being said, we would like to dedicate this issue towards introducing our readers towards the meanings and values of Minimalism, in all of its manifestations.

In love with the H&M Studio AW16 collection yet? Well, now you can have a look at what goes on at the H&M Studio, in our interview with H&M’s Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansonn.

This edition also offers a look into the mind of our Creative Director, who fully embraced Minimalist as a lifestyle, in the opening piece “From Nothingness“.

Most of us get hung up on how to lose weight, instead of focusing on how to prevent weight-gain. This month, our health contributor Faisal Al Shawa takes a look at the best methods of weight-gain prevention.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Porsche Cayenne S. While a technical review of the car is needed to truly understand the extent of its power, we’ve also included a personal review from a Porsche first-timer.

Until next issue, Eid Mubarak

The Talk Team

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Opening Piece

From Nothingness

By Yousif Abdulsaid

We live in an era where every human has exposure to international art and culture, yet many still operate under parameters established for them by their predecessors and by the culture that they were born into. Yet I believe that every person and every mind has a hidden soul within - one that they don’t know exists.

This is not about thinking outside of the box, this is about thinking inside your own box, about exploring every corner and every minute detail embedded in your mind.

People always say that when you stay in your comfort zone you limit your potential; but when you push and explore beyond it distracts you from finding your inner box. This box could be limitless. It can expand and define who you are and what you believe in. It reveals colors and emotions that have been hidden or forgotten because of your attempts to experiment and step outside that box.

When you open your eyes to find and discover the beauty of ‘nothing’ you can then begin to appreciate simplicity; the simplicity in art, in a picture, in a song, in a... lifestyle.

No longer having to prove yourself, you can start enjoying yourself and your life. You develop an appreciation for everything. The way you eat your food, the talk - page 16

“Nothing is the source of your everything.” the way you photograph your canvas, the way you live your life. This emotional state gives you freedom to express yourself, and the warm feeling that you’ve made something from nothing.

We are within a society and from a generation that is preoccupied by surrounding itself with empty silhouettes that reinforce the hollow notion of fame – one that is slowly replacing the original notion of success.

A newly achieved inner light will give you the realization and satisfaction that, essentially, your work came from nothing, that you opened your eyes and made something from nothing. That you left the world different from how you found it by adding a simple and personal touch that can change someone’s life. We all have passion towards what we do, and we all have a passion that is specific to us and sometimes defines us. But there is a unique passion that elevates you to an entirely different level. This is the passion that will consume your life, your heart and your mind. That rare moment where you can stand back and watch as your work manifests itself, when all the gears are in harmony and you can breathe and observe the inner workings of your soul.

This passion only appears within those who are able to open the door to their inner light.

I’ve long had passion. I knew what I wanted, and I had a clear idea of who I wanted to become. Then things changed, I don’t think my eyes were as open as I had believed them to be. I feel today I can say that my eyes have fully opened, and that I can critique myself better than anyone else can because, deep down inside, I truly know who I am and I truly know what I want to be.

No one told me that success is heavy; it is a burden. No one said you will enjoy it for a day or two, but for 29 days it will start to feel like a strain, a weight that you cannot lift on your own. Surrounding yourself with others that support you is crucial, but you are your ultimate support system.

When you end up living your passion and living your dream no one tells you that your love becomes a weight, a responsibility that brings you anxiety and stress, and starts to destroy you. But once you realize why you wanted to do this, and you start to question yourself, asking “Is this really who I am?

Is this the limit of my potential? Is there more I can do? Am I doing anything wrong?”… at this point you go back to self-discovery and think “Is this me? Is this who I want to be?” Only then, if you are a true dreamer, will the light hit you like a bolt and it will be your very own wakeup call to your soul.

So, live the moment, live it in the light, live it in your box, don’t be too consumed with decorating your body and instead start decorating your soul.

Live in the nothingness because only then will you find the thing that makes you who you truly are. the talk - page 17

Issue Report

Understanding Minimalism An introduction to the origins and evolution of the Minimalist ideology.

Words by: Saad Tayee the talk - page 18

Sol LeWitt - 1971

Born through the work of New York’s leading postmodern artists, Minimalism is undoubtedly one of the most prominent innovations of the 19th Century. Created in response to the gluttonous exaggeration of expressionism, the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s marked the conception of an ideology that focused on stripping away the unessential to the extent of geometric abstraction.

Using an extreme economy of means, artists such as Dan Flavin and Sol LeWitt expertly furthered the Pop Art movement’s rejection of artistic subjectivity, focusing instead on the interaction between an artwork and its spectator. This very interaction has led many critics to label Minimalism as ‘the end of art’, with some even denouncing the movement entirely, while others have branded minimalism as ‘art from out of this world’.

Featured Artist | Sol LeWitt Known for his revolutionary stance against Abstract Expressionism, Sol LeWitt was a pioneer in the 1960s initiative that introduced the world to idea and concept art. “The idea itself, even if not made visual, is as much a work of art as any finished product,” stated LeWitt in 1971. “All intervening steps, scribbles, sketches, drawings, failed work models, studies thoughts, conversations, are of interest. Those that show the thought process of the artist are sometimes more interesting than the final product.”

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Issue Report

Minimalism in: Lifestyle: Minimalism is best defined as the concept of respecting what is truly essential in life by eliminating any and all distractions. Throughout history, this ideology has infiltrated many creative disciplines, giving birth to countless movements in the worlds of photography, architecture, fashion, and the arts. In recent times, the Minimalist lifestyle movement has further influenced many from gastronomists to athletes, alike.

Featured Figure | The Minimalists Collectively known as The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus gave up their six-figure salaries and luxury lifestyles, to make room for what is truly important in life. Since 2011, The Minimalists have documented this fascinating transition through internationally acclaimed book and blog. Expectedly, their inspirational journey has featured across virtually every media outlet throughout the United States.

Fashion: While the basic notion of ‘less is more’ may describe this subdivision of Minimalism, as it does all others, it is merely a shred of what truly defines it. First, it is important to note that Minimalist designers are more concerned with highlighting the true form of a designated material, as opposed to creating traditional, figure-focused clothing. Another distinguishing feature of Minimalist fashion is the emphasis placed on using nonemotive designs. While this may sound restricting, it is quite astonishing how creative designers can get using only simple lines and geometric shapes. The final defining attribute of this movement is accessibility. This is achieved through the creation of high-quality garments using cheap materials. Accessibility in Minimalist fashion also refers to the conception of timeless and genderless designs. the talk - page 20

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

Featured Designer | Calvin Klein Following the birth of his New York-based brand and namesake in 1968, Calvin Klein became a cornerstone in the rise of the sophistication through subtlety fashion movement. To those who don’t understand his firm commitment towards the use of neutral colours in his designs, Klein responds, “I’m crazy, and I don’t pretend to be anything else.”

Design & Architecture: Inspired by the simplistic principles of Zen culture and traditional Japanese architecture and design, this Minimalist application’s primary focus is on practicality. Essentially, all elements of a Minimalist architectural design must have aesthetic and functional contributions. The most successful culminations of this practice go even farther, by harnessing space and lighting in order to elevate interactive experience.

Featured Designer | James Turrell American artist James Turrell has dedicated over half a century on manipulating light and space to create artworks that provoke viewers with thoughts and questions that only they can answer. When trying to describe his work to people, Turrell explains, “My work has no object, no image and no focus. With no object, no image and no focus, what are you looking at? You are looking at you looking.

What is important to me is to create an experience of wordless thought.” An avid pilot who has logged over twelve thousand hours flying, Turrell considers the sky as his studio, material and canvas.

Music: The best explanation of minimal music can be derived from a quote by one of the movement’s forefathers, Michael Nyman, in his statement, “The idea of Minimalism is much larger than many people realize. It includes, by definition, any music that works with limited or minimal materials: pieces that use only a few notes, pieces that use only a few words of text, or pieces written for very limited instruments, such as antique cymbals, bicycle wheels, or whiskey glasses. It includes pieces that sustain one basic electronic rumble for a long time. It includes pieces made exclusively from recordings of rivers and streams. the talk - page 21

Issue Report

Michael Nyman - Untitled LP (1982)

It includes pieces that move in endless circles. It includes pieces that set up an unmoving wall of saxophone sound. It includes pieces that take a very long time to move gradually from one kind of music to another kind. It includes pieces that permit all possible pitches, as long as they fall between C and D. It includes pieces that slow the tempo down to two or three notes per minute.”

Featured Composer | Michael Nyman As one of Britain’s most innovative and celebrated composers, Michael Nyman’s work encompasses operas and string quartets, film soundtracks and orchestral concertos. Far more than merely a composer, he is also a performer, conductor, bandleader, pianist, author, musicologist and now a photographer and filmmaker.

Nyman’s restless creativity has made him one of the most fascinating and influential cultural icons of our times.

- Photography: Perhaps the most misconstrued manifestation of this movement, Minimalist photography is purely concerned with harnessing the power of the subject. Unfortunately, this rule is paired with an urge to sacrifice colors.

While shadows and lighting play a great role in creating the perfect Minimalist photographs, the presence of some colors could play an even greater part in accentuating a subject.

Featured Photographer | Hiroshi Sugimoto Born and raised in Tokyo, Hiroshi Sugimoto is known as one of the world’s leading minimalist photographers and architects. By creating several endless photographic series, he challenges his audiences to question the concepts of time, life and death. Sugimoto’s passion for the ‘honesty’ behind photography can be easily derived from his quote, “I love photography because photography is the most believable medium. Paintings can lie, but photography never lies.”

Exhibitions displaying minimalist art collections - Chinati Foundation (Texas, USA) the talk - page 22

Hiroshi Sugimoto - Mathematical From: Surface 0045 (2005)

- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (Texas, USA) - Montclair Art Museum (New Jersey, USA) - Museum of Modern Art (New York, USA) - Guggenheim Museum (New York, USA) - Museum Boijimans Van Beuningen (Rotterdam, Holland) - Pinakothek der Moderne (Munich, Germany) - Pace Museum (International) - Tate Modern (London, UK) Not to be mistaken for…

Post-Minimalism: First coined by Robert Pincus-Witten in 1971, Post-Minimalism is a term used in reference to creative works that elaborate on Minimalist concepts, primarily in the form of music or visual art.

Neo-Minimalism: A vaguely defined movement extending from the end of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st, concerned with the application of Minimal and Post-Minimal ideologies in a modern context.

Modernism refers to the Western arts movement that kicked off in the second half of the 19th century. Emphasizing the need for experimentation and innovation in new forms of expression that better reflected modern society, this movement was famed for its explicit rejection of the ways of the past.

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fashion/

Whiteness Overload

Fashion - Trend

Incredibly fresh, refined, elegant and luxurious is exactly what we love about this trend. Many designers explored the soothing potential of white this season, from broderie anglaise, clean precise origami folds to clean cotton. Just put on all the white pieces in different textures and make a chic outfit. It’s probably one of the most versatile looks and a key to nailing a style on whatever situation or occasion.

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CĂŠline - fall 2016

CĂŠline - fall 2016

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I See Right Through You

Fashion - Trend

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It was 1966 when Yves Saint Laurent presented the first nude look in the history of fashion. Once considered outrageous and a faux pas, this trend managed to evolve every season and settle-in comfortably not only in the young and daring wardrobes but the more conservative as well. Not comfortable wearing sheer clothing? Dive into a sea of sheer accessories from Lucite heel sandals to Perspex bags and clutches, a must have breather in your wardrobe.

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Boss Lady

Fashion - Trend

We owe a lot of this trend to the classy French lady Coco Chanel. She was the one who freed women from those horribly restrictive corsets and gave us some room to actually move and breathe in the 1920s. The iconic strong jackets in the 1980s returned in full force taking many forms; command power with a double-breasted jacket, tailored trousers, collared shirts and simple sleep pumps. Look for knife-edge sharp tailoring, slim sleeves and pinstripes.

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CĂŠline - fall 2016

CĂŠline - fall 2016

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Fashion - Designer Focus

Jil Sander The Queen of Less

“It is not easy to dress well. The appearance of a person should be harmonious, and to this effect, all parts need to work together. It can be easier to compose your look from one collection, where everything is coordinated, like in a piece of music.

That way every item makes an impact, even the handbag”. Heidemarie Jiline “Jil” Sander. the talk - page 32

“If I had the power, I would ban leggings.”

Born in Germany in1943, Sander studied at Krefeld School of Textiles (Class 1963) and was a foreign exchange student at the University of California, LA (1963-64). After her stint in UCLA, she moved on to New York as a magazine fashion writer. At age 21, she came back to Hamburg to join her younger and older siblings after their father died unexpectedly at 52.

Growing up, she loved that her mother made pants, teaming them with homemade corduroy, button-down shirts, using the sewing machine that Ms. Sander took over when she set up her own label fashion company Jil Sanderin in Hamburg, Germany in 1968, at age of 24.

She overcame a poorly received first Jil Sander Paris collection shown at the Plaza Athenee in1975 and listed her company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at the end of the 1980s. She subsequently flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, and soon achieved an international following, thanks to retailers like Linda Dresner, who for a time had a Sander boutique on New York’s Park Avenue and Joan Burstein of Browns in London. the talk - page 33

Fashion - Designer Focus

The brand’s early success led to a considerable investment from the Prada group in 1999. Since then, Jil Sander herself, dubbed at times the ‘Queen of Less’, has left her namesake company several times. The first time occurred in 2000, and caused a walk out of the entire original staff, only for the German designer to return to rave reviews in 2003, only to resign once more in 2004.

Her last collection was shown in 2013, after Sander returned to replace Raf Simons. Throughout these years of instability, the collections themselves continued to celebrate a minimalist vision, with highlights including precisely cut coats, delicate prints and inside-out fabrics. Raf Simons himself, interpreted Jil Sanders’ vision with unforgettable collections: his ‘Couture Trilogy’ married German refusal with the most French of trades. the talk - page 34

Today, with the latest appointment, the Jil Sander brand seems to be in safe hands once more. After a decade spent at Prada, where Rodolfo Paglialunga acted as Womenswear Director, he went on to successfully revive the dormant Vionnet brand.

For Jil Sander, Rodolfo Paglialunga is to create Womenswear, Accessories and Menswear. The first collection, shown during Milan’s SS15 schedule, saw the designer thoroughly research the brand’s archive. Coupling an understanding of the house’s codes, with the flair of the collection’s anointed muse the 1920s and ’30s demimondaine, Annemarie Schwarzenbach. The resulting collection features knee-length belted culottes, layered sweaters and shirts, and abstract, monochrome prints. the talk - page 35

Fashion - Interview

Ann-Sofie Johansson Creative Advisor at H&M

As a designer you need to be really curious, interested and open minded. Have big ears and eyes because everything can have an impact on fashion. the talk - page 36

1. How do you decide on the core concept that lays the foundation for the collection’s look?

The core of H&M Studio is about our love of fashion that is at the heart of everything we do. This collection is about our most important trends and statement pieces for autumn and winter 2016.

2. What are the sources of inspiration when creating the concept of the new collection?

Our inspiration comes from everthing such as films, music, art, travelling, street style, exhibitions, as well as looking at what our customers have appreciated in the past and thinking about how we could inspire and surprise them with our latest collection.

3. How do you work with the team to put together the collection?

The design process starts with research and gathering a lot of information and inspiration. The next step is about processing the information and deciding which trends will be right for our customers.

Then on to the actual sketching and the development of the products.

We work closely in the team together with buyers and patternmakers.

4. The aesthetic contrast between studio collection VS general H&M offerings is striking, is it challenging to define and thereafter maintain the key distinctions between the two during the creative/design process?

We always want to create and offer our customers fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way - no matter which concept or product we are working on.

The Studio collection is smaller limited-edition collection and more focused on our key statements and where we can work with upgraded fabrics. But otherwise, it´s the same key fashion that you can find in our main H&M collections.

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Fashion - Interview

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5. What would you consider the key elements of the studio collection that remain true to H&M’s general core vision?

This collection is about the strength and beauty of women, and how we express that power through our style. There is a new femininity in this H&M Studio collection, with a fresh look encopassing folklore and allure. It’s very elevated, and also very real.

6. You had quite a heavy-individual show with very diverse models from every generation strut your collection down the runway, talk us more through the process of choosing your women.

For the H&M Studio AW16 fashion show we wanted to manifest the strength in women and the beauty of independent minds, by embracing and showing strong women on the catwalk in looks that expressed a woman’s individuality, and the diversity of the female character.

7. The Collection navigated both the high street and high-end sides of the industry, combining Swedish folklore and the Wild West with a touch of the Seventies. Take us through the process of combing all those aspects together.

H&M Studio AW16 is an elevated collection of individual pieces rich in detail- from the precision of cut to the embroideries that appear throughout. The tailoring has oversized shoulders and a fitted waist, an hourglass shape which contrasts with Swedish folkloric influences in both silhouette and embellishment.

Meanwhile the long-sleeve draped dresses bring glamour and softness to the collection.

8. What is your personal favorite look from the AW Studio collection?

It’s impossible to only pick one favourite, I love the contrast of the strong tailoring with handicraft touches of Swedish heritage and folklore.

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Fashion - Trend

JIMMY CHOO

Women’s Autumn Winter 2016

Romance and robustness. Decadence and daintiness. Authority and anarchy. Supplication and domination. Liberation and constraint.

Uniformity and individuality.

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Every modern woman is engaged in a constant negotiation between the contradictions of her own character and those of the world around us.

It’s dialectic overload. Enlightenment comes through balance: a sweet-spot of exquisite tension achieved through control.

Creative Director, Sandra Choi embraced contrast to achieve harmony for this winter’s Jimmy Choo collection. The references are manifold but never overt: deep below the waterline, her inspirations included the hard lushness of masculine military regalia, the sensual rainbow palette of Art Nouveau plus a touch of Edwardian flounce and aviatrix strength. The result is a collection of assertive opulence: eclectic equipment for a modern woman of many facets to run free in.

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Fashion - Trend

«A whole range of different references - from regimental to La Belle Époque - provided me with the creative raw material to explore a sense of sensual friction.

Why friction? Because tension and contrasts are at the heart of this collection - most particularly tough fused with soft. And because friction generates heat.» Sandra Choi, Creative Director.

An over the knee boot ribbed with buckle and strap from top to toe, the MALOY’s style subverts oldschool masculine militarism through contemporary feminine boldness.

The MAZZY is a high-shine ankle boot with raised faux-brogue decorations and cosmetic welting details, both of which transmit a memory of masculine footwear. Its elasticated fastening semaphores the versatility and modernity of this pullon, head out style. the talk - page 42

A five-strap sandal atop Choi’s new foot-flattering, tapered optical-illusion heel, the TRICK contrasts tough leather against raw suede and a glint of buckle.

Presented in amber, army green or black.

The shine of gold eyelets, the decadent richness of velvet, a hint at corsetry through lacing, a flash of skin at open-toe or mid-foot all combine in the sensually playful MARI shoe. Layers of corsetry touched lace swathe the foot in the KIA bootie, an opulently-worked piece of armour - protection and provocation in one shoe. The exhilarating signature of the KIKI is the double-layer ruffle of fringed satin that jinks across the foot.

Whether all in black, in three shades of pink, or as a top-stitched conversation between amber and olive, the MITSU satin ankle-boot emanates strength and playfulness through the flash of fringing adorning its elasticated tongue. The DEXX piped elevated slipper combines a masculine profile - and tassle - with rich finishes of Bordeaux velvet or dyed feather.

The golden flash of military frogging and chevron is the source code of the two tone variant on the permanent collection LUCY ankle strap pump, expressed through delicately marshalled ranks of embroidered gold pailettes.

The LOCKETT bag takes centre stage, but with multiple personalities - either decorated to echo the shoe styles of the season, or as a self-sufficient proposition in itself. Its boldest iterations include a style featuring a block of red-piped ostrich leg body flanked with pony animal print and a detachable scarlet and black fox fur shoulder ruff decorating the strap.

The TWIST is a two panel tote with an ingenious arrangement of straps that ensures both materials are always on show.

It converts - with a twist - into a backpack. the talk - page 43

Fashion - Trend

DG SNEAKERS Dolce & Gabbana adds two new models of sneakers to the family: after the Portofino and the London, this season we will find the Ibiza sneakers and the Capri sneakers, both ultra-light, flexible and with a zig zag sole. In the Ibiza sneaker the upper shoe is made of neoprene, a very resistant and elastic material, and it is lined with bright colors like pink, green and blue; the Capri sneaker has double Velcro straps that make them easy to wear, and double-face lapin bands.

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Dolce & Gabbana

The bags of the Fall/Winter 2016-17 take you to a world of wonder and fantasy.

Castles, enchanted Carriages, clocks about to strike midnight, and romantic candelabras appear on the new bags for winter.

The popular Dolce Box bags and the traditional Sicily bags in crocodile, python or iguana-print leather are featured. This season there is also a micro version of the Sicily bag and Vanda bag with a Plexiglass kiss-lock clasp, brocade base, and appliquĂŠ details.

Reflecting the motifs and moods of a fabulous world, they are an absolute dream for any woman who chooses to wear them.

Besides the magical aura created by ornate Swarovski crystal appliquĂŠs, details and refined embellishments embroidered or hand painted as well as countless stars, scepters, crowns and floral decorations, there are also the amusing patches of the designers, Zambia and the entire DG Family.

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Fashion - Feature

Gerard Darel Charlotte Gainsbourg X Gerard Darel

Without the personality of a woman, fashion would be nothing. The strong links between Gerard Darel and Charlotte Gainsbourg display this evidence. Once again, the natural personality of the actress encounters the spontaneity of the brand. the talk - page 46

A moment of grace, captured this season by the lens of English photographer Glen Luchford, for a campaign often in black and white but featuring all the colours.

«Darel, is a little bit like a family story, reveals Charlotte Gainsbourg. I always had a definite complicity with Danièle Darel. So quite naturally when she contacted me, explaining she was taking over the helm of her brand, I felt like being part of the adventure ».

More than with other brands, the perfection of a wardrobe signed Gerard Darel radiates thanks to the femininity of the woman wearing it. And it’s through this subtle encounter that one discovers the sensuality of a fabric, the pertinence of a print, the precision of a cut, the magic of elegance… « With this first photography session; we very quickly found our rhythm, adds Charlotte. Working with them is always quite amusing, whether it’s the choice of clothing or the interpretation of the

moodboards for the campaign».

And this campaign shooting was even more pleasant since it took place in the famous house of Frank Sinatra, located in Chatsworth above Malibu. A place ‘inhabited’ by the presence of the artist going back to the 50’s… Beyond the many talents of the actress, it’s the originality of a unique woman that is showcased here. A woman who is just like all the others, when the time comes to face the world.

Thanks to the support of a modern and balanced wardrobe, these women can all embrace their daily lives with serenity.

An evidence which the actress interprets in her own way : «I like this simplicity and the sincere relationship we have.

I think we understand each other».

A refreshing legitimacy amongst the many qualities of the new Gerard Darel collection. Once again the line imposes its identity: a timeless label, ideally anchored in its era. the talk - page 47

Fashion - Feature

Minoux Jewelry

Classic, refined, and meaningful jewelry made by happy hands.

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Effortless beauty It is very difficult to achieve the levels tremendous sophistication and class that Minoux has, through such simple designs. Yet, Portland-based artist Kristen Robinson has done just that. By exemplifying every element of true Minimalism in her work, Robinson is able to create pieces that feel great and look even better.

Integrity throughout While Minoux has experienced a wealth of success since its inception, the designer has stood firmly beside her mindful approach towards her craft.

Robinson’s commitment towards environmentally conscious practices is evident through her use of recycled materials, throughout the entire creation process. It’s safe to say that Minoux has taken the term ‘guilt-free shopping’ to a whole new level. the talk - page 49

Fashion - Feature

Maison Boucheron A historic signature

The Maison Boucheron celebrated the opening of its new boutique at The Avenues mall- Le Prestige, welcoming its customers for the first time in Kuwait, to a brand new concept inspired by the codes of the Parisian Maison.

Boucheron is expanding its presence with this Parisian-style boutique to offer its iconic creations to the country’s clientele.

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It is the largest Boucheron Boutique in the whole Middle-Eastern region and fourth biggest worldwide, 220m2 in total, designed to reflect the contemporary Hôtel Particulier of the Maison Boucheron. Its light marble façade was inspired by 26 Place Vendôme, the historic boutique chosen

by Frédéric Boucheron in 1893. Upon entering the customer is immersed in a white and champagne coloured setting that celebrates the exceptional luminosity of the famous Place Vendome boutique. Inviting customers to delve into the graceful luminous setting, the boutique evokes a relaxing aura to create a unique welcome and an exceptional buying experience.

The Boucheron Creations Emblematic timepieces will be presented alongside iconic jewelry creations, such as the graphic Quatre.

The Serpent Bohème collection will be found here, a tribute to the love story between Frédéric Boucheron and his wife Gabrielle. A selection of High Jewelry pieces is also offered to the country’s clientele.

“Five Star Services” Renowned for the excellence of its hospitality for over 157 years, the Maison Boucheron welcomes its customers as it would its friends.

Over all these years it has forged very strong ties with them by offering unique creations to accompany them in celebrating the most important

moments in their lives.

In the finest tradition of French High Jewelry, Boucheron also offers a special order service with an exceptional experience, guiding the client in every step of the creation.

About Boucheron It was in 1893 that Frédéric Boucheron chose to move from the arcades of the Palais Royal to number 26 of the Place Vendôme. Thus he became the first jeweler to establish himself there.

His choice of this address was no coincidence. Number 26 is on the corner of the square and is where the light is most beautiful. This has always been of utmost importance to the Maison Boucheron. This jeweler with facets as numerous as those of a diamond has known for 157 years how to impress its clients, ranging from crowned heads to world-famous writers and artists.

The secret of this longevity lies in the astonishing capacity of the Maison Boucheron to pass down its savoir-faire from generation to generation, while continuously developing its creations, innovations and its work with the most precious materials, in particular gold and diamonds.

Each and every collection draws upon these memories. Each and every jewel is nourished by new experiences.

There are currently more than 50 Boucheron boutiques across the world. Boucheron is part of Kering, a worldwide leader in luxury and lifestyle.

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Statuary

Fashion - Editorial

Photography & Art Direction: Yousif Abdulsaid Makeup: Claudia Cociobea / Model: Georgia Canavan / Loctation: CAP Gallery Clothes: CĂŠline Fall-Winter 2016 the talk - page 52

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health & beauty/

Beauty - Review

Hot Eyes for Hot Days Bobbi Brown makeup review

Eyebrows have the ability to frame the face, make eyes appear lifted, and help convey the most alluring of facial expressions.

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We’ve seen brow evolutions throughout history that started with Cleopatra’s carbon filled brows to todays’ Cara Delevigne thick bushy feathered brows that recalled the 80’s Brooke Sheilds. And with all confidence, we declare that fuller thicker brows are here to stay.

There are countless products that can assist you in achieving the brows of your dreams. This month, Bobbi Brown team sent us their long wear brow gel in all shades and the result was “check mate” and here’s why: Unlike many other products, this compact gel waxed formula gives you the talk - page 65

Beauty - Review

depth, colour, definition and holds those naughty hair in one place.

They come in eight different shades covering a decent spectrum of colour: Wheat, Blonde, Grey, Taupe, rich Brown, Saddle, Mahogany and rich Mahogany.

You can apply it with Bobbi Brown’s new Dual-Ended Brow Definer/ Groomer Brush that has been developed to work perfectly with the gels. You simply pick up product from compact with the brush end and use short, even strokes to fill in the brow’s

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natural shape. Then use the groomer to soften the look and brush up the hair for a modern, full brow look. This water-, sweat-, and humidity-resistant formula will lock your brows in one place all day.

To achieve the perfect eyes with your full brows, we tried the long wear cream shadow stick in matte finish and went Kookoo over it. In this extreme heat wave, it’s undeniably challenging not to have smudgy melting eye make up even with the best makeup setting sprays. These 4 shades will challenge the summer heat and stay in place without creasing, flaking or fading.

Ditch your eyeshadow primer when using it.

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Beauty - Review

Glossy Bare Lips

Embrace a look that matches the bright and fresh weather outside.

One of the loveliest pouts can actually be created with clear lip-gloss and lipglass, defining the features beautifully.

Easy to wear, the bare lip is your own lip color slightly amplified in shades of pink and peach. To liven the talk - page 68

up your daytime pout, choose a shade that is close to your naturally beautiful lip color. Or, try a deeper shade for night.

A hint of color that is neutral, yet vivid makes lips look their healthiest. Try experimenting with matte lipstick and shiny gloss – layering approved.

Color Correcting Fluid

By Urban Decay

Five shades to target your worst sins

People who claim they don’t have anything to hide usually have the most skeletons in their closet!

Whether you work too hard and sleep too little, or hit the tanning bed more often than you care to admit, the last thing you need is for the evidence of those sins to be visible all over your pretty face. This innovative, lightweight formula instantly colorcorrects and blurs flaws, leaving skin illuminated and bright. Target your worst transgressions with five colorneutralizing shades.

GREEN

LAVENDER

PINK

reduces redness

balances sallowness

brightens dark areas

YELLOW

PEACH

corrects dullness

masks circles/spots

• GREEN – Green counteracts spot redness, including blemishes and broken blood vessels. For overall redness, mix with primer for subtle correction.

• LAVENDER – Balances out sallowness and helps neutralize skin with a yellow undertone.

• YELLOW – Perfect for concealing purple-hued dark circles or brightening lackluster complexions.

• PEACH – Works great for dark circles, dark spots, veins and deep discoloration. It’s ideal for blue-hued dark circles, typically seen in deeper skin tones.

• PINK – Disguises dark circles, particularly on fair skin tones. Also works well as a highlighter and creates a lifted appearance.

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Health - Let’s talk about babies

Let’s Talk About Babies

The goods, the toots and the minions

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Breast is best I’m going to breastfeed for 2 years full! I mean how hard could it be? Just offer your breast to a hungry baby and she’ll do the rest, I bet it’s as easy as 1 - 2 - 3 That’s what I sincerely thought before I offered my breast to a hungry baby.

I read a lot of books and articles, and heard a lot about the challenges of breastfeeding, but still, I thought people were overreacting. I spoke with a support group, took a couple of breastfeeding classes, learned about all of the types of baby nursing holds; Cradle, cross cradle, seated position, side-lying hold, football hold… did you know there’s a football hold? Whoever came up with that? Moving on…

Twin hold, twin cross cradle hold. Okay, I didn’t need the last two but I learned them anyway and I’ve aced the class with flying colors. I even practiced all the holds on a baby mannequin. I was beyond determined to do this right.

October 2014, 2PM sharp. Was time I put what I learned into action, and just as I thought; the baby knew everything… It is the most astonishing thing you’ll ever witness. Seeing a newborn baby knowing exactly what it wants and knows exactly what it needs to do to get it. Every newborn, when placed on the mother’s abdomen, soon after birth, has the ability to find its mother’s breast all on its own and to decide when to take the first feed. This is called the ‘Breast Crawl’.

After the baby crawls and reaches its meal, it knows precisely what to do to get the milk out. You won’t have to raise one finger. Your baby knows it all, how to suckle, how to clasp and extract the milk, when to start and how to stop.

The only thing you’ll need to offer your baby beside your breast is patience.

Breastfeeding at first is painfully slow and I very much stress on painfully.

Let me talk you through the many benefits of breastfeeding for you and your little one that will make it all worth it.

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Health - Let’s talk about babies

Benefits for mothers A calorie incinerator. You may have heard that nursing burns up to 500 calories a day as your body produces milk.

Better healing post delivery. The oxytocin released when your baby nurses helps your uterus contract, reducing post delivery blood loss. Plus, breastfeeding will help your uterus return to its normal size faster.

Less risk of cancer. Breastfeeding can decrease risk of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer, an often-deadly disease that’s on the rise.

It’s easier! Simply pull up your shirt and nurse. Breast milk is always available and always at the right temperature. Also, let’s not forget that it’s free!

Benefits for your baby A custom-made supply Formula isn’t able to change its constitution, but your breast milk morphs to meet your baby’s changing needs. Colostrum—the “premilk” that comes in after you deliver—is chock-full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby. “It’s also higher in protein and lower in sugar than ‘full’ milk.

Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.

Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies. What’s more, the physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure.

SIDS: breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well.

Now, the inevitable truths that few care to share…

You’ll think of quitting, not once, not twice but 10 times. Maybe more, maybe less but the thought will cross your mind. You could either let it get the best of you or you could reread the benefits and continue to replenish your baby with your liquid gold.

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By: Fajir Al Hajeri References: www.fitpregnancy.com www.webmd.com the talk - page 73

Health - Tips

Berberine It’s no secret that the world has been experiencing a surge of interest in health & fitness. This trend has been complimented by endless recommendations for diets, supplements and workouts that may or may not work! As firm advocates of this healthy lifestyle choices, we’d like to chime in with a recommendation of our own.

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Berberine is a bioactive compound that is found in a variety of plants, originating from the East Asian regions extending across India and China. Although it can be purchased in the form of a pharmaceutical supplement, Berberine can also be sourced from a variety of natural plants, including: - Goldenseal - Barberry - Goldthread - Phellodendron - Turmeric

Although Berberine has been extracted as a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic remedies for thousands of years, this compound has just begun to receive the attention that it truly deserves.

Following hundreds of medical and scientific studies, industry professionals have been able to concur that Berberine has tremendous healing capabilities.

Most notably, this enzyme has proven its ability to limit or offset the effects of many conditions, such as: - Diabetes - High Cholesterol - Gastrointestinal Infections - Hypertension - Weight Gain - Depression - Cancer

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Health - Feature

Weight-Gain Prevention

Nutrition discussions appear to be at the crossroads for both fat and weight loss. In fact, there’s nothing more in demand than finding ways to lose weight. Here’s the thing, though. What about weight-gain prevention?

While it is important to implement strategies for weight loss, it is equally as important to understand how to avoid gaining weight. That said, here are some nutritional strategies you can adopt to stop yourself from putting on those extra pounds.

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Avoid low-quality carbohydrates Low quality carbohydrates are classified as being ‘refined’ or ‘processed’ foods. Such foods offer little to no nutritional value. These carbohydrates include white bread/ rice/pasta, table sugar, and candy.

To reduce the magnitude of weight-gain, be sure to avoid these carbohydrates. They cause an instant rise in blood sugar levels and are eventually stored as fat. This is obviously the last thing you would want while trying to lose weight!

Fat is essentially what adds flavor to food. Therefore, by creating low-fat products, manufacturers add more sugar to compensate for the lack of flavor in the food.

Low-fat products are also considered more ‘processed’. In order for foods to be low in fat, they must go through a ‘process’ to minimize the fat within the food. On the flip side, full-fat products are more ‘whole’ as they do not get manipulated or processed during production.

Watch your protein types Stick to lean cuts of meat, or those with the least amount of fat. When consuming chicken, stick with white meats, specifically chicken breast. If you’re a meat lover, opt for lean cuts of steak such as the ‘sirloin tip side’ steak. Alternatively, choose oily fish like salmon or white fish for maximal nutritional value.

Food combinations The types of food you combine certainly have an impact on preventing any weight gained. Incorporating the information above, consuming protein-rich foods with high-quality carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains and whole meal carbohydrates) may aid with weight-loss. Contrary to this, combining protein-rich foods with low-quality carbohydrates leads to weight-gain.

Another thing to consider is skin.

Always remove the skin, especially if you’re eating chicken. The skin is purely fat (the unhealthy kind) and calorie-dense. Additionally, avoid processed meats such as deli meats, chicken wings and any frozen foods.

Not only should you consume highquality carbohydrates, but also stick to one kind of carbohydrate, as opposed to eating, say, bread and pasta within one given meal. This way, you can at least control the amount of carbohydrates you consume per meal.

Dietary fats This is an interesting one. While most people choose low-fat products during their weight-loss journeys, they may actually be doing themselves more harm by choosing such foods. The thing is, low-fat products are actually higher in carbohydrates and sugar to compensate for the lack of fat.

My final piece of advice is this: while nutrition plays a significant role with avoiding weight-gain, exercise should not be taken lightly. For me, following a healthy meal plan and incorporating exercise on a daily basis will put you on the right path for weight-loss.

Stay active. Stay healthy.

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art & culture/

Art & Culture - Feature

Gerard Rancinan Chooses Dubai for his Worldwide Premiere

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Opera Gallery Dubai, part of the internationally renowned Opera Gallery network, presents exclusively world renown artist and photographer, Rancinan’s special exhibition and project from Wednesday, October 5th up until Thursday, October 20th, 2016.

For the first time, as an artistic performance, Rancinan agreed to perform ten portraits of private collectors in Dubai following the opening of his exhibition.

Constantly breaking down barriers, Rancinan, an investigator deconstructing the great sagas of contemporary life, has long been

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Art & Culture - Feature

inspired by his travels. These journeys have led him to portrait numerous major figures of the twentieth century, such as Fidel Castro, Pope Jean Paul II, Franรงois Mitterrand, Yasser Arafat and Bill Gates. Rancinan also shot famous artists, fashion designers and athletes including Paul McCarthy, Yan Pei Ming, Monica Belluci, Adriana Karembeu, Alexander McQueen, Michael Schumacher, Tiger Woods, or Claudia Schieffer. All of these photographs are now iconic, and Rancinan ranks today among the most expansive contemporary photographers.

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10 Unique Portraits by Rancinan Rancinan will be offering a unique and exclusive opportunity in Dubai’s Opera Gallery by shooting portraits upon request. Only 10 people will be allowed to book a shooting session with Rancinan which will involved his whole creative team including stylists and hair and make-up artists.

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architecture & design/

Architecture & Design - Interview

The Story Behind Villa Moda

An interview with Gulf Consult’s Deputy Managing Director & Head Architect Aziz Mamuji, and Senior Architect & Associate Project Manager Ashuk Chadha

Words by: Saad Tayee the talk - page 86

Give us a basic background of the Villa Moda project.

Well, the client Sheikh Majed came to us with a fantastic project that needed to be completed in 11 months. He had just moved into high-end fashion, so he wanted to come up with a contemporary and modern facility, with a very cosmopolitan style. This was something very new for the region.

All he had was a site, at the time. He asked if we were up for the challenge, and of course, we were! We were actually able to deliver the project, from conception to inauguration, in 14 months.

What were the influences behind this design?

An architect was brought in from Italy by the client, and it was literally on the back of an envelope, where the very first sketches of what would eventually become Villa Moda were drawn. From those hand-drawn sketches, we had to develop the designs to be sent the contractor.

The initial concept was a glass cube with ten smaller cubes within. Every couple of weeks, the architect would come up with new ideas that we had to convert and develop into the actual project.

The concept of Villa Moda is very complex, in its design and content.

How did that translate during the construction process?

When each brand was working on their respective cubes, they were developing their own parts back home, and sent their own contractors to develop their designs.

So at one point, in addition to our workers, we had about 150 Italians working a bunch of other projects on the same site.

It was truly a wonderful experience.

It’s safe to say that the entire concept of this building was an outrageous idea.

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Architecture & Design - Interview

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the Villa Moda project?

Due to the time constraints, the way the entire project went on was far from traditional. Valuations were made as we progressed, while the contractor had already broke ground. As the project was being developed, Sheikh Majed was going around selling these spaces to client all over.

That meant that as we were creating this glass shell, all the brands were coming up with designs and working on their own cubes.

We were basically working 24-hour days. There were regular meetings at midnight. In fact, it was so stressful our on-site construction manager ended up with a mild heart attack.

On a more positive note, the client would often walk in after lunch, with ice cream for everyone!

What would you say is the most unique aspect of Villa Moda’s design?

Sheikh Majed knew that this development was not going to cater to the common man. He proposed the idea of building a private showroom for exclusive clients, where they could preview new collections before they were even displayed. It even had its own tailor, lounge and private entrance. Right on top of it was a clearance area for older collections, which was fitted with the most magnificent skylights.

Minimalist architecture designs weren’t really a thing, during that time. What led you to take a minimalist direction?

When you have such a concept that carries so many jewels within it, you need to respect each and every jewel. We needed an extremely basic design, to respect the integrity of each of these stores. Minimalism was the ideal way to go for a fashion concept.

The thing is, to a European going the Minimalist direction is a no brainer. Had I presented exposed concrete to any of our everyday clients, it wouldn’t have ended well.

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What is your perspective on Minimalist architecture in Kuwait?

The cultural norm here is to appreciate extravagance, Minimalism’s sworn enemy. Here it’s marble over exposed concrete, any day.

It’s too plain, there’s not enough happening. Then there’s the dilemma of contractors. Some just don’t have the knowhow, while others want to cut corners. Those aren’t options when it comes to Minimalist designs, because the finished product is essentially bare.

I wish we’d be able to utilize here more often. When you have a well-read, well-traveled client like we did with Sheikh Majed, Minimalist designs are appreciated. If you think about it, they’re also way cheaper. You’re spending your money where the attention is needed. Fortunately, we see a lot of shops and restaurants now that are adopting Minimalist designs, with their exposed structures and concrete.

How does the conception of Minimalist designs differ from other forms of architecture?

When everything is exposed, the design has to be carefully orchestrated. It’s very wrong to think that Minimalist architecture can be done quickly. Creating with elegance requires more thinking and more time. You don’t have flashy finishing and ornate objects to cover up your space.

What is the most difficult thing about creating minimalist designs?

You need time and a budget. Once you restrict either, you inhibit the quality of the end product. You can’t just pour concrete, you need to allow it to cure and give it the proper treatment that it requires; and this takes time.

Another thing is services. Buildings, especially in this region, require many services. We all need our air conditioning, for example. So the modifications that are made in order to avoid compromising the efficiency and quality of your services tend to cost you a lot more money.

What would you say is the future of Minimalist architecture in Kuwait and the region?

Minimalism will never be ‘the future’ of architecture per se. Its future, we believe, lies in the minds and creations of the most exclusive clientele. It will never die out. Minimalism will always carry its element of exclusivity.

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Architecture & Design - Feature

Poetic Architectonics

Architectural gestures and tactics that transcend space and time

Words by: Mohammad Kassem the talk - page 90

Windows as traces of life A field of windows is translated to a trace of life, the density and irregularity of the field alters our perception of the buildings behind them. We look for patterns and logic in the scatter but still can’t figure out the guts until we take the time to truly understand the lives that they lead into. From the subtle flickers of light at night to the opening of windows on a hot summer day we can associate the window to a space of dwelling based on the length of time the lights are on at night or the frequency of the opening of the windows. As for the users of these buildings in addition to the window being a portal to their surrounding environment they also become a personal clock, their brains associate shadows and light leaks with time. The lengths of the shadows are tied to the time of day as well as an index to the changing seasons, a simple opening on the facade of the building connects the human to the cosmos at a personal scale.

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Architecture & Design - Feature

Light wells as warmth Skylights and light wells illuminate intimate parts of a house. The stairs that we scale everyday or a courtyard that we escape to on a stressful day are a personal oasis that is inclosed within the confines of our home. Allowing natural light to flood through these places brings warmth and comfort to spaces that are commonly looked over or tucked aside. These spaces are transformed to places where people create memories.

Shadows as space Carved building forms create cavities and cantilevers that define spaces that are primarily visual. The shadows cast by these forms create a perception of space that is mostly compositional. These voids break down the monolithic nature of contemporary minimal architecture and create a relationship in scale to the human form. We can stand inside them and enter the thickness of the architecture without entering the building itself, we find solace in the shell of architecture. the talk - page 92

Texture as space As we look past the simplicity of the forms used in contemporary minimal architecture we can start to appreciate the details embedded in the textures of finishes of aforementioned forms. Wood paneling and marble tiling is designed rather than retrofitted for the design.

Their dimension and array become a part of the architecture, the grid resulting from the floor tiles or the continuous lines from wood panels create an ambiance that alters the characteristics of space. Parallel lines and tight grids play with our perception of the scale of a space, they extend the horizontality of the plane past its physical dimension.

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Architecture & Design - Profile

Minimal Furniture Designers A discussion on the the principles of Minimalist architecture

Words by: Saad Tayee the talk - page 94

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Architecture & Design - Profile

Cecilie Manz Arguably the most influential Danish industrial designers of her time, Cicilie Manz is famed for her ability to exceptionally design furniture, glass, and everything in between. The winner of the Danish Crown Prince Couple’s Culture Award’s design philosophy is best described in her quote, “I design things that have a meaning to me. My general idea is always to have a clear argument legitimizing the designs that I make. Function is essential, and if I cannot formulate a good reason for a new product, it is better to refrain from making it.” the talk - page 96

Klemens Schillinger Vienna-based product and furniture designer Klemens Schillinger is definitely one to keep your eyes on. Using a purely minimalist approach, Schillinger continues to come up with elegant DIY designs. One of his most impressive creations is a series of concrete accessories, designed to represent and honor ancient architectural archetypes.

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Architecture & Design - Profile

Margreth Odgaard One of Scandinavia’s finest textile designers, Margreth Odgaard has picked up many influences from her experiences in Philadelphia, Paris and Copenhagen. A proud product of her culture and surroundings, Odgaard explains, “The new generation of designers in Scandinavia know the history and craft of our culture, and in that knowledge, we find the keys to choosing the right solutions when making beautiful and functional products for everyday life.” the talk - page 98

Hallgeir Homstvedt A graduate of Newcastle University’s Industrial Design program, Hallgeir Homstvedt has gone on to establish himself as an internationally-renowned designer. His dedication towards creating exceptional furniture, interior and product designs definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed. This is evident through the constant exhibition of his work throughout the world’s design capitals, including Milan and New York.

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life style/

Life Style - Travel

Hotel Mar Adentro The World’s Most Minimalist Hotel

Location: San Jose del Cabo, southern Baja California Sur, Mexico www.maradentrocabos.com the talk - page 102

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Life Style - Travel

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Life Style - Travel

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www.e-architect.co.uk Photography: Joe Fletcher the talk - page 107

Life Style - Cars

Porsche Cayenne S Everything, from its beautiful aesthetics to its masterful performances on the road, oozes with class and demands respect.

Words by: Saad Tayee the talk - page 108

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Life Style - Cars

I’m what some would call ‘an amateur’ when it comes to Porsches. As a former owner, and massive fan, my familiarity with German automobiles is quite extensive. Although I’ve had many experiences in the passenger seat, I never really had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Porsche before this test drive. Allow me begin by highlighting my favorite thing about the Porsche Cayenne S. Let’s begin by discussing aesthetics. In a world filled with over exaggerated car designs, the Porsche Cayenne’s simple and

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sleek exterior feels like a breath of fresh air. But it doesn’t end there. The car’s leather interior can only be described as a pure elegance. For the music lovers, myself included, the Cayenne’s Bose sound system is the delicious cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.

From the moment you strap into your seatbelt, you feel a sense of power. This sensation is reaffirmed when you realize the amount of control you have over the Cayenne’s sophisticated braking and acceleration mechanisms. Put

Engine

Tiptronic S

Engine layout

Front Engine / All wheel drive

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

Six cylinder / V engine

Displacement

3.6 Liters

Horsepower

420 hp

rpm @

6000 rpm

Torque

550 nm

Compression ratio

10.5 : 1

simply, I went from about 65 to 150 in what felt like the blink of an eye, and was still able to comfortably slow down before getting caught by a camera.

Most people don’t find parallel parking to be the easiest or most enjoyable part of their driving experience. Well, the Cayenne is fitted with front, rear, and bird’s eye view cameras, complimented with sensors. On that note, please allow me to rephrase my first point. Most people don’t find parallel parking

to be the easiest or most enjoyable part of their driving experience, unless they’re driving a Porsche.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. There was something about this test drive that really agitated me about my time with the car; it wasn’t mine to keep. This car woke me up to the realization that I’ve been driving the wrong cars for years. Everything about the Porsche Cayenne S was out of this world, and I’m proud to call myself a future Porsche owner.

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Life Style - Cars

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Porsche Cayenne S Technical Review By: Khalid Buyabis

Power & Efficiency The Porsche Cayenne S carries the upgraded 3.6-liter V6 twin turbo engine, which has an output of 420 hp.

In comparison to the earlier 4.8-liter V8 engine, which was discontinued in 2014, only reaches 400 hp. Similarly, the latter is inferior to the V6 twin turbo engine in terms of fuel efficiency.

At 24 mpg (miles per gallon), the engine is able to conserve roughly 223 g/km in CO2 emissions, while performing at a faster rate due to its turbo charge.

Furthermore, the car is decked out with the 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission system. This enables the Cayenne S to alternate between gears in a more agile manner, and at reduced noise levels within the vehicle. The Tiptronic S system also contributes to the Porsche’s fuel efficiency, due to its auto start/stop feature, which cuts the engine when the car stops or approaches a traffic light. It is important to note that the Porsche Cayenne S is also available as a hybrid.

Safety & Control Amongst the vehicle’s many updates are the ergonomically designed gear paddles, which provide drivers with an extra level of control over the

car’s speed and performance. The Cayenne S has also adopted the 918 Spyder steering wheel’s standard heating feature to complement the multifunction controls that manage the car’s on-board computer and media functions.

More impressively, the Cayenne S is equipped with the Porsche Active Safe (PAS) system. The PAS includes a radar sensor in the central air intake to monitor the road up to 200 m ahead, which slows the car if you approach another vehicle that is travelling slower than your selected cruising speed. The integrated PAS also visually and audibly warns the driver that intervention is necessary in the event of a sudden decrease in distance and briefly tugs on the brakes.

Integrity Due to the vehicle’s high proportion of aluminum, plastics and highstrength sheet steel, the Cayenne is substantially more stable and lighter than its conventional steel counterparts. Likewise, the car is fitted with meticulously selected eco-friendly components, where necessary. As a result, the Cayenne models are around 95% recyclable. the talk - page 113

Life Style - Cars

The New Audi Q3

A successful car is now even better The Audi Q3, the youngest member of the successful SUV family from Audi, is a practical companion for everyday – an urban model that feels at home anywhere. Its versatile character makes it attractive to a wide range of customers. The redesigned Audi Q3 has now arrived in the Middle East market. Since its market introduction in early 2012, the Q3 model series has been a successful model for the Audi brand. Over 1,920 models have been sold in the region since introduction.

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Audi is constantly improving good and successful models, therefore the new Audi Q3 model not only features a refreshed design, it also boasts a number of technical innovations.

design and sport are the S line sport package, the S line exterior package, the Audi exclusive design package and the Audi exclusive exterior design package.

Engine The three TFSI four‑cylinder engines boast higher output combined with reduced fuel consumption. CO2 emissions have been reduced as well. They displace 1.4 or 2.0 liters and produce between 150 hp and 220 hp. All are turbocharged, direct-injection units and comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard.

The redesigned headlights come standard with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. The optional LED headlights are particularly bright and energy‑efficient.

Audi offers them in combination with the dynamic turn signals integrated into the likewise redesigned LED taillights. These intuitive turn signals illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

Chassis The chassis of the redesigned Audi Q3 combines agile handling with supreme safety, and comprehensive fine-tuning has enhanced comfort even further. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust key technology modules, including the optional active dampers, to suit his or her personal preferences. Wheels range in size from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, and the suspension has been tuned for high rolling comfort. Hill‑descent assist is available as an option.

Design The premium character of the redesigned Audi Q3 is apparent at first glance. The Audi designers have honed the details of the coupe‑like lines with the characteristic wrap-around tailgate. Dominating horizontal lines up front and in the rear underscore the width and give the Q3 an expressive design.

The sculpted Singleframe grille is the defining element at the front of the car. At the top of the two new Q3 trim lines

The base model of the new Audi Q3 has a curb weight (without driver) of 1,394 kilograms. The dimensions of the compact SUV are virtually unchanged. It measures 4.39 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. The wheelbase is unchanged at 2.60 meters.

Versatile The Audi Q3 offers plenty of space at all five seating positions. Its clear ergonomics and the superior workmanship underscore the premium claim. In its base configuration, the cargo compartment of the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 460 liters; by folding down the split rear seatbacks, this can be increased to 1,365 liters. Many clever options make the SUV even more versatile and easier to use. These include the luggage compartment package, a pass-through and the power tailgate. Roof rails and a new, extensible luggage compartment cover are standard.

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Life Style - Events

The Protégés – ‘The Musical’

Kuwait’s next burgeoning generation of business leaders enjoyed an expansion of their cultural oeuvre during a unique evening at the Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah’s Yarmouk venue.

Hosted by Dr. Fathi Khamisi, the current intake of The Proteges program listened to a performance by Sheikh Sayed Darwish which included numerous works of both Arab and international origin.

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TAG Heuer and Trafalgar Announce Winner

Back in July the TAG Heuer boutique at The Avenues hosted an event for the announcement of the winner of a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 experience. Guests were able to view the latest collection of TAG Heuer watches in the brand’s premier showroom in Kuwait.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is this season’s final race, and takes place in November.

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Life Style - Horoscopes

horoscopes Aries (Mar. 21-April 20)

Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)

Gemini (May 22-june 21)

This month will be both dynamic and relatively calm especially in terms of negative moments. Your patrons are predicting a successful and bright month for you, at the same time you will be exempt from ambiguous situations.

September may seem a rather difficult time and will be a very difficult stage of life, which is rightly described as controversial.

As a result, everything will turn out not as bad as it could have, although this will be an incredibly intense and stressful time for you.

This month is generally a quite unusual and dynamic time, and this implies that at this stage such a characteristic as “a calm month” adopts a special status. As for the working direction, then we’ll see that the Gemini’s will find themselves in a rather challenging situation.

Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You will find yourself in a rather challenging situation, although in general it will be a quite positive life stage, during which you’ll be able to easily achieve all the goals you set. Therefore, you should focus on what you really want and avoid being distracted by irrelevant issues.

We cannot call this time stage extremely positive, however, you will now get more freedom than ever before. And it would be very unwise not to take advantage of this situation.

This month will be a rather difficult and challenging time, in particular in regards to their “love life.”

In general, the first month of fall will bring you a lot of anxieties and worries, though not necessarily uniquely negative ones.

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Cancer (June 22-july 22)

Leo (July 23-aug 22)

This month you will experience a decrease in the overall levels of dynamics and vitality.

We are talking here, however, about natural and predictable features of this particular interim, and there’s almost nothing you can do about it.

September will definitely be successful for Leos, an exceptionally dynamic and incredible time, although there may be some sort of “deviations”. For example, some Leos will suddenly feel a strong desire to hide somewhere deep in a hole, or even worse, in a box.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) This month is likely to seem a rather quiet time, perhaps too quiet.

Powerful high tides will be alternated with gradual and steady low tides, and your task will be to stay safe on the wave breaks; good for you they won’t be too high.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Capricorns will feel comfortable, though somewhat unusual.

Therefore, you’ll have to look at the broader picture and wisely allocate your energy resources based on your observations.

Learning is especially exciting in September 2016 if you are a student as what you will learn will seem especially crucial to understanding current events in the world.

Aquarians are very engaged with the world right now, and you are more interested than usual in current events, economics and politics as you can see how they have an impact on your life

With regard to the working and financial direction, in this month Pisces will receive a lot of benefits, but not “for free”. That is, a lot of what you’ll be openly proud of at this stage will be the result of the actions taken in the previous stages of life.

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