Ekaruna Dec/Jan

2015

2014

THE YEAR END ISSUE From real estate, to homes and interiors, lifestyle to travel, splash your cash this festive season

MASTHEAD

PUBLISHER PROMOPRINTS

CONTRIBUTORS TAMARA MAHDI A born stylist with an eye for everything oh-so-luxurious.

Likes to experiment with food and fashion (not at the same time, obviously). Currently toying with the baby food diet. In this issue, she graces our fashion pages with her immaculate sense of style.

CHAIRMAN/CEO IMAD JOMAA GENERAL MANAGER ALAIN DAVID EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAYLA KURD JUNIOR EDITOR YASMIN HARAKE SENIOR DESIGNER REEM JOUDIEH MARKETING/SALES SENIOR MARKETING COORDINATOR CHRISTINE TOHME SALES MANAGER ROMEO MOUSSALLEM SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JOHNNY KHEIR PROUDLY PUBLISHED BY

2nd Floor, Bahij Atallah Building Thomas Edisson Street, Ramlet El Bayda Beirut, Lebanon P.O.BOX 14-5092 +961 1 803803/5 nkurd@promoprints-me.com

ekaruna.com

ON THE COVER Outfits courtesy of Michel Khoury

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BERNARD KHALIL His passion for photography was discovered “par hazard”. Bernard now stands as a professional photographer whose fascination stems from “genuine moments, people, light, life and beauty.” Through his various inspirations, Bernard captures amazing instances. In this issue, he’s got us covered.

ELIAS SAKR He has penned the daily news wrap-up for The Daily Star newspaper in Beirut with a special coverage of key events that shaped Lebanon’s political dynamics.

Besides political news coverage, he has written features on the government fiscal policies and private sector performance. In this issue, he lends us a helping hand with the big matters.

GROOMING

GROOMING

GUIDE

We all know the holidays are all about giving, right? So how about treating yourself this festive season with a splendid mix of ever so slightly indulgent products to gift yourself.

Read on as we edit the manly products worth owning and face up to these grooming fundamentals.

MANE EVENT

We’ve all been victims of the dreaded bedhead, and Patricks have developed a fuss-free solution to make your Monday morning a little bit brighter. Its UV-resistant formula contains red clover and sage combined with peptides to revive and replenish your hair and scalp, whilst the matte finish keeps your look natural and textured. Goodbye bad hair days, hello easy mornings!

M1 Matte Finish Light Hold Pomade Patricks, www.net-a-porter.com

SKIN SAVER

Awaken your skin with Dr. Jackson’s Skin Day Cream and feel ready for the day ahead. The all-natural ingredients like Kigelia and Baobab refresh and revitalise your skin, as well as improve the elasticity and treat blemishes. With busy mornings and hectic schedules it is easy to neglect your skin – so trust us, and add this little miracle to your Christmas list.

BLACK MAGIC

Steal the show with this enchanting scent from Tom Ford.

Black Orchid is the final touch to your smart evening look with its alluring scent of fruits and sultry woods. With notes of Mandarin, Jasmine, Orchid and Vanilla and an art-deco inspired bottle, what are you waiting for? This is the full package.

Black Orchid Tom Ford, ABC Achrafieh/Dbayeh

01 Skin Day Cream Dr. Jackson’s Natural Products, www.net-a-porter.com

CLOSE SHAVE

NAILED IT

Let your hands do the talking with this Czech & Speake Leather-Bound Manicure Set; the perfect pick me up for yours truly! The compact case contains eight essential tools to keep your tips in top condition, from scissors and a file to cuticle instruments and clippers. The interior is well presented so you can always find what you’re looking for. Meet your new best friend.

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Leather-Bound Manicure Set Czech & Speake, www.net-a-porter.com

Every man’s number one companion has a sophisticated new look. This Czech & Speake Shaving Set and Stand is a reflection of the classic gentleman’s style with its sleek matte design, easy to store razor and accessible soap compartment. The stand makes for a fitting addition to both traditional bathrooms and minimalist shower rooms.

Number 88 Shaving Set And Stand Czech & Speake, www.net-a-porter.com

PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

The Arts-Mart Gallery PAINT THE TOWN Friday 5th December marks the long awaited launch of the acclaimed online gallery Arts-Mart’s first permanent physical art space, Arts-Mart The Gallery. This online platform gives Egyptian artists the opportunity to both share their meaningful visual arts and interact with their audience in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Jaguar MENA announces partnership with renowned architect Bernard Khoury INSPIRED IDEAS Design XE is a competition designed to inspire and challenge university students whilst simultaneously encouraging them to use their initiative and unlock their creativity. On the 11th of November award winning architect, curator and visiting lecturer, Bernard Khoury, was appointed the fourth and final judge for the competition. Khoury is a co-founder of the Arab Centre for Architecture and has exhibited his work across institutions in Europe and the U.S.A. University students will design their own piece of art inspired by the new Jaguar XE, and one winner from each of the participating countries – UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Morocco – will be selected in January by Khoury, along with Advanced Global Design Director for Jaguar, Julian Thomson, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover MENA, Bruce Robertson and the Creative Director of Spark44 (Jaguar’s creative agency), Harald Wittig. To enter Jaguar’s Design XE competition, visit www.JaguarDesignXE.com before 31st December 2014.

Al Massaleh Real Estate Launch THE CROWN JEWELS On the 5th of November Al Massaleh Real Estate announced the launch of a brand new state of the art residential development; Saifi Crown. The residential tower is located in one of Beirut’s most affluent districts, Saifi, and has stunning views of both the Mediterranean coastline and Beirut’s skyline.

The event attracted a number of important guests, and it was held under the patronage of his Ecellency, Mr. Raymond Aravgi, Minister of Culture. He was represented

by Dr. Assaas Seif who emphasized the importance of the Roman remains and the incredible effort made by the Al Massaleh Real Estate to preserve them, and thus adding to Lebanon’s historical wealth.

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PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Ford introduces the all-new Mustang to Dubai MEET MUSTANG On the 19th of November, Ford Motor Company introduced a very special newcomer to the Middle East. The all-new Mustang was unveiled on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Executive Chairman of the company, Bill Ford, delivered the iconic pony badge to the 2015 yellow Mustang on the 112th floor of the stunning skyscraper while the event was broadcasted live around the world on YouTube. A further estimated 10,000 people gathered in the Dubai Downtown area overlooking the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa itself. Ford said “Today we planted the Ford flag in the Middle East and Africa, an exciting, vibrant region that represents the final frontier for growth in the auto industry”. He added, “We also sent a message to the world that Mustang is going global after 50 years as America’s greatest motoring icon”.

Hilton Hotels A HELPING HAND Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace and Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand have launched a major joint community initiative in partnership with SANAD, The Home Hospice Organization, in order to both collect and donate funds to help improve the quality of life of patients who are terminally ill, as well as their families. A key point of this initiative involves the guests staying at both the Hilton hotels, as they will be invited to contribute to the cause by simply adding one extra dollar to the final bill for their stay.

The collected amount will be donated directly to SANAD to support their efforts in pain management, social and psychological support and to encourage the creation of supportive environments for both patients and their families.

Rotana Expansion ROTANA READY Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe have announced plans to add 3,360 rooms to its existing 12,607-strong room count across the region. With a vision to operate 100 hotels by 2020, Rotana has introduced a new development strategy that begins with the opening of new properties. These new properties will aslo create a substantial amount of employment opportunities, as Rotana plans to hire more than 10,500 individuals in the next five years.

SOCIETY HIGHLIGHTS

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SOCIETY HIGHLIGHTS

Johnnie Walker PLAYING WITH FIRE WHAT Keep Walking Lebanon Campaign Launch WHEN 5th November WHERE B018, Beirut WHY The inextinguishable Lebanese spirit was celebrated on Wednesday 5th November, as the renowned whiskey brand Johnnie Walker launched their new campaign to more than 300 VIPs, achievers and media representatives.

The brand has previously campaigned alongside the likes of Bernard Khoury and Elie Saab, however this new theme recognizes each and every person who continues to pursue and achieve, regardless of the ongoing struggles the country faces. A short, hard-hitting motion picture was played, showing a flame that continues to burn in a turbulent storm.

Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker, encouraged guests to not only spark up conversation, but to begin a movement in the hope of a better future. Messages of determination and perseverance were posted on social media channels using the hashtag #KeepWalkingLebanon, before being written in flames by a fire calligrapher in a live performance.

The Silly Spoon

A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR WHAT Opening of The Silly Spoon boutique WHEN 23rd October WHERE Ashrafieh WHY Sisters Lea Majdalani-Ayoub and Jessica Majdalani celebrated the opening of their brand new boutique, The Silly Spoon in Ashrafieh. The event was overflowing with drinks and bites for friends, family and a mix of the capital’s fashion-savvy movers and shakers. The Silly Spoon offers contemporary tableware and home accessories, and is tucked comfortably into a corner of a major commute axis in Ashrafieh. The vibe of the boutique is a playful one; with charming pieces catching your eye from the moment you walk in the door.