M A G A Z I N E Tyrese Gibson Dreams of turning Abu Dhabi into the new Hollywood Refined Styles What’s new in couture and bespoke Curated Journey Explore England with Bentley and Queen Elizabeth II ZHOU XUN “I am inspired by love and by listening to my heart”
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Transcript
M A G A Z I N E
Tyrese GibsonDreams of turning Abu Dhabi into the new Hollywood
Refined StylesWhat’s new in couture and bespoke
Curated JourneyExplore England with Bentley and Queen Elizabeth II
ZHOU XUN“I am inspired by love and by listening to my heart”
13 City WatchDiscover exclusive events around the world
21 Plaza WorkerVisit Elgiz Museum in Istanbul
23 All by DesignExplore the London Design Festival
24 The Great Italian OperaEnjoy beautiful sounds in Rome
Featured28 The Star of ChinaActress Zhou Xun speaks about life and her greatest passions
34 Big Screen DreamsActor Tyrese Gibson wants to make Abu Dhabi the new Hollywood
38 If the Suit FitsJoin celebrity Morgan Watkins in Pal Zileri
september 2015<<
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Contents
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Jumeirah MagazineJumeirah Corporate Office,
Al Sufouh Rd, PO Box 73137, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 366 5000, Fax: +971 4 366 5001.
Website: www.jumeirah.comJumeirah is a trading name
of Jumeirah International LLC. A Limited Liability company.
Registration Number 57869. Share Capital Dhs 300,000 fully paid up.
Jumeirah International LLC its affiliates, parent companies and subsidiaries (“Jumeirah Group”) and the publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained
in this publication for whatever reason, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not
necessarily those of Jumeirah Group or of the publishers. Readers are advised to solicit advice before acting on the information contained in this publication which is provided
for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Jumeirah Group and the publishers
take no responsibilty for the goods and services advertised. All materials are protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (Including photocopying or storage in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright owner,
Lifestyle46 Digital AriasOperas go online with this clever innovation
52 A Refined StyleExplore couture, bespoke shoes, and coloured diamonds
56 Wish ListThis Harry Winston watch stars in a charity auction
58 Luxurious FeastCreate these decadent restaurant-worthy dishes at home
Travel67 A Day in the LifeMeet female pilot Aoife Duggan
68 A Warm WelcomeOne journalist’s first-hand account of kindness in Jordan
70 Classically EnglishExplore England with Bentley and HM The Queen
74 Of Crimes and Mysteries Famous authors arrive in Istanbul for ‘Black Week Turkey’
78 Secret SpacesUnwind at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf
82 The High Life Savour fresh flavours at Amala in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Contents
september 2015<<
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Marine Chronometer ManufactureManufacture chronometer movement with Silicium technology.
Self-winding. Water-resistant to 100 m. 18 ct rose gold case.
Available also on leather strap or gold bracelet.
U LY S S E - NA R D I N . COM
U l y s s e N a r d i n B o u t i q u e - M a l l o f T h e E m i r a t e s + 9 7 1 4 3 9 5 0 5 7 7U l y s s e N a r d i n B o u t i q u e - T h e D u b a i M a l l + 9 7 1 4 4 3 4 1 4 2 1
D u b a i D u t y F r e e - D u b a i I n t e r n a t i o n a l A i r p o r tW W W. B I N H E N D I . C O M
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City Watch Explore some of the finest events happening this month
Dubai/abu Dhabi
Etihad ModErn art GallEryUntil 30 September Enjoy a wide variety of styles, techniques, and mediums that bridge the traditional and the contemporary. Greek artist Yiannis Roussakis reveals authentic and sometimes surprising ingredients of Emirati life through his photography and design work, exploring the connection of Emirati people with their land, culture, and animals.
Etihad Modern art Gallery, etihadmodernart.com
thE ScEnE clUb throughout SeptemberDubai’s indie film society ‘the Scene club’ has returned for a new season of independent films. Founded in 2007 by Emirati Director/Producer Nayla al Khaja, the Scene club was the UaE’s first official film club. Since its launch, it has hosted numerous well-known filmmakers from Europe, asia, and the Middle East. the exact film line-up is still being determined, but one thing is clear: the shows will be interesting, engaging, and entirely unique.
the Scene Club, Knowledge Village Conference Centre, thesceneclub.com
alice in Wonderland 18 to 19 SeptemberDance company IceVision St Petersburg will pirouette, spin, and sweep across abu Dhabi in a new rendition of Lewis carroll’s much beloved alice in Wonderland. During the show, Olympic-standard skaters from Saint Petersburg State Ice theatre of Russia will perform powerfully beautiful moves.
Visit ticketmaster.ae for more information
Swan Lake acrobatic Ballet by the Great chinese State circus3 to 5 SeptemberBe dazzled by a talented troupe of performers pairing the art and skill of traditional chinese acrobatics with opera and ballet to bring a modern twist to the classic Swan Lake ballet. the award-winning Great chinese State circus has performed for Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Monaco, staging over 150 shows across asia and Europe.
Swan Lake acrobatic ballet by the Great Chinese State Circus, Dubai World trade Centre, Dubai, dreamscape-concerts.aec
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London
Tour Buckingham Palaceuntil 27 SeptemberThe gilded doors of this grand estate will swing open this summer. Visit the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II to wander through lavishly furnished State Rooms. Highlights include beautiful paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto, and Claude; sculptures by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite pieces of Sevres porcelain; and exceptional examples of English and French furniture. Tickets go quickly and booking in advance is strongly recommended.
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace: A Royal Welcome, royalcollection.org.uk
Totally Thames1 to 30 SeptemberHead down to the water to experience an incredible array of artistic and cultural happenings spanning the 42-mile stretch that is the River Thames. One of the key items at this year’s show will be the first-ever public event to take place inside Tower Bridge. In the form of a concert within the Bascule Chambers underneath the bridge, composer Iain Chambers will be metamorphosing the bridge’s lifting mechanisms into instruments that will help to play his score.
Totally Thames, on the River Thames, London, totallythames.org
BBC Proms in the Park12 SeptemberClassical lovers unite at the largest outdoor classical music event in the UK. Featuring an array of top acts, the open-air concert will see soprano Danielle de Niese take to the Hyde Park stage alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra under the baton of Richard Balcombe. The evening’s main performance will culminate in a live link-up with an event at the Royal Albert Hall for the traditional Last Night finale that signals the end of the BBC Proms season.
BBC Proms in the Park, Hyde Park, London, bbc.co.uk/proms
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PorToBello Film FeSTival 3 to 14 SeptemberEstablished in 1996, the Portobello Film Festival was created to provide a platform for groundbreaking filmmakers to showcase their work. With 600 movies spanning several categories – including art, music, documentaries and world film – being screened in parks, theatres, clubs, bars and cinemas, annual premiers of shorts, documentaries and animations being shown, as well as talks and workshops with some of the world’s top directors taking place, you might want to get yourself some popcorn.
Portobello Film Festival, Portobello Road, notting Hill, London, portobellofilmfestival.com
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Book now: Black week Turkey22 to 24 octoberThe world’s most luxurious historical hotel, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, is hosting ‘Black Week Turkey’ in honour of Agatha Christie’s 125th year of birth. The crime fiction-themed week is formed as a cultural activity. Famous authors from around the world will be present for a range of discussions, debates, and themed ‘whodunit nights’. For more information, turn to page 74.
Black Week Turkey, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, blackweekturkey.com
SHangHai/iSTanBul
Shanghai Tourism Festival13 September to 6 octoberSince its inception in 1990, this cultural festival has welcomed eight million people. Each year it showcases a number of traditional and non-traditional events, including a grand Opening Ceremony Parade with beautiful floats from around the globe. Visitors can also enjoy a sailing carnival, a festive boat parade on the Huangpu River and the Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival.
louiSe BourgeoiS: larger Than life1 September to 28 novemberBe enthralled by 58 incredible pieces created by this revered French-American artist. Although Bourgeois was often described as a feminist artist, she preferred to believe that her art existed before gender, in the human notions of fear, jealousy and loneliness. Her most well known work is a 30-foot sculpture called Maman that depicts a giant spider in steel. It was originally created for the turbine hall of London’s Tate Modern.
louise Bourgeois: larger than life, akbank Sanat, Turkey, akbanksanat.com
Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival30 September to 6 octoberThis festival began in 2000 and has occured on National Day in Shanghai Century Park every year ever since as part of China’s Golden Week, a semi-annual seven-day national holiday. Not only is this one of the most influential international music firework events in China, it’s also one of Asia’s most famous. Featuring music, visual arts and cutting-edge technology, the festival sees six of the world’s most famous firework companies coming together to light up the skies.
Shanghai international Music Fireworks Festival, Shanghai Century Park, Shanghai, shfireworks.org
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Frankfurt Auto Show17 to 27 SeptemberThe International Automobile Exhibition is the world’s largest biennial motor show and features debuts from leading brands like Audi, Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Maserati, some of whom might reveal special limited editions and concept cars during the event. VIP guests can arrange GC Privé to fly there via private jet before enjoying an exclusive, custom-made hospitality package. Jumeirah Frankfurt is an official partner hotel of Mercedes-Benz. When staying at the property, you can enjoy a luxury chauffeur service with the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Frankfurt Auto Show, Messe Frankfurt and Hanover Fairground, Frankfurt, iaa.de
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From DarkneSS In To LIghT4 to 16 SeptemberImmerse yourself in history and be moved by a haunting vocal concert showcasing the music of the Masters of the Sistine Chapel within the Capuchins Choir. Then explore the beautiful Capuchins Museum, which houses an eerie crypt filled with 4,000 bones, as well as Caravaggio’s canvas, St Francis in Meditation. Before leaving, soak up the beauty of original Domenichino and Remi masterpieces.
From Darkness In to Light, Capuchin Church, rome, romaoperaomnia.com
TaSTe oF roma12 to 20 SeptemberIs fine dining the first thing you think about when you hear the word Italy? Prepare to spoil your taste buds with some of the finest fare Rome has to offer. With 12 of the city’s best restaurants serving fresh cuisine, some of the country’s most well-known chefs whipping up feasts, and artisanal bakers, pizza makers and cake designers sharing trade secrets, this is a culinary event you won’t soon forget. Buon appetito.
taste of roma, Auditorium Parco della Music, rome, tasteofroma.it
Doug Aitken ExhibitionUntil 27 SeptemberFeelings of hope and terror are both vividly portrayed in this American artist’s spectacular film and sound creations that take viewers on an emotional journey inside and out. Exploring a kaleidoscope of expressive images and rhythmic landscapes, the exhibition is curated by Matthias Ulrich and features four sweeping film installations, corresponding sculptures, and sound installations specific to each site.
plaza workerSo much in life is work, and work, and work. What does this mean for humanity? And what about the anonymity created by today’s rushing, modern soci-ety? Plaza Worker, the latest temporary exhibition at the Elgiz Museum in Istanbul, teases with these ques-tions. Pieces inspired by Sean Henry’s Plaza Worker (a statue that shows an employee using his briefcase as his pillow, sleeping in his suit before another day’s work) stretch across several rooms. Works are creat-ed by local and international artists alike, and all deal with ‘the plaza worker’s loneliness and despair’.
Plaza Worker, Elgiz Musuem of Contemporary Art, Istanbul, Turkey, until 19 September. Elgizmuseum.org
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all by design
This month, the annual London Design Festival will stretch across the city for the 13th time. This festival features more than 350 events and exhibitions staged by hundreds of studios and organisations. Expect every-thing from modern high-end furniture, innovative home interiors, unique dishes, and contemporary art pieces placed throughout the city.
The image featured here is from Darkroom, a group
that has launched a playfully postmodern season based on the work of their longstanding design hero, Ettore Sottsass. To quote Darkroom directly: “This is Sottsass with a twist, so expect a sculptural array of hand-paint-ed laminate style patterns, colour palettes that clash cute with crazy, and juxtaposed materials that push the boundaries between furniture and fashion”.
London Design Festival, 19 to 27 September, londondesignfestival.com
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the great italian opera
With four performance dates through-out September, this marvelous opera will allow one to indulge in beautiful arias from Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and Donizetti. Solos performed by Roberta Polverini, Emil Alekperov and Maurizio Zanchetti will be joined by a string quar-tet and grand piano. With an impres-sive programme consisting of 12 main acts, this 90-minute marvel will satisfy both a lust for music and a passion for powerful songs.
Great Italian Opera, Chiesa di S. Paolo entro le Mura, Rome, 3, 10, 17 and 24 September
You started acting when You were quite Young. how do You
think that impacted Your life?
I became an actress when I was a teenager, so I learned a lot about performing at a young age. I did not study performing at an institute, but film sets became my schools, the directors, actors, and film crews my teachers. I learned a lot from them. I have benefited from what I learned throughout my entire life.
A lot of things happened naturally. There was no intentional discovery, no great fall. I have always just gone ahead according to my intuition. For me, performing and singing are things like that.
what was it like being surrounded bY the likes of cate
blanchett and emilY blunt for the shoot?
To me, they are all excellent actors and I really love them. It was like a dream team for me and I had a great time when we were shooting in Italy. IWC really knows how to combine breath-taking aesthetics, technological exper-tise and the art of savoir-vivre.
Do you have any other favourite memories from that Day?
Portofino is a beautiful coastal resort filled with fine wines, wonderful cuisine, a lovely climate and timeless elegance. For three days, the location became both the backdrop and the inspiration. [Imagine] the harbour, the boat, and the vintage car on the solitary drive up to La Cervara (an ancient abbey that was the main location for the shoot). Once there, [picture] a garden and a long hall running through the entire building where you can still hear the muted murmuring of the monks of bygone days. As someone from the film industry, I’m really impressed by IWC Schaffhausen. It is renowned not only for its luxury watches, but also for its long-standing passion for cinema and partnerships. I feel confident and powerful when I’m wearing an IWC watch.
you recently maDe your hollywooD Debut. Do you see
yourself acting in more hollywooD films?
I don’t plan on pursuing Hollywood intentionally. If there is a film script or role that touches me, I’ll take it. I’m still waiting for the right chance and time to arrive.
你认为亚洲的电影业是否与美国的电影业大不相同?当然,还是存在很多不同之处的。
is the film inDustry in asia very Different from that of the us?
environmental awareness. whY do You champion this cause,
and what would You like to change?
That’s simple. Since environmental protection will make our lives better, I hope that as a public figure and with my influence, I can do things [to make a difference], even slight changes. Eventually, I hope that a sense of environ-mental protection will root itself deep into people’s hearts, so that they start helping the environment consciously.
what has surprised You the most about Your life and career?
Last year, I visited an institute for educating children with autism. I’m not good at communicating with kids, and I wasn’t sure what reaction these chil-dren would have when they saw me, a stranger. I felt nervous. Then, quite unexpectedly, a child opened his arms and hugged me the moment I walked into the room. It was a complete surprise – but the hug was fabulous.
是否可以分享自己一件能够惊喜到大家的事情。目前……好像……真的没有(笑)。
what’s one thing that might surprise people about You?
what inspires You to pursue Your career as an actress and
singer?
I am inspired by love and by listening to my heart. I love that as an actress and singer, interesting things happen continuously.
当你休息或不拍戏和唱歌的时候,你都是做点什么?放空休息,什么都不做,或者看书、看电影、散步。
what is Your favourite waY to spend Your time when not
acting or singing?
I love just resting, doing nothing, reading, watching movies, or going for a stroll.
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big screen dreams
singer, actor, and entrepreneur Tyrese gibson wants abu dhabi to be the film hub of the world. The gregarious star sits down with Danae Mercer
to explain just what he’s going to do about it
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The interviewCongratulations on the album.
Thank you. It’s really cool to have worked so hard on something and to have the world embrace it at this level. It’s been a game changer for me.
Were you expeCting it?
Here’s the thing about creativity, right. We’ve all seen some creative stuff come, do ok, and then other things come and literally cave all the doors in and blow all the windows out. And no one goes into the studio saying ‘When I release this album, I want it to perform in an average way’. We all want our albums to do well. But I had no clue that it would be number one, that we’d be doing an autograph signing in Abu Dhabi.
you mentioned Collaboration With a loCal singer. What
appeals to you about mixing genres?
I feel like it’s an educational process, it’s an educational thing. It’s like look, this is what we do vocally, this is the way we sing, this is our approach to the music with traditional instruments and everything we do. And being able to mix and combine the energy of R&B, soul and traditional Arabic music, it all is very exciting.
hoW did your Career begin?
In the album, there’s a DVD where I go into the whole backstory. I remember the place that I was standing when my neighbour heard me sing. It changed my life forever.
did you alWays knoW you should do this?
I grew up in south-central LA. In LA you have the west side, which is con-sidered the valley, where the Kardashians live, and on the east side, where I’m from. So here I am, born and raised on the east side, and now my album is coming out in the Middle East. It messes me up. My brain is just trying to process it all.
What do you mean?
It’s like, it’s doing so well, my mind is just trying to process it all.
What’s next?
I have been wanting to build Voltron Studios here, which is a fully function-ing movie studio, equivalent to Universal Pictures or Paramount, right here in Abu Dhabi. When we came here to shoot Furious 7, instead of me just
Known both for his role in Hollywood blockbusters (Furious 7, Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen) and for his considerable success as an R&B singer, Tyrese
Gibson has big plans for the film industry in Abu Dhabi. He tells me as much
almost immediately, sat in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers with his legs stretched
out beneath his kandora. Gibson doesn’t linger for long on the success of
his recent album, Black Rose, which has just hit number one on the Billboard
200 chart. Nor does he focus on his background: acting in big budget films.
When I touch on this, he shrugs, smiles his striking smile, and notes that I’ll
find all that on his latest disc. Instead, Gibson’s emphasis is on his new ven-
ture: a plan to bring Voltron Studios to Abu Dhabi, and create the infrastruc-
ture and incentives required to get Hollywood into the Middle East, a place
he loves so much.
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being an actor in the movie, I was actually studying everything. I was stud-ying the local crews to see how they were functioning. I was looking at the trailers, thinking about how much equipment we had to put on an airplane in order to shoot on the level we did. We had to put 25 pallets on a plane.
No one can question the hospitality, the five-star everything, because it doesn’t get any better. But you can’t come out here and stay in a seven-star hotel, and not have current equipment and gear, the cameras, the lighting, the movie trailers and makeup trailers. Everything needs to be as A-list as the hotels.
Why are you focusing on abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has the tax-rebate programme, which is the only thing Hollywood really responds to. But it’s not as aggressive as it should be. I would love to work with the local film commission to build and design a fully function-ing movie studio that has the biggest and the best… Everything we do here has to be the biggest, the best, the most modernised, the most futuristic.
it sounDs like you really like the MiDDle east…
I have never been happier, I have never been more comfortable, and felt safer, than coming here to Abu Dhabi, to Dubai, and experiencing the Middle East. When Paul Walker died, I was sad and depressed in America. I didn’t find my joy, I didn’t smile, until I came to the Middle East. I found my smile here again in Abu Dhabi.
as a successful actor anD singer, hoW Will you finD tiMe to
Manage this project?
I’m here, right? I found time to be here now. If they schedule it, I will be here. I will commit my time. I will come here and walk around and find the best location. One of my partners is Scott Mednick (a producer known for 300, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Where the Wild Things Are, Superman Returns). My other partners are Pacifica Ventures. All they do is build movie studios. I need a couple hundred acres and I will make this the biggest, the best, that they’ve seen in the world. No one will be able to touch Voltron Studios in Abu Dhabi.
i think When you have a passion, you have to be absolutely
confiDent it’s going to succeeD. Do you agree?
I’m so confident. Trust me, trust me. I’ve already designed it. I know what it looks like. I’ve got the entire thing done and ready to go. But here’s the thing. I wouldn’t want to build a studio unless the rebate and incentive pro-gramme is better. So Voltron Entertainment, Voltron Studios, and lets go even further, I’d also love to do a film slate.
What’s a filM slate?
A film slate means that if there’s a local fund for a film slate, if Furious 8 is being filmed here in Abu Dhabi, we have a film fund that’s in place to say not only do we want you to shoot the movie here, not only do we have the best rebate and incentive, we want to help you fund it. So then you have all the incentive in the world to want to fly 17 hours on the plane.
Do you Want to becoMe a businessMan?
Oh no, baby. I have 43 companies and projects. I’m a fully functioning entre-preneur. Singing and acting take the back seat for me as a businessman.
hoW has your experience been at juMeirah at etihaD toWers?
I love it here. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan just gave me the biggest room of all time. I’ve been doing cardio in my room because it’s so big. Sprinting, sliding with my socks on. I love the traditional local food. I love the coffee and the teas and the dates. I love everything. I love it here, I’m very happy here, very comfortable here.
is there anyone you WoulD still like to Meet?
I’ve yet to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is my hero. I look up to him as a visionary, and I have the greatest deal of respect for him as an entrepreneur. I would love to be in business with him. It would be a dream come true.
With all your faMe anD success, aren’t you teMpteD to relax?
I don’t wake up every day thinking about how can I be more famous. I decided a long time ago that I don’t want to be another person who has lived and died and hasn’t done anything effective. When I come here, it’s not about the money people have. I know plenty of billionaires and multimillionaires in America who are miserable. Money doesn’t make me happy. What makes me happy is being able to have a vision and an idea, to implement it and see it through.
Right now, we are sitting inside someone’s idea. This room, the way it’s designed, the way it looks, if they kept this vision inside their head, we wouldn’t be sat here. For me, implementing visions is what makes me happy. I’m reach-ing out my hand and I’m saying I need your help. I want to contribute to the Middle East. I’m ready. I want to come here. I want to make my mark. I want the entire world to say I want to shoot my movie in Abu Dhabi and stay in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers… until that happens, I won’t be happy.
For more information on staying at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, visit jumeirah.com
Furious 7 is also available on OSN Box Office HD.
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if the suit fitsenglish actor and model Morgan Watkins talks to Jumeirah about travel, fashion, and luxury
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Watkins wears Pal Zileri
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>>featured: morgan watkins<<
odel and actor Morgan Watkins has made a name for himself both across critically acclaimed short films (Dexter Fletcher’s Wild Bill, James Marsh’s Shadow Dancer, Alan Rickman’s A Little Chaos) and more mainstream box-office hits (Kingsman: The Secret Service). In October, Watkins will star alongside Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, and Helena Bonham Carter in the much anticipated film Suffragette, a drama set amidst the battle for women’s voting rights in early 20th Century England. Here Watkins, a Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate, explains his pas-sion for the screen and the stage.
What does luxury mean to you?
Luxury is good friends, family and good health. You don’t need anything else.
Where is your favourite spot to travel?
I have been lucky enough to travel to some interesting places. I often don’t get to see much of where I am, as I’m usually working. I love Rome! I also travelled once to Goa in India. To me that place is paradise.
What might surprise people to knoW about you?
I love cats and animals. I think the preservation of our natural habitat is an important challenge of our age.
hoW is a photo shoot different from acting?
Photo shoots are definitely a lot of fun and are relaxed compared to acting. For Pal Zileri, my agent was approached and they expressed interest in con-necting with me. They wanted to use a personality and a character to front the brand. It seemed like a great job. It wasn’t a conventional shoot as they wanted it full of life and character. This gave me the opportunity to express myself more and hopefully make the photos seem a little bit more inter-esting. I loved working with the guys there and the clothes were beautiful.
Why do you enjoy acting so much?
Acting will always be one of my biggest passions. I was always ambitious and had dreams of playing alongside the greats. Sometimes on set when amongst Oscar winners, you can feel a little overwhelmed. But you have to remem-ber that they all started somewhere and learnt the craft. You have to trust in your abilities and try and give what you can. It’s important to always learn and it is wonderful when you get the opportunity to learn opposite some of the greatest screen actors on the planet!
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As An Actor, do you prepAre differently for stAge As opposed
to screen?
With stage you usually have a five-week period of rehearsals, which allows you, the other actors and the Director to really work out what is going on in the script. You spend weeks preparing and then put it on stage and hope the audience enjoys it. You learn every night on stage and the play usually changes as the run goes on, but it is always rooted in the foundation of the rehearsals. With screen you often don’t get the luxury of rehearsal and you have to turn up and deliver. On screen the tiniest details of your perfor-mance are picked up and the subtleties of the performance are often very important.On stage you don’t quite have that. You need to give the play to the audience and it require more gusto and technical work. Preparation is generally similar though: you break down the script, work out the psycho-logical truth of moment to moment and build your character. I enjoy them both for different reasons.
do you see yourself As A mAn of fAshion?
I wouldn’t call myself a man of fashion if I am honest. I like simple classic style. However I like the stylish feel of Pal Zileri. They made me feel exquisite and I think the clothes have character. I guess this is why I identify with them!
WhAt’s your fAvourite piece in the pAl Zileri AW 2015
collection?
The Parka, which is equally modish in sheepskin with a nappa finish or in leather and flannel with a feather-filled lining. The contrast is not only a cre-ative quirk but [it] fulfills two different functions.
do your chArActers every folloW you home?
Sometimes... I try not to let them, but they are part of you and you are part of them!
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aaron barsha.pdf 1 12/24/14 10:51 AM
LIFESTYLEDigital Arias
Operas Going online
p. 46
Refined StyleTalking points
Couture and diamondsp. 52
Wish ListHarry Winston
Charity auctionp. 56
Luxurious FeastGreat recipes
Exclusive insightp. 58
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digital ariasA new website makes opera performances available on-demand to everyone, so you needn’t don your ball gown each time you want to watch Don Giovanni. george Mitton reports
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>>culture<<
Cast members from Opera Australia perform during the final dress rehearsal of Opera Australia’s La Traviata at the Opera House, Sydney Australia on June 30 2015.
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uke O’Shaughnessy was disgruntled. Because he was only 11, he wasn’t invited to the party his older siblings were throwing at the family home. Life can be so unfair.
To placate him, his parents took him, for the first time, to the English National Opera in London. They saw ‘La Traviata’ by Giuseppe Verdi. It was a sig-nificant event in the young boy’s life, for it kindled a lifetime’s love of opera.
O’Shaughnessy is now the project manager of The Opera Platform, an initi-ative part-funded by the European Commission to spread knowledge about opera and make performances available online, on-demand. The project is a pan-European venture in partnership with 15 theatres, the broadcasting chan-nel ARTE and industry group Opera Europa. The Opera Platform went live in May. The inaugural performance broadcast on its website? Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle,” says O’Shaughnessy.
Spread the wordThere are few experiences more top-notch than a night at the opera, a phrase that conjures up images of top hats and tailcoats, floor-length ball gowns, evening gloves and opera glasses (binoculars used to observe the stage).
In funding the Opera Platform, the European Commission is keen to empha-sise that opera is a truly European art form. Developed in Renaissance Italy at the end of the 16th Century, opera was first conceived as a revival of ancient Greek drama, in which the actors were expected to sing their lines.The new Italian art form proved influential and soon opera traditions sprang
up in France, Germany, England and, later, Russia. Opera developed over the next four centuries through stages known as the baroque, bel canto and golden age periods, ending in modernism in the 20th century. Among the most famous composers in the history of opera are Mozart, Wagner and, of course, Verdi.
In part-funding The Opera Platform, says O’Shaughnessy, the European Commission is hoping to support this distinctively European art form while at the same time emphasising that opera is the shared cultural property of all the people of Europe.
“For them [at the Commission],” he says, “culture is the glue that binds the people of Europe together.”
GoinG GlobalOf course, because it is online, The Opera Platform is available to every-one, not just Europeans. O’Shaughnessy is keen to emphasise that the ser-vice is available in many languages. “It’s not about the domination of the English-speaking world,” he says.
The platform is available in English, French and German, and each opera broadcast on the website will be subtitled in six languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Polish. As of yet, the service is not available in non-European languages.
Neither is the service aimed at experts nor opera buffs. O’Shaughnessy says when his team put together the website, “we had in mind someone new to opera”. As well as the full-length opera performances, the website will screen
>>culture<<
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short videos, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, plus explanations of the operas and information about participating theatres. Because of the range of material on the site, it is hoped The Opera Platform will be a useful aid for music teachers and students.
“You’ll be able to find out what the director was thinking when putting it together, who the composer is and more about them, or more about the opera house putting it on,” says O’Shaughnessy.
The TheaTresFor the participating theatres, the platform offers a way to gain exposure online and reach new potential audiences. A web user in India who enjoys a perfor-mance of Sibellius ‘Kullervo’ on The Opera Platform might, in our digitally connected age, book a ticket to see the same work performed in Finland on his or her next holiday. For the most popular theatres, it can also help coun-ter seat shortages. The Royal Opera House in London and the Vienna State Opera, for instance, are frequently sold out.
“In big metropolitan capitals there is a lot of pressure on the box office,” says O’Shaughnessy. “Opera is popular and people have to work hard to get a ticket. Developing digital strategies is a way to maximise their reach.”
In a more general sense, The Opera Platform allows participating theatres to influence how they present themselves online. It is fair to say that theatres are at different levels when it comes to online engagement. Some are well advanced and already host recorded performances on video-streaming web-sites such as YouTube. Others, meanwhile, are still trying to decide how to manage the opportunities and challenges the Internet presents.
righTs and rulesOne of the main hurdles theatres must overcome is the question of perfor-mance rights. The orchestras, singers and technicians who together create the performances must give their consent before performances can be streamed online. O’Shaughnessy says one of the roles of The Opera Platform is to help the smaller houses obtain and manage the rights they need.
“The likes of the Royal Opera House of the Vienna State Opera are pre-pared,” he says. “They have negotiated already with their orchestra, their chorus, to enable them to assign or licence the rights to platforms like ours for online streaming. Some, the less well known houses, are just beginning to take a risk in committing.”
The question of online streaming rights can be controversial, however. A number of big-name recording artists have complained in recent years about not getting a fair deal from online streaming. Online music service Spotify, for instance, has been criticised in the past for paying very small royalties of less than one US cent per stream. The payouts are one reason Taylor Swift chose to publicly remove her music from the service last year. Other artists, such as The Beatles, have never appeared on the service (The Beatles have an exclusive deal with Apple iTunes).
Opera performers face a similar dilemma when deciding whether to con-sent to online streaming. Will they be rewarded for it? Could freely availa-ble streams of their work diminish demand for music sales or, worse, reduce demand for tickets?
“We hope over the years to convince rights holders that this is good for opera,” says O’Shaughnessy. “We believe in the importance of coming to see opera live but we have to use modern technology now. It’s a great tool. On the plat-form, each of the partners has its own page. They’ve got their own Facebook and Twitter feed and their website. We’re not selling tickets but we’re saying, if you want to know more, why not go and find out more.”
how iT worksAt time of writing, the Opera Platform has five broadcasts available for on-demand viewing. These include performances from the Latvian National Opera in Riga, the Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna and, of course, the first one that went online, ‘La Traviata’, by the Teatro Real in Madrid.
What is the experience like for a new user to the website? I clicked on to the performance of La Traviata and was slightly surprised to find the recording begins several minutes before anything happens. Indeed, the video had been running for more than six minutes before the orchestra tuned their instru-ments. Was this intentional, so viewers could absorb the atmosphere of the auditorium, the susurrus of the audience, the anticipation of an eager crowd? Perhaps, but I found myself wanting to fast forward to when the music began. I wondered, would some casual viewers switch off before they made it this far? Attention spans are notoriously short on the Internet. I also wondered how many people would sit at their computer screens to watch an entire recording such as this, which clocks in at nearly two and a half hours. People with Internet-connected TVs could enjoy the experience from the comfort of their sofas, of course. But would viewers logging on from their desks be likely to stop watching before the end, or perhaps leave the music playing while they did other things? It would be interesting if, after the project has had some months to run, The Opera Platform could produce figures to see how its users are engaging.
There are other online sources where viewers can watch entire operas or – and perhaps this is more common – can watch simply the individual arias and movements they most enjoy. YouTube hosts a number of full-length perfor-mances of ‘La Traviata’ as well as excerpts from famous performances by sing-ers such as Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas.
However, putting aside these queries, I found the sound and video quality of the Teatro Real broadcast to be high, seeming to my eye to be of a compa-rable standard to a televised performance. In addition, the recording of La Traviata came with some interesting additional content, such as behind-the-scenes interviews and a short film explaining the context of Verdi’s work. Meanwhile, the musicianship, staging and performances in the Teatro Real production, which was directed by David McVicar, were excellent. As the curtain came down, I put aside my imaginary opera glasses and gave a vig-orous applause.
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Women’s couture, men’s bespoke shoes, and decadent coloured diamonds. Three experts talk about what’s trendy and what’s timeless
a refined sTyle
Coloured diamonds Q&a with francois Graff, Chief executive officer at Graff diamonds
What makes diamonds special?
Diamonds are beautiful to look at, and they are also rare and difficult to come by. I’m very lucky; I’m in a business where people come to us out of emotion and love. It could be a man buying something for his wife, girlfriend or daugh-ter, or a woman celebrating the fact that she feels great that day – it’s always for wonderful reasons that our clients come into our stores. Diamonds are one of the few luxury products that have an intrinsic value. Such high jewellery can be both treasured and worn now and passed down to future generations.
coloured diamonds seem particularly popular lately. Why?
The market began to open up in the eighties, and in the past five to 10 years, that growth has accelerated as more people have become aware of their extreme rarity and appreciative of their unique beauty. I remember the very first time I held a coloured diamond when I joined Graff Diamonds 25 years ago. I realised at once its intense desirability and that it was in another league.
Why do you specialising in coloured diamonds?
For every 10,000 diamonds mined, only one displays colour. This rarity is compounded further when the coloured stone is intense or vivid and the clarity is flawless. At Graff we bring the best jewellery in the world to our clients, so it stands to reason that these stones include coloured diamonds.
What is your favourite colour of diamond to Work With?
I would say blue diamonds. They are the most wonderful diamonds to hold in your hand, a combination of an excellent colour, clarity and cut results in a very special phenomenon.
Ultimately, they are all fabulous of course. Perhaps there’s one that stands out for a few hours or a day, or even a week, but they are all incredi-bly beautiful. Over the course of our history we’ve handled some of the world’s most notable coloured diamonds including the Gemini Yellows, the Delaire Sunrise, the Blue Ice, the Empress Rose, the Wittelsbach-Graff, and the Graff Pink to name but a few. We feel honoured to be a guardian of these jewels while we own them.
What trends have you seen in terms of diamonds?
We continue to see an extremely strong demand for large high-qual-ity coloured diamonds, coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market. I am certain that a decline in the number of new and important diamond discoveries is something that is set to con-tinue, which will inevitably lead to an increase in the value of these dia-monds over time. Pink and blue diamonds in particular have become highly prized – due to both their rarity and inherent beauty combined.
do you have any advice?
Buying a diamond is a luxury and a celebration. The most important factor to consider, whether you have a budget of GBP10,000 or GBP10 million, is to buy the very best quality at every level. You can compro-mise on everything else, but you cannot compromise on quality. Quality is timeless.
GraffDiamonds.com
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>>fashion<<
My English is not so good, so I am sorry. It’s very simple to make a beau-tiful shoe, but to make a beautiful shoe that fits very well, that’s not easy. I first meet with a customer to talk about what he wants. I check the feet. After that I go to Paris and I make the last (a custom model for the shoe). After working with my atelier in Paris, I come back and we do the trial. When seeing the customer, I sometimes open the model shoe to see the proportion, the volume. Here it’s very important to check the arch. It’s my speciality. (laughs)
It can take between six to nine months to complete, because we have to travel. If their feet are very difficult, I have to do two trials, which takes four months more. It can take up to 70 hours of working time.
There is no average customer for me. There might be a French customer who has a wedding for his daughter. Another who wants casual shoes.
Another who wants to be very discreet, because he’s a lawyer. Overall, these are for someone who really loves his shoes. A man feels special wearing them.
I do this because it’s interesting. I meet a lot of customers, because it’s important to build a relationship, to speak with them, to understand. I work on my English by speaking to the customer! (laughs). The one thing I want to explain is that it’s another world. Shoemaking must be a passion, because I prefer to take time, to be perfect. I always say that it’s better if you wait two months more, because you have the shoes for one life. My job is to be good, because sometimes customers wait maybe 40 years to make their first pair of bespoke shoes. My challenge is to be good for the customer.
Berluti.com
Luxury shoes Words from Anthony Delos, Berluti’s Bespoke shoemaker
•Fashion.indd 53 9/6/15 10:44 AM
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What trends did you see in Women’s couture fashion for
the neW season?
The key trend we saw was the 60s and 70s inspired boho style which con-sists of lots of fringe, mini skirts, mod dresses and oversized blanket coats and ponchos. The Victorian trend, which consists of capes, high neck and billow sleeve blouses, lace, and velvet, was another thing we saw.
any surprises?
It was surprising to see how strong the boho trend has come back. Designers piled on the prints and fringing to create various textures. From floral printed dresses accessorised with fringe waistcoats and capes, to flared trousers and peasant blouses, there are many versions of the trend to love. The most significant staple piece from this craze is the poncho.
Was there one particular designer that stood out?
The designer who stood out to me during fashion week was Givenchy. The collection was very emotional, with romance and darkness being the prevailing theme. There was also a strong element of Victoriana with luxe fabrics and a rich colour palette that I was drawn to.
did you have a favourite piece?
I loved the lace pieces that went down the runway at Altuzarra. They were romantic and delicate but sensual at the same time with Joseph Altuzarra’s signature thigh-high slit.
What look do you think Will be big in the next year?
A 60s-inspired mod dress paired with an oversize blanket coat or pon-cho. Another key look will be a floor-skimming embellished skirt paired
with a Victorian-inspired frilled blouse to create a dark, decadent, and luxurious feel.
What colours Will be popular?
This season, designers were not afraid to use colour and mix and match shades and prints to create bold statement looks. Vivid, graphic patterns swirled across the collections and we saw a lot of retro colour blocking. With that said, red was dominant this season as well as cobalt blue, bor-deaux and military-inspired khaki. We did see a significant amount of black, also, especially for the Victorian-inspired pieces.
What items do Women need to get rid of and keep in their
closet right noW?
Women can get rid of their wedge sneakers and replace them with chunky block heeled pumps. Women can also get rid of their peplum tops and replace them with moody lace and high ruffle neckline blouses to cre-ate a 19th century vibe. All of the fashionistas should keep their mens-wear-inspired tailored blazers and trousers in their closet as this has come back in a big way from brands such as Phillip Lim and Stella McCartney.
What Was your one big takeaWay?
We saw an abundance of trends this AW15 which could make it difficult to absorb. If you can’t decide which AW15 trend to try first, just pile them all on at once. We saw this being done by Marni and Mary Katrantzou who teamed their bold prints with boho elements. The easiest way to get dressed for the new season is with an ‘anything goes’ attitude.
HarveyNichols.com
The laTesT women’s couTureQ&a with eda Kuloglu, senior VP of merchandising, harvey nichols Dubai
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WISH LISTOne of a kind. Exclusive. This Harry Winston piece has been created for the Only Watch charity auction, which benefits the Monaco Association Against Mus-cular Dystrophy.
On November 7, guests will vie for the Ocean Dual Time Retrograde Only Watch. Featuring a 44.2mm white gold case and a self-wind-ing automatic Dual Time Retrograde mechanical movement, with 32 jewels scattered throughout, the piece would make a strik-ing addition to any watch collector's wardrobe.
HarryWinston.com
>>WATCHES<<
Harry Winston.indd 56 9/6/15 12:34 PM
LONDON. LONDON. LONDON.
One iconic destination. Three unique experiences.
Discover the essence of Knightsbridge at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Revel in the tranquility of Belgravia at the boutique Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel. Relish your sophisticated lifestyle at Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living on Park Lane.
Enjoy London. Enjoy Jumeirah.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit jumeirah.com
Jumeirah Carlton Tower Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Grosvenor House Apartment by Jumeirah Living
Jum_London_FPC_JumMag_JanFeb2015.indd 1 12/24/14 11:51 AM
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IngredIents
serves one
1 avocado
30 grams of baby potatoes
5 grams of fresh parsley
5 grams of fresh carrots
5 grams of red onion
5 grams of green celery stick
1 gram of bay leaf
15 ml of lemon dressing
5 ml extra virgin oil olive
200 grams of fresh octopus
3 ml lemon juice
100 grams of eggplant
1 garlic clove
15 grams of thyme
10 grams of salad leaves
Salt and pepper
PolIPo Arrosto FranceSco Di noia, italian cheF De cuiSine, alta BaDia reStaurant, JumeIrAh emIrAtes towers
PresentAtIon
on a round plate, place the grilled
octopus in the middle and the baby
potatoes on the side. With a piping
bag or a spoon, plate the eggplant
and avocado. Finish the dish with
lemon dressing, chopped parsley, and
a few leaves of salad
stePs
1) cook the octopus in water with
carrots, celery, and onions until
tender. leave it to cool in the same
water.
2) once cool, cut octopus into
several pieces. Grill until it obtains a
golden-brown finish.
3) cut the eggplant in half and
season with salt, pepper, garlic, and
thyme. Wrap in foil paper and cook
for 30 minutes in the oven at 225
degrees. once cooked, remove the
pulp and blend it.
4) Steam baby potatoes, peel them
and put aside.
5) Peel and pit the avocado. add
lemon juice. Season with salt and
pepper and blend it until smooth.
As Jumeirah Emirates Towers launches its new Gastronomer’s Dinner, a three-restaurant feast of the finest proportions,
we ask several chefs to share their favourite recipes
luxurious fEAsT
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ingredients
1½ tbsp salt
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tbsp crushed black pepper
1 tbsp dried onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
½ tsp celery salt
250 grams tenderloin
steps
1) Place all dry ingredients in a bowl
and mix well.
2) Rub one teaspoon of the mixture
on the meat and allow it to rest for
five minutes.
3) Grill the meat to the desired finish.
expertise
Grilling a fine steak is an art form, a craft,
and something every budding chef
should have within their skill repertoire.
The ideal piece of finished meat
should have a rich, slightly crunchy,
deep brown exterior surrounding a
succulent, tender interior. While the
nuances of preparing meat are many,
the short and fast is that you must
start with a good product. Check for
marbling and aim for a steak that’s at
least two inches thick. If you have time,
salt in advance of seasoning. Cook
your meat slowly and gently, then
allow it to rest when finished. Like a
fine whiskey, some things are better
when not rushed.
salted meat rub LuIGI VesPeRo, Head CHef, THe RIb Room, Jumeirah emirates towers
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Fine dining
If cooking isn’t your idea of a relaxing evening, enjoy dining instead with the Gastronomer’s Dinner. Designed for those who
want to explore fine dining, the dinner stretches across three restaurants in Jumeirah Emirates Towers: Alta Badia, The Rib
Room, and The Ivy.
Designed for groups of up to 10, the journey begins with ‘Cocktails at Altitude’ at Alta Badia Bar on the 51st floor. Next you
move to the chef's table inside the kitchen of Alta Badia Restaurant for an authentic Italian starter. Main courses will be served
in The Rib Room with the signature ‘Butcher’s Block’, while The Ivy will play host to the deliciously indulgent dessert platter.
The dishes featured in these pages will be available to order. The evening costs Dhs750 per person and includes grape pairings. jumeirah.com
ingredients
serves 12
500 grams raspberry puree
15 grams corn flour
220 grams caster sugar
100 ml water
150 grams egg whites
steps
1) Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2) Bring raspberry puree to a boil and then add corn flour.
3) Stir and cook until thickened, remove from the heat, and set aside.
4) In a separate saucepan, combine 100 grams sugar with the water and bring
to a boil at 120 degrees Celsius.
5) Pour the sugar into the raspberry puree and mix well. This will become the
soufflé base. Set aside to cool.
6) Place egg whites into a bowl and whip until they begin to form soft peaks.
Slowly add in the remaining 120 grams of sugar.
7) Mix the soufflé base with the egg whites meringue.
8) Place the mixture inside individual ramequins and bake for nine to 10 minutes.
9) Dust with icing sugar and serve.
raspberry souFFléBEN ToBITT, HEAD CHEf, THE Ivy, Jumeirah emirates towers
Alta Badia The Rib Room The Ivy
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Recipes2.indd 63 9/6/15 10:48 AM
TRAVEL Female Pilot
British AirwaysDay in the life
p. 67
A Warm WelcomeJordan
The kindness of peoplep. 68
Classically English Bentley
Queen Elizabeth IIp. 70
Of Crimes and Mysteries Famous authors in Istanbul
‘Black Week Turkey’p. 74
Secret Spaces Beautiful property
Hidden Dubai charmsp.78
The High LifeDelicious restaurant
Exquisite Indian foodp. 82
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PARADISE FOUND ON THE MEDITERRANEAN
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, the first leisure resort from Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Europe, brings to the Spanish island of Mallorca a new standard and concept of luxury.
For more information, visit jumeirah.com or call +34 971 637 888
JPS_FPC_JumMag_March2015.indd 1 2/12/15 3:00 PM
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First Officer Aoife Duggan has been in aviation for seven years and with British Airways for three. Here she talks through the highs and lows of a life of flight
DAy in tHe liFe OF A FemAle pilOt
How long Have you lived in tHe Middle east?
I have been based here for the last two and a half years.
wHat Made you cHoose a career as a pilot?
It was very natural for me to grow up with an interest in aviation. My mum started work in the airline industry at 18 and worked for over 20 years (Aer Lingus). My dad, at the age of 39, was able to realise his dream of being a commercial pilot. My sister is also a pilot. Today, I fly the Airbus A320 on short-haul flights for British Airways. For me, it’s a lovely ‘work’ environ-ment. The seats are comfortable, the flight decks are spacious, and the air-craft itself is user friendly.
wHat are your favourite views?
Well a personal favourite is Dublin – I love flying over the house I grew up in! Another is flying into London Heathrow – there are few places in the world where you can fly over a city with all the tourist sites in view.
wHat are your favourite Holiday destinations?
Thailand or cities in Europe. I also love the beaches, the friendly locals and food in Barbados. At times I visit Singapore as well having lived there for four years.
wHat’s in your carry-on bag?
Lip balm for sure! I also like to snack on [and bring with me] something healthy, like fruits and nuts.
do you Have a fitness regiMe?
Depending on which city I am, I look for a cycling track. They have a great
one in Dubai at the Dubai Autodrome. I also make sure I visit the gym at hotel I stay at whenever I travel.
wHat’s a typical day at work for you?
There is never a typical day at work as no two days are ever the same for us. Sometimes it can be challenging, especially if you end up flying with three dif-ferent sets of crew in one day. We check in at T5 (in Heathrow) one hour and 10 minutes before departure and the first thing I do when I arrive is login to my computer. I then find the briefing rooms, print the necessary paper work, check the weather and view the runway schedules to see if the airports on the route assigned are open. Once I have reviewed all the paperwork I arrive at the aircraft at least 40 minutes before departure. There are security checks conducted with crew and the pre-flight set up. There is one done before and during passenger boarding and we cover both normal and emergency pro-cedures. Sometimes we can end up repeating the briefings three times a day. At the max we work 14 hours straight and rotate between four pilots so that we have time to sleep, rest and recover.
How do you cope witH cHanges to sleep scHedules or jet lag?
I sleep well at any time. Everyone needs to recognise that as an individual you have to be well rested and do what is necessary to ensure you are.
wHo is your feMale inspiration?
Susie Wolff, the Williams F1 Team Development Driver. She has made a mark for herself in a male-oriented world and holds her own! She’s an inspi-ration to all of us women.
For more information, visit BritishAirways.com
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Yesterday morning a fruit seller gave me half a pomegranate as I walked by. There was no reason. He just reached out and offered the fruit, smiled politely, and went back to organising his stall. That afternoon, a hardware store owner offered up his own tape measure to save me the expense of buying one from his shop and a helpful Carrefour salesman invited me to his wedding. In any other country, so many small acts of kindness from strangers in a single day would be an aberration – but I’m coming to expect it in Jordan.
It’s been several months now since I moved here from Dubai and I’ve been shown more simple generosities than I can possibly recount. Taxi drivers pass over pieces of their lunches. Strangers on the street show lost new-comers to their destination. People offer again and again a warm ‘welcome to Jordan’ to a foreigner still discovering the country.
According to my new landlord, this is typical of Jordanians. Ziad Maraqa is a lawyer by trade and has lived in Jordan all his life although, like many here, he is originally from Palestine. “Being helpful to others is central to Jordanian culture. Elsewhere in this region, you’re less likely to find peo-ple willing to do favours for nothing, but here it’s not about the money. People will always try to find a way to help if they can.”
It takes a certain amount of getting used to, this strings-free generosity, and I find myself building up a mental list of obligations to repay towards all those who have offered a helping hand. But Ziad waves away the suggestion. “We like welcoming new people to our country in Jordan,” he says as he gives me a lift to the paint shop on his Saturday afternoon off. “We have a good opin-ion of foreigners and it’s our pleasure to make you feel at home here too.”
❖ ❖ ❖
This cordiality towards outsiders has deep roots, stemming from the ancient Bedouin culture that underpins modern Jordanian society. The majority of Jordan’s population can trace their family line back to Bedouin ancestors and the country still has a thriving Bedouin community. These people live much the same as they have for centuries, dwelling in simple goat-hair tents and following the ancient lore of their society, which dictates that no stranger should be turned away to fend for themselves in the harsh desert environment.
These days, the nomadic way of life has all but died and the renowned Bedouin hospitality has more to do with a natural respect towards others than a need to help wanderers in the desert. “Respect is extremely important to the Bedouin. Whenever anyone comes to your home, the first thing we do is show them
A wArm welcome
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>>travel<<
respect by treating them cordially,” explains Muhammad Difalla. Muhammad is part of a sizeable community of Bedouin families living in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest national park. Many of these Bedouin have benefited from the presence of the Feynan Ecolodge, which places particular empha-sis on offering employment to local people. Muhammad has put his local knowledge to good use and now runs creative walking tours for tourists stay-ing at the lodge into the rugged and beautiful landscape around the reserve.
He encounters a broad mix of cultures and nationalities in his line of work and takes particular pride in introducing all newcomers to the spectacular scenery and rich culture that characterises his homeland. “A Bedouin wel-come is given regardless of race or religion,” he says. “We don’t look at the country a person comes from or consider whether that should impact our courtesy towards them. In a Bedouin household, all strangers are guests and due a warm welcome.”
Sara Alamad comes from a well-to-do Jordanian family and is currently a stu-dent of dance at the University of Colorado Boulder in America. Being away from Jordan for most of the year reminds her of the qualities she values most about her home country, particularly the food and the family-orientated cul-ture. “Jordanians are born and raised on the idea of treating visitors from for-
eign countries as part of their family, so they are quick to demonstrate their hospitality with shelter, food, transportation and any kind of help they need, even if it comes at a financial cost to themselves,” she says.
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It’s dusk on a Thursday evening and I’ve spent the last few hours mill-ing around the fruit and vegetable market in the old Downtown quar-ter, beneath which lies Philadelphia, the Roman city on which modern Amman was built. Evidence of these historic foundations can be seen in the Roman ampitheatre, and beyond it the Nymphaeum monument, beside which the fruit sellers ply their wares. I wander past, laden with bags of fresh strawberries and nectarines, searching for an empty taxi amid the bustle of crowded, dusty streets.
Up ahead is a pile of books on the pavement, propping up a half-collaps-ing canopy. Curiosity aroused, I move closer to inspect. The owner of the stall, Hamzeh Al-Ma’aytah, spies me looking and immediately invites me in for coffee as he recounts the history of his family-business. Half an hour later I leave clutching a book. I didn’t buy anything. He wouldn’t hear of it – it’s a gift for a new friend.
A lot of Arab countries lay claim to a deep-rooted tradition of hospitality towards strangers, but few demonstrate it as often and
as openly as the people of Jordan. Olivia Cuthbert reports
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What happens when luxury car manufacturer Bentley curates a trip to England? Danae Mercer
flies into London to find out
cLassicaLLy EngLish
When sitting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, what should one wear? Earlier this year, I received an invite to join The Queen at The Guards Polo Club for The Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Cup. The setting, The Royal Box, would be small and intimate. In a letter weeks before flying, there was some guidance: for men, shirt and tie, suit or flannels, and blazers or jack-ets; for women, formal summer dresses, skirts or tailored trousers. For both, jeans, shorts, vests, and flip-flops were strictly forbidden.
This theme of classic outfits fit for refined moments was one that would run throughout my entire trip to England with Bentley. The ultra-luxury automo-tive brand invited me out to attend polo on the grounds of Windsor Castle, a nod to their long-running association with the sport of polo. Yet there would also be dinners and tours, art galleries and London walks.
Which brought me back to that same question: what to wear, and what to pack? Staring at my suitcase on the morning before my Emirates flight, I debated. Into my bag went a Tiffany T bangle; a pair of Santoni red high-heeled shoes with the most delicate heel and delightful rose flare over the toes; an old woollen jumper; and dress after dress after dress.
When travelling with luxury, I figured, it’s impossible to be overdressed.
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I flew. I landed. And then, as the summer sun set over London, I joined a small group of journalists from around the world and Bentley experts in the unassuming Mosimann’s Restaurant. This members-only venue looks like a charming Victorian house from the outside. Inside another world is revealed, one with a balcony-lined dining room, intimate tables, and quietly refined guests. In total, there are seven private dining rooms at the family-run Mosimann’s. Our group settled into The Bentley Dining Room, a space decorated with photos of Le Mans races and famous Bentley Boys, and fur-niture made from materials that echo those used in the cars. As I sank into a leather chair, out came oak-smoked Scottish salmon with a small smatter-ing of capers, then grilled honey-glazed poussin with meltingly fresh mar-ket vegetables, and finally bread and butter pudding rich with classic English charm. The aim of the meal was simple: to give a ‘glimpse of the lifestyle of a Bentley Owner’. Laughing over great full-bodied reds and sharp espressos, I didn’t finish until midnight.
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Most people would recognise works by artist Dale Chihuly, even if they don’t know his name. The American glass sculptor’s hand-blown pieces appear around the world, in Vegas and London, Dubai and Kuwait. On day two, in walking boots and layers, I went in search of Chihuly. I found his
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pieces nestled amongst the West End’s boutique designers, within the white-washed Halcyon Gallery London. As our small group arrived, the gallery was hosting a special exhibit of Lorenzo Quinn’s larger-than-life sculptures. Yet Chihuly’s pieces were everywhere. In one room, a backlit table flowered with his elaborate creations. Upstairs, his early works waited on shelves and in nooks, not yet revealed to the public. I paused under one of Chihuly’s impres-sive glass chandeliers. “Notice how the pieces connect,” suggested Gallery Director Michael Frootko. In some of the artist’s creations, you can see the metal underbelly. Doing so felt like glimpsing a secret.
“And now for a shave,” suggested one of our hosts as we stepped back into London’s sunshine, glasses of Champagne left behind. We paused in the Pankhurst London, a speakeasy-meets-gentleman’s club that uses old leath-ers and dark woods to good effect. A ‘haven of masculinity’, each of the ven-ue’s bespoke barbers’ chairs was upholstered by the leather craftsmen at Bentley motors. In absence of a beard, I left the men with their Scotch and clean shaves and stopped into Luxury Living to view the Bentley Home Collection. Aimed at ‘those who are in relentless pursuit of both luxury and sophistication,’ the line featured fine leathers, decadent fabrics, and creations in subtle shades of grey, tans, and creams.
Following a quick outfit change (high heels, dresses, jackets) we arrived at The Pantechnicon for dinner. Named after the prestigious 1830s landmark building on Motcomb Street, this gastro-pub featured a private dining area and classic English dishes cooked perfectly.
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By day three, we were ready for the main event: The Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Cup at The Guards Polo Club. I sank into the passenger seat of a Bentley Mulsanne and away we drove. This car, designed both for luxury and performance, moved smoothly through London traffic. It’s V8 engine sat quietly most the time, roaring when the accelerator was pressed down. Later in the trip, I would visit the factory in Crewe, meeting the many hands and experts that carefully craft such a vehicle over roughly 500 hours. The steering wheel alone takes around three full days. Today, as in the past, the stitching
lines are marked by the prongs of a fork, the thread strung through by hand. Yet on day three, as we drove towards out of England’s capital, I didn’t think of these things; I flicked on the leather seat’s massage function and relaxed.
When we arrived into Windsor, the weather was brisk but clear. A host pinned a small hand-written badge to my dress as we walked into The Royal Box. “You must wear this at all times,” I was reminded. “And please remember, no photos.” In a space equipped to handle (at most) 30 people, I sat down to lunch. The other guests were elite Bentley customers, invited by the com-pany to enjoy the match. We dined, and then we moved outside to watch the games begin.
At some point, Queen Elizabeth II arrived, wearing a green dress and green hat, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh. Quietly, and without much fuss, she settled into her seat. She watched the match, and so did we. Midway through, the game paused and the horses moved off to the side. In heels and brogues we were invited out onto the grass to stomp divots, tapping them down even as a marching band played. “Now off the grass!” the announcer ordered as the band stopped and the crowds dispersed. One rogue child sprinted by, giggling. Scooped up, the game continued.
As for what I wore? In the end, I went with a look inspired by Bentley’s ultra-luxury, classically refined ethos. I chose a simple sheath dress, closed-toe heels, and a bracelet from Tiffany & Co. When I felt chilled, a hostess from The Royal Box brought out a blanket to drape around my knees. The afternoon rolled on and somewhere along the way, nearly all too soon, the match was over. The Queen presented trophies to the winners.
I adjoined back into The Royal Box for afternoon tea while, with as little fuss as when she arrived, The Queen departed. Eventually, after a few lingering moments mingling with other guests, so did we, slipping into our comforta-ble Bentley Mulsanne. My friend tossed his jacket across the leather of the backseat while I nudged my heels off to feel the plush carpet. The Mulsanne roared to life. I laughed. And with that, we were away.
Bentley.com
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Crime fiction authors from around the world fill the historic halls of Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah from 22 to 24 October for ‘Black Week Turkey’. This event, honouring the 125th year of Agatha Christie’s birth, includes cultural talks, debates, mystery-themed evenings and more. Enjoy these
excerpts from the works of some of the authors scheduled to attend
Of crimes and mysteries
Imag
e: C
orb
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Alexander McCall SmithFrom: UKBooks: Author of the well-known The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, as well as The Full Cupboard of Life, The Good Husband of Zebra Drive, The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party, and more. WeB: Alexandermccallsmith.co.ukexcerpt: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency She was a good detective, and a good woman. A good woman in a good country, one might say. She loved her country, Botswana, which is a place of peace, and she loved Africa, for all its trials. I am not ashamed to be called an African patriot, said Mma Ramotswe. I love all the people whom God made, but I especially know how to love the people who live in this place. They are my people, my brothers and sisters. It is my duty to help them to solve the mys-teries in their lives. That is what I am called to do.
In idle moments, when there were no pressing matters to be dealt with, and when everybody seemed to be sleepy from the heat, she would sit under her acacia tree. It was a dusty place to sit, and the chickens would occasionally come and peck about her feet, but it was a place which seemed to encourage thought. It was here that Mma Ramotswe would contemplate some of the issues which, in everyday life, may so easily be pushed to one side.
Everything, thought Mma Ramotswe, has been something before. Here I am, the only lady private detective in the whole of Botswana, sitting in front of my detective agency. But only a few years ago there was no detective agency, and before that, before there were even any buildings here, there were just the acacia trees, and the river-bed in the distance, and the Kalahari over there, so close.
Leslie Klinger From: USA Books: A noted literary editor and annotator of classic genre fiction, Klinger’s pieces include: A Study in Sherlock, Annotated Sandman, In the Shadow of Sherlock Holmes, and more. WeB: Leslieklinger.com excerpt: A Study in Sherlock, with Laurie R. King
Variations on the theme of Holmes have been played ever since the man first saw print. Some have been whimsical, others deadly serious; some have even taught us something about ourselves. For Sherlock Holmes is both us, and a super-hero, armed not with greater-than-human powers, but with wits, experience, a small community of dependable friends, and the occasional singlestick or riding crop. Like the artist-scientist, Holmes takes a mass of cold, unrelated, and inert fact, shapes it between his narrow, nic-otine-stained hands, and then electrifies it – and us – with a bolt of inspiration.
Come to think of it, perhaps we should envision him, not as an arche-type, but as a golem, a mud figure brought to life by human need.
In any event, Sherlock Holmes shows no sign of flagging in this new era. A century and a quarter after the world was greeted by his gleeful cry at a laboratory discovery, men and women still find Holmes the ideal vessel to carry a variety of stories, aspirations, reflections.
For more information on Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, or the range of luxurious offers available around Black Week Turkey, visit jumeirah.com or blackweekturkey.com
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Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, MallorcaJumeirah Frankfurt, Germany Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, Rome Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, Turkey
Soak up the spirit of London in one of Jumeirah’s quintessentially British hotels, Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia or for stylish suite style living, Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living on Park Lane.
Stay in luxury at Jumeirah Frankfurt while enjoying the bustling hub of Germany’s f inancial capital, relax under the Spanish sun at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, immerse yourself in the elegance and culture of Rome at Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, discover the true jewel in the Turkish Crown, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah or indulge in exclusivity with views of Aegean Sea at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace.
Book ‘Taste of Europe’ and enjoy additional benefits to enhance your stay*.
Complimentary breakfast Food and beverage or spa credit Complimentary Wi-Fi access
For more information, please visit jumeirah.com/tasteofeurope or call +971 4 364 7555.
*Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF EUROPE WITH JUMEIRAH TM
Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living, London
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Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, MallorcaJumeirah Frankfurt, Germany Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, Rome Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, Turkey
Soak up the spirit of London in one of Jumeirah’s quintessentially British hotels, Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia or for stylish suite style living, Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living on Park Lane.
Stay in luxury at Jumeirah Frankfurt while enjoying the bustling hub of Germany’s f inancial capital, relax under the Spanish sun at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, immerse yourself in the elegance and culture of Rome at Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, discover the true jewel in the Turkish Crown, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah or indulge in exclusivity with views of Aegean Sea at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace.
Book ‘Taste of Europe’ and enjoy additional benefits to enhance your stay*.
Complimentary breakfast Food and beverage or spa credit Complimentary Wi-Fi access
For more information, please visit jumeirah.com/tasteofeurope or call +971 4 364 7555.
*Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF EUROPE WITH JUMEIRAH TM
Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living, London
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Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, MallorcaJumeirah Frankfurt, Germany Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, Rome Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, Turkey
Soak up the spirit of London in one of Jumeirah’s quintessentially British hotels, Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia or for stylish suite style living, Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living on Park Lane.
Stay in luxury at Jumeirah Frankfurt while enjoying the bustling hub of Germany’s f inancial capital, relax under the Spanish sun at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, immerse yourself in the elegance and culture of Rome at Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, discover the true jewel in the Turkish Crown, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah or indulge in exclusivity with views of Aegean Sea at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace.
Book ‘Taste of Europe’ and enjoy additional benefits to enhance your stay*.
Complimentary breakfast Food and beverage or spa credit Complimentary Wi-Fi access
For more information, please visit jumeirah.com/tasteofeurope or call +971 4 364 7555.
*Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF EUROPE WITH JUMEIRAH TM
Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living, London
Jum_Advt_DPS_Taste of Europe_JumMag_Sep2015.indd All Pages 8/18/15 4:41 PM
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, MallorcaJumeirah Frankfurt, Germany Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, Rome Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, Turkey
Soak up the spirit of London in one of Jumeirah’s quintessentially British hotels, Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia or for stylish suite style living, Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living on Park Lane.
Stay in luxury at Jumeirah Frankfurt while enjoying the bustling hub of Germany’s f inancial capital, relax under the Spanish sun at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, immerse yourself in the elegance and culture of Rome at Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, discover the true jewel in the Turkish Crown, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah or indulge in exclusivity with views of Aegean Sea at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace.
Book ‘Taste of Europe’ and enjoy additional benefits to enhance your stay*.
Complimentary breakfast Food and beverage or spa credit Complimentary Wi-Fi access
For more information, please visit jumeirah.com/tasteofeurope or call +971 4 364 7555.
*Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF EUROPE WITH JUMEIRAH TM
Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living, London
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Secret SpaceSStep into exclusive luxury with these exquisitely designed hideaways at Jumeirah Dar al MasyafYou can arrive by foot, or on wheels, or you can arrive by a quiet abra (traditional wooden boat), gently moving through winding palm-lined waterways. Once you reach Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, you will find the height of ex-clusivity and luxury. These 29 standalone two-storey houses offer an exquisitely designed hideaway. Inspired by the traditional summer houses of old Arabia, these beautiful struc-tures capture elements of history while nest-ling within the heart of Dubai. You can spend your day lounging at Talise Spa or strolling through the nearby Souk Madinat Jumeirah before relaxing beside one of the many ex-clusive pools. If you’re feeling active, there’s a state-of-the-art gymnasium. As for dinner? Delicious restaurants are at your doorstep, all only a short boat ride away.
Visit jumeirah.com, call +971 4366 8888, or email [email protected] to find out more