Signature - English - June 2010

THESISYOUR LIFE DESERVES THE BEST DESIGN YOUR BATHROOM DESERVES ROCAThe bathroom says a lot about you. That’s why design is so important.

We at Roca are aware of this more than anyone, as we are the leading global bathroom

brand. We work with the world’s best architects and designers to provide solutions in your

daily life and to create spaces that suit the way you are and your lifestyle. THESIS is an

example of design that gives you the best experience in your bathroom.

CHOPARD – THE EPITOME OF

SOPHISTICATED ELEGANCE

Milestone

inside

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PlacesTHE ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI

IS A TESTAMENT TO THE ULTIMATE IN STYLE

Feature+InterviewTHE 458 ITALIA –

THE NEWEST HORSE FROM FERRARI STABLE

PIETRO INNOCENTI GM, FERRARI MENA, TALKS ABOUT FERRARI’S PAST,

PRESENT AND FUTURE

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16

Fashion RAMI AL ALI – A SARTORIAL FORCE TO RECKON WITH

50

EventSIGNATURE BAHRAIN

CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY IN STYLE. A FEW

GLIMPSES…

MusicONE BIG DESERT PARTY:

COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

GolfLEGENDARY GREG NORMAN

ON ALL THINGS GOLF...

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34

Up Front

Collectible

Focus

Report – Milan Furniture Fair

Feature – Eberhard

Travel

Index

The Last Word

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60

46

14

8

66

68

70

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COVER IMAGEActress Laura Chiatti in a Costume National dress sporting

a Clownfish plastron necklace in white gold from the Chopard Animal World collection. Photo Credit: © Stefano Trovati

Courtesy: Chopard

CONCEPT & CREATIONMAYANK SINGHDEEPA RAJAN

CONTENTGHALIB ABDULLAH AL FORI

FATMA AL ARAIMIMOHAMMED FAHMI RAJAB

EXPERTSTravel - BRUCE STEWART, ANNE COLBYFashion - NATASHA LUNN, NADIA FOUZIWatches, Pens & Jewellery - BRIAN. TFinance & Investments - K. L PRASAD

Art & Culture - FREDERIQUE. BART

Sr. Art DirectorSANDESH S. RANGNEKAR

Art DirectorMINAAL G. PEDNEKAR

DesignerMARYAM AL SARMIPRODUCTION HEADGOVINDRAJ RAMESH

ADVERTISING & MARKETINGGroup Advertising Manager - MIMI DEB

Sr Media Executive - FAREEDA S AL BALUSHICORPORATE

Chief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGALExecutive Vice President - ALPANA ROY

Vice President - RAVI RAMAN

DISTRIBUTED WITH OER by

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the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining

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United Media Services LLC, PO Box 3305, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,

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e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]

An

PresentationCopyright © 2010 United Press & Publishing LLC

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

FEATURE

27

IL NUOVO CAVALLO ITALIANOTHE FERRARI 458 ITALIA IS A COMPLETELY NEW CAR FROM EVERY

POINT OF VIEW: ENGINE, DESIGN, AERODYNAMICS, HANDLING,

INSTRUMENTATION AND ERGONOMICS, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

AND IT HAS NOW ARRIVED IN OMAN

While it’s true that every Ferrari

is innovative by definition,

it’s equally true that in the

course of the Prancing Horse’s

history, certain cars have

marked a genuine departure

from the current range. This is

very much the case with the

Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a

massive leap forward from the

company’s previous mid rear

engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis

of style, creative flair, passion

and cutting-edge technology,

characteristics for which Italy

as a nation is well-known. For

this reason Ferrari chose to add

the name of its homeland to the

traditional figure representing

the displacement and number

of cylinders. The two-seater

berlinetta, as is now traditional

for all Ferrari’s road-going

cars, benefits hugely from

the company’s Formula 1

experience.

Every Ferrari is the result of

an uncompromising design

approach that integrates

styling and aerodynamic

requirements. The Pininfarina

design features compact,

aerodynamic lines,

underscoring the concepts

of performance-oriented

efficiency that inspired the

project.

Starting from the front, the

nose features a single opening

for the front grille and side air

intakes, with aerodynamic

sections and profiles designed

to direct air to the coolant

radiators and the new flat

underbody. The nose also

sports small aeroelastic

POINT OT F VIEWF

INSTRUMENTATT TAA ION AND ERGONOM

AND IT HAS NOW ARRIVED IN

T

OMAN

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a designfor lifeTHE NEW ARMANI HOTEL IN DUBAI’S BURJ KHALIFA

IS TESTAMENT TO THE DESIGNER’S GREAT SENSE OF

STYLE AND HIS FIRST FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF

HOTELS. COULD THIS BE THE BEST-LOOKING HOTEL

IN DUBAI, WONDERS JOLA CHUDY

Enter the lobby of Giorgio Armani’s brand new Dubai Hotel, with its hallowed copper arches and you’ll be hard-pressed to get the attention of a receptionist. That’s because there aren’t any.

Instead, a group of fresh-faced, black-suited young model types loiters in the foyer waiting to pounce on your every need. They’re ‘Lifestyle Managers’. This is the first clue that perhaps the lavishness that typifies Dubai (even post-crash) hasn’t quite reached its zenith. Instead, at the Armani Hotel Dubai, luxurious service has had its bar not so much raised as carefully swathed in a layer of expensive silk fabric and accessorised with an orange cushion.

Just beyond the lobby, in discreet alcoves, guests can purchase Giorgio Armani chocolates, jams, fruit jellies and designer flowers. Along a display wall is a series of one-off Giorgio rings, bags and jewellery items, locked away in glass cubes. Press your nose against these like a hungry orphan, because that’s as close as you’ll get. They are only available to buy by select invitation, perhaps if Armani himself

thinks you stylish enough to own one. If you don’t want a slice of Armani Privé haute design, the one-of-its-kind-in-the-entire-universe baubles will be offered to the next person on the list.Welcome to Armani Hotel Dubai, recession-proof and fabulous.

The entrance screams style, albeit in muted, neutral tones, this is where Dubai’s most stylish come to see and be seen. Like the supermodels of Milan, the hotel has personally felt the magic touch of Armani, from the chunky dark wood coffee tables to the warm taupe and beige sofas. The gold knives and forks in the restaurants bear his insignia and the soaps in the rooms bear the shape of a lucky pebble that Mr Armani plucked to fame from among millions lying on a beach.

Armani’s touch is everywhere: from the entrance archways down to the bed and floor covering. It is sleek, monochrome minimalism.And there are no door handles: until

you’ve gotten used to the sleek curves and cornerless, undulating walls, you may find yourself a bit stuck if you need to open a door. Of course, one of the lifestyle managers will no doubt

PLACES

After reading a UNEP report on marine litter, David de Rothschild made it his mission to conduct

further research on trash in the ocean. In 2009, he and his team created the Plastiki, a research

vessel made out of reclaimed plastic bottles, srPET plastic and recycled waste products. Their

mission is to beat waste by thinking smart and showcasing how garbage can be used as a resource,

thus inspiring sustainable solutions for a better way of living.

In 2009, Roz Savage rowed across the Pacific Ocean by herself and later walked 600 miles from

London to Copenhagen for the UN climate conference. Her mission, called ‘Pull Together’, was

aimed at inspiring people to walk more and drive less.

Luo Hong has long devoted himself to natural landscape and wild animal photography. He has

held many exhibitions to raise money for environmental causes. He established the Luo Hong

Environment Foundation in 2006, setting out to train and reward young talent worldwide for

environment protection.

What do all these people have in common? They are all WED (World Environment Day) Heroes. They

are the individuals who have pushed the envelope to perform exceptional personal feats, undertake

high-profile expeditions and other acts of environmental activism to demonstrate their commitment

to the planet.

They are heroes because they took the lead. They are an inspiration to you and me. So, let’s step

up to the cause. And, do not wait to ask yourself this question: ‘What are you going to do for WED?’

Simply, act now.

Celebrate the environment; Go Green. See you next issue...

Take the lead

8

Watch connoisseurs in Muscat now have one luxurious option to add to their collection. Luxury Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis is now available at Mistal, Darsait. You can choose from some of the most exquisite timepieces at the special Roger Dubuis alcove in the showroom including the Excalibur Triple Time Zone and Easydiver Skeleton Tourbillon. All Roger Dubuis movements bear the ‘Poinçon de Genève’ and, since 2003, have been equipped with the Manufacture’s own balance-spring, positioning the brand’s products at the very apex of prestige haute horlogerie in Switzerland.

HAUTE HORLOGERIE

UPFRONT

THE LATEST AND OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY…

Samsung Electronics has raised the bar for flat-panel TVs everywhere with the launch of the eagerly awaited

new line-up of 3D TVs including LED, LCD and PDP models. Samsung’s new line-up includes innovative 2D to 3D conversion, one of Samsung’s key features for the Middle East line-up. Samsung’s HD 3D LED TV line-up also delivers superior 3D picture quality with incredible depth and perfect clarity. What’s more, the 3D LED TVs

come with the ability to stream content using AllShare and Internet@TV. Talk about adding new dimension to

home entertainment!

3D VIEW

AN AGELESS GLOW From Nuxe comes Merveillance, a skin care line especially for women between the ages of 35-40. It offers an excep-tional proven plant efficacy that helps reduce all parameters (number, surface and length) of visible expression lines, thanks to its action which targets all levels of the skin including the surface, epidermis and dermis to give you an ageless glowing skin. The range comprises Fluide Merveil-lance, Serum Merveillance, Creme Merveillance and Creme Merveillance Enriche. You can’t beat ageing, but you surely can slow down the process! The Nuxe Merveillance range is available at Muscat Pharmacy.

EAST MEETS WESTIt was a glittering extravaganza of designs and colours as Oriental traditions met Western fashion at the Hanae Mori fashion show held at Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel recently. The show, titled ‘East Meets West’ was organised under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Aliya bint Thuwaini bin Shihab Al Said, Saud Bahwan Group in association with the Japanese Embassy. Held to commemorate the celebration of the 40th anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s Renaissance, the event showcased the some of the most stunning creations of the Japanese designer, who has received the ‘Order of Culture’ in Japan in 1996 and was also named ‘Officier de la Legion d’Honneur’ in France in 2002. Cosmeticians and hairstylists for the models were provided by Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido.

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UPFRONT

AN EFFORTLESS DRIVE In a recent event held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, select journalists and customers were given the opportunity to drive the epitome

of luxurious, sophisticated and innovative automotive engineering – the Rolls Royce Ghost and Phantom. The recently launched Ghost was the true star of the event. Like all Rolls Royce models, the Ghost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of the brand

and creating contemporary effortless luxury. It was engineered to ride and drive in a peerless fashion. The Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique receives a successor in the Classique X. Inspired by Gaultier’s Winter 2010 Prêt-a-Porter collection, the concoction contains hesperidia notes with accents of mandarin and bergamot, the heart is floral with orange blossom and peony notes and sensual base of iris and vanilla. Classique X is available at Capital Store outlets in 50 and 100ml EDT in flacons made of matt glass with a transparent X stretching over body of the flacon, while its outer carton is coloured in black with beige details and logo of the brand. Neck of the flacon features an X pendant.

CLASSIQUE INDEED!

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Four Omani artists – Juma Al Harthy, Abdul Majid Karooh, Mohammed Al Mamari and Adnan Al Raisi – have come together to present their latest ‘touches’ in an exhibition of Contemporary Art reflecting their traditional Omani roots. The exhibition titled ‘Touches’ was inaugurated by Her Highness Sayyida Tania Al Said, President of the Environment Society of Oman at Bait Muzna Gallery recently. The event is part of the gallery’s constantly expanding and evolving exhibition programme that is set on the development of direct dialogue and working relationship with accomplished artists as well as promising emerging talents such as these four artists.

HARMONY IN MOTION An exhibition, ‘Dialogue of Letters’ hosting exquisite calligraphic art by senior artist Mohammed Al Sayegh opened at the Bait Al Zubair Museum recently. The exhibition was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Mohammed bin Thuwainy Al Said. The show ‘Dialogue of Letters’ was presented by Bait Al Zubair Foundation in partnership with Khimji Ramdas. Revealing the latest artwork by artist Mohammed Al Sayegh, the exhibition featured his pieces that reflect nature and cultural elements, using script to literally construct colourful and harmonious images.

CONTEMPORARY TOUCH

UPFRONT

FASHION FOR A

CAUSE We do love a good cause! And, that is what

the exclusive Salon Privé held at The Chedi, Muscat recently was. It was fashion for a

cause with internationally-renowned design labels – Kenzo, Givenchy and Rami Al Ali Couture – showcased the latest Spring /

Summer 2010 Collections to express their solidarity with ‘Madrasati Palestine’, an

initiative by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan that aims to combat the deteriorating

state of education in East Jerusalem by renovating and enhancing the physical and

learning environment of disadvantaged schools. Joining the designers in this noble cause were Soiree, Jumbo Electronics, The

Chedi, Muscat, TRACCS Oman, Designer General Trading, Mayada Al Maimani and

Siham AbdulRahman Saleh among others.

SMART & FUNCTIONAL Motorola recently introduced the Milestone, a phone that is set to become one of the most powerful and versatile Android 2.1-powered

phone in the Oman. The phone offers the ability to use multiple applications at once and is one of the world’s thinnest QWERTY sliders (13.7mm). Smart and functional, it also boasts a hi-resolution, multi-touch, pinch and zoom display. A suite of Google mobile applications including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube are also integrated onto the device. It is available at Khimji

Ramdas Information and Communication Technology and other select retail outlets.

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECTThe Celsuis X VI II LeDIX pushes the boundaries to become the ultimate fusion of haute horologerie with the world of mobile technology....

You could call it a pocket-phone-watch

or a watch cell phone. Either ways,

LeDIX, the first creation from Celsuis

X VI II is a resolutely novel nomadic

object that pushes the boundaries of

imagination and technology.

Like a butterfly spreading its wings, the

LeDIX has taken flight after three years

of research and development. It is a

clamshell cell phone with an integrated

tourbillon watch. As streamlined as a

sports car, this aerodynamic creation

is made from polished and brushed

grade 5 titanium discreetly enhanced

by inserts. The mechanical movement is

exclusive: a flying tourbillon equipped

with shock-absorbers and more offset

than any existing model.

When LeDIX opens its wings, an

attentive listener perceives a gentle

noise that micromechanical devotees

are sure to appreciate. It comes from

the patented winding system of its

horological component. Housed within

the hinge, this Remontage Papillon

(Butterfly Winding) is activated

with each opening, thereby adding

three hours of power reserve to the

total 120 hours. This state-of-the-art

communication device comprises

a range of features including a

mechanical battery-ejection system;

a main connector protected by a

mechanical-locking flap; and screen-

flap closing cushioned by a set of

spring-mounted ball bearings.

The electronic communication

platform combines high performance

with extreme reliability. Designed

by Sagem Wireless, it embodies the

most demanding quality standards. Its

interface, which deliberately focuses on

the essential mobile functions, makes

LeDIX the ultimate personal phone,

specifically designed for the pleasure of

escaping from daily routine.

That’s not all. It comes complete with

its very own ecosystem of accessories:

the no-hands kit secured by a tie-pin

style clip, the base station, and the

presentation box, all devised and

designed by Celsuis X VI II. They are

crafted in noble materials and equipped

with mechanical components reflecting

the brand’s fundamental concept.

Leather items, such as the holster-type

pouch, are made from top-quality hand-

sewn hides.

LeDIX is available in two limited

editions, namely the Origine, a limited

edition of 18 in grade 5 titanium with

ebony inserts and LeDIX Sport, a limited

edition of 28 in black PVD-treated

titanium with carbon fibre inserts

COLLECTIBLE

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16

As Chopard turns 150, Signature traces the journey of this brand that has today become a synonym of sophisticated elegance...

Journeyto perfection

MILESTONE

Movement of one of the first Chopard pocket watches in the1860s

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One hundred and fifty years of excellence bordering very nearly

on perfection is nigh impossible to achieve. But, not when the

name associated with that feat is Chopard. Founded in 1860,

this Geneva based luxury watch, accessories and Jewelleries

Company owes its birth to Louis-Ulysse Chopard. Whilst the

company’s original focus lay in developing precise pocket

watches, it has since expanded considerably to include a

range of luxury items. In 1963, the company was bought by

Karl Scheufele. He has orchestrated the company’s meteoric

growth alongside wife Karin and children Karl-Friedrich and

Caroline since then. Chopard, the company is structured around

certain core values which include upholding traditional family

values, commitment to philanthropic goals, a focus on dazzling

creativity backed by innovation, the importance of passing on

techniques and ensuring impeccable quality.

Various subsidiaries have been set up around the world so as

to strengthen Chopard’s international presence. In 1975, the

French subsidiary was set up in Paris, followed in 1976 by the

The house in Sonvilier where Chopard was founded (circa 1900s)

18

Chopard Watch Corporation

in New York. As of 2010,

Chopard has a total of 12

subsidiaries in Germany,

Austria, Spain, France, the

United Kingdom, Italy, the

United States, Latin America,

Asia, Japan, Hong Kong

and Malaysia. The group is

active in 124 countries and

can safely presume that is

has established itself as a

benchmark for perfection in

watch making and jewellery

craftsmanship.

The Chopard look was

inspired by the Art Nouveau

and the Art Deco movements.

The company’s style is

distinctive and multifaceted

much like the clientele it

caters to; for example, the

1970’s saw the birth of the

famous Jeans watch; the 1970’s

were an era of sensuality

and vivid bright colours as

highlighted by the vibrantly

coloured, deliberately

curvy watches produced by

Chopard.

Carline and Karl Friedrich

Scheufele have penned a

new chapter in Chopard’s

life during the 1990’s and

the twenty first century as

they have reinvented the

family business in their own

distinctive ways. Caroline’s

Haute Joaillerie collections

is the epitome of splendour

whilst Karl-Friedrich’s steel

sport’s watch, the Saint Moritz,

took advantage of the young

designer’s knowledge that

the boundaries between

different formal evening

wear, sporting wear, casual

wear, semi casual wear are

fast blurring away to create

a sense of style in consumers

that is both complex and

manifold. The premiere of the

watch was an instant success

and the designer has since

unveiled other models such

as the Monte Carlo and the

Gstaad. Caroline meanwhile

has built upon the Happy

Diamonds ‘diamonds set free’

line. Today she is universally

acknowledged as a creative

genius and an astute business

woman. Her bold and

innovative jewellery designs

have allowed Chopard’s

transition from watch making

to jewellery craftsmanship

to be smooth sailing. Her

MILESTONE

Chopard Family

709 Madison Avenue flagship

boutique, New York City- new concept design by Thierry

Despont

The Scheufele family: (from left to right) Christine Scheufele,

Karin Scheufele, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Karl Scheufele and

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele

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famous designs include the

Happy Sport, Imperiale, La

Strada, Ice Cube, Two o Ten,

Golden Diamonds, Happy

Spirit, Casmir and many

many more. The collections

and designs were instant

successes and have, over time

become timeless classics.

They drew inspiration from

various sources including

the beautiful mountainous

regions of Kashmir (India)

and pebbles skipping across

water.

Today, Chopard is recognised

as an icon of elegance.

Stars and celebrities across

the world continue to

adorn themselves with the

company’s creations. Chopard

is ever present at the world’s

most prestigious events and

red carpets around the world

are dazzled by the firm’s

creations; from the Cannes

Film Festival to the Baftas,

to the French Cesar’s; you

name it and Chopard is there.

Screen hopefuls and movie

veterans around the world

are fans of Chopard’s elegant

designs and trust in the

company to help them dazzle

the crowds. Cate Blanchett,

Zhang Ziyi, Pénélope Cruz,

Diane Kruger, Charlize

Theron, Marion Cotillard,

Emmanuelle Béart, Isabelle

Huppert, Gwyneth Paltrow,

Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone,

Catherine Deneuve all sport

the brand’s products at

various red carpet events.

Chopard is one of the few

watch companies around

the world that produces

in house watches. Whilst

the company’s collection

lines are numerous and its

creative flow of designs

seems to be never ending,

Chopard continues to

take an active interest in

philanthropy. At the height

of its success, the company

felt that it is only natural

that it should want to give

back to the world. Various

collections are designed

solely for charitable

purposes. Limited series like

the Wiener Staatsoper help

fund research in leukaemia.

A collection reflecting

Elton John’s flamboyant

melodramatic style was

unveiled to help fight AIDS

in conjunction with the

celebrity and Chopard also

works hand in hand with the

Prince’s Foundation.

Still at the pinnacle of its

success, it looks like Chopard

will continue to be the brand

ambassador for elegance for

many more years to come

Making of the Palme d’Or

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Bee Brooch Bee Brooch in white and yellow gold set with black, yellow and white diamonds.

Frog with Crown ring Frog ring in white gold

set with emeralds (3cts), black diamonds and white

diamonds, holding a crown featuring a stunning

brilliant-cut yellow diamond (3cts) entirely

surrounded by yellow diamonds.

Monkey pendant Monkey pendant in white

gold set with brown diamonds (5cts) and tsavorites (5cts), on a

white gold chain set with briolette-cut rubellites

(16cts).

Polar Bear Ring Polar Bear ring composed

of two sapphires (0,1ct), one onyx and diamonds

(23,8ct) set in white gold.

MILESTONE

EXTRAORDINARY BESTIARY Momentous occasions such as 150th anniversaries call for magnificently grand creations. Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie collection of 150 unique animal-themed pieces. True to its legendary creativity and boldness, the company has mobilised all its talent for this birthday collection, drawing on its long experience to mix tradition, advanced techniques and documented research, and taking its taste for excellence and novelty to new heights.

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director, has dreamed up 150 Haute Joaillerie creations that celebrate animals, a world barely yet explored by the company. The result: An extraordinary dream-like collection of the most beautiful, mysterious animals ever created.With help from the Haute Joaillerie department designers, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele poured over specialised encyclopaedias and even consulted the Chinese calendar to come up with a collection of animals that is at the same time original, aesthetically pleasing and humorous. Species from every latitude – cats, giraffes, and parrots, for example – are represented in the form of bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings and rings.

Along with animals that are often represented in jewellery – wolves and cats, for example – the Swiss jeweller did not hesitate to honour other beasts that are more exotic (hippopotami) or unusual (seahorses), at first thought less pleasant (rats), or imaginary (dragons) or endangered (polar bears, koalas). Instead of the usual plain depictions of animals or birds, the company offers a whimsical and enchanting zoo that dares to idealise frogs and clownfish and does not hesitate to bring them to life through what are virtually little scenes.

The Chopard range is available exclusively at Khimji’s Watches, Shatti Al Qurum.

22

a designfor lifeTHE NEW ARMANI HOTEL IN DUBAI’S BURJ KHALIFA IS TESTAMENT TO THE DESIGNER’S GREAT SENSE OF STYLE AND HIS FIRST FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF HOTELS. COULD THIS BE THE BEST-LOOKING HOTEL IN DUBAI, WONDERS JOLA CHUDY

Enter the lobby of Giorgio Armani’s

brand new Dubai Hotel, with its

hallowed copper arches and you’ll be

hard-pressed to get the attention of a

receptionist.

That’s because there aren’t any.

Instead, a group of fresh-faced, black-

suited young model types loiters in the

foyer waiting to pounce on your every

need. They’re ‘Lifestyle Managers’.

This is the first clue that perhaps the

lavishness that typifies Dubai (even

post-crash) hasn’t quite reached its

zenith. Instead, at the Armani Hotel

Dubai, luxurious service has had its

bar not so much raised as carefully

swathed in a layer of expensive silk

fabric and accessorised with an orange

cushion.

Just beyond the lobby, in discreet

alcoves, guests can purchase Giorgio

Armani chocolates, jams, fruit jellies

and designer flowers. Along a display

wall is a series of one-off Giorgio rings,

bags and jewellery items, locked away

in glass cubes. Press your nose against

these like a hungry orphan, because

that’s as close as you’ll get. They

are only available to buy by select

invitation, perhaps if Armani himself

thinks you stylish enough to own one. If

you don’t want a slice of Armani Privé

haute design, the one-of-its-kind-in-

the-entire-universe baubles will be

offered to the next person on the list.

Welcome to Armani Hotel Dubai,

recession-proof and fabulous.

The entrance screams style, albeit in

muted, neutral tones, this is where

Dubai’s most stylish come to see and

be seen. Like the supermodels of

Milan, the hotel has personally felt

the magic touch of Armani, from the

chunky dark wood coffee tables to the

warm taupe and beige sofas. The gold

knives and forks in the restaurants

bear his insignia and the soaps in the

rooms bear the shape of a lucky pebble

that Mr Armani plucked to fame from

among millions lying on a beach.

Armani’s touch is everywhere: from

the entrance archways down to the

bed and floor covering. It is sleek,

monochrome minimalism.

And there are no door handles: until

you’ve gotten used to the sleek curves

and cornerless, undulating walls, you

may find yourself a bit stuck if you

need to open a door. Of course, one of

the lifestyle managers will no doubt

PLACES

23

24

PLACES

25

be on hand instantly to open

doors, and metaphorically too:

whether you want a VIP booth

at the hotel’s exclusive Privé

nightclub or just a one-on-one

at one of Dubai Mall boutiques,

this new wave of concierge

are on hand to cater to every

whim. It’s part of the ‘Stay with

Armani’ ethos, to cater for every

need from reservation (online

at www.armanihotels.com)

to departure and it carries on

throughout the hotel.

The hotel itself occupies three

wings that roughly follow the

‘petal’ shape of the mothership,

sorry, Burj. Nearly five years in

the planning, the 160 rooms and

suites occupy the first 8 floors of

the hotel, plus levels 39 and 39.

The design is a celebration of

Armani’s minimalist opulence,

with Eramosa stone floors,

forests worth of dark wood

panelling and warm browns

and beiges everywhere. The

walls are covered with silky

fabric that dares a small child

to go anywhere near it with

dirty fingers.

Downstairs, the gym has two

personal trainers on hand at

any time, and even the spa

is all about that endlessly

fascinating concept, you. It is

a beautiful, masculine space,

with a Zen-like quality: the

monochrome and low lighting

is a powerful mood enhancer.

And it is no longer sufficient

to book oneself in for a mere

treatment. At the Armani hotel,

guests consult with the spa

therapist and a treatment is

created on the spot, with length

and style decided to suit each

client. There are eight rooms

in which to enjoy your one-of-

a-kind treatment, as well as

saunas, steam room and an ice

fountain shower.

Dining at the hotel is divided

into eight places to eat, drink

or perch fashionably over

coffees. There are Japanese,

Mediterranean, Indian

restaurants and naturally

enough, the signature fine

dining eatery is Italian,

Ristorante. Here, diners sit

in comfortably plush booths

(somehow the décor inspires

one not to slouch too much) and

rhapsodise over beautifully

created dishes like fillet of sea

bass with braised artichokes,

or plump, giant prawns with

cannellini beans. A saffron

risotto with osso bucco and

truffle shavings is superlative,

and even the hand-baked

bread basket that comes

round invites gluttony and

compliments in equal measure.

Of course, this kind of high-end

dining doesn’t come cheap,

but it’s not aimed at the budget

market.

Both exclusive and security-

conscious, punters can’t just

rock up to the hotel and have

a wander round, which is

fair enough. But one of the

2626

PLACES

Tall OrderGarnering almost as many column inches as its 808-metre height, the Burj Khalifa opened to a fanfare, vertical fireworks and a glamour-studded party on January 4, 2010. And then, it promptly closed a few weeks later for maintenance. With anticipation at fever pitch, the world’s tallest tower is now firmly open for business, with the observation deck and fine dining restaurant Atmosphere on floor 122 offering bird’s eye view of Dubai. Home to the Armani Hotel, the Burj Khalifa stands at the epicentre of Downtown Burj Dubai, a residential, shopping and business complex that is also home to another world-beater, the Dubai Mall, as well as Arabian-esque hotels including The Palace and Al Manzil Hotel, and the art-deco inspired pantheon to interior design that is The Address Hotel. Restaurants, shops and malls dot the neighbourhood and it’s a superb part of the city to explore on foot. Plus, the Burj Khalifa is an extremely handy landmark if you happen to get lost, as you can see it for miles.

best reasons to just rock up

is hidden inside the hotel:

the Armani Peck Deli. A

favourite local delicatessen

of Mr Armani’s, the designer

is a regular there for olive

oils and cheeses and was so

enamoured of the business

that he brought it over to his

new hotel. Dubai lacks a bit

in the deli department: you

might be forgiven for thinking,

if you’d never left the city, that

Kraft was a real cheese. Here,

delicately, gloriously non-

carbon neutral pastries, pastas

and sauces are flown in fresh

and many raw ingredients

come directly from Italy: giant

slabs of creamy Tallegio,

freshly made pasta, and home-

made lasagnes you can eat on

site or take away.

Yes, more than five years in

the planning, the Armani

Hotel at the Burj Khalifa is

finally open to visitors. It is

the first foray of designer

Giorgio Armani (his second is

to open in Milan in 2011) and

has been created in conjuction

with master-developer Emaar.

Standing at the epicentre

of the bustling DownTown

district (also an Emaar

creation), the Burj Khalifa

points in the same direction as

Dubai’s relentless ambition.

The hotel’s opening party was

heralded by a certain level of

anxiety among Dubai’s party

people – would an exclusive

invitation grant them access

to the party attended by the

ultra-tanned, white-haired

godfather of Italian design

himself? More than 100 people

attended the event on April

27, which had originally been

scheduled for earlier in the

month but postponed due to

a particularly inconsiderate

volcano in Iceland.

Giorgio spoke at the party,

saying “It has long been

my dream to have a hotel in

which I myself would like to

stay.” You and the rest of us,

Giorgio

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani (left) and Emaar Properties Chairman Mohamed Alabbar cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony of the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa.

y o u d o n ’ t d r i v e i t, y o u u n l e a s h i t.

BENTLEY OMAN Rumailah Street , PO Box 1620, Wattayah 112, Sultanate of Oman, For information call +968 24 584 500 or visit www.bentleyoman.com

BENTLE Y OMAN

The Supersports is the extreme Bentley – a true driver’s car that combines

iconic GT styling with supercar potency. The 621bhp (630PS) engine

provides a remarkable 590lb ft (800Nm) of torque, propelling you from

a standstill to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds (0–100km/h 3.9 seconds), with

a top speed of 204 mph. For details on the extreme Bentley, please go to

www.bentleymotors.com

Fuel economy figures for the Continental Supersports Coupé

in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.5); Extra Urban 24.3 (11.6); Combined

17.0 (16.7). CO2 emissions (g/km): 388.

FEATURE

28

IL NUOVO CAVALLO ITALIANOTHE FERRARI 458 ITALIA IS A COMPLETELY NEW CAR FROM EVERY POINT OF VIEW: ENGINE, DESIGN, AERODYNAMICS, HANDLING, INSTRUMENTATION AND ERGONOMICS, JUST TO NAME A FEW, SAYS MALCOLM XAVIER CRASTA

29

30

FEATURE

While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s

equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history,

certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current

range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia,

which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous

mid rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion

and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as

a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add

the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing

the displacement and number of cylinders. The two-seater

berlinetta, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars,

benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience.

Every Ferrari is the result of an uncompromising design

approach that integrates styling and aerodynamic requirements.

The Pininfarina design features compact, aerodynamic lines,

underscoring the concepts of performance-oriented efficiency

that inspired the project.

Starting from the front, the nose features a single opening for the

front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and

31

profiles designed to direct air

to the coolant radiators and the

new flat underbody. The nose

also sports small aeroelastic

winglets which generate

downforce and, as speed rises,

deform to reduce the section

of the radiator intake and cut

drag. The oil radiators for the

F1 gearbox and the dual-clutch

are situated in the tail and

air is fed from two intakes

on the top of the rear wings.

This solution provides a base

bleed effect, an aerodynamic

function that was developed

by Ferrari for the FXX and

which reduces drag by feeding

the hot air out of the radiators

under the nolder and into the

slip stream. The flat underbody

now incorporates the air

intakes for engine bay cooling.

These are positioned ahead of

the rear wheelarches where

they use pressure differences

to efficiently channel air flow

to the engine bay, at the same

time generating more rear

downforce.

The car’s sills are

characterised by two keel

forms that act as fairings to

the rear wheels, while the rear

bodywork between the rear

diffusers acts as the surround

to the novel triple exhaust

tail pipes, a styling cue that

recalls the legendary F40

and gives the 458 Italia’s tail

an aggressive sporty stance.

And the engine, in mid-rear

V8 Ferrari tradition, is visible

below the engine cover.

Inside, working closely with

the Ferrari Styling Centre, the

engineers have completely

reinterpreted the positioning

of the major commands

to provide a truly driver-

oriented cockpit. All steering-

column mounted stalks have

been eliminated, with the

indicators, full beam, flash and

windscreen wiper functions

now being activated by

buttons on the steering wheel

boss. The button to select

the shock absorber setting

is now positioned next to the

‘Engine start’ button where it

falls readily to hand. Behind

the wheel are a number of

secondary functions, such as

the stereo, while the gearbox

paddles are now longer

making shifts even easier from

any steering angle.

The right-hand satellite pod on

the dash incorporates controls

for the infotainment, the

Bluetooth connection, sat-nav,

digital speedometer and rear

parking camera. Clustered

on the left-hand satellite pod

are the optional cruise control,

buttons for choosing the video

setting of the left-hand dash

TFT screen and the on-board

computer interface. The latter

controls the trip computer, the

Vehicle Dynamic Assistance

and the display of the car’s

set-up. The Vehicle Dynamic

Assistance monitors the

operating parameters of the

most important areas of the

car - engine/gearbox, tyres

and brakes. When enabled, it

provides visual confirmation of

32

the status of each component

enabling the driver to assess

the ideal operating conditions

for the car.

The new 4499cc V8 is the first

Ferrari direct injection engine

to be mid-rear mounted. It

delivers 570hp at 9000 rpm and,

with an outstanding power

output of 127hp/litre, sets a

new benchmark not only for

the whole Ferrari range and

the history of company, but

also for the entire market

segment. Maximum torque is

540Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per

cent of which is available from

3250 rpm. The car’s soundtrack

is also typical Ferrari, with

an exciting, powerful growl

emerging from the engine

before it channels through

to the exhaust’s three rear

tailpipes.

One of the important novelties

on the 458 Italia is the

introduction of the 7-speed F1

dual-clutch gearbox which

guarantees faster yet smoother

changes. The technology is

based on the independent

management of even and odd

gears which are pre-selected

using two separate input

shafts. The gear shifting time

(the overlap between the

opening and closing phases

of the two clutches) is zero and

thus there is no interruption

of engine torque to the driven

wheels. Compared to the

California gearbox, response

times have been reduced and

the 458 Italia has specific,

sportier gear ratios to match

the power and torque curves of

the new V8, guaranteeing high

torque even at lower revs. The

E-Diff 3 electronic differential

has also been integrated into

the gearbox, resulting in a

more compact and lighter unit.

This new Ferrari is also a

major leap forward when it

comes to cutting emissions.

Despite the fact that the new

engine is significantly more

powerful than the V8s that

preceded it, the Ferrari 458

Italia produces just 320 g/km

of CO2 and fuel consumption

is 13.7 l/100 km (combined

cycle), the best in the entire

segment. The engineers also

focused on weight reduction

during the design phase for

similar reasons. Consequently,

the Ferrari 458 Italia has a

dry weight of 1380 kg with a

power-to-weight ratio of 2.42

kg/hp. Weight distribution is

also optimal with 58 per cent

over the rear axle. The result

of the engineers’ endeavours

can be summed up in to

two simple statistics which

together perfectly encapsulate

the Ferrari 458 Italia’s

exceptional performance: 0-100

km/h acceleration in under

3.4 seconds and a maximum

speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis,

once more in aluminium,

Maranello’s engineers

incorporated various types of

advanced alloys along with

aerospace industry-derived

manufacturing and bonding

techniques. With regard to

vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari

458 Italia’s suspension features

twin wishbones at the front

and a multi-link set-up at

the rear tuned for maximum

road holding and superlative

handling. Along with a more

direct steering ratio, the 458

Italia thus offers extremely

rapid turn-in and body control

whilst maintaining superior

ride comfort. The evolution of

the control logic, with even

faster and more accurate

calculation of levels of grip,

ensures even greater road

holding, better handling and

ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs

the high-performance ABS,

providing even more precise

control. The brakes also

feature a prefill function

whereby the pistons in the

callipers move the pads into

contact with the discs on lift

off to minimise delay in the

brakes being applied. This

combined with the ABS has

cut the 100-0 km/h braking

distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia,

Maranello has brought a

highly distinctive new car

to its 8- cylinder range. The

company now offers two

models that share a common,

race-derived DNA, both

exceptionally sporty and fun to

drive in true Ferrari tradition,

but aimed at two very different

kinds of client. While the

Ferrari California was created

for owners requiring a more

versatile sports car with a

practical edge, the 458 Italia is

designed for owners for whom

the priority is uncompromising

on-road performance

with occasional track day

capability, but who still

demand a car that is useable

in day-to-day driving like all

Ferrari’s recent models.

33

SIGNATURE: What effect did the recent

Financial crisis have on Ferrari globally and the

region?

PIETRO: Locally the results were excellent. Just

to give you an idea, last year the Middle East

and Africa region, despite all the problems, has

grown by 30 per cent in terms of sales volumes.

Even on whole, Ferrari performed quite well

namely because of the brand’s policy to keep its

exclusivity by only building cars to order. There

is also a buffer which helps us perform very

well even when the economy is not at its best.

Overall last year Ferrari delivered over 6000

cars and was only five per cent short of the

historical record figure of 2008.

S: How much of an impact do you expect the

California and the 458 Italia to have on sales?

P: It is a privilege to work for a company that has

such a strong product range. Two of our models

are extremely new, California was introduced

in the GCC market only in the second half of

last year so it is a very new model and the 458

has just arrived. These two are extremely strong

models with very different characteristics, suitable

for different types of customers vastly broadening

the customer base for the brand. This is the best

thing that I could ask for when you considering

my position because working with such strong

products makes my job that much easier.

S: With growing concerns for the environment

and increasingly stringent emission requirements,

what are Ferrari’s plans for the future?

P: As you may already know, we recently

launched the HY-KERS at the Geneva auto

show, which is a version of the 599 with hybrid

technology. While it is a concept car and is

not intended to be delivered to the market,

it shows that Ferrari is active in developing

new technologies to move towards more

environmentally friendly products, although

without compromising on performance. Whether

this will be the technology that Ferrari will apply

in their future cars is something I cannot confirm,

because this decision falls on the strategies of

the R&D department, there is definitely a strong

interest for Ferrari to develop such technologies.

In fact this commitment goes back a few years

when Ferrari first claimed to be very active in

reducing weight, reducing drag and increasing

the efficiency of their cars. You can even see

this in the new 458 italia where the level of

emissions and fuel consumption, in comparison

to its predecessor the F430, has improved by a

significant margin. This is thanks to a host of new

technologies, reduction in weight and improved

aerodynamics. As such there are several aspects

in terms of technology that show our commitment

to environmentally friendly products.

S: What sort of steps has Ferrari taken to improve

on the reliability and day-to-day usability of their

vehicles?

P: I think that reliability has never been an issue

for Ferrari because our cars comply with the

highest standards of reliability from every point of

view and furthermore the quality of our products,

since the early nineties, has dramatically

improved. The cars are now not only more reliable

but also easier to own thanks to improvements

in running costs. It has also become a car that

almost anybody can drive, even for daily use. This

shows that reliability is there and peace-of-mind

for the customer is present due to the advanced

technology present in our products and also the

improved level of service we are able to deliver

worldwide.

S: What are Ferrari’s plans to grow and improve

its market-share in the Middle East?

P: The Middle East is a strategic market for us.

One of the reasons why we could weather the

storm is because of the diversification across

different markets and the Middle East was a

heavy contributor in this strategy. But we see

further potential and a lot of enthusiasm by the

clients, who are becoming more sophisticated,

demanding and understanding of the product.

This is exactly what we want because we now

have a range that is targeting different types of

clients and in this region and we have a greater

potential to expand.

Italian by birth, Pietro graduated in Business Administration and started his career in a publishing company. He then moved to a telecommunications

company and finally to Ferrari around 12 years ago. “I spent the first seven years at Maranello at the Factory, where I worked for several departments,” says Pietro.

After his stint at the factory he moved to China to start up the business for Ferrari in the China and Asia

Pacific regions. He was based in Shanghai for the first two years developing the mainland Chinese market

and the last three years developing the market for the rest of Asia including Korea, Japan, Australia and New

Zealand. He then moved to Dubai to take care of the market in the Middle East and Africa, just two months

ago.

Reining in the future

INTERVIEW

34

GOLF

35

Designson Golf

Greg Norman’s passion for golf goes beyond playing the game. It also involves designing some of the best golf courses in the world, says Deepa Rajan

The Shark needs no

introductions. Australian Greg

Norman has been one of the

most prolific international

players ever in the game’s

history. In addition to being the

number one ranked player for

331 consecutive weeks, Norman

maintained active membership

of the US, European and

Australasian Tours. Today a

major sporting icon turned

business brand, Greg Norman

is very much a pro at managing

business success as much he

is a master of the Greens. His

company, Great White Shark

Enterprises, primarily focuses

around golf and lifestyle.

Established in 1993, Great

White Shark Enterprises is the

parent company to various

entities including Greg

Norman Golf Course Design,

which is recognised as one of

the premier signature design

groups in the world.

The legendary golfer was in

town recently to inspect the

Sultanate’s first sea facing PGA

links-style golf course being

designed by Greg Norman Golf

Course Design at The Wave,

Muscat. He spoke exclusively

to Signature on golf and his

golf course design company...

You played rugby, cricket and were a surfer, yet you chose golfing... Golf was something I took to

very naturally. I excelled at golf

in a much shorter period of time

than other sports. The balance

and hand-eye coordination I

developed playing other sports

certainly contributed, but the

first time I picked up a golf club

I remember it actually felt like

it belonged in my hands.

The story goes that a tour pro once told you to go back Down Under when you started playing in the US. Who would Greg Norman have been if he had taken that advice?

I think I would have still

been an accomplished player

because I loved the game so

much. But I don’t think I would

have ever achieved anything

close to the level of success

I did without facing the best

competition in the world as I

did in America.

From the Greens to the boardroom, how did Great White Shark Enterprises come about? When I was in my thirties

I started thinking about

my future and what I could

possibly do beyond the golf

course. There were also a

few decisions I made from

a business perspective with

endorsement deals that

gave me the experience and

confidence that I needed to

start building a successful

36

enterprise. I was inspired

by my desire to control my

own destiny and I’ve always

focused on opportunities that

appeal to me personally and

are a true reflection of my own

lifestyle.

Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) is part of the Great White Shark Enterprises. Can you tell us something about it?I am probably the most

passionate about my golf

course design business. It

really suits my lifestyle and I

love the idea of being able to

bring golf to parts of the world

that you never thought it would

exist. I’ve worked hard at it and

have a great team of guys that

understand my philosophies

and concepts to a degree that

we practically know what

each other is thinking when

we look at a piece of property

that we’re working on. We now

have over 70 courses open for

play throughout the world with

another 40 or so under contract.

It’s very rewarding and a

great way to leave a legacy

far beyond your years on this

earth.

What attracted you to designing a course for The Wave, Muscat and Oman? There is a small

golf scene in Oman, and is it exciting to be able to play a part in creating something completely new for avid golfers to enjoy? I have to say that I fell in love

with Oman the first time I

came here in 2006. I had been

coming to the Middle East for

years prior, but I had never

seen a place with this much

natural beauty. We toured the

site, went into old Muscat and

then took a tour through the

mountains. It was spectacular.

As I said earlier, it’s always

exciting when you can be

a part of introducing golf to

a new area, but to have the

opportunity to do it in a place

this beautiful is really special.

Muscat Hills, the first green course in Oman, suffered a lot of problems associated with grass diseases when it was bedding down. How will your course hope to mitigate the effects of similar problems? Do you need to use pesticides and chemicals? You always have to be able to

adapt to the various climates

throughout the world. I don’t

know a lot about the situation

at Muscat Hills, but our

research and past experience

tells us that Paspalum grass

is the best option for The

Wave, Muscat. Part of that is

due to the soil conditions and

the other is that it’s a seaside

course and salt intrusion

will always be a factor. The

benefit of that is that the salts

actually reduce the amount

of herbicides and pesticides

you have to use. Maintaining

grass on a golf course can be

challenging in any situation

because there are so many

variables. For instance, the

holes fronting the ocean

at The Wave, Muscat will

probably require a completely

different programme than

the inland holes surrounded

by dunes. The key is having

a superintendent who

understands how to adapt to

each individual micro-climate

within the course.

What will your course be tailored towards? Is this one for the drivers, or can a good iron player make his way around? Are we looking at a links style course that follows the contours of the landscape, or are we going to see something more manicured like in the US? I would say it’s a hybrid of all

of those. There is good variety

out there. Some holes reward

length and others require

accuracy. The sandy soil

will provide a hard and fast

playing surface much like a

links course and the dunes will

be covered with a mixture of

native vegetation. The contrast

between the dune areas and

maintained turf will be pretty

dramatic, but we’ve worked

hard to keep it playable for

those just learning the game.

With the intense heat of the GCC, how are you going to be able to keep the grass fresh and green? Are there special techniques that can be adopted, or is it a case of very intensive watering? Again, the Paspalum has

proven to perform very well in

hot temperatures and it doesn’t

require an exorbitant amount

of water to keep it healthy.

Finally, five pre-requisites to becoming a good golfer, according to Greg Norman

Commitment, discipline,

perseverance, patience. Oh,

and number five...a good

attitude!

GOLF

38

FASHION

The Art of Fashion

Master craftsman Rami Al Ali is a sartorial force to reckon with, says Deepa Rajan

39

You can call him a master craftsman

or you can call him a fashion

magician. For, Rami Al Ali is indeed

the epitome of sartorial magnificence

that leaves you spellbound. At once

a Western dazzle blended with

the allure of Eastern femininity, his

exclusive creations have graced the

AltaRoma Alta Moda catwalks and

have clothed many a celebrities on

the red carpet.

Born and brought up in Syria, Al Ali

established his couture house in

2001 in Dubai. Rest as the cliché

goes is history. Soon, he was

being talked about amongst his

peers for his interpretation of the

classic shapes. In 2007, he was

selected to open for Abu Dhabi’s

first Fashion Week alongside

fashion idol Valentino. His specially

commissioned wedding gown for

the cover of Swarovski’s coveted

publication, ‘Unbridaled: The

Marriage of Tradition and Avant

Garde’ made Al Ali a fashion force to

reckon with.

Rami Al Ali speaks exclusively to

Signature on all things fashion...

“What I like most about fashion is being able to translate emotions and feelings and transform

it into colours and shapes, it’s like drawing a painting or composing

a piece of music…..it’s purely art.”

How did you decide that you wanted to become a designer?I have always been fascinated

with fashion. From very early on

I knew I wanted to be creative as

I had a good eye when it came to

art and fashion. I was constantly

experimenting with all sorts of

art materials, creating pieces,

sketching and just exploring

my talents, although I was not

totally converted to fashion. That

happened only after I graduated

– I realised then that fashion was

the career choice. I suppose by

designing dresses for my close

friends and family, I realised my

own creativity and decided to

enhance that. Even though, I was

40

FASHION

not committed to pursuing a

career in fashion at this stage.

The whole experience was

very light-hearted and fun

as my friends kept throwing

new challenges at me, I had

to keep it going and take each

challenge head on. I guess

indirectly they were trying to

show me where my heart really

was when it came to career

choices and that really became

the catalyst for me.

When you create something, what goes through your mind?As a fashion designer, one of

the many things that I focus

on when designing a gown,

is making sure that it gets

the attention of its audience.

I design for a woman who is

confident enough to carry the

dress with all its grandeur. My

client needs to be confident

that the dress is a perfect fit

that compliments her shape,

her complexion and gains

great reviews.

What’s your favourite part about conceptualising a design? The end result is definitely

the most important awaited

outcome. It literary translates

the sketch into actual amazing

gown, or not at all. In all cases,

I try always to be sure of my

sketches and how they’ll turn

out to be on the fabrics.

What goes into a preparation of a season’s collection?First I look for the idea and the

inspiration behind the idea two

season in advance, once I set

my mind on a certain theme for

the collection with the support

of my creative team, we start

41

our research and setting up

the theme board including

the colours, the story behind

the collection, creating the

fabric that matches the theme,

establishing the visual effects

of colour / fabrics, trying out

multiple techniques until we

decide on the final ones that

we’re going to be using, and of

course having the sketches of

the gowns ready for trial. The

collection is then ready to be

created from the evening gown

to the wedding ones.

You serve a wide range of colours and designs; when a woman is looking for something suitable to wear, how should they choose the outfit most suitable for them?Every woman understands her

body, her measurements, and

realises quite well what looks

good on her, by instinct. My

job as a couturier is to help her

see that and explore with her

through the variety of fabrics,

colours and cuts, the most

convenient for her body, looks

and age. For me, every woman

is beautiful and feminine in her

own way.

What’s exciting right now in the world of fashion?The fashion scene has become

more a prominent aspect in

our modern life. Either in its

everyday wear or evening

wear, luxury couture or sports

clothes. However, it has

become more acceptable to the

clients taste than before, more

realistic. On the other hand,

there are lots of new interesting

talents proving themselves

on the International fashion

platform, carrying innovative

ideas to the couture industry

The Rami Al Ali woman:

Is typically Mediterranean,

sophisticated, elitist, intricate, graceful and

very refined.

42

PEOPLE

Thelanguage of food

Food is a source of communication for Executive

Chef Umberto Vezzoli, discovers Deepa Rajan

43

He had Madonna and the

Beckhams eating out of his

hands, and yet this divinely

talented chef says his most

challenging dish ever was a

spaghetti dish for the Italian

president. “The president is

from Naples and likes his pasta

al dente (Cooked enough to

be firm but not soft) and also

the tomato sauce had to be the

right proportion. As simple as

the dish sounded, it was not

easy. In short it’s very difficult to cook simple things,” says chef Umberto

Vezzoli, who was here at Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat

recently.

Born in Brescia (in the region of Lombardy, northern Italy), Vezzoli

decided to become a chef when he was still a student. “It also helped

that my childhood friend was a restaurateur’s son.” This led him to take

a course at the Professional institute for hotel services and refreshment.

“The most exciting aspect of becoming a chef was the fact that I could

travel around the world and learn different food cultures,” says Vezzoli.

And, that is exactly what Vezzoli did. The culinary experience that

Vezzoli brings to a table today comes from not just working in most

of Italy, but other parts of the globe too (from Berlin to Japan, where

he worked for two years, New York, Los Angeles and Budapest). His

experience as executive chef includes stints in some of the most

important hotels in Italy: from the Palace in Milan to the St. Regis in

Rome, and his international experiences include two years as the chef/

owner of the Fiore Restaurant in London, once owned by the legendary

Gordon Ramsay.

He also spent a whole year at Milan’s famous Dolce & Gabbana

restaurant, Gold, before taking over as the new executive chef of the

InterContinental De La Ville, Rome. It is no wonder then that Ciro

Verrocchi, the General Manager of InterContinental De La Ville, feels

that having a chef of Vezzoli’s calibre as part of the team is a source of

great pride and calls him a “stimulating influence to the kitchen”.

Indeed! What else can you expect from a man who has constantly

scaled heights of success, from gaining a Michelin star in 1991 for the

Casanova Grill at the Hotel Palace in Milan to overseeing the state

banquets and private functions at the Palazzo del Quirinale, the Rome

residence of the Italian President. He has also won prizes and consulted

for hotel groups in Bali, Mombassa and Tokyo, among other places,

and has even been a consultant chef to the Royal Palace of the King of

Morocco.

Today, Vezzoli is a name to reckon with, but who was his inspiration?

“Valentino Lazzarini, a chef and also my teacher inspired me a lot. Also

my curiosity and will to transform ingredients into delicious dishes has

had a major role to play,” he quips.

His travels across the world have also been a major influence. Says

Vezzoli: “My stint in Japan has influenced my cooking style a lot,

44

ANY CUISINE NOT ATTEMPTED

YET: “Vietnamese cooking...It

fascinates me.”

A SUCCESSFUL CHEF IS

SOMEONE...“who has intellectual and

professional honesty, creativity, food culture, and

an open mind.”

THE CHEF’S FAVOURITE

Pappardelle (big noodles) pan fried with prawns and

zucchini (Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:70gms of big noodles;

3 Prawn tails; 50 gms of Courgettes (zucchini); 10gms

of fish stock; 50 gms of tomato sauce; 5 basil leaves; 10 gms of olive oil; 50gms of butter; Salt and pepper

to taste

METHOD: Boil the big noodles ‘al

dente’. Place in a pan all ingredients (cold): prawns,

courgettes (julienne-braised), tomato sauce, oil, fish stock and start cooking. When the pasta is ready, put all on the fire and mix with butter and

salt. Garnish with basil leaves.

especially when it comes to

respecting the quality of the

ingredients and presentation of

the dish.”

Perhaps that is the reason

why Vezzoli believes that an

eco-friendly way of cooking is

the real foundation to adding

authenticity to a meal. Quiz

him on whether he feels the

same about the concept of

molecular gastronomy that

is becoming increasingly

popular as haute cuisine,

he says: “The concept is an

attempt at creating a balance

between taste and health,

but sometimes even though

the dishes are nice, they are

not really tasty and without

any culture attached.” So,

does he incorporate these

concepts in the Italian way

of cooking? “These concepts

can be incorporated, albeit

minimally. This is also

considering the fact that

people often ask me to prepare

authentic, Mediterranean,

Italian and regional dishes.

Without any doubt, innovation

is always a positive thing, but

it is important learning how to

manage it.”

Vezzoli compares haute

cuisine concepts to that of

classical music. “The greats

such as Verdi, Vivaldi, Mozart,

Puccini will always have a

charm, even if a certain period

of time has passed. It depends

on what people really want to

listen to. It is the same with

food. Of course, the positive

thing about concepts such as

molecular cooking is that we

can decide how to impress our

clients and ourselves at the

same time.”

But all said and done,

according to the chef:

“Food for me is essentially

a communication and an

inspirational source to allow

people to meet each other.”

We are sure that Vezzoli’s food

does exactly that and more!

Celebrating the Green Cause

The first Oman Green Awards (OGA) awards will honour, appreciate and promote voluntary efforts and achievements by organisations big and small

The first Oman Green

Awards (OGA) awards are

finally here! Being held on

World Environment Day to

celebrate the achievements of

organisations and individuals,

the event will provide a

platform for green groups to

create awareness, bring about

concerted action through

exchange of ideas, and propel

others to come forth and

participate in this social cause.

As the country’s first

Environmental Awards, OGA

has been created to awaken

the eco-consciousness in

every Omani citizen and

resident. The ultimate aim is to

motivate behavioural change

and increase awareness in

relation to the protection

and preservation of our

environment.

A large number of entries

have been received, both from

companies and individuals,

in all the eight categories and

the results will be announced

at a grand function being held

at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah

Resort & Spa, Muscat on June 5.

Speaking about the steady

stream of entries, Alpana Roy

– Executive Vice President,

United Media Services (UMS)

– said: “As a media house,

UMS has the strength to get

the ‘green message’ out and

we feel it is our responsibility

to make sure it’s the right

message. Therefore, as

part of our corporate social

responsibility, we are delighted

to be offering this national

platform to popularise the

initiatives and achievements

of companies and individuals

of Oman, not only to celebrate

these efforts, but also to inspire

others to make a contribution.”

Given the number of entries

received, an eminent panel

of judges has been appointed

to conduct a detailed scrutiny

for the eight categories.

The judges include Ali Al

Kiyumi, Director-General for

Nature Conservation from

Ministry of Environment and

Climate Affairs; Dr Reginald

Victor, Dean of Research,

Sultan Qaboos University;

Dr Salim Al Wahaibi,

Director of the Environmental

and Occupational Health

Department, Ministry of

Health; Mayank Singh, Group

Editor, UMS and Editor,

Oman Economic Review; and

Nida El Helou, Consultant,

Environment Society of Oman.

Speaking about the panel

of judges, Roy said, “We are

indeed grateful that such

luminaries have agreed to be

part of the evaluation process.

Now, it’s not just winning an

award that will matter; we can

also expect a large number of

recommendations, on the way

forward, to come out of the

assessment of the entries.”

The list of companies and

organisations that are

championing Oman’s green

cause are now listed on

the OGA website www.

oeronline.com/greenawards.

OGA’s Green Oman Partners

include Bahwan Engineering

Company-Carrier; Voltamp;

Oman Oil Marketing Company;

V-KOOL Oman; Shangri-La’s

Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa;

MB Petroleum; Panasonic

Ideas for Life. The Support

Partners are Majan Electricity,

Proscape Al Ansari, Oman

Printers and Stationers, Times

of Oman, Al Shabiba; Business

International Group (BIG); and

Oil & Gas Review

46

FOCUS

forever, TIFFANY

FOR THE PAST TWO CENTURIES, TIFFANY AND CO. HAS BEEN THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF GIFTS FOR LIFE’S MOST CHERISHED OCCASIONS...

TIFFANY® SETTING

ENGAGEMENT RINGThe Tiffany® Setting, a

design classic that holds the diamond away from the band on six prongs,

permitting a more complete return of light through the

diamond.Photo credit: Carlton Davis

47

They are mentioned in Marilyn

Monroe songs. They are so

famous that a 1971 Bond film

has a character named after

them. And, who can forget

Truman Capote’s 1958 novella,

whose title refers to their store.

In fact, the protagonist of the

novel calls it “the best place in

the world, where nothing bad

can take place”. What are we

talking about? Tiffany & Co, of

course!

The name began its journey to

fame in the year 1837, when 25-

year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany

and John B. Young, opened a

‘stationery and fancy goods’

store in New York with a $1,000

advance from Tiffany’s father.

At the new emporium at

259 Broadway, fashionable

ladies discovered a newly

emerging ‘American style’

that departed from European

design aesthetics. The young

entrepreneurs were inspired

by the natural world, which

they interpreted in exquisite

patterns of simplicity, harmony

and clarity. These soon became

the hallmarks of Tiffany design

that initially found resonance

in silver hollowware and

flatware, and later in jewellery.

The name Tiffany created

ripples internationally and

gained global recognition

at the Paris Exposition

Universelle in 1867. At the

event, the company was

awarded the grand prize for

silver craftsmanship, the

first time that an American

design house had been

so honoured by a foreign

jury. That the company was

hugely committed not only to

design aesthetics but strict

quality control as well was

THE TIFFANY® DIAMOND BIRD ON A

ROCK SETTINGThe Diamond in Jean

Schlumberger’s whimsical Bird on a Rock setting.Photo credit: Carlton Davis

48

reaffirmed by the fact that

Tiffany was also the first

American company to employ

the 925/1000 standard of silver

purity. Largely through the

efforts of Charles Lewis Tiffany,

this ratio was adopted by the

United States Congress as

the American sterling silver

standard.

The silver studio of Tiffany &

Co. was the foremost American

school of design and, as one

observer remarked, ‘a teacher

of art progress’. Apprentices

were encouraged to observe

and sketch nature, and to

explore the vast collections

of sketches and artwork

assembled by Edward C.

Moore, the head of the studio.

By 1870, Tiffany & Co. had

become America’s premier

purveyor of jewels and

timepieces as well as luxury

table, personal, and household

accessories. At the turn of the

20th century, the company

had more than one thousand

employees and branches in

London, Paris, and Geneva.

In 1878, Tiffany acquired one

of the world’s largest and

finest fancy yellow diamonds

from the Kimberley diamond

mines in South Africa. Under

the guidance of Tiffany’s

eminent gemologist, Dr. George

Frederick Kunz, the diamond

was cut from 287.42 carats to

128.54 carats with 82 facets

(most brilliant-cut diamonds

have only 58), which gave the

stone its legendary fire and

brilliance. Designated the

Tiffany Diamond, the stone

became an exemplary symbol

of Tiffany craftsmanship.

In the year 1886, Tiffany

introduced the engagement

THE NEW YORK FLAGSHIP STORE

In 1940, Tiffany & Co. moved to its current location at 727 Fifth Avenue, at the corner of

Fifty-seventh Street. The granite and limestone building, with Art Deco influences and stainless steel doors, is adorned with a

nine-foot bronzed figure of Atlas shouldering a clock.

Photo credit: © Andrew Bordwin

FOCUS

49

ring as we know it today —

the Tiffany® Setting— an

innovation that lifts the

diamond above the band with

six platinum prongs, allowing

a more complete return of light

from the stone and maximising

its brilliance.

Tiffany was also a show-

stopper at all exposition

extravaganzas that took

place in the last decades of

the 19th century and into the

20th in Paris, Chicago, Buffalo

and St. Louis. The company’s

exhibit at the 1889 Paris fair

was heralded as ‘the most

extraordinary collection of

jewels ever produced by an

American jewellery house’.

Tiffany produced an equally

praiseworthy collection for

the 1900 Paris fair, along with

magnificent silver pieces based

on Native American pottery

and basket designs. It was no

wonder then that Tiffany was

appointed as Imperial Jeweler

and Royal Jeweler to the

crowned heads of Europe, as

well as the Ottoman Emperor

and the Czar and Czarina of

Russia.

With the death of Charles

Lewis Tiffany in 1902, Louis

Comfort Tiffany, the founder’s

son, became Tiffany’s first

Director of Design. An entire

floor of Tiffany & Co. was

devoted to merchandise crafted

in the Tiffany Studios, Louis

Comfort Tiffany’s atelier. His

position as America’s leading

designer was well established

by 1882, when President

Chester Arthur invited him to

redecorate the White House.

By 1900, the younger Tiffany

was a world leader in the Art

Nouveau and Arts and Crafts

movements. The famed artist

created a remarkable range

of designs, from technically

brilliant leaded glass to

colourful Tiffany favrile glass,

and enamelled and painterly

jewels based on American

plants and flowers.

Throughout the jeweller’s

history, the most prominent

members of American

society were frequent Tiffany

customers. Vanderbilts, Astors,

Whitneys and Havemeyers,

as well as J.P. Morgan, F.

Scott Fitzgerald and Paul

Mellon, commissioned Tiffany

to produce gold and silver

services. Admirers of Lillian

Russell ordered a sterling

silver bicycle. President

Lincoln purchased a seed pearl

necklace for his wife, Mary

Todd Lincoln. And a young

Franklin Roosevelt purchased

a Tiffany engagement ring in

1904.

As the twentieth century

progressed, Tiffany designs

captured the spirit of the times,

from the extravagance of the

1920s to the modernism of the

1930s and the aerodynamic

age of the 1940s and 1950s.

Tiffany china set the stage

for White House dinners and

Tiffany jewels accented the

elegant clothes of the world’s

most glamorous women,

including Jacqueline Kennedy

Onassis, Babe Paley and

Diana Vreeland. Very often

world-renowned jeweller Jean

Schlumberger created their

jewellery. Hired in 1956 by

then Tiffany chairman Walter

Hoving, Schlumberger’s lavish,

nature-inspired jewels remain

the pride of Tiffany & Co.

Be it the Congressional Medal

of Honor, the United States’

highest military award or the

1885 redesign of the Great Seal

of the United States, which can

be seen on official government

documents as well as on the

one-dollar bill, Tiffany was

specially commissioned to

create them all.

In fact, Tiffany design

expertise was so much in

demand that even the National

Football League Super Bowl

Championship had the Vince

Lombardi Trophy specially

commissioned by them. Tiffany

has also had the distinction of

creating this original and well-

known design since the first

Super Bowl in 1967.

The brand’s legendary style is

perhaps best represented by its

annual Blue Book Collection,

initially published in 1845,

featuring Tiffany’s and the

world’s most spectacular and

glamorous jewels.

Over the past two centuries,

the brand has built an

international reputation as

a premier jeweller and the

ultimate source of gifts for life’s

most cherished occasions.

Whether it’s a milestone in the

life of a company or a family,

or an individual’s crowning

moment, you can always count

on a Tiffany gift wrapped in the

signature Tiffany Blue Box® to

add that extra touch of glamour

and class.

It’s a Tiffany after all!

TIFFANY BLUE BOX®In the late 1880s, a distinctive shade

of blue was chosen for use on Tiffany boxes, shopping bags and catalogues,

as well as in advertising and other promotional materials. Over time,

this lustrous color became so closely identified with Tiffany & Co. that it is today universally recognized as the trademark Tiffany Blue. No longer

merely a colour, the shade has made the Tiffany Blue Box® an icon signifying the excellence of all Tiffany & Co. designs.

Photo credit: © Tiffany and Company

The Tiffany & Co. range is available exclusively at Jawahir Oman, Qurum.

50

Coachella 2010 is an out of body experience, says Her Highness Muzna Al Said

MUSIC

Coachella is a three-day

annual music festival (April

16th-18) held at the Empire

Polo fields in Indio, California.

The festival, which began

around 1999, was founded by

Thomas T. Weir, leader of the

Hipster Command Center, and

organised by Goldenvoice.

The music genres known

to play here are alternative

rock, hip-hop and electronic.

However, more emerging

bands that play genres

including Indie, pop and

dance have performed in the

last couple years.

Coachella is organised in

such a way that there are

several tents and stages

spread out with music and

bands playing continuously

throughout the day and night.

It attracts music industry

people, celebrities, fans and

music lovers from all over the

world.

I purchased my tickets online

a couple months in advance,

which is the way to go about

it, because they sell out fast.

I upgraded my tickets to VIP

but the VIP tickets are not

particularly special. Would

I be linking arms with the

celebrity singers and rock

stars? No. Was I touching the

stage in a closed off red velvet

linked area all to myself? No.

However, I did have access to

two VIP areas, a place to rest

and regain my sanity from all

the people.

The layout of the Festival had

the Main Stage, Coachella

Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Gobi

Tent, Mojave Tent, Sahara Tent

and two VIP areas. The first

VIP area has ascending paved

steps with picnic benches

and grass area with full bar

service, gourmet food stands

and washrooms. This year the

second VIP area was held at

MUSICSonicCoachella 2010 is an out of body experience, says

Her Highness Muzna Al Said

Heaven

51

the Rose Garden, a fragrant,

lush and beautiful grassy

area, with a full bar service,

food and washrooms. There

were also platforms created

for live performances and

graffiti artwork and weird,

wonderful sculptures.

Friday’s headliner was

rapper and Hip-Hop artist

Jay-Z. LCD Soundsystem

(dance and punk band),

Them Crooked Vultures (a

collaboration of three famous

rock stars put together in

2009, John Paul Jones of Led

Zeppelin, Dave Grohl of The

Foo Fighters and Queens of

the Stone Age frontman Josh

Homme) put up an impressive

act. La Roux, the British Pop

princess, was also singing

the night away.

For the dance and electro

fans, Deadmau5 was

the main performance of

the night, mixing highly

anticipated club anthems.

Benny Bennassi, techno

DJ, could be heard from all

over the festival grounds

with high pitch synthesizers

and digital bass. Indie and

Alternative rock bands

included Imogen Heap from

the UK among many more

artists.

Of course, it was not easy

getting here. Friday was

spent in my car for five and

half hours in dense traffic.

Usually a 30 minute drive

between Palm Springs and

Indio, it was pure chaos on

this route. People, who ran

out of petrol, had to push

their cars to the venue. By

the time we got there it was

mayhem. We managed to

collect our wristbands, which

would be our entry for the

next three days of music

heaven and festival hell.

There were around 100,000

people on the fields the

entire weekend, give or

take a couple thousand per

day depending on the artist

playing. My friend and I

watched LCD soundsystem

perform some fantastic

electro/punk songs that

got your body moving. We

decided to leave before

Jay-Z arrived and the traffic

started. So, sadly we did not

see him, but heard him from

our car.

On Saturday, we made it to

the grounds by 4pm. We were

a group of six. Saturday’s

headliner sensation Muse

frontman Matt Bellamy is

described as a progressive

rock, classical and electronic

band. Dead Weather, an

American alternative rock

group with collaborative

artist Jack White (from the

White Stripes), Dean Fertita

Queens (Stone Age), Jack

Lawrence (The Raconteurs)

and Allison Mosshart (The

Kills) also rocked the night

along with American Indie

Rock band Gossip’s loud

and proud front woman Beth

Ditto. Moving on to electro/

pop, MGMT and British group

HOT CHIP, electro/indie rock

band were entertaining. DJ

David Guetta played the

dance tunes that night.

Kaskade, another DJ for the

Sahara dance music tent.

2 Many DJs, headed by two

brothers from Belgium David

and Stephen Dewaele, were

mixing it up electro style. The

list goes on…

Technology seemed to have

taken a break. Blackberries

and iphones were sending

delayed text messages.

People were not receiving

calls, were frantically trying

to text friends or get in touch

them. I could not meet with

two of my girlfriends because

my phone had completely

given up. But, what’s a little

bit of technology glitch, when

you can enjoy smashing

music. Along with three of my

friends, I did listen to three or

four bands and enjoy the rays

of the warm California sun.

By the evening, I went into

the Sahara tent to dance to

and hear Kaskade. Then I

followed my friends to the

Coachella stage where

MGMT were playing. Their

songs are catchy, fun and

dance-worthy. By the end

of the evening I was super

excited. I was going to see a

band that I had been waiting

to see for a long time. I was

still at the VIP picnic area

getting a drink, when I heard

the exuberant sounds of the

electric guitar, bass, drums

and keyboard.

I turned around and saw the

main stage covered with

huge, white lights shining

down and dashing across

the crowds of thousands of

people. The night was alive

with ‘Uprising’, the band’s

opening song. It was Muse.

They played several songs

from different albums,

including their newest

album, The Resistance.

The Muse performance

was hailed the best of the

entire Coachella festival by

radiobroadcasters, music

magazine critics, fans and

people who have never

seen them live before.

They rocked. The sound,

synchronicity, quality and

energy they emitted were

unbelievable! It was an out

of body experience for me.

It was Sunday, the last day at

Coachella and, I was still in

awe of Muse. However, there

were still a couple of bands

we had to see. Gorillaz,

virtual British-Pop band

created by Damon Albarn

from Blur and Dave Hewlett,

co-creator of comic book Tank

Girl, were the stars. Other

bands that were popular at

Coachella included Phoenix,

an alternative rock band

from France famous for their

song ‘1901’; Spoon, American

Indie rock band, famous for

their song ‘Don’t you Evah’;

Thom Yorke, lead vocalist

of Radiohead, 80s Hip Hop

group De La Soul, and soul

and funk legend Sly Stone,

and Orbital, British Indie-

electronic duo. Plastikman’s

music (Ritchie Hawtin is the

DJ behind this alias) is best

described as minimal techno

and dark, deep, electro beats

created by computer and

digital mixing equipment.

I was ready to go home,

but not before I had heard

Plastikman. A friend of mine

who works in the music

industry recommended that I

go and listen to this techno-

52

MUSIC

mixer genius. Throughout

the afternoon I chilled out to

music by Spoon and Phoenix.

By sundown, we trekked over

to the Sahara dance tent and

elbowed our way through the

jumping and gyrating party

people. It was an endless

sea of glow sticks and people

were smiling and whistling

at the stage. Orbital was

about to start. A huge digital

screen descended down from

the top of the stage and the

music started along with

visual futuristic images. They

played a mix of old electro

dance beats from the 90s.

Without further a due, about

forty five minutes later, the

internationally acclaimed

DJ Plastikman ticked onto

the screen with outstanding

psychedelic visuals and

a digital bass that rushed

through me from my toes up to

my head. The mixes and sets

were great and got everyone

dancing. I was impressed,

because this genre of music,

minimal techno, is rarely

played in the United States

and is not popular at all here.

It is very popular in the UK

and Europe.

Music festivals can be fun,

but they are not for everyone.

I have been to concerts to see

specific bands or musicians

that I like and music I like

to listen to, so I know what

people I am going to expect

to see in the audience. Music

Festivals like Coachella and

Reading Festival, UK are

exhausting, loud and crowded.

By no means are they safe for

children and family.

A music festival is a

place where people go to

enjoy themselves from the

everyday stresses of work,

home life or environment

and listen to real live music

and see performances in

an open space and share

the experience with one

another. It is unlike any other

experience I have ever had

in my life. Coachella had the

best line up of artists, sound

engineers, lighting, stage set

up and venue for this year’s

performances. I immediately

took note of the bands I saw

and downloaded hundreds of

new songs on itunes when I

got home. Coachella is one of

my favourite festivals and the

only one I have been to

so far

H.H Muzna Bint Kais Al Said

Born in London in 1985. Raised in the Sultanate of

Oman and educated in the UK and Oman.

“Motivated by creativity, I consider myself a free

spirit. I’m working towards my goal in life, my passion

that is Art.”

An offer so rare, you can only find it at

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

Sablah at Al Bandar

Introducing the Summer Escape Offer.

A package that allows you to experience 100% pure luxury, at just 50% of the published rate, including breakfast.

To enjoy 50% off published rates, call +968 2477 6262 or email: [email protected]

and quote ‘Summer Escape Offer’.

Al Husn courtyard Al Waha Pool

The offer is valid for residents of Oman only, from the 16 th of May to the 9 th September 2010. Commissionable at 10% to Bonafide Travel Agents. Terms and conditions apply

5454

an affair Glitz, Glamour and

Class: Signature Bahrain’s first birthday celebration was all this

and more...

Abdul Nabi Salman, His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Amri, Oman’s Ambassador to Bahrain & Vinod Thangoor, Operations Manager , UMS Bahrain

EVENT

55

to remember

The Al Noor Ballroom Ritz Carlton

Our sister publication,

Signature Bahrain, celebrated

its first birthday in style last

month. And, in true ‘signature’

style, it was an affair to

remember.

Held in the Al Noor ballroom

of the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa,

the event was as classy and

sophisticated as its attendees

that included His Excellency

Abdullah Mohammed Al Amiri,

Omani ambassador to Bahrain;

His Excellency Enrico Padula,

Italian ambassador to Bahrain;

Khalifa Abdulla Al Rumaihi,

Director Of Protocol, The

Court Of HRH Prime Minister;

Ece Ceteci, Vice President –

Country Human Resources;

R.Lakshmanan; CEO – Sakana

Holistic Solutions; Gregory

Brinkerhoff, CEO, First Leasing

Bank; Philiphe Calafat, Senior

Vice President – BNP Paribas;

Waleed M Sharif, MD – Sharif

Group; Abdul Wahab Al

Hawaj, General Manager – Al

Hawaj Group; Mark Neukomm,

General Manager – The Ritz

Carlton and Jurgen Baumhoff,

CEO – International Hotels

Establishment among others.

Signature Bahrain Assistant

Editor, Marie-Claire, took to the

stage to welcome the guests

before introducing Operations

Manager – UMS Bahrain,

Vinod Thangoor, who spoke

about the magazine and the

future of things to come. After

the speech, His Excellency

Abdullah Mohammed Al

Amiri unveiled the soon-to-

be-out ‘Bahrain on the Move’

publication.

Formalities over, it was party

time! Guests mingled with

each other while enjoying

a scrumptious selection of

canapés and beverages that

were the perfect prelude to

a platter of some of the most

delicious desserts, which

included both dark and milk

chocolate fountains with a

mountain of fresh fruit to dip

in them.

Adding to the bliss of food,

was the music by an elegant

three-piece classical band

comprising two violinists

and a pianist, who kept the

guests enchanted with a

wide selection of classical

music and modern classics.

A heavenly combination, one

might add!

There were also gifts galore

with a business card ‘lucky dip’

where guests had a chance to

win gifts ranging from meals

for two at the Ritz Carlton

to some luxuriously crafted

perfumes and cosmetics from

Al Hawaj, and of course the

much-coveted Bang & Olufsen

mobile phone.

As far as parties go, Signature

Bharain was one rocking event

and it would not have been

possible without our sponsors,

Bang & Olufsen, Al Hawaj,

Amouage, The Ritz Carlton,

A & E and The Radisson Blu

Hotels

56

CARS

SWATHED IN STYLE

57

INFINITI HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE ITS TOUGH BEGINNINGS AND HAS RISEN TO SUCCESS IN A MATTER OF JUST A FEW YEARS. THIS SUCCESS WAS NAMELY THANKS TO ONE MODEL THE G35. NOW, INFINITI HAS JUST UNVEILED THE LATEST

MODEL IN THE G COUPE LINEUP – THE G37 CABRIOLET

Infiniti was first introduced to

the world in 1989 in the United

States. As with Lexus, of

Toyota, and Acura, of Honda, its

primary purpose was to create

a new identity for Nissan to

sell premium vehicles, which

wouldn’t otherwise fit in with

Nissan’s more mainstream

image. The first car produced

by the marque was the Q45,

which was based on a shortened

wheelbase version of the Nissan

President. The Q45 included a

278 hp V8 engine, in addition to

four wheel steering and active

suspension system on the first

generation Q45t variant. In 1990,

the company introduced an all new 2-door model, the M30 coupe,

which was in production for just three years. Soon after the M30,

Infiniti launched two more models in the two years to follow, an

entry level G20 in 1991 and the edgeless and rounded J30 in 1992.

58

Infiniti sales were initially slow

and by the mid-1990s, Infiniti

was lagging behind Lexus and

Acura. By then the Q45 had

lost its popularity because it

has long since diverted from

its image of a sporty executive

sedan, having become a barely

recognizable, ponderously-

handling sedan that earned

the nickname “The Japanese

Lincoln”. In 1997, Infiniti

released the QX4, modifying

and adding luxurious

accommodations to the Nissan

Pathfinder. The decision to use

the smaller platform instead of

the larger Nissan Safari, made

Infiniti one of the first makers

(apart from SUV specialists,

Jeep and Land Rover) to offer

a mid-sized luxury SUV. Like a

traditional SUV, it was based

on a truck platform, which gave

it a competitive edge against

the competition thanks to its

off-roading abilities.

In 1999, Infiniti revived the G20,

based on the discontinued

JDM Nissan Primera, in a bid

to improve sales but ended up

unsuccessful. The company

also had a similar result with

the I30 in 1996, even after

major changes were done to its

appearance and performance

in later models. Things were

not looking too good for Infiniti

and by 2000 and the company

was actually facing extinction.

In a last bid effort to keep

the brand moving, Infiniti

completely redesigned Q45

flagship for the 2002 model

year. But it wasn’t this model

that changed the fate of Infiniti

forever; it was the 2003 model

year G35. A sports sedan far

exceeding the capabilities of

its Primera-based predecessor,

the Nissan Skyline-based

G35 became an instant hit.

The release of the sport-tuned

FX35/45 crossover that same

year also shared the G35’s

success. It was a pioneering

vehicle that combined sports-

car handling and performance

with station wagon-like

versatility and all-weather

capability. Soon Infiniti also

decided to offer a larger SUV to

compete with the Lexus LX470

by offering the Infiniti QX56,

based on the Nissan Armada,

in 2004.

Infiniti’s sales and reputation

continues to rise as Carlos

Ghosn follows through on his

vision to break Infiniti away

from its Nissan roots. The G35

series helped re-define Infiniti

as the “Japanese BMW,” an

image it continues to cultivate.

This reputation has been

enhanced by the new FX35/

FX45 SUV, and the redesigned

M35/M45 for the 2006 model

year. The M45 model featured

the same engine as the

flagship Q45, and its success

prompted Infiniti to remove

the Q45 from its lineup for

the first time ever in 2007, at

which time the M45 became the

flagship model. The following

year a redesigned version of

the G35 sedan was introduced,

followed in 2008 by a new

version of the company’s G

coupe, the G37.

In April of this year, Infiniti

launched a new model in its

illustrious G coupe line up in

Oman – the stunning new G37

Convertible. The convertible is

the company’s ninth model for

the Middle East market. It was

designed from the outset with

one goal in mind: to excite the

senses. The stunning silhouette

is perfectly proportioned,

looking just as beautiful with

the three-piece folding hard-

top roof up or down, while

the performance promised by

the potent 3.7-litre VQ-series

V6 engine is guaranteed

to put a smile on your face.

Rated at 328 horsepower,

the engine is backed by

a standard electronically

controlled 7-speed automatic

transmission with magnesium

CARS

59

paddle shifters and downshift

rev-matching technology which

delivers fast, smooth and

satisfying downshifts for the

enthusiastic driver.

The Convertible maintains

a coupe-like silhouette with

the top up through use of a

special three-piece ‘clamshell’

retractable hardtop, which

takes approximately 25

seconds to open and close,

allows for both a stylish shorter

rear overhang and a low trunk

lid. Compared to G37 Coupe,

the G37 Convertible utilizes

all-new body panels from the

A-pillar back, along with a 1.1-

inch wider overall width, wider

rear track and modified rear

suspension.

Along with its G37 Coupe-like

proportions, the Convertible

offers signature Infiniti styling

cues such as the flowing front

fender curves, a wave-style

aluminum hood, expressive

front fascia with double-arch

grille and L-shaped High-

Intensity Discharge (HID)

bi-functional xenon headlights.

In the rear, the taillights are

unique to the G37 Convertible,

incorporating an inner “circle

of light” for added style. The

chrome rear trunk finisher

incorporates both an integrated

high-mount stoplight and the

small camera for the standard

RearView Monitor system.

The interior design combines

sophistication, craftsmanship

and thoughtfulness with

unique systems created

to enhance the open-air

driving experience. The

driver-oriented cockpit

features an Infiniti signature

instrument panel design with

Infiniti electroluminescent

instrumentation, integrated

multi-function information

drive computer display and the

signature Infiniti analog clock.

The double hand-stitched

leather-covered steering wheel

is designed for maximum

comfort and usability, with

standard wheel-mounted audio

and cruise controls. For all

lovers of music, the convertible

is equipped with a unique

Bose Open-Air Audio System,

where headrest speakers and

the stereo output automatically

change volume and

equalisation based on outside

noise and vehicle speed. And

to further add to the comfort,

an innovative Adaptive

Climate Control System, that

automates fan speed and air

volume according to vehicle

speed and cabin temperature,

delivers optimal heat or air

conditioning, top-up or top-

down, any time of year.

And for those of you seriously

considering the vehicle, the

G37 Convertible will be offered

in eight exterior colors with a

choice of black or beige leather

seating complimented by

polished wood trim accents. For

customers with even sportier

tastes, red leather seating

matched with red wood accents

can be specially ordered

60

REPORT

OF CHAIRS & VISUAL SENSES

2010 SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE (MILAN FURNITURE FAIR) SAW THE BEST IN THE WORLD’S HOME DÉCOR INDUSTRY GATHER TO UNVEIL THEIR LATEST COLLECTIONS. A SIGNATURE REPORT

61

The Salone Internazionale del Mobile (Milan

Furniture Fair) is not so much a fair as much it is a

treat for the visual senses. And, this year’s fair was

no different. The furniture was delightfully modern.

And yet, that is not all there was to it. Somehow, as

one wandered through the collections on display,

one could not help but be overwhelmed by the

sense of sophistication and class creeping up on

their person.

Simply put, the designs were not so much furniture

as they were art. Take a look, for example, at Nika

Zupanc’s frilly yet smart designs that exploit a

market niche in the furniture industry. Her ‘Gone

With the Wind’ Collection showcased at this year’s

fair was delightfully feminine and achingly brilliant.

62

REPORT

63

The focus of this year’s fair

was on sustainability. Designs

were mainly technology-

centric. And theme seemed to

be more on the lines of ‘Do we

really need another chair?’

The answer is, of course, a

resounding ‘No’. Unless, the

chair is uniquely designed,

economically packaged, and

functional: A chair above all

others. Designers went all out

to create this ‘chair.’

Like last year, where

designers had found

their inspirations in the

environment, this year also

saw the environment playing

a worthy muse. Emeco’s 111

Chair, for example, was a

classic redesign of an older

model, produced using 111

recycled Coca-Cola bottles

per chair. Three million

plastic bottles were used in

production. Lamp shades

by Yves Béhar used shades

made of paper, but had

LED light shining through

a crystal on the inside.

This produces a chandelier

effect without using any of

the expensive materials.

Matali Crasset’s coat hanger

reflected designers focus on

combining functionality with

practical use; the coat hanger

delightfully transforms into a

guest bed (a mattress) and a

small night stand. Talk about

innovation!

The designs unveiled at

the fair were delightfully

fresh, creative and certainly

aesthetically pleasing. Whilst

black and white were the

colours of the day, flashes

of vibrant colour could be

seen as in the designs by

Dutchman Bertjan Pot and

Big Game for Moustache

(their coat racks were a deep,

vibrant purple).

First Prize at the Salon

Satellite – a show held

to honour up and coming

designers – went to Nao

Tamura for a series of serving

plates. The plates held an

uncanny resemblance to

banana leaves and, being

made out of silicone, even

rolled up like them.

Other than traditional

furniture, this year’s fair also

featured kitchen and toilet

designs. Japan’s bathroom

obsession found its outlet in

Toto’s new Washlet design.

The toilet featured a built-

in bidet operated with a

remote control, its tornado

flush was reminiscent of a

particular waterfall in Japan

and the toilet also featured

seat temperature control and

a drying function – for front

and back. Not exactly a toilet;

mostly an experience.

And that is really what this

year’s fair was all about: An

out-of-the-world experience

that saw 329,563 attendees -

plus the 5,791 communications

operators, including 5,110

journalists from all over the

world. You could call it a

triumph of sorts! Given that

2009’s recession saw a fall in

both attendance and sales

64

Art of Timelessness WITH OVER A CENTURY’S WORTH OF CREATING NOVELTY WATCHES, EBERHARD & CO. CHRONOGRAPHS ARE

SYNONYMOUS WITH PRECISION AND INNOVATION…

Georges-Emile Eberhard,

founder of Eberhard & Co.,

was born in Switzerland to

a Bernese family that had

its roots in watchmaking.

Georges-Emile learned the

art that goes into making

chronographs from his father

and was only 22 when he

founded the Manufacture

d’Horlogerie Eberhard &

Co. in La Chaux-de-Fonds,

Switzerland in 1887. Thus

begins the story of Eberhard &

Co. and their 122 years’ history

of making the world’s finest

timepieces.

Eberhard & Co. has always

been at the forefront of

innovation, in terms of design

as well as technology. It was

in 1919 when the first wrist

chronograph was presented.

This sleek design had a strap

with moveable attachments

and a hinged caseback. By

1926 Georges-Emile’s heirs

had taken full charge of the

Maison. They’d inherited his

keen eye on innovation, but

still maintained a respect

for tradition and continued

making classic timepieces that

were uniquely Eberhard.

In the 1930’s, Eberhard

continued to display their

potential in creating novelty

timepieces and introduced

a new chronograph with a

self-winding movement – a

veritable innovation in its

time. During the 30’s, Eberhard

& Co. watches were worn

by commissioned officers

of the Royal Italian Navy

and the crème de la crème

of the European society. The

company’s quest for novelty

further lead to the creation of a

new chronograph in 1935 that

possessed two push buttons for

stopping and starting without

setting to zero. Three years

later, in 1938 the Maison came

out with yet another unique

chronograph – one with an

hours counter and the first of its

kind. Immediately a year later,

staying true to their motto, the

watchmaker came out with a

wrist watch featuring a flyback

hand, a device that enables

FEATURE

65

double timekeeping.

All this while, the Maison had

been making watches only for

the men. Time had now come

to design some watches for

the fairer sex as well. And it

was in 1947, at the tail-end of

WW II that Maison Eberhard &

Co. began venturing into the

ladies’ watches market.

By the 1960’s, Eberhard

watches began to reach new

heights in watchmaking and

began introducing watches

that displayed electronic

movements. And the Sirio

collection introduced in 1970

was Eberhard’s reaction to the

very zeitgeist and the watches’

most characteristic feature was

the newly conceived quartz-

controlled calendar movement.

The 80s saw the advent of

the Chronomaster Frecce

Tricolori, especially dedicated

to the famous Italian aerobatic

squadron as well as the

Navymaster chronographs

collection. This was followed

by the Tazio Nuvolari collection

in the 1990s.

In the new millennium, the

watchmaker revolutionised the

chronograph read-off with the

Chrono 4: the first chronograph

in the history of watchmaking

whose counters were arranged

in one row. Scafodat, the

collection of diving watches,

Temerario as well as the

Extra-fort collection, have been

exclusively designed for sports

persons. Meticulously crafted

with progressive designs

these watches surpass any

timepiece in the chronograph

league. This year Eberhard &

Co. has introduced Gilda, a

beautiful collection catering

only to women. Enhanced with

diamonds and precious metals,

this timepiece truly gives a

new concept to femininity.

Today, Eberhard & Co. has

a truly illustrious clientele,

people who seek perfection

and peformance. Eberhard’s

passion for watch-making

has been passed down over

generations and the modern

day Eberhard timepieces

have immense technical

quality, a chic elegance and an

unbeatable performance The Eberhard range is available at Gallery Argan outlets

6666

TRAVEL

AN ORIENTAL JOURNEY

At 76,800 grt (Gross register

tonnage) it is the largest cruise

ship in Star Cruises Asian fleet

and most definitely the perfect

way to capture the sights and

sounds of the Orient in all the

glory. The 268m long and 32m

wide SuperStar Virgo offers

the comfort of 935 cabins with

1,870 lower berths to sail in

and experience countries such

as Singapore, Malaysia and

Thailand.

On board the 13-storey high

ship, which cruises at an

average speed of 24kn, must-

try facilities include jet stream

lap pools, a superb gym, an

Italian Trattoria and elegant

lounges that have been given

an Oriental twist with richly

coloured decor, gold statues,

karaoke rooms and some of

the best Asian restaurants

afloat. You can choose from

13 restaurants and lounges

offering delicacies from all

over the world. Its fabulous

array of restaurants ranges

from the large windowed Bella

Vista Dining Room (which

serves international cuisine),

to the exquisite Tatami Room

complete with sliding screens,

low tables and floor-level

seating, where parties of six

can indulge in a Japanese

banquet extraordinaire.

Another outdoor venue is

Taverna on Deck 13 for alfresco

snacks in a nautical setting,

with a sail-effect canopy,

trestle benches and tall tables

set on wooden barrels. One

deck down is Cafe Gelato,

where you can round off a

snack fest with an ice cream,

an elaborate pudding or, if you

must go all healthy, a fresh

CRUISE TO THE MOST

EXOTIC PARTS OF ASIA

ON THE SUPERSTAR

VIRGO THAT OFFERS SO

MUCH MORE THAN JUST

FIRST CLASS DINING AND

ENTERTAINMENT...

67

fruit juice. Also located on

the ship’s upper decks is the

indoor/outdoor Mediterranean

Buffet and Terrace for casual

breakfasts and lunches.

Both Asian and Western snacks

are available around the

clock at the a la carte indoor-

outdoor Blue Lagoon and

there’s also a huge, free-to-use

330-seat family-style Chinese

restaurant, the Pavilion Room

or the Noble House for Chinese

fine dining or the Samurai for

some Japanese cuisine. You

can also try some Italian fusion

at the Palazzo. And last but not

the least, you can enjoy some

authentic Indian food at The

Taj (It is the only cruise ship in

the world that has an authentic

Indian restaurant on board that

is certified ‘halal’) A Foodies’

delight, alright!

The fun does not end here.

Recreational facilities include

a library, an internet surfing

area, a Mahjong room, a card

and board games area, an 864-

seat show lounge, cinema and

endless other entertainment

programmes. An enviable

range of sports and fitness

facilities include a swimming

pool, a rock climbing wall, and

a golf driving range. You can

also pamper yourself at the

spa, beauty salon and Jacuzzi

and indulge in some me-

time, while your kids occupy

themselves by the water fun

pool, or the boulder-climbing

wall, video arcade. The ship

also houses a children’s

cinema, playroom and nursery.

Kids or not, do try the world’s

first stainless steel water slide

on a cruise ship. Said to cost

a whopping US$550,000, the

superstructure was installed

on the luxurious liner during

her dry dock in January 2009.

After all the fun, games and

food, you can retire to any of

the suites and staterooms that

cater to all tastes, assuring you

of well-deserved retreat with

that classic touch of elegance

and luxury. The perfect ending

to perfect day!

To book your experience contact on 24559977You can also email at: [email protected]

68

BOOKS YOU MUST READ, MUSIC YOU MUST TUNE IN TO AND

MOVIES YOU MUST SEE…

BOOKS• The Lion – Nelson DeMille• The Divine Life of Animals – Ptolemy Tompkins• Death Echo – Elizabeth Lowell• In My Father’s House – E. Lynn Harris• Medium Raw : A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook – Anthony Bourdain• Max Makes a Friend – Grosset & Dunlap• The Passage – Justin Cronin• Attila : The Gathering of the Storm – William Napier• iPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners – Rory Lewis• The Castaways – Elin Hilderbrand

MOVIES• Life – Narrated by Oprah Winfrey [Blu-ray]• Three Stooges Collection: 1955-1959 [DVD Wide Screen / B&W] • Absolute Power [DVD]• The Wolfman [DVD]• The Bridges of Madison County [DVD]• Steel Magnolias & My Best Friend’s Wedding [DVD] • War of the Worlds [Blu-ray]• Band Of Brothers & Pacific Sampler [Blu-ray]• A Star Is Born [DVD]• The Last Station [DVD]

MUSIC• To The Sea – Jack Johnson [CD] • Twelve Nights in Hollywood 3 & 4 – Ella Fitzgerald [B&N Exclusive – CD]• Bom Tempo – Sergio Mendes [CD]• Bionic – Christina Aguilera [Special Edition – CD]• Twilight Saga: Eclipse [Special Edition Soundtrack – CD]• Mojo – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers [CD]• The Laws of Illusion – Sarah McLachlan [B&N Exclusive – CD]• Live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz – Jeff Beck [Vinyl]• Chaos – Futureheads [Vinyl]• Tough 2LP – John Mayall [Vinyl]

INDEX

69

70

The science is in. The facts are there that we have created, man has, a self-inflicted wound that man has created through global warming.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues

facing all of humanity We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a

people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet.

Leonardo DiCaprio

THE LAST WORD

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Otherwise what is there to defend?Robert Redford

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71

We are playing Russian roulette with features of the planet’s atmosphere that will

profoundly impact generations to come. How long are we willing to gamble?

David Suzuki

There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well. They must have worked for it. I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see

people throwing away things we could use.Mother Teresa

Environmentally-friendly cars will soon cease to be an option...they will become

a necessity.Fujio Cho

I feel we are so blessed to live in a country where we enjoy so many rights that other countries cannot even begin to imagine. However, it terrifies me that we seem to have lost

touch with our connection to the earth. I am concerned that we have risen to such heights of arrogance in our refusal to acknowledge that our earth is rapidly changing in ways that might affect us catastrophically but instead, we hold steadfast to our belief that nothing can happen

to us as a people. Sheryl Crow

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