Gossip12 by Aishti

No. 12

Apr-May 2011

Spring style overdrive Dazed and color-confused Madrid at top speed One night in Shanghai Body canvas Deep into Skins

YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T EXIST UNTIL THEY TALK ABOUT YOU

Directory

No. 12 Apr-May 2011

PUBLISHER

Tony Salamé Group TSG SAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marwan Naaman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Malak Beydoun

ART DIRECTOR

Laurent El Khoury JUNIOR EDITOR

Tala Habbal

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Natasha Dirany

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Tania Abboud

EDITOR AT LARGE

Serena Makofsky WRITERS

Did you hear about the Egyptian chicken who dreams of becoming a pop star? Her name is Lady Dagaga. But seriously, speaking about Gaga, we can’t help but worship the woman who was instrumental in getting the US senate to repeal the US army’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. We’re also gaga about brainy hunks like James Franco; artists like

LC Gates, Ziad Gedeon, Lucy Gillespie, Ruby Gotham, Aurora Jenkins, Anna Leach Veronique Loger, Bridget O’Toole Sydney Reade, Ann Valente Kristin Julie Viola PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Elieh, Raya Farhat

Mauro Perucchetti, who turned Barack Obama into a Pez dispenser; and boy wonder Alex Stoddard in every one of his positions. So what happens next? We ditch our winter outfits and get ready to show off some skin. See you in summer!

Tarek Moukaddem, Nikhil Patel Petrovsky & Ramone Christina Rahme, Bachar Srour ILLUSTRATOR Jenny Mörtsell IN-HOUSE STYLIST

Mouna Harati

CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS

Racil Chalhoub, Sevine Samadi, Venus Waterman PRODUCTION

Fadi Maalouf, Anne-Marie Tabet RESPONSIBLE DIRECTOR

George Chahine PRINTING

53Dots

WHERE TO FIND US scandalmongering.blogspot.com issuu.com/gossip.beirut twitter.com/gossipdigital 140 El Moutrane St., Fourth Floor Downtown Beirut, Lebanon T 961. 1.974.444 gossip@gossip-beirut.com

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Elizabeth Gillies | Citizens

TEEN QUEEN Text KRISTIN JULIE VIOLA

2. What was it like being a part of the Broadway musical 13? It was amazing. Broadway had been a dream of mine all my life. Getting to stand on stage with a cast and band composed entirely of kids who all shared the same dream as I did was incredible. Every show was a surreal adrenaline rush. It was an unbelievable experience.   3. Is it fun playing the mean girl on Victorious? It’s always fun to play the antagonist. I have a lot of fun with Jade. The thing I love most about her is that she’s not the typical mean girl. She’s got lots of different sides to her. I always love when she has her softer moments and gets to break down a little. It’s nice to have a change once and a while.   4. Do you and your Victorious cast members hang out together offset? All the time. We’re one big family. We love sitting around and making each other laugh.

Elizabeth Gillies is one 17-year-old star to watch!

“I’M SO LUCKY TO BE PART OF SOMETHING SO MANY KIDS LOVE”

She may be just 17, but Elizabeth Gillies alreadhas a hit TV series and a Broadway musical under her belt. The rising star currently can be seen on the breakout Nickelodeon show Victorious, where she plays a frenemy of Victoria Justice’s character. Gossip chatted with the actress about her career highs, castmates and playing the mean girl.

1. How did you get into acting? I always had a passion for it. After years of training, I went to an open talent search when I was about 12 and got a call from an agent that wanted to represent me. From there I started in commercials, then small TV spots, then community theater and eventually Broadway and Victorious. I’ve always had a huge passion for acting and singing. I think that’s what’s gotten me this far.   Gossip No. 12

5. When did you realize just how big Victorious had gotten? Whenever I’m out and I see how excited kids get about the show and just how many Victorious fans there actually are, I always have a huge moment of realization. I’m so lucky to get to be a part of something that so many kids love.   6. Do you have any career goals left? I love this business and want to explore all the aspects of it so my goal would be to try everything. I would love to eventually have a career in directing and producing as well as acting.   7. What are your favorite TV shows? Aside from Victorious, one of my all-time favorite shows is Will & Grace. I love that show so much! I also watch a lot of Bravo TV.   8. What do you like to do for fun? I love going to the movies. I’m a bit addicted. I could sit in a movie theater all day.   9. What’s one thing about you that your fans would be surprised to know? I’m definitely not as cool as Jade. I’m a very quirky, silly person. Jade makes me look much cooler than I actually am.

Citizens | Alex Stoddard

CAPTURING YOUR SELVES Text SERENA MAKOFSKY Photos ALEX STODDARD

Wait, who’s that in the photo? Why it’s Alex Stoddard, again, again and again

Alex Stoddard possesses unique powers. He’s a shape-shifter, who goes from climbing with cats up a tree to cascading over rocks alongside a waterfall. He transforms himself through photographs: self-portraits that he designs, stages and executes. Although he started his career by shooting countless images for his MySpace page, he pushed his technique in new directions by participating in the 365 project. The 365 project revolves around one simple request, for anyone to take a camera and shoot one photograph per day to post online. Ross Scrivener, one of the curators of the project, describes it as

“enabling you to view life through someone else’s eyes.” Stoddard has transcended the challenge’s stated goal of capturing “little day-to-day things that make life so special.” He chooses to photograph almost entirely self-portraits in surreal settings, such as the photographer curled in the fetal position amid mud and rock, sitting on a couch in a room in which everything is covered in newspaper or simply perched on a porch staring a giant pumpkin. His range is striking, but even more so when you consider that he is 17 years old. Soulful, and sometimes disturbing, the photographs might represent the classic teenage quest for identity or, in this

case, identities. Watching Stoddard’s process of finding himself is not always comfortable. In one image, he hangs headless and upside down over a pumpkin. In another, he curls up on a broken couch, his back to the camera, in the middle of a barren forest that looks like a scene right out of The Blair Witch Project. The artists admits, “I spend far too much time running barefoot in the forest.” But his setting of choice may also have something to do with the sense of enchantment and foreboding that a forest brings, evoking fairy tales, Grimm and otherwise. Stoddard dares you to follow him into a world where pages burn as quickly Apr-May 2011

Alex Stoddard | Citizens

as he can read them and trees produce red string that tangles around his body and forms a ball blocking his face. In the surreality of Stoddard’s photographs, you can forget living happily ever after, you might not even get out. The artist won’t mind having you stay. He loves the attention, saying “Photography started as a really narcissistic thing for me.” Yet he rarely makes himself look classically beautiful. “Nine times out of 10, I look like some crazed, contorted animal.” With nearly a third of his year-long project to go, we will get to see many more of Stoddard’s provocative permutations. Gossip No. 12

Citizens | Kay Panabaker

SUPERGIRL Text KRISTIN JULIE VIOLA

helped elevate me at certain parts in my career. My first job was a movie called Dead Heat with Kiefer Sutherland. I had only been in LA for a week when I got that job, and I have no idea how I pulled it off. A couple of years later, I had a heavily recurring role on the Disney Channel show Phil of the Future and straight after that did the show Summerland for a year. Those two shows started airing at roughly the same time, and I think that helped show that I have a wide range. 2. What was it like graduating from high school at the age of 13? I actually started college as soon as I finished high school when I was 13. It was just the next natural step, and I never second-guessed myself. It was sometimes weird to go to school with people who were so much older than I was, but then I realized that I work with people who are almost always older than I am, so it was really nothing new. I really love learning, and I miss it! 3. What first drew you to the part of Daphne on No Ordinary Family? At first glance, Daphne seems like a typical teenage girl, but she is actually very emotionally aware of those around her. She also doesn’t want her superpowers. The show was also just a fun concept, and I have really loved working on it.

Kay Panabaker radiates wholesome, innocent beauty Talk about an overachiever! Kay Panabaker has appeared in over three dozen films and TV shows, all before the age of 21. As if that weren’t enough, she graduated high school at just 13 and college at 15. The actress can now be seen on the ABC show No Ordinary Family and in the movie Little Birds, alongside actresses Kate Bosworth and Juno Temple. We caught up with Panabaker for an exclusive interview, where she gave us the scoop on playing a teen with superpowers, her passion for learning and how she got where she is today.

4. Tell us about your part in Little Birds. Little Birds is the story of two best friends living in the Salton Sea and how a chance meeting with three LA boys dramatically alters their lives forever. I play Alison, who is more than happy with her life in this depressing city. She is suspicious of the boys from the beginning, but goes along with them because it’s what her best friend Lily wants. She is definitely the rock in the girls’ relationship, and while she appears meek at times, she is silently observing everyone around her. 5. What was it like working with Kate Bosworth and Juno Temple? Juno and I spent three weeks together working on this project, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. I call her a rock star because she can work all day, 18 hours, get two hours of sleep, come back to work and continue to do an amazing job. I never had any scenes with Kate, but I did meet her. She is funny and energetic, and she does an amazing job in the film.

1. What do you consider to be your first big break? I don’t know if I’ve had that big break that everyone talks about. I think certain jobs have

Apr-May 2011

Rima and Dima Nawbar | Citizens

THE FAMILY JEWELS Text NATASHA DIRANY Photos TONY ELIEH

“WE MAKE REAL JEWELRY WORTH UP TO HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS” Walk in to L’Atelier Nawbar, and it’s almost impossible to believe that just a year ago the Hamra Street jewelry store was, instead, a billiards hall.

are invited too; Raya Farhat, Henry Dakak Jr. and Laura Pharaon are just a few who have exhibited their work already.

“It had thick green carpet with leathery walls. It was really ugly. But we loved it,” says Dima Nawbar, who opened the space in December 2010 in partnership with her sister Tania. Both jewelry designers, the dynamic sisters quickly swapped the ‘70s decor for trendy white walls, transforming the space into a revolutionary concept store.

The artworks are not the only ones on display. A glass wall separates the store from the four manufacturing rooms where the jewelry is crafted, set, polished and cleaned. You’re free to see both designers and craftsmen work while you browse; the jewelry equivalent of an open kitchen.

“Our place here is not just a jewelry store, it’s a place for design, manufacturing, retail, exhibition and restoration. A place for designers to come together, all under one roof,” says Tania. As well as housing their own L’Atelier Nawbar collection – ranging from whimsical gold charms to updated Falamanki pieces – they welcome other designers to produce with them or to display their wares. Local artists, photographers and filmmakers Gossip No. 12

“For the jewelry world this is like ‘woah.’ These rooms are always in the back, they’re not displayed,” says Tania. The sisters are certainly familiar with the world of jewelry. In Beirut, the Nawbar name is synonymous with the trade. Dima and Tania’s great-greatgrandfather, Khalil Nawbar, founded Nawbar Jewelry in 1881, and a blow-up of a 1974 photograph of the family’s store in Souk el Sayaghine, Beirut’s gold souk, hangs proudly at the store’s entrance.

Despite growing up surrounded by jewels and jewelers, neither sister planned to follow in the family footsteps. Both received degrees from the Lebanese American University (LAU) – Tania in graphic design and Dima in psychology and marketing – and pursued different careers before deciding to continue their ancestors’ legacy. Now, their mutual passion for their work is infectious. “We’re not just making a clutch bag or making a charm bracelet. It’s a real trade. We make real jewelry worth up to hundreds and thousands of dollars, it’s not just the small stuff,” says Dima. The sisters have a knack for combining traditional craftsmanship with on-trend designs – highlights include diamond-studded cockroaches, pinkie rings and a sentimental mix-and-match baby collection – and can adapt pieces according to your style, budget or choice of material. As the two young women say: “Just like fashion itself, if you can tailor make a dress, why can’t you tailor make jewelry?”

What to do | 24 hours

24 HOURS IN MADRID

Madrid’s flowering into europe’s “nightlife capital” accompanied the cultural revolution known as La Movida in the ‘80s, as Spain waltzed into Europe after the death of Franco. Nearly 30 years later, La Movida parties on. Madrileños never change!

Text BRIDGET O’TOOLE

6:30AM

CHURROS Y CHOCOLATE Question: Why do the visitors and citizens of Madrid dunk donut sticks into cups of custardthick chocolate caliente for a muy calorific breakfast at San Ginés Chocolatería? Oh, and why are they still in disco gear, if not yet wild-eyed drunk? Answer: It’s not breakfast, and not all nightclubs close at 6am. It’s the city’s 4-euro pick-me-up for any Madrileño gatos who survive a long night of sleeplessness. They’re pumping up energy to go on clubbing till lunchtime.

8AM

DONDE ESTA LA MARCHA? You won’t see falling-down, throwing-up drunks – Spaniards pace themselves, dancing and snacking while on the town. Ernest Hemingway noted Madrileño gatos never sleep till tomorrow – they’re not nicknamed cats for their cuddly fur. Olé to that!

9AM

PLAZA MAYOR TO PLAZA DEL SOL Locals snatch a few hours of sleep, then grab a continental breakfast at the Plaza’s terrazas or outdoor cafés: one cup of rocket fuel, or café con leche, strong enough to wake the dead, steamed milk, almost as much sugar, sweet rolls with jam for carbs. They dined at midnight, remember? Next up: a gentle stroll to Puerta del Sol or the gate of the sun, beating heart of Madrid with its Tio Pepe sign. Equipped with its own round-the-clock buzz, it’s Spain’s crossroads, the epicenter of its radiating road system. There’s a plaque to stand on for luck. It’s the perfect traffic-free stage for a protest; it’s also the site of the famous clock where New Year revelers gather.

10AM

CONVENTO DE CORPUS CHRISTI BAKERY Feeling peckish or puckish? How about a bun baked by a nun? It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, but in a tiny street off the square, you can buy buns from

nuns if you stand outside the convent and ring a bell to buy pastries baked on the premises. You stick your euros into a swivel container and get buns and change. This is a closed order, so you can’t hang out – find Jardin del Principe de Anglona off the Plaza de la Paja for picnicking.

11AM

EL RASTRO FLEA MARKET, PLAZA DE CASCORRO In El Rastro you’ll find more spectacular mayhem, but isn’t that what you’d expect from a flea market? In the streets around Calle Ribera de Curtidores, a seething mass of shoppers comb 3,500 stalls selling everything from antiques to songbirds and vinyl. Fashionistas head for the Plaza de Cascorro to find outrageous threads; art collectors throng Calles Carnero and Carolos Amiches.

NOON

ART OR PARKS? What? You don’t want an afternoon with Velasquez, El Greco and Goya at the Prado? You can’t leave without checking out Bosch’s “Seven Deadly Sins” or “Garden of Earthly Delights,” Goya’s “Naked Maja” or “Las Meninas” (Velasquez). Or eclectic treasures at ThyssenBornemisza Museo (Palacio de Villahermosa, on Paseo del Prado). For modern art there’s nearby Reina Sofia Museum with Picasso’s “Guernica” plus Miró and Dalí: all world-class, unrivaled glories, not to be missed.

4-7PM

SIESTA TIME Is it for love? Or hangovers? “The people took their heroic rest,” as Miguel Cervantes put it. But by now, even you are tired, and no-one can blame you for a strategic retreat, followed by a paseo or early evening stroll.

8-11PM

TAPAS TRAIL Streets are alive, so head for tascas, or snack bars, for a tapeo, or snacking on small plates. Lavapies is the fun ‘hood for this, but so are the Centro’s cuevas (cellars) off Plaza Mayor, or Plaza Santa Ana’s bars. Favorites? Casa Mingo, La Alamena, Santa Barbara.

11PM-3AM

AY QUE RICO! Do they ever stop eating? Cruise Calle Cuchilleros and the Plaza for more – Hemingway did! Buen provecho!

3AM-6AM

BACK TO LA MARCHA Back to Plaza Mayor and the Centro. Most famous clubs: Joy Eslava, Kapital and Pacha. Kapital at 125 Calle Atocha has seven floors! Funky Chueca is the gay ‘hood; try Calle Hortaleza.

Parks charm too. Next to the Prado is Real Jardín Botánico with its rare trees and exotic plants, adjoining magnificent Parque del Retiro, studded with statues and fountains.

1-4PM

ALMUERZO AT SOBRINO DE BOTIN Biggest meal of the day, though you may feel like a snooze now! Spaniards tuck into a multi-course blowout at this point. Try some local specialties like callos a la madrileña (tripe stew) or cocido a la madrileña (chickpeas and meat). The oldest known eatery next to Plaza Mayor is Sobrino de Botin. Originally a workingclass joint, it was made famous by Hemingway, and now it’s a fixture for the mediodía or midday break. Apr-May 2011

24 hours | What to do

Gossip No. 12

Citizens | Mauro Perucchetti

POP PROVOCATEUR Text SERENA MAKOFSKY

Mauro Perucchetti: the man who turned Barack Obama into a Pez dispenser

Artists tend to get away with a lot, like carrying on with several lovers and then painting their portraits, or eating salad with their fingers while at dinner parties. Then there are the artists with a sense of humor, like Banksy and his gay cop graffiti, and Italian mixed media artist Mauro Perucchetti, whose penchant for Pez candy inspired him to craft a human-sized Pez dispenser. The place was London’s Halcyon Gallery, the time a few months ago. Perucchetti unveiled his Pez-derivative work, “Feeding the 5000,” and the press had a field day, because he did not feature your usual suspects, aka Wonder Woman or Bart Simpson, atop the candy dispenser. He placed the head of Barack Obama at the precipice, and gave the face a friendly visage, as if Obama was saying

presidential victory was his, or that he was sure his State of the Union address went well.

and, seemingly counter to it, the Arte Povera movement and its focus on social critique.

Lest you think Perucchetti is making some piercing comment about American consumerism or the president as merely a figurehead, consider the artist’s intention behind the piece: “I always liked Obama, he is young, capable and fair, and he has the most difficult job on earth.” The artist argues that he shared the hope with many that Obama could perform miracles, “hence the title ‘Feeding the 5000.’”

According to Lorena Perucchetti, the artist’s wife and manager, the work was “a special piece to Mauro.” In fact, the sculptor sent Obama a letter offering the artwork as a gift. He has yet to accept the offer, but Perucchetti remains hopeful, adding that perhaps “Feeding the 5000” would put a smile on Obama’s face.

The sculpture references an American icon in the tradition of Andy Warhol’s pop art images, but the artist also credits Italian art influences, particularly Italy’s legacy of attention to design

In the meantime, the artist has no time to rest on his laurels. After his Halcyon Gallery show, he went on to a solo exhibit in Geneva, which sold out, and another in Belgium, where a new collector purchased eight of his pieces. For this artist, life is sweet. Apr-May 2011

Nomi Ruiz | Music

A LIFE IN RUIZ Text NATASHA DIRANY Photos TAREK MOUKADDEM

Nomi Ruiz rocked Beirut last March. Gossip caught up with her just before she took Hamra by storm

From her skyscraper legs to her razor-sharp bangs, Nomi Ruiz is a postcard of New York cool. The Brooklyn-born singer describes hip hop as her “native tongue,” but found international fame with her sultry vocals for seminal dance act Hercules and Love Affair. Now fronting nu disco trio Jessica 6, Ruiz arrived in Beirut in March for a solo performance and DJ set, organized by Beirut’s premier guerrilla party organizers, Cotton Candy. 1. Tell us about your new video “White Horse.” The video was made by a good friend of mine, Marco Ovando. At first, it was actually going to be a motorcycle video. I started taking motorcycle lessons, but they wouldn’t let me ride because I wanted to wear high heels. We ended up with just a biker look, and it really worked out perfectly. Gossip No. 12

2. Jessica 6’s debut album is out this May. You’ve been working on it for two years. Are you excited? For sure! It’s called Single Light. It’s been called electronic R&B, which is cool. It’s kind of a mix of R&B, soul, hip hop and a little psychedelic. It’s eclectic – there’s something for everyone. 3. Did you ever expect Hercules and Love Affair to get so big? I didn’t know what to expect. But I really believed in that project. I would tell Andy [Butler] before it was released, “It’s going to be huge!” 4. How did you get started in the industry? I’ve been working since I was a baby. I started in the studio at 11 or 12, writing and recording demos. I still have a bunch of reel-to-reel tapes. One of the first songs I wrote was called “How Can I Forget Your Brown Eyes.”

5. You dabbled in modeling and were recently featured in the New York Times Style Magazine alongside Hilary Swank and Maggie Gyllenhaal. How would you describe your style? It’s a New York street look. I try to make really inappropriate things look really classy, and to find things people haven’t worn before. I used to model, but I didn’t like having to give my style up – you kind of have to be a canvas when you’re a model. 6. What would you be doing if you weren’t in the music industry? I’d like to be a criminal psychologist. Solving the murders and putting all the pieces together. I read a lot of books about that, I’m kind of obsessed.

Style | Aïzone

PAINT THAT BODY Text NATASHA DIRANY

The body is the ultimate work of art in Aïzone’s latest campaign

As the world’s trendsetters take personal style to new extremes – dominatrix silhouettes, towering hair pieces, red meat dresses – Aïzone has returned to fashion’s original canvas for its spring/ summer 2011 campaign: the human body. Models sport full body makeup in a hypnotizing optical illusion that playfully nods toward the monochrome patterns of Op-Art pioneer Bridget Riley. From mod-style check to zebra print, the visuals “reflect the dynamic, vibrant nature of the brand,” says New York-based designer Stefan Sagmeister, who conceived the campaign. It’s all part of Sagmeister’s rebranding of Aïzone, which began in 2010 with similar typographic motifs. “For the spring/summer campaign, fashion models were incorporated into the signature graphic patterns. Working with renowned body painter Anastasia Durasova, we painted the models to match Aïzone’s patterns and photographed them in patterned environments.”

Since the ‘50s, the art of body painting, which dates back as early as 3000 BC, has been adopted by the avant-garde. In 1960 French conceptual artist Yves Klein used female models as “living paintbrushes” in his work “Anthropometry.” On-lookers watched as the women smeared their naked bodies with bright blue paint (Klein’s signature hue) and writhed against a blank canvas. Boundary-breaking, the performance piece harked back to the use of body paint as an expression of ritual and identity. The medium has passed through civilizations, from the tribal marks of the Australian Aborigines, to the vibrant, theatrical costumes of Southern India’s Kathakali dancers. Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs painted their faces in red ochre to distinguish themselves from the masses.

A year after her infamous naked Vanity Fair shoot while seven months pregnant, Demi Moore graced the magazine’s cover again in a trompe l’oeil body painting; the tie, waistcoat and pinstripe lapels of Moore’s “birthday suit” screamed “1992” sprayed against the actress’s hyper-toned figure. Shot by Anne Leibovitz and painted by Joanne Gair, the photo secured Gair’s reputation – and a publishing deal. Her book Body Painting: Masterpieces includes politicians’ wives (Carla Bruni’s curves in a barely-there painted wool-knit dress), iconic album covers (Kelis’ 1999 Kaleidoscope) and the cover of Sports Illustrated (Heidi Klum’s indelible painted swimsuit).

Twentieth-century pop culture propelled body painting into the mainstream. Bond Girl Shirley Easton became an urban legend following rumors that she had died of suffocation encased in gold body paint (for her part in 1964’s Goldfinger). Apr-May 2011

A誰zone | Style

Gossip No. 12

Style | Azzi & Osta

IT TAKES TWO TO TAILOR Text TALA HABBAL

In a beautiful old house, discreetly tucked away from Monot street, lives the studio of two young designers who are infusing a breath of fresh air into Lebanese fashion with their understated, dreamy designs. George Azzi and Asaad Osta, both 24, are getting an early start to a career in fashion. The duo met while studying at Esmod Beirut in 2004 and remained friends after graduation, continuing their journey together with simultaneous positions at Elie Saab. “Working at Elie Saab was an amazing experience that taught us a lot of things about the fashion world,” says Osta. “But there wasn’t really that much room to grow, so George and I talked about possibly working together.” In December 2009, a year after leaving Elie Saab’s atelier, and with the help and support of Lina Mroue, founder of Lina’s Sandwiches and lingerie line Eve & Yves, Azzi & Osta was born, and the first mini collection debuted at the Madame Muguet boutique in Tallet el Khayat. Although Madame Muguet is still the exclusive carrier of Azzi & Osta styles, the collection is limited compared to what can be found at the Monot showroom. “Even though our customers now come mainly to our showroom,” says Osta, “we still produce special items for Madame Muguet that are tailored to suit the store’s clientele.” The fall/winter 2010-2011 collection offered something for every occasion: evening gowns with intricate beadwork for formal events, flirty party dresses for casual affairs and tailored pieces for girls with a classical flair. Colors like fuchsia, yellow and forest green, and materials like draped velvet, jersey and crepe result in an embarrassment of choices for hearty fashionistas. Their bridal collection, which includes traditional ‘50s-inspired gowns as well as shorter, more modern dresses, was released in early March, just in time for the spring wedding season. Both Azzi and Osta agree that their distinct styles combine beautifully to create a unified collection. “In school, I was always known for my vintage aesthetic,” says Osta. “I’m very inspired by the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.” Azzi, on the other hand, brings a more structured look to the equation. “When I was in college, my style was mainly modern and conceptual, and now it’s more chic and vintage-inspired. But you can still see the structural aspect of my designs.” Keep an eye out for the Azzi & Osta summer collection, scheduled to launch in early May.

“THE DISTINCT STYLES OF GEORGE AZZI AND ASAAD OSTA COMBINE BEAUTIFULLY”

Apr-May 2011

Azzi & Osta | Style

Gossip No. 12

Available at all A誰zone stores, +961.1.991111

Shots | Style

SPRINGTIME, MY LOVELY!

MARK + JAMES

Hackett

Badgley Mischka’s diffusion line Mark + James blends casual flair with classic couture for a new collection that’s simple, elegant and easy to wear. Flouncy, icy blue tops, high-waisted, form-fitting pants and a red mini dress with lace flaps are some of the key pieces in this appealing range.

London-based label Hackett has introduced four new looks for men this season: Correspondent, for globetrotting dudes; Mayfair, with lots of color and knitwear; Caribbean, the range with a travel theme and an explosion of color and print; and Nautical, which modernizes classical images of sailing and yachting.

Frankie Morello Rio, that magnificent Latin American city along the Atlantic, is the great inspiration behind Frankie Morello’s spring/summer 2011 collection for men. The warmweather line blends chic and sporty looks and combines the classic with the military. It’s like wearing a shirt and tie under a wetsuit!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

KIMBERLY TAYLOR New York-based designer Kimberly Taylor debuted her eponymous women’s collection just two years ago, in spring 2009, garnering immediate attention for her staple silk basics. Her spring/summer 2011 collection showcases an edgy mix of street cool and minimalist chic, with a soft color palette that highlights dusty blue and sea-foam green as well as stark blackand-white combinations.

Gossip No. 12

A fantasy take on the glorious ‘70s, the Marc by Marc Jacobs spring/ summer 2011 line is upbeat and fun, with multicolored sundresses and belted jumpers over short shorts. The big news is the release of a limited edition capsule collection celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary. The collection updates favorite pieces for both men and women from the past 10 years, with a focus on colorful prints.

Bloch Do you know that Bloch has been around since 1932? The Australian footwear brand started out by producing handmade ballet and pointe shoes for ballet dancers. The shoes were so popular that Bloch teamed up with Australian designer Jozette Hazzouri to transform the ballerinas into fashionforward accessories available to all. Check out the spring/summer 2011 line, which features ballerina flats in a multitude of fabrics and colors.

Style | Trends

SPRING IT ON Styling MOUNA HARATI Photos BACHAR SROUR

Check out Gossip’s top 10 spring trends for the bravest of fashionistas

NEON HEELS

Your feet will steal the spotlight with this season’s bright, bold, fanciful footwear creations like the ones shown here by miu miu.

A LITTLE WAISTED

Bigger may be better when it comes to pants, but look out for thinner, more refined belts this season. Cinched at the waist over a casual dress or shirt, these little beauties can make a pretty big statement.

4 TUBE TOP

The bandeau goes from beachwear to daywear this spring as the new undergarment du jour. Pack away the tank tops and show off those fabulous abs!

CAT EYE

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with this season’s latest retro fashion trend – the cat eye sunglasses. This sultry shape flatters almost every face and is a welcome change from aviator shades.

Apr-May 2011

Trends | Style

STREET FLARE

We packed them away for the past few years, but the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s flared jeans are back with a vengeance. 7 for All Mankind, True Religion and Rock & Republic are just a few of the labels offering this groovy cut in their spring collections. Avoid a hippie overdose by keeping the upper part of the outfit sleek and minimal.

BRING ON THE STRIPES

Once shunned by women everywhere for fear of over-enhancing their (ass)ets, stripes are back in time for spring in an array of colors. Try both vertical and horizontal styles or piling layers of stripes together in one outfit (yes, together in one outfit!).

BAG IT BRIGHT NAIL IT

B is for bright, bold bags! Pump up your wardrobe with arm candy in fluorescent shades of green, orange and fuchsia in shapes and sizes galore.

Ignore your manicuristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incessant comments about nails needing to be long and French manicured and instead file, file, file and file some more. Short, round nails are the way to go this season, especially when paired with the pearly white, metallic and green polish shades.

9 LEATHER SPORT SHORTS Winter leather is a thing of the past. Buttery soft sporty leather shorts in various colors are a hot commodity for spring. Pair them with casual basics.

Gossip No. 12

BUTTON UP

We hate to see it go, but this spring the boyfriend tee will take a back seat to the buttoned-up shirt look. A necklace tucked under the collar adds that certain je ne sais quoi.

SNOW ANGEL Styling VENUS WATERMAN Photos PETROVSKY & RAMONE

Stella McCartney dress and vintage boots

HervĂŠ Leger dress, Burberry vest and gloves

Balenciaga leggings, Stella McCartney hat, YSL corset and Lulu Guinness clutch

Diesel shorts and Cornelia accessories

Lublu skirt and miu miu top

Celine bodysuit and Zazo accessories

Apr-May 2011

Gossip No. 12

Celine bodysuit and Zazo accessories

HervĂŠ Leger dress, Burberry vest and gloves and vintage boots

YSL cape, Bottega Veneta bodysuit, HervĂŠ Van Der Straeten necklace and vintage boots

Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit, Alice + Olivia shorts, Stella McCartney belt and vintage boots

All items are available at A誰zone.

Style | Sunglasses

WHERE DO YOU HIDE YOUR EYES? Styling SEVINE SAMADI Photos BACHAR SROUR

Beirut’s brilliant, all-enveloping spring sun warrants a dazzling pair of sunglasses. Gossip stylist Sevine Samadi tries on the season’s most eye-catching styles

1. CHLOÉ You can never go wrong with a pair of Chloé sunglasses. The spring/ summer 2011 eyewear line is as unique as usual: there are loads of vintage inspirations, many combined with ultra-feminine details and showcasing lots of high-street flair. 2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Although Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses are fresh and funky (there’s something new for each season), they’re always infused with a dash of New York, retro-inspired chic. Check out the diminutive, rounded frames. 3. CARRERA Since Carrera sunglasses were launched back in 1956, they’ve become a sort of global reference for eyewear style. Carrera models like Panamerika, Safari, Hippy and, of course, Champion, are as coveted today as when they were first released. 4. DIOR John Galliano may be out of, uh, sight, but Dior’s spring/summer 2011 collection is certainly one to look out for. Color is in, as befits the multi-hued spring season, and so are cat eye frames. 5. CHANEL Chanel made headlines a few weeks back when they unveiled their spring/summer 2011 collection of eyewear, including a completely new style of sunglasses. This new model has quilted leather detailing along the temples, using the same leather found in Chanel handbags.

6. BURBERRY You can dress yourself in Burberry from head to toe: the pants, the top, the check-lined jacket, the silk scarf, the Burberry Brights bag and, of course, the rectangular sunglasses. 7. TOM FORD Tom Ford introduced many new eyewear styles for spring/summer 2011, but the definite standouts are the oversized sunglasses, which explode with unabashed glamour. Supermodel Abbey Lee Kershaw, who went platinum blonde for the new ad campaign, looks smoldering wearing the hot new shades. 8. MYKITA Rarely has a brand of sunglasses gotten as much media attention as Mykita: no fashionista worth her weight in Manolos could ever forget the poster for the Sex and the City 2 movie, which showed SJP wearing a mirrored pair of the ultra-hip sunglasses. The Berlinbased company even produced a limited edition of mirrored aviator sunglasses just for Aïshti.

9. MARC JACOBS The Marc Jacobs collection of sunglasses includes many must-have models for spring: delightful round shades, retro, metal frame aviators and classic navigator frames, all of which are available in various colors.

Apr-May 2011

Sunglasses | Style

9 Gossip No. 12

Style | Runways

RUNWAY THE REAL WAY Styling RACIL CHALHOUB Photos TONY ELIEH

Who says us real girls can’t rock runway looks without breaking the bank? It’s never been easier to translate your favorite high fashion ensembles into effortlessly cool looks for the everyday

GUCCI COLOR BLOCKS Reality look: Equipment shirt, LL356,000; Paul & Joe pants, LL583,000; Paul & Joe belt, LL954,000; Mykita sunglasses, LL871,000; Maison Martin Margiela booties, LL1,275,000

RUNWAY

REALITY

BURBERRY BIKER CHICK Reality look: Camilla and Marc dress, LL1,424,000; Doma jacket, LL1,938,000; Mykita sunglasses, LL871,000; Prada bag, LL3,543,000; vintage shoes

RUNWAY 40

REALITY Apr-May 2011

Runways | Style

DRIES VAN NOTEN FLORALS Reality look: Dries Van Noten pants, LL1,494,000; Murmur T-shirt, LL258,000; Elizabeth & James jacket, LL818,000; Balenciaga bag, LL1,197,000; Prada shoes, LL1,387,000; vintage sunglasses

RUNWAY

REALITY

ETRO TRIBAL TREND Reality look: Alexia scarf (worn as top), LL167,000; Balenciaga shorts, LL962,000; Hat Attack hat, LL144,000; HTC belt, LL417,000; Tory Burch shoes, LL225,000; Jerome Dreyfuss bag, LL1,393,000

RUNWAY Gossip No. 12

REALITY 41

Style | Spring picks

ALL THINGS FOR AN INTENSELY COLORFUL SEASON

LITTLE BOOK OF STYLE PEP IN YOUR STEP

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Balenciaga’s towering beauties have arrived right in time for you to show off your tanned gams. Schedule a wax and a pedi, and you’re good to go!

It’s the season’s must-have arm candy. The Burberry Brights collection of bags includes this green marvel.

Brush up on your fashion drawing skills and learn the dos and don’ts of color and design with My Wonderful World of Fashion.

TANGERINE DREAM

It’s Hawaii in a little bottle. Dior’s bold orange nail polish, No. 638 Aloha, will grab every hot guy’s attention.

COOL-DOWN COLOR

Stay colorfully hydrated with Vitamin Water in flavors like Essential Orange and Ignite Tropical Citrus.

BYE BYE BLUES

BERRY FABULOUS

There’s yogurt and then there’s Pinkberry. The delicious nonfat treat tastes great with any combination of fresh fruit and toppings such as fruity pebbles and all-natural honey almond granola.

SNEAKER SOUND

Nike’s ground-breaking Air Force One Sneaker Speakers were created by artist NashMoney.

Denim is getting a makeover this spring, with colored jeans making a comeback. Diesel’s paint splattered styles are the perfect combo for a tight fit and lots of flair.

VIDEO MAP

New York artist Dev Harlan is a video mapping pioneer. His colorful pyramids combine sculpture, light and projection for a new kind of media experience.

SNAP THEN BLUSH SWEET SENSATIONS BURNING KISS

Set the streets of Beirut on fire with the sexy True Coral lipstick from Tom Ford.

Bond No. 9 has just released limited-edition Swarovski bottles of three classic scents: Nuits de Noho, Scent of Peace and Chelsea Flowers.

Take your snapshots in style with these colorful, retro-inspired Lomo cameras.

FEATHER FANCY JUST IN TIME

A splash of color on the wrist never hurt anyone. Grab this eye-catching, bright pink watch by Michael Kors.

SHADES OF JAPAN SUGAR HIGH

Channel your inner child and satisfy your sweet tooth with fun, colorful assorted gummy treats.

Graphic characters and colorful pop art creations make playful Japanese-inspired brand Tokidoki a cult favorite. Check out their spring line of hoodies.

Brighten up any outfit with this bold, extravagant Dior feather necklace, straight out of the fashion house’s spring/summer 2011 collection.

Apr-May 2011

Movie | Show

“THE SHOW FEATURES A POSSE OF FREQUENTLY NAKED TEENS DOING THINGS THAT THEY REALLY SHOULD NOT BE DOING”

Apr-May 2011

Show | Movie

SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF SKIN Text ANN VALENTE Photos MTV

MTV’s new series Skins is hot, sexy and addictive!

MTV’s latest, aptly named production Skins has inspired a lot of chatter. The show features a small posse of hot, frequently naked, brooding teens doing things that, by most available cultural norms, they really should not be doing. The graphic sex could be enough to raise eyebrows, but throw in a healthy bit of drug intemperance, binge drinking and emotionally abusive relationships, and you’ve got the hit series that L’Oréal, General Motors, Subway, Wrigley, Taco Bell, family therapists and your mom have all agreed to hate. Each carefully depicted young Skins soul evolves as a solo note – each tortured by a personalized combination of vulnerability, hipsterdom, bad habits and reprehensible parenting. Episode by episode, the show builds a visibly complicated Gossip No. 12

(generally unhappy) persona, and while the characters often hold themselves and each other at unforgiving arms’ length, their fans have absolutely embraced them. The Boys: Tony is the sort of dirty popular guy. He runs the show, has a hot girlfriend who has sex with him and is generally sort of pissy-cool and a little mean most of the time. Stanley is a pensive stoner fraught with unrequited love and school attendance issues, and Abbud is the butt of everyone’s fart jokes. Chris’ mother left him $1,000 on the counter and blew out of town. Forever. The Girls: Michelle is Tony’s hot girlfriend who has sex with him. Cadie has recently been sprung from a mental hospital much more medicated (to

the great pleasure of her friends who regard her “mood enhancers” as fab party favors). Tea is a lesbian who dabbles in heterosexuality and who can remove her bra with one hand. Daisy is the sage classical trumpet player who has the most pervasively level head, and Eura, Tony’s sister, is wild and mute. Some claim the show is child pornography; some of the actors on the show are as young as 15. Others feel the show wants to normalize these wild lives and want it off the air for issues of accuracy. But while neither its US timeslot (10pm), nor its viewer discretion messages have thawed the love of its fan base, success is not a foregone conclusion if advertisers won’t stay on board. Or if Jersey Shore keeps coming up with two-hour specials.

Citizens | Cassandra Mathie

ARABIC, TRANSLATED Text NATASHA DIRANY Photos CASSANDRA MATHIE

Cassandra Mathie transforms the highs and lows of learning Arabic into a photo journey “When I first started to learn the alphabet I remember walking outside my house and reading the word ‘garage.’ It was amazing.” Cassandra Mathie’s relationship with Arabic hasn’t always been so positive. A documentary photographer by trade, it’s the mutual fondness and frustration she experienced while learning the language that inspired “Arabic Translated,” a series of images and journal writings recently exhibited at Tawlet in Mar Mikhael. Mathie, who was born and raised in Australia, traveled the globe documenting issues such as identity and migration before moving to Lebanon

in 2004. “Arabic Translated” is the first time she has turned the camera inward. The result is deeply introspective; from a verbal transcription of the moments lost in translation while drinking tea with a Palestinian friend (“Soubhieyh with Hoda”), to the shoe-gazing isolation she feels when unable to participate in conversation (“Lost”). “When I first started to learn Arabic I had a pair of red shoes. I realized I was actually studying them in quite a lot of detail!” In a “personal photographic translation” of the Ziad Rahbani song, “Bala Wala Chi,” Mathie touchingly combines handwritten lyrics and images from the course of her relationship with her husband, who is Lebanese. “We got married in Cyprus and had a wedding party here. That was kind of the anthem. When

you’re learning a language, it’s very difficult to jump from knowing how to say ‘can I have this?’ and ‘I want to go there,’ to understanding something at a higher level.” Mathie first moved to Lebanon to volunteer in Rashidiya, a Palestinian refugee camp in South Lebanon, and later used visual techniques to train a group of women in Nahr el Bared to give mental health advice to peers in the community. “I used to run my workshops totally in Arabic. Sometimes it would take me 20 words to get back to where we wanted to go. But because of the bond we formed over the 18 months, the connection and the patience we had, it really worked. There’s a great potential for visual arts to be used outside of the box.”

Apr-May 2011

Get an education | What to do

GET SMART Text LUCY GILLESPIE Illustration JENNY MÖRTSELL

Hollywood’s new generation is all about beauty and brains

“STARS ARE ENTERING THE HALLOWED HALLS OF HIGHER LEARNING ” Beauty, talent and luck aside, these brainy A-listers all took time off from the silver screen to broaden their horizons. Detailed analysis of their current success offers this assured hypothesis: smart is in. Ten years of constant filming was no match for the resolve of Harry Potter siren Emma Watson. Co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint teased “Hermione” for her A-grades, but the desire to stay in touch with reality is exactly what drove Watson to the hallowed halls of higher learning. Currently the face of Burberry and filming My Week with Marilyn, Watson has taken some time off from Brown University, where she plans to complete her degree as soon as she finishes the final Harry Potter movie. Taunted by brother Dave for being almost 30 with no college degree, James Franco took up the challenge with a vengeance. The whizzkid wunderkind Gossip No. 12

and star of 127 Hours cites a superhuman ability to focus as the impetus for completing a Bachelor’s degree and four MFAs, and embarking on a PhD in just four years. His scholastic fervor has proved so notable that Columbia College Hollywood is offering a course in study of the studying (performing and Oscar-hosting) Franco, entitled: Master Class: Editing James Franco…with James Franco. Natalie Portman traded Star Wars sets for psychology labs in 1999 when she enrolled at Harvard, declaring that she would “rather be smart than be a movie star.” These days, she enjoys the best of both worlds. Since graduating, Portman made her directorial debut, served as the youngest jury member of the Cannes Film Festival, started production company HandsomeCharlie and continues to receive acclaim as an actress, most recently in ballet thriller Black Swan, for which she won an Academy

Award. And for the record, she could tell you this in four languages. Jake Gyllenhaal followed in sister Maggie’s footsteps to Columbia in New York City. Lured in part by the promise of “real” weather after growing up in sunny LA, his devotion to academia was short-lived. We can only assume that an almost-major in Eastern Religions was helpful in developing his character for the 2010 flopbuster Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Julia Stiles, star of cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You, took a break from teen romcoms to hit the books at Columbia University. She put her degree to good use, writing and directing a short film starring Zooey Deschanel, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Stiles is currently slated to play the lead in that ultimate homage to thinking women – a film of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar.

Style | Whit

WONDER WHIT Text LC GATES

After stints at Kate Spade and Steve Alan, Whitney Pozgay created her own label: Whit Whitney Pozgay, founder of new fashion label Whit, is a master at dynamic juxtapositions – creating clothes that are feminine with a tomboy edge, whimsical yet inherently sophisticated and contemporary mixed with classic. Pozgay got her start at Kate Spade New York as an accessories and apparel designer and was responsible for managing the collaboration with design collective threeASFOUR. A few years later, she took on the role of lead womenswear designer at Steven Alan, the fashion labelcum-showroom that is known for its unfussy, perfectly tailored threads. At Steven Alan, Pozgay facilitated collaborations with Uniqlo and Urban Outfitters’ brand Lark & Wolff. After flexing her design muscle for other labels, Pozgay was ready to fly solo. In 2009, she presented Whit’s debut collection, for fall/winter 2010, and she

Citizens | Kathy Shalhoub

just completed a spring/summer collection for 2011 that’s chock-full of bold Indian and Japanese prints, shapely silhouettes and some light humor. Inspired by the summers spent at the beach as a child, Pozgay’s designs conjure up memories of sun-kissed days and ‘60s beach films. Pozgay’s design sensibility comes from an everexpanding scrapbook of influences that ranges from ‘60s ingénues Brigitte Bardot and Mia Farrow to everyday objects. “I also look at women in my life and the way they personalize their wardrobes. I love how different girls interpret the same items,” says Pozgay. The 30-year-old designer has a busy season ahead of her. Aside from prepping for Whit’s fall/winter 2011-12 presentation, she’s working on a shoe collaboration with Soludos, a brand that puts a stylish spin on the traditional espadrille.

LIFE AS A LEB-NEH LOVER Text AURORA JENKINS

Kathy Shalhoub’s new book takes a hilarious look at the Lebanese expat experience

“You never really know who the hell you’re going to end up when you start out as a Lebanese!” This, from the introduction to Kathy Shalhoub’s debut book, looks at first glance like a grammatical typo: surely she means to say “who you’re going to end up with…” She doesn’t actually, although she does end up marrying someone who she most certainly wouldn’t have pegged as her ideal man.

Life as a Leb-neh Lover explores what it is to be a long-term expat and will resonate with “anyone who has been an immigrant and who has had to figure out their identity and come to terms with being a global citizen.” Not quite the dry weighty tome one might expect from such an intellectualizing description; the tone is decidedly light and humorous as Shalhoub relates cringe-worthy anecdotes alongside heartwarming moments in a tale she admits is 97 percent fact, with just a little artistic license thrown in.

neatly ticked off three of her must-avoid criteria: a half-American, half-Lebanese smoker. In recent years they settled in Dubai where she compiled 12 years of journal entries and blogging rants into this single concise volume.

“I started writing when I first left Lebanon, at 17, to go and study in the United States. And once blogging became available, I started using that as a more accessible way for my friends and family to keep in touch than sending letters in the mail.” PostAmerica saw a stint in France, and an aborted return to Lebanon. On the way she met her husband, who

“It’s about life in general; when you grow up somewhere it doesn’t matter how badly crowded it is, you still find yourself missing it. I wouldn’t ever say I miss the traffic, but I miss that bustling feeling of being back home, and I think there will be a sense of recognition for a lot of people in that.”

Although widely distributed within her Lebanese homeland, the author insists that Life as a Leb-neh Lover is just as accessible to those without an understanding of Beirut society.

Apr-May 2011

Gaga machine | What to do

GOOD ROMANCE Text LUCY GILLESPIE

Lady Gaga is using her phenomenal popularity to create positive change in the world. She’s on the right track, baby

The long-awaited release of Lady Gaga’s new album Born This Way is already a cause célèbre in the pop world, but Stefani Germanotta, the brains behind the monstrous phenomenon, grasps the glory of another kind of triumph.

steak, with which she caused a stink at the VMA Awards. The motive was later imparted in an interview. “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in, we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re gonna have as much rights as the meat on our bones.”

In October 2010, the controversial “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, which stated that known homosexuality within the American Military provided sufficient grounds for discharge, was repealed. The Gaga Machine, wielding extreme couture, DADT victims as red carpet arm-candy and a hefty eight million followers on Twitter, can certainly claim a share in that victory.

On September 20, 2010, a respectfully suited Germanotta presented an entirely different kind of performance before a rally. “Equality is the prime rib of America. Shouldn’t everyone deserve the right to wear the same meat dress that I did?”

Her induction into politics was the meat dress; a Franc Fernandez frock constructed of slabs of raw Gossip No. 12

The appeal of Lady Gaga, as with any new artistic insurgence, is the opportunity to view the world through new lenses. The popularity of her videos – so vastly different from mainstream pop culture – shows just how overdue we were for some fresh,

well, meat! How many scantily clad songstresses have made you yawn with their tired tunes? Lady Gaga staggers on in outrageous costumes, in scenarios more reminiscent of a chemically induced nightmare than a locker-room fantasy, and you are awoken once more to your individual right to experience. When every breakthrough in social networking makes the uniform of worldwide cultural interactions that much drabber, there was a hunger for the extravagant flamboyance of the Mother Monster, and she – noble Goddess – was uniquely poised to lead her disciples to the table of change. Her album now an astronomical hit, I’d say Lady Gaga is enjoying the just desserts of a job well done.

What to do | No smoking

NO CIGARETTES ALLOWED! Text TALA HABBAL

Lebanon is one of only a handful of countries that have yet to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle. That said, some restaurants and cafés in Beirut are going against the norm by offering a clean, smoke-free environment for their customers. Here are a few places where cigarettes are banned, and fresh air rules

WOK BOX

The only smoke you’ll see at this Sassine spot is the one spiralling out of the steamy Schezuan noodles. T 01.333.776.

“YOUR GUIDE TO SMOKE-FREE BEIRUT”

CAFÉ SHO

Cool Café Sho, located in Ashrafieh on the upper edge of Monot Street, serves up great fusion food and caters to its non-smoking clientele by ensuring that Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays are smoke-free days at the restaurant. T 70.117.955.

BREAD REPUBLIC HAMRA

The Hamra location of this artisan bakery serves a wide selection of organic, yeastfree breads and pastries as well as a variety of salads and sandwiches in a 100 percent smoke-free environment. T 01.739.040.

COLUMBUS CAFÉ

Most people aren’t aware that French franchise Columbus Café in ABC Ashrafieh has been smoke-free since opening in 2005. T 01.218.225.

Soto Hamra

Located just opposite Olio, the new Hamra outpost of this well-known sushi restaurant is a great place to enjoy sushi in a smoke-free setting. T 01.744.144.

TAWLET

Kamal Mouzawak’s traditional Lebanese restaurant Tawlet in Mar Mikhael has a “clean and green” organic concept. Although there are no non-smoking signs, it’s understood that this is and always will be a smokefree environment. T 01.448.129.

CAFÉ YOUNES

The eclectic coffee shop in the heart of Hamra has recently become smoke-free in an effort to provide a healthy environment where aromas of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries rule over the smell of smoke. T 01.347.531.

L’Humeur du Chef GLORIA JEAN’S

This global coffee house, which operates in more than 37 countries, has brought its strict no smoking policy to the streets of Beirut. T 01.744.305.

Mar Mikhael restaurant L’Humeur du Chef is a smoke-free, open kitchen concept, with a sign on the door that reads: “If we see smoking we’ll assume you’re on fire and take appropriate action.” T 01.565.495. Apr-May 2011

No smoking | What to do

Classic Burger Joint

Being a 100 percent smoke-free space has not affected this always jampacked eatery that has burger addicts lining up at the door for a taste of the juicy goodness. T 01.333.606.

Chicken + Cow

Sassine’s “modern shawarma counter” brings quality back to local street food with great chicken and beef shawarma in a trendy and 100 percent smoke-free environment. Lebanese food never tasted so good. T 01.200.502.

STARBUCKS

It was a breath of fresh air (literally!) when Starbucks opened in Lebanon as the first place in the country to be completely non-smoking. People were taken aback at first, but it didn’t stop anyone from getting their double macchiato fix and pretty soon smoking wasn’t even an issue anymore. Sadly, Starbucks Sassine has recently disappointed its non-smoking fans by adding a smoking section separated by glass to their newly renovated interior. T 01.320.167.

KAITEN

An option for sushi lovers who hate mixing sashimi and smoke, this Hamra conveyor concept was the first sushi spot to be 100 percent smokefree. T 01.344.448.

Caribou Coffee CAFÉ HAMRA

Brisk

This organic food café in Hamra prides itself on being a non-smoking spot (a “Please Keep Our Heart Smoke Free” sign is displayed inside) and hopes to promote this trend throughout Lebanon. T 01.345.677.

LE ROUGE HAMRA

Le Rouge restaurant’s Hamra location offers a non-smoking section at the far end of the restaurant, to the left. Here, diners can enjoy the eatery’s famed energy salad and the atomic fondant without having to inhale noxious fumes. T 01.353.585.

The sprawling, nostalgia-laced Hamra restaurant and arguileh joint offers an indoor non-smoking section as well as an open-air garden setting. T 01.348.999.

Starbucks isn’t the only international franchise bringing its non-smoking values to the streets of Beirut. American chain Caribou Coffee’s first Lebanese outpost in Hamra is completely smoke-free! T 01.743.436.

Brgr Co. ROADSTER DINER

Olio Hamra THÉA

This unique tea boutique located on the Jal el Dib highway offers a wide selection of teas in a smoke-free environment. T 04.711.783. Gossip No. 12

Olio’s second Beirut outpost (the first on is in Gemmayze) offers the same delectable pizza and pasta menu, complete with a non-smoking section for its loyal, cigarette-free patrons. T 01.741.133.

What started out as a small diner in Ashrafieh over 10 years ago has now become one of Beirut’s most popular restaurants. In addition to offering a great variety of burgers, salads and sandwiches, Roadster has recently appealed to non-smokers who want to enjoy the food without the smoke. All nine locations, like the second floor of the massive Downtown branch, have nonsmoking sections. T 01.996.662.

This gourmet burger spot on Abdel Wahab serves up thick, juicy, mouthwatering (and upscale!) burgers and crispy fries in a New York-style, utterly smoke-free space. T 01.333.511.

GREEN CARROT A 100 percent smoke-free policy makes sense at this healthy Monot eatery that serves up salads, soups, wraps and fresh juices. T 01.333.081.

Music | Arcade Fire

FIRE FROM THE ‘BURBS Text ANN VALENTE

Arcade Fire are hotter than ever after their Grammy win Perhaps you know you’ve made it when you get your first record deal, or maybe it’s when your band sells a lot of albums. But probably you can know for sure that you’ve made it, like it’s OK to call your parents to tell them you’re going to do this for like a real job, when Barbra Streisand calls out your name and tells you to come on up to the podium to get your award. That’s a big moment. And if you’re Arcade Fire, this moment completely shocked you, and it shocked Streisand and other people as well, because you’d just beat out the much beloved Lady Antebellum, Eminem’s very mad and glorious comeback album and Lady Gaga, who rode into the ceremony curled up inside a bloody egg. Montreal-based indie rock band Arcade Fire is made up of seven people, two of whom are married, two of whom are brothers. They play rock-obscure instruments, like the hurdy gurdy and the viola, but they are not obscure. They have toured around the world playing sell-out shows in huge festivals and stadiums, their tunes readily available for many years in your iTunes store. Somehow the band has actually managed

to keep it a bit under the radar, despite a very dedicated following and the fact that millions of Americans had no choice but to hear of them as they smacked on chicken wings during the broadcast of this year’s Superbowl. The Suburbs, Arcade Fire’s Grammy Awardwinning Album of the Year, was released to both commercial and critical applause. While none of the band’s three albums have gone unnoticed, this one seems to reach a kindred place of intimacy for audiences all over the world. It is a lonely sound, and if you actually grew up in any kind of a suburb, you may also experience it as a comfortable, familiar punch in the face – songs like “The City with No Children,” “Sprawl” and “Wasted Hours” all force memories of lazy, hot, aimless days of summer spent on bikes, wide open bursts of grass and pavement, bucolic and danger-free to our parents, treacherous, dramatic and boring to everyone else in the know. It’s really nothing new that Arcade Fire is formally recognized and unanimously hailed as important, but somehow it’s surprising when Our Babs, her royal hand customarily wrapped around the mic, says it out loud. Apr-May 2011

Albums | Music

TUNING UP IN STYLE

Toro Y Moi UNDERNEATH THE PINE Chaz Bundick, lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for Toro Y Moi, is one of the originators of chillwave, aka Glo-Fi. Yes, the electronica-infused pop and simple melodies remain, but gone are the samples and looping that defined the group’s early sound. This sophomore recording relies more on live music and some surprisingly tight drumming. Bundick says: “I’ve been training myself to go back to the way I used to record before electronic programs.” Part blaxploitation movie soundtrack and part space disco, Underneath the Pine has a driving groove made for the dance floor. PLAYLIST Hunx and His Punx TOO YOUNG TO BE IN LOVE The garage pop band’s debut studio album mixes it up with Ramones musical edge, ‘60s girl group backup and a touch of Cramps-influenced sadomasochism. With the Punkettes’ opening ooh-oohs forming a retro wall of sound, the single “Lovers Lane” oozes bubblegum pop. Things get more raw in the title track, with scratchy guitar work and campy romantic lyrics.

Adventure LESSER KNOWN Like a Jetsons cartoon or Space Invaders game, Adventure generates a retro-futuristic vibe. Baltimore-based artist Benny Boeldt is the man behind this one-man project that centers around Casio keyboard riffs that he says evoke nostalgia for childhood. The song “Relax the Mind,” free of lyrics other than the title, has a hypnotic pull.

In addition to being a resident DJ at Beirut hotspots Behind the Green Door, Centrale, Alcazar and Lei, 26-year-old DJ George Tabet is also co-owner of Kashmeer where he regularly spins.

Mind Spiders MIND SPIDERS This release marks the debut of the new project from Mark Ryan, beloved for his work with the Texas psychedelic garage group Marked Men. Reminiscent of the Clash with its bursts of ferocious sound, the record owes its musical debt to classic guitar-driven punk and power pop. The songs, none of which last more than three minutes, make for a whip-fast experience.

“Linda Morena” by Quantic And His Combo Barbaro “Devon” by Grimes “Tell Me” (Clock Opera Remix) by Au Revoir Simone “Space Bass” by Slick

Dropkick Murphys GOING OUT IN STYLE The Boston outfit comes back with a bang after a four-year studio sabbatical. Singer Ken Casey says the album chronicles the narrative of Cornelius Larkin, a folkloric character who represents the band’s collective experiences. The anthemic “Hang ‘Em High,” with its bagpipe and drum jam, typifies the high-energy sound of old school punk and Irish folk.

“A Fifth Of Beethoven” (Soulwax Edit) by Walter Murphy “All To All” by Broken Social Scene “Snow & Taxis” by Gold Panda “All + All Together” by Kano featuring Hot Chip “Odessa” ( Junior Boys Remix) by Caribou “Bluecheeseblues” (Part 2) by Ost & Kjex “We Used To Wait” by Arcade Fire

The Go! Team ROLLING BLACKOUTS Show tunes, hip hop, techno, funk, surf and piss-poor production make the Brighton collective’s third album an aural assault, but in a good way. High-energy noise pop tracks reference everything from Public Enemy to B-movies. It all comes together thanks to guest vocals by Satomi Matsuzaki from Deerhoof and Beth Cosentino of Best Coast.

Gossip No. 12

“Baby Loves Me” by Eels “Rome” by Yeasayer “Cards to Your Heart” by Groove Armada “Lovesick” by Lindstrøm & Christabelle “Everlasting Light” by The Black Keys “Don’t Look Down Look Up” by Tunng

What to do | Extreme travel

“YOU’RE LIKELY TO SAIL DOWN A WATERFALL OR TREK OVER THE EDGE OF A CLIFF”

ADRENALIN RUSH Text SERENA MAKOFSKY

Are you searching for that ultimate high? We’ve got just the thing for you: extreme travel A few years ago, diver Mark Currie pressed himself to the back of an underwater metal cage as an 18-foot Great White shark repeatedly attacked the cage’s floats and then used its weight to sink the cage before attempting to bite through the bars. The Englishman scurried to the top of the cage and jumped to safety onto a tour boat filled with fellow spring break vacationers seeking close encounters of a dangerous kind. Currie asserts he enjoyed his trip. “I’m glad it happened, and I got away with it without a scratch. I will always remember it.” There is adventure travel, such as parasailing, riding an elephant in Thailand or trekking in Nepal, and then there is extreme adventure travel, where you’re more likely to be sailing down a waterfall, riding a race car across the continents or trekking over the edge of a cliff. Extreme travelers do not

want to wile away the afternoon at that out-ofthe-way café that only locals frequent. They want adrenalin pumping through their bodies as they travel to the corners of the globe to experience the things others spend their lifetime avoiding. Extreme adventure travel outfitters conjure up the type of trip that’ll scare the pants off you. One company offers skydiving over Mount Everest, flights to the edge of space, a foreign weapons and hostage rescue adventure, a covert operations paramilitary fantasy camp, speedboat racing (with a lunch break at a Tiki bar), zero gravity flights in a Boeing 727 or flying lessons on an ultra-light trike. Pamplona, Spain is the site of the annual Running of the Bulls festival, a nine-day event made

famous in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. A starting gun gives the runners a brief lead, and then the festival’s organizers set bulls free to chase the runners down the streets of the city. The end of the festival is marked by a midnight fireworks display and the singing of “Poor Me.” The event dishes up bravado and blood, the perfect prototype for a “mancation” – a trend in male-oriented travel. James Hill, the founder of the Mantripping website, describes such experiences as “an excuse to get away from the real world.” Extreme travelers have a common mantra: death happens. It can happen when a shark attacks, and it can happen in the shower. They choose the path less traveled, the one that has them dodging bullets, racing through deserts, climbing vertical cliff sides and living to tell about it. Apr-May 2011

Bulletin | Wireless

TECHBYTES SIT, IPAD, SIT The iChair is a protective iPad case with twin stands that maximizes the iPad’s capabilities. The twin stands accommodate use in portrait and landscape modes, while the larger stand rotates to provide three viewing angles.

VW SENSATION Imagine a super efficient German vehicle that was just unveiled in… uh… Qatar? The country’s latest motor show unveiled Volkswagen’s XL1 super efficient vehicle, with an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain, lightweight materials – and great looks.

HEADPHONE STYLE Available in funky colors like white pearl, phantom chrome, gunmetal black, nero and rouge, V-Moda’s Crossfade LP are fashionable and luxurious over-ear headphones that deliver juicy sound. TAKE NOTES Fancy that, the pencil and paper are back in vogue, only this time they’re so digital you can’t tell the difference anymore. Scribble, write or draw on the NoteSlate, then save it for next time. Great for doodlers and comic drawers.

VINTAGE PICS This iPhone Hipstamatic app takes square photos almost like the Polaroids of the ‘70s, with filters that add the retro effect as well. If you like vintage stuff but can’t live without your iPhone, you’ll eat this one up!

MUSICAL GALAXY The sleek Hoerboard Scomber looks like a transgalactic communications stand, but what it does is actually combine together all of your CD players, mixers and turntables into one futuristic console.

RIDE THE BIKE Just look at these fat tires. This mountain bike has an electric motor and 14-speed gears. Is it technically still a bicycle? According to the Americans yes, coz you gotta help the motor along sometimes.

SECOND SKIN Trendy tech accessories provider iSkin offers the Q.West collection of backpacks and slings, featuring fresh and stylish tech bags made from premium nylons. The slim, high-gloss black nylon Razor Back backpack easily packs your iPad, notebook and other electronics.

BLOGS

www.fubiz.net

designyoutrust.com

fluxuryb.com

Since 2005, this hip blog has been doling out daily doses of urban culture, advertising, music, graphic design and trend inspiration.

With hourly updates and an invitation only policy, this blog offers all kinds of design information from around the globe.

This cool blog spits out news about the urban fashion, music and art scenes. Download PushaT’s new mixtape, “Fear of God.”

Gossip No. 12

Movie | Short

BOURJ HAMMOUD IN MOVING PICTURES Text VERONIQUE LOGER

Vatche Boulghourjian

The Fifth Column is a milestone for Lebanese cinema and for the country’s Armenian community: the short flick is shot in Bourj Hammoud and in the Armenian language Both of Beirut’s Empire Sofil cinemas were chockablock when Vatche Boulghourjian’s 29-minute film Hinkerort Zorasune (The Fifth Column) opened the Lebanese Film Festival last year. The excitement at having a local Armenianlanguage film shot in Beirut’s Bourj Hammoud area was palpable. “To have that kind of response in the city it was made in, made it incredibly magical,” says Boulghourjian. The film went on to win Best Film at the event and has since been screened at other festivals around the world – from the San Sebastian International Film Festival to the Doha Tribeca Film Festival – and took first prize for Best Student Short Film at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. The awards, however, started at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, with the receipt of third prize by the Cinéfondation, La Sélection. Boulghourjian describes the world-renowned film event as a

surreal experience. “Despite the extraordinary glamour – men wearing tuxedos 24/7 and women in ball gowns – the substance of the films, filmmakers and staff is profound. Besides the honor, it encourages us to make more films.” For him, these films will always be ones that generate a feeling of empathy, and he is focusing his next feature-length projects on content from his home country too. “The violent context of Lebanon isn’t the only force that makes people tick here. For me, it’s about exploring personal histories that haven’t been brought to the screen.” Hinkerort Zorasune follows the story of a desperate boy who runs away from his home in Bourj Hammoud, and the subsequent search for him, all shot in real time, with most of the actors coming from an Armenian acting troupe in the area, including popular local names such as Berge Fazlian and Manuel Markarian.

“Filming in Bourj Hammoud was the funniest experience,” says Boulghourjian, recalling how lines were rehearsed in a sandwich store, and the way in which street-scene extras kept staring into the camera, while trying to convince their friends to stop doing likewise. Boulghourjian moved into film at the age of 29, when he pursued a Master’s degree in filmmaking at New York University after previous studies in international relations. It’s all thanks to his first job in Beirut – as a cameraman for news stations – that his interest in the moving image was piqued, and he decided to move into narrative filmmaking. It would seem, by the pictures of him strolling down Cannes’ red carpet in his Ray-Bans, that this decision was not too shabby.

Apr-May 2011

Pulse | Movie

OF LIFE, LOVE AND THE EASTER BUNNY ON THE BIG SCREEN

THE TREE OF LIFE Sean Penn as Brad Pitt’s son? Intriguing, huh? Welcome to this epic drama centered on Jack (played by Penn as an adult), the oldest of three brothers growing up in the Midwest in the ‘50s. Director Terence Malick captures the beauty of life through a child’s rose-colored glasses. But as real life encroaches (i.e. sickness, death, the imperfection of parents), Jack’s innocence falls away, turning him into a disillusioned, directionless man. However, as Jack seeks to understand and repair his fractured relationship with his flawed father (Pitt), a path to a better, hopeful future seems possible.

SCREAM 4

HOP

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD

MEET MONICA VELOUR

He’s baaack! After more than 10 years, Ghostface is back in Woodsboro – taunting and threatening our beloved girl Sydney Prescott (Neve Cambell), now a self-help author. Wes Craven’s much-awaited fourth Scream installment has Syd returning home for the final stop of her book tour, where she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) and his now-wife Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox). Let the screams begin…again.

Russell Brand plays (make that voices) EB, the newly crowned Easter Bunny, who hightails it to Hollywood in order to make his dreams of becoming a rockstar come true in this fun animated/live-action hybrid. But things are put on hold when Master Bunny gets hit by a car and winds up moving in with the slacker guy who hit him (James Marsden) while recovering. Hairraising hijinks and hilarity ensue.

Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me tackles the world of product placement, marketing and advertising in this laugh-out-loud funny documentary. Of course, the film itself is financed entirely by – what else? – product placements. Clearly, Spurlock didn’t know the exact trajectory this flick would take. But as we watch corporate sponsors like Mini reach into their pockets (and others that don’t), the film hits its well-branded stride.

Monica Velour (Kim Cattrall) is the object of affection for the film’s young protagonist, Tobe, a geeky high-school grad. Sweet, strange and irreverent, this comedy follows Tobe as he seizes the chance to meet his long-time crush, Ms. Velour, a popular porn star who reigned in the ‘80s. An unlikely friendship and romance develop between the 17-year-old boy and the now middle-aged woman.

FLICKS TO DOWNLOAD

THE KING’S SPEECH

KES

Colin Firth won an Oscar as the stuttering King George VI who overcomes his impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist.

This beloved British film (1969) is a gorgeous and simple story of a teenage boy who finds solace and escape in his relationship with a wild falcon.

Gossip No. 12

JULIAN ASSANGE: A MODERN DAY HERO? This doc examines the world of the infamous Australian WikiLeaks founder. Is he a hero or a terrorist? You decide.

BLOOMINGTON

This engaging drama follows a former child actress who attends college in the Midwest and falls hard for a female professor.

JAWBREAKER In this wickedly campy classic, three popular girls accidentally kill the soon-to-be prom queen. No surprise, the cover up doesn’t go as planned.

NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER Number three in the Narnia series finds the kids back in the mythical land and on a grand ship, the Dawn Treader.

Introducing the New Balance 890 with Revlite. The neutral-cushioning bar is hereby raised. Built with Revlite — the lightest midsole foam we’ve ever created — the 890 weighs practically nothing, and it’s about to change everything.

com/890 Available at Aizone Stores T: +961 1 991 111 and Retail Sport Shops

Wood | Green

ECOBUZZ

Everything used to be made from wood, but industries switched to plastic a few decades back. Now, with landfills stuffed to the brim, the concept of wood is back, thanks to fast-growing trees and renewable forests 1. JAPANESE FIREWOOD NTT DoCoMo, the Japanese telecommunications company, just launched 15,000 wood-trimmed mobile phones for the eco-conscious. They’re made from local cypress timber, with each boasting a unique pattern and color, meaning no two are alike. 2. WOODSY WATCH Wewood watches, made in Florence, offer an avant-garde approach to sustainability. Supposedly, a wooden watch is more in tune with your inner soul, touch and smell, adding a spiritual element to the time-telling experience. Wewood comes in many colors, including black, green and beige. 3. TOWERING TIMBER The world’s tallest wood building is being built in Austria as we speak. A firm called CREE is designing one of the most sustainable high-rise building systems on the planet, taking into consideration the life cycle of the building and its carbon footprint. The tower will rise to 30 floors.

4. BRANCHING OUT This just in: the branch bookshelf by French designer Oliver Dollé is the hippest eco-furniture product on this side of the Atlantic. It’s made from 80 sheets of plywood and wire birch veneer oak. 5. LUMBER LOOK Proof touts itself as a “sustainable eyewear company,” offering funky styles that have the power to change the world. Their unisex shades are made with eco-friendly materials such as zebrawood, ebony and bamboo. 6. HARD WALLET Maison Martin Margiela has created a real wooden wallet for spring/ summer 2011. The wood exterior comes in different tones that can be color coordinated with the rest of your wardrobe. The tan leather interior features four card slots and an elastic strap to secure neatly folded bills.

Gossip No. 12

7. NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S WOODEN CLOGS Remember the Dutch wooden clogs of yesteryear? Well, Maison Martin Margiela has come up with an updated version that also looks very woody. Actually, these shoes aren’t made from wood at all, but are etched with an environmentally friendly wooden effect. 8. COFFEE AND A TOTE Hamra’s Café Younes now offers its patrons eco-friendly, reusable, washable tote bags made from recycled fabric. Adorned with reproductions of classic Arab posters from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the stylish bags cost LL19,000. 9. WOODEN BOXES ANYONE? Although Lebanon is making small strides toward going green, many businesses are still lacking in their recycling efforts. Popular restaurants such as Roadster, The Diet Shop and Chopsticks (and many others) use non-recyclable packaging such as plastic containers, large cardboard boxes and Styrofoam for delivery and take-out orders. Should they perhaps switch to re-usable wooden boxes?

Nightlife | Shanghai

Apr-May 2011

Shanghai | Nightlife

PARTY DESTINATION

SHANGHAI

Text ANNA LEACH Photos NIKHIL PATEL

As the glamour capital of China, Shanghai has plenty of stylish bars where the beautiful people compete for attention with the spectacular views of the Pudong skyline, but the party scene there is not only about that. From burlesque bars recalling the city’s roaring ‘30s, to underground former bomb shelters, here’s your guide to partying every night of the week in Shanghai

CHINATOWN When Chinatown opened in 2009, the space, built in 1931 as a Japanese Buddhist temple, was transformed into an intimate, red velvet-encased, theater-like space centered around a stage starring burlesque dancers. The idea is to recreate a club from Shanghai’s ‘30s heyday – when Westerners and Chinese locals partied like the world wasn’t going crazy all around them. And it works: the shows are humorous – not sleazy or exploitative – and the crowd is quirkily glamorous. This place is fun, and if you manage to get a theater-style box on the second floor, you feel like a ‘30s bon vivant having the time of your life. 471 Zhapu Rd., Hongkou district, T 86.021.6258.2078, W www. chinatownshanghai.com LOLA Lola is a newcomer on the Shanghai party scene. The bar/club only opened in October 2010, but has already made its mark with its high-standard cocktails, sound system, DJs and video installations. The bar snacks alone – mouth-watering tapas created by chef Joaquin Campos – are enough to justify a visit. The Spanish roots of the owners are felt not only in the tapas, but also in the general vibe of the place. Lola would be at home off Las Ramblas in Barcelona, with its disco-tinged music policy and beautiful party people who look good, but aren’t going to let that get in the way of having a great night. Building 4, Surpass Court, 570 Yongjia Rd., T 86.138.1692.7970.

Gossip No. 12

DADA Away from the high-end hotel bars where the prices are as astronomical as the floor numbers, DADA can lay claim to bei g one of the best bars in Shanghai. It doesn’t have views of skyscrapers or the glamour of the Bund, but it does have a relaxed and cool vibe with red plastic sofas, retro computer games, creative animations and fun DJs. As well as hosting the city’s best amateur DJs on the weekends, DADA showcases obscure short films and animations from around the world at its regular Cinemash Up nights on Wednesdays, and feature films at its SubCinema nights on Tuesdays. 115 Xingfu Rd., Xuhui district, T 86.150.0018.2212. THE SHELTER If you want to dance to booming beats in a concrete room, all nights point to the Shelter in Shanghai. From techno to drum ‘n’ bass, reggae to hip hop, all the best DJs in the city, and who visit the city, play here. Kid Koala, DJ Vadim, Cut Chemist, DJ Premier and Traxx have all appeared in the last year or so. As a former bomb shelter reached through a winding tunnel, the club has an appropriately underground feel. On the best nights, the space will be jam-packed with sweaty bodies going crazy to the beats, but don’t worry, there’s a cave-like chill-out area at the back if it all gets too much. 5 Yongfu Rd., Xuhui district, T 86.021.6437.0400.

HONORABLE MENTIONS PHEBE 3D CLUB You can’t visit Shanghai without getting a taste of what the local Chinese kids are into. Phebe will give you that insight along with a night of entertainment featuring a mini-golf course, a see-through grand piano in the entrance and professional dancers popping up in unexpected corners of the club impersonating Michael Jackson or break-dancing. 10 Hengshan Rd., Xuhui district, T 86.021.6555.9998. GLAMOUR BAR There are several swanky bars on the Bund – Shanghai’s strip of European neo-classical buildings along the Huangpu River – but none is as elegant or deliciously decadent as Glamour Bar. All elements – the glasses, the furniture, the windows and the bar itself, which was inspired by a high-heeled shoe – have a ‘30s stylishness to them, making Glamour Bar a very pleasant spot to sip a cocktail while enjoying the view. Sixth Floor, Five on the Bund, 20 Guangdong Rd., Huangpu district, T 86.021.6329.3751. THE ALCHEMIST Molecular cocktails hit Shanghai at the end of 2010 when the Alchemist opened in the Sinan Mansions complex of ‘30s houses converted into bars and restaurants. The cocktails are created with the help of liquid nitrogen and feature ingredients like tequila infused with roast red pepper and coffee molasses. Block 32, Sinan Mansions, 45 Sinan Rd., Luwan district, T 86.021.6426.0660.

Nightlife | Snapshots

BIG IN BEIRUT

Photos TAREK MOUKADDEM

Apr-May 2011

Event mania | What to do

DATEBOOK THROUGH APRIL 24 WORLD TOUR

THROUGH MAY 6 WORLD TOUR

THROUGH MAY 15 WORLD TOUR

THROUGH MAY 21 US TOUR

JANET JACKSON

KE$HA’S GET SLEAZY TOUR

JERRY SEINFELD

After a long hiatus, Ms. Jackson is hitting the stage again for a 35-city Janet, Number Ones, Up Close and Personal greatest hits tour.

This is the first worldwide tour for the American pop artist known for her catchy tunes “Tik Tok” and “Your Love is My Drug.”

Legendary Irish rock band U2 kick off their 2011 360° world tour in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Seinfeld may be over but funny man Jerry Seinfeld is still delivering laughs with his US stand-up tour.

APRIL 15-17 WORLD TOUR

APRIL 15-17 INDIO, CALIFORNIA

APRIL 20-24 BEIRUT

APRIL 21-25 BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA

MAROON 5

COACHELLA

ARAB DANCE PLATFORM

BYRON BAY BLUES FEST

The sexy boys of Maroon 5 will promote their third studio album, Hands All Over, with a European, Canadian and North American tour.

Hundreds of fans flock to this famous music festival. This year’s line-up includes Paul Van Dyk, Neon Trees, Kanye West and Kings of Leon.

The second edition of the Maqamat dance platform promotes the work of Arab choreographers in contemporary dance. W www.maqamat.org

Now in its 22nd edition, this year’s festival, includes performers like BB King and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

APRIL 22-24 TOKYO, JAPAN

APRIL 29-MAY 8 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

MAY 6-7 MURCIA, SPAIN

MAY 12-14 BRIGHTON, ENGLAND

GRAND BIERE BEER FESTIVAL

JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

ESTRELLA LEVANTE SOS 4.8

THE GREAT ESCAPE

This new festival is perfect for avid beer lovers, allowing them to taste over 60 types of international beer.

Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffet, Wyclef Jean, Kid Rock, Lauryn Hill and The Strokes are some of the artists performing at this event.

The 48 hours of nonstop action include entertainers like MGMT, The London Suede and The Zombie Kids.

Europe’s leading festival includes shows by Marnie Stern, DJ Shadow, Friendly Fires and more.

MAY 18-22 BEIRUT

MAY 21 JOUNIEH, LEBANON

MAY 24-28 BEIRUT HIPPODROME

MAY 28-29 NEWCASTLE & GATESHEAD, ENGLAND

BEIRUT BOAT SHOW

R.I.O LIVE AT CYAN

GARDEN SHOW

EVOLUTION MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Middle East’s premiere boat show takes place at La Marina Joseph Khoury. W www.beirutboat.com

R.I.O will take Lebanon by storm for one night with their club hits “Every Time We Touch” and “Shine On.” W www.beirutnightlife.com

The annual show’s theme this year is “The Mediterranean Art of Living,” with exhibitions of flowers and plants. W the-gardenshow.com

The largest free music festival in England features headliners Tinie Tempah and Iggy and the Stooges.

Gossip No. 12