Gossip06 by Aishti

06 APR-MAY 10

so you want to be a style queen vinyl spins a comeback , what s the buzz all about? grab your denim and run

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist until they tAlk About you

Girls, girls, girls, we’re looking for a good time. Boys, boys, boys, we like boys in cars, driving with the top down. Spring in Lebanon is all about fun and games: school is almost over, it’s not too hot just yet and all around us flowers are in full bloom. Ladies are at their most beautiful in spring, and we chat with two of them, photographer Tanya Traboulsi and fashion designer Lara Khoury. Men are also on our radar: Mika talks about his current tour and Faisal al Yafai uncovers Beirut’s salon secrets. And if it all sounds way too serious, all you have to do is fast forward to page 44 – here you’ll learn all about Beirut’s hottest make-out spots. Kiss, kiss, kiss, it’s really the best way to welcome spring. See you in summer, Gossip

DIRECTORY Publisher Tony Salamé Group TSG SAL / Editor-in-chief Marwan Naaman / Creative director Malak Beydoun ART director Laurent El Khoury / associate editor Natasha Tohme / ASSISTANT editor Tala Habbal writers Gretel Blackwood, Thaddea Davies, Carmen Ferreira, LC Gates, Ziad Gedeon, Ruby Gotham, Jana Jammal, Maya Khourchid, Serena Makofsky Sophie Marzano, Sydney Reade, Shirine Saad, Ann Valente PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Babushkin, Enzo, George Haddad, Joanne Issa, Lazydigger, Julie Lulie, Petrovsky & Ramone, Georges Sokhn, Bachar Srour Tanya Traboulsi, Philippe Tyan, Charbel Zeidan stylists Dalila Barkache, Hala Moawad, Tiphaine Siou-Gibon, Venus Waterman production Fadi Maalouf, Maria Maalouf / Responsible director George Chahine / Printing 140 El Moutrane St., fourth floor, Downtown Beirut, Lebanon / gossip@gossip-beirut.com

The art of printing

Seven store, Beirut souks, Souk El Tawileh, tel: 01 99 11 11 ext: 560 Also available at all A誰zone stores in Beirut, tel: 01 99 11 11

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24 HOURS IN PARIS If I were to choose where to spend the last 24 hours of my life, it would be Paris. For the croissants and macarons, bien sûr, but also because of the city’s relentless power to inspire and enamour. This is the ultimate insider hipster’s marathon. Required: very high heels, a good dose of poise and a dash of spirit.

9AM: COFFEE AT HOTEL GABRIEL

3PM: HOT AND PAMPERED AT KLAY

3AM: EARLY MORNING DANCING

Parisians don’t like to wake up too early, especially rockers and models. But at the Hotel Gabriel in the Marais, they get to take a break from their high-speed nights. This immaculate cocoon, all earthy tones and minimalist designs, offers urbanites a body-and-mind cure. Start the day with a light organic breakfast and a targeted facial in the BIOO detox beauty room. Om. 25 rue Grand Prieuré, 11th arrondissement, T 33.1.4700.1338, W www.gabrielparismarais.com

Hardcore gym buffs just love Klay, a high-luxury gym in the cool Montorgueil neighborhood. An old industrial building revamped into a plush health center, the place features a lounge, spa, hammam, pool and personalized training. Serious boxers will enjoy the large boxing room, while cardio freaks can watch DVDs on the high-tech treadmills and elliptical machines. When you’re done, treat yourself to a protein shake at the Drôle d’Endroit Pour Une Rencontre café. 4 rue St. Sauveur, second arrondissement, T 33.1.4026.0000, W www.klay.fr

Navigate away from bourgeois Paris and go to Chez Moune. Set in the city’s red light district, this lesbian cabaret first opened in the early 20th century and still hosts some of Paris’ coolest, most fabulous parties. 54 rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, ninth arrondissement, T 33.1.4526.6464, W chez-moune.com

11AM: SHOPPING AT L’ECLAIREUR

Head to L’Eclaireur’s new Marais boutique, a futuristic Ali Baba’s tavern for the fashion-obsessed. The 300-squaremeter space is a softly chaotic labyrinth, with walls made of wood planks and 147 screens projecting images of eyes. Belgian artist Arne Quinze’s gray, urbanlike environment provides the perfect backdrop to the store’s cutting-edge clothing and accessories. Key pieces by Comme des Garçons, Ann Demeulmeester, Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten and Lanvin are showcased like works of art, begging to be tried on. 40 rue de Sévigné, third arrondissement, W www.leclaireur.com

1PM: LUNCH AT MERCI

Merci, where ethical meets trendy. This new concept store in the third arrondissement offers marvels by Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant and Jerome Dreyfuss as well as Christian Tortu’s artistic flower arrangements, modern design, books and an Annick Goutal fragrance laboratory. At the café, grab a zucchini-fennel Carpaccio and a fruit crumble, and enjoy the view of the herb garden. All of the store’s profits go to a charity that helps, among others, the poor children of Madagascar. 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, third arrondissement, T 33.1.4277.7892, W www.merci-merci.com

5PM: REDISCOVER LUCIAN FREUD

Head to the Centre Pompidou and catch “Atelier,” a retrospective of the most significant works by British painter Lucian Freud. This is the first exhibition in France dedicated to the 88-year-old’s paintings since 1987. On view until July 19 at the Centre Pompidou, fourth arrondissement, T 33.1.4478.1233, W www. centrepompidou.fr

8AM: CROISSANTS AND CAFÉ CRÈME

As morning takes its hold on the French capital, all roads lead to Café de Flore. The city’s most renowned café once hosted the likes of Sartre, Picasso and Camus. Sit on the terrace with your copy of Le Monde, a steaming cup of café crème and a basket of viennoiseries, and imagine you’re the celebrated star of a Godard film. 26 rue St. Benoit, sixth arrondissement, T 33.1.4544.3340,W www.cafedeflore.fr

7PM: COCKTAILS AT CAFÉ BEAUBOURG

Les Halles is the preferred hangout for artists, performers and media buffs, and their prime “headquarters” is the super-stylish Café Beaubourg. Here, order a kir royal, the classic and always fabulous cocktail made from champagne and crème de mûre. 43 rue St. Merri, fourth arrondissement, T 33.1.4887.63 96.

9PM: DINNER AT LA SOCIÉTÉ

Dress to the nines before heading to La Société, a new restaurant located in St. Germain. The large, loft-like space – all dark chocolate tones with photographs, sculptures and paintings – showcases a marble champagne bar and offers jazz concerts on select nights. Order the sea bass tartare and the shrimp risotto – and drift away. 4 Place St. Germain, sixth arrondissement, T 33.1.5363.6060, W www.restaurantlasociete.com

11PM: RETRO GLAMOUR AT LE MONTANA

After a strong shot of espresso, exit La Société and walk to Le Montana, the iconic ‘60s club that reopened last year and is now the trendiest spot in Paris. This is graffiti artist-cum-hotelier André’s (from Le Baron) latest gem, a retro style club where models and actresses rub elbows with designers, socialites and artists. Order a vodka-champagne-rose cocktail and head downstairs for hours of dancing and flirting. Warning: this one’s not for the faint-hearted! 28 rue St. Benoit, sixth arrondissement.

[ Text Shirine Saad Photos Lazydigger ]

Available at all Aizone Stores In Beirut +961.1.991111

music

Mika is on his second world tour, and he aspires to a lifetime of them

BIG BOY, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL of his favorite concerts was the memorable Beirut concert, held in Matryrs’ Square in 2008. “It was amazing to be in the Middle East and to receive that kind of welcome. Just amazing.”

“Christian Louboutin designed the shoes for my tour,” says pop sensation Mika. “They’re constructed with box points, with what look like a round toe built in front of them. So I can go en pointe and it doesn’t hurt.” When the musician does get sore feet from dancing – “I dance a lot, and I dance badly” – he knows how to solve the problem: “There is a trick where you put meat in your shoes to stop you getting blisters. Not chicken because it’s too watery. Ballet dancers use veal.” Mika is currently on a world tour for his album The Boy Who Knew Too Much, which came out late last year. His first record, Life in Cartoon Motion, was a global hit, selling 5.6 million copies, and the new one looks set to sell even more. On the day I met him in London’s Charlotte Street hotel, he knows that “it’s sold over 2 million so far already, which is incredible. I want to be commercial, I want to sell records, but I want to do this for a long time, too. Not many people manage both. That’s the great challenge.” Mika was born Michael Penniman to a Lebanese mother and American father in 1983, and spent his early life in Beirut. The family left due to reasons both personal and political, moving to a Lebanese community in Paris before eventually settling in London. “I consider my household a Lebanese household, even though I’m based in the United Kingdom,” says Mika. “If you walk in, you are walking into a Lebanese home.” He has played countless global stadia, but says one

He’s on his second world tour now; does he aspire to one day looking back on a lifetime of them Madonnastyle? “Well the era of those big ‘90s pop tours is over forever. There will never be another Madonna. The music industry doesn’t work in the same way any more, and money isn’t being made in the same ways it used to be. Records aren’t selling, and the mp3 has released the magic of the tactile feeling of vinyl or of a CD booklet. But the live shows feel more magical than ever.” Mika says he embraces the change. “One of the best things about the pop music scene at the moment is that individuality is coming through. Women, especially, are no longer looking like divas controlled by men. They’re divas on their own terms. Their sexuality is one of individuality as opposed to doing something because a man will like it – with a lot of divas in the ‘90s you got that feeling. But now it’s about the artistry of the star.” Of his own star-power, he says: “I’m deluded enough to think I’ll have longevity,” adding that when he was writing his second album, “I thought, why am I doing this when there are tons of other people in the world who are doing this? But I love writing songs. For someone like me, the best validation of what you do is to have a career that lasts at least 15 years and then some.” In April, Mika will be performing in Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and France. In May, he will be performing in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

[ Text Gretel Blackwood ]

nightlife

Take a walk on the flip side Start digging through attics or source the local flea markets on the weekend. The word is out on the DJ scene: vinyl records are making a real comeback. Despite the incredible advances in music technology over the last decade, vinyl discs are now enjoying cult status and considered vintage and retro by the mp3 generation. Downloading thousands of songs for next to nothing onto an iPod has become ordinary so audiophiles are opting for the more tangible vinyl records, where even the cover is often a work of art. “CDs and mp3s are becoming so disposable,” says Ceasar K., resident DJ and partner at Flipside, the Middle East’s first bar that plays only vinyl records. The place is located in trendy Mar Mikhael, where hip bars now stand in the place of rundown stores. “Vinyl has a warmer, richer sound.” And those annoying scratches that people gladly traded in for CDs? According to Ceasar K., they are just an added bonus. He is convinced that the sound of music coming from the vinyl is much clearer than with a CD, and the experience far more intense – as long as it is played on the right equipment. Flipside is already attracting a steady stream of hardcore fans, some addicted to vinyl, others who love the live show of a DJ flipping vinyls. “We decided to open due to rising demand on vinyls worldwide,” says Roger Petrakian, partner at Flipside. There are only a handful of bars in the world devoted solely to playing vinyls; and Flipside is one of them. The place is tiny, it only seats 36, but it’s the

visual element that counts here. The focus is on the DJ booth, and when clients enter they head there to greet, make requests and converse at ease with the DJ. “A 12-inch record allows the DJ to mix and fade more smoothly, to create effects and have fun while he is spinning his vinyls,” says Petrakian. Funky album designs – all replaced on a weekly basis – cover the main wall of the bar. The drink menu features Strictly Vinyl, Tape Deck, 45 RPM, 7 inch and 12 inch, all cocktails with a spin exclusive to Flipside. “For us, vinyl is the only choice really,” says Ceasar K. “The artwork cover, the division into sides, the warm sound quality, nothing beats the experience.”

The word is out on the DJ scene: vinyl records are making a real comeback [ Text Thaddea Davies ]

style

THE NEXT LITTLE THING

For those willing to sift and discover, The Market is a true Manhattan gold mine The perfect spot for a rogue designer market: a church basement in Manhattan’s super-hip Nolita district. The Young Designer’s Market, otherwise known as The Market, can be found in the downbelow of St. Patrick’s church on Mulberry street and has become a popular stop on the itinerary of the in-the-know style hunter. Follow twitters and blogs, and you’ll no doubt get wind of the market, which seems to be growing in popularity every week, despite the fact that it’s been in operation for years. Open Saturdays and Sundays only from 11am7pm, The Market rents its space on the relative cheap to up-and-coming designers, who bring unique and oneof-a-kind fashion and accessory designs to dedicated and patient foot traffic. Flea marketers may leave disgruntled and will certainly find the wares uncheap – this is not a flea. This is a showcase, specifically designed for those seeking cutting edge fashion. For those willing to sift and discover, it’s a true Manhattan gold mine.

There are no mass-produced items here; most designers are local, most man the stalls themselves and many craft right there as you peruse their offerings during open hours. While clothing, bags and accessories of all kinds are available and sold with enthusiasm, jewelry is The Market’s most consistent draw. Pieces ranging from unusual rings crafted out of metal and raw jewels to string necklaces and hammered bangles are splayed along the long tables, and shoppers tout the one-of-akind quality as a real reason to buy here over other new designer boutiques in the city. Various metals and gems dangle and pierce, buyers revel in the fact that no one else will find another quite like theirs. Other fresh, novel fashion items for sale at The Market are not to be ignored, however. Upgraded, redesigned vintage, unique T-shirt silkscreens and unusual fabrics meet to create clothing from overcoats to flowing skirts. Find shoes, handcrafted, brightly colored hats, redesigned sweaters, jackets, belts. This is a great way to support grassroots fashion. Meet the designers, admire, purchase, feel good. After all, you just shook hands with the gal who made it, not the gal who runs the factory. A gal who, by the way, could also be the next “it” name in fashion.

[ Text Ann Valente Photos Mark Babushkin ]

citizens

A MUSE FOR THE MIGHTY Tanya Traboulsi photographs the underground music scene Lebanese photographer Tanya Traboulsi has lots of exciting projects in the works – and many more already garnering international acclaim. In addition to having her photographs appear in such esteemed publications as the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times and exhibiting in major cities across the globe from New York to Prague, Traboulsi has also just released a new book, Untitled Tracks. The book, produced in collaboration with Ziad Nawfal and Ghalya Saadawi, delves deep into the world of Beirut’s underground music, with texts and images depicting the raw, uninhibited Lebanese alternative music scene as it lives and breathes today. As such, it’s the first publication of its kind in the Middle East. Traboulsi, the passionate mastermind behind the vividly descriptive photographs in Untitled Tracks, has been enthusiastically following and documenting the

local and international music scene since 2006 and compiling pictures for this particular project since 2007. “My photographs are a visual document about life on and behind the stage, of musicians of the alternative music scene in Beirut,” says Traboulsi. “I’ve taken photos of concerts, rehearsals and the private time of the musicians.”

Although this is her first book, Traboulsi, now 33, is not really a newcomer to the photography world: she’s been taking serious photos ever since she moved to Lebanon from Austria six years ago. Having worked for years as a makeup artist on fashion shoots, Traboulsi was familiar with photography even before she decided to drop her makeup brush and move behind the camera lens.

The Beirut music scene that so fascinates Traboulsi is currently hot, hot, hot: bands that have long been termed “underground” are slowly but effectively emerging onto the music forefront. Once obscure acts like Scrambled Eggs, the Incompetents and Fareeq el Atrash, to name a few, are gaining ever-increasing notoriety, and Traboulsi has jumped along for the ride, camera in hand, to document their ascent. “There are so many more talented musicians than those covered in the book, but we had to make a selection, and the selection is more of a personal selection than anything else,” says Traboulsi.

Traboulsi has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. She hopes to exhibit on a bigger scale this year in Beirut, while continuing her photographic documentation of the music world. “Ideally, I would like to travel with bands and photograph them for music magazines. I hope to be able to make music photography my main job one day, for music magazines in Lebanon and around the world.”

[ Text Tala Habbal Photos Tanya Traboulsi ]

music

WHITE KNIGHTS

The Postelles play songs with roots in Motown, punk and pop rock

A block away from where New York’s legendary CBGB once stood, the up-and-coming retro-rock band, the Postelles, played a three-week residency at Bowery Electric. Packed to the brim in a snug, dark room, the audience sang along and swayed only steps away from lead singer, Daniel Balk.

“We’re always trying to make our shows as fun as possible. They have a party atmosphere,” says Dargahi. “We’re not the kind of band that wants you to sit back and relax. We want you to interact with us, get right in our faces and get as close as possible. We want the fans to feel they are part of it [the experience].”

With a New York pedigree, these guys know how to give a performance that rouses an audience swept up in the city’s boundless energy. Born and bred in New York, the four band mates – Balk (guitar/lead vocals), David Dargahi (lead guitar), John Speyer (bass) and Billy Cadden (drums) – met freshman year of high school on the Upper West Side. While some critics might be tempted to label them ingénues, they’ve actually been playing together for five years, and this finely honed experience resonates in their sound. In spite of their age (they’re all in their early 20s), they have the stage presence and moxie way beyond their years.

The Postelles caught the attention of the Stroke’s guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., and he produced their single, “123 Stop,” and the four-track EP White Night that came out last March. In fact, the band recorded these songs in Hammond’s very own living room. Hammond is not the only seasoned musician working with the Postelles: you’ll also find an iTunes exclusive remix of “Sleep on the Dance Floor” by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor on the new EP.

Dipping into the vast well of rock ‘n’ roll, the Postelles’ songs have roots in Motown, punk and pop rock. Influenced by a range of artists from the Beatles and the Ramones to Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, the band puts a contemporary spin on the past. The band’s eponymous debut EP is chock-full of fastpaced, head-bopping tunes that manage to deliver a rawness and edge while still sounding polished. And you can expect nothing less than an all out dance party from one of the Postelles’ live shows.

Set to hit the road this spring, the Postelles will be touring with the band Hockey and making an appearance at the music festival South by Southwest. With their new album scheduled to be released this fall, the Postelles will undoubtedly be busier than ever. But it doesn’t stop them from thinking about what lies ahead. “I think down the road, we would definitely like to get some piano in the style of Billy Preston or possibly integrate some organ one day. I think above all, we always want to make sure that we’re a true rock ‘n’ roll band,” says Dargahi.

[ Text LC Gates ]

nightlife

Party destination:

America’s Riviera got quite chilly this winter, one of the harshest in many years. So bikinis and pool parties, not uncommon this time of year, were put on hold while overcoats, scarves and great music took over the scene. Weather notwithstanding, Miami’s postcard-beautiful South Beach still hosts the most luxurious clubs, mainly in its five-star hotels, like the Wall at the recently opened W Hotel; the naughty Louis Bar, located at the Gansevoort South; LIV at the grandiose Fontainebleau, which reopened just two years ago; and the glamorous Set on upper Lincoln road. Weekend increases the options as the more urban setting of the north end of Downtown Miami holds memorable parties at the White Room and Vagabond and, further north, the always fun Electric Pickle. The new and all-time favorite Bardot, in the Wynwood District, is an all-week and weekend option for the more cutting-edge crowd. And when in Miami, do as Miamians and order a vodka cranberry, the chosen drink in this sultriest of American cities.

MIAMI

Louis Bar at the Gansevoort South

Bardot

Wall at W South Beach

Opened in late 2008, Louis is an eclectic and modern lounge space inside the too-trendy-for-words Gansevoort South hotel. Its elegance was inspired by a royal Parisian palace on a happy acid trip and features color schemes of black lacquer juxtaposed with eye-popping flashes of bright fuchsia, hot pinks and canary yellows. French antiques are modernized with brilliant, high gloss façades, while modern lighting fixtures are coupled with vintage crystals and traditional shades. A white carriage welcomes guests at the door, hinting at the thrills one can expect once inside. 2325 Collins Ave., T. 1.305.531.4600.

There is nightlife outside South Beach. Plenty of it. Opened last fall and labeled the “coolest bar in town” a few weeks later, Bardot certainly lives up to its reputation. Its underground, sexy and speakeasy feel hark back to the Berlin cabarets of the ‘20s and the London rock bars of the ‘60s. The place is named after France’s movie icon, because, in the owners’ words: “There was a time when every woman wanted to be Bardot and every man wanted Bardot. It was a time of change and liberation, when everything seemed possible and pleasurable. Bardot takes the spirit of that time and makes it cutting-edge.” So go right in (there are no door charges!), relax on a plush couch, listen to a local band or a DJ spinning, hang out with interesting looking people and let the revolution begin. There’s no sign to indicate where Bardot is actually located, so look for the open doors with heavy red curtains: Bardot is right behind them. 3456 N. Miami Ave., T. 1.305.576.5570.

Attracting South Beach’s most sophisticated crowd, Wall is the most recent club to surface on this shoreline. Facing the beautiful beachfront garden of the W hotel, the place is never short of jet setters and top-notch celebrities. Its boutique-size, rich, dark, elegant interior makes no bones about the fact that it’s small enough not to need a VIP room. The space divides into a small front bar done up with black lacquered walls and Tronlike beams of light running through them, while the main room features a wall covered with a harlequin pattern of mirrors and brown lacquered wood. There’s no designated dance floor, just wide avenues between banquettes that become ever-so-cramped late Friday night as Miami’s hot and bothered party-goers shake it up and down. 2201 Collins Ave., T. 1.305.938.3000.

HONORABLE MENTIONS Purdy Lounge

With a pool table and a slew of board games to choose from, this local hangout is a no-nonsense bar with inexpensive cocktails by South Beach standards. With no star DJs or fancy sound system, a CD player does the trick most of the time. Since there’s no cover charge, waiting in line outside might be inevitable on weekends. 1811 Purdy Ave., T. 1.305.531.4622. Electric Pickle

This is a great place to chill if the grittier neighborhood north of Downtown Miami doesn’t turn you off. With two dance floors (the second is upstairs, make sure you don’t miss the almost hidden stairs) and an outdoor space with live music, the place guarantees a fun night among an eclectic crowd. 2826 N. Miami Ave., T. 1.305.456.5613. White Room LIV at the Fontainebleau

Set

The famous, Vegas-style Fontainebleau provides the setting for LIV, a massive club designed in such a way that encourages voyeurs and performers to see and be seen from almost anywhere on the premises. Upon entering, as you descend a long sweeping staircase below a historic dome ceiling bathed in projected videos, be sure to look down for sightlines to every strata of the club, all illuminated with architectural lighting that makes wherever you’re standing feel like a stage. Once on the floor, head to one of three bars backed by DJ-synched video, or gain some altitude on the mezzanine. You can also spy on the dance floor by stepping up to elevated leather banquettes “stitched” with light fiber that strobes with the music. For VIP treatment, you can book one of their skyboxes (six in all), which come with bottle service, a mini-bar and guaranteed privacy. 4441 Collins Ave., T. 1.305.674.4680.

With dramatic design inspired by the grand Hollywood homes of the ‘30s and ‘40s, Set features a luxurious mix of crystal, Pucci fabrics, baby croc and leather, a futuristic glass fireplace, vacuum compressed elevators, eclectic Tinseltown-era artifacts and ebony macassar, creating a vibe that gives a modern South Beach nod to old Hollywood glamour. The professional dancers in the elevators and on elevated banquettes move the champagnesipping crowd and complement the glamorous theatrical effect. 320 Lincoln Rd., T. 1.305.531.2008.

Personal style and a sense of adventure are required for the White Room. The main lounge might have a local band playing, while the outside patio always holds a live performance of some kind. 1306 N. Miami Ave., T. 1.305.995.5050. Vagabond

Situated just around the corner from the White Room, the Vagabond has a smashing patio to get some fresh air and your energy back (and a grilled steak sandwich while you’re at it). You can move from the White Room to the Vagabond and back so as not to miss the best of both. 30 NE 14th St., T 1.305.379.0508.

[ Text Carmen Ferreira ]

DAYTRIPPERS [ Photos Petrovsky & Ramone

Styling Venus Waterman Makeup Christian Abou Haidar Location Hamra, Beirut ]

All photos on both pages: Gigi (brunette) is in a Gig top, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Diesel belt, DKNY headband and vintage sunglasses. The boy is in a jacket, shirt, tie, jeans, belt and shoes, all by D&G. Electra (blonde) is in a Dsquared dress, Elizabeth and James shirt and Rock & Republic belt. Her bag is by Prada

All photos on both pages: Gigi is in a Burberry jacket, DKNY top, DKNY hairband and Casting leggings. Her bag is by Jimmy Choo. The boy is in a Prada shirt, Burberry jeans, Diesel belt and Gucci sunglasses

All photos on both pages: Electra (blonde) is in a Diane Von Furstenberg top, 7 For All Mankind denim shorts, Iceberg scarf and vintage ring. The boy is in a Burberry shirt, Diesel jeans, Diesel belt and Camper shoes. Gigi (brunette) is in a Noir jacket, Poleci top, Armani jeans and Balenciaga top

All photos on both pages: Electra is in a DKNY top and vintage bracelets. Her bag is by Marc Jacobs. The boy is in a Dsquared jacket, Iceberg shirt, D&G jeans, D&G belt and Giorgio Armani sunglasses

All photos on both pages: Electra (blonde) is in a True Religion jacket, Haute Hippie dress, B-Low the Belt belt and Me & Kashmere scarf. Her bag is by Jimmy Choo. Gigi (brunette) is in a Paul & Joe top, Rock & Republic jeans, DKNY jeans and vintage gloves

This page: Electra (blonde) is in a Paul & Joe outer shirt, Dsquared top, D&G skirt and vintage bracelet. The boy is in a D&G jacket, Paul & Joe shirt, Citizens of Humanity jeans and Diesel shoes. Gigi (brunette) is in a Marc Jacobs dress, DKNY headband and Jimmy Choo shoes. Her bag is by Diesel Opposite page: Electra is in a Marc by Marc Jacobs coat, Velvet dress and miu miu bracelets. Her bag is by miu miu. The boy is in a Burberry cardigan, Iceberg shirt, Citizens of Humanity jeans and Iceberg belt. Available at A誰zone.

[ Text Sydney Reade ]

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style

outta time

TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK Left hand, top to bottom: Timex, LL60,000; Ice-Watch, LL202,000; Swatch, LL75,000; Timex vintage; ToyWatch LL398,000 Right hand, top watch: Swatch vintage. Right hand, bottom three watches: Casio vintage

[ Photo Bachar Srour ]

style

it takes two to trend Four iconic couples from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s (two fictional and two quite real) defined the style of the decade that gave birth to grunge, the Internet and Melrose Place. Go back to the past to get the scoop on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest looks.

[ Photos Enzo

Styling Hala Moawad ]

JOHNNY AND KATE 4 2

Johnny Depp and Kate Moss looked best in basic black and stark white. 1. Elizabeth and James shirt 2. Diesel shoes 3. B-Low the Belt belt 4. D&G jacket 5. Maria Branca Nero dress 6. De Couture bag 7. Casting vest 8. True Religion jeans 9. Balenciaga sunglasses 10. Noir bracelet 11. Sea top 12. Balenciaga shoes 13. Bottega Veneta necklace 14. Diesel bracelet 15. Armani sunglasses 16. Danni Jo necklace 17. Dior hat 18. Les Petites Parisiennes boots 19. Jay Godfrey top

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clarence and Alabama 13 9 1 2 3

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Clarence and Alabama shoot their way through Hollywood in wild, colorful prints in the movie True Romance. 1. Marc Jacobs dress 2. Casadei shoes 3. Ice by Iceberg swimsuit 4. Marc Jacobs headband 5. Jimmy Choo bag 6. Juicy Couture pendant 7. Alexander McQueen sunglasses 8. Virginie Castaway scarf 9. Marc Jacobs bracelet 10. Marc Jacobs bag 11. Borsalino hat 12. Soobaya swim trunks 13. Danni Jo ring 14.. Marc Jacobs shorts 15. Nancy Gonzalez belt 16. miu miu shoes 17. YSL sunglasses 18. R.Jeans dress 19. Marc Jacobs T-shirt

Kurt and courtney 2

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Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love turned grunge into a global fashion trend, placing Seattle squarely on the world’s style map. 1. Marc Jacobs jacket 2. Diesel shoes 3. Hazel dress 4. Marc Jacobs necklace 5. Paul & Joe shirt 6. Bash dress 7. Borsalino hat 8. Heimstone vest 9. Citizens of Humanity overalls 10. Junk Food T-shirt 11. Logan shoes 12. D&G necklace 13. Chloé sunglasses 14.Isabel Marant T-shirt

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Mickey and mallory 2

Mickey and Mallory lit up the screen in Natural Born Killers. Mallory’s look – sex kitten/army general – was a ‘90s staple. 1. Ela Stone necklace 2. Tory Burch leggings 3. Tory Burch bag 4. Dsquared jacket 5. Pin Up swimsuit 6. Julie & James necklace 7. Elizabeth and James top 8. Paul & Joe boots 9. D&G belt 10. True Religion shorts 11. Dior hat 12. Me & Kashmere scarf 13. Ela Stone ring 14. Isabel Marant belt 15. D&G key chain 16. Michael Kors shoes 17. Dsquared jacket 18. Chloé sunglasses 19. Isabel Marant bag 20. Diesel bracelet. Available at Aïzone.

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style

SHORT AND SWEET [ Photos Bachar Srour

Styling Dalila Barkache Makeup Christian Abou Haidar Location Bekaa Valley ]

Roberto Cavalli top, LL1,136,000; All Dressed Up shorts, LL424,000; Balenciaga sunglasses, LL697,000; Ela Stone earrings, LL387,000

Marc by Marc Jacobs top, LL636,000; Roberto Cavalli shorts, LL1,053,000; ChloĂŠ sunglasses, LL659,000; Y Eyes bracelets, LL197,000 (each); Balenciaga bag, LL2,795,000

Heimstone top, LL901,000; Roberto Cavalli shorts, LL1,469,000; Etro belt, LL939,000

style

Brunello Cucinelli top, LL1,325,000; Isabel Marant shorts, LL258,000; ChloĂŠ sunglasses, LL712,000; Stella McCartney jacket, LL969,000

Balenciaga top, LL591,000; Roberto Cavalli shorts, LL841,000; Marni bracelet, LL818,000

Celine top, LL1,325,000; Chloé shorts, LL863,000; Bottega Veneta sunglasses, LL697,000; Chloé bag, LL3,415,000

Stella McCartney top, LL1,340,000; Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts, LL362,000; miu miu bag, LL1,537,000. Available at Aïzone.

style

DENIM GOT STYLE The denim revolution that started about 10 years back goes on unabated. Forget your father’s Levi’s, Lee or Calvin Klein jeans. There’s a whole new generation of stonewashed baby blues, and they’re all yours for the taking.

Citizens of Humanity

7 For All Mankind

The fabulous, fantastical denim label from the City of Angels (whose trademark jeans are affectionately named “Sevens” by all boys and girls who wear them) has come a long way since its launch 10 years ago. No longer just a denim provider, 7 For All Mankind is now a lifestyle brand, with accessories, sportswear and a whole slew of other offerings, all in addition to the famed, incredibly flattering jeans that first made the brand a household name. In spring/summer 2010, look out for distressed jeans with ‘80s inspired acid washes, denim pencil skirts and chambray rompers.

Rock & Republic

Make way for “the jeans for the people.” Rock & Republic is the favored denim brand of college gals and rockers of all ages. American designer Michael Ball’s intention, when he first created the now legendary Rock & Republic cut, was to make people sexy via his jeans. As it did when it was first created in 2002, the brand still offers modern silhouettes with a sleek fit in a variety of colors, including all shades of blue, brown, white and more, with each style named after a famous rock star. Ball’s inspiration for spring/summer 2010 is Vladimir Nabokov’s classic novel Lolita, with themes like sexual innocence and budding young love running through his collection. The body-hugging charcoal jeans doused in big splashes of white paint are instant classics.

Jerome Dahan left his competition in the dust when he introduced his own denim label, Citizens of Humanity, back in 2003. The former head of Lucky Brand jeans and co-founder of 7 For All Mankind, Dahan had the jeanetic requirements to make such a savvy and daring move. Fast-forward seven years and Citizens of Humanity now stands atop of the premium denim heap. The new spring/ summer 2010 collection blends the understated, chic femininity of the French Riviera with hardcore punk masculinity, while exuding an all-American feel. Must-haves for the sunny and cool spring season include Capri pants with rolled cuffs, mini boot cut jeans and short shorts.

Diesel

Renzo Rosso, the king of Italian denim, has conquered the world with his label. Diesel was the first to elevate jeans from the mainstream and transform them into a fashion statement, and the company continues to light up runways with collections that are young, edgy and classic, all at the same time. This season, beautifully distressed clothes are the way to go for boys in the know: think smoke-stained jeans, trampled outerwear and T-shirts with hazard warnings. Girls can look cool and get busy in the slim-fitting black pieces (tops, jeans, skirts) and in acid- or white-washed jeans with tapered cuts. According to the new Diesel campaign, sex sells – and apparently so does denim.

[ Text Sydney Reade Photos 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Diesel, Rock & Republic ]

style

in a snapshot

passport to style Left to right: Tiphaine ponders in a Borsalino hat and Paul & Joe jumper. Tarek winks in a Marc by Marc Jacobs shirt and his own sunglasses. Tina twirls in a jacket and top, both by Balenciaga. Fouad plays in a Paul & Joe cardigan. Karim courts Jessy in a Junk Food T-shirt, while Jessy teases Karim with a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag and a vest, bracelets and ring, all by Heimstone. Dania shoots â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em all down in a Citizens of Humanity vest, Etoile by Isabel Marant top and her own bracelet and glasses. Philippe bares all in a Dsquared shirt. Available at AĂŻzone.

Available at all Aizone Stores In Beirut +961.1.991111

what to do

KISSES IN THE DARK You’ve gone to dinner. You’ve had a couple of cocktails. Now it’s time for the most interesting part of the evening: the much-anticipated first (or second or 10th) kiss, which will hopefully be followed by a hot ‘n’ heavy make-out session. Although this last part should go off without a hitch, it’s not always easy to find a private and (perhaps even) romantic place to get busy. Here are some secret places that seem to be popular with young lovers – they provide seclusion, blissful calm and a slight dose of dreaminess. La Marina Dbayeh

If the throngs of dispersed parked cars along the marina are any indication, this well-known location is still a popular pick for young and old lovers alike. The beautiful waterfront views and extensive parking make this location convenient, practical and scenic to boot. Behind the Green Door

What happens at Behind the Green Door stays at Behind the Green Door. Although most people usually engage in PDAs at most bars and clubs, BTGD patrons enjoy a different sense of freedom with the anything goes vibe at this popular after-hours spot. Whether it be girls dancing on the infamous BTGD stripper pole, or older women chatting up younger guys, pub-goers at this spot are too busy indulging in their own vices to pay attention to who’s zooming who.

AUB

The campus that boasts the largest area of greenery in Beirut is also a popular nighttime make-out destination. Although not as easy as other places to access (you need to be a student or alumni), once in, the many hidden benches sprawled across the large space serve as a perfect spot to smooch. At the movies

Everyone knows the old first date movie ritual. Guy takes girl to movie. Guy and girl find every way imaginable to touch each other – accidentally touching hands while fishing for popcorn, leaning on one another while pretending to watch the most boring movie ever. These days, however, the movie theater is no longer limited to first dates. And while you can touch and kiss in just about any theater in Beirut, Concorde cinemas in Verdun are particularly well-suited for a sweet (or not-so-sweet) snogging session. Don’t worry about those pesky ushers with their flashlights; chances are they’ve seen it all!

Some places in Beirut provide seclusion and dreaminess

Raouche

Although this spot may seem like an obvious choice, the secret beach location nestled at the bottom of a steep, obscure hill near the Mövenpick hotel is perfect for a concealed yet heavy-duty make-out session. Although nice at night, the extreme seclusion of this spot makes daytime romps completely doable.

[ Text Tala Habbal ]

music

Edge of pop

album previews

Beck Modern Guilt Dismissed as a vanity project by The Guardian, Beck’s 11th studio release went on to receive a Grammy nomination for best album. The songwriting has darkness and anxiety, but gets glossed over by piano vamps, surf rock riffs, psychedelic noodling and scratchy percussion. Credit Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton, one half of Gnarls Barkley, with keeping the pace upbeat and the music rather tight. Ten compact, three-minute songs include the single “Orphans,” a cut spiked with ‘60s electric, pop and tribal beats that reflect Beck’s diverse musical influences. Released on the pop artist’s 38th birthday, the recording demonstrates how Beck has experimented and evolved since his “Loser” days. PLAYLIST

the Whitest Boy Alive Rules End-of-concert music jams and sound check samples inspire The Whitest Boy Alive’s release. Under the guidance of vocalist and guitarist Erlend Øye, this electronic music project has followed a circuitous route to a less synthesized sound, resulting in strains of funk, disco and Latin rhythms. Pointed lyrics on “Gravity” cut to the chase: “How long can a cool cat keep his calm?”

Generationals Con Law After Eames Era broke up, members Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer formed Generationals. On the New Orleans band’s debut, producer Daniel Black endeavored to give the sunshiny pop a retro sound by recording with a 24-track, two-inch tape machine. The single “When They Fight, They Fight” is the ideal soundtrack for your next clambake, with a throwback beach party beat.

Jeremy Jay Slow Dance Sugary, shiny, romantic. Indie pop artist Jeremy Jay spins the stuff of dreams in this montage of stream-of-consciousness music influenced by Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen. Fanciful, movie-inspired songs betray the artist’s Los Angeles background. “Skating” feels right out of a melancholy romance like Ghost.

Crystal Castles Crystal Castles Thanks to alternately shrieking and melodic vocals by Alice Glass, Ontario’s experimental electronic music band Crystal Castles produces sounds only slightly less noisy than noise bands, against a backdrop of Pac Man-inspired blips and beeps. This release collects tracks from singles, demos and new recordings, with low-fi production values and pop hooks.

Devendra Banhart What Will Be Freak folk has its hero in Devendra Banhart, whose avant-garde, free-associative songs reflect the artist’s unconventional creative process: “We all had a psychic wedlock ritual before the record. We read a lot of famous Tutoula...We studied mycology in Northern California, how mushrooms can help save the world.” The single “Baby” stands out for its Grateful Dead-cum-Motown groove.

Paris-based DJ My Fisty Music says he enjoys any type of music that makes him “shake or smile” – like the playlist he’s put together for Gossip. 1. “Harlem”

by Bill Withers (Eamon Harkin Edit) 2. “VCR” by The XX (Matthew Dear Remix) 3. “CookieMachine” by PacoVolume 4. “Sararevé” by Bumcello 5. “My Dick” by Mickey Avalon (featuring Dirt Nasty & Andre Legacy) 6. “I Made Myself Invisible” by Whitey 7. “Jim for Tango” by Dieter Meier 8. “Roche” by Sébastien Tellier 9. “Airport” by The Motors 10.”When the River Rurns Around” by Kim 11. “Quicksand” by La Roux (Mad Decent remix No. 1) 12. “Let my shoes lead me forward” by Jenny Wilson 13. “Animals” by Kit 14. “Sunglasses at Night” by Corey Hart 15. “Paris Orly” by Deux 16. “Lucy” by ZZZ 17. “A Time for Us” by Nicolas Jaar

citizens

SHARP. SHELLED. STARK! The vital, vivid colors of Jen Stark’s Miami hometown stay front and center in her work Psychedelic, meditative, repetitive, complicated – such are adjectives often used to describe the sculptures and drawings of young artist Jen Stark. Born and raised in Miami in 1983, Stark left home first for art school in Baltimore in 2001 and has since accepted residencies in various spots around the globe. And while Stark is often on the road with her work, the vital, vivid colors of her hometown Miami seem to stay front and center. Stark works primarily with wood and paper and does it by hand. She says she enjoys taking “common material” and transforming it. One look at sculptures like “Over and Out” or “Prismatic,” or even drawings such as “High on Constellation,” and viewers often imagine Stark’s deployment of CG software, but no dice. Stark rolls low tech: behold the powers of the trusty X-Acto knife. We caught up with Stark just as she was packing up for her most recent show in Bangkok, and asked her a few questions. How would you describe your work to a non-artist? Colorful, intricate, mathematically organic, labor intensive. I like the idea of taking a common material

– paper – and transforming it into something amazing and unexpected. I love to play with ideas of mystery, awe and discovery in my work. Why paper? The beginning of the paper sculptures happened in the south of France, in Aix-en-Provence. I decided to study abroad there for a semester during college, so I brought two suitcases full of clothes and decided to purchase art supplies in France. The euro was very high, so when I went into the art store I decided to buy one of the cheapest materials, but one that had potential. I purchased an assorted color stack of construction paper and began experimenting in my studio. Eventually I began turning them into threedimensional sculptures. What are your sources of inspiration? I’m inspired by all types of things: plants, outer space, microscopic designs in nature, color and mystery. I love geometric shapes and how they apply to lots of designs in nature. I love the mystery and amazing universal shapes in science and space. It is crazy to think that huge things out in the universe

can have the same shapes as tiny microorganisms under a microscope. Also, it is interesting to me how much we still don’t know about science and the way things work. I hope to maybe reveal (on a visual level) some truth or insight about these ideas. I think geometry, nature and mathematics have everything in common! I am also inspired by artists like Tom Friedman and Andy Goldsworthy. How do you do it? The process goes like this: I think about the kind of piece I want to make, what kind of paper to use and then make a sketch of it. Once I have a general idea of what it might look like, I begin cutting. I cut each layer by hand with an X-Acto knife. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to finish a sculpture, depending on the complexity and size. How about the reviews? I am thrilled at the attention my work is getting. I think the kind of work I’m making is universal – everyone can look at it and get something out of it. You don’t have to have a Master’s in art to do so.

[ Text Ann Valente Photos Jen Stark ]

citizens

SHOWING OUT The track to fashion has been swift for Lara Khoury The theme of 25-year-old Lebanese designer Lara Khoury’s winter 2010 collection is Global Warming, a topic that in her opinion has been ignored for too long by too many. “In my opinion, the impact of global warming extends to every facet of our lives, and the aspect of fashion is central: the industry will be transformed because the daily needs mutate in the face of climate change. Taken literally, global warming will mean that people will no longer need winter clothes.” Strong words from so young a designer. While most young designers struggle to make a name for themselves, the fast track to the world of fashion has been unusually swift for Khoury. After graduating from Esmod in Paris in 2006, she was snapped up by Elie Saab. “I had the great opportunity to experience everything hands-on during that year, and that gave me courage to push and discover myself more. After that, I was only eager to see what I could do on my own.” When Khoury decided to quit the comfort and security of Saab after just a year, some may have

considered her crazy. “It wasn’t a stroke of genius or a confidence boost per se. My confidence stemmed from the fact that I knew that I had to do this, no matter what. I had to follow my dream.” Her next break came when Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz gave her the chance to exhibit in Starch, an original boutique concept that he developed for young designers in Beirut to exhibit their collections. “The first collection I showcased in Starch was about positive energy. I introduced magnets in the fabric, as a symbol of good energy that attracts, and hopefully it did draw some positive energy to the person wearing it.” Khoury’s 2010 collection retains the façade of knitting, “but the fibers that once protected against the cold are replaced by a mix of light, summery fabric ribbons, such as mousseline or lace.” According to Khoury, her clients are bold women, in all shapes and sizes, ageless, always on the lookout for unique and creative designs. Their motto? The more experimental, the better.

Khoury opened her new workshop this past March in Gemmayze. The first collection under the brand name Lara Khoury will feature a new jewelry brand called “LK Juelerie by Rania Odaymat.” Odaymat is a Lebanese jewelry designer based in Ghana, who trained as a painter with celebrated Ghanaian artist Seth Clottey. When she first started out, Khoury’s aim was to follow her heart. “Everything inspires me, from a major worldwide issue to a piece of fabric.” She is well on her way, and it seems that nothing, not even climate change, will prevent her from showing imaginative designs. Her future plans may include the creation of a wedding gown line. But that’s another story.

[ Text Thaddea Davies Photos Lara Khoury ]

movies

Ladies and vamps

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead

movies to watch

If clever and funny dark comedies with lots of quotable lines are your thing, you’ll be in heaven watching this flick, which caused mucho buzz on last year’s indie film-fest circuit. A crazy mix of Shakespeare and vampire tale with a dose of Woody Allen, the film starts out with Julian Marsh (Jake Hoffman) directing his ex-gf (Devon Aoiki) and BFF (Kris Lemche) in an off-Broadway production of Hamlet called Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead (aka, the play within a play). This version of the play includes vampires, the Holy Grail and ancient conspiracies and curses. As the show’s debut nears, people associated with it are beginning to die. Did we mention the playwright is a mysterious Romanian guy named Theo Horace (John Ventimiglia)? Who just happens to be a real-life, big-shot vampire. It’s up to Julian himself to set everything right. Kudos to writer/director Jordan Galland for making a movie about the undead so full of life. And laughs.

Mother and Child

The City of Your Final Destination

The Joneses

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

Filled with emotional material, this women-centric film rests on strong characters. In the deft hands of director Rodrigo Garcia (who directed episodes of HBO’s Six Feet Under and The Sopranos), A+ actors Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Samuel Jackson flaunt their chops. Set in LA, the back stories of three women, each struggling with serious difficulties, slowly unfold. The women’s lives weave together to a mostly satisfying ending.

This intriguing drama follows a graduate student (played by Omar Metwally) to Uruguay to convince the family of a deceased writer, Jules Gund, to allow him to pen a biography on their brother, husband and lover. Gund committed suicide decades earlier, but the impact of his death is still palpable. The stellar international cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

No question: this black comedy will have you questioning if you really wanna keep up with the Joneses. When perfectly dressed and coiffed couple (Demi Moore and David Duchovny) roll into a new suburban community in their perfect wheels with their perfect teenagers, they are the envy of all. Alas, all is not what is seems in this smart and funny social commentary about excessive consumerism and skewed priorities in today’s world.

Adèle Blanc-Sec is a rad young woman with lots of brains, a cynical mind and thirst for adventure. Based on a French comic series of the same name, this Luc Besson-directed action/sci-fi adventure stars Louise Bourgoin as an intrepid journalist living in early 20th-century Paris. When a pterodactyl egg in the natural history museum suddenly hatches and threatens the residents of the French capital, Adèle is on the case. new oN DVD

April 12

April 13

April 27

May 11

May 25

Pirate Radio

Jules and Jim

Five Minutes of Heaven

The Hills: S5, V2

Daria

All My Friends are

Laugh as a group of DJs in love with rock change the world in the ‘60s.

Truffaut’s classic threeway romance will stay with you forever.

Can one live a moral life after murder? The answer is thought provoking.

The LC-less season ends as it starts: All Kristin. Tons of bitch. Not much bite.

The iconic Daria is the antiHills girl: she’s a cartoon but oh-so real!

Funeral Singers

Ghosts appear in a fortuneteller’s old house.

green

NO MORE CIGARETTES After all, the majority of Lebanese are non-smokers!

We’re all smokers. Come again? No, really, how often have we crawled home from Gemmayze or Monot and tossed our clothing across the room, fretting about the way it (not to mention our hair) smells? What about our hearts and lungs? Does it make a great difference if we are the ones pressing a cigarette or arguileh to our lips?

was to search for an existing [Facebook] group and join it,” he says, but he had to create the group Ban Indoor Smoking in Lebanon and, after one day, 854 users had signed on. Just a few months later, there are more than 16,000 members. Their wall posts make it clear that the subject hardly invites consensus, even among non-smokers.

don’t have to worry about losing customers to more libertine competitors.

We certainly like to think it does, but Rima Nakkash, a research scientist and the leader of AUB’s Tobacco Control Research Group, is only the latest message bearer to say no. She and her partners are among those urging parliamentarians to move beyond ongoing discussions and sign into law a 2004 proposal to ban indoor smoking throughout this tobacco-friendly country.

Some argue Lebanon must ban indoor smoking in order to become a “civilized country.” Others say it is precisely because Lebanon needs to develop in so many areas – not to mention the constant possibility of renewed conflict – that such a law cannot be a priority. Putting in place smoking and non-smoking sections strikes some as an appropriate compromise that protects the rights of both groups.

In Hamra, Café Younes prohibits smoking indoors, and the massive new Gloria Jean’s is smoke-free. (It also doesn’t hurt that both have fast, free wireless Internet.)

“Policies are part of changing social norms,” Nakkash says. “It’s not the other way around: the social norms change and then people say, ‘Oh, we need a policy!’” The proposed law has spent six years on the shelf and obstacles to its passage are legion, but there are a few faint signs that the moment is ripe for change.”

If only it were that easy, Nakkash says. “Evidence shows that smoking and non-smoking sections in closed places are useless, because the smoke travels around.” Another myth: arguileh is safer than cigarettes. Nice try, but the water doesn’t filter out impurities.

As of February, Monot’s Café Sho made Thursday nonsmoking as well as Monday, and Gemmayze’s Godot has been fumes-free every Wednesday for more than a year. Now that’s change you can breathe in.

Fed-up after a smoke-infused dinner out, Kamal Hirbli wanted to make a statement. “My first reflex

A comprehensive ban not only protects everyone, Nakkash says, it also means dining establishments

Some restaurants and bars have discovered that banning smoking entirely or on certain days of the week makes good business sense. After all, the majority of Lebanese are non-smokers.

For sushi-loving non-smokers, there’s Kaiten; Lebanese fast-foodies can take refuge on Zaatar W Zeit’s nonsmoking floor; and leftists who buck the stereotype have T-Marbouta’s library.

[ Text Sophie Marzano Photo Julie Lulie ]

style

FITNESS PICKS:

ALL THINGS FOR A HEALTHY SPRING

Tan with no sun

Before you bare your winter-white body at Orchid this summer, hop into a mystic tan booth. The UV-free, spray-on tanning system is a fullproof way of getting a healthy sun-kissed glow.

LUNAR ECLIPSE

What do you get when you combine the original ‘80s Nike Mariah with materials from the Nike Eagle and 2009’s Lunar foam? The new Nike Lunar Mariah PR, a funky, lightweight sneaker that makes you feel like you’re floating on air.

Goji a go go

Tired of stirring the same old raisins into your morning cereal? Then try Goji berries: they have a wonderfully tart taste and powerful anti-oxidant properties.

Got milk?

One tall almond milk cappuccino coming up! Almond milk, the non-dairy, healthy alternative to regular milk tastes terrific and has high amounts of fiber, protein, vitamin E and calcium.

Some like it steamy Whif your heart out Nap it up

Anyone who’s ever stayed up cramming for final exams knows the value of a quick power nap. The vertical bed lets you to sleep standing upright anytime, anywhere.

Cafés and pastry shops in Beirut may soon have some healthy competition with Le Whif. The lipstick-like device offers coffee and chocolate addicts a cool new way to enjoy these sinful delights by inhaling them in low calorie powder forms.

The Zumba moves

Bikram yoga has heated up the mat – literally – with hot yoga. Practiced in a room set to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40 percent humidity, this type of yoga will make your downwardfacing dog a whole lot steamier.

Put on your dancing shoes

Tired of Tae Bo? Try your bod at Zumba, a funky new exercise routine that mixes Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves. It’s fun, effective – and sexy!

Luv Gear

Now here’s a good reason to shop for new clothes. New label Luv Gear makes clothing that alerts the wearer of harmful UV rays and extreme temperatures. Safe and stylish at the same time. Who knew?

Lulu loves lemon

Step on the green

Feel like stepping on grass after every morning shower? Try the new moss bath carpet: it’s soft, fragrant and evergreen!

Ready to jump?

Take health and well being right into your closet, with Lululemon’s stylish yoga-inspired wear. The men’s Hooker shorts are hands-down favorites.

Drink, cleanse, Repeat

Guitar Hero may be fun but Wii Fitness game EA Sports Active brings the personal trainer direct into your living room. The game has 20 fun activities that can be customized according to personal fitness goals.

Dancing is one of the most entertaining and effective ways to get into shape. Or you could just kick back and re-watch a classic dancing flick. Download Baz Lurhmann’s Strictly Ballroom, and let your screen sizzle.

Natural beauty

The Pai skincare range offers a series of chemical-free products. Try the Avocado & Jojoba Organic Moisturizer to keep your skin soft, smooth and forever beautiful.

Are you in desperate need of a spring tune-up? Then grab a Blue Print Cleanse: the raw juice comes in six flavors and offers three different levels of cleansing action. Drink it daily in place of a meal, and get a leg up on the toned competition.

music

RAP FOR JUSTICE Rayess Bek takes rap back to its fierce political roots

When Kodeh moved back from Paris to Beirut in 1995 at age 14, he was shocked by the country’s deep divisions. “I lived in the popular neighborhood of Dahieh,” he remembers, “but I went to a French elitist college. I didn’t even know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. I really wanted to talk about these things through my music. At first I wrote French rap, but I quickly realized that hip-hop was a truly popular music.” While languorous Lebanese vixens like Haifa Wehbe shake their silky manes and sing suggestive serenades, Rayess Bek likes to keep it real. The rapper denounces the familiar themes of a crisis-ridden country: violence, corruption, confessionalism and injustice. “They talk in the name of the people/Everyone is corrupt and wicked/The arms are growing,” he sings in an angry voice on a bare hip-hop beat. The song “La Min” is part of the Rayess Bek Orchestra’s latest album, L’Homme de Gauche, which came out in March. The artist mixes hip-hop beats with soft Middle Eastern instruments like nay, sometimes singing in French, sometimes in Arabic. Rayess Bek, whose real name is Wael Kodeh, takes rap back to its fierce political roots, singing about

schizophrenic Arabic identity, the oppression of Palestinians and the war on terror. Several tunes tackle Kodeh’s own life trajectory, as if to save him from his own disillusionment with the world. He draws inspiration from poetry and from classic performers like the Roots and Abdel Wahab to write powerful songs that engage with the deep taboos of society. Kodeh wants to reach as many people as possible – and make a difference. His thirst for justice has lead Kodeh to work on many humanitarian projects, including a song about disability commissioned by the UN to promote tolerance of the handicapped in the Middle East. This spring, he is helping to organize the Secular Pride march on April 25, a plea to legalize civil marriage in Lebanon. “I like Lebanon, but I’m not a great fan of the Lebanese,” says the artist. “The confessionalism is unbearable. I can’t listen to any more racist and violent comments from one side or another. That’s the problem: there is no such thing as Lebanese identity. There is Shiite identity, Maronite identity, but no sense of national belonging.” During the march, he will also organize concerts around the country, promoting peace and tolerance through music.

He was one of the first rappers to sing in Arabic when he launched the mythical rap band Aks’ser in 1997. Aks’ser, which means “against the current,” first started performing in Sidon’s old souks or in small villages around the country. “In order to reach everyone you had to sing in Arabic,” he says. “I was talking to the street guys on their motorcycle, not to the bourgeois elite.” Aks’ser, although controversial among some youngsters who felt that rap was a Western import, was immensely successful and marked the first generation of Arabic rappers. But life in Beirut wasn’t fulfilling enough, and in 2006 Kodeh moved back to Paris, where he now lives with his Lebanese wife. He works on projects both in the Middle East and in France, tours around the world and analyzes the influence of politics on art for his PhD thesis. Torn between the French and Lebanese cultures, he voices the post-war generation’s search for meaning beyond geographic and social boundaries.

[ Text Shirine Saad ]

Available at all Aizone Stores In Beirut +961.1.991111

what to do

SO YOU WANT TO BE IN So you want to be a fashion executive. Of course you do. As a child, you swiped your mom’s drapes to make exotic stoles and gowns for the family pet, and now you’re bossing people around in a pout and a beret. It’s time to move up the fashion food chain. There are, of course, plenty of roads that lead to a career in high fashion, but a sleeper choice is higher education. Quality university options span the globe, cover many of the industry’s nooks and crannies, and many offer unusual programs and courses, allowing students to carve out a niche early on. But increasingly students are discovering instruction focused around international ideas and practices in the fashion industry – the ways in which we work together in a growing global economy – are helping them succeed after graduation. We’ve chosen to spotlight three programs around the world that seek to capitalize on both the international collaborative market practices as well as cultural contribution.

BA Honors, Central St. Martins, London Fashion studies, Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan

Founded in1966 in fashion-iconic Milan, Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) offers what it calls a “design training network.” With campuses in eight different European locations, this university offers its more than 9,000 students three- and one-year undergraduate options, as well as a graduate program and summer and evening courses in fashion. Among IED’s missions is to blend the benefits of retail partnerships, internship positions, workshops and seminars in the field with academic lecture and instruction. The university also aims to create a blend of opportunity, technique and business sense with creativity, art and passion. IED’s Master’s program in part aims to help those already in the field find their way to the top. While each of the eight campuses share these common missions and a set of guiding principles, each draws heavily from – and capitalizes on – the local culture, business community, local textiles, language and unique available resources of its host city. As well, due to its long history in the field of visual arts education and affiliation with the IED Research Foundation, IED has a quality academic focus on research and fashion history as well as the current industry. That said, IED has a battery of partnerships with high-profile and high-end retailers and fashion designers such as Adidas, Armani, Diesel, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Valentino. Many IED courses are taught in English to accommodate a high percentage of students enrolled, but courses are also available, depending on location, in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. In addition, matriculating students can opt to spend one year “abroad” at any one of the other IED locations.

The BA Fashion course at Central St. Martins (CSM) has earned a dedicated following. St. Martins has enjoyed solid levels of attention around the world thanks to its extensive program designed to bring out the unique gifts each student brings, while situating them academically and physically in the larger world of fashion design. The program can certainly boast high-profile graduates: designers John Galliano, Stella McCartney and up-and-coming luminary Wes Gordon, all of whom sing the praises of their alma mater. “When I describe [Central St. Martins] to people,” says Gordon, “I liken it to a ‘Hogwarts’ for fashion.” Of course, the majority of St. Martins graduates do not go on to become household names, but rather fashion industry success stories, such as company designers, journalists, stylists, photographers and consultants. Since the main campus is right in the middle of London’s fashion industry, students at CSM find themselves quite well positioned to follow the career path they’ve selected, not only via CSM’s relationships with so many individual members of the international fashion industry, but also through internship programs as well. Students can follow one of several different “pathways” when they arrive on campus, which include Womenswear, Menswear, Print, Knitwear and Fashion Communication with Promotion, Fashion History and Marketing. Once a pathway is selected, students embark on three stages of a three-year full time course of study. It all culminates in a final degree project, which most often takes the shape of – you guessed it – a fashion show. “St. Martins is so much more than a building,” says Gordon. “The city of London becomes your campus, and its museums, exhibitions, concerts, clubs, stores and galleries all contribute to the experience.”

IN FASHION

Global Fashion, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) was one of the world’s first institutions to offer formal education in fashion, starting with just 100 students above the High School of Needle Trades. Back then, fashion really was a mere “trade” performed by blue collar tailors. Now that the industry has exploded, FIT students study not only basic fashion design, but whole programs in fragrance design, textile development, photography, fashion marketing and production. Among its many courses of study, FIT offers a Graduate program called Global Fashion Management, during which students already in the industry work for periods in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong and the Institut Français de la Mode in Paris. While expected to maintain their day jobs, students enrolled in the program convene at specific points during the 18-month program with the other students from all three campuses to explore a particular aspect of the industry relevant to each location. In Hong Kong, students study production and supply chain operations, in Paris they explore the luxury industry and marketing is the focus back in New York. Global Fashion Management students maintain management or even executive positions in careers such as retail, marketing, textiles, fashion journalism, accessories and design.

[ Text Ann Valente ]

wireless

IS IT A BUZZ OR A BUST? So what’s the buzz about? Well not what Google would like it to be about, namely its new social network Buzz. Instead, the buzz has been about the privacy issues, the mistakes, the lawsuits and all that’s been wrong with Google’s venture since its start-up in early February. With all the tweeters on Twitter and the continuous stream of status updates on Facebook, who could really blame Google for feeling a bit envious and wanting to create its own social circle? Since it was crowned king of search engines and maps some time ago, the execs just may have been feeling a little cocky that they could leave all other social networking sites eating their virtual dust once they got their own version operational. And why not? Perhaps if they just created a big buzz, a whole lot of hubbub, a big giant party that no-one could ignore, they’d win out. Unfortunately, the powers that be at Google seem to have been too eager to get in the game in a way that might vanquish Facebook and Twitter, or at least see them scrambling, that they apparently overlooked something quite simple. The user. In not considering the needs and wants of the target user, Google has pissed off quite a few of them. And in the process, they’ve earned their fair share of

negative press. And BTW, that old adage that all PR is good PR, well, that’s not always so.

To be fair, Google has done the public apology thing and has undergone a couple of rounds of changes to address privacy issues. It has made the option of disabling the public sharing of contact lists more prominent and implemented changes so that users can choose whom they follow. But they still leave public by default information that most would want private. Though other sites have been criticized about privacy, comparatively Google’s Buzz seems much like a sieve. Apparently Google is known for releasing products too early and improving them with time. The launch of a new product will unlikely see perfection, as there’s always room to tweak, but it should get a lot closer than this.

With Buzz, Google has created its own social circle

[ Text Jana Jammal ]

style

EPIC FANTASTIC

Verameat jewelry will satisfy your desire for outrageous fashion What if your dreams crept out of your subconscious and hung around your neck, dangled from your ears and wrapped around your wrists and fingers? Well then, you’ve very likely found yourself wearing a Verameat piece. “A Beekeeper Centaur” and an “Octopus Eating Ship” might sound like visions from Spike Jonze’s recent film, Where The Wild Things Are, but these are the necklaces born from the rich enchanted dreamscape of Vera Balyura, the jewelry designer behind the fantastical jewelry line, Verameat. Balyura’s wonderfully eccentric jewelry not only stirs the imagination with its miniature mythic creatures and nature-inspired pendants, but it also creates a little wearable humor so you can indulge in some playful fun. “You can make it something really complex and interesting or something very simple and whimsical,” says Balyura. With an international upbringing that stretches from the Ukraine to New York, Balyura gained a wealth of experiences that have influenced her designs. Born in Kiev, she cultivated an early fascination for sculptural forms by learning to carve wood from her grandfather and watching popular puppet shows on TV. After finishing junior high in Utah, Balyura moved to New

York at age 14 and became a high fashion model for several years, traveling back and forth from Paris. Balyura knew she was gravitating toward something that married her love for art with her background in fashion, but it wasn’t until chatting one day with her friend, Rony Vardi – the owner of Catbird, the stylish jewelry boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – that she decided to try her hand at jewelry design. Two years on, New York editors have taken note. Landing on the pages of the Los Angeles Times, New York magazine and Elle Denmark, Verameat has caught the eye of fashionistas from across the globe, including the likes of Khloe Kardashian. While Verameat might satisfy your secret desire for outrageous, avant-garde fashion, it will very likely appeal to your eco-friendly conscience as well. Balyura casts all her jewelry from ecologically sound materials, including recycled silver and pure 14-carat gold, in addition to printing her business cards and postcards from recycled paper. Reflecting upon her own business practices, she comments, “I try to do my part. I think it is a universal responsibility to help out where you can.”

[ Text LC Gates ]

green

ECOBUZZ Although still relatively new to the Lebanese market, organic, eco-friendly products are now available across the country. We checked out some of the best organic vendors and eco-friendly destinations in Lebanon to get you started on a better regimen – immediately! Visit any or all of these places, and get ready for a lifetime of good health and well being.

1. Healthy Basket Offering produce that is not only organic and fresh but also hassle-free, Healthy Basket homedelivers a weekly assortment of fruits and vegetables. The selection varies depending on the season, as everything is locally grown. The concept began almost a decade ago as a project by the American University of Beirut (AUB) to improve rural farmers’ livelihood, preserve the environment and protect human health through organic agriculture. Now a self-sustainable business, Healthy Basket also has an outlet in Hamra and a weekly stand at the Souk al Tayeb. Ayad building, Adonis St., Hamra, Beirut, T 01.747.831 or 03.794.438.

2. A New Earth Essentially an alternative grocery store, A New Earth offers organic versions of all types of household staples. The wide selection is sourced internationally, and organic pasta and accompanying handmade sauces, natural luxury chocolates, artisan biscuits, cosmetics and even baby food, are all under one roof. A New Earth makes switching away from artificial additives all the easier. 65 Zahret el Ihsan St., Ashrafieh, Beirut, T 01.219.920.

3. Guna Bio Guna Bio is a lifeline for those who aspire to eat healthy but have little time to cook. The menu is purely vegetarian, the ingredients are all organic and delivery is available. Whole grains, fresh vegetables and less common ingredients such as Japanese dried nori seaweed are featured in the selection of appetizers, salads and sandwiches offered. A different plat du jour is offered daily. Facing the parking lot of St. Georges hospital, Ashrafieh, Beirut, T 01.445.671.

4. Al Marej

The shelves of Al Marej are lined with fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, grains, cereals and jams that are locally produced and free from pesticides, hormones and other unsavory chemicals. The place is as much a social initiative as it is a one-stop organic food store and works with farmers from across Lebanon to produce the food items for sale here. Visits to the local farms that supply Al Marej are also organized, in hopes of promoting both organic farming and eating habits. Abdel Wahab el Inglizi St., Ashrafieh, Beirut, T 01.210.211.

5. EcoVillage EcoVillage is based around a sustainable organic farm where visitors are encouraged to engage in eco-tourism and learn about their natural surroundings. Nestled in Dmit Valley in the Shouf, the facilities are environmentally friendly – visitors can choose between staying in a mud hut or camping underneath pine trees. Activities and workshops are centered on the environment, healthy living and organic agriculture. An in-house restaurant cooks up meals from the ingredients grown fresh on the farm, and the produce can also be purchased and taken home. Dmit Valley, Damour River, Shouf, T 03.211.463 or 03.381.733.

6. Souk al Tayeb The Souk al Tayeb farmers market has become something of a staple in contemporary Beirut. Held at Ashrafieh’s ABC mall on Wednesday afternoons and outdoors in Saifi Village on Saturday mornings, the market brings rural producers to the city. Since 2005, the market has had a separate section for certified organic producers, where shoppers can peruse the different stalls for natural, locally produced goods and treats. As the Souk al Tayeb concept is aimed at preserving Lebanese food traditions, the market is an ideal place to scope out organic cooking made from traditional recipes. T 01.448.129 or 03.340.198.

5. 6.

7. Beesline A cross between a store and a spa, Beesline carries natural soaps, shower gels and lotions and also offers a selection of massages and facial treatments. The Beesline brand is locally produced, plantbased and wholly natural. As the name implies, the products are made mainly from beeswax and infused with different oils and nutrients, such as willow bark and papaya extracts. Customers can have products mixed to their own specifications. Getra building, Sadat St., Hamra, Beirut, T 01.808.871.

Available at all Aizone Stores In Beirut +961.1.991111

what to do

OPEN SECRET – CLOSED CITY

Beirut is al Yafai’s first stop on a fellowship-funded, book-writing tour that will take him (inshallah) to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Indonesia. The tour presented an excellent opportunity to take the Middle Space, the private salon he founded three years ago in London, in a new direction.

Beirut is Faisal al Yafai’s first stop on a tour that will take him to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Indonesia

It’s the evening following the debut of “The Salon Presents,” a freewheeling, increasingly energetic public discussion on secrets, and organizer and moderator Faisal al Yafai isn’t keen to divulge any of his. An award-winning British journalist and commentator, he will own to having spent some of his childhood in Dubai and calls Arabic his first language, but he won’t tell me anything about his parents. His university days? Also verboten. He wants to keep the focus on the salon, he says, but his silence has likely piqued my curiosity more than anything he could have told me. Perhaps there’s something to that. As a moderator, al Yafai’s role is to encourage others to speak, and to do that, he relies on charm, eloquence and a generous personal magnetism that is, well, largely impersonal. The mystery man and his salon’s opening drew about 45 people, who crowded into Spinout, Gemmayze, their lit cigarettes like fingers pointing at the ceiling. After some brief comments by filmmaker and activist Lokman Slim and photographer Rayya Haddad, al Yafai surprised his audience by asking: “What do you think?” Once the mostly Lebanese crowd learned the rules of their host’s game, they played with fervor, eagerly reaching for the traveling microphone. Instead of a blackout, for a couple of hours this Gemmayze side street had the conversational equivalent of an electricity surge.

The original salon operates more like an exclusive club with an invitation-only membership and offthe-record discussions. “What you need is for a group of people – all of us, we’re sort of connected, media people, arts people, diplomats – to kind of understand what is really happening behind the scenes, and the [London] salon is a way to do that,” al Yafai says. In Beirut, however, he decided to experiment. The city at peace, what al Yafai calls “the creative hub of the region,” has more and more film screenings and lecture series, but the salon is something new. “You saw last night, people want to talk, they just don’t quite know how,” he says. “They just haven’t had the opportunity, I think, to do it in a really meaningful way.” He intends to organize a new salon every three weeks or so, with the aim of inspiring regular members, indepth discussions, more than a haphazard outpouring of words – a thrumming current of ideas, a way of opening up to new possibilities.

[ Text Sophie Marzano Photos George Haddad ]

wireless

TECHBYTES Music’s so good with you

Wonder wristwatch

Speaker sensation

Grip with two hands

The partners behind hip Dutch company AIAIAI are giving electronic products a much-needed facelift with their edgy, hip earphones, headsets and headphones, all created by various groups of artists, musicians and designers.

Technology has advanced so much that your watch doesn’t have to only tell time: the Suunto Core Extreme Limited Edition works as a thermometer, barometer, compass, sunrise and sunset indicator and chronograph. Anyone for a mountainclimbing or seafaring adventure?

Finally, no more square black boxes for speakers. Harman Kardon’s GLA55 are totally cool with their crystallike, far out design. They also deliver the coolest sounds, despite not having a subwoofer.

You’ll just love the way you get to grip the Nova DSLR. Hold this camera with one arm or two for the hottest and most creative digital pics. Unique angles, onehanded shots, overhead shots – it’s all the works in a compact tool!

A DJ saved my life

Nip and tuck

The reader

USB in your hand

This music mixer brings you that much closer to the real thing. Connect the Vestax Spin DJ Controller to your Mac and work those jog wheels to remix and scratch whatever music you want. Great for newbies and pros alike.

All of us victims of vanity have often imagined what we’d look like with a facelift here or a tummy tuck there. The iSurgeon application for Apple’s iPhone lets you design your own body, giving you the role of surgeon.

US bookstore Barnes & Noble has released its Nook E-Reader with some dazzling features. Choose contrast and font size and stuff as many as 1,500 books, newspapers and magazines on it. Best of all, you can take it everywhere and read your heart away.

Thanko has launched stylish USB warming gloves for the tech princess in all of us. These one-size-fits-all gloves have built-in heat generators that are activated when the 165cm attached USB cable is plugged in, making them the perfect accessory.

Virtual doorman

Zikmu with a z

Secret hideaway

Mobile musician

If you want extra nighttime security, aim for the Chinavasion Facial Recognition Door Lock. It’ll only allow people you know into your home by recognizing faces in 3D in a fraction of a second, keeping track of all comings and goings.

With the help of Philippe Starck, the Zikmu wireless speaker gadget from Parrot has been given a much-needed facelift. The stylish new range, perfect for iPods, iPhones, PCs and Macs, comes in arctic white, pearl gray and lime green.

The world’s first Wireless USB external hard drive, the Imation Pro WX fits 1.5 terabytes of data and gives you mega storage space in a wireless environment. It can back up a CD in 15 seconds and can hold up to 750 hours of video.

Wanna be the life of the party? Get the Novation Launchpad Music Control Surface to manipulate eight channels of music clips and scenes like never before. Play drum racks, create beats and sample music: it’s all you need to “play” live.

nightlife

BIG IN BEIRUT

[ Photos Joanne Issa, Phillipe Tyan ]

what to do

DATEBOOK Through august 29

April 3-18

April 5-18

April 15-18

“The Hoerengracht” Amsterdam The Amsterdam Historical Museum’s exhibit depicts life in the brothels of the city’s notorious red light District.

International Film Festival Istanbul Enjoy a great selection of Turkish and foreign-language films at various venues throughout the city.

Federico Fellini retrospective Metropolis Sofil, Beirut This fascinating tribute screens Fellini’s best-loved movies including La Dolce Vita, 8 ½ and Roma.

Beirut39 Beirut The Hay Festival joins forces with Beirut World Book Capital 2009 to bring together 39 Arab writers under 39 years of age.

April 20-25

April 21-May 2

April 22-May 1

April 22-June 22

Burlesque Festival London The Burlesque revival is taking London by storm, and this festival showcases the best in British Burlesque and beyond.

Tribeca Film Festival New York This glitzy annual film festival offers New Yorkers and visitors an opportunity to see a variety of films.

Home Works V Beirut Ashkal Alwan has themed the fifth edition of its annual art-promoting event “A Forum on Cultural Practices.”

Etel Adnan/yto Barrada Sfeir-Semler, Beirut The special exhibit features two solo shows by Lebanese artist/writer Etel Adnan and Moroccan artist Yto Barrada.

April 23-May 3

May 1-15

May 6-16

May 8

Jazz and Heritage Festival New Orleans This celebration of music and culture features great jazz performances and authentic Cajun cuisine.

Groovin’ the Moo Australia The musical event heads to regional cities like Bendigo and Townsville. Headlining this year’s tour is Aussie band Silverchair.

Comedy festival Liverpool The comedy event features about 100 shows in different venues around the city, plus films, plays and pub crawls.

Warren and Cattaneo Beirut forum Not just one, but two internationally renowned house DJs will be out in force at this huge party.

May 8

May 12-16

May 14-30

May 15-23

Long Night of Music Munich Enjoy hip-hop, blues, jazz and even church music from 8pm-3am at over 100 different venues throughout Munich.

Nuits Sonores Lyon This electronic music festival brings together big-name DJs and revelers to various venues around Lyon.

Czech Beer Festival Prague The largest gastronomic event in the Czech Republic features live bands, sizzling sausages and lots of beer.

Cubadisco Havana, Cuba Find out what the dynamic Cuban recording industry has been up to at various concerts and exhibits.