Global Citizen 56

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

BUSINESS

COVID-19 MIGRANTS LEAD VACCINE DEVELOPMENT ARTSAKH: THE FORGOTTEN NATION OF 2020 INNOVENTURES CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH EDUCATION

HOROLOGY

PATEK PHILIPPE GRAND SONNERIE

AUTOMOTIVE

LAMBORGHINI SIÁN 2021

RICHARD MILLE AUTOMATIC 02-71 RM TOURBILLON TALISMAN

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SEDAN

KAMALA HARRIS MAKING HISTORY

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NAME THE SECTION NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A DEFENDER. APART FROM ANOTHER ONE.

The new Land Rover Defender is a 21st century update on a proven classic.

Old favourites such as the rear-mounted spare wheel, the alpine lights and the side-opening tailgate have all been given the moderntouch. Inside, resilience and purposeful lines run throughout. And of course there’s that famous silhouette, which is recognised the world over, as it travels the world over. Defender. An icon in a category of one.

Al Tayer Motors Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Premier Motors Abu Dhabi, Al Ain 800 MOTORS (800 668677) landrover-uae.com

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AVENGER

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The Aviation Pioneers Squad Scott Kelly Rocio Gonzalez Torres Luke Bannister

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SUPER AVENGER NIGHT MISSION

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8 JAN / FEB 2021 Shot in a villa at Sobha Hartland

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Exquisite. Flawless. Crafted.

A few words you don’t hear in the real estate world.

Rera 1544, 1949

At Sobha Realty we see the big picture, by focusing on the little details. This attention to detail flows from a legacy of craft - from designing for the royal family, to the name behind the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. As the only real estate company that guides a project from concept to completion, we ensure that even our materials are personally sourced. The result is a flawless living experience. We find that it all adds up to a finer living experience.

We spare no effort to ensure that your home is perfect when you move in, and for generations to come.

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Welcome to Trump International Golf Club, Dubai Located in the heart of DAMAC Hills, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai brings links-style golf inspired by the game’s homeland of Scotland. Magnificent golf blended with culinary excellence and well-equipped leisure facilities creates an elegant lifestyle oasis in the United Arab Emirates for members and guests, alike.

Our stunning property boasts an exquisite 18-hole championship links-style golf course and a PAR 3 floodlit 9-hole course designed by world-renowned and 2016 Olympic golf course architect, Gil Hanse. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, Trump International Dubai is home to the Trump Dubai Golf Performance Academy with air-conditioned indoor swing studios that offer virtual golf and SAM Puttlab technologies, a one-of-a-kind double sided LED floodlit TrackMan driving range, and immaculate short game area with practice facilities.

Complementing the extraordinary golf course and world-class golf facilities, the crescent-shaped 30,000 square foot clubhouse with its arching curves and soaring light-filled spaces provides the finest amenities, such as a chic family-oriented restaurant, luxurious sports lounge, beautiful infinity swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre and an expansive golf pro shop offering the latest in golfing and lifestyle accessories.

Visit Trump International Golf Club, Dubai to experience championship golf and a luxurious golfing lifestyle.

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Golf Digest Middle East TOP 10 GOLF COURSES IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2020 NO. 10

Luxury Lifestyle Awards THE BEST LUXURY GOLF CLUB IN 2019, DUBAI UAE

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Your home is your sanctuary

arada.com 800-ARADA (27232)

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CONTENTS 42 BUSINESS 20 COVER STORY

Kamala Harris makes history as the first woman, and the first black and Asian American, to be vice president

24 BUSINESS

Immigrants become the source for hope in the global fightagainst the outbreak of COVID-19

28 BUSINESS

An exclusive with Iveta Mukuchyan about the heartbreak of losing home,culture, and history — and how the fight for survival of the Armenianpeople in Artsakh united millions of its diaspora together

34 BUSINESS

An in-depth interview with Poonam Bhojani, the Founder & CEO of Innoventures Education

Victor Dalmau, Managing Director for Volkswagen Middle East, shares his thoughts on success in life and in business

46 BUSINESS

Skincare expert and founder of MZ Skin, Dr. Maryam Zamani, shares her insights on creating her own skincare brand and the secrets to reducing the signs of ageing

52 BUSINESS

64 AUTOMOTIVE

The 2021 Lamborghini Sián Roadster is the brand’s most powerful drop-top supercar

68 AUTOMOTIVE

Q&A with Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO, Henry Jacques Parfums

The Lucid Air sets new benchmarks for electric vehicle innovation, performance, luxury, and sustainability

58 BUSINESS

72 AUTOMOTIVE

Q&A with Julien Sprecher, Founder and Artistic Director of Parfums De Marly

The Audi e-tron is the first electric SUV built with Audi DNA

60 BUSINESS

74 AUTOMOTIVE

Q&A with Amanda Stansfield of the award-winning Granny Gothards ice cream company

The new Mercedes E-Class is the embodiment of modern style and refined sportiness

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84 FASHION 78 HOROLOGY

Traditionalists will appreciate Patek Philippe’s new platinum Grand Sonnerie

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Richard Mille’s RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman presents an abundance of light in prismatic colours

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Jaeger-LeCoultre has combined moonphase and tourbillon, with the addition of its signature peripheral jumping date

82 HOROLOGY

Chopard’s Alpine Eagle collection of sportychic timepieces spreads its wings with new additions

Protect your eyes while looking effortlessly stylish with the season’s hottest sunglasses

86 FASHION

TUMI’s exclusive capsule features iconic pieces from the 19 Degree Aluminum, Alpha Bravo and Ashton collections

88 FASHION

If you’re in search of style inspiration in the cooler temperatures, look no further.

Here are our top picks for toasty and trendy wardrobe essentials.

92 GADGETS

Apple Fitness+ brings studio-style workouts to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV

94 GADGETS

96 GADGETS

The season’s coolest new tech

98 LIFESTYLE

This new online platform taps into global tourism recovery by enabling users to book direct, with providers bypassing commission-based aggregators

100 LIFESTYLE

Discover this magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century

106 LIFESTYLE

The award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi unveils the largest Maldivian private island for the most discerning travellers

The Berluti x Hublot Big Bang Unico is a new way to wear the shoemaker’s Venezia leather

Amazon Payment Services offers a range of services, including payment processing, easy instalments and monitoring service sfor businesses in the Middle East and North Africa

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112 FASHION

The iconic Ferragamo men’s belts are made-to-order thanks to the special buckle personalization programme

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The risks to one’s health cannot be underestimated.

But the risks to one’s future cannot be ignored.

Become a Global Citizen®

EMPOWERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP®



PASSPORTINDEX.ORG 2021 JAN / FEB

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EDITOR’S LETTER H

appy new year!

With 2020 in our rear-view mirror, we bid farewell to a year the world will never forget. While we pause and reflect upon the last 12 months, we usher in a new year, filled with cautious optimism and hope for what the next 12 months will bring.

This issue of Global Citizen sets an optimistic tone for 2021, bringing a sense of hope, jubilation and respite, welcoming you into a world of inspiration and aspiration.

To start, our cover story on page 20 features Kamala Harris, the first woman and African American, South Asian to become the US Vice President. Read on to learn more about her past and her incredible rise to victory.

On page 26, we reflect on the heart-wrenching fight for survival of the Armenian people in Artsakh, where freedom weighs heavier than health. In this exclusive interview with Armenian-German artist Iveta Mukuchyan, she sheds light on the ongoing tragedy and the importance of unity.

In the wake of the global pandemic, vaccines are one of the most anticipated medical breakthroughs for the coming year. On page 24, read how migrants are becoming the source of hope in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Getting your 2021 travel bucket list ready? If so, you’ll definitely want to explore Monte Carlo on page 100, featuring the latest on where to stay, eat, get pampered, and shop; as well as this stunning Maldivian private island escape on page106.

Best wishes for the year ahead!

GLOBAL CITIZEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Antal COPY EDITOR Sameer Denzi ART DIRECTOR Omarr Khattab CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Esmezyan www.global-citizen.com www.issuu.com/global-citizen www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenMag www.instagram.com/GlobalCitizenMagazine MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Fierce International Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 tarek@fierce-international.com

FIERCE INTERNATIONAL FZ LLC PUBLISHER Dubai Internet City Business Central Tower A - Office 2803 T: +971 4 421 5455 - F: +971 4 421 0208 Copyright 2020 Fierce International. All rights reserved.

Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Fierce International. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Global Citizen. All information in Global Citizen is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

Andrea Antal

18 JAN / FEB 2021

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Start planning today.

Unleash your travel freedom. Enable your global mobility.

World's passports in your pocket.    PASSPORTINDEX.ORG

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COVER STORY

THE FIRST FEMALE GLOBAL CITIZEN TO LEAD AMERICA

Breaking more than the glass ceiling

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amala Harris has changed the face of American politics as the first woman, person of color, and multiracial global citizen to take on the role as Vice President of the United States of America.

Making history in the United States on November 7th, 2020, Harris shattered ceilings that have kept men — most of them white — entrenched at the highest levels of American politics ever since the very founding of the country in 1776.

Harris is not only the first woman, or person of color, ever

to take on the role as Vice President, but she is also the first African American and South Asian American global citizen to lead in the position.

Kamala has spent her life fighting injustice. A rising star in Democratic politics, Harris previously served as San Francisco’s district attorney and California’s attorney general before being was sworn in as a United States Senator for California in 2017 as the second African American woman and first South Asian-American senator in history. Since, she

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has also served on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on the Budget.

Born to first-generation immigrant parents— a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris always embraced her multicultural upbringing, attending both a Hindu temple and singing in the choir at a black Baptist church during her childhood.

"My mother would look at me and she’d say, 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last,'" Harris said during a lecture at Spelman College, recalling the motto that's guided her life. "That’s why breaking those barriers is worth it. As much as anything else, it is also to create that path for those who will come after us."

Growing up in Oakland, Kamala had a stroller-eye view of the Civil Rights movement. Through the example of courageous leaders like Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, and Charles Hamilton Houston, Kamala learned the kind of character it requires to stand up to the powerful and resolved to spend her life advocating for those who could not defend themselves.

Harris also spent her high school years in Montreal, Canada – a city known as one of the world’s epicenters of ethnic and cultural diversity, where people of all backgrounds live in harmony and celebrate equal opportunity. She then went on to earning an undergraduate degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings,

before beginning her noteworthy career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.

"Imperfect though we may be, I believe we are a great country," Harris said during her first speech on the Senate floor. "And part of what makes us great are our democratic institutions that protect our fundamental ideals—freedom of religion and the rule of law, protection from discrimination based on national origin, freedom of the press, and a 200-year history as a nation built by immigrants."

Kamala— which translates to “lotus flower” in Sanskrit— has publicly acknowledged her diverse heritage throughout the campaign, including a callout to her “chitthis,” a Tamil word for a maternal aunt, in her first speech as Biden’s running mate. Through her powerful stand in embracing cultural diversity, Americans will not only begin to see new doors opening for immigrants, but they will also witness their true potential as a force for good in their nation.

But Harris’ position of enormous privilege and power will not only usher more Black and Indian women and people of color into politics. It will also offer an unprecedented opportunity to push the country closer to justice and equality for marginalized communities.

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities,” affirms the Vice President elect, during her speech in Delaware after the 2020 elections were called. Harris will officially take office as the 49th Vice President of the USA on January 20th, 2021.

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BUSINESS

MIGR ANTS LEAD COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

Immigrants become the source for hope in the global fight against the outbreak of COVID-19

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ithin less than a year, 1,626,172 people and counting, have lost their life after being infected by the novel COVID-19 virus, which swept through the globe, one country at a time. To date, over 74,000,000 cases have erupted, with no end in sight.

From border closures to enforced physical distances, the world still came together, united with the common goal to overcome the pandemic that crippled health systems, the economy, mobility, and mental health.

But behind lockdown measures and inspiring at-home social innovations, pioneering researchers from around the

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world were relentlessly at work to develop a vaccine against the pandemic that continues to take thousands of lives each day.

And behind those leading research companies, are Global Citizens.

Noubar Afeyan, a Lebanese-born Armenian entrepreneur who left the country with his family during its civil war, is the founder and CEO of one of the world’s leading candidates for vaccine development; Moderna Therapeutics.

Moderna’s experimental COVID-19 vaccine went from a computer design in January to human study in just three

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months, making them the first U.S. company to reach that point. Since then, Moderna has kept up its record pace; with the final phase preparing to fully enroll before the end of the year, making the company’s effort one the best hopes for a vaccine by 2021.

Afeyan credits his background as an immigrant in his success and encourages others to realize the inherent value in the immigrant experience.

“I view innovation as just intellectual immigration,” he says. “When you leave the comforts of what you know, expose yourself to criticism, go to something that people don’t believe is possible, persist, persist, persist, until you make it habitable so that people come and tell you how obvious it was years later. That is what an immigrant does.”

Afeyan also invited people to “think of the immigrant mindset when they are doing these kinds of innovation, particularly cutting-edge innovation, and recognize that it is a strength that the kind of resilience, the adaptivity, all the things that we think are rarefied skills in an entrepreneur.”

And he isn’t the only immigrant moving with unprecedented haste to develop a vaccine.

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BUSINESS

"The only way to win this war, is to fight it together, as global citizens."

Amongst the most recent front runners are also TurkishGerman scientists, Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci, known for their groundbreaking research in the field of modified genetic code which has catapulted them into the public eye as the brains behind the world’s first effective coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Sahin was born in Iskenderun on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast in 1965. He moved to Germany four years later when his father was recruited to work at a Ford factory near Cologne as part of a policy to rebuild postwar Germany with foreign labor.

Dr. Türeci’s father, a surgeon, came to Germany around the same time to work at a Catholic hospital in the small town of Lastrup, where she grew up inspired by the nuns who tended to her father’s patients. After considering becoming a nun herself, she followed in her father’s footsteps.

Their company, BioNTech, located in central German, recently announced a partnership with US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, after their candidate vaccine was more than 90% effective in preventing infection in volunteers with neverbefore-approved technology.

The BioNTech team, half of them women, includes scientists with 60 nationalities, including authorities in the mRNA field such as Katalin Kariko, a biochemistry professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.

Others earlier on in the race to the COVID-19 vaccine included Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. led by Koreanborn Philly entrepreneur, J. Joseph Kim. Inovio which released promising data in the beginning stages of vaccine development. His company, known for their discovery, development, and commercialization of synthetic DNA products for treating cancers and infectious diseases continues to play a significant role in the medical field.

In the face of such an epidemic, we have begun to realize what being a global citizen truly signifies. We understand that global challenges are not defined by borders, regions or nationalities and we share a social conscience to address and overcome them, together. What affects one person anywhere, affects everyone everywhere— and the power of human talent, knowledge and innovation is indiscriminate to race, culture, religion, or nationality.

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THE FORGOTTEN NATION OF 2020

An exclusive interview with Iveta Mukuchyan about the heartbreak of losing home, culture, and history — and how the fight for survival of the Armenian people in Artsakh united millions of its diaspora together

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espite a global pandemic still looming across all borders, hostility still broods in parts of the world where freedom weighs heavier than health. This is the case for Armenia and Azerbaijan, two bordering nations in the southern Caucasus, currently at war over a decades-old disputed territory called Nagorno-Karabakh — or Artsakh.

With less than one third of Armenians living in Armenia as a result of the 1915 genocide by the Ottoman Turks, out of the 11 million population worldwide, 8 million Armenians are dispersed across the globe, and 150,000 living

in Artsakh. That is until now.

Although the majority of the fighting in Artsakh has been stopped following the Armenian Prime Minister’s call for surrender, violence is still brooding in the region, as thousands of native Armenians and their families are forcibly displaced out of their homes.

By the end of the year, all 150,000 Armenians will have to leave the place they’ve called home for generations.

Documenting this in her first heartbreaking short film “The Forgotten Nation of 2020”, Armenian-German artist Iveta Mukuchyan shares the stories of the unheard.

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Tell us about the first years of your life; moving from Armenia to Germany. What was it like to adapt to a completely new home, language, and culture?

My parents always ensured that we had a good childhood, so we didn’t really face all the difficulties that they went through.

But with the years growing up we started to understand how difficult it was for them to adapt to a new world. My mother taught herself German within 6 months so she could help us with the homework, and my father, who was a successful engineer back in Armenia, had to do everything he could to bring food to the table in a world that was so different from his known one. For the most of our earlier years in Germany however, my sister and I felt like the black sheep.

How do you think that journey between two worlds have shaped the person you have become?

Balancing both identities was a messy process for quite some time; I was a native Armenian who grew up in Germany, who then came back to Armenia to study and shortly after, became a public figure. I didn’t understand which was the true me buried under all the compliments and critics. Now with the years I enjoy the woman who I became with all the experiences of my life. You look back and connect the dots and it all makes sense. The German in me knows how to bring order into my life, while the warm-blooded Armenian knows how to love and truly feel.

How was your experience at Eurovision, representing Armenia?

It was a great experience doing what I loved on stage while 200 million people were watching live. Almost a year of preparation for the 3 most joyful minutes of my career!

How do you think you were able to best use your platform to spread the message about Artsakh?

International news networks weren’t covering the truth of what was happening in Karabagh, therefore I decided to take the matter into my own hands and make my first documentary. With only 10 hours left to hand over the battled land to Azerbaijan, we were on a very short schedule, but we made it happen and gave a voice to the many unheard families. The exposure was incredible, with over half million

views. I believe that the way of expression doesn’t really matter, as long as you have a voice people will listen to. How would you act if your mother is sick? You would take care with all your heart and possibilities. That is how I compare my relationship with Artsakh and Armenians. I will always use my platform to make sure the world knows about my Motherland.

What is the one thing you think Armenians worldwide need to hear about what is happening behind the scenes?

Unity is the only solution.

What was the most heartwarming, and heartbreaking moments in your time in Artsakh during the war?

The most heartbreaking thing was to see a man digging out the grave of his dead son and burning his house down, after it was announced that we had to hand over the lands to Azerbaijan.

I asked him where he will go, and his only response was ‘God knows’. I never saw so much disappointment and hope at the same time. Looking into the eyes of this man, I started praying every night and speaking to God in a new language that I didn’t know existed.

Where do we go from here? How do you think we can instill hope in the many displaced families in Artsakh, and the many discouraged Armenians abroad?

We need to bring back the meaning of the word “victory” into our people and especially the younger generations.

I have some amazing educational and cultural programs coming up next year in form of masterclasses and music programs and will continue to use my voice to educate the world about the situation, and to give strength to the young Armenians who are shaping our future.

For the many young girls that look up to you, what is one lesson you think they can learn from your personal story and journey adapting to a new home?

Stay true to your roots but find the balance adapting to a new world, which is changing constantly while you are a part of it. You too are changing the world with every step you take.

Being a global citizen allows me to tap into different realities that unites us as one. Explore the world and enrich my own.

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CHANGING THE WOR LD THROUGH EDUCATION

An in-depth interview with Poonam Bhojani, Founder & CEO of Innoventures Education

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What was childhood like?

My childhood memories are that of a loving family life where our parents doted on us and worked hard to give us the very best in life. Our life was very simple. My early childhood experiences have taught me some important life lessons and values. Seeing my parents’ dedication towards raising three young children was inspirational. This also instilled a belief in me that integrity and commitment are necessary ingredients for success in anything you do. My parents were immigrants from undivided India, whose families started life from base level as they had to leave behind all their property and belongings when the partition of India and Pakistan took place. My father started his career in the prestigious central government services in India and retired as a United Nations expert, having served in several countries. My mother was a loving, devoted and firm homemaker, who focussed her life on raising a family with the right values. Both had been educated before the partition. My father had been a topper through his university education funded with a merit-based scholarship in mathematics. My parents valued education above all else, which is something I have tried to impart on my own children. I was fortunate to have attended the best schools and universities in India.

My parents have been my role models and have always inspired me to work hard and excel, but with humility.

My father’s successful career as a UN expert throughout Egypt, Afghanistan and Thailand, made me develop a worldly view and cultivate appreciation for all things international through my school years.

Tell us about your formal education and early experience.

Prior to entering the field of education, I had a career in technology, specialising in the financial services industry across India, USA, Sweden, Belgium, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Oman, and the UAE in global organisations like Tata Consultancy Services, Philips, Mashreq Bank, and ABN AMRO Bank. I have an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, and a B.A. Honours in Economics Honours from Delhi University.

As a technology consultant early on, I had the opportunity to work on projects across diverse financial ser vices organisations in the area of information technology. Each project was very different from the last and required a different set of skills. I had no choice but to be resilient and adaptable to change, as well as figure out how to learn on the job. Oftentimes, the challenges would seem insurmountable, but through collaboration with colleagues and the will to do what it takes, I found fulfilment in each experience.

Throughout this journey, I embarked on each challenge with a sense of determination. While each experience felt somewhat unconnected to the previous in the diverse world of technology in financial services and banking, the dots were connected for me through the world of education. Adaptability, an international

perspective, the dedication to work hard, and the will to keep learning enabled my journey in an everchanging world.

How did your journey as an Educationalist begin?

I got into the education sector for the love of learning. My journey began in the early 2000s from my perspective as a parent—I wanted the very best for my t wo young sons. I felt they could be far more challenged and that their education could have a more global approach. I aspired for them to pursue higher education in the best global universities. A fter graduating from our first school, Dubai International Academy, my older boy went to Yale and then to Har vard Business School, and my younger son went to Cambr idge Universit y, UK. Pr ior to 2005, much of the education in Dubai was either Br itish, Amer ican or Indian. The international aspect of education was not as pronounced, and that was what I felt was missing. With some research, I discovered that the Inter national Baccalaureate (I B) was offer ing not just a Diploma Programme, but also programmes for children at a young age. Innoventures Education was established in 2004 to provide world-class education in Dubai. At th at st a ge, Dubai was flour ishin g with new business models. While I may have had the passion to get into education, the credit for translating this into a viable business entit y goes to my husband, Avi Bhojani, as well as our shareholders.

We are tr uly grateful to Mohammad Alabbar, who showed confidence in our vision and granted us our first project: Dubai Inter national Academy in Emirates Hills.

What was your core vision at the start of your journey 15 years ago?

Our core vision is based on our founding principles and is the same today as it was 15 years ago. Our vision has been to offer world-class education to empower students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever-changing world.

Offering world-class education implies standards based on well-established, measurable and international standards in academics, arts, athletics, and global citizenship. Our core values are Achievement, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility. Our founding and current beliefs are: • To be recognised by the success of our students in achieving their personal goals • To make student development the centre of all school decisions • To aspire to the highest internationally recognised performance standards • To build and celebrate a culture based on internationalism • To enable staff to become life-long learners through the development of their professional practice.

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All of this derives from the foundation of offering the best possible opportunities to each child. As Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” I view this as my personal challenge, and our leaders, teachers and staff work hard to work to ensure the success of our students.

Considering the educational scenario in the UAE at the time you started Innoventures Education, what sort of challenges did you face?

There were many challenges. Even completing the school building on time was a challenge. Other challenges included finding IB-trained staff and educating parents on new educational concepts since Dubai International Academy was the first IB-authorised school for its continuum of programmes. For instance, educating children through the process of inquiry, as opposed to textbooks, was a difficult concept to explain to parents at that time. Parents needed to understand this new way of learning and a lot of energy was invested by school leaders and teachers to enable the same.

Also, finding qualified, trained and experienced staff in the IB context was a challenge. Now, Dubai is blessed to have over 50 IB World Schools in 2020, and there is

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an established international and IB community within the UAE as well.

However, there are always challenges to be faced in any situation, and it is the vision, mission, core values and beliefs that guide decision-making. In our case, we place the interests of the students at the heart of our decisions. This has held us in good stead.

What’s the primary focus of Innoventures Education today?

Our focus has never been deflected from our mission to holistically educate young people to be internationally minded, caring and productive members of society. This seems to be more pertinent than ever in the current crisis. We are doubling our efforts and creative energy to ensure we support all of our students in understanding what is going on in the world, finding their place in it, and discovering how they can make an impact.

The happiness, health and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider communit y is our primary focus.

Research has shown that we learn best when we have lower anxiety and stress levels and, given the current circumstances, it is understandable as we see many families struggling during these challenging times.

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I believe school should be a sanctuary from that; a place where students and staff can be in as normal an environment as possible and be able to focus on teaching and learning without the anxieties of the outside world impacting this process.

If we are sure-footed about the wellbeing of our students and community, we see the curriculum results and behaviours all fall into place. Having said that, we remain resolute in our drive towards always raising standards through staff development, monitoring of learning outcomes in multi-dimensional ways, and celebrating innovation.

Our ongoing investment in technology-based solutions for empowering education has been a real boon for us at Innoventures Education. While it took some time to adjust to new rhythms and routines at the start of the pandemic, the shift in operations to becoming fully distance learning was virtually an overnight switch. There was no additional investment in software or hardware as we already had those systems in place, and we plan to continue strengthening our digital capabilities.

How many students does Innoventures Education manage across its portfolio of schools and nurseries?

Prior to the pandemic, we had about 7,500 students across our schools and nurseries. While our schools have had a stronger start in enrolment than this time last year, our nurseries—as with all nurseries in the UAE—have had a delayed and highly restricted start as per the Ministry of

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Education’s directives. As the world begins to cope with the current pandemic, we anticipate a rising population of students across our schools. Our students hail from over 120 countries, and we have staff from all over the world as well.

How has the Dubai International Academy grown since its inception?

DIA Emirates Hills has grown in size, shape and form in so many ways since inception. We have grown in stature with better outcomes and higher achievements in academics, sports, performing arts and in global citizenship in so many ways. Our IB Diploma Programme results have improved each year as have our college placements and scholarships that exceed USD 5 million each year. Our students have gone on to the highest ranking colleges and universities in the world, such as Cambridge, London School of Economics, Edinburgh in UK; Columbia, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, Wharton, Harvard, Stanford, U Chicago, Dartmouth, Duke, Cornell, Brown, and many other top-tier universities in the USA; University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill, and more in Canada. In addition, they obtain admissions to the best universities across Europe and the rest of the world.

The school has grown in reputation within a stable community, and we are grateful to the parents for this, as they have always supported us and tried to contribute through community service and community building.

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strong despite the fact that the school has over 2,300 students. Consequently, a second DIA has been opened at our Al Barsha campus and this school is also doing very well on all fronts. It has achieved authorisation for the continuum of IB programmes (Primary, Middle and Diploma) in a record time of less than two years since inception.

There has been ongoing investment in the campus facilities each year across all our schools. Such enhancements have enriched student life with the provision of outdoor learning areas, sports facilities, multi-purpose halls, sports fields, additional classrooms, examination halls, expansion of library and cafeteria spaces, additional science labs, and others. In addition, the ongoing investment in technology has been a significant strength of the school.

The student leadership dimension has also grown tremendously overtime with several student-run clubs across a diverse number of areas.

All of this has been possible due to the dedication, commitment and collaboration of the school’s leadership, teachers, support staff, parent body, and, most of all, a delightful and thoughtful student body.

We are truly proud of the achievements of our student and our alumni, who are now a diaspora all over the world, working as successful young executives or entrepreneurs across many fields.

What, according to you, make the ingredients for a high-quality education? How do you ensure that?

Children learn as a result of the opportunities provided to them. Our schools provide a multitude of opportunities while enabling student leadership—clubs, societies, Gifted & Talented programme, individual support, sports, competitions, and challenges.

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Other variables in the mix that are very important include: • High-quality teaching and learning—through hiring top-quality teachers, collaboration & training, working with families, monitoring & review.

• High aspirations of all staff, students, families— our mission, vision and beliefs being incorporated constantly.

• Students taking responsibility for the good of the community, as well as for their own learning and progress—through the curriculum approach, and the opportunities and activities available.

While there are many ingredients for a high-quality education, we feel that some of the most important are educating young people to be problem solvers, independent learners, intellectually curious, globally aware, and last, but not least, empathetic and sympathetic to needs of others in and around their communities.

We ensure this by selecting, training and developing appropriate staff about what is expected of them, and the creation of systems to deliver the same. All of this is overseen by a culture of high expectations of every student, monitoring and support of teachers, and very close, transparent working relationships with parents.

Our staff are supported by a programme for learning and leadership. High-quality education requires talented, motivated and resourceful teachers. These teachers need to be working with a clear and well-understood programme for learning. More than just a curriculum, there must be clearly defined guidelines for how pupils learn, as well as what they learn. To accomplish this, they must have the support and guidance of insightful, empathetic and knowledgeable school leaders at all levels.

Adding to that, the school must self-evaluate regularly and honestly, not only to recognise and celebrate successes,

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but, equally importantly, identify areas for improvement and address them in a systematic and timely manner, ensuring change is sustainable and has measurable impact on learning.

Further, education is a journey that is a partnership between the school, students and parents. Transparency of communication will engender trust between the three parties. This enables schools to set high, culture-driven expectations for all stakeholders, leading to academic achievement for children.

There are many good schools in the UAE today. What makes the schools in your portfolio different from the others?

There should be a passion for seeing students succeed in the school community – by the founders, leadership, teachers and staff. The school should have strong founding beliefs and core values. We believe that Innoventures Education is strong in its belief for enabling student success.

Our diverse group of schools are all high performing, led by inspirational leaders who work in genuine partnership with parents, and where students are really

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listened to and are encouraged to be an intrinsic part of the leadership of the school.

We believe in internationalism. For us being internationally-minded goes beyond the 4 Fs of internationalism—fashion, festival, food and flag of a nation. It has a deeper meaning that enables empathy towards those less fortunate than us. It enables the belief that we need to responsible to ourselves, to those around us, and to the wider community that is interconnected around the globe and across the planetary systems. It is this deeper understanding that unites us despite our diversity.

Although we are a small group of schools and nurseries, we offer a variety of curricula —IB, UK, US, EYFS and Montessori—all based on the same educational beliefs.

Our mission is common of empowering students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever-changing world.

Our schools have been rated as “very good” with several remarkable features. We have been able to achieve outstanding results year on year with the support and guidance of each individual school’s stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, leaders, the governing body, our accreditation partners, and also the KHDA. 2021 JAN / FEB

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Innoventures Education remains committed to pupil progress, accepting students of all academic abilities at all levels, and through high-quality teaching and learning.

There are many other contributing factors to our success. We have a wonderful parent body across our schools. Our parents are either successful entrepreneurs, career professionals, or diplomats who value education above all else. Our student body is our greatest asset as a result of this. Further, we are blessed to have the most dedicated staff who take ownership in driving the success of the school. We are very well-resourced and have wonderful facilities.

The size of our group is such that we are able to share best practices and work together for the success of all our students. We have a meaningful group presence and we are able to support the schools across all areas while ensuring that each school retains its individual characteristics.

Our ongoing investment in developing staff skills, students, curriculum, facilities, and technology has

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enabled strong outcomes. We also have the longevity to have systems and processes that work well, as well as longserving, loyal staff, while constantly seeking out fresh and innovative ways that will help us to improve.

Most of all, it is the passion and our drive for excellence, as well as the will to do our very best by our students that differentiates us.

Please tell us a little about your philanthropic initiative, Gift of Innoventures Education (GIVE).

GI VE is Innoventures E ducation’s group-wide phil anthropic initiative, committed to providing ongoing support to causes identified by our students.

At Innoventures Education, the most important thing we can do for our children is to help them develop global values and resounding life skills.

Our students have also determined that providing education and access to clean water should be the focus of GI VE by contr ibuting to inter national communities. Since 2014, our schools and Board of

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Directors, in par tnership with Dubai Cares, raised over AED 2 million, effectively sponsor ing three schools in Nepal and t wo schools in Malawi.

Locally, dur ing the global pandemic, GI VE has supported many families in distress with repatr iation provisions and financial assistance.

What is next for the group? Is expansion on the cards?

We will always keep our focus on raising qualit y standards at all levels. This quest for self-improvement comes out of the notion that learning is an endless journey as there is always more to learn. We will continue to strengthen our presence in our existing schools through an even stronger digital presence.

The pandemic has demonstrated that some areas work even better when blended with online than they do purely in person, for example, parent-teacher contact, student-teacher feedback, some areas of assessment, and peer-to-peer collaboration and learning. We will realign our curriculum and teaching to this to further empower education through technology. In addition, we look to diversify our portfolio of pre-K-12 schools and nurser ies in order to provide a new range of ser vices, including adult training, collaboration and partnerships, different value propositions, and further diversifying the curricula of schools. In all this, our endeavour will be to enable success of young people and to inspire them to be life-long learners.

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What is one piece of advice you’d like to give parents that will help them in choosing the right school/ curriculum for their children?

First and foremost, it is important that children should have a happy experience in school for which the criterion should be to find a happy school that speaks about children as well as their outcomes.

It is also important to choose a school with which you can identify yourself and feel part of the family. Your child should be happy and engaged. You, as the parent, should be listened to. Schools that are listening schools are always able to provide effective learning environments. As a group of schools, we always hear what our parents and students have to say so that we are able to provide the best possible education to the children entrusted to us.

In terms of curriculum, while it is important to consider the type of university your child may attend, it is more important to choose a curriculum that you feel you can understand, and in turn, effectively support. Always choose a school based on what it actually offers, not just the facilities it has.

For the holistic development of any child, it is important that the school considers co-curricular activities to be important, such as team sports, drama, dance, music, arts, debate, and many others that are in line with the aspirations and interests of the students and their parents.

The ethos of the school, its staff, educational philosophy, leadership and values, are other key considerations when choosing the best school for your child.

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DRIVING FORWARD IN 2021

Victor Dalmau, Managing Director for Volkswagen Middle East, shares his thoughts on success in life and in business Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. Let’s start by giving us a glimpse of what your day looks like as a successful industry leader?

Every day is different, but it always starts with waking up at 6:00 am and going for a run, which is my personal time to think and prepare for the day ahead. Before leaving home, I read the local and international news online to ensure I am updated before starting the day.

At work, I prefer shorter meetings to longer ones and appreciate a clear structure so that we can get straight to the point and facilitate easy decision making. When needed, I also find a lot of value in having longer discussions with my team members and partners to understand their point of view and brainstorm business topics. This is important to better connect with them personally.

While driving home from the office, I use this time to call my family and friends overseas or professional calls that I did not get a chance to do in the office. At home, I spend quality time 42 JAN / FEB 2021

with my two boys by helping them out with their homework and bedtime reading, and simply listening to their stories!

Since your appointment as Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East last year, what have you enjoyed most about this role and what do you eagerly anticipate in terms of the company’s present and future endeavours?

The part that I am enjoying most since joining the Volkswagen Middle East family is the multicultural aspect of my team. We comprise over 34 different nationalities, each of whom I learn from every day. This is one of the reasons why I love living in Dubai, as I’m exposed to so many different cultures and find them fascinating.

In terms of upcoming endeavours, we are expecting the pandemic to slowly phase out next year. So, we will be putting our efforts into launching four new models: T-Roc, Golf GTI, and facelifts for the Teramont and Tiguan.

Alongside this, we will continue to focus on developing

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the Volkswagen brand with the key brand attributes of human centricity, simplicity and authenticity.

With your career mainly developed in the automotive sector, can you tell us the most significant development you’ve witnessed thus far?

It’s clear that the transition from internal combustion engines to electrical vehicles (EVs) is the strongest transformation that the automotive industry has ever undergone. At Volkswagen, that journey started a few years ago when the new electric-vehicle platform, or MEB as we call it, on which our EVs are based was developed and engineered. As we speak, the first Volkswagen EVs, which are part of our I.D. family, are being sold in several regions, and this is only the beginning.

Additionally, I believe a significant development is the link between mobile phones and the automobile, where ultimately the car will become a smartphone on wheels. This is very interesting as we are witnessing the evolution of car manufacturers turning into complete mobility providers by developing these services and capabilities in addition to their core business of producing vehicles.

Here again, Volkswagen is a pioneer with various initiatives globally. While this journey has only started, over time, cars will become a part of our own personal digital ecosystem.

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Volkswagen recently announced its first fully electric SUV with the new ID.4, as well as an electric vehicle pilot project with Uber in Berlin. What do you want people to know about VW's latest venture into the electric vehicle market?

The partnership between Uber and Volkswagen is another initiative in supporting this commitment by operating our electric vehicles for “Uber Green;” the sustainable ride-hailing service.

The car chosen for use in this project is the e-Golf, which we have very successfully and previously used for our car-sharing service, “We Share.” With this initiative, together with Uber we are improving air quality in urban areas.

Volkswagen around the world is fully committed to the Paris Climate Agreement, and is therefore strongly investing in managing carbon emissions through the development of EVs. What are your views on the trends and future of electric cars? What is your assessment of the market readiness in terms of consumer acceptance and charging infrastructure?

Customers acknowledge the environmental need for EVs and therefore desire to purchase them. However, we are facing a chicken-and-egg situation with the charging infrastructure. I believe the way to ease this is through a combined investment effort from both the private and the public sectors.

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but it is clear that the first movers will be the ones that will have to overcome this initial difficulty. We, at Volkswagen Middle East, are looking for the right time to enter the market.

What is Volkswagen Middle East’s product focus for 2021?

As mentioned, we will have four launches in the Middle East next year: The T-Roc, an extremely good-looking compact crossover which will enhance our SUV line-up. This model has cool design details like the bi-colour roof and very comfortable features, such as the wireless app-connection between the car’s infotainment system and your smartphone. This enables you, for example, to see your Google Maps on the car’s screen.

The long-awaited all-new Golf GTI will also arrive to the Middle East next year, along with the facelift of both our top selling SUVs: The 7-seater Teramont and the Tiguan. These models will arrive with very strong upgrades from the previous editions. Though each of them addresses different customer needs, all of them share the typical Volkswagen product USPs: German-engineered quality, top-level safety, striking design, and cutting-edge technology and connectivity.

How do you see the future of electric cars in this region?

The independent Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) announced that Volkswagen’s climate targets fulfil the conditions for limiting global warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius”. What does that mean to you and the future of the industry?

I think the electric car market will develop differently in each country in the Middle East. The development of charging infrastructures and the customer’s desire for EVs is different in each country. In that regard, I believe that the UAE will be one

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of the pioneer markets for EVs in the Middle East, as progress has already been made with 650 charging stations available since March 2020.

Regarding the announcement from SBTi on Volkswagen, as mentioned, Volkswagen is fully committed to EVs and the brand is set to launch more than 20 electric models by 2025. The Volkswagen Group will spend EUR 73 billion on electrification, hybrid powertrains and digital technology over the next five years.

Reaching the Paris Climate Agreement goals will require a joint effort from all parties, as making a true environmental difference will extend beyond just EVs. Collectively, we can all play our part in the fight against climate change.

What are the brand’s ambitions for 2021?

Our main ambition is to see the four upcoming product launches being very successful! 2021 is an important year for us, as we truly believe we have a stunning and strong model line-up to offer.

We will focus on working with our dealers to do the best job possible and successfully roll out our new brand design across the market through our campaigns. We would like to see the demand for cars increase, but this will depend on how fast the pandemic eases over the next year. I am cautiously optimistic about this.

What is Volkswagen’s New Brand Design about?

The new brand design is all about promoting and solidifying Volkswagen as a people brand. We aim to ‘move people forward’ in their lives – in and outside their cars! Our newly developed brand design and the simplicity of our new logo are a reflection of our values: putting people first, being human, authentic and genuine.

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We consider that we are now starting the third era of the brand. Volkswagen started by offering mobility for everyone with the Beetle, followed by the second era of democratizing car technology with the Golf as its core testimony. We’ve now entered the era of electrification and carbon neutral mobility.

port. I agree that building up trust and confidence in your people is possibly one of the most important leadership traits.

I also think that a good leader is that person who you admire and motivates you, and that makes you want to be part of it, whether it’s the team, the project, or the company.

So going back to you, what are your most significant challenges? How do you strike a balance between shortterm and long-term growth?

I think one of the main challenges we are facing these days is to be able to cope with the speed of change that’s required.

COVID-19 took us all by complete surprise and forced us to rapidly adapt to many changes. I feel this dynamic will stay.

There will be no “back to normal” business.

Regarding the balance between short- and long-term, also related to the above, I consider that the increasing volatility in our reality forces us to put more focus on the short-term, as the correlation between short- and long-term is more difficult to assess. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have solid long-term vision and strategies developed to achieve this.

Leaders atop a company naturally have a lot on their plate.

What are your favourite routines to keep yourself focused and healthy at and off work?

A top mental routine is to first listen (not just hear), then think and, lastly, speak (if you have something to say). An easier one, that we practice at home is to always have meals together, without screens.

As the world and businesses advance, there are changes in leadership style and focus. What do you think are the features of a remarkable leader today?

One of my directors once said that a good leader is the captain you would like to have on your ship, that gives you the confidence and trust that he is guiding you to the right

What does success mean to you? Any message you wish to share with our readers and the people behind Volkswagen and the company’s milestones?

To me, success means being genuinely proud of how (not who) you are as a human being, as this ultimately is the key to being happy, which, in the end, is what we all look for, isn’t it?

Since you’ve asked me, I’d like to share a quote which, over the years, has become a kind of a life-motto for me: “We rise by lifting others.” Short but very powerful.

What are the three things you will not leave home without?

Humbleness, optimism, and a smile.

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CONSCIOUS BEAUTY

Skincare expert and founder of MZ Skin, Dr. Maryam Zamani shares her insights on creating her own skincare brand and the secrets to reducing the signs of ageing

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kincare is one of the most googled topics on the internet. Everyone wants to know the secret on how to achieve healthy, glowing, youthful skin, andwho better to advise than renowned oculoplastic surgeon, leading facial aesthetics doctor, and founder of MZ Skin, Dr. Maryam Zamani.

Dr. Zamani specialises in surgical and non-surgical

facial aesthetic procedures at the state-of-the-art Cadogan Clinic in London. She has also launched The Guinea Pig Podcast with ex-Vogue editor-at-large, Fiona Golfar, where they discuss safe aesthetic treatments with fellow industry leaders.

Here we chat to Dr. Zamani about how the brand came to be and what sets MZ Skin apart from other beauty brands.

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How has your medical background like helped in the process of creating an independent beauty brand?

I am an oculoplastic surgeon, which means I do cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eyes and eyebrows.

After relocating to London, I had to apply for my credentials to transfer over and so in addition to two oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery fellowships, I also I completed a year of dermatology training. During this time, hyaluronic acid treatments were gaining popularity and I did a number of clinical studies on their use in patients with a history of trauma or cancer to the periorbital area. That really fostered my belief in the relationship between surgical and non-surgical interventions and that all treatments should start with oneself.

MZ Skin was created out of a necessity I felt for the fusion of a medically backed, clinically trialled skincare range that fused with the luxury sensory component that I craved.

Was the brand an idea that you had for a while or was it more of an ‘aha’ moment?

I think sometimes you have to have a leap of faith. I am lucky to have always had the support of my parents and my everencouraging husband to know they have my back. I was mixing my own creams when my husband suggested I do it for a myself and my patients. It was a very slow, organic start. I definitely had no idea of the journey MZ Skin was about to take me on.

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities that you have for your business?

I like to prepare for the next day by making a to-do list the night before and setting myself up for a smooth day. I like to

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be in control, and I like to be efficient - it’s the only way to be able to do all that I want to. This means I answer all my emails before going to bed and prepare my kids for the morning mania. I usually finish work at the Clinic around 2 pm (except for Mondays, which tend to run very late), and then work on MZ Skin, meetings and calls. I think mindfulness comes in when I exercise. I find that it helps clear my mind and gives me a mental break to refocus. Once I have worked out, I come back to the computer and catch up on the emails and prepare for the next day. Our team is growing, which makes our daily responsibilities change often. We are all learning in the process, which I find very exciting!

What are some qualities and ingredients that you look for when creating a product?

I think a good skincare routine should incorporate my three principles to: Reveal, Enhance and Protect. We need an arsenal of ingredients from antioxidants, ceramides, peptides, acids to retinols and SPF to give our skin the ingredients it needs for beautiful glowing skin.

I am also mindful of a number of dermatological skin conditions ranging from acne, to rosacea to pigmentation, that all alter the tone, colour and texture of the skin. For me, hyperpigmentation is something I suffer from and I created MZ Skin with that in mind. One of the main goals of MZ skin was to help topically deliver ingredients to combat these issues to create a no make-up look with just your skin. There are no quick fixes — slow and steady is always better to help treat and prevent skin damage.

For those who suffer from it like I do, I select specific

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ingredients, such as retinols, arbutin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, as well as other topical acids like kojic acid to help even skin tone.

MZ Skin works with high-tech skincare as well as active ingredients, incorporating in our product line a series of devices. LED phototherapy or light emitting diode phototherapy combines clinically proven wavelengths of light to deliver safe and effective results to treat a number of conditions with no downtime or discomfort. A course of in-office treatments or at-home treatments help to stimulate collagen production, as well as the repair response. The purpose is to help accelerate cell renewal and help improve a number of skin concerns.

What is your favourite product that you have created and why?

I don’t have a favourite product; it would be like asking a mother to choose a favourite child! I have carefully formulated all of my products and I love all of them equally. I don’t think I can pick as they are formulated to work in synergy to reveal, enhance and protect the skin. However, I cannot go without Brighten & Perfect 10% Vit C to help protect my skin from oxidative stresses, improve skin texture and tone and decrease the appearance of pigmentation.

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Compared to mainstream skincare, what do you think are the biggest challenges in creating natural skincare products?

The real challenge is that the term ‘clean beauty’ is too commonly used (and misused) because there is no uniform definition. I believe the term 'Conscious Beauty' is more meaningful. At MZ Skin, transparency and honesty is extremely crucial not only for us but for our consumers as well, so they can make informed skin care decisions. I decided that MZ Skin would focus on consciously clean beauty, with high-performance products consisting of key active ingredients that work to support and offer long-term benefits to the skin. I prioritised creating products that do not harm the skin or the environment. This meant using effective ingredients, with less focus being placed upon whether ingredients are natural or synthetic.

When you started the brand, what’s the one piece of advice that proved the most helpful?

I really do believe that everything is possible. If you work hard, have a vision, and you are willing to be adaptable in different circumstances, I think you can make anything work. You have to trust your instinct, and no one knows you better than yourself, so if there is something inside of you that doesn’t sit right, listen to it.

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Do you have any anti-ageing beauty or wellness advice that you’d like to share with our readers?

The eye area is the first to show signs of ageing, so ensure that you are using an effective eye cream, applied lightly using the ring finger. Make sure that your morning and night skincare regime is different: the morning is about protecting the skin to avoid premature ageing and pigmentation in later years. Never forget SPF and always wear MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish or Tint & Protect that provides SPF 30 and is suitable for daily use. In the evening, I recommend using a serum to assist in regenerating the skin with antioxidants, followed by a night cream. To enhance and fortify the skin overnight, use MZ Skin Rest & Revive and Replenish & Restore. These will rehydrate whilst building up antioxidant protection whilst you sleep.

My advice to women in their thirties is to start using skincare products containing retinol to smooth out fine lines, reduce pigmentation and make pores less visible.

How important is the packaging and the materials used in your collection?

Like many other aspects of the brand, packaging and materials are extremely important to me. Specifically, sustainability is a big issue to consider and to be mindful of this when producing new products. I am always looking for ways in which to use material from recycled sources and to ensure all our packaging

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is recyclable. This has always been a part of our company DNA and ethos. Similarly, we only source ethically delivered ingredients and no part of our skincare is tested on animals.

What do you think will become important in the coming months in terms of beauty and skincare?

I think we are not yet done with at-home time and self-care practices. Our skin needs ingredients to support and maintain its youthfulness, counter signs of environmental damage, and replenish it. The best way to hydrate, tone, lift and firm the skin in the new year is to indulge in at-home treatments.

The MZ Skin Ultimate Firming Collection is a powerhouse 4-step facial that can be used in the comfort of your home. It includes the MZ Skin Vitamin-Infused Facial Treatment Mask, rich in vitamins A, E and F that deeply hydrate the skin and boost collagen to achieve a tight complexion. With hyaluronic acid and antioxidants such as aloe leaf and green tea, this mask will rejuvenate lacklustre skin to help achieve a youthful glow!

Will there be new product launches from MZ Skin that we should look forward to in 2021?

We have so many new products in the pipeline for 2021, and I can't wait to share them. We have some exciting eye products launching, as well as some new treatments that I am sure everyone will love. Watch this space!

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THE ARTOF PERFUME

Q&A with Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques Parfums

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enry Jacques perfumes breathe the very essence of their founder, Henry Cremona, a world traveller who drew on his childhood, wanderlust and dreams of faraway lands to feed his inexhaustible passion for perfumes.

From his encounter with one of the last great noses of the old French perfume tradition, a perfume house was born, steeped in the family’s culture, a taste for absolute refinement, and an obsession for rarity and perfection.

The brand instinctively found its legitimacy in the universe of the discerning few. For decades, the Atelier was solely dedicated to creation. Each request was a new perfume, a new

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memory to be revived, a lost emotion to be awakened. They discreetly worked in the shadows to satisfy the wishes of their discerning clientele. With each passing year, the number of creations kept growing under the charm of the rich artistic sphere surrounding the family.

After many years of preparation, Henry Jacques recently opened to the public at a handful of outstanding venues custom-designed to showcase their singular collections.

In this exclusive interview, CEO and daughter of Henry Jacques, Anne-Lise Cremona, shares her personal journey into the world of perfume.

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Tell us more about the backstory behind the Henry Jacques brand?

Henry Jacques was founded by my father many years ago, and my mother also played a great role in developing our fragrances. As a traveller, a man of taste, but also a businessman, Henry threw himself entirely into perfume creation and went around the world to find the best ingredients and meet the people who could truly appreciate the treasures they were creating.

How long have you been interested in scent and perfume? How did you start learning about it?

I cannot really tell how long, because I was raised in this environment and it was natural for me. It was part of our everyday life, new components and scents were shared with the family and very early I had my preferences. Later on, I developed a new interest, I realised how perfume could become a comfort for life. It became very natural to live with perfumes all around, through seasons, travels and experiences of life.

Do you remember the first perfume you wore? How old were you?

The first perfume I was gifted was a pure Bulgarian rose.

My mother gifted one to each of her three daughters. I was probably around 10. Before and after that my reference was my mother’s perfume, which was very feminine, French and sophisticated.

Henry Jacques catered mainly to private clients. When and how did the transition to opening boutiques happen?

Indeed, Henry Jacques was initially established as a bespoke house known among connoisseurs for our pure essences hand-crafted exclusively with natural components. Our expansion into retail, via our own boutiques began only six years ago, not long after I took over to run the business.

Up until 2014, Henry Jacques was working in the shadows, only producing bespoke blends for clients. When I joined, I wanted to introduce the brand to the wider world. The first challenge I faced was ‘how’ and ‘where’? I had a vision to

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be placed among other luxury brands, such as jewellery and fashion, which was a completely new approach to retail at the time, and Harrods understood that; when its Salon de Parfums opened, dedicated to fine and rare scents alongside bespoke perfumes, my dream came true. From there, we opened our boutique in Dubai, then Singapore, followed

by Qatar, Beverly Hills, and soon-to-open in Hong Kong.

It was very important to me to welcome visitors to our “world” in a homely and cosy space, and for us to offer each and every one of our guests a special and personalised experience, which is why we only offer our fragrances in our own boutiques.

How would you define the Henry Jacques style of perfumery?

Henry Jacques is an absolutely unique perfume house; we are what I consider an “Haute Couture” perfume house and this is why. Every perfume is made by hand, in our own laboratory and atelier. We break the rules in terms of what has become normal within today’s industry of mass perfumery. On one hand, we follow and respect traditions, but on the other, we see ourselves as contemporary and visionary. Every aspect of our creative process is in tune with the French tradition of excellence and luxury, without compromise. We consider what we do as a form of art.

What is it about this industry that excites you the most?

What excites me most is to work with the greatest and most beautiful perfumery that actually has disappeared in this industry. I also really enjoy all the art of living around the perfumes, all the know-how involved in decorative arts, all 56 JAN / FEB 2021

the crafts that are involved in what we do. I love the art of perfume rather than the industry itself as it is presently. All of my work is to bring back on the market great perfumery, with its know-how but also with a new vision, genuinely modern and innovative.

Based on your experience, how has the perfume market evolved over the years?

There has been a big shift in the 80s/90s with the globalisation and massive distribution that brought us very far from our legacies. Perfume started to be treated like a mass product with large distribution. Today, however, there is a counter effect, with a need for authenticity; there is more demand than ever for extremely high-level perfumery. In that regard, we can say that Henry Jacques has been a visionary and that we have an important standing in this market.

How would you define the ideal Henry Jacques customer?

Our typical client knows and understands perfume and has an understanding of and appreciation for quality. We are also seeing younger customers with a huge passion for perfumery. Many of our loyal customers say they can easily recognise a Henry Jacques perfume amongst many. Our perfumes leave a characteristic trail behind them, which is due to several factors. The first is that we create our perfumes like a grand master’s paintings, with multiple layers. They are not flat perfumes, following definite trends, they are perfumes leaving long-lasting impressions on memories. We have created a few “bouquets” from our most beautiful components that we like to sign our

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fragrance with. In my eyes, perfume is a real art. Our customers are looking for an haute perfumerie, an art that is hard to find elsewhere.

What sets Henry Jacques fragrances separate from the other haute perfumery houses?

As a Bespoke Perfume house, most of our perfumes were originally created to fulfil the olfactory dreams of a specific client. In such cases, the greater field of research is to understand the personality of the client, their history, their loves and longings. Then, of course, comes our knowledge in rare and delicate natural components. Our laboratory is filled with over 1,200 components, which is in itself the result of decades of research. When we create a new perfume, it is through delving into these shelves that most of the creative process is done. Finally, there is an element of instinct involved, and this you cannot really explain. It comes from culture, experience, and does not necessarily answer to any rules.

Of all of your fragrances, is there one that stands out as your favourite?

My first olfactory love, which has now become my perfume of choice, is Janice. I have a personal version, very warm, very French. The second is called Datcha; my mother wore it for a very long time. Again, I have a special version of this incredible perfume, with a bouquet that I adore to make it more personal. My mother also offered me a composition of roses when I was very young, called Rose Suprème. I like to wear this by itself, but also to add it on top of other perfumes. In my youth, these fragrances are ones that really

impacted me and my olfactory senses, which is why they are still so dear to my heart.

Please tell us about the ingredients used and how you source these ingredients.

Ingredients and our laboratory are at the heart of our brand. It is truly the work of several lifetimes. Today, we have over 1,200 ingredients, each of which has been sourced in a personal way, answering quality criteria that dates back several generations. Ingredients, their quality, variety, and exclusivity are key to everything, like great gastronomy.

If you could describe Henry Jacques Parfums in three words, what would they be?

Passion, intimacy, independence.

What’s next for you and Henry Jacques Parfums?

Continuing to share our savoir-faire all over the world! We have recently opened Beverly Hills, and Hong Kong will open next year, and we have two exciting new projects in the Middle East in the pipeline!

The Middle East has always been important to us, for many reasons. Our ties to the region have always been strong and will remain strong, and this affinity we feel drew us to share our know-how with new boutiques in the Middle East. People of this region share a love for fine fragrances, and this dates back throughout their history. For me, everything that we do is in accord with Middle Eastern values and we are proud to have knowledge of the region and share our passion.

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THE SPIRIT OF MARLY

Q&A with Julien Sprecher, Founder and Artistic Director of Parfums De Marly

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arfum De Marly’s Julien Sprecher has built a life and a business around his unwavering belief in the transformative power of scent. Born in Saint Germain-en-Laye, Sprecher fell into the world of perfumes at a very young age, where his father, at the time, represented the house of Guerlain in the Middle East. Sprecher developed his exquisite olfactory culture while working in his family’s distribution company across Asia and the Middle East before setting off and launching his own lavish label, Parfums de Marly.

This brand of premium perfumes is a testament to French quality praised around the world. With its variety of exceptional fragrances and rare olfactory moments, it touches the heart of authentic luxury enthusiasts as well as lovers of beautiful scents and noble raw materials.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how that weaves itself into your life as an Artistic Director?

I started my career 20 years ago when the niche perfume industry was just taking off, as a reaction to the olfactory standardization of traditional perfumery. As time passed, I became addicted to luxurious, fine scents and seeing as niche brands were not as diverse at that time, I decided to set off and launch Parfums de Marly. I wanted to participate in this movement, convinced I had something to contribute. Perfume, above all, is a work of art, passion and, by definition, niche.

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How long have you been interested in scent and perfume?

How did you start learning about it?

I had the chance to grow up in a family of perfume professionals.

Attracted by smells very early on, I knew this is what I was meant to do. As a child, I already knew how to recognize the flavours, scents, and ingredients very quickly.

You’ve talked about your passion for refined aesthetics, horses and France´s great history. How do these inspire your perfumes? Please touch on how L’Esprit de Marly reflects this through the series.

In our age of modernity, speed, minimalism and simplicity, we are forging our own path by embracing beauty, imagination and refinement. The 18th century was the golden age of perfumery, so my idea was to revive the splendour of this time by creating perfume that came before marketing, before globalization, and before massification.

The series, through the artisans, explores our contemporary origins; how we take inspiration from traditional know-how and value the slow, steady pace of well-executed craftsmanship where tradition seamlessly links with the present.

How has your style evolved since you first began creating fragrances?

I like to produce short, snappy formulas that you can read, like a quote.

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When I create a perfume, I want it to be round with clear, seductive top notes and at the same time, an immediately discernible base. Finding the perfect harmony between the materials and the accords creates this olfactory music that has become our signature.

What do you want someone who wears your fragrance to know about you and your brand?

We want our customers to experience not only the evocative olfactory qualities of the scents, but also their emotional dimension.

We want to create an overall experience that reflects the surprising association of the classic and the contemporary.

Of all of your fragrances, is there one that stands out as your favourite? If so, why? If not, why?

I love all our creations! However, I always look forward to the

Why did you choose these artisans in particular to represent the values of your compositions and brand a whole?

Parfums de Marly is, above all, the essence of a place, one that dared to push every boundary. Our mission is to invite its followers into a world of majesty and elegance by interweaving the refinement of the golden age of perfumery with the energy and excitement of contemporary life, hence our decision to work with these artisans, as they each embody one of our core values.

Lauren, a paper artist transforming simplicity into awe-inspiring works represents duality; Laurent, a restorer and gilder who has

latest addition, which in this case is Pegasus Exclusif. Eight years ago, Pegasus marked a chapter in Parfums de Marly’s history with its woody and exceptionally distinguished signature.

Now, with Pegasus Exclusif, two of its most characteristic and addictive ingredients, bitter almond and vanilla, are retained, making the formula not quite the same, but also, not quite different.

With an image of deconstructed masculinity, as with the olfactory stereotypes, this fragrance’s essence undeniably bears the stamp of the contemporary man.

What are you most proud of with your brand or your fragrance compositions?

The Parfums de Marly universe is one of creativity, splendour and a passion for perfume. Each perfume is an olfactory masterpiece, the antithesis of minimalism.

worked for the past decade with the Palace of Versailles embodies the very essence of savoir-faire; Zoe, a calligrapher who represents boldness through the uncompromising aesthetic of her work; Ambroisine, a Soprano who captures emotion through the beauty of her classical voice; and Anne-Lise, an illustrator known for her reinterpretation of the Chateau de Marly showcases creativity.

If you could describe Parfums de Marly in three words, what would they be?

Parfums de Marly is bold, creative and authentic.

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ICE CR EAM DR EAMS

Q&A with Amanda Stansfield of the award-winning Granny Gothards ice cream company

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ranny Gothards is an artisanal multi-award-winning ice cream and sorbet brand produced in the UK. They are famous for their range of 195 classic yet ingenious flavours, all made from the finest natural ingredients.

Although they are relatively new to the ice cream scene, they are already a household favourite. But how does one go from working as a company accountant in her rural family business to taking on the competitive business of ice cream?

In our exclusive interview, Amanda shares her journey and insights on what it takes to run the quickly growing ice cream business.

Tell us about your background and how you decided to get into the business of ice cream and sorbet?

My background is in accounting and I had worked for several years in the corporate world as a management account and

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an auditor. Prior to starting the ice cream business, I was employed as an accountant for a family business and worked with Jean, a tourism manager, who became my best friend. We decided that we wanted to do something in business together and we heard that the local Gothards farm were looking to rent a converted milking shed. We went along and bought the business and started making Granny Gothards ice cream in February 2012.

The plan was to make ice cream and sell it at events throughout the summertime. We very quickly came to realise that what we were making was quite special and different from the other mass-produced ice creams. As the interest in our ice creams grew, we decided to present it to a much bigger audience and so we developed our food service and, as they say, the rest is history. Jean left the business in 2015 but is still my best friend and my biggest fan.

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When did you discover your passion for ice cream, and how did your past work experience impact your passion for ice cream?

I honestly have to say ice cream was never high on my list of passions, but rather, running a business that I was proud of was. The farm presented itself at the right time and so the opportunity to produce ice cream was almost a given. My experience in the financial sector has been invaluable as the business has grown, and being a manufacturing accountant has been an asset. My passion for ice cream has grown and grown, but unfortunately, I really do not like bad ice cream. This is something I did not really know about before I started Granny

Gothards, which means I do not eat a lot of ice cream outside ours and I have become a bit of an ice cream snob.

What sets Granny Gothards apart from other ice cream companies today?

The key point of difference between Granny Gothards and other companies is simple, great quality natural ingredients, and traditional production methods. Unpasteurised milk used straight after morning milking all make the product taste so different, and what makes the company unique is the services we offer: a bespoke flavour development for chefs around the world and great customer service.

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What goes into the process of creating and choosing flavors for your ice cream? Do you have employees who are specifically hired to be Granny Gothards Ice Cream 'designers'?

We are lucky to have the best product development team: Our customers! Because we supply to top chefs around the world, we work closely with them and develop new flavours, seasonal flavours, and some simply weird and wacky flavours for their menus. In-house at Granny Gothards, both myself and our Production Manager, Donna, are quite good at getting their ideas to work as an ice cream, although we have had a couple of disasters!

What are some of the benefits and challenges to starting off as a small business owner?

Working for myself after a life in the corporate world is very refreshing and allows the creative side of my personality to have a free rein, although the Production Manager does have to rein me in sometimes. There are a huge number of challenges, way too many to list here. This situation in the world today particularly highlights the financial implications of running your own business. Would I change anything? Not at all. I love what I do, the team I work with, and the customers I supply, and that makes all the challenges worthwhile.

Did you have any role models or mentors growing up, people you looked to for inspiration or advice? Did you have a mentor who helped you start your business?

I did not have a business mentor who helped me start the business, but I have always been happy to ask questions and have utilised various business groups and government organisations, such as Department for International Trade, when I have felt my knowledge needed some upgrading.

With regards to a role model, I would have to say my dad, Levinus. He came to the UK from the Netherlands with limited English and ended up becoming a top lecturer in Physics and Mathematics, all in his second language! He always told me education is so important and to take advantage of any learning as it will all be of use sometime in your life. Oh, and he also loved ice cream!

When do you think was the turning point for Granny Gothards, from starting off as a small business to distributing outside of the UK? The turning point for our export journey happened in 2015.

We were approaching the UK’s winter months and sales in the UK had reduced quite significantly as it does every year. I listened to my staff, working out which days they were going

to work and conscious of their value to the company, I decided to look for other countries that would help us overcome the seasonality of the UK market. My staff were and still are my biggest asset and I have a moral responsibility to ensure they have a regular income, so it was my aim to develop Granny Gothards into a year-round business.

With the increase of artisan ice cream shops, do you feel like competition is stiffer?

Yes, I think competition is stiffer with the opening of artisan ice cream shops and therefore, we are constantly developing our offering both in flavours and the type of customers. On a positive note, the increase in better ice cream outlets will lead the public to be more aware in the differences between artisan and commercially produced ice creams and hopefully, they will start to make more informed decisions about the products they buy to consume in their homes.

This informed customer can only be a positive move for Granny Gothards as they will be more willing to buy a smaller brand knowing what the difference in the ingredients mean to the taste and quality of the ice cream. Hopefully, this educated consumer will also be aware of the ingredients in the artisan ice creams. For example, we do not use any products that contain palm oil.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the variety of my job. Every day there is something different, and that is both challenging and enjoyable. I am blessed to have great customers as well!

What is your favourite ice cream flavour?

I am now very partial to our Salted Honey, which was developed in 2020, but my absolute go-to will always be Raspberry Rapport.

In what ways do you hope to see Granny Gothards evolve?

Granny Gothards is currently looking to move into other countries, not least Canada and China, so export will be our focus in 2021. However, we are working with a large luxury UK retailer for a March 2021 launch. We are also introducing a brand-new range of dairy-free products that not only are suitable for vegans but will be the first ice creams commercially available in plastic free pots.

We are constantly active in the environmental impact of our packaging and will continue to be. I hope that we will see further growth in all sectors of our business as the world regains some normality.

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FLASH OF LIGHTNING The exclusive Lamborghini Siรกn Roadster is a topless hybrid

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utomobili Lamborghini presents the Lamborghini Sián Roadster: a limited edition, open-top hybrid super sports car engineered around Lamborghini’s iconic V12 engine, with unique hybrid technologies and delivering unsurpassed Lamborghini and hybrid performance. The roofless design of the Sián Roadster puts an exclusive group of drivers in one of the most spectacular cockpits ever: always open to the sky; resonating with the inimitable V12 sound from the most powerful Lamborghini engine to date; and experiencing extraordinary performance while reveling in the Sián Roadster’s role in Lamborghini’s route to future hybridization.

“The Sián Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini,” says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sián’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sports cars, and the open-top Sián Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding new solutions.”

The Sián Roadster makes its debut in Blu Uranus, especially selected by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, which together with the Ad Personam department works with every Sián client to entirely personalize the color and finish of their Roadster. Encapsulating the blue of the sky and the green of the fields, evoking the freedom

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and driving elation delivered by the open top Sián Roadster’s performance, the car is finished with Oro Electrum wheels: the color chosen by Lamborghini to signify electrification. The complementary interior is an elegant combination of white with Blu Glauco detailing and aluminum elements in Oro Electrum: newdesign air vents produced via 3D printing allows customization with a client’s initials.

DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE The Lamborghini Sián Roadster asserts the futuristic design of the coupé, but as a true roadster adds a new purity with the openair cabin. The aerial view of the Sián Roadster is evocative of the iconic periscopio line inspired by the first Countach, running diagonally from the cockpit to the rear and culminating in the aerodynamic airstreamers behind driver and passenger. The Sián’s long sculptured contours and characteristic aero wings give the Sián Roadster an unmistakably powerful profile. The car’s very low front, with integrated carbon fiber splitter, houses the iconic Lamborghini Y-shape headlights.

The pure and uncluttered Sián design is a clear statement of the car’s optimized aerodynamic efficiency and technological prowess: airflow is directed through the front splitters and through the front bonnet, through the side air intakes and outlets and over the rear spoiler, with no loss of aerodynamic efficiency from the roadster’s roofless design. Active cooling vanes on the rear use

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unique materials-science technology patented by Lamborghini: operation of the vanes is triggered by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and providing an elegant and lightweight cooling solution.

The extreme and strong rear of the car incorporates Lamborghini’s evocative hexagon design, including six hexagonal taillights inspired by the Countach. The rear wing is integrated within the profile and extends out only during the driving to enhance the performance.

ELECTRIFICATION AND HYBRID TECHNOLOGIES FOR A NEW TOMORROW The low, powerful chassis houses a next-generation V12 powerplant: ‘Sián’ in local Bolognese dialect, meaning ‘flash’ or ‘lightening’, denotes the Sián Roadster’s electrification as part of the future hybrid strategy, while maintaining the extraordinary emotion and dynamic performance inherent in naturally aspirated Lamborghini super sports cars.

The Sián Roadster’s hybrid system provides the highest power possible via the lightest solution, combining the V12 engine with a new powertrain. A 48-volt e-motor, delivering 34 hp, is incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and improved performance. The e-motor also supports low-speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power.

The Sián Roadster sports Lamborghini’s innovative supercapacitor application: a world-first technology storing ten times the power of a lithium-ion battery. Located in the bulkhead between cockpit and engine it ensures perfect weight distribution.

Three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power, the electric system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kg, thus it delivers a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 1.0

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kg/hp. Symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles: the most lightweight and efficient hybrid solution.

This advanced technology combines with the V12 engine, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 hp (577 kW) at 8,500 rpm. Combined with the additional 34 hp from the hybrid system, the Sián Roadster delivers a total of 819 hp (602 kW) and reaches a top speed of over 350 km/h.

The Lamborghini Sián Roadster incorporates a highly sophisticated regenerative braking system, especially developed

by Lamborghini. The symmetric behavior of the supercapacitor, which contrary to normal Li-Ion batteries can be charged and discharged with the same power, fully charges the Sián’s energy storage system every time the vehicle brakes. The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away, up to 130 km/h when the e-motor automatically disconnects, improving the elasticity maneuvers and making it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.

The innovative system also delivers instant acceleration in low gears, with improved traction force provided by the combination of V12 engine and hybrid system. The Sián Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.9 seconds. The improvement in elasticity maneuvers is even more evident, for example traction force is improved by up to 10% in third gear.

The Lamborghini Sián Roadster benefits from a heightened level of driving comfort facilitated by the hybrid system alongside dynamic handling and performance. The moment when deceleration and missing torque is felt during gear changes powered by a traditional combustion engine, is eliminated by the torque upshift fill provided by the hybrid’s e-motor: the pilot will feel only the pull backward of acceleration, eliminating uncomfortable jerking movements.

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DREAM AHEAD

The Lucid Air sets new benchmarks for electric vehicle innovation, performance, luxury, and sustainability

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ucid Motors is on a mission to inspire the adoption of sustainable transportation by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience.

The company's first car, the Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology.

In a statement, the company’s CEO and CTO, Peter Rawlinson, said, "Lucid Motors is driven to make the electric car better, and by doing so, help move the entire industry forward towards accelerated adoption of sustainable mobility.

The goal of this relentless approach to developing the world's most advanced electric vehicle is to benefit all mankind with sustainable, zero emission transportation, and to also attract new customers to the world of EVs.�

The Lucid Air is the result of a revolutionary approach to automotive packaging called the Lucid Space Concept,

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which capitalizes upon the miniaturization of Lucid's in-house developed EV drivetrain to optimize interior cabin space. By simultaneously making smaller yet more powerful electric motors and dramatically improving the packaging of the entire electric powertrain, Lucid is able to reclaim that space for passengers and their comfort. The concept is central to the architecture of the Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP) upon which the Lucid Air, and forthcoming Lucid vehicles, will be built.

As the name implies, Lucid is inspired by the notion of seeing things differently and making those dreams come true.

It's summed up in the brand tagline of "Dream Ahead," which is also the company's vision for rejecting the status quo and always pushing the boundaries in EV technology.

"The Lucid brand was created with a progressive, post-luxury mindset ideally suited to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the most progressive buyers. We are heading into a future where

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conscious consumers see sustainability, advanced design, and technical innovation as equally important to more traditional luxury values of quality and craftsmanship," said Derek Jenkins, VP of Design.

With up to 1,080 horsepower available in a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive architecture, the Lucid Air is able to achieve quarter-mile times as quick as 9.9 seconds on a consistent, repeatable basis. To date, it is the only electric sedan able to achieve a quarter-mile time under 10 seconds. The power of the Lucid Air is complemented by an available extended-range capability that achieves an estimated EPA range of up to 517 miles on a single charge.

When it arrives to market, the Lucid Air will also be the fastest charging electric vehicle ever offered, with the capability to charge at rates of up to 20 miles per minute when connected to a DC Fast Charging network.

With Lucid's exclusive Space Concept philosophy, Lucid Air offers a full-size luxury-class interior while maintaining an agile, sport sedan footprint. This approach also results in the largest frunk of any electric car to date and incredible bi-level storage capabilities in both front and rear compartments.

The interior of the Lucid Air reflects a revolution in how next-generation free-form displays are elegantly integrated into the design architecture of the cabin, providing a beautiful and seamless way of interacting with the vehicle software and human-centric user interface. In front of the driver is a 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit 5K display that "floats" above the dashboard, contributing to the light and airy feel of the interior. In addition, a retractable central Pilot Panel sits in finger-tip reach of the driver and passenger for deeper control of the vehicle's systems and functions. To complement the digital displays, several highly tactile, precision-milled physical controls are present, including ribbed turbines for steering wheel

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functions, a volume control roller, and alloy toggle switches for tuning climate settings.

The Lucid Air's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), Lucid DreamDrive, is a first-of-its-kind platform combining the most comprehensive sensor suite on the market with a cutting-edge Driver Monitoring System (DMS), all standard on the Lucid Air Dream Edition. It is the first system of its kind to offer 32 sensors, covering vision, radar and ultrasonics, plus the world's first standard high-resolution LIDAR in an EV, all working alongside the standard DMS and geo-fenced HD mapping to provide the safest possible approach to Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance technologies.

Lucid Air's headlamps are a truly revolutionary Micro Lens Array system comprised of literally thousands of "light channels."

Developed entirely in-house, this technology provides the brightest, most precise and advanced lighting system ever.

Lucid has collaborated with Amazon to bring an advanced Alexa Built-In implementation directly into Lucid Air. This enables the driver and passengers to enjoy the full Alexa experience on the go – including navigation, calling, streaming media, smart home control, and adding items to a shopping cart or to-do list – all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. The Lucid implementation of Alexa also provides an expanded set of localized vehicle control features of Lucid Air including HVAC, all with a simple voice command.

When a driver uses Alexa there will also be visual support for commands via the Lucid Air's Glass Cockpit display. Over time, the available feature set will continue to grow via Lucid's built-in Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

Having already set new industry benchmarks in the EV and luxury segments in key areas related to performance, efficiency, and design, deliveries of this new pure-electric luxury sedan will start in spring of 2021.

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A NEW ERA OF ELECTRIC The Audi e-tron is the first electric SUV built with Audi DNA

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ith ample space for everyday life, long-range capability, and exhilarating performance with quattro all-wheel drive, the e-tron proves to be much more than an electric car.

The 2021 Audi e-tron SUV family receives an impressive host of updates including a compelling new price point for the 2021

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model year. The fully electric Audi models offer refined SUV designs, with everyday utility and distinctive road presence. The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback are the first and second fully electric vehicles in the Audi lineup, laddering up to the brand’s commitment to 30 percent of the U.S. model lineup being fully or partially electrified by 2025.

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As technology progresses, the e-tron lineup has seen its most significant improvements with available battery capacity and efficiency. For a more efficient configuration, thanks to a number of optimizations, the front electric motor is able to be entirely disengaged, dramatically reducing power usage when not needed. Only when the driver demands more power or traction do both motors spring into action, providing the surefootedness of Audi quattro technology and the powerful dynamics Audi is known for.

The 2021 e-tron and e-tron Sportback models are also now available with Digital Matrix LED (DML) headlights as optional equipment in. This is the first time DML headlights have been mass-produced for a production vehicle.

In addition, the usable amount of the high-voltage battery has increased for the model year 2021 e-tron lineup. The battery in the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback have a total capacity of 95 kWh and now gives customers access to a net energy figure of 86.5 kWh— almost 3 kWh more than 2019 e-tron model.

The energy buffer is designed to help ensure customers enjoy sustained battery performance throughout the life of the vehicle.

Enhancing the charging experience are dual charge ports on the driver and passenger side of the vehicles, newly available

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on the Premium Plus trims of the e-tron and e-tron Sportback.

In response to customer feedback, enhancements have been made to every category for model year 2021 e-tron vehicles for a more accessible and well packaged portfolio. Unique to the e-tron SUV, in addition to the entry Premium trim is the available distinct Convenience Plus Package, featuring the Driver assistance package and Black exterior trim kit including matte black grille, front and rear bumper trim and on the e-tron SUV, matte black roof rails.

The e-tron and newly introduced e-tron Sportback mark the first and second fully electric models in the Audi brand‘s commitment to 30 percent of the U.S. model lineup being fully or partially electrified by 2025. After the introduction of the e-tron SUV in spring 2019, plug-in hybrid derivatives of Audi Q5, A7 and A8 have joined the U.S. lineup. On the EV front, the recently introduced e-tron Sportback is expected to be followed by the fully electric e-tron GT high-performance sport sedan and Audi Q4 e-tron compact SUV. The e-tron SUVs are manufactured in Audi’s first vehicle assembly plant in Europe certified as carbon-neutral by Belgian testing company Vincotte and represents one of the many steps contributing toward a more sustainable future.

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MASTERPIECE OF INTELLIGENCE

The new Mercedes E-Class is the embodiment of modern style and refined sportiness

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argash Enterprises, the authorized dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, welcomes the new Sedan to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class family. Having recently introduced the brand’s iconic E-Class Sedan in the UAE, the E-Class line of cars is considered the best-selling model in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Perceived by many as the “heart of the brand”, the new generation E-Class flaunts a clean and refined aesthetic, with high-quality interiors and an impressive range of innovations and updates in driving assist systems.

Launching across all the Gargash showrooms the MercedesBenz E-Class Sedan is the first of the thoroughly updated model series flaunts a more dynamic design, paired with next generation driving assist systems and upgraded interiors. Also updated for 2020 is the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+, which features a more sporty and striking design.

THE MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SEDAN A sporty AMG Line Exterior flaunts a distinct style with modern design and striking dynamics. Interior and exterior features convey an expressive overall impression, and in addition, the lowered suspension (not for plug-in hybrid models) promises plenty of additional driving pleasure. The AMG Line Exterior Package comes with a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, single louvre in chrome and with an insert in high-gloss black and the iconic Mercedes star. A new bumper boasts pronounced power domes and the exhaust system is enhanced with two tailpipe trim elements that are integrated into the bumper (non-functional).

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Bold and accentuated, the sedan’s AMG-specific front apron with A-wing is complemented by a front splitter in chrome, sporty air intakes with vertical bars and aerodynamically shaped flics in high-gloss black. The AMG-specific rear apron in diffuser is given a slick finish with a trim strip in chrome.

The new E-Class Sedan features all LED high performance headlamps and LED rear lamps, with agility control suspension that offers selective damping system and lowering by 15mm. Three new paint colours are introduced as part of the refresh – high-tech silver metallic, graphite grey metallic and Mojave silver metallic.

The new E-Class Sedan is equipped with the latest MercedesBenz driving assistance systems providing cooperative support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety: the car reacts if the driver does not. The hands-off recognition now works on a capacitive basis, which enhances user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode.

As standard, the E-Class Sedan comes with Active Brake Assist, which in many situations is able to use autonomous braking to prevent a collision or mitigate its severity. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation.

Some Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package. They include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adjustment, where the E-Class Sedan is now even able to respond to data from LiveTraffic Information.

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Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and 360° camera makes it possible to enter and leave parking spaces automatically.

The system facilitates the search for and selection of a parking space as well as entering and leaving (if the vehicle was parked automatically) parallel and end-on parking spaces or garages.

For the first time, the new E-Class Sedan is able to recognise and use marked areas as parking spaces. The 360° camera transmits an even more realistic image to the media display, which includes an expanded side view. When leaving a parking space, the system is able to warn of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes in case of doubt.

New upholstery colours and materials upgrade the interior.

These include the new colour combinations magma grey/neva grey, black/nut brown and magma grey/macchiato beige, and trim in open-pore silver ash wood, burr walnut fondant, brushed aluminium and aluminium with a carbon grain.

The new E-Class Sedan is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Two large high-resolutions screens are arranged side-by-side for a widescreen look for easily legible information in the instrument cluster and on the media display.

An emotive presentation with brilliant graphics underlines the

comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure. Depending on mood or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles: Modern Classic is a further development of the classic display style in an elegant and light material mix, Sport has a high-tech turbine look with decidedly sporty black/ yellow contrasts, Progressive stages the digital realm in reduced form and in Discreet style, all displays are reduced to only show absolutely necessary information.

Other strengths include touchscreen control of the media display as standard and the use of augmented reality technology (optional) for the navigation display when the navigation function

is active: a video image of the surroundings is enhanced with helpful navigation information: arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed directly onto the image in the media display, for example .The system also assists the driver at traffic lights: if the E-Class Sedan is the first car at the lights, the current traffic light situation is superimposed.

The optional MBUX Interior Assistant allows intuitive, natural operation of various comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition. When a hand approaches the touchscreen or the touchpad on the center console, the media display changes, and individual elements are highlighted, for example.

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AUTOMOTIVE

THE MERCEDES-AMG E53 4MATIC+ The Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ has also been extensively enhanced. From the drivetrain to the revised suspension, the new E53 now offers even more long-distance comfort and precise dynamism with a restyled front section with an AMG-specific radiator grille and flat LED headlamps, complete with two-piece all-LED taillights. For the first time, a revised rear apron and new diffuser insert 20-inch light-alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimized 5-twin-spoke design. The iconic MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays with intuitive

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voice control and optional proximity control ensure a user-friendly journey from start to finish. Interiors are enhanced with silver grey or pearl Napa leather with a contrasting red topstitch as an optional upholstery choice.

The dynamic appearance of the E53 is rounded off by restyled 20-inch light-alloy, painted in a choice of matt black or highgloss titanium grey. With the optional AMG Night Package, the new E53 model takes on an even sportier appearance. The front splitter, mirror caps, trim strip in the rear apron and tailpipe trim elements are styled in high-gloss black. In conjunction with the

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Night Package, the darkened AMG radiator grille is available as an additional optional extra. It adds a final individual touch to the front design.

Visually the two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays blend beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit. The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles "Modern Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport" for the instrument cluster. The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-meter and RACETIMER. With a fresh design and seamlessly integrated buttons the new AMG Performance steering wheel creates an even closer link between human and machine. The three rounded twin spokes combine stability with lightness, and the steering wheel rim is a hallmark motorsport feature. The cover is selectable in leather, in DINAMICA microfibre or as a combination of leather and microfibre. The steering wheel rim features a capacitive sensor mat to recognize if drivers have their hands on the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

Via the metal shift paddles arranged on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission can be operated manually. The restyled paddles

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are ergonomically adapted to the new AMG Performance steering wheel, slightly larger than previously and positioned further down.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine of the E53 is characterized by top performance and intelligent electrification.

The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. It is not only used as an electric alternator, but also performs hybrid functions. As a result, the 3.0-litre engine reacts extremely spontaneously and provides a highly dynamic response without what is known as turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.

The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving fun with a high level of driving safety in all conditions, whether dry or wet. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.

For an even more emotively appealing driving experience the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package pools technical and visual equipment details previously reserved for the eight-cylinder models. The highlights include the RACE drive program with Drift Mode. The AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre or in leather has steering wheel buttons for fast control of the drive programs and further settings for the driving dynamics. Brake calipers painted in red visually underscore the sporty character.

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A GRAND DEBUT

Traditionalists will appreciate Patek Philippe’s new platinum Grand Sonnerie

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evered horology house Patek Philippe remains one of the pinnacle luxury timepiece manufacturers, with each of their examples cherished by watch enthusiasts of all kinds. The company incorporates traditional styling with stateof-the-art movement technology.

The newest release from Patek Philippe is the Grande Sonnerie Reference 6301P, generously sized at 44.8 mm in diameter, yet rather phlegmatic in its design. Close observation reveals that it is rich in detail, as the platinum case has a subtle concave bezel and stunning countersunk flanks. The black dial is also a thing of beauty, as it is made from Grand Feu enamel, fitted with gold Breguet numerals. Interesting is that the traditional gold leaf-shaped hands feature a luminescent coating. It is a subtle detail, but it gives this classic watch a slight contemporary edge while making it more practical as well.

According to the brand, “it is the first wristwatch with a grand sonnerie in its purest manifestation.” The timepiece is equipped with both a grande and petite sonnerie, as well as a minute repeater. When the grande sonnerie is activated, every quarter, the watch will automatically chime the hour and the corresponding number of quarters, if applicable. To do so, Ref. 6301P has three gongs at its disposal.

In petite sonnerie mode, the watch only strikes the number of

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hours at the full hour and the quarter at the quarter hours. The switch to select between the two sonnerie types and the silent mode is cleverly integrated between the lugs at six o’clock. The watch is also equipped with a minute repeater, activated by a pusher integrated into the crown. By turning it clockwise, you wind the movement, which has a power reserve of 72 hours, while turning it counterclockwise gives the strikework enough power to run 24 hours. Each of them has a power reserve indicator on the dial.

But what may be of particular interest to collectors, of course, is its crisp and loud chiming. The piece has three hammers and three gongs, as opposed to the two hammers used in the Grandmaster Chime, because it produces a melody that plays in order of sound from medium to high to low with each quarter playing the same tune. Each has the same shape and weight so that they ring at the same volume.

Another unique feature on this haute-horlogerie piece is the luminous coating used on the hands—a feature typically found on sports watches rather than ultra-elite dress watches. The very notion of a chiming watch negates the need to read the time in the dark, complementing its sleek design.

With a remarkable 703 parts, the new calibre is both notably compact and complex—on top of being handsome.

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SPIRIT OF AN ERA

Richard Mille’s RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman presents an abundance of light in prismatic colours

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wo years after the black and white shades of the RM 71-01, the brand new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection brings colour to its pinnacle in the Richard Mille universe. A limited-edition collection of ten models, each saturated with the quintessence of the ’70s.

Marked by the rise of club culture, as well as the birth of electronic and disco music, this is an iconic era that birthed an eclectic mix of style influences that continue to inspire. Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director at Richard Mille, revisited the bold individualism of the disco era. She has captured the play of light, sound and colour in a synthesis of the various strata that together make up 1970s culture: from the haunting rhythm of the era’s hits, to the theatrical decor of Studio 54, to say nothing of the period’s fashion predilection for shiny lamé, rhinestones and sequins. Ten watches, each flaunting their own high-spirited strength and beauty.

Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, tsavorites, peridots, lapis lazuli, chrysolemon, malachite, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, pink opal and jasper are just some of the colourful elements used by Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director at Richard Mille, for these exclusive creations. Each model differs in the arrangement of their stones, their setting pattern, their engraving and the central decoration of the 0.90 mm thickness dial.

“The intense glamour of the disco era resided in a multiplication of colours and textures,” explained Cécile Guenat. “I had to find a way to make this idea tangible. Working with the stones themselves proved to be a considerable challenge. Because stones of very

similar hues can end up looking completely different depending on their size and the type of setting.”

All models are housed in 52.20 x 34.40 x 12.50 mm white gold cases and powered by the self-winding CRMT1 calibre that was originally developed for the RM 71-01 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection in 2018.

The eighth in-house movement of Richard Mille as well as its first automatic tourbillon calibre, this skeletonised and tonneaushaped calibre is just 6.2 mm thick and weighs only 8 grams.

The mechanism incorporates a new automatic tourbillon that is particularly slim, ultra-high performance and enhanced with sparkling diamonds, mother-of-pearl, onyx and black sapphires.

The baseplate protecting the tourbillon’s rotation remains open to preserve transparency.

Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of 50 hours, the new movement features a gem-set bidirectional rotor with variable geometry that enables winding to be adjusted to the owner’s activity level.

The watches are matched to a complete series of bracelets specially designed for each model. Embossed with vegetal motifs at 12 o’clock and geometric lines at 6 o’clock, each bracelet features two different shades with a metallic treatment on the leather.

The limited suite of 10 variations, each produced in an edition of just 7 pieces, bask in female empowerment. Each model is associated with a woman's name, including Bianca, Carmen, Diana, Donna, Gloria, Grace, Jane, Jessica, Liz, and Paloma.

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HOROLOGY

AGE OF THE MOON

Jaeger-LeCoultre has combined moon phase and tourbillon, with the addition of its signature peripheral jumping date

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aeger-LeCoultre’s new Master Ultra-Thin Tourbillon Moon is the first JLC piece to combine a moonphase complication with a tourbillon, along with other additional additional technical features which help distinguish it from its peers.

The new self-winding Calibre 983 makes its debut with this creation. The triple moon phase indicator, displaying the age of the moon as well as its phases in both hemispheres – is also a recent development.

Set in the upper half of the dial, the astronomical complication displays the Northern Hemisphere moon phases in the traditional way - a deep blue sky scattered with stars provides the background for a polished golden disc. Surrounding this is a ring with applied Southern Hemisphere moon phases on the left and the Age of the Moon on the right, each indicated by a double-ended hand. For the peripheral date display the Manufacture’s engineers chose Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature ‘jumping’ complication. Every month, the date hand makes 90-degree jump, gliding rapidly from the 15th to the 16th, in order not to obscure the tourbillon. Jaeger-LeCoultre has managed to package these complications into a relatively slim case for its class (it comes in at 12.1mm).

The case alloy is JLC's proprietary Le Grand Rose alloy, in which a small amount of palladium is added to help resist corrosion and discoloration. (Rose-gold alloys stabilized with metals from the platinum group have become increasingly popular in the watch industry since the introduction of Everose

by Rolex in 2005.)

The complication, in the upper half of the dial, displays the northern hemisphere moon phases with a deep blue sky scattered with stars. Surrounding this is a ring with applied southern hemisphere moon phases on the left and the Age of the Moon on the right, each indicated by a double-ended hand.

The lower half of the dial is dominated by the tourbillon. “The fine tourbillon bridge and wide aperture maximise transparency and light, drawing the eye right through the mechanism,” says the brand.

The eggshell-white dial provides as an ideal backdrop to highlight moon phase display and tourbillon.

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THE EAGLE SOARS

Chopard’s Alpine Eagle collection of sporty-chic timepieces spreads its wings with new additions

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irst launched in 2019, the newly launched Alpine Eagle is inspired by and evokes the power of the eagle and the beauty of the Alps, and everything from its chronometer-certified movement by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), to the case, dial and bracelet, are entirely crafted in Chopard's watchmaking workshops by the Artisans of the Maison.

The Alpine Eagle features a textured sunburst dial attained from galvanic treatment, which the brand says is evocative of the iris of an eagle, instead of the enduring but straightforward sunray finish. The crown of the watch features an engraved motif specific to the collection, with a compass rose.

The overall look is unique and speaks of Chopard’s dedication to detail in ensuring the collection’s name isn’t a gimmick but a true representation of the product. It is this mise-en-scène that has yielded the Alpine Eagle an inimitable identity and averted the perils of the Alpine Eagle looking like some of its famous steel predecessors.

Moreover, the Alpine Eagle is fashioned in Lucent Steel A223, a steel alloy developed exclusively for this collection and consumed four years in research and development. It is superior to steel as it is 50 percent more resistant to dents, scratches and general wear, as well as exuding a richer, warmer shine than regular steel. This material is alchemised from re-smelting steel at higher temperatures to form the case and the bracelet, which is designed especially for the collection and features bevelled edges. It is comfortable to wear due to its antiallergenic nature and beneath its seamless links conceals a cleverly obscure deployant clasp.

The Alpine Eagle is offered in 41mm and 36mm, with or without dates. While predictably, the sophomore act entails the introduction of chronographs to an extent, Chopard opts instead to include the flyback chronograph complication in the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono.

As alluded to by its name, this novelty boasts a drastically, tangibly larger presence. The case of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono measures 44mm diagonally and 13.15mm in thickness, in line with the belief that a modern chronograph has to be substantial. This is justifiable as the general chronograph-buying population sans purists tend to favour greater dimensions.

Although the XL Chrono’s movement is composed of more parts than a standard time-only movement – the Chopard 03.05-C 82 JAN / FEB 2021

movement deployed in this watch consists of 310 components, compared to the 207-part Chopard 01.01-C movement reserved for the Alpine Eagle Large – both movements are of the same width at 28.8mm, albeit the movement of the flyback chronograph is understandably thicker at 7.6mm versus 4.95mm.

Chronometer-certified by the COSC, the Chopard 03.05-C movement is endowed with a column wheel and 60 hours of power reserve. It is meticulously finished – a common trait found in Chopard’s watches – and houses several patented innovations.

Since chronographs are energy intensive, a unidirectional gearing system is incorporated into the movement to prevent the loss of energy while ensuring rapid winding.

Furthermore, a vertical clutch mode guarantees accurate time-measurement starts, while a Variner balance wheel looks after the 4Hz frequency of the movement by compensating for its variations in inertia throughout the watch’s lifetime. And of course, there is the pivotal flyback function to enable smooth successive timing operations thanks to three pivoting hammers with elastic arms facilitating zero-setting of the counters.

Chopard presents a trio of references for the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono: Lucent Steel A223 with an Aletsch blue or pitch-black dial and a bi-material version combining Lucent Steel A223 and 18k ethical rose gold with a pitch- black dial. To preserve symmetry, the right- hand pushers are subtly integrated into either side of the crown guards.

The new brass dial coalesces the textured sunburst finish with a snailed pattern. The central chronograph hand, as well as those of the minute and hour sundials, is adorned with a red tip to enhance legibility. The tachymeter scale, with discreet red 100, 160 and 240 graduations, appears on the inner bezel ring.

It is divided into four steps, with different intervals of 5, 10, 20 or 40 km/h per line.

Revealing the rationale behind the pitch-black dial, Chopard copresident Karl-Friedrich Scheufele who co-created the collection deems this shade depicts veraciously the intense blackness of mountain nights when wild nature reclaims its rights.

This pitch-black dial has emphatically made the luxury sports watch more assertive – arguably more so than Aletsch blue – perhaps necessitated by the idyllic yet deceptively unforgiving mother nature.

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THE BIG BANG

The Berluti x Hublot Big Bang Unico is a new way to wear the shoemaker’s Venezia leather

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n its latest collaboration with Hublot, LVMH sister brand Berluti, most known for its patinated leather shoes and 18thcentury Scritto-engraved accessories, has now added elegant timepieces to the equation.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Berluti Cold Brown follows in the footsteps of 2016’s Classic Fusion models, which marked the debut partnership between the two firms. This collaboration, however, was extra special because the two brands — including Berluti’s creative director Kris Van Assche — have gone back to the drawing board to fully encapsulate the organic beauty of the shoemaker’s Venezia leather.

The resulting watch is one of many firsts; besides being based on the iconic Big Bang Unico chronograph for the first time, it’s also the first to use leather in its bezel, instead of merely on the dial and straps. This is done via an innovative configuration that sees an adhesive and rigidifying resin being applied to the first part of the bezel before being inserted onto the second part — essentially a base in black ceramic. The fusion is then screwed onto the case of the watch.

The leather in question is just as intriguing. Van Assche mined the maison’s archives and reincarnated a past patina by treating it with a glacé finish that emphasizes the various brown shadings.

The resulting Cold Brown patina is the product of intense handwork

that imparts distinctive colorations that renders each piece of leather unique.

“The Big Bang chronograph’s strong, unmistakeable and modern identity reflects Berluti’s new universe and lifestyle, “ said Van Assche. “The patina is our trademark, usually present in our shoes and leather goods, but all that know-how can also be used for something totally different. Bringing the Cold Brown patina – which was inspired by an archive patina and renewed through a glaçage process to obtain a rich, cutting edge colour – to the Big Bang Unico is an opportunity for Berluti’s craft to be discovered in a new context. Using our tradition and heritage in innovative, forward thinking ways has opened up a world of possibilities,” he added.

At the heart of this limited-edition special is the iconic Unico manufacture movement. The 45mm chronograph with a flyback function is powered by the MHUB1242 calibre and offers 72 hours of power reserve. The leather around the aperture is embossed with indexes and Arabic numerals along with the words “Swiss Made,” and the hands are treated with complementary brown luminescent material.

In true display of craftsmanship, style, and mastery of materials, all 100 Hublot Big Bang Unico Berluti Cold Brown watches are housed in a chest signed by both houses and accompanied by a Berluti shoehorn key ring and travel case.

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FASHION

MADE FOR SHADE Protect your eyes while looking effortlessly stylish with the season’s hottest sunglasses

BURBERRY Burberry’s latest eyewear collection for women and men is a contrast of contemporary designs with iconic details.

Made in Italy, the collection features rectangular shield sunglasses and a range of sun and optical styles for both women and men, including square and cat-eye frames.

DOLCE & GABBANA Oversized and ultra-feminine acetate sunglasses. This new panthos design is embellished with a refined golden top bar detail, that forms the bridge and brightens the eyes.

The temples are embellished with the gold DG monogram, which perfectly represents the brand’s identity.

TIFFANY & CO. Modern and full of attitude, the new Tiffany Blue sunglasses feature a ’90s-inspired bold and graphic shape, oval acetate with gradient hues and Tiffany & Co. branding on the temples. The range is available in a palette of pink, green, grey, black, azure and blue.

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RAY-BAN Featuring a sleek and slender build, this frame breathes an air of sophistication to the young trendsetters looking to step up their style. Designed in metal, it comes with a wide range of colored lenses, including six pastel photochromic evolve lenses and two original solid lens shades. This look hints at retro while staring right into the future.

VALENTINO Black unisex acetate and ruthenium metal sunglasses with smoke grey lenses. These sunglasses are distinguished by their oversize shape and bold, sporty design. The large white V Logo Signature, inserted in contrast on the broad, shaped temples, enhances its street-style allure. The temple tips are signed with the brand’s inimitable and iconic stud.

MIU MIU Miu Miu La Mondaine sunglasses possess the essential and feminine silhouette that stays true to the precious diamond-like metal profile that recalls a skillful jewellery making technique, and that is the leitmotif of the entire collection. Available in tones of brass, gold and steel, paired with flat lenses in shaded versions or glamorous light hues.

VERSACE Boldness and attitude define this rectangular sun model for men. The metal Greca, one of Versace’s quintessential symbols, is super-sized and applied on the temples to to create a bold and eye-catching look. Available in the season’s popular runway colors: blue, white, or black, all with dark grey lenses.

PRADA The sunglasses from the Prada Decode collection feature an essential metal frame characterised by a geometricshaped front and elegant enamelled details framing the lens profiles. Colour options include black and pale gold or in two-tone versions of black with pale gold, ivory with pale gold, must with gold, and mink with steel.

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TRAVEL READY

TUMI’s exclusive capsule features iconic pieces from the 19 Degree Aluminum, Alpha Bravo and Ashton collections

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UMI exclusive capsule collection in a visually striking Black/ Silver colorway. Sleek and sophisticated, the 6-piece capsule encompasses travel cases, backpacks, and a travel kit to cover all your needs on the move. By reimagining iconic styles from the 19 Degree Aluminum, Alpha Bravo and Ashton collections in refined black with a slick silver streak treatment and bright lime design accents, the collection has a graphic signature look that stands out from the crowd.

The exclusive capsule has an avid fan in Dr. Hassan Ghoneim, the passionate traveler and popular Saudi Arabian influencer. In conceiving the capsule, TUMI Creative Director Victor Sanz and his team were inspired by Dr. Hassan and his lifestyle on the move as a longtime TUMI user. The collection’s unique Black/Silver look and selection of travel cases and backpacks were chosen specifically to infuse the collection with Dr. Hassan’s personality and signature style while also reflecting his travel preferences. As a die-hard fan of the esteemed 19 Degree Aluminum collection since the beginning, Dr. Hassan always travels with 19 Degree Aluminum – it is the only travel case he uses - making it a musthave for the new ccollection. A noted backpack lover, Dr. Hassan inspired the inclusion of three backpack styles in the capsule – Alpha Bravo backpacks have long been a favorite of Dr. Hassan for their rugged yet refined design, while the Ashton collection’s sporty and urban vibe are the perfect transition from work to the weekend.

Dr. Hassan also chose the standout silver color used in the stripe across all pieces for its luxuriousness that imbues the collection with elegance. Inside each piece, the capsule’s signature bright lime accents are inspired by Dr. Hassan’s favorite color. When looking at functionality, organizational pockets perfect for storing a passport are an important feature that Dr. Hassan relies on.

“When creating the exclusive capsule, it made sense for us to turn to our longtime fan and friend, Dr. Hassan Ghoneim.

Collaborating with Dr. Hassan was a lot of fun, exciting, and a natural fit, we were thrilled to pick his brain for inspiration on everything from his favorite TUMI styles to the cool design details he wanted and the functionality that he required. As a TUMI user who intimately knows our products from using them over and over again, we knew Dr. Hassan‘s feedback would be invaluable in helping us shape the capsule in a way that made it incredibly relevant to our customers in the region. We are excited to see this project come to fruition and to share the Asia Pacific and Middle East exclusive Black/Silver capsule with you now,” says Victor Sanz, TUMI Creative Director.

“It is a dream come true for me to collaborate with TUMI on this scale. I have been on many incredible journeys with TUMI by my side and so I jumped at the chance to lend my perspective to Victor and the design team on this exclusive capsule. From

working closely together on developing the capsule, I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the attention to detail that goes into every TUMI and how much thought and effort is put into executing a standout product. I have forged a strong bond with the people at TUMI and the products themselves over the years, and I am very happy that this is the latest memory we have made together. I am so proud of this capsule collection and I hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I do,” says Dr. Hassan Ghoneim.

19 Degree Aluminum is the premium travel companion for style mavens all over the globe. Inspired by fluid elements of nature and exacting lines in architecture, the 19 Degree Aluminum’s strategically contoured angles are given a brand new treatment for the Asia Pacific and Middle East exclusive capsule. As a unique twist, the 19 Degree Aluminum features a bold diagonal stripe, with silver masterfully set against black to great effect. Mirroring the exterior, the intuitive interior is expertly appointed in the finest aesthetic. Silver black material features a diagonal detail, while stunning bright lime accents in the lining and story patch make for a playful contrast. Bright lime also makes a subtle appearance on the TUMI logo print of the 19 Degree Aluminum’s unique embossed leather luggage tag. The Continental Carry-On is the perfect size for a weekend getaway, while the Short Trip Packing Case is great for trips spanning several days.

The capsule also features backpacks to take you through your days in style. The Asia Pacific and Middle East exclusive Black/ Silver interprets the capsule’s stripe motif with an edgy painted brush stroke that gives the bag an urban vibe. Each backpack also features bright lime accents on interior patches, key loops, and luggage tags. Built in exceptionally durable ballistic nylon, the Norman Backpack and Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack® from the Alpha Bravo collection are perfect for work and play. The Norman’s roomy interior easily fits your papers and files along with dedicated laptop and tablet space, while the Sheppard has a bevy of organizational pockets and an exterior waterproof pocket for a water bottle or umbrella. Effortlessly modern and elegant, the Marlow Backpack from the Ashton collection juxtaposes sophisticated craftsmanship with utilitarian hardware.

In smooth black leather, the Marlow features thoughtfully designed compartments including a front flap pocket perfect for conveniently storing daily essentials and a hidden quick access phone pocket under the top handle.

Completing the assortment is the matching Spencer Travel Kit, which features the same artistic silver brush stroke design detail found on the backpacks, as well as a bright lime leather interior card pocket. With three compartments including a quick access side pocket, the Spencer is perfect for bringing all your small daily essentials on the go. A retractable leather side grab handle makes this an easy and versatile option to carry on all your journeys.

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SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Fall/Winter 2020 88 JAN / FEB 2021

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WINTER FASHION PICKS

If you’re in search of style inspiration in the cooler temperatures, look no further. Here are some toasty and trendy wardrobe essentials for every man

LOEWE

TOMMY HILFIGER

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

JACQUEMUS

MAISON MARGIELA

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FASHION

DOLCE & GABBANA BALMAIN

SAINT LAURENT BALMAIN

MAISON MARGIELA

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SAINT LAURENT

TOM WOOD

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VALENTINO

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TECHNOLOGY

THE FUTURE OF FITNESS

Apple Fitness+ brings studio-style workouts to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, intelligently incorporating workout metrics from Apple Watch for a first-of-itskind personalized and immersive experience

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f getting fit is on your list of resolutions for the new year, Apple recently launched Fitness+, the first fitness experience built around Apple Watch. Apple Fitness+ brings studio-style workouts to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, incorporating workout metrics from Apple Watch for a first-of-its-kind personalized and immersive experience users can complete wherever and whenever is convenient for them.

10 of the most popular workout types are currently available, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown, led by a team of trainers whose workouts are fueled by inspiring music from today’s top artists designed to keep users motivated from start to finish.

“Being more active is one of the most important things we can do for our health, but we know choosing to work out can often be a challenge whether you’re very active or just getting started,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of Fitness Technologies.

“We’re excited for Apple Fitness+ to bring together the metrics

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from Apple Watch, great music, and a diverse and inspiring trainer team — in a uniquely simple, easy-to-access way across Apple devices — to encourage our users to get fit and stay healthy.”

INTEGRATION WITH APPLE WATCH Apple Fitness+ dynamically integrates personal metrics from Apple Watch to inspire users, animating them on the screen during key moments in the workout, providing an engaging and immersive experience to help users stay motivated. For example, when the trainer says to check heart rate, the heart rate metrics are spotlighted; during tough intervals, a countdown timer starts to help users get through to the last second; and when they close their Activity rings, a celebration happens right on the workout screen.

For those who enjoy a little competition, HIIT, Treadmill, Cycling, and Rowing workouts have an optional Burn Bar that shows, in real time, how a user’s effort stacks up against anyone who has previously completed the same workout.

TECHNOLOGY

SIMPLICITY OF FINDING GREAT WORKOUTS Apple Fitness+ makes getting started with a great workout quick and simple with an intuitive filter that allows users to choose their trainer, time, workout, and music to get to their next workout in seconds. There is also an intelligent recommendation engine that considers workouts previously completed in Fitness+, the Apple Watch Workout app, and favorite third-party fitness apps that integrate with the Health app. Fitness+ recommends workouts that match what the user already enjoys doing so they can jump right in with something familiar, suggests they try something new, helps them discover a new trainer, or proposes a workout to complement their current routine.

Each week, Fitness+ delivers new content across all workout types with a variety of trainers, times, and music. For those who are just starting out, trying something new, or getting back into exercising, several members of the trainer team lead Absolute Beginner workouts that teach the basics of HIIT, Strength, Core, and Yoga, as an option to prepare for the weekly studio workouts. Rowing, Cycling, and Treadmill workouts also feature Getting Started videos that show how to set up the equipment, and introduce proper form and technique.

With Activity Sharing, users can allow friends and family to see Fitness+ workouts completed, and workouts can also be shared to their favorite social media channels.

FITNESS FOR ALL Apple Fitness+ features a team of celebrated, charismatic, and passionate trainers who are specialists in their fields, working together to create outstanding fitness content for everyone. The trainers also appear in each others’ workouts, giving users the chance to be inspired by a favorite trainer, while also getting motivation from the rest of the team. Additionally, all workouts include a trainer demonstrating modifications, so users of varying ability levels have someone to follow.

MOTIVATING MUSIC Music is a central part of the Apple Fitness+ experience, and the trainer team weaves music throughout the design of every workout. Users can choose from nine different styles, including Latest Hits, Chill Vibes, Upbeat Anthems, Pure Dance, Throwback Hits, Everything Rock, Latin Grooves, Hip Hop/R&B, and Top Country, and see the full workout playlist before they start. They

can also filter by music to find the right workout to fit their current mood. An Apple Music subscription is not required to enjoy the music in Fitness+, but for those who have one, favorite songs or an entire playlist from Fitness+ workouts can be downloaded to their Apple Music library to listen anytime.

FLEXIBILITY TO WORK OUT ANYWHERE Apple Fitness+ gives subscribers the option to work out anywhere and at anytime with the screen that best suits them across iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. And regardless of where users begin a workout, personalized recommendations are synced across devices.

Many Fitness+ workouts require no equipment at all or just a set of dumbbells, and Cycling, Treadmill, and Rowing workouts can be done using equipment from any manufacturer. For ultimate flexibility, most workouts range in increments of 10, 20, 30, and 45 minutes.

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TECHNOLOGY

A NEW PAYMENT EXPERIENCE

Amazon Payment Services offers a range of services, including payment processing, easy installments and monitoring services for businesses in the Middle East and North Africa

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mazon recently announced the launch of Amazon Payment Services, a payment processing service in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a mission to empower businesses with simple, affordable, and trusted online payment experiences. The newly launched Amazon Payment Services provides secure online payment services that are easy-to-use, leveraging Amazon scalable and reliable technologies.

Established in 2013 as one of the first Fintech companies in the region, PAYFORT has gained a deep understanding of businesses' needs across the region. In 2017, Amazon acquired PAYFORT as part of the Souq Group acquisition. Since then, the focus has been on integrating PAYFORT and Amazon offerings to provide businesses with a convenient and trusted service.

With the launch of Amazon Payment Services, businesses that use the service will continue to have access to a range of payment services that enables them to accept online payments using both global and local payment methods, offer installments to the customers to make purchases affordable for their customers, and monitor payment performance round the clock. As of today, PAYFORT is Amazon Payment Services.

Omar Soudodi, Managing Director, Amazon Payment Services, said: “This launch marks another key milestone in Amazon’s promise to build the future of digital payments in the region, empowering businesses to provide user-friendly payment experience for their end-users. We listened to businesses across a broad range of industries to continue improving our offering.

Amazon Payment Services is a natural next step in our journey, focusing on four fundamental pillars of trust, convenience, selection and pricing, underpinned by a best-in-class experience focused on reliability, scale and operational excellence.”

Amazon Payment Services processes transactions for thousands of businesses across multiple industries, ranging from aviation to travel and tourism, retail, insurance, real estate, government, and more. With such a diverse customer base, it has built strong expertise that supports businesses at every scale, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to establish their online presence to large-scale enterprises requiring a dependable payment service to handle high volumes of transactions safely.

Managing Director of Saudi Payments, Fahad I. Alakeel said, “Being in an extensive partnership with PAYFORT for several

years, we are very excited about the next endeavor with Amazon Payment Services which will facilitate more opportunities for digital payments in Saudi Arabia in addition to diversifying secure and convenient contactless payment options for our Saudi consumers.”

“Our partnership with PAYFORT has extended for more than three years. And now, with the tremendous growth in Meeza customer base, we look forward to drive far more business impact through our partnership with Amazon. We are upbeat about the launch of Amazon Payment Services in Egypt, which we believe, will bring domestic online shopping into a new threshold.” Said Tarek Raouf, Egyptian Banks Company, Executive Chairman and CEO. Amazon Payment Services also has a wide range of partners, including leading banks such as RAKBANK, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Mashreq, The Saudi British Bank (SABB), Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank and National Commercial Bank (NCB). Partners also include local card schemes such as MADA, and Meeza, and international card schemes such as Visa, and MasterCard.

Soudodi added: “We understand the challenges of establishing an online business, so with this new launch, we have simplified the process of setting up merchant accounts to allow businesses to quickly begin accepting payments online, regardless of their size or the nature of their business. Amazon Payment Services mechanisms include simple-to-understand descriptions of services and their impact on a business, demonstrations of the endcustomer experience, in addition to the ability to provide feedback proactively, alongside full secure transparency into pricing.”

New businesses using Amazon Payment Services, will be able to easily accept online payments by choosing from selection of services that fit their customer needs and access rich content to help them with their digital transformation.

Amazon Payment Services has also introduced new and enhanced services that will allow businesses to serve their customers better, including detailed reports with actionable insights and real-time monitoring of their payment activities. As part of the new set of services, businesses can get better transaction authentication and reduce friction at checkout. Businesses can also build their own dashboard by merging their data from different sources which helps them track and meet their goals.

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LIFESTYLE

THE RAZER HAMMERHEAD PRO TRUE WIRELESS EARPHONES

These low-latency wireless earphones are the latest model choice for the gaming gear brand's audio accessories that will provide avid gamers and audiophiles alike with a way to enjoy premium experiences from anywhere.

The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for an experience that's rated at 60ms to ensure that onscreen gaming action is never out of sync with the audio. This is further supported with THX Certified sound to further enhance the user's ability to enjoy premium theater-grade audio from virtually anywhere.

The Quick Attention Mode feature helps to increase a user's awareness of their surrounding when required to keep them as safe as possible.

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TECHNOLOGY

NURVV RUN INSOLES & COACHING APP

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your running form, or even just get a deeper overview of your work-outs than smartwatches can provide, then the Nurvv Run is here to help. Slip a pair of smart sensor insoles into your running shoes, connect them to GPS and your mobile phone, and be on your way. By the end of your run you’ll be treated to a deep breakdown of your cadence, foot strike, balance, pronation, step length and more. Then, with the help of biomechanics and coaching, you can work towards fixing any faults, fine-tuning your approach and, perhaps most importantly, avoiding injury.

FITBIT SENSE

Fitbit is trying to bridge the gap between fitness and wellness with the Sense, a zone most wearables were already navigating even before the current COVID-19 health crisis. The Fitbit Sense can track everything from stress to blood oxygen levels, temperature, sleep and even has an FDA-cleared electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). It also doubles as a regular smartwatch and fitness tracker. And while the Sense still has fitness at its core, it doubles as a wellness coach for anyone who wants to take care of their physical and mental health.

SLINGER BAG

For tennis novices and enthusiasts alike, the Swinger Bag is the ideal opportunity to practice between matches. The Slinger Bag is a tennis ball launcher and perhaps even your new best friend on the court. The transportable suitcase carries 72 balls and all kinds of tech (including a remote). You can control the speed, frequency and angle of the shots to ensure that you’re ready for any situation. There’s also room for all your gear, and it has a camera holder that will enable you to analyse your form (with a phone charger attached, to make sure it can go a full session). The telescopic ball tube will make easy work of pick-up, too.

LARQ UV SELF-CLEANING BOTTLE

Water bottles are a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and viruses. These unwelcome microbes can end up being one of the causes for nasty smells coming from your bottle. The Larq water bottle is a state-of-the-art bottle capable of cleaning itself and purifying the water inside it. It utilizes environmentally-friendly UV-C technology— the same sanitizing technology used in hospitals—to purify up to 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses when it's set to its highest mode. The LED light is housed at the base of the bottle's cap. The double-wall vacuum insulation can keep water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

EVOLVE STOKE ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD

This surf-inspired swallow tail cruiser is a pocket-rocket sized slasher is a great excuse to get outside for some good old fashion cruising and fun.

It is made from eco-friendly bamboo and fiberglass construction with a wooden finish. It’s impressive speed and old-school looks coupled with a prominent kick tail give it added charm. The GTR 3000-watt dual motor power coupled with the latest lithium and Bluetooth technology will have users young and not-so-young on the go for up to 15km in a single charge.

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD

This new online platform taps into global tourism recovery by enabling users to book direct, with providers bypassing commission-based aggregators

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elcome To The World (welcometotheworld.com) is a new, online global travel and tourism initiative, promoting direct bookings by bypassing commission-driven aggregators.

Based in Dubai, the video content platform aims to showcase the most popular and recommended hotels, restaurants, attractions and experiences of 175 global tourism hotspots by giving buyers the opportunity to book directly and support local businesses.

“This is an initiative borne out of the need to spur global travel and tourism resilience in the wake of the near critical industry slow98 JAN / FEB 2021

down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Stefanie Schachtschabel, Founder & Managing Partner of Globally, who has pioneered Welcometotheworld.com.

“Welcometotheworld.com provides travel and tourism buyers with a purchasing alternative that enables and empowers them to support local businesses via the platform’s book direct functionality. The platform will create more value for tourism sector stakeholders by eliminating over-reliance on commissionheavy online travel agencies and accommodation aggregators.”

Via the platform, travel and tourism operators can create

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online merchant profiles via a free-of-charge option or a fixed yearly fee, which leverages the content revitalisation features of Welcometotheworld.com. Individual users create complimentary personal accounts to unlock new features.

“Merchants can opt to pay a fee as part of an integrated marketing-as-a-service package, which we believe will be a huge net saving on commission charges incurred on other booking aggregator sites. We are ready to work with operators of all sizes to curate and create video content that populates their profiles and drives revenue,” explained Schachtschabel.

The platform’s compelling video content proposition — a mix of repurposed brand-owned material and dedicated new video created by the site — gives users a comprehensive overview of each destination’s best options in six segmented categories Sleep, Eat, Do, Discover, Socialise and Shop, and allows them to click-through and book directly at merchant-owned booking portals.

Schachtschabel says Dubai was chosen for the Welcometotheworld.com launch as the platform’s disruptive nature clearly aligned with the emirate’s acknowledged reputation of being ahead of the curve on tourism promotion and resurgence.

“Dubai has a strong reputation of tourism invention and reinvention in close public-private sector collaboration which ideally fits with the ethos of Welcometotheworld.com,” said Schachtschabel. “Travel and tourism, as the world’s biggest employer, deserves the support of all who rely on it for a living and all who benefit from its ability to deliver huge wellbeing benefits.”

The newly launched platform has already won support from various hotel groups globally, which see the platform as a reboot mechanism for the marketing efforts across the hospitality sector.

“We were quick to seize the opportunity of supporting the Welcometotheworld.com initiative, which will serve as a new benchmark in global tourism recovery,” said Jeroen Elmendorp, General Manager, Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.

Welcometotheworld.com merchants will also benefit from crucial customer data insights, with the platform able to deliver better decision-making on future product and offerings refinement.

“While we are breaking the mould on booking norms, we are enhancing opportunities for suppliers and buyers alike. In this climate, that’s got to be good news as we look to revitalise the sectors following the seismic impact of the pandemic,” added Schachtschabel.

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MAGNIFICENT MONTE CARLO

Discover this magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century

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hen one thinks of Monte Carlo, visions of a glamorous bygone era instantly come to mind. In today’s Monte Carlo, the tax-free principality surrounded by France and the Maritime Alps, that sophisticated charm lives on. The see-and-be-seen crowd have long enjoyed Monte Carlo as one

of the most luxurious tourist destinations in the world and have given it a fame far exceeding its size. If you’re readying your 2021 travel plans, be sure to discover Monte Carlo and experience the slow-paced, yet refined, Monégasque savoir-vivre that continues to attract over 1.5 million visitors each year.

WHERE TO STAY HOTEL HERMITAGE

Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo is a palace with exceptional heritage, proud of its history, but rooted in the 21st century. Its architecture is unique in the world, with a building listed as an Historic Monument, part of which is the sublime Eiffel cupola in the winter garden, designed by the uncontested master of metallic architecture. Overlooking the Mediterranean, with one of the most beautiful views of the Rock and the Port in the Principality, it enjoys a fabulous location, close to the vibrant centre of Monaco, yet remains a haven of peace for its guests.

The hotel boasts a unique collection of prestigious rooms and suites and a fine collection of luxury apartments, the Diamond Suites. Modern touches blend seamlessly with the Belle Epoque spirit for a sense of the Monaco dream. Imagine taking your meals or sunbathing on the private terrace, relaxing in your exclusive Jacuzzi suite, or just enjoying the breathtaking view of the sea. Dine at acclaimed chef Benoît Witz’s gastronomic restaurant offering true Mediterranean flavors. Experience an exclusive lifestyle and luxury shopping. Guests are made to feel part of the glam scene with the Cercle Monte Carlo card, which gives access to the hotel’s private beach, golf course, tennis courts, and 71,000-square-foot wellness center.

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HOTEL DE PARIS

The majestic Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo is set like a breathtaking tableau on the Casino Square, with the scenic Prince’s Palace and Mediterranean as a backdrop. Its prime location, newly refurbished contemporary interiors, and ultra-personalized service inspire relaxation, harmony, and well-being. Here is the stage to create your own story. The hotel is also home to one of the world’s premier restaurants, Le Louis XV—Alain Ducasse, which takes Riviera cuisine to a whole new exquisite level, elevating it with the finest ingredients, authentic, mouthwatering flavors, and flawless execution. Le Grill was established to fulfill a wish of Maria Callas’ to dine overlooking three countries at once. There is also a world-famous rotisserie and sliding rooftop. An à la carte breakfast is served daily in a private garden at the latest Alain Ducasse Brasserie, Omer. Le Bar American is the place to mingle with the glitzy glam of Monaco, enjoy live music, and savor original, timeless drinks.

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WHERE TO DINE LE GRILL

Le Grill offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean. The roof opens entirely, so you can enjoy lunch in the sun and dinner under a starry sky on warm days. The cuisine features grilled meats that have built the restaurant’s reputation. The renovations are a return to an illustrious past, the renaissance of a magical place and the promise of an exhilarating experience.

BLUE BAY

Awarded a star by the prestigious Michelin Guide, Chef Marcel Ravin offers a bold repertoire at the restaurant Blue Bay, with a cuisine that features a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours. Indoors, the open kitchen gives a glimpse into the chef’s hustle and bustle behind the scenes. Outdoors, customers can admire the sea view from the panoramic terrace.

Like the conductor of an orchestra, Marcel Ravin directs the flavours, blending flavours with an artistic flair, creativity and passion.

His gourmet creations resound originality. Examples include green papaya spaghetti carbonara; truffle and Jabugo jamón ibérico de bellota; the unmissable signature dish, organic egg with cassava, truffle and passion fruit; and the Blue Bay classic Chocolate and passion fruit deserts… As part of the Escapade Set Menu or à la carte, these Blue Bay dishes will take you on a culinary journey.

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WHERE TO GET PAMPERED THERMES MARINS MONTE CARLO

Thermes Marins Monte Carlo combines innovation and savoir-faire in a 6,600-m2 facility dedicated to wellness, fitness and preventive health. It’s the perfect place for a luxurious and healthy break in the heart of Monaco, facing the Mediterranean. Beauty, slimming and relaxation are all within reach thanks to a team of multidisciplinary experts who assess every need and desire, providing a holistic solution in the way of personalised treatments and protocols.

A haven of calm and luxury, Thermes Marins Monte Carlo is an exceptional place that maximises the benefits of the sea and the Mediterranean climate.

The bird’s eye view of the sea from the heated pool is simply sublime. Here, everything is dedicated to wellness: the outdoor jacuzzi facing the port and the Rock, solarium, hammam, sauna and panoramic fitness room.

Thermes Marins Monte Carlo is equipped with a wide range of the latest technological equipment for highly effective results on slimming, anti-ageing, health and performance. A team of experts including therapists, a doctor, a nutritionist, and health and sports trainers define the personalised treatments and protocols in accordance with each person’s characteristics and requirements.

CINQ MONDES SPA M

Tradition, beauty, quality, and authenticity are the values that Cinq Mondes spa at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort holds most dear and embodies in its vision and savoir-faire. Face and body treatments, beauty rituals and traditional massages are all carried out in the utmost respect of ancient traditions. This 900m² facility is entirely dedicated to wellness, offering a peaceful and restorative journey of the senses.

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WHERE TO SHOP PROMENADE MONTE CARLO SHOPPING

The recently inaugurated Monte Carlo Shopping Promenade is a cluster of forty high-end fashion and jewellery boutiques near the Place du Casino.

Begin your shopping tour by meandering through One Monte Carlo opposite the Casino de Monte Carlo where you will find one of Europe’s biggest Louis Vuitton store, Chanel or Dior. Once you've passed these buildings resembling contemporary sculptures, continue past the Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo, then down the prestigious Avenue de Monte Carlo and Allée François Blanc.

There, you’ll find the other big names in fashion, haute couture and jewellery in a setting that beautifully mirrors the prestige of the Principality of Monaco. The perfect place to shop for the world’s most renowned luxury brands in one location and in open air, under the warm, blue Mediterranean sky.

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PRIVATE ISLAND EXPERIENCE

The award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi unveils the largest Maldivian private island for the most discerning travellers 106 JAN / FEB 2021

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he Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has recently unveiled the exclusive Ithaafushi – The Private Island, the largest Maldivian private island spanning 32,000 square meters in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Anchored in the timely yet timeless ethos of the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, part of Hilton’s Luxury Brands, Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the ultimate escape offering unparalleled levels of privacy and personalized service that create unforgettable experiences for guests seeking only the most prestigious and coveted accommodations.

“Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the crown jewel of our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific, limitless in the level of privacy and unrivalled hospitality guests are promised,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, Luxury & Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia Pacific. “Designed for

the most discerning of travelers, the Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the epitome of exclusivity, perfectly placed within one of the most inspirational destinations in the world where a dedicated team anticipates every need and delivers the brand’s elegant and effortless service at every turn.”

“The launch of this unique resort offering represents a momentous milestone for the Waldorf Astoria brand and truly speaks to our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality around the world,” Schroeder added.

Every aspect of the island has been expertly choreographed, featuring a refined, yet modern design with a nod to Maldivian charm. Its name, ‘Ithaafushi’ is translated to mean ‘Pearl Island’ in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, and represents the isle’s beauty and distinction.

EFFORTLESSLY CONVENIENT Located in close proximity to Malé, guests can be escorted directly to Ithaafushi – The Private Island via a 40-minute ride on one of the resort’s six luxury Ithaafushi Princess yachts or via a 15-minute seaplane flight. From the moment they land on this piece

of undisturbed paradise, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s Personal Concierge team will ensure their every need is met with utmost discretion. To explore beyond the private island estate, direct access to the main island is available via speed boat.

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WHERE ENDLESS SPACE ABOUNDS The sprawling estate accommodates 24 guests across two elegantly designed villas and one sweeping four-bedroom residence, perfect for bonding with loved ones or celebrating life’s significant milestones with close friends.

A two-bedroom overwater villa promises a unique ocean experience with two spacious master bedrooms complete with double dressing rooms, indoor and outdoor rain showers, a shared living room, infinity pool and jacuzzi. A separate three-bedroom beach villa, set within lush gardens and coconut palm canopies,

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has its own beach access and two swimming pools. Those staying in the four-bedroom residence will enjoy two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms, jacuzzies and an expansive common living area, all with direct access to the beach.

Surrounded by never-ending tropical greenery and white sand, guests will be greeted by a sense of complete calm and relaxation.

Every inch of the expansive paradise is waiting to be discovered, whether by a leisurely stroll along the meandering pathways set amidst lush palms, by bicycle or on one of the island’s buggies.

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WORLD-CLASS DINING The private island’s dedicated culinary team promises to take guests on a diverse culinary journey, offering bespoke menus to be enjoyed in an array of extraordinary settings. Guests can savor world-class dining for any occasion, from in-villa dining to special celebrations in the estate’s common living room, Haali (translated to mean ‘the nest’ in Dhivehi).

Guests who want to explore the resort’s various dining experiences can journey a short distance to the main island, where culinary innovation meets excellence with 10 specialty dining venues such as The Ledge and Terra.

Created by Dave Pynt, the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant, The Ledge features an elevated Australian barbecue experience that can be savored against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy the only private hand-crafted bamboo dining pods in the Maldives at Terra, located on the main island’s highest point for a unique gastronomic escapade.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AWAIT Ithaafushi – The Private Island holds no boundaries for guests with an appetite for adventure. Beginning with the sparkling depths of the underwater world which is ripe for exploration, a plethora of

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watersports, diving activities and yacht excursions are available when the desire arises. For those who wish to embark on an offisland experience, guests can castaway to a private sandbank in the middle of the ocean where they can indulge in a sunset dinner, a personal yoga session or simply take in the astonishing surroundings.

An abundance of options to soothe the body and mind await those wishing for some quiet time to rediscover and recharge. A dedicated Wellness Concierge is on hand at the overwater spa to provide customized therapies catering to the needs of each guest, helping them reconnect with nature while indulging in a unique spa experience. The meditation and yoga pavilion along with fully equipped gym offer magnificent ocean views, with personal training and classes upon request. Guests will instantaneously be transported from everyday life as they unwind on one of the sea swings, take a moment to relax under the palm hammocks, sunken loungers, or bask in one of the five luxurious pools.

A myriad of entertainment choices are available in Haali, catering to guests of every generation. The remarkable space features unblocked panoramic ocean views and extends across expansive indoor and outdoor areas, all set within a botanical sanctuary. Guests can host memorable celebrations under the stars, watch a movie on the cinematic LED screen or bask in the 2021 JAN / FEB

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35-meter infinity pool.

Young visitors will be in a paradise of their own on the private island estate with a dedicated children’s pool and gaming area, or they can enjoy the Young Discovery Park at the main resort, which features a water recreation area and a variety of bespoke activities designed to capture the younger guests’ imagination.

WORLD-CLASS WELLNESS Those in search of the ultimate wellness experience will have the opportunity to be treated by industry-leading practitioners, travelling from all over the world. These specialists visit the property under the Wellness Visiting Practitioner programme and will offer acupuncture, Pilates, traditional herbal medicine and personal healing therapies.

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES On this island, any desire can turn into reality. A team of Personal Concierges anticipates every need and takes the brand’s iconic True Waldorf Service to a new level, offering guests fully personalized service from day to night to guarantee curated experiences which will push the boundaries of imagination.

“We are committed to making Ithaafushi – The Private Island a highly sought-after, world-class destination for the privileged 110 JAN / FEB 2021

few,” said Etienne Dalancon, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. “Our dedicated team is devoted entirely to ensuring every moment is absolutely personalized, with exceptional service and unsurpassed attention to detail. We will pull out all the stops to ensure the most memorable stay for our guests, every single time."

With the promise of ultimate exclusivity and every need being met with just a call, Ithaafushi – The Private Island is ideal for intimate group gatherings, from milestone celebrations with loved ones to an incentive trip planned for the most exclusive group of clients.

Ithaafushi – The Private Island also offers an idyllic stage for the ultimate dream wedding in paradise, with culinary offerings and experiences that are expertly tailored by the dedicated events team to create an iconic wedding with memories that last a lifetime.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi operates with industryleading standards of cleanliness and disinfection of the proprietary Hilton CleanStay program, while adhering to the Maldivian health and safety guidelines. From arrival to check in and throughout the entire stay, guests can experience an elevated standard of cleanliness and sanitization which build upon Hilton’s already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in place.

THE POWER OF

EDUCATION

children and young people are currently in urgent need of educational support in 35 crises-affected countries

To make a donation, visit:

www.DubaiCares.ae

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The iconic Ferragamo men’s belts are made-to-order thanks to the special buckle personalization programme

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he Gancini has long been a best seller from Ferragamo, an iconic accessory for all generations. The Gancini is available made-to-order with a buckle that can be customized with initials and symbols.

My Gancini’s personalization service is available in an exclusive selection of Ferragamo boutiques worldwide. Customers are able to personalise the buckle, including the belt kit box, gold or ruthenium buckle finish, and letter and symbol elements.

The process is also accompanied by a special digital communication programme on the brand’s website and social media channels, featuring the brands spokesmodels, Milani, Carlo Sestini, Marc Fornè and Patrick Janelle - telling the story of their own idea of uniqueness and individuality.

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MONTENEGRO Citizenship by Investment Program

Sail to a world of possibilities. Anchor in Montenegro.

Invest from € 250,000 in an approved real estate project in addition to a donation of € 100,000 to qualify for residency and citizenship in Montenegro, one of Europe's youngest and most promissing countries.

Qualify for citizenship in 6 months.

Become a Global Citizen®

EMPOWERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP®

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PENDING

BIG BANG INTEGRAL Titanium case with integrated bracelet.

In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

114 JAN / FEB 2021