MAY MA AY 2011 20011 11
A COLLECTOR’S EDITION
PEOPLE ICONS THE BEST IN EVENTS TRAVEL AUTOMOBILES FOOD ART BRANDS TECHNOLOGY
CONTENTS 6
PEOPLE 38
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MA MAY AYY 220 201 2011 011 01 1
A COLLECTOR’S EDITION
PEOPLE ICONS THE BEST IN EVENTS TRAVEL AUTOMOBILES FOOD ART BRANDS TECHNOLOGY CONCEPT & CREATION MAYANK SINGH DEEPA RAJAN CONTENT RANA ALAWNEH MYSSAA AL HINAIAH SUSHMITA EXPERTS Travel - BRUCE STEWART, ANNE COLBY Fashion - NATASHA LUNN, NADIA FOUZI Finance & Investments - K. L PRASAD ART Senior Art Director SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR Art Director MINAAL G. PEDNEKAR Designer AHMED AL HOSNI Photographers RAJESH RAJAN SATYADAS C. NARAYANAN MOTASIM AL BALUSHI PRODUCTION HEAD GOVINDRAJ RAMESH ADVERTISING & MARKETING Advertising Manager CHANDNI MANIAR CORPORATE Chief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGAL Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROY Vice President - RAVI RAMAN Senior Business Support Executive RADHA KUMAR Business Support Executive ZUWAINA SAID AL RASHDI DISTRIBUTED WITH OER by UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC Signature is an OER presentation published monthly and released in the first week of every month. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. Signature accepts no responsibility for advertising content.
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EDIT NOTE
A LIFE OF STYLE AND LUXURY In magazine years, three is not a very long time (At least we do not think so) But, in these three years, Signature has come a long way. We can proudly say that we are not just a luxury-lifestyle magazine, we are also your personal stylist, who is more than happy to advise you how to look and feel good. Live the life, experience the luxury and do it in style, this is pretty much the dictum that Signature has lived by and has encouraged its readers to follow as well. So if someone were to ask us what our hot buttons are, we’d say: Life, Luxury and Style. LIFE (NOUN): The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes ‘life’ as the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual. Existence, you say? Bah, we say! The Signature reader does not merely exist. He/ she lives his life large. Life is about taking risks, life is about seeing new things and experiencing different tastes. Life is about living it the way you want it and doing it in style. STYLE (NOUN): The Merriam-Webster dictionary says style is ‘the state of being popular’. We go beyond that to say that style is the state of being popularly different. Style is an extension of who you are and what you do. It is not just wearing fashionable clothes and sporting the ‘in’ things or being a slave to ‘brands’. To quote the late style doyenne Diana Vreeland, who was once asked: “Do designers dictate hemlines?” Her reply: “Only if you take dictation.” LUXURY (NOUN): The dictionary meaning of the word is ‘an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease’. The dictionary also defines the word as ‘something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary’. We believe that pleasure and comfort are two senses that only a human being has the ‘luxury’ of enjoying. Then, why not revel in it! Driving classy cars, travelling to exclusive destinations, indulging in exotic food, buying baubles that cost more than life itself; we subscribe to all these luxuries. We work hard, we party harder! The key is to be comfortable in whatever indulgence it is. A luxury that does not offer comfort is not a luxury at all in our dictionary. This edition is a celebration of life, luxury and style. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it. See you next issue! Till then, work hard, party harder!
PEOPLE
STYLE CHECK
We at Signature have, over the course of three years, met a lot of interesting people; all extraordinary and all style icons in their own right. They also gave us some quotable quotes that stay etched in our minds; indelibly so. One of our favourite quips came from a man called JeanFrançois Chèvre, Owner of Chevrier Watch Academy, who we met in 2009. According to him: “There are two kinds of people: the leaders and the followers (sheep and goats…). You drag one sheep, all will follow, but goats have an individualistic streak and that is how you must be in life as well.” Now, before you begin to wonder what Signature has got to do with goats and sheep, let’s put it in the right perspective for you dear readers. When one talks about luxury and lifestyle, one cannot ignore the terms style and fashion. Both these terms, at their superficial best, are pointers to a culture that mutates itself rapidly to suit the ‘in’ thing; be it clothes, shoes, bag, houses, modes of transport or lifestyle. Dig deeper and you find that these two terms are not just ‘cool’ or ‘hot’, but also an expression of who you are and what you want to be perceived as. For us at Signature, style means individualism (okay, we would not go as far as Lady Gaga does!) It also means being an achiever, in everything we do. What does style mean to you? Well, with this and a few other questions in mind, Signature spoke to a few local personalities who have been trend-setters in their own way. We present to you their answers. Also, we end this section with a few tips on style from Qais Al Khonji, Owner, Qais Enterprises, who believes that simplicity is the key to looking good and feeling great.
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ROSS CORMACK CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NAWRAS
Your first tryst with fashion My first foray into fashion was my George Best tie. Enough said! The first brand you wore The George Best tie was proudly worn with a pair of Levi’s jeans. In those days they were shrunk to fit, which involved sitting in the bath wearing the jeans to achieve the right look! The brand you cannot do without Of course, the brand I cannot live without is Nawras with its caring, excellent and pleasingly different services. I am proud of the brand for its customer focus and strong sense of family.
The most expensive thing you own Undoubtedly my wife and family are the most priceless part of my life but of course I don’t own them. Probably the most expensive thing I do own would be my George Best tie, if only I could find it! Style means… Style is a form of expression and individuality. It can be enormous fun to buck the trend and create your own style as we have successfully done at Nawras. We dress down at work - we don’t wear ties or mussars in the office which seems rather unconventional, but is a part of our pleasingly different identity in the
same way as our open plan offices show our unusual style of working. Your style icon Now that wouldn’t be George Best! I would have to say that I admire Sir Richard Branson’s style and the way he really lives his personality. He is flamboyant and brings people together through his exuberance and style which cuts across conventional boundaries and divides with ease. I might not copy some of his wilder antics but his sense of individuality and flair creates a magnetic personality which has driven the global success of the Virgin brand.
PEOPLE
Your first tryst with fashion Having long hair in the 1970’s and wearing bellbottom trousers and an army greatcoat, I looked a mess! And then, when I married my wife and now follow her journey from store to store as I file each month’s credit card bill! (Only joking!) The first brand you wore Levi’s The brand you cannot do without Marks & Spencer The most expensive thing you own Nothing in particular, but our family photo album that is about our most precious family link. Style means… Having fun, the ability to expand appearances, doing things differently and being special. Your style icon My wife, Lara!
MICHAEL E. HANSEN MANAGING DIRECTOR, OMAN MARKETING AND SERVICES COMPANY (OMASCO)
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Your first tryst with fashion I was exposed to fashion at an early age. My parents travelled a lot and brought back clothes and accessories for us. There was not much choice in Muscat at that time. Hence, I must have probably got aware of fashion when I was around 10 years old. The sense of fashion developed further when I went to boarding school at 12. The first brand you wore I remember wearing French brands like New-Man and DanielHechter. The brand you cannot do without Brioni is my work-travel partner. The most expensive thing you own Apart from watches, my mussars!! Style means… Style mirrors one’s state of mind and confidence! Your style icon I don’t follow any one’s style in particular. I like Will Smith’s sense of style.
NAILESH K. KHIMJI DIRECTOR, KHIMJI RAMDAS
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PEOPLE
Your first tryst with fashion Since our business was established over four decades ago. I was a child, when I became aware of brands and fashion. My father, Jawad A.R. Sultan, who is the pioneer in establishing and taking this group and Capital Store forward, travelled extensively and we often accompanied him overseas. The first brand that you wore Dior
The brand(s) you cannot do without Montblanc accessories and Tumi luggage The most expensive thing you own I have many favourite material possessions, but nothing compares to my treasured human relationships and the love for my family. These are above all material possessions. Very often, the things you are extremely fond of need not be the most expensive thing you own.
Style means‌ Style is an expression of one’s personality. It is a statement of how we perceive ourselves. It could change over the years, especially as we grow and mature. Your style icon I do not have any icon I idolise. One should not copy anyone, one should have an identity of his/her own.
HAIDER JAWAD SULTAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, CAPITAL STORE
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Your first tryst with fashion I first became aware of fashion and brands when I was in college. But, now it is my wife who takes care of my wardrobe. She has a great fashion sense and knows what looks good on me. So, it is but natural that she selects my clothes. The first brand that you wore That would be Massimo Dutti. It is a Spanish clothing brand. The brand you cannot do without When it comes to watches it is Patek Philippe. In perfumes it is YSL L’Homme and my Armani suit. In cars, it has to be Bugatti. The most expensive thing you own It has to be my family, which is the most precious thing to me. Apart from that I would say my mussars (head gear). Style means‌ I believe that be it fashion or style, it should conform to cultural values and respect tradition. Moreover, style is something that not only looks good on you, but also reflects your personality. Your style icon His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and my father; both have been a great source of inspiration to me.
MOOSA AL JADIDI HEAD OF PRIVATE BANKING, NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN
PEOPLE
JAPEEN SHAH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, OMAN AIR
Your first tryst with fashion My stand on fashion always has comfort and good cuts as the priority factors. It had and has always been like that. To answer your question specifically, it was when I started attending college. Now, my wife Shilpa, who has a good fashion sense, keeps a tab on what’s in vogue. I always considered a good dose of confidence with easy approachability as the best fashion one can carry with him or her. Certainly what you wear helps, but only to an extent. I have always been aware of this fashion diktat and been able to include it in my scheme of life. The first brand that you wore Wrangler casual wear. I am comfortable with any brand that makes me feel comfortable! The brand you cannot do without Cotton Café for my office wear and, Lee, Wrangler and Levi’s for my casual wear. The most expensive thing you own My watch in terms of monetary value and my pen in terms of sentiment and legacy. Style means… Elegance, comfort and something that reflects who I am. Your style icon In setting a style of his own, I like India’s ex-president, Abdul Kalam; for flamboyance and confidence, I like Sir Richard Branson; Indian cricket team skipper M.S. Dhoni and Hollywood actor Johnny Depp. 14
Your first tryst with fashion I can’t put an age to it. It was early on though. We develop a sense of style when we are very young. Changes do come with time and environment, but the roots remain. The first brand you wore New Man (was famous in the 80s). No longer in existence I believe. The brand you cannot do without Dolce&Gabbana The most expensive thing you own A very elegant time piece Style means… Individualism, Non-conformity Your style icon Can’t say I have one.
HUSSAIN A. MOHSIN DIRECTOR, AHMED MOHSIN TRADING COMPANY
PEOPLE
MISHA DAUD FOUNDER, EYE CANDY BOUTIQUE
Your first tryst with fashion My uncle was a well-known fashion designer in Beirut and I loved being in his atelier and seeing all the clothes…I always played 'dress up'. I knew the importance of style from a very young age. Having moved to London as a small child I often returned to Beirut to visit my family. I remember on one such trip (I was only 14) landing home in casual comfortable attire. I walked out of the airport to be met by my uncle who immediately admonished me for not traveling in a more stylish outfit! I learnt quickly that style is always in fashion!
and as a lucky 16-year old I got my first Chanel jacket and bag.
The first brand you wore As a child it was Please Mum and La Cigona
The most expensive thing you own I am fortunate to have many nice things and
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The brand you cannot do without I am never a slave to any one brand as that would mean that my style is pre-determined. Also every designer has good and bad seasons, even the best ones! What I have instead is to go designers, for example J Brand for jeans, James Perse for tees, etc.., then I see what a designer has done for that season and if it suits me I will make it a part of my wardrobe.
I am always thankful for that. But, my most valuable possessions are not measured by cost. Style means… Style is knowing who you are and not being afraid to show it. It is not about who throws the most amount of money on a dress. My style icon I don’t think anyone should just have ONE. I admire real life women, not stars or celebrities who have it all thrust upon them. We could all look like a million dollars if designers, stylists and beauticians were at our beck and call!
Your first tryst with fashion Ever since I was very young, fashion has always been important to me and style has always been an essential element of my life. The first brand you wore So many, I do not remember! The brand (s) you cannot do without Lots!! Hermes, Chanel, Tod’s, & Zara Oman!! The most expensive thing you own A Cartier watch Style means… Style is the way you are, your taste, your touch, how you show yourself to the world. Your style icon Coco Chanel
JANNAT MOOSA MARKETING DIRECTOR, BIN MIRZA INTERNATIONAL
PEOPLE
AHMAD SAID AL HARTHY PORSCHE CARRERA CUP GB RACER, OMAN AIR RACING TEAM
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First tryst with fashion Since I was able to distinguish between a shirt and a t-shirt!
Style means… Style is what defines my character (of course others may agree or not agree).
The first brand that you wore Pampers (I am sure that wasn’t a choice I had though, laughs)
Your style icon George Clooney in an Armani.
The brand you cannot do without My TAG sunglasses. The most expensive thing you own Too precious to be mentioned here.
HASSAN M. AL-SALEH MANAGING PARTNER, TRANS-ARABIAN CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS (TRACCS)
Your first tryst with fashion From a very young age, I have always been fascinated by fashion and design in general. Growing up abroad for the majority of my life, my parents either hosted or were invited to glamorous parties and I was amazed by what they wore. I also became attuned to how global events shaped fashion and trends. The first brand you wore Calvin Klein. My first official induction was the now infamous CK t-shirt, which I still have somewhere in my closet. The brand you cannot do without Incredibly difficult to choose only one. Each brand brings a unique design aesthetic and the secret is mixing between brands so that you can project your individual sense of fashion and style instead of looking like a carbon copy from a recent ad campaign. The most expensive thing you own A family heirloom because of the deep sentimental value it carries. Style means‌ Style is a personal statement. It’s all about individuality, character and confidence. Your style icon None other than Tom Ford who, today, is one of the most influential fashion designers in the world. He is a man with vision, impeccable taste and immaculate attention to detail. Simply, a mastermind and genius.
PEOPLE First tryst with fashion I guess I wasn't considered fashionable by my brothers and family members. I was 10 years old then. I can still remember being criticised for my unfashionable choices in clothes. Well, I must thank those critics for instilling a fashion sense in me. Today, I can't imagine myself working somewhere and wearing something unsuitable for the work environment. Even when you are in the gym, beach or restaurant, what you wear is the first impression you give about yourself! I consider it a need rather than just an accessory. The first brand you wore GUESS! I bought it when I was studying in Jordan (2001). The same day I also bought T-shirts from Versace. They are still a part of my wardrobe. The brand(s) you cannot do without Pull & Bear, Bershka, H&M (for men), S&K, Balino, Diesel & many more. The most expensive thing you own A leather jacket from Armani (a gift) and a T-shirt from Kelmah Jeans (a well-known Saudi brand). Style means‌ I believe a good, elegant and attractive look is that which keeps in mind our religion and our culture. It is a way of giving yourself an identity and being noticeable. For me, it was the easiest way to deliver all my positive messages and thoughts to our youth and community. Your style icon Personally, I consider myself a Diesel boy and I adore the style of D&G. Brad Pitt is a regular customer for both of those brands and I guess I'm following his way. Of course, everyone wants to have his own style one day and be considered as a role model. I hope that I can be considered one too, someday!
SAMI KHALID AL ZADJALI PROFESSIONAL FASHION MODEL, CLINICAL PHARMACIST AT ROYAL HOSPITAL, LAUNCHING HIS OWN T-SHIRT BRAND (RAZZA) SOON
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SALAH ALZADJALI MUSICIAN
First tryst with fashion When I was young, fashion for me was about different-coloured dishdashas with matching kumma (Omani Cap). I remember when I was in school, I was chosen to be part of a show on Oman TV. I had no idea what to wear so I called my friend and we both went shopping. That was one of the earliest days I remember. As I grew older and started travelling and shopping, I became more involved in fashion and especially now working with professional stylists made me more involved in different styles and brands. The first brand that you wore Pepe jeans was the first brand I started buying in Oman. The brand you cannot do without I am a big fan of Ralph Lauren and also Diesel jeans; I cannot live without them. The most expensive thing you own A very expensive pair of jeans. I am not going to tell you how much they cost! (smiles) Style means‌ Style is something very personal and I think it has a lot to do with your own comfort zone. I cannot wear something just because it’s in fashion. I have to like it and feel comfortable wearing it too. So fashion and style are a reflection of your own personality. Your style icon Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp
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1 O 1 E YL
University days were when I first got into fashion. Fashion to me is more of a collection; you can wear anything, but it depends upon a few things such as the occasion; whether it is a day or an evening event, your body frame, and colour combinations you are comfortable with. Remember ‘Fit is King’. The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Keep it simple. You want a wardrobe that looks great on you, but don’t overdo it. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a dressy belt, and your sharpest dress shoes. Never go shopping alone. Shop with a friend, who will give you their honest opinion. Ask for real feedback. Most of your friends and family aren’t going to go out of their way to tell you what looks bad. You have to ask for it. In fact, ask anyone and everyone you trust to tell you the truth. Experiment with style. The only way you’ll really learn is if you go out there and try new things. Don’t overdo it to a fault, but do take some risks. I make an effort to try something completely out of my comfort zone whenever I’m at a store – many times you’ll end up loving something you never thought you would. So many guys are afraid to express themselves through their style, don’t be one of them. Try brands like Zara and Armani (They are my favourites, too). Always remember, the simpler you are, the more fashionable you will be; add your own taste to it and you will make a mark.
QAIS AL-KHONJI OWNER, QAIS UNITED ENTERPRISES
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y o u d o n ’ t d r i v e i t, y o u u n l e a s h i t.
The Supersports is the extreme Bentley – a true driver’s car that combines iconic GT styling with supercar potency. The 621bhp (630PS) engine provides a remarkable 590lb ft (800Nm) of torque, propelling you from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds (0–100km/h 3.9 seconds), with a top speed of 204 mph. For details on the extreme Bentley, please go to www.bentleymotors. com Fuel economy figures for the Continental Supersports Coupé in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.5); Extra Urban 24.3 (11.6); Combined 17.0 (16.7). CO2 emissions (g/km): 388.
BENTLEY OMAN
BENTLEY OMAN Rumailah Street, PO Box 1620, Wattayah 112, Sultanate of Oman, For information call +968 24 584 500 or visit www.bentleyoman.com
ICONS
TREND SETTERS THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED, LEADERS IN THEIR FIELDS. THEY JUST HAVE A CERTAIN 'JE NE SAIS QUOI' ABOUT THEM. PRESENTING THE ICONS OF COOL...
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It is impossible to speak of style without mentioning the effervescent beauty that is Audrey Hepburn. Be it in the LDB that she made famous (Breakfast At Tiffany’s), the stylish white blouse from Roman Holiday, casual ballet flats with slim-fit pants, or even her sleek up-dos, Audrey forever changed the meaning of style. Known throughout for her understated elegance (now what’s called the ‘Audrey Style’), even today she remains the ultimate style icon for women world over who seek to emulate her and her sense of fashion.
Audrey Hepburn
ICONS
One of the wealthiest individuals in the Middle East, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is the face of social change and then some more. For Prince Alwaleed, style and opulence mean colossal palaces, a staggering fleet of cars, private resorts, and custom jets among others. Nothing is too lavish or too over-the-top. After all, when your net-worth is in billions, you set the rules of the game. Seen in impeccable suits in greys and browns and even in traditional gear, Prince Alwaleed personifies the phrase ‘dressed for success’.
HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal
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It is impossible to find style icons like Elizabeth Taylor these days. Glamorous in all her avatars throughout a career that spanned well over six decades, Elizabeth ruled the fashion roost with her lavish fur coats, dazzling jewellery, elegant sheath dresses in muted tones, dramatic eye make-up (a la Cleopatra) and turbans which only she could pull off. She was also one of the first celebrities ever, to launch her own fragrance – a tradition that every Hollywood star now tries to uphold. Her death marks the end of an era which no modern day superstar can ever restore. Elizabeth has and always will ‘own’ the word icon.
Elizabeth Taylor
ICONS
Joachim Löw Throughout Germany’s searing performance in the FIFA Football World Cup 2010, one man stood stoically throughout, watching from the side lines (and nattily dressed, may we add) - analysing every player and closing in on opponents’ weaknesses. Joachim Löw, Manager, German National Football Team is an all-out style icon. Slim fit jerseys, sports jackets and stylish trench coats complement his Zen-like aura with which he carries himself - just some of the reasons why Joachim outclasses all the present day football coaches/ managers.
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ICONS
Her Royal Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan She’s beautiful, smart and strong. Queen Rania is well-known for her passion towards charitable causes as well as promoting women’s rights in the region. But apart from that, she’s also known for her incredible sense of style. She prefers to wear demure hues like beiges and browns but every once in a while she turns glam up a notch, when she steps out in dresses adorned with sequins and flowing fabrics. A beacon of light for women’s empowerment and a style icon of a rare kind, Queen Rania has certainly revolutionised notions of modern monarchs from the region.
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ICONS
Grace Kelly There have been songs about her and Hermes even named one of its bags (The Kelly Bag) after her. Just a look at the beautiful Grace Kelly says it all. Always dressed in flattering cuts and styles, Grace looked stunning in full skirts, slim fit pants and her famous hats. In fact, a particular kind of sunglasses that Grace used to wear is still in vogue. She was truly a princess from a bygone era – ‘Grace’ might as well be an eponym.
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The man makes great music and looks enchantingly enigmatic while he’s at it. What’s there not to love and admire? Armed with his omnipresent shades, beatnik blue jeans and guitar, Bob took the music industry by storm while making a fashion statement at the same time. From biker to rock star – Bob’s played each and every transient role to perfection. This man used more than just his music to express himself and that makes him an icon unlike any other.
Bob Dylan
ICONS
Steve McQueen The very mention of Steve McQueen conjures up images of a ridiculously goodlooking man speeding down a highway in a Triumph 650 (a la The Great Escape). But of course, there was more to him than just that. Writer James Wolcott described him as a “surf bum-hippie” with a very “surfer chic” look. Overall, Steve maintained a very dressed-down guise but still managed to look very much like the star that he truly was.
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Elie Saab’s claim to fame was perhaps when he dressed Halle Berry during the 2002 Oscars. Today his patrons not only include A-list celebrities (think BeyoncÊ, Aishwarya Rai and Angelina Jolie) but also royalty. A child prodigy, his interest in dressmaking started at the tender age of nine and he opened his own atelier at 18. His creations, romantic, feminine and almost dreamlike, have influences from both the West and the East. Using luxurious fabrics like mousseline and silk infused with intricate details and hand embroidery, Elie has taken the art of couture to a whole new level.
Elie Saab
EVENTS
CULTURAL FOOTPRINTS FROM FILM FESTIVALS TO CARNIVALS TO ADRENALIN-PACKED HORSE RACES, WE INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME OF THE MUST-VISIT EVENTS. AND, WE CAN’T EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO NARROW IT DOWN TO THESE! PHEW!
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Baselworld Basel, Switzerland
March 8-15, 2012
For connoisseurs of watches and jewellery, attending Baselworld is almost close to a pilgrimage. Primarily a trade show for the watch and jewellery industry, this event, organised annually in the city of Basel, Switzerland, also attracts watch collectors and connoisseurs. The exhibition area covers more than 160,000 sq.m. with different halls situated on several floors. Products are divided in specialised sectors placed in six aesthetically designed exhibition halls. Its history dates back to as early as 1917, when the first Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA) with a special section devoted to watches and jewellery was first established. Since then, there has been no looking back! In fact, if the organisers are to be believed, this year’s event will go down in history as a spectacular highlight with as many as 103,200 visitors attending it.
The Rio Carnival Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
March 5-8, 2012 When it comes to partying, no one can do it better than the Brazilians. And why not, when the entire length and breadth of a country comes to a halt for a week to celeberate what is called the Carnival of Brazil. The annual event, which is held 46 days before Easter, is the most famous holiday in the nation. While festivities are in full swing across the country, the most famous carnival of them all happens in Rio. Call it the biggest street party in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people flocking each year to simply dance the days away. Be it the spectacular Sambadrome parade or the free street parties and black tie balls, or block parades, life’s a party in Rio.
EVENTS
Art Basel Basel, Switzerland
Art Basel is an international contemporary art fair held each June at Basel, Switzerland (No, Basel is not just about watches and jewellery!) Similar to the Venice Biennale, it has been called ‘the Olympics of the art world’. The first Art Basel was held in 1970. In 2010, more than 62,500 people attended the exhibition. This Holy Grail of the contemporary art fairs also has a sister in Art Basel Miami Beach, which has been held in Miami, Florida (US) since 2002.
June 15-19, 2011
July 2-5, 2011
Roskilde Festival Roskilde, Denmark Since 1971, when it was created by two high school students, this rock festival in Roskilde has hosted the top names in music from Bob Marley to Bob Dylan. In 1972, the festival was taken over by the Roskilde Foundation, which has since then run the festival as a non-profit organisation for development and support of music, culture and humanism. Said to be the biggest summer festival in northern Europe, and the ‘Arena’ stage boasts a 17,000-capacity tent, has a daily newspaper and a 24-hour live radio station. This year, some 80,000 people are expected to travel to Roskilde to see headliners including Coldplay, Oasis and Nine Inch Nails. 40
Sept 17 – Oct 3, 2011
July 6 – 14, 2011
The Festival of San Fermin Pamplona, Spain This one makes it to the list for reasons that only the adventurous might understand. For reasons unknown to any of us, the Festival of San Fermin attracts an insane number of visitors from across the globe to take part or just witness the famous encierro (running of the bulls). It officially begins in July every year with the chupinazo that takes place on the balcony of the Casa Consistorial in Pamplona. Thousands of people congregate in the square awaiting the mayor's official announcement that the fiestas have begun, fireworks are launched and the partying begins. It is locally known as Sanfermines and is held in honour of Saint Fermin, the co-patron of Navarre.
Oktoberfest Munich, Bavaria, Germany
The original ‘Oktoberfest’ took place in Munich, on October 12, 1810. Since then this event has been drawing a huge number of enthusiasts from across the world. According to statistics, nearly six and a half million people are said to have visited this historical event, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010. No wonder it is known as the largest people’s fair in the world! Held in the Theresienwiese (field, or meadow, of Therese), often called Wiesn for short, located near Munich’s centre, this 16–18 day festival is all about food, fun, frolic, and rides that are as old as 100 years.
EVENTS Oct 7-8, 2011
Henley-on-Todd Regatta Alice Springs, Australia In 1962, an official at the Alice Springs Meteorological Bureau proposed for an actual regatta along the lines of the famous Henley Royal Regatta (at Henley-on-Thames, thus the name of the regatta). The idea was taken up by the Rotary club of Alice Springs, and despite the fact that the town was 1,500km from the nearest large body of water this was never seen as a problem. Well, this makes it the only ‘dry boat race’ in the world! What’s more that this was the only boat race ever to be cancelled because there was actually water in the river! This is said to have happened in 1993, when the event was cancelled for the year due to flooding.
March 26, 2012
Dubai World Cup Medyan Racecourse, Dubai The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. The event, now worth US$10 million (Now, you know why it is the richest horse race on the planet!), is classified as a ‘Group 1 Flat Race’, previously run on dirt for four-year-old thoroughbreds and above, and spans a distance of 2000m (one mile, two furlongs). The year 2010 marked the first year this race was run on Tapeta. 42
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D E D N A R B
NAMES THAT SPELL LUXURY, COMFORT AND STYLE. FROM SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT PAMPER YOUR SOUL TO STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMERAS THAT HELP YOU CAPTURE THE BEAUTY WITHIN, WE HAVE THEM ALL. 44
Elizabeth Arden This iconic brand, which celebrated its 100 years, has become a universal symbol of beauty. The company known throughout the world for superior product innovation, quality, luxury and the iconic ‘Red Door’, is fuelled by the entrepreneurial spirit and uncompromising focus on the concept of Total Beauty, established by Miss Elizabeth Arden a century ago. Cutting-edge skincare, on-trend colour looks and the finest fragrances sold in the most dynamic venues around the globe, Elizabeth Arden is as ethereal as its founder, who was a true entrepreneur and above all a woman of substance. Elizabeth Arden range is available at Muscat Pharmacy Perfumes and Cosmetics outlets, Jawarhat Al Shatti, Sahwa Towers
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Dior The House of Dior’s history can be traced back to 1947, when Christian Dior made fashion history with his first haute couture collection. Carmel Snow, the celebrated editor of Harper’s Bazaar, coined the expression "New Look" to define the silhouette presented by Christian Dior. The House of Dior's first fragrance, ‘Miss Dior’, made its debut at the same time as the ‘New Look’, becoming the ultimate couture scent. Truly an icon, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2007, the House of Dior devotes its entire energy to creating new designs, shades, textures, unique fragrances and make-up range that arouse emotion, envy and awe across the fashion-conscious world. Dior range is available at Capital Store, Qurum
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Armani The Giorgio Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, home furnishings, fragrances and cosmetics under a range of brand names. Giorgio Armani S.p.A. was founded in Milan on July 24th, 1975 by Sergio Galeotti and Giorgio Armani - the company’s current President, Chief Executive Officer and sole shareholder - and later that year, the first Giorgio Armani Borgonuovo 21 ready-to-wear collection (S/S 1976) was presented. Today, you can wear an ‘Armani’ and you can stay in an Armani hotel. Either ways, you’ll still be the centre of attention, only because you are Armani-stamped! Armani Collezioni Womens’ range is available at TAHANI, Jawharat A’Shatti Complex, Shatti Al Qurum; Armani Collezioni Mens’ range is available at TAHANI, Sabco Commerical Centre, Qurum
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Kanebo International is a Japanese makeup and skincare company, which believes that ultimate skin is flawlessly silky. The origin of this thought comes from an encounter with Koishimaru silk – a precious variety of silk from Japan. The company discovered that the hands of women who spin silk are beautifully smooth, luminous and hydrated, despite being subject to harsh conditions. Naturally, the luxurious fibre must somehow have the power to enhance the beauty of the skin with its refined moisturising qualities. They believed that this amazing discovery could be used for cosmetic purposes and this led to the search for the highest quality silk offering optimum skincare benefits. Their search uncovered Koishimaru Silk – ‘silk of silks’ – which was only available to the Japanese Imperial family and distinguished elite. The special silk is not only the most delicate, strong and beautifully lustrous, but also science has helped Sensai unlock its precious cosmetic secret and use it to make a more beautiful world.
Kanebo 48
Mawarid Trading Oman are the sole distributors for Sensai from Kanebo International in Oman. The range is available at Areej Muscat City Center, Capital store, Qurum, Salam Studio & Stores, Muscat Pharmacy’s Perfumes and cosmetics, Jawaharat al Shatti and Sahwa Towers
Rise and Shine Discover how to energise the collagen asleep in your skin Start ever y day with radiant skin, thanks to SENSAI CELLULAR PERFORMANCE WRINKLE REPAIR COLLAGENERGY, the latest addition to our Wrinkle Repair Series for accelerated collagen turnover. This light day fluid is enriched with Star Fruit Leaf Complex to energise skin cells* which leads to the production of collagen each morning. Moon Peach Leaf Extract and CPX Vital Extract then activate the collagen cycle. The result is visibly plumper, silky smooth skin, along with a glowing complexion.
* In vitro tested.
www.sensai-cosmetics.com
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Caran d’Ache From its earliest days in 1915 and the official opening of the company in 1924 by Arnold Schweitzer, Caran d’Ache’s development has reflected its passion for the most beautiful materials. The company is among the world’s few manufacturers of pencils, fine-arts materials and luxury writing instruments. Today, it is the epitome of superior quality and recognised expertise. It is also a symbol of Swiss technical excellence, precision, reliability and innovation. Each product is created by hand in the Geneva workshops and brings together the traditional expertise of master craftsmen and the performance of computerassisted machine tools. Caran d’Ache range is available at Khimji’s Watches, Shatti Al Qurum
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Vertu Founded in 1998, Vertu is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of handcrafted mobile phones for the luxury market. The company was established in 1998 and unveiled its first product in 2002. There are three distinct collections – Vertu Signature, Vertu Ascent and Vertu Constellation. These are assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in England. Vertu is available exclusively in over 600 of the finest watch, jewellery and department stores and Vertu boutiques around the world. Born from an obsession to create the finest mobile phones the world has ever seen, Vertu is indeed an icon of mobile phone excellence worldwide. Vertu range is available at Khimji’s Watches, Shatti Al Qurum
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Baccarat
Since it was established in 1764, Baccarat has continued expanding its influence, inspired by roots stemming from an ingenious handcrafted work of the highest quality, throughout the world. Known for its magnificent crystal chandeliers, Baccarat has illuminated national palaces, royal and presidential residences, sumptuous mansions worldwide, theatres, French and Latin American Cathedrals. But that’s not all. Today, the name is synonymous with the word ‘crystal’ and offers a range of jewellery and accessories, tableware and decorative pieces. When you bring a Baccarat home, you bring not just crystal but a beautiful and ethereal experience beyond comparision. Baccarat products are available at Capital Store, Qurum
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Montblanc It all began in 1906, when a Hamburg stationery trader, a Hamburg banker and a Berlin engineer decided to produce fountain pens. Today Montblanc, which takes its name from Mont Blanc, the highest mountain peak in Europe, is a truly international brand, which has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated writing instruments. In the past few years, the range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, luxury leather goods and belts, jewellery, eyewear and watches. A purveyor of exclusive products that reflect the exacting demands made today for quality design, tradition and master craftsmanship, each Montblanc product makes for a timeless tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. Montblanc range is available at Capital Store, Qurum and Montblanc store, MCC
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Swarovski For over 100 years, Swarovski, the brand synonymous with ingenuity, poetry, and technology, has developed its supreme mastery of precision-cutting, to become the world’s leading producer of cut crystal, genuine gemstones, and created stones. The family company has remained fully independent since its foundation in Wattens, Austria, in 1895. Over the course of its history, Swarovski has produced innovations and inspired creative trends in fields as varied as jewellery, fashion, accessories, lighting and interior design, culture, and industrial research and development. The company draws its richness of expression from the cultural heritage of central Europe and its talent for forging links between the arts, science, and economics. Today, the name of Swarovski stands for exacting workmanship, quality, and creativity all over the world. Swarovski range is available at Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle Stores, Ruwi and Qurum
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Ray-Ban Style, tradition and freedom of expression are the key values underpinning the philosophy of Ray-Ban, the undisputed world leader in sun and prescription eyewear for generations. Debuting in 1937 with the Aviator model created for American Air Force pilots, Ray-Ban joined Luxottica's brand portfolio in 1999. Ray-Ban has made a name for itself thanks to the absolute quality and authenticity of its eyewear, now more ‘modern’ than ever and worn by countless movie celebrities and trendsetters all over the world. Ray-Ban range is available at Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle Stores, Ruwi, Qurum and Madinat Qaboos.
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Tumi Started in 1975, Tumi takes its name from a Peruvian god known to its founder from his Peace Corps days in South America. During the 1980s, Tumi's innovative introduction of soft, ultra-functional, black-on-black ballistic nylon travel bags catapulted the company to its current leadership position. With a 30-year history of creating superior products for discerning professionals and frequent travellers, today Tumi is recognised as the world's leading brand of luxury travel, business and lifestyle accessories. Tumi range is available at Capital Store, Qurum
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S. T. Dupont
S. T. Dupont Paris has been producing luxury items since 1872 when founded by Simon Tissot-Dupont. The founder of the brand, Simon Tissot-Dupont was born in Savoy in 1847 and S.T. Dupont owes its initials to him. The brand, which celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2007, is among the few leading luxury companies that specialise in high-end writing instruments, leather goods, accessories and more. The S.T. Dupont range is available at Capital Store, Qurum
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La Prairie Laboratoires La Prairie traces its proud heritage to the highly renowned Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland. Since 1982 Laboratoires La Prairie, Switzerland has no longer been a part of Clinique La Prairie, but has been the birthplace of extraordinarily effective products that help manage the skin-aging process. The brand, which is renowned both for the scientific integrity of its products and for its unparalleled commitment to perfection, has now come up with the latest in the line of its ground-breaking innovations: the Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold. La Prairie mines the transformative powers of pure gold to create the most glamorous, the most beneficial treatment your skin has ever experienced. La Prairie range is available at Salam Studio & Stores
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Nikon Nikon Corporation was established in 1917 when three of Japan's leading optical manufacturers merged to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as Nippon Kogaku K.K. With the end of World War II, production shifted to cameras, microscopes, binoculars, surveying instruments, measuring instruments and ophthalmic lenses. In 1946, the Nikon brand name was adopted for small-sized cameras. Today, the reliability of the Nikon brand is based on high-level technological power and R&D activities that have been ongoing since the company's establishment. The Nikon range is available at Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle Stores, Ruwi, Qurum, Madinat Qaboos and Qurum City Centre
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Samsonite For nearly 100 years, Samsonite has continued to leverage its craftsmanship and heritage as an innovator, to create unique solutions for the sophisticated traveller. By identifying trends and interpreting travellers’ needs, Samsonite continues to infuse innovation and new ideas into travel, re-igniting the sophistication and experience of the past. Today, Samsonite continues to be an industry leader in product design and innovation. Samsonite’s tagline - ‘Life’s a Journey’ - embodies the brand, symbolizing the role Samsonite has continued to play in the multi-faceted lives of the global traveller. The Samsonite range is available at Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle Stores, Ruwi, Qurum, Madinat Qaboos and Muscat City Centre
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Delsey Delsey is a French luggage manufacturer, whose origins can be traced back to 1946, when Mr Delahaye and the Seynhaeve Brothers joined forces. Since then, Delsey has been constantly innovating itself to the top and the most recent in line of innovation is the Zip Securi Tech. An exclusive Delsey anti-theft innovation, the Zip Securi Tech is a unique major technological revolution and innovative secure closure system, its strength efficiently combats risks of luggage tampering and makes your trip more serene and stress-free. Delsey range is available at Salam Studio & Stores
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Doner Kebab Diner
GOURMENT CATERING
Hospitality Signature Brands Al Shatti Qurum, Beach Road, Tel: +968 24631426, Email: admin@lamer-oman.com
FOOD
TASTE THE OPULENCE A FAMOUS CHEF AND FOOD WRITER ONCE SAID, “....THE PLEASURE OF EATING SOMETHING BECAUSE IT IS EXPENSIVE HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TASTE OF GOOD CUISINE.” OBVIOUSLY, HE WAS NEVER PRIVY TO THE FEW EXQUISITE DELICACIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TODAY. WELCOME TO THE WORLD WHERE TASTE MEETS MONEY. AND THE MORE EXPENSIVE IT GETS, THE MORE EXQUISITE THE EXPERIENCE. JOACHIM CAULA LISTS OUT THE MOST EXPENSIVE FOOD AVAILABLE TO CATER TO YOUR PALATE…
The writer is Bailli Delegue (president) of Chaîne des Rotisseurs, Oman
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The word ‘Almas’ means diamond, a fitting name for the world’s most expensive caviar. This Beluga caviar is white in appearance and comes from the Beluga Sturgeon, native to the Caspian Sea. Generally, the lighter the colour of Beluga caviar the older the fish is. An important fact about caviar is that the older the fish, the more elegant and exquisite is the flavour. Almas caviar comes from Iran making it extremely rare and extremely expensive. The only known outlet is the Caviar House & Prunier in Piccadilly that sells a kilo of the expensive Almas caviar in a 24k gold tin for £16,000, or about $25,000. Coincidentally, it is also where you can find the most expensive meal in Britain. The Caviar House also sells a £800 tin for those on a smaller budget.
Almas Caviar
FOOD
Wagyu Steak While Wagyu cattle are raised both in and outside Japan, the Kobe varietal which is raised specifically in the Hyogo prefecture is the most elite. Employing the most traditional production methods, Kobe beef comes from cows that are allegedly fed only beer and massaged by hand to ensure a tenderness and marbling beyond compare. These dishes can be out of range for the average restaurateur, carrying an unhealthy load of fat and a price tag to match. For your next after-work social, you might try taking your associates to New York City’s Craftsteak, where a full Wagyu rib eye was served to a private party for $2800.
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Matsutake Mushrooms
The Matsutake mushroom is expensive because of its rarity. Japanese matsutake are found under fallen leaves at the foot of pine trees, hence the name matsutake, which means pine mushroom in Japanese. While its historical prevalence meant it was nearly synonymous with autumn in Japan, its production has sharply reduced due to a pine nematode (roundworm) that kills the trees they grow under. With more and more money to spend on less and less mushrooms, matsutake have achieved an almost mythical status in Japan and around the world. You end up paying around $500 + for five of these mushrooms.
FOOD In a country where watermelons are rare game, they can be a costly commodity. That’s how a 17-pound Japanese watermelon became the most expensive watermelon in the world (a watermelon can cost somewhere around $6100!) Densuke watermelons, a type of black watermelon grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, are usually given as gifts due to their extraordinary rarity. There were only 65 of the fruits among the first harvest this season. They are harder and crisper than the watermelons we are used to; and, according to a Tohma Agricultural Cooperative’s spokesman, they “have a different level of sweetness.”
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Densuke watermelons
Italian white Alba Truffles
The already expensive truffles become even more notoriously pricey because they are difficult to cultivate. This makes them a true delicacy that some have called the king of all fungi. According to recent reports, a Hong Kong real estate investor and his wife are said to have paid ₏125,000 ($160,406) for a gigantic Italian White Alba truffle, which is reportedly the world’s most expensive ever. The most expensive truffle weighs 1.51kg (3.3 lbs).
WANDERLUST
TRAVEL
FROM THE SHAMELESSLY DECADENT, THE LUXURIOUS AND EXOTIC TO THE MINDLESSLY RUSTIC, HERE ARE SOME GREAT HAUNTS FOR THE A-LISTER IN YOU!
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Cuba Christopher Columbus called Cuba ‘the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen’. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 must-visit destinations in the world. This beautiful island has everything; pristine beaches, luxury hotels, nightlife, art, culture and an exuberant wildlife to satisfy the most demanding traveller. It is an exciting leisure and eco-tourist destination, with spectacular scenery and perfect weather. The waters are pristine and provide some of the best diving, snorkeling and yachting the world has ever seen. Book a yacht or sail on your own and discover for yourself why Cuba is one of the most exotic destinations in the world.
TRAVEL
Costa Smerelda, Sardinia
It is considered as one of the premier vacation tourist destinations. Also known as the emerald coast, it’s home to many luxury hotels and straight out of ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’! For it's only the rich and famous who frequent this beautiful area of Sardinia. You can arrive in at the Costa Smeralda in style in a private jet or by helicopter service. One beach is more beautiful than the next; the exquisite white sands of Liscia Ruia are one of the longest beaches fringed with strawberry trees. Practise your swing at The Perveo, a renowned golf club which caters to the most affluent people in the world. Then there’s the Flavio Briatore’s Billionaire Club, another place for the crème de la crème! Surely, Costa Smerelda is the place to be!
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Capri, Italy Italy’s idyllic paradise and the world’s most famous isle Capri is the ultimate great escape! ‘Picturesque charming’ is the right phrase to describe the charms of the place – the romantic villages, massive rock formations of Faraglioni and Blue Grotto and the underground sea cave that attracts a throng of visitors throughout the year. Blue Grotto, the underground sea cave has a scenic natural setting with azure waters that seem to light up inside the cave. It attracts a throng of visitors each year. The countryside is filled with picturesque and romantic villages that simply take your breath away. The island attracts jet setters and glitterati for a quick rejuvenating holiday. But if you would rather stay away from the crowds, rent a beach villa and just relax throughout your holiday.
TRAVEL
Patagonia, Argentina/ Chile This wind-swept tip of South America is not on the average radar of the globetrotting tourist. Ski enthusiasts can revel on the slopes of San Martin de los Andes, particularly ideal for Alpine and Nordic skiing. It’s also home to some beautiful beaches, ideal for beachcombing, surfing and sunbathing. You can enjoy trekking and mountain biking on the Palena Valley Circuit or the Futaleufu Valley route that winds its way through pretty little hamlets and quaint villages – a wonderful upside to bike circuits. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, there’s the Parque Nacional, Chile with its soaring jagged peaks and trails that wind around glaciers, lakes and valleys where you can make horseback riding trips or go hiking.
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TRAVEL
Singita, Kruger National Park, South Africa Opulence meets rustic charm at the Singita Kruger National Park. Here two rivers meet in an exclusive 33,000 world-renowned park. The area is well-known for its majestic pride of lions and unique Euphorbia trees. Guests can enjoy excellent ‘Big Five’ game sightings, as the area holds the highest densities of game and bird life. Particular attention is paid to providing visitors with as much luxury, comfort and privacy as possible. You can enjoy game drives in open Land Rovers, limited to six passengers giving you total comfort and room for yourself. The Singita Sweni Lodge has six exclusive suites constructed almost entirely of wood and glass in an open, contemporary style. Are you game?
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CARS
ICONS ON WHEELS TALKING TOO MUCH ABOUT THEM WOULD ONLY MAKE IT SOUND TRIVIAL. WE’LL LET THE CARS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES…
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S N S
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Mercedes has always been at the technological forefront with many a ‘world’s first’ under its belt. The same was also true back in 1955 when Mercedes launched the 300SL gullwing. The car was best known for both its distinctive gull wing doors and being the first-ever four-stroke car equipped with a Gasoline direct injection. Not only did this car have the looks, it also had the performance to match. Today, the 300SL with its unique doors, technological firsts, and low production numbers is considered one of the most desirable and collectible Mercedes-Benz models of all time, with prices reaching well past the US$700,000 mark. If one is not available for purchase, at the very least, the new SLS should be enough to sate your appetite.
CARS
McLaren F1 Mention the name McLaren F1 to any automobile enthusiast and the only thing that will materialise in that person's mind are visions of sheer speed. The F1 is quite possibly the most iconic car on this list, as far as performance enthusiasts are considered at least. It was so far ahead of its time, so expensive, so performance oriented and so insanely powerful and fast that it near instantly recognised the fastest car in the world, only waiting till 1998 to actually proved it. The F1, as of today, is only succeeded by the Koenigsegg CCR, the Bugatti Veyron, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT and the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. However, all of these machines use forced induction to reach their respective top speeds – making the McLaren F1 the fastest naturally aspirated production car in the world ever.
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Porsche 911
Not much really needs to be said about one of the most iconic shapes in the sports car business. The 911 is by far one of the only vehicles to retain its iconic shape and basic layout from its inception in 1963 till today. It is a car that began with the engine in the wrong place that has, over the years, been honed, tuned and tweaked to perfection to become one of the best sports cars money can buy today.
CARS
Audi Quattro The original Quattro that debuted in 1980 is nothing short of a legend in the world of rallying. The Quattro was the first rally car to take advantage of the then-recently changed rules which allowed the use of four-wheel drive in competition racing. It won competition after competition for the next two years, completely dominating the racing scene. In late 1980, Audi made the Quattro available to the public, making it both the first car to feature Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system and the first to mate four wheel drive with a turbocharged engine. Both, the rally and road-going versions, are highly sought after by collectors today.
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Ford Model T Who knows where automobiles would be without ‘Tin Lizzie’. It was the car that single-handedly marked 1908 as the iconic year in which the automobile became popular. It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile and the first to be mass produced on assembly lines with completely interchangeable parts. On May 26, 1927, Henry Ford watched the 15 millionth Model T Ford roll off the assembly line at his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. So iconic was the car that in 2002, Ford built a final batch of six Model Ts as part of their 2003 centenary celebrations. These cars were assembled from remaining new components and other parts produced from the original drawings. Holli Rogers- Buying Director of Net-a-Porter
CARS
Ferrari 250 GTO The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered by most to be one of, if not the, greatest Ferrari ever produced. The car was produced from 1962 to 1964 for homologation into the FIA's Group 3 Grand Touring Car category. As many as 36 cars were made in the years '62 and '63 and in 1964 the 'Series II' was introduced, which had a slightly different look. Three such cars were made, and four older 'Series I' were given a 'Series II' body. It brought the total of GTOs produced to 39. When new, the GTO commanded an $18,000 purchase price in the United States, and buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and his dealer for North America, Luigi Chinetti. Today, the car is quite easily the most desirable and valuable Ferrari for collectors with prices reaching as high as GBP 15mn.
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P.O.Box 175, P.C. 117, Sultanate of Oman. Toll Free No: 800-77007. Fax: 24561490. BRANCHES • Wattayah 24561788/97214448/99373213 • Barka 26883321/99206031 • Bahla 25420178/95234386 • Bidaya 26708525/99474678• Buraimi 25652791 • Ibra 25571816/95068432 • Ibri 25691053/95500405 • Izki 25341600/99222193 • Jaalan Bani Bu Ali 25553953/99475462 • Nizwa 25410724/99314965 • Rustaq 95349306 • Salalah 23210125/99471402 • Samail 25350126/95501815 • Seeb 24420250/99471306 • Sohar 26842557/26844185/99439107 • Sinaw 25524881/95500917 • Sur 25544402/95501824
Feature-Rich, down to the last detail! • Exclusive Lexicon Music System • Ultimate power of 6-Speed Shiftronic Rear Wheel Drive • Bonnet Camera for the picture-perfect parking
Craftsmanship, beyond words!
CARS
Jaguar E-Type When it was unveiled to the public in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type offered the perfect balance of stunning looks, high performance and competitive pricing. So much so that the car has been classified by many a car enthusiast as one of the most beautiful cars ever built and is also considered to be the quintessential icon of 1960's British motoring. In fact, the Museum of Modern Art, located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, recognised the significance of the E-Type's design in 1996 by adding a blue roadster to its permanent design collection, one of only a handful of automobiles to receive the distinction.
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CARS
BMW 3.0 CSL The BMW 3.0 CSL is a great car in its own right but it had one thing that made it truly special. It was the first racing project of the newly established M division of BMW. It laid in the groundwork for the same division that in later years gave us the iconic M series of BMW cars and still does so today. It is also the same division that was responsible for the 6.1 litre V12 DOHC 48 valve engine that powers the McLaren F1, also an icon of motorsports and to date the fastest naturally aspirated car the world has ever seen.
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Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato This year Aston Martin celebrated the 50th anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato. The car has become one of the most iconic and indeed valuable additions to some of the world’s greatest car collections. The original design took no more than a week to complete. It used the basis of the Aston Martin designed DB4/DB4GT and some Zagato methodology to create something that in its first iteration was agreed to be just right. The design has gone on to be widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The DB4GT Zagato was launched only a few months after inception at the Earls Court Motorshow (London) in 1960. Just 20 DB4GT Zagatos were built between 1960 and 1963, one being dismantled in period to rebuild another. Astonishingly, of the 19 remaining DB4GT Zagatos, all survive today.
CARS
Bentley Speed Six The Bentley Speed Six was introduced in 1928 and was the most successful racing Bentley, claiming victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 with Bentley Boys drivers Woolf Barnato, ‘Tim’ Birkin and Glen Kidston. However, the Speed Six was also fitted as a conventional road car and this is where it truly earned its iconic status, or more accurately in one particular incident. This was the incident where two Bentley Speed Six became known as the Blue Train Bentley for their owner, Woolf Barnato's, involvement in the Blue Train Races of 1930. The next day after a bet, on March 13 1930, said owner in his Speed Six raced against the Blue Train as it steamed out of Cannes station at 17:45h and despite battling heavy rain, refuelling, fog and a burst tyre reached the Conservative Club in St. James's Street, London, by 15:20h - four minutes before the Blue Train reached Calais. He won the bet, whereupon his car earned its ‘Blue Train Bentley’ moniker and the French authorities promptly fined him a sum far greater than his winnings for racing on public roads.
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ART
SOULFUL OEUVRES GUY VESEY ON SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND EXPENSIVE ARTWORKS EVER SOLD…
Guy Vesey is the Regional Director of Bonhams' Middle East
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Cour ouest de l'île des morts - obsession reconstitutive d'après Böcklin (West Side of the Isle of the Death - Reconstructed Compulsive Image After Böcklin) Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), Signed and dated 1934 (lower left) Oil on canvas 66 x 54.5 cm. (26 x 21.5 in.)
SOLD FOR
£798,650 (2004) Salvador Dalí is a world renowned artist, arguably one of the most famous artists of all time, known best for his Surrealist works. Dalí was famous in his own lifetime and such was his passion for celebrity that he ended up selling signed blank canvases. Since his death however the world has come to see his genius and his most surrealist works can fetch great sums.
ARAB PRIEST IRMA STERN (SOUTH AFRICAN, 1894-1966) SIGNED AND DATED 'IRMA STERN / 1945' (UPPER RIGHT); INSCRIBED WITH TITLE, '450 GNS', ARTIST'S NAME AND ADDRESS (TO STRETCHER VERSO); SIGNED AND INSCRIBED 'IRMA STERN / CAPE TOWN' (TWICE, TO FRAME AND CANVAS VERSO) OIL ON CANVAS 97 X 86CM (38 3/16 X 33 7/8IN) WITHIN ORIGINAL ZANZIBAR FRAME
SOLD FOR
£3,044,000 (March 2011)
African art is doing extremely well at the moment and it is a market we are very keen to work in and develop. This fantastic, record-breaking result for an African work reflects the growing international interest in art from this region. Irma Stern’s works are praised for their vitality, and in 2010 we saw another of her works, Bahora Girl, fetch a high price at auction, selling at £2,372,000 at Bonhams. The political and social situations that have surround Africa and notably South Africa.
ART CHRISTINA (1916) AMEDEO MODIGLIANI (1884-1920 – JUST SCRAPES INTO 20TH CENTURY!) SIGNED (UPPER RIGHT), OIL ON CANVAS, 80 X 69 CM. (31.5 X 27 1/8 IN.)
SOLD FOR
£1,546,650 (2004)
One of the great ‘modern master painters’, this was a particularly strong work from his oeuvre which understandably reached a good sale price, doubling its pre-sale estimate. This highly anticipated work has been held in a private collection for the last 40 years and was last displayed at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1960. His unmistakable line in portrait painting has come to define his work, its apparent simplicity defies its realism in recreating faces, expressions and a period in time, the turn of the century.
MOTHER AND CHILD (1931) HENRY MOORE O.M., C.H. (1898-1986) VERDE DI PRATO 22.2CM (8 3/4IN) HIGH, INCLUDING BASE.
SOLD FOR
£1,070,000 (2005)
Henry Moore’s work Mother and Child sold for £1,070,000 at an auction in November 2005 – creating a new auction record for the artist in Europe. Described by Moore himself as “one of my best earlier pieces”, it was purchased soon after Henry Moore’s exhibition at the Leicester Galleries in the same year (1931), for just £18–18 shillings. The sculpture was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Chicago, and San Francisco and the last time it was ever seen in public was at The Arts Council of Great Britain of 1967.
96
COMPOSITION PASTEL STUDY FOR
"A CLOSER GRAND CANYON" DAVID HOCKNEY (BORN IN 1931) COLOURED PASTEL ON THREE SHEET OF PURPLE PAPER, INITIALLED AND DATED LOWER RIGHT ‘DH 98’ IN YELLOW; 500 X 1940MM (19 3/4 X 76 1/2IN)(SHEETS)
SOLD FOR
£156,800 (2005)
No introductions needed. David Hockney is a name that everyone knows, and his Grand Canyon artwork greatly exceeded expectations at Bonhams in 2005. In fact, we like David Hockney so much that we had yet another dedicated sale of his works in April this year at our New Bond Street salerooms, London.
THE SAILBOAT NATALIA SERGEEVNA GONCHAROVA (RUSSIAN, 1881-1962) SIGNED IN LATIN (LOWER RIGHT) AND WITH INITIALS ON THE SAIL; FURTHER SIGNED TWICE ON VERSO AND INSCRIBED '16 RUE JACQUES CALLOT' AND 'PARIS 6E' OIL ON CANVAS, 92 X 65.5CM (36 1/4 X 25 13/16IN
SOLD FOR
£1,700,000 (2008)
Natalia Gonchorova is undoubtedly one of Russia’s most important 20th century artists. Her works often command high prices and this work was no exception. The work had an excellent provenance, coming directly to Bonhams from the family of Sir John Rothenstein, former Director of the Tate Gallery, London, who helped the artist establish her work, through his patronange.
ART
PORTRAIT OF A CHILD JOHN SINGER SARGENT (1856-1925) OIL ON CANVAS, 22 X 16IN
SOLD FOR
$2,646,250 (2006) John Singer Sargent was the most successful portrait painter of his era, as well as a gifted landscape painter and watercolourist. This work achieved one the highest prices paid for one of Sargent’s portraits of children. With a pre-sale estimate of $900,000 it soared to $2,646,250 in the saleroom.
ESHGH (LOVE) FARHAD MOSHIRI (1963 -) SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS AND GLITTER ON CANVAS WITH ACRYLIC, MOUNTED ON MDF, SIGNED AND DATED 2007 ON THE REVERSE IN FARSI AND ENGLISH. (176 X 155 X 8 CM)
SOLD FOR
$1,048,000 (2008)
Farhad Moshiri is arguably one of the best known contemporary Middle Eastern artists – and at our 2008 auction in Dubai, his work achieved an astonishing price of $1,048,000. This was the first time a Middle Eastern artist sold for over a million dollars and we were proud to include it in a sale that broke 13 auction records!
98
i, Habiba Al-Hinai, Nabil Al-BusaiRumhi, Hamad Al Rumhi, Ahmad mar Al Mamari, Dr. Adhra Al-MaFORTY Al-Barwani, Ibrahim AL-Waili , Dr EXTRAORDINARY jali, Maliha al Abri, YEARS.Majid Al Toky, d al Siyabi, Haji Shaban, Saleem FORTY Sha’aban, EXTRAORDINARY Khalid Al Faisaly, HasHabiba Al-Hinai, Nabil Al-Busaidi, PEOPLE. mhi, Hamad Al Rumhi, Ahmad Alr Al Mamari, Dr. Adhra Al-Mawali, wani, Ibrahim AL-Waili , Dr .Bader aliha al Abri, Majid Al Toky, Kamil yabi, Haji Shaban, Saleem Sakhi, n, Khalid Al Faisaly, Hassan Meer, Hinai, Nabil Al-Busaidi, Fatma Al mad Al Rumhi, Ahmad Al-Harthy, mari, Dr. Adhra Al-Mawali, Haith, Ibrahim AL-Waili , Dr .Bader Al iha al Abri, Majid Al Toky, Kamil yabi, Haji Shaban, Saleem Sakhi, n, Khalid Al Faisaly, Hassan Meer, Hinai, Nabil Al-Busaidi, Fatma Al mad Al Rumhi, Ahmad Al-Harthy, mari, Dr. Adhra Al-Mawali, Haith, Ibrahim AL-Waili , Dr .Bader Al ONE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF IT.
40 super achievers of the Sultanate
A timeless souvenir dedicated to the nation.
Jawharat Oman chronicles 40 extraordinary Omanis and their incredible deeds. To be part of this unique opportunity,
please contact Radha on 92801033, radhak@umsoman.com
TECHNOLOGY
IT’S BEEN QUITE SOME TIME SINCE THE WHEEL WAS INVENTED AND WE REALLY CAN’T FATHOM WHAT THE EARLY MAN WOULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT ALL THE WONDERFUL INNOVATIONS THAT HAVE MADE OUR LIFE OH-SO SIMPLE. HERE ARE OUR FAVOURITES, WHICH WE THINK HAVE BECOME SECOND SKIN TO MOST OF US; ALMOST LIKE AN EXTENDED BODY PART FOR SOME, WE MIGHT ADD!
GO
100
GEEK
Amazon Kindle
iPod
The iPod is not only the first of three apple products on this list, it is also the oldest. It was first introduced in 2001 but it wasn’t until the fourth generation classic iPod of 2004, with its colour screen and click wheel, that it truly became a sensation. We have since seen the device become ‘the’ brand name in portable music and has spawned five different models to fit every person’s lifestyle.
Just like the iPod wasn’t the first portable music player, the Kindle wasn’t the first e-book reader either. But like what the former did to the portable music industry, the kindle did for the e-reader industry. It made the e-book reading experience seamless and easy and books could be downloaded within seconds while newspaper subscriptions are updated automatically overnight. Two generations down the line it is still the very best in the industry.
TECHNOLOGY
Nintendo Gameboy Released in 1989, the Game Boy with its rudimentary 8-bit monochrome graphics was the forefather of handheld gaming. It paved the way for one of the largest gaming markets in the segment that has seen the birth of systems such as the Sony PSP and the Sega Game Gear and even the iPod Touch having a go. The original Gameboy along with its successor the Game Boy Colour went on to sell more than 118 million units worldwide.
iPad
The final Apple product on the list is also the newest. The iPad was launched in 2010 and definitely wasn’t the first tablet the market had seen. It was however the most popular tablet ever, with three million iPads being sold in the first 80 days, and was the sole reason for the revival of the tablet industry. Ironically Steve Jobs claimed that the idea of the iPad was older than the iPhone and it was in fact the prototype of the iPad that gave birth to the idea of the iPhone
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BlackBerry 6210 Although it was the 10th blackberry to be released by RIM, it was the first that was also a phone. When coupled with e-mail, SMS, a Web browser and BlackBerry Messenger it heralded the age of the modern blackberry and set in motion the sensation that the Blackberry has become today.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II To the naked eye, the 5D Mark II was just another high-end DSLR. But it had one innovation that has practically changed an industry, the 5D Mark II was the first DSLR to feature full HD (1080p) video recording. So impressive was the feature that many a filmmaker quickly switched to the cheaper alternative as a replacement for the expensive interchangeable-lens cameras that film studios use.
EVENT
A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE THE AIWA AWARDS WILL FELICITATE OMAN’S BEST PERFORMING COMPANIES IN A GLITTERING AWARDS CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON MAY 30. Come May end, Oman will witness the most high profile event of its kind targeted primarily at the top echelons of the Arabic speaking business community in the Sultanate. Setting up new benchmarks in the industry, for the first time, corporates in Oman will be felicitated based on a highly qualitative performance survey done in a transparent manner as per the best international standards. To recognise the top achievers in Oman’s corporate world, Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA) has instituted Awards for Oman's Best Performing Companies. Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA), published by United Media Services, is Oman’s leading Arabic monthly business magazine. In a red carpet awards evening at Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat on May 30 this year, AIWA will felicitate the top performing listed companies in Oman during 2010. HE Sheikh Sa’ad bin Mohammed al Mardhoof al Sa’adi, minister of commerce & industry, will be the Guest of Honour at the event. A networker’s dream, the event will be attended by the who’s who of Muscat corporate high life. The premium event will attract more than 250 top business leaders, CEOs and senior government officials from a cross-section of industries, ministries and government bodies. It will witness the congregation of the key decision-makers who are driving the country’s business and economy. A high-voltage entertainment show by renowned international troupes will make the attendees cherish the evening for a long time to come. The event will be organised under the patronage of Muscat Securities Market (MSM). Gulf Baader Capital Markets SAOC (GBCM) is the knowledge partner whereas KPMG is the audit partner for the ranking process used for the awards. “Achieving the pinnacle of corporate performance is the dream of every CEO. But very few CEOs manage to convert their dream into a reality. Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal Awards for Oman's Best Performing Companies endeavours to recognise and celebrate the excellent performance of the listed companies who have made it to the top,” said Sandeep Sehgal, chief executive of UMS. Overall 15 Top Ranking Companies will receive the coveted trophy. In addition, AIWA will also felicitate two prominent Omani nationals who have done the nation proud by excelling in the fields of business and economy. The AIWA Awards to the selected personalities will be made in two categories – AIWA Global Omani of the Year Award and AIWA Life Time Achievement Award. 106
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2011
Call for Entries. Log on to www.omangreenawards.com
More power to you, when you see it in better light.
Switch from Standard Bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs). 100 watts standard bulb = 25 watts CFL. 1 CFL uses 2/3 less energy. Lasts 10 times longer. Can reduce your electricity bills by 30%. A Green Oman is each one’s responsibility and a most cherished vision. Log on to www.omangreenawards.com to take the green pledge and to submit your green ideas today.
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