IT’S SHOWTIME

Една нова галерия светна върху артистичната карта на Истанбул и още с дебютния си кураторски експеримент заяви смелото си стъпване в многопластовата културна среда на мегаполиса. Collect Gallery отвори врати през 2022 г. и двете ѝ пространства в Топхане и Каракьой вече са must see за ценители и колекционери на съвременно изкуство.

Да постигнеш видимост, атрактивност и провокация върху артистичния живот на град като Истанбул, разполагащ с художествена сцена с огромен мащаб и опит, не е лесна задача.

Изисква екип с достатъчна експертиза, дързост и усет. Създадената през 2022 г. Collect Gallery има този екип. Визията на галерията е да представя проекти, които обединяват съвременни артисти, произведения и идеи. „В двете галерийни пространства – в Топхане и Каракьой, ние се стремим да изграждаме съдържание в международен мащаб и да развиваме разнообразни сътрудничества. За нас от значение е универсалната, естетическа и концептуална цялост на артистите, с които работим, и целта ни е да помогнем техните проекти да достигат до колкото се може повече ценители и колекционери.“

Всичко тече, всичко се мени Неслучайно Collect Gallery Тophane отваря врати с Check-In – кураторски експеримент на Маркус Граф.

През цялото време на проекта се извършва пространствен преход на изложените творби – от солово - то им представяне в основното пространство на галерията до оттегляне им в Check-Out зоната, с моменти на пресичания между траекториите. Така се визуализира потокът от артисти и произведения на изкуството, в който минало, настояще и бъдеще се смесват. Проектът не само представя за първи път Collect Gallery на местната художествена сцена с художниците Георги Георгиев/Jorrras, Севда Семер, Калина Димитрова и Мартиан Табаков, но и заявява себе си като част от градския характер на Истанбул и динамиката на неговия културен живот.

Ричард Бартъл, Steppıng Stones

Градът, природата

и властта

Второто пространство на галерията отваря врати в една от най-значимите сгради за културния живот на Истанбул – Juma в Каракьой, с два проекта – Steppıng Stones и Beetopia

II, които са част от програмата на 17-ото биенале за съвременното изкуство. Steppıng Stones на английския художник Ричард Бартъл е система от арт провокации, изградени върху филологически, исторически и културни проучвания на художника по време на неговите срещи с очарователната и удивителна градска среда на Истанбул в продължение на 18 години. Beetopia II на артистката Гьонюл Нухоолу изследва чрез инсталация, скулптура, фотография и видеоарт променящите се реалности в природата, социалните нагласи към естествения свят и потискащите структури на властта.

Гьонюл Нухоолу, Beetopia II

60 минути, за да

Collect Gallery стана част от Соntemporary Istanbul 2022 с изключително успешен експериментален щанд, куриран от Маркус Граф (един от най-активните и ценени куратори в Истанбул). Всяко произведение на изкуството разполагаше с 60 минути, за да привлече вниманието на потоците art lovers, толкова траеше неговото сценично представяне на предната стена на щанда под светещия надпис Showtime. Щандът беше избран за една от шестте основни точки на изложението и предизвика интереса на бизнес, арт и политическия елит. Кметът на Истанбул Екрем Имамоглу и съпругата му, собственикът на CI – Али Гюрели, популярната турска актриса Серенай Саръкая, представители на бизнес фамилиите в Турция бяха сред посетителите.

Cins – от попарт към сюрреализъм

Някогашната синагога Цюлфарис, реставрирана и превърната в музей

Next steps

През декември Collect Gallery ще покаже изложбата Game On на Zafer Akşit, a през 2023 г. сред представените артисти ще са Cins – един от най-известните графити артисти в Турция, правещ крачката от попарта към сюрреализма, и Георги Ружев, чиято ретроспективна изложба през пролетта ще бъде придружена с нов проект в някогашната синагога Цюлфарис. | отелът е разположен само на 700 м от ски станция „Гондола“, с великолепнa гледкa към Пирин и ски пистите. Всеки ден в Premier ще Ви предложи нови и пълноценни изживявания, усещания и вкусове. Тук можете да се насладите на луксозно настаняване, да зарадвате небцето си с апетитни блюда в двата ресторанта (основ- ният бюфетен ресторант Дионисос и неколкократно отличеният с престижната награда „Ресторант на годината” а ла карт ресторант Амброзия), да се потопите в уникалната атмосфера в бар Нектар и да се отдадете на пълна релаксация в Le SPA центъра. На разположение на гостите са зала за игри, наем на ски екипировка и организиран транс- порт от и до началната станция на лифта, а за най-малките гости - детска площадка, детски клуб, забавна анимационна програма. С ВИП ски пасовете, които могат да се купят от рецепцията на хотела, ще избегнете опашките на началната станция на лифта. Гостите избират между разнообразие от стаи и апартаменти в четири различни колекции. Дизайнът на Луксозната колекция Premier съчетава класически разкош със съвременен шик и олицетворява концепцията за истинското гостоприемство. Разположени на последния етаж, стилните мезонети от колекция Резиденс с френски прозорци към красивите планински гледки, просторни бани и легла, меки като облак, изцяло променят разбиранията за елегантност и удобство. В прелестния свят на Premier зимата е низ от вълшебни моменти. Ако ги преживеете, дългът към удоволствието ще бъде изпълнен. | www.premiermountainresort.com

Фантазията за почивка в планината, слънчеви и снежни писти, уютно настаняване и персонално отношение може да се превърне в реалност със зимната приказка на Premier Luxury Mountain Resort и изключителните предложения за предстощия зимен сезон.

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Intersections

(extracts from the interviews)

The symbiotic relationship between art and interior design brings a certain sense of unique individuality, character, sophistication and completeness to the room. However, sometimes achieving that is a long and complicated process. Art critic Hristina Bobokova is looking for two points of view on the topic by interviewing two prominent professionals in their fields — interior designer Irina Vladi and artist Greddy Assa.

What is art’s greatest contribution to a given interior?

Irina Vladi: There is something very special about entering a home with lots of art for the first time. Even if you are not interested in art, paintings have a history and a very genuine impact. Colours have their own effect, even if in the monochrome spectrum. This aspect of interacting with the brilliance encapsulated in the canvas is sublime and it always alters our perceptions. In terms of interior design, art is the greatest sign of luxury because it is not strictly necessary and has no utility function, like as armchair or a mirror, and yet it creates that overlay of elements that makes special places stand out. I remember when at the age of 15 I entered Auguste Rodin’s home in Paris. That was my first encounter with the powerful interplay between interior design and art. I had no idea exactly what I had encountered but I already knew I wanted to be a part of this extraordinary world. How do you choose works of art for your projects? Does this process call for the participation of an entire team?

Irina Vladi: Some projects are simpler and do not require any specific decorative aesthetics; in such cases I work with younger and even lesser known artists who nevertheless have a good sense of space and time and therefore manage to create something special for the particular interior. Other projects are for people who already have their own collection, so my task is to arrange the works of art in a way that makes the best use of the available space. The third type of projects are those that are implemented as an investment, and that is when I work with art consultants. These are usually Visto Art in Paris who have an enormous portfolio of projects and contacts with thousands of artists. This is a long process because each work of art must be approved by the client and by a few consultants whose job is to determine whether it makes sense for a given piece to become part of the collection.

In your opinion, what does art bring to interior design and how do the two interact with each other?

Greddy Assa: Art radically changes an interior where it is present. Every piece embodies concentrated intellectual and emotional energy. Art draws the visitor’s eye. It not only decorates the home but also stimulates contemplation. A painting provides a new point of view. It excites, asks questions, sometimes provokes. A work of art interacts with the space around it. It enters into a dialogue with other pieces in the same interior. Works of art are equally stimulating to the visitor who sees them for the very first time and to the collector who has lived with them for a long time but is continuing to gaze at them with fascination again and again. Owners never really get tired of real works of art. It has been my firm belief that children who grow up in a home with works of art have the opportunity to develop an art sense early on, which pays off handsomely in their future success. The perennial question between designers and artists: when a new interior is being designed, what should take the lead — works of art or furnishings? Which one determines the style?

Greddy Assa: Clearly the features of the interior are dictated by its function and in this sense furnishings should take the lead. Of course, sometimes changes need to be made to the interior in order to accommodate the works of art intended for that space — walls, lighting, etc. A great example of this is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art near Copenhagen. The separate halls of the three interconnected buildings are designed to fit the pieces exhibited there. The same applies to the landscaping layout of the park, shaped to create the best visibility to the exceptional sculptural exhibition owned by the museum, which is based on the private collection of the industrialist Knut Jensen. When we think of a home, the style of the interior is determined by the choices of its inhabitants, and its realisation depends on the interior designer. Contemporary works of art fit well in any style, as long as they are given enough space.

40 Italian Touch

A jewel in Unique Estates’s portfolio, this exceptional estate in Bankya is a harmony of natural beauty, architectural spaces, precious materials and mastery of decoration.

The estate is situated in a 39 000 sq.m private park with a lake. The proximity to Sofia, the mild climate, the greenery, the clean air and the healing mineral springs make the area a preferred residential location. The healthy environment is combined with perfect infrastructure and access opportunities. We are entering this magnificent estate through a 150-year-old imposing doorway made of Florentine forged iron. A paved granite pathway is ushering us into a magical park with walking paths, an artificial lake and lush vegetation. High quality materials (different types of marble and wood) and precious decorative elements made in Italy were incorporated in the construction of this exceptional home. A famous Italian professor, who played a key role for much of the restoration works in Florence, actively participated as a consultant on this impressive project. Abundant in fabulous views, the experience of this estate is one of deep connection with nature and privacy. There are sequoias, fir trees and rare plant species in the park around the house, with a professional irrigation system in place. In the property’s yard there is a spacious barbecue area with over 100 sq.m. indoor space which elegantly fits into the garden. The artificial lake with swans has an area of 500 sq.m. and a separate treatment plant. The façade of the building is lined with stone, and the roof is made of copper. The front door and some of the interior doors are adorned with beautiful stained glass windows that were part of the interior of a palazzo in Italy. On the first floor there is a spacious living room with an area of 400 sq.m, housing two dining areas and a library. The ceiling height in this gorgeous space is between 7 and 11 metres, and the lavish glazing invites the daylight in and creates a sense of lightness and freedom. The master bedroom, with an area of 200 sq.m and 4-metre ceilings, is situated on the same level. It is complemented by two bathrooms, three wardrobes, an open terrace, a covered terrace, and two toilets. There is a sunny porch with sitting areas on the same level in front of the home. An internal elevator takes us to the second floor of this magnificent house. There are two apartments with a bedroom and a wardrobe, a living room and a large terrace, as well as two guest bedrooms with a bathroom and a toilet. This is where the special spa area is located, complete with a Jacuzzi, a detox bathtub, a sauna and a steam room. On the same level there is also an office, which has a toilet, a kitchenette and a meeting room.

The northern terrace of the property is intended as a winter garden. On the basement level there is a 16 metre long, 1.6 metre deep pool. The rest and recreation area is complemented by a large sauna and a gym with a massage room. This floor also offers entertainment space — a game room with a billiard table and a poker table, as well as a cinema and two wineries.

The fact that a property becomes a part of a someone's personal history and their emotional world is something that Vesela Ilieva, a Managing Partner at the luxury property company Unique Estates, will always take into account and view as extremely important beyond the successful deal. Nevertheless, our conversation stays within the business realm in order to clearly outline the important trends impacting the market.

Unique Estates is part of the prestigious global brokerage network of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. What benefits does this currently bring to clients?

Our high-end clients are interested in buying properties abroad. The reason is that buying abroad seems to be a safer option. The fact that we are part of the global brokerage network of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World helps a great deal in this regard. For example, right now one of the clearest global trends is to buy luxury properties in Dubai. The economic situation there is such that even if you buy a property today and sell it in eight months, this would be an excellent investment with high returns. Furthermore, rental yields are between 8 and 10 percent. That is why right now we are very actively offering properties in Dubai to our clients. Thanks to the vast amounts of detailed information that we have at our disposal, it is very easy for a client in Bulgaria to get a good understanding of the market there. After that our partner in Dubai will meet them at the airport and arrange the necessary property inspections. We have a lawyer who ensures that the steps taken by the buyer will be risk-free. All of that is a great advantage to clients at this time.

What is the top reason right now for buying a luxury property — as an investment, as a residence, or in order to claim lifestyle exclusivity? Also, according to you how will the ratio of these reasons evolve in the future?

People buy mostly to satisfy their own needs. Clients need a new property for whatever reason, usually related to a life change — the arrival of a new family member, for example. Nevertheless, a new type of client is emerging — one who buys as a form of security and as a way to cope with inflation and depreciation. This new type of client is looking for (and finding) a secure guarantee for their money in luxury properties. Unique Estates created a new company focused on the offering of newly constructed properties, New Estates, which conducted a special inquiry on customer requirements for the level of innovation in projects. Did it establish any change (and in what direction if any) in the criteria and requirements of customers with regard to luxury properties?

Unique Estates established this company because luxury properties are yet to become the new properties. The demand is for modern buildings with spacious lobbies, comfortable elevators, two or three parking spaces per apartment, beautiful views. Nowadays there are requirements that are very challenging to meet for old buildings, such as quality of window frames, sound insulation, energy efficiency. For some old buildings this is impossible, and for others it is a matter of huge additional investments. New buildings represent the modern way of life. The interest in old buildings is more of a ‘collector's niche’ — when it comes to a building with rich history and an exclusive location. How does the situation affect newly constructed properties — are there any delays in the previously stated deadlines or deliberate delays in the construction works? How does the special separate brand you created, New Estates, make it easier for the client at this time?

We facilitate the process by selecting the buildings against very high standards. We only work with reliable investors, we know the product very well, we can provide an expert consultation to the client, and compare different buildings, and thus help them make the best and most optimal choice. We can also negotiate good terms and level of security, a favourable payment plan, etc. so that the result is the right kind of investment. This is invaluable and stands out in the sea of websites, portals and all kinds of information sources that are difficult to navigate. By contrast we are offering a selection of only the best new buildings. Has there been a decline in deal dynamics, hesitation and waiting on the part of both investors and buyers? Furthermore, is that justified?

By waiting we are wasting time. We are moving away from the right solution. Yes, there are investors who have stopped selling until they figure out which way the market is moving, and whether to raise or lower prices. At the same time there are other investors who are responding to the situation better — offering promotions, better payment methods, better terms and conditions, better prices. Everybody reacts in a specific way. The more efficient attitude for investors is not to wait, but rather to sell, offering more flexible terms. Moreover, the prices of materials needed for finishing works are now getting stabilised. The buyer, on the other hand, should buy right now because inflation is scarier than the potential interest payments. If they keep waiting, in six months they might realise that on the one hand their money has melted away and on the other hand interest rates have become even higher. What is your forecast for the market development in the coming months?

I am optimistic about the future. The market is predictable. Supply is not in a bull’s market — it is somewhat limited at the moment. That creates some healthy limits. Investors are undergoing natural selection, where the good and serious ones are staying and will finish their buildings. There is clarity on prices and terms and conditions. Buyers need to buy because inflation is much scarier than the rising interest rates. Nevertheless they will never rise as much as the ones in the US because of the currency board. This is a normal market where there is no real reason to feel uncomfortable and avoid making the right decisions.

We are local, we are global

As a member of the global network of luxury real estate companies, Unique Estates participated in the LeadingRE Symposium — a one-of-a-kind event that brings together the best and outlines what is happening in the challenging global market today.

The LeadingRE Symposium, held at the Cascais resort in Portugal, brought together more than 200 owners and senior managers of companies from around the world. The event outlined the global state of the market at a time of global economic instability and inflation, changes in capital movements, as well as new destinations attracting the interest of luxury property clients. Reports highlighted migrations of millionaires triggered by instability, unhealthy political situations, unfavourable tax and business environments. Statistics were presented showing that many rich people are leaving Russia (-15000 HNWI outflow), China (-10000), Ukraine (-2800), Brazil (-2500), England (-1500) and heading to the United Arab Emirates (+4000 HNWI inflow), Australia (+3500), Singapore (+2800), Israel (+2500), Switzerland (+2200). The conclusion made was that luxury property clients now have a definitive requirement for a happy, successful, inspiring environment and community.

During the symposium the Unique Estates team was represented by Vesela Ilieva, Managing Partner; Svetoslava Georgieva, Chief Operating Officer; Ilonka Stoyanova, Partner, Team Manager and Business Development of Overseas Markets Manager; Zara Koteva, Luxury and Corporate Rentals Manager; Alexandra Dyankova, Community Manager. Vesela Ilieva participated in the Develop a Winning Culture panel, along with owners and CEOs of three major real estate companies from the US, Barbados and Spain, and shared successful experiences in building a corporate culture. Ilonka Stoyanova inspired the audience with a presentation entitled ‘Telling Your Global Story’ as part of the magazines look elegant and inspiring, thus reflecting the values of the Luxury Portfolio network and Unique Estates?

Branding Strategies panel, along with owners and CEOs of leading companies from Mauritius and France. The symposium lived up to the slogan ‘We are Local, We Are Global,’ providing relevant and valuable content for clients.

Could you describe your dream property, the place you would happily return to after every trip?

I am a big fan of an apartment facing a park, cityscape or water view in the city and a house in the country. But I’m most comfortable in any home that is quiet and calm on the inside that serves as an antidote to the hurly-burly of the outside world.

An antidote to the hectic world

This is how Mickey Alam Khan, president of Luxury Portfolio International® and editor-in-chief of the magazine of the same name, sees the dream property.

Luxury Portfolio is the highest class brand in the global network of Leading Real Estates Companies of the World, which also includes the Bulgarian company Unique Estates. Is the possibility of interaction between global and local in the field of luxury real estate, and not only, the greatest value of this worldwide network?

The biggest benefit of being part of the world’s leading network of locally run and independent luxury brokerages is the connection within the family. We have 245-plus members in 37 countries. So you can imagine the opportunity to interact, exchange ideas and referrals and also benefit from trends that can migrate from market to market. Being local is core to our network because it means the brokerage is invested in the community long term, knows the market in and out, and the agents and broker principals are part and parcel of the fabric of the community. What is the main goal you aim to achieve with the magazine you manage - turning current lifestyle trends into inspiration, bringing joy to a leisurely afternoon with the magazine or provoking important life decisions?

The purpose of Luxury Portfolio magazine, since it is consumer facing, is to inspire readers with ideas in lifestyle, real estate, design and travel. Our content is highly curated and thoughtprovoking as much as it is engaging and a pleasure to read. We also want to let consumers know that this is the product of an exquisite network of independent luxury real estate brokerages that can make their dream home a reality. So it really casts a great halo over our network.

Luxury Portfolio magazine and our Unique Estates Life Global View magazine are in an inspiring collaboration. Do you see in it the interesting crossover of cultures and markets mentioned above?

We are thrilled that Unique Estates’ Life Global View magazine is based on our Luxury Portfolio magazine template. Dare I say both

"It's a great time to invest in Dubai"

Khalil Denny is a Managing Partner and CEO at Bonne Apart UAE and has a vast experience working in the Dubai, GCC, and international real estate industries for over 14 years. Bonne Apart's partnership with the leading luxury real estate company in Bulgaria, Unique Estates, opens up new ways of life with ease.

Bonne Apart is a luxury residential real estate company dedicated to providе the best customer service, meeting all their expectations. This is how you briefly formulate your mission. It sounds maximalist. How exactly do you achieve it?

We are a customer-centric team, highly trained to achieve the highest (leading) level of professionalism and dedication so our clients will be satisfied with our services. Being customer-centric, we provide A to Z service, offering you a one-stop service for all your needs. We provide value whether you are looking for an offplan project, a ready-made luxurious villa or to sell your current property. Wherever you are located in the world, we have agents who will speak your language and communicate with you through different means to ensure an effortless process. At Bonne Apart we believe that investing in a property is much more than just a simple buying process. We want to take our clients with us on an exceptional journey that they will not find elsewhere.

Dubai is the most dynamic and exciting city in the Middle East, a global tourist destination. But beyond that, what else makes it attractive to luxury real estate clients? What makes a property investment in Dubai particularly valuable?

Besides being known for its iconic skyline, opulent lifestyle, and record-breaking stats, Dubai has built its reputation as a top investor hub. Despite all the chaos, the emirate remained resilient throughout, given its successful post-pandemic strategy, as well as social and economic reform, reinforcing its position as one