OCTOBER 2011

BRANDS, ACCESSORIES, TRENDS, STYLE SPEAK

LOOKBOOK

UPFRONTTHE LATEST IN NEWS

EVENTAL MAR'A EXCELLENCE

AWARDS

STOPOVERTOKYO

PLUS MORE........

CONTENTS FOCUS

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

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30

24

15

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SHOPSUKAR.COM

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PEOPLEANDRÉ C. MEYERHANS

CARSJEEP WRANGLER

EDIT NOTE

A lookbook is a collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, a

photographer, a style, or a clothing line. Loosely put, it is a fashion diary of

sorts, a scrapbook of different trends that make up the ‘on trend’ thing.

We all know that the fashion industry has historically divided the year into

two main seasons –Spring and Fall. Each season shows decidedly different

colours and silhouettes. Within these two seasons, smaller collections may

be presented, such as resortwear. Winter clothing is generally included as

part of the Fall season.

While Spring generally refers to the six-month period from January to

June. Fall refers to the months from July to December. These are the most

traditionally used dividing marks.

Given that it is the Autumn-Winter season in the world of fashion, we decided

to put together some of the latest looks, accessories and trends along with

some expert opinions from our fashion pundits!

Now, if you belong to the cult of ‘Seasonless dressing’ and the mix-n’-match

club, we suggest use our fashion pages as a tip to invent your own style. There

is no harm in wearing that pretty floral dress and teaming it up with a nice

contrasting cardigan! Get some accessories to match and you are set for your

own ramp walk down the streets. Remember no matter where the trend

flows, what matters is how you wear the look.

YOU’VE GOT THE LOOK

OCTOBER 2011

BRANDS, ACCESSORIES, TRENDS, EXPERT SPEAK

LOOKBOOK

EDITOR IN CHIEF

FATMA AL ARAIMI

GROUP EDITOR

MAYANK SINGH

ASSISTANT EDITOR

DEEPA RAJAN

CORRESPONDENT

MYSSAA AL HINAIAH

EXPERTS

Travel - BRUCE STEWART, ANNE COLBY

Fashion - NATASHA LUNN, NADIA FOUZI

Finance & Investments - K. L PRASAD

ART

Senior Art Director

SANDESH S. RANGNEKAR

Designer

MARIYAM RASHID

Senior Photographer

RAJESH RAJAN

Photographer

MOTASIM AL BALUSHI

PRODUCTION

Production Head

GOVINDRAJ RAMESH

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Manager

CHANDNI MANIAR

Asst. Advertising Manager

JISHA VELLUVAN

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

UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLCSignature is 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.

Correspondence should be addressed to

SIGNATURE

UNITED MEDIA SERVICES LLC, PO Box 3305, Ruwi, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,

Mobile +968 99849242 Fax +968 24707939e-mail: signature@umsoman.com/

reachsignature@gmail.com/ www.umsoman.com

VOL1 - ISSUE 2

BE JUST LIKE US. OWN THE

LOOK.

COVER IMAGECOURTESY VINCCI

BLO

CK

YO

UR

DA

TES

Abu Dhabi Film FestivalOct 13 – Oct 22Emirates Palace Auditorium, Cinestar Cinemas, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi

ASP Men's Star Events - Super Surf InternationalOct 18 – Oct 22Barra da Tijuca, Brazil

The DMC World DJ Championships FinalOct 6 – Oct 7indigO2 at The O2, London, UK

Ataturk Dam International Sports FestivalOct 2 – Oct 4، Ataturk Dam, Turkey

Canberra Nara Candle FestivalOct 22Canberra Nara Park, Canberra, Australia

MoondanceOct 22Heard Museum, Phoenix, USA

Double Ninth FestivalOct 5Badachu Park, Beijing, China

Masters of the JewelOct 4 – Oct 10Palazzina Liberty, Milan, Italy

DasainOct 6Kathmandu, Nepal

Abuja International Motor FairOct 12 – Oct 20Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigeria

Lviv Fashion WeekOct 25 – Oct 30 Lviv Palace of Arts, Lviv, Ukraine

Janet Jackson concertOct 13 Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

8

UPFRONT

ULTIMATE INNOVATION

From Clarins comes a serum that promises to erase the shadows of the passing years. The Vital Light Serum,

a highly concentrated anti-age serum, combines two exceptional ingredients

to boost the actions of Vital Light cult to control dark spots, a darkened

complexion and diminished deep-down luminosity. To help skin regain luminosity and firmness lost over the

years, the serum’s formula adds three result-boosting ingredients to the

pioneer plant extracts of Vital Light Day and Night.

Clarins Range is available at Capital Store, Qurum

THE LATEST AND OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY…

ROCK THE SCENT Azzaro Decibel is created to awaken the idol that slumbers within every man. As a worthy heir, he has what it takes and follows the codes. A rebellious spirit, he reinterprets these codes at a modern day pace and in communion with his imaginary audience. Faithful to the Azzaro perfumes’ legacy, forged from the finest materials, it has a feisty spirit and is worn on the skin, like a Perfecto jacket and the face of this oriental–electric scent, is none other than Julian Casablancas, the frontman for 'The Strokes', the group that redefined rock and roll for a generation. The range consists of Eau de Toilette, deodorant stick and spray and shampoo. The Azzaro range is available at Capital Store, Qurum

VELVET TOUCH The new foundation from Sensai ‘Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet’ has been

created to get a beautifully moisturised skin with a semi-matte finish, instantly. The unique technology encapsulates highly evaporative oil,

moisturising matte powder and drops of pure Fuji-Sensui water — a natural spring water from Mount Fuji — to create a fluid foundation that spreads quickly and easily for a lasting hold on the skin. The finish is semi-matte,

yet full of moisture, leaving your skin looking naturally fresh and feeling comfortably soft.

Mawarid Trading Oman are the sole distributors for Sensai from Kanebo International in Oman. The range is available

at Areej Muscat City Centre, Capital store, Qurum, Salam Studio & Stores, Muscat Pharmacy’s Perfumes and cosmetics,

Jawaharat al Shatti and Al Sahwa towers

10

UPFRONT

IDYLLIC GETAWAYLocated in the heart of the picturesque Marina Town, Jebel Sifah, the Sifawy Boutique Hotel marks Muriya’s foray

into the hospitality industry. It is all set to welcome guests at its 55 elegantly appointed guestrooms – 25 standard rooms, 30 fully furnished suites and 3 suites equipped for physically challenged guests. All rooms have private

balconies with comfortable seating, overlooking the beautiful marina or the swimming pool. Marina Suite guests may also avail the services of a private butler. The hotel, which been designed by renowned Italian architect Alfredo

Freda, makes for the most idyllic getaway ever!For more details log on to www.sifawyhotel.com

SPIDER ON WHEELS

Say hello to the newest ‘Prancing Horse’. The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of

Ferrari’s mid-rear engine V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling

and performance in a refined open-top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable

hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out. The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s

naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5L V8. The power is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission

through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance

ABS for maximum handling dynamics.The Ferrari range is available at the Shanfari

Automotive showroom, Al Khuwair

FOR COOL EYESUtilising a first-ever patent-pending specially-contoured,

cooling ceramic-tip applicator, Estée Lauder’s New Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator instantly cools, massages and

re-energises the look of tired, puffy eyes, while innovative, exclusive Triple-Optic Technology instantly makes dark

circles look lighter. Brighter, more rested-looking eyes are revealed immediately. Additionally, an exclusive, highly

concentrated Dark Circle Correcting Complex works over time to help reduce and prevent the appearance of dark

circles and puffiness. Offered in two shades suitable for all skin tones, now women of all ethnicities can achieve their

ideal eyes.The Estée Lauder range is available at Muscat

Pharmacy’s Perfumes and Cosmetics, Jawaharat al Shatti and Al Sahwa towers

12

INSPIRED LIVINGIf you are looking for cutting-edge technology combined with user-friendly comfort and elegant looks, then look no further than Haier products. The range includes LCD, LED TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, dish washers, microwave ovens and window and split air conditioners. Some products like the LCD TVs, split air conditioners and refrigerators have registered huge sales in the past few years. This superb range is backed by a three-year warranty.Haier products are distributed in Oman by Mustafa Sultan Electronics and is available at their retail outlets in Al Khuwair and Ruwi besides other dealers and hypermarkets

UPFRONT

ELEGANCE & EFFICIENCYStunning yet effective the pen from the Classic Racing Collection by Chopard glides across the paper like driving along in a smoothly running racing car. Its masterful exterior is inspired by the famous Dunlop Racing tyre-tread motif also featured on the rubber straps of Chopard’s hugely successful Mille Miglia watch collection. Its performance focused character stemming from the contrast between the purity of the precious metal and the user-friendly grip of the black rubber. The Classic Racing pen is available in Fountain Pen and Rollerball versions plated with rose gold or platinum.

For more details contact Khimji’s Watches, Shatti Al Qurum

FOR FLAWLESS LASHES

Here’s a way to get rid of those fake lashes! Just use Divaderme’s Brow Extender and EyeLash Extender and Mascara Diva. Divaderme

is a unique line of essential natural beauty products that combine nature, technology and ancient beauty secrets to create flawless

lashes, brows, makeup and beautiful radiant skin. Researched and formulated in Italy, Divaderme’s futuristic formulations are prepared with nature’s finest ingredients creating the world’s most innovative

avant-garde products.Wellbeing Services LLC has the exclusive distribution rights

for Divaderme products across the Middle East

www.givenchy.com

NEW

14

UPFRONT

TRIPLE BONANZA It was a triple celebration at the Hyundai showroom in

Wattayah recently, as the brand revealed not one but two new models and also declared the lucky winner of their Ramadan

promotion. The gala event saw the launch of the all-new Veloster, which is a new concept in a car that combines the

style of a coupé with the functionality of a hatchback and the 2012 Azera, a premium large sedan. Both the new models Azera and Veloster encapsulate the spirit of Hyundai’s new

brand slogan, ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’.The function also witnessed the raffle draw of 1kg gold for the recently

concluded ‘Strike Gold with Hyundai’ Ramadan promotion.OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Hyundai’s range of

vehicles in Oman

DUAL POWER

Rimmel Glam’Eyes Day2Night Mascara is the first mascara that works (and plays) as hard as you do. It gives you two dramatically different lash looks with a single

brush. The genius is in the magic double cap. For day, choose the

top cap for length, and what you'll get are gorgeously defined, ultra-

long looking lashes (lengthens and defines lashes). For night, choose

the Volume cap, and plump your lashes to up to 15 times their

normal thickness, leaving them voluptuously lush-looking, clump-

free and ready to party.Rimmel products are available

at all leading hypermarkets and beauty stores in the city

and are distributed by Muscat Pharmacy

SUCCULENT ADDITIONS Here’s a reason to visit the RBG Grill restaurant at the Park Inn Muscat. The restaurant has launched

an exciting new menu, introducing some more tempting delicacies for diners to choose from. The signature outlet of the hotel is best known for its modern casual grill cuisine. Succulent steaks and

gourmet burgers cooked to perfection are served with complementing side dishes to make for a truly satisfying dining experience. The menu also features appetising starters, alternative main courses and mouth-watering desserts. In an innovative move, the restaurant has also gone online, allowing diners

the option of reserving their table in advance. For more details log on to www.rbggrill.com

Look around you

and you can see

women achievers

everywhere. Omani

women have made

inroads in every

field you can think

of. Whether it’s in

traditional sectors

or those off the

beaten track, they have risen to the top

through sheer grit, determination and hard

work.

They are role models for generations to

come because they are not only super

achievers but pioneers as well. The Al

Mar’a Excellence Awards 2011 is a humble

salute to the women who have not only

excelled personally and individually, but

also made immense contributions and

enriched the society we live in.

“With the nominations for the Awards

underway, we’ve been overwhelmed

with the response received across the

different categories. Women are not

only nominating themselves but also

other women who they feel deserve to

be appreciated and applauded for their

hard work. It goes without saying, that the

concept of the Al Mar’a Excellence Awards

2011 has struck the right chord among

women in the Sultanate,” says Alpana Roy,

Executive Vice-President, United Press &

Publishing.

The Awards have been designed to range

across 12 categories, namely: Corporate

Leadership, Fashion Design, Performing

Arts, Fine Arts, Educational Services,

Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Health

Services, Science and Industry, Technology,

Sports, Petroleum Services and Social

Responsibility. Apart from these, two

women will also be the recipient of the

prestigious Woman of the Year and Most

Promising Woman of the Year Awards.

The Awards will judge achievers according

to different parameters like innovation and

creativity, the impact their contributions

have had in society, their leadership

abilities and the goals achieved. The final

ranking process with be appraised by our

official assessment partner, Ernst & Young.

If you wish to nominate yourself or any

other women who you think deserve to

be honoured for making a mark in their

respective fields and thereby impacting

society, all you have to do is log onto www.

almaraonline.com or fill up the nomination

forms also available at selected retail

outlets, which will then have to be

submitted with your (or your nominee’s)

supporting documentation at United Media

Services, Ruwi.

Winners of the Al Mar’a Excellence Awards

2011 will be announced at a glittering event

to be held at The Amphitheatre, Shangri-

La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, on

October 25, 2011.

Join us in celebrating and applauding

these inspiring leaders…

ACHIEVERS ALLThe Al Mar’a Excellence Awards 2011 will acknowledge, honour, celebrate and

applaud achievers from different fields…

The Al Mar’a Excellence Awards 2011 is an Al Mar’a Initiative. Strategic Partners: Mercedes-Benz (Zawawi Trading Company, the authorised general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman) and BankDhofar. Assessment Partner: Ernst & Young. Media Partners: Times of Oman & Al Shabiba. Radio Partners: Al Wisal FM and

Merge 104.8 FM. Printing Partner: Ruwi Modern Printers.

Mercedes-Benz Oman signs a Strategic

Partnership with Al Mar'a Excellence Awards. BankDhofar signs a Strategic Partnership with Al Mar'a Excellence Awards.

16

FOCUS

Leo Tolstoy once said that Music is the shorthand of emotion. Indeed, it is also the soul of language. What more, then, can one ask for when names such as Domingo and Bocelli grace the hallowed grounds of our very own Royal Opera House, which will launch with its first season in October.

Established by Royal Decree, Royal Opera House Muscat serves as an influential arts and culture platform that will reflect the Sultanate’s deep

and passionate love for the arts. Come immerse yourself in compostions of Puccini and Mozart amid surroundings that sing tales of tradition and modernity. Experience the iconic magnificence of a monument constructed with passion.

The opening season line-up is as impressive as it can get and Signature picks its favourites!

MUSICAL RENDEZVOUZ

OCTOBER 14

OPERA TURANDOT BY GIACOMO PUCCINIThis premiere production by legendary Franco Zeffirelli has been specially commissioned by Royal Opera House Muscat for its inaugural season and brings to light the mesmerising recital of Puccini’s last Masterpiece Turandot in three acts with maestro Placido Domingo conducting the orchestra of the Fondazione Arena di Verona.

Turandot is based on an ancient fable, originating in Persia and set in China. It tells of a princess so desirable that men came by the hundreds, from all over the world, and queued up to vie for her love. There was a catch, of course. To have any shot at all with Turandot, a suitor first had to answer three vexing riddles — and anyone who failed wound up with his head on a stake, as a warning to all the suitors still standing in line. Colourful, extravagant, exotic, musically powerful and dramatically ‘over the top’, call this three-act production an operatic potboiler if you will!

Draw factor: A Franco Zeffirelli production means stunning sets, and with Placido Domingo as the conductor, you really cannot ask for more!

OCTOBER 18

PLÁCIDO DOMINGO SINGS TO OMANFrom Verdi to Puccini to Mozart and from Lehar to Herold to Loewe and Bernstein, you get to experience them all courtesy the maestro himself. Witness a memorable music affair when voices of the incomparable Plácido Domingo, the sensational Angel Blue and the gracious Micaela Oeste blend with Núria Pomares’ motions and the majestic sound of Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eugene Kohn.

Domingo who turned 70 this January is one of the most powerful tenors seen in the history of opera. His voice can move even a dead man’s soul! He is also a conductor and a major force as an opera administrator in his role as general director of two companies: LA Opera and Washington National Opera. As a singer, his repertoire encompasses 134 roles, a number unmatched by any other tenor in history, with more than 3,500 career performances. This 12-time Grammy Awards (three of them being Latin Grammys) winner has made more than 50 music videos. In addition to three feature opera films — Carmen, La Traviata and Othello — he voiced the role of Monte in Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua and played himself on The Simpsons.

Draw Factor: Domingo, Domingo, and Domingo. Also, our very own Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eugene Kohn. Sad news is that the concert is all sold out. The good news is there are other performances after this one. Look up Domingo’s official website for more information.

SOLD OUT

18

OCTOBER 21

RENÉE FLEMING & ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRAShe is one of the most sought after sopranos of today. She has captured the mainstream audience in the manner that the all-American diva Dorothy Kirsten did a half century or so ago. Renee’s national and international acclaim is not limited to ovations and record sales. A dessert (La Diva Renée) and a perfume (La Voce) have been created in her honour. Performances include the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to performances in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. In January 2009, Renée was featured on the televised We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial concert for President Obama. She has performed for the United States Supreme Court, HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, and, in November 2009, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s “Velvet Revolution” at the invitation of Václav Havel. An additional distinction was bestowed in 2008, when breaking a precedent, Renée became the first woman in the 125-year history of the Metropolitan Opera to solo headline an opening night gala.

Draw Factor: When a powerful soprano meets a phenomenal orchestra, you can be sure to witness an outstanding display of musical firework ever seen. There is no debating the fact that Renée Fleming is a people’s diva and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the dynamic Joanna Carneiro will only add to the magic of her voice and the evening.

OCTOBER 26, 27 & 28

AMERICAN BALLET PRESENTS DON QUIXOTEDon Quixote is a character in a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, first published in 1605, added on to by Alonso Fernandez, and finished by Cervantes in 1615. As the ballet begins, an aging nobleman named Don Quixote becomes obsessed with stories of ancient rivalry. Appearing a little silly, he uses his imagination and pretends to be a brave knight. He imagines that he sets out to rescue the lady of his dreams, named Dulcinea. He transforms his servant, Sancho Panza, into a trusty squire and off they go. Don Quixote leads a charge against imaginary enemies, which he sees everywhere. He proceeds to fight invisible rivals, puppets, and windmills.

Draw Factor: Apart from the fact that it is an American Ballet Theatre production, it is the powerful characterisation of Don Quixote that will make this worth the watch. All those who have heard the term ‘quixotic’, will know that this is where the term originates from!

FOCUS

NOVEMBER 1

ANDREA BOCELLI IN CONCERT The legendary Andrea Bocelli, accompanied by the State Hermitage Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Eugene Kohn, renders ‘love - Italian style.’ A legend of Andrea Bocelli’s stature is not created by design. Bocelli, the superb voice that the opera had been awaiting for years, “exploded” onto the world stage performing one song. It rang out all over the world in Time to say goodbye, while on stage it resonated in the operatic masterpieces: a voice which combines the power of the heroic tone with a youthful tenor’s grace strengthened by an unusually polished timbre.

This Italian tenor, multi-instrumentalist and classical crossover artist has been wooing our hearts since winning the Newcomers section of the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994. Bocelli is not only the biggest-selling solo artist in the history of classical music but also has a core classical repertoire that ‘crosses over’ to popular music culture.

Draw Factor: Bocelli’s voice combined with the perfection of the best chamber orchestra in the world. Again, don’t be disappointed because the concert is sold out. February 2012 will bring another opera debut: Bocelli will perform on stage at the Carlo Felice opera house in Genoa, singing a leading role in Gounod’s 'Romeo and Juliet' directed by Fabio Luisi.

NOVEMBER 5

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & YO-YO MA Prepare yourself for an out-of-this-world evening with Yo-Yo Ma and his enchanting cello solos accompanied by the fantastic London Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach. Treat yourself to some Dvorák and Bruckner.

Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, coming together with colleagues for chamber music or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, Yo-Yo Ma strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. An exclusive Sony Classical artist, his discography covers over 75 albums (including more than 15 Grammy Award winners). He has made several successful recordings that defy categorisation, among them Hush with Bobby McFerrin, Appalachia Waltz and Appalachian Journey with Mark O’Connor and Edgar Meyer and two Grammy-winning tributes to the music of Brazil, Obrigado Brazil and Obrigado Brazil – Live in Concert. This French-American artist, of Chinese origin, is also a UN Messenger of Peace and as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities. He has performed for eight American presidents, most recently at the invitation of President Obama on the occasion of the 56th Inaugural Ceremony.

Draw factor: Apart from the obvious genius of Yo-Yo Ma, it has to be the magnificence of the London London Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been performing at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since it opened in 1951, becoming Resident Orchestra in 1992. For all those musical instrument lovers, do look out for Yo-Yo Ma’s cellos. Both have history that is as enchanting as his performances. He plays a 1733 Montagnana cello from Venice and the 1712 Davidoff Stradivarius.

SOLD OUT

20

NOVEMBER 28

SHIM CHUNG – THE BLINDMAN’S DAUGHTER, UNIVERSAL BALLET OF KOREAThis colourful and captivating three-act adaptation of a fairy tale from the Far East by the Universal Ballet of Korea tells a compassionate story of a daughter’s love for her blind father.

Based on an old Korean folktale, the ballet portrays Shim Chung’s devotion to her blind father after losing her mother at birth. Learning that a donation of 300 bags of rice to the local temple will allow her father to regain his sight, Shim Chung willingly sells herself to the captain of a ship as a sacrifice to protect his vessel from the wrath of the Sea Dragon King. However, after descending to the Sea King’s watery realm, she discovers her father still cannot see, and pleads to be allowed to return to the surface to help him. Arriving back in Korea, her devotion is rewarded as the king decides to make her his queen, and her father finally regains his sight.

Draw Factor: An Asian ballet from 'Asia’s leading ballet company'. The production has much to offer: the masterful original score; the traditional Korean fishing village in Scene One; the energetic dancing of the sailors aboard the ship and the terrifying storm; the undersea fantasy and many authentic elements of traditional Korean court clothing and architecture.

FOCUS

CALENDAR 2011 OCTOBER 14 & 15 OPERA TURANDOT

OCTOBER 18

SOLD OUT: GALA CONCERT - PLÁCIDO DOMINGO SINGS TO OMAN

OCTOBER 21

RENÉE FLEMING & ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

OCTOBER 26, 27 & 28

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS DON QUIXOTE

NOVEMBER 1

SOLD OUT: ANDREA BOCELLI IN CONCERT TENOR DEBUT AT ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT

NOVEMBER 5

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & WORLD-RENOWNED CELLIST YO-YO MA

NOVEMBER 10, 11 & 12

TEATRO ALLA SCALA BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS GISELLE

NOVEMBER 17

UMM KULTHUM: THE LEGACY BY RIHAM ABDUL HAKIM

NOVEMBER 23

THE WORLD OF MAGIDA EL ROUMI FEATURING MAGIDA EL ROUMI

NOVEMBER 28

UNIVERSAL BALLET OF KOREA IN ‘SHIM CHUNG – THE BLINDMAN’S DAUGHTER’

NOVEMBER 30

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

NOVEMBER 17, 19 & 21

OPERA CARMEN BY GEORGE BIZET

DECEMBER 27, 28, 29 & 30

SWAN LAKE BY THE MARIINSKY BALLET

DECEMBER 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA PERFORMANCE BY THE MARIINSKY BALLET

Toughquestions.Straightanswers.

By invitation only

Follow us on /ums_oman

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CapitalMarketAuthority

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TIM BRINGS THE HARD TALK TO OMAN

OFFICIAL MEDIA

It is a debate on one of the most challenging topics of our time. And when a veteran like

Tim Sebastian takes the helm, one can expect deliberation of a different calibre -

and hopefully, an outcome that galvanises policy-makers, decision-makers and

society itself into action.

SUPPORT PARTNER

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Oman Debate 2011 brings together key figures from the private sector and

high-ranking members of the government, who are all set to re-examine smouldering

issues that the Arab Spring has brought to the fore.

> Job creation > Raising salaries> Omanisation > Oman's future

To stay tuned with the event highlights, log on to www.omandebate.com

Celebrating ExcellenceOER Top 20 Awards, widely

recognised as the most authoritative ranking of listed companies in the

country, will recognise the best business performers of 2010.

2 November 20119.00am to 1.00pm, Majan Hall

Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton Hotel

For partnership enquiries please contact: AHMED 99356490

24

AN ARCHITECT’S WORLD DUBAI-BASED AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECT ANDRÉ C. MEYERHANS TALKS TO DEEPA RAJAN ABOUT CONCEPTS

OF DESIGN, SPACE AND ARCHITECTURE

PEOPLE

If you were to ask André C. Meyerhans what architecture means to him, he would probably tell you that

architecture influences people’s lives for the better. It is something that he himself believes in and practices. His

designs, be it architectural works or jewellery designs, are all created to be original pieces.

André’s creations range from 250’000m2-urban plans and one-billion-US-dollar mixed use developments to

furniture-like objects, art and jewellery. André evolves his designs along academic studies that portray a

synthesis between objects, art and architecture. Phenomenally talented, his works have won a lot of accolades

and awards. He was recently awarded the MEED Award for his revolutionary design of Garhoud Bridge. His

design for the Main Gate to Palm Jebel Ali came in first in the design competition.

André’s background is as diverse as his work. He holds a Masters in Architecture from the Swiss Federal

Institute of Technology (ETHZ), a Federal Degree in Marketing and an MBA from London Business School. In an

interview with Signature this award-winning artist talks freely of his love for architecture and design concepts

that break cultural frontiers to create a language of their own.

Can you tell us something about your journey from Switzerland to Dubai?“I always wanted to go abroad and experience different cultures. I did that during high school, university and

for an internship. In my professional life, I wanted to go to Chile because of its distinguished architecture.

Unfortunately, there was a recession and little work. I had to go back to Switzerland. Back home I was advised

to go to a country where real estate was booming; places like Dubai or Shanghai. I was not familiar with either

of the places, but knew from previous experiences that in any place one can find nice people, make it to one’s

home, and grab opportunities. Well, the plane ticket to Dubai was cheaper than the one to Shanghai, I landed

in Dubai – and never regretted it.”

What was life like before architecture? “Assuming this is a personal question and not

a philosophical one, I have to say that I had a

nice childhood in Switzerland, played sports and

music, was encouraged to think independently

and to discover the world. It might be more

interesting to see life after I entered the world

of architecture: Architecture is a wide field, and

I explored it in many directions. First, I worked

with signature architect Santiago Calatrava

and gained insight into the cutting-edge of

contemporary architecture. Then I earned a

degree in marketing and combined architecture

with marketing - designing architectural brand

identities for brands like Hugo Boss, Alfred

Dunhill, and Cartier. I shifted into real estate

development and worked with investment

funds. Last year, I did an MBA at London

Business School and expanded my academic

understanding into the direction of business and

finance. It is always in these borderline areas

where most interesting things evolve.”

What inspired you to study/practice architecture?“Creative environments and professions always

interested me. When I was doing high school in

the US, I visited a cousin of mine who was an

architecture student. I liked the diversity of the

study, the creative aspects of it in combination

with the technical components. It was important

for me to be able to combine use and beauty,

rational thinking and emotional intuition,

theoretical design developments and practical

investigations. From that moment on, I wanted

to become an architect.”

You are also a jewellery designer. How

did that come about? “Several years ago, my mother was very ill, and

I had to take her for regular treatments. I looked

for little things to cheer her up every day. After

one treatment, we went to a goldsmith. The item

my mother chose had some matching yet unset

stones, which my father bought as well and for

which I designed the setting.

“My next design used an antique Baule disk my

parents had as a starting point for the design.

It was a gift for my mother, too. On trips and

visits to galleries, I bought antique beads and

artefacts – most of them anywhere between 500

and 5,000 years old. The settings interpret the

characteristics of the beads in an architectural

and contemporary way. I am currently working

on a collection of 20 to 30 pieces.”

“There is another jewellery project in

conjunction with a manufacturer where we build

an entire brand. It is a very exciting project to me

as if follows principles I originally developed for

architecture.”

What is it that has made Dubai and Arab architecture so dear to your heart? “There are three elements to this question, and

they apply in various degrees to Dubai and other

Arab countries; some of them would also be

valid for other regions of the world.

“Speed: During the boom years, it was

amazing to witness the speed with which the

city (Dubai) developed. This hype was infectious

and fascinating at the same time. Nothing stood

still, everything was on the move. I loved this

atmosphere boiling with opportunities and

eagerness to create. I appreciated that I gained

experience in a much shorter period of time than

I would have in Europe.

“Vision: It was interesting to see how much

energy a great vision can set free and how many

people it can mobilise. The scale of the projects

was enormous and beyond imagination to

many. These superlative projects expanded the

minds of most people – also mine. I also liked

how architecture was used as an icon – even

though I might have preferred a different shape.

Architecture became a tool to visualise an idea

and to convey a message.

“Design: It is not so much the design existing

here, but the absence of a contemporary, local

design language that fascinates me. Every

culture develops a language of shapes, forms

and special arrangements to suit them. This

language changes over time and adapts to the

peculiarities of the next generation. Much of the

architecture here either looks back and glorifies

historic elements such as the wind tower or

looks towards other parts of the world and

referring to either their style or their dimensions.

There are signs that a local, contemporary

language develops and being part of such a

creation is amazing. By the way, I do not believe

that only Swiss people can create a Swiss style

or only Emirati the Emirati style. It is all people

who are infused by a culture, live in a region

and explain and express the specific way of

living in a media who contribute to create such

a style.”

How different would you say it is from European, Asian and US perceptions of architecture?“I need to rephrase the question: How would

you say Arab / Dubai architecture differs from

26

European, Asian and US architecture? (It is

because the actual perception is pretty similar

around the globe.)

“Most of the buildings here have an extroverted

façade and an introverted layout. A similar

approach in designing the façade can be seen

during the baroque and other periods in Europe.

Nowadays, buildings are usually developed

from the inside and the façade is a result of

the internal organisation as well as the urban

environment. However, today’s signature

architects in Europe, Asia and US also pay much

attention to external appearance with the only

difference that symmetry is not as relevant as it

is here.

“An interesting aspect that seems to be similar

between Asia and the Middle East but different

to the US and Europe are the understanding

of distance. While in the Eastern world, the

physical distance can be quite small, it is not

perceived as such if there is no visual contact,

the Western world requires visual distance in

order to perceive the physical distance. This is a

very cultural phenomenon.

“As far as internal organisation is concerned,

an expressive and suitable form. This might be

a shape but it can also be a design principle.

Important is that the design is stringent from the

grand idea to the detail. I also like to distillate

an idea to its essence in order to make it more

powerful.

“Often reoccurring are contrasts, scales and

mutations. Reasons for this are that they are,

while still part of the design idea, challenging it

and evoking a dialogue within the concept.”

Given the times, how important would you say is environmental and social sustainability in your designs? What would you say is the greatest challenge?“Environmental and social sustainability are

fundamental. However, I do not understand

them as a design-defining parameter but

as something that is naturally integrated

in the design. I would also not wish that

the sustainability aspects are the (only)

distinguishing factor in my designs.

“I was working as an assistant at the

sustainability chair at the ETH (Swiss Federal

Institute of Technology, Zurich) for some years.

This opened my eyes to the principles of

sustainability and the entire lifecycle of real

estate. Many of the 'sustainable' solutions are,

in fact, less convincing when one includes the

production phase and the disposal of it. They are

often energy-intense and highly toxic.

“There are very simple and efficient details

– also for this region where saline air, high

humidity, high temperatures and sever sunlight

form a relatively hostile climate – that reduce

negative impact to the environment before,

during and after the life-cycle of the building.

Most of these details are unspectacular and not

visible to the eye like proper insulation, tight

windows, shading and so on. Different materials

have different properties (e.g. in terms of energy

transmittal) and can be useful to regulate the

internal climate too.

“The term ‘green buildings’ is often used as a

marketing tool. Which has its rights as it helps

to raise awareness of sustainability. However, a

green building does not necessarily need to look

green and possibly a green-looking building is

in fact not so green after all.

“Social sustainability is probably even harder

to achieve than the ecological one. The

framework for successful social sustainability

is with the urban development department and

the government. There is no right and wrong

approach but frameworks that are more suitable

for a culture and others that are less.

“On an architectural scale, I think that social

sustainability has much to do with being aware

PEOPLE

most Middle Eastern layouts follow a

representative arrangement and private and

semi-private areas are strictly separated. I am

not so familiar with the Asian layouts but due

to their multi-use of space, separation might

be limited while representative characters are

maintained. Europe and the US like more open

and fluid spaces with little separation between

private and semi-private. Representative

considerations are less than here, respectively

translated less formal than here. –It is, in

general, to be noted that design is loaded

culture-specific connotations, and only if one is

able to read them, one understands them.

“The understanding of quality and beauty is

also different. However, I am not sure whether

this has cultural reasons or not. While in the

Western world an ordinary material becomes

extraordinary only by superior design and

craftsmanship, it seems that in the Middle East

the value of the material – and sometimes also

only the appearance – is higher esteemed than

the workmanship.”

How would you describe your signature style? “It is probably more interesting to hear what

others see in my designs! It is nice that you talk

about “my signature style.” This implies that

you see a) a style and b) a signature in my work.

Maybe I should ask you the above question?

More than answering your questions, I try to

explain certain reoccurring thinking patterns of

mine during the design phase.

“The context – geographical, cultural, of use

and user, budget – all that is usually starting

point of any design journey. They build the

rational framework, the must-comply-with.

In parallel, I try to develop a poetic note that

looks at the question of how to translate it into

FAVOURITE MONUMENTS Urban monumentsMasuleh, Iran – For its unique concept of interlacing and staggering private and public spaceHong Kong Island – Because of how it dealt with high density and respects space for public activities (social sustainability)Palm Jumeirah – As the most radical urban plan since Venice

Architectural monumentsChurch of Saint George, Lalibela, Ethiopia – For being rock-cut architecture, its fifth and most important façade (the roof) and how it changes your perception/perspective while exploring it.Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao – For its harmonious organic shapes and the impact it had on the city and the regionEmirates Towers, Dubai – For its consequent design, poetic arrangement and it being a true landmark due to its history and placement

Landscape monumentsMogul Gardens, Srinagar, Kashmir – For its unique choreography on a slope and how it plays with waterPurple Mountain, Nanjing – For dramatising the axis by breaking and reintroducing itLandscape in front of Exhibition Center, Dubai – For its playful character and high design quality on small space

FAVOURITE ARCHITECTS Santiago Calatrava – For his inspiring and poetic forms and the way he plays with multiplicationCarlo Scarpa – For his sensitivity towards materials and splendid details that are joyful yet strictLe Corbusier – For being so consequent and inconsequent at the same time

what impact the building has on its environment

and people. Being aware of all stakeholders and

taking conscious decisions are basics.

“Manhattan once implemented an interesting

code that benefitted the owners as well as the

public: the investor was allowed to increase

the building height if he made the ground

floor a public space. I think this is a nice,

social sustainable attitude on the level of

architecture.”

What themes of your professional designs can one see recurring in your personal space?“As I develop many architectural ideas in

different media – furniture, art, jewellery – much

of my work is exhibited in my personal space. In

fact, I have such a high output that many of my

friends are intruded with my work. Otherwise,

I like it more minimal and reduced, not opulent

and loud. I love large and empty floor plans with

huge windows and generous transition from

inside and outside.

“I embrace contrasts and like to group furniture

and art from different cultures and epochs

together; or set filigree objects next to bulky

ones. I am also fond of extreme proportions and

unusual materials. In terms of color, light earthy

shades are my favorite but I have come to love

bright, colorful interruptions to this peaceful

environment.”

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for?“My goal when it comes to my work …I always

try to respect and inspire people with my

designs. What I create should be purposeful,

stimulating and conscious. I much like attention

to details, good craftsmanship and clear ideas.

And whatever I do, I do with integrity.

"What I would like to be remembered for?

Design wise, for inspiring creations in

architecture, objects, art and jewellery and for

blurring boundaries between the very same

fields. Work wise, it would be for integrity and

good quality. I do wish that all my clients love

what I have done for them and are proud of it. I

also hope that I was able to help them to go one

or even more steps further than they would have

done without me.”

How would you describe your life outside the world of architecture? “I am a rather private person who likes sports

and socialise in smaller groups. Travelling

is a great passion of mine and a source of

inspiration. On the other hand, a creative

process never stops. It is always there –

somewhere in the back of your head. And even

if one is not ‘in the world of architecture’, ideas

form and develop. Similarly with inspiration:

inspiration comes in unexpected moments. One

needs to be open to see and capture them also

when one is not in the respective world where

one would need that inspiration.”

If you were given the power to change the look of a certain monument/building/place, what would you choose and why? “I don’t think any monument/building/place

needs to be changed. There are always good

reasons why things are as they are. One might

not agree with the idea and attitude behind it

but life is interesting because there are different

opinions. However, I am always interested in

designing monuments/buildings/places and

also hope that these designs evoke discussions

and dialogues. So, maybe someone else would

be more than happy to change my designs.”

28

THE RIGHT CLICK SHOP

Anyone who loves online shopping, will know that it

does not get better than Sukar.com. We must confess

we have been loyal followers of the website and have

more often than not snagged quite a few luscious deals

on our favourite brands.

Needless to say, as nosy reporters we were curious to

know who is responsible for bestowing this manna

on us shopaholic souls. Ladies and gentlemen, meet

Saygin Yalcin, the Founder and President of Sukar.com

– the first and largest online private shopping club in

the Middle East. Educated in Germany, US and Mexico,

this young and dynamic entrepreneur is responsible for creating a shopping revolution on the World

Wide Web in this part of the world! Having worked with a range of high-profile corporations such as

BMW, L’Oreal and Capgemini as a student, Saygin, upon graduation, collaborated with the founding

members of the Global Shopping Club Alliance, to analyse new investment opportunities and

business models. Saygin was also the founder and CEO of Joe Suis GmbH; a premium luxury house

for high-end leather handbags and diamond jewellery based in Germany, where he collaborated

with several online shopping clubs as major distribution channels.

The experience of working with luxury products and a global sourcing network gave Saygin the

market insight needed to see the opportunity of bringing the shopping club model to the Middle

East. In 2009, Saygin met the founding team consisting of one of the world's most successful

Internet serial entrepreneurs and the Jabbar Internet Group, the Middle East’s largest e-commerce

conglomerate. Viola, Sukar.com was born.

In less than two years, Sukar.com has grown from a small e-commerce startup into the multi-million-

dollar business. Saygin, who spoke to signature on various aspects of running and maintain an

online shopping website, envisions Sukar.com becoming “the biggest online distribution channel for

fashion and lifestyle products in the Middle East.”

DEEPA RAJAN QUIZZES SAYGIN YALCIN, THE FOUNDER OF SUKAR.COM – MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST AND LARGEST ONLINE PRIVATE SHOPPING

CLUB, AND DISCOVERS THE SECRET BEHIND HIS SUCCESS

“ONLINE SHOPPING IS ONE

OF MY HOBBIES, MAINLY FROM

LEADING GLOBAL E-COMMERCE AND FASHION

HOUSES; IT KEEPS ME UPDATED ON

THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

FIRST HAND. I ALSO OPT TO

WORK WITH SOME TAILORS TO MAKE

MY FITTED SUITS AND SHIRTS.”

THE BIRTH OF THE CONCEPT“The concept of a private online shopping

club emerged in Europe over a decade ago.

Before Sukar.com, I was already collaborating

with our investors, who own several number

one shopping clubs worldwide. Looking at

the booming Middle Eastern market and the

attractive internet penetration rates, it was just

a matter of time until we brought this service to

the Middle East. People in this region are brand-

aware, fashion-savvy and highly active online.

Since launching in early 2010, Sukar.com has

already established itself as the leading online

private shopping club in the Middle East with a

member base approaching a million members

and the highest volume of business among

Middle Eastern online shopping clubs which

proves that our online model is something the

market was looking for.”

THE WORKINGS“Our extensive network of relationships with

brand owners and authorised distributors

allows us to offer members-only prices,

significantly below the retail rates available

in the market. Sukar.com offers new sale

campaigns every day of the week. Most of our

offers last for 48 hours and a few last up to

four days. All merchandise is available at the

beginning of a sale and lasts until it sells out.

"Everything sold on Sukar.com is available on a

first-come first-served basis. Once the member

has selected their preferred product and the

quantity they wish to purchase, it is added to

his or her shopping cart and payment can be

done conveniently through a number of payment

options. Upon confirmation of payment, we send

out the good(s) ordered, which will reach the

members within a maximum of 4-6 weeks.”

SECURE AND SAFE SHOPPING“Without trust, no e-Commerce portal could

function. One way in which we offer our

members a sense of security is through a

guarantee that all sensitive data transactions

are carried out over extended validation secure

socket layer protocol (EV-SSL). This is the highest

security rating any web page may attain. The

EV-SSL Certificate has information about the

authenticity of certain details regarding the

identity of a person, business or web site, which

it displays to visitors on the web site when

they click on the browser's padlock symbol or

trust mark. Sukar.com keeps all member data

confidential and does not sell or give away

information to other sources. Moreover, Sukar.

com does not even see or have access to credit

card details, as it is directly entered into the

website of the payment gateway.”

THE CHALLENGES “One has to keep in mind that ecommerce

is a rather new phenomenon in the Middle

East, compared to other regions such as North

America or Europe. This is one of the main

challenges we face, as we have to create

processes and solutions at every stage, due to

the fact that we are pioneering an industry.

“Finding the right talent was another challenge.

Overcoming it was a matter of diligent

recruiting worldwide. Sukar.com’s success is

driven by its people. I believe that we have

the greatest team in the Middle East over 100

talented employees within one year.

“Another success factor is relationship building

with global fashion brands. Sukar.com is

recognised by worldwide renowned brands

and is proud to work with international fashion

houses and lifestyle brands such as Tommy

Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Giorgio Armani,

Emporio Armani, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana,

Balenciaga, Levi's, Converse, DIESEL, Apple,

and Blackberry. Building and maintaining those

relationships is a challenge but it’s one that

is overcome through utilising our great global

sourcing network.”

EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES “Sukar.com has selected partners who have the

privilege to invite members. We collaborate

with other websites such as Google and we use

social media channels mainly such as Facebook

and Twitter, we encourage our members to

invite their friends and we also partner with

key lifestyle and fashion magazines in the

region to reach out to potential members. As an

online company, we obviously believe in online

marketing and it forms a significant portion of

our overall marketing mix.”

THE IDEAL WEBSHOP“Trust is the first and foremost requirement

for any online shopping site. Similarly crucial

are convenience and user-friendliness. The

level of service provided to the customer will

ultimately determine whether or not they give

you repeat business, as well as refer you to

friends, family and colleagues. Of course, you

need to be offering products that people are

interested in buying. The best part is that our

members enjoy up to 90 per cent off regular

retail prices.”

FUTURE PLANS

Our plan is to elevate the shopping experience

for our customers in every way we can –

through offering them better deals from a wider

portfolio of brands and a streamlined shopping

and delivery experience. Our model is simple

and already proven to be successful and we

plan to maintain our position as the Middle

East’s leading online private shopping club and

extend our membership base through doing

what we do in the best way possible

“LUXURY SHOPPING

MEANS CONVENIENCE

AND PRIVILEGE – BOTH OFFERED

ON SUKAR.COM.”

30

TH

E U

LTIM

AT

E

OF

F-R

OA

DE

R

CARS

A SNEAK PEAK INTO THE ALL NEW JEEP WRANGLER...

The Jeep Wrangler is

without a doubt one of

the most recognised,

desirable and capable

off-roaders money can

buy. It is also one of the

more affordable SUVs

on the market. But that

hasn’t stopped it from

getting better with every

new version. The same

is true for the new 2012

model that we should

see in the showrooms

this October.

The biggest change

that we will see is the

introduction of an all-

new engine – the 3.6-litre

Pentastar V6. It delivers

285 horsepower (209 kW)

and 260 lb.-ft. of torque

(353 N•m), with greater

fuel efficiency. The

improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8L V6 engine, is 40 per cent in horsepower and 10 per cent

in torque. Additionally, for refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates from a four-

speed to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler 2 door also features the company’s

first application of a manual transmission to the Pentastar V6.

The new automatic transmission benefits the 2012 Wrangler as much as the new engine with more refined

shifting and gear selection. By increasing the number of speeds from four to five, the transmission allows the

engine to operate in a more efficient RPM range, which helps increase fuel economy. More speeds also enable

the engine to remain in the torque curve, increasing acceleration. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 25 per cent

improvement in 0–100 kmph time, which is now 8.4 seconds. Also, a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic

transmission gives the Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall crawl ratio.

And if reliability is your worry, fear not. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler underwent millions of durability testing miles

during development in the company’s scientific labs, at its proving grounds and on public roads in various

climates. The 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine alone recorded more than 12 million customer-equivalent miles on

engine dynamometers prior to production. Testing was increased by 50 per cent compared to previous Chrysler

Group V6 engines, to guarantee a long life against severe conditions and accommodate high-load applications

such as trailer towing. Reducing noise, vibration and harshness was a key objective for every engine component

and was achieved using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques. As the Wrangler approached

production, the company also tested day and night, on- and off-road to put the equivalent of three years of

wear and tear on the vehicle in approximately three months time. This accelerated testing occurred on public

roads, paved and unpaved, in an attempt to find and fix any issues before the first SUVs were delivered to

customers. The test drivers checked all the functional aspects of the vehicle, such as heating and cooling,

window operation, convertible and removable hardtop operation and navigation system.

As for the rest of the vehicle, it continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension

system, live axles, electronic lockers and best-in-class approach, breakover and departure angles. It also

retains the new interior introduced earlier this year including the upgraded materials, automatic temperature

controls, heated seats, power mirrors and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. A USB port connects to

the media centre and 12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the Wrangler.

Like the interior, the new Wrangler keeps in line with its signature exterior. It still features the classic round

headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield

and innovative removable and convertible tops and half-doors that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand’s

iconic appearance and function. New for 2012 is a body-colour hardtop option on the Sahara model, offering a

premium appearance. Furthermore, with room for five adults, the Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-

door 4x4 convertible on the market The Jeep range is available at

Dhofar Automotive showroom, Azaibah

3232

SHOP If

you get the itch to shop, there’s a massive Tokyu Hands department store in the same mega-mall complex (called Times Square), selling everything from gold body stockings to Japanese tea sets and stationery. Next door is a behemoth Kinokuniya bookstore. The foreign books floor is a good place to find Japanese manga — some even suitable for kids — that has been translated into English. Most departing visitors leave town from Tokyo Station. Before you go, check out the Daimaru department store next door — just outside the station’s Yaesu entrance. Kimono shops that have price tags attached to make you swoon and miss your train to shops selling hair combs, toe socks, thong sandals, purses, and fans, Daimaru has it all. Do visit Oriental Bazaar, a tourist magnet that offers a much bigger selection of souvenirs for you to choose from.

SEEBegin your early morning with Tsukiji, the busiest wholesale fish market in the world. Make your way through the warren of seafood stalls and into the main market building, where the giant frozen tuna

are laid out for inspection and sale, then hooked and hauled. Head straight to the ‘Visitors’ Passageway from where you can watch the live auctions, a daily ritual that’s over by 6:30am. Catch a sumo tournament (January/May/September) at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's National Sumo Hall. If it's not tournament season, try to go to one of the stables where the wrestlers live and train. Pay obeisance at Meiji-jingu, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West. The 40-foot-high (12m) Torii Gate at the entrance to the 200-acre park is made of 1,500-year-old cypress, and there’s a second one like it closer to the shrine itself. As far as parks go, Yoyogi Park in Shibuya-ku is the perfect comic relief after a low-key shrine stop. Yoyogi draws all sorts of talent, from horn players to hula hoopers to hip-hop dancers. Yoyogi Park has a mellower side that's also worth exploring — areas to the north and west, past the fountain pond and central field. Try the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden which is said to be the most beautiful. Major gardens include the English Landscape, French Formal, Japanese Traditional (with teahouse) and the curiously named Mother and Child Forest (Haha to Ko no Mori). There's also a lovely Taiwan Pavilion. You can also explore Asakusa, the center of Tokyo's shitamachi (literally "low city"), one of Tokyo's districts, where an atmosphere of the Tokyo of past decades survives. Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.

KONNICHIWA TOKYO

STOPOVER

All and any travel advisories taken into consideration, Tokyo is still a place to tick off on your travel map. Overcrowded, like any other city, Tokyo is also a mystical place that author Haruki Murakami talks about in his tales of magic realism. It’s not a pretty city, not by conventional standards. If you go looking for overt awesomeness, you may come back disappointed. Take your time to explore the hidden wonders of Tokyo...

EATSushi at Pintokona is said to be delectable. Simply help yourself to the artfully arranged

dishes as they roll by on a conveyor belt, or use the picture menu to let the chef know what you want. The Washington hotel is a good spot for dinner — one of the hotel restaurants is Zauo Fishing Boat Cafe, where you can catch the fish that ultimately ends up on your plate (you use a net to scoop a live one out of the big tank). The Park Hyatt Tokyo is also nearby if you feel like splurging that is. Shibuya Station and its bustling Tokyu Food Show are famous for an elegant array of gourmet eats and an education in local tastes: grilled eel, tiny fish salad, octopus on a stick, seafood-and-rice seaweed wraps and much more. Ebisu is full of eateries that specialise in grilled meat and vegetables, hotpot, sashimi and other casual fare, along with extensive drink menus. Do not forget to visit Shinjuku Golden Gai, composed of a network of six narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways which are just about wide enough for a single person to pass through. Over 200 tiny shanty-style clubs and eateries are squeezed into this area.

STAYExperience the Four Seasons luxury; guaranteed personal service and intimacy. Thanks to the landmark skyscraper location and floor-to-ceiling windows, every room has a view. The hotel spa is to die for! You can also check

yourself into the Mandrin Oriental. Located near Tokyo Station in the Mitsui Tower, the Mandarin Oriental is located in the historical merchant district of Nihonbashi — and enjoys unprecedented city views. Michelin-starred eateries, award-winning on-site spa and Sembikiya, one of Japan's most treasured fruit shops, located on the first floor of the Mitsui Tower, Mandarin Oriental offers you a slice of Tokyo like none other. The Park Hyatt Tokyo — housed in the upper floors of a handsome steel Kenzo Tange tower near Yoyogi Park in Shinjuku — is the hotel stay in. And, if you are lucky a Hollywood star-spotting will happen. Other hotels you can choose from The Ritz-Carlton located on the top nine floors of the city’s tallest structure, Tokyo Midtown Galleria, with close proximity to the bustling Roppongi District and the famous Peninsula Tokyo.

On 25 October 2011, get ready to be a part of Oman’s first forum to recognizethe entrepreneurial zeal and achievements of exemplary Omani women.

The Amphitheatre, Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa,

I never started outto meet huge success;

I started outto meet the purposeMany Journeys. Many Inspirations. One Spirit.

/ums_omanFor further information call-

Ruwayda Al Barwani 24700896 Ext 265Laurelle DeSa 24700896 Ext 362

Mobile: 93204370Email: laurelle@umsoman.com

C A T E G O R I E SAl Mar'a Excellence Awards for:

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Petroleum Services Corporate Excellence Social Responsibility Fine Arts Performing Arts Technology Science & Industry

Health Services Education Services Sports Fashion Design

UM

S

Log in to www.almaraonline.comNominate yourself if you have a success story to share.

Don’t miss to nominate your role model / mentor who has inspired you to be.

P O W E R E D B Y

36

The CAR-MIC

Connection So what do Jay Leno,

Nicholas Cage and Ralph Lauren have in common?

They all are crazy about cars. Here’s our top ten list of

celebrity car collectors

TAKE10

Nicolas CageBankrupt as he may be, Cage is a bit of a legend when it comes to

overspending. He is known to have up to 50 vehicles in a warehouse at the

Santa Monica airport. Cage is also said to be a Lamborghini enthusiast.

Rowan Atkinson

Mr. Bean ain’t that clumsy when it comes to cars! Atkinson started his car collection

in 1981 with an Aston Martin V8. He now owns several classic cars and once

competed in a race across France driving a 1958 AC Ace.

Nick MasonThe Pink Floyd drummer has a penchant for exclusive vintage

racing cars. His collection of about 50 vehicles resides in a

hangar in the Cotswolds.

Jerry Seinfeld

This funny man means serious business when it comes to his automobiles. A

Porsche collector, with cars worth more than US$10 million, is said to be the

world’s largest outside of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.

Tim AllenHome Improvement frontman keeps his

collection in a California warehouse. The who’s who list includes a chopped and channeled silver 1956 Ford F150 pickup, a 1996 Chevy Impala SS with a Corvette ZR1 engine, a 1968 Shelby

GT500 KR, and the Tim Allen Moal Roadster Special. This, mind you, is

just scraping the list!

Jeff BeckThis British rock guitar hero is said to

have built an oak frame stable to house his collection that’s heavily weighted with

classic Deuce Coupes and Roadsters (1932 Fords).

Ralph Lauren

Clothes are not his only passion. Every one of his 39 cars is said to be a masterpiece, just like his creations.

The icing on the cake? A 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, one of

only three models ever built (and two left in existence).

Bill Goldberg

Two-time WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) champion’s collection

hovers around 20 cars, including a blue '68 GTX convertible, a ’70

Barracuda 440 Six-Pack, a ’69 Hemi Charger R/T, a ’70 Hemi ‘Cuda

Convertible and a '67 Plymouth GTX like the one that started it all.

Billy Gibbons

The ZZ Top guitarist owns many classic creations, starting with a 1932

Ford Roadster, a mint 1961 black Cadillac Coupe de Ville, a decked-out 1946 Ford sedan, a 1950 Ford coupe,

to name a few. Each of them have bizzare nicknames.

Jay LenoThe craziest of the lot, Leno has a

special garage for nearly 200 cars and motorcycles in a sprawling warehouse

complex in Burbank, California. He possesses a thorough historical and mechanical knowledge of each one.

LOOKBOOK

FASHION &ACCESSORIES

HOTTEST LOOKS, TRENDY ACCESSORIES,

AND SOME ‘HOW TO REV UP YOUR STYLE’

TIPS; ALL YOU FASHION FORWARD PEOPLE OUT THERE, WE PRESENT TO

YOU OUR VERY OWN AUTUMN-WINTER 2011

LOOKBOOK…

38

OFFICE CHICHigh Fashion in the work place is not always

welcome. Some sectors even have strict dress

codes, but runways always have a little something

for every career woman.

Sophisticated shirt dresses slightly below the knee

and long sleeves were found on the runway of

Gucci and Chloé and more affordable options can

be found at Banana Republic and Marc by Marc

Jacobs.

The menswear-inspired tailoring graces the

runways this season, so working women rejoice

and make room in your fall wardrobe for some

neatly cut suits. Minimalist pieces, clean lines were

found at Celine, Calvin Klein and double breasted

plaid suits by Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger

SOLE TALKThe International runways also saw lots of new

shoe styles from knee boots, hardware details and

mannish styles like loafers. Leave it up to über-sexy

brands like Tom Ford, Gucci and Versace to keep

the stilettos sky high.

After seasons of ankle boots, we are now back to

knee-length boots to keep your legs looking slim and

warm in the winter months.

OUR TOP PICKS

Prada (snakeskin)

Valentino (lace)

Jimmy Choo (classic)

The mannish style of brogues and loafers and pointy

styles make it more feminine.

OUR TOP PICKS

Christian Louboutin (velvet loafers)

Stella McCartney

Celine

Nothing creates better long lean legs like a good pair

of high heels.

FEMININE KILLER SHOES

Christian Louboutin

Tom Ford

Gucci

Oscar de la Renta

Affordable 'on-trend' shoes can be found in Zara, Kurt

Geiger and Aldo.

RUNWAY REPORT ROSEMIN MANJI BRINGS US A REPORT ON WHAT’S BURNING UP THE RAMPS…

Rosemin Manji is the founder of RR

& Co. Bespoke Luxury Management

that specialises in styling, media

relations among other luxury

services. Manji is also a regular

on Studio One, Dubai TV as their

fashion correspondent. She has

contributed in Harpers Bazaar,

Grazia and Esquire and has covered

Atlantis Palm Dubai opening Red

Carpet interviewing top International

celebrities for MTV.

Manji has been on Best Dressed list

for Harpers Bazaar, Grazia, Pashion,

Mondanite, Ahlan Masala. Her

contribution to the fashion industry

has been recognised by Arab News

as Top 20 Business women in the

Gulf and Ahlan Hot 100 List 2010

and 2011.

THE STYLE FILES

Chloé PradaChristian Louboutin

CASUALSYou recommend: For this climate, 100 per cent

good quality linen as it helps your body breathe.

Best brands: 120 per cent Lino-designed and

manufactured in Italy and available in Oman at

Nick&Friends

Accessorise: A trendy lightweight scarf or chunky

bangles and necklace

FORMALSYou recommend: Blazers over summer dresses

and pumps or simple neutral hues on the upper

body and black cigarette trousers with killer heels

at the bottom. If you can squeeze on a panama hat

without overdoing it – you’re right on trend!!!

Best brands: Reiss

Accessorise: Reams of pearls

EVENING WEARYou recommend: Elegant draping and refined

embellishments

Best brands: BCBGMaxAzria - affordable, durable

and wearable

Accessorise: Subtlety - the dress says it all!!

BEACH WEARYou recommend: Anything goes - as long as it

fits! Choose a style that flatters your body shape.

Best brands: Try the website

www.sandinmyshoes.com for affordable designer

beachwear

Accessorise: Sheer printed kaftans

STYLE 1O1FIONA GRIFFITHS, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF NICK AND FRIENDS,

GIVES US SOME TIPS TO DRESS RIGHT...

40

AUST

IN R

EED

Austin Reed available in Dubai

42

THE STYLE FILES

MRPORTER has identified the items every man needs in his wardrobe for the winter season. Here are a dozen of our favourites, which range in their appeal from the utility of a chunky cardigan by Maison Martin Margiela to the luxury of a handmade calfskin briefcase by Swaine Adeney Brigg

BROWN OXFORDSDark brown shoes represent a tiny step beyond strict sartorial guidelines – pedants still insist on “no brown in town” – and it’s undoubtedly easier to wear black shoes with a suit. However, these suede oxfords will look superb witha blue suit.

BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTThe inherent informality (they were originally designed to be worn by polo players who needed to prevent their collars flapping) of button-down shirts makes them the default setting for the weekend, but they are useful because they also work under a blazer, and even a suit.

GREY WOOL TROUSERSWarm, tactile and hard-wearing, these classic charcoal-grey trousers are versatile enough to work with trainers and an untucked shirt on Saturday morning, or with a blazer, shirt, tie and suede Oxford shoes for a smart lunch.SE

ASO

N’S

ES

SEN

TIA

LS

TOBY BATEMAN, BUYING DIRECTOR OF MRPORTER.COM, ON AW2011-2012 ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

Jimmy Choo at MRPORTER.COM

Bro

oks

Bro

ther

s at

MR

POR

TER

.CO

M

GREY SUITAnyone who wears a suit regularly needs a grey one, which can be worn with white shirts and dark ties for a clean, minimal look or with blue shirts and printed ties to make a more classic impression. Although the dominant cut remains lean, it’s better to prioritise flattering over trendy.

ATTACHÉ CASEThe lid-over-body briefcase has been little seen for the last couple of decades, but given the return of previously abandoned accessories like pocket squares and tie clips, now feels like the moment for the renaissance of this hundred-year-old form. The cases are constructed around a steel frame, which is then swathed in calfskin

CAMEL OVERCOATCamel is a great colour for the second overcoat you buy. It looks superb against a blue suit, and equally good worn with blue jeans and tan brogues. As with any overcoat go for the slimmest cut that’s comfortable, and nota bene that while camel coats were once made of camel hair, this one is made of cashmere.

CARDIGANCardigans, like roll necks, are at their best when they’re either slim enough to fit discreetly under a suit jacket, or chunky enough to work as a coat. For the latter there’s no better model than the late Mr Steve McQueen, who wore just such a cardigan in a famous series of photographs shot by Mr William Claxton at Big Sur in California.

WOOLLEN TIEIt’s funny how many of the stylistic quirks that distinguish well-dressed men actually have the effect of toning down their appearance. So it is with woollen ties, which are inherently less smart than normal silk ties but some how lend a man an air of sophistication. The secret is in the contrast of texture between the gloss of a work suit and the matte tie.

before the brass locks are fitted. They will last a lifetime.

TWEED JACKETThis versatile garment has been rejuvenated and can now usefully double up as both a jacket and a coat. Worn over a soft shirt, or simply a sweater, the look is a casual update of classic Ivy League style, but worn over a pop of bright colour it becomes much more contemporary.

GOOSE-DOWN JACKETOnly a decade ago a man needed to buy a huge, heavy goose-down parka to keep the chill of winter out, but in recent years the coats have got slimmer, the finishes more interesting and the weight has reduced. Aspesi, until now hard to find outside Milan, provides a youthful take on the form.

CASHMERE SCARFCashmere is best worn where its tactility will be most appreciated. And there’s no place where its softness will be more welcome than around your neck. Given that they never go out of style it’s worth owning a few scarves, if only to complement a variety of different colour schemes.

CORD TROUSERSCorduroy, which is everywhere this season, represents a modern nod toward the rus in urbe style that tweed also embodies. Cords are always informal and comfortable but need to be in a slim cut, and - particularly this autumn - a bright colour, to avoid looking shapeless and middle aged.

Paul Smith at MRPORTER.COM

Ralph Lauren at MRPORTER.COM

Swaine Adeney Brigg at MRPORTER.COM

Gucci at MRPORTER.COM

44

MAN

GO

Mango stores in Qurum City Centre and Muscat City Centre, Seeb

46

ZARA

ZARA outlet in Muscat City Centre, Seeb

48

VERS

ACE

Versace boutiques in the region are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, KSA

(Riyadh, Jeddah & Khobar), Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.

50

MAR

KS&

SPEN

CER

M&S outlet in Muscat City Centre

52

TOM

MY

HILF

IGER

TOMMY HILFIGER outlet in Muscat City Centre

54

THE STYLE FILES

TREND 1 LEATHER REPORTLeather is fall’s most seductive trend – and this time, it’s not just about jackets! It’s all about the unexpected detail. From paneled shifts to patent-trim minis, work leather into every look.

GLA

M U

PEVE THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR OF THEOUTNET.

COM SHOWS US WAY THE FASHION WIND IS

BLOWING THIS SEASON

Felder Felder at THEOUTNET.COM

Versace at THEOUTNET.COM

TREND 2 LUXED-UP OUTERWEARThis fall, outerwear goes luxe. Whether you choose a shearling bolero or extravagantly trimmed trench, a sumptuous cover-up is a wardrobe must.

TREND 3 MOD WORLD

The ‘60s is fall’s favorite fashion reference. Evoke the era by day in thigh-

skimming A-line skirts and buttoned peacoats.

TREND 4 ALL THAT SHIMMERSMolten metals and glittering sequins are the looks to make a statement in. And the best part? You can wear them day and night.

Burberry Prosum at THEOUTNET.COM

D&G at THEOUTNET.COM

Rick Owens at THEOUTNET.COM Alexander Wang at THEOUTNET.COM DKNY at THEOUTNET.COM

Phillip Lim at THEOUTNET.COM

Isabel Marant at THEOUTNET.COM

TIBI at THEOUTNET.COM

56

ADD-ON STYLE HOLLI ROGERS, BUYING DIRECTOR OF NET-a-PORTER, DISHES OUT HER EXPERTISE ON HOW TO PICK BAGS, SHOES ET AL THIS SEASON…

THE STYLE FILES

Christian Louboutin at NET-a-PORTER

Alaia at NET-a-PORTERDolce & Gabbana at NET-a-PORTER

Christian Louboutin at NET-a-PORTER

Accessories to invest in…The alternative evening bag - from zip top pouches at Valentino to incredible detailing on shoulder straps at Christian Louboutin, these are the next generation of evening bags.Scarves from Artemis Wragge, Yarnz and Athena Procopiou. They are your winter necklace and the perfect decorative piece to add to any look.

From flat caps at Burberry to floppy hats at Gucci to oversized at Lanvin be sure

to invest in one this season. The new iPad cases - this season it was all about added details with chain straps, all over sequins and star prints with Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs upping the tech ante for fall. Flats or heels this Autumn/Winter? What is the one pair of shoes that will see us through this season?It is difficult to pick just one with both being so relevant for FW11. Masculine shoes are set to become ever more

popular with creepers, men's slippers and chelsea boots taking centre stage amongst the brogues and loafers both on the runway and off. At the other end of the spectrum go single soled heel and stiletto for elegant feminine appeal. Which bags do you think are going to top the waiting lists this season?• PS1 in Navaho print• Christian Louboutin shoulder detail evening bags• Chloé bucket bag

Christian Louboutin at NET-a-PORTERGucci at NET-a-PORTERAthena Procopiou at NET-a-PORTER

Alexander McQueen at NET-a-PORTER Pedro Gsrcia at NET-a-PORTER

58

VERS

ACE

Versace boutiques in the region are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, KSA

(Riyadh, Jeddah & Khobar), Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.

DUM

OND

DUMOND outlets in Qurum and Muscat City Centre

60

ALDO

ALDO outlets in Qurum and Muscat City Centre

MAN

GO

MANGO outlets in Qurum and Muscat City Centre

62

Centuries ago, men used to tie a scarf or neckerchief

around their necks. The tie as we know it today has

its roots in the middle of the 19th century in France.

Later on, British military regiments created their own

unique regimental ties and club ties, which further

supported the spreading of the men's necktie. The

current shape did not come into fashion until 1924.

There’s no such thing as owning too many neckties,

especially for men who dress well and dress

up often. Your tie often dictates the mood and

personality of your outfit, which is why a bold piece

is just as important in your wardrobe as a classic

necktie style.

For Fall-Winter this year, textured neckties are taken

one step further with a bolder and brighter colour

palette. It’s at once a nod to both the traditions of

extra texture and standout colours for Fall style,

when grays and blacks inevitably dominate most

male closets. Granted, its un-classic affectations

don’t make the same wool plaid pattern tie wearable

again and again.

GO WOOLLEN

The easiest way to update your wardrobe is to add

a woollen tie to your collection, or begin your necktie

collection with one! Woollen ties are very en vogue

this season and so please, make sure that you stay

on trend. Colour and texture are two elements that

are too easy to overdo. If you’re going to wear a

prominent piece like a wollen tie, make sure that your

other clothes are subtle and understated so it gets

all the limelight. Pair it with a matching belt or pair of

socks for added sartorial appeal.

FESTIVE TOUCH

With the festive season also around the corner,

go in for festive ties if you don’t have the courage

to wear a bow tie. Instead of a bow tie, you can

pick up something as elegant as the simple black

and the silver tie is worth mentioning for such

occasions because this colour is also en vogue with

accessories and jewellery. In combination with a

white shirt and a black suit it makes a spruce and

soigné impression.

The glint of silver is especially elegant in Jacquard

fabrics. Jacquard means that silk is woven into a

fabric with a good surface texture, showing an even

more wonderful shine and texture in the light. Festive

silver ties are commonly seen with diagonal stripes,

but the Paisley pattern is also a great choice for a

festive necktie.

THE CRAVAT CAVEAT

SHAWN STEPHENS ON HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT TIE…

THE STYLE FILES

Alexander McQueen at MRPORTER.COM

Shawn Stephens is a PR

professional and has worked on the

teams that handled accounts like

Dubai Film Festival, Christies, Art

Dubai, Qatar Airways, The Hilton

group, Adidas and Dior. He is

seen quite often on the red carpet

making show-stopping entrances

at some of the most chic events

and parties in Dubai and around the

Middle East. He is currently Account

Director with Z7 communications

in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

that handles Versace, TOD’s,

TAG Heuer, Salvatore Ferragamo,

Bonhams, JAMM art advisory,

MRPORTER.COM, Net-a-Porter,

THEOUTNET.COM and Hoss

Intropia.

Which other tie colours in combination with the

black suit and white shirt also provide an elegant

appearance? Lilac and purple-coloured ties as well

as ties in soft golden shades are very stylish and give

a sophisticated touch to the evening dress.

Festive events during the day allow a much broader

colour selection. Depending on the season, light

Spring colours, warm sun tones and Autumn reds

and rust shades are a good choice. The latter offers

the greatest contrast and colour effect on a white

shirt, whether it be a single colour or a classical

pattern such as stripes, Paisleys or a fancy pattern.

Strong colours though are reserved for men looking

to make a bolder impression. In addition, there is

also the choice of bow ties with dots, polka dots and

stripes.

BOW-TIED EFFECT

Bow ties are horizontal accessories in contrast to

neckties, There is a wide selection of bow ties, and

just like the necktie, it takes only a few steps to tie a

bow tie. Most men, however, prefer the convenience

of the already tied bow tie. The bow tie is often

reserved for a special occasion – with the tuxedo,

the Spencer jacket and the tailcoat. Importantly,

however, a bow tie is never worn with a morning

coat, but rather a tie or ascot.

Of course, if you choose to wear a Spencer jacket for

the evening, you still have more freedom of choice

colour-wise concerning both combinations and

designs, because this garment is available in a large

variety of colours. With the tailcoat, however, one

does not have a choice, and the white bow tie is a

must. Often it is made out of cotton pique rather than

white silk. A black bow tie with the tailcoat is only

worn by waiters, so that one can always differentiate

between them and the customers.

SKINNY OR NOT

Skinny ties are not so much in vogue this fall, but

in case you want the 60s look this Fall, then the

skinny ties can take you back there. The skinny

tie was reborn in the late 90s and has since then

experienced great popularity. Although this year,

it’s slighty less popular as compared to 2007. The

trendy skinny tie is best suited for fashion-conscious

men. Mostly younger men wear narrow neckties.

The skinny tie is better not teamed up with with a

two-piece business suit. It is often worn as a trendy-

casual accessory.

Finally! A piece of advice is that always try various

ties to suit your ensemble, personality and your body

type. What looks good on a model, in a commercial

or in pictures may just look very different on you. So

to be doubly sure, always try ties on before buying

one!Ferragamo

Alexander Olch at MRPORTER.COM

Gucci at MRPORTER.COM

64

VINC

CI

VINCCI outlet in Muscat City Centre

66

GOOD TIMES ALEXANDRE PERALDI, DESIGN DIRECTOR AT BAUME & MERCIER, KEEPS A KEEN WATCH ON

THE TRENDS IN THE TIMEPIECE WORLD AND COMES BACK WITH SOME OBSERVATIONS.

Alexandre Peraldi graduated from

Ecole Boulle (Paris) specialising

in engraving and enamel work.

He undertook a post-graduate

course at the Institut Supérieur du

Marketing de Luxe. Peraldi began

his career in the Design department

at Cartier International, working

on the creation of accessories for

Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent. He

is currently the Design Director at

Baume & Mercier.

THE SIZEFor men: Large sizes are still a growing trend For women: Larger sizes as well, even if they cannot be compared to the size of men’s watches. But we are definitely past the ‘petite’ trend for ladies.

THE DESIGNSFor men: No extravagances, classic is the reference point for this season’s designs.For women: Definitely not the clichés - pink, white… Women deserve bright and lifting colours.

THE MATERIALSFor men: Red gold For women: Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds…

BRANDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SEASON For men: Baume & MercierFor women: Baume & Mercier

THE MOVEMENTSFor men: More than ever manual and automatic, with complications more discreet, more useful and/or more functional.For women: Automatic movements remain the ‘rising star’.

68

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