< Previous70 The sleek styling of the LG SIGNATURE Refrigerator blends seamlessly with an open-plan, contemporary interior. R A D A R / T e c h nolo g y AD_70-71_Radar Tech LG_11013008.indd 7009/12/2019 01:59:33 PMLG’s focus on combining peerless technology with smart aesthetics has achieved something rare – appliances you’ll be proud to have on display CLEAR THINKING Transformation and the quest for excellence are key parts of LG’s DNA. The brainchild of South Korean businessman Koo In Hwoi, the brand was known as Lucky Goldstar when it launched in 1958 and became LG Electronics in 1995. The innovations have kept on coming in the years since: LG launched the first refrigerator powered by an Inverter Linear Compressor in 2001 and, earlier this year, it unveiled the world’s first rollable OLED TV. But it’s the ultra-premium LG SIGNATURE brand (debuted in 2016) which truly demonstrates how LG pairs sophisticated design with seamless functionality. Redefining one of the most essential household appliances, the refrigerator shown here combines cutting-edge technology with striking aesthetics. Made with a scratch- resistant, textured stainless steel finish, it has luxe LED lighting, platinum fresh wall interiors and a sleek display, all in keeping with the company’s ‘Art of Essence’ design ethos. “At LG, our philosophy recognises the value of aesthetics and its impact on functionality,” explains Kevin Cha, president of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa. “LG SIGNATURE is a reflection of this ethos, transforming something beyond a mere appliance into décor for the home.” With LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door technology, two quick knocks on the sleek mirrored glass panel illuminates the fridge, allowing users to see inside the easy access compartment without ever opening the door – saving energy and preventing cold air loss. Additional features include a thermal barrier which uses cold air to maintain temperatures, and compatibility with LG’s SmartThinQ, allowing users to control their refrigerator using a smartphone from outside the home. “This is the pursuit of perfection for LG, and we are very proud to bring the LG SIGNATURE refrigerator to discerning GCC consumers,” Cha adds. lg.com/ae – J . A - R AD_70-71_Radar Tech LG_11013008.indd 7110/12/2019 04:41:25 PM72 The elegant living room of the Bvlgari Suite has sweeping sea views. AD / F oc u s A rt lovers have a new address in Monte Carlo to add to their must-visit list in Monaco – Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar, which has just opened with punch. Featuring the artwork of Iranian-American artist Farzad Kohan, whose exhibition Human Being, Being Human explores the lived experience, the inaugural event set the tone for the gallery’s future endeavours. Founded and directed by art connoisseur Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar, it aims to be much more than just an art space; as well as promoting international artists, the gallery will partner with charities and work to improve art dialogue in the French Riviera, as its founder explains here. How did you get involved in your current work? Since 2009, I have been the curator of the permanent collection for Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar, which is uniquely focused on Iranian modern and contemporary art. In parallel, I have been building our private collection, which started with Iranian art and later branched out to include African and Western contemporary art. As a passionate art lover, I have also enjoyed hosting an array of non-profi t functions in support of the arts in our Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat residence. All of these activities eventually led me to the creation of Galerie Maria Behnam- Bakhtiar in Monaco as I believe the Principality provides a wonderful platform for showcasing talent and bringing artists and collectors together. Why did you chose Farzad Kohan for your inaugural exhibition? Farzad’s works are truly universal as they explore themes we can all connect to – love, kindness and human identity. I thought A new Monte Carlo gallery has its eye on bettering society through art BEHIND THE CANVAS AD_72-73_PROMO_SassanBakhitar_11062977.indd 7209/12/2019 02:01:19 PMsuch connectivity would be a wonderful spirit to have for the opening exhibition. He layers, then strips, abstract works through painting, creating weathered surfaces. Allusions to the passage of time, gradual transformations and hidden stories are found in the tactile details. How do his pieces explore these themes? The strength of these works lies in the emotions they radiate through a unique blend of colour and typography. The painting Matters, for example, has “kindness” written all over it in Farzad’s signature style. What are the messages he is trying to convey? Text is central to Farzad’s compositions; he uses English and Farsi script to add narrative elements. In Human Being, Being Human, he describes moments of realisation, as well as longing and desire, with repetitive statements that are written across his works. The messages correspond with the colour schemes and textured surfaces of specifi c works, with abstraction used to detail the various sensations of humanity. The works exhibited are at once joyous, uplifting and representative of an enriched life experience. You interpret and conclude the message with your psyche. How do you plan to further art dialogue in the French Riviera? The gallery’s programming includes a non-profi t arts scheme, which involves working closely with the Principality’s charity organisations. Additionally, Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar runs its own publishing house that produces books and catalogues to accompany its exhibitions, contributing to a wider art historical discourse by inviting curators and writers to collaborate. Tell us more about the gallery’s social initiatives. It is very important for me to ensure that the gallery is a platform that inspires change and highlights the importance of social responsibility. For every exhibition we select an organisation that makes this world a better place, and donate a portion of the proceeds. mariabehnambakhtiar.com – RIMA AL S AMMARAE “The strength of these works lies in the emotions they radiate through colour and typography” AD_72-73_PROMO_SassanBakhitar_11062977.indd 7309/12/2019 02:01:38 PMTHE LAST WORD IN TRAVEL For more travel news and inspiration: cntravellerme.com75 “THE MAISON HAS CREATED MANY LEGENDARY JEWELS, INCLUDING PIECES FOR QUEEN NAZLI OF EGYPT” Style 76 AD_75_STYLE_Opener_11014179.indd 7509/12/2019 02:04:15 PM76 ST Y L E / Je we lle ry The maison has created many legendary jewels over the decades. Treasures and Legends includes pieces formerly owned by Queen Nazli of Egypt, the Maharani of Baroda, the Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace of Monaco. And the exhibi- tion brims with behind-the-scenes anec- dotes that bring real life fairy tales to life. “You have the stories of the pieces themselves – who they belonged to and how they came into being – and then you have the stories about how they are an expression of the maison’s DNA,” says Macdonald as we admire the Peony clip which was commis- sioned by Princess Faiza of Egypt. “It’s an exceptional piece in two senses: as well as being a perfect representation of how Van Cleef & Arpels showcased nature – poetic, in movement –, its mystery setting technique was patented in 1933. It uses a way of mounting on rails which makes it appear that the rubies are fl oating.” It is undeniably exquisite, but the standout of the exhibition is a replica of the crown Farah Pahlavi wore when she was crowned as shahbanu (empress) of Iran in 1967. “It was quite a challenge – Pierre Arpels had to travel to Iran 24 times because the jewels could not leave the country,” Macdonald explains. “They set up a ‘fl ying’ workshop and spent hundreds of hours completing this huge commission.” A fi lm from the archive explaining the complexity of the work plays alongside the glass case in which the crown sparkles imperiously. It’s a fascinating insight into a moment in history when patronage and prestige led to something extraordinary. The stones have long survived the dynasty they were used to burnish, an enduring symbol of the intangible aura of monarchy. Treasures and Legends runs until 15 January 2020 at the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Dubai Opera Plaza. – TALIB CHOUDHRY T o celebrate the launch of its plush new store in Dubai Opera Plaza, Van Cleef & Arpels recently unveiled its fi rst heritage exhibition in the Middle East, and it is absolutely astounding. Treasures and Legends off ers a dazzling whirl through the French high jewellery house’s collection of exceptional pieces created for Royal households and silver screen icons in the 20th century. As you wander (and wonder) from case to case, it’s hard to believe that these breathtakingly beautiful jewels and precious objects (there are over 50) have been gathered in one place. “We have lots of exhibitions around the world, but this one is a great example of some of the very important highlights of our collection,” says Lise Macdonald, director of patrimony at Van Cleef & Arpels, “The poetry of our pieces is a journey through a world of craftsmanship which opens into a realm of beauty and imagination.” The Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera Plaza store. FROM TOP: The Peony clip for Princess Faiza of Egypt, 1937; Queen Nazli of Egypt; An Indian-inspired necklace commissioned by the Aga Khan, 1971; Replica of Farah Pahlavi’s tiara, 1967. A must-see exhibition at Van Cleef & Arpels’ new Dubai boutique showcases dazzling jewels from historic Middle Eastern royal houses Crowning Glory AD_76_Style_Van Cleef_11072081.indd 7609/12/2019 02:05:44 PMDEPARTURE LOUNGE Venerable French luggage maker Au Départ was established in 1834, and by the Roaring Twenties it reached the apex of its success, the distinctive logo a sign of Parisian elegance. But as the Jet Age gathered pace its fortunes dwindled – hard luggage was seen bulky and old-fashioned – and the atelier was shuttered in 1976. It has just been relaunched in style and is still making trunks, but with an eye on the practicalities of modern life. Now, under the creative direction of hip Milanese designers Dimore Studio, Au Départ’s wares are destined to be stationed in people’s homes instead. The storage space has been utilised for all manner of passions – from record and shoe storage to tea sets and gaming consoles. Customisation is possible, and there’s also a deeply chic selection of men’s and women’s leather bags. audepart.com – S AIQ A AJMAL ST Y L E / H e rit a g e 77 AD_77_Style_Au Depart_11068760.indd 7710/12/2019 04:34:07 PMMidnight Garden Retro style icons provided verdant inspiration for Valentino’s Resort 2020 collection PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI had his resort collection for Valentino photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, a green oasis in the centre of the city with giant bamboo stands and towering palm trees. He liked the garden’s exuberance, but also its urbanity. Getaway clothes have often formed the basis of resort collections because they arrive in stores so close to the winter holidays, but Piccioli was more interested in aligning elegance and the everyday. He is lucky to have at his fi ngertips decades’ worth of pictures of archival Valentino Garavani looks. One famous 1968 photo of Lauren Hutton inspired a naively and lively printed day dress, and another of Veruschka circa the late ’70s was the template for an apricot satin pyjama set voluptuously trimmed in feather tassels. The couture-ish proportions of sweeping capes, skirts and evening gowns, meanwhile, have an alluring sense of grandeur. valentino.com – NICOLE PHELPS 78 ST Y L E / F a s h io n AD_78_Style_Valentino_11073604.indd 7809/12/2019 02:21:50 PM79 Aston Martin’s first-ever motorcycle is a collaboration with Brough Superior THE POWER OF TWO VENERABLE ENGLISH CAR MANUFACTURER ASTON MARTIN has teamed up with revered British motorcycle maker Brough Superior to create a limited-edition, track-only sports bike. And, unsurprisingly, it’s absolutely stunning. The two brands share a bit of history. Both were launched in England in the second decade of the 20th century. Both were beloved by British government operatives, though in the case of Brough, it was an actual person – T.E. Lawrence – who rode (and perished) on one of the company’s bikes, and in the case of Aston, it was fi ctional super- spy James Bond. And both have been rescued from the brink of fi nancial despair in recent years, rebounding successfully. This particular bike, the AMB 001, takes the best that both marques have to off er. It features Aston Martin design elements courtesy of the brand’s chief creative offi cer Marek Reichman, such as streamlined, menacingly fl ared body panels that seem inspired by the carmaker’s shark-like grand- touring coupes. It also features perforated Aston Martin leathers ABOVE: The slick digital display sits between the handlebars. RIGHT: Just 100 AMB 001 motorcycles will be produced. ABOVE: One of the most impressive features is the Oxford Tan saddle. ST Y L E /M o to ri n g (we’re infatuated with the brogued, Oxford Tan saddle), carbon fi bre bodywork, billet aluminium and titanium components, and signature Sterling Green paint with peppy lime trim highlights. All of these lovely bits, along with the rest of the bike’s components, will be hand- assembled at the motorcycle maker’s factory in Toulouse, France. For the occasion, Brough has released its fi rst turbocharged V-twin motor, which produces 180 horsepower (for perspective, most motorcycles have below 100 horsepower). A slick digital display between the handlebars will chart speed and riders should pay close attention to it. With an overall mass of just 400 pounds, the motorcycle sports an excellent power-to-weight ratio, and should be a blast to drive, for those lucky enough to get their hands on one. That won’t be easy. Only 100 AMB 001s will be made, each costing in the neighbourhood of $120,000. Aston Martin has already designed an apartment building, a yacht, a drone, and a submarine. What’s next? astonmartin.com – BRET T BERK AD_79_STYLE_Motoring_11066034.indd 7909/12/2019 02:25:15 PMNext >