< Previous30 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Autumn 2021 W IT H … AL INE A S MAR D’A M M A N The architect, interior designer and founder of Culture in Architecture walks us through an ordinary day around the clock in Paris... Aline Asmar d’Amman in her Paris offi ce. Image courtesy of Pascal Dangin HBI_050_30-31_24 Hours_Aline Asmar_11659812.indd 3027/09/2021 01:10:42 PM 24 HOURS 31 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Autumn 2021 IMAGES COUR TESY OF ALINE ASMAR D’AMMAN 7.00AM The morning starts with a joyful family gathering around the kitchen table with full-steam coffee – my only breakfast – and good vibes with the three men of my life: my husband and two teenage boys. As I often miss the goodnight kisses after long days at the offi ce and demanding work travel, it makes this moment even more special. 7.30AM My dressing room is a personal library and literary boudoir where I start the day sketching and reading. I travel in mind through the pages of books piled up around me, it stretches my mind and is my very own personal yoga. Poetry and coffee are my morning kick. 8.30AM If I’m not catching a train or a plane, I head to our offi ce at Saint-Germain-des-Près and walk the last mile before the destination. The neighbourhood is an electrically charged reverie on its own. The street life unfolds with an exhilarating Parisian scene, from the buzzing cafés and bookstores to the ever-changing fashionable windows, art galleries and antique dealers’ delights. I cannot wait for everyone to reopen their doors again. 9.30AM The meeting-room table is busy with stones, models, drawings and books. Everything comes together in this special room bathed with natural light and the extraordinary overview of Parisian roofs. 1.00PM If restaurants are closed, Liza, my favourite Parisian Lebanese address and irresistible friend, is spreading love and Lebanese mezzes deliveries in the city of lights. I join her and a close circle of power girls at our friend and dazzling jewellery designer Shourouk’s jungle-like apartment, where Modigliani used to live, steps away from the Luxembourg garden. On the way to meet the ladies, I stop at Pierre Hermé where temptation happily echoes with a reduced guilty feeling, the ‘gourmandise raisonnée’ of the world’s best pastry chef is a must for the sweet tooth and a philosophical pleasure garden. Liwan, the Mediterranean nomad lifestyle boutique which brilliantly represents the made-in-Lebanon label with an exquisite Parisian fl air is around the corner. I never miss the chance to knock on their door and breathe the air of Beirut, which I miss with Dina, the solar co-founder. 2.30PM It’s time for more food for thought. I head to my favourite bookstores: L’Ecume des Pages next to café de Flore which holds the perfect poetry collection. Down on Rue de Lille, I fi nd the fi nest selection of photography and design books at the 7L library, the connoisseur address by Karl Lagerfeld where I had the chance to meet with him for the design projects that he entrusted me to develop. At the Galignani bookshop on the other side of the Seine, I listen and learn from Daniel the gatekeeper of the Beaux-Arts section who constantly feeds my thriving soul for stories and knowledge. 4.00PM Strolling along the Seine, I daze at the Eiffel Tower and rejoice at the idea of going back to Le Jules Verne restaurant to discuss the much-awaited reopening with the Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton. 5.00PM I stop by Hôtel de Crillon and meet with the incredibly dynamic team who became like family after the reopening of the iconic Parisian address. Our shared passion for hospitality and the legendary ‘sense of place’ keeps our conversation going with plans for upcoming celebrations and new explorations. 6.00PM Paris and its neighbourhood burst with artists and artisans’ workshops of the highest calibre. Studio visits are like a surprise vacation, a thrill and fuel to the mind. I head to Pantin and wander from a collective warehouse where a remarkable young artist is casting concrete for a gigantic, commissioned art piece which will elevate the bedroom of one of our residential projects, to the chicest gallery space with world-class monumental paintings and outstanding outdoor sculptures. 9.00PM It’s past curfew time. The night is young and the stories to be shared with my three men have accumulated throughout the day. The less travelling there is, the longer the family-night conversations and the greater the pile of books on my bedside table. I inhale and exhale inspirational words and imagery before closing my eyes. Inside the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant, Le Jules Verne Left: Culture in Architecture’s Paris offi ce in Saint-Germain-des-Près. Courtesy of Joann Pai; Below: Salon Marie-Antoinette, Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel. Courtesy of Stephan Julliard Aline Asmar d’Amman’s personal library. Courtesy of Thé rè se Verrat & Vincent Toussaint HBI_050_30-31_24 Hours_Aline Asmar_11659812.indd 3127/09/2021 01:44:36 PM32 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Summer 2021 A PR OVE NÇ A L TA L E Injecting character into each piece, Pierre Yovanovitch’s eponymous furniture brand takes a masterful storytelling approach to design Flint is an upholstered armchair with a bronze patinated texture; The Flare fl oor lamp is a combination of gouged wood and bronze with the base shaped like a trumpet. Photo by Giulio Ghirardi THE LATEST HBI_050_32-33_Latest Opener_Pierre_11663127.indd 3227/09/2021 01:45:40 PM33 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR; IMAGES COUR TESY OF PIERRE YOV ANOVITCH AND GIULIO GHIRARDI with reimagining the interior of existing properties, so the ability to transform the angles and dimensions of the interior space, while still maintaining the integrity of the architecture, is a critical aspect of my design work.” A decade after working alongside the Italian-French couturier, Pierre found his true passion in homes and places, starting his own agency in 2001. “I developed a strong passion for vintage 19th and 20th century furniture design, particularly for the Swedish Grace movement as a young adult, which really further inspired me to start my own practice.” Now, two decades after launching his fi rm, seemed to be the perfect time to introduce Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier. “Apart from being the realisation of a lifelong dream of mine, the launch of the furniture brand is a way for me to bring these designs to the wider public, beyond the context of my interiors and beyond offering these pieces through a gallery,” says the interior architect. Growing up in Provence with a home there today, the picturesque, nature-fi lled region remains a constant source of inspiration throughout Pierre’s design work. “From the deep colours and dense materiality of the forest to the fragrant, bright sensory explosion of the lavender bloom of Plateau de Valensole, there is this dichotomy of beauty and fortitude — which sometimes can even border on hostility — in the nature of Provence that I fi nd inspiring,” he expresses. “I wanted the new furniture brand to refl ect the strength, tactility and variety of Provence.” Highlights from the new designs include the Clam chair, inspired by an Alice in Wonderland character; the Flare fl oor lamp, which features a modern, light-hearted take on a classic silhouette; the Lexie suspension light, a suspended fi xture made by specialty artisans in France; the Hopper chair, made of meticulously crafted mirror-polished bronze that is reminiscent of the texture of a gold ingot, and the Quinn coffee table, handcrafted in rose-tinted cast glass and patinated metal. Design for Pierre, as he says, “is in my DNA.” ■ pierreyovanovitch.com After nearly two decades of crafting custom haute-factur e works for his interior projects, famed French designer Pierre Yovanovitch has launched his greatly anticipated, very fi rst furniture and lighting brand entitled Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier. The inaugural 45-piece brand was unveiled with a special installation in the historic Académie de l’Architecture building in Paris’ Place des Vosges — a notable venue for French architecture — earlier this year. “I have loved design for as long as I can remember,” says Pierre. “From a young age, I can remember rearranging the furniture in my childhood home to breathe new life and energy into the space. I love how changing the layout and décor of a space can completely transform the mood of a room.” Noting inspiration from the rich natural surroundings of his hometown in Provence, France, the eponymous furniture brand is an exemplar of understated elegance. Fashion references are also evident in the new pieces, a testament to his admiration for the late Pierre Cardin, with who the designer launched his career with. “His mastery of volume and proportions is something that plays into my work today, both interior architecture practice and furniture design,” shares Pierre. “I work a lot The LATEST The upholstered three-seater Daniel sofa features a metal structure; The Quinn coffee table is made of handcrafted cast glass illuminating a hammered effect, with the legs and structure made of textured and polished bronze Resembling the shape of a clam, the Clam is an upholstered chair paired with an oiled, solid oak structure; Right: The Hooper armchair features an upholstered backrest and textured seat with a polished bronze structure HBI_050_32-33_Latest Opener_Pierre_11663127.indd 3327/09/2021 01:45:46 PM The LATEST 34 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR; CREA TIVE DIRECTION AND PRODUCTION BY MAISON MEHANY ; IMAGES COUR TESY OF YOUSSEF EL KEDW ANYW Egypt-based design house Living In Interiors has joined forces with sister wood company Ar-Co for the launch of a brand-new Egyptian design gallery called Don Tanani. With a special focus on Egyptian design and timeless functional art that can be collected, the eponymous space has revealed its inaugural collection crafted by Egyptian product designer, Lina El Orabi. Entitled Duality, the pieces from the collection note inspiration from Egypt’s rich pharaonic heritage. “The lines between art and design are becoming more and more blurred especially in the Western world,” says Tamara El Tanani, creative director of Living In Interiors. “Art usually has something to say, expresses an opinion and sends a message. To us, design has the ability of doing that too, and that is the aim and ambition we have — to always have something to say through the designs we put out into the world.” Highlights from the new collection, to name a few, include the Ouroboros bench, which symbolises both the beginning and end of time; Maat, a hanging console which features a carving pattern inspired by ancient Egyptian art and Nebu & Kem, a versatile coffee table which represents the duality of life, from darkness to light. “We have been working on the research and development of this collection for the last three years,” says Alia El Tanini, co-founder of Living In Interiors. “The reason we chose to tackle the hardest subject in design fi rst, ancient Egypt, was because we, as a collective of design, thought it was really a shame how ancient Egyptian design has become so kitschy. We were all in love and always looked for inspiration there, yet whenever anyone would put something out considered ‘Egyptian design’, it had to be heavy, and it had to be cliché. What we wanted and asked from Lina was to look at their philosophy, art and representation and imagine what they would be producing, had Egyptian design never been infl uenced by any other civilisation.” Duality marks the very beginning of a perpetual exploration of Egyptian design, seeking to intertwine traditional techniques with modern needs. Disrupting common perceptions of design and craft on both local and international levels, the gallery questions: If we juxtapose an ancient vision with modern times, could we create a new point of view? In future, Don Tanani will showcase the works of several talented creatives with one underlying trait: a passion for expressive design. “We are always on the hunt for new designers, so it really depends on fi nding someone with a voice and with something to say,” shares Alia. “We will be working with artists and product designers, but our next collection will be with an artist and more focused on a total experience.” dontanani.com A N E W E G Y P T Mixing ancient techniques with functional art, a new design gallery in Cairo has just unveiled its inaugural collection by Lina El Orabi The ATET chair, also known as ‘boat of a million years’; Right: The ISFET console cabinet’s solid exterior with contrasting curves and sharp edges From left: The NEBU & KEM coffee table can be rotated on its own, representing the duality of life, from darkness to light and the eternal cycle of life; The centre of the APEP side table is held together by two legs as opposed to the traditional four-leg design HBI_050_34_LATEST_Don Tanani_11673390-6Sept_11788100.indd 3427/09/2021 01:46:26 PM The XXXXX 35 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Bloomingdale’s has unveiled its latest home campaign, shedding light on the coveted home department. Titled Designed For Living, the campaign – which coincides with the citywide Dubai Home Festival – brings together an array of prestigious designers and labels under one roof, spanning homeware, traditional and contemporary furniture, décor, dinner sets, luxury bathroom and bedding. Highlighting the most recent collections and design trends, an impressive roster of global names such as Adriana Hoyos Furnishings, Hudson Park, Celso de Lemos and Missoni, exclusive labels like Papadatos and home-grown concepts such as Silsal can be shopped. For those working from home, chic offi ce desks and table-top accents by Ralph Lauren, Anna New York and more are to be discovered, and WORDS BY A YESHA S. SHEHMIR, IMAGES COUR TESY OF BLOOMINGDALE’S the department store’s exclusive design studio services will offer visitors interior advice and consultations for top tips on styling the ideal work-from-home space. Over the last few seasons, consumers have adopted a new approach to home trends and the timely Designed For Living initiative is ideal for those looking to revamp and modernise a space. Shades of blue and green are increasingly used as the colour of choice when it comes to décor and furniture accents, to evoke a sense of calm, while for those who prefer natural settings, the go-to features are neutral hues and fl oral elements by Caracole, Eichholtz, Bloomr and more. The Bloomingdale’s home collection is available to shop online and in store. Dubai Home Festival will take place from 19 to 30 September 2021. bloomingdales.ae The latest Designed For Living campaign by Bloomingdale’s is a design afi cionado’s dream come true LIVING WITH THE TIMES HBI_050_35_BLOOMINGDALES_11798308.indd 3527/09/2021 01:47:29 PM36 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 BR E A K I NG BOUNDA R I E S A blend of world-class technology, artistic design and sensorial in-home experiences, Samsung reveals a pioneering, futuristic range of lifestyle screens that adapt to suit individual style THE FRAME Scan to browse the Samsung screens HBI_050_36-37_Samsung_11804217.indd 3630/09/2021 03:05:38 PM37 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The LATEST It takes vision and a blank canvas to bring dreams to life and Samsung’s new range of four lifestyle televisions marries freedom and form with design, function and adaptability, taking style to a whole new level. The tagline ‘view it your way’ comes alive in each of the televisions – The Frame, The Serif, The Sero and The Premiere – offering style-savvy consumers numerous ways to fi nd a solution that fi ts their lifestyle choices and personalities. Think artists, curators, fashionistas, design enthusiasts and kinesthetic innovators who thrive on an in-home experience that defi es conventional boundaries – these televisions are a class apart in technology and function for anyone who dares to dream, desire and demand more. For those who appreciate artistic sensitivities in design and consider themselves innovators and curators, The Frame’s slim silhouette is a canvas and screen, combined in one elegant frame waiting to impress. Think custom bezels that magnetically attach when changing colours and fi nishing to suit every season or wall shade and imagine a slim-fi t wall mount that allows The Frame to stand majestically on any wall looking like a piece of art with a customisable digital canvas. From the moment it is switched off, The Frame turns into a private-viewing gallery offering the option to choose from a personal digital photo library or the online Art Store, offering a mix of classic and modern art. Where The Premiere, sized at 130 and 120 inches, allows one to enjoy an in-house theatre experience with top-quality picture and sound effects thanks to its 4K triple-laser technology, The Serif perfectly combines classic and modern design with its slim yet sturdy, WORDS BY ODELIA MA THEWS, IMAGES COUR TESY OF SAMSUNG detachable fl oor stand that can move around conveniently. The QLED 4K quality and 100 per cent colour volume by Quantum Dot ensures everything appears vibrant and brilliantly sharp on any of the three screen sizes of 43, 49 and 55 inches and all you need to do to connect your phone is place your device face-down on top of the screen for a quick switch between your phone and the television. If the future is now, then The Sero breathes life and new meaning to mobile TV on a 43-inch screen, straight from the palm of your hand to a landscape or portrait view based on the content, app, movie or live TV channel. A simple tap is all that’s needed to move from the phone to The Sero, and the in-built AirPlay 2 allows for an easy shift from the phone to the big screen. If imagination could run wild, then the fi ve portrait modes (poster, clock, photo, sound wall or cinemagraph) allow you to dress up your pad with minimal fuss and maximum ambience. This is all thanks to its cleverly designed and in-built 60w premium speakers, which drown out distractions. With every screen, dreams come alive taking lifestyle choices to a whole new level where tastes matter and change is inevitably intrinsic to design. samsung.com THE SERIF THE SERO THE PREMIERE HBI_050_36-37_Samsung_11804217.indd 3730/09/2021 03:05:55 PM38 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Browse these evergreen books for endless style inspiration and ideas for your own home IN PURSUIT of TOMES LISA PERRY: FASHION • HOMES • DESIGN BY LISA PERRY Acclaimed fashion designer Lisa Perry also has a deep understanding and passion for home interiors and design. This is an exquisite 246-page envy-inducing collection of Lisa’s bold interiors with exuberant colours and punchy personalities. This visually stunning book explores the different swoon-worthy properties of which Lisa has done an outstanding job of beautifying. Not just limited to homes, it also covers creative spaces, studios and holiday escapes, from Manhattan to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Lisa’s projects refl ect her ethos that is luxe yet understated. This publication chronicles vibrant properties that are oozing with style ideas. Assouline. Dhs417, assouline.com WORDS BY SAIRA MALIK. IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE PUBLISHERS BEATA HEUMAN: EVERY ROOM SHOULD SING BY BEATA HEUMAN Beata Heuman is an internationally renowned London-based interior designer known for her imaginative yet functional aesthetic, which is inspired by her Scandinavian roots. This book is a celebration of individuality and pushes readers to curate spaces that look unique and refl ect their personal taste. Each chapter is organised according to design principles and takes you on a journey through her standout projects from across the world. The beautifully shot pages are fi lled with unexpected colours, intricate patterns and daring textures. It will teach you how to artfully create a sophisticated and warm space that suits your lifestyle. Rizzoli. Dhs203, rizzoliusa.com The LATEST HBI_050_38-39_LATEST_Books_11664507.indd 3830/09/2021 03:19:19 PM39 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 GIO PONTI BY STEFANO CASCIANI Gio Ponti is an in-depth book that celebrates the trailblazing architect, designer, art director and poet. It delves deep into Gio’s achievements and features an archive of his prolifi c oeuvre, spanning over six decades through gorgeous imagery and detailed commentary. It is a journey through 136 of his creative projects from start to fi nish. A collaboration between Gio Ponti Archives and its founder Salvatore Licitra, this immersive book is a captivating homage to one of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. Taschen. Dhs918, taschen.com ART LIFE BY SIG BERGAMIN Renowned architect and designer Sig Bergamin is also an avid art collector and keen traveller. In his book Art Life, the reader travels from Brazil to Portugal, getting a kaleidoscopic peek inside Sig’s diverse style and remarkable vision. His strong sense of aesthetic and appreciation for art, history and culture are all refl ected in this unforgettable collection. The awe-inspiring spaces are decorated in rich textures, eclectic design, exotic treasures, unexpected accents and truly fabulous style, that encourages readers to follow suit in their own homes. This 304-page collection by the multiple award-winning Brazilian creative is an absolute joy to browse and a constant source of inspiration. Assouline. Dhs417, assouline.com DESIGN REMIX: A NEW SPIN ON TRADITIONAL ROOMS BY COREY DAMEN JENKINS FOREWORD BY JAMIE DRAKE Corey Damen Jenkins is an established designer whose debut book is a comprehensive and engaging reimagination of traditional looks in today’s modern style. His style is synonymous with striking interiors and this book breaks down different genres of style to bring colour, fun and vibrancy into any space. Through the chapters, readers will get a fresh take on how to work with colour, architecture, accessorising and other key design elements. An exciting visual journey that will push you to take charge of your abode and turn it into a functional yet stylish space. Rizzoli. Dhs166, rizzoliusa.com HBI_050_38-39_LATEST_Books_11664507.indd 3927/09/2021 01:48:37 PMNext >