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  • Michelin starred Chef Dani García in interview

    Dani García is one of the most famous chefs in Spanish haute cuisine and passionate about local gastronomy and product. His cuisine blends Andalusian tradition with a sophisticated and innovative style and with a strong focus on the quality of the product, always treated with the utmost respect and care. Four Seasons Hotel Madrid facade. All images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. After obtaining three Michelin stars with Dani García Restaurante in Marbella, Dani decided to take his cuisine around the world, opening restaurants in Dubai and New York, among others. Dani currently holds two Michelin stars at his fine dining restaurant Smoked Room in Madrid. "For any chef to receive this recognition is unique and special. It is the ultimate in the world of cuisine and it is a real source of pride. For me, Andalusian cuisine is my home, my family, my culture. It is what I have seen and eaten all my life. It is my essence." Dani García As Chef Consultant at Dani Brasserie, Dani combines a unique fusion of flavours and innovation with a touch of fun, with the great authenticity and passion that defines him. You gained your first Michelin star at the age of 24 and later three Michelin stars with Dani García Restaurante in Marbella. What does this signify to you and what does Andalusian cuisine represent to you? For any chef to receive this recognition is unique and special. It is the ultimate in the world of cuisine and it is a real source of pride. For me, Andalusian cuisine is my home, my family, my culture. It is what I have seen and eaten all my life. It is my essence. After the success, you wanted to expand globally with the opening of restaurants in Dubai and New York, among others. How do you successfully balance running several restaurants across different continents? Luckily, I have a team that accompanies me so that I can be there for everything and that our identity is not lost. In each country, such as Doha, London or New York, we have people who have trained with us and, in addition, at the opening we have been there to see everything and make it perfect. When we open in Dubai, which we will do at the end of this year, we will do the same. How do you combine success? It is daily work without rest. What research was necessary to adapt your Andalusian cuisine to the menus that you propose in Madrid, as you are also the Chef Consultant at Dani Brasserie, at the Four Seasons? Whenever we have a project, we analyse and study where we are and what we want. In Dani's case we are in Four Seasons, which is one of the best hotels in the world. We wanted you to be able to have the most special food with unique dishes that were in my three Michelin-starred Dani García Restaurant, such as the nitro tomato, for example. Or you can have a Rossini burger. There is a very varied menu that adapts and changes according to the season, so you can play with different products or types of preparation. What is the premise of your two-Michelin-starred fine dining establishment, Smoked Room in Madrid? Enjoy. But in Smoked and in any of my restaurants. And, in the case of Smoked Room, let yourself be carried away by the omakase*. * Omakase (Japanese: お任せ, Hepburn: o-makase) is a Japanese phrase, used when ordering food in restaurants, that means 'I'll leave it up to you'.

  • Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art gallery records successful TEFAF 2023

    Galleries exhibiting at TEFAF 2023, share strong sale result of the first weekend at Tefaf Maastricht 2023. Rome-based gallery Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art had noted success with several artworks exhibited and this started already on Preview Day. All images courtesy of Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art. Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art gallery made, among the others, an important sale of Giacomo Balla’s, The Four Seasons (1940) to a private European collector. The asking price was around 1 million EUR. The client discovered the four exceptional red paintings, that anticipate American Pop Art, during the Early Access Day, and immediately fell in love with the work by the leading Italian Futurist artist. Furthermore, the gallery recorded great interest from both private collectors and public institutions especially in the paintings by Sartorio and Berthon. The stand was visited by some of the gallery's most important clients amongst which are the Musée d’Orsay (Paris), the Uffizi Galleries (Florence), as well as the Minneapolis Institute of art and many others. An American museum asked to reserve a painting. Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art Via Margutta 54, 00187 Roma www.alfineart.com

  • The audacious, award-winning ISA at Four Seasons Madrid, interview with Miguel Pérez

    Head Bartender Miguel Pérez at Four Seasons's ISA has extensive experience within the cocktail industry. He is recognized as one of the best bartenders on the national scene, and has led Isa to win prestigious awards. This Asian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant and cocktail bar is renewing its gastronomic range. The property itself Four Seasons Hotel Madrid earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Five Star award, its highest rating, as well as for its outstanding SPA, and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com All images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Originally from Madrid, our Head Bartender Miguel Pérez has extensive experience within the cocktail industry. Miguel always delivers the highest level of service with each of his cocktails at elegant Isa venue part of Four Seasons Madrid, and has obtained prestigious awards such as Best Hotel Cocktail Bar by FIBAR 2022 or to be recognized in the Tales of the Cocktail list as a 2022 Spirited Awards Honoree in the category of Best New International Cocktail Bar in Europe. As ISA proposes new gastronomic range for spring 2023 where quality products and innovation are key, and combined with offers at another acclaimed restaurant at Four Seasons Madrid under the supervision of Chef Dani García, one of the most famous chefs in Spanish haute cuisine, the guests can look forward to exciting and competitive spring menus. We talked to Miguel about being born and based in historic Madrid, the capital of Spain, and what does the city represent to him and about his concept at Isa. Retiro Park and the Paseo del Prado, known jointly as the Landscape of Light, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All roads lead to Madrid, or rather away from Madrid, with the Kilómetro Cero, or Kilometre Zero, the central point from which all distances in Spain are measured, being located steps away from Four Seasons Hotel Madrid in the bustling Puerta del Sol. The majority of attractions and key sites for visitors, including the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and the city’s incredible art museums, are within a 20-minute walk of the Hotel, so there really is no better location for a visitor to Madrid. "Madrid represents my roots, where I grew up. Being from Madrid is a way of understanding life." - Miguel Pérez Now ISA, the Asian-Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is launching a new gastronomic and liquid proposal where flavour and innovation are embodied in a new menu. In addition, the team continues to focus on the most vibrant entertainment in Madrid's nightlife with ISA Nights, where some of the best bartenders in the world come together and create unique synergies with experts in various fields. On the main ingredients and flavours that distinguish ISA menu, Miguel explains, "We are always experimenting with new ingredients and techniques in our laboratory, looking for the highest complexity of flavours in our cocktails. Some ingredients from our latest menu are, for example, lacto-fermented yellow beetroot or clarified miso soup." Two-storey historical lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Isa has been recently awarded prestigious awards, including the Best Hotel Cocktail Bar (2022), and recognized in the Tales of the Cocktail list (2022) Spirited Awards Honoree. Miguel explain modestly that he does his bit, "but all the awards are part of an amazing teamwork, we are super proud to have one of the best teams in the world. We have a lot of departments involved as well, helping us every day in our operations, and without them none of this would be possible." "We are extremely honoured to be awarded by such important platforms as Tales of the Cocktail or FIBAR, where you get the recognition of other industry colleagues." Miguel Pérez What does it take to be recognised as the Best New International Cocktail Bar in Europe in your opinion? Innovation, creativity, service and, above all, passion. Do you have personal favourite cocktail? Daiquiri. What is part of cocktail etiquette that some people misunderstand? I don't believe much in etiquettes, everyone should find their own way. Opposite winding staircase that leads up to ISA, is a powerful contemporary sculpture by American artist KAWS is the focal point of the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. A Renewed Gastronomic Range Designed to Surprise Once again, the restaurant's team is coming together to create new flavours and surprise customers thanks to the creation of new dishes in which seasonal produce is the star ingredient. An unconventional and exquisite experience is assured thanks to the addition of the Sashimi Trio of salmon, tuna and sea bass of the highest quality and best cuts, or the Whole Grilled Bogavante with Laksa sauce, ginger and tamarind chutney for seafood enthusiasts. The menu includes a selection of Oscietra or Beluga Caviar for those with the most sophisticated palates. For meat lovers, ISA has kept the Kagoshima A5 Japanese Wagyu Veal and added Steak Tartare on shiso tempura and gochujang, or the classic Chicken Yakitori reinvented with charcoaled chestnut and shichimi togarashi. The iconic baos are a must. They are reinvented with each menu change to offer a fusion of perfectly assembled flavours, such as the new Veal Bao with Japanese curry and tapioca, a delicacy with a mellow texture and intense flavour. And for those who enjoy a bit more of a kick, the omakase option is a selection of 30 items by ISA's chef, including the restaurant's best nigiris and sashimis. The Most Exciting Events at ISA Nights: A New Entertainment Concept for Madrid's Nightlife The most vibrant entertainment complements the gastronomy and cocktails with live music and DJs from Tuesday to Saturday. In addition, the establishment continues with its innovative entertainment concept for Madrid's nightlife, which brings together high-profile guests. ISA Nights attracts the world's best bartenders at celebrated Guest Bartender events and surprises diners with their frequent collaborations with star guests. In addition, as part of this entertainment, the Golden Geishas will be back from 8:00 pm on Thursdays in March 2023. It’s a show full of sensuality and mystery where various Asian-inspired artists will be the perfect complement to the restaurant's ground-breaking gastronomic approach. A Completely Renewed Signature Liquid Range Inspired by Manga and Created in its Own Laboratory With a disruptive concept inspired by manga, ISA's new cocktail menu consists of four episodes where the central chapter, Himiko Lab, is the most experimental part of the new proposal: technique, modernity, and innovation result in proposals for the most adventurous with simple drinks and easily recognisable flavours such as Yogurt, a cocktail based on Roku gin, lacto-fermented strawberry, re-distilled lemon thyme and coconut water. Never forgetting its roots, and with an evolved approach where modernity and minimalism are key, Haiku 2.0, the second episode, offers drinks such as Albahaca, made with Ron Santa Teresa 1796, Empirical Ayuuk, basil cordial and mango water, one of the most popular options. Inspired by nature and for those seeking sophisticated and unique drinks, Sakura offers creations where the seasonality of the products is the key. Finally, the fourth episode, Kakirogi, is where Japanese tradition merges with the cutting-edge modernity of the ISA laboratory. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 pm onwards Telephone: 913 30 62 20 Contact email: isa.madrid@fourseasons.com

  • HRH Princess Sirivannavar marks 15th anniversary at Paris fashion Week

    Inspired by the iconic elongated silhouettes of the 1940s, this new collection was presented during the Paris Fashion Week at the iconic Ritz Paris. SIRIVANNAVARI captures brand's essence in the new fall23 collection featuring feminine but edgy silhouette, prints on Thai silk, artisanal techniques and distinctive craftsmanship of Royal Thailand's aesthetics. FW23 by SIRIVANNAVARI. All images courtesy of SIRIVANNAVARI. Following the footstep of her grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother who has dedicated her royal patronage to preserve Thai silk and Thai traditional hand-woven textiles, and to secure the future of Thai weaving villages across the nation, also by having Parisian couturiers use Thai silk when creating her couture outfits, HRH Princess Sirivannavari is determined to continue and develop Her Majesty’s work as well as pursuing her own dreams in the art fields. Lace cutout corset and wool cape coat and silk flared pants. See all new Autumn/Winter 2023-2024 collection on SIRIVANNAVARI. A collection of contrasts mixing very feminine fabrics such as delicate silk, intricate lace and transparent embroidered chiffon with heavy wool or leather, mainly proposed in black and white with some touches of beige. The main exclusive print of the collection, was imagined as a patchwork or collage, using artworks created by the designer. To reflect the adventurous spirit of female aviators, the SIRIVANNAVARI signature jacket, is reproportioned into a sleek shape either short or mid-length with squared shoulder. HRH Princess Sirivannavari a royal with sophisticated sense for fashion and creativity After receiving her Bachelor’s degree of Fine and Applied Arts from the Department of Creative Arts at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok in 2008, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya subsequently pursued her postgraduate studies at L’ Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne (IFM) in Paris, France, where she graduated with a master in design. Having developed an early interest in fashion and in Thai textiles from her grandmother, Queen Sirikit, HRH Princess Sirivannavari began her career in fashion by securing internships with some of the world’s most influential luxury houses, including Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balmain, and Bulgari. Her support of the Thai Silk industry forms the foundation of her interest in fashion, and she often uses Thai silk in her creations. After working with Western designers, she decided to explore also other Asian fashion, and studied ‘Kimono Printing and Applied Art’ at Kinsai Yusen in Kyoto, Japan. Alongside running her fashion company, her royal duties, social and humanitarian work, she is also known for her exceptional talents in sports and music.

  • Christian Dior 30 Av Montaigne decorated with upcycled materials

    Dreamy landscapes, marvelous flora and fauna, a bucolic interlude... The windows of 30 Montaigne – which is celebrating the first anniversary of its reinvention this spring – are home to a fairy-tale decor elaborated from upcycled scraps of material, trims, and material from the ateliers, as a tribute to their exceptional savoir-faire. The virtuous and virtuoso alliance of numerous métiers has made it possible to create by hand – with infinite inventiveness and an art of detail stretching the boundaries of excellence – these enchanting visions. Exalting the women’s and men’s collections, as well as the jewelry pieces –, they are odes to the beauty of nature so dear to Monsieur Dior. Among the creatures an everlasting summer, a flamboyant bird of paradise mingles with butterflies and honeybees, owls, and other captivating beings, made from recycled objects and Dior Oblique fabric that the House’s artisans had no need for. Here, the signature buckle of the D of Dior – which usually adorns the Saddle bag – forms the beak of an imaginary bird, while elsewhere one of the Lady Dior’s charms becomes the striking attribute of another dreamlike animal. An invitation to poetic flight and a veritable treasure hunt that playfully entices visitors to spot key components of Dior emblems. To discover until the beginning of May.

  • Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian to win the Best Actress Oscar

    Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian woman in history to win the Best Actress Oscar for her lead actress role in the movie that also wins Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All At Once won a total of seven awards at the Oscars 2023 on Sunday night By N. Ahmet Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh celebrated her first Oscar nomination and win in a white Dior Haute Couture dress with waves of feathers in ivory silk organza, she also opted for white couture during The Santa Barbara International Film Festival where Yeoh was honoured with the 15th annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film. Image Credit: Getty Images "This is actually a historical moment, and I have to thank the Academy for acknowledging, embracing diversity and true representation," Yeoh told reporters after her big win for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Everything Everywhere All At Once won a total of seven awards at the Oscars 2023 on Sunday night In late 2022, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival honoured global icon Michelle Yeoh with the 15th annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film. This marks the first time since the passing of screen legend Kirk Douglas that the honor will be awarded. The award, which benefits Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s year-round educational programs, was presented on Friday, December 9 at a Black-Tie dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Michelle Yeoh, also selected white couture on December 9, 2022 for Santa Barbara International Film Festival's 15th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film honoring Michelle Yeoh at Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort. Yeoh glowed in Valentino Haute Couture dress from Anatomy of Couture Spring/Summer 2022 collection. CREDIT: Valentino/GettyImages “A well-deserved honor for the legendary and multi-talented Michelle Yeoh. She has been entertaining and thrilling us in films since the 1980s …… AND she does her own stunts!! Bravo Michelle!" said Michael Douglas. A film from Daniels and starring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., with James Hong and Jamie Lee Curtis. #EverythingEverywhere How to Watch: https://bit.ly/EEAAO-OnDemand RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2022 DIRECTOR: Daniels CAST: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., with James Hong and Jamie Lee Curtis Michelle Yeoh is an internationally recognized Malaysian-born actress who rose to fame in 1990s Hong Kong action films before going on to shatter convention and star in a myriad of globally acclaimed blockbusters. In March 2022, she starred in Daniels’ mind-bending, critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All At Once, which has since become A24’s highest grossing film worldwide. She has appeared in more than 70 features and television series, with her filmography showcasing a collection of iconic roles, including Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 1 & 2, Rob Marshall’s Memoirs of a Geisha, Roger Spottiswoode’s James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, Danny Boyle’s Sunshine, and Jon Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians, the highest-grossing romantic comedy in the U.S. in the past 10 years. After appearing in James Gunn’s second installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Yeoh returned to the Marvel universe in Destin Daniel Cretton’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In television, Yeoh was most recently seen as Emperor Philippa Georgiou in CBS’ Star Trek: Discovery. Next, she will be reuniting with Destin Daniel Cretton in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese and starring in #Netflix’s upcoming limited series, The Witcher: Blood Origin. Other upcoming credits include James Cameron’s #Avatar sequels and Paul Feig’s The School for Good and Evil. The 38th #SantaBarbaraInternationalFilmFestival. Passes for the 2023 Festival are on sale now at sbiff.org. Florence Pugh went in a different direction with a super-mini look in black under a voluminous strapless top that fell into billowy sleeves and yards of long fabric in a greyish white. It was Valentino Haute Couture. She had a Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace around her neck with matching pink tourmaline earrings.

  • Most stylish men at the Oscars 2023 red carpet

    Lenny Kravitz attends the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duoface Small Seconds watch. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Four-time #Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz will perform the emotional “In Memoriam” segment on the Oscars 2023 ceremony. The large-format case of the Reverso Classic Duo Small Seconds timepiece in steel boasts two dials for two time zones, driven by a single movement. The Reverso swiveling concept turns the reverse side into a second expression of time. Images courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre Adam DiMarco wore a Dior men's collection Fall 2023 navy wool canvas double-breasted suit and kilt with a CD buckle. He also wore Dior leather boots, all images credit: Getty Dave Franco wore a Dior men's collection black velvet and silk peak lapel tuxedo, white cotton shirt and a black silk bow tie. Brett Goldstein wore a Dior men's collection grey wool oblique suit, black cotton shirt and black leather derbies. Offset wore a Dior men's collection black wool and silk peak lapel double-breasted tuxedo, black cotton shirt and a black silk tie. Alton Mason LOOK: Valentino Haute Couture look from The Beginning Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection. Shoes MM&. Sam and Ashley Levinson LOOK FOR SAM: Valentino suit from the Fall 2023 collection #MaisonValentinoEssentials and Valentino Garavani One Stud sneakers. LOOK FOR ASHLEY: Valentino dress

  • Adele performs at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace until March 25 or longer?

    Global icon Adele shined vocally and visually this weekend wearing a custom Zuhair Murad Couture gown for her 15th "Weekends with Adele" performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old Academy Award-winner's current run of performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is scheduled to end in two weeks, but her team is reportedly in serious negotiations for additional dates later this year. It is anticipated that she will return in time for the city's Grand Prix's debut on November 18, despite the lack of a signed contract. An source disclosed to The Sun. Adele also holds a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, sixteen Grammy Awards, eighteen Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, and two Ivor Novello Awards. All images courtesy of Zuhair Murad Over the weekend, while performing at her residency in Las Vegas, British artist Adele flaunted a couture dress by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. The black beaded lace long sleeve off-shoulder gown with a scallop trim neckline, corset bodice, and fishtail train suited her classical Hollywood glamour stage look. The Grammy-winning vocalist wore a black beaded lace gown by the designer for her 15th "Weekends with Adele" performance. Earlier Adele has announced the rescheduled dates for her Weekends with Adele residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in #LasVegas. In addition to the 24 rescheduled shows, 8 new shows have also been announced. Performances will now take place from November 18, 2022 to March 25, 2023. Adele appeared on "Week 15 of Weekends with #Adele" wearing a bespoke black beaded lace long-sleeve off-shoulder gown by #ZMCouture, which also featured a corset bodice and a fishtail train. Adel's look is styled by Jamie Mizrahi. Up until March 25, 2023, "Weekends with Adele" will be presented at The #Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

  • The 95th Oscars red carpet best dressed guests

    The 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood took place on March 12th, 2023 with many monochrome looks in white or sensual black dresses and the stars opted for more colour at the Vanity Fair afterparty By: N.Ahmet Florence Pugh LOOK: Valentino Haute Couture look from the Valentino Le Club Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection Look 87 - Beige taffeta draped dress. Black cotton faille bows. Black stretch cady culotte. STYLIST: Rebecca Corbin Murray. CREDIT all images of Valentino/Getty Images. CELEBRITY: Stephanie Hsu - Best Actress in a Supporting Role LOOK: Valentino Haute Couture look from the Valentino Le Club Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection Look 84 - Neon pink taffetas bustier gathered dress STYLIST: Wayman Bannerman & Micah McDonald Stephanie Hsu - Best Actress in a Supporting Role LOOK: Valentino Haute Couture look from the Valentino Le Club Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection Look 89 - White point d’esprit tulle dress embroidered with feathers. Black plumetis tulle bow. STYLIST: Wayman Bannerman & Micah McDonald Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Getty images: Jon Kopaloff. On the Oscars red carpet in 2023, Michelle Yeoh took on an ethereal white look while looking beautiful in a white Dior Couture gown embellished with delicate feathers. Michelle Yeoh wore a Dior Haute Couture dress with waves of feathers in ivory silk organza look which was styled by Jordan Johnson Chung. A matching white Richard Mille timepiece and white #Moussaieff diamonds (visible in her earrings and a headband covered in jewels) finished off the look. Image Credit: Getty Images. Yeoh, 60, wins Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her work in Everything Everywhere All at Once. For this role, the star has already received numerous awards, including the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and the Film Independent Spirit Award. Michelle Yeoh is reminding people to never give up on their dreams. The Malaysia-born star, 60, became the first Asian woman in history to win the award for Best Actress at Oscars 2023 on Sunday. Yeoh is experiencing a historic occasion as she attends her first Academy Awards. Emily Blunt LOOK: Valentino dress from the Urban Riviera Fall 2023 collection STYLIST: Jessica Paster Sofia Carson - Best Original Song nominee LOOK: Valentino dress from the Urban Riviera Fall 2023 collection Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova attended the Oscars Vanity Fair Party in bespoke sustainable looks designed by female Saudi designers, Atelier Hekayat - by Alia and Abeer Oraif. The designers worked alongside British-based designer Emilia Wickstead. STYLIST: Nicolas Bru Paparazzi Shot during the 95th Academy Award night DATE: March 12th, 2023 LOCATION: Los Angeles CREDIT: Valentino/Backgrid OFFICIAL TAG: @maisonvalentino Start were spotted outside red carpet looking stylish, #Rihanna in Valentino look especially designed for her by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, and #HaileyBieber, in Valentino Haute Couture dress from the Le Club Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection and Valentino Garavani pumps

  • Rami Lazkani, an architect and painter working in Milan

    Rami is a Lebanese visual artist, who recently moved to Milan. He deals with the distorted memory of Lebanon, of two main cities Tripoli-nature, and Beirut-nurture. His work focuses on translating the common perception of Lebanon as a chaotic, still navigate-able, place to live. The technique applied leaves no room for clarity. Chaos takes hold. People still can identify the character of the cities through the density of his lines, the density of the buildings, and the layering of endless electricity wires that cover his compositions. In an attempt to recover and preserve his memories, Rami went around the streets of Athens, Barcelona, Warsaw, finally to settle in Milan, fearlessly exposing his work and his nationality in the streets of these metropolitan cities. What are your fondest memories of being a young artist in Tripoli and Beirut? I would say my fondest memories of being a young "artist" belong exclusively to Tripoli. I grew up in the northern capital of Lebanon, Tripoli. I have scenes and memories of my younger self painting discreetly on the walls of our garage, and on random papers, would find around the house, drawing silly portraits for my friends, and sometimes I painted on what I thought were expensive canvases for special friends on their birthdays to hang in their rooms. Another sweet memory that I remember vividly is always getting in trouble for skipping school physical education classes to join art classes: my school ran a normal middle school and a high school, and just one gate further would lead you to the hall of the technical school, where other students were studying interior design and graphic design, I would sneak to the technical school and secretly attend the graphic design art classes instead of joining the gym classes. Tripoli rarely hosts what is known as art exhibitions; the whole city is a historical exhibit. I recall one place that empowered artists from the city of Tripoli: a beautiful space named "Warché 13". Beirut fostered and captivated the attention of most artists looking to grow in their art careers, and I always wondered how this path was uncovered. I would take the public I took the bus when I was still 16 to visit some of the interesting art events happening in Beirut and dreaming that one day I will have my own exhibit in Beirut. How are the two historic cities distinct? As you roam the streets of Tripoli, there is a heavy sense of belonging and longing to an era of slow-paced life, where people lived in the beauty of the ottoman architecture all around. Beirut is much more heavily influenced by the succession of architectural movements that shaped the city, and this is what gives the city the feeling of belonging to tourists, they could find motifs that are similar to their European homelands. How significant was art in your upbringing in Tripoli and Beirut? It was crucial. It was a form of expression of my mindset that did not fit the society’s norms. It was definitely not a hobby. I saw it as my destiny; I wanted to be an artist, least for some part of my life. And this feeling inside of me is what pushed me to experience both cities through the lens of art experimentation. I used to go to the port of El Mina in Tripoli, draw on the sand, use seashells to make land art—anything that would Help me pass the time and nourish my thirst for creation. I was only 10 years old when I won the #UNESCO 1st prize for the competition "My Right in Colors" in 2008. You moved to Europe and settled recently in Milan to live and pursue your art career, how old were you, and what draws you to Italy’s art scene? I was 21 when I had a dream to move the world with my work, which has been maturing into the current style I adopt. The dream had to be put on hold since I was still studying architecture at the Lebanese American University in Byblos, Lebanon. One day, the instructor came to class with a book called "Invisible Cities" by Italo Calvino. I was assigned to Imagine one of his invisible cities "Zenobia". To my surprise, the text that Italo wrote about "Zenobia" was as if he were describing "Tripoli", my hometown. He says: "Placed at different heights on slats that climb over each other, connected by ladders and hanging sidewalks, surmounted by belvederes covered by conical canopies, barrels of water tanks, wind markers, and pulleys, shingle lines, and cranes protrude from them those that continue through the years and mutations to give shape to desires, and those in which desires either manage to erase the city or are erased by it." And so I jumped in, on an A3 piece of canson paper, with my black ink pen, not knowing that this drawing will lay the foundation stone for my career for the following 3 years. My style was born out of the words of Italo and the similarities I drew to my hometown, Tripoli. This messy and chaotic style of mine became my trademark, with absurd lines that shape the character of the city rather than the actual cityscape. A year later, I decided to pursue my master's in architecture at Politecnico di Milano. I did not steal twice, I was drawn naturally to Italy’s richness in arts, architecture, food, and people. I came to Milan on August 12 with a heart full of hope that one day my work will be recognized here, then elevated to the whole world! How does an artist best conduct himself in Europe in order to adjust to a new life, and away from the Middle East that is so familiar to you? Go out. Go out. Go out. Visit the parks, talk to strangers on the metro, and say hi to people. On the next table at the café, be confident and believe that anyone can be a friend, a connection, a lover, or just a sweet encounter. The world is full of good people if you are one yourself. However, a lot of solitude comes along with the search for recognition and artists should be aware and ready to face some heavy, emotional, dark days. On those days, stay at home, create, draw, sing, and paint, but don’t keep it to yourself. Share whatever you create, someone will appreciate it. Also, unlike Lebanon, there are a lot of public spaces where artists can express themselves, take your work outside, get a new perspective, take pictures, just enjoy this new lifestyle, and eat a lot of food! Rami Lazkani (@ramilaz) • Instagram Rami Lazkani Art | Tripoli | Facebook (24) Rami Lazkani | LinkedIn Artist Statement This series is an effort to remember and preserve the memory of my time spent in Lebanon as an observer. It captures the character, the essence and the collective observation translated to monochromatic contemporary paintings describing the general feel of two cities in specific, #Tripoli and #Beirut. An abstract series that disregards photographing the cityscape as is. It frames the ambiance, energy & typologies. Working with my personal visual memories allowed me to puzzle different scenes and experiences from different timeframes swinging between safety and tranquility, civil wars and bombings. At glances it captures intense urban density and contrasts it with the practices of freedom that the wrecked political system unintentionally offers in a wrecked political system, you are never safe, but, always free. - Rami Lazkani

  • Dubai Fashion Week debuts with Amato's 25th anniversary show

    AMATO RETROSPECTIVE Award-winning Amato’s approach to fashion is avantgarde and unapolagetic. Amato creates contemporary look that are in same avant-garde league as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, but there is more to Amato than just provocative show, his models are sensual and infused with optimism for better and more peaceful society. All this is condensed in Amato's latest show that opened the Dubai Fashion Week, earlier known as Arab Fashion Week. #Amato celebrated 25 years of continuous renowned creations. Amato 25th Anniversary show. All images Dubai Fashion Week Carefully selected powerful designs from the brand’s conception till this day were showcased. Perfect evidence of why Amato broke glass ceilings and was always described as intriguing, inspiring and creative. The genius designs were designed for a strong person comfortable in their own skin and is after breaking status quos to follow their dreams. The fabrics, lavish materials, and rare embellishment techniques are what makes this Dubai-based label a global one. The show is a beautiful portray of evolving glam and success. ANOMALOUS x HOT WHEELS #Dubai-based label, Anomalous finally unveiled the long-waited collaboration with Hot Wheels; the # 1 selling toy in the world with over 8 billion Vehicules sold. The iconic capsule collection showcased off-venue around hundreds of guests from the broad fashion industry. Bomber jackets with patchworks, reimagined formal wear, experimental and colourful racing inspired garments mixed with signature Anomalous patterns gave us the best of both worlds and perfectly described where this collection is headed towards. Mok Designer presents fw23 MOK Inside out coats, jute-top stitched pockets and patchwork cubic jackets came together in today’s Elsewhere Collection to conjure nostalgia and the process of recollecting memories. MOK came back with pieces that not only resonate with the fashion loving persona inside of the guests but to dig deeper into the collection’s perception of escapism and bareness. The man figure walking down the catwalks with the versatile structures of a thobe, textile infusion of kimonos, oversized veils and harem pants combined duality of belonging and void. MOK’s story came to life tonight and left everyone looking inside themselves in owe to these special creations. #BHYPE BHYPE's vintage-street fashion brought guests on a journey to rediscover the culture of hip hop and streetwear. As a brand known for thinking outside the box, the BHYPE community is fueled by a growing global vibe that is reflected in their runway collections. The brand put on an impressive show, with models arriving in limos to showcase their vibrant collection of track suits, radiant mesh outfits, and denim for both men and women. The pieces ignited a sense of fan-fueled pride, reflecting the brand's unique aesthetic. BHYPE's show was presented in an engaging and interactive manner, with music beats that kept the audience captivated. The brand's ability to connect with its audience through its bold and unique style has earned them a loyal following among high-end shoppers who appreciate their distinctive take on fashion at #DubaiFashionWeek

  • Georges Hobeika fall23 ready to wear celebrates his haute couture skills

    Lebanese fashion designer Georges Hobeika, who is renowned for effortlessly fusing femininity and grace, has once more infused his couture vision in ready to wear with the development of his Fall-Winter 2023–2024 that had no less than 110 looks. Besides the enormously expansive collection featuring more than 100 looks, each look furthermore had Couture quality, with elaborate details and fine cuts. The atmosphere and colours reminded me a lot of his Couture collection Fall-Winter 2020–2021 titled "Madame President", that Maison Georges Hobeika displayed from the heart of Lebanon, as a celebration of the Middle Eastern lady and the strength and power she carries within. Hobeika's new ready to wear collection has all the characteristics of haute couture and includes frilly accents, long trains, and sharply defined silhouettes in his brand's distinctive and contemporary signature style. Even the menswear suits or denim look completely fresh and modern. This collection is a glimpse into a very colourful fall both for men and women. #Hobeika incorporates a new age of aspirations, where women and men unite for a better future, and the playfulness of richly embellished dresses and rich vibrant colours strongly underline this.

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