Nissan Middle East projects a positive FY2013

May 26, 2013Leave a comment

One of the nicest people in the Middle East automotive industry has to be Samir Cherfan, Managing Director Nissan Middle East…a positive down to earth and yet dynamic individual, he is confident and a visionary which is why it was a delight to listen to him last week over lunch talking about Nissan Middle East the 26.2% rise in sales for the 2012 financial year (FY2012) ending 31 March 2013 and what the brand hopes to achieve in the future.

The brand outperformed the overall market trend by 1.1%, following a year of award-winning brand building activities during which five new exciting and innovative models were launched. Nissan Middle East achieved 14.4%* market share, up 0.1% on FY2011.

The performance has led Nissan to predict positive growth 2013 in the Middle East during which it is forecasting a minimum 11.1% rise in sales against expected market growth of 5%*. By the close of FY2013, Nissan Middle East expects a market share across the region to be 15.2%.

Nissan’s strategy in the Middle East is based on the global strategy, ‘Nissan Power 88’, a wide-ranging six-year business plan announced in FY2011 that will accelerate the company’s growth according to Samir. “Based on Power 88, Nissan is aggressively renewing its product line-up in the region and heavily investing in powerful – sometimes record-breaking – brand initiatives. In financial year 2012, Nissan launched a new model almost every two months in the Middle East, all of which were enthusiastically welcomed by car buyers.”

Nissan will enjoy full years sale of the new models introduced in FY2012, which are expected to play a major part in increasing market share. Its leadership in the B/C segment was reinforced with the introduction of an all-new name to arguably the most competitive of segments, the Nissan Sentra small-sedan. In the first 50 days of its availability, nearly 1,500 Sentras were sold, reinforcing Nissan’s position as segment leader.

If you travel as much as I do, you will note that to support Power 88, Nissan launched its first global brand campaign in FY2012, supported in the Middle East with a multi-million dollar campaign in Dubai International Airport. With artwork strategically placed at over 70 chosen locations across the airport, the Nissan brand message will be delivered to all of the 64 million travellers passing through each year. . Fittingly for the Middle East’s most visible brand campaign, it also achieved a Guinness World Record with the accompanying production of the world’s largest indoor illuminated advertising sign – over 174 square meters…check it out the next time you are at Dubai airport.

With a proud racing heritage, Nissan Middle East also escalated its motorsport activity in FY2012. In October 2012 Nissan introduced the unique and highly successful GT Academy to the region, prompting thousands of entrants to compete to fulfil their dreams of turning ‘virtual to reality’ and transforming computer console gaming skills into a career as a professional racing driver. Its support of the region’s most iconic race, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, also reached new heights with the sponsorship of Yahya and Mansoor Belhelei.

Samir also mentioned to me that for the high-end cars, they also customise cars according to individual tastes … most discerning buyers I know value this so I hope 2013 is also a great year for Nissan with more premium clients knocking on their doors.

Get stylish at home with Bentley

May 23, 2013Leave a comment

Awesome!

I’m in the process of looking for a swanky villa in Dubai to move into and can’t help but spend hours at home furnishing shops in the hope of making my new home fun and stylish. Now I must hold on to my gallivanting around town as Bentley have announced a partnership with Club House Italia for the development of its new Bentley Home Collection.

This exclusive collection of furniture and home-ware will combine the finest quality craftsmanship with exquisite modern design and the luxury finishes which underlie Bentley’s renowned global brand…. I can only imagine how cool and classic the collection will be.

The state-of-the-art collection will combine traditional elements in contemporary contexts to enhance today’s residential, commercial and executive office interiors….if you have been in a Bentley, you would know that they have the finest world-class interiors – now you can have this luxury feel in your home and office.

Club House Italia – which furnishes the finest homes, boardrooms, apartments, hotels, yachts and private jets – will reflect Bentley’s elegant, prestigious and recognisable style in the creation of a range of furniture that combines the highest attention to detail with the finest aesthetic sensibility.

The essence of Club House Italia is expressing the style of desire, giving a shape to luxury through a contemporary art made up of talent, sensitivity and expertise. Combined with Bentley’s legendary style and exquisite craftsmanship, the partnership will offer rare examples of elegance and fine finishes, using the world’s most beautiful materials to bring out unique elements of character and craftsmanship…..can’t wait to see it!

5 Shine Secrets to Let Your Inner Star Shine Bright

May 13, 2013Leave a comment

Jamal Hammadi – Co-creator of Sunsilk Shine & Strength Range

Jamal Hammadi, Sunsilk Shine & Strength co-creator and stylist to the stars, believes natural hair products create natural glow for that superstar look and feel. So when your big break comes along, whether it’s a job interview or a trip abroad, you can ditch sweaty palms and let your inner light shine bright with a few of Jamal’s shine secrets. Because when you feel like a superstar, you are one….check out some awesome tips from Jamal below:

Secret #1. Keep It Real

Oils are a natural part of our hair’s make-up, so they’re the obvious nourishing ingredient to infuse hair with radiant shine. Products with natural ingredients such as argan, almond and camellia oil are extremely beneficial for the growth of healthy hair. Tea tree oil can also help maintain the balance of your hair’s natural oils.

TIP: For fabulously soft hair, this recipe is a great and natural DIY alternative: blend egg white, cucumber and a few spoons of coconut oil in a mixer, apply on hair and leave for 40 minutes, then wash out. You’ll love how soft your hair feels!

Secret #2. Keep It Simple

Less is more! Go back to basics as much as possible – avoid hair gels and limit how much you use hair spray. Be careful not to over-colour when dying, as this can rob hair of its natural shine and texture. Using a hot iron to straighten is also better than chemical straightening, which can weaken hair due to chemicals used in the process.

TIP: If you brush your hair before sleep, use a wooden comb to untangle knots rather than a normal plastic one, as these lead to hair breakage. Wooden combs can activate the hair’s natural oil secretion, which lends moisture to the hair. And remember to be gentle when drying your hair after cleaning – rough treatment damages cuticles and roots.

Secret #3. It’s All About Moisture

Moisture is so important for bouncy, thick and shiny hair. But everything we do to our hair depletes moisture: using the wrong shampoo, blow-drying, colouring or straightening.

TIP: Just remember, lack of moisture is curable – you can replenish your natural hair texture with moisturisers and nutrients. You should also rinse with cold water after washing, because this seals the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and shine. And don’t forget to oil your hair every now and then, ensuring to oil the ends as well – argan oil is perfect.

Secret #4. Shea Butter for Sheer Beauty

One of my favourite natural ingredients is shea butter. It provides the perfect amount of nutrients to add that natural sheen. It also protects your hair from the sun and contains vitamins A and E, which are beneficial for dry and sun exposed skin and hair.

TIP: Vitamin A smoothes and has hydrating properties, while vitamin E is vital for luscious shine and is found in foods such as avocados, berries and nuts. It improves scalp circulation and helps decrease greyness.

Secret #5. Love Your Body, Love The Look

Each strand has to be healthy from the inside to glow with its full brilliance. To achieve this, you need to nourish each hair individually. But you also need a positive attitude and a well-balanced diet!

TIP: Fish and fish oils are key for healthy hair. You can keep your locks nourished with lots of water, vegetables and foods rich in fatty acids such as salmon and beans – and make sure you up your iron intake. You should eat lots of good proteins and vegetables. Iron will give hair a fantastic shine!

I would certainly like Jamal to be my stylist for my next big event 🙂

Another shoe party at Vince Camuto

May 13, 2013Leave a comment

My shoe fetish just turned a notch higher as Vince Camuto transitional 2013 brings three new trends, each with an emphasis on ornate detailing, mixed media, jeweled embellishments as well as exotic fabrications.

I realise that after the hassle of looking for a 4 bedroom villa (which the man of the house insists needs an extra room for my shoes) should keep me away from retail therapy but one look at the shoes was enough to melt my heart. I’m sure I could convert the garage into a walk in shoe closet. Western Frontier, Deco Nouveau and Star-Studded Event, each with its own attention to fabrication, ornamentation and modern silhouette, respectively; offer complimentary collections that pay homage to beauty of history in art and craftsmanship.

Western Frontier is the most classic of the transitional collection trends, featuring cut-out, western scalloping, embellished overlays, horse-shoe buckles, starburst studs and ornate harnesses. For day, standout styles include assorted ankle boots with a western flair in Egyptian blue, true black, smoke taupe, or tie dye, in multi snake or tonal print snake featuring embroidery detail to reflect the craftsmanship of the artisans of the Southwest.

Evening shoes transition seamlessly; including mid-height open toed sandals in soft calf or tonal snake print leather in black, brown or beachwood, saddle.

Star-Studded Event is a more decorated collection, rich in detail, featuring all-over micro beaded leather prints and mini-studded embellishment. Standout styles include, for day, teal, bamboo and black loafers in luxe true suede and evening styles include ecru, smoke taupe and black vintage goat and true suede open toed booties with ornate beads and studs. Low-heeled woven scalloped suede sandals in a toasted brown exude a rustic glamour that are both comfortable and enviable.

Deco Nouveau, the most sophisticated trend of the season, offers more feminine silhouettes, including styles such as pointed toe sling-back and mirror metallic multi-strapped low-heeled sandals, both in steel leather, for day. For evening, a new single-sold pump silhouette, with a slender high-heel, in purple jewel and red wine true suede, is both refreshingly sleek and fashion-forward. Deco-diamond strappy high-heeled sandals in steel and black mirror metallic and exotic snake, as well as satin and metallic jeweled caged ankle strap evening sandals, are inspired by modern architecture and construction.

I reckon I need to start looking for that ace real estate agent who can find me that perfect villa with a walk in shoe closet. Know anyone???

All images are copyrighted to Vince Camuto :).

Sotheby’s celebrate Doha auction success in Qatar

April 24, 2013Leave a comment

Sotheby’s Doha auction in progress

Today is an awesome day in London…apart from the fact that I brought sunshine to the city like I always do when I step out of the plane, I will see my first Sotheby’s auction in progress in London this afternoon – Arts of the Islamic World.

More will come later on this as the auction I will go and see covers Middle Eastern and Turkish Art so it deserves a full new dedicated blog.

Meanwhile the auction in Doha, (Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Doha auction) achieved the strong total of $15,199,750, solidly between the pre-sale expectations of $11.1/16.1 million, establishing the highest price for an auction of Contemporary Art in the Middle East region.

I saw some of the pieces that are in Doha now at an exclusive VIP preview that was held at the Royal Mirage in Dubai…they were really nice and I met lots of interesting people. It would have been great to see the auction in Doha as it was very successful.

The sale was 89.1% sold by lot. Records were set for nine artists, including a record for a living Arab artist. The top lot of sale was Donald Judd’s Untitled (Bernstein 90-01), which sold – after an extended bidding battle among four people – for $3,525,000.

Rising Down, set an auction record for Ethiopian-born artist Julie Mehretu titled when it achieved the strong price of $3,077,000*, over its high estimate of $3 million, after competition from four bidders.

Four bidders competed for a commanding installation work by Minimalist artist Donald Judd, Untitled (Bernstein 90-01), dating from 1990, which achieved $3,525,000 against a high estimate of $3.5 million. Judd was one of the leading pioneers of new sculptural forms and concepts within America during the latter half of the twentieth century and this work shows his brilliantly imaginative mind at the very pinnacle of its creative powers.

Four bidders competed for a work of monumental scale by Chant Avedissian, Icons of the Nile, which set a record for a living Arab artist when it fetched $1,565,000 (est. $1/1.5 million). Created in 2010, this gouache, stencil and acrylic paint on cardboard, in one hundred and twenty parts, is the largest piece the artist has created to date. It presents a mosaic of Egyptian culture that retraces the country’s past through nostalgic imagery and iconographical motifs.

Prominent among the group of works sold was a supreme series of paintings by the influential Iranian artist Mohammed Ehsai, entitled ‘Eshgh’ or ‘Love’ and dated 2012, which fetched $437,000 (est. $300/400,000, pictured left). His distinctive style is shown at its best in the ‘Eshgh’ series, which blends traditional calligraphic techniques with modern graphics.

Suspended Together fetched the remarkable sum of $329,000 (est. $100/150,000), achieving an auction record for the artist. Magnificent in scale and epic in conception, Suspended Together is one of the most important and celebrated works of Manal Al Dowayan’s career to date and the first of her installation works to appear at auction. Utterly elegiac in its beauty, the work has a distinguished exhibition history, having been displayed at major international shows, such as Edge of Arabia in Dubai and The Future of a Promise at the 54th Venice Biennale (both in 2011).

A myriad of snow white porcelain doves hover in the air, the wings and body of each bird stamped with an exact reproduction of the permission document a Saudi woman needs from their male guardian to travel.

Ya’illahi (Dear Lord), one of the most important paintings ever to come to auction by Ayman Baalbaki, achieved a record for the artist when it reached a final sum of $377,000 (est. $100/150,000). Depicting the shrouded face of a lone, heroic figure gazing up to the skies, the powerfully charged work explores the acute tension and ambiguity within the kaffiyeh, an everyday garment.

The highly desirable portrait by Mahmoud Said, Profil, dating from 1950, attracted competition from no fewer than five bidders and achieving $125,000, many multiples of its high estimate of $50,000.

Seeing how successful the Doha sale was, I am excited to see the London auction which fits in perfectly with my trip…..for me, although it was a dream to see a Sotheby’s auction, what is nice is that I get to see an auction that covers a subject I love – Middle Eastern and Turkish Art or Arts of the Islamic World.

I just can’t wait to see the pieces that are from the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries, especially the art of the Indian Deccan dated 1684.

Uchiwa fan brings memories

April 18, 2013Leave a comment

For the third time in 2 years, I am preparing to move home – lock, stock and barrel. It’s not a fun task packing stuff of a huge 4 bedroom villa and its amazing what you find when you delve through myriads of books and knick knacks that no family member wants to part with.

After facing 3 huge piles of paperwork on my living room table, I decided this evening to get rid of some display items (it’s now a joke between Eric and Tash that the pile grows bigger instead of smaller despite me spending hours in the evenings de-cluttering while being distracted with the computer, TV, phone calls etc)

After much rummaging, tearing of pages and throwing candles etc, I came across a Uchiwa fan, which always reminds me of Japanese elegance and tradition.

These fans are cherished by the people of Japan, not just to cool down but for getting shade and in my case, it was used as decoration – that is until my last house move. I received it from a dear University mate who had taken me under her wings when I first visited KL.

The Uchiwa fans from Edo, first made in the 18^th century are crafted by taking Japanese ‘washi’ paper cut in ovals and placed on a finely sliced bamboo frame. The woodblock printing technique was then used by the craftsmen to decorate the fans artistically…. I wish I was good in art so I could do something creative like that.

Common subjects used in the artwork often included pretty women, kabuki performers, scenic nature/gardens etc, depending on what was in fashion.

While I am still not happy about having to relocate thousands of books from libraries at every corner of the villa, its fun coming across some nice objects collected over the last twenty years of extensive travel and visiting cultural and heritage exhibitions.

Now all I need to do to find an equally huge villa that has a spare room for my shoes, books and collectibles … does anyone know a really cool real estate agent with lots of patience to put up with diva demands?

Hyundai exudes Luxury with the Centennial 2014

April 14, 2013Leave a comment

While I was in Bahrain last week, little diva was chauffeured in the amazing Hyundai Centennial to dinner on a luxury yacht with her dad and being a kid who has been in the best of cars that have landed in Dubai, she gushed on the phone about how cool the new Hyundai was.

Ever since its launch in 2009, the car has gone on to achieve staggering sales and impressive accolades. In line with the opulence that the new Centennial exudes, it has a significantly enhanced interior, a range of cutting-edge features, and the introduction of two new, high performance GDi engines.

Outside, the Centennial offers refined front and rear ends that reduce the amount of chrome trim applied, for a more refined finish, and customers can now choose between either vertical or horizontal type frontal grilles.

The rear LED lighting clusters have also been revamped and new, stylish 18 or 19 inch rims. Befitting a large luxury sedan, its imposing presence is helped by its striking dimensions – the new model is 5,160mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,495mm high. For 2014, customers can choose from six elegant colours, including a new addition, Cona Black.

The interior is equally modern and stylish, and boasts a significantly redesigned dashboard featuring prominent lines and the highest quality trim, all of which oozes class. All driver controls fall easily to hand, while the introduction of the new Shift by Wire gear lever serves to free up space in the central console.

These changes are all in line with Hyundai’s Modern Premium concept – a move that challenges generic notions of luxury, and insists that it extends into new possibilities with new thinking. The brand has steadily shown its ability to dominate in the luxury segment and the new model only boosts Hyundai’s position as a contender in the race.

The new Centennial 2014 appeals to the social status conscious, who still require practical spaces and features. The combination of the latest technology, with premium levels of comfort and coupled with a stylish interior and exterior, mean this car was made to stand out from the crowd and get noticed….diva is impressed and cant wait to check it out over a weekend.

House of Chic debuts in Dubai

March 23, 2013Leave a comment

It’s a crazy Saturday – in between the Art Show, Fashion shows and the Horse Show, little diva and I will be spending some time witnessing the debut of the first House Of Chic Asian Fashion Pop-Up Store concept today.

The Los Angeles based House Of Chic, was launched in the USA by two young ladies – Jinali Sutariya and Heena Surani – as a pop-up store with great success and fanfare. Now these two enterprising fashionistas are bringing this novel concept to Dubai for the first time. Included in the line-up are several well-known and emerging fashion designers and accessory brands.

Scheduled to take place at The Palace Downtown, Dubai, our very own uber charming socialite, Jawaher tells us of the impressive and extensive designer line-up who are:

Nikhil Thampi

Gauri & Nainika

Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna

Shashank & Prajwal

Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini

Darshi Adani

Payal Singhal

Alpana Neeraj

Nimirta Lalwani

Poonam Bhagat

Alka Vora

Surily Goel

Hemant & Nandita

Am:Pm

Pia Pauro

Dolly J

Shivan & Narresh

Komal Sood

Rahul Mishra

Kavita Vanita

Kiran Uttam Ghosh

Farhana Zahedi

Accessories

Malleka

Janavi

Just Jewelry

House of Chic

The event is being conceptualised and executed by Unimonde Experiences so it is bound to be smashing. Don’t miss out!

The A 250 Sport: The hottest hatch in town

March 21, 2013Leave a comment

Mercedes is back in the good books of diva…after their big foray into 6×6 (I really think they should stay out of this segment and stick to their awesome luxury cars), I got news via Bassam that with the new A 250 Sport, Mercedes-Benz has entered an entirely new segment in the Middle East in the luxury compact segment.

I was cynical at first (especially after getting over the 6×6 news)…. it’s just not very ‘Mercedes’ but then I was converted when I saw the images – it certainly looks like a powerful, sporty and luxuriously designed hot hatch that will excite and enthrall the region’s aspirational go-getters of the next-cool-things.

I can only comment on the tech specs and the looks for now because I have not driven the car so my opinion on this is purely from a perspective of someone who loves cars and can comment on the looks and power based on previous experience. It is apparently a powerful four-cylinder, two-litre turbocharged engine that produces a roaring 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque, thundering a market that demands success to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds….cool aye!

Like most Mercs, it comes with GCC standard specifications and is fully loaded compared to the international market, including a very sporty interior design with red stitching, designo red seat belts, red framed SLS AMG style air vents, comfortable sport seats, aggressive exterior look with diamond grille, red brake callipers, 18” five spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in high sheen black finish and headlamps with red marker rings.

For safety, the standard specification includes, amongst other things, the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system. Smiles will broaden when learning that ownership of a car sporting the unmistakable status of the sparkling three-pointed star starts at just USD$37,000 GCC wide. GCC options in addition to the standard specification include Xenon Lights, Active Parking Assist, and a Light Sight Package (Interior Ambient Lighting).

Launched with the tagline ‘Drive yourself’, the arrival of the A 250 Sport to the region aims to turn the luxury small car segment on its head and marks a new direction for Mercedes-Benz in the region.

In summary…the car has good looks, performance, prestige and attitude, at a price point that makes attainability of the brand a reality for those that may consider owning a Mercedes-Benz as ‘something they want but sometime in the future’.

Not enough shoes!

March 21, 2013Leave a comment

Having over 250 pairs of shoes is driving the man in the house nuts but little diva and I never seem to have just the right shoes every time we step out the door….couple of weeks ago we actually were scuffling over one pair we both wanted and when Eric pointed out that with over 250 pairs around the house, surely we should not be fighting over just one.

See…man don’t get it. We may have loads of shoes but we have phases where we just like that one pair for each purpose and we wear it to the bone…but we also like the comfort of having heaps of choice. Currently Tash and I are into comfy chic so this is a problem that gets out of hand when we both have PMS….dealing with one woman on PMS at a time is bad enough for any man but with two at a go can test the patience of anyone.

So this show diva is currently eyeing The Rockport Company® which is introducing a group of 2013 Spring/Summer footwear collections that is avant-garde inspired, featuring a luminous color palette, silent technologies, and functional materials.

These styles are ideal for your weekend brunch to afternoon cocktails during spring and summer’s first warm weekends….with feminine styles, unique screen prints and the functional and practical elements are perfect to pair with free-flowing dresses or slim or snug fit trousers (I need to lose a few kilos before I do the snug trousers bit)

Meanwhile, the shoe fight continues in my household with males around us seeing no rhyme or reason why women can be so obsessed with shoes…as we let the men mull, we head to see what The Rockport Company® has in store for us.

Globalista Extraordinaire

TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS

Category: Retail Therapy