Luxury Swiss Maison unveils stunning collection of watches

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Last week while running around preparing to travel to Los Angeles for a Hollywood Premiere of All You Need is Love, I stumble my tired soul into Dubai mall to meet with Eberhard & Co., renowned Swiss master creators of technically complex timepieces where they were unveiling a stunning collection of novelty pieces for fine watch lovers in the region.

Presenting this exquisite collection of highly exclusive master creations at the Manufacture’s exclusive point of sale at the Damas Les Exclusives boutique in Dubai Mall was Eberhard & Co. CEO, Mario Peserico. A delightful soul himself who was most gracious about me being late, he explained how each one of the unveiled timepieces represented different facets of the skills and innovativeness of their master craftsmen.

They certainly are outstanding examples of high-end mechanical watchmaking. The Novelties Collection includes creative reworking of some of the Manufacture’s renowned classics including the new Contograf, a re‐edition of the 1960’s classic creation of the same name, which was an emblem of its era thanks to its innovative features.

Most of these original features have been maintained in the new 2014 edition, but there is no shortage of innovative details: the new ceramic bezel with unidirectional rotation serves as a frame for the tachymeter scale inspired by automotive design. The case back is screwed‐in like in the original version and contains the inscription “Tribute to Contograf ‐ 1960s”.

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The date window at 6 o’clock has kept its particular trapezoidal shape. The innovations include the new metallic bracelet Chassis and an original black leather strap with a “red arrow” embroidered detail. The deployment buckle Déclic (Patented) is available as an accessory. The 8147 calibre (base ETA 7750 13¼) guarantees the reliability and precision that have made Eberhard & Co. one of the points of reference for mechanical chronographs.

Eberhard & Co. is offering the svelte Traversetolo watch in two new versions:   – a version with a white dial and a white second’s counter highlighted by “azurée” finish and a black profile. The profile of the minutes hand is also black and has an “azurée” finish. The hour markers stand out as they are rhodium plated, rounded and inlaid with black superluminova, while the upper part has a diamond-shaped radius. A second version is black, with a black seconds counter highlighted by “azurée” finish and a white profile. The profile of the minutes counter is also white.

Gilda, the timepiece that exudes feminine charm and provides the complete expression of the watchmaker’s refined and elegant world is presented in a new floral version. Gilda Floral has soft, harmonious lines enveloping a white mother of pearl dial with a delicate floral motif, finished with beautiful sapphires. In this new version the bezel, covered with 66 enchanting blue sapphires, frames the dial with a total of 112 precious stones and an elliptical case in white gold. The result is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and style.

Eberhard & Co.’s brand new interpretation of the Extra-fort model produced in an edition that is limited to just 150 pieces, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of noted Italian author Gabriele D’Annunzio’s birth. An automatic chronograph with elegant and harmonious lines, a 41 mm steel case and a face that reflects the great personality of the man to whom it is dedicated: black with white contrasts, personalised with the author’s signature, the 150th anniversary date and the famous motto “Ardisco non ordisco” – in a Liberty style font – adorning the profile of the 30 minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. D’Annunzio’s signature is also etched on the case back, which is closed with 6 screws. 50 m waterproof, this special Extra-fort is available with a crocodile strap or “Chalin” steel bracelet.

Chrono 4 is the first and only chronograph in the history of watchmaking with four aligned counters. This Registered Design is an aesthetic and functional innovation and represents a technical revolution thanks to the device developed and patented by Eberhard & Co. with sophisticated complexity. Indeed the entire mechanism operates using no fewer than 53 rubies. Never before had minutes, hours, 24 hours and seconds been arranged horizontally in a linear progression. Never before had reading the time felt so extraordinarily natural.

Eberhard & Co. now presents this all-time classic in three new versions. The first version has a white face, 4 white counters with a contrasting black outline and azuré finishing; the second version has a black face, 4 black counters with a contrasting white outline and azuré finishing; the third is a rugged all-black version with a black face, 4 black counters with a contrasting silvery outline and azuré finishing, as well as a red hand for 24- hour counter.

Bahrain Science Centre to focus on Arab innovations

Kids learn via interactives, talks, debates and workshops at Bahrain Science Centre

The theme of activities in the Bahrain Science Centre during December 2012 and January 2013 will be ‘Bahraini Innovation’, but this topic will be broadened to also include innovations and superlatives from the whole Arab world.

Bahrain boasts many superlatives of its own. It has archaeological records of one of the oldest known civilizations (Dilmun), and the largest number of burial mounds in the world (originally over 85 000). It also features in the world’s oldest and most enduring piece of literature, the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’, in which Bahrain was the home of eternal youth.

The first oil strike in the Middle East was made in Bahrain (1931/32) and the first oil exports from an Arab country were from Bahrain (1930s). Bahrain was also the first Arab country to begin diversifying its economy away from total dependence on oil and gas (ca 1975).

In the fields of scientific discovery and technological innovation, Arab countries can boast many firsts through the pioneering works of the Abbas bin Firnas, al-Kindi, the Banu Musa brothers, al-Razi, al-Muradi, al-Jazari, Ibn Khaldun, Ibn al-Haitham, Taqi al-Din and many others, but that’s another story.

The Arab world today boasts many world firsts and superlatives on the engineering front. These include the first city (Uruk in Iraq; 3200 BC), earliest high-rise building city (Shibam in Yemen; 16th century), tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa in Dubai; 828 m), tallest hotel as part of a multiplex (Makkah Royal Clock Hotel; Saudi Arabia), tallest all-hotel building (Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai; 333 m), tallest hotel atrium (180 m; Burj al Arab in Dubai), tallest residential building (413.4 m; Princess Tower in Dubai) and the largest shopping mall in the world (Dubai Mall; 548 127 m²).

Then there is the 50 floor Bahrain World Trade Centre which is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. Hence the building has received several awards for sustainability as the sail-shaped buildings on either side are designed to channel wind through the gap to provide accelerated wind passing through the turbines.  Tests show that the building shape has the potential to generate electricity.

The largest airport in the world is King Fahd International Airport (DMM) near Damman in eastern Saudi Arabia. Its area (780 km²) is greater than that of Bahrain! The largest alternative energy city is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi (6 km²; started in 2006) and the longest driverless metro network in the world is the Dubai Metro (74.694 km).

The largest draped flag is in Rayak, Lebanon (325 x 203 m) and the longest straight road (240 km) is in Saudi Arabia (Harad to Badha). The Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Causeway (40 km) will be the longest causeway in the world when it is completed (the King Fahd Causeway, at 27 km, is currently the third longest marine causeway in the world).

Join us at the Bahrain Science Centre in December and January as we celebrate Bahraini, and Arab, contributions to the world!

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

A Donna Karan presentation

Dipesh is always surrounded by beautiful women…he is here with lovely Shimaa, Rania, Shweta & Sidrah

My favourite stylist Farah Kabir at Donna Karan show…..Dubai has become more stylish with her around

With Jewellery Designer Nadine Kanso @ the Donna Karan new collection presentation

I reckon everyone knows now in Dubai I love anything that is organised by Dipesh & Ayman….these boys are magic with everything they touch. Couple of nights ago I ventured into the Fashion Lounge of Dubai mall as New York design star Donna Karan presented her luxurious Spring and Summer 2012 collections, organized by The Qode.

Needless to say, Dubai’s glitterati stepped out to see the luxe tribal inspired collection reminiscent of Haiti’s glamourous heyday. Models mingled with the guests overlooking the striking Dubai fountain in an evening of high glamour. Tribal prints, Donna’s signature jersey drapes and evening wear wowed the guests.

The new Donna Karan boutique, which opened recently at the Dubai Mall is housed on the first floor of the exclusive Fashion Avenue, and is the flagship outpost for Donna Karan in the Middle East.

While there, I caught up with Nadine Kanso again whose jewellery Dipesh & Ayman introduced me to a couple of weeks ago and yes…it was something I liked heaps as it was not your usual expected designs one gets so bored of …. watch this space for more information on her creative style. Meanwhile, check out Donna Karan at Dubai Mall and get ready to be wowed!

How gorgeous is Lina Samman. She is beautiful in and out and always full of positive vibe

The Donna Karan show finale

 

Mudo City sure looks good

With Jean Renaud-Durbin of The Content Factory at Mudo City

One evening this week, I ventured to Dubai Mall in a bid to save my favourite Michael Kors shoe and one not so lovable Jimmy Choo which was a total waste of space but it is a Choo and fashion dictated it was worth saving :(. Anyway, the visit was coupled with checking out the debut of Mudo City one of the most famous Turkish brands to come to the UAE.

The store focuses on various retail sectors such as fashion, furniture and home décor, food and beverage, and entertainment at Dubai Mall. Established in 1964 by Mustafa Taviloğlu and Doğan Gürün, Mudo City began by selling gifts, records and hand-painted t-shirts. The small shop was the foundation of today’s Turkish retail giant.

I loved the Mudo Collection which features high-end fashion, Mudo Concept which includes home décor and furniture and Mudo Accessories. Asadel partnered with Mudo because of the rising demand for stylish, trendy and affordable products according to Ayman Jamil of Asadel. A pioneer in the Turkish fashion industry, Mudo Collection entered the ready to wear market offering quality and the latest fashion in both men’s and women’s wear.

The Mudo Concept works with solution partners around the world and also includes Turkish designed and produced items…..diva likes!

“Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco” in Dubai

My Blackberry camera does not do any justice to this piece

My visit to Dubai Mall got exciting one weekend recently seeing an exhibition as Montblanc paid tribute to the 20th Century’s Unforgettable Style Icon, (Princess Grace of Monaco of course) with a collection of precious, handcrafted jewellery, timepieces and writing instruments that is both feminine and timelessly elegant.

I am a huge fan of Montblanc already when it comes to watches, business card holders, pens, belts and diaries but I admit I never looked twice at their jewellery in the past. And every time I have entered a Mont Blanc shop, its because I needed inspiration to buy a gift for my guy friends….never for a woman and yet I have always walked out with something for me but just not jewellery. My best purchase there has to be a limited edition commemorative pen for a dear friend.

So it was different to see Montblanc in all their glory at the mall showing this new dazzling travelling collection which forms the centrepiece for a stunning commemorative exhibition of the late Princess. It was inspired by Princess Grace’s sophistication and her love of roses. Naturally Joe Nahhas of Montblanc was over the moon about hosting the special tribute collection in Dubai.  He was with Montblanc’s Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti who worked closely with Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, to design each piece of the tribute collection. Needless to say, every detail of the collection reflects Princess Grace’s alluring spirit, poise and glowing charm.

Giordenetti was beaming when he told us the idea for this collection was borne out of the Palace of Monaco when Montblanc writing instrument dedicated to Prince Rainier III was presented to Prince Albert with a special edition. He fell in love with it and told Mont Blanc to explore this idea further and create a tribute to his mother, Princess Grace, in the form of jewellery and watches.

Before she became Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco was already royalty in Hollywood. Known then as Grace Kelly, she shot to fame in the early 1950s and by 1955 won the Oscar for Best Actress at The Academy Awards and is remembered and revered for her sophistication, classic, otherworldly beauty and her inimitable style is effortless and timeless. Beyond the external image, her innate elegance and kindness touched every aspect of her life and work. This elegance shone through her on-screen talents, through her indefatigable charity work, her commitment to family and her never-ending support for emerging artistic talent. This spirit, compassion and style are now distilled into the Montblanc collection.

The exquisite and emotive lemotif linking all four collections is the classic pink rose, Princess Grace’s favourite flower – quintessentially feminine, an emblem of romance, passion and everlasting beauty. The rose petal, ravishingly romantic and evocatively emblematic is embodied throughout the collection in precious materials, gold, diamonds and petal-shaped sapphires of an exquisite pink. Each piece of the four collections, many of them one of a kind or limited editions – is hand-crafted to the highest standards for which Montblanc is internationally renowned.

Representing her life as a princess, the high jewellery line features diamonds and rose-pink sapphires, specially cut in a lusciously sensual drop-shape to capture the voluptuousness of the rose petal. The fine jewellery line truly reflects her lifestyle as a contemporary woman. In the two opulently casual fine jewellery collections – Petales de Rose and Petales Entrelaces motifs, openwork petal forms are outlined or paved in diamonds and echoed in soft pink gold, clustered together or interlaced to represent and celebrate the loving union between a couple, the mysterious, magical intimacy bonding a man and a woman.

The same drop-cut pink sapphire highlights the Montblanc writing instruments of the collection. With scattered diamonds, the pen clip and cap top were designed to mirror the curvaceous V-shaped neckline of a black velvet dress worn by the Princess in a celebrated photograph; one of Prince Albert II’s favourites of his beautiful mother. Quality and detailing – the hallmarks of the world-famous Montblanc pen are taken to a new level in this tribute series, featuring champagne coloured gold fittings, rubies cut in rhombus shapes taken from the Grimaldi coat-of-arms, and an 18 carat gold nib with a heart-shaped opening.

The all-encompassing collection of superlative timepieces, ranging from scintillating one-of-a-kind high jewellery watches to the everyday chic of stainless steel with diamonds, pays homage to the nobility of Princess Grace. The refined timepieces feature brilliant cut diamonds, pink sapphires and lustrous mother of pearl dials. Each piece is a ravishing masterpiece, bringing together the art of the watchmaker and jeweller together in a sublime harmony to forever personify the innate elegance of Princess Grace….well there is now another reason for the women of Dubai to make a beeline for Montblanc.

Carlo Giordanetti is super passionate about the designs inspired by Princess Grace

With Joe from Montblanc