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ISSUE 7
LIFE IN THE
FAST LANE
ETTORE 971 Bugatti Villas
at AKOYA Oxygen:
a home like no other
!"
#$$"
%#$$!" $
$%#"$&$$$$$
# ' $#!#"$
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CALIBER RM 011
FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
BLACK NIGHT
Automatic winding
chronograph movement
Power reserve : circa 55 hours
Annual calendar
12-hour totalizer
60-minute countdown timer
Chronograph flyback function
Grade 5 titanium baseplate and bridges
Rotor with ceramic ball bearings
Special tungsten-colbolt alloy rotor weight
6-positional, variable rotor geometry
With 18-carat white gold wings
Balance wheel in Glucydur with 3 arms
Frequency : 28 800 vph (4Hz)
Moment of inertia : 4.8 mg·cm²
Case in NTPT® Carbon
Finished and polished by hand
Limited edition of 100 pieces
DAMAC PROPERTIES’
WELCOME
CONTACT
DETAILS
TO A LIFE O F LUXURY
UAE
+971 4 301 9999
Dubai
[email protected]
DAMAC Maison Dubai Mall Street
Downtown Dubai, UAE
P.O. Box 5840
Tel: +971 4 270 1700
Ocean Heights
Al Sufouh Road
Tel: +971 4 450 8777
Park Towers
Dubai International
Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 376 3600
AKOYA Sales Office
Plot No. 676-1061
Al Hebiah Third, Al Qudra Road
Tel.: +971 4 341 8678
United Kingdom
Star Luxury LLC
6th Floor, 50 Hans Crescent
London SW1
Tel: +44 7879 539 906
[email protected]
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
[email protected]
Riyadh
14th Floor, Al Anoud Tower 2
King Fahad Road,
Tel: +966 11 293 2883
Jeddah
Al-Shumeisi Building
Tahliah Street
Tel: + 966 2 284 5445
Damman
5th Floor, Al Dossary Tower
Dammam Corniche Area
Tel : +966 13 8305471
Lebanon
Damac Tower, Unit No 304
Mina El Hosn, Omar Daouk Street
Beirut
Tel : +961 788 36 222/ +961 788 36 333
[email protected]
Jordan
Al Abdali Project
Damac Tower
PO Box 841317, Amman 11181
Tel: +962 6 56 57 457
[email protected]
Iraq
Villa 69, Street 13, District 605
Al Mansour-Dawoodi, Baghdad
Tel: +964 1 77 64 102
[email protected]
Qatar
Office No. 04, Al Qassar Tower
West Bay Area
Doha, PO Box 18223
Tel: +974 44 666 986
[email protected]
Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission is
strictly prohibited. Whilst every
effort has been made to ensure
the information published is
accurate, HOT Media Publishing
and DAMAC Properties do not
accept liability for omissions or
errors in this magazine.
Inside this issue we take an in-depth look at the everchanging face of London, in particular the transformation
south of the Thames. This diverse, historically rich area of
England’s capital is now home to cutting-edge culture, finedining restaurants aplenty and a slew of iconic landmarks.
Set to join the latter on the London skyline is our latest
groundbreaking development, AY KON Nine Elms, the
first private residence project of scale in London to be fully
designed and conceptualised by a luxury fashion house Versace. You can read all about it from page 74.
Staying with Britain, as it’s revealed as the number one
tourist destination for UAE nationals, we go in search of
quintessentially British abodes you can visit or stay at the
next time you visit, from the real Downton Abbey in the
country’s south to the spectacular castles of Scotland up
north.
Jeremy Renner you’ll know as the Oscar-nominated, allaction star of the latest instalment in Paramount Picture’s
Mission: Impossible franchise, but away from the silver
screen Renner is a supremely shrewd property investor, as
Hazel Plush uncovers from page 20.
A Hollywood star of yesteryear, Audrey Hepburn has never
veered from the spotlight, despite her death in 1993. As the
latest blockbuster exhibition in homage to her talent and
timeless beauty continues to pull in the crowds, we look back
on Hepburn’s career and ask if there was more to her than is
commonly known?
Elsewhere inside we take a unique look behind the scenes at
Versace’s FW15-16 women’s collection showcase, and profile
the luxury cars celebrating birthdays this year. Speaking of
luxury motors, don’t miss the chance to read of our stunning
collaboration with Bugatti (from page 84), a world first for
property which will see a select number of villas styled on the
infamous Bugatti supercar coming to AKOYA Oxygen.
Enjoy the issue.
The DAMAC magazine team
[email protected]
facebook.com
/DamacPropertiesOfficial
twitter.com
/DamacOfficial
damacproperties.com
youtube.com
/DamacOfficial
instagram.com
/DamacOfficial
CONTENTS
FEATURES
P12-69
12
Magnificent 7: Beaches
From the natural splendour of the Seychelles to
the iridescent waters of French Polynesia, it’s
time to lose yourself in our line up of beautiful
beaches.
20
Making a Killing
Best known as a Hollywood action man, Jeremy
Renner’s off screen persona sees him star in the
role of property investor.
26
Motoring Milestones
Many a luxury car celebrates a birthday this
year – Chris Anderson profiles the pick of them.
32
The Southern Migration
Cutting edge culture, striking architecture
and fine dining on tap; Hazel Plush looks at why
South London is the capital’s new go-to hotspot.
39
Creative ID
Tracey Scott profiles the emerging creatives
bringing the best of the Middle East design to
a global audience.
46
Diamonds Are Forever
With auction records regularly smashed, Hazel
Plush looks at how investors are lured by the
finest jewellery.
50
Our Fair Lady
Few stars have captured the hearts of the
public as much as Audrey Hepburn. As a photo
exhibition of her life draws the crowds in
London, we consider her enduring appeal.
56
Season’s Greetings
The bold and the beautiful abound as Versace
showed its FW15-16 women’s collection.
62
Best In Show
Milan’s Salone Del Mobile showcases the very
best of modern furniture design, yet nothing
compared to what Fendi Casa displayed.
64
Quintessentially British
As Britain is revealed as the number one tourist
destination for UAE nationals, we look at the
UK’s historical abodes which are finding favour.
10
THE
BUSINESS
END
P71-88
74
Luxury Living in London Town
We go inside DAMAC’s super-stylish AYKON
Nine Elms, London’s first fashion-branded
residences, in collaboration Versace.
80
Hollywood Glamour at Home
How DAMAC’s Paramount Residences combine
Hollywood style with state-of-the-art living.
84
Driving for Perfection
In a world first, DAMAC Properties and Bugatti
launch ETTORE 971 at AKOYA Oxygen.
11
DAMAC MAGAZINE
MAGNIFICENT 7:
BEACHES
FE ATU R E
Craving a superlative beach break? Look no
further than these incredible sandy spots,
says Hazel Plush
No.1
SUNSET SPLENDOUR, UAE
W hile most beaches are f lanked by cliffs or
rainforest, Kite Beach is overlooked by one of the
world’s most impressive hotels: Dubai’s sevenstar Burj al Arab. This instantly-recognisable
skyscraper soars high above the wide sandy
stretch, glinting in the sun. A near-constant
sea breeze ma kes this a popular spot w ith
sunbathers and kitesurfers: the sky is always
busy with neon sails, whirling in the wind as
they race up and down the shore. While this is a
great place to soak up the sun during the day, it’s
also picture-perfect when the sun goes down:
watch as the sun dips below the horizon, lighting
up the Dubai sk yline w ith a gorgeous deep
rosy glow.
12
DAMAC MAGAZINE
13
DAMAC MAGAZINE
No.2
NATURAL WONDER, SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles certainly isn’t short on sterling
beaches: lapped by t he Ind ia n Ocea n a nd
scattered with lush palm trees, the archipelago’s
p owder -w h it e c ove s r e a l ly a r e s e c ond t o
none. But the jewel in the Seychelles’ crown
is Anse Lazio, on Praslin Island. It’s framed
by millennia-old granite rocks and the bay’s
gentle gradient and calm, clear water makes
it perfect for snorkelling – so you can get upclose with sea turtles while you cool off after
sunbathing. Spending the day here? You’ll find
light bites and refreshments in the two laid-back
beach restaurants.
14
DAMAC MAGAZINE
No.3
TRULY SECLUDED, USA
“THE ARCHIPELAGO’S
POWDER-WHITE COVES
REALLY ARE SECOND
TO NONE”
15
Named after the myriad shells that glisten on
its cream-coloured beach, Hawaii’s Honopū –
which means ‘conch’ in the local dialect – is this
archipelago’s most iconic bay. This is paradise at
its wildest: the sliver of sand is bisected by mossy
rocks and surrounded by a jagged collar of cliffs,
making it impenetrable from land. To make
access even trickier, no boats or aircraft are
permitted to land on the sand – so if you want to
head to Honopū Beach, you’ll have to swim. That
doesn’t diminish its Hollywood appeal, though:
this idyllic slice of the Central Pacific has been
featured in the King Kong, Raiders of the Lost
Ark and Pirates of the Caribbean films.
DAMAC MAGAZINE
No.4
LAVA LAGOON, FRENCH POLYNESIA
This might look like a heavenly beach, but
it ’s actually the remains of a volcano – the
explosive hotspot that formed the island of Bora
Bora. Happily, Mount Otemanu has long since
stopped erupting, and the volcanic island has
developed into a lush hideaway, deep in far-flung
French Polynesia. Otemanu Lagoon has all the
hallmarks of a superlative South Pacific beach:
dazzling-white sand, sea that’s as blue and clear
as the sky, and a vibrant coral reef shimmying
with tropical fish and manta rays. This is a lavish
remote hideaway: tuck yourself away in one of
the lagoon’s luxury resorts and marvel at this
volcanic treasure.
16
DAMAC MAGAZINE
17
DAMAC MAGAZINE
No.5
SEA-SIDE SAFARI, SOUTH AFRICA
With its sugar-white sand and pristine bays,
Boulders Beach isn’t just a glorious spot for
sunbathing – it ’s home to a colony of ra re
African penguins. Take a trip to this nature
reserve near Cape Town, South Africa, to spy
the black and white birds waddling along its
shore, nesting in its coves and swimming in its
sapphire waters. You can wallow alongside them
and share their slice of the beach – they’ll be
just as interested in you as you are in them. The
beach is kept spotless, and there’s a walkway if
you fancy observing the birds from afar.
18
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“A FANTASTICALLY
PRIVATE, PICTURESQUE
SLICE OF PARADISE”
No.6
SMUGGLERS’ HIDEAWAY, GREECE
No.7
ANCIENT MAJESTY, MEXICO
In 1983, a smuggler ’s ship ran ag round of f
Navagio Beach while trying to evade the coast
guard. The incident put this idyllic spot on
the map: despite its pristine golden sand and
crystal-clear cerulean waters, the cove had
remained secret – but now the word was out.
Even alongside the other splendid beaches
of the Ionia n Isla nds, Navag io is mag ica l:
indeed, it’s often dubbed the most spectacular
in Greece. Better yet, it’s flanked by towering
limestone cliffs, making it only accessible by
boat – a fantastically private, picturesque slice
of paradise.
No visit to Mexico would be complete without
a glimpse of its Mayan ruins or a laze on its
impeccable beaches. Happily, you can combine
both activities on the ‘Mayan Riviera’, a beach
south of Cancun which is overlooked by an
ancient castle. Float in the turquoise Caribbean
waters and gaze up at El Castillo, the pyramidshaped stronghold: it was built in 1200, designed
to protect the city of Tulum. The castle is still
an imposing sight and is remarkably preserved:
you can wander through its sandstone alleys in
search of original frescoes, and peer through its
spyholes down to the beach below.
19
DAMAC MAGAZINE
MAKING A
KILLING
PROFILE
WORDS : HAZEL PLUSH
Hollywood has made Jeremy Renner a
household name – but investing in property
has made him his fortune. Hazel Plush
uncovers the secrets of his success in these
two very different careers
20
DAMAC MAGAZINE
21
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“[WINTERS AND I] KEPT
ACQUIRING BIGGER
STRUCTURES, AND NOW IT’S
20-SOME HOUSES LATER”
From left to right:
On set with Amber Tamblyn during the
shooting of The Unusuals; Behind the
scenes during shooting; Renner during
shooting of The Avengers.
22
DAMAC MAGAZINE
J
eremy Renner never planned on being a
mogul. Sure, he set his sights on becoming
a Hollywood star, and maybe a successful
film producer too. But a property magnate? No
way. “[I bought my first house] because I hated
pay ing rent,” he admitted in a 2012 Esquire
inter v iew. “It was just money going out the
window.”
Renner paid his last rent cheque in 2002,
when he scraped together a house deposit with
his actor friend Kristoffer Winters. They bought
a 1960s house in LA for $659,000 and flipped it
for $900,000 just a few months later. The profit
was more money than they had ever made in their
lives. 13 years and 20 renovation projects later,
the pair have just sold their latest property for
$24million – not bad for a couple of guys who just
wanted to save a few bucks.
T h at $2 4m i l l ion home i s T he Reser ve, a
10,000-square-foot mansion with 6 bedrooms
and 11 bathrooms in Holmby Hills, LA. Renner
and Winters bought it for $7million and invested
$10million in remodeling by architect Phillip
Vertoch – an extravagance that sealed the deal
for UK-based buyer Christian Candy. “Sometimes
in life you have to give that extra 5 or 10 percent,”
Renner told Esquire, when quizzed about the
personal financial risk that the pair took on the
property. “It really makes the difference… We’ve
made a killing even during this down market.”
Renner has spun a career out of ‘making a
23
killing’. He’s one of Hollywood’s most successful
action heroes, with deadly roles in the Mission:
Impossible, Avengers and Bourne franchises. He’s
a gun-toting secret agent, formidable superhero
– even a trigger-happy witch hunter in Hansel
and Gretel. Working alongside the likes of Tom
Cruise, Matt Damon and Gemma Arterton has
propelled Renner into the ranks of Hollywood
royalty; if his name’s on a project, you know it’s
going to be epic.
Did he set out to be an action hero? Renner is
coy. “There’s a great blessing to have a franchise…
or several,” he told Buzzfeed in a 2014 interview.
“It’s great to know you’re going to be working in
the future. Where I come from, to know you have
a potential job in the future is a wonderful thing.”
Renner was born in Modesto, California, in
1971. His parents owned a bowling alley, and
although he’s tight-lipped about his childhood he
maintains that it was a happy one. “I always felt
supported and loved,” Renner told Elle USA. “I
had a lot of freedom as a latchkey kid to go explore
and fail and succeed and do it all over again.”
That ethos served Renner well when he was
trying to break into the movie business. After a
decade picking up small-bit roles and non-acting
jobs on the side, his first big break was in 2008 – as
a risk-addicted bomb disposal expert in Kathryn
Bigelow’s Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker. It
was the role that launched his career trajectory,
Renner told Men’s Journal: “[Soon] I was doing
DAMAC MAGAZINE
Left: Renner and co-stars
on set during the shooting
of The Avengers.
Mission: Impossible, then Hansel and Gretel,
then Avengers, and then Bourne reared its head…
Suddenly I’m action-hero guy. I didn’t see myself
that way.”
And as his acting career took off, Renner earned
more capital to invest in his property developing
career. “[Winters and I] kept acquiring bigger
structures, and now it’s 20-some houses later
between us,” Renner told World Entertainment
News Network. But it’s not all plain sailing: “Each
house has always been our primary residence...
We live in the houses while the work is being done.
Most people couldn’t do that. It’s like going back
to camping and caveman days – no electricity, no
running water.”
Is t here a secret to Ren ner a nd Winters’
success? “I’m very lucky,” Renner told Esquire. “I
could have pretty easily been driving a forklift. I’ll
gamble on the practicality of things. If I’m all-in,
at least I can sleep in the damn thing.”
In 2013, Renner’s life took a new twist: he
became a father. He and model Sonni Pacheco had
a daughter, Ava Berlin, and although the pair split
earlier this year Renner is an utterly devoted dad.
Unsurprisingly, his perspective has shifted. Now,
he doesn’t just see the property market as a way
to make big bucks: it’s also his chance to build a
legacy for his daughter.
“She takes care of me. I’d be lost without her,”
Renner told US entertainment site ETonline.com.
“She rules my mornings, afternoons and evenings
– and I couldn’t be happier about it.” The duo split
their time between Renner’s current houses in LA
and Tahoe – the latter a luxurious log-cabin-style
abode on the edge of Lake Tahoe. “I absolutely
love that you can walk out the front door, take off,
and literally be in the middle of a national forest.
Ava probably digs the Tahoe house [ because]
she can swim outside. I am teaching her. I want
to teach and show her everything I can.” Now
Ren ner c a n list Hol ly wood actor, proper t y
magnate and dedicated father on his resume – it’s
little wonder he’s type-cast as a superhero.
So what’s next for the 42-year-old? “The plan
was always that I would retire when I’m 45,” he
told Men’s Journal. “Mind you, my definition
of retirement doesn’t mean I’m not working
any more. It just means I w ill have acquired
enough work and value in my life to where I
don’t have to worry or shape a career or invest
in anything.”
This year, Renner bought a house he won’t be
flipping anytime soon. He’s putting down roots
in a 1960s property in the LA hills – one that
he hopes will give Ava financial stability in the
future. “This is my home now,” he told World
Entertainment News Network. “I’m pretty sure
this is my last structure. This house represents
a lot of who I am spiritually. This will be my
daughter’s place. I own it now, but Ava owns me.”
24
“SUDDENLY I’M
ACTION-HERO
GUY. I DIDN’T
SEE MYSELF
THAT WAY”
DAMAC MAGAZINE
MOTORING
MILESTONES
MOTORING
WORDS : CHRIS ANDERSON
This year has seen a number of luxury
automobiles celebrate anniversaries. DAMAC
Magazine profiles the pick of them…
26
DAMAC MAGAZINE
27
DAMAC MAGAZINE
T
he relea se of a new model i s of ten a c au se for
celebration for car manufacturers, but of equal
impor tance is when an iconic vehicle reaches a
significant anniversary. Who wouldn’t want to mark 50 years
of something that changed the perception of the brand, set
up a car chase in a classic movie, or dominated newspaper
headlines for winning certain races?
Different brands will have certain models they hold in
high esteem, and for a variety of reasons, with 2015 seeing
a number of cars, also much-loved by enthusiasts, reaching
particular milestones. The way the companies celebrate will
undoubtedly be different too, with processions at car shows
and club meets, and even special anniversary models in their
current lines.
28
DAMAC MAGAZINE
Opening Page: MercedesBenz 300.
Left: Rolls-Royce Silver
Shadow.
Right: Ferrari 342 America
Cabriolet.
ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW
50 years
PININFARINA
85 years
The English car company Rolls-Royce actually
celebrates t wo impor tant anniversaries in
2015. The most significant, based on how it
evolved the brand, will undoubtedly be the
Silver Shadow, which turns 50, but it is also
60 years since the launch of the Silver Cloud,
released in 1955. The Silver Cloud was, at the
time, the ultimate in luxury and refinement, but
its successor, the Silver Shadow, helped to find
a new customer base – and still has the largest
production volume of any Rolls-Royce ever.
It was the first of its models that was really
intended for the driver, rather than something
to be chauffeured around in – although a long
wheelbase version with four inches of extra
legroom was made for that purpose. The Silver
Shadow was also a leap forward for the company
in ter ms of the tech nolog y, being its f irst
monocoque (chassis-less) design, with hydraulic
self-levelling suspension, and luxury touches
like the veneer dashboard and leather interior.
B ot h t wo - a nd fou r- door ver sion s were
released, followed in 1967 by a convertible. The
Silver Shadow quickly became a status symbol,
owned by celebrities and rock stars, as well
as royalty and politicians. In 1977, the Silver
Shadow II was introduced, before production
finally ended in 1980.
Ferrari celebrates 85 years of Pininfarina this
year, the Italian design firm and coachbuilder
that it shares a long-lasting relationship with.
Founded by Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina in 1930
– ‘Pinin’ was a nickname given to him by his
family, meaning ‘the smallest’ – the company
built car bodies for Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Fiat,
C ad i l l ac a nd Rol l s-Royce, a mong ot her s .
However, its most famous partnership began
in 1951, with Battista asking his son, Sergio, to
preside over it.
Since that time, only two road-going Ferraris
have had no Pininfarina involvement. The
companies became so entwined that Battista
once served as the Ferrari vice-president, with
Sergio later joining its board of directors and
becoming a partner in Ferrari’s F1 interests.
Sergio eventually took over the company, and
his son, Andrea, after that. It is still a family
affair, with Andrea’s younger brother, Paolo, the
current CEO.
To celebrate 85 years, Ferrari released the
Sergio Roadster, limited to only six models,
with one already delivered to the SBH Royal
Auto Gallery in Abu Dhabi (www.sbhrag.com).
Essentially, it is a 458 Spider, with a special body
colour and interior, but who wouldn’t want a
Ferrari released in their name.
29
DAMAC MAGAZINE
ASTON MARTIN DB6
50 years
Everyone knows that James Bond drove an
Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 movie Goldfinger,
and it also cropped up in later instalments.
Had the film been made in 1965, perhaps its
successor, the DB6, would have been associated
with the character instead.
It looks similar to the DB5, although slightly
longer with more rear legroom, and there were
aerodynamic improvements, such as the Kamm
tail rear spoiler to increase high-speed stability.
Aston Martin released a high-performance
Vantage model, and in 1969 unveiled the DB6
Mark II, with f lared wheelarches and wider
tyres. There was also a convertible, the DB6
Volante – the first Aston Martin ever to use
that name. The Mark I Volante model used a
leftover DB5 chassis as its base, with DB6 design
cues added, while the Mark II was closer to the
hard-top.
In either case, the Volantes are scarce, with
the DB6 Vantage Volante the rarest of the lot.
The ca r wa s made u nti l 1971, a nd wh i le
there is no Bond connection with this model,
famous owners included Prince Charles, Paul
McCartney, Mick Jagger, Twigg y and Peter
Sellers. Charles was given the DB6 by his mother
as a 21st birthday present, and converted it to
run on bioethanol.
30
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“THE SILVER SHADOW
WAS THE FIRST ROLLSROYCE MODEL MADE FOR
THE DRIVER, NOT THE
CHAUFFEUR”
Above: Prince Charles
at the wheel of his 21st
birthday present, an Aston
Martin DB6.
JAGUAR XJS
40 years
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SLR
60 years
Following a car like the E-Type was never going
to be easy, but Jaguar knew that day would come
eventually. Its follow-up was the XJ-S, launched
in 1975, one year after the last E-Type was built.
It was intended to be the new f lagship, more
aerodynamic and performance-orientated,
with a V12 engine that could rival Ferraris and
Lamborghinis. The marketing pushed its luxury
and refinement, with a price tag to match.
The initial reception was mixed – while it
had distinctive looks, with prominent front
headlights and a long bonnet, many felt it didn’t
live up to the E-Type.
A nd t her e w er e c onc er n s , t o o, over a n
ex pensive hig h-per for ma nce ca r being
launched at the end of a fuel crisis, when there
were also major worries about the state of the
UK economy.
Luckily, with some clever marketing – the
Jaguar XJ-S was the chosen transport of Simon
‘The Saint’ Templar in the 1970s revival TV
show – and a lso some motorspor t success,
including a record time in the American crosscountr y road race commonly known as the
Cannonball Run, the car endured, with several
engine variations and convertible models over
its 21-year production run, which came to an end
in 1996. It is certainly looked back upon today
more fondly.
For motorsport fans, 1955 was all about the
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Using technolog y
fou nd i n it s For mu l a 1 c a r s , t he G er m a n
manufacturer had created an iconic two-seater
for road, track and endurance races.
Stirling Moss became the only British driver
to win Italy’s infamous Mille Miglia road race
behind the wheel of an open-top version, along
with his co-pilot Denis ‘Jenks’ Jenkinson. Moss
also set a record time that was never beaten,
completing the round-trip from Brescia to Rome
in just over 10 hours, clocking an average speed
of nearly 98 mph.
The car also won that year’s World Sportscar
Championship, and there were plans to make
a road-legal version. The Mercedes boss at
the time, Rudolph Uhlenhaut, was given the
prototype – similar in looks to the gullwing
300SL and dubbed the Uhlenhaut Coupé. He
is said to have once driven it from Stuttgart to
Munich for a meeting in just one hour, and staff
commented that the engine was so loud they
could hear him driving to work from 5km away.
B ut w hen a 3 0 0 S L R w a s i nv ol v e d i n a
horrific accident at Le Mans, Mercedes not
only abandoned it but withdrew from racing
altogether for the next three decades.
Few cars can claim to have had such a short
yet eventful lifespan.
31
DAMAC MAGAZINE
TR AVE L
South London has never been more diverse or
desirable. Hazel Plush discovers the cutting
edge culture and world-class dining that are
drawing attention to its history-rich shore
32
DAMAC MAGAZINE
33
DAMAC MAGAZINE
M
y stomach lurched as the helicopter
banked towards the sun, and
To w e r B r i d g e s w u n g i n t o v i e w.
With its 130 -yea r-old stone ra mpa r ts a nd
heavy suspension bridge, it is the most iconic
connection between the banks of the Thames
River – but from my lofty spot it looked like a
toy. As if on cue, the two bascules of the bridge
rose to let a white-sailed boat pass through – its
sleek form cutting quickly through the shadowy
waters. The connection between North and
South London was momentarily broken.
At 1,500 feet, the landmarks of London were
spread at my feet, from the Docklands all the
way out to Battersea Power Station. As we flew
eastwards along the river, I watched the city
unfurl – but one monument rose up to meet us.
The Shard, one of the latest additions to the
UK capital’s southern skyline, lay just 300 feet
below the chopper, its spiky crown glinting in
the afternoon sun.
The radio crackled. “Clearance to turn over
Isle of Dogs” – and so we pressed eastwards,
swooping over the O2 arena’s white dome, the
final frontier of central London. Every day,
London Helicopter r un aeria l tours of the
capital, its two aircraft following the river
between east and west. The age-old icons of
familiar London – the British Museum, Houses
of Parliament, Buckingham Palace – lay north of
the water, but my sights were fixed on the south:
the new face of the capital.
I ’m c er t a i n l y n o t t h e f i r s t t o t u r n m y
at tentions sout hwa rds. T he a rea s a rou nd
Waterloo, Vauxhall and beyond are attracting
property investors, cultural projects and big
businesses – and the pace of the regeneration
is staggering. Construction cranes bob on the
horizon, and day by day the district becomes
more sought-after, more promising.
Intrigued, I checked into Shangri-La London,
the hotel with the highest profile – and the
highest spot – in South London. Occupying
floors 34 to 52 of The Shard, it boasts some of
the best views in town. I soaked it all up from
the bathtub in my room on the 48th f loor,
Battersea’s chimneys poking through a frame
of bubbles. As the sun set, I feasted on exquisite
A sia n-f usion cuisine while gorg ing on the
glittering panorama below – then retired for the
night with the blinds open, the lights of the city
merging with the stars.
T h e s u n w o k e m e e a r l y, i t s l o w r a y s
illuminating the glossy new developments
rising up around Vauxhall, and casting a pinky
glow over the trains and cars that forged through
South Ba n k below. A new day in London’s
newest neighbourhood.
South Bank was the first major redevelopment
project this side of the river: right on the shore of
the Thames, it has evolved from a busy working
industrial hub into a centre for arts, culture and
fine dining. It stretches along the south shore
of the Thames, from the Secret Intelligence
Ser v ice bu i ld i ng ( home of MI5) up to t he
Tate Modern, with hundreds of established
London businesses and international brands in
between. As the crow flies, the furthest tip of
this lively luxurious, dynamic district is just one
mile from those bobbing cranes in Vauxhall – or
a mere five minutes by taxi.
All along South Bank, the relics of London are
34
“A NEW DAY IN
LONDON’S NEWEST
NEIGHBOURHOOD”
being transformed into world-class attractions
– but few are as successful as the Oxo Tower
Restaurant. This iconic spot on the bank of the
Thames was built in the 1920s, and has served
va rious pur poses over the yea rs: f irst as a
power station, then as a cold store for a national
grocery chain. Today, it stands as a triumph
of South London regeneration: rich in history,
but repurposed as a glorious restaurant with
peerless Thames views.
On any evening here, you’ll brush shoulders
with the city’s most influential businessmen and
residents. Unsurprisingly, the cuisine is divine,
sourced from the finest local producers; I sank
Opening Page: View from
Shangri-La Hotel, At
The Shard, London. This
page, clockwise from
top left: The London Eye;
Tate Modern’s Turbine
Hall; The Skypool at
Shangri-La Hotel, At The
Shard, London; Oxo Tower
Restaurant; Exterior of
Shangri-La Hotel, At The
Shard, London. Next page:
View across River Thames to
London’s Southbank.
35
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“EVERY STEP
ALONG THE RIVER
UNVEILS SNIPPETS
OF LONG-GONE
LONDON”
my teeth into succulent monkfish with clams
and picillo pepper, wondering how the British
got their reputation for underwhelming fare.
But my time travelling didn’t stop there: this
area is a master of reinvention, and every step
along the river unveils snippets of long-gone
London. At low tide, the gently-shelving sand
along the south side of the Thames is revealed
– it’s a sliver of history, right beneath your feet.
It attracts historians from all over the world,
who regularly unearth 8,000-year-old pieces of
Mesolithic-era London, Medieval roof tiles or
Elizabethan clay pipes. As I wandered the South
Bank, I stopped to listen to a jazz band who’d
set up to play on the sunny sandy shore, a few
steps below the walkway. Did they know what
riches they were treading on, I wondered? There
aren’t many cities in the world which boast such
a bounteous trove of tangible history.
One living, working artefact is the Globe
T heat re, a fa it h f u l recon st r uc t ion of t he
very theatre in which William Shakespeare
captivated London crowds with his plays in the
1500s. It’s just a few steps away from the Oxo
Tower, but my first encounter had been from the
helicopter: as we’d swooped over the roofless
stage, I’d glimpsed tiny actors and hordes of
miniscule audience members in the circular
theatre – and I was keen to experience this
Elizabethan splendour up-close.
I was wary of not understanding the archaic
la ng uage of Sha kespea re’s A s You Li ke It,
but the skill of the actors and grandeur of the
production transgressed the boundaries of time.
I was swept up in this snapshot of 400-year-old
London, the words of the actors as faithful to
Shakespeare’s day as the wooden amphitheatre
seats and ornate hand-painted stage set. Indeed,
the only nudge to modern London was the
occasional thuck-thuck of a passing helicopter, a
reminder of my privileged preview.
The beauty of South London stems from this
juxtaposition of old and new. It is utterly unique
and thoroughly invigorating – and it ’s what
makes the area’s regeneration so enticing. While
the energy and prosperity of new developments
propel t he a rea onto t he world st age, t he
richness of its past adds a quality and calibre
that money simply can’t buy.
36
DAMAC MAGAZINE
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DAMAC MAGAZINE
CREATIVE
ID
TA LE NT
WORDS : TRACEY SCOTT
As countries around the world grapple with
their cultural identity, DAMAC meets the
creative masterminds who are busy preserving
and transmitting cultural heritage through
their design right here in the Middle East
39
DAMAC MAGAZINE
THE FURNITURE DESIGNER
A piece of Khalid Shafar furniture is not the
type of object people wind up buying by chance.
These thoughtf ully desig ned pieces are so
thoroughly planned out that anyone who spies a
piece, buys a piece.
“I believe the Middle East has its own cultural
design identity in general that is very different
than anywhere around,” says the self-professed
old-school furniture and product designer, who
studied at Central Saint Martins in London
before releasing his debut collection in 2012.
“ Even w ithin the Midd le Ea st itself, each
region has its own unique cultural and design
language to communicate. This makes design
from this part of the world very much rooted
at its core culture yet reflects today’s lifestyle
reinterpreted by its own creatives.”
Referring to his own work, Shafar says: “I
believe I have two sides – one is my personal
vision for my brand, and then my contribution
to the future of Dubai. With my work, I tap
into both sides. When it comes to using local
materials for example, the weaving process of
the palm leaves, coffee tables and stools, we
use camel leather and goat hair from tannerys
based in the UAE, and the cultured pearl which I
discovered in one of the emirates recently.”
Since opening his first studio in Dubai in
November 2012, Shafar, who is today one of the
UAE’s most highly regarded designers, has gone
on to collaborate with a number of international
brands – Brazilian duo Campana Brothers,
French cabinet maker Moissonnier, Kartell,
carpet industry leader Tai Ping et al – and in so
doing pulled the Middle East’s status as a design
hub with him.
“Dubai is growing so fast in all sectors and
design is one of them,” says Shafar. “And my
vision is to grow this brand further to make it
an international brand, to be present beyond an
exhibition.”
40
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Carat +963 22009991 Riyadh: First Jewelry +966 114602801
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DAMAC MAGAZINE
THE FASHION DESIGNER
A case in point that tradition can merge with
modernity is Thamanyah, one of the region’s
brightest fashion labels.
With a strong sense of tradition, and an even
stronger sense of style, Dubai-born designer
Ahmed Abdelrahman set himself a challenge:
to create a kandora (an ankle-length MiddleEastern garment) which he could wear while
travelling outside his native Dubai. The result of
said challenge was a sophisticated ‘East-meetsWest ’ wardrobe strictly for the sartoriallysavvy gentleman.
The designer’s infusion of tradition, faith and
patriotism caught the eye of Rick Owens’ muse,
Michele Lamy, and ultimately led to the launch
of Ahmed’s first collection in Paris in 2011. The
fact that his first foray into fashion took place
in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, was a
clear indication of what the creative director
had pla nned for not only his label, but for
traditional Arabic garb. “Evolving the kandora
is not a st yling project,” the desig ner sa id
during a recent interview. “It requires a deep
understanding of the culture it is coming from.
There are heavy tribal, religious, political and
historical dimensions hidden in the garment.”
Earmarked by Vog ue Italia as a talent to
watch, Abdelrahman’s brand, which has since
expanded to include womenswear, is stocked
in a number of highly influential stores around
the globe, including The Number 4 in Kuwait,
Atelier and Barneys in New York, and LN-CC
in London.
43
THE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
There is a good case to be made for doing one
thing and doing it well. In the case of Kamelia
Bin Zaal, it’s landscaping.
Earlier this year, the Dubai-based designer
became the first Emirati to design a garden for
the annual Royal Horticultural Society show in
London, the gardening equivalent of the Oscars.
Her debut show garden, The Beauty of Islam, a
contemporary reinterpretation of the Islamic
garden, scooped a silver gilt medal at the event.
The idea behind the design was simple: to
give visitors the opportunity to explore the
relationship between humankind and the earth,
something that is prominent in Islamic culture.
The poetry, calligraphy and textures within the
garden ref lect both the beauty of Arabic and
Islamic cultures, while a sculptural centrepiece
represented Islamic art. Of her garden, Bin Zaal
says: “It is the chance to show that Islam and
Arabic culture really is, as many other religions
and cultures, a way of life and that we share
the same values and morals as other religions
and cultures.”
Closer to home and Bin Zaal, who studied
L a n d s c a p e G a r d e n D e s i g n a t L o n d o n ’s
Inchbald School of Design, has established
her ow n la ndscape a rchitectura l practice,
Second Nature. A nd while the harsh desert
environment proves a constant challenge for
the landscaper, Bin Zaal continues to create
intuitive and stylised outdoor living spaces
with finesse.
DAMAC MAGAZINE
THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ty pefaces have a body and soul, according
to Pasca l Zoghbi, the Beirut-born graphic
designer who is propelling the Arabic script
into the 21st century. Until recently, the range
of fonts available for printing in Arabic was
very limited, but font design is now a growing
field thanks, in part, to creative masterminds
like Zoghbi.
Zoghbi’s design studio, 29Letters, is where he
creates new typographical styles for newspaper,
magazine, architecture and software clients.
And while the typographer admits that devising
new fonts that stay faithful to the conventions
of the Arabic script is a challenge, his efforts
haven’t gone unnoticed around the world. Last
year he was shortlisted for the Jameel Prize,
a n inter nationa l awa rd for contempora r y
art and design inspired by Islamic tradition
that culminated in his work being displayed at
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London for
five months.
“I’m always referring to the Arabic script
and I always challenge myself to see how I
can reshape these letters into a contemporary
manner but still retain and respect A rabic
calligraphy,” explains the typographer. “There’s
a larger number of people asking for different
fonts who are bored of using the same fonts
again and again. This is not only good for us as
designers, but the overall design community and
visual environment in the Arab region.”
45
DAMAC MAGAZINE
DIAMONDS
ARE FOREVER
JE WELLERY
WORDS : HAZEL PLUSH
From flawless stand-alone jewels to
vintage haute couture creations, jewellery
is now a key investment – and there’s
no better place to buy than at auction.
DAMAC reveals the fine jewels that are
as valued for their beauty as they are for
their rich history and heritage
I
s it the deep azure of the Winston Blue
dia mond that ’s so bew itching ? Or the
vivacity of its sparkle? Perhaps it is the
gem’s sheer size – it weighs 13.22 carats, making
it the world’s largest f lawless blue diamond.
For Nayla Hayek , CEO of Ha r r y W i n ston
Inc., the stone was simply irresistible: “I had
to buy it,” she said after making her winning
bid at Christie’s. The blue beauty was hers
for a cool $23.8 million. But it wasn’t just the
diamond’s aesthetics that had Hayek hooked fine jewellery is increasingly sought-after and
this pure, perfect diamond offers staggering
potential for return on investment.
The Blue was the star of a stellar year at
Christie’s Jewellery who turned over $754.7
million last year – the highest annual result ever
achieved for jewellery at any auction house. At
Sotheby’s, the story was no different: its fine
jewellery sales reached $604 million. And little
wonder as lots included pieces from the estates
of businesswoman Estée Lauder, 1930s USA
socialite Barbara Hutton, philanthropist Bunny
Mellon, and the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna
of Russia.
S o wh at c a n i nvest or s g le a n f r om such
insatiable energy in the fine jewellery market?
If you desire a glittering piece of history, look to
Geneva: this is where the blue-blooded pieces
from Europe’s most high-profile designers and
dynasties are sold. In a recent Christie’s sale,
a sensational Belle Epoque brooch, crafted
46
by Cartier in 1912, boasted both beauty and
solid return-on-investment. It was originally
commissioned by Sa lomon Barnato Joel, a
director of De Beers diamond mines in South
Africa: he took four of his favourite diamonds
to Cartier’s Henri Picq atelier and asked for
a brooch to be designed around them. The
piece was only estimated to reach $12 million,
but it sold for $17. 8 m i l l ion – t est a ment ,
without doubt, to the rising strength of the
jewellery market.
“Geneva is the best place to buy important
historic and aristocratic pieces of jewellery,”
confirms Julien Brunie, Christie’s International
Head for Jewellery Private Sales. “Last year,
the Blue Belle of Asia became the most valuable
DAMAC MAGAZINE
47
DAMAC MAGAZINE
Opening page: The Zoe
Diamond. This page: The Blue
Belle. Opposite page, left to
right: The Winston Blue; The
Sunrise Ruby.
48
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“BU
UYING AT
AUCTIION IS MORE
THA
AN A MERE
TRA
ANSACTION:
MAGIIC IS MADE”
sapphire ever to
o be sold at auction and the sale
was, of course,, in Geneva.” The Blue Belle’s
provenance is remarkable: it was found in a
Sri Lanka padd
dy field in 1926, and purchased
immediately b
by Lord Nuf f ield, the British
founder of Morrris Motors. The businessman
wanted to preseent the impeccable sapphire to
Queen Elizabeth
h on her coronation, but instead
it was set as th
he centerpiece of a spectacular
diamond necklaace – a piece which reached $17.2
million at a land
dmark Christie’s sale.
At S ot heby ’ s G eneva , t he Su n r ise Ruby
also proved its elf a shrewd investment. This
25.59-carat Bu
urmese stone garnered a new
world record ffor r ubies at auction: it wa s
acquired for $30
0.3 million, despite having been
valued at $12-18
8 million. Named after a poem
written by the thirteenth-century Sufi poet
Rumi, it was decclared by the Swiss Gemological
Institute to be “a unique treasure of nature”.
If the riches of the old world don’t appeal
to your tastes, perhaps
h ps consider
con
investing in
jade – the most sought-after gem in Asia. In
the Hong Kong auction houses, the appetite
for f lawless jade is insatiable. Last year, the
Hutton-Mdivani Jade Necklace by Cartier was
sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong for $27.4 million –
breaking all existing auction records for jadeite
jewels, non-diamond jewels and Cartier pieces.
The extraordinary necklace has an illustrious
provenance, which can be traced back through
Western nobility and Imperial China. It was
presented to A merican debutante Barbara
Hutton when she married Prince Mdivani of
Georgia in 1933 – although the gems themselves
were sourced long before, in Asia.
Pearls also offer vast potential for return
on investment, especially since high-quality
examples are increasingly rare. “The majority of
saltwater pearls were harvested a century ago,”
reveals Daniella Mascetti, Sotheby ’s Senior
Specialist in Jewellery. Widespread pollution
across pearl fishing areas has decimated the
industry and, as a result, created a vacuum in
the market all over the world, it’s little wonder
that shrewd investors are snapping up pearls
with abandon. Recently, an extremely rare
nat u ra l pea rl a nd d ia mond neck lace sold
at Sotheby ’s for $7 million – a new record
for a double-strand natural pearl necklace,
and a value that far exceeded its estimate of
$3-5 million.
49
But buying at auction is more than a just a
mere transaction: magic is made every time
the gavel hits the block. “Even though I am
head of Private Sales at Christie’s, I still attend
all of our auctions,” says Brunie. “Buying at
auction is very exciting – you get a real feeling
of joy.” Anyone who’s been to – or has bid – at a
high-profile sale will speak of its thrill, and the
electric atmosphere buzzing with adrenaline.
Perhaps that’s another reason why investors
h ave such a n i n sat i able app et it e for f i ne
jewellery at auction.
Of course, the magic of the saleroom can be
experienced by remote bidders too: the number
of people participating via phone or internet is
rising every year. With buyers from all over the
globe taking interest, jewels can reach heights
that they simply wouldn’t if sold via retail
channels. Conversely, there is always the chance
that you can find a piece at lower than market
va lue – if you scour the sa les prog rammes
hard enough, and strike while the populous is
distracted elsewhere.
The future looks bright for those who invest
in fine jewellery – so if you are yet to explore
the market’s potential, there is no time like
the present. “We have exceptional pieces in
the pipeline,” reveals Brunie; “Signs are very
positive for another strong year.” Whether you
choose a European classic with impeccable
lineage or an avant-garde jade masterpiece, now
is the time to make a glittering investment.
DAMAC MAGAZINE
OUR
FAIR
LADY
PROFILE
WORDS : HAZEL PLUSH
From chorus girl to movie star, Audrey
Hepburn was one of the twentieth century’s
greatest icons. At a new photography
exhibition, DAMAC gets a fresh perspective on
the Hepburn we all thought we knew
50
DAMAC MAGAZINE
51
DAMAC MAGAZINE
52
DAMAC MAGAZINE
“THE GREATEST
VICTORY HAS BEEN TO
BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH
MYSELF, TO ACCEPT MY
SHORTCOMINGS”
S
i x t y f ive yea rs ago, Aud rey Hepbu r n
took to the stage at Ciro’s, a nightclub in
London’s West End. It might have been a
little shady, a little rough around the edges, but
Hepburn wasn’t daunted by the crowd. She was
21 and riding the wave of ambition: dancing to
earn money for rent, to keep shape for her ballet
training, and – most keenly – to catch the eye of
the capital’s casting directors and talent scouts.
Little did Hepburn k now, they ’d a lready
spotted her. “All I was conscious of were the
da ncing eyes of that sprite in the chor us…
t he s t a r t l i ng eyes t h at wer e ne ver s t i l l ,”
confessed Anthony Beauchamp, one of the first
photographers to notice Hepburn. High praise
indeed, from someone who counts Marilyn
Monroe as his muse.
Today, Ciro’s has a more salubrious existence:
the building is now a wing of London’s National
Portrait Gallery. It’s fitting, then, that 65 years
after Hepburn graced its stage, the galler y
53
recently hosted an entire exhibition devoted to
the Netherlands-born star. The show included
shots by leading photographers such as Richard
Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Terry O’Neill, and Irving
Penn – all of whom enjoyed personal friendships
with the actress.
“A u d r e y i s t h e m o s t i n t r i g u i n g l y
childish, adult, feminine tomboy I’ve ever
photographed,” said Mark Shaw after shooting
a photo essay of Hepburn for LIFE in 1953.
“ S he ’s m a ny women w r app e d up i n one .”
And yet, away from the camera, Hepburn
was surprisingly shy. “I’m an introvert,” she
confessed in a 1959 interview, “The greatest
victory has been to be able to live with myself,
to accept my shortcomings… I’m a long way from
the human being I’d like to be. But I’ve decided
I’m not so bad after all.” Aside from dancing
and drama, her first loves were simple, “being
outdoors, taking a long walk with my dogs and
looking at the trees, flowers, the sky” – a far cry
DAMAC MAGAZINE
from the glamorous photoshoots and hectic film
sets she was used to.
Fashion was a nother of Hepburn’s g reat
p er s on a l love s , a nd she s t r uc k up a f i r m
friendship with Hubert de Givenchy when he
created the wardrobe for her first film, Roman
Holiday, in 1953. “Clothes a re positively a
pa ssion w it h me,” Hepbu r n revea led to a
journalist while working with Givenchy in those
early days. “I love them to the point where it is
practically a vice. Some people dream of having
a big swimming pool. With me, it’s closets.” She
wore Givenchy’s designs until the end of her life,
and just before her death in 1993 she returned
25 dresses to the couturier; they have since
been gifted to museums and galleries all over
the world.
The power of transformation is a key theme
in all of Hepburn’s films – from the bookshop
clerk who becomes a couture model in Funny
Face, to a foul-mouthed flower girl turned highsociety debutante in My Fair Lady. “It’s a cycle…
You can only sell what the public’s interested
in,” she said in an interview after the release of
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, giving a rare glimpse into
her shrewd business mind.
In 1960, Hepburn under went a power ful
transformation of her ow n – she became a
mother. It was a role that suited her down to
the ground: “I was born with an enormous need
for affection, and a terrible need to give it,” she
confessed. “The one thing I dreamed of in my life
was to have children of my own.” She travelled
through Europe on the arm of Mel Ferrer, Sean’s
father, the glow of new parenthood rosy on
her cheeks. “She has a new womanly beauty,”
declared Cecil Beaton after photographing her
for London’s Daily Express.
But Hepburn mostly shied away from the
cameras as she embarked on motherhood –
and thus began the graceful end of her acting.
“I suppose people could blame me for ending
Audrey Hepburn’s career,” ref lected her son
Sean Ferrer in an interview with The Telegraph
“I WAS BORN
WITH AN
ENORMOUS NEED
FOR AFFECTION,
AND A TERRIBLE
NEED TO GIVE IT”
in 2014. “If she had kept working, the parts were
there for her, and her success professionally
would have continued for years. But she wanted
to be with her family. She couldn’t bear the
thought that she might fail as a mother. It
was too important to her.” Today, he manages
Hepbu r n’s est ate i n pa r t nersh ip w it h h is
younger brother Luca Dotti, ensuring that her
legacy stays true to her life: “There have been
big advertising campaigns with Longines and
others, but I try to pick companies that will help
sponsor the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund.”
Cha r it y work wa s a nother of Hepbur n’s
passions, particularly in her later years. In the
1980s, it was time for a final transformation:
into a philanthropist, as she took on the role
of Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. Growing up
in war-torn Europe, Hepburn had received
food and relief from Unicef, and it was time
to repay her debt by travelling to Ethiopia,
Sudan, Bangladesh and Somalia, raising funds
and awareness for the charity. “We didn’t go to
54
her,” said Christa Roth, a Unicef employee who
became a close friend of Audrey’s; “She came to
us. From the moment she signed on, she went
into the field, meeting with the starving children
whose message of despair she hoped to carry to
the rest of the world.”
In her last cover interview with Vanity Fair in
1991, a leggy, slender Hepburn posed in her black
Givenchy uniform. It was just two years before
her death – but she was joyful, ebullient. “With
the passing years, her beauty has matured, not
vanished,” declared Dominick Dunne when
he inter viewed her. “God knows, she didn’t
get fat or lifted!” On the opening page she was
captured with arms flung wide, pointed feet,
and a megawatt smile – just like the young
showgirl she’d once been. After all of those years
of personal and professional reinvention, it was
almost as if Hepburn had come full circle. She
was the mistress of transformation, but some
things never changed: her polish, her pluck, and
her impeccable poise.
DAMAC MAGAZINE
Opening page: Audrey
Hepburn circa. 1960
Previous page: On set of
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
This page: On location in
Africa, 1958.
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SEASON’S
GREETINGS
STYLE
“There’s nothing quite like a Versace show to
perk up jaded fashion spectators,” enthused
Vogue’s Sarah Harris when reporting on
Versace’s FW15-16 Women’s collection, which
will filter through to stores this season. But
before the fash pack got to see the maison’s
spectacular show, DAMAC Magazine headed
backstage for a unique look behind
the scenes...
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“THE CATWALK WAS A RIOT OF
BRIGHT COLOUR - RED, GREEN,
YELLOW AND BLUE, EQUALLY
STRIKING MONO OR MIXED”
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HOW THE PRESS SAW THE SHOW…
“Bare backs camouflaged by geometric shapes
and a loud logo print (called #GREEK) splashed
like confetti across minidresses were pure fun.”
Christina Binkley, The Wall Street Journal
“If, recently, Versace has drawn on the heritage
of the house and spun it in new ways, Donatella
said this season she had “closed the door on
the archive. In its place on the moodboard was
the brave new world of the internet. This show
was livestreamed and some evening dresses
feat u red t he at sig n (@) a nd ha sht ag s (#)
rendered in sequins.”
Lauren Cochrane, The Guardian
“Donatella came up with the concept #GREEK,
a reworking of the traditional Versace logo of
Greek keys encircling the head of Medusa into
a more modern tile-like symbol that wouldn’t
look out of place on an iPhone keyboard. This
wa s sca led up a nd ha nd-stitched la rge on
sweaters; reduced to form a trim on the arms of
suede bomber jackets; and printed in paintbox
colours on circle-cut skirts and leather chainhandle handbags.”
Ellie Pithers, The Telegraph
“The cutouts from Couture were carried over
with spectacular subtlety in the random sheer
slices on one leg of an otherwise sober black
suit, but elsewhere cutout black coatdresses
were played against a red or green thigh-boot in
patent leather.”
Tim Blanks, style.com
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BEST IN
SHOW
DESIGN
Why Fendi Casa stole the show at
Salone Del Mobile
M
ilan’s Salone Del Mobile 2015 set th
h e stage for
Fendi Casa to showcase its latest tree nd-setting
collections, with the tradition and inn
novation the
fashion house is famed for seamlessly translated into eclectic
furnishings of impeccable style.
“I have always looked at the image and press tige of this
Maison with admiration and this is the reason why we have
decided to use materials such as brass, fine woods, lacquer
and leather, conveying the sophistication and timeless
elegance of Fendi Casa,” said Thierry Lemaire, designer
of the Fendi Casa Collection. “Fashion and design are two
creative universes that are very close, and it was challenging
to create a world that would combine the values of both,
enhancing them.”
Of the new Fendi Casa Contemporary Collection, designer
Toan Nguyen said a “statement of luxury and highest savoirfaire” had been made. “This collection has been conceived in
order to transmit emotions, as it happens for a Fendi fur or
any other Fendi product.”
Here’s our pick of products from each collection….
SLOANE ARMCHAIR
The Sloane armchair – also available as a sofa – is a
classic yet contemporary design. The piping is the
distinctive element, boasting fine craftsmanship and
painstaking attention to details.
From the Fendi Casa Contemporary Collection, Toan Nguyen
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FAYE LIGHTING
BLIXEN CHAIR
The Faye lamp creates a striking star shape when it
touches the ceiling. Its lampshade is highlighted by a
brass finish, elegantly conveying the distinctive style
of Thierry Lemaire.
This eye-grabbing seat is composed of a unique
leather element stretched with metal buckles, typical
of Fendi men’s accessories. It’s available in three
versions: chair, lounge chair and conference.
From the Fendi Casa Collection, Thierry Lemaire
From the Fendi Casa Contemporary Collection, Toan Nguyen
ROMANCE CHAIR
DROP COFFEE TABLE
This piece embodies the perfect balance between
tradition and modernity. The seat back is decorated
with a classy and refined metal detail, with a polished
brass finish.
The smooth lines of the top and the cylindrical shape
of this coffee table are refined by metal details in
contrast with the brushed lacquering of the surfaces.
A wonderful statement piece.
From the Fendi Casa Collection, Thierry Lemaire
From the Fendi Casa Collection, Thierry Lemaire
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H E R ITAG E
QUINTESSENTIALLY
BRITISH
WO R D S : H AY L E Y S K I R K A
Four-poster beds, spiral staircases and
stone chimney pieces may sound like
something from a bygone era, but thanks
to the recent boom in British period
dramas, these are what’s topping the wish
list of many luxury holidaymakers. Luckily,
Britain is only too happy to oblige...
HIGHCLERE CASTLE
A
whole plethora of stately homes, historic castles and
revered cathedrals provide the backdrop for a period
visit to Britain, which remains the number one tourist
destination for UAE nationals.
Steeped in history and cultural heritage, it’s not hard to
see the appeal. According to James Croft, marketing director
at VisitBritain: “The growing success of British period TV
dramas such as Downton Abbey - as well as adaptations
of classic novels by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters - is
fantastic advertising for Britain.”
With British television programme exports rocketing
globally, many period dramas have found themselves fast
becoming hit shows as far afield as China and Eastern
Europe, not to mention the US - where the craving for British
culture seems to be insatiable. Croft adds: “These popular
series beam British destinations directly into millions
of living rooms and cinemas across the world, which has
certainly helped to increase interest in British locations used
in filming,” Jumping on this period-drama bandwagon, we
take a look at five of our favorite historical abodes open for
visitors across the United Kingdom.
Now world-renowned, thanks to its alter-ego as
Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a stunning
home set in spectacular parklands just 70 miles
west of London.
Fans of the show will certainly recognise the
library with its fluted columns and luxurious
red velvet sofas, the drawing room and the
car ved oak staircase where you might half
expect the Granthams to come whisking down
the steps any minute. And even for those not
familiar with the hit BBC series, the historic
home of the Carnarvon family, who have owned
the estate for over 300 years, boasts plenty to see
thanks to the spectacular design of Sir Charles
Barry, who was also the mastermind behind
England’s iconic Houses of Parliament.
History buffs should head to the basement
w her e a n i nt r ig u i ng d i s pl ay of Eg y pt i a n
artifacts, including a re-creation of King Tut’s
tomb, honours the legacy of the 5th Earl of
Canarvon, a devotee of Egyptian archaeology.
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Image credit : Highclere Castle
DAMAC MAGAZINE
LANGLEY CASTLE
STRAWBERRY HILL
Batten down the hatches and settle in for the
evening at Langley Castle, an ancient military
stronghold that belies a turbulent past thanks
to its serene location amidst 10 acres of Hexham
woodland estate in northern England. The
grounds are peppered with roaming deer and
strutting peacocks while the castle boasts what
is often considered some of the best-preserved
architecture from Medieval England, along with
an army of dedicated staff happy to take care of
visitors’ every whims.
Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III,
this regal hotel is one of just a few fortified castle
hotels in all of England. Featuring traditionalstyle rooms with opulent, castle-set quarters
- including four-poster beds, window seats and
open fireplaces - the castle also has stone spiral
staircases, original portcullis and many old
stone archways. It is close to Hadrian’s Wall, the
picturesque Northumberland countryside and a
spectacular coastline making it a fantastic spot
to visit.
For a true lady of the manor moment, The
Tower Room in the castle’s West Turret is a
recent addition and the result of a combined
effort between architects, interior designers
and historians to create a bedroom suite that
appears to be entirely authentic.
In 1747, Horace Walpole, the son of Sir Robert
- Br it a in’s f irst Pr ime Minister, acqu i red
a nd t r a n s for me d a fe w r u r a l c ot t a ge s i n
Twickenham into a miniature gothic castle on
the banks of the Thames. The property features
battlements, pinnacles, extensive gardens and
an iconic round tower set in acres of rolling
meadows. From the very beginning, Strawberry
Hill was intended to attract visitors, although
numbers today have risen significantly from
the strict ‘four-per-day’ rule enforced in the
property’s infancy.
In a bold move away from the fashionable
classical idioms of his time, Walpole and a group
of architect friends created a home of medieval
dreams. Indeed, stepping into this theatrical
property you’ll wonder at the arched doorways,
rose windows, mediaeval tombs and endless
winding passageways that stand in complete
contrast to the magically lit magnificence of
the gallery and it’s dramatic burst of crimson
and gold.
Budding literar y geniuses can gain a true
sense of inspiration, with the castle having
ser ved as the muse behind Walpole’s novel
The Castle of Otranto, the gothic tale that
then served as inspiration for Mary Shelley’s
classic Frankenstein.
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Opening page: Owners at
Highclere Castle.
This page: Langley Castle.
Next page, from left to
right: Inverlochy Castle;
Broughton Castle.
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INVERLOCHY CASTLE
BROUGHTON CASTLE
Situated at the site where the River Lochy enters
Loch Linhe in the West Highlands of Scotland,
this regal 11th century castle was built by the
powerful ‘Red’ Comyns who dominated much
of northern Scotland in the 1200s. In 1308,
Inverlochy, along with all the other Comyn
castles, fell into the hands of Robert the Bruce.
Since then, the castle has endured unaltered and
remains one of only a handful of 13th-century
Scottish castles to survive today.
Burrowed in the foothills of the mighty Ben
Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, this castle is
entirely surrounded by breath-taking scenery.
Thus it’s no wonder it has played host to many
distinguished guest over the years, including
Queen Victoria who proclaimed she’d, “never
saw a lovelier or more romantic spot,” after her
stay in 1873.
More recently, fa ns of the Ha r r y Pot ter
mov ies w ill delig ht in reading the castle’s
visitors book, which contains comments from
both Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson who
stayed at the castle when filming scenes for the
movie franchise in Scotland.
T h i s s pr a w l i n g , m o a t e d m a n or h ou s e i n
Banbury, Oxfordshire, is built from rich local
Hornton ironstone and is a fantastic place for a
day visit.
Supported by the English Heritage Trust, the
core of the building was originally built in 1306
but was besieged and damaged after the Battle
of Edgehill in 1642. Renovated while under
ownership of Lord and Lady Saye & Sele, of the
Fiennes family, the building has remained in
the Fiennes heritage to date. Not only can the
castle claim numerous movie credits, but it also
featured heavily in recent British television
drama Wolf Hall.
Inside, the Great Ha ll feat u res ex posed
br ick work , ma mmoth open f ireplaces a nd
alcoves featuring armor-clad sculptures, while
the Oak Room is a huge paneled drawing room
with an oak interior porch that movie fans may
recognise from the 2011 adaptation of Jayne
Eyre. The castle grounds are something of a
botanical wonderland, and played a prominent
role as Gy wnth Paltrow ’s home in the 1998
motion picture Shakespeare in Love.
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THE
BUSINESS
END
All eyes on London as DAMAC’s AYKON
Nine Elms - developed in collaboration
with Versace - shapes up, while closer to
home we look at how DAMAC’s Paramount
Residences adds a sprinkling of Hollywood
stardust to Dubai’s skyline...
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Right: Stunning villa at
AKOYA Oxygen
PROPERTY
DAMAC
PROPERTIES
DELIVERS A LIFE
OF LUXURY
Since 2002, DAMAC Properties has realised
its customers’ dreams of premium luxury
living coupled with unparalleled quality
F
or over a decade, the real estate portfolio
of DAMAC Properties has been at the
forefront of the Middle East’s luxury
real estate market. With an enduring passion
for design and quality, the company has built a
reputation for creating some of the most iconic
and desirable properties in the UAE, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.
E s t a bl i she d i n 2 0 02 , DA M AC h a s now
delivered 14,375 homes to new owners, with
over 37,000 homes at various stages of the
construction process, including luxury branded
apartments in collaboration with fashion icons
and golf communities spanning a total of almost
100 million square feet.
Following the success of the AKOYA brand,
DA M AC introduced a second ma ster pla n
development in Dubai in August 2014. AKOYA
Oxygen is a 55-million-square-foot development
in Dubailand and will include the most lush,
green living area in the region. The project also
includes a five-star hotel, a luxury desert-style
wellness centre, globally-recognised retail
brands, leisure and entertainment offerings, and
organic market places all set within beautiful
manicured grounds. And for sports enthusiasts
there’s the new Tiger Woods-designed 18-hole
Championship course. Always at the forefront of
visionary concepts, DAMAC has relationships
with Paramount Hotels & Resorts (the official
licensee of Paramount Pictures), Italian fashion
houses Versace Home and FENDI Casa for
branded residential apartments and villas, and
The Trump Organization for the development
and operations of the Trump International Golf
Course, Dubai and The Trump Estates within
the AKOYA by DAMAC development.
Mid-2013, DAMAC Properties introduced the
‘AKOYA by DAMAC’ master plan development
in Duba i. T h is includes ma nsions, v i l la s,
luxurious apartments and a retail centre all
surrounding The Trump International Golf
Course, Dubai. Within the AKOYA by DAMAC
plan, products include The Trump Estates, a
limited collection of 100 luxurious mansions.
Also set within the heart of the community is
a collection of FENDI fashion-styled villas,
Golf Veduta, and DAMAC serviced Villas by
Paramount Hotels & Resorts.
As a global leader in branded real estate, the
company is also developing a US$1 billion hotel
and luxury serviced residences in the Burj area
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of Dubai, called DAMAC Towers by Paramount,
which will comprise the first Paramount hotel
and serviced residences in the region.
As of 30th June 2015, DAMAC Properties has
delivered 14,375 homes and has a development
portfolio of over 37,000 units at various stages
of progress and planning. Included are more
than 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel
apartments under development, which will
be managed by its hospitality arm, DAMAC
Hotels & Resorts.
With impressive v ision a nd momentum,
DA M AC P roper t ies i s d r iv i ng for w a rd i n
building the next generation off Middle East
luxury living.
As DAMAC continues to innovate and bring
new concepts to the market, the company
is deter m ined to bui ld on its power f u l
performance to date.
The compa ny is listed on the Duba i
Fina ncia l Ma rket ( DFM ) a nd a lso issued
a US$650 million f ive- yea r Su k u k on
N A S DAQ D u b a i i n A p r i l o f 2 014 , w h i c h
was more than four times oversubscribed.
Further information is available at
damacproperties.com
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PROPERTY
LUXURY
LIVING IN
LONDON
TOWN
We take a look inside DAMAC’s superstylish AYKON Nine Elms, London’s
first fashion-branded residences in
collaboration with the superlative Italian
design house that is Versace
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Clockwise from left to right: Versace
glamour and luxury for everyday
living; The swimming pool boasts some
of the best views in the city; Residents
can add as little or as much Versace
flamboyancy as desired.
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L
u x u r y pr op er t y s e e k er s i n L on d on
can now invest in an apartment with
a distinct side of fashion, thanks to a
partnership between luxury fashion giants
Versace and DAMAC International Limited.
Lu x u r y rea l est ate developer DICO U K
P r o p e r t y Ho l d i n g s L t d , a w h o l l y o w n e d
subsidiary of DAMAC International Limited,
has announced the first of its fashion residences
in London at AYKON Nine Elms. The 50-storey
skyscraper in the heart of the regeneration
a r e a adjac ent t o B at t er s e a overlo ok s t he
River Thames and boasts panoramic views of
England’s iconic House of Parliament.
And yet, it ’s the interiors rather than the
views that are commanding most of the world’s
attention. Typically known for adorning the
world’s fa sh ion elite, Mi la n-ba sed lu x u r y
fashion brand Versace has turned its hand to a
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different kind of styling, and this time the model
is a 50-storey skyscraper.
Due for completion in 2020, the exclusive
r e sidenc e s h ave b e en f u l ly de sig ne d a nd
conceptua lised by Versace w ith Donatella
Versace herself overseeing each interior, as she
does all her designs. Embracing a little of the
traditional Versace glamour, the overall vibe is
more subtlety with muted designs and neutral
colour pa lettes as standard. Of course, for
those seeking something a bit more archetypal
Donatella, there’s the option to add as little or
as much flamboyancy as desired. What’s more,
investors will be flown, free of charge, to the
fashion group’s Italian headquarters to discuss
their individual needs with a brand specialist in
order to create a fully bespoke Versace interior.
Speaking about the project, Gian Giacomo
Ferraris, Chief Executive Officer at Versace,
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“KNOWN FOR ADORNING
THE WORLD’S FASHION
ELITE, MILAN-BASED
FASHION BRAND VERSACE
HAS TURNED ITS HAND TO A
DIFFERENT KIND
OF STYLING”
says: “ Versace is synonymous with fashion
and luxury and its participation in the real
estate business provides the opportunity to
fully experience the Versace lifestyle. In recent
years, the private residential projects have
become a strategic part of the Versace world.
Today, thanks to the collaboration with DICO
UK Property Holdings Ltd and DA M AC - a
developer who we have worked with for many
years and who shares our vision for the highest
standards - we bring the ultimate expression of
Versace’s lifestyle to the very heart of London.”
Renowned for a love of splendour, the Versace
designs at Nine Elms typifies the design house’s
ability to combine an affinity for both classical
antiquity and innovative modernity, something
that lies at the very core of the brand.
With 360 fully-customisable studios, one-,
t wo -, a nd t h ree-bed room u n its combined
with a selection of premium penthouses, the
development boa sts r iver v iews a long t he
Thames and city views as far as the London Eye
and the soon-to-be American embassy.
Adding a sense of glamour to the Nine Elms
development, the project allows those who
simply can’t get enough of the fashion brand, to
now buy the apartment. And if fashion-branded
homes weren’t enough, all residents will also
have access to a Versace-designed communal
owners’ lounge, a stunning ‘sky garden’ on the
24th floor and a 900-square foot pool on the
23rd f loor with gorgeous views over the city.
Kids haven’t been forgotten about either, they
can enjoy exclusive use of a Versace-designed
children’s play area.
With London continuing to experience a solid
year-on-year price growth, the city retains a
persistent attraction from a global audience.
According to Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of
DAMAC, “AYKON Nine Elms, with Versacebranded living, is a truly unique concept and
fantastic addition to the residential market in
this amazing cultural and vibrant city. It also
presents prospective buyers with an unrivalled
opportunity to own a luxurious central London
home, in close proximity to the luxury shopping
destinations of Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Chelsea
and the planned Linear Park.”
With Britain’s capital such a rare gem, in
the sense that it has a property market that
only goes up, it’s no doubt that there’s truly
a n i nt er n at ion a l app e a l for t h i s excit i ng
development. A London pied-à-terre towering
above the Thames complete with Donatella
Versace fit-outs as standard truly begs the
question, what’s not to love?
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Top to bottom:
Subtle elegance in the
exclusive Versace-designed
lounge; Relaxing is made
easy with towering views of
London.
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PROPERTY
DOWNTOWN
HOLLYWOOD
GLAMOUR
DAMAC’s new Paramount Residences combine
typical Hollywood elegance with state-of-theart facilities and unparalleled views, not to
mention a first-rate infinity pool overlooking
Sheikh Zayed Road
This page: Exterior of
Paramount Tower Hotel &
Residences.
Next page: Infinity pool at
top of Paramount Tower
Hotel & Residences.
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“THIS REALLY IS
LUXURY LIVING AT
ITS FINEST”
D
ubai’s renowned plethora of impressive
rooftop swimming pools could soon be
set to crown a new leader, thanks to the
announcement of the Paramount Residences
at the Paramount Tower Hotel & Residences
by DAMAC Properties. Commandeering prime
position in this lu x ur y development is the
stunning rooftop infinity pool, which boasts
unrivalled views of the Burj Khalifa, Downtown
Dubai and the Dubai fountain.
Swimming pool aside, the 64-storey project
i s lo c at e d on t he 36t h- 6 4t h f lo or s of t he
Paramount Tower guaranteeing amazing views
for all residents. With construction already
underway, the development is scheduled for
delivery in the third quarter of 2019.
According to Dubai Tourism & Commerce
Marketing Department, the emirate’s hotel
market welcomed almost 12 million guests in
2014 and this figure is set to rise even further.
Echoing the surge, Dubai International Airport
received more tha n 70 million passengers
last year, making it the busiest international
passenger airport in the world, surpassing
London Heathrow in the UK. With the World
E x po 2020 d raw ing nea rer, it is ex pected
that visitor numbers to Dubai could double to
a hugely impressive 20 million over the next
five years.
A s D u b a i c ont i nu e s t o a t t r a c t r e c or d brea k i ng nu mbers of v isitors, t he t i me is
right for new luxury projects. Ziad El Chaar,
managing director at DAMAC properties, says:
“As the number of tourists to Dubai continues
to outpace most of the world, there is a huge
demand for quality, stylish and luxury living
experiences, both with hotels and the high-end
hotel apartments sectors.”
A nd it ’s this demand that the Paramount
Residences will capture. A key part of the 826room hotel, the residences are available in one-,
two- and three-bedroom units in addition to
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luxury penthouse suites. Residents will also
have access to a fantastic sky lobby that boasts
panoramic views, as well as exclusive access
to a first-class Fitness and Wellness Centre
complete with a state-of-the-art Spa. This really
is luxury living at its finest.
The unique apartments will appeal to luxury
connoisseurs as well as movie aficionados.
Not on ly is t he ent i re projec t desig ned
with ref lections of the infamous film brand
throughout, but residents will be able to further
indulge with access to a film library containing
more than 3,000 titles as well as admittance to
a private Paramount Pictures screening room.
According to Ziad El Chaar, “Paramount
Tower Hotel & Residences will bring to life the
Hollywood glamour and California cool lifestyle
synonymous with Paramount Pictures in an
environment which is stylish and aspirational.”
Thomas Van Vliet, Paramount Hotels and
Resorts’ Chief Executive Officer, adds: “This
sleek new addition to our portfolio will be the
hot spot of this buzzing metropolis – boasting
artistically infused exquisite design, with a
premium on service. This will be our boutique
signature that ref lects the infectious energy
of Dubai.”
And as well as enjoying all the comforts of
home, residents will also have access to all of
the hotel’s amenities and services not least the
first-class entertainment and dining options
situated on podium level and inclusive of two
contemporary and timeless restaurants, a host
of luxury shops, art galleries and an all-day kid’s
studio club.
Blending traditional Holly wood elegance
w it h contempora r y st yl i ng a nd lu x u r y a s
standard, the Paramount Residences of fer
residents an exclusive place to call home in the
heart of Downtown Dubai combined with all
the magic and drama that the world of movies
has to offer.
PROPERTY
DRIVING
FOR
PERFECTION
In a world first, DAMAC Properties has
paired with Bugatti to offer an otherworldly
collection of villas inspired and styled on the
iconic super sports car brand
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Opening page: Rendering
of ETTORE 971 villa. This
page, from left to right:
Villa exterior; Indoor vehicle
display area.
D
AMAC Properties have announced their
latest luxury project; ETTORE 971 - a
select collection of villas styled on the
infamous Bugatti super sports car and located
in a private set ting in the A KOYA Ox ygen
development in Dubai.
Fusing the na me of Et tore Bugat ti - the
founder of the renowned French luxury super
sports car brand - with the UAE’s international
d i a l i n g c o d e , t h e d e v e l o p m e nt h a s b e e n
conceptualized by the designers of the world’s
fastest street-legal production car, the iconic
1,200 hp Bugatti Veyron.
T he col lec t ion of seven-bed room v i l la s
command unrivalled views over the Trump
World Golf Club and boast glazed indoor vehicle
display areas, allowing owners to admire their
cars from the comfort of their sofa.
Massimiliano Ferrari, Managing Director of
Bugatti Brand Lifestyle, said: “We are delighted
to be working with DAMAC Properties on these
unique living concepts, which reflect the key
design codes of the Bugatti brand. The Bugatti is
recognised as the most beautiful and powerful
super sports car on the road and we believe the
ETTORE 971 Bugatti Villas at AKOYA Oxygen
will soon have the same reputation in their
respective market.”
Pairing the Bugatti brand with DAMAC’s
lu xur y portfolio, the elegant design
synonymous with both is evident throughout
ETTORE 971, and the villas stylishly ref lect
the Bugatti Veyron’s distinctive curved front.
The development takes the passion for super
sports cars shared by many DAMAC clients
and incorporates it into living space, allowing
residents to smoothly turn from car to home.
Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director at DAMAC
Properties, explained: “We know that many of
our loyal customers are huge fans of the Bugatti
super sports car brand and the opportunity
to live in the world’s f irst v i l la s st yled in
Bugatti’s design language featuring key codes
of the brands DNA, is a unique opportunity
to experience this fantastic brand in a whole
new way.”
Creating a distinctive atmosphere - a balance
of emotion reflected by bold design and superior
craftsmanship, the development is tantamount
with the Bugatti brand. DAMAC Properties
launched the project by presenting layouts of the
villas accompanied by the dazzling presence of
a Bugatti Veyron - a car which holds two world
speed records, for fastest production road car
reaching a top speed of 431.072 kph in 2010 and
for fastest production roadster driving 408.84
kph with the roof off in 2013.
W hile Ettore Bugatti fa mously sa id:
“Perfection is never reached,” the ETTORE 971
development demonstrates DAMAC Properties’
drive to attain as close to perfection as possible.
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AWARDS & ACCOLADES
DAMAC Properties has won more than 40 awards across various industry
categories. These awards include:
2014 Gulf Business Industry Awards 2014
Real Estate Company of the Year
2014 International Property Awards
World’s Best International Residential High-Rise
Architecture (DAMAC Heights/DAMAC Residenze)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Arabia)
Best Residential High-Rise Architecture Dubai (DAMAC
Heights/Residenze)
Best Golf Course Dubai (Trump International Golf Course)
Best Developer Website (www.damacproperties.com)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Dubai)
Best Golf Course Dubai (Trump International Golf Course)
Best Residential High-rise Architecture Dubai (DAMAC
Heights/Residenze)
Best Developer Website (www.damacproperties.com)
2014 Arabian Property Awards (Best In Dubai) Highly
Commended:
Development Marketing Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC, The
Trump Estates)
Architecture Multiple Residence Dubai (DAMAC Towers by
Paramount)
Golf Development Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC)
Residential High-Rise Development Dubai (DAMAC Towers
by Paramount)
Hotel Interior Dubai (DAMAC Towers by Paramount)
Interior Design Apartment Dubai (DAMAC Heights/
Residenze)
Interior Design Saudi Arabia (DAMAC Esclusiva)
Gulf Business Industry Awards 2013
Real Estate CEO of the Year
2013 OPP Awards For Excellence
Middle East Developer of the Year 2013
2013 Arabian Property Awards
Best Golf Development for Dubai (AKOYA by DAMAC)
Best Interior Design Apartment for KSA (DAMAC Esclusiva)
Best Residential High Rise Development for Dubai
(DAMAC Towers by Paramount)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best Development Marketing for Dubai (DAMAC Towers by
Paramount)
Best Golf Development for Arabia (AKOYA by DAMAC)
2012-2013 International Property Awards Arabia
Best Residential High-Rise Development Saudi Arabia (Al
Jawharah)
Best Developer Website Dubai (damacproperties.com)
Best Interior Design Apartment Saudi Arabia (DAMAC
Residences)
Best International Golf Development (AKOYA by DAMAC)
2012 Big Project Award
Outstanding Development of the year (Al Jawharah)
2012 MEED Quality Awards for Projects
Emirates Steel GCC Building Project Of The Year (Ocean
Heights)
2012 OPP Awards For Excellence
Best Developer Middle East
2011 International Property Award
Best International Mixed-use Development (Park Towers)
2011 Big Project BGreen Award
Developer of the Year
CEO Middle East Awards 2013
Property CEO of the Year
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2011 Bloomberg Property Award
Best Commercial High-rise (Park Towers)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best High-rise Architecture Arabia (Park Towers)
Best High-rise Architecture (Park Towers)
Best High-rise Architecture (Al Jawharah)
Best Mixed-use Development Arabia (Park Towers)
Best Mixed-use Development (Park Towers)
2010 Bloomberg Property Award
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best International High-rise Architecture (DAMAC Tower)
Best High-rise Architecture (DAMAC Tower)
Best Interior Design (DAMAC Tower, Beirut)
2009 CNBC Property Award
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best PR Company
2008 CNBC Property Award
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best Development, Egypt
Best High-rise Architecture (Marina Bay)
Best Marina Development, Abu Dhabi (Marina Bay)
Best Property Marketing, Dubai
2007 CNBC Property Award
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best High-rise Development (La Residence at The Lotus)
Best International High-rise Development (La Residence at
The Lotus)
2006 CNBC Property Award
Best Development Abu Dhabi (Oceanscape)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best Single Unit Architecture (Ocean Heights)
2005 Bentley International Property Award
Best Architecture (Ocean Heights)
Best Developer Website (damacproperties.com)
Best UAE Development (Maria Terrace)
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