Lookout Qatar

This and That A Royal Suite

A Cultural Compendium

65 YEARS YOUNG

Left: The late Abdulsalam
Abu Issa, a keen local
photographer, opened his
first studio and film
processing in Doha in 1952.
Leading retailer Salam Stores marked its 65th anniversary with a brand
refresh, now including new and contemporary elements, and a series of
celebrations following Qatar National Day on December 18. Intrigued by
the long-stemmed national flower of Qatar, the brand links its new insignia
of the Qataf flower with the late visionary Abdulsalam Abu Issa who
succeeded in transforming a small and budding business into a full-fledged
international success.
“As we celebrate another National Day, we take pride in our truly Qatari
journey and roots, when my father, the late Abdulsalam Abu Issa, a keen
local photographer, opened his first studio and film processing in Doha in
1952. Shortly after, we became one of the main contributors in scripting
Qatar’s retail history,” says Salam International Chairman Issa Abdulsalam
Abu Issa. “The Qataf flower carries deep emotional meaning for us as we
continue to advance my father’s legacy in offering our customers a
memorable, engaging and fulfilling ‘Salam Experience’.” Beautiful flowers
in white, pink or purple, the Qataf or Limonium axillare grows on beaches
and in habitats where sandy desert has recently been flooded by seawater
or rainwater. It has uses in traditional medicine to tighten loose tissue and
tone the digestive system. – OLA DIAB
Glass, precious wood, straw marquetry, mother-of-pearl, and agate
panels sound just about the fitting choices for a suite interior
designed in honor of a princess. Covering two floors in the space of
just a little over 900 square meters, the Princess Grace Suite is the
design jewel in the current four-year transformation of the historic
Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Drawing inspiration from the
life and memories of Princess Grace, the decor incorporates pieces of
her favorite poetic and literary works, floral arrangements, colors
and fragrances. The craft-focused interior is complemented by an
outdoor space set in natural stone that looks out onto the
Mediterranean Sea from the comfort of a lounge and a hot tub.
The suite pays tribute to its namesake princess whose royal life in
Monte Carlo was very much intertwined with the history of the hotel.
After hosting the wedding dinner of the princess and Prince Rainier
in 1956, Hotel De Paris became a choice social venue for the royal
couple when they received guests. It was also in the intimacy of the
hotel’s wine cellar, they celebrated their twentieth wedding
anniversary. The historic establishment will
be unveiling its new look that will, in the
words of François Blanc, founder of Monte- Above: Drawing inspiration
from the life and memories
Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, “surpasses of Princess Grace, the
everything that has been created until now” Princess Grace Suite is the
design jewel of the historic
in December 2018. Hotel de Paris in Monte
– DEBRINA ALIYAH Carlo, Monaco.

Super Creation

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF SALAM STORES; COURTESY OF

The launch of
Lamborghini Urus in
Qatar at Al Hazm Mall.
Lamborghini motors launched its newest creation, Urus, which is the world’s
first Super Sport Utility Vehicle in Qatar on January 3 at Al Hazm Mall. The
Urus steps outside the box of Lamborghini's iconic sleek sports car model, but

HOTEL DE PARIS; COURTESY OF LAMBORGHINI (2).

retains the same performance, feel and driving experience that make up the
Lamborghini DNA.
Urus gets its name from the Aurochs, which is a larger, wilder ancestor of
today’s domestic cattle. “The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family
as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and
passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the
boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our
brand and our customers,” says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Urus features a 4.0 liter V8 twin-
turbo engine, acceleration from 0-100 km/hr in 3.6 seconds, top speeds of 305
km/hr and a 4WD system — making driving a truly transcending experience.
– ANJALI JACOB

10 T Qatar: The New York Times Style Magazine

 Market Report

Ankle Height
A perfect match under cropped
trousers where the boots do the
walking and the talking.
BY DEBRINA ALIYAH
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF ALUMNAE, DORATEYMUR, PETAR PETROV, ELLERY, STINE GOYA, MALONE SOULIERS, TABITHA SIMMONS.

Clockwise from top left:

Alumnae, QR2,412; Dorateymur,
QR1,960; Petar Petrov, QR3,024;
Ellery, QR6,208; Stine Goya,
QR1,464; Malone Souliers,
QR3,120; Tabitha Simmons,
QR2,860.

January-February 2018 15
Quality Qatar

On Fashion

An Accessory Brand
With a Social Cause
A modern minimalist brand finds the balance between
fashion and giving back to the community.

BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

PICTURES COURTESY: ALEXANDRA CLANCY.

18 T Qatar: The New York Times Style Magazine

 REFERENCING THE GREAT MASTER of minimalist design Donald
Judd, accessory designer Alexandra Clancy describes how she uses
the same creative process of taking rich opulent materials and
crafting them into contemporary angular shapes. From the swaths of
hand-painted exotic leather and buttery soft nappa comes a collection
of handbags and accessories in clean and geometrical design. “The
materials and treatments are very rich, while the mood remains cool
and casual,” the designer explains.
Minimalist and functional may be the buzz words that the brand
is going for but there is without a doubt the fact that Clancy’s
designs reflect the tune of the modern woman — simple yet edgy.
Detailing the structural totes, the boxy clutches and the rectangular
briefcases are studs, gunmetal hardware, pyramid toggles and
agate stones. These elements are both subtle and statement-making
at the same time, a sort of coming together of two different
perspectives, much like Clancy’s vision of material and form. “I pull
inspiration each season from art, culture and fashion, and a lot of
my thought process comes down to a keen sense of intuition. I'm
always watching people on the go and seeing how they live, work
and interact with each other,” she says.
Clancy’s observational tendencies stem from her previous career Previous page: Mulberry shopper tote with signature mesh pyramid toggles,
expandable sides, thin double straps and a detachable guitar shoulder strap.
as a TV reporter though she discovered shortly after that design Clockwise from top left: Mini Sullivan tote with two-tone pyramid studs, gunmetal
was her bigger calling in life. “I've always had a love for hardware and molded sides; Austin cuff leather bracelet with hand-cut mesh pyramid
closure; Spring 2018's new Hudson bag; a Whitney envelope bag with two-tone
accessories. For me, accessories aren't the finishing touches to an pyramid studs and optional crossbody strap.
outfit, they make the outfit. A killer bag or belt is the first thing I
notice when someone walks into a room. Accessories start
conversations,” she explains. After being introduced to accessory
designer Raphael Young, Clancy knew she was ready to set out on a
new venture. “He possesses the technical skills that I lack and when a life of its own,” she recalls. This season, they are launching
we work together, I see my values, dreams and visions come to life,” belts in the same design DNA after a stylist mistook their
she says. Young’s experience with big names includes Manish bracelet for a waist belt. In addition to the collection’s
Arora, Elie Saab and Louise Goldin, before launching his own shoe bestsellers, the brand will also be adding three new designs that
brand that quickly became a Hollywood favorite. focus on the versatility of going from day to night.
Even with the right partner, it takes a lot of courage for Clancy to Clancy has also attached a major social initiative to the brand
dive into a highly-saturated industry where tastes are fickle and — an on-going partnership with Dress for Success, a worldwide
new brands are constantly fighting to have their voices heard. “It is non-profit organization that supports and provides work attire
competitive but I don’t think that should discourage any young for disadvantaged women looking for employment. For every
designer from moving forward. After all, it isn’t fun to see everyone bag sold, the brand donates a work bag to Dress for Success.
PICTURES COURTESY: ALEXANDRA CLANCY.

wearing the same thing from the usual names,” she quips. The key
then, lies in the quality of her pieces, which she sees as an
important aspect that sets the brand apart. “Our pieces are
handmade in Italy so there is a lot of emphasis on the quality of the
origin material, the custom mesh hardware and the craftsmanship.”
When the eponymous brand was launched three years ago, it
began with just a bag collection but leather cuffs and wrap bracelets
quickly joined its roster. “It was supposed to be a natural extension
that links back to the leather bags but the jewelry business took on
“I've always felt strongly about our obligation to help our
communities and support those who are less fortunate. I
wanted to be a brand that unified the worlds of fashion and
philanthropy and since we design for women, we chose to give
back to charities that support women and children,” she
explains. “It's a wonderful feeling to be able to give back
without expecting anything in return. The knowledge that
you're able to make a positive change in someone else's life
­— this is its own reward.”

January-February 2018 19
Arena Qatar

Wanderlust

A Northernmost
Journey
An unassuming destination is becoming
the hot spot for the ultimate “been there,
done that” badge of honor.

BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

WINTER GETAWAYS are conventionally picturesque with pristine snow,
festive décor, stylish winter sports gear and chic après-ski lodgings. But for the
thrill-seekers, an unassuming destination is becoming the hotspot for the
ultimate “been there, done that” badge of honor.
At the world’s northernmost airport that serves scheduled public flights, lies
the access point into the intriguing Svalbard. An archipelago that shares the
latitude of the Arctic regions, the autonomous area administered by the
Norwegian government is rife with the world’s northernmost of things, notably
the post office and university. First discovered in the late 1500s by the Dutch, the
earliest recorded history of the island is a harrowing two-century account of
how intense whaling activities nearly wiped out the giant sea mammal
population in the north.
In the following years, explorers and fortune hunters remained mesmerized
by the archipelago’s raw and extreme landscapes and exotic animals including
polar bears and reindeer but it wasn’t until the early 20th century when coal
deposits were found that Svalbard became something of economic importance.
The influx of resources allowed for extensive Arctic exploration and research
plateaus for an infinite view of the North Pole.
In the capital Longyearbyen, there is just one main street where everything
is situated, or as the locals call it, “the center of the universe”. Lodgings, grocers,
sport stores, and government institutions — including a very well-curated
library sit side by side with modern bars and contemporary restaurants. The
new Nordic influence on cuisine and design is very much alive in the few but
phenomenal food and lifestyle establishments here. Even for the most
adventurous among us, the familiar comfort of this street is a soothing touch
after experiencing the most extreme of Mother Nature.
STAY
Svalbard Hotell An epitome of Scandinavian functionality and minimal design,
this hotel is part of the Svalbard Adventure Group, which makes it easy for
guests to tailor their wilderness experience with the onsite team. Its location
right in the middle of Longyearbyen’s main street makes it a convenient pick,
while room types include apartments for families. svalbardbooking.com.
PICTURES COURTESY OF TWENTY30FORTY

and with it, modern-day tourism.
Its unique occurrences of the midnight sun ­— 24 hours of daylight — in
summer and the polar night — 24 hours of darkness — in winter are enough tell-
tale signs of a diverse ecosystem set against a dominant landscape worthy of
Tolkien’s fantasies. While cruise ships ferrying tourists make quick pit stops
around the island in summer in attempts to sight polar bears, the real adventure
is to immerse in the experience of being: either in full days of sunlight or
complete darkness. Head out with a team of precision-trained husky dogs and
sled your way from west to east or hop on a snowmobile to power up the high
Mary-Ann’s Polarigg This hotel is fashioned after former quarters for coal min-
ers where rooms are housed in construction rigs. The mining-life experience is
recreated throughout the whole property with thematic dining and lounge
rooms complete with black and white photos of the early coal mining days. Ser-
vice is very personalized and informal — making it a great choice for an immer-
sive local experience. polarriggen.com.
Coal Miners’ Cabin Located at the tail-end of the main street in Longyearbyen, this
property is a refurbished coal miner’s cabin with a completely modern interior. It’s

36 T Qatar: The New York Times Style Magazine

 WINTER WONDERLAND
Previous page: Adventure junkies can opt for a day out
with the dogs. Clockwise from far left: The Svalbard
Gallery is home to interesting books, journals and maps
from the early settlers; the snowmobile is the easiest
way to discover the island from west to east; this
metallic polar bear has become the unlikely landmark at
the town’s borders; an exhibit on the life of early settlers
in the Svalbard Museum.

bar and restaurant are also some of the main hot spot for locals with their themat-
ic nights and events so here’s a good place to get to know Svalbard’s residents.
hurtigrutensvalbard.com.

EAT
Gruvelageret Open only by appointment, the restaurant serves a seasonal menu
that draws from Arctic cuisine. The building is the former canteen of a mining
base right under the glaciers and has been refurbished to maintain its historical
ambience. Chef and owner Steve D. Torgersen undertook the project with the
help of the Svalbard’s Directorate for Cultural Heritage to bring the building
back to life and to inject a slice of refined cooking into the local dining scene.
gruvelageret.no.

Restaurant Kroa (Steakers Svalbard AS) Large sturdy wooden furnishings with
a menu of hearty rich dishes that will take the chill away in your bones from the
constant sub-zero temperatures. Give the daily specials a go — ranging from a
stew of seal meat to whale served with flatbread. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m.
in this part of the world and reservations are necessary as the place fills up
quickly with local shift workers from the mines. kroa-svalbard.no.

Restaurant Nansen Though it is part of the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsber-
gen, it sits in its own structure with an open window concept that overlooks the
Hiorthfjellet coast line. This is a favorite among locals for special occasions as
the menu offers an international touch for those missing home but its light inter-
pretation of northern dishes also offers first-time visitors a great introduction to
the local cuisine. radissonblu.com.

EXPLORE lights are at their peak. For the more adventurous, it is possible to cross from the
Boat Trips When setting off from Longyearbyen, getting on a boat is the best west to the east on longer trips to explore the local area and natural wildlife. bet-
PICTURES COURTESY OF TWENTY30FORTY

way to cover the diverse landscape and natural wildlife of the entire archipela-
go. Depending on the time of the year and your interest, the boat trips can be
tailored to specific animal sightings — be it whales, seals, bird migrations or to
discover the different geology formations throughout the coast line. The raw
Arctic glaciers are the real highlights on these trips. pukkatravels.com.
The Northern Lights Svalbard’s geographical location makes it one of the best plac-
es in the world to catch the Northern Lights especially during polar nights. Hop on
a snow mobile or a dog sled head onto the quiet plateaus where sightings of the
termoments.no.
Svalbard Museum Svalbard Museum – the world’s northernmost museum – is
the winner of the 2008 Council of Europe Museum Prize and is an excellent
starting point for visitors to begin their Artic journey into the archipelago. Its
collaborative effort with the Svalbard University gives it in-depth access into
research on the history and geography of the area resulting in extremely
well-curated and informative exhibits. The taxidermy of the exotic wildlife alone
is worth the trip. svalbardmuseum.no.

January-February 2018 37