Download Issue 6 - BinHendi

Bin Hendi
autumn 2009
Strapline
PLUS!
SAMMACH,
MISS SIXTY,
GIANVITO ROSSI,
SHANGHAI TANG
& MUCH MORE
Class act
Embrace the crisp lines
of Brioni’s Autumn/
Winter ‘09 collection
Blonde ambition
Sienna Miller on being the
face of Hugo Boss Woman
The great escape
Make the most of your
outdoor living space with
B&B Italia’s latest collection
Arabian dreams
The Beljafla sisters unveil big plans for
their stunning D.A.S collection
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 101

Contents
A u t u m n 2 0 0 9
07 WHAT’S HOT
Porsche Design unveils its hottest phone yet – the P’9521;
Gianfranco Ferré ups the ante with its latest collection;
Burj al Hamam is the hottest spot in town
10 STYLE
Family ties
Two Emirati sisters are adding some extra style to traditional
formal wear
14 Orient Express
Shanghai Tang’s stunning Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection
is super luxe
22 Bright & Breezy
Brighten up this winter with Miss Sixty’s
Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection
“It’s all about being a free spirit
and not feeling the pressure to
look a certain way.
The message is to be
yourself and
follow your
dream”
26 The big interview: Sienna Miller
The British actress talks fashion, Keira Knightley and
Hugo Boss’s latest fragrance
30 Top of the class
Brioni’s Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection adds a
touch of class to the season
34 Get packing
Heading to cooler climes this winter? Brioni makes
sure you’re packed and ready to go
37 Fashion forward
BinHendi Editor Anna Whitehouse loves vintage,
knee-high boots and red clutches

38 DINE
Top table
Sammach offers the freshest
seafood in town
40 Coffee break
Second cup unveils a whole new
world of caffeine fixes
42 LIVE
The only way is up
This is the year to celebrate B&B Italia’s iconic ‘Up’ chair
46 Out of the blue
Invest in the great outdoors with B&B Italia’s stunning
poolside furniture
50 5 hot things to do in 2010
Hit the country in style with Hugo Boss’s latest
Autumn/Winter collection
54 Boutique call: London
Shop for BinHendi brands in the capital of cool
58 Shop stop: Hong Kong
Wear Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection and
shop till you drop in the ultimate city
68 CONTACTS
Editor Anna Whitehouse Creative Director Carl Bergman Commercial Director Ashley Northcote For all media enquiries, please call +97150 342 7845,
or email ashley@switch.ae ©2009 Switch Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.
4
Bin Hendi

Welcome
While the globe has suffered
some serious blows in the last year
– the economic downturn and recent
humanitarian disaster in Haiti for
example – BinHendi has continued to
believe in its motto; One team, One
dream. For it is a united effort that
triumphs in these difficult times.
Our trials and tribulations were put
behind us for one spectacular evening
in January when we celebrated the
collective success of developers,
workers and designers when the Burj
Khalifa was launched in front of local
residents and the eyes of the world. We
salute this success story which was the culmination of a team effort
and an amazing vision.
It is with this motto and spirit in mind that BinHendi has
continued to strengthen its position as one of the most important
lifestyle conglomerates in the UAE. Two examples clearly illustrate
this point. First, the fact that we are constantly bringing new brands
to the UAE for the first time, like Billionaire. And secondly the success
we’ve seen at another of Dubai’s greatest landmarks, The Dubai Mall.
Everything from the opening of Joseph, Brioni and Jacob & Co’s latest
collection to the resounding success of Joe’s Café reaffirms our belief
in remaining positive and optimistic, which we hope will continue
during the forthcoming Dubai Shopping Festival.
Enjoy the issue,
Amna BinHendi,
CEO, BinHendi Enterprises

What’s hot
The All-new Nubeo
Inspired by ‘Black Mamba’, Kobe Byrant’s nickname (the best basketball player in
the world), the Swiss brand Nubeo has launched an innovative collection
combining state-of-the-art technology and the blending of materials. Like its
namesake, the new watch is attractive and dangerous and defies any pre-established
notions about sports watches. It combines advanced construction techniques with a
once-in-a-lifetime design. The basic version of the Black Mamba will be launched
in a limited edition of 810 pieces. This figure refers to the 81 points scored by Kobe
Bryant on 22 January 2006 when playing against the Toronto Raptors. His
performance that evening is recorded in NBA history as the second highest point
total ever recorded by an individual in a single game.
Class act
Like the cars that made the name
famous, Porsche Design’s products are a
magical blend of breathtaking lines,
masculine styling, and high end
technology; in this case, from the
telecoms firm Sagem. The P´9522 comes
with a sensor to identify the user by
their fingerprint, and the entire housing
is milled from a single solid aluminium
block. Match that with a scratchresistant
screen in mineral glass and the
distinctive, timeless design, and you
have another instant Porsche classic.
Star
struck
Jacob Arabo, watchmaker and jeweller
to the likes of David Beckham, Bono,
Madonna and Naomi Campbell, has
surpassed himself again. The Ruby
Baguette Tourbillon is a timepiece that
blazes with aesthetic style; that much is
obvious. But it does so thanks to some
truly unique engineering, which few but
the most discerning and learned eyes
might notice. The face of the Baguette
Tourbillon has been set with absolutely
none of its 18k white gold visible,
ensuring maximum exposure for its
hundreds of rubies – 204 of which sit
on the dial, with another 294 on the
bezel and case. It means that the grand
total of more than 39 carats of brilliant
red precious stones is allowed to shine
unhindered, for maximum
appreciation.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 7

What’s hot
Animal charm
An exquisite timepiece should perform like a fine musical
instrument; each turn and tick as carefully engineered as a
Steinway piano or Stradivarius violin. Anyone who has owned
a minute repeater – a watch that can ‘play’ the time to the
nearest minute – will know the pleasure of hearing a finely
tuned watch sing. But the Ulysse Nardin Jaquemart Safari
Minute Repeater is made even more unique, thanks to the
tiny, complex jaquemarts on its dials. These tiny animal
figures remain a signature of Ulysse Nardin, and no other
watch manufacturer on earth uses them on the dial of a
minute repeater. In this case, they show a tiny fish being
caught by a crocodile, and a lion’s paw reaching for a monkey.
All in all, its as unique as it gets.
Bold & beautiful
Gianfranco Ferré is occasionally referred to as ‘the architect of fashion’.
Partly, this comes from his background, as an architecture graduate from
Milan university. But more significant is the flamboyance and precision
of his style. This coat is a case in point. Its sharp, jagged lines, big
shoulders and bold colours make an instant
impact, and chime well with the resilient
trend for the late ‘80s look combined with
militaristic flourishes. It’s the perfect way to
wrap up for chillier winter nights.
True illusion
‘‘Its sharp,
jagged lines,
big shoulders
and bold
colours make an
instant impact’’
Texting has just become a little more bling.
GoldVish, purveyor of delectably decadent mobile
phones, has released an extra sumptuous model
– the Like Heaven. Part of the Illusion range of five
mobile phones, each available in white, rose or
yellow gold, this item, with its 1,639 VVS Top
Wesselton diamonds, is the top of the range. It
musters a total of 11.30 carats of brilliant cut
stones, and ensures a lifetime of sparkling
conversation. Each comes with a crocodile leather
inlay (with 12 colours available), and all the
technical wizardry you could want from a phone,
including a 2.0 megapixel camera. And for those
who fancy something even more unique,
customisations and personal engravings can be
added on request.
8 Bin Hendi

Hot spot
The Burj al Hamam chain has been serving exemplary Lebanese fare for more than
50 years, and that experience shows with the branch at Jumeirah’s Beach Park Plaza
Centre. Fayez Elias Khoury opened the first Burj al Hamam back in 1958, and they
can now be found in Jordan and Kuwait, as well as Dubai Mall. It’s a simple concept
– Lebanese food done at its best. His sons have carried on the family business,
serving up excellent food and comfy surroundings, all with a welcoming smile.
We want
The world’s sharpest designers all understand that less is more.
Nothing can improve on the beautiful line of a
simple curve or a perfectly straight edge. It’s
a philosophy that has served Gianvito Rossi
well through his five seasons to date, and
little illustrates that better than his footwear
– a perfect match of style and comfort, all
based around delightfully simple and clean
curves. But the latest inclination includes a
daring new step, and the introduction
of a 13cm heel that’s sure to
make you stand out from the
crowd.
Sole
comfort
A lot can be read into a man’s walk.
While the meek shuffle and the
supercilious bowl, the purposeful simply
stride. It’s a quiet confidence that
emanates from within, and comes more
easily to the well shod. Artioli’s Autumn/
Winter ‘09 collection puts high-quality
leather on the feet of those with a
purpose, with some innovative elements
of handmade embroidery, minute
perforations and double-reversed
stitching. It all combines for a feeling of
luxury in various shades inspired by the
Italian landscape. Stride on.
Chill out
In the Gulf, our calm and pleasant winters mean long, balmy evenings
entertaining family and friends. For a magical six months, the evening
temperatures teeter between 20C and 25C, and you can go weeks without
eating a meal indoors. For those with a large outdoor area to their home, al
fresco furnishing is key at this time of year. The Swell Seating Collection
from B&B Italia combines armchairs and two- and three-seat sofas in a
lightweight aluminium frame, which makes them easy to move, but solid
enough to handle blistering summer heat and occasional winter
downpours. So just sit back, and relax.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 9

Style
10
Bin Hendi

f mi ly
Two Emirati sisters are
adding some extra style to
traditional formal wear
a
T i e s
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 11

Style
“
What
Strapline
we want to see, is women wearing their abbayas right,” says Hind
Beljafla, before explaining that, “you see more and more ladies
wearing their special occasion abbayas to the shopping mall! Our
designs are very creative, and sometimes include fitted cuts or
sheer fabrics. It is not appropriate in our culture and religion to
wear these things in general public. They should be kept for the
right occasions.”
Such occasions might include important family events such as
weddings, but whatever the reason, Hind’s designs, created with
older sister Reem, add a certain flair to traditional clothing. Their
label is called DAS, which refers to three different types of abbaya
– the daffa, abba and suwaieye. Traditionally, daffas were made
from wool and worn during winter, the abba would be made
from silk and used as formalwear, and the suwaieya is a more
decorative design, with borders imbued with colour and intricate
patterns. Older sister Reem began the company, following a
period of training as an interior designer in London. Her
entrepreneurial nous saw her crowned Business Woman of the
Year 2007, and DAS named Best Design Business in the
Mohammed bin Rashid Awards for Young Business Leaders.
“I have always been fascinated in design, whether it be interior,
graphic or fashion,” she says, “and with the help and support of
my family, I was able to make my dream a reality, and start my
own fashion line.”
As is so often the case with successful companies, DAS sprang
out of a personal passion, when Reem took her experience at
London’s famous St Martin’s College and began creating abbayas
for herself and her sisters. “At weddings and other events,
women would come up to me and ask where I bought my
Abaya,” she says. “Which got me thinking that there could be a
market in the Middle East for my style of design, which revolves
around the concept of making this traditional garment modern.
It is difficult to create something on a par with what I see and
buy from the top international designers, and I have many
friends who feel the same, so I have come up with a range that
offers an alternative.”
The two sisters scour the world for suitable inspiration and
materials, and carefully follow international trends. “Just like
overseas designers who change their collections from season to
season, our designs change with the international trends,” says
Reem. “The fabrics used have also changed throughout the
years. Some European factories have started to produce fabrics
that are very light and delicate, which enable women to wear
them with ease. The choices of the shayla now vary in design,
materials and colours, while in the old days they were limited to
four types.”
Her designs are a happy marriage of the modern and the
traditional. The abbaya, with its layering and fluid, gently
flowing curves, is a naturally feminine item, but DAS
designs add a more invigorating dynamism and flair. “Here
at DAS Collection,” explains Reem, “we have built on our
culture and identity to create pieces that reflect our roots
but remain in line with the direction that fashion is taking
in the 21st century. Modernity is a state of mind more than
physical appearance and our pieces reflect this.”
The girls’ eye for high style is very much a family trait,
and Reem has always been inspired by her mother. “She
would attend fashion shows around the year in Europe,
and would always be inspired by them,” she says. “As a
young girl, one of my fondest memories was watching her
12
Bin Hendi

Strapline
get prepared to go to an event. Now, I feel that family is
your backbone and support. You will always find them
beside you, helping you throughout any journey, and my
sister is just a blessing in my life. She is my sister, my friend
and most of all my soul mate.”
And, explains Reem, having two creative forces at work
ensures the designs are always original. “We both
have quite different tastes,” she says. “I am more the subtle
and classic style, while Hind has the vibrant and loud designs.
Together, we create exclusive pieces.”
And next she hopes to take these pieces beyond their home
market. “We are taking steps towards Europe at the moment,”
she explains. “We have already participated in Germany,
Berlin Cultural week, and in London in several exhibitions.
No one knows what the future holds, but I certainly can’t
wait. I hope that in 10 years I will be able to see how far I have
come from today!”
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 13

orient
express
Stand out this winter
with Shanghai Tang’s
latest Autumn/Winter
‘09 collection. Bin Hendi
editor Anna Whitehouse
gives her tips on
channelling this
exotic look
14 Bin Hendi

Style
“If opting for a brightlycoloured
coat or
cardigan always keep
the main look simple and
structured. A silk brown
shirt and blue trousers
works perfectly here.
Opt for a waist cinching
belt over a shirt for a
flattering silhouette.”
Bin Hendi
15

“For anyone with
a boyish figure,
high-waisted
pencil skirts are
great for creating
curves. Matched
with a pair of shoe
boots, it is the
perfect day-tonight
look.”
16 Bin Hendi

“Clashing
textures are
big this season
and there’s no
better way to
perfect the look
than with a silk
dress and chunky
leather boots.”
Bin Hendi
17

Strapline
“Match a pair of cropped trousers
with a silk scarf for the ultimate
office outfit. Chocolate brown and
cream colours are perfect to warm
all skin tones in the winter.”
18 Bin Hendi

Strapline
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi
19

“Don’t be
scared of
pulling a jacket
and dress
together with a
waist cinching
belt. Matched
with red lips
(I love Mac’s
Russian Red
colour) there’s
no better way
to travel on
the Orient
Express.”
20 Bin Hendi

For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi
21

Style
Bright
Add a breath of fresh
air to winter knits with
Miss Sixty’s Autumn/Winter
‘09 collection. BinHendi
unveils some hot tips for
staying cool this winter
breezy
22
Bin Hendi

Strapline
Just because Dubai boasts
warmer climes than most
cities, don’t be scared of
buying lightweight tights
to add some pizzazz to an
outfit. Worn with peep-toe
shoes and a thigh-high skirt
it’s the ultimate way to beat
the Arctic A/C.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 23

Strapline
&
Shoe boots are great for adding
clout to a simple outfit. Worn with
pedal pushers and a multi-hued
sleeveless cardigan there’s nothing
that looks this hot and yet keeps you
looking so cool. Don’t be afraid to
mix and match different shades of
purple for a stunning effect.
24 Bin Hendi

Strapline
Voluminous coats are
bigger than ever. Layer
bigger silhouettes for
eye-catching appeal.
Afraid of getting too
hot under the collar?
Simply throw one of
Miss Sixty’s Papal
purple coats over your
shoulders and watch
the heads turn.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi
25

Style
The big
interview:
Sienna
Miller
26 Bin Hendi

As the new
face of the
Boss Orange
Woman
fragrance
and with a
string of
Hollywood
films under
her belt it’s
no surprise
that actress
Sienna Miller
has a lot to
smile about
In the pivotal scene of Casino Royale, the famous
British secret agent James Bond is involved in a
high-stakes card game. With some US$10 million
of the British government’s money to play with,
Bond’s task is to beat the villain Le Chiffre, crippling
him financially and forcing him to seek British
protection from his debtors; a nefarious bunch called
the LRA, who have a penchant for lopping off limbs.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi
27

WStyle
hile the majority of A-listers hide behind a wall of ‘people’,
Sienna Miller is up front. Confident, open and utterly
endearing (“Keira [Knightly] and I love nothing more than a
game of cards and a crossword!” she laughs), it’s no surprise
that the 27-year-old blonde has bagged some of the most
covetable roles in Hollywood.
Most recently she starred in John Maybury’s The Edge of
Love alongside Keira (“I feel like a 12-year-old around her,
she’s so mature,” she quips), Matthew Rhys and Cillian
Murphy – a role that earned her a British Independent Film
Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Miller’s other
film credits include Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake, her big
screen debut in which she co-starred alongside Daniel Craig;
Alfie, for which she received rave reviews alongside an all-star
cast including her ex-flame Jude Law, Susan Sarandon, Marisa
Tomei and Jane Krakowski; and Lasse Halstrom’s Casanova,
opposite the late Heath Ledger. And that’s not forgetting
her London West End debut in William Shakespeare’s
As You Like It.
But aside from her screen presence, it’s her charisma that
won fashion heavyweight Hugo Boss over. “Sienna truly
embodies the spirit of the brand,” says Thomas Burkhardt,
managing director for Hugo Boss fragrances. “She is a
liberated soul – light-hearted, spontaneous and passionate –
and she quite simply wears her heart on her sleeve.”
To this end, the effortlessly stylish Miller is the face of the
new fragrance – which she describes as “musky, sweet and
sexy” – and can be seen on advertising campaigns across the
globe. But As BinHendi finds out, she’s not one to let it go to
her head…
Take three
Why did you decide to become the face of the fragrance?
I really love the scent – it’s musky and addictive, but the concept
behind the perfume really sold it to me, too. It’s all about being a
free spirit and not feeling the pressure to look a certain way. The
message is to be yourself and follow your dream, which is what
I’ve done.
Which smells do you love?
I love the scent of jasmine and I spend a fortune on flowers. I
have Diptyque candles in practically every room too, and if I
have a bath at night I’ll light them all.
What scents make you feel nostalgic?
When I was little my mum used this face cream and whenever I
smell it, even now, it takes me right back to that time. It’s
incredible the way a fragrance can trigger your memory so
instantly.
The sun is always shining in the UAE: what are your hot
weather accessories?
I’ll always take a hat, and a nice wrap, then some music, speakers
and lots of books. Some classics like Austen and Dickens. I’m a
big bookie.
Do you have any bikini tips?
Oh God! Every year it’s a nightmare. I always say I’ll do some
bum exercises beforehand, but I never do. Oh and don’t they say
you should always use a scrub on your skin? I never do any of it.
My tip is to go on holiday with really close friends who don’t
judge your bum.
Surely you don’t have body worries?
Of course, but after a few days you don’t care. But it helps to get
the right bikini for your shape. I like bandeau tops and bottoms
that sit low on your hips.
Sienna loves Hugo Boss’
latest Autumn/Winter ‘09
collection. This bag is
perfect matched with
a black maxi dress.
To chill out Sienna-style grab some
Diptyque candles and essential oils
at www.diptyqueparis.com
The new Hugo Boss Woman
fragrance is Sienna’s number
one scent at the moment.
28
Bin Hendi

“It’s all about being a free
spirit and not feeling the
pressure to look a certain way.
The message is to be
yourself and follow
your dream”
Do you have any
beauty tips?
Whether it’s summer or
winter, my routine is
pretty much the same. Before
each beach holiday I think a
spray tan is great – everyone looks
better with a tan. And lemon juice in
the hair is another good one.
What are your tips for a dinner party?
Good friends for starters. I have friends who
are DJs and they play stuff to get people dancing
like ‘50s swing and music from The Jungle Book!
Food-wise I like things you can eat with your hands –
nothing too formal. Oh and I love a themed party.
What would the décor be?
Candlelight is always so pretty, so I’d have candles and
lanterns everywhere, rugs on the floor and I’d bring out
cushions from inside the house to create little sitting areas
all round the garden.
And what would you wear?
Hot weather means barefoot. I’d probably be in some
vintage sun dress that I’ve cut up to make shorter, with my
amazing old brown leather belt that’s about to break at any
minute. Any outfit is good, so long as it doesn’t matter if I
spill something on it.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi 29

Strapline
lass
Top of the
“Style is not just about wearing the right clothes, it’s
about how you feel in those clothes. If you combine
rich fabrics such as these soft leather gloves (for her)
with luxuriant tweed knits, you feel – and look –
polished. Similarly, a man should always have an
overcoat to match his suit. The fur trim on this coat
is perfect for quick jaunts to cooler climes and the
whole look is 100 percent finished.”
30
Bin Hendi

Style
With its classic
cuts and rich
fabrics,
Brioni’s
Autumn/
Winter ‘09
collection is
pure luxe.
Stylist
extraordinaire
Derek Khan
gives his tips on
channelling this
classic brand
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 31

32 Bin Hendi
“For the ultimate gentrified look, contrast
a matching waistcoat and suit with
a rustic – deep orange or tan work well –
coloured tie. Instead of opting for a clash
of colours try and work different hues
together. Often a white shirt will offset a
tweed suit better than a pastel one.”

Style
“While a plunging neckline is not particularly Dubai-compliant, I love the whole cut of
this suit. Matched with a simple white vest top, this is one of those classic (the puff sleeves
will never go out of fashion) designs that will remain a staple in any wardrobe.”
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 33

Style
gGet packing
g
Heading to cooler climes this winter? Make sure you pack the right
gear with Brioni’s Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection
While Dubai boasts
balmy
temperatures,
heading to cooler
climes (like
Moscow) really
requires the right
apparel. Cue
Brioni’s luxe
Autumn/Winter
hats. Think James
Bond in From
Russia with Love.
A lined jacket – and
matching leather
gloves – are a staple
for brisk walks in
London. Escaping to
the country? Just
match this Brioni duo
with a thick cashmere
scarf for a slick – yet
practical – look.
No suit is complete
without the right
shoes, and Brioni’s
crocodile leather
loafers are the
ultimate pair. Soft,
classic and a
must-have for any
man about town.
34 Bin Hendi

For milder climates a
simple tweed suit is
the perfect garb.
Matched with a
contrasting bow tie
and pastel shirt you’re
looking at a perfect
day-to-night get up.
The Autumn/Winter ‘09 catwalks
were all about contrasting textures.
Jump on the fashion bandwagon
with Brioni’s stunning crocodile
shoes – the perfect companion for
a soft tweed suit.
Looking good is all about keeping
things slick. Stow away any travel
documents or loose papers in
Brioni’s luxe travel wallet.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi
35

Style
Watch out
Tell the time in style with BinHendi’s luxe watch collections
The Navitec
Tango Charlie
Automatique was
originally made
for pilots and as a
result is perfect
for any wannabe
aviators.
Studded with diamonds and made
to last the Tiret Second Chance is
the ultimate time keeper.
When it comes to globe trotting the
de La Cour City Ego Triplezone is
one step ahead of the pack with its
ability to show three time zones.
The Milus Tirion TriRetro Titanium
is the ultimate watch for any
sophisticated urbanites.
Jacob & Co. is renowned for its luxe watches
and jewellery and the apty named Invisible
Manhattan is no exception.
With its classy aesthetic and clean
lines the de La Cour Birepetition
watch is the ultimate gift for him.

Fashion forward
BinHendi editor Anna Whitehouse
highlights her pick of this season’s best
Style
Luxe vintage
While vintage wares have never gone out of fashion (cue Kate
Moss), it is wonderful when a label like Boss Orange reinvents
some classic 60s shapes in fresh fabrics. Floral smock dresses
and leather slouch bags were the talk of the town at London,
Paris and New York, leaving BinHendi in no doubt that Hugo
Boss had triumphed again. Want to move seamlessly from day
into night? Channel the colour du jour (soft beige) for
maximum effect. Think opaque tights, cotton hats and
delicate jewellery.
Knee high
R
R
If there’s a trend that is often sidelined it’s the knee high
boot. So often assimilated with the likes of Julia Roberts in
Pretty Woman, this stunning footwear has had a fairly
trashy rap in past years. But this season has changed all that
and this thigh slimming, leg lengthening trend has found its
happy place. Hot off Boss Orange’s catwalks, these classic
boots – I am loving the kitten heels for ultimate comfort –
are perfect paired with an A-line skirt or a pair of classic
shorts. Add a pair of electric blue tights and it’s time to
bring knee-highs back into classy realms.
Scarlet woman
R
While red has been a firm favourite among the fashion elite in
past seasons (Miss Sixty’s Spring/Summer ‘09 collection was a case
in point), BinHendi just cannot get enough of this luxe hue.
Smattered across Gianvito Rossi’s Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection
there really is nothing else a girl can do than grab a pair of these
ruffle heels. Matched with a pair of steel grey tights and a black
frock, it’s time to let your shoes do the talking. Our tip? Don’t go
overboard with this colour. A splash here (I love these Gianvito
Rossi leather gloves) and there (this Gianvito Rossi red patent
clutch is bang on trend) does the job admirably.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi
37

Dine

Sammach
When it comes to seafood fare, BinHendi finds there’s nowhere quite like Sammach
Top table:
The humble prawn is a staple of our city-state’s eateries.
Its baby-pink shells and spindly, insect-like legs
protrude from ice platters in supermarkets and buffets
the length of our coast-hugging home town. It might come
doused in garlic sauce, drizzled with olive oil, or just a simple,
zesty squeeze of lemon. But however it’s prepared, the dinky
little treats are surprisingly ubiquitous.
They are also, surprisingly often, poorly prepared. The
freezing process can neuter some flavour in any fish, but it is
the preparation that so many spots get wrong. Grill a prawn
for five minutes, and it’ll switch from grey to pink before your
eyes, its meat remaining puffy and juicy, and its shell not
suffering from a charcoal glaze. The innards of the carapace –
the deliciously tangy bit that prawn-munching aficionados
suck from the upturned head – should remain moist and
easily extracted with one swift inhalation.
Grill, fry, or barbecue for too long, however, and you’re left
with something far less inspiring – meat all dried and
rubbery, and a blandness that no condiment can rectify. And
however the wee beast is cooked, ‘marie rose’ sauce must be
avoided like Mexican Flu.
At Sammach in Jumeirah Beach Centre, they know their
crustaceans. The jumbo prawns are perfectly grilled, and
come with a herb, olive oil and lemon sauce that manages to
perfectly marry zing and smoothness. The dish is a simple,
shell-peeling, skull-slurping, finger-wiping pleasure from
start to finish, and well sums up what this place has to offer.
Sammach takes two things that Dubai does well – seafood
and Arabic food – and puts them together in a way that few
other places manage. While a lot of pricey joints put on fancy
seafood, the cooking influences tend to be resolutely
European. And while informal Arabic dining is easy to find,
too often such restaurants offer poor quality meat, dry pitta,
and an overly oily experience. But Sammach manages to mix
Arabic flavours, fresh seafood, and a welcome ambience
perfectly.
The dining room is dotted with cosy maritime references,
like the ice table shaped like an old fishing dhow and
festooned with flavours of the deep. Fighting for everdiminishing
wall space are a jolly jumble of lopsided
photographs of fishermen harvesting their catch. The casual
and welcoming ambience is rounded out at a weekend, when
families dine over baba ganoush, tabbouleh and other meze
staples. This is seafood with a Lebanese flourish, and it is the
quality of the ingredients that shines through.
The squid is another sea-dweller that is often hopelessly
overcooked, but here it slices easily and the first bites released
a surge of flavour. The sultan fish is similarly well prepared, as
are the red snapper and the hamour. Sauces with these fish
tend to be simple but well balanced – a spicy tomato flavour
here, a salt crust there, or just a light, flour batter.
Such dishes are the epitome of this place – not overly
complex, not overly fussy, but well put together and (perhaps
most importantly) sourced with care. Prawn fanciers will be
particularly pleased.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi 39

Dine
Coffee break
For the ultimate caffeine fix, there’s nowehere quite like Second Cup.
BinHendi takes a sip of the latest winter flavours
There can be few flavours as
autumnal as the pumpkin. The
bulbous orange fruit creeps out
of the vegetative ether around mid
October, having been ignored all spring
and summer, to be suddenly ubiquitous,
its demonic visage beaming from
Halloween displays, and innards
suddenly appearing in soups and pies. It
may be a seasonal fruit, but its place at
the heart of so many exported North
American traditions sees its lumpish
leathery skin appear from Nova Scotia
to New Caledonia.
And one of its most internationally
adored incarnations sees it added to
that great Arabic traditional fare; coffee.
The pumpkin spice latte is a treat
whose joys are hard for non-users to
imagine, and one that comes, at last, to
our shores, thanks to Second Cup.
Dedicated drinkers of this delectable drop
tend to fall first for the warming pumpkin
flavour – slightly sweet, slightly savoury,
and desperately moreish. Rounded out
with autumnal flavours like nutmeg and
cinnamon, it’ll have you figuratively swept
away to a log cabin with an open fire
somewhere in New England. All mixed up
with steamed milk and rich espresso, it’s a
treat that coffee lovers should not deny
themselves.
But there are some tastes that both
define and defy the seasons. A rich, dark
chocolate is an indulgence most enjoyed
in the cooler months, be it in the post Eid
celebrations, end of year festivities or any
other holiday occasion. But the intensity
of that cocoa hit can be as spiritually
warming in the depths of winter as the
peaks of August. As a result, Second Cup
has introduced a delightfully decadent
new flavour – the new dark chocolate
latte. It’s a flavour so rich and tasty that
you’ll be drinking it all year round.
40 Bin Hendi
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68

The only way is up
Strapline
42 Bin Hendi

live
Gaetano
Pesce’s ‘Up’
chair is 40 years
old. BinHendi takes
an admiring look at
a seat that became
an instant design
classic
How does a simple household
object become an icon?
Students of design have
wondered for generations,
each one hoping to create something
immediately recognisable and admired.
Think of a Dyson cleaner, Phillipe Starck’s
juice-squeezer or Le Corbusier’s
tubular-steel stool. Each takes a simple
item and pares it back to its most efficient,
while creating something of such aesthetic
beauty that it ends up being shown in
almost as many galleries as homes.
Open up most 20th Century design
books, and alongside the work of Starck
and Le Corbusier you will find Gaetano
Pesce, an Italian architect and designer
who has been creating objects and
buildings of innate beauty for more than
half a century. His own design philosophy
may provide a clue for aspiring designers
keen to join this elite band: “We have to
answer peoples’ needs, create something
useful, give joy and happiness.”
Bin Hendi 43

live
The Up 5_6, shown here, was first
released in 1969, one of many successful
collaborations with C&B Italia (the
company from which B&B Italia evolved).
It’s a pop-culture beauty that regularly
shows in design museums (most recently
in the new exhibit by Antonio Citterio in
the Museum of Design at the Milan
Triennale). It is a fine example for those
new to Pesce’s work of the grace that this
multiple award-winner exhibits. As is
usual with Pesce, the femininity is
immediately obvious, with bold womanly
curves, and a warm maternal embrace for
the sitter. “I was telling a personal story
about my notion of women,” he explains,
“that despite themselves, women have
always been prisoners of their own
making. Along these lines, I liked the idea
of giving this armchair a feminine shape
with a ball and chain, the traditional
image of the prisoner.”
But this should not be confused with
negative connotations of womanhood.
On the contrary, as Pesce explains: “We
are the product of a long history,” he says,
“we thought that the best way to think
was the masculine way, using the
masculine side of our brain. Our best
values were coherence, strength,
homogeneity, dogmatism, seriousness,
rigidity. For a long time I’ve thought we
have to use the other side of the brain.
The female side of the brain is
multidisciplinary, full of feeling; it is joy,
elasticity, softness. We need feminine
design, which is much friendlier to the
human being.”
Originally, the voluptuous and
feminine nature of the Up chair was
emphasised as it ‘breathed’ into life for
new owners. Formed from polyurethane
foam and upholstered in stretch fabric,
the chairs were vacuum-packed, causing a
10 percent reduction in their volume, and
then expanding once they came into
contact with the air.
The classic design was updated by B&B
Italia in 2000. While the aesthetic
wasn’t altered, B&B Italia was able to
bring its knowledge of 21st century
high-performance materials to the fore.
And today, in honour of the 40th
anniversary of this design icon, new silver
upholstery is available, personalised with
your own serial number. So, when you
want to sit down, get an Up.
The up side
Such a large, boldly-coloured
object can dominate a room,
and its positioning needs to be
carefully considered. For most
interiors, the following should be
taken into account:
Clear the clutter: surrounding an
Up with lots of smaller pieces
will over-emphasise its bulk.
Don’t display: but neither should
it be left as an island, put on
display like a gallery piece. A
happy medium would be a large
room, with a few equally
beautiful pieces clustered
nearby, but enough surrounding
space to appreciate its form.
Use light surroundings: the bold
red colouring is best offset with
paler hues.
44
Bin Hendi
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68

When it comes to design, it’s
often best to start from the
outside in, according to
B&B Italia |designer
Patricia Urquiola
blue
46 Bin Hendi

Live
Dubai is unlike many other cities. Aside from boasting
the tallest building in the world and one of the
largest indoor ski slopes in the Middle East, it also
has the natural advantage of all-year-round good
weather. So decking out your outside space is as much of a
priority as finely tuning the inside. This is where B&B Italia’s
outdoor range comes in.
Driven by design aficionado Patricia Urquiola, the latest
collection is Riviera-meets-Miami with a hint of rustic Italian
influence. “I started from the theme of woven patterns, with a
traditional look in mind,” says Patricia, speaking of the stunning
Canasta (meaning ‘Spanish basket’) collection. Vienna straw,
with its decorative geometric shape, was the base of her
inspiration and the whole collection is punctuated with steel
embellishments and floral patterns.
For anyone looking for the ultimate Zen-like vibe, the
Crinoline range is also an admirable contender for your outdoor
space. “The black-white and black-bronze dual coloured
polythene weave matches the natural fibre of bronze string,” she
continues, highlighting the soft magenta of a luxurious throw
she designed for cooler nights.
Whether summer or winter the whole collection is the perfect
accompaniment to life al fresco. Ideal for the swimming pool
area or the garden lawn, Patricia refers to her range of chairs like
pieces of “land art that harmonise with the surrounding scenery”.
Ultimately B&B Italia is about bringing life to the great outdoors.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 47

Live
The seating elements were
inspired by the conical shape
and weave similar to baskets,
hence the name Canasta
(the Spanish word for basket).
48
Bin Hendi

Live
The collection is enriched by a
series of tables with structures
in white and black-varnished
steel and tops in ceramic tiles.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 49

5 hot
places to visit in Oman
If you want a taste of the Middle East but don’t fancy Dubai’s seven-star luxury,
then Oman is the perfect spot. Just make sure you dress for the occasion with
Hugo Boss’s latest men’s collection
1Muscat
The capital of Oman is a sleepy spot spread out in a thin strip
between Martian-esque mountains and the flat, blue sea.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of town is Muttrah, the old
port that houses Muttrah fort, which, while rarely open to the
public, was built in the 1600s by the Portuguese and is hewn
into the surrounding rock, making for some grand photo
opportunities. It’s worth the steep climb for sweeping views of
the corniche. It’s also here that you’ll find Bait al Baranda (00968
24 714 262), which offers the best history of Muscat to be found
in the country. Other musts include the Sultan Qaboos Grand
Mosque, one of the largest in the world and open to non-
Muslims (women should cover up), and
the pungent lunacy of the Fish Souk.
What to wear: Boss Green trainers
and Boss Orange tote
50 Bin Hendi

Live
2 Musandam
This is Sinbad country; the kind of alien landscape that fans of 60s
films could easily imagine being overrun with skeletal figures
wielding swords and shields. Musandam marks the northern tip of
the Hajar Mountains, with jagged heaps of uninhabitable mountain
tumbling into the water. These ‘fjords’ offer some of the most
spectacular scenery on earth. It is here that people come to spot
dolphins, go diving, stay on traditional wooden dhows (old boats)
or camp in isolated coves. A serene experience. Slightly less serene
is the check-in to the Six Senses Hideaway in Zighy Bay (ww.
sixsenses.com). This isolated cove is only accessed by speedboat,
vertiginous 4x4 drives or, for the more adventurous, a paraglider.
The hotel itself is spectacular, and mightily luxurious.
What to wear: Boss Orange boots and Boss Orange bag
3 Turtle Beach
One of Oman’s many natural treats is turtle
watching. Turtle Beach at Ras Al Jinz,
about 30 minutes drive from the
southern coastal town of Sur, is perhaps
the best-known spot. Turtles lay all
through the year, and in the early
morning, you can see their offspring
struggle down to the water’s edge.
What to wear: Boss Green trainers
and Boss Orange bag
Bin Hendi
51

Live
4 Nizwa
Deep in the interior, about two hours drive from
Muscat, is Nizwa. Here, locals consider themselves
‘proper Omanis’, whose bloodline has not been
tampered with in the same way as a port city like
Muscat. So, life is a little more traditional than the
capital (which is hardly a thriving modern hub
itself). One of the most enjoyable experiences here
is the mayhem of the local goat market. Every
Friday morning from 7am, farmers from across the
country converge to sell goats, cows, lambs and
sheep. The scale and shape of the animals varies as
widely as the age and tribal dress of the farmers
themselves. Get there early. It’s also close to Nizwa
souk, a much better spot for sourcing authentic
khanjars (the curved knives) and other trinkets
than Muscat’s Muttrah souk, which is full of tourist
tat. The other reason for venturing this far from the
city is Al Hamra, around 20 minutes from Nizwa.
Here, perfectly preserved, is a 400-year-old, five
storey Omani mud house, complete with working
wool looms, clay bread ovens and local women
toiling as they might have 400 years ago. It is
unique in the Gulf, where heritage museums tend
to be lamely compiled collections of mannequins
and old guns. Call the ‘sheikh’, Suliman Abri (00968
99 010 373) for more info.
5 Salalah
It’s hard to believe that somewhere quite as green and
verdant as this can exist in the middle of an Arabian
summer. But this spot in Oman’s far south offers rolling
green fields and the kind of pastoral beauty that would
have Yeats reaching for the quill, though this is only true
for a few months as Salalah catches the tail end of the
Indian monsoon season. This is also the starting point
for expeditions to the Lost City of Ubar. For years
dismissed as a mythical ‘Atlantis of the Sands’, evidence
of Ubar was found in 1992 by an American
archaeologist. The city, which is mentioned in the
Koran, grew rich on the frankincense trade between
southern Oman and Greece and Egypt. It was the last
stop before the treacherous trek through The Empty
Quarter, a mass of shifting dunes the size of the United
Arab Emirates combined. Excavations are at an early
stage, but budding Indiana Joneses can contact one of
these guides; Ahmed al Kathiri (00968 99 286 595),
Ali Shahary (00968 95 401 513) or Sumahram Falcon
(00968 95 774 166).
What to wear: Boss Orange boots and Boss Green bag
What to wear: Boss Green trainers
and Boss Green bag
Getting there
Oman Air flies daily to Muscat from Dubai. For more information go to
www.omanair.aero. Stay at The Chedi www.ghm.hotels.com, from
Dhs1,500 per night) and the Al Bustan Palace www.ichotelsgroup.com,
from Dhs1,650 per night).
52
Bin Hendi

Live
The Dubai Mall
Start the Shopping Festival off with a bang and visit one of
BinHendi’s many brands in the iconic Dubai Mall
Brioni
It’s the attention to detail that has made
Brioni famous. With the likes of James
Bond on board (Piers Brosnan and
Daniel Craig have both been suited and
booted by Brioni), the brand that just
can’t seem to put a foot wrong. In its
latest Dubai Mall store, the concept
has been updated – the highlight is
the measuring room for VIP
customers.
cK Calvin Klein
Everything about the space (it’s the largest
store in the GCC) fits with the brand’s crisp,
clean collections from Kevin Carrigan - Calvin
Klein’s creative director. The minimalist décor perfectly
accompanies the classic Spring/Summer ‘09 collections.
GF Ferré
GianFranco Ferré is a welcome addition to The Dubai Mall.
Ladies wear consists of techno materials - nylon, mesh and
neoprene – which create an eclectic look, while menswear is
suitably brutish. This is the brand’s flagship store in the UAE, and
the focus is slick and modern.
Hugo Boss
It’s the biggest store in the UAE, and it really does show. There
are all the main collections – Selection, Black, Hugo, Orange,
Green and Kids – here and the décor is as classic as the brand
itself.
Joseph
Dubai’s fashion mavens have been waiting for this store to open
up. On top of being the first Joseph store to hit the Middle East,
it’s also the first in the GCC. The range of knits are luxuriant,
while the rest of the collection is modern with a rustic twist.
Miss Sixty
Whether it’s the trendiest denim, or the hippest accessories, Miss
Sixty is the place to shop. The store is planning to keep décor
minimalist – white and silver will dominate – to accentuate the
vibrant colours of its Spring/Summer ‘09 collections.
Paul & Shark
Paul & Shark is one of those brands that
can be relied on. Every collection brings
that classic nautical vibe to the
catwalks, with a seasonal updated
edge. The new Dubai Mall store
encapsulates the whole Paul &
Shark aesthetic with its crisp décor
and clean lines.
Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang is the only luxe
Chinese brand out there and its
mission is to revitalise Chinese fashion
by giving it a 21st century twist – overall
this produces a vibrant fusion, which slots into
the UAE, and The Dubai Mall, perfectly.
Zilli
With its classic cuts and brutishly masculine line, Zilli is a
grand addition to The Dubai Mall’s list of stores. Everything
inside the space is geared towards the 21st century man, and
it boasts a spectacular array of accessories – the orange loafers
are amazing – to boot.
Billionaire
From Las Vegas to Volgograd, the world’s most elegant
high-rollers wear the shirts, suits, belts and ties of Billionaire.
The brand glorifies the cult of Italian style and luxury
through unique lines, shapes and cuts. And when we say
unique, we mean garments not yet on the marker anywhere
else, made entirely by hand, and in limited numbers. Opening
soon at Dubai Mall.
Chow down
Tired of walking around the biggest mall in Dubai? Visit
Café Havana, Burj Al Hamam, Japengo, Joe’s Café, Ruby
Tuesday and Second Cup. For a chocolate fix, there’s no
better place than Cacao Sampaka to treat yourself after a
hard day’s shopping.
For more information on locations, see contacts list on page 78
Bin Hendi
53

Live
54 Bin Hendi

Boutique call:
t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t
Soho’s new Sanctum Hotel is somewhere for the
jet set rock ‘n’ rollers to relax
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68
Bin Hendi
55

Live
The word sanctum conjures
images of candle-lit recesses in
sedate and tranquil spas – quiet
places for silent contemplation
and escaping from the world. But in the
case of this Sanctum, that’s a touch
misleading.
It’s certainly an escape from the
immediate surroundings – Oxford Circus,
one of London’s busiest junctions, is just
around the corner, but from the moment
you enter the quite, dark-wood reception
area, you feel you are somewhere
distinctly private and a little exclusive. But
reach the inner areas of this Sanctum, and
the colour schemes are much more
vibrant and the vibe more invigorating.
This has been billed as London’s first
‘rock ‘n’ roll hotel’, and by the hotel itself
as ‘an alluring haven of hedonism’. It
certainly has a glam and edgy feel. Rooms
are individually styled, some with vast
circular beds, others with Union Flag
motifs, some a screaming riot of colour.
There are sparkly diamante fittings, faintly
mirrored objects dotted about, and in one
room, a giant, dark, four-poster beds with
mauve and lilac flourishes.
But the rock ‘n’ roll element really
comes from the owners (a couple of
members of Iron Maiden’s management
here, owner of the famous celeb-friendly
nightclub Embassy there) and the guests
(a mix of film and music industry types,
savvy locals, and out-of-towners enjoying
a sample of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle).
This is a sanctum for those who live at a
quicker pace to most, which appears to be
the idea. It’s a place to relax for those
escaping the demands put upon them by
their work or lifestyle, but not wanting to
fade to beige, or be too far from slick
clubs, good restaurants and cutting edge
sounds. Those who want the luxury of
time and comfort, to allow them to
breathe for a moment, but not too long.
This might not be a spot where you’ll find
TVs flying out of windows – it’s a little too
refined for that – but it’s certainly
somewhere to indulge your inner rock ‘n’
roller.
Sanctum Soho Hotel, 20
Warwick Street, London, 0207 292 6100,
www.sanctumsoho.com
56
Bin Hendi

Shop spot
Sanctum sits just off two of London’s most famous
shopping parades – Oxford Street and Regents Street.
Between them, they house some of the grandest
stores in the city, and a 30-second stroll from the
Sanctum entrance is the world-famous Carnaby Street,
the centre of the swinging 60s.
For some boho chic and a true London look, Miss
Sixty sits at the top of Carnaby Street (31-32 Great
Marlborough Street, 020 7434 3060, www.misssixty.
com). For something more classically styled, but still
distinctively British, head to Joseph (23 Old Bond
Street, 020 7629 3713, www.joseph.co.uk). For more
masculine lines, go to Hugo Boss (184 Regent St, 020
7734 7919, www.hugoboss.com). And if you want
classic Americana for him or for her, go and visit Calvin
Klein (65 New Bond Street, 020 7495 2916, www.
calvinklein.com). If dialling from outside the UK,
replace the first 0 with 0044.
For contact details and outlet listings go to page 68 Bin Hendi 57

Live
Shop
Stop
Hong
Kong
58 Bin Hendi

From fine dining to exploring the
countryside and relaxing on the beach,
Hong Kong offers it all. And that’s not to
mention the spectacular throng of shops…
Bin Hendi
59

Live
Travel in the 21st century is so
simple that we are often spoiled
for choice when it comes to
picking a destination. Do we
want to shop? Enjoy fine dining? Immerse
ourselves in culture? Get closer to nature?
Relax on the beach?
Hong Kong is perhaps the city that
comes closest to offering all of them in a
single destination.
Since 1997 a Special Administrative
Region of China, Hong Kong has grown
from a simple fishing village to one of the
world’s most important banking and
trading centres.
Hong Kong is made up of four areas:
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula,
the New Territories and the Outlying
Islands.
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are
by far the busiest, home to the many
skyscrapers that comprise the city’s
famous skyline. The New Territories
and the Outlying Islands, on the other
hand, are the perfect place to experience
the natural beauty of the area.
For family entertainment Hong Kong
of course boasts Disneyland, but for a
slightly less synthetic experience pay a
visit to Ocean Park. Parts of the park
may be showing their age, especially
some of the rides, but its aquariums and
animal shows are guaranteed to prove a
hit with the kids. You may be able to see
it coming a mile away, but there is
something about watching a man fall
into the water in disgust after
mistakenly kissing a sea lion that will
have you laughing all the way down the
world’s second-longest escalator,
another of the park’s unique features.
Of course no trip to Hong Kong
would be complete without taking
advantage of the enormous array of
shops. The desire to wear nothing but
the most up-to-date fashions means
Hong Kong has a thriving second hand
market as dedicated divas clear space in
their closets for the latest season.
Second hand stores offer a bewildering
choice of clothes, bags, shoes and
watches, many of which have only ever
been worn on a handful of occasions.
For a unique shopping experience
head to one of the city’s many markets,
such as Temple Street in Kowloon or
Stanley on Hong Kong Island.
Entertainers jostle for your attention
alongside vendors selling Chinese silks,
electronics and curios, all watched over
by officials who ensure that everything
is above board. Reassuring though that
60
Bin Hendi

Shop
Stop
might be, don’t forget to haggle.
Even more curious is My Check Box
on Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay.
Retailers rent small transparent boxes
fixed to the wall to display their wares.
From handbags to sunglasses you won’t
find a more unusual way of finding
what you want.
If shopping at a more sedate pace is
more your forte then head over to
Harbour City Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Boasting major brands such as Calvin
Klein, Hugo Boss and Joseph, this
pristine emporium is a one-stop shop
for all your luxe needs. Look out for
Davi men’s watches, each of which has a
face completely covered with diamonds,
sapphires, rubies and other precious
gems. Press a button on the side and the
face lights up brilliantly to display the
time.
Also at ifc mall is the Michelinstarred
Lei Garden, a favourite spot for
lunch among the city’s high flyers. It’s
easy to see why it’s so popular: the food
is spectacular, and reasonably priced
too. While it’s possible to spend
thousands on some of the rarer dishes,
it’s also possible to enjoy a dim sum
lunch for HK$100 (Dhs47). In fact so
popular is Lei Garden, you’ll need to
Getting there
make a reservation before you reach
Hong Kong.
Equally popular is Hutong, which
offers spectacular views across the
harbour from the 28th floor of One
Peking Road. The sight of Hong Kong
stretching out before you is impressive,
but it’s the interiors that really make
Hutong stand out. With almost every
surface carved into intricate patterns by
hand, the restaurant is so beautiful that
diners could probably be served dry
bread and still leave satisfied.
Fortunately the Northern Chinese
cuisine won a Michelin star.
If you need to burn off some of those
calories you won’t be short of options:
around 70 percent of Hong Kong’s
landmass is unspoilt, and it’s all within
easy commuting distance. Nature lovers
can enjoy everything from tramping
through bamboo forests, climbing
stunning mountains and hiking across
country parks, to bird-watching at
world-renowned wetland park and
lazing on tranquil beaches. Advanced
walkers can head off by themselves,
while those wanting to travel at a more
sedate pace – or learn more about the
areas they pass through – can join one
of the many guided tours.
n Emirates flies directly to Hong Kong for Dhs3,545.
For more information go to www.emirates.com
n A stay at the Four Seasons Hong Kong starts from HKD 4,200 (Dhs1,990)
per room
Bin Hendi
61

Travel
essentials
For
Her
When it comes to dressing to
impress in Hong Kong, Hugo Boss
Boots is the only way to go
For
Him
When it comes to
travelling in Asia,
spoil him with
Shanghai Tang’s
coats and bath robe
62
Bin Hendi

Burj Khalifa
opens its doors
out &
about
“If you build it they will come,” declared Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Maktoum several years ago about his visions for the emirate of Dubai. Part of
that vision came to fruition in spectacular fashion on 4 January 2010 when the
world’s largest tower, the Burj Khalifa, was launched before an overwhelmed
audience comprising local residents and the world’s media.
When construction began on 21 September 2004,
at the height of the economic boom and built
by some 12,000 labourers, the developers,
Emaar Properties, remained discreet about the final
altitude. In fact it was revealed to be 828 metres, some 10
metres higher than most industry experts had estimated.
The final cost of the tower was estimated to be USD$1.5
billion with 90 per cent of the building already sold.
The opening coincided with the fourth anniversary of the
accession of Sheikh Mohammed to power and in a gesture
which revealed his magnanimity he named the tower, the
Burj Khalifa after the ruler of the UAE, HRH Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al Maktoum.
The tower is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
which also designed the Sears Tower in Chicago and the first
World Trade Centre Tower in New York City. While there
was speculation that the tower would resemble the Grollo
Tower in Melbourne, Australia, the initial drawings by
Adrian Smith, the design architect, were modified and the
finished with luxurious aplomb. In fact the design of Burj
Khalifa is derived from patterning systems embodied in
Islamic architecture.
Inside is just as spectacular as the exterior. More than
1,000 pieces of art will adorn the Burj Khalifa while the
residential lobby will have the artwork of 196 bronze and
brass alloy cymbals, which symbolize the 196 countries of
the world.
One of the main components of the Burj Khalifa will be
the first Armani Hotel, decorated by Giorgio Armani. This
is due to open on 18 March 2010 and will occupy 15 floors.
The tower will also welcome its first residents in February
and it is estimated that 25,000 people will live within the
tower. For now though, local residents have been visiting
the outdoor observation decks – which is at 442m and is the
highest observation deck in the world. While there have
been an understandable rush of people, the flow of visitors
has been constant and enthusiastic.

& about
out
Parade
Fashion
As Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue
launches BinHendi’s hottest
brands, we check out the
fashion-packed extravaganza.
Cue Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss
and GF Ferré’s latest trends
64
Bin Hendi

For more information on BinHendi brands go to page 68
Bin Hendi 65

& about
out
Opening
Night
When it comes to global
cuisine, there’s nowhere
quite like Japengo. BinHendi
celebrates the opening of its
10th outlet.
66
Bin Hendi

Mr Mohammed BinHendi, Mr Mohidin BinHendi with the hostesses
The opening of Japengo’s 10th outlet, on November 10, 2009, was attended by
a who’s who of Dubai, not to mention scores of food lovers who came to
enjoy sushi, oriental canapés, and the many other delights the popular
restaurant dishes up.
“The launch of our latest Café in Dubai Mall is an important and a valuable step for
the Japengo chain, as it will allow us to extend our services and cater for a wider group
of audience throughout Dubai particularly and UAE in general,” said Mr Mohidin
BinHendi, President of BinHendi Enterprises, after cutting the ribbon to officially open
the restaurant.
“It’s definitely an achievement for our home-grown brand Japengo to have thrived
and reigned the market for this long,” added Ms Amna BinHendi, CEO.
“Japengo originated when we realized our customers needed a restaurant that they
could visit that served them different cuisines and that gave them a variety to choose
from. We are happy that we accomplished and delivered what we envisioned. On this
occasion we would also like to thank our customers that devotedly dine at our
restaurant. We hope to continue striving to bring you the best.”
Mr Osama Fahad
Khalifa BinHendi, Katie Jensen and Mohammed BinHendi
For more information on BinHendi brands go to page 68
Hostess, Mr Naveed Dowlatshahi, Mr Hassna Al Hamadi, Mr Khalil Fakih
Bin Hendi 67

Contacts
ARTIOLI
Radisson SAS Hotel
Tel: 04 229 7936
BAITUTI
Zaábeel road
Tel: 04 334 4478
B&B Italia
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 340 5797
BELLA DONNA
BurJuman
Tel: 04 352 4350
Dubai International
Financial Centre
Tel: 04 370 0505
For information call toll free
on 800 BINHENDI or visit
www.binhendi.com
Dubai International
Financial Centre
Tel: 04 370 0390
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0899
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1415
RUBY TUESDAY
Jumeirah Beach
Park Plaza
Tel: 04 342 8015
Jumeirah Beach
Residence
Tel: 04 424 3771
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1442
Mercato
Tel: 04 344 7701
BINHENDI BOUTIQUE
Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: 04 368 6545
BINHENDI WATCHES
AND JEWELLERY
Burj Al Arab
Tel: 04 348 1104
SAMMACH
Deira
Tel: 04 295 4277
Jumeirah Beach Centre
Tel: 04 349 4140
Sharjah
Tel: 06 528 0095
Souk Al Bahar
Tel: 04 426 7311
BurJuman
Tel: 04 355 1664
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 2544
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1421
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0711
BRIONI
Radisson SAS Hotel
Tel: 04 228 8110
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1418
BURJ AL HAMAM
Jumeirah Beach
Park Plaza
Tel: 04 342 8034/ 8035
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1424
CACAO SAMPAKA
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1427
CAFÉ HAVANA
BurJuman
Tel: 04 359 2260
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 5238
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1430
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 1659
Spinneys, Umm Suqeim
Tel: 04 394 1727
CHINA TIMES
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 2515
Jumeirah Plaza
Tel: 04 344 2930
ck Calvin Klein
BurJuman
Tel: 04 355 7918
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1461
Calvin Klein Jeans
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0810
ESCAPE
Wafi
Tel: 04 324 4074
Duck King
Jumeirah Beach
Park Residences
Tel: 04 342 8041
GF FERRÉ
BurJuman
Tel: 04 355 1845
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0919
Mercato
Tel: 04 344 0895
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1409
GRAFF
Atlantis
Tel: 04 422 0063
Wafi City
Tel: 04 324 4221
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 339 9795
HUGO BOSS
BurJuman
Tel: 04 355 7845
Dubai Festival City
Tel: 04 232 6411
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0630
Mercato
Tel: 04 342 2021
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1400
HUGO BOSS - ORANGE
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0702
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 5281
INFERNO GRILL
Dubai Marina
Tel: 04 368 9193
JACOB & CO.
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1448
JAPENGO CAFÉ
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 5767
BurJuman
Tel: 04 352 4350
Dubai Festival City
Tel: 04 232 6220
Ibn Battuta Mall
Tel: 04 366 9910
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 1671
Palm Strip Mall
Tel: 04 345 4979
Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel: 04 343 5028
Souk Madinat
Tel: 04 368 6575
Wafi City
Tel: 04 324 5411
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1433
Japengo, Oman
Tel: +968 92892868
JOE’S CAFÉ
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1439
JOSEPH
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1437
LA BRIOCHE
Markaz Al Jumeirah
Tel: 04 349 0588
MINI CHINESE
Al Diyafa Satwa
Tel: 04 345 9976
Sharjah City Centre
Tel: 06 533 5933
Miss sixty
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 4600
Wafi City
Tel: 04 324 1998
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 4176
MUGG & BEAN
Bowling Centre
Tel: 04 338 5527
Uptown Mirdif
Tel: 04 288 0612
Dubai Festival City
Tel: 04 232 6360
PAUL & SHARK
BurJuman
Tel: 04 355 1437
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0901
Marina Mall
Tel: 04 434 2612
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1412
PORSCHE DESIGN
Atlantis, The Palm
Tel: 04 422 0311
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 7652
Dubai Festival City
Tel: 04 232 9076
SECOND CUP
Al Ain Mall
Tel: 03 751 6737
Al Ghazal Shopping Mall
Tel: 04 345 2025
Army Officer’s Club
Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02 441 5160
Bur Dubai
Tel: 04 351 3130
Deira City Centre
Tel: 04 295 4471
Dubai Festival City
Tel: 04 232 6900
Mall of the Emirates
Tel: 04 341 0803
Mercato
Tel: 04 344 7701
Sharjah City Centre
Tel: 06 532 7671
Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel: 04 343 5314
Spinneys Jumeirah
Tel: 04 344 9755
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1445
SHANGHAI TANG
BurJuman
Tel: 04 359 9885
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1403
ZILLI
Wafi City
Tel: 04 324 4223
Dubai Mall
Tel: 04 434 1406
68
Bin Hendi