Photo: Manolo Yllera
We live in an era where more and more Middle Eastern creatives are gaining recognition across the world for their incredible work, and the Fall/Winter 2023 issue of Vogue Living Arabia has dedicated itself to spotlighting a host of such noteworthy names, whose keen eye for all things beautiful is putting them on the global radar.
Photo: Manolo Yllera
This time around, the cover of Vogue Living Arabia serves as a visual balm, enveloped in shades of soothing pistachio and soft beige, with unexpected pops of deep red. This is a glimpse of the Manhattan residence of Gabriel Hendifar, co-founder of cult lighting design brand Apparatus. Hendifar, who makes his Dubai Design Week debut today as well, curated his space to truly reflect his personality. “I wanted to build a place that is welcoming, seductive, and relaxing. A combination of masculine and feminine – a reflection of how I want to see myself and how I hope others see me,” he shares. The modernist haven is located in the trendy Manhattan neighborhood of NoHo, and is especially noteworthy for its historical importance. “John Pawson is the architect of the space and the most wonderful thing about his work here is how he finished off the surfaces – the way the wall meets the floor while the ceiling seems to float away from the vertical lines,” the designer says. “There is a purity in his approach that fascinates me. It was very exciting for me to introduce a softer and more seductive look into the perfectly resolved shell.”
Photo: Ankita Chandra
The Fall/Winter 2023 issue also invites you to fly across to Switzerland, into the folds of a luxurious mountain getaway that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, and focuses heavily on wellness solutions. Built in the 1960s, and now owned by Emirati businessman Abdulla Al Gurg, LeCrans is the sort of property that leaves its visitors forever changed. And the story behind the Swiss chalet-inspired hotel is equally inspiring. After discovering the property while visiting Switzerland with his son, Al Gurg found himself in love with LeCrans’ rustic appeal, woody interiors, and breathtaking view of the Alps. “I had a stroke in 2019 and recovered through a new life science program,” he shares this month. “This life-altering event inspired me to share that healing experience with the world… During my first walk around LeCrans, I saw how it was entirely surrounded by nature, and I couldn’t help but immediately fall in love with the place. I come from the desert where it only rains once a year, but at LeCrans, I felt like my eyes were opened; everything is so green and beautiful here. I thought this must be a chance for me to change my destiny and become as green as this beautiful spot. So, I made it my goal to make that happen.”
Today, LeCrans stands out as a beacon of high quality living. Each of the property’s 13 rooms and one apartment are inspired by a different mountain region of the world —think Kilimanjaro, Annapurna, Everest, the Dolomites, and Anatolia — and the space is also loved for its expansive spa, featuring a hammam, jacuzzi, sauna, and heated pools. It’s no wonder Al Gurg loves to call it his “little piece of magic”.
Photo: David Mitchell
Adding further to our list of incredible locations around the globe, we take you to London, where Turkish-French design duo Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray of Oza Design open the doors to a private sanctuary that once served as a gentleman’s snooker room, but today makes the ideal home. Over in the United States, Australian interior pro Timothy Godbold reveals the interiors of his Southampton house, a labor of love that entered his life when he least expected it. Wrapped in lush greenery, this ebony residence opens up to clean white spaces and an abundance of natural light.“I am always looking to bring something back to its former glory,” the designer says. And his latest project serves as proof.
Photo: Ewa Szumilas
Closer to home, the latest issue of Vogue Living Arabia heads over to Lebanon, where interior architect Gregory Gatserelia reveals his latest project in La Citadelle tower, located in the heart of Beirut. “I can define my style as eclectic, with art-inspired elements that blend diverse cultural influences, historical periods, and artistic movements,” Gatserelia says as he shares snippets of a contemporary apartment positively bursting with colors and creativity. Offering 360-degree views of city and sea, the 1,100sqm, five-bedroom home is a rich tapestry of mementos and pieces representing diverse cultures, eras, and materials. “It is a testament to the beauty of dialogue and contrasts between different collectibles, a harmonious fusion of aesthetics,” Gatserelia says. “I can define my style generally as eclectic, with art-inspired elements that blend diverse cultural influences, historical periods, and artistic movements.”
Elizabeth Leriche
No issue of Vogue Living is complete without a look at the latest interior design trends of the season. This month, our pages highlight the most stunning pieces from Paris Design Week and Maison&Objet, where colors, patterns and bold shapes took centre stage. While designer and architect Bina Baitel offered up organic shapes inspired by nature, Dutch designer Dirk van der Kooij’s 3D printed chubby chair drew everyone’s eye. Naba Tea Tiffin by Indian studio Ikkis (one of the five winners of the AlUla Design Award) was also a highlight, and for those who love drama, there was no missing Elizabeth Leriche, Uchronia, and Harumi & Atelier Sumbiosis. Keeping with the theme of noteworthy home essentials, Vogue Living Arabia’s latest issue also puts forth a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of luxe bedding. Think cozy blankets in rich hues and bold patterns, served up as lounge-worthy gowns. Fashion never looked more comfortable.
Photo: Damian Foxe
To emphasize the growing link between the worlds of style and decor in Arabia, we at Vogue Arabia also brought to life a novel concept this year, and in the pages of the issue, we’re inviting you to join in. Several months in the making, Dine in Design gathered some of the region’s leading architects, interior experts, and fashion designers at the SO/ Uptown Hotel, including Elie Saab, Andrea Wazen, Zaid Farouki, and Bil Arabi. Each design house presented tablescapes, artistic installations, and design concepts that served as an expression of its core identity. The result was a space replete with impeccable presentations — all distinct, yet working beautifully together to share a common message: the Middle East is truly unstoppable.
Photo: Keir Harris
As we also step into wedding season, the latest pages of Vogue Living Arabia spotlight all things related to unforgettable celebrations. This month, Arabia’s top planners — from Anoud Al Zaben, the woman behind the Crown Prince of Jordan and and Rajwa Al-Saif’s big day, to Saudi Arabia’s Ghadeer Ashoor — reveal how they turn every couple’s wildest wishes into reality.
The royal wedding
Leaf through our pages to also discover the most lavish venues in which to say “I do” (from Dubai’s very own Burj Al Arab Helipad to India’s Umaid Bhawan Palace), the most elegant home decor pieces to gift, and of course, the most spectacular jewelry for your nuptials. Because what bigger occasion that your wedding to celebrate with high jewelry pieces that promise to stand the test of time?
Photo: Stephanie Galea
