A Sea Change

Quiet villages on Sri Lanka’s southern coast are drawing a new crowd, finds Priyanka Pradhan

I glimpse storm clouds swirling on the horizon from my spot in the crystalline green waves. Training my eyes towards the rocky shore, I go over the instructions in my head: “Don’t look down at the board, look straight ahead. Ready? Stand up, NOW!” my trainer had roared earlier this morning, over the din of breaking waves.

I paddle frantically before squatting low on the longboard and ride the wave as far as I can, even as salty winds whip manic circles around me.

The rush is incomparable. Little wonder, then, that I find myself amidst hordes of international surfers, braving unpredictable rains and bellowing trainers in Hiriketiya, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. While both beginners and experts enjoy the surf break and reef, the horseshoe-shaped bay’s gentle waves are forgiving for first-timers, too.

Hiriketiya is one of the most popular spots on the country’s surf map, brimming with swanky bars and artisanal co ee purveyors. Chefs and mixologists come trained from all over the world and live music acts take place every other night – an impressive lineup for a bay small enough to walk across in five minutes.

“Hiriketiya was initially a small surfing town, and saw a massive boom in tourism over the last five years,” says Don Ranasinghe, co-owner of the bar Smoke and Bitters. “We attract a young, fun-loving and inquisitive type of traveller.” Smoke and Bitters itself is also attracting global attention: after opening in 2020, it made it onto Asia’s 50 Best Bars list last year.

Despite the thriving nightlife, yoga classes are packed every morning. “Yoga ties in nicely with surfing,” says Mossad Marcel, a German yoga instructor. “It works towards relaxation and relieving pain or muscle strain that could be caused during surfing, so these classes are extremely popular on the coast – almost every B&B or hostel here comes with a yoga shala attached.”

“WE ATTRACT A YOUNG, FUN-LOVING AND INQUISITIVE TYPE OF TRAVELLER”

Farther west, Ahangama is a former fishing village turned surfers’ playground; many millennials arrive here in pursuit of work-surf balance. The co-working space Hari Hari House, which opened in Ahangama in 2020, has direct access to the ocean; here, boardrooms are even fitted with showers.

“Ahangama remains a boutique beach town which hasn’t succumbed to high-rise buildings, and the locals work hard to maintain a vibe similar to Tulum or Trancoso,” says Samath Gammampila, co-owner of Trax Ahangama, a popular speakeasy with jazz nights and Sunday brunches. “Increasingly, locals like ourselves are finding ways to bring a new dimension of style and local flavour.”

The crowd in neighbouring Midigama is younger and surfers are at either intermediate or expert levels. The mood is always upbeat here, as stunning sunsets segue into sundowners by the beach and open-mic evenings turn into raucous all- nighters. Lazy Left and Lazy Right are popular surf breaks, and surfers are reluctant to leave till after sundown or torrential rain, or both. The beach, with its slim shoreline and wild, untended edge, is also home to a large population of sea turtles, some of whom come to greet me in a rocky corner of the shore.

Fortune has not, of late, been on Sri Lanka’s side; but the challenges of the last few years have only strengthened the sense of community amongst locals, expats and travellers. “It’s because of what we all went through together, that this sense of community was born – first the Easter bombings happened, then the pandemic and now, crippling inflation,” says Paul Harding, who opened Harding Boutique Hotel in Ahangama in December. “All we want is for Sri Lanka to thrive again.”

Back in Hiriketiya bay, I plod towards the shore, surfboard in hand. The last few droplets fall heavily from the sky, making pockmarks in the sand. Wire-thin palm trees sway lazily when suddenly, the sun appears from behind the clouds, burnishing the sky into a familiar shade of blue. A sprightly garden lizard trots across the grassy edge of the beach to take a good look around.

It looks like the storm may have passed.

The Art of Wellness

Published in Villa 88 Magazine Winter 2016 issue (December).

Set amidst quaint villages against the backdrop of the Altean mountains, SHA Wellness Clinic is aiming to turn heathy living into an art. Priyanka Pradhan discovers how detox therapies and macrobiotic diet make for a luxury getaway to the south of Spain.

Download PDF: https://www.scribd.com/document/336190393/The-Art-of-Wellness

“No sugar, no meat, no dairy, no eggs…”

As squinted while taking in the information, the chef added, “No eggs, no oil, no preservatives or artificial colors and ofcourse, no tobacco. ” He had a monk-like expression with the practiced ease of someone who is accustomed to seeing gawking faces.

“Welcome to the SHA method”, he smiled.

I found myself at SHA Wellness Clinic, perched high atop the scenic Altean mountains near Alicante, anticipating what my dinner will look like, not without a feeling of trepidation.

The macrobiotic diet forms the crux of the wellness program at SHA, which aims to offer a unique and effective approach to wellness and beauty- also known as the ‘SHA method’.

When founder, Alfredo Bataller Parietti realized how this diet cured his digestive ailment in less than two months – something western medicine could not do in his thirty years- he decided to share the benefits with others. ‘SHA’, meaning ‘luminosity’ in Japanese was born out of his passion to propagate this therapeutic diet, aiming to offer a healing and rejuvenating experience for the body.

“Its not just a diet, it’s a complete lifestyle”, says master chef Foraida Llamas. We tailor and personalize the macrobiotic menu according to our program for each guest. We also have specifically targeted diets for certain deficiencies that are common, such Vitamin B12, or cholesterol problems as well as various lifestyle diseases.”

For instance, the ‘Kushi’ diet is prescribed for those on a strict ‘Detox and Weight Loss Program’, based heavily on grains and vegetables with an intake of less than 500 calories a day and no use of oil. The more intermediate, ‘Biolight’ diet is meant for guests on anti-stress, anti- tobacco or rejuvenation programs, while the most lenient menu is that of the ‘SHA diet’, which offers a healthy alternative to every-day eating and general wellness.

Programs are tailor-made for guests after medical and nutritional consultations with in-house doctors. Along with a specific diet, guests are offered an array of services such as massages, beauty and aesthetic treatments and exercise modules with a personal trainer – all picked specifically, as per the guests’ health assessment and preference.

The hydroenergetica therapy, for instance, is one of SHA’s most popular treatments for relaxation, combining the effects of hydro massage and the therapeutic qualities of a seaweed body wrap and even color therapy, together. Other treatments such as ‘Indiba therapy’ target cellulite and water retention on the face and body, while the ‘BDR Facial’ aims to offer a luminous, even-toned complexion with the help of mechanical and chemical peeling.

The oriental therapies of Acupuncture and moxibustion are also offered at SHA, along with various massage techniques from across the world, in an effort to offer guests a wide spectrum of options to best suit their wellness needs.

“We recommend a two-week break to rejuvenate and detox here. Not only does that give time to actually relax and take the mind off daily life, but it also gives you time and space to adapt to the SHA method. Moreover, to enjoy full benefits of the treatments and see results, two weeks is ideal. We also have 7-day modules and a 4-day Discovery program for those who want to try our facilities for an overview of SHA – a wholesome approach to wellness,” says Pedro Catarino, Director of Wellness, SHA Wellness Clinic.

He adds, “I call us a luxury, ‘functional’ wellness clinic and spa, rather than a med-spa because we are result- oriented as well as exclusive and unique.”

The ‘luxury’ element of SHA is manifested best in its suites, particularly in the Royal and Presidential suites. Offering unrestricted, sweeping views of the Atean mountains as a backdrop to the quaint Spanish village below and a view of the gin-clear sea in the distance, the suites do elevate the SHA experience by a few notches.

“Besides, sunny Alicante offers a lot to explore outside of SHA as well. Experience the outdoors on a biking expedition, kayaking in the sea or even a leisurely walk across the neighboring villages – all of which add value to the ‘healthy holiday’ here,” adds Catarino.

My own wellness vacation wrapped up with a master class in macrobiotic cooking- indoors, but adventurous, nonetheless.

“Let’s try and take something back home from SHA– perhaps a certain heathy habit cultivated here or even a resolution,” says chef Llamas.

I opted to take her marinated tempeh and miso dressing recipe, along with a slice of the SHA philosophy and a helping of simple do’s and don’ts for a much-needed alternative, healthy lifestyle.

In all, I’d call it a sweet deal, even without the artificial sugar.

shawellnessclinic.com

A COLOURFUL PLATE

Published in Harpers Bazaar Interiors, September 2016

With dishes named Beyond Belief and Melt In Your Mouth, Colour My Plate serves up an offering that aims to be at once sassy, healthy and delectable, says Priyanka Pradhan

Download PDF: https://www.scribd.com/document/330620860/Harpers-Bazaar-Interiors-

The more colour on your plate, the more nutritious your meal is!”says dietician Hala Barghout, as she explains the concept for her Dubai-based healthy meals startup.

As a newbie in its category, Colour My Plate aims to differentiate itself in little details that go a long way in making a difference for both the serious calorie counters as well as those looking for an occasional, guilt-free parfait.

“Firstly, we’re all about ‘balance’, which means we focus on the right amount of lean protein, carbs and vitamins – we involve all major food groups in one meal, hence the different colours on a plate,” she says. “Secondly, our concept is to use clean, unprocessed and unrefined ingredients that ultimately make a huge difference in nutrition and taste.”

For example she makes her own peanut butter for her recipes at Colour My Plate from scratch.
“Nothing is store-bought,” says Hala. “We also use raw honey and organic maple syrup as opposed to the ones from supermarket shelves. So this makes it easier to customise meals to make them gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb or dairy-free because all the ingredients are made in our own kitchen, including wraps and breads.”

Barghout’s personal favorites are the Melt In Your Mouth Avocado Brownie, a breakfast of egg-white bagel with avocado, tomato and spinach and the chicken teriyaki bowl – a main course with a base of black rice and quinoa topped with broccoli and salad.
If this sounds experimental, blame it on her roving eye for recipes from around the world and her adventurous kitchen persona. “I love researching new recipes and then experimenting with them on my own,” she says. “For example, I came across an Indian spicy rice and lentil salad to which I added more colour with carrots, cauliflowers, some greens and peppers – and fine-tuned it to taste delicious!”

Hala’s passion for food is palpable as she quips about her plans for a health food café. She wants to offer the local community a wider array of options and experimental and gourmet recipes on-demand. She is also concerned with the importance of education on healthy living and offers talks and lectures in schools, events and corporations.

Hala’s vision is simple – to help the community feel better, live longer and enjoy meals. And she aims to meet her goals, one colourful plate at a time.

colourmyplate.ae

Bohemian Rhapsody

Published in Villa 88 magazine, Autumn issue 2016

Emirati fashion designer, LATIFA AL GURG weaves her love for travel to far-flung abodes and diverse cultures into her collections, specially for the jet-setting Arab woman, writesPRIYANKAPRADHAN

Download PDF: https://www.scribd.com/document/329384888/Bohemian-Rhapsody

From China to Antartica and from Denmark to London, Latifa Al Gurg’s designs tell stories of her journey across the world. The engineer-turned-fashion designer’s own Scandinivian-Emirati background is sometimes reflected in her label, Twisted Roots – a name that resonates with her mixed heritage and outlook on travel.

But she’s not your average Instagram filter- friendly traveler, as her passion for travel goes well beyond just sight-seeing and taking pictures. Al Gurg applies her deep love for architecture and design and an unrelenting thirst for research on history to her travels and eventually, into her collections.

“Culture and tradition is something very important to me. I’ve always liked to read about the history and evolution of costumes across the world. I approach fashion from an intellectual perspective and I’m trying to bring that into my collections,” she says.

“For example, I’ve always loved everything about China- the architecture, the culture and fabrics so I’ve created an adaptation of the iconic Chinese roofs into the shoulder details of some of my pieces and also created a reference to the incredible terracotta warriors into some of my other pieces from my Green Tea collection,” she adds.

Her love for in-depth research was what led her to launch her own label, when she realized that there’s a gap in the local market for modest clothing for Arab women.

“As a family, we travel a lot. When I travel, I dress modestly even though I don’t wear an abaya so I kept struggling to find appropriate clothing for my travels. I wondered why there were no brands that do this because it’s quite a tedious task to put everything together. So I decided to research this further and realized there’s definitely an opportunity here.”

Born out of this need for a one-stop shop for the jet- setting Arab woman, Twisted Roots caters to quality- conscious modest dressers who appreciate fine craftsmanship.

“Most of our fabrics are custom dyed for us and our silks are woven especially for us- we work with the mills to develop this from scratch,” she says, “Even in the making of a simple shirt for example, sometimes the fabric is sourced from turkey, the buttons from Italy, thread from Taiwan and we bring it all together at our atelier in Dubai.”

“We put a lot of e ort and attention to detail so that the final product is something that a customer would cherish for life- it’s meant to be something that stays with you for a very long time, not just for a season or two,” she adds.

While her first collection was a tribute to her own mixed culture with the silks and embroidery being very typically Emirati and the color palette being predominantly Danish, her latest collection is inspired by the sights, colors and textures of London- greys, blues and structured tailoring that reference the architecture – an aesthetic she hopes will appeal to the local cognoscenti.

“I think as Arabs, we travel more widely and tend to absorb more cultures – curious and interested, open to explore. So the Middle Eastern customer is so much more aware of quality, craftsmanship and our worldview is so broad. This makes the customer tough to please but also, a pleasure to work with. We are also a part of the shopping culture across the world and that makes the Arab customer so unique because we bring back and wear what we’ve experienced,” says Al Gurg.

Going forward, Al Gurg is keen on exploring new journeys for Twisted Roots, well beyond the UAE. As she puts it, “The journey is what makes the story worthwhile. It’s all about evolving and learning – in entrepreneurship, in travel and in life itself!”

“We put a lot of e ort and attention to detail so that the final product is something that a customer would cherish for life- it’s meant to be something that stays with you for a very long time, not just for a season or two,” she adds.

While her first collection was a tribute to her own mixed culture with the silks and embroidery being very typically Emirati and the color palette being predominantly Danish, her latest collection is inspired by the sights, colors and textures of London- greys, blues and structured tailoring that reference the architecture – an aesthetic she hopes will appeal to the local cognoscenti.

“I think as Arabs, we travel more widely and tend to absorb more cultures – curious and interested, open to explore. So the Middle Eastern customer is so much more aware of quality, craftsmanship and our worldview is so broad. This makes the customer tough to please but also, a pleasure to work with. We are also a part of the shopping culture across the world and that makes the Arab customer so unique because we bring back and wear what we’ve experienced,” says Al Gurg.

Going forward, Al Gurg is keen on exploring new journeys for Twisted Roots, well beyond the UAE. As she puts it, “The journey is what makes the story worthwhile. It’s all about evolving and learning – in entrepreneurship, in travel and in life itself!”

On the Lankan Heritage Trail

Published in Villa 88 magazine, Autumn 2016 issue

Exploring Sri Lankan history and heritage through its boutique hotels sheds light on some amusing, colorful and delightful stories, writes Priyanka Pradhan

Download PDF : https://www.scribd.com/document/329384167/Sri-Lanka-Boutique-Hotel

In the morning sun, colorful little birds gather for a quick dip in the small, tiled fountain which forms the center of the open courtyard, inside what was formerly an 18th century Dutch mansion. Gigantic pillars create tall shadows in the corridors of the refurbished mansion, while the pale walls and high ceilings offer a sepia-toned throwback to Dutch-era Sri Lanka.

As sunbeams illuminate the ancient doors and windows on the façade of the iconic Galle Fort Hotel, stories from the pages of Sri Lanka’s history come to life. The estate has seen times of strife and turmoil as well as that of prosperity, as it morphed from a princely Dutch mansion to barracks for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, a post office, a bakery, and most recently, a pitch for Galle’s adolescent cricketers, before it was finally refurbished to become The Galle Fort Hotel in 2003.

The boutique hotel offers some unique insights into Sri Lanka’s journey through the ages. For instance, a suite named after a seven-foot tall eunuch, the Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho, commemorates his visit to Galle in 1406. The admiral had halted at Galle en route to an expedition to explore the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific with seven voyages, long before Cristopher Columbus set his anchor down on the sandy shores of Ceylon.

Recipient of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction, The Galle Fort Hotel is a treasure trove of such stories unearthed from history, culture and folklore. The architecture of the renovated estate also reflects more than one style and school of design. While a majority of the boutique hotel retains its Dutch charm, parts of it pay tribute to Sri Lanka’s British heritage as well as its ethnic Sinhalese flavor.

The Galle Fort Hotel’s sister property, the Thotalagala estate pays homage to this indigenous Lankan flavor. About 5 hours from Galle, in Sri Lanka’s northern Haputale district, a sprawling heritage boutique bungalow is nestled in the lap of hills, among 8,000 hectares of lush green. Formerly a tea planter’s bungalow, the 145-year-old property is restored to give connoisseurs from across the world an opportunity to sample the rich, homegrown essence of Ceylon tea. As the estate is fully functional, guests of the boutique property have the privilege of going tea picking with the planters for a more immersive experience and a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of a tea planter.

A closer look inside the bungalow reveals seven luxury- themed suites based on personalities that shaped the history of tea culture in Sri Lanka- particularly Sir Thomas Lipton, who has the master suite dedicated to him in honor of his contribution to Lankan tea. Memorabilia from the British Colonial era, picnic breakfasts in the tea country and the traditional English cigar room in the bungalow make for an indulgent experience. Add to that, a kitchen with an exhaustive menu of local and international gourmet cuisines and on-demand services, Thotalagala aims to offer a decadent experience.

As the sun sets over the sea of green, just over the edge of the high tea table, it illuminates the not just the panorama of peaks and valleys but also that of history and heritage waiting to be explored through Sri Lanka’s luxury boutique stays. galleforthotel.com

A Colorful Life

Published in Villa 88 Magazine, June 2016 issue

Emirati entrepreneur FATIMA AL SHIRAWI decodes color therapy and its many shades, writes PRIYANKA PRADHAN

Download PDF here: https://www.scribd.com/document/321128083/A-colorful-Life

She lives, breathes and dreams in color. For Fatima Al Shirawi, hues have dictated every aspect of her life from home to work and from

her wardrobe to her inter-personal relationships. Perhaps this is why she chose to help people use colors to change their lives. “It’s been a very long and colorful journey,” says Fatima. “When I went to England to study fashion design, we had to take a class in color psychology and that’s when I was introduced to the world of color for the first time. It was an instant calling since the first day of my class and I’ve been mesmerized ever since.”

“When I came back to Dubai after my course, I realized this was something lacking in the market. People weren’t aware of how emotions could be associated with color. They didn’t know how in-depth the concept could go and how it could a ect various aspects of their lives. This was an opportunity waiting to be explored,” she says. This is how her brand The Gracious F was born.

Her client profile is truly diverse — ranging from age 26 to 50, working professionals to housewives, new moms to singles looking for love and from the newly wed to the newly divorced, who come looking for help to either change or simply enhance their lives through colors. The process is fairly simple. Starting with a general questionnaire about personality and preferences, a typical consulting session involves an in-depth analysis of the client as well as several color tests against their skin, to determine which palette suits them best. This palette is further customized into a personal color kit for the client, which can be used in their wardrobes, home interiors or workspace, depending on which area of life the client wants to work on.

“You also receive a full report on personal grooming according to your personality and body type- which colors to wear, hairstyles, fragrances, fabric, jewelry and make up choices, what careers suit you—it’s a complete lifestyle package,” she adds.

While working with clients to create personalized work and private spaces, she stumbled upon an idea to create a multifunctional piece for her clients— an interior décor project and her personal labor of love. “‘The object’ came about as a result of my own di culty while working in interior design,” says Fatima. “When I analyze an individual, I aim to customize and personalize their private space to the best of my ability. In the market, I couldn’t find something to match their individual personalities so I created something that my clients could use as an art piece in their homes and also something that was multi-functional. I further personalize ‘the object’ according to the client’s color individual therapy session.”

However, it hasn’t been the easiest journey to convince the market to buy into a concept that is fairly esoteric. “In order to create awareness about color therapy, I have been working on a lot of workshops and talks to educate people, which has in turn helped potential clients understand and try it for the first time, ” she says. “There was a considerable amount of skepticism when I started out first. I found that individuals are becoming more and more open to fresh, creative concepts to improve their lives as opposed to corporates, who are more hesitant to try something new,” adds Fatima. “In such a fast-paced environment such as Dubai, stress is a big problem amongst adults and they’re ready to try something new in their lives.”

The color therapy concept applies itself to the corporate world on a larger scale. Fatima will first assess the customer profile and target group of the store and carefully categorize them into groups. “We create each section for each type of personality. We blend in colors, textures and designs together to appeal to the customer profile or target group for the store. So when the customer enters the store, they automatically gravitate towards the section that appeals to them. For example, the majority of customers from the UAE, Levant and the Mediterranean belt are autumn personalities, so we can derive general characteristics of these personalities and determine the kind of colors they’re drawn towards.”

She may have scaled up her business by several leagues since she started in 2012 but she says her biggest achievement so far is something that cannot be quantified. “The feedback that I get and the happy faces of my clients —that’s the ultimate satisfaction for me and it keeps me going. They come in with questions and concerns and leave with a happy, positive feeling and that’s something that’s irreplaceable for me. My biggest achievement is seeing my clients’ lives turn around due to the positive e ects of color therapy.”

As for future plans, Fatima will continue to build The Gracious F and expand internationally, travel and acquire skills that will further enhance her work. With a wealth of experience, years of training as well as her inherent personal charm, Fatima aims to offer the world the ultimate color experience. http://www.thegraciousf.com

Saudi Sartorialst

Published in Villa 88 Magazine, June 2016 issue.

Womenswear designer NASIBA HAFIZ talks fashion, philosophy and philanthropy to PRIYANKA PRADHAN

Download PDF version here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/316861203/Saudi-Sartorialist

It took no less than ten years in the fashion industry for her to realize

her teenage dream. After successful stints in styling, buying and merchandising across Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, life came a full circle for womenswear

designer Nasiba Hafiz when she re-opened her sketchbook, a decade after being rejected from a top fashion school in her late teens. Now, with an arsenal of experience in the fashion industry, Jeddah-based Hafiz sharpens her pencils and her skills as designer-entrepreneur. “I learnt so much in my journey within these di erent roles,” she says. “I think I was meant to do those things and learn everything from scratch, because it helps me tremendously today.”

Nasiba has a trained eye for global and local market trends and creates collections that aim to be both, comfortable for the local climate as well as stylish. This understated and practical style aesthetic forms her signature that’s seen across all her collections. “For example, as a buyer, I learnt that every collection has a story and every aspect of a piece in that collection stems from that story—the fabrics used, the design and ultimately who it appeals to. So as a designer, when I start a collection, I always start with a story behind it and from it, come di erent aspects of design,” she adds.

“My designs are very modern—they’re for working women, designed with a strong functional aspect,” she adds. “For example, most women here wear the abaya over their clothes so the fabrics used in my collections are very light and breathable—I use crepe, silk or blends that are apt for this climate.”

Her most recent collection showcased at Fashion Forward in Dubai this season and combined this practical sensibility with a philosophical touch. Inspired by one of the most powerful and iconic women in Egyptian history, Queen Nefertiti, and the mysteries behind the sun and the stars (which were first worshipped by Nefertiti and her husband), the collection is about the concept of duality. “I wanted to find a balance in my personal life as well as in the chaotic world,” says Nasiba. “So in my collection, you’ll see a lot of silk, monochrome, velvet, a bit of red and burnt thread in my new collection, to represent balance and duality in fabric and color as well.”

The designer is also a campaigner for responsible fashion, with the conviction that one should be aware of where and how their fashion products are made, in order to make ethical choices. For the same reason, she’s an ardent admirer of designer Stella McCartney, who is known to use vegan alternatives for leather and wool for her collections. Inspired by social responsibility, Nasiba works in collaboration with a local CSR initiative for one of her bestselling Ramadan abayas, to support underprivileged women in Saudi Arabia.

Another big inspiration for Hafiz is vintage fashion, seen in her own collection of handmade, vintage pieces made from items her mother has collected over the years and from her father’s timeless collection of ties.

“I started o with a 40s and 50s inspired collection last Ramadan and used a lot of my mother’s vintage flowers and broaches—she never threw away these things! Last season at Fashion Forward, I used my father’s ties to make skirts and tops from vintage ties. They were all handmade and were very intricate and beautiful. Every season I try to do something di erent in this aspect—either vintage or something I can create from my parents’ old things—its handcrafted, sustainable and recycled!”

Post summer, the designer will be working towards the launch of her fragrance, inspired by all things vintage such as old black and white Egyptian movies, combined with her signature style—understated, elegant and functional. http://www.nasibahafiz.com

The Basel Museum Crawl

Published in Al Nawras, inflight magazine for Air Arabia, May 2016 issue.

With more than 40 museums and galleries, the Swiss city offers a delight for the curious mind. From the conventional to the quirky, Basel seems to have it all.

Download PDF: https://www.scribd.com/doc/311480716/Basel-Priyanka-English

Perched at the crux of France, Germany and Switzerland, the city of Basel has been the cornerstone for a fusion of cultures for centuries now. As one of the oldest cities in Switzerland, Basel’s numerous museums hold the key to a treasure trove of European heritage – from the Celts who first inhabited the banks of the Rhine in the 5^th century BC, to the Romans who christened the city Basilea in 374 AD to the prosperous art, culture and transport hub we know know today. A day-long museum crawl attempts to uncover Basel’s legacy through art, music and folklore.

The Basel Kuntsmuseum (St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland) is a great place to start, simply because you’ll find yourself amidst the largest and oldest public art collections in the world.

It became a municipally owned museum in 1661, when Basilius Amerbach, a prominent citizen of Basel sold his private collection to the city. The museum has since housed art dating back to the 15^th century, such as early drawings of the river Rhine which offer a rare insight into medieval society and culture in the region.

Apart from local and regional works, the Basel Kuntsmuseum houses original artwork from some of the biggest names in history –  from Monet and Van Gogh to Picasso and Warhol- under the same roof.

After a $112 million renovation project, the Basel Kuntsmusum opens this April with a massive expansion and three venues within the area, aiming to offer an immersive experience for the visitor.

A brisk, ten-minute walk from here along the cobblestoned backstreets will lead you uphill, into a former prison cell that currently houses the iconic Basel Museum of Music (Im Lohnhof 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland). The fact that this medieval building will celebrate its 1000th birthday soon, is just part of the charm.

In tracing the timeline of Basel, the museum transports you into various points in the city’s history to experience the evolution of music, first hand. More than 650 instruments spanning five centuries are exhibited here and can be experienced acoustically, for an unforgettable musical journey.

Linked closely with Basel’s musical history, is the local folklore of three symbolic figures – the Wilder Mann (the savage man), Leu (the lion) and Vogel Gryff (the griffin), who were meant to guard the honor societies of Kleinbasel (the province on the western bank of the Rhine). To this date, an annual procession takes place every January, to commemorate this tradition with marching bands and celebrations along the river.

From the 16th century onwards, this tradition, referred to as the Vogel Gryff saw the use of many types of brass instruments, drums and fanfare trumpets for the first time- some of which are carefully preserved and displayed at the museum today.

Also on display are several historical keyboard instruments that were made, or played in Basel. Curiously shaped medieval-age grand pianos, ancient baroque guitars and foot-long trumpets make for a fascinating journey of Europe’s musical history.

Download PDF: https://www.scribd.com/doc/311480716/Basel-Priyanka-English

Downhill from the Lohnhof building, is the Barfüsserkirche Museum (Barfüsserpl. 4, 4001 Basel, Switzerland), located inside the Barfüsser Church which was renovated in 1298, after a fire.

With an exhaustive record of Upper Rhine’s cultural history, the permanent exhibition offers original objects documenting handicraft traditions and everyday culture from Basel’s celebrated past.

Some of the most striking features of the museum exhibit are the Basel Cathedral treasure and original fragments of Basel’s dance of death or Danse Macabre, a series of murals from the 15^th century, depicting the universality of death.

If the mood is somewhat morbid at this point, take a quick detour to the near-by  Puppenhausmuseum Basel (Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland) for a whirlwind tour of the quirky collection of dolls, miniatures and dollhouses from the turn of the 19th century.

The museum showcases unique dollhouses from the region, which are considered pieces of art for their ingenuity, craftsmanship and accuracy to scale. Originally, these dollhouses were never meant to be used for play, but commissioned by influential families to demonstrate prestige and social standing.

Some of the handmade dolls displayed here are made from clay, wood and plant fibers, which were originally used as cult objects or healing symbols. When commercial production of dolls began in the 15^th century, neighboring Germany was considered to be its birthplace. Today, the museum exhibits both, traditional as well as contemporary doll-making traditions from the region and around the world.

A good way to wrap up the museum crawl is a visit to the Clock and Watch Collection, housed in the Museum of Domestic Culture (‪Elisabethenstrasse 27 / 29, Basel, Switzerland). A treat for watch aficionados, the collection offers a glimpse into the workings of unique sun dials, mechanical clocks and watches from private collections of traditional time-keepers and hobbyists from across the country.

A room at the museum is dedicated exclusively to Basel’s own watch-makers, who by 1780 had earned a reputation for their precision and skill.

Download PDF (French translated version): https://www.scribd.com/doc/311484638/LE-MUSEE-CRAWL-DE-BALE

Where to stay in Basel:
The Passage Basel (Steinengraben 51, 4051 Basel)
Location is key for this contemporary styled hotel. Its proximity to the Basel SSB train terminal makes it accessible, while its 4 star amenities make it a comfortable stay.

Where to eat:
Lowenzorn (Gemsberg 2–4, Basel, Switzerland).
Try traditional Swiss cuisine, especially the sumptuous Kalbsläberli und Rösti (veal liver with grated, fried potatoes) and classic cheese fondue. You wont find an English menu here but the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly (and multilingual).

Restaurant Zum Alten Stokli (Barfüsserpl. 1, Basel, Switzerland)
Located at the head of a bustling stretch of pubs and restaurants, Stockli offers great ambience for a night out.

Confiserie Schiesser (Marketplatz 19, Basel)
Running since 1870, this quaint bakery offers light bites, homemade chocolate and unforgettable signature treats.

Avenue for creativity

Published in DestinAsian Magazine, Indonesia; April 2016.

With its recent expansion bringing
in a wealth of new galleries and more, Alserkal Avenue has cemented its reputation as Dubai’s hub for contemporary art and culture. – Priyanka Pradhan

Avenue for Creativity, published in DestinAsian Magazine,Indonesia.April 2016 issue.

Download pdf: https://www.scribd.com/doc/306416851/Avenue-for-creativity

 
Back when Alserkal Avenue was established in 2007, taxi drivers would wonder what their Louboutin-wearing passengers were doing, coming to such a neighborhood. Smack in the middle of nowhere—or, more precisely, Dubai’s Al Quoz industrial zone—it consisted of a couple of streets of corrugated-metal ware- houses set across from dusty auto shops and rusty hardware factories. Fast forward to today, and Alserkal Avenue has evolved from that rugged, industrial landscape into an arts and culture destination pinned firmly on the map of the city—and, with its recent expansion, on that of the region too.

Created by renowned arts patron Abdelmo- nem bin Eisa Alserkal, whose family has owned the area for decades, Alserkal Avenue’s modest, brick-and-steel aesthetic is a sharp contrast to the glitzy glass skyscrapers of Dubai. The rst gallery to set up shop here was the Ayyam Gal- lery (No. 11; ayyamgallery.com), showcasing new and old Middle Eastern contemporary art, soon followed by other well-known regional galleries such as Lawrie Shabibi (No. 21; lawrieshabibi .com) and Grey Noise (No. 24; greynoise.com). As the years rolled on, places like The Fridge (No. 5; thefridgedubai.com), an indie record company that organizes concert series and educational music programs, and The Jamjar (No. 74; the jamjardubai.com), which o ers workshops and a DIY painting studio for the public, joined the area, growing it into the mix that it is today: con- temporary art heavyweights alongside spunky, interactive creative spaces.

The Avenue’s recent expansion has seen it double in size to 50,000 square meters with the addition of a host of new galleries, places to eat and drink, and an OMA-designed project space that will open in September. “When we an- nounced the expansion of Alserkal Avenue, we pledged that we would use this opportunity to break new ground and stimulate new thinking,” says Alserkal, and the newcomers seem to be doing just that.

El Seed, the prolific French-Tunisian “calligraphiti” artist, installed himself in the Avenue’s first artist studio, where visitors can make appointments to come see his work known to juxtapose different languages, cultures, and identities. In another first, Swiss luxury watchmakers MB & F’s is making a splash as the only gallery of its kind in the Middle East, focused on kinetic art such as hand-crafted motorbikes, robot hands, and horology.

But the surest sign of the area’s success is the art-world power players who are moving in. While Dubai has yet to match the financial prowess of other contemporary art destinations such as New York, London, or Hong Kong, the international galleries flocking to Alserkal Avenue show that the future might be different. For example, the Avenue has just welcomed the New York–based Leila Heller Gallery,  a blue-chip gallery that’s a source for some of the most exceptional works from major 20th- century artists, Andy Warhol included.

“With the opening of many major museums and institutions in the U.A.E. in the near future, and the expanding design district and arts scene, the art world’s interest in Dubai is only increasing,” Heller explains. “And at the same time, the collector base here is growing, so it felt like the right moment to make a move here.”

“I was immediately attracted to the uniqueness of this district, where tire sellers and art galleries rub shoulders,” says Stephane Custot, whose Custot Gallery opened in mid-March. In its Paris and London locations, Custot has a legacy of fostering a dialogue between influential modern masters and international contemporary artists, and here in its gorgeous 700-square-meter Dubai outpost, it continues to do just that. In the inaugural exhibition,The World Meets Here, Robert Indiana’s textual sculptures and Marc Quinn’s giant metal seashells appear alongside hanging works from the likes of Miró and Picasso.

“The combination of Alserkal Avenue’s cheerful, diverse character and the large exhibition spaces available won me over, as I wanted to find a venue that could house large-scale sculptures and installations.” It seems that every tenant offers something different. The Jean-Paul Najar Foundation, a private nonzerofit museum, showcases the impressive American and European post-minimalist collection of the late Paris-based collector Jean-Paul Najar, set in Bauhaus-influenced architecture designed by Mario Jossa of Marcel Breuer & Associates.

On an entirely different note, Dubai-based gallery The Third Line moved here from its prior location in order to double its space (which now includes a lounge and screening room) and better support its 27 emerging contemporary artists, all of whom are Middle Eastern.

And it’s not just an appetite for art that Alserkal Avenue satisfies. Eateries have set up shop here—an outlet of Paris’s cold-pressed juicer Wild & The Moon; a soon-to-open artisan chocolatier, Atelier 68 —and fashion is making its way in too, such as the upcoming kimono boutique Chi-Ka.

In the words of its founder, “Alserkal Avenue is a home for dreamers, visionaries, and creative leaders who are looking to add to the cultural wealth of our region.” Needless to say, taxi drivers are no longer surprised by requests to come here.

The Crown Jewel

Published in Villa 88 spring 2016 issue

H.H. Sheikha Mariam Khalifa Bin Saif is carving her own niche in the jewelry world with her symbolic, contemporary designs and a touch of Emirati pride, says PRIYANKA PRADHAN

Download PDF here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/303388113/The-Crown-Jewel

Not everyday does one come across a modern-day princess. Even rarer is the opportunity to encounter one who’s single-handedly making a huge impact in the entrepreneurial world.

As granddaughter of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, she comes from a royal lineage but did not shy away from stepping into the very public domain of entrepreneurship by starting her own brand, MKS Jewellery, from scratch. “We were raised to work hard and achieve high goals,” says H.H. Sheikha Mariam Khalifa Bin Saif.

“Whatever we achieve in life is from our own merit. These principles helped me a lot. I knew that, in order to succeed in such a competitive market, I needed to work hard. Nobody was going to hand me a successful business on a golden platter.”

Not surprisingly then, she delves into the day-to-day affairs of her business from designing jewelry to packaging and communicating directly with clients on orders. With four collections comprising charms, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings, apart from made-to-order jewelry, it’s an exciting challenge for her.

Although running her own business had never crossed her mind, her inherent love for jewelry while growing up, played a major role in finding her calling and shaping her métier as a designer-entrepreneur. She recalls how she’d love to wear some of her mother’s jewelry and has fond memories of her first few brushes with jewels—such as a white gold heart shaped pendant gifted to her in her teenage years, which she still loves.

“One of the things I love most about designing MKS Jewellery, is that a part of what I have designed would be passed down to generations forever,” She says. “I am part of someone’s story, someone’s life. A necklace bought in 2016, one day in the future, someone would remember that their great-great grandma was gifted the jewelry from a significant other. Jewelry is a piece of art that gets passed down—a wearable art that has a story.”

Her designs are at once eclectic and contemporary. In 2013, she started MKS Jewellery to share her love for unique pieces that symbolize something meaningful for her and for the wearer. “Most of my designs are symbolic,” she says. “Maybe when I designed it, I had a personal meaning in mind, but when someone else wears or gifts MKS Jewellery, they may associate a different meaning to the design.”

“For example, one of my pieces is ‘the dove’ from the Geo Collection that symbolizes love, peace and hope. Another item from the same collection is the ‘Honey Bee’. As a play on words, I like to call it the “Bee Mine” necklace, pendant and ring, but perhaps the person wearing it could relate it to work or business—it could mean ‘busy bee’, for someone who is ambitious and hard working,” she adds.

Sheikha Mariam is also influenced by royal heirloom jewelry that she has seen since she was a child. “My grandmother has a necklace created from the pearls her father and grandfather collected,” she says. “It’s really old and beautiful. It’s a special piece because it’s rare to find natural pearls that are not cultured, old pearls prior to Japanese pearl farming. There is a tremendous value in antique Emirati pearl jewelry.”

This was the inspiration behind designing the Al-Otaiba collection for MKS Jewellery, which uses pearls from the UAE. Moreover, she produces all of her jewelry within the country, as a tribute to Emirati heritage. “We (the UAE) produce items of the highest quality, and as an entrepreneur, I find that whatever I need, the majority can be produced in the country, so why should we go abroad? I am proud of the items produced in the UAE,” she says.

“Pertaining to my brand, many people assume that we make everything outside,” she adds. “MKS Jewellery is a luxury brand, made in the UAE, incorporating other components of UAE heritage and products, such as our signature camel leather jewelry pouches, that we use for packaging.”

Sheikha Mariam also emphasizes the importance of engaging in the burgeoning local entrepreneurial community by exchanging ideas and exploring potential together. “Being an entrepreneur has given me an opportunity to meet and interact with many people and it opened up my circle of connections,” she muses. “Learning from other entrepreneurs and seeing results, both positive and negative, has taught me how to approach different areas of business.”

“It’s inspiring to see so many talented, young Emiratis are setting up their own businesses,” she says. “They are talented and have great ideas. More young people should turn these ideas into reality and I’m sure they will achieve a lot. It’s easy to sell from home on Instagram, without a shop, without going global. Opening a business like that is easy, but opening a business that people recognize, takes a lot of hard work.”

Going forward, H.H. Sheikha Mariam Khalifa Bin Saif is planning to make MKS Jewellery a globally recognized brand. Unafraid of challenges or the fear of failure, she parts on a pensive note. “Someone once asked me if I ever experienced failure, and I told her that I have never failed!” she asserts. “Even if I failed in my business, I wouldn’t consider it a failure. I would consider myself a failure if I had a dream and never pursued it, or if I gave up on a dream.”

As she winds down after a long day with her usual chai haleeb, Sheikha Mariam embodies the spirit of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, staying grounded and working hard. She truly is is one ‘busy bee’ that inspires—on the shelf and off it.

MKS Jewellery can be found at the jewelry department,Bloomingdale’s Dubai, The Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Dutyfree Airport and Mosaique UAE. You can also shop at the online store mksjewellery.com/shop