InsPiring you to reach your dreams #20 /OCTOBER 2010

COOL CULTURE

JACK VETTRIANO An artist speaks

SUITS YOU, SIR! Win a unique Scabal made-to-measure suit

SENSUAL SECRETS Introducing ‘Belle de Bruxelles’ DRIVING FORCE Stéphane Ratel

www.togethermag.eu EDITORIAL

Enriching entertainment

If the purpose of living is Another scoop for this edition? From now on, to enrich the lives of others, you can be inspired every day by checking the purpose of Together is to out our new and much-improved online offerings at www.togethermag.eu, which enrich yours. website editor Jeremy Slater and Brussels- based Morris & Chapman have honed to n each edition, we aim to achieve perfection to complement our magazine, with this by providing you with daily updates on all the latest entertainment, inspirational content to help you fashion, dining out and gossip in the capital reach your dreams. We feel sure that of Europe and beyond – do drop us a line you have all moved past the and let us know what you think, won’t you? Icustomary back-to-work blues – 2010 still has a lot of excitement to offer, and we hope And so, it remains only for Together to thank that our usual mixture of features on you for joining us once again – we wish you self-development, culture, fashion, politics, very happy reading. events, as well as our customary exclusive interviews in which stars share the secrets of their success, will put that little bit of extra spice in your life.

In this edition, allow us to inspire you with our meetings with world-famous artist Jack (The Singing Butler) Vettriano and motoring Maestro Stéphane Ratel, who has recently launched FIA GT1 racing, and let the new star of our popular Sensual Secrets column, Belle de Bruxelles, tantalize you with her insights into the world of l’amour. David Mc Gowan Let’s not forget our customary cool Publisher competition – Together teams up with renowned gentlemen’s fabrics manufacturer, Scabal, to offer our lucky winner a made-to- measure suit. Trust us, it never felt so good to look so good.

October 10 Together – 3 CONTENTs

14 26 3 EDITORIAL 8 COMPETITION Enriching entertainment suits you, sir! 6 FORWARD TOGETHER 10 PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS From Nice to Versailles stars and statesmen and Venice

COOL 14 FOR ART’S SAKE 46 GO GET IT! CULTURE Jack to a King Positive returns 18 INTERVIEW 48 HEALTHY TOGETHER Stéphane Ratel: Nutrition: What you The driving force need to know 22 Point of view 50 MUST-HAVES What dreams may come? The pursuit of ‘app’-iness 26 Dress to impress 54 Going Places Cultural Beauty Hotel Negresco: Mythical luxury Big Apple Belges Hôtel la Pérouse: 40 INTERVIEW Calming, charming scent of a woman A marvel in Marabella 44 Sensual secrets Silver sailing The pleasure of anticipation

REPORTAGE 64 POINT OF VIEW 78 INTERVIEW Coin of the realm? Duly noted 68 MONEY 80 DIARY With apologies to An independent view Lewis Carroll Going back to their roots 70 Eat Together It’s Mahler time ‘Musseling’ in Together’s ‘To Do’ list 72 PLACES to be Famous times 92 Fresh openings The latest additions saxe appeal The kindest cut of all 96 BOOK REVIEW Read Together 98 LE CHAT

4 – Together #19 FORWARD TOGETHER From Nice to Versailles and Venice Armand Richelet-Kleinberg presents his customary sound-and-vision spectacular.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

1. 150 YEARS IN NICE (i) 4. VERSAILLES The re-opening of the much-acclaimed The restoration of l’Antichambre du Grand Couvert Hotel Negresco. de la Reine. 2. 150 YEARS IN NICE (ii) 5. VENICE (i) Charm and luxury - Hotel Préousse. Our reportage from the Venice film festival... 3. SOBIESKI 6. VENICE (ii) Bruce Willis, in Paris. ...and more of the same.

To check out these great videos and more, go to www.togethermag.eu

6 – Together #19 COMPETITION Suits you, sir! Together teams up with world-renowned fabric and customized garment manufacturer, Scabal, to offer the chance to win a unique Scabal made- to-measure suit and three pure silk ties!

ABOUT SCABAL ‘Pure Worsted Vicuña’ woven here, before being Founded in 1938, Scabal is involved in the design, creation individually packed in luxury boxes with a certificate of and manufacturing of the finest fabrics and made-to- authenticity. measure suits. With its headquarters in Brussels, Scabal is generally regarded as the world’s leading brand for As Scabal CEO Gregor Thissen explains: “All of us prestigious menswear fabrics, which it provides to leading at Scabal live and breathe cloth. We put all our efforts in tailors, luxury brands and designers. Scabal also offers a maintaining our European bases and the quality complete ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and accessory standards that have made our reputation. In a market that collection, giving their clients a unique opportunity to has for many years lived with off-shore productions and express their own personalities through their clothing. marketing brands, this has not always been easy, but consistency and stubbornness have proved to be right.” MADE TO MEASURE For more information, go to www.scabal.com Scabal pioneered the made-to-measure concept some 25 years ago and is the European THE PRIZE market leader for personalized made-to-measure Together has teamed up with Scabal to offer garments. Made-to-measure enables a garment to be one gentleman the chance to win a superb individually created according to the customer’s made-to-measure suit and three silk ties – specifications and wishes. Thanks to Scabal, the lucky winner will be pampered and customers can now make their choice from a vast measured at Scabal’s headquarters in collection of 5,000 different types of fabrics (including Brussels, before taking receipt of his superb Super 100’s to Super 250’s, wool, cashmere, silk), 25 suit just three weeks later. To enter, all you model styles and 200 different options, including the have to do is send us your answers to the two choice of linings, trimmings, buttons and so forth. All simple questions below, along with your name, customized garments are delivered within three weeks. address and daytime telephone number, to [email protected], labelling your email A PASSION FOR CLOTH Scabal Competition. The deadline for all entries At the heart of the group’s activities is the fabric is 30th November 2010, when the winner will be collection. This is where the real DNA and the origins of selected at random. Good luck! the company are to be found. Indeed, since its inception Scabal has never stopped pushing the boundaries of (i) Where in London is Scabal’s flagship finesse, diversity and quality in designing and weaving. store to be found? a. Bond Street All Scabal fabrics are produced exclusively in the b. Savile Row United Kingdom or Italy and carry the Scabal label as a c. Picadilly Circus mark of authenticity and quality. Scabal owns a weaving plant in Humberside, northern England, where (ii) What is the title of the lead story on DID YOU KNOW? 20 state-of-the-art looms produce more than 300,000 www.togethermag.eu today? Scabal fabrics, synonymous with prestige and refinement, are worn by the rich and famous including politicians, metres of cloth per year. The mill is an invaluable businessman, royalty, sport stars and actors such as Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, David laboratory for the development of the most challenging Competition organized under the supervision of a bailiff. Beckham, Robbie Williams, Hosni Mubarak, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, Daniel Craig. Scabal has also been and creative cloths, with fabrics such as ‘Gold Full rules available on request. Organizer: Together used in major motion pictures such as The Aviator, The Tailor of Panama, Titanic, Casino Royale, Men in Black, Treasure’, ‘Diamond Chip’, ‘Summit’, ‘Private Line’ and Magazine, Boulevard Saint-Michel 47, 1040 Brussels. The Untouchables, Wall Street and all three Godfather films...

8 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 9 PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS Stars and statesmen writer : federico grandesso Who’s been, who’s on their way.

MICHEL PLATINI UEFA President Michel Platini met European Commission Vice-President and Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia and Employment, Social Affairs and Social Inclusion Commissioner László Andor in Brussels on 15th September. With Commissioner Almunia, discussions centred on financial fair play and media rights in football, while with Commissioner Andor, Platini focused on the importance of training and protection of minors. Platini said: “I was especially happy to find so much common ground on financial fair play, the protection of minors and the specificity of sport. All the meetings were very productive and encouraging for excellent future co-operation in concrete terms. It was also nice to find fellow football fans at the European Commission!”

VIKTOR YANUKOVICH Ukraine’s newly elected President Viktor Yanukovich visited Brussels on 15th September. During talks with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Yanukovich stressed that Ukraine will be a trusted partner for the EU and, concerning the problems with gas delivery, he added: “This will never happen in the history of Ukraine’s relations with the EU and Russia.”

JOE COCKER Joe Cocker will play Forest National in Brussels on 12th October – with his inimitable raspy voice, has become a rock ‘n’ roll monument. Following a three-year break, Joe is back on tour, this time with Hard Knocks, his brand-new album produced by Matt Serletic.

SHERYL CROW Sheryl Crow will also be hitting the Forest National soon, on 19th October. A singer, songwriter and actress, after nearly two decades of acclaimed performances, Crow is once again touring Europe and will follow the capital of Europe with dates in Hamburg and Cologne.

10 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 11 “As the soil, however rich it may be, cannot be productive without cultivation, so the mind without culture can never produce good fruit.” – Seneca (3BC-65AD) Greek philosopher, statesman and dramatist

“Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” – John Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) German playwright, novelist and dramatist

“Culture: the cry of men in face of their destiny.” – Albert Camus (1913 – 1960) ) French-Algerian author and philosopher

“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) US President

“Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?” – Ernest Gaines (1933-) American author

Cool CULTURE FOR ART’S SAKE © Yvan Barbera Jack

towriter : colin moors a King

Methil-born Scottish painter there was a certain alchemy that took Jack Vettriano (originally place and it created my individual style. I Jack Hoggan), he of The started painting at 21, in 1973, and it Singing Butler (1992) and wasn’t until 1989 that I decided to see if I could make a living and changed my many others, is a modern- surname – it is my mother’s maiden name. day artistic phenomenon, It was a way of moving on from my early suis generis. He takes time work and starting fresh. There are probably out from his busy schedule lots of Hoggans hanging on the walls of the to talk with Together. houses in my local town but I haven’t kept track of them. INTERVIEW EXPRESS Together: Jack, thank you for taking the Your latest exhibition, Days of Wine and time to talk to us. Starting at the Roses, attracted more than 45,000 visitors beginning: You changed your name quite in its five-week run – quite a feat.A re there early – was there a any plans to take it ‘on the road’? ‘I painted The particular reason for this? Thank you. I was absolutely thrilled that so Are there any of your many people came out to see it, especially Singing Butler as it was in my home town. Days of Wine in 1992 and earlier ‘non-Vettriano’ works still in circulation? and Roses will be exhibited in a brand new what inspires gallery called ‘Heartbreak’ in London this th st me now is very JV: As people are aware, I autumn from 30 September to 31 October. different. I’m am a self-taught artist. I very proud of never had the luxury of art school but instead I used to The Singing visit my local public gallery, Butler and Kirkcaldy Museum & Art how successful Gallery and study the it has been but paintings. I doubt the curators can remember a I prefer the skinny 30 year old with long interiors work curly hair and a moustache, more.’ but I would visit often and stay for hours to look at the magnificent collection of paintings of McTaggart and The Glasgow Boys trying to work out how they did it. I trained myself to paint by copying other artists. That was how I learned, by copying. I put all these different styles in a pot and The Weight The Studio 2 © Jack Vettriano © Fredi Marcarini 14 – Together #1917 July-AugustOctober 10 Together – 15 FOR ART’S SAKE

You have been accused – often, it seems – brunette, about 5ft 4in with shapely legs. of painting chauvinistic themes, women There have been three women whom have as playthings for men. I feel that the played an important role in my life, whom women have all the power. One of my gave me courage, ideas and affection. I personal favourites, Only The Deepest don’t find it at all difficult to find models, but Red, clearly shows a woman who is that’s very different from a muse. With a very self-assured. How do model, you have the idea, and then you get ‘I don’t hide you respond to the them to pose. With a muse it’s more about from the fact ‘chauvinist’ tag? their personality, life experiences, and that’s The ‘chauvinist’ tag has always when I really start to feel inspired. that I only puzzled me because I couldn’t paint women live without women. They are What do you think of Banksy’s take on who I find the stronger sex. I’m indebted The Singing Butler – the one attractive to them for providing m e with paraphrasing yours with people clearing inspiration for all my work and I up nuclear waste in the background? and my ideal have always sought the I was flattered that someone such as Banksy is brunette, company of women over men. would consider me worthy of attention. about 5ft 4in This is not purely a sexual with shapely endeavour; as companions, Many of your early paintings seem to be legs.’ they possess a range of evocative of a certain era – the 40s and qualities that far outweigh 50s. Was there a reason, or did you just those of mere men. like the ‘feel’ of that era? I can remember growing up seeing my Many of the women in your paintings are parents put on their suit and dress and get of a similar type or stature. Who are ready for a night out. The gramophone Left: Sir Terence Conran once compared you don’t seem to ‘get’ what sort of appeal a your muses? would be playing and I just thought they Only The My muses are friends, lovers and women were the most glamorous people I had ever Deepest Red favourably to Edward Hopper, for your Vettriano painting has. If the general public © Jack Vettriano aptitude for ‘doing something different’. can understand it, is there a problem? who have influenced my life. I have always seen. It’s probably why I am so keen on the thought it was better to paint a woman in her television series Mad Men, because it Right: Do you consciously strive for this, or are I am an outsider in so far as I do not have Paintbrushes you still the Jack Vettriano who painted one connection in the art world. I taught thirties if only because she has a better depicts an era when women still wore © Fredi Marcarini The Singing Butler all those years ago? myself to paint in a back room and maybe grasp of the world I am trying to create. I stockings every day and knew the power of Days of Wine don’t hide from the fact that I only paint red lipstick over men. I paint because I have stories to tell. Painting some critics think that is a bad pedigree. But and Roses allows me to be the master of ceremonies, so be it. I am grateful that the public continue © Jack Vettriano women who I find attractive and my ideal is narrator and leading man all at once if I want, to enjoy my work and that’s it. I think it’s best Lastly, the question we ask of all our or to disappear into the background as the to take what you get with grace and humility. respondents: What, would you say, is the unseen voyeur. I have described my work as secret to your success? “a cross between old railway posters and the I mentioned The Singing Butler earlier. I worked hard, and I must have got the covers of pulp fiction novels” and I paint what One thing has always puzzled me – the timing right. There’s something about my pleases and moves me. Like any other artist, title. Rather than singing, he seems to be work that seems to make people engage my style changes and develops over the cowering from a pretty fierce seaside with it, which is great as I really only ever years. I painted The Singing Butler in 1992 wind. So why the title? paint what interests me. I was lucky too that and what inspires me now is very different. The couple are dancing but there isn’t a my pictures lend themselves to reproduction. I’m very proud of The Singing Butler and gramophone or string quartet to accompany The birthday cards and posters have given how successful it has been but I prefer the them. That’s why the butler is singing – he me exposure to a vast audience – including interiors work more. provides the music so they can dance. If top-level collectors – who might never have you have ever been to Scotland, you’ll know heard of me otherwise. Despite public acclaim that borders on that the wind is fierce but it doesn’t stop you adoration, the art world and its critics still from doing anything! www.jackvettriano.com

16 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 17 INTERVIEW Stéphane Ratel: The driving force writer: JAMES DREW

Together’s editors Colin prospect of a new brand joining the Moors and James Drew had starting grid in 2011. the privilege of an exclusive invitation to Spa Discussions are advanced with promoters in North America and China to host a round Francorchamps over the of the series – that would take GT1 racing summer, to witness a new to five continents around the globe – Asia/ racing phenomenon, the FIA Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa GT1 World Championship. and South America.

rench entrepreneur and CEO “Our main objective is to continue the of SRO Motorsports Group, globalization of the championship,” Ratel Stéphane Ratel, 46, the explained. “As a world championship, we long-time promoter of GT want to visit the world. We want to bring the racing, has devoted the past championship to the biggest markets, the yearF to the creation of a new world fastest-expanding markets and all of the championship, which evolved from the main markets such as the US. Next year, European-based FIA GT Championship and we are making a priority of taking GT1 to was launched in Paris on 1st March. Colin North America, and we have excellent and I were there, on 30th July and 1st contacts in the US and Canada. August, for the later heat ‘As a world and the beginning of the “Our second market, the fastest growing championship, Total 24 Hours of Spa market on the planet, is China. We have marathon in Spa extremely good contacts in China and we we want to Francorchamps, to soak are working hard to take the visit the up the atmosphere, thrill championship there. world’ to the screams of high-performance “We believe that most of our existing engines and talk with events will continue, but in the future it is Stéphane about his plans for the future of no secret that we will reduce the number racing. As a backdrop to our discussions, of events in Europe in order to have more Stéphane had announced on 30th July the events overseas.” latest target markets for the FIA GT1 World Championship calendar, and the Take it away, Stéphane!

© FIA GT1

18 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 19 INTERVIEW EXPRESS internet – we are the ‘luxury sports brand’ of Together: First of all, Stéphane, thank you motor racing, so we want to bring our concept for the extraordinary opportunity of to as many potential buyers as possible, as joining your race meeting here today. well as attracting youngsters with interactive With the GT1’s approval by the FIA, how video games and so on. do you think it will compete with Formula One racing? So, your aim would be to stress the fact SR: Well, Formula One is already at such a that, although these are obviously supreme level, we cannot pretend that we will be vehicles, there is nevertheless a greater competing with it, but level of accessibility to them, yes? ‘We want to we are also in the Yes, well, GT1 is a concept where we provide great process of promoting blended the clarity of Formula One, the the cars themselves, shorter format, and the balanced entertainment, the luxury brands that performance of the vehicles, so there is no the cars are participate in GT1, but technical competition, it’s simply up to the very balanced which are nevertheless drivers to win! performers, brands that people feel are more accessible Stéphane, I think it’s fair to say that we are so it’s very that Formula One both somewhat envious of the fact that competitive, vehicles. In addition, of you probably have the best life in the and comes down course, we want to world. Together’s standard question, to completely to provide great finish – what would you say are the entertainment, the cars secrets of your success? the skill of the are very balanced Yes, well, I love my life, there is no doubt drivers’ performers, so it’s very about that! [laughs] It isn’t perhaps as competitive, and comes rewarding financially as it might be, as down completely to the outside Formula One there isn’t a lot of skill of the drivers. That is what I believe will money, but it’s an incredibly exciting appeal to enthusiasts – a lot of action and the environment, no question. Like everything short format. else in life, my success has come with sticking with something that I am convinced You’ve also spoken about making your is good and worthwhile, and not letting any championship far more ‘media friendly’ – doubts hold any dominion over me. What could you explain this in a little more detail? else can I say? Well, again, we can’t pretend that we will be able to compete with Formula One in terms of Not much to add, indeed, except to urge coverage, we’re obviously not going to be our readers to watch out for Stephane and shown on the BBC for a while, but we are FIA GT1 – they’ll be tearing round a corner developing the possibilities of being on French near you very soon, we have no doubt. sports channels, and working as much as we can with new media, making sure that we have www.total24hours.com as much live coverage as is possible on the www.gt1world.com

20 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 21 Point of view What dreams may come? writer: PAUL STUMP

Who could, try as one might, forget Robbie Williams, in accents of purest Stoke-on- Trent, reacting to his signature of a particularly remunerative recording contract, with the hollered words: ‘I’m rich! Rich beyond my wildest dreams!’ And for many decades, before the ‘credit crunch’ was even a phrase, dreams were principally those of material avarice. Whatever, dreams were a big deal. But now they may have become just too big a deal in what passes for the adult world of today.

WEARING WORDS Take the very word dreams. The British Together’s Mission Statement? author, broadcaster and cultural critic ‘Inspiring You To Reach Your Jonathan Meades, one of the most acute Dreams’. But the concept of and scathing observers of our time, put it To this litany of (over)usages I would add One thinks of Philip K Dick’s sci-fi fable ‘living the dream’ has changed best in an article for Intelligent Life dreams. Dreams have been a part of human Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep magazine in the spring of 2009: “Words are written and spoken discourse since the first (which became Ridley Scott’s Blade dramatically in recent years, as subject to fashion as morals and lapels, caveman realized that he Runner), or the sublime scene in as our writer explains. politics and popular music. Today’s merely ‘Reaching for had a subconscious, and Wagner’s 1810 opera Lohengrin where tiresome coinage is tomorrow’s infuriatingly your dreams’ that it played weird tricks on the heroine, Elsa von Brabant, dreams of British-born readers of a Dreams – ubiquitous cliché. Journalese thrives on has become as him in his sleep. Martin rescue by the titular knight errant, who what sort certain age might cliché. It is the jargon of the linguistically Amis, in his novel Money, duly arrives in a boat pulled by a swan. remember the brassy insentient whose job is to smother page catchpenny describes the way that Dreams – what sort of beef can anyone of beef can blonde Yorkshire upon page with words. And there are more and clichéd a sleep “pulls the wool over have with dreams? They are simple anyone have housewife Viv Nicholson, pages than ever, and more screens, and usage as your eyes in that deceitful things; as Freud explains, they are the with dreams? the Premium Bonds thus more marginally literate word- way it has”. Sigmund Freud projection of unconscious wishes and winner in 1963, who operatives struggling to smother them. ‘at the end of might have remained an fantasies onto the subconscious during famously gloried in her Where would they be without the following, the day’ anonymous Viennese sleep; harmless and quite natural. One ability to vulgarly spend (“I’m going to the props of their desperate trade? Genius, doctor without them, and a may as well rail against gravity. In the spend, spend, spend!”) a fabulous windfall guru, hub, legend, driver (meaning cause), substantial portion of the Middle Ages, they distrusted dreams and (in a still grubbily post-austerity UK) that challenging, controversial… and the newly greatest artistic endeavours in history might dreamers – a real-life Elsa might have was popularly referred to as ‘beyond one’s transitive verbs to impact, to source. Where, have remained unmade without them, been accused of witchery and dragged wildest dreams’? above all, would they be without iconic?” whether as inspiration or subject matter. off to the stake.

22 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 23 Point of view

Viv Nicholson, the Premium Bonds winner in 1963

IGNORANCE AND appropriated by the language and INFANTILISM thought-processes of the aspirational However, this writer’s plaint is not against obsessions of late capitalism, which dreams or the idea of dreams – rather, the seeks to render as irrelevant real-life way in which the word has undergone that obstacles to success (famine, flood, change and the way they have become the leveraged buy-outs) as irrelevant in the shopsoiled currency of some of humanity’s face of apparently limitless individual less appealing 21st-century traits of capacities. acquisitiveness and mass ignorance and infantilism. ‘Reaching for your dreams’ has More and more people, however, if the become as catchpenny and clichéd a words of talent-show winners and athletes usage as ‘at the end of the day’. Tellingly, are to be believed, are still buying into this French has no such problem; ‘reve’ retains complex; which has this writer dreaming its place in the language now much as it did fondly but perhaps vainly of a day when the a century ago. Likewise with the Flemish world grows up. ‘Droom’ and the German ‘Traum’. To reduce ‘dreams’ to a linguistic cliché is idle; to believe in them, as one might a fairy tale – the two are often compared – is Paul Stump is a professional writer dangerous. Believing in dreams to reap and critic specializing in the arts and benefits is, or should be, a fallacy we contemporary issues. He has worked leave behind with the nursery literature of for BBC Radio and writen for The “wizards, friendly dragons, sentient Guardian, Sunday Telegraph, Time heavenly bodies, anthropomorphic trains Out, New Statesman, Harpers & and other characters not subject to the Queen and other magazines and rules of narrative causality” as noted in a newspapers. He has appeared on particularly funny post, ‘You Can Be BBC4 and his first book, The Music’s Anything You Want’, in the 4th June 2003 All That Matters, is republished by issue of the online satirical newspaper, Harbour Books later this year. The Onion. Here, we see dreams as

24 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 25 Dress to impress

Cultural

beautyPhotos: Camille de Laurens - [email protected] Production: Nicholas Sirot - nicholassirot.com HaIr & make up: June Sawyer - Agence Aurelien Paris for L’Oréal ProfessIonnel and Chanel Model: Elisa Sys - Dominique Models Agency

Total look: filipPa K

Ostrich-feather dress: Bracelet : Sonia Rykiel Twice as Nice GLORIOUDress toS impre CANNEssS

Dress: Cathy Pill

Bracelet: Mais il est ou le soleil?

Tights, Falke Shoes: Geox DRESS TO IMPRESS Body Puma: Rudolf Dassler

Trousers: Hugo by Hugo Boss

Bag: Sonia Rykiel

Boots: IKKS

Total look: Paule KA Dress to impress

Ostrich-feather dress: Sonia Rykiel GLORIOUDress toS impre CANNEssS

Dress: Paule KA Bracelet: Twice is Nice Pochette: Filippa K Shoes: Robert Clergerie

Total look: Dress: Mais il est ou le soleil? Paule KA GLORIOUDress toS impre CANNEssS

Big Apple © Marc Tops Belges writer : DELPHINE STEFENS

Our fashion diva reports.

he Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week may have moved from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, but some things remained unchanged, Tsuch as Diane von Furstenberg’s usual slot. The Belgian-American designer’s Goddess Spring Collection 2011 was a wrap jumpsuit and, of course plenty of inspired by Isadora Duncan and was as ‘fun yet feminine’ dresses for both day and fresh, classic and feminine as ever. Von night time. Regarding the latter, next Furstenberg has always been about female summer, a goddess’s wardrobe may not power and freedom and therefore aims for be complete without a gold silk lamé gown clothes that are easy to wear and move in. or a black silk plissé goddess wrap.

Besides the never-out-of-style combination La Cambre Mode(s) and Modo Brussels’s of black and white, the palette includes travelling exhibition celebrating Brussels shades of camel, tobacco, khaki and grey fashion wrapped up in mid-September to contrasted with a wide range of colors travel from New York to Shangai. such as indigo blue, key-lime green, brick red or purple. The prints The show, supported by Brussels Export, The show, are bold and geometric. featured designs from La Cambre’s supported The fabrics are light and students as well as established designers by Brussels soft and come in variations such as Annemie Verbeke, Carine Gilson, Export, of silk, jersey and crêpe. Cathy Pill, Isabelle Lenfant, Jessie Lecomte, featured Bottoms come in various Sandrina Fasoli and Christophe Coppens. lengths, high-waisted and The latter is best-known for his custom- designs from cropped at the ankle or, for made millinery cherished by both celebrities La Cambre’s the brave goddess in you, and royalty. His Birdman-Birdwoman winter students hot pants. 2010-2011 collection debuted at Droog as well as New York, and is as elegant as it is original. ‘FUN YET The truly fabulous fashion accessories established FEMININE’ inspired by exotic birds include wool and felt designers Jumpsuits are still hats, velvet caps, woven silk scarves, fashionable and necklaces and brooches which add that je surprisingly stylish at DVF. ne sais quoi to create a perfect look. The Indeed, a favourite look may very well be collection is also on display until 17th the clever evolution of the wrap dress into October at Droog Amsterdam.

36 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 37 Dress to impress

© By2 photographers

GO-GO DELVEAUX! In this Mad Men-inspired fashion era, a perfect look also requires a perfect handbag. Barneys New York is now the exclusive carrier of Delvaux in the US, the finest luxury leather goods. Barneys, which also carries Ann Demeulemeester, Maison Martin Margiela and Dries Van Noten, has one window on the corner of Madison Avenue and 61st Street entirely devoted to the expert craftsmanship of the warrant holder to the Court of Belgium. Inside, four elegant showcase displays on the main floor prominently exhibit classics from the Heritage Collection such as the Givry of 1977, the Tempête of 1967 or the Brillant of www.dvf.com 1958 in an beautiful oversized and supple www.modobrussels.be edition. One may be so mesmerized by the www.lacambre.be beauty of it all that a saleswoman is likely www.christophecoppens.com to seem the siren and her sales pitch the www.droog.com siren’s song. Stay tuned for more www.delvaux.com enchanting fashion news! www.barneys.com

38 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 39 INTERVIEW Scent of a woman

Emily DiDonato is the dazzling, flashing-eyed beauty who was chosen by Giorgio Armani to represent his new fragrance, Acqua Di Gioia – she talks to Together.

Together: So, how does it feel to be the woman chosen by Giorgio Armani to represent his new fragrance, Emily? ED: I’m really excited about this as Mr. Armani is a legend in the fashion industry and his fragrances are world famous. In fact I really felt it was an honour to be chosen for this role.

How would you describe it? Acqua di Gioia means ‘Water of Joy’ in Italian, and that is how I feel about the fragrance – that wearing it is a joyful experience. It makes me feel energized and so full of life.

What does a women’s fragrance represent for you? Fragrances are really special things. They can mily DiDonato, 19, is an change the way you feel about yourself. They American model of Irish and are like an outfit – you put one on and it Italian ancestry who grew up in makes you feel a certain way. Women a small town in Orange County develop deep relationships with their in upstate New York. After a fragrances too. A favourite fragrance is a very familyE friend encouraged her to pursue personal thing that can become a real part of modelling, she signed with Request Model your character. Management in 2008 and booked jobs as the face of Guess for spring 2009, and was a In which way you think to reflect the model in Ralph Lauren’s ‘Rugby’ spring 2009 concept of this fragrance? campaign. Prior to the 2009 New York Acqua di Gioia is all about nature and Fashion Week, Vogue Germany dubbed sensuality. It’s also about femininity. When we her ‘top newcomer’ then, during 2010, she were doing the shoot, we were in a fantastic has become the face of Giorgio Armani’s natural setting by the sea and I really felt free new fragrance. and alive.

40 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 41 INTERVIEW

Which note of this fragrance represents you best? Acqua di Gioia is very fresh yet deep – and that’s definitely me. I like to think I’m a little mysterious!

Which was the moment of the shooting when you really felt to be part of this project and the concept of the fragrance? When I was walking through the forest, it was extremely humid – misty, almost – and it felt like being in another dimension. I felt completely at one with nature and completely uninhibited. It was a great feeling.

Check out Emily DiDonato’s starring role, and learn more about Together’s special collaboration with Armani, at www.togethermag.eu

www.giorgioarmaniparfums.com

42 – Together #19 July-AugustOctober 10 Together – 43 SENSUAL SECRETS

One of the most beautiful dates I ever other, I could see there was potential for had was with a fellow journalist who I that rare mix of love required for a saw sporadically at press conferences. long-term relationship. The pleasure We went out for a drink and when we reached his metro stop, which was just SIX DEGREES OF before mine, he pecked me on the lips, ATTRACTION blushed and dived out of the carriage. According to psychologist John Lee, there are six categories of love: the passionate of anticipation I felt like Liesel in The Sound of Music kind of Eros; the conquest love of Ludus; writer : BELLE DE BRUXELLES (1965) when the telegram boy finally Storge, which grows out of friendship; kisses her before darting off in a similar Pragma, a love driven by need; Mania (yes, Our new columnist, Belle de Bruxelles, laments style. That total ‘whoopie’ moment of ‘he think Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction (1987); the lost art of keeping something back. actually likes me’ was worth a thousand and altruistic love known as Agape. passionate, raunchy kisses. It also told me he was nervous and didn’t want to Scientists say that men have a tendency risk pushing me. towards the playful love of Ludus whereas emember the butterflies in and would never have considered such a For me, women look more for friendship and are your stomach, a flutter of move in the sober light of day. When I finally met my pragmatic. For me, having a deep dread and hope, when having a deep husband, I swear it was emotional bond that grows out of you made that phone call, I had my eye on a guy for several months. emotional only the expectation friendship and passion is the magic asking your crush on a When we finally got chatting at a party, one bond that that kept me going. We combination. Rfirst date? Followed by the anxiety mixed margarita after another heralded an all too grows out of could talk all evening with excitement of where to go and what early start to the passion (read drunken about everything and But as well as using those early days to to wear and that wonderful moment fumble), killing off any chance of romance friendship nothing, usually find out more about each other before the when the day arrives and you see each even though he too, I was reliably and passion prompting knowing ‘can’t-keep-your-hands-off-each-other’ other again. informed, had admired me from afar. is the magic winks between our phase, there’s so much excitement in combination friends, and yet we waiting, albeit a painstaking wait at times. I saw a young a couple How different it would have been if we had didn’t even reach the As one friend put it, “the not quite knowing I had my eye out on their first date only talked and ended the evening hand-holding stage by is torture but it makes you feel alive”. on a guy recently. The nervous, shy arranging a first date. No embarrassment the end of our first date. for several glances, the hands the next day; only the anticipation of what In the words of Thomas Hardy’s female moving towards each was yet to come. How many other requited But I knew I wanted more and not protagonist in his novel The Return of the months. When because I like the chase (and who Native when she finds herself unexpectedly we finally got other after conversation passions and yet unrequited romances are and perhaps some wine there out there? doesn’t? Men, you are not the only ones alone on the moors with her lover: chatting at had been flowing, and the who like a challenge) but because in the “Pleasure not known beforehand is half a party, one happiness glowing in their DISCRETION AND DARING time we had spent getting to know each wasted; to anticipate it is to double it.” margarita faces that, for the object On the date itself, there’s no need to be after another of their desires, the feeling deliberately mysterious (that’s just was mutual. annoying and tedious). But there’s also no heralded an need to spill out your life story, talk up your all too early NEVER WHEN achievements, discuss previous partners start to the SOBER? or your penchant for, could we say, more passion (read Yet the reality is that many exotic styles of love-making. relationships start (or drunken most likely never get off I’ve spent evenings with men desperate to fumble), the ground) with the impress (one even tried to tell me he had killing off easier route of an produced some films; turned out he any chance of alcohol-fuelled night. No chucked a few bucks at an amateur video), risk there. You can always men who bring their emotional baggage romance claim if your advance is from their evil exes and those who bluntly rejected you were drunk ask to spend the night together.

44 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 45 GO GET IT! Positive returns writer: NATASHA ABUDARHAM

Summer was over before it during the day. Wake up in plenty of time to started, your holidays are include a short walk, stretching or time at never long enough and the gym. Give yourself enough time to sit Christmas has already reared down and have breakfast in a relaxed fashion. So many people rush this part of its head – and it’s only just the day and wonder why the rest of the day turned October. Your head is ends up the same. Be smart, and set down for the next two-and-a- yourself up for success. half months, and you’re not sure you can last that long. FOCUS, FOCUS Plan your focused sessions the night Here at Together, we before, so you are ready to get to it as understand. Not convinced? soon as you get to the office. Work in Read on. 50-minute increments, focusing your time on one thing. Make sure you have no know the feeling all too well. But, disturbances, no emails and that your there’s something about autumn phone is switched off. Set your alarm and that sets the tone for new work diligently for 50 minutes, stop as beginnings and I like to look at soon as you hear the alarm and don’t September as though it’s the finish what you are doing. Take a break for When you’re on your deathbed, you’re not No criticism, no gossip, no blame, in fact no I start of a new year. This ten minutes, move out of your office, go for likely to wish you had spent more time at negative language at all, at home and at This moment means setting myself up a walk, grab a drink. Follow this with work. This moment is the only moment you work. This means no complaining to others is the only for success and getting another focused session for 50 minutes, know you have for sure, so enjoy it, have and no complaining to yourself. During this moment you off on the right foot. then take your next break - this time for 30 fun and spend time doing what matters time, take a really good look at yourself and Here are some great minutes. Keep going like this and you’ll most to you. allow that new positive energy to come into know you have tips to help you get more done in a day than most get the space that used to be filled with for sure, so re-invent your autumn done in a week. And you’ll soon notice TAKE 21 DAYS negativity. enjoy it, have and lift your spirits that being a busy fool is far too time You might be surprised at how much time fun and spend before the new year consuming and demotivating. is spent during the day focusing on MAKE YOUR OFFICE YOURS really is on your criticism, blame and gossip and how it Pictures on the wall, a cushion on your time doing doorstep. HONOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & drains you of energy. It is believed to take chair, flowers on the table. Keep it tidy what matters RELAXATION 21 days to change a habit. This means you and organized, a place that motivates you most to you BE GENEROUS Work is work and home time is home time. do the same thing every day for 21 days. If and inspires you. When you’re in a space WITH YOUR You owe it to yourself, your family and you miss a day, then you have to start that makes you feel good, your energy MORNING friends to have a break from work when again. This is probably going to be one of levels rise and your head becomes Having a morning routine will stand you in you’re not there. It’s important that you the hardest challenges you could set clearer, making way for more focus, good stead for anything that comes at you allow yourself to switch off. yourself, but the rewards will be well worth it. motivation and inspiration.

46 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 47 HEALTHY TOGETHER

THE RIGHT BALANCE If you like your carbohydrates (which most of us do) take 60 per cent of your total Kcal Nutrition: per day, add 25 per cent from protein and 15 per cent from fat or choose from 40 per cent carbs, 40 per cent protein and 20 per cent fat. You can play around with the What you need carbs and protein but try not to eat more than 30 per cent fat. If you want to lose weight make sure you get carbohydrates that give you long term energy like oats, to know rice, pasta, couscous, high-bran cereals writer : LUCAS KOHLBERG and wholegrain bread. For optimum health, select a wide variety of vegetables and Many of us do our regular understand the facts about the three macro- fruits. This helps to ensure an adequate cardio exercises or push nutrients. First, the carbohydrates, the energy intake of vitamins and minerals. weights and the results are for your mind and body. Examples are pasta, coming, but not fast enough. rice, potatoes, bread, fruits. Second, proteins; Another important thing is also to take in the your building blocks - such as chicken, meat, carbohydrates earlier in the day (breakfast, So, what are we doing fish, milk and eggs. Third:fats , also a source of lunch) when you need energy and focus wrong? energy (olive oil, butter, nuts and avocados, for more on protein with salad and vegetables in example). You need all three macro nutrients to the evening when you need less energy. function properly, but the key question is how much of each and when to eat them. WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL? One bottle of wine is around 750 Kcal, a litre SIMPLER THAN IT SOUNDS of beer is around 350 Kcal. If you really want Depending on your goals, you can estimate to lose weight, sorry, but you should not how much of each you will need. It might drink more than a couple of glasses per sound a bit complicated at first, but stay with week. Your Kcal should come from regular me. Find out your basal metabolic rate (BMR) food to give you the necessary energy and – there are many good metabolic rate building blocks. calculators that will tell you how much you burn every day. Let’s take myself as an example: I am 35 years old, weigh 90 kilos Remember: and do five 60-minute training sessions every week. Remember, the more active you are, 1. Nutrition is as important as your the more Kcal you burn. If I do a test, my workout to get in shape. Pay equal metabolic-rate result is around 2400 Kcal. If I attention to both. want to increase my bodyweight I should eat 250-400 Kcal more each day. If I want to lose 2. The main thing is to eat what you bodyweight I should eat around 250 to 500 like, but to keep it balanced and asically, losing or maintaining fewer Kcal each day. If I want to maintain my depending on your goals, keep the bodyweight when working out weight, I need to eat around 2400 Kcal portions more or less right. If you comes down to your intake of per day. eat lean you can eat much more each calories (Kcal). If you consume day without exceeding your daily more Kcal than your body My current aim is to lose five kilos, so Kcal level. burns,B you will gain bodyweight. If you I need to learn what my type of food consume fewer Kcal than your body burns, you contains in term of Kcal. Take two to three 3. You need all three macro-nutrients, will lose bodyweight. weeks to learn about food and Kcal, then but have a good breakfast and lunch you can always do a rough estimation. with a higher proportion of carbs, but There are diets that tell you what to eat and Keep your meals balanced and varied, reverse in the second part of the day. what not to eat, but what is really important is to and you can’t go wrong.

48 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 49 MUST-HAVEs

SKYPE gives directions for metropolitan public Good old Skype – a personal favourite. All transport systems – some 400 different the features of the desktop version appear cities worldwide at the last count. After The pursuit of to be here. Skype, for the uninitiated, is an installing the app in the usual fashion, app that allows you to make calls to others simply connect it via 3G, Wi-Fi, EDGE or who have Skype installed for free. whatever and grab the data file for Wherever they are in the world, if they have whatever city you happen to be in. Not only Skype and a connection to the internet, the can you go from stop to stop, but they also ‘app’-iness include sites of interest. If you ask it how to call is free. If they haven’t got Skype, you get from Schuman roundabout here in writer : COLIN MOORS can call their land lines or mobiles at some very attractive rates. Provided you can Brussels to the Atomium, it’ll give you Our man goes mobile with his Apple. hook up to a decent Wi-Fi link or similar, directions to the nearest transport stop the sound and call quality is very good, and will also provide a list of attractions and the only downside is that if you are an nearby. All for free. iPod user, you’ll need to get a set of headphones with a built-in mic, or walk EVERNOTE around looking like Uhura with your Here’s one you may also never have heard Bluetooth earpiece. Skype will also handle of. Bear in mind, also, that his is still an free calls over 3G, but do check your essentially free app, but there is a operator’s data rates before making that ‘premium’ version that allows you to 2-hour call to your beloved from Minsk. synchronize various file formats to your device too. My pro tip is to keep Evernote METRO free and use Dropbox (www.dropbox.com) From the industry heavyweights to one I for your files. Evernote will keep notes for have kept in my possession since the early you. Sounds dull, but it’ll keep them in days of the HP Pocket PC. Metro is the picture, voice or good old text format and brainchild of a couple of guys in France. A synchronize them all automatically when simple idea, but so well executed, you’ll you next attach your device to your wonder what you ever did without it. Metro computer. Simple as that.

am a hardcore geek, and I fully mess around as you would at work, but understand how divisive this is with the benefit of being able to post a going to be, so for all the anti-Apple status like ‘Me and Sherpa Tensing are, readers, I will be extolling the like, sooo at the top of Everest, lol ;-)’. virtues of the best and brightest Iapplications for Android mobile devices GOOGLE MOBILE APP next time, so no death threats, please. As you would expect from Google, this is a Here is a roundup of some useful and tight and tidy little app that does huge maybe fun applications for the iPod, things. Behind the subtle blue button is a iPhone or iPad (or all three). All are free, so raft of the applications you’ll know and feel free to try them out on a no-risk basis. love. If you don’t yet know and love them, there’s a very real possibility you soon will. FACEBOOK Naturally, Google’s famous search is If you don’t at least know what Facebook there, but some of the other components is, you should probably hand back your are as useful, if not more so. Read your mobile device and buy a Filofax. The mail, check and edit your online Facebook mobile app is very much what documents, look up you friends’ you’d see on your computer screen, but by addresses and see a picture of their necessity a little more compact. You can house and directions to it. There’s also update your status, post inane trivia about voice search, task lists, an RSS news feed your cat/child/car or whatever the latest reader, a translator and much more, all at object of your adoration is and generally the low, low price of zero.

50 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 51 52 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 53 GOING PLACES Hotel Negresco: Mythical luxury writer: ARMAND RICHELET-KLEINBERG

Perhaps France’s most renowned luxury hotel, Negresco must be seen to be believed.

t was at the beginning of July 2010 spread among the hundreds of draped second as a friend. As I told you, generosity in Nice, and I was fortunate enough tableaux that decorate the walls. is Madame d’Augier’s secret, and it is for to have been invited to the that very reason she has bequeathed Hotel reopening of the recently renovated The hotel’s fifth floor was rebuilt during Negresco to philanthropic organizations. Hotel Negresco. Champagne its recent restoration, and reorganized in To enjoy Together’s visit to this superb gobletI in hand, with the compliments of the order to offer more space, more luxury hotel, the gala evening and interviews with hotel’s owner, Madame Jeanne d’Augier, I and more pleasure. Madame d’Augier Madame d’Augier and other dignataries, go to settled back in a chair dating back to Louis has herself designed a very modern www.togethermag.eu XV, to enjoy the evening. decor and equipped Negresco’s rooms with the latest technological advances, Hôtel Negresco To be found “between the sky and the allowing guests to enjoy a sensual bath Promenade des Anglais, 37 Mediterranean” Hotel Negresco was first at the perfect temperature between 06000 Nice opened in 1912 in Nice. Its immaculate cocktails and dinner. T. +33 (0)4 9316 6400 white brickwork is the pride of the Niçois www.hotel-negresco-nice.com and the delight of its many distinguished GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT visitors over they years, including Jeanne But let us return to the official reception Moreau, Edith Piaf, Jean Cocteau, Charlie and, with Romany, traditional and jazz Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II. If Negresco music forming the backdrop to the is renowned for its superb architecture and evening’s culinary wonders, allow me to its wonderful receptions, it owes its legend, impart a little secret - Madame d’Augier’s glamour and heart to its mistress and family only acquired the Negresco originally owner Jeanne d’Augier. Her secret? because the lift shaft of the establishment Generosity of spirit. corresponded exactly to her invalid mother’s wheelchair dimensions. Sounds ABOUNDING WITH ART strange? Not when you understand that The de luxe hotel abounds with numerous Madame d’Augier’s concerns are for the masterpieces that its owner simply wished well-being of every guest. to share with her clients - thus, you may contemplate the works of artists such as We’re some way distant from the artificiality Dali, Nike, Moretti and Sosno in refined found in some large hotel chains. Every privacy, with more than five centuries of art customer is treated first as an indidual,

54 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 55 GOING PLACES Hôtel la Pérouse: Calming, charming writer: ARMAND RICHELET-KLEINBERG

HEAVENLY STAY Decorated in a charming, delicate fashion, the rooms, in which every morning is like Sunday morning, are a real treat for those who love snatching 40 winks, with their large, soft pillows filled with real feathers. The hotel has also every facility to make your stay heavenly; from its swimming pool beneath a cliff, a Jacuzzi and summer garden to its charming restaurant, with a menu that could have been designed by Marcel Pagnol, such is its Provençal feel. If you love seafood, it’s impossible not to find a restaurant that you will love in Nice. Most importantly, the hotel staff are very How would you enjoy charming and attentive - a priceless luxury celebrating the 150th these days - and that’s why the hotel is filled, year in, year out, with clients who anniversary of Nice staying in return. Thus, in la Pérouse, there is a a hotel with decor that could cordial, family atmosphere which is never inspire a novel and peerless intrusive. Does the name of the hotel and cuisine? Yes? Then allow us to its decor perhaps evoke voyages and guide you to Hôtel la Pérouse adventure? You are not mistaken - Jean- – the ideal destination for the François La Pérouse is an adventurer about whom the book Voyage Around the epicurean and the World By Astrolabe and Compass was contemplative traveller. written, so you are in the company of greats. o be found near Nice’s beautiful beaches with Hôtel la Pérouse incredible panoramic views, Quai Rauba Capeu, 11 Hôtel la Pérouse offers 06300 Nice comfort and facilities to T. +33 (0)4 9362 3463 Trestore both body and mind. www.hotel-la-perouse.com

56 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 57 GOING PLACES A marvel in

Marabellawriter: MATTHEW SCHUR

Spanish homes. The less experience might try their hand at the two additional courses, which feature more open fairways and shorter holes. The golf course also provides tuition from former European Tour member Manuel Piñero, whose accomplishments include several appearances in prestigious events such as the Ryder Cup.

SPA AND AWAY And golf isn’t all that the resort offers – Hotel Meliá’s spa, influenced by Arabic and Andalusian traditions in the area, offers a wide array of amenities and activities, featuring more than eight treatment rooms, Situated in the beautiful a Mediterranean sauna, aromatic steam room, cascade and sensorial showers, coastal region of Marabella in hydrotherapy pool and a manicure-pedicure the south of Spain, Hotel Meliá room. For even more pampering, the spa La Quinta Golf & Spa offers a also offers eye and lip care, aromatic body luxurious and relaxing scrub and an extensive list of massage getaway destination. services including: hot stone massages, luxury full body massages and ocated just next to Malaga Mediterranean Aromasoul ritual massages. airport, the hotel provides an As if that wasn’t enough, the spa ideal opportunity for a quick accommodates guests for an assortment of break, especially for golf skin care services like lifts and mud wraps. enthusiasts. L So, whether it’s a refreshing break on the GOLF HEAVEN links, or indulging in the luxuries of spa There are three 9-hole courses that treatment, Hotel Meliá is an ideal, comprise the Golf & Country Club. The relaxing destination. courses cover a wide range of skill levels, with San Pedro (course A) slightly less Hotel Meliá La Quinta Golf & Spa challenging that Guadaiza (course C), which Nueva Andalucia is in turn slightly less challenging that 29660 Marbella course B, Ronda. Narrow fairways and Benahavís, Spain challenging greens punctuate the Ronda T. +34 902 204 208 course that’s enclosed by luxurious www.laquintagolf.com

58 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 59 GOING PLACES Silver sailing writer: Jérôme Stéfanski

The swimming dreaming. You are on a liner owned by pool on board The world of leisure cruising Silver Spirit, the is unknown to many, but for Silversea, who are devoted to making your flagship of cruise unforgettable. Silversea’s fleet converts, it’s the only way to © Silversea fly.Y ou want the best? Allow SHIP OF DREAMS Together to whisper a name in Known as ‘the Ritz of the seas’, Silversea your ear: Silversea. lives up to its reputation. From the moment you arrive on board, you’re made to feel like lose your eyes for a moment, you are at home. Throughout your journey, and imagine the gentle your personal valet will attend to your every lapping of the waves, the wish with discretion and generosity - and warm winds of the what a world of entertainment awaits you on Mediterranean and the bluest board, a variety of world-class restaurants, Cof ocean views. It is 19h and, as the sun shops, a casino, bars, swimming pool, sets, you are relaxing on your private sports hall, spa, sauna, Jacuzzis, library – terrace, enjoying a second glass of the list is near endless. Highly qualified and champagne. And why not? There is no attentive, the crew go out of their way to hurry, and you are enjoying every minute. ensure your every comfort. From elaborate Presently, you will change out of your soft gastronomic menus, fascinating excursions, white dressing gown into smarter attire, excellent live onboard entertainment, nothing because this evening, at the restaurant is left to chance. So, what are you waiting Relais & Castle, the dress code is ‘formal’ for? The oceans await! as you enjoy your caviar and other delicacies. Open your eyes, you’re not www.silversea.com

60 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 61 FACT: HOW SURREAL A replica of Salvador Dali’s favourite holiday spot, and one which he lived near for much of his life – Cadaqués – is to be recreated, complete with a replica of his home, a converted fisherman’s cottage with a huge egg sculpture. The developers intend to begin work this month or next on the natural coastline of Xiamen Bay, chosen for its similarities to the Spanish coastline. The idea, apparently, is to recreate the whole town, right down to the whitewashed buildings, the narrow streets and the small flotilla of boats in the bay. The aim of this grand undertaking is to allow the Chinese to ‘experience Spain and its culture’ without having to endure the long haul flight.

FIGURE: 15,000 That’s how many holidaymakers the town is expected to accommodate. If that wasn’t surreal enough, there’s already a city called Dali in China.

REPORTAGE POINT OF VIEW Coin of the realm? writer : CILLIAN DONNELLY

The euro, the EU’s common INSURGENCY OR currency, is nothing if INSULATION? not contentious. Since its Those who are opposed to the single inception, it has provoked currency – and that opposition comes from controversy – about the loss both the left and right – point to the fact that important economic decisions are of sovereignty, the limits of taken by the European Central Bank (ECB) pan-nationalism, and the in Frankfurt (another bugbear for the British limits of an independent contingent); and it is true that the ECB has monetary system. Together a restrictive impact on national finance examines its past, present ministries, but the counter argument and future. remains that an independent financial institution insulates currency markets form or integrationists, it is the political upheaval, should it erupt. ultimate expression of international co-operation, The main argument for the euro is that it for Eurosceptics it is allows goods and services to transfer nothing less than easily between borders; perhaps best conclusiveF proof that the EU is intent typified by the argument that internal on the complete eradication of the European holidaying would from now on nation state. be done with ease, no fiddly currency exchanges in the same way there would The euro was conceived as part of the be no more border check points. Maastricht Treaty of 1992, and finally Currency exchange rates and fluctuations circulated ten years later in 12 member would now be a thing of the past, as states (plus some dependents, such as investment in a neighbouring country Monaco and the Vatican). Since then, would effectively be the same thing as six more member states have joined the investing at home, but with the added club, with Estonia due in January 2011. benefit of a new market expansion.

64 – Together #19 POINT OF VIEW

This sounds idyllic, but not everyone is political cultures and economic convinced. When the 2008 financial crisis governance traditions. How can a kicked in, the demise of the single centralized body manage all these currency was gleefully predicted by disparate elements? cynics. It was easy, they said; Italy could go back to the lira with the minimum of PERFORMANCE PRESSURE fuss, citing the example of the Czech- At this juncture, the EU is confident that its Slovak currency split. Since then, economic policy, largely endorsed by its economic collapses in Portugal, Ireland, members, can stave off a major financial Greece and Spain have added to the collapse. But with holdouts such as hand-rubbing fervour. Sweden and the UK – the former cautiously eying Denmark’s on-off stance, CHANGING FORTUNES the latter refusing to bail out participants in Over the summer, however, the European a currency system itself refuses to be a economy has picked up somewhat; part of – frustrating the European ideal of Greece remains a worry, but Portugal has a complete single currency (as well as a picked up and German growth is on the strengthened global reserve currency) the rise. EU intervention in economic affairs centralized powers cannot be wholly seems to be justified; those much- confident right now. vaunted austerity packages appeared to have worked. Imposed budget cuts and new powers of scrutiny may pressure the euro into a Bu those austerity packages, in reality a certain kind of functionality, but with diktat on how individual countries can upward growth by no means guaranteed in manage budgets, public spending and the coming months, and with civil unrest labour relations, miss out on the increasingly turning towards economic individuality of their respective targets, overlords, European leaders must surely each EU member state has grown up in be aware that the omnipotence of the euro different circumstances with different is far from assured.

66 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 67 MONEY With apologies to Lewis Carroll writer : GRAHAM REID

Our financial expert is worryingly poetic upon his return, but his advice is still very sound.

“You are old, father Graham,” the young “A flash of perception, investment man said, deception?” “And your hair has become very white “Or did it come only by chance?” And yet you incessantly leap out of bed To come to work – even at night?” “The things I now know were not quickly acquired, ” “In my youth,” said the sage, and he Said his father “I learned through mistake,” shook his grey locks That portfolio balance is really the thing “I spent all I earned in a trice To limit the risks that you take.” Slow horses, fast women, Italian socks – It really was naughty but nice.” “I now have a plan to spread it around, And diversify up to the hilt.” “Did you save for the future?” the young “I don’t want to risk a new stock-market man asked, crash “And what was the system selected?” That will wipe out the nest-egg I’ve built.” “Did you save for your pension and had you a plan “So where do I start?” The next To be sure that your rights were question came protected?” “And where can I go for advice?” “I’m surprised you don’t know yet,” his “I believed all they told me,” his father father replied replied “The secret is in Overijse.” “I trusted my banker no end.” “Until his ideas became sales – not advice – Classic Financial Solutions NV And my confidence gradually waned.” Brusselsesteenweg, 321 B-3090 Overijse “But when did you change” the young Belgium man asked T. +32 (0)2 687 3131 “And did it all happen at once?” www.classic-fs.com

68 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 69 EAT TOGETHER ‘Musseling’ in writer : matthew SChur

Only the very best for Together readers.

CheZ LeoN Leon’s scattered around France. With the For more than 100 years, Chez Leon has restaurant’s luxurious reputation and their sat next to the Grand’Place, serving an size (they can accommodate more than array of uniquely crafted dishes. More than 200 patrons), Chez Leon can seem anything though, the restaurant has served daunting – but it’s not. The restaurant has mussels: mussels battered in white wine; never lost its homely atmosphere due to mussels cooked with tomatoes, sweet quick service, amiable waiters and, peppers and garlic; even mussels fl avoured perhaps most down-to-earth of all, with cherry beer. paper tablecloths.

No Belgian cuisine would be complete After all, it’s the little things that matter. without frites and beer, and the Like mussels. restaurant provides both with their masterful house recipes. chez Leon Rue des Bouchers, 18 In recent years (relative that is, given its 1000 Brussels history) the restaurant has expanded T. +32 (0)2 511 14 15 internationally, including dozens of Chez www.chezleon.be

70 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 71 PLACES TO BE

Mumm Champagne celebrated with renowned explorer Mike Horn as part of the Mumm Explorer Experience from the 8th to Famous times 11th September, during which a privileged few writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO (including the two lucky winners of Mumm’s The cream of recent jet-set events. international online photography competition) were invited to an exceptional two-day, one-night nomadic experience in the world’s The 36th edition of the Deauville American largest desert, the Gobi. The fourth Mumm Festival took place between 3-12th Explorer Experience was part of a series of September. This year, more than 100 films gala dinners organized by Mumm and were presented at Deauville International adventurer Mike Horn since 2008. Centre (C.I.D), Casino’s Cinema and © Etienne de Malglaive / AFP CORPORATE Cinema Le Morny.

Annette Bening steps out of the festival’s official vehicle, the Renault Laguna at the 36th Deauville American Film Festival (Photo by Stephane Kossmann)

Martini and the Italian GP On 12th September, Martini organized an exciting F1 GP event in Italy, at which Fernando Alonso finally beat Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton ’s retirement The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New formed the backdrop to a breathtaking Italian York took place from 9th to 16th September in Grand Prix, in Monza. Ferrari needed a the Lincoln Center where, under the gaze of convincing performance after a difficult fashion icon Anne Wintour, there were eight weekend in Spa Francorchamps Belgium days of exciting shows and parties. Ralph last time around, and took heart from their Lauren presented the Spring Collection qualifying pace which put both drivers in the 2011, which inspired by a chic western mood top three on the grid. Having opted to keep - lots of cowgirl jackets, frayed fringes and his F-duct wing, Button’s car had a updated pioneer dresses balanced with a downforce advantage that helped him to rustic aesthetic on softer, more feminine make an electrifying start and wrest the lead shapes. Interesting accessories were also from Alonso. In a confused first lap, Alonso presented, such as brown suede bowler clipped the wing of Button’s McLaren, then hats, sand-coloured sandals with woven moments later Hamilton tangled wheels with chain heels and Navajo-inspired crossbody Felipe Massa, breaking an axle and ending hobo bags. The show ended in triumph with his race immediately. some billowy floor length gowns. © Marini press office

Designer Ralph Lauren walks the runway at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Fashion Show during Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week in New York. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

72 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 73 Places to be Saxe appeal writer : MATTHEW SCHUR

Whether it was putting on playful shows for his parents as a child or doing a one-man routine at his college impersonating teachers and directors, Olivier Saxe has always wanted to be a performer.

axe, now 41, arranges an Saxe has been performing at the assortment of shows, which festival for years, but says that one he calls animations – events moment always emerges as his tailored towards bringing favourite – the national anthem. “When people together, often through we sing the national anthem,” Saxe Sfood, light shows and music. On 21st July, explains “everyone is singing along and Saxe put on one of his animations in St. has their hand on their heart.” Tropez, in front of thousands of Belgians, Les Belges a Saint Tropez. Like all of his Although Saxe has always thought of shows, Saxe controlled every detail in St. himself as a performer, his success Tropez, even down to what type of salt was hasn’t always been so pronounced. In on the tables. “It’s my baby,” said the July of 1992, Saxe was in St. Tropez Brussels native. under very different circumstances. With only a wireless microphone and a A CELEBRATION pianist, Saxe played on the streets for ‘When we sing What makes St. Tropez so money. Flash forward 18 years, and the national special for Saxe, however, is Saxe now has his own company, anthem, not just the city – which he performing as many as 15 shows per everyone is describes as a mythic village month - these range from business singing along – but the type of experience functions to bar mitzvahs, with Saxe and has their that the Belgians enjoy. During tailoring each event to meet the hand on their his celebration, he says, the specific needs of whoever hires him. heart’ strife of politics and language barriers that often divide More than anything, Saxe’s events Belgium are never discussed. stress unity, and it was this sense of Instead, people come together to togetherness that he provided in celebrate the country’s positive aspects. St. Tropez.

74 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 75 PLACES TO BE The kindest Not only did he actually hate hair, something chair as my hair was washed - how do they that would stop a normal person from get the water temperature exactly right? cut of all becoming a barber, he had an attitude to Then the shampoo was massaged into my writer : ANDY CARLING customer service that Basil Fawlty would find scalp and a rinse. By then I was so relaxed, shocking. He also wouldn’t allow women in his I was in some type of zen calm. Hair is one of the most shop. I’ve even see him chase a poor tourist’s insubordinate parts of the human wife out with a broom more than once. He André, with over 20 years of experience, body - it grows too much in youth would break off occasionally mid-cut because looked me over and asked what cut I and, as you get older, starts going he had a sideline in selling walking sticks and wanted. I had no idea, only having the a funny colour and begins to spotted a potential customer. concept of ‘short’, so I told him to do disappear. Could you imagine the whatever he wanted. I felt comfortable with chaos if any of our other body parts The advantage was that I always paid less that as André had a manner that inspired than 3€ for a cut and when Johnny cut your confidence. I watched him begin to cut my behaved like that? Thankfully, hair, it stayed cut. Since then I’ve lived in hair, seeing the idea he had take shape. Alexandre de Paris is there to take Africa and had my hair cut on a stool in a car I was surprised at just how gentle it was. our correspondent in hand. park, with only a broken wing mirror to guide Having had decades of people hacking the barber, or man with blunt razor blade, as I away, it was just a delight to see what a ’ve always been suspicious of hair. clippings of Prince Andrew, the Queen’s thought of him. I had better cuts by a river in light touch could do. There were times As a child, I learned that it was second eldest son. I asked the barber West Africa and more relaxed cuts in the when, if I couldn’t see him in the mirror, something that needed to be dealt about it and he sang his praises for the souks of the Middle East. I wouldn’t have known he was at work. with firmly. My first haircuts were half hour it took him to cut my hair, but I performed by my mother, who had still didn’t get it. Now I am older, I can Then I moved to Brussels and my then- André also has the ability to look focused theI art of cutting as I squirmed in the chair, recognize homoerotic fixation, although the girlfriend let me use her electric razor. Call me and relaxed at the same time. I can’t trying to escape. choice of Randy Andy is still a mystery. naive, but I wondered why a woman who explain it, go see for yourself. At the end, To Fergie as well, I expect. went to the hair salon every month needed he had done exactly what he wanted. He It wasn’t a When I got a little older and one. The penny eventually dropped, but I’d got gave me the best haircut I’ve ever had. pleasant it was more difficult to keep It wasn’t a pleasant experience, sitting in used to cutting my own hair with it by then. He talked about how much he liked his experience, me restrained whille front of a dirty mirror as a strange man clients, as they were professional and sitting in wielding the scissors, and poked about your head whilst chain TOGETHER knowledgeable people who were front of with an ever-increasing smoking, being stared at by minor royalty. OFFERS SALVATION interesting to talk to and he said that many a dirty likelihood that she would Together co-editor James Drew was listening were very busy and a half hour visit to mirror as a cause an injury sufficient to I later moved to a village with only one to me explain why I had never paid more than Alexandre de Paris, was a chance for strange man alert the child welfare barber. Most locals happily travelled far away €3 for a haircut, when he turned to me, with them to relax and take a time out. poked about people, I was packed off to to get their hair cut, but I was more loyal to a look of real pity and concern, and passed your head a professional. A barber. local tradesmen. The barber, Johnny, was me an envelope. “Here’s a voucher for a That’s when I understood. Previously, whilst chain This is where my certainly a man of conviction. Several in fact. serious haircut at Alexandre de Paris. Go and getting my haircut was a chore, an intrusion, smoking, relationship with my hair Apparently all related to missing items of have a proper cut and tell me about it.” something I felt had to be done. It had never being stared became much stranger. ladies underwear from clotheslines. been anything actually enjoyable, at by minor That is how I went for my first ever real something relaxing. That’s why I’m going royalty MEET THE He had a simple approach to his trade. haircut. Naturally, I prepared myself for this back to my friend André. Nobody else is PROFESSIONALS When you sat in the chair, he would ask, brave new world of styling. I waited for my touching my hair ever again. The barbers I was sent to “Much off?” A yes would mean a number hair to grow. Eventually it got too long to had one thing in common; price. The first two cut, a no would make him, reluctantly, tolerate and I phoned up the salon. I got an Alexandre de Paris one I went to, until I was around 16, had a bring out a number three razor. He appointment for the next day, so quickly and Boulevard de Waterloo, 36 small narrow salon in a cellar. I noticed approached his task as a farmer easily I found it a bit anticlimactic, to be 1000 Brussels. something very strange about it. Every approaches sheep shearing. Apart from the honest. As I entered the salon, everyone T. +32 (0)2 503 5404 surface was covered in photos and news concern about animal welfare. welcomed me and sat in a very comfortable www.alexandredeparis.be

76 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 77 INTERVIEW

Dulywriter : GILLY MAXIM noted

because there are so many parameters. In a sense you need to have been born a conductor, in that you are able to convey a sound through a gesture, and then you must develop a technique but beyond that don’t ask me! If the orchestra plays the notes as written it is okay, but nothing special. The art of the conductor is to be able to find the domain of the original inspiration of the composer and if you find that, you win. If you find the original domain, then you can lead a hundred musicians back to the inspiration and create something magical. That is Of course it is important to sow the seed example, where we already do well and I want the idea! earlier in a child’s life and hope that they return to continue that relationship. I want to have a later, but you cannot force things, it needs to strong international flavour in the orchestra as Your creed is: “We are not a museum, but be organic. I am very happy that wherever the this gives the musicians joy and for me that is Having spent an afternoon a platform for living music”. Is it your belief Brussels Philharmonic plays we always have very important. Secondly, I want to continue shadowing the Brussels that you should always perform music by full audiences. to improve the sound in the orchestra, to Philharmonic Orchestra living composers or does “living music” continue to work on the subtlety and that have other connotations? You have conducted many of the world’s special sound for each composer. And thirdly, during rehearsals for their Firstly, for us to perform music by living leading orchestras including the Berlin I want the musicians and public to understand forthcoming season, our composers is very important, not all orchestras Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Orchestra, that we are here to serve the music and the writer spoke with their do that. Secondly, many orchestras try to Amsterdam and Orchestre de Paris. What art and not ourselves. I feel very strongly that Maestro, Michel Tabachnik. perform in exactly the way that the music makes the Brussels Philharmonic so we are a servant to the music and that we would have been played in the period that it special? must retain a certain humility. INTERVIEW EXPRESS was written. I don’t have anything against that, In recent years this orchestra has been Together: Your mentor and friend is Pierre but for me music doesn’t belong to a time or a reborn, there is a feeling of fresh air and that It is customary at the end of Together Boulez and you have studied with, among period in history. I am not an historian: I want to is really rare. When you conduct for example interviews for us to ask: “What is the key to others, Herbert von Karajan. In the live the music here, today, now. the Concertgebouw you are conducting a your success?” Having spent time with this beginning you studied composition and famous, gorgeous, luxurious orchestra but gifted, talented and humble man, it didn’t piano. When did you know that How does the Brussels Philharmonic with it comes a long tradition. Here we don’t seem appropriate. This writer can only report conducting would be your career? commit to bringing younger audiences to have this tradition and so we have perhaps what I witnessed during my time with the MT: Well that is something I didn’t know, life classical music? more freedom. Also, this orchestra is flexible orchestra, and that was a mutual respect and decided for me. I wanted to be a composer Firstly, we have programmes that are directed and it is extremely sophisticated since it is an understanding, together with a commitment and I went to the classes of Pierre Boulez at schools and colleges. Secondly, I try to orchestra that can perform any repertoire. I to creating a unique and blended sound. In a and he said you should be able to conduct speak with the public during the concert. can arrive with something very contemporary world that can be dominated by large egos, I your own compositions. And then the However, on the other hand if you ask the or classical or romantic and they are very think it is testament to Michel Tabachnik that opportunities came. concert houses around Europe what the open to change their way of playing. So their Brussels Philharmonic is an orchestra reborn. average age of the concertgoer is, they will speciality is their versatility. Over the centuries people have wanted to say it is fifty, but for a hundred years the Follow the orchestra and Michel Tabachnik know what makes a conductor a great average age of a concertgoer has been fifty. What will be the highlight of the Brussels at www.brusselsphilharmonic.be, conductor. Can you tell us? For me, to come to a concert like this, you Philharmonic’s 2010/2011 season? michel-tabachnik.net and I have so many students that want to need to have experienced life and be Firstly, it is the concerts we do internationally. I www.BrusselsPhilharmonicOnTour. become a conductor and they can’t developed spiritually and mentally. would like to become very strong in Paris for blogspot.com

78 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 79 DIARY An independent view The Brussels International Independent Film Festival returns to the capital of Europe for its 37th edition in November – read on to find out more.

he festival is one of the The festival, since its beginnings, has had the most important film and privilege of welcoming great names of video events on the international cinema, such as Pedro international scene. For six Almodóvar, François Ozon and Nanni Morreti. days, Brussels becomes a meetingT point for filmmakers from all This year, the festival is presenting around the world, and this year’s Brussels Mexico as its ‘star guest’ country, a International Independent Film Festival will concept that aims to highlight see more than 50 countries represented cinematography that is only little known and more than 100 films shown, many of by Belgian film-lovers. It is also a chance which will be receiving their first European to promote a culture via the cinematic and even worldwide screenings. talent of young artists, who represent the Selected films will then battle it out in the life force of a unique cultural environment. National and International Competitions, and there has been, since 1991, a special So, there’s little more to say – lights, competition devoted to films made by and camera, action! for deaf people. 37th Brussels International Independant TODAY AND TOMORROW Film Festival: 2-7th November In addition, there are many special events planned to recognize the festival’s stature Centre Culturel Jacques Franck as a cinematic spectacle that welcomes 1060 Brussels the film-making talents of tomorrow. All of T. + 32 (0)2 649 3340 whom are seeking to outdo each other in [email protected] terms of imagination and talent. www.centremultimedia.org

80 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 81 DIARY

THE DOMINICAN HOTEL accommodation for the thousands of pilgrims Other historic buildings brought back to life who visit the local battlefields. Well-known Going back include The Dominican Hotel in Rue Leopold, personalities of the time visited the house behind La Monnaie theatre in Brussels. The during the conflict, some leaving works of art, site was once home to the famous French including paintings and drawings, which are to their roots painter Jacques-Louis David who completed still in the house today. writer : MARTIN BANKS his last masterpiece Mars disarmed by Venus and the Three Graces in its confines. OUDE HOUTLEI That’s exactly what some of the country’s prettiest and most historic Following his death in 1825, the house was In Ghent, meanwhile, the Oude Houtlei is an buildings are up to. Together reports. named after the artist and the building’s historic monastery now transformed into a original façade has remained intact and hotel named Monasterium Poortackere, integrated into the design of what is now a named after the area on which it is located. hey represent the cream of produce across a wide area. Its gradually luxury hotel. The site is actually located on the The building dates back to 1278 and, just as Belgium’s architectural waning role seemed to sound its death-knell, foundations of a 15th-century Dominican back then, is something of an oasis of peace heritage, but they are also but in 2001 the owners began much-needed Abbey, and its history is echoed in the in a lively city. When, during the French buildings that, in some cases, refurbishment work, and since then the site soaring high ceilings, original stone floors, revolution, all cloisters, churches, and beguin have fallen into decay and has been transformed. It now comprises sweeping archways and tranquil cloisters. complexes were seized by town councils, the seemingT terminal decline. Now, however, a several charming and carefully restored council of Ghent confiscated Poortackere. In crop of historic buildings scattered across the apartments providing accommodation for TALBOT HOUSE 1863 the site was sold to Count Joseph De country have been brought back into use to those wanting to explore one of Belgium’s Hemptinne and over the years has been an ensure that their historic links are enjoyed by most attractive areas. Happily, all this has orphanage, a house for young women and present and future generations. At the same been achieved without the building losing any student residence. There were still six nuns time, these buildings are helping to provide a of its original historical appeal. As proprietor living there as recently as 1998 but, due to much-needed boost for Belgium’s tourist Suzanne Lannoije-Brusselle explains: “The exorbitant maintenance costs the building industry. Examples include an ancient restoration has done justice to what is was sold. Thanks to a private initiative, it was monastery turned into a hotel, a 19th-century regarded as an historically important site. saved and transformed into a hotel, seminar

Franciscan church given a new lease of life Rather than just demolish the buildings and centre and restaurant. and a World War One soldier’s house that’s lose this important connection we have now attracting thousands of pilgrims to the managed to preserve it for present and future Hazegras Flanders battlefields. generations.” Hazegrasstraat, 122 8300 Knokke-Heist HAZEGRAS HAGELAND T. +32 (0)50 602 208 One particularly Another example is at Hageland, an www.hazegras.be well-restored building is 18th-century farm complex ten kilometres a former butter factory, from Leuven that has undergone major Hageland Hazegras, near the renovation for use as holiday Another fine example of the genre is Talbot www.vvvhageland.be Flemish coastal town of accommodation. Owner An Devlies- House at Poperinge, near Ypres, once the Knokke that is now Vandeputte says that during the renovation home of soldiers in 1915 seeking sanctuary in The Dominican Hotel pulling in hordes of she uncovered “many fascinating aspects” World War One. It was named after one Rue Leopold, 9 visitors. Designed by of the history of the building, which was Gilbert Talbot, who was killed in action on 30 1000 Brussels. August-Marie Lippens, once the home of Lord Van Gale, a local July, 1915 and later became the symbol of T. +32 (0)2 203 0808 a well-known architect nobleman. An adds: “We discovered lots of the sacrifice of a “golden generation” of young www.Carlton.nl/Dominican of the time, the subterranean passages. The building used men. The building was taken over by the complex dates back to 1895 and, as well as to be a courthouse where justice was British army which had some 250,000 men in Talbot House a butter factory, once comprised a summer administered and we think these tunnels the area, even offering bed and breakfast for Gasthuisstraat, 43 house and stables. The site used to play an may have been used by criminals to escape. officers waiting for their train to leave for 8970 Poperinge important part in the life of the local We also found a treasury under the floor but, ‘Blighty’. Now reopened, it has gone back to T. +32 (0)57 333 228 community, supplying assorted dairy sadly, it was empty!” its roots and once again offers www.talbothouse.be

82 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 83 DIARY

audience. This time the Austrian composer decided to perform his recently composed Fifth Symphony. The task proved difficult for the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra in rehearsals. However, on the night, despite the music being new and complicated, the orchestra and

It’swriter : JEREMY SLATER Mahler time audience were enthusiastic in their support and Mahler deservedly received an ovation on the Gustav Mahler marks the end, musically, of the 19th symphony’s completion. Sadly, this was to be one of the last times that Mahler would be seen century, the final hurrah of the Romantic Movement and performing outside of Vienna as he took up the the end of Germanic dominance of the symphony. Ahead of post of director of the New York Metropolitan a series of Mahler concerts heading to Brussels, Together Opera in 1907. He died four years later, leaving pays tribute to the Viennese virtuoso. a legacy of great performances and an oeuvre of some of the finest symphonies created in the late 19th century.

ahler was born in Vienna Court Opera in 1897. This was his greatest Emboldened by Strauss’s support for Bozaar in 1860, hence the 150th honour, following similar posts in Hamburg Mahler’s work Dupuis first tested Belgium’s Rue Ravensteinstraat, 23 anniversary of Gustav and as chief conductor in Budapest. appetite for the Austrian’s work in 1898. His Brussels Mahler’s birth being His most famous compositions include performance of the same symphony as T. +32 (0)2 507 8200 celebrated in a series of symphonies numbers 5 and 8, the latter also Mahler was later to perform was www.bozar.be concertsM held around the world, including known as the symphony of a 1,000, as it enthusiastically received by both the press Belgium, this year and next. requires the use of several choirs to be and the public. Dupuis immediately sent an 27th October performed. It was the highlight of the invitation to Vienna and Mahler honoured by Renée Fleming soprano - Münchner His swirling interludes of strings and opening night of the BBC’s annual the Belgian’s success happily agreed. Philharmonica woodwind that had been central to Promenade season, which concluded in Dupuis requested that Mahler perform his Franz Schreker Nachtstück (Der ferne Klang) orchestral music in its most romantic mode September. fearsome Second Symphony, which had Gustav Mahler Rückert Lieder would become unfashionable. What gone down so well the year before. It was Johannes Brahms Symphony Nr. 4, op. 98 followed would be harder and more SELL-OUTS advertised as part of a series of ‘Nouveaux chthonic, as serious music adopted the With performances honouring Mahler Concerts’ put on by Dupuis to promote 11th November modern, just as painting around the world, Brussels will not to be contemporary works - tickets sold out and, Sol Gabetta cello - Hendrickje van During his and sculpture had done a outdone this autumn and early in 2011 with on 22 January 1899, Mahler took to the Kerckhove soprano lifetime, decade or so earlier. a series of concerts held to celebrate the conductor’s stand to warm applause. The Belgium National Orchestra Mahler Atonal schematics were in works of the late romantic composer, who audience were not displeased and following Edouard Lalo Concerto voor cello en visited and sweeping gestures was second only in popularity to Ludwig van the performance the composer was required orkest, op. 20 and harmonics became Beethoven at the time of Mahler’s death, in to return to the stage six times to receive Gustav Mahler Symphony Nr. 4 Belgium only something of the past. 1911. However, there is an earlier connection their acclamations. Dupuis was ecstatic and twice, but with Belgium, as the composer was known Mahler returned home to Vienna happy. 24th February, 2011 both times the LATE ROMANTIC here as a sublime and very popular Gustav Mahler Symphony Nr. 7 performances Although now revered as a conductor - during his lifetime, Mahler visited SIX YEARS ON, FIFTH Orchestre philharmonique de Liège proved to be true late romantic great Belgium only twice, but both times the SYMPHONY Wallonie Bruxelles sell-outs during much of his lifetime, performances proved to be sell-outs. Some six years later, Mahler received Mahler was more popular another invitation to perform, this time from La Monnaie/De Munt as a conductor than a Organized by the Belgian conductor Sylvain Belgian tenor Ernest Van Dyck. Mahler knew Brussels B-1000 composer. He also had to Dupuis, the first was held in Liege in 1899. him, as he had conducted performances by Rue Léopold, 4 fight against snobbery, as he was the son of Dupuis had been encouraged to invite Mahler the singer soon after becoming director of 1000 Brussels an inn keeper and was born a Jew, a by fellow late romantic composer Richard the Vienna Court Opera. Van Dyck was now a T. +32(0)2 229 1200 heritage that he later renounced following his Strauss some two years earlier when the head of the Society for New Concerts in www.lamonnaie.be conversion to Catholicism to succeed to the German maestro had performed pieces of Antwerp and was sure Mahler’s music would 16-19th February, 2011 prestigious post of director of the Vienna his own work in concert halls in Belgium. once again be welcomed by a Belgian Gustav Mahler: Das klagende Lied!

84 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 85 DIARY Together’s SHERYL CROW 19.10.10 Sheryl Crow’s seventh studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis, ‘To Do’ list (she grew up in a Missouri town 100 miles away from the musical Mecca) is a soulful and bluesy album. It features musical appearances from other notable musicians such as Justin Timberlake and Citizen Cope. The nine-time Grammy award Belgium winner has 12 shows in a very short, 16-day European tour. writer : MATTHEW SCHUR Forest National Club Av. Victor Rousseau, 208 It’s a sparkling new format for your favourite diary – enjoy. 1190 Brussels T. +32 70 25 20 20 www.sherylcrow.com/events BRUSSELS MARATHON 10.10.10 Starting at Parc du Cinquantenaire, the marathon winds The Night of the Ad Eaters around the city for 42.2 km (26.2 miles) ending at 06.11.10 Grand’Place. Many come to support the runners, especially Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this promises to be a one-of-a- encouraging them during the final stages of the race. After the kind event that revolves around showing ads from different race, people gather for drinks and food at many of the places in the world – but don’t think it’s by any means lacklustre. restaurants around Grand’Place. With elaborate light shows, dance music, food and drinks this event is far more party than promotion. Parc du Cinquantenaire T. + 32 11 45 9999 T. +32 0(2) 788 4411 www.sport.be www.adeater.com

KOYAANISQATSI: THE PERFORMANCE Public Brewing at Cantillon 14>16.10.10 13.11.10 Ricky Seabra has created a theatrical interpretation of the 1982 From 6h30 to 12h learn everything from filtration and hopping to film Koyaanisqatsi. The film has no dialogue but is driven by barrel cleaning. The 6€ guided tour includes croissants in the famous composer Philip Glass’s beautifully chilling compostion morning and a beer of your choice at the end. and harrowing time-lapsed images of buildings, traffic, landscape and more. Seabra’s interpretation, according to theater’s website, Rue Gheude, 56 “does not use special effects, but, on the contrary, tries to 1070 Brussels preserve the ‘visual integrity’ of the images and gives them a new T.+32 (0) 02 521 4928 context in a mixture of live animation, music and narration”. www.cantillon.be

Kaaistudios Brussels Rue Notre-Dame du Sommeil, 81 1000 Brussels T: +32 (0)2 201 5959 www.kaaitheater.be

86 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 87 DIARY DIARY

International Eureka Contest 18>20.11.10 With over 150 representatives showcasing 400 inventions from 30 different countries, this event features innovations including Together’s everything from photography to body care to aviation.

Brussels Expo Place de Belgique, 1 1020 Brussels ‘To Do’ list T. +32 (0)2 474 8989

Freedom Film Festival international 21>30.10.10 At the end of November, Brussels welcomes the 2010 international film competition, hosting over 30 films – most of MICHAEL BUBLé which have never been seen by the public. Each day there are 12.10.10 opportunities to see several movies and get involved with In a star-studded month for concerts in Belgium, Grammy Award discussions revolving around human rights. winner Michael Bublé visits the Sportpalais in Antwerp for his Crazy Love Tour. After touring the United States throughout the T. +32 (0)2 289 6900 summer, the 35-year-old will take his smooth singing act to www.festivaldeslibertes.be/fase5.php?event=251#251 Europe, stopping first in Dublin. Over the course of several months, Bublé will visit dozens of European cities. His slow, jazz ballads create what should be an intimate show. BRUSSELS MUSEUMS LATE EVENINGS Ends 16.12.10 Sportpaleis Every Thursday, museums will open their doors for late-night Schijnpoortweg, 119 showings. Starting at 18h and ending at 22h, they showings offer 2170 Merksem (Anvers) convenient times for those who with rigid work schedules while T. +32 (0)3 400 6000 providing other opportunities such as guided tours, interactive www.sportpaleis.be/fr/calendrier/michael_buble_crazy_love_tour workshops and behind-the scenes-discoveries. Visit the website for participating museums. STING Conseil Bruxellois des Musées 13.10.10 46 Rue des Bouchers From The Police through his long lasting solo career, Sting has Bruxelles 1000 Brussel amassed 16 Grammies and already been inducted into the T. +32 (0)2 512 7780 Rock‘N’Roll Hall of Fame. In July of this year, the English-born nocturnes.brusselsmuseums.be musician released Symphonicites. For this album, Sting takes some of his most popular songs – Roxanne, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic – and puts it through an orchestral filter SKODA JAZZ FESTIVAL – songs are accompanied by flutes, violins and cellos. His Ends 17.12.10 European tour began 3rd September and continues until Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the jazz festival has November, stopping in cities big and small. When he comes to performances all over Belgium, with many shows in Brussels, Belgium, he’ll be playing at the Sportspaleis in Antwerp. Antwerp and Ghent. With more than 70 concerts, the festival provides plenty of chances to hear music in some of the finer Sportpaleis clubs and halls in Belgium. Schijnpoortweg, 119 2170 Merksem (Anvers) Jazztronaut Entertainment T. +32 3 400 6000 Boulevard Leopold II, 184 www.sportpaleis.be/fr/calendrier/sting_symphonicity 1080 Brussels T.+32 (0)2 456 04 60 www.skodajazz.be

88 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 89 Diary

Amsterdam Dance Event MUSEUM NIGHT AMSTERDAM 20>23.10.10 6.11.10 The biggest club festival of the year, Amsterdam’s 15th Every year, on the first Saturday in November, art museums international conference provides the largest electronic music across Amsterdam open up their doors until well past event. The festivities feature over 90,000 guests and 700 artists midnight. With various entertainments such as music and in 40 venues – oh, and a whole lot of dancing. dancing, this is not just an opportunity to see artwork in a different light. Museums offer their own attractions along with Keizersgracht, 324 a plethora of after parties. 1016 EZ Amsterdam www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl n8 - Stichting Museumnacht Amsterdam Piet Heinkade, 5 1019 BR Amsterdam THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR T. +32 (0)20 527 0785 21>24.10.10 http://n8.nl/english This London art fair offers not only an opportunity to browse beautiful artwork, but also have the opportunity to purchase some as well. Works range from paintings to photographs, and Armistice Day there is a wide array of artists including some well known figures. 11.11.10 This annual event pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Battersea Evolution two World Wars. The French President and other dignatories will Battersea Park pay their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the London SW11 4NJ Unknown Solider under the Arc De Triomphe. T. +44 (0)20 8246 4848 www.lth-hotels.com Arc De Triomphe Paris

The Luxury Travel Fair 4>7.11.10 Lord Mayor’s Show 2010 For the fifth year, this expo highlights aggregates the best and 13.11.10 most luxurious travel destinations from around the world. The For almost 800 years, this annual event has featured a parade exhibition puts patrons in touch with the finest resorts, travel through the streets that attracts thousands of people. The specialists and luxury tour operators. festivities are capped off by a must-see fireworks show.

Olympia National Hall Central London City London W14 8UX London, EC4N 8BH +44 (0)207 370 8213 T. +44 (0) 20 7606 3030 www.luxurytravelfair.com/ www.lordmayorsshow.org

PARIS AUTUMN FESTIVAL Paris Photo This Paris festival celebrates all things art, from theatre to music 18>21.11.10 to cinema. With over 40 events and over 100,000 annual visitors, This fair features some of the best photography in the world, there are plenty of opportunities to see great works until winter with the collections spanning from the onset of picture-taking rolls in. until the present day. www.festival-automne.com Reed Expositions Quai de Dion-Bouton, 52/54 92 806 Puteaux Cedex, France T. + 33(1) 47 56 64 69 www.parisphoto.fr/?v=public

90 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 91 FRESH OPENINGS FRESH OPENINGS

RELAX AFTER WORK ALOFT Inspired by a trip to Thailand – where With hip interior design in loft-inspired rooms, The latest massages are a part of daily Aloft, a branch of the Starwood chain, is culture – Relax After Work owner Isabeau opening a new hotel offering luxurious Paape decided to open her amenities like oversized spa showers and own massage parlour. Prior to March, Paape signature beds. Located right by the major had worked for two years as a EU institutions, this hotel is also convenient additions masseuse in a larger spa, but was frustrated for quick bites to eat during the day, and even writer : MATTHEW SCHUR by its impersonal nature. Relax an upbeat area at night with DJs and plenty Only the very best for Together readers… After Work is designed for an intimate of cocktails. experience. Her shop offers massages – which she provides herself – drinks, dinner Aloft and even personal facials or Place Jean Rey hair treatment. The shop accommodates 1040 Brussels couples and groups of up to six T. +32 (0)2 800 0888 – whether you’re stopping in for a quick www.aloftbrussels.com massage or indulging in the full experience, the Zen-like atmosphere delivers.

Relax After Work Rue du Lac, 13 1050 Bruxelles T. + 32 (0)476 850 209 www.relaxafterwork.be

SEA GRILL BURBERRY Now owned by renowned chef Yves Founded in 1856, Burberry has become one of Mattagne, the two-Michelin star Sea Grill the most iconic names in fashion and its Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel has distinguished tartan pattern can be seen been reopened. The restaurant offers a everywhere – from scarves to shirts to shoes. The range of sea-food dishes, including several retail store on Blvd. Waterloo is the first of its kind that have won distinguished culinary – until now, the closest retail store had been in awards. The restaurant will continue to Antwerp. For the fashion forward, this store serve lunch and dinner for those looking for opening will definitely save some time, but not a cultivated dining experience. necessarily money.

Sea Grill Restaurant Burberry Rue du Fosse-aux-Loups, 47 Blvd. De Waterloo, 16 1000 Brussels 1000 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 212 0800 T. +32 (0)2 402 4400 www.radissonblu.com www.burberry.eu

92 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 93 FRESH OPENINGS FRESH OPENINGS

Mais il est ou soleil? AMBIORIX Known for their elegant colours and trendy For more than a century, Ambiorix has been clothes, Mais il est ou soleil, opens a new offering some of the higest quality, hand flagship store in the always exciting Chatelain made shoes. Opening its first flagship store in district. Their autumn line, created by the Brussels, the Belgian company offers new imaginative designer Val Pollet, reaches its full lines every season – four lines this autumn potential when displayed in the expansive, yet – while always maintaining a high level of chicly arranged store. comfort, fashion and design.

Mais il est ou le soleil? Ambiorix Rue Simonis, 55 Naamsestraat, 72-74 1050 Brussels 1000 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 538 8277 www.ambiorix.be

DESIGUAL BRUPHILS Desigual, an affordable and eccentric Providing the latest trends in fashion, clothing clothing company, bring their colourful company Bruphils is opening a new boutique designs to Maasmechelen Village. Known for in Lier, just outside Antwerp. The acclaimed their unique prints, this relatively new team of international designers has been company looks to fit their customers with creating elegant styles for both men and clothes made for them, and not the general women for almost three decades. public – the company’s slogan is: “Desigual dress people, not bodies.” Bruphils Antwerpsestraat,85 Desigual 2500 Lier Maasmechelen Village T.+32 (0)3 480 3239 Zetellaan, 100 www.bruphils.com 3630 Maasmechelen T. +32 (0)89 774 553 www.desigual.com

94 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 95 BOOK REVIEW Read Together writer : MATTHEW SCHUR

Our man casts his eye over two new tomes.

Fragments - Roots & Routes: Memoirs Subscribe now! To have your Together delivered (six editions for 25€) go to www.togethermag.eu David Willows and Musings of a Dublin €11 Nomad - Brendan Cardiff In this book, David Willows’s collection of €24 essays offers unabated access to his From his time in Uganda as a development Together If you are interested in our advertising rates, Writers: personal life. The subject of the essays range assistant to experiences as a travel guide, magazine please contact: Natasha Abudarham/Martin Banks/Belle de Bruxelles/ Andy Carling/Cillian Donnelly/James Drew/Federico from weighty topics such as death and Brendan Cardiff’s life has been, if nothing David Mc Gowan Grandesso/Lucas Kohlberg/Gilly Maxim/David McGowan/ divorce to more light-hearted topics such as else, eventful. His self-deprecating and [email protected] or T. +32 (0)497 543 672 Colin Moors/Graham Reid/Armand Richelet-Kleinberg/ Matthew Schur/Jeremy Slater/Jérôme Stéfanski/Delphine urban legends. Willows never tries to do too bare-all writing style give Roots and Routes a Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in Stefens/Paul Stump much with his writing – just presents an personal feel, especially when he describes whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held Video director: interesting collection of stories from his life, his early life in Dublin. In this memoir, Cardiff responsible for the views and opinions expressed Armand Richelet-Kleinberg: embedding reflection within the storytelling. also touches on his experiences of being in in this magazine by contributors. Together is www.camera-man.weebly.com neither responsible for nor endorses the content The pacing is efficient (Willows, amongst places many of us will never visit – Yemen, of published advertisements, nor can the Photographer: other things, has a background in blogging), Borneo, Namibia – and many of the places magazine be held responsible for any errors or Yvan Barbera: www.reflexstar.com inaccuracies in the same. giving the book fluidity without inundating the we’ve always longed to go – Machu Picchu Design: Founder: Studio LetMeSee - Yves Reynaert reader with too much superfluous detail and and the Amazon Rainforest. His literary Jérôme Stéfanski T. +32 (0)496 723 950 information. Fragments, as a whole, is an journalistic approach to travel writing allows [email protected] - www.studioletmesee.be Publisher: engaging, easy-to-read book that touches for affecting stories that are enriched by his David Mc Gowan Together Media upon subjects that concern us all. impressive photographs. Boulevard St Michel, 47 Managing Editors: B-1040 Brussels James Drew & Colin Moors: www.readright.be T. +32 (0)2 400 00 24 www.davidwillows.com www.theliffeypress.com [email protected]/T. +32 (0)473 951 137 [email protected] [email protected]/T. +32 (0)0475 351 505

Sales advisor: Delphine Stefens : [email protected] Gilly Maxim

96 – Together #19 October 10 Together – 97 Le Chat Culture claws Our friend has a taste for the finer things in life.

98 – Together #19