www.togethermag.eu March 2012 #29

The Made in

Belgiumissue

in the lead Noémie Wolfs

in fashion Céline De Schepper

man at the top Elio Di Rupo

GOURMET HEAVEN Brusselicious 2012

mountain holidays Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Mongolia The new AMPERA MONSIEUR AMPÈRE WOULD BE PROUD. Driving electricity further.

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OPELATL005 TogetherMagazine.indd 1 14/02/12 11:20 There is a place where the Star always shines. The Mercedes House is located on the prestigious Grand Sablon, in the heart of Brussels. Here, luxury and elegance set the tone: the perfect setting for “the Brand with the Star”. Come experience a moment of refinement in our restaurant, and enjoy the most exquisite gastronomy. Discover our art expositions, our concerts and our new boutique, where you will find the ultimate collection of items and accessories from Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes House Brasserie, terrace, boutique, exposition, culture. Grand Sablon Rue Bodenbroek 22-24 - 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 400 42 50 - Fax: +32 (0)2 400 42 52 www.mercedeshouse.be Like us on Facebook !

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.00 – 20.00 - Sunday: 10.00 - 16.00 Bookings for restaurant: +32 (0)2 400 42 63 or [email protected] Publisher’s letter Much of the magazine this month, as the cover would suggest, is dedicated to all things Belgian

here’s a lot happening on the creative front in Belgium, and gone are the days when Belgian artists, designers and musicians were obliged to seek fame and fortune elsewhere because the Trecognition their talent deserves wasn’t forthcoming at home. So if you haven’t yet discovered them, enjoy meeting Hooverphonic lead singer Noémie Wolfs on page 32, who graces the cover, and up-and- coming fashion designer Céline De Schepper, who made the clothes. Writer Delphine Stefens makes it obvious she on the cover had a schoolgirl crush on one of her contemporaries, now designing a range of exclusive watches – read Delphine’s article about Benoît Mintiens on page 49, as well as her pieces on fashion and beauty elsewhere in this issue. Veteran Brussels correspondent David Haworth’s profile of Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo on page 16 mentions the premier’s pledge to learn Flemish. But if history had turned out differently, he may also have been obliged to learn Neo, a so-called universal language invented by a Belgian diplomat. Colin Moors has the details on page 18. Some may mourn the absence of the black pages which used to separate the different sections of the magazine; we’ve decided to replace them with good Cover photograph of photography, and hope you like what you see. Noémie Wolfs As usual, the magazine is packed with articles of Hooverphonic, about leisure, travel, fashion, entertainment, the the picture above and arts and much more besides. In between issues, image on pages 30-31 by why not check out the daily updates on our website www.togethermag.eu. REAL VALUES ALWAYS PERSIST Charlie De Keersmaecker Puilaetco Dewaay Private Bankers since 1868 stylist Amke Rijkenbarg make-up David Hassan Benabid David McGowan Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Publisher

hairdresser Juliette Girard de Client

clothes Céline De Schepper

www.pldw.be location Hotel Metropole, Brussels Bruxelles | Antwerpen | Hasselt | Liège | Namur | Sint-Martens-Latem | Waregem 7 ALFA MITO_2_165x230 HR.pdf 1 15/02/12 12:08

www.alfaromeo.be

Founder Jérôme Stéfanski ALFA ROMEO MITO Publisher David Mc Gowan 60 37 [email protected]

Editor ACCÉDEZ À LA TECHNOLOGIE. Patricia Kelly Contents [email protected] March 2012 Art Director 7 Publisher’s letter Jennifer Barteluk 8 Contributors [email protected] 12 starring in Belgium Contributors PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Hughes Belin; Andrew Chaplin; 16 Politics: Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo Laura Cohn; Tommy Forbes; 18 Linguistics: auxiliary language Philippe Geluck; Federico Grandesso; 20 Technology: reading difficulties David Griffiths; Nigel Griffiths; David Haworth; Anthony Healey; C 22 Relationships: the death of a parent Alan Hope; Charlie De Keersmaecker; M 24 Health: Pilates explained Mary Sue Kiso; Blandine Lejeuene; 28 Money: Belgian bonds Edouard Mazel; Kelly McKinnon; Y

Colin Moors; Lauren Omahen; CM MADE IN BELGIUM Emma Portier Davis; Suzette Reed; MY 32 Cover story: Hooverphonic lead singer Noémie Wolfs Klara Slovo; Delphine Stefens 37 Fashion: designer Céline De Schepper CY Online Editor 40 Fashion: Belgian designers CMY 44 Cosmetics: Hassan Benabid of Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Nigel Griffiths [email protected] K 46 Beauty News: Belgian brands 49 Watches: high tech design Sales advisor 53 Art: Made in Belgium exhibition Renaud Philippart [email protected] LIFE OF LEISURE 58 Climbing: Kilimanjaro For advertising sales rates 61 Biking: Nepal please consult the website 64 Rallying: Mongolia www.togethermag.eu 68 Vacation: Morocco SAN S CŒU R, NOUS NE SERION S QU E DES MACHIN ES. 70 City Break: London 73 Fashion: Dress to impress Together Media Boulevard St Michel, 47 76 Fashion: denim B-1040 Brussels 78 Fashion: shoulder bags +32 (0)2 400 00 24 80 Eating out: Brusselicious 2012 [email protected] 82 By the glass: Belgian wine www.togethermedia.eu CONSOMMATION : 3,5 - 6L/100KM, EMISSIONS CO² / 90-139G/KM. 84 Cinema: Colin Firth 87 Motoring: Audi R8 sports car Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in 90 Books: growing old in Belgium whole or in part without the written permission ALFA ROMEO "DIPLOMATIC SALES" of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held Pour plus d'information contactez l'une de nos filiales et surfez sur www.diplomaticsales.be 92 What’s On: Belgium responsible for the views and opinions expressed in this magazine by contributors. Together 94 What’s On: international is neither responsible for nor endorses the 96 Competition: December 2011 results content of published advertisements, nor can the magazine be held responsible for any MEISER DELTA DROGENBOS errors or inaccuracies in the same. 98 Cartoon: Le Chat by Philippe Geluck Cheé de Louvain 770 - 1030 Schaarbeek Bld des Invalides 210-220 - 1160 Auderghem Grote Baan 332 - 1620 Drogenbos 8 Tel 02 702 31 24 Tel 02 674 45 11 Tel 02 334 40 40 Online

Dominique Rigo opens the doors to contemporary design. FASHION travel

LIFESTYLE Technology

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info + 32 [0]2 649 95 94 [email protected] www.dominiquerigo.be

DR_Poliform.indd 1 14/02/12 12:15:31 Starring in All re ned gentlemen nazca-agency.be A choice of entertainment meet in La Maison Degand compiled by Federico Grandesso Belgium and Mary Sue Kiso

ANOUK Dutch rock goddess Anouk, appearing with band members who have worked with her over the past 15 years, will perform in Antwerp before taking an extended leave to spend time with her children. It will be one of the last live BÉNABAR opportunities to appreciate French singer and songwriter Bénabar her seventh album, To Get draws audiences in with his chanson Her Together. Antwerp’s francaise lyrics and songs reflecting Sportpaleis on March 24. everyday life with a touch of humour. Seats start at ¤40. Forest National on March 20. Tickets www.sportpaleis.be from ¤34.50. www.forestnational.be

SHY’M CHRIS REA In 2006, French pop singer Welcome back Chris Rea, on

© last.fm Shy’m released her debut tour in celebration of The album, Mes Fantaisies, Santo Spirito Project, which which rose to number six includes three CDs and two in the French charts. Four DVDs. Rea is considered one songs from the album made the French Top of England’s most talented Ten, and she has released two more albums English singer-songwriters since then. Her style is mainly pop-dance and thanks to his husky voice and R&B, but her latest album is more electropop. guitar talent. Antwerp’s Lotto Forest National on March 23. Tickets at ¤39. Arena on March 13. Tickets www.forestnational.be from ¤39. www.sportpaleis.be

TRULS MØRK BRYAN ADAMS & KHATIA Having appeared many BUNIATISHVILI times at Belgium’s The Centre for Fine Werchter Music Festival, Arts welcomes back top Canadian musician Norwegian cellist Bryan Adams is back Truls Mørk, joined by again at Antwerp’s Georgian pianist Khatia Sportpaleis peforming Buniatishvili and his greatest hits. performing sonatas Heather Nova, with her for cello and piano by most recent album 300 Beethoven, Rakhmaninov Days at Sea, will open and Shostakovich. the concert. March 20; Centre for Fine Arts, Fournisseur Breveté de la Cour de Belgique tickets start at ¤43. Bozar, on March 7. www.sportpaleis.be Tickets from ¤16. Degand Tailleur - Degand Sport & Business - Degand Shoes: Avenue Louise 415 - 419, 1050 Brussels www.bozar.be Tel: +32 2 649 00 73 - Fax: +32 2 640 03 06 - Email: [email protected] - www.degand.be 12 personal developmenT

Post-it note portrait of the Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo at Socialist Party HQ © Tommy Forbes personal developmenT From poverty obscured by the Sarkozy versus Cameron uproar over the euro. Straight off Di Rupo must find public expenditure savings of 11.3 billion for a nation whose debt is 96 to power percent of the gross national product; there are no goodies to offer No stranger to public office, Elio Di Rupo took over as the electorate. Prime Minister of Belgium late last year, ending a political It is not yet known whether he can rise vacuum that lasted 18 months. Profile byDavid Haworth to the economic crisis. Is he just a snappily dressed boffin? Or is there real depth and stature in someone who claimed to his biographer: “My life is an ll last year and much of the scenery in the certain knowledge that it is angel’s tale. You couldn’t make it up.” previous one Belgium the best available for the time being. Indeed it is a strange trajectory, moving established a debilitating Whether – and for how long – he will be through the sump of Belgian politics for world record of being able to hold everything together is a large so many years, always attended by the without a government for question for Belgians and, increasingly, aggro of rust belt deprivation: wouldn’t A541 days. For most of that period of for the watchful elsewhere. angels have feared to tread? murky political and linguistic turmoil, no In some ways he’s an improbable one had any idea if the nation would figure. Born in Mons of an immigrant LANGUAGES survive in its present form, still less who Italian family, the youngest of seven Di Rupo’s sunny insistence on good would emerge from the children, his mother was Elio Di Rupo fortune doesn’t conceal his imperfect use intra-party negotiations as In some ways illiterate and his miner father of Flemish. He speaks French and Italian prime minister. It’s fair to say he’s an died in a motor accident when he honed a national profile as a battler plus English, but stumbles in the this historic vacuum did little improbable Elio was still a baby. He knew against the corruption which plagued the language used by the majority of the for Belgium’s reputation and figure poverty all right and, it might south of the country. He admitted to a population – 60 percent – and is mocked “the divided heart of Europe” be said, was bred into his biographer to having considered suicide for this. was increasingly cited overseas as Socialism. Appearing younger than his when falsely accused of sex with a minor. The premier has promised linguistic analogous to the European Union’s own years, bespectacled and with black hair a It was a malicious charge of which he was improvement right up to intelligibility, crisis as successive summits rolled by bit too long for statesman-like dignity, he cleared completely. During a politically which “Psychology Today” sneers at for inconclusively. is inevitably attired in dark suit, black dizzy moment pursuing media bellowed being “a modest ambition”. The shoes, white shirt and trademark bow-tie at him in the street: “Some people are publication calculates he will need COALITION - nearly always a red one, so that no-one saying you’re hundreds of hours Few threw their hats in the air, therefore, loses the point. homosexual.” He Inevitably attired in more tuition before when the 60-year-old political veteran Elio Di Rupo trained as a chemist, gained a shouted back: “Yes, I dark suit, black shoes, he gets up to speed in Di Rupo emerged just before Christmas doctorate from the University of Mons- am. So what?” After white shirt and Flemish and questions as the next Belgian Prime Minister. There Hainaut and lectured at Leeds University; that, he says, there were whether his brain is was some relief that what had become a were it not for politics, he might have some moments of trademark bow-tie “plastic” enough for national embarrassment, a sour joke become head of a laboratory pioneering silence. The issue, if it the task. even, was finally at an end; relief, too, that something arcane. But politics took hold ever was such, died on the spot. Much more to the point: would he had pulled together a six-party of him in an environment not for the The country’s economic predicament he have time? Needing to navigate coalition which satisfies most of the fastidious: Wallonia Socialism. Yet he gives Di Rupo no leisure for a reflective the perilous currents of Europe’s electorate except Flemish separatists, prospered as the movement’s boss for way out of trouble. His “in tray” held the financial and economic crisis is surely who still want more drastic schisms in twelve years, presiding over what one Dexia Bank portfolio; then there was the enough of a challenge; ideally he the way the country is ruled than the Belgian commentator dubbed “a genuine random massacre of Christmas shoppers requires calm to deal with a jaundiced familiar ones. crocodile pool”. in Liege at which he shed public tears. nation’s problems. But he must already For his part Di Rupo is a traditionalist, Between 2005 and 2007 Di Rupo was His first appearance on the international suspect that 2012 is Lady Luck’s clear-eyed about the wonky political Wallonia’s Prime Minister, a period when stage at an EU Summit was somewhat sabbatical year. 16 17 personal developmenT Qu’importe la conjoncture,

In 1961 a Belgian votre épargne prospère en toute sécurité diplomat launched a avec AFER Europe ! Learning new language on the world; Colin Moors finds out what the lingo became of it he idea of a universal huge amount of effort he put into LIFE upon the launch of his nets language, or to give his new language was honourable: language in 1961, Alfandari said: Taux de it the correct name, “Whether you are Flemish or “Mi tralir krei no nur un simpla mo * rémunération 2011 auxiliary language, Walloon, white or black, Americans an un bel linguo.” After 25 years of 3,43% is nothing new. or Russians, you all want peace. research and 1,300 pages of TInventors of auxiliary languages, To make an attempt to understand grammar and vocabulary, he was nets starting in the late 19th century and support each other.” ready to present the world with its **Moyenne sur les with Volapük and continuing with Alfandari tried very hard to own brand new lingua franca. His 97% 5 dernières années Esperanto, often spoke several ensure the grammar was as sentiments (“I have tried to create 3, European languages at least, and simple as possible. To his credit, not only a simple but a beautiful tended to make the grammar the entire grammar of Neo is language”) may have been inaccessible at best. explained on pages 12 and 13 of altruistic enough but, as LIFE Vous aspirez à une épargne simple, his 402-page study guide and pointed out: “Alfandari and a souple et mieux rémunérée, en toute EASY TO LEARN dictionary Rapid Method of Neo friend are currently the only two sécurité ? Although relatively unknown International Auxiliary Language. people in the world who speak it.” outside the field of linguistics, a A quick Google search will reveal Rejoignez les épargnants gagnants d’AFER Europe et comme eux, regardez croître votre Belgian diplomat called Arturo copies of his book for around ¤25. SUPPORT FOR NEO capital avec force et vigueur, sans prendre Alfandari perfected yet another With a severely limited user base, aucun risque. Nos résultats le prouvent : auxiliary language, but this one CONJUGATION public reaction was lukewarm. en 20 ans, une épargne déposée chez AFER had a twist – it was easy to learn. Verb conjugations in Neo are Alfandari received letters of Europe a plus que triplé. Intéressé ? Alfandari, as his name enough to make a student of even support and praise, some even suggests, was born an Italian. He French, German or Spanish written in Neo; it appears that his served as a cipher officer for the whoop with joy. All claims that Neo Italian High Command during the verbs, with no A simpler, more could be learned in Contactez-nous gratuitement et sans engagement au First World War, after which he exceptions, are accessible ten days, and settled in Belgium. He went on to conjugated in the language than complete fluency in 0800 13 143 become a diplomat for the Belgian same manner. There the lexicon of 60,000 government and ran a successful are no surprises Esperanto words achieved in export business. When he wasn’t when it comes to the around three months, occupied with these things, he gender of objects, as there is had some foundation. found the time to learn six other none. Everything, as in English, is Alfandari struggled to keep his languages – and to create an gender-neutral language. The language alive. Even though it was entirely new one. His new most striking feature of Neo is the touted by the International language, Neo, was essentially a obvious bias towards Romance Language Review as a simpler, + subset of Esperanto but he had languages in its construction, more accessible language than striven to make it easier and more appearing to be a healthy mix of Esperanto, and promoted by his Les épargnants gagnants accessible. He was also at pains Spanish, Italian, French and Latin. newly formed group for ‘Neists’, Av. Lloyd George 6 - 1000 Bruxelles to point out that Neo be used “… Anyone with even a basic grasp of the Friends of Neo (Amikos de Tél: 02.627.47.00 - Fax : 02.627.47.17 www.lesepargnantsgagnants.be when [the] two mother tongues any of these tongues should have Neo), it still didn’t catch on. He [email protected] differ too greatly for mutual no problem learning Neo. eventually formed the Neo comprehension,” and that “in each The main problem with Neo, as Academy, in the hope of further country, the national language is with so many other constructed promoting the language, but it sovereign, having nothing to fear languages, is that people would was already too late. A from a ‘second language’ like seem to prefer a language with a philanthropist, and driven by a Neo.” It is safe to assume that he greater user base – practise passion that consumed nearly a learned a lot from his time in makes perfect after all. In an third of his life, when Alfandari * Les rendements du passé ne constituent pas une garantie pour le futur. Les taux mentionnés concernent notre Fonds Garanti (Br 21). Le contrat d’assurance sur la vie multisupport AFER Europe est un contrat d’assurance sur la Belgium. The motive behind the interview with the US magazine died in 1969, Neo died with him. vie des Br 21 et 23 souscrit auprès d’AVIVA VIE et Aviva Epargne Retraite, compagnies d’assurance-vie établies en France - Succursales belges Avenue Lloyd George 6 - 1000 Bruxelles - FSMA 1479 et 1480. Fiche Info Financière disponible sur simple demande au 02.627.47.00, sur [email protected] ou sur le site www. lesepargnantsgagnants.be. 18

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The technology has now moved onto the Internet Technology to tackle dyslexia A new solution for reading problems involves no reading at all, reports Alan Hope

wo Israeli inventors have least one third of a second he cannot developed a system that can read the word.” dramatically improve the Wackwitz is a venture capitalist, but his reading abilities of children interest in BrightStar arose from a more with dyslexia in only six personal experience. “I got into it because Tweeks. But according to the man who’s my oldest son is dyslexic, though that’s a trying to bring the system to market, few years ago now. Because we live in conventional educators are offering Brussels, my son at age nine had to go to “nothing but resistance”. a specialised boarding school in the UK. The BrightStar Reader was developed When I finished high school my parents

by Saul Kullok and his son Jose, and is a sent me to boarding school for a year Yuri Arcurs @ Shutterstock deceptively simple system using because they thought I was too young for © computer games to train children’s brains university. When I came out I said to to overcome the basic problems which myself, I will never send my children to and your reaction time is measured. Both can still teach an old dog new tricks,” give rise to dyslexia, but which can also boarding school. But I had to with my parts of the game are designed not to be says Wackwitz. be used to tackle other learning nine-year-old, and it broke my heart. He as exciting as you might expect computer difficulties involving reading. lived at the school for three years and games for kids to be. ADVANCEMENT Oddly, perhaps, the only then I came in contact with this Remarkably, the developers claim the The results reported by the makers are computer games are technology. In his third year, I brought the system can produce results in only eight impressive: children who have followed designed not to be too technology to the school, we put 30 kids 12-minute sessions. British Olympic the system in controlled tests showed exciting. Odder still, this through the process, and at the end of swimmer Duncan Goodhew, who is advancement of between seven and 18 solution to reading problems that year I could take him home.” vice-president months in their age-equivalency scores, involves no reading at all. If a person does not rest of the Dyslexia depending on the reading scale used. But COMPUTER GAME his eye on a word for at Institute and getting the scores is a lot simpler than LICENCE The technology was originally a package least one third of a second has the convincing the educational establishment The technology, according of computer software, but has now he cannot read the word condition to adopt the technology. to Hans Wackwitz, a moved onto the Internet. The essence of himself, tried “Yes, there has been resistance,” Dutchman now living in the programme, however, hasn’t the system out and later declared: Wackwitz says. “Why? Because it’s at the Brussels who was so substantially changed. The game has two “Unless you have driven in fog, you crossroads between health, medicine and impressed by the system he parts. In one, you try to steer a car along don’t know what fog is like. Dyslexia education, and all of those sectors are bought the licence to market a winding road, while the software is a bit like fog. I’ve had a massive very, very conservative. Yes, there is it, “is a feedback system measures your accuracy. In the other, a improvement and I feel very comfortable resistance; remedial teachers for example Hans Wackwitz which strengthens neural pathways grid of squares is lit up by a flashing light from that point of view.” see it as a threat. But we will get there, between the two brain halves, and trains on which you need to concentrate, while Adults, then, may also benefit, although there’s no doubt.” the eye to become more still. If a person a sign telling you to press (or not press) their brains are less flexible than those of does not rest his eye on a word for at the space-bar appears from time to time, children. “They are less plastic, but you www.brightstar-learning.com 20 21 personal developmenT Losing a parent www.aspria.be Death is the single inevitability of life, yet few people are prepared for it; relationship counsellor Suzette Reed on coping with the death of a parent

uddhism has the words to support the bereaved Both have their place and both maxim, “we are alive person and it may be easier to can have elements of mourning therefore we will die”. avoid contact or steer but there is a risk of holding This is a simple and conversation away from sorrow at bay by focusing on life obvious truth of emotionally difficult areas. This and not on death. Celebration of Bexistence but one which we can be confusing and hurtful and, life may be a more reflective struggle to come to terms with. even if words are experience, which needs Death and dying are often a big hard to find or There is no time, where as grief is taboo in families, who would clumsily expressed, shame in present and vivid and needs readily discuss other life changing it is so much better sorrow, it is expression. If religious or experiences. to acknowledge loss natural and community rites feel There is the natural expectation than to ignore it. uncomfortable it is possible that parents will die before their necessary to find a meaningful way to children but nothing really MOURNING AND GRIEF grieve; make your own way, find prepares adult children for the Understanding and accepting the family sound for grief – loss of this relationship. When death takes time, even when whether this is words, songs, workout parents die we have to face a decline and illness have been pictures, meals, plants – whatever changed reality. The people who present for some time. Ceremony works. There is no shame in have brought us into this world and ritual is common in all sorrow, it is natural and have known us for all our life societies to mark the passage and necessary. are no longer there, so what is our from life to death. Mourning is a place in this family when we process that allows the MILESTONES become elders, who do we look expression of loss and grief and, As time passes there may be to for support? Adults who have in many societies, brings families sorrow for the family milestones lost a parent will often talk of the and communities together to find that will be missed: new births, intense loneliness they feel and a shared experience of sadness. weddings and celebrations, as some describe themselves There are many different ways of well as the personal family as “orphans”, mourning, and most are meanings – spring bulbs growing, remembering the Many people determined by cultural, summer light, whatever it may be. feelings and fears struggle to religious and family There may be sorrow for of early childhood. find words to customs and expectations. things that have been said or support the There is a human need done and for those that have MOVING ON to make meaning of the been left unsaid; for the questions The death of an bereaved loss and acknowledge left unasked. older person is not often the relationship which has Death rarely comes neatly recognised as having the impact now ended. with all the loose ends tied up. that the loss of a young life has, In our increasingly secular Death resonates with all the most and there may be the expectation culture it seems harder for people profound human experiences from friends and colleagues that to find meaning or solace in we have: a bit messy, confusing the bereaved person should move religious ritual, and there has been and full of emotion. The death on more quickly than they may a move away from funeral rites of a parent leaves a legacy as feel able. In the face of death and that grieve loss, to ceremony to well as a template for how we loss many people struggle to find celebrate the life of the deceased. might move on. 22

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Pilates www.aspria.be explained With 36 manuals and eight videos devoted to Pilates to her name, Master Instructor Kelly McKinnon opened Belgium’s first Pilates studio Corpus Studios in 1999 and also introduced the disciplines Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis and CoreAlign to this country; photos by Virginie Morel

ust about everyone has heard VERSATILITY of Pilates, but ask around and The mat is only one segment of a true few people know what it really Pilates “Hour of Power”. Traditionally, is. An American thing that film Pilates challenges the body in its many stars do to keep slim? A girly relationships to gravity. The extraordinarily Jthing that no self-respecting athlete would versatile apparatus offers endless want to do? A therapy thing for people possibilities to work the body on a moving with injuries? base, against the resistance of springs Pilates is a movement system which and in different positions, from the can benefit young, old, injured, and the horizontal to the vertical, building core weight training superfit: the deepest muscles close to strength, suppleness and stability, the joints are challenged and developed whether the goal is simply a healthy body to provide support, strength, mobility or competitive sports. and awaken the nervous and respiratory Pilates is not a therapy. If you are systems. broken, visit a doctor, physiotherapist, or Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) created the chiroprator. But too often people injure exercises drawing on themselves, and go to a doctor or his experience of years osteopath and then right back to the fun in sport, boxing, circus sport they started with, and in no time at arts and modern all end up back in the fix stage. The key is gymnastics. an adequate foundation which Pilates and The recent explosion other disciplines such as Gyrotonic, Yoga of Pilates in Europe has or Feldenkreis can provide. largely focused on Eventually everyone passes through “mat” classes to be the fix stage – bodies need maintenance found in just about any – but regularly performed cognitive self-respecting gym. Yet foundation exercises make for the most many of today’s mat efficient working body. A healthy body Pilates enthusiasts may delivers a healthy heart and respiratory not be aware that there system, which leads to a healthy mind is another extremely and spirit. important dimension Pilates offers a wide range of exercise to Pilates based on possibilities and working with specially mechanical apparatus designed equipment is especially designed and beneficial for sport-specific training, for developed by Joseph tennis and golf players and dancers. It Master instructor Kelly McKinnon with a class Pilates himself. can also strengthen backs, buttocks and > 24

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thighs, hips, the upper back and years should be working with the shoulders and tackle neck problems, seriously injured and then only after frozen shoulders and much more. suitable physiotherapy and with the green At whatever age, it helps keep its light from a doctor. practitioners agile with lean, strong, and defined muscles. And Pilates can THE IDEAL TEACHER radically improve the quality of life. A certified instructor should have undergone a Pilates education with QUALITY OF LIFE exams, apprentice hours, instruction in I have one client who had a back anatomy, pedagogical programming for operation and has several herniated Pilates - and they should be someone disks. He was in pain simply from who knows how to teach. Unfortunately, brushing his teeth. I took him on there are a great many Pilates teachers It helps keep its with the condition he committed to out there who cannot tick all of these practitioners three classes a week. Two years boxes. How do you know if your teacher later this person rides a bike to class is safe? A good teacher is attentive and agile with lean and downhill skis again, is able to teaches the student, not the exercise. My and strong, play with his children and enjoys the personal recommendation is to look for a defined muscles benefits of a healthy body. teacher who does not work out As the trainer it is my themselves during the class, but responsibility to understand the constantly checks the student’s body implications of damage to the spine, and position and execution of the exercise. factor this into my programming. Each Look for a teacher who has a plan for client has to respect the reality of his or you, an objective in each class, and a her own body, but quality of life can be strategy for your development; a teacher improved 100 percent. But remember who is informed about the individual that only an experienced teacher of many needs of their students, and who offers modifications to exercises when necessary to meet these needs. Make jacuzzi sure you choose an instructor who knows their limits and who teaches a class with only as many students as it is possible to control safely.

MUSIC AND VIDEOS Pilates videos are useful once you have had some face-to-face instruction and understand the concept; they are not a great place to start. There are different schools of thought, but as far as music is concerned, I would rather use breathing to give rhythm to the exercises. Pilates is about control and concentration, and if I want to give it my full attention I am personally better off without the distraction of music. Music has its own rhythm and emotion and but so does breathing. Culture, Business, Sports & Well-being Concentrating 100 percent for one Much more than a New Year’s resolution hour of cognitive exercise relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system. Our lives are so over-stimulated that to have an hour to focus only on oneself is a real pleasure. And it can be fun. www.aspria.be Be More www.corpusstudios.com 26

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country’s wealthy, export-oriented, recession, but the longer the eurozone and competitive economy, a strong crisis carries on, raising questions about track record of fiscal consolidation since leaders’ commitment to tackle high debt the mid-1990s, a high levels throughout the currency national savings rate, and a Government zone, the greater the chance the net external creditor bonds have crisis further weighs on the real position,” S&P wrote. traditionally economy. Van der Jeugt said the “The big risk is that the euro country’s sky-high savings been the area problems drag on,” says rate of 17%, the highest in province of Jens Høj, senior economist and the euro area, is particularly conservative head of the Belgian desk at the Investing important. A strong investors Organisation for Economic household savings rate Co-operation and Development means a country can raise money in Paris. “That creates a lot of uncertainty, to pay off its debt domestically, rather and investors hate uncertainty.” Teekid @ Shutterstock

© than rely on the fickle nature of For that reason, it’s probably too early in Belgium international for investors to buy back into Belgian investors. debt. Indeed, bond guru Bill Gross, who Belgium may have been spared a downgrade in its credit Belgium also runs the world’s largest mutual fund at rating, but financial journalistLaura Cohn warns it is probably has the benefit the Newport Beach, California-based too early for investors to buy back into Belgian debt of being close to investment firm IMP CO, warns investors Germany, to focus on US sovereign bonds this early two years ago, Jon OVERSOLD Europe’s year and avoid high-yielding European Corzine, the former But have investors oversold Belgium? In strongest bonds, which, in his view, have Goldman Sachs chief and other words, did Corzine make the right economy and “trap-door possibilities”. New Jersey Governor, bet, but at the wrong time? Belgium’s biggest made a big bet that Belgium’s economic fundamentals trading partner. DOWNGRADE NEuropean bonds would bounce back certainly do not look like they belong to a Serving as a S&P also warned Belgium could get because he did not believe any eurozone country with bond yields at nearly five contractor to worse. “There is at least a one-in-three country – other than Greece – would percent which is close to where the debt German industry chance we could lower the rating again in really default on its debt obligations. of Spain, wracked with one of the has helped prevent 2012 or 2013,” it wrote, adding that the But Corzine was spectacularly wrong. Continent’s worst housing bubbles, now the Belgian slowing economy could undermine The company he headed, trades. In fact, some experts say Belgium economy from Brussels’ ability to pay down its debt. It’s not right to MF Global, collapsed has been getting a bum rap. slipping into a “A downgrade could occur if general late last year, along with “It’s not right to put Belgium in the recession. In government debt net of liquid assets put Belgium in the rest of the eurozone same basket as Greece and Italy and addition, Belgium were to increase above 100 percent of the same basket bond market. Spain,” says Mathias Van der Jeugt, a Bond guru has finally formed a GDP… owing to rising economic and as Greece and Another casualty of the Brussels-based fixed-income strategist at Bill Gross government after 18 fiscal pressures.” Italy and Spain swoon has been Belgium. the Belgian bank KBC. months. Government bonds have With debt levels close to Even the credit rating agency Standard traditionally been the province of 100 percent of its economic & Poor’s, which downgraded nine WARNING SIGNS conservative investors, such as output – the highest in the eurozone, eurozone countries in January, seems But there are also warning signs for pension funds and those near except for Greece and Italy – and a to agree. S&P not only spared Belgium anyone thinking of investing in Belgian retirement who want a safe place to put swelling budget deficit, Belgium has from a downgrade, but it praised the bonds. Burned by weakness elsewhere in their money. For investors in that seen investors dump its bonds. In diversified, open Belgian economy Europe, the economy is now forecast to category, Belgian bonds are now mid-January, the country’s 10-year bonds and the government’s history of paying contract in the first part of this year before probably anathema. Only those with a were yielding above 4.5 percent, close off its debt. growing again next year. stomach for high risk should be thinking to euro-era highs. “The (decision) reflects our view of the Analysts don’t think it will be a deep about dipping back in. 28 29 Made in Belgium

On top of the world: Hooverphonic lead singer Noémie Wolfs © Charlie De Keersmaecker Made in Belgium topOn of the

worldAfter little more than a year with the Belgian rock-pop band Hooverphonic, lead singer Noémie Wolfs is gaining popularity and a widespread following. Behind-the-scenes photos by Blandine Lejeune

all and slender, with a the tools of their respective trades. self-confidence that belies “I’m very proud of the award,” says her 23 years, vocalist Noémie Wolfs. “We won it for everyone who Wolfs arrives for the Together works with us, and it’s a great cover photo shoot flushed compliment to get an award so soon in Twith the success of winning Best Band our first year together.” category at the annual Music Industry Awards. It’s an overcast, windy winter day PLATINUM in Brussels and freezing cold, so the Long having enjoyed international warmth of the palatial Hotel Metropole is a success, Hooverphonic has survived welcome relief. several reincarnations since forming in With carte blanche from the hotel 1995, the most recent being the addition management, photographer Charlie of Wolfs after band members Alex Callier De Keersmaecker and the stylist and Raymond Geerts set out with the go hunting for a location to take risky objective of replacing the former Behind the scenes photographs, and Wolfs bends over a lead singer who left to start a solo at the Together bathtub to wash her hair while the career. Of more than 1,000 applicants cover shoot hairdresser and make-up artist unpack from all over the world, only Wolfs – with > 33 Made in Belgium

Noémie Wolfs dons wooden bracelets and shoes by designer Céline De Schepper exceptional talent, but no musical see anything while you’re there, which is background or experience – met really frustrating.” expectations. Hooverphonic released She misses old friends, and has found the single The Night Before at the end it difficult to keep up with them – “It is of October 2010 to introduce Wolfs sometimes hard for them to understand to the world, and the album of the that I am working all the time – my same name came out a month later. It weekends are Monday and Tuesday” – went platinum in Belgium shortly after but appreciates the new friendships she its release. has formed, although there is currently no “I really liked Hooverphonic’s music, ‘significant other’ in her life. “I have 13 but I didn’t expect to get anywhere,” says men in my band – I don’t have time for Wolfs of the selection process. anyone else right now.”

PLANNING TEAMWORK Born in the Flemish village of The photographer wants Wolfs on the Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Wolfs says she balcony of the hotel room so he can has a “great bond” with her family, her shoot against the skyline; stylist Amke only complaint being she no longer has Rijkenbarg unpacks clothes borrowed the time to see them as often as she from the collection of designer Céline De would like. Another big difference is Schepper, while Wolfs has her make-up organisation and planning applied by Hassan and being told where she Of more than Benabid of Giorgio should be and when she 1,000 applicants Armani Cosmetics. This is should be there. “It from all over the a team that is used to controls your life working with each other, completely, which is okay world, only Wolfs hairdresser Juliette Girard because I really am a met expectations discussing the merits of chaotic person, so I need eating breakfast as she people who are organised.” If she has a manoeuvres hairdryer and curling tongs. complaint, it’s about “a lot of waiting “Frosties for me,” reveals Wolfs. around” between arriving at a venue, “I always like to work with Noémie,” sound checks and performing, which she enthuses Armani’s Benabid. “She has a puts down to “being a really impatient very porcelain skin, and her looks fit person”. Another disappointment has beautifully with our brand.” been the travel, which has so far included Comments Wolfs: “A year ago, I was gigs in Russia. “You know you are going not at all into make-up and hair; now my to play somewhere exciting like Moscow, friends ask me for advice.” And then: “I Stylist Amke Rijkenbarg but you also know you are not going to feel like Lady Gaga,” she quips, as outsize > arranges Wolfs’ pose 34 Made in Belgium Made in Belgium Brand- new on the block Up-and-coming graduate fashion Noémie Wolfs: designer Céline De Schepper is well I have realised on the way to having her own fashion my dream © Blandine Lejeune Blandine Lejeune © label, says Delphine Stefens

ith her fine features, with leather corsets, jewelled collars, and wooden bracelets are threaded onto piece orchestra. “We’ve got strings clear skin, intense chunky wooden belts, bracelets and her arms, before braving the cold and and trumpets – the whole shebang,” sparkling blue eyes shoes. No wonder, then, that it won the standing on the parapet of the balcony says Wolfs. One of the prerequisites to and lush red lips, annual prize offered by the Brussels overlooking the entrance of the her joining Hooverphonic was Céline De Schepper’s concept store Hunting and Collecting. As hotel – not for the vertiginous. Singing is her ability to reinterpret the Wstriking looks are reflected in the clothes well as winning a medal, items from “I love playing dress up. If I something back catalogue. and accessories she designs, such De Schepper’s collection were displayed had to do this every day – that Aware that she hasn’t had as those sported by Hooverphonic in the shop’s window in Rue des would be boring,” says Wolfs of I need to to struggle in the music lead singer Noémie Wolfs on the cover Chartreux and she was given the the shoot. “It is fun to do, like, do; it is my industry to make it big, she of this issue. opportunity to develop pieces for retail. 20 times a year but not every whole life says: “It is bizarre that Originally from Sint-Niklaas, day – I would make a terrible I have realised my De Schepper (23) lives in Brussels where FLOWERS AND FRUIT model. The most interesting aspect of dream early on,” revealing it was she studied fashion design at the city’s With work experience for Viktor & Rolf this job is that you can do different things actually also her father’s renowned La Cambre School of Visual under her belt, an enthusiastic every day.” childhood dream to become a Arts, graduating last year from the five De Schepper says her prints are inspired After several hours of preparation, the famous rock star. Wolfs is also year curriculum with her by wood marquetry and marble and she actual photo shoot is over in a matter of mature enough to recognise collection Sadness Is a draws further inspiration from the style of minutes, yet in that short time Wolfs has that her life is privileged in Colour shown at La Cambre’s nonagenarian fashion icon Iris Apfel, attracted the attention of passers-by on relation to other musicians and annual student fashion show. and the flower and fruit displays on the ground below. “They were shouting bands. “I used to think Mexican altars as photographed by things like ‘You should wear a helmet’,” musicians didn’t work as hard ETHNIC AND EXOTIC Tomás Casademunt. she giggles. as everyone else, but that is This is an ultra feminine This promising young designer was not true. It is more fun, but we collection of constructed also approached by the niche fashion SOLD OUT work just as hard.” She garments with a dash of firm JOPA Editions to conceive a Tickets for a planned series of concerts at pauses, and adds in a rush: “Singing drama and an ethnic and collection of accessories; once again, home in Antwerp in March and April are is something I need to do; it is my Hooverphonic is in exotic feel to them; shades of De Schepper chose to work with leather concert at Antwerp’s proving so popular – two nights have sold whole life, it means everything to me, Queen Elizabeth Hall brown dominate with touches and wood. Pieces from her limited edition out – that extra concerts have been it is like breathing. If I lost my voice it March 6, 7, 8 and April of orange, yellow or green. Would You Like are for sale through added. Fans will be treated to the best of would be a disaster – I would rather 27, 28, 29 – visit the Broad shoulders are balanced the JOPA gallery. website for details: 15 years of Hooverphonic backed by a 42 go blind than deaf.” www.hooverphonic.com Céline De by long trains and accessorized www.celinedeschepper.be Schepper 36 37 Made in Belgium

Céline De Schepper’s prints are inspired by wood marquetry and marble

Céline De Schepper: an ultra feminine collection of constructed garments with a dash of drama 38 39 Made in Belgium

Belgian Hampton Gigue fashion Bays

Jo De knows no Visscher borders During the past 30 years Belgian fashion designers have emerged on the world scene as a force to be reckoned with Caroline Biss

Joanne Vanden Avenne

Scapa Natan heck out the clothes by Belgian designers on these pages and spot summer’s hottest fashion trends: black and white or simply white on its own, Olivier geometric, iridescenct, lace, modern retro, pastel, Strelli Monsieur bold and animal prints and transparent – there’s Bul Csomething for everyone. If it’s too cold to go shopping, try visiting www.ledressing.be a website devoted entirely to Belgian fashion. Also worth checking out is the Smets Premium Store at 650-652 Chaussee de Louvain, the most recent fashion and design outlet to arrive in Brussels. Specialists in top level fashion and design, the store Annemie offers private underground parking, a café, wine bar and Verbeke restaurant. Or shop online at www.smets.lu. 40 41 Made in Belgium

Luc Duchene

Xandres

Sandrina Fasoli

Diane von Furstenberg

Rue Chris Blanche Janssens

43 Made in Belgium

Let’s face it Tips and tricks from top make-up artist Hassan Benabid, the National Face Designer for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. Photos by Blandine Lejeune

hen he describes how difference between that and skin tone, to apply make-up, then it is the right colour. Strong colour Hassan Benabid is used only to accentuate the wearer’s explains that the face best feature. to a cosmetics artist is Make-up brushes are an expensive Wlike a painter’s canvas to which colour, item, but can last ten years if they’re light and shade are added. properly looked after, “The trick is not to create a according to Benabid. “Wash mask,” he says. “The object is them regularly in cold water to make women feel good, to using shampoo,” he advises. accentuate their femininity.” “Hot water melts the glue and Benabid recommends the hairs fall out.” using a shaped foundation Benabid goes for false brush to apply foundation eyelashes when lighting is rather than fingers or a likely to be harsh. “Strong sponge. Before that he light on the eyelashes makes applies a base using a fluid them look smaller, whereas silicone primer which lasts for false eyelashes make the up to 12 hours and keeps eyes look bigger and normal, make-up looking fresh. He and that’s better than a lot always sets foundation with a of mascara.” dusting of powder. Concealer A Belgian national, born goes on top of foundation, in Holland of Moroccan- not underneath. Spanish parents, and It might sound like a lot, but with a background in the layers are light and don’t interior design, Benabid look or feel heavy. The Armani was approached by foundation he uses – semi- Giorgio Armani himself to mat Designer Lift – comes in join the company. “Make-up neutral shades to match the always fascinated me,” he wearer’s skin tone. The Hassan Benabid says. “I am a very creative product has become highly popular on cosmetics: person, and I think I have found the with professional make-up artists for the object is to make perfect marriage between me and the its ability to cover imperfections, while women feel good brand.” Obliged to stay up-to-date leaving skin looking natural. Never test with whatever is the current look, he The face to a foundation colour on the back of the says: “We create something new each cosmetics artist is hand, says Benabid; the best place is the season to match the fashion with the like a painter’s canvas skin just above the eyebrow. If there’s no perfect make-up look.” 45 Made in Belgium Banish winter blues Pep yourself up with these Made in Belgium products chosen by Delphine Stefens, and prepare for spring and warmer weather with a home beauty treatment

TRULY POLISHED hands and feet will benefit from a mani-pedi using Pro Nails. Cuticle remover (¤13), French manicure set (¤31,22) and Only Hand anti-age cream (¤13,75/50ml). www.professionails.com

For healthy hair and scalp, consider Implan hair care Belgian botany will come to the products, conceived by rescue of your face – get rid of the dead hairdresser to the royals cells that suffocate your skin with the 2B Roger and developed by Bio Beauty gentle exfoliator his pharmacist son. (¤30,85/200ml) and then revitalize with There are four different Bio Cocoon (¤71,60/50ml) which can be ranges for various needs: used both as a moisturizer and a mask. Indulge in a bath with dry or greasy hair, Ophyto carries a Prestige line for mature Belgian household brand dandruff and hair loss skin featuring a mask for weekly use Set the tone with Galenco’s Baby Classic (9 Plants shampoo (¤52,35/50ml). www.libinvest.com an Alixx scented bath cream or better yet and lotion ¤6,49 and candle manufactured bath oil (¤6,95 and ¤11,49/125ml) and all are in the Alixx family ¤7,95/250ml) and follow inspired by homeopathy workshop. Candles with the moisturizing milk and based on plants. come in various or massage oil (¤8,95 and www.implan.be shapes, sizes and ¤9,95/250ml) that will leave colors and fragrances your skin as soft as a include Tea Time and baby’s. www.galenco.be Vanille Gousse (from ¤19/120gr). www.alixx.com

46 47 Made in Belgium

Changing the face of time A Belgian industrial designer has built a new type of watch using groundbreaking technology. Having known him since childhood, fashion writer Delphine Stefens has decided to “kiss and tell”...

ow do you write about someone you have known since your were a toddler? Someone you (and your older sister) Hmade out with as a teenager? Someone whose brother you (but not your older sister) have also kissed? Whose sister happens to be a very dear friend? Whose mother was your teacher and whose father went to school with yours? You start by dishing the dirt, hoping to get him and his incredible talent the attention it deserves. Benoît Mintiens who’s 40 this year is now happily married with two beautiful children. He is handsome – think Robert Redford – and, as far as I can remember, used to be a real pain in the neck. But I suppose that is something you put up with when you know you are dealing with genius. Not that it was always obvious back in the days when he had terrible spelling and had to redo three Industrial designer years of high school. But he was also and watchmaker Benoît Mintiens witty and those who knew him believed > 49 Made in Belgium

in him. Did I mention he can also be What is so special about Ressence disarmingly charming? apart from the fact that it was conceived and developed by an industry outsider MODEL SHIPS who, true to his trade, believes form must As a teenager, he used to build model follow function, is the display and sailing ships. Not the kind you buy in bits underlying technology. Mintiens wanted and glue together; no, he actually to do away with traditional overlapping designed the ship itself, which for watch hands and evolved a way to work someone like me who had to resit nearly on one single plane. The watch face is a every mathematics and physics exam is a revolving disc with a fixed hand indicating sheer wonder. I remember being present minutes and three smaller discs – with for the launch of one of the early models hands indicating hours, seconds and am/ and the air of euphoria as it floated and pm – that revolve independently around then actually sailed. It came as no a virtual axis “like the moons of Saturn”. surprise that Mintiens later The face becomes a functional chose to attend Antwerp’s mechanical element in its Royal Academy of Fine Arts; Mintiens own right. after graduating as an turned down When Mintiens triumphantly industrial designer, he joined offers to buy presented his three prototypes the design firm Enthoven his idea to the watch and jewellery Associates where he is a industry’s annual world show in senior consultant. Basel two years ago, he Nowadays he no longer builds model generated a lot of buzz but turned down ships in his spare time, but watches. It all offers from well-established brands started in the mid-noughties when a wanting to buy his idea, explaining he was friend asked him to design a diamond having too much fun. Having established watch for men. Mintiens set out to use the the necessary contacts to produce diamonds for their functional qualities, components, fifty watches were soon in having them display time by channeling the making. Last autumn, Mintiens light emitted by LEDs. The project ended launched the SeriesOne, another 150 with the discovery that Tag Heuer was watches that now carry the Swiss Made Caruso • Lardini • Fay • WooLriCh • orian • roberto riCetti • drakes • santoni working on a similar project. But Mintiens label and assembled in Geneva.* Asked *Starting at ¤11,979 and available in tod’s • hoGan • baLLantyne • inCotex • aCqua di Parma was captivated and started investing his about the key to his success, Mintiens Belgium exclusively at free time and savings in designing a new comments: “Five percent inspiration and De Greef in Brussels kind of watch using groundbreaking 95 percent hard work – and thinking www.ressence.eu technology, with the intention of outside the box.” www.degreef1848.be reinventing the face of a watch and how we read time.

NUCLEAR HIGH-TECH The Ressence Designing the watch was one thing, SeriesOne getting it to work quite another. Not wanting the Swiss watchmaking industry to get wind of the project before he could secure a patent, it took Mintiens two years of hard labour, turning to Belgian and Dutch aerospace and nuclear high-tech when pieces he needed were unavailable. In 2009, he launched the brand Ressence – the name stands for renaissance de l’essentiel (re-birth of the basics) – to produce his WECKX & COMPAGNIE ( Stockel Square ) Maglia art. c.12/B07520 > col. 7200 comp. 100% cashmere ZeroSeries, its logo reminiscent Cappello art. c.12/B07922 > col. 7200 comp. 100% Cashmere avenue de HinniSdael 1150 BruxelleS Jeans mod. partenope-L > art. 2110881 lav. 1508 Giubbotto mod. Bcl41 > art. 2110231 col. 60 of the emblem of Antwerp, his Sciarpa art. 4284 > col. 50 comp. 100% se home town. tél. +32 (0)2 772 90 83 i Fax +32 (0)2 772 90 83Scarpe mod. 1600 > art. 4302 col.062 50

Wecks.indd 1 22/11/11 18:49 Obertauern. Made in Belgium Where slopes sparkle in the sun! Modern icons Co-director of a family-owned art gallery, Edouard Mazel has united two young Belgian photographic artists in the exhibition Made In Belgium

he work of artists Jimmy invisible to the naked eye. His Tate de Bock and Bruno Modern Inside reveals emerald green Timmermans is both original light; the ceiling in Centre Pompidou and innovative, fitting in with is azure. a long Belgian tradition of Bruno Timmermans’ portraits from his Tsurrealism and self-deprecation. De New Icons series have also been through Bock’s reflections on society are the filter of Belgian wit and traditions, and channelled through photographic images are equally loaded with bold elements of famous cultural buildings, while and slightly black humour. Timmermans works with photographs of His Warhol-inspired gallery of portraits modern celebrities. unite leading personalities of the 21st The cult of surrealism, which continues century. Each face has been tattooed to influenceB elgian creativity, is the key to with the elements that Timmermans understanding de Bock’s work. His feels have inspired their lives. In the buildings move, but people remain static. case of Amy Winehouse, the late singer, Until March 10 His pictures are the result of hundreds of sadly, sports a headband bearing the It’s Snowtime in Obertauern from the end of November Mazel Galerie, Rue static and dynamic shots that have been legend Jack Daniels. On Lady Gaga’s Capitaine Crespel 22 to the beginning of May. B-1050 Brussels digitally recombined. He also reveals ‘infra forehead, Timmermans has stamped www.mazelgalerie.com colours’ – present in buildings, but the word ‘Queen’. • Fantastic holiday feeling in one of the best snow-guaranteed skiing areas in the Alps • Winter sport conditions at their very fi nest • Romantic atmosphere right in the middle of a fairytale-like mountain world

Obertauern at a glance: 100 km of slopes, 26 cable cars and lifts, night-time slopes, snow kiting school, 5 skiing and snowboarding schools, fun park for snowboarders

Event dates: 19.4. – 22.4.2012: Austria’s biggest treasure hunt – The Gamsleiten Criterion. Main prize 2012: BMW X1

Attraktive Pauschalwochenangebote: 24.3. – 31.3. / 14.4. – 1.5.2012: Sun & Fun Weeks 7.4. – 21.4.2012: Bobby‘s Snow Adventure! Learn to ski from € 149,-. Sensational children’s and family packages.

Artist Bruno Timmermans; Artist Jimmy de Bock; his his Gaga+ (above) Tate Modern Inside (above) © Mazel Galerie & © Mazel Galerie & Information and details: courtesy of the artist courtesy of the artist www.obertauern.com

Tourist Association Obertauern | Pionierstraße 1 | A-5562 Obertauern Tel. +43(0)6456 / 7252 | Fax +43(0)6456 / 7252-9 | [email protected] www.obertauern.com 53

LT_OBT_ANZ_Together_165x230_EN_RZ.indd 1 26.01.12 16:41 Made in Belgium

Jimmy de Bock, Centre Pompidou (été) © Mazel Galerie & courtesy of the artist

Bruno Timmermans, Winehouse + © Mazel Galerie & courtesy of the artist 54 55 life of leisure

View of Mount Meru, Tanzania, taken from half-way up Mount Kilimanjaro © David Griffiths life of leisure

drink five litres of water a day or going to the loo...a lot. Helping us through all of this we had seven guides and 35 porters who carried everything – our rucksacks, our tents, all the cooking equipment, the toilets – everything. Every morning they would pack up our equipment after we left camp, overtake, and, by the time we arrived at our next destination, be waiting with pitched tents, a cooked meal and endless questions about Wayne Rooney. I don’t know how they did it, they’re truly amazing. Another three days to go STAY POSITIVE It turned out that the random bloke in the pub was right, you don’t actually need to Climb every mountain: kilimanjaro be super-fit to climb Kili. But you do need bucket-loads of determination. If and when altitude sickness strikes, you have to know you’re going to get through it. This became very apparent on days two Aiming and three, when I suffered badly from headaches, nausea and the equivalent of one of the worst hangovers on record. But the guides are there to tell you to keep drinking water and keep for the top eating – you lose your appetite at high At 20,000 feet above sea level, Africa’s biggest mountain, Tanzania’s altitude – and keep a positive attitude. And that really is the key, keeping Mount Kilimanjaro, is the highest walkable mountain in the world. positive. That may sound a bit naff to a Andrew Chaplin recounts his climb to the summit in aid of charity slightly cynical Brit like me, but it’s true, Andrew (r) and you need every ounce of Rocky-like and Michael ilimanjaro was both a would be other climbers in our group. self-belief for summit night. Chaplin at base camp on personal challenge and a They turned out to be five Brits, two To put it mildly, summit night was summit day family holiday as my dad Canadians and four Americans, a real absolutely hideous. I can best explain this (John) and brother mixed bag of ages, backgrounds and by outlining the day’s schedule: Michael had signed up for accents, but all with the shared desire to Kthe climb as well. My training programme go walking up the side of a very large 1830 Finish dinner. Go to bed. was meant to be two months of intensive dormant volcano. We chose the Rongai Try to sleep gym sessions and long walks. Then route, which is a six-day, five-night climb 2230 Wake up (if you slept). December happened and I unwittingly and one of the more scenic paths, with a Have breakfast went on the – gruelling at times – mince good success rate of people getting to 2330 Begin climbing 1,200 metres pie and mulled wine training regime. the top. to the summit Come January 5th and our flight out to 0630 Arrive at the summit after seven Tanzania, I had probably done a fifth of LONG WALK hours of walking in sub-zero what I had hoped to. But, hey, someone Once on the mountain we averaged temperatures in complete in some pub somewhere told me that about seven hours of walking a day, darkness. Shattered you didn’t need to be that fit to climb except for summit night – and I’ll get to 0645 Begin the hour and a half walk Kilimanjaro, so I was that in a bit. Apart from around the crater rim to Uhuru obviously going to be fine. walking through jungle, – the highest point (5,895 metres) We had chosen to go with Would I moorland, scree, snow and 0815 Arrive at Uhuru – delusional, The African Walking do it again? clouds, the rest of the time running on empty, incredibly Thumbs up from the Chaplins at the mages Chaplin © Andrew

Company, which meant there Absolutely not you’re either eating, trying to I emotional. Take some photos. Cry > top; l-r: Michael, Andrew, John. 58 59 life of leisure

There are six official routes to the top of Kilimanjaro; David Griffiths has a few tips for Climb every mountain: Nepal anyone attempting the climb

aving lived in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro while working Hfor the UN International Criminal To the roof Tribunal for Rwanda, I had always thought about conquering this epic beast. The tallest mountain in Africa is a beautiful thing to behold, towering above the plains of the Serengeti as it does, just like in the of the world Kilimanjaro Known as a hippy hangout is a dormant Toto song. The climb itself is not that bad, volcano until the last day. Due to the altitude, you in the 1960’s, Nepal lost its move up the mountain at a glacial pace attractiveness as the result 0830 Begin the hour and half walk for six days – I took the Machame route of many years of political back round the crater rim – then brave the summit – a marathon upheaval. With tourism on 1000 Begin the three hour climb down climb pitting you and your body against the rise again after a back down to camp your mind, which is constantly asking why 1300 Rest for one hour. Eat lunch on earth you’re doing this. I can only period of relative stability, 1400 Do a casual three hour walk to the describe it as like walking for eight hours Suzette Reed toured the next camp in the dark up a black ski run covered in Himalayan state by motorbike 1700 Arrive feeling 90 years old and sand. My guide, Emanuel Motta of never wanting to stand up again Summits Africa, an old friend who I One of my early memories You move up had played rugby with while living is riding with my dad on NEVER AGAIN the mountain at in Tanzania, gave me one brilliant his motorbike; bikes Seventeen-and-a-half exhausting, intense a glacial pace tip for the summit climb that I will remained a feature of my and draining hours. Was it worth the pass on: many Kili climbers want life in my teens and effort? Yes. Did I feel an amazing sense of to summit at sunrise for obvious reasons. Otwenties, but two babies dampened my achievement when I reached the top? To do so, they have to get up at midnight enthusiasm and I rarely rode when the Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely not. and climb during the coldest part of the children were small. But when my Kilimanjaro was an incredible once-in-a- night: and let’s be clear about this – it is husband Martin and his biking buddy lifetime experience, and I really do mean cold. Thanks to my guide, we instead Dave came up with a plan to go to Nepal, the bit about once. started our climb at five in the morning ride bikes and visit temples, I was ready There was much discussion between and caught sunrise while on the face of to take to the road again. the people in our group about how we’d the mountain, just as impressive, but with Bikes are a great way to see Nepal, as report back on our Kili-experience. We the benefit that on arrival at the summit, public buses are generally crowded, said we’d be idiots to recommend it, but we weren’t as cold and miserable as uncomfortable and notoriously unreliable, then again we were half-way down a every other climber. Instead of heading and hiring a car in Nepal is next to mountain, oxygen-starved and completely straight down the mountain like many impossible. On a bike you can take in the Above: The group bikes and the bumps and scrapes we delusional at the time this discussion took David Griffiths: other parties we passed who were views, stop along the way and absorb of British and were likely to encounter. The climb Spanish riders place. With a small amount of hindsight, it itself is not freezing after six hours in the dark and the sights, sounds and tastes of Nepali made frequent After a day and a half experiencing the is an incredible thing to do, and – in a that bad, until cold, we were able to stay at the summit life. Several tour companies offer ‘biking stops in small chaos, colour and confusion of the last day villages complete U-turn of what I previously said for a few hours, and climb the with backup’ – freedom of the road and Kathmandu, acclimatising and doing the – I would definitely recommend it. (now receding) glaciers – an local knowledge combined with tourist sights, taking in the Hindu temples However, it’s much harder work than I incredible experience that will mechanical and medical support. and Buddhist stupas, we headed for the had foolishly given it credit for, and that remain with me always. One last We became part of a group of 12 medieval walled town of Bhaktapur to big lump of dormant volcanic rock tip: take some large body wet riders, aged from 21 to 60, five Brits and pick up the bikes, Royal Enfield Bullets, doesn’t make it easy. wipes to keep yourself nice and seven Spaniards, the adventure traditionally used by the Indian military clean while on the climb. I won’t beginning with a medical check by the and police force. They are sturdy, heavy, The Chaplins’ Kilimanjaro climb raised nearly ¤5,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity. To sponsor them, say any more than that, but you retired English doctor who accompanied and sound like an impending visit www.justgiving.com/the-charlies will thank me for it, as will anyone us. Wendy had spent the previous six thunderstorm. Andrew estimates that flight, climb and equipment for one costs in the region of ¤3,000 climbing with you. months touring India by motorbike, so The first day’s journey took us on a

www.africatravelresource.com mages © David Griffiths

www.summits-africa.com I had plenty of experience of the roads, the stunning ride along the Nepal/Tibet trade > 60 61 life of leisure

route, known as the Friendship Highway. Suzette Reed spent an Huge freight trucks importing Chinese action-packed 15 days goods hurtled down the mountain side touring Nepal by motorbike with scant regard for other vehicles, the roads lined with settlements of refugee Park just in time to watch the sun Tibetan families. The border bridge has a go down. Chitwan means ‘heart red line painted across the middle to way with my X-rays in a brown of the jungle’ and from here you show where Nepal ends, and China/Tibet envelope. Over the following few days, can ride an elephant into the jungle in the sand. Camping overnight on an island, begins. Nepal is said to see itself as an a few others slid off their bikes but hope of glimpsing something rare and we were generously fed and entertained ear of corn caught between the two huge only Dave’s wife Wigs had any lasting wonderful, which in our case included an by local villagers. Two of our group grindstones of India and China, and on damage, a fracture to her foot, which Indian one-horned rhinoceros and a announced their engagement on the trip; the Friendship Bridge the fragility of a meant she has to ride pillion for the rest gharial crocodile, but sadly no tigers. the village priest blessed them and they small, impoverished, and vulnerable state of the journey. After two restorative nights in Chitwan were given an engagement party was very evident. we were back on the road heading for the We were told they will never forget. JUNGLE hill towns of Gorkha, Pokhara and Tansen how to escape Our final day was spent TUMBLE We stayed at the Last Resort, a tourist for few a days of exploration. The traffic trekking through the reserve and As we gained height, we experienced our venue 12 km from the border, perched on was lighter, affording us time to watch dangerous we were told how to escape first tumble – and guess who was the edge of a gorge over the Kosi River, black kites soaring on the thermals and animals dangerous animals: elephants – involved? I was riding pillion with Martin and only accessible by a narrow see the early morning sun hit the snow on run to the river and cross the and some scree in the road caused the suspension bridge over the river 160 the Annapurna peaks, turning them from boulders (as they find it hard to back of the bike to wobble. We were metres below. We spent two days there in white to pearlescent pinks and gold. We manoeuvre on them); rhino – climb the heading for a vertiginous drop and he posh safari tents on the terraced forest stopped in little villages for Nepali tea, a nearest tree and rise above their eye over-corrected, hitting the front brake, slopes. For entertainment we were sweet and spicy concoction, and snack level; tigers – stand still. They rarely attack and we slid slowly and gracelessly into a offered a range of extreme sports – on pakoras and samosas for lunch. humans, but if they do you’ve got no culvert. The bike fell into the ditch, Martin bungee jumping, white water rafting, and People came to stare at us. Children chance. fell onto the handlebars and I fell onto mountain biking. The arrived first, curious and watchful. They Fortunately none of these techniques Martin and toppled sideways onto rocks. Nepal is said to see bungee jump is one of the put their hands together in Namaste, the needed to be employed and we returned He had bruised ribs and my left hand was highest in the world, and Hindu greeting. Older men were more to our camp having seen lots of wildlife swelling. The bike had smashed wing itself as an ear of travellers make their way interested in the bikes and the protective without feeling too threatened. mirrors and a broken headlight. Martin corn caught here to prove they are alive clothing we were wearing. The next day we flew back to got back on but I was ushered into the between the two by courting death. The Last Kathmandu with the interestingly named back-up van following us. Wendy thought huge grindstones Resort is good on green RIVER TRIP Yeti Airlines, before leaving for home. As I might have a fracture so we headed for of India and China credentials, with compost Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve was our we boarded our homeward plane, I a clinic. toilets and solar powered final destination. After an overnight stop, looked up at the night sky to see the Within half an hour my hand and wrist showers and sauna. we left the bikes and took to rafts. Gliding moon in almost total eclipse, a magical were X-rayed on a rather rickety machine, The next day was a sweeping ride to down the river, we pulled the rafts up end to an eventful 15 days. but it was only a sprain. A nurse applied Nagarkot for an overnight stop. On a clear occasionally to trek with local guides into Blazing Trails Tours £1,999; some topical pain relief and bandaged day Nagarkot, at 2,175 metres, has the reserve, where we glimpsed return flight £647, outbound: me up. The cost of treatment came to the fantastic views of the Himalayas. Rising at elephants, monkeys and deer, and Jet Airways (Heathrow-Mumbai-Kathmandu); inbound: Gulf Air (Kathmandu-Bahrain-Heathrow) equivalent of ¤6, and I was sent on my 5h30, we reached the Chitwan National discovered tiger paw prints on the wet www.blazingtrailstours.com 62 63 life of leisure

It is the adventure of a lifetime, Climb every mountain: Mongolia and anything can happen

sun,” they recalled. “We’re not quite sure What are whether the statue was some secret Austin Powers style rocket, or whether we were just done for standing on the grass, but either way, we were whisked off to the you doing local police station.” On arrival, the team sat around for what seemed an eternity, to finally be confronted with a jovial police chief, not unlike Chief Wiggum in The Simpsons. this summer? Uzbekistan follows Turkmenistan on Need a break from the Greek debt crisis? European summits not this epic journey, with teams winding their keeping your heart rate up? Join the starting grid of the Mongolia framing the Black Sea, undoubtedly one way along the infamous Silk Route, taking of the most beautiful driving experiences in ancient cities like Samarkand and Charity Rally 2012, urges charity trustee David Griffiths on earth. The path then traverses the landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, a Georgian mountains to Tblisi, and into building dating back to the 14th century. the oil state of Azerbaijan. A ferry from After that, it’s on to Kazakhstan. “Borat Baku goes to Turkmenistan, where teams doesn’t really do the country justice,” his summer, the Mongolia are donated on arrival to Go Help, for use can link up with other charity ralliers who observed one of the ralliers. “It’s an Charity Rally, an epic 15,000 in its ambulance project or to support the drove through Iran. amazing place, the size of Western km charity road trip from many worthwhile projects pioneered by And this is where the real fun starts. Europe. And it takes a long time to drive London to the ancient this innovative charity. This is the testimony from one of the 2011 across it.” Mongol capital of Last year, Go Help linked up with the ambulance teams fresh back from TUlaanbaatar, will be winding its way London Ambulance Service to take Mongolia: “Arriving in Turkmenistan by through Belgium on the way to Mongolia possession of seven ambulances that ferry was like something out of a Bond via a host of countries including Turkey, were slated for decommissioning in the movie,” recalls Stacey. “As the ferry docks Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan UK. Following a launch from Horse in Turkmenbashi, a Caspian Sea port with and Russia. The annual charity event, Guards Parade in central London, the rocky crags surrounding it that make it run by international aid charity Go Help, rally teams set out on the adventure of a look Iike the surface of the moon, you are encourages its charity ralliers to take lifetime, covering a quarter of the surface approached by a phalanx of customs and part in the event using ambulances, of the globe to deliver the ambulances immigration officials dressed in Soviet-era motorbikes, and commercial vehicles that to Mongolia, where they have found a uniforms with massive mushroom hats.” new lease of life serving hospitals, Having cleared immigration and orphanages and other facilities where customs, teams move forward to they are badly needed. Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan: vast, new, shiny, Soviet-style buildings, no EUROPE TO ASIA doubt built using the proceeds from the Teams can take any route they like to country’s enormous natural gas reserves. make it to Mongolia, though most like to And not a person in sight – until, as the head south towards Turkey. After crossing Charity Rally team members describe, the land bridge between the European they were arrested: “We were standing on and Asian continents, teams typically a patch of grass, filming this enormous Arriving in southern Russia, teams take head for Istanbul for a couple of days of pedestal, could have been a hundred feet in cities like Barnaoul and drive through R&R following the long drive from high, topped with a gold statue of the late Russian dacha land: wealthy Russians London. After a Turkish bath or two, they Turkmen leader, that rotates to face the keep scores of holiday homes in this then have a choice between heading pristine wilderness, where white water across Turkey to Iran, or driving north to rafting rides costs ¤5 – safety optional. Georgia, winding their way along a route Madness, in hindsight, but The drive through southern Russia is set on the edge of treacherous cliffs brilliant, simply brilliant short, but it takes teams into the Altai > 64 65 life of leisure The specialist of mountains, the gateway to Mongolia and the Luxury tailor made-tours and highlight of the trip. holidays to far away destinations... MONGOLIA This is what the team had to say an unforgettable mix of emotions: about it: “Driving into Mongolia was, an exquisite art de vivre, outstanding accommodation simply put, Come and visit us... In a cosy atmosphere while sharing a cup of tea, tell us amazing. You would be driving about your wishes : all of your wishes ! along a dirt track and then be confronted by a mountain. No road up it, no road around it, and so you just put your our stomachs after the local Mongolian ambulance in low gear and over you go. mechanic refused to fix our vehicle unless We also had to drive through rivers with we spent the night with his family, no bridges, the water so deep that the drinking Mongolian vodka – lethal, by the wheels of the ambulance were way – and eating goat meat served with submerged – madness, in hindsight, but Yak’s milk.” brilliant, simply brilliant”. It isn’t all fun and games though. CHINA “The Mongolia Charity Rally site has a Arrival in Ulaanbaatar isn’t the end of the disclaimer when you sign up; it reads: trip. Participants hand their vehicles over ‘You may die’. That really brings it home. to Go Help so they can start a new lease It is the adventure of a lifetime, and of life, and then teams catch the train to anything can happen. We were fortunate; Beijing on the trans-Siberian railway. the worst breakdown we had was fixed “Crossing the Gobi desert on a train was pretty easily, and the only casualties were magical. Entering China, the tracks wind their way in and out and under the Great Wall, it’s quite a sight. Chinese station The Mongolia Charity Rally site masters salute the train as it goes has a disclaimer when you sign through. It’s just a different world.” The up; it reads: ‘You may die’ teams finally end up in Beijing, a modern The Bible of tailor-made travel contrast to the month spent traveling in complimentary upon request rural wilderness. by phone 02/218.24.84 “You don’t need to know anything about cars, or have been in the Scouts, to take part. This trip is for everyone. There was one guy we met, an American doctor, who was 88 years old and driving his ambulance on the Mongolia Charity Rally. The experience will stay with us forever. Anyone considering it should Rue César Franck 44a take the plunge, not only will they not 1050 Bruxelles @Frans Lemmens @Frans regret it, but it will change their lives for Tél.: +32 (0)2 218 24 84 Lemmens @Frans the better. There’s still plenty of adventure [email protected] Guide du to be had in this world, you just have to Voyage sur Mesure go out and live it.”

For further information visit mongolia.charityrallies.org www.continents-insolites.com or email Go Help at [email protected] 66 life of leisure

beach that stretches for miles. For those looking to escape the stress of overcrowded destinations, look no further Journey than this Moroccan gem. ECO-FRIENDLY Adventure enthusiasts will rejoice at the selection of water sports and other outdoor activities including horse riding, to an oasis camel riding, quad biking, and mountain With an award winning beach, rave reviews and a reputation for excellence, biking. If a relaxing round of golf sounds Lauren Omahen discovers Mazagan Beach Resort is the epitome of more appealing, the 18-hole golf course Moroccan luxury and the go-to destination for an exotic vacation overlooking the ocean is challenging as well as eco-friendly. Designed by Gary Player, the South African golfer and nvisage lush gardens and instantly put at ease by friendly and eco-enthusiast, it is built on the natural picturesque villas, the crash attentive staff. The resort’s 500 rooms contours of the land and features of water as it meets the and suites are vibrant with colour, Platinum Paspalum grass that thrives on beach, the scent of jasmine contemporarily furnished in traditional salt water. Player ensured that existing tingling the senses. Picture dark wood, and equipped with generous dunes and vegetation of were maintained Eswimming pools surrounded by palm bathrooms, each with a full size tub as in their natural state during the trees, with parasols providing soothing well as a walk-in shower. The roomy construction of the course. The golf shade from the sun. Ranked the top hotel accommodation offers spectacular views course is not the only green initiative at in Morocco by Voyages & Hotels de Reve, across the Atlantic Ocean, overlooking Mazagan: more than 2,308 trees and Mazagan Beach Resort won the lagoons, a golf course, patio, pool 1,324 palm trees have been planted, and organisation’s Oscar for best and gardens. Boasting 11 bars and developers continue to add greenery to The real treat location in 2010, its beach rated restaurants, spa, nightclub, and casino, it the grounds. lies just beyond the ninth most beautiful in the is easy to understand why Mazagan is For some serious pampering, try an world by French daily La considered Morocco’s finest luxury afternoon at the resort’s spa to rejuvenate the resort’s Nouvelle Tribune. getaway. But the real treat lies just mind, body and soul. The Mazagan walls in the beyond the resort’s walls in the natural Signature Treatment combines ESPA natural beauty NATURAL BEAUTY beauty of the land. therapy techniques with Moroccan A variety of packages start at the equivalent of ¤182 per night for a of the land Surrounded by striking Moorish Located 90 km south of Casablanca by nourishing oils and mineral-enriched mud king size room, including breakfast for two adults and two children, free airport transfers, free access to three Kids’ Clubs, and free architecture, arches adorned the ocean, Mazagan is completely for the ultimate experience. And really, access to the casino and night-club. Full board packages are also with intricate geometric shapes leading to secluded. A chain of hotels and a slew of what could be better than indulging in a available, and suites range from ¤1,832 to ¤3,683 per night. roomy courtyards dressed with flowers tourists surround most vacation hot spa treatment while gazing at the sandy Check the website for current special offers. www.mazaganbeachresort.com and mosaic tile fountains, guests are spots, but Mazagan is its own oasis on a beach and crystal clear water? www.espaonline.com 68 69 life of leisure

hat is it about marriage being the location for the bridal party’s II listed and owned by the Crown Estate it that persuades the departure for the church – to join me and was originally the home of the bank Cox & Anglican clergy to her father to get dressed for the Kings; the Sofitel’s adjoining Spa attempt stand-up wedding without anyone getting Let Sofitel – the current customer trend A good comedy? My in anyone else’s way. take over favours a spa weekend – was Wgoddaughter’s wedding in London was We’d arrived the previous also formerly a bank. So I may the banks no exception, with the vicar so intent on afternoon to discover that it inadvertently have stumbled delivering excruciating one-liners in made sense to invite daughter and across a solution to the economic crisis: From ¤265 for a room and from advance of the bride’s arrival, he forgot to goddaughter to join us at the hotel let Sofitel take over the banks – or, at ¤445 for a suite. night’s both deliver his address and introduce the restaurant for dinner while the groom was least, the buildings that house them. www.sofitel.com first hymn. The upshot was he married an out with his mates, rather than join them otherwise happy couple with almost at the flat to make buttonholes for the indecent haste, the advantage being that following day. To be honest, it didn’t take we were all in and out of a freezing cold much persuasion and all doubt was sleep in church in the middle of January – one dispersed when they read the menu, a next to the River Thames where delightful mix of French and British (according to the vicar) Henry VIII married ingredients and cooking. Ever had British Jane Seymour – within 45 minutes. snails? The charcuterie bar at The Balcon is an innovation and a revelation, serving London cured meats from locations across the SO TO BED Editor Patricia Kelly was a guest After an evening of champagne and British Isles. A knowledgeable waitress of the Sofitel St James in London ceilidh – Scottish dancing to the – a native Francophone with good English uninitiated – it was a relief to take the like many of the front-of-house staff – weight off my feet and collapse into bed. provided sensible and affordable advice And what a bed: I think it was the feather on the wine list. We managed to escape top-mattress that contributed to one of with a bill for around ¤250 which included the best night’s sleep I can remember for pre-dinner drinks in the St James bar – a long time. The other night I can modeled on Coco Chanel’s 1920’s Paris remember was the night before in the apartment – main courses for four same bed. The beds at the Sofitel are people, wine, beer, water and pudding so popular that the hotel chain markets for two. Not bad for Central London them and the bedding under the on a weekend. trademark “SoBed”. CROWN ESTATE SPACIOUS Located at the bottom of Regent Street in Most London hotel rooms are so tiny only Waterloo Place on the corner of Pall Mall one person in a room is permitted to and almost opposite Jermyn Street, the move at a time. Here, the room and Sofitel St James is ideally located for bathroom were large enough to shops – most of them open on Sunday comfortably enable my daughter – her flat – and London’s West End theatres. Grade 70 71 life of leisure A SWEET SECRET HANDMADE WITH LOVE Dress to IN THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM. impress Discover our fascinating story & buy online at: www.cuberdonsleopold.com The Antique Café in the Belgian seaside resort of Knocke-Heist is the cool location for this fashion shoot; antique hunters can browse and buy or simply sip coffee in the fabulous surroundings

Photographer Yvan Barbera Stylist Jean-Jacques Tumba Left leather jacket, dress and scarf Dolce & Gabbana Make-up Virginie Wolfs Right dress and scarf Dolce & Gabbana; leather Location Antique Café, Knocke-Heist and fur jacket Burberry; dress Dolce & Gabbana Models Odile and Lara 73

Pub Together 1 page.indd 1 1/25/2012 3:43:15 PM life of leisure

Standing dress Prada Dress Prada Seated coat Burberry

Standing silk Dress Miu Miu; scarf dress Dolce & and mittens Mia Zia Gabbana Seated dress Dolce & Gabbana

Left scarf, fur hat Dolce & Gabbana; tunic Paul Right coat Burberry 74 75 life of leisure

chris janssens

levis tommy hilfiger

feeling UGG blue Denim never seems to go out of fashion, and yet again twin features heavily in converse set this year’s look for summer – but there’s something for everyone.

Diesel

Liujo

Scapa

pepe jeans

76

Manutti_together mag_13_02.indd 1 13/02/12 14:15 ™ life of leisure FREE DOT OR CHILDREN’S CHAIR

diesel

pepe jeans

™ liujo Receive a complimentary Dot stool or a Series 7™ children’s chair when you buy four identical Arne Jacobsen stack- ing chairs. Choose between Series 7™, the Ant™ or Grand Prix™ chairs. The Dot and Series 7 children’s chair is available in beech, walnut or coloured ash in 9 standard colours. This offer is only valid until 30th April and does not apply to stacking chairs with upholstery, arm rests and special bases. hermÈs Bag it up! Anything goes for the fashion in this spring’s handbags, provided fratelli they’re big and roomy and can rossetti ARNE JACOBSEN’S be swung over the shoulder ORIGINAL STACKING CHAIRS

In honor of Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen introduces the stacking chair collection back into its original form.

Choose between the different types of lilu veneer, each exhibiting their own natural colour, grain pattern, tones, textures and nuances, making every chair unique. gerard darel The colours have all been carefully select- delvaux ed to match the natural wood. The colours should not be seen as part of a colour range, but as single colours that match the veneers.

Choose between two painted versions: Coloured ash or lacquer.

A truly distinctive collection to compliment Celine De Schepper your home or office. by JOPA bulgari longchamp

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DR_Fritz hansen.indd 1 14/02/12 12:13:41 life of leisure

he most original New Bruxelles week in September, quality outlets. Maps have been Year’s card this year organised by the Brussels chapter printed to guide foodies through was undoubtedly the of the slow food organisation the city’s jungle of specialities: one sent by Christos Karikol, will focus on the city’s fritkots (stands selling fries), Doulkeridis, the vegetable gardens and its “good sweets, markets, chocolate, TBrussels Region’s Minister for soil right under the cobblestones”. gourmet Brussels, sustainable Tourism. Made of potato flour, it There’ll be competitions to gastronomy and world food. was edible, a reminder that this reward the best chefs – Bocuse Throughout the year, several year is dedicated to showcasing d’Or Europe in March, a world restaurants will offer Brusselicious the great gastronomic traditions of cooking contest involving chefs menus using three seasonal the Belgian capital. from 20 countries – and the Brussels ingredients. In select Themed exhibitions started last most creative barmen will hotel bars, the “Bubbles in year with A Table! (dinner is take part in the Black Russian Brussels” campaign will give Brussels served) at Tour & Taxis, a look at Cocktail Challenge. customers an opportunity to taste food from field to fork and ways of three champagnes before improving the journey; in March SEE BRUSSELS AND DINE ordering their favourite. Hotels will an exhibition on the five senses Starting on Valentine’s Day, also be serving up Brusselicious celebrates at the Natural Science Museum Michelin-starred chefs will feed breakfasts featuring bread rolls, will run until September, and those who can afford a two-hour waffles, pastries, crackers and the dinosaur gallery will be dinner in a specially decorated other traditional fare. transformed into a venue tram which will travel through the good taste for meals created to explore Capital’s tourist spots from GASTRONOMIC FESTIVALS the senses. Tuesday to Sunday every week Additionally, smaller gastronomic This is set to be a year of culinary delight in Brussels with All year long, chefs and cooks throughout the year – even at ¤75 festivals will be held in Brussels the advent of Brusselicious 2012, a year-long gourmet festival. will make Belgian cuisine a head, booking well in advance is throughout the year: a mini accessible to both inhabitants of recommended. Yet more Belgian wine fair on April 15 and Hughes Belin has the mouth-watering details Brussels and its visitors. Dinners expensive, at about Brussels Wine Week will be organised almost monthly ¤150 per person, is Dine on a tram in September, the to shed light on different aspects Dinner in the Sky, a this year from Belgian Beer of the city’s cultural life: in March weekly event during mid-February Weekend (end the commemoration of the the month of June. August-early Banquet des Misérables, the Choose a location onwards September), the legendary dinner organised by the from between the Brusselicious publishers of Victor Hugo’s Atomium, the Parc du festival (September), the Thai famous book; in May the 90th Cinquantenaire, the Palais Royal Food Festival in Stockel birthday of Belgian jazz musician or Bois de la Cambre, the dining (September), the first World Beer Toots Thielemans; a medieval table suspended high in the sky Show (November), and Chocolate banquet in July to celebrate from a crane. With diners week (November). Ommegang, the annual re- strapped to their seats, dinner will Foodies can cherry-pick enactment of Charles V’s arrival in be served by a celebrity chef for from a number of events run Brussels in 1549; a giant mussels 22 guests at a time. by individuals, professionals and chips lunch on the urban and institutions in association beach at Bruxelles-les-bains in BELGIAN SPECIALITIES with Brusselicious, including July; and a comic strip dinner The Belgian capital hosts some of a giant egg hunt in the city combined with a sound and light the best outlets for Belgium’s parks on Easter Sunday, show is planned for the Place renowned specialities, from fries picnics in the parks during Royale in September – to list but and mussels to chocolate and the summer, neighbourhood a few. beer. Promoted year-round in bars dinners in Watermael-Boitsfort, and restaurants, it will be and university seminars on CELEBRITY CHEFS impossible to miss artist creations the linguistics of eating and The Omnivore Food Festival, of outsize Brussels sprouts, history of gastronomy. Last launched in France in 2003, goes chocolate bars, mussels, pints of but not least, renowned Belgian on a global tour for the first time beer and cones of chips in the chef Pierre Wynants will award and stops off in Brussels in March streets. Brusselicious already has a prize for the best attempt with master classes and its own special brew too, a at updating traditional demonstrations by prestigious vintage faro-type beer – low specialities. Bon appétit!

Photo Le Duc © Tony chefs. The 5th edition of Goûter alcohol and sweet – sold at www.brusselicious.be 81 life of leisure

Grape expectations Belgian wine is becoming increasingly popular, according to Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen produces wine critic Klara Slovo a best selling Chardonnay

Dinner party chat: “The wine’s delicious! What is it?” result was far better than those I had which always have something good on are belles decouvertes out in them there ¤ “It’s a Chardonnay.” tasted from Germany, where that variety offer. Expect to pay over 8 for your fields of Flanders and Wallonia. is popular because it is easy to grow in Belgian wine. You will be rewarded with One could interpret the words ‘Belgian “Lovely! My favourite. Where’s it from?” unpredictable weather for bulk wines. wine that somebody in rural Belgium wine’ as ‘wine made by Belgians’, in “Belgium.” Here in Haageland, it was altogether cares a lot about. Growers here have to which case there’s a more racy. go that extra mile to produce a premium There are belles good story to tell about ounds unlikely? Not any more, Since then, more producers have been product in such a hostile environment. decouvertes out in Belgians that liked at least not to wine lovers in making their mark, in both the north and Among Mig’s best sellers are another Bordeaux’s Pomerol the know. Mig’s World Wines the south of the country. There are over 100 percent Chardonnay, from them there fields of and Saint Emilion wines does a roaring trade with a 80 of them, carrying on a centuries-old Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen, at Flanders and Wallonia so much they decided to white sparkling wine made the tradition. Wine was first grown in what is ¤14.40; a white that is a blend of go out there, buy a few Ssame way as Champagne, 100 percent now Belgium some 1,200 years ago. The Muller-Thurgau and Auxerrois from chateaux, and get wine made exactly the Chardonnay, at ¤14.80 last season. vineyards suffered climate change (cold) Domaine de Mellemont at ¤8.20; and a way they like it for the market back in That’s half the price of any of the basic that shrank them, and their location made blend of Dornfelder and Zweigelt Belgium. Vieux Chateau Certan, run by well-known brands from France such as them incur collateral damage in a making a low-tannin, easy-drinking red the Thienpont family, is one of these. Laurent Perrier, Veuve Cliquot, Roederer, succession of wars. Vines were ripped up that can be served slightly chilled from Hugh Johnson, highly-respected author and the like. The only problem is Mig – for firewood, or to make way for orchards De Kluizen at ¤8.40. of a yearly pocket guide, thinks it is far and his customers – can’t get enough of or just plain vegetables in a country not better value than neighbouring Petrus, it. If you are one of many fans of Cuvee naturally endowed with WINE BOOK one of the best-known and most Rufus from Vignobles des Agaises, Expect to pay favourable conditions for Top sommelier Eric Boschman recently expensive red wines in the world. you’ll have to wait until the next release, in over 8 for your growing the raw material for teamed up with other wine experts to So next time you hear someone laugh June. Place your order now. Belgian wine one of the world’s favourite produce the first serious book on the at the very idea of Belgian wine, give them psychotropic substances. state of play on Belgium’s wine, called a glass of Rufus, or Vieux Chateau DEMANDING MARKET Vignobles de Belgique (Editions Racine). Certan, and watch their face. Mig, who has long specialized in New WEATHERPROOF It is a work in progress, World wines in his shop on Chaussee de Now producers are making a range of they stress, encouraging Mig’s World Wines, 43 Chaussee de Charleroi, B-1060 Brussels, Charleroi, added Belgian wines to his high-quality wines from both top readers to go out and try T.+32(0)2 534 7703 range about 10 years ago, reflecting the international varieties such as some local wine made by Vignobles de Belgique by Eric Boschman, quality of what was on offer on a Chardonnay, and from those less well producers who are far Kris Van de Sompel, Marc Vanel, demanding market. When I first came to known to the public, but valued for their more open-minded than Editions Racine

Belgium over 20 years ago, there were weatherproof characteristics. those in a certain J. Thienpont, some producers in Flanders making good They are not cheap. If you are a neighbouring wine- Hof te Cattebeke, Bossenaar 14, B-9680 Etikhove, quality wines, mainly from German BOGOF (Buy One, Get One Free) kind of producing country we T.+32(0)5531 17 59 www.thienpontwine.com Stocks a wide range at all prices, including wines varieties such as Muller-Thurgau. The drinker, best stick to the supermarkets know all too well. There made by the Thienpont family in Bordeaux 82 83 life of leisure Forthright Firth Actor Colin Firth on his stellar career and latest film; by Federico Grandesso with additional reporting by Lauren Omahen

icture a young boy of Firth’s talent and versatility Soldier, Spy. Based on the five years old, full of came to the fore in the popular TV best-selling novel by John Le character and adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride Carre, Firth plays Bill Haydon, who determination, and Prejudice, and made-for-TV- emerges as one of five senior dressed in satin movies including Conspiracy and figures after a power shift within Ptrousers and a white frilly shirt. Tumbledown. But his big breaks in the Circus, the name Le Carre This was Colin Firth’s stage debut film came with supporting roles in gives to the higher echelons of the as Jack Frost; it certainly would Antony Minghella’s The English British secret intelligence service. not be his last moment in the Patient, and John Madden’s Although it is not a leading role, spotlight. “I got the attention right Shakespeare In Love, both Firth has a profound attachment there,” Firth says. “It doesn’t Academy Award winners. Madden to his character. “He’s seen as sound very noble to do something wanted Firth to take the lead role having a kind of glamour. just because you have attention. I in Shakespeare In Lawrence of think that is a driving force in any Love, “but after five I can be very lazy Arabia, I think, is performer, and then we try to minutes we looked how he sees ennoble it with various other at each other, and and complacent himself,” Firth says. agendas. That’s what made me we both realised I unless I’m pushed “He is a figure who apply to drama school and want wouldn’t be the has a kind of to become an actor.” best choice,” Firth recalls. dashing, rather cavalier desire to do things perhaps not quite HARD SCHOOL OSCAR according to the rules.” Firth attended the National Youth Firth’s career took a dramatic turn The story is about a group of Theatre in London and later when he met former Gucci fashion men who, on the one hand, are enrolled at The Drama Centre. designer-turned director Tom united by their work, yet on the The young Firth dreamed of facing Ford. The meeting led to Firth’s other are all individuals with their big challenges. “I chose The role as George Falconer in Ford’s own secrets, all looking and Drama Centre because it had a film A Single Man, which won him watching each other. “Many, many reputation as a hard school, and I the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the years ago, I remember somebody thought my resolve should be Venice film festival as well as a misinterpreting the Le Carre tested. Either you bend under BAFTA for Best Leading Actor in novels as very much boy’s stuff

hutterstock.com pressure or you respond to the 2010. The following year, Firth without any emotion,” Firth says. challenge. I can be very lazy and won an Oscar for Best Actor for “And I think that couldn’t be

steb / S complacent unless I’m pushed so his remarkable interpretation further from the truth.” Fans of I knew I’d be weeded out very of Britain’s King George VI in Firth may now judge for

elga E quickly if I was making a mistake,” The King`s Speech. themselves: after a long wait – the he explains. He says the key to his film was released in September Colin Firth as Bill Haydon in the screen adaptation success was first to recognise his CIRCUS last year – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, of John Le Carre’s weaknesses, and then find ways In his latest role, Firth joins an Spy has been showing in Belgian Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

© Starway Film Distribution Main photo © H to overcome them. all-star cast in Tinker, Tailor, cinemas since early February. 85 life of leisure

Edgy and elegant With nothing but praise for its style and high horsepower, Anthony Healey waxes lyrical about the 2012 Audi R8 sports car

he body is a perfect marriage is more than skin deep. between curvaceous arcs Inside features a race-inspired, and razor-sharp edges for an driver-oriented cockpit design. With the elegant, futuristic look, a true entire cockpit tilted towards the driver, the beauty. The front of the interior design maximizes performance Tsports car maintains the classic Audi for both car and driver. The multifunction look with curved hood and LED high racing-style steering wheel provides easy beam and low-beam lights, surrounded access to CD, radio, navigation and voice by a halo of 24 LED daytime bulbs. control functions. This signature style combines innovative Audi has finished off with excellent design and technology, comfort and luxury, with leather adding a new breed to the Observers left seats, dash, and door linings. Audi line. The seats feature ten-way The grill stays true to Audi in its wake power lumbar support and style with horizontal and will be heating features to take the vertical blades in all black; captivated by edge off of a long journey in the beneath the headlights, the the rear of cold. The car also includes a lateral side blades resemble the R8 DVD-based Audi navigation wings. Six-spoke cast system with real-time traffic as aluminum wheel rims add well as the Audi parking system another edge to the body’s sleek design. with rearview camera and ultrasonic As the car zooms past them, observers parking sensors. left in its wake will be captivated by the Set low to the ground, the R8 hugs the rear of the R8. With two generous air road and maneouvres with ease. With vents beneath the rear LED lights, the adaptive suspension, drivers can adjust winged side blades make it look as if it is between ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ mode and ready to take flight. The dual angle-eye the car continuously adapts to road rear lights resemble rings of fire. But conditions and driving style. beneath its appealing exterior, drivers will It isn’t all about looks and power. The find that beauty in the case of the Audi R8 fuel injection system provides increased > 87 life of leisure

Vous cherchez à acheter ou à vendre une voiture d’exception ?

Les établissements Vandeveken vous proposent :

• Un grand choix de voitures classiques, dont la plupart sont exposées dans la salle d’exposition de 1500 m², • L’achat et le dépôt de vos voitures historiques, • Un service d’expertise • Un service d’entreposage (depuis 2008)

La réparation, la maintenance et la restauration mécanique des véhicules ont lieu dans l’atelier de 400 m².

performance and fuel efficiency, with a whopping 560-horsepower R8 GT. precise amount of fuel fed directly into the But most reviews agree that the engine cylinders. This technology ensures 4.2 model performs well and is more complete combustion, thus best in its class. diminishing waste and increasing power. For anyone interested in buying an This two-seat supercar is available in a exotic sports car, the Audi R8 is an variety of trims and engine size, including: excellent alternative to its competitors, the 4.2 Coupe, 4.2 Spyder, 5.2 Coupe, 5.2 Lamborghini Avnetador, the Ferrari FF Anc. Ets Vanderveken SA Spyder and GT 5.2 Coupe. The R8 has and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, with three engines available for 2012: the an impressive blend of performance and 15-17 Chaussée de Roodebeek Tél : + 32 (0)2 770 72 92 base 430-horsepower R8 4.2, the luxury, not to mention a comparatively 1200 Bruxelles Fax : + 32 (0)2 772 57 45 525-horsepower R8 5.2 and the modest price tag. Belgique Email : [email protected] www.vdvgrant.be 88 Ouvert du lundi au vendredi : de 8h à 12h et de 13h à 18h et le Samedi : de 9h à 12h

VDV.indd 1 1/10/10 11:50:22 life of leisure PICTURE YOURSELF Now imagine where your BU degree HERE will take you. Discover American-style Going native education with a global perspective. Many expatriates come to Belgium on short-term contracts, yet a large number of them end up staying here for good. Emma Portier Davis BU in Brussels—Celebrating 40 years reviews a book with their interests at heart of innovative leadership education in the heart of the EU. group of six retirees, who how to spend their time. The authors give dub themselves The Brats some useful suggestions for places to (Brussels Retired Expats), study, volunteering opportunities and has penned the ultimate social activities in Belgium as well as tips Summer classes start April 23, 2012 guide for anyone planning on semi-retirement and the tax Ato spend their twilight years in Belgium. implications. retirement book-2nd proof:Layout Retiring in Belgium – A 2 Large sections of the book are devoted 1/16/12 8:02 PM Page 1 Guide for Expats doesn’t to questions of estate planning and a provide all the answers but RE summary of the tax traps for expats. bu.edu/brussels it poses questions on all TIRING IN Who knew the Belgian state could tax Boulevard du Triomphe ,174, Triomflaan, B-1160 Brussels aspects of retirement. BELGIUM you on 100 percent of a deceased +32 (0)2 640 74 74 This is not just a guide to A GUIDE spouse’s wealth if you didn’t have the managing one’s finances, FOR foresight, as almost all Belgians do, to EXPA information that ultimately TS draw up a marriage contract? Written by The BRATS has to be sought out, as Brussels Retired Expats the authors urge, from a HEALTHCARE specialist who will provide The authors give a potted guide to Pub: Run Date: Size: 175mm x 116mm Color: advice tailored to your healthcare in Belgium, pointing out Together Magazine Feb 2012 (Trim to 165mm x 111mm) 4c circumstances. The some of the peculiarities of the system authors ask how you plan here, such as the law permitting to spend your retirement, euthanasia – how will you feel about that GOEDESTRAAT 30 - 3078 MEERBEEK • Phone: 02-767 22 47 • www.victoriassizors.com and even how you feel if you end up terminally ill here? TUE-THU: 9u.00-22u.00 • SAT: 8u.00-16u.00 • MON-WED: Closed about dying in Belgium. Parts of the book seem to be more a passion of the authors and peripheral to PENSIONS €15 the specifics of retirement. Witness the It’s also relevant for entire chapter on how to younger adults as the become more technology- looming pensions crisis is already Who knew the savvy: clearly a benefit for prompting governments to tighten their Belgian state could any retiree but perhaps not belts and postpone state payouts to a tax you on 100 worthy of such lengthy later age. The authors caution that it’s percent of a deceased treatment. never too early to plan ahead – maybe This and the authors’ you are planning to bring over Mum and spouse’s wealth if summary of where to live in Dad. you didn’t have the Belgium could have been We’re told by the pro-EU lobby we can foresight to draw up flagged within other chapters live, earn and retire where we like and still a marriage contract? as topics for further reading. claim a pension in this single market. But Notwithstanding, this is a it’s not as easy as all that, as the book must-read starting point for explains. Who pays your state pension? anyone, of any age, who is contemplating Depends on where you have lived. Will going native. your private pension be subject to taxation? Yes, possibly. Retiring in Belgium – A Guide for Expats: ¤15 (all proceeds to charity) is available from Community Help Service Belgium (www.chsbelgium.org) A question universal to pensioners is and the British Charitable Foundation (www.bcfund.be) 90

ADV_sizors.indd 1 24/11/11 14:20 life of leisure What’s on Belgium Where to go and what to do – here’s our selection of upcoming events

MUSEUM NIGHT FEVER EURANTICA 03.03.12 22.03.12 – 01.04.12 Mark your calendars for the This Fine Art and Antiques Fair will ultimate cultural experience in be at the Brussels Expo Place at Brussels, Museum Night Fever. the Heysel. For ten days, antique Winner of the Brussels Tourism dealers from 150 Belgian and Award for “New in Brussels” in foreign galleries will display a wide 2008, this offbeat programme range collector items including features a refreshing mix of furniture, paintings, sculptures, exhibitions, concerts, tapestries, glasswork, jewellery performances, fashion, and much more. This year, workshops and DJs. The evening Eurantica feature more new will feature 20 different museums, participants from Belgium, as you’ve never seen them before Luxemburg, France, the with a contemporary and Netherlands, the United Kingdom, CY TWOMBLY unconventional twist. Even after Germany, Spain and Italy. PHOTOGRAPHS 1951-2010 the museum’s doors have closed, Thur-Fri 14h-19h; Sat-Sun 11h-19h 29.04.12 the fun will continue with Brussels Expo Place, Heysel, B-1020 Laeken This exhibition presents more than after-hours parties. For art, music www.visitbrussels.be 100 Polaroid photographs that and museum lovers, this is the were selected in cooperation with ultimate night out. LA MAISON DES MAITRES the veteran American artist Sat 19h-1h CHOCOLATIERS BELGES himself prior to his death in July Brussels Museum Council, “The House of the Master last year. Snapped with his Galerie du Roi 15, B-1000 Brussels Chocolate-makers” showcases Polaroid camera, the images were www.museumnightfever.be ten artisans from the three regions not available to the public until the of Belgium, with a unique ‘90s. The collection ranges from ARS MUSICA approach to creating the finest still-life images of flowers and 01.03.12 – 03.04.12 chocolate. Visitors can attend a brushes, to snapshots of his Discover Ars Musica, the classical Discovery of Chocolate workshop studio and museum interiors, music festival, focusing on the where companies, groups or details from his paintings and music of today. Cultural individuals can learn how to turn views of ancient temples and institutions from Brussels invite their passion for chocolate into landscapes. The photographs national and international a business. This is also an reveal themes that have remained ensembles to collaborate in a unforgettable venue for parties constant throughout Twombly’s spirit of creativity and open- of 10 to 50 people with incredible work. Several paintings by mindedness. Although most views of the Grand Place. And it’s Twombly are displayed as well as concerts take place in Brussels, never too late to discover the the cinematic portrait “Edwin guests have the option of pleasure of chocolate. Parker” by British visual artist attending concerts in Antwerp, Mon-Sun 10h-22h Tacita Dean as a tribute to the late Bruges, Liege and Mons as well. Demonstrations for individuals: artist, Edwin Parker being his With over 50 concerts and events, Sat-Sun 16h, in English, given name and Cy a childhood and a combined audience of Demonstrations for groups available nickname. 20.000 people, this is a festival upon request, all languages Palais des Beaux Arts, Rue Ravenstein music-lovers will not want to miss. Grand Place 4, B-1000 Bruxelles 23, B-1000 Bruxelles www.arsmusica.be www.visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be 92 life of leisure What’s on international Where to go and what to do – upcoming events in other countries

THE EUROPEAN 10h-17h45 daily INDEPENDENT FILM Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, FESTIVAL London SE1 2YD, England 30.03.12 – 01.04.12 www.designmuseum.org Featuring hundreds of the best independent filmmaking talent FLORIADE 2012 from around the world, this festival 05.04.12 – 07.10.12 takes place in Paris with a mission This is a World Horticultural Expo to bring worldwide attention to TIM BURTON EXHIBITION held in the Netherlands every ten European independent 07.03.12 – 05.08.12 years and will feature daily cultural filmmakers. It attracts a large First shown in New York in 2009, programs including music, dance, audience of major studios, agents, this exhibition is coming to Paris. theatre and graphic art. With 66 production companies and a Featuring 700 works, including hectares of parks and 40 hectares cinema-loving public. With more drawings, polaroids, and of showgrounds, and surrounded than 80 films competing and storyboards dating from the by flowers, trees, fruit and representing more than 25 beginning of Burton’s career as a vegetables, visitors are countries. teenager in California drawing for encouraged to be at one with Cinema 7 Parnassiens, 98 Blvd du Disney, all the way to his nature and discover how it Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France neo-gothic fantasies as a influences health, mood and www.ecufilmfestival.com Hollywood filmmaker, it gives a general well being. never-before seen insight into the Venlo, The Netherlands filmmaker’s incredible career. www.floriade.com La Cinematheque Francaise, 51 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France WORLD SHAKESPEARE www.cinematheque.fr FESTIVAL 23.04.12 – 27.09.12 THE DESIGN MUSEUM: This is a spectacular country-wide CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN celebration of the playwright 28.03.12 – 01.07.12 William Shakespeare, produced THE STUTTGART SPRING Instantly recognisable by their by the British Royal Shakespeare FESTIVAL 2012 glossy red soles, French designer Company in collaboration with 21.04.12 – 13.05.12 Christian Louboutin’s shoes are leading UK and international arts Europe’s largest spring festival an incredible mix of fashion, organisations. Theatre companies 1 0 0 opens with a traditional keg- craftsmanship and sculpture. A from all over the world will visit the tapping. There is plenty to see and London museum will show 20 UK to perform their own 9 5 do, and the attractions include a years of design and inspiration, interpretation of Shakespeare’s

Ferris wheel and water rides. And, including lace-up boots, studded work. The Globe, the recreation in 7 5 of course, the family friendly sneakers and bejewelled pumps. London of Shakespeare’s own atmosphere would not be There will also be a section theatre, is mounting all 37 of his complete without the aroma of dedicated to the shoes designed plays. The festival will feature sweet almonds and cotton candy. for ‘Fetish’, an exhibition thousands of artists in almost 70 2 5 A glittering fireworks display is held at La Gallerie du Passage in Paris, productions, plus other events on the night of the last Sunday. which combined Louboutin’s and exhibitions including 5 Stuttgart, Germany designs with photography by the performance workshops. www.stuttgarter-fruehlingsfest.de acclaimed artist David Lynch. www.worldshakespearefestival.org.uk 0 94

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life of leisure Le Chat caption NEW FIAT PANDA competition The winner of our December competition to find a caption for this Le Chat cartoon is Kerstin Jansson; the winning caption is reproduced inside the speech bubble by kind permission of Le Chat artist Philippe Geluck C

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K NEW PANDA. Subscribe More stylish. More comfortable. More convenient. More environmentally friendly. The Fiat Panda is back and ready to transport you. Its design has evolved, its roominess has been further improved, and this city car is now equipped with an engine that is both particularly environmentally friendly and very economical. Visit your Motor Village dealer quickly to take full measure of its difference. now DISCOVER ALL OUR DIPLOMATIC PROGRAM ON www.diplomaticsales.be For details of how to

have your copy of Advertiser: Fiat Group Automobiles Belgium. Environmental information A.R. 19/03/04: www.fiat.be Together delivered for CONSUMPTION : 3,9 – 5,2L/100KM, CO2 EMISSIONS : 99 – 120G/KM. ¤25 (six issues) visit: www.togethermag.eu

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CHANGE. YOU CAN.

LE CHAT by Philippe Geluck

SILI FOREVER

98 COLLECTION

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Contact us at ing.be/expat Are you an expatriate ? If so, you need support and advice. That’s even before you arrive in Belgium : accounts, bank cards, rental exactly what ING can provide for all your banking and insurance guarantee, etc. To find out what ING can do for you, don’t requirements. Our ING Expat service deals with everything, hesitate to call one of our advisors on + 32 (0)2 464 66 64.

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