WHERE NEWS & BUSINESS MEET GLAMOUR & GOOD TI MES #14 /SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009

Togethermagazine

PASSION FOR FASHION

DO LOOK NOW Check out our report from the Venice Film Festival 2009 – Together talks to George Clooney and lands an exclusive interview with Oliver Stone COOL COLUMNISTS Gerald Loftus – Gerald’s Gaze Geoff Meade – Chatback CHIC COMPETITION Capture your best side – three professional shoots with renowned photographer Michael Chia to be won LAST WORD IN LEATHER Belgium celebrates 180 years of Delvaux EDITORIAL Fashion with style If you will bear with me for a short following the devastation wrought by Cyclone while, I believe you’ll see that there Nagris in 2008 while, meantime, our columnist is in fact far more to the subject of Gerald Loftus (Gerald’s Gaze) returns with his ‘fashion’ than meets the eye – and thoughts on the joys of old-fashioned ‘time to oneself’, while celebrated Brussels commentator that clothes are but one aspect of Geoff Meade makes his Together debut with the the trappings of ‘style’. first in a new series of wry looks at expat life, Chatback. Welcome aboard, Geoff.

irstly, have you seen where we’ve Culture lovers will enjoy our selection of images been? The Together team was at the from the upcoming Brussels Accessible Art Fair th 66 edition of the Venice Film Festival in For Art’s Sake, and what of your own ‘look’? earlier in September, where our very Fancy the chance to present yourself to the world, own ‘star man’, Federico Grandesso, and your loved ones, exactly how you want to be had the chance to chat with George Clooney. But F seen and remembered? Our co-editor James that’s not all – in a Belgian exclusive, FG had the Drew paid a visit to renowned Brussels chance to talk with renowned director Oliver Stone, photographic artist Michael Chia for exactly that which is the jewel in the crown of our eight-page special report. In fact, there was too much to fit in purpose, namely a professional photo-shoot in one feature, so be sure to check the exciting new which our man got the chance to ‘strike a pose’. videos from Venice and elsewhere, freshly And didn’t he just love it? You can see the results uploaded to www.together-magazine.eu by for yourself – and why not take the opportunity to Armand Richelet-Kleinberg. How chic is that? enter our competition offering similar modelling sessions for three lucky readers? Of course, we do have all the sartorial specialties that you would expect – Kimberley Lovato A thought to finish – as the former editor of Vogue, celebrates the 180th anniversary of Belgian leather Edna Woolman Chase, once famously declared: legend Delvaux, Emma-Portier Davis talks to “Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.” ‘happiness guru’ Nick Baylis about ‘happy I rest my case – you hold both in your hands with spending’, Federico’s been a busy boy elsewhere, our latest edition. I thank you. too, chatting with Etterbeek’s Mer du Nord CEO Fabrice Duchêne, and Josephine Overeem takes time out with Flemish ready-to-wear legend Dirk Perquy.

Elsewhere, Daniele Dosi explores the ‘Fashion Rooms’ in a prestigious Brussels hotel, Andy Carling selects ten films, old and new, that David Mc Gowan simply define cool, Graham Reid examines the Publisher financial investment ‘fads’ that are best approached with caution, and Cillian Donnelly takes an intriguing look at accessories that make an impact in the world of politics.

On a more serious note, Morgan Browne relates the efforts of Burmese photographer Zaw Min Yu’s to assist the stricken people of his homeland © Stéphanie Cornfield

September - October 09 Together – 3 CONTENTs

16 36

3 EDITORIAL 8 COMPETITION Fashion with style Three professional photo shoots to be won 6 FORWARD TOGETHER Seeing is believing 11 PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS Running the show

PASSION 14 INTERVIEW 46 INTERVIEW FOR Delvaux: Wearable chic In a class of its own FASHION 49 INTERVIEW 16 DRESS TO IMPRESS Happy spending 29 INTERVIEW Maasmechelen Village: 52 TEMPTATIONS The fine art of shopping Forever autumn 56 GOING PLACES 30 INTERVIEW And Saint-Tropez created... Smart, casual Belgian Week! 32 Do look now Middle Tuscany: Venice Lions roar for The undis covered country first-timers A fairy tale: Oliver Stone: Cheering Domaine de la Bretesche on Chavez Branché Bel Ami! Party power Costa Croisières: Style stars Music on the ocean Low cost, high flying: 40 POINT OF VIEW Wizz Air turns five It’s the celluloid, daaarling!

42 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE Room for fashion? Business Centers: The smart way to work

NEWS 72 TOUCHY 84 CHATBACK Political ties? I am curious orange 75 MONEY 86 GERALD’S GAZE Fashion (or fads?) in finance Time to yourself? Priceless... 88 THE PLACES TO BE 78 POINT OF VIEW Chic spots One picture, one house: Helping Burma rebuild 90 FOR ART’S SAKE ‘Come to the fair, meet the 80 By George! artists, take the art home’ Clooney’s class act! 94 DIARY 82 FRESH OPENINGS Together’s ‘To Do’ list Fantastic four 97 LE CHAT 83 ADVERTORIAL The cat’s whiskers Rob: See and taste the difference

4 – Together #14 FORWARD TOGETHER Seeing is believing

writer : ARMAND RICHELET-KLEINBERG

Our ‘video star’ has been very busy over summer – feast your eyes on his latest online treats.

COSTA LUMINOSA – the surprise of the evening? The exceptional DJ COSTA PACIFICA talents of Walloon Government Vice-President Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica, the latest Michel Daerden! additions to the Costa Croisières fleet, were launched simultaneously on 5th June in Genoa, BIOTHERM: SKIN VIVO Italy. Together provides a behind-the-scenes look Together reveals how to look ten years younger in at the ceremony and a visit aboard the Costa just four weeks, with Skin Vivo, Biotherm’s latest Pacifica, where we meet Noa (Achinoam Nini), anti-aging innovation. Revitalize your skin! Israel’s leading international concert and recording artist and Costa Croisières Benelux LIONS OF LA MOSTRA Director Patrick J. Pourbaix. The Venice Film Festival had a number of international films in competition for ‘Les Lions’, SAINT-TROPEZ: ‘BELGIAN WEEK’ which are awarded to the best film, directors and Saint-Tropez, the jet-set summer capital, dedicates actors. Together met up with the stars and the 20th, 21st and 22nd July every year to director of one of the hottest movies in the ‘Saint-Tropez Belgian Week’ [I know we’re known competition, GirlLikeMe (2009) – director as les petits Belges in France, but isn’t that a bit Rowland Jobson, actress Zoe Webster and of a short week? – Ed.] Together, along with VIP produers Victoria Wood and Georgia Bourke. Offices (www.vipoffices.com) takes you there. Move with the hot dancers in VIP ROOM, or why CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER not join us on MaTuVu Beach, with a glass of rosé On 3rd September, French fashion tycoon champagne, naturally. Christian Audigier made his mark with the Paris launch of his new Ed Hardy range. Enjoy his PAVANNE OBJECT II evening with him and the stars in VIP ROOM! As seen in Avignon, Pavanne Object II is a Belgian contemporary dance show, that’s also VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2009 heading for Charleroi in November). Combining From 2nd to 12th September, Together was in town artistic violence and sensuality, its inspiration was for the 66th Venice Film Festival – but we’ve already an early work of Maurice Ravel, Pavane pour une told you that, right? Anyway, here’s your chance to infante défunte. get a little closer to George Clooney and Matt Damon with your favourite expats’ leisure magazine! RTBF DJ EXPERIENCE And there’s plenty more stars besides… Tour & Taxis bubbled over one late-summer evening, when 10,000 people came together for To check out these and other videos, go to the fourth edition of RTBF’s DJ Experience. And www.together-magazine.eu/videos.shtml

6 – Together #14 COMPETITION

1 2 Michael Chia: Picture perfect writer : JAMES DREW

By his own admission, Hotel Silken-Berlaymont Photoplate Award, one half of our which he had won with his photo collection editors’ partnership, Happy Rain – check out the original article at www.together-magazine.eu. James Drew, is not particularly photogenic But enough of the past – it was time to put – what better subject, myself in his capable hands, to see if I 1. JD IN THE FRAME cigarettes – but Michael, ever inventive, 2. Petra Jordan: then, for Brussels-based actually could be made to look good in And what of those who are adamant that had it in his mind that garish sunglasses Singer/songwriter would work a treat with such formal photographic artist Michael photos. I won’t pass comment on my own ‘I don’t need a photographer because I shot, which adorns these very pages along just bought a camera!’Michael is similarly attire. He wasn’t wrong, either... Chia to work a little magic with far more beautiful people, as you can adamant in return: “You are not hiring a with? Read on – and see, but will instead leave that up to camera. You are working with an artist And thus, 200 shots flew by – Michael take your chance to win readers to decide. No answers on a who does not use the camera in ‘auto’’ was kind enough to tell me that I was a one of three professional postcard, thanks... mode.Just as a painter paints a portrait, pleasure to shoot and, to be fair, I did photoshoots with Iuse a camera to ‘paint’ or capture my enjoy the ‘acting’ side of things, as emoting for camera is not something I get MC himself. The pleasantly airy CreatifImage studio, clients’ personality.” which is to be found just off Avenue Louise a chance to do that often. was, to be fair, pretty much as I expected Well, that is certainly telling me – better iith some people, from – very arty, easy to relax in, with a splendid do as the artist orders, what do you As Michael told me: “My role as the get-go, you just terrace for the post-photoshoot smoke and think? In fact, ‘ordering’ is not Michael’s photographer is to explore my clients’ know you’re in the glass of vino. Pretty much a summation of style - depending on what you want your lives. Maybe do a role play. I talk to them, hands of an artist. The Michael’s approach to his work, as he photoshoot for (for myself, it was for a tease them, shout and at times even real deal – someone explained to me: “Photography is now very mixture of professional purposes and a insult them, to get their true self onto an whoW cares, passionately, about what he accessible.To the extent that anyone who little bit of not-so-innocent fun), the artist shot.I try to ooze every bit of their inner does. And that’s Michael Chia for you – at can now buy a digital camera, can now is only too happy to help you select a self that they rarely show to others, and 44, he has spent the past 20 years in sunny also call themselves ‘a photographer’. A costume from your own wardrobe that he capture it. Most of my clients are Brussels, building business, after moving snapshot is now called a photograph. The feels both sums up your look and exhausted after a shooting session away from his home in Singapore in the late days of going to a photography studio for a personality best, but the final decision is with me!” 1980s, to share his vision with the world. real photoshoot is perceived as being yours, naturally. something reserved solely for the rich, BACK TOGETHER famous, beautiful or glamourous. Not many TIME TO SHOOT ‘My role as In fact, Michael is no stranger to the pages people now appreciate the true value of And so my own shoot began – ever the photographer of Together - as far back as our edition portrait photography as an art form. But vain one, I had opted for a very pleasant is to explore #7 (March-April 2008), our writer why not? It is art,because art comes from Scabal suit (keeping my other sponsors my clients’ Hélène Noël, who tragically passed away the imagination, imagination needs happy there, www.scabal.com), with lives’ in June 2008, interviewed M. Chia about creativity and creativity needs real life simple white shirt, 007 cufflinks. The only his then-recent victory at the Brussels experience. I make life my art.” other props I brought along were

8 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 9 PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS

1 2 3 Running the show writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO

From the fastest man on Earth to a band that’s back in the limelight – our regular selection of stars.

4 USAIN BOLT Record-breaking athlete Usain Bolt was in Roi Baudouin Stadium on 4th September, taking part in the Memorial Van Damme. Bolt ran only in the 200 metres race, but still managed to beat Tyson Gay’s 19.79 seconds record time, arriving in just 19.57 secs. The Jamaican champion also took time to visit shops in Brussels, and happily took time out to sign autographs.

JADRANKA KOSOR Croatia’s new Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor, the first woman to head the country’s government, met with EU officials in Brussels on 23rd July for her first trip abroad since winning the election. She was in Belgium’s capital to discuss possible solutions to the Croatia-Slovenia maritime border dispute with the European Commission – following strong diplomatic efforts, Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that Croatia and Slovenia 1. Darinka & Henry And, as our selection of other subjects HOW TO WIN must resolve the dispute “at a bilateral level”. Varga shows, Michael is entirely at ease with Many thanks to Michael for his time and 2. Aidan Harte elegant nude photography and family skill – feel like being in the frame EROS RAMAZZOTTI 3. Luisa Castellanos: portraits – but what is his client base? yourself? All you have to do is send us Italian music star Eros Ramazzotti will be in Brussels for a concert Flamenco dancer “Almost all are non-Belgian, in fact, and that an email, with Michael Chia on 30th and 31st October at Forest Nationale – with more than 50 4. Cindy Gabilla includes both corporate and private clients. Competition in the subject line, to million albums sold over 25 years, Ramazzotti is hugely popular Maybe it’s because they feel more [email protected] with your full name, worldwide, thanks also in no small part to his collaborations with comfortable working with a foreigner. To be address and daytime phone number. artists such as Tina Turner, Luciano Pavarotti and Joe Cocker. fair, word of mouth helps a lot too.” Three winners will be picked at random from all entries, and that’s all there is to it. Well, let’s see what Together can do Deadline is 1st November – the very best – what will our lucky competition winners of luck! get for their time and effort? Well, in SKUNK ANANSIE addition to the experience of being www.michaelchia.eu Skunk Anansie will be appearing in Brussels on 9th October to pampered and flattered by a pro www.michaelchia.com present their new album, Smashes and Trashes – the concert, snapper, you are given your selection of www.creatifimage.be which will take place in Ancienne Belgique, mark’s the band’s images (normally around 200 per disc), return to performing following an eight-year break. Lead singer of which you select two. These will then Competition organized under the supervision of a bailiff. Skin explains the reasons for the ‘reformation’: “Basically, we Full rules available on request. be professionally printed to your Organizer: Together Magazine, Boulevard Saint-Michel 47, have never done a greatest hits album. We have been bugged to satisfaction at approximately A4 size, with 1040 Brussels. do it for ages and ages…but only now does everyone have the two lo-res digital files of the selected time and actually want to do it. It will have new songs on it, as images provided, to be used for your well as some amazing remixes from rock and rave to dubstep – own internet/digital purposes. it’s all very exciting.”

10 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 11 “There’s never a new fashion but it’s old.” – Geoffrey Chaucer (1342-1400)

“What a deformed thief this fashion is.” – William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Much Ado About Nothing

“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” – Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

“A fashion is nothing but an induced epidemic.” – George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

“I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions.” – Lillian Hellman (1905-1984), letter to Committee on Un-American Activities of the House of Representatives, 19th May, 1952

PASSION FOR FASHION INTERVIEW Delvaux: In a class of its own writer : KIMBERLEY LOVATO

When Charles Delvaux pack. Her list goes on – watchcases, began displaying his agendas, bags, belts, cigar boxes, handmade travel trunks in document cases, and wallets. Clients can also recreate retro models and select the the window of his Brussels color and grain of the leather. studio in 1829, he could not have imagined, 180 “Certain clients even choose their own years later, that his name exclusive leather that we save just for them QUALITY, NOT ‘GADGETRY’ Together: What’s been the biggest so they can add complementary items to would be synonymous with “Exclusive Services clients are those who challenge? their collection in the future,” says appreciate quality to quantity, and are Kaat Debo: This is the first time we have elegant Belgian accessories. Dubuisson. Lead-time ranges from two looking for high-value products rather than dedicated an exhibition to accessories. weeks to four months and costs from 20€ gadgets,” explains Dubuisson. Though the How to display them in an appealing and for stamping initials to an add-on of infinite hile other marques company’s status is based on ancient interesting way was one of the main zeros, depending on the demand. Clients may slip off the Delvaux wine holder traditions, Delvaux continually seeks challenges for our team. are mostly individual Delvaux loyalists but Comme Chez Soi tongue more easily modern impetus for the brand, a task corporate clients recognize the Delvaux today, Delvaux prevails realized at the company’s creative think What can visitors expect to see and name too, creating personalized gifts like in a world where the tank, Studio Delvaux, where outside learn from the exhibition? USB key chains and business card holders word style has not been diluted, and where personalities are invited to create pieces for The exhibition tells the story of the brand W with the company logo. Delvaux also true luxury is personal. From furniture and the brand. Photographer and iconic model and how it relates to the history of the creates prestigious gifts, like briefcases, upholstery to the celebrated handbags, Hannalore Knuts and avant-garde designer accessory. The changes in designs over agendas, and desktop items that are Delvaux’s Exclusive Services offers Bruno Pieters have both designed for the years were heavily influenced by the offered to VIP customers. customization of existing pieces or creation Delvaux. The next invitee will be Natalia Brilli, way transportation evolved and you can from scratch. Whatever the choice, clients ‘Certain a Belgian known for her leather designs. clearly trace these changes in the designs. are guaranteed a tradition of hand- clients even From travel trunks, to the oldest luxury leather Another important part of the exhibition craftsmanship and heirloom quality choose their goods company in the world, and custom focuses on the many highly skilled artisans originals that have been the hallmark of own exclusive Delvaux Brilliant Bag and modern designer, who else can who have worked at Delvaux. Delvaux for nearly two centuries. leather that transcend 180-years and still be relevant? we save just It’s the very definition of a classic, and why What will visitors be surprised to learn ‘FROM A TO Z’ for them so Delvaux remains in a class of its own. about Delvaux? “Everything depends on the demand,” says They will be pleasantly surprised by the they can add INTERVIEW EXPRESS craftsmanship of this company, which is Anne Dubuisson, head of the Exclusive complementary Services department. “From A to Z, we do A comprehensive Delvaux exhibition extremely rich. it.” The sky’s the limit, it seems, and items to their opened on 17 September at the MoMu Dubuisson rattles off the possibilities – collection in Fashion Museum in Antwerp. Museum www.momu.be design the inside of a bag, insert pockets the future’ Director Kaat Debo sits down with Together for an iPhone, MP3, Blackberry, or battery to brag.

14 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 15 DRESS TO IMPRESS

Dress: Top: VANESSA BRUNO COS Bracelet: Skirt: POMELLATO VANESSA BRUNO Shoes: ZARA Bag: ZADIG&VOLTAIRE Necklace: H&M Watch: RAYMOND WEIL

16 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 17

Shirt: Dress: STELLA MC CARTNEY COS Bikini bottoms: Bag: H&M ZARA Shoes: Glasses: NEW LOOK LAFONT Earrings: Bracelets: H&M H&M

18 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 19

Dress: Shirt: COS MARC JACOBS Belt: Shorts: STELLA MC CARTNEY COS Necklace: Ribbon: LES PRECIEUSES VERITAS

photos : AMBRE FRISQUE www.ambrefrisque.com styling : INGRID VAN WAMBEKE make up : EDITH CARPENTIER models : ANASTASIYA & GODELIVE @ DOMINIQUE MODELS AGENCY assistant photographer : HARRY FAYT

20 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 21 DRESS TO IMPRESS

Pullover: Suit: TOMMY LES HOMMES Jacket: Watch: LES HOMMES CALVIN KLEIN Pants: Shirt and Tie: DIESEL GENTILUOMO Watch: Binoculars: BELL & ROSS swarovski

22 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 23 Shirt: Cardigan: ICEBERG HUGO BOSS Belt: Vest: OLIVIER Strelli FILIPPA K Scarf: Pants: DIESEL ICEBERG

24 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 25 Real Estate

Shirt: Shirt: LES HOMMES GENTI Pullover: Trousers: HUGO BOSS FILIPPA K Jeans: Belt: MARITHé+FRANCOIS GIRBAUD HUGO BOSS Shoes: Watch: Basket PUMA by MiharayasHiro CALVIN KLEIN Belt: Shoes: LOUIS VUITTON SACHA Watch and Cufflinks : Tie: DYRBERG/KERN CHANEL

Photographe ercan Mannequin JONATHAN ROBERT @ Dominique models

FOR WEBSITE ADDRESSES OF ALL FEATURED BRANDS, TURN TO PAGE 98

26 – Together #14 INTERVIEW Maasmechelen Village: The fine art of shopping writer : JAMES DREW

MODAN is wearing: ILIR is wearing:

Glasses: LAFONT Jacket and pullover: HACKETT Shirt and tie: HACKETT Gloves: NAPAPIJRI BOY Jacket: HACKETT Shirt and tie: HACKETT Silver comb: TIFFANY & CO Belt: LOUIS VUITTON Watch: CHAUMET Jeans: DIESEL Jeans and belt: DIESEL Scarf: HACKETT Shoes: ASTER Watch: CHAUMET

PhotographeR ERCAN DEDEOGLU @ Dominique Thanks to tan dem press agency and Dominique models, Stylist and Make-up ASIL GNOUD for the use of their studio @ Dominique models models MODAN DASSY & ILIR CELILI @ Ministar Frank Blanchette, group retail All well and good – but don’t people who and marketing director for want to spend money on the big brands also Value Retail, was in Brussels frequently want to make sure that everyone knows how much they’ve spent? Therefore, recently to share his passion isn’t buying at knock down prices something for quality shopping outlets of a no-no? where the best names are available at the best prices – “True, there are shoppers out there who will and Maasmechelen Village, only ever shop at full price, in season – they will go, the day the season starts to London, Paris, to be found less than an Milan, or Brussels, and she will pay full price, hour away from Brussels, no question. However, there is also the Antwerp, Düsseldorf, Cologne ‘aspirational shopper’, whom we very much and Maastricht, is one such cater to, in that this is a person who is also location. We figured that looking for other things from their shopping Together readers might be experience. She is brand-aware, but she also appreciates the concept of ‘value’, and interested. therefore has no problem buying from a Chic Outlet Shopping location.” We hope to be able to explain to your Not much more to be said, really. Check out the readers the attraction of websites – you’re going to love it, if you’re going to Massmechelen Village, which forms love it. The jury’s still out – but I’ll try anything part of Chic Outlet Shopping,” once. See you at the shops! Blanchette was quick to explain. “Many“ niche European brands can now be Zetellaan, 100 found at Maasmechelen, with more than 95 3630 Maasmechelen - Belgium designer outlet boutiques selling previous www.maasmechelenvillage.com seasons’ collections with reduction of between www.chicoutletshopping.com 30-60 per cent.”

28 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 29 INTERVIEW

And Chine Collection? Are you true to your Belgian ‘roots’? The Chine ‘universe’ is totally different, Mer Today, Belgian brands are becoming more du Nord and Chine have two different and more important – we fall somewhere Smart, casual management teams, from the creative side between the Latin and German spirit. to the marketing point of view. The Certainly, chine is more open to external writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO ownership is the same, but Chine is not a markets and creativity because of our ‘big’ brand, such as with, for example potential clients, and it was for this reason Fabrice Duchêne, CEO of leading fashion marque Giorgio and Emporio Armani. Mer du Nord is that we opened a shop in Rue Castiglione, Mer du Nord, took time out from her busy schedule casual, while Chine Collection (now Chine Paris and presented our brand during Paris to talk fashion with Together. Belgian Design) is a more luxurious, Fashion Week. From a creative point of view, exclusive and creative brand. Chine’s higher Belgian designers are open to Italian, French prices give us the possibility of a more and British fashion - they are able to mix the creative style and extensive research into various influences and cultures and this is a new fabrics. Our aim is to keep the two real plus. For this reason, we are very proud brands separate – we don’t want to mix the of our Belgian identity. two styles. Concerning the winter collection, this summer we have started a collaboration www.merdunord.com with designer Tim van Styvenberg – our goal is to find a good mix between his personality and the brand’s history.

INTERVIEW EXPRESS evolved more towards ‘city customer’s’ Together: Tell us about Mer du Nord... tastes. We didn’t want to deny our origins, We started in 1988, at first we were simply to add new elements to the focused more on pullovers but, nearly ten collection. Two or three years ago, we years ago, we had a turning point and started using prints, and this element is decided to enlarge our range of products becoming ever-more important for the to create a ‘total-look’ collection. At the brand. We also started a children’s range, same time, we also had big success with and this new market is making us very our logo, which at the time was a stylized happy. In addition, the men’s collection is ‘fish’ that began appearing being launched this winter – our first idea ‘Belgian everywhere. The collection’s for the collection was the American designers are summer colours were also key concept of ‘Casual Friday’ a more relaxed open to Italian, to our success – another way to dress but not forgetting the quality French and important development at the of the fabrics. I believe that our ‘casual’ British fashion – time was our strategy of style is not too formal or too sporty (with they are able to opening ‘flagship’ stores in many logos, say), it’s simply chic and mix the various Belgium. We opened first in modern. I have always been involved in the influences and Knokke then Avenue Louise, fashion world thanks to our family cultures and Brussels in 2000, and we no company, but I’m also a lawyer and this have a network of 20 outlets. gives me the possibility to manage both the this is a real At first, the collection’s administrative and creative sides of the plus’ character was sober with a business – my job is to speak to the maritime flavour, then we bankers but also to the designers.

30 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 31 Do look now Venice Lions roar for first-timers writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO

1 2

A Single Man director government: “Give the people of Iran what with Italy – to win in this important festival is Tom Ford (left) with they should have – basic human rights, incredibly emotional for me. To act in this Julianne Moore and freedom, democracy.” film, you had to be brave, you have to take Colin Firth, who won risks, and Tom Ford risked everything on me.” the Best Actor award A surprise came with the Special Jury Prize Ford, a fashion designer was also for his performance being awarded to Fatih Akin for the movie making his director’s debut in Venice, said in Ford’s film Soul Kitchen – comedy is a genre that’s not that, for him “fashion is a very fleeting and © www.image.net normally successful in Venice. The Best commercial art, but cinema is Actress award courted controversy, with pure expression”. Russian-Italian actress Kseniya Rappoport 1. Samuel Maoz th Israeli Samuel Maoz. The story, set almost lifting the gong for her performance in Italian The 66 edition of the Todd Solondz’s dark comedy Life During 2. Kseniya Rappoport entirely in a Israeli military tank, dramatizes first-timer Giuseppe Capotondi’s filmLa Venice Film Festival will Wartime took the prize for Best Screenplay © Fondazione the 1982 Lebanon invasion. Accepting his Doppia Ora (The Double Hour) – the be best remembered for and Sylvie Olivé, for the filmMr. Nobody by La Biennale award, Maoz told the audience: “I dedicate international press, however, Belgian director Jaco van Dormael, won for di Venezia - ASAC the emergence of first-time this to those thousands of people all over seemed to feel that the ‘Fashion Best Technical Contribution. The Marcello directors – a fresh burst of the world who came back from the war, nomination and award should is a very Mastroianni Prize, created to encourage like me, safe and sound. Apparently they have gone to Margherita Buy, creativity that bodes well fleeting and young actors, went to Italian actress are fine. They can walk, get married, have for her role in Francesca for the future. Together was commercial Jasmine Trinca for her role as a young children. But the memories will remain Comencini’s Lo spazio bianco there – enjoy! art, but Catholic girl who becomes ideologically stuck in their souls.” (White Space). cinema is pure and sentimentally entangled during the PLEA FOR FREEDOM expression’ FIRTH FIRST 1968 protest movement in Michele Placido’s The Big Dream (Il Grande Sogno). he big prize-winning films The Silver Lion for Best Director also went to Everybody, however, agreed touched on themes such as a debutant, US-based Iranian artist Shirin with the Best Actor award So, as was the case in Cannes 2009, the Lebanon, the role of women Neshat, for her movie Zanan-e bedun-e going Colin Firth’s way, for his role in Tom jury’s fascination with new cinematic in Iran and Turkish immigrants mardan (Women Without Men). The film, Ford’s A Single Man, in which he plays a interpretations and auteurs held sway – an in Germany. The Venice jury, based on a book that is banned in Iran, tells gay college professor who is broken- encouraging sign. Tchaired by Oscar-winning director Ang Lee, of the everyday repression and discrimination hearted following the death of his lover in a awarded the Golden Lion for Best Film to that the country’s women suffer. During the car accident. Speaking in Italian, Firth told the claustrophobic Lebanon, by first-timer ceremony, Neshat made a plea to the Iranian Together after the ceremony: “I’m in love www.labiennale.org

32 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 33 Do look now Oliver Stone: Cheering on

‘The Obama Chavez administration writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO is two-faced – on the one side it says ‘I’m a new The setting, Hotel des What I like is that you can see how sincere President’ and Bains in Venice – Federico he is on camera, he is not a dictator, he on the other it Grandesso has a rare was elected as a democratic socialist – I’m would appear chance to talk with world- sick and tired of American and European that there is a media calling him a dictator, nobody has permanent ‘sub- famous director Oliver undergone so much scrutiny. government’ Stone, who was in town to in the US which promote his latest film, a Your film seems to be highly critical of continues controversial documentary America? repressive about Venezuelan President People forget that Chavez cut the poverty policies’ rate by half, he took over the national oil Hugo Chavez, South of the company but is actually re-distributing the Border. wealth. People in Venezuela now have education, healthcare, welfare, a much better life than before. He has kept his Oliver Stone (centre) two-faced – on the one side it says ‘I’m a AND THERE’S MORE... Together: Documentaries appear to be promises, which is rare in politics. Not even and Venezuelan new President’ and on the other it would Federico also had the chance to meet with making the headlines at Venice, with Barack Obama can keep his promises – President Hugo appear that there is a permanent ‘sub- George Clooney in Venice, who was there your South of the Border and Michael look at the coup in Honduras, for example. Chavez (right) government’ in the US which continues to promote his latest film,The Men Who © www.image.net Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story. How America could do much more to end that repressive policies. Stare At Goats. A dark comedy inspired by a did your film come about? coup quickly, but we are extending seven true-life events, concerning the US Opposite: Michael has been great, he military bases in Colombia to fight in a dirty Does this documentary begin with Fidel intelligence service’s interest in a legion of Michael Moore, has been at the forefront of the war. The Obama administration is Castro? ‘Warrior Monks’ who had allegedley ‘With Chavez, director of American situation for years Castro, for me, was the starting point of the I had access Capitalism: unparalleled psychic powers, could read and this is his specialty, he has project, because his reign goes back 50 to the real A Love Story enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls years. It’s very funny when I did the man – he is a written books about it and he © Yvan Barbera or even kill a goat simply by staring at it. character, is very well informed. I do my documentary Comandante (2003), Castro and I hope job, but I’m a dramatist, I write at that point was still a precursor, but now As George told Together: “We were looking how dynamic and direct, so my interests are there are eight countries that moving away at a film that we thought of as a comedy from he is comes different. I went down to South from Washington-consensus control. It’s an the very beginning, based on such an across in America to see Castro and amazing story that isn’t reaching people in interesting story. If you look at the 1970s, the film’ Chavez, and made this, which the US – the Americans don’t even know most films on war were successful after is in fact my fourth that these presidents exist. I don’t think they Vietnam was over, so for us it was documentary. I made a care – the US is treating South America more difficult. documentary about Chavez, almost like a backyard where you go and because I was already busy with W (2008). do whatever. In fact, our country has had “This was not conceived as an Iraq war film, With Chavez, I had access to the realman an awful reputation in Latin America since but rather a comedy concerning crazy ideas – he is a character, and I hope how the 19th century – Chavez is restoring that began at the end of Vietnam and still dynamic he is comes across in the film. dignity to his own country also controll. have resonances today.”

34 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 35 Do look now Party power 1 2 3 writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO

1 2

1. Nicolas Cage and Be they in a five-star hotel, Sylvester Stallone. The Rambo star was 1. Catherine Deneuve at the Eva Mendes very happy to cut the celebration cake with 4 5 Jaeger Le Coultre party 2. Matt Damon the renovated baroque palace on the Grand Canal Casino Director Mauro Pizzigatti and share 2. Diane Kruger at Jaeger Le © Yvan Barbera some snapshots with fans. Coultre or onboard a mega-yacht, 3. Paris Hilton © www.image.net the pre- and post-awards Headed in the direction of San Marco, we Venice parties gave new stopped off at Palazzo Grassi, to enjoy the 4. George Clooney and Elisabetta meaning to ‘glamour’. Our fourth edition of the Gucci Group Award. As Canalis arrive at the casino man was there, of course. Group CEO Robert Pollet explained: “What 5. Sylvester Stallone and Tiziana we are finding now, particularly in the past Rocca, also in the casino, two years, is that when we request particular attending a dinner held in artygoers frantically jumping jury members, they tend to immediately honour of ‘Rocky’ from one boat to the next accept and say that they are honoured to do © Casino of Venice until the early hours is quite so – this means a lot to us. The prize itself something to behold, before rewards the artist who has the character, the revellers headed for the capabilities and talent to move from one art Pbar of Cipriani Hotel (where George form and also be successful in cinema.” Clooney and Sylvester Stallone were normally to be found) to finish. The winner this year was Mark Boal, who wrote the screenplay for Kathyrn Bigelow’s ‘[The Gucci GEORGE’S GIRL The Hurt Locker. Tired of palaces? Why not join Alberta red carpet were stars such as Tilda Group Award] Palaces such as Ca Ferretti’s on board his yacht for a party with Swinton and the relaxed (if omnipresent) rewards Vendramin Calergi – the CRYSTAL CLEAR Nicolas Cage and Paris Hilton? Or perhaps Paris Hilton, with boyfriend, and, in secret, the artist Venice Casino – continued the The Giudecca Canal was the venue for the you prefer the exclusive atmosphere of the there was also a Cipriani dinner for 150, who has the traditions of previous festivals, screening and post-screening cocktail Hotel Des Bains, in which case you would with Sarah Ferguson and the french character, hosting various gala dinners, party of Passage organized by Nadja have enjoyed a splendid VIP dinner and actress Catherine Deneuve attending. capabilities one of which was atteneded Swarovski (of Swarovski Crystal) in the the company of Venezuelan President and talent by Clooney with his latest Granai della Repubblica. Confirming her President Ugo Chavez, who is in Venice Still not satisfied? I think, perhaps, that to move from flame in tow, Italian showgirl passion for cinema, Swarovski told for the documentary South of the Border you’ll need an ambulance to take you to one art form Elisabetta Canalis, along with Together: “We have been involved in so by Oliver Stone (check out Together’s your next party... and also be 190 other super-elect guests. many different fields such as jewellery, exclusive interview with the director fashion and art, so we decided that our on page 34). www.labiennale.org successful in Another unmissable next creative milieu would be cinema. We cinema’ appointment came with the have certainly planned many more short The Hotel des Bains was also the setting dinner organized to honour films, but for the moment I can’t say more.” for the festival’s closing party – on the final

36 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 37 Do look now Style stars writer : FEDERICO GRANDESSO

In a Venice ‘mini-festival’, we discover how fashion is seeking new promotional opportunities in short films.

he fashion and luxury fashion and technology visionary Marina landscape is undergoing Garzoni – President and Founder of Moda great change. Catwalks are e Tecnologia no-profit association – no longer the only way to frames and addresses this new era 1. A scene from Edoardo 2. Maria Teresa Cuccinotta (right), promote mode in the of communication. Winspeare’s short film Les Noces host of the 66th Venice Film Festival globalized, technological world of the 21st T de Papier, commissioned by with Marina Garzoni, the creator century, and the fashion and luxury SHORT IS BEAUTIFUL Louis Vuitton and director of Style Star consumer is no longer seen merely as a Style Star celebrates short fashion and luxury target, but rather as an films, thereby creating a fertile collaborative Brands and individual who demands and promotional environment involving designers are participation, exchange, and designers, fashion and luxury companies, now able to co-creation. production houses and advertising agencies, showcase their well-known and up-and-coming directors. productions and BRANDED Within the Style Star format, brands and tell their story In fact, short films have designers are now able to showcase their in an appropriate become a distinct expression productions and tell their story in an of brand, an must for the and empowering appropriate and empowering context fueled strongest and most innovative by the most innovative technologies. context fueled fashion and lifestyle by the most companies. To produce Forward-thinking, visionary luxury brands innovative them, Louis Vuitton, Prada, are taking notice and experimenting with technologies Chanel, Dior, Tod’s, new forms of brand communication and Ferragamo, Alexander promotion – a mix of digital and traditional McQueen and others have media, including cinematography and short engaged well-know personalities such as film. In this context, cinema and technology two-time Oscar winner Pietro Scalia emerge as strong allies of creative (Prada), Dennis Hopper (Tod’s), Edoardo communication, leading luxury and fashion Winspeare (Louis Vuitton) and Gabriele brands to choose the short film as the Muccino (Intimissimi), to name just a few. natural evolution of brand communication and storytelling. Style Star, the first fashion and luxury short film concept festival created by Italian www.stylestar.modatecnologia.com

38 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 39 POINT OF VIEW

1 2 It’s the celluloid, daaarling! writer : ANDY CARLING

Fashionistas have used could always tell what kind of a person a many sources of inspiration man thinks you are by the earrings he and one of the richest is gives you.” Words to live by. the world of film. Even DR. NO (1962) before celluloid started to Enter Bond, James Bond. Sean Connery speak, stars of the silver made the role his own, as the 1. Dr. No (1962) tailor Dougie Hayward and they’re the only satire on all that fashionistas hold most dear. screen showed a real sense sophisticated spy who is as familiar with 2. A Clockwork relief in this grim tale as Caine descends, of style. Some films have all the best brands as he is with his ladies. Orange (1971) layer by layer, into the depths of his own AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999) influenced fashion, others Speaking of ladies, Ursula Andress makes doom. Even the critics were stylish, one A pitch-perfect deconstruction of suburban one of the most memorable entrances in describing the film as “the equivalent of life, that’s sad, funny and with something to reflect it, while a few film. “Are you looking for shells?” “No, I’m drinking a bottle of gin before breakfast.” say about living at the turn of the millenium. have that certain ‘special just looking.” Possibly the best gangster film ever made. It shows the perils of conformity, the something’ to ensure their stupifying and dehumanizing effects of cool reputation. Together A CLOCKWORK ORANGE SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER repressed desires and hope on how to presents ten of our favourite (1971) (1977) escape. If that’s not enough, it should have The film that infected the world with disco ‘fashionable’ films. So, what’s it going to be then, my droogs? won an award for the best use of rose With ‘nadsat’ as its futurist slang, fever and starred the shimmying petals, as well as for its tight, dry and sharp outrageous designs and clothes, this film scientologist, John Travolta. Although script. “Janie’s a pretty typical teenager. was not fashionable for a good reason at known for its dancing scenes, the film is Angry, insecure, confused. I wish I could À BOUT DE SOUFFLE (1960) the time, as it inspired gangs to commit also a gritty look at life in New York and tell her that’s all going to pass, but I don’t Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, copycat crimes, leading its director how music can provide an escape from a want to lie to her.” directed by Jean-Luc Goddard. What more Stanley Kubrick to ban the film from the troubled daily life. could you want? The birth of New Wave UK, which was only lifted upon his death BRUNO (2009) cinema in the director’s first outing and in 1999. However, the films star, Malcolm DIVA (1981) Finally, the fashion industry gets the film it Gallic cool like never seen before or since. McDowell, claims: “I met Jean Paul Before the 80s discovered big hair, this film deserves – Sacha Baron Cohen takes the As Roger Ebert began his review: “Modern Gaultier at a film festival, and he said, became a cult thanks to its cool look and sharpest look at the industry since movies begin here.” ‘Thank you very much, because that film cast of characters. Hip heroes, sharp bad Prêt-à-Porter and discovers the truth about changed my whole design’.” We say guys and a quirky and tense plot. male sexuality: “So... if they are nice, they BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S horrorshow! Deserves to be seen. Especially by bald are gay, right?” (1961) men. Belgium’s own (well, in part) Audrey GET CARTER (1971) If this has made you hungry for more, then Hepburn’s look is as stylish and Michael Caine at his cruellest as an PRÊT-À-PORTER (1994) The Fashion Film Festival – fashionable as ever. She also exudes a immaculately tailored hitman returning to Nothing matches Robert Altman’s black www.fashioninfilm.com– is being held in sizzling sexuality that comes from within, his hometown for revenge. Caine’s crisp comedy on the fashion world – filmed in 2010 and will tour London, New York and rather than what she is (or isn’t) wearing, suits were designed by legendary 1960s Paris fashion week, it stars everyone from elsewhere, but is not expected in Charleroi and who could resist a line like: “You tailor Dougie Hayward and they’re the only Lyle Lovett to Björk in a brutal, unforgiving any time soon…

40 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 41 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE

1 Room for fashion? writer : DANIELE DOSI

You might not have noticed, UNIQUE AND but in the very heart of UNFORGETTABLE Brussels, there is a corner Yet at the Royal Windsor, there is of paradise. Since the late something different. Moving from one Fashion Room to the next, you just know 1970s, the Royal Windsor that these gifted guys have provided the Hotel, Grand’Place, has hotel’s clients with an experience that is represented the heights truly unique and unforgettable. of luxury hospitality in the capital of Europe. A Fashion Room offers an ingenious But there is even more reflection of the intimate imagination of the designer who envisioned it, while to discover – in 2004, providing an ultra-personalized cocoon of 12 talented and eclectic comfort for the traveller. The rooms are Belgian designers were intended for clients who consider each given the opportunity uniqueness and luxury (without ostentation) as priorities, but are also to express their creativity 2 3 in the designing of a room, very much the artist’s ‘own space’. In other words, a room unlike any other, in which ‘fashion’ was no anywhere in the world… longer just about clothes. Intrigued? As Roland Paulis, assistant director of sales at Royal Windsor, confirms: “Our clients have so appreciated our Fashion hus, each designer created Rooms that many return to our hotel only a ‘Fashion Room’, with the on the condition that they can have the only constraint imposed same room!” being international safety standards. To name a few No wonder – truly, you will be ofT the artists involved – Pascale Kervan, astonished. Jean-Paul Knott, rooms are Christian Wijnants, Royal Windsor Hotel intended Gerald Watelet, Grand’Place for clients Nicolas Woit, Kaat Rue Duquesnoy, 5 who consider Tilley, Romy Smits 1000 Brussels uniqueness and and Nina Meert. T. +32 (0)2 505 55 55 luxury (without Nothing innovative www.royalwindsorbrussels.com ostentation) there, one might as priorities, argue. After all, but are also other famous very much the stylists such as artist’s ‘own Versace, Ferragamo space’ and Ferretti have 1. Knott undertaken similar 2. Yee projects in the past. 3. Smits

42 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 43 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE Business Centers: The smart way to work writer : MORGAN BROWNE

Together takes a look at the office-space revolution that’s taking Brussels and Europe by storm.

phone number, address and meeting rooms, which also offers the flexibility of working outside office environs.

VIP SERVICE One such Center in Brussels, 1. Kristel De Prins VIPOffices.com, offers services that are 2. Frédéric Vermylen above and beyond the norm: “We want to make working life better by creating an he idea of a Business ambience,” explains Kristel De Prins, Center is actually rather manager of VIPOffices.com. It is clear that straightforward – it is office De Prins has succeeded. People from a space that’s available for range of businesses interact with each other rent, and included in your on a daily basis, including the British monthlyT fee is reception service, internet Chamber of Commerce, a superb expat access, meeting rooms, free-use leisure magazine (mentioning no names) kitchens and office technology at your and everything in between, while quarterly fingertips. And best of all? The costs are cocktail parties and art exhibitions bring the shared with the building’s other tenants, office together in a more social atmosphere. slashing expenses for all involved. These aspects combine to provide excellent networking opportunities. “It is unmatched MARKET TEST here,” says De Prins. “Business Centers are ideal for companies to test their markets,” says Frédéric “We have people in our offices that have Vermylen, president of BOBCA, the Belgian been here since we started in 1992,” Kristel Office Business Centers Association. “This adds – a rare feat, when one considers that is due to the fact that there is no investment most Business Centers have average stays needed up front, and the centers are very of one to one-and-a-half years. “We want flexible with the lengths of time that their you to feel like this is your office. Looking clients can stay. At BOBCA, there is a around, you don’t see much with our logo minimum standard of equipment used in on it. You are free to hang your own pictures offices – all must have fully staffed receptions, and have your space however you want it.” a minimum of eight offices per building, common areas, meeting rooms, broadband With little to no decline in their office use internet, phone services and so forth.” during this economic downturn, it would Business Centers can also provide a ‘virtual appear that they’re is doing everything right. office’, for clients who work from home or abroad but want to have a ‘shop window’ office in Brussels, complete with a private www.vipoffices.com

44 – Together #14 INTERVIEW Wearable INTERVIEW EXPRESS works here and to our clients, and solid Together: How would you describe market research. We started with a Terre Bleue? fashionable female total-look: Porcini. In chic 1986, we created a kids’ line, Chummy Dirk Perquy: The brand is all about writer : JOSEPHINE OVEREEM casual chic. We make two collections Face, which became CF Online. Around per year. My wife and her team are in the turn of the millennium, I found that charge of that. Terre Bleue stands for there was a whole generation we were wearable fashion, with high quality not yet serving – younger women who knitwear and very well cut trousers and dress in a more relaxed way. Terre Bleue skirts. Everything is designed in such a started as a women’s collection in 2002, way that a piece can be combined with a in 2008 we transformed CF Cie into Terre lot of other items. The colour themes Bleue Junior and in 2009 we launched don’t change abruptly from one season the men’s collection, with our chief stylist to another; they evolve. Flanders has Maryse Poivre and my wife who is been embracing some aspects of the responsible for production and quality American way of life and a more casual management. way of dressing is part of that. The brand is not about basics. The designers take When you enter a Terre Bleue store, great care to add the detail that makes anywhere, the ambiance is the same. the difference. Why is this? We like it to be inviting, with simple How did it begin? natural materials and a shop layout that It started in the eighties when, after I got allows easy circulation and effortless my MBA at Insead and, after following trying-on and combining. The same different courses at Insead and Vlerick, I ambiance can be found in our catalogue. decided to apply management and The selection of the items and the choice marketing principles to fashion. We of the photos make for heated would create a brand. The wholesale discussions between production, branch was founded in 1934 by my marketing and styling. Sometimes, an grandfather who sold textiles. Today, we article that we think should be only are an important player in the ready-to- moderately successful sells very well wear sector and it is still the bulk of our because of how it is photographed. We business. This allows us to take our time. know what will sell well, and what to add The first thing I did was build a board for for fun and to complete the collection, the company with a lot of different skills. but there are always surprises and we The next decade I consciously used this learn from them. group of people as a sounding board for all our projects. I wanted them to ask us What would you say is a good first difficult questions, to push us to go buy at a Terre Bleue shop? What’s the secret of Terre Bleue’s success? The third further and do better. We take risks, but Clients often start with a cardigan. In our very well calculated risks. climate this is a must in all seasons and, generation of a Flemish family business, born and bred in since we are 100% Belgian, we do this wholesale ready-to-wear, is lead by Dirk Perquy, a softly How does your company understand well. As for the rest – come and discover spoken man of 53, whom we grab for a chat in his offices in so well what will sell? for yourself! Nazareth, near Ghent. Terre Bleue offers women’s, men’s and It is a combination of simple common children’s collections in 12 flagship stores across Belgium. sense, listening closely to everyone who www.terrebleue.be

46 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 47 INTERVIEW Happy spending writer : EMMA PORTIER DAVIS

Shoes, champagne and swanky travel – our girl wants more, more, more. But, for the good of her soul and in reverence to stark financial crisis warnings about greed, she sets out to find answers to the perennial question: “Can money buy happiness?” ‘Happiness guru’ Nick Baylis is on hand to help…

48 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 49 he French say you can’t He warns against one-off experiences: “A overdo luxury but what of the bungee jump will give you a real thrill at the clichés? The bankers left with time but then it’s gone.” I wonder where my nothing as they woefully walk financial goal of having enough money to go the city streets? Celebrities to the spa once a week would fit in. Twho have all the trappings of wealth and Natasha Aburdarham, a success- yet for whom, for some reason, happiness orienteering life coach based in Brussels, is elusive? gives me hope. She says that in our fast-paced society, if we’re not succeeding, There are enough cautionary tales and trite we keep going. “What we need to do is quotations on the shallowness of material slow right down – walks in the park, wealth to fill an encyclopaedia, so I’m swimming, anything that allows the mind to relieved when ‘happiness guru’ Nick Baylis, be quiet.” He also advocates giving money University of Cambridge lecturer and author away once you have enough for yourself of The Rough Guide to Happiness, confirms although Baylis notes that philanthropy is still what I’ve long suspected. all about how you spend it. “People should invest in projects which mean something to “I protest against the idea money can’t buy them rather than just handing over the you happiness. Money should not be money and walking away.” disparaged,” he says, Baylis argues…that scoffing at “wealthy INNER CALM of course having psychologists with their If we are to avoid crashing the dream like more money makes hippy nonsense” who our rock-star idols, we need to work on our us happy but it suggest that once you internal happiness. If some kind of therapy is depends on how you cross the poverty line, involved, this may cost you but – just allow earn it and how more money makes me one cliché – Spike Milligan did say that you spend it no difference. money can buy you a more pleasant form of misery. Abudarham recommends If I had money to visit experimenting with holistic therapies, loved ones (and perhaps buy more shoes) emotional freedom therapy (where a then I think I would be happier. Baylis therapist taps on energy points on the body argues, more profoundly, that of course while repeating positive statements) or having more money makes us happy but it massage. I wonder if I have the time to depends on how you earn it and how you invest in myself in this way. spend it. Baylis chirps: “You see people who are INVEST IN YOURSELF close to being workaholics and they don’t A crucial element of happiness is accepting dare to leave but the person who will walk the highs and the lows and remaining back in after a break will bring such a cheerful throughout (bankers take note), freshness of perspective. It’s all about letting according to Baylis. One way to do this is to oxygen into the fire.” invest money in your relationship with life. “Find something you really love – a skill, a My fears are scotched that more money will passion, something that requires an ruin me. I just have to work out a plan to get investment from you. Can you buy yourself more. A colleague suggested we turn all a year’s sabbatical in Italy to learn the Bonnie and Clyde and rob a bank, until language or do a degree in fine art? These someone else pointed out they haven’t got are things that will be with us forever.” any lucre left, either.

www.nickbaylis.com

50 – Together #14 TEMPTATIONS 1 3

FOREVER AUTUMN writer : MORGAN BROWNE

Keep your look and feel 4. CABANA RACER II 2 sizzling with Together, as BY PUMA the weather cools down. The legendary German shoe, these pumas can run. In flashy colours, you’re FOR HER sure to get noticed. 70€, www.puma.com 1. J.M WESTON ‘ALTER EGO’ 5. IDOLE D’ARMANI Ladies, join the club – J.M Weston, one 10 Idole d’Armani is a spicy floral developed of the world’s most renowned shoe by perfumer Bruno Jovanovic, and manufacturers, has launched a feminine features notes of clementine, pear, collection, created by Michel Perry. Put ginger, davana, saffron, jasmine, loukoum your best foot forward! rose, patchouli and vetiver. It’s the scent Prices available on request. of a woman who’s liberated, self-assured www.jmweston.com and independent - naturally elegant, irresistibly charming. Mwoah 2. BIOTHERME SKIN VIVO 75ml, 50€, www.giorgioarmani.com The very first ‘Reversive Anti-Ageing’ skin-care line – it will take ten years off 5 you in four weeks, promise! 50 ml, 65€, www.biotherm.co.uk

3. EARRINGS BY FREY WILLE Funky designs and fun shades, stay bright as the leaves start to turn. 3 4 www.frey-wille.com

52 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 53 TEMPTATIONS 1

2 3 FOR HIM 5. BIOTHERME AQUAPOWER ABSOLUTE 1. GIRARD-PERREGAUX GEL PISTON PEN Transparent hydrating oligo-thermal gel A masterpiece of the Girard-Perregaux – fresh, transparent, non-greasy, Manufacture, combining traditional craft, non-sticky. Feel fab, first thing! technicality and contemporary creativity, 100ml, 32.50€, www.biotherm.co.uk this elegant 18-carat gold nib, 999-piece limited edition pen takes the pleasure of writing to new heights. FOR KIDS Price available on request., www.girard-perregaux.com 6. FASTKID SHOE BY PALLADIUM 4 5 This classic slip on in bright pink is the 2. ICE-WATCH CHRONO staple of a young girls outfit. GOLD 35€, www.palladium.eu Affordable wristwatch fashion comes to you, courtesy of Ice-Watch – better still, it’s drawn and designed in Belgium. 7. RAINCOAT BY PETIT Prices from 59€, www.ice-watch.com BATEAU A statement that will come as a shock to none, Brussels is wet, very wet. Keep the 3. BELVEDERE IX little guy dry and stylish with this classic From one of the most renowned names raincoat. 5 in the ‘spiritual’ world comes a different 64€, www.petit-bateau.com type of Vodka. Belvedere IX (one X) is distilled with nine different flavors and additives, including ginseng, ginger, and 8. TAO HYDRATION acai berry for a new twist on a classic. A delicious mineral supplement that 35€, www.belvedereix.com enhances the body’s flexibility and endurance – a tasty drink, and they won’t even guess how much good it’s 4. EMPORIO ARMANI doing them! DIAMONDS FOR MEN 0.99€, www.lebienmanger.be It’s a scent that comes to you in a limited-edition ‘steel trophy’ style, and it’s charismatic, ice-cool class. 6 7 8 65€, www.emporioarmanidiamonds.com

54 – Together #14 Going Places And Saint-Tropez created...Belgian Week! writer : ARMAND RICHELET-KLEINBERG

In order to enjoy the Pampelonne, which had been renamed summer’s charms in a for Belgian Week festival as Beach near-mythical location, MaTuVu. At 11h, we had our very first taste of the cool environs – just a few ‘SEA’-ING IS BELIEVING and singers on Stefano Beach – the next renowned for its luxury metres from a crystal-clear sea, with It’s handy to have a millionaire friend, of morning, just before reluctantly hitting the and party power, the elegant yachts as a backdrop, we course, but we can in fact revealthat to road for our return to Brussels we allowed ourselves to be carried away by Together team headed rent a boat for 10 people is not out of succumbed to temptation and enjoyed a the beats of a classy DJ who, even this for Saint-Tropez. A jet-set reach – quite the contrary, in fact. last meal on the beach. More than capital since And God… early in the day, got our dancing feet anything, Saint-Tropez allowed to us the itching. There was much more to come From 80€ per person per day, you can opportunity to so many fascinating Created Woman, Brigitte – after a charming day spent sipping live the maritime dream in one of the people...after all, Together is the name! Bardot’s signature dish, elegant wine, we were more than world’s most beautiful resorts – and it is way back in 1956, the tempted by the prospect of an insane the sea that is the jewel in its crown. Like PIERRE ET VACANCES ‘soirée tropézienne’ – unanimously, we resort has, for the past four us, you will not be able to resist jumping Fancy spending a week or more in plumped for VIP Room! years, celebrated Saint- from your boat into the perfectly clear Saint-Tropez? Together recommends, Tropez Belgian Week on water, nor be able to pass up the unreservedley, the Pierre et Vacances To be found in the heart of Saint-Tropez, th st nd opportunity to savour seafood delights village ‘Restanques’. 20 , 21 and 22 July. So, Jean Roch’s mythic disco has played on the beach. what better time to go? host to many famous faces, including Whether as a couple, with friends or Karl Lagerfeld, Claudia Schiffer and family, it is the ideal place to taste the We chose Niki Beach for 21st Pamela Anderson. We couldn’t resist it ‘Like us, you will tropézien lifestyle at a price that wont July – decorated with exotic To ensure that our holiday – entry is free, but you have to be not be able to make you blanche. The village offers a sun-loungers and with a went without a hitch, we beautiful, sexy and, above all, well resist jumping wide range of residences that are faithful splendid swimming pool rented two holiday dressed. An adrenaline rush when you from your to classic Provence architecture – nearby, the menu offered maisonettes in Saint- cross the portal? It doesn’t even come boat into the apartments overlooking the Saint-Tropez included roast fish, a wide Tropez’s Pierre et Vacances close... perfectly clear golf course, country-style houses that variety of salads and (moreT of which later) – for a more-than water, nor be come with private terraces, hotel villas delicious sushi, all reasonable price, our accomodation THE VIP VIBE able to pass up with sea views. Barely 7km away from accompanied, naturally, by afforded us a sea view, private terrace, The champagne is vintage Don Pérignon, the opportunity Saint-Tropez and Holy-Maxime, rose champagne. And, in a access to a large, attractive swimming and the dancers are simply beautiful. The Restanques also offers many activities to savour feast for our eyes, there was pool and enough room for five people evening was organized by the Belgians sure to delight holidaymakers – archery, seafood delights a fashion show highlighting a per lodging. The welcome was efficient – VIP BELGIUM, Noxx, Diamond Club tennis, football, circus classes, hockey, on the beach’ collection as original as it was and kind – in but a few minutes, we had and Beautiful Belgian People were, on treasure hunts, minis-trampolines, or why sexy. Wow! all the necessary info to take us to the 20th July, the genial hosts of VIP ROOM. not just relax around the 270m2 very best beaches. Our break could swimming pool? There’s something for begin! Esconsed at our private table, we met VIP ‘FROM A to Z’ everyone – you have our word on that. Belgium’s Alexandre Bodart Pinto, who And, for our final evening, we enjoyed an TALKING TABOO was only too delighted to share his joy evening with the splendid music of Pierre et Vacances Just a few kilometres away, we arrived at with us concerning the event’s success. saxophonist Pierrot Cabay (typically T. +33 (0)8 9270 2180 a premier location – the ‘Taboo’ beach in Belge, non?) and ten more musicians www.pierreetvacances.com

56 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 57

Going Places Middle Tuscany: The undiscovered country writer : DAVE DERRUYTER

Italy, land of culture, races, and, of course, the wonderful history, wining and dining, Duomo (cathedral). of good weather, soft hills San Gimignano: Famous for its 14 and green valleys. In short, mediaeval towers, considered very the land of La Dolce Vita, avant-garde when they were built, it must but there is much more have looked like a city of high rise to be seen and enjoyed off apartment buildings in those days. the beaten track, as our correspondent reveals. Lucca: A smaller version of Florence, but with a completely intact city wall, allowing you to walk around the whole town in et me introduce you to an hour. Middle Tuscany, to be With its world-renowned leaning found around 120 Pisa: tower. Quite frankly, I prefer a good stroll kilometres south of on the banks of the Arno River. Florence. My hideout is a little,L one-street town called Casino di All four cities have good restaurants with Terra, the main attraction of which is that tempting wine lists and local speciality it does NOT have a casino – it is a very dishes for any taste or budgetIn my hotel, quiet and relaxing spot. a gastronomic four-course dinner with a wide choice of dishes and a superb RURAL IDYLL remain, as there is little or no favourite is Marina di Castagneto wine list was included in my half- If you enjoy The neighbours are all farmers, the farm work for the youngsters. Carducci, the beach of the famous board package. quiet, small architects of the magnificent patchwork- towns nestling in Even if there were, the youth local poet, Giosuè Carducci. A beautiful cover on the beautiful landscape. the hills, there’s prefer to live in cities, where road, with parasol pine trees on both Sunflowers and wheat fields, olive groves Undiscovered charms the pace of life is faster and sides, takes you to a small forest with no need to drive and vineyards, patches with trees, small If you enjoy quiet, small towns nestling in the opportunities greater. playing fields just before the town and settlements and many artefacts of a the hills, there’s no need to drive very far. very far. There the beach itself. The village is small but fascinating past dating back to the There are an abundance of them less are an abundance The latter, Campiglia charming. You can walk for miles and Etruscs and later, in the glory days of than half an hour from Casino di Terra by of them less than Maritimma, is known for the miles on the beach, with nothing but Tuscany during the Middle Ages, under car. My favourites are Casale Marittimo half an hour ruins of its castle and its the sea, the sand and pine-trees the rule of the Medici family. and Campiglia Marittima. The former is a from Casino di ingenious aqueduct and as company. beautiful village on a hill – almost Terra by car water storage system, which And the magical quartet of Tuscan cities unknown to tourists, it has kept all the brings drinking water from Middle Tuscany – take a walk on its is situated just an hour’s drive away: charm of the days when it was populated the surrounding mountains to winding farm roads, picnic near the Sienna: With its magical Piazza del by the farmers working the surrounding the town. There are many great beaches Cecina River, or simply enjoy the sun, Campo and famous for its Palio horse fields. Now, only the older generation along the Ligural coast – my personal the splendid views and the great locals.

58 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 59 GOING PLACES A fairy tale: Domaine de la Bretesche writer : DAVID MC GOWAN

When you arrive at who occupy the castle to this day. Domaine de La Bretesche, Four stars shine brightly over the beautiful premises of this grandiose 15th-century it’s like entering château, which is now home to the wonderland – the kind of elegant Hôtel & Spa de la Bretesche, place that inspired fairy situated in the Manor of the castle. tales. And you’ll feel like a king or prince... Nestled in the verdant countryside between the Brittany countryside and the Loire Valley, this historic property invites he Domaine is filled with you to enjoy calm, luxury and elegance. history – though not much is known about the castle A stone’s throw away, you’ll find the prior to the 15th century, it peaceful waters of the lake and the is thought that it played a Domaine de La Bretesche 18-hole golf strategicT role, as it was built near course, which runs over 200 hectares of deep-water lakes. But who built the parkland adjacent to a century-old forest. castle, and when, remains a mystery. It The 32 guest rooms at Hôtel & Spa de la was restored and became the residence Bretesche open their doors to a world of of the barony of La Roche Bernard up to wellness and comfort. To brighten your the French days, you can capture unspoilt views of Nestled in Revolution of 1789 linden trees and the gentle lake. To clothe the verdant – a renowned haunt your nights, fabrics bearing the signature the finest grands crus and many more boast as being one of the most beautiful countryside for nobility, the of great names such as : Rubelli, Kenzo, discoveries from the hotel’s sommelier in France, perhaps even the world. between the Dukes of Brittany, Manuel Canovas, Pierre Frey… await your pleasure, all served with Brittany François I and elegance and discretion by the first- In the majestic forest surrounding the François II FOOD FIT FOR ROYALTY class servers. castle, you can also chose from 25 cosy countryside frequently hunted The hotel’s restaurant ‘Le Montaigu’ has a cottages, which offer a more and the Loire in the 1,100- well deserved star in the Michelin Guide Take time to enjoy the Square Courtyard independent stay, with your own kitchen Valley, this hectare forest.. and a rating of 16/20 in Gault Millau. Let Spa, an experience of sheer luxury, included. Château de la Bretesche offers historic chef Gilles Charpy take you on a tranquillity and sensuality. Sharpen your a unique experience to live a fairytale – property GRANDIOSE gastronomic trip through France’s most senses, enjoy relaxing massages, for those who love dreams, Chateau de invites you to SPLENDOUR beautiful regions – with his talent and aromatherapy, oligotherapy and a la Bretesche is a place where many will enjoy calm, In 1965, Philippe de daring creativity, he brings Brittany and multi-sensorial cocoon – there is a team come true. luxury and Montaigu sold the Provence together in delectable of specialists on hand to cater to your elegance castle – rumour has compositions that will amaze even the every whim. Domaine de la Bretesche it, to pay off most experienced palates. Sea bass, 44780 Missillac gambling debts. bream, game, vegetables of the day offer Domaine de la Bretesche’s 18-hole golf France Divided into apartments, it has since an ode to the seasons and, as for desert, course, with its chequerboard mowed T. +33 (0)2 5176 8696 been sold to around 15 co-proprietors, discover the best for yourself. For wine, fairways and velvet greens, can justifiably www.bretesche.com

60 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 61 GOING PLACES Branché Bel-Ami! writer : DAVID MC GOWAN

The Bel-Ami Hotel is all 6th century. Opposite the church is the about the spirit of modern, Café des Deux Magots which, like its neighbor Café de Flore, was among the urban conviviality in one of favourite haunts of intellectuals such as the oldest parts of Paris – Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de our publisher paid a visit. Beauvoir following World War II. St. Germain is perfect for ‘unguided’ tours – art galleries, swanky shops and el-Ami is to be found near excellent restaurants can be found on the beating, romantic just about every corner. heart of Paris, in none other than the 6th District, St Germain des Prés ‘St Germain is Bwhich, for those who are not familiar with perfect for Paris, is one of the city’s most exclusive ‘unguided’ neighbourhoods. tours – art galleries, HISTORIC HAUNTS swanky The hotel itself is very luxurious and shops and stylish, with young, very friendly, who excellent help provide a classy but warm restaurants ambience and, near the Bel-Ami, you will can be found find St Germain des Pres Church, from on just about which the neighbourhood takes its name, every corner’ and which is the oldest church in Paris, with sections dating as far back as the

September - October 09 Together – 63 Hôtel Bel-Ami Rue St Benoît, 7-11 75006 Paris T. +33 (0)1 4261 8713 www.hotel-bel-ami.com www.bel-ami-trend.com www.organdino.com

INTERVIEW EXPRESS differently in each room and you will We met with the hotel’s interior designer, always leave with different emotions. Marina Bessé, for a quick chat. The hotel also has its own bar, restaurant, spa, gym, and Marina’s Together: Could you tell us about the talents extend even further – she has her themes that inspired you for the own shop on site, Espace Organdino. design of the rooms? Marina Bessé: I wanted to lift up the Zen In line with the neighbourhood’s chic ambiance that you already find in the hall, ambience, the hotel often hosts bar and lobby of the hotel. I used a floral exhibitions of famous artists, with the theme and went with a collection of works of Amylee and Thierry Chemouny colours and materials that are very recently on display, and the hotel’s Piano relaxing and soft to express the notion of Bar has live music every Thursday, Friday creativity and the notion of artist that are and Saturday night, beginning representative of St Germain des Prés at 19h30. neighbourhood. 1st October: Mélanie Dahan Which, in your opinion, is the most 5th November: Vincent Balse beautiful room? 3rd December: Eileina Williams There is not one singular one, they all release something different, they all tell Perfect location, great service, très their own story. You just feel good branché!

64 – Together #14 GOING PLACES

Costa Croisières: Music on the ocean writer : ARMAND RICHELET-KLEINBERG

Friday 5th June 2009 Onboard, there’s 22 musicians and marked world maritime singers or, to finish your day in style, why not be carried away by the rhythms of history – two Titans of the the sumptuous disco, superbly sea set sail simultaneously decorated with a multitude of mirrors and from the port of Genoa, monitors? Italy, Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica. Our man, it Our guide Patrick J. Pourbaix, explains goes without saying, was the Costa Croisières outlook: “The fundamental attraction of this type of there... holiday is the rediscovery of the fine art of living well – the onboard facilities are without compare, and our personnel are t was an international event, hand picked to offer each and every attended by more than 4,000 holidaymaker an unparalleled journey into stars, artists and artists and, of course, Together was part of it – ‘The and there’s an official record of the fundamental eventI on www.together-magazine.eu. attraction of this type of Accompanied by Patrick J. Pourbaix, the charming director of Costa Croisières holiday is the Benelux, we spent two days onboard rediscovery Leading Israeli concert artist Noa Costa Pacifica – 290 metres in length, of the fine (Achinoam Nini) (right) aboard the Costa Pacifica and 35.5 metres wide, with the capacity art of living to hold 3,780 passengers, the Pacifica is well’ the second-largest vessel of its kind in Europe. pleasure. Whether it’s fine cuisine, MUSIC, MAESTRO! cultural discoveries or simply a great And its theme? Music! An integral part of time, there is something for everyone on each voyage, from the daily musical a Costa cruise. entertainment offered to passengers, musical classes for children, a real There’s more information available in the on-board recording studio for older new Costa 2010 booklet – make your ‘performers’ and, every evening, at dream cruise a reality! cocktail hour, the harmonious delights of a traditional orchestra, jazz or rock ‘n’ roll. www.costacroisieres.fr

66 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 67 GOING PLACES Low cost, high flying: Wizz Air turns five

Earlier in 2009, airline Brussels, representing a 44% increase Wizz Air (which has compared with the same period during 2008. The average load factor on these been voted best low-cost routes has been 82 per cent in 2009 carrier by pasazer.com for – our success is based on our high- every year it has been in quality and ultra low-cost model that has business) reached its fifth been proven to gain customers, no birthday – Together takes matter whether our industry is enjoying a look. good times or facing challenges. And there’s more, acccording to Lantos: Central and Eastern Europe’s largest “To bring you up to date, during the past low-fare/low-cost airline Wizz Air has had five years, we have carried more than plenty of reasons to celebrate during 1.25 million passengers on our Brussels 2009 – not least because of their 5th Charleroi routes alone, and Wizz Air anniversary of flights from Brussels to carried more than 7 million passengers in Warsaw from. total during in past 12 months. The airline’s fleet currently consists of 26 As well as Poland’s capital, the airline Airbus A320 aircraft, which offer high also offers low fares from Brussels operational reliability and customer Charleroi Airport to five other satisfaction using an environmentally ‘Our success is destinations – Katowice, friendly platform, operating from 11 based on our Prague, Budapest, Sofia and bases in Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, high-quality Bucharest. Romania, Ukraine and Czech Republic. and ultra low- Currently, the airline is flying to 21 cost model FROM LAUNCH TO countries, offering more than 150 routes. that has been LIFT-OFF proven to gain According to Wizz Air Over its five years in business, Wizz Air customers, no Communications Manager has flown 18 million passengers, and the matter whether Adrienn Lantos, passenger company predicts it will have 30 per cent our industry is traffic has been growing more customers by the end of 2009 than steadily since 2004: “In fact,” in 2008. Clearly, the sky’s the limit. enjoying good he adds, “between January Happy Birthday, Wizz Air! times or facing and August 2009, our airline challenges’ transferred close to 265,000 www.wizzair.com passengers to and from www.charleroi-airport.com

68 – Together #14 FACT: IT’S YESTERDAY ONCE MORE… According to those in the know, this year’s autumn collections are marking a return to the exuberance and individuality of a certain decade that, in certain schools of thought, it was felt that fashion forgot. We’re talking about the 1980s so, painful as it may be to hear, padded shoulders straight out of Dynasty and sequined tops fit for aGolden Girl look likely to be making waves as 2009 draws to a close. But why, we hear you ask? Well, fashionistas believe it may be because the eighties and the noughties share more than a few cultural and social similarities – as Donegar Group Creative Director David Wolfe explained to the Los Angeles Times recently. “People are tired of being worried about money and being sensible. Even though it wasn’t the carefree time everyone remembers it to be, the 1980s now looks like the party we’ve not been allowing ourselves to have lately. It’s a denial of the recession…now that a tough economy is the reality, we want to look fun.” Well, bring it on…but let’s not have Joan Collins back on primetime, OK?

FIGURE: $9,000,000 That’s how much the world’s most expensive item of clothing costs. Wearing one, you wouldn’t exactly cut a dash, but you would certainly make an entrance. Just ask Neil Armstrong. Need more help? OK – nine million ‘clams’ is how much you would have to fork out for a NASA astronaut’s costume – and one doubts that they have ‘coupon’ days.

NEWS TOUCHY Political ties? writer : CILLIAN DONNELLY

Today’s politicians became an iconic symbol of his political may generally not leadership, adopting a particular be as affectatious as accessory that will hopefully make them their predecessors but, stand out in today’s political environment occasionally, even in the of faceless clones, much in the same way as Screaming Lord Sutch and his European Parliament, collection of outlandish costumes or, in a some will make a bid for more sober way, Charles de Gaulle’s their own kind of sartorial military garb. immortality – and the humble neck-tie, curiously One such man is Belgium’s own Elio di Rupo, leader of the Socialist Party (Parti enough, has increasingly Socialiste) who was voted Minister- become a make-or-break President of the Walloon Region in 2005. fashion statement. A somewhat flamboyant politician, he was likened to a “character in a novel” by François Mitterrand, and is known for his inding herself gazing upon love of bow ties. Indeed, di Rupo is rarely a particularly iconic piece of seen in public without his trademark 19th century headgear in butterfly-style bow tie, making it his the Smithsonian Museum in sartorial centrepiece and very own iconic Washington DC in an fashion statement. Which is quite episodeF of The Simpsons, Lisa was something, given that in the wider world moved to declare that it represented bow ties only tend to be regularly worn “America’s greatest citizen summed up in by clowns; still, one cannot fault one piece of clothing”. di Rupo’s bravery in the face of possible ridicule. She was, of course, referring to the iconic stovepipe hat worn by Ties, on the whole, present something of Ties, on the Abraham Lincoln (and NOT a problem for politicians. Coupled with a whole, present Fonzie’s jacket, which so smart jacket, the wearing of a tie is something of enraptured her father), and considered the appropriate apparel for a problem for her statement rings true; it is any serious public servant. The problem, politicians indeed hard to separate the however, is that often the public do not image of Lincoln from that of approve of stuffy political careerists with his famous chapeau. their whiff of establishment clogging up the airwaves or braying in the chamber, ACQUIRING AN leading many of the younger breed to ACCESSORY soften the image of the public servant, Like Margaret Thatcher’s handbag or adopting a kind of half-way approach Winston Churchill’s cigar, Lincoln’s hat between respect for tradition and a more

72 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 73 Daniel Cohn-Bendit: casual look. One such way to achieve In fact, his refusal to wear a tie became He won’t be tied down this is simply to abandon the tie – so famous that, when a fictionalized particularly if you want to maintain a version of Gregory appeared wearing a connection to your radical past. tie in the movie Veronica Guerin (2003), Irish critics sniggered at the inaccuracy, TOSSING THE TIE as was also taken up by websites such When Tony Gregory was elected to the as moviemistakes and IMDB.com. Irish Parliament (Dáil) in 1982, he did so Others, incidentally, have since followed on the back of a vigorous, community- suit, such as the current Green Party based platform of reform. Upon taking member, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan. his seat, Gregory chose not ‘I can’t be to bow to convention and The European Greens have their own [French] refused to wear a tie, a tiny radical in the ranks, of course, in Daniel President,’ gesture that caused a Cohn-Bendit, AKA Danny Le Rouge, a [Daniel Cohn- disproportionate amount of man previously branded a “seditious Bendit] told kerfuffle – in doing so, alien” by the French authorities after the reporters, ‘I Gregory sealed what would events of 1968, now vociferous MEP in don’t have become his lasting the staid surroundings of the European any ties.’ trademark. Upon his death in Parliament. Like other radicals caught January 2009, the Irish Times between compromise and individuality, noted: “Gregory was also Cohn-Bendit has also chosen to drop making history in the Dail the tie, as he acknowledged when chamber, refusing to wear a tie as was rumours abounded that he may be required at the time...the intense young making a bid for the French presidency. Dubliner escaped the censure of Ceann “I can’t be President,” he told reporters, “I Comhairle [Speaker] Dr John O’Connell.” don’t have any ties.”

74 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 75 Money Fashion (or fads?) in finance writer : GRAHAM REID

Fashion is just a variation Emperor’s New Clothes – lacking in on the herd instinct – there substance and offering no cover where it is safety in numbers, and was needed. behaving so as not to stand ‘Ninja’ loans: Would you borrow money from this man? out from the herd protects Managers you from predators. that follow According to our money their true been overexposed to it failed dismally, any sector or currency that seems to offer man, similar principles can convictions whereas this fund immediately moved to higher returns than the others. It is usually a apply in the financial world. near the top of the league tables, a position sign of weakness. They may be have often it has maintained over the years by fashionable, but are much more risky than been more pursuing the same cautious strategy. they appear. n the 1980s, everyone wanted to successful invest in shares, because it was over time STAYING LIQUID? This does not mean that you should avoid thought that they were certain to The current fad is to avoid shares investing in anything that seems attractive, go on growing for ever. Towards altogether and to stay in bonds, medium- but it does mean that you should take into the end of the 1990s, it became term cash or near cash, but this can be as account that there may be greater risks. dot.comI shares. More recently, shares in On the other hand, managers that follow bad as over-exposure to shares – even Keep your exposure to any one sector the banking and finance industries became their true convictions have often been more these vehicles have their risks. down to a level that mitigates the impact if all the rage, but with dire consequences for successful over time. One well known How often have clients told me about their that sector should fail – and spread the risk. investors. French fund nearly had to close down in fantastic internet deposit account in an 1998 because it refused to invest in dot. obscure Icelandic Bank that was offering There are a number of sophisticated NINJA DANGER com companies on the grounds that, 1% or 2% more than the others? Whenever risk-assessment packages on the market The dangers in following such investment although they were promising huge profits an investment offers a return that is higher can be used to assess your tolerance to trends become obvious when the sector that in the future, they were not actually making than comparable investments, look at it risk and create a model portfolio based on investors have piled into suddenly falls out of any money. They considered the share carefully before investing. Do the same for that assessment. favour or, worse still, suffers a sharp reverse. prices to be disproportionately high in In the recent past, even banks and fund relation to the real results. By not investing managers have followed the herd. It in this booming sector, the fund did not became fashionable to buy packaged appear to be producing returns ‘Ninja’ loans. No one dared to question it comparable with its competitors and THE WRITER because it appeared to be commercial investors began moving out to seek higher Graham Reid is director of Classic suicide to do so if competitors had them. In returns elsewhere. When the dot.com Financial Solutions NV, 321 fashion terms it was more like The bubble burst in 1999, the funds that had Brusselsesteenweg, 3090 Overijse.

76 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 77 Point of view

One picture, one house: Helping Burma rebuild

writer : MORGAN BROWNE

Together learns of the work of Zaw Min Yu, a photographer who has documented both the beauty of his native country and who, with the proceeds from his work, is playing his part in Burma’s THE ART OF RELIEF exhibition where one limited-edition reconstruction following returned to Burma to start work anew. In July, Zaw came to Brussels to shore picture of Burma could buy a house,” the devastation of Cyclone Several years after his return, he up plans for his latest project. After says Gerken. The expo will be a Nagris. witnessed one of the worst tragedies to visiting the Irrawady Delta area many departure from Zaw’s normal mode of ever befall his people, who have already times and documenting the horrors that selling his pictures, which are usually suffered so much. his countrymen were still facing, he limited to three to five prints – instead, the t first glance, Zaw Min Yu decided to act. Helping Zaw is Brussels photographer will be selecting five of his would not strike you as On 2nd May, 2008 Cyclone Nargis made businessman Pascal Gerken – Pascal photos, printing 50 of each, with the being the premier landfall on the Irrawady Delta in Myanmar, had also visited Burma several times and proceeds of every shot going towards photographer in Burma. resulting in one of the worst natural happened to be in the country when paying for a house for a family. The His mane of black hair is disasters in Asia’s history. Bringing with it Nargis struck. “I escaped on the last flight money will buy the land for the house, pulledA back in a ponytail showing a few winds of up to 165km/h and torrential rain, out before the airport closed down,” he the materials, and also the labour – it streaks of grey and an English Dunhill the tempest destroyed thousands of explains. “After a very tough flight that costs as little a $700 to rebuild a house. cigarette is never far away from his homes. For more than 12 hours, the night back to Europe, I landed in my As an added bonus, buyers will also mouth. While being a man who takes his inhabitants of the region were subjected to home to realize that thousands of people receive a picture of the family for whom work very serious, he is always quick this meteorological hell; entire communities had lost their lives and hundreds of the house is being built as well as their with a smile and a laugh. were wiped off the map and people were thousands more were homeless.” To address, should the buyer wish to see carried miles inland or washed out to sea help, Gerken began encouraging friends the results of their altruism if they ever HEAVEN AND HELL as the Bay of Bengal ebbed and flowed and colleagues to visit the beleaguered decide to visit Burma. IIn his long career, he has into the delta. The death toll was believed country not only as tourists but also to For more than published many collections to have exceeded 120,000, while many work to build houses for those still in And great work has already been 12 hours, the of his photos, most thousands more are still missing and need. After returning to Burma a year accomplished – thanks to their inhabitants of focusing on the beauty, presumed dead. Immediately following the later and seeing that very little progress collaboration with Tin Htar Oo, the region were history, and culture of his disaster, the international community was had been made, Gerken decided more managing director of Sunbird Tours subjected to this home country. He has also ready and able to help. However, entrance needed to be done than merely drafting (www.travelmyanmarservices.com), meteorological photographed Burma’s visas were hard to come by at the families to help with the relief work. 120 houses have already been rebuilt hell; entire most luxurious and beginning and it was only after a few based on the construction model and a communities were decadent 4 and 5 star months that the military government Zaw and Pascal first met in the close working with relationship with local wiped off the map resorts as well as others agreed to receive aid and granted visas to photographer’s gallery in Yangon NGOs Acted and Amurt. There are also and people were around the world, and has aid workers. More than a year later, (Rangoon). Both recognized that art opportunities available to visit the families carried miles also worked as a thousands are still homeless and much of could be a way to help those in the delta who are benefitting from the work – inland or washed photographer for Lonely the rebuilding effort and money promised that were still in need. “I realized that Zaw contact Tin at [email protected]. out to sea Planet. After living abroad has been put on hold due to the world was involved in helping people as well for more than 24 years, Zaw economic crisis. and, together, we could create an www.zawminyuphotography.com

78 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 79 By george! Clooney’s class act! George Clooney, the star of the show for this edition of Together, was in Venice to promote his latest film, The Men Who Stare at Goats. The movie concerns a reporter in Iraq who stumbles onto the story of a lifetime, when he meets a man who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army’s First Earth Battalion, a unit that uses paranormal powers. Clooney is pictured here with girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis and director Grant Heslov – see you next year, guys!

Exclusive Together George Clooney/ Elisabetta Canalis/Grant Heslov image © Yvan Barbera

80 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 81 FRESH OPENINGS ADVERTORIAL Fantastic four writer : MARIE HOCEPIED New season, new shops. Together opens a few doors for you... Rob: See and taste 1 2 3 4 the difference Synonymous with good food for more than 60 years, Rob remains the one-stop shop for gourmets and gastronomes, aficionados of fine foods, cooking enthusiasts and fans of Mother Nature’s finest produce.

1. LES HALLES 3. V.O. GOURMANDES It’s a new temple of accessible luxury, to It is now five years since Philippe Pellegrino be found in the heart of the Louise These days, organic production methods have become a benchmark guaranteeing respect for the product and its taste. drew on the very best of Brussels’ district – second-hand, to be sure, but At Rob, there are more than 600 organic products available. gastronomy, with the single purpose of don’t be put off, there are clothes bringing expertise, passion and simply classics aplenty to be discovered, at the great cuisine together under one roof. prices you deserve. Check it out – you A MOUTH-WATERING chocolates, a mind-blowing range of Result? There are now no less than nine won’t be disappointed. SELECTION teas, and not forgetting a wine cellar craftsmen in his charge, with but one Choice is Rob’s raison d’être, so for all that’s among the richest and most varied purpose – to wake up your tastebuds! V.O. our product managers, whatever their in the country, where the great vintages Quite simply, Les Halles Gourmandes is a Rue Jean Stas, 10 section, choice means the rigorous and rub shoulders with more recent treasures catering delicatessen service, offering 1060 Brussels uncompromising selection of products unearthed in vineyards all over the globe. concoctions prepared only with the fresh T. +32 (0)2 537 17 70 from the finest sources. Whether local produce of the day, straight from the markets and farms, Rob’s specialists are Better still, the ‘passion for the taste’ has markets, according to the mood of his 4. ISABELLE BAINES fully acquainted with their products. And, led to Rob forging sustainable links with clients. And, to accompany these culinary A new address for Isabelle Baines. Also within their own particular fields, each is certain partners. Over many years, delights, great wines from around the world to be found near Avenue Louise, the equally demanding and meticulous, partner-suppliers who are proud of their – something for everyone! creative Belgian’s new outlet continues to products, their region and their expertise position Baines at the meeting point of whether it’s a question of the origin of a have shared their great passion with Rob. Les Halles Gourmandes ‘art’ and ‘artisanal’, specializing in pata negra ham, the preparation of a Chaussée de Bruxelles, 58 handmade, made-to-measure and bream, the preference for a particular 1410 Waterloo one-of-a-kind creations clothing creations meat, the maturing of a Pouligny goat’s Small fruit and vegetable producers, T. +32 (0)2 502 90 93 for women. Over the years, Baines has cheese or the selection of an olive oil – craftsmen, cheesemeisters, fishermen www.hallesgourmandes.be remained faithful to a style and vision what makes Rob unique is the quality of and farmers enjoyed a trusted that’s both sober and refined, using its selection. relationship with Rob’s teams. For you, 2. ALEXANDRE DE PARIS top-quality merino wool, cashmere and the customer, this amounts to a Renowned Parisian hairdressing salon cotton, and with meticulous attention to THE GOURMET STORE guarantee of quality and distinction. Alexandre de Paris has now opened its detail and finish. It’s there for you to Rob is not merely a large store, but also doors in Brussels – the quintessence of discover. a gourmet market, where every luxury in discreet surroundings with a full specialist’s passion for their profession is Open Monday to Thursday 9-19h, range of Shu Uemura hair-care products, Isabelle Baines conveyed both to their teams and their Fridays to 20h, Saturdays 8h30-17h and and beautiful tonsorial accessories, Rue de la Longue Haie, 4 customers. The result is 1,400 square until 20h on the day before national accompanied, naturally, by coiffeurs at 1000 Brussels holidays. the very peak of their game. Enjoy! T. +32 (0)2 502 13 73 metres dedicated to culinary pleasure, all year round. Alexandre de Paris, Rob Boulevard de Waterloo, 36 Apart from the numerous fresh food Boulevard de la Woluwe, 28 1000 Brussels sections that have built Rob’s reputation, 1150 Woluwe Saint-Pierre T. +32 (0)2 503 54 04 you will find an exceptional range of T. +32 (0)2 771 20 60 www.alexandredeparis.be spices and oils, a remarkable array of www.rob-brussels.be

82 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 83

CHATBACK I have a pact with one of the Meadelets that I will not wear my deep red trousers when in her company, and I haven’t even dared discuss the ones the shade of raspberry ripple ice-cream or the moleskin ones in a kind of Banoffi Pie tone. I’m not wearing the yellow suit until I see someone else in one first but, just I am curious the other day, the Mayor of London (dark blue regulation suit), was in town and commented favourably on my pale green orange linen suit. writer : GEOFF MEADE Then there’s my two-tone gangster shoes (pale brown and cream) which the salesman in London said he’d like to buy himself, but daren’t, as he lived in a sartorially risk-averse city centre. Brussel’s SUITS YOU SIR! premier expat The accordion music and Maigret faded “But I live in Brussels,” I said. raconteur from my imagination, but the orange man He nodded: “That’s okay then – joins was still there, ambling nonchalantly people are much more tolerant on away from me. And that is the moment I the continent.” Together to blame for my current flirtation, if that’s all offer his wry it is, with, shall we say, a more colourful thoughts on wardrobe. Back in Brussels, I remarked Does Sir Ian McKellen rate Geoff’s wardrobe? Answers on a postcard, please... everyday life in the capital to a little man who runs what we used to of Europe – by way of a call a gent’s outfitters that the French signature dish, our man peacock is still alive and well among the grey suits of the male species. Ah, he explains the reasons behind insisted, there is a Belgian peacock too, his own fashion excesses. and disappeared towards the back of the Take it away, Geoff! shop and returned, wheeling a rack of garments which, if sewn together, would have put Joseph’s Technicolour omewhere in Paris, there is Dreamcoat to shame. But why, I asked, a man with an orange suit, are you keeping these things hidden? and he has a lot to answer He gestured me into a mid-yellow cord for. Not a Guantanamo creation: “Because I don’t want to scare Bay-style suit, but a gent’s away my more traditional customeurs.” Stwo-piece, in a needlecord material. COLOUR SCHEMES I spotted him standing on the Champs Between then and now, in what is clearly Elysee a few years ago, tall, stocky, a mid-life crisis, I’ve acquired not just late-50s or older. He had about him an orange trousers, but yellow, green, and air of quiet confidence, which is pretty some in colours worthy of a restaurant much compulsory if you’re going to go dessert trolley. Another occupant of outside in an orange suit, even one as Meade Towers vetoed the purchase of well-cut as his. He had paused during his an orange suit, arguing that the proximity perambulations to light a stubby cigarette of the jacket to my face made me look and, as he regained his stride, I heard anaemic. But I sneaked home with a accordion music and I spotted Inspector yellow needlecord suit some time ago Maigret stepping out from the shadows under cover of darkness, plus a rather to mutter to a junior officer: “Fellow zee dashing tweed jacket with a bold red homme in ze costume a l’Orange!” check.

84 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 85 GERALD’S GAZE LITTLE LUXURIES Instead, carve out your personal luxury Okay, there are the rich, the super-rich space and revel in it – a distinctive and then there’s you and me. For Belgian beer-of-the-month, perhaps, slumdogs who aren’t yet millionaires, taken in a local bistro, in a part of paying to pooh in the relative comfort of a Brussels you don’t yet know. A €4.50 Mumbai latrine might be the height of day-long public transport ticket, to Time to yourself? luxury. Somewhere between that – and crisscross the city in the quest for that paying £35,000 for a diamond-studded special beer... (Note – non-alcoholic cocktail in London’s Movida nightclub pleasures are permissible, but they Priceless... – is where I’d situate the luxury range for escape me for the moment). most Together readers. So, here’s a writer : GERALD LOFTUS suggestion – start thinking of luxury in Here’s my personal cheapskate luxury strictly personal terms, instead of what favourite – find a seaside (or lakeside) you think those famous Joneses are up location facing east, make a thermos of to, for you’ll never be able to keep up with your preferred hot beverage, buy or bake them, and will be unhappy trying. some yummy pastries, and get up early Ostentation’s contributions, it can even bring the taxman to enough to watch the sun rise. Variation your door. The French have a term – ‘signes – trade the breakfast fayre for smoked out, humility So, here’s a is in – our extérieurs de richesse’ – there’s a delicious salmon on fresh bread, accompanied moment in the excellent 1998 comedy Le suggestion – Gerald muses with appropriate bubbly, and watch the Dîner de Cons where the imminent visit of an start thinking of setting sun opposite Ostend, or the on ways of inspector has the tax- avoiding leading man luxury in strictly ever-changing play of light over Mont enjoying scrambling to stuff all his expensive artwork personal terms, Saint Michel. life’s personal into a broom closet. instead of what luxuries without the need you think those It will set you back a couple of euros, but for labels. “Ostentation is a godsend for the famous Joneses are so what? If unstructured time, the sound fiscal authorities,” says a leading expert. up to, for you’ll of silence, and good company are But in some places, flaunting wealth is de never be able precious commodities, you’ll be able to rigueur. The Principality of Monaco actively Luxury – especially as its to keep up with enjoy countless luxuries that those URIs courts URIs – Ultra Rich Individuals – who antonym is “discomfort” – them, and will be can only dream of. Webster’s alternate help fuel that casino country on the Med. cannot surely be all bad. unhappy trying definition of luxury: “A pleasure out of the But now, even URIs are facing straitened Carried to extremes however, ordinary allowed to oneself.” Doesn’t circumstances. The Economist, which its pursuit can become, in sound terribly sinful to me. recently ran a special report, The Rich – the phrase coined by 19th century L Under Attack, notes that luxury-goods economist Thorstein Veblen “conspicuous spending has plummeted some 34 per consumption” that is, wasteful, cent. ‘Bling on a budget’, apparently, is now unnecessary, and – in these days of the way of the wealthy. The Economist’s economic down-turning – downright cover illustration is a Delacroix spin-off: despicable. French Revolutionaries led by a bare- LUX REDUX breasted maid carrying a ‘Get the Rich!’ placard (check the anachronous Blackberry What this will mean for all those products on one of the fallen aristos). Poor dears. – Electrolux® appliances, Unilever’s Lux™ brand line – with the sinful suffix is difficult to say. As a prefix, ‘lux’ is another matter, however – nobody accuses Luxembourg of lustful excess, though the Grand Duchy might have to go some extra lengths to prove that it is no longer a haven for all those luxury-seeking tax cheaters.

Flaunting your luxurious lifestyle to excess can sometimes result in trouble – if your conspicuous spending mismatches your tax Old-fashioned quqlity of life

86 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 87 THE PLACES TO BE Chic spots Have you been flashed?

1 2

3 4

5 6

1. OLIVIER SAXE, SAINT-TROPEZ www.oliviersaxe.com

2. LA TERRACE DE L’HIPPODROME, BRUSSELS www.simplybetter.be

3 & 4. MARTINI RACING PARTY, SPA FRANCORCHAMPS www.spa-francorchamps.be

5. COCKTAIL SEVEN, KNOKKE 6. NIKKI BEACH, SAINT-TROPEZ www.nikkibeach.com

88 – Together #14 For Art’s Sake ‘COME TO 1 2 THE FAIR,

MEET THE 3 ARTISTS, TAKE THE ART

HOME’ 1. Gordon Hopkins ‘Come to the fair, meet the artists, is a veritable smorgasbord of artists, 2. Helen O’Sullivan take the art home’ – you really can’t experiences, colours and forms – writer : JAMES DREW 3. Rachel Stewart say fairer than that, which is probably entrance is free, and the talented artists 4. Fiona O’Farrell why the Brussels Accessible Art Fair has already confirmed for the winter edition proved to be such a resounding success of the show hail from a variety of since its launch in 2007. The event has countries including Belgium, the UK, Brussels Accessible Art Fair grown remarkably, welcoming more than Ireland, Chile, Zimbabwe, Spain, France (BAAF) is gearing up for its 3,000 visitors who came to meet 30 and the US. Check www. next sensational event – from leading artists and peruse their work accessibleartfair.com for updates – 20-22 November, Brussels during BAAF’s most recent edition, which and, courtesy of Together, enjoy a Accessible Art Fair: EU took place in June 2009. According to selection of the art that will be available Director Stephanie Manasseh, it’s all in November on the following pages. Quarter will be held in the about making the connection: “As part of Let’s go to the fair! Hotel Silken Berlaymont, the Brussels culture scene, we strive to near Schuman. During the connect local and international artists to 4 weekend, more than 30 a local and international public. The international artists will be summer edition was beyond our exhibiting and selling their expectations, and I look forward to a promising winter show with new artists works – painting, and surprises.” photography, print and sculpture, with prices Combining originality, accessibility and a ranging from 50€-3,000€. chance to talk and buy from the artists themselves Brussels Accessible Art Fair Pasquale Bonfilio

90 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 91 1 2 3

Helen Tyrrell

4

Brussels Accessible Art Fair 20th-22nd November 2009

Hotel Silken Berlaymont Boulevard Charlemagne, 11-19 1000 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 231 09 09

1 & 2. Dagmara Pater Director: Stephanie Manasseh 3. Helen Tyrrell [email protected] 4.Marina di Carlo www.accessibleartfair.com

92 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 93 DIARY

Together’s 1 2 ‘To Do’ list writer : MORGAN BROWNE

Depressing being back in Brussels after the holidays, isn’t it? Not necessarily – check out our selection of exciting events that are heading your way.

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BBOB - AUTUMN OPENING the finish at Grand’Place. Those without 29.09.09, 7h30-9h30 the Forest Gump-esque desire to run BBOB (Brussels Business Over such an absurd distance can take part in Breakfast Club) is a business networking the 4km mini-marathon or the half group that meets twice a month, bringing marathon, or simply enjoy the race from together independents, entrepreneurs the sidelines. and business owners to network in a friendly and informal setting over www.sport.be breakfast. Autumn’s first guest speaker will be John Niland, talking about ‘The OPEN DAY Outstanding Professional’ 04.10, 10-17h 1. Brussels Marathon TG STAN - TOESTAND Megavino’s motto is ‘sample before A chance for you to discover what 2. Europalia International 16.10.09 you buy’. www.success121.com Arts Festival International Montessori Schools can 3. TG STAN - TOESTAN This autumn, theatre company STAN will Register at [email protected] offer your child, from 1-16 years old. be 20 years old. To celebrate the event, Parc des Expositions Remember, a good start lasts a lifetime! STAN is inviting a large number of friends Heysel - Palais 3 BRUSSELS MUSEUMS Open days being held in Tervuren, and kindred spirits to share the stage Place de Belgique, 1 EVENINGS Sterrebeek, Woluwe and Wezembeek- with them for a night and a day. An 1020 Brussels 24.09>17.12, 17-22h Oppem. Go to www.international- ‘impromptu’, 24-hour marathon, www.megavino.be Every Thursday evening during autumn, montessori.org for more information. showcasing a combination of old and young and old can discover Brussels’ T. +32 (0)2 767 6360 new material, work from the STAN EUROPALIA finest museums in a relaxed and inviting repertoire and by invited actors, dancers, INTERNATIONAL ARTS atmosphere. Think you’ve seen them all? OKTOBERFEST AT PLACE and musicians. A joy! FESTIVAL You’ll be surprised! There are 53 JOURDAN 16.10.2009>13.2.2010 museums taking part - and it’s your 14.10.2009>18.10.2009 Kaaitheater China - not just a land of communists chance to enjoy culture at your own pace. Bring on the lederhosen and oompa Sainctelettesquare, 20 - 1000 Brussels and gymnasts of questionable ages. T. +32 (0)2 512.77.80 music, it’s Oktoberfest time. The fest, T. +32 (0)2 274 03 64 Held biennially in different venues across organized every two years by the www.kaaitheater.be Belgium, this year’s Europalia festival www.museesdebruxelles.be Bavarian delegation to the EU, is the aims to showcase the vast and ancient closest thing you can get to the tents of MEGAVINO culture of the People’s Republic through BRUSSELS MARATHON the Theresienwiese in Munich. Drink a 16>19.10.09 all mediums. From acrobatics and martial 04.10.09 German beer in a 1L Maß mug and enjoy Sample a bounty of wines from Portugal, arts to puppetry, contemporary paintings For the select few who feel the need to the treats of Bavarian cuisine. Ein Prosit, Germany and California at Benelux’s and even a Chinese take on Hamlet, don spandex and subject their bodies to ein Prosit… largest wine fair. Also on hand will be a Europalia spares no effort to present a grueling 42km journey, this is the place plethora of gastronomic delights to nosh China’s cultural heritage. to be. The race starts at the Parc du Place Jourdan - 1040 Brussels on while sipping your foreign and exotic Cinquantenaire, heads through Bois de la T. +32 (0)2 237 48 11 vino. If you are new to the wine scene www.europalia.be Cambre, all the way to Tervuren, before [email protected] and perhaps a bit intimidated, worry not,

94 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 95 DIARY Le Chat

friendly and informal setting over breakfast. Speaker Natasha Abudarham, Personal Success Coach & Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner, will be The cat’s whiskers talking about the importance of stress management and its relation to running a successful business - www. Our feline friend offers his natashaabudarham.com. own fashion tips...

www.bbob.be Register at [email protected].

BRUSSELS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 03>08.11.09 Sprung from the ‘Super 8’ movement that began in the mid 1970s, the Brussels Independent Film Festival has become the showcase for filmmakers outside the structured bounds of mainstream movies. With 100 films - many of them European and worldwide premieres - from 60 countries, the 36th edition is truly an international event. For six days, Brussels will become a meeting point for filmmakers from all around the globe - the talent of today and tomorrow. Orquesta Buena THE NEW BACKSTAGE Vista Social Club 23.10.2009 Centre Culturel Jacques Franck Come and discover the stylist Idiz Bogam, Chaussée de Waterloo, 94 surrounded by the delighted DJ Crew. 1060 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 649 33 40 K-Nal [email protected] Avenue du Port, 1 www.centremultimedia.org/ 1000 Brussels festivalinternationaldufilmindependent www.thebackstage.be

HÔTEL COSTES XII ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA 30.10.2009 SOCIAL CLUB A night to party - join Stephanie 18.11.09 Pompougnac, Lorenzo Ottati and Bernard While not the entire original lineup from Dobbeleer. How cool? Wim Wender’s acclaimed film, these 13 veterans of the Havana jazz scene are K-Nal still pumping out some of the best Cuban Avenue du Port, 1 music today. With some of these 1000 Brussels musicians sporting Grammy awards and www.lessoireesdescompilations.be worldwide acclaim that would make a footballer blush, this is a night not to BBOB - AUTUMN OPENING miss. 03.11.09, 7h30-9h30 BBOB (Brussels Business Over Ancien Belgique Breakfast Club) is a business networking Boulevard Anspach, 110 group that meets twice a month, bringing 1000 Brussels together independents, entrepreneurs T: +32 (0)2 548 24 84 and business owners to network in a www.abconcerts.be

96 – Together #14 September - October 09 Together – 97 ADDRESSES A Hugo Boss P www.hugoboss.com Aster Pomellato www.asterchildrenshoes.com I www.pomellato.it B Iceberg R www.iceberg.com Bell & Ross Raymond Weil www.bellross.com L www.raymond-weil.com C Lafont S www.lafont.com Calvin Klein Sacha www.calvinklein.com Les Hommes www.sacha.com www.leshommesfashion.com Chanel Stella McCartney www.chanel.com Les Precieuses www.stellamccartney.com T. +32 (0)2 503 28098 Chaumet Swarovski www.chaumet.com Louis Vitton www.swarovski.com Cos www.louisvuitton.com T www.cosstores.com M Tiffany & Co D Marc Jacobs www.tiffany.com Diesel www.marcjacobs.com www.diesel.com Tommy Marithé + François Girbaud www.tommy.com Dyrberg/Kern www.girbaud.com www.dyrbergkern.com V Miharayashiro F www.mihara.puma.com Vanessa Bruno www.vanessabruno.com Filippa K N www.filippa-k.com Veritas Napapijri G www.zazzle.com www.napapijri.com Gentiluomo Z www.gentiluomo.nl New Look www.newlook.co.uk Zadig&Voltaire H www.zadig-et-voltaire.com O H&M Zara Olivier Strelli www.hm.com www.zara.com www.strelli.be Hackett www.hackett.com

If you are interested in our advertising rates, Cover credit: Together please contact: Many thanks to Yvan Barbera, magazine www.reflexstar.com, who provided exclusive David Mc Gowan Venice Film Festival 2009 photographs [email protected] or T. +32 (0)497 543 672 for Together.

Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in Writers: whole or in part without the written permission Morgan Browne/Andy Carling/Emma Portier of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held Davis/Dave Deruytter/Cillian Donnelly/ responsible for the views and opinions expressed James Drew/Federico Grandesso/Marie Hocepied/ in this magazine by contributors. Together is Gerald Loftus/Kimberley Lovato/Geoff Meade/ neither responsible for nor endorses the content David Mc Gowan/Josephine Overeem/ of published advertisements, nor can the Graham Reid/Armand Richelet-Kleinberg magazine be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the same. Design: Studio LetMeSee Founder: T. +32 (0)496 72 39 50 Jérôme Stéfanski [email protected] www.studioletmesee.be Publisher: David Mc Gowan Together Media Boulevard St Michel, 47 Managing Editors: B-1040 Brussels James Drew & Colin Moors – www.readright.be [email protected] [email protected]/T. +32 (0)473 951 137 [email protected]/colin@ readright.be [email protected]

98 – Together #14