The Black Book for September 2015



D’Oro

Straight from Via Appia Antica – one of Rome's oldest and most historic streets – D'Oro books are now available in the UAE for the first time. The brand claims to be the last publishing house in the world that produces each of its tomes by hand, utilising historic bookmaking techniques. The skills of more than 50 people are required for the completion of each piece, including the making of the covers – which are first cast in bronze and then covered in gold – and the handpainting of pages with oil polychromes. UAE customers can purchase a pre-curated, limited-edition book entitled The Golden Horses, which is one of the brand's original designs, features pure gold and is hand bound with pure silk and leather, from Le Vault in Abu Dhabi. Those who are interested in something more personalised can choose to create an entirely original piece – which includes everything from the tome's cover to the actual subject matter. The Golden Horses book starts from Dh65,000, while bespoke pieces start from Dh240,000.

Tateossian

London-based men's jeweller Tateossian is the go-to brand for distinctive, handmade accessories. Part of its latest collection, the Paper Clip Micro Pavé cufflinks set features 158 pavé white diamonds per cuff, weighing a total of 0.49 carats. The set is adorned in sterling silver, accompanied by whaleback clasps and priced at Dh3,577. Also new this season are a pair of intricate mechanical rose gold cufflinks (pictured) and the Green Beetle rose gold cufflinks. Tateossian has also unveiled the Anniversary Limited Edition collection as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, which includes the Amazonia bracelets, featuring leather – in varying weaves and thicknesses – with printed patterns, a sterling silver clasp and a Paraiba blue topaz stone. Also available are the XXV Anniversary Dumbbell gunmetal cufflinks, in various shades of optic fibreglass.

Dior Sauvage

It is 10 years since the House of Dior launched its last fragrance for men, Dior Homme, but in a major milestone, the brand has unveiled the all-new Dior Sauvage. Although they sound similar, the brand is adamant that the scent is not related to Eau Sauvage, which was the first men's fragrance launched by the house in 1966. Yet, much like its predecessor, Dior Sauvage has top notes of citrus, spicy heart notes of pink pepper and woody base notes of vetiver. There are, however, a few changes, including the addition of lavender and patchouli. The packaging is also noticeably different. The rounded glass bottle has an ombre effect giving way to an inky-black top. Johnny Depp is the face of the new fragrance, in what is his first ever fragrance campaign. Dior Sauvage is priced at Dh335 for 60ml and Dh470 for 100ml.

Rolls-Royce

If ultra-bespoke luxury is your bag, look to Rolls-Royce's recently unveiled Phantom Limelight Collection. The edition – consisting of just 25 vehicles – made its first ever appearance in Abu Dhabi, ahead of its official global launch at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. It offers interior feature options for both men and women, ranging from compartments with jewellery holders, dedicated spaces for credit cards, business cards and spectacles, and a concealed area that holds either three fragrance bottles or wristwatches. Two compartment trims are available: the Light contrast scheme features seashell with navy blue contrast leather and seashell tone-on-tone stitching, while the Dark contrast scheme offers navy blue with seashell contrast leather and navy tone-on-tone stitching. While the exterior is painted in Gala blue, at a push, this, too, could be customised. Also included is space for your Rolls-Royce picnic set, a 1920s-style hamper made specifically for Phantom motor cars (although sold separately), which features fold-out Indian rosewood tables, handblown and cut stemware, and cutlery designed by David Mellor.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat

The Iron Claw

Director: Sean Durkin 

Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany, Lily James

Rating: 4/5

NBA Finals so far

(Toronto lead 3-1 in best-of-seven series_

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105

FIXTURES

Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

RESULTS

1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Lady Parma, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Tabernas, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash.
2.45pm: Handicap Dh95,000 1,200m
Winner: Night Castle, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,400m
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Mutawakked, Szczepan Mazur, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Tafaakhor, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Cranesbill, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.

Company Profile

Company name: Hoopla
Date started: March 2023
Founder: Jacqueline Perrottet
Based: Dubai
Number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Investment required: $500,000

Company Profile

Name: Direct Debit System
Started: Sept 2017
Based: UAE with a subsidiary in the UK
Industry: FinTech
Funding: Undisclosed
Investors: Elaine Jones
Number of employees: 8

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya

Directors: Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Dharmendra, Dimple Kapadia, Rakesh Bedi

Rating: 4/5

Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin

Kill

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Raghav Juyal

Rating: 4.5/5

The specs: 2024 Mercedes E200

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cyl turbo + mild hybrid
Power: 204hp at 5,800rpm +23hp hybrid boost
Torque: 320Nm at 1,800rpm +205Nm hybrid boost
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km
On sale: November/December
Price: From Dh205,000 (estimate)

Leap of Faith

Michael J Mazarr

Public Affairs

Dh67