Bespoke magazine announces official selection for its annual Ultimate Awards

About Bespoke magazine:

Bespoke magazine is a bi-monthly Pan-Arab lifestyle and luxury magazine that covers and targets the region's high net worth individuals.

The 2009 Bespoke Ultimates:

- VISIONARY AWARD:

* FARAH BEHBEHANI - The Kuwaiti author of 'The Conference of the Birds', a thought provoking work that brings classical Arabic calligraphy and poetry to the attention of a new generation.

* AL RAHJI BANK - The world's largest Islamic bank (headquartered in Riyadh, KSA) managed to post record Middle Eastern profits despite the widespread global recession.

* QATAR FOUNDATION - With a threefold mission of education, scientific research and community development, QF is developing Qatar into a sustainable knowledge-based society.

* DUBAI METRO - The technologically advanced driverless network is the longest metro network in the world and the first urban rail system in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).

- LIVING AWARD:

* THE ADDRESS - Emaar's 63-storey property in Downtown Burj Dubai offers well designed and fully equipped serviced apartments that can be rented back to the hotel to earn income when not in use.

* KITSCH - The Middle East's first fusion concept store specializing in fashion and home cooking has spread out to include locations in Dubai as well as the original store in Beirut.

* AXOR - Legendary French designer Jean-Marie Massaud has teamed up with Axor to create a new bathroom philosophy, resulting in clear geometric forms and ingenuously hidden technology.

* BOKJA - A Lebanese company that combines ancient tapestries and textiles with antique furniture. Fusing art and design, its work is a testament to the ingenuity and quality of local artisanship.

- FASHIONISM AWARD:

* UNCONDITIONAL - This hot new English brand's Spring-Summer '09 collection was well received in the region thanks to its tailored clothing that advances men's ready-to-wear fashion.

* BERLUTI FORMULA 1000 - Berluti, known for its trademark leather goods, has for the first time ventured into luggage with a compact suitcase that flaunts a sleek silhouette with a sturdy finish.

* BALMAIN - The fashion house of Balmain has had a momentous year with outstanding showstoppers that pushed its name back to the top of the must have fashion lists worldwide.

* RABIH KAYROUZ - Capping an exceptionally accomplished year, Kayrouz became only the second Middle Eastern designer to be admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

- CONNOISSEUR AWARD:

* SHEIKHA MAI BINT MOHAMMED AL KHALIFA - Bahrain's Minister of Culture has been tirelessly working on protecting, preserving and promoting the country's rich and unique history.

- LEGACY AWARD:

* GABRIEL YARED - The Oscar-winning Lebanese composer is a distinguished musician in the vanguard of his profession. His exemplary body of work dates back decades.

- ESCAPE AWARD:

* AHMED AL SOUDANI - A one-time dishwasher, this Iraqi painter has shown how it is possible to pursue your dream having received universal critical acclaim in the American art scene.

* BIBLIOPOLIS - Bibliopolis are fighting to save Arab literary culture as they work tirelessly to restore classic books of all sorts from across the region.

* ART HOUSE HOTEL - The boutique hotel was established in an exquisitely restored old stone mill. With its regular art exhibitions and musical concerts it is a truly unique Damascene retreat.

* SIR BANI YAS ISLAND - A wildlife island reserve, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, provides an ideal destination to experience nature and wildlife, in an adventurous yet luxurious way.

- VEHICLES AWARD:

* BMW S1000RR - A new superbike boasting the highest power output of any litre-class bike. It was built to take on the established Japanese competitors both on the sales floor and the racetrack.

* RIVA 86 DOMINO - The latest launch from the venerable Italian shipyard is a stunning 26-metre boat made for those who want it all: sporty lines, stunning interiors and a swift turn of speed.

* PORSCHE PANAMERA - The four-door Panamera saloon marks another departure from Porsche's tried and tested sportscar routine and is a demonstration in uncompromising engineering.

* EMBRAER LINEAGE 1000 - The Brazilian firm's luxury corporate jet business is thriving and this year it received its certification for this 'ultra-large' business jet with comfortable seating for 19.

Media contact:

Layale AbouAntoun
Account Executive
Memac Ogilvy PR - Lebanon
Tel: (961) 486066
Fax: (961) 486064

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