REDValentiono Spring 2017 Collection

REDValentiono Spring 2017 collection is a flair of subversive daring mixed with ingenue spontaneity and a firm will to use fashion as individual expression is what REDValentino stands for. The collection is a repertoire of possibilities that can be interpreted in many ways, free from conventions and impositions. Constant self-reinvention is what the REDValentino girl seeks and enjoys, in fact.

She is her own storyteller, writing an endlessly renewed fable through the many images she projects onto the world. The world is surely a stage for her, but the story is authentic just as much as it is theatrical, witty, funny and even a tad anarchic. The REDValentino girl never gives up dreaming. She is a realist, however, knowing that reality is the product of the imagination. For spring, she enjoys a back n’ forth dialogue with opulence and preciousness.

  

The theme is evident yet the interpretation is unexpected : fresh and fragile, up to a point. Keeping an eye on her mom’s couture pieces, the REDValentino girl makes them her own, unafraid to get her hands dirty and delve into the concrete jungle clad in tapestries, embroideries and transparencies.

There is a sense of irreverence and eccentricity to the tale: a fearless mix ‘n match of impalpable dresses and opulent coats, of jeans, glitter and brocades, animalier motifs and lingerie nods. Following an idea of clothing that melts with the environment, tapestry textures are everywhere, contradicted by an innocent use of transparency in the tiered dress and airy skirts.

In the game of appropriation of couture tropes, even the pragmatic trench-coat gets a ladylike shape, while denim shorts and skirts swarm in intricate intarsia patterns.

To-the-calf lengths and demure jumpers convey an air of graciousness. Petite bags, studded shoulder bags and roomy sacks mix with sandals, clogs and studded loafers.

Colors are neutrals, with dashes of denim blue and shots of black. Ultimately, the apparent properness heralds a sense of total freedom: it’s about playing off-center couture to bring poetry everywhere.

Jaeger-LeCoultre @ The Atelier Reverso

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Atelier Reverso makes the relationship between a man and his watch even more exclusive. By personalising the reverse of this iconic model and choosing one or several interchangeable straps, every man has a number of options for creating the watch of his dreams. In 2017 the Grande Maison introduces six new men’s dials, available in two sizes, so devotees of this reversible classic will love it all the more. The Atelier Reverso is a playground for expressing yourself through a palette of dials – lacquered, for instance, or made of stone – that will adorn the reverse of this watch. In 2016, five dials were designed to enhance the Reverso Classic Large Duo. In 2017, the Atelier Reverso gains six new dials. Three variants in masculine colours make an appearance: a subtly nuanced red, an electric blue of refined tones, and a carbon fibre-effect shade of grey. What’s more, three new stone dials are unveiled: one in grey meteorite, a military-influenced dial in green marble, and lastly, a dial in tiger's eye – a gemstone that gleams with an especially pleasing amber warmth.

Altogether, an array of vibrant colours intended to embellish a new men’s model in the Reverso Classic collection, the Reverso Classic Duo Small Second, available in sizes Medium and Large. This new timepiece, driven by a manually wound mechanical movement, is dedicated to tradition and watchmaking know-how. Its front face presents a guilloché and brushed dial with a small seconds indicator. A second time zone in an opaline finish is revealed on the reverse, where a day/night indicator is set into the Clous de Paris-patterned guilloché design at 6 o’clock. Since 2016 the Grande Maison has sought new ways of sharing its watchmaking culture, its thinking, its moments of joy and suspense. Jaeger-LeCoultre offers every lover of Fine Watchmaking the chance join in the adventure of their Reverso by choosing the design of the dial on the reverse.

When the watch is completed by the artisans at the Vallée de Joux Manufacture in the heart of the Swiss Jura, their hands turn an imagined ideal into reality. This experience, which can be deeply emotional, is possible with the Reverso Classic collection’s Duo, Duo Small Second, and Duetto models. The Atelier Reverso also allows you to choose your strap from a multitude of refined shades, in materials such as calfskin, alligator leather, ostrich leather, and satin. One simple hand movement releases the strap so it can be replaced with another, giving the watch a whole new appeal. Even the buckle is easily interchanged.

Tommy Hilfiger @ Hilfiger Edition Spring 2017 Collection

Hilfiger Edition celebrates the icons of a modern wardrobe. It looks beyond familiar forms and the codes of classicism, taking indispensable items from the Tommy Hilfiger archive and pushing them one step further. Each piece has its own inherent value and encourages a twist on tradition where American heritage meets pop culture.

For spring 2017, there are nods to ‘70s sportif and The Ivy League but silhouettes have changed, proportions are different and the details reveal new creative possibilities. Prints are the cornerstone. Floral, bandana and linear patterns are shown in unexpected variations that feel fresh as plays on patchwork inform shapes and add graphic zip. Suiting and pajamas are both spontaneous and sartorial, surpassing conventional matched sets with the addition of tropical flora or shorts as partners.

Outerwear takes a casual approach in sporty shapes such as the pullover and barracuda, a selvedge denim jacket is cropped for newness while giving a cursory salute to workwear. Knits are familiar in frame but inventive in their construction.

Shirting and chinos, both foundations of the Hilfiger vocabulary, are cut oversized with pieced fabrics and the addition of knitted polo collars or side stripes impart a contemporary simplicity in their structure.

Each outfit is played up with accessories such as bucket hats, leather sport totes and covetable retro-infused sneakers and rope trimmed slides.

This season Tommy Hilfiger presents a purposeful lineup of new essentials that acknowledges how men today dress. It’s an enduring approach to fresh global style for which there is no expiration date.

ZENITH El Primero 36'000 VpH Perfect Duality

The legendary El Primero by Zenith appears attired in striking black and white variations. An intense black ceramicised case, chiaroscuro three-counter dial and sporty perforated rubber strap reveal a fascinating take on a watchmaking legend born in 1969. The Manufacture’s iconic El Primero 36’000 VpH epitomises high mechanical precision endowed with enduring charm. These contrasting twin timepieces - black on white, white on black are a new couple, exuding a seductive aura characterised by natural balance. 1969 was a historical year for the watch industry that saw Zenith present the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph: the inimitable El Primero. Alongside its high-frequency movement, El Primero also stands for an emblematic design recognisable at first glance. Its three counters originally in anthracite, blue and light grey symbolise the functionality of a sophisticated mechanism and have been part of the Zenith DNA for almost half a century. An original aesthetic that makes light of passing time and lends itself to infinite variations in terms of materials, styles and colours. The fast-paced chronograph now reveals a particularly sophisticated look in two chiaroscuro interpretations. The counters provide an attractive and complementary ‘visual opposites’ effect against a finely sunray-patterned ebony black or silver-toned base, punctuated by black luminescent facetted hour-markers and hands enhanced with bright red touches. Timeless and resolutely unconventional by nature, El Primero enriches its black and white look with a sporty touch thanks to a perforated black rubber strap secured by a titanium and black PVD-coated triple folding clasp.

Kan Zamaan Restaurant @ A Timeless Tale Retold

When travelling to an exotic destination such as Jordan, you want to eschew the tourist traps when it comes to dining to have something with authenticity, local flavors and a chef that has the know how to elevate his food, thus Kan Zamaan in Amman is an absolute gem where you can enjoy something of a resurgence in the food itself.

Nestled on the hilltop of an old Jordanian Mirage village lies Kan Zamaan – Arabic for once upon a time. Not only is it on a site dating back to the 19^th century, this estate, slash horse stable, slash agricultural warehouse, is turned into a modern and probably one of the most stylish restaurants in Amman.

A 20 minutes smooth drive will take you to this spectacular locale from the city of Amman towards the airport direction. The location is a little out of the way for a very special reason of its original façade being situated on this site. It is refreshing to have a circuitous journey out of the city to the hillsides to create an air of expectation.  Not only do the locals strive for some authentic dinners by driving in to Kan Zamaan, residences around are also their frequent patrons, even during the week nights.

This unique gourmet experience is enclosed within the stone walls of an ancient settlement, while the Turkish/Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist is some of the best we have had in years. One is looking for that ‘wow’ factor and this has it in spades! The original façade is still very well maintained that makes you wonder what inside would be like.

The moment you step inside, this is a case where you can definitely “judge a book by its cover” with a spectacular ambience. The whole concept is a force to be reckoned with, being broken up into three distinct venues: the stables transformed into the elegant dining room, Bustan Kan Zamaan (the garden), a stunning breezy patio with views to the hilly surrounding countryside and is popular especially in the summer.

Bread and Salt, the local bakery offering homemade delicacies adjacent to the dining room entrance and our main focus on a cold winter’s evening was the main dining room and we were suitably impressed on arrival with the stunning high brick vaulted space, with cast iron candle chandeliers adding that oomph factor and a touch of warmth (it was rather cold outside on the night during our visit). There are a series of lighting features  like the gas grill line fire that define the central dining area at seat height with a touch of flair.

People love to dine late in Amman, so we booked a table later than usual and there were quite a few diners intent on having an enjoyable late dinner, so the atmosphere was most enjoyable from the moment we arrived. Naturally, dining late means you have quite an appetite to be sated and we were very quick to start scrutinizing the menu and ordering food.

As the cuisine is heavily referencing Oriental and local cuisine influenced by Lebanese food, it was easy to make decisions, as this is a cuisine we are familiar with and have been waiting to try with anticipation.

<Mutabbal>

Roasted eggplant dip with tahini, lemon, olive oil and pomegranate is our first appetizer. The eggplant was blended to a very smooth texture and the pomegranate added an extra bite with the creamy texture of eggplants being enjoyed together.

<Hummus Jabali>

This signature dish comes with blended freshly boiled chickpeas with fava beans, green onions, pickles and topped with mint leaves and is another must have order from the menu. Classic yet tasty.

<Kan Zamaan Salad>

This full on salad is more like the Chef signature salad, consisting of iceberg, artichoke, palmetto, fresh mushrooms, asparagus, avocado, corn and cherry tomatoes in a creamy lemon vinaigrette. It can be an entrée by itself and value for money.

<Pistachio stuffed Chicken Balls>

Heavily breaded chicken balls stuffed with pistachio and butter is another great starter. You may want to enjoy a small bite one after another, as the pistachio filling is such a delight and well seasoned.

<Halloumi Cheese Fried or Grilled>

We had this Halloumi cheese grilled to perfection. It is quite a heavy comfort food dish which can almost be enjoyed as a bread and cheese by itself.

<Kibbeh Nayyeh Orfali>

Freshly minced raw lamb mixed with bulgur, onion, parsley, pistachio and chili paste. This chef recommendation is simply divine.  We were quite skeptical when we order this house specialty as raw lamb is never our priority especially to a cuisine unknown of. Chef has certainly proven us wrong as this dish was so enjoyable and the presentation will catch your attention with the condiments that come together.

<Sultan’ Delight>

A classic Ottoman style braised lamb ragout on a bed of silky creamed roasted eggplant puree. Similar to a lasagna ragout dish, this is creamy in texture, but with a mouthful of minced ragout lamb. A definite comfort food dish for all.

<Whole Sea Bream>

Oven-baked in a salt crust or char-grilled to perfection to your preferred way. We had it oven-baked and the fish was deboned at our table. Scrape away the excess salt to avoid  the salty taste before eating.

  

<Sujuk>

Armenian style spicy sausages sautéed with lemon and olive oil. Small bites size sausages grilled to the right texture and with a hint of spiciness in the marinade. You may want to finish the lemon olive oil juice by just dipping the accompanying bread. Yum!

<Fillet Ras Asfour>

Finely diced fillet of beef with spices, onion & pine nuts stir-fried. A quite similar cooking method to Chinese stir-fries and the pine nuts are quite aromatic and in right bite texture.

<Quail>

It can be done in a few ways, either char-grilled, plain or sauteed with garlic and lemon and olives oils. We chose the latter for its delicious juice of course and two quails per portion. The meat was slightly on the tough side yet still enjoyable to finish quickly due to the tasty meat.

  

 <Knafet Zamaan>

Nothing will go wrong with knafet  for dessert, especially if it is a-la-minute and prepared in front of your table. Warm katayfi dough with cheese drizzled with pistachio and syrup will easily round up your evening to put a big smile on your face.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5

Design & Decor: 5/5

Food & Beverage: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 5/5

Highlights:

The Ambience

The Menu

Kan Zamaan

Airport Road, Mirage Village

Exit 4W, 

Amman, Jordan

Tel: +962 6 412 3838

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.