Welcome to the 12th edition of Bespoke, indisputably one of the most important we have created. In the relatively short time we have been in production we have been responsible for a number of firsts. We were the original Pan-Arab magazine. By ignoring critics who told us we could not target the Middle East as a whole, we resisted taking on a skew to one particular country. We also pioneered a new size format in creating the Arab world’s first briefcase-friendly magazine. And most importantly, we valued the reader well before the correction that has been taking place within the regions’ publishing industry. By believing our readership to be discerning, articulate and intelligent, we have striven to constantly bring you original, witty and authoritative content - that will very much continue to be our magazine’s editorial mission.
But to maintain the status of a pioneer you must be brave and dynamic, so while certain other publications have pilfered Bespoke’s design and content, we have decided to take a bold step and evolve in order to stay ahead of the game. That is why you will notice a new font, a more sophisticated layout and ever more spectacular photography as well as eye-catching illustrations. Bespoke is the antidote to those that continue to believe that Arabs are unaware of how to self-indulge judiciously and tastefully. We refuse to succumb to such beliefs, and remain persistent in our mission to use Bespoke as a platform on which to highlight the taste, culture and diversity of our region.
This issue is our second annual Ultimates issue in which we highlight the best of the very best in Middle Eastern luxury life. Nominations were sent out to the selected movers and shakers of this past year, yet awarding only one for exceptional efforts in any given domain. As such, every section of the magazine has a polled winner amongst four candidates, except the Essentials that has none and the Aside Section that has two outright winners. Therefore we have a Visionary award, a Living award, a Connoisseur award, a Legacy award, a Vehicle award and a Fashionism award. The first round of selections was done by the Bespoke team after which, a short list of about a dozen names per section was given to an independent panel of judges (all experts within their field). After much discussion and consideration, the eventual winners and runners-up were chosen.
It has been a very exciting year and this issue represents a glorious finale to 2008. I hope you continue to enjoy the fruits of our extraordinary labours. Happy reading.
