I just finished reading the Robert Frank book Richistan: A journey through the American wealth boom and the lives of the new rich. Engrossing it was and poignant it remains. It showed me that despite the extraordinary wealth of some individuals in the world – and similarly in our region – the overriding sentiment is that there is no room for serenity in the acquisition of oodles of wealth. In a dramatic sign of our times, the price of a barrel of oil may be at an all time high but with world markets in unpredictable and recession-directed mode there is also a realisation that perhaps enough just is not enough.
And yet, if there is no such thing as having enough money with the understanding that the more you have the bigger the increase in your anxiety levels, then Bespoke’s ethos of your wealth being in your taste (and not wallet) is now all the more coherent. Inasmuch, we bring you our ManMade issue which is, naturally, bursting with truly original content.
We investigate the controversial issues of Genetically Modified Organisms and Sovereign Wealth Funds on page 38 and 56, respectively. On page 30 we interview the astonishingly fulfilled businessman Hamed El Chiaty who has seamlessly interwoven the art of success with the hard work of building an institution. We take a look at some fascinating and rapid solutions to housing shortages on page 62; and show on page 108 that if all else fails your dream-life awaits you in the virtual world via Second Life.
Finally we bring you an extended Fashionism section where we reveal a future star in the making called Amina Khalil, highlight the best watches to have emerged from the Swiss fairs, spotlight less-internationally known but unique and commendable local jewellers and we interview Moroccan fashion designer Hisham Oumlil.
I hope that you will take away with you the realisation that in making the man it is best to follow Albert Einstein’s wisdom, “Try not to be a man of success but rather to become a man of value” – and celebrate humankind for what it should be.
