SKYLOUNGE Spring/Summer 2023

SKYLOUNGE ‫مجلة على العقارات وإدارة الثروات‬ Best in One-on-one Class with Portrait of multi-award Serena Amani winning UK Law Firm Monarch Solicitors Founder & CEO Monarch Solicitors & Global Capital Hub



Global Editor-in-Chief & Cover photo Publishing Director Serena Amani Marisa Zahra Ramirez ‫مدير التحرير‬ Advisor Real Estate USA ‫العقارات الاستشارية‬ Patricia Garza Corrie Sommers Audience Development ‫مشاركة الجمهور‬ Elizabeth Rodriguez MENA Real Estate ‫الشرق الأوسط‬ Hamza Lahlou South East Asia & Indian Ocean ‫جنوب شرق آسيا‬ Avinay Soomaroo Executive Assistant ‫تطوير الأعمال‬ Zahra Lamrani Production ‫مدير الانتاج‬ Nazha Belhaj Art & Design Advisory ‫تصميم فن الصورة‬ Vanessa Gutierrez ‫تكنولوجيا المعلومات‬ IT & Creative Media Amar B.K. III Martin Kahlert Business Development ‫تسويق‬ Indre Vasiliauskaite Founding Editor ‫الناشر والمدير العام‬ Dr. Khalid Ben Amar Contributors ‫المساهمين‬ Serena Amani (Monarch Solicitors) Vanessa Bird (The Aesthetic Consultant) Dr. Liesel Holler (Dr. Liesel Holler Clinic) Rania Kimrakji (Royalty Consultants) Liam Monaghan (London Central Portfolio) Corrie Sommers (Corrie Sommers Luxury Realtor) Noura Faris (Noura Faris Designs) Hope Dowlen (48 London) Sophie Shelton (48 London) Special thanks to ‫شكر خاص ل‬ Cyril Kongo Comlux Aviation & ACJ Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Chateau Brachet AFG Published by KBA Enterprise Limited Weller House, Suite F 60 Longbridge Road IG11 8RT Barking - Essex Greater London United Kingdom E. [email protected] Representative offices: Dubai - Marrakech - Casablanca - Monterrey/MX Paris - Houston/TX - Los Angeles - Port Louis SKYLOUNGE Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press and the publishers, editors, contributors and advertisers can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of the magazine, including text, photographs, illustration, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without prior written consent of KBA Enterprise Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher who accepts no responsibility for any loss incurred due to reliance on the information provided in this publication. SKYLOUNGE is a trademark of KBA Enterprise © 2023 KBA Enterprise Ltd.

Multi-Award Winning Law Firm Monarch Solicitors Exclusive Interview with Serena Amani Cyril Kongo & Airbus - Bringing Art & Luxury to the Skies Noura Faris Designs Unique Interior Design

Luxury is about the experience The Cavalieri in Rome The Aesthetic Consultant ® In conversation with Vanessa Bird Lifestyle & Concierge Service Interview with Sophie & Hope from 48 London Latest Innovations in Beauty In conversation with Dr. Liesel Holler















Cyril Kongo aka Mr. Colorful and Airbus - Bringing Art and Luxury to the Skies

Although he is best known for his earlier projects with Hermès, Richard Mille, Chanel and Pinel Pinel, he has recently invigorated the motor world by transforming a Maserati into a brighter, sexier vision of speed as well as painting an ACJ Two Twenty jet! C backgrounds allowed him to understand the world, thus yril Kongo is a French graffiti artist born in 1969. He spreading a valuable and universal message about love, freedom, and humanity through his works. Kongo’s works started doing graffiti as an urban street artist in 1986. In the gained international recognition from the many national and early years of his practice, he was a solely street artist; he international festivals he participated in. He held numerous produced large frescoes, whether on walls or other urban solo exhibitions, and his art was also featured in several constructs, throughout the world. These artworks, which gallery exhibitions. Most of his works are now part of exclusive unfortunately can now only be found in photos and film, private collections. Cyril Kongo has worked with D Gallerie gained him recognition on the international stage. His twenty since 2013, where he held his Solo exhibition A stroll in Paris years of experience in the French Graffiti scene as a member with Kongo. In 2019, Kongo launched his solo show Les of the MAC CREW collective allowed him to hone his mastery Ephémères de Cyril Kongo (Kongo’s Studio) in Jakarta with D in this discipline and earned him the title as one of the early Gallerie. Being recognized as a world-acclaimed artist, prestige representatives of the world’s Graffiti scene; introducing graffiti brands began to commission Kongo for the creation of luxury as a genre. Kongo has significantly contributed to graffiti’s goods. Some of his notable collaborations include a silk scarf uprise as an artistic discipline. He operates intending not to (a carré) with Hermès in 2011, the RM 68-01 TOURBILLON change the art of graffiti but to change his and others’ CYRIL KONGO watch with Richard Mille, and a pâte de Verre perspectives on it. He does this by unhesitantly reshaping spray-paint can with crystal manufacturer Daum in 2016. In traditional codes by looking at the style through a 2018, Kongo had a collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld for the contemporary and Avant-Garde point of view. These principles 2018 Chanel Métier d’Art collection shown in New York. are implemented in his artworks, which usually showcase his distinctly styled lettering. Kongo’s multicultural background is a significant influence on his works. His frequent travels and engagement with people from diverse

Richard Mille introduces contemporary art with the RM68-01designed by street artist Cryril Kongo. This Tourbillon is Limited Edition to 30 pieces worldwide. After a year of mastering his painting technique with special tools, Kongo, has achieved a unique palette of bright colors applied on such a limited surface.  Although the man, and everything he creates, oozes an easy but edgy-cool style, there are poetic and resonating messages of love, beauty, diversity and humour behind all that he does. Power of Life, 2014 Kongo, b.1969, French-Vietnamese Mixed media on linen 280x470cm



Comlux has partnered with Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) for the first 15 examples of the model designing a cabin in collaboration with the contemporary artist Cyril Kongo, a.k.a. Mr Colorful. The ACJ TwoTwenty special cabin edition by Cyril Kongo has been curated to allow passengers to travel in comfort while admiring all the colours that life has to offer. The main lounge, which will be partly hand painted by Cyril Kongo, combines carefully chosen branded textures and fabrics, crafted to kindle the comfort, space and luxury of your own private art gallery. Cyril Kongo and the ACJ design team took full advantage of the ACJ TwoTwenty’s large fuselage, which is at least two times wider than other business jets, allowing for a spaciously crafted table greeting, potentially serving up to eight guests. Comlux will be the exclusive completion partner for the first 15 aircraft. The ACJ TwoTwenty will offer 73 sqm of floor space and six large VIP living areas for up to 19 passengers. The ACJ TwoTwenty will have an intercontinental range, capable of flying up to 5,650nm / 10,500km (over 12 hours flight time) and is priced just below the Ultra Long Range (ULR) business jet aircraft. Comlux will be the first to take delivery of the ACJ TwoTwenty this spring and the first aircraft will enter into service in summer 2023.





500 shp HORSE POWER 140 kts CRUISE SPEED 700 nm MAX RANGE 1760 lbs PAYLOAD £595,000 BASE PRICE



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Noura Faris, Founder of Noura Faris Designs Noura Faris, founder of the Egypt-based Noura Faris Designs. Noura began as a junior interior designer in 2018 before she continued to develop her designs into the thriving business she runs today. Her designs combine modern and sophisticated elements to create stunning yet functional spaces. Noura believes that every design should make a client feel at home. The specialty of Noura Faris Designs is practical yet beautiful designs that reflect the essence of a space.















Prime London Lettings Report: Q1 2023 In association with

London's leading residential buying and investment agency, issues its Q1 2023 lettings report highlighting a strong start to the year in the Prime Central London rental market. Landlords were in a strong negotiating position as Agreed rents on re-lets began to stabilise in many tenants chose to renew their current tenancies Q1 2023. This followed a busy Q4 in 2022 with rather than re-enter the lettings market where the return of overseas professionals and sourcing a comparable property proved difficult. Q1 students to PCL. Rents on new tenancies in Q1 2023 saw agreed rents on renewals increase by 8.4% 2023 were still historically high with rent and has risen steadily over recent quarters. increases of 16.5% and considerably higher than Q1 2019 where rents fell -1.9%. As the market emerges from a full year after pandemic lockdowns, it is likely that year on year growth will taper off.

Tenants from the financial sector continued to represent the most new move-ins at nearly 40%, with similar levels seen in Q1 2019 at 43%. This ongoing trend may be due to high earning young professionals being in a stronger position to afford the rising levels of rent in PCL. 65% of LCP’s new tenants were from the UK and EU in Q1 2023, an increase on Q1 2019 where they represented 50% of new tenants. Q1 often sees higher levels of domestic and EU tenants, often corporate relocations, as many international tenants have already returned to continue their studies at London’s prestigious universities.



Within LCP’s managed portfolio, the time taken to let a vacant property in Q1 2023 took just over two weeks at 16.9 days. Despite Q1 not being the most active time of year in the rental market, it still stands at half of Q1 2019 levels at 32.1 days and below the pre-pandemic average of 27.3 days. A competitive rental market driven by low supply and high demand has resulted in the average annual rent per square foot in Q1 2023 reaching £59 per sq ft. This is the highest level reached over the last 10 years. Whilst the rental market continues to suffer from a supply and demand imbalance, we expect this to continue to rise.

Liam Monaghan, Managing Director of London Central Portfolio, Liam Monaghan comments on the market Managing Director, FARLA The Prime Central London rental market showed a strong first quarter in Having graduated from Keele University with a 2023. With the current demand and supply imbalance we expect rents degree in Accounting and Finance, Liam started his to remain at a high level throughout 2023. Unsurprisingly, rising rents career with a leading independent estate agent have encouraged many tenants to renew at an increased rent than re- dealing with all areas of residential lettings and enter the competitive rental market where flats are often let before property management. He took on his new role as being advertised. This is good news for landlords as vacant periods MD in January 2020, stepping up from heading the currently stand at a historically low level at just 16.9 days and combined teams in Portfolio Lettings and Property with rising rents, is maximising their rental income after a challenging Management, using his extensive property time during the pandemic. knowledge, customer relation skills and management expertise. High earning, young professionals from the accounting, banking and finance industries are the highest proportion of tenants moving to the capital. These tenants often look for small properties, centrally located and within close proximity to the financial centre as the return to the office increases. Our in-house data shows a positive picture for buy-to-let investors, there are signs of price growth potential following a static market during the pandemic and exceptionally attractive rental yields. Whilst currently a buyer's market, the dynamics could change swiftly. For prospective landlords looking to create and build a portfolio in Prime Central London, please do get in touch with our team.

About London Central Portfolio (LCP) Established in 1990, LCP is one of London's foremost buying and investment agencies representing buyers looking to purchase a buy to let investment or home in Prime Central London. Using a sophisticated financial model, LCP identify the best real estate opportunities. LCP’s in-house interior designers and architects create stylish interiors – everything from minor upgrades to full-scale renovations, for investment properties to magnificent town houses. For investors, LCP’s in–house letting and property management team secures the best tenants and ensures smooth running tenancies. LCP House, Ogle Street [email protected] London W1W 6HU www.londoncentralportfolio.com T. +44 (0)207 723 1733







‫مقابلة مع‬ ‫سيرينا أماني‬ One-on-One with Serena Amani Founder & CEO Monarch Solicitors & Global Capital Hub

Sixty Minutes Interview with Serena Amani 1. Being multiple times awarded, your company is one of the best commercial law firms in the UK, please tell us a bit more about your company and what makes you so special ? Monarch Solicitors are a leading commercial law firm in the UK, Serena Amani Founder & CEO having received numerous awards in recognition of our Monarch Solicitors & Global Capital Hub outstanding services. Our secret to success lies in our commitment to putting clients first. We strive to build strong relationships with 2. How has been your experience with inter-national each client, taking the time to understand their unique needs and clients specifically from the Middle East ? concerns. Our team of experienced lawyers are knowledgeable in a wide Working with international clients, especially those from the range of legal fields, including property law, corporate matters, Middle East, has been a truly rewarding experience for us at immigration, and more. As a full-service firm, we are equipped to Monarch Solicitors. Our diverse and global client-base has allowed handle all aspects of our clients' legal needs, providing them with us to stay ahead of the curve and better understand the unique the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in capable needs of those abroad, including international corporate matters hands. and business immigration. We have a strong presence both nationally and internationally, with offices located in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Dubai, I have had the pleasure of traveling to Dubai several times and Hong Kong, and Turkey. Our clients come from a diverse range of have always enjoyed connecting with professionals in the Middle backgrounds, including multinational corporations, small and East. It's a beautiful city with a vibrant business community, and I medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, regulatory bodies, and am always eager to return and meet new people. individuals. At Monarch Solicitors, our success is built upon our core values, As a global law firm, we are committed to providing top-tier legal which guide everything we do. We believe in providing clients with services to clients from all corners of the globe. Our multi-lingual commercially competitive and timely advice, delivering a client- legal team is dedicated to providing world-class service and we focused service with integrity and accountability, helping clients to never compromise on quality, no matter where our clients are thrive both personally and in business, thinking creatively to foster located. We take pride in fighting for our clients' interests with an innovative business environment, and contributing to the passion and drive, while delivering practical, strategic, and timely community through social engagement. advice that protects their investments. Each member of our team is committed to upholding our firm's mission and vision, and we work collaboratively with clients to succeed in achieving their goals. By combining our expertise, agility, and passion, we strive to exceed customer expectations. We deliver high quality legal services and exceptional results, building a strong reputation and gaining repeat business. Finally, as a leader, I have clear vision and goals and am At Monarch Solicitors, we are reliable and always available to our committed to create a successful company and brand. I have clients, no matter where they are in the world. This provides a devoted myself unsparingly to lead this business to achieve great sense of calm and reassurance, especially for those who are far heights and I stand ready to finish the job. from home. We are committed to building strong relationships with our international clients and ensuring that they receive the highest level of service and support.

3. How easy (or hard) is it nowadays for wealthy Non-Dom and It's important to note that each visa category has specific requirements and eligibility Non-Residents to buy property in the UK ? criteria, so it's important to carefully review the options and seek advice from a Non-UK residents are generally able to purchase both residential and commercial qualified immigration lawyer before applying. properties in the UK, subject to certain rules and regulations. However, there are some Overall, the process of obtaining a visa for business immigration can be complicated, restrictions on certain types of property, such as agricultural land and certain types of and it's essential to seek the advice of experienced legal professionals. At Monarch property in designated areas such as National Parks. It's also worth noting that non- Solicitors, we are well-equipped to provide guidance on the visa application process, UK residents may be subject to higher rates of stamp duty when purchasing a including the Innovator Visa and the Start-Up Visa, and to help clients navigate the property in the UK, as well as other taxes such as capital gains tax. If you are complexities of the UK immigration system. considering buying property in the UK as an overseas national, it's important to seek legal and financial advice to ensure that you are fully aware of any restrictions or 5. What does your typical working day look like ? taxes that may apply. However, the legal process of purchasing a property in the UK My typical working day is highly unpredictable and demanding, with long hours and can be quite different and complex, especially for overseas buyers who are not constant pressure to meet deadlines and achieve the company’s and my goals. I domiciled or resident in the country. At Monarch Solicitors, we have extensive usually start the day early with exercise to help me energise and have a clear mind experience in supporting international buyers and helping them navigate the and focus for the day ahead. When in the office, the mornings typically comprise of challenges of the UK property market. briefings by my team members regarding legal issues on ongoing cases and Thanks to our modern solutions, we are able to streamline the buying process and discussions on strategy or I’m reviewing financial reports and proposals for new eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming trips to our office. Through e- projects, and meeting with my executive team to discuss company goals and signatures and online communication, we are able to offer our clients a convenient performance. In the afternoons, I generally hold meetings which may include client and efficient way to purchase property in the UK. Additionally, our team is well-versed consultations, conference calls, or negotiations with opposing parties. I also spend in a variety of languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, and time networking with other business leaders and attending dinners or other social Mandarin, which allows us to build stronger relationships with our international events, building new contacts and relationships. I travel frequently, both domestically clients.t Monarch Solicitors, we are committed to providing our clients with the and internationally, in order to meet with clients, investors, and other business highest level of service and support. Our legal and commercial expertise allows us to partners or attending conferences and industry expos. Running a legal practice is not provide critical guidance and advice throughout the buying process, ensuring that our for the faint hearted. It is a fast paced and highly pressurised environment and you clients are fully informed and confident in their decisions. In summary, while have to be on top form to be able to speedily and accurately respond to the complex purchasing property in the UK can be challenging for non-domiciled and non-resident challenges. As you can imagine, I work long hours including evening and weekends. buyers, we strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible through our I'm always looking for new opportunities to grow and develop the company and help innovative solutions and exceptional client service. my clients succeed. It is demanding work, but I always rise to the occasion, and I absolutely love what I do. 4. The Top Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa has been closed, what are the alternative routes for business immigration and how do you see the 6. Finally, what’s the best piece of advice ever given to you ? trend ? There is a lot of business advice out there, and what works for one person or company The UK government's immigration policy is constantly evolving, and it can be may not work for another. However, here are some general tips that can be useful for challenging for individuals to navigate the various visa options available for business anyone starting or running a business: immigration. At Monarch Solicitors, we have a team of experienced advisors who stay up-to-date with the latest changes to the immigration policy and can guide clients Focus on creating value: The most successful businesses are those that offer through the process of obtaining the necessary documentation for business something of value to their customers. Instead of focusing solely on making a profit, immigration. focus on providing a product or service that solves a problem or meets a need. The UK Tier 1 Investor Visa was suspended on December 7, 2018, and has been Build a strong team: No business can succeed without a strong team. Hire talented replaced with the Innovator and Start-up visas under the UK's new points-based and dedicated people who share your vision and are committed to helping your system. However, there are still alternative visa options available for individuals who business grow. wish to invest in the UK. Some of the visa options that may be suitable for individuals interested in investing in the UK include. Innovator Visa: This visa is for experienced Embrace innovation: The business world is constantly changing, and companies that businesspeople who have an innovative business idea and want to set up a business in are slow to adapt can quickly fall behind. Look for ways to innovate and stay ahead of the UK. The applicant will need to have a minimum of £50,000 in investment funds the curve, whether that means embracing new technology, developing new products and be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. or services, or finding new ways to market your business. Start-up Visa: This visa is for individuals who have an innovative business idea and Stay focused: It's easy to get distracted by new opportunities or competing priorities, want to start a business in the UK. The applicant will need to have a minimum of but it's important to stay focused on your core business and what you do best. Avoid £50,000 in investment funds and be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. t's spreading yourself too thin or taking on too much at once. worth noting that the Start-Up Visa is not a route to settlement in the UK, whereas the Innovator Visa can lead to settlement if certain requirements are met. Learn from failure: No business is immune to failure, but it's how you respond to failure that determines your ultimate success. Learn from your mistakes, be willing to Therefore, if an individual on a Start-Up Visa wishes to remain in the UK long-term, pivot and make changes when necessary, and never give up on your goals. they would need to switch to an Innovator Visa or other alternative visa at a later date. Under the new system, there are several visa options available for individuals Prioritise customer satisfaction: Happy customers are the lifeblood of any business. who wish to work the UK, for example: Make sure you are constantly striving to exceed your customers' expectations and provide exceptional service. Tier 2 (General) Visa: This visa is for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet the required skill level, English language proficiency, and salary Take calculated risks: Running a business always involves some level of risk, but threshold. This option may be suitable for individuals who wish to invest in a UK-based successful entrepreneurs know how to take calculated risks and make informed business and work for that business as an employee. Then employer must also hold a decisions. Be willing to take risks but do your research and weigh the potential costs sponsor licence. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa: Although this visa category is no longer and benefits before making any big decisions. available for new applicants, individuals who currently hold a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Remember, running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes hard work, visa may be able to extend their stay or apply for settlement in the UK. dedication, and a willingness to adapt and learn along the way. Global Talent Visa: This visa is for individuals who are recognized as leaders or Finally, be fearless, stand alone if you have to and give your dreams a chance! potential leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and digital  technology. Behind the firms growth and success, is one basic principle, UK Expansion Worker Visa: This visa allows a senior manager or specialist employee of that is to provide our client with a connected overseas company to come to UK to set up a branch of an overseas a high quality personal service. business that has not started trading in the UK yet. The Senior or Specialist Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer)  Long Term Staff visa. This visa allows overseas workers who are senior managers or specialist employees and are being assigned to a UK business linked to their business employer overseas to come to the UK to undertake temporary work assignments. Secondment Worker Visa: This visa is for overseas workers who are undertaking temporary work assignments in the UK, where the worker is being seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by their employer overseas. There are also various other visa categories for those who wish to work or study in the UK and a full guide can be downloaded free form our website www.monarchsolicitors.com .





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