CEO and co-founder of Augustinus Bader, Charles Rosier, and Haider Ackermann.

Haider Ackermann is highly considered one of fashion's greats. At one point, the late Karl Lagerfeld openly declared that Ackermann should be the one to replace him at Chanel should he retire (but of course, like most creatives, Lagerfeld changed his mind a few months after).

Ackermann's masteries of fabric manipulations and drape have earned him a devoted legion of following. His eponymous fashion label may be on pause at the moment, but the man has been busy racking up collaborations in the past couple of years—a sportswear collaboration with Fila and earlier this year, presented a stellar collection under Jean Paul Gaultier's couture house. And at the same time, Ackermann continues to dress an A-list clientele the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton, who have all made noteworthy (and at times, viral) moments on red carpets in his creations.

His latest collaboration is a first for the fashion designer: a collaboration with luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader.

"Haider and I met at various events over the past few years," says Charles Rosier, the CEO and co-founder of Augustinus Bader. "Our paths first crossed at a private cocktail party honouring Azzedine Alaïa, which was a large gathering of creative and like-minded people. But it wasn’t until we met again at the Marrakech Film Festival that we actually discussed collaborating, and I was curious to see how Haider could interpret our vessel to create something truly unique. Fast forward to multiple meetings in Paris, moodboards backwards and forwards, many zooms later and it resulted in the partnership you see today."

A party was held in celebration of the collaboration during New York Fashion Week, with friends like Timothée Chalamet in attendance.

Augustinus Bader is relatively new in the skincare industry. It was officially established in 2018 but the work that's made it a competitive entrant in luxury skincare is the result of more than 30 years of research by stem cell scientist and doctor of regenerative medicine, Professor Augustinus Bader. The brand's first launches—The Cream and its more potent sibling, The Rich Cream—have gained such a cult following that those who swear by them, wholly believe in their ultra moisturising benefits.

It's this fifth-year anniversary that have brought Ackermann and Augustinus Bader together. The fashion designer has reimagined The Cream and The Rich Cream in two separate limited edition sets. Each features a 50ml Nomad Refill and chrome 50ml Nomad ("This collaborative partnership also sees the vessel be refillable, meaning that this bottle is an object d’art to keep and reuse again and again. It’s a keepsake forever, which was an important element of our partnership," says Rosier) designed by Ackermann that's a departure from the usual packaging by Augustinus Bader. And for that extra fashion-forward touch, the vessel is topped with Ackermann's name done in the blue that the skincare brand is associated with.

The limited edition 50ml Nomad as designed by Haider Ackermann.

To find out more about the idea behind the collaboration, there's no one better than Ackermann himself to expound on the inspiration and his connection to beauty.

What was it about Augustinus Bader as a brand that got your attention?

When I first met Charles I was really intrigued about the idea of collaborating as I loved this brand and everything that it stood for: luxury, attention to detail, results-driven, dedicated to its craft. I wanted to do my research and use the creams first. The creme had such a calming effect on me, now I am devoted. The first word that spoke to me about the brand is when they talk about “healing”. Healing is such a big word, but something we all deserve.

How does the Augustinus Bader brand ethos tap into the DNA of your brand?

There's a lot of alignment here in the respect of the “metier” of hands-on luxury craftsmanship in the work that we both do as brands: whether it’s creating a collection by hand or creating a cream to be massaged into the skin—it's a very beautiful thing to do. I always come back to this idea of working around imperfection to elevate something to be the best that it can be.

What was the inspiration behind the chrome packaging?

When we first spoke about this project, immediately I knew it had to be a mirror. The packaging needed to reflect its owner. To have a mirror where you could look at yourself, and apply your cream wherever you are and have it be a reflection of yourself. I also wanted to have something very pure to mirror the purity of skin, as well as the intimate moment when you are applying your daily ritual. It’s also very calming to touch and to look at, which is also vital, because it's about trying to find peace with yourself in that moment of application.

What does beauty mean to you?

To define beauty is rather difficult and very personal, but the search for beauty is an intriguing and exciting path. When we look at our reflection in the mirror, our imperfections are often the first thing we notice and our reflection might not always be what we want it to be. But it’s always been my ambition to make a woman feel comfortable with herself, from the clothes that she wears to how she adorns her skin. I remember when I was young, looking at my mother and the tenderness with which she caressed her face and put her cream on. I was fascinated—there was something supremely beautiful about it. I have always appreciated the gesture of beauty.

Has the significance of beauty always tapped into your collections?

I have always said that backstage in the beauty area is where the major happens. The face is like a full diary into someone’s soul: you see every emotion and expression line, be that happy or sad. I could spend hours observing someone’s face—it’s like reading a poem. So when I create a piece, I am fantasising about the whole life behind the kind of woman who will wear it. The complexion is a canvas from which I begin this story.

Haider Ackermann - Augustinus Bader Limited Editions will be available exclusively at the Augustinus Bader pop-up at TANGS at Tang Plaza from 20 October 2023.

The picturesque Monaco provides the ideal backdrop for the luxurious lineup of yachts.

The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is known to embody glamour, exclusivity and luxury in the realm of yachting from its picturesque destination and vivacious setups to unprecedented gatherings of the world’s superyachts and other luxury purveyors, it would then fair to say their offering of the Sapphire Experience could be expected to be the best-in-class of concierge service.

As a diverse (and large) crowd from across the globe gather to witness the grandest yacht show in the industry, guests of the Sapphire Experience are set up to embark on an unforgettable Experience twice from the very start of this journey. Their entrance into MYS is marked by luxury with transportation being made available at every step, from the views from the hotel to the show, Sapphire Experience guests are welcomed at the VIP entrance with Hostesses ensuring their voyage to and from the event would be as hassle-free as possible.

Amidst bustling activities and grand views at MYS, the show also provides a space where attendees can unwind. A thoughtfully designed Upper Deck lounge offers an oasis of tranquility. At the Sapphire lounge, they can enjoy a more intimate and serene space to relax. With a refreshing flow of champagne and refreshments, accompanied with pastries and snacks, this enclave offers a personalised touch with a readily available concierge that’s ready to connect guests to the greatest market experts and innovative personalities to discuss projects for a bespoke experience of one’s wildest dreams.

It also features a restaurant and lounge bar, while provisioning a perspective on private aviation and the world of fine watchmaking. Craftsmen and designers who specialise in crafting crystal furniture and refined leather accessories are also stationed and Sapphire Experience guests are granted prioritised access to engage and work with these skilled creators about accessorising their upcoming yacht and interior projects.

Stepping into the quayside Monaco, the MYS presents an extensive array of yachts and tenders that grace the dockside accompanied by exhibitions and diverse consulting platforms. To truly savour these superyachts, an onboard experience is essential. Sapphire Experience guests enjoy exclusive access to this Dockside Area, replete with superyacht owners and experts. Conversations with adept advisors, including yacht builders, designers, architects and professionals across the yachting industry, and is easily made conveniently accessible. Presenting an invaluable opportunity to intimately witness the craftsmanship inherent in these remarkable vessels, it potentially ignites inspiration for future yacht endeavours.

MYS doubles down as a platform that unites both yacht enthusiasts and industry experts, fostering an exchange of insights and discoveries surrounding forthcoming industry innovations. The dockside also hosts a Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, prioritising Sapphire Experience guests access to the many opportunities it has to offer. Nestled among the yachts along the port, it provides the space to interact with diverse yacht authorities, facilitating discussions on the latest yacht innovations. From avant-garde design concepts to having insightful conversations with industry stalwarts, participants can glean wisdom that may inspire their yachting projects.

Parallel to the dockside, MYS carves out a dedicated domain for sailing yachts, inviting them to embrace the entirety of the yachting world. Here lies a chance to immerse and familiarise one about the diverse world of yachts. Again, the Sapphire Experience ensures all qualified guests will be able to get ahold of these perks like insights and conversations with both sailing and superyacht experts.

Known among superyacht enthusiasts as “The Call”—the breath-taking moment when one’s Monaco Yacht Show Private Relations Manager calls to grant access to the Sapphire Experience, for you to design, acquire or charter your very own unique superyacht. The information mentioned earlier affirms this fact, granting them the privilege of experiencing both superyachts and sailing yachts at an intimately personal level and conversing with industry experts and skilled craftsmen required to shape or refine any present and upcoming yacht ventures. In its entirety, the Sapphire Experience encapsulates the very essence of exclusive luxury within the world of luxury yachting.

Be expected to receive the best with the Monaco Yacht Show Sapphire Experience, from quayside activities to expert yacht consults.

Reserved exclusively for guests with yachting projects either in mind or already underway, the Sapphire Experience offers an exceptional journey with meticulously curated exclusive conferences, workshops, cocktail gatherings and a wide array of events. MYS’ wide range of offerings extends an invitation to partake in a diverse range of activities and occasions that could be overwhelming for first-timers or seasoned show guests with laser-focus goals. Through the Sapphire experience, it provides a seamless platform to navigate through the diverse offerings, forge connections with fellow superyacht owners and seasoned industry insiders and fulfil every guest’s desire. The 2023 Monaco Yacht Show stands as the ultimate destination to delve into the world of yachting enriched with exclusivity and luxury and it’s also great place to set sail for one’s maiden concierge service voyage.

The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.

Monaco Yacht Show 2023 is divided into two main exhibition areas—afloat and on the dockside—that are designed to engage adventure seekers, perhaps even beyond yachts to helicopters and private jets.

The much-awaited 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is making a grand return to the French Riviera. It's taking place from 27 September to 30 September at Port Hercule of Monaco. MYS is a shimmering highlight of the yachting world, which aggregates the world’s most impressive superyachts and megayachts and celebrates the adventurous lifestyle and spirit of innovation that comes with yacht ownership and yacht design.

Notably, MYS has shown a steadfast commitment to sustainability, establishing its Sustainability Hub last year and renewing it this year to emphasise the international exhibitor’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices with the support of Water Revolution Foundation and Siemens Energy. The Sustainability Hub serves as a platform for yacht companies specialising in sustainable technologies to share their knowledge while aiming to reduce the environmental impact of superyachts and to promote eco-responsible practices in yachting.

MYS presents itself not only on sea but on land as well. Other than the 120 yachts and around 50 luxury tenders that will be on display, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with leading yacht brokers, builders, naval architects and designers, should they be interested in realising their dreams of owning a luxury yacht.

In recent times, MYS has broadened its horizons to feature companies that round off a luxury yachting experience, from luxury charter outfits offering exotic destinations, to chefs and mixologists providing bespoke menus, and water sports equipment for fun activities out at sea.

Boasting 560 companies representing excellence and innovation in the yachting industry at the show, MYS completes the portfolio with other luxury markets linked to the art of superyachting, such as tech-led yachting solutions companies, luxury car and motorcycle manufacturers alongside helicopters and private jet builders. This makes MYS an ideal gathering for those who revel in adventurous and innovative pursuits.

Whether you’re an experienced yacht owner or an enthusiast new to the scene, the 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show presents a most wonderful opportunity to delve into the captivating realm of luxury yachting.

The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.

Photo by A24

While researching her role for a new film Past Lives, Greta Lee watched a South Korean reality show in which a celebrity is reunited with a childhood sweetheart. Being confronted by your first love is, unsurprisingly, a physical experience. “It’s initial shock, terror, a look of death, then ecstasy, joy and a desperate, deep sadness, all within a matter of seconds,” says the 40-year-old Korean-American actor on a video call from Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, the writer Russ Armstrong, and their two sons.

It was a specific feeling she needed to tap into for the romantic drama from writer-director Celine Song, which is out now in cinemas and was released earlier this summer in the United States to considerable critical acclaim. The film charts the story of two friends from South Korea: Nora, played by Lee, and Hae Sung, played by Teo Yoo, who were separated when Nora’s family emigrated to Canada. A couple of decades (and relationships) later, the pair reconnect for an intense week in New York.

Before Nora and Hae Sung’s reunion was filmed, Song asked the actors not to interact. “Admittedly, at the time I felt like, ‘Oh, this is kind of hokey and manufactured,’ but I’m glad we went along with the experiment, because it really helped me hone in on the biology of longing and what it does to your body,” says Lee. Yoo and John Magaro, who plays Nora’s husband Arthur, actually met for the first time on screen; for months, Lee had acted as a “conduit” between the two, a distance that Song encouraged. “She’s supremely manipulative,” Lee jokes.

Taking on Nora, a nuanced romantic lead, “felt really, really radical at the time—and very nerve-racking”, says Lee. While she was starting out as an actor, doing theatre in New York, the roles available for Asian-Americans were scarce and, as Lee points out, she wasn’t cut out for stereotypes: “I was not very good at playing a lab technician or a doctor.” Later, however, she proved very cut out for scene-stealing turns in Girls, as the clueless and cut-throat gallerist Soojin, and more recently as Maxine in Netflix’s time-bending hit Russian Doll and Stella in The Morning Show, which is about to start its third season. In 2025, she is set to star alongside Jared Leto in the third instalment of Tron.

Central to Past Lives, says Lee, is the Korean concept of in-yun. Not precisely translatable, it refers to the time-spanning connections between people: if you meet in this life, you encountered each other in a past life. “Now that I’ve done the movie, I can’t not see in-yun everywhere,” Lee says, with the air of a recent convert to a niche religion. “You and I have in-yun now,” she says, pointing to me. “You can have in-yun with a chair,” she adds, pointing at her chair. Wherever you stand on the idea—as Nora says in the film, in-yun is “just something Korean people say to seduce someone”—it’s an effective way to raise the romantic stakes; both balm and delusion. “It’s really a coping mechanism, isn’t it?” says Lee, cheerily. “We’re all just trying to make sense of the injustice that we only get to live once.”

This interview took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Originally published on Esquire UK

Photo: Courtesy of Oval Partnership

This article was created in partnership with the Oval Partnership.

The Kampong Spirit has long been a part of Singapore’s history. Used to describe a positive communal attitude and solidarity of people, there seems to be a common consensus that the Kampong Spirit has been slowly chipping away as Singapore elevates its status from what used to be a small fishing port during the colonial era to its current standing as one of Asia’s most developed countries. The term has long been a part of our past, stemming from the period before Dutch and Portuguese traders landed on our shores. Prior to Western influences, our little red dot was a sleepy fishing village that contributed to Malaysian seafaring and trading.

The story of our island’s humble beginnings with trading may be common knowledge, but less is known about the time before colonial influencers took rein. What was the way of life before the rapid growth of Singapore, and how can our past and present interact meaningfully? That’s precisely what the Oval Partnership and several university research groups from Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) sought to answer in the Lost Cities exhibition.

The Lost Cities exhibition is a purposeful stray away from your typical replication of Singapore’s pre-colonial kampong, but a unique display that showcases the pre-colonial urbanism in Asia from a past-meets-present perspective. Guided by exploratory trips to Pulau Ubin and Lorong Buangkok—the two earliest settlements on our island, and now the last two kampongs known to Singapore, the Oval Partnership and researchers took to the local culture and its inhabitants to document and collect first-hand experience of living the kampong life, a cultural gem unbeknownst to most Singaporeans.

Mr Chris Law, Founding Director of The Oval Partnership and visionary behind the exhibition shared, “this event recreates the experience of a bygone age, and enables attendees to explore how life was lived then,” he said. “Now we have a clearer sight of where we came from, and how we were shaped. It deepens our understanding of the giants whose shoulders we stand on, so we can build a better world for the generations that come after us.”

Debuting an experiential exhibition with three key zones, each guided by a reinterpretation of kampong living—The Lost Cities exhibition takes one through a fictional journey of a 14th century kampong through a contemporary lens of the three key themes of heritage, sustainability and community. The highly curated exhibition explores the world of a fictional kampong lead by the visionary female Chief Esah, as their thriving society lives in perfect harmony with nature and progressive cultural practices rooted in equality.

Members of the public can not only expect a refreshing perspective of our island’s past, but also an admirable display of sustainably sourced exhibit materials such as locally sourced wood from ethical wood-makers and non-profit environmental organisations. From interactive displays to creative experiences rooted in cultural kampong practices, exhibit-goers can expect an engaging and unforgettable journey through a reimagined city.

In addition to the research driven exhibits, the Oval Partnership has also tapped into the talents of three multidisciplinary artists—Gilles MassotMarc Nair and Zen Teh, to contribute their take on Singapore’s kampong heritage.

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An immersive experience through time, the Lost Cities exhibition will be taking place from 18 August – 1 October, 2023 in Fort Canning Centre for all members of the public to journey through Singapore’s earliest Kampong cities and dive into the past and present of Kampong heritage.

The Lost Cities Series: Kampong Port Cities of the Pre-colonial Era Exhibition

When: 18th August – 1st October, 2023 (Weekdays: 10am – 6pm, Weekends: 10am – 10pm)

Where: Fort Canning Centre, Singapore

Find out more

Originally published on Grazia SG

Santos de Cartier 35.1mm steel on alligator strap, Cartier.
Photo by Jaya Khidir

1. Santos de Cartier 35.1mm steel on alligator strap, Cartier

Try as one might to dispute the relevance of a watch against a cohort of modern devices, one cannot deny that being in control of our time is an infinitely desirable proposition. A watch, a distinguishingly handsome one in this case, will always remain a venerated tool for keeping track of those precious seconds constantly passing us by. Indeed, take time to savour every exquisite moment. 

Photo by Jaya Khidir

2. Blue shells and recycled cord necklace, Dior Men

There were two ways to look at men sporting surfer-themed jewellery under their suits: trying too hard (pale skin tells no tales), or one who truly loves the waves and sands, with the livery to show for it. In a second collaboration with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans, this necklace from Dior Men’s fall 2023 collection dispels all doubts about a man's love for the ocean. 

Photo by Jaya Khidir

3. Noblige & coffee, Martell

The serendipitous mingling of cognac and coffee is a Coffee Meets Bagel of sorts, dating back to 17th century European coffeehouses that served coffee and spirits. Martell Noblige has 100 blended eaux-de-vie, giving it a better body and longer finish with subtle notes of oak and caramelised grapes that shine through the bitterness of coffee. Meaningful connections over a delicious tipple, anyone? 

Photo by Jaya Khidir

4. Poisson Notte beach towel, Hermès

Boasting 100% cotton terrycloth, woven in Germany, printed in France, and by Hermès, this luxurious towel is the ultimate beach accessory when you go basking under the Tuscan sun. The fish design by Tong Ren is an invitation to escape and travel, as the simple sea animal represents freedom and joy. Alternatively, let its exuberant colours extend over the sofa and enjoy its beauty and comfort on home movie night.

Photo by Jaya Khidir

5. Zeppelin speaker, Bowers & Wilkins

“Alexa, recommend the best way to spend summer,” is something you will be able to ask this contemporarily designed, high-resolution stereo speaker. Another cool built-in feature is Spotify Connect, which lets you play all the music and podcasts you love. This summer, upgrade from speaking to a box or an iPhone, to a pod from the future.

Photo by Jaya Khidir

6. Shampoo for moisture and control, Oribe via Net-A-Porter

While most men prefer a fuss-free crop, believing that hair should require close to no maintenance, they couldn't be more wrong. Just ask the bald ones who know too well about hair loss (it is more than just genetics). Formulated with a unique blend of strengthening amino acids, it protects and extends the life cycle of your scalp and follicles.

Photo by Jaya Khidir

7. Hope in a Jar smooth-glow multi-tasking moisturiser, Dose of Wisdom bouncy skin reactivating serum & Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser, Philosophy

This skincare trilogy is for men who are looking to put a stop to the incessant queries after their well- being with rhetorical references to their tired-looking skin. All of them contain hyaluronic acid, which penetrates skin faster and deeper to give instant supercharged hydration and boost radiance. See significant results in two weeks.

Photo by Jaya Khidir

8. Soleil de Feu eau de parfum, Tom Ford

“An amber fragrance that is inspired by the bronze strokes of fiery sunset light,” reads the press release, but instead of having a scent paint an ideal image for your summer vacation, why not just wear Soleil de Feu on your next holiday. Make new olfactory memories with priceless new experiences. The lovely warm notes will burn a better picture in your brain than a stock image. 

Photo by Jaya Khidir

9. Keepall Bandoulière 35, Louis Vuitton

Here’s a trusty companion for your next summer vacation. Smaller than a typical overnight bag but roomier than the contemporary man purse at 35cm across, it’s virtually an all-occasion bag. Accompanied wtih a practical, adjustable textile strap for shoulder and cross-body wear, and a unique water-resistent Monogram Aquagarden coated canvas, it essentially comes unencumbered for the seasoned traveller's needs.

Photo by Jaya Khidir

10. Pagan Rose scented candle, Alexander McQueen

Part of the brand’s first foray into home fragrances, Pagan Rose is one of three scents inspired by McQueen’s codes of juxtaposition. Nestled on the tension between fragile wild rose and earthy peat, and encased in egg-shaped lacquered flask with an asymmetrical metal lid, it’s a contrasting amalgamation on a quest to dispel chaotic energy.

Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Michelle Kok
Photography Assistant: Natalie Dykes

How do you demonstrate you know how a foreign-language word is pronounced without demonstrating that you’re an asshole? Here we introduce the Bruschetta method!

You sit down at the Italian joint, order your negroni, and grab the menu off the red-and-white gingham tablecloth in front of you. The antipasti are there at the top left, and before long, you’re ready to suggest a starter. But you’re not quite sure how to say it—or play it.

BruSHetta? BrusKetta? BruSKEHtta?!

Based on an extensive peer-reviewed study titled, “Listening to Random Americans I Both Know and Don’t Know Saying It,” I feel comfortable declaring that most would suggest to their table that they share a plate of “bruSHETTA.” There’s a ‘C’ in the word—bruschetta—but the ‘S’ usually dominates an ‘SC’ in English (muscle). In Italian, the ‘CH’ creates a hard ‘C’. The “SH” is highly common, though, and also wrong, and wrong in such a way that it does betray what you do not know.

Now, somebody once advised against mocking someone for mispronouncing a word because they likely learnt it reading. And maybe you don’t give a flying focaccia how the Italianos say it. But just in case you do possess the thin skin of an effete cosmopolitan always out to impress, here’s a little procedure to show you’re an American of culture without doing too much. After all, nobody wants to be the guy shouting “bruSKEHHHtta!” at a waitress, either. You want the ‘SK’ without the ostentatious accento (and, we can only assume, pinching your fingers in upward triangles). You’ve got to find exactly the right balance to show you know how the word is pronounced without showing that you’re an asshole.

You want “bru-SKETTA.” Call it the Bruschetta Method.

Take a word like croissant, a real landmine we took from the French. (The many words English has borrowed from other languages are sometimes known as “loanwords.” Think macho, or schadenfreude.) You’re at the coffee shop, you just took out a second mortgage to pay for your latte, and you figure you might as well put this line of credit to use on a pastry as well. But do you go with “KWASSONSurely that’s a bridge too far. The guy in the apron is going to throw you a look. But you do have to demonstrate that you know it’s not “KROYCE-ant,” or something. You’ve got to find that balance, and it might come down to personal preference—how far you want to go. You could go the extra half-mile with “kWass-AUNT,” but I might suggest that, for hopefully the only time in your life, you follow the lead of Kanye West in the tellingly titled “I Am a God”: “Hurry up with my damn cruh-SAUNTS!

Nobody wants to be the guy shouting “bruSKEHHHtta!” at a waitress.

There are decisions to be made all over the place. Do you grab the Spanish ‘Z’ by the horns in “Ibiza” and end up with “ih-BEETHA”? I can’t recommend it, and I really can’t recommend going with the “EYE-BEETHA” you tend to hear on BBC Radio 1. (One of the great secrets of the modern age is that the Brits, whom we Americans consider more worldly by default, have a nasty habit of butchering foreign languages with a kind of imperial flair. Like all that land, they seem to think a word is now theirs as soon as they come across it.) Some, like “Gloucestershire,” aren’t much of a decision once you know how they go. (“GLOSS-ter-sure.”) Others are a learning process and then become a conundrum: do you go full dachshund when you meet your friend’s new puppy? Then there’s Havana, with its ‘B’-ish ‘V’. That’ll probably depend on whether you’re actually in Cuba, because you may not want to be rolling out “Ha-BAHN-a” this side of the Caribbean Sea. I’d sail clear of Ha-VANNE-a, though, too. That’s excessive gringo.

Sahara? You probably want to avoid “SaHAIRa” and get yourself some “HAHR,” and also leave the “Desert” off the back of it. (“Sahara” is “desert” in Arabic, which leaves you saying Desert Desert.) I grew up saying “Ha-WHY-YEE,” but that ain’t how the Hawaiians do it. Considering it’s an American state, the rest of us could make some sort of effort towards “Hawah-EE”—but perhaps without going all the way. Remember your training. And what about “gyro”? It’s not JY-roh, despite what you hear all over the place Stateside. In Greek, it’s “yee-roh,” though you’ll sometimes hear “jjjeero,” with a kind of ‘zh’ thing going on up front. That one’s a real crapshoot, man. Good luck at the food truck.

Ultimately, it’s about striking the right balance for you. If you’re a native speaker of the language in question, or even a Duo Lingo success story, you might go all out. It might also come down to who you’re dining with or travelling with or shooting the shit with. Are they friends of yours? Friends of your spouse? Her coworkers that she’s trying to impress? Your clients, who might be upper crust or hale-and-hearty? Are they happy-go-luckies or oozing put-upon sophistication? Are they from New Jersey? And do they have even the faintest idea how to really say “gnocchi”?

I can’t answer any of these questions for you. We’re all on our own journeys. Hopefully, yours will someday take you to Paris—very few Americaines can get away with “Pah-REE,” and that includes Netflix Emily—where you can sit down for lunch and find yourself eyeing a certain sandwich. The gears start turning again. The calculations send you spinning, mental math giving way to a fierce desire for a supercomputer. Is it “CROCK MONSYUR”? Surely not, no matter how much you might have loved Brad Pitt in Inglorious Basterds. But “KHrUHQUE MUHnSEEUUUHR”? Careful there, mon ami. You want to be the right kind of stranger in a strange land. You know the truth, the way, as well as your own limitations. It’s the wisdom of a worldly Americano—a citizen of the world who still knows the proper size of a kitchen appliance, if not how to measure it in centimetres.

From: Esquire US

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