ARTE Distribution

"Chic ! meets" : Antonio Marras - "A potted history" of the Jeep - "Rising trends" : Roof restaurants - "What to do with" garlic ? - "Insights" : A glass cube house

"Chic ! meets" : Antonio Marras
Born in Sardinia, Antonio Marras lives and works in Alghero, where he set up his own brand in 1996. But it was when he took over as creative director for Kenzo in 2003 that he really gained international recognition. By blending cultures and juxtaposing references, Antonio Marras has brought new life to Kenzo. His sources of inspiration range from Africa to South America to Japanese tradition. Although he travels a great deal, he remains very attached to his roots.

"A potted history" of the Jeep
Aware that sooner or later the GIs would be actively taking part in the Second World War, the American government launched an invitation to tender to build an all-terrain vehicle that was lightweight and capable of carrying a load of 272 kilos. But the real challenge was the fact that it had to be designed and delivered in less than 40 days. A tiny, little-known manufacturer, called Bantam, was the only one to be able to respect the deadline and they won the tender - at least initially - as very quickly engineers from Ford put on the pressure and managed to mass market it. And in 1941, as planned, the Jeep went to war. After the Second World War, the Americans continued to manufacture it for the general public. As for the Jeeps that had arrived in France, they remained there and started a new life. Farmers transformed them into tractors, while others used them as pick-up trucks, or holiday cars. Faithful to its all-terrain origins, the Jeep was a huge success even among city-dwellers. Just so you know, "Eugene the Jeep" is also the name of Popeye's companion, an animal with extraordinary powers. Inspired by the Jeep, car manufacturers used its name for their own cars. To refer to someone clever and skilful, Americans say: "He's a real jeep".

"Rising trends" : Roof restaurants
In the east, people have always lived on the roof terrace of houses, and in Istanbul, bars and restaurants are often on top of buildings. In the Beyoglu district, reputed for its panoramic view of the Bosphorus, there's something to suit everyone - futuristic designs, kitsch atmospheres, sparse minimalism - each place has its own personality. Yet it's difficult to imagine these breathtaking views from street level. That's just another Eastern mystery!

"What to do with" garlic ?
We asked Alain Dutournier, chef of the Parisian restaurant "Le Carré des Feuillants" what dish Chic ! could make with garlic.

"Insights" : A glass cube house
An all-glass house in a residential area of the German capital is the idyllic residence of choice for one family. Their cubic home looks a little like a spaceship has landed in the trendy district of Berlin, Lichterfelde-West. The house is made entirely from glass and copper. The glass gives a feeling of transparency and openness, and the copper is a living material that adapts to its environment and nature.