Arabian Woman March 2014 Issue

WOMANHOOD ISSUE #169

Mom’s the word (ISSUE #169) MARCH 2014

SAUDI ARABIA SR10 • UAE DHS10 • OMAN RO1 • BAHRAIN BD1 • QATAR QR10 • KUWAIT KD1 • JORDAN JD2 • LEBANON LL4000 • EGYPT EP10

Mothers deserve the very best

Perfect dress Arushi’s divine wedding creations

Disney Magic

Family fun onboard the re-imagined ship

Business with a conscience Sarah Beydoun shows us how it’s

done with her bags now at o’de rose

March 2014

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Features 52

Not all about the money

Sarah Beydoun shows us that with the right vision, we can achieve two-fold success

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Future star

The Middle East’s Youngest Director, Dubai Abulhoul, gives an insight into what she does

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On the high seas with Disney

Nothing quite like a magical cruise onboard the ‘re-imagined/ Disney Magic

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Celebrate your mothers

Pamper your mum to the max with these Mother’s Day offers

Calvin Klein Collection

Regulars 10 Editor’s pick 14 aw trends 60 Glam events 88 artsy 90 entertainment 92 A-list celebs 98 the coveted

Celine

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Womanhood

ISSUE

Arabian Woman is the magazine that celebrates women all year round.

But this month is extra special to us, not only for Mother’s Day, but also International Women’s Day. And joining the crusade for uplifting the spirit of women all around, we too dedicate a special issue to the cause.

From the latest Chanel Haute Couture runway show where models strut not in high heels but in trainers, to ideas perfect for Mother’s Day gifting, we feel quite assured we’ve served our purpose.

Further empowering women is our Cover Story which focuses on the successes of Sarah Beydoun, a Lebanese entrepreneur who managed to expand her business in making bags and accessories, all while helping out underprivileged women in Beirut.

Her story is truly inspiring, and worth aspiring to.

Bottega Veneta

Our special features that include interviews with a young writer, an education minister, a set of entrepreneurs and women who came out of distressed cases, are indeed mustreads.

Christian Dior

Sally Hansen

Yet we still saved pages for light reading where you can constantly check the latest in beauty, shopping, luxury, glamour events, arts and entertainment.

And while browsing, be sure not to skip our travelogue about the re-imagined Disney Cruise Line in the Bahamas. We say it’s the perfect way to sail through a new adventure with the whole family.

Live and love, Miu Miu Bijoux

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Sherry

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bakur A. Azher ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Ayah R. Lunsford SENIOR EDITOR Sherry Tenorio supervising-editor@azherinfo.ae

SUB-EDITOR/FEATURES WRITER Faizal Dahlawia SENIOR DESIGNER Virgie L. Santillan AGENCIES AND SYNDICATION Planet Syndication Rex Features ADVERTISING MANAGER Hamdi M. Shiba - Jeddah ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Yamen Abu Karroum - Jeddah ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Ahmed Ali Ibrahim - Jeddah Mohamed Fathy Raslan - Dubai BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Ladan Rahbary SALES MANAGER Ziad Nassar COUNSELOR P. ART Muneer H. Abul Huda For Advertising Information email: awsales@azherinfo.ae Arabian Woman is a registered trademark and published by Azher Information Technology Group Ltd, 6 Thermistoclis Dervis St, 4th floor, Office D4, PO Box 4185, 1702 Nicosia, Cyprus.

ARABIAN WOMAN IS PRINTED BY PREMIER PRINTING PRESS Tel: 04-8853633; Fax: 04-8852777 Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE No part of Arabian Woman may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher and editorial staff.

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editor’s pick

Sporty Couture

Chanel has made it to the fashion headlines again; this time by ditching sky high heels for glitzy Massaro trainers. While not the most flattering of styles, the models still went down in high fashion nonetheless at the Grand Palais runway, also with elbow and knee pads to accessorise. To say that we loved the presentation as well as the empowering statement of the maison’s Haute Couture Summer 2014 collection is quite obvious. It’s a surprising runway act, but this is Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld after all. Now, our imaginations are working wild what he has in store for Dubai for his Cruise collection set to sail in the emirate this May. Exciting times indeed!

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Fashion Beauty Luxury

What epitomises a woman’s true style? That is perhaps a question without a definite answer.

AW trends Kenzo Givenchy

Valentino

Altuzarra

Chanel Moschino

Emilio Pucci

Fringe Fashion

Wearable Art

Fashion and art fusion can be traced way back in time.

But this Spring/Summer 2014 is an extra special episode; high-end fashion labels take the art forms into something more wearable, producing out-of-theordinary collections.

The Maasai-inspired fringing trend is getting tons of attention this coming season. You can swish your way to Spring/Summer 2014 with stunning casual and eveningwear, all defining hippy chic loving.

Dolce & Gabbana

Alexander McQueen

Prada Celine

Bottega Veneta

3.1 Phillip Lim

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Balmain

AW trends Balenciaga Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sonia Rykiel

P leats Loving

This is one trend whose comeback has been long awaited for. This season, the corrugated skirt makes the star choice for mini, maxi and midi hemlines. One of the key trends this season, it appeals from the upscale, sophisticated dolls to grungy, funky hipsters.

Prada Nina Ricci

Sporty Look

Being a health enthusiast is quite a fad these days, and so fashion gives them a little something extra to indulge in. Runways have shown off performance fabrics, satins and quilted cottons, delivering vibrant sportswear. The athleticism is meshed well with designer aesthetics, allowing it to be an easy trend to follow.

Balmain

Christian Dior

Paul Smith

Alexander Wang

Kenzo

Alexander McQueen

Rochas Gucci

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haute couture

Dreams do come true Creating stunning bridal dresses is what Mireille ALoughlin, owner of Arushi, aims for. Take a look at her maison’s breathtaking collection for this season.

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haute couture

A

rushi, meaning ‘dawn’ or ‘sunrise’ in ancient Persian, exudes the magical combination of talent, passion and love. Mireille ALoughlin always envisioned Arushi would make dreams come true for every bride, ensuring the inspiration for her most important day is reflected in her dress, personified by chic and sensual couture combined with modern silhouettes and elegant sophistication.

Through an illustrious career, French=born Mireille has perfected the art of the luminous wedding dress. Often quoted as being visionary, Mireille has worked hard to assemble an outstanding team of unique and talented artisans, all of whom were specialists in fashion, textiles and crafts.

This powerhouse of genius designers, has now over the years, conceived, created and assembled thousands of individual wedding outfits that can only be described as pure art.

“Each wedding dress carries a story, an emotion, an image that is very personal and very heartfelt for each and every bride,” explains Mireille.“That is why it is so essential for me and my team to showcase this individuality and we do this by sewing each seam and each layer of couture by hand. Arushi would not be possible without my talented company,” continues Mireille.

“My research and development team are continually updating silhouettes and refining tailoring techniques. The textile designers work hard to bring the finest embellishments and put the most incredible final touches onto our clients’ exclusive creations – the end product is a testament to teamwork, loyalty to the craft and a true understanding of just how special a wedding dress should feel and look.

Having adorned loyal and elite clientele around the world for nearly three decades, the house of Arushi is synonymous with exquisite and intricate Bridal Couture.

Nestled along the Beach Road in Dubai, Arushi Couture proudly holds its reputation as a pioneer amongst the wedding couture market. When the life-changing occasion beckons, families over generations – mothers, sisters and daughters – seek the Arushi’s heavenly creations.

Its latest collection of bridal couture gowns was inspired by the 1950s era with its chiseled waistline, exaggerated round hip silhouette adapted to

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haute couture contemporary proportions and designed for the sophisticated and refined brideto-be. Meanwhile, the latest images were beautifully shot in Brittany, France, and the wedding dresses use a balance of Swiss and French lace highlighted with delicate embroidery and hues of soft colours.

Despite ever changing designs, fabrics and consumer demands, Arushi Couture has stayed ahead of the trends with its magical touch bringing much acclaim and a strong following across the world of international fashion. In its next evolution, Arushi

The Collection

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Couture is now utilising its unique set of skills and applying it to more than just wedding gowns.

Alongside the traditional bridal couture offerings, Arushi is now firmly established in offering equally compelling and beautiful dresses in two more distinctive lines: ‘Signature’ and ‘Evening’. ‘Signature’ gowns are dramatic creations and a source of much enchantment and inspiration for the Arushi design team who combine the traditional craftsmen skills with rich colour pallets and specific Swarovski elements.

‘Evening’ gowns are simply timeless – elegant, sophisticated, intricate, refined, occasionally daring; creations which are intricately tailored and embroidered, and most suitable for illustrious occasions or red carpet events.

People with an eye for creations to the highest of standards and an understanding of the evolution of fashion should make it a point to visit Arushi. From brides-to-be and fashionistas to fashion students, all are welcome to indulge in the world created by the house of Arushi.

Gigi: Wit h its impressive white long train, the Gigi wedding gown is made of layers of sugary speckled tulle, retouched wit h a sprinkle of fine flowers. The fold over front opens up into deep pleats on eit her side.

haute couture

Vogue: This French white cotton lace bustier dress is testimony to the refined bride-to-be wit h its cinched waist, rounded hip line and lightly embellished skirt. An optional bolero wit h organza appliqued shoulder work is also available for the extra glamorous final touch.

Bella Riva: A delicately washed blue silk duchess corset gown wit h a curved shaped peplum wit h applique of Swiss layered tulle worn over an irregular pleated skirt. This creation truly reflects the signature 50’s style.

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haute couture

Grace: This dress wit h its delicate pale coloured bustier bodice is made from Chantilly lace combined wit h a cross stitched in off white and re-embroided Swiss tulle boarder – a princess style creation.

FanFan: A beautiful off white silk organza tulip wedding dress wit h a small waistline and exaggerated hip line, adorned wit h a fine Swiss laser cut, applique tulle on a bustier bodice.

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haute couture

Tiffany: A white bustier wedding dress cut in an embossed organza. The tiny embellished Swarovski element waist is emphasised by the rounded shape over the hips – a testimony to the Dior era.

Poppy: This fabulous mermaid creation is an off-white, tailored and re-embroidered Swiss tulle gown wit h an intricately detailed back bodice, which accentuates the beautiful body shape.

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FASHION SPECIAL

goes recycling, planting Digging its way to support its eco-forward philosophy, the go-to shopping destination for non-mass produced products, ZINZIN, rolls out a recycling and planting program. Join the initiative – read on to know more…

“We’ve always been a great supporter of recycling, and we’ve always put great emphasis on saving the environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for ZINZIN to give back to Mother Nature, and show our effort in raising awareness by using fashion as our main tool,” said Marianne Silloriquez, Brand Manager of ZINZIN. Most of the time, fashion is seen as frivolous, but not when it sets out to help.

From its recycled wood walls and floors, and changing rooms fashioned from recycled cardboard tubes, ZINZIN helps make a style-forward social contribution to the eco-cause. To further its cause in helping the environment, the independent nonmass fashion destination sets its eyes into transforming scrap denim into fabulous fashion.

The ZINZIN Denim Project was announced during its participation in the ongoing Market OTB (Outside the Box), a Dubai Shopping Festival event organised as the

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first-ever sustainable fashion and lifestyle market in the region. In joining the Market OTB, ZINZIN has already put a stamp in its support of the use of refurbished shipping container to house its new collections of non-mass produced fashion brands.

Now, stepping further outside the ordinary, ZINZIN called on the fashion students from reputable universities to turn the denim pieces and use their design capability to create new fashion pieces – tops, bottoms or full dresses – from these used denim materials.

The best items are displayed and sold at the ZINZIN outlet at the Mercato Mall in Jumeirah Beach Road. All of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the ‘Give A Ghaf’ tree-planting program.

Spearheaded by Goumbook, the ‘Give A Ghaf’ initiative aims at promoting the conservation of the Wild Ghaf, a droughttolerant evergreen tree indigenous to

the UAE, Oman, and KSA. The Ghaf is considered one of the region’s most beloved natural treasures and was declared the UAE national tree a few years ago.

Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Managing Director of Goumbook, is excited about the program.

She shared,“We are pleased with ZINZIN’s vigorous effort in assisting our cause not only with sharing the proceeds of this project, but more through its amazing campaign of using the influential fashion industry in putting forward a strong statement of eco-forward philosophy.

We look forward to the success of this collaboration, and we hope that it is just the beginning of something solid that will happen every year.”

Purchase these unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and help ZINZIN plant more Ghaf trees. Contact ZINZIN via Facebook, send an email to m.silloriquez@matedxb.ae, or call 04-2650027 to save Mother Earth, and, yes, get a hold of these fab fashion finds!

FASHION SPECIAL

ARMAND SKY ZARRIS MANAPAT Sky meticulously amplified this ferocious piece using recycled metal trinkets such as bolts, rivets and door hinges to produce a denim armour evocative of Roman gladiators and Japanese samurai warriors.

CERASELE ILIE Cherry elevates this classic shape wit h white piping, metal studs and hand-painted details.

CARLA FUENTES Carla fuses classic Middle Eastern heritage wit h a modern, architectural aesthetic to bring new energy to the classic abaya.

The piece features perfectly symmetrical denim details, and intricate embroidery to add depth and texture.

GARIMON ROFEROS Stephany’s Garimon’s piece is a masterclass in play of textures. His piece offsets the ruggedness of denim wit h the softness of tulle, and offers an eloquent counterpoint of styles and attitudes.

MARWA ASHRAF JAFFER Marwa’s sophisticated and classy designs are a celebration of empowered femininit y. She boldly challenges convention wit h pieces that defy traditional patterns and silhouettes.

MAHA SAHAMEH Deftly playing wit h contrasting prints and textures, Maha’s designs are daring, wearable, and a surefire hit for the young and the young at heart!

MAI ADLY Mai goes against the grain wit h this radical, totally lovable teddy toy! The piece includes back straps, so you can bring your comfy, funny friend wit h you.

Yen AB Yen embellishes French lace wit h recycled bleached denim cut-outs, gel laminates, and miniature pearls to produce this splendid couture confection, fit for a queen.

STEPHANY GRACE ARAULLO Stephany rocks this quirky creation using recycled denim and a Hawaiian-patterned shirt that she found in a thrift store in San Diego.

MARISA HOULBERG Marisa combines recycled canvas bag wit h denim fabric to breathe life into this smart, A-line skirt.

YULIA SEDAPHAT Yulia goes all out wit h a brave, daring denim number! Defy convention and make a statement wit h this progressive styleforward piece.

BHAVIKA SOLANKI Bhavika’s playful design aesthetic comes alive in these dainty, totally charming accessories.

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Retail Therapy

From Fashion Dome to Fashion District Contemporary fashion has a new address, and it’s at Mall of the Emirates.

W

hile maintaining the Fashion Dome as the go-to space for all things luxurious, Majid Al Futtaim’s Mall of the Emirates extends its premises to accommodate new names in modern fashion.

Presenting a dynamic collection of modern brands, with influences from fashion’s most enviable cities, Mall of the Emirates has introduced a number of first-time stand-

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alone boutiques into the UAE including the debut of iconic American luxury label Halston Heritage, the edgy McQ by Alexander McQueen, and Parisian-chic with Sandro. More than 30 contemporary stores define this 5,000sqm fashion destination, unveiling a refreshed mix of debut and existing brands to create a stylish new landmark for the city.

Mall of the Emirates’ Fashion District offers a fusion of international fashion, with influences from America, Europe

including the UK, Japan and the UAE. Halston Heritage, an evolution of the iconic American luxury brand Halston, makes its UAE debut with its timeless collection of ready-to-wear fashion. Other firsts are Elie Tahari, Alice & Olivia and C Wonder. A newly relocated Marc by Marc Jacobs brings the urban flair of New York City, while established west coast brand St. John’s will also find a new home in the fashion district.

Unique French brands Maje and Sandro will be introducing effortless, yet elegant Parisian style to shoppers, and will be joined

by Azzaro, BCBG, Paule Ka and luxury leather goods connoisseur, Longchamps.

Contemporary German brand Betty Barclay

Retail Therapy The new Sandro boutique stores Parisian designs with feminine flair.

The Dubai debut of McQ, Alexander McQueen’s diffusion line, is exciting news for the city’s fashionistas.

The French contemporary brand, Maje, opens its first freestanding store in the country.

will also be repositioned amongst its modern women’s wear counterparts. British luxury makes its mark with overstated elegance as the UAE’s first-ever McQ boutique makes a debut, derived from the House of Alexander McQueen. Adding to the string of UK-bred fashion brands are Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Hackett and luxury bath and beauty store Molton Brown.

Finally, from the far east, the fashion district will also feature Japanese powerhouse Kenzo unveiling its distinctive collection of ‘east meets west’ collections joined

by Malaysian footwear brand Opera; Valencia, showcasing a range of Spanish footwear and accessories, Lori Blu and Fabi,

connoisseurs of Italian luxury footwear and Italian accessories brand, Braccialini.

Representing the UAE, exquisite designs can be found in Cocoon.

Halston Heritage’s first store in the UAE opens its doors.

Mall of the Emirates’ multi-stage redevelopment is worth an estimated AED1 billion. The project, which will reveal a series of exciting new shopping, dining and entertainment concepts, is the largest of its kind undertaken by Mall of the Emirates to-date and will set a new benchmark of design and shopping excellence for the retail landscape. By 2015, 25% of the mall’s retail mix will be completely new for shoppers, including the debut brands now open at the fashion district.

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Luxe

Find your light See the flame shining through, smell the exquisite woody notes, and witness the warmth in the atmosphere – that’s the promise delivered by Guerlain’s latest creation, Forêt de Sumatra. Inspired by an imaginary voyage to the heart of the Indonesian rainforest, it comes with hints of luxuriant and unspoiled nature in its myriad enchanting facets.

The House has been celebrating the art of fine candle-making for many years, and now it has launched a scented candle that breathes the highest quality of craftsmanship, evident in its sultry accord of floral notes (jasmine, ylang ylang), and smoked tea, tinged with vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean and patchouli that combines a zesty scent with a lingering trail of rich, damp forest. It comes in delicately lacquered in an opaque smokey brown of exquisite sophistication, and bears an embossed label imprinted with the gold Guerlain symbol – a design whose harmony is inspired by Guerlain’s history and heritage.

This iconic image has been seen almost everywhere. The butterfly has been Forêt de Sumatra is presented depicted artistically throughout many in a bell-shaped container, different cultures over the course of whose gilded exterior is the history. One of the earliest references epitome of the gift that dates back to the Egyptian era when one dreams of giving or the image of a butterfly was frequently receiving. carved into architectural structures, used in art and incorporated into intricate jewellery pieces.

Bring on the butterfly

Bijoux Bojoux The latest Miu Miu jewellery is one to fall in love with for sure. Its design aesthetic that highlights playful use of colours and materials actually takes us back to the classic House styles. Brass necklaces and earrings are mixed with multicolour crystals, while plexi bracelets feature a jewelled clasp, indeed the collection transforms earrings, bracelets and necklaces into exquisite pieces that one can simply wish to have.

Wanted, coveted, and lusted, the jewels are available at all Miu Miu stores.

Now, perfectly fusing the timelessness of a diamond with Swiss watchmaking expertise is Graff’s latest horological evolution, the Graff Classic Butterfly watch. A beautifully feminine arrangement of four pear shape diamonds trace the outline of an exquisite butterfly gently resting upon the 26mm watch face. Set on a simple yet elegant black satin strap, the Graff Classic Butterfly watch is available in two striking designs with the butterfly motif positioned at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock respectively.

Limited to just 300 pieces, it is also available in vibrant gemstone versions featuring the finest sapphires, rubies and emeralds and all diamond version.

Roses, roses and roses At the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, Piaget hosted a magical event to celebrate the launch of its Piaget Rose Passion High Jewellery Collection, inspired by the captivating beauty of roses. Supermodel and friend of the brand, Bar Rafaeli, and Italian fashion muse, Bianca Bandolini d’Adda, came in attendance and dazzled in collection’s pieces.

For the premiere, a collection dedicated to this mutual admiration for the most regal of flowers, the pieces were displayed in a romantic setting with large lithographs of the Château de Malmaison, accentuated with vibrant pink Yves Piaget roses to convey all the femininity, grace and modernity of the new Piaget designs. Entirely manufactured in Piaget’s jewellery workshops, the glamorous Piaget Rose Passion creations with their luminous choice of precious stones are designed to be worn in many different ways, whether a comb, a tiara or the brand’s cherished cuff-watches and secret watches.

As a tribute to the entrancing and ravishing rose that has punctuated its history, Piaget has taken on a project to renovate the iconic rose garden at the Château de Malmaison, where in the early 19th century Joséphine de Beauharnais imported and cultivated over 250 varieties of old roses.

While this botanical treasure was damaged over the years and little remains of the original garden, with Piaget’s support the museum at Malmaison is planting 750 old roses to revive the legacy of an extraordinary woman.

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Luxe

New

“It” Bag Spotted gracing the lovely arms of A-listers such as Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman, it’s now official: Dior has marked a new ‘it’ bag. The new arm candy, DiorBar, celebrates the ‘Bar’ jacket that was designed by the couturier Christian Dior back in 1947.

Sensual and dynamic, soft but structured, the house’s newest bag is created in the image of Raf Simons’ aesthetic, making its appearance at his very first ready-to-wear collection for Dior: its transformability – two jewelled closures allow for the opening and closing of its wings – is a nod to the game of optical illusions played out in looks where dresses morph into jackets or are sliced open over shorts.

Its feminine colours and precious materials – in powder pink, shocking red – recall the sparkling draping of the dresses designed by the creative director. Modern and sophisticated, the fruit of the savoir-faire of the best leatherwork artisans, the DiorBar bag links the house’s history to its present, its heritage and its new horizons. Cinched by its gilded pearls, the side of the bag forms a figure-of-eight, a number whose curves both draw the outline of the ‘New Look’ silhouette and symbolise infinity.

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Kids

Dress up your little tots Has there been a new arrival to your family this year? Help make these moments special with the newborn collections in store at Little Angels at The Dubai Mall.

New mothers will adore baby gift sets by Dolce&Gabbana, with soft cotton shorties, matching romper and hat sets, toweling bibs and booties.

Junior Gaultier

Little Angels will guarantee to have little ones looking just as stylish as the most fashion forward mums in the latest collection by Junior Gaultier. White and navy stripped panel shirts and blazers are must-have summer items for junior boys and gorgeous floral print dresses and leggings are chic and sophisticated for junior girls.

Also, mothers will adore the new collection t-shirts by Young Versace, while polo shirts and jersey tops with signature medusa logos will ensure he’s looking super smart.

Young Versace

Dolce & Gabbana

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Kids

Like Daughter,

Like Mother

We admit. We adore the freshness and prints that are the essential ingredients for the CH Carolina Herrera Children’s collection for next summer. What is even more exciting is that for the first time, the House introduces the White Shirt designed especially for the smallest in the family – indeed a must-have for any CH Carolina Herrera wardrobe.

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High Street

Peter Pilotto x Target With pieces tagged at less than AED220 – and selling internationally – the newest fashion statement are the prints by Pilotto.

Featuring women’s apparel, accessories and swimwear, Peter Pilotto for Target items is a scuba-inspired collection peppered with marine and nature prints interspersed with shocking neons and dramatic black-on-white patterns.

With jackets, dresses, skirts and shorts, you’ll surely find a few perfect wardrobe pieces that will stand out from Spring’s mellow pastels. Start shopping the collection on Net-a-Porter.com.

New collection this month at H&M Save your energy, ladies!

The new Spring/Summer 2014 collection will be in the H&M stores beginning this month. For the women’s collection, urban style goes bohemian this spring with a collection full of playful and personal style. Snug patchwork jackets of leather and suede, graphic-printed and fake fur waist jackets, frilly blouses and longsleeve tops in matt metallics are in this season.

Delicate cotton voile dresses and graphic-print dresses are covered in fortune-teller symbols for a sense of city mysticism. This bohemian feeling continues in to the woman’s accessory wardrobe with big jewellery, belts and thighhigh stretch suede boots. Indeed, the H&M season’s collection is one huge reason to update the wardrobe and bond with your girl friends as you shop your way.

The largest Marks & Spencer Retail shopping in Kuwait gets more exciting now, especially with the opening of Marks & Spencer’s largest international store at The View in Salmiya.

The new 72,000 square foot flagship store operated by Marks & Spencer’s long term franchise partner Al-Futtaim group is in line with the retailer’s international strategy to build a strong presence in the Middle East, as one of its priority international markets.

Al-Futtaim now operates 26 Marks & Spencer stores across eight territories in the region.

The new store located in Kuwait’s latest shopping destination responds to the growing needs of Kuwaiti consumers. The store brings the largest offering of clothing, food, beauty and home products in the region, including a renowned in-store Café that serves up delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea meals.

It ensures a bigger and better shopping environment and unparalleled customer service.

The View is a new iconic standalone building featuring state-of-theart design that flaunts the latest Marks & Spencer Spring Collection and showcases the very best of Marks & Spencer products over four floors. The new location has great visibility both from the Gulf Road and Salmiya High Street. It also offers easy accessibility and car parking facilities for customers.

Miranda Kerr for Reebok

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Fitness is the fashion trend these days apparently. Reebok recently announced its campaign with international supermodel Miranda Kerr for its new shoe, Skyscape.

Created using new materials and techniques for a feeling of unparalleled comfort, the international style icon kicks off a global integrated marketing campaign for the shoe, which is so comfortable, you’ll forget you have it on.

pairs perfectly with jeans, skirts or yoga pants. The challenge behind Skyscape was to create a stylish shoe that would keep women comfortable when they are on their feet all day running errands, meeting friends, commuting to work or going to the gym. Rather than just thinking about comfort underneath the foot, Reebok wanted the foot to be enveloped in comfort.

An everyday shoe for active and casual wear, Skyscape features 360 degrees of foam comfort in a fun, flirty silhouette that

The Skyscape collection will be available from March 2014 at Reebok stores across the GCC and through www.reebok.com.

HigH Street

AW chats wit h

GAUDI’s CEO

The Middle East has welcomed another must-visit shopping destination. With the promise of Italian fashion craftsmanship, the new retail haven GAUDI is exciting the fashionistas in the region.

During the opening of its flagship store, AW sat down for an exclusive tete-a-tete with Stefano Bonacini, GAUDI CEO & Owner. We learnt that after several expansions across the world, GAUDÌ has now chosen the lucrative Middle East as its next stop. In January 2014, GAUDÌ has opened its first Middle East store in Dubai’s Festival City Mall, followed by The Dubai Mall, and is now looking at rapid expansion across the region. GAUDÌ plans to open three stores in the KSA, followed by three additional stores in the UAE before the end of 2014.

According to Bonacini, it is the touch of Italian fashion

that allows them to stand out among the other retail brands. Definitely premium in the high street category, GAUDI offers the region with selections of head-totoe ensembles perfect for men and women who have sophisticated and discerning tastes. The collections will be regularly refreshed, with stocks that appeal to international markets are always considered.

GAUDÌ presents a front line of young and contemporary designs, with elegant and glamour traits, for a determined, aware and feminine woman as well as a dynamic, careful and self-confident man. The brand started its operations with the launch of GAUDÌ Fashion which was further segregated into GAUDÌ JEANS, GAUDÌ Teen & Boy and GAUDÌ Shoes & Accessories.

Its flagship store in the region is now located at Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall.

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Men’s

Run with Lanvin trainers For the modern, travelling and adventurous man, Lanvin Homme has a new must-have on offer. Since a Lanvin man hurries towards his destiny as if he were on the run, he now has numerous cross-training sneakers in new colours and materials to choose from.

The new star of the Lanvin shoe collection is the cross-training sneaker. Its modern look is created using a patchwork of luxurious materials with a couture finish: using nine differently treated varieties, the leather combines both discreet and overtly bright colours. Grained and smooth calf, calf with metallic cubes, rubberised calf, grained goat, mesh, technical fabrics and plastic inserts, the series includes seven different designs.

Hugh Jackman for Montblanc

First for Valentino The House of Valentino has something exciting cooking up for the men in Dubai! A first in the Middle East, the pop-up shop will post as a creative and elegant structure in the multi-brand Menswear Department.

Created with sleek modular elements, the 100sqm installation will highlight and feature iconic pieces and themes from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2014 Men’s collection designed by Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, including the Valentino signature camouflage. In addition to the seasonal fluo camouflage merchandise such as knitwear, t-shirts and polos, the dedicated Valentino Men’s Pop-Up boutique will also feature sartorial denim and the iconic range of Rockrunner sneakers.

Customers who purchase Valentino Men’s merchandise from Bloomingdale’s-Dubai during this time period will also have the opportunity to receive a complimentary 50ml bottle of the label’s latest signature fragrance for him, Valentino Uomo.

The exclusive Valentino Men’s Pop-Up boutique can be found on the Second Floor of Bloomingdale’s-Dubai, The Dubai Mall from February 21 through April 2014.

Guess who will be gracing the new ads of Montblanc? Hollywood personality Hugh Jackman was recently named as the new brand ambassador of the luxury label, Montblanc. During the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the Australian actor was announced as its global brand ambassador, which means he will be featured in the luxury brand’s forthcoming advertising campaign and act as an ambassador in all international markets with the exception of the US. Commenting on the occasion was Montblanc International CEO Jérôme Lambert who said, “We are delighted to announce this partnership, and welcome Hugh Jackman into the Montblanc family. He represents all the attributes of the Montblanc brand: elegant, talented, pioneering and committed to the arts. He inspires and enthrals audiences worldwide with the quality of his performances.”

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Rick Owens x Adidas In recent years, thanks to the increasingly permeating influence of fashion, sneakers have crossed over from a pair of essentials for comfortable training to coveted items designed to add sartorial oomph. Spring 2014 sees the debut of Rick Owens’ collaboration with adidas. The shoes, featuring hoof-like soles on the front and heel to create a hollow middle platform, do not look normal at all, but the designer has never been known to play within the boundaries of normalcy. Expect to cough up about Dh2,500 for a pair of these avant-garde kicks.

Men’s

The Bulgari Right on time with Baselworld – and alongside the three existing versions of the iconic timepiece – Bulgari is now introducing a new variation in steel and rose gold with a white lacquered face. Highlighted by the chromatic effect of the alternating metals, the bold and timeless OCTO design makes this watch even stronger and instantly recognisable.

More than a watch, OCTO perfectly mirrors the brand’s masculine watchmaking values, imbued with charisma, personality and extremely graphic stylistic sophistication. The shape of its case remains the main original feature of the model. Thanks to its 110 hand-polished and brushed facets, the OCTO case epitomises the overall purity of this extraordinary creation that perfectly embodies Bulgari architectural design, inspired by its unique artistic Roman heritage. The result is a contemporary aesthetic ensemble, combined with an understated and classic reading of time, that ranks among those models that are already part of the future, establishing new codes of references in the world of men’s luxury watches.

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Focus

Hair Loss Truth

about

More than the aesthetics, losing hair is a common health concern. In the region, it’s becoming more and more prevalent. AW speaks to Lars Skjøth, founder of the Hürklinikken group of clinics, a series of hair restoration specialised facilities located in Denmark, Germany, the US and now also Dubai, in order to understand everything you need to know about hair loss.

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Focus

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ack in 1989 there were very few treatments available for hair loss; Lars Skjøth discovered through studies and interviews with hundreds of men and women suffering from hair loss that this problem was massive. There was not much material available on the subject and the different categories of hair loss were not very well described in the literature yet. Since then he made it his aim to help people with hair loss disorders.“I opened my first clinic in 1992 in Copenhagen and I have never regretted it,” he told AW. After having many clients from the GCC region coming to his Hårklinikken clinics in Denmark, Germany and USA, he decided to visit the region and the first stop was Dubai. He understood that Dubai is a modern day melting pot of different cultures and nationalities where many appreciate quality and uncompromising levels of service that at Hårklinikken have as its core value. Using the Dubai clinic as a base, it will consult clients across the entire region and also will be opening other clinics within the GCC in the near future.“Our treatment model has proved a huge success in Europe and USA and we are pleased to be present with our clinic in Jumeirah,” he furthered.

Why is it important to take care of hair, particularly the scalp? Over the aesthetic needs, how does it affect the overall health of the body?

It is not a physiological necessity to care for hair or scalp – naturally you can survive

without good hair and/or scalp – but from what I have experienced, for most women, young and old, hair seems to be the ‘crown’ and hair has a great symbolic value – especially in the Middle East. So psychologically many women that we meet feel amputated when their hair is reduced to much less than it used to be. They feel that is an attack on their femininity and on the way they picture themselves and this can cause unnecessary stress and worry that we can take away when we provide the correct customised solution for these women to get their hair back.

What are the common problems your patients from this region encounter?

Hair loss and thinning of hair are more extensive in the Middle East, and in the UAE, than in other regions. In the Gulf region, more than 50% of men over 25 years already have thinning hair. Both types of hair loss can be effectively cured by the treatments we offer.

Men and women alike experience hair thinning although hair loss patterns differ from men to women and male pattern hair loss is more visible, because it is more concentrated in specific areas, like the temples and crown, whereas women can lose hair all over the head at the same time and often do not notice until 20 – 50% of the hair has been lost over longer or shorter periods of time. With men it often progresses faster and therefore becomes more visible faster.

Water, sunlight and heat can certainly play a role with regards to the hair’s look. The

hair shaft is made up of dead, hard protein called keratin in three layers. The outer layer is the cuticle formed by tightly packed scales in an overlapping structure similar to roof shingles. Bad water quality, sun and heat from more old fashioned flattening irons and hair dryers affect the cuticle and make the hair look more damaged.

There are pigment cells that are distributed throughout the cortex and medulla (mid layers of the hair) giving the hair its characteristic colour and this is also altered by sunlight and bad water – containing high levels of chemicals, causing bleaching of the hair.

There are no official comprehensive statistics yet, but I have done four years of research on different circumstances and conditions relating to public health in the UAE region and I have seen approximately 3000 patients in the UAE. I have compared this information with stats from our five clinics in Germany, two clinics in Denmark and the seven clinics in Florida/USA and have concluded several things.

- People have a poorer diet which may influence general health and hormone imbalances that can lead to hair loss and thinning.

- Water can have an impact on the hair quality, breakage of hair and lack of lustre.

- Dinking liquids that lack vital organic minerals - The social and personal importance of hair is greater in the Middle East than in Europe and the USA What are the most alarming cases you’ve experienced from your patients, so far?

How did you manage to treat them?

The most alarming cases that we have seen are children and young adults. Most were experiencing considerable amounts of thinning hair which was quite difficult for them to handle because their peers were not suffering from the same problem, and that made them feel different.

We had a case in our Dubai clinic where a young girl from the UAE aged 16, came to the clinic. She had lost approximately 75% of her hair since she was 12, which we see quite often. She had already tried many treatments in UAE – all of which had promised a lot but none of them had offered her any results. When she came for a 6 months follow-up she had regained almost all her hair back and her mother, father, brother and sisters joined her and it was wonderful to experience how much difference it had made to the young girl’s

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Focus

life and how much the family had been backing her and understanding how important it was for her. She said to us, ‘you gave me my life back – I feel like me again’, and her mother told me that she had started interacting with her schoolmates again, something she had not done for many years, all because of her hair problem.

What are the usual causes of hair loss or scalp problems?

Several different conditions can affect the scalp, and those conditions can be itchy or irritating and cause dandruff which is an excess of dead skin flakes shedding from the scalp. The cause of the excess skin can come from a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, but in addition to scaly skin flakes, a person with more severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp will have reddening of the skin. Excessive sebum from the oil glands of the skin (particularly the scalp and face) is a key feature, giving the skin a greasy look and feel. It is particularly common in people with oily skin or hair.

The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary/hormonal condition called malepattern baldness or female-pattern baldness or androgenetic hair loss. It is called a pattern because this type of hair loss develops in patterns from the interaction between genetic and hormonal factors. In genetically-susceptible people, certain sex hormones trigger a particular pattern of permanent hair loss.

Many think that they can merely look at their father or mother and determine how their hair will develop but this is not the case. At a minimum they would have to look at a grandfather or grandmother,

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and their families, in order to establish something.

There are also several non-genetic factors that may influence hair loss. This category I have named physiological hair loss. Hair loss problems in this category might come from stress and many of the things that come with stress – i.e. bad sleep and poor diet. Also, the lack of certain nutrients and bad water quality from the shower and drinking water, hair styling products and more may speed up the process.

Men and women alike experience hair thinning although hair loss patterns differ from men to women and male pattern hair loss is more visible, because it is more concentrated in specific areas, like the temples and crown, whereas women can lose hair all over the head at the same time and often do not notice until 20 – 50 % of the hair has been lost over longer or shorter periods of time.

hair follicles are still active and we are able to reverse the hair loss process, improve the hair quality and stabilise the hair with an individualised product treatment customised for each patient.

Advanced androgenetic hair loss It is also known as hereditary hair loss but at a more advanced stage. This category of hair loss is more common in men but also occurs in women, and here the Harklinikken hair transplantation methods would be recommended if the patient is a candidate for this.

Hair loss caused by disease and/or medication Clients suffering from a disease that is directly or indirectly causing hair loss are normally not good candidates for treatment and are often referred to another specialist outside the realm of Harklinikken.

As you can see below – we divide hair loss into four categories.

Physiological hair loss This type of hair loss can be caused by stress, malnutrition, anaemia, scalp disorders, bad water quality, hair product chemicals, hair straighteners, hair extensions, hair pulling and more.

Mild androgenetic hair loss This is the most common type of hair loss for men and women and is also known as hereditary hair loss. At this stage, the

It is thought that it is most common in men but my studies show that women suffer almost as much as men but in most cases it develops in a less aggressive manner and I different patterns.

Once treated, what are the ways you recommend so as the previous hair problems won’t be repeated?

Each of our client’s treatments, products and advice are customised to fit their particular situation so that each individual can avoid further problems in the future. The treatments and advice vary quite a bit but there are some general tips.

Focus Loss – r i a H Avoid hese tips! t Follow

acids and water as imbalances can cause disturbance in all body mechanisms – so make sure that you have good variation in your food intake as a lack of certain nutrients can cause problems with the hair.

-If you are thinking of losing weight or if you are already on a diet – make sure you are not losing too much weight in a short period of time as this leads to big hormonal changes in your system that can result in hair loss. Crash diets are unhealthy but instead you should go for a healthy diet over a longer period of time and the weight loss is this way more stable and so is your hormone system and your mood.

A greater part of the people living in Gulf region could improve their hair a bit with some lifestyle changes.

Living the UAE climate can be tough on the hair itself. Sun exposure, heat, humidity and chemicals from water have influence on the hairs condition, but these are not the only things that might have a negative influence on the hairs quality and look. Here are a few good tips: -Plan well so you stress less! Stress is literally one of the biggest killers because it often leads to other bad things like bad eating habits because you don’t have time to cook or eat well and often people who smoke, drink coffee and/or alcohol will do this more when stressed out and often their sleeping patterns are disturbed. This vicious circle is a major stress factor for the organism and for the hair, since lack of nutrients and increased levels of certain stress hormones in the body can severely increase hair loss which could have been avoided if there was less stress. One of the best ways to reduce stress is first of all to acknowledge that there is a problem and secondly to identify where. Often a greater part of being stressed can be overcome by being very organised and planning well since you will have an overview of what you are doing when and it is easier to say ‘no – I am busy on Monday from 10 to 11:30’ so that things do not build up.

-Eat balanced food containing right amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fatty

-Wash your hair often with shampoo without perfume, colour and problematic preservatives. It has been said that it is not good to wash your hair too often as it strips the hair and scalp from its natural oils but when washing with the correct shampoo for your hair it is not a problem to wash daily or every alternate day. At Harklinikken we advise clients on how often they should wash and with what shampoo, and also how to take care of their hair and scalp in general.

-For women: do not put your hair up too tight – make sure it is slightly loose at a minimum. Hair loss from pulling causes scarring in the hair follicles and can result in permanent hair loss.

-When colouring hair, try to keep it to the hair and not the scalp (which is why it is called hair colour and not scalp colour). Several hair colour products contain a number of chemicals not suitable for contact with skin and scalp, like Paraphenylendiamine (PPD) and several others.

If you get a severe allergic reaction it can result in eczema and severe hair loss.

-Don’t drink coffee after 4 PM in order to ensure deeper sleep that result in better hormone balance, better metabolism, more energy and this way more optimal circumstances for a healthy hair and scalp.

-Exercise minimum two to three times a week since this increases general health and hormone balance which optimises hair health as well.

-Water, sunlight and heat from the weather, hair dryers and flattening irons can certainly play a role with regards to the hair’s appearance. So, cover the hair from sunlight and get a water-filter for your shower to reduce the damage done to your hair from chemicals in the water, like chlorine. If you use a blow dryer – do it as

little as possible since it is not only the heat but the electrical output from the blow dryer that damages the hair.

-If you use styling products, make sure to carefully apply it to the hair and avoid contact with scalp since most styling products are loaded with chemical components where long term exposure can cause contact allergies, eczema and potential harmful effect on the organism.

-Hair extensions can cause serious permanent damage to hair. Some types of hair extensions cause less damage than others. Avoid the type that are woven/ braided into your existing hair and avoid the ones that can be clipped with a curved metal clip that you have to bend when you attach it to your own hair as both types cause permanent scars in the areas where they are attached after a period of time – and no hair will grow again in such scars.

-Dark hair are more prone to damage from sun!

The darker your hair is the more light it absorbs whereas blonde or white hair is at the opposite end of the scale. Black or dark brown hairs ability to absorb light results in a relatively larger portion of the light energy to be transferred to the hair, which causes the molecules to vibrate faster. This in turn means that temperature rises as heat is really just movement among the smallest particles. The conclusion is that dark hair – even though it is stronger than blonde hair types are more prone to be dried out and damaged from sun exposure and should be protected with a scarf or a hat – preferably a light coloured one.

-Hair pulling Do not pull your hair back too tight but make sure it is always slightly loose and do not pull out grey hairs. Hair loss from pulling can cause scarring in the hair follicles and can lead to permanent hair loss.

-Fungal infections can be avoided Make sure that your hair is completely dry before putting it up to avoid scalp problems like fungal infections which can also influence hair quality in a negative way.

-Losing hair is not really a problem as we all exchange old hair with new ones every day, some periods more than others, which is part of the hair life cycle. The problem however starts when you realise that the new hair are thinner in quality and/or amount because this means that your hair has started a thinning process that might continue unless you do something about it.

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BEAUTY EXCLUSIVE

The Morjana Magic Check out our first-hand experience of the French beauty brand’s Sublime Ritual, and you’d understand why there is nothing better than spending the afternoon experiencing a relaxing facial treatment.

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t’s that time of the year when your calendars get too jammed up with work and family affairs. And, perhaps, with such toxic schedule, you tend to forget yourself. Here at AW, we advocate ‘me’ time, and we’ve just discovered a great way to do so.

Spend the afternoon in a leisurely stroll down the Al Barsha Mall – it’s a lovely neighbourhood shopping destination – and get down to Lily Pond Spa (which appeared as another wonderful discovery), and take your time off in a Morjana luxury collection treatment. Do this, and you’re in for a definite pampering time.

At first glance, the spa may not provide you the most luxurious vibe but it does serve serene space and lovely music in the background. And what is most important is that the staff they have are all highly trained. In our case, the facial therapist who did our Morjana treatment was a delightful example of what one should be: polite, friendly and totally knowledgeable. She gave away many tips and took care of our needs really well.

When it comes to the treatment, tell the therapist your concerns, and choose the Sublime Ritual by Morjana if you’re looking to hydrate your skin. The treatment makes use of Morjana’s products that are well known for its signature ingredient of Argan oil, combined with the power of finest essential oils and botanical extracts.

To stimulate circulation and revive tired-looking skin, the Sublime Ritual was created exclusively using the finest aromatherapy products. According to the brand, ‘like an oasis to the desert traveller and rain to the dying leafs of a drying forest, this Morjana ritual is a hydrating treat for skin that has become dry due to

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weather conditions’.

It is also said that this ritual is a true oasis for the skin, nourishing and hydrating the skin preventing skin ageing. The facial ritual is performed with the luxurious Morjana Sublime Peeling products combined with Melting Honey and moisturised with the Sublime Cream.

The 60-minute session began with deep cleaning followed by facial scrub using the Sublime Peeling, and then the skin gets moisturised with our favourite Huile d’Argane, the oil that is perfect for face and body. After moisturising the skin, further pampering was provided with the

use of Morjana’s hydrating mask applied under its Eau de Felur d’Oranger (orange body wrap).

After the treatment, we’re sure you’ll find yourself in a different light. In our experience, the result was great for plumping and healing our dehydrated skin.

Indeed the facial gave us a refreshed and relaxed glow, but as what we’re reminded by our wonderful facial therapist, the skin has to be taken cared of with home skin care regimen and at least a monthly visit to spa to do the treatment. Now, you have the reason to pen in your calendars a regular ‘me’ time. Not bad indeed.

BEAUTY EXCLUSIVE

Say hello to good hair day, every day Tired of having frizzy, unflattering hair? AW recently found the solution in Kashmir Keratin treatment, exclusive at VLCC Wellness Centres. Read on to know more…

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f you’ve been dreaming of long, silky smooth hair, and haven’t found the answer for your desires just yet, then don’t fret. We have discovered a revolutionary treatment that will give you great looking hair.

Now offered exclusively at VLCC wellness centres in the UAE, the Kashmir Keratin hair treatment is going to make you change your mind about hair straightening. VLCC promises you amazing results in the minimum possible time with this latest range that restores the hair’s natural sheen and health with remarkable ease and efficiency.

The rejuvenating treatment uses microscopic keratin capsules to restructure the hair and convey a deeply nourished feel and appearance. Free of sulfate and paraben extracts, the keratin-based formula consists of amino acids that actively penetrate the hair shaft to repair, strengthen and renew hair.

To test the treatment, AW went down to the VLCC centre at Sheikh Zayed. The hair stylist we had was experienced with the Kashmir Keratin products and treatment. We were provided with information before we began the treatment which was initiated with a shampoo meant for the hair (not scalp) in order to open the cuticles, and allow the treatment product to enter the hair effectively. After the shampoo, the keratin was applied all over the hair, and then blow-dried in preparation for the ironing. Depending on the hair length, the treatment could run from an hour to a couple.

What was noted all throughout the wonderful session was the lack of the usual smell of formaldehyde (since the Kashmir Keratin treatment is free of it), making it totally safe for teens and pregnant ladies to undergo the treatment.

Moreover, the Kashmir Keratin hair treatment is particularly effective on chemically-treated or over-processed hair.

Unlike other hair treatments, the Kashmir Keratin System does not interfere with hair styling and leaves no side effects such as unpleasant odour, itching or burning of the eyes.

Leaving the VLCC premises, we witnessed the change with our hair looking straight, and with silky feel. Over a couple of days, it’s shinier and easier to style. Results of the treatment are said to normally last up to three months and that can be extended to a period of six months, with appropriate follow-up care utilising VLCC’s Home Care Regime line of products that includes shampoo, conditioner, serum and specific oils.

So if you want a good hair day, every day, then it’s time to try the Kashmir Keratin treatment – it would cost you around AED1,800 to AED3,000 (depending on your hair), but trust us, it is totally worth it.

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Scents

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AW’s exclusive edit of must-have additions in your beauty cupboard

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1. Volupté by YSL For the Spring Look 2014, Yves Saint Laurent adorns the lips in voluptousness with four delicious new shades of Rouge Volupté, and introduces in avantepremiere four highly irresistible shades of its all-new Gloss, the latest addition to the Volupté family. The radiant, intense shades of Rouge Volupté adorn the lips with a veilof pure colour infused in the texture of a silky balm that plumps, nourishes and beautifies the lips while the Gloss Volupté melts into an impalpable film of extreme shine.

2. Lancaster’s Complete Anti-Aging Eye Cream Enriched in a specific complex for the eyes, this unique skincare product smoothes the eye contour area and restores radiance to tired eyes. The action of this soft-textured formula is optimised by the special applicator, which helps to instantly refresh the area around the eyes. As the days go by, dark circles, fine lines and crow’s feet wrinkles fade away.

3. Clarins’ Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream A cleanser that eliminates all traces of pollution and detoxifies in addition to cleansing and nourishing skin, it is the cream of cleansers for skin weakened by a polluted urban environment, or simply those in need of comfort and wellbeing. The skin is purified, radiant and beautiful again, with a feeling of extreme comfort.

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4 Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear From glamorous crimsons to barely-there beiges, there’s a nail colour for every style and mood. This new collection combines an extensive palette of 8 different shades of striking, fashion-forward nail colours with an ultra-durable formula to give longlasting, professional results. Take your nails to the xtreme: experience a manicure with xtreme colour, shine and wear.

5. MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD Pressed Powder and HD Cream Blush The two new additions in the HD range which guarantee the ideal final touches of adding a hint of colour and setting up the makeup for a luminous long-lasting finish. The HD range is a new generation of makeup that perfects skin for extreme close-ups on camera and is also designed to make women’s complexion look flawless under daylight.

6. Guerlain’s Météorites Fantastic heavenly light makes the complexion glow with unique luminosity. Guerlain skilfully creates a glow and highlights lovely skin, capturing the ‘gleam of stardust’ for the first time. Each Météorites pearl contains a spherical pigment at its heart. On contact with light, it diffracts it in a new direction, converting light rays that are invisible to the naked eye into visible, correcting light.

7. Chanel’s perfection lumiere velvet Simple and accessible, PERFECTION LUMIÈRE is an amazing foundation that stands out from the rest with its texture and corrective action. The family expands with PERFECTION LUMIÈRE VELVET, a very lightweight second-skin foundation that naturally smoothes and evens out the complexion with a luminous velvety matte finish.

ScentS

Smell like a million bucks with AW’s choices of musthave fragrances

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1. Dior’s Fahrenheit Fahrenheit Parfum is renewing its olfactory history, yet retaining its profound identity linked to prolific shocks and extraordinary natural phenomena. An eclipse became the inspiration for its new accords infused with new distinction.

Linked more than ever to the sacred forces of regal nature, Fahrenheit Parfum is reinventing its terrain, devoted to quasi-supernatural forces.

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2. Jennifer Lopez’s JLove The 20th fragrance from the Hollywood A-lister, this scent is highly influenced by Jennifer Lopez’s sought-after style. The fragrance vibrates femininity and energy, with floral fruity citrus that evokes an exotic sensation accentuating the sensuality in every woman.

3. Roberto Cavalli’s Nero Assoluto The maison’s latest eau de parfum, it is a decidedly uncompromising creation: absolute quality, absolute sensuality and glamour. A sophisticated new interpretation, it belongs to the woody floral family. Its refinement stems from the preciousness and demanding quality of its key ingredients.

The House of Dior creates Les Élixirs Précieux, four perfumed oils to be combined with the most emblematic fragrances of La Collection Privée Christian Dior. Dior’s own interpretation of ‘layering’, the ancestral Middle-Eastern practice of superimposing one scent over another. The first proof of the existence of ‘layering’ comes from Persia, in the 4th millennium BC where perfumed oil was invented: one of the oldest ways to perfume the body, well before alcohol.

Now, the Parfum House has taken these traditional oriental perfuming rituals and created a quartet of Les Élixirs Précieux as part of La Collection Privée Christian Dior: ‘Rose’, ‘Ambre’, ‘Musc’ and ‘Oud’, four major accords. The perfumed oil is dabbed on pulse points: the inner wrist, behind the ear, along the hairline, at the start of the décolleté or in the elbow crease. With these, you can create your own olfactory signature, personalise your trail, craft your perfume and live an intense sensorial experience.

4. Calvin Klein’s Euphoria Liquid Gold With a dry down of sandalwood, liquid gold euphoria warms the senses with its rich and powerful scent. The fragrance opens with a hint of cinnamon, creating a lavish, exhilarating, feeling that deepens with the mystery of black orchid.

5. Parfums De Marly’s Darcy Named after one of the earliest recorded stallions also known as ‘Royal Mare’, Darcy, the fragrance reflects the refined spirit of its namesake. The elegant Darcy is a fitting tribute to the ancestor of the thoroughbred and is the new feminine fragrance that is part of the prominent brand’s Royal Essence Collection.

True to its grand roots, the ambrosial perfume is an assortment of luxurious scents.

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People and Events

Nothing beats making a positive difference in somebody’s life.

EXCLUSIVE

Education in her heart

Her Excellency Fawzia Hassan Bin Gharib, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Operations, Ministry of Education, and secretary general of the Global Education Forum, a conference organised along with this year’s Gulf Educational Supplies and Solution (GESS) exhibition, speaks to Arabian Woman about her job at the Ministry and how important the sector is in contributing to the future prosperity of the UAE.

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EXCLUSIVE Tell us a bit about your route to the Ministry of Education.

My journey with the Ministry of Education has been a long and rewarding one spanning 20 years of service. I began immediately after graduating from the College of Education at Emirates University and right away began with the Ministry as a teacher. I continued to teach for a while and have taught many students and I feel I contributed to the upbringing of the next generation.

After teaching for a while I made the move to become a counsellor for a number of subjects – geography, economics, and social studies. I was very happy during that period of course and following that I moved to the Ministry – the technical departments – and I was the head of department for counselling and then I became the deputy manager for the entire authority. Shortly after I became the head of the department in less than a year. Afterwards I was moved to the Sharjah Education Authority and I was named the Manager of the area and I was the first woman in the UAE to hold such a position. I spent seven years in this position – more time than I have spent anywhere.

I then moved to undersecretary to the Minister for the Educational Sector Operations. It has been three years since then and in addition, I am the assistant undersecretary for the support services and the special education.

the workplace and ensuring that our needs and our requirements are met.

And the evidence to support this is that the Emirati woman can now be found in every sector and business.

What fulfilment do you get out of your job?

I derive my feeling of accomplishment from the people I work with and the team. I cannot succeed on my own and I cannot produce or work on my own. It is all a product of team effort. The team, the organisational operations and the spirit of camaraderie are most important in achieving success. Therefore I am always inspired by the people I work with.

What are some the most recent initiatives of the Ministry of Education?

The journey of our education system is now at a turning point requiring more work, more effort, and the elevation of our standards, and the development and improvement of all pathways that ensure we achieve the objectives of our national vision 2021 in which it is reiterated that in order to succeed, we must lift the level of education and reach new heights so that we ensure

There have been a number of challenges.

When we first started it was strange for a woman to enter the workforce and upon entering the education sector I was happy to note that there was a lot of support and appreciation from our male counterparts.

we have amongst the best education systems in the world.

Recently, the Etisalat Education Technology Centre was opened and it is considered the first of its kind in the education technology fields with capabilities for research, development, experimentation, etc on a nationwide level. It is the result of the entrenched

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job?

How do you cope?

There have been a number of challenges. When we first started, it was strange for a woman to enter the workforce and upon entering the education sector, I was happy to note that there was a lot of support and appreciation from our male counterparts.

One of the wonderful things was the appreciation and the care with which our country and our society have supported women in the workforce so I have never particularly felt that there was a challenge that could not be overcome. It must be said that the UAE has put considerable effort and time into supporting women in

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EXCLUSIVE

The Arab woman constitutes half of our Arab society. There may have been in the past a tendency towards minimising her role and contribution. However today she has advanced to a level and a degree beyond expectations finding herself in positions of leadership within our society.

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cooperation between the Ministry of Education and its strategic partner – Etisalat – as well as the technology giant Microsoft.

any other across the world and it has become a model for application for other education systems looking to implement something similar.

The centre’s services will be available to teachers through the services that Microsoft is offering and the world class experience that will be on hand in the field of education technology.

In addition, there will be a number of professional development courses on offer that can assist teachers and educators in improving the skills and capabilities of their students.

In addition, we are applying all efforts to achieve the objections of the national vision for the ministry of education towards ensuring we meet the standards set forth for our education system.

We are also currently in the third year of working on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program – and we are entering the next phases of implementation. Of course this is the first kind of program in the world and it is being rolled out across schools in the country and we are ready to begin applying quality and measurement indicators. It is worth mentioning this is a national program and it is unlike

The Ministry is hosting the Global Education Forum in 2014 alongside the seventh edition of GESS. What’s the theme for the forum? What can attendees expect to learn from the sessions?

The Global Education Forum this year has adopted the theme – Education in the 21st Century – Skills, Opportunities, challenges.

We aim to provide clear insights into the sector and a demonstration and education on the best practices locally and internationally that will assist the region in improving its

EXCLUSIVE educational standards and fulfilling the requirements of the workforce via preparation of our youth and assisting them in finding suitable employment opportunities and sustainable careers.

This all feeds into our vision for extended growth in the region and the pursuit of internationally lauded educational standards.

Educators and teachers alike can look forward to a wide variety of professional development courses, workshops, panels, discussions, and access to the leading experts in the education fields from around the world, including education tech experts, NLP experts, Linguistic Experts, Special Education Experts, Gifted Children Experts, etc. These courses will cover theory and models on how to address current issues that affect the quality and level of education inside and outside the classroom.

What are your thoughts on the quality of the education in the schools system in the UAE? What are its strengths? What are the areas that need improvements?

We are on a path towards positive change at the roots. It should be mentioned that none of our efforts would have bore fruit had it not been for the continued support and of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed – President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid – Vice President of the UAE and the endless encouragement and support for our goals and our betterment. We could not have reached so far in this journey with such positive and remarkable results had it not been their express goal to upraise and promote our schools and our education system into what it is today .

We began with the nation’s strategy and we modelled our internal strategy after it with a number of initiatives aimed at development and improvement so that we are amongst the leading nations worldwide in education. The ministry is one with the community. We are in every classroom, with every teacher, every student and we are in every house with every parent and we work to

ensure that we provide the children of our nation with the necessary knowledge, skills, and education to ensure they reach new levels of success as our country continues to grow and gain competitively.

The UAE has always encouraged and supported women and His Highness Mohammed bin Rashed has always set a wonderful example in giving the Emirati woman respect and appreciation for her contributions.

Arab women are slowly making it to important positions in both the government and the private sector.

Your thoughts?

The Arab woman constitutes half of our Arab society. There may have been in the past a tendency towards minimising her role and contribution.

However today she has advanced to a level and a degree beyond expectations finding herself in positions of leadership within our society.

Sheikh Mohammed has recently announced a collective brainstorming on how to improve education and health services in the UAE. In your opinion, what is the most serious challenge facing education today and how can the government best address this?

I thank His Highness for this initiative.

It allows for a discussion on a level that is unprecedented. I find that the biggest and most challenging obstacle for the education sector to be – attracting and drawing the Emirati male into the field of education. In a field such as ours – we require all members of society to contribute and to assist in shaping our nation’s children positively to become role models and to ensure the country remains competitive globally.

Therefore, my suggestion to the initiative is to overcome the challenge of attracting young Emirati men into the profession and to do that we should look to providing them with similar employment at the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence.

Day after day – the advancement of the Arab woman in the work place has been marked by success after success. She has armed herself with education, knowledge, experience and skills succeeding at positions long occupied by men and finding herself having achieved the heights of accomplishment and achievement as a diplomat, minister, lawyer and judge, in parliament, and at the head of a board meeting so that we are at a time today where there exists no field or occupation that our women cannot enter or work in.

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Meet Dubai’s

Entrepreneurs From mothers to businesswomen, women these days are juggling multiple roles with aplomb. More and more are running their own super successful businesses; from beauty and well-being to food and fashion. Saadiya Ahmad meets some of these multitasking super women who reveal how they manage to do it and prove that yes, women can have it all...

Buffi Jashanmal

is Dubai’s answer to Martha Stewart and is a DIY, Fitness and Fashion expert.

What made you enter this line of work?

“Looking good means feeling good. I love a DIY (Do It Yourself) lifestyle and love to teach others how to live better, feel better and have fun.”

How do you juggle work with life and essentially de-stress at the end of it all?

“I like to be active and be around good friends when I manage to find time off, which I am pretty bad at! I love working! I try taking one day off a week, but sometimes it is not possible as I tend to juggle a lot of projects. Right now, my first book is launching, I am a guest speaker at the Emirates Festival of Literature, and will be teaching dress-making classes around the city.”

Where do you see your business five years down the line?

“I want to continue down a lifestyle path. I wish I was able to expand in the way that celebs can do... GOOP to name a few and successful lifestyle site online now... well jell!”

What’s your advice to women who are considering starting a business?

“You have to love what you are doing. If you are passionate about it, that will be what drives you to success... If you are not 100 per cent sure, then it is never going to give you the satisfaction you are looking for or the drive to continue when you don’t succeed immediately! As Steve Jobs once said, ‘You’ve got to be willing to crash and burn. If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t get very far.’ www.buffijashanmal.com

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Ahlaam Ali

is a Lifestyle and Nutrition consultant who helps people lose 10 kilos in 10 weeks by analysing their lifestyles and customising their eating and exercising plans.

What made you enter this line of work initially?

“I have always been into health and fitness and it gives me a lot of joy to see people transform themselves into fitter and more confident versions!”

How do you juggle work with life and essentially de-stress at the end of it all?

“It is critical to have a small yet effective team who work well together. The key to running a successful business is to manage through delegation. At work and at home! The problem is too many of us try to achieve the ‘super woman’ status.

Unfortunately that does not work for too long. You can only do so much as we are only humans – as much as we hate to admit it.”

Hind Abdulrazak

is the Managing Director and Partner of Caboodle Pamper and Play; a one-stop concept for families with small children. Caboodle includes a play area, salon (for mother and child) as well as a café.

What made you enter this line of work initially?

“I saw a niche in the market and decided to go for it when Emaar Malls approached me with a space. The aim was to provide a space for families with younger children in an environment that is clean, fun, and wholesome that offers both play and pamper services.”

Where do you see your business in five years?

“I see my business being franchised internationally – have already started that process and we are franchised in two countries. My first book will be out on the stands shortly – It is a weight loss plan with 40 healthy and easy-to-do recipes – Hottie’s Handbook—Lose 10 Kgs in 10 Weeks! This is the beginning of a whole series of Hottie’s Handbooks with me writing one book a year!”

What’s your advice for women who are considering starting a business?

“If you have a dream …just follow it! Now is the time to achieve whatever you are dreaming of! The longer you think and analyse an idea the more you lose its energy! Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” – William Hutchison Murray

How do you juggle work with life and essentially de-stress at the end of it all?

“Luckily we’ve built a lovely salon alongside the play area where I get a massage from time to time! When you own your own business it’s much harder to ever ‘switch off’ and the only way to really wind down is to travel. I make sure to take a few short breaks over the year to re-charge.”

Where do you see your business in five years?

“We’re looking to franchise the business – I can hardly keep up with the franchise requests from all over the world!”

What’s your advice for women who are considering starting a business?

“Most people want to start their own business to be their own boss and to gain flexibility. I find this to be a misconception as you never really get to shut off or leave your work. In fact, your hours are longer and all over the place and taking a holiday is a much harder task since you are ultimately responsible for everything and anything. Passion and presence are the biggest advocates of a successful business; passion in what you do and your personal presence keep it going.” www.caboodle.ae

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Mona Syed-Mirza,

Clinic Director CEO of Biolite Aesthetic clinic that is a specialist in noninvasive aesthetic and anti-ageing procedures for the face and body.

What made you enter this line of work?

“Initially I had serious issues with my own skin – acute acne, which failed to be treated by medication. When my skin turned around thanks to Intense Pulsed Light treatment, it was time to help others who were suffering a similar plight; this was the major driving force.”

Kate Toledo

How do you juggle work with life and de-stress at the end of it all?

“I wouldn’t be able to do as much as I do without delegating and thanks to the assistance of my wonderful house maid Mary and my driver who is also the office boy /PRO. I also enjoy listening to the holy Quran when I am stressed; it’s incredibly soothing for the mind and spirit. Recently I started to train as a hypnotherapist and since then, I practise self-hypnosis regularly when faced with a tight spot.”

is an artist who has created a collection of fine luxury silk scarves based on images from her 2012 painting exhibition ‘Reflections on Islamic Splendour’. This Middle Eastern series of scarves is made up of four designs in different colour combinations, based on Islamic museum pieces from the 12th century intertwined with Islamic embroidery patterns.

Where do you see your business in five years?

“I believe Biolite has a huge potential to open its next branch in Abu Dhabi and other cities. We often get franchise enquiries internationally. Overall I see us with more advanced technology and becoming the leading clinic for non-invasive treatments as well as adding more specialities like hypnotherapy for a more holistic approach.”

What made you enter this line of work initially?

“Initially the idea was to adapt the visuals of four large paintings into a 90 x 90cm scarf format and have them printed to show and sell as part of my 2012 exhibition. The concept seemed to have a life of its own and grew into a line of high end scarves printed in France and Italy and presented in a beautiful red box made in Ajman.

Needless to say, to produce all this, took a lot of effort and sourcing, we ran out of time, the scarves took another path, and so were never shown at the exhibition.”

What’s your advice for women who are considering starting a business?

“Firstly, make a list of short, medium and long term goals of where you see your business. Next, be organised, delegate and research thoroughly. And finally don’t allow the fear of failure to bite you. The best lessons are learnt when we fall and dust off and start again.

Persistence is key!”

How do you juggle work with life and essentially de-stress at the end of it all?

“The key to successful juggling is time management which is always a work in progress. My de-stressing techniques include walking the dogs late at night and spinning classes in the morning.”

Where do you see your business in five years?

“I see it as an original, unique, luxury product from the region, about the region, that has its own place in high end retail outlets. As well as expanding the 90 x 90cm silk scarf project, which I have now, into a series of long scarves and bigger squares printed on other fabrics such as wool/silk mixes. Also to branch out into soft furnishings; I actually have three beautiful cushion designs in production.”

What’s your advice for women who are considering starting a business?

“I think you need to be determined and passionate about what you are trying to achieve. You will need this drive to keep going. Do not be put off by setbacks as there are many, be adaptable, nothing is written in stone, what might appear as a disaster at the time can turn into a positive down the line. Network like mad, exchange ideas and try to surround yourself with people that support and encourage you and your ideas.”

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www.biolitedubai.com

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Sarah Beydoun:

On making bags and empowering women 52

cover story She loves fashion, and she loves helping other women.

Putting these together, Sarah Beydoun, founder and creative director of Sarah’s Bag, has started a journey in using her entrepreneurial spirit to uplift a group of women who have suffered life’s difficulties. For about 14 years now, her company that makes beautiful adornments – bags and other fashionable accessories – retains to employ the skilled but underprivileged women. Learn more about her inspiring life as she tells AW how she began her love for making bags and empowering women.

Kalthoum (June- November 2008) l’Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris invited Sarah’s Bag among other artists to showcase their clutch of the Egyptian icon.

B

In 2013, Clinique, the leading skin care and beauty brand, chose Sarah’s Bag to design an exclusive line of limited edition pouches, to be promoted in Harvey Nichols KSA.

orn and raised in Lebanon, Sarah Beydoun belongs to a generation of Beirutbased designers who came of age during the country’s 15-year civil war and are now contributing to rebuilding the city’s cultural life through their work in various creative industries.

Beydoun decided to set up her company as part of a rehabilitation program, whereby women at risk from economic depravation or the stigma of having served time in prison would learn valuable skills in return for a reliable income and a stable source of pride, dignity, and empowerment.

In the process, these women would be helping to revamp the centuries’ old traditions of artisans and textile makers in the Middle East for the

purpose of invigorating contemporary fashion. The arrangement turned out to be successful, innovative, and highly efficient.

As the company expanded, Beydoun teamed up with her friend Sarah Nahouli. By 2003, Sarah’s Bag had outgrown its workshop in Horsh Beirut and moved to its current showroom, nestling inside the highceilinged, tile-floored rooms of a beautiful old building in Gemmayzeh, a neighborhood near Downtown Beirut that is a mix of antiquated cosmopolitan charm and youthful urban energy.

In February 2008, the British Council chose Beydoun to represent Lebanon in the ‘International Young Fashion Entrepreneur’ competition. Also in the same year, in the memory of Oum

In February 2009, under the framework of Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World.

Sarah’s Bag exhibited in the ‘Kennedy Center International Festival’ in Washington. Since October 2009, Sarah’s Bag has been participating in Tranoi’s seasonal fashion trade show.

Tranoi is the artistic platform for the best designers selection to meet the most influential fashion ambassadors.

In recognition of her work with underprivileged women in Lebanon, Sarah’s Bag was honoured to be invited by NGO Vital Voices, the US Department of the State and FORTUNE Most Powerful Women to participate in this year’s Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership. Beydoun was mentored under Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT. Today, with 45 points of sale all over the world (Colette – Paris, Matches – London, Moda Operandi – NY and Restir – Japan), Sarah’s Bag is still committed to the Middle Eastern crafts culture in its designs while adhering to the newest trends in fashion.

When and how did you begin your love story with fashion? And, at what exact point did you tell yourself that you want to build a rehabilitation program out of a fashion business?

After studying sociology at the American University of Beirut, I earned my master’s degree from the Universite Saint Joseph, where I wrote my thesis on female prostitution and women prisoners in Lebanon.

During my visits to the Baabda prison, I felt that I had a lot to offer to these women prisoners, giving them an opportunity to be productive and do something that gives them a sense

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of pride and achievement behind the walls.

With the help of Dar al Amal, an NGO that takes care of underprivileged women and provides vocational training to women in prison, I received a pass to Baabda prison, a pass that changed my life and the lives of many of these talented women. I started in 2000 with four ladies who accepted willingly to execute my design in return for money. Slowly, their enthusiasm became contagious and the ladies started training each

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other. In 2001 we reached a team of 40 women working from Baabda prison and then as the demand grew, we started recruiting the girls once they finished their sentences, encouraging them to form and supervise a small group of women living in their neighbourhood.

Today, I feel that I have more than a business; I have a duty towards these women. I feel that my contribution plays a major role in helping them maintain their dignity and self-esteem and to help them integrate back into

society.

Who are your major influencers in life?

This sounds like a clichÊ, but I would have to say my mother. She taught me to work hard and to work smart; everyone who knows her adores her and she taught me how to connect with people and the importance of contacts. She supported me consistently, every day since the beginning, allowing me to dream that Sarah’s Bag can go as far as we have come today. She embodies

cover story the women techniques and to follow up on their work. In the beginning, the work was not consistent; a lot of them were traumatised, depressed, and some were recovering from addictions. There were times when the work was simply not done. We still managed to put together a capsule collection of 12 bags and sold them all on the same day at an arts, crafts and antiques market. And after that, with time, I formed a team of dedicated, talented women who till today are the backbone of the 150 artisans we work with.

What keeps you motivated in your efforts? What do you ultimately aim for from doing your socially relevant goals?

Many of the women who worked for us when we first started almost 14 years ago are still with us today.

After finishing their prison sentences and going back to their communities and villages, it was very important for them to have an independent source of income. We encourage them to recruit their friends, neighbours and families to work with Sarah’s Bag. As a result, they become proactive, valuable members in their communities. This positive ripple effect is an incredible reward for me: we’ve touched many

lives for the better; there is a deeper purpose to the work we do beyond profit and creating unique bags and accessories.

Do you think that your entrepreneurial act actually empowers your fellow women?

We are a business that began as a project to empower women who are on the forgotten margins of society.

For any woman, earning a steady income is empowering for it gives her independence, self-respect and boosts her self-esteem; she knows she can take care of herself and her family.

As I mentioned earlier, the prisoners and ex-prisoners who work with us recruit women in their communities to work with Sarah’s Bag. It is very empowering, not to mention a relief, for a woman who has to deal with the stigma of being an ex-prisoner to be self-reliant. And when she is also someone who provides much needed jobs for other women in her community, she becomes a valued member and finds her re-integration into society easier.

How do you see the future of your company?

We are growing and expanding internationally at a steady pace. After

The quaint o’de rose boutique that stocks Sarah’s Bags

graciousness, positivity and love, and combines that with an innate business savvy and a quiet unshakable strength.

She lives up to her name: Amal (hope)!

Can you share with us the early stages of your company? What are the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Initially, my goal was to work with female prisoners and ex-prisoners so I designed my first collection around beading and embroidery and then started going to Baabda Women’s prison three times a week to teach

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cover story 14 years in the business, we have more than 50 points of sale all over the world, including Collette in Paris and Matches in London. We have our own online store (http://shop.sarahsbag. com/) that ships around the globe and we are aiming to open our very own boutique in Dubai!

Why did you choose o’de rose to launch your line?

When O’de Rose first opened in Dubai, Nadine Khoury, Managing Partner of o’de rose, selected us among the prominent Arab designers she features in her boutique. She and I both love and celebrate the Arab aesthetic, from art to music, poetry, architecture and pop culture. It made sense to me to launch our special made-for-Dubai collection there.

Aside from your bags, can we expect more fashion pieces of yours at o’de rose?

Always! Beyond handbags, we have our caftans, jewellery and hats on sale at O’de Rose.

You are already an achiever. Is there anything else you’d like to further achieve?

Well, I would like to be able to host dinner parties and receive guests at home – and I want to cook dinner for them all by myself! While my family is my priority, I am not ‘the hostess with the mostess…yet! I do throw incredible theme parties outside my house, though! I would also like to travel the world; there is so much to see and never enough time.

Name reasons why you love what you do now.

It gives me a sense of purpose to hear the stories of women who have faced extremely difficult challenges such as imprisonment, rape and abuse and then be able to help make a real difference in their lives. It reminds me to be grateful, everyday, for what I have.

As a designer it gives me great pleasure and a sense of satisfaction to see my bags and accessories worn and appreciated by women from Brazil to Korea and many places in between!

I especially love to give Arab women a stylish way to celebrate their rich

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culture. I have always wanted to be creative and every morning as I am walking down the little alley that leads to my atelier and I have a crazy, packed day ahead of me, I thank God I love my job and that it fulfills me.

I believe it is one of the secrets to a happy life.

Your life story is inspiring. What makes you truly proud about it?

I am proud that I was able to build a company from a simple idea that I truly believed in and that at its core, we are in the business of helping people build new lives.

What keeps you glued in fashion?

My team and I love the thrill and adrenaline rush of meeting deadlines, designing new collections, going to exhibitions and trade shows in various

fashion capitals, meeting new people and especially women from around the world who have a Sarah’s Bag they love. The fashion industry these days is nonstop, energetic, colourful and frankly crazy, and I love it!

What is the philosophy that you live by?

“Hard Work Pays Off” Last question: how do you describe an Arab woman? What makes her unique?

An Arab woman is a woman on the rise! I am happy that despite difficulties and challenges, Arab women are becoming more educated and active in society, politics, business and art; I think we have yet to see the full potential of Arab women. It’s going to be a beautiful thing!

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What is Sarah’s Bag?

Sarah’s Bag is feminine, fresh, distinctive, vivacious, and eleg and fashionable. It is full of life and down to earth. It is It is modern with a memory ofant with a touch of retro glamour and a street-wise sensibili socially responsible. An intimat what made our ancestors beautiful. It is stylishly aware andty.

Sarah’s Bag began in 2000 as e line of handcrafted, custom-made women’s fashion accessor expanded to include beach tote a modest collection of handbags. Over the past 14 years, it hasies, s, evening bags, clutches, and satc sashes, belts, bangles, and beaded hels, along with shoes, scar embroidering, beading, crocheti necklaces. Each piece requires 10 to 15 days of meticulousves, ng, and hand stitching to prod uce.

Sarah’s Bag recognises that ever y wom an is unique and respond equally original. The company owes its success to every woman s by creating designs that are contributes to the story of Sarah’s who wears, makes, supports, and Bag. In Dubai, it is currently stocked at o’de rose, the beautiful boutiqu e in a villa in Umm Suqiem.

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profile

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profile What are the challenges you face when completing your films and novels?

Definitely my age. People have constantly underestimated my abilities because of my age, however, it never stopped me!

Rising Named Middle East’s Youngest Director at the age of 11, Dubai Abulhoul has now dipped her hands into the literary world. Still only 17, she is certainly one to look out for in the world of arts.

Who is Dubai Abulhoul?

I’m a first year student at NYU Abu Dhabi, double majoring in Political Science and Literature. At the inaugural Gulf Film Festival, I was named the Middle East’s youngest filmmaker. I was also named the UAE’s youngest published author in 2012 during the Emirates Literature Festival where I published my first novel, Galagolia: The Hidden Divination How did the idea for the animation come about? And what is the moral of that story?

The idea came out of a script I was writing, which was then transformed into my first novel. I animated a chapter from the manuscript and sent it off to the Gulf Film Festival.

of social media, I was able to discuss issues like educational systems with older generations. We are progressing towards a time of communication, and I am very appreciative of that.

What is the thinking of women of the future, ie your generation? What is important to them and how do they want to see the future of women?

I come from a country in which women are extremely valued, both in households and in the workplace. The sky is the limit when it comes to the opportunities offered to us as women, thanks to our leadership and government.

Tell us about your passion for directing and filmmaking.

Film to me is a form of human expression, and is a very powerful platform to send influential messages. I am passionate about filmmaking and hopefully will pursue it as a career after I graduate.

When we talk about evolution, what are the few things that women should always hold on to and not simply change for the sake of changing?

Being true to who you are. We live in a time when the world is constantly trying to shape us into an ‘ideal’ image, and the true struggle is remaining true to ourselves.

Integrity, in my opinion, is the most important thing to hold on to.

Can you share your support system?

And what challenges do you face in the industry, being so young?

My family and friends are my number one support system. They were with me since day one, and watched me write both my novel and script. I would not have done it without their support!

What are some of the industries in which women need to be present in? And how, in your opinion, can this be achieved?

Filmmaking is one of those industries.

We’ve seen a rise in female presence in the UAE film industry, but we must keep in mind that our industry is still in its initial stages

Is there a big generation gap, especially in terms of thinking, between your generation and the older one? How do you bridge that gap?

There definitely is, but I feel like as the older generations get into social media, the gap slowly closes. For instance, because

Why do you choose to work on the topics that you’ve touched? What will your future direction of film and novels be?

Whatever I decide to work on next, my aim is to always represent my country in the best possible way.

How do you think your books and films can help shape the women of the future?

I think it can act as a first step in a really long ladder which we as women of society are walking towards. I want to show my generation that age really is a number, and ambition has no age limit.

Who is your role model? Who do you think are good role models for women in the region?

I don’t particularly have a role model, for my number one inspiration is my country, and my city, Dubai. To me, the UAE is the definition of thinking big, and is definitely my inspiration and also role model.

What are some of the important qualities a filmmaker or novelist should have to be successful?

Determination and the ability to never give up!

Is there still a stereotype or stigma for women in the workforce, especially in this region?

We are constantly, as women of the UAE, breaking the stereotypes. We, with the support of our leaders, are given the ability to keep pushing boundaries and excelling as women.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What hopes do you have for womanhood?

I want to continue writing, and hopefully one day inspire women worldwide to be who they are meant to be, and not what the world tells them they should be.

About Galagolia: The Hidden Divination What is it that makes fiction surreal?

Meet Maitha Bin Humaid, a 10 yearold Emirati girl living in Deira, Dubai.

Maitha finds a portal to Galagolia, a new world, and learns that, all along, she had known nothing about her life and that she has inherited the throne to Galagolia. But can a 10 year-old really handle that responsibility? Step into the spellbinding tale of demons, fantasy, and self-discovery and join Maitha on her journey of dangers, deception, and sacrifice. Galagolia is a world you do not want to miss!

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glam

The Bulgari After-Party Glittering, invitation-only black tie party attended by Alicia Vikander, Amy Adams, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bradley Cooper, Suki Waterhouse, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Campbell, Rita Ora, Stanley Tucci, Leonardo DiCaprio, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew Williamson, Uma Thurman, among other elite, was put together in London by Bulgari to celebrate the 2014 BAF TA Film Awards.

The luxury house has always been intimately linked wit h the glamorous world of cinema. So much so that its Diva collection of haute jewelry is a joyous celebration of the magical golden age of the 1950s and 1960s when Rome was the favoured playground for international celebrities, and Bulgari was their jeweler of choice for distinctive, beautifully created masterpieces.

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glam

Salvatore Ferragamo celebrates Brera Fine Arts Academy After the Salvatore Ferragamo Women’s AW14-15 runway show, the Maison held an exclusive evening reception in the Brera Fine Arts Academy for a select group of fashion insiders, socialites, and celebrities.

The reception saw the unveiling of a special exhibition called A Special View of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Atelier that showcased photographs and iconic pieces from the Ferragamo archives alongside Milan Women’s Fashion Week.

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Harvey Nichols lights up the runway Following this season’s daring burst of trends and colours, the Harvey Nichols – Dubai Spring/Summer 14 fashion show was a stunning showcase of striking hues and glamour heralding the new season.

The Madinat Arena, Souk Madinat Jumeirah was transformed into an industrial setting wit h the ceiling decked in a collective display of luminous pendant lights suspended wit hin the dark space.

The show kicked off in the presence of over 500 guests as models emerged on the metallic grid catwalk in bursts of bold colours, tribal prints, bright whites, metallics and a touch of athletic influences by designers including Erdem, Giambattista Valli, Mary Katranzou and Fausto Puglisi. The choreography featured models appearing in a line and being positioned horizontally on the grid.

In contrast, there was a polished femininit y and sophistication wit h the feature of chiffon and lace in an array of beautiful hues, as seen in collections by Monique Lhuiller, Zuhair Murad and Oscar De la Renta.

Models also showcased equally bold make-up looks to complement the evening’s theme. The eyes were highlighted using vibrant pigments of pewter by Laura Mercier on fresh, luminous skin while the hair was perfectly slicked back courtesy of SHOW Beauty.

Harvey Nichols – Dubai extended an invitation to fashion show guests to join an exclusive after-party wit hin the arena. Attendees enjoying the ambience until late wit h up-tempo music and indulged in a delicious selection of savory and sweet canapés.

This season, light up the runway wit h season essentials at Harvey Nichols – Dubai.

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glam

Bloomies' glamour hits The Gate Dubai International Financial Centre is no less than the finance hub of the city but nothing stopped Bloomingdale’s-Dubai for putting high fashion glamour all over its renowned venue, The Gate. With V IP guests and the British singer C onor Maynard coming to headline the front row, the presentation of the Spring/Summer 2014 collection of the multi-brand shopping destination was indeed a success. The pieces donning the models who strut based on the 'Downtown' and 'Uptown' concept splashed as the night’s runway themes became the stars of the show, where each and every styling spoke of the muchanticipated trends of the coming season.

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Travel and Lifestyle

Enjoy the last few moments of cool weather with some chic simplicity.

dine out

All-in-One

Special Order everything on the menu, and not worry about your budget is what Zuri Restaurant promises. AW visited Auris Plaza at Al Barsha to check out if it’s true to its words. Read on…

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uris Plaza’s Zuri Restaurant is not your regular type of diner,.

For starters, it is not located in your typical flashy five-star hotel. The deluxe property is located in Al Barsha’s neighbourhood where Mall of the Emirates is, and a series of boutique hotels and apartments abound.

But then again, when it comes to dining out, why wouldn’t want to try something a little less flashy if it still tastes divine ?

The hotel’s exterior may not have the

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opulent façade that you’d expect in Dubai standards but once in the lobby, you’ll find yourself admiring the beautiful interiors that welcome you. After taking a few steps inside, you will be ushered to your left where Zuri Restaurant is located.

The cosy ambiance of the restaurant conjures images of an intimate dinner with good friends, only minding about good laugh and good food. The seats are comfortable, the lighting are semi-dim which allows you to see each other quite

Tofu Noodle Papaya Sesame Mushroom

well and look at your food quite clearly while dim enough to give that easy vibe.

The open kitchen also provides some sort of extra entertainment as you get to witness how the chefs work on your excellent-looking and deliciously tasting food.

Once seated, you’ll be provided with an iPad that greets you with wonderful images of beverages and dishes to order. In our case, we’re keen on checking out if the restaurant is up to its promise of an all-

dine out inclusive ‘Chic Cuisine’ A La Carte Dining concept.

‘Chic Cuisine’ at Auris Plaza is the brainchild of Executive Chef De Wet and Chef Abdul Aziz, who along with a culinary team of professionals from seven different countries, spent over three months creating, improving and evolving the cuisine to its modern contemporary reflection of Dubai. Unique not only for its innovative combination of flavours, contemporary plating and sizing of each dish, the purely à la carte menu of 15 signature dishes and five desserts are presented in an all-inclusive format, allowing guests to choose from the menu as many of each dish as they would like for the one inclusive price. Each of the 15 signature dishes and five desserts are unnamed and presented by their key ingredients only.

After browsing through the sumptuous images on the iPad, we began with our mission, and that was to try everything on the menu. We used a no-brainer technique, we started with the first picture on the tablet: the Tofu, Noodle, Papaya, Sesame, Mushroom dish that appeared to be the softest and easiest to munch that we’ve tasted. You can start with any dish on the menu, though we only opted for the mushroom as it’s the lightest one apart the other vegetarian mushroom dish.

The next dishes came along: the crab soup, the chicken roll, the short ribs, beef with risotto, and cod cheek. You can order the same dish over and over throughout dinner but we had no time to do that.

We’re far from finishing the 15 dishes, and we’re already full. The small portions look small, but the dishes are filling apparently.

Personally, the stars of the night were the Short Ribs*Tamarind*Peanut*Teriy aki*Purple Yam*Jasmine*Sweet Potato dish which takes over 72 hours of slowly cooking the short ribs with a tamarind,

Bacon Egg hips

Chocolate Raspberry

Beef Cheek Risotto Green Bean Peanut Garlic

peanut, teriyaki glaze, and is served with a purple yam cake infused with jasmine tea, and accompanied by sweet potato chips. Another must-try is the Beef Cheek*Risotto*Green Bean*Garlic which sees beef cheeks braised in a Tom Yam broth and served with a coconut risotto, sautéed green beans and garlic chips.

Our advice is that if you’re keen on saving room for the hearty desserts then try about 5-7 dishes at the maximum. Go for the Bacon Egg Hips dessert as it’s going to delightfully surprise you. Or the soufflé, or chocolate raspberry, which are sinfully divine.

You can choose among Zuri’s long list of beverages but don’t miss out on their chilli drink. It’s a must if you’re in for some spicy punch.

Overall, the ‘Chic Cuisine’ at Auris Plaza is a visual wonder as it is a gastronomic discovery. The all-inclusive pricing is just a huge bonus to its diner – totally affordable and practical concept we must say.

So, again, if you’re looking for your regular diner, Zuri is not for you. It’s out of the ordinary – surprisingly rare in the Dubai dining scene.

Short Ribs Tamarind Peanut Teriyaki Purple Yam Jasmine Sweet Potato

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Downtime

Dubai’s most indulging spas This issue, AW shortlists the places that deliver the gratifying – and luxurious – time you can spend an hour, at the very least, of your life.

Talise Spa A name almost synonymous to wellness, Talise Spa provides a unique destination for spa aficionados. Aside from its luxurious environment, it also offers personalised treatments according to one’s needs as well as creates a relaxation package that rejuvenates body, mind and soul. With about 26 treatment rooms, inclusive of two couples’ suites, and also cabanas on the beach, sauna, steam and plunge pools Talise Spa is indeed a haven of luxurious indulgence. Talis Spa is located at Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah at Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

SensAsia With the growing number of branches of SensAsia across the emirates, this sanctuary of practical indulgence is a popular choice for Asian themed spa. Tired and stressed bodies find rejuvenation like no other in its long list of treatments. First opened in 2004, SensAsia has become the oasis of calm and luxury away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is located at Palm Jumeirah, The Village, Emirates Golf Club, and Mall of the Emirates.

Assawan Spa & Health Club An ultimate indulgence awaits guests at Assawan Spa & Health Club that is located at the most luxurious hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab. From the moment a step is made into the spa, the journey of total pampering is delivered. Fantastic and rare, its natural lighting adds to the charm of this massive two-level spa that boasts the enough luxurious serenity. Assawa Spa & Health Club has an extensive menu of indulging treatments including facials and organic body wraps to Chakra balancing hot stone massage, each treatment uses the highest quality products and latest methods in personal care. Access to infinity pools, fitness centre and traditional wet facilities is extended to its well-pampered guests.

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Downtime Armani/Spa Offering guests with the signature Armani lifestyle and design philosophies, Armani/Spa in Dubai is indeed a stunning unique space that creates tailored sensory experience that suit individual needs. With personalised treatments, personal fitness, sequential thermal bathing, creative spa cuisine, it is simply divine to experience. Known for its spa therapies that have been designed to fulfill different goals, Armani/Spa offers MU that quenches a desire for relaxation and stillness; LIBERTĂ€ that encourages freedom of movement and the release of physical pain; and FLUIDITĂ€ that enhances vitality, restoring internal balance. All treatments and spa times may be booked in advance with the Lifestyle Manager, or directly at the SPA. It is located at the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa.

One&Only Private Spa, The Palm Tucked away in the posh surrounding of The Palm Jumeirah, it is indeed a home of stillness and quietude that offers sense of relaxed timelessness. One&Only Private Spa has a number of rejuvenating treatments that are built around three pillars of Unwind, Restore and Elevate. This spa philosophy is a signature of the brand, and follows treatments that use the finest natural ingredients leaving guests looking good and feeling revitalised.

The Spa at The Address A haven of contemplation and tranquility, The Spa at The Address hotels offer world-class experiences of oriental signature treatments teamed up in true Arabic setting. Its welcoming vibe gives a balance where stress and discomfort can be soothed away. Its perfect backdrop, the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, is additional bonus to guests who savour quality time at The Spa. It is located in The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Palace and even in The Address Dubai Marina.

Amara Spa Set amidst the calmness of private courtyard at the beautiful Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai, Amara Spa is a must-visit sanctuary especially with its wide range of luxury massages, rejuvenating facials, exclusive rituals, and, of course, refreshing rain shower in a private garden of spa suite. Using the ancient healing philosphies of Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire, Amara Spa is definitely going to exceed your expectations on luxurious pampering.

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locally

Primed for the future 70

locally Easily reached by road, (Sheikh Zayed Road) or metro (Sharaf DG station), the hotel is close to business hubs like TECOM and the Dubai Media and Internet City. If shopping is your thing, there are no less than three malls within close driving distance – Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battua Mall and Dubai Marina Mall. With all that said, it’s clear that whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha has got you covered.

As the biggest Novotel property in the UAE, the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha has a big responsibility on its shoulders. We visited the new establishment to see if it manages to upkeep the brand’s proud reputation.

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t’s hard to miss the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha; not only is it the tallest building in the district, but the distinctive three-tower styling ensures its dominance in the skyline. Its sheer size amongst the small apartment buildings is certainly imposing.

Approaching the hotel, you quickly notice the hanging gardens across the hotel’s façade, a tangible pledge of the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

First impressions Despite the immensity of the hotel from the outside, the lobby, or the reception area to be exact, is surprisingly cramped, no thanks to the way the décor was placed. Fortunately then for the high ceiling and big windows that help create a bigger sense of space. The modern theme from the outside continues into the lobby with contemporary décor.

There is however a period chandelier as the centrepiece, the only piece of character that adds a little more personality to an otherwise business-hotel look.

situations for travellers.

One of the best-selling points of the hotel has to be the sweeping views, since the rooms essentially start from maybe 6 or 7 floors up. Get a room high enough and you not only get the bustling Sheikh Zayed from your window but also the Arabian Gulf. Draw a ‘bad’ card and you get the Al Barsha view, not exactly stunning but then again, everything turns beautiful when you’re high up.

There are 465 guest rooms including Superior and Executive rooms, over 100 interconnecting family rooms and 89 fully furnished suites. The interiors have followed a modern approach taken from a fresh colour pallet of primary colours. All rooms boast large beds, contemporary bathrooms with eco-friendly products, an LED flat screen TV, high speed wireless internet, work area, laptop sized safety box and temperature controlled air conditioning,

The lobby stretches from the Craving Cajun’ restaurant on one side to some office spaces on the other, including two of the hotel’s F&B outlets: Café Java and Bubbles. Perhaps it was the utilisation of the ground floor space to accommodate these outlets that contribute to the small reception area. One nice touch in the lobby, plonked against the pillar of the main staircase, is a little heritage corner, showcasing some Arabic culture with traditional cushion seats, lamps, a couple of framed-up weapons and jewellery and even a coffee trolley. This little alcove acts as a reminder to visitors that they are indeed in Arabia and not in some generic hotel in Europe.

Another nice little corner is the area near the lift where they’ve placed three MacBooks for guests to use. Strategically placed away from the main reception area, it can also provide a distraction for bored kids upon check-in to avoid any stressful

Now, speaking about the location, apart from a handful of hotels, most other hotels settled in the Al Barsha area are not necessarily big-name global franchises per se. So what makes Novotel choose this location to open its fifth property?

According to Mirco Iada, the hotel director, it’s because the community is not only developed, but continually evolving. And with Dubai expanding mostly westwards, Al Barsha, and now the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, is primed to be in the thick of the action in Dubai’s bright future.

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locally

along with other modern and high-tech features. Additional design features include backlit headboards, dedicated vanity units and contemporary art.

The hotel has just been launched so there are bound to be some details which need ironing out. And as expected, some issues were raised, albeit minor ones. For instance, the tissue box in the toilet was not replenished, the minibar is not stocked, and the flush, once depressed, seems to get dislodged from its place and you’d have to fiddle with it a little for it to get back in place and use the flush again. The good thing is that there are prayer mats available, as well as a Quran in English, giving a chance for non-Muslims to learn about the religion of the people.

One thing that was lacking in the room was a directory as to what is where, so that guests can have a rough idea of where to go. Or maybe it was only our room that had it missing. And one more thing, like the other high-rise hotels, the balconies must remain locked presumably again due to municipality laws. Which is a shame considering the view, and if you happen to book a suite, then you’d have two useless balconies. So near yet so far.

Facilities One of the biggest draws of the hotel has to be the gym and spa, In Balance by Novotel.

The gym is by far the best-equipped gym in a hotel that we’d ever visited. Look, any hotel gym that includes a squat rack has to be given props. Add to that the dozens of weight-loss and muscle-building machinery, and the free weights section, and you get a comprehensive gym, one which has the right equipment for any workout needs, medicine balls included. The only downside of the gym is space, or the lack of it. Like all

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hotel gyms, it should not get too crowded but apart from that, there simply isn’t space for more than 2-3 people to engage in floor workouts or stretching like yoga or pilates.

But that’s something easily overlooked if you have a gym like this. Did we mention the squat rack?

Sharing the space with the gym is the spa. It may be small, but from the bright changing rooms to the dimly lit treatment rooms, together with the area where the sauna is situated, everything was relaxing from the get-go. Again while space is a concern, it’s the combination of choices of interior materials, piped-in music, and smell of essential oils that truly make this one of the most comfortable spa sessions we’ve ever been to. It easily beats some of the fancier upscale spas. Honestly! Add to that some great personnel – one of the ladies went out of her way to find us a pair of earphones which we requested during my workout – and you get a warm welcoming feeling that is hard to rival.

On the same floor is the swimming pool. It is not the best-looking pool area (basic and

locally tired-looking with a few day beds thrown in to add some panache), and with the oddplacement, isn’t the most inviting either.

Some visitors have even complained that the sunlight is blocked for most part of the day. There is however Deck Se7en to serve you some food and drinks to make your pool time a little more enjoyable.

For those looking to the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha as a business meeting space, they’ll be glad to know that it does not only have a Business Centre and 10 function rooms with the latest technology, designed for meetings, seminars and events and accommodating up to 250 guests, but also offers exclusive meeting promotions. Also, the Meeting@Novotel promotion provides an all-inclusive, customised meeting service for 10 to 50 participants aimed to inspire innovation. Novotel Dubai Al Barsha will also launch the innovative EUREKA meeting concept to the UAE, designed to enhance discussion and creative thinking in a multi-flexible meeting room environment, while delivering fully personalised packages.

Down in New Orleans Tired from your workout at the awesome gym and ready to chow down and top up those lost calories? Cravin’ Cajun is your go-to place. The hotel’s signature restaurant serves up delicacies from New Orleans, headed by Chef Jeffrey, who’s from there, so you’re guaranteed authenticity and on weekends, there is a live band to add to your entertainment as you dig in.

For starters, we were recommended the Chicken Gumbo, a grilled chicken and Andouille sausage appetiser – nothing that heavy should ever be called an appetiser – cooked in spicy Cajun spices. It’s a strong entree with the taste of the sausage almost

overpowering the whole dish. If you prefer something lighter, and fluffier, perhaps the Louisiana Crab Cake would be more to your liking.

And then we dive head first into main course, starting with the Seafood Jambalaya.

This paella-inspired dish sees soft rice and very flavourful tomato gravy mixed in with seafood like mussels, and crab meat. Want something more interesting? Try the Cajun Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Yep, fried chicken and waffles! That is a Southern classic right there. You’ve tasted them individually but together, it’s actually exactly as how you’d imagine it to be, with each component separated and not really mixing together to give a ‘Wow I wonder why I’ve never tried this before’ scenario. To end the gastronomy session: some good ol’ bread pudding – toasted French bread marinated in sweet cream custard. A word of caution: the serving is HUGE, and it is as sinful as it sounds. You’ll either stop eating from being full or from the immense guilt.

All in all, Cravin’ Cajun, serves up food which is not fussy but still very delicious.

You get the feeling that the chef doesn’t resort to any gimmicks yet knows exactly what to serve up his customers to have a good hearty meal. It’s a new joint but one that is already always full on the weekends.

Hey, the big crowds is a testament to the place.

Checking out With great location, views, restaurants, and gym, the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha can easily be a big hit with tourists, offering great amenities and easy accessibility. However,

this hotel is a few issues shy of being one that tourists will remember and come back to. Sadly though, some of these issues are hardcoded into the architecture, for instance the location of the swimming pool, though, that can be rectified by beautifying the surrounding areas.

Nevertheless, to adapt to the forever changing trends and demographics of Dubai, the hotel employs people from different nationalities to ensure they can attend to any specific requirements. With the right creative people, the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha can really be one to remember; maybe not for a staycation but definitely one to recommend to the tourists.

Following the green initiative for sustainable development by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in January 2012 major co-operations are taking this on board and investigating eco-friendly alternatives. Some hotels in Dubai are catching on but not many. We aim to take the lead and support the ‘green trend’ by partnering up with Planet 21, Accor’s worldwide environmental campaign. We have implemented a number of green initiatives into the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha including supplying only environmentally friendly products in the bathrooms.

– Mirco Iada, Hotel Director

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travel

AW hopped aboard the re-imagined Disney Magic to get a dose of what it’s like out at sea. Sherry Tenorio recalls the cruise that serves fitting fun for each member of the family.

Disney Magic is the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joined by the Disney Wonder (maiden voyage in 1999), the Disney Dream (maiden voyage in 2011) and the Disney Fantasy (maiden voyage March 2012).

Since the Disney Magic has aged, the management decided it was time to have it ‘re-imagined’ or refurbished, if you prefer the not-so-Disney term. In an obvious swish of the magic wand and a few spells here and there, the magic continued after months of repair, and the first cruise of the ‘re-imagined’ ship opened its doors to lucky guests, including yours truly.

The invite was to a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral (Florida) to Nassau and

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Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island) in the Bahamas, dedicated to pay witness to the enhancements made to Disney’s first ever ship, Disney Magic. For many families, this cruise would be the culmination of their Disney World, the largest among Disney properties and considered as the happiest place on earth.

To say that I was excited to cruise is understatement. Excited is not the word – it is thrilled, yes, the best word to describe is thrilled. Who wouldn’t be if presented with an enormous 300m ship weighing 84,000 gross tons, able to fit about 2,713 guests and over 1,000 crew, and boasting a façade that’s stamped with Mickey Mouse’s face? So from checking in into actually stepping inside the 11-deck ship, the anticipation I felt was

obviously the same as the countless children onboard.

Upon entering the ship, bubbly greeters would shout the names to welcome the families or groups being ushered into the new grand atrium lobby that’s filled with opulent furnishings, giant portholes, bronze statue of Mickey and exotic sea-inspired carpets. And from that moment on, I’d say I was in on a magical adventure.

What to do What to expect when you’re aboard Disney Magic? Well, expect to do nothing of your regular household chores. Completely forget about work as the ship has an absolutely expensive fee scheme for internet connection (obviously while out at sea, the

travel

The re-imagined grand atrium lobby

technology is different from the regular wifi we have on land). Make a mental note that you’re on vacation, and Disney Cruise is going to make you your best one.

With new lounges, clubs, restaurants, activities and a spa among the exciting enhancements, the adults aboard are presented with quality entertainment.

Whether it’s dancing away an evening of nightclub revelry, savouring a gourmet meal or spending a pampering day at the spa, adult guests aboard the Disney Magic will discover new experiences from stem to stern.

For guests seeking a more low-key nighttime experience, Keys piano bar and lounge will deliver. Whether guests

want to relax with a signature Manhattan cocktail and the soft sounds of a piano or wind down after an evening of dancing and revelry, Keys provides a refined retreat with handcrafted drinks that are finished tableside.

Traditional days of olden are recalled in O’Gill’s Pub, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with rich green accents and dark woods. In front of the bar, traditional barstools encourage conversation, while video screens and an updated sound system feature rollicking tunes and live televised athletic events for music- and sports-lovers.

With these in mind, I went with my group to belt for a karaoke night, danced to the tunes of Latino and ‘80s music, and lounged at the Keys before heading to an animated

dinner.

Meanwhile, if you’re keen to have supreme relaxation and pampering, Senses Spa & Salon at Deck 9 offers many indulgences.

The size of the spa has been expanded by 725 square feet, to a total of nearly 11,500 square feet. With the additional space utilised for new spa services, this haven of personal harmony provides an unmatched ocean-view environment.

The enhanced salon features additional styling, manicure and pedicure stations with the latest equipment. For the gents, a brandnew two-chair barbershop offers the best in tonsorial indulgence. Men can choose from a variety of grooming services including haircuts, and the ultimate in men’s facial

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travel

Relax at Senses Spa

pampering: hot-lathered shaves.

Other new experiences of interest to adult guests are the water slides on the top decks.

The star of the cruise is called AquaDunk, a three-story slide begins with a surprise launch that sends riders on a near-vertical free fall inside a translucent tube. The tube takes twists and turns and even sends guests spiraling 20 feet beyond the ship deck, allowing sharp-eyed riders a quick glimpse of the ocean surface more than 110 feet below. This is a must-try for every adult, and all you need to remind yourself when bitten by your fear of heights is that small children can do it, and so can you. It’s a totally amazing, exhilarating water slide experience that I’ve had in years.

After diving in a thrilling slide, you can opt to chill out on the Quiet Cove Pool on Deck 9 which in my case offered a place to relax, read, listen to music, write my pieces and enjoy unlimited supply of free ice cream, pizzas and sodas.

You can try all these, and even join a bingo jackpot session for a staggering prize of USD10,000, or opt to get some ‘me’ time inside the elegant stateroom. The room is rather small but well designed with comfort and coziness in the thoughts of the Imagineers, I imagined. It has a balcony where you can take a peek of the sea during travel, or glance at your new port of call in the morning. Either way, the staterooms are perfect hideaway places when you’ve gone tired during the trip.

What kids can do But then of course, Disney is a brand synonymous to children, and Disney Magic has all the fitting places to attract them.

From meeting Mickey, Belle and the whole gang inside the ship to numerous activities and spaces dedicated to kids, the ship is a heaven for them – in fact, the real reason why parents should book this trip.

For children of ages 3 to 12, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is a completely re-imagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave superheroes, adventuresome

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Take the plunge at the infamous Aquadunk

toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club for creativity and fun.

For the youngest cruisers – ages three months to three years – is the new ‘It’s a Small World Nursery’ Inspired by the style of Disney Legend Mary Blair, this whimsical world is a place of age-specific fun and discovery, with trained counselors.

The Vibe teen club is that space in Deck 11 where the young adults can hide away, and mingle with their age group while listening to Beyonce in the background. It’s a space I would love to sneak in to yet it’s completely strict to welcoming only those in their teens.

Meanwhile, ‘tweens’ also have a dedicated space in Deck 2 at the Edge tween club.

Meet and greet with Disney characters

Also worth noting inside the re-imagined Disney Magic is the coming of Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family.

This marks the first time the superhero icons of Marvel have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship. And, Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineers have created a new space for children to enter into the Marvel Universe.

Storytelling is at the heart of the ship where each and every detail means something – from the hidden Mickeys to the more obvious photograph of Walt Disney pinned on stateroom walls. But what attracted the kid-in-me were the daily Broadway-style productions at the magnificent 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, and movie screenings at the state-of-the-art Buenavista Theatre.

Mesmerised by the twist on Cinderella’s tale, 3-D showing of Frozen, and the marvelous staging ‘Remember the Magic: A

Plenty of spaces for little tots aboard the ship

Final Farewell’ on the final night, I dare say I was one with the kids.

Sun and water are perfect bonding activities for kids and parents too where they can soak in fun at AquaLab, an interactive water playground open to kids age 3 and older.

In the AquaLab, families can frolic among pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this fun

travel and fanciful 1,800-square-foot space, while the Twist’ n’ Spout water slide gets them delightfully drenched with more than 250 feet of sliding fun of loops and turns. Twist ‘n’ Spout is for guests between 38 and 64 inches tall.

Tots up to age 3 can play in the new Nephews’ Splash Zone, a splash-asecond area dedicated to interactive fun and starring Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. The area features water play with pop jets, squirting figures of Donald Duck’s nephews and plenty of high seas hijinks.

Where to dine Guests at the ship are definitely pampered, that I can tell especially when it comes to food. Stuffing yourself with more than what your body can eat is so easy to do when inside Disney Magic. The ship offers unlimited selections of food and beverages that you can savour in and out of your staterooms (which means there is no reason to whine about getting hungry). Further, I’d take my hat off to the Imagineers when it comes to the mixed themes of restaurants aboard (including halal food guaranteed).

The stylish Italian-themed Palo is the only restaurant that’s not included in the all-inclusive cruise pay scheme, and it does need 120 days in advance when booking seats. Extremely posh is what I could remember in this restaurant that is a gastronomical wonder as well. The everattentive, polite and totally knowledgeable staff or cast members as how Disney would refer to their teams are such amazing bonus to an already delightful dining affair.

The Pirates Night, second night in the cruise, was a perfectly suited to Carioca’s, a

The ship’s biggest surprise: elegant staterooms.

restaurant reflecting the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro, designed to be fun by day, elegant at night. With pirate scarves on offer to guests who didn’t dress accordingly, the dining experience also allowed us to meet the team that would serve and follow my group for the rest of our dining inside the Disney Magic. The concept is original to Disney cruises, in its quest to provide utmost comfort and convenience to the guests.

As expected, I met the same cast members in our last dine out at the sea. Among other restaurants, Animators Palate is a visual surprise. Updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high definition flat screens, the restaurant has the best views of Disney’s animation magic. The dinner includes a show where Sorcerer Mickey opens and closes the night while a montage of Disney’s popular clips are shown in the screen-filled restaurant.

Outside the Magic Disney ships sail away in the Caribbean and Mediterranean where ports of call would include Barcelona, Ibiza, Monte Carlo, Nice, Venice, Athens and Bahamas, among others, with options of 3-nights up to 12-nights cruise. In this trip, I was able to visit Nassau and Castaway Cay. The ship would dock in the port early morning, and what would greet you from your stateroom would not be the vastness Savour food and art at Animator’s Palate

Marvel at state-ofthe-art Broadway style productions

of the sea. Bahamas’ coastline is a stunning sight where the sun and breeze of winter morning were perfect partner to the Mickey Mouse pancake and freeflowing coffee offered in the ship’s buffet diner, Cabanas.

Opting to walk around Nassau was what I decided, along with the group of other media in the trip. The city looks like a retired heaven where its glory now simply focused on the biggest Atlantis hotel/resort in the world. Appearing laid back and rather quiet, Nassau is not what I imagined to be the Carribean getaway of the Americans. The beaches are just the ordinary, the food strip it boasts offer not the luxurious choices, and the souvenir shops abound with relatively stiff pricing. Taking the public bus, I was able to tour Nassau within an hour, and finally decided that an afternoon inside the ship was more appealing.

Meanwhile, the last day on the cruise took me to a private island in Bahamas, exclusive to Disney cruisers only. Called Castaway Cay, this port of call offers families activities including parasail adventure, snorkelling in a 12-acre lagoon, building sand castles on the beach, cycling around the island, relaxing in a private cabana, swimming in an adults-only aptly called Serenity Bay, or shopping for beach wear and memoirs.

Spending half day at Castaway Cay was more than enough; I then headed back to Disney Magic, taking with me a handful of sand in my feet and a plastic bag filled with a t-shirts printed with the word ‘Bahamas’. Relaxed and beat at the same time, my mind was reeling from my first cruise experience. It’s easy to fall under its spell, with all my whims granted, and my happiness guaranteed – at the close of the trip, I silently wished to sail away again with Magic.

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Pamper your mums

A little ‘me’ time is all a mother needs to take a break.

Gift it to her this month…

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Nothing beats a box of chocolates!

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Beautifully presented, the Mother’s Day gift box is mother of pearl white and has clean lines and a delicate design depicting cherry blossoms highlighting the season as well as the exclusive recipe for Mother’s day collection.

La Maison du Chocolat creates all year long to renew the pleasure of chocolate with seasonal collections highlighting new signature tastes.

Each occasion is celebrated with exceptional new chocolate recipes, taking the science of balance and associations to an art form – and allowing the brand’s savoir-faire to take centre stage, a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

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All Body Care customers who choose the facial treatment will be given the Night and Day cream.

Specially chosen as the gift, the Body Care derma cream will enhance the facial, and ensure that the skin continues to be succulent.

The second offer at the spa salon is even more fabulous. Anyone who chooses three treatments, such as a facial, a body massage and relaxing treatment, will receive a free hair removal treatment or manicure and a pedicure.

Body Care Spa & Beauty’s special offers run till March 30. Body Care Spa and Beauty is located in Gloria Hotel in Dubai Media City on the 8th floor.

Go for the timeless traditions The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi will host a sumptuous afternoon tea for Mother’s Day, on March 21, at the resort’s stunning lobby lounge, The Drawing Room.

The themed event will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a delectable afternoon tea, while viewing the designs of award-winning jewellery designer Lia Staehlin, and learning about the inspiration and techniques behind her pieces, which utilise the healing energy of the deserts of the UAE. Originated by ‘The’ Mrs. Astor – the founder of the first St. Regis in New York to host intimate gatherings with her closest friends – afternoon tea at The St. Regis is a timeless tradition.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room is priced at AED110 or AED185, subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

March Offers Indulge in relaxing mani Stumped for ideas on how to celebrate Mother’s Day? For any Mother, the time you spend together is really precious, so why not bond over indulgent nail treatments with Sisters Beauty Lounge’s amazing Mother’s Day offer?

Using Kava Root Elixir Callus Remover, a luxurious Cuccio Naturale product, the treatment is applied to the hard, thickened skin on feet after the cuticles have been trimmed. Once the treatment has been applied, each foot is wrapped and left for about 10 minutes. The foot is then unwrapped, scrubbed to remove the hard skin and followed up with an ultra-relaxing foot massage.

The deal, dubbed ‘Like Mother, like daughter mani/pedi’s’, is valid in all branches and will run from March 21-31 to ensure that whether you celebrate the Middle East or the UK date, you can still treat your Mum. To make sure you get the free add on Cuccio callous treatment for Mum, you must book

Sisters Beauty Lounge is located in five locations throughout the country: Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi, The Village Mall in Jumeirah, The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, and the Mall of the Emirates.

Recently opened is the sixth Sisters Beauty Lounge branch located at The St. Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

‘Mom’ Time at Sofitel The Palm Dubai

outdoor infinity pool.

Offer valid until December 31 Offer applies between 9:00am-3:00pm With Mother’s Day right around the corner, So Spa at Sofitel The Palm Dubai is giving you an opportunity to return the favour for all that your mom has done for you. Treat her to 120 minutes of So Spa’s signature ‘So Rejuvenating’ facial, a luxurious hand and paraffin treatment and a bespoke back and shoulder massage. Complete the experience with a sparkling beverage and a delicious treat.

She will also receive complimentary access to the exclusive So Spa Fitness Center, indoor hydrotherapy pools, steam room and exclusive outdoor infinity pool.

Packaged at AED950 Offer valid until March 31 So ‘Mom-ME’ Time Every mom deserves a little ‘me’ time and So Spa can take care of that flawlessly. Being a mom is a full-time job so now she can drop her kids off at Amura Kids Club for two hours FREE with up to two children, enjoy the spa and put her worries at ease. She can begin her ‘ME’ time with a complimentary 30-minute personal training session prior to her spa treatment and enjoy a 100AED reduction from her choice of any of the luxurious world-class spa treatments. A welldeserved treat for her to enter a world of renewal and leisure while giving her kids the chance to miss her a little.

This package also gives her complimentary access to the So Spa indoor marine paths, hydrotherapy pools, steam room and Fitness Center with state of the art fitness equipment and a stunning

two manicures and two pedicures at the same time.

So Slim So Spa will not only make you feel good but it will also make you look good afterwards. Perfect your body by reducing the dimples by upto 40% with the intensive Sea Lotus and Marine Extract.

The therapeutic benefits of this treatment include: • • • • • •

Fat reduction Boosting the elimination of toxins Soothing the appearance of cellulite Draining Toning Firming

Get ready to be comfortable in your own skin. To maximise your results, include a session on the unique Huber Motion Lab machine, a technology that improves your physical abilities and strengthens your posture muscle, in the exclusive So Spa fitness center.

You will also have a supervised exercise session using the LPG Huber Motion Lab machine and a 60 minute Lipoliss Anti-Cellulite Detox Treatment with a 20% discount on any additional treatments of the same.

The offer doesn’t stop there. There will also be complimentary access to the So Spa indoor hydrotherapy pools, steam room, an exclusive outdoor infinity pool and a dedicated Fitness Center with state of the art equipment including an LPG Huber Motion Lab and Technogym Kinesis machine included.

Packaged at AED650 Offer valid every day until March 31.

So Spa Day Enjoy 2 splendid spa treatments for the price of 1 and spend the day at So Spa Sofitel The Palm Dubai. So Spa offers a new kind of experience from a wide range of poetic and surprising treatments.

Applicable for treatments booked from 9:00am4:00pm every Sunday to Thursday. The package includes complimentary access to the exclusive So Spa indoor hydrotherapy pools, steam room, Fitness Center with state of the art fitness equipment and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

Price based on treatments selected Offer valid through March 31

So Spa Club Aside from the fulfilling offers So Spa has created for the needs of its customers, you can become a member of the exclusive So Spa Club and experience the transformation in packaged form. You can become a member through one of their exciting packages that combine relaxing and therapeutic treatments with a unique fitness program. The ‘So Invigorating’, ‘So Revitalizing’ and ‘So Blissful’ packages include massage therapies and facial treatments that will make you feel fresh and new along with sessions that will give you insight to perfecting your body.

So Invigorating package priced at AED5,600 So Revitalizing package priced at AED12,000 So Blissful package priced at AED16,500

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Making The Most of

Mother’s Day..

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Love, respect and being always there for my mum is the best gift I could ever give. Considering being away from her is a difficult situation to handle but that doesn’t stop me from loving her and respecting her as always. And if given a chance, I wish to fulfil one of her dreams which is a trip to Bangkok, Thailand. It will be a great getaway for her to enjoy, relax, and de-stress.

After all the sacrifices and hardship she has done, it’s time for me to gift her in my own little way and best as I can which she absolutely deserves...

Spring is in the air and amidst this sunshine are mothers all over being honoured for being just who they are. Saadiya Ahmad meets some women who tell us their most memorable Mother’s Day and what made it so special...

– Angeline Andrada, Clinic Manager at Biolite Clinic in Dubai

Mother’s Day is a special day to honour our mums but as an expat I am never around for it! I usually just send flowers, a card, give her a call and send some money... the usual thing for an expat to do I suppose. So a few years ago I decided to do something special as she was not getting any younger, she has just turned 81 years old. So I sent her a surprise ticket to see me. She comes every year and absolutely loves Dubai, and can never get enough of it, but this was a bonus trip... I booked her in for a nice spa treatment, followed by one of my famous Oxygen facials then took her for afternoon tea to the Burj Khalifa in the sky and finished with the fountain show which she loves. All in a good day’s work I say... happy mummy.com!!!

– Katrina Valente, a Holistic Aesthetician in Dubai

The most memorable Mother’s Day was a surprise breakfast my siblings and I organised. We hired a delivery man to deliver a secret package to our mum. He knocked on our mom’s door early morning and presented her with an array of gifts. Our mother was so surprised! We gave her balloons and a box filled with her perfect breakfast. Inside the box, there was a newspaper, a rose, croissants, jam, honey, a mug, coffee, tea, and even an award for the best mum in the world! While the gesture was small, it meant everything to see her expression. My siblings and I just wanted to show our appreciation for everything she has done for us over the years.

– Maria Abi Hanna, Dietitian at Right Bite Nutrition Center

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People say that mothers always have the best interest of their children in mind. However, when you are a teenager, you just don’t seem to believe that.

I really thought that my mother was my worst enemy.

I wanted to go to university here in my hometown and remain close to my friends and family. But my mother went behind my back and enrolled me in a Canadian university. One day, she came up to me and said that I will be leaving to Canada in three days! I was so devastated that I was leaving everyone I know and going to a place that is unknown to me. Now looking back, I can definitely say that my mother did make the best decision for me when I was too young and too naïve to realise my best interest. My mother changed my life and for that I am forever grateful. Her strength, her determination, and her faith in me are what made me become the person I am today.

– Mada Al Suwaidi, Morjana Brand Ambassador

Every year, it’s a pleasurable task at hand for me to find a near to perfect gift for a perfect mum.

After exploring all my options for over a month I finally found what I wanted to gift mum. Flyke. I knew she has always wanted to fly, so the closest to flying at this point which I was willing to risk with her was an air floating trip above Ras Al Khaimah and its beautiful beach. It was a 35 minute ride, giving her a bird’s eye view of the city and the beach. I’m glad that she enjoyed it and till date recalls the experience as ‘one of her memorable experiences’.

– Sana Qureshi, a banker in Sharjah

Life with my mum has been special throughout – from the naughty age of 2 where I would wear her heels to look taller to a keen baker at age 12 helping her in making brownies for her home-catering company. However our special relationship has taken a total turn-around after my father’s demise some 4 years back where I feel myself more of a parent to her than her younger daughter. We are friends, partners in all sorts of crime or good deeds! The most special Mother’s Day gift was throwing her a surprise party at a hill resort in Pakistan with the participation of her most beloved brothers and sisters and then taking her on an exclusive mother-daughter trip to Murree with two nights stay at a five-star hotel in Bhurban (Pakistan.)

– Mariam Zahid Malik, Business Development Manager at a Health Consulting firm

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It sounds pretty cliché, if I would say that my mum is the best in the world but if I were to describe her in one word, best would be my first choice. I’ve always seen my mum put others’ happiness before her own. She has taught me not to be selfish but to be kind to others around me, to respect my elders and love my younger ones. Not through her words but through her actions.

She protects me and guides me. She has made a lot of sacrifices in order to give my sisters and I the best of the best. Whenever I’ve felt lost or faced any problems, my mum has been there to lend me a helping hand or just a shoulder to cry on. I once made a scrap book for my mum filled with all of our pictures together from Day 1, more like a memory lane till date. Along with that, I baked a cake for her and held a little special party to show her how special she is to me. I wish to do a lot more for her, one day I hope I’ll be capable of doing a lot more for her as she has done so much for me all these years. One can surely never repay her mother.

– Aqsa Adil, a student from Sharjah

The most amazing gift I made for my mum on Mother’s Day was when we planned to fly home with my five-year-old son (at that time) and make a surprise visit. Living for so many years abroad makes it so difficult to bear not seeing and hugging your mum as often as you wish to. I thought this would be a double surprise since she always told me that her greatest gift in life was her grandson. I had also bought her a very nice pearl necklace from Dubai for which my son had made a nice handcrafted gift box for her to put the present in and a card with ‘10 reasons I love you grandma’. The time we reached my hometown, she was at work (she has a flower shop), I reached in front of the flower shop and called my mum from my Dubai number wishing her a Very happy Mother’s Day and told her that a courier will come in now into her flower shop to bring her a present from Dubai. I can tell you that my mum was not expecting this at all. She burst into tears when she saw my son entering her shop and carrying the gift box.

We all shared a big hug. She smiled through her tears and told me this was the best gift ever and she never dreamt of such a beautiful surprise in her life. Thank you for everything, mum.”

– Corina Rosca, self-employed in Dubai

My mother was a simple country girl who was very unhappy most of her life due to an emotionally abusive relationship with her mother, so she never thought she was beautiful. She’s passed on now, died at the young age of 49. If I had it all to do again, I’d take her to a salon every mother’s day and take photos of her like there’s no tomorrow. I only have three pictures of her. If I had it to do over, I’d get her a professional photo shoot and get loads of pictures of me and her together. I think that I’m kind of a photo nut today because of that.

I don’t want to miss a minute in pictures.

– Dedra Stevenson, author of The Hakima’s Tale and Co founder of Women in Film and Television, UAE

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WELLBEING

Life Lessons

A Closer Look at Adversity From abuse and divorce to sickness and financial difficulties; women everywhere suffer varying levels of adversity. They either deal with it and come out stronger or crumble from it altogether. Saadiya Ahmad takes a closer look at the hard knocks and what it is that makes women so resilient and positive.

The Hard Knocks Getting fired from your job and not being able to find another one to continued financial worries, quite often, it is the persistent nature of adversity, rather than periodic spells of misfortune that have the uncanny ability to pummel our spirit and quite often trigger anxiety related illnesses such as stress and depression. Yet it is often during these hard times that many women unearth an inner resilience and optimism coupled with unwavering belief that these challenging times will ultimately end at some point.

What It Means The phrase ‘people are defined by how they handle adversity’ essentially means that anyone can be calm and collected when things are going well for them but according to Dr. Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and

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Managing Director of Lighthouse Arabia Community Psychology Clinic, it takes a person of patience and good character to maintain their composure when they are dealt failure or hardship. “And what is considered adversity by one person may not be the case for another – the experience is subjective and the way that people handle adversity is also subjective,” she says. Some major life events that are stressful and times of adversity include the demise of a loved one, divorce, break up of a relationship, being fired from a job and a physical injury.

How We Deal The way people deal with these life events, tells Dr. Afridi, really depends on many factors including the way they witnessed adversity being handled in their own family, their relationship with a higher power (God), their support system, their

overall health, and their ability to manage stress. “Yet as we are growing up, our first school for emotional development is our family; the way our parents/caregivers dealt with hardship or adversity will be our default,” she explains.

The Grit Factor The question that remains is why some women are better equipped than others to handle adversity? Dr. Afridi clarifies, “There are many factors that can make a person’s ability to handle adversity better than others,” she says, some include temperament, coping skills, physical health, social support system, financial health and last but not least, spirituality. Temperament, she adds, can have an impact on the way individuals face difficult life situations. For example, is this person’s mood generally positive? Or is their outlook negative? Do they experience emotions intensely? “These are all parts of temperament and can impact the way a person will cope with adversity,” she says.

Coping skills Coping skills are basically tools a person has to cope with negative experiences, tells Dr. Afridi and can include exercise, meditation, talking to friends, the ability to self soothe, positive self-talk, positive thinking, and/or relaxation techniques. “The more coping skills a person has, the more likely they are able to reach into their tool box and utilise one of their skills in times of stress,” she says and in fact, spirituality and social supports are types of coping skills also.

Social supports Social supports serve as buffers against difficult times. “When we are going through adversity and we have friends and family that are there to share the burden or lighten the load, things are easier to bear,” says Dr. Afridi.

Financial health Finances can create a great anxiety in individuals. And Dr. Afridi points out that having to deal with adverse situations while feeling like their basic needs are being threatened can result in a lot of insecurity, whereas if

WELLBEING a person is financially stable, then they most likely will not feel as anxious.

Spirituality Research shows that people who are spiritual are more able to cope with stressful life situations. This is due to them being connected to something higher, and making meaning out of the difficult life experience.

“Individuals feel that there is a purpose to their adversity, which they may not understand right now,” she says therefore they surrender and trust a Higher Source to guide them, protect them, and bring them back to a calmer state.

Flexing That Muscle Every time we go through hardship or difficulty, Dr. Afridi explains that we are developing a muscle to cope with pain the next time.

“Imagine if you go to the gym and you exercise a muscle – each time you tear the muscle and repair the muscle, it grows stronger,” she says, and this emotional muscle of coping is similar. Often times people have had very little hardship or a lot of protection from hardship from their parents or spouses. Either way, she tells that their internal muscles for coping with adversity are not developed because of little exposure to it. “For people like this, when something happens to them or their protective shield (parents/spouses) they will feel the impact of the hardship a lot harder,” she says, while for others suffering a lifetime of difficulties are much more capable of dealing with the hardships because they have the internal muscles developed with every adversity.

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WELLBEING

Real Life Case Study: Nayyara Husain Fouad, who is running her own Architecture and Interior Design Consultancy – ARCUS FZ LLC – is a stellar example of adversity and subsequent grit and positive coping skills in her own lifetime. She narrates, “We all know we are going to die at some point, but not until you have death staring at you in the eye in the form of a terminal illness of your loved ones; do you comprehend how fragile life is. As children we always take our parents for granted and expect them to be there for us always. We expect their support for us whenever needed without giving anything in return. But when you suddenly get to know that the rock of support around you will be there no more, the effect of this reality is nothing more than catastrophic. You then realise that your loved ones mean so much more to you than they are given credit for.

Plan for each day at a time and just treasure the time you have at present with your loved ones without worrying about the future, you may never know tomorrow when you wake up, they may not be there around you.

It hardly ever occurred to me that my mother could again fall a victim to breast cancer after having once recovered from the disease. The fatality of the illness the second time tore me apart emotionally as I battled each day desperately hoping for a miracle to take place. I would sometimes wish this was just a bad dream and I would wake up one day to be told that there is nothing wrong with her and she would live to see her grandchildren grow up and spend time with them. The feeling of losing her to cancer made me lose track of valuing the little time I had with her.

Once she passed away I realised we should never think too much ahead of what’s in store for us in life. Plan for each day at a time and just treasure the time you have at present with your loved ones without worrying about the future, you may never know tomorrow when you wake up, they may not be there around you. Also try to focus on your parent’s most significant qualities, those that you will never forget and try to adapt those qualities in yourself. Holding on to this legacy is a way to keep their memories alive always! It gives you a sense of peace and closure from the reality of their absence from your life. I wish I had spent more time with her without fearing the future, I still stare at the empty dining table chair where my mother used to sit, reminiscing and wishing there was just one more family dinner time again with no one missing.”

Tips to Handle Adversity 1.

2.

3.

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Take care of your health: Your physical health is critical for dealing with any life stressor or adversity. Basic things like food, sleep, and exercise are key in getting through these difficult times.

Nothing lasts: Not good times or bad times. When the times are bad, brace yourself and stay close to those that you love and those who love you and know that it will pass.

Wisdom of difficult emotions: Pain, anger, sadness, sorrow all

have lessons to teach us if we sit through them. When we break open through heartache we can actually expand as human beings, full of compassion, sensitivity, and understanding.

Too often we self-medicate or distract ourselves, hoping to numb our pain, but it is only though processing our suffering that we can acquire wisdom.

4.

Make meaning: Life can seem like a series of difficult events, unless we make meaning out of these events. Everything that happens to us is happening to

evolve us and into our higher selves. Why is this happening and how can it evolve me is a question worth thinking about and answering.

5.

Have a lifeboat or a lamp: This can be a person who knows you and can give you perspective when things seem too dark to bear. This can be a friend, a coach or a therapist – someone whom you trust to navigate the dark waters and who will help you find your way back home.

Credit: Dr. Saliha Afridi

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artsy And what would life be like without a little bit of art and culture…

Art of the month Unstable Paintings for Anxious Interiors, from March 17 at Green Art Gallery

Language Arts

– March 17 - April 17, 2014 at the Third Line Language Arts is Slavs and Tatars’ first solo show in the Middle East. Following a run of internationally acclaimed museum shows and publications, this new body of work explores the performative use of language, at the heart of the collective’s practice, across alphabet politics.

Slavs and Tatars’ recent work turns to language as a source of political, metaphysical, even sexual emancipation.

With their trademark mix of high and low registers, ribald humor and esoteric discourse, the collective addresses the thorny issue of alphabet politics and attempts by nations, cultures, and ideologies to ascribe a specific set of letters to a given language.

Language Arts celebrates language in all its polyphonic glory, with original works in Persian, Russian, Turkish, Georgian and English. They are presented in a series of sculptures, installations, textiles and printed matter. The Transliterative Tease vacuum forms present transliteration – the conversion of scripts – as the linguistic equivalent of transvestism: a strategy equally of resistance and research in notions of identity politics, colonialism, and liturgical reform; while the Love Letters carpets address the issue of manipulation of alphabets across Arabic, Latin and Cyrillic, through the Russian Revolution’s most well-known, if conflicted, poet-champion, Vladimir Mayakovsky.

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Green Art Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of new paintings

by Kamrooz Aram, the artist’s first solo show in Dubai, entitled Palimpsest: Unstable Paintings for Anxious Interiors.

The term ‘palimpsest’ is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning ‘scratched or scraped again’ and is typically used to refer to tablets that were written upon and scraped down to be reused, thereby revealing the layers of their own history.

Likewise, Aram’s Palimpsest paintings reveal their histories through a similar process.

Working serially, the artist begins each painting with the same floral form sourced from a Persian carpet. This motif is drawn across the surface of the canvas in a grid, creating an overall

pattern. Aram then begins destroying and rebuilding this pattern through a process that involves additive as well as subtractive mark-making: wiping away and scraping down the painted surface over time to reveal previous layers.

The Palimpsest series raises critical questions about the possibilities of contemporary abstract painting to engage content beyond its own form.

Challenging the Modernist notions of self-referential or ‘pure’ painting – as well as subjectivity in gestural abstraction – Aram asks whether the process of image-making can become central to informing the meaning of a painting. As the title Unstable Paintings for Anxious Interiors suggests, the paintings evoke the unstable feeling of the present historical moment.

artsy

INTERGALACTIC$, from March 2 at Dubai Media City’s Media One Hotel the new collection, Wheat provides an exploration into some of his favourite themes – science fiction, technology and nostalgia – and how they have all been affected and challenged by commercialisation.

Hot on the heels of his ground-breaking ‘Money Collection’ in 2013, local artist Jim Wheat has prepared the next set of unique art pieces designed not only to amuse, but also to make people really think.

Building on the influence of the dollar – a prevailing motif in all his work – with

‘Size and Scale Are Not the Same’

The latest collection includes Star Wars, Dr. Who, early mobile phones and computers, and involve themes which are sure to cause as much of a stir with viewers as last year’s ‘Money Collection’ did.

As part of the artist’s philosophy, with every piece of Dollarsandart sold, a donation is made to the charity Joining Jack which is working to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Capsule Arts Presents Giles Miller Studio ‘Size and Scale Are Not the Same’ is a group exhibition featuring eight acclaimed artists from Pakistan, and is staged in collaboration with Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) at the Gallery of Light, where it will run from March 4-10, 2014.

Dubai-based arts consultancy Capsule Arts will showcase the launch of a new sculptural light concept at the upcoming Design Days Dubai, the leading fair dedicated to collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects.

Created by Giles Miller Studio, a London-based studio specialising in the development of innovative textural surface design, the lighting commission will be presented by Capsule Arts and the artist at the week-long event, acting as the catalyst to introduce the Studio’s three

dimensional artistic forms and its first foray into lighting design.

The audience at Design Days Dubai will get the exclusive opportunity to interact with the sculptural light installations, on display for the first time at the Capsule Arts’ stand in The Venue, Downtown Dubai from March 17 to 21. The artist’s well-honest techniques and skills in creating intricate wood and ceramic surfaces have been developed into a mesmerising effect that reflects light and shadow.

The eight artists featured in the show are Rakhshanda Atawar, Rabbania Shirjeel, Rabia Ajaz, Imrana Tanveer, Aleem Dad Khan, Zahra Jewanjee, Julius John and Abdullah Qureshi. Their works deal with the complex interplay between the material and the abstract, through a rich visual vocabulary, and a host of techniques and media.

There is a common driving force behind these artists, which makes their work intense and rich of meaning, and stems from the way they approach subject matters and themes, playing up specific cultural knitting, social narratives, historical contexts and popular stereotypes significant mostly in Pakistan.

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TV/GEAR/coNcERT

TUBE TALK Sony 3-in-1 Walkman WH Series

The Newsroom Season 2 on OSN Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s hotly anticipated drama The Newsroom returns to OSN screens.

Season 2 will see the arrival of Academy award winner Marcia Gay Harden, who will play the recurring role of Rebecca Halliday, a litigator who defends Atlantis Cable News in a wrongful termination suit.

Plus, several guest star,s including Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep’s daughter Grace Gummer, will also join the crew.

The new season will see the News Night team continue on their patriotic and quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles while battling their own personal and complex entanglements. The new season kicks off – same time as the US – with the News Night staff chasing a mysterious tip leading to a story which ultimately spins out of control.

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The new Walkman NWZWH505 and NWZ-WH303 ensure you hear every note of your MP3 tracks, thanks to powerful headphone drivers. Should you wish to switch the beat or listen outdoors and still hear the sounds around you, simply hang your 3-in-1 Walkman around your neck and activate the surround sound speakers at a touch. Play the music all day long with a full charge of 20 hours and built-in storage of 16GB on the WH505 – good enough for up to 4,000 tracks.

First Time In The Uae: The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela

The Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (SBSOV) conducted by Gustavo Dudamel will launch Abu Dhabi Festival 2014 with their first ever performance in the UAE. The SBSOV is a product of El Sistema, the publicly financed voluntary sector music education programme in Venezuela that has been creating great musicians and dramatically changing the life trajectory of thousands of young people since 1975.

Comprising of 160-180 young musicians aged between 17 and 30 years of age, the orchestra and Maestro Dudamel are shining emblems of the heralded State Foundation for the Venezuelan System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras (known as El Sistema).

Renowned for its skilled musicianship, ecstatic energy and absolutely thrilling performances, the SBSOV will be playing extracts from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

music/books rts a h C p o Music T 2014 GRAMMY Nominees The album includes many of the year’s most prominent recordings and performers, highlighted by the most popular nominated artists and songs. Artists featured on the collection include Jason Aldean, Sara Bareilles, James Blake, Daft Punk, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, and Pharrell Williams.

Beyonce by Beyonce Beyonce surprised the world when she announced her new studio album titled BEYONCE. The album consists of 14 songs, accompanied by 17 videos, many of them already radio hits now.

Ana Kteer by Sherine Sherine’s latest album Ana Kteer is a 12-song album that includes contributions from long-time collaborators like writer Ayman Bahgat Amar, composer Mohamed Elnady, , with arrangements made by Tooma,Hassan Elshafei, and Ahmed Ibrahim.

Sound was produced by Mohamed Saqr and Khaled Sanad.

oks o B d e end m m o c Re The Rules of Love Strong, loving relationships are what life’s all about. And some people are really good at it. Yet for most of us it just isn’t that straightforward. Love may be a basic human instinct, but sharing your life with other people isn’t always easy.

The Rules of Love are a set of guiding principles that will help form and sustain strong, enduring and ultimately life enhancing relationships.

Alif The Unseen He calls himself Alif, a young man born in a Middle Eastern city that straddles the ancient and modern. When Alif comes into possession of a mysterious book entitled The Thousand and One Days, he discovers a door to another world – a world from a very different time, when old magic was in the ascendant and the djinn walked amongst us.

Beautiful World Journey to the planet’s most magnificent places with Lonely Planet’s Beautiful World – a thought provoking portrait of our world.

This lavishly produced hardback will help you see the planet as you’ve never seen it before, renewing your relationship with the place we call home.

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A-list Celebs

Who, what, where

TAG Heuer brand ambassador, Cameron Diaz, attended the party for the the brand’s newest flagship boutique in New York

Angelina Jolie wore Saint Laurent

by Hedi Slimane at the 2014 British Academy Film Awards

Russian fashion icon Miroslava Duma wore a Louis Vuitton SS 14 look at Sidaction Dinner in Paris

US First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom Carolina Herrera New York dress to the Official State Dinner honouring Frenh President Francois Hollande in Washington.

Chloe Moretz spotted in Diesel Shibary Boots and Sexy Bullet bag while in Vancouver

Diane Kruger wore Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso at the Berlin Film Festival 2014 92

A-list Celebs

THE MULBERRYNE CARA DELEVINNG COLLECTIO Mulberry announced a creative collaboration wit h Cara Delevingne, an iconic British model,, up-and-coming actress and music maker.

Delevingne worked closely wit h the Mulberry design team to create a collection of bags. She visited the archives, chose leathers, sketched ideas, talked shop, discussed customers’ practical needs and the trend for understated elegance. Delevingne obsessed over every detail of her collection and determined each element of the design, from the right straps and buckles to the combination of Mulberry’s signature hardware and her own finishing touches.

The Mulberry Cara Delevingne Bag is a three-in-one style, uniting Mulberry’s English attitude to functional beauty and Delevingne’s inimitable personalit y – a bag that can take you anywhere. It can be worn on the back: for running from the gym to the office, from meeting to meeting, from train to plane. It can be worn on the shoulder: to take you from work to dinner or from town to country. It can be handheld: for maximum elegance at all times or when you need to rise to an occasion.

The Mulberry Cara Delevingne Collection features three sizes in three different finishes; classic Natural Leather, Quilted Nappa Leather and innovative Camouflage Haircalf wit h an extra limited edition version inspired by Delevingne’s lion tattoo.

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AW Shops Tory Burch Earrings

Matthew Williamson Long Floral Dress

Emporio Armani Purse

Honour thy mother Plukka Pearl BoullÇe Drop Earrings

Dolce&Gabbana Women – Jacquard weave rose printed dress

Tell your mums you love them by gifting her special presents on her special day. It happens only once a year so we say, make it an all-out splurging event. We dish out a number of gift ideas that would wow her.

Lizzie Fortunato Earrings at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai

Kardinale Feline Flats

Roger Vivier Sandal

Alberto Guardiani Lipstick Heel at Level Shoe District

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Amanda Navai ‘Alanoud’ Wedge

Victoria Beckham Dress Boucheron Ma Jolie Jewelry Watch In Gadrooned Steel With Quartz Movement

Kanzi Ring at Harvey Nichols - Dubai

AW Shops

Moschino Cheap and Chic Shoulder Bag in Baby Pink

Alexander McQueen Clutch

Charlotte Olympia Wedge

Aigner Cybill Bag

Dior at Etoile La Boutique

Louis Vuitton Arm Candy

Balenciaga

Manolo Blahnik Bejewelled Pumps at Harvey Nichols

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AW Shops

Preen asymmetrical Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue Marcia Moran Arm Bangle at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai

Rosett Rose Gold Ring

by Mouawad

Stella McCartney Sandal

Marni Necklace

From stunning dresses to investment watches, you can choose one that is appropriate for her. No matter what you give her, we’re definite that it’s going to be forever treasured and remembered.

Giuseppe Zanotti Trainers

Giorgio Armani Handbag

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Longines Moon Phases Ladies Watch

AW Shops Jimmy Choo Tabitha – Neon Patent Metallic Nappa in Neon Flame Anthracite

Mary Katrantzou Artsy Top Kenneth Jay Lane Animalistic Bracelet

Moschino Bloody Pumps

Sergio Rossi in Sky High Heels

Maison Du Poche Clutch at Saks Fifth Avenue

Mini Gingham Saffiano Tote, Gingham EW Saffiano Tote, Gingham NS Saffinao Tote by Coach

M Missoni Wedge

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The Coveted

Dior VIII in 38mm

VIII Lucky Number

Putting Baselworld in mind, March is the time for new watches.

And coming right on time are the fresh additions to the Dior timepiece collection. Elegant, innovative and quintessentially feminine, the two Dior VIII automatics in black ceramic that come in a mix of materials, finishes and colours, may be new on the shelves but still keep the tradition of the House’s couture spirit.

The 33mm version is embellished with pink sapphires and plays with shades of pink, orange and blue; the 38mm version is adorned with sapphires and is combined with the colours blue, sea-green and pink. As beautiful on the inside as on the outside, these pieces are, for the first time, proposed on a metallic coloured leather strap with rubber lining in a matching shade, plunging us into Christian Dior’s refined and colourful universe.

These are limited edition watches, of which only 188 pieces are produced for each version.

Dior VIII in 33mm

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Dior VIII in 38mm

Dior VIII in 33mm

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