bazaar June 2019 issue by bazaar magazine

June 2019 | Issue #238 www.bazaar.town

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Int ‘Tis the season of endings, that’s for sure! Ramadan is ending just in time, since the weather is getting hotter by the day. GOT ended with a relatively meh bang, disappointing millions of fans all over the world. Schools and universities are done for the year, since the school year is finally wrapping up (I’m sure parents are literally dancing in their living rooms all over Kuwait as we speak!). And of course, tens of thousands of expats are packing their bags and leaving Kuwait for good, now that their contracts have ended, or because they’ve found a better opportunity somewhere else.

The bazaar team...

But there is no point in dwelling over the things that are gone. Endings are just beginnings in disguise. Eid, summer vacations, longer days, trips to exciting places, new jobs and better TV shows (I hope). At bazaar, we are used to this cycle. At the beginning of the month we are excited and energized by all of the amazing projects and content that we get to work on, but by the end we’re ready to wave goodbye so we can start all over again.

Yasmine El Charif

But our June issue is extra special, and the planning that has gone into this issue took months of planning to bring it all together. Shot by bazaar Studios, the result of the collaboration of an incredible team of creatives and exclusively for the cover, is the one and only Ascia. She is by far the Queen of the social media realm, entrepreneur, mother and amazing human being who talked to us about walking the line between these different roles. We totally understand how easy it is to be misunderstood and constantly judged, especially when people only see and consume a single facet of your existence. We also explore Ascia’s entrepreneurial spirit as she celebrates the one-year anniversary of the hit Korean beauty concept Seoul Kool, and we chat with her and co-owner Angie Hastings about their journey so far. We delve into this topic deeper in our new Kuwait Kulture column and ponder the preconceived notions of Arab women in society. And there is no shortage of Kuwaiti women who defy stereotypes. This month’s Truth or Dare candidate Warda Al-Kandari is an artist of many mediums and has recently launched her jewelry brand Sacra Mvlier. For Up Close and Personal we met with artist and illustrator Zahra Marwan, Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center’s most recent artist in residence, who talked to us about how growing up in two deserts taught her to see the similarities between the two cultures that she comes from, New Mexico and Kuwait. It’s also blockbuster movie season just in time for Eid; and we’re sure that we’re going to be treated to many amazing movies. But right now, we’re most excited about Dark Phoenix. We have an exclusive interview with James McAvoy as he takes on the role of Professor X in this issue that’s bound to get you psyched. Speaking of Eid and Eid getaways, our fashion pages will surely inspire your June wardrobe, from Monki to H&M! Now that Ramadan is over, we absolutely need to rethink our eating habits. Which is why our bazaar Goes Dining at VTerra is the perfect place to start. The vegan restaurant will help you rethink your views on plant-based food. But for those cheeky days when you simply want to indulge, you must try the new Hot Honey Chick’n will hit the spot after a day well-spent at the beach. Happy Eid, and happy reading! Ahmed El-Adly

Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz

Design Ahmed Al-Ashab

Staff Writer/Online Media Hallah Danbouh Yasmin Gamal

Online Producer/Project Manager Umika Pidaparthy

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Cover By Creative Director, Adel Alansari Photography, Faisal Al Bisher Illustration, Nada Dalloul

Editor Alia Al Duaij

Contributing Writers Ayman Nassar Deepa Pant George Tarabay Nejoud Al Yagout Shireen Passi Chopra Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg

Contributing Photographers Caroline Ericson Yousef Al Nasser

Syndicates & Sources

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w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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INDEX JUNE 2019 34

124

ASCIA AL FARAJ

THE ABK DIWANIYA

BAZAAR TAKES A RIDE

INTERVIEW WITH JAMES MCAVOY

Her name needs no introduction in the world of social, as Ascia has been a big part of it from the very beginning. We've witnessed her evolution firsthand for years, as she continues to surprise us with the nonstop hustle of the business woman she is today. Read all about Ascia in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive cover feature.

We met the dynamic HR team at ABK and realized that there is so more to the financial institution than meets the eye. From gamification to ice cream days, at the ABK HR diwaniya it's easy to see how much fun and empowering having a surprisingly exciting career with this bank can be.

After the official opening of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, we decided to go for a fun, weekend ride on one of the longest bridges in the world, and it was an experience worth taking. From witnessing impeccable city views, to therapeutically winding down.

In this exclusive interview with bazaar, James McAvoy goes into detail regarding his return as Professor X, reuniting with an amazing ensemble cast, and his character development on Dark Phoenix. This exciting film is now showing in Kuwait Theaters!

KUWAIT KULTURE

THE TSCK SUMMER CAMP

ZAHRA MARWAN

112

BAZAAR GOES DINING

A bazaarite's opinion couldn't be higher of the women in Kuwait, and here's how preconceived ideas were shattered. But this doesn't mean women don't still feel traditional pressures which we saw when we found Xeina Al Musallam's booklet, titled "Queen".

This summer, how do you keep the kids meaningfully occupied as well as entertained? The Scientific Center of Kuwait is offering eight weeks of Natural Historythemed summer camps to choose from that promises to keep them engaged and informed about the world they live in!

Illustrations that know no limits with a meaningful story, that's what we saw once we laid our eyes upon Zahra Marwan's art. Each and every piece the artist introduces includes an essential nostalgic element that we wound up feeling internally the more we took a look at them. Read more in this issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of Up Close and Personal.

Do you think Dalalid can influence you to go vegan? If Dalal's VTerra is anything to go by then a resounding "yes" is the answer! Chef Claire Sharryn Roberto devises the tastiest of menus so you won't miss out on your favorite dishes, as well as introduces us to superfoods via elixirs, potions and delicious bowls.

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what's trending JUNE 2019

What: @Bu_Dizer Info: Japanese Manga and Anime-inspired games and toys. Editor’s Note: Their selection is quite eclectic.

What: @thelittlemarket Info: Each purchase empowers artisans and preserves culture. Editor’s Note: Raffia pom pom beach totes; it’s summer!

What: @kwcraze Info: Bold socks that will take you places. Editor’s Note: Keep your feet cool with ice cream socks.

www.bazaar.town What: @yarn_bym Info: Beautifully stylish local designer for women and girls. Editor’s Note: Taking “mommy and me” to another level.

What: @prnt___ Info: Art meets stationery. Editor’s Note: Write out your summer plans here.

What: @migrationmommy Info: Johannesburg jams, caramelized sugar nuts and sauces. Editor’s Note: Bringing South Africa to Kuwait.

What: @thepin.store Info: Express yourself with enamel pins. Editor’s Note: Mix and match pins from different collections.

What: @theminimalsort Info: Professional organizers in the GCC. Editor’s Note: Let the pros take care of the clutter.

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more.

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CAN THEY SEE UNDER THERE?

And other preconceived notions on women in Kuwait By bazaar staff

“Will you have to wear the black sheet thing?” was often the first question I was asked when telling people about moving to Kuwait. Then my political activist friends would ask indignantly, “How can a feminist go to Kuwait?” My pub buds would state, “It is a dry country.” To which I would nod in agreement but think to myself, “Of course it is, it’s a desert!” I had never even heard the term “dry” before 2012. Unless it was used to order a pinot grigio during girl talk, which was rare because I only had one girlfriend, finding it hard to relate to women outside of politics, preferring the company of men. Having been on the front lines arguing about how the nuances of experience with regard to intersectionality and feminism should inform National Union policy, it was odd to consider moving to a country where the only thing I knew about women in Kuwait was that they had to cover up. And I didn’t really hold much respect for women who could be told what to do, think, and wear by men, conveniently ignoring the patriarchy that informs all our own mores and laws in the West. I barely knew anything about Kuwait, what I did know came from living in the United States during Desert Storm, so, practically nothing. Having, as a child, kept my nose in books that told of the brilliant and quick-witted Scheherazade’s tales of The One Thousand and One Nights I also had this romanticized idea in the back of my mind, of Middle-Eastern women as dark mysterious creatures who could control men with a just a bat of their lashes. I also had seen a documentary by a British, Asian, Muslim female journalist, about what goes on under the abayas of women in Dubai. Clad in Chanel, accessorized by Hermès, dripping in diamonds and beautifully made up, with lashes added to the fullest. Armed with my suitcase filled with floor-length skirts, long sleeved tops and a satin abaya borrowed from an aunt who’d lived in Egypt back in the eighties, I arrived in Kuwait not knowing which of the tropes was truest. Instead, I encountered women the likes of which I’d never met before nor even imagined meeting, especially in this location. Working in luxury fashion I expected to deal with women who were high-end sartorialists, but outside of the store there were myriad women expressing themselves through bold fashion choices and very few of them were covered, although dressed

[Continued...]

A queen doesn’t need an educational certificate, her place is at home with her kids modestly. I had never seen quite so many exquisitely made up women, all masters of the symmetrical, winged eyeliner. The women who were covered also were magazine-cover ready, and I found myself staring at how talented they were at applying the mask of maquillage. The only other time I’d lived in a country where local women were clearly making an effort to present themselves so immaculately was in hot-blooded Colombia, and this included women from within all socio-economic backgrounds. As I was seeing most of these women in malls, where people would pointedly come to promenade, I

must have been seeing a slightly skewed aesthetic of the very best face of these women, surely. Then I went to a local farmers’ market and was blown out of the water. No wellies and wax jackets here, but loads of Givenchy, and even more Chanel. Women with access to money who weren’t afraid to conspicuously spend it, with attitudes more like queens than princesses. “Heavy-weight diamond champions” is a phrase used by artist and creative Xeina Al Mussallam. But then I got talking to the market vendors and the organizers and started meeting examples of women who were impressive for completely different reasons.

GulfBank

These were entrepreneurs, and young women event planners with a goal to change perceptions in Kuwait on eating organic foods, trying vegetarianism and not using plastic bags. Seven years ago, this was revolutionary in Kuwait. I also met women with highflying full-time jobs who had their own side hustle of selling crafts or baking cupcakes and selling these at markets and fairs that were organized again by local women. There were even super-luxe markets where the products included precious stones jewelry, but for body piercings. A whole new economy burst on to the scene championed by women, and now we can enjoy markets nearly every weekend during the cooler months. There has even been an impact on legislation with Kuwaiti home businesses being granted licenses, and Kuwaiti women are demanding that expat women be also granted this same privilege, recognizing that this move would be empowering and liberating, particularly for women with little or no income. Other legislative changes are being campaigned for and spearheaded by women regarding domestic violence, equality of the sexes, and human rights. Within the Arts there are women here at the forefront launching businesses focused on art and creativity, giving back to the community, employing like-minded people in these projects and sharing work with local galleries and nationally owned performance venues from the Dar Al Athar al Islamiyyah to Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC) boosting the reputation of Kuwait internationally when it comes to music and theatre. Writing of JACC, some of the most iconic buildings and chalets in Kuwait have been designed by female interior architects. Female students are studying abroad and coming back, influencing and driving further change year after year. So many women I’ve met have MBA’s or PhD’s, and are impressively highly educated. While these privileged women are not typical of all women in Kuwait, it is noteworthy that so many women in such a small local population are doing things that are surprising, given how the West is told by media of the horrifically oppressed Middle Eastern woman. In my experience young women are using the abaya and hijab in ways that men probably hadn’t considered. They say it gives them freedom from judgement as they are not criticized by elders, and freedom of movement because they are not watched closely. In actual fact, these young women are most likely living more liberally than one would have guessed just by looking at them. Other young women are just outright rejecting what they feel are anachronistic assumptions of a woman’s role in Arab society. Discussing this role-rejection with them, you can tell it is not so easy to throw off the shackles of others’ expectations. This is especially true if you are struggling to juxtapose filial piety and searching for something more for yourself, and believing that wanting something different than what has previously been the norm, is not haram.

[...Continued]

Behind every great woman is a man who approves of her In short, there isn’t enough room here to say that the women in Kuwait rock, and I am now no longer surprised at how in awe I am of yet another woman here whom I’ve recently met socially, interviewed or worked with. These women have become successful by themselves for themselves, although sometimes Xeina says it is rare for this success to not be attributed to someone else; the husband who has allowed his wife this accomplishment for example. A belittling concept. No wonder then, that there are vibrant, educated and thoughtful women railing against it. And so, in Kuwait and totally opposite to my preconceived ideas, my social circle of female friends has increased although the chat is now over a coffee, and not something stronger. Incidentally it’s

at Richard’s Coffee Bar that a bazaarite first saw the arresting images within the booklet “The Queen”, also conceived and created by Xeina, and brought the art publication to the office. This sparked lots of conversation around women in Kuwait, and how many incredible examples of women we see as mentors that we can each cite. Unfortunately, it’s men I’m less impressed with here, they can’t seem to do much for themselves at all, but that’s a whole other story.

For more on Xeina Al Musallam’s project, “The Queen” visit www.soundcloud.com/almusallamxeina.

Chilli beans www.Chillibeansarabia.com

up close & personal

Zahra Marwan ILLUSTRATIONS IN BETWEEN TWO DESERTS By bazaar staff

Art knows no boundaries, from the deserts of Kuwait to the deserts of New Mexico, Zahra Marwan weaves a tale of two deserts with her nostalgic illustrations. Her beautiful and bubbly personality not only makes you fall in love with her illustrations, but also the stories behind them. At 30-years-old, she has already completed hundreds of illustrations in different mediums, and has just concluded her artist residency at the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre in Kuwait.

Patrilineally not fitting-in

Zahra first began painting when one of her brothers had her draw a ninja turtle back when she was just a kid, and when she was in high school, he encouraged her to start taking art classes. “I have three older brothers and I copied everything they did, which I’m sure didn’t make them happy, from Russian literature to taekwondo and drawing,” she says. When observing her illustrations, you’ll instantly see that a lot of Zahra’s work is inspired by her family roots, and the strong connection she has towards both of her hometowns; Kuwait and New Mexico. She puts it best by posing the question “What is art if not a reflection of your environment?” The repetition of specific imagery is prominently featured in her illustrations. For example, a fish usually represents Kuwait or the sea, “Which someone recently told me in Kuwait is a cliché, but for me, it’s a big part of being Kuwaiti.” Other frequently revisited imagery includes coyotes and a colorful desert, both a reflection of the habitat of New Mexico. The visual symbols which Zahra employs denote the meaning of family and home, and they surprisingly draw you closer to Zahra’s illustrations. Feelings of nostalgia and longing sweep through the subjects of her ink and watercolors and this is clearly seen and felt in one of her multiple pieces titled “Swimming at midnight.” When Zahra’s parents moved back to Kuwait, she was only 17 years old, and at first, she couldn’t join them because of her education. From a young age, she was far from her parents. “I’d go back and visit them over the summer, and I always loved the sea. My parents maybe not so much, but they make efforts and go swim with me at night since it’s too hot during the day. It’s like searching for fun times,” she says. Themes of nostalgia, home and day-to-day life form the basis of Zahra’s inspiration, and, in turn, translate into meaningful works of art that move the spectator. During her two month residency at the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center, Zahra’s project revolved exactly around these topics and presents a reflection on Kuwaiti life, plus the beauty of it. The time she spent at the center was incredible to her, as she says “Every time I would go up the escalator to arrive in the center I’d think ‘WOW! This is so honorable,’ it’s such a beautiful space and right across from the sea, which of course now we know Zahra loves the sea!” There aren’t many full-time artists in Kuwait, and that is probably because there aren’t many places to enable, or even encourage them to pursue a career in the arts on a full-time basis. But Zahra explained her personal perspective, “I feel like I worked really really hard to turn this sense of poetry, or maybe not even poetry but creating imagery into a way to sustain myself, and if you’re Kuwaiti and you have the economic fortune of being able to live well, why wouldn’t you take the risk?” Zahra’s upcoming project is a picture book and she will also be participating in an exhibit with the Cultural Center in Venice this month. Take a look at her artwork, and you’ll probably end up being as in-love with it as we ultimately were.

My Grandpa’s House in Adaliya

Maybe I will let you fall for loving me again

[Continued...]

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

What do you most value about your friends? Their lightheartedness and the fact that they really listen. Their open hearts and constant availability. Which living person do you most admire? Activists on the Arabian Peninsula. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sitting around without worry. What is your greatest extravagance? Books and the arts. What is your most treasured possession? My independence. What is your greatest fear? Death, my own and that of the people I love. What is your most marked characteristic? Being personable without restraint in unexpected social circumstances. Which talent would you most like to have? Being organized, or a dancer! What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for? Being able to do things I’m afraid of. What is the human trait you most dislike about others? Hypocrisy. What is it that you most dislike? Oppression and discrimination. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I don’t know! What are your favorite words to live by? ‫ خيل يويل‬- [Forget about it] Where would you most like to live? The urban architecture of 1930’s Kuwait with the Albuquerque leftist mentality. Or maybe Scandinavia in the summer, they seem really eccentric over there. If you could have any job, what would it be? Running an independent cinema or bookstore. A diplomat. A flamenco dancer! What would you consider your greatest achievement? The beautiful life I’ve created out of my turbulent circumstances. Where I am seems so unlikely considering my personal history. What do you hope for the future? A retirement plan. Follow @zahra_marwan on Instagram, or check out her website www.zahramarwan.com to have a better look at her artwork.

[...Continued]

After-midnight swims in the sea with my parents

AUK 1

OUTPLAY THEM ALL

Team Jayenkom snatches the final! By bazaar staff

Team “Jayenkom” managed to secure the title of the Kuwait National Champions at the Red Bull Neymar Junior’s Five National Final. After managing to knock out one team after the other, Jayenkom are headed for the World Final of Red Bull Neymar Junior’s Five in Brazil on July 20 to battle it out against 50 other countries, and try their best to outplay them all. It will be held at Neymar’s Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr. in Praia Grande, an organization aimed at providing extracurricular educational and sporting activities to the most socially disadvantaged children and their families in the area. Neymar Jr’s Five is the Brazilian star’s signature five-a-side tournament bringing players from all corners of the world together to celebrate their shared passion for football. It is a fast, technical and fun competition, played in more than 60 countries around the world,

including Neymar Jr’s home country Brazil, and France, where he plays with the city’s football club, Paris SaintGermain. The rules are simple, each match lasts for ten intense minutes, there’s no goalkeeper and whenever a team scores the opposition loses a player. You’ll eventually need to power through and outplay them all! The tournament is open to teams of five to seven players aged 16 to 25. In each team, two players over 25 are allowed in the squad as well. Following action – packed qualifiers held between May 14th and May 21st, twelve teams qualified for the National Final with finesse and admirable sportsmanship. The final kicked off with four groups of three teams, each playing against the two other teams in their group. Only two teams made it to the knockout phase. In this phase, each game was allocated ten minutes for a team to clinch the win and move on to the semi-final. Spectators waited anxiously as the final four FCB Remuntada, Al Najjar, One Family, and Jayenkom went head to head during the semi-final. In the final game

Jayenkom faced off One Family. Newcomers Jayenkom surprised participants and spectators alike as they secured the winning goal, crowning them the national champions. The 2019 World Champions will win the experience of a lifetime, with the chance to play against Neymar Jr himself in Brazil. Neymar Junior’s Five Kuwait Final was held on May 23rd at Marina Crescent. In partnership with with Honda, Snapple, Acqua Eva Kuwait, Li3ib, and X-cite by Alghanim Electronics. In 2018, over 125,000 players from 60 countries battled it out to be crowned World Champions with Mexico coming out victorious. Neymar Jr’s Five 2019 is set to be even bigger and more players than ever will get the chance to experience this beautiful game, as there’ll also be women's competitions in addition to the mixed competition in some countries.

For more information, make sure to visit www.redbull.com.

AUK 2

bazaar tries

HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Exploring the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway By bazaar staff

After the official opening of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, we decided to go on a bridge ride to take a look at one of the largest infrastructure projects built in the GCC region, if not the world. The bridge covers a distance of around 37.5 kilometers, and its aim is to shorten the amount of time it takes heading to Subiya from Kuwait City, which usually takes around 90 minutes but now is shortened to around 30 minutes. There’s also the notion that the causeway marks the start of developing projects like a free economic zone and port and the islands to boost trade and tourism. Once the bridge became accessible to the public, almost everyone in Kuwait was there to take a closer look at what we’ve been seeing only from afar. It was the weekend after the opening, and trust us when we say that it was packed! The bridge suddenly became something of a tourist attraction for locals. People from right and left were parked just to snap photos of 30

the impeccable city views, but were eventually moved for several safety reasons. From our point of view, it is a worthy car ride, therapeutic even. Once you enter the bridge, which we took from the Shuwaikh Port area on the south side, the skyline of K-town was vibrant and alive. The view of the sea alone with the reflection of the sky was beautiful to look at, and the more we continued straight ahead, the city began to fade away, leaving us in the middle of the sea. The causeway includes more than one link, but the important link is the one leading to Silk City, which is considered to become a key hub for the country’s future financial and commercial sectors. According to KUNA, during the inauguration of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon of South Korea said “The project uses the latest methods of civil engineering and environmentally-friendly technologies,” which is certainly a step forward, until we saw the viral videos of locals throwing trash from the bridge in the sea. Sheikh Jaber’s Causeway is certainly an infrastructure project to be proud of. The goal is to connect out of reach areas, making them closer

to the city and more accessible to us. A random ride is fun in and of itself, even if we don’t end up reaching the final destination of the bridge and simply U-turn. The fact that the causeway was built using environmentally-friendly technology should inspire us to preserve its integrity, along with the ground it was built on, and the environment it is surrounded by. We also decided that it was probably a bad idea to have gone over the weekend for a ride on the bridge because of how crowded it was. But, we managed to go on a second ride, not during sunset, but at night for a different outlook of the causeway and there were only a handful of cars around. But the shocking part is there weren’t just cars, but cyclists casually cycling on the bridge! Shoutout to all of them for putting on such an effort, it is a long bridge after all. If you end up taking a ride on the bridge and catch a couple of cyclists on the side, give them a honk of appreciation and enjoy your long cruise.

AUK 3

bazaar hit list

BE COOL

Summer is here! But have no fear, our ice cream hit list will keep it real By bazaar staff

While the temperatures are rising, our June hit list will cool you down! Here’s the bazaar team’s round-up of everyone’s favorite treat: ICE CREAM! Yes yes, we know. You’re slaving away at the gym getting your body ready for the beach season, but come on. We all like to indulge in this icy treat, and there are so many options out there for every taste and health requirement. On Keto? You’re good to go with most types of dairy ice cream or frozen yoghurts, as long as no added sugars are involved. Looking for a natural sugar alternative? Try a fruit-cicle. Really want to skip the list below? Freeze a banana, but we promise, on the days that you do want to indulge, let our ice cream hit list be your guide. Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Content) Fave ice cream to enjoy at home: The KDD Ice cream Sandwich from our friendly neighborhood baqala. It is small and I can enjoy more than one, guilt-free. The cookie is the perfect texture and it has an intense chocolatey flavor that is perfectly balanced with the vanilla ice cream. Fave ice cream spot to visit: The Haagen-Daz in Souq Sharq. I almost always order a scoop of Belgian Chocolate and a scoop of Pralines & Cream usually in a cone so I can enjoy it while taking a walk outside and watching boats and the Kuwait City skyline. Jennifer Cádiz (Mixed Media Specialist) Fave ice cream to enjoy at home: This depends on the mood I'm in, but KDD vanilla always goes down well. If I'm feeling flush then Baskin and Robbins pralines and caramel is delicious. I've never bought it here because it's so expensive but Häagen Dazs vanilla is the best in the world, because it’s my Dad's favorite. Fave ice cream spot to visit: I don't really eat ice cream "out", as it tends to be a very solo adventure at home with a quart and a spoon which somehow seems unacceptable socially but the last time I did was 2013 at the Italian Gelato place in Al Hamra mall and it was awesome. Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer) Fave ice cream to enjoy at home: Ben & Jerry's if I can get my hands on some (salted caramel or chocolate chip cookie dough...yum!) But I know I can always rely on anything chocolate from London Dairy or KDD! Fave ice cream spot to visit: While I don't really "go out" for ice cream that often, I can't resist good ol' Baskin Robbins. The taste always takes me back to my

childhood! If I'm feeling adventurous, then Kanemochi, which serves Mochi Ice Cream in Dalal Complex, Salmiya (conveniently opposite the bazaar office) or in Eqaila. And if I'm in the area then Scoop a Cone, which I get to have usually when they are a food partner at any of the media events. Hallah Danbouh (Mixed Media Content) Fave ice cream to enjoy at home: ALL of KDD's ice cream flavors. Ever since I was a kid, leaving school, inside the house, or at grandma's, and I hear the shouting melody of the man with KDD's ice cream kart calling us out, there's always a rush of adrenaline to get there first, climb on the wheels (I was too short back then to take a look inside) and depending on the mood, pick the flavor of the day! Fave ice cream spot to visit: World of Ice Cream on Baghdad Street in Salmiya. It’s the coolest and yummiest shop, and they offer awesome flavors. It's perfect for a quick ice cream stop at the end, or the start of any day, literally, it's just that refreshing.

Yasmine El Charif (Content Manager) Fave ice cream to enjoy at home: Whenever I’m feeling fancy, I head to Marks & Spencer and stock up on the classic little tubs of Vanilla clotted cream ice cream. Yes, it’s overpriced, but when the craving strikes, I basically go blind stock up on as many as I can find. For ordering in, it has to be from the Urban Creamery. Their corn flakes ice cream is nostalgic, and hits the spot, every single time. Fave ice cream spot to visit: Once again, if I am feeling fancy, I like to get the full-on pampering treatment at Rococoa. Their fully-fledged ‘Ice Creamery’ is an indulgent experience from start to end. From choosing the different flavors (their salted caramel is heavenly) to the toppings, and watching them assemble it all together is just a spectacle to behold. I also love Scoop-A-Cone in Salmiya because it’s right down the street from where I both live and work, and it never fails me. Now if I can close my eyes and fantasize about my favorite ice cream spot to visit anywhere in the world, it would have to be any Amorino stand I could find. YUM.

Auk 4

THE SUM OF A L L T H E PA R T S Ascia Al Faraj speaks on her quest for authenticity, her fears and what it means to ‘be’ in social By bazaar staff

Influencers are getting a lot of flak lately. For some, one could easily quip that said flak is well-deserved. People love to consume drama and speculation, and whatever fanfare influencers present, the reactions will naturally edge towards the extreme. They’re ferociously judged, positively or negatively. Forever deemed to be perceived from one hardliner’s perspective or the other. They are either inauthentic, too flashy, too dramatic, too shallow, too cool (if that’s even a thing), and dare we say it, too ‘predictable’ at times. Kuwaiti influencer, fashion blogger and Vlogger, multi-business owner Ascia Al Faraj is no stranger to these judgements. If anything, she is almost immune to them.

Art Director: Adel Alansari for Bazaar Studios Photography: Faisal Al Bisher Illustrations: Nada Dalloul

“I

promised myself and our team, that this would be the year that I would stop caring. I care too much about other people’s opinions of me,” Ascia started off our conversation, nodding in agreement that this all began when she released

the viral Hijab video last year, “While that might does sound flippant, I don’t mean it negatively. I still care about people, of course, I just care less about their perception of me. This year, I’ve had to accept that there is a version of me in everyone’s mind,

and I cannot control that. I can only control what I put out, and how it is consumed is not my responsibility anymore.” And in a continuous chain of dynamic appearances, from her most recent

KEEPING IT REAL It has become growingly difficult to empathize with the other in today’s digital world. We mindlessly consume, believing everything we see online either as extremely true based on our experiences, or extremely false. And in Ascia’s quest for authenticity, not wanting her identity to completely belong to people is a harsh truth that she herself is coming to terms with. “Having everyone know you, and knowing that you don’t belong to anyone, while still giving out something that belongs to you, is hard. [It] feels like a bit of a betrayal of one’s self.” She’s constantly questioning whether or not she is being ‘real’ herself. At a time where everything you would ever want to know about a person could be freakishly found online with a google search (or ten, just depends on how good your stalking skills are), Ascia still wants to directly relate to her followers, but without any pretense.

highly acclaimed interview with Anas Bukhash to this remarkable conversation, we are seeing more and more of an Ascia who, once stayed far away from being the center of attention during her high-school days. But she’s come a long way since then. Sure, we all know and love her from her social feeds. Her effervescent smile, captivating charm and intrinsic ability to relate to people from all walks of life—all of this is true, and very real, attracting millions of followers. Despite all of this popularity, she still seemed to hold back when it came to her personal opinions.

LIVING WITH IMPOSTER SYNDROME Imposter Syndrome plagues the minds of many people around the world on a daily basis. Commonly defined as a recurring pattern in which a given person doubts their achievements, constantly fearing to be outed as a fraud of sorts, and always feeling undeserving of their accomplishments. Now, imagine living with that, when your literal job is constantly having your face on blast for everyone to see, and doing it so well that others forget how hard it actually is. She openly confesses that, “having this Imposter Syndrome where I don’t believe I earned any of the

For Ascia, learning to open up herself to the public, in and of

people who enjoy my time because I give them a filtered version

itself, is a difficult process. Nonetheless, this is truly shaping up

of myself is hard enough.” Then, she’s flung from the front lines

to be a year of milestones for the multi-faceted woman. She is

of social, to having to sort through a mountain of stock for Seoul

celebrating the first anniversary of Korean beauty brand Seoul

Kool, to deciding on the latest fabrics for Desert Baby. Having

Kool (flip over to read our exclusive feature on how it all began!),

to make decisions on the fly—all of this didn’t come naturally or

Desert Baby is in full swing, and her work in social continues to

easily for Ascia. “It didn’t help having to turn into other people’s

thrive. She is also celebrating her 30th birthday this autumn,

bosses. It’s not something I am tangibly touching anymore. Every

marking a turning point in a journey that began in 2012 with the

aspect of the company is no longer physically touched by me and

inception of her hit blog, The Hybrids.

in turn I constantly find myself saying “I didn’t earn this” when in fact I did earn it through delegation and proper management of

At a time when influencers seem to be figuratively dying out in

people’s time and my time. Finding my way in that was difficult.”

terms of their authentic authority, hers is soaring high. Whether

You would think that having a vibrant team by her side would

Instagram is considering the removal of the elusive ‘like’ button,

make it all less daunting. But she always finds herself stressing.

we highly believe that her popularity would remain unaffected.

She laughingly added, “I used to end up micromanaging, so why

It is Ascia’s intent, however, that is changing and evolving

did I hire a team if I can’t empower them to grow? Finding myself

immensely, as she considers the meaning behind everything that

professionally in this new role is still a challenge, but it’s helping

she is putting out online.

me grow as well. It’s actually a good thing!”

KEEPING IT REAL

“...This year, I’ve had to accept that there is a version of me in everyone’s mind, and I cannot control that. I can only control what I put out, and how it is consumed is not my responsibility anymore.”

WHEN THE FEAR FACTOR IS A GOOD THING Before it all began with The Hybrids, Ascia had felt alone for quite a long time. She first went online with the desire to relate to others, but to also push her boundaries, without having to make The Hybrids about her own personal or family life. For years, we consumed a stream of online adventures, incredibly curated outfits and amazing fashion collaborations. But nowadays, when it has become so commonplace to work in social, Ascia is constantly seeking the next push. She is doing this by unveiling more of her personal self, as she had done in the Anas interview and with her goal to share more Vlog posts online, while also navigating her new role with Seoul Kool. “Putting myself out of the comfort zone again felt like a natural thing to do. I have been in social for so long that I forgot that feeling of fear, which is nice to feel again. It means I still care. You become so numb to it after a while, it becomes monotonous, a job, a routine.” And it’s not just about pushing her boundaries, but rather about what Ascia learns from each and every experience, good or bad. “[I learned that] I’m not as strong as I thought myself to be, which is good. I [had] put it in my mind, for a long time, that I can handle everything. You get to a point where you disassociate from your true self, and feeling fear humanizes you.”

STAYING THE COURSE NO MATTER WHAT Imposter Syndrome doesn’t allow you to enjoy your achievements, but working in social can sometimes get to your head. Most of the time, it is Ascia’s team that steps in to remind her to embrace the positive, to let that sense of achievement fully sink in, and to let go of the negative, such as when people use her social media presence against her.

“I have been in social for so long that I forgot that feeling of fear, which is nice to feel again. It means I still care.”

She stated, “I have a lot of people around me who keep me grounded, I don’t get away with anything! Which is awesome, I don’t want to and prefer to hold myself accountable. But this year, I’m having to face my 2011 self. That sucks. I am doing this while knowing that other people are digging for it.” It’s these little (well, not so little) things that escape us, which, in a digital world, form a clear separation between ‘influencer’ and ‘follower’, and

She recalls her experience with bullying, as told during the

we forget the importance of having a strong support system to

interview with Anas Bukhash with an enlightened approach. “I

get you through it all. She even admits that, for a while, she did

also had a hand in it.” She believes that being the victim of any

feel lost in working in social. “When everyone online is telling you

bullying situation is very real, but also, being the victim means

that you’re so amazing the whole time and then you suddenly see

that you were a part of the situation, and that your growth as a

criticism, it is so stark. Being loved is great, but it’s not essential

victim does not take away from the growth of the bully either.

to growth. You can get lost in ego so easily. This is why we don’t

“The girl I mentioned in the story was my very close friend, and

have ‘yes men’ on the team.”

then we fell out. Where in that relationship did I have a hand

Ascia could easily delete parts of her past if she wanted to, any and

in pushing her to the edge? Did I snap? I only know the way I

all of it, but she stresses that one can’t just pick and choose which

consumed the situation and the way I felt about it. It’s not so

parts to remove from their social presence without completely

much the avoidance of a given topic, or just never bringing it up,

reconciling what these parts mean for their development. As an

and feeling that you’ve tackled it and gone past it. This especially

influencer, you would also have to really think about what that

applies in a public sphere, and allowing people to have the privacy

means for your brand, and your sense of authenticity. “Cancel

to tackle that the way that they choose to, is so necessary.”

Culture is the worst. It is so toxic, plus you can’t do it. You can’t cancel your past. I would like to clean up things I no longer hold

FAMILY IS KEY

as truths for myself. Which I believe is fair enough.” Technically,

With the digital documentation of so much of her day’s every

you can completely ‘cancel’ your social media presence, and one

move, we often wonder what life is like for someone like Ascia

might even argue that owning your own content should be reason

when all of the cameras are switched off. When the make-up

enough to do whatever you please with what you put on social

comes off (well, In Ascia’s case we see this a lot, especially when

media. Once again, Ascia acknowledges the importance of intent

she’s demonstrating the detailed Seoul Kool 10-step Korean

with the content that she presents. Not only for herself, but also

beauty regimen for others to learn and emulate). When it’s time

for her family. “I’m actively phasing out my kids from our various

for parent-teacher conferences. She said of the carefully selected

social media accounts. Only because, as they are coming into

segments that she shows to her followers about her family life, “I

their adolescence, they should now control their digital footprint.

want to present myself [online], not in a cookie cutter format, but

Why would I allow that for my kids and not allow that for myself?

with the experience of raising these human beings.” And while

When I look back at 18, I was just a kid myself.”

she is now actively seeking to keep elements of her private life remain truly shielded from the public sphere, Ascia stresses that,

RESILIENCE VERSUS AVOIDANCE

for her children’s sakes, keeping a normal routine is important.

From dissecting the meaning of ‘Cancel Culture’, tackling cyber

She is still, like every other parent, figuring things out as they

bullying as a judge on content creation competition Sadeem’s

come. “I can teach them how I do things; I can’t teach them how

latest launch campaign, to opening up about her previous

they should do things. As long as they don’t harm people in the

experiences with bullying and her struggles with eating disorders.

process of their growth and development, I can’t expect them to

Ascia smiles, despite the fact that our conversation was about

replicate my experiences. I’m still raising such young children. It’s

to take a darker turn. Rather than sensationalize the drama, she

so well and good to have ideas, but I won’t know until I am in the

embraces what it meant for her personal journey. “I have allowed

thick of it.”

myself to learn and grow in the years after I graduated [from high

Trying to raise respectful, well-behaved little humans is hard

school]. I recognize that anyone who did anything to me, is also

for anyone, influencer or not, but fortunately, and because of

not the same person. I don’t feel like it would be fair of me to

Ascia’s constant desire to keep things as real as they come, she is

avoid giving them the room to confront these issues as well.”

allowing her children the space to ask questions and to be open.

“You become so dogmatic in your beliefs that you refuse to move, regardless of where the prejudice comes from. It’s pure ego if you are unable and unwilling to open your mind to a different perspective.”

INFILTRATE, INFILTRATE, INFILTRATE

‘BEING’ IN SOCIAL

No, this is not some spy thriller plot for Ascia’s next Vlog post,

We are witnessing many different experiences and formats of

but rather her desire to understand the ‘other’s’ perspective as a

working and living in social, from new live streaming formats,

necessary way of being. Ascia’s seamless integration of different

to hours’ worth of Instastory content on a given day from a

cultural backgrounds through her unique style and social

specific influencer. After all that is said and done, acknowledging

presence is remarkable. And the clear reconciliation of these

that curated content is simply, well, curated content, creates

differences did not come easily to her. She learned this as she

key context for framing Ascia’s opinion on ‘being’ in social. The

explored the facets of her own background, with roots from both

reality is the following: Ascia isn’t the star of every single new

Kuwait and the deep south in the US. “I always recognize that,

fashion label/fragrance/restaurant/product launch, and she

whether I am speaking on Kuwait or the US, that I speak from a

doesn’t necessarily want to be. She explained that “being in

place of privilege.” She could easily disregard others’ criticisms of

social is so individualistic. It’s so easy to simply consider having

her way of being, but she chooses to infiltrate these prejudices

a position in social just like [having] any other job. Some people

as a way of understanding. “Infiltration is necessary. You won’t

are so good at compartmentalizing their ‘social’ work and their

get anywhere without it. You become so dogmatic in your beliefs

personal lives. Who cares about what people think about your

that you refuse to move, regardless of where the prejudice comes

‘performance’?” But she is rather asking herself, “Are people

from. It’s pure ego if you are unable and unwilling to open your

authentically consuming what I am putting out there? Is this me?

mind to a different perspective. You could have the best outlook

Is it 100% myself?” These are surely hard questions, ones that

on life, be racially aware, be the most sensitive person, but when

we often wonder if ‘influencers’ are even asking themselves, but

you are trying to put all of those thoughts on to another person

Ascia and her entire team genuinely care about who they align

you become just the same as them. Take any form of extremism—

themselves with.

religious, social, racial—if you’re willing to make a change, you will not go at each other. I want to see the change, I want to make it,

THE SUM OF ALL THE PARTS

I will do it slowly and that’s okay.”

Ascia’s character is the sum of many different parts and

Learning all about the ‘other’ stems from Ascia’s studies. She

experiences—some of which she graciously chose to share with

graduated summa cum laude from American University of Kuwait

us in this scintillating conversation. She remains unabashed by

(AUK) with a double major of International Relations and Cultural

what change could bring, both afraid and unafraid to deal with

Anthropology.

any backlash, while still recognizing her humanity to have the

In doing so, she has completed a vast study dedicated to learning

strength to admit when she is having a reaction, be it from a

about other people, cultures, way of life, and sexual orientation,

choice that she made, to other peoples’ judgements. Her sense

for instance, in order to have these difficult conversations.

of authenticity is not defined by a given picture on Instagram,

“Watching people who are so openminded and intellectual be

a sensational interview on YouTube, a remarkable Vlog post, or

so dogmatic in their ways is eye-opening. You might not be an

even a grandiose collaboration. And this is why we, along with

anthropologist by degree, but by life and practice. If that’s what

her +2 million followers, love and support Ascia. Her sense of

you are, you need to own it. You need to give each person their

self is never static, but it is rather an evolving amalgamation of

own time to reach a middle point where you can both agree to

experiences, ever-fluid, ever changing, but always growing.

move forward. If you’re living in the 1950s, and you’re stuck there, I will go there with you and learn why we are so different.” That’s the thing about Ascia, she infiltrates the other’s perspective and is not afraid to explore it. She applies this view to every facet of her life. “That doesn’t aid with the Imposter Syndrome, or the quest for authenticity online. You’re changing yourself little by little for each person and your consumable self is so different in

For Ascia’s latest, follow her on Instagram @Ascia, and check out

each person’s mind. It’s hard.”

The Hybrids - Ascia & Ahmad, on YouTube.

IN PURSUIT OF BRILLIANCE Is it even worth it? By George Tarabay

Is the pursuit brilliance even worth it? We are often trained to aspire for more, to do more, achieve more. The premise of almost every piece that you could read focusing on motivation is mainly about that, with catchy titles like ‘Achieve your destiny’, ‘Unlock your potential’ or ‘Seize your strength’. I often find myself questioning this concept. Is this ‘quest’ of sorts really worth it? Is the psychological, financial, mental or whatever practice of brilliance, really worth all of the effort? If we externalize brilliance (and of course by brilliance, I mean any form of excellence or ascension in your skillset or derivatives) then you would most probably find yourself in one of the following two positions: Your brilliance serves as the main entertainment for less brilliant minds. Or, you are in a pool where people are appreciative of your brilliance and they are able to fully comprehend it. In the first case, the question and evaluation of worth really manifests itself in a way that is undeniably apparent. If whoever is on the receiving end of your brilliance, be it a spectator or a consumer, is unable to grasp the depth of whatever form of intelligence

you are looking to project, doesn’t that automatically render your brilliance useless? Doesn’t it mean that you are in business in a market that does not require your product, simply because they do not know how to use it themselves? Now the second case is particularly tricky. Because, while it seems that you are in a favorable position because you are being consumed by similarly brilliant minds, in fact, you are not. Think about it. If other minds that you are tending to are as brilliant and as expanded as yours, doesn’t that make any, if not all, of what you’re about to say, appear too familiar? Doesn’t that make your entire process, a recurring and echoing deja-vu of sorts for them? In this case, where is the value? Brilliance can present itself in many forms. Be it intellectual, mental, physical, financial…whichever format you choose, there is always a common thread that weaves them all together. And that is the human mind. While most creatures that exist in nature adopt processes that are exclusively designed for the preservation of their existence, the human mind actually assigns reward points to expanding its capabilities and bettering results solemnly for aesthetics. The human mind tries to find more appealing methods to express itself, just for sport, which has zero impact on its selfpreservation.

However, we are unable to fully enjoy our own creation or brilliance unless we are motivated by an external opinion. We are stupid like that. Self-doubt is a poisonous adventure we venture on solemnly to attempt to create a monster to validate our notion of brilliance. Yes, this can be confusing, viciously circular, and one could easily fall down an endless rabbit hole. This notion applies to brilliance, in and of itself, as well as its bi-products like creativity, mental rigidity, cognitive skills, etc. They seem not to bring joy to anyone experiencing them: your peers nor you, in my opinion. But that’s because we regard them as mediums for our pleasure. But maybe, if we understand that we are tools for brilliance and not mere consumers of it, then can we truly understand the worth of its pursuit. It is always worth it, at the end of the day, because even if we fail to see the point, brilliance, in whatever form it manifests itself into, is enriching for both the spectator and the creator.

George Tarabay is a marketing expert/ Filmmaker/ comedian/Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat,YouTube, SoundCloud @GeorgeTarabay.

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MEMORIES OF MOROCCO

From corporations to cooking, meet Nargisse Benkabou By Deepa Pant

A celebrity chef, blogger, recipe developer and now, a successful cookbook author, Nargisse Benkabbou is a self-styled ambassador of Moroccan cuisine. Her cookbook Casablanca offers eclectic interpretations of authentic Moroccan recipes with a contemporary spin. It even gets a stamp of approval from the 'Domestic Goddess' Nigella Lawson herself, who says, it is "A book that is infused with the flavors of Morocco and is as accessible as it is inspiring." She is the celebrated face of Moroccan food. In this interview with bazaar, Nargisse Benkabbou shares highlights of her journey so far. She reflects on growing up in Brussels as the daughter of Moroccan immigrants, moving to the United Kingdom and charting her journey from public policy to food and finally, writing her much-acclaimed debut cookbook. Read on. You were born and raised in Brussels, how did your family keep you rooted in the magic of Moroccan culture and cuisine? My parents are proper foodies and they used food as a way to keep us connected to our culture, which can be a challenge when raising children abroad. But for as far as I can remember food, and Moroccan food especially, has been a big part of our life at home. So without realizing it my brothers and I grew up in a very Moroccan environment where we valued our culture but also very good food. You seem to be greatly inspired by your mum. How did this shape you as a blogger and a writer? My love for food and love for cooking are definitely inspired by my mother. All my knowledge about traditional Moroccan cooking comes from her, which I am so thankful for; she also inspires my food styling which is very simple and minimalistic. You studied politics in London and worked in corporate sector and then you moved to the world of food. What inspired that shift? I was not very happy in the corporate world and I always dreamt to work in the food industry, so I guess it was just my motivation to follow my passion. After my cookery training, it was even more obvious to me that I belonged in the food industry. What did it take to successfully transition from writing a blog to writing a cookbook? A lot of motivation and patience.

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Rocket World

There are so many fantastic recipes on the site. How did you choose what would be included in your book? All the recipes in the book are new recipes; none of them are also in the blog. Choosing the recipes for the cookbook took a long time because I wanted to find the right balance between traditional and modern recipes, quick and longer recipes, while keeping seasons into account. I had very long brainstorming sessions and after a couple of months I was able to come up with a list that I was happy with. What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook? It depends on what I am in the mood for; lately I have been craving the merguez burger. What is your signature dish? My chicken pastilla. What inspired you to experiment with some of the classic dishes and to give them a contemporary spin? Do you ever get criticism from “purists”? It's very rare but it does happen, I really don't mind it. Sometimes even my family finds some of my contemporary spin a bit weird but as soon as they taste the food, they automatically change their minds. It's important to be sensitive to everyone's opinions and take it into consideration. What inspired me to give a contemporary twist to traditional dishes is simply the world we live in where all things have the capacity to be brought together harmoniously. I would also say London because I am constantly amazed by the modern food scene. What is your favorite ingredient (other than ras al hanout, which you mention a lot in your book)? Garlic, I couldn't live without garlic. What is your favorite kitchen gadget? Garlic crusher, it keeps my fingers clean. If you could invite any 3 people to dinner, who would they be and why? My mom, Choumina and Nigella Lawson. You have received accolades from ‘The Domestic Goddess’ herself, Nigella Lawson. What was that like? It felt amazing to be acknowledged by someone I have great respect for; I remember watching The Domestic Goddess after I moved to London and following her recipes, so it felt a bit surreal. If your current self could give your past self, one sage baking/ cooking advice, what would it be? To be more patient. Your future plans—are there more cookbooks in the works? At the moment I don't have plans for a new cookbook, I am doing consultancy work, supper clubs and cooking classes and I am really enjoying it.

To learn more about Nargisse Benkabbou, visit her Website: www.mymoroccanfood.com. You can follow her on Instagram @mymoroccanfood. Portrait image by Matt Russel and photography by Nargisse Benkabbou.

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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

Warda Al-Kandari gives us more than art By bazaar staff

One look at the works of Warda Al-Kandari instantly reveals an artist with a distinctive edge. Each and every painting begins with an expression of black ink. Unplanned, and without a prior sketch to practice. From there, shapes start to form and develop with a concept, all under Warda’s vision. She’s not only a unique artist, but Warda has also recently launched a jewelry brand under the name Sacra Mvlier, which means Sacred Woman, in Latin. Warda describes her art best as minimal and abstract, it is also inspired by solitude, philosophy and conceptual perspectives. Every painting is done and constructed with ink, and it is the main material she uses for most of her paintings. But as a passionate experimenter, Warda has introduced new elements to her pages, including leather, and hints of color here and there. “Starting a piece generally takes me into a meditative mode with my morning coffee, it creates a spiritual connection with the black blocks that comes naturally without sketching before,” says Warda. It’s all in the details too, hidden messages in between geometric shapes are hardly ever seen from afar unless you take a closer look at them. The surprise plus the joy of discovering them is quite pleasing, especially when there are hardly any descriptions for the viewer to follow. Warda herself is not a fan of describing her artwork, but when it’s required at galleries and exhibitions, she tries as much as she can to keep it brief. “I don’t force a description; I see it as a limitation [to both the artist and the audience]. I love mystery at the end of the day. Reality is so rigid, where would the playfulness of it all go?” she says. Even though most of Warda’s paintings are driven by life experiences, she continues to include unique features, she also describes her aesthetic as “Very distinct geometrical profiles of humans, animals, and other objects.” The amount of patience that goes into the creation of her work is also clearly seen within Warda’s art because she immediately starts with ink and it’s quite restricting when it comes to erasing any mistakes that might occur. If anyhing, It actually pushes her to start everything all over again to present us with a final flawless art piece. But there’s more to the artist than art. Only recently, Warda has launched the first collection of her jewelry brand Sacra Mvlier. She strongly believes in creating special pieces that would last a lifetime,

jewelry that would create a certain connection, to eventually garner a piece that would define you, just like a weapon would. Jewelry is often taken for granted in that perspective, it’s a statement piece that needs to be worn powerfully. This is why Warda created a line that represents powerful feminine and masculine energies, where one would be able to relate to. It took her almost two and a half years of studying and researching every aspect before launching her debut jewelry line. From manufacturing and production, where she decided that the jewlry pieces need to be strictly handmade, to collecting important elements such as stones from her travels. The philosophy behind Sacra Mvlier stems from the concept of origins; the point at which something comes into existence, “The start of shapes, squares, triangles. The origins of these geometric shapes and how they develop, evolve, and what can be done with them in an art form,” explains Warda. The first collection, “MEGALITH” is an exploration of the virility of stones in the construction of potent objects and the persistence of ruins. If you have noticed already, the name of the brand includes the Roman number seven, “VII”, which inevitably relates back to the designs, where if they are to be repeated, it will only occur seven times. It is also Warda’s favorite number, to her it’s universal. The pieces are all formed in 18K gold material, with beautiful stones that Warda herself collected in her travels. The collection includes different shapes of necklaces, rings, and earrings, each represents power and raw elegance at its best. Warda says “Whenever someone wants to take a piece, it becomes their own. It’s not just about the appearance of the pieces, it’s related to the energies of the metal, the skin, the body. To me, it even affects the scent. I’m very conscious about these details.” From witnessing the extraction of thoughts on to black ink on white paper, to the limitless use of raw yet elegant shapes in jewelry, we personally cannot wait to see what will the next piece from Warda be.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? Rebellious. How would you describe your mother in one word? Strong. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? Nothing crosses my mind. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Dove next to a shark and found myself getting closer to it although we were told we shouldn’t.

[Continued...]

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? A German word – VERSTEHEN by Wilhelm Dilthey. It means a special kind of understanding, studying every aspect of an experience. This requires sensitivity, wisdom and emotional intelligence. Where would you like to live? I travel a lot. So, I’m fine with Kuwait for now. What is your dream retirement location? Italy – Mexico – Bahrain. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? Hell is other people – by Jean Paul Sartre. Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life? A dog. Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it? My time in silence and intensity of observing. If you could change your name, to what would you change it? I would keep my name. How would you describe your handshake, in one word? Firm and trustworthy. What is the toughest part of your character? Rigidity, rationality, and frankness. Who is your favorite historical figure? Spinoza -- Martin Heidegger -- Camus. What in the world do you least desire? Fake poses and judgments. What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place? Openness and tolerance. Why do you think most people who do, like you? People would like that I'm into openness, adventures. I'm rational so people who are logical would find an ease dealing with me. They would appreciate that I'm disciplined and I respect time. Straightforward. Also a spiritual appreciator of aesthetics and playful, mystical matters. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” Acceptance of the temporal states of the mind.

For more information or updates on Warda’s latest works, follow @wardaknd and @sacramvlier on Instagram.

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RED BULL ILLUME IMAGE QUEST The contest for action sports imagery is now open! By bazaar staff

Photographers, get your cameras ready and assemble! Red Bull Illume is back with a new quest for the greatest imagery contest for adventure and action sports. The competition is presenting new categories, challenges, and prizes but before we give you all the details, set your calendar date. The submission phase is open from now until July 31st. The competition essentially curates the most captivating images from all around the world, shedding light on the community and the culture of the photographers behind those amazing images. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the addition of several new categories that include Best of Instagram by SanDisk, the Moving Image Category, and Emerging photo category by Red Bull Photography. The judging panel alone consists of 50 photo editors and digital experts who will be responsible for selecting the 55 finalists. The winners will be divided within 11 categories and only one overall winner will all be revealed at the Winner Award Ceremony in November 2019. There 52

are prize packages complete with camera equipment and accessories with a value of 100.000 Euros for both the category winners and the overall winner. There are so many passionate photographers around the world, with images that are waiting to be seen and admired. Red Bull Illume Image Quest is the contest which will provide several opportunities, and immense exposure. You never know, you might actually be this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner! As of 2016, a staggering 34,624 images were submitted by more than five thousand photographers from 120 countries. Choose your image carefully before submitting it, as each category influences the judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selections. Judges will ultimately appraise your work based on a mixture of technicality, composition, creativity, impact, artistic flair, and the overall quality of a great and excellent photograph. Each and every photographer will know exactly which images will end up ticking all of the above categories. The contest has its challenges, as well as its perks. Finalists will get together and be able to earn a place at the Winner Award Ceremony in November 2019. It is a three-day event full of workshops and celebrations to have reached that far. Once we enter 2020, the Global

Exhibit Tour will be displaying images in three different continents within major cities. Finally, the images will also be part of a limited-edition coffee table book, where every photographer will have the chance to see their work as well as the work of their fellow photographers to physically hold in their hands and cherish. Red Bull Illume Image Quest is a contest that engages and enables photographers around the globe to challenge themselves and expand their skills further and aim for higher. It essentially brings the community closer and provides endless opportunities and vital exposure to those who need it. Sharpen your skills, and have your camera ready to shoot your perfect picture and hurry up to submit it before the deadline.

For more information on Red Bull Illume Image Quest, go on www.redbullillume.com, or follow @redbullillume on Instagram.

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SUMMER’S HERE, AND WE’RE NOT BEACH READY

If you haven’t been putting in the hours to obtain the elusive “summer bod”, it’s time to take a shortcut, an electric one! By Ayman Nassar

Let’s face it, the only constant in life has been weight gain. There is truth to the saying, “a watched pot never boils”, so too, does a watched waistline never decrease. One minute, you’re standing sideways admiring the hard work you have been putting in at the gym, and the next, you find yourself able to balance snacks and beverages on your bulge in the comfort of your own home. Fear not! Where there is a will, there is way. And this way, is quite shocking. Truthfully, it is very shocking. EMS, or Electronic Muscle Stimulation, is one of the latest fitness crazes to capture the attention of the unsuspecting couch potato. At first glance, the obvious question is why?! If living has taught us anything, it is that certain activities can lead to DEATH. Do you remember watching The Green Mile? Do you know that nowadays there are institutions that request you to voluntarily accept being zapped in the brain, in order to make you smarter? Are you familiar with frostbite? Have you watched The Day After Tomorrow? Well, today, we have cryotherapy, where you opt to be placed inside a telephone box sized freezer for 3 minutes at -90°C. We are all familiar with the wooden box of death known as the Sauna. Step inside, feel like a Shawarma on the grill and burn those calories off. Three things that used to cause death are now the solution to a healthy life. So apparently, mankind has adopted and accepted the age old adage of, “whatever does not kill you makes you stronger”. I digress, and let us jump back into the fray with what exactly is EMS. A closely guarded secret of the Soviets during the 1960s, EMS has quickly gained popularity after undergoing numerous enhancements. EMS involves the attachment of electrodes to various muscle groups in your body; your arms, shoulders, back, abs, thighs and glutes (you can opt to have your calves included to if you feel brave). It works by sending a mild shock every few seconds, which you are supposed to push through and either hold a pose or perform a certain exercise. Having opted to try out this fad in order to write an informed article about it, the following is the summary of my EMS experience: Contrary to popular belief (and false advertising), EMS is not a quick fix, zero pain solution. You do not sit comfortably on a chair and feel a slight buzz as a machine pumps electronic waves into your epidermis all the way through to your subcutaneous tissue. You need to put in the work. If it does not challenge you, it will not change you. EMS is billed as a 20-minute workout equivalent of spending 3 hours at the gym. Having spent that same time running on roads, I can attest that the amount of sweat that is worked out of you is equivalent, if not more than, with EMS. As with any sport, consistency is key. I was monitoring my body composition whilst doing EMS and saw that fats

were dropping, and muscle was increasing. However, I cannot attest as to how much of it was just because of EMS and what percentage was a result of clean eating and other exercise. When you sign up for your free trial session, DO NOT BE A HERO! Your trainer will ask you if you are ok with the current voltage, whilst you are sedentary. Once you accept, you will be required to swallow that shock whilst doing pushups, burpees, lunges, handling weights etc. I opted for the macho answer of “more power” on my first session, which resulted in me being out-of-action for a week. Similar to the pain you feel when you are off gym for a while and then suddenly return.

In conclusion, EMS is not the mythical health unicorn or magic weight loss pill people want it to be. It is an arduous, tough, excruciating work-out that pays off. It will result in you achieving great shape, however if you do not maintain it, your victory will be short and fleeting.

Like the Rubik’s Cube, Ayman Nassar is multi-colored in his interests, from running to organizing races, standup comedy and internal audit, plus a little writing on the side. You can find him on YouTube or follow him on Instagram @lordaymz.

ACK

7 WAYS TO TEST IF YOUR IDEA IS BAD

Use these methods to test your ideas to determine if they are good or bad By Stephanie Vozza

Ideas are cheap; it’s the execution that matters, says Lars Sudmann, leadership advisor and former CFO of Procter & Gamble Belgium. “You need to have the willingness and discipline to test your idea in real life,” he says. “Will it work? What are the reactions of others? What is my own experience? Only then can you assess if it is a great idea. Without testing, for me an idea is by default a bad idea as it only lives as a thought construct.” You can test your ideas in a variety of ways to determine if it’s bad or good. 1. RUN IT BY A CONFIDANT The quickest way to test an idea is to share it, but be careful with whom you consult. When it comes to giving feedback, we all have people who will tell us what they think we want to hear, and we likely know people who will throw a wet blanket on any proposal, says David Hagenbuch, professor of marketing at Messiah College. It’s important to find someone who will be honest. “We all need someone who will speak [truthfully] to us from an informed and objective perspective,” he says. “Such ‘idea editors’ are invaluable at proofreading our plans, giving us honest feedback, and constructive criticism aimed at helping our ideas succeed.” 2. CONSULT “WEAK TIES” IN YOUR NETWORK Weak ties often will tell you the truth about your ideas because they don’t have as much to lose as friends, says Adele Cehrs, CEO of the crisis communications firm When and How. “Pose questions about your ideas and ask acquaintances to refute them,” she says. “If you truly have a good idea, you can defend your thinking and have some honest critique.” 3. ASK EXISTING CUSTOMERS A sure way to know that your idea is bad is when you have zero feedback after presenting it, says Chuck Sacco, assistant dean of Strategic Initiatives at the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University and director of the Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship. “What may seem like a great idea to the entrepreneur may end up being a terrible idea to the target customer,” he says. “‘Gee, that’s really nice’ isn’t good enough. If they are not really excited, the idea is likely a nonstarter.” 4. USE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Think about whether other people would want 56

to promote your idea for you, says Cehrs.“If you can’t think of three good reasons why someone would want to spread the word about your product or service, you may have a bad idea,” she says. If people say they would promote your idea, ask them open-ended questions to gain a better understanding about why they would want to promote it, Cehrs adds. “This will help your promotional strategy and give you a sense of the viability of the idea,” she says. 5. ASK A FRIEND TO EXPLAIN YOUR IDEA BACK TO YOU If your idea is too complex, it is likely a bad one, says Cehrs.“One test is to tell your idea to someone, and then ask them to call a friend to explain it,” she says. “If they can’t translate your idea with clarity, you need to go back to the drawing board.” 6. MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT REPEATING AN OLD IDEA If you’ve tested the idea before and it didn’t work and nothing has changed since then, it’s probably still a bad idea, says Sudmann.

“Especially if the context hasn’t changed, it’s more likely that you are part of a repeating pattern and that your idea is bad,” he says. “There is a fine line between persistency and trying and just not realizing that your idea is a bad one. If you have tried out something for some three or more times and it didn’t work, it might be time to stop.” 7. LET THE MARKET TELL YOU The market is the only true arbiter of value, whether an idea is bad or not bad, says Vince DiFelice, faculty member for the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship program. “Find a customer with money in that market who will serve as your ally,” he says. “Learn how to sell value in that market–value that’s unique. Don’t hire someone else to sell for you yet. This allows you the opportunity to fail and persist while the competition is not looking. You may succeed. You may not. Regardless, you will learn a lot and add to your means, which can only help you in the future.” Photo by Vale Zmeykov on Unsplash.

Dawrat

THE ABK HR DIWANIYA

Discover how ABK is paving the way for the Kuwait’s banking future by empowering its youth By bazaar staff

Our mental concept of banks, bankers and banking is mostly of being traditional, unimaginative and boring. But the world has moved on, and while we want the banks of today to remain predictable, safe and riskaverse organizations—internally they now rely on the creative dynamic individuals who keep them performing, growing and achieving results. And it is the Human Resources department’s job to make sure that they hire the right people for the job and provide them with the support they need to do so. As a department, HR gets a lot of flak, but ABK has won the Naseba Employer of the Year award three years in a row, which is the kind of excellence that shows that the HR Department is doing something very right. 58

We met some of the amazing and vibrant people who work at ABK’s Human Resources department in a casual and friendly diwaniya. By implementing the best practices and latest technology, they have been able to change the bank’s collaborative culture, drive growth and promote a more positive and healthier environment for everyone at ABK. As they introduced themselves, we noticed that most of them had been with the bank for a long time, which shows a level of loyalty, commitment and content. ABK prides itself on its four values; Transparency, Integrity, Simplicity and Excellence. Every policy and decision takes these values into account making ABK’s employees feel that they are part of the family. But even families argue and disagree, which is why the management has been working to ensure that the culture is one of solidarity and not blame. That is just one of the recent changes they have been implementing. Ali Akbar joined ABK 11 years ago and has worked his way up to becoming the Assistant General Manager for Human Resources. He introduced us to one of the recent progressive changes; a move to

a completely paperless department using a cloudbased system. Employees can remotely and securely log in from anywhere to manage their Self Services making a once tedious process into a quick, easy and seamless task. It frees up employee and the HR team alike, to focus on the tasks that are more integral to the bank’s goals and mission. Employee engagement and relations are very important to the bank as Ghadeer Al Sarraf, Employee Relations Manager pointed out. Ghadeer, who joined ABK in 2009, has also been rapidly progressing through the ranks. Ensured, sustainable progress is a topic that came up several times in our diwaniya discussion, and to our surprise, is a common phenomenon at the bank. Merit is rewarded, priority for career growth and progression is always given to internal talent and the system is designed to support initiative and provide the tools for every employee to constantly grow and improve. In order to measure the current culture shift initiative the HR team is using a software called EPIC, which sends daily surveys to participants. It helps track the company culture, mood and team

performance. Being able to measure these markers gives policy makers the ability to change them and give management a daily insight on different behavioral dimensions It is a revolutionary way to monitor culture shifts and replace the more traditional assessment tools which are dauntingly time consuming and not always the best indicator, this system allows for realtime assessment from any individual you work with regardless of their position. It is also anonymous, so people are more likely to answer honestly. It is a great way to see what you are doing well and where there is room for improvement without feeling the need to be defensive. But it is also fun to use, you can send badges or stickers to thank your colleagues for a job well done. Even senior management are actively engaging with the platform and making use of these features just as much as the younger employees. The tool allows users to post ideas and suggestions and in true democratic fashion, public voting takes place so that only the best ideas can then go on to be implemented.. It is inclusive and empowering to allow employees to have this level of ownership and agency in the workplace. This is one of the many reasons that ABK

employees choose to stay with the bank for so long. While many young Kuwaitis still shy away from the private sector, ABK has a proven track record of attracting locals into the banking industry. More than seventy percent of the workforce at ABK is Kuwaiti, a ratio they hope to grow in the future by attracting the brightest Kuwait has to offer and by offering more opportunities for growth and personal development. The Young Kuwaiti Development Program and ABK Academy are just two of the current education initiatives that help groom and prepare the younger generation of bankers into becoming the managers and executive officers of tomorrow. Jamil Girgis, who has been with the bank for almost 5 years t explained that the Talent Management Programs the bank offer are tailored and address specific areas of development. The bank routinely partners up with institutions such as KFAS, IBS, ACK and VIGOR enterprise to develop and refine their offering. The HR team collectively believes that ongoing learning and development are the best ways to make sure that individuals and organizations perform at their best ability. The process has become more streamlined with the use of smarter and more advanced measuring and monitoring tools which

help them quickly recognize opportunities for growth and improvement before they become obstacles and challenges. ABK wants to share the knowledge with the community too, as Ali Bin Shaiba who joined in 2014 and is the Learning and Development head told us. The bank constantly takes part in job fairs, invites students for field trips to the head office, organizes seminars and offers internships as part of their way of giving back to the community. Students who intern at ABK are usually amazed at how energetic and vibrant the environment is and apply for jobs when they graduate. Most of them leave with expanded horizons and excitement for a career in banking. ABK is unafraid of change, they embrace it at every step and understand that it is what will push them to new heights. The bank trusts its employees and has empowered them with the best tools, knowledge and attitudes. The result is a workforce that truly believes in their employer, and that is truly revolutionary.

For more information about ABK, please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ahlan Ahliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at 1899 899. 59

WEEKEND GETAWAYS ARE HARDER THAN THEY LOOK From hectic starts, to the Sunday morning blues By bazaar staff

One of the best things about living in Kuwait is the centrality of the location. People seem to be more travel-happy here than most other places in the world. Perhaps it is because the country is small, perhaps because it is affluent and we all have extra money pouring out of our pockets – not me though, I spent all mine on my last trip! Whatever the reason, the Kuwait airport sees a ridiculous amount of weekend traffic especially in the summer as people jaunt off every chance they get. Packing a bag, booking a ticket and jetting off should be easy, but here are the 5 reasons why a weekend break can be challenging. The Hectic Thursday You’re running around like a mad person to get home after work so you can pack and get to your late-night flight. The world is conspiring against you. There is traffic. Your parking spot is stolen. You left your passport at the office. It could be a million different things, and generally, it is. Before you know it, what was supposed to be a twenty-minute drive to the airport has taken that long just to get out of your neighborhood! It is sweet relief when you are finally on the flight, but everything until then is madness. Last minute security hold This is a unique-to-Kuwait thing, but let’s say you’ve done your due diligence, you have managed to do everything that you are supposed to – except you forgot to check to make sure you paid those tickets you got for speeding down the 40 on your last airport run! You think everything is fine; you meet your friends at the airport, only to find that you have not been approved for travel. Nothing worse than seeing your friends off at the airport for a trip that you were supposed to go on too. The place itself Let’s be honest, part of why we love vacation is to see different things, but if you only have a quick weekend, you are not likely to make it very far out of the region. You may just end up spending more money than you’d like just to travel somewhere you only sort of want to visit (or have already been several times). It’s great when it works out, but when it doesn’t, or worse, if you’ve already been to your favorite list of close vacations, you are just wasting money you could be spending on the better vacation you should be holding out for. Just as you start to relax… At its best the weekend jaunt is exactly the quick respite you need in order to sustain you until your longer break. You are dipping a toe in the relaxation pool of your eventual future – seeing which places might demand a revisit. Yet, it is hard to not hear the ever-present clock. From the

moment you touchdown it says – Quick, soak it all in, you’ve only got 36 hours left. The Sunday morning blues The fleeting weekend never rings more loudly than when you are back at work Sunday morning. When the trip is still recent enough

that you can still smell the wind wafting off the beach you just left…as it’s muddled amongst the exhaust of your morning commute! The fall back down to reality is a hard one, plan accordingly! Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash.

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THERE AIN’T NO CURE FOR THE SUMMERTIME BLUES Sunshine and vacations aren’t real therapy By Dr Susannah Joy Schuilenberg

“The sun is out! I think I’ll go to …the beach …the lake …Paris …Switzerland … [fill in the blank] instead of going to therapy. Who needs therapy when the sun is shining so gloriously?” … says many thousands of people the world over, every spring. “The flowers are blooming, I’ll be outside. I’ll be fine.” And every year, those same thousands of people go back to therapy after weeks away and say something like, “I shouldn’t have stayed away so long. My [name a problem] has ramped up again and I feel like I’ve gone backwards.” Think about what a huge deal it is to quit smoking, in order to have a reasonable hope of ‘making it stick,’ we have to make huge changes in order to be successful. For some, it means going without morning coffee for months or changing the way we socialize or staying inside at coffee break instead of going for a smoke. These changes take conscious thought for a long time, and at the same, we’re almost constantly having a headache-inducing argument with the craving for a cigarette. The minute we relax, poof! We’re standing outside on the balcony with a half-finished smoke thinking, “What am I doing?” Some people decide to quit smoking and whiteknuckle it through the first few weeks of cravings and never look back. (It happens, but this is rare.) Others attempt to quit multiple times before figuring out what changes they need to implement to be successful and for the vast majority, quitting begins with tapering down rather quitting cold turkey. Still others need the help of medication and professional support. Deciding to quit smoking is a bit like deciding to deal with an uncomfortable or painful life. Some people identify thinking patterns, beliefs, or behaviours in themselves that they want to change and they white-knuckle it through the mess of ‘flipping over the Monopoly board.’ They change everything and try to manage the mental and emotional chaos that results – this type of change rarely ‘sticks.’ It’s just too exhausting. What they’re left with is the metaphorical rubble of having torn down their internal framework…only now they’re too tired to deal with the mess (and they’re probably outside on the balcony, smoking!). Others decide they need help with this internal renovation and find a good therapist to act as ‘project manager.’ Through a collaborative process the individual’s current internal structure is assessed, the demolition planned, and the internal landscape rebuilt into a space the client actually wants to inhabit (Apparently, I’ve switched metaphors). Whether quitting smoking or renovating a house, time is needed.

In this world of instant fixes and seven second trends people think therapy is the same. 3, 6 or 9 sessions to deal with a problem that often has its origins in childhood. Therapy is a process and it’s a process that takes time. You might be surprised how much time. 50% of clients begin to experience a consistent sense of wellbeing after 20 sessions, and 75% of people seeking relief through therapy consistently rate their quality of life as “good” or “optimal” after 40 sessions. Additionally, the same research indicates through years of follow up that the changes ‘stick.’ Quality of life remained consistently good for those individuals who had participated in the long-term therapy process. Back to the sunshine. Sunshine is awesome– finding some lovely country that has sunshine that doesn’t turn one into a crispy critter is even more awesome – but it doesn’t cure anything. It creates a temporary lift in the spirit which evaporates right about the time we start thinking about going back to ‘real’ life. In the meantime, that internal renovation has been stalled and we have to find our tools again, refamiliarize

ourselves with the blueprint, and reconnect with the project manager. Often, in the time the renovation was abandoned, things deteriorate. Time is lost restoring what had already been completed. If you’re in the midst of an internal renovation, take the time to plan a holiday from the process of therapy and keep in touch, even briefly with your therapist. Knowing that there will be ongoing contact is hugely helpful in not wrecking what’s already been renovated. If you aren’t seeing a good therapist (…and why not? #therapyisforeveryone) this year when the lure of a sunshine ‘cure’ for what ails you fails again, go talk to someone and start your own internal renovation. It will do you good. I promise.

Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg is a Canadian psychotherapist with additional certification as a trauma specialist. She is passionate about connecting people with the resources they need to find health and wellness. Follow her on IG @drsusannah or on Facebook @WilliamAssociates.

Jumierah

SEOUL KOOL Celebrating one year of the K-beauty brand By bazaar staff

@meseoulkool landed in our web-shopping sights and our social feeds exactly one year ago on June 25, 2019. For many in Kuwait, this was their introduction to Korean Beauty or K-Beauty, and the brand has revolutionized how we look after our skin. bazaar took a tour with the brand’s Operations Manager, spoke with the staff instore, and later sat down for an in-depth interview with co-founders Ascia Al Faraj and Angie Hastings. 64

Approaching Seoul Kool as you come up the escalator to the first floor of Sama Mall, the shop looks like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With free-standing sections that guide you to which products fit into which beauty stage, there is also a counter with a wash basin so you can try recommended items. Old school Hollywood style exposed-bulb, lit mirrors flank the sheet mask side wall, which indicates where you get “sheet faced”, and another neon sign indicates “Seoul Sets” in a luminescent scrawl. There is a Jumo Coffee bar situated on one side of the showroom and you may just need to indulge in

this sustenance to fuel you while you take the time to explore finding the regimen tailored to your skin. “The first question we are usually asked is ‘What is this?’,” laughs the Operations Manager Kris, going on to explain that sometimes, customers think that Seoul Kool is a kids’ store. It is a colorful store to be fair, and based on a teenaged Ascia’s bedroom we later find out. “What is lovely about the customers in Sama Mall,” she continues, “is that they are so curious.” For those that have heard about K-Beauty, they often think of very white skin so some have come in asking

for skin bleaching products. This is absolutely not something that the brand supports, however, and stresses that K-Beauty is about “porcelain” skin which is more about the texture of the skin rather than the color. They like to call it “glass” skin, as we find out when chatting to Ascia and Angie. For absolute K-Beauty newbies, as soon as you enter the store there is a collection that sits under a sign “Big Seoul Sister”. All the products in this 'Big Seoul' 10-step set are for sensitive skin and therefore suitable for everyone to use, which makes for a great gift! The best thing to do to curate your own specific program is to take the time and walk through the store with an assistant who can go over your skin type and your needs. And you need to be honest about how committed you are to undergoing each step every day; it will mean the difference between choosing something that requires a little more application and time, or a simple pad you can swipe-and-go. “You also can’t just come in and ask for the best seller.” Says Kris emphatically, “We have to know what type of skin do you have.” Instore, there are 10 clear step areas with each area showcasing a number of products from which to choose from with the help of the sales team. When a sales team member commences with Seoul Kool, they are given their own K-Beauty starter kit plus they are encouraged to try other products so they have a greater understanding of how each one will work and can advise you knowledgeably. The approachable sales team look so cool, wearing uniforms exuding ‘street style’ that wouldn’t look out of place on an influencer’s OOTD post. Annoyingly with every revelation, and there’s loads to discover, you can’t help but respond with, “that’s so cool!” finding your very self being on brand message without meaning to be! The showroom is also the online warehouse, which is a strategic bit of planning when it comes to keeping an eye on the inventory. Considering that an actual bricks-and-mortar store wasn’t always on the cards, the online-shopping coordination, and the cross data-collection to improve customer service, is impressive. The social media team also works closely with the showroom to coordinate which items should be highlighted, or what are customers responding to well, and the communication lines between the triptych; online, showroom and social, are strong in Seoul Kool. It is easy to see that each section of the business trusts what the other is doing and they all need each other to work well. That’s not entirely dissimilar to how it works between Ascia and Angie, as we discover. The two of them met through their respective husbands; Ascia threw a 30th birthday party for Ahmed and the invited friends brought their wives along too of course and this is how it all started. “I was star-struck!” laughs Angie, who ironically is one of the biggest stars Thailand has ever seen on screen. It took only a second “date” for Angie to ask Ascia to join her on a K-Beauty venture

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and they jumped into business. “We did not think it was going to turn out like this at all!” insists Ascia, “We didn’t.” “At all!” Angie wholeheartedly agrees. Ascia continues, adding ‘vocal fry’ for emphasis, “We thought that she and I were going to put some shelves in her basement and we were just gonna, like, sell some stuff on Instagram…” “Turned out well,” smiles Angie. We know Ascia as a “hybrid” half-Kuwaiti, half-American, and Angie also is a third-culture kid with a Thai mother and British father. Having this similarity in common, how do they balance each other out? “We bring the best of both worlds, and we bring the best of [ourselves] into the business,” Angie immediately answers. You can hear there is consideration in Angie’s tone of voice as she expands, “We have to have trust, respect and have the same goal”. Ascia nods in agreement, adding, “We actually communicate a lot more privately than our team even knows. There are lots of hard conversations that we have together, and we try to be really upfront with each other.” In a thoughtful moment, Ascia explains how she realized that the gift that Angie had given her was to allow Ascia the cushion of surrounding herself with family and friends in business. Angie had made herself completely vulnerable to being the outsider in order to empower Ascia and to protect her. Having been a huge media star herself, with hordes of fans still out there, Angie knows what it takes to be both business partner and friend. While the trust is undoubtedly there, retail is still a tough business, and beauty and cosmetics is probably the toughest of all. Margins are low, products have a shelf life, you have to be careful with what you put out into the market with your name on it in case something goes wrong. When visiting the Seoul Kool Head Office, bazaar sees a cupboard full of products that have been tried by Ascia and the team. These are what will make it online and into store. Then they show us another cupboard, floor to ceiling doors with shelves packed deep and high of products still yet to be given the Seoul Kool stamp of approval before they are sold under the multi-brand’s label. Angie talks about how she is embracing the idea of aging gracefully, but to look at her you can see there are some damn fine genes going on there; although good genes also require consistent, regular help to look as great as Angie and Ascia do. Charlotte Tilbury has also commented on how good Ascia’s skin is by the way; in the beauty world, that’s epic. Angie felt she wanted to invest in beauty products for herself but couldn’t find a place that was accessible, with good products at an affordable price, where customers are provided with lots of information and great one-to-one service. “You should be able to indulge in skin care.” You can tell ‘indulge’ is a mantra here, as the co-owners say the word at the same time. So, both feeling that if they were looking for this type of skin care that others might be too, they were emboldened to

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launch Seoul Kool which they did, online on June 25, 2018. It seems an odd choice, an online presence first when you want to put into place customer service as the core to your business but navigating seoulkool. me is super easy. It’s bi-lingual English and Arabic, bright and colorful with simple delineation and clearly explained uses for the items. This is a real plus because the instructions on the packaging are typically only in Korean. Plus, you can also get individual attention through direct messaging on Instagram or through email. “K-Beauty evolves quickly,” says Angie, “so they follow the trends, grabbing onto something that is fast moving.” In this regard then it makes perfect business sense to have Seoul Kool be web oriented. Angie, with no formal background in it, turns out to be a natural born negotiator, and has secured exclusive rights to not only the individual products that Seoul Kool sells but the ancillary range around those products too. This is understanding business writ large, shows forethought, long-term planning and gives Seoul Kool the room to maneuver within its assortment while still maintaining the same supplier deal.

Still, and despite having been on the worldwide web for the last year and essentially with the potential to be in everyone’s homes, or on their phones, already, when asked what does success for Seoul Kool look like, Angie jumps in with, “For me, hopefully that we will be everywhere in the Middle East and the GCC!” “My dream is not to have Seoul Kool all over the Middle East!” laughs Ascia. “My dream is that people in the Middle East find their groove in their skin care by consuming products that we provide them.” It sounds like these two have another conversation coming, and to see how the tale unfolds of not only the partnership of Ascia and Angie but of Seoul Kool will be so cool to observe. Here’s to many more anniversaries!

To shop Seoul Kool online visit www.seoulkool.me and follow their Instagram account @meseoulkool. The Seoul Kool boutique can be found by accessing Sama Mall through gate one (main gate) and going up to the first floor. Find Jumo Coffee on Instagram @jumocoffee. Main image courtesy of Seoul Kool.

Blast into a world of adventure with Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and the gang.

Pottery barn

1st Avenue - The Avenues Tel: 2228 3378

NEWS JUNKIES, BEWARE

Media coverage of violent events is found to fuel a cycle of stress By Melissa Healy

In an era of round-the-clock news cycles and ever-present social media apps, violent events that occur thousands of miles away can feel as though they strike increasingly close to home. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that wall-to-wall media coverage of mayhem can induce post-traumatic stress in those who consume it. A new study that tracked thousands of Americans after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 in Orlando, Fla., found that for many who acknowledged initial distress over one of these events, watching lots of news coverage about it was associated with experiencing more post-traumatic stress symptoms six months later. And that was not the end of their distress. Those who spent more hours engaged with seven different forms of media coverage about one event were more likely to worry over future events. And then, when another national trauma took place, those same people tended to seek out more coverage of it. The result of this vicious cycle: deepened levels of distress. “Distress responses to past large-scale collective traumas (e.g., terror attacks) may sensitize some individuals to media coverage of later collective tragedies, thereby exacerbating distress responses in their aftermath,” the study authors wrote in the journal Science Advances. “This sensitization process may fuel a cycle of distress.” And that, the authors added, is a public health issue, since people with post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic distress are more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. The researchers, from the University of California, Irvine, analyzed the news and social media consumption of 4,165 adults from around the United States. They also tracked their psychological states for as long as three years after two major violent events: the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three and injured hundreds, and the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub that left 49 dead and 53 injured. Six months after the Boston bombings, the amount of media coverage a study participant was exposed to was a good predictor of the number of PTSD symptoms he or she exhibited — including intrusive thoughts or memories about the bombings, hypersensitivity to potentially fearful cues, numbness and avoidance of reminders. Those with higher levels of media exposure also expressed greater worry about future violent events two years after the bombings.

In turn, after the Pulse nightclub attack, study participants who had high levels of stress and worry about future events were more likely to report both higher levels of media exposure related to the Orlando shooting and more acute stress stemming from the massacre. It’s widely known that some people are more likely to develop PTSD, including those with a history of depression, anxiety or exposure to violence. But even after accounting for this variation in vulnerability, the UC Irvine team found that more media consumption concerning one event set people up for greater distress, and then for greater consumption of coverage of a later event. These results are in line with a growing consensus among PTSD researchers, said Dr. David Spiegel, a psychiatrist who directs Stanford’s Center on Stress and Health. “Exposure to trauma, even at a distance, will elicit the kind of reaction you might have if you are witnessing an event yourself,” he said. The fact that one is experiencing the events on a screen and is not in immediate danger may mitigate the effects of the sounds, images and vivid accounts of trauma, Spiegel said. “But we have these big brains that allow us to imagine what it’s like to be there,” he said. When it comes to processing raw images coming across our

TVs, laptops and devices, our rich imaginations can conjure very real feelings of immediate danger, he added. The study authors say their findings hold lessons for news outlets and social media companies, as well as for their audiences. Media organizations “need to recognize the vital role they can play in broadcasting distress,” they wrote. Amid “pressure to generate clicks and shares,” providers of news-related content should resist the temptations of sensationalism and adopt “a more even-handed” approach, they added. But news consumers, too, should “understand how they may be putting their long-term mental and physical health at risk by closely following along with collective traumas” as they unfold, the authors added. Spiegel agreed that news junkies — especially those with a history of trauma — need to be mindful of their propensity to become distressed and limit viewing habits accordingly. And parents should be vigilant about limiting their children’s exposure to the sights and sounds of mayhem. “Everything in their world is linked to them,” he said. “So, these events get woven into the story of their personal narrative, and that can make it more damaging.” Photo by Thomas Charters on Unsplash.

Lulu Market

STYLISH SUMMER STAYCATIONS A getaway without getting away By bazaar staff

There are two types of people. The first type has looked over the calendar and has booked a quick getaway for all of the longweekends in the year. The second type is not very good at planning ahead, so is probably also broke and has no vacation plans. Instead of spending the entire time in bed bingewatching movies and eating bad takeout, plan yourself a city staycation that is easy on the wallet and will still leave you fresh and recharged. We all say that travel is amazing because of all the new things we see and learn and that exploring new cultures is always a great way to broaden our horizons. We don’t disagree, but we think that people also go on vacations because they love staying in hotels and eating buffet breakfasts. Book a night or two in some of our favorite local hotels and you can recreate the feelings. Four Seasons Kuwait At Burj Al Shaya This hotel is chic on steroids, everything is just so grand. There is an indoor spa pool that you can enjoy

in any weather and an outdoor pool that can be perfect for working on your tan. But one of the best things about is that is in the heart of Kuwait City. You can walk to Al Shaheed Park, Mubarakiya and the Grand Mosque for some good old fashioned down town tourism. For more information, follow @fskuwait on Instagram. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa Your body will automatically relax after being exposed to the gorgeous Arabia Gulf. Get a massage in the spa, soak in the pool or enjoy a shisha in The Garden Café. The hotel also offers apartments and villas on the premises if you need more space for a larger family. For more information, follow @jumeirahmessilahbeach on Instagram. Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait While this might be slightly all the way out in the FreeZone, but the resort-style hotel means you truly do escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Pretend you are in the Maldives or Hawaii and lounge by the pool while you sip mint lemonades. For more information, follow @movenpickkuwait on Instagram.

Safir Marina Kuwait Hotel This beachfront hotel in the Salmiya means you can catch a movie, walk to The Scientific Center in Kuwait and check out the Sheikh Abdulla Al Salem Cultural Center in the same day without having to go too far. For more information visit www.safirhotels.com. The Palms Beach Hotel and Spa The Palms boasts not only a private beach but four outdoor pools and a diving center. It is a haven for those of us who love all kinds of water activities. Make sure you work up an appetite because you five restaurants to choose from. For more information, follow @thepalmsbeachhotel on Instagram. Prices and availability change, so you need to call and make a reservation. You might not even have to stay the night, check with the hotel to see if they offer dayuse options where you can enjoy the pool and a meal.

For more staycation ideas, visit www.bazaar.town. Featured image courtesy of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa.

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LOVE STORIES SWIM CLUB X H&M An exclusive swimwear collaboration just in time for summer vacation

By bazaar staff

Swimwear can be a challenging purchase. Which is why we are excited about H&M’s upcoming collaboration with the Dutch brand Love Stories. The in-house H&M design team worked with Marloes Hoedeman, Love Stories pioneering founder for the development of the collection. The Dutch lingerie brand is renowned for creating playful pieces that are still comfortable and practical. Candy-coated colors, romantic prints and superior, sporty cuts: the collection contains all the elements that made its whimsical lingerie collaboration such a success, but this time translated to swimwear. Staying true to Marloes Hoedeman’s “mix’n’match” mentality, each item in the collection is designed to be interchangeable. “It’s a dream to be collaborating with H&M again, offering customers a Love Stories aesthetic at H&M prices. The Love Stories Swim Club X H&M collaboration stays true to our mix’n’match principle and is designed for fun summer holidays – whether you’re relaxing at the beach or surfing the waves”, says Marloes Hoedeman, founder of Love Stories.

Inspired by Seventies-era Slim Aarons photographs of poolside scenes and Hoedeman’s holidays in Ibiza, the collection is an active proposal for the girl who wants to surf as well as sunbathe. A palette of dusky pinks, vintage greens and tangerine prevails. Retro bandeau, triangle bikinis and off-the-shoulder swimsuits take inspiration from soft lingerie shapes; meanwhile wetsuit and belted one-pieces take their cues from traditional surfing styles. Summer accessories such as towels, sarongs, bags and loose beach tunics come in complementary soft animal prints and sophisticated monograms. “This playful mix'n'match swim wear collection is the perfect choice for lounging by the pool or having fun at the beach, to casually slipping into a tunic and head straight to meet friends. It is breezy and elegant, with a dusty color palette and body flattering cuts. We hope that this cool and sporty collection will inspire our customers to explore their own personal summer style”, says Maria Östblom, Head of Design Womenswear at H&M. What motivated you to launch Love Stories in 2013? I had always loved lingerie, but I struggled to find anything that I liked. Matching sets and big padded

bras felt so old-fashioned – not me at all. So, I decided to design my own lingerie: nothing stereotypically sexy, no wired bras, and incorporating colors, moods and fabrics that are not common in traditional lingerie designs, such as velvet, jacquard and dusty pastels. I didn’t have a technical background but, as a stylist for interiors and fashion magazines, I had worked a lot with fabrics and prints. When I gave a friend a sample to try, she reported back: “This is like a holiday for your body!” I knew that that was how lingerie should make you feel: comfortable, relaxed and pretty. You have collaborated with H&M before; how does it feel to be collaborating a second time? Our first collaboration with H&M, on lingerie last year, was such a success and I’m really thrilled to be collaborating for a second time – this time on a line of swimwear. At Love Stories, we branched out into swimwear in 2016 because I noticed on Instagram that lots of girls were swimming in our lingerie. We weren’t using the right fabrics for saltwater or chlorine, so I knew I had to make some proper swimwear inspired by our lingerie styles. The H&M Swim Club collaboration is true to that principle – it was important to keep the same shapes that we use in our lingerie, as well as the same fun, mismatched spirit.

Mayflower Swimsuit

Nightflight Swimsuit

Sarong

Bum Bag

Tote Bag

Flip Flop

Read the rest of the interview on bazaar.town! The Love Stories X H&M swimwear collaboration will be available in selected stores and online from June 13th.For more information, visit kw.hm.com. Featured image courtesy of H&M.

LEADING OUT LOUD

Female Founders in the Instagram era are finding that they have unprecedented influence--whether or not they want It By Carrie Battan

Tyler Haney was fed up. Last November, she was trying to fill an executive role at her athleisure company, Outdoor Voices, and had brought in an external recruiting firm. Haney had been clear about what she was looking for, but the recruiters seemed oblivious to--or disdainful of--her wishes. So the 30-year-old founder and CEO went on her Instagram account and posted a sweaty gym selfie to her nearly 50,000 followers with an impassioned caption: "I may look sweet and people call me cute . . . but underneath it all I am a BEAST. It's wild how many people try to chip away at this strength on a daily basis." The message was nonspecific in a way that prevented any controversy. And it was more about energizing her users than selling product--though perhaps those goals were the same. Broadcasting her discontent was a risk, but a calculated one. "People loved it," Haney says. The post drew nearly 6,000 likes. 74

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Haney, whose company raised $34 million in March 2018 for a total of $56.5 million in funding, is a formidable entrepreneur. But she's also a social media maven whose customers enthusiastically follow her exploits, whether she's taking a hike in Outdoor Voices' two-toned leggings or hitting the Country Music Awards red carpet in a tulle gown with musician boyfriend Mark Wystrach. "I've made an effort to make [followers] feel better about themselves so they keep coming back," she says. Many of today's young female entrepreneurs are as comfortable narrating their morning routines on Instagram Stories as they are leading financial negotiations in boardrooms. Some have mastered the art of social media to the point of amassing tens--and even hundreds--of thousands of followers, becoming the sort of brand ambassadors that companies have traditionally paid to align with. Though these founders may not fully embrace the much-loathed designation "influencer," they are plenty influential. Only 2.2% of the overall $130 billion of venture capital raised by companies last year went to female founders. And yet, or perhaps, because of this scarcity, it is female entrepreneurship that is drawing disproportionate attention, especially in today's era of post-#MeToo reckoning in the workplace and wider culture. If a decade ago the media was fixated on

male startup founders in hoodies and flip-flops, today it's reveling in images of GirlBoss Rallies, Bumble Bizz networking events, and female coworking spaces such as the Wing, where the photo ops are abundant. As a result, female entrepreneurs--even those with just a few thousand followers--are finding their voices amplified. The female-founder-as-influencer phenomenon didn't emerge overnight. Investors have long sought out entrepreneurs who embody a certain kind of "magnetism," says Kirsten Green, founding partner at nine-year-old venture capital firm Forerunner Ventures, which has invested in a number of highprofile, female-forward brands over the years. "As a founder, you're going to have to move mountains," she says. "You're going to have to compel so many people to get on that journey with you," including investors, employees, and customers. It has become fairly standard for investors to look for early signs of a founder's charisma on social media, especially when the founder is a woman. Sutian Dong, who launched the Female Founders Fund in 2014 to back women-led companies, consults entrepreneurs' Instagram accounts to vet them and see how they might engage with their customers. "On Instagram, you can create community, which, historically, women have been better at doing," she says.

savanah

For women, however, this kind of exposure raises a host of complicating, gendered considerations. "People sometimes [don't realize] the affability that women have to have in this world," says Jessica O. Matthews, founder and CEO of Uncharted Power, which provides renewable-energy infrastructure to developing communities. Matthews's social presence is nascent, but she's aware of how she presents herself online. "I know a lot of guys who are seen to be tech geniuses, and they don't shower. I don't think any woman could get away with it," she says. In a medium that often emphasizes image over substance, looks matter: "The reality of the situation is, I have to make time to build my go-to-market strategy and get my weave done. There's no world where anyone's going to be okay with me looking like boo boo the fool," she says. As a black female founder, Matthews feels the burden of representation even more acutely. "You can't be what you can't see," she says. "I have to, to a certain extent, be willing to live out loud [on social media]." Even when Instagram is being used to spread an empowering message, certain stereotypes are perpetuated. Often, female entrepreneurs must traffic in self-deprecation, conveying "a little bit of relatability," says cultural critic and brand strategist Aminatou Sow, cofounder of the popular Call Your Girlfriend podcast. She has noticed that while male CEOs seem comfortable posting selfies taken aboard private jets, women tend to relegate posts that reveal their newfound lavish lifestyles to private accounts, or forgo them altogether. Outdoor Voices' Haney says she's conscious of not appearing too "daunting" on social media and avoids flaunting her success. There are practical hazards to tying your company's image to your own. Polina Veksler and Alex Waldman, cofounders of the clothing company Universal Standard, which is known for its 00-to-40 size range, have both opted out of social media. To become the faces of Universal Standard would mean typecasting a brand whose entire ethos is to be untypecastable. "There's a Chanel girl, an Armani woman," Waldman says. "There's no Universal Standard woman." A founder's personal failings can also be catastrophic to a company when their brands are intertwined. Being a brand ambassador can also be extraordinarily time-consuming. It's perhaps not coincidental that many prominent female founders have deputies or top executives with quiet or nonexistent social media presences. Haney recently hired sportswear veteran Pamela Catlett as Outdoor Voices' president and chief operating officer. Catlett has no Instagram account. Jen Rubio's Away cofounder, CEO Steph Korey, is less active on social media. Drybar founder Alli Webb is the voice of the brand, while CEO John Heffner runs the company day-to-day. At the rising apparel brand Cuyana, the labor is often split between cofounders Karla Gallardo, the CEO who is less public-facing, and Shilpa Shah, who handles branding and serves as a spokeswoman. "I get the privilege of connecting with our audience," Shah says, "because Karla has created the time for me to do so." For some female founders, even dabbling in the

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social media game is not worth the risk. Katerina Schneider, founder and CEO of the female-oriented vitamin brand Ritual, made a decision to avoid it completely. She admits that her team frequently suggests that the company might benefit if its customers had insight into Schneider's experiences as an entrepreneur and a mother. "When I speak at events, I tell women that they

don't have to choose: They can have kids and grow a business," Schneider says. But she's not interested in turning her private life into a showcase. "I don't want to spend my time thinking about my outfit or the lighting or how my face is going to look in a selfie," she says. "I prefer to spend it developing the best possible product." For female founders in the age of Instagram, that's an increasingly daring choice.

Promenade ice

THE SUMMER OF SELF-LOVE

Cali dreams with Monki What good is the warmth of summer if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully embrace the season with the flowiest dresses and the most comfortable shorts? Taking all of it in and hitting the beach! Monkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer collection is all about giving yourself love under the glistening sunshine, whether you were taking a walk by the seashore, or traveling to the most exotic destinations, your outfit choices will be on point for the entirety of the season. By bazaar staff

For this collection, Monki collaborated with the Los Angeles-based filmmaker Madelynn De La Rosa, who is also the star and face of the campaign. She produced the accompanying film of the collection and is known for her passion towards sustainable fashion and French cinema. The film was taken and captured in LA to get a true feeling of what the pieces represent, an endless Californian dream during the summer of self-love. The days are certainly growing longer, some are hotter than the ones to come. But Monki’s collection is giving us the ultimate summer vibe of being carefree, playful and dreamy. The pieces combine two essential elements; comfort accompanied by relaxation, which is clearly seen in every single floral printed dress. We literally cannot wait any longer to go out there and grab a couple for ourselves and match them with their unique net bag and our old school Vans. With the beautifully shot film, we get to see each outfit in a different setting. A short denim dress truly shines and stands-out in between bright colors, while floral daisy printed dresses represent the most relaxed phases of summer. From laying down in a field of grass, to settling in by the beach to absorb a bit of vitamin D feels. It’s all about just the right place to sit down with yourself and enjoy some peace of mind. In summer, we belong by the sea, with flowers in our hair. For those days when the heat waves strike, we demand comfort and extreme coziness, and that can only be accomplished with a pair of colorful, fruit-printed shorts. You can even opt for bright jersey shorts, and this way you’ve instantly sorted out the perfect pair of summer bottoms. They are absolutely perfect for mixing and matching with Monki’s tees that are made from 100% organic cotton, or their super cool crop tops. For this season of self-love, treat yourself with all the things that will end up making your summer extra special. Avoid stressful situations and opt for more playful and fun days, from trying out new types of food, filling up those much needed cold shakes to checking out the bucket list of activities that are waiting to be activated. Embrace all of the season’s greatest traits with Monki’s summer carefree and dreamy collection.

Monki is located at Grand Avenue-The Avenues. For more information, visit the website www.monki.com, or follow @Monki on Instagram.

bazaar goes cruising

MASERATI AT THE SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW 2019 The Italian luxury automotive manufacturer took Asia by storm By bazaar staff

Enthusiasts and car lovers flock to the floor to see, touch and experience the latest and greatest designs, technologies and innovations. And the iconic Maserati wowed its fans and lovers by showcasing new models and customizations. Maserati debuted not one, but three models for the Chinese market; the Levante SUV, Ghibli sport sedan and Quattroporte MY19 the flagship of the fleet.

The MY19 range has seen a meticulous restyling initiative combined with targeted style updates and exciting new contents. Visitors found a Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso displayed at the Maserati booth in the eye-catching Blu Sofisticato colour combined with black interiors made it stand out and coupled with the new and exclusive Zegna PELLETESSUTA™ material look stunning. The 21” Atlante alloy rims boasting spiffy blue brake calipers and sporty seats underscore the dual aspect of this particular car, sporty and elegant at the same time. Exclusivity or excellence, one cannot overstate the special importance of this flagship model for Maserati. Its origins go back to the first series, designed in 1963 to be the fastest sedan in the world.

The Trident SUV, Maserati Levante GranLusso MY19, was also featured in the booth with a three-layer Blu Nobile exterior color treatment which creates a deeper chromatic effect. The 21” Helios rims with dramatic black brake calipers. The interiors are upholstered with “Pieno Fiore” leather, a full-grained leather without equal in the automotive industry, due to its naturally supple, soft feel and the way it becomes even more beautiful over the years. Completing the Maserati range, Maserati presented the Ghibli GranLusso with Blu Nobile for the exterior. The interiors are in the luxurious black Pieno Fiore leather with contrasting gray stitching and headlining in grey Alcantara. The 20” alloy rims are Teseo. The GranLusso trim adds a further touch of sophistication to the

fleet of Maserati cars, thanks to the use of exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna silk, open-pore burl wood trim for the dashboard fascia and the leather steering wheel. As a standard feature one will also find 12-way power adjustable Comfort seats with memory and the peerless Premium Harman Kardon audio system. The pedals and steering wheel adjust electrically, as does the sunblind for the rear window, the Soft Close door closure system, and the lockable glove compartment in front of the passenger. In line with Maserati’s tradition of excellence, customers are offered a wide range of interior materials from which to choose, the most luxurious of which would be the natural “Pieno Fiore” leather, available in Nero (black), Rosso (red) and Cuoio (tan) for the comfort and sporty seats, each one with its own stitch options.

The MY19 range is introducing important new upgrades, making the Maserati cars even more fun to drive. The gearshift lever has been redesigned with a short-stroke system, more intuitive gearshift pattern and improved functionality. The driver now has the option to use it in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from the right to the left, while a new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pâ&#x20AC;? button effortlessly settings the transmission in parking mode. With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes cluster on the center console of all three models is even user-friendlier. Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte share the same MTC+ infotainment system, which is based on a highresolution 8.4â&#x20AC;? multi-touch screen and a double rotary knob on the center console. The human-machine interface has been further improved for MY19 with updated display graphics and improved climate system ergonomics. The airflow distribution control, which is fully separated for driver and front passenger, has been revised and offers additional customization options.

Each Maserati model boasts a dedicated color selection, which is continuously refreshed. For MY19 there is a choice of ten body colors for the Quattroporte and eleven for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Maserati is focusing on customization and showcasing the Italianness of its products. And the Asian market is perfectly poised to appreciate and enjoy the luxurious interiors and aesthetic. The booth featured long-time partner, Ermenegildo Zegna, along with De Castelli and Giorgetti, outstanding representatives of Made in Italy excellences, known throughout the world. Giorgetti, the internationally renowned Italian woodworking company, known for its furniture and unique design pieces, De Castelli, a leading metalworking firm, specializing in the production of unique home design accessories, custom surfaces and projects and Ermenegildo Zegna, a longstanding partner and a leader in the field of fabrics and men’s luxury clothing. At Maserati tradition inspires innovation, combining fine craftsmanship, advanced technology and sophisticated design into an exclusive, unique mix only Maserati knows how to apply. The stand provided an instructive tour through three different dedicated thematic areas. Each area featured a display of tools, materials and components that, specially crafted by Zegna, De Castelli and Giorgetti, bear witness to the unending quest for excellence, style and originality, typical for products designed and Made in Italy, and therefore typical of Maserati.

Zegna premiered its new car interiors in PELLETESSUTA, a special woven nappa leather, the product of pioneering research by Ermenegildo Zegna, seeking to create a luxurious, innovative, lightweight and soft fabric that is versatile and well suited for the creation of products, ranging from home design complements to multimedia accessories. The bond between Zegna and Maserati grows stronger with each passing year, in no small part due to the historical similarities of the two brands. The Giorgetti cabinet-making tradition started in Brianza in 1898, and more than 120 years later is still continuing to evolve and innovate. The company looks to the future, how to convey and stay on top of all the changes in a dynamically transforming world. Giorgetti’s approach to interior design involves interpreting behaviors and tastes in various different markets, creating pieces that are free of all formal conventions, capable of coexisting harmoniously in any context, dissolving cultural and temporal distances, an aesthetic that matches Maserati perfectly. True to its commitment to restore metal’s privileged role in projectual experimentation, De Castelli is grafting a craft-based concept and approach to work onto typically industrial processes, a bold synthesis that leads to unprecedented results. Delabré is the name of an artisanal finish conceived of and realized by De Castelli. It consists in the manual oxidation of materials like steel, copper and brass, capable of imbuing them

with unique, unrepeatable chromatic effects. The auto-show was also an opportunity to show Maserati-related special items. Maserati's prestige partnership with Bulgari, launched in 2012, led to the creation of two exclusive wristwatches: Octo Maserati GranLusso and Octo Maserati GranSport by Bulgari Specifically intended for owners of the Brand's cars, they feature the spectacular dial (with retrograde minutes and jumping hours) resembling the rpm-counter of a Maserati, while the stitched leather strap recalls the upholstery of Trident cars. Ermenegildo Zegna fans were introduced to the Maserati Capsule Collection for Spring Summer 2019: an exquisite collection of leather goods, travel clothing and elegant accessories, displaying all the excellence for which these two iconic Italian brands are famed. Together the two brands offer products of unrivalled quality of details, performance and design, made to measure for those wishing to surround themselves with luxury.

For more information, visit the Maserati Showroom at Al Zayani, Al Rai Industrial Area, 4th Ring Road, or call 180 80 10 and visit www.kuwait.maserati.com. 83

THE BALL IS MINE

Science explains why you wrongly think that the ball is yours By Lisa M. Krieger

Nearly simultaneously, two players grab for a ball. Who got it first? Whether on the playground or sports arena, we think it’s ours, and scientists now know why: We mentally register our own sensations before whatever else is around us. “We have identified what may be a principal cause of arguments in ballgames, and it is about time,” conclude psychologists Ty Tang and Michael McBeath of Arizona State University. Their research is published in a recent issue of the journal Science Advances. When our brain expects to feel something, it senses it about 50 milliseconds before it perceives an unexpected external physical sensation, they found. So, if two players hit a ball nearly simultaneously, they’ll have different understandings of the experience. As a result, things can turn quickly 84

divisive in sports like basketball, where possession of the ball knocked out of bounds is awarded to the player who wasn’t the last to touch it. Why? It’s complicated, but has something to do with anticipation — and the time it takes surprising sights and sounds to travel to our brain. When we’re anticipating a sensation created by our own actions, we perceive it in near “real time,” said Tang. In contrast, there’s a delay when our brains register an action that is unexpected — such as someone else grabbing our ball. The finding was revealed through three “timing games” with dozens of students. Each pair of volunteers sat across from each other at a table, then touched a sensor on the other person’s hand in response to a flash of light. Students asserted “I touched first!” between 67 and 75 percent of the time. That’s mathematically impossible. The new study builds on a growing body of work about the role of perception in misinterpreting the world around us.

Previous research revealed why baseball umpires appear to routinely favor calling “outs” in close baserunner situations. Because light travels faster than sound, a fan sitting 100 or 200 feet away perceives the runner as reaching the base about one or two tenths of a second before they hear the ball strike the mitt. “The further back you are, the more likely you are to think runner will be safe,” said Tang. “You’re seeing it before you hear it.” It’s important to be aware of our bias, he said. Technology — such as an automatic brake system in vehicles that identifies hazards and stops faster than we can — can help overcome our limits. And perhaps it can reduce disputes on the field, he added. “We’re hoping it will help people become more understanding of other people’s experiences and beliefs,” he said.

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash.

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PACKING POWER

The hit-making film and television producer talks about breaking into entertainment and "the new American mainstream." By KC Ifeanyi

Producer Will Packer's films, such as the NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, Tiffany Haddish's breakout vehicle Girls Trip, and the dance drama Stomp the Yard, have generated more than $1 billion at the box office by making blockbusters that appeal to black audiences and beyond. His latest film, Little, starring Issa Rae and Black-ish's Marsai Martin, was coproduced by 14-yearold Martin, whom he worked with to develop and pitch the idea for a Big-in-reverse-style comedy. Little showcases the talent of 14-year-old Marsai Martin, both behind and in front of the camera. She's now the youngest person ever to have produced a Hollywood movie. What made you want to work with her? This next generation of creatives is more comfortable with its voice than previous generations. They are more aware of their reach and their power. With the right leadership and guiding hand, the sky's the limit for them. Marsai is a great example. She's amazing in that she listens to me and allows me to give her advice. But she has a very clear idea of what she wants to do, and what her talents are. My job is to put her in a position to win. You broke into film in 1994 as an undergraduate at Florida A&M University by producing Chocolate City, a drama about a young man attending a historically black college. You spent $20,000 on the film, which became a local hit. What did you learn from that experience? There is a benefit to naĂŻvetĂŠ--you try everything and you're fearless. As an industry veteran, I think you still have to be fearless, even when you know that certain things may not work. You have [to remember] that you wouldn't be where you are if it wasn't for bucking trends and doing things in a nontraditional way. I still have the philosophy that I have to attack this industry every day as if it's my first movie and I've got something to prove. With Chocolate City, you tapped into an underserved audience that was hungry for films that spoke to their own experiences. Do you think the industry has changed its outlook on tailoring content for specific audiences? Being somebody who started off creating content for a niche audience, I was always feeling pressure from financiers, studios, distributors to bring the budgets down. But I understood how to get in under the hood

and where to move the chips around in order to make [my films] palatable for a financier. This is before people realized how big and fruitful my niche could be. I don't think anybody would say the urban--or new American mainstream--audience is some tiny niche now. Everybody knows that audience is a force to be reckoned with. Would you ever consider doing a film about politics? I have done more of what I would consider escapist fare, [but] my content is not without messaging. We have

such a dearth of content that showcases a variety of black [experiences] on the screen. I combat this every time I create something that flies in the face of all the old negative stereotypes that Hollywood used to put out around black people. My first No. 1 movie was [2007's] Stomp the Yard. I wanted to make a movie that showed the impact and benefit of historically black colleges and universities. I still have [fans] today who tell me, "My kid wants to go to college, or wants to go to a black college, because they watched Stomp the Yard." That, to me, is the ultimate impact.

Savanah 2

SHOP YOUR HEARTS OUT WITH GULF BANK

With Gulf Bank credit cards, you get rewarded for what you’d spend anyway! By bazaar staff

We all love a deal, and once again Gulf Bank is giving us a great one! Every time you purchase something using your Gulf Bank credit cards you can receive multiple benefits. Gulf Bank offers the highest cashback reward program in Kuwait, and that always feels good when you have earned yourself some money for essentially, spending it! Maybe you can afford that little extra something with this unexpected cashback boost! They also have the fastest rewards points program too, so you can immediately see what credit card spending with Gulf Bank has earned you. Summer is here, and that can mean some additional spending for all of us, if even it only means bulk buying SPF50 to tide us over at the beach and pool for the next few months while on a staycation. Or, for those of you that will be escaping to cooler climes and traveling, Gulf Bank credit cards can be super handy for purchasing flights and accommodation before you travel, or for expenses while you are there such as car rental, restaurants and taking in a show or two. We’ve also probably all been in a space where we’ve been lucky to remember to have our credit cards on us when we’ve experienced some bill we’ve forgotten to calculate or had some unforeseen expenses, have you seen the price of petrol in Europe?! So, with these reward programs, Gulf Bank helps you out twice over, with the ability to spend in the first place, and you receive the reward points from spending! With such major purchases needed for vacations, there is no doubt that you will see the benefit of spending on these cards. No matter whether you are using your credit card locally or abroad, you are definitely going to be able to take advantage of the many generous perks available to you as a Gulf Bank credit cardholder. Gulf Bank takes great pride in always being able to offer their credit card holders instant, tangible benefits which are designed to make your life that much more rewarding and convenient. In terms of innovation, Gulf Bank leads the pack, and proudly offers both the highest cashback program and the fastest rewards points program in Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s Cashback program can only ever add value to your typical shopping experience with cash rewards whenever you spend using your Visa Platinum or Mastercard Titanium credit cards. Through the Gulf Bank Cashback program, you can receive up to 10% cashback whenever you spend

at various grocery and supermarket locations around the country. That’s cash, that comes back to you, for things that you do in everyday life. Gulf Bank also offers up to 5% cashback whenever you use your credit card at other outlets worldwide. Combine that with saving your receipts and getting the local tax back at the airport and that’s a neat little money earner! Living in Kuwait usually means that we are no strangers to shopping online when we’re not out and about abroad, and unbelievably Gulf Bank still gives you up to 5% cashback when shopping on foreign outlet websites too! Gulf Bank credit card holders can also take advantage of the Gulf Points program, the fastest rewarding program in Kuwait that gives cardholders valuable points to use for free airline travel, hotel accommodation, and exclusive seasonal travel packages. With this program, Gulf Bank credit card holders can earn points for every KD 1 spent locally. Even better, when you spend internationally you get the ability to double your points and pay with the local currency of the country you’re visiting. Credit card holders can also redeem their points to receive a huge variety of benefits. These can include free air tickets with all airlines, and free hotel accommodation at over 300,000 hotels worldwide. On top of this, you can also gain access to customized travel packages offered by Alghanim Travel. What a great way to plan your trip! Gulf Bank is also the only bank in Kuwait providing the Easy Pay service, an easy way to split your shopping bills upon paying with your Gulf Bank credit card. Easy Pay makes shopping a lot more convenient by allowing credit cardholders the ability to convert their high-value purchases into 12 monthly installments at 0% interest and no processing fees. For participating outlets, the minimum purchase value required for the 12 monthly installments is KD 100. So you have, split payments on big ticket items and you get rewards just by using your Gulf Bank credit cards. As well as all these fabulous perks, Gulf Bank credit card holders can instantly make use of discounts at over eighty local businesses. In addition, you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience, with access to concierge service offering both local and global services, airport lounge access, travel insurance and rental car discounts.

For more information on Gulf Bank credit cards, you can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 branches or log on to www.e-gulfbank.com. You can also contact the Customer Contact Center on 1805805 or ask for more information through the Gulf Bank WhatsApp service on 65805805.

THE ROBOTS AT FACEBOOK

Teaching the machines how to learn and do By Mark Sullivan

Facebook says it’s using robots to help advance its work in artificial intelligence. The work is similar to the (mildly creepy) autonomous robot work going on at Boston Dynamics, but different in that Facebook is opening up its research to everyone in the field. That’s why the company just released several research papers describing its work since last summer, when the robotics lab opened. Facebook is trying to develop artificial intelligence models that will allow robots–including walking hexapods, articulated arms, and robotic hands fitted with tactile sensors–to learn by themselves, and to keep getting smarter as they encounter more and more tasks and situations. In the case of the spider-like hexapod “Daisy” I saw walking around a patio at Facebook, the researchers give a goal to the robot and task the model with figuring out by trial and error how to get there. The goal can be as simple as just moving forward. In order to walk, the spider has to know a lot about its balance, location, and orientation in space. 90

It gathers this information through the sensors on its legs. “As it gathers information, the model optimizes for rewards and improves its performance over time,” say the researchers in a blog post. Also, the data coming from the robot’s various sensors in real-world testing can be messy and uncertain, which creates an even bigger challenge for the model. An uneven surface or new wind conditions could knock the thing off course or even cause it to fall over. This way of training a model (learning by doing) is different than the supervised learning other types of machine learning models undergo. For instance, a model designed to identify plants might be trained by showing it thousands of images, correctly labeled, and allowing the model to learn from the similarities between the images. The training data is relatively easy to come by; it’s available at open source sites, for example. Like human babies, the robots start out with almost nothing. They lack an understanding of their environment and how their bodies move within it. That’s one of the reasons Facebook rewards the AI models behind the robots to explore and learn. During my visit to the robotics lab in Menlo Park,

Facebook research scientist Franziska Meier showed me how she sends a command to a robotic arm. After the arm moved, she told me that it had just received and responded to 300 instructions, not just one. She actually sent instructions on which joints should move, how fast, how much, and in what order, and probably a bunch of other things. Part of the job of the model behind the robotic arm is to learn from itself. “We are sending commands to the joints and modeling the relationship between the commands and the movements of the joints,” Meier told me. Developing this keen understanding of cause and effect (as humans develop when very small) will help the robot complete specific tasks later on. This might include exploring a specific environment and manipulating objects. You might wonder why a social networking company is spending resources on robotics research. The answer is it’s ultimately more about the AI than the robots. “This work will lead to more capable robots, but more important, it will lead to AI that can learn more efficiently and better generalize to new applications,” the researchers said. Photo by Rock'n Roll Monkey on Unsplash.

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SNEHIKA SRIVASTAVA

An interview with the (in)sight-ful poet, activist and teen By Nejoud Al Yagout

Snehika Srivastava has quite a jawdropping resumé for a fourteen-year-old. She has written Op-Eds and conducted interviews for local newspapers, written a review, along with her twin brother Sachit, for bazaar's 2018 Dining Guide, and boasts a stint at Stanford University for a residential summer course in Creative Writing. Also, lest we forget, she exhibited her humanitarian side by sending out an email last year for Kuwaiti inhabitants to take part in a global initiative known as Good Deeds Day to spread good deeds in our community. Many members of our community responded to her call by donating clothes and toys and distributing them. And now, Snehika has published her debut collection of poetry titled (in)sight, to boot, which was reviewed by Dr. Shurooq Amin, a renowned local artist and poet, who wrote that Snehika's poems "... bring to mind a young e.e. cummings." That is quite the compliment! It is an honor to feature her in this month's issue. Here's to more from this young lady! (All her responses were deliberately not capitalized to reflect her stylistic choice in the book itself. Read on to find out why.) A poetry collection at the age of fourteen! That is quite an achievement. How did you decide to take the plunge and share your work? if i am being completely honest, this decision took me almost a year, not because i was unsure of taking the plunge, but because i was unsure whether i was ready to uncover some of my deepest thoughts. throughout this deliberation, i had always kept with me my goal with this book, which was to evoke an emotion in my readers (all emotions welcomed!)—by introducing a stream of thinking in their minds and giving them an opportunity to connect with their inner selves. this aim was of far more value to me than any doubts i had, and so without second thoughts, i decided to take the plunge and (in)sight was ready! The poems in your book are philosophical, poignant, and profound. Where does all this insight come from? this insight comes from thoughts i have had and emotions i have felt. these thoughts have gone through a tough grinding process of being made concise, much more concise than what goes on in my head. i try to present them in a way which reflects my thought process in the most transparent way

possible, but some mysteries are for the readers to uncover themselves because what is life without a few challenges? "sometimes, when the tiffany glow in the sky mixes with the vermillion rays like vivid colors on a palette i think they do get along..." This is an excerpt from one of your poems—the blurry painting of life. Such powerful imagery and exquisite diction, evoking emotions that run deep beneath the surface of one's psyche. And the words in your poems are not capitalized, neither are the titles. Is this stylistic or are you trying to convey a message? every word in my poem is not capitalized. this started off by having the capitalization option turned off in my writing application, and my writing flow prevented me from making any changes at the time. but while editing the book, i had the choice of capitalizing the proper nouns and the beginning of each sentence. however, i decided against that. as mentioned previously, i wanted this book to be as transparent and similar to my actual thought process as possible and changing the capitalization would mean altering the original output of the thought. so i chose to stay true to the originality of the poems and go full steam ahead—without any capital letters of course! Do you write the poems or do they write themselves? i’ve always been fond of hunting for words and fragile emotions that rest in my soul, and what flows inside me can hardly be described as a serene waterfall: it's

powerful. this sense of letting my thoughts out into the world in an elegant manner almost overpowers me, and behold! the poems are written. and so, the poems indeed, write themselves; my mind is just the pen. Finally, you are now in a position to galvanize your peers to pursue creative channels. Is there a way you are going to go about this? it would mean the absolute world to me if my words or actions could galvanize, encourage, and inspire my peers, and anyone reading this, to seek the creativity within them. please write that book, sing that song, dance to that rhythm and choose to express yourselves in every single way possible; i urge you to do so. you are not just an 'artist' or a 'star-student'; you have the wings to fly away from labels plastered upon you. creative expression will free you and bring to you unparalleled happiness. this world needs young creative minds to unfold and express themselves, away from technology that consumes us. trust me when i say your older self will look back on this decision and thank you for giving them an (in) sight into the personality development that has taken place in you. i can’t wait to see what my peers, and you dear reader, bring out into the world. and so i ask you, what is your (in)sight? For more on Nejoud Al Yagout, check out @coexistkuwait on Instagram.

Fantasy World

TSCK CARRIES ON CAMPING

Keep the kids busy, entertained and informed this summer and beyond By bazaar staff

“Camp” is not just for [Anna] Wintour, in fact, it’s best in the summer and The Scientific Center Kuwait is offering eight weeks of education and entertainment in a fun learning space for children who are aged 4 - 12 years old. Imagine less “MET Gala in May” and more a gale of environmental information on a meteoric scale throughout June and July. Through a series of eight weekly courses running from June 16 – August 8, inquisitive young campers will discover a wealth of knowledge on the fascinating world of Natural History. A spokesperson for The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) advises that the courses have been written, “in an effort to foster a love for the environment and concern for the conservation of its resources.” One well thought out aspect to these eight, 94

week-long camps, is that while attending for the full two months would undoubtedly be an incredibly full educational experience, the program has been cleverly written so that each week works as a single summer camp module by itself. Kids can attend a camp without having taken part in the previous weeks’ camps and still get just as much out of the five days long schedule. This means your child can attend one, or as many as you’d like, at any point during the summer program and attain the same level of understanding and enjoyment. There are three age groups for the camps; 4 - 6 years, 7 - 8 years and 10 - 12 years, and each group has their own “Explainer” with two assistant explainers and also volunteers who help to run the program daily. Each of the weekly camp’s age groups will experience the same topics and themes but will be taught at different levels according to their age-appropriate abilities. What is admirable about these camps is the way that the experience has been designed to be

delivered. There is an excellent staff to camper ratio when you consider the number of people on hand to help the cohort of up to 24 participants in each group. This means that as well as the material, which is engaging for all children, and delivered considering a number of pedagogies, parents can be confident in the quality ancillary support too. Because of this, the attendance of those children living with autism who are able to enjoy a level of demanding play-to-learn environments is also encouraged. A camp day starts at 9 am in Discovery Place which can be considered the “home room” for this first half an hour. Here attendance is taken and the groups readied for the busy day ahead. After home room, there is a quick physical warm-up to get the blood flowing, synapses firing on all cylinders, and the kids excited for the next sixty minutes of science class. No matter how much fun, learning can take a lot out of a child, so there is a designated snack break during which they can top up their energy. Even the break

times during the camp sessions serve a purpose, as www.livescience.com reports that children aged 8 – 9 years old who experience at least fifteen minutes of recess during the day perform better during academic time. During this daily camp break the campers can watch an educational video so they are constantly able to receive some kind of educationally stimulating environment. The kids are also allowed to nibble on snacks later during ‘creativity time’, which is where they will explore either visual, performing or language arts. Campers can get to know their fellow attendees while enjoying lunch. Parents or care givers should provide a packed lunch, making sure the fare is nutfree, healthy and nutritious. Kuwait is full of people from varied backgrounds and articles on www. psychology.com state that being exposed to a diverse group of peers when younger can improve confidence, social skills, and openness to new ideas. So, as well as learning all about science, attending these summer camps improves the abilities of you child in the area of interpersonal communication, producing empathetic well-rounded individuals. Generation Z will be the ones who are left to deal with the residual effects of how the baby boomers and Gen X-ers have treated our planet. The Scientific Center of Kuwait is concerned about the development and future of Kuwait’s environmental sustainability, as we saw with the astounding Re-Use exhibition. Through children learning about botany, the animal kingdom, geography and climate at an early age they can relate to and identify with their global and local environments. A 2015 article on www.fortune.com utilized marketing data which suggested that while Gen X could be scared into changing their behaviour, Gen Z is more likely to change behaviour if they can feel like they are part of being the solution, not the cause of the problem, “…offer them the opportunity to be part of a generation that could do something amazing: they could end [insert problem here].” Climate change? Limited energy resources? Perhaps these children will advance solar powered, hydroponic vertical farming and end world starvation? The Scientific Center of Kuwait is of course not offering these solutions outright, but wouldn’t it be fantastic that through exploring Natural History and the world around them, if children could continue the conversations started right here at The Scientific Center of Kuwait summer camps? Encourage your children to engage with the world around them and sign up today for a fun summer, and for a brighter future.

The TSCK Summer camps run from Sunday – Thursday 9 AM – 1.30 PM from June 16 – August 8, 2019. The Scientific Center of Kuwait is located on Gulf Road, Salmiya, block one. Follow their Instagram account @scicenterkw for more details on how to sign up and visit the website www.tsck.org.kw for more information on The Scientific Center of Kuwait, Discovery Place, Aquarium, Imax and other activities. Pictures courtesy of The Scientific Center of Kuwait. 95

bazaar weekends

KUWAIT KNITTERS

A solitary activity made even better with new-found friends By bazaar staff

Once a month on a Friday, I wake up really early and drive into Kuwait City where I meet my knitting group. I normally refuse to commit to anything that requires me to forgo my weekend sleep-ins. But for Kuwait Knitters, I make an exception. I learned how to knit from the Internet. As a new expat, I suddenly found myself unemployed, isolated and cut off from everything I knew. Knitting and crafting in general was my way of putting back productivity and structure into my life. And I loved it, but it was missing something; community. On the outside, knitting seems like a solitary activity. And the actual act of creating the stitches is. But it has always been a social activity. In the pre-digital age, you had to be taught how to do it by someone else and it usually took more than one sitting. Before printed patterns became widely available, knowledge 96

came from other people and mostly in person. Knitting brought women together. Even post-Internet, blogs, boards and forums are a huge source of information. Ravelry, the social media platform for yarn enthusiasts has a very active community in the forums. As human beings, we enjoy social interaction, it is why so many yarn stores all over the world host a knit night on their premises. Think of it as a book club for knitters. There wasn’t anything like that locally, until last year when a group of women started getting together once a month and formed Kuwait Knitters. The meet-ups are a wonderful place to learn new skills, ask for help, show off WIPS (works in progress) and FOs (finished objects). But it is also where you can find your tribe—like-minded people with whom you already have something in common with, a love of yarn and making. The members hail from all over the world and ages range from girls in school to older, wiser and more mature women. Our early Friday morning meetings mean we can take over the café. After we have all

ordered our mochas, lattes and cappuccinos we settle down and start sharing what we have all been working on. It is like show-and-tell for grownups. It is inspiring and heartwarming to watch people proud of what they created with sticks and string. It is also a place to grow our skills. Sometimes, someone will teach a new technique, share a tip or ask questions. For the many expats in the group, it is also a way to make new friends in our new-found home. We still use social media to stay in touch for the rest of the month, but meeting in person helps with the loneliness and isolation that many new comers get hit with. So even though my inner-introvert loves knitting because it is something I can do on my own, I am just as excited about the friendships that have become part of the fabric of my life because of it. If you are interested in joining, follow Kuwait Knitters @kuwaitknitters on Instagram to find out when and where the next meetup will be happening. Photo by Rebecca Grant on Unsplash.

Try our new weekly specials

400 gradi

Visit us at The Forum - The Avenues Please ask your server for more information

HOT, SWEET AND COLD

Shake Shack’s Hot Honey Chick’n is here! By bazaar staff

Shake Shack’s original menu items are always a delight to have and indulge in, from the classic Shack Burger to their Chick’n Shack, accompanied by savory sauces, delicious drinks and flavorful shakes. But, Shake Shack are introducing new items for a limited time. We couldn’t wait to try out the hot, sweet and cold creations before they’re gone and replaced with yet another round of latest hits from our favorite shack. We all have a favorite burger at Shake Shack, and no day passes by without us thinking of their made-to-perfection cheesy fries, literally the perfect accompaniment for a satisfying meal. The heat, however, is about to be turned all the way up! Hot Honey Chick’n is the newest (and personally, the yummiest) chicken burger to have been introduced by Shake Shack so far, and it’s only available till July 30. The burger is certainly living up to its title; it’s hot with a bit of spiciness and is sweetly drizzled in honey and crisped to perfection for our hungry souls to devour. Hot Honey Chick’n does not come with your typical burger toppings of lettuce and tomatoes, its extra crunch is added with every bite because of a slaw that is made of crisp apples, cabbage, and cherry peppers. We won’t be stopping you from adding extra toppings though, the more the merrier! Nothing goes wrong when there’s a side of fries, but what makes the whole meal with Hot Honey Chick’n even ten times better, is a drink that will instantly refresh your summer days. You’ll definitely catch us ‘lemonading’ with The Peach Thyme Lemonade all summer long! It’s savory, slightly sweet; we were immediately hooked and excitedly planning for our next beach day with endless refills from this drink. If you’re not in the mood for neither a burger or a cup of lemonade, then Shake Shack’s shake will be right up your alley. The Mocha Cookies and Cream Shake will leave you feeling totally cooled off, plus, fully satisfied, as it can be treated as both a drink and a dessert treat. We love two-in-one combos, and one helping of this shake will help tone down the summer heat with an energizing kick. Shake Shack’s latest yummy offerings are available for a limited amount of time, as you can enjoy both of the newly added drinks until June 30. So, before it all goes away, stop by your nearest Shake Shack branch, grab and get a taste of the yummy and crunchy Hot Honey Chick’n with a side drink that will provide with more bearable summer days in K-town! Shake Shack is located at Grand Avenue & 1st Avenue - The Avenues, Al Fanar Mall, The Gate Mall, Jabriya, Block 1A, Street 105, Albida’a, Al-Ta’awn Street, Sidra Restaurants - Mahboula, Al Kout Mall, Murouj and Kuwait International Airport. 98

Alyasra

READY YOUR LIGHT SABERS!

Wooing visitors to Star Wars land is easy. But shooing them? By Hugo Martin

“Star Wars” fans have spent years waiting for Disneyland to let them enter a galaxy far, far away. How then does the Magic Kingdom get them to leave? Disneyland’s recent launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is testing the park’s efforts to open a highly anticipated expansion without the crushing crowds, frustration and chaos that can accompany a new attraction. The much-hyped land is expected to attract such a throng that Disneyland engineers and landscapers have been working for months to accommodate more visitors by widening walkways and improving queueing systems. To maintain some order during the first three weeks after the 14-acre attraction opens, Disneyland will require reservations for each visitor to enter the land, with colored wristbands used to distinguish which four-hour time window corresponds with each visitor. Once a time window expires, park employees dressed as “Star Wars” characters will politely tell parkgoers that they need to leave the land to make way for new visitors. Disneyland representatives say they expect that most guests will abide by the courteous directions to move on. But they remain mum about what will happen if guests ignore the requests. “Four hours is a long time in the land,” said Kris Theiler, vice president of the Disneyland Park. “Most guests are going to find that they’re ready to roll after four hours.” The new $1 billion land was built in the northwest corner of the park, replacing several attractions in Frontierland, including a petting zoo. It will have three entrances, where employees can control the crowd flow. The expansion is designed to resemble a remote outpost on the planet Batuu filled with space outlaws, smugglers and rebels battling the evil empire. The land features two rides, four eateries, one spacethemed cantina and five retail shops. Workers last week putting finishing touches on electrical and mechanical features, such as a robot that turns a spit at a barbecue eatery, as media members were allowed a glimpse of the new area. The buildings look aged and war-ravaged, and the rocky hoodoos that dot the landscape are meant to resemble the remnants of giant petrified trees. The roar of spaceships landing and taking off blasts from hidden speakers. Several shops and eateries operate out of what resembles a Middle Eastern bazaar. All the signs on the concrete buildings are in an alien language, but visitors with the Play Disney Parks

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app will be able to use it to translate the signs into English, park representatives said. Everyone else will have to ask staff for help in identifying the stores and restaurants.“If it doesn’t work out, we can tweak it later,” Theiler said about the signs. Only one ride, the interactive Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, will be operational on opening day. The second Galaxy’s Edge attraction — Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — is promised for later in the year. Park representatives have not disclosed whether they will limit how many times park visitors can ride the Millennium Falcon attraction during each fourhour window. If the ride breaks down during the three-week reservation period, Disneyland will make amends to the guests, park representatives said, but no details have been provided yet. The reservation system is Disneyland’s effort to avoid the gridlock and social media backlash that have come with the opening of other blockbuster attractions, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016 and Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure Park in 2012. When the popular Tower of Terror drop ride at Disney’s California Adventure Park was overhauled in 2017 to become Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, the lines during opening weekend were as long as five hours.

Park visitors who book rooms at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels automatically get a fourhour reservation to visit the land. Parkgoers who didn’t go the hotel-room route were allowed to make reservations online May 2. Those reservations for the initial May 31-to-June 23 opening period were filled within two hours. And there were a few hitches: Some people with hotel reservations complained that Disney sent them Star Wars land reservations for the wrong dates, and others groused that the online reservation system didn’t give them the chance to add friends and family to their party — problems Disney representatives say have been addressed. After June 23, the theme park will launch a virtual queueing system, similar to the FastPass system used to schedule appointments to ride the most popular attractions. By visiting the Disneyland app or a kiosk in the park, visitors can sign up to be part of a boarding group to enter the Star Wars land. Each boarding group will have a two-hour window in which to enter the land but no time limit once visitors enter. Disneyland workers will gauge how crowded the land is before deciding when to accept more boarding groups. Disneyland officials have not decided how long into the future they will require the virtual queueing system for the land, hinting that it may be deployed as long as the Star Wars land is in high demand.

Talabat

THE RESURRECTION OF MOZART

A night of musical excellence by Ahmadi Music Group at JACC By Shireen Passi Chopra

Amidst the crescendo of the captivating classical music which had filled the symphony hall, reverberating through its acoustically superb walls, he rose in the air, his arms crossed together and his expression as if supervising each note, as he stood above the orchestra like a floating cloud, reveling in the magnificent music that he had created more than 200 years ago! The splendid and state-of-the-art symphony hall at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre (JACC), popularly known as ‘Kuwait Opera House’, was quickly filling up with patrons of the great classical music, my husband and I being one of them. Attired in our finest, we had come to experience and enjoy two of the greatest compositions of the legendary classical music composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. These two famous compositions being the ‘Clarinet Concerto in A, KV 622’, and the ‘Requiem’. With the hall full, a few minutes later in streamed on stage, the orchestra with their shiny musical instruments. Part of the Ahmadi Music Group, the professional and passionate group had come prepared to render an enchanting musical experience to their expectant audience. The Ahmadi Music Group is said to be the oldest and largest performing arts organization in Kuwait. The group has concert records dating from 1955 and has operated continuously in Kuwait ever since, with a brief break at the time of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The format of the concert was the ‘Oratorio’, which is a combination of full orchestra and full choir. For several centuries it was the most popular format for classical music concerts, but in the last 150 years, because of the cost and difficulty of producing such concerts, this format has become less common. With the musicians and singers on stage, the Conductor of the concert, the musically gifted and scholarly, Mr. Richard Bushman, entered the stage. Mr. Bushman, the Artistic Director of the Ahmadi Music Group, has studied music and literature at the Harvard College. He regularly appears as guest conductor of international orchestras. “Please do not applaud until the end of each of the two compositions, as it may distract the musicians.” politely instructed Mr. Bushman. And soon began an alluring and unforgettable musical experience. The first composition was the ‘Clarinet Concerto in A, KV 622’, which has three sections composed of warm and cheerful, as well as solemn pieces. After a ten minute break, ‘Requiem’, the second composition was played. The story of the creation of this piece was shrouded in mystery for many

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years. It became widely known that this piece was commissioned by a mysterious ghostly stranger, and that Mozart believed he was writing it for his own death. But, as it was later found, this was a false story circulated by Mozart’s wife who wanted to publicize the first performance of the Requiem at a charity concert to financially help her and her family who were almost penniless at the time of the maestro’s death. The real story behind the conception of the Requiem was that the piece was commissioned by Count Franz von Walsegg, a minor nobleman and amateur composer, who intended to claim that he had written it himself, as he is known to have done with other works, and to have it performed for the one-year death anniversary of his wife. The Requiem was unfinished at the time of Mozart’s death and was completed by his Austrian student Franz Xaver Süssmayr, who had been instructed by Mozart before his death. Süssmayr had also found scraps of paper containing the notes for the piece on Mozart’s desk. The unique combination of a group of soulful human voices with a large and diverse set of perfectly tuned instruments created sounds that permeated right through one’s very soul, and brought about emotions that stirred the senses! Drenched in undulating music that reverberated through the symphony hall, I was teary-eyed as I marveled at the supremely talented man who had

begun playing concerts at the tender age of six, performing for the highest-ranking aristocrats and royal families of the time! And then I saw him! The creator, the man behind the music, Mozart himself! Amidst the rousing music, he slowly rose like a floating cloud above the orchestra. His arms were crossed together and a warm smile spread on his youthful face as he reveled in the timeless masterpiece that he had created more than 200 years ago! I blinked my eyes in disbelief! And suddenly the man was gone! The hair on my arms stood up! Caught up in the heat of this magnificent musical moment, was it just my imagination, or had the musical magician really appeared? An hour later, although the concert was over, I was still reeling. Reeling with this exquisite musical journey that was my very first, but it definitely would not be my last!

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre (JACC) is located in the heart of Kuwait City. Spread over a sprawling area of more than 236,000 square meters, the Centre portrays the cultural and contemporary aspects of Kuwait by hosting a variety of local, regional and international artistic and musical events. For more on Ahmadi Music Group, please check out @Ahmadimusicg on Instagram.

Katsuya

FRESH TAKES ON JAPANESE CLASSICS

KatsuyaMiddleEast

MAX LAMPARTER IN KUWAIT TONI&GUY brings Label.m’s global educator By bazaar staff

The best tools and products are only as good as the person using them, which is why beautique cosmetics international invited Max Lamparter, the Label.m Global Educator for the second time in two consecutive years. The company doesn’t just focus on bringing the best products and brands to the region, but also ensuring that the specialists who will be using them have the right skills they need to make the best use of them. Lamperter was here to share his hair expertise with a specially selected group of 104

salons and their stylists. Label.m is the only official London Fashion Week brand and a pioneer in cutting-edge styles and new products. The company constantly shows us that there is still more to discover, learn, use and implement when it comes to hair and their products. This is why highlighting the vast array of products, and how to aptly utilize them in the local market is so important. The intensive workshop is designed to provide participants with the maximum amount of knowledge possible. Two of the days were spent at TONI&GUY’s Al-Corniche location. Attendees learned how and when to use the different styling ranges, mixing and matching different products and the latest cutting methods. They

were also taught how to recreate the stunning looks from this year’s campaign Get The Look2 (squared) that was featured most recently in Dubai’s Professional Beauty GCC 2019. Hair artistry is not a skill that comes easily, it is honed over years of mastering different techniques, experimenting with form and structures and breaking the mold of how hair can be pulled off for a wider range of expression. Training courses, workshops and seminars are an integral part of that process and arrive as a great place for people who work in the industry to learn from the experts and masters quickly. Max started the first day strong. He cut the hair of three live models. Instead of going at his normal pace, he slowed down the tempo to show

every angle of the process and reiterate each snip. He also spoke about the history of cutting, how it used to be done, how it has advanced and why. The stylists were then each given a mannequin head and the choice of one of the three haircuts to create, but while still infusing it with their own style and signature. Stylists, after all, are artists and must remain true to their art. Stylists from MH Salon, Fourth Ring Salon, Five Senses Salon and Mariam Sabhan Salon worked their magic on the mannequins. Bringing the inanimate heads to life by snipping, teasing, brushing and finishing the looks with their favorite Label.m sprays, waxes and resurrection dusts. The second day was dedicated for the TONI&GUY stylists. Instead of working on mannequins, they chose models from their devoted clientele who were very eager and excited for the special cuts. The third and final day was devoted to the beautique cosmetics and salons staff at BT Offices. The focus was educating them on all of the Label.m products broken down into the 4 Cs; Cleanse. Condition. Create. Complete. It is a complete system to keeps hair healthy, shiny and protected. All participants were given Certificates of Completion and a special Label.m goody bag. The event was sponsored by Tashi for catering, the Japanese Restaurant pushing the sushi standards as one of the cleanest, most modern, healthy eats in town. For more information, please visit beautiqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, and follow @beautiquecosmetics on Instagram for their latest updates.

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bazaar techno

SANDVIK 3D-PRINTED SMASH-PROOF GUITAR

CANON IVY CLIQ+

CROSLEY RSD3 MINI TURNTABLE

Electric guitars have suffered the fate of either being smashed on stage, or swung against a speaker at one point. But, with 3D technology, the Sandvik 3D-printed guitar is bound to turn these tunes around. It’s constructed from hyper-duplex steel, and the best perk of it all is that it’s a smash-proof instrument. From strengthening the weakest spot on a guitar to using lasers and titanium powder, making it lighter but enhanced with strength.

The instant camera printer comes with an eightmegapixel camera up front, this only calls up for endless and flawless photos! The Canon IVY, however, serves more of a printer than simply snapping images, as it connects to the Canon Mini Print app. It’s also capable of applying different filters and frames to any taken photo. The camera has a ring flash, provided with 2-inch mirrors for selfies and for storage, a microSD slot.

The mini turntable from Crosley only plays the 3” format vinyl records. Crosley is seeking to expand their turntable formatting while the vinyl trend is still peaking. The small vinyl player is made with a moving magnet cartridge, which is also made by another known turntable brand, Audio-Technica. The RSD3 can run by both batteries or a USB, it also comes with a built-in speaker and a jack for headphones.

SANDMARC IPHONE LENSES

POWERBEATS PRO WIRELESS EARPHONES

SENSE: HOME ENERGY MONITOR

We all, at one point, felt like professional photographers while snapping photos from our phones. But, the SANDMARC iPhone lenses will give a major upgrade to your snaps. The lenses include a wide lens, with twice the capture and zoom, as well as a macro lens and the fisheye lens. They also feature a clip-on mount for security and stability measures, which are always needed for taking photos.

The Powerbeats Pro are just the earphones you’ll be needing for any kind of extreme sports or movements. The wireless earphones have been redesigned towards becoming 23% smaller and 17% lighter, along with the irresistible feature of water-resistance. It’s been ergonomically angled to provide the best kind of sound quality with noise cancellation. Powerbeats Pro will be released in four colors, black, ivory, moss, and navy.

Your house bills are stacking up and you don’t know why, or unable to keep track on them either? Sense is a small yet practical device that allows you to monitor the energy usage at your home. Sense also provides details on every appliance, including light and electronics. Installing the device is fairly simple, basically plugging it in the electrical panel, and downloading the app to start following your house’s activity.

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Source: blessthisstuff.com Source: uncrate.com

PFchangs

2nd Avenue – The Avenues | Grand Plaza – The Avenues Corniche – Arabian Gulf Road | SIDRA Restaurants – Mahboula

@pfchangsme

bazaar apps

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Circlys

Plume Air Report

It might be a super old-school way to save money or finance a small endeavor, but a co-cop or a jamiya is still one of the best ways to get it done. It is almost like a zero-interest short-term loan but managing them with a group of people can be very difficult and overwhelming. Circlys takes the hassle out of it. Everything is managed and visually shown, and notifications are sent to all members before they need to pay their installments.

What’s the air quality like today? Is it a good idea to go for an outdoor walk? Should you be hosting an al fresco barbeque? Should you leave the windows open before you go to work? Air Report Global gives you real time pollution levels in your area, and forecasts of how air quality will evolve hour by hour over the next 24 hours—just like a weather forecast. The environmental AI can help you decide if the activity you are planning is a good idea or if it will leave you exposed to pollutants.

Visualist

Cardbox

Everyone has been frustrated by the need to explain to someone how to do something remotely. Visualist allows you to create visual instructions and checklists by taking pictures using your phone, marking spots and recording words. Knowledge management has never been more agile. The visual experience makes it easy for other people to follow and missing steps or misunderstanding is so much harder when it is this clear. Whether you are trying to show your grandfather how to reset the router or your friend how to make a pie crust, Visualist will make it easier.

Everyone manages contact information, but the process is dull, tedious, and hasn’t changed since the first smartphones. Contacts are usually made on the spot, and you always end up with incomplete, outdated, and duplicate contacts. Cardbox is disrupting this model by changing how things are done. Connect and stay connected in a central place, without all the noise. Cardbox reimagines the address book as a social network—in the purest sense.

Buycott

Swappy Books

Put your money where your mouth is by voting with your hard-earned cash. We all feel strongly about one cause or another and now you can actively effect change by making sure you don’t buy products or services that go against your values. Join campaigns you believe in and use Buycott to scan barcodes while you are buying, and the app will let you know if the purchase is ok or not. Campaigns aren’t just political, but some can help you avoid gluten, GMO products and more. It is crowd-sourcing for many great causes and will keep your decisions smart and informed.

We have become obsessive mass consumers and we can’t deny that it has consequences on the planet and the environment. Instead of buying books, just swap! Swappy Books is on a mission to help everyone do that. Instead of filling your shelves with books that you have read or aren’t planning to, help find them a new home and a loving bookworm who will enjoy reading them. Just scan the ISBN code and offer it for sharing with others. And you can browse other peoples’ books to find your next best read.

ENJOY AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES, AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Cleo

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bazaar books

FINALE

by Stephanie Garber, Fantasy, Young Adult

SURPRISE, KILL, VANISH by Annie Jacobson, History, Nonfiction

Welcome, welcome to Caraval...all games must come to an end. It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne. Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all. Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun.

BECOMING DR. SEUSS: THEODOR GEISEL AND THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN IMAGINATION by Brian Jay Jones, Biography, Nonfiction

Since 1947, domestic and foreign assassinations have been executed under the CIA-led covert action operations team. Before that time, responsibility for taking out America's enemies abroad was even more shrouded in mystery. Despite Hollywood notions of last-minute rogue-operations and external secret hires, covert action is actually a cog in a colossal foreign policy machine, moving through, among others, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the House and Senate Select Committees. At the end of the day, it is the President, not the CIA, who is singularly in charge. When diplomacy fails and overt military action is not feasible, the President often calls on the Special Activities Division, the most secretive and lowestprofile branch of the CIA. It is this paramilitary team that undertakes dramatic and little-known assignments: hostage rescues, sabotage, and, of course, assassinations.

FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD, AND THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE by Casey Cep, True Crime, Nonfiction

The stunning story of an Alabama serial killer and the true-crime book that Harper Lee worked on obsessively in the years after To Kill a Mockingbird. Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell’s murderer was acquitted–thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend. Sitting in the audience during the vigilante’s trial was Harper Lee, who had traveled from New York City to her native Alabama with the idea of writing her own In Cold Blood, the true-crime classic she had helped her friend Truman Capote research seventeen years earlier. Lee spent a year in town reporting, and many more working on her own version of the case.

Dr. Seuss is a classic American icon. His work has defined our childhoods and the childhoods of our own children. More than twenty-five years after his death, his books continue to find new readers, now grossing over half a billion dollars in sales. His whimsical illustrations and silly, simple rhymes are timeless favorites because, quite simply, he makes us laugh. Theodor Geisel, however, led a life that goes much deeper than the prolific and beloved children's book author. In fact, the allure and fascination of Dr. Seuss begins with this second, more radical side. He had a successful career as a political cartoonist, and his political leanings can be felt throughout his books--remember the environmentalist of The Lorax? Geisel was a complicated man, who introduced generations to the wonders of reading while teaching young people about empathy and how to treat others well.

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE

by Celeste Ng, Fiction

by Alice Feeney, Thriller

Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: how Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down. In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And one resident embodies this spirit more, Elena Richardso. Enter Mia Warren – an artist and single mother – who arrives with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon, Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the alluring mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens the community.

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Aimee Sinclair is a well-known actress on the verge of being full-on famous. One day towards the nearend of her shoot on her latest film, Aimee comes home from filming to find her husband’s cell phone and wallet on the dining room table. He never goes anywhere without them. But he’s nowhere to be found. She’s not too concerned—they had a huge fight the night before. The next morning she goes for her morning run and then goes to her favorite coffee shop. But her card is denied. When she calls the bank they say her account has been emptied of $10,000. She immediately suspects her husband. But they say no, it was Aimee herself who closed out the account. And thus begins a bizarre rabbit hole into which Aimee finds herself falling where nothing is as it seems.

Source: www.amazon.com

carriage

bazaar goes dining

THE VEGAN ERA

The earthily robust VTerra vegan menu delivers on taste By bazaar staff

We decided to go dining on an official launch night; never the best of decisions if you want to luxuriate in the experience, but it is always the best test of a kitchen. If they can get it right now, they can get it right every time. VTerra is off to a great start. If vegan makes you think nature then so does the furnishing in the restaurant. You can see that the tables are made from the same tree, great slabs of wood with the same gnarled knot diminishing in size, depending on where in the tree the lumberjack was buzz-sawing exactly. One can only hope that the white leather-like material that covers the seats has never eaten grass, but there is no one available to ask as they are hurriedly prepping for the onslaught of hungry vegans! The natural light that flows in from the floor to the ceiling bathes the space warmly, but it is not just this that gives the guests that dewy glow on their skin. It must also be the vegan lifestyle. Each one of them is dressed as though they really know how to appreciate the finer things in life, so it’s good to see them here. They evidently have good taste. Before we start to choose what to order, we are told that the dish they are most proud of at VTerra is the “Vegan Mac + Cheese, Eggplant Bacon” so we put in an order for that as well as a smoothie bowl alchemy called “Blue Açai Moon” and the Nourish Raw Zucchini Noodles. While we’re waiting, the cheesiest kale chips come out liberally sprinkled with what can only be nutritional yeast but is so much more satisfying than the name suggests. The kale chips were super crispy and very light, dissolving in the mouth. As we nibble on the chips and look around, we can see a number of the same people you always see in the creative community; exploration of the self being a real thing at the moment in Kuwait. Taking responsibility for what you eat and how you eat it is relatively new here, but it certainly is popular. The VTerra concept came from a group of four locals; Dalal Al Doub the beauty blogger, her sister Mimi who says that they work well together because, “we understand each other and we complete each other in some way”, and two other partners Nada and Hamad. Teamwork helps when it comes to successful business concepts, and devising delicious tasting vegan food too! After considering more than twenty-five talented chefs the VTerra team enlisted the expertise of the absolute vegan best in South African Chef Claire Sharryn Roberto. Being an integral part of a restaurant menu like this has been a goal of Chef Claire’s for the last thirty-three years. “My whole life has been about being vegan and promoting the fact that vegan food does not have to be boring.” Lots of young parents have brought their toddlers with them, and it is encouraging to see these new 112

Blue Açai Moon

Nourish Raw Zucchini Noodles

Uniocorn rainbow lattes

foods be introduced at such a young age and as an everyday item to these children. On its launch night, VTerra is packed with people and it is only 4:45 pm. This is almost unheard of when it comes to events and openings, where people wait until late and turn up for five minutes. People in Kuwait seem to be really invested in giving VTerra a good try. This is heartening to see, especially knowing all the effort that the team has gone through to source ingredients globally to provide the best quality, vegan food experience. As some of the key ingredients are not available in Kuwait or even the GCC, you will find that some items have had to come all the way from Japan, Australia and the USA among other countries. The Blue Açai Moon arrives and is such an incredibly cobalt blue that one shuts one’s eyes when tasting it, honestly with trepidation, for the first time. What on earth could something so (ironically) unnatural looking taste of? Pure joy, that’s what. Fruity sweetness and crunchy goodness. The bowl gets its color from blue spirulina and blueberries, and its sweetness from house-made gingerbread granola with coconut yoghurt. This really is “Smoothie Bowl Alchemy” as the flavor, balanced with celery and zucchini is pure gold. From the savory section of the menu the “Nourish Raw Zucchini Noodles” arrives and we chose the “fresh basil pesto” although you can also have “marinara” or “cashew cream cheese”. Naturally, VTerra makes the sauce, pesto, cheese, [Continued...]

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jam, nut butter, milks and more in house. The pesto, like is says in the name, is delightfully fresh and the macadamia parmesan adds that traditional spag-bol powder-parmesan texture that is half the enjoyment with pasta noodles. The zoodles are delicious and it is wonderful to taste and feel “raw” like this. We never did get to taste the “mac & cheese” as it kept on disappearing to other tables as soon as it came out the kitchen. But we are determined to make our way back just to try it. The “bacon” made out of eggplant is supposed to be totally beyond. When asked, co-owner Mimi says that vegan is, “supposed to be a substitute”, and that probably is how most people will transition to this way of eating, but this vegan food can stand on its own two…roots. VTerra is also very proud of the “Unicorn Rainbow lattes” which are shots featuring ingredients like beetroot, golden turmeric, spirulina and activated charcoal. There’s one for every day of the week and have your favorite again on the seventh day! Cold pressed juices line the front of the bar with fun names like “turn up the beet” and “pink summer” and you simply have to try one of the “Liquid Life Potions”, especially the “Morning Mindful Mushroom Elixir” with its blend of flavonoid packed raw cacao butter, anti-oxidant ginseng and rejuvenating ashwaganda. If you are not as familiar with the names and benefits of the ingredients used in VTerra as some dedicated vegans are, helpfully there is a printed note on each table to explain these to you. You will find out which superfoods come from Ayurvedic healing, helps kidney function and detoxifies the body just for starters; Ashwaganda, Activated Charcoal and Barley Grass in case you’re wondering. VTerra is a vegan restaurant, yes, but it is one that is well researched, the menu has been specially curated and thoroughly thought out. Healthy and fresh, without even a hint of artificial colors nor preservatives the food is so tasty you will forget it’s vegan. This place even has vegan croissants on the menu that are as flakey and flavorful as the eggy buttery ones you may be used to! So, you get all of the taste here, but it is the healthier option. Now that Ramadan is over and it’s officially summer, we will definitely be returning to a more healthful approach when it comes our eating habits, one that doesn’t include a weekly sinful rotation of Qatayef and Lugaimat! Our choices can be good for the planet’s health too. Statistics reiterated by www. eatright.org tell us that if we all eat vegetarian for one day a week then the environment would be in a much healthier state. Let’s go one step further than going vegetarian. Let’s go to VTerra.

VTerra is located on the first floor of Al Hamra Mall. For more information, follow the Instagram account @VTerra.kw for contact details, opening hours and the latest updates. 114

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Vegan croissants

Morning Mindful Mushroom Elixir

Mais

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live like the 1%

BORGO SANOTO PIETRO HOTEL

DEBBIE WINGHAM DESIGNS

QUINTESSENTIALLY MEMBERSHIP

Enjoy one overnight stay at the Pool House Suite for 1160 KD. Receive a gift of their natural skincare range 'Seed to Skin' in a limited-edition beauty bag and a complimentary lunch at La Trattoria Sull'Albero. Put some money aside if you wish to imbibe because at these bargain prices the house won’t pay for your drinks during this ‘free’ lunch. Throw in a pasta cooking class at 170 KD or just enjoy eating in the Michelin-starred restaurant in the 5-star luxury boutique hotel. Also features an holistic spa, a 230-acre organic farm, vineyards and 13-acres of beautifully manicured gardens.

Commission and own a one-off piece by the British born designer and ordinary mom of three, Debbie. Her previous designs include the most expensive abaya in the world at 5,400,000 KD, the most expensive cake at 23,000,000 KD and the most expensive shoes. She recently debuted the most expensive bag in the world on the Wendy show in New York. 24 carat gold, a real emu egg covered in blue diamond dust, features three pink diamonds among 8000 platinum set diamonds, Cartier earrings as clasps, and lined with a vintage Hermès scarf. The bag is affordable at only 2,000,000 KD.

Prices are subject to your requirements but surely the time you save alone on curating and securing your wishes is priceless. Enjoy experiences that, ironically, money can’t buy by buying membership to this concierge service. Let them take care of turning your dreams into reality with unparalleled access into the world of luxury. Private reservations, travel, audiences with industry leaders, the luxury lifestyle specialists are on hand to get you every last-moment or impossible-toget request, 24 hours a day, every day. Travel, Education, Personal Shopping, Weddings, Art, Private Parties and Celebrations, Real Estate.

THE GUYTON COLLECTION

NICE LAUNDRY CASHMERE BOXERS

CORFU CERAMIC STONEWARE

Auction house Sotheby's presents the esteemed Guyton Collection, comprising the 60 Veteran, Brass and Classic Era automobiles alongside hundreds of pieces of automobilia and collectibles of the late Mr. Fred Guyton 4- 5 May at the collection site in St. Louis, Missouri. A trio of Classic Era highlights stand out: 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight Phaeton1 of only 5 ever built, 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Sedan - originally driven by Indianapolis racer Leon Duray, 1930 Ruxton Model C Baker-Raulang Roadster. The Ruxton Roadster is seldom available for public sale.

Ensure you only ever handwash your boxers by having them made of 100% cashmere. Nice Laundry’s super soft, lightweight material helps to clothe your downstairs in the most luxuriously. These are the most expensive pair of cashmere underpants in the world and feel even better if you borrow them from your bloke! They're made from 100% cashmere and adorned with a flying pig embroidered in 24K gilded gold. Highly limited, they also offer practical features, like a stretch gusset for breathability and movement. Undies of the future are here.

Take the pressure off of your anxious Ritalin ravaged toddlers to make clay ashtrays and get this piece instead for 2,300 KD. An objet d’art and table lamp in one, this unique collector’s piece is a collaboration between LA artist Jennifer Nocon and designer David Netto. Available from goop.com it is crafted from ceramic stoneware, it has a striking asymmetrical shape—reminiscent of a bottlenose—that’s scattered with aqua evil eyes all over. Between the black underglaze and carved white lines to the white cobblestone and fired, snow glaze background, it’s a stunning display of workmanship.

THIS MONTH'S FEATURE: BLACK IVORY COFFEE In Thailand they have found an even more industrious way, yet kinder, of utilizing their elephants rather than forced labor. If you thought the ultimate in luxury coffee was drinking beans that had been processed by a civet’s sphincter then try an Elephant’s! This coffee is prepared by elephants that consume Arabica coffee beans and process them during digestion. Their stomach acid breaks down the bean proteins and provides a characteristic and robust flavor to the drink with notes of chocolate, malt, spice, and a hint of grass. This coffee is rare and expensive because only a small amount of beans is available at any one time. Hard to believe if you’ve seen the size of a dung heap, but maybe it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack? It’s around 16 KD for a cup of Black Ivory Coffee which makes it currently the most expensive coffee in the world at 350 KD a kilogram.

Sources: borgosantopietro.com, debbiewingham.co.uk, quintessentially.com, sothebys.co.uk, uncrate.com, goop.com, financesonline.com. 116

shakeshack

Crispy chicken breast tossed in hot honey, topped with green apple and cabbage slaw

• Grand Avenue & 1st Avenue - The Avenues • Al Fanar Mall • The Gate Mall • Jabriya, Block 1A, Street 105 • Albida’a, Al-Ta’awn Street • Kuwait International Airport • Sidra Restaurants, Mahboula, Coastal Road • Al Kout Mall • Murouj

bazaar movie night

The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in June

THE HUSTLE

X-MEN DARK PHOENIX

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS II

POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU

ROCKETMAN

TOYSTORY 4

Release Date: Tuesday, June 4th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Comedy Cast: Anne Hathaway, Rebel Wilson Synopsis: Two female scam artists, one low rent and the other high class, who team up to take down the dirty rotten men who have wronged them. Josephine Chesterfield is a glamorous, seductive British woman who has a penchant for defrauding gullible men out of their money. Into her well-ordered, meticulous world comes Penny Rust, a cunning and fun-loving Australian woman who lives to swindle unsuspecting marks. Despite their different methods, the two grifters soon join forces for the ultimate score -- a young and naive tech billionaire in the South of France.

Release Date: Thursday, June 13th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton Synopsis: Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, wisecracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu. Chasing clues together they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.

Release Date: Tuesday, June 4th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: James McAvoy, Sophie Turner Synopsis: This is the story of one of the X-Men's most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic Dark Phoenix. During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this increasingly unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet. The family of mutants must face their most devastating enemy yet -- one of their own.

Release Date: Tuesday, June 4th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Drama, Biography Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Bernie Taupin Synopsis: Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story—set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton—tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Release Date: Thursday, June 13th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Adventure, Animation Cast: Ellie Kemper, Kevin Hart, Harrison Ford Synopsis: Terrier Max is coping with some major life changes. His owner is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about protecting the boy that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max and mutt Duke encounter canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes and a terrifying turkey, all of which only elevates Max's anxiety. But when Daisy, a fearless Shih Tzu, shows up to ask for Snowball's help on a dangerous mission. Can Max, Snowball, Gidget and the rest of the gang find the inner courage to face their biggest fears?

Release Date: Tuesday, June 4th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait wide Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Keanu Reeves,Tom Hanks, Christina Hendricks, Patricia Arquette Synopsis: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky while Woody tries to mentor Forky on being a toy. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody's slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Peep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they're worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy.

For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit www.cinescape.com.kw. *Above programs are subject to change without prior notice. 118

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HAPPY MEAL READERS

McDonald’s Kuwait reignites children’s passion for reading By bazaar staff

McDonald’s has always prided itself on its ability to draw smiles on the faces of children all around the world. In fact, the Happy Meal has become a universal symbol of childhood bliss and family-centric good times for children and adults alike. For decades, the iconic box – with its toy based on the hottest pop culture subjects of the moment and delicious mini meals - has delighted young McDonald’s fans worldwide. Most of us can at least remember one or two collections that we obsessed over as children. To make the meal even better, McDonald’s has made a determined push over the past 120

few years to expand the Happy Meal offering, introducing new, healthier meal options (such as apple bites) and launching the Happy Studio, the interactive mobile application developed especially for children. Now, the brand is on a mission to continue creating wholesome, feel-good moments, by making reading more fun, accessible and cool for kids with the launch of its latest offering: the Happy Meal Readers program. A 2016 study by Scholastic, the children’s book publisher showed that only 51% of the children polled enjoyed reading. The good news is that in the same study, most children still preferred paper books over electronic books. Countless research studies have shown us the many

benefits of curling down with a book. Better memory, a bigger vocabulary, more empathy and so much more. The Happy Meal Readers program offers families the opportunity to choose between a toy or a book with every Happy Meal, featuring a series of 12 books created exclusively for McDonald’s by the globally renowned author and illustrator of the bestselling How to Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Cowell. The series protagonists, the Treetop Twins go on adventures that will enthrall and captivate minds and hearts and inspire them to keep on reading. The program was designed with the ultimate aim of inspiring a lifelong passion for reading amongst the younger generations; by bringing

them back to the written word and surrounding them with good stories and narratives. The books also present families with an opportunity for bonding with their younger children by reading to them. Older children who can already read will enjoy being the narrators to their parents which fosters a sense of accomplishment and mastery. The stories are a great starting point for more stories, imaginative play and conversations for families to bond over. According to Sherif Coutry, Senior Marketing Director at McDonald’s Kuwait, Happy Meal

Readers is simply the latest step in McDonald’s ongoing efforts to develop and enhance its family offerings. “McDonald’s has always been a passionate advocate of families, and we delight in our ability to bring families together for some feel-good quality time. With the Happy Meal Readers program, we are deepening our commitment to families, by further inspiring fun moments of family bonding and instilling a lifelong love of reading in children.” Coutry further added: “The Happy Meal is one our most iconic and beloved offerings, and

we have always taken great pride in making great memories for children and families alike. With Happy Meal Readers, we are looking to take that very unique McDonald’s experience to the next level.”

To find your closest McDonald’s call 1878 787. Visit www.mcdelivery.com.kw for delivery and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @mcdonaldskuwait. 121

bazaar music

HAPPINESS BEGINS By Jonas Brothers

By Two Door Cinema Club

FALSE ALARM

DOOM DAYS

They’re back, and we are rejoicing! The fifth studio album, Happiness Begins by the Jonas Brothers will drop on the first week of this month. After the release of their comeback hit singles “Sucker” and “Cool”, both are still on replay by the way, the album is looking at becoming a summer anthem to all the fans who were waiting for the day to finally arrive! Celebrate the comeback by streaming the album today!

The Irish trio have not only released two singles “Satellite” and “Talk”, but they’ve also literally launched one of them, with the album cover, into space! A video of that event is still on YouTube for everyone to watch, it also includes details regarding False Alarm. The album will be releasing this month, following that is a set of festival appearances in the UK and around Europe over the summer, including Glastonbury.

We haven’t had a full length album from Bastille since the release of Wild World back in 2016. Cue in Doom Days, the third album from the British band is set for a release by the second week of June. Bastille have also dropped singles from their upcoming album, including an upbeat track titled “Joy” and another “Quarter Past Midnight”. You’ll be able to pre-order Doom Days before it drops, or stream the singles now!

SYO

By Bastille

GTA

CARRY ON

By Hadi

By Almena

By 2rabu ft. Galaxy Juice & DJ Taiji

The Lebanese singer and songwriter based in Dubai has just dropped his new single “SYO”. Hadi is no stranger to the music scene in Dubai, as he has previously opened shows for global artists and bands like Bastille! With more than one gig on his belt, he has also released several other singles during this year alone, you can stream them on Spotify and Anghami, or check out his channel on YouTube.

The Egyptian band continues to integrate international music genres into their music, which is clearly seen and heard in their latest single “GTA”. Almena also manages to maintain a strong bond to their city of origin, Alexandria, as one of their latest performances was done at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina library. The energetic vibe from their single showcases a unique mix of genres, but with a strong identity.

“Carry On” is an ambitious collaborative single with Japan based artists 2rabu and DJ Taiji, featuring the popular and much loved Kuwaiti band Galaxy Juice. A mix of hip-hop and rap, we still managed to catch the vibe of each and every one of them. The sound of Galaxy Juice integrates perfectly well with 2rabu and DJ Taiji’s mix. An excellent chill single for your upcoming summer playlist! The track is available on SoundCloud and Bandcamp.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE:

OH YA MAL

The progressive fusion and folk band from Bahrain, Majaz, finally introduced us to their latest single “Oh Ya Mal”. We actually had the chance to catch the live performance of this track when the band visited Kuwait to celebrate NNF’s one year anniversary! They presented us with context on what the track stands for, before oil was found in Bahrain, and from the 3rd century BC until the early 20th century, pearl diving used to be the main income of the island. “When the Bahraini men used to set sails far into the treacherous seas to find some pearls, they were aware of the risk they're taking, fearing to never return home. So they sang and danced for hours on the Dhow to forget their threatening situation.” The song reflects the feeling of the pearl diving journey. Make sure to check out the single on Majaz’s YouTube channel.

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Sources: amazon.co.uk, Spotify

bubble waffles

pinkberry now with your choice of fillings

COCONUT

@PinkberryME /PinkberryMiddleEast

M&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

SPRINKLES

BLUEBERRY

COOKIES & CREAM

CHOCOLATE CHIPS

JAMES MCAVOY RETURNS AS PROFESSOR X On taking the character further in Dark Phoenix By bazaar staff

In Dark Phoenix, the X-Men face one of their gravest and most personal challenges to date. It’s the 1990s, and even as the team attempts to embrace a newfound heroic status and acceptance within society, their close bond is about to be shattered when Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) merges with a strange, extraterrestrial force, one that boosts her already strong abilities to previously unknown levels. Years of repression are torn asunder as Jean begins to find herself and master her new powers, even as those around her start to wonder if she’ll be a threat to the world, and a mysterious alien with an agenda (Jessica Chastain) exerts an influence. James McAvoy returns once again to play the role of Charles Xavier, the leader of the X-Men. A paternal figure whose ego is inflating as his team’s reputation has grown, he’ll have the hardest time adapting to Jean’s changing powers, especially given his history repressing them. McAvoy here talks what brought him back, working with Simon Kinberg as a director, and whether he’s jealous of his colleague’s superhero suits. The legacy cast are coming back. What prompted you to return? I think a combination of things. We all enjoy playing these characters – I know I do. I’ve always enjoyed being in these X-Men films. I love this company of actors. And the crew, I’ve got to say, from people like Hutch our producer, Simon, our writer, and now director, Josh McLaglen, our 1st AD/producer. There’s a massive extended family that goes back nearly 10 years that you feel very loyal to. And it’s also the character that I feel loyal to, getting to take Charles forward and do something else with him as well, it just feels right. So that’s what brought me back. Where do we find Charles? Whereas formerly he was maybe a figurehead or a leader of a social movement, he’s now a figurehead and a leader of a political movement, and I think that’s how he regards himself as well. One of the interesting things he does is, he justifies what he’s doing because he can say that he’s being loyal to his principles, but I think he’s forgotten that those principles only exist to protect the people that he should be loyal to. That’s his family, and that’s his kind, his species and he’s sort of forgotten that. I think he’s put himself at the front of it all, seen himself as the torchbearer, being the friendly face of mutanity for humanity. He’s justified what his ego is making him do, becoming the center of attention. And if you go back to First Class, that’s something I tried to put into him, as a bit more of a self-centered person. The thing that was always more 124

interesting about Charles is he’s selfless, his vanity is very low, he’s very wise, his empathy rules him, and his selflessness and almost priestly nature is what defines him, his need to help others. So, in First Class, whilst not making him evil or bad, we tried to make him a bit more self-centered or self-obsessed. And that kind of disappeared in the intervening two movies. It’s sort of come back here, which I really like; I really enjoyed exploring that fallibility. Simon is director this time. How was it working with him? By the time Simon took over and directed Dark

Phoenix, he’d already been working with us as a writer/director/producer in some capacity. He’d always been very collaborative about the screenplay, if we had ideas to tweak things, lines or even just whole character arcs, he would sometimes, at one end of the spectrum, completely re-design a character arc and, at the smaller end, let us flip lines in and out. Then, also on the days if he had an idea for a moment here or there, we were very comfortable with Simon giving us a bit of direction to augment what was already going on. It did feel extremely natural when he slid in to the director’s chair for this movie. What was interesting was his natural instinct was to pare down,

rely on the acting. Still going to have spectacle, but to pare down some of the more primary colors and make them more nuanced shades of colors, that was his way to do it. To strip it all back, keep it real, go for the drama as well as the crash, bang, wallop, but definitely go for the emotional drama. Grounded seems to be the buzz word this time... If you’ve got characters that you’re interested in enough, and who are extreme enough, the acting and the story can be your special effect. Could this be the last time? Every single one we’ve done has felt like the last one we do. As an actor, I’ve pretty much only in the last five or six years started to think, ‘maybe it isn’t the last time I’ll ever get to act again.’ So, in terms of X-Men, I’ve always gone, ‘if this is the last one, it’s been great.’ We’ve got new owners for the franchise, and who knows what they’re going to do. But if this is the last one, it feels, narratively speaking, like a good end. It feels, at least the four films we’ve done over the last decade, like it ends up well and you’d be happy to walk away at this point. And I’m certainly happier to walk away at this point than I would have been at any other point. Is it interesting to develop the character over the last decade? Yeah, it’s been fun playing with Charles for this long. I’ve got to do him in so many different modes and so many different stages of his life, so many stages of his career, even, if you like. As a public figure. From First Class to Days of Future Past, he’s unrecognizable. And then even more different in Apocalypse. This one again, he’s slightly different, he’s more like he was in First Class, but with a huge platform, a public figure; getting to flex different muscles as an actor is cool. And it really doesn’t feel like I’ve been playing the same person, it feels like he’s been slightly different people each time. Partly it’s the fact that even though we’re only aging a year or two between each movie, each film has about 10 years between it, it means that you can take big leaps and show what has happened with them in the intervening narrative, and generally in between each film something vastly different is going on with each character. You don’t really get to suit up like the others. Are you jealous? I am, a bit. I’d like to wear a daft superhero suit. And, this time around, they were quite sparse and practical I thought. But I generally like to get suited and booted in the stuff. Even when it’s uncomfortable, it’s worth it. I’m slightly jealous. I do get my in-the-field look with a turtleneck, which I rather liked. Visit www.bazaar.town to access more exclusive content! This interview is exclusive to bazaar publishing in Kuwait and text and images are courtesy of 20th Century Fox Middle East, @20CenturyFoxMe on Instagram. 125

bazaar around town

KIDZANIA KUWAIT BRINGS MED-EL COCHLEAR IMPLANT COMMUNITY TOGETHER AT AN EXCITING FAMILY DAY KidZania Kuwait, the exciting kid-sized metropolis, welcomed MED-EL Medical Electronics by recently hosting a fun family day for all its cochlear implant users in Kuwait. The event took place at KidZania where the cochlear implant community along with their families connected in an engaging experiential learning environment full of fun activities for everyone. The event commenced with a welcome note and presentation by the MED-EL Middle East management on awareness regarding hearing loss and valuable tips on how to make the most of the users hearing implants. Following that, there were many enjoyable activities for the kids from face painting to arts and crafts guaranteeing endless entertainment, coiled with an educational element in each activity. The families were entertained with astounding shows and performances held by KidZania’s six RightZkeepers: Urbano, Vita, Chika, Beebop, Bekha and Bache who promote the children’s essential rights to know, to care, to share, to create, to be and to play. Children also enjoyed memorable photo opportunities with the RightZkeepers. For more information on KidZania Kuwait visit www.kidzania.com.kw and check out @KidZaniaKuwait on social media.

THIS EID, BARBIE GOES ON AN ADVENTURE WITH FANTASY WORLD Fantasy World brings the right companion just for your little one: The amazing Barbie Dream Camper! The Barbie Dream Camper transforms from a camping RV into a campsite play set with room for your little one’s favorite Barbie and all of her sisters (dolls sold separately). The rolling wheels are designed in signature Pink. The Barbie Camper travels with style. Simply press the button at the top of the vehicle to activate a magical feature. The side panel opens, the top pops up and the front and back of the camper expand to create a play space more than 2 feet long! The open side becomes a pool with a water slide and stairs that fold out fill to make waves of fun. The interior offers dining under the stars set up with the dining table and front vehicle seats that become two chairs. The back of the camper holds a closet and bathroom with sink, shower and toilet on one side on the other, is a kitchen with sink and refrigerator. A fire pit and marshmallows roasting on sticks allow bonding moments. This is amazingly priced and available at all Fantasy World stores and Online. For convenient shopping, Fantasy World has an online shopping website known for its on-time home delivery. To learn more about Fantasy World, visit any of Fantasy World’s social media platforms, Facebook: fantasyworldtoyskuwait, Instagram @Fantasyworldtoys and YouTube: Fantasyworld Kuwait.

SCORE INCREDIBLE OFFERS AND CAN’T-MISS DEALS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE MCDONALD’S APP Since its launch back in early 2018, the McDonald’s app has become a go-to destination for all McDonald’s fans, offering countless exclusive promotions and special offers all year-round. A one-stop application for all things McDonald’s, the highly interactive digital platform gives fans across Kuwait access to can’t-miss deals on the McDonald’s food they love. With plenty of offers daily and weekly, customers can enjoy amazing discounts, free items with purchase promotions, combo deals and much more. Deals are also customized for each user based on purchasing and browsing habits - so if they are chicken lovers, or if they’ve got a sweet tooth, or if they are simply looking for the best value, the smart app will come up with just the right deals for them. All they have to do is use the app at checkout, in-store or at the Drive-Thru to redeem the offers. It’s that simple. The McDonald’s application is available in Arabic and English on both the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit McDonalds.com. Don’t forget to also follow McDonald’s Kuwait on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@McDonaldsKuwait).

FRESHER THAN FRESH SALMON SINGLES WITH ALYASRA FOODS Alyasra Foods is proud to bring STORM Seafood’s Salmon Singles to Kuwait. Experience the flavor of superior quality Norwegian salmon, converted for easy-to-use, portion-controlled cuts, vacuum packed and freshly frozen. With Norwegian salmon singles, you are guaranteed a consistent supply of superbly tasting salmon, meticulously cut in individually portioned sizes. Harvested from the cold, clear waters of Norway, authentic Norwegian Salmon is renowned for its delicate flavor, rich color, and delectable texture. One of the world’s most popular seafood dishes, it is also the most versatile. Recognized by the finest chefs, Norwegian Salmon delivers a distinctive, superior taste and performance every time. Available in two variants, skin-less and skin-on, they are easy to make at home and turn out fantastic. The flavor and soft texture is unbeatable. Shop STORM Salmon Singles from Makani @makanikw, and for more information follow @Alyasrafoods on Instagram.

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bazaar around town

JIMMY CHOO UNVEILS SPRING SUMMER 2019 ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN STARRING KAIA GERBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEVEN MEISE Jimmy Choo has unveiled their Spring Summer 2019 campaign starring Kaia Gerber in a series of striking images captured by world renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel. Meisel’s timeless images focus on Gerber’s ethereal beauty in a series of captivating portraits capturing the fresh spirit of the new HELIA bag and RAINE sneakers. The campaign features a limited-edition Jimmy Choo branded t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt designed in collaboration with creative directors, Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag of M/M Paris. The K-tee and K-hoodie will be sold exclusively online at jimmychoo.com. “Kaia leads the next generation of supermodels. Her timeless beauty and fashion pedigree enables her to be a true style chameleon that authentically represents the dynamism of the Jimmy Choo brand transcending generations. It was a privilege to be able to work with Steven Meisel on capturing such striking images.” Sandra Choi, Creative Director. For more information, check out @Alyasra on Instagram.

MASERATI HOSTS TWO NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERES AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Nothing says style and artisanal Italian craftsmanship like Maserati, now with a limited edition “One of One” customization program where discerning customers can select from thousands of interior and exterior options to meet their personal needs and tastes. The Maserati design team works closely with each client to create a vehicle, as unique as each person who drives it. This program exemplifies Maserati’s ability to construct customized one-of-a-kind automobiles. Former NBA basketball star Ray Allen received the keys to his “One of One” Levante GTS at the auto show. Adding even more style points the Maserati 2019 Levante SUV is the new Ermenegildo Zegna designed Pelletessuta interior. The supple woven nappa leather is soft and luxurious. The lightweight material is not only durable but brings comfort and beauty to the Levante interior and Maserati is the only automotive company to bring this elevated Pelletessuta to market. For more information, visit the Maserati Showroom at Al Zayani, Al Rai Industrial Area, 4th Ring Road, or call 180 80 10 and visit www.kuwait.maserati.com.

DISCOVER SARA MILLER LONDON AT ROCKET WORLD! Rocket World has a treat for your dining table this Eid! Introducing Sara Miller London, a luxurious lifestyle brand of printed homewares. Sara Miller brings her love of print, pattern and color into her designs, embellishing homes at every opportunity. Sara, an award-winning British designer, expresses her passion for travel and love for different cultures in her art. Sharing the same commitment to beautiful, sophisticated and stylish designs, Sara Miller London and Portmeirion have collaborated to create the Chelsea collection – fashioned out of enchanting fine porcelain. We absolutely love the afternoon tea collection that’s bright and beautiful with stunning gold detailing. The Sara Miller set of 3 caddies feature colorful birds, giraffes and foliage on a variety of colored backgrounds. The caddies are perfect for storing biscuits, treats or dry ingredients. Perfect for giving as a gift or building your own collection at home with matching items in the range, and having tea with your loved ones this Eid. Rocket World is lcoated in Shuwaikh, Plot 40 – opposite Mayar complex and in The Promenade Mall at Hawalli. For the latest updates, check out @Rocketworldkw.

A HAPPY EID FROM CHILLI BEANS, AND AN AMAZING ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE! It’s time to step out in your finest for the Eid holidays! Are you getting away this Eid? Headed to the chalet for some much needed beach time? To complete your look, check out Chilli Beans’ amazing new website! Chilli beans is the ultimate accessories store for all, literally! Whether you are looking for prescription eyewear, sunglasses, lenses with a variety of beautifully shaped frames or even watches. They have it all for you now IN STORES and ONLINE. As much as the store provides a variety of cool sunglasses, they also have a collection of prescription lenses, where you can either add a magical magnetic lens to it, or just rock the frame it comes with. Rather than get caught up in the Eid rush, save time and order online by visiting their dedicated website! We promise you that you will be rocking your Chilli Beans style long after the Eid holiday is over. Chilli Beans is located at The Avenues, 360 Mall, Marina Mall, Al-Fanar Mall, The Promenade, Saveco and Al-Kout Mall. Like Chilli Beans @Facebook.com/ ChillibeansArabia & Instagram @Chillibeans.arabia, contact them on 9993 6046 for more or order online from www.chillibeansarabia.com.

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bazaar around town

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI COLLABORATES WITH H&M AND BRINGS HOT COUTURE TO THE HIGH STREET H&M just wowed the fashion world with news of their newest designer collaboration. Hot couture designer Giambattista Valli, the Paris-based master of beauty and sophistication walked the amfAR gala’s red carpet in Cannes with H&M’s Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson to announce the collaboration. They were joined by Kendall Jenner, Chris Lee (Li Yuchun), Chiara Ferragni, H.E.R., Bianca Brandolini d’Adda and Ross Lynch. The stars attended the event dressed in glamorous must-have pieces from a unique limited-edition pre-drop collection from the Giambattista Valli x H&M collaboration. For the first time fashion fans got to enjoy the collaboration immediately (well, almost!), a limited pre-collection was available in select stores and online two days after the news dropped and totally sold out in hours. The main Giambattista Valli x H&M collection launches worldwide on November 7, 2019. The main collection launches on November 7th. For more info follow @hm on Instagram and visit the website hm.com. MASERATI AT THE MOTOR VALLEY FEST 2019 Maserati, took part in the first ever Motor Valley Fest celebrating this is a part of Italy which is famous for combining a love and passion for speed with style, class and elegance. Maserati participated by starting off with an inaugural conference, entitled “Il futuro dell’automotive” (The Future of the Automobile Industry). There was a free exhibit called “Maserati - A Century of Victories”, a series of lithographic prints inspired by the spectacular posters that celebrate a century of Trident success. Also on exhibition were works of art by Enzo Naso and Beppe Zagaglia. Displayed both inside and outside the factory buildings was a collection of the most important vehicles of the Maserati Story. For more information, visit the Maserati Showroom at Al Zayani, Al Rai Industrial Area, 4th Ring Road, or call 180 80 10 and visit www.kuwait.maserati.com. DISCOVER THE LILAC GLEAM The Lilac Gleam is the newest Compact Styler from Tangle Teezer! It is going to be your favorite and handiest purse companion. It comes in the prettiest shade of lilac with a luscious chrome finish, making it eye-catching and simply stunning. Mounted on a pale pink body, this darling brush beams and gleams as a lovely accessory to keep with you. Fun to style and easy to travel with, this essential hairbrush is perfect for detangling onthe-go, leaving your hair soft, shiny and tangle-free. Distributed by beautiquecosmeticsintl.com. Call 2225 1285 for more info.

FIGHT THE FRIZZ WITH LABEL.M Nobody wants big frizzy hair, but in summer with the heat, humidity, chlorine and salt damage it can be a losing battle. The Anti-Frizz collection. Created by professionals, the high-performance formulations with naturally derived ingredients that work together to target unwanted, frizzy hair. With unique ingredients such as Green Mandarin Extract to moisturize and refresh, and Baobab Seed Extract to leave you with long-lasting hydration. Developed to replenish moisture & help correct hair damage but smoothing & sealing the cuticle for water-proof, strengthening & long-lasting frizz-free results. Distributed by beautiquecosmeticsintl.com. Call 2225 1285 for more info.

BEAT THE HEAT WITH A PINKBERRY BUBBLE WAFFLE Frozen yogurt is the perfect summer treat and there’s no one who makes them better than Pinkberry. And they have just introduced the Bubble Waffle. The light and warm spherical egg-based waffle originated from Hong Kong. The Bubble waffles are freshly baked in stores. Next, they are wrapped and placed in a cup almost like an ice cream cone. Make it the perfect dessert for you by customizing it and choosing your favorite frozen yogurt flavor. Finally, take it to the next level by adding your favorite toppings like chocolate chips, blueberries, M&Ms and more. The Bubble Waffle is available in select locations in Kuwait, for more information follow them on Instagram @PinkberryME.

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Mac

bazaar around town

DISCOVER NEW DISHES AND FLAVORS EVERY WEEK AT 400 GRADI 400 Gradi, home of the world’s best pizza, and chef Johnny Di Francesco’s creation, now offers weekly specials to offer novelty to guests on a regular basis. While most guests love sticking to their favorites, they are also excited when they discover new flavors. Every two or three weeks the restaurant introduces two new weekly specials. The items are seasonal; lighter in the summer and more indulgent in the colder months, but always using the fresh produce available in that season. The most recent examples have been Porcini Chicken Safron Risotto paired with Chocolate Lava Cake and Mushroom Gratinata with Chili Chocolate Brownie. 400 Gradi is located in The Forum – The Avenues. For more information follow @400gradime on Instagram and Facebook. GO ON A CULLINARY ADVENTURE WITH CLEO Located in the Forum section in Kuwait’s Avenues, Cleo draws from diverse cultures to create richly textured shareable plates, which encourage a warm, social dining experience. The menu offers Mediterranean classics with subtle hints of Arabic flavors. Enjoy mezze, a selection of house-made pastas, fresh salads, flavorful flatbreads, tagines and a wide selection of tempting mocktails in a warm, intimate restaurant setting that playfully marries old Hollywood glamour with a relaxed Mediterranean charm. The setting and menu offerings are ideal for charming family gatherings during the Eid and summer break. Even if you are not traveling this year, you can pretend to be in a different time and place with Cleo. The interiors and the food will compete for space on your Instagram grid and stories. Cleo is located at The Forum- The Avenues. For more information follow Cleo on Instagram @cleomiddleeast. JAPAN MEETS CALIFORNIA IN KATSUYA Katsuya marries master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi’s fresh takes on Japanese classics with design icon Philippe Starck’s sleek and sultry interiors. Katsuya’s Japanese kanji symbol “katsu” means “victory” or “to win” and it’s fitting considering the loyal following of Hollywood A-listers and prestigious food critics the restaurant has won over with its inventive combination of Japanese and Californian cuisine. Exuberant servers welcome you “irashaimase” as you walk in and bid you “arigato gozaimas” as you leave and in between, original creations like the crispy rice with spicy tuna, our signature bops and award-winning mocktails like the burning mandarin delight your palate. Katsuya is located in Grand Avenue-The Avenues, and soon to open in Murouj. For more information follow Katsuya on Instagram @katsuyamiddleeast.

P.F. CHANG’S CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations in the region, P.F. Chang’s is going through a multidimensional revamp that will redefine their guest dining experience. Launching a variety of new dishes and an interactive menu that is tech friendly, diners at P.F. Chang’s can scan a QR Code with their phones to unlock videos of new dishes, interactive games for children, and exciting facts about the dishes. As the creators of original recipes that are widely imitated and never duplicated, such as The Original Dynamite Shrimp, Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef, which have all became staples around the world, those guest favorites will definitely remain on the menu. There will be more salads and soups, Kids Bento Boxes, new Beef, Duck and Seabass dishes, and the must-try Chef’s Special Crab Cakes. Fun Fact: P.F. Chang’s sells an average of 10 Million Dynamite Shrimp every year! P.F. Changs is located in 1st Avenue- The Avenues, Al Corniche Club in Salmiya, Sidra Restaurant Complex, Grand Plaza- The Avenues and Al Kout Mall. For more information follow P.F. Chang’s on Instagram @pfchangsme.

BREAKING NEWS: YOU CAN NOW GET GROCERIES ON TALABAT! You heard us right: you can now order your groceries from Talabat! Skip the supermarket checkout queue and directly order your groceries, baked goods, frozen and canned foods, drinks, and even home and personal care items. It is so easy and in three simple steps your order will be at your doorstep. Click the “Grocery Stores” filter card to see all the grocery stores that deliver to your order. Pick one and add the items to your cart. Check out and pay by cash or card. That’s it! We’ve been using Talabat to satisfy our hunger for years. Let’s just say we’re glad that they’re making grocery shopping just as simple now! Download the Talabat App from the Google Play or the App Store to order your groceries today.

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al yasra

bazaar around town

Bazaar Ad 26x31 - Al Danah 500K Closing Date 2019.pdf

5/15/19

10:54 AM

DEPOSIT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN IN GULF BANK’S AL DANAH QUARTERLY DRAW The winner will take home KD 500,000 prize! Customers are encouraged to participate in Gulf Bank’s third quarterly Al Danah draw for the chance to take home the KD 500,000 prize! Increase your chances of winning by increasing deposits into your Gulf Bank account before June 30, 2019. It’s worth mentioning that the Al Danah draw is internationally recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest acclaimed prize linked to a bank account in the world. Gulf Bank’s Al Danah account is open to both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of Kuwait. A minimum of KD 200 is required to open an account and the same amount must be maintained for customers to be eligible for the upcoming Al Danah draws. Al Danah chances are added on a daily basis, meaning the more customers save and the longer they save for, the higher their chances are of winning! Furthermore, loyal customers are always rewarded, with the chances accumulated during the previous years rolling over to the next year’s draws.

CMY

To learn more about Gulf Bank’s Al Danah account, visit one of the Gulf Bank’s 58 branches or log on to www.e-gulfbank. com. Contact the Customer Contact Center on 1805 805 or place queries through the newly launched WhatsApp service on 6580 5805 for assistance and guidance. Visit the dedicated Al Danah website www.e-gulfbank.com/aldanahwinners to learn more about the account and the winners. EXPERIENCE JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA’S EXCITING SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has brought an extraordinary experience for your children with its thrilling Summer Camp. Starting from June 9th, the summer camp is open for kids of ages 4 to 12 years old and will run daily from 08:30 to 15:30, Sunday to Thursday. Children spending their summer in Kuwait can enjoy a variety of interactive and fun-filled activities guaranteed to help your little ones beat the summer heat. Kids will have the opportunity to partake in their favorite sports including basketball, swimming, tennis and kick boxing along with the opportunity to enhance their creativity in arts and handicraft classes and much more, all while meeting new friends and discovering new interests and hobbies. Your precious little ones will not only explore a wide range of exciting opportunities but will also develop valuable life skills such as socializing and teamwork in a secure and safe environment. For more information on registrations, don’t hesitate to contact 2226 9600 to let your kids experience true memorable moments this summer. KIDZANIA KUWAIT ORGANIZES A FUN DAY FOR CHILDREN OF BAYT ABDULLAH CHILDREN’S HOSPICE KidZania Kuwait, the exciting kid-sized metropolis, recently organized a day of fun and entertainment for the children of Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice (BACCH). BACCH is the first of its kind Hospice in Kuwait providing multi-professional, specialist, pediatric palliative care and support to children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. A major part of the event involved fun activities for the children including face painting, arts and crafts in partnership with That AlSalasil, fire safety, biscuit making in partnership with Kuwait Flour & Mills Bakeries, recycling sponsored by Equate and much more. Children were also entertained with astounding performances by KidZania’s RightZkeepers: Urbano and Vita and enjoyed memorable photo opportunities with them. During the day, the KidZania team interacted with the staff, learnt more about the hospice and toured the facility. A lot of information was provided about BACCH services to encourage people to refer the hospice to families in need. For more information on KidZania Kuwait visit www.kidzania.com.kw and check out @KidZaniaKuwait on social media.

THIS SUMMER FANTASY WORLD BRINGS THE EXCLUSIVE INTEX ULTRA FRAME 5-METER SWIMMING POOL Here to help you beat the summer heat, Fantasy World has exclusively brought the Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular above ground 5-meter pool at an unbeatable price. Enjoying the summer from the comfort of your garden has never been easier! Above the ground pools are designed so you can convert your garden area into a swimming pool, once the summer is gone you can easily wrap it up and keep it in your back yard ready to use it again next summer. Intex Ultra Frame rectangular pools are easy to assemble, thanks to a new method that does not need any more clips to connect the metal parts. The elegant grey of Intex 5-meter pool increases the value of an extremely strong pool, flexible and durable. This pool comes with all rounded edges for the safety of children. Fantasy World offers this 5-meter pool at an unbeatable price of KD 199, the best in the market and a wonderful steal for grabs. For convenient shopping, Fantasy World has an online shopping website known for its on-time home delivery. To learn more about Fantasy World, visit any of Fantasy World’s social media platforms, Facebook: fantasyworldtoyskuwait, Instagram @Fantasyworldtoys and YouTube: Fantasyworld Kuwait.

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bazaar scopes

CAPRICON DEC 22 – JAN 19 Your energy levels are so high we can hardly catch them all! You’re going to get the overwhelming feeling of being on top of the world, take advantage of it and get ready to tackle on any extreme challenges coming your way. They were tougher to face before, but with this positive energy, an instant boost will bring everything with an ease to it.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

The land of exploration is right up your alley! A possible side hustle might emerge into the scene, so go ahead and explore those ideas that haven’t been discovered before. Plan a gathering with your besties to discuss different notions and perspectives. Your extra strength comes from family and friends, so use it well little Crab and recharge your emotions.

Have you been focusing too much on finding the right solutions lately? Try to take a look at your past experiences for an answer instead of focusing on consequences that haven’t occurred yet. Study the situation by comparing and contrasting, you will surely find something to work with. Pave the way for an efficient streamline of thought before it all gets chaotic.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 In your case, It’s always better to be safe than sorry! You might need to start fact checking yourself and whatever’s coming your way for a while to avoid getting sucked into your emotional vortex. Study your movements and decisions from the past to gain confidence in the present, this will make you more focused than being completely stressed out.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19 LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 An essential change of the environment around you could be needed. It can be as simple as moving your bedroom furniture or getting a set of new clothes. Reevaluate your surroundings before you make a change though, and mainly aim for a space that will provide you with a better flow. You’re not one to slack, so own up to your bottled up leadership traits.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 Neglect is the theme of your week, which is hardly ever felt or even seen from your side. You’ll need to sharpen and shape up your almost always on-point analytics. Take some time off and prepare yourself for what’s coming from career and personal pressures. It can be beneficial to consider the viewpoint of those closest to you, so don’t hesitate to ask away.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Several transformations are occurring and will continue to happen more often than you think. Just like the wind, dramatic changes that you simply cannot pindown might shock or please you. In that case, listen closely to your instincts, as well as the concern of others. Gain as much information as you can before making a decision till you settle down comfortably.

Seeking required inspiration? Try to have an open mind when it comes to new creative opportunities, even the ones you typically brush off. Direct your mind and thoughts to a different route, pick up a possible new hobby. It’s also the perfect time for you to make new connections, and bring out the best of your charm with a bit of spontaneity.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 Running through a trail of memories can be difficult at times for you, but it’s okay to start placing new boundaries when it comes to giving second chances to those who deserve it. Create new memories with the people you share most of your days with, the ones who are always working on bettering themselves to stay connected with you on a personal level.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUN 21 Your intuitions will be peaking very soon, follow them with trust and confidence. If a required action comes forward, don’t hesitate to make a move as a step forward. The matter can literally be anything, from organizing your bookshelf, to creating a routine that mainly revolves around your self-care. Gear up for a determined mindset, it will come in handy!

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 We’re all aware of your impeccable mysterious personality, Scorpios! It is eventually part of your charm as well, so never shake that off. The opportunity to rework on an old, yet passionate project of yours might require your attention. Don’t stress over trying to experience the thrill of new projects, instead take a step backwards and be surprised by its possible prosperity.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21 This month is all about retreating and resting. But, don’t forget to keep your balance in check, and set a small schedule to help you even further. You’re a conqueror at heart after all, and your lifestyle is tough to hinder, so treat and reward yourself with what will mostly help you achieve your goals and ultimately makes you feel better.

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