CP April 2023

24.

AUTOMOBILE

66. A Test Drive Of The Jetour Dashing SUV

74. New 2023 Ram 1500 Trx Havoc Illuminates Expanded Line-Up

BEAUTY

24. Hello Spring!

ENTERTAINMENT

64. New April Book Releases

65. Writing Movie Wrongs

FASHION

14. Elevate Your Ramadan Style With Repossi’s Antifer 4 Rows

15. An Exceptionally Curated Eid Al Fitr

Edit By Létrange

36. Givenchy Introduces The Marshmallow

Wedge

37. Tie-Dye For Spring With ETRO

45. Jaeger Presents All New Summer 2023 Womenswear Collection

50. Fashion Editorial

54. Semsem Kaftans To Wear For Iftars

And Suhoors This Ramadan.

55. Erdem White Collection 2023

56. Presenting The Full Mugler H&M Collection

FITNESS

16. What Is Formerlyme?

INTERVIEWS

8. Maria Savitskaya

18.Erdem

26. Ramla Ali

HOME DECOR

46. H&M Home Presents Vibrant Summer Décor For The Outdoors And Indoors

TRAVEL

38. Bonus Miles: Montiboli

49. A Room With A View

58. Ethiopia: Land Of Origins

REGULARS

76. Homework For Grownups

78. Horoscopes

18. 8.

66.

Skincare Is The Key For Any Flawless Makeup

Meet Maria Savitskaya - a talented makeup artist who hails from St. Petersburg, Russia but has found her passion in the bustling city of Kuwait. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things makeup, Maria has made a name for herself in the industry with her unique approach to beauty. Her journey to the Middle East has been nothing short of transformative, and she's fallen in love with the region's rich culture and vibrant energy. Maria's exceptional skills and deep appreciation for her adopted home have made her a sought-after makeup artist among clients who seek a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Read our exclusive interview with Maria to learn more about her.

Photography: Maria Photographer Kuwait (@prokopyeva.ph)

Please introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Maria, and my work and passion is the beauty industry. I was born and spent most of my life in St. Petersburg, Russia, but for the last 12 years my family and I have lived abroad, a few years in Germany and Bahrain and now in Kuwait. Life in Middle-East is very different from Europe and had a deep impact on my personality but I love it!

Tell us about your education. I graduated from College as an Estetist/Technologist in makeup and cosmetology. During my education we covered every aspect of the beauty industry but my focus was on studying academic drawing and painting, anatomy, production and composition of cosmetics, as well as professional makeup. While in College, I also got a medical degree (Nursing). A year later I graduated from Open University of Russia with Bachelors in Economics and Business Management.

Tell us a little bit about how you first got into makeup, and about your journey to where you are today!

I was fascinated by the beauty industry from an early age but professionally I got into makeup when I was around 17 years old. I started participating in a variety of workshops and enhanced my skills by specialized trainings run by some of the leading brands. I also took part in world class beauty competitions and worked at the biggest beauty exhibitions in Russia at that time. Some of memorable moments include working as a makeup artist at launching campaigns for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Lancome.

Did you get any formal training or are you a selftaught artist?

Social media was not that widespread and Instagram did not even exist. So, I had to introduce makeup to my clients and explain the importance it plays in everyday life, and not only on special occasions. Now in Kuwait I work as a freelancer for private customers and a variety of local brands. However, my motivation remains the same till today! I want to bring out the joy and happiness, give confidence and fulfillment to anyone I work with.

At what point did you decide to pursue make-up as a career?

I do not think I can pinpoint a specific moment. Fashion shows, makeup and VOGUE magazine were always part of my life. So I always knew that my career will be somehow connected to the world of beauty. I loved makeup, so I made my passion to my profession.

How would you describe your signature look?

I believe every person is unique. I see my goal is to bring out and enhance untapped beauty. Elegance is what I like to show in my work. Sometimes less is more but it all depends on the client's needs and situation.

What does make-up mean to you?

Working as a makeup artist gives me an opportunity

to express myself through the art of colors, shades and nuances. In such people-oriented type of work, the feedback loop is very close and it motivates me immensely. Besides the creative fulfillment, my work allows me to feel empowered and an independent woman.

What is your favourite makeup look you have ever done?

Throughout my career, I have done a vast number of looks and transformations such as abstract, minimalistic, gala, podium just to anime a few. It is very difficult to select a particular look but my favorite is the moment when makeup is done, the lady looks in the mirror and her eyes start to shine. At this moment, I know that the look is right and this is really important to me.

What keeps you creatively inspired?

You never know in what exact moment you'll get an idea for the next creative look. Obviously, fashion shows give us trends and directions but I also seek inspiration from nature, art and culture. For example, unique textile patterns, which were on display in Sadu house, as well as, the vibrant life of the old Souq Mubarakiya were inspirations for some of my past projects.

What famous artists have influenced you, and how?

It would be impossible to recall all the talented artists who inspired me - there are just too many. However, I would like to name a few who had been on my mind recently:

Nikki @nikki_makeup - Currently, she inspires me the most. She demonstrates a beautiful and precise commercial look.

Kabuki @kabukinyc - Love his aesthetics and unique vision

Mimi Choi @mimles - She is an extraordinary artist, her imagination is beyond this world.

In your opinion, what is the most important quality in a makeup artist?

Of course everyone in the business needs to be up-todate with all popular trends. People show you a picture from TikTok or “Met Gala” as a reference and expect to reproduce a particular look. This falls under technical skills which develop over time with patience, practice and experience. However, from my experience, the most important traits to become a successful makeup artist is to be respectful to other opinions, joined with good communication skills. We work with people, so we need to put their feelings, expectations and desires first. Finally, I would like to stress the importance of hygiene. No matter what, your brushes, products and your workplace must always be clean not only to prevent skin problems but also to show respect.

What is the biggest makeup tip you think every woman should know?

You might be surprised but skincare is the key for any flawless makeup. Healthy good looking skin is already half of your success. Moisturizer and sunblock are musthaves in every cosmetic bag.

What are some of your other hobbies?

I am a curious person by nature and enjoy traveling and exploring new places. In recent years, me and my family discovered the Southeast Asian region and got fascinated by their history, culture and, of course, their amazing food. These unforgettable traveling experiences are the most cherished moments that I love sharing with my daughter and show her how amazing our world is. But when I am home and not working, I love to bake and try out new recipes. I think I have watched all seasons of “The Great British Bake Off”.

Can you tell us about some of your most memorable backstage moments?

No doubt working backstage at “Paris Fashion Week” is one of the highlights in my career. It was a great opportunity not only to show your professional skills on an international stage, but also improve them by working side-by-side with super talented people. I have to admit that it was challenging and sometimes physically exhausting but at the same time full of unforgettable experiences and bright emotions. Surrounded by other talented artists, designers and photographers I had a unique opportunity to see my work on the catwalk and in some high profile magazines. The Fashion Week fueled me with new motivation and creative ideas. I think I am still under that “Paris Fashion Week” spell.

When it comes to your own beauty routine, what do you place most importance on?

As a daily routine, I prefer very light makeup which includes the basics: concealer, translucent foundation, a little bit of highlighter and mascara. I personally like to use a trick with colored mascara. My eyes are green and I use a purple mascara, which is a contrast color. As a result my own eye color looks brighter but lashes remain dark, similar to standard black mascara.

You can also try this trick, just pick the right contrast shade. For green eyes choose purple or burgundy, for blue the best is brown, and brown eyes work with blue or purple shades. Just give it a try. I am sure you will like this effect.

What are the three tools in your makeup kit that you can never, ever be without?

If I had to pick 3 tools, it would definitely be my brushes. It would be an angled brush, medium size blending brush and, of course, the eyebrow and lashes brush. But at the end of the day, we always improvise, it is part of the job. You can replace any tool, just have to be creative.

What are your future goals and plans for your career?

I would like to grow further in my career and expand my portfolio. Over the last few years, I managed to build a healthy number of clients whom I regularly work with. But my goal is to get into new fields such as TV or Cinema productions and collaborations with major makeup brands in the region.

Your message for us at CP magazine.

First of all, I would like to thank CP magazine for this interview. I hope I managed to give you a glimpse into the life of a makeup artist in Kuwait. Reflecting on me, my work and experiences gave me another motivation boost for my career. I love my job and hope I can translate it to new exciting projects.

ELEVATE YOUR RAMADAN STYLE WITH REPOSSI’S ANTIFER 4 ROWS

Inspired by the shape of the cliffs of Antifer in Normandy, the timeless Antifer collection is characterized by a simple line forming a cliff, which stacks architecturally in an asymmetrical rhythm. Nine years after its launch, Antifer still amazes with its modern design and continues to reinvent itself with a new wearable piece.

Once again Repossi, through Gaia Repossi’s hands, shows its modernity and avant-gardism, unveiling a unique ring: a timeless but everyday version of the iconic Antifer design, handcrafted in Italy with a great attention to details.

Each row is created separately by the technique of lost-wax casting, taken back and polished by the

jeweler, before being assembled.

The assembling is made thanks to 3 gold pins that maintain the whole, and the position of each ring is decided with a very precise angle in order to give coherence to the whole.

The empty space between each ring is studied to ensure the reading of the angles, specific to the Antifer collection. From the inside of the ring, it is possible to see each row separately. In a monobloc, the inside would be smooth.

A variation of the iconic Antifer 4-raws paved ring, in a plain pink gold version. A ring that can be worn on a daily basis yet is a strong and powerful piece.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY CURATED EID AL FITR EDIT BY LÉTRANGE

French heritage brand LÉ�TRANGÉ has curated a special edit to commemorate Eid Al-Fitr, where pieces featured compliment one’s Eid attire in the most exceptional manner.

LÉ�TRANGÉ prides itself on its long-standing luxurious heritage and notable craftsmanship, with leather goods products made from the finest of materials that are sophisticated in finishing, modern in design, and impeccably innovative. Every single bag in their offering is ingeniously designed and versatile in the ways it can be worn, with a singular unique personality of its own.

This curated Eid Al-Fitr edit is no exception, featuring some of its best-selling handbags from their iconic collections; the Empreinte PM, Empreinte Mini, and Ego Bag. In this edit, LÉ�TRANGÉ hand-picked a curation including one-of-akind savoir faire pieces such as the Empreinte Mini made of Alligator skin in a vivid Jade color, and limited-edition Ego bag made of Indian hand embroidered pearls and crystals.

Whether looking to gift a loved one this Eid a valuable gift, or compliment your Eid attire with accessory excellence, this LÉ�TRANGÉ edit is perfect for you.

WHAT IS FORMERLYME?

FormerlyMe is an online movement to motivate and inspire people to become the best version of themselves by showing them my journey and experience in trying a new workout and lifestyle regime every 90 days. Every post, update, and video is ‘formerly me’ as I endeavor to become the best version of myself and become FormerlyMe. Each month CP Magazine will showcase a part of my journey to becoming the best version of myself. I hope that in turn this inspires and motivates you to start your own journey as well. For this month’s story we will focus on the “On the Go: St Kitts” days of my journey.

Saint Kitts, or officially Saint Christopher, is one part of a two island country called Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are separated by only a shallow 3 kilometer channel known as “The Narrows”. Before they gained their independence in 1983, they were first home to colonies by the British and the French. Although their economy was first based upon the sugar trade of the 1700s and well into the early 1900s, today tourism is a major part of their economy. It is of no small wonder with the pristine waters and luscious green terrain that this would be anything else that a place to take a getaway trip to.

One of the things you will notice immediately when visiting this island is that many young Americans and Canadians live on the island. These are mostly students of the islands veterinary school, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, is world renowned. Across the island you will find many sites to visit, and most of these sites are estates and manors in various conditions of upkeep. A few sights to see are Wingfield Estate, Brimstone Hill Fortress, and Mount Liamuiga which is a volcano that last erupted over 1800 years ago.

Most travel sites online will tell you that December to May is the best time to visit, but with the favorable trade winds I would say that it is almost year round except for their rainy season is June to December. Whether you arrive by boat or plane, this is a destination that will surely leave you wanting to explore more of the Caribbean. Be sure to pack the sunscreen and a sense of adventure!

There is also a scenic railcar that runs around the island, but be sure to check their website as the train is not always running. Hiring a driver is super easy and taking the scenic roads around the island will give you multiple lookout points to take in the beauty of the land and sea. I particularly liked when we went to the side of the island where you can see Nevis island a short distance away. Almost so close you can swim to it!

Follow my journey online at FormerlyMe.com and on the YouTube channel. Next month I will cover my more unique experiences I had in the past few years. Until next time that has been FormerlyMe!

facebook.com/FormerlyMe twitter.com/MeFormerly instagram.com/formerlymeofficial

ERDEM

Vacation is a timeless and optimistc collection inspired by the desire to explore and travel.

Erdem Moralioglu is the eponymous founder of fashion label Erdem, which he started in 2005 with a collection of softly sweeping dresses and floral prints, now a part of his signature aesthetic. The half-Turkish and half-British designer was born in Montréal, where he also grew up and took an interest in fashion at a young age.

Moralioglu earned a bachelor's degree in fashion at Ryerson University in Toronto before moving to London in 2001 to attend the Royal College of Art, having been inspired by his mother, who hailed from Birmingham, to steep himself in British culture and fashion. He interned at Vivienne Westwood and a stint at Diane von Furstenberg after graduation took him to New York for a year, but he quickly returned to establish his home

base and studio in Shoreditch in East London.

Since then, the designer has won fans and critical acclaim with his blend of overtly feminine silhouettes and moody, meticulous prints. The brand has received numerous accolades over the years, including the 2008 British Fashion Council’s Fashion Forward Award; the 2010 inaugural Vogue / British Fashion Council Designer Fashion Fund Award, the 2012 British Fashion Council's New Establishment Award, the 2013 British Fashion Council's Red Carpet Award, the 2014 British Fashion Council's Womenswear Designer of the Year Award, the 2015 British Fashion Council's Establishment Designer Award, the 2016 Fashion Group International Fashion Star Award.

Erdem's designs regularly appear on red carpets the world over thanks to a host of high profile supporters including Kiera Knightly, Claudia Schiffer, Thandie Newton, and Chloe Sevigny. Erdem's shows have grown to become one of London Fashion Week's hottest tickets.

The house of ERDEM is cultured and erudite, underpinned by a belief in the power and skill of craftmanship. Mind and hand work together to bring imagination to life with precision, artistry and the compelling dexterity of the handmade. Respect for traditional skills is combined with an excitement for innovation, in technique and application.

Erdem is at heart a storyteller. Collections are formed around a narrative, championing heroic women (and now men) at a particular place and a moment in time. Erdem's fashion is dramatic, atmospheric and expressive in the service of emotion: it is not what they wear, but how they feel that matters.

THE NEW VACATION COLLECTION

The collection is comprised of relaxed silhouettes perfect for a summer escape; volume sleeve midlength dresses in bold guipure lace sit alongside scallop-edged broderie anglaise sundresses, both exclusive fabrics for the brand. A vibrant seasonal colour palette of grass green, burnt yellow and mint merge with painterly Victorian botanical prints on high waisted bikinis and swimsuits.

HELLO SPRING!

SEEK MAGIC EVERYDAY

Sana Mrad

The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer (TATCHA) Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation with SPF 25 Protection (KOSAS) Blush Palette Vol. (PATRICK TA)

Mickey Face & Eye Palette (DISNEY FANTASIA) Cream Highlighter Stick (MILK MAKEUP) Black Mascara (RARE BEAUTY)

Air Brow Tinted Clean Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (KOSAS) Rhinestone for Makeup

sanaaghazal

RAMLA ALI

Cover star Ramla Ali is a champion boxer, fashion model, activist, philantrophist who represented Somalia at the Tokyo Olimpics, named on the 2023 TIME Women of the Year List and ambassador of SIRO Hotels.

Words: José Berrocoso

www.sirohotels.com

As a professional boxer, Ramla Ali has come a long way in a short amount of time, and has made a name for herself along the way. Ali became the first woman to represent Somalia at global championships, while helping to establish a boxing federation in Mogadishu. In addition, she is the founder of the UKbased Ramla Ali Sisters Club, author of books such as “Not without a Fight: 10 Steps to Becoming Your Own Champion,” a model, a global brand ambassador, and an activist, a woman who truly wears many hats.

SIRO’s newest ambassador, Ramla Ali, embodies the brand’s values of strength and originality. Discovering the world of boxing at an early age brought Ali confidence and discipline, and she soon went on to become the first Muslim woman to win an English title, before setting up Somalia’s boxing federation and becoming the first boxer in history to represent the country at the Olympics.

In 2018, Ali set up ‘Ramla Ali Sisters Club’ a not-forprofit initiative that provides a free and safe space for all women to take weekly boxing classes without fear of discrimination. Since its inception, the club has created a global community of like-minded

fighters who are welcomed regardless of experience, race or religion.

A first for the hospitality industry, Team SIRO was established in 2021 – and is a collaboration with international sporting partners and elite athletes. More than brand ambassadors, these experts feed SIRO’s in-house team with valuable insights to shape the guest experience at SIRO; enabling guests to train, move and recover like some of the world’s top athletes.

SIRO One Za'abeel, the inaugural hotel, will launch later this 2023. This first hotel for the SIRO brand will sit in the heart of Dubai’s iconic One Za’abeel development. A fitness and recovery destination, SIRO One Za’abeel will offer holistic fitness and wellbeing programs, in a beautifully designed hotel environment with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. Guests will have access to top-of-the-line facilities, while receiving expert guidance and coaching from a team of fitness and wellbeing experts. Programs will focus on five pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness. And Ramla seems to be the perfect ambassador for the project.

“It was a natural choice for me to partner with SIRO. I have worked hard to create an environment within the male dominated world of boxing where women feel welcomed and encouraged to participate. In the same way, SIRO mirrors my ambitions, to introduce hotels and platforms where everyone can feel welcome to work on their wellbeing and positively impact their physical and mental health. I am excited to be working with the team on developing programs and experiences that will give guests the chance to learn life habits that they can take away with them and incorporate into their everyday lives”, says Ramla.

LEADING WOMAN

Born in 1989, Ramla Ali and her family were surrounded by violence and instability. Local authorities in Somalia would oppress and control people's every move. The country was plagued by ethnic tension, with many looking for a way out in search of a better life. Ramla was lucky to arrive as a refugee in Britain alive. Via a dangerous boat journey to Kenya, the Ali family settled in London's east end. Young Ramla grew up in a traditional Muslim household.

That was the reality for Ramla Ali after she became the first Muslim woman to win Énglish national boxing titles titles in 2016. Fighting, struggling, and never giving up on building her own destiny. That's Ramla Ali's story. The English-Somali boxer carved out a place for herself in the boxing world against all odds that were stacked against her. At 33, she is a source of inspiration on and off the boxing ring. Keeping her boxing secret was the only option for Ali, who neither wished to disappoint her parents or give up on boxing.

Ali has now become a pillar of inspiration within the community that her mother once feared would reject her boxing. Far from being judged, she receives daily affirmations of her sporting achievements through social media.

Outside the arena, Ali has also shared her boxing skills with female enthusiasts, including through activism. In 2018, she founded the Ramla Ali Sisters Club, a safe space that offers women the opportunity to master boxing without hijab. Ever since, the club has established four branches across London with the sport brand, Nike, as its sponsor.

THE HUMANITARIAN SIDE

In 2019, Ramla Ali travelled to Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. She spent time at the UNICEF Makani ‘My Space’ Centre and met young girls whose families had fled Syria due to the conflict. Among them, was a girl named Shahd. 12-year-old Shahd was a “ball of energy and enthusiasm” recalls Ramla.

Shahd loved the Makani Centre because she could take part in a range of activities — from karate and Brazilian capoeira to kick boxing and dance. As Ramla got to know Shahd, she also discovered the inspirational role the community workers and volunteers played at the centre.

“She adored her teacher, Faiza, the woman that has been coaching her in a variety of combat sports, dancing and other disciplines despite the challenging environment they find themselves in. Now all she wants to be is a coach like Faiza” says Ramla. “As a child refugee I was hopeful that in sharing my journey it might help others with theirs, but whatever I’ve achieved is nothing compared to the heroes I met,” she says in an interview sith Stylist Magazine. “You can only dream of what you can become with what you can see”, Ramla explains. And yet here is a woman so determined and driven to meet her goals, ‘hero’ doesn’t seem inappropriate.

Ali has now become a pillar of inspiration within the community that her mother once feared would reject her boxing. Far from being judged, she receives daily affirmations of her sporting achievements through social media.

WINNING SAUDI ARABIA’S FIRST FEMALE BOXING MATCH

Ramla Ali made history after winning the first ever female boxing match in Saudi Arabia last year. The London-based model and activist beat opponent Crystal Garcia Nova during the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercard. The superbantamweight boxing fight was over in just one minute and five seconds as Ali secured a knock-out victory at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

She is named to the 2023 TIME Women of the Year list, recognising 12 extraordinary leaders fighting for a more equal world. TIME named Ramla Ali to the 2023 TIME Women of the Year list, recognizing 12 extraordinary leaders fighting for a more equal world.

THE SIRO EXPERIENCE

A fitness and recovery destination, SIRO One Za’abeel will offer holistic fitness and wellbeing programs, in a beautifully designed hotel environment with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline. Guests will have access to top-of-the-line facilities, while receiving expert guidance and coaching from a team of fitness and wellbeing experts. Programs will focus on five pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness.

Guests will have the option to partake in a complimentary 3D body scan to evaluate their physical fitness, providing the hotel’s coaching team with data to develop personalised programs, tailored to individual needs and goals. Integrated digital technology, including a dedicated app, will support guests throughout their stay; offering everything from mobile check-in, to nutrition monitoring, gamification and vitality tracking.

A state-of-the-art fitness club will form the hotel’s core across two floors, boasting a minimum 1,000m2 gym along with dedicated space for yoga and meditation, as well as ample studios for group movement classes, and use of local sports venues. Other facilities include strength and conditioning, cardio and free weights zones, through to studios for HIIT, cycling, boxing and Pilates.

Specialist trainers, coaches, nutritionists and technicians will be on hand at One Za’abeel to help guests make and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. Rooms feature the latest technology to promote restorative sleep, including smart Aero Plush mattresses, recovery wardrobes and smart curtains that will be connected to the SIRO app alarm clock and which will open gradually a few moments before the alarm rings to allow natural light to fill the room. The alarm will be set to follow the guest’s circadian rhythm in order to mitigate jet lag and encourage bodies to wake up in a more rested state.

SIRO will also offer a dedicated Recovery Lab to provide a range of specialised wellbeing treatments. Cutting-edge technologies available include cryotherapy, infrared and oxygen therapy, as well as a range of supporting treatments including physiotherapy, acupuncture and assisted stretching. Dedicated mindfulness coaches will offer workshops and specific classes in breathing, meditation, and visualisation.

Integration within the local community is a key ambition for each SIRO hotel, starting with One Za’abeel. The brand is developing a partnership strategy to provide sporting activities and education opportunities for local communities. Moreover, at each destination, SIRO will offer guests unique excursions to test endurance and discover the local area through sports like cycling, sailing, hiking, climbing, and kite surfing. In Dubai, SIRO One Za’abeel will offer cycling in Al Qudra Lakes, hiking in the Hatta Mountains and paddle boarding in the Arabian Gulf.

FOR SPRING-SUMMER 2023 GIVENCHY INTRODUCES THE MARSHMALLOW WEDGE

Givenchy proudly unveils new variations on its best-selling Marshmallow wedge for Spring-Summer 2023.

An instant hit since it was first introduced in Spring-Summer 2021, this lightweight, custom-molded rubber wedge with a distinctive and trendy 110mm sole now features two finishes and a wider array of colors. Matte Marshmallow styles include the now-iconic black as well as gunmetal silver or khaki, while an ultra-feminine glossy finish comes in trendy shades of silk pink, cloud blue, black or ivory. All are discreetly embellished with “Givenchy” lettering on the heel and a debossed 4G emblem at the side to further elevate summer looks.

To coincide with the height of the season, in late June the House will also introduce a slightly more casual PreFall 2023 Marshmallow, featuring a 75mm sole and an embossed leather upper leather with tonal “Givenchy” lettering. This new variation will be available exclusively in two matte colors: black or fuchsia.

The Spring-Summer 2023 Marshmallow wedge (110mm) is now available in-store and online.

The Pre-Fall 2023 Marshmallow wedge (75mm) will be available online and in-store from June onwards.

TIE-DYE FOR SPRING WITH ETRO

ETRO is excited to present signature tie-dye looks from its Spring/Summer 2023 Collection just in time for Spring.

The colorful hand-dyed polychrome cashmere allows the pieces to transcend and reflect on the Italian luxury brand’s message of a great journey that looks to leave the imagination of the past aside and look to the future. These looks encourage all to play with their style for Spring and add life and spirit to the collection, staying true to the brand’s core.

Whether you're looking for trend-setting looks that match the season or simply looking to inject some fun into your wardrobe, ETRO has you covered!

If life is a collection of memories, the Costa Blanca, in Alicante – Region of Valencia, Spain, is a place for enjoying each and every moment and learning how good it feels to take things at a gentle pace. I’m talking about pleasant strolls through small seaside villages with well kept old quarters. Also, perhaps some relaxing afternoons enjoying the sun, with spectacular sea views, on the beach and in curious crags. Of course, with sumptuous grilled seafood on the coast or traditional paella dishes, raising a toast with the wonderful local wines and making culinary discoveries in international award-winning haute cuisine restaurants.

Set on a cliff-top and facing the Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Montiboli in Villajoyosa, is located between two beautiful coves with blue water. This impressive Arabstyle hotel hotel enjoys direct access to L’Esparrelló Beach. You can stroll along the seafront promenade to both Villajoyosa's old town in 30 minutos, or cycle in 15 minutes. Alicante airport is a 40-minute drive and Alicante city a little more; spectacular Altea is thirty minutes drive inland.

This is a firmly established Villajoyosa and Costa del Sol destination hotel, yet it also flaunts a fresh, up-todate feel, with many rooms smartly refurbished and dining options jazzed up. Villajoyosa is a charming Mediterranean coastal town, located between Alicante and Benidorm, it is the capital of the Marina Baixa region. This traditional village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Alicante. Cheerful, professional staff do a fantastic job of looking after guests without being overbearing; there's always a helpful team member around to book restaurants, taxis and activities. The impressive facilities include two pools, acclaimed tennis club, an award-winning spa, 2 restaurants, Alhambra Terrace and La Proa Bar.

THE ROOMS

The sleek contemporary interiors will appeal to lovers of minimalist design. Light and airy spaces have floor-to-ceiling glazing, welcoming the sunshine and affording endless blue views of sea and sky. The atmosphere is chic but casual. Each room is different but all are spacious with white walls, beamed ceilings and comfortable seating. Feel the direct sea breeze in any of the two Junior Suite Deluxe rooms Nao Trinidad and Nao Victoria. Simulating a boat cabin, these rooms are equipped with complimentary minibar and coffee, electric fireplace, terrace and free wifi connection. They are located between the area of Torre Paradí�s and Superior Romantic rooms with incredible views of the beach of l'Esparelló from anywhere in the room and with large windows that allow you to observe the sea even from the bed.Their bathrooms have a shower separate from the bath. The terraces are equipped with comfortable armchairs and hammocks to enjoy the sun and to have breakfast or enjoy our room service menu.

A DESTINATION FOR FOODIES!

Hotel Montí�boli offers a carefully selected culinary offer ideal to enjoy the best gastronomy of Villajoyosa and Eastern Spain. Enjoy a gourmet journey at Emperador Restaurant. Executive Chef Jean Marc Sanz mixes creativity and tradition in a set-menu designed to surprise the diner’s palate. To the exceptional quality of the best Mediterranean products, the sensitivity, ingenuity and personality of our chef are added to offer a culinary experience full of nuances that will not leave you indifferent.

Jean Marc's kitchen is intimately related to the landscape that surrounds the hotel with a bond that is constantly fed. Along with the menu renewed annually, the Chef always surprises with a variety of suggestions of the day based on tasty seasonal products that have just arrived at the market or at the Villajoyosa fish market.

The tasting menu is the most complete option to enjoy the essence of El Emperador's cuisine. A kitchen where the best raw materials are mixed to achieve a wide range of aromas, textures and unmistakable flavors of our land that elevate the gastronomic experience to an unforgettable trip. The hotel has its own far, Finca El Clot, located a few kilometres from the hotel, literally next to the sea.

Have a more informal snack at any time of the day in our Alhambra Terrace or La Proa bar while enjoying the best views of the coast. Hotel Montí�boli is the best choice on the Costa Blanca to enjoy Alicante's cuisine and spectacular views.

ME TIME!

At the intimate, sleekly styled spa, skilled therapists deliver signature massages, scrubs, wellness consultations, and beauty treatments at pods gazing out on the Mediterranean. The spa also has an indoor pressure-jet pool, a steam room, a sauna, hydromassage beds, hot tubs as well as Turkish baths. Facial and body treatments are available.

JAEGER PRESENTS ALL NEW SUMMER 2023 WOMENSWEAR COLLECTION

Marks & Spencer, the leading British retailer operated by the AlFuttaim Group, presents the iconic British fashion brand JAEGER’s Summer 2023 collection with vibrant and elegant pieces for the stylish women of the Middle East.

Exclusively part of the M&S family, JAEGER offers its customers a curated collection of collectable pieces embodying effortless elegance with British modernity. Building on the rich heritage of the brand, customers can discover impeccable quality and flattering designs with an assortment of new summer pieces ranging from flare dresses, crochet tops, pleated skirts, airy wideleg pants to linen blazers.

Embracing effortless elegance like none other, JAEGER introduces designs that are timeless yet modern such as the Pure Cotton Broderie Tie Neck Midi Dress made using pure cotton fabric and broderie detailing, with a tie neckline and frilled trims which lend a dainty look. Speaking the summer language is the Pure Silk Animal Print Midi Smock Dress that beautifully blends pure silk with a vibrant pink and orange print, while the high-low midi hem adds breezy movement.

Make a statement this season with sophisticated sets including the Geometric Collared Shirt and Wide Leg Trousers which are cut to a regular fit and give the ultimate stylish laidback look. Dress smart for work during summer with the Crepe Tailored Single Breasted Blazer and the Crepe Straight Trousers made using light crepe fabric which is breezy and breathable.

Explore a range of seasonal pieces that are essential for any wardrobe, such as the Yellow Mix Hydrangea Print Pleated Skirt featuring floral patterns and deep pleats, the Pure Linen Checked Top with a square neckline and delicate puff sleeves, and the Sleeveless Collage Floral Print Top that boasts an intricate abstract floral print and a flattering v-neckline.

Shop JAEGER's latest summer collection and curate effortlessly elegant outfits with a burst of colour and flattering prints. Crafted from premium-quality fabrics, each piece ensures ultimate comfort during the warmer months, so you can stay stylish and comfortable throughout the season.

H&M HOME PRESENTS VIBRANT SUMMER DÉCOR FOR THE OUTDOORS AND INDOORS

H&M HOME is inviting you outdoors after a long indoor season. Celebrate the warmth and light with expressive statement summer essentials to decorate your outdoor space and prepare for your upcoming summer vacation by the sea — all encapsulated by energy, vibrancy, and joy.

H&M HOME presents everything you need for a colorful summer, from vases and bedding to beach towels and beach bags.

With summer around the corner, H&M HOME introduces a vibrant season of sizzling colours that spark joy. Hot hues are the main theme for the summer of 2023 — from hot pink and orange to green and blue. Inject a pop of colour with our new patterned throw and mix leafprinted cushions with solid-coloured ones. Curvaceous vases in orange and white add extra detail, alongside striped candles, and our new candle holders in a variety of colours.

Colourful dining will dominate this summer down to every detail. H&M HOME’s new swirl-patterned tablecloth is the perfect foundation for every meal. Multicoloured plates and serving platters add charm and vitality alongside stackable glasses in various colours

and vases in blue glass. Shell-shaped serving bowls in two sizes and bright napkins add to each mealtime experience.

When it’s time to go for a swim, pack everything you need in one of the iconic H&M HOME striped beach bags. This season you’ll find them in green, blue and yellow. Add our classic striped beach towels or mix it up with our new checkered bath towels. For a more understated beach look, bring our hammam-inspired beach towel in thin monochrome stripes and the black and white beach towel with a geometric print — both also come in white and red. And when you’re back home, rest in our new lounge chair and folding stool.

by travel-expert José Berrocoso

WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED LORD HOWE ISLAND, IN AUSTRALIA, IS A PARADISE OF RAINFORESTS, REEFS AND BEACHES AND IS HOME TO HUNDREDS OF RARE AND ENDEMIC SPECIES

Refreshingly off the radar, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s premium luxury retreat, offering the ultimate island castaway escape. Nestled at the foot of the towering Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, in Australia, Capella welcomes spectacular views of the ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures. A contemporary architectural design channels the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house, while a high cantilevered roof and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the outside in. Nine island-style guest suites offer a relaxed, barefoot luxury vibe designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment.

capellalodge.com.au

Model: Maria (@maria_q8makeup)

Concept & Directions Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)

Makeup & Hair: Maria (@maria_q8makeup)

Styling & Wardrobe: Fatima Al-Jutaili (@f_jay23)

Photographer: Riyaz (@riyas.photokw)

SEMSEM KAFTANS TO WEAR FOR IFTARS AND SUHOORS THIS RAMADAN

ERDEM WHITE COLLECTION 2023

ERDEM launches new styles as part of the White Collection; a ready to wear bridal collection available year-round at ERDEM.com. The collection of ready to wear pieces consists of delicately embroidered organza gowns with oversized asymmetric bow detail, sequinned column dresses and an elegant cloqué coat dress. Ethereal silhouettes are grounded in nature.

First launched in February 2021, the White Collection builds upon ERDEM’s custom offering and the brand’s history of creating bespoke pieces for brides. The ÉRDÉM atelier uses the finest craftmanship and expertise to create custom bridalwear, tailoring and eveningwear.

The collection was shot in the English countryside by Ina Lekiewicz.

PRESENTING THE FULL MUGLER H&M COLLECTION

A celebration of the house’s iconic shapes and silhouettes

The look-book for the Mugler H&M collection is here. The collection is true Mugler, and every piece is defined by Mugler’s irrepressible energy: playful, youthful, body-positive, and open to every individual's identity.

The womenswear silhouette includes Mugler’s signature oversized shoulders with a cinched waist, shaping the body. There are many modern expressions of the house codes, including spiral multi-seaming, which runs throughout the collection in the form of baggy jeans, nylon and denim bonded thong jeans, and jackets. Other highlights include leather jackets and a leather trench coat with an elongated scarf detailing, dresses with decadent embellishments, and strong tailoring, which can be paired with illusion catsuits, leggings, or cut-out bodysuits.

The menswear assortment features a collection of leather styles including trousers, blazers, and a trench coat with engraved buttons. The denim selection includes a sculpted jacket with padding that accentuates the form. Sharp tailoring can be layered with see-through flocked star print tops and corseted tanks.

The collection offers an array of genderless accessories including sheer gloves and tights, bags, scarves. Within jewelry, there are silver and gold body chains, and earrings and necklaces in different proportions and shapes, ranging from teardrops to the iconic Mugler star.

“This collection is a watershed moment for the house of Mugler – a chance for us to celebrate our history and the pieces that we are beloved for today. The collaboration includes many of our signatures, from catsuits and bodycon dresses to tailoring, denim and beautiful, bold jewelry and accessories.” - Casey Cadwallader, Creative Director, Mugler.

“Casey and the Mugler team have been incredibly generous in offering up so many of the house’s classics and signatures, which shoppers will recognize from the runway and red carpet. The collection encapsulates the H&M ethos of sharing great fashion and democratizing design. Évery piece is an icon.” - Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative advisor at H&M.

The archive revival part of the collection is a tribute to Thierry Mugler’s greatest hits from the 80’s and 90’s, curated by Casey Cadwallader. Each style embodies the founder’s legacy and arrives with its own special label featuring Thierry Mugler’s signature. Pieces include a black velvet dress with a shaped waist and puffed sleeves, a lace corset dress, a skirt suit with piercing details, and an acidic green tailored jacket. Accessories for this section include boomerang-shaped earrings and a double brooch connected by a chain.

ETHIOPIA

Land of Origins

Not many countries manage to impress their visitors in a way that Ethiopia does. The country’s breathtaking natural beauty, diverse culture, soulful people, delicious cuisine, and endemic wildlife are perfect for the traveler looking for different experiences. Here are the top must-see places in Ethiopia for both the budget packer and luxury traveler.

Words: José Berrocoso

Photography: Jehu Molina

As the only country in Africa never to have been fully colonised, Ethiopia is a rare glimpse into a culture little influenced by the West. Like many African nations, it has its own languages, but it is the only African country which also has its own unique alphabet. Ethiopia also has its own time (the daily clock starts at 6am, not midnight), and its own calendar, roughly seven years and nine months behind our own.

Ethiopia is an ancient country whose unique cultural heritage, rich history and remarkable biodiversity are reflected in a tally of nine UNÉSCO World Heritage Sites – more than any other country in Africa. Within its borders, you’ll find the world’s fourth-holiest Islamic city, along with the oldest continuously-occupied town south of the Sahara. Compelling antiquities include the medieval rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Gheralta, palaces and temples dating back 3,000 years, the magnificent 17th century castles of Gondar, and the oldest human fossils unearthed anywhere on the planet. Add to this the beautiful Simien and Bale Mountains, the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression, and a wealth of mammals and birds found nowhere else in the world, and it’s little wonder that Ethiopia has become the most attractive and popular emergent tourist destination in Africa.

Brimming with contrasts and extremes, Ethiopia's attractions range from the tops of its highlands, where mountains soar over 14,100 feet (4,300 metres), to the depths of the Danakil Depression, which is situated below sea level. Discovering Abyssinian culture and traditions that date back over 3,000 years is incredibly exciting and it is possible to experience ancient Islamic folklore, as well as the fascinating rituals and sacred ceremonies of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The capital, Addis Ababa (meaning 'New Flower' in Amharic) is home to the more modern problems of urban migration. Addis Ababa can be a difficult place to navigate, but anyone with a desire to learn more about Ethiopian culture would be remiss not to spend more time in this complex city.

The north of Ethiopia is the most attractive region for anyone interested in history or natural beauty. The Historic Route winds through the medieval wonders of the country, including the ancient cities of Gondar and Axum, and the breath-taking Lalibela churches, which were carved out of rock. The north also boasts the lofty Simien Mountains National Park, where visitors will find the fourth highest peak on the continent, fantastic hiking

opportunities and a variety of wildlife.

Dubbed the “New Jerusalem,” Lalibela town in the Northern part of Ethiopia, is a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. The town is home to 11 ancient monolithic churches carved entirely out of a single rock with hammers and chisels. Standing at 40 feet high, Bete Giorgis (Saint George’s), is the most impressive of these churches with a roof that has the shape of a cross. Bete Medhani Alem church which you can find across the main road from St. George, is the largest monolithic church in the world. King Lalibela is credited for these spectacular buildings which have been registered by UNESCO as world heritages.

Feel the heat at the Danakil Depression

The Northeastern part of Ethiopia is home to the hottest place on Earth, where daytime temperatures soar to sweltering 50°C in Summer. In the heart of the depression lies a place called Dallol that features salt mines and magnificent multicolored landscapes that give you the impression of a carefully painted art book. The Danakil depression is also home to one of the world’s oldest active volcano called Erta Ale to mean a smoking mountain in the local language. After looking at the bubbling lava from the volcano and the unbearable heat, you can see why the Afar people in the area call this place the gateway to hell.

Feasting & fasting

The staple food in Ethiopia is injera – a huge, slightly spongy, sourdough 'pancake' made with teff flour. Served on a large platter, toppings (wot) are spooned onto the injera, which are then eaten by tearing off a piece of the pancake to scoop them up.

It’s a bit love-it-or-loathe-it, but whatever your view, it’s definitely an experience; especially as local custom dictates you must eat only with your right hand. Given that little else is served outside of Addis, you’ll likely become an expert by the end of your trip. The Ethiopians love their spice, and the wot are heavily seasoned with a spice mix called berbere, which seems to infuse just about everything – edible or not.

Another distinctive feature of Ethiopian food are the fasting days. These take place almost every Wednesday and Friday, as well as for 55 days leading up to Easter. Only vegan or sometimes vegetarian meals are served during the fasting days; because of this, vegetarians will find Éthiopia an easy country to travel in. The meat-mad can get their fix - with raw or cooked chunks of steak, or raw minced meat for the very brave – during non-fasting days.

since 2010

NEW APRIL RELEASES

It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs by Mary Louise

Kelly

Ever since she became a parent, Mary Louise Kelly has said “next year.” Next year will be the year she makes it to her son James’s soccer games (which are on weekdays at 4 p.m., right when she is on the air on NPR’s All Things Considered, talking to millions of listeners). Drive carpool for her son Alexander? Not if she wants to do that story about Ukraine and interview the secretary of state. Like millions of parents who wrestle with raising children while pursuing a career, she has never been cavalier about these decisions. The bargain she has always made with herself is this: this time I’ll get on the plane, and next year I’ll find a way to be there for the mom stuff.

Well, James and Alexander are now seventeen and fifteen, and a realization has overtaken Mary Louise: her older son will be leaving soon for college. There used to be years to make good on her promises; now, there are months, weeks, minutes. And with the devastating death of her beloved father, Mary Louise is facing act three of her life head-on.

Mary Louise is coming to grips with the reality every parent faces. Childhood has a definite expiration date. You have only so many years with your kids before they leave your house to build their own lives. It’s what every parent is supposed to want, what they raise their children to do.

Adelaide

by Genevieve Wheeler

For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for. Is it enough?

Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.

When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

The Golden Doves by Martha

Hall Kelly

Two former female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II—an extraordinary novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue are thrilled to be working in the French resistance, stealing so many Nazi secrets that they become known as the Golden Doves, renowned across France and hunted by the Gestapo. Their courage will cost them everything. When they are finally arrested and taken to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, along with their loved ones, a reclusive Nazi doctor does unspeakable things to Josie’s mother, a celebrated Jewish singer who joined her daughter in Paris when the world seemed bright. And Arlette’s son is stolen from her, never to be seen again.

A decade later the Doves fall headlong into a dangerous dual mission: Josie is working for U.S. Army intelligence and accepts an assignment to hunt down the infamous doctor, while a mysterious man tells Arlette he may have found her son. The Golden Doves embark on a quest across Europe and ultimately to French Guiana, discovering a web of terrible secrets, and must put themselves in grave danger to finally secure justice and protect the ones they love.

The Ugly History of Beautiful Things:

Essays on Desire and Consumption by

Katy Kelleher

Katy Kelleher has spent much of her life chasing beauty. As a child, she uprooted handfuls of purple, fragrant little flowers from the earth, plucked iridescent seashells from the beach, and dug for turquoise stones in her backyard. As a teenager she applied glittery shimmer to her eyelids after religiously dabbing on her signature scent of orange blossoms and jasmine. And as an adult, she coveted gleaming marble countertops and delicate porcelain to beautify her home. This obsession with beauty led her to become a home, garden, and design writer, where she studied how beautiful things are mined, grown, made, and enhanced. In researching these objects, Kelleher concluded that most of us are blind to the true cost of our desires. Because whenever you find something unbearably beautiful, look closer, and you’ll inevitably find a shadow of decay lurking underneath.

In these dazzling and deeply researched essays, Katy Kelleher blends science, history, and memoir to uncover the dark underbellies of our favorite goods. She reveals the crushed beetle shells in our lipstick, the musk of rodents in our perfume, and the burnt cow bones baked into our dishware.

Brown Boy: A Memoir by Omer Aziz

In a tough neighborhood on the outskirts of Toronto, miles away from wealthy white downtown, Omer Aziz struggles to find his place as a first-generation Pakistani Muslim boy. He fears the violence and despair of the world around him, and sees a dangerous path ahead, succumbing to aimlessness, apathy, and rage.

In his senior year of high school, Omer quickly begins to realize that education can open up the wider world. But as he falls in love with books, and makes his way to Queen’s University in Ontario, Sciences Po in Paris, Cambridge University in England, and finally Yale Law School, he continually confronts his own feelings of doubt and insecurity at being an outsider, a brown-skinned boy in an elite white world. He is searching for community and identity, asking questions of himself and those he encounters, and soon finds himself in difficult situations—whether in the suburbs of Paris or at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Yet the more books Omer reads and the more he moves through elite worlds, his feelings of shame and powerlessness only grow stronger, and clear answers recede further away

The Skin and Its Girl

by Sarah Cypher

A young, queer Palestinian American woman pieces together her great aunt’s secrets in this sweeping debut, a family saga confronting questions of sexual identity, exile, and lineage.

In a Pacific Northwest hospital far from the Rummani family’s ancestral home in Palestine, the heart of a stillborn baby begins to beat and her skin turns a vibrant, permanent cobalt blue. On the same day, the Rummanis’ centuries-old soap factory in Nablus is destroyed in an air strike. The family matriarch and keeper of all Rummani lore, Aunt Nuha, believes that the blue girl embodies their sacred history, harkening to a time when the Rummanis were among the wealthiest soap-makers and their blue soap was a symbol of a legendary love.

Decades later, Betty returns to her Aunt Nuha’s gravestone, faced with a difficult decision: Should she stay in the only country she’s every known or should she follow her heart for the woman she loves, perpetuating her family’s cycle of exile? Betty finds her answer in partially translated notebooks that reveal her aunt’s complex life and struggle with her own sexuality, which Nuha hid to help the family emigrate to the U.S. But as Betty soon discovers, her aunt hid much more than that.

The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History

by Ned Blackhawk

A sweeping and overdue retelling of U.S. history that recognizes that Native Americans are essential to understanding the evolution of modern America

“In accounts of American history, Indigenous peoples are often treated as largely incidental—either obstacles to be overcome or part of a narrative separate from the arc of nation-building. Blackhawk [shows] that Native communities have, instead, been inseparable from the American story all along.”— Washington Post Book World , “Books to Read in 2023”

The most enduring feature of U.S. history is the presence of Native Americans, yet most histories focus on Europeans and their descendants. This long practice of ignoring Indigenous history is changing, however, with a new generation of scholars insists that any full American history address the struggle, survival, and resurgence of American Indian nations. Indigenous history is essential to understanding the evolution of modern America.

A Living Remedy: A Memoir

by Nicole Chung

From the bestselling author of ALL YOU CAN EVER KNOW comes a searing memoir of family, class and grief—a daughter’s search to understand the lives her adoptive parents led, the life she forged as an adult, and the lives she’s lost. In this country, unless you attain extraordinary wealth, you will likely be unable to help your loved ones in all the ways you’d hoped. You will learn to live with the specific, hollow guilt of those who leave hardship behind, yet are unable to bring anyone else with them. Nicole Chung couldn’t hightail it out of her overwhelmingly white Oregon hometown fast enough. As a scholarship student at a private university on the East Coast, no longer the only Korean she knew, she found community and a path to the life she'd long wanted. But the middle class world she begins to raise a family in – where there are big homes, college funds, nice vacations – looks very different from the middle class world she thought she grew up in, where paychecks have to stretch to the end of the week, health insurance is often lacking, and there are no safety nets. When her father dies at only sixty-seven, killed by diabetes and kidney disease, Nicole feels deep grief as well as rage, knowing that years of precarity and lack of access to healthcare contributed to his early death. And then the unthinkable happens – less than a year later, her beloved mother is diagnosed with cancer, and the physical distance between them becomes insurmountable as COVID-19 descends upon the world.

JOHN WICK: Chapter 4

Directed by Chad Stahelski

Written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch

“Baba Yaga” is back! Since 2014’s John Wick, Keanu Reeves has taken the assassin brought back from retirement genre to new heights of realistic action and tactical maneuvering. Having the actor train relentlessly in both firearms handling and martial arts, and showcasing these training videos as part of the film’s promotion is brilliant. This series of films has taken our elite assassin from seeking revenge for the killing of his dog to seeking revenge against the High Table that keeps trying to kill him. This franchise is known for its epic fight sequences and super realistic gun battles. This film does not disappoint and this review will be a Writing a Movie RIGHT review.

Here comes the spoilers.

Since the events of the previous three films, John has been hiding underground with the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). John has been preparing himself to take revenge against the High Table and he starts off with first going to Morocco and killing the Elder of the High Table. The High Table appoints the Marquis de Gamont (Bill Skarsgard) with unlimited resources to kill John Wick as the 1 2members are now threatened by John. The Marquis goes to New York where he summons New York Continental hotel manager Winston (Ian McShane) and his concierge, Charon (the late Lance Reddick) to his office for a meeting. A meeting that has Winston’s hotel destroyed and his concierge killed in front of him before he himself is declared “excommunicado”. De Garmont heads to Paris to enlist the services of a retired assassin Caine (Donnie Yen). Caine refuses at first, but when the Marquis threatens his daughter he reluctantly agrees.

After Morocco, John goes to the Osaka Continental which is run by an old friend named Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada). Within minutes of them catching up on recent events, De Garmont’s right hand man, Chidi, and multiple assassins arrive to investigate the hotel for hiding John. Koji’s daughter Akira is the hotel concierge and has her staff evacuate the hotel before the clash between the hotel staff and assassins begins. Caine is with Chidi and after all of the assassins are killed off a showdown between John and Caine begins, but soon Koji helps John escape and

stays behind to face Caine in a spectacular sword showdown. The performances by Yen and Sanada is perfection.

John visits with Winston and is given a way to end the killing once and for all by issuing a duel challenge to the Marquis. John has to be a member of a family to be able to issue the challenge. He goes to Berlin to ask his former family the Ruska Roma to readmit him. The leader tells him she will do this if he kills the High Table member who killed her father. John walks into an ambush, but ends up killing the man and regaining his family status. Winston relays the challenge to the Marquis and a meeting is moderated between John and the Marquis in which terms of the duel are set. They will meet at sunrise with dueling pistols at Sacre-Coeur. De Garmont nominates Caine to fight in his place. Caine is visibly upset by this as he and John are old friends, and he cannot let John live because his daughter’s life is at risk.

The night and morning before the duel the bounty on John gets raised to 26 million and finally to 40 million in attempt to prevent him from reaching to the duel location in time. Here is the only change I would have written; bring back the Ruska Roma family to help John ascend the steps leading to the duel. Especially the one character named “Klaus”. Then have the rest of the sequences play out with Mr. Nobody and Caine helping John up the stairs to the duel. I won’t spoil the ending, but needless to say it is about as perfect of an ending as can be.

As with all the John Wick films, the gun fights and action sequences are brutal and as realistic as possible. Keanu Reeves is almost 60 years old and is doing so much stunt work in this film. The sequences with the overhead shots of the action and the Arc de Triomphe is amazing. Although the director has said this is the last film, I think we may still see Keanu Reeves don the all black bulletproof suit once again.

Thanks for reading Writing Movie ‘WRONGS’.

REVVING UP STYLE AND AFFORDABILITY A Test Drive of the Jetour Dashing SUV

Concept & Directions: JAMEEL ARIF (@jameelarif)

Test-Drive & Talent: MOHAMMAD KHALAF (@malkhalaf65)

Photography: RIYAS (@riyas.photokw)

On behalf of CP Magazine Kuwait, Muhammad Khalaf had the opportunity to test drive the new Jetour Dashing car, which is being represented in Kuwait by Budstoor Motors. The Jetour Dashing is a subcompact SUV that offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and affordability. This car is a product of the Chery brand and is set to make waves in the Kuwaiti market. The exterior design of the car is sleek and modern, with a sporty roofline that adds to its appeal. The interior of the car is spacious and comfortable, with high-quality leather seats and a 10-inch infotainment system. The car is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque, making it a peppy and responsive car to drive. The car's safety features are topnotch, including six airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and a rearview camera. Overall, the Jetour Dashing is an excellent subcompact SUV that is sure to impress car buyers in Kuwait.

EXTERIOR DESIGN:

The Jetour Dashing boasts a sleek and modern exterior design that is sure to turn heads. The front fascia features a hexagonal grille with a chrome finish, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give the car an aggressive look. The car's aerodynamic body is complemented by a sporty roofline that adds to its appeal. The Dashing comes in five colors, including Snow White, Carbon Black, Red, Orange, and Blue, giving buyers a range of options to choose from.

INTERIOR DESIGN:

The interior of the Jetour Dashing is a marvel in its class. The car offers spacious legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are covered with high-quality leather, giving the car a premium feel. The dashboard features a 10-inch infotainment system that is easy to use and offers a range of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The instrument cluster is a digital screen that displays vital information such as speed, fuel level, and trip distance.

PERFORMANCE:

The Jetour Dashing is powered by a 1.5-liter, fourcylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth gear shifts. The car has a top speed of 175 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. The car's suspension system is well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The steering is responsive, making it easy to navigate tight corners and curves.

SAFETY:

Safety is a top priority for the Jetour Dashing. The car comes with a range of safety features, including six airbags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and a rearview camera. The car's body structure is designed to absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury in case of an accident.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE:

The Jetour Dashing is a joy to drive. The car's engine is peppy, providing ample power to navigate through traffic. The transmission is smooth, offering seamless gear shifts. The car's suspension system is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads. The steering is responsive, making it easy to navigate tight corners and curves. The car's sound insulation is excellent, keeping cabin noise to a minimum.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the Jetour Dashing is an excellent subcompact SUV that offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and affordability. The car's exterior design is sleek and modern, while the interior is spacious and comfortable. The car's engine is peppy, providing ample power to navigate through traffic, and the transmission is smooth, offering seamless gear shifts. The car's safety features are top-notch, ensuring the safety of passengers in case of an accident. Overall, the Jetour Dashing is a worthy contender in its class and is a great choice for buyers looking for an affordable yet stylish subcompact SUV.

NEW 2023 RAM 1500 TRX HAVOC ILLUMINATES EXPANDED LINE-UP

The Ram Truck brand announced the exclusive new 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc edition is joining the lineup. The Ram 1500 TRX Havoc edition – with a unique Baja Yellow exterior color - offers customers another option when purchasing the 702 HP truck.

“The Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition offers another unique way for our passionate customers to separate themselves from the crowd with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability and technology,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “We’re always exploring new ideas and looking for ways to offer new content as we continue to win over more and more buyers.”

The new 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition further expands a lineup that already features the quickest, fastest, most powerful and most fuel-efficient trucks on the road today. The TRX Havoc Edition further expands the lineup and is the segment’s benchmark for power and performance with a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine producing 702 HP.

Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition

The Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition offers truck buyers an even wider selection of unique content for even greater personalization, featuring a unique combination of technology, graphics, performance and exterior appearance straight from the factory.

The Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition enhances the wellappointed TRX Level 2 Equipment Group and includes a unique Baja Yellow exterior color, graphics and 18-inch all black bead lock capable wheels, dual pane panoramic sunroof, spray-in bedliner, adjustable cargo tie down hooks, deployable bed step and an LED cab-mounted brake light. Inside, the TRX Havoc Edition includes Prowler Yellow accent stitching, an embroidered “TRX” seat back logo, unique carbon fiber accents, a leather and carbon fiber flat–bottom steering wheel, unique center console badge, Head-up Display and a driver’s screen that features TRX in Baja Yellow. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and pedestrian emergency braking.

The 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition offers the proven and reliable high-performance 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine, delivering top output for extended driving sessions without degradation in performance.

New 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Havoc Edition models, available in very limited quantities, go on sale during the first half of 2023.

HOMEWORKFORGROWNUPS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

1. The term Ponzi Scheme refers to: Financial investing; Landscape gardening; Computer coding; or Military tactics?

2. Parsimonious means: God-fearing; Dishonest; Slow; or Sparing?

3. The strongly featured character Alyson/Alys in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is better known as?

4. The 'sub-kingdoms' Blastocladiomycota, Microsporidia and Dikarya belong to the kingdom of organisms commonly called what?

5. No longer in use, the internet top level domain .gb was originally allocated to what nation/state?

6. What popular children's TV/toy character has a Mummy, Daddy, brother George, and cousins Chloé and Alexander?

7. Which city's metro system has lines including Pinar de Chamartín to Valdecarros and Villaverde Alto to Moncloa?

ANSWERS:

About which of the following would an economist most likely be knowledgeable?

8. The medical condition Strabismus affects what part of the human body?

9. Upton Park Football Club won what notable international award in Paris, 1900?

10. With the symbol H what is the unit of inductance?

11. What country was created in 1949 with the local abbreviated name DDR?

12. In Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels what is Gulliver's first name: Lemuel; Teneile; Makepeace; or Gary?

13. What word makes new words as a prefix with the words cover, line, code and ship?

14. The terms digitigrade, plantigrade, unguligrade, refer to a detail of what animal function: Walking; Eating; Sleeping, or Temperature regulation?

15. Phonology refers to: Music recording; Human hearing; Telecommunications; or Linguistics?

16. Spell the widely used thermoplastic polymer: Polypropolene; Polypropylline; Polypropeline; Polypropylene?

17. The abbreviated bicycle term BMX stands for what?

18. The Periodic Table is a system for presenting what?

19. Name the ancient Greek dramatist who innovated concepts such as realism and female psychology in works including Hippolytus, Electra, and Trojan Women: Euripides; Sophocles; Homer; or Aristotle?

20. The characters 11 in the binary numeral system equate to what number?

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

Taurus season is in full swing, dear Aries, so you should be moving slowly, embracing luxury, and reaping the rewards of your labors to this point. However, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your budget. Mercury’s retrograde journey through the sector of your chart that governs money could bring a financial snafu or two. You might also want to be on guard for unexpected expenses and consider looking into smart investments or paying down debt during the Scorpio lunar eclipse on May 5.

You’ll sense a shift once Venus migrates into sensitive Cancer on the seventh, bringing out your softer side and a desire to nurture the people you love most. This planetary placement is poised to fill your space with harmonious and uplifting vibes, though the occasional emotional outburst is still likely to manifest, especially where romantic companionships are concerned. Check in with your emotional needs through the next several weeks, taking care to address any feelings you’ve been running away from.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Your friends might accuse you of being more serious or stoic than usual, dear Leo, as Taurus season galvanizes the sector of your chart that governs success. You’ll feel less inspired to spend nights out with your buddies and more invested in carving out a name for yourself.

However, you should take care to check in with your emotions during the Scorpio lunar eclipse on May 5, or the feelings you’ve been pushing down could bubble up to the surface. Meanwhile, Venus glides into Cancer and the sector of your chart that governs privacy on the seventh, reminding you that solitude often acts as the ultimate form of self-care. Mercury ends its retrograde on May 14, giving you a chance to clear up any miscommunication or error that took place over the last few weeks. This cosmic climate can also bring more traction to your professional goals, and you’ll find that it’s easier to tap in to your authority in order to set boundaries with yourself and others. A lucky element will come into play once Jupiter enters Taurus on the sixteenth, bringing major growth to your career over the coming years and helping you climb to new levels of prosperity.

Mars enters your sign on May 20, dramatically elevating your energy level while providing the motivation needed to turn your wildest dreams into reality.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December)

Taurus season wants you to tidy up your life a bit, dear Sagittarius, motivating you to take stock of your daily habits and how they influence your productivity. Though you’re one of the more exuberant and fastmoving members of the zodiac, this cosmic climate will encourage you to move more slowly so you can make fewer, smarter, and more efficient decisions. Getting plenty of rest and eating well should also be prioritized. You understand that maintaining a happy body is the best way to stay energized as you chip away at your vast list of goals.

Plan on laying low during the Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5, which is poised to put you in a cerebral and moody headspace. Watch out for obsessive behaviors, and try not to cast an overly critical eye on yourself or others. Though the energy might feel a bit tense at times, you can work with the stars by devoting the day to releasing that which does not serve you. An aura cleanse, Reiki session, and plenty of solitude can all support you during this astrological event, so be sure to plan your agenda accordingly. Your love life will take a more emotional and serious turn as Venus enters Cancer on the seventh, allowing you to bond deeply and organically.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

There will be plenty to see and do this month, dear Taurus, as your birthday season continues to light up our skies and your popularity!

However, with Mercury traveling retrograde through your sign, you’ll be in the mood to edit your friendship circle, making room for the people who truly value you while taking steps away from any people who continuously bring you drama or grief. A desire to update your look could also come into play, though you might want to hold back on any dramatic hairstyle changes or large wardrobe investments until Mercury heads direct on May 14.

Watch out for romantic drama during the Scorpio full moon eclipse on the fifth. It has the power to make or break relationships, and a lot of couples could split under this eclipse. And with this lunation highlighting the sector of your chart that governs love, you could be particularly susceptible to such instances.

Luckily, Venus migrates into watery Cancer on May 7, providing you with an opportunity to kiss and make up if your love life has been on the rocks. This planetary placement can also elevate your social skills, helping you forge new friendships and connections.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

You might feel as though your head is underwater this month, dear Gemini, as three celestial bodies move through your solar twelfth house. Meanwhile, your planetary ruler Mercury is deep in its retrograde, pushing you to take stock of your life as you review both happy and painful memories. Though there might be a few dark moments ahead, the Universe will ultimately illuminate higher paths moving forward. Know that you might need to break free from toxic relationships or habits while making a concerted effort to overcome fears that have been holding you back.

Opportunities for financial growth and personal manifestation will expand once Venus enters Cancer on May 7, activating the sector of your chart that governs money. This planetary placement is also perfect for tapping in to your gratitude, taking the time to appreciate what you have as you continue to build your empire.

You’ll sense yourself perking up when Mercury ends its retrograde motion on the fourteenth, giving you permission to look toward the future once more. And optimism will come more easily once Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16, and the power of positive thinking will be more evident than ever.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

You’ll feel inspired to make the world a better place, dear Cancer, as Taurus season lights up the sector of your chart that governs community. However, issues could arise if you bombard yourself with tragic news stories and disappointing information, making it important that you instead focus on small and constructive ways you can make a difference. Plan on taking a break from your do-gooding ways during the Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5, and give yourself permission to have fun, break bread with your bestie, or work on a passion project.

You’ll sense a shift when harmonious Venus enters your sign on the seventh, putting you in the mood for peace and romance. In addition to lighting up your aura with some extra sparkle, the Universe will elevate your manifestation skills, so don’t be afraid to fight for your hopes and dreams. Meanwhile, Mercury ends its retrograde reign of terror on May 14, clearing new pathways for you socially and in your online presence. Expect your network to grow significantly once Jupiter enters Taurus on the sixteenth. It’s poised to expand your personal and professional connections.

VIRGO (August 23 - September)

Though you’re typically one of the more reserved and responsible members of the zodiac, dear Virgo, give yourself permission to expand your horizons and enjoy yourself while Taurus season activates your solar ninth house. These vibes are all about elevating your mind, body, and soul, so be sure to hunt for new experiences and ways of thinking.

The Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5 could have a profound impact on how you think, giving you an opportunity to release outdated views in order to evolve your psyche. Deep conversations are also likely to manifest during this time, so be sure to open up with the people you trust most. A flirtatious and sweet energy will permeate your social sphere as Venus migrates into Cancer on the seventh, creating the perfect excuse to put yourself out there if you’re on the hunt for love. If you’re already coupled up, consider doing some volunteer work with your sweetie, strengthening your bond as you work together to make your community a better place.

Meanwhile, Mercury ends its retrograde reign of terror on May 14, recalibrating your third eye if this planetary backspin played games with your intuition. Use the Taurus new moon on the nineteenth to set intentions that are important to you, because the Universe will be eager to guide and support you.

LIBRA (September 23 - October)

Your world will revolve around change and transformation this month, dear Libra, because Taurus season activates your solar eighth house. This cosmic climate can give you the strength and motivation to turn away from people or situations that are holding you back from your highest potential, helping you move away from that which no longer serves you. The Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5 will be particularly powerful for you, helping you understand that sometimes one must embrace destruction to make way for new growth.

You’ll sense a shift when Venus migrates into Cancer on the seventh, encouraging you to set boundaries in the name of self-preservation. This planetary placement can also bring blessings to your professional sphere, helping you manifest career goals you’ve been working on for some time.

If you’re in a serious relationship, this cosmic climate could also spell success for your sweetie, making it important that you’re both ready and willing to support one another through new challenges. Use the Taurus new moon on May 19 to set intentions on how you hope to evolve throughout the next six months, making a vow to take accountability for these ambitions.

You’ll feel inspired to socialize and make connections beginning when Mars enters fiery Leo and the sector of your chart that governs community on the twentieth. Use this energy to invest in your network, because doing so can elevate your popularity and confidence.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November)

May will be a romantic month for you, dear Scorpio, as Taurus season lights up the sector of your chart that governs love. Expect to feel butterflies in your stomach as you kiss longer and embrace harder, nurturing the connections that matter most. If you’re currently looking for love, now would be a good time to fire up your dating apps or ask to be set up, though happily single Scorpios can relish these vibes by investing more time in self- care and embracing decadence.

The full moon eclipse manifests in your sign on May 5, marking the perfect excuse to prioritize your own needs. The transformative nature of this lunation will provide you with an opportunity to reinvent yourself, though you’ll need to shed your old skin in order to try on a new one.

Good vibes continue to flow when Venus enters Cancer and the spiritual sector of your chart on the seventh, encouraging you to connect with others on a philosophical level. Your ability to manifest through positive thinking will also be elevated, so be sure to ask for aid while holding on to faith whenever you could use some support from beyond the veil. Mars, your planetary ruler, enters Leo on May 20, shifting your gears toward the pursuit of success.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

It’s okay to puff out your chest a bit this month, dear Capricorn, because three planets are moving through Taurus and the sector of your chart that governs ego. Luckily, these vibes will also bring some extra sparkle to your aura, which means people won’t mind so much if there’s a smug smile on your face. However, with Mercury still stuck in retrograde purgatory, remember to measure your words and actions before following through, or you could end up in a rut that’s fueled by miscommunication and error. Consider purging your contact list during the Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5, because it could bring a bit of drama to your social sphere. Luckily, any waves that come your way will give you a chance to move on from circumstances or individuals that aren’t contributing to your overall happiness, as long as you embrace the liberation that comes with walking away from toxicity.

Luckily, a sweeter energy will find you once Venus migrates into Cancer on the seventh, activating the sector of your chart that governs love. Lean in to these harmonious vibes by embracing your nearest and dearest, and don’t be afraid to open up your heart.

(January 20 - February 18)

AQUARIUS

It’s okay for your lazy side to win every now and again, dear Aquarius, and with Taurus season active in your solar fourth house, the time for rest is now. These vibes are all about checking in with your needs while also considering ways in which you can strengthen your family and domestic life. Meanwhile, with Mercury deep in its retrograde journey, random upsets in the home could have you working on projects you weren’t anticipating. Luckily, investing in your space can bring emotional and mental rewards, though you might want to hold off on any major renovations until Mercury stations direct on May 14.

Plan on showing your body some extra TLC beginning when Venus enters Cancer and the sector of your chart that governs health on the seventh. Aim for more consistent sleeping and exercising schedules while also taking care to eat well and stay hydrated. Personal organization will also go a long way in supporting you, and this marks the perfect occasion to tidy up your space and schedule. Strategy will hold the key to your manifestation through the coming weeks, so be sure to brainstorm different ways you might get ahead.

Mars, the action planet, enters fiery Leo on May 20, bringing major heat to your love life. Whether you’re single or coupled up, this planetary placement is perfect for indulging in your favorite lusty activities.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

You’ll feel stable and calm in your mind this month, dear Pisces, thanks to Taurus season and its grounding presence. However, you’ll find that your thoughts are best directed inward, because Mercury’s retrograde motion could lead to miscommunication or stubborn arguments. Meanwhile, the Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5 is set to magnify your third eye, activating the spiritual sector of your chart. Unfortunately, this newfound sense of intuition could feel quite intense at times, making it important that you choose your company wisely and take a social breather whenever you need one.

A sweetness will follow you once Venus enters Cancer on the seventh, encouraging you to have a bit of fun. This planetary placement could also liven things up in your love life, though you might want to maintain a casual approach to matters of the heart for now.

Your words will travel far once Jupiter makes its debut in Taurus on May 16, amplifying your voice over the next twelve months. Avoid gossip during this time, keeping the message positive while looking for opportunities to advocate for your personal goals.