Ketho. Design by Christian Werner
The characteristic, ergonomic handles feature throughout the range and give Ketho its true originality. The reduced look of the range is flexible enough to suit any modern bathroom ambience. Combined with good value for money, Ketho becomes the ideal range for first-time buyers.
December 2019/ January 2020
FASHION
Fashion Clippings p. 16 Beauty Clippings p. 18 Accessories Feature: Clayson’s Headpieces p. 20 Interview: Jude Benhalim p. 22 Accessories Feature: Aspinal of London p. 24 Fashion Feature: Our Favorite Fashion Holiday Campaigns p. 26 Fashion Shoot: Party & Holiday from Net-a-Porter p. 30 Fashion Feature: Leem p. 34 Interview: Aisha Baker p. 36 Interview: Mana Besharati p. 38 Bijoux: Messkia Jewellery p. 40
LIFESTYLE
Happenings: Holiday Celebrations p. 44 Feature: Cairo International Film Festival p. 46 Interview: Ash p. 50 Fitness News p. 52 Home: One Park Taipei p. 54 Jet Set: “Dubai: A Story Takes Flight” p. 62 Feature: Tokyo 2020 p. 68 FLAIR Review: Cairo Marriott Celebrates 150 Years p. 84 FLAIR Review: Narrative Summit Highlights p. 86 FLAIR Review: La Gondola p. 88
DESIGN
Jet Set: Virgin Voyages p. 64 Jet Set: Ultraflex p. 66 Feature: Expo 2020 Dubai p. 72 Feature: 2020 Tech Wish List p. 76 Driven: Electric Cars of the Future p. 80 Driven: Granta Lada Sedan p. 83
REGULARS Editor’s Note p. 8 Happenings p. 12
N I G H T S O F J OY A N D J O L LY. Catch up with loved ones over the rattle and clatter of plates filled with scrumptious food in the atmosphere of true festivity and wonder. Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s at the Palace, beginning with Omar’s Café dinner buffet on Christmas Eve followed with a Christmas Day lunch extravaganza. Enjoy New Year’s Eve with a dazzling belly dancer and an oriental performance at Egyptian Nights, or stroll over to Saraya Gallery for brilliant live music and a royal flair. Start 2020 with an exquisite early bird breakfast at Omar’s Café, and perhaps extend your stay for another Christmas lunch buffet on January 7th , all whilst indulging in special treats from The Bakery throughout.
16 S A R AY E L G E Z I R A S T. , P O B OX 33 Z A M A L E K , C A I R O 11211 , EGY P T. T: 0 0 . 2 0 2 . 27. 2 8 . 3 0 0 0 C A I R O M A R R I OT T H OT E L .C O M A R A B I C . M A R R I OT T.C O M /C A I EG
EDITOR’S NOTE
Celebrate
with FLAIR
W
elcome to our last issue of the year, our annual special edition anniversary issue. Celebrate with us this special milestone as FLAIR turns 13. As we enter into a new decade, we look ahead to the future. This issue is all about the exciting events, talents, and technological advancements that are set to make a bang in 2020 and for years to come. First, we focus on Tokyo as this unique city prepares to host the biggest event of the year-the 2020 summer Olympics. Next, we provide you with a sneak peak of the biggest event in the region, Dubai Expo 2020. Whether you are a nerd or a beauty geek, make sure to check out our “2020 Tech Wishlist” for inspiration on what your next gadget should be. As we venture into our 13th anniversary, we thank you for your journey with us. Here’s to many decades more!
Enjoy the issue Guest Editor, Hind El Ramly
FESTIVE LIKE N E V E R B E FO R E . Bring out the jolly at the Marriott Mena House Hotel with Christmas Eve dinner at 139 Restaurant, and beautifully soothing singing. Unwind at the Lobby Lounge with Christmas delicacies available all day, and head on over to 139 Garden for a spectacle of a party on New Year’s Eve, featuring a five-course menu with an astonishing view of the Pyramids. Share your favorite stories of the year as you count down to 2020 with AWE band, followed by a captivating belly dance performance and a refreshing DJ playlist. New Year’s Eve menus at Moghul Room and Alfredo Restaurant are the best finale of the year. 6 . PY R A M I D S R OA D, P.O. B OX 12 5 5 6 , G I Z A , C A I R O, EGY P T T: 0 0 . 2 0 2 . 33 .77. 3222 M : 0 0 . 2 01 . 0 6 . 8 8 .177 27 M A R R I OT T M E N A H O U S EC A I R O.C O M A R A B I C . M A R R I OT T.C O M
December / January EDITOR IN CHIEF
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HAPPENINGS
Hyatt Announces New Hotel in Cairo Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced recently a franchise agreement with ALDAU development group for a Hyatt-branded hotel in Cairo. Set to open in the last quarter of 2020, Hyatt Regency Cairo West will mark the return of the Hyatt brand to the capital of Egypt. The hotel will join Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh and further add to Hyatt’s growing brand footprint in North Africa. Situated within the well-established Pyramids Heights Business Park, the hotel will provide the perfect setting for business and leisure travelers, as well as meetings and events. Its location will be in close proximity to Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Sphinx International Airport
CFCM’s Celebrates its 6th Anniversary Recently, Cairo Festival City Mall (CFCM) commemorated their 6th anniversary by hosting the superstar Mohamed Hamaki for one of the biggest concerts they’ve held so far. It welcomed an enormous attendance of around 10,000-15,000 fans who came to witness a heart-throbbing live performance of Hamaki’s newly-released album ‘Kol Yom mink da’. Given that this was Hamaki’s first live concert in New Cairo for a long time, CFCM ensured an efficient organization of the whole concert utilizing new technologies and employing international experts to set up a world-class stage, visuals and sound system.
Vivo Launches New Smartphones During a night showcasing innovation and technology, Vivo celebrated its first-ever launch event in Egypt announcing its new smartphones S1 and V17 Pro. The event was held at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza with the presence of Jet Xu, President of Vivo MEA and David Qi, CEO of Vivo Egypt. Egyptians are the latest consumer group to join the more than three hundred million active Vivo users around the world. The company is continuing its mission to expand in the region and is currently present in more than 30 markets including Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya and the Middle East.
Marriott Egypt’s Global Customer Appreciation Week Among Marriott hotels worldwide, Global Customer Appreciation Week is a week when executives from all levels of leadership partner with associates from all sales channels to engage in thanking top customers for their business. This started off with a breakfast at the Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa and ended with the Marriott sales and marketing associates paying a visit to the National Cancer Institute to formally hand over funds raised as part of the Spirit to Serve event. In the evening of the last day, there was a retro-themed event for all of the top corporate and tourism accounts held at the JW Marriott’s spacious Ballroom Tutankhamun, featuring Mostafa Amar, Noha Fekry and Disco Misr.
Somabay Showcase at Mindsalike Somabay recently sponsored the second session of the Mindsalike networking event held in Dubai. The event gathered the best minds of CEOs, VPs, entrepreneurs and investors to collaborate on creative, useful and profitable ideas. During the event, Somabay’s CEO Ibrahim El Missiri discussed Somabay as a premier Red Sea resort destination that epitomizes luxury and natural beauty. He highlighted key offerings including the Cascades Golf & Country Club, the first championship course in the Middle East, which was designed by international legend Gary Player, as well as the largest Thalassotherapy spa in Africa and the Middle East, with 63 treatment rooms, underwater therapy and natural saltwater pools.
BMW Introduces New Models BMW recently unveiled the third generation of its high-performance, executive-class Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) models. The new BMW X5 M, BMW X5 M Competition, BMW X6 M and BMW X6 M Competition capture the imagination with their classical M genes, which deliver handling agility, dynamism and precision unmatched in their class. More than that, their superior performance attributes are also combined with the versatility, extrovert design and modern luxury for which BMW X models are renowned. The new models celebrated their show premieres at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November ahead of the market launch in April 2020.
15
Kanjo Design House Selected at CDA During the third edition of the Cairo Design Award (CDA), Kanjo Design House was selected as one of the premium designers to participate in the exhibition, which is attended by a group of elite artists and designers and pioneers in the field of design. They were chosen among a number of designers for their innovative display for the Marble and Beyond Exhibition Booth, which highlights the journey of the development of marble design throughout history. This highlighted the view that marble is not only a stone used in the traditional sense but rather an important element of art and beauty and a means of creativity in interior design.
Viu Announces New Arabic Series Viu announced the commissioning of a brand-new Arabic Original titled ‘Ansaf Maganeen’. The supernatural series is brought to life by screenwriter Mariam Naoum and adapted from the novel written by Saudi author Dr. Shayma Alshareef, which also happens to be one of the most downloaded books in the Arab world. Expected to air in 2020, the drama series is set to be a gripping story for regional and Egyptian audiences. It follows the story of a middle-aged man who wakes up from a heart transplant surgery only to hear the voice of his donor speaking to him, urging him to solve a mystery that he failed to solve in his own lifetime.
Wadi Food Celebrates Fourth Olive Harvest Festival Wadi Food Company celebrated the fourth annual Olive Harvest Festival, which was held at Wadi Food Farms in the presence of board members, top management, employees, customers, food experts, media personnel and some public figures who came from Lebanon to be a part of it. The festival began with a speech from Khalil Nasrallah, Head of Branding in Wadi Group, who assured guests that the cultivation of olive trees is the origin of the olive oil industry and expressed his happiness and pride that this festival marks 25 years since the production of the first olive oil bottle in Egypt, and also 35 years since the cultivation of the first olive tree in the fields of Wadi Food.
High demand for British Council’s Children Courses The British Council has announced that the demand for Primary Plus, its English course for children aged 6-11 years old, has surpassed expectations in Egypt. The experiential programme helps develop children’s confidence in communicating in English as well as important 21st century life skills like creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy and leadership. Since its launch in 2018, British Council has seen enrolment levels triple as parents realise the added benefits the course brings their children. Based on that, the curriculum has been developed to focus more broadly on young learners’ physical, personal, social and emotional development in order to prepare them to tackle future challenges.
FASHION CLIPPINGS
Loro Piana’s Cashmere Goats At MIFA 1862 Art Center in Shanghai, a premiere was held for ‘Cashmere – The Origin of a Secret’, which happens to be the first documentary in a trilogy of films celebrating Loro Piana’s renowned excellences. Along with a live thirty-three-piece orchestra performing the original score for the film, there was an immersive installation that took the guests inside the film epic landscapes. An homage to the tenacious spirit of the small, yet incredibly resilient Capra hircus goats and their dedicated herders, the documentary tells the story of the rare, raw fibers that have captivated the brand for over half a century as well as Loro Piana’s profound respect for nature’s most precious gifts.
MK’s Sea & Ski Collection Just in time for the holiday season, Michael Kors released the capsule collection #MKGO Sea & Ski. Channeling the brand’s iconic jet-set sensibility, this collection features a fresh mix of sporty silhouettes like cozy ski sweaters, sleek bikini separates, rich faux fur coats and glossy puffer jackets. Entertaining a rich color palette, you will notice bold sapphire, twilight blue and classic black and white. However you live the jet set life, whether you’re heading home for the holidays, hitting the slopes in the Alps or relaxing beachside in the Caribbean, this collection has what you want for winter travel.
Vacheron Constantin X Musée Du Louvre Partnering exclusively with the prestigious Musée Du Louvre, Vacheron Constantin will be taking up a number of collaboration and co-creation projects in the fields of craftsmanship, Haute Horlogerie, art and culture in the future. You might not remember it but the two institutions already collaborated in 2016, when the 18th century clock La Création du Monde, a masterpiece displayed in the Louvre, was restored thanks to the patronage of Vacheron Constantin. This new partnership is a natural extension of this brand’s celebration of beauty and constant concern for the conservation, preservation and transmission of heritage.
Olivia Palermo Announces Debut Collection Ready your winter fashion countdowns! Olivia Palermo is finally launching her debut ready-to-wear collection in February. Apparently, it has been in the making for well over a year. According to Palermo, designing her own collection simply “felt like a natural progression” due to her obvious obsession with fashion. Drawing inspiration from many people she met around the world, the fashion influencer means for the pieces in the collection to remind her of memories she holds dear and people she loves. Ranging from silk tops to leather jackets, Palermo promises there will be something in the collection for practically everyone.
Gucci’s Arcade You know how Gucci tends to drop new innovative bombs all the time? This one, no one saw coming. A new section called Gucci Arcade was added to the Gucci app, where you can pick house characters and play games inspired by seventies and eighties arcades. The first games to be available are Gucci Bee and Gucci Ace, which is a direct reference to Gucci’s iconic Ace sneaker. As players are led through each game journey, they get to collect badges and display them in a trophy case, which they can later show off on social media.
Puma X Balmain ft. Cara Delevingne & Olivier Rousteing If you haven’t heard about it, Puma launched in October a rather vivacious unisex collection created with Cara Delevingne in collaboration with Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain. Picture silky red and blue boxing shorts and a lot of color-blocking on bomber jackets, hoodies, leggings and striped t-shirts. Representing both the sporty functionality of Puma and the distinct sophistication of Balmain, the flawless term for this collection is athleisure.
19
BEAUTY CLIPPINGS
Unilever Halving New Plastic Use By 2025 In a radical announcement, Unilever, the company behind beloved beauty brand Dove and many other household name brands such as Ben & Jerry’s has declared its commitment to cut in half its use of new plastic by the year 2025. In order to fulfill this goal, Unilever will need to offer consumers reusable packaging made of recycled plastic, while also selling more products unwrapped. An example of that was their attempt to sell ice cream bars without plastic wrappers and cleaning product concentrates that encourage you to refill bottles instead of having to buy new ones.
Glossier’s New “Oil Serum Hybrid” Introducing their latest “revolutionary” product Futuredew, Glossier pays tribute to one of its original core values of giving priority to skincare over makeup. Dubbed as an “oil serum hybrid”, this product is your one-way ticket to a glowy, refreshed face. With a lightweight, long-wearing formula, it also claims to have the “moisturizing, brightening benefits of skin care” along with the “light-reflecting, soft-focus finish you usually get from makeup.”
Danielle Lauder’s First Makeup Collection Following in her great-grandmother’s footsteps, Danielle Lauder is officially dipping into the pool of the beauty world with her debut makeup collection called Act IV. Inspired by classic Hollywood and icons like Veronica Lake and Brigitte Bardot, this collection will be available starting January 2020. It features seven products, including the Best Picture Multi-Look Palette, Spotlight Highlighter, Cinemattic Complexion Liquid, Party Puff Starlucent Filtered Powder, Luxe Lip Crème, Lip Duet Tint & Balm and Brushed by Fame Makeup Brush Kit.
Tracee Ellis Ross Launches “Pattern” It’s about time! Tracee Ellis is finally getting her long-life dream of having her own hair care line. Having always represented girls with natural curls around the world, she will now be offering them products made just for them. Title Pattern, the range includes a shampoo, three conditioner types (Medium, Heavy and Intense), two oil serums, a hairbrush, a hairclip and a microfiber towel – all designed to keep your hair well-nourished and hydrated.
Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader It has only been a few months since we’ve watched Victoria Beckham launch her beauty brand embodying her signature look of kohl eyeliner, a glittery eye and a nude lip. Now, she has collaborated with scientist Augustinus Bader to come up with her very first skincare product, the Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer. Aiming to both illuminate and hydrate, the primer features micro-pearls that give you that effortless, natural glow.
Estée Laundry Exposing the Beauty Industry In April last year, Estée Laundry’s Instagram account was created to call out beauty brands on their shortcomings. With around 130k followers right now, it is quickly becoming the number one source for secrets and scandals happening in the beauty world. From exposing mass brands that copy high-end packaging to companies getting away with eye makeup without proper FDA approval, this account has lately been discovered to have at least five anonymous admins dispersed around the globe - all of them working within the industry.
21
ACCESSORIES FEATURE
Crowning Glory Clayson’s Headpieces
The beginning of the year marked the first chapter of one of Egypt’s most interesting brands-Clayson Headpieces. Envisioned by the art and counseling graduate, Anna Clayson, 24, created her namesake label with an aim for creating unique and one-of-akind headpieces that we just can’t keep a secret anymore. From elegant florals to edgy skylineinspired pieces, Clayson set out to break fashion stereotypes from day one. Almost one year later, we sit down with the young designer with big dreams for her budding brand. By Sarah Guirguis
It’s a way to get to know new people rather than hiding behind a screen and selling stereotypical pieces. I’m not a fan of repeating designs and my clients appreciate this value.
Where do you source your materials from? I buy most of my material from Egypt but I import some that are not found here. Making these headpieces allowed me to discover how skillful Egyptian craftsmen really are. We tend to only go to big designer names but these craftsmen are extremely good at what they do, and by introducing my idea to them and showing them different materials, I opened a channel of ongoing creativity between us.
When and how did your interest to start designing headpieces spark? I always loved making things with my hands, whether it was painting, drawing or making models out of objects I found at home. What sparked my interest in designing headpieces was when I was introduced to the idea of embroidery and beading at university. I was exposed to new material and started trying to make jewelry out of them. A few weeks later, I was looking at a bridal magazine for ideas and I realized that all the hairpieces were made of crystals or diamond - a stereotype I wanted to break. This was my starting point. From there, I sketched up a few designs, made them and decided to launch my brand in January 2019.
From where do you tend to draw inspiration for your designs? My inspiration comes from many things. It’s a long process and an untraditional one. I usually look for materials that I already have and start combining them together or layering different stones and then I come up with an initial design. I then go on to create mood boards with different styles, arrangements, materials and color palettes and draw the design. I usually use a trial and error process to make sure I come out with the best quality. My first collection was inspired by my travels. I wanted to create a collection that was edgy and new rather than the typical bridal headpieces in the market. Two of the pieces portrayed a skyline of Amsterdam- one of my favorite cities. Another one was inspired by the Ottoman patterns found in many architectural sites in Turkey. Others were inspired by the coral reef off the shores of
Sinai. I like to create designs that would remind me of some of my favorite places.
What is the theme behind your latest Fall/Winter collection? I was inspired by this year’s Pantone color “living coral”. There was something about these earthy tones that struck me. I wanted to recreate shades of coral and peaches into the metal bases I use. Most of the collection is made out of rose gold wiring or metal. Our new collection mostly comprises of floral pieces in many shapes and styles, since I have noticed that more events are becoming less flashy and more boho-chic and outdoorsy. Not to mention, the market has also been demanding less of those bridal flashy looks. Brides and guests have been leaning to wear more earthy tones and natural elegant florals on the big day. This collection would definitely suit this trend but I also want to introduce pieces that can be worn at any time- not just event or weddings.
Which are some of your most cherished pieces so far? I do not have favorite pieces but I’m very fond of the blue crystal gemstone pieces because they represent my favorite getaway - the sea. The combinations of the shades of blue and gold trimmings remind me of the shores meeting the sandy golden beaches and the comfort that comes from that. Each piece I design holds a story, and helps me portray my feelings through art.
How did you come to the decision to make your pieces customizable? This decision was a cornerstone of my brand since the beginning. I believe that each hair piece tells a story. It portrays the person’s taste, uniqueness and individuality. For instance, I worked with a bride that wanted her bridesmaids to wear pieces with the couples’ initials and the date their love story began. It was a sentimental gesture that was transferred to her friends, and this is basically what I aim to do - to create pieces that mean something to someone. In order to do that, I like to communicate with my clients and get to know them better.
23
INTERVIEW
Benhalim’s
Butterfly Effect
Ever since Jude Benhalim launched in 2011, their unique designs have steadily made them the go-to jewelry place for Egypt’s top fashionistas. Although known for their signature geometric shapes and architectural constructions, their latest Butterfly Effect collection is definitely their most feminine one yet. We spoke to Jude Benhalim to know more about her artistic vision and process behind this collection. By Sarah Guirguis
What was the main inspiration behind the Butterfly Effect? The Butterfly Effect collection is inspired by the powerful butterfly and its portrayal of growth and transformation. You will find that the collection features a series of pieces that are evocative of spread butterfly wings. It is handcrafted in a full spectrum of metals from sterling silver and 18K gold to brass dipped in gold, along with custom-made resin stones.
We love the mood board and animated teaser you posted on social media. Tell us more about the color palette of the collection the process you showed.
We aimed to create an interactive teaser for the release of the new collection while engaging our followers and highlighting their role in building new collections. It was an interesting method to involve our followers in our creative process, building the mood board from inspiration to color pantones and watching the sketches coming to life. The color palette for the collection features the trending fall shades, from teal blue to rusty orange.
We’ve noticed that some pieces actually fold and ‘flutter’. How did you apply that concept of bringing the butterflies to life? Capturing motifs in abstract compositions has always been a significant edge in the brand’s identity. The inspiration for this collection is full of beautiful patterns and shapes to illustrate but I made sure to seize the opportunity and go beyond mere illustrations. In creating every piece, we used methods like product functionality and interchangeability, abstract cutout detailing and laser-engraved patterns on the custom-made resin stones, which all comes together to bring the butterfly to life and transform it into wearable art.
We’re used to seeing very edgy, industrial designs from Jude Benhalim but this collection is more feminine. How did you decide to take that route? Jude Benhalim represents the balance between edgy and elegant - the fierce and feminine. While choosing a theme for my collections and through the design process, I make sure that the designs are a perfect balance between these two striking worlds because the Jude Benhalim consumer is one who lives in both.
Which are by far your favorite pieces out of this FW collection and why? Every piece in this collection is unique in its own way but my favorite remains the Swallowtail Earrings because it comes in an array of color and it’s both bold and feminine in a stunning way.
25
ACCESSORIES FEATURE
Aspinal of London AW’19 Quintessentially British
With their superior quality, Aspinal of London is the embodiment of elegant refinement that is quintessentially British. With their accessories designed to transcend style and be enjoyed over a lifetime, it is hard to believe that the brand was only founded in 2002. Their latest AW19 collection does not disappoint with their inspiration rooted in Britain- from the equestrian culture of the countryside to the majestic uniforms of the Queen’s Guard…
This collection marks the first season with celebrated Couture Designer Giles Deacon at the helm of Aspinal of London’s design direction alongside the brand’s Creative Director, Mariya Dykalo, bringing his illustrative skills to bear across a playful collection of small leather pieces and scarves. The Queen’s Guard is given a glamorous reinvention, while a Pekingese playfully holds his own Aspinal of London handbag. Hero pieces within the AW19 collection have been influenced by the rich embroidery details and unsurpassed craftsmanship found within the Wallace Collection. The Wallace Collection is a treasure trove of inspiring pieces from paintings to sculptures and furniture to porcelain, collected by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace in the 18th and 19th Centuries, and bequeathed to the nation in 1897. In designing key pieces from the collection, Aspinal of London took a revived focus on texture and animation, drawing further inspiration for their classically autumnal palette of Evergreen, Bordeaux, Orange, Blue, Ivory, Mustard, Soft Taupe, Navy, and Tan. The Trunk Clutch features hand-embroidered silk thread on velvet, complemented by a handmade brass bamboo effect handle. Reinterpreting Aspinal of London’s signature Transparent Trunk design, embroidered flowers handcrafted in the UK from organza and silk thread are suspended between transparent panes - a striking piece guaranteed to delight. Rich velvets and textural combinations refresh the classic Aspinal of London styles including the Lottie and Mayfair. Highlights include the Lottie Bag in Aspinal of London’s signature quilt, inspired by details found on a saddle and visualised in a decadent velvet colour palette. Aspinal of London’s signature scarf print is also under the spotlight this season. The Neck Bow Scarf presents new avenues to introduce a luxurious silk scarf into your collection, offering versatility across bag handles, around the neck, or in the hair. The new collection also adopts updated Camera Bags and a new line of Belt Bags which have been added to Aspinal of London’s collection for the first time. Opening doors to a brand new equestrian style, the collection also introduces the Duffle Bag, which features braided handle detailing and a scarf lining with a grosgrain ribbon closure. Inspired by the majestic lion door knockers which guard English homes, the Lansdowne Collection introduces a new palette of Gold. The Lion Head Motif is featured on Hat Boxes for the first time to add a decadent touch. The Crystal Trunk and Trinket ranges have been extended with a new rose gold finish, whilst night-time glamour is epitomised by the Micro Hat Box with star details – perfect for parties and red-carpet events.
27
FASHION FEATURE
Our Favorite
Fashion Holiday Campaigns
Time to admit our absolute obsession with the holiday season and everything it entails-holiday season fashion campaigns being one of them of course. Here is a roudup of FLAIR’s favorite fashion campaigns this season. By Sarah Guirguis
Coach Photographed by Juergen Teller Starring a fun, diverse cast, Coach’s ‘Wonder for All’ features actress Yara Shahidi, model Kate Moss, Spike and Tonya Lee and even rapper Megan Thee Stallion in her first-ever fashion campaign. This campaign follows the band of revelers as they gather at an impromptu party at a New York brownstone. Capturing the magical mood of the season, it champions the belief of coming together for the holidays and the inclusive, authentic spirit of New York.
Valentino Photographed by Hazel Gaskin Believe it or not, Dame Joan Collins is the face of Valentino’s Christmas capsule collection. Known for her ultra-glam eighties style, the British icon wore an off-the-shoulder gown in bright red lace with matching evening gloves and a statement tiara. The ‘Joan for the Holidays’ campaign stars Collins as she rings a doorbell just in time for dinner, followed by someone carrying gifts for everyone in red boxes we’re assuming are of course filled with you guessed it-Valentino!
Ralph Lauren Photographed by Tim Hill & James Aubrey Finnigan Sentimental is the word to describe Ralph Lauren’s ‘Every Moment Is a Gift’ campaign. With a fantastical getaway theme, the cast includes Taylor Hill and Phillip Bread featured with their real non-actor relatives. Adorned with signature style Ralph Lauren creations, we love that they used the real families of the models to give an authentic feel to the season that is all about family.
Kate Spade Photographed by Tim Walker Picture a lot of pink and sparkles…and more pink sparkles! But what else do you expect from Kate Spade. Starring American actresses Sadie Sink, Kiki Layne and Julia Garner, this campaign is as glitzy as it gets. Another thing we noticed is an obvious loyalty to one-color outfits. Of course, you can expect a variety of material but the star of the show is still glitter.
Michael Kors Photographed by Cass Bird Featuring none other than star model Bella Hadid, Austin Augie and Salomon Diaz, Michael Kors’ holiday campaign is hitting home with a vibrant color scheme. Intending to mirror a snow globe, the campaign offers us a bunch of snowfall magic. You will see it all - from snow knits and quilted handbags to puffer jackets and snowboards ready to hit the slopes.
Burberry Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott Celebrating a time of hope and family coming together, Riccardo Tisci’s first holiday campaign is titled ‘What Is Love?’ Wearing statement silhouettes and prints, the cast includes musician, model and activist Carla Bruni, British model Fran Summers, Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu, South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in and Italian musician Mahmood. The campaign showcases fancy evening gowns and outerwear featuring Burberry’s signature Icon stripe and Thomas Burberry Monogram.
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Versace Photographed by Edith Bergfors & Milo Reid If you were thinking you’ve had enough of eighties fashion for this season, think again. Verace’s ‘Holdiay Saga’ features artist Sarah Baker along with models Helena Christensen, Meghan Roche, Jonathan Saxby and Simonas Pham in gorgeous dresses and statement heels and jewelry. Inspired by classic romance novels, the campaign follows the dramatic story of the ‘Baroness’ created by Sarah Baker.
Chanel No. 5 Photographed by Jean-Paul Goude Starring Lily-Rose Depp, the latest campaign dedicated to the iconic perfume emanates a very elegant Christmas vibe. Holding a snow globe with a Chanel No. 5 centerpiece, Depp wears striking red knee-high boots and red winter gloves to match the brand name in red. “I loved playing the character created by JeanPaul. The joy and wonderment reminded me of how I felt as a little girl on Christmas morning.”
Gucci Photographed by Harmony Korine As eccentric as we know Gucci to be, their holiday campaign is just something else. Set on a sunny winter cruise, you will literally spot Santa in summer outfits, strumming a guitar, and a snowman made of sand with starfish eyes. Brushing aside the weirdness of this setting, the ‘Gift Giving’ campaign is jam-packed with gorgeous new hats, handbags, scarfs, and much more.
Magical
Christmas
& New Year
AT GRAND NILE TOWER Enjoy a unique and splendid Christmas Day Brunch at El Sakya Souk restaurant and terrace, which offers an extravagant international buffet, along with kids’ activities and live entertainment with breathtaking views of the Nile River. Celebrate the New Year’s Eve in the heart of the Nile at Marquise boat with an exceptional international dinner buffet and live entertainment show and band. Experience the final countdown of New Year’s Eve with a touch of luxury at the Revolving Restaurant, which offers an exquisite set menu and live entertainment to complement your mood, against the stunning backdrop of Cairo’s nightscape. For details and further information on all festive activities, please contact us on +202 23651234 Grand Nile Tower, Corniche El-Nil, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt Tel. +202 23651234 Fax. +202 23621927 Email: info@grandniletower.com www.grandniletower.com
FASHION SHOOT
Party & Holiday From Net-A-Porter NET-A-PORTER celebrates the start of the festive season with the launch of its holiday campaign, curating five distinct party wardrobes and featuring 41 exclusive capsule collections from exciting contemporary brands to leading power designers.
ALEX PERRY DRESS REDEMPTION DRESS; JIMMY CHOO BAG MAGDA BUTRYM DRESS
When the dance floor calls, evoke the 80’s vibrant allure and steal the spotlight with HALPERN’s shimmering sequins and high-shine metallics from FANNIE SCHIAVONI and SPRWN. Versace, a highlight in this partywear edit, has created an exclusive capsule that embodies hedonistic disco nights and high-octane glamour, covering RTW, footwear, bags and jewelry.
For a more laid-back approach, DE LA VALI’s bright and modern twists on elegant classics and HARMUR’s festive separates make up an edit of effortlessly cool styles. Embracing red-carpet opulence, OSCAR DE LA RENTA’s beautifully embellished gowns and ONG OAJ PARFUM’s dramatic silhouettes, promise a lasting impression, while JIMMY CHOO’s exclusive capsule collection of elegant heels and sparkly bags add an extra twinkle to the look. For the minimalists, PETER DO and CUSHINE ET OCHS offer a chic and sleek take on festive dressing, with sharp after-dark tailoring and shiny silky slip dresses, while handbag brand RATIO ET MOTUS completes the look with their revamped classics.
ONG-OAJ PARFUM DRESS; CULT GAIA BAG; GIANVITO ROSSI SHOES GUCCI DRESS; JENNIFER CHAMANDI SHOES MIU MIU DRESS; GIANVITO ROSSI SHOES; ROSANTICA BAG VALENTINO DRESS; L’OEFFLER RANDALL BELT; JIMMY CHOO SHOES
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GIVENCHY DRESS; ALEXANDER WANG BAG CAROLINA HERRERA DRESS RALPH & RUSSI DRESS RALPH & RUSSI DRESS; MARTIN MARTIN BLAZER
LE MERIDIEN CAIRO AIRPORT T +2 02 2265 9600 lemeridien.com/ cairoairport
REVEL IN STYLE AND CELEBRATE THE ART OF ENTERTAINING AT LE MERIDIEN CAIRO AIRPORT Indulge in all the glitz and glamour of the holiday season and join us in ringing in the New Year at Live Sports Bar. Hit start an amazing year and shake all the nightlong with a belly dance show, Salsa show and DJ. Cling your shot, feel the beat and get all you need for the New Year’s EVE Minimum charge 800 ++EGP For more info + reservations:: 02 22659600 lemeridiencairoairport
@lemeridiencairoairporthotel
@meridiencairo
FASHION FEATURE
“Leem”
Modern Modesty
With an aim to redefine modest wear for today’s fashion-conscious woman, Saudi Arabia’s fashion house Leem was inaugurated in 2018. Their latest collection nails their signature style: modest wear with global appeal.
with pleats for extra swish, “unstructured structured” dresses fashioned in velvet, cosy knitted wool blend turtlenecks, sharp and tailored blazers, a poly blend utilitarian jumpsuit and not to mention an assortment of hero accessories that cinch, interchange and shape up the looks for a wonderfully wearable wardrobe. The knitwear pieces mix comfort with elegance for a weather-appropriate winter look: think oversized pieces with scarf-like necklines. The collections’ tailored aesthetic is perfectly pronounced by a powerful autumnal palette of marl grey, hunter green, plum and jet black juxtaposed by berry, burnt gold, citrus orange, flashes of yellow and a blank canvas of frosty white. Furthermore, the season draws on androgynous styling, muted grey plaid and high-contrast hound’s-tooth make a comeback, this time undergoing a couture renaissance with elegant masculine notes, yet feminine tailoring.
From the spirited muse swathed in black to the vibrant star who’s dressing for the limelight, Leem’s Autumn Winter 2019 inspiration is binary, yet shares a common goal: pieces that defines this season and beyond. On the minimalist theme, sophisticated tailoring takes center stage – consider it a neat palate cleanser following many seasons of sports luxe. Then there’s the return of supple leather, a hero full-length dress, in particular, directing the new mood in quiet luxury. As for the opposing side? Vibrant colour, which can be worn head-to-toe. And floor-length dresses – oversized and couture-like in their construction and unapologetically sophisticated. Leem’s stylish silhouettes mark the intersection of conservative fit and modern flair, elevating the fashion quotient of its all-inclusive clientele-base, whether they choose to conceal for culture or as a personal preference of style. This season, Leem is in possession of signature looks including lady-like lamé and satin skirts 37
INTERVIEW
Aisha Baker The Art of a Fairy Tale By Amy N. Pugsley
It is not every day that fine art and childhood fantasy mix. In 2016, when Aisha Baker and Hoonik Chang began working together it witnessed the start of a real-life fairy tale. Aisha is a collector and expert in high jewelry art while Hoonik is a jewelry designer. Together, their collective imaginations have sparked a brand that is so unique, it has caught the eye of jewelry connoisseurs around the world. The Dubai-based brand strives to infuse magic into each design with its intricate pieces that bend the limits of the human imagination. If you needed a reminder that life is full of magic—look no farther than Aisha Baker Jewelry. We caught up with the dynamic duo behind the brand to talk about their whimsical creations.
The brand Aisha Baker is a collaboration between both of you, can you tell us about your creative relationship? Aisha: We always look together around fashion and art trends through various exhibitions, media and retails. We are close friends first and then business partners as well. When Hoonik designs, I give ideas as a wearer and luxury goods collector. This kind of collaboration makes Aisha Baker jewelry born with its uniqueness and freshness. Hoonik: When I design Aisha becomes the brand muse since her fashion style and character inspires so much.
The design style in all of the Aisha Baker pieces is very unique—why are bright colors so important to your design style? We feel those colors reflect our personalities. Our designs are for our imaginary princess who is fun and quirky!
As you have mentioned that the essence of the brand is a modern fairy tale— what is your favorite fairytale? Our favorite is Alice in Wonderland because the story is very fun and inspiring for both children and adults. It encourages us to open our minds to more imagination.
What is your favorite piece you’ve ever created—and what made it so special? We are very attached to every piece we created and each of them is special as it has different stories and special design.
Who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry? Any woman who is confident, fun and has her own fashion character.
What are some of the most memorable responses have you had to your work?
“Many people say that they have never seen any jewelry like ours”
Many people say that they have never seen any jewelry like ours. That is absolutely the most memorable compliment that keeps us going forward and inspire our future collections.
What are you currently working on? We are working on something different from our past collection but people would still feel our DNA. We know this will be difficult but we would like to surprise people with always very new collections.
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INTERVIEW
Persian Calligraphy With Mana Besharati
Inspired by the beauty of Persian calligraphy, designer Leila Besharati has created a global brand with her label Mana Besharati. Attracted to design from the beginning of her career the founder of the brand played a major role in designing products for well-known brands before venturing out on her own. The result? A sophisticated brand that combines her passion for art, culture, and design. We sat down with Leila to discuss her inspirations and personal favorites. By Amy N. Pugsley
What is the inspiration behind your brand and unique designs? When it comes to fashion, there’s always talk of Paris, London or New York but I find that cities like Tehran or Beirut have the most beautiful street style. These vibrant streets are a pure source of inspiration for me! A few years ago I emigrated to Europe for my design studies and in a strange way, my view of my Persian culture changed completely. I was able to see my culture with a completely new set of eyes and learn to appreciate it in a much more profound way.
What is your favorite piece you’ve ever created? It’s difficult to limit yourself to just one favorite piece, but one of them really means a lot to me. It was created at a time when I couldn’t get any further with design; what a writer calls, writer’s block. That’s how I felt. Around me were hundreds of sketches and in my head was a mess of letters. Suddenly the idea came to me to depict the whole thing in one piece. That’s how the Lily Ring N°1 was created.
Quick Questions Favorite Persian meal? Ghormeh Sabzi
Favorite Middle Eastern poet? Hafez
Favorite place to travel? Sardinia
The last thing you binge-watched.. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry? I want everyone who wears my jewelry to feel more confident. People who can identify with the writing and want to have a piece of home with them, but also those who can’t read it and just find it aesthetically beautiful. After all, jewelry is usually the first thing that attracts attention when it comes to clothing.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work? I have a soft spot for architecture, especially minimalism. I could spend hours and hours in buildings enjoying the beauty of simple architecture. The basic forms of my jewelry collections are all inspired by the simple language of minimalism. The minimalistic concept combined with the sweeping writing gives an elegant and subtle elegance to my jewelry.
What are you currently working on? What’s your vision for the future of your brand? We are currently working on a new collection that will be completely different. Of course, letters will continue to play an important role but Mana Besharati will play with new shapes— both organic and futuristic.
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BIJOUX
Messika Jewellery Born to be Wild
With their latest collection Born to be Wild, jewellery brand Messika were aiming to break the boundaries of high Jewellery design‌
Fantastical horseback rides and vast desert plains, Valerie Messika wanted to center her Born to be Wild High Jewellery collection around the Wild west. A major part of this new stunning High Jewellery collection is the daringly unique Black Hawk collection. The motifs of these masterpieces evoke the plumes of the Native American headdresses decorated with eagle feathers. Each feather symbolized an act of bravery – their number and color were respectively imbibed with specific meanings. In the modern interpretation of this symbol of power and leadership, Valerie Messika dared to push the boundaries of traditional Haute Joaillerie, by honoring the Wild West of the Americas, combining wood with gold and diamonds for the very first time. The Black Hawk collection is comprised of a necklace, bracelet, choker, longlength necklace, bracelet and earrings.
Diamond Catcher
Shaman
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Snake Dance
Sun Tribe
HAPPENINGS
Holiday Celebrations Jingle the Bells at Cairo Marriott Hotel It is this time of the year when the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino is warming up to celebrate the festive season. Omar’s Cafe will be offering an array of culinary specialties at the Christmas Eve dinner buffet prepared by the finest chefs in town as well as an unmatchable lunch buffet that will be available on Christmas Day. A special entertainment program will be available at Harry’s Pub for guests to celebrate and welcome the New Year. For those seeking to spend New Year’s Eve in oriental vibes, Egyptian Nights will be serving a one-of-a-kind special set for guests to enjoy along with oriental vibes and live band tunes.
Christmas Haven at Kempinski Nile Kempinski Nile - Garden City is welcoming the New Year with a packed program, from Christmas carols in the lobby, an exclusive set menu and Christmas decorations in the chocolate lounge to the unique Masquerade party in the Nile Ballroom on Floor 10. Get dressed in your best black-and-gold suit/dress and dig right into a hot and cold selection of canapés and sushi, with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, free corkage and a discount on Ruinart champagne. And that’s not all… there will also be a DJ, a belly dance show, a percussion show and live classic music.
Seasonal Sophistication at Grand Nile Tower It is a season filled with excitement and the desire to be with family, and no place is more in the spirit this year than Grand Nile Tower Hotel. The aroma of sweet home-baked Christmas cookies filling the Rendez Vous Lounge will surely tempt grown-ups and kids alike. For a special meal with family and friends on Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the special menu being served against the dramatic backdrop of the Cairo cityscape at the Revolving Restaurant. For unique Christmas Day activities, El Sakya Souk Terrace offers an extravagant international buffet Brunch along with kids’ activities and live entertainment.
Deck the Halls at Le Meridien Cairo Airport At Le Meridien Cairo Airport, indulge in all the glitz of the holiday season and ring in the New Year at Live Sports Bar. Dance the night away with a belly dance show, Salsa show and DJ. At Mezzeh, the countdown to the New Year will feature live entertainment, a belly dance show and a tasteful set menu dinner. For a distinctive dining experience, go to EVOO for a savory dinner buffet you can enjoy with your family. If you book your stay at Le Meridien Cairo Airport during the holiday season, you will get exclusive rates, dinner and free entry to Mezzeh New Year’s Eve party.
New Year Getaway at Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts No matter how you fantasize your dream vacation, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts destinations are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. At Steigenberger Alcazar Sharm El Sheikh, relax at the hotel’s sun kissed golden sandy beach, explore a joyful array of water activities with your family, chill out at one of the three heated swimming pools or spoil yourself at the world class MividaSpa. If you’d rather head to a more calming and peaceful vacation, the two adults-only hotels Steigenberger Makadi Madinat Makadi and Steigenberger Coraya Beach Marsa Alam are the ideal serene hideaways for golfing and diving spots.
December Highlights at Semiramis InterContinental Cairo For a special ambiance throughout the holiday season, go to Birdcage, for a serene Thai setting and Chef Narong’s irresistible à la carte menus that are particularly spectacular on Christmas Eve and Day. On Christmas Eve, there will be an exclusive dinner dance at Pane Vino with Cairo’s premier crooner Ahmed Harfoush. On New Year’s Eve, party like the Italians with delicious specialties alongside live entertainment. If you want to be serenaded by live piano and flute music all season long, go to The Grill’s fabulous ‘Noël sur le Nile’ gala dinner on Christmas Eve and relish in an unmatched set menu.
Holiday Glam at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino With a passion to provide guests with a memorable holiday experience, Sonesta’s venues are ready for the season. Gather with your family and friends at La Gondola for an elegant Christmas Eve Dinner with specially prepared flavorful turkey dishes and enjoyable live band entrainment, followed by a delightful lunch buffet on Christmas Day. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a cheerful ambiance with a special set menu featuring a wide assortment of traditional and oriental authentic delights with live entertainment and belly dance performance at Baalbak Lebanese Restaurant. Most importantly, don’t miss Sonesta’s iconic New Year’s Eve party in Sindbad Discotheque.
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FEATURE
The Scoop On CIFF We hope you didn’t miss this year’s edition of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) but if you did, we’ve got the scoop for you. Of course, there was the anticipated, roundthe-clock film schedule jam-packed with a rich variety of international and local talent but aside from that, there were also learning opportunities for aspiring directors and producers through in-conversations and panel discussions on a number of important topics within the film world. The 41st edition saw the screening of a total of more than 150 films, including 21 short films and 21 classics from Egyptian cinema. Among them, 35 films were premiering locally and internationally and 84 films were screened for the first time in the MENA region. By Sarah Guirguis
The Opening Film Over the course of ten days, an audience of nearly 40k cinema fans have been visiting the Cairo Opera House to watch this variety of films from 63 countries. The opening film happened to be the Middle East premiere of ‘Irishman’ by Martin Scorsese. Starring Robert De Niro, the film is an appraisal of American policy in the 1960s and 1970s, mainly focusing on the corruption of the labor union and its association with organized crime.
The Irishman
The Most Interesting Panels The panel we found most relevant to today’s viewers was about the future of Arab TV streaming platforms. Moderated by Deana Nassar, who is Program Director of MEMI, the panel hosted CAA agents Jason Hafford and Nick Lafferty along with Abe Shady Aboulnaga, General Manager of VuClip. They discussed how these new streaming platforms in the region plan to approach the content differently than traditional broadcasters in terms of what type of stories they are interested in developing and their relationship with writers and producers. Another panel that really caught our eye was about the power of storytelling to address gender-based violence in Egyptian cinema and television. Moderated by Sandra De Castro Buffington, Founder and President of StoryAction, this panel hosted filmmakers Amr Salama, Kamla Abou Zekri and Nadine Khan, creative producer Karen Tenkhoff, screenwriter Mariam Naoum, and finally, actress and UNFPA champion Sarah Abdelrahman. They talked about the impact of the entertainment industry in portraying women in ways that either empower them or set them back. They also explored the movements and tools to achieve gender equality on and off the screen.
Women Empowerment Speaking of women empowerment, the CIFF has announced signing of the Gender Parity Pledge 5050×2020, which makes it the first Arab and second African festival to join this commitment launched during Cannes Film Festival in 2018. As of its 42nd edition in November 2020, CIFF is committed to promote gender equality and transparency. The festival will publicly announce the percentages of women participating in the film programming and selection teams, in addition to the percentage of films submitted by woman directors and the ones selected in the official program.
The Major Awards The first-class Golden Pyramid Award for Best Film was presented to the producer Fernando Frias for his work in ‘I Am No Longer Here’. Being a special Jury Award, the Silver Pyramid for Best Director was presented to Bas Devos for the film ‘Ghost Tropic’. For Best First or Second Work, the Bronze Pyramid was presented to director Michal Hogenauer for ‘A Certain Kind of Silence’ and also directors Zhang Chong & Zhang Bo for ‘The Fourth Wall’.
Naguib Mahfouz Award presented to director Najwa Najjar
For Best Screenplay, the esteemed Naguib Mahfouz Award was presented to director Najwa Najjar for the film ‘Between Heaven and Earth’. Best Actress went to Judy Ann Santos while Best Actor went to Juan Manuel Garcia Trevina. Finally, ‘Mindanao’ won the Henry Barakat Award for Best Artistic Contribution, which was presented to Brillante Mendoza.
The iRead Awards In collaboration with the iRead initiative, CIFF hosted a screenwriting and short story talent competition called the iRead Awards. “The initiative aims to create a new generation of writers that will restore Egyptian cinema to its golden age,” explained Mohamed Hefzy, CIFF President. First place was won by Ahmed Al Karim who received a 25k prize for the short story competition. Mahmoud Abdel Wahab, who won second place, received 15k, while Ahmed Khalifa, who won third place, received a purchase voucher From Virgin Store libraries worth 10k.
Mohamed Hefzy
CIFF Qualifies for the Oscars! Hard to believe but this actually happened! The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) actually gave CIFF the status of an Oscar qualifying film festival, making it the first festival in North Africa to join the list of qualifying international festivals which include Cannes, Venice, Berlin and Sundance. Given that the film abides by Academy regulations, the winner of the Best Short Film award under ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’ will be qualified for consideration in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories of the Academy Awards. “We are incredibly proud to have been selected to join the ranks of Oscar-qualifying festivals and grateful to AMPAS for their support of our festival. This honor is a validation of our festival and the incredible selection of innovative films we showcase every year from some of the most exciting filmmaking talent working in the global film industry today. The opportunity to gain this type of recognition will help filmmakers achieve global attention for their extraordinary storytelling in the short film format,” said Hefzy.
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Youssef Sherif Rizkallah Gets Honored The festival produced a documentary film titled “Rizk El-Cinema� about its late art director Youssef Sherif Rizkallah, during which 25 cinematographers talked about their relationship with the late critic. Directed by Abdel Rahman Nasr, the film was screened on a special festive night in the presence of the Minister of Culture.
Cinema Radio Reopens For the first time since its renovation started almost two years ago, Cinema Radio opened its doors to the public free of charge. The program featured the screening of 21 classic Egyptian films, which include a number of films starring the honorees Sherif Arafa and Menna Shalaby.
The Red Carpet Dazzlers Shereen Reda in a navy blue, one-shoulder chiffon gown by Malak El Ezzawy and accessories by Sha Jewellery. Dorra Zarouk in a regal shimmery black gown by Michael Cinco and accessories by Damas Jewellery. Injy El Mokkaddem in a black and creamy nude dress by Kojak, jewellery by Katchouni and clutch by NS by Noof. Menna Shalaby in a classic glam silver dress by Gemi Maalouf and accessories by Dalseen Jewellery. Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel in a rose and white Valentino dress.
INTERVIEW
Ash
Multi-Instrumental Brilliance By Sarah Guirguis
After his megahit ‘Mosaïque’ reached a hundred million listens on streaming platforms worldwide, Ash launched an accompanying music video in November to visualize the successful hit. Picture a guitar, saxophone, keyboard and a percussion-pad but only one musician standing at the scene. Based in Montreal, the solo artist originally hails from Egypt. As a tribute to his hometown and a way for fans to get to know him, he chose the Giza Pyramids to be the backdrop of his video. We talked to Ash to find out more about his signature sound and his spectacular success so far…
When and how did you get into multi-instrumentalism? I started learning the piano when I was seven. At thirteen, I had started watching videos on Youtube on how to learn the guitar. During that time, I also taught myself music production, and since then, had begun producing my own music. A couple of years ago, when I was around twenty, I got intrigued by the saxophone and decided to teach myself how to play it – again through Youtube tutorials.
How did it feel when Mosaïque hit 100 million listens? It felt like a dream. I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all. As much as I love the track, I had never actually meant to release it because it was really different than what I used to produce at the time. It stayed on my computer for quite a while because I was unsure about releasing something so different until a friend convinced me to. Seeing that it reached and touched that many people is a huge blessing.
Why did you pick the Pyramids as your backdrop for your video as opposed to a more modern setting? The thing is when I released Mosaïque, I remained low-key and wasn’t really out there marketing myself and telling people that I composed this song. A lot of people were asking questions like “who is he?”, “where is he from?”, “how old is he?”. I chose the pyramids because for me, that is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It was a dream to be there and film something with them in the background. I wanted people to finally meet me, see me play the instruments I love and know that I’m from Egypt. I couldn’t think of a better place to film Mosaïque and tell that story.
Some would consider Middle Eastern sounds and electronic music a strange combination. When did it hit you that this is what you wanted to do? It was very unexpected and unintentional
in the beginning. When I was about sixteen, I released my first track ‘Lost’ and it was a regular electronic track until I decided to add a Middle Eastern melody with the guitar at the last minute. Eventually, I realized people actually liked this combination and started doing it more. My fans say that it turned into a signature sound and I’m so thankful for that.
After the success of Mosaïque, what are you looking forward to accomplish in the future? I’m trying a lot of different things right now… experimenting a little. I recently released a song in French and Spanish called ‘Dans La Peau’ with French singer Amélie Martinez. These are the kind of things I want to keep working on - always trying new and different sounds while remaining true to my signature sound. I’m currently working on an album, which will incorporate a lot of diverse styles and genres. I hope to always surprise my fans with more and keep reaching them through various melodies and sounds.
“I chose the pyramids to shoot Mosaïque because for me, that is one of the most beautiful places in the world”
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FITNESS NEWS
One&Only Le Saint Géran Hosts BeFit Bootcamp with Aly Mazhar
Combining secluded ultra-luxury in the Indian Ocean with a bespoke training programme created by one of Egypt’s leading fitness figures, One&Only Le Saint Géran hosted an ultimate wellness retreat this November. Guests were challenged to reach their optimum fitness levels with a five-day bootcamp led by former athlete and Nike ambassador Aly Mazhar, at the impressive Mauritian resort set on its own private peninsula. Post-training guests relaxed with a restorative treatment at the One&Only Spa which offers tailored holistic experiences and bespoke facial treatments from Biologique Recherche. When not working up a sweat, the guests enjoyed the resort’s pristine private beach overlooking the vibrant turquoise Indian Ocean.
CORE EGYPT: Combining Luxury Hospitality with Fitness
With their latest launches, CORE EGYPT are aiming to be the first luxury hospitality and fitness institution disrupting the sports industry in Egypt. They are banking on the trend of personalized fitness as they launch four brand new luxury fitness and wellness clubs providing its members with access to world-class trainers, amenities, and services. The main facility is set to open in Walk of Cairo strip mall at Sodic in Sheikh Zayed, while the other three facilities are strategically distributed around the capital; one at Iconia, Zamalek, another at Pyramid Hills compound on Cairo Desert Road and the third at Fifth Settlement. All four locations are set to open their doors in early 2020.
CORE facilities will feature a premium gym equipped with the latest state of the art technology machines, a sanctuary spa, tailored functional training studios, bootcamp arenas, mind and body studios, and night studios; a unique functional training studio fitted with changing color lights that give you the feel of a work out at a night club. Also, the facilities will offer distinctive features such as a business lounge/meeting rooms, kid’s area, a healthy juice bar, and a co-branded Lululemon x CORE store where clients can shop the latest fashion in activewear.
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One Park Taipei HOME
by Kelly Hoppen Photography by Sicong Sui
One remarkable building, two gorgeous towers, and one of the world’s most renowned interior designers. This is the makeup of One Park Taipei located in Taiwan and designed by the one and only Kelly Hoppen MBE‌
Holding the title of one of the highest residential buildings in the city, One Park Taipei was designed by British architect Richard Rogers, who is acclaimed for his modern designs. Kelly Hoppen was tasked with designing the ground and lower ground floors in the North and South Towers as well as the VIP areas.
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Kelly has curated different themes for each one: the North Tower inspired by silver shades and the South Tower laced in golden hues. The North Tower was designed using an eclectic mix of silver tones complimented by a gray and black colour palette where Kelly coordinated a fusion of East meets West: soothing clean lines and neutral tones, blended with charming warmth and sumptuous opulence. For the South Tower, Kelly drew inspiration from a golden palette, using contrasting black and gold tones to create a more dramatic and ornate look. “From the minute you open the door and enter the building, you are filled with great joy.�
This issue we showcase one of the two exquisite show apartments, located in each tower, extending an impressive 435m2. “It was an absolute delight for me to walk on the land where the building was going to be erected when I came to Taiwan for the first time. I’m so passionate about my work and get very involved in the design right from the very first start to ground up.”
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Taking on the challenge of the immense building, the interior of One Park is as exceptional as the exterior. Kelly made sure to incorporate her appreciation for comfort as well as the experience that one has within a living space. Organic shapes, forms and layers of textures, Kelly’s goal was to create a home within a home, designing beautiful spaces that feel warm and inviting. The furniture accessories made of non-conventional materials such as wool, leather, velvet, lacquered wood and metal are all carefully selected by Kelly herself, producing a luxuriously sophisticated effect.
Kelly considers that it is not enough for just the design of the space to be perfect, she understands that a home must feel comfortable, safe and nourishing, as well as timeless and luxurious. “It needs to be everything one dreams of in a home. One Park Taipei offers exactly that.”
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JET SET
“Dubai: A Story Takes Flight” Features Hollywood Superstars
Dubai is known for its extravagant and lavish nature. So when it came to the latest campaign to promote Dubai, the emirate did not disappoint. While other places might enlist a star to front their tourism campaign, Dubai decided to create a project starring three of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldana. The project, centers around the short film ‘A Story Takes Flight’, which stars the actresses as themselves embarking on three journeys of exploration through Dubai, filled with inspiration, discovery, and human connections. Filmed by Emmy and Director’s Guild award-winning director, Reed Morano, who is known for her immersive, natural, and cinematic style, the film captures the essence of each actress and the intimate relationships between them- all while capturing the beauty of Dubai. Shot over eight days with a crew from over thirty nationalities, the production of the film evokes the spirit of a city born from multiculturalism, which continues to thrive as a consequence of people from all walks of life calling it home.
Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) commented: The film is unlike any other film in that it speaks to this defining character of our city. It is a story of each person’s discovery through their interaction with Dubai. Regardless of who you are or where you are from, your journey with us also has no finish line – and the paths to explore are endless.” Reliving her experience, Oscar award winning actress, Gwyneth Paltrow said “One of my favorite parts of traveling is to truly connect with a city, its people and the local culture. Dubai is special because it’s a melting pot. Both the ones born here, who are so proud of their heritage, and those who are recent transplants, bringing with them their own values and traditions, contribute to writing the future story of the city. My time in Dubai was beyond anything I expected and there’s still so much more to see.” Actress and entrepreneur, Zoe Saldana commented, “The variety Dubai gave me was perfect. I went from riding horses at sunrise to watching the sunset from 150 meters in the sky. I can’t wait to bring my boys here to continue the adventure.” Emmy award winning actress, Kate Hudson added, “Honestly, I was so grateful for the hospitality I received. I spent a lot of time exploring the winding streets of Old Dubai. It’s incredible to find such a vibrant art and music community in the heart of such a modern, futuristic city – which is what most people think Dubai is. But really, the friendliness of the people is what made my visit amazing, and it’s why I’ll come back.” astorytakesflight.com
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JET SET
Sailing in Style Virgin Voyages’ The Scarlet Lady Move over cold buffets, forced formal wear, assigned seats, strict dining times, and boring kids-only activities—the future of cruises is a lot more fun. Since announcing their newest venture, Virgin Voyages has created a lot of buzz around an industry that was previously thought of as exclusive to old people or those afraid of adventure. Get ready as the seductive “The Scarlet Lady” and the adults-only cruise trend hits the high seas. By Amy N. Pugsley
April 2020 will mark The Scarlet Lady’s inaugural voyage sailing from Florida to the Bahamas with 2,770 passengers, 1,160 crew members, and more fun aboard than an all-inclusive resort. Frank Webber the company’s senior VP of hotel operations said in a press statement, “The cruise industry is incredibly successful and growing, and all the cruise lines have a formula that they run very successfully, but we looked from a different perspective and said: ‘If we’re creating a vacation product in the cruise industry what would it look like?’ It’s getting away from the ‘one size fits all’ [approach] and creating multiple experiences that you can customize.” The amenities available onboard The Richard Branson-backed cruise line are an adult’s paradise making everyone feel like Jay-Z and Beyoncé while on vacation. The sleek boat looks more like a yacht than a cruise ship and features an onboard tattoo parlor, a vinyl record store, spa, nightclub, athletic center, outdoor workout areas, boxing rings, yoga decks, juice bars, over 20 restaurants, and a blow-dry bar. Maybe the best feature of all is the “Shake for Champagne”
service available to all passengers via the Virgin app. This app allows cruisers to demand to ice-cold bubbling champagne any time of the day by simply shaking their phone—a bottle of champagne will be delivered within minutes. This isn’t your grandmother’s cruise line after all. When taking a break from sipping bubbly from their on-demand app guests will be able to party like rock stars in one of the 78 luxury “RockStar Suites” and other posh cabins with ocean views, terraces, social areas, and custom-designed hammocks. The entire space is designed as an adult playground using areas onboard that were previously reserved for children’s or seniors’ activities into high energy spots to socialize, exercise, or simply enjoy the weather. The marketing team is privy to the desires of Millenials and Gen Z’s as the emphasis of the ship is on well-being giving travelers an experience that is good for them and for the planet. The Scarlet Lady’s restaurants, cabins, activities, and even staff outfits are revolutionizing the cruising world seeking to attract those who want to start the new decade off with a splash!
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Ultraflex
JET SET
The Future of Luxury Flights By Amy N. Pugsley
The excitement of international travel is often clouded by the reality of long haul flights. A dream trip to Australia might take ten to twenty hours; all of which require passengers to be squished into an airplane with complete strangers. Air travel has become more common in the last two decades but has slowly become less and less appealing due to airlines focusing more on their economic bottom line than passenger comfort. Long flights are incredibly challenging for a variety of reasons but one aircraft cabin designer is revolutionizing the way people travel making 2020 look that much more luxurious.
AIM Altitude, a British aviation company has come up with innovative “third space” concepts that have passengers excited about the future of travel. These glamorous new spaces are designed for premier cabins where guests can get out of their seats and enter self-serve refreshment areas, business zones, fitness studios, bars, grocery stores, meeting space, and even restaurants. The AIM Altitude team has designed a new way for passengers to travel giving more communal spaced for aircrafts repeatedly operating ultra-long-haul flights with an aircraft cabin called “Ultraflex.” The cabin design is “a multi-functional destination area where passengers may move around, interacting with activities and each other, to alleviate boredom and aid health and well-being” according to the company’s website. The futuristic concept was presented at this year’s Airline Interiors Expo in Germany and shortlisted for one of the year’s Crystal Cabin Awards.
They say, “sitting is the new smoking” and Mr. Burns, Ultraflex’s lead designer, wanted to give passengers more opportunities for organic movement during flights. Being sedentary for hours on end is hard on the body and between a sore body and jetlag, many travelers are turned off by the idea of foreign travel even when spending a higher amount for first-class or business class seats. Walking back and forth down the aisles or to and from the bathroom isn’t cutting it for many people. From relaxing, stretching, working, eating, or meeting Burns wanted Ultraflex to incorporate more options and stated in a press conference, “Ultraflex is a project that we’ve been working on for about 10 months. At some point, you’re going to want to get up stretch your legs, put life back into your legs – but it’s really a destination, a new destination to go to – rather than sitting in your seat for anything from 1220 hours.” While these incredible flex spaces won’t be put into every airplane in 2020 and there will still—and always be—the dilemma of what movies to watch while en route, the hope is that travel becomes more enjoyable and healthier for everyone. Areas like “Perch Monuments” will give guest places to stand, eat, chat or work to alleviate the strain of sitting. The “Social Mode” is malleable and can be adapted for meditation, prayer, or yoga. The soft fabrics, cool colors, and sleek design give the space a sense of seclusion and serenity away from the buzz of the rest of the aircraft. AIM Ultraflex knows that travelers want and need versatile spaces and are creating the future of first-class travel one incredible cabin at a time.
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FEATURE
Tokyo 2020
Summer Olympics Report The future is bright and what better place for the 2020 Olympic Summer Games to take place than the futuristic city of Tokyo, Japan. There is no better way to start off a new decade than with the Summer Olympics—an event that aims to bring unity to the world through the power of sport. The opening ceremony on July 24th, 2020 will be the official kick-off for the international spectacle taking place in over forty venues around the Japanese capital city. This is not the first Olympics for the country; Japan previously hosted the Summer Games in 1964 and the Winter Games in 1972 and 1988. The incredible events will continue through to August 9th following a two-week break before the Paralympics start on August 25th. By Amy N. Pugsley
New Anticipated Sports The summer Olympics happen once every four years and this summer, the world will have its eyes on the athletes that have been training day and night for the chance to represent their countries on the world stage. The Tokyo 2020 Games will be much different than in Rio with five new sports being added to the already incredible lineup of events. Skateboarding, sports climbing, surfing, baseball/softball as well as karate will all make their debut this summer. Not only will these new sports be added to other existing sports like fencing, but boxing and canoeing will see additional events added in order to balance gender equality. Basketball will add a three-on-three tournament and Rugby sevens and golf will be back after debuting during the Rio Games in 2016. A total of 33 sports are scheduled for inclusion and fans are already excited to cheer their countries on.
Adorable Mascots The mascots for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games were revealed in July to excited fans. The mascot, named, Miraitowa, is styled in an indigo blue Ichimatsu pattern which reflects the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem. The name is a blend of traditional and modern combining the Japanese words for future “mirai” and eternity “towa.” The adorable mascots designs were selected by children across Japan giving the youth of the nation a reason to celebrate well before the Olympics officially kick-off. The organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori spoke about the mascots at the revealing ceremony saying, “You have helped to pick them and across the country, I believe, 5 million children helped to pick this. And the name is also something we have picked together. So this Olympics belongs to everyone.”
Recycled Medals It is an honor to win a medal but this year it will be even more meaningful as the 2020 medals will be the first in Olympic history to be sustainable. Yes, the gold, silver, and bronze medals are breaking records already as they have been made out of donated mobile phones from the Japanese public. Over 6 million used phones were collected over a two-year span in order to produce the recycled precious metals needed for the project. The distinctive design resembles rough stones that have been polished to a gleaming shine.
A More Sustainable Olympics Sustainability is at the front and center of the Olympic games and the sustainable medals are just the start. In December of 2018, the United Nations Sports for Climate Action along with the IOC created a framework that places climate action and sports on the same agenda. The goal for Tokyo 2020 is to use the framework to guide initiatives to reduce and absorb CO2. Tokyo 2020 Games will be using an incredible about of sustainable products from recycled plastic for podiums to recycled polyester and plant-based materials for the staff and volunteer uniforms. Maybe the most meaningful of all is the Olympic torch that has been created from aluminum waste previously used as temporary housing during the Great East Japan Earthquake. The simple materials that were once used to give shelter to those in need during a natural disaster will now be used to celebrate the future.
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Olympic Stadium The Olympic Stadium will host the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies as well as various other athletic events. Centrally located, this impressive building was designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma to accommodate over sixty thousand visitors. The new stadium replaces the old one first built in 1964.
Olympic Aquatics Centre It wouldn’t be the summer Olympics without water sports. The Olympic Aquatics Centre will host water polo, diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, and will be comprised of the main pool, a sub-pool, and a diving tank. The impressive architecture aims to welcome a million visitors a year after it hosts some of the Olympic’s most favored athletes in 2020.
Tokyo Stadium The Tokyo Stadium, not to be confused with the Olympic Stadium, is located in Chofu has a seating capacity of almost fifty thousand and will host sports like football, rugby, pentathlon events. While the venue is out of town this will give fans a chance to see more of the incredible city en route to the games.
FEATURE
The Middle Eastern Expo 2020 Dubai By Amy N. Pugsley
Expo 2020 Comes to the Region In 2020, Dubai will host one of the world’s biggest events for 173 days of new experiences, cultural connectedness, and innovations. October 2020 will bring the world to the Middle East with the United Arab Emirates being the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Expo. The international event will run for six months and is estimated to attract twenty-five million visitors to the gulf city. The idea for the Expo events started in London close to 150 years ago to allow the UK and 44 other countries to show off their cultural and industrial advancements. In 2020 things will be dramatically different almost two hundred countries from across the globe being represented in a global effort to celebrate an interconnected future.
Connecting Minds, Creating the Future There is mega international hype for Expo 2020 as past events have led to iconic monuments like The Eiffel Tower, the typewriter, television, the Seattle Space Needle, and even Heinz Ketchup. Who knows what incredibly technology will come as a result of this year’s innovations? Dubai has chosen the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” which is fitting for a city that has impressed the world with its ingenuity over the last few decades. Marjan Faraidooni the Chief Pavilions and Exhibitions Officer describes the event that has often been misunderstood. “The way we describe it right now is as a festival of innovation, where we as an Expo are providing a platform where nations come together, corporations come together, and they tell us what they’re doing to address challenges we all face as humanity.”
International Pavilions Sneak Peak The United Kingdom The UK’s Pavilion will be ultra-modern and futuristic with the theme of “Innovating for a Shared Future’ highlighting British expertise in artificial intelligence and space exploration. The UK’s previous pavilions have won awards including at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Expo 2015 in Milan, and Expo 2017 Astana.
Japan The Japanese Pavilion was designed by Yuko Nagayama and focuses on the interconnection between the Middle East and Japan. The concept for the incredible building is rooted in the crossing of cultures and will combine Arabesque and Asanoha patterns on the pavilion’s three-dimensional facade.
Singapore Expo 2020 takes place in the deserts of the Gulf but this architectural beauty is green and alive. Located in the Expo’s sustainability district the Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA was selected to bring the building to life. Representing the future of the world and Singapore’s vision of the future; the Singaporean Pavilion projects the ideals of sustainability and goes with the theme of “nature, nurture, future.”
Azerbaijan The breathtaking design combines the complexity of technology with simple organic shapes found in nature. The aim of the project is conscious design and the complex architecture evokes the image of a tree supporting a leaf on its side.
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Saudi Arabia The massive 13,000 square mile pavilion will be the second largest at Expo 2020. Designed by Boris Micka Associates the pavilion will offer tourists an intimate look at Saudi Arabia’s transformation over the years. Designed to resemble a giant window opening from the ground into the sky is perfect for the theme, “The sky is the limit.”
Canada Canada is home to many people whose roots are Middle Eastern. That’s why the Canadian Pavilion is inspired by both Canadian landscapes and the connections between Canada and the region. A large wooden structure referencing Arabic architectural elements will take visitors through Canada’s past, present and future.
Austria The themes of the Austrian Pavilion will focus on how natural resources can be used more respectfully in the future. The Austrian Pavilion is one of the most unique looking and is a statement to sustainability and futurism. Soil was used to build the 47 truncated cones which are both aesthetic and will be used to ventilate the pavilion where workshops, installations, and exhibitions will be open to the public.
FEATURE
2020
Tech Wish list
Whether completely original or back in better, smarter shape, the list of innovative tech products only released this year is endless. From beauty innovations to smartphones here is a list of our ultimate favorites. Consider it your high-end holiday gift-shopping guide…you’re welcome. By Sarah Guirguis
Snapchat Spectacles 3 Snapchat has officially stepped up its game with these new frames. They feature four built-in mini microphones that record immersive, high-quality audio and two high-definition cameras that capture 3D photos and videos, which you then upload and edit on your phone. With all this embedded tech, you’d expect a bulky product but the Spectacles 3 are charmingly sleek and lightweight, available in elegant black and rose gold.
Apple Watch Series 5 Can you imagine leaving your home without your beloved phone? The latest edition of the Apple Watch has actually made it possible. The Series 5 allows you to directly take calls, text, listen to music and talk to Siri all you want without the least need for an actual phone. The watch display is also always “awake” and the design is completely customizable. You get to pick the color and material of both your case and band and make it totally yours. And of course, it tracks your health and fitness goals so you can achieve more, but we already saw that coming didn’t we?
HiMirror Slide For those of you obsessed with skincare, this product is a dream come true. A skin analyzer and tracker in one lightweight smart mirror. Instead of guessing whether or not your skincare products are actually making a difference, this mirror will keep a record of all your products and track your skin over time to see what is working for you and what is not. With a travel-friendly design, the mirror allows for easy storage and flexible viewing. Have we mentioned that it has built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Duo?
Bose Audio Sunglasses Of all the innovative products that came out this year, these sunglasses might just be our favorite. They come with open-ear audio so you can listen to music and an integrated microphone that allows you to take calls on the go. What more could we ask for? Currently available in two different designs that are both AR and Bluetooth enabled, these frames are made in a way that makes the speakers at the end of the temples direct the sound at you and away from others, so you don’t have to worry about making noise around others.
Oculus Quest We think that 2020 is the year where virtual reality gear will really take off. If you can picture the ideal VR headset, this would be it. The motto of Oculus Quest is “No PC. No wires. No limits.” This means you can play virtual reality games anywhere with just the headset and controllers. For an optimal gaming experience, the Oculus Guardian feature reads the boundaries of your room space in order to help you not to bump into anything while you are playing.
The BlendSmart Rotating MakeupBrush Remember how people were thrilled when the rotating toothbrush first came out? Imagine how beauty gurus around the world will feel about this rotating makeup brush. Especially for those who don’t have a lot of time to get ready in the morning, this brush ensures your makeup is effortlessly and perfectly blended. One motorized handles comes with a variety of heads for different uses like foundation, powder, blush, definer, full-coverage and the beloved kabuki brush.
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RevAir Hair Dryer Nominated as “the ultimate drying and straightening tool for every hair type”, this product comes with a lot of expectation but it seems to be worth the hype. Aside from the obvious x factor, RevAir basically sucks the water from your hair instead of blowing at it. Not only is the heat guaranteed not to hit your face in the process, there is a sensor that turns off the dryer if too much hair cuts the airflow and adjusts the heat so your hair is protected from excessive heat damage. All this makes the RevAir, a beauty game changer.
Neutrogena MaskiD Ever since its medal-worthy water gel launched, Neutrogena has only been going uphill in the skincare industry. Its latest venture happens to be a 3D printed facemask that fits your face perfectly, instead of the annoying one-size fits all. The best thing about this product is that it is completely personalized. Through an app, you get to determine which parts of your face will need what type of care and treatment. For people with combination skin, this is ideal because they would have different skin concerns for their forehead, eye area and T zone.
Moto Razr Distinguished among its peers, the Motorolla Razr is foldable like the old flip phone we’re all nostalgic about but maintains the brains of a cutting-edge smartphone. When it’s open, you get a very high-definition touch screen as the main display, featuring CinemaVision, which basically means you literally get the quality used in cinema theaters. When you fold the phone, you get another Quick View display, enabled by touch. This allows you to check your notifications, switch songs and even take selfies without having to open your phone.
DRIVEN
Going Electric Cars of the Future We’ve all seen this coming for a while now. The coolest cars being produced don’t run on gas-they are electric. The rise of electric cars marks the inevitable future of sustainable efficiency goals, and we’re definitely here for it. Without further ado, these are the latest state-of-the-art electric cars that we are just dying to take for a test drive. By Sarah Guirguis
Tesla Cybertruck Since its recent debut, Tesla’s cyber truck has been the talk of the town. It claims to have “better utility than a truck” and “more performance than a sports car”, which is saying much but we’d expect something this ambitious from Tesla. Made from ultrahard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, the exoskeleton makes the car look like it either holds a safe inside it or belongs to the army. Not only is it really difficult to dent this car, but it also offers you enough storage to carry something as large as a portable bed or even a barbeque. Have we mentioned the luxury of having six comfortable seats and a 17-inch touchscreen with a cuttingedge user interface? No? Well, now you know.
Mercedes Benz Vision EQS Beautiful inside and out the Mercedes Benz Vision EQS is an eclectic beauty with its 24inch multi-spoke wheels and the iconic brand logo manifested with 229 individual LED stars. If you can picture it, the dashboard is combined with both the center console and the all armrests inside the car. Among our favorite features is the color scheme of white ‘Dinamica’ micro-fiber seats and the rose gold highlights at the seam ends. Aside from all the nerdy car specs, everyone could agree that it’s a piece of art.
Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 An electric Lamborghini? Oh yeah. The first impression you get from the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 is that it looks very much like a racecar. And that it almost is… the sound of the V12 engine still lives, delivering 785 CV, which happens to be the highest ever reached by a Lamborghini engine. With a sharp aerodynamic exterior, the headlights on this car are actually inspired by the iconic Lamborghini Terzo Millennio design.
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Seat Cupra Tavascan Sophisticated on many levels, the Seat Cupra Tavascan mirrors the charisma and appearance of an SUV. With a total output of 225kW, it has two electric motors – one on each axle. The interior features comfortable 3D leather seats and incorporated speakers with smartphone connectivity. Another impressive element is the dashboard hosting a 12.3-inch digital cockpit that provides you with all the information you need and a 13-inch infotainment display that could be adjusted towards the passenger for a clearer view.
DRIVEN
Introducing the Lada Granta Sedan Representing a brand new generation of Lada cars, the latest Lada Granta Sedan is a better, smarter and stronger model than all its predecessors. After developing a modern style for the brand, Lada is now proving to know what customers are looking for these days in terms of style, comfort and functionality.
Design
Adopting the contemporary Lada style, Lada Granta is back with a much more striking and appealing design. The front bumper looks dapper with impressive lighting and all the elements shaped like an X.
Comfort
The new car is also very mindful of your need for comfort. You’ll find the driver’s seat adjustable up to 40 mm. The headlights and interior lighting have a courtesy delay and the lights switch off 25 seconds after the door is closed and right after ignition. On rainy days, you will appreciate the rain sensor that basically monitors the windshield surface and operates the wipers when they are needed.
Interior
For this model, Lada introduced a new dashboard design with white-color lighting. The luxurious leather seats are sculpted just right for lateral support. The central console is structured with the same X-shaped style matching the front bumper and the GB lever is elegantly chrome-plated in glossy black.
Safety
Offering reliability and support, the tough, load-bearing steel body frame allows for increased strength. The car also features an innovative safety system that provides more road clearance for confident drivers and engine pistons coated with graphite to prevent rubbing. The front mud flaps were made bigger than usual to ensure better protection for the paint on the front splashers and prevent corrosion of the body sills. Lastly, the hood seal also ensures protection of the engine compartment from mud penetration.
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FLAIR REVIEW
Cairo Marriott Hotel
Celebrates 150 Years of Royal Hospitality at the Palace
This November, celebrations took place at Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of El Gezira Palace that was built in 1869 by Khedive Ismail. The palace has always been the host of monarchs, royalties, celebrities and guests who came from across the world to the land of the Pharaohs while being a genuine witness for several major historical events throughout history. In the heart of the Palace over 1,000 distinguished guests among which were ambassadors, celebrities, public figures, key Marriott International management and owning company (EGOTH) chairman were present to celebrate 150 years of royal hospitality. Upon entering the Palace guests travelled back in time to the year 1869 where they were welcomed by Khedive Ismail, Empress Eugenie and the Royal Entourage. Greeting guests were hotel General Manager Mr. Jürgen Sterkau, Chairman and Managing Director for EGOTH Mr. Sherif Bendary, Senior Director of Operations Marriott International MEA Mr. Nader Ibrahim in addition to the hotel’s Executive Committee members. Salon Eugenie was a museum showing antiquities from the 19th century. When the time was right, the walls of the palace spoke for themselves telling the story of El Gezira Palace projected through a video on the Palace’s exterior followed by fireworks to set the celebration. The festivities continued when star performer Ramy Ayach lit the stage, taking guests to a whole different mood.
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FLAIR REVIEW
Narrative Summit’s 4th Edition Highlights Returning for its 4th edition, Narrative Summit partnered with the League of Arab States for their Arab Sustainable Development Week (ASDW), which this year, was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program and the European Union. Here are the highlights… During a speech by Dr. Hala El Saeed, Egyptian Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform, she stated that Egypt was able to achieve an economic growth of 5.5%, the highest rate we have experienced in 10 years. She also explained that Egypt has developed the largest social protection package in its history to aid in the goals of reducing poverty through the ‘Solidarity and Dignity’ Program and other long-term plans.
Another highlight was when Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Vice President of the World Bank, talked about how investment in human capital and digital transformation is the basis of development, since it has consistently proved its power to significantly alter societies and systems. He also divulged into the subject of working to eliminate poverty in the Arab World in the framework of achieving the sustainable development goals, while stressing the importance of learning from the experiences of other countries in the world.
Lamia Kamel
As anticipated, a panel was held during the summit on the role of arts and entertainment in influencing society, hosting a number of artists and media experts. One of the participants was screenwriter Tamer Habib, who talked about how art is a representation of the state’s soft power and that it offers a presentation of the reality that we live in. Ahmed Ebeid, the Founder and CEO of RMC, added that art can be instrumental in changing the
mental image of a particular thing or changing someone’s impression of it, using as an example the success of El Gouna Film Festival in placing El Gouna on the global map. Discussing future goals, Mohamed Farid Saleh, Executive Chairman of the Egyptian Stock Exchange, talked about developing the capital market through providing advanced technology and the latest financial products, and achieving fair markets with transparency and high efficiency. He pointed out that the Egyptian stock exchange is one of the first four in the world to join and sign the United Nations Initiative for Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) in 2009. It also launched the S&P EGX ESG Sustainability Index in 2010, which is the first indicator in the region that measures the performance of leading companies in the field of environment, community business and corporate governance.
Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin
Finally, Mohamed Sultan, Chief Operating Officer of CIB, expressed the key role that the banking sector plays in promoting sustainable development. His view on this topic is to focus on the human element and invest in it because he believes this is what will fuel the work in the upcoming stages and it is what the government depends on in order to achieve comprehensive development.
H.E. Dr. Hala El Saeed
“Since its inception in 2016, the Narrative Summit has been a pioneering partner in realizing the vision of the Egyptian state in the development process through coordination of partnerships and connections between different bodies inside and outside Egypt,� said Lamia Kamel, Founder of Narrative Summit and CEO of CC Plus, a multi-disciplinary communications firm.
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FLAIR REVIEW
Italian Flavours La Gondola By Nour Ibrahim
Good food, entertainment and sophistication can all be found at the Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino – Cairo, authentically flavourful Italian Restaurant, La Gondola. Beautifully decorated to portray an Italian aesthetic, La Gondola surrounds you with both ancient authentic decorations, such as a fountain that once belonged to an Osmanian Palace, and natural garnishes spread about the room. Each table is complemented by a natural flower that they change every day, giving you a break from the usual artificial lifestyle we live everyday and really adding to the naturalistic vibe of the restaurants food. The food itself is made of all-natural and organic ingredients and is made to resemble an authentic Italian kitchen. To give the Italian taste, the seasoned chef, who has worked in Italy for most his life, adds to the authenticity of Italian taste. These organic necessities are there to not only make the food taste good, but for the person to feel good as well, as the organic elements of these basics add to the natural and nurturing nature of the food. This authentic take, compared to the usual artificially processes diet we tend to keep to, is what truly makes the meal a unique experience. The experience is furtherly made exceptional by the restaurant combining the world of food and entertainment. Adding an interesting twist to the experience, most of the meals are made right in front of the customer. Whether it’s a flaming flambé or a phenomenal Caesar salad, the food is made into a show. This also adds to the
friendly vibe of the restaurant. To the staff in La Gondola, the customers are not just customers, but guests that a friend would want to entertain. The fun-loving nature of the waiters and waitresses, mixed with their respectful and welcoming vibes, make the overall experience all the more special.
Gondola is a place more than worth a visit. The authentic Italian restaurant provides you with amazing meals, all the while keeping you happy and entertained. Whether eating the secret seafood special Maalouf, or a classic desert, you always feel at home at La Gondola.
So, with amazing food, a beautiful aesthetic, and a beyond amazing service, La
La Gondola Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino – Cairo For Reservations dial: 02-22628111
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