FLAIR 3-2018

VOL.11 ISSUE 3 - 2018 20 L.E.

The

Women Issue

Jude Benhalim's Digital Citizen

EXCLUSIVE

Nouran Khalifa Women We Admire

Lana El Sahely

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Design by Phoenix Design

The rounded corners and unmistakeable PuraVida lines also feature in the toilet area. The toilet and bidet are available both in the 36 x 54 cm wallmounted version and in the 36 x 63 cm floor-standing version with visible cistern. Once again, the parts appear to float and communicate the typical PuraVida lightness. All toilet seats feature the silent SoftClose lowering mechanism.

The free-standing PuraVida bathtubs features simple, uninterrupted lines.

The collection of PuraVida baths comprises one free-standing, one console and three built-in versions.

PURAVIDA

FASHION

March 2018

Fashion Clippings p. 24 Beauty Clippings p. 26 Interview: Lana El Sahely p. 28 Interview: Aitch by Habeiba p. 30 Feature: Fashion Campaigns p. 34 Bijoux: Chaumet p. 38 Bijoux: Digital Citizen p. 42 Feature: Nouran Khalifa p. 46

LIFESTYLE

Feature: Women We Admire p. 54 Interview: Raneem El Welily p. 58 Home: The Pierre p. 61 Boutique Hotel: La Reserve p. 68 Hot Address: Gucci Garden p. 70 Exhibitionist: Gianni Versace p. 72 Coming Soon: One Thousand p. 74 Driven: BMW Double Victory p. 76 Mother’s Day Celebrations p. 78

REGULARS Editor’s Note p. 10 Happenings p. 16 FLAIR Loves p. 20

On the Cover Nouran Khalifa Creative Director & Retoucher Nouran khalifa Designs by Kojak Jewelry by Argent Bijoux Hair by Johny Saad Make Up by Reham Khalifa Photography by Thee Bori Styling by Mostafa Waheed Shot at Mucho Cafe

Gift her a day of unconditional love.

This Mother’s Day we have mindfully created experiences your mum will really love.

Nourish her heart and palate with an exotic 4-course Middle Eastern inspired set menu at Ahlein.

Our chefs have chosen comforting ingredients, prepared with passion, to present a luxurious Mother’s Day dinner buffet beyond compare at Mirage Cafe. Mandara Spa is featuring an indulgent spa package, specially for her. Honor the one that nurtured your heart; your precious mum.

JW Marriott Hotel® Cairo jwmarriottcairo.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Celebrating Women

I

ts time for one of my personal favorite issues of the year. Its the issue that we dedicate to women. The International Women’s Day on March 8th was envisioned as a day to celebrate women’s achievements. For the month of March, we celebrate talented women in Egypt and beyond.

We kick off the celebrations with “Women We Admire”, as we shed light on women from various professions and background who empower us and inspire us all. Read to find out who they are and why they are worthy of your admiration too.

Our cover girl, Nouran Khalifa is a woman who wears many hats. She is someone who feels at ease both behind as well as in front of the camera. In an exclusive shoot for Flair, the social media darling and photographer opens up to us about the challenges of her work and her ambitions for the future.

We also showcase the latest collection by jewelry designer Jude Benhalim titled “Digital Citizen”.

With it, Jude strikes gold again with her trademark ability to manifest urban inspirations into pieces of art. We also speak to up and coming designer Habieba Soliman who is aiming to change the RTW scene with her brand Aitch.

Recently I have had the pleasure to sit down with the one and only Lana El Sahely who was in Cairo to launch her much anticipated collaboration with Maison Pyramide’s designers who include Kojak Studio, Okhtein, and The King’s Mother among others. In an interview, we learn more about the Lebanese influencer who is championing the works of local designers and dedicating her efforts to support regional brands.

This issue we also speak to a true champion-Raneem El Welily. We caught up with the squash star right after her victory in capturing the Women’s World Championship title.

Enjoy the issue,

Hind El Ramly editor@flair-magazine.com

MY PICKS FOR THE ISSUE

Lana El Sahely p. 28

Spring/Summer Campaigns p. 34

The Pierre p. 60

Gucci Gardens p. 70

March EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ahmed I Hassan

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hind El Ramly

EDITORIAL UK Editor Daniela Bonetto Editorial Consultant Kate Dannies Staff Writer Sarah Guirguis Staff Writer Nour Ibrahim Staff Writer Mohamed Taky Contributor Amy N Pugsley ART DIRECTOR & VIDEO EDITOR

Tony Atia

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Bashayer Alridi

ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER

Omneya El Awamry PHOTOGRAPHER

Hassan Ibrahim

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Maged Azoz

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Christena Samir

DISTRIBUTION Distribution Officer Farid Sayed Distribution Officer Ahmed Ibrahim PRINTING |

Tel.

(+2)

INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE

CONTACTS Adress: Apt. 1, 11 Bahey el Din St., Off Giza St., Giza, Egypt 0235720632 Mob. (+2) 01000493100/200/300 Fax. (+2) 0235720632 INQUIRIES

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FLAIR TEAM

DANIELA BONETTO A psychology graduate who probably needed a therapist herself, Daniela decided that her form of expression was writing. Curiosity, tenacity and just enough vanity has brought her to desire ‘all things beautiful’ which she extends to in her lifestyle blog, “theinkedition.com” Excited about the world, her greatest pleasure is traveling and discovering new things.

BASHAYER ALRIDI An advertising and public relations graduate, Bashayer is incredibly passionate about movies. The social media enthusiast also has a knack for photography and is a makeup addict!

TONY ATIA NOUR IBRAHIM Student. Loves Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Comic books. Bakes for unhealthy amount of time.

“Don’t just make an eye catching design; create ideas to change minds.” With a passion for drawing and art, Tony started to design graphics at the age of 15.

He loves the guitar ,the violin and the cello as well as reading and playing sports.

KATE DANNIES Kate is a writer an editor with a penchant for luxury, history, and politics, which she has found to surprisingly compatible. An adopted Cairene for six years, Kate currently lives in exile in Washington DC.

OMNEYA SARAH GUIRGUIS EL AWAMRY For as long as she can remember, Sarah has had a passion for creative writing.

Being on the lookout for inspiration anywhere she goes, she also has a knack for photography. She lives by the quote, “What is done in love is done well,” and believes that everyone’s potential is endless and worth being explored.

Our new Advertising & Sales Director has worked many years in the field of PR and communications. She believes that hard work and passion will lead you to success.

AMY N PUGSLEY Amy is the latest contributor to join the magazine. She is a Persian-Canadian international development specialist and an educator living in Cairo.

MAGED AZOZ Incredibly dedicated to his work, Maged’s passion is unmeasurable!

Flair Magazine truly is his baby.

CHRISTENA SAMIR

Our new office coordinator studied information systems and computer programming. A self proclaimed shopaholic, Christena loves to travel and experience new things.

Restaurant & CafĂŠ

HAPPENINGS

The Legendary Mena House Becomes Marriott Mena House Marriott Hotels, part of Marriott International, makes a landmark debut steps away from the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The company announced the rebranding of the legendary Mena House, a historic palace which has played host to Kings and Emperors. Heads of State and celebrities for over 130 years, further enhancing Marriott International’s formidable presence in Egypt. “This is a significant moment and a milestone in our journey, a milestone that I am personally very excited about,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “With our long history in the country, a strong footprint and a robust pipeline, Egypt continues to be a strategic growth market and key to our success in the region. Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries to create experiences that inspire our guests. We are excited to welcome Mena House into our portfolio and offer guests a unique brand experience in this iconic location.”

Odysia Mostakbal City During a joint press conference held in February at the Four Seasons Al Ahly For Real Estate Development - Sabbour and El Mostakbal for Urban Development, the master developer of Mostakbal City along with their partners Hill International, Sabbour Consulting, Gensler Architects and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) announced the details the new mixed use urban community compound in Mostakbal City, on an area of 578 acres or the equivalent of 2.4 million m2. The mixed use development named the “The City of Odysia” will be built at an estimated cost of 32 Billion Egyptian pounds.

Arabia Holding’s Sun Capital Arabia Holding partnered with 150 of the biggest marketing companies to start taking reservations for their latest project “Sun Capital”, in 6th of October. Arabia Holding organized a huge event at Mena House hotel celebrating the launch of the new project presenting its exclusive features and services that overlook the Giza pyramids. The event welcomed 1,000 marketing experts that represent over 150 of the biggest real estate companies in the Egyptian market. Eng. Tarek Shoukry, Chairman of Arabia Holding said “Sun Capital represents a milestone and a significant leap for projects located in West Cairo. It features a wide range of services and activities that will serve the project’s residents and surrounding areas as well as help boost tourism. Sun Capital is made up of 60% residential units, while the rest of the project is allocated towards educational, medical, commercial, and administrative use, in addition to hotel apartments.

Google Launches an Arabic Online Safety Course To coincide with Safer Internet Day, Google announced the launch of an online safety course in Arabic (g.co/DigitalCitizenshipCourseAR). The course is designed for teachers (and parents!) to help them learn how to create a safe and positive experience online for students. By taking the course, teachers will learn how to integrate online safety learning and activities into their classroom curriculum. Google also published localized video tutorials on YouTube that will offer children online safety tips like how to protect their devices, how to strengthen their sign-ins and how to avoid scams.

FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour

by Coca-Cola The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will arrive in Cairo on March 15th and depart on March 17th under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, giving Egyptian fans the chance to not only experience football’s most coveted prize, but to celebrate Egypt qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™ since 28 years. This will be the third time in history for Egypt to qualify and no doubt, Egyptian football fans will unite in pride as Egypt becomes ready for greatness in 2018. The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is visiting more than 50 countries and will give millions of people around the world the opportunity to get ready to taste the feeling of the world’s largest, most anticipated sporting event.

AccorHotels Middle East and Africa Recognizes Valued Partners AccorHotels Middle East and Africa hosted its annual Partners Recognition event at Novotel Cairo Airport with over 200 valued clients and partners from Cairo as well as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and the Red Sea. Olivier Granet, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Middle East and Africa and Salah Oumoudden, Senior Vice President Operations Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia and Flavio Leoni, Vice President, Sales, Distribution, Loyalty and Marketing for the Middle East and Egypt were all in attendance to extend their appreciation to valued clients and guests who have all contributed significantly to the success of AccorHotels in Egypt. Clients and partners from travel agencies, corporate and leisure accounts were also honored during an awards ceremony. Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub provided the night’s entertainment and serenaded the crowd with a whole host of endearing songs.

Hilton Completes Landmark Dual-Brand Signing Hilton continues its growth and development in Egypt, 60 years after first entering the country, with the opening of the Hilton Cairo Heliopolis. The leading global hospitality company has also confirmed plans for the debut of its luxury brand Waldorf Astoria in Egypt later this year – once rebranded this will be the company’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Africa, staking ground for Hilton as a luxury operator in the region.

Hilton has signed two management agreements with Gulf-Egypt for Hotels & Tourism (S.A.E) to operate Heliopolis Hotel & Towers Luxury Hotel under two distinct brands. A 593-room upscale Hilton property is now welcoming guests alongside the 247-room the Towers Luxury Hotel which will rebrand as Waldorf Astoria Cairo following an ambitious renovation programme.

New Director of Operations Joins Ramses Hilton Soha El Torgoman, Ramses Hilton General Manager, has recently appointed Jason Kladidis to the position of Director of Operations at Ramses Hilton. British with Greek roots, Jason Kladidis, joins Ramses Hilton with several years of international hotel experience across six countries and three continents. His hospitality journey has taken him through Europe in London and Amsterdam, the UAE in Ras al Khaimah from where he then moved to China as Food & Beverage Manager of Hilton Xi’an.

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Hilton Alexandria Corniche appoints Executive Greek Chef George Papaparaskevas has recently been appointed by Medhat Samir, General Manager of Hilton Alexandria Corniche as Executive Chef. Assertiveness, ambition and passion... are what describe Chef George! Papaparaskevas is a culinary veteran bringing more than twenty years of vast culinary expertise with major International hotel chains in Europe with an intensive experience working in luxury hotels and establishments since 1991 in Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental and Marriott and finally his last stage was at the Luxurious Princess Adriana since 2016.

Jaz Collection & Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts Annual Meeting …

In the light of the 2017 business results and 2018 future vision; Jaz Collection and Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts top executives conducted their annual meeting to discuss the company strategies and goals for the promising year ahead.The meeting took place at the stunning “Steigenberger Alcazar, Sharm El Sheikh, where more than 70 brilliant minds were put together to discuss, plan, brainstorm, and take decisions to achieve optimistic yet achievable results.

The Marriott Mena House Sponsors Conference of Pediatric Neurosurgical Oncology As part of Marriott’s continuous commitment to the communities it serves, the planet and people worldwide, Marriott Mena House, Cairo has recently sponsored a dinner for Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation-Egypt. Dinner was held at 139 Restaurant overlooking the great pyramids of Giza and attended by a unique group of eminent international faculty who contributed in the Annual International conference of Pediatric Oncology to enhance the opportunity of experience exchange together with exposure to expert concepts in the field.

The Batter Half & Co. New Four Brand Ambassadors The Batter Half & Co. hosted an exclusive dinner at The Egyptian Diplomatic Club to announce the winners of the four coveted titles of Brand Ambassadors of the year: Yummy in my Tummy, Mahie Nadeem, The Food Review and Scrumptious. The Batter Half & Co. ambassadors were chosen from a wide range of the best foodies in town through an online competition!

In an exquisite setting fit for royalty, the historic landmark hosted guests in their finest formal eveningwear. Gentlemen guests were in suits and ties, and the ladies were in classy cocktail dresses. Guests of honor CBC Sofra Chefs Wessam Massoud and Nora El Sadat attended the dinner, as well as media, and food bloggers.

FLAIR REVIEW

Say it With a Sparkle At The Nile Ritz-Carlton

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo celebrates each couple’s unique love story, creating world-class weddings and timeless memories. The hotel’s wedding experts promise to craft once in a lifetime experiences for couples and their guests, curating every aspect of the big day with personal care and perfection creating unforgettable memories.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton has partnered with exclusive luxury wedding partners to bring fairytale weddings to life. From bridal couture, floral arrangements, jewelry, professional makeup, bridal hair to indulgent experiences, the hotel promises every wedding to be special.

Couples choosing to tie the knot at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, are entitled to win exclusive prizes and experiences upon book-

ing. Prizes range from bridal makeup with Zeina El Naggar, floral arrangements with Flower Power, Katatny’s, Dina Iskandar, Dina Zaki and The Lounge, bridal packages with Al Sagheer group, videography with Ramy Azmy, music with Khaled Hussein, light package with Pro-Lite, first dance fireworks with Ahmed Essam, Zaffa celebration and much more. What’s more one lucky couple will get a chance to win the coveted grand prize - a diamond ring.

Eulogized since time immemorial, a diamond ring is the eternal symbol of love and beauty. The Nile Ritz-Carlton and IRAM Jewelry together will add that special sparkle to your wedding day with this alluring 1 carat diamond ring, symbolizing everlasting love.

The hotel offers stunning indoor venues that can accommodate up to 1,000

guests, breathtaking outdoor venues, delectable menus that are sure to delight and gracious service, delivered by a dedicated team of expert ladies and gentlemen who understand that planning is simply the first step to bringing a vision to life. The Nile Ritz-Carlton also offers royal suites on wedding day, a special honeymoon getaway, curated bachelor and bachelorette parties, pampering bridal spa treatments, a complimentary wedding cake, romantic dinners and so much more. From the big moments to the little details, the hotel will ensure your wedding memories last a lifetime.

For more information, please call +202 25778899 Ext: 2002, or email rc.cairz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.

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FLAIR #LOVES

By Daniela Bonetto

THAT’S HOW WE ROLL As the temperatures plummet in London who doesn’t dream of walking down a palm lined road with bright colours bursting from every direction or a marvel at some Moroccan tilework? All you need to do is walk into the next room and savour the opulent, contemporary wallcoverings by Cole and Son Martyn Lawrence Bullard collection. (price per roll from £125, coleandson-martynbullard.com)

[ OOPS I DID IT AGAIN ] Lot’s of talent comes out of internationally renowned Maison & Objet and this year was no exception with Living by Christiane Lemieux¸ a lifestyle brand, which launched during the fair. We. Are. Loving. It ! Living provides home furnishings that artfully combine heirloom quality with curated trend-setting style, bold and striking lighting fixtures, and stunning rugs and bedlinens, which all inject an everlasting touch of glamour into the home.

[Henry armchair, €314 & Chaplin side table, €840, livingbychristianelemieux.com ]

THE HOT SEAT There is nothing we love more that to sit around a dinner table with fabulously comfortable chairs and dig in to a night with family and friends. Copenhagen-based design team, OEO Studio have designed just the seat. The Din Chair, by Danish brand, Fredericia, is an upholstered dining chair with a slim wooden frame silhouette, infused with character and utmost comfort. Let the party begin! [from Є1.689, fredericia.com]

{ SHOUT OUT TO THE NOT-SO-GREEN THUMBS } This one goes out to anyone who has ever managed to kill a low maintenance houseplant: You don’t have to give up on your green dreams! Terrariums are made for people like you because they’re essentially fool proof indoor gardens. Seriously! { Plant Terrarium from £120, tomdixon.net }

BARN IN THE CITY Innovative brand Barn in the City, cofounded by creative duo Nancy Torreele and Martijn van Rijn, offers the best of both worlds; a new take on design by blending aged, reclaimed barn wood with modern designs and contemporary finishes. [ Guillaume coffee table, barninthecity.com ]

WINNING THE BALLOT Barber & Osgerby’s Ballot Chair is slender, lightweight and perfectly stackable — a rare trait for a solid timber chair (£380, barberosgerby. com)

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Fashion

P. 42 Lana El Sahely / AITCH / Nouran Khalifa 23

FASHION CLIPPINGS

By Nour Ibrahim

Chanel x Apple Music Playlist As Karl Lagerfeld said, “music gives color to the air of the moment”, and why not decorate your fashion shows with a bit of rad air. Teaming up with Apple Music, the French maison of Chanel has created official Runway Show playlists to listen to, well, anywhere! Just like a score to a movie, you can imagine models going down the runway in amazing outfits that match the beat of any song. This truly combines the power of fashion and music.

Carolina Herrera’s Successor Is… Carolina Herrera is stepping down as creative director from her namesake brand. She claims while she is not retiring, she is moving forward.

She claims that she no longer understands the industry anymore and believes that it is entering the age of ugly. While she may not fade away entirely from her business, she is leaving her old position in the hands of Wes Gordon, who has been working as her creative consultant for nearly a year. While it may be sad to see her go, we hope to see new and exciting ideas from the highly acclaimed brand, showing us what ugly is and isn’t.

First Fashion Week in Riyadh For the first time ever, Riyadh will be hosting Arab Fashion Week. From March 26th to March 31st, a fashion week will take place at Riyadh’s eco-friendly Apex Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid. This move is not only made for Arab fashionistas but is set to be a world class event that is meant to motivate other economic sectors to grow such as tourism, travel and trade. A fabulous win for Riyadh.

The QUEEN’s Debut in LFW! Is it really a high-class fashion event if the Queen doesn’t show up? for the first time in her long 65-year reign, the Queen of England has come to visit a fashion show. Sitting by the unfathomably lucky Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, Queen Elizabeth managed to enjoy the last day of the show, making everyone’s day, and definitely some people’s lives (I’m looking at you Anna). If you want some cheering up just look up some pictures of people reacting to the QUEEN being at Fashion Week. You are welcome.

High Tech Shopping at Zara So, you walk into a dressing room and realize that you brought a top that isn’t your size and that the jeans you got don’t match.

No worries, if you’re at the new Zara popup in Westfield Stratford City then the mirror will let you know which sizes are available and what items could match that top- all thanks to radio frequency identification meant to help make your shopping trip a speedy one. Oh, but the future doesn’t end there. After you have collected the items you want, you will be able to pay through either your phone, the Zara app, or the quick and easy self-checkout machines. And after not communicating with one human being your whole shopping trip and realizing you love fashion robots, you leave the store quickly, contently and a bit worried about the robot apocalypse. But at the end of the day, you just had the easiest shopping experience in your life thanks to Zara.

Stars in Huwa The up and coming label Huwa has received worldwide recognition in the matter of just 4 months. Titled Sandstorm, their recent collection of fine accessories includes 17 models of cufflinks, lapel pins, and tie clips that are all made out of precious medals and stones. Celebrating known Middle-Eastern Symbols such as palm trees and the evil eye, the beautiful designs seem to be the front of the brands success. Worn by international stars such as American actor Steve Rockwell and British Night Show Host James Corden, it is easy to see how amazing this brand’s quick growth seems to be. Showing that luxury and simplicity truly go hand in hand, this genius company is bound to spread and impress as time goes on.

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BEAUTY CLIPPINGS

By Nour Ibrahim

ZERO Makeup ZERO Makeup, a newly launched innovative makeup brand, introduces its all-inclusive face perfecting palette, a system that is designed to enhance and refine a flawless look, allowing women to achieve a fresh, radiant make-up routine within a minute.

Created by a Pakistani genius named Nabila, this line is supposed to be the best natural makeup pallet available to the world. Combining science and makeup, the pallet is suitable for all skin types and optimizes the use of micro cache foundation which allows for high pigmentation with a very light coat.

Nabila considered everything for this project including convenience, easy appliance and even how light reflects off different skin types.

Kat Von D Best Cruelty Free Peta2 Libby Awards have awarded Kat Von D Beauty as the best cruelty free makeup line of the year. Not only has the brand made significant and brave contributions to the animal rights movement but also is in itself a beautiful line that is fully vegan. “Not Testing on Animals” is no longer the adequate response for those fighting for animal rights, and Kat’s brand is here to show it. Ethical is looking hot this year and will hopefully inspire many more beauty brands to join the cruelty free crusade.

Claudia Schiffer Makeup Supermodel Claudia Schiffer is collaborating with Artdeco Cosmetics to create a new line titled called Claudia Schiffer Makeup. The line is to include creamy lipsticks, foundation, and eyeshadows all in popping colors.

The model has released the line with products ranging from $7 to $43 dollars, which is on the cheaper side in the makeup industry. Colorful and accessible a definite spring must have.

90’s Renaissance with Mac x Jeremy Scott Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia. While last year celebrated the 80s this year looks like its going back onto the 90s nostalgia train. “And what better way to celebrate than with a makeup line”, thought Jeremy Scott. Collabing with Mac for the second time, the designer is celebrating the era of mixtapes by creating a complete music/makeup pack. A CD cheek pallet meant to represent the fire track is the first item on the list. Then comes the even more retro Lip Pallet in the shape of a cassette tape. The collection finishes off with an eyeshadow pallet in the style of a jukebox, completing the musical evolution of the 90s. With the colors of the pallet just as retro ranging from dark grungy neutrals to bright popping tie-dye hues, it is safe to say this ode to the 90s is past complete.

No Makeup Makeup The worst part about makeup is how bad it could be for your skin. The vicious cycle of putting makeup because you are breaking out but you are breaking out because you are putting on makeup is one that has been the woe of women all around the world. That’s why Gucci Westman has created a line that will heal your face while wearing makeup. Yes, it aims to motivate girls to get back to their natural state before the world’s idea of perfection became involved. Letting you ease your way back into the world of no makeup, this line is meant to “naturally make you look like Gisele”. With the natural hair/beauty movement rising in 2018, its no wonder this idea of healing makeup is about to take on the industry.

Curology-Made for You You ever get tired of hearing that “this cream will clear your face” or “this lotion will clear up your wrinkles” or any other of the general promises most beauty projects make, only to be disappointed with no or mediocre results. That’s because when it comes to your skin, it’s a crime to generalize- and that’s where Curology comes in. The custom treatment offers just for you prescription skincare for acne and anti-aging. Not only do you get to customize a bottle of product to your personal facial needs, but also are accompanied by a full treatment plan made to ensure your full success in any of your facial endeavors.

While currently only available in the states, it’s interesting to see if people will ditch their doctors for online prescription instead.

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INTERVIEW

Lana El Sahely The Cairo Edition As the international Lebanese blogger and influencer Lana El Sahely lands in Cairo, we sit down for a chat with her ahead of her much awaited collaboration with Maison Pyramide.

The mother-to-be spoke to us how she wants to support and elevate regional designers and much more‌

By Hind El Ramly Lana is wearing Kojak Studio

Why did you decide to launch the L’Armoire De Lana E-Shop?

When I launched the E-shop about a year ago, it was a way to evolve my company. I noticed that people like my taste, but I don’t have the know-how to produce fashion pieces. Since 70 percent of my work is with regional designers I though of doing collaborations with them. I started with mostly Lebanese designers and we had capsule collections throughout the year. Another one of my highlights of last year was the collaboration I did with Fendi. Despite the fact that the “Lana” accessory was only available for purchase in the GCC, we also shipped it worldwide.

In the UAE, the accessory sold out in about three weeks.

Ammanii

Also, the collaborations were a way for me to support regional brands and elevate them to an international stage. It’s a way for me to give back. In the region, we are still too obsessed with international brands. However this is decreasing which is definitely a shift in the right direction.

That is why I try to work on projects that appeal to everyone, and not just luxury brands.

Why did you choose to collaborate with Maison Pyramide’s brands?

Giovanina Atieh (the co-founder of Maison Pyramide) is an old friend of mine. I got to discover many interesting brands through her. I was inspired by the way Maison Pyramide supported local brands. Although the fashion capital in the region is Dubai, it is still important for other places in the region to show the talents they have. From the start I wanted to do different collaborations/ editions in different cities. Because our close relationship with Maison Pyramide we are starting with Cairo.

Okhtein

How would you describe the LDLXMP collection?

The collaboration is with six designers from Maison Pyramide. They are Ammanii, Azza Fahmy Design Studio, Okhtein, Kojak, Maram, and The King’s Mother. For the collaborations I wanted to do versatile pieces that could be worn in many different ways as well as be simple and easy to style.

How is it to collaborate with different designers in your capsule collection?

Every designer has a different style and different approach and vision. With some we try to reinterpret their classics with different colors or fabrics. With others we experiment with the brands.

Each collaboration is unique. The main challenge in collaborating with brands is keeping the price point below $350 because our audience is young and we want to appeal to everyone. So this is the main challenge-having great quality at such a price.

Azza Fahmy Design Studio

You can buy pieces from the LDLXMP collection on lanaelsahely.com This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.

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INTERVIEW

Aitch by Habeiba Casual Chic

What led you to pursue fashion as a career?

An Egyptian up and coming fashion brand producing original pieces, Aitch by Habeiba is striving to reform classic silhouettes and designs, bringing chic back to Ready To Wear. We talk with the founder and designer of the brand Habeiba Soliman about her fascination with fashion from a young age and her aim to bring polished chic to casual wear.

By Sarah Guirguis

It was totally random for me. I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up other than a fashion designer. I remember watching Raghda, the actress, as a little kid talk about how her daughter studied fashion design abroad before it was ever a thing in Egypt. I remember asking my mom about it and the fact that I loved the hype that goes on backstage at a fashion show. I was really interested in the fashion industry but it’s not like I had a knack for designing to begin with. I finished school and I wanted to start applying to fashion programs abroad but my parents didn’t approve. They said I could take extra fashion courses after graduating with a business degree or something as solid. A month after graduation, I was attending classes at ESMOD’s Dubai campus.

Before travelling, I had started studying fashion from YouTube videos at home and put together a portfolio because I didn’t want to start from scratch at fashion school. I had a feeling everyone would be

so much more advanced than I was, so I made it my business to discover my own talent before I even got there.

Who inspires you the most?

I love Victoria Beckham’s style, as a person and as a designer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I would buy all her designs. I might admire how a piece looks and her creative thought process behind it but not go for it myself. I pride myself on making my designs as original as possible.

Describe your style aesthetic?

I usually go for casual chic. When I was first launching my brand, I discovered that what was missing in the market is mainly casual chic. The only resort I had as a shopper was a mass-market brand like Zara, where I would find two other girls wearing my outfit at the same event because there no other options for the casual chic look. I also got that casual design mindset from ESMOD because it’s what we usually worked on there. I design customized evening gowns, as well, but I wouldn’t refer to them as my main focus.

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Tell us about your creative process?

I try my best not to be distracted with what’s going on in the market. I don’t want my mind to conform to the trends.

I want to think for myself and figure out what’s missing in the market for me, as an individual shopper. I want my designs to be so different from what’s already being offered because this is how I grow as a designer. You know how velvet was everywhere last fall? I feel like we abuse trends like that because you’ll find every designer in Egypt basically producing the exact same thing and you really want to stand out in that context. Sometimes, I obviously do pick a few details from trends to be inspired by, but then again, I never have to. I put together a “mood board” to keep my team focused on where the collection is meant to go. Then, I experiment with the fabrics that would best embody that mood, and I start asking the suppliers for the chosen material.

In your latest collection, which pieces are you most proud of?

The green ruffled-up dress, which happens to be our bestseller, followed by a set of a skirt and crop top and white shirt.

What are the greatest challenges that faced you in your fashion career so far?

My clients usually have a certain idea of what they want when they come to me.

They usually want a copy of what they already see on models and on social media. I like to encourage them to let me be more creative and original because I feel we as Egyptian need to become trendsetters for a change instead of following every single trend coming in from abroad.

A challenge is definitely presented when it comes to my clients letting go of that mindset and allowing me to create something more special and more flattering to their body types.

Why did you to choose to incorprate unusual fabrics and inspirations such as menswear and scuba diving fabrics in your designs?

I thought that in order to establish the brand as something unique, I have to think outside the box, so this was like my differentiating edge. I saw those fabrics in the market and I was able to picture them incorporated in certain pieces so I just went for it!

How did you come to the decision to produce limited pieces per design?

How does it affect your demand?

A friend of mine, who was actually the manager of Bambah Boutique, told me that in order to stand out as a brand, you have to give your clients a sense of exclusivity. At the end of the day, clients don’t want a million other girls walking around in the same outfit as theirs. She advised me to build that type of identity for my brand that would encourage clients to go for me instead of the mass market. I also like to treat my casual chic as haute couture, so I will make sure that my pieces fit you perfectly if you send me your sizes. If you don’t, we offer services that allow you send it back and have it tailored to your measurements within about four days after the order.

This is what affects my demand – the fact that my clients are confident that whatever they buy will be a perfect fit. Another factor is that exclusivity keeps clients on their toes in anticipation of the next collection. If they miss the chance to buy a piece they wanted because of limited production, they will be the early birds making orders for the next collection.

Production | Maison Pyramide Art Direction | Alia Dessouki Photography | Bashar Galal Styling | Mariam Gendy Model | Noha Abul Fadl MUA | Caroline Abdel-Nour

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FEATURE

Our Favourite Fashion Campaigns Spring/Summer 2018 Edition

Like clockwise, fashion is never a step behind. In fact, it’s always at least two steps ahead! The new spring/summer advertising campaigns from the world’s most sought after luxury brands have already started circulating. While you might still be hibernating or recovering from the winter cold, this is definitely something to look forward to. Here are our favourite 8 picks of the upcoming season.

By Sarah Guirguis

Dior

By Patrick Demarchelier Let’s talk about the artistic touches of the self-drawn portraits by the model, Sasha Pivovarova. Talk about alent! Aside from that, not only did the campaign bring that sixties feel that it meant to achieve, it also delivered an edgy, contemporary flavor that teens and young adults will barely be able to resist.

Coach

By Steven Meisel Stuart Vevers, creative director of this campaign said, “Steven Meisel’s photography brings a layer of magic to those seemingly everyday situations. Whilst Selena has a warmth that’s special - there is also an authenticity and realness to her that brings the campaign to life.” Wouldn’t you agree?

Besides, I spy with my little eye some NYC scenery that makes this campaign all the more iconic.

Stuart Weitzman

By Mario Testino This ad campaign is an all-black and white embodiment of simple elegance and flair. The campaign featured the current top models. These included iconic model Kate Moss and model du jour Gigi Hadid in the same shots together.

Calvin Klein

By Willy Vanderperre Since the 90s Calvin Klein campaigns never disappoint. For their new campaign they made it a family affar. Bold blue denim shades modeled by the gorgeous children of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber – and guess who else made the cut? All the Kardashian-Jenner sister clan!

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Kate Spade

By Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin We love the cheerful, festive theme of this campaign.

As opposed to the more common and more serious motifs we experience with other brand campaigns, this one is definitely a breath of fresh air. Not to mention, how much we appreciate the contrast between the variety of colored accessories against the classic black and white backgrounds.

Guess

By Tatiana Gerusova With her bombshell body Jennifer Lopez makes the perfect Guess girl in the latest images by Tatiana Gerusova. Jennifer becomes the embodiment of the sexy style that the brand is notorious for.

Gucci

By Ignasi Monreal Leave it up to Gucci to bring something novel and whimsical to the table by switching from photographs entirely to digital paintings. The decision to combine drawn models with different ethnicities, while blending their colors in with natural surroundings is one for the books. The effect is rather surreal.

Versace

By Steven Meisel Versace are paying homage to the Italian brand’s history in their latest campaigns. Naturally they chose big names for their campaign including many of the original supermodels such as Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell. The campaign also included Gisele Bündchen, Natalia Vodianova, Rachel Zimmerman, Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid, Cara Taylor, Kaia Gerber and Noah Luis Brown. “This campaign represents the link between past and present. This is the reason why I wanted to see this iconic supermodel cast next to the soon-to-be-iconic girls of the future,” said Donatella Versace.

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BIJOUX

Chaumet

Feast is a

High Jewellery Collection The Luxury Parisian Jewellery house never ceases to amaze us with their gorgeous creations year after year. For their latest collection, Chaumet est une fĂŞte, which translates to Chaumet is a feast-the collection is just that-a feast for the eyes and the lucky wearer of course.

Pastorale Anglaise Engagement parties and weddings, imperial receptions, balls, prestigious ceremonies, Opera evenings, aristocratic extravaganzas, theatre opening nights, music-hall glamour in the Roaring Twenties‌ these sparkling moments are celebrated by Chaumet and enraptured by music, the essential source of universal joie de vivre.

Rhapsodie Transatlantique

With Chaumet est une fĂŞte, the Maison pays tribute to the Parisian taste for an alchemy that conjures enchanted occasions; sparkling guests, an exceptional location, a stirring tempo and the elegance of a jewellery parure. The new High Jewellery collection evokes these instants of rhyme and radiance that inspire emotion and beauty. A Parisian Maison, Chaumet is inspired by four places beyond its borders; emblematic music venues that, akin to Paris, are lauded all over the world.

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Aria Passionata In honour of the mythical Glyndebourne, Pastorale anglaise offers a breath of fresh air and British nonchalance with jewels of the utmost refinement in a bucolic setting. Aria passionata calls upon the repertoire of the great Italian operas of Milan’s La Scala to inflame the passions of queens of the night with incandescent red. The Metropolitan Opera of New York, imbued with the sleek elegance of the Upper West Side, exalts its great musical moments with Rhapsodie transatlantique’s palette of soft colours. At the Vienna Opera, Valses d’hiver is an ode to the lightness of Strauss’ waltzes, embodied by the purest whirl of grace and wonder.

Bearing witness to a remarkable jewellery savoir-faire, Chaumet est une fête pays homage to the magic of these fleeting yet intense moments, and the eternal spell of their music.

Valses d’Hiver

IS COMING to Capital Business Park El Sheikh Zayed

BIJOUX

Jude Benhalim’s Digital Citizen

Jewelry designer Jude Benhalim has become known for her designs inspired by modern themes. Last year marked her successful collection “Urban Rebel” in which she concocted pieces that symbolize urban living with its sharp angles, geometrical lines, and industrial shapes. For her latest collection “Digital Citizen” she turns her attention to the urban citizen instead of his surroundings. The collection addresses the intersection of human interaction with technology, resulting into an era of ‘Digital Citizens’

The collection represents our modern reality, in which technology pervades every corner of our existence. Taking it beyond the concept of “wearable technology” to embody the virtual world that exists in tandem with the physical world; featuring a series of pieces that are symbolic of the electronic space.

Birthed at the intersection of art and technology, this collection features icons and symbols that we see on a daily basis through our interactions with technology. Tangled wires, spirals and hoops, are all fused with the jewelry to become an artistic statement about the hold technology has over the human race. Other emblems of our eternally plugged-in lives include barcodes, pixels, and the loading wheel.

In the designer’s eyes, “as we become more and more entrenched in the 21st century, the more technology, social media and online data has become not only a part of our everyday lives but a part of who we are and how we identify ourselves. Everyone is “connected”, but in reality, growing more detached from human contact than ever before. However much we try to fight it, being “online” has become a need more than a want. This collection exemplifies the drawbacks of the virtual world, and the glitches in this man-made system of plugged-in living.”

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The collection features an array of 925 sterling silver and gold-plated brass pieces. From chokers, to earrings, to necklaces, all pieces make a bold statement with cutout detailing and intertwined designs that compliment the feminine colors in resin stone inserts. Colors used include warm burgundy, petrol blue, teal, and aubergine.

The designer’s avid love of color is shown throughout the collections; with each piece of resin dyed by hand & with each color mixed individually. Colors vary according to the fashion trend palettes, making each collection unique in its shapes and colors. As with all Jude Benhalim jewelry, the collection is made with traditional local craftsmanship and is marked by its high quality.

FEATURE

Nouran Khalifa Fashion Maverick Starting her career at the young age of seventeen as a photographer, Nouran Khalifa eventually took on the role of a lifestyle blogger and social media influencer, amounting more than 200 thousand followers on her Instagram along the way. With her sisters she set up her own agency Khalifa’s Wonderland, yet taking on another role. Photographer/blogger/businesswoman, we speak to Cairo’s favorite fashion maverick right now.

By Sarah Guirguis

Creative Director & Retoucher Nouran khalifa Designs by Kojak Jewelry by Argent Bijoux Hair by Johny Saad Make Up by Reham Khalifa Photography by Thee Bori Styling by Mostafa Waheed Shot at Mucho Cafe

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At the age of seventeen, Nouran started working as a photographer while studying at university, and by twenty, she had started shooting celebrities for magazine covers and commercial use. “Since I was a kid, I always had a passion for both fashion and photography. I used to hold photo sessions for my friends, and I would style them and do their makeup. At first, I used my phone to take photos of them on my roof, then I bought a professional camera and I bought so many books from and watched tutorials online to learn more about photography until I turned into a pro,” Nouran explains her self-taught journey.

Nouran confuses some people because she is both a photographer and a lifestyle blogger. Others automatically assume that she ditched her photography career to start blogging, but she thinks that the combination of both talents comes under one personality – a girl who is obsessed with fashion. “The fact that I love being behind the camera shouldn’t mean that I don’t like being in front of it. I thought, “Why not be both?” It’s okay to be multitalented, when you have the passion and energy to do more than one thing at a time.”

Before she had her own team of stylists, makeup artists, and art directors, nouran was the one responsible for all of these jobs with her earlier clients, which sometimes included celebrities. This is what motivated her to pursue a career in blogging.

As for the challenges she faces as a social media persona, Khalifa talked to us about the stress that comes with deciding whether to take a job opportunity or marketing a certain brand or venue due to her awareness that a lot of people are following her and depending on her opinion. “You have to be committed to testing everything, including fashion, beauty products and hair services, and making sure that you really love what you’re pro-

moting and think it’s worth it for others to try it out,” she explained.

When asked about how Khalifa’s Wonderland started, she explains that it originated from the pressure she had been under due to working alone combined with her need for a team to help her manage her time and her schedule. She put together a team of people whom she had worked with and trusted over the years, with some responsible for production and graphic design. She also wanted to honor her mother’s dream that she and her sisterswho are also founders of Khalifa’s Wonderland, would somehow end up working together.

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To describe her tenacious personality, she said, “I love challenges. I look at them as a positive thing to overcome. I’m also very passionate. When I set my heart on something, I go after it with no limits. Nothing holds me back.”

Concerning her future, she sees herself as an international fashion photographer. “I love my country but I want my vision to spread so much further than Egypt only. Hopefully, I’ll become an international lifestyle blogger, too.” Not many people know this but she had always sketched fashion designs as well but she lacked the time to pursue it as a career. For Nouran no dream is too far. “Maybe in the future I will launch my own clothing line someday.”

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Lifestyle

P. 68 Women We Admire/La Reserve/Versace Retrospective 53

FEATURE

Women We Admire Coinciding with International Women’s Day this month, we chose to highlight admirable women whose hard work and finesse made them who they are today. These are women from all walks of life and many regions yet they all share the same quality: They are all trailblazing individuals who despite inequality and prejudice that women systematically face were able to persevere and be the strong and powerful women that we admire…

By Sarah Guirguis

Azza Fahmy As iconic as her jewelry brand has become, Azza Fahmy remains among the top Egyptian pioneers in jewelry design, with international success that confirms her eminence. We have never encountered designs that bold and innovative nor gorgeous details with such intricacy in the local jewelry markets till she showed up. What is more admirable is that she did all that while staying true to her Egyptian heritage.

When she started she was the first woman to apprentice in the all male jewelry workshops in Egypt. To give back, Fahmy recently has established the Azza Fahmy Design Studio to educate and empower up and coming jewelry designers.

Nour El Sherbini Can you imagine at thirteen being the youngest world champion in the history of squash and then years later becoming the youngest woman to win the Women’s World Championship? Nour can! Not only that, but she reclaimed her number 1 title by winning the Women’s World Championship in Gouna last year. The current number one is a woman who was born to break records and produce evidence that the sky is the limit for any woman who is driven with passion and commitment.

Huda Kattan With over 24 million Instagram followers and more than 2.2 million YouTube subscribers, the American beauty entrepreneur aimed higher than anyone could anticipate. Like thousands of other bloggers, Kattan could have settled for being a social media influencer and blogger. However Kattan went on to create her own cosmetics line, Huda Beauty. Based in Dubai, her make up line is now sold world wide and sought after by millions, often selling out as soon as it hits the stores.

Ahed Tamimi Living under occupation is no easy feat for almost all Palestinians. That includes 17 year old Ahed El Tamimi who lives in the occupied West Bank territories. She is known for her courage for standing up to Israeli authorities time and time again. Not one to shy away from conflict, she dives in, with no fear for her life, if it means standing up for what she believes in. Despite being a minor, she we was tried in military court and is currently held in jail. Since then, she has become one of the newest faces representing Palestinian resistance of the Israeli military occupation and many rallies all around the world in major cities have called and petitioned for her release.

Farida Osman Farida Osman is not only the fastest female swimmer in Egypt and Africa, but she holds the top national records for butterfly, freestyle and backstroke swimming. The competitive swimmer who breaks her own records went down in history as the first Egyptian to win a medal at the FINA World Championships. The 23 year old was also awarded last year best Female African Athlete of the Year.

Talk about such exceptional personal talent evolving into something as big as international success.

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Ghada Wali In a field dominated by men, graphic designer Ghada Wali stands out. Apart from being the youngest female speaker representing MENA region at TED Global, her Arabic font family was chosen among the top hundred graphic design pieces in the world by the Society of Typographic Arts in Chicago!

The multi-award winning graphic designer is also featured in the Arts & Immigrants category of Forbes Europe’s List 2017, making her the first Egyptian woman to ever to appear in that category. Wali is not merely a role model for success, she makes it her business to make a bigger difference in the world and represent the Egyptian Women Council empowerment campaign.

Sherine Reda While she spent many years out of the limelight, Sherine has in recent years shed her former naïve girl persona that many of her roles pinned her to. Formerly refered to as mega Star Amr Diab’s ex-wife, Sherine is back and better than ever. The fierce actress still dazzles but with her strong character and not just her sultry looks. Love her or hate her, the outspoken actress is not one to mince words and always speaks her mind. This is so refreshing in the entertainment scene where many try to please and conform in order to be liked by everyone. In her new film, Photocopy, she plays an old widow battling breast cancer, and in doing so, challenges the yardstick of female representation in the world of Egyptian cinema by providing the audience with more than just a pretty face.

Natalie Portman What many people don’t know about the multi-award winning actress is that she is a Harvard graduate with a BA in psychology, a member of the One Voice movement that aims to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a long-time environmental activist. Let’s toast to a Hollywood actress with top-level accomplishment! We also want to applaud Portman for being vulnerable and sharing her experience with sexual abuse at the Women’s March in LA this year to encourage more women to speak up about their abuses.

Nina L. Shaw & Tina Tchen Famous lawyers Nina L. Shaw and Tina Tchen have chosen to offer their professional expertise and become frontrunner founders of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which is aimed to provide legal funds for women who’ve dealt with sexual harassment/assault in the workplace but can’t really afford to press charges against their offenders. They’ve raised a considerable amount of at least 16 million dollars in January alone! Not only that, but they are actively aiming to reach low-income workers through their relevant organizations and they already have many requests for their services piling up.

Camila Cabello Having her solo career as a singer kick off after leaving the popular girl band Fifth Harmony, Cabello took a sizable risk but it definitely paid off.

Some would be surprised to find out that she’s only 20, given how mature she holds herself. Her hit single Havana reached number 1 in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States when it came out. Despite her young age, she dedicates her effort to humanitarian causes. She has partnered with the Children’s Health Fund that provides healthcare to low-income families and with Save the Children to design a “Love Only” T-shirt to help “raise awareness of issues involving girls’ equal access to education, health care and opportunities to succeed”. She also collaborated with a number of Latin artist to provide for victims of the Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico with the song Almost Like Praying.

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INTERVIEW

Raneem El Welily Squash Star We are all very lucky that Raneem wasn’t any good at her first chosen sport of swimming.

With intense training, coaching, and talent in playing squash, the young squash star went on to became the first Egyptian player to be ranked as the first worldwide in any sport. We spoke to the Wadi Degla athlete as she celebrates another milestone-capturing the Women’s World Championship.

Photo by: Bashayer Al Ridi

How did you get your start in playing squash?

I started playing sports at a very young age, the first sport I played was swimming but I was not performing very well. At that time my older brother, Tameem was playing squash so after watching him for a while we started training together.

How did you feel after winning the PSA Women’s World Championship in Manchester this year?

I was thrilled, a state of happiness and denial at the same time. I tried not to get too excited so this doesn’t hinder my performance in the upcoming tournaments; it also got me thinking about all the other tournaments I want to accomplish.

What do you consider the major highlight of your career?

Becoming the first Egyptian player to be ranked the first worldwide in any sport. This happened in 2015, at that time Nicol David was number one for nine years, another player beating her was a major accomplishment for myself as well as Wadi Degla Clubs and Egypt as whole.

Can you give us an insight into your training?

My Squash coach is Haitham Effat, he has been my coach for almost eight years now. I play with him almost every day and he brings the best out of me. My fitness coach is Ahmed Faragallah, I’ve been working with him for nine years now. I work with him five times a week, he’s always helping me to get better.

I train at Wadi Degla Clubs with the best team I could ask for. The sports Director at Wadi Degla is Karim Darwish, former squash number one, he’s always trying to provide me and the other players with anything and everything we might need be it support or advice.

And I have to say that I have two other team members, who’ve made a huge difference in my performance recently.

My physiotherapist Dr. Mohamed Amin at Dura Center who keeps my body fixed and ready and my nutritionist Dr. Hany Wahba who has helped me become a much healthier person.

What would you say is the main reason behind your success?

The support I receive from my family, coaches, Wadi Degla Clubs as they supported me during the entire journey, per-

sistence, discipline and of course, hard work, hard work is key. It is an individual sport yes, but it’s the work of an entire team.

Claiming the #1 world rank in 2015, how did it feel to be the first Egyptian woman to reach that high in any sport?

As I said, I was very proud of such an achievement. Becoming the world’s number 1 has been always one of my dreams, nothing is more satisfying than setting a goal and achieving it. It also pushes me to continue doing the best I can, I felt proud of myself for setting an example for young Egyptian squash players in general and participants of Wadi Degla Darwish Squash Academy in specific.

How does it feel to play against another Egyptian in major tournaments?

At first it wasn’t ideal or fun. But now that it happens only every other tournament since Egyptians are dominating the sport.

One can only expect to play an Egyptian, so you kind of get over it. You set your mind to it, just play and do your best. Yes we know each other’s games so well. But it works both ways.

Egyptians in general dominate the sport of squash. How do you explain that aspect?

The sport is gaining more popularity in Egypt so squash players are inspired to achieve more titles in order to attract the world’s attention and make a statement that Egyptians have a lot of potential. In Egypt we have world-class sports entities like Wadi Degla Clubs. Wadi Degla provides me with all the facilities I need and are capable of creating global champions.

What are your dreams for the future?

There are more championships that I wish to accomplish like the US open. Also, I would love to see squash being played as part of the Olympics given the international attention it received over the past few years.

Outside of the courts, what do you enjoy doing the most?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends the most. Other than that I like to chill out and do relaxing stuff, watch a movie maybe or do a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.

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HOME

The Pierre

By Daniela Bonetto

Photographs by Benjamin Benschneider

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The owner’s affection for a stone outcropping on her property inspired the design of this house located on Lopez Island, Washington. Conceived as a retreat nestled into the rock, the Pierre (the French word for stone) celebrates the materiality of the site. “Putting the house in the rock follows a tradition of building on the least productive part of a site, leaving the best parts free for cultivation,” says Tom Kundig, from the Seattle based architecture practice, Olson Kundig. From certain an-

gles, the house—with its rough materials, encompassing stone, green roof, and surrounding foliage—almost disappears into nature.

To set the house deep into the site, portions of the rock outcropping were excavated through a combination of machine work and handwork. The contractor used large drills to set the outline of the building, then used dynamite, hydraulic chippers, and wire saws and other hand tools,

working with finer and finer implements as construction progressed. Excavated rock was reused as crushed aggregate in the concrete flooring. Excavation marks were left exposed on all the stonework, a reminder of the building process, while huge pieces of rock were employed for the carport structure.

With the exception of a separate guest suite, the house functions on one main level, with an open-plan kitchen, dining,

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and living space. A wood-clad storage box (made with siding reclaimed from a Lionel Pries–designed house) transitions from outside to inside. Its two large bookcases open to provide concealed access to laundry and kitchen storage. A large pivoting steel and glass door provides access to a terrace. Set at a right angle to the main space, a master suite features a custom-designed bed with a leather headboard and footboard set in the middle of floor-to ceiling bookshelves.

Throughout the house, the rock protrudes into the space, contrasting with the luxurious textures of the furnishings.

Interior and exterior fireplace hearths are carved out of existing stone; levelled on top, they are otherwise left raw. In the master bathroom, water cascades through three polished pools, natural sinks in the existing stone. Off the main space, a powder room is carved out of the rock; a mirror set within a skytube reflects natural light into the space.

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The materiality of the built structure—mild steel, smooth concrete, and drywall—create a neutral backdrop for the interior furnishings and artwork and the exterior views to the bay and surrounding landscape. Contemporary works of art by Cameron Martin, Jesse Paul Miller, Andres Serrano, Franz West, and Claude Zervas are mounted inside and outside the house. Antique furniture and art objects are complemented by custom pieces. The custom light fixtures are based on the designs of Irene McGowan, a Seattle artist and lighting designer best known for her work with noted Northwest architect Roland Terry. olsonkundig.com

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BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Imperial Luxury La RĂŠserve Paris

By Kate Dannies

The famed La RĂŠserve Hotel and Spa Paris recently renovated their iconic Imperial Suite, and it is ready to welcome lucky guests in the city of light. Surrounded by the Eiffel Tower, Steeple of Notre-Dame Cathedral and overlooking the glass roof of the Grand Palais, the Imperial Suite is quintessentially Parisian, embodying all of the luxury and power of famous French figures of bygone ages from Napoleon to Marie Antoinette.

La Réserve Hotel and Spa Paris is located on the exclusive Avenue Gabriel, midway between the Champs-Elysées and the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the hotel lies at the very heart of the French capital. With a new double Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel, an indoor private pool, exquisite spa, and butler-serviced rooms and suites, La Réserve Paris offers the best in hospitality, spa treatments and culinary experiences.

At La Réserve, refined 19th-century elegance is married with thoroughly modern details.

Opened in 2015, in a mansion that once belonged to the Napoleon’s step-brother, the Duc of Morny, La Réserve Paris was designed by interiors guru Jacques Garcia with his signature style, resulting in lots of velvet drapery, silk damask walls, gilt frames, and herringbone parquet floors. The public areas feature long, pillow-strewn sofas and plush upholstered club chairs set around ornate fireplaces and shelves lined with over 3,000 antique books.

An intimate garden lounge makes the city seem far away, though the property is just off the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne. Its tucked-away location, central but off the tourist trail, and the intimate scale of the public rooms give La Réserve a sense of privacy. While the bar and living room are open to the public, the library, lined with leather-bound books and furnished in peacock green velvet and silk, the candlelit spa with its 16 metre pool, and an intimate smoking lounge are restricted to guests only.

The décor varies in the 40 rooms and suites, but all feature crisp, unadorned beds accented by velvet arm chairs, hand-picked antiques, and damascene brocade taffetas. Many have views of city landmarks from their floor-to-ceiling windows or private terraces. The in-room details take this boutique from great to grand. Some of our favourite touches include linens monogrammed with guest’s initials a jewelry box in the hotel’s signature deep red, and hand weights and stretch bands supplied for in-room workouts. Each room has a dedicated butler who will make sure bedside tables are topped with books from your favorite writers, draw you a bath, or help with packing, and who can also arrange special experiences like in-suite private concerts, couture fittings, and custom perfume making sessions. This is what above and beyond looks like.

Each suite is individually decorated, and most have balconies on the Avenue Gabriel or the Rue du Cirque. For sheer splendor it would be hard to beat the 1,270-squarefoot Imperial Suite, recently refurbished in Napoleonic style, with a tented drawing room in black lacquer and Etruscan red and a Carrara-marble bathroom. The suite’s interiors are breathtaking and each element celebrates French Empire design in all its magnificence. Black lacquer, gold filigree work and precious inlays feature prominently, along with damascene silk brocaded hangings graced with medallion motifs, red shades, handpicked an-

tiques, herringbone-patterned wooden flooring, precious fabrics, and a spacious dressing room.

With so many creme de la creme options to choose from in Paris, it is always hard to choose just one place to call our home away from home. But it has to be La Réserve, where we find the intimacy of a private mansion paired with the facilities and services we love in a larger luxury hotel.

And the renovation of the Imperial Suite has taken La Réserve to the next level: there is nowhere we would rather be.

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HOT ADDRESS

Delicious Decadence Gucci Garden Florence

Gucci has opened a restaurant and concept store in Florence, and we couldn’t be more excited. Gucci Garden captures the full panorama of the brand’s ethos from our favorite angles: fine dining, high art, and, of course, fashion. We hope that, as usual, Gucci is setting a trend with this new venture.

By Kate Dannies

Gucci Garden is the brainchild of the label’s famed creative director Alessandro Michele, who has made Gucci the must-have luxury brand since taking the position in 2015. The Garden, located in the Gucci Museo at the Palazzo della Mercanzia between the Piazza della Signoria and the Piazza di San Firenze. Gucci Garden’s three floors encompass a boutique that sells clothes and accessories not available in any other store; an area where the archives have been reinvigorated an exhibition curated by Maria Luisa Frisa; and a gift and souvenir shop.

The Garden adds another dimension to the Gucci Museo, which has served as a shrine to its history from Guccio Gucci’s beginnings in 1921 to Tom Ford’s tenure and onwards since 2011. Now it has

been expanded and made more fabulous with the addition of a retail area and restaurant. Entry to Gucci Garden will cost around $10 with half of the fee donated to support restoration projects around the city of Florence. This is a place to absorb the Gucci ethos from all angles: from history to food to the most cutting edge looks of the moment, all in an historic setting, Gucci Garden is a panoramic experience.

The restaurant promises to be a delight unto itself.

Michele hired Massimo Bottura of the famous Osteria Francescana, based in Modena and featured in Aziz Ansari’s Netflix hit Master of None, to head the 50-seat restaurant, the Gucci Osteria. The Osteria will serve Italian classics, like Parmigiano Reggiano tortellini, pork buns, and mushroom risotto. The restaurant will join a retail space on the ground floor, which will feature one-of-a-kind pieces designed exclusively for Guc-

ci Garden. The aim is to hearken back to Florence’s roots as a hub of activity–where markets, restaurants and various shops lined the Palazzo where the Garden is now based, selling handmade crafts and delicacies.

Gucci Garden allows us to pay homage to one of the hottest and most iconic global fashion brands in a setting that feels more authentic and holistic than simply shopping in a retail store. At Gucci Garden we can spend the day absorbing fashion history, eating, and selecting from exclusive Gucci pieces available only at the Garden. This feels like a true destination experience worth having, and we are pleased to have more reasons to visit Florence in 2018.

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EXHIBITIONIST

Retro Revival Gianni Versace Retrospective

Versace has always been code for the height of bold and sensual Italian design. No one figure embodies this ethos more than Gianni Versace, the iconic designer, celebrity and founder of the eponymous label that has been bringing fashionistas great satisfaction for decades. As Versace undergoes a renaissance, a retrospective exhibition of the original Versace’s work invites us to pause and remember the essence of the brand and the enduring genius of its founder.

By Kate Dannies

Gianni Versace may have been an Italian designer, but his ties to Germany go way back, and his fame extends worldwide.

His very first fashion show was organized in 1978 in the small German city of Lippstadt.

In 1994 Gianni had his first exhibition in Berlin. Now, an exhibition in the German capital, Berlin, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic fashion house and the twentieth anniversary of Versace’s murder.

Gianni Versace is considered one of the greatest designers of all time. His unique and extraordinary style not only revolutionized the Italian fashion world but also inspired worldwide. Over 100 pieces of clothing designed by Italian designer Gianni Versace are on show in the German capital, as part of a retrospective. Gianni Versace had his first exhibition in Berlin in 1994 and fell in love with the city. Twenty years after his death, the exhibition in Berlin is intended to commemorate the legendary Italian designer and showcase his most beautiful works.

Versace created gowns for Princess Diana and Sting’s wedding tuxedo, among the many other clothes he designed for the rich and famous. With the help of his sister Donatella, Versace made his fashion house into a unique international brand.

He led a glamorous life until his murder in 1997 near his home in Miami. Admirers around the world began collecting the Italian designer’s fashion creations, designs and drawings early on. Collectors from all over the world have made objects from their private collections available for the exhibition. Among them are unique pieces for celebrities like Prince, Madonna, Elton John, George Michael or for top models like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell. In addition to the garments, Versace accessories and interior design are also on display. The exhibition’s organizational team of international curators has called it the largest exhibition of Versace in the world to date. It also is coinciding with a Versace renaissance with the brand’s signature style undergoing a revival.

Even twenty years on from his murder, Gianni Versace is one of the most respected and admired designers of all times. His unique style disrupted the fashion world and he was responsible for many firsts, including mainstreaming colour, the pop art trend, bringing supermodels to the fore of the fashion industry, unisex fashion, and the concept of personality at the forefront of fashion and personal style. This is the perfect time to remember all that Versace stood for while enjoying a few days in Berlin; we think that this combination provides a new way of looking at Versace’s inspiration and style.

Gianni Versace Retrospective until April 14, 2018 Kronprinzenpalais Unter den Linden 3 10117 Berlin retrospective-gianniversace.com

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COMING SOON

Zaha’s Legacy One Thousand Museum

By Kate Dannies

Even after her untimely death in March 2016, Zaha Hadid’s designs continue to rise up to join skylines of cities worldwide. In 2018, One Thousand Museum tower, one of the last projects Hadid worked on before before she passed away, will be complete. One of the apartments in the striking and record-setting project is already complete and has been fully fitted out by Artefacto with gorgeous interiors that set off Hadid’s architectural design to perfect effect.

The show home is located on the 17th floor of the 62-storey building. The 430-square-metre apartment includes four bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, with floor-to-ceiling glazing wrapping the majority of the exterior. The curving concrete exoskeleton that supports the skyscraper is visible through the windows, and was used by Artefacto as a starting point for the interior. Items from the brand’s current collection were chosen in neutral colours so as not to distract from the architecture.

Due to the unconventionally shaped layout, the kitchen boasts sweeping views through the apartment and out to the ocean. Stunning floor-to-ceiling windows curve over downtown to overlook the bay and Museum Park, which brings an incredible energy and vitality. Neutral gray tones inside make the views the focal point. The exterior of the building

is striking, so Artefacto chose bold and timeless pieces that complemented the architecture. On the terrace, outdoor sofas echo the balcony’s curvature and provide a perfect vantage point for taking in the scene. Unsurprisingly, this inaugural home at One Thousand Museum has already been snapped up, selling for $6.8 million in late 2017.

One Thousand Museum is located on the waterfront in Downtown Miami, close to Herzog & de Meuron’s Pérez Art Museum and several other cultural buildings in Museum Park. Expected to reach 700 feet (210 metres) tall once complete, the building will feature communal spaces designed by Hadid and her team. These will include the ground-level lobby, to be surrounded by restaurants and event spaces at street level, and a double-height Aquatic Center and Sky Lounge at the

top. Residences in between will range from townhouse-style properties at levels 10 to 14 and half-floor apartments from storeys 15 to 49, to full-level penthouses on the next eight levels and a duplex penthouse across floors 58 and 59.

Comprising 5,000 pieces of lightweight glass-fibre-reinforced concrete, the building’s exterior formwork is a visible feature of many of the communal areas, covering the windows of the gym and sheltering the adjoining terrace. Massive corner columns will extend over sunbathing areas beside the outdoor pool, raised on a podium that will contain parking, and public restaurants and retail. Residents will also have access to a spa – including sauna, steam room and a rain shower – a multimedia theatre and private dining room. A helipad planned for the roof is expected to become the first for a private residential skyscraper in Florida.

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DRIVEN

Double Victory for BMW at the “Best Cars Award” 2018 For BMW, the year 2018 begins with a double victory at the “Best Cars Award”. Both the BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 claim class victories in the latest reader’s poll held by the trade journal “auto, motor und sport”.

With first place in the “Upper Midrange” category, the BMW 5 Series was able to repeat last year’s success. The Sports Activity Vehicle BMW X1 asserted itself in the “Compact SUV” class.

Moreover, six further current BMW models were able to gain places on the winners’ rostrum in each of their respective vehicle classes. The prizes were presented during a festive gala at the International Congress Center Stuttgart (ICS).

The “Best Cars Award” is one of the most coveted and tradition-steeped prizes in the automotive sector. The public survey held among readers of “auto, motor und sport” took place this year for the 42nd time. More than 117,000 readers participated in the latest voting, in which they were able to choose from 378 current models in eleven vehicle categories.

With 28.8 percent of votes, readers chose the BMW 5 Series as their favourite in the “Upper Midrange” class, the car thus continuing the series of successes it achieved last year when in addition to the “Best Cars Award” from “auto, motor und sport”, it also won the “Auto Trophy – World’s Best Cars” from “Auto Zeitung” and was voted “Car of the Year” in the UK.

Furthermore, the BMW 5 Series clinched other renowned accolades, including the “Red Dot Award” and the “iF Gold Award” for outstanding design, the “Car Connectivity Award” and the title “Goldener Computer” for its advanced networking technology.

The BMW 5 Series was also awarded the title “Value Champion 2017” certifying its above-average value stability.

With its class victory at the “Best Cars Award” 2018, the BMW X1 has also replicated its earlier successes. In 2016, it was already able to clinch victory in the reader’s poll held by “auto, motor und sport”. This time, it gained top place in the category “Compact SUV”, winning 15.9 percent of votes.

The compact Sports Activity Vehicle scores not only with versatility, premium characteristics and brand-typical dynamics, but also with exceptionally innovative networking technology that is unmatched in its competitive environment.

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MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

JW Marriott Hotel Cairo This Mother’s Day, celebrate with picture perfect views of the stunning landscape at Mirage Café and treat her to a special dinner buffet overlooking the golf course and lakes, savoring a various range of fresh and delicious international cuisines. If you are looking for an oriental Middle Eastern ambiance, head over to Ahlein and enjoy the diverse flavors of Lebanon, gather with your mum & family for a special 4-course set menu and enjoy the true essence of Beirut in an elegant setting and a generous hospitality. Ultimately, add the cherry-on-top of her day and give her the gift of relaxation with a special Mother’s Day package at Mandara Spa valid throughout the month of March. Starting with a 60-minute aroma massage, followed by a 30 minute detoxifying green tea scrub, complemented with a 60 minute Cleopatra facial treatment; this 150-minute road to paradise will leave her glowing, both physically and mentally.

Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel It is time to celebrate you super mom, shower her with love at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel. Discover a dazzling selection of Mediterranean dishes in the bright contemporary atmosphere of Citron, and enjoy a complimentary tart for your mom when you are dining with a family of four, or more. If you are craving Chinese, treat your mom & family with a mouthwatering selection of authentic Chinese delicacies at Chinoix. This signature restaurant offers desirable dishes such as Beijing duck, dim sum, and a range of other Chinese platters in a chic yet casual setting. Your mom will enjoy a complimentary dinner for every table of four guests.

Make her feel extra special and devour one of our heavenly treats prepared specially for your mom at En Passant.

Le Meridien Cairo Airport A Massage session, a memorable dining experience or a comfortable night’s stay? Le Meridien Cairo Airport is giving you every opportunity to pamper Mum in her special day. Spoil mum with a memorable stay including one-hour massage session for a more relaxed experience for only 975 EGP per person in a double room including breakfast for two. You can also treat Mother with a heart-warming dining experience at EVOO! Bring the whole family and dine at EVOO where Mothers eat for free and get a complimentary cake + roses.

Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski For the entire month of March, Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski are celebrating “Women’s March”. At Bab Al Qasr, prepare your taste buds for a memorable taste of Mama’s Fatteh that you will never forget! Even better, you can’t miss our special Pigeon’s Lover dish this month. Treat your mother to any of their outlets and her meal will gladly be on the house, when accompanied by two or more.(Only on 21 March and valid in Lucca, Romanov, Bab Al Qasr & Yana) Treat your queen on her day with a complimentary lunch Buffet at The State when you book any two packages on the menu, each worth EGP 1,900 or more. For the Super-Mama who does it all, every Saturday, Resense Spa promises you a carefree day as your kids enjoy complimentary access to our Kids’ Saturday Funday, at Le Petit Royal kids club, while you treat yourself to any treatment worth EGP 1,350 or more.

Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Say Thank you to the most passionate person in your life and show your mom how much you appreciate her hard work and love by treating her on that very special day. Treat her to a day of luxurious spa treatments or give her a precious gift of relaxation and enroll her during the month of March to enjoy a 20% off Mom’s membership at Bien Vivre Health club. Wine and dine her out at the exclusive Italian restaurant La Gondola and her meal will be complimentary. Indulge in the very best Lebanese cuisine at our famous Baalbak Restaurant while enjoying the live entertainment. Or try a Sushi Night out and her meal will be complimentary as well.

Sheraton Montazah Hotel Mothers are precious and Mother’s day is a time of celebration for Moms. It is a special day that gives us the opportunity to thank them for all they do. A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers are always a good choice and a classic form to introduce joy and happiness to their hearts. Or you could go to to Sheraton Montazah Hotel who will help find a simple and kind gift that will draw a smile on the face of the dearest lady in your life; a nice cake created, designed and specially innovated by their pastry chef for this particular occasion on 20th & 21st of March with 25% discount or treat her to a sumptuous dinner at either La Mamma Restaurant or Caesar Inn for only EGP 499. You could also book the special mother’s day room package on this day for EGP 1100 per double room – Sea & Montazah View including buffet breakfast.

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Say it with a sparkle at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

Tie the knot with sheer romance and understated elegance.

Every couple will win exclusive experiences and prestigious prizes upon booking.

One lucky couple will win the ultimate prize, a prize so special, one that holds a life-long promise.

A one carat diamond ring.

For more information please call +202 25778899 or 01277232882.

Book your wedding before end of June 2018, subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Š2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L. L. C.