Aw #174 bridal issue by Virgie Santillan

(ISSUE #174) SEPTEMBER 2014

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BRIDAL ISSUE #174

SEPTEMBER 2014

Mixing it up Successful bicultural marriages

Countdown What to do before the wedding

Fairytale wedding Be the princess you deserve to be

Features 48 Lost of innocence AW takes a closer look into child marriages; the causes, the conseqeunces, and the fight to end it

54 Stress-free prep Remove all unnecessary stress simply by employing the services of a wedding planner

Bridal fashion

Feel like the most beautiful woman on earth with exquisite bridal gowns by Rami Al Ali.

Unwind in pure luxury

After the wedding, enjoy a well-deserved honeymoon in exotic destinations

Regulars 12 16 90 92 94 98

EDITOR’S PICK AW TRENDS ARTSY ENTERTAINMENT A-LIST CELEBS THE COVETED

editor’s letter

Bridal Issue

It’s my second bridal issue for Arabian Woman, and I must say, my excitement did not lessen. In fact, I was looking forward to working on this special theme. Who wouldn’t, especially if you have an amazing mix of content, including the best tips for the bridesto-be?

CHNY Pre Fall 2014

Lele Sadoughi

From covering serious topics focused on stopping child brides to sharing romantic stories of bicultural marriages, We also saved pages for in-depth interviews with bridal organisers, a practical guide to bridal beauty, the world’s best honeymoon offers, and of course, a series of breathtaking images of bridal fashion. With Rami Al Ali’s stunning creations, who wouldn’t say yes to any proposal? Excited as I was with the bridal special, AW is also filled with regular sections updating you with the current fashion and beauty trends as well as news on luxury, arts, movies, and your favourite celebrities. Other than that, this month, we share an amazing journey to Paris in the summer. Be in the know of where to go, what to do and where to be spotted in France’s most popular city. Our travel extended locally, where a stay in The Oberoi – Dubai, some downtime in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and dinner at Ba restaurant at The Fairmont in Palm Jumeirah proved to be more than wonderful.

Gucci Lipstick

With these, now you know why I always look forward to doing the September ‘Bridal’ issue. As always, enjoy reading AW! Live and love, Fendi Timepieces Crazy Carats

Sherry

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Bakur A. Azher Associate Publisher Ayah R. Lunsford senior editor Sherry Tenorio SUB-EDITOR/features WRITER Faizal Dahlawia SENIOR graphic Designer Virgie L. Santillan Agencies and SYNDICATION Planet Syndication Rex Features Advertising Manager Hamdi M. Shiba - Jeddah Advertising executive Yamen Abu Karroum - Jeddah Administration & Finance Ahmed Ali Ibrahim - Jeddah Mohamed Fathy Raslan - Dubai Sales Manager Ziad Nassar Sales executive Caterina Ciacatani Counselor p. art Muneer H. Abul Huda For Advertising Information email: awsales@azherinfo.ae Arabian Woman is a registered trademark and published by Azher Information Technology Group Ltd, 6 Thermistoclis Dervis St, 4th floor, Office D4, PO Box 4185, 1702 Nicosia, Cyprus.

ARABIAN WOMAN IS PRINTED BY PREMIER PRINTING PRESS Tel: 04-8853633; Fax: 04-8852777 Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE No part of Arabian Woman may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher and editorial staff.

EDITOR’S PICK

The Elie Saab Bride If you’d ask us what the bridal highlight of the recently concluded haute couture shows in Paris was, we’d say the Elie Saab dress, hands down. A perfect piece for the finale Haute Couture 2014-2015 collection of the creative genius, the dress is surely going to be in the wishlists of brides-tobe. Extensively voluminous, the wedding dress is in an off-white tulle, fully embroidered with silk thread in floral shape, embroidered with pearls, sequins and encrusted in Swarovski strass, and accessorised with embroidered veil.

Fashion Beauty Luxury

White: the colour of purity for women but the colour of surrender for men.

AW trends Adam Lippes

Etro SS2014

American frontier

J.Crew

Loathe the near-sauna temperatures and frequent sandstorms that loom over the city? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t despair! Think of it as just another opportunity to flex your sartorial muscles and find the most appropriate wardrobe options to suit the weather. Wear styles that draw inspiration from the Old West, which gives you a lot of detailed embroidery and ethnic prints, suede, fringes, earthy tones combined with summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lively hues, and a little bit of lace to work your best outfits this season. More into no-frills contemporary dressing? Put on a Western pearl snap (in plaid of course!) and pair it with denim and Western style boots instead! msgm AED3672

Versace

Haney

Saint Laurent Bottega Veneta Moschino

Talitha AED4174

Philipp Plein

Temperley London

Lele Sadoughi Gucci AED13176

Anna Sui AED2573

Aeropostale AED140

Emilio Pucci AED6530

Moschino FW14 Chloe

Gold and grunge This season, gold features in designer collections in a manner quite different from how it dominated runways and wardrobes in Fall 2011, when it was all about metallic baroque. Gold now falls on the edgier end of the style spectrum, giving off a sense of grungy opulence. It calls to mind an image of a fallen aristocracy, defiant of its new status yet still surrounded by an air of prestige and inherited sophistication.

Mexicana AED2023 Etro AED6904

Oscar de la Renta Stevemadden flats cori dusty gold side

Harlot and Bones

Tamara Mellon AED3833

Stevemadden Dress Korsett Black-Multi Side AED599

Christian Louboutin Philip Stein

AW trends

Balmain AED4489

Philip Stein

Jonathan Saunders AED1995

Etoile Isabel marant AED1838

Alexander mcqueen AED4227

Holly Fulton AED2757

Jerome Dreyfuss AED2757

Neil Barrett AED1654

Aeropostale AED130

C oming up shirt

Military response Is military back in style again after just a three-year hiatus? Well, if it’s not, let’s bring it back to the forefront of fashion. From the rise of the camo, it was only a matter of time before military made a proper comeback. The Fall season appears to have an utter fixation on the force’s classic olive green, and we’re loving how such a muted hue can add a statement pop to an otherwise dull outfit. It’s pockets, buttons and epaulets galore as well, so be sure to pick items with gold detailing to feminise this rugged look. J.Crew AED945

Balmain FW 2014

Lanvin AED2048

Women often underestimate how fun and flexible a shirt can be when it comes to its style factor. Sure, it’s worn by Avon ladies and bank managers, but sartorially inclined women such as you don’t have to fall into that same trap. Have fun with prints, exude elegance with textures or sharpen up with crisp, solid shirts, and see how you can make these basics work with the rest of your outfit. Shirts may be as old as time, but they are an absolutely exhilarating exercise for your styling skills.

gucci AED3756 3.1 Philip Lim AED2337

Etro AED1234

Balmain AED8112 givenchy AED4437 Equipment AED1601

givenchy AED1628 J.Crew AED447

giuseppe Zanotti AED4590

Alexander mcqueen AED735

Band of Outsiders AED1575

Jim Joquico, Editor-in-Chief at www.lamodadubai.com, shares with AW the best trends to follow this coming summer.

Luxe

Cartier’s Panther

100 Ways to Love A blossoming romance or an eternal flame; Charriol presents a new romantic silver collection that expresses love on every day. We’ve fallen in love with hearts, which are all over the new jewellery line ‘100 hundred Ways to Love’. A pretty sterling silver set, comprising a ring and earrings, paired with two necklaces and a bracelet set on a dainty chain. Each features a Charriolengraved interlocking heart intertwined with a slim twisted cable circle. These two motifs – the heart shape and circle of eternity – decorate each piece, symbolising togetherness and lasting love. Choose from two necklace styles: a pendant chain and twisted steel necklace with an interlocking heart pendant, or a long dual-strand necklace decorated with little hearts and the interlocking design. For a wife, girlfriend, mother or sister, let them carry your love everywhere with these contemporary, feminine collections.

Because it makes its mark, its appearances instantly distinguish a style. The 2014 Cartier panther is once more distinguished by its phenomenal and modern presence. Even on its own, its charm is arresting. Figurative, graphic, playful, gentle, wild, sensual, ferocious or kinetic, the new Cartier Panther collection offers a range of surprises, loyal to its audacious and sophisticated jewellery aura. Fifty-six pieces highlight a collection that the heroine reigns over with absolute feline essence. Magnificent as a ‘vanity’ ring, like an x-ray of itself in a gold skeleton. Devastating when it gives an elegant and slender shock from one finger to another. A jewellery pattern of diamonds and onyx spots without body or head on a tribal bracelet. Jewels made with tremendous know-how that takes their creative vitality from the energy of Cartier’s totemic wildcat.

Luxe

1/1 Montblanc A unique 1/1 Montblanc writing instrument is currently being showcased by Montblanc in two of its boutiques in the UAE – its flagship The Dubai Mall boutique and in The Avenues, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. Inspired by one of the seven hills of Rome, the extraordinarily luxurious Montblanc Monte Celio is the result of 800 Montblanc craftsmen whose combined talent has turned this pen into a genuine work of art.

Crazy Carats FENDI Timepieces unveils the blinding Crazy Carats watch with luxurious mink straps, crafted by the Maison’s fur atelier. With a twist of the crown on the Crazy Carats watch, three shimmering precious stone choices are offered as dial markers – a unique beautiful expression of time and moods. The Crazy Carats is presented with a new dramatic dial in either off-white or black, highlighting the precious stone markers. A twist of the crown uniquely reveals three shimmering precious stone choices – either white diamonds, pink or blue sapphires – to fit the woman’s mood in the blink of an eye.

Topped with a diamond weighing almost 12 carats, its body adorned with 1,500 diamonds and pink sapphires, this writing instrument is a true masterpiece, both technically and, of course, aesthetically. This virtuosity is reflected in the price: AED12 million. Montblanc’s craftsmen have carefully arranged diamonds and pink sapphires to decorate the writing instrument in a style reminiscent of the adornments seen on ancient Roman villas. However, the inspiration for this unique piece also comes from the stone itself: an 11.88 carat diamond of the highest purity ever used by Montblanc. It took all the dexterity of Montblanc’s craftsmen and a full eight years of work to cut its 53 facets and set it atop of the cap. The Monte Celio is a usable objet d’art designed to stand the test of time.

Each of the four FENDI Crazy Carats Fall-Winter 2014-15 watches is bedecked in precious stones up to almost seven carats depending on the model. Because women love choice, the dual-colour mink fur band, coming on a crocodile leather strap, is offered in different colourful options: classic black and white, alluring burgundy and white, bold dark grey and yellow or daring dark blue and red. FENDI creates each watch in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

The Marni Trunk

Elegant and chic, the new Crazy Carats has been expressly created for the FENDI woman, who loves accessories with a hint of mystery and surprise.

Consuelo Castiglioni has reinterpreted the iconic bag MARNI TRUNK for the Fall/Winter 14/15 collection, where bold purity of design comes to the fore. The new MARNI TRUNK in shiny brushed calfskin leather or graphic zebra pony skin expresses design precision, highlighted by the lustrous metal sides. The bag is offered in one style and size with an adjustable shoulder strap, which easily transforms the bag from hand to shoulder unit. Marni is available in the UAE at Mall of the Emirates.

High Street

Marciano goes for retro this Fall 2014 The season’s most sought-after fashion‐forward silhouettes feature heavily in Marciano’s new collection for Fall/Winter 2014. For women, evening gowns, pencil skirts, blazers and cocktail dresses in bold retro-inspired geometric prints, effervescent floral and stand‐out sequins are a key focus. Clean white tailored blazers paired with structured trousers add a touch of sophistication while silk and romantic lace evening gowns add a touch of femininity. For men, clean and refined turtlenecks, black blazers and dress pants dominate the collection with a classic structured wool jacket to polish off the look.

GUESS leather handbags steal high-street spotlight The likes of Zara and H&M are great for bargain-basement clothes that you shuffle through every season. For accessories like handbags? Not so much. The new collection of leather goods by GUESS, however, begs to differ with the prevailing opinion. The modern elegance and classic charm with a fashion twist of LADY LUXE will win on any occasion. This perfect every day group comes in a variety of shapes including a tote, a carryall and a satchel completed by a range of superb cross bodies, wallets and organisers and a colour palette spanning from black, nude, taupe and cognac to on-trend Bordeaux. So easy to wear and easy to love!

Steve Madden goes broad spectrum with new collection Get into the swing of the new season with the eclectic Autumn 2014 collection for women by Steve Madden. From combat boots to stylish flats, the new range is designed for the woman of today who is a born explorer and loves to flaunt her style at every occasion. Steve Madden is throwing it back in a big way this season. The collection showcases a mix of glamorous and casual styles that reflect the eclectic tastes of every fashionista. Styles like ODYSSEY, with its chunky heels and knee-high shaft heights, channel the air of the 90s. Meanwhile, Steve Madden has upped the ante on the gold hardware and metallic leather; the gold buckle on the MYSTERII takes a sexy shoe and makes it absolutely drool worthy.

High Street

Shoe Mart launches new accessories range for AW 2014 Shoe Mart launches its novel accessories collection with the season’s must-have look changers – a diverse range of trendy handbags and jewellery designs for both casual and formal occasions. Drawn from an intense colour palette of orange, blue, red, purple and pink, the collection boasts a versatile selection of handbags from top handle bags with creative puffy patterns, to totes in soft, simple shapes with contrasting material panels. Decorative zip details give an edgy look to any bag shape and metallic trims emerge as a key detail to give that sophisticated look for evening bags, belts and wallets. The jewellery collection is filled with modern pieces that are sure to grab attention. Among the trendy accessories from this new line are earrings with ditsy floral patterns, eye-catching statement necklaces with bold geometric details, and bracelets in rich gold chains that will instantly bring elegance to your everyday outfit.

Designers pop up on the high street It’s going to be a payday weekend like no other as you prepare to shop the hottest designerhigh street collaborations of 2014, and we’re not even talking about Alexander Wang for H&M yet! Roland Mouret launches his capsule collection for Banana Republic. With a keen knowledge of how to celebrate the female form, Mouret sketches a coveted range of day-to-day styles that employ classic, flattering cuts of the brand’s renowned Sloane fabric. The result is a structured aesthetic in complete comfort as Mouret fuses construction with the contouring, stretchy qualities of the dynamic fabric. Following that, Net-a-Porter is unveiling the Altuzarra for Target collection, which is all about power-dressing for the working woman. Overcome your Sunday morning bouts with work anticipation anxiety with an exciting range of blazers, dresses and separates that feature high-fashion tailoring at high-street prices.

Fashion shoot Photography: Butch Delatina of www.butchworx.com Models: Camila, Maria and Isis of FLC models (www.flcmodels.com) Stylist: Hommam Arbi HMUA: Ivy Peralta, Kerwin Solo and Darwin Perez Assistant: Darwin Tiambeng

Pretty Please Channel the dainty girl in you, and lavish with always-trending laces, pleats and pink. AW explores the feminine side, and shares ensembles that rock the perfect romantic fit.

Dolce & Gabbana dress

Fashion shoot

Alexander McQueen dress, Jimmy Choo heels

Fashion shoot

Victoria Beckham shirt dress, Sergio Rossi platforms at Harvey Nichols

Fashion shoot

“ Be the lady that others would want to be”

Fashion shoot

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A f lower does not think of competing to the f lower next to it. It just blooms.â&#x20AC;?

Dolce & Gabbana dress, Oscar de la Renta top, Givenchy pants at Harvey Nichols, sass & bide dress at S*uce.

Fashion shoot

Fashion your way to sophistication and elegance

Oscar de la Renta top, Givenchy pants at Harvey Nichols.

beauty

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AW’s exclusive edit of must-have additions to your beauty cupboard 1. Dolce&Gabbana Skincare Introducing a revolutionary new offering from Dolce&Gabbana Beauty: Dolce&Gabbana Skincare. With two advanced product lines, the launch is an exciting new chapter for Dolce&Gabbana and celebrates a true breakthrough in skincare. The result of an enduring partnership with world-leading scientific experts at P&G Prestige, Dolce&Gabbana Skincare features a new exclusive active ingredient and is shown to catch the attention of others. Dolce&Gabbana Skincare unlocks the secret to captivating skin. 2. Eyeko, bespoke cosmetics Now available in the UAE exclusively at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai, set your sights on Eyeko, the UK-based bespoke cosmetics range that will open your eyes to new possibilities with their awardwinning liners, mascaras and brow gels. With their innovative and critically acclaimed products, Eyeko is a firm favourite with a host of stars including Jennifer Lawrence, Salma Hayek and Gemma Arterton as well as celebrated make-up artists such as Lisa Eldridge, Polly Osmond and Kay Montano who all use Eyeko in their kits. 3. Elemis’ Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion Instantly moisturising and hydrating the skin, it delivers a flattering sun-kissed glow all year round. Rich in protective antioxidants of green tea extract, the lotion evens skin tone and softens the body. Formulated with elderberry seed and Abyssinian essential oils, it nourishes and conditions the skin, whilst red algae ensures long-lasting firmness and hydration. 4. Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick Estée Lauder unleashes the ultimate object of a woman’s desire – introducing NEW Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick. Intensify lips with saturated colour. Sculpt with multi-faceted pigments. Hydrate with continuous moisturisation. Pure luxury for lips

7. housed in a new, ultrachic case. Twenty, one-of-akind, statement shades with the power to define every curve of the lip. Rich in attitude and saturated in colour, this provocative palette evokes fashion, art, and design with high-couture impact. 5. Mikyajy’s 22k Autumn Make-up Collection From a celebration of metallics to splashes of charming hues along with radiant skin, you will love to create this heavenly look for a hint of contemporary luxe on any occasion. The collection includes Stylish Gel Liner, Outrageous Multi baked eye shadows, Playful False Lash Mascara, Charming Matte Lipstick, and Exquisite Gel Nail Polish. 6. Kiehl’s Heat-Protective Silk-Straightening Cream It’s a unique, light, and greaseless straightening hair cream. Locks out humidity while conditioning and protecting hair from over-drying and breakage. It gives hair an ultra-straight and silky-smooth look with incredible shine. Infused with extracts derived from soy beans, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Formulated especially for wavy, frizzy, or curly hair in need of smoothing. 7. Clarins’ Super Restorative Night Cream This intensive anti-ageing skin care with a multilevel replenishing action incorporates a major scientific discovery in the fight against age spots. It now has the capacity to help reduce the look of age-related dark spots, to restore a more even complexion in the morning. Super Restorative Night cream, enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid and nourishing shea butter, revitalises and provides skin with total comfort. Skin is rebalanced in a lasting way to restore velvety, supple skin in the morning.

New In: Gucci’s Cosmetic Collection The Cosmetics collection is a symphony of quintessential Gucci heritage and sophisticated technology. Exclusive products deliver the ideal technical performance. An iconic Gucci palette of colours is packaged with the renowned signature motifs of the House. The essential debut lineup includes Gucci Eye, Gucci Face, Gucci Lip and Gucci Nail together with luxurious brushes and special preparation products for skin. The launch of Gucci Cosmetics also heralds an exclusive role for Giannini as the only woman at the helm of a fashion brand overseeing a make up collection.

Pamper & Fly A whole new level of indulgence awaits Qantas passengers as the airline sets partnership with renowned Australian spa brand, Aurora Spa. Having tried the spa’s range of handwash, hand cream, body cleanser, shampoo and conditioner, it’s definitely a surprising treat for the travellers to see these products abound the bathrooms of the Qantas Sydney and Melbourne International Business Lounges, Hong Kong and Singapore Lounges. Moreover, the fliers who come by Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne are in for much pampering time with offers of exclusive signature spa treatments, massages, facials, hand and foot therapies. With these, how can flying be tasking?

Scents

5. Smell like a million bucks with AW’s list of must-have fragrances

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4. 6.

7. 1. Givenchy’s Dahlia Divin It is a fragrance of light, like one of Givenchy’s Couture gowns. A radiant Eau de Parfum to be worn on bare skin, for a feeling of being adorned in sensuality. The Dahlia Divin woman makes her entrance with notes of a golden fruit, mirabelle plum, which mingle with the exhilarating aromas of a bouquet of white flowers, dominated by jasmine. Lastly, asserted woody tones – vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli – leave their precious and sensual imprint on the memory. 2. Agent Provocateur’s Fatale Black An enticing, seductive and enigmatic scent with an irresistible signature personality, Fatale Black exemplifies the dichotomy of the Femme Fatale. The outrageously bold and enticing top note is a striking blend of spicy pink pepper from Madagascar, juxtaposed with succulent mango and exotic blackcurrant for an indescribably mysterious opening sensation that scintillates the senses. 3. Fendi Furiosa It’s a new women’s fragrance called Furiosa which means ‘furious’ and ‘feisty’ in Italian. The perfume comes out on the market in September 2014, announced with the slogan: ‘The Essence of Wild Femininity’. Accords that are contained include Calabrian bergamot in the top, wallflower (violaciocca) at the heart and amber in the base. 4. ESCADA Joyful Joy is a state of mind, where everything seems possible and nothing is too daunting. This feeling is perfectly captured in the enticing new fragrance from ESCADA – ESCADA Joyful. The luminous

For Him:

Guerlain L’Homme Ideal For the first time, an almond scent for men composed by Guerlain. All those who nuzzle their nose against the ideal man’s neck will have the chance to savour a series of three accords: smart, handsome and strong. It has the intelligence of a sparkling and perfectly fresh top note, a match for the lively mind of the owner of the fragrant neck. It has the beauty of an incredibly sensual ‘amaretto’ heart note on an almond. And, the strength of a woody leather base note to firmly establish the chosen one’s maturity.

scent embodies happiness in a bottle. Inspired by the moment of joy one feels when receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut flowers, the fragrance reveals a beautiful, fresh pink peony, surrounded by dewy white florals, awakening an inner feminine happiness. And with this new fragrance comes a new face – Miranda Kerr – featured in an advertising campaign for the fragrance. 5 Acqua di Parma’s Rosa Nobile Its notes flow like gentle emotions with rich and surprising nuances. An intense fragrance expressing rich and elegant harmony, Rosa Nobile is an original interpretation of a flower of enchanting beauty. A wonderful, harmonious alchemy between classic and modern elegance, whose each and every facet enhances the purest natural femininity. It’s an Eau de Parfum to be loved at first sight. 6 Paco Rabanne’s Black XS Potion Living intensely, provoking to the extreme, in a blend of impertinence and glamour, the Black XS rock stars flirt with excess, especially when it comes to love. Driven by an all-consuming passion, burning with extreme, boundless feelings, their desire blazes brightly. In this new limited edition, the Black XS Potion fragrances for Her and Him reconcile opposites, conjuring up an alchemy of bodies and hearts. The ultimate love philtre, Black XS Potion is the olfactory secret that beguiles and offers the promise of unending passion. 7 Kenzo Flower in the Air The new olfactory sensation of this airborne poppy: a radiant floral. The poppy rises ever higher in the sky and takes on a new lightness with fresh, zesty notes of pink grapefruit, mandarin and juicy pear. It’s a delicate bouquet – dazzling rose, freesia and jasmine petals – like a burst of radiance and femininity, enveloped in a tender musky base. .

Clive Christian’s No 1 15th Anniversary Edition For the 15th anniversary, Clive Christian decided to take the house’s signature bottle and lacquer it white with gold in the detailing, and to top it off with the distinctive gold crown that is the mark of the house. Into these bottles he put the richer, more complex and concentrated versions of the No 1 perfume. The serene sophisticated Floral Oriental that is the women’s version and the distinctive understated Woody Oriental that is the men’s version have had their qualities deepened and enhanced by using high concentrations of the fine essential oils and essences that go into their making. This anniversary edition is exclusively available at Paris Gallery.

People and Events Share beautiful experiences with people so that you can reminisce the good times together later.

Exclusive

The Art of

Gifting

Aysha Buti Al Youha Al Meheeri, the lady behind the premium gift-wrapping and packaging services brand, Wrapt, shares with AW the beauty of bespoke designs for gifting during special occasions. Read on as she tells all about her success story in business as well as her tips for wrapping special gifts. 32

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aunched in 2009, Wrapt, Art of Wrapping & packaging with corporate boutique services, offers innovative gift-wrapping and packaging services inspired by talented designers, merging current fashion trends into the art of packaging. From a small store in Arabian Mall, Wrapt has become a forerunner in its niche in a short span of time. In 2011, Wrapt expanded its operation with a corporate division catering to corporate gifts and full packaging solutions. Over the years, Wrapt has witnessed a 200% growth and continues to push

business expansion through franchise opportunities and international presence.

designs, wrapping items and accessories guarantee unique solutions for every occasion.

Wrapt is renowned for its unique blend of consummate extravagance and practicality in gift-wrapping. Providing luxurious solutions for every occasion, the brand is wholly committed towards establishing itself as one of the leading giftwrapping houses in the UAE and beyond, setting a benchmark in the bespoke giftwrapping sector. A premium, fashion-based, gift wrapping and packaging services, Wrapt’s wide range of exclusively printed paper

A household name amongst the fashion conscious, the wrapping services offered by Wrapt are truly representative of the company’s approach of creativity. With Wrapt, clients are welcomed to choose from a wide variety of beautiful packaging options, each designed to excite and overwhelm. The brand firmly believes that giftwrapping is an extension of modern art; something that defines individual personalities perfectly. Be it for birthdays, weddings of special occasions, customers can add a personal touch to their wrapping selection with the assistance of the expert artists at Wrapt. With Wrapt, artful giftwrapping is for everyone and every time. Here, Aysha Buti Al Youha Al Meheeri, Wrapt’s Founder, CEO and Managing Director, shares her story in an exclusive interview with AW: Can you share with us the history of your company? We started Wrapt in 2009. We started with one thing in mind: to be the ‘Louis Vuitton or Chanel’ in the gift-wrapping and packaging field. We wanted to be a fashion-based brand for gift-wrapping as well as a packaging solutions outlet for wrappings, give away gifts, wedding gifts and all other occasions. At the beginning, Wrapt was only one retail store in Arabian Mall. We were initially just a stand-alone design house with own designers creating different packaging and gift-wrapping ideas. Ninety per cent of Wrapt products are designs which are exclusive to our stores, each one according to fashion and trends. What/who inspired you to start it? I have always had business bug. My late uncle (Saeed Bel Youha ) started the first pasta factory in 70s: Emirates Macaroni Factory. That was at a time when the concept of eating pasta was new to this region! Now, more than 40 years later, the factory is still there and continues to grow. It takes more than a single moment to compel someone to do something

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unusual and risky. For me, it was a series of things that compelled me to give up my career and start my unusual business. I am imaginative and creative in my own way and always starve to get my creativity out. Wrapt was born to complete the gap in the market while at the same time satiate my creative itch.

the following day! It all depends on how well you the read rules and regulation and how careful you are when completing your applications. The challenge thorugh was more personal; I realised that getting to the business and the life I wanted involved caring a lot less about what other people thought

What were the challenges in setting up business in Dubai? How did you overcome such challenges? It was not challenging at all. Things are so well organised in Dubai. I could apply for an office, get the Trade Licence on the same day and start business

Why choose a business for bespoke gift-wrapping? Can you share with us the type of market that you target? It’s a business of gifts and giving. Who does not gift to others every now and then? In Dubai, there are more than 150 nationalities and they all celebrate

birthdays, wedding, cultural events and religions celebrations. Be it Eid, Diwali or Christmas, we all gift to each other on different occasions. It’s a happy business, I call Wrapt ‘the happiest business’ because no customer comes to us crying but rather, they all come happy, carrying lots of lovely gifts and with lots of feelings to express. Our target is anybody and everybody. No matter the occasion or the place (UAE or Gulf), Wrapt is partner in all their happy moments. How do you see your business in the

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next 2 to 5 years? Wrapt is growing faster than I imagined. Within five years we have already established a brand and a well-known name. We franchised our own Wrapt to GCC and now we have Wrapt in all the GCC cities. Our growth in 2013 was 143%. We also established Wrapt corporate services in 2011 and that in itself is a huge business altogether. In the coming years, we are planning to enhance our services and find better locations for Wrapt stores. Als, we would like to launch Wrapt gifts in

the stores where customers will get bespoke gifts as well as a wrapping service; an all-in-one stop. I am aiming to open in Europe in the next three years. We have already started on this project and let’s see what the future holds for us. Can you share with us the upcoming updates or projects you have at your company? We will have the opening of the Al Kubbar Wrapt store in Al Rashid Mall in September. Then the launch of Arabic retro gifts in Wrapt stores in December as well as the opening of

Wrapt Ras-Al Khaimah. Last question: Tell us the benefits of bespoke wrapping services. It’s a lifestyle and a reflection of who you are. I personally don’t exactly enjoy getting a gift in the same shopping bag that you purchased it from! The little extra effort always results in a whole different outcome. The reaction when you receive a lovely wrapped gift is worth the trouble and appreciated more. A gift after all is also about making it right when you give it.

profile

A woman, for women

profile Supporting fellow women go through the challenging phase of motherhood is a task Eveline Sleeboom happily takes on. As shared by Candice Stuart, Co-Founder and Marketing Director, here’s the story of this mom-on-a mission and Dutch entrepreneur who launches Marhababy, a company that aims to support, surprise and indulge pregnant women and new moms in the UAE. Can you share with us the history of your company? Marhababy is a relatively new company here in the UAE, we have been distributing our free Marhababy boxes since March of this year. We are a company that provides free gift boxes to pregnant moms. The boxes are filled with an array of goodies such as samples, discount vouchers and useful information. Over and above these free boxes we also provide a wealth of information to our moms through our website www.marhababy.com. What/who inspired you to start it? The business was inspired by our founder Eveline Sleeboom who, when pregnant with her first child here in the UAE saw a need for more locally relevant information and support. It was through this need of support in a foreign country that Marhababy was born. Similar concepts do exist in European countries as well as in Australia and South Africa where there is huge help that is provided for moms in

terms of forums, free products and sample bags. It was because of this previous exposure that the need was obvious for a local solution. What were the challenges in setting up business in Dubai? How did you overcome such challenges? I don’t think that the challenges locally are any better or worse compared to that of our home countries, they are just different. Finding your path through all of the endless paperwork and processes can be tiring but this is to be expected with any start-up business. The key to success is in finding a great support structure. This support needs to come both personally as well as professionally. Friends and family play a critical role in supporting you personally whilst on a professional level it is very important to get local mentorship and guidance. How do you see your business in the next 2 to 5 years?

We are most certainly on track with our current business goals and objectives. Locally we would like to continue to build on our current foundation. Talking to moms is what we do best. Our goal is to continue the conversation well after mom has had her baby. Most certainly, we would also like to expand into other Middle East markets where the need exists too. Why do you think it is important for young expat mothers to join support groups? What benefits do they get from joining such support groups? I think that becoming a mom requires all of the support you can get. The journey to motherhood is filled with excitement, uncertainty and most of all the sense and need to share how you are feeling. This, coupled with the fact that you are not in your own country, creates a greater need for companionship and help. Here at Marhababy we are trying to make the journey a little less bumpy by letting moms know that we are here for them. In terms of support groups here in Dubai, there are so many great ones. There is a great sense of community here in the UAE and my advice is to tap into the ones that are closest to you. The most important thing is for moms to know that there is great support here! What practical tips can you give women who’ve just been married and planning to start a family? The most important tip for me is your health. Speak to your doctor and find out the best ways to start getting fit and looking after your body. Cut out all toxins and start taking vitamins, specifically Folic Acid. Can you share with us the upcoming updates or projects you have at Marhababy? We are about to launch our ‘moms offers’ page to our website where moms will be able to get great deals and discounts. We are also very excited about the launch of our follow on box to our pre-natal box which will be launched at the end of September! Last question. What’s in the name ‘Marhababy’? Marhaba is great way to say ‘hello’ and ‘welcome’. Most often the word Marha is also used to express happiness, and what better word to welcome your new little one into the world that with the name Marhababy!

Bridal

On a day where love is celebrated and memories are made, it is only fitting to look your absolute best. Take a bow princess, this is your moment.

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Countdown to the Big Day Hair; check. Nails; check. Dress; checkâ&#x20AC;Śgetting ready for the big day is never easy. But as Saadiya Ahmad learns, there are some tricks and expertise advice to ensure your day is as fabulous as you always dreamt it would beâ&#x20AC;Ś

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One Month Before Susanne is not alone as most women about to get married are in a state of frenzy as the big day gets closer and closer. According to Stylianos Gkikakis, Hair Stylist and Make-up artist at JetSet in Dubai, one month before your big day, there are some key things that should be done.“First, do a rehearsal and preparations for your hair and makeup,” he says and also be sure to visit your dentist for a dental cleaning and whitening. And now is also the best time to embark on regular and routine skincare protocol to ensure your skin is blemish-free and looks amazing for the big day. “Start taking care of your face by using a cleanser alongside day and night hydrating facial creams,” he says, and also don’t forget to book regular manicure and pedicure sessions in order to have the perfect hands and feet on the big day. Most importantly, avoid sunbathing as it dries the skin and you will not look good in pictures if you are too tanned. Further elaborating, Dr. Shadan Naji, dermatologist and aesthetic doctor at Obagi Medispa in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, explains that every woman wants to be amazingly glowing on her big day and this starts with beautiful skin. One month before the big day, Dr. Naji recommends to start using a proper skincare routine both morning and evening on a daily basis.“It is preferable to consult your dermatologist first especially if you have any skin problem to discuss the right skincare routine.” He advises to use a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for your skin in the morning and evening and it is highly important to use a gentle make-up remover every night before using the cleanser as this will guarantee the removal of all makeup particles and debris that got stuck on your skin on during the day. One month beforehand, it is also critical to start using an exfoliant on the skin three to four times a week according to your skin’s tolerance, advises Dr. Naji. “The exfoliant will help remove the dead cells from the top of the skin and leave the skin smoother and fresher,” he says.

“Also use a daily moisturising cream once to twice daily according to your skin’s needs.” He also advises that it is beneficial to use a night cream that contains retinol products as this boosts the skin and encourages the natural production of collagen and elastin.“However be careful in choosing this night cream as you do not want to choose a product that is so harsh and may possibly cause severe irritation to your skin,” he says. And remember that it is very important to use a sun screen on a daily basis to protect ourselves as sun exposure negatively

affects the skin. Dr. Naji suggests trying a sun screen that contains physical sun blocks such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as those are preferable as they do not irritate the skin and guarantee full protection for a longer time. Also don’t forget your hands, says Dr. Naji who suggests a bride-to-be begins doing a physical exfoliation for the hands and the area around your nails regularly. “These exfoliants will help you to get softer and smoother hands and it will lessen the damaged cuticles around the nails,” he says, and recommends doing this three to four times a week.

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One Week Before

One week before the big day is potentially more stress-inducing and there seems to be hundreds of things to do. According to Gkikakis, decide now if you want to change your hair colour. “Also and very importantly, be sure to undergo a hair masque treatment for extra shine and a facial mask for hydration and shine,” he says. “And wear your wedding shoes for a few hours every day inside the house in order for your feet to get used to them and to avoid any pain on the day of the wedding.” According to Dr. Naji, now is the time to start the real preparation for the big day and by this time you should continue on the same skincare routine that was embarked on one month before but cease using the night retinol product. “Now is the perfect time to add a night moisturiser, preferably one that contains Hyaluronic Acid as this will leave the skin hydrated and moist,” he says. It is good to do a very superficial peeling on your skin with one of the gentle acids as this treatment removes the upper top layer of the skin and causes minimal inflammation that will encourage the skin to instantly repair the loss. The final result of this regime will be more radiant skin before your wedding and on the big day itself. This is also the ideal time to embark on laser hair removal if you have done it at least once before. “Whether it is for your face or body, do it with a therapist that you have already done one session with so she knows your reaction to the laser,” says Dr. Naji. Otherwise, stick to the regular epilation method that you use in order to guarantee that there are no unwanted surprises.

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One Day Before Instead of starting the day off with anxiety and tension, aim to de-stress and relax before the ceremony and party/reception begins. Gkikakis suggests to either visit a spa alone or with friends to relax and undergo a few rejuvenating treatments. “The day before, be sure to go to sleep early as no bride wants to have dark circles around her eyes on her big day,” he says. On this day, Dr. Naji advises that it is very important to sleep well and try to reduce your stress by doing a yoga session or even an hour of meditation. “This has a great effect on your skin; the more stressful you will be, the more tired your skin will look,” he says. “Also make sure to drink plenty of water, especially on this day so your skin will be hydrated.” Do a gentle facial for your skin as it will leave your skin clean and fresh. Ask your therapist to add one or two masks to your treatment routine.

The Big Day What should a bride be doing on her big day itself? Gkikakis suggests starting the day by having a bubble bath and then applying a soothing cream on your body and face. “If you have chosen to have your hair as a bun or similar, or if your hair is very thin, do not wash it on the day of the wedding but rather the day before,” he advises and also points out to have your nails done early in the day either at home or at the nail salon. Another step that can be done is to have the flowers for your hair and for the bridesmaids delivered. “Also be sure that your mascara is waterproof in case of humidity, heat or even tears,” he says. And eat something light and don’t drink too much water. His final words are that while it is your day and all eyes will be on you; “Still when you see your other half, make sure to tell him how handsome he looks in his suit and how much you love him as it may be your day, but the groom is also human,” he says.

bi-cultural

Breaking the Barriersâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Bicultural Couples Marriage is tough; add to the mix the variations in religion, nationality, culture, and even customs and you could have a potential recipe for disaster. Yet despite these ongoing challenges, Saadiya Ahmad discovers that many mixed marriages actually thrive on these differencesâ&#x20AC;Ś 44

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Nada from Yemen has been in a relationship wit h Benjamin from England for two years and a half and have now been married for nine months. Nada narrates, “I was introduced to the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Cafe in Tecom by a friend of mine. That night Benjamin was also being introduced to it by his friends. In retrospect, while our nationality was not an issue, I had to explain carefully to my parents that I cared for someone who is not from this region. I wrote a two-page email to my father because I didn’t know what his reaction would be, but had to take my chances. I was surprised and happy that he was supportive. My parents had a chance to meet Ben and his family, and when they saw how they all loved me very much, they approved of our relationship. Ben’s family was

very supportive and loved Nada from the beginning. Some of the tougher parts of being in a bicultural marriage are that there was a huge amount of paperwork required and we ended up going to the Dubai Courts three times to finalise the marriage. Other than that, the only main obstacle has been with regards to travelling. My passport still requires visas for entry in to most countries, which is not the case with Ben, so visa applications are needed for most holidays and this is a costly process. The easier parts have been that new people we have met since getting married have been very interested in a pleasant way about our story and our success. Entry into

the UK has become easier since being married, too. Ben was able to support me not only during my studies but also during an unpaid internship. Ben adds, “Given our different backgrounds, the issue was not moving from unmarried to getting married, but in telling and explaining to Nada’s parents. So I think the advice from us would firstly be to ‘take the plunge’ by telling your family, particularly if your partner is not Arab. Beyond that, the advice for the marriage would be to take time to research what documentation is needed for marriage, as this can be a long process and is not always clear. Also, get to know the person before you decide to marry them, that is what makes the marriage stable.”

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Natasha Bennett, British, recently wed Tony Felfly, Lebanese Natasha tells,“We met at a party I had taken my parents to. My dad knew Tony and introduced us. The next day they invited him to dinner with us and that was it! With regards to cultural barriers, there are times when sometimes you don’t always get what the other means so we have to be careful not to get crossed wires otherwise it can cause issues. In terms of where we were both raised as British we tend to be a bit more open and independent whereas Tony has quite traditional views. Luckily we managed to accept each other’s ways and come to an understanding as we both have the same values which are the most important.”

Jad Ayoub, Lebanese and Charlotte Edwards, British, have been together for three and a half years. Charlotte explains, “While being from different backgrounds was never an issue, we did have to think seriously about being together as we knew that further down the road our cultures may have different opinions about certain issues. Both sides of our families had some doubts. Jad’s family worried about Western values such as divorce and being able to travel freely around the world. Charlotte’s family worried about being trapped in the Middle East and the values that some Middle Eastern men hold. As we both feel very strongly about marriage and both agree that it is a commitment to each other for life and that any differences we may have will be resolved throughout our life together. Some of the tougher parts of being in a bicultural marriage are that we have had to decide on where to live and how our children might be raised. Easier parts have been living together and solving problems (usually about who is paying the bill in a restaurant). My advice for readers who may be involved in a similar relationship but afraid to take the plunge is essentially to go for it, we have both learnt so much about each other’s cultures and love each other more now than we did at the start of our relationship.”

“My parents introduced me to Tony so my family was never an issue. I was extremely fortunate that Tony’s family treated me as their own from day one and we all have a fantastic relationship. Basically I feel that if you are going to get married it means you have to have either accepted or agreed on the fundamentals before you make that commitment. However some of the tougher parts of being in a bicultural marriage for me were the trivial things such as table manners and certain etiquettes as I am very British in that I’m often nagging about knives and forks and the please and thank you! For Tony it was accepting someone who has lived a very independent life instead of not leaving home until the day they marry which is more common in his town. In the end you either accept it or you move on. However some of the easier parts is that Tony rarely says no to anything so I’m pretty lucky I also don’t need to worry about anything as he takes care of everything.” “My advice for couples in a similar sort of relationship is to bear in my mind that with any relationship you will have ups and downs and issues. The most important thing is to discuss your ideas about the future. For us the biggest discussion we had was where we will eventually live. Luckily both of us are open to living in different places but if that wasn’t the case it may not have worked. At the end of the day if you share the same ideas and have similar goals in life, the places in which you were raised shouldn’t matter.”

bi-cultural

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End

child marriages Despite addressing the problem, the United Nations Population Fund foresees that 39,000 children will still be married off daily between 2011 and 2020. Are we doing enough to tackle the problem? Faizal Dahlawia takes an in-depth look into the issue.

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special report ‘No girl should be robbed of her childhood, her education and health, and her aspirations’. That is the constant cry of opponents of child marriages everywhere. From violation of human rights to health consequences, the cons of child marriages vary greatly but all point to one common aspect: the loss of choice. Protection is needed yet sadly, that is exactly what is lacking. Punch the numbers into the calculator and you can see that despite the fact that 158 countries have the legal marriage age set at 18, this decade will still see 140 million children married off, with 50 million to be under the age of 15. The numbers are staggering and alarming. What everyone should know Child marriages occur when one or both parties are under the age of 18. With that simple definition, we must be fully aware that child marriages are not gender-specific and young boys are victimised as well, though the numbers, and effects, are less severe when compared to their female counterparts. “Fourteen per cent of girls around the world are married before they are 18, and only 5% of boys,” comments Carol Boender,

project director of The Tipping Point, a CARE project to end child marriage in Nepal and Bangladesh. “Girls are also more likely to marry men who are over 18. Sometimes child brides marry child grooms, but the boys are still usually older than the girls in these circumstances. The age difference reinforces the man’s greater power within a marriage. Finally, the impacts of child marriage are much worse for girls than for boy.” The main concern about child marriage is that it prevents girls and communities from reaching their full potential. Child marriage causes many health and economic risks, and stifles opportunities to be empowered and educated for child brides and their children. It also corresponds to higher isolation for adolescent girls, higher rates of abuse, higher rates of infant mortality and lower rates of education for child brides and their children Which then brings us to the question: ‘Why is it still prevalent if it’s so harmful? “There are a number of different causes for child

marriage including tradition, gender roles, poverty and security,” clarifies Rothna Begum, Researcher on MENA for the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. “Child marriage is a traditional practice that in many places happens simply because it has happened for generations – and straying from tradition could mean exclusion from the community.” As with many issues like these, economic concerns are near the top of the reasons as to why these practice is still so rife. “In many communities where child marriage is practised, girls are not valued as much as boys – they are seen as a burden. In countries, where poverty is acute, giving a daughter in marriage allows parents to reduce family expenses by ensuring they have one less person to feed, clothe and educate. In communities where a dowry or ‘bride price’ is paid, it is often welcome income for poor families; in those where the bride’s family pay the groom a dowry, they often have to pay less money if the bride is young

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Child marriage marks an abrupt and often violent introduction to sexual relations. The young girls are powerless to refuse sex and lack the resources or legal and social support to leave an abusive marriage. and uneducated,” said Begum. There are however, several other factors that are used to justify child marriages. One of them is, surprisingly, curbing sexual desire. “Child marriage is sometimes seen as protection against inappropriate sexual behaviour. Many people believe that having a daughter marry while she is a virgin is paramount to family honour, and so they marry her young to ensure her virginity at marriage,”said Boender. To them, it may perhaps be killing two birds with one stone where on one hand they ensure the girl’s virginity, effectively keeping her ‘value’ high for marriage, while at the same time, keep her safe, especially in areas where girls are at high risk of physical or sexual assault. The latter point is important because in some of these societies, the men and boys who do the harassment or abuse are rarely considered to be at fault. Sadly, even though some parents believe early marriage will protect their daughters from sexual violence, the reverse is often true, according to UN studies which show that those who marry before the age of 18 have a greater risk of becoming victims of intimate partner violence than those who marry at an older age, especially when the age gap between the child bride and spouse is large. “A sexual relationship within marriage can be especially dangerous in places like Yemen where the law does not recognise marital rape as a criminal offense and thus facilitates sexual abuse,” said Begum. Young girls who marry before the age of 18 have a greater risk of becoming victims of intimate partner violence than those

who marry at an older age. This is especially true when the age gap between the child bride and spouse is large. “Child marriage marks an abrupt and often violent introduction to sexual relations,” says Claudia Garcia Moreno, M.D., of WHO, a leading expert in violence against women. “The young girls are powerless to refuse sex and lack the resources or legal and social support to leave an abusive marriage.” Elsewhere, subjugation is another known factor, with parents-in-law often want their son’s wife to be younger so that she will be easier to control and stay home to take care of the household. They also want a bride to begin having children at a young age, so they will have many grandchildren. Now, while child marriages are not limited to any region, culture or religion, the problem is particularly severe in developing countries. Over 40 countries globally have a prevalence of child marriage of 30 per cent or higher. Two out of five girls are married as children in South Asia and Central and West Africa. Most of these girls are poor, less-educated, and living in rural areas. “The top 20 ‘hot spots’ of child marriage, or countries with the highest prevalence, are: Niger, Central African Republic, Chad, Bangladesh, Guinea, Mali, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, India, Eritrea, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Nicaragua, Nepal, Dominican Republic, and Ethiopia,” reveals Begum. It may seem a little backwards to most but such is the harsh reality in

many of these societies. Despite the known dangers, at times, traditions are upheld. At face value, it could be seen as a tug-of-war between tradition and modernisation although experts are quick to disagree with this notion. “Ending child marriage is not a question of modernisation, but rather about valuing girls and giving everyone the best possible chance for a healthy and successful life,” stresses Boender. “Child marriage hurts everyone involved: girls, men, families, communities, and children, and has enormous health and economic costs. Girls who get married later have a better chance of surviving and of having children who are healthy, happy, and productive. Cultures are always changing and developing. People have to ask, how do we want our culture to change?” Begum further explains that contrary to what some might believe, child marriages do happen in modern societies and in many cultures. “This is not a fight between modernisation and culture. This is about the value and rights of individual girls. What is a girl worth in society? Don’t forget that the strongest activists against child marriage come from within the cultures where it is happening, they represent the culture too. They need this change because they know how damaging it is for the rest of these girls’ lives, how it violates many of their human rights, and how it negatively impacts on society as a whole. So the problem isn’t necessarily tied to culture or modernisation, nor is the solution.” Talking of solutions, is there anything that can be done to stop this issue? Begum explains that a lot of things can be done, including the following: - Requiring verification of the full and meaningful consent of both spouses; - Establishing and enforcing compulsory marriage registers - Prosecuting perpetrators of forced marriage - Ensuring that marriages concluded under force may be voided, annulled, or dissolved without undue burden placed on the victim(s) - Safeguard by law a victim’s right to seek financial compensation after voiding, annulling, divorcing, or

special report otherwise dissolving the marriage and protect the rights of children born out of such a marriage - Recognising marital rape as a criminal offense; - Providing training to law enforcement officials on gender discrimination and violence against women, including investigations into child marriages - Increasing access to education for girls, including by providing incentives for families to keep their daughters in school - Increasing and improving access to reproductive healthcare for all girls and women in rural and urban areas by allocating greater resources from national health expenditure and more personnel - Ensuring that access to emergency obstetric care, including monitoring of labor, trained birth attendants, newborn care, and contraception, is available to all girls and women in rural and urban areas - Raising awareness among health workers and the public on the

importance of registering births, including home deliveries - Involving young women and girls in developing policies and programmes to address their rights - Providing continuing formal education and vocational training opportunities for married girls and women - Providing sufficient shelter space for women and girls escaping violence. In addition to all of that, organisations such as CARE also works with men and boys to address issues around gender roles and sexuality. CARE understands that both men and women must work together to end child marriage. “Child marriage happens as a result of complex factors that are specific to the communities that practice it,” explains Boender. “To come up with sustainable approaches that tip the scale, we need to address why communities marry their children, and support changing those underlying causes. CARE’s experience has shown that when enough people – from mothers-inlaw and fathers of girls to local chiefs and business owners – change their views on child marriage, a community crosses a Tipping Point, a threshold of transformational change that turns the tide against the practice for good.”

Interestingly, despite the call for setting a minimum legal age, developed countries are also falling short. The biggest surprise arguably comes from the US, where in some states, girls as young as 14 or even 12, are allowed to be legally married off. “Those laws mostly exist from generations ago, and people simply do not do it very often. However, that does not make child marriage acceptable in any culture or context. It is no better to have a child marriage in the US than anywhere else in the world,” argues Boender. And as we know, even the setting of age criterieas does not guarantee the lessening of the issue. “Places such as in Bangladesh, India and Nepal, continue to have high rates of child marriages. This is partly because of loose intervention by the authorities to stop child marriages and poverty,” says Begum. The solutions are there but implementation is tricky. “There are a number of challenges including deeply entrenched discrimination against women and girls; poverty; and a lack of political will by the government or local authorities to end child marriages,” explains Begum. As individuals though, she says we can raise awareness in the media among the general public and to pressure governments and community leaders to take action to end the practice.

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Child marriages violate many human rights; including to education, freedom from violence, reproductive rights, access to reproductive and sexual health care, employment, freedom of movement, and the right to consensual marriage. Health-related consequences: Child marriage directly threatens the health and well-being of girls: complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the main cause of death among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in developing countries. Girls aged 15 to 20 are twice as likely to die in childbirth as those in their 20s, and girls under the age of 15 are five times as likely to die. These consequences are due largely to girls’ physical immaturity where the pelvis and birth canal are not fully developed. Complications in labour are exacerbated where emergency obstetric services are scarce, as is the case in many societies where child marriage is prevalent. Pregnancy for adolescent girls poses a serious risk of developing obstetric fistula, since their smaller pelvises make them prone to obstructed labor. Fistula leaves its victims with urine or fecal incontinence that causes infection, pain, and a bad smell.

Education-related consequences: Child marriage frequently ends a girl’s education forever. Girls who marry young are often expected to take on responsibilities at home that are prioritised over attending school. A lack of education limits girls’ choices and opportunities throughout their lives, not just when they are children. The price of this exclusion is often poverty. Without education, girls and adult women have fewer opportunities to financially provide for themselves and their families. Research shows how limited education may make girls and women more vulnerable to persistent poverty when their spouses die, abandon, or divorce them. Violence against married girls: Married girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 19 with low levels of education are at a much greater risk of domestic and sexual violence from their spouses than older and more educated women. Research cites spousal age difference, typical of child marriage, as a significant risk factor associated with violence and sexual abuse against girls. Non-consensual sex can have especially

devastating mental health consequences for young girls because they are at a formative stage of psychological development. Child brides also often face emotional abuse and discrimination in the homes of their husbands and in-laws. Confined to a home that may be removed from their hometown and familiar surroundings, they are isolated from friends and family. In South Sudan, marital rape is common. One girl told us her husband raped her, aided by his brothers: “I had refused to have sex with him, but he forced me. My brothers-in-law used to lock me up in the house during the day so that I don’t go anywhere, and so that I can have sex with him.” In 2010, the case of Elham Mahdi Al-Assi, a 12-year-old girl in Yemen, caught international media attention when she died three days after she was married to a much older man. Her death was the result of severe bleeding caused by tears to her genital and anal area. Elham’s mother told the Associated Press that her daughter had complained that her husband tied her up and raped her. This was after Elham’s mother warned her that failure to consummate the marriage would bring her family shame.

bridal organiser

The Latest Wedding Trends in the UAE From elaborately themed lavish weddings that are exorbitantly expensive to more kitsch budget themed weddings, the fact is that a wedding is the one day that every woman looks forward to in her life. And from the food to the décor, Saadiya Ahmad speaks to local experts who tell us what the latest trends are in weddings and what’s hot in the business. 54

When Sue Harrison from Dubai was planning her wedding, she attempted to do it on her own and says she went crazy with the planning and preparation. She narrates, “When I planned my wedding it was easy to start then as time lapsed it got really stressful. Each and every detail became cumbersome and I got to the point where I regretted not hiring a wedding management company. I advise anyone getting married to not make the same mistake I did.” The Concept Joelle Clute, blogger of ‘My Lovely Wedding Blog’ has been blogging about weddings for over two years and has been styling weddings for couples getting married in Dubai. “Some trends this year include patterns and

prints which are proving popular with couples all over the globe,” she says. “I find that couples in the UAE are more traditional but even swapping ‘gold and white’ to ‘gold and pink’ can make a big difference.” She adds that flowers always play a key role in making the wedding come to life. “Adding personal touches to your table setting is becoming increasingly more popular,” she says, but of course this depends on your guest list as it’s hard to add personal touches for a wedding of 500 guests. Current Themes Patterns, prints and textured fabrics are all very popular this year, tells Clute. “Chevron prints and polka dots have been two of my favorites,” she says. If the thought of a print or pattern

bridal organiser

bridal organiser A wedding is an experience which is designed and created by us as per the dreams and desires of a client and there are no fixed trends

bridal organiser scares you, you can add a touch in your menus, place cards or table runners. She advises not to go overboard, as ‘less is more’. She adds that burlap fabric is also very popular; “It’s one of the easiest ways to add a rustic feel to your wedding,” she says, and it’s also budget-friendly so it works for all couples.

Further adding, Rachna Chadha of BAQAA Glamour Weddings & Events, specialists in delivering turnkey experience and unique design solutions for weddings for 26 years in the region, said, “A wedding is an experience which is designed and created by us as per the dreams and desires of a client and there are no fixed trends.” Chadha explains that this is suggested as per the theme and concept they create. “A royal Victorian theme will have a sit-down meal, a beach party with a Caribbean; while a Hawaiian theme will have live stations of international cuisine with interesting mix,” she says. “In fact Dubai is a premium destination for destination weddings and for residents in Dubai; it has a great variety of locations and hotels; for example, a royal wedding at Atlantis with a Royal Mughal theme.” Ethnic Weddings Asian and Arabic weddings in Dubai can be huge affairs with a mammoth guest list, loads of events that seem to go on forever and often fun and frivolous themes. These types of weddings, tells Clute, all depends on the number of guests and the budget. “Both have traditional elements which need to be executed well,” she says. “Last January I helped one of my wedding planners style an Indian wedding in Abu Dhabi and at the end of the night all of the cousins got up a performed Bollywood style dance routines; it was truly amazing!” Wedding Trend Predictions According to Clute, the biggest trend

she is seeing from couples in Dubai is ‘the personal touch’. “Couples are using wedding blogs and websites for inspiration,” she says, and it’s easier to plan, be inspired and source décor items with the help of wedding blogs like ‘My Lovely Wedding’. “I think Dubai brides have become more

budget conscious, but at the same time I think that more couples are willing to wait a little longer in order to save up for the wedding of their dreams,” she says. Chadha meanwhile predicts that Dubai, more than ever, will be a top destination for weddings by next year..

Other Wedding Trends for 2014: • • • • • • •

Pink is back, says Tara Guérard, the event designer behind ultra-luxe Soirée in Charleston and New York. “It’s the nudes, the blushes, the peaches – not Pepto Bismol pink!” The return to romance ushers in a new love for the formality of days gone by. Think white-gloved waiters and big band dancing, crystal candlesticks and gold-rimmed china. Patterns such as trellis-patterns, bold stripes and florals are big too and making a statement. The flower of the year is the many-petaled tree peony, says New York’s Ariella Chezar, whose work has been seen at the White House. The flower garland is back in a big way; think citrus garlands for bars and over doorways – lemons, limes, oranges on the stem. Adorable little freehand illustrations will adorn invitations everywhere this year. Melinda Morris of Lion In the Sun, a paperie boutique in Brooklyn, New York, tells us that these invites are completely custom, so if you can dream it, an artist can help you bring your vision to life. Also, invitations this year are getting small. The most requested look is for an invitation smaller than the standard 5x7 – something little, dainty and infinitely precious.

Credit: Huffington Post

Candy tables and dessert bars are still very popular, she says and in fact, lots of couples will opt for a two-course set menu followed by a dessert buffet. “Having a cake table or dessert bar can also act as part of your décor,” she says, not to mention the fact that that it’s always a crowd pleaser.

Bridal Beauty

Sculpt to fit AW tried and tested LPG Lipomassage, one of the most-talked about treatments that can eliminate fat cells, smoothen cellulite, firm the skin and re-sculpt the body for a slimmer figure. Read on to know how it works… Fitting that stunning wedding dress is the dream of every bride-to-be. It’s a perfect day that should be accompanied with a radiant bride, oozing with confidence and beauty. So, fret not, we’ve got you covered. Our recent beauty adventure, testing LPG’s signature treatment, Lipomassage, left us amazed with the non-invasive techniques that contoured our bodies. The Lipomassage Staying motivated to achieve your slimming goals throughout the year is an annual battle for people across the world. LPG, the world leader in natural cellular stimulation, provides men and women the opportunity to achieve a slimmer, well-contoured physique, with its range of body contouring, reshaping, cellulite smoothing, slimming and lymphatic drainage treatments which are all 100% natural. LPG’s Lipomassage treatments eliminate fat cells, smoothen cellulite, firm the skin, and re-sculpt the body. Despite slimming diets, women cannot seem to get rid of ‘saddlebag thighs’ or ‘banana bulges’, fat deposits riddled with cellulite dimples which makes it hard to wear that bikini and swimsuit they’ve been wanting to try out. LPG’s Lipomassage treatments, which run on LPG’s patented mécano-stimulation technique, provide rapid, risk-free and painless results. The technology reactivates the cells responsible for youthful skin and slimming (i.e. fibroblasts and adipocytes) which result in a younger, slimmer physique.

As the best slimming and anti-ageing beauty routine, LPG’s Lipomassage treatments permanently eliminate stubborn fat that is resistant to physical exercise and dieting. An average of six sessions of 35 minutes each will provide visible results on your figure. How the treatments work LPG Lipomassage treatments are administered with the new Ergodrive head, which is equipped with LPG’s patented, independent motorised rollers. The roll’up, roll’in and roll’out action gently yet intensively conditions skin tissue to eliminate fat deposits, revitalise blood and lymphatic circulation and reactivate lipolysis. With the multiple rotational differentials of the roll modalities, Lipomassage is also able to stimulate the collagen and elastin production and firm slackening skin. The challenge is to stay on track with the treatments. To get the best results, combine the effective and 100% natural mechanical stimulation LPG Lipomassage treatments with a personalised food diary and healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise for optimum results. Understand and develop healthier eating habits and increase fitness levels to boost slimming. Incorporate regular brisk walking as well which has endless health benefits. Our verdict Lipomassage may not sound too friendly but as soon as we laid down on the massage table, our worries simply drifted

away. And while the therapist explained the procedure, our excitement kept on building. The treatment itself was never painful; in fact it would tickle some funny bones. Depending on what the concentration is – in our case it was the tummy and upper arms – the treatment would last 30 minutes to one hour per session. The first session would not give any visible results, so don’t expect any miracle there. With minimum 10 sessions as suggested, the results would start appearing on the third with a few centimeters taken out from our fat areas. The treatment is not a magic wand so we’re also provided with the advice that a healthy diet and regular exercise would increase results. The sessions helped indeed in losing our baby fats as well as sculpting our problem areas, but more importantly it boosted our confidence. Fast and easy way of slimming, Lipomassage is perfect for on-the-go women who have no time for intensive workouts yet need to look perfect for certain occasions. In fact, this treatment is not only for women as men can also go for Lipomassage. Who knows, it’s the best way to do that couple’s bonding before the wedding?

ome h t a e m r e p m Pa Want a secret weapon for firm skin? LPG has designed a smart beauty device, called Wellbox that can level up your skincare routine. This revolutionary antiageing and bodyslimming device with its sleek and modern design can take a place of pride in your modern home to help you maintain healthy, youthful and glowing skin in the comfort of your own home. Based on French technology and designed by renowned skin care specialists, Wellbox stops the signs of ageing at the cellular level. It delivers visibly younger skin, clearer complexion, reduced wrinkles, and re-sculpts your body for a firmer skin and refined figure. You can use it as much as you want and anytime you feel like you need a boost. White, sleek and attractively curved, Wellbox is a compact collection of intelligent accessories designed to allow easy and natural stimulation of your skin every day, at home or on holiday, in complete freedom.

Bridal Beauty

Beauty Tips for Brides Here comes the most important day of your life; you have the fiancé, the dress, the place and all the relatives and friends from both sides. You even ordered the cake in time. But are you sure that you are completely ready for this day? Let’s check. Here are some tips on how to survive. So, you’ve chosen the dress, the hairstyle, the make-up and the shoes… Looks like everything is ready and you just need to shine the whole day tomorrow. We will help you to keep this shine as much as possible. We start with the most important part of the body – your face. You’ve probably prepared your face for this day way in advance: cleansing, moisturising, nourishing, etc... Sure,

you have beautiful and proper makeup. But, if you want your makeup to last long and stay the same throughout the day, do not forget to use a make-up base, which will literally hold your make-up. Also it will smooth the microrelief and redefine the skin grain by bringing vitality and moisture to the top layers of the epidermis. It will improve the staying power of make-up while bestowing a lasting and even matte complexion. Afterwards do not forget to fix your make-up with a special ‘makeup setting spray’. It will prevent melting and fading to keep your make-up looking gorgeous. Your body also needs to be prepared for the occasion. Hopefully, you’ve been training it regularly and you’re physically ready for this marathon. But what about your skin? Did you moisturise and nourish it in time? If you did not, you can still save the day with some extra nourishing treatments like ‘Caviar rejuven’active treatment’ from Bellefontaine. This is an overall anti-ageing treatment enriched with

Caviar extract, Silk proteins and Gold active bio conjugate packed with high levels of antioxidant and rejuvenating components. It dramatically protects the skin against free radical damages and promotes skin cells regeneration while boosting skin immunity. Skin is moisturised and nourished, while being instantly smoothed. Firmness is improved. This non-greasy gel will be the perfect blend of enlightening active ingredients to keep softness and skin elasticity and recover body brightness. Your skin will be instantly firm with an even bright tone and glow. Apply it all over your body, especially on your shoulders and décolleté zone. Last but not least; your legs. To avoid any inconveniences and to keep your gait light and easy the whole day, do not forget to apply ’Heavy legs relieving concentrate’ in the morning. This energising gel with menthol, ruscus, caffeine and glacier water instantly relaxes, refreshes, tones and revives tired legs. It would be better if you could keep it with you during the day. As soon as you feel tiredness, just put it on your legs and feel light and easy again. Smile. Your smile is the prettiest thing you can wear and this is your best accessory!

Bridal hair

Your crowning glory There’s not much point in having the prettiest dress or the fanciest shoes if your hair is just going to be a big mess for your wedding. Heed the advice of our hair experts to guarantee beautiful glowing and stylish locks on your special day.

Hair Care by Amin Sheybani, CEO of Vivandi Hair Spa What are the most common problems brides face prior to their weddings? And what are the solutions? Brides tend to leave little time for the preparation of their hair if they are having hair and scalp problems. Loss of hair takes up to 12-18 months to correct, therefore the earlier the diagnosis the better. What is the best hair care regime for a summer wedding? Summer can be one of the most damaging seasons for hair. Long exposure to the sun and heat can quickly dry hair out and in some cases will cause damage and hair loss. I would recommend: - Staying in the shade and avoid long exposure to the heat and sun. Tanning and being at the beach are summer pastimes, but tanning and heat will dry your hair and scalp out. If you’re going to be out the sun for a long time, consider wearing a hat to avoid a sun burn on your scalp. Staying in the shade and keeping cool will help keep your hair healthy. - Drinking lots of water. By consuming the

recommended amount of water, you will be keeping your scalp and the rest of your skin healthy. Keeping your body hydrated will allow it to regulate your internal temperature as well as keep your scalp from drying and causing any damage. - Considering using a small amount of a naturally based leave in conditioner. Moisturise with an intensive hair mask (or check out Vivandi Hair Spa’s wheat treatment). A conditioner made from natural oils and products can help prevent damage while nourishing your hair. Is there a need to go to hair treatment centres or are there enough self-care products in the market? There are a myriad of hair products on the market and marketing of these products can be misleading. If your hair is a problem (or even if it is not) it is essential to seek professional recommendation for the correct product. What are the dangers of doing it DIY? Using the wrong product for your hair type,

which could yield a poor result; or doing a treatment that is ineffective. By taking a DIY approach to your hair you could cause damage. Is it always a good idea to colour your hair to really stand out on your special day? This is very dangerous if you are not a regular colour client or you have a stylist that is a colour expert. Many stylists purport to be experts so beware. How does diet affect your hair health? ‘We are what we eat’, as the saying goes. This is particularly true when it comes to our hair. Our hair is affected by what we eat, or do not eat. At VHS we constantly see the results of poor diets and crash dieting. Basically, hair has no useful function. The body can work just as well whether it has hair or not. So if the body is short of any nutrient, protein, mineral, iron etc; it will divert these from the hair to nourish more important body organs. The result can be a Diffuse Hair Loss. Low iron levels (which may not be true clinical iron anaemia)

Bridal hair can cause a marked thinning of hair and women are more susceptible to this because of the loss of iron in the blood due to menstruation. Vegetarian diets can cause hair loss unless specific attention is given to the balance of proteins and iron rich foods. The best advice for producing healthy hair is to eat a well balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Go easy on processed and convenience foods. With so much emphasis placed on the hair, is it often the case that the hair gets damaged after the wedding? Depending on how elaborate the wedding hairstyle is, it can cause cosmetic damage to the hair, breakage and cuticle damage. Vivandi Hair Spa – Visit www.hairspa.ae or call +971 4 335 3336

Hair Styling by Brian Rafferty, Artistic Director of Sobo Hair Boutique What are the trending bridal hairstyles at the moment? At the moment the most on-trend styles are very soft textured looks featuring waves and curls and highlighted by delicate ornamentation. Can you give a quick how-to guide to achieving three recent celebrity bridal hairstyles? Jessica Simpson: Start by sectioning the hair. To create movement in the hair use the large GHDs, moving the sections alternately – one towards the face and one to the nape of the neck, as this will result in the most natural look. Next, back-comb the section that was moved towards the face to the desired height. Once this has been completed, take this entire section and move it towards the nape of the neck, smooth the top area that will be on show and then pin the entire section loosely at the back. Kelly Clarkson: Curl the hair with GHDs to create tight curls, section the hair into the parting and run your fingers through the hair to soften. Create a base at the back of the head making sure it feels secure. Once this is done

twist the curl and pin them in place. Finish the hair with spray to define the style and add ornamentation. Kim Kardashian: This is a soft look which is easy to achieve. Start by taking long but thin sections, curl each section down towards the nape of the neck, pulling the straighteners down and remembering to turn them to catch the ends of the hair. Do this on all the hair. Then, brush with a large paddle brush and finish with shine spray. Can you do your own hair or should you always employ a professional stylist? Never do your own hair unless you feel absolutely confident in your skills. Things can go wrong on your big day so don’t add any unnecessary pressure. With regards to suitability, what works for each type of woman (eg. plus size, long face, thinning hair, etc.)? All styles can be adapted but try to keep styles soft on larger women and add extensions to finer hair to boost volume. Should brides lower their expectations when it comes to their hair on the big day? No. Brides should never lower expectations. When you mention wedding, the price of everything goes up and so should expectations. What is the hair protocol if it rains on the wedding day and you’re having an outdoor ceremony? If the hair is put up, you can rest assure as it is completely secure. If it is a down style that is being worn, ask a friend to carry an umbrella.

centres or are there enough self-care products in the market? Never attempt to deal with any haircare woes you have yourself. Always seek professional advice. What are the dangers of doing it DIY? There are so many pitfalls but the most common are uneven colours due to at-home colour kits and badly damaged hair. Is it always a good idea to colour your hair to really stand out on your special day? It is a preference to stand out but it is also important to be yourself on your wedding day as pictures last forever so do your opinions so make sure you are comfortable. How does diet affect your hair health? Diet affects the hair greatly. If the body is lacking then the hair will be as well so always eat a balanced diet. With so much emphasis placed on the hair, is it often the case that the hair gets damaged after the wedding? Rather than being damaged, I would say it is more common for women to have their hair cut shorter after the wedding. Whatever the style that is chosen post-wedding, women will pay for professional products that have been recommended by their hairdresser to get the best out of their style and keep it beautifully maintained. Sobo Hair Boutique – For further details, visit www.sohohairboutique.co.uk, call 0044131 552 7500 or email info@ sobohairboutique.co.uk. Connect with them on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/SoboHairBoutique

What are the most common problems brides face prior to their weddings? And what are the solutions? Brides always want longer fuller hair for the wedding. Thankfully, now there are so many ways to add length and volume with extensions. What is the best hair care regime for a summer wedding? As the sun is at its strongest at this time of the year, it is vital not to over process your hair. Also, use lots of moisture products to ensure the hair is in optimum condition. Is there a need to go to hair treatment

bridal fashion

Modern

Fairytale Every bride wants to feel like sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most beautiful woman on earth. With a breathtaking bridal fashion, she can indeed be at the top of the world. And this is exactly what Rami Al Ali offers each time he waves his hands and draws from his imagination stunning bridal gowns.

Venue Credit: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray at Palm Jumeirah

bridal fashion A brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big day forms one of the most important events in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, with her future dreams all wrapped up in an ethereal blaze of silk, satin and lace. With just one special dress to embody the ideals of the union, Rami Al Ali, lends a touch of couture to this special occasion.

bridal fashion

Season after season, his collections are centered around the ideals of femininity, with light, sheer tops portraying romantic notions, offset further by delicate lace and layering. Keeping with tradition, the exclusive eight-piece collection is shaped from an antique palette of pale hues, with soft neutrals and off-white shades leading the line, all presented in a matte finish for a refreshing take on matrimonial style.

bridal fashion

Bringing the fairytale into a modern context, Al Ali keeps his signature profile as streamline cuts dominate the collection. Figure-hugging silhouettes give full focus to the natural female contours, while exquisite statement trains and full-length sleeves deliver an element of drama.

bridal fashion

Attention to detail is key as fabrics are transformed from their natural state into unique new textures, creating a fresh and contemporary line of contrasting visuals. 68

bridal fashion Veils are complemented further with the introduction of a dense-weaved organza bridal cape, perfectly matched to the elaborate beadwork of its gown, offering a regal effect. Sheer lace is overlaid with handcrafted satin sequins for a diaphanous finale, reminiscent of the elegance and allure of vintage Hollywood.

Honeymoon

The

L ve Getaway

In this special issue, AW rounds up the stunning destinations perfect for newlywedsâ&#x20AC;Ś Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

This oasis of tranquility, just 45 minutes from Dubai, is the perfect desert hideaway for an intimate gathering of friends and family, or renewal of vows. Banyan Tree Al Wadi offers couples a tailor-made wedding to create a romantic experience unlike any other. Arriving by camel or horseback, the Bedouin desert experience includes a wedding reception held under the desert stars complete with Arabic carpets on the sand, a traditional BBQ, three-tier cake and belly dancers. A sanctuary surrounded by the evergreen ghaf tree, this chic allpool villa resort in the UAE wows guests with its dedicated nature reserve and hydrotherapy spa facilities.

Dolder Grand

Zurich, Switzerland

Set in enchanted surroundings with its elevated location, invigorating nature and between the pulsating city of Zurich, the Dolder Grand is the perfect environment for unforgettable occasions and for guests seeking pleasure and relaxation. From the reception, four-course dinner to decoration and wedding spa specials, the bride and groom are given the ease of preparations. The wedding couple will be offered a complimentary overnight stay at the Dolder Grand. The luxuriously appointed rooms with secluded private balconies and stunning views will make your stay truly romantic and unforgettable.

Honeymoon

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Budapest, Hungary

Known for its historic spas, gastronomy, and plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Budapest is also home to some of the most exciting theatre and music festivals as well as art exhibitions in Europe. Budapest will be celebrating its culinary, equestrian as well as its musical heritage in September and there is plenty on offer for GCC travellers. The National Gallop is an annual cultural event celebrating Hungarian equestrian traditions. It’s a horse race reviving Hungarian military history and the famous ‘hussar’ culture taking place from September 19-21 and is a must-attend for GCC equestrian enthusiasts. Guests should make sure to check out the Sweet Days – Chocolate and Candy festival, a chocolate extravaganza as well as the The Budapest International Film Festival with film screening taking place all across the city. The Újbuda Jazz Fesztivál which was created in 2005 as an annual event to celebrate Újbuda, Budapest’s district 11, has grown over the past years gaining international recognition with jazz performers from all over the world and is not to be missed.

26 on First Crescent in Camps Bay Cape Town, South Africa

Nestled on top of a hill in Camps Bay, an affluent coastal suburb of Cape Town in South Africa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean lies a secluded holiday home like no other. 26 on First Crescent in Camps Bay is a new bespoke luxury villa that tastefully encompasses minimalist elegance and relaxation, an idyllic setting to for newlywed travellers seeking a tranquil escape for their holiday. From the moment guests enter the property, they will feel a unique sense of serenity and privacy that will set the tone for the rest of their time spent at this magnificent six bedroom property, set over three levels with direct views over the vast Atlantic Ocean which is surrounded by Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles.

Hotel Hermitage

Monte-Carlo, Monaco

In the Belle Epoque style but very discreet, Hôtel Hermitage’s 278 rooms give a foretaste of what the hotel has to offer. In a world where everything happens so fast, come and take a break in a soft cocoon. You will feel positively regenerated! The 52 Junior Suites make you unwind by the beige, pink and mauve tones that are conducive to relaxation. Admire the glass chandelier that adds a touch of magic to the decor of the Junior Suites, just like the beautiful wall illustrated with a garden and a small pavilion. The top floor of the Hôtel Hermitage can be accessed by a private lift that takes you to an exclusive place. There you will find the 12 Diamond Suites where you can enjoy an exceptional stay with your family or friends.

Honeymoon Badrutt’s Palace

St. Moritz, Switzerland

A white wedding no longer has to be held in church: a representative of the St. Moritz registry office can marry a couple in the intimate yet majestic ambience of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s. In the landmark of the world famous winter ski resort, a glamorous yet discreet civil ceremony can now be celebrated in the lofty, 65sqm, oak-panelled ‘Madonna Saal’. The cosy, traditional hall that was once the hotel’s library is dominated by Raphael’s vast ‘Sistine Madonna’ painting. Today the room radiates a unique, indescribable atmosphere and can accommodate 40 people in theatre style. The décor can be suited to the couple, whether opulent or refined, incorporating the in-house florist’s floral decorations, a personal wedding cake from the Palace Pâtisserie and canapés by Executive Chef Mauro Taufer.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg Johannesburg, South Africa

Indeed, the city’s renaissance is being led by a new generation of artists, designers and creative thinkers. Johannesburg now boasts two separate fashion weeks, an array of funky arts districts, and just last fall the Museum of African Design – the first of its kind on the continent – opened its doors. Founded on the gold and diamond trades, the city also remains a key centre for mining, banking, media, health care and a growing technology sector. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg is in the middle of the action, just minutes from major business centres and tourist attractions. With stunning 240-degree views across the city’s famed green canopy and the Johannesburg Zoo right next door, the Hotel is nestled among eight acres of lushly landscaped gardens cascading down a hillside that is also less than 30 minutes from two major airports, including the largest and busiest in all of Africa. Thus, Four Seasons The Westcliff is ideally positioned as a gateway for international air travellers to explore the Sub Continent and beyond. Important game reserves are nearby, including Kruger National Park just five hours’ drive away, and 36 of South Africa’s top 100 golf courses are within an hour of the Hotel – some just minutes away. Open-air markets, art galleries, hip restaurants and more await.

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum Bodrum, Turkey

Ideally located on a 60 hectare waterfront site on the northern side of the peninsula, at Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay), with panoramic views over the Aegean Sea, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers the perfect retreat. The Sea View and Mediterranean Suites provide the most spacious accommodation in the Bodrum Peninsula, ranging from 72 to 145 square metres, and are flooded with natural light. Most rooms have terraces with private dining areas and sundecks. In addition, each suite features a plunge pool and outdoor shower set in private gardens with spectacular views over the Aegean Sea. Ten restaurants and dining outlets showcase innovative and gastronomic cuisine, while the 2.700sqm Spa will introduce the Group’s awarding-winning spa concepts together with holistic signature treatments and a range of wellness programmes. In addition, the diverse event spaces, two sandy beaches and extensive leisure facilities will bring a level of sophistication and elegance, making this the perfect luxurious hideaway retreat.

Honeymoon Belmond Jimbaran Puri – Bali Bali, Indonesia

Belmond Jimbaran Puri is a haven for romance. Honeymooners can enjoy complete privacy. Every luxurious cottage and villa features its own walled garden and terrace. Laze on the twin hammocks under towering trees. Sit on the beach in the evening cool and watch the lights of fishing boats flickering out at sea. Tuck your toes into the sand and feast on freshly grilled fish as the sun slips down. Wander through the lush gardens. Take a sunset stroll along Jimbaran Bay’s sands. Share a spa treatment in their specially designed spa terraces, or make it an evening to remember with a Duo Moonlight Romantic Dinner on the beach.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Maldives, Male

The brightest gem in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Villingili Island is a haven for those seeking their own Shangri-La. Nestled in the sheltered waters of the southernmost atoll in the archipelago of the Republic of Maldives is Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. This is the first luxury resort in Addu Atoll (also known as Seenu Atoll).

Viceroy Maldives

Maldives, Male

For the first time, Viceroy Maldives has curated an exclusive 5 star all-inclusive package offering an unparalleled selection luxury amenities in the Maldives. Focusing on experiences, guests will be able to truly enjoy their pristine surroundings and relax in the knowledge that even the finest of details have been taken care of. Revel in pampering treatments at Vai Spa, romantic sunset cruises or adventurous water sports activities with this premium all-inclusive package.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, fine white sand and turquoise water, the resort offers guests an idyllic setting to create memorable moments. Newlyweds can indulge in a relaxing couple massage at CHI, The Spa, celebrate their love around a candlelit dinner in the intimacy of their villa, or simply meander hand in hand along the two kilometre long sandy beach. Couples looking for a special treat can choose to venture out to sea aboard the resort’s luxury sailing yacht at sunset and renew their vows with a romantic ceremony on the beach.

Guests will enjoy a feast for the senses once in the resort, with daily meals including a 3-course lunch at the poolside Anguru Bar & Grill and dinner on Vista’s over-water terrace. Enjoy some drinks whilst soaking up the stunning sunset views over the lagoon. In addition, guests will be treated to a beachside lobster barbeque dinner, with the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean lapping against the shore as the perfect soundtrack to an indulgent evening.

Travel and Lifestyle The wedding is done and suetd, and now is the time to just indulge, in everything.

dine out

goes posh

The Dubai food scene gets even better with the rise of themed upscale restaurants. One in particular to note is the Ba Restaurant at Fairmont The Palm. Here, AW enjoyed an Oriental meal at the Chinese restaurant…

t’s not difficult to like Chinese food. In fact, it is one of those cuisines that is easy on every palette. In Dubai, there are a number of Chinese restaurants offering authentic dishes, be it the famous franchises located in the malls or those that we see on the streets of Deira. Most of them are pretty okay, but a bit shy from the fancy level the emirates is known for. Thanks to Ba, the restaurant-slashlounge at the Fairmont The Palm, city dwellers have a good alternative for a glamorous venue to savour Chinese delicacies. Kicking off its authenticity with its name, ‘Ba’ (a Mandarin word) actually literally translates in English as the number ‘8’, which for the Chinese is the number of infinity. While the familiar look and feel that is ever-present in Chinese restaurants is evident all throughout – from the décor to the menu to the staff and of course, the food – one thing is overly apparent; Ba is not just another run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant but rather, a posh, glamorous and quiet dining outlet. Fancy is indeed the vibe we received the moment we walked through the massive lobby of the hotel, and reached the entrance to the Ba’s lounge area. An option to have pre-dinner drinks would

dine out

be given, which we gladly accepted. A selection of various refreshments is available at the lounge, which also offers entertainment with the presence of a live band. After waiting for the table to be set, we took the steps down to the second and lower level of Ba, which is essentially the main dining hall. The restaurant is imperial and massive, with generous space, high ceilings and splashes of glamorous black, white and yellow hues. The decorations, including crockery, have been kept authentically Chinese,. The wait team was wonderfully attentive and friendly. Ready to serve and utterly knowledgeable, they knew how to answer the questions of the guests who are lost at the long list of dishes. The menu follows the 8-8 rule, and hence has around 88 dishes to choose from. Thankfully, they are pleasant in providing

information, so we ended ordering the most delicious options. Starting the night with deep-fried crispy prawn spring rolls and steamed chicken siew mai topped with salmon roe was truly gratifying. True to its crispy promise, the spring roll was crunchy and overly delicious, so much so that we couldn’t stop munching despite the possibility of feeling full at an early dinner stage. Moving on to the main course, where it was a real no-brainer. The friendly staff gave their nods and thumbs up to Master Chef Lau’s signature dish: the Peking Duck. The suggestion to use half of the duck for an equally sumptuous dish – the stir-fried shredded duck with vegetable and black bean sauce – was undoubtedly the most practical decision of the night. Two people can’t finish the whole roasted duck served with yummy classic pancakes and hoisin

sauce that is prepared and rolled next to the table, and served like mini-pancake sandwiches a la Beijing style. Ba restaurant did not disappoint. We did not expect the dishes to be in such huge portions wherein in the attempt to finish our food, we ended up not eating any dessert. Next time we come to this restaurant, we’ll make sure to order just what we can eat. Overall, the experience at Ba has cemented its image in our minds – it’s certainly THE Chinese hot spot waiting to serve food connoisseurs who are looking for a glamorous alternative to regular Chinese diners. Moreover, Ba’s service and food proved that its presence in the city’s food scene is formidable thanks to it being upscale and overall guaranteed quality.

locally

First Time for Everything

locally

The Oberoi name is famed for its hospitality within the hotel industry. Reviews on many travel sites all bring you to the same conclusion from guests: exceptional service that will be hard to rival by any other brand. And being in Dubai, where any type of service is severely lacking if we’re being honest, the promise of being well taken care of is indeed a pleasant thought.

ocated at the Business Bay, The Oberoi, Dubai blends in with its surroundings, neither standing out in grandiose nor cutting-edge design. Add to that the insanely far U-turn you’d have to make just to get to the entrance, and The Oberoi, Dubai might easily be overlooked, though that would be a mistake, a very big mistake. That’s because in just one year, the amount of awards that the hotel has won is just incredible; it’s not the façade that matters, but the heart that beats within it that truly counts. Get to the hotel and you’re greeted by burly Sikhs with blue turbans and crisp white uniforms. All of the day’s travels melt away the moment they beam their precious smiles and invite you in.. The Sikhs showed promise of true Indian authenticity and you’d half expect the staff to be dressed in saris and whatnot. Well, the ladies were dressed in a quasi-sari type of uniform but the men were all decked in sharp suits. It was a contrast that actually set the tone for the hotel and ultimately, the stay; modern décor abound everywhere but little pieces of Indian culture or at the very least, the black & white pictures of India, scatter throughout the hotel, reminding you that

no matter how progressive things may be, heritage is still very dear to them. Service though is something that you could not fault at the The Oberoi, Dubai. Browse through the various travel sites and read the reviews of the hotel and you’ll come across glowing praises of the way you’re treated during your stay. All of the staff are eager to please you and make your stay as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. They go out of their way to have a chat with you and more impressively, bring you all the way to your intended destination should you ask them for directions. The Oberoi, Dubai shares space with the Oberoi Tower. In the middle of it all is the grand and luscious-looking pool. Now, it’s one thing to be looked at by fellow hotel dwellers while you’re swimming and quite another to be looked at by people in the offices. But that is exactly the type of voyeuristic behaviour that might happen here. Hopefully, you’re going to be enjoying the pool – a good size to be able to do laps and looks chilled out enough to just lounge around – too much to really care about who’s looking. The pool is on the same floor as the other

locally health facilities in the hotel, the spa (more on that later) and the gym. The 24-hr gym generally offers cardio equipment but for those who are more into their free weights, there is a little dumbbell section in the corner and a smith machine to isolate all your grunting. The view from the gym is poor to non-existent as there are sort of rails – a general design throughout the hotel, even in the suites – that covers your view of the fantastic two-way street down below. If you’re into yoga, they do offer complimentary daily yoga classes. On the lobby floor are the coffee lounge and Ananta, an Indian restaurant that serves up some of the finest dishes we’ve had in a long time, or ever for that matter. One floor below is the all-day dining outlet Nine7One. Moving up to the rooms, you discover that the modern chic theme runs through once again. The standard suite is a proper suite, not one of those so-called suites that other hotels offer. The main door opens to a long corridor at the end of which is a full glass window to the balcony, and beyond that, the magnificent Burj Khalifa. All in all, a total of 2,150 square feet of space with timber floors, hand-tufted carpets and original artwork by Mrinmoy Barua. The living room is spacious with dedicated areas for lounging, dining and working. The bedroom boasts a huge bed and its own flat screen TV and an ensuite that is mighty impressive. The standalone tub is deep and allows you to soak and relax, all while watching another TV set flushed against the wall. The closet though is also located within the bathroom which, while it may work for some rooms, just feels awkward in this. Then there is the balcony; with its wooden decks, the huge space is capable of holding a party for 10 people comfortably. We were told that in the Presidential Suite, the balcony space is of the exact same size and the only difference being half of that size is fitted with a plunging pool. With an almost 270-degree view from the room, the place is bright and airy which adds to that whole sense of space. The great unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa from the suites may tempt some to book one of these massive rooms for a New Year get-together and simply bask in the amazing fireworks. The anniversary package If all those were not reasons enough for someone to check in and have a taste of the Oberoi experience, the hotel is offering

guests a special ‘First Time for Everything’ package to commemorate its one-year anniversary. The package includes: welcome drinks served in the suite; a personalised welcome amenity; packing and unpacking service; breakfast for two at Nine7One, the world cuisine restaurant, and two 60 minute treatments at The Oberoi Spa, the first 24 hour spa in Dubai. Signature therapies include Ayurvedic treatments such as Shirodhara, an ancient Indian therapy using warm, medicated oils which flow from a specially designed copper vessel onto the third eye to calm the mind and restore balance. Guests who avail to the package can also experience the destination in style from the comfort of one of The Oberoi, Dubai’s BMW 7 series with complimentary Wi-Fi. That’s a comprehensive list that should not be missed. However, being the busy bees that we are, we only managed to cover some of those offers, one of which was a visit to the spa. The Indian Ayurvedic treatment sounded cool and all but with aching necks and shoulders, we had to turn to the traditional rub for now. As we

sorely needed some deep-tissue rubbing we opted for the oils session with the intensity set to medium. The Oberoi Spa is a simple-set-up, none of those candles on the floor types and water fountains clinging to every available space. Instead, it’s just seven rooms, with two specialised rooms, one for the Indian Ayurvedic treatment and the other the Thai massage. The treatment rooms once again are simply laid out with the stand-out feature being the controllable bed like the ones used in hospitals. It even has a heated function to make you even more comfortable. The Oberoi massage and the Balinese massage, even though different in names, are essentially the same types of treatments that focuses on all parts of your body, untying knots and relieving stress with each and every stroke of the expert hands of the masseuse. All seven of the staff are trained in all the different popular massage practices from Swedish massage to the Asian varieties. The best thing about the spa, as mentioned earlier, is the fact that it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is the first of its kind in the UAE and this unique USP

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allows guests, or even members of the public, to have an outlet for relaxation and relief at their own convenience, especially useful for those who are on regular shift work or travellers who are on transit and arrive late at night. In terms of dining, they’re very proud of Ananta, the fine dining Indian restaurant. The space itself is hardly much to harp about with simple décor and a token tapestry hanging off one wall. The lack of carpets add to the lack of warm feeling and welcoming vibe that you get at other places. But you don’t go there to settle in great comfy decor, you go there for the food. This is the place where we tasted some of the finest Indian fare ever. Top of the list is the prawns that were marinated together in the chef’s special garam masala recipe. That first bite just puts you out of the stratosphere. The butter chicken meanwhile can rival any top Indian restaurant. Also noteworthy was the beautifully textured lentil soup. After dinner, enjoy your favourite shisha in the tranquil surroundings of The Courtyard or sample the delights of this traditional Middle Eastern ritual for the first time as part of their Dubai experience. There are 37 tempting varieties of shisha to choose from, including traditional tastes such as apple and grape or unique flavours with a twist such as chocolate and mint, café latte, cardamom or guava. Continuing with the Asian vibe, take a tea masterclass with the resident tea kung fu master Crystal. Originating from Sze Chou some 300 years ago, the tea pot has a long snout which is more for show than for any practical reasons. Throw the tea pot around, swirl it and toss it and finally pour

out the tea in what can only be called ‘an extravagant over-the-top way’. It was a lot of fun though you’d have to be careful no to poke your eyes with the snout and you’d need plenty of space to be throwing that pot around. Best thing is, Crystal lets you do it with plain room temperature water for if you were to do it with real hot piping tea, expect lots of scalding and bruises. Want more? You can also enjoy a private yoga class with Priyanka Chowdhury, the hotel’s resident yoga instructor. Chowdhury has represented India at the Yoga Olympics and is a gold medallist. Elsewhere, you can opt for a candlelit dinner on the private balcony of your luxury suite as well as a one-to-one masterclass with awardwinning Executive Chef, Dirk Haltenhof. If you feel like exploring Dubai, a fourhour private tour and chauffeur service is included in the anniversary package. Optional extras include a private tour of the local art scene at Al Quoz, just a few minutes from the hotel, a trip on the ArtBus which takes visitors to different art venues around the city or a Desert Safari with a twist in a vintage Land Rover, offering guests the chance to experience a taste of Dubai as it was 50 years ago. Also, complimentary shuttle services are provided for all guests in the hotel’s luxury minibus to DIFC and The Dubai Mall. There’s definitely much to do within The Oberoi, Dubai itself and very little to fault. So till the end of the year, do yourself a favour and take up on their anniversary offer. Experience great service, warm hospitality, different cultures, amazing food, calm relaxation and stunning views. There’s simply no reason why you should, or would not.

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Recipes from Ananta

Rasmalai

Ingredients: Unpasteurized cow milk (Fresh) full fat Synthetic white vinegar

-- 1000ml -- 60ml

Sugar syrup: Sugar Water

-- 300ml -- 1500ml

Saffron milk: Milk full fat Saffron Sugar Green cardamom powder

-- 500ml -- few strands -- 50gms -- 3 gms

Garnish: Pistachio nuts

-- 40gms

Method: • Boil the milk, stirring constantly • Once the milk has started boiling, remove from fire • Slowly pour the synthetic vinegar, and stir them very gradually • Allow the milk to curdle • Now strain the curdled milk through a muslin cloth (A paper thin white cloth) • Remove the whey (Water), squeeze them gently and collect the solid milk parts aside • Now knead them gently in a flat surface with a pinch of cardamom powder • Make these mix in to a 6 equal small disks and keep aside For Sugar syrup: • Heat water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves properly • Bring to couple of boil and remove the scum and dirts from it, make a clear sugar syrup • Now add the homemade cheese disks in to it and keep boiling in a medium temperature • Until the cheese becomes very fluffy and airy (It becomes around double the size) • Now remove from fire and allow to cool Saffron milk: • Heat milk in slow fire, add saffron strands, sugar and cardamom powder • Reduce them to 300ml, remove from fire and cool Finishing: • Now slightly squeeze and remove the fluffy cheese from sugar syrup • Dip them in to the saffron milk and cool them in a refrigerator • Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sliced pistachio nuts and serve. Serves: 3

Tandoori Tiger Prawns

Dal makhani Ingredients:

Black lentil Clarified butter Ginger garlic paste Red chili paste Salt Tomato puree Butter unsalted (White) Cooking cream Dried fenugreek leaves powder

-- 1000gms -- 100gms -- 30gms -- 50gms -- to taste -- 50gms -- 400gms -- 100gms -- 5gms

Method: • Wash, clean and soak the lentil in triple the quantity of water overnight • Boil the lentil in slow fire for about 30 minutes • Seal the vessel with a lid, do not allow the steam to get evaporate • Simmer the lentil for about 8 hours in a very low flame • Open the vessel once the lentil is done • Heat clarified butter in a heavy bottom pan • Add ginger garlic paste and red chili paste, sauté for a while • Now add the tomato paste and salt cook further, until the oil separates from masala • Add the boiled lentil, keep cooking for an hour in a low flame • Keep adding the butter in regular intervals • Keep stirring the lentil, do not leave it on fire un attended, as it may get burned • Add dried fenugreek leaves and check the seasoning • Finish with butter and cream • Coriander leaves and ginger julienne can be used as garnish (Optional)

Serves: 8

Ingredients: Tiger prawn Lemon juice Ginger garlic paste Salt Red chilli paste Butter unsalted Chaat masala

-- 10pcs -- 20ml -- 15gms -- 3gms -- 20gms -- for basting -- 2gms

For marination: Red chilli paste Ginger garlic paste Black salt Cumin powder Garam masala powder Hung yoghurt Kasoori methi powder Mustard oil Chaat masala

-- 50gms -- 10gms -- 6gms -- 2gms -- 2gms -- 100gms -- 2gms -- 40ml -- 2gms

Method: • Marinate the cleaned prawns with salt, lemon juice, chilli paste and ginger garlic paste and keep aside for 2 hours • Mix all ingredients together except mustard oil, and then gently fold the mustard oil in to the marination. • Apply the marination on prawn and leave aside for another two hours. • Cook prawn in a pre-heat tandoor at the temperature of 280˚C, for about 3-4 minutes • Baste butter on top of the cooked prawn and sprinkle some chaat masala on top • Serve hot with mint chutney

Serves: 4

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in summertime

Explore into the finer things in life – aided by long summer days in a city best known for its beauty and charm – as well as its ability to inspire extraordinary personal fashion metamorphoses. 84

aris is incredible, period! It’s truly the centre of la bonne vie! France is a country known for its dynamic culture, luxury fashion and all things related to fine living – and Paris as the country’s capital is where this is most concentrated – it’s just in the city’s DNA. To test this assumption of ours at AW – we were lucky enough to review two legendary iconic grand palaces, the Four Seasons George V (named after English King George the

fifth) and Princes de Galles (named after the Prince of Wales) as well as the newly re-opened 1920s spa at the Molitor (operated by iconic French beauty brand - Clarins). The two grand palaces are situated on Avenue Georges V in the heart of the Golden Triangle, which boasts some of the most beautiful boutiques, and no more than two steps from the ChampsElysées, the business district and cultural venues. The hotel embodies the grandeur and spirit of the French capital’s great tradition of hospitality.

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Four Seasons George V A visit to Paris is not complete without staying at this uber chic hotel – unless of course you opt for a ‘self-catered’ apartment at the hotel for the summer. It’s hard to believe that George V has been around since 1928 – but was only converted into a Four Seasons hotel in 1999. Since then, the eightstorey palace has become an institution and well loved by discerning globe trotters alike – or those just curious about its history. If you opt against staying at the hotel - then we highly recommend that you at least book a lunch at Le Cinq restaurant terrace – which is open from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Le Cinq’s courtyard is breathtakingly beautiful – with rare purple orchids cascading from a central fountain. In fact the entire hotel is covered with ornate flower decorations and we discover that the hotel receives about 9000 flowers weekly from Holland to enhance the classic French furnishings, 17th century tapestries and 18th century Florentine chandeliers interiors. The floral displays are designed by Jeff Leatham – who is known for his awe-inspiring creativity and if you’re interested – every three months he holds two-hour creative design sessions at the hotel to share with guests his creative process. Booking for these sessions is a must and of course – you learn to create your own arrangement under Leatham’s ingenious direction.

Back to fine dining. At Le Cinq, unsurprisingly is a two Michelin star establishment helmed by one of the top chefs in France, Eric Briffard. The food is of course classic French fare – think scallops, duck mallard, etc., and a unique selling point is that the chef only uses locally sourced ingredients like scallops from Baie de Seine and Seaweed from St Malo. If you’re not going to sit down for a meal – then at least enjoy drinks at the George V’s La Galerie lounge, which is the epitome of elegance – with yummy signature drinks for all palettes and exotic teas and coffees. Outstanding service is at the very heart of this hotel and it’s a discreet yet deliberate execution which makes you feel like a true family friend of the staff rather than a mere patron of the hotel. You’re greeted with genuine smiles and questions regarding your stay – which make the experience extra special. For pure indulgence try the spa’s signature two-and-a-half-hour treatment aptly called ‘A Stroll through Versailles’ . There are also VIP treatments for couples and separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women. This hotel is all about the smallest details. If you can bring yourself to leave the gorgeous bubble of the George V sanctuary,

explore Paris in the hotel’s custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car was customdesigned by the carmaker, fashion house Hermès and the Four Seasons Group and is truly the most stylish way to see the city of lights – but be warned, advance booking is required. Also take advantage of the concierge team which will suggest secret addresses in Paris as well as unique experiences in a city bursting with culture, fashion and artistic exploits.

travel Prince de Galles Right next door to George V, this hotel is part of the Sheraton Group’s Luxury Collection and is best known for its traditional approach to hospitality – but traditional at times it did come across as a little stuffy. It is at the peak of the Art Deco movement, with the hotel fashioned in the style of the Decorative Arts exposition of 1925, but adding to it a modernised classical façade and a magnificent patio cloaked entirely in mosaic. Initially, Prince de Galles opened its doors in the spring of 1928 and counted among its loyal guests, luminary figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Laurel and Hardy, filmmaker Max Ophuls, singer Lily Pons as well as actress Marlene Dietrich. To recapture the historical era – the hotel was closed for a two-year renovation and re-opened in May 2013 following an extensive restoration. Designed by André Arfvidson, Prince de Galles welcomed its first guests in 1929. The most recent restoration of the interiors of Prince de Galles is led by two internationally acclaimed French designers: Pierre-Yves Rochon and Bruno Borrione. The rooms and suites feature exquisite materials and design accents – such as unique furniture, elegant furnishings in Macassar ebony wood, Saint Laurent marble doors and intricate mosaics artwork – that are created by renowned luxury French ‘maisons’ and top craftsmen under the leadership of Rochon. The heritage is rich – so one expects the service especially around food experiences to be seamless and when mistakes are made – it’s important how service is recovered. We loved the Les Heures lounge which evokes an intimate ambience amidst the contrasting textures and colours such as marble, so a really gorgeous setting to experience and enjoy gourmet coffee or the hotel’s signature drinks. Sadly, after arriving Les Heures and finding no reservation (confirmed 24 hours prior) – we endured a 20 minute wait as the waitress spent time trying to rectify the mistake. Of course, it is not expected that a five-star establishment loses a booking but this was our experience. That incident aside, the hotel rooms are beautifully appointed with gorgeous art deco pieces, crisp white linens and elegant portraits of fashion icons. They nailed the art deco era – with beautiful surroundings and managed to take guests back to a bygone era by just setting the mood, with great interiors and lighting. Cloaked in silken celadon fabric, the luxuriously

appointed guest rooms trumps over modern comforts alongside distinct Art Deco touches, such as the exuberant play on lights, mirrors and mosaics in the bathroom. The most extravagant suite in Prince de Galles is the two-storey L’Appartement Parisien (Parisian Apartment), which includes a private 85sqm terrace overlooking the Golden Triangle with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. Distinct Art Deco touches include intricate mosaic and gold fixtures in the white marble bathroom as well as an elegant gilded iron staircase. The second floor features archival maps of Paris, recreated as fabric wallpaper by Edmond Petit. Spanning a total of 245sqm, inclusive of the balcony, L’Apartement Parisien is also equipped with a kitchen, a dining room and an inner elevator. Although, there may have been service breakdowns – the hotel does have some really positive unique selling points – which range from fabulous breakfast on the patio to scrumptious lunches and dinners – at an exquisite Michelin-star restaurant, La

Scène. Simplicity and authenticity are the defining characteristics of the restaurant’s distinctive, seasonal dishes, which also evokes the signature flavours of the south of France. Although the Les Heures staff let the side down, the hotel’s front desk staff is top-notch! Expect a highly personalised experience and exceptional service from the Concierge, thanks to the in-depth local knowledge of the city and its secret offerings. From the moment you step into the airy lobby with gold-leaf chandeliers and superb marble floors, you know that your stay will be like no other.

travel Discover the City You must visit the Pierre Hermé bakery, which is located in rue Bonaparte – yes, he does have outlets in the Middle East, but nothing beats going to the original bakery. He is known as a macaron master with exotic flavours on offer like tonka beans and jasmine...yum! Also make a trip to Saint Germain des Pres – a truly fabulous neighbourhood in the sixth area of the city and it is also home to luxury department store, Le Bon Marché. At Le Bon Marché you will get lost in the magnitude of what is on offer in terms of luxury goods and gourmet foods from all over the planet. Also at this suburb you’ll find some great ‘mom & pop’ boulangeries where you can sample authentic French baked goodies. Ignore your waistline and engorge yourself in the art of eating well! If you’re travelling with kids then there are a few must-do activities do in the summer – like visiting the Paris Plages which is open along the banks of the

Seine. It’s set-up every year and is an expansive man-made beach which will provide you with hours of fun. You can also head to the Jardin des Tuileries, one of the many beautiful public gardens with its manicured flower beds and romantic fountains. Depending when you go– there is sometimes a theme park at Jardin des Tuileries which features crazy rides, candy floss and frozen delights to beat the sweltering summer heat especially in July. For some serious retail therapy head to boulevard Haussman which is home to the two best stocked department stores in the city. Although you’ll find multi-brand offers at these stores, do not ignore the main shoppoing streets in Paris such as rue Saint Honoré – where you will find some of the most prestigious fashion brands and the head office for brands like Chanel in rue Cambon. For fine jewellery, you cannot leave Paris without making a pitstop at Place Vendôme, which is a hub for haute jewellery luxury brands and iconic French houses like Boucheron, Van

Cleef & Arples and Fred. If you prefer discounted shopping – then head to the luxury shopping village, La Valle and you can opt for the VIP Shopping & Cultural Package for only EUR178 with a private transfer in a chauffeur-driven car from La Vallée Village (near Euro Disney) to Palais de Tokyo in central Paris. Enjoy your break in the city of lights and one last tip from the George V concierge – on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, visit the Flea Market of Saint-Ouen. Paris c’est chic! Booking Information Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris 31, avenue George V 75008 Tel. +33 (1) 49 52 70 00 Prince de Galles Hotel, Paris 3 Avenue George V 75008 Tel. +33 (1) 53 237777

The Molitor Initially this was a public swimming bath built in 1929 but in 1989 it closed its doors after 60 years and went into disrepair. Fast forward to 2014 and it re-opened its doors as a luxe exclusive club, hotel and spa. Other amenities at the complex include a roof terrace for light lunches and drinks as well as a formal dining restaurant. Central to the new concept of the complex is apt tagline: pool, art and life. The Molitor experience is all about sensory pleasure and taking care of oneself at the highest-level possible. If you’re truly focused on health and well-being, then the best part of the entire complex is the Molitor Spa by Clarins. The treatments are bespoke and created only for the Molitor, and the spa successfully marries mental and physical rest because it’s not only about the body. You’ll discover a plush rest room, library, a herbal tea room and hair salon. For your treatments, imagine a facial with multiple products layered according to your skin’s needs and not focused on a standard one-dimensional menu offered by most standard spas. At the Molitor Spa by Clarins, there are no cookie

cutter treatments here! Try the Clarins Anti-Ageing Facial Programmes and the Anti-Ageing Tri-Active Facials as well as the ClarinsMen Facials – all personalised for each client. Then the massages have names like ‘Melting Honey Deep Touch Massage’ or ‘AntiJet-Lag Stop-Over Face & Body’. These imply nothing but pure indulgence and regeneration of the soul. Other offers include make-up tutorials or full make-up application, hand and foot treatments as well as hair treatments

by Japanese brand Shu Uemura. It’s highly recommended that you enjoy all the other amenities of the complex – so before our treatments at the Spa by Clarins, you can enjoy a light lunch by the pool or on the roof terrace. If you’re not staying at the hotel – you can book for a day visit and even bring the kids (if they’re over 12) to enjoy the pool. Booking Information Molitor Spa by Clarins Tel : +33 (0)1 56 07 08 80

downtime

Relax and Indulge Looking for the getaway that leaves the stresses behind? AW discovers the ultimate pampering at the country’s capital. Read on to know more…

sleep over is all you need to recharge, said friends who have been yapping about the beauty of going away for a weekend cap. Glad that we heeded the suggestion, and found ourselves checking in at the opulent Jumeirah at Etihad Towers where a night’s stay teamed with a signature massage treatment at the hotel’s Talise Spa paved the way for full relaxation. The stay The lavish modern interior of the lobby of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers was a vision that never failed to amaze us each time we visit the hotel. The bustling valet area was not a surprise anymore since we knew how popular the hotel was to the tourists. Yet

despite the increasing guests, the service was still prompt and friendly. Known as the business, social and gourmet hub of Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a relaxed and bespoke urban lifestyle experience based on personalised care, craftsmanship, and a passion for unique culinary experiences. Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the 5-star luxury city hotel spans 66 floors and includes 382 guest rooms and suites of refined elegance offering the latest technology and stunning Corniche and coastal views. The hotel features a Club Executive Lounge, 199 serviced residences, 10 dining options – including the signature restaurants Li Beirut and Quest – , Talise Spa, Six P Gym, and one of the largest

downtime and most sophisticated hotel conferencing centres in the capital. With these in mind, we went to our room that was filled with luxurious amenities and high-tech facility; there was no doubt that our overnight stay at the hotel would be as fantastic as we imagined. The bathroom was impeccable, with the inviting tub that welcomed us for a relaxing warm bath. Our tired bodies loved the feel of the immaculate bed in the middle of the room as we gazed upon the breathtaking view of Abu Dhabi at night, which was gone in seconds after we pressed the button just next to our bedside table for total black out that sent the curtains to close fully. Putting us to sleep was the hum of soft music in the background that we set from the room’s television set. Rising from a well-deserved eight-hour sleep was fantastic, but waking up to a lavish buffet breakfast was more than fabulous. But we could not bum on the bed the whole time, as we were excited to run to our spa treatment first thing in the morning. The spa Tucked away from the buzzing hotel was the haven of tranquility and wellness, Talise Spa. Undoubtedly one of the best spas in the emirates, this oasis of serenity is ‘the’ must-visit spot in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Promising a whole lot of pampering, we knew we were in good hands when the lovely spa staff welcomed us and explained to us what would happen

over the next 60 minutes. After having been walked through the consultation, we then met the trained masseur who showed us the way to the massage room. Inside the lovely room was the changing area and toilet, an utter convenience for guests who would rather not wear their robes in common areas. A bell came in handy that we rang to signal we’re ready. From massages, hammam, bath rituals and body treatments to facials and beauty treatments, Talise Spa offers a wide range of services that results in a healing, serene state of mind and body. Our treatment was called Talise Signature Massage that is a therapeutic massage that uses a range of techniques from Balinese massage, Swedish massage and Shiatzu massage. At the start, we were given a quick foot cleansing where our feet were submerged in warm water and rose petals. While doing the foot ritual, we were asked to choose among the four oils – Arabic blend for women, Arabic blend for men, lavender blend, or lemongrass blend. We opted for the lavender oil, fit for a rejuvenating experience. After the foot ritual, we came atop the thermal massage bed, and we felt more than at home. The warmth of the bed was just a perfect welcome to our body that was screaming for lots of healing massages. And since we asked for focus on back and shoulders, our masseur said that she would tailor the pressure points during the treatment.

When she began kneading our back with the medicated oil, we instantly felt the muscles responding and relaxing. Our minds came to a calm as well, leaving us very much at ease during the treatment. The relaxed state continued to a point where we dozed off for a few minutes as we could remember nothing between the time when she asked us to change position to the time she rang the bell to signal the end of the session. Although we came to a fully relaxed state (that is sleeping) – and won’t remember exactly how the massage went on – we could feel our muscles softened, and our skin more moisturised because of the medicated lavender oil. Our masseur even suggested that we needed another session for hot stone massage in order to heal our tensed back and shoulder muscles. Waking up early and deciding to go for a late breakfast to run to a massage treatment was all worth it. A massage was what we badly needed, and we were given more of what we wanted. Talise Spa was a mesmerising sight with its wonderful selection of interiors, and a wonderful blend of well-trained and knowledgeable staff and tailored treatments suited reinvigorating tired bodies. While dressing up, we realised that the Talise Signature Massage was indeed the perfect ending to our short but sweet stay at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. We’re sure it would not be the last time.

artsy And what would life be like without a little bit of art and culture… September 15 – October 26 Green Art Gallery Works on Paper: Hikayat is an exhibition that brings together over 50 works on paper by modern Arab artists including Khouzayma Alwani, Mahmoud Hammad, Adham Ismail, Jamil Molaeb, Fateh Moudarres, Nazir Nabaa, Aref El Rayess, Khaldoun Shishakly and Seif Wanly. Taking storytelling as its main theme, the exhibition brings together works that offer a glimpse of drawing’s potential to make cultural, social, and political proposals or stories, through diverse formal processes. Fateh Moudarres’s (1922-1999, Syria) representational language was engaged with mythology, religion and popular lore as well as a deep political engagement. An accomplished writer and poet, his ‘dessins’ were also featured in several of his published short stories. Moudarres was once quoted: “It looks childish, but it is not childish. In my paintings one can see, how much I love human beings, in my art I stand near them, when the power of fate and oppressive structures beset them”. For many artists of that generation, storytelling included the representation of the traditional rural life they were witnessing. This is true of Lebanese artist Jamil Molaeb’s works, which were inspired by the landscapes he saw in the mountains of Lebanon and other sceneries from the traditional life of different Arab communities, depicting in his own way the villages, cities, fields and the people in their daily life. Similar to Molaeb, the Syrian master Mahmoud Hammad (1923 - 1988, Syria) also recounted rural Syrian life, earlier in his career. Although he has been widely known for his late Abstract Calligraphic period (during the period 1964 to his death in 1988), in which the Arab script and letters became the main element, Hammad’s earlier work are of equal importance. The region’s political turmoils in the 70s

Art of the month Works On Paper: Hikayat

Alwani

Mahmoud Hammad, Adam And Eve, 1962, China ink, Gouache on paper

Khaldour Sheishakly

Fateh Moudarres

and 80s are portrayed by both Khouzayma Alwani (b.1934, Syria) and Aref el Rayess (1928 - 2005, Lebanon). Alwani’s delicate horrors are so exquisite they beguile the viewer into fascination with intricate imagery. Following the Hama Massacre of 1981, his work revolved around the world as a big dramatic theatre of monsters and beasts, in a tacit allusion to the Syrian society in a state of devastation. As for El Rayess, the works included in the exhibition belong to a series of drawings he produced in the early 70s to denounce the corruption he was witnessing within the political circles governing the Middle East after the Cairo accord in 1969 and the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. For him, it is as if the leaders and politicians were gambling our destinies through fishy manipulations and tacit agreements, hence jeopardising the ideals of the revolution his generation firmly believed in and fought for. The age of deceit has started, and the political scene

Arief Al Rayess

Seif Wanly

in the Arab world seems like a big farce. The theatrical and the sublime is also present in the work of Egyptian artist Seif Wanly (1906 - 1979). The exhibition includes several works on paper in which he portrayed society’s more esoteric dimensions, featuring medieval traditions, circus acrobats and ballet dancers. Storytelling is an essence of Arab culture and has transcended generations of artists from modern masters to the younger generation of today. Included in the exhibition is a rare account of 500 works on paper by a Syrian artist, Khaldoun Sheishakly, who has spent his entire life drawing and documenting 500 Damascene professions in intricate detail. ‘Shops and Vendors of the Past’ represents an important history of storytelling and life in Syria and summarises the artists’s needs to carve a cultural identity that reflected the groundbreaking social and political changes that were taking place at that time.

artsy

We love this corner! Rukun gallery, a contemporary art and design gallery featuring a mix of sculptures, paintings, furniture and mixed media pieces, opened its doors to the public during Ramadan. The gallery aims to become a hub for creative minds displaying the merger of playfulness and craftsmanship and showing what this union is able to produce. The gallery also focuses on nurturing personal experiences with all of the pieces it displays. Never forceful, each item displayed at the gallery is meant to have its presence as a stand-alone piece of design or art, and yet at the same time has the ability to integrate itself into any interior. Telling a story and portraying where each designer wishes to take their work is an integral part of this experience. The soft opening exhibition showcased unique art and design pieces from Europe such as Apparatus, Duffy London, in addition to exclusive pieces created by the gallery’s own design studio ‘Kun’. Gallery owner Noura Saud commented,“We are also very proud to introduce our very own design studio ‘Kun’ where we create our own

Free dance week As we say goodbye to the summer, September welcomes a brand new season to Dubai. Perhaps you have been travelling, spending time with the family or keeping a low profile during the sleepy desert months. With September just around the corner, it is now time to try something new and add an exciting element to your routine! James & Alex Dance Studios offers the opportunity to sample a variety of dance classes, FREE of charge! That’s right, you will be able to try out a selection of classes for an entire week at no cost, during their Free Dance Week. From September 6-11, you can choose from ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tango, salsa, bachata, belly dance or Zumba. All classes are led by top professional dance instructors, who will guide you every step of the way. You can decide to take one class or several classes available on the schedule, the choice is yours. Kids will also have their own schedule to try out some classes, so feel free to bring them to some classes and have them discover the pleasures of dance.

original design pieces. Our studio’s philosophy at Kun deeply focuses on merging our history and culture with modern and contemporary designs as well as establishing a cross relationship between art and design.” The design studio, Kun, is part of the larger entity ‘RUKUN’. The name is derived from Rukun, meaning, ‘to be’ in Arabic. The studio is home to the designer’s unique and original creations where they turn plans on paper into physical objects that are innovative, customisable, and of outstanding quality and finishing. Along with the contemporary and modern unique furniture, the gallery itself is a work of art in a minimalistic sense. The new exhibition space, complete with polished concrete floors, open plan and high ceilings, is located in the ultra-fashion retail district of Nojoud centre in Riyadh, KSA. The gallery announced plans to hold a grand opening and to hold future monthly shows featuring works by well-renowned international artists and designers as well as emerging talents from the region.

Limited edition art prints by UAE & GCC artists Capsule Arts will add to its selection of limited edition art prints with a second collection on September 11, once again featuring artists living and working in the UAE and GCC. Prints by artists from around the world will be shown alongside homegrown artistic talent in a one-night launch exhibition in Al Quoz, where all the works will be for sale. The new collection will also be available to purchase online at www.capsulearts.com. There is a strong representation of Emirati artists in the second collection, with Al Qassab and Mezaina joined by two new additions to the artist roster: Dr. Najat Meky and Mariam Abbas. Abbas has created two new illustrations depicting the facades of homes in the Emirates. These will be featured along with a print of her intricate pointillism drawing of Arabic coffee pots, Karam, which was exhibited as part of Sikka Art Fair 2012. Renowned painter Dr. Meky

is represented by two semi-abstract artworks, which combine bold colours with pillar-like female forms; these towering female figures are a recurring motif that can be found throughout her work. Work by a range of international artists based in the UAE and GCC will also be featured, including two prints of Iraqi artist Mahmoud Abbod’s idiosyncratic paintings depicting oversized women: Relaxing on the Roof and Return of Ishtar, Bearing Tammuz’s Watermelon. The latter work shows a giantess carrying succulent slices of watermelon, symbolising the Mesopotamian goddess of fertility, Ishtar. Sudanese artist Abdelgadir Hassan Elmobark’s half real, half imagined landscapes show architectural elements emerging from a blaze of colour, while Chinese painter Laober Zhu captures daily life in the UAE in his delicate studies, from JBR Walk to construction around Dubai. Other artists new to the Capsule Arts print collection are Lina Ogaily (UK/Iraq) and Jamal Abdul Rahim (Bahrain).

TV/GEAR/MOVIE

HTC Desire 516 and Desire 616 The HTC Desire 516 and Desire 616 both offer high-quality 5-inch screens and powerful processing with dual-SIM support and excellent imaging capabilities at an affordable price. Whether taking photos with friends or making a video call to a customer, both devices are equipped with excellent imaging capabilities meaning you can capture those ‘can’t miss moments’ in incredible quality as standard. The HTC Desire 516 combines 5MP rear-facing and 2MP front-facing cameras, whilst the HTC Desire 616 features an 8MP camera capable of recording Full HD (1080p) video and a 2MP front-facing camera which also captures video in 720p.

The Blue Elephant

The Blue Elephant, created by leading production company Lighthouse Film and Al Batros Film, is based on a best-selling Arabic novel and was produced and filmed in Egypt. The thriller is the first Arabic film of its genre to be produced in the Middle East. Psychiatrist Dr. Yehia returns to the hospital for work only to find out that his best friend is one of the many patients there, charged with the murder of his family. Helping out his friend proves to be more of a challenge as he unravels mysteries that he never knew existed and makes him even more unsure as to whether his best friend is indeed insane. Producer/Executive Producer Fadi Fahim said, “The Blue Elephant is such a precious movie for us. It is a masterpiece and one of its kind in the Arab world, due to its advanced directing, acting and sophisticated storytelling, as well as its high technology production. The visual effects in the movie are a state of the art that has been done by ‘BUF’, the world leading visual effects company from Paris who worked on Avatar, Life of PI, Thor and a lot of Hollywood Blockbusters.”

music/books rts a h C p o Music T NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC – VOL 88 Now That’s What I Call Music! (1983 – present) is the biggest selling compilation series… ever! It is also the longest selling branded compilation album. This latest volume includes music from Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Calvin Harris, Michael Jackson and will.i.am just to name a few! 45 tracks from the biggest names around.

1000 FORMS OF FEAR – SIA 1000 Forms of Fear is the sixth studio album by Australian singersongwriter Sia Furler. ‘Chandelier’ served as the album’s lead single. The second single from the album was ‘Eye of the Needle’. Produced by Greg Kurstin at Echo Studio in Los Angeles, ‘1000 Forms of Fear’ follows the notoriously press-shy pop artist’s 2010 release ‘We Are Born’. The video for ‘Chandelier’ featured ‘Dance Moms’ star Maddie Ziegler serving as the Sia stand-in in its captivating music video. The album went to the number one spot in the US, Canada and Australia.

MY EVERYTHING ARIANA GRANDE Ariana Grande’s eagerly anticipated second album following up her first full-length album for Republic Records, Yours Truly. The first single from ‘My Everything’, ‘Problem’ featuring Iggy Azalea, saw her become the ‘youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week’. The new album features a number of collaborations including; Big Sean, Childish Gambino and A$AP Ferg. Also among these collaborations, One Direction’s Harry Styles wrote the powerful ‘A Little Bit Of Your Heart; specifically for Grande.

oks o B d e end m m o c Re CITY OF LIES by RAMITA NAVAI This is real Tehran: a city that is hidden from view and rarely written about, where survival depends on an intricate network of lies and subterfuge. It is a place where mullahs visit prostitutes, drug kingpins run crystal meth kitchens, surgeons restore girls’ virginity and homemade porn is uploaded onto the Internet and sold in the bazaars. Plotted around the city’s great central thoroughfare, Vali Asr Street, CITY OF LIES chronicles the lives of eight protagonists drawn from across the spectrum of Iranian society. This is a world of gangsters, socialites, dutiful housewives and volunteer militiamen. LANDLINE by RAINBOW ROWELL Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. She still loves her husband, Neal, and he still loves her - but that almost seems besides the point now. Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells him that she can’t go. She knows that Neal will be upset with her but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her. When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything. That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts... Is that what she’s supposed to do? PERSIANA by SABRINA GAYHOUR A celebration of the food and flavours from the regions near the Southern and Eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, with over 100 recipes for modern and accessible Middle Eastern dishes, including Lamb & Sour Cherry Meatballs; Chicken, Preserved Lemon & Olive Tagine; Blood Orange & Radicchio Salad; Persian Flatbread; and Spiced Carrot, Pistachio & Coconut Cake with Rosewater Cream.

A-list Celebs

Taylor Swift wore an H&M top & skirt to her press conference for ‘The Giver’

Who, what, where

Awards’

Demi Lovato wore an Elisabetta Franchi’s dress from the Fall Winter 2014-2015 collection to the “Teen Choice Awards”

Montblanc Global Brand Ambassador Hugh Jackman attended the launch of the new collection crafted in Montblanc’s Pelleteria in Florence, Italy

Model Chrissy Teigen wore an Elisabetta Franchi’s jumpsuit from the Fall Winter 2014-2015 collection to the ‘Espy

Actor Chris Pratt wore a Montblanc Meisterstück Heritage Perpetual Calendar in red gold for the premiere of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ in New York

A-list Celebs

Y T I R B CELE

a z a gtweets Sharing some of the celebrity tweets that show the human side of the A-listers JOHN CUSACK – I have been to Israel and Palestine & bombing civilians is not self defense @DavePresser: not political just self defense!-Go visit”

James Franco wins award James Franco is set to be awarded the the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker 2014 during the 71st Venice Film Festival. The Festival will present the world premiere, Out of Competition, of the new film written, directed and interpreted by Franco, The Sound and the Fury, in which Franco will star as one of the main characters, Benjii Compson. The Sound and the Fury also stars Scott Haze, Tim Blake Nelson, Joey King, Ahna O’Reilly, Seth Rogen and Jon Hamm. “For close to a decade, the Maison has been closely associated with the Venice International Film Festival paying tribute to the art and artists,” said Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Daniel Riedo. Jaeger-LeCoultre is committed to preserving and enhancing the ‘seventh art’, a discipline closely related to the watchmaking profession in terms of creativity as well as the artistic and technical mastery.”

MARK RUFFALO – Sorry, I thought blowing up hospitals was something that all human beings could agree was off limits.

ROB SCHNEIDER – To not be outraged at the killing of children is to risk your very soul.

MIA FARROW – We can passionately protest Israel’s assault upon Gaza without descending, even remotely, into the hideousness of anti semitism.

RIHANNA – Let’s pray for peace and a swift end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict! Is there any hope?....

AW Shops Philip Lim two-tone dress

Fall/Winter Must-Haves Looking for closet staples to stock up this coming cold season? AW turns to its go-to shopping destination, Harvey NicholsDubai, for amazing pieces. Among the variety of trends and inspirations, these are the items that your fashionista persona must have in the Fall/Winter 2014 wardrobe. Chisato sweater

Aquazzura sky-high heels Charlotte Olympiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quirky clutch

Anton Heunis earrings

Current Elliottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ripped jeans

Kara Ross metallic shoulder bag

Alexander Birman pumps

AW Shops

Issa’s printed dress Stella McCartney printed dress

J Brand trouser

Equipment’s plaid top Blumarine floorsweeping dress

Alexis Bittar necklace

Alexander McQueen scarf

Acne classic black jacket

Roland Mouret top

Chloe handbag

Gianvito Rossi sandals

MCQ crop top

The Coveted

The Bridal Accessory Sleek, chic and ultra-thin, JaegerLeCoultre’s Calibre 101 is the perfect watch to grace a bride’s wrist. Created in 1929 in the workshops of the Manufacture, this prodigious feat of micromechanical engineering has been a watchmaking icon for over 80 years. The momentously eventful period of 1920-1930s was distinguished by cultural and artistic effervescence, technical progress and social emancipation – especially for women. The watchmaking world was slowly but surely shifting from pocket-watches to wristwatches, while ladies’ watches were also taking off. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 1924 introduction of its famous Duoplan movement was doubly significant; from a technical standpoint, by proving that daintiness and precision are not incompatible; and aesthetically speaking, by freeing timepieces from their classic round shape. Building on this feat, the Manufacture pursued its research into scaleddown mechanisms and succeeded in miniaturising the Duoplan movement without compromising its reliability. This led to the birth in 1929 of Calibre 101, which was to become firmly acknowledged as the smallest mechanical movement ever made. Entirely in tune with feminine eclecticism, it lent itself to all manner of daring approaches, offering the in-house designers boundless ways of giving free rein to their creative instincts. Its jewellery versions have since then adorned the daintiest and noblest wrists, including that of Queen Elizabeth II of England at her coronation in 1953.

UAE, Dubai, Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Ground floor. Tel: +971 4 329 10 13. Email: info@gmhbi.com Web: www.gmhbi.com