Identity Magazine, June 2018 Issue: The Wedding Issue

Page 1

JUNE 2018 - 20 L.E., VOLUME 13, ISSUE 7 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Your Wedding Guide from Gown to Venue

+

12 MONTH WEDDING CHECKLIST INSIDE!

Honeymoon Destinations

& Packing

Essentials

the

Wedding issue




ar d

, E a r ri n g s

op Ch

JUNE 2018, VOLUME 13 ISSUE 07

I

t’s suddenly Eid el Fitr, official summer season, and wedding season all in one fat

FOUNDER & MANAGING EDITOR Rola Kamel EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nawal Ismail

busy month! “Badna netzawaj 3al 3eid”

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Alia El Abd

never goes out of fashion; in fact, many

COPY-EDITOR Amina El Fayoumy

couples preschedule their wedding dates for Eid or postpone their initial dates till after Ramadan. And how could they not, when the feast is already a very happy and festive time of the year. The more celebrations, family and friends reunions and

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Amina Moustapha STAFF WRITER Salma Elfeqy FREELANCE WRITERS Amina Elghandour, Pakinam Ahmed, Rana Ramez

fancy new clothes; the merrier! In this very special

INTERNS Neamat ElTouby

‘Wedding 101’ issue, Identity provides its readers

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT Marwa Rakha

with a complete A-Z guide on how to have the most memorable once in a lifetime occasion. From

FASHION EXPERT Nahed Kazziha

wedding planners, caterers, photographers, DJs,

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sandy Saied

venue ideas, designers, jewelers, makeup artists

MARKETING & ADVERTISING MANAGER Riham Yehia

and hairstylists; it’s ALL in there! Congratulations to all our brides and grooms; wish

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Youssef Ali SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Omar Zydan ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Ramy El Fares

you all a happy ever after :)

Rola Kamel

IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR Ashraf Fouad

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities. Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus. The subscription rate is 240 L.E./year (12 issues) through Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Distribution by AL AHRAM Website: QPIX SOLUTIONS Printing House: SAHARA PRINTING COMPANY Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

4 IDENTITY

IDENTITYMAGEG


Start your Wedding story at Safir Hotel Cairo

El Misaha Square, Dokki, Giza, Egypt Tel : (002) 02 3748 2424 Dirct Tel: (002) 02 3331 8002 - 0100 062 8977 Fax : (002) 02 3760 8453 banquet.cairo@safirhotels.com www.safirhotels.com


CONTENT

JUNE 2018, VOLUME 13 ISSUE 07

12 NEWLYWEDS TIPS 6 8 10 11

Identity Picks Ten Things Newlyweds Should Know Before Saying “I Do” Overcoming Pre-wedding Jitters Like a Boss Five Wedding Planning Websites & Apps To Help You Plan Your Big Day

BRIDAL GUIDE Your 12-Month Checklist Trendiest Wedding Venues Best Wedding Photographers & Planners 36 Hair Salons & Makeup Artists For Your Big Day 38 Best DJs & Fashion Designers 40 The Best Caterers & Jewelery for Your Wedding 30 32 34

STYLE 12 14 26 28

32

DIY Wedding Makeup Tips Vow to Wow Runway Bride The Bridal Party

WEDDING BELLS Bridesmaids Basics: What Every Maid Needs to Know 44 Six Mediterranean Wild Flowers 46 Eight Easy Tips on How to Get in Shape Before the Big Day 48 The Runaway Bride 50 Honeymoon Destinations & Packing Essentials 54 Around the World 42

OUT & ABOUT 56 Press Releases 64 Horoscopes

6 IDENTITY

44


A W EDDI NG FOR THE YOUNG AT HE A RT.

LIGHT UP THE PAL ACE W I T H YO U R O W N M A G I C . Write a fresh page in the majestic history of the Gezirah Palace with a wedding for today’s modern bride and groom. Blend timeless splendor with stylish chic in any of Salon Royal, Eugenie, Salon Vert and the grandeur of Aida Ballroom or enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and stunning views of the Nile from Almaz. Ask about Salon Vert special wedding package. Say YES to #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott...

CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAY YAM CASINO 16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM


PICKS

IDENTITY PICKS Keychain by Fendi Accentuate your purse or keys with this adorable furry keychain that never goes out of style.

Heart-appliqué leather wallet by Valentino Valentino’s studded pieces never fail to surprise us. This beautiful pink studded wallet is surely something you must have!

Embellished leather belt by Gucci Dress yourself in this trendy Gucci belt that touches your outfit with classy sparkle!

8 IDENTITY

Earings by Anne Sisteron Sun ray studs are a must have this season. With a pair like these, highlight your face in any beautiful occasion.

Acroyoga Don’t beat yourself up when working out. Lightly relax while stretching out your body in acroyoga.

Sunglasses by Chloe Sunglasses are a must during the summer. But with these Chloe ones, get the in shape, in colour and hide the sun!

Heart-print washbag by Dolce & Gabbana Dolce & Gabbana are accessorizing their pieces in beautiful embellishments that light up any outfit. Get your heart printed washbag and light up your outfit beautifully.

Straw hat by Maison Michel Get the sun and sand away from your hair and face while looking as stylish as ever with this beautiful authentic straw hat.



N E W LY W E D S T I P S

5

Wedding Planning Websites & Apps To Help You Plan Your Big Day by Amina Moustapha

Planning a wedding is no easy feat, and becoming a bridezilla due to stress is also not a pretty sight. The good news is, now you can effortlessly ease the wedding planning burden. Dozens of wedding planning apps and websites offer incredibly easy-to-use planning tools. We’ve compiled a list of some of our personal favourites to help you make your big day go off without a hitch. 1. WeddingHubEG WeddingHubEG.com is designed to provide brides and grooms with all wedding-planning tools. You can browse wedding professionals; from wedding planners, photographers, makeup artists…etc. You will find their contact information, social media platform, pictures of their work. reviews by their previous clients... The website also offers more planning tools; the budgeter, the checklists that provide you with a monthly guide of the wedding tasks, and will break down your budget to know what to spend on each category. And if you want some wedding tips and tricks, all you need to do is check their blog. 2. Appy Couple With both a downloadable app and website, Appy Couple provides tips on etiquette, inspiration for décor, advice on gifts to buy for your bridal party, and a weekly checklist, including a convenient “week of wedding” to-do list to make sure that nothing has been overlooked. You can go one step further and create your own customized wedding app and website where you can create seating charts, manage your guest list, and share photos. 3. Wedding LookBook by The Knot This app will fill you with inspiration and guide you until you find the dress you’re looking for. From

10 IDENTITY

bridal gowns to diamond rings to bridesmaid and mother of the bride designs. You can browse dresses by silhouette, style, or price, and once you’ve chosen a few of your favourite designs, you’ll receive customized recommendations based on your style preferences. Isn’t it that perfect? 4. Wedding Party Here is an app that will gather all of your guests’ photos from the wedding in one place. Guests can upload pictures to the app on one centralized photo stream. Wedding Party also prints special cards for the tables so all guests know how to use and download the app during the reception. Even if a family member or friend can’t make it to the big day, they can still scroll through the feed of wedding photos uploaded from guests to see the night’s highlights. That’s how you capture the moment. 5. Wedding Registry Wedding Registry app will make life much simpler and more organized for you when it comes to your bridal registry. The app lets you quickly create just one registry that covers all the stores and share it with all your friends and family. Your registry even updates with every item purchased, so there are no more duplicate gifts to return! Gifts are meant to make us happy, and this app will make sure of that.

That’s how you simply take the stress out of planning your wedding.


A TALE OF 30 MAGICAL NIGHTS ONLY AT UPTOWN CAIRO Experience Ramadan in style with Lanterns at Uptown Cairo’s clubhouse that’s set amongst the spectacular hills and golf greens of the prestigious Uptown Cairo community. Enjoy the night’s summer breeze that comes together with heartwarming food, signature shishas and screenings of your favorite Ramadan series and matches! Indulge in sensational live entertainment on weekdays and outstanding performances by Cairo’s top musicians on weekends; ultimately bringing you the most charming Ramadan nights in the city.

GOLD SPONSORS

CALL 16129

for more info & reservations

RADIO PARTNER

CUSHIONS BY

MEDIA SPONSORS


2. Love is an action word. So yes, your husband will need to hear your love declaration every now and then, but he will also want to see your actions speaking of how much you love him, and you will want the same. So no matter how busy you are, make it your everyday goal to remind both of you how much you love each other. 3. You're not reaching the end...this is the beginning. Marriage is the beginning of a new chapter of your relationship. It is not the end of the road; it's the first step of a brand new road. 4. You will have chronic conflict. Who doesn't? Research exposes that all couples in long-term relationships will have 2-3 recurring conflicts that will go the distance in the relationship. So, learning how to process conflict well, and at times, agreeing to disagree is critical.

10

THINGS NEWLYWEDS SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SAYING “I DO” by Amina Moustapha

"You're a bride", you should keep saying that to yourself and savour the taste of it each and every time. You are a bride. Which means you should be on cloud number seven, and nothing can bring you down. So this is not us bursting your happy bubble, this is us safeguarding your bubble, better yet expanding it! If you and your groom-to-be kept the following list in mind before tying the knot, and gave it some thought, you can clamber up to cloud number nine. 1. Things between both of you will change, which is a good thing. Why would you want you your life to be the same? Not better, not stronger, not more mature? Everything changes and nothing stays the same, so always work on your marriage and seek the best version of it. That's the change you should pick and pursue for your marriage.

12 IDENTITY

5. You will have to learn to attack the problem, not your spouse. Because the problem is not him, and definitely not you. It's easy to assign blame and use that as ammunition to win a fight. Marriage isn't about being right; it's about being a team. Always remember that. 6. You will have to master the art of compromising. From ordering dinner to renovating the kitchen, you won’t believe the small things that you can argue about. It’s impossible for both of you to be 100% happy with every situation, but it's important to pick battles and take turns in making decisions. 7. Don’t talk badly about your spouse. Yes, he will drive you crazy, and you'll want to vent that out, but think of a better way to do it than to run your mouth to other people. This is the person you promised to love and share your life with, so why would you want anyone to think badly of him? 8. Copilot your life together. It’s not what he decides or what you decide; it is what you both decide. It’s to learn how to share everything, to split tasks, to complete each other. He can wash the dishes while you cook, or whatever, just always be on the same team. 9. It’s okay to have separate interests. No matter how much you think you're alike, marriage will prove you wrong. Time will show you how different you are, and that’s just fine, in fact it is exciting and you will take the rest of your life to discover new things about your spouse. 10. Remember to have fun. Because that’s why you’re getting married. Forget about being responsible and settling down. We get married because we want to be happy, and share this happiness with someone we love, so always remember that, and make it your life’s ultimate goal to have fun. And now we can pronounce you man and wife.


OVERCOMING PRE-WEDDING JITTERS LIKE A BOSS by Amina Moustapha

While everyone is jumping for joy because it’s your big day, you try so hard to hide the fact that you’re feeling sick to your stomach just thinking about the wedding! You’re having bad dreams. The sight of your wedding dress fills you with dread. Nope, this is not your cue to call off the wedding; you are only experiencing pre-wedding jitters. You’re about to commit for the rest of your life and you’re staring that notion right in the eye, so the least you can do is have some cold feet. To get past these jitters, here are 5 efficient steps to consider. 1. Understand The Factors That Give You Stress Yes, the wedding is the reason behind your stress, but which exact part? “Pre-wedding stress is as good as a set of complex equations, and half your problems will be solved the moment you realize exactly what is bugging you,” quotes Dr. Dinal Vora, MD, Homoeopathic Psychiatrist, and Wedding Counselor. Is it the arrangement? Your mother? You don’t like the venue…Pinpoint where exactly is your problem. 2. Have Heart-To-Heart Talks With A Close friend or A Family Member Sometimes, all we need is a nice speech from someone who knows us inside out. Turn to trusted people to boost your confidence. Don’t be afraid to open up about the nitty-gritty. Those who really care for you can give you the comforting words you need to hear and calm your frazzled nerves. You don’t have to do everything on your own. 3. Talk To Your Groom To Be Usually brides delay this step, fearing they might hurt their partner’s feelings, though in fact this should be one of your first steps. You’re merging your life with this person; your mess is his mess now.

Most probably, he is having pre-wedding jitters too. Now, you both can discuss it and later laugh it off together. 4. Pamper Yourself You’re the bride here, this is your license to get pampered. Schedule a relaxing trip to the spa for a massage, or a mani-pedi session at the salon. Unwind with a favourite movie. Spend some leisurely time at the park doing nothing stressful. Even if you’re busy, make time for this. Entertaining yourself is a great talisman against pre-wedding jitters of any kind. 5. Do Not Strive For Perfection All the Time Well, perfection is like chasing a moving object! You will only end up breathless, and you won’t catch the damn thing. It is the root cause of anxiety. Recognize that there might be hitches; things about your special day may not go according to plan. Leave the small details for others to organize; that’s what wedding coordinators, family and friends are there for! Just focus on one thing; enjoying yourself, your partner and your day.

Pre-wedding jitters are annoying, but once you overcome them, a ball of excitement will take their place. Let the fun begin. IDENTITY 13


BEAUTY

DIY WEDDING MAKEUP TIPS by Neamat Eltouby

On your big day, your hair and makeup are the essence of your natural beauty. Other than your gorgeous dress, decorating your face and hair is the simplest way to state your beauty confidently. Start by moisturizing your skin first. Use Nivea Soft Crème, Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, or the Body Shop’s Seaweed Oil Control Day Cream.

GARDEN WEDDING

BEACH WEDDING

MAC Highlighter Beaming Blush

Maybelline Baby lips Revlon Brow Fantasy pencil

Face: Apply a thin foundation to keep the focus on your eyes. Add your light coverage concealer and soft pink blush on your cheeks and chin. Highlight the tip of your nose, cheekbones and the corner of your eyes.

L’oreal Lash Paradise Mascara

Eyes: For your eyes, blend a romantic soft pink colour on the crease, then add a darker shade of pink on the lids and your lower lash line. Add a thin line of kohl on your waterline as well. Add your light mascara. Lips: Apply a soft pink colour, avoid the dramatic colours, and keep the flowery pink shades intact.

Face: Use a light coverage foundation to cover up, but avoid a cakey complexion. Add highlighter on your nose, your lips and your cheekbones. Fill in your eyebrows lightly and add a light concealer under your eyes. Add a defining blush colour. Eyes: Gently brush your gold highlighter on your upper eyelid to illuminate your lids with a shadow substitute and a subtle wet-eye look. Swipe your favourite liquid eyeliner on to create a cat-eye wing. Dramatize your eyelashes with thick brush mascara. Lips: Opt for glossy nude lips to keep you drama free.

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation

MaxFactor Mascara

L’oreal Lumi Magique Primer NYX Liquid Suede

14 IDENTITY

Clinique Moisture surge Urban Decay Backtalk palette

Lord and Berry powder blusher honey


BALLROOM WEDDING PLACE OF WORSHIP WEDDING

Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter

Too Faced Lip injection

Face: Apply your primer. Apply a full coverage foundation and full radiant concealer. Add a soft pink blush to add a natural pigment to your cheeks. Highlight your cheekbones and the tip of your nose with a soft highlighter. Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara

Eyes: Use your highlighter to give your lids a little glow, and line your lower lash line with soft brown kohl. Curl your eyelashes with a thin mascara brush. Lips: Finish your modest and understated look with nude-pink glossy liquid lipstick.

Face: Apply full coverage filtered foundation and full coverage concealer. Add a defining blush then highlight your cheeks as well as over and under your brows with an illuminating highlighter.

Gigi Hadid Maybelline Mascara

Eyes: Apply a soft pink shade on your crease and begin your choice of dark colours for a Smokey eye. Add your golden highlighter in the corners of your eyes. Darken the lower lash line with dark kohl and soften out with an eyeshadow brush. Draw on the wing of your choice. Add your eyelashes and mascara. Lips: To contrast your dramatic eyes, add a glossy nude lip colour that shines like the rest of your sparkling face!

Huda Beauty faux filter foundation

Avon liner

MAC Pro Longwear

Revlon Photoready primer NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

MAC liner

Make up Forever Artist Rouge Bourjois Blush

IDENTITY 15


VOW TO WOW

Vowto Wow Every bride invests a lot of time and effort trying to find that perfect dress, but it’s usually a very complicated task due to the huge variety of designers. So in order for the bride to have a magical night, she needs to look as glamorous as possible and definitely buying that perfect dress is her way to achieving that. And because it’s wedding season, Identity decided to help you out by bringing the best designers in town to your attention.

16 IDENTITY


WEDDING GOWNS

SS’19

IDENTITY 17


Sara Onsi

Embracing the fashion world in early 2014; Sara’s graduate collection was launched in New York Fashion Week followed by London Fashion Week. This debut collection had a graceful roll out since both are remarkable milestones in the fashion world. High-end fabrics, bold and fresh manipulations, constant and meticulous research go hand in hand with her ambition to create something new and modern. She combines love for aesthetic with functionality, mixing fashion design with her industrial design background in order to create a revisited fashion line ideology. She is now working on her next BIG trendsetter.. so stay stuned

18 IDENTITY


Credits Photographer: AMR EL GOHARY Model: NOHA ABOULFADL MUA: LOBNA FARID Hairstylist: IBRAHIM FROM ALSAGHEER SALONS Headpiece: WAHEKAYA Set Designer: WHILTE BLISS

IDENTITY 19


Shahira Lasheen Shahira is specialized in making haute couture gowns with a royal style. She started her fashion career in 2010 and later got nominated for the “10 best upcoming young Arab designers� by the international fashion designer Zuhair Murad. All of her dresses are inspired by novels and artwork, which makes them very special.

20 IDENTITY


IDENTITY 21


Elie Saab

This one is amazing when it comes to fashion, especially soirÊe gowns. He had a passion for fashion since he was 9 and made his sister’s clothes from A to Z. His collection always speaks up to all people from different parts of the world, because he creates magic with his fingertips.

22 IDENTITY


IDENTITY 23


Zuhair Murad

24 IDENTITY


His collections define beauty and elegance. He started off as a basic fashion student who is passionate about fashion and clothes. In 1999, he made his first appearance on the catwalks of Rome with an amazing collection that placed him on the fashion scene. And from here, it was just the beginning for him.

IDENTITY 25


Berta

26 IDENTITY


Berta was founded in 1995 for the bold, the daring and the forward thinkers. For those who cherish uniqueness, art and craftsmanship.

IDENTITY 27


STYLE

Runway Bride by Nahed Kazziha

Runway Bride: (noun) A woman on her wedding day that looks radiant and fashionable, as if she were strutting down the couture catwalk. Not to be confused with a runaway bride. “She looked like a runway bride!” synonyms: stylish newlywed, trendsetting honeymooner, elegant wife.

Marchesa Monique L’Huillier

The definition of a runway bride says it all. There is merit to classics that have endured decades of tradition, and fashion finds ways to pay tribute to princess dresses. However, true homage is to be paid to the brilliant brides that make their wedding gowns their own through originality and their own brand of fashion. The daring wives-to-be with sartorial sense can keep their wedding banded fingers on the pulse of the bridal fashion world by setting their eyes on luxe catwalk collections. This bridal season draws inspiration for contemporary cuts, playful colours and tantalizing textures.

Naeem Khan

COLD SHOULDER A little attitude never hurt. Show off those clavicles and your regal jewellery with an offthe-shoulder cut. Styles can range from sleek to sultry, adding layers and ruffles into the mix. Or opt for airy and light chiffon variations to amp up the romanticism.

28 IDENTITY


FEARLESS TUX You may want to start out your married life by wearing the pants in the relationship (pun intended). Consider simple styles if your nuptials are a cozy or casual affair, or go all out in a tuxedo that will rival all groomsmen. It is after all your event and your rules.

Lein

SPLASH OF COLOUR

Valentino

The blushing bride in white may still be predominantly preferred by most, however for those few daring souls out there that yearn for a shock factor, colourful wedding gowns are calling. Delicate patterns, bold sashes or ombre layers of tulle can skillfully combine bridal and trend in one spectacular garment that you may actually be able to reuse.

Zuhair Murad

3-D LACE The new take on the ever-enduring staple wedding gown ingredient, lace, has been catapulted into modernity. Increased texture and masterful artistry has elevated lace to new heights, popping out of dresses and adding dimension in forms of simple appliques or entire looks. Christian Dior

Oscar de la Renta

Giambattista Valli

IDENTITY 29


the

Bridal party

by Nahed Kazziha

Halfpenny London

Whether you are a stressed out bride in need of inspiration, or you are the maid of honour tasked with putting together your BFF’s dream day, there is no need to be stumped for nuptial inspiration. As runways and seasons evolve, so do bridesmaid trends. It is essential to shuffle past dated bridal party ensembles and gather around for emotional and fashion support!

MIX AND MATCH

Needle & Thread

Traditionally, dresses are the goto bridesmaid uniforms. Thanks to contemporary couture, separates have made their way into the evening gown realm, too. Praise be to those who can afford to accentuate their gorgeous waistlines. The colour selections are endless as are the variations of tops that can be paired with layers of tulle skirting.

AVIATION CHIC

30 IDENTITY

Paper London

The jumpsuit is in, in, IN! No need for dresses to get caught under everyone’s heels on the dance floor, no more tripping over while shuffling into line. Rejoice in the freedom the sleek jumpsuit brings and liberate your friends. Even better, find convertible style jumpsuits in the same shade that leave room for stylistic variations while remaining perfectly coordinated.


COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW

Pick out a style or a theme and have all bridesmaids follow the rainbow. Not only will your friends love you for leaving them a choice of style and colour, but you will be thrilled with the wedding photos capturing the colourful event. Choose pastels or bolds in any fabric then leave the rest up to your besties to glam it up.

Roland Mouret

LOVELY LAVENDER

The delightfully delicate purple that puts all shades of pink to shame has taken runways by storm. Delicate lavender will add the right dose of finesse to your perfect day. Make your posse blossom among the flower arrangements in the floral favourite of the fashion world.

Needle & Thread

Elie Saab

BLACK SWANS

Arguably the dark horse of bridal trends, literally. The edge and sophistication required to infuse tuxedo blacks into a summer palette is nothing short of heroic. Yet nothing screams chic quite like a troop of boss babes strutting down the aisle. Look for metallic accents to truly let your maidens shine.

COLOUR A LA CARTE

Self-Portrait

The conventional bridesmaid is not afforded much choice. The modern day solution has been to stick to one single colour and fabric, while allowing the lovely ladies to select the perfect fit. So, a word to the brides-to-be: stick to universally appealing hues and let your entourage take care of the rest!

IDENTITY 31 Reem Acra


B R I DA L G U I D E

YOUR 12-MONTH CHECKLIST by WeddingHubEg

We are only here to help! This checklist is designed to give you a rough idea of what your timeline should look like in order to help you transform the usual chaos that comes with wedding planning to a smoother affair.

32 IDENTITY


12 MONTHS • Sign up to join Pinterest • If you have flexibility in your wedding date, visit a few different venues where you would like to inquire about availability & cost • Research vendors • Create a rough draft of the guest list • Set your potential budget 10 MONTHS • Choose your wedding theme • Start dress shopping to find the gown of your dreams 8 MONTHS • Manage your wedding budget • Start brainstorming & researching for honeymoon options 7 MONTHS • Research caterers if the venue doesn’t offer F&B 6 MONTHS • Start planning your honeymoon • Select a date & reserve a venue • Choose bridesmaids’ attire • Hire a photographer • Hire a wedding planner • Hire makeup artist & hairstylist • Hire DJ and/or band 4 MONTHS • Start looking for wedding invitations • Meet with your planner to work out details • Book your honeymoon • Order groom’s attire • Choose and book your ceremony location 3 MONTHS • Finalize the guest list • Buy your bridal gown • Order the wedding invitations • Order groomsmen attire • Order needed accessories and gifts for bridesmaids & groomsmen • Start planning your bachelorette party! • Send Save-the-Date 2 MONTHS • Decide on & order your wedding cake • Hire a calligrapher for the invitations if needed • Test makeup & hair for your wedding day

• Meet with your planner to finalize all details • Create your gift list 1 MONTH • Send out invitations • Meet with caterer to select food • Make sure all vendor payments are in order • Finalize flowers with florist/planner • Create the seating chart • Confirm music selection with DJ and/or band • Schedule the final gown fitting • Get your marriage license! • Complete all DIY projects • Book hotel rooms for guests • Decide on a wedding hashtag • Chase all who haven’t RSVP’d • Call all vendors to reconfirm bookings are still on & confirm arrival times 2 WEEKS • Hair trimming time! • Confirm honeymoon travel arrangements • Pack up for your honeymoon • Time for your wedding menu tasting • Finalize the seating chart • Set aside cash, cheques and/or tips to distribute to vendors and venue staff on your wedding day • Delegate tasks to bridesmaids 1 WEEK • Get ready for your bachelorette party • Expect last minute things to come up so relax! • Get your engagement rings polished • Put together a full dress rehearsal with accessories and shoes so you can make sure you’ll look flawless on your wedding day and have enough time to change any tiny detail • Treat yourself to a spa day! YAY! 2 DAYS • Confirm that the gown is ready to wear • Assign an emergency contact person 1 DAY • Mani & pedi time! THE BIG DAY • Eat a healthy breakfast • Make sure all payments are enveloped and ready • Introduce emergency contact to vendors & site managers

IDENTITY 33


Trendiest

In Town

WEDDING VENUES by Amina Moustapha & Rana Ramez

When you’re a bride, you can’t help but spend all your free time thinking about your big day. These thoughts usually center on one thing; the perfect wedding venue. Everything about the wedding, including the look, the feel and the tone depend all on the location. Understanding that this is not an easy nut to crack, we present you a list of the trendiest wedding venues, in town and out of town, and let you decide where you want your magical night to take place.

Out of Town

NILE RITZ CARLTON The Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel is very aware of the significance of the decision at hand here, that’s why they not only offer the assistance of the hotel’s wedding experts, who will guide couples through choosing the perfect indoor or open air venue, the décor, the menu and the entertainment, but also the hotel has tailored wedding and bridal spa packages to ensure you have a pampered smooth experience.

SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT – ASWAN When you blend Nubian and French atmospheres, the outcome is definitely bound to be magical! That’s in a few words what the famous 19th century Victorian palace, set on the banks of the River Nile is all about, magic. Old Cataract’s riverside terrace can host an outdoor wedding reception or for a smaller and more private gathering, there is Fouad’s Corner, an exclusive dining area overlooking the Nile. SOFITEL WINTER PALACE – LUXOR If you want your wedding to be a tale to be told, this is the right place. Winter Palace’s corridors and gardens witnessed thousand of tales. It used to be a British Colonial era palace, and now a luxurious hotel. The glamorous Royal Victorian Lounge will be your pick if you want an indoor wedding, but if you’re one for outdoors, then the famous lush gardens of the palace will graciously house your wedding. 34 IDENTITY


CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL If you were the kind of bride fantasizing about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, then Cairo Marriott hotel is the place you’re looking for. With about 19 event rooms that could accommodate from 200 to 1000 guests, they guarantee to suit every couple’s preferences. To multiply the charm and romance of your day, choose their rooftop venue with the panoramic breathtaking Nile view.

MENA HOUSE OBEROI Mena House has the magical combination between majestic exquisite setting of indoor ballrooms and splendid daylight venues overlooking the pyramids of Giza and the manicured gardens. With the magical ambiance, the mysterious mood and the mesmerizing history in the background, Mena House remains one of the trendiest wedding venues around town.

LA RÉSIDENCE DES CASCADES – SOMA BAY Another great location across the Red Sea coast, Soma Bay is a secluded novel spot fully surrounded by sea from all sides, making it a picture perfect place for a dreamy wedding. La Résidence des Cascades will make sure that your dream wedding comes true, and will even beat your version of it. Over there, even the slightest details are carefully taken care of to bewitch you and your guests.

THE SMOKERY BEACH – GOUNA If you want to have your beach wedding in the charm of Gouna, the Smokery Beach will deliver that for you. The view only will make you fall in love with Gouna more than you’re in love with your groom. The Smokery doesn’t only provide spectacular settings directly overlooking the sea, but also promises delicious catering. IDENTITY 35


BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS & PLANNERS

Standout Events Standout is specialized in styling and planning all kinds of weddings. Happy brides make them happy.

by Rana Ramez

Planners

For all the bridezillas out there, listen out! Planning a wedding is no walk in the park, it is super stressful and time consuming. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t do it all by yourself. Alongside the stress and time elements, hiring a wedding planner will help you stick to your budget, provide you with creative ideas and bring your fantasies to life. So future brides, we hereby present you with a list of wedding planners who can deliver magic to your big day.

Dina Iskander Event & Wedding Planner Since 1996, Dina Iskander has been creating heavenly wedding ambiances for her brides. She aims to tailor decorations for your event whatever it is, wherever it is. She will walk the extra mile just to see your wide smile on your big day.

36 IDENTITY

White Bliss Wedding and Events Planning From weddings and engagements to bachelorette parties, White Bliss guarantee you got the quality and the day you deserve.

Flower Power With Flower Power, class, elegance, charm, creativity and originality are all guaranteed. They turn any of your occasions into a joyful experience, providing you with all services to make your special event an unforgettable celebration.


Gihad Belasy If we can describe the images created by Gihad, we can say that they come out naturally genuine and blissfully joyful. Her work is of high quality, capturing the details of your once in a lifetime experience.

Rafik Fouad Photography Rafik is a favourite among brides. He is a pioneer in the field and can make your wedding day as cheerful and as memorable as possible.

Photographers In addition to being one of the most important days in every couple’s life, almost every woman has dreamt of her wedding day since she was a little girl. And so after the day ends, the only physical eternal reminder of this fairytale day is clearly the photos! So ladies, we know that the choice of photographers can be as important as the choice of the groom himself, and here comes IDENTITY to your rescue. Below is a list of the 5 most talented wedding photographers who will certainly capture the magic of your special day.

Remon El Markiz With creativity and majestic shots, Remon El Markiz will deliver exactly what you had in mind, and more. His photography captures the beauty of the moment in a very intimate way.

Concetto Studios Concetto knows how to capture precious memories and emotions to make you relive the love and joy of your special day. With an expert team, they provide the quality and expertise to meet and exceed your needs. Guru Photo House For Guru, photography is a mixture of science and art that creates magic, with untraditional perceptive and unique shots.

IDENTITY 37


p u e k Ma

Hair Salons & Makeup Artists For Your Big Day by Pakinam Ahmed

Brides always dream about having the perfect wedding. Of course, this is a once in a lifetime event that you have to design and prepare for perfectly in every possible way. Two of the most crucial decisions to guarantee your glamorous bridal look are selecting the hairstylist and the makeup artist. You want to reflect back on that day, look at your beautiful pictures and think “I’m glad I planned my wedding so impeccebaly.” That is why we have taken care of your hair and your makeup. To save you the hassle of searching for and asking about the best hairstylists and makeup artists, we have gathered for you the best of both in this article.

SALLY RASHID

An artist she is! A simple yet beautiful makeup on your wedding day is what Sally is capable of delivering. Her mission is to reveal your hidden beauty and make you happy on your wedding day.

FATMA BAHGAT

Fatma can give you the glamorous look you need through her ability to beautifully craft makeup on your face.

SORAYA SHAWKY DINA DIMITRY

Dina has an incredible talent, giving your face a unique glow so that you can feel confident and vibrant in your wedding dress.

38 IDENTITY

The beauty guru! Soraya is a makeup fanatic who received her Master’s Degree in the Make-up and Hair industry from Barcelona. She can easily cast her spell on you, transforming you to a princess.


Hair

CHEZ RICHARD

Chez Richard is one of the most prominent hair salons that would definitely guarantee you that amazing hairstyle on your big day! There is no need to worry about how you will style your hair either, Chez Richard takes care of that.

KRISS

You can count on Kriss’s expert hairstylists on your wedding day. They have the ability to style your hair into perfection, exactly the way you want it to be. Be ready to look stunning on your wedding day.

RABIE MRAD

There is no doubt that Rabie has the experience and skills to make your hair look splendid. The Lebanese guru is able to draw a big smile on a bride’s face after modelling carefully formed flawless hairdos.

KIMI SAFADI AL SAGHEER

Who doesn’t know Al Sagheer? Most women definitely do! Having been in the beauty business since 1980, they have succeeded to build their reputation with the help of their excellent staff and experts. Definitely one of the highly recommended hair salons on your big day, it’s a decision you will never regret.

If you want your hair to look magnificent till the end of your wedding ceremony, Kimi is the right guy for you. It is true that Kimi’s long lasting waves do the magic in your photographs, even after you rock the dance floor.

Even though it is very difficult to choose from this incredible list of talents, be sure that your choice will never fail your expectations. IDENTITY 39


BEST DJS & FASHION DESIGNERS

MALAK EL EZZAWY El Ezzawy’s custommade gowns are undoubtedly statement-making dresses. If you are looking for soft elegant romantic gowns, she is your one!

by Rana Ramez

Bridal Designers Dear Bride-to-be, it’s no secret that shopping for your wedding gown will be the hardest, toughest, most difficult and most emotional shopping mission you will ever have to go on in your entire life! In case you’re tired of scouting for your dream wedding dress in every bridal boutique around the city, we’re offering you an alternative option that will definitely bring your dream bridal dress to life. Check out our selected list of the top 5 Egyptian bridal designers known for making brides quite satisfied on their big days.

Djs The spirit of every wedding lies within its music! It can lift your day up high until you feel like you’re dancing among the clouds, or it can easily and cold bloodedly kill your vibe on the most important day of your life. So dear future brides, you need to pay extra attention to your choice of DJs. That’s the reason why we are stepping in to help you in that matter. Below is our recommended list of the top wedding DJs that you can trust. 40 IDENTITY

VIVIAN MOAWAD Displaying the beauty of the female physique while empowering her clients, Vivian’s designs combine timeless elegance and femininity.

Hady Sabaa DJ Hady Sabaa For Weddings & Events Company is a Lebanese Egyptian Company specialized in entertainment. It offers sound & light equipment, laser shows Bassem Nagy and fireworks. You can say Based in that they’ve got the whole Egypt, Bassem Nagy package and you won’t is specialized in weddings, need to worry about engagements, private and a thing. corporate events. He knows how to spice up any wedding and is extremely talented in sensing the taste of his audience.


NORINE FARAH COUTURE

With fascinating creativity and breathtaking designs, Norine Farah’s creations are bold, sexy, and daringly feminine.

TEMRAZA

With designs worn by Hollywood celebrities at the Academy Awards and the Cannes Film Festival, Farida Termaza delivers one-of-akind wedding gowns.

At the end of the day, it’s the bride who makes the dress, not the other way around

Kang Chun Lin Enzoani

CAROLINE YASSA

Yassa’s designs will make sure to show your personality in your wedding dress; from princess to bohemian and everything in between.

Roro Assaf Since 2002 Roro has been a pioneer in the wedding party business. Nadim El Sabaa Assaf provides entertainment Spinning among clubs consultancy services with his since 2002, Nadim El Sabaa team of DJs, as well as local and Ramy The started entertaining weddings in international musicians. Besides DJunkie 2006. He is very passionate about that, he has performed in It’s all about Music Not music and strongly believes that his many different cities such Genres. That’s What DJunkie ultimate objective is to radiate good as Venice, Paris, Beirut Stands for: The DJ and The Music will toward his audience. He plays and Abu Dhabi. “Junkie” that appreciates it all, many music genres including Funk, and mixes it all, leaving you in a Disco, Old school, Deep House, euphoric bliss. He is also one of RnB & Hip Hop, Oriental and the few Egyptian musicians to a wide variety of Arabic go international, making top hits. it to Europe and the Gulf region. IDENTITY 41


THE BEST CATERERS & JEWELERY FOR YOUR WEDDING by Rana Ramez

Catering

Just like the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the way to your wedding guests’ hearts is also through their stomachs. Some lucky brides choose wedding venues that provide onsite catering, but others don’t get so lucky. This article is mainly for brides who have to add wedding caterers to their long wedding to-do lists. And because we know how the search for caterers can get really tricky, we’ve put you this list of 8 suggested wedding caterers who will surely make you win your guests’ hearts.

Jewelry No bridal look is ever complete without jewelry. It is what complements the perfect overall look of every bride, so it cannot be overlooked at any price. While choosing the type of wedding jewelry accessories, you dear bride-to-be - have to keep in mind the style and neck cut of your wedding dress as well as your hairstyle. IDENTITY offers you a listing of the top 9 jewelers in town who are able to add the last magical touch to your phenomenal bridal look.

SELECT JEWELRY

Led by Louis A. Youssef, Select Jewelry has some of the most drop dead gorgeous designs ever, with a huge variety to suit every taste. From big statement pieces to simple and modern jewelry, you will definitely find what you want.

DIAMOND LAND

42 IDENTITY

With their breathtaking designs, elegant and classy pieces and high quality stones, Diamond Land will give your bridal look the needed touch of perfection.

BERGE JEWELRY

It’s fair to say that Berge is the master of customized jewelry. You will be guaranteed to find exactly what you have in mind with their level of craftsmanship.


VARAK

NOLA CUPCAKES

Managed by Abou Shakra Group, Varak aims to be the trendiest, most distinctive and most unconventional catering & events company in Egypt. They view food as art, with a concept that constantly renovates itself.

No celebration is complete without NOLA Cupcakes. Impress your guests with their delicious cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, chocolates, cheesecake cups, macaroons and cookies.

THE CATERING CO. KITCHEN

Whether you need an elegant dinner for 20 to 30, an affordable hors d’oeuvres buffet wedding reception for 350, an outdoor picnic or a casual lunch; Crave Catering is here for you.

CRAVE CATERING

The Catering Co. Kitchen offers a wide selection of food that suits not only different tastes, but also different budgets.

TAILOR KIT EGYPT

LOLLI’S CORNER

Crocheting a blanket of flavours and stitching them to delectable perfection, Tailor Kit is one of the town’s hottest hosts. They serve delicious customizable catering, luxurious palettes and silky setups. The Tailors are here!

If you are looking for both pretty and delicious candy corners, you are in the right place. Lolli’s Corner does candy tables, wedding cakes and a lot more for special occasions.

DUKES EGYPT

Whipped Gourmet Cakery is dedicated to making baked homemade works of art for every occasion. The amazing presentation of the goods matches up with their mouthwatering taste.

WHIPPED GOURMET CAKERY

Dukes offers you special delicious desserts, French bakery and pastries. In addition, it caters food & event styling for all occasions of any themes and in all places.

IRAM

IRAM Jewelry is the leading diamonds & precious stones jeweler of Egypt. They deliver value and happiness to their customers with trusted stylish quality products and services that provide the highest standards of beauty and uniqueness.

CARLO JOAILLIER

L’AZURDE

L’Azurde is the largest gold and jewelry designer, manufacturer, and distributor in the Middle East and the 4th largest jewelry manufacturer worldwide. No need to state the obvious here.

VARTAN & CO. JEWELERS

Having been around for nearly 100 years, Vartan offers some of the most unique one-of-a-kind designs in Egypt. For jewelry pieces that will turn heads, Vartan is the way to go.

Carlo Joaillier is a space where each piece is handpicked to ensure the highest-quality and where beautiful international brands shine alongside the Carlo family’s own exquisite jewelry lines.

BAJOCCHI JEWELERS

DIAMOND CENTRE

Beauty starts at Diamond Centre. They offer exquisite artistic designs to suit all tastes. The designs are inspired from the most recent trends in fashion jewelry.

For 116 years, five generations of the Bajocchi family have devoted their life to one product: Fine jewelry. Today, the name Bajocchi is synonymous of tradition, quality and integrity.

IDENTITY 43


WEDDING BELLS

BRIDESMAIDS BASICS: What Every Maid Needs To Know by Neamat Eltouby

Having bridesmaids during the wedding relieves the bride from many duties that may drive her crazy. However, what does the bridesmaid do? From helping plan the wedding, organising surprise parties, being the bride’s rock during the ceremony, and looking absolutely fabulous, bridesmaids cross oceans for their loved ones. Appoint your favorite girls to be your bridesmaids and watch them work their magic! 44 IDENTITY


. . . . . . .

Wedding Planning

During the Wedding

When planning your wedding, you can count on your girls to:

So much may go on during the ceremony, and that’s where they get to save the day. Your bridesmaids need to make sure that they:

Be available all the time. Your bridesmaids will respond to messages, emails, and phone calls promptly. Help pick the dress. They will help you make sure your dress suits the venue of your wedding as well as the weather. They’ll be organized. When asked for tasks, they’ll do their best to be timely, organized, and prepared. Attend food tasting. If you invite them, your bridesmaids will be there to assist you during food tastings, venue examination, and decoration selection. Support your planning decisions. Give you their honest opinions when they’re asked.

. . . . . . .

Help you get ready for your honeymoon. With the wedding fever shooting up, you may even forget to pack for your honeymoon. Your bridesmaids will assist you with your packing, your booking, and whatever else you may need.

Bridal Shower

. . . . . . .

Although your wedding is on you, your parties are on them. For your parties they should: Buy a gift for the shower. Be prepared. They’ll be there with food, drinks, activities, and decorations for your shower. Be familiar with your gift list and/or registry. Plan a theme. Set a time, date, and venue. Set a guest list. Invite the guests.

Remind you to eat. With all that’s going on, sometimes you may forget to eat. Your bridesmaids will keep you fed and hydrated. Dance. Your girls will surely ump up the party, and make it a day to remember! Have emergency necessities. They’ll hold on to sewing kits, extra pins, lipstick, tissue, flat shoes, and band aids. Straighten up your veil and dress when needed. Take behind the scenes photographer may miss.

pictures

that

the

Make sure the guests are content. Make sure the bride is comfortable, smiling, and having the time of her life.

Emotional Support

. . . . . . .

Your wedding can be the most hectic time of your life so far. Through the nervousness, your bridesmaids will surely be there for you and prep you for your wedding, thus they will: Start a pre-party in the dressing room, turning your party mood on. Be with you when you choose your dress. Your bridesmaids will support your decision, and share the happy moment, ensuring a memorable experience and a dress loved by everyone. Provide you with your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Be there. Sometimes you may need to break away from all the wedding planning and just have a day off, that’s where they step in. Always remember that you’re sharing a special day. Not involve you in conflicts. They’ll avoid letting you know if there are fights, quarrels, or any discontent among your bridesmaids. Most importantly, they’ll help you get ready.

IDENTITY 45


6 MEDITERRANEAN WILD FLOWERS by Amina Elghandour

W

hile agricultural technology allows us to harvest crops and flowers in climates unfamiliar to them, the renderings of nature still has an unparalleled charm. Every natural climate translates into its form of beauty whether in crops or flowers. The Mediterranean climate is known for its dry summers, breezy springs and mild winters - and this nature manifests in its own form of beauty. In this article, Identity explores 6 Mediterranean wild flowers that grow in a climate where sea, sun and earth combine to bestow its best gifts.

46 IDENTITY


1. TURBAN BUTTERFLY OR PERSIAN BUTTERCUP Not only are they elegant in shape, they are also bountiful in colours – they come in white, pink, purple or scarlet. These cheerful flowers usually grow in colour groups and blossom between March and May but grow up to a foot and a half and last long, offering a prolonged display of their colourful beauty. While Persian Buttercup is all over Mediterranean countries, it is a native to Iran, Turkey and Greece – well the name sort of tips us off. 2. SEA ROSE Since we are discussing wild Mediterranean flowers, a Sea Rose (also known as armeriapungens), only becomes natural. Common along beach dunes, this beautiful wild flower grows in large colour groups. It comes in a range of white, pink and deep red and blooms between April and July. Sea rose is a characteristic of Rhodes Islands, Portugal, South Spain, Corsica and Sardinia. And because the gifts of nature are multitude, the sea rose is brewed to give us rose hip tea that helps with circulation and digestive problems. 3. SPANISH BROOM Bright yellow, tall and shrubby, this flower is as wild as it gets. Spanish broom is loosely branched with green, slender ribbed branches and small leaves the leaves are of little importance to the plant as the photosynthesis occurs in the green shoots (a water-conserving strategy in its dry climate). In late spring and throughout summer shoots are covered in brilliant yellow pea-like flowers. While the flower is quite small, the plant grows up to 10 feet in height and can spread quickly and grow in different areas. Their adaptability and rapid growth lead to their invasive tendency.

Book of Flower”. And guess which wild flower was her favourite? This was the beautiful Harlequin or Fritillary involucrate, uniquely chequered in a mixture of colours that often include pink, purple, orange and red. They grow between 6 and 12 inches tall and blossom early spring – a beauty and elegance that befits a royal taste. 6. CROWN DAISY You can’t miss the white and yellow daisies that cover Mediterranean landscapes, usually flowering between March and September. While it’s very popular in Mediterranean terrains, it is seldom used in the Mediterranean kitchen and seems to be more used as an aromatic and edible flower in East Asia. The crown daisy is particularly popular in Chinese and Japanese cooking. Its antioxidant properties protect the body from a number of diseases that include cardiovascular, lungs and kidney problems. In short, the crown daisy can by enjoyed in terms of sight and taste.

Just as the Mediterranean offers charming sea view, breezy weather and flavourful foods, its gifts are culminated in its array of exquisite wild flowers. So next time you are in a Mediterranean city, look out for its wild beauties.

4. AGAPANTHUS OR LILY OF THE NILE Blossoming in shades of blue, white and violet that resemble lilies, Nile Lily seems the perfect flower to reflect the beauty of the sea. Originating in South Africa, Nile Lilies became with time indigenous to places with hot weather. They are strong, tall and sturdy with their stem mostly underground, they multiply quickly and grow in clusters invading the landscape and accentuating its charm. 5. ‘HARLEQUIN’ FLOWERS Living in the Mediterranean, the late Princess Grace of Monaco delved in her passion for flowers and was known for creating pressed flower art. And in 1980 she authored a fully illustrated work called “My

IDENTITY 47


H E A LT H

8 EASY TIPS ON HOW TO GET IN SHAPE BEFORE THE BIG DAY by Salma Elfeqy

G

etting in shape before your big day is one of the things that every bride has on her wish list. It is one thing that keeps the bride feeling a little bit stressed, but we’ve got your back on this! We know that all you want on your wedding day is to be a stunning perfect looking bride and that losing weight or getting in shape in general is one way to achieve that. Just to help you cruise through this hectic period, we’ve interviewed several brides on tips and tricks on how to lose weight without having this thought stressing you out.

48 IDENTITY


1. COMMIT TO A PROGRAM It is way easier for you to lose weight when you are committed to a program. There are lots of programs on offer across the country, so the variety helps you choose the most convenient program for you. You can choose programs that only involve ladies, gyms where you get to have a personal trainer or even programs where you can join with your fiancé. It is very advisable to go through this journey with people who have the same goals, to push each other forward. 2. START EARLY The wedding date is a pre-set date. So definitely, you know months earlier that you’ll be having your wedding around a specific date. Start early and stop procrastinating. If you start early, you won’t have to lose a huge bunch of KGs in about a month or so. You’ll feel relaxed because you already have plenty of time on your hands. 3. SET SMALL GOALS Setting small goals will help you feel better about yourself and about your monthly accomplishments. When you set a huge goal, you feel demotivated, that is why you feel pressured all the time. Imagine yourself thinking of losing 1 KG this week or thinking that you need to lose 10KGs before the wedding. Of course, the first way of thinking will help you feel better about your accomplishments and will help you move forward. 4. BE REALISTIC WHEN SETTING GOALS Other than having to set small goals over a pretty long time interval, these goals need to be realistic. Your big goal needs to be realistic to be able to break it down into other smaller realistic goals. If you set an unrealistic goal, all you’ll be doing is feel bad about yourself, because when you compare what you achieve in reality to your expectations, you’ll always feel like what you are doing is not enough, which is not the case. 5. START EATING HEALTHY Losing weight is not about playing sports or changing your diet for a period of time. It is about

changing your eating habits to become a healthy eater. To avoid midnight cravings and those sessions where you binge eat lots of food out of stress at 2 am in the morning, try looking for a healthy food plan where you don’t feel deprived of food. 6. CREATE A WORKING-OUT DIARY Creating one of these would help you visualize everything. It will help you visualize your progress. Put stars on the weeks where you’ve met your expectations and feel proud of it. And encourage yourself even further on weeks where you didn’t meet your goals. This will help you stay committed, while doing it in a fun motivating way. It will also make giving up harder, because you’ll realize how much time and effort you’ve invested in this by going back to previous weeks. 7. TRY TO MAKE THIS JOURNEY FUN Trying to be fit is one of the things that most people are concerned about and can make them feel bad about themselves, because people often see this as a tiring journey instead of a fun one. But you can try to make this journey a fun one where you get to meet lots of people, compare progress together or even make the food pretty tasty. Who said that healthy food is supposed to be boring? Fun salads do exist! 8. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE Try to stay positive as much as you can and keep your eye on the prize. Instead of just whining all the time about losing weight or getting fit, use your reason as a motivation. Motivate yourself to reach your goal and know that your prize will be wearing that dream dress of yours. What better prize would you want for your wedding day?

This is one of the most common concerns for brides-to-be, but at least with enough dedication, commitment and hard work, this one is a pretty easy chore on the list of chores for your wedding day! So don’t lose hope and keep yourself going because you’ll look stunning in that white dress of yours!

IDENTITY 49


A DV I C E

The RUNAWAY Bride by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, I’m a 29 year old girl with serious commitment issues. Five years ago I got engaged after being in a long term relationship for 3 years. The relationship was pretty much great, and I was so in love with my partner. But something really awful happened on our wedding day, I freaked out. I never knew I had commitment issues before the actual day of my wedding. I called it off and up until this moment I don’t know why! All I was thinking about is that I have to cancel it and that I can’t get married at any cost. You can imagine the disappointment of my family, especially my parents, and of course I never heard again from my ex-partner. I know I did something terrible and I wish I could apologize to him, but I swear I have no idea why I did it or where it all came from. Now I’ve been in a relationship for almost 2 years with another amazing guy that I honestly feel I don’t deserve. He is more than I could ever ask for and I'm madly in love with him. The problem here is that he started to ask me to take official steps. I always try to postpone it, but I know that eventually I will have to face it. And just to be clear, I’m only skeptical about my reaction on the day of the wedding, not about him. Calling off my first wedding was as shocking to me as it was to everyone around me, so I’m really anxious about my reaction this time. I really love my partner and I can’t stand the possibility of losing him, or the embarrassment of calling off another wedding. 50 IDENTITY

Dear Phobic, The human psyche is extremely complex and tricky; between defense mechanisms, the dark alleys of childhood, traumas, and phobias, the truth gets lost. Reading your message, I am inclined to say that you do not have a commitment issue. You can actually stay in an exclusive committed relationship for two and three years, and this means that you can commit. If we exclude family issues and bad role models, then we are left with several other options: AFRAID OF SEX Some girls are afraid of having sex to the extent of getting married and denying their husbands any opportunity to consummate the marriage. Others might call off the wedding or not get to the wedding stage in the first place. The irrational fear of sex can be traced back to a strict upbringing, religious beliefs, sexual harassment, or other sexual trauma. The fear of sex is not a joke! It is real and it can lead to a medical condition called vaginismus, where the woman’s vagina turns into a concrete wall, and penetration


The thought of all these people knowing, and probably thinking, of the bride having sex is intimidating to many girls. Instead of focusing on herself and her husband-tobe, she focuses on the guests, their words, fantasies, and what they would think of her. If the wedding itself scares you, do not have a wedding. HAS A DEEP DARK SECRET Julia Roberts, in Runaway Bride, had a secret; she knew that she was not being true to herself in any of her engagements. She pretended to be someone else all the time. She tried to please her partner by being a copy of who he was. She believed in soulmates that she tried to be a soulmate to every man she fell in love with. She would adopt the same hobbies, same way of cooking her eggs, same favorite this or that, etc. If you keep making that mistake, you might need a professional to help you get to know yourself, love it, and accept it. Some girls have such low self-esteem that they believe they have to be someone else to be loved. Some of them manage to lead their lives faking and only the lucky ones are aware of what they are doing, and they seek help.

fails. Repetitive failure leads the man to lose erection and, eventually, desire. He becomes on the verge of sexual incompetence. If this is the case with you, seek professional psychological help. AFRAID OF THE WEDDING As silly as it might sound, some girls seriously do not want a wedding. A wedding is too much stress, too much attention, and too much focus. These brides, on their wedding day, can only think of all these guests, who know that on that night, she would be having sex.

One of the ways they are seeking help is by doing “unexplainable” things – like calling off their wedding on the same day. CONTROL FREAKS Only you can tell if you are a control freak or not. Do you like to be the one being in charge? Taking decisions? Driving? Choosing? Leading? Setting rules? Making plans? If this is the case, you might want to suggest having the right to divorce yourself, and writing more of the rights that would make you feel in control, in the marriage certificate.

IDENTITY 51


T R AV E L

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS & PACKING ESSENTIALS by Salma Elfeqy

Picking a honeymoon destination can definitely be a really tough choice, because hey, it only happens once. Of course you’ll get the chance to travel a lot with your hubby, but this one should be perfect and special. You need to choose the perfect destination given the weather, the perfect country where you find things that interests you both and one where you both feel beautiful and at peace. So here is a list of 4 of the best honeymoon destinations during the month of June.

Jude Benhalim

SPAIN Jimmy Choo

Lisa Marie Fernandez

Zara

Louis Vuitton

Spain is a country where you can literally spend a whole month doing something new every single day. This country has the most amazing weather in June. You get to enjoy the summer weather along with the breeze. If you want to be by the water, you can choose destinations like Ibiza and if you want to go shopping and know about the culture, then Barcelona is the one for you. Even your groom will be happy with all the Barcelona and Madrid football obsessions in the country.

Jude Benhalim Le Petit Trou

52 IDENTITY Michael Kors


Chloé Tiffany & Co.

FRANCE Prada

Who wouldn’t want to go to the city of love on their honeymoon. This is definitely one of the best destinations because love is literally in the air. The only downside is how the city will be flooded with tourists during this time of the year, but the good thing is that you don’t have to spend the entire duration of your honeymoon in Paris. You can take the chance to explore other cities like Nice, Lyon, Cannes and Marseille.

Eberjey

Pull & Bear

Bershka

Fleur of England

Gucci Gucci

IDENTITY 53


Michael kors

Jude Benhalim

MALDIVES

Ted Baker

Hollister

Maldives is one of the best countries any person, whether married or not, can go to. You’ll definitely have fun and enjoy your honeymoon regardless of your budget and the resort you are in. You have to book a couple of days in the over the water bungalows where your dream honeymoon becomes a reality. You’ll get to have breakfast in bed while enjoying the best ocean views. If you are best friends with water then this is definitely your destination.

Bershka

Carine Gilson

Gucci Ted Baker

54 IDENTITY


Cartier

Jimmy Choo

ITALY

Larsson & Jennings Tory Burch

Italy is where you can live 100s of adventures just in one country. In every single city you get a different vibe, so no, you won’t get tired or bored at all. You get to see the Roman heritage in Rome, the amazing romantic Venice, the beauty of colours in Florence, and the amazing nature of cities like Lake Como. It is truly one of God’s greatest gifts on mother earth. Italian food is also heavenly in every single way. Agent Provocateur

Pull & Bear

Gucci

Tory Burch

IDENTITY 55


A RO U N D T H E WO R L D

Around the World this month

by Neamat Eltouby

MEADOWS IN THE MOUNTAINS, BULGARIA When June 7 - June 10 Where Bulgaria Visiting Bulgaria for this romantic and fulfilling event is what you should be looking forward to. Meadows in the mountains and its Rhodopian Mountain setting on the Bulgarian border of Greece will definitely give you that vibe of wild and romantic at the same time. During that festival, you can both show off your dancing skills, listen to amazing music and get amazed by corners of literature and art lovers. What more could you ask for?

FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, DOVER When June 14 - June 17 Where Dover

56 IDENTITY

The firefly experience is unlike any other because you get to spend one weekend, in one woodland and with one community; how amazing is that? You’ll have the chance to listen to amazing singers and performers such as Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Lil Wayne, ARCTC Monkeys and many more during this amazing weekend. If you feel tired, you have an amazing opportunity to rest in the nooks area till your favorite performer’s time comes.


CAPPADOX, TURKEY When June 14 - June 19 Where Turkey This festival is held in a really incredible space, Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. This festival is not any less unique than its place and setting. You’ll get the chance to experience some of the best 3 days of your life by going to this festival. Not only will you get the opportunity to listen to a mix of music, but you’ll also be able to see some art performances, enjoy the dining events and the many outdoor activities such as yoga and cycling that help you enjoy nature.

AFRICA OYE, LIVERPOOL When June 16 - June 17 Where Liverpool This festival is not just free but it is also one of the UK’s largest festivals taking place in Liverpool’s amazing Sefton Park. Back in 2014, this very same festival had an amazing audience of over 80,000 people. You’ll get the chance to witness monumental live acts from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas. This festival includes DJ’s, international food stalls, the pop up Oye village and global vendors selling their goods. It is very well equipped and offers workshops and classes to keep it interesting.

LOVE INTERNATIONAL, CROATIA When June 27 - July 4 Where Croatia This festival is set in the gentle hills of Tisno overseeing the paradisiacal Dalmatian Coast. It is the perfect getaway for a newlywed couple as it’s just not like any other festival. Plenty of the world’s best DJ’s offer their music to boat parties, open air clubs, beach parties and so much more. For the accommodation, it is advised that you book in one of the festival’s on site apartments, tents or retro trailers (with showers, kitchenette and AC).

IDENTITY 57


OUT & ABOUT

Launch Of Welad El Zawat At Jw Marriott Cairo’s Club House Terrace Welad El Zawat Ramadan venue has kicked off for its third successive year at JW Marriott Cairo, inviting the city’s favourite socialites to attend a lavish Sohour as part of the launch of the reputable Ramadan venue. Held on the scenic Clubhouse terrace overlooking the hotel’s famous golf course and lakes, the Sohour comprised a delicious assortment of Lebanese dishes, a wide selection of sumptuous desserts and an extensive range of shisha flavours. Guests also enjoyed the authentic live oriental takht and other forms of entertainment including backgammon, cards and board games complemented by friendly ambiance and the exceptional JW Marriott service.

Conrad Cairo Hosted its Media Partners For an Early Ramadan Offering Experience Conrad Cairo held an exclusive dining event for its media & press partners at El Lama El Helwa at Jayda Nile Terrace to sample Conrad Cairo’s oriental Iftar and Sohour specialties and Ramadan offerings. The invitees enjoyed the Ramadan charming atmosphere and the delightful oriental Sohour buffet at El Lama El Helwa, which featured a diverse selection of salads, a generous selection of hot & cold Mezze and sumptuous hot specialties, in addition to the Shisha flavours served with the spectacular view overlooking the Nile. The oriental takht, the coffee fortune teller and the Tanoura Show also provided a perfect atmosphere to enjoy a Ramadan social evening in style. Guests expressed their admiration for the place and their excitement to be spending some unique Iftar and Sohour experiences during Ramadan at Conrad Cairo.

58 IDENTITY


EXPERIENCE A FESTIVE EID-EL-FITR HOLIDAY AT THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO After the Holy Month of Ramadan, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate Eid El Fitr holiday at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo with family and friends. The Hotel has created an array of memorable activities to ensure a joyful experience, filled with relaxation and exceptional dining and entertainment options suitable for everyone.

Eid al-Fitr Kids program This Eid, the Hotel’s younger guests are invited to participate in the exciting Kids program, which features arts and crafts, cinema hours, and many more– set exclusively for the little ones. The kids program is complimentary for Eid al-Fitr Brunch guests.

Eid al-Fitr Brunch Culina, the all-day dining restaurant invites you to an extravagant “Farm to table” Eid brunch; a seasonal open-air dining experience that focuses on fresh local foods featuring fresh local produce, fruits and vegetables, quality meats, fresh seafood, honey, dairy products and live music. Brunch is paired with “All you can drink” local and organic bloody mary, mimosa, sangria or martini. A lively family atmosphere from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. with a live jazz band to set the tone for a liberated festive atmosphere; children are invited to the kids’ corner for some Eid celebrations. Eid al-Fitr Brunch is priced at LE 590++ per person.

Eid Party at Nox Guests are invited to dance the night away at Nox rooftop party on the first and second day of Eid with in-house DJ and special entertainment. Special summer cocktails has been prepared to keep you refreshed all night long. Party starts at LE 750 +++

Family and Friends Eid al-Fitr Getaway Experience an idyllic family setting in with a luxury pool cabana, complete with an outstanding outdoor pool, and live ‘all-you-can-eat’ barbecue stations for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children). When making individual booking, guests can enjoy a day-use on the pool with ‘all you can eat’ barbecue or delight in delicious summer bites from our ala carte menu at Aqua. Enjoy with kids entertainment and a live DJ. Cabana package LE 3,999 All-inclusive per person.

For more information and reservations, please contact 002 (02) 25778899.

IDENTITY 59


Magical Ramadan Nights at Bab Al Qasr Ramadan Tent Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski unlocked its renowned Bab Al Qasr Tent for the second year in a row after the great success it was last year. It invited Ramadan Nights’ lovers to a colourful oriental theme infused with a modern touch and luxurious hospitality. The Tent opened its doors to welcome public figures, football players and celebrities who gathered for an unforgettable Ramadan Night featuring live entertainment and delicious suhour crafted by Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s talented Chefs.

Le Meridien Cairo Airport hosted an exceptional celebration marking the launch of China Red new menu. Foodies, local media and influencers were invited to reveal the distinctive flavours of the newly launched menu by unlocking colour, aroma and taste of Shanghai Cuisine through an authentic culinary experience presented by Chef Zhu. While enjoying the delights of the new menu, guests were treated to Hisham Tiba soothing jazzy tunes and Chinese dragon show.

60 IDENTITY


Share the Meal at Cairo Marriott with MBC Hope and World Food Program to Defeat Hunger As part of Marriott International’s continuous initiatives to support the community known as “Serve 360”: Doing good in every direction, over a hundred of guests, shared their iftar together at Salon Vert. The aim of the event was to increase awareness about Ramadan campaign; Sharek Iftarek (Share your Iftar) and ShareTheMeal mobile application by World Food Program. The event was organized in collaboration with MBC Hope and World Food Program (WFP). During her speech, UN Goodwill ambassador and glamorous superstar Hend Sabry empowered guests to use social media for charity purposes, assuring that this is what ShareTheMeal application aims for. It is worth mentioning, that Sabry is supporting the initiative since its birth in 2013.

Nawaret El Qasr Legendary Sohour at the Cairo Marriott It is this time of the year when Cairo Marriott is pleased to welcome its loyal guests at the Palace for a legendary sohour. This year a hidden Gem was revealed introducing the stunning Pool Deck with the Palace view as a backdrop. Theme for the night was Nawaret El Qasr a welcoming message that goes back to the golden era of Modern Egypt when Khedive Ismail decided to celebrate his three sons and only daughter wedding ceremony, known as Afrah El Angal. Green and gold was the colour code to match the theme. Not any less than Afrah El Angal in authenticity was Cairo Marriott’s Sohour event. Receiving guests was General Manager of the hotel Mr. Khaled Al Jamal with Sales and Marketing leaders and team.

IDENTITY 61


DHL Express Signs a Historic Partnership with Egyptian football Star Mohamed Salah DHL Express, the world’s leading international express provider, held a press conference in Cheshire, England, to announce its new Middle East and North Africa exclusive partnership for globally renowned English premiership and Egyptian National player Mohamed Salah to be its ambassador for the region. The conference addressed a number of important issues in the partnership related to the dissemination of the positive community values that DHL believes and supports in the Middle East and North Africa. The partnership was announced as a collaboration with DHL Express for the regional territory of MENA. Regional media personnel and journalists attended the event of the signing ceremony with a high-level delegation from DHL Express, including the CEO of the company in Middle East and North Africa, Nour Suliman.

Grand Nile Tower Hosts the International Jazz Day Grand Nile Tower hosted a spectacular Jazz evening held at Grand Nile arts & Cultural -main theatre - to celebrate the international Jazz Day in a grand Jam session featuring the Egyptian jazz stars musicians. The event was organized by the Egyptian Association of Jazz Music.

62 IDENTITY

Renault Egypt Team Honored for Unprecedented Sales Performance Celebrating the achievements of the Renault team’s phenomenal 2018 Q1 sales, the leading French brand Renault honoured their team for their exceptional efforts. Talking about the achievement, Chairman of Alkan holding and EIM group, the exclusive distributor of the French brand Renault, Engineer Khaled Nosseir, said “Renault and Alkan Group have played a huge role in supporting the development of the country and economy”.


ALEXBANK named the Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Middle East by the Euromoney

Huawei Launches New Solutions to Drive the Development of an Intelligent Society at Huawei Asia Pacific ISP Summit 2018

ALEXBANK has been named the “Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Middle East” for its outstanding endeavors in sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility practices in Egypt. The award by the Euromoney, one of the most prominent international magazine in assessing banks and financial institutions’ performance, was presented to Mr. Dante Campioni- Managing Director & CEO of ALEXBANK and Ms. Laila Hosni – Head of CSR and Sustainable Development at ALEXBANK, during the Euromoney Middle East Awards for Excellence dinner held in Dubai on May 8th.

Leading New ICT — Achieve and Accelerate Digital Revolution with ISP Huawei Asia Pacific ISP Summit 2018 held today in Hong Kong gathered over 150 ISPs and industry experts from Southeast Asia to discuss how the ISP industry can advance digital transformation and unlock new opportunities to grow the digital economy in Asia Pacific.

DareXTara: A new and exciting collaboration El Shamsi group, the leading textile and garments manufacturer, distributor, and retailer in Egypt launched their third fashion brand, Dalydress Dare with a dazzling and exclusive collaboration with Egyptian actress and model Tara Emad.

Lesaffre Officially Opens A New Baking Center™ In Egypt

Celebrating 10 Years in Egypt..

City Centre Maadi and City Centre Alexandria Celebrate the Spirit of Ramadan City Centre Maadi and Alexandria, committed to creating great moments for everyone every day, celebrate the spirit of compassion during the Holy Month of Ramadan through the annually launched Majid Al Futtaim “Make a Difference” campaign in partnership with Life Makers Foundation. The campaign includes donation boxes being placed inside the malls to collect donations for the benefit of the underprivileged.

la Vie en Rose celebrated 10 years in Egypt at their store in Cairo Festival City Mall with media representatives, influencers and selected guests.

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology. The group celebrates the official opening of its new Baking Center™ in Egypt.

The event witnessed a LIVE window show for the first time in Egypt, showcased 3 sets of home wear collection. The event involved Riham Khalifa as a makeup pampering section and influencers Sherine Hamdy, Nouran Khalifa and Nadeen Ossama. The brand owned by Retail Group - Al Hukkair and they are growing this year with two more brands to be added to the group for th first time.

Mall of Egypt celebrates Ramadan with Superstar performances throughout the Month

IDENTITY 63


New Cancer Drug launched in Egypt Novartis S.A.E. announces new medication that slows progression of advanced breast cancer, publishing results of MONALEESA study Novartis held a press conference to announce the availability of a new advanced breast cancer treatment in Egypt, sharing the results of the latest clinical trials for the drug Ribociclib, known as MONALEESA.

Volvo Cars to embed Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Google Maps in next-generation infotainment system. Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, announced it is working with Google to embed the voicecontrolled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services into its nextgeneration Sensus infotainment system, based on Google’s Android operating system. Volvo Cars’ partnership with Google will further enhance the way Volvo customers engage with and interact with their cars. Apps and services developed by Google and Volvo Cars are embedded in the car, plus thousands of additional apps are available through the Google Play Store that is optimized and adapted for Android-based car infotainment systems.

Safir Hotel Cairo earns 2018 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Safir Hotel Cairo announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its eighth year, the achievement celebrates businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, restaurants and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

64 IDENTITY

Mount PR Sohour MountPR hosted a Ramadan sohour for their success partners thr top tier Egyptian Media. The sohour was attended by more than 120 journalists and witnessed wide spectrum of specialized media. It was a lovely night in with friends interacting taking photos and enjoying a warm Ramadan friendly ambiance.

SODIC Welcomes Ramadan with its Valued Media Partners Marking another year of success and achievements in the Egyptian market, SODIC welcomed Ramadan with its long-term media partners over Iftar. The Iftar took place at Bab El Nile tent at Fairmont Nile City where the media enjoyed the oriental atmosphere by the Nile. The media were welcomed by Magued Sherif, Managing Director of SODIC and Senior Management Team.

A Healthier Ramdan with Eva Pharma and Bloom Diet Bloom Diet, the diet experts and Eva Pharma joined forces this year, for healthier fit Ramadan by launching their Ramadan program with its recipes and consultations, helping you get through Ramadan in a better shape and healthier life style.

Safir Hotel Cairo And Rotary International Meeting for Rotary clubs in Egypt, United States of America and India


Jaz Turtle Bay is located at Marsa Mubarak in Marsa Alam, one of the most famous spots for green turtles and dugong, featuring 190 modern rooms, wide choice of dining options, health centre, kids club, and 4 swimming pools; in addition to an array of recreational activities. Al Motahedoon Group to Launch Eterna Healthcare City with a Total Investment of EGP 1.2 Billion at Emaar’s Mivida Eterna Healthcare City will be launched this month offering fully finished and versatile units to be delivered in 2021. During a press conference held at the Four Seasons, long pioneers of healthcare realestate, Al Motahedoon Group, launched their newest project Eterna Helathcare City, an upscale medical complex located at the heart of Mivida’s business center.

The 3000 Acre marvel Palm Hills Developments launches the first phase of its 320 billion Egyptian Pound project, Badya. The first ‘creative city’ in Egypt and in the Middle-East Yassin Mansour: “The concept of Badya is revolutionary to the Egyptian real estate market” Palm Hills Developments signs its partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development to develop a city on 3000 acres of land in 6th of October city. The project, Badya, has a unique concept behind it that’s being introduced for the first time in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle-East.

Orange Egypt Continues to Surprise its Customers And Announces its Exclusive Partnership with the Superstar Mohamed Hamaki In continuity to its support for Art and Music and provide all what is new and distinctive to its customers, Orange Egypt, the leading mobile operator in providing integrated communications services, in cooperation with VictoryLink, the leading Egyptian company in digital solutions announced their newest exclusive partnership with the superstar Mohamed Hamaki with the aim of introducing a new and diverse field of entertainment to Orange customers and the Egyptian market.

“Jaz Collection” Expands Its Portfolio with 3 new properties in the Red Sea The board of Jaz collection has announced the acquisition of another three properties; “Jaz Turtle Bay” in Marsa Alam, “Jaz Casa Del Mar” and “Jaz Casa Del Mar Resort” in Hurghada the very two potential vacation spots in the magnificent Red Sea shores, Egypt. By adding the 3 new resorts to the existing portfolio, Jaz collection will offer more diversified options to the vacation seekers and holiday makers.

NOWMOODS; A Vogue Outfit for Every Mood Nowmoods is making a bold entrance to Cairo’s elite fashion scene, boasting an all Egyptian brand that’s about to redefine the way you view your wardrobe! The name Nowmoods embodies the core of what the brand is about which is allowing you to dress according to your fashion mood and promising to come through every time. The Effortless mood ensures you can just throw something on and still look fashionably flawless while the Camera-Ready mood teleports you to a fleet of paparazzi desperately asking you who you’re wearing every time you take a selfie! Currently launching their spring/ summer collection starting with not only a Women’s category but also one dedicated to (who runs the world?) girls! Best of all, you can browse the whole collection and make orders online through their website nowmoods.com from anywhere in Egypt.

IDENTITY 65


SIGNS

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Strengths Gentle, curious and a great fast learner Weaknesses Indecisive and inconsistent Most Compatible With Sagittarius and Aquarius

Love Geminis tend to love deeply but may not show it loud and clear, which might cause them some trouble. However, they do make lots of effort to prove their love to their significant others.

LOVE COMPATIBILITY ARIES This combination usually results in overdose excitement for both partners. You two can have inspiring moments as well as spend hours having this great intellectual conversation without getting bored at all. TAURUS This combination might not be one of the successful ones, because of the difference in pace between each sign. Geminis tend to be very fast, however Taurus prefer to have things go slow. GEMINI The natural communication between you two helps you get effortlessly attracted to each other. You’ll spend lots of time talking, sharing thoughts and communicating without even noticing. CANCER This combination is a bit difficult as Cancerians rely on their emotions, which makes it really hard for Geminis to cope. You tend to make all your decisions using logical patterns of thinking, while Cancer doesn’t. LEO The only downside of this combo is that both of you will want to dominate the relationship and be in control. However, you both satisfy each other intellectually, socially and emotionally.

66 IDENTITY

VIRGO Virgos are very detailed perfectionists, while Geminis are the exact opposite, which makes Virgo go crazy. This, on its own, is a deal breaker for Virgos. LIBRA This combo is quite amazing and will probably kick off. You both value and love intellectuality. That is why you both like spending time together. SCORPIO It wouldn’t be an easy relationship as Scorpios are a bit too intense for Geminis. Both of you need to sacrifice a lot to make it work. SAGITTARIUS You two are too different in many life aspects, but in your case opposite attracts only if you two are willing to take chances on this and compromise. CAPRICORN To make this relationship work, you two should have a serious talk on how your relationship is going to work, to reassure the both of you. AQUARIUS Once you both meet, you’ll know that this relationship is way too different from any other. It will probably feel like it is meant to be because of the obvious chemistry. PISCES This is a bit challenging as Pisces tend to be intuitive rather than logical like Geminis. However, both want excitement and joy to fill their lives, so that is a start.



Starck 3 Design by Philippe Starck

Starck 3 brings design to a segment where it was once an untouched concept with a vast array of products that meet all needs and tastes. And – the range provides better value for money than ever before. For more info please visit our showrooms in Sheraton +2 02 26968700, Designopolis +2 02 38572041 or +2 0238572042, Sharm El Sheikh +2 06 93664162, Hurghada +2 01 001789418 or visit www.duravit.com.eg

W E CA N H E L P YO U I N D E S I G N I N G YO U R B AT H R O O M .

19219


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.