CHAOTIC PERFECTION

SEPTEMBER 2015 - 15 L.E., VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

the

Decade Anniversary CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF CHAOTIC PERFECTION

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IDENTITY masthead

on the cover

MODEL LARA RIAD PHOTOGRAPHER ABU SAMRA FASHION STYLIST Ahmed Sorour HAIR DRESSER RAFY FROM AL SAGHEER MUA TAMER ASHRAF ART DIRECTOR AMR ALIM COVER DESIGN ALIA ELABD

FOUNDER & MANAGING EDITOR

ROLA KAMEL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NAWAL ISMAIL

SENIOR EDITOR

LIZA DUNHAM

COPY-EDITOR

AMINA EL FAYOUMY

JUNIOR EDITORS

MIRANA TERA, RAGHDA EL-SAYED, ALIA SERRY

ONLINE WRITERS

MALAK NAGUIB. JOE@banatmasr, ALAA YOSRY, AYAT ABOUELELA, KHALED NASR, PERY EL ETREBY

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

MARWA RAKHA ALIA EL-ABD MOHAMED CHAHIN

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER

RIHAM YEHIA

SENIOR DIGITAL MEDIA OPERATIONS

STEVE NABIL

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST WEBSITE COMPANY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY PRINTING HOUSE IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER

MONICA NAGY QPIX SOLUTIONS AL AHRAM INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH) ASHRAF FOUAD, ESSAM IBRAHIM Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

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.

The Subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG

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IDENTITY editor’s note

A

long the years, Identity has endured a lot; it evolved and flourished with the help and guidance of so many people. It was my baby, my hopes, my wishes, my new life, my being and my soul. With baby steps, thankfully, so many not only helped to nurture and raise this baby, but left their marks on our lives, sharing unforgettable moments, fun as well as sad memories, and friendships that we cherish until this minute. Some were non-replaceable writers, editors, staff members or photographers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists and many more behind the scenes who made Identity what it is now! Everyone left a print on my life and took a piece when they went along with their new lives. I definitely loved every second of it, the good times as much as the bad times. I loved how we changed together, grew together and how we turned the bad times into productive moments. I remember how Riham Yehia and I pushed through the hard times with all of our energy until we finally made it.

Riham, I could not have done it without you even if I tried. You are more than family to me and more a mother to Identity than I am. You deserve all my respect, love and care.

Celebrating our 10th anniversary a big fat thank you goes to: Abu Samra, Adel Mobarez, Adora Spencer, Ahmed Hassan, Ahmed Hicham, Ahmed Mobarez, Ahmed Sorour, Akram Alnagdy, Amany Shawky, Amira Hegazy, Amr Alim, Anne Justis, Bonnie Settlage, Bosaina, Deena El Gammal, Doaa Farag, Emad Kassem, Engy El Refaie Eman Hashim, Farah El Sayed, Farah Hosny, Feras Zein, Ghalia, Ghufran Katatney, Hazem Sadek Hussein Shaaban, Khaled Fadda, Kegham, Mahmoud Abd El Salam, Mahmoud Rashad, Markiz, Mariam Shouman, Marwa Rakha, Mohamed Ghaly, Mohamed Khedr, Mohamed Maher, Michael Ryan, Mirna Alaa, Monica El Shazly, Mostafa Mazhar, Nadine El Sherif, Nermine Nour, Nevine Abaza, Nesma El Shazly, Nour El Sayed, Nourhan Yehia, Radwa Aboulazm, Rafy, Rania Said, Reem El Bersi, Rehab Hassan, Saeed Ramzi, Sandra Eissa, Sandra Rizk, Sara Boulos, Sara El Kerdany, Soha Khoury, Sherif Moody, Sherine Abdel Moniem, Soraya Shawky, Sundos El Ayoub, Tommy, Yasmina Samir, Zeinab Khashab…Forgive me if I have failed to name some.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST MY PRECIOUS TEAM: Alia El-Abd, Alia Serry, Amina El Fayoumy, Ashraf Fouad, Essam Ibrahim, Liza Dunham, Marwa Kamel, Mirana Tera, Mohamed Chahin, Monica Nagy, Raghda El Sayed, Riham Yehia, Samir Awad & Steve Nabil. We can’t forget our freelancers whom we couldn't have survived without: Alaa Yusry, Ayat Abouela, Khaled Nasr, Joe, Malak Naguib and Pery El Etreby.

Rola Kamel

FOUNDER & MANAGING EDITOR

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IDENTITY contents IDENTITY way of life

10 TEN THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

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TEN FAMOUS RELATIONSHIP STATUS UPDATES IN THE PAST DECADE

16 A FLASHBACK TO 10

CELEBRITIES ON IDENTITY’S COVER

18 CRAZY BEHIND THE SCENE MOMENTS IN PHOTO SHOOTS

20 TEN BIG SHOTS IDENTITY

INTERVIEWED BEFORE THEY WERE BIG SHOTS

22 TEN TIMELESS BEAUTY TIPS IDENTITY lifestyle

24 HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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ALEXANDER WANG

26 TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR 34 CHAOTIC PERFECTION PHOTO SHOOT

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IDENTITY how you got there

42 LOOKING BACK AT 10 YEARS OF IDENTITY 44 TEN CELEBRITY INTERVIEW SPOTLIGHTS 54 A TRIBUTE TO OMAR EL SHERIF IDENTITY perspective

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TEN TIMES IDENTITY DARED TO DIVE DEEP INTO CONTROVERSY

58 TEN POLITICAL HEADLINES IDENTITY PUBLISHED DURING THE REVOLUTION

60 VENUS & MARS 62 MARWA RAKHA’S JOURNEY TOWARDS AN IDENTITY

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LET THE SHOW BEG I N.

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Watch our Teppanyaki artists in the background putting up an eye-popping show on the grill with your choice of prime chicken, beef or seafood.

Torii; simply a haven for Japanese foodies…

Open daily for dinner from 6:00 P.M till midnight.

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IDENTITY way of life

10 things that happened in the past TEN years Starting from Identity’s creation 10 years ago, we counted down the years with some of the coolest things that have taken place every year since then. Some of these you might have forgotten about or be surprised that they happened so long ago!

2005: Identity Magazine was born Identity published its first issue in September as a lifestyle magazine talking about relationships, fashion, sexuality, and social issues.

2007: The Al Gezira movie was released How could we forget this movie that got every Egyptian talking about it back then? With its plot about a real life story of a family that owned an island with an economy based on planting and selling opium.

2009: Obama became president of the US Obama is the first African American to be elected president of the US, which is why the elections had a great impact on people around the world.

2011: The Egyptian Revolution This year was a turning point for Egypt as protesters took to the streets to depose President Mohamed Hosny Mubarak.

2013: Identity launched its website Identity-mag.com targets a different audience than its women’s lifestyle print magazine.

The website aimed to entertain the Egyptian youth who were exhausted after two years of tumultuous political change.

2015: Identity celebrates its 10 year anniversary After ten successful years of publication, Identity would like to thank its readers and advertisers for their support and partnership throughout the past decade.

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2006: Mori Sushi opened That was when everyone started falling in love with sushi, and it became mainstream.

2008: The Writer’s Strike in Hollywood That was the year when all the TV series addicts were disappointed because all the shows stopped for some time until the strike ended after a couple of months.

2010: Last time Egypt made it to the African Cup and won Egypt won the African Cup three times in the past decade: 2006, 2008, and 2010. But 2010 wasn’t only the last time we won, it was the last time to be nominated for the cup.

2012: Dark Knight Rises hit the big screen The film trilogy that started with Batman Begins and the Dark Knight was made complete with the Dark Knight Rises in 2012.

It was a huge success in the box office.

2014: Kanye and Kim got married Kanye West and Kim Kardashian brought Hollywood and the music industry closer together with their union.

IDENTITY way of life

10 Famous Relationship Status Updates in the Past Decade There have been couples who made us feel warm and fuzzy inside during the past ten years when they got together and their pictures covered the tabloids. Now some of them are no longer together, shattering our hope for true love along with their ended relationships. But on the bright side there are fortunately some couples who still give us hope by going strong.

1-Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner

2-Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore

Marriage: June 29,

Marriage:

2005

Announced divorce: June 30, 2015

What went wrong: Ben is rumored to be unfaithful

September 25, 2005

Divorce: November 27, 2013

What went wrong: The

Ben and Jennifer met on the set for Pearl Harbor, sparks did not fly then but luckily for us they fell in love during Daredevil. Then these two shockingly called it quits after ten years of marriage. The reasons behind the divorce are still not known for sure; however, there are rumors that Ben cheated with his kids’ nanny. Ummm, not cool Ben. This couple was our only hope that true love exists in Hollywood, and with their relationship being broken so did our hearts. But keep your hopes up, they have been spotted together a few times, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

age gap

3- Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert

4- Heidi Klum and Seal

Marriage: May 14,

Marriage: May 10,

Divorce: June 20,

Divorce: April 6, 2012 What went wrong:

What went wrong:

Seal’s out-of-control temper

2011

2015

Unfaithfulness Blake met Miranda in 2005 at the CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets Concert and they started dating in 2006. Sadly this couple is no longer together as they recently divorced after Miranda’s rumored involvement with another man; however, there is another side of the story that Blake is the one who cheated. It is tragic that such a power-couple is no longer together.

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ThEse two first met each other on a casual lunch with friends in 2003, yet sparks instantly flew. They tied the knot in 2005, and they defied the age gap of 16 years before separating in 2011. The divorce was finalized in 2013. Ashton is now happily married to Mila Klunis and they even have a baby girl “Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher.”

2005

These two dated back in 2004, tied the knot in 2005, and remained together until 2012 when Klum filed for divorce, shocking people with their unexpected separation as they appeared to be a happily married duet. Seal and Heidi appear to be on good terms despite their separation and they are both putting their children ahead of the personal matters between them.

“always remember to smile”

Dr. Mohamed Emad

Tel: 01110551777 - 01066777295 Address: 123 Hassan El Ma’mon st., in front of El Ahly Sporting Clup, Nasr City, Cairo

IDENTITY way of life 5- Beyonce and Jay-Z Marriage: April 4,

6- David and Victoria Beckham Marriage: 4 July

2008

1999

What went right:

What went right:

Relationship out of public eye

Married to best friend

This couple has been going strong since 2002 where they met on their collaboration “’03 Bonnie & Clyde.” They got married in 2008 in a publicity-free wedding. After they had their daughter Blue Ivy, Jay-Z released a song called “Glory” two days after she was born, which was insanely cute.

They have always liked to keep their relationship private and maybe this is one of the reasons of its success!

This happy couple goes all the way back to 1997.

They tied the knot in 1999 in a beautiful ceremony, rest assured that they are still happily married and just celebrated their anniversary recently! They have four children, 3 boys and a girl. They are one of the rare celebrity couples who have been together for almost two decades, and still insanely in love. When Beckham was asked on how he managed to keep their marriage this strong he said: “I married my best friend, would you want to hurt your best friend?” Talk about swoon worthy .

7- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Marriage: August 23, 2014

What went right: Love at first sight These love birds met during filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005 and instantly fell in love, even though Brad was married to Jennifer Aniston. The two remained together for seven years before finally getting married in 2014.

They have several kids, 3 adopted and 3 biological. They also are very involved in charity and they even have their own foundation “Jolie-Pitt.” They are considered “The Royal Couple,” and rumors about a divorce have thankfully been found false.

8- Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Dated: 2005 Split up: 2010 What went wrong: Vanessa’s jealousy These ex-Disney sweethearts met on the set of Highschool Musical. This heartwarming couple was the “goals“ of countless teenagers almost ten years ago; that generation’s first insight of true love as well as heart break. When they broke up they left a gazillion of Zannessa-shippers’ jaws dropping since everyone thought they were close to perfect together. Since then, they have both moved on; Vanessa with the handsome as ever Austin Butler and Zac has been hanging out with countless female artists.

9- P!nk and Carey Hart

10-Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan

Marriage: January 7,

Marriage: July 11, 2009 What went right: Chemistry

2006

What went right: P!nk

proposed This duet first met at the 2001 X Games in Philadelphia and have been on and off several times, they first started dating in 2001 then separated for a while in 2003. The couple got back together fortunately and P!nk broke every stereotype and proposed to Carey in 2005.

They tied the knot later in 2006 in a beautiful wedding in Costa Rica. P!nk gave birth to their first child Willow Sage Hart in 2011. The couple is still happily married until this day and we certainly hope that they remain this way!

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This dancing couple met on the set of the first Step Up movie and started dating afterwards. The got married on July 11, 2009 at Church Estates Vineyards in Malibu, California. They also have a baby girl Everly Tatum. These two always appear to be insanely in love and we all hope that they remain so until the end of time. Even Channing’s fans are insanely in love with their relationship even though Jenna took Channing off the market!

Malak Hisham INTERN

IDENTITY way of life

A Flashback to 10 Celebrities on Identity’s Cover

Throughout its ten years in print, Identity has had the pleasure of featuring actors and actresses on its pages, whether by interview, photo shoot, or cover picture. For our anniversary, we would like to share ten of our previous covers that featured celebrities, beginning with Dina for the very first issue in September, 2005.

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IDENTITY way of life

CRAZy Behind the Scene Moments in Photo Shoots

There is a lot more that goes into a professional photo shoot than the handful of pictures that are actually picked for publication. With all of the people and planning involved, from location, to photography, to theme, to makeup, to posing, there are always unexpected surprises and funny situations that happen before the glamorous result. Over the past ten years, Identity has collected its fair share of these experiences with its own photo shoots.

The Shocking Photo Shoot

As soon as everyone arrived, there was the realization that the location was actually more of a brothel rather than a motel, with people making out everywhere. But the photo shoot had to happen anyway, so everyone had to deal with the place as best as they could. As soon as the team tried to accommodate they found the actress casually walking around in her underwear, as if the venue wasn’t scandalous enough! Needless to say, that was the last time a photo shoot was scheduled without a site visit first.

The Unfashionably-Fashionably-Late Photo Shoot

There was a certain celebrity (think hard and you’ll know who it was), who was expected to come at 6 pm, but she didn't show up until after 1 am. Everyone had to sit around waiting for her, and by the time she arrived, the shoot had to last all night long. After she came, it wasn't any easier because she showed up with her own "labeesa" and refused to wear the clothes chosen by the stylist.

The Drama Queen Photo Shoot

Another celebrity waited until her make-up was completely finished by a great make-up artist, but then she washed her whole face because she didn't like it and put her own make-up on. Despite this incident, her and the make-up artist are great friends now.

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The Macho Photo Shoot

It was the first issue for Identity Magazine so therefore was very special. The magazine and Dina conspired with Adel Mubarez, the famous celebrity photographer back then, to come up with the photo shoot idea. It ended up featuring Dina in a men’s suit. Yes, Dina the gorgeous female belly dancer was in an oversized mens suit on the cover. That was because Identity wanted to establish its identity as a feminist magazine for strong, independent women.

The Crazy Easy Photo Shoot

The photo shoot with Haifaa Wahby was one of the easiest.

She was very professional, punctual, and flexible. The interview was completed on the phone in advance, and when it was time for the photo shoot she was there exactly on time. She even had her make-up already on. She changed outfits and the photographer captured the few pictures that he needed and that was it. The photo shoot only took around 3 hours, which is a miracle in the photo shoot business.

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY way of life

10 Big Shots Identity Interviewed Before They Were Big Shots Over the years, Identity has acted as a creative space for all sorts of entrepreneurial spirits, underground talents, and artists. Identity has proved itself to have quite the eye for rising talent, as there is a pattern of interviewing and featuring stars before they make it big. On our golden anniversary, we wanted to share with you the most brilliant ones we interviewed and featured over the past 10 years who later on became big shots in their industries.

Yasmine Yeya Fashion Designer (March, 2008) “I am a fashion designer and people expect crazy things from a fashion designer. In a way, I am licensed to become crazier, wear whatever and act artistically.”

Bassem Youssef TV Show Host (May/ June, 2011) Malak El Ezzawy Fashion Designer (December, 2011) “Inspiration varies from one collection to the next, and even for each dress. Anything in my life can inspire me. “

“I want to keep people informed.

I want to present information to the people in a different way that will allow them to have a mind of their own.”

THE MOWAFIS Social Media Entrepreneurs (August, 2012) “We love what we do and we love a phenomenally dedicated team of around 40 people. They’re all fun, interesting people who are great at their jobs.”

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Cairokee Music Band (February, 2012) “We are not politicians and we are not into politics…We just believe that music is the only thing that truly gets to your heart... So we only write songs that have a true meaning to us and to all Egyptians, even before the revolution.”

Ahmed Magdy Actor (December, 2012) “Being an actor is a chance given to show who I am, how I think, and what I believe in.

My advice for aspiring actors is do your thing! Study!

Watch films! Search for good films! Read good books. Melt in Wikipedia - go from a link about the history of cinema to the different points of view of critics and writers. React!

And be subtle!”

Sharmoofers Music Band (April, 2014) “We have a vision of what we want to achieve, and if we are going to perform live, then we’ll do it right.”

Sherry El Kilany and Sabrina Khalil Founders of Nineteen84 and Scoop Empire (July, 2013) “We believe in sharing ideas and throwing them back and forth with each other till we come up with a great concept... If you have a good idea and an opportunity in front of you, take it. Never just sit idle and wait! In all times of recession there are opportunities, you just have to learn how to move with the times and understand people’s psychology during these times.”

Zeinab Mostafa Owner of Devour (July, 2013)

Amina Khalil Actress (October, 2013)

“Our vision at Devour is to open several stores around Cairo within the coming five years (and one day go international).”

“What’s more important than confidence is for you to believe in yourself. Confidence is just the result of that.”

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IDENTITY way of life

10 timeless beauty tips

Beauty is sometimes mistakenly associated with tons and tons of make-up, but that’s not what it is really about. Physical beauty is about being healthy; having healthy skin, hair, nails, and of course can be emphasised by make-up. And don’t even get us started on inner beauty. Identity has published countless beauty articles over the years, after reflecting we created this guide to ten timeless beauty tips that will never stop being trendy.

Smelling beautiful

It’s not just perfume that can give that magical smell you want, never underestimate the power of a good shower gel and scented lotion. To make your perfume last for as long as you need it, rub some unscented body lotion on your neck, inner wrists, and behind your ears, then apply the perfume on it.

Leaving your brows the natural way they look

For the past couple of decades, eyebrows shapes have changed a lot: from thin to thick and from long to short. The only advice you really need to follow is to pluck out the couple of stray hairs while leaving the natural brow shape the same.

Keeping your skin safe

Use a facial lotion with SPF so you won’t forget protecting your skin, even if you’re not at the beach.

It’s the best way to avoid aging wrinkled skin.

Never sleeping with your make-up on

No matter how tired you are, don’t sleep with your make-up on. Invest in a good make-up remover, try BI-FACIL Double-Action Make-Up Remover. If you happen to run out of make-up remover, try some facial lotion on cotton and swipe your make-up away.

Looking classic

Burgundy lipstick and a cat eye never run out of style. It’s all about choosing the correct shade of dark red that suits your skin; if you have fair skin opt for a lipstick that’s more bluish than reddish and if you have darker skin you should opt for a more reddish lipstick.

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Sporting nude nail polish

Nude nail polish is simply timeless. It looks neat, elegant, and goes with anything. It is perfect when you need to look put together without clashing with any of your outfits.

Batting your strong, seductive lashes

Long, thick eyelashes always have a seductive, sexy effect. Use a mascara that adds volume and length, heat your lash curler with a hair blower before using it, and use false lashes for an extra thick effect.

Rinsing your way to shinier hair with vinegar

Vinegar relieves you from dandruff, leaving you with shinier, healthier hair. Soak your hair with vinegar for a couple of minutes then rinse it with cold water.

Flaunting your fabulous feet

Nothing is sexier than neat and pretty groomed feet.

Try to fit a monthly pedicure at a spa in your busy schedule. If you want to save money, you can scrub your feet on a daily basis in the shower with a stone to get rid of the dead skin and moisturize them after the shower.

Smiling

A genuine smile is the best accessory any person could have.

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY lifestyle

Happy 10th Anniversary

Alexander Wang

Fresh out of New York’s Parsons School of Design in 2005, Alexander Wang launched his eponymous label which earned him the nickname “the T-Shirt Master.” His knits perfectly complemented the languidly shaped silhouettes of his offduty model muses, introducing effortless leisure and grunge onto the runway like never before. Always sleek and simple, Alexander Wang’s namesake label soon became the hottest sought after label in New York Fashion Week after his debut collection in the Fall of 2007.

His debut won him his first award, the Council of Fashion Designers Association/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2008, earning him US$20,000 to continue developing his label. The following year, he went on to create a women’s diffusion line, T by Alexander Wang, later followed by his men’s line. The acclaim continued and Alexander Wang received numerous awards for his contribution to womenswear, menswear and accessories.

In 2012, the designer joined the prestigious fashion house Balenciaga, taking over as Creative Director while running his own label in parallel. His first collection was presented during Paris Fashion Week in the Fall.

Alexander Wang’s collections embody an attainable cool that everyone can relate to but still edgy enough to qualify as underground, gritty, and exclusive. He made his style even more accessible by collaborating with Swedish high street brand H&M in 2014. The limited edition collaboration collection epitomized Wang’s sport luxury ethos and made it available to all those dwelling in the concrete jungles of the world.

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Drawing on its loyal fan base, the Wang brand name has opted to celebrate its 10 eventful years in the fashion industry by reissuing favourite runway pieces starting from the very first debut collection. The reissue will be made available to customers at flagship stores and online in September.

We have rounded up our top picks over the last decade from Alexander Wang’s collections for your own inspiration. This is your chance to join #WANG10 and upload your own favorites from 2005 until today on Alexander Wang’s website, twitter or Instagram.

Nahed Kazziha FASHION WRITER

IDENTITY lifestyle

TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR

Chanel

By definition a classic bag, which dates back to February 1955 and was created by Coco Chanel herself, the 2.55 reemerged in Fall 2005 when Karl Lagerfeld resuscitated the granny bag by introducing it in a contemporary context.

If you have this bag, flaunt it! And if you do not have this bag, this could very well be your next investment purchase.

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The baggy fitting casual take on utility gear became a cult classic of the early nineties, ranging in colours from traditional khakis to brighter secondary tones like orange and pink. Safe to say, you can (and should) keep those hidden in the back of your closet for now!

Juicy Couture became synonymous with the track suit, which was adopted by socialites and celebs like Paris Hilton and featured in Hollywood films like Mean Girls. While you may want to get rid of your neon-colored tracksuit, opt for a timelier sports-luxe look without compromising on comfort.

Color coordinated velour tracksuits

First appearing in 2005 tucked into boots, this denim style has become a staple feature in women’s closets all over the world ever since.

While skinnies are slowly being phased out, opt for more tapered and relaxed fits with less stitching details.

Cargo Pants

Skinny Jeans

Fashion has a way of reinventing itself season after season. Dozens of fashion weeks later, we take a look at the trends and catwalks of 2005 and help you decide what needs to be chucked into the bin and what has staying power.

LAYERED POLO SHIRTS

buckles Chloe Paddington

Gypsies, peasants and hippies all walked the runways of 2005.

Ten years later, the gang is back, more flouncy and ethereal than ever. So it is time to bring out those tiered skirts and embroidered shirts and give them a warm welcome back into our wardrobes.

BOHEMIAN

Designer Phoebe Philo’s brainchild weighed around 1.5kg, but lugging that weight around was well worth it if you could score this “it” bag. After hitting the runway for Spring 2005, the bag sold out! Today, the Paddington has no place in the worlds minimalism or boho-chic. Still, what goes around comes around sooner or later, so keep it in the closet.

These pumps first graced the fashion world in AW04/05. They introduced the ultimate hybrid between the round toe, pointed toe and stiletto heel for maximum toe cleavage.

The Pigalle has earned its status as a timeless piece of footwear and is here to stay, though it may set you back a pretty penny (or pound).

louboutin pigalle

It was all about the buckle 10 years ago. They were everywhere- belted cinched at the waist, outside of cardigans and coats. The buckle even appeared on leather boots to lend a more modern take on equestrian inspired styles. But there is no need to hold on to the past in this case - throw them out or use them for when you actually go horseback riding.

SHRUG BOLERO

Layering up Polos in bright colors and popping the collar is a thing of the past. You may find use for those many old Polo shirts in your closet, but make no mistake; trendy they are not.

The mini cardigan style was a must-have transition piece. It was found in knit, crochet, and the most coveted style of all, sequins.

While the shrug bolero is definitely practical in the sense that it conceals unflattering arm flab or extra shoulder exposure, let us agree that it does not belong in your avantgarde wardrobe. Opt for a cape or kimono for a more updated look with the same effect.

Nahed Kazziha FASHION WRITER

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 31

Taste Tuscany at

Oliveto

Located at West Town Hub in Sheikh Zayed, is one of the best restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Tuscan Italian food: Oliveto. Right from the beginning, the distinctive design makes you feel cozy and warm. The attention to detail is inspiring.

The tables have a sewing pedal at the bottom like the old sewing machines you can find at your grandma’s place, we couldn’t help but ask who designed the restaurant and it was a company called “Details,” there wasn’t a name that could match more.

They offer indoor and outdoor seating and since the weather was nice we decided to sit outside.

We were approached by a very friendly waiter who handed us the menus. The menu was full of endless tempting options; from appetizers to pizza, pasta, steak, fish and sandwiches. After studying the menu carefully, we ordered ‘Florence Brie’ as an appetizer; it was three squares of brie cheese covered with special dough, served with jam, rucola and toasted bread with parmesan cheese. Then we had Oliveto pizza served on an oval wooden plate. It was an Italian pizza with thin crunchy crust and the exact perfect taste.

We finished our meal with a ‘Fillet D’capo,’ which was the perfect main course for the lovely meal.

The steak was covered with gigantic ravioli that acted like a shell for the steak, and was surrounded with brown mushroom sauce. The mushroom sauce was a masterpiece, the kind of sauce that isn’t filled with cream, yet melts in your mouth. It was complimented by a green pea sauce and surprisingly it was the best combination one can experience. After that, unfortunately, we had no room in our stomach for dessert, so we ordered two fresh juices; tropical and watermelon with mint. They were both equally tasty and refreshing.

The secret behind their mouth-watering food is Chief Badawi, who had thirty years of experience in Marriot before deciding to open up his own restaurant and we’re thankful that he did.

The prices were more than reasonable and the whole dining experience was amazing. If you have kids you shouldn’t worry about entertaining them before the food arrives. Oliveto has a corner for kids to play and make shapes with dough; it is a great way to pass the time while waiting for your order. If you haven’t tried this place yet, you really should.

The only problem you will face is that you might get addicted to the amazing taste and experience!

When Beauty Meets Practicality

www.kia.com.eg

Mountain view northcoast meagevent Every Summer Has A Story Mountain View North Coast hosted an amazing day to add to their attendees’ summer memory book. On August 14, over 1000 of Mountain View North Coast’s customers, their families, and their friends took part in the festive celebration.

As soon as they walked in, they were greeted with giveaways and fun photo opportunities. It was a beautiful day, sunny and blue skies, perfect for all of the fun and games for the kids. There was a water splash, an art station, a color festival, kite making, bossaball, a sand castle building competition, and more. The fun wasn’t just for the kids though, there were also beach activities and sports for the adults, not to mention a show by Hasaballah starting the event. Attendees could choose to be active with a yoga or fitness classes on the beach led by Crossfit Monkey Bars, or they could just relax by the pool. One didn’t have to leave the excitement to find tasty cuisine, there were food tents catered by Tamara, Mori Sushi, Crave, Mince, Purple, KuKuruza, and Formula Onederful.

Masser Egabri gave a stunning performance, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display at the end of the night.

IDENTITY lifestyle

CHAOTIC

PERFECTION It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so this photo shoot captures everything that Identity wishes to say about its experience throughout the past decade. The many layers of fabric represent how everything has been built on the foundation before it, every part of Identity's history has been an integral puzzle piece to what it has become.

The bold makeup and jewellery state Identity's commitment to being unique and tackling topics that others do not dare. The wild and clashing patterns represent the journey of its readers finding their identities, as they evolve and discover through experience, trial and error. The original motto found on the very first cover still holds true today: "the search continues..."

PHOTOGRAPHER: ABU SAMRA, FASHION STYLIST: AHMED SOROUR, HAIR DRESSER: RAFI, MUA: TAMER ASHRAF, ART DIRECTOR: AMR ALIM WITH significant support from the Identity team

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ACCESSORIES: NINA BAKRY

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 41

“Life is nothing without a little chaos to make it interesting”

-Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

LEFT NECKLACE & EARRINGS: J’S DESIGNS

RIGHT: SKIRT: TOPSHOP, TOP: B STORE, ACCESSORIES: NINA BAKRY

LEFT CLOTHES: BANJARALINE, ACCESSORIES: NINA BAKRY

RIGHT: SHORTS: BANJARALINE, ACCESSORIES: NINA BAKRY

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“Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man”

-Henry Adams

RIGHT: EARRINGS: NINA BAKRY, SUNGLASSES: VNTG

LEFT: DRESS & VEST: TOPSHOP, RINGS & CUFFS: NINA BAKRY, EARRINGS: J’S DESIGNS

IDENTITY how you got there

Looking back at

10 Years of Identity Featuring 10 celebrity interviews and the story of how Identity came to be

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This is a very special issue, in which we are celebrating Identity’s ten-year anniversary as a magazine. We took it as an opportunity to look back at the incredible journey that has led Identity from where it started to what it has become today: An established publication with dedicated readers and advertisers, a strong network in the fashion and marketing fields, and a thriving website in addition to the print publication.

We went through the old issues all the way from September 2005 to August 2015 searching for material to create the anniversary issue. It was fascinating for the staff to dig through the old issues and see the changes that have happened in design, topics, celebrities, and even in the snaps. Some things made us laugh out loud especially at the old pictures with styles that are no longer in, and celebrities who have changed so much since they were featured then. But mostly we were just left in awe at how a publication can be so similar to a living entity, growing, shaping, adjusting, and improving as it changes from a newborn to an adult.

In this section, we are highlighting ten interviews we had with famous celebrities throughout the past decade plus a special feature on Omar El Sherif. Identity looks back fondly at all of the relationships built with actors and actresses throughout the years, and wants to share them again with you. This is preceded by a discussion with Founder and Managing Editor of Identity Magazine, Rola Kamel, about the life of the magazine. Rola is very open about the difficulties of running a print publication in Egypt through all of the changes in the past few years, but says that adaptability and passion for the field are key to success.

WORDS FROM FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR ROLA KAMEL

The thing that I liked most is writing, so I decided to open a magazine. Why a women’s magazine? Because I needed women in Egypt to be strong and independent while working and not being in anybody’s shadow. I wanted it to be a serious magazine; not fluffy, but pure Egyptian and down to Earth. The goal was that the magazine would provide “me-time” for every woman who read it; not time for her husband, not time for her children, just for her.

We tried to tackle every topic that was very controversial that people were not talking about. We focused on

psychological issues in the beginning, but also covered topics such as erectile dysfunction, homosexuality, and infidelity. I never second guessed if it was ok or not, they were things we needed to discuss. People needed to discuss it.

I struggled, definitely, for the first few years as I was starting from scratch. I had no experience in magazines or with advertising. It’s all about who knows who and who your friends are. The magazine changed throughout the years according to the staff, especially after the first seven years. Things have changed, life has changed. The revolution happened, people weren’t interested in reading anymore. People were tired of serious issues, so that is why it changed to be lighter, to get people out of the mood.

We kept a couple serious topics but it was never as heavy as it was in the beginning.

Things started to go online instead of print. And then, when we got Morsi, I decided to put all of my negative energy into positive energy and aim it at the website. The website actually started a year after the magazine, but mostly just to upload the magazine issue. After Morsi came to power, I shifted the target of the online to the youth. I was afraid the print would be abolished during Morsi’s reign because it was so obviously a fashion magazine. Once again, I had to start from scratch. I had no experience online. We had to design, redesign, relaunch…

Hopefully now it’s final. We have changed a lot in the past two years, dependent on readership and demand.

When I started, I really had no expectations, so looking back I can’t say if what the magazine has turned into was what I expected or not. There are people who think that print will die out over time. I think print will continue to be there, but it will be more and more difficult to get advertisers, in the long run.

Moving forward, I take it as it goes, I have no plan. I’ve learned through these ten years that you really can’t predict or have a plan that you abide with. You are hit with so many aspects that are out of your control. We were hit in 2008 with the financial crisis, in 2011 with the revolution, and again with the protests in 2013. Anything that affects advertising affects print and media. So with our business you just have to go with the flow. Because you don’t know what will hit you around the corner.

The advice that I have for anyone looking to get into this field, is that you must have a passion for it, a will to learn, the insistence to never give up, and the urge to succeed.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 49

IDENTITY how you got there

interview with

mona zaky

Interview, March 2006 Most superstars like to stay single to devote their time to their career. How come you’re married and you manage to cope so well? What’s your secret?

It has a lot to do with decision-making. I was never worried that marriage would get in the way. When I fell in love with Ahmed, I decided that I want to get married. I didn’t think of anything else, not even my career. Life is a choice that you make and learn to live with.

So is it a good thing that Ahmed Helmy also happens to be in the same field? Does this make him more of an understanding husband?

It never really made much of a difference. I don’t mind getting married to someone outside of the movie business. Sometimes it’s nice not to have to talk about work all the time, especially at home. I like to separate between my professional and personal life. Just because we’re both in the same field doesn’t mean that our whole life revolves around acting.

So what are Ahmed Helmy’s strong points?

He’s a very easy going and generous person. He’s not bad-tempered and rarely gets moody. He’s good at dealing with difficult situations. Some people change when they get married but he’s always been caring and affectionate towards others.

How do you perceive love?

Personally, I think it’s mainly a give and take relationship.

Sometimes, you have to compromise for each other’s sake, to learn how to care and think in terms of “we” rather than “me.”

T

he self-claimed “accidental actress” was first discovered by Mohamed Sobhy, the famous Egyptian actor and director, at the age of 16 after applying for his advertising for new actors just so she could meet him. To her surprise, she was cast in his play “Bel Araby El Faseeh,” and the roles kept getting offered to her. She isn’t just a pretty face, she took part of several charity campaigns, as well as having strong political views along with her husband, Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy.

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Rumour has it that as a couple, you’ve been having a rough time lately. Is this true?

What triggered all these rumours about us getting separated was that we haven’t been keeping up with “going out” couple image in front of the public eye. A lot of people made a big deal out of it, when it was for no particular reason other than being both extremely busy at work. We hardly had any time to spend together. So everyone started wondering about what was going on and started asking endless question, suspecting that we were getting separated. The problem for people here is that they think and decide for you. They start making up ridiculous things like the one that came up when I was shooting a movie with Karim Abdelaziz. What people don’t know is that Karim, Ahmed and I go back as friends for ages, even before I got married. The fact that people like to make assumptions to give fuel for gossip has nothing to do with me and Ahmed. We cope well and don’t need others to tell us how to manage our life together and we certainly don’t take these rumours seriously.

interview with

AMR WAKED

Interview, October 2006 What do you enjoy acting in the most? Cinema or theatre?

Theatre is the most enjoyable, but cinema is very nice.

Theatre is where you get your enjoyment as a comedian; out of direct interaction with the audience.

Do you do anything else besides acting?

I am a producer and director. So far, I do short movies, documentaries and public service announcements.

I have also done a few TV series for environment and health issues, and other things of that sort. I am also a writer and editor, where I edit movies myself and audio mix them. Not to mention that I am a musician.

That’s impressive. So can we say you are multitalented I don’t know; it is just that I like art. I like the field, in all its aspects. I do many things in it, because I like it.

How do you plan to make a difference?

I plan to make a difference with my work, with what I am doing. It is as simple as that. Media is very powerful, and I am planning to be in it with an agenda to develop people’s minds. It is time to try to do something alternative next to the entertainment media. From what I can see, there is no meaningful media in the Middle East.

B

orn in 1972, Amr Waked is not just a huge Egyptian star, but a well known international star. He graduated from Economics and Theatre from the American University of Cairo, and started with the Temple Theatre Troop in 1994, and Yaaru Theatre Troop in 1999. He switched from theatre to the big screen, starring in the movie ‘Gannet El Shayateen,’ and the rest was history. His biggest film appearance was in Stephen Gegan’s ‘Syriana,’ which started his international career.

What advice would you give to the up-and-coming generation - not necessarily actors - but youth who have dreams that they are longing to fulfil Question everything, and push yourself to change, because we have a disease that makes us not want to change and be satisfied with what we have had for decades and decades. Usually change is very unacceptable and that is wrong I think; that is a very stagnating factor in our society and our economy, nothing new comes easy. You will probably make a lot of mistakes in trying to change, or try to make things change, but you will only know what is right by making mistakes, so I think making mistakes is very healthy. It is much better to make a mistake and learn from it than not to do anything at all.

The roles you played had major significance to the audience like ‘As-hab Walla Business,’ yet you still haven’t taken major lead roles. Are you waiting for the right script, or why is it?

I have done lead roles, like ‘Deil El Samaka,’ ‘Lily,’ which was a special short movie, and ‘Kalam Fil Hob,’ which was a group thing starring Youssra, Hanan Tork, Hisham Selim, and myself. I do various kinds of roles. I don’t have to do a lead role, that’s what I think, just do a role where I like the people I am doing the movie with, and definitely the script and character.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 51

IDENTITY how you got there

interview with

Hesham selim

Testimonial “Many things changed in the last 10 years. I found a peace of mind, and understood myself and the world more. I stopped trying too hard to achieve things I don’t even need, settled for enjoying what I have. I don’t act as much as before, because I decided to only pick the roles I really want, and haven’t found any. I already have a good history in acting, and I won’t need to play anything just for the sake of it. All I want to achieve in the next 10 years is to wake up every day in good health. I’m happy with everything I have now, and couldn’t ask for more.”

Interview, November 2007

What is the thing you regret the most in your life and your long career in acting?

I do not regret anything I have done because I chose to do it and whatever happens to me, I will be satisfied because it emerges from a personal decision that I have made. The only thing that I would regret is something that I did and was not convinced of, in other words, was forced into. I look at a failure as a lesson that I have to learn from for future reference. I don’t see failure; I simply learn my lesson.

What do you think the Egyptian cinema needs to get better?

Look, things have been disorganized for a long time.

Young people are emerging, taking double or triple what any actor or actress has ever gotten since the beginning of cinema in Egypt, and they fail. They boom for a while then fade away. It does not make sense. Our Egyptian cinema needs people to love what they do. “What are we giving or sending to the masses?” That is a question that we constantly have to ask. We, of course, need more or better writers. For the cinema industry to boom, the country needs to read. We need to be cultured as a population in order to make good movies. Let me give you an example: A love scene in a foreign movie might be a beautiful and delicate addition to any movie. Here in our Arabic movies, the woman puts on the red baby doll and the guy starts drooling and suddenly you are faced with absolute filth and vulgarity that has nothing to do with love. Our country needs a lot.

I

t’s safe to say that Hesham Selim is one of the most beloved actors in Egypt’s history. Son of the legendary Saleh Selim, Hesham started acting from a very young age, and grew up in the public eye with plenty of iconic roles throughout the years. From the Fatem Hamama classic ‘Embratoreyt Meem’ to Youssef Chahin’s ‘Eskendereya Kaman we Kaman,’ along with many TV series, he is a natural in front of the camera.

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What is the advice that your late father gave you and you follow until today?

‘Emshy doghry, yehtar adowak feek.’

Do you think that your extreme honesty might have hindered your career a bit?

Well, it did affect me in a way and for a short period of time. In the end I got what I wanted, but it took a longer span than I had expected. Thank God, I attained what I wanted and one day I said to myself: “I am the best actor, thank you.”

interview with KHALED EL NABAWEY

Interview, November 2008 How did you start in the business?

It was a coincidence. I was studying agriculture. I went into a room where they were reading something. It was a play – turns out it was the theatre room. A guy there asked me to read with them, but I told him I wasn’t there to read, I was there to watch, so he asked me to leave. Basically he was going to kick me out, so I agreed to read. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t like studying agriculture. The director gave me the lead role, so I thought, “Okay, let’s play!” I played the role and liked it very much. The director started telling me I should go to the Academy of Art and I went. They accepted me, so I transferred my papers from the Agriculture Institute to the academy where I studied acting and directing.

What was the first movie you ever did?

The first movie I ever did was Honey Night (Leila Assal) in 1988 when I was studying with the director Mohamed Abd El-Aziz. I starred in the film with Ezzat El Allayly, Soheir El Bably, and Samah Anwar. It was a comedy about a family; Ezzat and Soheir were the parents and Samah Anwar was my sister.

Was it a small role?

No, it was a big role.

What did you do after that?

I got my second movie, which was the Egyptian Citizen. (El Mewaten El Masry) with the director Salah Abu Seif, I played the son of Omar El-Sherif. After that I worked with Youssef Shahin in the movie The Emigrant (Al Mohager).

It seems like it all came to easy for you.

I studied hard; I didn’t take it for granted. Many people take being an actor for granted, thinking that it’s an easy job, but that’s not true. It’s a 24/7 job. I’m talking about it in a simple way; I am simple, and that’s why it seems so simple and easy What was it like working with Omar El-Sherif?

It was fantastic! This is my second movie with Omar after Egyptian Citizen. It was lovely!

O

ne of Youssef Chahin’s biggest prodigies, Khaled El-Nabawey proved Chahin right! With his first movie Al Mohager being a cinema classic, Khaled kept pushing himself and never took the easy way out.

With various movies, including the blockbuster film Kingdom of Heaven, several awards under his belt, and even political movements, Khaled El-Nabawey has definitely set the bar high for all other actors!

What kind of things did you learn from him?

You learn from Omar not only for your career, you learn from him for your life. Really! Because Omar knows so much! How he meets people, how he judges. He gave me the most precious advice in my life when I was working with him on Egyptian Citizen in 1991. He told me at least in the beginning you have to work with a talented director to learn the basics so that if you are pushed to work with an untalented director you will know the difference.

Of course, so if they are lacking experience you would have enough experience to make it work.

Exactly… It was very valuable advice.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 53

IDENTITY how you got there

interview with

GHADA ADEL

Interview, March 2009 How did you develop your passion for acting?

When I got back to Egypt, I was impressed by a relative who appeared in some advertisements on TV and I wanted to have the same experience out of curiosity, so I started going along with her to watch and then a director saw me and asked if I was interested in doing the same thing. I wanted to try for the sake of experience and after that I started auditioning for ads. My husband was the one supporting the idea of me acting. He always saw this talent in me although I never considered becoming an actress one day, but Magdy knew that I would succeed and encouraged me to do it after we got married.

What’s the side that people don’t know about you?

I love staying at home. I can stay at home for a month and will never get bored of it. As long as I’m in front of the TV with my kids around me and the remote in my hand, I’m more than fine (she laughed). I’m not a sociable person and I like to keep my life as low profile as possible. I’m the kind of person who goes from home to work and I’m very happy this way. Although when I step into work, I work like crazy and am very active. As soon as I get home, I simply shut down.

Do you consider yourself a child at heart like we all see you?

Of course I am. I always feel young inside, like I’m a little girl who never grew up and I never measure my age in years. However, I look at myself in the mirror and go “oh...

See how old you have become,” or find wrinkles on my face and get depressed because of it.

B

orn in 1974, Ghada Adel has always been the Egyptian sweetheart! She first started as a TV model, then had her first acting role in the play “Al Abanda” alongside of Mohamed Henedy. She joined him again at the comedy classic “Se3eedy fe el Gam3a el Americeya.” Her role in Mohamed Khan’s “Fe Sha2et Maser el Gedeeda” was the role that moved her from just a normal actress to one of the biggest and most respected actresses of our time.

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Brief us on your involvement in the UNICEF Project that was advertised all around Cairo?

I was extremely honoured to be chosen for this. I loved children so dearly even before becoming a mother. I adore pureness and innocence of children and always wanted to be involved in a good cause that helps children and makes a difference in any way. I really wanted to get a chance like this and I think that God made the dream come true for me through this campaign. The thing that breaks my heart the most and brings tears to my eyes is seeing a child getting tortured or abused; it just devastates me. Children are the most precious thing in life.

Tell us about your upbringing and the beginning of your life in Libya?

I was raised in Libya. The reason we went there was that my aunt and her husband lived there and my dad decided to join them; I lived almost my whole life there. It felt like home. I had a normal life and a lot of friends exactly as if I were living here in Egypt, up until I graduated from college.

interview with

Ahmed El Fishawy

Interview, November 2009 Congratulations on the success of ‘Tamer and Shawkeya’ season 4. Are there any plans for season 5?

Although Tamer and Shawkeya was a pretty good success, I’m not sure about a next season. I think four seasons were enough. We all, as a cast, are trying to do something different now, and not just stick ourselves in one role. Variation is needed for the actor to grow, so I don’t think there will be a season 5.

Will you ever take up singing as a profession?

No, it’s something on the side. Singing is only one of my hobbies; I paint sometimes too. I write songs, I rap and I direct short movies. I do so many things on the side, but mainly I’m an actor. In the future I’m planning to be an actor and a director as well. I’m hoping in 10 or maybe 15 years I’ll totally quit acting and focus on directing because that is really what I want to do.

What is the role that you would never accept?

There is no such thing. If I like the role, I’ll play it. Khaled El Sawy played the gay guy in Omaret Yacoubian, but that doesn’t mean that he’s gay. Many people think, “Oh no, I would never accept the role of a gay guy.” So, if I like the role, I’ll do it and if I don’t like it, I won’t.

You were so brave to come on El Beit Beitak TV program and say that Lina is your daughter. What made you do so?

I love my daughter. I just really adore Lina. I have her name tattooed on my chest. Simply, she’s my life, so that was the simplest thing I could do for her.

Why do you think your marriage to Wesam failed after just two months? Wasn’t that too soon?

I think we both rushed it. I don’t regret it because it was an experience. We actually met around nine months ago and we were so nice to each other. There are no hard feelings whatsoever. We are very respectful to each other and we both learned from the experience.

A

hmed Fishawy, the son of Farouk Al Fishawy and Somaya El Alfy, has always been in the limelight. His first major role was in Faten Hamam’s “Wageh el Qamar,” alongside Ghada Adel and Nelly Karim, and since then he’s always had memorable roles. From controversial roles, to his controversial untraditional lifestyle, he’s always been the talk of the town, yet he has managed to earn the trust and respect of the Egyptian audience and make a big name in the industry for himself in not just acting, but as a musician and producer as well!

What was the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

The best advice was from actor Adel Emam. He once told me, “Ahmed you have to always know when to say no.” If you are offered a bad movie or if it’s something that is not going to benefit you or add to your career, you have to say no and refuse it. He told me that almost five years ago and it really helped.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 55

IDENTITY how you got there

interview with

DORRA

Interview, January 2010 How did you start your acting career?

I’ve loved acting since I was a little kid, but I wasn’t thinking I would be an actress one day. It all started when I was 13 years old and a famous director was searching for a 13-year -old kid and came to my school to look. She did a camera test and she choose me from among all the other students.

But then my parents didn’t like the idea and they refused that I act in this movie at that age. Since then I really began considering acting, the concept just controlled my mind. I used to love dancing a lot, even more than acting. Then I started to act in theatre after I graduated. My parents began to accept the concept gradually, people began to know me. I started acting in Tunisian TV, scenes and movies and I began to flourish.

What would you say to those people who say that you only got popular because you are pretty, hot and sexy and all your movies depend on that?

I actually don’t accept roles that include hot scenes. I’ve refused to do many roles simply because I don’t like being kissed in movies. In Heya Fawda, the girl had to look pretty and her clothes had to be sexy, but still it’s the clothes that we actually wear when we go out. I didn’t wear a bikini or something, it was just a miniskirt. Plus it was a very good opportunity for me to be presented for the first time in Youssef Shahin’s last movie. Even in ‘Al Awela fel Gharam,’ yes, I had to play the role of a pretty sexy lady, but the role also had lots of hard scenes in it. The trailer of the movie gave the impression that there were hot scenes, but when you watch the movie, you won’t find anything. Even when I danced in the movie I was wearing very conservative clothes.

Many people commented that I danced in a very elegant and decent way. It’s normal that people portray you first only as a pretty lady but then when you start to act various roles and prove to them that you are more than just another pretty face and you are very talented, they begin to offer you more serious roles and think differently.

D

orra might seem like just a pretty face, but this Tunisian actress has got the looks and the brains! After she became one of Tunisia’s biggest star, she decided to move to Egypt and start her acting career all over again. After breaking the “pretty actresses rely on just their looks” stereotype, she gave us one dramatic role after the other. It didn’t take her long before she made a name for herself, and became a favourite.

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What do you hate most about your job?

What I hate most about my job is hypocrisy. Also I hate the concept that you as an actor have to wait for offers so you can act. Meaning that sometimes I have the energy and will to act but I have to wait until I get offers and scripts that actually might be good or might not. Unless you reach a specific category and every year a movie is written especially for you, like what happens currently with Ahmed Helmy and Ahmed el Sakka; the actor has a concept or idea and they start to turn it into a movie. But that just happens with very few celebrities, most other actors have to wait for good roles.

They never seek them; you are never independent, you are always dependent on others. Luck plays substantial role in the industry. There might be a very good role but it wasn’t offered to you, it was offered to another actress, so definitely she’ll flourish more than you do because you did not get the chance she got. Another major negative point in our job is that you always have a lack of security; you can’t predict what will happen even tomorrow. Success is not guaranteed.

interview with

Shereen Reda

Testimonial “Ten years ago, I didn’t have a career by choice because I had my daughter, who I consider my whole life, as well as myself to take care of. I was a full-time mother. Today I see myself as someone who constantly works on their career. I first decided to build up my acting career back in 2011 and I’ve been doing just that ever since. I see myself playing different roles and all sorts of different characters. I’ve already been lucky enough to play two very interesting ones on ‘Al Ahd’ and ‘Al Feel Al Azra’ and I’d love to continue playing such eccentric roles.”

Interview, December 2010 Where is Sherine Reda from the acting field? Why did you disappear all of a sudden?

As much as I enjoy acting, I felt it was not necessarily my calling. I believe that in order to succeed in show business, like any other job, you have to make an effort.

Sadly this is something I don’t do.

Its understandable why I don’t get roles or offers, it’s just because I’m not around; I’m simply out of the picture. I need to be more present and work for it, if I really want it.

What is the rumour that upset you the most?

Seriously, nothing, because rumours tend to die after some time, so why would I upset myself? People forget by time, that’s human nature. There’s no point in getting upset over a lie that is going to die! I don’t even care to reply to what people say, actually it’s the least of my interests.

What was the turning point in your life?

Noor. I think giving birth at an early age was a turning point in my life, because I was still a baby myself when I became a mum! I grew up as an only child, so I was very spoilt, but not a brat. I was spoiled by my parents; I was given everything I wanted, and everything was done for me. So I felt that I grew up all at once when I had Noor.

Caring for her at such an age was a major turning point in my life and taught me many valuable lessons.

D

aughter of the amazing Mahmoud Reda, Shereen Reda has always been in the lime light. She started as a model, then moved to the silver screen with her memorable Ramadan riddles. She went on into several TV and cinema screens, but took a noticeable break since 2007. She made a huge comeback this year in the Ramadan series ‘El 3ahd.’

What has fame given you and what has it taken away?

It has given me a lot. Wherever I go, I find people recognizing who I am and are very nice to me for no reason. When I go out, yes, I feel I’m under the spotlight, but I still feel people’s love when they want to give me the best table, when I get the best service, when I don’t have to wait in queues; these are all great privileges. However, fame has taken away some of my freedom.

Do you plan for the future?

No, I don’t plan for the future, but I’m careful in what I do.

Meaning, spontaneously I might decide to travel now, but I won’t travel drunk!

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 57

IDENTITY how you got there Interview, January 2012

interview with

ARWA GOUDA

What kind of roles do you prefer to play?

I like to play all kinds of roles and I love to challenge myself, however, it’s very hard for me to play the nice, obedient, next-door girl. I really don’t know how and even when I try, I feel it’s typical acting and doesn’t fit me, so for me it’s a no go!

How can we see a better Egypt in the future?

Education, education, and education. However, we shouldn’t rush things, we are in a transitional period. It’s as if we are planting a tree and we just placed the seeds and are pouring water over it everyday in order for it to grow. It’s impossible to grow in a glimpse of an eye, it needs effort from us all to reach what we are aiming for. We have to believe in ourselves and make sure that our needs are met. This country doesn’t belong to one person, or a party, it belongs to all of us. No more living in silence, we have to speak out when we see something wrong.

If you had a chance to be a minister, you’d choose to be the minister of what?

I’d choose to be the Minister of Education to induce more quality control, meaning whether private, governmental, or free schools there should be certain standards to not go below. I believe education is the best solution for a better tomorrow, not just for the individuals, but also for the whole country to grow. “Don’t give me a fish, teach me how to catch it.”

On what basis do you choose your movies or TV series?

I choose my movies depending on how credible the script is and not by how famous the celebrities I’m working with are.

If it’s a good story, it reaches everyone’s heart and that’s the most essential thing.

M

odel turned actress, Arwa Gouda seems to be perfect in whatever career she takes! She started her modeling career at the age of 12, and in 2004 took the title of “Best Model of the World” in Turkey, which finally lead to her acting career with a minor part in the movie ‘Muntaha al-Laza.’ Her first major role was alongside the super star Nabila Abeed and Khaled Abo El-Naga in ‘Mafeesh Gheir Kidda.’

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As a celebrity, do you think you’ve gotten where you wanted as far as fame and success, or are you still longing for more?

I’m definitely longing for more, it’s part of human nature when you taste success, you crave for more, and you’ll never have enough of it. But also having very high expectations might be disappointing at times, so you have to know your limitations and what you are capable of doing and reaching and what you are not.

You were first known as a model, How did you start your acting career?

Initially, modelling for me was like a side job when I was still studying. It was never my dream career. It was a way to get extra pocket money during school time. On the other hand, I started my acting career by pure coincidence, I was the winner of the Best Model of The World Competition in 2005, the producer of the competition was producing her first movie and asked me to participate in it. I acted only in three scenes. Then she introduced me to director Khaled El Hagar in London and that is when I filmed my first movie.

interview with

ASSER YASSIN

Interview, April 2015 Why do we always feel that all of your roles are deep and complicated - apart of “Bibo we Besheer” - Do you specifically pick these kinds of roles, or was it a coincidence?

As an artist and as a person I love challenging myself every time; so the more challenging the role, the more I become enthusiastic about it. I think for me acting is about pushing yourself forward and that’s why it has become my passion, my job, and it’s a bliss that my hobby became my profession. Besides, cinema is history, and it builds up the history of the future and I want to be part of it, so I have to be very careful and concerned about the present that’s why I’m doing it with my utmost passion. So, forty years from now when I look back, I want to find myself where I wanted to be.

Does that mean that you aren’t considering lighter roles? Like comedy for example?

I love comedy and I might actually venture again in comedy, there is a script I’m working on with my friend Mohamed Zayed who’s a very good director.

Moving on to your personal life, and given that you’re married and you have a baby Taher now, how do you manage balancing between work and family?

It’s tough, but I have to make time for it; it’s the base.

I’m living in a family house, my parents live in the first floor and my brother is in the second and I’m in the third. The fact that I do a lot of shooting sometimes I tend to lose myself as an artist and as a Pisces – we have the tendency to lose ourselves and we mix reality with imagination, like any other job. Sometimes I need to take a minute and think “is it light, the camera and acting and this whole fiction your living, or reality?”, and my family is the real thing.

F

rom engineering, to acting, to producing, to even being a father, Asser Yassin is definately this generation’s super star! After working at the American University in Cairo’s stage, Asser got discovered by the director Khairy Beshara, and took his first role at the show Qalb Habiba in 2006. The rest is glorious history.

What kind of advice you’d like to give single men about marriage?

It’s only right when it feels right. In my experience, when it comes to work, choosing a friend, or choosing a car, you’re never sure it is the right choice. But when it came to this, I was positive and I felt that God really blessed it.

Is your wife a working mum?

She studied political science and economics and had her masters done, worked in several NGO’s and big corporates, then she shifted her career completely – that’s a common thing between us. She is a fitness instructor and has her own fitness studio and she’s a spinning, pilates and zumba instructor.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 59

IDENTITY how you got there

a tribute to

Omar elsherif

O

ne of the proudest interviews we had was with the late legendary Omar El-Sherif. It was an honour for us to interview the Hollywood legend before he lost his battle to Alzheimer’s last July.

The news devastated not just Egyptians, but the whole world. In memory of El-Sherif, we decided to republish part of our original interview with him from February, 2010.

About him

Nationality: I am proud of being Egyptian since birth, and until now I have not changed my nationality, despite being asked to do so several times. I was offered the nationality

by Prince Rene de Monaco but I refused it, even though it doesn’t require taxes to get it.

Education: Victoria College, an English school in Egypt.

Birthday: April 10, 1932.

Marital status: Single.

FAVOURITES

Season: Spring - autumn. I don’t like neither winter nor summer as I don’t tolerate the cold and I hate hot weather.

Food: Italian, Egyptian, and Lebanese cuisine. But in general, I prefer eating in restaurants rather than being invited over to friends’ houses.

Actor: Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Johnny Depp.

Music: Opera, Om Kalthoum, and Abdel Halim Hafez.

Books: Even though I am an English school graduate, I like reading old French books.

Which of your movies was the most successful? And what is the role you want to do but you haven’t yet done?

The most successful movie I starred in was Lawrence of Arabia. Although it was nominated to win Oscars, won three Golden Globe awards, and was ranked fifth among the best films in the history of Hollywood, I was not satisfied with my performance in this movie. There isn’t a certain role I want to do, it depends on the quality of the story, the script, and the scenes. I don’t care about the identity of the character I am playing, whether it’s a king or a peasant, I only care about how well the script is written.

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Which actors would you like to work with but haven’t?

I have always wanted to work with Ahmed Zaki as I have always admired him and I consider him the best actor in Egyptian history.

What made you return to Egypt?

I stayed abroad for a long time. I couldn’t come to Egypt because I didn’t have a visa to enter the country. In America I had a lot of contracts and I used to work with Jewish people because most of the American industry was based on them so I was afraid to come back to Egypt.

But it all changed when I met President Anwar El Sadaat.

Every year I used to be invited by the American president to a party at the White House. I had a good relationship with most of the presidents. At one of these parties I met El Sadaat, and he told me, “Dear Omar, you are our son.

Why did you leave us and never come back to make sure we are fine? We all love you.” Also he added that his son’s wedding was the same week and that if I didn’t attend he would be angry at me, so I decided to go back to Cairo.

You starred with many different actresses worldwide, including some who are not considered symbols of beauty. Do you think beauty plays an important role in the success of an actress? And what’s the difference between Eastern and Western women?

Beauty is not everything for me. I prefer the talented actress to the beautiful and pretty one. I even could lose interest in acting my role if I act with an untalented actress. I personally don’t like foreign women. I like Eastern woman in general, but I especially adore Egyptian women’s traits. For me, no one is like the Egyptian woman.

Since you have travelled a lot, which countries do you enjoy the most?

I got accustomed to Paris; in fact I have some friends there. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay in touch with all of my friends because of my travelling.

How did luck play a role in your life? And in your opinion, what is a simple equation for success?

Luck is everything for me, as my whole life was a story of luck. One day I was sitting with Ramzi at Groppi and a man came over telling me that he knew that I was planning to leave to England to study acting. It was Youssef Shahin,

work again. In America if the film doesn’t make money, the producer will never take you again How was your talent discovered?

When I was 13 years old I started acting in a play at the school theatre. I was very pleased at the applause of my classmates. The next day when I entered the classroom everyone was astonished not only by my performance, but also by how I had memorised all the script. That was one of the reasons that made me love acting. Of course my teachers were against my passion for acting because I was so bright in mathematics and thus they wanted me to become a prominent mathematician. Ironically an actor doesn’t like mathematics at all and prefers memorising.

For me I hated all the subjects that required memorising, especially geography and history. I mostly didn’t memorise any of these subjects, instead I used to depend on my intellect.

If you were not an actor, what would you like to be?

A barman, not because I like drinking but because the barman does a great job acting as a psychologist. During his work people come to drink and start telling him their worries and he tries to advise.

"

Unlike in youth, people my age usually don’t think of their future. Such elderly people should enjoy each moment to the fullest, especially the moment they are living in, and not care about either the past or the future.

who introduced me to the Egyptian cinema in a movie called Seraa Fy El Wady. I was 21 years old in 1953.

This movie was shown at the Cannes Festival because it was very successful, and since then I became a known actor. Luck always had an impact on my career. After I got married and had a boy, I never thought of leaving Egypt until I met Sam Spiegel, an American producer, who came to Egypt to see my performance. It all started when an American director called David Vil, was searching for an actor who looked Egyptian; a man with dark eyes, so he had to search among the Arabs. So the director chose me to act in the movie, but before starting the film, the producer asked me to remove the mole that I had on my face, as he thought that I had a mosquito on my face during the test and I really removed it. While looking at different actors’ pictures he saw mine and asked Spiegel to come to Egypt and see if I could speak English. So he came and stayed at the Shepheard Hotel. He tested me and I was chosen for a role in Lawrence of Arabia. Since then I started to gain fame abroad. So I am very lucky because if my mum hadn’t sent me to an English school, I never would’ve acted in such great movies. Not only can luck lead you to success, but also a good opportunity helps you to succeed. If you played a role in a movie that didn’t succeed and you are a genius actor, you will not

"

What has fame given you and what has it taken in return?

I am very pleased at being famous; I don’t fear what I say as long as I am saying the truth. Fame offers me people’s admiration.

What do you miss the most?

I live my life minute by minute; I don’t miss anything from the past except my youth and being with my old friends.

How should we deal with our children?

You have to raise your children in the same way as other children around them. Don’t make your son different from other children around him. Moreover, don’t forbid him something that everyone is doing. You have to realise that your children have their own society that you can’t deprive them of.

Do you plan for your future?

Unlike in youth, people my age usually don’t think of their future. Such elderly people should enjoy each moment to the fullest, especially the moment they are living in, and not care about either the past or the future.

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 61

IDENTITY perspective

Ten Times Identity

Dared to Dive Deep into Controversy 62

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Over the past decade, Identity’s writers have done their best to present readers with authentic, real-life issues by never hesitating to discuss any pressing matter regardless of society’s taboos. The magazine, in a sense, became a creative outlet for all sorts of daring topics and here are some of the most memorable ones that have definitely stood out: To read the old issues, check Identity’s website.

1

See You Next Weekend (Weekend Marriages), May 2006 Many married couples only fully spend weekends together thanks to today’s style of living in the fast lane, as well as an endless amount of responsibilities. “Weekend marriages,” however, may also be the only option for polygamous husbands who choose to have second wives.

In other instances, arguments and complications over custody may lead divorced women to remarry into a “weekend marriage.” Whatever the case may be, you’ll probably find it discussed in this thorough feature.

2

My Son Is an Addict, June 2008 A story, presented by one of our readers to Marwa Rakha, carries a theme that is very recurrent and still absolutely relevant today. A concerned parent talks about her son’s escalating drug problem, a story that many of today’s parents may relate to. Marwa responds by giving her hands-on advice on how to reconnect and understand her son and his problem without alienating herself from him, as well as discusses the recovery and rehabilitation process.

3

Logic and the Veil, April 2009 In an intense feature, former staff writer Perwin Ali attempts to dissect the identity of today’s veil-wearers from all dimensions. From discussing the connection between Islam and women empowerment to modern “party in a veil” ways to wrap your veil, she goes from the past to the present, sweeping us all on a journey of pure thought.

4

Wedding Night Jitters, June 2009 Answering two confused brides-to-be, Dr. Anne Justus discusses what to expect during the wedding night and how to calmly deal with everything. The topic of a bride’s past is also thoroughly discussed as Dr. Justus debunks a few myths here and there about virginity.

5

Sexual Addiction, November 2009 Yes, we do realize that sexual matters are not light topics of discussion, but in this purely scientific article, Dr. Nevine Abaza and Dr. Ayman Kodera aimed to raise awareness of the disorder, which is about more

than just a ‘heightened sexual desire,” but rather “an obsession… That interferes with the life of the addict as a whole.”

6

My Husband Is Addicted, March 2010 After getting several requests to talk about the pressing issue, Marwa Rakha discusses the prevalence of porn-watching amongst spouses. She gives readers with a similar problem three options to dealing with the issue. She explores why married men may resort to porn and gives realistic advice on how to rationally and effectively deal with the situation.

7

My Brother Won’t Leave Me Alone! July 2010 We’re taken into the personal, familial life of an anonymous reader as she reaches out to Marwa Rakha to help her with her brother’s incestuous deeds. We learn that picture-perfect, cookie-cutter families are perhaps not what they seem, and Marwa urges parents to keep a watchful eye on their kids.

8

How to Spot a Cheating Husband, December 2010 When a reader reached out to Identity’s Marwa Rakha with concerns over her husband’s fidelity, she took matters into her hands and provided readers with an in depth guide on how to know if your husband is cheating.

Her hints include physical and emotional signs.

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Yes, Men PMS too! July 2011 We’re all used to women PMS-ing, after all, it is no secret that mother nature has blessed all females with that time of the month. This article, however, aimed to discuss men’s IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome), which has scientifically been proven. From its symptoms to its causes to how to deal with, Identity delved deeply into the not-somainstream topic.

10

The Dark-Side of an Egyptian OpenMinded Guy, February 2015 In a rather shameless, tell-all, Radwa Aboulazm discusses the reality of a certain breed of ‘openminded’ Egyptian men, who, after getting the equally as open-minded girl, aim to tame her ways. She delves into the realities of how the Middle Eastern mind-set of an Egyptian guy may lead him to try and change the girl whose carefree and open attitude first impressed him.

Aliaa Serry

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

IDENTITY perspective

10 Political Headlines Identity Published during the revolution

I

dentity might be best known for its relationship commentary and connections with celebrities, but it also created special publications dedicated to the tumultuous changes happening in Egyptian politics and society during the revolution. The magazine itself was changed to address the issues of the time, fashion replaced with timelines of the revolution and celebrity news replaced with features on those who died fighting for political freedom. The staff felt an obligation and duty to covering the changes happening and the perspectives of those experiencing it.

It was very fulfilling to be using the influence the magazine had, despite the challenges of keeping the publication going. Here are some deep headlines published during this critical era of Egyptian history: 64

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That Started 10 Years 1 TheAgo,Revolution

by Karim El-Shafie

An explanation of how the revolution was long in the making, as people started to shift more and more to embrace Egyptian culture and history.

We Witnessed History, Interviews 2 Yes,

by Marwa Rakha

A series of 15 interviews with Egyptians about their experiences in the revolution, including activists, bloggers, engineers, journalists, actors, and Egyptians living abroad.

Egyptians: Diamonds in 3 Discovering the sand, by Perwin Essam Ali

An opinion article about how much Egyptians accomplished and learned in just three months of revolution, and how the world was looking on for inspiration.

4

Constitution First, by Ashraf Elibrachy

A serious legal look at how the constitution is much more important than political parties could ever hope to be, because of the power it gives state institutions.

5

This Revolution is Protected by its Martyrs! by Wael Khalil

6

We Are All Egyptians, by Marwa Mohamed

An opinion article about how the death of protesters proves the reality of the corruption and it must change.

A piece about how despite the different voices and opinions trying to form the new Egypt, there is a way to work together by communication and finding common ground.

me, I’ve Burnt The Police 7 Pardon Station! by Sarah Sirgany

An analysis of stories shared of those who were frustrated by police corruption and took revenge during the chaos of the revolution.

The Sexual Harassment Epidemic, by 8 Farah Hosny

An article discussing the depressing difference between the beginning of the revolution, when harassment was left aside while the protesters focused on Mubarak, versus the rest of the revolution, when harassment became stronger than ever.

9

A President or an Idol?! by Marwa Mohamed

needs to not be untouchable, but held accountable to laws and transparency.

Sense Is Not So Common 10 Common These Days, by Marwa Rakha

An opinion piece expressing frustration over the lack for basic understanding of issues such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and women’s rights.

Halfway through 2011, the social issues were condensed into a smaller publication in addition to the lifestyle magazine, titled Political Observations. It was a difficult decision for the staff to not make politics the centre of focus when it felt everyone was living and breathing them, but at the end they felt they had a responsibility to their readers and advertisers to go back to the lifestyle topics. So Political Observations was inserted into the Identity issues and sold together.

It continued to tackle the difficult topics and print controversial covers, such as images of sheep during Morsi’s presidency and the blue bra incident during SCAF. After some time, a difficult decision was made again to stop the special publication all together, as it felt that everyone had grown out of politics and needed a break from being too oversaturated.

Liza Dunham SENIOR EDITOR

A look into how the concept of a pharaoh is deeply entrenched in Egyptian culture, and the new president

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 65

IDENTITY perspective

Venus & Mars

In celebration of our 10 year anniversary, we decided to pull an old feature out of the archives. One of the first regulars we had during the very first year of Identity Magazine was a Venus vs. Mars feature. The main idea of it was picking a general topic and having it written from a woman’s and a man’s perspective. Some of the old topics included gender equality, if men and women can be just friends, and if men and women are destined to always misunderstand each other.

For our recreated version, we chose the topic of how social media affects us, since it wasn’t really an issue yet in the early years. It was interesting to see that the results were quite similar from both sides, unlike the old topics that usually had completely different perspectives.

To read the old issues, check Identity’s website.

Venus

We’ve all grown up knowing about the seven deadly sins, and some believe that having these “sins” will destroy your life. I always thought, however, that the quality that might actually destroy your life is curiosity – the deadliest sin there is. Curiosity makes you know what you shouldn’t know, and when you know you start comparing your life to others or just simply start bringing yourself down.

With the growth of social media, we started knowing other people, friends, family, or even strangers, more than we should. Since I’m from the first generation that grew up with access to the internet, I’ve seen the growth of social media, and know exactly how it affected me!

I remember my first exposure to social media. From Myspace to Hi5, it was a game changer to everyone’s social life. I was a preteen when I first discovered social media, and stupid me thought it was the best thing that could happen. I could know people from other countries and culture and have digital pen pals. What could go wrong? I soon realized that everything might!

Let’s start with the early years of social media. The internet, and social media, have a very dark side which affects everyone, especially young females. I never knew what “paedophiles” were, or what harassment even was.

The internet is always a safe place for all pervs. As a young preteen, I got to talk with strangers, always with good intentions. I didn’t even know that I could get harassed through text and a screen. At least once a week I’d find an old man sending or asking me for naked pictures.

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With the difference between social media now and then, everyone is exposed, and their safety is at risk from the harassers, who ironically find it safer. As for now, with the rise of Facebook and Instagram, it’s putting more pressure on females, again, especially young girls, to be as beautiful, interesting, and “cool” as their friends on social media. The comparison between people is growing, and even if you don’t think it affects your confidence, it does! How many times have you seen a 10-year old trying to take a good selfie when you’re walking around a mall and you see her struggling so much to have a good picture to post on her Instagram or Facebook?

While some might not care about how they look, or might not even post pictures of themselves and body image isn’t a big problem for them, they still compare their lifestyle to others. You’re forced to know other people’s tiniest details. You’re forced by Facebook to relive your memories. You’re just constantly having things shoved in your face to make you feel bad about yourself.

As a female, I always want to prove that I’m strong. I want to be confident. I want to be safe and not get random dick pics from strangers I don’t know. I don’t want to see younger women getting harassed by paedophiles. I wish I wasn’t exposed to this myself. I wish social media was just as good as it was meant to be.

Raghda El-Sayed JUNIOR EDITOR

together doing the stuff we don’t get the chance to do during the day. Either it’s talking, playing cards, or even just having drinks and smoking ‘shisha,’ the most important rule is: leave the world’s problem outside. Well, not anymore.

Social media is stripping us from our social interaction time, with how it is easily accessible everywhere it is now hard to leave your problems anywhere, they will haunt you wherever you go. It is now rare to pass by any café and not find almost 90% of the people sitting there holding their mobile phones. And as this spreads even more and more we are becoming less ourselves, we are having less time to spend with each other, less time to interact and more time to spend with our problems or even the world’s problems. And as a result we are starting to feel more and more alone, the thing that affects some of us and makes us decide to deal with our problems back at our own places. What is the point of social activity if we are going to be alone anyway…

Mars

In every generation there has always been something that shapes the personality of the people witnessing it; a great war, an economic crisis, a revolution, a natural catastrophe…

Concerning our generation, it was social media.

Social media has become an important part of our daily lives. So many people depend on it as the sole form of communication, to the point that real communication has almost disappeared. And it is addictive and tempting, to get all the information you need about anything starting from news and events to people’s interests and the places they like to visit. It is amusing and easy, the fact that you can reach your old school friends that easily and find anyone you want at the push of a button is great. That’s why the role of social media has increased so much and as its role has become bigger, its negative impacts have become more and more clear.

We men usually lead a simple life, one that consists mostly of work during the day and any social activity afterwards, a social activity that is either events, outings, a party, or in most cases it is just hanging with the boys in the coffee shop.

Let us take the coffee shop as an example. The coffee shop is usually the place where we chill, wear our comfortable clothes, forget about the world’s problems and just sit

Also social media has created a new generation of male attention seekers, males whose only purpose is to seem dominant online. This leads to a generation that works out only to post their gym photographs on the internet, and that quotes complicated books that they misunderstand, only to be looked as avid readers, a generation misses a lot of fun because their only aim is that to let people see how fun their life is, even though it is not. This leads to an endless circle. You open social media, see your friend posting photos of the sea and how happy he is; you get depressed about your life, and you decide to go to the sea too. You go but you don’t find the happiness you thought you would find, you post a photo of yourself pretending to have fun by the sea, your friend sees the photo, he gets depressed about his life, decides to the sea too, and so on…

It is now becoming less important to have something good and more important to have something that looks good, and this reflects on everything: on our personal satisfaction, our relationships, our daily habits, the places where we hangout, where we eat, even on the places we get married. It became more important to look good than to actually be good.

Social media is slowly killing us. It is becoming so addictive that there is a thing called BFAS, short for Berge Facebook Addiction Scale, that researchers have created to measure how addicted a person is to Facebook. Studies show that the overuse of social media causes anti-social behaviour and makes people more prone to depression, anxiety and more psychological disorders including attention deficit disorders (ADD) and deficiencies in learning skills. So unless it is used with moderation and unless we control ourselves in using it, the gap between people will increase even more and the psychological side effects will be drastic.

Khaled Nasr

ONLINE WRITER

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 67

IDENTITY perspective

Marwa Rakha’s Journey towards an

Identity

It was January 2008 when I first started writing for Identity and it has been a long journey since then! One article is very close to my heart and I would like to share a part of it with you again now. I was 34 when I wrote this article; today I am almost 41 and I am a mother of precious little Adam! Motherhood today defines me – motherhood has always defined me one way or the other. Motherhood has helped me understand people and relationships in a way that would not have been possible otherwise.

I have seen how and when a personality is formed by the age of three and how character is built by the age of six. It is so easy to bring children into this world but it is so hard to nurture them into becoming the best human beings they could be! Neglect and abuse are so common in this culture that it is almost the norm. Now I know where my personal issues come from and I understand why the men that I have come across were so deformed and defeated each in his own way. I am glad that this phase of my life is behind me now.

Identity has been a witness to my personal journey towards my own identity! Identity was there when I launched my book, when I became a relationships columnist, when I got pregnant, when Egypt revolted, and when Adam was born. Together we fumbled into politics, parliamentary elections, presidential elections, turbulent times, confusion, toppling another president, and the appointment of the third president in less than five years.

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Last July, a friend of mine sent me a link to a website named Ethical Wills and I was fascinated by the idea. Dr. Barry K. Baines – the author of the book – defines an ethical will as the voice of your heart. It is as though you are writing a love letter to your family, friends, colleagues, and everyone you crossed paths with in your lifetime. Dr. Baines said that most ethical wills pass on a person’s important personal values and beliefs, spiritual reflections, hopes for the future generations, life’s lessons, love, and forgiveness.

I always thought that the ideal time for writing a will is when a person feels that the end is near – I have no clue where I got that idea from. Dr. Baines gave me a totally new perspective. In an ethical will, people share a part of themselves and this part helps them identify and act upon their beliefs. It also helps the reader of this will to understand where they are coming from and what they value most. This could be an ideal tool between couples at anytime of their relationship, between parents and their children regardless of their age, between grand parents and their grand children, or between friends and business associates.

There is no better time to share with you my ethical will than at the end of a fruitful and very productive year

1. I have learnt the joy of tolerance and that he who judges

shall be judged. People are different and I am different too.

2. I believe in mercy and forgiveness. I am still working on second chances though. We all make mistakes.

3. Fame does not last but the people you have helped will

remember your help forever.

4. Beauty does not last either but the people who see your heart will always see your beauty.

5. I have made so many men jealous because no matter how much I gave, they could never have all of me.

6. I have made so many women jealous because no matter how hard they tried, they could never be me.

7. I am very competitive and it distracts me from my goals – work in progress.

8. I love teaching and only this year I began running into my previous students in all sorts of companies – they are doing well and now I know that I did well too.

9. Anger is not such a bad thing; anger is the driver behind change and we definitely need huge changes in this society. Anger and rage push me forward.

10. Life is not always fair but God is. I have faith in God. I have faith in myself.

11. By being positive and happy I attract good things and good people into my life. I try to remember that every time I lose hope.

12. I colour my dreams in my head only to open my eyes and find them a reality.

13. I touched a baby for the first time in my life – yes, I know this is creepy. I held my niece and I now worry about her future.

14. My mission is to get people to think, to question, and to analyse everything in their lives. I vow to shock their beliefs, to look them in the eye, to tell them the truth, and to wake them from their beauty sleep.

15. I grew to hate ostriches and anyone who buries their head in the sand.

16. I realized that my personal problems and anything that used to bother me on a personal level is tiny if I let myself be involved in a bigger circle of social and gender issues.

17. Now people see me the same way that I see myself and the same way that I want them to see me – now I have to maintain that level of transparency.

18. I respect my brother; I might not agree with him on most things in life but I respect how honest he is with himself.

19. With power comes a lot of responsibility and my pen has given me a lot of power; I try to use it wisely and in accordance with my mission.

20. I chose to write about women and for women in an attempt to help men understand us better.

21. I chose to cross many red lines. I get scared at times but most of the time I feel that I did the right thing.

22. I finally understood that black means the absence of

colour and that white means all the colours combined.

We cannot choose black or white because they are not options; we live in a world of colours, shades, and hues and our decisions always have to have a colour.

23. Perceptions can be very tricky. What I perceive to be right could be perceived by other people as a nonnegotiable wrong. I might change my mind. They might change their minds. Change and death are the only constants in life.

24. I finally understood that no one has the power to hurt me unless I delegate that power onto them.

25. I also realized that those who love me and those who hate me love or hate what they willingly chose to love or hate about me – I have nothing to do with their choice.

26. In my training room I see samples of Egyptian ladies and gentlemen from different walks in life; some of them make me see a bright future and others just make me want to cry.

27. I will never forget the time I told one of my readers that I want to be her mother when she told me how she cannot talk to her real mother.

28. I discovered politics – yes, at the age of 34!

29. I want the coming generations to have dreams; many people my age have given up on the power of dreams.

30. I consider myself a very lucky person; I have met great people in my life who have supported me and held my hand when I needed it the most. I owe them anything and everything that I am good at now.

31. Fact of life: Love is a spice that I cannot handle well.

32. Heartbreaks do not hurt as much as they used to before.

33. I am still the genius of messed up relationships but instead of using it to feel sorry for myself, I am using it to help others.

34. I now know that I have become the man that I wanted to get married to and I am proud of it.

35. This year I have reconnected with a lot of my schoolmates and they turned out to be just fine. I am so proud of them.

36. 2008 has given me friends who are ten years younger – age is just a number.

37. Facebook is the best thing that happened to me in 2008.

38. I fall in love with my cats all over again every time I look at them.

I am glad I shared my first ethical will with you my dear readers. I will revisit it every few months and enhance it with more lessons, stories, and values. I am leaving my words to my niece and to all of you hoping that my words tell the stories that I cared not to lose. Writing those lines has helped me identify the things and the people that I value most, and what I stand for. I advise you to draft your very own ethical will - it will give you a sense of completion.”

identity-mag.com

* SEPT 69

IDENTITY horoscopes

Virgo

(August 23 - September 22)

Strengths Helpful Reliable Analytical Precise

Weaknesses Nervous Skeptical Fussy Cold

Best matches

Taurus, Cancer & Capricorn

Worst matches Gemini, Libra & Aries

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Virgos like to take their time to think about everything before they agree or disagree because of their preciseness

Virgo is the sixth sign of the astrological year and is known by the sign of the Virgin. They share two qualities with the Virgin, modesty and humanity. With Mercury as its planet in ancient Roman mythology, Virgos are mostly analytical, observant, and quick thinkers but most importantly they can’t sit still for long. Whether physically or mentally, Virgo’s have to be busy all the time or else they get extremely fussy. Being fussy is one of the worst personality traits Virgo’s have. They usually have no patience and they hate it when something doesn’t go their way. They don’t like to be helped because no one is

70

SEPT

* identity-mag.com

as precise as a Virgo but a Virgo’s best personality trait is definitely their helpfulness. They actually love helping others, not because it’s their duty but because they enjoy doing good deeds and helping out. They always want to work for the greater good and are not easily satisfied like many other zodiac signs. They love everything to be in order and they like it when everything is neat and clean.

When it comes to love, Virgos open up to people easily but only if they like them. When they’re with someone, they’re usually devoted to them.

When attracted to a Virgo, the

best thing to do is to keep them interested. Shower them with facts and deep topics rather than small talk. Virgos enjoy having deep, long conversations. When it comes to big or small decisions, Virgos like to take their time to think about everything before they agree or disagree because of their preciseness.