Lavish | Issue: 06 (Nov-Dec)

Shopping at Le Cute Electronics

VIDEO CAMERA HOME APPLIANCE AUDIO

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Fashion × Perfume

Cover Feature

INTERVIEW WITH DJ UMAR Maldivian pioneer of Electronic Music Mixing I N T E R V I E W E D B Y L AV I S H E D I TO R I A L T E A M

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BAGS PERFUME

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Art & Culture

An Artist & the Audience WRITTEN BY SHIMANIE SHAREEF

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Fashion & Beauty

LACOSTE The World’s leading Luxury Sports brand WRITTEN BY ANGEL SHUJA

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Emerging Artist AIMA

Look Great at Every Age!

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WRITTEN BY SHIMANIE SHAREEF

Behind the scenes with Funko WRITTEN BY FUNKO

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Dating & Relationship Abusive Relationship WRITTEN BY NOONU

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Almost played

WRITTEN BY ANGEL SHUJA

M× M× L Movies

PROMETHEUS MOONRISE KINGDOM A SEPERATION 12 ANGRY MEN SKYFALL

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Music

THE WEEKND BAT FOR L ASHES JESSIE WARE THE XX

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Literature

G O N E G I R L T H E C AS UA L VAC A N C Y T H E W H I T E T I G E R

WRITTEN BY SIP OF LIFE

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EDITOR: MOHAMED RAFEEQ LE CUTE LAVISH LIFESTYLE IS PUBLISHED BY LINTEL INVESTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES PVT LTD. THEIR ENTIRE CONTENTS ARE PROTECTED AND ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY IBRAHIM A∏AFATH iA∏AFATH.COM

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ĒLECTRICUS

KEF HOME THEATRE KHT7005

PANASONIC VIERA TV THP42UT30V

Full Plasma HD 3D TV, with 600 Hz Sub field drive, dynamic contrast 2,000.000:1, Mercury and Lead free panel, Viera Image Viewer (photo and video), Wi-fi ready, USB terminals and Eco-navigation.

This sleek, stylish sound bar system features a sound bar integrating front left, centre and right speakers, with 2 satellite speakers for the rear and 200W KEF C4 subwoofer. Designed to fit unobtrusively above or below screens of 32” and larger, this package offers KEF quality sound in a discrete way. The sound bar features KEF’s gloriously natural-sounding 19mm tweeter, flanked by two 50mm bass drivers and the C4 subwoofer adds assertive, full-bodied and superbly controlled bass extension that immerses you in your home cinema experience.

MVR 16 044 ºº

MVR 20 000 ºº

PANASONIC AUDIO PLAYER SC-HC37

ELECTROLUX VACUUM CLEANER

This compact Stereo System offers a great way to enjoy your personal music library. Dock your iPod or iPhone into the auto sliding dock, and listen to music through nano-sized bamboo cone speakers that can pump out an impressive 40 watts of power. With Pure Direct Sound System, distortion is dramatically reduced by digital signal to reproduce highly pure sounds. In addition to a tabletop setting, you can mount the system on the wall. It’s also Energy Star qualified for low power consumption which is good for the environment.

ZB2901G

The Electrolux Vacuum cleaner Ergorapido is about 'Instant' vacuum cleaning, and cyclonic performance helps you get the job done quicker. With LED lights on the Nozzle which covers the patches of dust & dirt under the couch or dark ­places.

Motorized brush roll allows for efficient dust and dirt pick up, 2 in 1 ­feature, clean table tops, furniture and car interiors with the click of a button.

MVR 2 440 ºº

MVR 4 000 ºº

ĒLECTRICUS

PANASONIC DIGITAL CAMERA DMC-TZ18

The Lumix DMC-TZ18 is Panasonic’s latest travel-zoom camera, featuring a 16x 24-384mm lens, 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 720p HD movies, and fast continuous shooting at either 10fps or 5.5ps with continuous auto-focus turned on. The Intelligent Resolution function can be used to digitally boost the zoom ratio to 20x with hardly any loss in quality, or to simply make still images and video look better.

MVR 6 813 ºº

BOSCH MIXER MMB11R1

PANASONIC MEMORY CARD SDHC UHS-I

This UHS-I card, in addition to its 16GB of memory, features an offload speed of 3 minutes, and a transfer rate of 90MB/s.

Optimized for professional use, ­ the card incorporates a Super Intelligent Controller System (SICS) which extends the shelf life of the card, provides power failure protection, and controls the data written to the card so that the e­ ntire card is used fully over its lifetime.

The Bosch Blender MMB11R1 is ideal for a successful drink filled with vitamins. With its 500 watts of power, two speeds and pulse MVR 4 346 ºº button, give the blender MMB11R1 fresh juices, homemade soups and creamy smoothies. With a capacity of 1.75 liters, you can also get crushed ice in seconds. This beautifully designed mixer MMB11R1 from Bosch is the perfect tool for success in the kitchen.you can mount the system on the wall. It’s also Energy Star qualified for low power consumption which is good for the ­environment.

MVR 1 980 ºº

FACIŌ×FŪMUS

EMPORIO ARMANI DIAMOND SUMMER 100 ml

DOLCE & GABBANA LIGHT BLUE DREAMING PORTIFINO 50 ml

ESCADA SEXY GRAFFITI SUMMER FRAGRANCE COLLECTION 100 ml

A carry by hand bag, box like shape with leather handles, spacious inside with Zip on top. Carry it off with Cerruti Style.

Emporio Armani Diamonds Summer will refresh us with light and energetic accords of green apple sorbet composed of ice notes! A heart completed the cold and luminous atmosphere with delicate peony flowers aromas, while a base provides a warm ­amber embrace, leaving a tingling trail of sun rays on the skin.

Perfume inspired by the ­ fantastic Mediterranean location the coastal village Portofino.

Light Blue Dreaming in Portofino ­begins with fresh litchi accord and ambrette seed that lead to the rich floral heart of creamy iris and intense osmanthus.

Notes of amber, patchouli and musk leave a velvety trail in the perfume’s base.

Red berries play the main role in top notes, including r­ aspberry and wild strawberry s­ hining with luminous grapefruit sparks. A heart offers skillfully ­balanced lily of the valley, violet and red peony, softening the fruity opening and providing a romantic twist. Base notes of the composition enable a softer and subtle closure with ­accentuated cashmere wood and soft vanilla.

MVR 4 125 ºº

MVR 1 336 ºº

MVR 933 ºº

MVR 892 ºº

CERRUTI BAG CHERIE

FACIŌ×FŪMUS

ESCADA ROCKIN RIO SUMMER FRAGRANCE COLLECTION 100 ml Escada Rockin Rio i­ ntroduces playful accords inspired by the ultimate fruity cocktail ­composed of sweet and fresh fruity zests enriched with coconut. With the sound of Brazilian s­ amba top notes dance with tangerine, pineapple and papaya with exotic coconut twist, ­providing a fresh, tropical ­opening. A heart is created of cotton candy and peach while a base closes with sandalwood and musk.

MVR 892 ºº

MONTE BLANC LEGEND SPECIAL EDITION 2012 50 ml

ESTEE LAUDER IDEALIST PORE MINIMIZING SKIN REFINISHER

For the first birthday of the already famous masculine fragrance Legend, Mont Blanc launched its reissue—Legend Special Edition 2012. The new fragrance is a refreshed version of the original, a combination of cooling notes suitable for spring and summer. Cold breeze of aromatic notes to already existing strong woody-fougere composition.

With Idealist, your skin looks and feels like your ideal skin.

Pores appear 1/3 smaller ­instantly and 60% reduction in the look of pores in just 4 weeks.

It repairs the look of uneven skin texture, flakiness and roughness giving the skin an overall more even tone. Smooth it on and ­instantly enjoy that soft, ­seamless silky feeling.

MVR 928 ºº

MVR 1 440 ºº

Exposure and admiration for emerging Artists not only does enrich the Art culture and community itself but also gets us to find the creative minds, and innovative geniuses’ that work for the love of Art. If you have watched the “Salhi Anhenun” ­video

by Hulhevi media, I am sure many of you are ­familiar with the Artist featured in the video. Aima, is not a realistic Artist but is more popular for her ­illustrious works with squiggly lines, doodles and doodle like paintings and the obvious love for the blue waters.

It might not be perfectly realistic and accurate, but pleasing to the eye are her storybook-character-like figure drawings, and wonderful colors she uses, that expresses the fun, carefree, and enjoyable character of herself as well as the joyous experiences and moments of her life.

Aima has done many illustration works, for calendars, civic education books, leaflets, t-shirt designs, manuals and even few commissioned paintings. Even during her school days she has participated and won many achievements in this field. The art competition held by NNCB to mark International Day against Drug Abuse – First Place, Viewers choice, Best 5 paintings and represented school on Earth day celebrations at Banyan Tree and won Best Poster and received a monument; to name a few.

Lately she has also taken part in the International Artist Camp held

by UAM and Indian High Commission, along with the exhibition held afterwards and she has also been in Community based Theatre, in an all women’s co-operative called ‘Maldivian Authentic Arts Corporate Society’ which promotes authentic Maldivian handicraft. She has also won the Asters ‘What would you do?’ competition by making a wonderful stop motion video.

She definitely does not let an opportunity to express her c­ reativity go to waste. Interesting series of her works caught my attention. ­Although it may seem different from what she may usually do, this one was unusually cool but like all her other works, captures her experience as well as the enjoyable fun moments she had while making it.­ “The Jamalu series” as she calls it.

IT STARTED WITH ME DOODLING ON CAMEL BOXES WITH SHARPIES AND UPLOADING THEM TO FACEBOOK PEOPLE LIKED THE JAMAALS AND JAMEELAS A LOT. THE FIRST EVER REAL JAMAAL WAS MADE FROM SURFBOARD WAX, AND JAMEELA FROM CLAY AND BLU-TACK. JAMALU SHOOT-OUTS ARE THE BEST!

Her works never fails to impress her fans.

And her art works are a true reflection of who she is, and her other passions apart from painting and drawing.

YOU CAN SEE MORE OF HER ARTWORK ON AIMAMUSTHAFA.CARBONMADE.COM

almost

PLAYED

Again back to my never ending journey of finding love, seeking happiness.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH THE NIGHT SKY. I OFTEN FIND MYSELF LOOKING AT THE STARS AT NIGHT AND WONDERING IF “MY SOMEONE” WAS LOOKING UP AT THE SAME SKY AND THINKING THE SAME AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT. ASKING MYSELF, IF IT COULD BE FATE? AND IF IT WAS DESTINED TO BRING US TOGETHER? FATE—[feyt] A lovely coincidence, a special moment that happens for the right reasons.

it was all happening Keeping me alive, refreshed and happy.

In life, I have always believed fate plays a major role, ­making our lives more ­exciting. The best results come from fate. After my failed attempt of letting someone new into my life and an ex-boyfriend which I was partly hungover, I still believed in fate and was hopeful.

A month back, I was looking to the star filled night sky and pouring my heart out in my thoughts, feeling lost and alive at the same moment, hoping for wonderful moments. Same night, in this small city where everyone knows everyone, yet are very much strangers ......................“a hello”...................... was exchanged with one, among the many. ..............................................................

HIM The player, expressing of his exact thoughts about night sky, fate and the special someone got me hooked. Exchange of small witty remarks (online) over a couple of days, conversations sparked up. Naïve or hopeful or probably a bit of both—though I would like to believe myself as being hopeful, found myself

drooling over his deep husky voice and every word which he uttered.

Charmer, older, goodlooking & a believer of fate; he was a perfect potential boyfriend.

When two people meet timing needs to be perfect.

Wanting of the same things in life, at the same point of time, leads into making that meeting a lifelong relationship. Or maybe in this case lets say a “month long” one. After much heart aches we both agreed on a lot of things. To begin with, the next relationship would be with someone who deserves us, and that we were pass the age of fooling around and playing games.

Melting at the sound of his voice, nervous with excitement every time we met up, laughing at his witty remarks, drooling at the sight of him, smiling every time I hear my phone beep, shivers when our knees touched under the coffee table.

Solid conversations, flirting and genuine caring was present. All attributes of a perfect relationship.

He felt it. I felt it. We both talked about it. But never did it cross my mind, that it seemed too good to be true.

Then the “one month long” not a relationship but friendship which did not turn into anything more, came to an end. For me he was a potential boyfriend. Unfortunately, he had potential girlfriends. He was playing with my heart. Fooled around with. He tried to convince me otherwise.

The minute I knew, I felt my heart sink. I hated myself for being hopeful. And it was hard to not fall for his convincing charm to proving me wrong.

I managed to smile, appreciate the fact that I knew it before it was too late and courage up to remain as friends. Or atleast I try. As difficult as it is, for he seemed so perfectly right and still it does…

Terribly hopeless I looked up at the stars and yet again, the night sky filled me up with hope.

I realized “my person” is someone by far, more deserving. As dramatic as it sounds—someone who knows I am his perfect person when we meet.

LESSON LEARNT I WAS GRATEFUL FOR I TOOK THINGS SLOW FOR IT WAS THE REASON I WAS NOT DEEPLY HURT. MY FAITH IN FINDING LOVE AND HAPPY COINCIDENCES WAS STILL A BIG PART OF ME AND IT KEPT ME OCCUPIED WITH MY THOUGHTS, STARING INTO THE BEAUTIFUL STAR FILLED NIGHT. TIP TO REMEMBER NEVER LOSE HOPE, NEVER TO REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKE & BE FOOLED BY HIS CHARM.

Look Great at EveryAge!

THE RIGHT ENSEMBLES FOR EVERY WOMAN

Fashion is trendy and tricky as not all outfits or trends suit every woman. that leather mini seen on the runway ­model looks perfect but if we were to try it; it would look like as if a ridiculously large pillow had to squeeze into a tiny tube sock making everything pop out of odd places.

Some of us are either too ­ skinny or too curvy to pull off certain looks, which is why we have to take out and mould trends that would suit our body and age. whether you are 20 or 50 you have to dress to complement your ­physique & personality.

20’s

You are a confident young woman who has a clear idea of where you want to be in the next 5 years, you’ve got a stable job and you are working your way up the ladder. It would be complete mockery to that confident strong side of you, if you still dressed like Hannah Montana. Ditch that pink and yellow polka dotted frumpy dress and opt for some elegance. Pair bold bright colors with neutral shades and statement jewelry pieces. Keep your makeup smart and sultry, spray some Truth or Dare by Madonna to boost the confident look.

30’s

Juggling work and family is not an easy task and a woman who keeps it well balanced is a Sasha Fierce!

Show it! A sophisticated look which includes sharp tailored outfits in mature colors like verdant, dark grey and black is parfait. Complement it with modern gold jewelry. Putting up a bold face takes a lot of doing, but by the end of the day all we want to do is crawl into bed for some quality sleep, before you hit the sack apply some L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Rejuvenating Anti-Wrinkle Day/Night cream, to revitalise and moisturize your skin to look refreshed the next day.

40’s

Embrace your forties as those are the years when you are finally settled and content with the way your life is going. Take a vacation from time to time.

Dress in ease but in grace. Even if you are 40 it’s important to keep fit with regular exercise as it has its perks of ­being able to fit into a figure hugging dress in a cream tone, add a pop of color with shoes or accessories to bring excitement to the ensemble.

While you are keeping up with the weekly gym routines and yoga classes don’t forget to take care of your skin – L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10 Total Repair is an ideal moisturizer which leaves your skin feeling soft and silky.

50’s

No one dare say fifty is old! With age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes beauty. A woman in her fifties should dress lively to represent that very character- so, add color to the staples in your wardrobe; like a plum colored shirt or a coral handbag.

Re-plump your lips to any occasion with L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Anti-Ageing Serum Lipstick, which comes in fantastic nude shades like Radiant Plum and Sparkling Rose. Flaunting stylish footwear has no age boundaries so put your best designer foot forward!

60’s

Pick up knitting? Sit in a rocking chair? Wear huge glasses that look like a pair of dragonfly eyes and put on dull baggy clothes?

This is so last century! The sixty year old w ­ oman of today is a strong energetic lady who makes her own fashion statement. Pick up classy elegant ­outfits such as a top in painterly patterns to pair with pencil pants. Accessorize with chunky rings studded with precious stones or a necklace in metallic gold and complement any staple outfit with a crimson bag. Even at 60 it is important to take care of your skin L’Oreal Paris Age Re-Perfect Pro ­Calcium day cream restores radiance and clears brown spots–just apply a generous amount right after a morning shower.

THE THING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE IS ABUSE CAN BE PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL & VERBAL

We’ve all heard of relationships where one partner is abusive towards the other. We read that if and when one raises his hand to beat you, it is the moment you walk away. The thing that most people don’t realize is abuse can be physical, emotional and verbal. A lot of us go through life in stride, taking in what the others say. But what are the grounds for calling verbal insults an abuse, and how long will we tolerate our spouse blackmailing us into staying in a relationship?

Experts say that abuse of any kind in a relationship is part of a pattern where one partner tries to control or blackmail the other into staying in the relationship.

For example; Say a couple who are ‘in love’ are going through a rough phase. One partner may, in the heat of the moment, refer to the other partner in a very degrading manner, like calling him/her names. This will be the first time, but it surely won’t be the last. Because once you wake a sleeping beast, it’ll never go back to sleep.

Bear in mind that ‘abuse’ does not necessarily mean you will be getting fractured or broken bones and bruises. Abuse can merely be uttered by a couple of words. Your partner might call you names to insult you and humiliate you. These are things you shouldn’t wave away with your hand. These are issues you would need to hash out, discuss, and question. If he calls you names now, (whether in private or in public) what will he do next?

What may start with a shove, a push can eventually lead to serious physical and emotional damage so as hard as it may seem, leaving the person who claims to love you, and yet hurt you so violently is the absolute right thing to do. If by leaving you think you will get into more trouble, then seek help, in secrecy or anyway you can, and fast!

What are said to be the first signs of abuse will include you having to be ‘extra careful’ to not upset your partner, disagreeing with him, feeling nervous around him, or you feeling pressured into staying in your relationship because he threatens to hurt you or himself if you leave, etc. If also, you feel pressured into having sex, or he has got you questioning yourself about how ‘if you changed then he wouldn’t abuse you?’ then it is high time you have a reality check.

If ever you are getting abused, it is always, always the best possible thing to do, to at least tell one person – a friend, a cousin, a co-worker, anyone who can help you out in these sticky situations. The abuser will normally make up lame excuses for his ways of acting by blaming it on his ‘short temper’ or jealousy, drugs or drinking. Even if the abuse only happens when he is drunk or angry, keep in mind that once he hits you, he will not hesitate to raise his hand again.

Anonymous reader who shared a bit of her abuse scandal says her partner, who she was with for 5 years, started off with just some name-calling. Referred to her as an animal, useless and unworthy. All because of a jealousy he could not control. “At first, I cried, but then, I got so used to the name calling, it wasn’t that bad. I was being extra careful to not talk to any of my guy friends, but then I met an old friend on the road one day, and all hell broke loose. When I got home, my husband was waiting for me, sitting on the bed, and all of a sudden, pushed me against the wall so hard I fell, and it was then that I knew that I had to get out”.

But whatever it is, verbal, emotional or physical, make sure that you understand that it is NOT your fault, that he hit you, or slapped you, because no human should be subject to such abuse. It is NOT your fault, and there are people out there who actually do care about you, so please let someone know what happens behind those closed doors.

AT FIRST, I CRIED, BUT THEN, I GOT SO USED TO THE NAME CALLING, IT WASN’T THAT BAD. I WAS BEING EXTRA CAREFUL TO NOT TALK TO ANY OF MY GUY FRIENDS, BUT THEN I MET AN OLD FRIEND ON THE ROAD ONE DAY, AND ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. WHEN I GOT HOME, MY HUSBAND WAS WAITING FOR ME, SITTING ON THE BED, AND ALL OF A ­SUDDEN, PUSHED ME AGAINST THE WALL SO HARD I FELL, AND IT WAS THEN THAT I KNEW THAT I HAD TO GET OUT

ARTIST & AUDIENCE AN

THE

AS HUMAN BEINGS NATURE, WE NURTURE AND NOURISHES OUR ­IMAGINATION. WE APPRECIATE, LEARN, EDUCATE, ­ASSOCIATE AND CREATE. THE SIMPLEST PURPOSE FOR ­CREATION CAN BE FOR ENJOYMENT, ­SATISFACTION, ­EXPRESSION AND ENRICHMENT.

SELF-PORTAIT, 1912

Art itself is somewhat intricate and incomprehensible. Each piece is a new existence and this i­ ngenuity sometimes causes some of the audience to be anxious and overwhelmed and is often antagonistic towards it.

All Artists love admiration. In fact a strong ­desire for appreciation is an important incentive of creativity and originality. The certainty of his works pleasing the public persistence is required and hence the Artist not only creates for his own satisfaction but to entertain the fulfillment of a group of others as well. But what we should remember is that it’s not the quantity of this audience that matters, it’s the quality.

The audience’s reaction is hard to foresee. A work can be rejected or accepted depending one’s understanding. Similarly to how an Artists work is influenced, how an audience likes or dislikes ­certain things is also influenced by the person’s ­surroundings and conditions they live in.

Naturally, human beings tend to like things we are familiar and comfortable of more often and don’t trust the ­unknown.

The knowledge about the artist is important as it influences the way his pieces are perceived. What you know about the artist will either support or deter your feelings towards the Artist’s creation. One of the most controversial pieces, created by K ­ azimierz Malewicz’s “Black Square in a white background” explains this well, I believe.

The audience due to how simple they are expressed dislike similar Modern Art and Abstract Art works.

While this work of Kazimierz also got begrudged by some of the audience others tried associating it with what they know and the real world. Claims were made that this piece r­ epresented the black hole, or space or negativity. How it was perceived and interpreted varied extensively. ­However these interpretations are far from the ­artist intentions.

WHAT I HAVE SHOWN WAS NOT AN EMPTY SQUARE, BUT A FEELING OF AIMLESSNESS. THE BLACK SQUARE IN A WHITE BACKGROUND WAS THE FIRST DIRECT FORM OF EXPRESSING ­AIMLESSNESS THE SQUARE = FEELING THE WHITE BACKGROUND = NOTHING EXCEPT FOR THAT FEELING

BLACK SQUARE, 1915, OIL ON CANVAS

wrote Kazimierz Malwecz in his work suprematism {1922-27}, about the said art piece.

The intentions of the Artist is not the only way how a painting is interpreted, but it can deepen the audience’s reception and enrich our knowledge about the Artist and its work. However the knowledge of the artist is indispensable and helpful for the full the understanding of a work of art, but one should also not let this interfere with ones personal impressions of how a work is perceived.

The World’s leading Luxury Sportsbrand Lacoste’s piqué polo classics FROM

TO

high end fashion Seen the green grinning crocodile? No, we are not talking about the one held captive in the children’s park, but the crocodile giving a toothy grin on every Lacoste product. The internationally recognised reptile not only graces the brand’s signature piqué polo shirts but accessories, fragrance even sports gear and homewear. Lacoste has come a long way from the first designed shirt in 1927 by its French founder and tennis champ René Lacoste to a multi million ­dollar lifestyle industry. ∏ENÉ LACOSTE ——WIMBLEDON—— 1924

Luxe sportswear is a consistent trend every s­ eason and Lacoste assured that sports and fashion are strongly interconnected with the opening of their largest flagship store in London, in time for the 2012 Olympics. The brand’s affixed style of relaxed chic is what makes Lacoste so contemporary and timeless that it suits women of all ages and shapes.

Bright and cream colored tops in cotton and silk are ­perfect day wear. Sleek jersey dresses from abovethe-knee to floor length are chic and beckon the sophisticated young woman. At the New York Fashion week Lacoste presented Spring Summer 2013 with an array of stylish outfits in whimsical prints of tiny tennis balls, courts and rackets – a fresh take on the brand’s DNA.

While the outfits on the runway can be less about track&field and more about grabbing coffee from a nearby bakery, there’s always a wide variety of ­outfits for Lacoste’s athletic customers. Modern cut jersey polos, stretch golf skirts and fluid tapered trousers from their sportswear will make you step onto the field in style.

The classic polo’s are an all-time-favourite of sportsmen; it’s the comfortable and breathable quality of the outfits that attract its customers.

Needless to add, the sophisticated masculine c­ olor combinations which have a more than winning quality about them.

Rene Lacoste was a visionary as the earliest photographed children’s collection was modern and contemporary in design for his time. The children’s line carries the Lacoste concept in an adorable style; from graphic tees with playful prints to bright c­ olor blocked ensembles the Lacoste child is one who stays ahead of the fashion curve.

Being a luxury sports brand Lacoste has mastered the art of designing contemporary products by staying true to its roots; Fashion accessories like jelly watches in berry hues or gold painted footwear show the brand’s consciousness to cater to a growing fashion-forward young clientele. ‘Touch of Pink’ and ‘Lacoste Essential for men’ are f­ amous ­frangrances that add into their strong empire.

From a brand born of a bet, to an international luxury sports brand with a cult following, ­Lacoste is sure to celebrate its 80th anniversary in a grand fashion as one of the world’s acclaimed sports brands.

BEHIND THE

SCENES WITH FUNKO

Hello and welcome to a behind the scenes episode withme Funkografik.

This is me making my debut with Lavish and would like to wish you all readers good health + good ­spirit. I'm a varied artist s­ pecializing in fashion and portrait photography. I would like to give you a small backdoor preview into how I came about this photo shoot.

The theme for the shoot was inspired by the many Tim Burton films, and my love for his films have been growing ever since I saw Edward ­Scissorhands. I highly recommend it. It took me nearly 4 months to materialize this shoot due to various reasons and when the day came, we quickly scouted around Hulhumalé for locations until we came upon the most charming Muntingia Calabura Tree (in Dhivehi, Jeymugas). It was highly ­fascinating as the tree was 2 feet tall and growing rapidly downward to the ground. We ate few of the very ripe wild berries that were on it as some of us were on an empty stomach that day. A wise man once said “All good things are wild and free” and I have to agree as the berries were pretty delicious.

As for the wardrobe it was picked up from Vision Souvenirs and the head piece was done with natural white flower b ­ ranches and clip on fake ­hummingbirds with strap on twisters. The talented model for the shoot was Niew. I was lucky enough to work with her as she is a highly ambitious model with 5 years experience and she can do her own hair and make-up which is a plus point. She has worked with both locals and an ­international French photographer that goes by the name Deniel and would like to see herself break into the ­international modeling industry.

The make-up was clone with Mac eye shadow, L’Oréal foundation, Gosh eyeliner, Maybelline mascara, L’Oréal blush, M.A.C. highlighter, Gosh bronze, M.A.C. lipstick and lip gloss. As for the lighting and photography, it was shot with a Canon EOS 7D on a Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 Lens with a Jinbei 600 volts strobe. As you can see from the photo above right, the strobe was on a 45 degree ­angle on the camera left poin‑ting downwards ­ towards the subject.

The power on the strobe was 1/4. You can light up a scene with almost any type of flashes ­depending on the time of the day and your understanding with lights. To further your knowledge, I ­highly recommend “Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photo-graphic Lighting” by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver and Paul Fuqua. As for the camera settings I shot this around 5.50pm with an aperture of 3.5, shutter speed of 1/60 and iso100.

To conclude, I would say there are no secret magic formulas for photography, all you need to do is experiment, carve your own niche and give your dreams your best shot. I would like to thank Niew, Nahvi and Shifa for making this shoot happen.

Embrace one love!

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE SHOOT ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FUNKOGRAFIK

COVER FEATURE

INTERVIEW WITH BORN IN THE MALDIVES, UMAR'S PROFESSION AS A DJ HAS TAKEN HIM TO GREAT HEIGHTS PLACING HIM AS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DJ IN THE MALDIVES. HIS STRENGTH IS HIS ABILITY TO IMMEDIATELY UNDERSTAND HIS AUDIENCE AND PLAY THE PERFECT SOUNDTRACK TO HEIGHTEN THEIR DANCE FLOOR JOY.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO DJING?

Even as a kid I have always loved music, and while I was studying in Sri Lanka in 1992, I came across DJ Bunty, one of the famous DJs in Sri Lanka.

He was also the resident DJ of a popular club in Sri Lanka called ‘My Kind of Place’. His mixing inspired me and that's how I became interested in DJing. Since I couldn't afford to buy cds during that time, I used to collect lots of new released cassettes and I started trying to match beats using 2 normal cassette players.

That became very easy for me to mix when I really got the chance to touch the real gears.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DJ AND HOW DID IT GO?

My first gig was for HE & SHE fashion show in Male’, the first fashion show in the Maldives.

I had to choose most of the songs for the show and it went quite well. Then I got the opportunity to play in Bandos Island Resort Maldives, when their resident DJ was on leave. That was the first time I actually got the chance to use a proper DJ set up and I believe it was a very good ­experience for me, as I had to play fourteen nights in a row.

WAS DJING YOUR FIRST EVER JOB?

Yes

WHAT IS YOUR STAGE NAME?

DJ Umar

WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR INFLUENCES WHEN YOU STARTED DJING? TODAY?

DJ Bunty (Sri Lanka) and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Also DJ Kina, who gave me the chance to play at a proper club in Australia. I also worked for him for more than a year during my stay in Australia.

DO YOU PREFER DJING OR PRODUCING SONGS?

At the moment I prefer DJing.

I would definitely love to produce my own beats one day.

But with the limited time I get now by DJing and other businesses, I feel I might not be able to fully focus on doing both at the same time. Hence, focusing on DJing only for the time being.

HOW MANY ALBUMS HAVE YOU RECORDED SO FAR?

I haven’t recorded any ­albums yet. But I have made few Mix tapes such as The Club Bangerz CD Compilation series, ­continued with follow up releases of Club Gold Volumes. Also lately I have grown very fond of soulful house & deep house music and have compiled a new mix tape series of this genre called ‘Spread Love’.

WHERE CAN YOUR FANS GET YOUR MIXES?

Anyone can download my mixes for free from my Facebook fan page, DJ Umar or from www.soundcloud.com/djumar.

DO YOU FEEL IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE CURRENT RELEASES?

Pioneer.

If you are DJ, I think it’s very important to keep up to date with music, especially with the numerous amounts of new releases in charts everyday.

WHAT GENRE OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO DJ?

WHAT WAS THE FIRST RECORD THAT

WHAT TYPE OF GEARS DO YOU USE?

I like to play everything that pleases the crowd.

YOU EVER BOUGHT AND WHEN DID YOU START SCRATCHING AND MIXING ON THE TURNTABLES?

I don't remember the 1st record I bought, and I haven’t played on turntables much.

ARE YOU A CROWD PLEASING DJ WHO

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VENUE TO

PLAYS POPULAR MUSIC OR DO YOU BRING

PERFORM AT?

LESS ACCESSIBLE MUSIC FROM ELECTRONIC

Meeru Island Resort.

MUSIC SCENES TO YOUR AUDIENCE?

DID YOU PERFORM ANYWHERE OUTSIDE

I play music to please the crowd.

I personally might not like a song I play. It’s always about making the crowd happy, so generally I play dance floor burning classics.

Electro and dubstep music scene in the Maldives has also grown quite significantly I must say.

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE BEST AUDIENCES?

Meeru Island Resort, as its one of the largest resorts in Male’ atoll and with the good occupancy they maintain throughout the year, I get to play for a very good crowd almost every week.

THE MALDIVES?

I have performed in Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Philippines.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIFE AS A DJ?

Meeting lots of different people socially, and to see the crowd happy and enjoying when I play.

Getting the opportunity to travel to new places and also getting a decent salary by doing something I love.

WHAT IS THE WORST PART OF LIFE AS A DJ?

I think the worst part is traveling at different scheduled times, and not getting enough sleep and rest sometimes, which can be very tiring. But I do enjoy what I do.

WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO DJ WITH?

DJ Jazzy Jeff.

WHAT IS THE BEST SONG, OR YOUR FAVORITE SONG?

If I have to choose one song, then I will have to go with “Don’t stop til you get enough” by Michael Jackson. I don’t even remember how many times I have played it in the past.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SHOW?

Bounce 2007. Nearly thousand people were in the crowd and I really enjoyed that show.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST SHOW?

None that I can recall.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE GENRE

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DJS?

WHAT ADVICE OR TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A

R&B, Hip-hop & Soul

YOUNG DJ? DO YOU TRAIN?

WHAT IS THE BEST CITY THAT YOU HAVE

DJ Jazzy Jeff, A-Trak, DJ Gavin Boyd, Jojo Flores & Kristian Hernandez just to name few.

TRAVELED TO AS A TOURIST?

IN YOUR VIEW, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT A DJ

I encourage them to listen to music as much as they can. No matter what genre, it’s always about knowing what you want to play and how to move the crowd.

DJ Vifak and I have formed a company called Uber Events and Artists. Our objective is to ­develop group of young DJs, who are able to deliver professional, quality service and to open a platform for them in this field.

OF MUSIC?

Brisbane, Australia

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL IN DJING?

I can’t think of a specific goal right now as I have achieved many goals during my career, but I would love to spin in Europe one day.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

Success is the long years of ­commitment in my career, as well as having people who enjoy the music I play.

CAN BE IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP?

Yes. If you have an understanding with your partner, it will work.

WE HEAR THAT YOU HAD THE PERFECT

BEING A FATHER, HOW DO YOU MANAGE

MARRIAGE, WHY DIDN’T IT WORK?

TO GIVE TIME TO YOUR DAUGHTER?

No comments. But I can say it had nothing to do with me being a DJ. NOW THAT YOU ARE SINGLE, HOW IS THE DATING SCENE?

I’m very much enjoying my life at the moment.

WILL YOU EVER RE-MARRY?

Ofcourse. I plan to get married one day, Insha Allah.

I don’t play many gigs like I used to. Apart from my regular ­weekly gig at Meeru Island Resort, I only take special events so that it gives me more free time.

WE SEE THAT YOU HAVE A SENSE OF FASHION; DO YOU FOLLOW A CERTAIN TREND?

There’s no particular trend that I follow, but I do like fashion.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION BRAND?

SINCE THE GIRLS OUT THERE WOULD BE

Zara, Topman

VERY CURIOUS, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR

YOU LOOK QUITE FIT, WHAT DO YOU DO

IN A WOMAN?

TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

Most important of all should be faithful, trust worthy and honest.

I used to play football a lot, but I had to stop due to an injury. Now I go to gym regularly.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

Playing Pro Evolution Soccer video game and watching football. I’m a huge fan of Man Utd.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PERFUME?

Nightflight by Joop & Kenneth Cole Black.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST

ALTHOUGH A DJ, WE HEAR THAT YOU MAIN-

WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST HIGHLIGHTS OF

SOCIAL PROBLEM IN MALDIVES?

TAIN A VERY GOOD DISCIPLINE BOTH ON AND

YOUR DJ CAREER SO FAR?

WEEKLY CLUB NIGHTS? DJ COURSES?

Politics. I don’t think anything will settle down if political ­situation continues like this in the Maldives.

INTERNATIONAL DJ GIGS?

WHAT’S YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH STICKY

WHAT DO YOU THINK WE NEED IN MALÉ FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION?

I don’t think a club in Malė would be ideal for many reasons.

I think it’s important to have events to play live gigs/DJs so that they have something to look forward to and they get to go out and enjoy.

FINGERS (THE NEW CAKE SHOP IN MALE')?

I’m one out of the three partners of Sticky Fingers and I manage it.

DO YOU PLAN TO QUIT DJING AND FOCUS ON THE BUSINESS?

I don't plan to quit my DJ career. Since I’m not traveling out of Male’ like I used to, there’s time to focus on other business as well.

OFF THE FLOOR. WHAT MADE YOU THE PERSON WHO YOU ARE TODAY?

Being a DJ and having opportunities to go to resorts and clubs, I have always maintained a good reputation and that’s why I have been a DJ for a long time and I place great importance on ­discipline as well.

Working at Deluxxx with some of the finest DJs in Brisbane for more than a year was one of the best parts of my career. Also played at same line up with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Manila, February 2012 was more than a dream come true I would say.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DJUMAR WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/DJUMAR

MOVIES

BLU-RAY

PROMETHEUS

Directed by Ridey Scott Written by Jon Spaihts & Damon Lindelof

INTERNATIONAL

CLASSIC

COMING SOON

Directed by Asghar Farhadi Written by Asghar Farhadi

Directed by Sidney Lumet Written by Reginald Rose

Directed by Sam Mendes Written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & John Logan

A SEPERATION

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A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

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A married couple are faced with a difficult decision, to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease.

OK 73%

REVIEW

MOONRISE KINGDOM

Directed by Wes Anderson Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola Starring Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDomand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman & Bob Balaban

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the ­wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore—and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle

HOT 94%

FRESH 87%

12 ANGRY MEN

Starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, E. G. Marshall, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden, John Fiedler, Jack Klugman, Edward Binns, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, & Robert Webber

SKYFALL

Starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Albert Finney, & Judi Dench

A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

HOT 100%

HOT 96%

MUSIC

LITERATURE

TRILLER

GONE GIRL

GILLIAN FLYNN Crown COMING SOON / R&B

TRILOGY

THE WEEKND XO, Universal Republic

Trilogy is a compilation album by Canadian artist The Weeknd scheduled to be released on ­November 13, 2012. The album will consist of a remastered version of the three mixtapes, House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, which he has since released also containing three additional tracks

RELEASE NOV 13 2012

BEST NEW MUSIC / INDIE

THE HAUNTED MAN BAT FOR LASHES Parlophone

The songs are expensive in their depth of emotion but comforting in their intimacy and alluring appeal.

FRESH 85%

POP SOUL

INDIE

JESSIE WARE PMR, Island Records

THE XX Young Turks, XL

DEVOTION

Devotion is the debut ­studio album by English singer songwriter Jessie Ware. It was released on 20 August 2012 in the UK. Production for the album came primarily from Dave Okumu of alt-rock band The Invisible, alongside Julio Bashmore and Kid Harpoon.

FRESH 85%

COEXIST

Coexist is the second studio album by English indie pop group The XX, released on 5 September 2012 by Young Turks.

It was produced by group member Jamie xx, who had pursued electronic dance on other projects and developed as a DJ prior to the album.

HOT 90%

BLACK COMEDY

THE CASUAL VACANCY

J.K. ROWLING Little, Brown and Company

CONTEMPORARY

THE WHITE TIGER ARAVIND ADIGA Free Press

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick Dunne’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River.

Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents— the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love.

When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…. Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s ­council soon becomes the ­catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will ­triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations? Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The ­Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

The white tiger of this novel is Balram Halwai, a poor Indian ­­­villager whose great ambition leads him to the zenith of Indian business culture, the world of the Bangalore entrepreneur. On the occasion of the president of China’s impending trip to ­Bangalore, Balram writes a letter to him describing his transformation and his ­experience as driver and servant to a wealthy Indian family, which he thinks exemplifies the ­contradictions and c­ omplications of Indian society. The White Tiger recalls The Death of Vishnu and Bangkok 8 in ambition, scope, and narrative genius, with a mischief and personality all its own. Amoral, irreverent, deeply endearing, and utterly contemporary, this novel is an international publishing sensation—and a startling, provocative debut.

FRESH 80%

OK 68%

HOT 90%