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Liveliness of Mind & spirit

December- 2004

Set Sail for Liveliness of Mind & spirit

OFFSHORE LEGENDS Sparkle Away Set the Mood with These Glittering Gems

Time is Ticking Fashion, Beauty, and DĂŠcor for the End of Year Rush

Nawal al Zoghbi An Insiders Interview

December- 2004

A Season of Festivities Celebrate in Style Hot Buys The Trendiest Gifts Come Alive

Dining Hot Spots Best Places to Celebrate on Christmas

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Liveliness of Mind & spirit

December- 2004

Set Sail for

OFFSHORE LEGENDS Sparkle Away Set the Mood with These Glittering Gems

Time is Ticking Fashion, Beauty, and Décor for the End of Year Rush

Nawal al Zoghbi An Insiders Interview

A Season of Festivities Celebrate in Style Hot Buys The Trendiest Gifts Come Alive

Editor s Letter

Dining Hot Spots Best Places to Celebrate on Christmas

Cover Image Courtesy: Offshore Legends

Editor in Chief: Eman Mohammed Editor Amina Abdel-Halim Contributing Editors Anthon Garcia Debbie Llyod Birjees Hussain Bandana Jain Photographer Ibrahim Assi Design: DUBAI MEDIA CITY

Marketing & Advertising :

Printed : Al Nisr Publishing LLC Distribution: Al Nisr Distribution LLC For Advertising enquiries contact: InterGulf Media P.O.Box 7306, Dubai Tel: +971 4 3434255 Fax: +971 4 3439577 E-mail:salesoff@emirates.net.ae www.espritmagazine.net

The end of 2004 is fast approaching, leaving us to wonder about the year s past achievements and our plans for the next one. The infamous question: where has all the time gone? Many of you are making preparations for a return home in order to celebrate the holiday season among family and friends, or are shopping extensively to re-create the Christmas atmosphere of your own country. Whatever it may be, we wish you all the joy and festivities that come with the holidays and time spent with the ones we hold dear.

In order to make the run before Christmas and New Year a little easier, and to give you a little extra time to pamper yourself, this month s issue of ESPRIT is chalk full of festive goodies. As a gift to you we selected that extra special something in jewelry, beauty, fashion, and home décor. Whether you wish to treat yourself to the biography of Narciso Rodriguez, and highlighted brand names in fashion, or get to know the real Nawal al Zoghbi, and imagine yourself whirling around in a new Lexus, we have an article for each of your moods, and each day of Christmas. We took a trip to Beirut to experience the taste and flavor of this metropolitan city, and brought in some warmth to your home through the artistry of Emilio Robba s sculpted creations.

For home entertaining, try some of the tasty cookie recipes we included. Don t forget to leave some out for Santa! In Far From Home we spoke with families in Dubai to find out what their plans are for Christmas. Some families choose to spend extra time with their loved ones at home, but if you re looking for a night out in the city, then we searched for the best dining offers and picked a few destinations to feast on. Once the shopping is done, the kids aren t around, and you have some time to relax, take a stroll through the scenic byways of Suq Madinat Jumeirah, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Marina s new store Chandelier.

Whatever your style or plans for this month, wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and joyous New Year.

n a m E

Congratulations to all our competitions winner in August issue Winners from Campomatic Electronics are: Bassam Abdel Aziz. - Multifunction Food Processor Maha Amin - Sandwich Grill Ruby Royees - Citrus Press Violet M. Andrade - Citrus Press Rania Talaat - Citrus Press Louloua Tayeb Ali - Citrus Press Patricia Trinfdade - Mixer with Bowel Dr. Tina Dias - Blinder with Grinder

Winners from Barbecue Delights Angela Ayean Amel Saleh Wang Chun Ling Deepak Rachmandani Winners from Bistro 21 Lovella Alvares Nasmeen Omar Marcel Eric Paulita Barred

All Participations are accepted latest by th 5 January, 2005.

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Nawal has managed to balance her personal and professional lives. “I love family life and try to devote quality time to my husband Elie, my daughter Tia, and my twins Georgy and Joey,” she said.

When not performing or recording, Nawal is most likely going swimming with her family, or playing leisurely tennis. The talented singer is also fond of cooking, and loves Italian and Chinese dishes.

Like many other women, Nawal admits to having a passion for shopping. She has great taste for fashion and accessories, as evidenced by her outfits during performances or personal appearances. She has a couple of personal favorites among cosmetic, perfume, shoes and clothing brands, but she is more concerned with how she can create a great look that is appropriate for her performance, no matter what brand she is wearing.

Nowadays, talent searches are paving the way for the entry of new artists and performers. But NawalÂ’s fans should have no reason to worry. The Lebanese songbird has established a steady, even growing number of adoring fans. And her reputation for being a soulful, and at the same time energetic performer will endear her for a long time to music lovers all over the world.

Sidebar Nawal Zoughbi has performed in highly successful concerts in France, Germany, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, including live performances in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, among others.

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COLE S NEW YORK MEETS DUBAI ESPRIT attended the opening of Kenneth Cole s new store in Dubai. Inspired by the taste and flavors of the Big Apple, take a look at the unveiling of the new branch and the Autumn/Winter collection.

K

enneth Cole New York is one of the world s leading urban, lifestyle brands with a vast repertoire of apparel and accessories, including shoes, watches and handbags for men and women. Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., the holding company for the brand, is located in New York City and in 2004 just celebrated its 20th anniversary of business.

In a special message from the Kenneth Cole headquarters in New York, Mr. Cole said: Fashion is an important and alluring medium, a social and political mirror, a reflection of how we feel about our community and our life in general.

Fashion tells us who we are, individually and collectively at any point of time. From the time I started our company, I ve looked for ways to make what we do about something more than what we wear through campaigns on raising awareness on social issues. I believe that if channeled correctly, fashion can become an important conduit for change.

Kenneth Cole products are targeted to appeal to fashion conscious consumers, reflecting a casual urban perspective and a lifestyle uniquely associated with Kenneth Cole. These products include core basics that generally remain in demand from season to season and fashion products that are designed to establish or capitalize on market trends.

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NARCISO RODRIGUEZ A NEW STYLE

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OF

CLASS

By Amina Abdel-Halim

In pursuit of a timeless elegance of feminine beauty, and a flair for whatÂ’s new, ESPRIT plunges into the classic and mysterious world of Narciso Rodriguez. With his architectured cuts and timeless style, we discover how this Cuban-born designer captures the taste and essence of women.

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The Vision In just twenty years, Narciso Rodriguez has developed and honed his talent and creative vision to achieve a style that marries the practicality and comfort of American fashion with the elegance and refinement of traditional European couture.

Narciso Rodriguez gives a definition to femininity that simply defies time made of an elegance both classic and contemporary, while subtly combining sensuality and class. His style is chic, clean, streamlined, structured, even architectured, with absolute attention to detail: it has the utter simplicity of what is obvious. Yet, like the designer, the style is not what it seems.

The History As an American of Cuban origin, his fashion style is at the crossroads of major influences within the world of Couture.

His seemingly eclectic career is the perfect illustration of his ability to integrate the best of every world.

Graduating from the Parson s School of Design in 1982, Narciso Rodriguez started

working with major American sportswear brands: Anne Klein in 1985, then Calvin Klein in 1991.

Europe marked the second fundamental stage in his training.

Artistic Director for Cerrutti in 1995, and for Loewe in 1997, Narciso Rodriguez embraces the tradition of European Haute Couture and its sense of fabrics and luxury.

It was in Milan that Narciso Rodriguez designed his first women s collection. In February 2001, he returned to New York to pursue his career as a fashion designer in his own name. In June 2002, the Council of Fashion Design of America (CFDA) recognized Narciso Rodriguez as the best designer of the year for women s fashion.

When I approach something, I approach it in a very classic manner, yet it needs to be done in a very new way, either by a cut, a fabric, a technology, a precision in the workmanship that makes it new and makes it part of life, still to be worn in 10 years. That, to me, is success.

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The Fragrance It is then a logical step for a designer who captures the essence of women in fashion to also capture her essence in a fragrance. Narciso Rodriguez s new fragrance for her, is an expression of the designer s creative vision: classicism stripped of anything superfluous to achieve a timeless modernity.

The fragrance, filled in a mysterious bottle, takes us on a journey to the heart of musk and its multiple, subtle facets. The streamlined bottle exhibits in the transparency of its glass a mysterious black heart containing the precious fragrance.

This intoxicating musk oil was a gift from a woman, and it has become a very big part of my life. Musk needed to be the inspiration of my first fragrance.

Other than dress, Narciso Rodriguez naturally clothes women with a fragrant aura that is a tangible and moving expression of feminine gracefulness.

The Philosophy Narciso Rodriguez has a simple motto for women: Feel Sexy Be Classy.

Intrinsically feminine, the Narciso Rodriguez woman wears her garment (and fragrance) with confidence as much couture as it is easy to wear, the garment perfectly highlights her womanliness. It moves beautifully with the body to sculpt and sublimate its beauty.

I m on a mission to dress women. It is something I am very passionate about.

When I create, I create for a woman and it s for her pleasure.

The Narciso Rodriguez woman reconciles who she is and how she looks, with the woman she feels she is and how she suggests it. In rendering the universal concept of femininity, Narciso Rodriguez s fashion establishes a modernity that stems from its classic roots to achieve its timeless elegance.

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YOUR PAGE Dyeing to Change I want to thank you for last month’s article called “Dyeing to Change Your Hair Colour.” For a long time now I’ve been wanting to take the step to change my natural tone from red to brown, but I haven’t had the courage. I didn’t know the difference between the natural hair dyes and those that use chemicals as their base. The article gave me the information I needed to go out and find the right shade for me. Now my hair looks great and I’m enjoying every brown follicle. Thanks so much ESPRIT. -Marianne Deluth, Dubai ******* Saud in my mind That was a great interview with Saud in last September issue! Intimate without going for the tasteless details, very well done. I hope you can feature more Arab artists in your future issues.

Also, I hope you can have interviews with film celebrities as well, even outstanding directors and scriptwriters. The

Li ve lin

Dubai International Film Festival is fast approaching, I hope you can keep us updated about what is the latest about this project. Obviously, I am an entertainment buff hence all these requests; but I think they will be interesting to others as well.

Reem Mousa, Sharjah

was the start of many fashion trends that have lasted throughout the years, namely the reefer jacket, the sheer blouse, and the jumpsuit. The timeline into his career was also interesting to read. It is inspiring to think that at the age of 17 years he goes to Paris from Algeria with a portfolio under his arm and immediately starts working for Vogue and Dior. What a history!

******* -Salma, Al Ain Fashion fanatics The fashion pages were amazing! We are such sticklers for fashion and we love to see nice fashion features. Please expand this section to include more articles and features, especially the latest trends in the US and Europe.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

*******

Ramadan 101 This is my first time in the Middle East.

Having lived in the UK my entire life I was introduced to many cultures and religions. But, you’re article “Ramadan: A Time for Giving and a Time for Sally and Mark, Dubai Celebrating” gave me extra information about the blessed holy month. After ******* reading I found that there are not many differences between fasting in many other religions. We are more alike than Thanks for the History The article titled “The King of Fashion” different. It was great to hear about the about designer Yves Saint Laurent was various cuisines that are made during the month and how different cultures very insightful. I had no clue that Yves Saint Laurent different dishes to cook. It inspired me to go out and try some Ramadan dishes for the first time.

-Belinda Graham

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Esprit thanks you for your continued support. Rest assured that we will continue to make improvements to ensure you enjoy the magazine.

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In Depth with

NAWAL ZOUGHBI

By Anton Garcia

1

n a galaxy of Arabic superstars, Nawal s star is among the brightest. Not even a two-year absence from singing could affect her stature in the hearts and minds of the Arab music-loving public.

More than a decade ago, Nawal came out bursting into the Arab music scene with her powerful voice and refreshing good looks.

Since then, she has had several certified hit albums, including Wehiaty Endak, Aisa El Radd, Habet Ya Leyl, Elli Tmanetah, among others. Her more recent album, Aineik Kaddabeen (Lying Eyes), had a successful launch in Cairo another feather

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in the cap for the highly popular Lebanese singer.

Her rise to fame and fortune has been not been all that is easy.

Nawal has had to deal with initial resistance from her family, as well as the usual sacrifices an upcoming artist has to make.

Ultimately, her family acquiesced to her passion and life-long dream to become a respected and renowned artist.

This was her undeniable destiny, fueled by her courage and determination, as well as her talent. Nawal waxes poetic when talking about her talent. She said, When I am singing, I am no longer Nawal. I am transformed into a butterfly that is free and happy.

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Our own Anton Garcia sits down with Arab music diva Nawal Zoughbi to find what she holds close to her heart

Her free-spiritedness has contributed a lot to Nawal s maturity and growth as an artist and performer. I love to sing songs that touch the people s feelings, whether they are soulful ballads or upbeat festive songs, Nawal confided.

This is why Nawal has made it a point to study the Arab entertainment scene with seriousness. She knows that musical taste can change dramatically from one country to another in the Arab region, more so than in countries in other parts of the world.

Nawal then uses this knowledge in her music, leading her to create new and original works.

Nawal is also known for practicing fusion music. I like to combine musical styles and tunes from different parts of the world, making my music a unique blend of East and West, which is always refreshing, she added. However, Nawal was quick to add that she is influenced very strongly by traditional music, especially by legendary singer Um Kulthoum.

Her exposure to foreign artists has also benefited Nawal in many ways. I love Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston for their artistry and musical abilities, expressed Nawal. Taking cue from

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these world-class performers, Nawal has raised her level of performance not only during recordings, but also during live performances and concerts. I constantly perform vocal exercises, anywhere from three to four days a week, Nawal confessed. I feel that there is so much room for growth, and that as artists we should be able to give our best to our audiences at every performance.

Despite her successes, Nawal is eager to reach even greater heights in her career. Although she has performed in big concerts in North America and Europe, she is hoping that one day she will be recognized as an international star, appreciated by peoples from all cultures and nations across the globe. It is my ultimate dream, Nawal enthused. I hope to reach international fame one day, and I m sure most singers do.

Although international superstardom remains her lifelong professional dream, she is keeping her feet on the ground by concentrating on producing quality albums. By doing so, Nawal believes that international fame will come naturally. Producing world-class quality music ensures that it will appeal to a much wider audience around the world, Nawal added.

But what truly captivating about Nawal is her simplicity. In spite of her achievements, she remains a simple person, a loving wife and a doting mother. In fact, she lists as her priorities family first, and then music.

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Al Madani Group of Companies L.L.C The Official Distributor of Levi's速 in the U.A.E Stores available at: Deira City Center (04-2959943), Al Ghurair City (04-2246070), Bur Jumans (043516728), Sharjah City Center (06-5395877), Abu Dhabi Mall (02-6441684), Marina Mall (02-6816144).

Factory outlet: Baniyas (04-2237750), Al Khaleej Center (04-3596770).

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Quality Time Zenith El Primero 4002

Kolber Watche Petite

Complemented with crowns, free flowing comfort bracelets, sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel cases the collection caters to women with a flair for fashion and luxury.

Automatic chronograph movement, COSC certified 36'000 vibrations per hour Case:18-carat gold or stainless steel Dial: Silvered, black, beige, pink, blue or green dial with "Onde" guillochĂŠ pattern Strap: Silvered, black, beige, pink, blue or green pumiced lizard leather strap.

Brown or beige galuchat strap on rose gold version.

Zenith

Elite 67 Automatic movement Case:18-carat rose or yellow gold, or stainless steel Dial:Silvered, beige, black, pink, green or blue dial with "Onde" guillochĂŠ pattern Strap:Black, silvered, pink, blue or green pumiced force lizard leather strap.

LONGINES NEW DIAMOND COLLECTION

Longines Diamond Collections are: Longines DolceVita, Grande Classique, and Longines Evidenza, which made its regional debut at the beginning of the year.There are between 28 and 124 diamonds on every timepiece in the Longines Diamond Collection, and each model is between 0.26 and 1.20 carats in weight.

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Zenith ChronoMaster Open El Primero

Case: 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel ZENITH push buttons and crown XXT version: Diameter : 45 mm / Diameter opening : 35 mm T version: Diameter : 40 mm / Diameter opening : 29.9 mm Curved sapphire glass with anti-reflection treatment on both sides Transparent sapphire case back Water-resistance up to 30 meters

The OMEGA Seamaster Professional GMT Co-Axial Chronometer With this new movement and a new function that is perfect for the international jet-setter, the Seamaster Professional increases its appeal whilst at the same time staying true to its origins as rugged diver's watch for the discerning customer.

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Kolber Watches Action: Dedicated to the sportive, casual man, the new Kolber Action watch also represents a man who knows style and sophistication. The collection dedicated had introduced a Big date Chronograph collection in Steel, Gold and Rose Gold plating. Ref: K9527.1761

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CITY

TRADITIONS

By Amina Abdel-Halim

1

ts name was Biruta, Beryte, Berytus, taken from the word Bir meaning well. It stands out thanks to its extraordinary location. With its millionplus inhabitants Beirut juts into the great blue sea with dramatic mountains on the rise behind it.

For over 5,000 years the city was occupied by civilizations that influenced its flavor and features, conveying a life and energy that is immediately apparent, and uniquely Beiruti.

Coined The City that Would Not Die, Beirut possesses a venerable past that has survived a decade and a half of conflict and strife. In order to prove its resiliency, the city has experienced a recent boom in its construction and building. A huge reconstruction project in underway to create a new commercial and residential district for the 21st century.

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Existing as an East-West crossroad, the port city was always a center of commerce and trade. Taking to the streets and enjoying its many shops one can see how its shopping history is maintained.

Name what you want and it is almost sure to be available in the shops and street markets of Beirut. Traditional crafts, high fashion, jewelry, and everyday needs are all easy to find. Most standard shopping

can be done in the Mar Elias area, Hamra Street, Rashid Karame Street (ex Verdun), Achrafieh, and Furn el-Shebback. Bargain hunters are urged to try Bourj Hammoud and Basta-Tahta.

If food and entertainment is what you look for, Lebanese restaurants offer a chance to sample this well-known cuisine at its most authentic. Large selections of foreign restaurants serve cooking from around the world in elegant and cozy surroundings. Cafés line the streets where you can stop in for a light meal, or gather with friends for coffee.

Nightlife in Beirut is non-stop.

Discos, dinner-dancing, bars, and pubs of every variety are open to visitors. You can sample some of the trendiest places or party all night in super-sophisticated nightclubs.

Raouche, on Beirut s western-

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most tip, is a popular area that offers something for everyone. Its most famous landmark is Pigeon Rocks huge formations that stand out like sentinels off the coast.

Numerous restaurants in Raouche serve local and foreign cuisine, while cliff-side cafés offer a wide range of snacks. Don t fret the extra calories, walking and jogging along the seaside promenade are favorite pastimes.

For a glimpse of old Beirut, visit the AlNouzha Bath, Beirut s last operating public bath located in Basta Tahta. Although not traditional in style, the scrub-down you get is authentic. Sauna, steam room, and massage facilities can be found as well.

Beirut also provides great sports events.

Those who appreciate the best in horse racing or golf will enjoy the city s racetrack, or its 9-hole golf course. Many resort complexes, beaches, and swimming clubs with aquatic amusements and sports align the city s shores. Additional exercise is available at health clubs in the city.

During the holiday season you can explore the rich heritage and traditions of Christmas. Most street-lined shops decorate their windows with Christmas decorations, carol songs fill the streets, and an overall feeling of joy and good will permeates throughout the city.

For more information on travel to Beirut, you can contact the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, or log on to their website at www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb If you re looking for advice on guided tours, check with the Tourism Information Office on Hamra Street at 01-340-073.

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New Apparition

by Emanuel Ungaro An unpredictable woman metamorphosized by desire. Extreme femininity, contagious seductiveness, totally engaging, flirty and multi-faceted. Crystallizing in a moment of extreme awareness: an unforgettable experienceÂ…an apparition. This new fragrance will have you captivated and enticed. Containing scents that evoke the intrigue of women, the bottle and the scent created by Emanuel Ungaro is sure to make heads turn.

Boss Intense Shimmer Edition Let your femininity sparkle with this new fragrance from Hugo Boss. The sheer tones of the scent was created for women who enjoy enchanting the world with their charm and enjoy refining the Art of Seduction with evernew subtleties. Boss Intense Shimmer adds a touch of glamour and irresistibility to your style. The spicy, floral, sensual Boss Intense fragrance is a mixture of warm spices and feminine floral. The clear spicy top note is dominated by a sweet lemony kumquat BLV NOTTE This sent recreates an atmosphere of refined enchantment and seduction magical, secretive, and mysterious. Shimmering as a midnight sky, deep as infinity, the blue of BLV NOTTE tinges with new sensual and warm shades and recalls an imaginary space, a time removed from time where everything is yet to happen. The essence draws on the scent of vodka, galangal, dark chocolate, and tobacco flowers to create this mysterious aroma.

L'Instant de Guerlain The celebrate L'Instant de Guerlain's birthday, its original bottle has been adorned with a golden mesh dazzling with amethyst sparkles, like a necklace of jewels. The contrast of the structured gold mesh and the soft, rounded lines of L'Instant de Guerlain enhance this limited edition. The scent has a unique "double pyramid" construction. The lively notes carry the skin and give it a honey and amber expression.

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Kenzo This year, Kenzo is filling its Christmas coffrets with snow. Real, scintillating, sun-drenched snow. Snow that isn't perfectly white, since the bottles play hide and seek. And then the snow catches the colour of the lines - red, yellow or blueÂ…. The coffrets are available for: FLOWERBYKENZO, KENZOPOURHOMME, L'EAUPARKENZO, L'EAUPARKENZO pour homme, and KENZOPARFUMD'ETE. They contain an eau de parfum or eau de toilette, together with the appropriate bath line in travel size version.

Lacoste: Touch of Pink This Fall Lacoste introduces a new fragrance for women with the fresh inspired expression of playful feminine vitality.

Touch of Pink is a magnetic and carefree scent with sensual overtones. It combines a playful burst of blood orange with the fresh sparkle of coriander, sensuous jasmine and violet. There is no contradiction and no secrecy, only a bright passage from first moment of excitement to an abiding sense of wonder.

Narciso Rodriquez-For her A Fragrance dedicated with love Egyptian Musk is a warm, silky oil that is more than a fragrance. the Flower honey pulsation, the Amber light pulsation and lastely, the Tactile woods pulsation composes this precious fragrance for her.

L'OR de Torrente Dress you Christmas in precious gold with L'or de Torrente and make your end of the year shine even more than ever! L'OR invites you to a festival of gold with this new fragrance. Glamorously glittering like precious beads and shiny mentals, the perfume is a fantasy celebration of the holidays. A limited edition with a captivating trail.

Identite Rene Lezard A fragrance for men and women to celebrate the founding year of Rene Lezard, identite, is a stylish harmony of contrasts which is typical of the designer. The immediate recognition of the brand is expressed though the bottle's classis lines. In the top note bergamot, mandarin, jasmine, rose and freesia in the heart. It brings warm accents of vanilla, cedar, and sandalwood to add a seductively to the sensual aura of the perfume.

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Brioni

Bundle-up with

Get into Brioni this season. Stay warm in these soft knits, leather, and neutral tones.

LLayer up or down in these soft subdued tones LAdd a touch of pumpkin to this autumnal ensemble LPreppy sweaters add pep to your day

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A mix of the traditional and modern is evident in Brioni s overcoats, cabans, trench coats and bomber jackets especially designed for the season. The Overcoat is slated to be a must wear for this winter. Brioni s style in coats is available in a cashmere or guanaco exterior with lining in cognac.

The Caban, a street style jacket with Brioni s sense of classic elegance is another essential garment for the season. The Brioni Micro Bomber has a marron glace-colored silk exterior while the interior has a detachable lining in natural shaved fur. The trench coat, unveiled as part of Brioni s Fall/Winter, collection is a traditional knee-length coat made of storm system treated cavalry twill while its interior lining is made of brick-colored calf s leather. The Brioni collection for Fall/Winter 2004 comprising jackets, trousers, knitwear and shirts come in several shades like orange, mandarin, ranges of warm browns and rust.

LThe soft interior of the jackets will keep you warm all winter LSophisticated chic with the contrast of black leather and crisp beige LSleep tight in this deep blue pajama set LA hint of fur adds flair to this camel coat and grey suit LStep out for a quick bite in this layered casual look

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Set Sail for a New Legend

By Amina Abdel-Halim

Founded by Lypa Conseil SA, the JML Investment Group combines professional skills from the European business environment with local management personnel.

With their head office located in Dubai, JML s portfolio consists of consultancy, trading, retail, hospitality, private jet chartering, marketing & communication, real estate, and of course, fashion.

Make heads turn with this casual wear. Fresh white pants or skirt are balanced with the cool blue tops.

Offshore hand bags accentuate the laid-back, casual style.

Eagerly exploring new horizons in effective and potential business sectors, JML Investment Group s passion for challenging, new projects and hunger for success is evident. Set to launch the Offshore Legends Boutique in Dubai, the company brings an exclusive, classy and functional collection that will represent the ultimate in seaborne living.

Known for its high-end fashion sportswear, Offshore Legends creates unique designs for sports minded, fashion-conscious individuals. In an environment surrounded by boat lovers, the collection blends the passion of marine life with exclusive design wear.

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All-white, this outfit adds sexiness to your day out on the yacht.

Whether lounging by the docks or setting off for a boat race, this look gets you ready.

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Face the sea breeze in this red suede jacket.

Be edgy. Soft fabrics and a racing motif blend for this easy daredevil look.

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Furs Showcased in the Middle East

1

n its truest sense of fusion in fashion, Bastakiah Night Restaurant in Dubai, located in an area noted for its wild towers and traditional Arabian dwellings,

was selected as the venue for their first-ever shoeing of NAFA fur in the region. NAFA was formed five years ago to integrate the promotional activities of fur producers in America and Canada, and it provides the most extensive collection of fur on the market today.

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The NAFA show gave Dubai a glimpse into the world of fur as fashion. The designs featured a creative mix of fabrics from leather to knitwear, along with the fur. Each individual creation highlighted the versatility of fur, subtly proclaiming the element of luxury that it adds to any form of apparel.

The function aimed at highlighting the versatility and quality of furs. Amidst the audience s ohhs and ahhs, the models entered decked in the fur creations. Among the twelve international designers whose creations were shown are Punto, Bella Deri, Gata Fur, Vespucci, Sued Mod and Viaveneto from Istanbul, de Carlis from Rome, Izzy Camilleri from Toronto and Marco Varni, Avanti, Alaska Fur and Soulis Fur from Greece.

9+1 BUY 9 GOWNS GET 1 FREE For purchase 9 evening gown in during 6 month and get your one evening dress free ( can be used for family member or friend )

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Wholesale discount From 30% - 60% E-mail : vipmaria@emirates.net.ae

Collect Your Coupon in our 6 Branches…

Al Bustan Center 042636329, Al Manal Center 042238839, Mazaya Center 043438423, Lamcy Plaza 043341070, Sharjah Mega Mail 065740410, Abu Dhabi Mail 026440467.

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A LEXUS

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WouldnÂ’t it be nice to get a new Lexus as a gift? Jump into one of these beauties this holiday season, or at least imagine jumping in (and driving off of course).

Al-Futtaim Motors, the sole distributor for Lexus in the UAE, has announced the arrival of three new 2005-year models.

The RX330

Complete with the Lexus Voice Navigation System and sportier styling on the top of the range model. Available with front and rear bumper spoilers, a rear bumper protector and side mudguard set, the new RX330 affords a more aggressive shape and exhilarating drive.

The Lexus Voice Navigation System, standard on most of the Lexus models, is enabled in English and Arabic and provides guidance with clear, easy to follow verbal instructions and a userfriendly interface.

Other new additions to the 2005 Year Model RX330 is Bluetooth technology to enable hands-free phone calls for the driver.

Synchronized with the Voice Navigation and audio system, the volume is automatically muted on both while a call is in progress.

A rear view parking monitor is also standard on the top of the range model which projects an image from a camera located behind the license plate when the reverse gear is engaged.

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The ES300

Updated features that enhance the interior comfort and overall exterior design. The addition of audio and multi-information switches on the steering wheel and a change in design of the front headlamps and rear combination lamps, together with a bumper plus six corner sensors, seat heater and wind ventilator, emphasize the luxury and high quality the ES300 has become known for.

Externally, the harmonious design, combining a sculptured body with smooth lines, curving pillars and side panels creates a dynamic three-dimensional appearance. Internally, the large, wide cabin with wood and leather paneling to allow occupants optimum comfort, together with a comprehensive range of power features and increased head and leg-room.

SC430 Sports Coupe

Now available at all Al-Futtaim Motors showrooms in the UAE complete with the Lexus Voice Navigation System (LVNS) and rear view camera as well as Bluetooth technology to enable hands-free calls. The Lexus SC430 became an instant hit when it was introduced to the UAE in May 2002 and demand surpassed expectation for the sports coupe.

Conceived on the French Riviera during an extensive research trip, the SC430 has a host of innovative features including climate control and an ‘open mode’ to compensate for top-down driving. The high sides effectively channel air around the cabin when the top is down, allowing ease of conversation even at high speeds. A quality Mark Levinson premium sound system completes the picture, equalizing the sound field so that dynamic clear sound can be enjoyed.

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KIA

BEST IN CLASS

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ccording to Mr. Samir Tayeh the General Manager of Al Majid Motors Co., the sole agent of KIA MOTORS in the UAE, the KIA Sorento was named Best in Class in the compact SUV segment in an ever-growing category that does not look to be slowing any time soon. As more crossover vehicles enter the mix in the next several years, the category is expected to expand and its vehicles to evolve .

This acknowledgment is a testament to Kia s commitment to value, quality and safety .

KIA SORENTO in particular has done a phenomenal job of taking the brand to a whole new level of product excellence and popular appeal.

Customers like the KIA SORENTO s large motor, long wheelbases, cargo areas,

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interior, and surprisingly comfortable ride.

Kia Sorento added another feather to its cap when the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) in the United States named the popular mid-sized sports utility vehicle the Best SUV Value at their annual Mudfest Competition. The award, voted upon by 20 members of the automotive press in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, is Sorento s third Mudfest honor in three years. The Sorento was named Best SUV Value and Best SUV Under $25,000 at the 2002 competition.

Each year NWAPA members gather during the second week of October to evaluate SUVs from every segment to determine the best vehicle in each category. Each vehicle is equipped in sync with how 80 percent of U.S. buyers equip their

Mr. Samir Tayeh General Manager Al Majid Motors Co.

cars and includes such items as automatic transmission, anti-lock braking systems, CD players, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry, four doors, and more. In addition to new vehicles, the group brings back the best of the best from previous years as well.

The Sorento was tested alongside 16 other SUVs on- and off-road at the Portland International Raceway on the first day of competition and performed well throughout acceleration and braking tests and a slalom course. Ride-and-drive segments were held on the second day of the competition. The reason Sorento received so many awards and accolades in the past years is its exceptional combination of performance, style, safety and value.

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Lesson 2

Having gone through the First lesson Ibrahim Assi takes us through a second round of Photography 101.

F-Number In photography the f-number expresses the diaphragm aperture in terms of the effective focal length of the lens. Sounds complicated, but basically, the higher the f-number, the less light is admitted through the lens.

Modern lenses use a standard f-stops scale that corresponds to the sequence of the powers of root 2. Shutter speeds are arranged in a similar scale, so that one step in the shutter speed scale corresponds to

one step in the f-stop scale.

The f-numbers are adjusted so that the amount of light transmitted through the lens at a given f-stop is equal to the amount of light going through an ideal non-absorbing lens. Picture sharpness also varies with f-stop, and the optimal fstop varies with the lens characteristics.

Aperture An opening. From the Latin apere, to open. Used in photography to define the size of the opening of a lens, which is used

to control the amount of light reaching the film.

A device called the diaphragm controls the aperture. This functions much like the pupil of your eye—it controls the diameter of the lens opening. Reducing the aperture size describes the extent to which the subject matter appears to be in focus.

In general, the smaller the aperture, the greater the distance from the plane of focus.

Win a PENTAX Optio 5 megapixel camera from Salam Studios Q1: What is the effect of increasing the f-stop on photo

Name:.................................................................

quality? ................................................................................

Address:.............................................................

...............................................................................................

Tel:......................................................................

Q2: Why should the f-number be adjusted in the camera? ................................................................................

Email:.................................................................

Age:....................................................................

...............................................................................................

Please send your reply to P.O Box. 7306 or fax : 04 3439577 76

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Under the same conditions we took these four shots. The common difference is the F-stop that We maintained the same shutter speed for all the shots, but played with the F-stop.

Increasing or decreasing the F-stop may affect badly your photo quality. By increasing you will get an under-exposed film. By decreasing you will get an over-exposed one.

For shots 5 and 6 we played with both shutter speed and F-stop. For sharpness and brighter detail, we increased the speed from 1 to 4 in photo 6. We also decreased the F-stop from 13 to 27.

Here we moved 2 steps up in speed and 2 steps down in F-stop to keep the harmony balance under control.

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Tantalize your Senses

By Amina Abdel-Halim

The JML Investment Group, brings Emilio Robba and his

world-renowned illusion flowers to the UAE.

E

milio Robba has created artistic floral combinations for the past twenty years in the heart of Galerie Vivienne in Paris. As his expertise spread rapidly to the USA, Japan, and China, so did Emilio s reputation grow as a flower sculptor. His presence in Dubai with a boutique that is sure to add a new dimension to the floral scene here.

Dubai is amazing, I would never have imagined 25 years back that I would have started a boutique here In fact, while visiting some beautiful homes and hotels here I felt the flower scene could really grow to match their opulent surroundings, says Emilio.

The International Press has pronounced him the sculptor of flowers. His reputation is attributed to his collection of immortal flower compositions,

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exquisitely designed. Combining both art and nature, each piece uniquely captures a moment in time. His collections are created with sensitivity to fashion and interior design trends that encapsulate the true eye of an artist. Born into a family of Italian artists, and trained at the prestigious Beaux-Arts School of Paris, Emilio Robba s compositions are internationally renowned and are circulated in Europe, the United States, China, morocco, Lebanon, Russia, and Japan.

My interest grew as I watched my mother arrange simple bouquets of flowers in a brilliant array of color. My artistic yearnings were perhaps born here, nourishing my emotions with each passing day.

Take a look at these artistic sculptures created by Emilio.

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Warm your senses with these new fragrant candles from The New Store s latest line Le Candele Di Franca.

The collection includes chocolate-scented candles from Italy

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6

he New Store, UAE s elegant one-stop-home furnishing shop is introducing the latest line of exquisite candles from Le Candele Di Franca (Franca s Candles). The Italian handmade candles which are now on display and for sale in the Dubai and Sharjah outlets are available in three different stylish lines.

We are very pleased to welcome the latest collection of Le Candele Di Franca handmade candles in our stores. The candles are chic in design and of superior quality and will definitely meet our customers fashionable taste, said Mr. Younes Yangui, Retail

Manager of The New Store.

The new line consists of three ranges: Flower range - candles with real flowers embedded on the surface; Ribbon range candles with silk flowers; and, Scented and Chocolate range candles that look like real mouth-watering chocolates.

This collection and other brands are available at The New Store. Stocks are kept at a minimum to ensure exclusivity to customers. The New Store L.L.C is a division of Mustafa Bin Abdulatiff Group.

For more information, please contact The New Store (Dubai) at 04.3534506 or Sharjah at 06-5317757.

December 2004

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in Winter

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This season slip into the sleek comfort of the 2004 Mango collection. Drawing on inspiration from the 1920’s and the great outdoors, Mango offers soft fabrics in sophisticated style.

Corduroy and faded stone washed denim abound in sophisticated nature.

Vintage style is highlighted with soft colors and knitwear.

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Keep it sleek and simple with this ‘20’s inspired dress.

Lounge in this elegant mix of natural tones and colorful fabrics.

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Diamonds are forever!

Diamonds are the oldest and toughest of all known precious stones and the earliest findings date back to 800 BC. However, despite this enormous lapse of time, they have not lost their allure.

Birjees Hussain looks at the background and uses of this amazing natural phenomenon.

4

emember the title song from the movie, Diamonds Are Forever ?

Well, it s not without some truth.

Short of subjecting the stone to extreme conditions such as a nasty shock, a diamond will probably outlast you and generations to come. It will indeed last virtually forever.

The diamond is known as the King of Gems and is a naturally occurring mineral which, like coal, is carbon-based. The word diamond comes from the Latin adamas meaning invincible, a word that is quite apt since it s virtually indestructible.

It s 140 times more scratch resistant than a ruby or sapphire and will remain intact under pressures of up to 8,000kg/mm2.

Nature s gift The first official record of its discovery was in 1866 when a child playing by the banks of the River Orange picked up what looked like a pretty pebble. It later turned out to be a 21 7/8 (old) carat diamond. Two years later, in 1868, the Star of South Africa was found causing a diamond rush to the rivers Orange and Vaal, and within a cou-

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ple of years further significant finds were made.

Diamonds are formed over several million years, the age of a typical stone varying from 660-3,300 million years. They are found between two host rocks, known as kimberlite and lamproite, at depths of 180km below the earth s surface. We all know how coal is mined and it s hard to believe that diamonds are acquired in much the same way.

Diamonds are mined from as diverse locations as Australia, the Congo, Russia, the Island of Borneo and Botswana.

In Borneo miners wash and examine gravel excavated from nearby pits in large conical containers. But diamonds have become synonymous with the name De Beers , and Botswana in South Africa remains the leader in its production.

Debwana, which is a joint venture between the government of Botswana and De Beers Century AG, operates three mines of which Jwangang, in Southern Botswana, is the oldest and richest.

Currently, the world s diamond production is around 114.5 million carats. But less than 1% of diamonds produced result in polished stones of more than 1 carat in size.

Rough diamonds Gems in their raw state are known as rough diamonds and at first glance they look pretty ordinary. It s the cutting and polishing process that renders them their brilliance and value.

Rough diamonds fall into two cate-

gories. They are either makeable or sawable.

A makeable stone yields a single large gem; a sawable one yields several stones totalling more in weight than the original.

The Cutting Process The mined diamonds are sent to cutting centres around the world. Some of the primary ones are in New York, South Africa, Britain and the Netherlands.

The cutting process requires thought and precision. An experienced cutter will take his time selecting the best cut for each rough diamond. But the final cut or shape

depends largely upon the shape of the rough diamond and the most popular is the brilliant cut with 58 facets; that s 33 above and 25 below the girdle.

Like wood, diamond has a grain and the cutter can elect to saw against the grain or cleave along it. In cleaving an entry point or kerf is scratched into the surface of the stone with another diamond or laser. To do this a steel blade is positioned in the kerf and one big blow splits the stone into two.

In sawing against the grain a phosphor-

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bronze disc covered in oil and diamond powder revolves at high speed sawing through the stone. The entire process can take hours, even for the smallest stone. In general, after cutting and polishing, about half the weight of a rough diamond results in a valuable stone.

The polished result The cutter aims for optimum brilliance.

The colour, degree of clarity, reflectivity, lustre and scintillation of a diamond is an indication of that brilliance. The overall brilliance of a stone is dependant on its life and fire.

The Life of a stone should return a maximum of 83% light back to the eye without being lost through its back and sides.

When the stone or the viewer moves flashes of light darting within the stone become visible. The Fire, therefore, is the spectrum of colours displayed by white light reflecting in the stone before being refracted back to the eye.

Colour and value Like gold, and indeed any other precious metal and mineral, the value of diamond is measured against the number of carats it comprises. 1 metric carat is equivalent to 0.2g. However, other factors are also taken into consideration. These include the size of the gem as well as its shape and proportion, clarity and colour or degree of colourlessness.

Some stones fluoresce when exposed to UV or sunlight. The colour is usually blue but yellows, greens and red fluorescents are common. However, totally colourless gems are rare and thus valuable. For

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example, the price at auction for a colourless, flawless gem called The Star of the Season was over $16 million! It was pearshaped and weighed 100.1 carats.

Moreover, the more exotic and unusual the colour exhibited by a gem the higher the price per carat it will fetch.

It seems that diamonds are one of the few gems which can often be surrounded by drama, infamy and international mystery.

Famous gems The most famous of all the gems in the world is the Cullinan found in South Africa s Premiere mine in 1905. It was presented to Edward VII by the government of Transvaal and weighed a massive 3,106 carats as a rough diamond. After being cut and polished it yielded 105 gems totalling 1,055.9 carats in weight. The largest of these was the Star of Africa weighing 530.2 carats.

The other famous stone is the Great Mogul diamond which disappeared from India in 1665. There are rumours that this great stone is also known as the Koh-iNoor diamond weighing 105.6 carats and which is now part of the British Crown Jewels. There is one other contender called the Orlov displayed in the Kremlin but I suppose we ll never learn the real truth behind that story.

But in modern day times, when-

ever we think of Diamonds, the one famous stone that everybody recalls is the one Richard Burton placed on Elizabeth Taylor s finger in the most famous engagement of all times. It is said that a man should spend at least a third of his annual salary on the engagement ring. It s the one gem that truly embodies love, endurance and lasting value.

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Contents 16 20 22 24 26 30 34 36 38 42 44 50 52 56

$

!

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friends Sparkle with Swarovski Beauty Line New Sensations Narciso Rodriguez: A New Style of Class NAFA Furs Showcased in the Middle East Bundle-up with Brioni Kenneth Cole Set Sail with Offshore Legends MANGO's New Collection In Depth with Nawal al Zoghbi Levi's Latest Collection for the Season Quality Time: Watches Tantalize Your Senses with Emilio Robba

""

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Contents

% %

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58 60 62 66 68 70 72 76 80 82 84 88 91 94 95 96

A New Light Sensation K Kids Cookies Far From Home Top 10 Gifts Beirut -City of Traditions A Lexus for the Holidays Photography Lesson 2 Chandelier: A Stimulation of Sight and Sound Inside Suq Madinat Jumeirah Dining Out on Christmas Movie Reviews Subscriptions Big on Books Ophthalmology Have You Heard?

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K o o lfor Kids

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n a shopping haven like Dubai newly developed shopping concepts are hard to come by. Original thought are hard to find since the market is saturated with different stores. You could try out a different shopping mall everyday for a month and still not have exhausted your options (at least it feels that way).

Therefore, it s a rare find when a new shopping concept opens in our everexpanding metropolis. Parents throughout Dubai will breathe a huge sigh of relief

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when they discover K-Kids, which has just opened in Jumeriah Plaza At long last no more stressful visits to numerous stores across town in order to deck out the children of Dubai s bedrooms. K-Kids ensures that absolutely everything you may need for your little ones bedroom is under one roof from cradles to lighting and curtain fabrics to flooring. K-Kids has absolutely everything you need for your children s bedrooms and caters to children from the ages of 0 to 6.

K-Kids was born out of Owner, Sawsan Chammas Haber s observation of the headache her friends had to endure in order to create their children s bedrooms.

I saw what my friends had to go through when they wanted to decorate their children s bedrooms. They would have to go to one store for a cradle, another shop for the light fittings and yet somewhere else for the flooring. It was a real headache! explains Haber.

Having her own daughter three years ago spurred her to create a bedroom that

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every little girl dreams of. It was the lack of choices in children s furniture that finally made Haber decide to do something about the gap in the UAE market. That was when the concept for K-Kids was conceived.

As an interior designer Haber ensures that parents not only have a wide range of wonderful furniture that she designed herself, but access to interior designers who can guarantee that their children will have magical bedrooms. Haber graduated as an Interior Designer and specialized in children s environments, so if anyone is qualified to make K-Kids a success she is.

The team not only looks at what furniture is suitable for your child s bedroom, but they will also create fabulous colour schemes and themes that can be changed after a couple of years once your child has outgrown a particular idea. However, Haber believes that the most important person in planning a child s bedroom is the child him/herself: So many children s bedrooms are nice for adults, but not great for kids. Let your children choose their own colours or at least put yourself in their skin and see what they d rather choose.

Haber observes.

Haber has catered for everyone: children receive beautiful and imaginative bedrooms whilst their parents can take comfort in K-Kids commitment to safety and attention to detail. The fabric and wallpaper is Italian, Spanish, or German.

The furniture is manufactured in Spain

and made to strict European safety standards.

The flooring, and even the paint, is manufactured from specialized anti-bacterial, antifungal, easy to clean material.

K-Kids searched high and low to find the most hygienic materials so that children cannot only boast of a lovely place to call their own, but also sleep safely. So driven by details, once Haber finishes a piece of furniture she gets onto her knees to see how children will perceive the pieces. She wants to pass on the magic she had in her own childhood onto other children.

Haber has high hopes for KKids and would eventually love to see the concept franchised throughout the UAE, her native Lebanon, and the entire Middle East. Haber believes that in a climate like Dubai most children spend a great deal of time indoors throughout the summer months making their bedrooms their own little worlds.

Therefore, it is her dream to bring beauty into these worlds, creating happier, creative children, who are more open. I just want to see the smile that is on my daughter s face everywhere and to hear that people like what we ve done. It s not the profit that s as important to me, it s

the name the concept.

K-Kids is undoubtedly a wonderful concept and with the creativity, attention to detail and sheer enthusiasm that has been poured into it, children throughout Dubai are set to fall in love with their new bedrooms!

8 People will win a themed chair each of our collection Q1: How did the idea of k-kids born? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Q2: What does k-kids offer other than furniture? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Q3: What are the specifications of the hygienic materials used? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Q4: Who is the designer of k-kids furniture? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Name:.................................................................

Address:.............................................................

Tel:......................................................................

Email:.................................................................

Age:....................................................................

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Biscuits and their earliest derivatives have been around for centuries. Birjees Hussain looks at how they ve developed over the years and provides an irresistible, melt-in-the-mouth recipe for those with a sweet tooth.

;

ou know, I m not a fan of cookies; my ideal dessert is either a well made sponge cake or the good old fashioned apple pie with some steaming hot custard. However, at this time of year, with the festive season, the shops are inundated with cookies of all colours, shapes and sizes. But did you know that, although the basic ingredients for cookies are similar, they don t all go by the same name? Whereas they are known as cookies in America they go by biscuits in England and Australia, gellatas in Spain, keks or kels in Germany and the Italians call theirs ameretti or biscotti, depending upon the flavouring.

The word cookie comes from the Dutch word koekje, which means small or little cake . But the British use of the word biscuit is quite meaningful because it comes from the Latin panis biscotus which means bread twice cooked .

Semantics and definitions aside, it might interest you to know that the basic ingredients of a typical biscuit have their origins in a cake-mix. In fact, in America a cookie is described as a thin, sweet and usually small, cake.

When is a cake not a cake?

So what is a biscuit and how did it come about? According to biscuit historians, a

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small quantity of a cake mix was used to test the temperature of an oven, which resulted in the biscuit.

Through the ages Many of today s dishes pre-date most early cookbooks so it s difficult to trace the history of most foods. However, this hasn t deterred historians from trying to trace the history of the biscuit.

Various forms have been recorded throughout the Middle Ages and records include gingerbread and the precursor to the famous meringue.

The earliest recording of biscuits dates back to the 2nd Century in Rome with the unleavened and hard biscuit known as the wafer. Since it was baked for longer periods in a hot oven its water content was low.

Consequently it stayed fresher longer because it didn t mould easily and so had a long life. As a result it was the primary staple for long-distant travellers. And in 7th Century Persia sweet cakes and pastries of

all sizes were well known throughout the Persian Empire.

Biscuits were first introduced to America

by Dutch, British and Scottish immigrants.

Those comprising butter and sugar came on to the culinary scene in the 18th Century and a great profusion of biscuit recipes made their appearance around the 19th Century. Chocolate covered biscuits became popular after World War II. Some of the early recipes included boiling fine wheat flour, drying the mixture on a plate and then frying it until crisp. This crisp was then served with honey and pepper!

The Biscuit Industry In the 17th and 18th Century baking was a controlled profession. The baking profession wasn t open to just anyone unless they d gone through years of professional training. Today s biscuit industry owes its growth to the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century. The emergence of new technology at the time helped in establishing large scale manufacturing plants that we know today.

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Major corporations set up shop all over Britain and America, exporting biscuits all over the globe.

You must have guessed by now that the basic mix for a biscuit is flour, sugar, margarine and water. It s the addition of other ingredients that give each biscuit its unique and tasty slant. The big manufacturers have taken the basic mix and added their own uniqueness to each recipe, sometimes innovatively coming up with new flavours.

Which one s your favourite?

Today we have a vast variety of flavours to choose from. It s estimated that a single book could not cover all the varieties that are available to us today. Meringues, macaroons, gingersnaps, digestives, ladyfingers, the list is endless. Which one is your favourite? Here are some to tantalise your taste buds.

Gingersnaps These actually contain powdered ginger in the batter though the flavour of the ginger is not overwhelming. These biscuits are usually crisp and firm to the bite.

Chocolate chip These are one of America s favourites.

They were first created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield who apparently used a Nestle chocolate bar for the chips when she didn t have chocolate chips to hand. It was actually Nestle who ended up marketing the cookies for her in 1941 and publishing the recipe for her cookie dough on their chocolate wrapper; they became a taste sensation.

Chocolate Brownies These are actually biscuits made from unleavened chocolate cake batter. It is thought that the chef probably forgot to put baking soda into a chocolate cake mix and then baked it. It is unclear when the first brownies were introduced in America but Sears, Roebuck first published the recipe in their 1897 catalogue.

Fortune cookies Most people think these originated in China but they don t actually exist in Chinese culture. In fact, they originated in Chinese-American restaurants in the States. Despite this there are rumours that

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they did come from China during the Mongolian Invasion of the 12th and 13th Century when soldiers slipped rice paper containing defence strategies into moon cakes.

Fortune cookies are made from thin wafers and are served in Chinese-American restaurants at the end of a meal and they contain a fortune. The idea is to prise open the cookie to retrieve the paper.

Coconut macaroons These first originated in an Italian Monastery in 1792. They re soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. The biscuit is made from normal biscuit dough but with desiccated coconut added to the mix.

Coconut can also be substituted with almonds and coffee.

Naughty but nice If the talk of all these biscuits, or cookies, is making your mouth water, here s a recipe that you could try this festive season. It s simple, sweet of course and requires very little preparation time.

English Toffee Squares You will need: 1 cup of butter or margarine, softened 1 cup of caster sugar 1 egg 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 tsp of ground cinnamon 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts The preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 140 degrees centigrade 2. In a large bowl beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is creamy 3. Separate the egg and beat the yolk into the butter mixture 4. Cover and set aside the egg white 5. In another bowl, stir together the flour and cinnamon and add it to the butter mixture 6. Using your hands spread the dough evenly at the bottom of a greased 10 inch by 15 inch rimmed baking tray 7. Lightly beat the egg white and brush it evenly over the dough 8. Sprinkle the pecans over the top and press them lightly into the dough 9. Bake for 1 hour or until firm when lightly touched 10. While still hot, cut into ½ inch squares and let them cool on a rack.

Store them in an airtight container.

Bon appetite!

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Christmas Far From Home

IN THE

UAE

By Amina Abdel-Halim

During the holiday season life in the UAE can conjure many emotions.

For some it s nostalgia, for others it may be the excitement of experiencing new traditions and cultures. Perhaps, and most likely, it is a combination of both. This month ESPRIT sat with women from a few overseas locations to find out how they prepare for holidays away from home.

Sara Radcliffe , an Assistant Editor and mother two boys is celebrating her first Christmas in Dubai this year. England being her home country, she hopes to stay true to her British traditions while spending quality time with family and friends.

Since it is her first Christmas in the Gulf she s planning to make it as special as possible, for the kids in particular, as well as taking some time to relax myself.

I ll be spending it with my husband and two sons, my parents, my sister and brother-in-law and nieces and nephews who all live in Dubai. My Aunty will also be visiting from the UK. Instead of eating at home, the entire

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family will be going out for dinner on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day will be spent with the family and hopefully lots of friends.

When asked if there were any family traditions she hopes to maintain Sara states that we will obviously decorate the house, as well as put up some lights inside and outside. We usually spend an evening decorating the tree with the children. The children leave out a mince pie and drink for Santa on Christmas Eve and a carrot for Rudolph. Favorite Christmas dishes include roast turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies etc.

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As for decorations, Sara will be starting from scratch this year. She will take the kids out to help choose new items. Then it s the hunt for presents, something I really enjoy! I don t think it s what you spend on somebody, but the thought that goes into it, so I enjoy giving presents that I know people really want, or really suits them.

I would like a real tree and a friend has promised to show me where to get it.

I ve seen some lovely decorations all over Dubai. Home Centre has some nice bits and it seems very good value, The One also has a good choice but is more expensive so I ll probably get some from each. As for presents, a couple of trips to City Centre and Mercato should get the job done.

Since Dubai and England are quite different, we asked Sara to describe what Christmas is like back home: Christmas in England is very traditional and it s pretty cold in December. The build-up starts early with the shops being full of Christmas items as early as October/November.

Many towns have Christmas lights and trees lit up on the village green. During the whole month of December the shops are packed

and there seems to be office parties everywhere. The schools really get into the swing with Christmas fairs, plays and concerts. It s a great atmosphere!

Heather Bailey, a school administrator and mother of four describes the Christmas scene in her home country, the USA: All the malls and restaurants put up their decorations well in advance so that you re in the Christmas mood right after Thanksgiving. It s a huge rush to get presents for everyone, especially if you have a big family. I like to get my presents early, especially here in Dubai. This year I took advantage of the Ramadan and Eid sales and got my presents ages ahead.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a great family tradition. We have ornaments that stayed in the family for generations. Every child has their own special piece that they like to place on the tree. It s a great way for us to spend some quality time together.

In my home we make hot apple cider and leave cookies and milk out for Santa.

Christmas dinner is usually very traditional: ham, cranberry dressing, and my grandmother s secret recipe for stuffing.

For desert I love to make my mother s hot apple pie.

It s the little things that make me feel like I m back home. I ve been in Dubai for the past five years. Last year my parents came to visit me and it was wonderful having the family all together. This year it s just me, my husband, children,

and a couple of friends.

Although mostly staying within tradition, Heather has introduced a couple of Arabic themes to her Christmas plans, we served hummus at the dinner table our first year here, and we have been eating hummus every Christmas since. Last year we put toy camels in our children s stalking stuffers!

When asked if there is anything missing from Christmas in the USA, she replied I miss the carolers coming to your door and singing Christmas songs. The Christmas cheer is much more prevalent all around you in the States, but I get to see some Christmas decorations and holiday themed malls here, so it s still a nice reminder of home.

The one thing I definitely don t miss is the cold weather. In the UAE we can actually go out for a walk with the family after dinner in the middle of December, or maybe even head to the beach! I like to send post cards home and get my family jealous about this point.

The Gustafsons are opting for a change of pace this year. A young married couple from Sweden, they have plans for something a little less traditional: This is our second year celebrating Christmas in the UAE. We missed home greatly our first year, so we kept as traditional as possible.

But, this year we plan on doing something completely out of the ordinary. My husband and I are going on a desert excursion.

We ll exchange gifts on Christmas Eve in our hotel room I guess, but we thought something new would help ring in the New Year in the Gulf.

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Top 10 Gifts Still have time? With the holidays fast approaching ESPRIT took the hassle out of last minute gifts. Check out these top 10 favorites guaranteed to bring cheer to your loved ones.

Swarovski Christmas

Cartier

These canary yellow and pink handbags adds color to any outfit

Snowman goes shopping in this glittering creation by Swarovski Add a little sparkle to holiday wrapping with this Swarovski Santa

The New Store

A great house warming present, this candle from The New Store will set the holidays a-glow, and keep them smelling sweet.

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Cartier

Swarovski Classic Jewelery

Don t forget yourself! These Swarovski rings are sheer self-indulgence.

Stumped about what to get that special boss or uncle? These Cartier pens and case are perfect for resting on your office desk.

Nokia

The Nokia 7260 will show that someone special that you really care

Women s Secret Polar blues contrast with reds and pinks in this snowflaked Women s Secret flannel set

This Women s Secret dress is great for a night out on the town.

Step into the festivities with these suede slippers and toiletry bag by Women s Secret

December 2004

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A Stimulation of Sight and Sound

5

ituated in the prestigious Marina Walk, this new hip establishment is already stirring quite a buzz.

Named after the large chandelier that hangs from the ceiling, Chandelier caters to the cross-cultural flavors of Dubai.

At first sight one notices the larger-than-life painting of a woman s face against the wall, followed by the large light fixture that inspired the shop s name. Composed of 300400 lamps tied in a bundle, the chandelier resembles an upside-down bouquet of roses.

The store is the creation of interior designer Gabriel Kenger. With its combination of classic and ethnic motifs, the style offers a relaxing and trendy atmosphere. Sitting in the outdoor terrace your senses are stimulated by the glistening waters of the Dubai Marina and the rhythm of the dancing Marina fountain.

Chandelier s cuisine is no less tantalizing. The menu offers a wide range of ethnic and fusion dishes including grilled items, hot and cold mezzeh, seafood, sandwiches, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Not your ordinary french-fry, the menu offers a potato of the day, and special brunch. For those who like a little

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excitement, try the gazelle fillet or the little birds in pomegranate sauce.

Professional chefs produce award-winning recipes and artistically display their creations. The plates, like the meals, offer a tasty medley of ethnic fusion and design.

A bright mix of sight and sound, Chandelier provides live entertainment in the form of a singer and oud player every night. Take a trip upstairs and you ll find a warm and comfortable cigar lounge.

Sit in the Arabic court in the open terrace and soak in the diverse mix of cultures while enjoying a sheesha with friends, or a tasty meal with family.

Chandelier handles many events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and live radio programs. A great atmosphere is also in store for Christmas and New Years.

According to Concept Manager Gabriel Kengel The Chandelier promises you a unique and unforgettable experience by combining the best of both worlds under one roof. The rich taste of Lebanese food mixed with the aroma of the orient all dishes have been carefully selected and cooked to perfection to stimulate your taste buds. Our ambience of both old and modern will add to this remarkable visit and make it an unprecedented experience.

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j Madinat umeirah INSIDE SOUK

Souk (n): A colorful and vibrant market or part of a market in an Arabian city.

Lively trading culture, animated, interactive.

S

ituated within the breathtaking views of Madinat Jumeirah, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a newly constructed mall that harkens to the ancient days of Arabian heritage. It is an authentic bazaar-like retail experience with over 75 boutique shops, 23 waterfront cafés, and restaurants.

With its authentic atmosphere, its colorful ambience, and modern shops, the Souk offers a little bit for every personality type.

Whether you are a historian, gourmand, avid shopper, or hopeless romantic, a cornucopia of tastes and flavors greet you at every turn.

A collection of old and new, Souk Madinat Jumeriah is sure to entice any visitor.

Restaurants, coffee shops, electronics, perfumery, fashion within its winding ally-ways you ll find an elaborate mix of stores and stands.

Meandering paths lead visitors through a bazaar-like atmosphere in which open

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fronted shops and intimate galleries spill onto the paved walkways.

The sounds of craftsmen and women at work combine with the aroma from street cafes and boutique restaurants. At Souk Madinat Joumeirah, the emphasis is on unique brands, crafted quality and an interactive experience. Inside the mall you will find: Unique shopping and dining experience 75 boutique shops 23 waterfront cafés, bars and restaurants Open plazas and nightclub Air-conditioned walkways 432 seat Madinat Theatre 1000 seat outdoor amphitheatre Whether arriving by car, by walkway from the adjacent hotels, or by traditional water taxis, visitors to Souk Madinat Jumeirah are greeted by a vivid combination of authentic Arabian style and richly designed landscapes.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah will host Friday Festive Fairs on December 10, 2004 and December 17, 2004. Crafts, gifts, and tasty morsels will be on sale in the street market, which will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Souk amphitheatre between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Check out what Souq Madinat Jumeirah has in store for the night of December 31st: Feel the vibrant, animated atmosphere of the Souk at its open air New Year s Eve party. International jazz band Xtatic will get the crowd dancing, as they play a selection of hits from their stage on the waterways.

The lively terraces around Toscana will be bustling as guests dance, mingle and snack on the delicious treats available from the cooking stations around the water s edge. Entrance to this casual celebration is free.

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PISCES Dine and dance in the vibrant Souk on New Year s Eve. Pisces is offering a sumptuous set menu, for 600 AED including entrance to Dubai s hottest new club Trilogy.

TRILOGY For those wanting to concentrate on partying, Trilogy is hosting a night of music spread throughout its three levels. A 200 AED entrance fee includes a glass of champagne.

SHOO FEE MA MEE A fine Moroccan feast awaits you at Shoo Fee Ma Fee. The chef has devised a splendid special set dinner at 300 AED per person.

JAMBASE Ensure an unforgettable evening at Jambase. Live music will accompany an epic set dinner menu for 600 AED per person with a glass of champagne. Couples may prefer to share a platter of canapés and petits fours and a bottle of champagne, priced at 550 AED per couple.

For further information, call: +971 4 349-2511

December 2004

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DINING OUT ON CHRISTMAS

By Amina Abdel-Halim

With the abundant dining options we have available it is no wonder the holiday season warrants an extra special excursion. If you re looking for a place to indulge this Christmas, then tap into these hotel hot spots.

BOULEVARD GOURMET If you have a sweet spot for holiday goodies, then visit this lobby cake shop offering a number of special options to guests and regulars. On the 24th and 25th, Santa will be doing his rounds with plenty of cheer and surprises. Watch out for carol singers too!

Intercontinental Dubai

THE PUB Offering all your traditional favorites from the turkey to the puddings.

BOULVAR Tuck into a dazzling spread in relaxed sophistication. Located on the hotel lobby, all buffets are 165 AED net per person.

Children up to four years old eat free, and 5 to 12 year olds 50% off.

If you re looking for a quieter atmosphere, Boulvar s stylish Friday brunch gets in the festive mood with an international buffet loaded with traditional favorites and more.

PALM GRILL If buffets are not your style, then enjoy a wonderful set menu featuring the finest ribs and much more at Dubai s newest steakhouse. 190 AED net per person. A la carte is also available.

For 145 AED net per person the second floor restaurants offer a tantalizing brunch buffet on Christmas Day. After unwrapping presents, indulge in an all-encompassing spread packed with great food, festive entertainment, and a sack-load of fun things for the kids to do.

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array of fine foods offered at the lunchtime buffet for 150 AED per person. Lunch is served between 12pm and 3pm.

TOKYO@THETOWERS On his busiest day of the year, Santa Claus will spare the time to drop in and distribute gifts to the children in Tokyo@thetowers. Lunch is served from 12:30pm2:30pm, dinner from 7:30pm-11:30pm.

SCARLETT S Children are the centre of attention on Christmas Day at Scarlett s. A bouncy castle, face painting, clowns, juggling, computer games and more will keep younger visitors entertained whilst you enjoy a festive brunch buffet with its live cooking stations. Priced at 138 AED per person, brunch will be served from 11:30am4:00pm.

LOBBY LOUNGE Join the choir in the Lobby Lounge performing from 7:00pm.

Al Qasr

AL HAMBRA Celebrate in Andalucian style with the

Emirate Towers Hotels

VU S The Christmas Eve dinner special 5course set menu is a veritable feast for the connossieur and priced at 320 AED per person. Children below the age of 12 years are not permitted.

MOSAICO On Christmas Day, meet Santa Claus over lunch at Mosaico. He will be strolling around the restaurant distributing gifts to the children. While they are kept entertained, feast your eyes on the sumptuous

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special set dinner menu, at 250 AED per person.

ARBORETUM On Christmas Day, Arboretum s lunchtime buffet promises unsurpassed delights and delicacies, in keeping with the season at 220 AED per person.

AL FAYROOZ Feel the festive spirit in the vibrant heart of Al Qasr this Christmas Eve. All guests may enjoy seasonal high tea, at 130 AED per person. For an afternoon tea to remember in this glittering lobby lounge, gather beneath the crystal chandeliers on Christmas Day for a selection of festive treats.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

PISCES Pisces is hosting a seasonal set menu dinner amidst it stylish and sophisticated surroundings. Savor the finest seafood in Souk Madinat Jumeirah s signature restaurant for 300 AED per person. Seafood lovers will relish the chance to sample the festive ocean specialities.

Mina A Salam

AL MUNA Arabian specialties add a local flavor to the sumptuous Christmas Eve buffet at Al Muna. For AED 250 per person indulge in international cuisine with an Arabian twist, whilst overlooking the harbor. Al Muna s festive Christmas Day lunch buffet has something for everyone at 220 AED per person.

THE WHARF Savor ocean dining at its finest, whilst enjoying the splendid harbor views at The Wharf. This Christmas Eve, the chefs have planned a magnificent dinner menu, at 250 AED per

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Christmas Day lunch with festive carvery as well as Christmas pudding is 95 AED per person, 105 AED inclusive of one house beverage.

Burj Al Arab

MARINA GARDEN Youngsters are welcome to join in the fun and frolic in the Marina Garden. Games and activities will get the children into the festive spirit.

AL IWAN Celebrate the season with traditional Arabian flair and enjoy an extensive array of delicious flavors from the buffets. Enjoy lunch or dinner at 270 AED and 320 AED person. Specializing in the highest quality ocean dining, guests at The Wharf may choose an intimate table inside, or to dine al fresco, overlooking the Resort s dazzlingly illuminated Christmas tree.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel

PALM COURT Hear the staff choir s carol singing from 6:30pm until 7:30pm, whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

SANTA S GROTTO Children can wish Santa a Merry Christmas in person this year at The Colonnade. Visit him in his enchantingly decorated grotto, where he will be hand-

ing out presents and posing for souvenir photographs with the youngsters.

CARNEVALE On Christmas Eve taste the popular à la carte menu which includes osso bucco, the restaurant s signature dish. If you prefer, sample the set menu for dinner at 235 AED per person. As a roving Italian guitarist strums in the background, relax with your choice of a 3 or 4 course Christmas menu. The 3 course menu is 160 AED per person, 4 courses are 235 AED per person.

DER KELLER On the evenings of the 24th the authentic German à la carte menu with Christmas specials will be available.

DHOW & ANCHOR per person.

BAB AL YAM For those guests preferring a more casual affair this Christmas, Bab Al Yam is hosting a festive dinner buffet, overlooking the pool for 250 AED per person. With its relaxing atmosphere and fantastic views of the shoreline, Bab Al Yam is the ideal location for a more casual Christmas Day dinner.

The Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa

PRASINOS Celebrate Christmas at The Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa s signature restaurant.

On the 24th of December, to give splendid start to the festivities, Prasinos hosts a gala evening featuring a superb 5-course gourmet set menu, from 7:30pm onwards. The evening includes a pre-dinner beverage at

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A festive 3-course set menu is yours for the taking with entertainment by DJ Laz-e from Dublin. Adults 65 AED net per person.

GREAT ROOM Christmas in Space Lunch: visit an entertaining Christmas Day lunch.

Entertainment by Lighter Side and Markey Mark, and a play area for the children. Adults 220 AED net per person.

Children 110 AED. Under 5 free (inclusive gift).

The Shangri-La Hotel

the Indigos and a truly delicious festive dinner menu in the adjacent Mediterranean restaurant, priced at 335 AED per person.

THE CLUBHOUSE For a more informal but no less delicious lunch on the 25th of December, head for The Clubhouse. The buffet will include all the traditional favorites along with more contemporary dishes and one complimentary seasonal beverage. Priced at 135 AED per person, this is ideal for families, as a very special visitor will be surprising younger guests with a gift.

Le Meridien

MERIDIEN VILLAGE TERRACE (8pm11pm)

All you can eat & drink turkey buffet with all the trimmings. Entertainment by Flames band. Adults 160 AED net per person. Children 80 AED. Under 5 free.

On Christmas day, enjoy an all you can eat & drink Christmas brunch. Adults 160 AED net per person. Children 80 AED. Under 5 free.

CAFÉ CHIC (8pm-11:45pm) closed for lunch Celebrate Noel in true French style with a 6-course set menu. Adults 220 AED net per person. Children 110 AED. SUKHOTHAI (7:30-11:45pm) Enjoy Christmas with a Thai set menu or a la carte menu. Adults 160 AED net per person. Children 80 AED. DUBLINER S

DUNES CAFÉ Presents a lavish buffet feast of international cuisine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Lunch. Adults 190 AED. Children (6-12 yrs) 95 AED. SHANG PALACE Not a traditional turkey in sight. Instead, delight your tastebuds with a selection of delectable Cantonese dishes.

HOI AN Vietnamese chef, Kevin Vu, has prepared a delicious dinner menu to celebrate the festive season in absolute style. Enjoy a unique 7-course dinner for 200 AED per person.

MARRAKESH Chef Khadijah has prepared a sevencourse Moroccan feast for 180 AED per person. Refreshing Moroccan tea provides the perfect end to an unforgettable Moroccan Christmas feast.

AMWAJ Chef Stephen Davies has prepared a sensational 4-course Christmas menu to delight gourmands. On arrival, guests will be tempted to freshly shucked French oysters, followed by a choice of three different Entrees, Mains and Desserts. For traditionalists Chef Stephen has also incorporated Turkey and Christmas pudding in the menu. For 180 AED per person Amwaj is definitely a hot spot this Christmas. Ask about the long table for groups of 14.

All Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining guests will receive a small gift with the hotel s compliments. Adding to the festive ambience will be nightly performances by the Dubai American Academy High School Junior Choir from 7:30pm until 8pm in the hotel lobby.

December 2004

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SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

Overview: Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Sky Captain (Jude Law) investigate the disappearance of famous scientists and find that a mysterious man named Dr. Totenkopf is planning to launch an ark into space before destroying the Earth.

Set amidst the adventurous spirit pervading the 1930s, director Kerry Conran creates a comic-book world of derring-do and Machine Age design. Sky Captain has a simple but solid story inspired by many science-fiction and/or adventure classics such as Indiana Jones and Flash Gordon. For good measure, Conran resurrects Laurence Olivier through the wonders of software. The mix of stylized visuals, spectacular action and three in-demand stars has generated quite a buzz, spurring exceptional box-office returns.

But what makes the film truly outstanding is its sense of humour. Jude and Paltrow spar as well as Tracy and Hepburn, and Conran s frequent one-lin-

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ers are excellent at providing comic relief right where it s needed. Later in the film, Angelina Jolie (appearing here, criminally, in an eye patch) shows up as an ally for the cause and a competitor to Polly, which adds further to the romantic subplot.

The best parts of Sky Captain have

real cinematic power, and while the integration of live action and CGI isn t always convincing, more often than not it s seamless. Working against blue screens, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Angelina Jolie strike a confident balance between action-adventure archetypes and vulnerable romantics.

Conran s script drags in the first act and his animation technique is far from perfect watch for several other films in the works that are adopting the same animation conceit but for a first-time director, the Conran has created an entertaining movie both in terms of content and technique.

Director and Writer: Kerry Conran Producer: Brooklyn Films/ Paramount Pictures Starring: Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Bai Ling (more)

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Climb up to Ladder

Celebrating the ordinary men who risk everything daily, Ladder 49 chronicles Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) as he makes the transition from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran. As he struggles to cope with a risky, demanding job that often shortchanges his wife and kids, he relies on the support of his mentor and chief Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) and his second family the brotherly bond between the men of the firehouse. But when Jack becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career, his life and the things he holds important family, dignity, courage come into focus. As his fellow firemen of Ladder 49 do all they can to rescue him, Jack s life hangs in the balance.

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Get all the latest on BEAUTY Liveliness of Mind & spirit

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BIG ON BOOKS Check out these reading picks. Whether you're looking to travel through ancient Egypt or get pulled into a Christmas mystery, these book picks are a great gift for yourself, or for someone special.

Egyptology

by Emily Sands, Nick Harris, Helen Ward (Illustrator), Ian Andrew Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt through a fascinating journal from a lost expedition - a treasure trove of fact and fantasy featuring a novelty element on every spread. Grade 5-9-This oversized novelty book has a gold cover with red, plastic, "jewel" inlays to add to the drama. Written as an amateur Egyptologist's travel journal from 1926, each spread covers a distinct area of antiquity and is mainly factual in content, except for the author's chatty asides. The type resembles that of an old manual typewriter and the photos, reproductions, and sketches make the journal seem more realistic. There are papyrus pull-outs, pop-up art, minibooks, and fold-out maps and an envelope in the back with period postcards, ticket stubs, etc. Libraries will find the book useful for teaching journal writing.

How to Cook Everything: Holiday Cooking

by Mark Bittman (Author), Alan Witschonke (Illustrator) Enjoy cooking for the holidays this year! Roast Turkey and Gravy. Baked Ham with Maple Glaze.

Traditional Apple Pie. Death-by-Chocolate Torte.

Holidays are when you pull out all the stops, and with How to Cook Everything : Holiday Cooking, you can make your special feast or buffet spread without stress. Mark Bittman, the award-winning author of the bestselling kitchen classic How to Cook Everything , shares his favorite simple-and infinitely flexible-holiday recipes. You'll be able to cook for big feasts and parties from Thanksgiving to New Year's and for other holiday gatherings all year-round. To inspire you and help you plan your meals, you'll find Bittman's straight talk on cooking and special features, including: Creative recipe variations and ideas; Tips for shopping, preparing, and cooking the recipes; Illustrations to demystify trickier techniques; Menu suggestions for a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, a Tree-Trimming Party, an Easter Feast, and more; At-a-glance icons highlighting recipes that can be made ahead.

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America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by the writers of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart Jon Stewart, host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show, and his coterie of patriots, deliver a hilarious look at American government. What is American democracy? In AMERICA (THE BOOK), Jon Stewart and The Daily Show writing staff offer their insights into our unique system of government, dissecting its institutions, explaining its history and processes, and exploring the reasons why concepts like one man, one vote, government by the people, and every vote counts have become such popular urban myths. Topics include: Ancient Rome: The First Republicans; The Founding Fathers: Young, Gifted, and White; The Media: Can it Be Stopped?

The Christmas Thief: A Novel

by Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark Mary Higgins Clark, America's Queen of Suspense, and her daughter, bestselling mystery writer Carol Higgins Clark, have again joined forces to create a suspenseful and humorous holiday tale. Alvirah Meehan, the lottery winner turned amateur sleuth, teams up with private investigator Regan Reilly to solve another Christmas mystery. They get in the middle of a case involving a beautiful eighty-foot blue spruce that has been chosen to spend the holidays as Rockefeller Center's famous Christmas tree. The folks who picked the tree don't have a clue that attached to one of its branches is a flask chock-full of priceless diamonds that Packy Noonan, a scam artist just released from prison, had hidden there over twelve years ago. An excited Packy breaks his parole and heads to Stowe, Vermont, to reclaim his loot.

Once there, he is horrified to discover that his special tree will be heading to New York City the next morning. With a bumbling crew consisting of Jo-Jo, Benny, and an unsuccessful poet, Milo, he knows he has to act fast. What Packy does not know is that Alvirah and Regan are on a weekend trip to Stowe with Alvirah's husband, Willy; Regan's fiancé, Jack; Regan's parents, Luke and Nora; and Alvirah's friend Opal, a lottery winner who lost all her winnings in Packy's scam. On Monday morning when they're supposed to head home, they learn that the tree is missing, Packy Noonan may be in the vicinity, and Opal has disappeared. From two of America's beloved storytellers, The Christmas Thief is filled with suspense, comic characters, and holiday cheer, and is sure to delight its readers.

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Is Lasik Right for You? 5

tep into see Dr. J. B. Singh, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Belhoul Speciality Hospital for a comprehensive eye assessment which includes various tests to make sure you are eligible for a laser eye surgery.

These tests will cost 200 dirhams, not inclusive in the offer, and will not be reimbursed to the patient in case laser eye surgery cannot be performed.

Dr. J. B. Singh explains more about the surgery: Many people rely on glasses and contacts For you to see clearly, light rays must be focused by the cornea and lens to fall precisely on the retina, a layer of light sensing cells that lines the back of the eye. The retina converts the light rays into impulses that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets them as images.

This process is very similar to the way a camera takes a picture. The cornea and lens in your eye act as the camera lens. The retina is similar to the film. If the image is not focused properly, the retina or film receives a blurry image. This condition in the human eye is known as a refractive error.

There are three types of refractive errors that can be corrected or reduced by refractive surgery: Myopia or nearsightedness, Hyperopia or farsightedness and Astigmatism, which is a condition that blurs and distorts both distant and near objects.

LASIK Lasik is an acronym for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Refractive eye surgery is a general term for surgical procedures that can improve or correct the focus of the eye by remoulding the curvature of the cornea.

With a laser called the eximer laser t is now possible to perform lasik surgery and removed the corneal curvature to help form a clear image or the retina with out the use of glasses or contact lenses. Over

The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes for both eyes.

The patient is allowed to go home after about half to 1 hour of lasik surgery. 24 or 48 hours rest is recommended. No rubbing of eyes.

There is no estruction of activity after 2 days but it is recommended that patient avoid contact sports and swimming or water games activity for 6 weeks.

Limitations Some small changes in vision may take place which may take 4 to 6 weeks to stabilize.

Sometimes glare, halos specially during night time may persist to stabilize over the last 7-8 years, the procedure has been next 4 to 6 months. refined from PRK to Lasik, Laser and Results may not be perfect in patients Epilasek and has become more safe and which V-large amount of astigmatism or reliable with predictable results.

V. high myopia/hypermetropia.

Before undertaking the surgery to make Some amount of loss of contact sensitivity procedure even more safe an exhaustive has also been reported. and scientific evaluation of the patientÂ’s Any eye which develops occasionally may eyes is done. Wherein , confirmation of need topical eye drops for lubrication of the error of refraction, pachymetry for conjunctival sac and cornea. corneal thickness, topography for corneal You are a candidate of Lasik surgery for surface study, a scan biometry for axial removal of eyeglass: length and detailed retinal evaluation is L If you are wearing glass or contact done on various computers. Patients are lens to see clearly. advised to give up use of contact lenses at L If you have glass number with error least 2 weeks before evaluation of eyes and range from + 4.0 to 14.0 lasik surgery. Because contacts may tem- L If you are above 19 years of age. porarily alter the shape of the cornea influ- L Your contact lens glass has been staencing results of lasik surgery. ble for last 2 years.

The Procedure L You are intolerant to contact lenses During the procedure, one has to look glasses hempire life style /sports steadily for about a minute at a time at a activity. point source of light is the overhead L Lasik surgery needs no injection/ microscope. anaesthesia.

A thin corneal flap is cut under the L It needs no hospitalization. microscope with help of a motorized L It is an OPD procedure. instrument fitted with a blade called the L Both eyes can be done in a single sitmicrokeratone. The flap is reflected on its ting. hinge. The corneal stroma thus exposed is L The whole procedure for both eyes alilated by a cracking sound by the laser takes less than 1/2 hour. under computerized control initiated by L Post operatively, local eye drops are the surgeon. continued for 6 weeks.

The cornea is molded to the required shape and the flap repositied.

Belhoul Speciality hospital has given community members a discounted offer for a limited time period for laser eye surgery.

The offer includes: The offer is valid from November 23rd, 2004 until December 31st, 2004. For appointments, please call 04-2140298.

L Free registration L 40% off the laser eye surgery which makes the charges only 4200 dirhams after discount (exclusive of comprehensive assessment).

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Have you Heard?

International Accolades for Films Showing at DIFF Films that wowed audiences and industry juries at the Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, Edinburgh and Sundance Film Festivals will be screened during the inaugural Dubai International Film Festival. The award-winning films are from a variety of genres and traditions, from drama to animation and from small independent work to big-budget studio productions, and most will be showing for the first time in the Middle East.

Notice the Difference - Men Just Got Smarter Braun has created two new electric shavers to meet men's core shaving requirements of closeness, comfort and convenience. Both fully washable under running water, TriControl and Flex XP II combine Braun's high-performance engineering and renowned design with technology previously unavailable outside of the very top-end of electric shaving. The key difference between TriControl and Flex XP II lies in the shaver head, with TriControl using a fixed head design for maximum control and Flex XP II incorporating a pivoting head that automatically adjusts to every contour of the face. In addition - and uniquely for shavers across such a wide range of price points TriControl and Flex XP II are completely washable under running water. The new models also share low battery indicators, soft touch contour design and come complete with a protective hard case.

Cartier Re-opens in Burjuman and Launches Trinity Cartier re- opens its new flagship boutique in Burjuman fitted in the new architectural concept of Bruno Moinard. This new space for Cartier was inspired by memories and sensations. It seeks out the essence, the history, spirit and elegance of Cartier. The boutique will carry the full range of Cartier products including the jewellery collections exclusive to Cartier stores worldwide, as well as the latest Cartier watches, ,leather goods, eyewear and fragrances. For the Occasion, Cartier is presenting its latest Trinity Collection. Three is for three rings that multiply, that are metamorphosed, enlacing one another or becoming very, very small, just like the characters in children's fairy tales. Bands in gold, pink or white gold have stepped out of Alice's Wonderland, from the land of Cartier, creating infinite variations and transforming colours into diamonds.

i-mate JAM Hits the Middle East Market Industry innovators of end-to-end wireless device solutions and with global operations head quartered at Dubai Internet City, announces the arrival of their recently launched and much anticipated device - the i-mate JAM. The i-mate JAM has been designed as a small, mid-tier music device with exceptional audio quality, which operates on Microsoft® Windows Mobile second edition for Pocket PC. It can be used for accessing online music and internet with the built in GSM/GPRS mobile phone and the new Windows Media Player 10, as well as being Bluetooth compatible and having the practical fax capability. With a built in antenna the device is sleek, although packed with great functionality.

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Philips Celebrates the Festive Season Philips Electronics celebrates the festive season by announcing a two-month promotion offering special prizes on a range of consumer electronics and opportunities to win valuable prizes, including a Philips 42-inch Plasma TV. The festive offers are available from all authorized Philips dealers and distributors in the United Arab Emirates, and all come with a worldwide warranty. For more information, contact Louis Hakim at: 04-33 53 666, or louis.hakim@philips.com

Hastens Round Superia H?stens Superia introduces a new kind of bed with an additional 3 inches of height on the outside and Swedish heat-treated pocket springs on the inside. Made with natural materials, you will see the result of superb craftsmanship. Available in round shape or regular.

Inpress Advertising partners with leading Japanese advertising agency Hakuhodo to form a new joint venture Hakuhodo, Japan's second largest advertising agency and one of the top ten independent advertising agencies in the world today (Monday, 22 November 2004) announced a partnership with Inpress Advertising, a Dubai-based agency with an impressive body of work done for Japanese and other multinational clients, to form a new joint venture. The new venture, in which Hakuhodo holds a 25 per cent stake, marks the Japanese agency's foray into the booming Middle East market.

The International Name in Household Linen For almost 80 years, D.PORTHAULT has unfailingly continued to unsettle the world of household linen.

Under the patronage of JML, the maison is set to open a new store in Dubai offering among other things, refined tablecloths, attractive toweling, and sheets rich with history. Mr. Marc Porthault will arrive to Dubai on December 19, 2004 for the grand inaugural ceremony of D. Porthault at Emirates Tower.

HP Tops the Middle East Mobile and Desktop Market HP has once again ranked first place in the desktop and mobile market in the Middle East. HP is the largest IT company in the Middle East employing about 500 professionals in the region. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994 and has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, the Levant and Egypt. For more information about HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.

Children Get Their Say: British Airways hosts food tasting event Two intergalactic travellers, SkyflyerAlpha and SkyflyerBravo, hosted a very special party for British Airways' youngest travellers. During the event, held at the Dubai Catering Unit, the children were given the opportunity to experience some of the highlights from BA's new range of family friendly services, including onboard meals, games, family films and the Cartoon Network channel available through the inflight entertainment system. The group of special travellers were invited to test a selection of the airline's new meals, designed especially for children and families. The options, now available on flights from the UAE to the UK, ranged from classic favourites such as chicken nuggets to pasta dishes, breakfasts and desserts.

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Beauty Line

The Makeup Book Paris Gallery has set a trend with its newly published Makeup Book, the exclusive guide to makeup and skin care. Incorporating a wide variety of make-up and brands, the Book can help you discover the secrets to improving your image and self-confidence.

Whether you want to inject new life into your makeup routine, or learn new techniques, The Makeup Book provided the methods and products necessary for any transformation.

ESTEE LAUDER WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening System Bringing Brighter, Translucent Skin One Step Closer EstÊe Lauder's WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening System is suitable for all skin types and includes products that range from WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Eye Crème SPF 15 and WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Protective Base SPF 30 to WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Moisture Lotion and WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Foundation SPF 25++, WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Powder Foundation SPF 24++ (in seven different shades) and WhiteLight EX Extra Brightening Cleansing Foam and Anti-aging Action.

Red Earth: Snow Queen Red Earth launched this Winter Wonder seasonal color range called Snow Queen.

The purity and beauty of white sets the season's tone while holographic refractions and reflections add sparkle. The result is a long-lasting impression of untainted purity and slick sophistication.

Nivea Beaute Imagine intense color that lights up a room. Nivea Beaute has released a formula to create deep, vibrant color while moisturizing lips to feel soft and supple, and sensual. True Intensity offers a new generation of intense lip colors, giving women powerful shades to express our moods.

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Max Factor: Lipfinity Max Factor Lipfinity, a scientific breakthrough that guaranteed ten hours of rich, intense lip color. - Lipfinity EverLites is a new kind of lipstick a soft, subtle and light to the touch lip color that glides on to your lips like a conventional creamy lipstick, but has the staying power to last up to ten hours even through eating and drinking.

Guerlain Christmas would not be Christmas at Guerlain without a collection of Meteorites. This season, the focus is in the black diamond casing illuminate with silver. Discover two new shades and a unique formula to enjoy the sparkle of a precious stone on your fingertips. The result: the luster of a gold nugget and the magic of a silver diamond river.

Clinique Modern Metallics Fun, Flamboyant, Wild and Sexy.

Be daring and eclectic. Show your eccentric side with these shimmering and shinning colors for your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Soft, touchable velvets are combined with high luster pieces to create this vibrant look. Give your beauty look the edge with these fun shades. It will bring out the Rockstar in you!

Max Factor: Smokey Jazz THE LADY IS A VAMP WITH THE MAX FACTOR SMOKEY JAZZ COLLECTION Max Factor Smokey Jazz Collection is a sumptuous palette of rich shades.

"Whether you're olive toned, peaches and cream or porcelain pale, a return to the dark side beckons with smokey golds, midnight blacks and rich reds replacing summer's softer shades," says Monzani, whose recent films include Morality Plays and The Life of David Gale.

ESTEE LAUDER XL Maximum Length Mascara Think of it as simply stretching the truth. XL Maximum Length Mascara gives you extremely long, wayout-there lashes that defy reality-an innovative response to the ageold desire for dramatically longer lashes. Every lash is separated, defined, and lengthened. The look is clean, natural, and long.

ESTEE LAUDER Clear Difference Advanced Oil-Control Hydrator Keep your skin perfectly hydrated from the inside and perfectly matte from the outside. The core of the Clear Difference collection, this lightweight lotion instantly banishes shine thanks to the gentle action of Absorbex Complex and mattifying powders. It discourages future blemishes before they form and soothes redness away.

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Sparkle with Swarovski

Ruby red highlights the white sparkle of diamonds in this threepiece ensemble. Tinged with subdued blues, the combination is both classy and spectacular.

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In the hopes of keeping your festive season full of shimmer and shine ESPRIT selected some new arrivals courtesy of SwarovskiÂ’s Autumn/Winter collection to tickle your sights.

Sleek and sexy. Add a touch of sophisticated elegance to your night out with this necklace and earring combination.

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For more than a hundred years Swarovski, the Austrian family company based in Wattens in the Tyrol, has been the world s leading brand for cut crystal. Swarovski s artistic and design abilities are evident in Daniel Swarovski Paris and Swarovski Jewelry, the company s accessory and jewelry ranges. This season Swarovski adds sparkle and shine to your celebrations with a new Classics Collection for Autumn/Winter 2004.

This fun combination of shapes and textures jazzes up any outfit. The necklace, resembling an American Indian dream catcher will have you wishing for sweeter dreams.

Like a chandelier, this three-tiered link of jewels is accented with the subtle blush of blue and a primal triangular design.

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