THE ESSENCE OF STYLE ABU DHABI
HAVE BloggErs TAkEn oVEr?
“knowlEDgE Is PowEr”
The region’s best reveal all
+
guerlain’s Esther kamatari’s exclusive interview
MICHAEl kors’ golD rUsH His latest fragance collection
The
FAsHIon IssUE The besT of aw15 Trends
www.ohlala-magazine.com
www.ohlala-magazine.com october 2015| issue 01 abu dhabi | aed 20
Monthly Essentials: Local Staycations, Spa Spotlight & Chic Eats
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NICOLE KIDMAN’S CHOICE
More information available at OMEGA Middle East, Emirates Towers, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 3300455 www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Editor’s Letter
H
ello and welcome to the first issue of Ohlala Abu Dhabi! It’s absolutely wonderful being able to pen those words simply because it feels so right. Having already launched in Bahrain and Qatar many years ago, our presence as a brand has gone from strength to strength and we’re ready to settle into the shores of Abu Dhabi. What’s more is that our logo has had a lick of paint across all titles and what better way to unveil it than with a new issue in a new city? And with that, we’ve got a beautiful bumper issue (if we do say so ourselves) of fashion fixes from Haute Couture to Ready-To-Wear with our favourite looks to get you started off on the right (hot) foot, complete with musthave accessories. Our beauty pages see a host of helpful tips and tricks to achieve everything from thick brows to the hottest trends seen on the runway - and we share our top product picks to survive the change of season. And while we as a magazine do our part in putting the best to the test and share the most sought after pieces of the season, there is a growing population of bloggers out there who are slowly taking over and becoming brand ambassadors - all with just an Instagram and/or blog post. We put a spotlight on some of the biggest names in the blogging industry and find out why and how you can make it from the ground up. But if there is one woman we want to honour the most in this issue it is Esther Kamatari. As the new ambassadress of Guerlain, the Burundian princess has more than just the duty of being the face of the brand, she wants to democratise beauty and show that every woman in the world of all faiths - deserves it above all else. ….and many more to come!
Georgie Bradley 10
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Editor in Chief
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1. Modern Beauty Esther Kamatari 2. .Blogger Mania Have They Taken Over? 3. Beauty Buzz Thick Brows 4. Style Focus Winter Garden 5. Style Focus Haute Couture
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Contents Ohlala
Wish List 16. Grey Matters Style Icon 18. Chanel’s Montre Particulière Watch Style Focus 21. The Haute Couture Report The Best of AW 15-16 Features 36. Rula Galayini: Business of Bags 39. Have Bloggers Taken Over? 46. Esther Kamatari’s Life Stories Fashion Lookbook 50. A Cut Above The Rest Beauty Buzz 62. Looks to Love 63. Ten Best Products 64. Good As Gold: Michael Kors 66. Eyebrows: How To Thick Em’ 67. Beauty Chat: Saving Face Diva Drives 68. The Cadillac CTS Luxury Staycation 71. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 77. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Ohlala #Obsessions 89. Hair Visionaries
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miss Ohlala 90. Confessions of a Blogger
Get ready to mash and clash
Art Corner 80. Her Exhibition Society 85. Shot on Site
Nils Herrmann © Cartier.jpg
Treasure Trove
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October 2015 issue 01
Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes
Publishing Director Edward Smith
Country Director
Georgie Bradley
Editor-in-Chief
Chelsea Copenhaver
Editor
Creative DIrector
Regional Sales Directors
Angela Beitz
Paula Leal
Kirsty Edwards-Harris
Managing editor
Graphic Designers
Rami Khalil
Shabana Adam
Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bindaina
SAles Manager
Motoring Editor
Yasmine Qawasmeh
Tony Sidgwick
SAles Coordinator
Contributors
Renie Simplina
Pallavi Ramesh Shabana Adam Sofia Graniello
Production Manager
Photographers
WEBSITE
Neil Mahmood
Rashed Bindaina
Melek Yildirimtekin
Distribution Manager
Sunder Pratap Singh
Ajit Kumar
COVER Image Rami Kadi
Credits image Kate Spade
Accountants Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander
Distribution Team
Printing Press
Distribution
Jayapragash Ganesan
United Printing Press
Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq
Rajesh Abdul Kadar
UAE – GLS, Tawseel Distribution & Logistics Enquiries
Editorial: georgie@ohlala-magazine.com | Advertising: chelsea@nansgroup.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com | Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 | Postal Address: Ohlala Magazine, The Nans Group, P O BOX 30378, Budaiya, Kingdom of Bahrain. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.
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KENZO.COM/HERENOW
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Style Trend
STRATEA
S CARLUC
CI
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Covetable Cape
Before we get to the depths (ha!) of winter, a cape is a good starter. We love this Hobbs number with its arm cut outs. A cape is a great way to complete an ensemble especially if knee high boots are involved!
You’re A Star
To lift a dull grey out of obscurity, opt for this starry Bedouin t-shirt with its simple yet strong motif. Pair it with jeans for a dressed down look or give it a sophisticated spin with a suit jacket and black drainpipe trousers.
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Put A Ring On It
For any woman who wants a solid silver ring, this Folli Follie creation is as bold and striking as they come. Its irregular shape and size are a major draw and add an interesting touch. 16
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List Grey is an underestimated colour, often sidelined due to its lack of excitement. Black maybe a mainstay for the cooler months but we’re thinking grey matters right now - a tailored grey suit is all the rage among other things. Whether it’s fossil,charcoal or silver grey, give these shades a try.
MARISSA WEB
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Wish 4
Classic Tailoring
There’s nothing like a well cut trouser that fits like a glove, is there? These super skinny trousers from Raoul are a perfect office wardrobe staple.
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Silver Linings
For the perfect evening dress, look no further than this Debut from Debenhams slim fit piece. There’s something rather 90s retro cum sci-fi about it - but best of all, it’s grey and shimmy at the same time. Hurrah!
Al A’ali Complex (New Extension), +973 17581880 www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Style Icon
I t ’ s H i gh
T i m e
The Montre Particulière watch, a staple of Chanel’s fine jewellery, is set in 18K white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds. If there was ever an example of how the boundaries between function and jewellery come together, this would be it. We love how the curves and contours of the design add so much depth and detail - what a way to complete your evening look. This magnificent timepiece is an absolute masterpiece.
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womensecret.com #womensecret
ABU DHABI
AL AIN
DUBAI
SHARJAH
BAHRAIN
MUSCAT
Dubai: The Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira / Abu Dhabi: Al Wahda Mall, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall / Al Ain: Bawadi Mall, Al Jimi Mall / Sharjah: Sharjah Mega Mall / Bahrain: City Centre Bahrain / Muscat: Oman Avenues Mall www.dubaiholdinggroup.com
P R E T T Y, C O M F O RTA B L E & S E X Y
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OPAL ERIKA
Made for dreaming. “ADD MORE COLOR TO THE WORLD” #Campaign4Change by Mia.
ray-ban.com
Available at
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The Haute Report From disco sparkles to structured tailoring to gothic dramas, Haute Couture’s
autumn-winter 2015/16
trends are bigger, brighter and bolder than ever. With a little help from our style radar (that’s us in case you were wondering!) we’ve had fun piecing the looks together in what we think is a hot showcase of serious fashion.
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Style
The Warrior
atelier versace
Giambattista Valli Maison margiela
Franck Sorbier
Christian Dior
Giambattista Valli
Atelier versace
A woman of strong shoulders and form fitting grace. We salute!
Schiaparelli
Schiaparelli
Schiaparelli
Elie Saab
Focus
It’s one of those beautiful, rare moments of enchantment when couture presents nature in breathtaking form. Unlock your imagination with these creations.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Amazonian Woman
Chanel
Heavenly Fairies
The floatiness and airy cuts of the trend give you a whimsical quality. 22
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Christian dior
Elie Saab
ralph russo
Loris azzaro
Giambattista Valli
Atelier versace
atelier versace
She’s statuesque and speaks volume of grandeur - and has never ending legs.
Giambattista Valli
Chanel
Giambattista Valli
atelier versace
atelier versace
The High Line
Giambattista Valli
From neck to dĂŠcolletage, the boundaries were stretched with these details.
Dare to bare
Chanel
Zuhair murad
Alexandre Vauthier
Yiqing Yin
We’re all familiar with the mini dress and/or skirt, right? Designers went to great length to show what good can be done with so little fabric.
Bear With Me
Giambattista Valli
Yiqing Yin
Zuhair murad
There may be little material but these outfits don’t skimp on style.
dice Kayek
chanel
Hit the town with these disco numbers.
Zuhair murad
Out On The Tiles
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Style
chanel
chanel
chanel
Jean paul gaultier
chanel
Focus Boxed In
Dramatically robotic with sharp edges. No one messes with you.
Fair & Square
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Piped tobacco and handkerchiefs. The very essence of your favourite (if fictional) Pop.
chanel
Turning night time fun into everyday wear - with a bit more pizzazz.
Grandpa Glam
chanel
Business Meets Pleasure
givenchy by riccardo tisci
schiaparelli
giorgio armani orivĂŠ
maison margiela
schiaparelli
Christian dior
Architecture meets businessman. Welcome to the suited woman. Strict tailoring, severe structures and gentry tweed - pass us the briefcase.
elie saab
chanel
elie saab
christian dior
giorgio armani orivĂŠ
christian dior
ralph russo
chanel Jean paul gaultier
Period Pieces
A little more demure but fantastically billowy and exaggerated.
Beaded Beauties
Adding gems of glamour to the underworld, these pieces ooze appeal.
Gothic Romance
zuhair murad
giambattista valli atelier versace
atelier versace
atelier versace
Embrace the darkness with these vampy looks and 19th Century glam. Remember, the deeper the plum lipstick, the better.
givenchy by riccardo tisci
Sheer Drama Peek-a-boo lace and sinfully sexy cuts leaving little to the imagination. We love.
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Style
ralph russo
Focus Maison margiela
Grand Designs
Be consumed by couture. We love the tightness on top and explosion on the bottom.
For the ultimate head turning outfit embrace these landmark pieces. There is nothing subtle or quietly chic about them. It’s full on “WOW” from the start.
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alexis mabille
christian dior jean paul gaultier
jean paul gaultier
ralph russo
jean paul gaultier
A Bit of Poof
fendi
giambattista valli
christian dior bouchra jarrar
alexandre vauthier
fendi
Fine Furs
giambattista valli
giambattista valli
atelier versace
giambattista valli
atelier versace
Get that warm fuzzy feeling with a fabulous fake-over.
Shake Your Tail Feather
Ballerina Girl
Who said tutus were for five year olds? Big girls can have their poof too!
franck sorbier
atelier versace
Twist, turn, run and shimmy. That’s all you’ll want to do with these creations.
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Style
Focus MAx & co.
Loewe Kenzo
Cos
Lanvin
marc Jacobs Dorothee Schumacher
The Oversized
Coat
As we embrace another autumn-winter season, the coat, in all its forms makes its continued comeback. But the oversized, androgynous variation is one to look out for this time around, so make sure to get a size up! Of course we’re never going to be able to snuggle up and get cosy in our coats as you would in Europe but on the days when the humidity has fallen, the air is a little crisper and the temperature is more human, an oversized coat is your friend. Or if you’re heading out West, then these picks should be your first port of call! 28
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Paul Smith
Marc by marc jacobs
Dsquared2
French connection
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Style Focus JW Anderson
Bottega veneta
“ We’re talking vibrant, vivid and imaginative designs that make you stand out like a sore, but hot thumb.”
Judy Wu
J by Jasper conran COS Beth Postle
graphic art
Christopher Kane
Does the phrase “go big or go home” ring a bell? This season wearable art is a massive trend but for the less inclined, graphic print is the way to go. We’re talking vibrant, vivid and imaginative designs that make you stand out like a sore, but hot thumb. And of course, just because it’s an intense dress code, doesn’t mean it’s all about colour - there’s monochrome checkerboard chic, up to greys emblazoned with Jackson Pollack style splatters of reds and greens. Also, sartorial geometry is something to get on!
COS
Loewe
Raoul
Roland mouret
Christian Dior
Valentino Peter Pilotto
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Versace
Valentino
Temperley london
Alicia & Olivia
Valentino
MAnish Arora
Hervê leger
Marc Jacobs Mary Katrantzou Mary Katrantzou
treasure trove
Valentino
You know when you were little and you had a box of costumes, random glittery and mishmash clothes for play dates or for when you just wanted to be someone else for the afternoon? Well, here’s a little secret, it’s totally acceptable to be the adult version! Or let’s put it this way - if you don’t know which trend to embrace first, why not bring everything together? With an “anything goes” attitude, whatever you clash together will be a fine mix. Mango
Marc Jacobs
Temperley london Simone Rocha
Marc Jacobs
Mango
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Style
Focus
Aigner
Chloé
Issa london @ saks fifth avenue
Céline Fatema fardan
winter garden
Alice & Olivia
It’s all about the foliage this season, ladies! But instead of looking like spring has sprung, it’s important to embrace the darker, deeper side of botanic chic. Think blood red roses, dense forest greens and lush yellow leaves. Nature is a central motif in the autumn-winter collections across the top favourite brands and it’s time we became one with her. Let’s put it this way, we’ve got green fingers this season! Aigner
bysymphony.com
Christopher kane
Dsquared2
ADAM Lippies
Dolce & Gabbana
Marni
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Clovr canyon @ saks fifth avenue
Let us create a moment that you’ll never forget.
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Terms and conditions apply. © 2015 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
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Style Focus
Alexander mcQueen
Little Buys Marc by marc jacobs
Marc by marc jacobs
B a g
Dsquared2
Michael Michael Kors
Winter chic and lightweight. Pack all your essentials in these roomy bags.
big impact We’ve selected our favourite autumn-winter accessories for the start of the season. From towering boots to dazzling diamonds - these fabulous finds are sure to liven your look - day or night.
DSquared2
Lanvin Glam Confidential @ Saks Fifth avenue
Aigner Leather Collection
i t
Victoria beckham
DOlce & Gabbana
Gucci Lanvin
Michael Kors Coach
Dsquared2
well heeled Charlotte Olympia @ Saks Fifth Avenue
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We love any Christian excuse to Louboutin wear boots especially if they are elevated! And of course some regular hot heels too!
Lanvin
Lanvin
Mulberry
Gucci Christian Louboutin
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Al Mina Street, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi t: +971 2 818 4888 I e: abudhabi.dine@tsogosun.com southernsunabudhabi.com www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Style Insight
The Business of Bags Behind the aesthetic of a brand are the financial nuts and bolts that keep it afloat. Rula Galayini talks to us about how crowdfunding helped launch her bags all over the world. Fashion and figures. A rather heady cocktail to mull over. When we look through a collection of an emerging brand, the financial backstory isn’t something we readily think about. But Rula Galayini has embraced crowdfunding in a way that is making it increasingly in vogue. When you think of crowdfunding you think Kickstarter, where you contribute to an independent film or documentary being made by your old schoolmates. Now Rula is setting a trend for fellow newcomers by going about the ruthlessness of the business with financial know-how. When we grabbed Rula for a chat between her back to back schedule, she’d just come back to Dubai from Marseilles after attending and winning the Mediterranean fashion prize, an annual event where they award a small number of designers from the Med region to come and spend a week with different industry experts. “It was an amazing experience, so inspiring,” she says. While attending fashion awards and events are a mainstay for designers, Rula has really invested time into the facts and figures of her company beyond the glamour of it all. It all started under the original, Poupee Couture, fashion accessories with a distinct style that uniquely blends Eastern and Western culture, but recently the brand has had a revival with a fresh new name: Rula Galayini. “Initially when I started Poupée Couture I was trying to tell the story of the Arab woman because I am originally Lebanese but I spent most of my life moving around between
Cyprus and Canada so I never really lived in the Arab world. When I went back to Lebanon I noticed that the women are really particular - everything is so contrived in the way they dress. Although it’s a society that has opened up from its conservative past there are still rules of conduct. I was really interested in telling that story of the perfect image that the Lebanese woman tries to portray. My designs were consequently very geometric and symmetrical, they had quite rigid facades. I wanted to represent these personalities with strong colours that were only shining through these grids and patterns.” Over the last five years Rula’s brand grew exponentially, with a reach to over 30 countries which then prompted her to think about one woman, irrespective of heritage. “The story started to become more international, the designs matured a lot and became more cutting edge and avant garde to the point where I felt I outgrew the name initially Poupee was a metaphor for the ideal woman with its girly resonances but now I see Rula Galayini as the grown up Poupée Couture.” The name change was the consequence of Rula’s first foray into crowdfunding where both her practical and creative minds were at work. “When I started Poupée Couture in 2007 it was self-funded - I was working in advertising and literally just put $200 aside to start experimenting but from that point onwards I didn’t put more money into the brand it was self-funding itself. Over the years all the money was going
“People in the region are looking at fashion as a sustainable business and something viable to invest in and not just a hobby anymore”
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towards development and when I got to the point where I felt the brand was defined and strong in aesthetic I turned to crowdfunding - a year and a half ago.” “I put the whole project online through Eureeca, a Dubai based crowdinvesting platform, where you sell off parts of your company to investors, who buy shares into your company. It was a really interesting exercise as I sat with consultants who analysed the brand equity and P&Ls (profits and losses) that I had got over the years and they evaluated the company to be worth $700,000 which was amazing because from a designer’s point of view I never really sat to consider this side of the business I was building. I was too busy thinking about the collections.” If the idea of crowdinvesting seems foreign to you, Rula felt the same way initially. “It’s not the easiest thing to get your head around, just trying to decode the language at the beginning was a struggle but I worked with consultants who were guiding me through but I was very much involved from the beginning with all the costs and valuations and building a strong business plan.” So is this the process du jour for up and coming designers? “It’s a very personal decision. Some people have enough funds already and don’t need this route. Through my experience a lot of people in the region are looking at fashion as a sustainable business, and something viable to invest in and not just a hobby because previously people just looked at fashion as a
“I worked with consultants who guided me through and I was very much involved from the beginning with all the costs and valuations and building a strong business plan” pastime. Even the founders of the crowdinvesting platform weren’t sure how I was going to perform as it was the first time they had a fashion related business involved. It pushes you out of your comfort zone for sure but you create a network of individuals who became ambassadors of the brand and want it to be as successful as you do.” But let’s put the numbers aside and talk aesthetics. Surprisingly, “I don’t look at fashion for inspiration,” admits Rula. “I look towards architecture and product design.” The signature collection which includes the Cuff line blurs the lines between jewellery and handbags where your arm, literally, acts as a buffer between the two. “The idea behind this is to question the way we carry out clutches and try to create a new way of holding them. I want my clutches to hang off your hand like a bangle.” Visit the online store www.rulagalyini.com or Galeries Lafayette - The Dubai Mall The Cartel - Al Serkal Avenue - Dubai
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For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman
THE ESSENCE OF STYLE ABU DHABI
HAVE BloggErs TAkEn oVEr?
“knowlEDgE Is PowEr”
The region’s best reveal all
+
guerlain’s Esther kamatari’s exclusive interview
MICHAEl kors’ golD rUsH His latest fragance collection
The
FAsHIon IssUE The besT of aw15 Trends
www.ohlala-magazine.com october 2015| issue 01 abu dhabi | aed 20
cover OHAbuDhabi 2015.indd 1
Monthly Essentials: Local Staycations, Spa Spotlight & Chic Eats 9/21/15 9:31 AM
October Edition available now on issuu.com/ohlalabudhabi 38
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Are They
bigger Than Us?
There was once a time when the media were given the most exclusive and only access to openings, fashion shows and events alike. Now we’re competing against a burgeoning bunch of bloggers who provide instant, on-the-ground coverage, before we’ve even sat down to sift through our Inbox in the morning. So have they really taken over? Or is this just their 15 minutes of fame?
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Ohlala Feature
I
t was at the Dubai Fashion Forward last April when it properly dawned on us. There were more bloggers than there were media people present. And it wasn’t all that hard to decipher. Bloggers stood out in wearable art, exaggerated fascinators and loud, really loud, costume style outfits. One blogger, who at the time was still trying to make a name for himself, wore a suit jacket with stick-on butterflies, and stood out for his polychrome pallet. Nothing about his choice of outfit was subtle - it was clearly a conscious decision. In a society where being more outrageously fabulous than the next person gives you a legion of followers, a public image that PRs capitalise for brand exposure and a social life that make the Hilton sisters look like they’re sleeping under a rock, it’s definitely a fine life. Not to mention, bloggers have now joined the industry specialists on the FROW, furiously note-taking and deftly capturing the action. More and more, being a blogger is a legitimate, full-time job and is a mainstay in the region, not least because of the fivestar lifestyle many enjoy and want to share to the masses. But first and foremost, fashion, has given a voice to many. The democratic principles of
blogging has allowed anyone who is anyone to express their style, interests and opinions. And now that we’re in the golden era of fashion blogging, the tables have turned. The fashion industry is not commanded by designers as such anymore. People,ordinary people, are paving the way for trends and are the inspiration for new direction because of the personal brands they create on social media, followed by a loyal score of ‘likes’. They have changed the dynamic completely. There has always been a preoccupation towards ground-breaking fashion in the Middle East, and now the bloggers are amplifying that noise.
And while blogging is a free zone, available to all, its prominence has
“The democratic principles of blogging has allowed anyone who is anyone to express their style, interests and opinions. And now that we’re in the golden era of fashion blogging, the tables have turned”
seen a surge of talent style agencies grow in an attempt to foster the cream of the crop and headhunt the best of the bunch, giving them celebrity-like status. Mohammad Mondal, the founder of We Trend Style, a talent agency, says the popularity of blogging is owed to the region’s business network, which cultivates content. On top of that: “A large part of the population in this region are expats who established their blogs in their home countries and continue to post about their life while living here.” So where could this blogging phenomenon possibly take us? According to Mohammad, the next step is reality TV: “Bloggers need their own reality TV show which is what we at We Trend Style plan to do soon, creating a show that revolves around bloggers who will get a chance to showcase their talent.”
We cannot deny the fact that there are talented individuals who have gone from zero to style hero in the matter of a few blog posts. What comes next in this industry is something only time and technology will tell. But one thing’s for sure, the stakes will be raised.
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The Best of the Bunch We get the lowdown from the region’s most prominent bloggers on how to get to the top of the bloggersphere.
I Speak Fashion Based in Bahrain and Hong Kong
Blogs About Daily outfits along with the occasional fashion trend report, and manicure shots of the week.
Instagram Followers 7K
Clumsy Chic Based in Doha, Qatar
Blogs About Clumsy Chic follows the mantra of celebrating the little things in life and living an effortless lifestyle.
Instagram Followers 2232 I started a blog to have a creative outlet to blog about things I’m passionate about. I genuinely love what I do and enjoy connecting with other people. I spent the past two years building my brand and took the time to test the waters, found out what type of content excited me, solidified my content and execution approach and worked on an aesthetic for Clumsy Chic from my logo and blog design. Outfit posts against a stunning background
always gets me the most likes on Instagram. I love that Instagram provides bloggers another channel to express themselves creatively and connect with readers. It’s definitely become a form of microblogging. Collaborate with people and brands who share the same vision and voice as your brand and hopefully something fruitful will come out of that partnership through mutual respect and admiration. People can see through someone who is out to do it for monetary gain and it’s very easy to lose credibility in the bloggersphere. Ask yourself the question before working on a post: Is this something I want to read and see if it was on another website? It’s not all about you, it’s about your followers as well. Engage with the community. There’s a level of narcissism with blogs but it’s important to connect with your readers and build a community. Be Patient and enjoy the journey. Blogs look seamless but it takes a lot of work to look as good as they do.
Studying fashion in Hong Kong gave me a lot of exposure to the Asian fashion world and also gave me the opportunity to present the Arabic culture to both Asian and European worlds. Followers are interested in the process of putting an outfit together. Which is why Snapchat is great because it gives more in depth exposure. People are always curious to see the daily life of a blogger or even a stylist. I’ve recently been more drawn to basic colours such as black, white (lots of white) and nude or natural colours. I’ve always been a very loud person wearing all sorts of bright colours and prints, so it’s a big change for me (guess I’m just growing up!). My blog grew gradually as it started as a hobby, then it took off and became what it is today. People started approaching me for fashion tips and asking me what to buy and how to wear things. My Coach shoes and Jimmy Choo wallet are my favourite gifts I’ve ever gotten! There’s always room for improvement. Focus on one thing and work on it. Images are the main part of blogging. Make sure your pictures are interesting and clear.
Instagram: @clumsychic | Blog: www.clumsychic.com
Instagram: @ispeakfashionco | Blog: www.ispeakfashion.co www.ohlala-magazine.com
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OHLALA Feature
LeylaB Based in Dubai, UAE
Blogs About Daily looks, style, events, fashion shows, food, travel and family of course a big part of it is fashion.
Reinvent Yourself Based in Dubai, UAE
Blogs About A guide of all those beautiful and interesting things that makes our life as little women happier and more stylish.
Instagram Followers 12.2K It’s about a blogger’s personality. There are many bloggers out there that get important sponsorship and resources but aren’t able to gain public sympathy yet. Readers will follow bloggers that can engage the public with useful and interesting content, with honest opinions and natural or genuine demeanor. The most likes on Instagram are of fashion and beauty products mood boards (people always will like the posts of the things they crave for), selfies (because you are the reason they following/like you) and pictures of the 42
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Instagram Followers? exotic places/beaches that they dream to visit one day. You can grow and create monthly income from blogging. Gaining interests shouldn’t be a primary idea when someone starts a blog. If you’re going to be thinking pragmatically you’re going to miss the joy, fun and spontaneous elements of it. And you’ll probably lose your motivation and curiosity halfway. Receiving the invitations to the shows at Milan Fashion Week for SS14 is a feeling I still remember. The excitement was amazing. I piece the “My Style” section of my blog emotionally. It sounds silly but I always wear according to how I feel. My moods decide for me and luckily there are plenty of trends out there to choose from. I discovered my passion for interior design a few years ago when I started moving from one country to another and therefore changed homes, which is why I now have a decor section on my blog. What fascinates me the most about interior design is the similarities with fashion. I find the process of matching interior patterns, colours, and angles, similar to the way you style an outfit.
I am a lingerie and swimwear designer. Blogging is my hobby but I love collaboration. I like to meet and work with new designers, I find it very inspiring. I’ve noticed lately followers like photos with less filters. Your likes will increase if you engage and hashtag appropriately. The reader experience is more important than SEO. Try your best to make the blog as interesting as possible. Think the unthinkable, it will present you with an opportunity. Bloggers are the future of fashion branding, so being ‘schmoozy’ is simply part of the whole set up. If you want to review something, whether it’s a product or hotel, be direct with the PR. Sell yourself and your ability to sell them/it. Describe how you intend to promote their product and that your followers are the target audience. Be honest! Your followers do actually need to be the right demographic. Keep your post short. But also give away your knowledge and be consistent. And of course, understand your audience and get ideas from them too.
Instagram: @reinventyourself | Blog: www.Reinventyourself.guide
Instagram: @leylabrunton | Blog: www.leylab.net
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Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East
ARABIA
أروع أزياء املوسـم
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The Modest Belle
Based In Bahrain
Blogs About Fashion, beauty and lifestyle. I am a huge makeup junkie, so I’m constantly testing out new products and reviewing them on my blog and YouTube channel.
Instagram Followers 3K There is a misperception that bloggers need to be a certain way to stand out. In my opinion, it’s all about being yourself and showing your individuality. I’m always listening to the feedback of my followers and readers and I really value their input. I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far without the support I received from my family, friends and amazing readers/viewers/followers. Filming, editing videos and writing blog posts take time. Generally, I post on the blog and my YouTube channel once a week. On social media, I post at least once a day. Snapchat has definitely taken over the bloggersphere. Many people update their Snapchat account daily instead of their blogs. It’s a great way of learning/sharing new information. It’s very important to invest in a proper domain name and website design. And when you post always choose quality over quantity. Instagram: @themodestbelle | Blog: www.themodestbelle.com 44
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Sheida Fashionista Based In Dubai, UAE
Blogs About Fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
Instagram Followers 71K The most exciting experience for me as a blogger was when Anastasia Beverly Hills sent me a huge package of her makeup products. This wasn’t about the products, I mean, of course I was ecstatic to receive them but it was much deeper than that for me. All my life I have tried to prove to people that the fashion and beauty industry is my calling. And for a person I idolise like Anastasia, to not only notice me, but to actually believe in me to send me this package meant the world to me. I was very emotional. I always need dimension when I photograph. I adore how food bloggers take their cleverly arranged items and photograph from a bird’s
eye view. But this almost never works for me. If I’m running errands I don’t have half as much makeup on and I’m usually in flats and casual clothes and I’m always worried people will recognise me in that state! But I don’t stage my photos or outfits, I don’t get dressed up to go out to a location just to shoot my ‘outfit of the day’, I just capture what I already look like for that day and try to find a decent spot in the location I’m in. I think it is important to follow your vision for your blog and attend events that suit your style rather than just being there for the sake of attending. You’ve got to be active. People follow you for a reason. Be humble. There is nothing more unattractive than a person who is too big for their boots. There is ALWAYS someone bigger and better than you, and it’s your followers who make you who you are. My dream is to travel around the world and blog in every destination I visit. Everywhere has a different energy and beauty and I love to capture it all. From the nature of beautiful islands to the busy city life. The different cultures, fashion, styles never ceases to fascinate . Instagram: @sheidafashionista Blog: www. sheidafashionista.com
The Men’s Corner
OHLALA Feature
While Female bloggers dominate the scene, there are nonetheless some sartorially suave gentlemen to follow too..
The Style Choreo
Andy Scott Fashion
Mr Moudz
Based In
Based In
Based In
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai, London and Orlando
DubaI, UAE
Blogs About
Blogs About
Blogs About
Style, fashion trends and lifestyle, I mainly focus on my own style.
All things gentleman’s lifestyle. Posts range from fashion, cars, grooming and more.
Lifestyle. Everything from my travels and restaurant recommendations to cars.
Instagram Followers
Instagram Followers
Instagram Followers
15.8K
10.2k
52k
The timing of my posts is important. But equally posts which focus on my #Flatlays outfit grid, foodie post #PaulDineInStyle and scenery of #MyDubai & #SimplyAbuDhabi. I was working as a Visual Artist for an American clothing line in Abu Dhabi when I first started my blog. I decided to moved to Dubai to start a new career but it fell through. But I stuck with the blogging and soon became full-time. Back in Abu Dhabi, I now work for a British clothing line. Being a brand ambassador is my ultimate goal. So far I am a Guess Access Blogger for Guess Watches. I have my own profile on their official site. I get the privilege of owning the latest GUESS Watches every two months. And here in the U.A.E. I’ve gotten the chance to work with HUAWEI where I always get their newest smartphone launch. I also love the monogrammed luxury velvet slippers from Bachelor Shoes.
Make sure that people are not being bored to death, be creative in the way you inform. Starting out in America and then moving to Dubai has helped grow my audience. I’m from London so my blog takes me between all three places. Going to constant events in Dubai along with the fashion opportunities has helped me grow. Everyone and there dog is now suddenly a blogger, but numbers and content talk, let’s just leave it at that! Receiving a nice watch to me is always a bonus, as I’ve worked closely with watch brands before - whether it be Armani or Daniel Wellington. Also free shoes keeps me happy, I have 200+ pairs. HUGE ADDICT. Travelling around seems to be on trend. Everyone seems to be trying to post an outfit pic behind beautiful scenery.
Instagram: @itsmepaulramos Blog: www.thestylechoreo.blogspot.com
Instagram: @andy_scott_uk Blog: www.andyscottfashion.blogspot.com
You need to give people a reason to want to follow you. There are so many people out there that have a unique vision, yet they tend to want to blend in with the crowd. Pictures with celebrities always get the most likes! My two most liked photos on Instagram are pictures with the Kardashians. I’ve always loved taking pictures as you get to capture a moment and keep it forever. I am always very specific about what I post. I own a fashion consultancy and work on special projects – that brings in money for me, but through blogging alone, I have been able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, the consultancy just adds to that. Remember that you create your own rules so don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy what you post but remember to be selective about it too. Instagram: @mrmoudz | Blog: www.mrmoudz.com www.ohlala-magazine.com
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OHLAla Feature
The
Modern
F ac e o f b e aut y A Burundian princess, France’s first black runway model, philanthropist and recently appointed ambassadress of Guerlain, Esther Kamatari has some incredible life stories to share.
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“Beauty is like a painting. If you don’t take care of it, overtime it’s gone”
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OHLAla Feature
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sther Kamatari is an enlightened woman.
Chatting to her is like listening to a modern philosopher. Her passion about revolutionising the way we see beauty is palpable and rich in thought. While we’ve arranged to chat about her new ambassadorial role at Guerlain, given her illustrious career spanning over four decades, conversation soon turns to her beginnings. Born into royalty, Esther’s uncle was King Mwambutsa IV Bangiricenge of Burundi. In 1970 the tiny African country between Rwanda and Tanzania was in a state of political upheaval, where several royal family members were assassinated, including Esther’s father. She thus exiled her war-torn nation and headed for Paris, bright-eyed and without a cent to her name. “I left Burundi to ride my life,” she says with the same enthusiasm she had when she first arrived in Paris. A displaced Esther took the bull by the horns, “I arrived with a lot of courage and enthusiasm” and bags of curiosity for human nature. “At the airport I was just watching people be, I was so surprised when I saw someone put a coin in a machine and get a Coca Cola in return, but it was wonderful. And I have to admit, I was stunned to see so many white people at the same time.” Despite being untrained in life as it were, Esther had one very powerful asset in her arsenal: “I had just one thing in my luggage: my education. You can come from a royal family or a poor family – if you don’t have education you don’t go anywhere. With education you have the possibility to engage with people, respect them and represent your country.” Esther could easily carry her royal clout wherever she goes, using and abusing her title for personal gain but in a refreshingly humble way, she laughs this idea off. “My mother always used to say to me, ‘just because you’re a princess it doesn’t mean you don’t have to do things because you never know when you’ll need to’. She was so right.” Indeed a chance encounter at the airport, upon her arrival in Paris, restored her faith in humanity at a time when it was perhaps lost. “All I had on me was a toothbrush and a couple sheets of paper, that’s it. I sat down at the airport arrivals and simply waited. A man approached me and said hello and we started to talk and later ended up going to
lunch where I told him my whole back-story about my life in Burundi. And then gave me 1000 Francs (the equivalent of approximately €152), a hotel room to stay in for 10 days, a telephone number of a priest and he said if nothing happens for me, call him. He shook my hand and said good luck. I’ve never seen him since. That’s why when you have such a welcome into a country like this, you can only reciprocate.” Not once does Esther come across as self-entitled. Her airport encounter only strengthened her humility and want to pay this gratitude forward. Even talking about her catwalk career, one that was headline making and inspired a wave of black models to the scene, she almost skirts around the immensity of it by “always being humble” and never letting her success get to her head.
“The African woman doesn’t need your tears, she needs an example, because she deserves it. Knowledge is power”
E
sther’s timing into the fashion world couldn’t have been better though. Paris was in the mood for change. To see something different. “Fashion wanted to see the world without [rose-tined] glasses,” she says. Doors started to open but it was the element of survival that drove her success. “When you’re young and you need to eat, you just do it. It was a lot easier back then because there were no agencies, it was a case of picking up the telephone and putting yourself out there.” She was the first to wear wedding collections for high fashion, Lanvin no less, and was also nominated for a star of fashion in
1979 in Sydney, Australia. And for over half a decade, Esther has been linked with Guerlain, and her recent accession to spokesperson was only a matter of time. “When you have a long-standing relationship, your respect for each other grows. Stepping into this role (it became official in June of this year) wasn’t a big surprise but it allows me to transmit to women that they can all be beautiful. Guerlain is very sensitive to the universality of beauty. And of course, black people, we are in the universe! Guerlain has the most beautiful products for the skin, they’re very luxurious. Beauty is like a painting – if you don’t take care of it, overtime it’s gone.” The word transmission is at the forefront of Esther’s lexicon. She drops the word several times during the interview. “The African women also need to have access to beauty – transmitting this idea to women is the biggest thing – especially because it’s free.” Look at any beauty campaign and you’ll notice how the face is invariably of Caucasian origin, which is purely a cultural phenomenon - and needs more diversity. But if anyone can bridge that disparity between races, it’s Esther, who wants every woman to be proud and realise their value, whatever their socio-economic standing. “In Africa you see a woman who is poor but you notice she has a mobile phone. And she charges it does she not? She can survive. She is smart enough and has enough access. The African woman doesn’t need your tears, she needs an example, because she deserves it. Knowledge is power. I’ve been working alongside Guerlain recently in the Ivory Coast and in November we’re going to Cameroon.” In the past Esther has expressed a desire to become president of Burundi and while she stills wants to impart knowledge to the people, it doesn’t have to be in a governmental position for it to happen. “I want to fight for the younger generation of women to have access for education. I think if I do it from where I stand now, it will be stronger whereas if I was fighting to be president, it would get sidelined.” In true prophetic form, she closes her rhetoric on beauty with a resounding: “everyone deserves beauty. Beauty creates emotion – when you see a sunrise, whether you’re poor or rich, it produces the same emotion. That physical beauty reflects in the people.” www.ohlala-magazine.com
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A CUT ABOVE T HE RES T
Filled with luminous embroidery, fringed Ostrich feathers and eye popping glow, Rami Kadi’s latest collection defines the notion of edginess. We bow to these stunning, over the top creations.
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Get your daily dose of Ohlala online now THE ESSENCE OF STYLE
Hot for Winter
A FABULOUS GUIDE TO THE NEW SEASON’S TRENDS
KATY PERRY
EXCLUSIVE
GLORIA ESTEFAN
SETS THE STANDARDS
Basking in Royal Allure
DECEMBER 2013 OHLALA!
WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM
JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 110
BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20
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beauty files
Get Ready to Fall Into This Season’s Trends www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Beauty Buzz Go abstract and go graphic with some serious lines in between Take the plum, or deepest black for this fall’s beauty trends
This Season’s RUNWAY TRENDS
Pat McGrath gives us an insight of a true statement colour trend with Maison Margiela
Here’s a round up of all the TOP LOOKS to love and embrace.
MAC
Take it from MAC, graphic eyes are in trend for this season. Yay or nay?
Take an apricot route on the cheeks with Guerlain
Liquid Eyeliner by Urban Decay
Black eyeliner pencil is back!
Keep it clean and keep it bright? Dramatic lips for the season is a must
Kenzo
Possessed Intense by Lipstick Queen
Dramatic smokey eyes with some bold burgundy lips
Espirit Dior Tokyo Backstage gives us some sparkly, graphic eyelids 62
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Dior
They’ve got colour blocking down.
Guerlain
Cool hues are perfect for that smoky eye this season
Play it dramatic with a dark lip
Honey Trap lip balm by lush
Kiss Kiss Baume by Guerlain Body Wash Spicy Citrus by Sacha Juan
Nude in 102 by Marc Jacobs Beauty
Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm by Bobbi Brown
10 Products
for A/W
Everlasting Foundation by Clarins
survival New season, new you. Arm yourself with THESE must-haves.
Metamorphic by Formula X
Bianca Noirs by Christian Louboutin
Ohlala loves...
Clear Difference Agua gel & mask by Estee Lauder
Breathe life into your limp locks with Colab’s dry shampoo. Don’t let you hair look dull, flat and lifeless this season – it needs to be in your beauty cabinet! www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Beauty Insight
Good as Gold
In the next chapter of the Michael Kors Fragrance empire, The Gold Collection has hit the scene. Each of the three individual scents were designed to reflect the opulence and luxury of the highly prized metal - from white, to rose, to 24K gold. The advertising campaign, captured by Mario Testino, features a seductively bronzed Karmen Pedaru, Michael Kors’ muse, wearing a glamorous array of mixed metallic accessories that radiates the Michael Kors luxe gold lifestyle. He gives us a few golden moments to talk about his vision. The Inspiration
“I’ve always loved gold - to me, there’s nothing more glamorous and opulent than the shimmer of gold, especially on sun-kissed skin. A luxe fragrance is the finishing touch for any girl.”
Golden Days
“There are so many fabulous gold moments in classic Hollywood movies. There was Katharine Hepburn in the gold lamé gown in Bringing up Baby - the one that rips. I love Katharine Hepburn and that scene makes me laugh every time. Grace Kelly literally glowed in a gold gown in To Catch a Thief. And of course, there was the pleated gold lamé dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the censors thought it was so risqué they only allowed it to be shown from the back. And last but most opulently, there was Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra.” 64
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Best of Three
“The idea behind the fragrances is more about individual preferences. Sometimes a woman wakes up and she’s feeling powerful and she puts on white gold. Other times she wants to be a little more romantic so she slips on rose gold. Or she wants to be completely glamorous so she wears yellow gold. And then there are women who only wear one metal or the other. I think when you smell all three fragrances you’ll find the one, or two, or three that work for you. There’s also going to be a new jewellry collection to complement these fragrances.”
Quick Fire
“The three words that come to mind when I hear gold are: opulent, luxurious, glamorous.”
Final Remarks
“I think you have to be very confident to wear head-to-toe gold, and I’d say keep the makeup and hairstyle to a minimum.”
“Sometimes a woman wakes up and she’s feeling powerful and puts on white gold. Other times she wants to be a little more romantic so she slips on rose gold. Or she wants to be completely glamorous and wear yellow gold”
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Beauty Buzz
Retractable Brow Pencil in Midnight Brown by Sephora
Kim Kardashian
If the classy arch, yet full bold eyebrow is what you’re aiming for, go for a retractable pencil and fill in those eyebrows of yours.
Sofia vergara
Run-it-wild! Sofia Vergara knows how to rock a wild set of eyebrows. Fill them in and enhance your eyebrow colour with some serious dipbrow gel by Anastasia and set it all with Marc Jacob’s brow gel.
Thick’em Thick, bushy, and yet ‘wolfy’ eyebrows are a staple trend you won’t want to miss. Check out the tricks of the trade for A-list eyebrows.
Jennifer lopez
Take it from Jenny from the block: keep them clean, but with a bushy twist. Add a bit of brow gel, comb them away and highlight that brow bone.
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THE BEST ADVICE WE’VE EVER HEARD
Be on fleek in the eyebrow department, this season. Maintaining a good set of eyebrows can be a tricky job, that is why it’s always good to remember to clean and not pluck away. A good set of tweezers may come in handy to clean and remove stray hairs.
In a perfect world, I would treat myself to a facial
every week. Overkill I hear you say? Maybe. But here’s the thing. I am a self-confessed facial addict. Elizabeth Taylor may have had her love affair with jewellery but my love affair is all about exfoliating, masks and serums. Call me a total skincare nerd but I sold my soul when I was 17 when I first set foot in a spa and never looked back. There’s something so deliciously indulgent about being seriously pampered while at the same time having gorgeous products applied to your face that give your skin a good clean out while also preventing ageing. One of the other reasons I am a die-hard facial fan is that I love the feeling that my skin is authentically clean combined with the glorious achievement of super plumped up and hydrated skin. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is just so much more going on with your face than the naked eye can see and no matter how good your at-home routine is, it’s just not going to cut it. Yes, even if you own a Clarisonic you still need regular facials. Living in this region, we are constantly battling environmental factors such as year round air-conditioning and extreme heat and humidity that cause all sorts of skin woes such as congestion, breakouts and skin so dry or so oily that it’s enough to bring you to tears. Treating yourself to a super deep-clean facial once a month will really get results and help combat these issues.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is just so much more going on with your face than the naked eye can see and no matter how good your at-home routine is, it’s just not going to cut it”
Saving Face With so much pressure to achieve a flawless complexion these days, Angela Beitz discusses her fixation with facials.
Facials have come such a long way since a couple of slices of cucumber were placed over your eyes while a wipe-on, wipe-off technique was applied to the face. Case in point, the facials that are available in our fair city are enough to see you addicted for life. Gold facial? Why not. Diamond facial? Well, it would be rude not to. Caviar? Slather it on please. If you are looking for luxury facials you can’t do much better than these and they are the types of facials that are perfect for a bit of ‘me time’. Now before you judge me for being totally superficial, I’m mostly interested in results-oriented facials and products that actually work. Top of my list are fruit acid peels, DNA serums (of course it’s not actual DNA but rather ‘live ingredients’ for rejuvenating your skin) and beautiful organic products that are free of parabens and preservatives. These types of facials will immediately revive and illuminate dull, stressed skin and take away that awful lacklustre feeling. If you’ve never tried a facial or feel you don’t have time, I urge you to go just once. It simply makes you feel so much better no matter how bad your day is. You won’t be sorry. www.ohlala-magazine.com
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The Cadillac CTS The Cadillac CTS is beautiful, luxurious, practical and safe. It also costs less than other cars in its class. Does this make it the perfect premium family sedan?
A
few years ago, if you asked any diva driver in the Gulf where their ideal car would come from, and almost all would say Germany. However, these days, more and more would tell you that a Cadillac is the car they’d drive. This is because the American premium luxury brand has had one objective in mind over the last decade, and that is to fight their way up to sit amongst the German big three of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The Cadillac CTS is the result of that ambition. In order to achieve their aims, Cadillac had to match the Germans on each of the following criteria: Style (both inside and out), quality, driving experience and technology. So, how does it fare? Well, on style it certainly does the trick! It is an extremely handsome car, with modern lines, an athletic stance, and the premium bling comes courtesy of those big chrome alloy wheels and the LED daytime running lights on the headlamps and framing the front air scoops. Inside, the good news continues. With padded leather surfaces and chrome detailing everywhere, it’s supremely stylish, and manages to be both modern and elegant. Comfort is key too, and the CTS doesn’t disappoint there either, with comfortable leather seats boasting both hot and cold ventilation. Everything looks and feels extremely solid and well-build, so the quality is definitely there too. On the technology side of things, they first had to overcome the historic notion that American cars can’t turn corners. They did this pretty emphatically when in 2009 the CTS-V sedan broke the lap time record on the Nurburgring for a production sedan on factory tyres. So, we know that Cadillacs can handle 68
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Diva Drives
well, but do they drive well? The answer is a resounding yes – the CTS has a lovely, smooth ride in addition to responsive handling, and even the turbocharged V6 version we drove had plenty of power, but was incredibly easy on the fuel, which is good news for the eco-conscious among you. Finally, Cadillac had to challenge the Germans on safety and driver assistance technology, and challenge they definitely have. It boasts adaptive cruise control as well as front and rear automatic braking to help you avoid collisions. Then there is the parallel and perpendicular parking assist, which basically parks the car for you. Not that we ladies need it, of course, but it’s nice to have… Then there is a raft of safety features including a protective safety cage made from high strength steel alloys to protect the family, no less than TEN airbags all around you, and electronic stability control, ABS with automatic brake-dry (this gently applies braking to wet brakes to heat them up so that they dry quicker), and even lane-change correction, which helps you steer back into your lane if it senses you drifting across the line by mistake. Overall, we found the Cadillac extremely impressive. Outside America, the Cadillac brand still doesn’t have the prestige of its German counterparts. However if it keeps making cars like this, it’s only a matter of time. And not that much time either… www.ohlala-magazine.com
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new ones.indd 1
6/14/15 10:15 AM
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Not only is this property irresistibly comfortable, stylishly cosmopolitan and in the thick of Abu Dhabi’s best haunts, it is an architectural statement. This is contemporary luxury with a sculptural edge and not to be overlooked.
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Local Escapes
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s far as a spot of luxury goes, this property
hits all the right buttons. From the stellar reception area to the stand alone bath along with luxurious products, to the panoramic views of Abu Dhabi to the infinity pools (three of them!), you’re in for a proper city treat. When we arrived we were so taken by the cutting-edge interior design, with the shafts of light coming in through the heavenly floor-toceiling windows, it felt like we were in some parallel universe. As we explored the hotel’s features, we loved the Six P Gym - if you can’t bear to face a characterless wall anymore while pounding the treadmill, the hotel’s gym offers a dream experience. Although the gym faces a beautiful stretch of Abu Dhabi’s bustling streets, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better view in the city than in the hotel’s Observation Deck at 300; as the name suggests, the viewing deck is located 300 metres above ground and gives you an uninterrupted view of the Abu Dhabi - binoculars are available for those who want a more focused view. It’s a real special point in the property. And of course, all the way down, you’ve got The Avenue. Oh it’s too tempting not to pay a visit! As part of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers development, The Avenue is a unique luxury lifestyle for connoisseurs of the finer things in life. With a portfolio of super high-end brands, personalised client services and sophisticated fixtures, you’ll while away your day without even realising. But if you want to simply while your day away in total relaxation, we recommend the hotel’s Talise Spa, which is the ultimate destination for rejuvenation. You can choose from a delightful menu of treatments to kick start your day or wind down after a hectic schedule. The waiting area is an environment of tranquility, chill-out music and has the scent distinct to a spa - a captivating heady aroma. After choosing a standard, but reassuring, aromatherapy massage, we filled out the health questionnaire, sipped on a shot of crystal infused water - and headed to the treatment room. Firstly, we loved how there are no public facilities - fear not, it’s not all downhill from here! We entered a candlelit room and were told that each treatment room has its own private bathroom, shower, bathtub and changing area equipped with all the essentials. Talise Spa is very conscious of adhering to proper spa etiquette and if you’re one to value the privacy of getting changed, this is absolutely spot on. Once you’re ready you can ring a bell to alert your therapist, but we opted to skip this procedure simply because our therapist was attune to our timing and was ready to take us to the next step. Our therapist, light and calm in tone, explained to us 72
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“We had asked for a light massage - and that’s what we got - with a few knots removed at the same time. It was definitely sleep inducing”
that there are a number of oils to choose from, depending on what we wanted out of the treatment. Having put our feet in a bowl of rose petalled water, she came with a long, narrow tray with little tea-pots of each oil. After settling for mint oil - it practically pierces your nose, it’s that fresh, we got onto the table and let the next hour go by in total relaxation. With a special focus on the arms and scalp, it was just what we needed. The aromatherapy massage utilises a combination of massage techniques - a bit Swedish, a bit Balinese - to manipulate the muscles with pure aromatherapy oils for desired results. One major benefit is how it assists the circulatory lymphatic nervous systems and balances the body. We had asked for a light massage - and that’s what we got - with a few knots removed at the same time - but it was definitely sleep inducing and took us away to a place of bliss. Making sure we were happy with the intensity of the massage, www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Local Escapes
Known for offering simple joys on artistically crafted plates, this Japanese outlet prides itself in its exotically sourced ingredients and discernibly high quality menu. Now with added items for autumn, we’d come to ignite our palate. we were asked fairly early on in the treatment if it was what we wanted. Simply glorious. Upon recommendation, we took it upon ourselves to sample the highly praised, Tori No Su. Now with added items for autumn, we’d come to ignite our palate. If there were ever a cuisine that has gone through many evolutions and has come to be the most well-received, welltasted, well-loved and the most common answer to: “Which cuisine could you live on forever?” the accolade has got to be given to the Japanese. There’s also something so diplomatic about a platter of sushi, displayed in elegant margins. Not to mention, it’s a cuisine that inherently recalibrates table manners - chopstick etiquette is very much a thing (don’t rifle through shared dishes with them, don’t swirl them in soup, don’t cross them when resting them on the table and perish the thought of licking the ends of them) and if the mass struggle of actually using them 74
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is anything to go by, it’s an art. The finesse of Japanese cuisine make us better eaters too; less toothy, clumsy, more finishing school bitesize. From the outset Tori No Su, is dripping with new age vibes. The design seems to nod to Japan’s technological prowess as well as Scandinavia’s clean cut lines with its asymmetrical lighting fixtures. The level of light is dotted well throughout without being too intrusive and clinical and warm enough to make you feel comfortable. Sampling new items on the menu, our first dish was a mega production of sushi and sashimi. Among jelly-like cubes of raw tuna and salmon were slithers of cuttlefish wrapped around mint leaves, bringing together gloriously unexpected flavours. The sea bream was gentle to bite into and offered a different addition to the platter. Another spectacular feat was the Chicken Katsu Maki Roll with smidgens of mozzarella
and parmesan cheese. The chicken was clearly taken from the breast and was a lovely distinction which was very ‘comfort food’ in taste. They’re quite hefty pieces so sharing is a must. With the utmost attentiveness the staff presented us with Gindara Miso Yaki - a black cod that had been marinated over four days with a creamy miso mayonnaise on the side giving a salty sweet kick. This was a dish that definitely had us saying “it’s too good to be true”. For a crunchy respite, a line of mini crispy lobsters were served in a deep dish next to the head of the lobster shield - many points for visual appeal. This would go down well for anyone who loves a bit of deep fried fish. The Wagyu Foie Gras was a delightful chew challenge. With the foie gras perched on top of the medium rare beef (the closer
“With the foie gras perched on top of the medium rare beef and the glossy oba sauce diligently coated across both tiers, it was a hearty finale to the mains”
For more information or reservations call: 02 8115666
you get to the centre the more bite it takes) and the glossy oba sauce diligently coated across both tiers, it was a hearty finale to the mains - and wasn’t pungently beefy despite its strong rosy complexion.For a cooling dessert, the green apple panna cotta topped with matcha ice cream with a few berries thrown into the mix, is a bloatless newcomer to the menu that has a tartiness courtesy of the apple. Although Abu Dhabi doesn’t have four distinct seasons, the new additions to the menu offer seasonality via these gastronomic treats. In addition to the food, we absolutely loved how enthusiastic the staff were about every dish that came our way. The best part after a hearty dinner is knowing you’ve got the biggest, softest and amazing-for-curling-up pillows on a cloud bed waiting for you. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has everything you could want in a plush property, right down to the silky linen. www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Local Escapes
Downtime The pool area is a little oasis surrounded by towering skyscrapers and shielded with thorough palm trees. The great big aluminium fan sculptures punctuating the pool are dramatic and dreamy at the same time and offer a unique background for those all-important selfies! You’ll be given an ice bucket filled with bottles of water, face mist and sun cream – no excuses for lobster skin!
It’s The Little Things… You can have a butler. Yes, really. But dash thoughts of a period TV drama butler, no, your butler is your friend, personal shopper or encyclopaedia if you want them to be. It’s all very convivial and fun. As for personal touches, you’ll return to your room and see for example that your shoes are shining more than they did when you left - that’s because housekeeping go the extra mile - without you needing to ask.
The Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Sitting large on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, this property boasts feature after feature. From its high tech navigation in the rooms to the sprawling views of the city, this hotel is perfect for business and pleasure.
Back To The Future Technology has been known to hinder rather than help at times but The Rosewood makes your life so much easier with a tap of a finger. Each room is equipped with an Ipad to control your TV, drapes, curtains, lighting, room service and your bill. Each iPad also stores a range of newspapers and Abu Dhabi tourism information for you to mull over.
Location, Location, Location Being on Al Maryah Island means you’ll be in the thick of things. Not only is the hotel a short distance away from the Corniche, the city and a plethora of malls, the hotel has direct access to The Galleria.
Bed, Bath & Beyond We were treated to the sweet life of a Junior suite across an elegantly furnished living room, a corridor of ample wardrobe space with a dressing table and then a bedroom with a king size that would dwarf your own at home. The bathroom – now if you enjoy soaking in your tub with an unparalleled view, the stand-alone bath is simply divine.
Sparadise The swirling mint smells of the Six Senses Spa are enough to relax you from the word go and the sparkly staff attend to your every need. The spa itself is a labyrinth of starrylit corridors, relaxation rooms, cold mist showers, steam and sauna rooms. www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Local Escapes
The Kings of Cantonese
There’s a new kid on the block in Abu Dhabi’s Chinese food scene – but this one is the real deal. The Rosewood Hotel’s Dai Pai Dong on Al Maryah Island is giving us a reason to restore our love for the cuisine. If truth be told, Cantonese cuisine is daunting to the uninitiated. Perhaps it’s the visibly hanging ducks and chickens in the open kitchens that flip the stomach? Or the foreign textures or that meats are lusciously drenched in mystery stock. Chinese food is one thing, but the concept of Hong Kong street food conjures all sorts of ideas. The latter has a more authentic, casual association – far from the orientally generic takeaways we’re used to. The name, Dai Pai Dong literally means ‘restaurant with a big license plate’ or to put it in common speak, ‘open-air street food’ – sounds familiar enough now, right? Last year when in downtown Hong Kong I suspended my inhibitions and heartily tried everything – but I couldn’t tell you what any of it was, but each unknown stirred discussion. My friend however, was not won over. “It’s the textures I can’t deal with. Some things are unexpectedly hard or chewy,” she said. Luckily for me, if there’s a gush of flavour, I could be eating the most obscure part of any animal, and my gag reflex would remain undisturbed. The atmosphere at Dai Pai Dong doesn’t disappoint – there are chickens: raw, marinated and BBQed, dangling in an assembly line in the preparation room (for all to see) on the side of the main restaurant – the real deal. The dining area has a dimly lit elegance to it without all the noise you’d get in an actual street food set up. That said the open plan kitchen has the hustle you’d find in Hong Kong, with billowing steam, chefs on overdrive and electric energy. If anything, it serves as an enhancement rather than a distraction. We started off with some beautiful morsels of Dim Sum – minced beef balls, Har Gow shrimp 78
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dumplings, BBQ chicken puffs (with their golden crunch) and the shrimp balls parcelled in crusted almonds – an absolute table favourite. As is the case with Cantonese, the portions are shareable and sizeable. The staff were willing and well versed in the complex amalgamation of each dish. They were also excellent in providing a ‘tastes like such and such’ for the more indistinguishable items on the menu that needed a closer-to-home equivalent for us to access. All at once our spread came, in an exotic sizzle. Among them were: honey roasted pork neck, wok fried scallops with Chinese leeks and XO sauce (an emperor of a condiment, has a smoky intensity), cuttle fish with black pepper, garlic and soya sauce, braised eggplant with ginger, garlic and chili sauce, wok fried asparagus with water chestnut and gingko nuts and a generous mound of Dai Pai Dong’s fried rice with shavings
of shredded duck and egg. The fortifying flavours were so mouthworthy, we ran out of superlatives to describe how delicious it was. But the braised eggplant just had to take the top prize: its glossy starch coat and honey sweet taste was out of this world good. Of course the desserts were equally as interesting – the fried black sesame balls with red bean mushed up on the inside is one of the great joys of ethnic eating - it was wonderfully different. As too was the Hong Kong egg tart, velvety and pastry perfect. Although touted as a great casual eatery, there’s still a chicness about the set up - especially if you take your post meal wind down into the speakeasy inspired bar. The drinks menu fuses favourites with Cantonse ingredients. Go for the Gin & Tonic with green tea. Dai Pai Dong has restored our faith in reassuringly good Chinese food. For more information or reservations call: 02 813 5550. www.ohlala-magazine.com
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A Picture is Worth a
Thousand Words
Having opened last month, the exhibition of photographs titled HER by French-Italian photographer Matilde Gattoni captures moments in the everyday life of women from different cultures, countries and walks of life. We caught up with the lady behind the lens to learn more.
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Art Corner
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Art Corner “As disparate as their stories might seem, all of the women Matilde has portrayed share an innate capacity of resilience and courage, no matter what difficulties they had to face. Although shunned and marginalised in many countries, they are often the hidden backbone of families and communities”
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hroughout her career spanning 15 years, 35 countries
and four continents, photographer Matilde Gattoni has had the unique opportunity of encountering thousands of women from all corners of the world, from explorers in Dubai to war refugees in Kenya, Eritrea and Lebanon, from cluster bomb victims in Laos to tsunami survivors in Indonesia, from victims of domestic violence to land grabbing evictees. Despite their very different backgrounds and cultures, Matilde has built a strong connection with all of them by witnessing the life-changing events they experienced and the resulting impact on their lives. As disparate as their stories might seem, all of the women Matilde has portrayed share an innate capacity of resilience and courage, no matter what difficulties they had to face. Although shunned and marginalised in many countries, they are often the hidden backbone of families and communities. This exhibition is a tribute to their bravery and capacity to deal with apparently insurmountable challenges, be they war, natural calamity, or the prejudices that exist within their own society. HER is an ode to all of these women and a celebration of their resilience and fortitude. Here, Matilde takes us through her journey into photography…
Could you tell us about how you got started as a photographer? Do you find yourself taking a particular approach consistently, or is it different with each story? I started when I was 19, I travelled to Morocco with my father’s SLR, bought 40 rolls of black and white Ilford films in a small shop in Casablanca and wandered around the country for a month. When I came back home I realised the films had been exposed to sunlight as all the frames were covered with round lighter shapes, but it was love at first sight. I’ve been a professional photographer for 15 years now and I can feel my approach changing, I think it follows my personal path, the more I photograph and the more I feel the need to find myself in the others. I’m not anymore in search for the “exotic” but more for the familiar.
If you think of one of your favourite images, why does it speak to you? The images that I didn’t get to take for different reasons, I didn’t have the camera with me, the moment went away fast... I still have them clearly in my mind. In general I like to think more about my next image. 82
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“These are heroes; they fight every day to survive, to protect their children or simply to carry on in a world that often underestimates their role in society” How would you describe your photographic approach? It is a human approach, fed by the need to understand the others, why do they live in a certain way, how do they adapt to changes be they positive or negative, how do they survive hardships and why.
What do you hope to share or communicate in this exhibition? I want to share the lives of some incredibly inspiring women I have met during the past 15 years. These are heroes; they fight every day to survive, to protect their children or simply to carry on in a world that often underestimates their role in the society. These women have taught me to persevere and this is my ode to them.
Do you remember the first photo you took and what continues to inspire you with photography? I remember the first set of images I took in Morocco, looking back at them I realise they were nothing special but at that time it seemed like a revelation. My subjects are definitely the driving force as well as my readers. Last month, thanks to the help of some readers we managed to raise money for a single mother I had met in Laos whose husband died after stepping on a cluster bomb and a young Nepali who had lost his house during the earthquake.
What has been the most challenging photography project or the most difficult moment that you’ve had to capture? The most difficult subjects are the most sensitive and vulnerable ones, people who are experiencing trauma or PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. For example, war refugees or victims of sexual abuse. You have a mixed feeling that you shouldn’t be there and that you have to be there and tell their story at the same time.
What do you enjoy most about photography? Photography has given me the chance to approach people. I’m extremely shy, and I don’t know how I would have managed without photography. It also helps me to put a little bit of order in the chaos we live in.
Any advice for young budding photographers? Study, preferably history and history of the arts or economy, understand how the world functions before you take the responsibility to tell people how it works through your own eyes. GO: HER exhibition is open to the public for free until October 31, in the Gulf Photo Plus gallery space, Unit D36, Alserkal Avenue. Visit www.gulfphotoplus.com or call 0(4) 380 8545 for more information. www.ohlala-magazine.com
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Swarovski Winter Gardens Collection Launch Swarovski made its Autumn Winter 2015/16 runway debut in Dubai, showcasing the Winter Gardens collection of fashion jewellery and accessories. With this versatile, on-trend collection that speaks to the needs of modern and multi-faceted women, Swarovski expressed its DNA and iconic touch of glamour and sparkle. Swarovski invited the city’s social elite to the idyllic all-new beach lounge, Cove Beach.
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Yas Mall Fashion & Beauty Week Yas Mall welcomed visitors to its Fashion & Beauty week in Town Square. Visitors of all ages enjoyed the fashion lounge, which included make up stations with demonstrations on skin colour palette and eye and lip shades, and nail stations offering the latest in nail art trends. There were also dress-up rooms for private consultations with valued opinions from renowned stylists, like The Lunberg Style Academy. 86
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Alice & Olivia Autumn 15 Collection Preview Alice & Olivia by Stacey Bendet held an exclusive preview of the Autumn 15 collection at Mall of the Emirates boutique. The brand put together a vibrant and entertaining presentation for the city’s VIP press and bloggers. Models showcased the Autumn 2015 collection while guests listened to music played by one of the capital’s best DJs and enjoyed personalised Alice & Olivia bags with their initials and exquisite French canapes and mocktails.
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Tag Heuer Iconic Exhibition by Natacha Toutain TAG Heuer unveiled its latest exhibition in honour of Steve McQueen and the art of Falconry by French artist, Natacha Toutain. The exhibition was showcased to a private audience at the TAG Heuer boutique, The Galleria Mall, as a great tribute to this iconic sportsman. The TAG Heuer exclusive showcase was visited by a number of VIPs from Al Manara International Jewellery, members of the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club and a few members from the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi. 88
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Illustrator, Marion Sanguesa
Miss Ohlala
Confessions of a Blogger
We are envied by many, yet hated by millions… It’s not a secret that bloggin’ nowadays is potentially the biggest trend, I dare to say the pinnacle of social media in this dysfunctional society that we now live in. I’m a blogger myself and let me tell you a thing, or two about blogging-fever. We are easy targets to journalists who candidly state that we are not ‘real’ journalists but the perfect epitome of a superficial generation. It is very true, we are far from being eloquent ‘writers’ (wouldn’t dare to call myself a journalist), and we lack the ability to construct a well-written article. But we bloggers posses an impeccable ability that not many have: we create an illusion of demand whether it’s in products, food, life, travels or desires. We create, we deliver, and we sustain a brand. I like to think of bloggers as ‘multi-threats,’ because we on our own are capable of taking roles 90
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such as graphic designers, journalists, fashion gurus, beauty gurus, filmmakers, marketing managers, brand consultants, web developers, the list of the many roles we take on is endless in order to make a blog successful. We are easily called narcissists, social media-dependants, lazy, fake, plastics, materialistic, and other names – which personally have no emotional effect on me. I will have to agree, a blogger loves a good ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ – we love a good selfie, in fact, we depend on selfies and there is no shame in posing at the table for that perfect: “I’m about to eat this meal, everyone!” just for the sake of hundreds of likes on our Instagram accounts. We create the perfect setting to showcase a glamorous life (that many) don’t have – and yes, we love every bit of it. Yes, we’re attention-seekers if
that is the term you were thinking of. A blog is like a baby, the more you feed it, the more it grows and if it’s left unattended, it could die of hunger. I’ve witnessed bloggers rise to stardom in a blink-of-an-eye by feeding their social networks and knowing what to target and how to approach it. You see, it doesn’t take much brains to understand how it functions, but it takes time and a good-eye to deliver successfully. Yet, what I’ve come to respect from many successful bloggers is how they maintain their personality while navigating the seas of bloggin’. In my case, I used to despise blogs – I hated every bit of it: what it stood for, the life around it etc. Why did I create my blog? Out of necessity for a real job… and little did I know, it opened many doors for great contacts, trips, and once in a lifetime opportunities that many only dream of…
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