Ohlala Abu Dhabi June 2017

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE Abu dhabi

S m art Tal k s Desert Mannequin chats spirituality and style

How T o Find Your

Inner Peace

Deca d ent Days & N i g h ts

Ways To A Winning Ramadan Wardrobe www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com June 2017 | Issue 20 Abu dhabi | AED 20

1

2

www.ohlala-magazine.com

UAE - THE DUBAI MALL, DUBAI MARINA MALL, YAS MALL / QATAR - LAGOONA MALL KSA - ASSILA TOWERS, AL FAISALIAH MALL www.ohlala-magazine.com

3

4

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

5

6

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

7

Contents Ohlala

12

And So It Begins Welcome To The June Issue Style Icon: Al Zain Jewellery Style Icon: Jude Benhalim

22

The Fashion Pages The Ultimate Gift List Style Focus: 11 Ways To Update Your Wardrobe

35

The tALKING pOINTS Fashion Revolution: The Modist On The Pulse: Anum Bashir The Mystery of Ezra Couture

55

65

The Lifestyle Pages Travel Escapes: Bali Ohlala Boutiques: David Morris Miss Ohlala

8

www.ohlala-magazine.com

chopard

thE beauty Pages On Edge: Bold Looks The Buzz: The Lady Is A Vamp Bespoke Collaborations

UAE | THE DUBAI MALL, DUBAI MARINA MALL, DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL, CITY WALK, GALERIES LAFAYETTE, ROBINSONS, YAS MALL KSA | ASSILA TOWERS, AL FAISALIAH MALL

www.ohlala-magazine.com

9

JUNE 2017 issue 20

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Publishing Director Edward Smith

Editor-in-Chief Georgie Bradley

Editor

Creative DIrector

Regional Sales Directors

Angela Beitz

Paula Leal

Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Managing editor

Graphic Designers

Rami Khalil

Shabana Adam

Jyoti Rawat

SAles Coordinator Renie Simplina

Contributors Victoria Danae Mercer Production Manager

Photographers

WEBSITE

Neil Mahmood

Sunder Pratap Singh

Melek Yildirimtekin

Credits image Chopard

Gigimon Thankachen

Distribution Manager Ajit Kumar Accountants COVER Image Al Zain Jewellery

Praveen Alexander

Distribution Team

Printing Press

Distribution

Jayapragash Ganesan

United Printing Press

Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq

Rajesh Abdul Kadar

UAE - Tawzea Distribution Enquiries

Editorial: georgie@ohlala-magazine.com | Advertising: Edward@ohlala-magazine.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.

10

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

11

Editor’s Letter

I

recently got back from a trip to Burma. I was alone as I tend to be on my travels. It’s always my first choice when I see the world – it’s not because

I am anti-social or difficult to be with (references upon request) or that I have weird tendencies that shouldn’t involve other people. No, it’s because quiet is a lovely companion. My days are people-packed and demandheavy, where I feel like I could split into a million pieces if I receive just one more URGENT request. Such is the nature of the job; a job that has sculpted me into a woman but has also dug deep bags under my eyes. As a result, time away to escape the noise in and outside my head is essential. My trip to Burma was five days long. Five days is a long time to be in solitude even if you’re amongst a riot of colour and culture because it’s still very much an internal experience. I read, I slept till 9am (relentlessly charged body clock, can’t help it), I people-watched in silence, I biked for kilometres, I booked tables for one. Those five days recharged me and I hope Ramadan, being over a month, provides a complete 180 on my health and wellbeing which oft gets put on the backburner (as we all unconsciously do until we burn out) and then it’s too late to undo the damage. I’ve learned a lot about self-care through outside interests and for me, self-care is time alone in a vibrant setting or simply being at home when I don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time. It would be amazing if we could carry on the quiet tranquillity we afford ourselves during Ramadan. It’s easier said than done but with a little bit of effort, the results will be happily addictive.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

net-a-porter ramadan campaign

12

Georgie Bradley

Editor in Chief

Enjoy traditional Arabic delights and time-honoured live entertainment while immersing in the peaceful spirit of Ramadan at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Sohour at Emirates Ballroom (7th floor) 9:30pm - 3:00am *Minimum spending of AED 100 net is applicable per person

CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI

Hamdan Bin Mohamed Street +971 2 616 6166 | dining.cpauh@ihg.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

13

T i m e A

There is so much to be said about summer in Abu Dhabi with soaring temperatures and long, dragging days. Many escape from the Emirates in this period but there are so many great things about being here especially with Ramadan upon us. It’s the perfect time to reflect and detox and to sit back and take stock of a few things. We are more connected now than ever so Ramadan provides the perfect opportunity to take a few steps back to decide where your head is at. We

f o r

R e fl e c t i o n

First Word

14

www.ohlala-magazine.com

live such busy lives these days with work and families and lots of other commitments so it’s important to relax and have a few moments to yourself. Fashion wise, Ramadan is the ultimate time for stylish but respectable dressing. I’m all for long, flowing pieces with big accessories at this time and there’s nothing better than pulling out all of these pieces and getting them ready for Iftars and Suhoors. I wish you and your families a blessed Ramadan.

Angela Beitz

, Editor

Step into an oasis of calm and tranquility

During the Holy Month of Ramadan take a moment for self discovery with 25% discount on all body and face treatments.

Time: 10.00 – 23.00 Terms and conditions apply.

For reservations, please call +971 2 811 For reservations, please call 5858 +971

2 811 5666 or email JADrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Prices are per person and are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee

www.ohlala-magazine.com

15

16

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Style Icon

Liquid Luxury On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Zain Jewellery have launched a limitededition Perfume Vial and Necklace.

We love strong smells, especially during Ramadan for it ignites an emotion and atmosphere that is mysterious and opulent. Al Zain Jewellery have launched an exclusive Elixir Necklace. Each piece is handmade by skillful artisans in the Al Zain factory using warm bronze metal concealing a gold lined inner vail where the wearer will store her most treasured perfume. Natural rubies and diamonds set on 18K gold ornaments gently embrace each end of the vail. The result being an item of desire and secrecy.

Elixir took inspiration from the Ottoman’s jewellery designs which were characterized by a mix of Persian and Byzantine ornaments. Elixir provokes mystery, curiosity and a desire to touch and hold the vial, to explore what lies so well hidden and concealed within its bejeweled casing.

Produced in a very limited number of pieces, Elixir is available across all Al Zain stores around the GCC region. www.ohlala-magazine.com

17

Style Icon

Inner

Confidence We love a woman who plays by her own rules. Cairo based Jude Benhalim has created a new high-end jewellery collection for just that woman.

Urban Rebel is inspired by her ever evolving muse and her path in life.

She knows herself. She finds comfort in who she is and revels in the beauty of her own individuality. The jungle-like metropolis she lives in is the embodiment of the system trying to cage her in but she is determined to break free of the concrete shackles.

The collection reflects the struggle she faces with the system after successfully enduring her internal strife and emerging more confident and fearless than ever before. The strength she gained from her journey in Her Cosmos and Spectrum allow her to break through the barriers that seek to keep her individuality hidden.

The Arabic calligraphy featured on selected pieces of the collection reflects the characteristics she found in herself along this journey. She has willpower; she has perseverance. She will reach the highest peak.

18

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

19

I

n

T

h

e

M

o

o

d

CH

Ca

ina

l ro

www.ohlala-magazine.com

20

a

r re

r He

er w e po uid le y g s. ma ar ok fe ion lo of re is ht on . lo v ig as ss xp h a d n se re w. e e ug n he W ro y a e t o imp ho t h da a c g t o u of br sin y Em es how dr e s W

21

www.ohlala-magazine.com

o

oz

lp

de

tt i;

re

er

rt af

be

Th e

t

dis

mo

lc

do

e&

ga

7

al

a

bb an

k;

ar

em

ad

tr

p

bo

op

sh

ndi

ra

pe

da o

mo

ch ris to fle va se by lu cl an

in;

ul

ndi

ra

pe

od ao

h

at

W

e

ne

An

tt

se n

an d

er din

eF

dr ies

t.

ot e

n

t

as ibu an

ies ah

an n

n

va nn

W a

Ou your r r se ou lf nd an up d y of our co n ve ea te res d pi t ec and es ‌ dea re s

T to

l

od

go

jet ;m

l’o b

Be

l

4

as so

A

2

3

6

www.ohlala-magazine.com

10

9

22

5

sie

1

8

ro

THE GIFT List

✑✍❚❁❐❆✿❄❉■❇❂❁▼▲✿❁❂❃❄❅❆❇❈❉❊❋●❍■❏❐❑❒▲▼◆❖◗❘❙❚❀✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝✻✽✼✛✌✎✏ ✡✢✣✤✥✦✧★✩✪✫✬✭✮✯✰✱✲✳✴✵✶✷✸✹✺❞✁✠✃✄☎✾✆☛✈✉✿☞❛❝❜✚✜✞✟ marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €$€£¥₩฿руб marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб AbadiMTStd-Light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

©2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

AbadiMTStd-LightItalic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–± AbadiMTStd_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

Create magical Ramadan memories with friends and family.

Discover an Arabian retreat offering an intimate indoor setting and an extensive Iftar buffet for AED 185++ per person as well as a luxurious Ramadan tent for an authentic Sohour experience at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

For more information and reservations, please contact +971 2 818 8282 or e-mail abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

23

ro

es

k

lipp

a

e

A W id e St r

id

e

da

an

ks

Ro

s

t

y

l

e

i ca sa

Fr pr om b m int ri th ono- s to ght br ese to so es eez air nes, lid se sen y pi y an as tia ec d on l es . for ar th e e

1

fa iss al e

al ak

lm

ze

ro +

ma ria

of

ad am

M

2

Et

a

oc

&p

eg e l of wid om ly th ed us s. wi fre ulo fit ch e ab g ot l th e f rin a n Fee th tte up s. oy la it er enj f ke us d Ta ro an t ow fl

ca

ca

i

www.ohlala-magazine.com

p 11 d a w t a e y y s. o .. u r ch

Focus

po

sa

24

s

ur

n

b ry to

a

u t

n

f

Ac

a

os

k

udi

h

t es

it

O w

.T l

.. oo

n

C

do

p

on

e

ey l

e

er l

K

te mp

Style her mot pea rl

Experience the Spirit of Ramadan

For CHI, The Spa bookings, please call +971 2 509 8900 or chi.abudhabi@shangri-la.com

For Grand Iftar bookings, please call +971 2 509 8555 or email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

25

cia

ar

ng

g

er

nb

te

rs fu

cio n vo

ica ne

ai

rif dia

di

an

er a Op od

i; M

sk

ev

tic Ma

dr

pu

lio

emi

cc

pu

i

Sk

Fo i r yo r th t fo ur s e u i r m ki ltim n ax rt l at g im en e um g st A app th b yle r ea elo poi o l a w nt u nd th s, k n al e k eep d lu ne re es .

4 rt iz

ao

@

lly mi

om

r.c

or te

-p

ta

ne

rn

bo

nn

as ew

nc

ma

ro

ha

po ca &

po ca

cy, un o lo oz lp sf de itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ouf ! If p ve er ha upp ou ur . s y yo ms ve e to ee nc ot sl la b e s ig Ba ine . v t b ps -l ha ee lim e ,w rk es My â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fo som l e it th S

h

ing ss re rD

it

wi

W

3 e ow ,P

in

ab

en

jel

www.ohlala-magazine.com

26

It di an er

jo

y Op da Mo

zo

a

po

S

i tib

de l

Style

Focus

Iftar in The Clouds Experience Iftar the in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest suspended hotel suite, a truly special affair.

Explore the 1,120 square meter Abu Dhabi Suite, discovering an extensive Iftar array of exquisite, traditional Arabian delicacies, this Ramadan.

Exclusively available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout Ramadan.

Š2016 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4553 e. restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com stregisabudhabi.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

27

ia;

ar

st

odi

eM

Th awi an lb

cc a wa

lim

Be

ui

ab

r ba

r ba

ar

ip

ill

ph

e

air olt &v

isa

ein pl

dig

Lu

6 awi

lb an

wa a

ph se jo

an o an sir i

5

ka te

sp ad e

Focus

ce d e d fier . a e uit s. ike r s d it g l e n es u ootin pow s a sin B noth th a ed fit us bu S & ereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n wi ilor erio Th oma to ta an s w ep me Ke uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll yo

ar

S

Fr h sh om b a st ape rig d at s, ht em up f e en yo ra s t d ur me es su s t o ign n o t f s. gla int ss ed St es l ga ens me es y l wi to th ed e th gy ch es ris e ti

st odi

m he

ip ill ph

za

www.ohlala-magazine.com

28

;t os le ka

ma rn i

Style

Ohlala Advertorial Summ e r S p a & F i t n e s s a t Da h l i a S p a T h i s R a m a da n, Fo u r Se a so n s Hote l Ab u Dh abi, th e luxury waterfront property on Al Marya h I s la n d , i n vite s g u e sts an d r esid ents to treat th emselv es to spa and exercise.

We all like to look our best and taking care of our skin is essential during the fasting days and in the summer months. Exclusively this Ramadan, for every treatment booked at Dahlia Spa, a complimentary 50-minute Sodashi experience is offered to leave guests totally revitalised, invigorated and nourished. Dahlia Spa is a true sanctuary with amazing treatments and facilities.

In terms of exercise, more people than ever are saying “yes” to feeling healthy and energised all year round, “yes” to spending more quality time taking part in activities with family and friends, and “yes” to the happy buzz of endorphins that even a gentle workout brings. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi will join the action with the launch of #MoveThisRamadan – an initiative by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – offering a complimentary 45-minute Full Body Stretching session led by Zainab Boumliha, Fitness Instructor. This light exercise will help improving flexibility and detoxification during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Every Thursday during Ramadan at 6pm. Advanced bookings required.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island 02333 2222 www.ohlala-magazine.com

29

LA

ION

RENTA

CAC

IFI

D

CHANEL

Ge a ea t yo n bo rrin ur g th gs ea l ch . T rlo ic he be i n an se s r d e sh ea g ye ou dy -c ld fo D at er r ch du so a r ing st me . ing me l nu ga i n mb g er sa s re

8

INE CEL

d;

wo o

rk

s Ki

st

odi

eM

Th

ICA ROSANT DER ALEXAN

MCQUEEN DA

PRA

jers

en er Se Casp IN BY

Focus

cc

Bu

IA

GARC

DE

n; ra ls Mo ho ia Nic rc ey ai Ma arv Dub H

INGER PLAK

PUR

OSCAR MP

d

la

r

ho

a

Nic

w

BURCH

LONGCHA

7

TORY

r . l . nt ar s Fo ome s, pe pump e m le er th ril w at pad po ts s nt la d e te Foot t f ere pa t bou ow and s l a fl ls e al for nda B are way d sa We ke ste Ma cru en

AQUAZZURA

liAC CO

or

f ti la el

a ist tt ba

m Gia

www.ohlala-magazine.com

30

CHRIST IAN LOUBOUT

Style

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 674 2020 leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

LAYALI EL HILMIYA Treasure your time together and experience captivating Ramadan nights at Layali El Hilmiya Tent. Discover an authentic traditional Arabic setting while indulging to iftar feast and suhoors with a wide variety of live entertainment, raffle draws and more!

• Iftar at AED 160 net including Ramadan beverage Open from Iftar time - 8:30pm • Suhoor packages starting from AED 70 net A la carte options are also available Open from 9:00pm to 03:00am Special package for groups and corporate bookings (10 persons and above) For bookings and more information, please call 800 101 101 or restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi | Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E

www.ohlala-magazine.com

31

ad a

pr

icc

ar

nin

ta

en

ar

el

i

sa

ne dia

mo ga ra er ef lva to r

vo n

g er nb te rs fu

en ue cq rm de an ex al

ie

el

ab

sa

er

ul

ho

sc

rd

za

n oe pr

st di mo

t es e ndi th ha nd he g a f t ba g p o ket a d u uc B roun the b d our ve e from We lo t. s i x ck son. mo M our pi s sea h the A ake y s thi clutc T m d ite lde fo by

10

he ;t ne dio

ca

gu

cc i o

tin

va le n

Focus

in ut bo ou sen n L er tia Sej ris er Ch asp C

s+

os

ier ill hu el

9

u niq mo

g un ur

u ze

www.ohlala-magazine.com

32

g al ab pr

Fo re r th as os on e s: Ra ea ma se da an n a B d o nd e od Eid A le s o nig h fs t M ty s, w i le . ear d th n es i g ef lo or h t dr api ng M fr y oc s ks fo t e rt wo r y

Style

IMMERSE INTO A DELECTABLE RAMADAN EXPERIENCE AT CROWNE PLAZA YAS ISLAND Enjoy a traditional Iftar buffet along with international specialities and drinks with your friends and family every evening during Ramadan.

Sunset until 11pm | AED 150* Throughout the month of Ramadan, join us for an elegant Suhour at Khaymat Al Barouk. Listen to the beautiful sounds of our live “oud” player and enjoy the “tanoura” dance show as you relax, dine and connect with friends.

Iftar Buffet | sunset until 9pm | AED175* Suhour | 9pm to 3am | AED25* cover charge

For reservation or more information, call 02 656 3053 or email restaurants.cpyas@ihg.com *Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee & 4% municipality fee.

CPYasIsland

ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND

cpyas

For reservation or more information, call 02 656 3053 or email restaurants.cpyas@ihg.com. www.ohlala-magazine.com 33 Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee & 4% municipality fee.

ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND

CPYasIsland

@cpyas

Isa

t

an

ar

lm

be

ip ein

pl a

an bb

ill

A

e

ur

ut

co

ce

do l

a

ab ba n

&g

Fi l th nish l at of wi f y T h ll ou add r l a a t ook t ou wi ch th G of th l gl ese i am s s ou par t r t kl e o a ing n ny be ou au s tf tie it. s

11

el

an

ch

NET -A -P ORTER

; NET -a -p or te

er ma nn

Bidd

ra pa li;

Am

lie

rĂŠ

Au

r

Pe

rc os si Pa pi;

ne

tapo rt e

r

ro ge rv

e an

er

ivi

L ay

Ga

www.ohlala-magazine.com

hJ

e&

lc

34

et nn

Focus Ke

n; ma hr er Fo Ort ea -P dr -A An NET

do

ph

Style

Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

Follow us www.issuu.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

35

Ohlala Spotlight

The Modest

Revolution

There’s a new age of fashion dawning. Modesty has been the buzzword in the industry of late.

But it’s not a suggestion that we should all cover up – it’s that we should embrace it as a viable, elegant and mainstream fashion choice beyond reasons of faith. We speak with the founder and CEO of the latest online luxury destination: TheModist.com, Ghizlan Guenez about why she created this style platform and how she aims to change the perception of modesty.

36

www.ohlala-magazine.com

H

ow did the idea to create an online destination for modest fashion come about?

I was brought up in a family where women dressed modestly and loved fashion and I experienced, first-hand, the frustration of trying to find pieces that are both modest and fashionable. For the longest time, we joked about opening a boutique that caters to the women in my family, and ultimately, when the time was right, I left the world of finance after 13 years and decided to start The Modist, an online luxury destination for women from across the globe who love fashion and to whom modesty is a form of life.

Why do you think it’s taken this long to embrace modest fashion as mainstream?

I don’t think that modestly has just surfaced in the world of fashion today.

If you look at the archives of fashion from decades ago you will see a lot of modest fashion that translated into eras of elegance. I think there was a period where the emancipation of women was synonymous with showing skin, but I believe that we are going through a phase of better understanding and translating what the true essence of empowerment is, which in my view is the ability to express one’s self however one feels is authentic and true to them. It also helps that modest and demure looks are a macro trend which we’ve seen across the fashion capitals of the world.

Do you think sleeves are sexier than skin?

In the heart of what we do at The Modist is the belief in personal choice, and that the best choice any woman can make is to dress in exactly the way that she feels comfortable. At the end of the day, that’s really the essence of liberation. On a personal level, I absolutely prefer sleeve to skin and I find a lot of beauty and elegance in a demure look – it’s a style preference.

Are we placing a higher value and respect on conservatively dressed

www.ohlala-magazine.com

37

women as opposed to women who find their style comfort in V-neck blouses and leg-baring skirts? Or is it simply a matter of having more options?

There is none of that. The truth is that if you believe in empowering women then you must empower their choices whatever those may be, and I am a believer in empowering women. The Modist however speaks to a problem that exists in the lack of any elevated offering for a woman who chooses to dress modestly. Her current experience includes a lot of time wasted in sifting through products to find what works for her, and ultimately, she would have to layer, alter or amend pieces to make them work. We want to alleviate that experience and replace it with one that is easy, inspiring and fun.

What makes the cut for The Modist? What pieces are an instant ‘yes’ for the website?

One of our strengths is our intimate knowledge and understanding of how our woman dresses and how to tick the modesty box whilst keeping things trendy and cool. We exercise a lot of sensibility when we buy and style and we wear many hats: the fashion lover, the modest dresser and so on. Many pieces on our site are squarely modest but other pieces aren’t and that’s where the styling element comes in to make them modest whilst keeping things fresh.

It’s not just about going for the easy solution of only choosing modest pieces, it’s also about inspiring our woman on how to wear certain styles that she may not have considered in the past.

Many of the designers featured are Western brands. Besides the commercial gain, what do these brands benefit from by catering to women who want to be both faith and fashion conscious?

Women who dress modestly don’t only do that for faith or religious reasons.

The reasons women dress modestly vary including style preference, women who feel it’s more age appropriate to dress modestly and so on. We find that

“The reality is that modesty can be as diverse as fashion and can be on trend - in fact, IT IS on trend.” designers are inspired and excited to learn more about a woman who they haven’t necessarily engaged with deeply, and even designers who have worked with modest dressing women in the past love the idea of a specialist retailer and a platform that is dedicated to that woman.

What for you is the most alluring modest fashion item a woman can wear?

I love a beautiful jacket, whether it’s a perfectly-tailored and well-structured one, or a long flowy robe which is very much in trend now. I love throwing a jacket over any outfit to either dress it up or down.

In what way can we push the modest fashion boundaries? What gives modest fashion its edge?

One of the things that excite us is changing perception on modesty. There is a general feel that anything modest is dowdy and boring and should be a certain shape and colour. The reality is that modesty can be as diverse as fashion and can be on trend - in fact, IT IS on trend. That is evident in the styling on our site and in the editorials of our online magazine, ‘The MOD’. We believe in taking a fresh approach on modesty and translating trends in a way that works for our woman.

Which celebrities best represent modest fashion on the scene at the moment?

We’re inspired by women from different walks of life, some are celebrities and others aren’t. I personally love Queen Rania’s style, Olivia Palermo, The Duchess of Cambridge, Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Coco Chanel and many more.

38

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Ohlala Spotlight Ghizlanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan Essentials All pieces are available on TheModist.com

thierry lasry

rosantica

F.R.s. for restless sleepers osman

Christopher kane

rosantica

taller marmo

Cedric charlier stella jean

www.ohlala-magazine.com

39

n O er g n Fi lse u P The

t heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go S . c i t s ta ssly fan e l e r i t region, is e r h i t h n s i a yle Anum B se of st n e s d e side of in y f h e t d l t s ea h the mo en and a m u c a s s e orizon, n h i s e u h b t f n so heaps o project g n i t i c x quirky e h t t u i o W . y ab humilit Bradley e i g r o Ge adan is m o t Ra s w k ho she tal asts and c d o p , s t l. produc spiritua beauty e r o m r he making

40

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

41

Ohlala Spotlight “I am going through a ‘more is more’ phase in my life; it’s what I feel most comfortable wearing. I enjoy covering and cloaking my body.”

The stars are aligning quite beautifully

for Anum Bashir, of Desert Mannequin fame. She’s 30, thriving and is very happily “not broke!” Three years since her digital platform launched, Anum has regularly if subtly dominated the fashion scene with her pithy and alternative stance on the industry, offering interesting caveats where “clothes are best served with a side of intellect” as goes the tagline of Desert Mannequin.

It’s never just about the cuts or the colour with Anum, it’s about the wider context and talking points that clothes engender: “I love to sit with like-minded women and talk about politics among other topics.

Fashion is oftentimes viewed as very frivolous and women in the industry are not as highly regarded as attorneys or surgeons are. It’s very incorrect because fashion and art help bridge divides between socio-economic backgrounds, it’s a very substantial industry,” she says.

And if anyone should be praised for the gear shift in how the industry is being taken more seriously now, it’s Anum. Because she “doesn’t want to be recognised as someone who wore that shirt on a Sunday,” she has those thought-provoking conversations, she wants to push the envelope and she is, but brilliantly, without drowning her followers with self-centric narcissism.

Since the launch of Desert Mannequin, she’s in a very different place right now. Shaking off the “impatient syndrome” of her 20s, Anum has reached a level of achievement where she doesn’t demand warp speed success. Now she’s happy to let each new venture marinate. “I used to be all about the yallah yallah yallah but now I let things happen when they are ready and it feels really good.” It was with this endearing impatience that led her to constantly add feathers to her cap but now, with a much more methodical and polished manner.

Today, she’s between places. When we speak she’d just got off a plane from Doha after hosting a fashion event and was planning her outfits for an upcoming trip to New York. Add to that she’s in the exciting throes of promoting her recently launched “boy meets girl” collaborative capsule collection, DMxN-DUO for AW17 with a “really cool designer based in Tbilisi,” Natuka Karkashadze, which presents a distinct dichotomy and balance of genders with lace and corduroy in equal measure across the looks. Interestingly, this collaboration was formed from an initial friendship during a “purely R&R vacation in Georgia” with Natuka and now they are in talks to do a spring-summer collection next year “which will be three times as big. I love working with designers that I foster friendships with, it always makes for the most interesting projects.”

With her recent hop from Doha to Dubai, she’s definitely

42

www.ohlala-magazine.com

in the thick of the industry now and openly admits that being in the city “is a lot more suited given the nature of my job”. But she still maintains a low-profile sans arrogance and an entourage demanding PR-perfect copy about her. The exhaustive list of projects above is an incredible feat for three years and Anum has enjoyed the fruits of her labour around the world whether it’s in London, Paris or Dubai. She laps up the jollities and privileges as much as the next person that come with exclusive invites and events but she wants more – not more of it, but more beyond it.

So, she’s given Desert Mannequin a lick of paint: “The platform outgrew its identity. The more I dabble into consultancy projects and work with different kinds of people in the industry, the more I want to get more stories from other writers involved on Desert Mannequin. Now it’s got a more publication feel to it now.

I’m also launching a beauty subsidiary under Desert Mannequin called ‘Let’s Face It’” where quirky, independent beauty products will be put out based on Anum’s love of less is more makeup. As part of developing a stronger voice for her platform, she’s also launching the DMFM podcast - are you as win-tossed as me by now? – “I want to be having these kinds of conversations [our Skype interview] on the podcast – whether it’s about fertility issues, marriage woes or illnesses. It will have a strong fashion undertone to it but I want it to be real discussions with real discussion. I think the industry is very much romanticised but behind it are very real people who have their day-to-day struggles,” she notes.

In the spirit of cultivating critical conversation, I ask Anum about her take on the revolution of modest clothing which has always been linked to faith rather than fashion conscious women.

For her, dressing modestly has always been a natural gravitation: “I am going through a ‘more is more’ phase in my life; it’s what I feel

most comfortable wearing. I enjoy covering and cloaking my body.

I love how TheModist.com drives home the message that dressing conservatively is not just for Muslim women, it’s for a woman who might decide that her breasts aren’t what they used to be, so she wants to cover them, you know?”

With Ramadan upon us, Anum turns to what the Holy Month means in the modern Khaleeji world, as someone who was born and raised in the region. “On some level, as I get older, I have become more spiritual, reflecting on blessings, I give to charity, I’m listening to the Qu’ran every morning and I like to think at the end of the day, I am a good person that people like to work with.

I am actually quite fundamental about the way I am choosing to navigate my 30s, it’s very important to me to build strong, lasting and loving relationships,” she says.

But with all the noise on social media (the heartbeat of her brand) is there a way to strip back and ‘fast’ from it in the same way you fast from food? “A detox from anything in life is always a good idea. But we are living in such a fast world that really doesn’t allow for us to switch off. Being an entrepreneur is incredibly exhilarating and has given me a type of high I’ve never experienced before because I’m in the driver’s seat but I can’t sit here and promise I will stop. But I do hope to slow down and be in tune with Ramadan. It’s an interesting time to leverage my platform and share with everyone the beauty and importance of the Holy Month.”

A recent encounter with a good person during one of Anum’s run-of-the-mill trips to the post office restored her faith in humanity. In a time when you turn on CNN and you’re seeing the world crumble with the worst people steering us in every which direction, you’d be forgiven for thinking that people aren’t compassionate or at least don’t have the time to show acts of kindness. But while Anum was retrieving a package, she was told she needed to pay an outstanding custom fee of AED10. She proceeded to give her card to pay for it but only cash was accepted.

The closest ATM was a 10-minute walk away. Before she set off, a man stood behind her in line, offered her the AED10 saying it wasn’t fair for her to walk in the heat and it was his good deed for the day. “He wouldn’t accept the AED10 back even though I said I’d get it for him, so I insisted I owed him a burger or something!”

As simple a gesture as it was, what we learn from instances like these, in light of Ramadan ahead of us, is that a life without kindness isn’t a very nice world at all. And if Anum is one thing as well, beyond her fabulous status, she’s a gracious person.

DMXN-DUO: AW 17 WHERE BOY MEETS GIRL

“It’s an interesting time to leverage my platform and share with everyone the beauty and importance of the Holy Month.” www.ohlala-magazine.com

43

44

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

45

46

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

47

48

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

49

50

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

51

52

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

53

Get your daily dose of Ohlala online now

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Roland MouRet a Portrait of Parisian Greatness

Black Beauty the all new Black Badge Rolls-Royce

ode to lonGchaMP

Sophie delafontaine on elegance

FABULOUS FASHION Style NoteS For INStaNt Glamour www.ohlala-magazine.com December 2016 | issue 66 QaTar | Qr20

Cover_Ohlala Qatar December 2016 Final_.indd 1

11/28/16 2:04 PM

Check Out Our New Website www.ohlala-magazine.com 54

www.ohlala-magazine.com

All our beauty tips for bold looks.

e

O

Edg n

www.ohlala-magazine.com

55

56

www.ohlala-magazine.com

joli rouge biliant, Clarins

filomena, dolce & gabbana

oud bouquet, lancôme

Shimmer Brick, Bobbi Brown

evening rose d’or, aerin

leave in conditioner, show

balenciaga

regenerating bight cream

amouage

the shock

corrector & concealer YSL

experiment with a bolder, more alluring look. Think blood plum, rich berry and

scarlet lips with lots of gold and rich

smokey hues for the eyes. detox serum grown alchemist

bronzer laura mercier

The lady

is a vamp

the shock smokey eye, YSL

conditioner, rahua

brightening brick bobbi brown

laura mercier

chanel

armani

Beauty Talk

laura mercier

Sophisticated and elegant with an

underlying edge, the colours of the season break the rules and present the chance to

eye duo smokey, YSL

www.ohlala-magazine.com

57

Beauty Talk

eye paletter, Laura Mercier

le cray one ye

1. Pucker Up

Fusing the nourishing care of a balm with instantly radiant colour, new VOLUPTÉ TINT-INBALM from YSL is a match made in makeup heaven. Thanks to a unique double core, it comes with twice the benefits – then delivers a completely unique lip finish. It even comes imprinted with a lip kiss print at its core.

chanel

volupte tint in balm

ux n.67

2. The Eyes Have It

The Laura Mercier Editorial Eye Palette includes an exclusive air-light setting powder to prolong wear for up to 8 hours and prevent creasing. Studioinspired, high performance Brushed Metal & Matte Textured Clays give you intense colour in a whole new graphic way. Soft, flexible, clay-like hybrid textures go on beautifully with a unique ‘wet-feel’ that melts onto skin. clay smudge brush laura mercier

4. Spring Fling

Angela Beitz shares the beauty products and make-up essentials you need right now.

star magnolia collection, jo malone 58

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Clinique’s newest lightweight sunscreen, Clinique SPF 30 Virtu-Oil Body Mist offers the same luxurious feel of a dry body oil with the dermatologist-tested sun protection you need. The stateof-the-art, oil-free, non-greasy liquid sunscreen formula provides protection against UVA/UVB radiation, absorbs instantly and gives you an addictive cooling sensation.

pop & lock colour wow

5. Shield & Protect

clinique, SPF 30

star magnolia collection, jo malone

Star Magnolia’s Limited Edition Cologne features delicate white blossoms bursting with Spring’s sparkling charm with star magnolia, magnolia leaf and orange blossom with a kiss of lemon, ginger and shiso. We also adore the Limited Edition Hair Mist, the scent of spring takes centre stage in Jo Malone London’s first hair mist. Delicate star magnolia flirts with orange flower, lemon and shiso to create a delicate veil laden with high-shine conditioning treatments.

3. Sultry Shimmer

Intuitive, bold, unconventional, elegant and nuanced, the Ombre Première mono eyes collection from Chanel encourages a mix and match approach with the entire range; each color can stand-alone or can find a compliment in the others alongside it to intensify and amplify results. Rich cream eyeshadows can be layered under sumptuous powders or glittering metallics for an emboldened effect.

ombre premier n.810, chanel

Editor’s Picks

6. Lock It In

The Colour WOW Pop & Lock Crystallite Shellac is your hair’s best friend for summer. The innovative shellac technology of the product helps to lock in colour and moisture, for people who wish to achieve salon like styled hair at home. Its advanced formula provides hydration by penetrating each hair strand and improving the overall texture and elasticity of your hair.

Beauty Focus

eF

op p to e g w hin old, lvet t e th est ng b w V b xt f bei ello eak wi e e n ht o ick Y . Br h r t lig t Ch utin ng! o f in Ho bo ini g d n ki . An the Lou get l o lo bag ove tian nd s ay eup e l ris es a w al mak at w y Ch cod e ar our d th cil b nal e W to cide pen tio in de er ven ve efin con a h eD Ey

w ol

l eY

r ev

www.ohlala-magazine.com

59

Beauty Insight

#MACxTheRealFouz in Dirty Rose (matte) is available now at Mac stores throughout The Middle East.

MAC has been driving innovation in cosmetic collaborations for over 15 years and has now partnered with icons from the worlds of fashion, pop culture, celebrity, music and art to bring to life their point of view on beauty including Fouz Al Fahad representing The Middle East. While each collaborator has a unique vision, they all share authenticity in their partnership with the brand.

As a global beauty brand, MAC has chosen influencers all of whom have a style their own, a distinct beauty personality, a love for colour and a genuine connection with both the brand and with their followers.

Tell us how the opportunity to create your own lipstick came about?

When I started out four years ago it wouldn’t have crossed my mind that I’d be selected by a brand like MAC to create my own lipstick. Fast forward, and now it’s really happening! I’m so excited to work with a brand that I genuinely love and it’s an honour to be the first influencer in the region to have access to this unique collaboration. Of course I’m also so excited to be able to share this journey with all my followers. I always love travel, but a first for me on this particular trip was a visit to the MAC labs. Like many of my followers, although I wear makeup every day, I have never been behind the scenes of a massive beauty brand, to where the actual products are designed and produced. I discovered the different steps involved in making a lipstick, and it was a once in a lifetime chance.

Bespoke Collaborations

Known for her confidence and sophistication, influencer, Fouz Al Fahad (aka The Real Fouz) has teamed up with beauty power house MAC to create a deep, dusty rose lipstick. We caught up with her to find out how this cool collaboration came about.

What is your first MAC memory?

I can easily remember the first time I walked into a MAC store. I was looking for a lipstick and blushes. The sensation I had when I walked in was like when you enter a candy shop and you don’t know where to start. Ever since that day, I’ve been hooked.

What was it like to collaborate with MAC? Working with the MAC brand is terrific, I feel like a little girl in a fairy tale. Some girls dream of creating their own fashion line; I have many dreams, of course, but the creation and launch of my own lipstick is up there on the list. It will be an achievement for my career. It’s also important to say that I think this collaboration wil send a positive signal for the girls from the region, and my followers, many of whom work hard in pursuing their own creative projects.

Can you give us any hints on what your lipstick will be?

I’ll give you three words and then you can let your imagination take you as far as you want, but let’s say: feminine, classy and powerful.

60

www.ohlala-magazine.com

“The sensation I had when I walked in was like when you enter a candy shop and you don’t know where to start.”

www.ohlala-magazine.com

61

For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman

ThE ESSENCE OF STYLE Abu dhAbi

SmART TA L k S Desert MannequIn chats sPIrItualIty anD style

hOW TO FiNd YOuR

Inner Peace

dECAdENT dAYS & N i g h T S

WAYS TO A WiNNiNg RAmAdAN WARdRObE www.ohlala-magazine.com June 2017 | issue 20 abu dhabi | aed 20

Ohlala Cover June Abu Dhabi.indd 1

June Edition available now on issuu.com 62

www.ohlala-magazine.com

29/05/17 16:50

Beauty Column I love a good relaxing facial as much as the next girl, but sometimes you need to pull out the big guns. Skincare gurus are turning to techy gadgets and machines to get better results. These facials aren’t just about cleansing and toning: these are about long term correction and aiming for instant results.

What’s not to love about that? Also, since the results last longer, expect to pay more than you would for a relaxing, creamy facial, but think of it as an investment in a glowing complexion.

Oxygen Facial

This one is a personal favourite. Oxygen is delivered under high pressure into the skin via a wand. Your therapist will normally steam, clean and exfoliate the face before applying the oxygen, to ensure they are working with a ‘blank canvas’. In some practices, the oxygen is infused with other supplements, which helps the skin to heal. A small, pistol-like device blasts cool air over your face and neck; there’s no pain but it’s not really one of those ‘relaxing’ facials, however you will instantly see results. Depending on how long you have this treatment, benefits can be seen for up to several weeks later. It is very easy to see how addictive this simple solution to younger more radiant skin can be.

Radio Frequency Facial

At Face Value

Technology is changing the skincare game in many ways especially when it comes to facials. Angela Beitz gives the lowdown on the new facials and why you need one now.

Sounds weird? It’s definitely different to a standard facial but fear not as this facial is a real game changer. After cleansing, a gel is applied to your skin.

Then, a wand with a thick, rounded end drives mono polar radiofrequency around your face to heat up the collagen fibres in your skin and stimulates the cells responsible for generating connective tissue and healing (fibroblasts) into creating new, younger looking collagen. This collagen then rises to the surface over 12 weeks to give you a more youthful, tighter rejuvenated skin that looks firmer and fresher. The therapist does put some pressure on the wand, kind of like the same pressure you’d expect with a deep massage. It feels warm, and occasionally, hot but then the machine automatically senses this and stops for a bit, allowing your skin to cool down before starting again.

HydraFacial

The HydraFacial treatment is a new advanced treatment in non-laser skin resurfacing and it’s so, so good for living here as it delivers the moisture that we all lack. HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturising, non-invasive and nonirritating. There is no discomfort during the procedure. It is often described as feeling like a “cool paintbrush moving slowly over your face.” A single treatment is perfect for those who need a fresh and glowing appearance for a special event or occasion.

Elemis BioTec Facial

This 50-minute treatment works wonders on skin and will deliver results no matter what your concerns are. The facial features a Elemis BioTec machine that can deliver five different modalities: Ultra-sonic, micro-current, galvanic, light therapy, and oxygen. A skincare expert helps you determine whether your skin needs more of a lift, smoothing out, brightening, or a deeper cleanse, and adjusts the machine accordingly to get the desired effect. The deep-cleansing option is perfect for when you’ve been neglecting your skin and need to hit the reset button for your skin. The rest of the session includes face masks, extractions, and a mini massage. Bliss! www.ohlala-magazine.com

63

64

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Paradise Found With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers unlimited opportunities for paradise. Danae Mercer travels by boats and planes between the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot spots and hidden stops.

65

four seasons sayan

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Travel Escapes It’s sunset at the edge of the world.

The night before, we had gathered on the deck of the boat to watch the sky turn pink, yellow, blue. A rainbow appeared, then another, a volcano cresting on the horizon. But tonight was something special.

Tonight, the bats would come.

“Flying foxes,” a SeaTrek Sailing Adventures tour guide, Eva Villagrasa, says to me. “They’re called ‘flying foxes’, because they are so big.” As the moon comes up over Indonesia’s Satonda island, the ‘flying foxes’ emerge by the hundreds, darting to the mainland to eat fallen fruit.

Indonesia is a country of some 17,000 islands. Travelling between them opens up a world of Komodo dragons, red-coral beaches, secluded surf spots and indigenous cultures. I set sail to explore it all, starting with SeaTrek on a seven-day trip from Flores to Bali (seatrekbali.com).

My second day, I meet some of Indonesia’s ‘sea gypsies’. Two men, shirtless, bring a small boat beside our own. They begin unfurling a parcel of knick-knacks on the deck, shells and bits and bobs for us to buy.

“Westerners think of the sea as this empty thing,” Peter Lape, professor of archeology at the University of Washington, tells me.

He’s studied and visited Indonesia for over 22 years. Every time he comes back, it amazes him, delights him. “But for Indonesia’s sea people, it’s the space they know. It’s their land.”

“I spin in a circle and a school of silver fish swirl around me, catching the light.”

The ritz carlton bali

Later I dive from a dingy into the depths of the sea. There’s coral and fish, so many tropical fish. Clown fish, angel fish, manta rays. I spin in a circle and a school of silver fish swirl around me, catching the light. At night, over plates of Indonesian curries heaped beside white rice, I flip through a book, trying to name the wonders seen.

My next island stop is Bali. It’s a melange of culture and colours: rice plantations and traditional palm-leaf offerings line the smaller backstreets; boho yogis meander between fruit stalls in Ubud. I travel with Ker & Downey to a rock temple in Uluwatu (kerdowney. com). Come sunset, 40 men circle a fire while performers carry out a traditional dance. “Just keep an eye on the monkeys,” my guide warns.

“They snatch sunglasses and hats.”

At The Ritz-Carlton Bali, I start my morning with a traditional blessing (ritzcarlton.com). A local shaman sits before me, dotting water on my face, smudging herbs behind my ear. He chants as the sun comes up over the sea. Later I rinse these things off in an outdoor tub facing a private plunge pool; the protective blessing, a blackwhite-red twisted yarn, stays wrapped around my wrist.

Later that week, I head to the Four Seasons Sayan and Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay (fourseasons.com). The former comes wrapped in jungle, lined with rice plantations and a roaring river. The latter is larger, beachy, twisting along the coast with an infinity pool and surfing coach. At both, I meet with Java-native, Bali-residing Indonesian (and part of the Four Seasons Bali communications team) Ringga Salim.

“Indonesians are happy,” he says with a smile. Think of the local philosophy: “It’s eat or don’t eat. As long as we’re together, we’re happy.”

I visit a local market to explore the ‘eat’ side. A chatty chef from Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay shows me around. Women sit behind rows of fish, stacked and glinting and fresh. Stalls are filled with tropical fruits, foreign vegetables. “This is the bud of a banana tree, good when fried,” the chef says. “This is the local ginger. It smells different.” I sniff; it does. The unfamiliar names start blurring together but later, when we cook a dish of fish and curry and lamb, it all creates something magical.

“Balinese people won’t lose the culture,” Salim tells me when I ask about the ever-growing influx of tourists. Would the local markets become for show? Would the offerings stop? “The culture here is so strong. It’s something you can’t see, but it’s something you can feel.”

At trendy cool Katamama, Balinese culture is being shaped into something new (katamama.com). The property is hip, edgy. Bottles of bespoke, infused arak (the local spirit) line the wall of the cocktail bar / cafe. Rooms come with their own drinks lounge. Next door, the well-known Potato Head Beach Club attracts glamorous groups during the day. When night

66

www.ohlala-magazine.com

four seasons sayan

four seasons jimbaran bay

The ritz carlton bali

four seasons sayan

Four seasons jimbaran bay

67

www.ohlala-magazine.com

nihiwatu sumba

karamama

Kandui villas Kandui villas

Kandui villas nihiwatu

www.ohlala-magazine.com

68

Travel Escapes falls, they crowd onto wooden tables at Kaum restaurant, ordering Indonesian dishes dripping in coconut and spice.

“Bali has changed,” Lina Suryati, the marketing communications manager at Katamama, says to me while I sip local coffee. It’s the best I’ll have in Indonesia. “But Bali still really keeps the tradition. Young people still learn dances and instruments, and speak Balinese. They also put out offerings three times a day.”

Katamama is a spot that plays interpretations of traditional Indonesian. And that, says Suryati, is part of the joy.

“Indonesia has such a wide range of cultures. We have over 17,000 islands, more than 600 tribes. There are different foods, languages, behaviours. You can see a lot of things in one place.

“That’s what makes us interesting.”

Bali is beautiful but it’s also busy. I want something quieter, more serene, less explored.

I head to Nihiwatu.

This luxury resort, nestled on Sumba Island, is the sort of place a surfing couple would go on honeymoon (nihiwatu.com).

It’s all open-air villas, where sliding glass doors can be flung open to capture the ocean breeze and fine-dining meals taken with toes in the sand. One day, I nibble papaya and snake fruit while watching surfers walk their boards out into the waves. The next, I stretch on a massage table lined by palm trees and silence, the sea crashing beneath.

It is, in a word, beautiful.

It also has a strong charity arm: the Sumba Foundation.

The organisation works with the indigenous Sumbanese to treat malaria, provide clean water, deliver nutritious school meals and prevent infant mortality.

“When we started we thought maybe we’d do an orphanage, or support a school, but then we got here and saw how needy this place

nihiwatu sumba

“It’s all open-air villas, where sliding glass doors can be flung open to capture the ocean breeze and finedining meals taken with toes in the sand.”

was…” says Claude Graves, the Nihiwatu founder, as we talk over breakfast. I spent the day before visiting the local malaria clinic, stopping at water pumps that provide clean drinking water to villagers. Children waved, elders smiled.

Tanned, relaxed, Graves turns his blue eyes on me. “The foundation changed my life for sure.”

“People call us the Disney Land of surfing,” Jordan Heuer, marketing manager for Kandui Villas, says a few days later (kanduivillas.com). After two flights, two boats and two solid days of travel, I’ve reached the rather remote Mentawai Islands.

“We have the most wave-rich area on the planet and some of the best waves, so it’s very special.”

I’m not an accomplished surfer, but the isolated beauty of Kandui Villas appealed. Luxury ‘umas’ (a traditional Indonesian hut) face out toward the sea, lined by palm trees and mangroves, dotted with hammocks. A dining room — dominated by one large wooden table where guests gather every night — faces across an infinity pool.

It takes me five days before I work up the nerve to surf. We head to ‘Four Bobs’ as the sun sets. A staff member comes out in the waves with me, wearing one fin as a guard against the coral beneath. “Ready?” He says. The ocean and air are warm. “Ready?”

A wave comes, slow and gentle. He gives my board a nudge, telling me to paddle even though I already am. I ride the wave and hear the other guests — now, after nearly a week of being together, all friends — whooping from nearby.

I ride another wave, then another, before clambering back onto the boat. I’m grinning. The others are grinning. Everyone’s lit with the glow of the sunset. As we watch, a rainbow — yet again — curls up to fill the sky.

Somewhere among Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, I’ve found paradise.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

69

Sizzling. Grilling. Blazing.

Blue Grill highlights the hearty steaks of US and Australian Prime Angus Beef with choice cuts and more all char-grilled to order. It’s guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest of appetites, and guests who prefer not to eat meat aren’t left out either: a selection of fresh seafood and appetisers does not disappoint.

For more information or reservations, visit rotantimes.com/yasislandrotana, call 02 656 4000 or email fb.yasisland@rotana.com C: 60 M: 47 Y: 0 K: 30

70

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Luxe Living Angela Beitz explores Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, sampling the luxurious accommodation and all the fine fare this CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur jewel has to offer.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

71

Travel Escapes

It’s not hard to see why Monte-Carlo is a hotspot

for elite travelers looking to experience the finer things in life. The French Riviera has no shortage of beautiful, sun-kissed coastal towns, and Monte-Carlo, has a way of charming even the most jaded jetsetter. The district, located inside the very small country of Monaco, is synonymous with high living hence the Porsches, Bentleys and Rolls-Royces parked on every block and the yachts are the size of apartments blocks.

We are here to stay at the iconic Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel that is part of Société des Bains de Mer which owns other well known hotels and restaurants such as Hotel Hermitage, Monte Carlo Beach Club and Buddah Bar. Located on the idyllic Côte d’Azur, in Monte Carlo, this absolutely stunning region boasts surrounding world-class dining, nightlife and shopping. The Le Grand Casino can be found nearby along with Café de Paris both of which have appeared in many movies inducing James Bond.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is a four-star hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens with breathtaking sea views. What this hotel does best is that it offers a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, with the experience of a legendary destination. They even have a heliport at the location, so that you can arrive in style. Superbly appointed with beautiful rooms, top notch amenities, lavish relaxation areas, panoramic vistas and elegant accommodation, this place is one of the few, near-perfect spots where you are able to enjoy panoramas of Monaco and the French Riviera.

Accommodation wise, there are a total of 334 rooms and suites all of which have panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Our check in is very friendly and are our bags are brought up to our gorgeous rooms very swiftly. Our room is a real sanctuary nicely decorated in shades of beige and a few touches of bright orange. The room has a large private balcony with views looking back onto Monaco and both the balcony and the view are the icing on the cake. The bathroom is chic and modern with a large bathtub, separate shower and amenities from Cinques Mondes which is the hotel spa brand. The room also has a large flat screen TV, tea and coffee facilities along with comfy slippers and big, plush bathrobes.

Downstairs in the main hotel area you will find leisureMy room is a standard room on the eighth floor, with a great view of the Monaco Bay. It’s 40 square metres, with a large private balcony. Everything works and is simple to operate, from the lighting to the shower fittings. facilities include a luxurious spa and a sand-bottomed lagoon with waterfalls and hot tubs. Time at the pool is an absolute must and don’t even bother taking a book to read as the people watching will have you occupied all day. The lagoon pool is really a very special feature of the hotel, it’s very large with trimmed waterfalls and tropical gardens. This is the exactly the image you’d imagine of a hotel in Monaco and it doesn’t disappoint.

There is also a lovely indoor pool as well which is popular during the colder months.

A visit to Cinq Mondes Spa should be on your list when staying at this beautiful property. The spa has 900m² dedicated to well-being, 72

www.ohlala-magazine.com

“What this hotel does best is that it offers a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, with the experience of a legendary destination.”

www.ohlala-magazine.com

73

74

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Travel Escapes

“Time at the pool is an absolute must and don’t even bother taking a book to read as the people watching will have you occupied all day.” with a wonderful array of treatments and ancestral traditions enhanced by excellent quality and service, the spa offers clients a truly unique experience. The spa is an absolute sanctuary with 12 massage rooms, a Flower Rain suite and two Happiness for Two suites. We try the Ayurvedic Massage which is amazing and rids our body of toxins and all our sore spots from the flight. Our therapist is amazing and we leave feeling like we are floating on air.

As quality food and ingredients are a big part of Monaco it’s no surprise that Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel’s has myriad dining options. Whether you’re sitting on the terrace with stunning views or opposite the open kitchen, the Blue Bay offers an unforgettable culinary ballet whilst you eat. The food here is out of this world and almost theatrical. Chef Marcel Ravin has intuited a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean influences, which give his cuisine a uniquely delicious and refined flavour profile. This creativity and tenacity were rewarded in 2015 when his restaurant, the Blue Bay at the MonteCarlo Bay Hotel & Resort, was awarded a Michelin star and it’s not hard to see why. Their other venues include summer restaurant Las Brisas, located between the sea and the lagoon, which an ideal place for a relaxing getaway lunch, L’Orange Verte, where for a quick yet high-quality meal or Blue Gin for spectacular beach views of the Mediterranean. Perfect for an aperitif or sundowner.

The experience of staying at a hotel like this will leave you with special memories for years to come and the location, food and service are second to none. www.montecarlobay.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

75

76

www.ohlala-magazine.com

new ones.indd 1

6/14/15 10:15 AM

Desert Dreams We check into the breathtaking Qasr Al Sarab in the legendary Liwa Desert, that combines the adventures of the outdoors with renowned luxury.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

77

Local Escapes

Located 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, set within the Liwa

desert in the Empty Quarter; the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a retreat that blends passion with tranquility. The drive to the resort makes you instantly relaxed due to the sprawling beautiful natural landscape. The unparalleled beauty continues as you step foot into this palatial splendour.

Welcomed by the warm smiles of the hotel staff, we sip our welcome drinks and freshen up with warm towels in the lobby.

The check in process is extremely smooth with quick and efficient service by guest relations. The resort is large but rest assured, buggies are available throughout the day and night and will be at your doorstep within minutes of request.

We reach the room, escorted by the hotel staff who explain everything about all the facilities that the room, and the hotel, provide during the stay. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re instantly in love with the balcony area, from which we can view the beautiful sand dunes and take in the serenity the resort exudes. This magnificent resort plays host to 206 rooms, which range from deluxe rooms with a garden or mini pool, as well as one to three bedroom villas for families and large groups. Whether you choose a room or villa, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to experience a lavish setup with five-star service. We recommend the deluxe garden room that offers guests a chic space with floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular desert view enhanced with a garden seating area.

The exquisite bathrooms have a rain shower and huge bathtub (the biggest weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen in a hotel), which allow you to unwind at the end of each day. The hotel uses Elemis products and the large bathroom has everything you need including hairdryer and luxury robes. The room boasts a huge range of facilities including a mini bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and HD television, as well as access to the temperature controlled swimming pool, gymnasium and sauna and steam facilities.

The resort offers an enticing variety of culinary adventures, with multiple restaurants to choose from. Each dining experience lives up to the Anantara standards, with the excellent service, top-quality food and relaxing ambiance. Breakfast at Al Waha is excellent and there is everything to indulge in from hot and cold dishes, to healthy and hearty options from the varied buffet. For dinner, Ghadeer is a poolside restaurant with a delectable menu serving flavours of the Mediterranean. We recommend you to try the Beef Carpaccio and Risotto; the combination of flavours 78

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

79

80

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Local Escapes

“Qasr Al Sarab is known for its adventurous activities in the open desert. The cool morning breeze motivates you to wake up and head out for a full-on day of fun-packed activities.” and textures will have your taste buds dancing with excitement.

Afterwards, sip a glass of vino, or enjoy your favourite shisha in the lounge area.

Steak lovers simply have to dine at Suhail Rooftop Bar & Grill where one can feast on the finest grills and seafood while taking in sweeping views of the starlit dunes. During the cooler months, make sure to dine at Al Falaj where they offer a Bedouinstyle dining experience complemented by the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine. This is such a romantic and relaxed setting and service is excellent.

Qasr Al Sarab is known for its adventurous activities in the open desert. The cool morning breeze motivates you to wake up and head out for a full-on day of fun-packed activities. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from the traditional Sunrise or Sunset Camel Treks that will take you all over the beautiful desert dunes, to the calming Desert Yoga which will allow you to find your bliss in a breathtaking setting. The Falcon and Saluki live show is a must-do, showcasing the ancient traditional sport of falconry and hunting with Salukis.

One of the highlights of the resort is the beautiful and supremely intimate Anantara Spa. Take pleasure in the signature experiences on offer by choosing from a soothing selection of treats for overall rejuvenation. We recommend that you indulge in the Anantara Signature Massage; a relaxing 90-minute massage that relieves your stresses and allows you to unwind. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the desert during the massage, making this spa experience one of a kind.

For more information or reservations visit: www.qasralsarab.anantara.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

81

Local Escapes

T h e P e r f e c t G e taway Looking for the perfect summer escape to get away from it all?

Fairmont The Palm Dubai is your answer.

With amazing views over the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, Fairmont The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah is a stunning property within easy reach of Dubai’s main attractions and malls. In saying this though, you will have no reason to leave the actual resort as it’s got everything that you need.

The deluxe resort has 381 guestrooms and suites and its own private beach, as well as a number of swimming pools and gorgeous gardens.

The property is large and impressive and will wow you from the moment you arrive. Upon arrival our bags were taken and we were shown to check-in. Our check-in process was swift and efficient and our bags had arrived in our room on the fourth floor before we did.

One of the best things about this hotel is its beautiful rooms and their views and you’ll immediately feel like you are holiday.

We stayed in a Fairmont Deluxe Room which was spacious and 82

www.ohlala-magazine.com

beautifully designed with Arab-inspired architectural elements. We loved the large balcony with breath-taking views of the resort pools, beach and Dubai Marina skyline. The balcony was just perfect for a morning coffee or a late afternoon beverage. The rooms really are stunning and immaculately furnished. The bathroom is large and opulent with a rain shower and big bathtub and large sink area which we love. Bath products are by luxury perfumer, Le Labo in Rose 31 which are such a treat. Fairmont know how to do luxury. We love the huge bed which is ridiculously comfortable and the large arm chair you can easily fall asleep in. This is exactly the kind of suite for guests who don’t want to leave their room all weekend which is why it’s perfect for a staycation.

There are loads of fabulous dining options here so you defiantly won’t go hungry. Flow Kitchen offers a huge buffet breakfast in a chilled setting. There is everything from an egg station, mezze, fruits,

“Bath products are by luxury perfumer, Le Labo in Rose 31 which are such a treat. Fairmont know how to do luxury.”

pastries, sliced meats, cheeses and loads more. Frevo is also a must visit for dinner offering an authentic taste of traditional Brazilian cuisine where churrascaria-style dining is all about sharing good food and good conversation. Succulent cuts of meat are brought to your table and you’ll be sure to leave full and satisfied.

A stay at here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Willow Stream Spa. This gorgeous spa is European in style, with huge changing rooms and relaxation areas plus steam room, sauna, ice fountains and showers. We change into a robe and are shown to our treatment room which is a beautiful haven decorates in soft sand tones. We are having the Relaxation massage and our therapist is very skilled lulling us into a soft slumber which is always the sign of a great massage. The spa also won ‘Resort Spa of the Year Middle East & Africa’ at the 2017 World Spa & Wellness Awards which is another great reason to visit.

The resort definitely has a lot to offer and will cater for all needs whether you are staying as a family or as a couple and you will never want to leave.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeriah, +971 4457 3388, www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai www.ohlala-magazine.com

83

miss daisy rose gold

pearl rose rings

Personal Luxury

We sit with managing director, Jeremy Morris, the third generation in the family business of David Morris, to talk about the uniquely British jewellery brand and what luxury means to him.

What sparkled your passion for jewellery?

Ah, it was beaten into me by my parents! I grew up in a family that spent the whole time talking about jewellery – as a kid I used to go to my father’s workshop and play around with stones, metal and run old pennies through the mills. It dawned on me when I was at art school years later, ‘what am I going to do?’ and I thought, well I’m artistic, I may as well learn how to make jewellery.

Effectively you were born into this world, but how dexterous and skilful do you need to be to make jewellery?

Technically, it takes a long time. Physically to learn how to turn up a piece of metal and put holes in it is another thing from putting style into it. I was blessed with having jewellery parents because I picked up lots from them and then I worked in Paris for a while in a wonderful workshop where I really 84

www.ohlala-magazine.com

appreciated the intricacies of making beautiful jewellery.

What makes for really beautiful jewellery?

For me it’s all about being wearable and light. Whether it’s a flexiband bracelet or a choker, they have to have movement. Our pieces move with your body and are versatile, where you can wear them from day to night, it’s very playful and almost like a second skin. There’s nothing worse than wanting to take off a piece of jewellery because it’s too heavy. High end jewellery can be quite intimidating, but the aim is to make women feel young and wonderful.

What do you wish collectors of David Morris knew more about the brand?

People are so into certificates, they lose touch with what they are buying.

The stones and gems need to vibrate with you. The emotion is being lost a bit. Jewellery is like music in that it evokes an emotion in you. The products should say and mean something to you. If diamonds or stones don’t show their colours at night, then what’s the point in wearing them? If you go to dinner, you’d want to wear something that will sparkle as much as you would want it to.

What does luxury mean to you?

I think luxury should be a unique experience. I am saddened by homogenous experiences at boutiques that are just the same as the next, it’s boring. All our client advisors know our clients inside out; they have a distinctly personal relationship with them, it says a lot. Our client advisors will be able to see a piece and instantly know which client it would be perfect for. Our services go above and beyond.

What personal luxuries do you indulge in?

I have a beautiful house in Mykonos which I love. Going down for a swim in the little bay outside my home is luxury to me.

David Morris is available at The Galleria Mall

Ohlala Boutiques

Spring Fling Treat yourself to the Ritual of Sakura with organic Rice Milk and Cherry Blossom which will leave your skin beautifully soft. The natural ingredient of Rice Milk has ultra-hydrating properties and gives the skin a silky soft feeling. Celebrate each day as a new beginning with the nourishing Ritual of Sakura and enjoy every wonderful moment the wind blows your way. www.ohlala-magazine.com

85

Ohlala Boutiques

IfThe Shoe Fits Dune London have brought out a Ramadan collection of super shoes to see you through the day and night. We are loving the monochrome as well as the vibrant hues (the gem encrusted showpieces are wow) which will complete any fabulous look.

Balmain

Sparkle & Shine Prada AW17

For the perfect accessories this Ramadan and Eid, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking to this latest capsule collection by Charming Charlie created exclusively for this season. The mixed metal jewellery and hair accessories are available in silver, gold, or stardust and feature delicate pearl and rhinestone details.

Stella Mccartney

86

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Image by Bambah bambah.com

Never miss an issue

Follow us Facebook: OhlalaQatar

www.ohlala-magazine.com

87

Chic Eats

Beyond The Sea Food and sea views? Nothing quite compares to Beach House.

We order a spread of delicious fare as we watch the sun go down.

Walking past the palm trees along the beautiful swimming pool to Beach House, it’s hard not to feel relaxation kick in. When eating at Beach House for dinner, it’s essential to arrive before sunset so that you can enjoy a beverage and chill out while watching the sun go down. The setting alone is a great reason to visit this beautiful venue which as the name goes looks like someone’s beach house.

The indoor is chic with modern décor, featuring spots of natural timber. Outdoors, the vibe is very chilled and the views are simply stunning looking out onto Saadiyat Beach.

There are loads of delicious options on the menu. They cater well for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free diets which will keep even the fussiest of diners happy. The starters and sharing items are so good it’s hard to pick. The great thing about Beach House (if you are into sharing) is that you can order a number of the starters and sharing items, tapas style which gives you the chance to try a lot of things which is exactly what we decide to do this occasion.

We start with the prawns, crispy calamari, watermelon and feta salad and seared tuna salad. The crispy calamari is delicious with lots of lemon and the prawns are equally good with a light crumb coating on the outside and perfectly cooked prawn on the inside. The chilli and garlic oil really enhance the flavour. The seared tuna salad is really a favourite of ours and we always order this every time we come to Beach House. Sumptuous slices of perfectly cooked tuna sits on a bed of romaine lettuce, potatoes, string beans, cherry tomatoes, crispy capers all drizzled in a nicoise dressing with a poached egg on top. Perfection.

The watermelon and feta salad is also a winner with juicy chunks of fresh watermelon mixed in with feta and parsley.

The perfect summer dish.

For mains, the menu offers mainly seafood options but there are also some great pastas and beef options too. We opt for the Grilled Tuna Loin and Rock Lobster risotto.

The Grilled Tuna Loin is beautifully cooked served with baby spinach, tomatoes, Kalamata olives and basil. The risotto is also a knock out dish with perfectly cooked, creamy, al dente rice with yummy rock lobster on top.

We’d recommend finishing off your meal with the pannacotta and warm berries dessert which will make for a most fitting end to your meal. A visit to Beach House which leave you feeling relaxed and content with loads of great menu options and the views are really something else.

Beach House, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island 02 407 1234 88

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Towers. Rosewater offers guests authentic Arabian traditions. Start The Holy Season after sunset with a mouth-watering display of delicious dishes. Dine on sumptuous grills, freshly prepared oceanic fare, refreshing Ramadan beverages and savour each precious moment with our authentic Arabic coffee service at the backdrop of live Oud music. Starting from AED220.

For information or reservations call: 2 811 5666

Stay & Iftar, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Enjoy the ultimate Ramadan experience at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Book now and take advantage of the special Ramadan stay offer. The package includes a night’s stay in one of the deluxe rooms, overlooking the Abu Dhabi golf course. You will then enjoy an Iftar Buffet at Fairways - inclusive of Arabic beverages.

Sohoor is then served in the room or you can have buffet breakfast at fairways. Prices start at AED580 and are subject to availability.

For information or reservations call: 2 694 4553

June Dining We round up the best dining spots for Ramadan Café Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi Enjoy a special Iftar at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Take in the stunning sunset views from Cafe Milano’s chic and sophisticated setting before enjoying a freshly prepared classic Italian three course menu. Relax in a fashionable ambiance and treat your family and friends to a special Iftar All’Italiana. Prices start from AED200.

For information or reservations call: 2 333 2444

Ramadan at Emirates Palace Emirates Palace invites you to its iconic Ramadan pavilion - the perfect venue for Iftar and Suhoor in the city. The custom-built pavilion will sit in a new location to provide even more stunning views of the beach than ever before. Signature dishes and traditional delicacies of the Holy Month will be offered in a seemingly neverending buffet every night for Iftar. Ramadan Pavilion rates are AED265* for the Iftar buffet and a minimum spend of AED150* for the Suhoor à la carte menu.

For information or reservations call: 2 666 8066

Giornotte, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Opening its door at sunset, the Iftar buffet at Giornotte features family favorites from the region, including Lebanese, Egyptian and local Emirati cuisines, in a unique décor made of Arabic lanterns, date displays and traditional fabrics. AED185 per person including local water, specialty juices, coffee, tea and assorted desserts. Children aged six to 12 years are priced at AED90 and there is no charge for children under six years.

For information or reservations call: 2 818 8881

Rosewater, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Enjoy Iftar throughout the entire month of Ramadan at Etihad

Iftar in the Clouds, St. Regis Saadiyat Abu Dhabi The world’s highest suspended suite presents Iftar in the Clouds available exclusively for up to 50 guests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the holy month. Situated 220 meters up in the sky, the suite is complete with a captivating 360 degree views of the city and a private VIP entrance. Guests can book individually or for private Iftar gatherings of between 35 to 70 guests, the Abu Dhabi Suite Iftar buffet is priced at AED250 per person and available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from sunset to 11pm, throughout Ramadan.

For information or reservations call: 2 442 6553

Le Royal Meridien Le Royal Meridien’s famous iftar tent, Layali El Hilmiya will offer the essence of Ramadan through a traditional atmosphere, a lavish Iftar buffet and a tastefully crafted a La Carte Suhoor menu with a variety of live stations and Arabian-themed live entertainment. Additionally, Layali El Hilmiya Tent will be the envy of all football fans, as it is showing every UEFA EURO 2016 match whilst guests enjoy the Suhoor à la carte menu and flavorsome delicacies. The air-conditioned tent will offer an array of hot and cold mezzes. The Tent will be open daily from Iftar and will close by 3am. For information or reservations call: 2 674 2020 www.ohlala-magazine.com

89

Power Woman

The Happiness Trap

The pursuit of happiness has long been an endeavor of ours. But are we giving importance to things that ultimately make us unhappy? Our columnist Manar Al Hinai urges us to come back down to earth.

We often see beautiful photos

posted by people on social media whether they are vacationing in the Maldives or enjoying a fancy dinner, with users writing comments under it such as: “goals,” or “this is how life should be”. At some point, many of us may have associated happiness to attaining beautiful things. That is why many women go on a shopping spree when they are feeling depressed to feel that boost of happiness.

In a documentary called “The Minimalists” director Matt D’Avella looks at the lives of minimalists from different walks of lives. He highlights that though we have access to so many things as opposed to those who lived 100 years ago, that did not necessarily contributed to enhancing our happiness. In fact, those who went minimal in their way of life, sort of found their way back to living a happy life. It is an interesting take on how some live their lives.

But when it comes to us, how should we be living our lives?

Where should we invest our time and energy? Who or what should we be prioritising? Should we be minimalists? Should we not leave anything in our mind, and just go and do what we think would make us happy – as in, should we be impulsive?

In a 75-year-old study on adult development, American psychiatrist and Harvard Professor Robert Waldinger reveals interesting data on happiness and personal satisfaction.

So what is happiness according to the study? Surprisingly for the participants, it was not wealth or fame. It was really a summary of those two things.

1. Social connections are really important to us, more than we may have given them credit for. People who are more socially connected to their family, and friends, experienced a healthier life, a better

90

www.ohlala-magazine.com

mood, and lived longer. People who were more isolated, experienced declines in their health in midlife, and lived shorter.

2. But it is not only about social connections; it has to do more with the quality of relationships. Living through conflicts is stressful, and could lead to health problems. For instance, the study revealed that people who were satisfied with their relationships in their 50s were the healthiest at their 80s.

Throughout our lives, relationships are a main cause for either our happiness or our devastation. Our conflict with a best friend could lead us to be depressed for a week or until the issue is resolved. Our co-workers could make us feel excited about going to work, or they may even lead us to quit our jobs. Yet we spend little time thinking of them as a main contributing factor to our mood, or think about developing them.

As entrepreneurs or women who lead busy lives, months could go by before we realise that we have not really been in touch with our family or friends; that it has been a while since that last dinner with our best friends.

As we cater to our different life aspects such as career, health, and our businesses, we should also pay attention to our relationships.

Dedicate some time to be spent with those you love. If you keep forgetting, pencil it in your schedule and make it a habit to take some time off and enjoy those relationships. Do not wait until it is too late in life to wish you had done things differently.

Manar Al Hinai is award-winning Emirati writer and entrepreneur. She manages her branding and marketing consultancy in Abu Dhabi.

Twitter: @manar_alhinai/website: www.manaralhinai.com

For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

BRIDE

NEW

FAIRY

LOOK

TALE FASHION

STARTS HERE

BEAUTIFUL

THE BEAUTY FIXES FOR AUTUMN

A-LIST

HONEYMOON

LANVIN’S

THE SEASON’S MOST WHIMISCAL TRENDS

BOLD &

WORE...

THE MUST-HAVE WEDDING ISSUE

BRIDAL BEAUTY SECRETS

YOUR

ESCAPES

WEDDING BELLES

EXCLUSIVE

Marsuma Designs

Fall’s new Mood 1

AND THE

KISS & MAKE UP

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ART & FASHION

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

www.ohlala-magazine.com

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 39

TRUE ROMANCE 1

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

QATAR QR20

www.ohlala-magazine.com

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

JUNE 2014 | ISSUE 36

QATAR QR20

Available in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain & Qatar THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

EXCLUSIVE

Dana Al-Fardan

GO ALL

NATURAL

CHARMS US WITH HER LATEST PROJECT

WEDDING GUIDE

EMMA

BIG-DAY PLANS MADE EASY

STEVENS

THE ENCHANTED ONE

WITH

BOURJOIS

BEAUTY TIPS + PRODUCTS

DISCOVER THE MAGIC

DISCOVER

IN LARNACA, CYPRUS

CELEBS

MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS FOR 2015!

COOL

Cruisin’

Fall romance 1

SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 118

Businesswoman BEHIND JO LA MODE

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

MEET THE

THE ALL-NEW BENTLEY

www.ohlala-magazine.com

BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

1

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

www.ohlala-magazine.com

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2015 | ISSUE 43 QATAR QR20

Follow us Instagram: ohlalamagazine www.ohlala-magazine.com

91

Spa Review

The New Contouring Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island has the perfect treatment to get you ready for summer.

If you are in need of some serious pampering then we can almost

guarantee that you will love some time at Iridium Spa. This spa needs no introduction, it’s the beautiful building to the right of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island. As soon as you step into the venue you will feel tranquil and relaxed. The sound of water falling puts you in a Zen mood almost instantly. We are ushered to the changing rooms and would be happy to even just spend the afternoon here with a sauna, steam room and whirlpool. The changing rooms are truly beautiful with art deco décor and large black chandeliers that are totally Instagrammable. Be sure to bring your bathers so that you can enjoy these facilities as they are super lovely and will get you in the right frame of mind for your spa treatment. The whirlpool is a must.

We are trying the Firm and Contour experience which is a treatment 92

www.ohlala-magazine.com

carefully designed to target cellulite prone areas. We are shown to the treatment room and our feet are scrubbed and then dried off. We lay on the massage table and our body is dry-brushed from head to toe. A spearmint body scrub is scrubbed all over our body using icy cold hammam mitts.

Our therapist does a great job to get our skin super smooth. The scrub makes our skin slightly red but this is ok and it just means the blood circulation is getting going. We then sit up so that the Detoxifying Algae Body Wrap can be done and a marine algae mud which has been warmed up is spread all over our back and then the rest of our body. We are then wrapped in plastic sheeting so the mud can do its thing and the bed is heated so that it further helps the detoxification process. While we are laying here waiting for the wrap, our therapist gives as a wonderful scalp massage.

We then have a warm shower to rinse the mud off and we are blown away by how soft and hydrated our skin is. We lay back down on the treatment table and a combination of Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Stimulating Massage is followed to help the body eliminate toxins, tone the skin and revitalise the mind. The massage is relaxing in parts and then intense to really help detoxify the body.

After all this relaxing you’ll only want to chill out further in the Relaxation Room with dates, dried apricots and a fresh labneh and some good magazines. We are really impressed with the treatment and the next day we feel lighter and our skin still feels amazing.

The Firm And Contour Experience is AED960. Iridium Spa, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island 2 498 8888

Dahlia Spa

Abu Dhabi’s Havens

Our picks for the best treatments for the month of June.

Emirates Palace Spa Enjoy Ramadan at Emirates Palace Spa and treat yourself to some much deserved me time. Receive two spa treatments on any Monday or Tuesday during the holy month of Ramadan and receive a 50% discount on the second service. Treat yourself or bring a friend along to unwind in one of their soulful escapes. The discount will be applied to the lesser priced treatment.

For information or reservations call: 2 690 9000

Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi Enjoy the month of Ramadan at ESPA, Ritz Carlton Grand Canal where you can cleanse your mind, body and soul during the Holy month as the spa will take you on a journey of tranquility, offering an additional 30 minutes to the treatment of your choice. Conditions apply.

For information or reservations call: 2 818 8051 Remède Spa,The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Heavenly Spa, The Westin Golf Resort & Spa In need of some rest and recuperation?

Restore and nourish your body at Heavenly Spa with their Ramadan Escape Package.

Take care of yourself during Ramadan with their hand and foot paraffin treatment accompanied by a scalp massage. We love this beautiful spa for its gorgeous decor with lots of light and stunning relaxation room so book your treatment now.

AED450 (60min).

For information or reservations call: 2 616 9999

Remède Spa, has welcomed the latest Elemis Biotec machine. The clinically proven result?

Thriving, visibly healthy and energised skin. Both male and female guests can experience specific treatments dedicated to anti-aging, skin lifting, firming and strengthening, sensitive skin soothing, oxygen infusing, illuminating and brightening.

For information or reservations call: 2 694 444 Dahlia Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi Taking care of your skin is essential during

fasting days and this Ramadan the Sodashi facial experience at Dahlia Spa will make a double impact with a complimentary 50-minute extension to leave guests totally revitalised, invigorated and nourished. This is the perfect treatment for glowing skin and total relaxation. Prices start at AED 470.

For information or reservations call: 2 694 444 The Nail Spa Heaven beauty products include some of the best masks and creams on the market.

This luxurious range of anti-aging and all natural (paraben free) skincare products contains organic ingredients, which have been developed to enhance complexions and help heal skin conditions. With summer officially here it has never been a better time to invest in some new products.

Heaven beauty products are available at all The Nail Spa retail sections, all products will have 25% off throughout the month of June.

For information or reservations call: Various locations, 600 544 001 www.ohlala-magazine.com

93

health Column

Deto x R e d ef i ne d Our health and lifestyle guru, Lena Dobschall hits refresh and gives us the unadulterated truth about detoxing.

Ramadan is THE detox month in the Arab

world, but not only Muslims use this month to get more conscious about their body and mind, a lot of resident expats jump on the bandwagon, too. Maybe it’s an act of empathy, maybe it’s because a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved and going on a diet just seems easier in this month, or maybe because it’s a dry month anyways so why not abstain from sweets, carbs and coffee all together…

Right. Great. So a detox month it is. But what exactly does detoxing mean and what does it do to our bodies?

There are lots of myths and questions about detoxing so I felt it’s time to address this topic properly. And just so you know: I’m the expert here… I’m constantly on some kind of detox, honestly… Nobody chugs wheatgrass shots like me!

So, the first thing that I want to make clear for everyone is that detoxing is not a diet! It’s not about counting calories or eating less (otherwise I would fail in it anyways). Also, it’s not just overcoming sweet sins and caffeine addictions, like many people tend to think!

Detoxing is a far more holistic concept that aims to purify our body and mind.

Over time a lot of toxins build up in our bodies due to heavy metals, pesticides and additives in the food that we eat; chemical fumes or smog in the air that we breathe, or simply due to blockades of our circulatory systems that can be stress-related. The goal of a detox is therefore to get rid of these toxins!

Our body is designed to eliminate toxins by itself already. Our liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, lymphatic system and gastrointestinal tract are designed to help our body rehabilitate itself and cleanse it from toxins. A Detox program or regime is therefore designed to support the functions of our rehabilitating organs.

So if you hear someone saying “I’m on a detox” it actually means that this person does certain things, or eats certain things, that support his or her body’s own detoxification process, making it easier for the body to absorb toxins.

94

www.ohlala-magazine.com

The good news is: There is not only one way or the other! There are lots of elements that we can incorporate into a detox regime.

My 10 detox tips below

blockades in our bodies. These blockades can be felt as a muscular tension (e.g. back pain from sitting at the office desk). Releasing these knots will promote a proper circulation again. Important here: the massage should be strong and focus on certain pressure points! I’m not talking about aromatherapy here…

1. Drink lots of water

7. Salt baths

Water helps us to clean our system and flush out toxins. The key here is not to drink a whole bottle at once but to keep the body hydrated constantly. A rule of the thumb is to drink a glass of water (250 ml) every half an hour.

Certain salts and soils contain a high percentage of minerals and can draw out toxins from the skin if you add them to your bath.

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Heidi Klum swear by Epsom Salt baths. Very popular (and helpful) are mineral baths like clay and charcoal as well.

2. Eat foods in their most natural form Processed foods contain a lot of additives and preservatives and lots of them are harmful for our bodies. If you eat foods in their most natural form (unprocessed and unpackaged) you can cut out most of the nasties. Also turn to organic foods whenever possible – it does make a difference and your body will thank you for it.

3. Work out Keep moving! A rolling stone gathers no moss! Exercising increases your blood and lymphatic circulation, which helps to flush out toxins. It also triggers the reproduction and regeneration of damaged cells and stimulates your digestive tract (which also plays an important role in detoxification of your body).

4. Sweat it out Our skin is our biggest organ and it can absorb toxins too, by sweating. Regular sauna or steam room sessions are therefore absolute detox boosters.

5. Exfoliate Often we read that getting rid of dead skin cells and build up let’s your skin “breathe”, while actually it should mean that our pores are free to sweat! I knowsweatingsoundsgrossbutit’sjustawayforourbodytoabsorbtoxins and metabolic products that are not needed. Also: Sweat does not smell by itself! It only starts to smell when bacteria develop, and that happens when sweatnestlesbetweendeadskincells,hairfollicles,orfibresfromyourclothes –andTHAT’Sgross,sodon’tforgettoexfoliate!

6. Untie the knots Pressure point massages can help to release tensions and

8. Include superfoods in your diet Superfoods have a high nutrient density and absorb toxins quickly and effectively. Aim for foods that are high in chlorophyll – they are proven to be the most effective detox helpers. Chlorella, spirulina and wheatgrass e.g. are extremely high in chlorophyll!

They can be bought as a powder that you can dissolve in water or mix into your smoothie. More “conventional” superfoods are spinach, kale or parsley.

9. Eat more alkalising and less acid building foods Bacteria and toxins like acidic milieus - that’s where they can develop and grow best. By incorporating less acid building foods in your diet, you basically prevent unwanted toxins and bacteria to settle in your system. Fish, meat and dairy products belong to the most acid building foods, but also soy products, wheat, sweets and alcohol are banned from your plate. Highly alkalizing are citrus fruits like lemons, oranges or grapefruits, apples and bananas, spinach and ruccola aaaaaand POTATOS! Finally we have a good reason to eat lots of them!

10. Fast for a while If read my column in last month’s issue, you probably remember why it is helpful for our body to fast for short periods: It gives our system and cells time to reset! Skipping dinner or breakfast is therefore not as bad as you would think. My advice is a compromise: change your breakfast to a green smoothie for a while or your dinner for a soup, this way you’ll satisfy your taste buds while keeping your digestive tract on standby.

www.ohlala-magazine.com

95

Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards in Bahrain In our debut annual Spa & Wellness Awards, we acknowledged the leaders of the industry as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent many years lapping up treatments across the island of Bahrain. We love to indulge in the finer things in life and we hope to continue to do so till next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceremony. Congratulations to all the BEST and FAVOURITE winners in each category. Watch this space in Abu Dhabi!

96

www.ohlala-magazine.com

www.ohlala-magazine.com

97

Miss Ohlala

Confessions Of A Shopaholic There is an art to sale shopping. I am a self-confessed bargain hunter who detests paying full price for anything unless it’s limited edition, bespoke or custom made.

It has taken me years of practice and wardrobe gremlins to finally acknowledge that I am a good sale shopper. Mistakes include dresses that I could never fit my rib cage into notwithstanding any amount of dieting, quirky patterns that are not my cup of tea, clothes in colours that I don’t wear, clothes that don’t match anything else in my wardrobe and shoes that were always going to pinch my toes.

However, my greatest mistake was my first London shopping trip in my teens where I purchased a micro white lace up dress and black faux fur coat in the sales on the Kings Road. I was really proud of my purchases as I jumped onto the London Underground, but knew I had made a fashion faux pas as soon as I got home and my godparents asked me to try on my purchases and I was too embarrassed to do so. I never wore that white dress, but at least my black coat did keep me warm whilst queueing to enter nightclubs as a student.

To up your sale shopping game, here are my top tips: It might sound obvious, but preparation is key. Before you leave the house, take a look at your wardrobe to work out which items you actually need. Ideally you will have compiled a wish list over the year of designer items that you would like to purchase if they come on sale. I love dresses and hence have a wardrobe full of them, but there really is a limit to how many dresses you can wear.

Be saavy and don’t impulse buy in the sales. Don’t waste time sale shopping in high street shops that you ordinarily shop in, like H&M or Zara, whose sales can often jumble sales and drive you to seek refuge in the nearest bar. Seek out designer bargains where you will get more for your money in shops where you can browse in peace on rails that are not too tightly packed.

Try to buy pieces that won’t be out of fashion by the end of the season.

Wardrobe staples like plain coloured cashmere jumpers, white shirts, wool 98

www.ohlala-magazine.com

magdalena frackowiak

As Ramadan and mid-season sales approach, Miss Ohlala gives her best advice on how to find that bargain.

pencil skirts, stoals and statement jewellery are always a safe investment.

Clutch bags in various hues that are rarely out of fashion are super useful for throwing together last minute party outfits.

FOMO will often cause you to make bad decisions. If in doubt, leave the shop, go grab a coffee and sit and think about the item in question.

Be sure to check out online sites such as the outnet.com and netaporter. com from the comfort of your armchair. Sign up to newsletters from your favourite brands to get advance warning of their sales.

Most importantly, don’t go sale shopping on a hungry stomach, when tired or after a bubbly brunch.

In terms of my greatest sale successes, they would probably be an 80 percent off an Erikson Beamon necklace that I would never have been able to afford full price, a Matthew Williamson ra-ra skirt that makes me wanna dance all night long and an Alexander McQueen dress that was such a steal I had to ask the price three times.

Happy shopping!

2:15PM The moment you realise the perfect summer retreat is right around the corner.

FAMILY STAYCATION IN DUBAI

RATES FROM

585*

AED

COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER

With summer fast approaching, experience the ultimate family staycation at Fairmont The Palm as we offer you the perfect summer retreat with extra benefits.

• Delight in an indulgent buffet breakfast • Enjoy complimentary lunch or dinner at Flow Kitchen • Splash in four temperature controlled swimming pools TM • Commit to being fit with Aquaspin , PRAMA by Pavigym, Boot camp and Yoga • Find your energy at Willow Stream Spa; the Best Resort Spa in the Middle East and Africa • Experience a fun and safe time at Fairmont Falcons Kids’ Club that you and your children will enjoy; an outdoor obstacle course, climbing wall, splash park, arts and crafts plus much more

For more information, please call +971 4 457 3388 or email thepalm.reservations@fairmont.com * Terms and conditions apply. Summer Offer is valid between May 27, 2017 and August 30, 2017 www.ohlala-magazine.com

99

A SUMMER OF WONDER AWAITS Take advantage of our special offer and receive a 25% reduction on your summer break. Along with special discounted room rates, enjoy a sumptuous daily breakfast buffet for up to two guests per room. Enjoy complimentary airport transfers from/to Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as access to the Palace Lounge when booking a suite.

For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 8888 or email reservations@emiratespalace.ae www.emiratespalace.ae www.abudhabisummerseason.ae

Rates starting from AED 1,069* per room, inclusive of buffet breakfast in Le VendĂ´me Brasserie.

This offer is valid from 26 May â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24 September 2017 *Rates are subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and AED 15 municipality room fee per bedroom per night.

100 www.ohlala-magazine.com

/EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

#SummerAtThePalace #InAbuDhabi