THE ESSENCE OF STYLE
POWER WARDROBE
LOOKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT
BACKSTAGE BEAUTY AW20 TRENDS
SMART, STRONG & INTELLIGENT
WOMEN CELEBRATING FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 107 QR20
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JUNE 2020 ISSUE 107
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WEBSITE DESIGNER & DEVELOPER Ammar Ali
Jayne Houghton LOCAL EDITOR Anushay Khan
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Greg Hughes PUBLISHERS Edward Smith Rami Khalil
WEBSITE Melek Yildirimtekin
CONTRIBUTORS David Tapley Elanur Sengel Gareth Woods Jenny Guttridge Craig Ferriman
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Chirine Halabi
COVER IMAGE Baruni
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
DISTRIBUTION
Jyoti Rawat
Qatar – Dar Al Sharq
PRODUCTION MANAGER Neil Mahmood DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
CREDITS IMAGE Chopard
Ajit Kumar
ACCOUNTANTS Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander
DISTRIBUTION TEAM Rajesh Noushad
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR Sudheesh Kollaroth PRINTING PRESS Al Anan Printing Press, Oman
ENQUIRIES Editorial: jayne@ohlala-magazine.com | Publisher: edward@ohlala-magazine.com | Publishing Director: chirine@fact-magazine.com Office: +974 4421 3089 | Mobile: +974 3303 3475 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, Ohlala Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.
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CONTENTS Ohlala
08 INDEPENDENT Editor’s Letter Style Focus PLT Interview
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26 STRONG Ali Bin Ali Luxury Al Fardan Lookbook
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BEAUTIFUL AW20 Backstage Beauty Wellness Feature Chic Eats
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EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to The Female Empowerment Issue where we are celebrating the movers and shakers of our region and their achievements. They have taken risks, and some have found themselves in places they never expected to be. These are women who are unapologetically stepping into the spotlight, creating businesses from the ground up and, perhaps most importantly, setting examples for other women and girls. The idea of girl power is to instil a sense of confidence, intellect, pride, and joy in young girls that will continue throughout womanhood. My mother did an amazing job of that in me. Her mother did the same for her and her sister. The women in my family are passionately independent, go-getters and I’m proud of that. This perspective of empowerment fuels my reasoning for pushing the narrative forward surrounding females. Whatever the definition, I hope to continue telling stories about women, individuals, and brands empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs, trendsetters, and more! We hope to connect women in conversation and action as we love celebrating confident, intellectual, and joyous moments, and why not? Let’s all showcase our level of pride by sharing and embracing these empowering moments when we can. After all, the sky is full of stars and there’s room for them all to shine.
Jayne Houghton @vintagejayne 8
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PATTERN PLAY Another fashion month has come and gone, leaving us attempting to collect our thoughts and realign our wardrobe to a whole host of new trends and references. This season saw the revival and the renaissance of styles both new and old, as we saw 1990’s silhouettes and 1790’s detailing side-by-side with fresh ideas.
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STYLE
Focus
CAROLINA HERRERA
BALMAIN
SILVIA TCHERASSI
GUCCI
Pretty Polka MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION
CAROLINA HERRERA
ELIE TAHARI
Another key pattern we spotted and one of our favourite AW20 trends was the spattering of dots we saw coming down the runways. 12
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SILVIA TCHERASSI
HAIDER ACKERMANN
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STYLE
Focus
ALAÏA
AKRIS
MAISON MARGIELA BALMAIN
Dynamic Denim
VERSACE ALEXANDER WANG
BALMAIN
FENDI
MIU MIU
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ROWEN ROSE
Possibly as a push back against the extravagance and lux seen across the industry, designers rejected leather and velvet in favour of this relaxed material.
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STYLE
Focus
ZIMMERMANN
MOSCHINO
LA DOUBLEJ
OTT Romance
ALICE + OLIVIA
MOSCHINO
JASON WU
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN GUCCI
While the runways went almost satirical with the trend, we’ll be wearing it toned down with exaggerated collars, lux pink and gold colour palettes and regal prints.
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ZIMMERMANN
A TRANQUIL OASIS IN CENTRAL DOHA Al Najada Hotel is a hidden gem, centrally located on a heritage site between Doha’s financial district and Souq Waqif. Blending Qatari heritage and flair with European elegance, this stunning hotel offers the very best Arabian hospitality for those seeking tranquility, comfort and exceptionally friendly service.
Al Najada Hotel, Barahat Al Jufairi Street, Al Najada, Doha, Qatar T: (+974) 4470 4444 | F: (+974) 4470 4445 | alnajada@tivolihotels.com www.ohlalamag.net
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STYLE
Focus
KHAITE
ROKSANDA
TOM FORD
CHLOEĚ
Sunset Tones
ALBERTA FERRETTI
SOLACE LONDON
MARC JACOBS
VALENTINO
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When it comes to colour, all AW20 trends were touched by one particular colour palette. The runways were dominated by the rising tones of pink, red and orange.
STINE GOYA
ALBERTA FERRETTI
WHEN TRADITION MEETS LUXURY A Collection Of Exquisite Boutique Hotels In One Iconic Destination
Souq Waqif, P.O. Box 3496, Doha, Qatar T : +974 4433 6666 | F : +974 4433 6660 E : souqwaqif@tivolihotels.com | tivolihotels.com www.ohlalamag.net
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STYLE
Focus
PACO RABANNE ROLAND MOURET
BALENCIAGE GUCCI
ELLERY
MONIQUE LHUILLIER
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Sparkling Silver CHRISTOPHER KANE
MIU MIU SEQUINED
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One of the boldest AW20 trends saw fashion month dive into maximalism, as several designers made us fall head over heels for these shining pieces.
For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman THE ESSENCE OF STYLE
POWER WARDROBE
LOOKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT
BACKSTAGE BEAUTY AW20 TRENDS
SMART, STRONG & INTELLIGENT
WOMEN CELEBRATING FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 107 QR20
June Edition available now on issuu.com www.ohlalamag.net
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DESIGNER
Focus
GLOBAL DOMINATION
JAYNE HOUGHTON talks to PrettyLittleThing Marketing Director NICKI CAPSTICK ahead of their highly anticipated e-commerce launch in The Middle East.
PrettyLittleThing TAILORING TO ALL INCLUSIVITY OF BACKGROUNDS, SHAPES, SIZE, FRAME AND HEIGHT – PRETTYLITTLETHING IS THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION THAT CATERS TO EVERYONE, WHO NEEDS AN OUTFIT FOR AN EVERYDAY OCCASION. THAT ‘NOTHING TO WEAR’ DILEMMA, AND ENDLESS MALL WALKING IS NOW COMING TO AN END, WITH PRETTYLITTLETHING DELIVERING TO THE REGION’S DOORSTEP, IN A MATTER OF DAYS. JOIN INTERNATIONAL A-LISTERS, CELEBRITIES, STYLE INFLUENCERS AND TRENDSETTERS – AS YOU TOO CAN BE THE COOLEST STYLE MUSE – WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.
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ell us a little bit about yourself. I joined PrettyLittleThing (PLT) in January 2015 as Marketing Manager from fast fashion rival Missguided and was promoted to Head of Marketing two years later. 2015 was the year in which the business grew by over 600% year-on-year in terms of gross turnover and 300% in terms of site visitation. Working in a fast-paced environment which is constantly evolving has meant I have had to adapt very quickly to the demands of the business. The Marketing team has grown from 3 to 65 employees and I have been responsible for the growth of all Marketing channels including PPC, CRM, SEO, PR, Social, Affiliates and Paid Social. I oversee top line marketing plans in all markets across 4 core areas – Planning, Brand Marketing, Digital Marketing and CRM. I have worked across the brands International expansion with launches including Ireland, Australia, France, USA and now MENA as well as opening showrooms in LA, Miami, Paris, as well as dedicated sites for The Middle East and South America. As the Marketing Director of PRETTYLITTLETHING, tell us about the biggest challenges of situating yourself as a purely online platform. For PLT we continuously focus on staying ahead of the competition and ensuring we are reacting to what the customer wants. Being a purely online platform has many advantages, particularly that we are able to move quickly in everything that we do – our teams are dynamic and used to moving at a fast pace which allows us to turn around launches, product ranges and new social initiatives extremely quickly. Women love the experience of shopping. What’s the attraction of online fashion sites when a digital experience takes the emotive aspect of retail away? As a brand we focus on bringing lots of emotive experiences to our customers through channels beyond the website. PrettyLittleThing is a lifestyle brand and it’s important for us to make them feel a part of that. Our social channels offer the customer style advice, behind-the-scenes footage on our shoots and live chats with our expanding influencer and celebrity base. We’ve developed a strong brand identity in our existing markets with our unicorn branding and we have taken that branding beyond digital platforms, wrapping taxis, trains and trams in pink PLT unicorns. Whilst the customer can’t touch or try on the product before they buy it we offer fast and easy delivery and returns which make it easy for the customer to shop from the comfort of their own home. This year we also plan to open up PLT branded cafés which will invite the customer to be a part of the physical experience. PRETTYLITTLETHING.com is renowned as the onestop-shop for trend led women’s clothing at seriously killer prices, but what is the secret (other than the price!) of PRETTYLITTLETHING’s success? PLT has been molded by our customer: we try things, we change things, we listen to the customer and we’ve become a
“Whilst the customer can’t touch or try on the product before they buy it we offer fast and easy delivery and returns which make it easy for the customer to shop from the comfort of their own home.”
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DESIGNER
Focus
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brand that the customer wants. It isn’t about selling just products, we want “As a brand we focus on bringing lots of emotive our customers to feel they can come to us for lifestyle, beauty tips, work experiences to our customers through channels outs, life advice – being an all-round “best friend”. We are a young business is beyond the website. and we pride ourselves on our youth, our youthful management, our youthful leadership from start to end. We adapt really quickly to the ever a lifestyle brand and it’s important for us to make changing landscape, especially throughout our social media and Influencer them feel a part of that.” strategy as well as our campaigns. We were one of the first online retailers who showcased the same outfit on two different size models (a UK 8 and a UK 18) with a campaign that went viral after we collaborated with Hailey you have any upcoming plans to collaborate with regional influencers? Baldwin and this is what our customers want to see. We are working closely with in-market agencies to ensure our approach A little PR birdie told us about your plans of localising plans for is relevant and appropriate for the Arab market, this will include modest PRETTYLITTLETHING in May and we are indeed thrilled. Tell us collections. We will also be adapting our social media platforms and more about what that means for regional designers across The Middle East. advertising to ensure this is relevant to the market. Eventually, this year, we Our team at our Manchester HQ are working closely with our team will launch an edit with a local influencer, tailored to the market where they in The Middle East to adapt our product offering, our focus on launch will work closely with our design team on curating their own collection. will be to expand our PLT offering however we are excited about the Where do you see PRETTYLITTLETHING in The Middle East in possibility of working with regional designers, models and Influencers to the next 5-10 years? develop collections further down the line. We have big ambitions for the Middle East, our focus will be on launching Does the concept of a “discounted” product offering make it difficult to the brand successfully over the coming months and continuing to adapt our maintain premium fashion positioning? offering to offer customers in the Middle East everything they want from a fast fashion brand. Not at all. We’re at the forefront of what we Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. do and I don’t believe our customer offering at Quick Fire Questions Before the lock down I hadn’t spent more than a lower price point makes us less “premium”. a week at home in the UK. We were so busy We have worked with some incredible talent FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM? INSTAGRAM FAVOURITE BEAUTY PRODUCT? CHARLOTTE working on expansion plans that between January which a lot of people may deem as high TILBURY – MAGIC CREAM and March, I was on a plane nearly every 2 weeks! end including Ashley Graham, Kourtney FAVOURITE DESIGNER? BURBERRY Kardashian and Hailey Baldwin with an FAVOURITE PERFUME? GIVENCHY – L’INTERDIT attractive price point. @nicki_cap / @prettylittlething With social media dominating marketing do prettylittlething.com
PrettyLittleThing
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CONFIDENT GLAMOUR
The industry-leading, all-female design team at GARRARD have breathed new life into the motif at the heart of one of the House’s most legendary royal commissions – the setting of the most precious diamond of all time, the Cullinan I as THE HOUSE OF GARRARD presents its new collection “Aloria”
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JEWELLERY
Edit
“The strong silhouette framing the world’s largest clear-cut diamond has been reimagined in the House’s Sovereign motif and its enduring spirit sits at the heart of the new designs.” Artfully uniting heritage cues with cutting-edge craftsmanship and design, Aloria celebrates Garrard’s setting of the Cullinan I in the Sovereign’s Sceptre in 1910.The strong silhouette framing the world’s largest clear-cut diamond has been reimagined in the House’s Sovereign motif and its enduring spirit sits at the heart of the new designs. The Aloria collection is the latest to join Garrard’s treasure trove of regally-inspired jewels, a fresh interpretation of an iconic design rooted in the brand’s heritage and handcrafted in the Garrard workshop. “Garrard’s craftsmanship in Aloria is as innovative now as it was for the setting of the Cullinan I in 1910,” explains Sara Prentice, Garrard’s Creative Director. “The clean lines and simplicity of the design mask the complexity and detail that have gone into each piece”. Garrard’s signature goldwork has been elevated to new threedimensional levels and, skilfully faceted, it shimmers in light across rings, bracelets and earrings that tumble gracefully. The bold silhouette of the Sovereign motif is embellished with diamonds that glitter gently at an angle in each piece alongside coloured gemstones, calibré-cut in the larger pieces and glimmering in a range of glorious hues – from pink sapphires and diamonds set in rose gold, to yellow sapphires and diamonds in yellow gold, and bright and brilliant allwhite diamonds and aquamarines set in white gold. The creative team led by Sara Prentice know how to inject their designs with a sense of glamorous fun. The elegant simplicity of the pieces at first sight belies their multifunctional, playful nature. Just as the gold clasps holding the Cullinan I can be opened and the magnificent diamond removed to be worn as a brooch (suspended from the Cullinan I set in the Imperial State Crown – yet another of Garrard’s royal commissions), the Aloria designs offer several options for the way they can be worn – designed to work with the wearer, transitioning from dawn to dusk in effortless style.
Necklaces come in adjustable lengths and earrings can be worn as studs or with back jackets of differing colours. In some pieces the Sovereign motif is set with diamonds on one side and with white enamel – mirroring the colour of the enamel surrounding the Cullinan I – on the other. Reversibility is achieved via a discrete hinge mechanism, the graceful fluidity of form reflecting the power of adaptability. And in recognition of Queen Mary’s penchant for switching the gemstones in her jewels to match her dress, several necklaces, bracelets and earrings in the collection have interchangeable coloured motifs, to suit the occasion, your outfit or simply your mood. “The Aloria collection epitomises Garrard’s design ideals: ingenuity of craftsmanship, exceptional gemstones and adaptability of design,” says Sara. “It’s a powerful collection and we’re looking forward to seeing clients wear the designs with their own confident, unique style”.
House of Garrard collections are available at Ali Bin Ali Luxury. For more information, please call +974 3397 9535, +974 6671 7647, +974 3336 0990 @houseofgarrard Alibinali.com @alibinali_luxury
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A FAMILY
HEIRLOOM CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH FABERGÉ
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HAUTE
Horology “Timepieces have always been at the heart of Fabergé’s story. In many families, they are handed down from father to son, a lifelong heirloom which becomes a legacy.”
F
ather’s Day is an important celebration for Fabergé. Peter Carl Fabergé inherited his father’s jewellery shop from where he built his legendary artist jeweller empire and so, this Father’s Day, Fabergé honour not only that special gift, but pay tribute to their reputation for elegance and innovation with a collection of the finest cufflinks and timepieces any father could hope to own. Timepieces have always been at the heart of Fabergé’s story. In many families, they are handed down from father to son, a lifelong heirloom which becomes a legacy. Peter Carl designed exquisite clocks and found ingenious ways of incorporating movements into his rich repertoire of objects d’art. Today, Fabergé presents contemporary versions of these original pieces, including the Visionnaire DTZ Gold – with its award winning movement and brushed gold and titanium case; the Visionnaire Chronograph Ceramic – with its ceramic and titanium case topped by a domed sapphire crystal, and the Altruist 18 Karat Rose Gold – with a guilloche dial and blue steel hands fitting as perfectly on the wrist as they do in Fabergé’s history. The relationship between the Tsar’s Imperial Court and the House of Fabergé first started when Fabergé exhibited in the 1882 Moscow Pan-Russian Exhibition and the Empress Maria Fedorovna purchased a pair of cufflinks – the first ever Fabergé purchase by the Imperial Family. The contemporary cufflink collection draws inspiration from the historic cufflinks, dress-sets and cigarette cases created in the early 20th century. This offering includes the Ruby Red Enamel Cufflinks featuring cabochon ruby centre stones with red guilloché enamel set in 18 karat rose gold, the White Gold Emerald Fluted Domed Cufflinks with round emeralds set in 18 karat white gold and the Ruby Rose Gold Fluted Cufflinks with rubies, set in 18 karat rose gold.
Fabergé collections are available at Alfardan jewellery showrooms @officialfaberge @alfardanjewellery
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ALL THAT
DA Z Z L E S AUDEMARS PIGUET UNVEILS A NEW GEM-SET VERSION OF THE ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING 466 brilliant cut orange sapphires (3.18 carats), with 11 different shades from dark in the centre to pale near the periphery and a seamless transition in tone. This model also features pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. A slender centre seconds hand along with a date indication adjacent the crown completes the inventory of functions. At the heart of this watch is the Manufacture’s latest self winding movement, calibre 4302, visible via the glare-proofed sapphire caseback. This movement is equipped with an openworked 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight, harnessing the motion of the wearer’s wrist to power the watch. The movement embraces hand-finishing, typical of Haute Horlogerie. This gem-set version of the Royal Oak unites precious stones and fine watchmaking in a free-spirited design which encompasses the many skills practised in Le Brassus.
The Swiss Haute Horlogerie
manufacturer Audemars Piguet is pleased to unveil a new gem-set version of its 41 mm Royal Oak model encompassing both brilliant-cut diamonds and orange sapphires. In order to bring this model to fruition Audemars Piguet has utilised the know-how and talents of both craftspeople and watchmakers alike, perpetuating the Manufacture’s reputation for uncompromising craftsmanship. The 18-carat pink gold diamond-set case features 138 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.62 carats). The matching bracelet is embellished with a further 472 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.62 carats). In addition, the dial incorporates
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Audemars Piguet collections are available at Ali Bin Ali Luxury. For more information, please call +974 5578 5433 @audemarspiguet Alibinali.com @alibinali_luxury
HAUTE
Horology TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING // 41 MM
Functions HOURS, MINUTES, CENTRE SECONDS AND DATE.
Case DIAMOND-SET 18-CARAT PINK GOLD CASE AND BEZEL, GLAREPROOFED SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL AND CASEBACK, WATER-RESISTANT TO 50 M.
Dial 18-CARAT PINK GOLD DIAL SET WITH GRADED ORANGE SAPPHIRES, PINK GOLD APPLIED HOUR-MARKERS AND ROYAL OAK HANDS WITH LUMINESCENT COATING.
Bracelet DIAMOND-SET 18-CARAT PINK GOLD BRACELET (EXCEPT SATINBRUSHED LINKS) WITH AP FOLDING CLASP.
Setting 610 BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMONDS - 7.24 CARATS (CASE AND BRACELET) 466 BRILLIANT-CUT SAPPHIRES - 3.18 CARATS (DIAL)
Movement Specifications SELFWINDING MANUFACTURE CALIBRE 4302 TOTAL DIAMETER - 32 MM (14 LIGNES) TOTAL THICKNESS - 4.8 MM NUMBER OF JEWELS - 32 NUMBER OF PARTS - 257 MINIMUM GUARANTEED POWER RESERVE - 70 HOURS FREQUENCY OF BALANCE WHEEL - 4HZ (28,800 VPH)
ABOUT AUDEMARS PIGUET AUDEMARS PIGUET IS THE OLDEST FINE WATCHMAKING MANUFACTURER STILL IN THE HANDS OF ITS FOUNDING FAMILIES (AUDEMARS AND PIGUET). BASED IN LE BRASSUS SINCE 1875, THE COMPANY HAS NURTURED GENERATIONS OF TALENTED CRAFTSPEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOPED NEW SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES, BROADENING THEIR SAVOIRFAIRE TO SET RULE-BREAKING TRENDS. IN THE VALLÉE DE JOUX, AT THE HEART OF THE SWISS JURA, AUDEMARS PIGUET HAS CREATED NUMEROUS MASTERPIECES, TESTAMENT TO THE MANUFACTURE’S ANCESTRAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FORWARD-THINKING SPIRIT. SHARING ITS PASSION AND SAVOIR-FAIRE WITH WATCH ENTHUSIASTS WORLDWIDE THROUGH THE LANGUAGE OF EMOTIONS, AUDEMARS PIGUET HAS ESTABLISHED ENRICHING EXCHANGES AMONG FIELDS OF CREATIVE PRACTICES AND FOSTERED AN INSPIRED COMMUNITY. BORN IN LE BRASSUS, RAISED AROUND THE WORLD.
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A FEMININE ICON This year, Piaget is presenting a host of dazzling new Limelight Gala timepieces in celebration of these iconic creations that date back to more than half a century.
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
The world is full of extraordinary women who are inspiring, creative, daring and powerful, all while embracing femininity in their own unique way. Women appreciate craftsmanship, talent and creativity. They invest in what can be passed down and what can create an emotion.
STEALING THE LIMELIGHT
The new Limelight Gala was inspired by an iconic model created in 1973 when the brand’s famous Piaget Society was in full swing. Celebrities, artists, clients, and friends of the Maison would get together for the most fabulous parties, gathering stars such as Salvador Dali, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Cary Grant and Sami Davis Jr. As vibrant today as it was in the 1970s, the Piaget Society continues to unite a creative, curious, and intelligent set of people who share a certain art de vivre.
A FEMININE ICON
Piaget’s Limelight Gala was inspired by the elegant spirit of the 1960s, with its sensual curves, cambered case and asymmetrical lugs that extend from each side of the case onto the bracelet. The modern interpretation of the Limelight Gala reproduces the same design with a perfectly integrated case and lugs that are combined with a swirl of exquisite gemstones, ornate dials, and sumptuous gold bracelets. Almost 60 years on and the Piaget Limelight Gala is more than a wristwatch, it is a feminine icon that has become a symbol of elegance and harmony.
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HAUTE
Horology PIAGET LIMELIGHT GALA PRECIOUS AVENTURINE GLASS - DIAMETER: 32 MM - WATCH IN 18K WHITE GOLD - BEZEL SET WITH 42 BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMONDS (APPROX . 4.74 CTS) WITH OPENWORK TECHNIQUE - AVENTURINE GLASS DIAL - PIAGET MANUFACTURE QUARTZ MOVEMENT (690P) - FUNCTIONS : HOURS AND MINUTES - DARK BLUE SHINY ALLIGATOR STRAP WITH AN 18K WHITE GOLD ARDILLON BUCKLE SET WITH 15 BRILLIANT- CUT DIAMONDS (APPROX . 0.06 CT) G0A45180
PIAGET LIMELIGHT GALA PRECIOUS SAPPHIRE GRADIENT - DIAMETER: 32 MM - WATCH IN 18K WHITE GOLD - BEZEL SET WITH 20 BRILLIANT- CUT DIAMONDS (APPROX . 1.46 CTS) AND A FADE OF 22 BRILLIANTCUT BLUE SAPPHIRES (APPROX . 4.01 CTS) WITH OPENWORK TECHNIQUE - 18K WHITE GOLD DIAL ENGRAVED WITH PALACE DÉCOR AND COVERED IN BLUE ENAMEL - PIAGET MANUFACTURE QUARTZ MOVEMENT (690P) - FUNCTIONS : HOURS AND MINUTES - 18K WHITE GOLD BRACELET ENGRAVED WITH PALACE DÉCOR AND WITH INTEGRATED SCALE CLASP G0A45163
PIAGET LIMELIGHT GALA PRECIOUS ROSE GOLD - DIAMETER: 32 MM - WATCH IN 18K ROSE GOLD - BEZEL SET WITH 42 BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMONDS (APPROX . 4.74 CTS) WITH OPENWORK TECHNIQUE - WHITE MOTHER-OF-PEARL DIAL - PIAGET MANUFACTURE QUARTZ MOVEMENT (690P) - FUNCTIONS : HOURS AND MINUTES - BURGUNDY SHINY ALLIGATOR STRAP WITH AN 18K ROSE GOLD ARDILLON BUCKLE SET WITH 15 BRILLIANT- CUT DIAMONDS (APPROX . 0.06 CT) G0A45161
Piaget collections are available at Ali Bin Ali Luxury. For more information, please call +974 5570 9470 @piaget Alibinali.com @alibinali_luxury
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A YOUTHFUL PRODIGY Haute Couture designer YIQING YIN joins the “One of not many” communication campaign for Vacheron Constantin. Born in Beijing in 1985, Yiqing Yin has been traveling the world since her childhood. At the age of four, she left China for Australia and France. A graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and armed with her innovative vision of Couture, Yiqing Yin sees garments as both a second skin and a supple, floaty envelope. Exploring the dynamic potential of pleats, she imagines vibrant structures that are never static but instead all about volumes in motion, and experiments with the way garments fall in a quest for smoothly flowing lines. She thus designs loose shapes with staggering structures. She admits her attraction to “an intuitive method of creation, a sensory wandering and a search for voluntary accidents”. Acknowledged and respected within the select circle of Haute Couture connoisseurs, her universe naturally chimed with that of Vacheron Constantin. Yiqing Yin shares with the watchmakers and artisans of the Maison a concern for detail and a desire for discovery. Ties were thus woven between Haute Couture and Haute Horlogerie, two worlds where craftsmanship, expertise and rarity would be nothing without passion and creativity, a vocation that is constantly being challenged and reinvented in step with successive creations. The Égérie collection symbolises this encounter through the pleated dial and the off-centre aesthetic of its design. The “One of not many” campaign presented in 2018 showcases talents whose personality and work express the constant quest for excellence, openness to the world and the spirit of innovation and creation characterising Vacheron Constantin. Singular, visionary and passionate, they are recognised experts in their own field, thereby also reflecting the concept of connoisseurs. 34
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HAUTE
Horology ABOUT YIQING YIN A graduate of ENSAD (École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris), Yiqing Yin was awarded the Grand Prix de la Création de la Ville de Paris in 2009. Following the Hyères International Fashion Festival in 2010, her dreamy creations were staged in the windows of the Ministry of Culture, at the Chaillot National Theatre and then at the prestigious Joyce Gallery. In June 2011, she won the ANDAM (Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode/ANDAM Fashion Award Paris) and held her first runway showing during the Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. That same year, Yiqing Yin was one of eight young “designers to watch” selected by the French edition of Vogue. In 2013, Maison Léonard appointed the young designer to head its ready-to-wear collections. Yiqing Yin also works with prestigious brands such as Cartier, Guerlain, Hermès, Swarovski and Lancôme. Since 2012, Maison Yiqing Yin has been officially included in the Fédération Française de la Couture official calendar as a guest member. In December 2015, the Fédération Française de la Mode rewarded her work through the attribution of the Haute Couture appellation. As a complete artist, Yiqing Yin also explores other artistic worlds. In 2013, at the invitation of the Venice Biennale, she created the artwork In-Between. For her Blooming Ashes collection, she combined fabric with light in the Stellar dress, in collaboration with sculptor Bastien Carré. She has also worked in the world of dance by designing the stage costumes of the étoile ballet dancers Dorothée Gilbert and Mathieu Ganio for Tristan and Iseult, directed by Giorgio Mancini.
“Acknowledged and respected within the select circle of Haute Couture connoisseurs, her universe naturally chimed with that of Vacheron Constantin.” Yiqing Yin has been regularly invited to participate in art exhibitions around the world for several years. The exhibition titled “A world of Feathers” staged at the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm; the “Haute Dentelle” exhibition at the Cité de la Dentelle in Calais; as well as the “Animalia Fashion” exhibition at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, are just some of the many events where she presents the major pieces of her Haute Couture collections. She was also a guest of honour, exhibitor, lecturer and member of the jury at the Arts of Fashion Foundation Symposium held in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco in December 2019. Finally, she is delighted to be working on a film project that will be released in the course of 2020. @vacheronconstantin www.ohlalamag.net
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OHLALA Spotlight
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL We delve into the world of DR. Buthaina AL-Ansari and her advocacy of female empowerment.
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ell us what female empowerment means to you. There are a lot of definitions surrounding women’s empowerment. It depends on how you want to empower women. From my end, I would say building a woman’s knowledge, enhancing her ability and skills, providing her with a vision and a realistic objective that she can achieve with the right mindset and respecting that she is the other half of society together with men she can be successful. Throughout my whole career I have felt we are not enemies with the other gender, we complete each other, together we can create miracles in different ways but we need love, respect and to believe in our ability as women.
“Throughout my whole career I have felt we are not enemies with the other gender, we complete each other, together we can create miracles in different ways but we need love, respect and to believe in our ability as women.” Tamkeen assists organisations to empower its members and keep updated with what is new in the local and international market. As CEO how do you promote empowerment amongst females in your workplace? Tamkeen is a company that deals with building skills for both genders. If we go back to 2010, I remember going to my boss while I was an Executive Director of Human Resources, and telling him that I wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day and his reply was one of confusion. I had already had my answers prepared for ‘how?’, ‘why?’ and ‘when?’ - this is very important. Whether you want to implement an idea in society or your workplace you have to do two important things: First, you have to be well prepared, have belief in your idea and be 36
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passionate about it. Secondly, you should be supported by higher management at the workplace or be sponsored by strong partners. My boss supported me in doing that for six years. It wasn’t just a one-day celebration. Every year I developed a new development program to enhance female staff skills that will enable them to move from one level to the next. For sure there are many challenges from both sides, women and the organisation. To fill this gap, I did a lot of research and it was the topic for my Doctorate of Business Administration ‘Women and the Glass Ceiling’, to empower women for leadership positions in the organisations and increase the female percentage within the C-suite level. When I left the company, I continued to have these programs with different
“Every year I developed a new development program to enhance female staff skills that will enable them to move from one level to the next.” companies as well as individuals. I came up with an idea called ‘Detox your life’ as a conference in Qatar, which is a full day every year in March with an attendance of more than 400 ladies. It has workshops, international speakers, fashion shows and real estate investment experts to teach women how to invest their money. As CEO of STRIKE (MARCOM) you are renowned for delivering homegrown Qatari creatives and events. Tell us about a time where you have supported other female entrepreneurs in Qatar. In STRIKE (MARCOM) we truly try to help women entrepreneurs. From the branding side, media advertising, the identity of the brand, strategic ways of thinking, how to gain new and maintain old clients. We discuss how to create a new line/product or service, and we provide event management for opening new retail such as coffee shops or beauty salons. We show women how to utilise freelancers and outsourcing positions to save costs. We are also helping women writers to brand, launch books and edit transcripts. I also developed a new audio book application called ‘Safahat’, which is the perfect platform where a woman can reflect her success and skills. If you are a writer or trainer, come to Safahat application and we will provide you with a platform to help start your dream. We adopt different types of book titles and subjects for the platform as well as different topics for coaching. We also recently launched a cartoon? serial called ‘Sawlef ’ in which three young women discuss different topics with their coach and find solutions in an attractive and simplified way that is easily understood by young women of 16 years old. Knowledge is power. What challenge have you overcome as a female and how did this empower you as an individual? Education is the magic of my success, because of my strong education I can differentiate myself among other women in Qatar. Education helped me to become a good speaker and panellist. If you have a strong education and can utilise it at the right place and time, it is the only weapon that will enable you to win any battle you enter.
Every woman deserves to be spotlighted for greatness, name someone who has impacted your approach to life, and strengthened your position as a strong female in Qatar. What did they do to help you through your personal journey? I have unique reasons that made me who I am today, three men in my life: My father who secured a healthy home environment and always advised me to benchmark myself with the elite. My brother, who supported me in my career, opening new doors and guiding me in how to grab opportunities. My husband, who encouraged me, believed in me and helped me by saying “Don’t let your dreams be only your dreams”. Gandhi’s quote “Be the change you want to see” is also something I follow, but I have a quote of my own: “Don’t be just an individual who carried two numbers in her life, birth and death. You have to choose your life between these two numbers.” @buthainaalansari www.ohlalamag.net
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LIFE IN
ou are the first local in Qatar to animate a children’s series. Tell us how you ended up running your own animation company Blue Penguin Animation. I have loved animation ever since I was a child! My Dad got me hooked on ‘cartoons’ whilst we watched them together. Luckily, with the support of my parents and the scholarship I obtained from the Higher Education Institute (HEI), I was able to pursue my career and became the first Qatari animation graduate from Kingston University, London. Following this passion into the industry, I then worked at Al-Jazeera children’s channel ( JCC). One day at home, my husband, a successful businessman, turned to me and said: “Why don’t you open your own animation company here in Qatar?” So, with his encouragement, he helped me turn my talents into business, and that’s how ‘Blue Penguin Animation’ was created. You were the first Qatari citizen to hold a BA Hons in Illustration & Animation. How did you embrace that level of empowerment? It was extremely difficult. It was at a time when animation hardly existed in Qatar. Because ofmy university scholarship entitlement, it took the whole summer to convince the decision makers on the major I wanted to take. They regarded it as a ‘weak’ major to study. I remember someone telling me: “ Why study something for 4 years when you can do it as a course for 1 month!”. I was very depressed. I spent all summer emailing and submitting documents. I remember I got accepted at many universities, which gave me hope and the determination to not give up. I also am thankful for my mum that drove me daily there and stuck by my decision. In the end, my perseverance got me there, but I made sure to hold my head high, maintain good grades and not let my parents and the HEI down. Honestly, those 4 years at Kingston, will never be forgotten.
TECHNICOLOUR AISHA AL-JAIDAH steps outside the norm and talks about the benefit of animating our lives to what we want it to be.
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Tell us what female empowerment means to you. Female empowerment I think, is still an issue worldwide, where we still see the numbers of male-dominated positions being higher than females. However in Qatar, gender equality is improving drastically, thanks to H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a great motivator to all women. Females have stood up and stood out in the country. I am glad that more females in Qatar are taking risks to open up businesses, becoming entrepreneurs, more dependent on themselves as well as take important positions in the public sectors alongside men.
OHLALA Spotlight Positivity is everything. Name someone who has impacted your approach to life, and strengthened your position as a strong female in Qatar. What did they do to help you through your personal journey? I owe it all to my parents and husband for believing in me when many didn’t. I am also thankful to Doha Film Institute (DFI), for their continued support when it comes to animation and film making. DFI offered me a grant, guidance and the funding for my first animated short film. They were with me every step of the way, connecting me to famous script writers, talented artists and creative sound designers around the world. They have helped me develop myself from being an animator, to an animation director and producer. Because of them, my film got screened at ‘Cannes Film Festival’.
“Proving that you learn and improve as you go along, it’s what makes us better, and if you make mistakes along the way, that is fine, you will need to push yourself and that will make success that much sweeter.” Knowledge is power. What challenge have you overcome as a female and how did this mould your approach to everyday life? I believe that you always have to challenge yourself, regardless of your gender. Proving that you learn and improve as you go along, it’s what makes us better, and if you make mistakes along the way, that is fine, you will need to push yourself and that will make success that much sweeter. Being a female in the animation world is stressful and difficult, yet i enjoy it so much and will continue on this path regardless. This determination made me more confident in my everyday life. I am no longer afraid of risks nor challenges. Today, there are no excuses due to the limitless sources we have. You only have to be truly passionate about it, go for it, and the opportunities will come. Just remember: “If you can dream it…you can do it!” - Walt Disney. @aisha_al_jaidah www.ohlalamag.net
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OHLALA Spotlight
ORGANICALLY UNIQUE We talk about the importance of uplifting other women and all things beauty with entrepreneur SAMIA ALSALEH
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“Believe me nothing works better for Qatar’s females’ skin and hair other than our own plants and herbs.”
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s Owner and Founder of Organique you are able to empower so many females throughout the beauty industry as they walk through your eponymous doors. Tell us why this is so important to you and your role. One of the important beliefs that I have is when I started this business to create a space for other ladies to enjoy, to empower and influence because I believe that women should empower each other. Creating a business is something beautiful, it is attached to sending a message to others or helping others to open doors or create their own dreams. It’s not about business at the end, but it’s about the small touches and the impact you have made into others’ lives. You’ve previously told us that you’re inspired undoubtedly as a collective from your Mother, Grandmother and Aunty. How have they strengthened your position as a strong female in Qatar. What did they do to help you through your personal journey? I believe that the GCC and Qatar especially have its own heritage and culture. We have a rich past in cosmetics and beauty and now we must build a future noteworthy of that past. This is the main reason I decided to use my grandmother and mother’s natural remedies to create Organique and my SA by Samia cosmetics line. Believe me nothing works better for Qatar’s females’ skin and hair other than our own plants and herbs. We are all for lifting other women up and fixing each other’s crowns, how do you embrace this mantra and make sure that every woman that walks through Organique’s doors leaves happy. It’s all about the confidence with which you help others . When the female is confident enough nothing can stop her from achieving her dreams. No one can put an empowered woman down whatever problems that she may have faced because confidence is naturally within, resulting in the better version of her.
We are all for showing appreciation to our loved ones through advice or a gift. Tell us which of your services or products you would recommend that every woman should try. I will recommend all my products and services because it reflects my personality, my intelligence and how I am confidently beautiful inside and out. When it comes to most I would go for SA hair spa, it’s a complete journey of relaxation and allows you to take care of your most important feature, which is the ladies crown (her hair). It’s time for everybody to escape from their everyday routine and just take time to take care of herself, body, mind, hair and soul. Knowledge is power. What challenge have you overcome as a female and what advice would you share on account of this experience? To be an independent business woman walking out of the social box will create some challenges for the ladies in our society. Always remember not to let anyone discourage your ambition. You don’t need a fan club to achieve your goals, be your own motivation. A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her. @samiaalsaleh
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Nesting
FOR THE AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 SEASON BARUNI TAKES INSPIRATION FROM NESTING AND CREATING A COSY AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT. THE ‘NESTING’ COLLECTION PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE FEELINGS OF SAFETY, CONTENTMENT AND WELLNESS THROUGH FLUID SILHOUETTES, WARM TONES AND SOFT FABRICS. SHADES OF DUSTY PINK, BEIGE AND GREY ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH POPS OF RED, MUSTARD AND SHIMMERING METALLICS. TIERED DRESSES, RELAXED TAILORING AND SOFT DRAPING OFFER A SENSE OF TRANQUILITY WHILE IRIDESCENT FABRICS ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR. VOLUMINOUS SHAPES CREATE GENTLE MOVEMENT WHILE PUFF SLEEVES, ROLLED COLLARS AND DRAWSTRING DETAILS ACCENTUATE THE VERSATILITY OF THE COLLECTION. SOFT FABRICS IN PINK TWEED AND SUEDE ADD TO THE FEELING OF COSINESS OFFSETTING A STRUCTURED CRINKLE METALLIC FABRIC TO BOLD EFFECT. BARUNI’S AW’20 COLLECTION EMBRACES THE COMFORTS OF NESTING WITH CAPTIVATING EASE THROUGH AN ARRAY OF RELAXED YET TIMELESS STYLES.
@baruni_fashion / www.baruni.co
CREDITS ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION: FASHION EXCLUSIVE UAE PHOTOGRAPHER: MORTEN TONSBERG MODELS: CAROL - SIGNATURE ELEMENT HAIR & MAKE UP: MELANIE MEYER GRAPHIC DESIGN: MAD
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A Spectrum of Colour TURN THE HEAT UP AND EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR EYESHADOW PALETTES AND BOLD LIPSTICK SHADES FOR SUPER ADDED
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BEAUTY Focus
DEWY GLOW SEE YOUR SKIN THROUGH A SOFTFOCUS LENS THAT LASTS ALL DAY LONG. VEILâ„¢ IS THE WEIGHTLESS SPRAY FROM HOURGLASS COSMETICS THAT SETS MAKEUP WHILE BLURRING IMPERFECTIONS. UNDETECTABLE ON THE SKIN, THE ULTRA-FINE AND HYDRATING MIST CREATES A SMOOTH, EVEN AND NATURALLY ITS
RADIANT
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ENHANCE FOUNDATION FOR MAXIMUM STAYING POWER, SETTING IT IN PLACE FOR UP TO 24 HOURS.
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Cheeks Out
Introducing the new Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush and Bronzer. The
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Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer brings out the best of your cheekbones
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Created by Rihanna to give life to all skin tones, these 10 shades of blush may
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COUTURE EYE PALETTE Le 9 de Givenchy is the new signature eyeshadow palette by Givenchy. A real Couture object, it is designed in five colour harmonies, each one including nude as well as bold and intense shades. Every palette offers nine eyeshadows with matte, satin, glitter and metallic finishes for a multitude of looks, from the most natural to the most sophisticated. Ultra-sensorial and highly pigmented, their new texture guarantees 12hour hold* for an impeccable result all day long
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1. RETHINK THE WAY YOU TOWEL DRY YOUR HAIR Your hair is actually most vulnerable during the drying process, so the way you treat it after a shower will make a huge difference to the amount of split ends you have to deal with. And even though it’s tempting when you’re in a rush before work, don’t rub your hair dry with a towel as it will only promote more breakage, and the last thing you want is for those splits to travel upwards. Instead, apply pressure by gently squeezing the excess water out of the hair using a towel. Microfibre towels are great. They may look unassuming, but we found that it reduced frizzy bits by half and absorbed water twice as fast as our usual towel, which meant we didn’t have to spend long under the hairdryer. Genius.
2. REASSESS YOUR BLOW-DRYING TECHNIQUE
NO MORE SPLITTING HAIRS Unfortunately a whole host of things can cause our hair to split, so we have sourced a selection of top tips to protect you from damaging those strands of yours. 58
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We’re all guilty of blasting sopping wet hair with a hairdryer, but if you’re serious about preventing split ends, it really pays to allow your hair to air dry as much as possible before letting loose with the dryer. Anywhere from 60% - 90% dry is ideal, as the longer you leave your hair exposed to heat, the more damage is likely to occur. Even better? Miss the ends out completely. Invest in a quality heat protectant and avoid placing heat directly on to the ends of the hair. Focus more on the roots and mid lengths - leave the ends to dry from the secondary heat and always keep the nozzle moving constantly for an even distribution of heat. Also try your best to dry on a cold air setting. Never touch the nozzle to the hair directly. Even rough drying hair means applying heat (yep, it’s really not that much better) so if you really want to protect it, just use your hairdryer to create shape and to smooth the cuticles. Position it just above the hair and brush.
3. TURN DOWN YOUR STRAIGHTENERS You’d be forgiven for whacking your straighteners or tongs up to the highest setting, especially if your hair is super-thick, or you’re in a hurry. But what if we were to tell you that your hair won’t straighten any faster or better? Yep, really. It’s a huge myth that the hotter the tool, the better and longer lasting your blow-dry or curl. Hair reaches optimum moldability at 180 degrees, so anything higher is overheating and damaging the hair.’ The worst part, though? A high temperature is zapping your hair of the one thing that contributes to shine, strength, softness and manageability - keratin. Healthy hair contains keratin, which dissipates once heated over 200 degrees, so, any hair tool over 180 degrees will dekeratinize the hair.
BEAUTY Column
4. BIN YOUR BRUSH It might not feel like it, but hair is much more flexible and prone to damage when wet. Your trusty paddle brush? It could be doing more harm than good. It’s always good to start with a wide tooth comb. You don’t need to add pressure or brush vigorously, especially if you start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, otherwise, you’re just dragging the knots.’ Makes sense, right? And you should really be taking your time at this stage to prevent causing any damage. There’s no harm in splitting your hair into sections to brush it.
5. BEEF UP YOUR HAIR-CARE ROUTINE You can’t repair split ends permanently, but there are some amazing products out there that have the ability to make them much less obvious. Smooth, sleek hair? Yes please. Damaged split ends crave moisture.
6. SWITCH UP YOUR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER While there are no magic shampoos or conditioners that will get rid of split ends, choosing something filled to bursting with moisturising ingredients can help disguise them. They also work to strengthen and protect strands against other factors that contribute to them, such as colouring.
7. THINK ABOUT GETTING A SILK PILLOWCASE Amazing hair is totally an excuse to be extra, but it pays to be savvy. A silk pillowcase won’t cure split ends but it’s more of a luxury preventative measure, as is tying your hair in a loose ponytail while you sleep.
8. GET A TRIM - IT’S WORTH IT IN THE LONG-RUN If you’re growing your hair, the last thing you probably want to do is book in for a trim, but the longer you leave it in between salon appointments, the more likely you are to cause further breakage and really, a haircut is the only thing that will completely eradicate split ends. The hair follicle will just continue to break and snap along the hair shaft otherwise. It’s a common misconception that in cutting, the hair won’t grow. For optimum hair growth, you should visit the salon every 6-8 weeks for a trim, depending on the colour and condition. And if you’re still wary Hairstylists can cut cleverly by working in minimal layering. This technique makes the hair appear long but it cuts out the bulk of the split ends. But how do you know how much needs to come off ? If you split apart the hair, the point where it stops splitting is a good indication of where the weak hair ends and the strong hair begins. Good hair days all round. www.ohlalamag.net
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BEAUTY Insight
#1 RICH METALLICS
BACKSTAGE BEAUTY From vampiric to vintage, this season’s shows gave us wide-ranging beauty trends to suit everyone, so it’s time to grab your brushes and try your hand at something a little different. Easily recreated and made wearable, these are the top beauty trends from the AW20 shows. While the main focus might be on the clothes, fashion month is about head-to-toe artistry as designers work with the best of the best in hair and makeup to bring their collection to life. Just as essential as staging and sounds, the beauty of the show says a lot about the vibe of a collection, and the inspirations we should be buying into for the new season.
#1 RICH METALLICS This season saw metallic eyes get an exaggerated makeover. Leaving behind a simple gold eye, AW20 beauty stepped into colour, opting for rich tones of red and green in a metallic, oil-slick finish. The Simone Rocha team graced the model’s eyes with fragmented gold leaf in red and black shades, creating a grungier take on the usually polished metallic finish. Meanwhile, Anna Sui saw disco-meet-Gothic as models wore metallic jewel tones blended out into a cat-eye with a dark cut-crease. Adapt the trend for day-to-day by blending one tone over your entire lid, and then adding some deeper shades and added glitter for the night.
#2 POPS OF COLOUR While some designers prefer to keep their beauty looks simple and neutral, AW20 beauty trends saw an explosion of colour, bringing some sun to the darker months. For the beauty brave, look towards Richard Quinn and Rixo. Richard Quinn saw models gracing the runway with bold colourful liner along their lower lash line before merging into a classic cat-eye; adding a new splash of colour into a timeless look. Alternatively, Rixo created a rose-tinted doll-like look by blending pink blush tones across the entire lid and down onto the model’s cheeks. 60
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#2 POPS OF COLOUR
#3 LATE-60’S INSPIRATION
#4 EUPHORIC EMBELLISHMENTS
Reminiscent of Lucy Boynton’s red carpet looks, this look is already wearable if you’re feeling more out-there, otherwise, keep the pink on your lids and add a little golden highlighter on top of a peachy shimmer. But for an instantly wearable look, Olivia Rubin’s feminine take on the beauty trend looks set to become a staple for us. Blue on the lids and pink on the lips; Olivia Rubin made our school disco looks chic, merging hyperfemininity with studio 54 cool.
#3 LATE-60’S INSPIRATION If colour and glitter isn’t your thing, this more neutral, vintage-inspired AW20 beauty trend is the one for you. Always a favourite reference point, this season saw an influx of the late-60’s inspired beauty looks and collections, taking note from the end of the summer of love and start of a darker time for the hippie culture. Quintessential French brand Celine gave the classic Parisian cat-eye an update with a shadowed cut crease, reminiscent of Sharon Tate and Edie Sedgwick. Similarly, Chloe models were fresh-faced with defined eyes, opting for a more subtle, smudged cat-eye over a graphic look. Paired with flowing hair in a centre parting, this lived-in beauty trend looks like it’s just stepped out of day 2 of Woodstock.
#4 EUPHORIC EMBELLISHMENTS The impact of HBO’s Euphoria hit the FW20 runways hard as we saw added gems, stamps and embellishments. Taking notes from Doniella Davy’s makeup artistry on the show, the models in several shows had their faces and eyes adorned with gems much like Alexa Demie on the fan favourite show. Valentino created an eye look that was reminiscent of their iconic shoes, adding black gems to a graphic twiggy-inspired look for a contemporary impact. Similarly, Christopher John Rogers added silver gems into brushed up brows, giving us fresh inspiration for festivals or nights out. Even Rixo added some sparkling extra to the inner corner of their model’s eyes, helping to elevate any look into something powerful and party-ready. This beauty trend has been an Instagram sensation for a while now, but the AW20 runways provided us with new ways to wear the trend in a more refined manner, focusing on clever placement rather than simply adding lots of gems or glitter
#5 NONCHALANT BOLD LIPS Is it possible for a red lip to feel modern and groundbreaking? The AW20 runways say yes as many brands chose to give their models fresh takes on the timeless beauty trend. How did they update it? By making a red lip appear casual, feeling nonchalant against a fresh face and barely-there eye makeup. A favourite technique of the french, AW20 beauty trends saw the red lip being relegated from formality into a key step in your 15-minute rushing out of the house routine. We also saw a change-up in tone as classic, rich reds were swapped out for orange-toned shades for MSGM, or deep reds that almost border on purple for Rodarte and Fendi. For orange-tones, keep eyes simple with a slightly-grey toned shadow, and use a lip brush for defined application of the colour. Meanwhile, for purple-tones, artists opted for a more livedin application, patting the colour into the lip for less harsh outlines, and pairing it with a subtle but warmer eye shadow. Whichever side you pick, set the colour with a little bit of pressed powder to avoid any shine, keeping it nice and matte while helping it last. #5 NONCHALANT BOLD LIPS www.ohlalamag.net
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BEAUTY Spotlight
YOUTH PROOF Don’t grow old, grow young with these anti-ageing elixirs from Natura Bissé available for delivery from The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.
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DIAMOND EXTREME EYE Benef its: • Dual lifting effect, both internal and external. • Expression lines and wrinkles noticeably diminish. • Corrects dryness and balances hydration of the skin. • Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. • Improves microcirculation under the eyes. • Restores softness, smoothness and healthy glow. • Leaves the eye and lip areas extraordinarily silky. • Instantly lifts and re-sculpts the contour of the eye • Minimizes skin irritation and sensitivity. • Provides optimal hydration 24 hours a day.
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Benef its: • Rejuvenates the skin 3.9 years (in vivo test on 20 volunteers after 7 days of application): • Provides great self-renewing and self-regenerating power. • Reduces the excessive thickness of the superficial layers of the skin. • Exceptionally diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. • Corrects extremely dry skin from the inside out, effectively preventing flaky and rough skin. • Restores an even skin tone by preventing the formation of dark spots. • Offers an intensive lifting and firming effect that restores the youthful lift of the facial contour. • Stimulates the formation of Collagen I and Hyaluronic acid, redensifying the skin and visibly enhancing its elasticity. • Repairs the skin after surgery procedures due to its intensive regenerating properties. For orders or enquiries please contact (or WhatsApp) 5517 6131 @ritzcarltondoha
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TAKE BACK CONTROL
OUR ROUTINES HAVE CHANGED COMPLETELY. WE’RE NOT COMMUTING INTO WORK, WE’RE BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES AND OUR PERSONAL ONES. THIS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THINGS LIKE ANXIETY AND SLEEP, BUT, REST ASSURED WE’VE SECURED A ROUND-UP OF WELLNESS TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR MIND OCCUPIED.
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HEALTH Files
ALL ABOUT YOU ESPA at Mondrian Doha has you covered with these lifestyle tips to offer you the ultimate wellness experience. SLEEP & RELAXATION
Lights out That’s all lights - not just the conventional ones. Blue light stress is the name given to the way those little halos of light that emanate from computers, tablets and, of course, phones can diminish sleep quality, and even wake you up. For deeper, uninterrupted sleep, remove as many digital devices from the bedroom as you can. If you want to go for the full black out, why not try an old-fashioned lights-free alarm clock? Eat to sleep It’s widely known that a heavy evening meal, eaten late, affects sleep quality. There are however some foods that will help your body relax and get the best possible night’s sleep. Magnesium-rich foods in your evening meal such as dark leafy vegetables, raw nuts, seeds, pulses, seafood, avocado or dark chocolate will act on your nervous system to help switch it from active mode to rest and digest.
ANXIETY & ENERGY
High hopes Dopamine is a chemical produced by the brain that reduces anxiety and enhances feelings of pleasure, focus and calm. To optimise this natural high, put apples, watermelons, almonds, natural yogurt, beans, eggs and meat at the top of your shopping list and watch out for excess sugar, caffeine and stress, all of which can suppress dopamine production. Stand tall Posture has a powerful effect on both mood and energy. Slouching cuts off the flow of energy and makes breathing less effective. If you stand up straight, draw your shoulders back and breathe in deeply, you’ll feel the benefits both to your mood and your energy levels. 2-Minute yoga This is the very best reboot tip. Simply take a tennis ball, and then against a wall roll it up your spine, from between your shoulders to that little indentation at the base of your skull. Then roll it from side to side along the base of the skull. It’s called the occipital ridge and is full of acupressure points, which may be why it releases so much stress and pressure.
DIET
Sweet like sugar When it comes to a steady flow of energy, sugar is one to put on the watch list. Keeping sugar intake low and looking for alternatives wherever possible helps sustain stamina, supports concentration and allays mood swings. Wheat flour is also a surprising energy-sapper so try to minimise the amount of bread, crackers, pastries, cakes and biscuits you eat. Fats are good Well, some fats. A diet rich in healthy fats, (along with high fibre foods and complex carbs) will help you avoid energy peaks and troughs – which also makes it easier to control your weight. Healthy fats include: extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter/ghee, avocados, coconut (oil, flesh, milk), whole nuts and seeds and sugar-free nut butters. See a rainbow Essential to equilibrium is the right balance of nutrients in your diet. Luckily nature has given us a handy colour-coding system – eat a rainbow at every meal and you’re 66
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HEALTH Files well on your way. Here’s the science bit: white foods (such as onions, leeks, garlic) boost the immune system, dark blue, purple, red and orange foods (think berries, tomatoes, beetroot, sweet potatoes, carrots and butternut squash) are packed with antioxidants. And we all know how good dark green leafy veg is for everybody – packed with fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. Eat your greens That childhood advice is some of the best we’ll ever receive. The liver processes nasties into waste and greens are a key supporter of liver function. Dark green leafy veg and herbs – think kale, cabbage, spinach, brussels sprouts, watercress, rocket, parsley, coriander and basil all do the job. Support them with nuts, seeds, and lean, high protein foods such as eggs, organic poultry, fish and seafood. Magic magnesium Friend of the liver, Magnesium is known as the master mineral as it facilitates over 300 reactions in the body, many of them in the liver. A balanced diet should feature Magnesium in every meal; try foods including dark chocolate, dark green leafy veg, nuts, seeds, pulses (such as lentils and chickpeas), avocado and seafood.
MIND FULL OR MINDFUL
Mindfulness is a global, billion-dollar business and the biggest story in health and wellness for decades. With good reason. Mindfulness is, quite simply, living in the present. Being in the here and now, focused only on what can be changed today. It’s a state of mind that grounds us, making us more productive and helping to restore mental and physical equilibrium.
BALANCE
Take five Take a cue from ESPA’s Restorative range and steal yourself a little time out. Whether you just step away from the fray for a quick cup of tea or make mealtimes sacrosanct – sitting down, away from screens to eat slowly, chewing often - take as many time outs as you can. And breathe It’s easy to forget to breathe properly but deep breathing helps calm and relax like little else. Here’s a simple way to get the oxygen (and nutrients that make skin look healthier and brighter) flowing around the body. Exhale - completely, through your mouth (make a whoosh sound). Inhale - with your mouth closed, through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath - count to seven. Exhale - (whooshing) to a count of eight. Repeat five times.
DETOX
Brush off Ask ESPA Experts the single ritual they’d never skip and it’s always body brushing. Quick and easy, all you need is a firm brush (ESPA’s brush uses brisk cactus bristles) and just 30 seconds before you get in the shower or bath. Always use a dry brush and make short, sharp strokes towards the heart. Brushing sweeps away any dull skin cells to reveal the fresher, brighter skin beneath, and stimulates circulation too. Just add salts One of the expert’s top tips for maximising the benefits of any essential oil, especially when detoxing, is to add Epsom salts to your bath water. Not only does it help soften skin, and have proven healing powers, but the minerals draw the oils (and their benefits) even deeper into skin for optimal results. ESPA Doha is open for delivery of products. For more information, please call 4045 5550. @espa_doha / @mondrian_doha www.ohlalamag.net
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SHIFT YOUR MINDSET We are in a time where almost every other news and personal conversation revolves around the current situation. Kirstie Chisholm, Director of Health & Wellness at Zulal Wellness Resort, guides us with tips and tricks to manage ourselves during this time, alongside the benefits of their Zulal Live Wellness initiative. Zulal Wellness Resort has taken the initiative to introduce fitness classes, meditation classes, physiotherapy consultations and healthy recipes through a series of virtual sessions all of which will be conducted one-on-one. The ‘Zulal Live Wellness’ initiative has complimentary sessions to support and encourage individuals to maintain wellness goals during this unprecedented time. The live wellness program aims to support the public through inspirational wellness sessions and tools to help everyone adapt to the new way of life within the limits of home and take them on a selfdiscovery journey to unlock their health potentials. Zulal’s Culinary team are all-set to virtually share their knowledge and expertise to help 70
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people improve their diet, immune system and overall eating habits too! The constant bombardment of news updates can result in increasing fear and anxiety which in turn has immediate effects on our mental health and well-being. Mental health awareness is on the rise as we see more people seeking information and advice on how to cope with a sea of mixed emotions. The way we react to stressful situations differs from one person to another, and it is important that we don’t feed our fear and anxiety and shift our mindset and focus on embracing our mental well-being.
COPING WITH THE SITUATION
If we live in constant fear, whether from physical dangers in our environment or threats we perceive, our mental, emotional and physical health can be affected negatively. Giving attention to the way you think and where you place your thoughts can have a profound improvement on one’s mental health. To cope with fear does not necessarily mean to fight it. Becoming aware of your fears, naming them and standing back and observing them (if possible) or/and talking to people about them in a constructive way is very important-particularly at this time. Fear can sweep through communities like a wildfire and rather than fighting it might be more effective to try and take some time out from it or switch your attention on something else for a while. At the same time, we need to understand that it’s pretty normal to feel fear and to be kind to yourself and do things to comfort yourself.
HEALTH Files
FEAR AND CHILDREN
This situation is a lot for a child to process and many of them will unfortunately not be taught the skills to help them. Not only do they have to process and cope with the fear of the virus itself there is the disruption of normal activities, the sudden split from friends, and extended family members. These difficulties are profoundly compounded for children who rely on school meals, or whose family members are sickened or facing sudden unemployment. Children can feel particularly helpless and witnessing their parents and society as a whole feeling helpless can affect their sense of security immensely. The fear of the unknown mixed in with the fear of them or their loved ones catching a virus and potentially dying from it is
HERE’S SOME ADVICE FROM MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND PARENTING EXPERTS: • Model calmness even if you have to pretend. Children absorb your energy which can be more contagious than the virus. Remaining calm and centered can be the number one act of supporting your child • Establish a flexible routine-structure to help a child feel safe but try not to be too militant about it otherwise it can lose its effectiveness • Be honest about what is happening but don’t tell them more than they need. Be age appropriate and let the child’s questions guide the conversation. Balance it with what people are doing to overcome this situation and reassure them that they are safe and protected • Be conscious about how much screen time they have and what they are watching/reading. At this time screen time can offer a lot of comfort but ensure they are not having so much of it that they begin to become
disconnected from the family. The sense of connection is vital at the moment. • If possible, ensure they have some outside time in their garden or yard. Movement and exercise improve their mental health and can assist in releasing any built-up internal stress. Play and fun is a perfect antidote to stress
EVALUATE AND SHIFT YOUR MINDSET
I’m sure you are now curious about your own mindset. Remember that shifting your mindset is the first step towards coping, and to do so I would recommend that you treat your mind the same way you treat your body. Adopt the same basic principles you would give your body to your mind. Give it exercise such as reading, learning new things or playing games. Ensure your brain is hydrated as it is approximately 70% water and requires it to function well. Avoid stimulants and sugar as these are toxic for the brain. Lastly, dedicating time each day-even if it’s just five minutes to quiet your mind. It’s as if you are letting your mind sleep and have a rest which supports it being clearer and sharper. You can do this with simple guided meditations, listen to a beautiful piece of music or breathing exercise. Whatever method you choose the aim is to quieten your mind. This over most things can help your mental and emotional health considerably. For more information, please call 4477 6500 @zulalwellnessresort www.zulal.com www.ohlalamag.net
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LIVE YOUR BEST
LIFE
There are few things more important than mental health, and social discussion is key to the journey of combatting this social stigma. Ohlala delves into the world of MARK COLLIN, Founder of The Hero’s Academy to discuss how we can all benefit from life coaching and unlock our unlimited potential.
So let’s jump right in, who can benefit from life coaching? Why? Life coaching is for anyone that knows within themselves that they wish to change up their lives and start living in a more powerful way, one that’s true to their purpose. We all have a dream within us, but for many it stays as just that, a dream. I’ve set up my coaching practice to help people feel confident and able to create the life they’ve always desired. You’re based in London yet have a strong following of notable clientele in The Middle East. Why do you think this is? I’m asked this all the time! I have a huge affinity with Middle Eastern culture and travel often, and many of my clients have a close connection with London which is such an electric and amazing city. Often, I work with clients over Skype/Zoom from their homes and when they’re in London we work at one of my clinic spaces in Primrose Hill and Marylebone. How do you help individuals close the gap between where they are and where they want to be? The magic key to it all are your belief systems. 95% of our thinking is subconscious and many of our internal programmes are created in the first seven years of our lives. It’s why we repeat the same patterns over and over. My number one focus with clients is realigning limiting beliefs with enhanced ones, which create changes in our lives from the very first session. Once we believe deeply that we are worthy of success or love as examples then the results we see change massively. 72
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HEALTH Files
“My number one focus with clients is realigning limiting beliefs with enhanced ones, which create changes in our lives from the very first session.” Staying indoors and mindlessly scrolling through social media can affect our mental health. What top tip(s) do you wish you could share across the world to combat this? Social media is a wonderful way to connect, but it can also limit us especially as far as ‘FOMO’ is concerned. It’s important for us to live consciously and become aware of when we are checking social media and why we are doing it. Often, it is due to boredom or feeling empty and it’s in these moments that we can take back our power and choose activities that are more productive and increase our energy levels. “It’s time to walk your Hero’s journey” is at the core of your vision. Tell us more about this mantra and its importance. The Hero’s Journey is the most important journey we can go on. It’s the call to adventure that is born within every human, to live the greatest vision of our lives. My role is to help my clients, to find their purpose in the world and start living it. For some it’s launching a global brand and for some it’s truly becoming confident in the world or even finding a deeper sense of self-love, which is so important. Now more than ever we are utilising online video platforms to connect with others. How do you incorporate this within your work? The great thing with seeing clients on Zoom or Skype is that we can connect from the privacy of their own homes at any time that suits. It opens up the possibility of having powerful coaching sessions anywhere in the world and as many of my clients are often travelling, we can always keep in contact. What’s great is that the sessions are just as effective over video platforms as they are face-to-face in a clinic, which is ideal. Tell us an interesting fact about life coaching that isn’t common knowledge. So many clients want to know what their purpose is. Purpose is what gives life a deeper meaning and, in most cases, will mean a far greater possibility for success. In session we’ll look at much more than what you want to create but why, and it’s the why that holds all of the magic! Purpose is almost always connected with service to others and when we find a way of helping people or the planet while we are building our dream, then life becomes much more exciting as we are living our true calling in the world. @theherosacademy / www.theherosacademy.com www.ohlalamag.net
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To YOU, Get inspired to channel your inner warrior princess with these awesome quotes for women. You are strong, confident and courageous, and these powerful quotes will serve as your perfect reminder of just that! Lots of love, Ohlala xxx
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IN OUR ELEMENT
Getting used to the new version of life as we know it has been a blessing in disguise. Where we are staying safe, it never means we keep away from all the good things in life. The weekend called for a gastronomic journey with FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA.
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s far as summers are concerned this year around it is back to simple and basic living for all of us. As our travel dreams have not been able to take off as we’d have liked them too, we longed for a taste of different cultures. We’ve got summers rolling in and we decided to spoil ourselves with Four Seasons’ tantalising menu. Elements by Four Seasons has been making sure that luxury is redefined from the comfort of your home. With the menu offering an innovative mix of Arabic, Asian, Indian and seafood goods, we felt like we could do with a bit of it all. Four Seasons is already known for their impeccable service and providing wonderful assistance to make any experience special and this situation was no different. Ordering was as smooth and seamless as it could be, with their knowledgeable team answering any questions I had surrounding the vast selection of dishes and the availability of their menu. As decided, our phone rang at the exact time we expected our delivery to ignite our delightful night, with a backdrop of Netflix, and of course some phenomenal food. We opted to start off easy and began with a lush serving of the 76
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Caesar Salad that was a breath of freshness, with its crisp lettuce and croutons, freshly grilled chicken and perfectly balanced Caesar sauce for the topping; a taste that embarked us into our culinary journey for the night. As we started our culinary trail, we decided to start with a few favourites of our own. Cue: the chicken skewers, cooked at the right temperature with the side of honey mustard and yoghurt dips. The elements of this particular dish allowed for the perfect complementary components to each other. We’ve been loving our share of Thai specialties and the Thai sauce with its distinguished coconut properties hit the spot - a must try for any budding foodies. There is nothing like the sushi frenzy! Assorted Sashimi salmon and tuna along with the crispiest and scrumptious Maki Rolls were the way to get the night rolling. This divine combination with wasabi and soy sauce made its furore as it danced amongst our taste buds in an unparalleled delectable frenzy. Just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, we bit into the baby chicken. It was well cooked, juicy and tender chicken cubes were succulently brilliant as we adorned it with the accompanying special spiced sauce. The meat was so tender as it cut like butter, dip that in the spicy sauce and you’re in for a heavenly bite! This was definitely noted down as one of the highlights that satisfied our desire for a dish that packed a punch with a piquant taste. If we speak of ending things at an all time high, we have to give all the credit in the world to one of the fluffiest, creamiest New York cheesecakes that we have ever been privileged to indulge in. The dessert was so good it transported us to a state of bliss with us licking our fork for every last morsel just out of sheer denial that the meal was coming to its final crescendo. We all have our own dining habits and ours would have to be having a cup of chai right after our meal. Four Seasons had our back with this bit as well as we ordered their Signature Scones with chocolate chips, strawberry jam and marmalade toppings for a sweet, blissful end to an exceptional dinner experience. Call 4494 8888 for deliveries and further information @fsdoha
CHIC Eats
“This divine combination with wasabi and soy sauce made its furore as it danced amongst our taste buds in an unparalleled delectable frenzy.�
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JUNE DINING AT HOME OUR ROUND UP OF THE BEST CHIC EATS DELIVERIES 78
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CHIC Eats
Mondrian Doha
Mondrian’s Taste to Go Box lets you enjoy all your Mondrian Doha favourites at home! All the boxes need to be pre-ordered 2 hours in advance. Each box Includes a selection of hot and cold appetisers, soups, main courses and desserts from all of their restaurants. Average cost per box for 4 people - QR 950, box for 2 people - QR 475. Call 4045 5999 for reservations and more information.
The Diplomatic Club
Connoisseurs in the kitchen are still working hard on their expertise of gourmet meals at Al Sayyad and Al Nassayem restaurants. You can get yourself a delightful meal delivered to your doorstep and celebrate the extraordinary! Call 4484 7414 for reservations and more information
Mandarin Oriental Doha
At the present time, Mandarin Oriental, Doha continues to offer their guests the option of food and beverage delivery 24 hours a day within Doha’s vicinity. Guests can choose selected items from three takeaway menus including signature dishes by Celebrity Chef Izu Ani and also gelato’s ice cream tubs. Distinguished catering services are also available for guests to enjoy in the comfort of their own home. Call 4008 8888 for reservations and more information.
The Ritz-Carlton Doha
Your favourite b-lounge dishes are prepared carefully for you to take away or to order for delivery. Enjoy your favourite signature dishes at home from their highly skilled chefs that are preparing your food in safe surroundings and providing easy to access take away services. Call 5080 4421 for reservations and more information
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
If you’ve been missing out on the very popular Boodle Fight every Friday at Crossroads Kitchen, worry no more! Enjoy Steamed Blue Crab in Coconut Milk, Vegetable Spring Rolls, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Sausages, and more beside fresh fruits and salads on fresh banana leaves laid on your dining table. Order 24 hours in advance and enjoy the authentic traditional flavours of this hand-fed feast with your family. Priced at QAR 75 for one person including bottled water. Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.
“Giving your hunger a new option” Anonymous Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences
The exquisite cuisine of Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences’ popular all-day dining restaurant The Kitchen can now be served up at home. With 28 dishes to choose from, including veggie and healthy options, for you to enjoy. This can be ordered via Rafeeq delivery service too. Call 4492 5000 for reservations and more information.
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd
StrEAT Culture is a gastronomic journey through the streets of far-flung lands with a market- style menu, your one-way ticket to the world of great taste. Order now on Talabat. Call 4434 6666 for reservations and more information
InterContinental Doha
Your favourite cuisines from the best of the best are here! InterContinental Doha is delivering La Mar, Paloma, and Mykonos in selected areas from 6pm to 11:30pm. Get yourself a lush deal with the exemplary options at InterContinental. Call 4484 4444 for reservations and more information.
W Doha Hotel & Residences
With the ongoing commitment to embrace the unexpected, W Doha launched the W2GO food delivery service to allow the people of Qatar to enjoy some of the hotel’s infamous and signature dishes right from the comfort of their own homes. Minimum order for home delivery is QR 350 and selected items are available from 10am to 1am. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information.
Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha
Taste the best as it’s now available through delivery and 24-hour takeaway! Get fresh and delicious dishes from delectable menu options, delivered to your doorstep daily, quickly grab and go and even enjoy their Drive-Thru service. Whether it is the Indian mix of Dalchini goods or favourites from Caprice – you’ve got delicious bites at your disposal Call 4009 5555 for reservations and more information. www.ohlalamag.net
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DIVA Drives
Signature Design
Aston Martin MENA has commissioned a unique specification called DBS Superleggera ‘Arabesque’, which has been exclusively created for the Middle East region to pay tribute to Arabian art and design.
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howcasing new Arabic details and featuring lavish personalisation via Aston Martin’s bespoke service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Arabesque proudly incorporates traditional Middle Eastern elements within its signature design codes. The DBS Superleggera Arabesque features a carefully judged selection of interior and exterior design and trim modifications. The specification features bespoke materials such as camel hair and silk, as well as unique inlaid Arabesque patterned carbon fibre throughout. The exterior is finished in rich Royal Indigo, setting a stunning contrast to any typical Middle Eastern vista. The patterned carbon fibre roof, front splitter, diffuser and rear spoiler unite to seamlessly enhance the DBS Superleggera’s refined lines. The Aston Martin wings are crafted in black enamel, each crafted by hand during a twenty-hour process. The duotone interior in Indigo & Coral Sand Bridge of Weir leather™ delivers an exquisite finish and the Arabesque pattern carries throughout with the quilt pattern on
the roof headlining, the seats and headrests, which also feature embroidered Aston Martin wings. This, of course, is supported by the supreme performance of the DBS Superleggera – the brand’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12engined Super GT flagship boasting 725 PS, 900 Nm of torque, a top speed of 338kph and blistering acceleration that dispatches 0-100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. The striking Arabesque specification will be introduced to more Aston Martin models in the future – including the new DBX SUV.
ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, Rapide AMR and DBS Superleggera. The Lagonda brand will be relaunched as the world’s first luxury electric vehicle company. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 53 countries around the world. Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown. Under the leadership of Dr Andy Palmer and a new management team, the Group launched its Second Century Plan in 2015 to deliver sustainable long-term growth. The plan is underpinned by the introduction of seven new models including the DB11, new Vantage, DBS Superleggera and an SUV, as well as the development of a new manufacturing centre in St Athan, Wales.
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MISS Ohlala
I love people who are unapologetically themselves; it is so intoxicating to find someone who loves themselves the way they are. Just don’t be pompous, and don’t impose your confidence on others. Don’t abuse self-confidence. I love confident people, but with certain limitations. People like this are hard to come by, especially in this society. Comparison is the root of all evil. It greys our days and puts a damper on everything we could ever appreciate; where we achieve something great, someone somewhere has achieved something twice as great. Instantly, the notion that we’ve improved ourselves vanishes, and is instead replaced by jealousy, saturated with a mentality of inadequacy. Why do we try to fix people? They are themselves, and we are no better. We should stop wasting our time trying to fix others. We can’t, and they aren’t very broken to begin with. The most that we can do is be there for others, to accept them the way that we found them. If you aren’t confident, find your confidence. Do not put your confidence in other people’s hands. Who are they, but a passing stranger in your life? They’re going to drop it, you know. They’re going to throw it in the bin and walk away; they always do.
LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN.
MISS OHLALA DELVES DEEPER INTO THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVING YOUR WONDERFUL ATTRIBUTES TO START A RHYTHM OF CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVITY IN THE WORLD.
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What do you have to be insecure about? Everyone gets acne, we all just deal with it differently. All of your scars, stretch marks, bruises, freckles, birthmarks, and tattoos are nothing but paint marks on the blank canvas that you were when you were born. They are nothing but fragments of evidence to demonstrate how much you’ve lived, how traveled and weathered you are. The sun has shone on you, and
you’ve grown into something beautiful. Brilliance is attractive. Knowing and caring about something is intoxicating. Being able to stand your ground on an argument is fierce. Meaningful conversations and arguments are crucial; you are nothing without them. Be able to do things by yourself. You do not need a companion to accompany you to lunch. You can sit in silence by yourself, chewing thoughtfully and looking anywhere but down at your plate. You do not need a phone to scroll through, and you don’t need to make others think that you have friends or are busy, because when you sit by yourself and have the dignity to look around and be content with your situation, when you are justly humbled like that, you gain a level of confidence that most of us do not have the privilege of feeling.
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