Ohlala Qatar June 2021 by Ohlala Magazine

Power Looks Ideas to upgrade

Luxurious

Ride

Drive away in style!

your summer wardrobe

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Suhaim Bin Hamad Street

Villaggio Mall

4447 8888

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The Pearl

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City Center

Doha Festival City

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JUNE 2021 ISSUE 118

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Greg Hughes PUBLISHER Rami Khalil PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Chirine Halabi EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Liz O’Reilly EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Omnia Elamir

ACCOUNTANTS

Fernanda Langhammer DIGITAL EDITOR

WEBSITE DESIGNER & DEVELOPER Ammar Ali

CREDITS IMAGE Pomellato

Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Sara Waddah

CONTRIBUTORS Emille Loyola-Artigas Jenny Guttridge

COVER IMAGE By Dana Al Ansari

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sudheesh Kollaroth

Neil Mahmood

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

DISTRIBUTION

Qatar – Dar Al Sharq DISTRIBUTION TEAM Rajesh Noushad

PRINTING PRESS Al Anan Printing Press, Oman

Ajit Kumar

ENQUIRIES

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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ROCK & DIAMONDS COLLECTION

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CONTENTS Ohlala

Illuminated Beauty You Are My Sunshine Calming Elixir

POM

ELL

ATO

Editor’s Letter Style Focus Woman of Steel, Gold and Diamonds

Urban Elegance Meets Tranquil Serenity Chic Eats Ohlala Preview - Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

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Editor’s Letter And so we’ve reached the middle of the year. Can you believe that half of 2021 has passed? We’re not getting much flying, but time is undoubtedly having a blast in this department! June is our Female Empowerment issue, and we pay tribute to these incredible human beings that are capable of bringing life into this world, caring for this life, and, most of the time, also fighting for a place at the forefront of the workforce. Multitasking while spreading beauty in the world with their style and unique touch. Be it their fashion choices and pretty makeup or their natural warmth and easy smile. We spoke to some fabulous women, and we share their stories with you (pg46). The fashion pages bring styles to inspire your office wear and the warmer days that are upon us (pg12). We also help you to revamp your beauty cabinet – summer is here! Glow up with the most beautiful new makeup lines out there (pg34). Talking about heat certainly makes you wonder how to get through it and make the best of the sunny days. Going for a lavish staycation is the answer that you deserve and need! We bring a new destination in Qatar to be explored – enjoy it! (pg66). We also bring our monthly food spread and a motoring preview. Enjoy your reading and think about your plans for the next six months left of the year. Whatever your resolutions were at the beginning of the year, time is ticking!

Fernanda Langhammer

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Editor

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It’s A Woman’s World

PURIFICACÍON GARCÍA

Azzedine Alaïa once said: “I make clothes; women make fashion.” We have more power to be whoever we want than we even realise. Let’s all be empowered, stylish women!

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STYLE

S M A R T

W O R K W E A R VICTORIA BECKHAM

Focus

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PIAGET

EMILIO PUCCI AT MATCHESFASHION

ROKSANDA AT MATCHESFASHION

WEEKEND MAX MARA

ZIMMERMANN

MAX MARA

CHOPARD

NEMOZENA

#workharddressharder

BOSS

MAX MARA STUDIO

Who said that office looks have to be boring? You can be inspired by men’s wardrobes and add a few feminine touches such as wide-legged trousers, blouses and gorgeous scarves to bring beautiful looks into your workspace.

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BOSS

KENZO

Focus

CH CAROLINA HERRERA

STYLE

BRINKER & ELIZA AT FARFETCH

#chicandcomfy

Comfy clothes are not restricted to the house anymore; luxe loungewear is here to stay. Quality fabrics and innovative cuts have turned this style into casual chic, and it has been embraced by stay-at-home mums and businesswomen everywhere.

MAX MARA

FENDI AT FARFETCH

TALLER MARMO AT MATCHESFASHION

HUGO

CH CAROLINA HERRERA

TALLER MARMO AT MATCHESFASHION

E L E G A N T L O U N G E W E A R

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Indulgent Spa Experience Experience a journey of genuine tranquility in the luxurious privacy of our spa sanctuary with premium cosmopolitan products to pamper yourself and rejuvenate the senses. Try the exciting new Intraceuticals treatment featuring a serum speciﬁcally formulated to be infused deep into the skin with oxygen. The effects are immediate with long term beneﬁts that dramatically transforms the way your skin looks and feels. +974 4484 4060 spa.icdoha@ihg.com doha.intercontinental.com/spa Lower Ground Floor, InterContinental® Doha Open daily from 9am to 11pm. Treatments start from 10am.

Street 900, Bldg. No. 25, Zone 61, Al Dafna, West Bay, P.O. Box 6822 Doha, State of Qatar

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STYLE

Focus

L I L A C

C A R A M E L

IRIS & INK AT THEOUTNET

BOTTEGA VENETA AT FARFETCH VERSACE

BALENCIAGA

LEEM

GIVENCHY

TOD’S

MAX MARA

VICTORIA BECKHAM

#fashioncandy

VICTORIA BECKHAM

ZIMMERMANN

A delicious colour combination that mixes a macaron shade with a side of rich chocolate brown. A clever way to wear this lavender hue that has been trendy for a few seasons.

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STYLE MALONE SOULIERS

SPORTMAX

Focus ETRO

Flat sandals are every girl’s pick during the hot days of the year. We’ve selected the coolest ‘close to the ground’ shoes to wear in the coming months.

F O O T W E A R

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BLACK SUEDE STUDIO AT HARVEY NICHOLS

BALLY

TORY BURCH

#sandalseason

SPORTMAX

JIMMY CHOO AT HARVEY NICHOLS

3.1 PHILLIP LIM AT THEOUTNET

S U M M E R

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STYLE

E N C H A I N T E D D E T A I L S GIVENCHY

Focus

MAX MARA BOTTEGA VENETA AT MATCHESFASHION

TOD’S

CHLOÉ

ETRO

AURATE

#nochainnogain

JIMMY CHOO AT MATCHESFASHION

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

BOTTEGA VENETA AT FARFETCH

No chain, no gain! Links can be spotted in chunky necklaces and bracelets, serving as the handles of handbags or even adorning eye-catching shoes.

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SERVING DOHA ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. View our menus

We are on Talabat.

and offers

Order now.

The Business Park, Old Airport Road

meeshcafedoha

For inquiries or pre-orders, call us at +974 4408 7744. www.ohlalamag.net

OHLALA ICYMI

This is our new section dedicated to exciting news, partnerships and one-of-a-kind products in the fashion and beauty world. Update your stylish radar with our June selection.

Joined Hands

The fine jewellery label Jacquie Aiche is collaborating with the non-profit organisation Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) with a limited-edition collection. The line is inspired by the creative expression and love of arts found in the Middle East, and 40-per-cent of the proceeds of this handcrafted collection will be donated to the FTA. The organisation supports and empowers up-and-coming and established fashion talents in the MENA region. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with FTA and their mission in providing a new generation of designers the resources to pursue their dreams,” says Jacquie Aiche.

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Conscious Designs

The brand KARL LAGERFELD announced a collaboration with supermodel, actress and activist Amber Valletta to co-develop a collection of eco-friendly accessories. A special edition of the K/Kushion bag was crafted with innovative, socially sustainable sources with minimal ecological impact. The K/Kushion was inspired by a tailor-made cushion that Karl Lagerfeld had kept since his childhood. It has a voluminous effect, is pillowy soft to touch, and is available in two sustainable and recyclable materials. The materials are vegan cactus leather and 90-per-cent recycled cotton. The profits generated from the sale of the KARL LAGERFELD X AMBER VALLETTA K/Kushion bag will be used to make an independent donation to The Ocean Cleanup, a charity that aims to eliminate plastic in our oceans.

New Rules

The Maison Boucheron has a new campaign called Rock Paper Scissors, consisting of three episodes highlighting the theme of sisterhood. The concept brings the sharing and connection between two women, Marwa Al Hash and Oumayma El Boumeshouli. Both of them embody the style and attitude that characterises Boucheron femininity. For the occasion, the jewellery brand unveils its new spring and summer 2021 creations as well as the iconic Quatre, Serpent Bohème and Jack de Boucheron lines. In the three episodes created to showcase the collections, the two women challenge each other to a game of rock, paper,scissors, reinventing the rules of this childhood game, creating their own signs, and giving a personal touch to this universal game.

Sole Art

The painter Zartosht Rahimi teamed up with fashion designer Behnood Javaherpour to create a limited-edition collection of handcrafted shoes called ‘Art in Sole’. The collaboration resulted in four different styles of BEHNOODE’s Oxford Italian dress shoes for men with Zartosht’s signature caricatures on their soles. “I have been looking forward to doing such a collaboration as I believe fashion and art revolve in the same universe, and I want to see how my art can also be a fashion statement,” said the artist. The fashion designer added: “Zartosht is a treasure of the Middle Eastern art industry. His works have reached millions of souls within our region and globally as he makes strong statements through his art pieces. He is such an inspiration to many young artists, and this collaboration is another milestone for my brand BEHNOODE.”

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Luxury Meets Paradise

The resort Velaa Private Island in the Maldives created an exclusive partnership with the Kering Group. The private island is featuring a collection of Pomellato jewellery as well as a line of Ulysse Nardin watches. Inspired by the beauty of the island, the fine jewellery label has created a series of elegant and classic yet playful designs. The Pomellato collection at Velaa Private Island includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Ulysse Nardin brings a timeless collection of high-end timepieces along with a limited-edition Diver watch that has been designed incorporating the logo of Velaa Private Island and will be exclusively available on the island. Enjoy your holidays in pure luxury style.

Colourful Scent

The Irish artist Anna McKeown lives between Belfast and the Middle East and has embraced the fragrance world by creating artworks inspired by its beautiful bottle designs and eye-catching labels. Anna’s pieces are vibrant, colourful and abstract, and her work has been recognised throughout the Middle East. The artist has been commissioned to produce works for individual clients as well as hotels, restaurants and commercial spaces. Her iconic bottle paintings have become a signature of her brand, and recognisable perfumes have been recreated through Anna’s art. The artist’s creations can be shipped worldwide.

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CAROLINE SCHEUFELE

Woman of

Steel, Gold and Diamonds Jewellery is her DNA and confidence is part of her nature, OHLALA’s Jenny’s Guttridge had an inspiring chat with Caroline Scheufele, from the Maison Chopard. Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard jewellery house is no shrinking violet. The German-born powerhouse billionaire has brought the family-owned maison into the modern day with her commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking, running Chopard with her brother, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. When I met with Caroline Scheufele, she floated into the room and sat gracefully on the velvet couch right in front of me. A slight woman, elegantly dressed with a subtle confidence that immediately commanded the room. Her eyes lit up as she smiled, her quick sense of humour shining through like her gold earrings sparkling under the lights. Ageing gracefully is an art form that Caroline has down to perfection. At 60, she is an inspiration to women globally as an example of how to lead the 28

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industry with her pioneering ideas without sacrificing family life. When asked if she had any advice for the modern woman, she laughed as she brushed back her flowing golden hair: “I think, actually, if there were more women at the helm, whether in politics or industry, I think a lot of better things would happen in the world. There would be more humanity, intelligence maybe, less ego!” she laughed. “I’ve done a lot, but I have so much more I want to do, every day is a challenge and I am a positive person. It’s very difficult to get me upset, but when I do, I really get upset, then you better run!” No stranger to pioneering new territory, under her guidance Chopard has become the first jewellery house to commit to sustainability and their Responsible Sourcing Programme.

Under this agreement, Chopard ensures their entire supply chain meets with UN Human Rights standards. Caroline hopes that other high-end jewellery houses will see this as an opportunity to follow suit. “We do as much as we can in an ethical way, ethically sourced gold and steel in our Alpine Eagle watches, everything we do, our packaging. We always think twice ‘Can we do it differently? Can we find a new material?’” She continued. “We are working a lot with NGOs and different associations too. With gemstones the colour differences are big, so you have to talk to governments, you have to educate the mines, it’s slowly but surely happening.”

JEWELLERY

Edit

Globally, there has been a big shift in all industries towards more sustainable consumerism, where being able to trace your product’s origin is becoming a luxury in itself. When I asked Caroline Scheufele for her thoughts on this growing change, she said: “In the fashion industry a lot of things have happened already, I think there is a big movement, whereas, in our industry, we are sort of pioneers, but I hope now our colleagues are starting too. I don’t want to be the only one, luxury should be transparent and ethical.” It is a natural extension that the forward-thinking leader of the industry should partner with the intelligence of the James Bond franchise. In 1998, Caroline Scheufele redesigned the Palme D’Or for Cannes Film Festival, which cemented Chopard’s position as an official partner for the event and their strong relationship with the film industry. “We were approached by the Bond franchise, which is also family owned [by the Broccoli family], and they said that they would like to re-brand and that they loved Chopard. I said that in this case, we need a young fun collection. We need something for younger girls. So, we came up with the Happy Hearts collection in gold because it’s a bit like the Golden Eye.” The 007 X Chopard Happy Hearts Golden Heart collection alternates between a large golden heart and a smaller heart containing Chopard’s classic dancing diamonds, the signature of the maison, which is said to symbolise freedom and adventure. The limited-edition collection features only 7,007 pieces, which are spread across Chopard boutiques globally. The pieces within the collection are said to embody the James Bond woman, a determined and courageous woman with a playful edge which sounds rather like Caroline herself. The latest Bond film No Time to Die is due to be released on September 30, 2021.

@chopard

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HAUTE

Horology

For the Love of Time

For more information, please call Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewelry at Doha Festival City 4444 0399; Galeries Lafayette 4447 3542 and Mall of Qatar 4444 0288. www.alibinali.com @alibinali_luxury

The Celtica Heart Lady is a new watch creation dedicated to the Charriol woman.

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Charriol’s Celtica Heart Lady chronograph has a special place at the heart of the maison’s iconic watch collection. The timepiece celebrates bold and sporting femininity that cultivates ‘The Art of Living Differently’ with grace and modernity. The woman that wears this piece is passionate about thrilling experiences and capable of moving from sophisticated situations to more relaxed ones, such as playing her favourite sport. The Celtica Heart Lady quartz chronograph, whose distinctive codes reflect a touch of extravagance and softness, goes right to the heart of the Charriol woman. A feminine woman who is also daring in her choices. The Celtica Heart Lady is an irresistible, iconic creation that symbolises Charriol’s move into high-end women’s watchmaking. Its 37mm steel case, plated in yellow or rose gold and featuring heart-shaped push-

pieces, is complete with white ceramic inserts. The design plays on the contrast between the matte finish adorning the 12 notches on its polished bezel and the polished finish of the case and attachments. The hours and minutes hands run on an anthracite or opaline dial equipped with three oversized tone-on-tone Arabic numerals. The chronograph’s direct-drive seconds hand, the tip of which is decorated with a white heart, brushes over the diamond hour markers that punctuate the dial, echoing the small-seconds disc at six o’clock composed of three openwork hearts. The back case of this detailed timepiece can be engraved to order with a personal message, which will be known only to its owner once the exclusive signature bracelet, featuring six steel cables, is adjusted on her wrist. An additional sign of distinction that adds unique allure to those who consistently combine precision of style and passion for life.

@charriolofficial www.ohlalamag.net

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ALEXANDER STEMPLEWSKI ON PEXELS

Illuminated

Beauty We are getting summer vibes and looking sun-kissed is the goal. Get your beauty arsenal ready to shine through the hot days and nights – just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

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BEAUTY Focus

You Are My Sunshine Summer days and vibrant nights are accompanied by CHANEL’s LES BEIGES SUMMER LIGHT collection to recreate elegant and relaxing moments at the French coast. CHANEL is celebrating endless shiny summer days with a new beauty collection, LES BEIGES SUMMER LIGHT, inspired by the French Riviera – the place Mademoiselle Chanel loved to go to relax. The line brings a carefree spirit, perfect for embellishing warm days and nights. The products beautify the complexion with a healthy sun-kissed glow through eyeshadows, lipsticks and nail polishes. The colour palette in the collection recreates the hues of the sun from dawn to dusk. The LES BEIGES Water Fresh Tint has an ultra-light moisturising formula composed of 75-per-cent water and encapsulated pigment microbeads. The tint leaves the skin texture gently magnified with imperceptibly light coverage. The easy-to-hold brush promises a smooth application. Nothing speaks more of summer than tanned skin. The LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream provides the right amount of pigment to mimic the sun’s affects naturally. Highly malleable and easy to blend, it can be used all over the face or to structure contours, emphasising the forehead, temples, nose and chin. Get a radiant complexion with LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Luminous Colour

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that evens and naturally highlights your skin with a sun-kissed veil. The creampowder texture lights your skin with ultra-fine golden particles. A half-moon brush delivers seamless application in a single go. The powder can be used on the cheekbones or to shape facial contours focusing on the upper forehead, chin and bridge of the nose. Intensify your looks with LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette. The five-shade set comes in two exclusive harmonies of pinks and browns, recalling the subtle warm tones of the Mediterranean landscapes. Ultraversatile, this palette can be used as a base, illuminator or eyeshadow. Its melting and silky texture allows the five shades to be easily mixed and matched. The lipstick range, ROUGE COCO FLASH, brings four new shades, from warm dusty to shimmering terracotta. The names of the hues correspond to the changing lights of summer days: Dawn, Sunbeam, Flame and Heat. At the same time, the LE VERNIS nail polishes take on the shimmering tones of shells and sand at sunset. Glimmer, Sunlight, Golden Sand and Solar are the new shades.

CHANEL’s LES BEIGES SUMMER LIGHT collection is available at Fifty One East. For more information, please call 4436 1111. @chanel.beauty @51_east

For the Modern Middle-Eastern Women THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

All Things Beauty WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLUE LIGHT AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN AGAINST IT

All Things BEAUTY

Fall Fashion

Ultimate guide to glowing skin

5 FALL 2020 TRENDS TO KNOW FROM THE RUNWAYS

THE

DIGITAL

AW20 EDIT

ISSUE

ONE-CLICK WONDERS, INSIDER TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SHOPPING ONLINE, AND MORE

Luxury

Staycation

Vacay Mode On

KEY LOOKS OF THE SEASON

WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET OCTOBER 2020 | ISSUE 110 QR20

WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 109 QR20

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Holiday

Romance The Maldives are waiting for you

Ohlala

Spa & Wellness Awards

WINNERS

2020

Feeling Fabulous Inside and Out WWW.OHLALAMAG.NET FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 114 QR20

Previous Issues Available on issuu.com

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One Stick, Many Talents A foundation coming in expert packaging and new additions to the Teint Idole Ultra Wear family, are the latest releases from Lancôme this season.

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BEAUTY Focus packed to match the rest of the Teint Idole Ultra Wear family. The blushes are available in three shades, Ambitious Pink, Daring Peach and Wild Ruby, to warm every skin tone. The highlighters also come in three colours, Vibrant Lilac, Intense Gold and Generous Honey, to complete your look with a luminous glow. From lasting flawless coverage, contouring and concealing to final touches, the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Sticks are your easy-carry makeup kit for an unblemished complexion on the go. @lancomeofficial

The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick is already

known and adored by women all around the world. The on the go icon gets re-invented with luxe new packaging. The versatile stick is now accompanied by a built-in Kabuki brush that makes applying your makeup a quick task. The revamped foundation is also joined by the new Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick in Blushes and Highlighters as the first colour statements in the family. The winning formulation of the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick Foundation is the same as ever. It is ultra-long-wearing with 24-hour coverage, mattifying coverage with shine and oil control for a day-long velvet finish. The cream-topowder formula blends seamlessly over the skin, leaving it breathable with a comfortable feeling. The star spot goes to the new pack and expert applicator. Inspired by busy and practical women, the stick foundation was created to promote a fast and effortless application. The built-in brush makes contouring and blending easier than ever, all available in a single stick. Other novelties in the brand’s range of products are the new Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick Blushes and Highlighters. The coloured sticks are formulated and

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BEAUTY Focus

Sun-kissed

GLOW

Add some light to your complexion, on the go, with Huda Beauty’s new trio of travel-friendly highlighter palettes. GLOW Obsessions are pocket-friendly mini compacts inspired by Huda Beauty’s iconic highlighter palettes. First launched in 2017, the new version has been edited, downsized and modernised for ladies with a busy schedule, leaving an improved natural sun-drenched finish. The mini compacts come in three different colour combinations, Light Glow, Medium Glow, and Rich Glow. The highlighter has a lightweight texture, and luminous, silky skin finish in different shades to add the perfect light to every skin tone. GLOW Obsessions can also be used across the eyes, lips, and body. The formula is made from extra-fine powders to give a soft texture and flexible skin adherence while also containing 40- to 50-per-cent ultra-fine pearls that

reflect a unique lit-from-within effect. The result is an avant-garde highlighter that boasts a high-shine, polished glow and leaves skin with a non-powdery flawless touch to accommodate today’s woman’s needs. Huda has also launched a super-soft brush to accompany the new mini face palettes, the Face | Glow Highlighter Brush. Made with synthetic fibres, the bristles are armed with three different edges for different types of finishes. Use the precision tip for a natural-looking dewy glow, the tapered side if you are after a subtle shimmer, and the flat side for a high-impact shine. Its design has been perfected to pick up and apply GLOW Obsessions with no product fall out, taking skin from lifeless to brightness in a swoosh.

@hudabeauty 38

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AN ODE TO

WOODY SCENTS The calligrapher Tarek Benaoum collaborates once again with Guerlain to create an exclusive motif for the Absolus d’Orient collection.

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BEAUTY Focus The three iconic woody fragrances,Santal Royal, Oud Essentiel and Patchouli Ardent, get a packaging revamp, that revolves around a reinterpretation of Guerlain’s emblematic G, by visual artist Tarek Benaoum. In 2019, for the fifth anniversary of Santal Royal, the calligrapher reinvented the House’s iconic bee bottle. Now, two years after their first meeting, Guerlain and Tarek have come together again for a new collaboration on the Absolus d’Orient collection. Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s Master Perfumer, created the fragrances as an homage to the most beautiful Oriental raw materials. The two creators, one that speaks the language of smells and the other of calligraphy, give these Arabic inspired scents a deep meaning, embracing culture, heritage and tradition. The fragrances are a celebration of woody notes throughout the Absolus d’Orient collection. Between shadow and light, Thierry’s creations require an intimate understanding of the ingredients. Before designing each composition, the master perfumer dives into each raw essence to explore its scent and soak in every nuance. Thanks to this complete understanding of the raw material, he can then amplify its quintessential nature and highlight its richness as well as the beauty of its wood grains. The sumptuousness of sandalwood. The complexity of oud. The depth of patchouli. Santal Royal plays with the contrasts between a luminous bouquet of jasmine and rose, deep leather and sandalwood notes and an oud accord. Oud Essentiel radiates its deep and complex fragrance with smooth notes of rose, leather and incense in a powerful aroma. Patchouli Ardent offers a luminous, bright and vibrant play on patchouli that is energised with pepper, and marries rose absolute with a majestic accord of musks and leather. Tarek also enhances the noble woods using gold-coloured pigments that emanate pure light to reveal the wood’s sombre shades. Through elegance and sophistication, the artist’s creations reveal contrasts and bring out the raw beauty of these natural materials.

@guerlain

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BEAUTY Spotlight

Calming Elixir

Chamomile is best known as a soothing and relaxing tea, but it can also benefit your skin. The Spa at Park Hyatt Doha sponsors OHLALA’s DIY beauty tip for June.

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hen ingested, chamomile helps to calm digestive problems, relieve cramps and improve sleep. The extracts of its flowers contain volatile oils and flavonoids that have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be great if added to your skincare routine. These medicinal features can treat acne and speed up healing. Chamomile also fights bacteria without changing the skin’s PH. And, just as the tea version calms us from the inside, chamomile extract can calm our skin from the outside. There are a few ways to extract the oils from the flowers. You can use distilled water to make herbal tea infusions and use the water for toners, lotions and creams. Or you can infuse the flowers in light cosmetic oils and use them to apply on your lips or make lotions. If your skin is sensitive, chamomile is the right herb for you. Another two key ingredients in this recipe are apple cider vinegar and honey. The vinegar can naturally exfoliate your skin, making it brighter and even, while honey adds hydration.

OHLALA’s Calming Chamomile Facial Toner What you’ll need:

1 cup distilled water 4 tbsp dried chamomile flowers or 2 chamomile tea bags 1 tsp honey 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to make and apply it:

1. Warm the water. Remove it from the heat source and add the chamomile flowers (or tea bags) directly to the warm water. Let the tea steep for five to 10 minutes until it reaches a golden colour. 2. Use a mesh sieve to strain the chamomile flowers or remove the tea bags from the liquid and discard them. 3. In a glass bottle with a lid, combine the honey and apple cider vinegar and shake the bottle well until the ingredients are combined. 4. Add the infused water and shake well again. Store this toner in the fridge. 5. After washing your face with a cleanser, apply the toner on a cotton ball/pad and then onto your complexion. Finish the beauty process with a moisturiser. It’s best to use this toner in the evening before bed.

For more information, please call 4009 1234. @parkhyattdoha

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Organic? Vegan? Cruelty-Free?

SHINY DIAMOND ON PEXELS

What category does your makeup or skincare fall into? And what is the difference between them? OHLALA explains what is behind the brands in your beauty cabinet.

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he cosmetics industry has been going through a significant change in the past years. The demand for products that aren’t too synthetic and, often, concern for the well-being of animals has changed how things are done in the beauty world. According to Statista, the global market value for natural cosmetics and personal care positively increased from almost USD34.5 billion in 2018 to roughly USD54.5 billion dollars expected for the year 2027. The market has changed, and new terminologies and classifications have been added to product labels. Formulas have been adjusted. Well-known brands have transformed their products to cater to this public demand, while new brands have conquered this growing market. We untangle their nomenclatures, so you can understand what is really behind the products you buy. Organic Cosmetics The primary criterion in obtaining organic cosmetic certification is the proportion of natural ingredients in the final product, which must be at least 95 per cent. The second criterion relates to the ratio of those natural ingredients that are also organically produced. They must make up at least 10 per cent, but in some cases, all the natural ingredients are organic.

BEAUTY Column Cruelty-Free Products labelled cruelty-free mean that no animal went through painful testing for the brand to be released in the market. However, this category is quite tricky. Since 2009, tests on animals for cosmetics ingredients have been banned in the EU under the Cosmetics Regulation. However, to sell their products in specific countries which do require this form of testing, companies need to hire a third party to carry out the tests. So, if you want to support brands that don’t have this practice, you must research a bit further and see if they sell in markets that don’t run under this kind of regulation. Also, if the brand belongs to a bigger group, you might want to skip it because the product you are purchasing may not be tested, but others in the group portfolio might. You can go to: www.crueltyfree.peta.org/ or access www.crueltyfreekitty.com/list-of-crueltyfree-brands/ to research if your beloved brand is animal friendly.

Product based on Natural Ingredients In this category, up to 99.99 per cent of the ingredients are natural. The majority of the components must be of natural origin for a product to fall into this category.

The truth is that if you are looking to embrace one type of cosmetic, you must research what is behind it to see if it really falls into the category you are looking for. Even after many rules, there isn’t a universal labelling style, and they can be confusing.

SHINY DIAMOND ON PEXELS

Natural Cosmetics These products are easy to classify, as 100 per cent of their ingredients must be natural, with no artificial additives.

Vegan These aren’t made with any ingredient derived from any animal origin, such as honey, beeswax, collagen, and lanolin. They are replaced by materials derived from plants or minerals. However, be aware that not all vegan cosmetics are necessarily cruelty-free.

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MAYA ANGELOU

ROSA PARKS

History shows that women have long been creating solid and strong careers in different locations and various fields. Who are the women that you most admire? 46

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JANE AUSTEN

MARIE CURIE

ADA LOVELACE

EDITH COWAN

RUTH BADER GINSBURG

BABE

CATHERINE THE GREAT

AMELIA EARHART SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

WE CAN DO IT!

OHLALA Insights

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm

hroughout much of history, women had fewer career opportunities than men, but some found a way to stand out and forge a path to create their own space, opening the way for others to follow in their steps. Women such as Marie Curie, who, after finishing her high school diploma, had to enrol at the Flying University, a college that welcomed female students, but was constantly changing locations to avoid detection by authorities. At that time, it was still illegal for women to receive higher education in Poland. She later moved to France and, together with her husband, developed the theory of radioactivity at the beginning of 1900s. She was the first woman to receive a Physics Nobel Prize. In the sports’ arena, we highlight Mildred Zaharias, better known as Babe, who teed her way onto the golf scene in 1934, when she was the first woman to play in an all-male PGA Tour event (the world’s premier membership organisation for touring professional golfers). To this day, Babe holds the record for the longest winning streak in golf history (male or female), a feat she accomplished between 1946 and 1947. Have you heard of the Ladies Professional Golf Association? Well, it was Babe, along with 12 other female golfers, who formed the pro tour in 1950. Recent notable names include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away last year. An attorney, judge and associate justice of the Supreme Court, she was committed to the principle of equal justice under the law that transformed the legal landscape in the United States – mainly for women. She was one of nine women in a class of 500 students at Harvard Law School and finished at the top of her class when she graduated as a transfer to Columbia Law School. Even with high grades, she struggled to find employment and it was only in 1963 that she became a professor at Rutgers Law school, where she started to combat gender discrimination. She was a life-long and relentless fighter for civil rights. When looking into history, you find many more names on different fronts, Catherine The Great, Jane Austen, Sojourner Truth, Ada Lovelace, Edith Cowan, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart, and so many others. They are all an inspiration to the heroes we have today, be they successful in their modern careers or in their support for other women. Just look around; you are sure to find more amazing and empowered women than you can count on two hands. Whether the someone you look up to is a famous name or even a friend or family member or just someone you have admiration for, like your own mother. This month in OHLALA, we’ve selected a few women in our country that have made significant achievements in their fields. Explore the following pages to get to know them a little better.

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CONQUERING THE WORLD

Esra Parin

Embracing change is not an easy thing to do. However, Esra Parin, General Manager of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, shares her story and shows the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals.

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OHLALA Insights “My motto is to work hard, be adventurous, try and try everything you’d like as much as possible.” – Esra Parin OHLALA - Tell us a bit about yourself and how you reached the position you are in today. How was the path to arrive here? Esra Parin - I always wanted to travel the world and explore it. I liked to watch the documentaries of Jacques Cousteau, Marco Polo, Silk Road and many more. I also had a deep interest in luxury, old-world manners, diplomacy, dining manners, hospitality, etc. I was clearly fascinated with the world of hospitality. I got my first full-time job with the worldfamous Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski and found my gateway to working abroad when I joined the cruise lines. I did a lot of travelling through the entire Caribbean and other beautiful places. After three and a half years, I returned to Turkey and got my first leadership role in a five-star hotel as banquet manager. And this was the big turn in my career. In 2009, I took a radical decision and moved to work in Dubai, Greece, then Doha. I stayed in Qatar for five and a half successful years. I then moved to Amman to open a hotel as the general manager. Three years later, I returned to Qatar, my second home, to take on the JW Marriott Marquis City Center, and here I am. OHLALA - What have you achieved that makes you the proudest in your career? EP - I am from a generation in my country where the girls were brought up to become someone with a job traditionally accepted, such as work in banks, be a teacher, doctor or even an engineer. But travelling the world or work in hotels was something a bit out of the ordinary at that time, let alone becoming a female leader. So, the saying was “but you can’t do that”, so I guess I am really proud I have proven to myself and others that I could, and I was courageous. OHLALA - What do you think was the biggest challenge you had to face? EP - The biggest challenge for me was to get the first job in a hotel and to leave my country in 1992 for the first time to work on the cruise lines, then to move once again, when I was 40 years old, to Dubai to adapt to a new environment, people, company. Yet, every time we step out of our comfort zones, I believe they are the most rewarding and most refreshing times. These moments make us feel alive, our perceptions widen, we boost our adrenaline because of excitement and even some level of anxiety. However, that is when we adapt, grow and develop and I think this brings us towards reaching our full potential.

OHLALA - How do you feel about having conquered so much as a woman? Is there any woman that served as an inspiration to you? EP- I feel great, and I think there is so much more that I can and should do both for my personal growth as well as to humbly share my experiences and learnings with younger people around me to continue the journey. My inspiration is a lady who is one of my best friends and a second mother to me, who has guided and mentored me in my journey to reach out to whatever I was seeking for. My second guardian angel is my husband, who always believes in me and pushes me forward to be, do, and go forward. He was the one that pushed me to become a GM. So, I wish every woman or man has such mentors or partners in life that support them. OHLALA - What’s your motto in life? EP - My motto is to work hard, be adventurous, try and try everything you’d like as much as possible. If you try, at least you know you tried. And if anyone tells you you can’t do something, don’t listen to them; listen to your gut feeling! Live to the fullest! OHLALA - How do you balance your personal life and work? EP - I could not do that part well before, but now with my husband beside me, I try to balance better. Also, our friends are our wealth, so I try to spend quality time with the people I love, share knowledge, experience and a good meal. I love researching information, so I do whatever entices my curiosity. I have now started to learn golf, and I have dance and pottery on my list. I am learning Italian to speak to my husband, and I have travelled to more than 35 countries. I know I have a long bucket list of six continents and probably more than 100 countries to go, so I figured I need to start planning my time well. OHLALA - What piece of advice do you give to young ladies out there starting their careers? EP - Look for the answers to some questions such as what makes you the happiest? Being of service to people? Exploring something? Numbers? People? Playing an instrument? Medicine? Journalism? What is it that sparks and ignites passion in your stomach so you know that you should seek that further? Go for it, even if someone or people tell you that you can’t, because you can’t make money out of it, or it is dangerous, or whatever the reason is, listen to yourself and go for it.

@jwdoha

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Liezl Meier THE PATH TO SUCCESS

Triumph is best celebrated when it happens while supporting others on your way up, and that’s what Liezl Meier, the General Manager at Rabban Suites West Bay (soon to be rebranded as voco Doha West Bay Suites – an IHG Hotel), teaches us. 50

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OHLALA Insights “My advice to young ladies starting their careers is to use the power of their gut feeling or natural female intuition.” – Liezl Meier

OHLALA - Tell us a bit about yourself and how you reached the position you are in today. How was the path to arrive there? Liezl Meier - I am a South African national who spent most of my career in the commercial and sales and marketing fields of numerous international luxury hotels. In 2018, IHG opened its door to my first opportunity in the GCC, it was in Bahrain, and I fell in love with the Middle East, its culture and its people. OHLALA - What have you achieved that makes you the proudest in your career? LM - I am the happiest when I feel that I added value to people’s careers and lives. The well-being of my employees has always been of paramount importance to me. In one of my roles as Director of Sales and Marketing of a large five-star resort in South Africa, I achieved a Colleague Engagement score within the top 10 per cent of the entire Middle East, India and Africa for three years running. Besides many financial accolades, I am most proud of this achievement as this validates the efforts I put into my team. OHLALA - What do you think was the biggest challenge you had to face? LM - I think most people will answer that the Covid-19 pandemic was probably the biggest challenge humanity as a whole had to face in a very long time. It has been tough to ensure maximum return on investment for different owners during this global crisis. However, the human factor probably took the most significant toll on most leaders in the hospitality industry. Having to find a balance in saving as many jobs and, in turn, families’ livelihoods was a very taxing task. I want to think that I achieved this with as much poise and grace as was humanly possible in such unprecedented times. OHLALA - How do you feel about having conquered so much as a woman? LM - I think women bring a different dynamic to the corporate environment. Whilst we are fierce and determined fighters, our intuition and instinct allow us to cultivate a different nuance in the workplace, making me genuinely proud to represent the female gender. I believe the only time a woman should ever look down is to admire the glamour of the heels she is wearing at that specific moment.

OHLALA - What’s your motto in life? LM - A very dear client of mine gave me this piece of advice many years ago when I just started my career. Whilst I have a few other very strict ground rules, I mainly live by the following: “Remember that when you walk into a room, that no-one in that room is more important than you. But also remember that you are no more important than anyone else in that room either.” This motto has allowed me to exert confidence and keep my head held high whilst staying true and honest to myself, reminding me to stay humble and grounded. OHLALA - How do you balance your personal life and work? LM - Can we skip to the next question? (laughs) Climbing the ladder to become a leader in the hospitality industry didn’t always allow me to do this very successfully. I have to be honest in saying that I often had to make some personal sacrifices to achieve what I have. I am, however, blessed with a very supportive and understanding family. I also believe that ‘balance’ doesn’t always have to be just in quantity, but it also comes in quality. Therefore, if I can give 150 per cent at work and also 150 per cent at home, the length of time spent in each becomes less important. OHLALA - What do you do that allows you to disconnect from work? LM - I make sure that I exercise at least six hours a week. Anything from a Pilates session or just a walk in one of our beautiful parks to an intense boxing class helps me disconnect. And, of course, being a true South African, I love nature and animals, and I am very happy if I can spend some time outdoors or with my pets. OHLALA - What piece of advice do you give to young ladies out there starting their careers? LM - Allow yourself to make a million mistakes and learn from each one of those, but never tolerate yourself making the same mistake twice! This is the first rule that I teach my children, as well as anyone who has ever worked in my team. My best advice to young ladies starting their careers is to use the power of their gut feeling or natural female intuition. When I struggle to make a decision, when my head and my heart do not necessarily agree, I always choose to follow my stomach, which has never let me down!

@rabbansuites

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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Reem Al-Kuthairi

Flying is a driving force in the life of the only Qatari female to fly multi types of ultralight sport aircraft – her name is Reem Al-Kuthairi.

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OHLALA Insights

“Everything is possible! Just aim, insist and follow your passion.” – Reem Al-Kuthairi

OHLALA - Tell us a bit about yourself and how you fell in love with aviation? How was the path to arrive where you are in the sport today? Reem Al-Kuthairi - I’m Reem Al-Kuthairi, a Qatari adventurer and a recreational athlete specialised in ultralight sport aviation and a former elite handball player for the Qatar National Team from 2001 to 2009. It all began at a very young age, as I grew up in a family that believes that sport is essential for a healthy life. My father, in particular, was my biggest supporter and the main reason behind my achievements. I love travelling the world and try many extreme sports, and this was how I tried paragliding, my first air sports experience in France in 2008, and this was when my passion for air sports started. OHLALA - What have you achieved that makes you the proudest in your ultralight sport aviation journey? RK - When I entered this field, I was never thinking about the achievements. I did it for myself as it became a passion that I wanted to specialise in. But I did achieve lots of things in the field. After obtaining my national private pilot licence (NPPL) in microlight from the UK in 2014, I became the first female in the Middle East in this field and the only Qatari female so far flying multi types of ultralight sport aircraft. I own the first aircraft registered for a female in Qatar at the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. I am one of the very few people around the world, and the only one in the Middle East, to fly a microlight aircraft every winter over the French Alps peaks at altitudes that reach 12,000ft (3,657m) or more above sea level. And, for that, I had to develop my skiing skills as the only way to get to the snowy airfield and return to my hotel. So. it’s like a ski-fly-ski daily routine. I am also the first and only Qatari female paramotor pilot to be sponsored as a team pilot with BGD (Bruce Goldsmith Design), one of the world-famous glider manufacturers (you can find more about them here: www.flybgd.com).

OHLALA - What do you think was the biggest challenge you had to face? RK - My decision to enter the ultralight aviation field was in 2012 when I became the first and only female member at the Qatar Flying Club, and this was something new for our community. The second challenge was my decision to travel alone for intensive training and get the UK NPPL licence, in 2014. It was tough training, and the UK is famous for the rough weather. Very often you find negative people on your way and some negative questions in your mind, such as what am I doing? There were other questions. Are you serious? Do you think that you’ll be able to fly on your own one day? Will you be able to communicate with airports and radars on the radio on your own? Make the right decisions? Land without an engine? Never listen to these people and their negative thoughts! OHLALA - How do you feel about having conquered so much as a woman? RK - It feels great. I learned how to face fears and challenge myself at a very young age, and that’s the way my dad raised me. He always wanted me to try things I was afraid of, and that stayed with me. I’m now applying this in my life. There were no women in Qatar in this field when I started back in 2012 in the Qatar Flying Club, and I’m still the only female member with a microlight licence here. It would really be great to see more females in this field. However, I’m also a paramotor pilot and a member with Skymasters Qatar Air Sports Club, where there are a few other females flying paramotor. OHLALA - What’s your motto in life? RK - Everything is possible! Just aim, insist and follow your passion. OHLALA - What piece of advice do you give to young ladies out there with big dreams like yours? RK - Listen to both your heart and mind. Be positive and chase your dreams! And if people or your own thoughts tell you that you can’t do it, never listen, and take it as a challenge and show them you can!

@reemhk_qtr

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FOLLOWING HER PASSION

Muna Saad

Having dreams and pursuing them is a lesson we learn with Muna Saad Al-Sulaiti, the designer and founder of fashion line, Muna Saad.

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OHLALA Insights “Trust yourself and start, don’t wait too long, just jump in so you can learn from any mistakes.” – Muna Saad Al-Sulaiti OHLALA – Tell us a bit about yourself and how you reached the position you are in today. Muna Saad Al-Sulaiti - My name is Muna Saad Al-Sulaiti, I’m Qatari and an International Relations Affairs graduate from the Institut Universitaire de Technologie in France and I work in the oil and gas field. During my stay in France, I developed my interest in fashion. I understood how elegance and how a person wears clothes could be very interesting in terms of lifestyle creating a strong impact. I became inspired to create my own line, Muna Saad, with my own touch, crossing cultures through my designs and my identity. I have worked on myself taking courses in fashion and pattern making so I can understand the construction of garments and pieces. I love and appreciate art and am still working on developing my skills. OHLALA – How was the path to arrive here? MAS – The path was quite harsh as I was depending fully on myself and my own decisions. I have always tried to learn and to search for the right sources and that was a big effort and huge risk as I lost resources by learning along the way. I will always appreciate my family and friends’ support during those times. OHLALA – What have you achieved that makes you the proudest in your career? MAS – A lot of skills that I didn’t even imagine I could learn or master one day. I have established my own brand that has a deep and very honest identity talking from my personal experiences. Thank God it is doing well, and I am so grateful that I have started to be recognised by westerners who are interested to work with me. OHLALA – What do you think was the biggest challenge you had to face? MAS – The biggest challenge was my lack of real knowledge and how I was so fast in taking wrong decisions that cost me a lot of effort and money. The lack of trust can be a challenge, it’s always hard to prove to people that you deserve a chance and that you are talented and will give it your all. Also, the fear of rejection and failure was always the monster that chased me while I was building my name. OHLALA – How do you feel about having conquered so much as a woman? Is there any woman in your field or from a different area that served as an inspiration to you? MAS – Actually my brand is built on this specific identity – women’s

empowerment. I’ve created my own brand slogan which is ‘I’m influential, I’m a woman’ and that is the message I deliver to every woman and girl who associates with my brand – that you are strong and you can always be an influence in different ways and aspects of life. Oprah is one of the strongest influences that I know and, from the Arab world, the Egyptian writer Nawal Al Saadawi who is a strong feminist. OHLALA – What’s your motto in life? MAS – I’m influential, I’m a woman. Basically, I can do it if I believe in it. OHLALA – How do you balance your personal life and work? MAS – Let’s start by saying there is no perfect balance between work and personal life. You need to be very careful with organising your time. I’m the kind of person that always works hard on myself to be in a good mood and that can affect my creativity very strongly. I always try to pick days when I can organise myself away from my day job or take some leave days so I can work on my creativity and personal brand. I can’t live without art and creativity, so this a great motive for me to achieve balance and even helps push me in my day job. OHLALA – What do you do that allows you to disconnect from work? MAS – Leaving the work place or getting away from the space is the best option for me. I like to take a drive and go to a very calm relaxing place, put my favourite music on, get good coffee and just disconnect. Music is always a very strong part of my life; it heals whenever times feel stressful. OHLALA – What piece of advice do you give to young ladies out there starting their careers? MAS – Be original with ideas. Take your time in thinking of what you really like to do because if you don’t enjoy it, you will be stuck and hating it in time. Ask the right people for advice about your decisions. Study the situation and collect as much information as possible before taking further steps. Seek help and lower your ego because you will always need support from the right people. Trust yourself and start, don’t wait too long, just jump in so you can learn from any mistakes that you didn’t cover in your research phase. Mistakes are the best teachers.

@munasaadofficial

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EMBARK ON A

DYNAMIC DRIVE From the British-born brand’s lineup, the MG HS has a sporty exterior and a family-friendly interior with soft-touch materials for full-on comfort. Discover more about this exciting vehicle. @mg_qatar

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he MG HS is a large, smart and practical SUV, providing customers with an impressive amount of space and comfort and a raised driving position to sit head and shoulders above the rest. The model embraces the design concept of X-Motion for a reliable and fun drive. This stylish looking vehicle comes with some of the finest technology and provides a thoroughly engaging motoring experience. The refined exterior gives the vehicle a dynamic aesthetic. The MG logo in front and centre of the distinctive star grille, the 18-inch alloy wheels and red sport brake disc callipers, and a flowing roofline, make the MG HS a headturning vehicle. Its muscular dimensions and intelligent lighting offer a strong presence in every road it passes. The SUV comes with electric-heated and folding door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and chrome accents for added appeal. You can also choose from premium finishes such as Pearl White, Surfing Blue, Phantom Red and more. Moving to the interior, the MG HS brings a modern and comfortable cabin to ensure that every journey on your Middle Eastern urban adventure is a pleasurable experience. The interior is covered in 85-per-cent leather in black, red and beige finishes. The racing-style sports bucket seats include a six-way powered driver seat and four-way powered passenger seat, with exceptional lumbar support enabling comfort with minimum fuss. A stunning panoramic sunroof lets the outside in, while the Dual Zone Climate Control AC and rear AC vent provide the perfect driving environment for you and your passengers. A 2.0-litre High-Efficiency Turbo Engine powers the vehicle’s performance; the MG HS is an energetic and responsive SUV that provides engaging motoring alongside its lively sense of adventure. Delivering torque of 360Nm and with a maximum speed of 210km/h, the MG HS offers the best response in any situation. With a push-button start, SuperSport and Eco driving modes, and paddle shift controls on Lux editions, you will be able to hit the road in seconds. When it comes to the technology, the MG HS boasts the largest virtual instrument panel in its class, with a 12.3inch display providing access to all the essential driving information. In premium position, in the middle of the console, a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen can be easily connected to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access your mobile’s apps. With GPS Navigation, a high-quality sound system, and the MG Trophy Dream Air Quality Management System, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable drive every time. And, last but not least, while driving your MG HS, you can be confident that you are in a vehicle that offers a rugged build from high tensile steel and is as solid and resilient as cars should be. Among the safety features available are Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear View Camera and Lane Changing Warning and other essential measures for your complete peace of mind. The MG HS offers the perfect motoring experience for everyday life and relaxing weekends. www.ohlalamag.net

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CREDITS: MG HS: MG AUTO CLASS PHOTOGRAPHER: JEROME ELIZAGA PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: RJ DEL ROSARIO MAGBANUA CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES: PINKO AND TWINSET HAIR & MAKEUP STYLING: FRANCK PROVOST LOCATION: HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS www.ohlalamag.net

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REGIONAL Escapes

Urban Elegance Meets

Tranquil Serenity An exciting journey begins with the launch of Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb.

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rom its exquisitely conceptualised interiors to the architecturally stunning exterior presentation, this property is one of a kind, creating a luxuriously tranquil haven for guests to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb is also the group’s first property in Qatar and the Middle East to be managed by Accor under the Banyan Tree-Accor strategic partnership. Located in the Doha Oasis project, the development enjoys the surroundings of one of the most fascinating destinations in this vibrant city, offering direct access to a signature department store, a huge indoor experiential theme park and an exclusive cinema multiplex. In keeping with the group’s well-deserved reputation for environmentally sustainable luxury, during their stay guests will find a tranquil haven nestled within a verdant green garden that includes 136 different types of trees, lovingly collected from around the world. These include: Olea, Ficus, Chorisia, Acacia, Bucida and, of course, the namesake Banyan Tree; its wide-ranging aerial roots growing and stretching to provide secret shaded spaces below. The interiors come from the imagination of world-renowned designer Jacques Garcia, whose work can be seen among the grand hotels of Paris. Guests will immediately recognise his award-winning creativity as they step into the lobby with its monumental trees growing from earth flanked by symbols of water and fire. The Oryx, Qatar’s national animal, is represented alongside these trees of life, symbolising how the country is attached to its roots and traditions. And, wherever you go in this stunning property, you will be met with the smiles and the second-to-none service of friendly, knowledgeable staff thanks to the influence of the Banyan Tree Management Academy, which was established

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in 2008 to support the group’s goals through advancing people development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning. Outstanding Accommodation The property features 126 luxurious guest rooms, including 66 suites, offering a serene getaway from hectic city life. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and an extraordinary range of amenities, even the smallest room is 60sq/m, which is among the largest in the city. Further suite options range from 90sq/m up to the Harmony Sky Club Suites at 160sq/m. Accommodations enjoy either mesmerising views of West Bay and the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf; the fabulous gardens; or the old city. Additionally, 100 of the rooms are interconnecting, allowing privacy and space for families travelling together. For discerning guests there is also the Altitude Club Lounge which allows access to VIP treatments, including check-in and checkout, concierge service, complimentary buffet breakfast, refreshments and light snacks and complimentary use of the boardroom Residences For a truly unique residential experience and a home away from home, Banyan Tree Residences offers an impeccable oasis of serenity at the heart of Doha; a unique blend of comfort, luxury and nature ranging from twobedroom apartments to four-bedroom penthouses with state-of-the-art facilities and magnificent garden views. Again, the design ethos is evidenced in the outstanding finishes, interesting artworks and true luxury of the fixtures and fittings. Residents enjoy complete access to Banyan Tree Doha’s verdant gardens as well as the exclusive spa and health club which offers a fully equipped gym, separate indoor cycling room and indoor and outdoor pools.

Extraordinary Dining Alongside the pure Qatari influences, the Asian brand’s heritage and hospitality are showcased in design elements such as those found at Saffron, the signature Thai restaurant. Located on the 24th floor and offering amazing views, Saffron stays true to the classic culinary techniques of the Thai Kingdom offering guests an authentic experience, with cooking methods passed down through generations and indigenous ingredients. The restaurant’s innovative menu features the classic and refined flavours of the Thai royal palaces, regional specialities and all-time favourites served with a contemporary twist. For a true taste of Italy, as well as a range of international cuisines, guests can head to the 27th floor and all-day-dining restaurant, Il Galante, where Italian dishes are inspired by Vincenzo Corrado’s 1773 cookbook masterpiece Il Cuoco Galante, which detailed great Mediterranean cuisine of the time. This eatery represents the perfect blend of modernity and tradition. And those seeking a sweet retreat will love Panya Lounge – a patisserie with an Asian flare whose name was taken from the Thai for wisdom. It is a celebration of fresh flavours, balancing hot and cold, sweet and salty with strong influences from the culinary delights of East Asia infused with Western patisserie techniques. As well as the three initially operating restaurants, Banyan Tree Doha will be introducing additional concepts at a later stage for the Qatari niche market including Qalamkarri – an artistic culinary presentation inspired by the traditional block-printed or hand-painted Kalamkari Art, bringing together

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the modern cooking techniques of India’s multi-faceted cuisines – and Vertigo – a panoramic lounge overlooking the entire city from above with astonishing views offering an experience like no other with a creative beverage menu, mixology inventions and pan-Asian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist in a lively atmosphere with upbeat music. Banyan Tree Spa Possibly the element that is most hotly anticipated, in the near future guests will be able to enjoy the Banyan Tree Doha Spa with its signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility; an experience that truly offers a sanctuary for the senses – a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. As the first luxury Oriental spa in Asia, Banyan Tree Spa has long been renowned for its unique, exotic blend of traditional health and beauty practices, many of which have been adapted from ancient well-being rituals. High-quality services are delivered consistently by graduate therapists trained in Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Indonesia and Thailand, making it the market leader in Asia’s spa industry. Both atmosphere and treatments celebrate the human touch and, in line with the brand’s promise to provide a sense of ‘place’, visitors will experience the use of natural herbs and spices indigenous to each location. The spa will feature exclusive male and female spaces equipped with treatment rooms, heated beds, a vitality pool complete with Jacuzzi, relaxation areas, brine steam room, herbal sauna and a rain walk. Couples will also enjoy a discreet enclave featuring rain showers, a soaking tub and two treatment beds.

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Meetings and Events The hotel also offers eight dynamic meeting rooms with a total area of 945sq/m, including three versatile, state-of-the-art conference spaces. The meeting rooms are named after the trees in the garden, and all enjoy natural light in keeping with the brand’s nature-inspired, sustainable approach which allows for a healthier business experience. Commenting on the opening of the hotel during Eid Al Fitr, Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager, Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb and La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor, says: “The opening of Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb heralds an exciting new era of hospitality in Qatar and we look forward to welcoming our guests to get a glimpse of our rooms, residences and currently operating restaurants. We are delighted to open this incredible property and I’m confident we will deliver outstanding service for business and leisure guests alike.”

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 4410 3333, email info.doha@banyantree.com or visit www.banyantree.com

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CHIC Eats

FLAWLESS STYLE MEETS SYMPHONIC FLAVOURS Emille Loyola-Artigas discovers how La Casa Twenty Eight turns luxurious Mediterranean dishes into masterpieces of art. 72

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estled right in the heart of the Pearl’s Medina Central lies the enchanting Mediterranean restaurant La Casa Twenty Eight, presenting a spangled, awe-inspiring view that stands out even from afar. The brightly-lit outdoor dining space is tastefully appointed with bespoke hues that charmingly blend with the other details. The flooring lets you sneak a preview of the inside, which instantly transports you to the ancient Mediterranean era. It was the end of the week, a divine Thursday evening. My family has a penchant for discovering culinary adventure, and we had a distinct craving this evening. Since the weather is still absolutely gorgeous for this time of year, before the summer sets in, we took a pleasurable walk around the Pearl, where the breeze beckons, on our way to an amazing dinner experience. As we headed towards La Casa Twenty Eight, we were drawn to the sight, the place was lively, and noticeably one of the most popular venues in the area. Beautifully carved wooden tables beneath vibrant palm trees complement the views of the Pearl, the stunning fountain, and the promenade in the near distance. To say that the indoor area is more than meets the eye is an understatement. The venue is fit for a luxurious treat, yet unassumingly sparkling. The arched door and high ceiling make for a grand entrance and with the renowned detailed roof décor and intricate fixtures, we can imagine that this will be an experience to remember. The inside area is large and spacious, with some private rooms, and has several distinct sections. We were seated at an elegantly set round table, and the stage was set, let the show begin. It did not take long for the food to arrive, and after some palate-teaser freshly made breads, the first performance piece to arrive was Calamari Fritti. This classic dish was excellently fried maintaining the crunchy crust and the softness of the inside, flavoured with lime zest and dipped into a heavenly tartar sauce; my palate was begging for more.

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CHIC Eats

The next act, masterfully prepared and served to our table with grace, was the Rock Shrimps Tempura, blending the classic with an authentic edge, the flavour drenched in creamy, spicy sauce is a splendid surprise. We chose a classic homemade smoked pepperoni pizza for the kids, but even that was an art revelation. The homemade spicy pepperoni lushly served; the richness of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce left an orchestra of familiar yet memorable flavours, such that we couldn’t help but get another slice. And then, time for the main acts. Served on a wooden tray and hot pot straight from the pan was a Paella Valenciana, an orchestra of flavours. The tasteful chorizo, beef so tender, lamb confit and chicken, all dusted with paprika and lamb jus to complement the rice that was already bursting with a zest and aroma of its own. The Whole Smoked Baby Chicken was also a delightful surprise, dramatically served beneath a clear lid with smoke swirling, then uncovered, chopped and plated for us. We were enthralled with the theatrics of the presentation, and the taste was equally remarkable. For the finale, served chilled, playfully and artfully, the ring of Tiramisu was a satisfying sight. As we dug our spoons into the delicate mascarpone cream and coffee-bathed biscuits, our mouths frolicked on the silky soft feel and creamy velvety taste.

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Since Doha is known to have a copious culinary collection, it is hard to find a restaurant that not only has its own unique character and a palatable experience that does not disappoint, but also upholds its standards and traditions. La Casa Twenty Eight’s charm lies in its attention to detail, from the most intricate piece to the fact that each savoury dish was prepared and served like a performance. The gastronomic acts may have ended for now, but we will definitely be back for more.

For more information, please call La Casa Twenty Eight on 4415 3333.

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Following the

Flavour Good food improves any mood. Pick your favourite cuisine and enjoy a tasty and memorable meal. Dusit Doha Benjarong

Travel to Thailand from the comfort of your home. Benjarong brings your favourite authentic Thai dishes. Available for takeaway and delivery directly or on Talabat. Call 4004 4444 or WhatsApp at 3129 7415 for orders and more information.

Dusit Doha The House

Intimate, elegant, mysterious. Head over to The House and experience the lavish interiors combined with delicious bites and bubbly drinks! The Ladies' Kick-off promotion offers selected beverages for ladies at QR140 per person on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. Call 4004 4444 for reservations and more information.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha Nobu Brunch

The famous Nobu Doha is offering an elite brunch with a wide selection of Nobu’s speciality dishes. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Regular brunch at QR345 and a sparkling brunch at QR525. Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha Barefoot Thursday

Your Thursday night destination for beachside barbecue is back on with Barefoot Thursday. Gather with family and friends at the outdoor barbecue feast, dip your feet in the sand and relax with a sip at the beach bar overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Priced at QR250 standard package and QR395 special beverage package. Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha Al Nafourah Garden

Happy Hour starts as early as 12pm and runs right through to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday. Enjoy the picturesque view at the outdoor dining venue with special rates on house pour beverages in addition to any mezzes and flat breads. There’s also a new signature blend à la carte menu of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. Order traditional mezze, such as hummus, Bizri, Baba Ganoush, Mechoui, and much more on Takeaway or via Talabat from 12pm to 10pm. Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information. 76

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Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha Choices

Seafood Night is every Thursday night. Indulge in the bounty of the sea at the contemporary and energising Choices restaurant which showcases aesthetic décor and open kitchens. From lobster, prawns and shrimps to freshly shucked oysters, enjoy unlimited seafood for QR280 per person including soft beverages from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, add QR150 for the special beverage package. Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha The City Prime

Meat me for Friday Brunch at Prime. Prime steakhouse is now offering an à la carte brunch menu, perfect for those who want a laid-back outing with their favourite dishes. Choose five exceptional dishes from a selection of appetisers, mains, and desserts and enjoy your meal with beverage offerings. Packages from QR245 for soft beverages and QR395 for special beverages on Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. Call 4015 8888 or email icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha The City Al Jalsa Garden Lounge

Breakfast in the garden while basking in the sun is definitely the right way to start your morning. Choose from Arabic, Healthy or Western options and enjoy a set menu of your breakfast favourites. Daily from 6.30am to 11.30am for QR99. À la carte options are also available. Call 4015 8888 or email icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

CHIC Eats

InterContinental Doha Belgian Café

Tuesday Mussel Madness. Belgian Café brings you a special one-for-one promotion on 1kg of mussels, paired with delicious crispy Belgian frites and a beverage for only QR295. Every Tuesday from 12.30pm to 12am. Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha Mykonos

Mykonos, notably one of Doha’s best Mediterranean restaurants, offers authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The Greek chef sources only the best ingredients, which are complemented by a selection of Greek and Mediterranean grapes for the ultimate dining experience. Enjoy the Greek Business Lunch from Sunday to Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm. Seal that deal over a delicious two-course meal at QR89 or have three courses for QR99. Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Shang-High in the Sky

Get on the list and brunch your way through the unique Pan-Asian cuisine every Friday from 12pm to 3pm at Shanghai Club. Take in the scenery while savouring deliciousness, prepared by their renowned chefs. Soft beverages package at QR240 and enhanced beverage package at QR360. Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for reservations and more information.

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Aperitivo At the Pool Deck

Get two selected drinks and an appetiser board with a range of cold meats, cheese and antipasti for QR100, daily at the Pool Deck. Call 5506 2798 for reservations and more information.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha B-lounge

If you fancy a tasty brunch in an exceptional setting, experience Froze Brunch, a mix of Asian flavours served with select beverages. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Packages range from QR350 with soft beverages, QR495 for the enhanced beverage package and QR595 for the exclusive enhanced beverage package. Call or WhatsApp 5080 4421 or email reservations@bloungedoha.com for reservations and more information.

The Diplomatic Club Al Sayyad

Being in the heart of West Bay, Al Sayyad boasts two distinct settings: a vibrant indoor area and beautiful al fresco dining by the beach. Al Sayyad offers award-winning seafood delicacies in a lively environment. Menu offerings at this signature restaurant depict phenomenal flavours of the Arab region paired with comfortable yet sophisticated dining. Call or WhatsApp 4484 7420 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa for reservations and more information.

W Doha Wahm

Wahm is setting the stage for an extravagant poolside brunch dubbed Sunset Brunch, a spread with barbecue, fresh oysters and ceviche live stations. Every Friday from 4pm to 8pm. Priced at QR280, including soft sips, and QR360, including speciality drinks. Call 4453 5135 or WhatsApp 7794 3975 for reservations and more information.

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ONE SEXY BEAST IF THE ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN, INSPIRED BY THE CURVES OF ACTRESS ANITA ECKBERG, WAS DESCRIBED AS THE ‘SEXIEST CAR EVER’ THEN THE NEW BOAT TAIL MUST SURELY GIVE IT A RUN FOR ITS MONEY.

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OHLALA Preview

his month we’re breaking with tradition and, rather than the regular test drive, we’re bringing you a sneak peek at the iconic British marque’s latest baby – the product of a four-year collaboration with three very special customers and inspired by the detailing found on J-Class yachts, themselves things of great beauty married with ultimate performance. The utterly unique coachbuilt Boat Tail commission heralds the adoption of Coachbuild as a permanent fixture in the future portfolio at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars head office and manufacturing plant, at Goodwood, West Sussex, UK, the only place in the world where the company’s super-luxury motor cars are hand-built. The Boat Tail represents a collaborative exploration of luxury, design and culture between the marque and commissioning clients, empowering them to create potent, evocative expressions of personal taste. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, explains: “Rolls-Royce Coachbuild clients are intimately and personally involved at each step of the creative and engineering process. We work in harmony with the client to gain complete fluency in the nuances of their character and personality. We carefully translate these qualities into the elements with which they wish to imbue their commission. This is authentic luxury. This is contemporary patronage in its truest form. This is Rolls-Royce Coachbuild.” The Dawn of A Movement In 2017, the celebrated Rolls-Royce Sweptail defined the dawn of the contemporary coachbuilding movement. Sweptail set a new waterline of potential and ignited a fascination among a rarefied cohort: collectors, patrons of the arts and commissioning clients of now-iconic architecture. A number of these women and men approached Rolls-Royce to discover if they too could collaborate on a unique commission, one that was even more profound – one that provided an elevated sense of curation. Among them, three potential patrons shared a deep appreciation of contemporary nautical design. J-Class yachts were often referenced as points of inspiration, both for their purity of form and their requirement for hand craftsmanship at the highest level. This client-led creative expression coincided with a long-held ambition of the design team at Rolls-Royce to create a contemporary expression of the Boat Tail typology, where coachbuilders would graft the hull forms of sailing boats onto the rolling chassis of a Rolls-Royce. The commissioning patrons agreed demanding: “Show me something that I have never seen before.” www.ohlalamag.net

The Transference of Soul Cutting-edge engineering technologies within Rolls-Royce are fused with the artistic practice of coachbuilding to exploit new possibilities. The clay sculpture is digitally remastered, from which the buck is created on to which aluminium sheets are hammer-formed by hand. Employing ageold individual hand skills and craft, a living canvas is created from metal – honing and optimising the aluminium body, creating a clarity of surface and continuation of line that is not achievable by machine alone. The process is akin to yacht building, easing the transference of soul into the creation. Slowly, vast sheets of metal transform into the sculptural representation of Boat Tail. A truly pure form is created: uninterrupted by panel breaks, dramatic in its curvature, monolithic in scale and formed from one seemingly endless surface. A Celebration of Success The first Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is a curation of exceptional thoughts, concepts and items, which culminate to form the client’s perfect experience. Their proposition was purposefully self-indulgent. Their desire was to create a response to a life of hard work, success achieved, and celebration required. Their Rolls-Royce Boat Tail should be joyful, a celebratory car to enjoy with their family. At nearly 5.8m long, its generosity of proportion and clarity of surface present a graceful and relaxed stance. The front profile is centred on a new treatment of Rolls-Royce’s iconic pantheon grille and lights. The grille becomes an integral part of the front end, not an appliqué; a freedom of design bestowed only upon models within the Coachbuild portfolio. A strong horizontal graphic with deep-set daytime running lights forms Boat Tail’s intense brow line and frames classical round headlamps, a design feature recalled from the design archives of Rolls-Royce. True Blue The exterior is swathed in a rich and complex tone of the client’s favourite colour – blue. The hue is subtle when in shadows but in sunlight, embedded metallic and crystal flakes bring a vibrant and energetic aura to the finish. The wheels are finished in bright blue, highly polished and clear coated to add to Boat Tail’s celebratory character. A hand-painted, gradated bonnet, a first for Rolls-Royce, rises from a comparatively subdued deeper blue which cascades onto the grille. The interior leather reflects the bonnet’s colour tone transition with the front seats swathed in the darker blue hue, recognising Boat Tail’s driver-focused intent, while the rear seats are finished in the lighter tone.

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OHLALA Preview

A Sense of Occasion “This car should mark a sense of occasion and serve that occasion like nothing else.” Such was the brief of Rolls-Royce Boat Tail’s commissioning patrons. In response and in reflection of their character, the rear deck inconspicuously houses a highly ambitious concept never seen before in the automotive world. At the press of a button, the deck opens in a sweeping butterfly gesture, to reveal an intricate and generous hosting suite. The chest is appointed with the perfect accoutrements for a true Rolls-Royce al fresco dining experience; one side dedicated to aperitifs, the other, cuisine, complete with cutlery engraved with the name ‘Boat Tail’, made by Christofle in Paris. Timeless Passion – A Collaboration with BOVET 1822 Two great luxury houses with a common pursuit of perfection have been brought together at the clients’ behest. World-class craftspeople from the House of BOVET 1822 were called upon to work hand-in-hand with Rolls-Royce’s own masters in their field.

As esteemed and passionate collectors of both the Swiss-based House of BOVET and Rolls-Royce, the patrons’ vision was to create exquisite, ground-breaking timepieces for their Boat Tail. In an act of tireless endeavour and genuine collaboration, the houses have come together to re-imagine Rolls-Royce’s iconic centrepiece, the dashboard clock. An Engineering Marvel Significant engineering challenges were overcome in the development of Rolls-Royce Boat Tail. In fact, 1,813 completely new parts were created specifically for the cars. As Boat Tail is a fully road-legal motor car created to be driven, it was only fully released once it had undergone the same rigorous dynamic testing as all other Rolls-Royces, including high speed analysis to ensure the contents of the rear hosting suite are sufficiently fastened and therefore silent under power. Indeed, each client has stipulated that they wish to drive their Boat Tail immediately upon receipt.

For more information, please call Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha on 4406 5625. @rollsroycecars www.ohlalamag.net

MISS Ohlala

I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN ACCORDING TO THE DICTIONARY, A WOMAN IS AN ADULT FEMALE PERSON. IT DOESN’T SAY THAT THE PATH TO BECOMING THIS WOMAN IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN IT LOOKS. Can you imagine a world where you have a written guide on how to be a woman? A step-by-step on how to react or behave when dealing with life’s many challenges? The book The Art of Being a Woman by Alexandra Adomaitis discusses the topics modern women have to face. The author interviewed women of different ages and ethnicities to get a broad perspective on various issues relating to the female gender. Not exactly a guide, but an eye-opener to the task of being a woman in today’s world. One aspect that haunts the modern woman is how she feels pressured by society and herself to be the best mum, best wife and have a successful career. Not everyone will have that. And the ones that do, often end up compromising on something. And there is also the fact that you might not be someone’s wife or mum or even have a corporate career, and people will judge you for that as well. However, there are a few things that you can try to remind yourself of during the course of your life:

MAKSIM GONCHARENOK ON PEXELS

- Don’t ever forget how capable you are. Force and strength are inside you, find them and don’t let them go. - Doubt yourself, but make sure you have a strong support system that will make you re-focus and help you through. - Acknowledge your achievements. It doesn’t matter how small or big they are; you are the only one measuring them. - Be yourself. Even when it seems wrong. There is no one better at being you than you are.