Ohlala! Qatar June 2015 by Ohlala Magazine

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Destination Fashion

her

BeSt Foot

ForwarD

LUCY CHOI IN THE MIDDLE EAST

YOUR JET-SET WARDROBE SORTED

Sara Murad’S

TRAVEL TIPS

Keep Cool With

ali longmate’s EXERCISE GUIDE

Ramadan

edition

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DINING IN DOHA 1

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Editor’s Letter

ramadan Kareem

I like to think of myself as Doha’s eternal nine years of my young adult life and needless

come to learn as an expat is the importance of the Holy Month. Yes, there are big changes during the month but the love and devotion between all my Muslim friends during this special time is something I’ve come to admire I barely knew what the true meaning of Iftar and Suhoor really meant, everything

Chaumet Hortensia

I embrace the special month alongside the Muslim community. There is nothing more mesmerising than seeing everyone come together and enjoying unforgettable moments. I sincerely hope during this blissful time you’re surrounded with love, union, family and friends. , Local Editor

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ContEnts Ohlala!

Wish List 30 Ramadan Essentials styLe iCons 32 Arm Candy 34 Roaring Love

Jet Set Wardrobe Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got your suitacase sorted from Africa to Europe.

styLe foCus 36 The White Choice 38 Be Bohemian 40 Chase The Rainbow 42 Destination: Fashion 50 Beach Ready: Swimwear styLe insight 52 Down To A Tee: Reem Hawwa 54 The Androgynous Woman: Arwa Al Banawi 57 In Her Shoes: Lucy Choi fashion Photoshoot 60 Nostalgia with VCU

Beauty Buzz 68 Summer Scents 70 Happy Go Lucky Makeup Bag 72 The Summer Look With Marc Jacobs Beauty 74 Summer Hair How-To 77 Beauty Has No Age Woman of the month 78 Muna Saad ChiC eats 80 Culinary Insight: Frank Bordoni 82 Hot Spots heaLth fiLes 84 Spa Clarins Review 86 Exercise Tips for Ramadan by Ali Longmate Diva Drives 92 A Lady and A Cayenne ohLaLa! sPotLight 94 A Barrel of Laughs: Sanguesita ohLaLa! Boutiques 105 The Hottest Things To Buy soCiety 110 Shot-On-Site

Salvatore Ferragamo, Exclusive Fiamma Bag

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Creative DireCtor Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief exeCutive offiCer Greg Hughes

Paula Leal graPhiC Designer Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bindaina

PuBLishing DireCtor Edward Smith

ProDuCtion & DistriBution manager

generaL manager

Neil Mahmood

Hussein Zreik

Ajit Kumar

LoCaL eDitor Sofia Graniello regionaL fashion

WeBsite Designer & DeveLoPer Ammar Ali

& Beauty eDitor Georgie Bradley

soCiaL meDia marketing

ContriButors

& aDministrative manager Saud Aldoseri

Kirsty Edwards-Harris eDitor-at-Large Ben Whittaker

PhotograPhy

saLes manager Badir Bechara Cover PhotograPh By Anna Maria Skorek from MUSA aDministration exeCutive

enquiries

Roy Varghese

Editorial: sofia@ohlala-magazine.com georgie@ohlala-magazine.com Advertising: edward@ohlala-magazine.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Telephone: Qatar +974 4441 8415/+974 4421 3089, Bahrain +973 1721 6099, Postal Address: Ohlala!Magazine, The Nans Group, P O BOX 30378, Budaiya, Kingdom of Bahrain No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Ohlala! Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

aCCountants Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander DistriBution team Jayapragash Ganesan Rajesh Abdul Kadar Printing Press United Printing Press

ContriButors Lemuel Lampa @ Creative Design

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Bahrain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Al Hilal Qatar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dar Al Sharq www.ohlala-magazine.com

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stylE Trend

silvEr lininGs

How about this sheer cropped number? We see this as a staple for Iftars. Bedouin source their fabric from India and Italy as well as embellishing their pieces with Moroccan vibes. While still giving you a feminine silhouette, there’s a straight cut masculinity about the design too.

Go With thE floW

Wish list

When stéphane rolland showcased his Haute Couture collection in early spring he wowed critics with his figure skimming jumpsuits and fullskirted gowns. This cape dress flows along every curve and epitomises elegant eveningwear - and it’s super lightweight too.

As THe HOly MOnTH Of RAMAdAn AppROACHes, OuR CAlendARs WIll be fIlled WITH nIgHTly engAgeMenTs. We’ve pICked A sOpHIsTICATed seleCTIOn Of evenIng WeAR fOR yOu TO sTAndOuT COMe MOOnlIgHT gATHeRIngs.

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for the ultimate pop of attention this swarovski combines filigree gold pvd metal with a beautiful gradation of blue crystal shades, creating a vintage look. great for hand posing.

Box of trEasurEs

ns By noof have always presented us with opulent clutches, never falling short of the The nudist stiletto has always ruled WOW factor. The gold-maroon the red carpet. stuart Weitzman hued Andalucia clutch has an air recently launched a collection of of Arabian nights with the energy said heels in a variety of colours, giving jasper stone to top it off. prints and textures. We love this pair Wear an all black ensemble and in particular - be it with distressed add this geometrical gem to jeans or a favourite dress. complete your look.

Gold rush

BluE Crush

a royal affair

madiyah al sharqi, having grown up in palatial environs, has a natural pull towards luxurious fabrics - and Marie Antoinette. These lace accented trousers are a firm nod to expert tailoring and a love for the female form. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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stylE Icon

to The Letter

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all done the routine trip to the Souq and gotten our names inscribed in Arabic on a gold or silver necklace, have we not? But now the Robert Wan Charms Collection the Arabic alphabet with simple bracelet charms of each individual letter. The collection draws on the inherent beauty, shape and lyricism of the 28-letter alphabet, where each charm is cast in 18k gold and is available in yellow, white and rose gold. Every pearl has symbolic meaning which is sure to resonate with you all. The Robert Wan Pearl Bar is available at Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales, Dubai and Al Fardan Jewellery, Qatar. 32

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stylE Icon

Constellation du lion CHAnel’s COnsTellATIOn du lIOn RIng Is A neW ICOn Of HIgH jeWelleRy And A ROARIng suCCess AT THAT.

The lion illustrates the endlessly renewed creative spirit of Chanel high jewellery

There’s a total weight of 1.9 carat and carved onyx

And there’s also 142 brilliant-cut diamonds

Les Intemporels de Chanel is inspired by the symbols from Gabrielle Chanel’s universe

It’s 18K white gold set with a 1.5-carat brilliant-cut diamond

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KENZO

MICHAEL KORS

ALICE & OLIVIA

STELLA MCCARTNEY

KENZO

GUCCI

SONIA RYKIEL

MICHAEL KORS

BEDOUIN

stylE Focus

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RAOUL

BARBARA BUI

BA&SH

ALEXANDER WANG

LACOSTE

Finding the perfect white shirt is like finding the perfect house. It can take years of searching along with a lot of trial and error. Why do we invest so much time in the white shirt? Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a classic that goes everywhere and with everything.

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ETRO

TOM FORD

free spirits

ACCESSORIZE

CHLOE

GUCCI

ETRO

stylE Focus

VaLenTIno Haute Hippy

hershesons fake It Till you Make It

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ZARA

BALMAIN

The KoopLes love Me some leather

CHANEL

EMILIO PUCCI

BARBARA BUI

It’s all about Woodstock wear this summer so dust of your Joni Mitchell circa 1970s vinyl and get into that slower, trance like mode. To get to that ultimate Gypsy queen status be sure to not plan your outfit too seriously – by which we mean, don’t worry if it doesn’t all match. You wanna be a free spirit? Clash those embroideries, forget to brush your hair, paint your nails a rainbow of colours (and dare we say it, let them chip!) don’t zip into jeans that look like they’ve been painted on, live and let live as your inner hippy would preach.

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Experience palatial splendour

share the joy

In the true spirit of Ramadan, Marsa Malaz Kempinski invites you to experience the joys of togetherness & celebration with us. Capturing elegant festive traditions, the Palazzo Ballroom has been transformed to a dishes in the ambient mood created by the delightful traditional entertainment. Ramadan traditions are turned into wonderful family memories at Al Sufra, where delectable Levantine cuisine is designed for sharing throughout the Holy Month.

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Sponsors:

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stylE Focus

2 3

ChasE The raInBOW Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a purse, clutch or tote, say hello to the sunshine season with a pop of colour.

1. Carolina Herrera 2. DKNY 3. Aigner 4. Longchamp 5. Cruciani 6. Victoria Beckham 7. DKNY 8. Marc Jacobs 9. Dsquared2 10. Bvlgari 11. Baraboux 12. Bvlgari 40

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Ohlala! Arabia For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman ARABIA

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 03

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dEstination:

Fashion

so many places to see, so many styles to play around with. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going East or West, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a wardrobe of options for you jet-setters to consider when organising your suitcase.

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stylE

Focus

THE SOPHISTICATED

sojourner

mareLLa the gentlewoman

T R A V E L

estée LauDer packed with black diamond truffle, your skin will glow this luxurious cream. 44

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VICTORIA BECKHAM

BEDOUIN

MICHAEL KORS

RALPH LAUREN

RAOUL

If you’re the type of traveller who would never think to compromise on style just because you’re living out of a suitcase, we declare you to be a haute holidayer. We’ve selected a fail-safe group of chic items appropriate for visiting all the historical and fashionable hotspots of europe.

E S S E N T I A L S

Whether in your Carry-on or your Bag, these items WiLL see you through from euroPe to afriCa.

ChaneL ditch the contacts and go for sophisticated specs - especially on flights. smythson keep a journal of your travels wherever you go with this pocketfriendly pink pad.

miChaeL kors keep up to date with the time zone with this elegant wrist-candy. www.ohlala-magazine.com

KARL LAGERFELD

WELL TRAVEL

REPETTO

KEI KAGAMI

LANVIN

VICTORIA BECKHAM

zara the everyday trench Coat

sWarovski Diamond Details

ChaneL you Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go Wrong With this number

maDiyah aLsharqi Belle of them all

T R A V E L

E S S BaraBoux keep all your hand-luggage essentials organised in our favourite travel-smart bags.

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nuxe If yOuR lIps HAve been lefT pARCHed fROM THe sun, pOp On sOMe Of THIs sOOTHIng lIp bAlM.

tWeezermate pluck any wayward hairs on-the-go with this lightweight mirror.

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stylE

VICTORIA BECKHAM

Focus

LOEWE

aCne stuDios Reptile Ready

BeDouin your go-To playsuit

africa T R A V E L

If you’re heading out to the wild terrains of africa it might seem that fashion and lions don’t mix. Of course you won’t be wearing heels when you’re getting your hands dirty on a safari excursion but you can still be fashionable and camouflaged at the same time. We love the tribal necklaces and cargo pant variations - especially with an exaggerated belt!

E S S E N T I A L S

MARNI NET-A-PORTER.COM

saChajuan IT’s nOT jusT yOuR fACe THAT needs pROTeCTIng, yOuR lOCks ARe IMpORTAnT TOO. 46

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STELLA MCCARTNEY

OUT

RALPH LAUREN

MICHAEL KORS

LiPstiCk queen for the ultimate summer look add some Queen bee and get a glistening bronze gold finish.

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MICHAEL MICHAEL KKORS

MARC JACOBS

MICHAEL MICHAEL KKORS

RALPH LAUREN

VICTORIA BECKHAM

BaiLey 44 grey Matter

tory BurCh big, beige and beautiful rosantiCa spider Chic

OR VAT S AL

meLissa oDaBash everyone needs A panama Hat

AM AG

ERR O

T R A V E L

E S S E N T ChaneL I A L S

nuxe fOR A TOuCH Of sHIMMeR IlluMInATe yOuR fACe, bOdy And HAIR WITH THIs plAnT OIls bAsed TReATMenT.

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A side bag with a chain? The perfect accessory for all day walking without hurting your arms.

aLessanDro internationaL With all that walking your heels need some r&r with these pedix feet socks.

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stylE

Focus COOL, CALM &

Collected If all you want to be is comfortable, carefree and truly on holiday, we think a combination of jeans, brightly coloured dresses, tops along with fun accessories, will get you a headstart on your trip.

saint Laurent that extra Bit of fun

T R A V E L

E S S E N T I A L S

Dior sTORe sOMe lOOse CHAnge In THIs ART ATTACk WAlleT fOR ICe CReAMs And COffees.

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CLarins make sure to revitalise your eyes after a long-haul flight with this de-puff treatment. www.ohlala-magazine.com

PRABAL GURUNG

SARA MURAD Current eLLiot Do some Dungarees

The Saudi TV presenter is no stranger to planes, whisking off from one corner of the world to another in the name of style. She shares with us her pre-flight rituals, fail-safe items and her favourite destinations.

Ba&sh miss hawaiian tropic

mosChino go americana

I always write a list before I pack, even if it’s just for a weekend. I break it down to: clothing, evening, shoes, bags, makeup, bathroom stuff, hair, technology. I’ll send an emotional message to my mom and hubby before a flight. remover. I can’t sleep without clean skin. But ever since I had my daughter I always choose day flights. I like to be comfortable in style.

T R A V E L

juiCy Couture sHOW yOuR fun And fRuITy sIde by ClIppIng THIs pIneApple keyCHAIn On yOuR HAndbAg.

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E S S E N T I A L S smell like sunshine throughout your holiday with Bath & BoDy Works’ shea body cream

LongChamP is your iPhone cover looking a bit tired? jazz it up with this one.

I watch movies on flights - sometimes up to three. wear something comfortable; healthy snacks and have some perfume and makeup on hand to freshen up before landing. Paris is my favourite part of the world for fashion as shopping there is irresistible For a long weekend I’d want to go to Greece. I’ve never been and the pictures are breathtaking. My favourite hotspot in the world is Venice. It’s magical and full of art and history. OHLALA!

stylE Focus

aqua COOL mIssonI LaCosTe

mosChIno CaLzeDonIa Debenhams

emILIo puCCI

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re poolside beachside ready or not, these pieces are sure to further inspire your halcyon days in the sun. meLIssa oDasbash

emILIo puCCI

saLInas aLexanDre VauThIer stylebop.com

mara

mIChaeL Kors

proenza sChouLer 50

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stylE Insight

down to a tee

quotes on T-shirts has long been an established trend. One-liners from movies, pop culture phrases, Youtube sensations – it’s all on fabric. and now, adding an ethnic touch, reeM haWWa is tapping into the market with arabic typography. When you think Middle eastern fashion

you think opulent cuts, grand designs and the ‘WOW’ factor. T-shirts don’t normally speak to the aforementioned. But of late, they’ve been given an haute revival – beyond the casual “I’ll just throw a T on.” Jeans will always be a go-to pairing for your standard T-shirt, along with leggings, jeggings and shorts. But joining the ‘bottoms’ clan are the likes of A-line skirts and luxurious trousers - the T shirt has got new buddies to pair with. And this is exactly what Reem Hawwa, impressively 24 years old, is bringing to the market, a new lease of life for the standard issue T shirt in the form of Hawwa (meaning Eve, as in Adam). “Although I want to provide shirts that women can wear to the supermarket, I also want my customers to be able to wear them to a fashion show. I really think T shirts can be dressed up and down,” she says.

Being that her T shirts are monochrome, they’re versatile and able to achieve what she has intended. Part of the brand concept is to highlight the Arabic culture via typography: “It’s built within our culture, especially in Egypt. So the idea of me taking this typography and making it more fun is something people are responding very well to.” The messages are from Arabic songs, namely by Lebanese (Reem’s roots) singers Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani. “Each message is deep-set in emotion - I Love You Unconditionally; Still On My Mind; This Is Me Unlike the World and With You In Sweet and Bitter.” But the words are also everyday speak –

phrases: Goal Digger, Check Your Ego Amigo and Kiss His Eye On Behalf Of Me. Hawwa T shirts are available on sivvi.com which incidentally is where Reem works. Having started out as a graphic designer for the online retailer, Reem saw the opportunity to launch her T shirts but remains in her primary post till now. “Sivvi.com decided to adopt the brand because they saw it as a fresh idea and it A lot of women were really enthusiastic and encouraging about it and they loved the positive messages.” Since the success of the shirts Reem is moving over to another selling point: clutches - when we meet she has one handy - an eye-catching black envelope, folded and luxuriously soft to touch. In time no doubt Hawwa’s full tarmac-melting force, she’s going to add some colour to the shirts so as to detract from the heat! Reem’s passions are still blooming, but for now she loves the balancing act of graphic and fashion design. Whatever she does in the future though, it will be graphic-heavy, that’s for sure. 52

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stylE Insight

n the clinically white presentation room, camera-holding, notepad-clad bloggers, photographers and fashion editors were

formed a tightly packed semi-circle around a set of podium blocks when a rousing rendition of “Feeling Good” silenced us. the blocks (of varying heights) and displayed an a hard, 90s style use of colour – think McDonald’s loud red and yellow. This was the intention though. Arwa Al Banawi’s presentation, titled “Memories” is a nod to the unabashed years of primary colour matching. Adding to that, the cuts were severely masculine without any interruption of a slight curve. For all intents and purposes, the concept made sense – a woman who has a nostalgic longing for those no-nonsense, “I am equal to man” epoch. Although it’s a continuing movement till now, there was something so brazenly cool and fun about the surge of strong-minded women back then.

creative muscles and be more daring. The Saudi born designer’s former life as a banker (where she’d borrow her mum’s vintage Yves Saint Laurent suits) lends itself to her power-dressing collection. The largely suit based pieces attempt to bring out the business (masculine tailoring, gold buttons) and femininity (colours) of a working woman. “Women are working so much now, they’re networking all the time. I really wanted to create a collection that would allow them to express and present themselves since they’re always on-the- go.” The intense use print and colour blocking created a lot of critical conversation, especially coming from a conservative society where choices are imbued with minimal colour. “I really wanted to bring out the fun, playful side of a working woman – something that is transferable from day to night,” says Arwa. The pieces are strong – an entire ensemble of cartoon colour might not be braved by everyone but isolating a suit jacket from its counterpart trousers will still carry the same level Although Arwa is now based in the UAE, and this riot of colour is not unbecoming in any way, how accepting is her homeland? “Very” she points out. “I cannot explain to you just how fashion forward the women of Saudi are – especially where I am from (Jeddah). They are so stylish and edgy: piercings all along their ears, half shaved heads, classic chic Audrey Hepburn 54

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a Well-suited Woman When we took to the shows at FaShIOn FOrWard duBaI in april, there was a lot to be said about the newcomers’ foray into fashion. arWa aL BanaWI’S debut presentation however, was the most auspicious of them all.

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“There’s a fine line between CreaTInG a Brand that already exists and being OrIGInaL” – it’s all there.” If Arwa’s previous street fashion blogging sideline while she was in the banking industry is anything to go by, there is an outlet for sartorial experiments in Saudi with an eclectic grasp of Arwa’s path to where she is now has been as colourful as her collection it seems. From banking to blogging to being a full out designer, There’s a lot to be said about the blogging industry in the Middle East, sometimes it feels like there are more bloggers than members of the media, who are given the same degree of access and at times preferential treatment. Fashion Forward was heaving with bloggers. Having come from that world and now standing on the other side, how hard is it to make the move? www.ohlala-magazine.com

“I’ve always been in touch with the details of clothing whenever I go shopping. I’ll pick things something. I started improving things I bought with my own touch – one summer I went to a wedding in London and a woman came up to me saying, “Oh, your Valentino dress is spring/ summer or fall/winter? It was the biggest compliment. I made that dress for AED2000! It prompted me to take short courses at Dubai’s London College of Fashion campus and to be honest it was really challenging. Writing about fashion means you have an eye for style, but perhaps not design. You really have to show the professor you’re going to get out of your comfort zone and be a designer. I really didn’t know how to sketch very well but I was committed to it.

designers who come out imitating by wanting to be the next Chanel. If you’re not focusing on a certain technique that’s going to give your brand between creating a brand that already exists and being original. But it’s really a beautiful world that takes you back in time to see the evolution of the world through fashion.” The learning process is only just beginning. With the technical knowledge acquired, it’s now about practice and experimentation for Arwa. The next collection, which she’s working on now, will still see her established spray of colour again (a little more subtle this time she says) but she’s leaving just one snippet of her inspiration for us to ponder:

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Coming soon... ... to Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

CHEAP

OVER LOOKS TO

THRILLS

LUX FOR LESS

MAKE YOU FEEL PHENOMENAL

YOUR STAR BUYS FOR SPRING CATWALK REPORT

GUCCI

Anja Rubik’s

FOR THE EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT WOMAN

MODEL STYLE

BEHIND

THE ANIMAL HEART NINA PERSSON

MEGAWATT FASHION

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ABU DHABI AED20

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stylE Insight

Putting her Best foot forward hailing from a footwear dynasty, it only seemed natural that luCy Choi would become a shoe designer. having created power heels for london in a stylish and affordable way, she’s bringing that luxury to the MiddlE East. how many pairs of shoes do you have? More than you care to count, we’re sure. We recently braved the question to a handful of women and the average answer was 80 pairs of

a high turnover from season to season. But it’s true when they say that shoes can make or break an

you also (perhaps without realising it) linger down south to catch their footwear of choice. The Middle

- women in the region have a discerning eye for craftsmanship. And Lucy Choi has caught on. Having accomplished London, she is now walking in the shoes of Middle Eastern women, hoping to carve out the same success and provide them with

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You went from studying business to then moving business? I have never been involved with my Uncle’s company. I wanted to go it alone, so there has never been a commercial relationship between Lucy Choi London and Jimmy Choo. Designing amazing shoes is simply a family calling which neither of us was able to resist! I worked at French Sole for 10 years and I eventually become the MD. I was very fortunate that it was a small team and my role was very hands on. I dealt with every aspect of the business from dealing with the customers, to forecasting, overseeing the factories and wholesale business to

“Our ethos is based on what I call the ‘Three Cs – craftsmanship, comfort and character”

Of course, I cannot deny that the family connection has helped me in many ways. That said, I could have chosen an easier path to join the family business but instead I

LuCy ChoI WoveN WoNDeRs

experience, plus my accountancy background, these skills relate to any industry. This helped grow the business into the global success it has become today.

It was a hard decision to leave but after 10 years at French Sole I felt it was the right time to move on. When the time was right, shoes chose me, it’s in my genes. We first hit the market three years ago this month. In 2012 I spotted a need in the market for stylish, comfortable and affordable but luxurious shoes for women of all ages and tastes. It is the way I like to shop myself. I love to mix boutique brands with designer labels but

going straight into the shoe industry after university. The skills I learnt in the corporate world were invaluable and as a result I have been able to apply all my experience and knowledge of business with my passion and experience with fashion into launching of my own brand. I am close to my Uncle and his strong work ethic and values were drummed into me from a young age. I learnt early on that nothing in life comes easy and you must always give 110%. To succeed you need a combination of mustn’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! I absorbed a great deal from watching him work, and saw him working extremely hard, whilst staying true to his ethos. He inspired me to aspire, to follow my dreams and to ensure I always deliver my promises. He gave me my core values which I instill into myself and the people who work for me.

Choi is actually my real surname! It’s my father’s name. Uncle Jimmy married into the family, so its just a coincidence that they’re similar.

craftsmanship and style, plus that desire to make women feel that they have the wow factor whenever they walk into a room wearing a pair of our shoes. 58

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stylE Insight noticed that even many brands I would consider high street were charging over £200 (QR 1102), even £300 (QR 1653) for a pair of shoes. I wanted to champion craftsmanship and design and not feel you always have to spend hundreds of pounds. Why can’t luxury be accessible? Our ethos is based on what I call the ‘Three C’s’ – craftsmanship, comfort and character, which is very important to me. The collection is based on the principle that we provide luxurious, affordable shoes without compromising on design, craftsmanship and comfort. I wear and test all the shoes in the collection myself before they go into production to ensure they meet this criteria. When I was at French Sole it showed me that anything is possible if you have a good product, you work hard and you have drive and determination. I also made good contacts. Good business skills are the core of any successful business. You need to have a clear vision and strategy and stick to it and not focus on negatives.

You need excellent PR and marketing to compete in the online market-place and ensure your product is visible in all the right places. It’s important our brand is seen in the right press and opinion leading media. Social media is also a vital part of our business. It allows us to engage with helps us tell our story in a more informal way.

shoes?

“You need a combination of knOWLedGe, experIenCe & FInanCIaL know-how and you mustn’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!”

As yet we’ve not dressed any celebrities in the Middle East but we hope all Lucy Choi London customers look and feel like a million dollar celebrity!

shoe? One thing is guaranteed in any shoe we design: women feel amazing wearing them. I challenge anyone not to feel sexy in a pair of Lucy Choi London shoes. We have found the Aster and Goldstone to be our most popular designs which always sells out year on year. I ensure we update these styles each season with fresh and exciting new colourways.

visit www.lucychoilondon.com

TOP 5 ESSENTIAL SHOES FROM YOUR COLLECTION to a wider demographic of women at a more accessible price point without compromising on the Three C’s.

our ss15 collection celebrates expert craftsmanship and design. I’ve named the shoes in the collection after leading shakespearean characters, so customers will see a spectacular display of colour, drama and plenty of romance. our signature use of combining

Our customers in the Middle East are elegant and very discerning. I’ve found they have excellent taste and tend to express themselves and their individuality through their choice of shoes.

dramatic display of brights and new and innovative leathers, snakeskins, ginghams and glitters.

alone. We value feedback from all our customers and we’ve found that in this region, as in others, our customers recognise our unique style and appreciate excellent design and good quality craftsmanship above all.

Our elegant bright Cupid style is one of my favourite shoes this season, along with the stunning beige patent leather Benvolio with the studded leather bow detailing on the toe. These shoes are a height that you can wear all day and into the evening.

Comfort, inimitable style, individuality and a taste of luxury.

Our stunning Juliette flat shoe which is crafted from woven pink or yellow leather is ideal for work or the weekend. The show-stopping strappy stiletto Titania is my go to shoe for the evening, as it is effortlessly elegant and has a concealed platform for that added comfort factor.

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The Yorrick mid heel, with its sling back, has already proved extremely popular for SS15.

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DRESS, DYLON ADONIS; RING, IMPRESSION BOUTIQUE

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N O S TA L G I A as summer approaches, we know a thing or two about missing home… PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING: ANNA MARIA SKOREK FROM MUSA @MUSA_QATAR | MUA: LIEZL REYES | LOCATION: THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

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DRESS, DYLON ADONIS; SHOES, MIGATO 64

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DRESS, IMPRESSIONS BOUTIQUE; PAINTINGS, MATI

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PURSE & DRESS, IMPRESSIONS BOUTIQUE

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BEauty Buzz

SCENTS & Sensibilities

COOL WOMAN

It isn’t officially summer until Davidoff says it is. The latest limited edition of the Cool Water fragrances is Sea Rose Summer Seas, combining aquatic accords of melon with the floral heart of lily of the valley and the base of orris root.

COMe suMMeR THe AIR Is fIlled WITH A COCkTAIl Of fResH And COOl sCenTs. TAke yOuR pICk WITH Any Of THese peRfuMes And geT In THe MOOd WITH jusT One spRITz.

Carefree Days

Has Jo Malone’s scents ever disappointed? The blue skies and blossom collection is made up of a trio of cherry, osmanthus and plum colognes and believe us, they’re as playful as they sound.

LUXURIOUS LADY Oud Al Qasr is Roberto Cavalli’s

latest concoction and we absolutely love the local touch. The woody and leathery aroma bring about a sense of nostalgia while celebrating the rich scents of the region. 68

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LittLe Miss sunshine It’s said to transport you to a “field of sunshine” from the moment you open the bottle. In the mood already? Check. Add to that a fantastic use of word play, Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Eau So Fresh is fruity, bubbly and so fun.

THE ART OF ATTRACTION

Well for the starters, the bottle, as always with Narciso, is sleek. The Eau de toilette has a top note of white peony meld with Bulgarian rose to give you a magnetic pull.

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BEauty Buzz NARS

Pucker up with these audaciously bold brights and get ready for some serious lip service.

Makeup forever

With these combinations of primers and correctors, your skin tone will balance out giving you full-on summer radiance.

HAPPY GO LUCKY If yOuR beAuTy CAbIneT Is lOOkIng A lITTle glOOM And dOOM, RevIve IT WITH THese feel-gOOd COlOuRful ITeMs.

BOBBI BROWN

RIMMEL

Line your eyes with these intense, blue steel and purple craze pencils and get your rock festival diva on. The built-in smudger will give you the ultimate edge.

Bourjois

These little foundation sticks are perfect for when you’re constantly on-the-go and need a quick touch-up. And for a pinch of pink cheeks, try out the brightening brick palette.

Looking for a way to say “Hello Summer”? The La Lacque collection will give you a vibrant set of statement nails for the season.

Lancaster

The rich and creamy Skin Perfect moisturiser has all the right formulas - shea butter and argan oil - for fully hydrated and flawless skin. 70

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BEauty Buzz

Summer Vibes: Tricks of the Trade If there was ever an ideal season to have fun with makeup, it’s got to be summer. But with so many different ways to play around with palettes, we tracked down GILBerT SOLIz from MarC JaCOBS Beauty to hone in on how we can get the summer look - especially for those sunburnt days! What’s the main look we should be going for this summer? I think beautiful bright pops of colour on the eyes is a must as well as matte bronzed skin with sculpted cheeks.

Use a mattifying primer and long wear foundation to begin with and then set your makeup with powder.

powder - that way you can easily blot away perspiration without building up too much coverage. Women often utilise powder/foundations but essentially you’re putting more makeup over makeup.

BB or CC creams are a great way to even out skin tones and give you that all important sun protection. 72

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Top 5 Makeup Mistakes

1. ItToo much foundation makes women look older. 2. Frosted lipstick It’s too retro and doesn’t feel modern. 3. dark lipliner It’s makes the lips appear smaller. 4. dark foundation If it’s too dark for skin makes it looks like you’re wearing a mask.

5. Lining the lower

lash line and not the top

It pulls the eyes down making them look heavy. giLBert soLiz

bronzer. And I love the look of stained cherry lips with a touch of clear gloss. And of course waterproof mascara!

sunburn? Embrace it. Go light on foundation, try hydrating tinted moisture to neutralise redness. Apply more bronzer and use the natural redness in the skin as blush.

moisturises? It depends on the amount of coverage one on where you’re going and the environment you’re in. If you’re outdoors and active, then I suggest swapping foundation out and reaching for something more lightweight.

or brush? Both. I often start the initial application with a brush so I know where it’s going then if I need to,

Peachy pinks are always a safe bet.

vertically up and down your neck to blend bronzer and makeup past the jawline.

They should add a soft sheen and not contain too much glitter particles.

Try removing makeup with an oil or balm. These are great new products that not only remove and melt makeup but have amazing skin skin to prepare it for moisture. Add 1-2 drops of your favourite serum before applying moisture and eye cream. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available at sephora.

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BEauty Buzz 1. THE WET LOOK

THe gOOd neWs Is THAT eveRy sTyle We’Re suggesTIng dOes One pRIMARy THIng: THey keep yOu COOl. fROM effORTless TOusles TO slICked bACk pOnyTAIls, We’ve gOT yOuR HAIR HOW-TO sORTed. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

KEy tools To help achieve these signature summer looks take note of these Hershesons and Sachajuan products.

1 3 2

3. TOP KNOTS

5 1. Hair bands 2. Spray Wax 3. Super Stronghold Hairspray 4. Mixed Oval Brush 5. Electrical Tongs 74

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MARC BY MARC JACOBS

ALINA GERMAN

SOPHIA WEBSTER

THREE WAYS SUMMER HAIR

2. BEDHEAD BEACH WAVES How nice would it be to genuinely wake and walk out the front door seaside ready? The trick is to not wash your hair beforehand – if it’s too shiny it won’t give that right illusion. Your hair is more workable when it’s a day old. So as far as the parting goes, keep it centred – arrange using your fingers rather than a brush. Using a tong, twist random sections of your hair around it. As for your ends, pinch, scrunch and twist them with your fingers for texture. One quick flip and you’re done! MARC BY MARC JACOBS

ALBERTA FERRETTI

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Rather than looking like a cat that fell in the bath, we’re talking about the severe, ‘I mean business’ wet look. A common misconception is that you need to start off with fully drenched hair. Not so. After completely drying your hair, get a sizeable dollop of gel and run it through the front portion of your hair or use a spray wax. Using a mixed brush, comb the product in a downward motion. Get some hairgrips to set the gelled areas for a few minutes.

What was once a trend out of necessity (after the shower, duvet days, greasy hair days) has now tidied up and become the hottest go-to. But rather than just haphazardly tying up your locks, pull all your hair upwards in a long column, flat on top of your head, and smooth out the back. If you’ve got layers secure them with colour-matching pins for subtlety. Get creative with horn-like buns and twisty Mohawk knots. www.ohlala-magazine.com

Terms & Conditions apply. 10 gold coins to be won.

A chance to win a Pari Gallery gold coin.

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FRAGRANT SENSATIONS 2015 With every purchase of a large-size fragrance, get a chance to win a Pari Gallery gold coin. June 1 - 30, 2015 Draw date: July 5, 2015, Pari Gallery, Lagoona Mall

R o y a l P l a z a : 44592070 H y a t t P l a z a : 44592060 Lagoona Mall: 44040140 75 E z d a n M a l l :OHLALA! 44997200

BEauty Column

Beauty Has No Age In A WORld RuTHlessly eMbROIled WITH beAuTy, We, WHeTHeR We lIke IT OR nOT, HAve MAde A lOng-lIfe endeAvOuR TO pReseRvATIOn. geORgIe bRAdley THInks lOOkIng yOung sHOuldn’T be A TRuMp CARd AnyMORe – beIng Age-COnfIdenT sHOuld.

I remember when the roC antiageing products brought out a new range

of miracle workers. I was about 13 and saw them as life revivers. Of course it wasn’t me slapping on the cream, it was my dad, who had entered his sixth decade at the time and felt the need to go back to looking like he was in his fourth again. A decade has since passed and he looks about his age if not a few years junior. RoC played no part in this. Shortly after giving into the marketing ploys back then, he gave it up. My dad is a cerebral person – he obviously had a lapse in brilliance when he dabbled with RoC. Although beauty modification is usually the preserve of women, men too feel the pressure. My dad, case and point.

the Photoshop tweaks (or full-on brutality) speak volumes of our warped mentality towards ageing, which quite frankly needs an image, sorry not sorry, overhaul. It’s not just still life imagery that gets put under the microscope, TV is a notorious medium for unscrupulously axing female presenters, panellists and personalities once they’ve passed their ‘prime’ where a twentysomething will be swiftly handed the takeover torch until her crow’s feet become

“We have always been obsessed with the human face – we pore over every pore, nook and cranny” We have always been obsessed with the human face – we pore over every pore, nook and cranny. Magazine covers are largely facial; we are drawn to faces other than our own. We enjoy being pitted against each other’s genetic blessings, or misfortunes as some see it. But have you ever really acknowledged how cover stars are of the 20-35 age bracket? Next time you’re in a bookshop, scan the rafts – you’ll see what I mean. Not to mention, 76

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too pronounced. The cycle is vicious; women and men alike strive to be the Barbie and Kens of the world because this human perfection is applauded - there are plastic surgeons who assist in carving every detail of this tripe. As much effort as there’s been to curtail these myths of what the true hallmark of beauty is (thank you Caitlin Moran, Naomi Wolf ) a tectonic shift in social construct has yet to grip the world. There is one woman

however, who has always shunned market manipulation and pioneered for the inner makings of a beautiful woman. Iris Apfel is 93. She looks it too. And that’s OK. Iris is an American businesswoman, interior designer, fashion icon and all round personality hit. She’s been making waves of late with the new documentary, Iris, which came out last month. The premise is simple: an insight into the world of the quickwitted fashion maven. Iris has always been a sensation, so the documentary could have been made decades ago. Think about it, why would a documentary about the nonagenarian’s life be given the green light right now? Because she’s interesting, she’s continuing to leave a mark and is ballsy enough, without falling prey to criticism, to silence haters. “I like individuality. It’s so lost these days. So much sameness. Everything is homogenised. I hate it. Whatever,” preaches Iris. And it’s women like her who are embracing the mind over the façade – although her façade is a real talking point too. Her beauty lies in the fact that she hasn’t let age make her less of a person. She’s broken every rule in the book and I think it’s time we take a leaf out of it. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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WoMan Of The Month

All Eyes On Her Sofia Graniello jumps into the world of local fashion with an exclusive interview with fashion designer, Muna Saad.

You’ve probably heard of Muna Saad, a young designer who is up to change the fashion industry in Qatar with her charm and grace. We agree for an early meet up at The Pearl, for that perfect skeptical and yet, hesitant as to what I can expect from interviewing one of the top leading designers at the moment, not to mention being

“ I want to take initiative in showcasing Qatar’s national garments a bit more. Less of black and more colours.” cultures. Personally, I was impressed. However, what struck me was her impeccable French and Spanish language interest – where she

greeting me with a genuine smile on her face – I relax and we both dive into a 2-hour conversation ending with a genuine and sincere friendship – one that I couldn’t predict. Beautiful with exotic delicate features, Muna is far from your average local Qatari designer. The young and charismatic pioneer starts reminiscing her university years when she opted for a very Business. Completing her university studies in France, Saad is all up for the change. “My dream was to go and study to the United States, but someone suggested to go to France and I ended up moving to France. I’m up for the changes.” Muna is all about constant change

and her projects in the fashion community, the it’s clear she is all want to take initiative in showcasing Qatar’s national garments a bit more. Less black and a bit more colour,” added the designer. Also, not only is the 29-year-old looking to change Qatar’s fashion sense, she is creating awareness on the challenges she has had to overcome: “it’s ok to have an opinion about things.” As we both sip our delectable refreshments, I can’t help but ask who she designs for. “I design for an edgy, brave, stylish type of woman looking for uniqueness,” giggles the local designer. If you think that her designs are just your average abaya couture, wait until you see her latest collection: Underworld. It’s a dark, goth approach to modern abayas for strong women who aren’t afraid of change and are willing to happily create impact. Underworld is more than just an average abaya campaign – it’s a story meticulously thought out to showcase and bring Muna’s creative desires to life. All of her beautiful designs are on display and for sale at Jo Lamode question that I’m hoping to get an answer for: Muna’s future goals? “I want to create a brand. My dream collaboration would be, Karl Lagerfeld.” As we both conclude from a very intriguing and insightful be strong and hard working women, setting outstanding examples to young and future generations.

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Culinary Insight

franK Bordoni & his ramadan delights Frank Bordoni

may be new in town, but he is no stranger to the culinary industry. Being a member of the Guild of Food Writers and a renowned British celebrity chef, this superb mastermind is ready to stir Doha with his culinary knowledge. Born in Windsor, Berkshire the wellknown chef recalls always growing up among restaurants and hotels. “My father ran hotels and restaurants so we lived and breathed the industry as a family. I was fortunate to experience and taste ingredients and dishes that were perhaps unavailable domestically at the time.” If you happen to know who Frank is you might have caught him on his GMTV appearances and Taste on Sky1 and Sky3. The newly appointed culinary director of Aspire Katara Hospitality has just landed himself a whole new set of challenges which he seems perfectly capable of accomplishing, even if it means unending hours of hard work. But, what does a chef like him do with his free time? “Food and bubbly drinks – I never get bored talking about cooking and eating. It’s a lifetime of discovery and one of the things I love about my job. I also really love art – I paint, sketch and sculpt in my spare time.” Bordoni doing what he knows best and coming from an Italian background – his father – published his first book back in September of 2009 with a collection of traditional recipes: Mamma Mia! Now, stepping into Qatar’s embrace, we wanted to know his thoughts on Doha’s culinary scene: “Dynamic, vibrant, exciting, eclectic, multicultural… Doha has a clear depth of culinary vision and determination that is causing the food scene to evolve at a meteoric rate with established and traditional cuisines and brands rubbing shoulders with new concepts and food styles on a global scale. I honesty can’t think of a better place to be

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right now.” Without a doubt, Doha is the perfect mix to be part of! Yet, what is the one thing this successful chef can’t cook without? “Love. Food and meal times growing up with an Italian father and huge family in Rome was always about love and the emotional connection between the food and those sharing it. In England it was the family roast dinner every Sunday. A chef needs to cook with love. When we make food for someone else we give something of ourselves that is personal – a gift,” says the chef. As for Bordoni’s bright future, Doha is the perfect city to step up in the culinary industry.

ramadan is here and so is newly appointed culinary director of aSpIre kaTara hOSpITaLITY: Frank BOrdOnI. We sat down with the British celebrity chef to get an insight into his life, passions, interests, doha and much more…

“This is a twist on the traditional surf and turf which I loved as a child but a bit more ‘cheffie’ and elegant, bringing together the best of farm, land and sea!”

Ingredients

Salad Garnish

6 beef cheek, portions ½ vanilla pod 1 cinnamon stick 2 sprigs of rosemary 2 sprigs of thyme

2 radishes 1 banana shallot, peeled 100g been sprouts Mixed secura cress 1tbs groundnut oil 1 tsp of ground mixed seaweed

Start off with the marinade. Split the vanilla pod in half and add the cinnamon stick and both herbs. Rub this into the cheeks and leave to marinade for 3 days. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Remove the cheeks from the marinade. Reduce the marinade by half to enrich the flavour. In a heavy casserole dish seal the marinated cheeks until golden. Add the reduced marinade and 1 litre of veal stock. Cover the dish with a lid and place the dish in the oven for about 2 ½ hours. Test if the cheeks are cooked by inserting a small knife, if the cheek glides off, it means it’s cooked, if not return the dish to the oven and cook further.

Use a mandolin to finely slice the radishes and banana shallot. Use the ground mixed seaweed like a seasoning to taste. Add the bean sprouts and ground nut oil, mix lightly. Add the cress when you’re ready to serve. Heat the beef cheeks in the sauce. Swipe a tablespoon of the pommes puree on the plate; place the beef cheek in the centre. Spoon a small amount of the hot sauce over the cheek. Place a generous amount of the salad in a neat pile on top of the cheek and garnish with an oyster. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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ChiC eats

Your ultimate ramadan directory ramadan is here so we’ve selected the best eateries for you to enjoy with your family during the special month ahead. InterContInental Doha the CIty Celebrate Ramadan at Al Jawhara Ramadan tent for a succulent Iftar with family and friends. With a lovely spirit of the Holy Month, the prominent hotel will top-itup with an elegant décor and traditional cuisine and of course an impeccable Arabic entertainment during sohour time. QAR 225 including Ramadan beverages (sunset to 21:00). : QAR 250 including Ramadan beverages (21:00 to 2:00am). For information or reservations call: 4015 8888 St.regIS Doha Exclusively for Ramadan, Opal by 82

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Gordon Ramsay will be open for: breakfast (QAR150), lunch and dinner (A La Carte menu). Open from Monday to Saturday! For information or reservations call: 4446 0105 MarrIott MarquIS CIty Center Doha hotel Enjoy at Wanassa – the Ramadan tent – for delicacies, bites and much more. Indulge in traditional Arabic Ramadan cuisine along with a vast selection of International dishes. : QAR 235 from Sunset to 9pm. : QAR 245 from 10pm to 1:30pm. For information or reservations call: 4419 6100 Sharq VIllage anD Spa Discover the magic with authentic Arabian experience and enter the majestic Magic of Sharq Village and Spa tent and enjoy a savoury journey. Make sure to visit Al Dasha Ballroom from 8.30pm to 2am. For information or reservations call: 4425 6666.

experience. : QAR 275 per person : QAR 180 per person For information or reservations call: 4495 3876, eXT: 129. the rItz-Carlton, Doha Experience the true spirit of Ramadan with the ideal family destination and the exciting

this Holy Month alongside the prominent hotel as they wish Ramadan Kareem to all the families and friends with an exquisite Ramadan tent at Al Wosail ballroom. This will feature private Majilis seating, live band performances and much more. : QAR 230 from Sunset to 8pm. : QAR 290 from 9pm to 1am. For information or reservations call: 4484 8000

Hamam has what it takes for this upcoming Ramadan. Displaying

la CIgale hotel Are your ready for a private Iftar invitation? Take part at La Cigale’s luxurious venues and pamper your friends and colleagues with a variety of festive feasts only at QAR 220

and hot appetizers, main courses, desserts and succulent beverages – make sure to pop by at The

Ramadan goodies. For information and reservations call: 4428 8809

the pearl-qatar

MarSa Malaz KeMpInSKI A palatial Ramadan tent awaits for you at this grandiose hotel. Attend and put your palate to the test alongside your family and live cooking stations and multiple delectable cuisines. : QAR 240 per person from Sunset to 8pm. : QAR 290 per person from 9pm to late. For information or reservations call: 4035 5011 oryx rotana hotel summer tent with special beverages for a chilled and relaxing night. For information and reservations call: 4402 3333 Doha MarrIott Join the prominent hotel for the Holy month and celebrations! Savour exquisite Iftar spreads at their famous restaurant gallery and join friends and family and taste some delectable Arabic sweets and traditional hot dishes. The selection of dishes includes: Moroccan tagine’s, traditional kharouf, live falafel station, Persian BBQ and live shawerma station. It all starts at 5.30pm to 9pm and it’s only QAR 215 per person! For information or reservations call: 4429 8499 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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BE THE FIRST TO TAKE PART IN WHOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO CLASH AND WIN THE BATTLE.

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hEalth Files

We took a detour this month to bring you our top five spa treatments from Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s spa by Clarins. Ramadan and festivities are on its way, so ladies, make sure to look radiant for the special month. With 23 treatments rooms and spa wet areas for men and women, spa by Clarins at Marsa Malaz Kempinksi has what it takes for an unforgettable spa retreat. Did we mention it also holds spa suits and a spa café with an all-healthy menu? Ohlala! visited the spa’s premises and enjoyed what seemed to be a long-awaited stress recovery. However, if you are into facials, body wraps or hydration treatments, here are our top 5 for the perfect unwind: The Super restorative Facial (50+) 75min

Facial treatments are the new thing for this special month full of festivities, dryness and heat. A facial that provides maximum hydration and restores that density lost with this tricky weather – is a must! Get your glow and brightness back, especially on your hands, neck and age spots.

The radiance reviver (30+) 60 min

Stress overdue? Enjoy this facial treatment to revitalise your skin and avoid early wrinkles. Get toned and show that smooth skin for this special month.

Comfort & Sensitive Skin – The Skin healer 60min

There is a new treatment for ladies who suffer from sensitive skin! The skin healer treatment will help diminish redness and rebalance your skin’s complexion.

Tone Body Wrap 60min

Take a delicious spa journey with orange, cinnamon and rice powders to detox and tone your body. Enjoy at the same time a therapeutically scalp and foot massage for firmer skin.

hydrating – The Moisture quencher 60min

Exfoliate and restore that smooth and energetic skin of yours. Moisture and replenish with a cocooning massage and a deep nourishing body mask. www.ohlala-magazine.com

SPA BY CLARINS IS LOCATED AT MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI AND IS OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 9AM TO 10PM. FOR INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS CALL: 4035 5555.

Treatments at Spa by Clarins

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fitnEss Column

Working Out in Ramadan

THe HOly MOnTH Of RAMAdAn Is HeRe And As MuslIMs pRepARe TO fAsT duRIng THIs speCIAl OCCAsIOn OHlAlA’s fITness expeRT, AlI lOngMATe gIves yOu sIx TIps fOR WORkIng-OuT duRIng RAMAdAn. WORDS BY: ALI LONGMATE

eat when you can & have self-control

Despite Ramadan being a month of fasting, a lot of people actually gain weight during this month! Many families serve more in the celebratory evening meal than they normally would have eaten during an entire normal day. Try your best to not get carried away and gain self-control while eating.

Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal)

For Suhoor, it’s vital to drink plenty of water, eat a good mix of protein, carbohydrates and ‘good fats.’ Avoid high salty, fried and processed foods.

Iftar (the meal at sunset)

during Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus and improve this mental discipline.

Be safe & re-set your expectations

The most important consideration in all workouts is your safety. June and July – regardless of the Holy Month of Ramadan – not the best times of year in Doha to start a new outside Bootcamp class, for example! Working out inside or outside, stop straight away if you start to feel unwell, dizzy or nauseous.

reduce the Intensity

On a typical Ramadan day you’ll have fasted 8 to10 hours and done all your normal daily activities, so

This is a key time for rehydration. It is a great custom to break the fast with dates and water. Make sure to eat 3 dates, which contain potassium (a key re-hydration mineral) and natural sugar for a short-term energy burst. They also contain soluble fibre that can enhance satiety and digestive health. Remember: dates with water will rehydrate your body faster than water alone.

Focus on the metal benefits too

Metal strength has a massive impact on the success rate of your fitness regime. Fasting 86

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Ali Longmate

with energy and hydration levels low, turn down the amount of time you spend working-out and make your workouts a little easier too, e.g. use lighter weights and/or reduce the number of reps. Tough endurance, plyometrics, speed and agility training should be avoided completely.

Change the Workout Times

The disruption to your normal sleep patterns, the stress your body is under from fasting and the hot time of year means that your physical activity will be harder, whichever time you choose. If you can, workout within a couple of hours of your Suhoor, as your carbohydrate reserves will be quite high. Remember that your health and safety are key so if you feel too weak, skip your training session and reschedule for later after you have re-fuelled, or the next day. If you are new to physical activity or have any medical issues, always check with your family doctor first. www.ohlala-magazine.com

Grand ramadan Located in the heart of our Arabian palace, Ramadanak is back this year with a flair of Andalusia oﬀering the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Ramadan experience. Enjoy lavish international buﬀets for Iftar or Sohour at QAR250 per person. For bookings and enquiries, please call 4448 1234 / 3029 3748 Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

Oﬃcial Airline

GRAND HYATT DOHA West Bay Lagoon, P.O. Box 24010, Doha, State of Qatar doha.grand.hyatt.com Facebook.com/GrandHyattDoha

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into the Wild

as far as escapes go, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get more cut off than the depths of BOrneO. Georgie Bradley went to commune with the most exotic creatures on the planet.

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travEl escapes

Before making the trek out to Borneo I realised I was committing

to some kind of bucket list adventure. I mean, it sounded David Attenborough enough. Besides the rainforests, the gazillion species of wildlife, the lifeaffirming sunsets, it is, relative to where we are, exotically far enough to warrant a crew of documentary filmmakers trailing gingerly through undiscovered patches of jungle. Borneo has always set a scene of tropical terrains in ones mind, not least through one of its most prominent member of the animal kingdom native to the island: the orangutan. Across the part Malaysian, part Indonesian owned land, orangutans swing from tree to tree, bringing much light and laughter to their audience. So I was going to the state of Sabah to get that BBC2 experience first-hand. Kota Kinabalu was my port of entry from Kuala Lumpur and The Shangri La, Rasa Ria resort - sequestered from people, in the thick of lush foliage, was my retreat for the week. Being a self-contained resort (there’s a medical clinic and everything) there is very little reason to leave. The resort has an orangutan orphanage; a wide stretch of beach; multi-cuisine restaurants, pools of varying shapes and views which insist hours of #nofilter Instagramming. Guests and outside visitors alike can go to the orangutan orphanage, arguably its main attraction, and see the species who share 97% of our human DNA up close but not too personal. Orangutans are sneaky so and sos. They’ll snatch everything from a useless twig to your mobile phone, even if it is safeguarded in the zip of your bag - they’ve definitely got a human eye for theft. But since they’re rapidly decreasing in numbers, you forgive the endangered pests for their mischief and watch them perform to a rousing crowd, which they are almost guaranteed on a daily basis. Beyond the resort though, you’ve got Gaya Island, a good 45 minute drive/boat ride away. I went one morning for a spot of snorkelling over the

“The underWaTer WOrLd is quite frankly, unbelievable. If going to australia is too far, give the COraLS of Malaysia a try”

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course of a full day and saw some aweinspiring species of fish, hypnotically colourful and rare. The underwater world is quite frankly, unbelievable. If going to Australia is too far, give the corals of Malaysia a try. If my snorkeling experience wasn’t indication enough, I’m a real water baby. I love the element for its symbol of cleansing, life (but of course death) and renewal. Water prompts me to sit and write. And after a trip down the Mengkabong River on a boat cruise, I did just that. Here’s one of my travel diary entries: The wrinkly waters are murky brown. Oddly, it’s more beautiful than the glassy waters of the South China Sea. You cannot see beyond the sewage-like gloss. We were smoothing our way through the river towards a water village where the local Sea Bajau, or gypsies live in stilt standing houses. These waters are their lifeline. As we escape an open stretch and enter a narrow ribbon of the mangrove tree-flanking river, the springy hums of nature play a peaceful soundtrack. I www.ohlala-magazine.com

draw a breath and take it all in. This is what it means to abandon the Western crunch and appreciate things other than man-made marvels. I look back at my mum and the solo traveller on board with us and they too are lost in this abyss. As we deepen into the river, the mangrove roots multiply and clog up. It’s an intense web of veins. The billowing bushes and trees wrap around us, keeping us safe but close to the wildlife. The sting of the humidity calls for a dunk of my hands into the tepid water. “During dry season, python swim into river” chirped our tour guide. And my hand is swiftly back on dry land again. I turn around with an insouciant but alarmed: “But we’re not in the dry season now right?!” trying to mask my concern that a monster-thick snake could twist its way into our lowlying wooden Lepa-Lepa boat. “No no don warry! But we have crocodiles.” He spans his arms out wider than the boat. I feel a thorough wrench in my stomach. “Baha, just kidding!” His beaming smile saves him. Turning out and approaching the gypsy community, a patchwork of colourful houses jammed together fill the scene. It’s like a long lost tribe- the houses are a lopsided design of wood, corrugated iron and plastic meshed on top of each other. Inside the houses are layers of sheets strewn across, used as both a bed and living room. From one house to another are planks of casually fitted wood. Children dodge the cracks with spider-like legs in their mal-fitting, two sizes too big for them clothes. They are familiar with this daily drop by. “Hiiiiiiii!” chorus the children, waving with all their might. My mum and I exchange a “n’awwww”. The community are getting on with things. They are fish farming, cooking and arranging clothes on a make-shift drying rack made of string. Their nets and rods are arranged on a stand alone rack in the middle of the river. Nothing pokes above the leafy surroundings to give away the modern world. A torrential downpour comes out of nowhere. The sky was a poor indicator moments earlier. The scenes of understated beauty are now aggressive. We chop through the unruly waters back to the dock, 15 minutes away. “Welcome to Malaysia! One minute fine, next it all come down” belted our guide over the attack of noise. I sit back and let the spiky rain smack me in the face and think how amazing the sea gypsies are for making do with what they’ve got. www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA!

diva taKEs CayEnnE s 2015 for a ride this Month diva WEnt for an unforGEttaBlE CruisE With thE onE and only, PorsChE.

hat is more ‘Ohlala!’ than waking up on a sunny morning and going to one of the most lavish car showrooms in town? Making my way to the Porsche showroom, I was impatient with excitement to meet my exquisite ride for the day. I certainly had something in mind and electrifying cars - which of course suit a diva! The choice was made: a Cayenne S 2015, silver in colour and perfect for any type of weather. The car was waiting for me – fully prepared. The AC – most importantly – and the in this kind of weather!). A very friendly Porsche advisor gave me a little overview about my ride– thankfully it was a straightforward introduction - for women with next to no knowledge on the mechanics of a car, this is welcomed! As I stepped in the car, I couldn’t fault the easiness and comfort to a dashboard GPS navigation display to a panorama power sliding roof – it’s a car I’m looking forward to driving. For those of you who appreciate a bit of adventure, this fabulous model has what it takes with its ‘Sport’ driving mode (dynamic suspension and transmission). However, if you want to put yourself to the test and get a bit more suspension and transmission – suitable for track driving. Yet, its ‘eco button’ that provides help for the fuel consumption

OHLALA!

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diva drives

who relishes a hot exterior as well as functional interior, I couldn’t help but shift by attention to the car’s inner beauty. The all wooden interior and luxurious brown leather – is extravagant but still classically understated. As soon as I hit the gas pedal and slightly onto its ceramic brakes, I felt not only in control of the car, but of my surroundings as well. If we slightly shift to the car’s safety and environment (important for any woman), I did appreciate how this model is suitable for a family. With warning indicators, 8 airbags, park assistance (4 surround cameras, rear front sides), sensors and a seatbelts that tightens automatically at sudden brake – it’s something worth talking about. The The safety level and the interior space can take up to

cylinder/3600cc, twin turbocharged and a 420HP @6000 rpm. Whether it’s its technicality, technology, aerodynamic, interior, or looks – I for for one felt like an absolute queen while driving around in it. www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA!

Follow Sanguesita on her daily adventures

Meet Sanguesita,

your daily dose of clumsiness… Fashion illustrator, Marion Sanguesa

If you happen to know Sanguesita

you will agree that she is: blonde, clumsy, adventurous, funny, but most importantly – authentic! However, for those who don’t know who she is, let’s say, she is a cartoon stirring Doha’s melting pot with her every adventure on social media. Yet, who is the mastermind behind this brilliant concept? Yes, it’s fashion illustrator and VCU’s very own: Marion Sanguesa. It all began when the quirky fashion illustrator needed a bit of practice with her drawings, “After graduating I didn’t want to lose practice with my drawings, so I pushed myself to draw every day. That’s how Sanguesita came to life.” Sanguesita is a cartoon brought to life with Marion’s adventures, hoping to

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captivate and connect with people throughout social media. “I’m too shy, Sanguesita is an outlet for my clumsiness. People have responded quite positively with her daily adventures.” So when did all this chaos begin? And what we mean by chaos is the popularity this cartoon has gained in such a short period of time. “I started in mid-February, it was all done just for fun!” But is Marion herself a fan of cartoonists? “I love cartoons, my favourite ones are: The Simpsons, Family Guy, amongst many other classics,” the illustrator adds. Sanguesita is keeping Marion quite busy these days with upcoming projects, drawings, features and many more for this young and talented illustrator. But when asking what her ultimate goal with Sanguesita is, she says: “To make her a brand. Develop Sanguesita into a proper cartoon.” Make sure to get your daily dose of laughter with Marion’s creations: www. sanguesita.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

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OHLALA!

ohlala’s! Spotlight

Shop ‘till you drop! Ladies, don’t we aLL Love a bit of shopping? spLurge and treat yourseLves with these new shopping destinations in doha.

ALiCE ANd OLiviA by StACEy bENdEt

If you’re spotting for a flora, chic, feminine shop – Alice and Olivia will make your ‘floral’ dreams come true. Located at Lagoona Mall, their latest collection is inspired by Versailles and the eighteencentury palace with their modern art installation. Each piece of the collection is a reflection of a perfec mix between a modern romantic and a rock and roll chic.

KArL LAgErfELd

Funky, edgy, quirky is what you’ll find at the new Karl Lagerfeld store located at Lagoona Mall. The creative and iconic space is full of accessories, bags, watches, fragrances, and eyewear. The store is composed of a monochromatic black and white colour scheme, juxtaposed with modern furnishing and classic accents.

Get a cozy shopping Milanese experience

Feel Milanese cosy with MAX&Co’s new flagship store in Qatar at Lagoona Mall. Inspired by Milanese apartments, its rooms offer women an unforgettable shopping experience. The store carries the Italian brand’s entire collection, so make sure to swing by to get the latest trend. 96

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Beautiful decor with the latest collection

CHANEL

If you prefer a bit of jewellery therapy, take the high road with CHANEL. Available at Lagoona Mall, now we can all splurge in the jewellery and watches department. With its magnificent and unique atmosphere, the elegantly timeless custom-made pieces offer a superb shopping experience. www.ohlala-magazine.com

Celebrate culture and community over Iftar together this Ramadan at Nidaaya modern grill restaurant. Live cooking stations and an extensive menu combine the best of both local and international cuisine. A lively Oud band will enable guests to savour Nidaayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exquisite menu and celebrate the holy month in style. Open daily for Iftar from 7:00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:00pm.

Information and bookings melia.com +974 4019 9999 www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA!

ohlala’s! Spotlight

Are You Part of The Change? Empower, grow and succeed as a professional WoMan and be the change.

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Wonderful volunteers at the ‘Strive, Struggle and SHINE’ Conference Interactive session

If you’re new to qatar and think there is a lack of professionalism and vocation for women – you are wrong! For those who seek to be empowered, crave to grow and are willing to succeed, How Women Work – a local business community – is the perfect set up for you. Founded in 2009 with the aim of helping women it all comes down to attend local needs for women who are ready to achieve more. Founder, Carolin Zeitler ensures women are given the proper tools – via their conferences – with ideas, solutions and long-lasting friendships in the country for a positive outcome. Throughout the conferences women will find aspirations, goals, and determination through meeting and debate exchanges with women who want to succeed and rise as well. The HWW team is composed of leaders, employees, executives, business, graduates, students and women who want to integrate into the workforce. The beauty of this community is that it permits women of any background with goals and ambitions to share their experiences. The HWW started off back in 2010 with their first conference: “A Conference on Women’s Leadership and Career Development,” which was hosted by Arcata under the patronage of Qatari Business Women Association. The conference had a positive outcome with great reviews with 100 delegates from 30 different nationalities participating in 15 workshops and panel discussions.

Esther Jacobs and Carolin Zeitler

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ohlala’s! Spotlight

Comedy trio thiS month! if you Love a good Laugh and want a great night out – here are our recommendations for June.

dAmiAN CLArK The Australian comedian and award winner for Perth’s Comedy Fringe in 2000, has had a successful career. His solo show, The Bandit was well acclaimed by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Moosehead Award – later granting the comedian a fullfledged Australian tour. Damian has been part of successful TV performances on comedy shows: Rove Live and ABC’s Stand-Up!

Ed gAmbLE

EmAN mOrgAN

Ed started his career as a multi-creative writer, codirector and performer for Durham Revue. He has also successfully co-written for Chortle nominated podcast Peacock and Gamble Podcast and has performed on Dave’s One Night Stand and Russell Howard’s Good News. The talented comedian has also been part of the writing team for Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Mock The Week and Ask Rhod Gilbert.

Who said being young wasn’t a good thing? The Egyptian American comedian has gotten quite a lot of attention for being such a young talent who is showing no signs of stopping as he travels the world with his performances. Born and raised in L.A, the artist grew up within a multicultural background community and is ready to tackle any given crowd! Morgan has been featured in the film: Just Like Us and in the Showtime special: Bridging The Gap. Information Box: Make sure to attend June 6 and 7 at Doha Marriott at 7.30pm. Tickets cost 130 QR and are available online from Virgin, Q-Tickets and Ticketmaster 100 OHLALA!

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art Corner Om Alzain exhibition at Qela Boutique Gallery

Salman Al-Malik

OM ALZAIN Qatar’s very own local artist and mentor, salMan al-MaliK opens his new exhibition: om alzain. 102 OHLALA!

It’s always refreshing perusing and discovering new talent when it comes to Qatar’s local artists, whether it’s fashion, art, music, or sports – new concepts and ideas are always welcome to the table. Meet Salman Al Malik, an internationally celebrated Qatari artist and Doha’s art mentor who opens his new exhibition, Om Alzain at Qela Boutique Gallery. The renowned artist is not only known for his skills at creating masterpieces, but for being a “practical-minded visionary” and establishing Youth Creative Art Center in Doha in 1997. The center – at that time – offered a platform for artists such as: calligraphers, potters and weavers when the country was finding its own artistic identity. Salman, a man of many talents is also a cartoonist published in local and regional publications, which reflects a humorous side of current worldwide situations. The majestic, colourful and vivid exhibition depicts “strong female figures occupying a visual field dominated by the colours of traditional Bedouin costume.” His impeccable work has evolved and challenged many throughout the years from abstraction to impressionism and the concept of a woman’s expression of freedom remains essential in the artist’s DNA. Salman frequently uses women to represent fertility, creation, dreams and a bright future in life. His work is constantly reflecting new Arab modernity, authenticity and a vision of reality. Throughout his art exhibit Salman’s ‘women’ are characterised simply by fluid forms and details in their heads and hands. “A human is not just the physical presence, but a message that has to be carried to others,” he states. The visionary painter describes his paintings as a reflection of his personal pain, depths and sorrows endured throughout his life and art. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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ohlala! Boutiques

New Skin

For that long-awaited clear skin, meet your new best friend

Beat hyper pigmentation, acne-induced discoloration, uneven skin tone and dullness with Clarisonicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new radiance Brightening solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the key to a brighter complexion! the new formula and device sets new boundaries for healthier and radiant skin by slowing down the synthesis of excess melanin and combats future dark spots and exfoliates existing pigmentation.

Clarisonic available at Sephora Villaggio Mall.

is it funKy nails tiME? Hit the road with some art nail extravaganza because funky colours have never been so in! www.ohlala-magazine.com

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel available at Wojooh.

OPI available at Wojooh & Sephora.

Bourjois available at Boots OHLALA! 105

ohlala! Boutiques

Summer Glow

summer is here and so should your tan! tan. it. up with unE’s Beauty products for a beautiful and natural look - something we all crave for those perfect summertime festivities. the new sun radianCE mineral powder is the perfect finish for that radiantly golden, subtle look. and for the lips? We’ve got it all covered with a bit of unE’s lip balm! add a bit of balm to nourish, smooth and illuminate them for the perfect summer glow.

UNE Beauty available at Debenhams & Boots.

sParKlE for Eid Make an entrance. Sparkle away and dazzle with Swarovski’s Star & Moon collection during this blissful month. Swarovski is available at Landmark Mall and Lagoona Mall 106 OHLALA!

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CHANEL

WHERE

ABCD

TO BUY

alexander McQueen +974 4495 2231; ali Bin ali +974 4413 1391; al Jaber Watches +974 447 7422; armani Exchange +974 4416 1003; BCBG Max azria +974 4450 7082; Bershka +974 4413 5583; Blugirl +974 6665 5004; Boots +974 450 4551; Boucheron +974 4425 7744; Burberry +974 4413 4551; Bulgari +974 4413 4568; Carolina herrera +974 4413 4748; Celine +974 4413 4763; Chaumet +974 4495 3875; Chloe +974 4495 2181; Chopard +974 4483 0100; Christian louboutin +974 4450 7004; City Centre doha +974 4483 9990; desigual +974 4416 1851; dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;na +974 4002 7911; dior +974 4413 4665; dolce & Gabbana +974 4416 1007.

EFGH Elisabetta franchi +974 6665 5004; Emilio Pucci +974 4464 3533; Ermanno scervino +974 4017 6089; Etro +974 4495 3876, ext 1981; faces +974 4450 7189; fendi +974 4460 09545; fifty one East +974 4436 1111; Gap +974 487 6962; Giorgio armani +974 4495 1921; Gucci +974 4413 108 OHLALA!

4612; hermes +974 4495 1911; hoss intropia +974 4450 7885; h&M +974 4450 7628.

IJKL Jacob Cohen +974 4017 6083; Jimmy Choo +974 4468 4850; Jo Malone +974 4451 7020; Katherine Pooley london +974 4407 7171; Karen Millen +974 4413 4503; lacoste +974 4450 7191; landmark Mall +974 4487 5222; lagoona Mall +974 4433 5555; louis vuitton +974 4413 4928; lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;occitane +974 4450 7585.

MNOP MaC +974 483 9763; Mango +974 4487 4612; Massimo dutti +974 4413 5109; Merch +974 4465 8651; Milly +974 4450 7084; Miss selfridge +974 4413 5281; Miu Miu +974 44644 082; omega +974 4451 9750; oysho +974 4413 509; Paris Gallery +974 459 2060; Patrizia Pepe +974 6665 5004; Philipp Plein +974 4411 1245; Pinko +974 4413 5818; Prada +974 4464 4908; Promod +974 4450 7976; Pronovias +974 4416 1856; Pull & Bear +974 4413 5021.

QRST

QEla +974 4002 7594; Quis Quis +974 4468 4686; ralph lauren +974 4413 5655; rivaage doha +974 4436 3640; river island +974 4013 5285; rivoli arcade +974 4015 8667; roberto Cavalli +974 4480 2856; salam +974 4448 5555; salsa +974 4413 5062; salvatore ferragamo +974 4495 1941; sephora +974 4450 7345; stella McCartney +974 4495 2281; tag heuer +974 4411 5969; temperley london +974 4407 7183; the Closet +974 4442 2218; the vanity room +974 4495 3299; tommy hilfiger +974 4312 9899; topshop +974 413 5015; toujouri +974 4495 6244; twin set +974 6665 5004.

UVWYZ uterque +974 4413 5580; valentino +974 4416 1008; van Cleef & arpels +974 4416 9399; vera Wang +974 4495 5157; versace +974 4447 7333; versace Collection +974 4413 5437; villa Moda Qatar +974 4493 5651; villaggio Mall +974 4413 5278; vinicci +974 4450 7917; Wojooh +974 4450 7189; Zara +974 4413 4881; Zai Boutique +974 4409 2600. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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IWED 2015 If you happen to love all things wedding bells we are sure you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the prominent wedding exhibition this past month, held at Doha Exhibition Center. From splendid gowns, to accessories to beautiful table settings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there was enough to get you planning your big day pronto! 110 OHLALA!

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DIP N DIP Calling all chocolate devotees! Our venue recommendation of the month is Dip N Dip, a new delicious and succulent chocolate cafĂŠ has opened at The Pearl-Qatar. The new outlet is a leading quality dessert, quick-service restaurant with range of teas, coffees, cold drinks and other delicious eatery delights. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out and pop by for a mouthwatering eatery experience. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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SAY CHEESE! It was a week of pure Swiss delight at The Grill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grand Hyatt. The nights were packed with Swiss gastronomic delicacies, authentic folk music and the presence of chef Sebastian Wirsching from Park Hyatt Zurich who prepared the best fondue, raclette and rĂśsti in town!

112 OHLALA!

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THE NEW 2016 SETTING A NEW STANDARD

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Mazda Showroom Tel: 44435965, 44417859 Email: info@mazda-qatar.com

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OPEN 7 days a week

PINK WEDNESDAY Congratulations to the beautiful winner of another successful event at Strata Lounge located at the InterContinental Doha The City. Are you ready for another lavish event every Wednesday? Win a fabulous designer item â&#x20AC;Ś donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to dress to impress.

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P.F CHANG’S If you’re not aware of P.F. Chang’s then you’re and Villaggio Mall had the pleasure of hosting cofounder, Philip Chiang, for an exclusive lunch. Not only did the savoury dishes put our palates to the test, the entertainment value was great fun too.

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ANGELINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MORNING BREAKFAST It was all in the name of women at Angelina Paris from Doha Acceuil for a well-deserved breakfast at the exquisite venue.

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M JAY DESIGNS When it comes down to the best fashion soirees in town, Jo Lamode Boutique knows how to throw a fashion event with style. It was an all-exclusive night with beautiful guests Dazzling garments were on display, the live band got everybody in the mood, the photo booths brought out everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun side and delectable bites topped it all off nicely too. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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CULINARY FLAVORS OF SOUTH KOREA Ohlala! could not have missed the launch of the Korean Food Festival at The Square restaurant located at The InterContinental Doha The City. The evening was enhanced by the beautiful Korean culture, and what is an evening without a delicious selection of Korean dishes? 118 OHLALA!

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#hashtaG

Ohlala’s! #obsessions of the Month Make sure to follow Ohlala’s! daily fashion adventures on Instagram @Ohlalamagazine; Twitter @Ohlalaqatar; Facebook @Ohlalaqatar

swiss Gastronomic night it was an all-swiss affair this past month. Cheese, anyone?

Bath & Body Works dive into a pool of #summer scents by Bath & Body Works.

st.regis Cherry Blossom Who said you needed to fly to Japan to experience the #Cherry Blossom season? the st.regis brought it with style to doha with a beautiful festival!

doha Marriot late Brunch roll out the red carpet for Marriot’s #friday late Brunch! 120 OHLALA!

robert Wan are #pearls a girl’s new best friend?

Chanel Crush ohlala’s biggest Parisian crush on #Coco!

Marc Jacob Beauty 10 shades of #summer by Marc Jacobs

Marsa Malaz Kempinski need a new #relaxation spot in doha? Marsa Malaz offers you the most relaxing one by the pool in a private gazebo fenced by the beauty of nature.

Pink Wednesday shine in pink for a #Pink Wednesday at the interContinental doha the City at the one and only: strata lounge. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Miss Ohlala!

The

no! no! no! I’ve fallen into the trap, again…

Illustrator: Marion Sanguesa

‘L’ Word

ugh, how could I? It’s been more than eight months since my cruel and devastating break-up – which I’ve ranted over endlessly. By this point even my neighbour’s cat is aware of my disastrous love story (this is how obsessive my story has become). Here I am thinking I was superwoman, trying to conquer the world of fashion, elegance, grandeur and then BOOM. I have fallen into the abyss of … love…again! How could I let this happen? How did I get myself into this? Well, putting the drama to the side, it all began six months ago (in case you wanted to know the precise details). It all began with a twist of chemistry and a very long conversation (seven hours to be exact) over

is one that comes about unexpectedly. Is it though? There is nothing more gratifying than loving your best friend and having them be your truest love. Yes, I have been in love, but no, not this kind that passed without feeling insecure, crazy, jealous with psycho symptoms and wanting to break-up (almost) everyday! This time around, ‘Waldo’ (his name shall remain secret) is nothing, but the opposite of the man He knows what to say at the perfect time with a very assertive demeanor. He knows a woman’s worth

meaning: girl, don’t eat in case some spinach sticks in your front teeth! I mean, for real, what’s a girl to do during the dating phase? Should we eat? Should we carry 20 packs of gum? Maybe carry a can of deodorant in case of profuse sweating? These are the many variables that us girls have to consider, but for some (wonderful) reason didn’t scare Waldo away – on the contrary, he became closer. Whether it was my accent that got him to stay, or the fact that I can crack a joke or two, Waldo seems to stay for the right reasons. Is it love? Or just an infatuation? Whatever it is, Waldo and I are

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CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF RAMADAN Gather with your family and friends and treat your taste buds to a culinary feast for an unforgettable Iftar and Souhour experience. Show your appreciation to your beloved ones with La Cigale Traiteur’s signature homemade delicacies and gift hampers filled with traditional Ramadan specialties and sweets. Revel in the blissful spiritual mood of the Holy Month at your favorite Ramadan destination… La Cigale Hotel. Exclusive Partner

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