Ohlala! Bahrain August 2012 by Nans Group

BAHRAIN

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Lesley Garrett’s Operatic Art Exclusive Fashion Finds: You heard it here first!

Watch What You Eat! Our shocking discovery…

Spirit of Ecstasy The Prestigious Rolls-Royce Ghost

Summer Scents The most covetable fragrances unveiled

Arabian Beauties

Fashion Under The Desert Sun August 2012 Issue # 93 BAHRAIN BD2 UAE DHS20 QATAR QR20 KUWAIT KD2 KSA SR20

BEHBEHANI BROTHERS WISHES YOU

S AV E U P T O

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7/18/12 6:07 PM

Behind-the-sc

enes of the O hlala! Fashi

on Shoot

Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Under The Desert Sun

rabia is the birthplace of some of the most beautiful women in the world, and the breeding ground for gifted designers, making their mark in the fashion industry. This month the Ohlala! signature fashion shoot, in collaboration with Blue Salon, features the unique and exquisite creations by the latest Qatari prodigy, Waad Mohamed. From opulent abayas and exotic evening dresses to distinctive daywear, WAAD Designs has cross-cultural appeal, and donning one of her looks is sure to have you standing out from the crowd. To further satiate your fashion fix, turn to our exclusive interview with the Rosa Clará, whose name is synonymous with luxurious bridal gowns, high-end quality and exciting collaborations with haute couture designers, such as Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfield. With a strong presence already in the Middle East, being based in countries like our very own home Bahrain, we catch up with Rosa Clará before her next boutique opening in Qatar, where the brand's bespoke tailoring services are set to be a great hit. As we are now fully immersed in the Holy month of Ramadan, it’s a good time for inner reflection and giving back to the society in which we live. Turn to The Cause to see how you can help with our charity drive. As Muslims fast throughout the day, what could also be on our minds is our general wellbeing and nutritional standards. Are you really fully aware of what you eat? Grabbing food “on-the-run” can be worse for you than you think — read about our shocking discovery in the Ohlala! Beauty section — it really is food for thought! Eid Mubarak in advance to you all you lovely readers.

Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Signature Arabian Fashion

Bridal Brilliance with Rosa Clará

16 STYLE

WOMAN IN POWER

Celebrity Scoop

Celeb Watch

Proud Parenting

OPERATIC Art

Stylish celebrities step

16 out and about town dressed to impress.

The act of being a mother is a

26 full-time yet rewarding job. Ghada

Salem, the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Mums In Bahrain, has proven with her fantastic online concept, that motherhood has no limitations. Zara de Haldevang talks to her about being a mum, the world of business and her exciting plans for the future.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Lesley Garrett has

28 been at the forefront

of British music for the last 20 years. As she celebrates the release of her new album, A North Country Lass, she talks to Ben Whittaker about why this latest collection of songs is particularly personal.

32 FASHION

FASHION interview

MOTORING

Under The Desert Sun

Bridal Brilliance

Diva Drives

Unveil your inner

32 Arabian beauty in

exquisite creations by WAAD Designs and luxurious accessories from Blue Salon.

An innovative fashion designer

44 and entrepreneur, Rosa ClarĂĄ

has become known worldwide for luxurious bridal gowns. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with her about her stunning creations.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Nothing spells luxury like Rolls-

62 Royce â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it has a presence totally

unique to the marque and lacks absolutely nothing in terms of prestige, engineering and fittings.

‫رمضان على البحر‬ ‫خيمة مكيفة‬ ‫نقدم أشهى األطباق الرمضانية‬

‫‪1731 2700‬‬

‫‪Al FAteh highwAy‬‬

Publisher & Chairman John Hughes Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Publishing Director Edward Smith

Deputy Editors Lisa Travell Zara de Haldevang

Regional Sales Director Laura Alvarez

Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker

Sales & Marketing Director Leslie Garduque

Art Director Syed Muhammed Raihan

Sales & Marketing Manager Sari Mabire

Graphic & Web Designer Rashed Bindaina

Sales Executive Pauline Marcombe

Website Developer Binu

Brand Development Manager Zara de Haldevang

Editorial Interns Alex MacDonald

Personal Assistant to the Chairman Aniyan Varghese

Feature Contributors Giovanni Rozan Ahmed Sari Mabire

Sales & Distribution Coordinator Sheree Lou Cabonce Accountants Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Fashion Contributors Eman Amnah Al-Mushiri Lucia Lounge Waad Mohamed

Distribution Team Jayapragash Ganesan Rajesh

Photography Contributors George Mathew Shobin

Office Personnel Abdul Kadar

Printing Press Union Press Distribution Bahrain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Al Hilal Qatar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dar Al Sharq www.ohlala-magazine.com Enquiries Editorial: editor@ohlala-magazine.com Advertising: info@ohlala-magazine.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 (Qatar) +974 3308 3071 Postal Address: Ohlala! Magazine, The Nans Group, P O BOX 30378, Budaiya, Kingdom of Bahrain No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with us at

Khaymat Al Noor Ramadaan Kareem ! Join us for Iftaar, Gabgaa and Suhour in a very traditional Arabic Ambiance at the Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most impressive location set against the shores of the Blue Arabian Bay. Traditional Mesmerising Eastern Oud Music, entertaining games, choice of flavoured Sheesha and daily prizes.

Special Deals for Ghabga ... and Daily Prizes Draw

For more info call 17313388 or 36193444

behind the Scenes Cover Credits

BAHRAIN

www.ohlala-magazine.c om

Sibilla for Waad Designs Image by George Mathew I www.greyimage.com

LesLey Garrett’s Operatic art

spirit OF ecstasy The Prestigious Rolls-Royce Ghost

excLusive FashiOn Finds:

You heard it here first!

summer scents The most covetable fragrances unveiled

Watch What you eat!

Our shocking discovery…

Under The Desert Sun Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com +973 3320 8003 Fashion Director I Waad Mohamed & Kirsty Edwards-Harris Fashion Stylists I Eman Amnah Al-Mushiri & Lisa Travell Model I Sibilla I Nuha @ Lucia Lounge Hair Styling & Makeup I Lucia Lounge I info@lucia-fashion.com +974 4016 4123 Fashion I WAAD Designs I Twitter - @WAADdesigns I Facebook - WAAD designs

Arabian Beauties

Fashion under the deser

t sun

August 2012 Issue BAHRAIN BD2 UAE # 93 DHS20 QATAR QR20 KUWAIT KD2 KSA SR20

Fun fashion

The Ohlala! Shoot Team

In action

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Mothers' Meeting

Faking it!

Beautifying

the best of

weddings PHOTOGRAPHY info@greyimage.com +973 33698918/33208003

STYLE

TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS

Our favourite buys this month, style of the stars, bespoke & opulent designs from a fresh Arabian designer, chic shades & keeping you in the know with our fashion news.

Ohlala!’s favourites this August...

VOGUE STAPLES

Does your wardrobe need a little kick? Rolling into stores are Marc Jacobs's Pre-Fall 2012 accessories which suits all age groups and signature styles — think structured shapes, minimalistic detailing, crisp hues, and loads of texture. We’re in love with this single bluette bag for instance…

STYLE CLASSIC BRIGHTS

It might be a little early (and a little hot) to bring up fall collections, but Tory Burch's Pre-Fall must-haves of corals, oranges, navy, and whites are bright cheery colours that transition well; and many of the pieces like this gorgeous necklace can be worn in warm weather.

The Wish List

URBAN CHIC

This Josephine tomato silk crepe draped gown from Carolina Herrera’s Pre-Fall line is part of a collection with nuances of intricately draped motifs for a more informal and urban chic line. The autumnal hues of reds, browns, wheats and cobalt blue make for a pure autumn palette.

MK GOES WEST

Looking towards the Old West for inspiration, Michael Kors previews sweeping skirts, plaid patterns and leather outerwear. Be sure to check out accessories like satchel bags, cowboy hats and boots and oversized belts — perfect for the collection’s streamlined silhouettes and graphic prints.

STYLE

A show stopping signature piece, this stunning Artemis Plumes python shoulder bag by Christian Louboutin is from the capsule collection celebrating 20 years of his iconic designs. The trend-setting designer, who has always been inspired by Parisian dancers — likening them to birds of paradise, sends his already iconic 'Artemis' bag to fabulous new heights by adorning the detachable gold chain shoulder strap with an exuberant rainbow feather epaulette created from hand-dyed goose and hen feathers.

Plum y Artemis nniversarTER.COM A th 0 2 n R Loubouti ET-A-PO Christian oulder bag at N sh n o th y p

Artemis was the Ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals and the wilderness, among other things, so the elaborate Artemis Plumes in handpainted, brilliant jungle-green python is the perfect addition to Christian Louboutin’s statement pieces.

The only accessory you'll need to make a statement after dark, carry this vibrant and whimsical collectors’ piece against an equally bright dress for a radiant cocktail look.

Follow Christian Louboutin on Facebook or visit www.christianlouboutin.com 14

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Don't stop shopping! !‫ال ُتوقف الت�سوق‬

‫دع عربة التسوق‬ !! ‫تحمل عنك‬ ‫في‬ ‫استئجر‬ .‫البحرين سيتي سنتر‬ Let the trolley carry your shopping!! Hire your today at Bahrain City Centre Mall.

‫الطابق األرضي‬ 39606074 ‫إتصل بنا على‬

Ground Floor Contact us on 39606074

Ruyan Add for March Syed.pdf

3/3/2011

8:08:51 AM

STYLE

Celeb

Watch

Stylish celebrities step out and about town dressed to impress.

The singer, Florence Welch looks stunning attending the The Bulgari Hotel London opening party in Knightsbridge. She chose to wear a gorgeous, burgundy silk georgette gown by Gucci with a slashed neckline and cascading ruffles. She kept her accessories simple carrying a Bulgari Serpenti Minaudiere with light gold, black and white enamel dĂŠcor and wearing a yellow gold and mother of pearl Serpenti ring and a pink gold, diamond and onyx Serpenti ring from Bulgariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Jewelry Collection. Image by Gettyimages

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Florence W elsh

Miranda Co

sgrove

Joining a host of young stars, Actress Miranda Cosgrove chose to wear Versus on the occasion of the Fourteenth Annual Young Hollywood Awards held at the Hollywood Athletic Club. The young actress chose a look from the Versus Fall 2012 Collection: she wore a chic, navy blue mini-dress accented with black cord lace-up straps.

Actress, Jessica Alba chose to wear Salvatore Ferragamo to the opening ceremony of the Fourty-Second Giffoni Film Festival, in Giffoni Valle Piana. She elegantly dons a white silk cocktail dress, with beige details and belt on the waist, combined with a pair of brown reptile wedges with ankle strap from the Spring Summer 2012 collection.

Alba

On the occasion of the Alliance For Children's Rights Third Annual Right To Laugh Event held at the Avalon Theater, actress Selena Gomez chose to wear Versace. The gorgeous young actress chose a look from Versace Spring/Summer 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she wore a sea-foam green neopreen cocktail dress with pleated draping at the left, gathered at the waist with a gold studded belt.

Jessic a

Selena Gomez

Image by Gettyimages

STYLE

Shade Sensations

Whether you’re braving the Middle Eastern desert sun or heading to cooler shores, sunglasses are your essential summer “must-have”.

rch

u Tory B

Celine

Tod's

Salva

tore

Salva

tore

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Ferra g

amo

Louis

Vuitt o

Ferra g

amo

Tel: 77004310 77177660

STYLE

g… Excitin , e v i t l, Crea Radica

Iconic Must-haves

Sometimes it’s hard to get hold of that “must-have” fashion accessory, as stocks can be limited. Well now Pink Fudge has the answer to all our style fantasies. Operated by appointment only, this new on-line store stocks timeless and vintage pieces — so in demand — that they can’t be found on shop shelves anywhere. Using their long established contacts the ladies behind this brand source the season’s latest ‘it’ bags and accessories just for you, and the best part is there’s no waiting list. Pieces available include the iconic Hermes Birkin bag plus vintage Chanel accessories and much, much more. Log on and treat yourself — you know you’re worth it!

d… t Frien s e B ew sta’s N i n o i h A Fas

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

French Chic Reinvented

H&M are renowned for their dynamic collaborations with truly unique fashion designers, and their latest is no exception. We’re buzzing with excitement about their most recent revelation on teaming up with the unconventional French fashion house, Maison Martin Margiela, which derails classic notions of fashion with a conceptual and timeless style. Its philosophy is one of valuing the importance of the collaborative nature of its team rather than the individual designer. From what Maison Martin Margiela says on the collaboration, avant-garde fashionistas are in for a real treat come this November. “We are very happy to present Maison Martin Margiela pieces with H&M, offering a new interpretation of our vision. The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further. We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all.” Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M, is as animated about the alliance as the Ohlala! team. “Maison Martin Margiela is one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades. I am so excited by this radical collaboration, which will give fashion lovers around the world the chance to wear special pieces by Maison Martin Margiela. This collaboration will be a great and memorable fashion moment.”

“We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all.”

Alexander McQueen Exclusives @ NET-A-PORTER.COM

Securing exciting partnerships with some of the globe’s most sought after designers, the world’s premier online luxury retailer, NET-A-PORTER.COM, is well-known for stocking both Alexander McQueen, and McQ Alexander McQueen lines. What you might not know, however, is that NET-A-PORTER. COM collaborates with the brand on various projects that you really can’t afford to miss out on! Not only was Pippa Middleton’s dress to the Royal Wedding available online earlier this year, but NET-A-PORTER.COM also exclusively offered customers a bespoke private order service in which to shop nine looks from the Fall Winter 2012 collection in celebration of Sarah Burton’s first and much lauded runway collection for McQ Alexander McQueen. Customers had the opportunity to reserve these special pieces, which were then made-to-order, and will be delivered in time for the fall winter season. McQ reveals a collection designed to complement the Alexander McQueen mainline while remaining loyal to the house’s instantly recognisable signature. With Creative Director Sarah Burton at the helm, the collection offered aspirational pieces to define the trends and silhouette of the season. Highlights include a broderie anglaise embroidered oxblood velvet dress, a traditional blanket wool coat in Black Watch tartan, a black leather jacket with shearling sleeves and a hand dyed silk and wool dark military green dress. Holli Rogers, Fashion Director at NET-A-PORTER says, “We are excited that in our exclusive partnership we can offer our customers around the globe this unique opportunity to own a piece of fashion history.” Look out for amazing opportunities in the future as Ohlala! has it on good authority that there are more in the pipeline…

The Column

What’s What Zara de Haldevang

What’s What from Deputy Editor, Zara de Haldevang.

t’s ok everyone — do not panic! This is definitely the hottest you will feel for the rest of the year. We should all really be giving ourselves a pat on the back for doing so well so far. Eid is just a couple of weeks away and the country is already planning its celebrations, whether it is a family trip away or a party amongst close friends. The Ghagba evenings have been jam-packed every evening and Ohlala! have been out non-stop after receiving a generous number of invitations! August for me is about new starts. I am about to move house and could not be more excited. Gone are the days of me being in a flat and having to worry about keeping the neighbours up with all-night parties! I am also heading home for a few weeks to spend some much-needed time with the family. The rain better stop however — I have not paid a fortune to travel back to mud, puddles and being cold 24/7! August in a Nutshell With Eid taking place in the third week of the month, there will naturally be last minute celebration parties planned. In the meantime, keep an eye out for B.A.K.E on August 30 at Deja Vu. Definitely a huge hit before Ramadan,

Quote of the Month “Sometimes” said Pooh “the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

this is a mixture of alternative DnB music mixed with vocal House and Electro. For those of you looking to learn more about the Bahraini culture and the role of women here, there is the Women’s World Expo on August 10, designed to help women looking to start their own business and indulge in some networking. There is also an Abaya Exhibition running for three days — more details can be found in our Society Bahrain Hotspot pages. For more news on events, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages, and if you want to get yours featured, drop us an email on: events@ohlala-magazine.com That’s me for now!

Song of the Month Let’s Go by Calvin Harris

Hot Tip of the Month For nourished, glossy locks, whisk two eggs and leave the mixture in your hair overnight. Make sure you rinse it out with cold water the next day before venturing outdoors, or you may get some funny looks!

o Phot

Bebe

onth

eM of th

Comp etitio n

COMPETITION OF THE MONTH Bebe, a distinctive line of contemporary women’s apparel and accessories, is now open in City Centre. Targeting women between 18 and 35 — here is your chance to win a BD50 voucher.

Question: When did the first Bebe outlet open?

Email your answer to zara.dh@nansgroup.com

THE CAUSE

Community Spirit

With Eid being a national time of giving, Ohlala! will be holding its own charity drive this month in order to help a number of charities across the island. Eid Al-FItr The end of Ramadan is marked by the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, where the first day of the Islamic holiday falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a day celebrated by all Muslims worldwide to show their common goal of unity. This particular Eid has a special Salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two units and according to the Quran, is normally celebrated for one, two or three days. Muslims are encouraged to forgive and forget any differences with others, or animosities that may have occurred during the year. As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and needy before performing the 22

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Eid prayer. This traditional time expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community, including empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness and patience. Charity Drive In an attempt to support the charities of Bahrain as much as possible, including the Palm Association, Ohlala! will be dedicating the month of August as a time for our readers to give back to the community. We will be setting up a series of collection points around the island where people will be invited to donate clothes, books, gifts, toys and non-perishable foods all of which will

be donated to verious charities across the Kingdom. The collection points will be next to Speed Rent A Car stand near Alosra in Saar, the Bahrain Rugby and Football Club and the magazine’s office in Seef. The Charities

Palm Association Originally formed to help people with the most basic of needs, the mainstay of the association is the Feed-A-Family Programme. Sponsorship of the programme allows the charity to provide and distribute approximately 155 food boxes to the value of BD15 every month to needy families living in Bahrain. Each of the families has been identified by trusted community contacts as facing difficult financial situations, mainly due to the death of a spouse. All of the food items in the boxes are purchased at wholesale prices, where the non-perishable items are made up from rice, flour, dried milk and sugar. To date over 6000 boxes have been delivered!

Bahrain Round Circle An entirely male group, the Bahrain Round Table currently consists of seven members who are best known for their annual Bahrain Marathon Relay — an event that raises thousands of dinars per year where all the proceeds go towards local charities. An impressive 141 teams entered last October! This August, the Bahrain Round Table has contributed BD2325 entirely for the Feed-A-Family programme. Having helped the Palm Association before through schemes such as the Student Scholarship, this organisation prides itself as sharing similar core values to that of the Palm, where their principle aim is to help those in need in Bahrain. How can you help? We need you! As well as donating as much as possible at our collection points, you can also donate online. Whether it is just a few dinars or perhaps you are feeling overly generous this month, sparing any amount of money can make a huge difference to someone’s life. To make a donation to the Palm Association:

Standard Chartered Bank, Manama Branch. Account Number: 01 610 4053 01; IBAN: BH96 SCBL BHD0 1610 4053 01 Swift BIC: SCBLBHBMXXX For more information please call Zara on 1721 6099 or email zara. dh@nansgroup.com

Art & Culture

Art of Calligraphy

Images by George Mathew

True masterpieces are those which remain locked in your mind for eternity. In the world of art, calligraphy is one that requires patience, faultless skill and extreme dedication. Zara de Haldevang talks to Mahmood Al-Mulla to learn more about this unique expertise, the Bahrain art world and the artist himself.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

rabic calligraphy cannot be learnt overnight. In fact it takes years of training and practice to come anywhere close to perfecting the art. Mahmood Al-Mulla, who was born in Muharraq in 1952, is perhaps one of the most experienced and respected calligraphers in the kingdom. To put his skills into perspective, he was commissioned to record the Bahrain constitution at the mere age of 21, having devoted his entire childhood to teaching himself about the world of calligraphy. It was in 1960 that Aramco brought out a magazine, with the headline designed by a famous Lebanese artist, when Mahmood developed a strong interest and continued to pursue his dream. Looking back over the years, Mahmood certainly has a few stories to tell. His international exhibitions alone would make any artist jealous having showcased his pieces in three continents and over seven countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, France and the United Kingdom. Originally a member of the Modern Arts Association, Mahmood branched out by creating the Bahrain Fine Arts Association of which he remains the founding member. In his prime and breaking the barriers of success, he was chosen by UNICEF to have one of his pieces printed on their greeting cards, which were distributed worldwide.

“I would be delighted to show my work in any country that accepts it.” Mahmood’s work has always been merited. He now has three awards under his belt from the Fine Arts Sixth Annual Exhibition, the Fine Arts Seventh Annual Exhibition and the Sixth Melwin Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Mahmood’s amazing skills have become well revered on the island; taking him as far as working for the Royal Court, where is responsible for designing the calligraphy on all of their letters, as well as holding local exhibitions in Dar Albareh, Beit Al Qur’an and the Bahrain Arts Centre. Mahmood does not shy away from future plans for his creations. “I would be delighted to show my work in any country that accepts it. Perhaps somewhere like Munich, or even London again. I was meant to hold an exhibition here in Bahrain last year but due to the troubles I had to stop it from going ahead. I am hoping now to show it next year instead.” The calligraphy itself is exquisite. Each piece is based on a different proverb from the Koran and the collections range from modern to classic as well as a mixture of styles taken from his last exhibition, Gardens of the Illusion, which he held in Amman, Jordan. Spending more time in his studio than his bedroom, Mahmood has every utensil and tool within reach; some of his work has even been created with the use of an old toothbrush! And how does he decide the genre of each piece? “For the classic work, I have to be completely relaxed and have a clear mind. I sleep, wake early and also listen to classical music like Bach or Beethoven. The modern art is easier but obviously I am still nervous!” Unlike other artists in Bahrain, Mahmood has built up a truly incredible and extremely well respected reputation. When asked what he thought about the current status of the Bahrain art world he replies, “Art used to be much popular when I was younger. Now everyone is so busy and technology is very much in the forefront, the market is lower, so many artists are trying to ‘make it’ outside of Bahrain. In’shallah it will improve… Insha Allah!” With continuous pressure being placed on the shoulders of the Ministers, there is hope that artists will begin to receive the credit they deserve. Mahmood’s advice for others is truly one that every individual should follow: “Don’t be selfish and try and care about others.” Another of his favourite sayings, ringing true in all walks of life, is “Actions speak louder than words.” This artist is an inspiration not only to other creatives but to human beings as well. Email: wwwmam98@hotmail.com

WomAn in Power

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

Proud Parenting The act of being a mother is a full-time yet rewarding job. Ghada Salem, the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Mums In Bahrain, has proven with her fantastic online concept, that motherhood has no limitations. Zara de Haldevang talks to her about being a mum, the world of business and her exciting plans for the future. Images by George Mathew

lthough Ghada’s childhood aspirations have somewhat changed throughout the years, life for this dedicated mother has taken her from strength to strength. “I actually graduated in Mass Communications and for a long while worked as a Business Development Specialist, so a lot different from what I first wanted to do!” Egyptian by birth, Ghada spent 20 years living there before moving to Malaysia with her husband. 2007 marked the year of Ghada’s arrival to the Kingdom and from that moment her business mind has been set on success. So how did Mums In Bahrain first come about? “When I moved to Bahrain in 2009 I was pregnant and so naturally, the first thing I searched for online were hospitals and suitable pre-natal classes. I found nothing at all! After meeting Claire Willats (the other Co-Founder) at a children’s playgroup, we decided to set up a blog to help other mothers.” The blog initially contained listings of hospitals, recipes, playgroups, events and a classified section. Now a hub of information and support, it has transformed into a popular website, which aims to help everyone, parents or children, to “get the most out of life”. The popularity of this network has been unstoppable. “We started with just five members and after two weeks, without even advertising, we grew to 1000! Mums In Bahrain was actually the first group on Facebook in Bahrain — we now have 4,500 members and 5000 on our database, of which 60 percent are expatriates, 25 percent locals and 15 percent Arab expats. This has to be one of the greatest achievements, as well as the fact that there is now an established common ground network that all mothers can relate to.” The website is a gateway of opportunity, now with nine links including Classifieds, Health and Parenting. There is also Business, which started in February last year, and is designed to help

entrepreneurs and small businesses. There have already been a series of workshops and MIB hopes to hold more with focus on Social Media and Sales and Finance. Visitors of the site this August will also be able to see the new link entitled Ramadan. “This webpage is specifically for expats to get to know what Ramadan truly entails. It will list traditions, events, health tips and even driving safety tips!” And what of the future? “I am hoping to set up a YouTube channel where we will have a parenting show, which discusses current issues, as well as tips and advice. There will also be cooking classes and CPR courses, which would be so beneficial for parents here.” ‘Mums In’ has also slowly developed into a worldwide franchise —Claire, after leaving Bahrain, also set up Mums In Bangkok and there is currently Mums In Dubai as well as Mums In Doha, which is set to launch any day now. While Ghada prides her status as a businesswoman, it is actually the role of motherhood that has shaped her as a human being. “Being a mother means being a doctor, driver, teacher, cleaner and an entertainer. My role as a mother is to ensure my son gets enough attention from me and learns about life itself. My whole life changed to the better after becoming a mother; I have been able to think ‘out of the box’, especially when it comes to running my business.” For Ghada, her work is as rewarding as her role as a mother. “Being the Managing Director of Mums In Bahrain is challenging and requires so much attention and creativity. I love the fact that there are no limitations and we always usually come up with something new. The multi-cultural theme is definitely the highlight of the business. Although the mothers or parents come from a variety of countries, we all share similar thoughts and the dedication to being parents.” Her advice to women? “Never let anything hold you back — if you have a dream, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from reaching it.” www.mumsinbahrain.net

“Never let anything hold you back — if you have a dream, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from reaching it.”

Celebrity Scoop

OPERATIC Lesley Garrett has been at the forefront of British music for the last 20 years. As she celebrates the release of her new album, A North Country Lass, she talks to Ben Whittaker about why this latest collection of songs is particularly personal.

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esley Garrett is one of Britain’s most accomplished classical artists, having carved a successful career in television and theatre. With an engaging personality to match her beautiful voice, she is one of the finest, most respected A-list singers performing in the UK and around the world. But that isn’t to say it has been an easy path for this charismatic personality. She tells us, “Opera still has an element of snobbery about it and because I performed in conventional musicals, doors were abruptly closed to me by many opera houses. It’s a ridiculous situation but I guess there is a belief in certain circles that any step away from the operatic route somehow devalues the art.” Lesley’s new release A North Country Lass is a delightful collection of folk-inspired, classical traditions of the likes of Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Benjamin Britten. “This album is the perfect template of my early upbringing as folk music was very much a part of what I used to listen to as a child and, in fact, still listen to today. “A North Country Lass is a collection of British and Irish songs, some of which go back six centuries, and each one has a special meaning for me and was chosen for that specific reason. “The album was almost three years in the making and it was a really significant project for me. I was involved in all stages of the process and one of the highlights was the week we spent in Czechoslovakia with the Prague Philharmonic. The folk tradition associated with the country meant this was a very appropriate marriage of styles. “There are absolutely no electronic instruments on this album, everything is acoustic. It’s a bit like having a baby. It grows and develops and suddenly you give birth to this wonderful creation that is very much part of you. Every album is special. The fact that this is my fourteenth doesn’t make it any less important than every one of the rest. A bit like every baby in a family!” Music has been part of Lesley’s life for as long as she can remember. “I think I was singing before I started walking,” she smiles. “Many of

my family worked in the mines or steel industry as I grew up, and music is very much a tradition in these industries, so a lot of my relatives were particularly musical.” Although with her obvious talent there were many music career options open to her, Lesley eventually chose the classical route because of the challenges it offered. “Opera is a demanding form of music and the most difficult kind of singing. I wanted to meet the demand and it has always appealed to me. Folk has similarities to opera and a personality that I love. It really engages you.” Although a thoroughly modern performer, Lesley says, “Much as I embrace music delivery through the web and via the likes of iTunes, I wanted to create something with this CD that was physical and more than just about the songs. “When I was growing up, buying an album was a real event. Special attention was paid to the booklet and the photos and I wanted to recreate that feeling. I think when you put so much of yourself into a product you want it to reflect that intimacy.” Lesley’s passion for her music is as real as ever and she cares as much now about the quality of her work as she ever did. “I strive to keep myself in peak condition and I still have singing lessons every week to keep my voice in shape. After all, the muscles involved in singing need to be exercised just like any other muscles in the body.” For all the enjoyment she gets from the recording process, singing live is still a particular pleasure and because no two shows are ever the same it provides a unique environment every time as Lesley tells us, “I’ve performed at some of the greatest stadiums around the world and whilst that is an enormous pleasure, the audiences are what make it. Wherever you are singing, when you connect with your fans, it’s the most fantastic feeling.” As far as the Middle East goes, Lesley has yet to perform in the region, although it remains an opportunity she would relish. “Although I’ve not performed there, I’d love the chance to. I’m just waiting for the invite! I’ve always found the Arab culture fascinating and as an artist, part of the enjoyment is being able to share your music with as many people as possible. Music is a global thing and because of the wonderful heritage and history between Britain and that region, I’d see it as a privilege as well as a tremendously exciting prospect. New experiences are what help keep us fresh and the Gulf is certainly one part of the world I have yet to sample.” Visit www.lesleygarrett.co.uk

Celebrity Scoop â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you put so much of yourself into a product you want it to reflect that intimacy.â&#x20AC;?

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“I’ve always found the Arab culture fascinating and as an artist, part of the enjoyment is being able to share your music with as many people as possible.”

Under The Desert Sun Unveil your inner Arabian beauty in exquisite creations by WAAD Designs.

Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com +973 3320 8003 Fashion Directors I Waad Mohamed & Kirsty Edwards-Harris Fashion Stylists I Eman Amnah Al-Mushiri & Lisa Travell Model I Sibilla I Nuha @ Lucia Lounge

Hair Styling & Makeup I Lucia Lounge I info@lucia-fashion.com +974 4016 4123

Fashion I WAAD Designs I Twitter - @WAADdesigns I Facebook - WAAD designs

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Sibilla wears an abaya & head scarf by WAAD Designs & earrings by Alexis Bittar. 33

Left: Sibilla wears a dress & waistband by WAAD Designs, Alexis Bittar ring & Palestyle clutch. Right: Nuha wears a T-shirt, skirt & waistband by WAAD Designs & Alexis Bittar ring.

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Sibilla wears a dress & waistband by WAAD Designs & Gina clutch & shoes.

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Nuha wears an abaya by WAAD Designs & carries a Gina clutch.

Sibilla wears a jumpsuit & waistcoat by WAAD Designs & Alexis Bittar ring.

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Nuha wears an abaya by WAAD Designs.

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FASHION

Bridal Brilliance An innovative fashion designer and entrepreneur, Rosa Clarรก has become known worldwide for luxurious bridal gowns. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with her about her stunning creations.

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aptivating ladies across the globe with her elegant bridal gowns, Rosa Clará’s passion for making women look beautiful is successfully driving her to achieve her dreams of having a Rosa Clará boutique in every country in the world. As each dress is specially tailored to suit the bride’s individual needs for the “perfect dress”, you can be assured of wowing onlookers with a unique creation on your very special day to be remembered ever after. The brand’s high standards of quality, in terms of fabrics, design and tailoring, have led to exciting collaborations with haute couture fashion designers, such as Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfield and Jesús del Pozo — a true mark of achievement.

Where does your interest in designing bridal gowns originate from? Rosa Clará. Travelling around the world, I met brides from many different cultures and I realised that I could offer them something different, special and new. From where do you draw your inspiration? RC. From brides and international fashion trends.

What type of fabrics do you use and where are they sourced from? RC. We only work with high quality fabrics coming from Paris, Italy, and most importantly, European fairs. Where does the beading and embroidery take place? RC. Normally from small ateliers in the south of France for the embroidery and Italy for beading.

What is the most important element when designing bridal gowns? RC. Think about the bride and what will make feel her beautiful, comfortable and modern. This concerns good patterns, the best fabrics and exclusive designs.

FASHION Can you explain more about your collaboration with haute couture fashion designers such as Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfield and Jesús del Pozo? RC. These collaborations have been a luxury for us. They trust us to produce their bridal collections, which means that we have the high quality standards that they require in all their products.

What has been your greatest achievement? RC. Starting a company from zero and taking it to the international market in only 15 years.

What is unique about Rosa Clará bridal gowns? RC. They are elegant but modern and created with the best fabrics, with plenty of details coming from haute couture, like bows, delicate embroideries, etc. Are there any special pieces for Autumn Winter 2012/13? RC. White with pastel shades are the hallmarks of the new Rosa Clará 2013 and flowers embroidered on organza will be the season's great surprise element. Who is your favourite fashion designer? RC. I don’t really have only one but I think Alexander McQueen was a big loss for the fashion world.

Who would you regard as the most influential fashion icon, past or present? RC. Audrey Hepburn — her look is still modern. From the present, I love Kate Middleton’s style. Which celebrities have worn a Rosa Clara gown? RC. International singers such as Paulina Rubio and Shaila Durcal, model Esther Cañadas, and actress Mischa Barton as well as celebrities Paris Hilton and Amanda Hearst have worn our dresses.

If you were to choose one dress from your designs to get married in, which one would it be and why? RC. We create special dresses for each bride as they can change some elements on the gowns in order to create the perfect dress, so I would have one specially designed for me. What are your top tips for women when choosing a bridal gown? RC. Only one: do not disguise yourself. The bridal gown must be comfortable and make the bride feel just beautiful.

Why did you decide to expand into the Middle East? RC. We would love to open a shop in every country, so the Middle East is part of this dream. We already have a boutique in Bahrain and we’re very excited to open a Rosa Clará store in Qatar in the autumn, and thanks to Ladies and the City, and Aida Masdeu it is a dream come true! Why do you think Rosa Clara will appeal to women in this region? RC. I believe that Arabian ladies, being extremely refined and elegant, are especially receptive to Spanish influences and the Rosa Clará style meets their needs and high expectations. The women in this region appreciate the high quality of the fabrics and they understand fashion, they will appreciate our collections for sure. Will you have a special collection specifically tailored to Arabian women? RC. Our dresses are tailored to every bride, in every part of the world. What type of women do you design for? RC. Elegant and demanding brides. 46

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“Arabian ladies, being extremely refined and elegant, are especially receptive to Spanish influences and the Rosa Clará style meets their needs and high expectations.”

Beauty

WHAT'S HOT AND NOT

The best beauty finds, summer scents, a superfruit secret & watching what you eat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our shocking discovery.

BEAUTY

Beauty Buzz

: vative o n omen. n i w r d o f n s a ce ve fragran Creati ic n o ic Two

Irresistibly Refreshing

Thierry Mugler has brought out two new glorious refreshing fragrances, Angel and Alien Aqua Chic. These light, new limited edition variations are fresh and stylish filling the senses with emotions. They will leave you sparkling and quintessentially chic.

Oh, Honey, Honey…

Nuxe Paris introduces Rêve de Miel Face Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel, a rich cleansing gel for your face and body. Enjoy a moment of pampering in the shower every day by treating your skin to this excellent soap-free formula with its plant-origin cleansing agent. The honey fragranced gel leaves your skin smooth and soft and will not dry out your pores. It also acts as a make-up remover, which, luckily for you, means that you can use this product at least twice a day.

Lavish Lashes

Increased eyelash volume is the dream for so many women; however, it can be difficult to find the right product. With the new Lash Plumber by Sephora your eyelashes will increase in volume from root to tip and really show off your eyes. The brush has slightly tapered edges, which allow you to reach further around the eyelash than most other mascaras.

Summertime Hues

Harmonie Poudre De Soleil from Chanel comes in two colour intensities, Sable Rose and Sable Beige. Both come with seven thin bands of sensual tones, which blend together and embrace your skin for a natural result. Sable Rose brightens your skin with strong yet flirty pink colours, whilst Sable Beige uses a universal colour foundation of beiges and browns for a peach-like tone. From using the softest to the most intense colours, each strip can have dramatic results on your skin.

“Summer is not complete without a cloud of bronzer on the cheeks to enhance the complexion.”

Scented Chic

The new Scented Nail Enamel from Revlon uses its exclusive silk-protein shield to instantly help even out the surface of the nail. The vivid colours automatically smooth away bubbles, streaks and brush marks, leaving you with beautiful nails. The UV absorbers in the formula protect colour during wear — ensuring it won’t fade. This product is available in 16 different shades and once dry will give off a lovely scent. 49

BEAUTY

COSMOPOLITAN COOL

Dueto Parfums launches Lady Cool, a fragrance that’s built around the cosmopolitan woman of today: active, connected, fresh and feminine. It opens with a fresh floral and sweet scent and evolves into tenacious warm woody notes that are enriched with a musky aroma. Lady Cool is for the lady who creates her own unique hip style.

FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Sephora introduces their exclusive Oriental-inspired Khayali fragrance collection. Tuscan Lady has distinctive floral and fruity top notes that reveal a gourmet heart with layers of intense caramel, enriched by essence of candied apple, praline and vanilla. Wrapped around sweet peony and moonflower elements, and the freshness of frangipani, its lasting base notes develop as you wear it, making it the ideal day to night fragrance.

A SPLASH OF VITALITY

Summer has inspired the new Splash Seduction limited edition for women by Antonio Banderas: a vibrant fragrance that is full of pure dynamism and spontaneity. It has the fresh, citrus aroma of mandarin, peach and sweet pear. Its middle notes of gardenias and freesias, along with the sweetness of jasmine and the sparkling note of red fruit symbolise femininity. This aspect is enriched by the woody notes of cedar, patchouli and musk, making it even more sensual.

Scents of Summer

Luxurious, enticing and feminine… Ohlala! previews some of the season’s most covetable fragrances that are sure to get you in the mood for any occasion. MYSTERIOUS & IRRESISTIBLE

Dreaming of being a rock star? The dream may be far from reality — but fret not as Paco Rabanne’s Black XS L’EXCÈS For Her is powerful, rhythmic, glamorous, impetuous, sensual and vibrant. It’s the expression of a sophisticated, creative and excessive rock world. It’s an excessively sensual oriental floral, so be prepared for an intoxicating ride to stardom with this intense fragrance.

SWEET &

Villain for ENCHANTING astoundin Women is overpow flowers angly feminine like th ering, yet enchantin d succulent fruits. e petals of delicate from Ed H g — experience thePlayful, sweet and lychee, citrardy with its notes newest fragrance sandal, orr us notes, lotus, magof watermelon, is and crem no e brulee. lia, freesia,

SS Y FRESHNE

ZEST

mer sun The hot sum unbearable. e it qu be can fers some L’Occitane of rant, thirst ag fr , ve ie repr agrance: quenching fr et Verbena rb So w ne the tte Limited Eau de Toile ction. lle Co n io it Ed p notes of Its citrus to apefruit; gr d an e lim of verbena, heart notes spearmint, t, in m er pp pe ishing with and finally finand musk, ds oo w te hi w freshing and make for a re ent. aromatic sc

YOUTHFUL YET SOPHISTICATED

Vibrant and feminine, and bursting with confidence, Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty evokes the sensuality and delicacy of bare skin with its luminous floral and skin-like warmth. Top notes sparkle with a peach bellini accord, red berry extract and bergamot. At its heart are pink lily accord, jasmine and peony, whilst enveloping musks, sandalwood and vanilla blossom are revealed underneath.

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THE ULTIMATE PREPPY ACCESSORY

Tommy Hilfiger launch their new fragrance, Eau de Prep Tommy Girl. Inspired by preppy classics with a twist, the fragrance captures a classic yet cheeky spirit, delivering the perfect accompaniment to today’s updated preppy ensembles.

MAGNIFYING FEMININITY Like his fashion pieces, Elie Saab’s creations glorify a dazzling femininity through the magnificence of noble materials and impeccable cuts. The luxurious codes of the couturier translate into a fragrance of dual nature that is so dear to the designer: “the light of the Middle East and the modernity of the West”.

FRESH & INTENSE

Mauboussin Rose Pour Elle is a new fragrance for women — one that is floral, fresh and fruity. Blackcurrant buds are brightened by a cocktail of natural citrus fruits, Sicilian tangerine, Calabrian bergamot, Guinean orange, and Pitaya, with an apple-pear-caramel trio that chimes out its gourmand notes. With depth and sensuality, this chic and modern fragrance is one to be coveted.

TROPICAL CONCOCTIONS

Marc Jacobs transports you to a warm island oasis this summer with its Splash Tropical collection. Experience the lush feeling of Rain — a fan favourite from summer’s past plus two new coastal creations: the juicy and sunny Kumquat and the subtle, sensual Hibiscus. The newly packaged fragrances come in simple, clean, elegant glass bottles; perfect for traveling to summer seaside escapes.

INNATE ELEGANCE

Narciso Rodriguez introduces the For Her eau délicate fragrances. Veiled sensuality in two versions: for her eau de toilette délicate and for her eau de parfum délicate are exclusive limited editions, each reinterprets the singular femininity of the for her line with an elusive air that’s intoxicating. Disarming. Enigmatic. Entrancing. This is a fragrance duo that’s deliciously seductive.

ENERGY & PERSONALITY UNENDING

ROSE

Rose : FLOWE embo Glacée, the R PAR E creat dies the te new frag XCELLAN perfe ion. Warm nsion thatrance by A CE mode ct but frag and cool, is at the c rmand Ba geom rn and urbile; the fragbeautiful b ore of its si, summetric, the r an take on rance is a ut epheme os ra co oning n one ine is its hea ature. Org ntempora l, an ry, rt to the world and inspir ic and of flow ation er ess ences .

INCREDIBLY SENSUAL

Created by renowned perfumer Anne Flipo, Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million Eau de Toilette evokes strength, femininity and sensuality but with a more luminous, fresher signature. Like a diamond, the Lady Million fragrance offers a multitude of facets, allowing you to experience it differently every time.

Presenting a new summer limited edition, Carolina Herrera 212 launches 212 GLAM, a vibrant and modern fragrance. 212 represents the energy of New York, the city that never sleeps, with intense colours and neon lights. Original fragrance tones like toffee, lollipop, crystallised rose petals, cotton candy and electric fluorescent wood, chocolate, cacao beans, tobacco leafs, tonka beans and musk make this an unforgettable fragrance.

BEAUTY

Beauty From Within Kiwifruit beauty benefits are more than skin deep. This super-fruit from New Zealand helps with our looks as well as our health.

“The kiwifruit is a genuine superfruit, brimming with essential vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 oils. It contains more potassium than a banana, more Vitamin C than an orange, more nutrients than five apples and is abundant in Vitamin E, often known as ‘the vitamin of youth’.”

very now and then you come across some new lotion or potion that is said to enhance your looks, improve your skin or overcome the effects of aging. Some have fancy names and are outrageously expensive, others are a fraction invasive such as collagen and Botox, and some are simply quite disgusting — the British actress Sarah Miles has drunk her own urine for the past 30 years! But one proven beauty aid is readily and cheaply available at the local supermarket: the humble kiwifruit from New Zealand. The kiwifruit is a genuine super-fruit, brimming with essential vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 oils. It contains more potassium than a banana, more Vitamin C than an orange, more nutrients than five apples and is abundant in Vitamin E, often known as “the vitamin of youth”. Vitamin E plays an important role in the regeneration of healthy skin cells and assists in keeping the skin supple and maintaining its

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elasticity. And good old Vitamin C is becoming increasingly common in anti-aging creams and serums. This is because it is a very powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin against free radicals, which come from everyday environmental factors such as sunlight and pollution and have been clinically recognised to cause many skin disorders and exacerbate the aging process. Vitamin C also scores because it aids in skin renewal, rejuvenating and hydrating skin cells. Omega 3 oils are a group of essential fatty acids which aren't produced naturally by the body alone, though these are a vital element in good health and healthy skin. Kiwifruit is also a source of Alfa Linoleic Acid, which is essential for the maintenance and production of healthy cell membranes and for the prevention and treatment of many skin disorders. This oil is derived from the kiwifruit’s small black pips, which are crushed to extract kiwifruit oil. That’s how kiwifruit helps from the inside out — but it can also be

Ohlala! Recipes Kiwi Summer Cooler Benefits This delicious, fresh juice is bursting full of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C to promote health, and boost your energy levels and immune system. Ingredients: (Serves 4) 8 large orange 12 kiwifruit applied externally as a skincare treatment. At least one New Zealand company uses a blend of kiwifruit extracts in an extensive range of beauty, including body lotion, soap, shampoo, hand cream, eye gel, body butter and a whole lot more. The kiwifruit actually originated in China and was known initially as the Chinese gooseberry when seeds were first transported to New Zealand. However, New Zealand growers became the world’s largest source for the fruit, which became known globally as the kiwifruit after New Zealand’s national symbol: the flightless kiwi bird. Hala Barghout, a leading nutritionist and licensed clinical dietician in the Middle East, is a big kiwifruit supporter. “Everyone knows that citrus fruit contains vitamin C, but a kiwifruit actually contains twice as much vitamin C as an orange of the same size, and three times as much as a lemon,” she says. “Vitamin C helps strengthen the body’s defences and promotes healthy bones, teeth and blood vessels. Kiwifruit is also a good source of the antioxidant Vitamin E. It provides twice the level of Vitamin E as an apple and is five times more nutritious.” Kiwifruit has a particular benefit in the Middle East, where diabetes is a common problem with as many as one in four suffering from the condition. Because people with diabetes cannot process a high and rapid rise in blood glucose levels, low to moderate GI foods are recommended. A glycemic index measures how fast blood glucose levels rise after consuming food. Food with a high GI index (above 70) results in a rapid increase in blood glucose levels after they are eaten, while foods with a low GI (less than 55) result in only moderate increases. “The total level of sugar in a kiwifruit is typical of most fruit,” says Megan Unsworth, a Zespri kiwifruit grower who lives in the region. “However, what is interesting is the fact that a kiwifruit has low levels of sucrose as well as its relatively equal balance of fructose and glucose levels. These factors are believed to contribute to the low GI value of a kiwifruit.” The high fibre content also helps here, as a high-fibre diet is also recommended in the management of diabetes. Several research studies have shown that fibre in kiwifruit has a significant effect on the viscosity of stomach contents and slows glucose diffusion and absorption from the gut. As such, this may be one of the contributing factors to the low GI scores of a kiwifruit. A balanced diet rich in foods with a low GI can help lower the risk of diabetes and cardiac problems. “What’s more, a healthy digestive system ensures faster metabolism and the speedy removal of toxins from the body,”Megan says. “And the low calorie content of kiwifruit allows you to enjoy its sweet, mouth-watering taste without having to worry about gaining weight.” So put some kiwifruit in your shopping trolley. The whole family will enjoy the sweet taste and the “cut, scoop and enjoy” ease of eating — and at the same time they’ll be benefiting from its many hidden nutritional benefits and giving themselves a free beauty treatment with every serving.

Method: Peel the oranges leaving as much pith (the white) as possible and then juice along with the whole kiwifruits. Place in a blender with ice-cubes, or serve over ice/crushed ice.

Moisturising Kiwi Facemask Benefits: Strawberries and kiwifruit are both rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which lightly cleanses the skin, reduces oil and shine, and prevents dark eye circles and blackheads. The kiwifruit seeds will gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. As cucumbers are the same pH as your skin, they will gently cleanse, nourish and hydrate your face, without removing the natural, protective acid layers. They can also lessen dark circles under the eyes. Kelp is a natural sea-vegetable, which protects and restores damaged skin. It is also a light moisturiser that reduces sebum production, preventing acne and reducing wrinkles. Ingredients: (serves 2) 10 large strawberries 2 kiwifruit 1 peeled cucumber 2 slices cucumber sea kelp

Method: Place the strawberries, kiwifruit and the peeled cucumber in a blender and mix well. Then slowly add one teaspoon of sea kelp at a time until a paste-like consistency is achieved. Next wash your face with warm water and pat dry. Apply the kiwi facemask to your skin, avoiding the eye area, with a gentle massaging motion. Place the sliced cucumbers on your eyes and leave the mask for five to ten minutes while you relax. Afterwards, rinse with cool water and pat dry.

BEAUTY

Watch What You Eat Summer holidays are fast approaching and people are slowly departing the shores of the Middle East. A likely common goal would be that they want to look good wherever their destination is. But, if there is one thing that is going to get in their way of making that vision a reality, it is their diet and nutritional habits — every time. Craig Bunting gets real.

eople say how much they want to lose weight, improve their fitness and tone their bodies, but sometimes the reality is that it’s just words. They simply don’t take enough personal accountability for their actions. They eat the wrong foods or too much food, and the same with drinks. They don’t know, or don’t care about, how many calories they consume over the course of the day. This is the number one thing that you must keep track of if you want to lose body fat. You can’t guess it as this simply doesn’t work. You’d be amazed at how many calories you can pack into something you can eat in a matter of minutes.

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Case study Earlier in the week, I had a client who defended her breakfast choice before our session because she was running late. It was a blueberry muffin and a medium skinny café latte from a well-known coffee chain. “Most people rely on caffeine in the mornings, and a muffin isn’t that big, so that’s not going to do much harm.” Wrong. It’s a legal requirement that a company discloses the nutritional value of all its products. So we looked it up. The client had consumed nearly her whole days calorie and fat allowance in one seating. Blueberry Muffin Serving Size: 100g Calories: 1500 Total Fat: 20.5g Carbs: 40.9g Protein: 17.8g

Medium Skinny Latte Serving Size: 264 ml Calories: 71 Total Fat: 0.3g Carbs: 10g Protein: 7g Top Tips By following simple yet effective guidelines you can drastically change the way your body looks and feels. It will take time, practice and perseverance but the results will be amazing.

Don’t be lazy: Educate yourself Look at the labels and keep an eye on the amount of calories you’re taking in. It’s also a good idea to read the ingredients to make sure that you’re not taking in too much sugar or trans fats.

Don’t be lazy: Be prepared If you want any chance at succeeding in losing fat and toning your body you must follow this tip. Plan your meals and go to the supermarket on a regular basis. Buying and preparing the foods for your nutrition plan will help keep you on track. For the novice this can be time consuming and quite off-putting. More often than not, people revert to counterproductive eating habits, which stops the body from burning fat. A lot of this is just practice and once you get into a routine you’ll find it getting easier and easier to do this with little disruption to your life. Don’t be lazy: Eat at home This is a tough one for people living in the Middle East, as eating out is very popular. Long working hours and high-pressure jobs only serve to increase the risk of eating meals you haven’t prepared yourself. Prepacked sandwiches, fast food options and high calorie restaurant foods are far from ideal and will lead to consuming too many calories. Craig Bunting is the Head Tutor at LIA-Qatar, the first full-time Fitness Academy in the Middle East. Visit www.personaltrainer.com

Interiors

Haven Tranquillity Designed with care and attention, a bathroom can be more than just functional, it can become a place to relax and unwind. Georges Karam invites you to create a serene space in your home.

Images by Loredana Mantello & Carlos Villaroel Design & Rendering by GK & Partners

hen designing a bathroom take into account practicality and neatness. Each one of us is bound to spend at least half-an-hour every day in the bathroom, especially here in the Middle East, where the bathing and ablution rituals are culturally very

important. Bathrooms should exude the feeling of peace and calmness. Focusing on the proportions, give the impression of space by working on simple lines with sophisticated detailing. Use luxury materials in order to enhance the sense of serenity, which will create the right atmosphere for relaxation. Bathroom lighting, direct and indirect, should be uniformed and flattering and must minimise glare. Even lighting across the entire bathroom space is recommended. Simplicity in lines and quality of materials are a must. Showers have to be generously sized, and if possible, not shut off by a door. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more pleasant if it is an integrated part of the entire space, using every little corner to create built in niches for soaps and bathing products.

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A steam shower/sauna could also be considered for extra relaxation. Thermostats, rain showerheads, body jets, heated towel rods â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there is a world of a choice for you to build your dream bathroom and a refuge from the stress of a busy lifestyle. Use the bathtub when possible as a display piece and focal point where all the other elements orbit around it. Even if you prefer to take a shower, place a bathtub in at least the main/master bathroom, which can be the centre of attention when it is in carved marble, moulded resin or simply in acrylic. There is a definite feeling of quietude to see an imposing, solid piece anchoring the whole design concept. When it comes to the wall and floor finishes, opt for natural materials like stone or marble in big cut slabs. Ceramic tiles and mosaics combined with stucco are also interesting to work with and can be used with either material. The final result has to evoke serenity and comfort; the ultimate outcome is the one that gives the feeling of discreet sophistication and whispering luxury, this is when a bathroom will become a haven of tranquillity.

GK & Partners is an interior design practice operating for both private and contract sectors throughout the Middle East with an international portfolio and a solid, experienced team trained to achieve the highest standards in conceptual design and project management. The philosophy of the design is mainly initiated by Georges Karam, privileged to have collaborated with some of the most successful international firms in the design industry in Paris and London. GK & Partners Interior Design : PO Box 10462, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: +973 17251697 : info@gkinterior.com: www.gkinterior.com 57

Dining

Ramadan Hotspots EXQUISITE SPECIALTIES WHERE? GULF HOTEL

AUTHENTIC LEBANESE CUISINE WHERE? AL KHAYMA, THE RITZ-CARLTON BAHRAIN, HOTEL AND SPA, SEEF

AN ASSORTMENT OF FLAVOURS...

LUXURIOUS TREATS...

For a truly exquisite Ramadan experience, settle into the Gulf Hotel’s ‘Khaimat Al Khaleej’ tent where a delicious buffet of traditional Bahraini and other Arabic specialties, as well as a great selection of hot and cold beverages are available. With separate smoking and non-smoking sections, you can choose from an extensive assortment of shisha flavours. Featuring traditional Arabic music, a live Oud and Tabla performed nightly, prices are BD14++ (weekdays) and BD16++ (weekends). You can also opt for Al Waha and Takht Jamsheed restaurants, both serving a delicious and enticing Iftar buffet every evening. Iftar buffet is BD15++ per person in both restaurants.

Al Khayma, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain’s Ramadan tent, is where authentic Lebanese flavours come alive with its extensive buffet for Iftar and Ghabga offering Middle Eastern specialties such as freshly-baked breads, mezze and grilled dishes. Prices: Iftar - BD18; Ghabga - BD20 (weekdays). Iftar - BD21; Ghabgha BD23 (weekends). Pergola: BD250 (maximum of six guests). For the second day of Eid, Al Khayma will offer Brunch from 12noon to 4pm for BD27++. 

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1771 3000 / www.gulfhotelbahrain.com

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1753 3533

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STYLISH NEW VENUE

MAGICAL RAMADAN

WHERE? KEMPINSKI IXIR HOTEL BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

WHERE? SOFITEL BAHRAIN, Zallaq

STYLISH NEW VENUE…

RAMADAN UNDER THE STARS…

The newly opened Baharat restaurant located on the stylish ground floor of Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre promises an enjoyable dining experience throughout Ramadan and Eid. The Arabic restaurant has specially prepared live cooking stations, saj and tandoor ovens and private dining areas as well as a large terrace for you to enjoy shisha in a tent under the moonlight. Featuring an eclectic array of Middle Eastern dishes, traditional Arabic beverages plus entertainment, you can have an Iftar buffet for only BD17++ and Ghabgha for BD20++ for up to 20 persons. Kids up to five years old eat free, while those aged six to 12 years gets half the price. 

Create wonderful memories with family and friends at the luxurious Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan tent at Sofitel Bahrain. Delight in daily Iftar and Ghabga buffets with exceptional food and beverage selections from across the region such as Oriental salads, live cooking stations including Manakeesh, Shawarma, Arabic bread, foul and balila and falafel stations. For BD15++ on weekdays and BD17++ during weekends, guests can enjoy Ghabga with an extensive range of shisha flavours for an extra BD5++. Gentle Arabic music by Lebanese duo Majeed and Marwan will accompany games such as cards, dominos and darts.

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1717 1000

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1763 6363

Dining

Ramadan Hotspots SUMPTUOUS TREATS WHERE? MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

BAY VIEWS WHERE? CORAL BAY, DIPLOMATIC AREA

A RELAXING ATMOSPHERE...

TWO VENUES IN ONE…

With their newly built glass tent, the Moevenpick Hotel Bahrain has ensured the atmosphere this month is as relaxing as possible. With smoking and non-smoking sections, the tent is able to accommodate up to 100 guests. Savour all-time Iftar favourites such as harees, quzi, madhrooba, thereed and kunafa for only BD12.5++ per person; or enjoy a Ghabga buffet, choose from two separate options served every night until 2am. As we come onto Eid, indulge in a lavish buffet priced at BD15++ per person, where an extensive selection of delicious international and regional cuisines, luscious seafood platters and salads will be on offer, complimented by delectable Arabic sweets.

Head to Coral Bay this Ramadan and Eid — try Rayes, the authentic Head to Coral Bay this Ramadan and Eid [DASH] try Rayes, the authentic Lebanese restaurant which will be fully decked out with daily Iftar buffet and Ghabga menus; whilst the Ramadan Tent located on the Terrace close to the beach lets you enjoy the beautiful views from the marina deck. The tent is also available for private functions and can accommodate up to 300 guests. Both venues will be featuring a variety of dishes including all the Ramadan favourites such as, lentil soup, saj manses, falafel, shawarma, foul, different varieties of fateh, harees, and lots of other special Ramadan dishes; as well as an array of traditional homemade Lebanese Ramadan sweets. Have a taste too of their special Ramadan drinks such as Tamar Hindi, Qamar Al dine, Rose, water sahlab and fresh Ayran yogurt. Guests will be entertained by a one-man show and a singer with nightly performances as well as live acoustic oud.

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1746 0000

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 3977 7701; 1731 2700

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A LAVISH AFFAIR

MID-EAST & INTERNATIONAL FARE

WHERE? SHERATON BAHRAIN

WHERE? AL SAFIR HOTEL & TOWER, JUFFAIR

SHARED TRADITIONS… Sheraton Bahrain invites one and all to gather round for a lavish Iftar buffet that includes traditional and international dishes including live cooking stations at Awali Ballroom. Iftar buffet is for BD13.9++ for adults and BD7.5++ for kids four to 12 years old and those below four years old eat for free! For Eid, tuck into a festive buffet at Al Safir restaurant from 12.30pm to 4pm with prices at BD18.5++ and BD6++ for kids (inclusive of giveaways, games, face painting, candy floss, popcorn and mini-rides. Dinner buffet is for BD13.9++. Live Arabic entertainment will be available for both lunch and dinner on the first three days of Eid. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1753 3533

AFFORDABLE GOURMET FOOD… Featuring Middle Eastern and international fare, the Al Safir Hotel & Tower will host an Iftar Buffet in a fabulous glass tent that can house up to 200 guests. Iftar buffet is BD6++ (for walk–ins and in–house guests); Special Group Rate: BD6 net for groups of ten and above for families and corporate bookings. A special Ghabga Buffet menu is offered for large groups; with discount voucher booklets available for purchase. Catering orders accepted for private Iftar functions.

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1782 7999

‘GOOD NEWS’ FOR ALL!

EID CARVERY FEAST

WHERE? BUSHIDO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, SEEF

WHERE? ROYAL GOLF CLUB, RIFFA

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN… New, unique and trendy — Bushido will be transformed into ‘Bushra’ this Ramadan. Bushra (Arabic for ‘good news’), is an Arabo-Ottoman concept that will feature a Ramadan tent decorated with white linen, lanterns and Orientalist paintings; with Arabic word projections and Oud music performed live. Iftar buffet is BD12.5++ (weekdays), BD14.5++ (weekends); Ghabga buffet is BD9.9++ (weekdays); BD11.9++ (weekends). RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1758 3555

TRADITIONAL TURKISH FARE

WHERE? KÖŞEBAŞI, BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE FRESH AND ORIGINAL DISHES… Köşebaşi, will be offering a mouth-watering Iftar experience with the best selection of authentic Turkish cuisine. Using original recipes and freshly prepared food, the restaurant boasts an open charcoal grill where diners get to taste the very best of Köşebaşı’s meat dishes. Iftar set menu - BD12.9 per person and BD 6.3 for children under ten years. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1717 2322

A MEANINGFUL RAMADAN

WHERE? CROWNE PLAZA, DIPLOMATIC AREA

WELCOME TO THE CLUB… Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with family and friends with an Eid Carvery Feast at Royal Golf Club’s Links restaurant. The delectable and extensive buffet on the first day of Eid is for BD14 net (Club members) and BD16 net (visitors). Kids aged six eat for free while for those aged six to 12 years it’s only BD8.5 net including selected soft drinks. For Iftar and Ghabga events, the Majlis has a range of menus from BD11 per person.

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1775 1263; 1775 0777

WELCOME TO AWTAR WHERE? ELITE CRYSTAL HOTEL, JUFFAIR TRENDY NEW VENUE… From the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, ‘Awtar’, the newest venue announced by Elite Hospitality Group promises to provide an authentic Oriental atmosphere. With live Arabic music and entertainment, gourmet food, live musical group performances and more. Open from 6pm to 2am. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 736 0340, 3433 3222

DELECTABLE BUFFETS WHERE? THE K Hotel, JUFFAIR

DINE FOR CHARITY… When you dine for Iftar at Crowne Plaza, .500 fils will be given to charity for only BD11.950++ at La Mosaique Restaurant. For Eid, La Mosaique will host a Buffet Lunch (12noon to 4pm) for BD9.950++. Dinner buffet theme nights are: Steak Night on the first and third day of Eid for BD15.950++ and Seafood Night for BD16++ on the second day. Spices will offer a four-course Eid Lunch or Dinner set-menu for the entire three-day Eid celebrations at BD9.950++ per person. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1753 1122

PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM… The K Hotel’s Klouds Restaurant offers guests a spread of delectable traditional Middle Eastern specialties. Grand Iftar Buffet is for BD11 net per person with Ramadan beverages available from sunset to 9pm. A Ghabga Grand Buffet is on from 9pm to 4am for BD10++ per person. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1736 0000

DIVERSE STYLE OF DINING

DINE AND WIN!

WHERE? GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL BAHRAIN, DIPLOMATIC AREA

WHERE? PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE, SEEF

DELICATELY PREPARED DISHES… Golden Tulip Hotel Bahrain offers a delectable Iftar buffet at Gilgamesh Ballroom for BD10.5 per person. Several cooking stations offer falafel, kunaafa, shawarma and naan bread; as well as a sumptuous buffet spread of lasagna, chicken biryani, hares, ghouzi, mezzah, grills and tasty desserts. RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1753 5000

PRIZES FOR EVERYONE… Guests can tuck into a wide range of delicious food including popular Arabic dishes with family and friends for their buffet for only BD4.5. Dining at Ponderosa Steakhouse this holy season has an added treat — amazing prizes await the lucky guests in the Weekly Raffle Draw. Open from 6pm to 3am for the whole month of Ramadan.

RESERVATIONS: ✆ 1758 0552

MOTORING

Diva Drives

Nothing spells luxury like Rolls-Royce — it has a presence totally unique to the marque and lacks absolutely nothing in terms of prestige, engineering and fittings.

“It is difficult to truly match the presence and prestige afforded to Rolls-Royce.”

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Sari Mabire Diva Driver

Rolls-Royce Ghost A smaller sibling of the Phantom, the Ghost is considered by many to be the “baby” Rolls-Royce, and what a baby it is! From the moment you unlock the car with the remote key and that iconic lady Spirit of Ecstasy rises up on the radiator grille you cannot help but smile at the beauty of the car. The design of the Ghost is blissfully understated, pure and sublimely elegant. It definitely turns heads wherever you drive it and the level of excitement it aroused in the Ohlala! office was unprecedented in comparison to other cars, with practically everyone wanting to take a peek and some lucky few even getting to ride in it! On entering the car you are greeted by contemporary interior with absolutely flawless expanses of soft, full-grain leather, natural wood veneers and plush carpets. What will also strike you, is that even though the Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever produced, you are not confronted by a myriad of rows of buttons and control switches, instead the simplicity and the uncluttered design of the dashboard and console is refreshing. However, all the modern high-tech luxury features are there, it’s just that designers at Rolls-Royce have discreetly hidden them until required, for example, the Control Centre Display, which controls the navigation system, Bluetooth and music system, among others, remains out of sight behind a veneered panel until required. Apart from the chassis, the Ghost is essentially handassembled in England where each car takes 20 days to complete and in the process passes by 60 pairs of skilled hands. The result is a finely crafted, ultra-luxury carriage, more reminiscent of a custom-built ship than a mass production car, respecting the traditions of a century-old pedigree vehicle. Under the bonnet you have a really beautiful engine — and I mean that literally. I have not seen another car engine that looks so good, and not only that, but the amazing performance you get out of the 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 with 563 hp is just magnificent. Despite being a very large and heavy vehicle, the engine can hurtle the Ghost from zero to 100 kilometres-perhour in just 4.9 seconds.

The driving is unbelievably smooth and the cabin stays incredibly quiet at all times, even when the head-up display climbs to larger and larger digits… Regardless of speed, road or load conditions, the adaptive air suspension evens out surface imperfections in a very impressive manner. The Ghost does feel very large to start off with but once you get used to the dimensions, the light and precise steering makes driving it an absolute pleasure and you feel almost regal rolling down the highway in a stately style. The Ghost comes packed with the luxurious standard features expected of a Rolls-Royce, some of which are front and rear parking sensors, park assist camera (which even has a top view of the car and is very practical when maneuvering the car around parking slots), power closing “coach” back doors, massaging front seats and even a pair of umbrellas stored within the front doors. Optional features include, for example, multi-adjustable rear seats with massage functions, rear DVD players and even drop down picnic tables. If the regular selection of additional options is not enough for you, the company’s Bespoke Commission programme will enable you to have even more choices, and the only limit is your imagination and finances! Lavish ladies can even have a specially installed make-up case and matching set of luggage. You can even choose the colour of your car to match your favourite nail polish! Safety-wise the Ghost comes with a multitude of features, some of which are stability and traction controls, antilock brakes, active head restraints, airbags, child seat anchors and many more. The Driver’s Assistance Systems package adds lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, a colour headup display and a night vision camera with pedestrian detection warning. Overall the Ghost delivers everything that the name RollsRoyce promises. Definitely a car that is well suited for day-to-day use where both the driver and the passengers are cosseted in opulence and ultimate comfort. There are many luxury cars out on the market but it is difficult to truly match the presence and prestige afforded to Rolls-Royce. Let the Spirit of Ecstasy soar!

Shopping

Perfect Eid Gifts

Eid al-Fitr is an auspicious occasion for warm family gatherings, communal bonding, festive merriment and of course, an opportunity to go shopping for family, friends and loved ones. OHLALA! bring you these fabulous marvels for this festive gift-giving time. ALL WRAPPED UP

Bath & Body Works’ Perfect Signature Collection has a range of perfectly packaged gift sets, available in different sizes from travel minis to Signature Collection box sets. The fragrance collection includes Japanese Cherry Blossom and Dark Kiss, Twilight Woods and Midnight Pomegranate.

DIAMONDS ARE … ONESIXEIGHT

NEW SEASON, NEW FRAGRANCE

Ajmal Perfumes have just launched their newest fragrance for Ramadan: Dahn Al Oudh Rabia Al Omr, a name which means ‘Spring of Youth’; created using premium quality Indian Agarwood oil blended with the finest oudh from Laos and Cambodia. The fragrance is exclusively crafted for those who value a premium Oudh.

GIRLIE BAUBLES

Fashionable necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings feature in Folli Follie’s latest season jewellery designs. The ‘4F’ jewellery are a display of round-shaped delights and you can choose from either silver or rosegold plated designs. Crystal stones in an array of colours, such as orange, white, black and purple crystal stones, provide the perfect accessory to any outfit. 64

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Introducing ‘OneSixEight’, the new diamond brand by Damas. With each piece highlighting the bold beauty of a single solitaire diamond, the OneSixEight (as in the number of hours in a week) collection feature earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and 17 different ring designs.

NOT ALL PINK!

Victoria’s Secret now offers a collection of accessories including cosmetic cases, wallets, totes, bags and luggage — all available in a variety of fabrics and prints, including genuine calfskin leather in silver embossed coloured python print and nylon.

ONE TOP, MANY LOOKS

LONDON MOD

Juicy Couture takes on a London vibe this fall as they inject California cool with hints of punk British influence. Pieces are peppered with menswear tailoring, tongue-in-cheek nods to status and elements of 1970’s Sunset Strip.

Extra resistant, elastic and doesn’t wrinkle, Salsa’s versatile Top Feel can be transformed in more ways than one: as a top, a dress, a T-shirt, or a skirt. An essential item to bring to your favourite Eid holiday destination; it’s available in green, black, red, pink and blue.

LUXE MUST-HAVE

Start making your Eid wish list, and whilst you do make sure to check out Warehouse’s Fall collection — this lovely blue dress spells understated chic and is a must-have addition to any trendy gal’s wardrobe.

EDGY AND UTILITARIAN ECO CHIC

A fashionable and eco-friendly way to shop, Mallberri is a chic alternative to using multiple shopping bags, whilst also saving your back and wrists from prolonged strain of carrying heavy bags. You can rent one from the Mallberi stand at Bahrain City Centre.

Alluring, functional and attractive, Lacoste Creative Director Felipe Oliveira Baptista introduces summer-friendly urban sportswear from the Fall/ Winter collection. Make sure to check out their trendy light coats, ultra light silk crepe, boy’s blazers made from Milano jersey — all completely suited to wearing during the warmer days.

society

WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE

SOCIETY

Bahrain Hotspots To get your event featured in Ohlala! email: events@ohlala-magazine.com BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE OPENS LEWAN RAMADAN August 1 to 31

WHY GO? Families will be happy to know that there are numerous daily themed arts and crafts and cultural entertainment at Bahrain City Centre’s Lewan Ramadan tent. Children will be able to create their very own Ramadan-themed keepsakes through pottery making with Studio Ceramics or they can sit down at the nightly storytelling of Bahrain folklore. There’s also a puppet show by the Al Bayader Theatre; a complimentary health clinic with an on-site nutritionist; a henna station; photo opportunities with a falcon and a traditional games corner for children, teens and adults. Lewan Ramadan activities starts from 9pm daily except for pottery painting, with sessions from 11am to 2pm. Mall timings for Ramadan are: Saturday to Tuesday - 10am to 4pm and 7.30pm to midnight; Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 4pm and 7.30pm to 1am.

www.BahrainCityCentre.com 1717 7771

LPOD’S ‘AMAZING EID SURPRISES’ August 19 to September 13 WHY GO? Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with a splash at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark where surprises and one-of-a-kind shows await children and the young at heart! All the way from Budapest, Hungary, performers for The Wakeboard Show will wow audiences with three shows daily from August 19 to September 1 with their combined artistic skills in water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. Samson the Strongest Man [DASH] this world-class act from Bulgaria will display one of his most difficult and incredible stunts August 19 to September 13: pulling a 1.2-tonne vehicle with his bare hands. You’ll see him getting run over by a 2.5-tonne vehicle too! Make sure not to miss out on these amazing shows.

www.LPODwaterpark.com 1784 5162

Seef Fantasy Challenge August 1 to 25 WHY GO? Seef Mall promises a fun-filled entertainment for the whole family as up until August 25, the Seef Fantasy Challenge transforms the mall into a world of adventure, and great prizes to be won too. Take part in the Monster Wrestling, have a go at Bungee Jumping, go through the deceptive maze in the Chamber of Secrets, or become the Archer of Arabia at the archery tournament and send cannon balls crashing though the Castle in the Sky’s doors. Spend BD20 for a chance to play and win in the Crystal Dome and enter the big raffle draw for a Chevrolet Tahoe!

www.seef.net 1758 1111

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WIN GOLD & CELEBRATE IN STYLE WITH MODA MALL August 1 to 26

WHY GO? This Ramadan and Eid, MODA Mall has prepared an array exciting activities for everyone. You can bring your family and kids to celebrate Girgaoun on August 14 from 8pm onwards; or you may want to be in for a chance to strike gold! Every BD50 spent at the Mall earns you a raffle ticket to enter into a lucky draw. First Prize - 30 Gold Pieces, Second Prize - ten Gold Pieces and for the Third Prize - five Gold Pieces. Draw Date will be on 26thAugust. Terms and Conditions apply. Sumptuous deals for Iftar and Suhoor are also on offer from the Mall’s participating restaurants: Abdel Wahab, Sheraton Hotel Restaurants, Maki, Lina’s, Patisserie Valerie, Illy Café, Caribou Coffee and Costa Coffee.

www. modabwtc.com

THE QAF ART EXHIBITION August 1 to 30 WHY GO? Up to August 30, The Naqsh Gallery will be hosting the Qaf Exhibition which is inspired by the fantastic album ‘Steps in Cairo’ by Basim Darwish and Matthias Frey. The event aims to showcase a number of modern paintings which reflect the smoothness of the album's charming work. The exhibition's paintings emulate the harmonious interactions between the dazzling mystical notes of jazz through a fusion of colours, lines, shapes and contrasts.

www.naqshgallery.com 1759 1313

Women’s World Expo August 10 WHY GO? Now on its third year, the first Women’s World Expo exhibition is back in Bahrain. Organised by Diva Events, they bring together entrepreneurs and home business owners to help market their products and services and network with like-minded individuals. The Exhibition will be held on August 10 at the Moevenpick Hotel Bahrain and is a ladies only event. This is opportunity to show off your creativity and savvy business skills this Ramadan.

contact@diva-bh.com

3322 7627 / 3622 6440

SOCIETY

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Visits Paris His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently visited France to congratulate the French President, Francois Hollande, on his victory in the presidential elections and his inauguration in Paris. The visit was a milestone in the BahrainiFrench relations, voicing the kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride in its relations with France and keen interest to boost them in various fields.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

SOCIETY

Jazz Concert at Bushido! Celebrating the Fête de la Musique, Bushido was the place to be to truly enjoy some real jazz and dance the night away. Live music was played by Eric Séva — a man who has recorded more than 80 albums and has 25 years of experience under his belt.

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Goodbye Wael and Anne Sybil! The summer always seems to mark a time of farewells to friends departing the island. Family and friends of Wael and Anne Sybil held a leaving party for them at Block 338 where people gathered say their goodbyes amongst great company, music and dancing.

Natasha Bird's Leaving Party A special evening of rooftop cocktails, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Someone Fetch Me A Ladder To Dance Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was held to wish Natasha Bird good luck on her future endeavors. Close friends got together to enjoy their last night with Natasha before she left the island.

SOCIETY

Sofitelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FĂŞte de la Musique An exclusive cocktail evening was held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa for the French national event, Fete de la Musique, which was born in 1982 and reached an international level by 1985. The evening was filled with laughs, Cuban music and dancing!

Happy Birthday Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy! Clare Beckett-McInroy, the President of the Bizladies, celebrated her birthday at Dragon Resort, where friends and work acquaintances gathered to show their appreciation for all her hard work and take the time to enjoy a break from their busy schedules.

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Golden Tulip Lobby Relaunch Party Distinguished guests and business partners celebrated the completion of the Golden Tulipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobby renovation with a cocktail evening filled with delicious buffet dinner and refreshments.

American Independence Day Celebrations An occasion proudly celebrated worldwide by millions of Americans, Bennigans Restaurant hosted an event to pay tribute to July 4. The venue was packed with patriotic US citizens all keen to share the celebrations.

SOCIETY

Khaleda Rajab Haute Couture Boutique Launch Khaleda Rajab Haute Couture Boutique held an event to re-launch the well-known fashion designers boutique. Two upcoming new local designers Marrakesh and Haraka also launched their collections and are now available at the boutique. Fashionistas and trend setters gathered to take note of the new names in town.

Graduation Ceremony for the Royal University for Women The Royal University for Women celebrated yet another year of graduates with a special ceremony held at the Gulf Hotel. Proud parents, friends and professors all showed their continuous support for the ladies who have worked so hard to achieve their degrees.

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Bizladies at Bushido The Bizladies gathered for their last event before the summer break at Bushido where the ladies indulged in a night of cocktails and a dinner. The event was sponsored by BFC, Audi and Gulf Brands International. Over 60 senior business ladies attended the event and listened to a presentation by Aziza Salman, the Founder of Paparazzi Photography.

Mercedes-Benz launch at the Ritz Carlton Al Haddad Motors launched the new MercedesBenz SL-Class in the Grand Foyer of the RitzCarlton Bahrain, where car lovers gathered to see the latest addition to the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection.

SOCIETY

LPODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Water Volleyball Tournament The Lost Paradise of Dilmun held its fifth Water Volleyball tournament where keen players gave their all to make sure the best team won. With the summer weather ever upon us, splashing about in the water is obviously the best place to be!

BAKE At Deja Vu

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DJ Mega Mike kicked off the final BAKE event at Deja Vu last month and was followed with music from DJette Kiwi. The evening was packed with house music where a small yet lively crowd partied into the early hours.

Business

SOCIETY

BMW ANNOUNCES SPIKE IN HALF-YEAR SALES

Announcing their best first quarter ever, BMW Group Middle East has announced a 13 percent increase in sales for the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. With 10,352 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to customers across 14 Middle East markets, the Group is gearing up for yet another successful year in the region. The half year performance was boosted by sales of the Group’s top-of-the-range vehicles: the BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and the flagship BMW 7 Series.

MERCEDES BENZ M-CLASS LEADS SUV GROWTH

The launch of the all new M-Class in March has spearheaded Mercedes-Benz’ SUV growth, expanding the company’s market share for 2012. With an increase of 56 percent in sales, the new M-Class has already laid a very strong foundation of success for Mercedes-Benz’ ‘Year of the SUV’ 2012 strategy. The top-of-therange ‘S-Class of SUVs’ GL also performed well for Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicle range sales, increasing 34 percent while the perennial G-Class continued to bolster its iconic status with a further 11 percent increase. SUV sales will be spurred by the recent GLK and flagship GL model launches later this year.

ROLLS-ROYCE ACHIEVES STRONG MIDEAST SALES

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced a solid first half of the year in the Middle East, with sales increasing by 22 percent regionally, compared with the same period in 2011. Saudi Arabia in particular has maintained an exceptional growth from the first quarter, with the UAE, Qatar and other markets achieving robust growth rates individually, all fuelled by remarkably high demand for Ghost models and a sustained demand for Phantom. The performance can be attributed in part to the continued success of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase models, supported by the personalisation possibilities available from the company’s Bespoke programme.

MOEVENPICK PARTNERS WITH OMAN AIR

150 guests attended the gala cocktail gathering by Moevenpick Hotel Bahrain in partnership with Oman Air, which included ambassadors, Bahrain’s top CEOs and bookers at the hotel’s newly built tent located at the Silk’s restaurant terrace. Moevenpick Hotel and Oman Air have partnered this year to launch their joint summer promotion, providing guests with the best holiday offers by Oman Air and the booker’s advantage M card by Moevenpick respectively. The highlight of the evening saw raffle draw winners receive airline prizes to different destinations within the Oman Air network.

SOFITEL CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Launched in 2011 as part of the brand's global strategy, Sofitel Luxury Hotels celebrated the first anniversary of its Ambassador program for its 25,000 employees in different locations around the world. The program was designed to attract and retain talent through specialised training and providing opportunities for career advancement. As a symbol of the development of their careers, in June 2011, each Ambassador was presented with their own personal passport, which they will keep throughout their professional ‘journey’ within the brand. 79

Ohlala! Stars

Giovanni unveils your future for August Happy Birthday Ms Leo

Have you ever felt that the world is working against you? That may sum up your feelings this month and perhaps you should analyse just where you are and what you want from the future. If a relationship has been getting you down then now might be the time to reflect and take action. August could be the month when a change — whatever its nature — impacts upon your life for some time to come and sets you on a completely new road. If you don’t gamble on your instincts then you might just regret it. On a more positive note, the signs are good if you plan to change jobs, and an interview on the August 26 could bring rich rewards in a new career. Also, do not turn your back on the call for help from a close friend, who needs you now more than ever.

July 23 – August 22

Leo — at a glance

People born under the sign of Leo are often confident, ambitious, generous to a fault and incredibly loyal. Additionally they are a regular source of inspiration and encouragement to friends and colleagues. They are also very independent but need something to focus on in life and control, as well as someone to admire them. They are often at their best when someone shows them admiration.They are capable of great success on their own but again work much better to an audience or admirers, which makes them especially good candidates to follow a career in the performing arts or music. On the negative side they can sometimes be pretentious, domineering, melodramatic, stubborn, vain and a little out of touch with reality. Some Leos can get too caught up with themselves and this can lead to a very self-centered attitude that wins them few friends. They most often can come across as a spoilt, demanding child as they find it difficult to accept the opinions of others.

Famous Leos Amelia Earhart Karl Jung Mick Jagger Arnold Schwarzenegger Dustin Hoffman

Robert De Niro Robert Redford Whitney Houston Jacqueline Kennedy Bill Clinton

Libra (September 23 – October 22) Change is sweeping through your life this month and such movement inevitably means new opportunities as well as the permanent closure of doors that have, up till now, been so often open to you. The end of a long-term friendship could hit you harder than you first anticipated as someone close moves away. This departure may act as the catalyst for a new train of thought that forces you into serious analysis over your own existence and future. Do not be too hasty with any decisions you reach since you cannot trust your first instincts in these circumstances. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) It’s your money. You earn it so you can do what you want with it. If only certain members of your family could get their heads around that concept. August may see you having to defend your actions in areas of finance for no real reason whatsoever. Be quick to realise that where your money is concerned you have the final say so get others to grasp that point! If there is trouble at home with a partner, and their less than flattering remarks, then confront them rather than allow the matter to brew and the “cold shoulder” to prevail. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Fortunes are high in August as the good turn of events in your life propel you into the latter quarter of the year with promise and renewed confidence. If you are contemplating, or indeed having any work done within the house, then make sure you get the best price for what you want. Hidden extras could leave a simple looking job carrying a hefty final price tag. On a more personal note, you should watch a child if travelling as one moment of absent thought could give you a brief but unnerving scare. Aries (March 20 – April 19) August is the month of reconciliation and a return to the attitudes and ideas of your past as you set about putting your emotional life in order. However, don’t fall into the trap of believing that things will be as they were because you will be disappointed. You have been a little selfish with your emotions and some people have moved on from where you left them. What you should aim for is a more generous and understanding attitude — one that many of the people around you are more likely to remember you for.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) How do you think you might feel if you were to walk in on a situation not meant for your eyes? Consider the question since August suggests you might very well intrude upon an incident, which will bring about a considerable measure of embarrassment, not just for you but also for those involved. If it alludes to a hidden romance then the circumstances may be doubly difficult since you could be more involved than you realise, through a connection with a friend or relative. You will have to think long about what to say and when to say it.

Ohlala! I August 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

VIRGO (August 23 — September 22) August is the month when many of you should finally wake up to the world you are living in and perhaps begin to take responsibility for your own actions — especially in the area of love. Although you could be blamed for being a little naïve when it comes to matters of romance, even the most sheltered of you must realise that if you have a partner, they need some attention now and again. Your biggest crime recently has been one of neglect and now could be the time when such selfishness backfires on you.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) This month an incident from your recent past, which you have still not addressed, will come back to haunt you. The significance of this relates to something that happened four or five weeks ago so think carefully. It could involve money and as a consequence you are advised to reach a resolution quickly. There will be no second chances beyond August. On an alternative note, the snapping doubts over a relationship may become more frequent so be honest about your feelings.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) The battle is on as you seek to stamp your authority on a project at work against some very stiff and competitive opposition. If doubts arise, stand strong, since you will be judged not just on your work but also your performance under pressure. Allowing your “opponent” the upper hand at any junction of this “fight” will seriously damage your longterm chances of success. If a child has been acting differently recently then a moment aside is advisable since you may well discover a worrying fact that leaves you shaken.

Pisces (February 19 – March 19) An unplanned monetary outlay could leave your finances seriously stretched this month as you are forced to come to terms with a lot more spending than you might at first realise. This is in part because others involved have not been entirely honest with you. Additionally, the shadow of a past indiscretion may rear its head in August, and explanations will have to be delivered quickly if they are to be believed. There’s a lot at stake here so don’t take this matter lightly. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Money is the main concern for you this month but it will be more a case of managing the excess rather than the opposite. A problem many people would like to have. A recognition of your talents at work will lead to an increased pay rise or bonus and this will set your finances up well for the coming months. August may well see you organising improvements within the home and a trip abroad could also be on the cards. In matters of health, you may begin to feel your old self after a possible low point towards the end of July.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Keep your secrets safe and well hidden if you must keep them at all — especially where a loved one is involved. If you have an agenda totally outside your relationship with your partner, it is too late to reveal all, so the best advice would be to wind it down and then bury it in the past. If you leave it there then no one will get hurt. However, choosing to continue the pursuit suggests you should beware: you are on very dangerous ground. The omens are not good and a finger of light may point the way to a complete revelation with an uncomfortable outcome.

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THE COLUMN

Lifestyle Lowdown

Londo n=R ain

gs with Rozan Ahmed

Your monthly musin

"I actually have a newfound respect for Kim Kardashian now. It's really draining, this whole exercise of "reality" filming when nothing feels "real" about having a camera shoved in your face, in the first place."

reetings, from the city of London. One's hometown. I landed yesterday afternoon. It was raining. It's now past midnight. It is still raining. Bearing in mind this is supposed to be "summer time", I find this psychotic freak for weather so utterly depressing and look forward to leaving as soon as possible. Luckily, I'm only in town for four days, shooting for the upcoming TV show Making of a Mogul. The program follows successful men and women under the age of 35 making an impressive (and global) impact through their entrepreneurial endeavours. Links and so on will be available on the bougi blog next month! Indeed, all very exciting. So anyway, for almost a week I've had cameras follow my day-to-day working life, which by the way, is substantially awkward. I actually have a newfound respect for Kim Kardashian now. It's really draining, this whole exercise of "reality" filming when nothing feels "real" about having a camera shoved in your face, in the first place. I also found that in many ways the show helped me in my career definition. I never realised how hard it was to "break down" my many working lines. The business, the services, management and writing... campaigning, crisis dealing (way too often) and advocacy in social development... the spanning, so far and wide. An "Oprah" state of mind, if you will. That's the best I could do in terms of "defining" what I stand for... kind of. I guess. Making of a Mogul will uncover my and bougi's works in Bahrain, Dubai, London and East Africa; it is due to air on August 20, 2012. Hit facebook.com/bougi for more information! Back to London, and the city's currently bustling with pre-Olympic fever. "London 2012" flags all over the West End, traffic buildup already reaching levels of unbearable, athletes getting lost due to drivers not

knowing their way. A hell-looking ted Addic am = r g Heathrow. Media accreditation madness. a t s In This unbelievable weather (they better have some indoor contingencies). But hey, either way, life goes on. Good luck with it all, England. Apartment 58. Poland Street. West End. Be sure to check it out. Fantastic Asian fusion, and for the members, a beautiful private space (resembling that of an apartment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hence the name) with a large sized bar and very impressive sound system. It was my first time visiting the place for a dear friend's birthday, and instantly fell in love with the This , intimacy of it all. You'll never by Sof ia Al find it on Poland Street unless Asfoor = Mi you've been told, by the way. ne Good thing you read this column. Two things I find myself slightly obsessing over this month... first, Instagram. What was my life like before thinking I was an AWESOME photographer thanks to this application? I don't know. Second, Sofia Al Asfoor, this Bahrain bombshell now has a line of exquisite handbags. I suggest you realise (and fully accept) that as soon as these IKE wonderful creations become available to gi = L m/bou o .c k o the public, the first one, in radiant blue, is facebo mine. Oh, and while my friends are currently lapping it up in St. Tropez, Greece, Italy and Monaco, I plan to spend the next couple of weeks in South Sudan. Not entirely excited about living in a tent with haphazard electricity and a barely running shower... but alas, all in the name of humanity. Plus nothing on this earth (well, except maybe Monte Carlo) can beat the stunning views of Sudan's nature. Makin Ciao for now... ď&#x201A;ž g of a

Visit: www.rozanahmed.com - Like: www.facebook.com/bougi - tweet: @IamRozan

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