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www.ohlala-magazine.com
FEARLESS FASHION An Exclusive With Tory Burch Screen Legend Robert De Niro
Your New Winter Wardrobe GUERLAIN Revealing Your Inner Beauty
THE WOMEN BEHIND
Mclaren
January 2013 Issue # 05 BAHRAIN BD2 UAE DHS20 QATAR QR20 KUWAIT KD2 KSA SR20
NEW YORK BEVERLY HILLS MONTRE AL LONDON PARIS ARR AYA MALL 965 229 97739 360 MALL 965 253 09618
MADRID TOK YO DUBAI MANAMA KUWAIT CIT Y THE AVENUES MALL 965 22 597069
Screen Legend Robert De Niro
Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris
Welcome 2013!
ast month, the Gulf was literally buzzing with excitement as new collections debuted, boutiques opened across the region, and events were held to celebrate the last month of the New Year. Ohlala! was very much caught up in the action, also travelling across the globe to bring you exclusive stories. Invited to the McLaren Headquarters and Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England, we toured the outstanding factory, home of one of the world’s leading F1 teams and the McLaren Automotive supercars, interviewing women behind the scenes, and testing the superb McLaren 12C Spider — what an exhilarating experience! Read all about it in our Women in Power interview. In Qatar at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Ohlala! caught up with screen legend, Robert De Niro, who was stopping over in the Middle East to launch his latest film ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. In our Celebrity Scoop he reveals his acting philosophy, approach to making movies and latest project in the pipeline. Heading on to Dubai we were invited, not only for an exclusive fashion show of Tory Burch’s Spring 2013 collection, but also to talk the eclectic American designer for our Fashion interview. Tory’s style combines classic silhouettes with unique touches, inspired by the many cultures she encounters on her travels. Still in Dubai and at a soiree in the Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, we were introduced to the stunning Jimmy Choo Cruise 2013 collection and the ‘Choo 24:7 Stylemakers’ where we took part in a super fun photo booth activity, modelling our favourite Jimmy Choo shoes and bags — a woman’s dream event, featured in our Society pages. Ohlala! was also invited to a preview of the beautiful Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Summer 2013 collection at Grosvenor House, Dubai, then treated to a sublime dinner in the Siddarth Lounge by Buddha Bar, with an exclusive Moet & Chandon after-party at the Royal Mirage. Here’s looking forward to a happy and prosperous 2013 where Ohlala! continues to offer you the very best stories, fashion and exclusive interviews the region, and the globe, has to offer. Thanks go out to our loyal readers and clients, without which this would not be possible. Bonne année from the Ohlala! team. Happy New Year!
Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris 8
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Fearless F as
hion with
The Women Behind McLaren
Tory Burc h
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20 STYLE
Woman in Power
Celebrity Scoop
Fashion of the Stars
The Women Behind McLaren
Screen Legend Wows Fans
Take some inspiration
20 from celebrities to jazz up your winter look.
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Ohlala! were invited to the
26 McLaren Headquarters and
Production Centre in England, home of one of the world’s leading F1 teams and McLaren Automotive, which creates some of the most superb supercars on earth. Kirsty Edwards-Harris gets the VIP tour, the lowdown for women buyers in the region, as well as interviewing the gifted women behind the scenes, and of course, experiencing the stunning McLaren 12C Spider.
Ohlala! I January 2013 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
Stopping over in the
32 Middle East to launch
his latest film ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, Robert De Niro reveals his acting philosophy, his approach to making movies and his latest project in the pipeline, to a select crowd of guests at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
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36 FASHION
FASHION Interview
MOTORING
Winter Wardrobe
Fearless Fashion
Diva Drives
Ohlala! in association
36 with Punt Roma
showcase your wardrobe staples for the new season.
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Ohlala! Magazine was invited
46 to the One&Only Royal
Mirage, Dubai, to interview the eclectic but classic American designer, Tory Burch. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with her about her latest collections, and ever-increasing popularity.
Ohlala! I January 2013 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
Jaguar — another iconic
58 British car brand that by the name alone evokes ideas of sportiness, grandeur and a luxurious lifestyle.
kuwait, 360 mall ground floor main atrium, tel +965 2530 9912, the avenues phase ii, tel +965 2259 7065 j immyc ho o.com
Publisher & Chairman John Hughes Chief Operations Officer Rami Khalil
Publishing Director Edward Smith
Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris
Business Associate Talal Yacoub Aldoub
Editorial Assistant Karina Lazarraga
Publishing Consultant Jameel Arif
Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker
Sales & Marketing Director Leslie Garduque
Art Director Syed Muhammed Raihan
Sales & Marketing Manager Ibis Perea
Graphic Designer Rashed Bindaina
Sales Executive Pauline Marcombe
Website Designer & Developer Ammar Ali Photographer Shobin
Sales & Distribution Coordinator Sheree Lou Cabonce
Feature Contributors Aqeel Al-Mosawi Christina Pinto Kinda Al Faris Georges Karam Giovanni Hussain Al-Sairafi Rozan Ahmed Sari Mabire
Administration Executive Aniyan Varghese Accountants Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander Distribution Team Jayapragash Ganesan Rajesh Abdul Kadar
Fashion Contributors Aisa Santana @ Toni & Guy Deanne Chandler @ Toni & Guy Jordan Davis @ Toni & Guy Photography Contributors Abdulaziz AlSuraya George Mathew
Distribution Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq Kuwait – United Company
www.ohlala-magazine.com Enquiries Editorial: editor@ohlala-magazine.com Advertising: edward.s@nansgroup.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 (Qatar) +974 3308 3071 (Kuwait) +965 6767 0514 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.
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www.greyimage.com www.greyimage.com +973 3320 8003 +973 3320 8003
STYLE
TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS
The beginning of a New Year is the perfect time to take on a new look. When will you be heading to the boutiques to indulge?
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STYLE
Fearless Fashion
Why not have fun with fashion in the New Year and go for bravado colours, patterns and volume. We’re loving this cute look in eye-popping shades from the Marc Jacobs Resort 2013 collection. Check out the funky platforms with gumball-sized rhinestones — magic!
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The HOT List
Tantilising Jewels
Adorn yourself with this exquisite pair of white and pink Fancy Intense Pink Pear-Shaped diamond earrings, meticulously hand-crafted in platinum and 18 karat rose gold by Leviev — go on, you know you’re worth it.
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Alluring Sophistication
If you need an excuse for a suave party, then this stunning, red lace jaquard organza strapless gown from the Carolina Herrera Resort collection is most certainly it! Book the venue, invite all your friends, and become the belle of the ball.
Investment Buy
Every woman must have a Hermes bag in her collection. This Hermes Double Sens Bag is the latest to grace the boutiques. A reversible and practical multi-purpose tote in Clemence-Bull Calfskin, it can hold almost anything, and is available in a range of different colour combinations.
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STYLE
Contemporary Silhouette Tod’s D Bag Luxury is sure to be the talking point of every stylish ensemble.
For the new season, the Tod’s bag collection widens with new shapes, where the high quality is expressed in new models, with precious materials and in different colours. The luxury of quality is an aesthetic and functional pleasure.
The D Bag is soft, with a handcut finish and a contemporary silhouette ranging in precious tie-and-dye crocodile and calf skin with bright sheepskin details, or more rectangular in coloured soft calfskin and sheepskin.
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The iconic D Bag Luxury, an evolution of the classic D Bag in a super-luxurious hide, features a full leather lining. Created with the highest levels of craftsmanship and technical expertise and in the most beautiful leathers.
If you want to turn heads this season, then opt for this iconic D Bag Luxury in opulent tie-anddye crocodile skin — sumptuous and exclusive — a must-have trendsetting piece for those who want to make a statement.
Fashion of theStars Take some inspiration from celebrities to jazz up your winter look. ce of looks the essen ring o ej B e ic én ér B is Vuitton Sp style in this Lou ivory and ecru Summer 2013 quarter-sleeve minichecked, three- ulaire’ premiere. the dress at the ‘Pop tress jazzes up The French acred, suede Christian look with hot ps, a silver crystalLouboutin pumutch and Anna Rivka embellished cl ess is best suited for jewels. This dr aller upper body, and those with a smng a little tummy. is g reat for hidi
Bérénice Bejo Jessica Biel
Ch Flawsome anel Iman attended B ‘T Tzone’ in all for the Tyra Ba he nk N ew York. looks stun The modes n in g l in neck even ing dress, this long halterwith a fro and a pyth tones of b on printed-motif nt slit in the Salvatore lush and nude, from Ferragam o Resor the collecti look with on. She complement 2013 earrings, a Amrapali diamon ts the d sna n em and nude bellished gold clutcke pumps. W h wearing s e’d killer heelome strappy sandalssuggest to carry th w e look off ith a well. Image by G ettyimage
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Chanel Im
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understated, Dressing in an mble while casual chic enseomoting her in New York pr cock’, Jessica new film ‘Hitchnew it-bag, Biel sports the ag in dark TOD’S Miky B d gorgeous g rey leather, an Gommini limited-editionsequined loafers Ricamo spray The actress in black suede. ese with funky chose to pair thousers and a black leather trat. This is a simple g rey cosporting out g reat look for n during the and about tow cooler months. 19
The Cause
Fighting Diabetes Slowly But Surely
Diabetes alters a person’s lifestyle and leaves them with serious health complications. To safeguard the population for the benefit of society, many organisations around the world, such as the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait, are focused on spreading awareness in addition to emphasising healthier lifestyle choices. 20
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hlala! met with the Institute to discuss their recent successful Diabetes Awareness Campaign, particularly the ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon. They reveal to us the extent of their programs in raising awareness for the disease, and their plans for the future for the Institute. Dasman Diabetes Institute started organising walkathons in 2006 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. In 2009, the Landmark Group, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, approached them to participate in their endeavour in accordance with the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to organise the ‘Beat Diabetes Walkathon’ in 2010. Every year since then, the walkathons are conducted every November, which coincides with the World Diabetes Awareness month. Tarek Aleryan, public relations and media services director, speaking about the enthusiastic response to the event says, “Everyone joins in on that day to walk for a good cause. We get people with special needs, boys, girls — all different kinds of people from all over Kuwait attend the walkathon.” The Walkathon The route of the walkathon begins from The Yacht Club and ends at Green Island. The crowds number in the thousands, and to reinforce the awareness program, a tent is pitched on the route for people to receive free tests for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Tarek explains further that, “There’s also a medical exhibition where we distribute handouts, leaflets, and information on diabetes and other chronic diseases. At the tent, there are educators present and other excellent clinical services, who talk to the public about the various aspects of diabetes.” The Institute’s association with the food and beverage industry enables them to provide healthy snacks and refreshments for the participants. The Institute’s strength in using social media and advertising has led to the walkathon’s growth in the number of participants every year. “We announce the event well in advance in collaboration with the Landmark partners, and people look forward to it,” Tarek continues, “we are active on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. A Youtube channel was established to help people discover more information about diabetes. It features interviews with professionals and discussions on pertinent topics for the whole of Kuwait and the world.” The Institute has also received assistance from the media to help promote the event. Other Campaigns “The rate of diabetes is increasing all over the world and in Kuwait; it affects over 20 percent of the population. At Dasman, we try to raise public awareness in order to make people aware of the health risks.” They further emphasise this with their educational message where they schedule school visits with educators and health professionals to help youngsters understand diabetes. Often the schools visit the institute on their ‘Open Days’, and they are also involved in numerous outreach programs in famous malls around the country, like Marina mall, The Avenues and Jahra shopping mall. They also stage visits to various institutions to hand out educational brochures and talk about diabetes health risks.
The Main Event The biggest event — The Open Day, is held to commemorate World Diabetes Day and is open to the public. “It is a fun day filled with exciting activities for the whole family and there are people from the institute present to meet with the public. We offer complimentary tests and nutritional consultations,” Tarek says, “we give visitors a complete check up — measuring their cholesterol and glucose level, also their blood pressure, and answer all the questions they ask.” The event allows people from all walks of life to visit and agree to take the tests. Some discover they have diabetes, others find themselves in good health and a few are on the borderline. All groups benefit from the tips given by the Institute on how to maintain their health with regular exercise and a proper diet. Talking about Dasman Diabetes Institute’s accomplishments, Tarek says that, “The increased awareness has seen some good results. People are working out, exercising more and eating a more balanced diet. We will continue to strive to educate people about diabetes.” And Tarek couldn’t stress more on their mission, which is “To prevent, control and mitigate the impact of diabetes and related conditions in Kuwait through effective programs of research, training, education, treatment, and health promotion and thereby, improving quality of life." To support the Institute or to find out more information, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @dasmaninstitute
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Art & Culture
Changing Kuwait’s Design Landscape
With her creative power, Farah Behbehani aims for bigger and better in pursuit of her artistic dreams.
“There is a lot of positive change among the young generation who are pushing for advancement… This will lend to more creativity, hard work and in the end will contribute to our growing heritage.”
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uwaiti Farah Behbehani is a published calligraphist. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she and her family moved to Geneva, Switzerland during the Iraqi invasion where they stayed until a few years ago when the family decided to relocate back to Kuwait. She studied Communication Design in Boston but her interest in graphic design led her to obtain her Master’s degree from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. On her final year, her thesis project led her to design and subsequently publish a book entitled, ‘The Conference of the Birds’ based on a Sufi poem and illustrated using Jalli Diwani calligraphy. It features a decoding system designed to make Arabic calligraphy more accessible to non-Arabic readers. Since she didn’t know too much about the subject, she sought out the help of famed Arabic calligraphist, Khalid Al Saai, whom she trained with for an extended period of time to help her with her vision for the book. Farah’s project received great appreciation and she graduated with distinction and was eventually offered a publishing deal by Thames and Hudson. After finishing her post-grad work, Farah returned to Geneva where she worked on independent graphic design projects until her return to Kuwait. She was commissioned for a project with Pan Arab Consulting Engineers to design the visual identity for the up and coming Jaber Al Ahmad City. After having seen her scope of work, Farah was offered a job from Skidmore, Owings and Merill, who where looking for a local designer to design the facade for seven of Kuwait University’s Administration buildings. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and well received by the university,” she tells us. Farah is quite able to extend her designs to more than just calligraphy, as she was always been artistically inclined. Even when attending high school at the International School of Geneva, she made sure she took as many art classes as permitted within the IB system. This aided her later when she decided to switch her undergrad degree from Business Administration to Communication Design. Now settled in Kuwait, Farah enjoys being surrounded by likeminded artists and those in the creative field and feels that the country is heading in the right direction in terms of art and culture. “There is a lot of positive change among the young generation who are pushing for advancement, as illustrated by those who have started their own concepts, bakeries, event companies and so on. This will lend to more creativity, hard work and in the end will contribute to our growing heritage,” quips Farah, adding that, “a lot has picked up in Kuwait, more events, galleries, such as Dar Al Athar. We may eventually catch up with Dubai!” Farah’s latest undertaking is in collaboration with Lebanese Nada Debeis on a furniture project entitled, ‘Shades of Love’. It features Farah’s calligraphy work using raw nails on wood. It is planned for launch in April in Kuwait and May in Beirut, where Farah hopes it will be displayed at the Sadu house. In the future, Farah wants to design another book based on calligraphy and she’s currently working on a new series of artwork featuring more of what she is so well known for. She believes that people must fight for their dreams even when they seem impossible: “If I managed to publish a book of Arabic calligraphy with no pervious knowledge on the subject, then hard work and dedication is really all it takes to achieve something.” Farah’s Book ‘The Conference of the Birds’ can be purchased on amazon.com, and her latest exhibit is planned for viewing in April Kuwait.
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Woman in Power “McLaren Special Operations is responsible for the bespoke and individual requests of customers and acts in the same way as a Haute Couture fashion house.” ~ Mark Harrison
The Women Behind McLaren
Ohlala! were invited to the McLaren Headquarters and Production Centre in England, home of one of the world’s leading F1 teams and McLaren Automotive, which creates some of the most superb supercars on earth. Kirsty Edwards-Harris gets the VIP tour, the lowdown for women buyers in the region, as well as interviewing the gifted women behind the scenes, and of course, experiencing the stunning McLaren 12C Spider. 24
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et by a lake in the picturesque countryside of Woking, Surrey, the McLaren factory is certainly a remarkable sight. Boasting 32,000-square-metres, the hightech, British manufacturing facility of luxury, highperformance sports cars is as rich in history as it is pioneering technology. If you are lucky enough to be invited for a tour, you’ll be walked through time, viewing an impressive collection of cars, including New Zealander Bruce McLaren’s Austin 7 Ulster, which at the age of 14 Bruce entered into a local hill climb competition in 1952, showing promise as both a driver and an engineer. A true competitor Bruce went on to excel at innovating and developing racing cars, which led to the founding of his own company in 1963, Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. In 1964 Bruce and his small team built the first true McLaren sports car. 1967 saw the start of one of the most dominant episodes in motorsport history with McLaren winning 37 of 43 races, including 19 one-twos between 1967 and 1971. After a slight slump, in 1980 McLaren merged with Ron Dennis’ Project 4 Racing team bringing, not only new drive and ambition to the famous team, but a skilled designer, John Barnard. This led to McLaren pioneering the use of carbon fibre in motor racing with its new car, the MP4/1, revolutionising racing car construction. After discussions on how to harness McLaren’s technical prowess in order to develop its future direction, in 1989 the new company McLaren Cars was born. The carbon chassis was introduced in the McLaren F1 road car in 1993, and McLaren Automotive launched the Production Centre in 2011. With the McLaren factory’s walkway filled with prized trophies from races across the globe, a visual sign of their victorious past, the company’s motto ‘to win races’ rings loud and clear. It’s a constant reminder to each member of the 800 plus team, that they are an integral part of McLaren’s past, present and future, part of a winning team. This winning team is not just about races, the McLaren vision of being the very best extends to all areas of their expertise, with McLaren Automotive’s technologically advanced supercars and exclusive events, as well as projects by McLaren Applied Technologies. McLaren has gone from strength-to-strength across the globe and has a dominant present throughout the Middle East with highly
qualified and experienced retailers. These are located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where McLaren’s main shareholder is Mumtalakat, then also in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A luxurious, high-performance sports car, the 12C Spider combines groundbreaking technology and superb handling, with a timeless, elegant design — the perfect package. If the car’s beauty doesn’t sell it for you, the exciting buzz of the drive — with the feel of a race car on the road — most certainly will. After being taken out on the test track by a professional racing car driver and reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour on the bends, I’m without a doubt adding the McLaren 12C Spider to my dream car wish list. In Volcano Orange please — who’s buying?
MARK HARRISON, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA, MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE Are women offered any special incentives for buying a McLaren? Mark Harrison. Apart from the benefit of being seen at the wheel of what we consider to be the most elegant and comfortable highperformance sports car in the world? We don’t define our customers by gender, but just by their love of such a car. Most important for McLaren Automotive is that we give customers the experience we promised when first announcing our plans to build sports cars for the road. Exclusive, high quality events and experiences for customers, for example, act as an incentive, but more importantly strengthens our relationship with them. We organise these events to appeal to men and women in the market for luxury cars. Consistently staying true to our principles is how we will achieve long-term success. This includes ensuring that our sports cars performance, usability and quality is the best in the class, that we are more exclusive by building fewer cars, and by utilising our Formula 1 know-how and expertise. What is the percentage of women buyers in the region in relation to overall regional sales figures and in relation to women buyers globally? MH. We believe that the female contingent of supercar owners in the Middle East is proportionately higher than in other markets around the world. And, since more cars have started to appear on the roads in the region, interest from women has increased. We even had a young lady whose mother did a test drive, then, having felt as comfortable in the 12C as in her own car within ten minutes,
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Woman in Power was just near my home and we all walked over to meet the drivers. I was only six but I think that’s where my initial interest in motorsport came from. My uncles were also very much into cars. They owned and rebuilt classic and vintage sports cars, such as Maseratis, Alfas, Jaguars and Ferraris. Is that where you think your passion for cars comes from? JO. The speed and noise all came across as very exciting. With motorsport it’s about taking that car and pushing it to its limits, combined with intelligent designs and technologies hidden from sight, whilst still looking amazing, helping the car achieve its potential. The advertising of cars on TV also appealed to me; their sleek designs, how they were portrayed and marketed.
What attracted you to the F1? JO. It had always been in the background but I never really thought about it as a career avenue until I saw an F1 car on show at a shopping centre. I was 14 at the time, and I turned to my mum and told her that it was what I wanted to be involved in. I had only ever seen F1 cars on TV and to seeing it in the flesh was amazing, how immense and beautiful it looked close up. I love art and science and it was an artistic piece of work, yet I knew that every shape on it was designed with a purpose, with clever science and engineering underneath the bodywork. The fact that F1 is a global sport with international recognition also appealed to me. I knew that F1 was the right career path and I wanted to be a part of a team that designed such beautifully engineered vehicles.
Mark Harrison
immediately persuaded her daughter to buy the car. This is because the 12C has a superior level of usability and comfort for a high performance sports car.
What type of woman buys a McLaren? MH. Women customers of the 12C, much like their male counterparts, have owned or are existing owners of high performance sports cars and are seeking something that offers more than a fast car with a loud engine. Her car should fit into her lifestyle and reflect her character. This can be achieved with extensive, standard personalisation options available on the 12C and recently launched 12C Spider; anything is possible through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This part of the business is responsible for the bespoke and individual requests of customers and acts in the same way as a Haute Couture fashion house. This is one reason why McLaren retailers in the region are looking at their businesses in a more targeted way than would be expected. For example, our retailer in Bahrain and our principal shareholder there, Mumtalakat, have worked very closely to develop a landmark showroom at the Moda Mall luxury fashion outlet. Clearly, this will draw many more prospective women customers to look at a McLaren, than if the showroom had been on a typical strip of car lots. JENNI OAKHAM CENG, FRONT TEAM NO.1 DESIGN ENGINEER – AERODYNAMICS, MCLAREN RACING LIMITED Growing up, were you immersed in the motoring world? Jenni Oakham. My family have always been interested in motorsport and cars, and my parents would often watch Formula 1. I was also raised in South Africa where there were many motorsport events. As a child, I lived within earshot of Killarney Race Circuit in Cape Town, but my first real experience of motorsport was the Paris Le Cap Rally in 1992 that passed by my house. The final stop for all the vehicles 26
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Why McLaren? JO. McLaren have always been one of the top teams. When I decided I definitely wanted to work in F1 all my schoolwork was F1 orientated, from artwork that was of F1 cars and motorsport, to physics coursework projects on motorsport materials, like carbon fibre etc. When it came to doing my thesis for my master’s degree, I was delighted to be accepted by McLaren to do mine with them. McLaren are not just a race team but a global brand. They excel in racing and F1 but are also involved, and do well in, many other business areas, from McLaren Automotive and their new sports cars to McLaren Applied Technologies and their work with hospitals and other sports. They are a business that wants to excel in all areas, no matter what the field, and that’s attractive because I also want to do well in everything I set out to do.
Can you tell us more about your role? JO. My role is as a design engineer within the aerodynamics department, which means that I work on the development of all the aerodynamic components to improve our cars' performance. That’s basically everything you can see on the car, like the bodywork, front
“With motorsport it's about taking that car and pushing it to its limits, combined with intelligent designs and technology, whilst still looking amazing. I love that I work at the pinnacle of engineering.” ~ Jenni Oakham
and rear wings etc. We have a wind tunnel model that is a 60-percent scaled down model of the race car, that we design different components for and test to develop certain areas. I currently work in the front team as a No.1 designer concentrating on areas at the front of the car, such as front wing, nose, front suspension etc, but I also work on the rest of the car when required. Why is your role important to McLaren? JO. Aerodynamics is one of the most important areas for improving the performance of a Formula 1 car. The study of it influences the way a car cuts through the air, aiming to reduce its drag (which slows a car down) while also adding downforce (which helps a car grip better to the road, therefore increasing speed, particularly around corners). Updates are being introduced continuously for gains as small as hundredths of a second per lap. We are competing with many other teams for the top spot and therefore our aerodynamic performance needs to be one of the best, if not the best, on the grid.
What is the most exciting element of working with McLaren? JO. Apart from the buzz of working in such a fast paced and competitive environment, I also find it exciting to watch the races and seeing components on the race car that I have designed, or been involved with the development of, on race tracks around the world for the entertainment of millions of people. It’s also great to work with so many like-minded people who are brilliant at what they do. Walking past our many trophies every day is a constant reminder of the successes of McLaren. To work in F1 and know that ideas introduced such as KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) can make their way to the Automotive sector onto cars that people drive. I love that I work at the pinnacle of engineering and that I have achieved what I set out to do so many years ago, being
Jenni Oakham, Anna-Louise Clough & Kirsty Edwards-Harris
part of a winning team, who have values I believe in. It has been an honour and a pleasure to work here and I can only thank McLaren for the opportunities they have offered me so far. How does McLaren give back to society? JO. They are involved with many things that give back to society, such as the McLaren Manufacturing Challenge, which allows school children to see what’s involved in high-tech engineering. I’m a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) ambassador, which means I go to schools or events to speak to the younger generation about what it is like to work in engineering and how fascinating it can be. It’s great that McLaren supports this. We also have companies like McLaren Applied Technologies that are working on projects that help many industries, such as hospitals etc., and not just racing.
What challenges have you faced being in a male dominated industry? JO. My working environment is very professional and it's not like how people might have envisioned it 20 years ago where there were not that many women in engineering. Whether or not you are being judged because you are a woman, I think being a woman, we always try doubly hard because we want to prove that we can do it just as well as anyone else. I’ve recently just become a chartered engineer, and that’s especially important to me, as it means that I meet the professional competences of the Engineering Council of the UK, which is recognised internationally and shows others that I take my profession seriously and that I am competent at what I do.
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Woman in Power passions, and hopefully end up with a job that I enjoy. Namely art and design, then I found out about the automotive course at Coventry and thought, 'Brilliant, let’s give it a go' and the rest is history.
Why McLaren? AC. I’ve always had high aspirations and wanted to work for the best. McLaren really is an amazing company; for the motorsport side, then to step into the road car field. There’s obviously the history of the F1 road car, which is ingrained in me as a child, then to be part of that, taking an even bigger step into that arena is unbelievable. McLaren have achieved so much in such little time and it's just getting better and better. The scope for what I do in colour and materials is fantastic. We’ve got production, McLaren Special Operations for bespoke clients, and then we’ve got the facilities where we can experiment and play with other technologies as well, so that’s really something. It keeps a smile on my face.
What is special about McLaren that appeals to women? JO. In the last few years McLaren have developed themselves as more of a brand. As well as their amazing facilities and fantastic technology, they do seem to dive into lots of areas that appeal to many more people and not just F1 fans. For example, we have a Merchandise Shop selling items from fashion to sports shoes, we have sponsors with Hugo Boss etc. and that appeals to the wider market. What are your aspirations for the future? JO. Now that I have gained my chartered engineer status, I hope to continue learning and developing as an engineer as well as promoting it to the younger generation. Hopefully I act as a role model for other women to see that engineering is not entirely dominated by men. Eventually I’d like to move into management and keep on track with a winning team. What advice can you offer to women who are interested in working in your field? JO. Firstly you must believe in yourself and your dreams, then just go for it, hold your head up high and it will happen. There are hurdles to jump and bridges to cross, but if you have the determination you will get there! Sometimes I think younger women may not be interested in the field of engineering because they have old-fashioned views that perhaps it’s a career just for men, or that it's dangerous and dirty — this couldn’t be further from the truth. An engineer has so much potential and different career avenues available. Everything that surrounds you in daily life has been engineered in one way or another, from cars to hairdryers. If you’re a woman that loves a challenge, then engineering is for you!
ANNA-LOUISE CLOUGH, COLOUR & MATERIAL DESIGNER, MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE Where does your passion for motoring originate? Anna-Louise Clough. It’s definitely from a young age. I got taken to a Grand Prix at Brands Hatch and also remember going to Silverstone. I still get excited with the smells and noise, and when you see the cars speeding past you — it’s the whole atmosphere — just a fantastic feeling. My dad was always into motor racing and the Grand Prix was on the TV or touring car, or rally car. What these machines get put through, the people behind the wheel and the teams behind them — it’s amazing. At school I was always art and design based. When thinking about what to do as a degree, I was keen that I wanted to combine my two 28
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What do you enjoy most about your role? AC. Definitely the paint mixing side of it. That’s where you can really see things happening right in front of you, it’s like bucket chemistry. There’s a fantastic paint shop here with a mixing room, and a really talented bunch of technicians. We can talk about a brief, or about a colour that might be suitable for a particular car, or look at what’s lacking in the current colour palette and how we can move existing shades forward, or if there are any requests coming through that we hear from the dealership. Maybe talk about if it’s a bright green, how it would be a McLaren Green. We start off with an aluminium base of flakes and then we’ll start adding colours into that and see how everything reacts. We look at the colour in its raw liquid paint form, although with some you don’t know what you’re going to get until you’ve painted and lacquered it. Some colours are created by following a strict formulation, whereas others are more experimental. It's great to get the overalls on and do some mixing and then have them sprayed onto 6X4 aluminium plaques. Then we’ll paint them onto a shape to see how the colour lands as the light hits it, as it is going on a three-dimensional form. We may like only one of five shades, but then that amazing one can just wipe everything else off the table, so it's well worth it.
What is it like working in such a male dominated industry? AC. There were 90 plus people in our first year in the automotive course in Coventry, and only two women, so any preparation for a male environment all happened quite early on. Only maybe when other people have brought it up have I thought, 'Oh gosh I'm surrounded', but it didn’t cross my mind at the time. I was always focused on getting good grades, working hard and having fun. I have never found it intimidating; we’re all professionals working towards the same goal. It definitely shouldn’t cause anybody concern if they’re thinking of doing a similar thing in a very male environment. If anything, I’ve got lots of adopted fathers and brothers all keeping an eye out for me, and working in colour and materials does tend to have a female bias. What qualities have got you where you are today? AC. Tenacity — to keep going on ideas, even if they look as though they might not work, as they might produce other successful ideas. A sense of humour is also key, and then to really roll your sleeves up and get on with the job.
What advice would you give to women wanting to get into your field? AC. Definitely get in touch with as many car companies as you can to get as much experience as possible. People have come in and shadowed me for just one day and still managed to get a good grasp of what goes on. Make the most of any opportunity; getting into everything, always asking to do more, and experiencing as many different aspects, whether it's engineering, or aerodynamics or clay modeling and sculpting. If you can find a degree course that is related to the topic then that’s fantastic. Most people in my area have come from a textiles background rather than an automotive design background like me.
Whatever your area is, if you work hard you’ll get there, really you will, that’s what I’ve learnt and that’s what I’ve seen other people do. What do you think it is about McLaren road cars that appeal to women? AC. I’m a petrol head, so there’s that side of things, but essentially the McLaren road car design has a timeless elegance, especially when you look at the history of the F1, the road car and how much longevity that design has had. The McLaren 12C Spider is very appealing. When we went to the track at Dunsfold I just slipped in behind the wheel, it was a piece of cake to drive and it was great fun too. McLaren’s appeal stems from the ability to purchase something that’s really timeless that you can tailor to your desire, especially with what we do here with the colour and materials. The main thing for me was just how easy it was to drive off in one. It’s just a shame I don’t get to do it more often!
In what ways can people custom-design their car so it becomes bespoke? AC. We have a very broad range of options to work with, such as a palette 17 different standard colours available in the dealership. MSO is answering anything that’s missing for a particular buyer, for example, their favourite colour. We can work through the dealership, arrange consultations, or take a written brief. We’ll start working up images and colours, discuss with the client, send samples, suggest threads, suggest leathers, or wheel colours. It starts a relationship and it’s a nice thing to carry all the way through until they receive their car, whether it's here or in their home. It’s great when people can come and have a tour of the production line; I think that helps people make up their mind what combinations to have. There’s a lot to see, a bit like a chocolate box, it's 'Where do you start?' You can use the configurator (on computer) to help you decide, there’s so much choice out there, have some fun and enjoy it, especially when you can take the roof down — it's awesome fun. In what way do you think car design is linked to fashion? AC. From a colour and materials point of view, it is great to see in clothing how the different materials and colours combine, as well as the detailing and stitching. We often go up to central London and to the West End stores. There are beautiful colour and textiles
in fashion, and we’re all like sponges, absorbing everything we see. With fashion it’s on something that moves, which is what cars do. What impressions will that colour give as it goes past? You want the car to turn heads, as you want an outfit to. People also interact with fashion, as you do with this vehicle; always touching things, so there’s a relationship between the two. On the couture side of things when you can see interesting combinations of colours, textures and shapes — it’s almost like making a concept car where you’ve got a clean sheet and you can really create from the ground up, it’s amazing. It’s also interesting to see how people bring in personal items and how they relate to them. We’ve had customers wanting to match the colour of their car with their clothing. It’s great when you’ve cracked it and they are really happy.
“McLaren's appeal stems from the ability to purchase something that's really timeless, which you can tailor to your desire. There's so much choice out there, have some fun and enjoy it, especially when you can take the roof down — it's awesome fun.” ~ Anna-
Louise Clough
The region has a network of highly qualified and experienced McLaren retailers, located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Facebook: www.facebook.com/mclarenautomotive Twitter: www.twitter.com/McLarenAuto You Tube: www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv 29
Celebrity Scoop
“Some actors know instinctively what to do, but it’s got to have meaning, whether you instinctively know how to do it or not.”
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Screen Legend Wows Fans Stopping over in the Middle East to launch his latest film ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, Robert De Niro reveals his acting philosophy, his approach to making movies and his latest project in the pipeline, to a select crowd of guests at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
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Celebrity Scoop
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t is hard to say what De Niro is best known for. Ask anyone and they’ll probably have their own favourite De Niro role. ‘The Godfather II’, ‘Raging Bull’ and ‘Taxi Driver’ are a few that he’s famous for, but for a man who has starred in over 80 films over the past 47 years, there have been a lot of “stand out” moments. Widely considered the greatest actor of his generation, and one of the best living actors on earth, De Niro has a simple philosophy on acting. “My feeling personally is that whatever works, works. All actors have their own way of working, whatever can personalise or add meaning for them,” he says, adding that, “some actors know instinctively what to do, but it’s got to have meaning, whether you instinctively know how to do it or not.” Speaking about working with different directors, De Niro has a lot of praise for his long-term friend and contemporary, Martin Scorsese, who directed many of the films De Niro is so famous for including ‘Mean Streets’, ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Cape Fear’, and ‘The Deer Hunter’ to name but a few. “Marty just left it up to the actor, and if it didn’t work he would either edit it, or he would direct it differently. For example, we would have a conversation about how to do it, about likening the experience of the character to something you were familiar with. “The most important thing with a director is that they don’t make you feel that you are doing it wrong. I have had very few experiences with a director where they do that. But if you are working with people who have preconceived ideas about a scene and they keep doing it, insisting or encouraging you to do it in a way you don’t feel comfortable with, then you start to shut down. The excitement, the joy, comes from working with someone who lets you do it how you feel it, then they offer guidance when it’s necessary. “Francis Ford Coppola was terrific. Any director that I have worked with I have had good results with. But you always have to have that permissive feel about the relationship.” De Niro shares with Ohlala! that he will happily consider a project, even if he might not initially like the idea, he will still “take the offer seriously. The first thing I like to do is to have a read through with the writer and director to get feedback about it. There’s no downside to that, you always get something out of it, even if you don’t want to move forward with it, I am comfortable with that. Let’s just see it as a discovery process.” Having made his directorial debut in 1993, with ‘A Bronx Tale’, then later directed ‘The Good Shepherd’ in 2006, the 69-year-old film star believes that actors who have directed before are generally “more sensitive”. De Niro goes on to say, “When you have directed a movie, you really want everybody to help and support you and watch your back. Everybody has a role to play and a function, and it’s all part of the many moving parts that come together to make this one thing.” With so many roles under his belt, De Niro tell us it’s “hard to choose” a favourite. “It’s like asking me to choose between my children. Each role has different problems and demands. ‘Raging Bull’ was hard on one level, ‘The Deer Hunter’ on another, but ‘Awakenings’ was also challenging on a physical level.” Even at 69, De Niro doesn’t show signs of slowing down. There is still a hunger about him to take on new roles and try out new things. Having taken part in four films already this year: ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, ‘Freelancers’, ‘Red Lights’ and ‘Being Flynn’, he is already looking ahead to future projects. “I’m currently working on the Irishaman with Martin Scorsese; it’s going to have Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Steve Zaillian (screenwriter). But,” he confides, “it’s one thing to make a movie but you have to take it from the book and make the script, it could be a first time writer-director and I am all for that, but the first thing I want to see is the script because that’s the key to making it work.” 32
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“The most important thing with a director is that they don’t make you feel that you are doing it wrong. The excitement, the joy, comes from working with someone who lets you do it how you feel it.”
“When you have directed a movie, you really want everybody to help and support you and watch your back.” 33
FASHION
Winter Wardrobe Ohlala! in association with Punt Roma showcase your wardrobe staples for the new season. Every woman has to have a Little Black Dress. Accessorise with silver or gold accents for stylish sophistication.
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Always on trend, make a statement in Black and White, pairing the look with monochrome accessories.
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FASHION
Stand out from the crowd by Colour Blocking in eye-popping shades.
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Shop for a great pair of Fitted Jeans with a flattering cut. Comfort is key.
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FASHION
Hot off the catwalks, invest in The Blazer to best carry off the equestrian trend in style.
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Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003 Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-Harris Model I Tabea Hair Stylist I Deanne Chandler @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 Hair Styling Assistant I Jordan Davis @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 Makeup I Aisa Santana @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 Fashion I Punt Roma I +973 1717 2307 Location I Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Centre I +973 1717 1000 43
FASHION
Fearless
Ohlala! Magazine was invited to the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, to interview the eclectic but classic American designer, Tory Burch. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with her about her latest collections, and ever-increasing popularity.
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Tory Burch by Noa Griffel
Accessories Room
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aking the region by storm, Tory Burch boutiques are popping up all over the Middle East. Already available worldwide including Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai, the brand has exciting plans for expansion into Beirut, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Embodying the personal style and spirit of its CEO and designer Tory Burch, (who is as beautiful as she is stylish), the brand is luxury lifestyle defined by classic American sportswear with a touch of the eclectic. Inspired by many countries and cultures, Tory Burch collaborates with different artisans across the globe. A firm favourite of many celebrities (including Blake Lively, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyenth Paltrow and Julia Roberts), the award-winning Tory Burch has been warmly received throughout Arabia, for women embrace the fabulous textures, colours, and prints, which Tory is famous for. “Women here are fearless with fashion; they like to have fun with it and that’s what we try to do with our collections. We have a classic undertone but we are always trying to make it different and unique,” Tory tells us. What’s extra special about Tory Burch, is that the company does much more for women, other than creating distinctive fashion lines. The Tory Burch Foundation is one of the most important aspects of the company with the aim to “empower women and their families,” which Ohlala! thinks is pretty amazing.
“I didn’t always dream of becoming a designer — I was actually a tomboy growing up.”
Fall Winter 2012 Collection
What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Tory Burch. I didn’t always dream of becoming a designer — I was actually a tomboy growing up — but a week after college I started a career in fashion. I worked more on the business, PR and marketing side for over 15 years and my first attempt at designing was with our brand. I had worked for amazing people like Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez at Loewe, absorbing different aspects of the fashion industry, but I didn’t have a design background. I gave it a shot and the company was about learning on the job. Which designers do you admire? TB. I admire a lot of different designers — Celine, Dries Van Noten, Prada, Balenciaga when Nicolas was there. Proenza Schouler — I love what Jack and Lazaro do. In terms of American fashion they are the most interesting at the moment. I’ve known them since they were 22, and they’re just so talented.
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FASHION What is the Tory Burch style? TB. Eclectic but classic and inspired by many countries and cultures. I love looking at how women dress when I travel and incorporating it into classic silhouettes.
What type of woman do you design for? TB. My design team and I create things we personally want to wear. It’s quite diverse. It’s about a woman who really appreciates fashion but is busy and doesn’t have a lot of time to worry about she wears. She wants to look chic and be quick about it. Your designs have been well received, why do you think they have become incredibly popular so quickly? TB. I’ve always loved designer clothing, but I wanted to create a collection where we put the most into the product and charge the least amount that we could. It was this idea of making beautiful things with a lot of nice detailing and great fits for a more accessible price. I think that resonated with women.
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You have won several awards for your fashion designs, which meant the most to you? TB. The CFDA for Accessory Designer of the Year. To be acknowledged by our peers was a huge honour for my team and me. I was quite surprised and my children were even more so. I came home, and they were little, and they said, “I can’t believe that you beat Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs!” I said, “Do you know who they are?” and they said, “No”. It was very cute. What is the inspiration behind your latest Fall Winter Collection? TB. It’s about a prim girl who is under the spell of the wrong kind of guy. Her style is classic but has a bit of an edge… a bit more sexy.
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Why are your designs popular in the Middle East? TB. I think women here embrace colour, texture and print and are somewhat fearless with fashion; they like to have fun with it and that’s what we try to do with our collections. We have a classic undertone but we are always trying to make it different and unique. I love seeing the collection on Middle Eastern women; it’s really exciting. It’s fun to see any woman walking down the street wearing it.
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What trends can we see evolving throughout the Collection? TB. We did malachite — a beautiful colour green, which is a big trend. We also paired paper-thin leather skirts with a peplum leather jacket in slate blue. Hair accessories were a statement for us — jeweled pins tucked into slightly undone hair. Our framed handbags in tortoise and different fabrics are doing really well here in the Middle East, and also all over, which is exciting because they are a new style for us.
TB Fall Winter 2012 Hawthorn Pump in Tweed 2 Navy Bright Navy
What is the "must-buy" this season? TB. Our striped needlepoint framed bag.
What is your favourite piece from the collection? TB. I love our denim because it’s a great fit; we spent a lot of time perfecting the fabric and cuts. I saw a girl wearing one of our dresses last night — it’s a long-sleeve black dotted tulle gown with a beaded neck and green lining. It’s one of my favourite pieces and it looked so chic on her. We are working on more eveningwear and dressier pieces. It’s a little challenging to do at our price point, but it’s a challenge we love.
“I love seeing the collection on Middle Eastern women; it’s really exciting. It’s fun to see any woman walking down the street wearing it.”
Spring 2013 Collection
What piece encapsulates who you are as a designer? TB. I don’t think there is just one piece — to me it’s about the collection as a whole. We have been a lifestyle brand from the beginning, including ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery, small leather goods and accessories. Every season we want to tell a story and offer pieces for different aspects of women’s lives — things that make it easy to get dressed and walk out the door in the morning.
How have your designs evolved since your first collection? TB. We always want to stay true to our roots but push ourselves to come up with new, exciting concepts. It’s about making our collection relevant and elevated each season. I have to say I love some of the first silhouettes we ever did — and some of the first pieces are still our bestsellers — but now we are building on that and experimenting with new fabrics, fits, constructions and details. In what way have your own children inspired you? TB. My stepdaughters and my own boys keep me grounded and tell me about different things going on. My stepdaughters are really into fashion, and they have a great eye — they are always giving me their opinion and I love hearing their point of view.
Can you tell us how your inspirational trips have had an influence on your designs? TB. An incredible influence; all of our collections are inspired by travel in some way, whether it’s colours of the Amalfi Coast in our Resort 2013 collection or Moroccan slippers and woven details in the Spring 2013 collection. We are very much inspired by women
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FASHION around the world — we embrace all cultures and that’s something we spend a lot of time talking about when we design. We think about all women and what their needs are.
What trends can be seen throughout the Spring Summer Collection? TB. Yellow is an important colour for us — we did wheat print on shorts and wheat embroidery and beading on jackets and skirts. Tie-dye was also a key story — we partnered with women artisans from the Kindia region of Guinea. I met a woman a few weeks before the show and I said we would need 600 yards of tie-dye fabric. She literally got on a plane that afternoon and had three villages come together, and they tie-dyed all of the material we needed. It was amazing, and actually the men from the village made all the rings in our show too. It was last minute but it worked perfectly.
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From where do you source your materials and where are your collections created? TB. Sourcing is all over India, China, Japan, Italy, Peru, Turkey, Brazil and the Dominican Republic, depending on the design. We also do beautiful embroideries and beadwork out of India. We are looking at sourcing and diversifying with different artisans to keep their unique techniques alive.
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Can you tell us about any bespoke pieces that you have created for celebrities? TB. We had an old tuxedo of my father’s that we remade for Kanye West for the Met Gala; we’ve created custom pieces for the First Lady; and Emily Blunt just wore a white tulle dress of ours for a green carpet challenge — she looked great. Custom designing is fun — it’s sort of new for us and we want to do more of it. Which celebrity would you most like to design for? TB. Cate Blanchett — I think she has amazing style. I hear she’s coming to Dubai in the next few weeks for the Dubai Film Festival.
Is there anything that you would like to add for our readers? TB. We are excited to launch a fragrance in September with Estee Lauder. It’s been a work in progress for a long time and was a fiveyear conversation with Estee Lauder. Hopefully at some point we’ll do watches and a sports line. I feel like we’re just beginning. The Tory Burch Foundation is one of the most important aspects of the company — our goal is to empower women and their families. The first programs are focused on microfinance and mentorship for women starting their own businesses. It is based in the US but we hope it becomes international. We did our first global event in Morocco with a woman named Rola Dashti, who is on the Middle East Parliament, and Egyptian and Moroccan women business owners. It was amazing. There are very entrepreneurial women in the Middle East. I was so impressed with everyone I met. They have great ideas, tenacity and ambition.
Resort 2013 Collection
“We are looking at sourcing and diversifying with different artisans to keep their unique techniques alive.”
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Beauty WHAT'S HOT AND NOT
Beauty Buzz Dark Circles Be Gone!
The Eyes Have It
With three complementary shadows and an eye brightener, Bourjois’ Peek-a-Bright Eye Illuminating Kit lets you enhance your eyes with palette selections that are easy to apply. The kit includes a step-by-step lesson that shows you how to use the shades together like a pro.
Allergy tested, lightweight and oil free, it’s effective for all skin types and skin tones.
Dark under eye circles are a real concern for some, that’s why Clinique has introduced Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. Its gentle formula is specifically designed to treat dark circles instantly and over time. Even better, its cooling tip applicator instantly helps to reinvigorate fatigued eyes.
Rouge Mentality
With a stunning new trio of satiny shades, the legendary Sephora Rouge line up of lipsticks is made to caress lips with a voluptuous, creamy texture: in hot-headed pink, mysterious purple and enchanting plum. So go on, pucker up!
Red Carpet Glamour
A chic, limited edition fragrance, Swarovski Edition by Swarovski, is the first in its collection of ultra-glamorous, limited-edition fragrances. With fruity floral notes, it is extremely feminine — with wild rose blossom and gardenia giving a light and sweet harmony with a slightly tangy edge.
“A radiant, captivating and moving composition with an irresistible power of seduction.”
So Scandalous!
Dare to show off your luscious, runway-ready lashes with Rimmel’s ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara. It’s Rimmel’s most scandalous defined volume, lift and length mascara yet. With model-perfect lashes that appear voluptuously full, flawlessly separated and seductively lifted, get ready to strike a pose!
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BEAUTY
Celebs’ Beauty Secrets
Most of these celebrities never go a day without their favourite “secret” beauty products. In between photo-shoots, photo calls, filming or just going out-andabout, they make sure they look their best all of the time.
Dr Hauschka’s Ro
se Day Cream
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Jessica Alba Jessica advocates eco-conscious products, such as Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream to keep her skin looking radiant and youthful.
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil
Sienna Miller This incredible lush product helps Sienna Miller relax and so will you once you try it.
Kate Beckinsale Kate keeps her skin supple by moisturising it with Natura Bisse’s Diamond Cream.
Natura Bisse’s Diamond Cream
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Get theLook
The dark-haired English beauty surprised everyone when she debuted a new look recently. Emily Blunt now sports a lighter hair colour but also her choice in makeup has changed too. Ohlala! is loving her look, and why not ring the changes and try on a fresh new look for the New Year too! Here’s how to get Emily’s easy-does-it makeup style.
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Always start by prepping the skin with a good primer or serum. Don’t forget the eye area too. Start with La Mer’s Moisturising Soft Cream and Clinique All About Eyes Serum. La Mer’s Moisturising Soft Cream
To cr ea glow te a radia n l use a ike Emily t ’s, po bron wder and zer conto ur th duo to e che ek a You nd jaw lin s e. peach can cho ose a y pin apply k on th tone to Soleil Tan de C of th e apples hane e che l Pow Lumino eks. us B der ro
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Vamp up those eyes and trace them with an eye pencil in dark brown, blending the colour out from the edges. Apply some shimmer shade on the brow bone as well the lids and below the eyes.
Bobbi Brown Eye Shimmer
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Get great-looking lashes by using a volumising mascara.
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BEAUTY
Revealing your inner beauty Guerlain’s international makeup artist, Gary Cooper, sits down for a one-to-one with Ohlala!’s Josie Hill, while touring the Middle East. Images by June Delgado@ www.facebook.com/JuneDelgadoPhotography
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“I
don’t like changing women, it makes them more vulnerable. It’s much more fascinating to reveal their beauty,” says Gary Cooper, quoting Guerlain’s Creative Director Olivier Echaudemaison. “You know it’s the truth," adds the 40-year-old while stopping by Salam stores at The Gate mall in Doha, Qatar, “makeup shouldn’t be about wearing a mask but truly enhancing what you have already got. And that is what I love about it.” For Gary, who has worked with the haute Parisian beauty house for years, his passion for the industry began when he was studying interior design in Cape Town, South Africa. “I just felt I had a certain attraction to beauty and fashion, and later when I was in London, I worked part time in the beauty department of Harrods. Since then I have worked with Givenchy, L’Oreal, Lancôme and now Guerlain.” Gary firmly believes in using good quality products but also, and essentially, in keeping a good skin care routine. He tells us, “There are a lot of women who want a quick fix, but it is not as simple as that. First of all you need to drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated, especially in this climate. But also, sun block, it is not enough to wear Factor 15, even the UV lights inside can cause skin damage, so wear a good level of protection on your face and neck especially. Then, take your makeup off. You would be surprised at how many women I meet who don’t do this. So you need to take it off at the end of the day, and to cleanse, tone and moisturise.” On applying makeup, Gary advises to, “Apply foundation so that it blends naturally with the skin, without a line, and go for natural shades and colours, which suit your skin tone.” Travelling around the Gulf Region giving professional makeovers with Guerlain, Gary says the best part of the job is meeting and talking to so many different people. “We have people that want a makeover, especially for a dinner party they are going to, or because they want to try out new products and get advice, which they can take away to use at home. “You get to know the different people sitting in your chair and that is what I like about it, the rapport between the customer and myself and to see the look on their face when we have finished.” Gary says his most memorable experience while working as a makeup artist was on a fashion shoot in a swimming pool with a model wearing a beautiful flowing gown, who was trying to keep her beautifully made-up face out of the water. It is certainly an exciting industry to work in, but for anyone considering taking a career in the beauty industry, don’t be fooled into thinking it is a piece of cake. “It is fun and not as rigid as other industries, that is true, but if you work hard you can go up the ladder and make a successful career out of it.” 55
MOTORING
Diva Drives
Jaguar — another iconic British car brand that by the name alone evokes ideas of sportiness, grandeur and a luxurious lifestyle.
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Sari Mabire Diva Driver
T
Jaguar XJ-L 2012 he Prime Minister of the UK also drives — or gets driven around — in a Jaguar XJ, albeit it’s the 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 and not the 3.0-litre V6 that Ohlala! got to drive. So how is the Jaguar XJ-L V6? Outside the XJ-L looks magnificent with strikingly modern design that appeals to all luxury car lovers; and the interior is just exquisite. The design is not only aesthetically pleasing but the craftsmanship and materials used are top-notch. Supple leather covers the seats as well as most of the dash and doors. Rich wood trim wraps around the interior and sophisticated chrome and piano-black trim with the ice-blue lighting decorate the cabin in an undeniably regal fashion. And of course, as with most cars in this segment, you can personalise your car to your liking with plenty of options to choose from. Another element that adds to the contemporary feel of this car is that instead of the traditional gauges the instrument panel is a large LCD screen, which adapts to different driving scenarios and in-use vehicle functions, for example navigation. Another modern aspect that I personally like very much is the Jaguar signature transmission control, not the traditional stick gearshift, but a rotary knob, which silently rises from the centre console when the ignition is pressed. Standard infotainment systems include a touchscreen interface, navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 14-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storage and an iPod interface. Driving the XJ-L is delightful; it blends ride comfort and sportiness in perfect balance. The model we had is fitted with a 3.0-litre 238-horsepower V6 engine, taking the car from zero to 100-kilometres per hour in 8.7-seconds. Quite respectable for a car this size. Not fast enough for you? Then opt for the British Prime Minister’s choice of V8 and be plummeted in 4.9-seconds instead! The V6 is an agile car due to its lightweight aluminium chassis, adaptive suspension and communicative steering. With the Sport mode engaged you can have fun driving with the paddle shifts! Safety-wise, every Jaguar XJ 2012 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, reverse camera and ISOFIX child seat anchor points for rear seats. The car we drove also had the blind spot warning system, which is very handy in busy traffic. The L in XJ-L means long wheel base and this is one of the reasons why this is a great family car. There’s a lot of legroom for even the
tallest, long-legged teenagers and you have plenty of room to fit the childseat in comfort. The XJ-L also comes standard with four zone automatic climate control, manual rearside window sunblinds and electronic back window sunblinds, perfect for blocking the sun and allowing your baby to sleep comfortably; and also fantastic for those who desire privacy on the rear seats. The Jaguar XJ-L is full of character and a very desirable car for men, women and families alike. With the V6 engine, it is also incredible value for money; real indulgence with historically luxury pedigree marque. On a personal note, I would like to say a big thank you to the new general manager, Stephen Harris for the beautiful bouquet of roses!
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Travel
Sun & Snow Perhaps you’ve already been asking yourself, “Where to go this time?” for your winter escape. Head for the slopes or the sands… Wherever you wish to spend your holidays in 2013, Ohlala! have got it covered with these hip travel destinations.
Zürich Cosy Winter Afternoons…
Cold, snowy days are the perfect excuse to curl up by the fire with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate. But, if you’re the adventurous type and love the outdoors even with trepid conditions, there are a myriad of winter activities that you and your fellow holidaymakers can enjoy. Marvel at the silence of snow-covered forests whilst crosscountry skiing in Zurich, or experience the stunningly-beautiful, almost mythical city of Prague. Spectacular Zürich Usher in 2013 in the luxurious city of Zürich. It has plenty to offer: breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps, rich cultural highlights, the finest of culinary experience, innumerable shopping opportunities, a pulsating nightlife and unforgettable wintery adventures. Transporting visitors conveniently via modern cable cars, you can head up to the Hoch-Ybrig region — its idyllic landscape is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. The entrancing Höllgrotten Baar — formed over thousands of years by calciferous springs, are stalactite caves, which are a magical underground kingdom; whilst the wildly romantic Lorze ravine — rock formations in multiple colour shades and mystical small lakes — truly captivate adults and children alike. You can choose to immerse yourself in culture with the city’s 50 plus museums, over 100 galleries, the Opera House, the Tonhalle Orchestra and the Swiss National Museum. Shopping is also a must-do activity, so be sure to check out international luxury brands on Bahnhofstrasse, in the picturesque Old Town and sophisticated Zürich labels in Zürich-West and Aussersihl. Prague: A Winter Secret Rich in culture, romance, music and history — albeit sometimes a bittersweet one, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, oozes with winter charm. Located along the banks of the Vltava River in 58
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Image by Switzerland Torism the heart of Europe, Prague's medieval streets are awash in a sea of architectural masterpieces; its panoramic skyline, etched with venerable towers and spires of antiquated cathedrals, monasteries, convents, bridges and castles. The city is a mix of natural beauty and a myriad of architectural styles — Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque, making it a uniquely wonderful place to explore. Start your journey with The Mala Strana, or the ‘little quarter’ neighbourhood with its lively street musicians and vendors, as well as the ancient hilltop Prague Castle. Take a stroll at Petrin Hill, which is comprised of eight parks with trails for brisk afternoon walks. Head to the Old Town Square, with its shops, markets, cafes and horse-drawn wagons. Have a bit more fun, rent skates and take a whirl on the ice skating rinks erected right on the Square and around several venues in the city.
Prague
The Sunny Side…
Feeling the winter blues? Head off somewhere nice and toasty and celebrate 2013 with a splash. Loafing on a tropical beach shouldn’t be the only temptation for you. With plenty of activities that guarantee a memorable holiday, we recommend these sunny travel spots.
Glorious Bali Treat yourself to a relaxing beach holiday with a cultural twist. Bali offers these and more… Dubbed the ‘Ultimate Island’, it is a paradise of rolling rice paddies, tropical rainforest and sweeping beaches, topped with hulking volcanoes and beautiful natural attractions. Book a trip to Ubud — famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving subak (an ancient Balinese irrigation system) with the most splendid terraced landscapes located in Pejeng, Campuhan and Tegallalang. If the marine world is your playground, Amed, located in the island’s eastern shoreline, is an underwater playground that’s a favourite amongst divers. Take a breather from all your adventures, and book a ticket for one of Bali Agung’s theatrical art performances. A Balinese legend, the shows combine traditional and contemporary dance, modern puppetry and more.
Langkawi
Splendid Langkawi One of Malaysia’s most popular destinations, the island of Langkawi blends historical attractions, excellent diving opportunities, exciting nightlife and dirt-cheap shopping. Langkawi’s many beaches are rated among the world’s best, whilst a plethora of attractions and activities guarantee you’ll keep coming back to revel in its charm. Take in the spectacular views of the lush mountainside greenery as you ascend on the vertiginous 20-minute ride to the apex of the imposing Gunung Machinchang. Once atop the mountain, you’ll reach the Skybridge — a curved suspension bridge — which offers stunning views of the whole island. A tour to the Sungai Kilim
Nature Park will give you an up close and personal encounter with Langkawi’s famous brahminy kites and sea eagles. The Nature Park is a 100-square-kilometre protected area, which consists of mangrove forests, remote beaches and blue lagoons. The nature lover in you will be awed by the variety of flora and fauna, ranging from the overhanging ‘bogak’ trees to iguanas, macaques and tree crabs. Alternatively, go for a Sunset Cruise — a mid-afternoon trip that takes you sailing on the Andaman Sea, whilst you sit back and relax onboard a yacht. Take in the lush beauty of Langkawi as you enjoy your meal or lounge in a deck chair with a cold drink as the sun sets on the horizon.
Bali
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Dining
Traditional Italian Flair
Bice offers a truly homey feel — much like how the Italians love to celebrate food with family, friends and loved ones. Experience Italy at its most genuine with this gem of a place‌
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B
ice restaurant was established in 1926 by Beatrice Ruggeri, an Italian woman renowned for her hospitality and warmth in her hometown of Milan. Prodded by friends and family, she went on to establish her own ‘trattoria’, which when loosely translated means ‘gathering place’. It was named Ristorante Gino e Bice after herself and her brothers. With growing popularity in Milan, Bice’s sons decided to take the concept to other parts of Italy and internationally, spreading to Sardinia, New York, Chicago, Miami, Washington DC and further on to Paris, Istanbul, Singapore, Dubai, Bahrain and now Kuwait. Bice opened in the prestigious Al Hamra Luxury Tower with great anticipation from fans of the Bice franchise, and when Ohlala! went for lunch, we were pleased to see a full house of diners. We were met by the resident executive manager, Valerio Lenco, who warmly welcomed us with his own signature drink, the Basil cocktail. He offered a background on the benefits and importance of basil and pesto in Italian cuisine as well as it being a nationally represented herb with its own Basil Ambassador to the UN. Basil is incredibly healthy, and a very necessary addition to many Italian recipes. We were treated to a full variety of carefully chosen starters, featuring two types of Carpaccio; beef and octopus, a delicious lobster salad and an incredibly fresh caprese salad, put together the original way with tomato on top. The lobster was succulent, as well as the beef
Carpaccio, while the octopus was, quite surprisingly, addictive. Once the mains came out, we were already full but that didn’t stop us from forging ahead. We were treated to sea bass, and tuna, spaghetti vongole and spinach cheese ravioli all prepared the typical Italian way, with ingredients fresh from the garden or the sea. We will most definitely be having the seafood again, as it was superbly cooked. Valerio explained to us that all the ingredients are shipped from abroad on an almost daily basis, and only the best meats, fish and poultry are used in their dishes. They also have the knack for preparing fresh lobster in their very own kitchen, to ensure freshness. We left feeling surprisingly light even after consuming such a large amount of food. Not that we were in any hurry, we had a tiramisu for desert and several cups of coffee, so by the time we decided to leave, we realised that three hours had already passed. The ambiance was inviting enough to keep us there for much longer, wrapped up in the dining experience, the décor of the restaurant still caught our notice with its trattoria feel, 1920s art deco touches, such as the beautiful crystal drop chandeliers and the piano in the corner — honouring the Bice tradition of providing live music. We highly recommend Bice for a lazy afternoon lunch with close family and friends, or a leisurely dinner, because once you sit down, you will definitely be there for a few hours. Bice is located on the second floor of the famed Al Hamra Luxury Tower in Kuwait City.
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Dining
Hotspots Memorable Japanese Delicacies
Flavourful Rustic Winter Menu
WHERE? The Avenues, Al Rai
WHERE? The Avenues
Enjoy rich Japanese food and a special celebration…
Attractive Italian offers…
Maki restaurant features imaginative and tasteful Japanese cuisine that combines the best flavours of the Orient. Chefs at Maki cook the most amazing dishes, from the delicious Fusion Temaki Roll (shrimp tempura, vegetables and a special Maki sauce wrapped in soybean paper) to the flavourful Mount Fuji Maki. Maki’s staple dishes such as the Issa Maki, the Fusion Temaki, Tartufo Yaki Udon, Maki Avenues Salad, and other healthy dishes are saturated in zesty goodness. A delicious special from the list of desserts include the mouthwatering Popcorn Pain Perdu. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 11pm.
Carluccio’s specialises in authentic traditional Italian specialties, made in-house from fresh local ingredients and products imported from Italy. It recently launched a winter menu featuring a range of dishes, including Lamb Tagliatelle, Chicken Provencale and Mushroom Gnocchi, as well as a fine selection of desserts — Apple Strudel, Strawberry Cheesecake and Stacciatella. Exclusive to the winter months are special offerings such as the Panettone (a light and delicious dish), Tartufo Barbero (rich chocolate truffles studded with cocoa pieces), Fiocchi di Neve (bite-sized meringues laced with brittle hazelnut pieces) and for a bit of fun, Carluccio’s Soldini Chocolate Coins. With a fine selection of traditional Italian specialties, Carluccio's brings a unique taste of Italy. The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 11pm.
RESERVATIONS: ✆ 965 22597 120
RESERVATIONS: ✆ 965 2 2597 120
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A Twist On Contemporary Cuisine
A Great Experience
WHERE? Palms Hotel & Resort, Salwa
WHERE? Someday Restaurant, Salhiya Plaza
Five-star service and quality food…
Delicious sandwiches and swift service…
ZeeBrgr restaurant has redefined the concept of contemporary cuisine, featuring some new dishes with abundant flavours. The spicy Chicken Picante contains plump chicken pieces and is drizzled with a special sauce. Crispy Chicken Bites are the perfect burger minis, as well as the equally delicious Gamba Bites. Also, very tasty are the shrimp patties with melted mozzarella cheese and Zee sauce. An amazing burger: The Wagyu Brgr, is a carefully prepared Australian Wagyu beef patty, served with fresh avocado, lettuce leaves and tomato. Turkey Brgr is the new healthy option, whilst the Spaghetti Molinaro and Spaghetti con Pesto are the newest Italian fusion arrivals. Save room for a sumptuous dessert like the Red Velvet Cheesecake. The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday, from 12pm to 11.30pm.
Someday restaurant lets diners experience the relaxed and easy attitude of the Californian atmosphere in Kuwait. Choose from a selection of mouthwatering sandwiches. The menu for breakfast and lunch has been carefully prepared for diners to enjoy a hearty meal and the service provided ensures you can quickly move on with your day. Grab a specially made sandwich, warm soup and a delectable royal salad. Line up to grab drinks, with a side order of chips and stop by the retail booth. Sit at the restaurant for a relaxing time in casual surroundings, or opt for a takeaway. All the ingredients used are fresh and the restaurant delivery is swift. Their opening hours are from 7am till midnight.
RESERVATIONS: ✆ 965 2561 2374
RESERVATIONS: 965 2299 6424
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Shopping
Gifts Galore
Get prepared for the New Year’s season of cheer and generosity and present your loved ones, or yourself, with these fabulous gift finds. Ralph Lauren Opens in Kuwait Al Shouhra recently launched the opening of the Ralph Lauren boutique in Kuwait City at The Avenues Mall. Staunch lovers of the brand can revel in their favourites as the store boasts 4,500 square feet of shopping space. Choose from the brand’s modern and elegant collection, as well as their musthave footwear and accessories.
Stars Flaunt de Grisogono Jewellery The de Grisogono jewellery is illuminated with glamour and luxury, and sought after by celebrities. Superstar Najwa Karam wore their jewellery for her concert at the InterContinental Hotel in Geneva. Supermodel Irina Shayk walked the red carpet at the 65th Cannes Film Festival decked in a unique ‘Flower’ bracelet set with over 2,500 white diamonds and “Anelli” earrings in rose gold set with white diamonds.
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Luxurious Gifts The Body Shop is offering beautifully designed gift sets filled with indulgent treats for women. The boxes have a stylish seasonal twist and contain specially selected products for a deluxe home treatment.
Glamorous Gold All that glitters is gold on your fingertips. Nail polish enthusiasts can show off real gold, courtesy of the exclusively brilliant, 18K Gold Flake Topcoat, which is available in the Limited Edition Guilty Pleasure haute set from Zoya Nail Polish. The set also includes a complimentary duo of ‘Raven’ black and ‘Purity’ white base colours.
Perfumed Oils Dar al Oud presents three premium fragrances — the Glory of Oud (regarded as royalty within the industry), Grace of Oud (a therapeutic scent) and Elegance of Oud (a refreshing yet spicy scent). Dar al Oud will soon offer a wide range of oud-related products such as incense, body butter and shower gels.
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Shopping Pili Carrera Now Available at The Mall Stylish tots is the language of Pili Carrera and with the kids’ wear brand’s recent opening at The Mall, children will have everything they need. The store will stock babies’ and children’s wear, through to baby care, nursery furniture, trendy accessories and lots more.
Trendy Wear for Tiny Tots Mamas and Papas’ new collection gives your adorable child a vibrant, haute look. For girls, the ‘Gypsy Rose’ range burst with fun Fairisle prints, knitted dresses and fur-trimmed coats. For special ‘party’ moments, girls can choose tutu skirts, sparkle knits and star print dresses. For the little gentlemen, a sophisticated palette with urbane details awaits. The boys' Limited range ‘Born to Ride’ is a mini menswear range that consists of all the season’s must-have pieces.
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Nokia in Arabic The smartphone just got cooler! The latest and most innovative, the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 820 now includes Arabic language capabilities and advanced Nokia PureView imaging innovation, making it possible to shoot professionallooking pictures and video indoors, outdoors or even at night.
Awesome Gadgets The Big Boys Toys exhibition, happening this month, will be showing an array of the latest and exclusive products which include the Al Dynamics Robotstep, an electronic vehicle that can go up to 20.5 kilometres per hour, the Android and the iPhone 5 pocket projectors. Also worth mentioning is the iTheatre, perfect for movie buffs and video gamers.
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SOCIETY
KUWAIT Hotspots
IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT FEATURED IN Ohlala! Email events@ohlala-magazine.com GulfRun 8 January 8 WHY GO? GulfRun 8 is an exciting event for skilled drivers to race their coolest cars on the Formula 1 circuit in competition with other drivers. The race is on for two days, and is a great way to meet new people and cheer for your favourite driver. Kuwaiti race car driver, Hamed Al-Ghazali, released a race car teaser for his fans with the tagline, “Assembled in Japan, imported from the States, driven in Kuwait, built in the UAE.� For this occasion, GulfRun hosted a gathering at AlGhanim Bumper-to-Bumper Garage in October 2013 to showcase some of the participating cars and their drivers.
Al Rai Industrial Area, Safat
info@thegulfrun.com 965 2223 0090
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Workshop January 10 to 13
TM
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BECOME A PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER!
Blooma is a Registered Prenatal Yoga School (RPYS) with Yoga Alliance TM
be blooma well
BLOOMA’S PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IS ALL ABOUT FINDING YOUR POWERFUL INTUITION. You will be trained in a sequence that is specifically designed to empower and prepare women for birth. You’ll leave prepared to lead a beautiful prenatal yoga practice that builds a mother’s confidence, strength, connects her to baby, and uplifts her mind, body, and spirit. Blooma is unique in that there are very few locations around the world that offer Yoga Alliance approved prenatal yoga education. TO REGISTER p BIRTHKUWAIT.COM
WHY GO? Blooma's Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Workshop offers coaching in prenatal yoga. The Level 1 training includes: the birthing community, inner wisdom, prenatal body knowledge, anatomy, wellness, introduction to childbirth education philosophies, the energy system of the chakras and the ancient practice of yoga. The workshop is open to yoga teachers, midwives, OBs, labour and delivery nurses, mothers and experienced women. Graduates from the Level 1 session can begin teaching prenatal yoga as a certified Blooma Prenatal Yoga Teacher.
RanaFit Studio, Women's Cultural and Social Society
sarahpaksima@gmail.com SARAH LONGACRE
Blooma Founder, Doula, Yoga Educator
STACY SEEBART
Director Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
Jan 10-13, 2013 At Rana Fitness Studio Khaldiya, Kuwait
Earlybird Registration by Nov 15, 2012 250 KWD
Kuwait IT Integrated Solution Trade Exhibition January 27 to 31 WHY GO? Infobiz is Kuwait’s IT and Communications Trade show, a great platform for forging new contacts and developing broader business opportunities. It focuses on integrating wireless technologies into the enterprise and vertical markets such as the business of healthcare, government, automotive, retail and more. Infobiz is a prime spot for vendors and suppliers in the IT industry to present their latest business solutions. They also provide integrated solutions to decision-makers and high profile visitors from the industry.
Kuwait International Fair Ground, Mishref
965-66807022
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Infoconnect Trade Show January 27 to February 2
WHY GO? Infoconnect headlines newsworthy items in the computer applications and information technology sector. The trade show attracts a large crowd of exhibitors and qualified businesspeople. It features an extensive range of products including computer peripherals, IT security tools, software solutions, data warehousing systems and a host of other related services and accessories. The show will see eminent professionals from the public and private sectors who will contribute to the discussion of the latest innovations and developments in the IT industry.
International Fairs Ground, Mishref
www.infocenterexpo.com.kw
Kuwait Insulation Conference and Exhibition January 30 to 31 WHY GO? The Second Kuwait Insulation Conference and Exhibition brings to the GCC region all the salient features of the insulation industry. The event is a meeting place for industry users, contractors and manufacturers to discover the latest in insulation materials, systems and services. Experts will also be speaking on industry-related issues and touch on new developments and trends. The exhibition will provide opportunities for brand building to exhibitors by showcasing the latest insulation products and services to key professionals from all major sectors of the construction industry. Exhibitors will be displaying their range of products and services for potential buyers and clients.
Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait
www.promediakw.com/2013/insulation 96525317601
‘We Will Rock You’ Concert January 31 to February 2 WHY GO? The British Academy of International Arts (BAIA) presents ‘We Will Rock You’, a full-scale musical based on the hit songs of the rock band ‘Queen’. Set in a futuristic world, Planet Mall, where all musical instruments are prohibited, ‘We Will Rock You’ sets the stage for an underground resistance group that wants to break free, seeking to start up a new Golden Age of music known as ‘The Rhapsody’. Galileo played by Elia Al-Haddad must battle to pull a mighty axe from the buried hand of the hairy rock god and free his people. The musical is co-written by British comedian Ben Elton and Queen members, Brian May and Roger Taylor. Order your ‘We Will Rock You’ tickets today from the BAIA box office.
British School of Kuwait campus
965 6005 2087
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SOCIETY
Business Alshaya ‘Gets Inspired’
Starbucks and Alshaya Trading Company, the official representatives of Ideal Standard, a provider of design-driven bathroom solutions, recently organised the ‘Get Inspired’ event. The event highlighted Ideal Standard’s latest collections of outstanding bathroom fixtures. ‘Get Inspired’, the theme of the event, included a presentation detailing Ideal Standard’s portfolio of products and services, as well as their latest innovation in new water and energy-saving technology, taking the brand’s eco-challenge one step further.
IPG Mediabrands Launches BPN
IPG Mediabrands has launched its global media agency BPN in the Middle East, in partnership with Horizon Group’s Brand Connection Network. The new agency business model is designed to offer small agency attention along with large agency advantages. Aside from having access to all the global tools and resources of IPG Mediabrands, BPN will offer highly differentiated services. Mauricio Sabogal, Global CEO of BPN, said, “Our mission is to understand the development of the brand from a more dynamic and realtime point of view to ultimately maximise clients’ media investment.”
OBG signs MOU with KAMCO
Oxford Business Group (OBG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research facilities for a third year with KAMCO (KIPCO Asset Management Company) in preparation for the Group’s new project. Under the MOU, OBG will have access to KAMCO’s expertise and research which will be used to compile the Capital Markets and Shares Analysis (CMA) Chapter of ‘The Report: Kuwait 2013’. The report will contain a wide range of interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders, and will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. It will be available in print and online.
Bayt.com Gives Children Professional Advice
KidZania, in partnership with Bayt.com will sponsor the Job Information Centre within the MH Alshaya franchised ‘edutainment’ centre. Children will be able to explore their abilities and interests and how these could be built into a CV to help them apply for one of the many roles available in KidZania Kuwait. Bayt.com will help children learn about the recruitment process in a real-life setting. Children can create a CV on an iPad to help them search for the right job role in KidZania Kuwait. It will also allow children to role-play as either a sales agent or a resume researcher. The exciting roles offered will teach children how to collect and input data, manage time, interact positively with each other and understand the value of money as they earn kidZos (KidZania’s currency) for their recruitment services.
Passat named ‘Best Mid-Size Sedan’
Volkswagen Middle East has announced that the new Passat has been awarded the Middle East’s ‘Best Mid-Size Sedan’, at the 2012 Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA), held at the Expo Centre, Sharjah. All cars that enter the awards are judged on technical parameters such as design, safety, technical innovation and performance. Customer parameters are also scored evaluating driver satisfaction, emotional appeal, value for money and Middle East-friendliness. The Passat marked highly in all categories and was crowned the ultimate winner by the expert jury of regional motoring journalists. 70
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Tory Burch Spring 2013 Ohlala! was invited to celebrate the Tory Burch launch at a special evening event in Dubai at Magnolia in the Al Qasr Hotel. Guests at the event had an exclusive preview of the Tory Burch Spring 2013 Collection, with 20 looks from the New York Fashion Week runway show.
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Jimmy Choo Parties on for Cruise 2013 Collection Ohlala! joined the uber fashionable crowd at the launch party of Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2013 Collection. Held at the Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, the event also introduced the ‘Choo 24:7 Stylemakers’, where guests took part in a fun photo booth activity — modelling their favourite shoes and bags from the new collection. The interactive www.choo247. com site celebrates street style with an image gallery featuring fans wearing Jimmy Choo items across the world.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Exhibition The high luxury jewellery brand, Van Cleef & Arpels recently held an exhibition for the ‘Enchanting High Jewellery Collection’ at Bait Al Sadu.
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CH Carolina Herrera Launch Spring Summer 2013 Collection The much-loved fashion brand, CH Carolina Herrera has just launched their Spring Summer 2013 Collection at their boutique at Al Hamra Luxury Centre.
MONT BLANC Opens Latest Store MONT BLANC recently celebrated the opening of its latest boutique in Kuwait at Al Hamra Tower.
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Tory Burch Debuts in Kuwait The American fashion house, Tory Burch, has just opened its very first store in Kuwait at the Grand Avenue.
Gerard Darel Launch Winter 2012-2013 Collection The fashion brand, Gerard Darel delighted shop goers with the unveiling of its Autumn Winter 2012-2013 collection.
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By Malene Birger Opens First Store Fashionistas were gleeful with the recent opening of By Malene Birger, at a launch held by Armada Retail Concept.
Kardashian Kollection Launch Dorothy Perkins has just added another brand to its store at The Avenues Mall with the introduction of the Kardashian Kollection.
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West Elm Arrives in Kuwait West Elm recently ventured in Kuwait with the opening of its latest store in the country.
Launch of New Range Rover Range Rover recently unveiled its new Sixth Generation vehicle at a launch event held for VIP guests and members of the media.
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Email: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Call: 1721 6099 The Essence of Style
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Ohlala! Stars Giovanni unveils your future for January… Happy Birthday Ms Capricorn! This month is going to see many of you contemplating a new phase in your life and the New Year is set to mean a lot more to you than many other signs. Much of this will be down to the fact that you have recently completed a business transaction that is going to offer a fantastic opportunity for you to really lift your finances in 2013. Emotionally, a new romance may blossom from the end of the month onwards adding to that overall glow in your life.
December 22 – January 19
Capricorn — at a glance
Capricorns are usually true to their word, even when others might have doubts about the validity of their claims. Independent, almost unshakable characters, they have an abundance of positive qualities, making them confident, strong-willed and calm. They also have a hardworking ethic and are unemotional, shrewd and practical in business when pursuing their goals. They demand trust and honesty from their partners and they will sacrifice everything for those they love, even at the risk of personal hardship. Often unfairly seen as stern and unforgiving, they demand respect but also give it, and appreciate authority. Whilst often very good with money, this can lead to some of them being particularly mean, although they are more likely to tell you this is just sensible caution. They can also be prone to dark moods and depression and can be melancholy at times, so it works best if their ’other-half’ is a more buoyant personality.
Martin Luther King Kate Middleton Orlando Bloom Rowan Atkinson Bradley Cooper
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Plans that took seed last month concerning money matters will develop favourably through to the end of the first quarter in 2013 and may even result in you travelling abroad to cement a profitable long-term partnership. You may also need to recruit a working associate to assist in an operation that might move too quickly for one person alone to deal with.
Pisces (February 19 – March 19) This month could see a long-term relationship finally come to a close. Perhaps things have simply run their course; perhaps it is time for a natural change. Whatever the reason, January will mark the beginning of a new phase in your life and though you may enter upon this path with a little trepidation, in the long run you can only benefit from it.
Aries (March 20 – April 19) This month an opportunity that comes your way is too good for you to give up, and there may be a few risks attached. You may be required to commit 100 percent of your time to the new venture for it to succeed and this could force an already strained home-life to breaking point.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Everything in your sphere seems to come together at once, promising you an eventful and rewarding few weeks. Career-wise, any concerns you might have harboured over a new project will be alleviated as things kick off in a very positive manner. Particular benefits will come if it involves creative pursuits.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Financially, you will get to see the back of some particularly tough times and you can look forward to a little more stability with your bank account. You may even have a nice little nestegg to fall back on. It’s also going to be a good time for you romantically, although it would be wise to think carefully before embarking upon any new relationship because your true “soul mate” may not have revealed himself just yet.
Famous Capricorns Jim Carrey Michelle Obama Elvis Presley Muhammad Ali
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) You are a sign driven by your heart and your emotions and as such, even though you are flying in the face of reason, you cannot help how you feel about someone close to you. This isn’t to suggest you are going to allow yourself to be ‘walked over’ but you know when something feels intrinsically right and this just does, regardless of what anyone else tells you. Virgo (August 23 — September 22) Some of you may have found yourselves under a great degree of emotional pressure just recently as tensions in a relationship rise to an almost unbearable level. You need to take the initiative and alleviate the problem before someone literally explodes! If you have children around you, let them stay with relatives, so that you and a partner can iron out any issues without distraction. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) This month you might need to watch your back in the work place as your colleagues seem to oppose you in some manner and you will need to prepare yourself for a draining battle in the coming weeks. To make a case for your defence you will need to do your homework because your progress has been monitored and you will have to fight your corner pretty hard.
LEO (July 23 – August 22) You may feel more emotional than usual this month and people close to you are likely to be concerned about your state of mind. Circumstances revolving around a problematic relative could be partly the reason for your obvious dismay, although financial matters also dominate your thoughts. Work could see you changing positions or even companies as a more productive vacancy comes to your attention.
Libra September 23 – October 22 This month your feelings are likely to be all over the place as an old flame reappears and turns your world (and your emotions) upside down. For those of you currently in a relationship, your reaction could confirm that where you are right now isn’t the best place and you should consider effecting some kind of change for your partner as much as yourself. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Just when you thought you’d seen it all, January throws you a curve ball of fairly epic proportions as a new romance literally bursts into your settled environment. A chance meeting back in August looks to be developing into something a little more serious. Your heart won’t know what has hit it, and many of you should prepare for quite a dramatic encounter. 79
THE COLUMN
Lifestyle Lowdown …
gs with Rozan Ahmed
Your monthly musin
“Progression without peers would be a lonely place…”
Y
ou'll be reading this in January 2013. But as of now, I'm still in 2012... startled by the year's near end, and grateful for its overall momentousness. The forefront of my vision (as regular readers of this column will know) has always been to expose what is ethnically grand, to culturally merge creativity with cause and always do so with a focus on leaving positive marks, colourful stains, a memorable history, in today's ever changing planet. To provide a different perspective on what is essentially forced in terms of information and celebrate the behaviour of real icons, past, present and future. 2012 saw many ‘moments’ highlighting this vision... through projects, events, collaborations, and inspiring like-minds. Let's take a look at a few, shall we? We Want Peace, and Emmanuel Jal. Launching the Business Gala and installing a school of philanthropy into the minds of successful businesses across South Sudan. Highlighting peace through the power of music and historically hosting Run DMC's Darryl McDaniels as the first international artist to touch South Sudanese soil. Introducing the works of Kenya's Kennedy Odede, Hope to Shine founder and Kibera's most influential, to Saudi Arabia's Prince Fahd Al Saud, a global force to be reckoned with, currently taking global technology to new levels of innovation in supporting youth entrepreneurship within KSA and beyond. Meeting with Angelina Jolie at The Hague and playing a part in the compilation of the closing statements for the International Criminal Court's first trial — oh and seeing the Chief Prosecutor at the time, Mr Ocampo, dance to Emmanuel Jal's hip hop music. Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and my birthday (that's just always memorable). My first NBA game — much thanks to Mr Pavo Smalls. My first hurricane. Indeed, thank you Sandy. My first time in Miami — except it was for 24 hours, I attended a conference and didn't leave the hotel (this no longer counts). And a final first, in the form of TV, and my appearance on DSTV's "Making of a Mogul" series. Honoured. Abu Dhabi Film Festival and its fantastic opening of Arbitrage. Saudi's Mohammed Al Turki and Hollywood heavyweight Richard Gere on the same celebratory stage as we witnessed an East/West fusing of film unlike
any other. Curating cover stories with Michelle Rodriguez — and once again highlighting local glory with international pizzazz. Cultural cultivation in fashion, history and music as we toured the Arab region (Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and yes indeed — Saudi Arabia). Estelle, and a bonafide visit to Kuwait's (shockingly freezing?) desert. Meeting with US military officials and humbly experiencing life on ‘the inside’. This, I shan't ever forget. Progression without peers would be a lonely place, which made the sight of ge, & rbitra flourishing peers all the more joyful. Reem and abia: A r A s t bi mee her wondrous expansion of Bahrain's Green wood Abu Dha Holly Bar (aka my skin's saving grace). Sofia and those heavenly bags, Lulu and Arabulous, Dana and The OverDressed, and marriage (yay). Saira, her "bragging" move to Dubai. Kenya, and Juliani, with Vision 2030, and Mugo Kibati. Boniface Mwangi — witnessing his triumph as one of the most inspiring leaders I have ever come across. Paige and her baby and the Africa Yoga Project. Saudi's Reem Al Kanhal and her stunningly intelligent fashion deliverance. Kuwait and Noaf and Pretty Little Things. Too many loved ones getting hitched and/or pregnant — then there was the legendary incident We W ant P of climbing Mount Everest in aid of eace: A ngelin breast cancer. Indeed, my friends are aJ Jal olie & Em amazing. manu el It seems divinely befitting that I'm here reminiscing in the midst of Dubai Film Festival, surrounded by a human avalanche of the world's most creative people. It's probably the quaintest of ways to end this culturally vibrant year. Red carpets celebrating Saudi's first female filmmaker (whose movie, Wadjda, was just unadulterated magic — Haifa, I zestfully applaud you). Afterparties with Australian singing sensations who debuted in the region with their first feature film. Bollywood so and so's, old England accolades and Palestinian strength in struggle. Attending lavish galas with Egypt's hmed ozan Aights R finest actors as we dine with Hollywood royalty 's i g e ou dh ogul: b to recor while raising funds for Oxfam in Tanzania. It is of a Ml mergence g n i k the utmost beauty in positive globalisation, and Ma s cultura take we are all a glorious part of it. Onto 2013.
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