Q A T A R
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The Many
Facets Of
Andrew Gn Celebrity Chic
Red Carpet Fashion
Bridal Elegance
Wedding Bliss
In The Shadow Of Her Voice A Controversial Story
Norwegian Beauty
Kate Havnevik
Femme Fatale
A Tale Of Seduction
May 2012 Issue # 11 BAHRAIN BD2 UAE DHS20 QATAR QR20 KSA SR20 EUROPE EUR4
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Andrew Gn Fashion Show @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Dubai hief Editor-in-C arris wards-H Kirsty Ed
Empowering Opulence ow! What an exciting month we’ve had. The Ohlala! team has been off jet setting around the Middle East, Europe and UK to bring you exclusive interviews and features from the best of the best. It’s no secret that we adore fashion, and are also rather partial to the finer things in life, so when we were invited to Dubai to interview the eclectic Fashion Designer Andrew Gn, who is renowned for his opulent, beautifully crafted gowns — a real favourite with Royalty here in the Middle East — we were more than happy to oblige, and were not disappointed! Andrew has a great sense of humour and kept us entertained throughout our chat — as you’ll see throughout our musings with him on the fashion pages. The Show was amazing, and every woman who put s on one of his gowns would feel great about herself — pure pleasure. The Ohlala! signature fashion shoot was also a delight to put together. We bring you the Femme Fatale by Agent Provocateur; a tale of seduction with sensual satins, provocative lace and irresistible chiffons in our modern day Garden of Eden. In between all of the above, we still had time to flit off to Italy to review a luxury villa in the pretty town of Tuscany. Travelling to the UK we chatted with singer Kate Havenik before she set off on tour, and Master Chocolatier William Curley, who has created a Guinness Book of Records Easter egg, which became the world’s most expensive non-jewelled egg. Then it was the International Wedding Show in Qatar where we sat down with the UK’s Number One Luxury Wedding Planner making her debut in the Middle East; next was the excitement of the F1 in Bahrain — fast cars, the top drivers from across the globe and elite soirees. Bringing us back to earth and making us realise we all have much to be thankful for, we have an inspiring one-on-one with Saudi Arabian Muna Al Yusuf, who is breaking boundaries by writing a true account of her struggles. Editor-in-Chief Enjoy the read…
The F1 - Unified One Nation In Celebration
In The Shadow Of Her Voice The Femme Fatale...
Kirsty Edwards-Harris 7
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30 Woman in Power
EXCLUSIVE
WEDDINGS
Breaking Boundaries
William Curley Master Chocolatier
The Wedding Planner
Breaking out in the
30 Middle East is hard
for any woman and requires courage, discipline and a backbone of steel. Katarina Mills catches up with a woman who is in no shortage of all three, Muna Al Yusuf, the first Shia woman to write a true account of female life in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
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There’s no stopping master
34 chocolatier William Curley. Not
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content with an unprecedented number of awards for his fabulous chocolate creations, he created a Guinness Book of Records Easter egg, which became the world’s most expensive non-jewelled egg. Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker caught up with the UK’s premier chocolate artisan.
It’s every girl’s
40 fantasy to have a fairy
Godmother that can wave a wand and create a dream wedding. Well she just landed in the Middle East. Ohlala! catches up with Sarah Haywood, the UK’s Number One Luxury Wedding Planner and author of Wedding Bible to find out how she intends to work her magic.
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44 Celebrity Scoop
Fashion
Fashion Interview
TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Femme Fatale
The Eclectic Musings OF Andrew Gn
Kate Havnevik is a
44 Norwegian artist who
has already released two impressive albums, with &I planned for fall 2012. Ben Whittaker caught up with her ahead of her mini tour of Russia.
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Embrace the romantic
51 sophistication of Agent
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Provocateur with seductive satins, provocative lace & irresistible chiffrons; enchantingly sensual & luxurious...
Ohlala! was invited to Saks Fifth
72 Avenue, Burjuman Dubai for the
stunning Andrew Gn Autumn Winter 2012/13 Fashion Show. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with this fascinating and unconventional Designer.
The Gate, Tel. 4407 7154
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Q A T A R
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Anna for Agent Provocateur Image by George Mathew I www.greyimage.com
the Many
Facets of
Bridal ElEgancE
andrew gn
Wedding Bliss
cElEBrity chic
in the Shadow of her Voice
red carpet Fashion
a controVErSial Story
norWEgian BEauty
Femme Fatale
Kate Havnevik
Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003 Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-Harris Fashion Styling Assistant I Leslie Garduque Model I Anna @ Attitude Enterprises Hair Stylist I Deanne @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 www.toniandguybahrain.com Makeup Artist I Charlotte @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 www.toniandguybahrain.com Fashion I Agent Provocateur Location I Private Villa Garden With special thanks to Sharon & Peter Hunt
Femme Fatale
A Tale Of Seduction May 2012 Issue # BAHRAIN BD2 UAE 11 DHS20 QATAR QR20 KSA SR20 EUROPE EUR4
The Shoot Team
It's raining in the desert — no, really it is!
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Flower Fairy
Trusty old hairspray
The Magic Brush
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t’s been a busy month! Not only did the Easter bunny pay us a visit (and leave far too many eggs — I so need to get back to boot camp!) but April also brought my Mum to visit from England. It’s been two years since her last visit so it was time to take a tour of Doha; a lot has changed in that relatively short space of time. It’s funny that no matter where we live we all get slightly complacent about our surroundings. Becoming a tour guide enables us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and gives us a chance to become enchanted all over again. We wondered at the architectural splendour of Katara, savoured the abundant sounds and smells of the souqs, and indulged in al fresco dining at the Pearl as we watched the sun set over the Arabian Gulf. That’s when you realise just how lucky you are to live in Qatar, when you see what they see. The International Wedding Exhibition also came to town in April, bringing an array of top class exhibitors. A chance for Doha’s bridesto-be to peruse a selection of designers and wedding service providers that showcased all you needed for the perfect wedding. Ohlala! caught up with top UK wedding planner Sarah Haywood at the exhibition, check out our interview with her. Doha’s dining scene is ever changing, with new restaurants opening constantly; it’s hard to keep up, but of course I enjoy trying! Last month saw Four Seasons take a step away from the traditional and launch their trendy new restaurant Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. I attended the opening and reviewed their delectable Pan-Asian cuisine. I love my job, even if my waistline strongly objects! A huge crowd saw the opening round of the MotoGP kick off in Qatar in April. Three fantastic races lit up Losail International Circuit Ohlala! I May 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
Lisa
and saw Jorge Lorenzo overthrow the reigning World Champion Casey Stoner in an exciting season opener. A thrilling and exciting sport to watch, we’re lucky to have such a great circuit here in Qatar. The Aspire Tower has long been an iconic landmark on Doha’s skyline. Last month saw crowds flocking to the tower, now a luxury hotel, to take in a view with a difference. Alain Robert, “Spiderman”, scaled the dizzy heights of The Torch to land himself a Guinness World Record. It was a death-defying climb without any safety equipment and when he finally reached the top, after a nail biting hour and a half climb, the crowd below went crazy. I watched in awe (peeking through my fingers) — truly a piece of history in the making. Spring is in the air and we have experienced some amazing storms in Qatar recently. It seems so special to see forks of lighting illuminate sky here and I know many residents (including me!) took to the streets to make the most of the rain before the heat takes hold. As things start to hot up it’s time to relegate those jeans to the back of the wardrobe and look towards a fresh summer look. I always feel a change in season calls for a shopping spree so I’m off to find this season’s must-haves, as well as a funky 70s disco outfit for the ANZIQ ball this month. Happy shopping!
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Villaggio Mall +974 4413 4503, Landmark Mall +974 4486 7752, www.karenmillen.com
STYLE
TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS
The luxurious pieces we're in love with this month & stunning looks from the elite around the world.
STYLE What Ohlala! loves this month…
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Obsessive Perfection
The Exclusive Collection of TAG Heuer LINK luxury smart phones is the ultimate in refinement of material: Argentinean lizard, top Wesselton brilliant cut (2.53 carats) diamonds and mother-ofpearl are the beautifully crafted decorative details. This is one opulent communications device!
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Summer Dreams
This gorgeous Coach Hamptons Weekend leather perforated medium tote in coral is the quintessential summer accessory — great for shopping with friends or while jet-setting around Europe.
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The Wish List Shimmer & Shine
The Ohlala! team is in love with these stunning Shaw shoes from the Jimmy Choo 24:7 Collection made from pearlized python in stone gold. The perfect footwear for all the glitterati balls happening this month.
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Balmain Brilliance
What woman doesn’t love Balmain? Olivier Rousteing’s Spring Summer 2012 Collection is absolutely stunning. In particular we adore this rock-chick Parisienne art deco ensemble.
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STYLE
Celeb
Watch
Stunning looks from the best-dressed celebrities across the globe. Actress, Scarlett Johansson wows onlookers at the LA Premiere of her new movie, The Avengers. Making the most of her curves, she wears a black, peplumstyle Versace dress, accessorising with delicate Giuseppe Zanotti heeled sandals and Van Cleef & Arpels 1.5 carat round ear studs in diamond and the Volutes ring in white gold and diamonds. Her makeup is inspired by the Spring Summer trend of doll-like beauty and she takes on a unique and striking updo, which complements her look. Image by Lester Cohen
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Rachel Zoe, an American Celebrity Fashion Stylist, looks amazing in this Spring Summer 2012 Marc Jacobs dress while attending the Marc Jacobs' Fall Winter 2012 fashion show as a front row guest in New York. The accessories work well with the look but it would have been better if she had chosen plain black heels and showed off more of the dress with a loose, curly updo.
Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez makes a statement in a Michael Kors neon double face stretch wool crepe long sleeve slash gown from the Resort 2012 collection to the American Idol Season 11 Elimination Show in Hollywood, California. She accessorises with strappy heels and simple jewellery — all in black — which really set off the look.
American Film Actress Hilary Swank looks divine in this purple Salvatore Ferragamo dress from the Pre Fall 2012 Collection. She accessorises with black heels and keeps her hair and makeup simple. At the Italian dinner for 60 selected guests in the baroque setting of Café Mollien at the Louvre, Salvatore Ferragamo celebrated the inauguration of the exhibition, The Saint Anne, Leonarodo da Vinci's Ultimate Masterpiece at the Louvre Museum in Paris, acting as the Sole Sponsor.
Jennifer L opez
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Art & Culture
Expression Through
Art
For Qatari artist Amal Al-Aathem, painting is so much more than a form of expression, “My brush is my scream, my silent and peaceful battle.”
“When we wear the hijab we are covering our body but not our minds.”
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Amal tells us she was unperturbed and determined to be understood, “I said I didn’t care and I wouldn’t stop. In 2010, when Doha was the Capital of Culture, they played my video and people clapped. I was so happy. I know when I studied the history of art that there were many artists that discovered a new planet of art and were at first rebuffed.” Amal is currently exhibiting at the newly opened Anima Gallery and Lounge on The Pearl-Qatar. It was a project she was excited to be involved in and she worked closely with the owner of the gallery, Ghada Sholy. “I really respect Ghada, she is so brave, that’s why I was working from my heart with her, it was like my own place. It is amazing.” Many of Amal’s pieces are installations. One particularly powerful display features an array of abayas, black on the outside but with various captivating images portrayed inside. “It represents that when we wear the hijab we are covering our body but not our minds.” Amal is adamant that there is so much more to a Middle Eastern woman. “People look at us in our abayas and they say that we are all the same. We are brave living life here in the desert. My symbol is the palm tree, it grows in the desert without any rain or water and it gives. I feel that women in the Gulf are like this.” An extremely hard working and impassioned woman, she admits that she sometimes finds it difficult to juggle being “a mother, wife and artist”, but with exhibitions planned in New York, Los Angeles, and Kuwait well into 2013, she is set to continue multitasking. Her advice to budding artists is simply to work hard. “I am always working for myself, reading and feeding my soul, that’s why I produce good work. You can’t just wait for chances to come to you, I am not this person; I am always working.”
You can view Amal Al-Aathem’s work at the Anima Gallery and Lounge, The Pearl-Qatar, 30 La Croisette Porto Arabia, +974 4495 3536 ride, passion and artistic talent unite in the awe-inspiring figure of Amal AlAathem. Her paintings are said to journey into the souls of women, her brush not only a tool of her trade, but a tool to dig into cultural dilemmas. Her personal journey into the world of art, she tells us, started as a child. “We used to travel a lot. In every country we went to my father would take me to the museums, so I learned to appreciate art.” An A grade student Amal’s father had set his heart on her becoming a doctor, but as a teenager Amal had other ideas. “I hated my physics teacher. Really I should say thank you to that physics teacher for where I am today! It was around this time I decided to be an artist.” After studying at the High Institute of Dramatic Art in Kuwait, then graduating in 1995 from Qatar University with a Bachelors Degree in Arts Education, she initially went on to teach art, but soon realised she needed to pursue her own creative path. “I took many workshops and travelled to develop myself, then in the year 2000 I held my first exhibition in Bahrain.” Today Amal is a popular artist, not only in Doha but also across the world, having held exhibitions in Lebanon, Japan, Paris and the United States. But there was a time when people didn’t understand this prolific creative. “I have always strived to be unique; I started with video art, no-one accepted it and said I was crazy. In 2003 I had the chance to do an installation and a video for the Doha Culture Festival and they said it was strange!”
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Woman in Power
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“Humanity in its pure essence of compassion, fairness, humility, and unconditional love, inspires me the most.�
Breaking Boundaries
Breaking out in the Middle East is hard for any woman and requires courage, discipline and a backbone of steel. Katarina Mills catches up with a woman who is in no shortage of all three, Muna Al Yusuf, the first Shia woman to write a true account of female life in Saudi Images by George Mathew Arabia’s Eastern Province.
T
he 52 year old author from a small town called Safwa has just made headlines with her book, In The Shadow of Her Voice which tells of the joy, suffering and hardship endured by women in Saudi Arabia since the 1960s. Her story is inspired by the females in her life, predominantly her mother and maternal grandmother Fatema. “My inspiration for the book came from my mother and grandmother Fatema and all their narratives of womanhood,” says the first-time author who has written journals and poetry since she was a teenager. “It came from my nieces and my nephews as they are the future and they are the hope to make this world a better place for humanity. My inspiration came from the many voices of women and men in all the different languages they speak as they do so with compassion and courage, striving for justice and peace to create a world with integrity for humanity.” In The Shadow of Her Voice is an autobiography, a journey that explores various themes of her own life and the search for strength. “The primary theme in the book is courage, and one theme that defines this work would have to be realising my true voice and having the heart to honour it in a world that seeks to silence it. Humanity in its pure essence of compassion, fairness, humility, and unconditional love, inspires me the most.”
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Woman in Power “We are the choices and actions we make and take, and if we don’t stop to reflect on how this impacts us, and this world we live in, we are not serving ourselves, or humanity.”
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The book aims to speak to all women, Arab and non-Arab, with the message that we only live once. “It is up to us to be mindful, to be responsible, and to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others and the only way we can do that is to have courage and integrity. We are the choices and actions we make and take, and if we don’t stop to reflect on how this impacts us and this world we live in, we are not serving ourselves, or humanity.” Her book touches on sensitive topics, and was positively received by her family and friends, who had no idea that she was writing it until it appeared in its published form. “The response from my family and friends was positive and supportive beyond my expectations, considering the fact that the book is sensitive and controversial and none of them had any idea or access to the book before it was published.” The book’s very sensitive nature meant that Muna struggled to find a publishing house willing to take on her work, and as a result she opted for self-publication. “The book is a true journey, and it took me over a year to finally decide on publishing as mainstream publishers found the book personal and sensitive to place it in a particular genre, despite it being an autobiography. After almost a year of proposing it to publishing houses in the UK, I decided to go for self-publishing.” The autobiography tackles the issue of female equality and the power that women possess, should they choose to use it. “Society won’t change its attitude to women until we women change our attitude towards ourselves and other women. Both women and men must realise that this attitude towards women doesn’t serve society. Women undermine the power we have in influencing change. We raise both women and men and we fail to create a more equal humane attitude toward women. Despite women’s achievements and the more positive and active roles they play in changing global society, I think changing society’s attitude towards women is still at the beginning. Women are underprivileged all over the world. The challenge now is that the same dismissive attitudes concerning women prevail; the difference is the attitude is repackaged differently. There are so many undermining attitudes towards women that are not examined by women or by society, and instead we have learned to accept and normalise them.” Muna’s own courage shows in the fact she had no fear in disclosing her own identity. “It took a life time, 48 years to arrive at a place where I am at peace with myself, decisions, mistakes, losses and Ohlala! I May 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
gains, pain and joy to be able to compile and publish my life. It is a true life story as I have lived it, and I have published it under my true name and identity. I believe it is the first book published by and about a Shia woman from Saudi Arabia.” In The Shadow of Her Voice reaches out to all women and men to find their own true voices and build up the nerve to speak out. “I hope to inspire Arab and non-Arab women and men to find their true essence, their true voices and have the courage to use it in writing, speaking, painting, singing, and dancing. A voice is only a channel for heart. There are a thousand ways to communicate courage and each of us can find our own way if we choose to do so.” So what’s next for this brave woman? “I don’t know what the future holds for me. I am so grateful every morning for having another day, another chance to have the strength to live, to be able to love and to be loved. So, if there is a chance for writing another book, I would love to enjoy the gift when it presents itself to me.”
“There are a thousand ways to communicate courage and each of us can find our own way if we choose to do so.�
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EXCLUSIVE
William Curley Master Chocolatier There’s no stopping master chocolatier William Curley. Not content with an unprecedented number of awards for his fabulous chocolate creations, he created a Guinness Book of Records Easter egg, which became the world’s most expensive non-jewelled egg. Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker caught up with the UK’s premier chocolate artisan. 34
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“If you have an ambition or goal you need to make it a worthwhile one. Aim as high as you can because the journey to the top is what the experience is all about.”
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illiam Curley has won more awards for his chocolate creations than anyone else in his field and has been voted Best British Chocolatier by the Academy of Chocolate four times in a row. To date he has won close to 30 Gold Awards alone! His 50-kilo Easter Egg sold for a world beating £7000, that’s over QAR40,900, at auction in March to technology investor Cyrus Vandrevala. Beautifully decorated, this completely handcrafted egg took three days to create and was filled with a selection of William Curley’s gold award winning chocolates, including muscovado caramel, Japanese black vinegar, rosemary and olive oil and toasted sesame. It’s another milestone in the hugely talented chocolatier’s success story and his book, Couture Chocolate, released last year won ‘Best British Chocolate Book 2011’ at the Gourmand International World Cook Book Awards making him a leading authority on his art. William also has two luxury shops, with one in fashionable Belgravia and the other in leafy Richmond upon Thames. His products are sold in Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum and Masons and set a standard by which all other luxury chocolate shops and patisseries are now judged in the UK. I’ve had a sweet tooth since I was a young man, and a particular weakness for chocolate. Forget candy, cakes and biscuits: if there was one luxury I could take to a desert island chocolate would win hands down! But with health and diet so much on the agenda in a society plagued with rising obesity and fast food, chocolate appears to have been grouped with many of the indulgences no longer deemed good for us. William is quick to clarify the point. “In a world obsessed with the health-giving properties of what we consume, dark chocolate features quite highly on the scale of positive foods when it comes to antioxidants. It’s also worth noting that a high cocoa content doesn’t always mean a good tasting chocolate. Just like wine, chocolate is only as good as the beans. It’s all in the beans,” he says. “Cocoa beans come in three varieties: Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario. The most common bean is Forastero and this is used in the majority of the world’s chocolate production. Criollo — sometimes referred to as the prince of cocoa — together with the hybrid Trinitario (which is a blend of the two) is often used in finer chocolate. So, a bar containing 85 percent cocoa coming from poor quality beans is not going to taste anywhere as good as a bar with less cocoa content that comes from high quality beans. “If you have an ambition or goal you need to make it a worthwhile one. Aim as high as you can because the journey to the top is what the experience is all about. Nobody aspires to be average. You want to be the best. But to be the best means putting in the hours and there are some days when I spend more time in the kitchen than I do at home." For many years people have believed that Swiss chocolate is the best around but William has is own theory on this —
and it is something most connoisseurs of chocolate agree with. “If you’re talking about what is good for you then milk chocolate doesn’t really feature. Technically – there is no such thing as European chocolate because no beans are actually grown in Europe. The best beans grow 20-degrees either side of the equator. Europeans became involved in the processing and refinement of chocolate as the product became more popular,” says William. “The Swiss created milk chocolate and it was the Belgians who came up with the concept of boxing chocolates but there aren’t many manufacturers of fine chocolate in the country itself. The same goes for Italy and France, although in my opinion the finest chocolate currently available comes from a small family operation just outside Pisa, called Amedei. The processes they use to create their chocolate offers one of the smoothest eating experiences you are ever likely to encounter.” William Curley was born on October 29, 1971 in Methil, Scotland and raised in Fife. Although his family had no connection to the gastronomy field, William developed a passion for the culinary arts and started his career by taking an apprenticeship in Gleneagles Hotel.
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EXCLUSIVE “It wasn’t exactly the career you’d expect the son of a Scottish docker to follow. However, given the choice at college of that or metalwork and woodwork and the fact that the cooking class was full of girls, I decided that had to be the more attractive option! I certainly never thought back then that I would eventually make a career out of it.” Nor presumably that the next decade would see him working with the likes of Pierre Koffman at La Tante Claire, Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and the fiery Marco Pierre White. By the age of 27 he was the youngest Chef Patissier at The Savoy, where he met his wife Suzue, another talented patissier. Together they eventually opened their first shop, selling chocolates and patisserie in Richmond. “I learnt much of the craft from the wonderful patisseries of France and whenever I could, crossed the Channel to simply taste and observe what they were doing. A lot has changed and I feel some of the best patisseries in the world are now in Japan, where they have raised the bar to extraordinary levels. “For me it is all about exploring new tastes and new challenges because one of the biggest dangers in this industry is to stop and rest on your laurels. Tastes change and you need to change with them. You need to be the one driving those changes.” After over two decades in the business, William Curley is as ambitious and motivated as ever, which can only be a good thing for those of us who are confirmed fans because you never quite know what he is going to deliver next!
If you would like to know more about William Curley then visit his website at www.williamcurley.co.uk.
“For me it is all about exploring new tastes and new challenges because one of the biggest dangers in this industry is to stop and rest on your laurels. Tastes change and you need to change with them. You need to be the one driving those changes.” 36
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WEDDINGs
Image © Barker Evans 39
WEDDINGS
“The biggest budget we’ve had is several million dollars.”
The Wedding Planner Image © Barker Evans
It’s every girl’s fantasy to have a fairy Godmother that can wave a wand and create a dream wedding. Well she just landed in the Middle East. Ohlala! catches up with Sarah Haywood, the UK’s Number One Luxury Wedding Planner and author of Wedding Bible to find out how she intends to work her magic.
S
arah Haywood isn’t used to being front and centre. This expert wedding planner, author and awardwinning businesswoman, is normally found organising photographers, rather than being surrounded by them. It’s Sarah’s first visit to the Middle East and she’s here to help unveil the bespoke wedding services at the St. Regis Doha, as well as write a wedding planning book for the Middle Eastern market. We caught up with her as she kicked off her visit opening the International Wedding Exhibition. Sarah received an overwhelming warm welcome, being picked up in a Rolls Royce then taken to the St Regis, where she was given her own butler. This treatment is indeed worthy of the royalty she openly admires, and in fact, so highly regarded is Sarah’s opinion that she was the “go to” wedding expert for media commentary throughout the wedding of HRH Prince William to Catherine Middleton, and also CNN’s wedding expert on the big day itself. We can’t help but ask her opinion of the fairy tale royal wedding. “I loved every second 40
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of the day! It’s what we do best in Britain, the pomp and the pageantry. Everything was absolutely perfect and I thought she [Catherine] looked beautiful.” It’s obvious that you don’t become an expert in wedding planning overnight, and Sarah feels her experience to date now qualifies her to expand her business into the Middle East. “As the years have gone by I’ve become more confident in working in different regions and with different cultures.” Sarah believes that the secret of a successful wedding is the same across all cultures. “What I have learned is that weddings are actually about finding out what a couple want. So as long as you can ascertain that, and assemble the right team of people, you are going to create an amazing wedding.” Stressing the importance of not being intimidated by sizable budgets Sarah tells us, “We understand managing huge budgets. It’s very important that if you are going to throw a lot of money at an event you don’t want to throw it at someone that’s never done a large event before. The biggest budget we’ve had is several million dollars.”
In some respects it’s an unenviable job as the pressures to organise the perfect day must be incredible. Conflict within the wedding party is all too common and that’s where Sarah comes in, a referee of sorts, she ensures a smooth ride all the way up the aisle. “There needs to be some compromise; my job is juggling all the expectations and getting them on the same page,” she says. “It’s about keeping the day flowing naturally and I always see myself as the Commander-in-Chief; I have all my Generals underneath and everyone knows what they are doing. When you are managing what is meant to be the best day of somebody’s life then it really isn’t an option not to deliver.” Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most important days of your life and despite the huge budgets Sarah has previously managed her one parting piece of advice rings true. “My golden rule is that weddings are about people, and great weddings are ones that are planned with that in mind. So remember why you are doing it, and remember how much money you spend on celebrating your commitment is not a reflection of the strength of that commitment.” Visit www.sarahhaywood.com
Wedding Tips from ohlala! Save The Date It’s obviously important to have all those around you that you are closest to. Take into account who is coming and where from and find a date that is suitable for all. Planning Be selective with who you choose to get involved in the planning process as too many cooks spoil the broth. Stick to immediate family and the Maid of Honour. If you hire a wedding planner then make sure you have confidence in them otherwise you won’t trust their decisions.
get married on a beach, or an island, somewhere you spent a romantic evening — keep your vision of the day in mind.
Choosing a Location Go with your gut instincts and choose somewhere you both fall in love with. It’s important to feel comfortable and at home with the place. Think outside of the box — perhaps
Have Fun Relax and enjoy yourself. This is your big day and a once in a lifetime experience. Personalise your wedding, make it yours and relish every moment, as it’s yours to cherish for the rest of your life.
The Budget Decide on a budget and work within that. Be aware of what everything is going to cost and look out for hidden costs such as tax and delivery charges. Write it all down so you know what you are doing and where you are going.
The Little Details Make wedding programs for your guests so everyone is aware of what is going on, they also make for great keepsakes. Get everything organised well in advance of the big day, such as decorations, seat planning etc, so that you can relax and pamper yourself leading up to the big day.
Image © Barker Evans
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WEDDINGS “Elegant and timeless jewels combined with the innovative Bulgari style.”
Bulgari Bridal Collection Necklace
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"Gilan adorns brides with couture jewellery rich in culture and lavish designs.”
Gilan Bridal Collection
Versace Fine Jewellery Collection: Versace Forever
“The Versace Forever collection includes solitaires and wedding bands that will make your heart melt in a second!” Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2012
“The fantasy and the romance, the bride becomes the dream.” Angelika
Barbara
Diana
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Celebrity Scoop
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To
Russia With Love Kate Havnevik is a Norwegian artist who has already released two impressive albums, with &I planned for fall 2012. Ben Whittaker caught up with her ahead of her mini tour of Russia.
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Celebrity Scoop a t e Havnevik’s first two albums have been critically, if not commercially, acknowledged and she has demonstrated a talent for writing engaging, sophisticated songs that suggest a breakthrough into the mainstream is just a short time away. As she set out on a mini tour of Russia, with St Petersburg and Moscow both on her agenda, we caught up with her to discover more about her life and musical talent. “Although I am based in Oslo, my father is English and I have spent a lot of time in London and also studied music at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, so I am very much a child of Marmite and Weetabix!” Music played a big part in Kate’s early years, with both her parents being flutists, so there was a certain inevitability to her career path. “I suppose it was a natural progression for me. My parents were both very supportive of my decision to study music and make it my career. As I grew up I often came to London with my dad when he was performing, so I developed a love of travel as well. “I started to write my own material when I was a teenager and those early years helped to shape my style and interest.” Kate’s first album, Melankton arrived first on iTunes and then as a CD in 2006. It was well received by critics, although its initial release was limited to Norway alone. Its success in her native country led to a global release the following year. “It was such a thrill to have my music out there and to see how people were responding to it. It’s one thing to write an album, you always do it for yourself first and foremost, but to have fans and critics come back to you with messages of support and enthusiasm is really uplifting. It establishes a connection and drives you to explore and develop that relationship with your fans further.” After difficulties in her personal life — a marriage that didn’t quite work out following a wedding when she was, “Perhaps a little too young for the commitment at 20.” — Kate went back to writing and her second album, You, was released in October 2011. Featuring a more dynamic sound and a quality of writing in
songs such as Halo and Show Me Love, there was a greater depth to her follow up that demonstrated a real creative talent. For Kate there is also another side to her writing and performing, and although she enjoys creating her own material, she also enjoys collaborating and has worked with Royksopp and Carmen Rizzo. These projects serve as important contributors to her career and the development of her music. “Working with others stops you developing a tunnel-vision approach and often enhances your output. I wouldn’t want to lose this and although my own career is always going to be my primary focus, I like the dynamic that others bring.” So how does she view the Internet as a platform for new artists? “I think whether you’re an established name or someone fresh into the music business, the Internet is a fundamental component of your make-up as an artist. More people use it than ever before for listening and discovering new material. For artists, it makes it easier than ever to connect with your audience. Without it you are unlikely to break into the mainstream. “Of course it does also open up the challenges posed by illegal downloading but in the end, the benefits far outweigh the negatives and for many major artists, the real developments are taking place around the live experience.” And does she like performing? “I love it. It is that unique experience of something new. You might have a run of nights planned on a tour that spans several cities, countries or even continents and whilst you may perform the same set of songs — give or take a couple — no amount of planning can dictate the atmosphere, which means every event is different. “Music is very therapeutic, not just for me as a performer but also for the audience. I can say this having sat on both sides of the fence and experienced what it is like to give as well as to receive from a concert.” In her spare time — of which there is very little — she loves film, music and theatre and also enjoys being at home, and good food. “I like to eat in rather than eat out, although,“ she confesses with a smile, “I prefer someone else to do the cooking! I’m also a very spiritual person, deeply passionate about what I do — must be something to do with being a Scorpio — and I’m a big tea drinker!” To the uninitiated she would suggest a listen of her second album, You, an album that will leave you wondering where she has been all your life! Visit www.katehavnevik.com
“Working with others stops you developing a tunnel-vision approach and often enhances your output… I like the dynamic that others bring.”
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“I am very much a child of Marmite and Weetabix!”
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Celebrity Scoop
“Music is very therapeutic, not just for me as a performer but also for the audience.�
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“I’m also a very spiritual person, deeply passionate about what I do.”
new album 's ik v e n v a or Kate H Look out f is coming fall. th d e s a le e r e b &I set to
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Femme Fatale
Embrace the romantic sophistication of Agent Provocateur with seductive satins, provocative lace & irresistible chiffrons; enchantingly sensual & luxurious...
Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003 Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-Harris Fashion Styling Assistant I Leslie Garduque Model I Anna @ Attitude Enterprises Hair Stylist I Deanne @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 www.toniandguybahrain.com Makeup Artist I Charlotte @ Toni & Guy I +973 1700 1700 www.toniandguybahrain.com Fashion I Agent Provocateur Location I Private Villa Garden With special thanks to Sharon & Peter Hunt Agent Provocateur, Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, 1st Floor, Dubai + 971 4339 9570 I Saks Fifth Avenue, Burjuman, Level 2 +971 4351 5551 I The Pearl Doha, Qatar +974 6690 0225 I Moda Mall, World Trade Center, Bahrain +973 1713 1220 I www.agentprovocateur.com
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Anna wears the Daena Gown, Bra & Briefs from the Spring Summer 2012 Collection by Agent Provocateur. Available at Available at the Agent Provocateur Boutique in The Pearl Doha. 51
Left: Anna wears the Matinee Kimono in White from the Classic Collection & the Fifi Slip, Bra & Briefs in Cream from the Bridal Collection by Agent Provocateur. Right: Anna wears the Daena Gown, Bra & Briefs from the Spring Summer 2012 Collection by Agent Provocateur. All Available at the Agent Provocateur Boutique in The Pearl Doha.
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Left: Anna wears the Satin Corset, Fifi Suspender Skirt & Briefs, all in Black from the Classic Collection by Agent Provocateur. Right: Anna wears the Matinee Kimono & Love Basque, both in Black from the Classic Collection by Agent Provocateur. All Available at the Agent Provocateur Boutique in The Pearl Doha.
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Left: Anna wears the Fifi Slip, Bra & Thong, all in Black from the Classic Collection by Agent Provocateur. Right: Anna wears the Sprinkle Babydoll, Bra & Briefs from the Spring Summer 2012 Collection by Agent Provocateur. All Available at the Agent Provocateur Boutique in The Pearl Doha.
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Left: Anna wears the Kiki Kimono, & Fifi Slip in Black & Pink, from the Classic Collection & carries Pink & Gold Handcuffs by Agent Provocateur. Right: Anna wears the Kiki Kimono from the Classic Collection & the Cleopatra Bracelet/Anklet by Agent Provocateur. All Available at the Agent Provocateur Boutique in The Pearl Doha.
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Casual Chic Ohlala! showcases an elegant range of styles from Punt O Roma to take you from day to night.
Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003 Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-Harris Model I Aga Hair & Makeup Stylist I Blanca I +974 7799 9778 Fashion I Punt O Roma Location I The St. Regis Doha, Al Gassar Resort, West Bay, Doha, Qatar I www. stregisdoha.com I +974 4446 0000
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The Look I Punt O Roma Available at Villagio Mall 61
The Look I Punt O Roma Available at Villagio Mall 62
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Fashion
The Eclectic Musings OF Andrew Gn
Ohlala! was invited to Saks Fifth Avenue, Dubai, for the stunning Andrew Gn Autumn Winter 2012/13 Fashion Show. Kirsty Edwards-Harris chats with this fascinating and unconventional Designer. 72
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“Really look for your own voice and find yourself, the individualistic voice of yours that marks you away from everyone else, and once you find yourself, stay with it.”
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un and approachable with a great sense of humour, Andrew Gn is a cultivated, unique and eclectic Fashion Designer with a love of the beautiful and luxurious things in life. Originating from Singapore Andrew was immersed in the world of fashion (he describes his mother as a fashionista of her time) and antiques from a young age through his parents who were connoisseurs, which accounts for his passion for collecting antique porcelain, textiles and furniture. After studying fashion design at London’s famous Saint Martin’s School of Art, then obtaining a Master’s from Milan’s prestigious Domus Academy, Andrew went on to become the first assistant to Monsieur Emmanuel Ungaro, after which he opened his eponymous fashion house in Paris in 1996 just one year later. Famous for his gowns Andrew Gn now dresses royalty and celebrities around the world, including in the Middle East. He values beautiful craftsmanship, couture quality and timelessness, which ultimately, his fantastic creations embody. What is the concept of fashion to you? Andrew Gn. I do not know when the word fashion actually went into the dictionary because I presume in the olden days fashion was a word used to describe the thing of the moment. I don’t believe people were called fashion designers then, just tailors or cloak makers, such as Madame Rose Bertin, the one who did the whole wardrobe of Marie Antoinette. I think properly the word fashion was introduced during the late Nineteenth-Century. For me, fashion is something that really describes the trend of the moment. I like to say that I’m not just a fashion designer, I’m a real clothing designer because my motto in life is really beauty and luxury. I like to create something which is beautiful and also timeless, so for me it is important to be in trend but then I think women who buy my clothes should be able to bring out those pieces two years, five years, ten years later and still wear them. Other than fashion I also like the fact that the clothes are beautifully crafted, of a certain couture quality, and that you can keep them for the rest of your life and hand them down to your girls. Do you think a fashion designer is born with a gift or can it be an educated art? AG. You cannot teach how to design fashion. It’s something quite abstract and the fact is either you have it or you don’t. I think we all go to fashion school to learn how to drape, how to make paper patterns, how to sketch; they can teach you fashion history and they can teach you the path of finding yourself but they cannot teach you taste. I think what is important in fashion is to find your own voice, the individualistic voice of yours that marks you away from everyone else. Everybody is a fashion designer these days. Socialites, actresses, singers, any Tom Dick and Harry. New York, it’s amazing; they have around 1,500 shows, you know it’s crazy. Everybody who came out from Project Runway, from this and that, everybody is launching a line, but at the end, to mark yourself apart from the whole pool of socalled fashion designers, you really need to have your own voice. I think it’s so important, and this is my advice to all the people who are learning fashion or in fashion school; really look for your own voice and find yourself, and once you find yourself, stay with it.
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FashioN When did you realise you wanted to become a fashion designer? AG. I was brought up in a family where my parents were very eclectic art collectors; they’d collect anything from old masters to contemporary art. They collect ceramics, from Bouvet to Leger to Vancousi, Seventeenth-Century Chinese porcelain and Eighteenth-Century French furniture. My family was very artsy, and I was directed to the sales room from when I was five or six and I hated it originally, but learned how to love it after a few years. It’s very good to educate your children really early. My mother was one of the early fashionistas in Singapore. She was always in Valentino, Chanel and Chloe in the 60s and 70s. She was one of the very first women who wore Jean Muir in Singapore, I mean who even knew about Jane Muir, it was so far away. We used to keep a house in Hampstead and she used to shop at Browns. And Browns was stocking Jean Muir at the moment. She also got acquainted with Mrs Burstein [owner of Browns] and with Miss Muir herself in the early 70s. My sister got married in [Azzedine] Alaïa, so we were immersed in fashion. After my A-levels I kind of toyed with the idea of becoming an Art Curator or of working in an auction house or becoming a Fashion Designer. So I chose to become a Fashion Designer and collecting art is my hobby.
AG. That’s a very interesting question. It is almost like the egg and chicken situation. I never try to analyse it. But I think, based in France, we have what we call the ‘premier,’ the person who comes and drapes with me, we have the ‘premier de tailleur’ who does all the suits, builds shoulders and we have the ‘premier de flou,’ which is the French word for all the gowns and all the light things, ‘flou,’ you know fly, fly, fly, for the muslin and the georgette, silks and things like that. The season always starts with an idea, sometimes it’s a bit vague, sometimes it is quite precise, and as time goes by in the season, you evolve with the idea and also by working with, what they call, the ‘petit mal de premier atelier,’ you tend to create things. Sometimes it comes as a surprise, it can be pleasant, it can be bad but I believe every experience is a good experience as you learn something from that. I’m no more a student so I will have my inner gut saying yes you should do that, then my atelier will always find a way to overcome difficulties in constructions and technically I will be able to find a solution.
From where did you draw your inspiration for the Spring Summer 2012 collection? AG. From two women. It’s quite an embarrassing story. I called Madame Pompadour, as Madame Pompidou, the mistress of Louis XV, patron of all arts from the Eighteenth Century, the Century of Light So you think you made the right choice? and also Madame Butterfly, the character “I am always being AG. Yes, I’m very happy, do I look sad? from Puccini. myself. I just evolve from Make money, buy. Make money, shop, The reason I picked these two characters shop, shop. was because they are so different one stage to another and opposing. I am actually a quarter So creativity runs in your family? and I think this evolution Japanese and three quarters Chinese. AG. No I am the only fashion designer. My grandmother is Japanese and I saw is extremely sensual in One of my brothers is a priest. My sisters her in all these beautiful Kimonos. The are full-time shoppers so you could call thing about the Asian or oriental clothing fashion because when you it a job, one of my brothers took over the concept is that it is all two-dimensional business from my father, one worked for start evolving, that it is whereas the occidental way of wearing Saatchi & Saatchi, so I’m the only creative clothing is three-dimensional. when your customer starts one, though I guess they are all creative in It’s always interesting to see how the their own way. buying new clothing.” two cultures interact. I am very much an East-meets-West kind of person. My While growing up, which fashion subconscious mind is always saying ‘Asian designer were you most inspired by? AG. I’m very eclectic and I love many things. Obviously Yves St Asian Asian’ and I dream in Chinese and speak it as well. I live in Laurent has to be my all time favourite. In the 80s we were all France and the whole company is French, so I thought it would obsessed by Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons. Then we be an interesting moment for me to do that East-meets-West went into Giorgio Armani, then Prada. It was part of the growing kind of collection, but its not such of ball gowns with lotuses and up process, and I think I liked bits of everything from every single dragons, it’s studying very subtle interactions of how the two cultures meet together. designer. I studied Origami folds for the collections and they translate I do like a lot of American designers as well. Some of them are not very well known in other parts of the world like Claire into some of the cocktail dresses as well as the prints and McCardell in the 40s and 50s, like Adrian [Adolph Greenberg] fabrics. We use a lot of the Eighteenth-Century Kimono motifs. and Norman Norell. I love Halston from the 70s, I think he is Some of them were really interesting as we were exporting really, really modern and I think Halston has created something Japanese fabrics for the occidental whirl. They did it in the early that is 100 percent American. It’s a love hate relationship with Eighteenth-Century as well, so some of the Victorian period they the Americans as people always say “oh its so simple” but it has used a lot of Japanese fabrics to make their clothing. You can something, there’s a very sportswear approach about it, which see that on paintings by Whistler, or by all great Victorian late is what modern fashion is all about. French couture, as beautiful Nineteenth-Century artists. So important and interesting. as it is, can be a bit stiff and composed, but you want to loosen it What was your inspiration for the following Autumn Winter up a little. I have lived in France for a long time now and I lived collection? in New York for one year, and in that one year, I’ve actually got to AG. We started looking at some early photography during learn about the American sportswear and that has contributed a the Victorian times, especially of Lewis Carroll. I wanted to do lot to my designs. something romantic but something darker, more stark, modern With your collections, what do you think is the balance and sexier. That was the starting point and we started looking between creating from inside your soul and a more at different ways of working lace. We cut lace out and did lots of lace application. We added the military influence look into it, methodical/technical approach? 74
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week and we’ll shut down our salon for them. I love the Arabic language, it’s very refined. I always say the Queen of England because I seriously think she needs a makeover. She was so fashionable in the 50s and 60s. Obviously you advance in your age but you don’t need to wear canary yellow suits all the time with matching hats. You could be so chic! Stay with me for six months and I will make her over! Elizabeth. Or Liz shall I call her.
Although each fashion designer is quite unique, you often see dominant trends on the catwalks, can you explain that? AG. Like we were talking about Victorian, and all of a sudden the whole winter is all about Victorian and dark, and I think Gucci is very much like that. Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana as well. I swear we don’t speak to each other. It’s what we call the sixth sense. We just feel it! People with that flair become fashion designers, and when you’re one season late you’re just a copy machine.
and different ways of weaving fabric and embroidery; weaving leather into the fabric and things like that. It was an interesting experience. A lot of people said it was like moving away from the usual Andrew Gn’s fabulous gowns and it became darker and sexier, but I don’t feel it was a huge move away as I am always being myself. I just evolve from one stage to another and I think this evolution is extremely sensual in fashion because when you start evolving, that it is when your customer starts buying new clothing. Is there a particular look you most enjoyed designing? AG. Oh dear, they are all my babies! It is difficult to choose one.
Is there one then that encapsulates who you are as a designer? AG. I am quite known for my gowns because we dress quite a lot of celebrities now. I think the emerald green sequin dress — which was worn by Laura Dern for the Golden Globes — sums up what I like as it is something quite simple in terms of forms and shapes; very well crafted yet so opulent at the same time. It was from Cruise 2012.
Did your childhood influence who you are now? AG. Yes, very much so. I think the first ten years of your life influence who you become, not only in a career sense but it shapes your personality. I am very lucky that I was brought up in a very balanced family, having both my parents, youngest son of six children — it was like a fairy tale! When you look at all the countries that are suffering from hunger and then you look back and see we are living in complete luxury. We should consider ourselves very, very lucky. Has there been a defining moment of your life? AG. The minute I chose to become a fashion designer, it changed a lot of things. Meaning that you have to work extremely hard. I have very little time for myself. As I travel a lot to promote the collections, I design on the weekends. Now we have four collections and we are increasing to six, one less than Chanel. It’s a choice and fashion is all about the next step, the next level. It’s all about growing. It is a lot of work and effort but I’m loving it. Coming back to luxury, there is nothing more luxurious than to be able to make money out of doing something that you love. I’m so fortunate and I love every minute of it.
How would you describe your style? AG. I am definitely not a minimalist, but I wouldn’t want to say I’m a maximalist. I believe in crafts and handwork and beautiful details. I am a man of details. I also create timeless clothing as well — so that’s very much my style. What type of women do you design for? AG. For women who know how to differentiate the lining of a jacket, whether its polyester or silk, and she’d definitely take silk. So it’s what we call the inner luxury. As well as beautiful things outside we also need the comfort and luxury inside too. People always ask me to define luxury and I think it is to take something very simple and take it to the maximum. We are living in a highly industrial world, everything is machine made, so I think for me today, luxury is really handmade. Which celebrity would you most like to dress and why? AG. I have dressed quite a few of them. We also dress some of the royal family members of Qatar, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia quite a fair bit. They shop through the stores or go to Paris for couture
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Do you design for charity? AG. Yes we do quite a lot of that. In fact I am going to LA in May after San Francisco. In LA we normally do a big event, we do trunk shows to raise money for UNICEF and I truly believe in that. We also raise money for Ovarian cancer and Melanoma. We do that in America a lot. It’s very effective, for a woman to buy a dress and help some children at the same time. It gives you an excuse to shop as well. You can say, “Hey Honey, I’m just going out to buy a dress to help some children.” Who would you view as the most influential fashion icon, past or present? AG. I would like to say Marie Antoinette. She was very daring for that time. She was the one who, in the late EighteenthCentury, decided to get rid of that big beehive wig and go more natural, like a milkmaid and go Grecian. And that’s when she decided to bring up the waistline and wear a smaller wig, and have something simple and it was so wonderful for the late Eighteenth-Century as people were so confined in their traditions, and all the rules and regulations. She broke a lot of fashion rules and that is something quite amazing. That’s why I have always cited her as my fashion icon, because she is truly quite wonderful and she’s such an early fashionista. How do you want women to feel when they wear your designs? AG. I just want them to feel happy when they wear my clothes — that is the most important thing. Fashion is something delightful. I want people to feel the pleasure and live in pleasure, that’s why I create fashion. Simple things in life are very important. Andrew Gn is available at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain & Dubai and 51 East in Qatar
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Beauty WHAT'S HOT AND NOT
The hottest new beauty products from the Spring Summer 2012 collections, plus an exclusive step-bystep bridal beauty guide tips from Make Up Forever.
“Pretty, practical and slender, the Colorissimo Lip Palette is an absolute musthave for every woman’s bag!”
Beauty Buzz The Need For Speed
These days, who can spare more than 60 seconds? Revlon believes that looking glamorous doesn’t need to take all day. Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel contains a patented formula, which gives an amazingly quick, smooth lay down of colour for a gorgeous, super shiny finish in only one minute.
Evocative Seduction
Bathe your body in elegance through a mixture of evocative ingredients, such as bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit petals, with the New 212 Seductive Body Spray by Carolina Herrera born from the perfect chemistry of combining the essence of a young and urban New York, and the elegance from the 212 universe.
Colour Burst
Bourjois is setting the colour trend with the Colorissimo Lip Palette, three lipstick shades in a single pocket sized case. A day at the office? Choose the lighter shade for an “Everyday” subtle look. A lunch date or night out with friends? Opt for the medium shade, for a bolder, more striking look. Dinner for two? Pick the darker shade for an ultra-chic, dressy and sophisticated look.
Fresh For Spring
This spring, Urban Decay at Sephora injects new energy into their most sought-after products. Their recent creative explosion inspired a revamping of several palettes, as well as shade extensions that their rabid fans have been clamouring for. This “birth of the new” blows through the product lines like a blast of fresh air charged with seasonal change. Naked 2, their long-awaited sequel to the best-selling palette of all time, reveals the expansiveness of this shade realm.
Radiant Femininity
Composed as an ode to light, Elie Saab Le Parfum celebrates the splendour and the brilliance of radiant femininity with a floral solar woody theme. The permanent exchange between flowers and wood is what gives the fragrance such captivating resonance. It’s a line to reinforce and give new depth to Elie Saab Le Parfum’s trail, based on four feminine beauty rituals: Perfumed Body Cream, Perfumed Body Lotion, Perfumed Body Wash and Perfumed Deodorant. 81
BEAUTY
Sensual Beauty For beautiful bridal makeup, Ohlala! gets an exclusive step-by-step guide from Make Up For Ever on how to create their Sensual Beauty look. COMPLEXION 1. Apply HD Elixir on parts the face that are more lined or dehydrated such as around the eyes to correct fine lines and puffiness or over the entire face to reduce signs of fatigue and dehydration. This serum will optimize the make-up result. 2. Apply the HD Primer #7 in pink, which gives complexion a pink healthy glow. HD Primer transparently correct the skin’s natural colourimetry and perfectly prepares the skin for the application of makeup.
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3. Apply a small amount of HD Foundation. With its optimal concentration of pigments, the foundation hides imperfections while ensuring a natural, Ohlala! I May 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
imperceptible result. Then Apply HD Concealer to camouflage fine lines and puffiness under the eyes and to correct other imperfections. 4. For a fashion effect, apply HD blush #4 in fresh pink in a circular movement using brush 55N. 5. Apply HD Powder for a glowing and flawless complexion. Its ultra-fine texture is ideal for setting the foundation, giving the skin a velvety finish with no visible buildup. 6. Sculpt the face using sculpting kit #1 in pink and then add glow to your face by applying Uplight #12 in Dewy Golden Beige on the upper part of the cheeks, the browbone and the outer corner of the eyes. EYES 1. Apply Eyeshadow #126 in Iridescent Yellow Beige on the entire eyelid.
2. Using the Matte Black Aqua Liner #13, start in the middle of the eyelid and go towards the outer corner of the eye. Stop at the end of the eye. Continue drawing the Matte Black Aqua Liner #13 from the middle to the inner corner of the eye. 3. Once you’ve balanced both eyes, apply a generous coat of black Smoky Lash Mascara.
4. Redraw eyebrows with Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector kit #2 in light brown to complete the look.
LIPS 1. Contour lips using Aqua Lip #15C in Pink. Blend it all over the lips for a unified and long-lasting colour effect.
2. Apply the Rouge Artist Lipstick #32 - Diamond Pink Violet directly on the lips or with the 3S brush for better precision. Start with the middle of the upper lip (heart shape) and draw down to the corners of the mouth; then work on the roundness of the lower lip until the corners of the mouth. 
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BEAUTY
Burn Fat
Fast
In this vanity driven world looking fabulous is high on most women’s priority list, so we ask the question, how can we lose fat and tone up fast to get that gorgeous body and confidence boost we all dream of ? Ohlala! brings you advice from certified strength and conditioning expert Craig Bunting, Head Tutor at LIA-Qatar, the first fulltime fitness Academy in the Middle East. 84
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lthough keeping fit and healthy is a long-term life goal, because of the fast-paced lifestyle society has, it’s important for many people to get fit in the shortest time possible to be able to see good results fast. Due to evolutionary factors the concept goes against our natural human makeup, but it is possible. Actively making the following tips part of your lifestyle will definitely help you when it comes to shedding body fat fast, so you can increase your confidence and feel great!
Lift Weights Forget about the entire stigma that is attached to resistance training for women; you will not get big bulky muscles. You will however, benefit from an increased metabolism, which is ideal for those looking to lose body fat. You’ll be able to increase your strength, which will help you with everyday activities, as well as help to improve the quality of the workouts you have. Better workouts mean better results, which means less unwanted body fat! Schedule your weight training straight after your cardio sessions as it’s more beneficial if the muscles are worked when they are already fatigued.
Juicy Couture
www.personaltrainerdoha.com
Reebok's Easytone+ Reecrave
Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition Nutrition is key if you want to lose ugly body fat so you can look good in that designer dress. You won’t get the results you want if you are exercising well but not following a healthy eating plan. The truth is you can’t out-train a bad diet. You can live in the gym, have classes everyday, hire a Personal Trainer, and think about it non-stop, but if your nutrition doesn’t match your fitness goals, then you will simply stay the same. The situation can be compared to a little hamster on a wheel in it’s cage; going around and around and around, but getting absolutely nowhere. It really makes no sense at all to ignore this vital element of fitness. That is, if you truly want to lose the body fat and start looking and feeling good.
Juicy Couture
Use Interval Training Interval training is one of the best ways to cut down on your body fat levels quickly. By employing short periods of hard work followed by longer periods of easier work, you will send your metabolism into overdrive. You should focus on resistance rather than speed during the hard part. For example, if you are on the stationary bike warming up on level five, throw it up to level 12 or higher for a 20 second interval. Next drop it down to level three for your recovery phase, which could last for one minute or more, depending on your fitness levels. Perform three to six intervals per session, and finish off with a five, ten or 15 minute steady state session, and you will notice a difference big time. If you are new to exercise, start easy. Do 20 seconds hard, followed by one minute off. Work your way up to 30 seconds hard and when that is reasonable increase the resistance further, then drop back down to 20 seconds of hard work. Follow this pattern as you increase your fitness. Interval training on your “off days” is also useful. This will decrease the time you need to spend in the gym. Shorter, more effective workouts are definitely the way forward for all those living a busy lifestyle.
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Interiors
“A valuable design has to be timeless.”
The Value
Design
Two stylish dining rooms to cater for different tastes using the same dining chair: Georges K from SOCA: www.soca.fr
eing French from Lebanese origins, I learned my craft in the city of lights, Paris where I worked with very interesting and high profile names in the business, or what we call “the big shots” before opening my own practice. Interior design is considered to be a glamorous job, which to an extent is true as it cares for people’s highly valuable things, such as their homes, offices and boutiques… But don’t fool yourselves, backstage it is quite a different story; behind every big name is years of hard work, sweat, dedication and vision. Quality ideas are key for a good product in design; talent is important but without technique and experience, it will lead you to mediocrity. There is a consistent quality amongst the greats Ohlala! I May 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
in interior design that I realised at the beginning of my career. This attribute is excellence; it is how they think within a budget, no matter what size, and can get the best products that fit their standards and meet their clients’ needs. Design is not only the prerogative of the eye, senses and emotions are heavily involved. For me, creating a feeling is as important as seeing; when the space is harmonious and the scale is right, everything else will follow. Cosmetics are the last thing on the list, it is there to enhance and dress the bone structure. There is no such thing as an ugly object or a hideous colour; everything is beautiful when in its right place. There is only a wrong use of an object or colour! Do what's right, the right way, at
Christofle Candelabra
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An award-winning interior designer, Georges Karam has had the privilege to collaborate with some of the most successful international firms in the design industry in Paris and London. He offers you his thoughts on the value of design.
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@home
the right time and in the right place. This applies to everything; a good design is the one that is in balance with its surroundings and fulfilling its purpose. Next time when you look at an object or a place, try to put it in its context, its surroundings. Fashion is only for a season; therefore a valuable design has to be timeless, taking from fashion what is relevant for its own purposes. This will enable you to have better judgment of the quality of the object or the place, and you will see it in a different light, whether it be a chair, a vase, a painting or a house. A good designer should be comfortable with all styles, despite his own preferences and tastes, so he can play with the whole spectrum of the design vocabulary and extract from it what is needed in order to achieve the expected result; like a good singer he should be able to hit all the notes, and this is where the magic begins.  GK & Partners is an interior design practice operating for both the private and the contract sector with an international portfolio and a solid, experienced team trained to achieve the highest standards in conceptual design and project management. The philosophy of the design is mainly initiated by Georges Karam, privileged to have collaborated with some of the most successful international firms in the design industry in Paris and London. GK & Partners Interior Design : PO Box 10462, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain : +973 17251697 Email: info@gkinterior.com : www.gkinterior.com
Two stylish dining rooms to cater for different tastes using the same dining chair: Georges K from SOCA: www.soca.fr
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Dining
Culinary Journey Across Asia
The newly opened Nusantao boasts six different cuisines. This month Lisa Travell takes a journey across Asia, all from the comfort of the Four Seasons Hotel.
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here aren’t many restaurants in Doha that serve a variety of cuisines, especially towards the fine dining end of the spectrum. Nusantao is a welcome addition to Doha’s dining scene, magically banishing arguments and dining dilemmas, as Japanese Chef Toshikazu Kato is confident there is something for everyone at this lively new restaurant. “We serve six different cuisines prepared by chefs from their original countries,” he explains, and with 14 years experience in the kitchen this Chef definitely knows his sushi from his satay. The unusually named Nusantao is derived from a combination of the ancient Javanese word for archipelago, ‘nusantara’ and ‘tao’, a Chinese word signifying a way or direction. This trendy pan-Asian restaurant definitely marks a distinct change in direction for the Four Seasons, away from the more traditional dining experience one has come to expect from this world-renowned hotel. Leave behind the marble and chandeliers and prepare to be transported to the Far East. Upon entering Nusantao the aromas of six mouth-watering cuisines greet you, all competing with each other and tempting you to sample dishes from their region. With a multicultural culinary team from Indonesia, Thailand, India, China and Japan, you can be sure that whatever you decide upon will be authentically prepared. Dining at Nusantao is a feast for the eyes and well as the appetite. Open kitchens are now a prerequisite for most trendy eateries but here they are taken to another level. Every seat faces an open kitchen or the large square sushi bar that dominates the centre of the restaurant. These kitchens house a multitude of Chefs confidently creating an array of culinary delights, offering diners a truly live and interactive cooking experience. Lighting is subtle with mood effect fittings casting a blue hue across the restaurant, whilst a lively soundtrack compliments the stylish surroundings.
Alternatively, dine ‘al fresco’ and be equally immersed in the Far Eastern experience on a patio area flanked with tropical foliage and large hurricane lanterns. A substantial wooden pergola adds to the oriental ambience, the open fire adding a touch of colour and warmth to proceedings. Chef Kato guides us through the extensive menu recommending various dishes and we finally decide to stick to two cuisines, Chinese and Thai. The traditional sweet corn soup proves a winner with my dining partner as she fishes out large morsels of crab, relishing each spoonful. Opting for Thai fishcakes was an equally superb choice; the three meaty cakes are bursting with flavour and set atop a delightful sweet chili dipping sauce. Main course continues to gratify, the recommended spicy and sour sea bass is quite outstanding; meaty yet tender its delicate flavour is enhanced with Thai herbs. Complimenting the sea bass is a remarkable prawn yellow curry containing tasty plump prawns in a rich spicy sauce with chunks of soft red potato. Tempted by noodles we order the Chinese fried rice flat version. Full of large succulent prawns and crispy vegetables these noodles are handmade on the premises by Chinese Chef Chong Ma and are some of the best I have tasted in Doha. Desserts arrive on a platter; a Chef’s selection of the best on offer. We dip into the most divine mango pudding, devour the rich nama chocolate cake and dive into the passion fruit sorbet. All are sublime offerings and the perfect end to our Asian expedition. This restaurant is the perfect mixture of fine dining with a modern vibe. With cuisine to placate the fussiest of palates, fiery show kitchens and breathtakingly authentic food from across Asia this is one journey you will want to make time and time again.
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Dining
AWorld
Man’s
Walking into JW’s Steakhouse at the Mariott Doha, you feel as if you have been given a privileged guest pass into an elite gentleman’s club. Ohlala! reports. Images by Abshar PK at Creative Design
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rom the masculine interiors to the homely hospitality, everything at JW’s Steakhouse has been designed with the “stronger” sex in mind. That’s not to say that women won’t enjoy the experience, and you’ll certainly gain points for suggesting this venue to your partner when he wants to take you out on the town. Heavy wood and leather chairs with metal stud trimming, wooden decking, fine but simple cuisine, it’s reminiscent of a cigar lounge; a place where you can feast on the best, a place to relax after work, to catch up with friends or entertain business colleagues. JW’s boasts a history; the legacy of American hospitality, which the Manager, Moideen tells us, “Dates back to John Willard Marriott Sr’s childhood, from when cooking meant a special type of generosity, and family and friends were served the very best meat, fish and produce the land had to offer.” Displaying the Marriott’s version of classic steakhouse fare, the simple but effective chalkboard style menu boasts an excellent range of quality “no nonsense” dishes, in hearty portion sizes — excellence without the frills. Fish based appetisers dominate, including the popular Seafood Chowder recommended by the Chef. We chose to dine on succulent Fresh Oysters served on a bed of ice and a perfectly cooked Grilled Shrimp and Scallops, on tossed rucola and spinach leaves. The Pan-fried Foie Gras on red marmalade, watercress and balsamic reduction, is a delight we’re told. Light and fresh, the appetisers left our taste buds hungering for more.
For a main you can opt to choose from, steaks, chops and chicken, fish and seafood or JW’s Surf & Turf, all served with a choice of one side order of potatoes: baked, garlic mash, fries or new, as well as vegetables or rice. For those that shy away from meat, there are several vegetarian delights on offer, such as Stuffed Portobello Mushroom baked with tasty goats cheese and a creamy Cheese Cannelloni with Spinach and Ricotta. The Honey Walnut Glazed Salmon Fillet with sizzled spinach, leeks and shallots is bursting with flavours and textures that almost explode in your mouth. The tender salmon, cooked to your liking, contrasts perfectly with the candied, sweet and crunchy walnuts. If a good steak is more satisfying to your palate there are plenty to choose from, which are all U.S.D.A Certified Prime Angus Beef, with Filet Mignon, New York Striploin, Rib Eye and T-Bone. JW’s even has their own steak cooking chart on the menu, so whether you like your meat rare with a “Cool, Red Centre”, well done “Not Pink but Great” or somewhere in between, every steak is cooked to order. What gentleman’s (or lady’s) meal would be complete without a sweet delight to finish off with? JW’s has a delicious offering of traditional homecooked favourites, such as New York Cheese Cake, Bread and Butter Pudding, Chocolate Layer Cake and Apple Pie with Vanilla ice-cream. After you have satiated your appetite, all that’s left is to sit back, relax and savour a fine cigar, or at least let your man enjoy one.
“The Marriott’s version of classic steakhouse fare, boasts an excellent range of quality “no nonsense” dishes, in hearty portion sizes — excellence without the frills”
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DINING HOTSPOTS Gordon Ramsay Delights
World Famous Opening
WHERE? THE ST. REGIS, DOHA
WHERE? The Hilton Doha
World Renowned Culinary Art...
Island Fever..
People of Qatar will be spoilt for choice this month as the St Regis Doha has opened not one but TWO Gordon Ramsay restaurants! Headed by Michelin-starred Chef Gilles Bosquet, both restaurants will provide food enthusiasts with culinary delights inspired by Gordon Ramsay himself. Gordon Ramsay Doha will offer fine-dining experiences in an intimate setting (from May 1), while Opal by Gordon Ramsay Doha will serve western classics in a relaxed bistro-style environment (from May 15). The world famous Chef Gordon said, “It’s fantastic to be opening two new restaurants in the St Regis hotel, which is an amazing resort, in a fabulous city.”
Everyone has heard of Trader Vic's – renowned for its delightful cocktails and signature Asian-Polynesian fusion cuisine, this new sea-facing restaurant is one of the world’s best eateries around. Home to the original Mai Tai, this has got to be your next destination to indulge in some delicious dishes straight off the extensive a la carte menu as well as large cocktails. There is also a live three-piece Cuban band playing music all night long. If you have not been fortunate enough to have a Trader Vic's experience, then this month is the perfect opportunity. Get down to the Hilton Doha – we will see you there!
RESERVATIONS: 4446 0000, www.stregisdoha.com WHEN: (Ring for timings)
RESERVATIONS: 4423 3333, www.doha.hilton.com WHEN: Weekdays — Bar 12pm to 2am/Lunch 12 to 3pm/ Dinner 6.30pm to Midnight
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French Delights WHERE? RENAISSANCE, DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL
Parisienne Style Chic... A hotel that is already filled to the brim with fantastic restaurants, is set to open its ninth edition called Brasserie Centre-Ville. This new opening marks the final component of the West End entertainment zone, which offers world-class entertainment, culinary options, a Saray Spa and a Vitality Zone health club. Guests at this new eatery can enjoy Parisian panache with authentic French cuisine, such as fresh oysters, classic fondues, homemade French bread, cocottes and soufflĂŠs as well as delicious artisan cheeses and a large choice of beverages. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is going to be a hot spot this May.ď‚ž
RESERVATIONS: 4419 6100, www.renaissancehotels.com WHEN: Wednesday to Monday, 6.30 to 11.30pm
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Travel
A Tuscan Escape... Tuscany has always been a favourite for tourists, bringing millions of visitors to the province every year. The Ohlala! Editor-at-Large, Ben Whittaker, travels to the historical town of San Gimignano, nestled in the heart of the country’s wine region and home to some of the most stunning holiday villas anywhere in Europe.
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taly is a nation rich in history, boasting a culture brimming with culinary pleasures and a coastline that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. This country grew in the shadow of diversity and age-old rivalries persist even today between the cities. A resident of Rome considers themselves a Roman, and a Florentine a product of Tuscany, before ever making the admission of being Italian. For the traveller, this can present a very rewarding, endless field of interest. Histrionically the region of Tuscany has been credited as the true birthplace of the Renaissance and some of the most influential artists and scientists of that era called this region home. Wherever you decide to stay in Tuscany, a car is essential. Towns and cities are spread across a vast area and although train and bus services are very reliable, not everywhere can be accessed by public transport. If you are intending to stay in San Gimignano itself, there are hotels and apartments available, but the more popular are booked up quickly. In the last few decades, Tuscany has proven a popular destination for investors looking to purchase a holiday home and the redevelopment that has taken place has rejuvenated the area. Tourists now have a host of options, from small but well-equipped apartments and converted farmhouses to Ohlala! I May 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
huge castles and estates capable of housing several families under one roof. You’ll find a portfolio of privately owned villas which are tailored to suit all budgets, so whether you want something functional and accessible or luxurious and expansive, you’ll discover everything you could wish for. Specialist holiday company, Tuscany Now, found a beautiful villa about six kilometres from the town Rosso Fiorentino, a name it no doubt acquired thanks to its red washed front walls that make it stand out from a distance. The tastefully converted house was lovingly restored by its owners, Marco and Deborah, and features everything you could expect from a luxury villa to make your Tuscan stay as enjoyable as possible. With four bedrooms, ample living space, a swimming pool, gym, hot tub and even your very own pizza oven on the patio (the owner Marco made some traditional pizzas on the evening I arrived that were divine) there’s everything you need to unwind in the sun. There’s even a chef-for-hire, if you don’t fancy the cooking one evening, who can prepare you a traditional Tuscan meal. Walking into San Gimignano from Rosso Fiorentino takes around 45 minutes and is a pleasant if slightly precarious experience since some of the journey is on the side of narrow and winding roads that are barely able to take a single car.
San Gimignano itself is a spectacle to behold, perched on a hill and visible from a distance. It features several restaurants of varying standards, most of which are there to cater for the many tourists who visit every year. Although you can find one or two good restaurants, I would suggest looking a little out of town in some of the smaller villages where you can sample traditional food made for the locals. Around every turn there is another eatery or store and some of the higher points provide excellent views of the Tuscan landscape below. One thing the town does without exception is make the best ice-cream you are ever likely to taste. The Gelateria di Piazza San Gimignano is a must for anyone that appreciates fine ice cream and they have won the World Championships for several years in a row. The town also boasts not one but two museums of torture and the theme is very much in keeping with the narrow winding alleys and streets, which make up the walled town, and can be quite spooky at night. Shows and plays are regularly performed in the summer on the various squares and even late at night, locals and visitors mingle till the early hours. There’s a sense of being locked away in a world all of your own when you pass through the open gates into this walled paradise, with its iconic towers and ancient churches. There’s also a feeling of contentment and safety as you walk leisurely through the markets and piazzas, something that cannot often be said for many places these days. Even in such modern times, San Gimignano presents a simpler, more natural way of life and after just a few hours in the company of this visually impressive town, you too begin to feel it. Away from the madness of the city and the fast pace of Twentyfirst Century living, this is one Tuscan gem that is sure to ease away all thoughts of the real world and transport you to a place and time you won’t want to leave.
Ralph Lauren
Tuscany Travel Essentials Scarf by Etro, Straw Applique Tote by Coach, Peony Moss London Blooms by Jo Malone London, Jay Strongwater Giverny Bouquet Frame, Tanagra, sunglasses by Versace, Sunbeam by Benefit & a Spring Summer look by Ralph Lauren.
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MOTORING
Diva Drives
Big and powerful styling epitomising the classic American sedan with a modern interpretation —ready for the Route 66! Chrysler 300C
American muscle is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at the Chrysler 300C. Big and powerful it is indeed, but it is not just brute muscle, the 300C boasts top-notch features that make driving it a pleasure. From the moment you step in to the spacious cabin and adjust your seat, the steering wheel and even the pedals to your liking, you start to realise that it is actually a pretty nice driving machine. The 300C comes with a multitude of features such as keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel, a rear view camera, driver memory functions, 8.4-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, navigation system, ventilated front seats, and heated and cooled front cup holders. The 300C is really spacious and there is ample room for a driver and passengers of any size. The interiors are classy looking and high quality materials are used throughout. It boasts sleek modern styling and there is a myriad of electronic features that are not only advanced, but also very easy to use. UCONNECT infotainment system with the large touch buttons and logical menu structure is definitely one of the better touch screen systems around. Under the bonnet you have the legendary 5.7 litre HEMI V8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering
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Sari Mabire Diva Driver
363 horsepower, which accelerates the 300C from 0-100 kilometres per hour in under six seconds. Pretty impressive considering that it is actually a really big and heavy car. Due to the size the car feels solid and glides down the road smoothly — very comfortable to drive. Safety-wise, every 2012 Chrysler 300 comes with more than 70 safety and security features, some of which are antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and active front head restraints. The car that I drove also had the blindspot warning system, a cross-path warning system, which alerts the driver to cross traffic while reversing, and a forward collision warning system with adaptive cruise control, which comes in really handy. This car is great for families with kids big or small. For the little ones there is a child seat anchor system, and for the bigger ones there is plenty of room to accommodate three long legged teenagers easily. The boot is also large to take in the weekly grocery shopping or pushchairs without any problems. Overall the Chrysler passes as a luxury car with its high quality interiors, refined ride, strong power and generous features. Ready to take on the Route 66, yihaa! Images by George Mathew
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SALES MARKET RESEARCH AND MYSTERY SHOPPING BRANDING & GRAPHICS ADVERTISING AND MEDIA BOOKING MARKETING AND MEDIA CONSULTANCY ONLINE MARKETING / E- MARKETING
+974 4469 4500 | +974 4469 4900 info@creativedesignqatar.com | www.creativedesignqatar.com Aziziyi, Salwa Road, Al Waab Showroom Building, 1st Floor Almana Motors
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Gadgets
Gadget
Girl
Sometimes, it’s the compact gadgets that turn out to be the real lifesavers — here is a little selection of those ingenious handbag “must haves”.
best for — always keeping in touch
The XD Design Solar Window Charger Powering up your phone just got that whole lot easier with this solar charger; weighing only 0.135kg, the silver contraption can be attached to any window. Sit back on a long car journey, in a traffic jam, or even in your office, while the gadget catches the sunlight and charges your electronic equipment. Despite only working during sunlight hours, this little device is perfect for the Middle East and easy to slip into your handbag. Trust me — this will save your work and social life.
Zara de Hal devang Gadget afic ionado
best for — easy phone calls
The Pop Phone Retro Handset Designed by the Frenchman David Turpin, the Pop Handset combines classic style with a contemporary edge. Manufactured with a high quality speaker and microphone, this funky item can be fitted to all mobile phones (adaptors sold separately) and also be plugged into your computer for the likes of Skype for hours of chatting. Already compatible with an iPhone, this design eliminates over 99 percent of absorbed phone radiation and you still have control over your phone’s functions when you’re speaking on it!
-the-go
best for — music on
The Zen Z-Fi3
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Move over iPods there is a new product on the market, and this one goes to show that good things really do come in small packages. Let me introduce to you the best wireless audio device. Already praised for its rich detail and high level of audio clarity, this pocketfriendly MP3 player lets you connect to compatible Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It also has responsive touch keys for easy navigation and playback control, as well as a microSD card slot to store additional media. What’s more is that there is an integrated radio that lets you keep updated with the latest music hits and all-important news updates.
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www.greyimage.com www.greyimage.com +974 6601 1477 +973 3320 8003
SHOPPING WHERE TO SHOP AND WHAT
Shopping Promotions Brand New Boutique Shoppers are always happy to hear the opening of new stores. Be sure to check out the opening of LK Bennett for the latest trends and looks from one of London’s most admired brands.
Summer Cute Summer dresses are a serious ‘must-have’. This cute little number from Red Valentino would be perfect teamed with some wedges and simple accessories. Available at Salam Stores
Pretty in Paul Smith This is such a gorgeous summer look. Create a statement with bold coloured trousers and a soft pastel on top. Summery and classy in one! With its Spring Summer collection being minimal and classic aesthetic this year, look for the navy blue inspired palette. Available at Salam Stores 102
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Embrace those curves Curvy women are beautiful women. Yamamay’s slogan “we love curves”, goes to show that big truly is beautiful. So be brave and buy yourself a bikini — trust us on this!
Lovely L’Occitane When this Brightening Essence Immortelle is used alongside the Brightening Cream the two formulas work wonders, providing triple action to correct wrinkles, reduce dark sports and brighten your complexion.
Fabulous Folli Follie Bright and sure to be the perfect arm statement, this red handbag is a must for the summer. Ideal for any and every event!
Fabulous Folli Follie From its retailer Damas (for Bahrain and the UAE), Folli Follie is one to look out for this season. Make sure the next watch you buy is this sparkler — perfect on your summer skin. Checking the time has never been so glamorous.
Hot Handbags Trying to find THE perfect handbag is sometimes one of life’s toughest decisions. These two from Coccinelle are definitely two to consider. Simple, elegant and perfect with any outfit.
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SOCIETY
WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE
SOCIETY
QATAR Hotspots
To get your event featured in Ohlala! email: events@ohlala-magazine.com Last Beach Party of the Year May 3
WHY GO? Everyone who is obsessed with music will have undoubtedly heard of the Ministry of Sound — the home of dance music, the world’s most famous club and the world’s biggest dance brand. Well now, all you party people in Doha, can get the chance to see some of the best names in the music world for one night only. After a massive sell-out event last year, and hosting the likes of Tiesto, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Paul Van Dyk and many more, Global DJs is returning with its last beach party of the year before the summer heat kicks in. In association with iLoveQatar. net, you can party away with James Murray, Jared McCulloch and Paul Mendez to name just a few. Tickets are QR350 for VIP, QR150 for ladies and QR200 for men. Doors open at 8pm.
www.globaldjs.tv
Philharmonic Public Concerts May 19,20, 23 & 26 WHY GO? Sometimes, a little bit of music therapy is enough to put everyone in a fantastic mood. What better way to make your worries melt away? The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has a very busy May. May 19 and 20 is the ‘Night of the Proms’, where you are spoilt with selections from Elgar, Mozart and Bizet and a whole evening of musical wonders. May 23 from 7.30pm onwards is the Chamber Music Series ‘From Baroque to Rock’, conducted by Bob Ross, with an abundance of talent from over 11 musicians. The final mention goes to the event on May 26, Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ — this is the chance to listen to some exquisite music from one of the most romantic plays to have ever been written.
www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org 4454 8193
The Celtic Tenors May 19 WHY GO? The Ramada Plaza Doha has a night to boast about this month with a live performance from ‘The Celtic Tenors’. Those of you who are looking for a musical cocktail of classical, folk, Irish and Pop genres, should join the rest of the crowd to enjoy the voices of Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson. This trio are known for their unique tones, characters and wit, as well as always being able to put on a show packed with vitality and variety. The Celtic Tenors continue to “re-invent the whole tenor idiom” by pioneering their own version of “cool”, an approach never seen on the classical stage and ultimately breaking the traditional tenor mould. Tickets are QR350 per person, which includes a three-course dinner and beverage package. Dinner and live music start at 8pm.
www.ramadaplazadoha.com 4428 1555
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Red Carpet Clubbing May 31
WHY GO? Calling all clubbers out there, celebrated London clubbing brand Coco Latté, which has seen Janet Jackson, Alexander McQueen and Stefano Gabbana pass through its hallowed doors, is in Doha for one night only. This night brings the ultimate recipe of glamour, music and a fashion catwalk, all teamed with sophisticated lighting and the best cocktails in town. The Grand Hyatt will be THE place to be, especially with Margaret Tapping jetting in from the UK especially for the evening. The party rules? Look the part otherwise no admission! Gents must wear a shirt with a collar and smart shoes. Tickets are QR150 and include two free drinks. Doors open at 9pm.
www.cocolatte.co.uk
7719 2974
The Pearl Qatar Carnival May 1 to 19 WHY GO? Because everyone LOVES a carnival! Situated at one of the Middle East’s most glamorous addresses, which is set to come alive with colour, music and sights with a multi-cultural festival. The Pearl-Qatar will host musical acts, musicians, performers and street art from around the globe in a celebration of The Pearl-Qatar’s multicultural community. While the carnival atmosphere will be flowing through the retail precincts, a main stage will showcase top performers from the region as well as Europe. The festivities are set to run daily from 6pm on weekdays and 3pm on the weekends. This is the perfect opportunity for the family to spend some quality time together, especially with a special children’s area with face painting and balloon animal making.
www.thepearlqatar.com
Exclusive Comedy Night May 13 WHY GO? For those of you who are comedy fanatics, then this night is sure to meet your standards. The InterContinental Doha, in collaboration with Craic Attack, is bringing back a top class comedy show featuring the official stars from the British TV show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? First starting as a radio programme, this quickly moved to television in 1988 as a 10 series run. The trend quickly caught on in the USA, and continued for another huge 10 seasons! Stephen Frost, Andy Smart, Ian Coppinger, Steve Steen and Niall Ashdown are all set to fly out to Qatar and stage their own brand of irreverent improvised comedy. Get ready for an evening of a crowd calling the shots and watch as the team, who are fast, funny and furious, to leave you in tears of laughter.
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Business Katara & British Council Welcome RADA
As part of an ongoing partnership between Katara, the Cultural Village and the British Council, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) held performing arts workshops for the first time at Katara, where over 30 attendees took part. Based on the constant progress of building cultural relations in the Art sector, arts enthusiasts were given the opportunity to be trained by Christopher Heimann and Nona Shepphard, both specialists from RADA. Beginners and professional actors all attended the workshops, which armed the actors with the skills required to achieve and present, and everyone received certificates which were presented to them by Dr Emad Sultan, Katara’s Cultural Affairs Director and Simon Winetroube, the Director of the British Council in Qatar.
VCU Qatar & VCU Host Qatar Day
Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Richmond hosted a VCUQatar Day at the Commons Plaza on the Richmond campus. VCUQatar Day is a student-initiated program, which was first inaugurated last year with the intention of strengthening the relationship between the two campuses and the understanding between the two cultures. The event provided Richmond students and faculty an opportunity to learn more about VCU’s Qatar campus. Tents were set up, all of which featured a variety of traditional Arab activities, where students could sample perfumes, dress up in Qatari costumes and even try out henna designs. This year also showcased the works designed by the fashion alumni from both campuses.
W Doha Hotel Celebrates Third anniversary
Three years from its debut in 2009 as the Gulf’s first lifestyle hotel, the W Doha has succeeded in successfully transforming the hospitality landscape with a dynamic approach to cuisine and design, as well as its unique calendar of fashion and musical events. Safak Guvenc, the area General Manager said, “As Doha takes centre stage to become an international venue for sports, high profile conferences and exhibitions, as well as for academic meetings and cultural events, we are proud to fulfil a role as a trend-setter ensuring the city can offer an iconic venue that is local in design inspiration but truly cosmopolitan in spirit.” The hotel’s aim for the future is to expand its role as an entertainment and event ambassador for Qatar.
Darwish Technology & Fifty One East Collect Award
The technical arm of Darwish Holding, Darwish Technology and Fifty One East, Qatar’s leading luxury store, claimed two awards at the prestigious yearly Yamaha Distributor’s Gala Dinner, recently held during the Musik Messe show in Frankfurt, Germany. Darwish Technology collected trophies for “Best Sales Growth” and the “Best Marketing Achievement” for the Fiscal Year 2011 to 2012 in the Middle East and Africa regions. Yamaha Corporation’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Asia-Pacific, Yasuaki Gyoten and Toshihiro Yamamoto, Yamaha Music’s Gulf Managing Director, presented the awards to the Darwish team present at the ceremony. Ziad Asmer, the Executive Director of Darwish Technology said, “We are very proud and honoured to have been recognised for our hard work and achievements. These awards serve as a testimony to our organisation’s competence, efficiency and commitment to world-class standards of excellence.”
Ernst & Young Announces Winner of Young Entrepreneur’s Award
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Held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel and hosted by Enterprise Qatar, the first-ever Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Awards took place in Doha at an impressive Gala Dinner. The awards were held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, the Minister of Business and Trade. The award, which is key in the discovery and promotion of unrealised talent, was presented to Ashraf Abu Issa, the Chairman of Abu Issa Holding, who thanked the hosts and Ernst & Young for the opportunity, while also expressing his pride and honour in representing The State of Qatar at the upcoming global awards ceremony in Monte Carlo this June. Ashraf was chosen from seven finalists, all representing six leading corporate players in the country.
SOCIETY Formula 1 Bahrain Formula 1 "Unified One Nation In Celebration" at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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VCU Fashion Show Marking the thirtienth annual Fashion Show, students from the University got the chance to showcase their designs to hundreds of spectators, all hoping to pursue a career in fashion design. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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iWed Show The fifth iWed wedding show was held Doha International Exhibition Centre, where the people of Qatar could marvel at the international designs, including Vera Wang and Rober Abi Nader. This was every bride-to-be’s absolute heaven! Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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Shot-on-site
Rivaage Boutique Abaya Show Famous UAE Stylist and professional advisor, Sofia Al Nowais, held a busy reception and an abaya show, where fashion fanatics and fans could marvel at her creations. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
Thai New Year
Sawadee Pee Mai, otherwise translated as Happy Thai New Year, was held at the Moevenpick Tower and Suites where traditional dishes were served and guests were taken away on a journey of flavours. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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Peruvian Festival A Peruvian Food Festival was launched in Al Baraha Garden at the Diplomatic Club by HE the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, Julio Florian. This was the perfect occasion for Peru to cast light on its unique culture. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
Alain Robert Climbs the Torch The French “Spiderman� wowed fans as he put on a spectacular display of physical strength and endurance by climbing the Torch. Alain managed to climb the 300-metre hotel without the use of safety ropes or harness in a record time of one hour 33 minutes 47 seconds. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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Hed Kandi World-renowned party people Hed Kandi, held yet another fabulous beach party on the Intercontinental Beach lasting into the early hours of the morning. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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Gareth Emery Beach Party UK’s superstar DJ Gareth was the man of the moment at the Intercontinental beach party, where he played electronic dance music that echoed into the night. Abshar PK @ Creative Design
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Ohlala! Stars
Giovanni unveils your future for May Happy Birthday Ms Taurus
There is so much going on at the moment you could be forgiven for letting the odd thing slip through the net. Workwise a business venture is progressing well and other revenue streams previously unexplored will open up delivering promising returns. You’ll need to keep a handle on the numerous opportunities presenting themselves but if you can manage this then you will be able to lay down a firm foundation from which to work on. A face from the past may return to dip into your successes but you should keep your distance otherwise you could find matters getting more complicated then they need to.
April 20 – May 20
Taurus — at a glance
Taurean's are generally solid, practical, determined and possessors of a strong will and intense practicality but they are resistant to change. They are also loyal, romantic and make excellent lovers although they do have a need for reassurance, which can be a little too claustrophobic for some. They can sometimes be stubborn; if you are looking to pick a fight, steer clear of a Taurean! Material comforts are important to Taureans and their homes are they castles. Though financial security is important, it is emotional security that gives them strength more than any worldly possession.
Famous Taureans Adele Jessica Alba David Beckham Tony Blair Bono
Cher Penelope Cruz Daniel Day Lewis William Shakespeare Uma Thurman
CANCER (June 21 – July 22) You have just closed the door on a very difficult April but fortunately as we move into more favourable May — and your kindred earth sign Taurus — things will improve dramatically. Valuable lessons have been learnt and you would do well to appreciate those closest to you in future, especially when connected to illness.
LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) You have suffered emotionally of late but the good news for many of you is that the heartaches will now pass and a renewed period of growth and potential is about to be enjoyed from May onwards. Getting your confidence back after a relationship failure can be hard, but someone is waiting in the wings to help you through.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) It’s been all about health matters for many of you this month and whilst the worst of a situation is now out of the way, it is advisable for you to remain cautious and not to try and “run before you can walk” again. Recuperation means just that, so allow the healing process to take its natural course and don’t rush things.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – January 19) Although you can be an ambitious and successful sign, the nature of the beast you are means that on the flip side you can sometimes allow your darker nature to get the better of you. Don’t allow a minor setback to knock you off course and ruin all the good work already invested. Nothing can stop you in full flow except your own insecurities.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) May will be good to you with investments returning well and relationships at the best they have been for some time. However, you do need to be aware of not allowing complacency to set in. Keep your mind focused and your thoughts on your ambitions and greater opportunities will arise.
VIRGO (August 23 — September 22) You are not always the most tactful sign and your sometimes-analytical view of love can cause friction in relationships and make it difficult for you to meet new people. If there is a new flame on the horizon or you have just entered into a new affair, try thinking less and using your emotions a little more. Talking from the heart can work just as well.
Pisces (February 19 – March 19) You feel like your life has been dropped into a box, shaken violently and then emptied out onto the street for all to view, such is the disarray and turmoil around you at the moment. Emotional and financial pressures are also eating into your insecurities and you need to get a grip quickly before matters pass beyond your control. 118
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) You have been feeling vulnerable of late and this has something to do with a major uncertainty in your love life. You are not usually one to bottle up your fears but it could be that part of you already knows any confrontation will reveal truths you don’t want to face. However, is this current state of limbo really worth suffering?
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Lions roar but being the loudest beast in the jungle doesn’t always mean you will get your own way. It’s not just about how vocal you are but whether you can provide the actions to back up your claims. If you have a dispute that needs to be settled make sure you have a plan of action should your opponent call your bluff. Libra (September 23 – October 22) May is a good month for you in general and there is no doubting that many of you will make progress where work is concerned but you can’t relax your efforts because there is still some way to go before you can achieve what you are searching for. Perseverance can sometimes be your downfall so be sure you stick to your task.
Aries (March 20 – April 19) You have a lot of work on your hands this coming month but it is focused on subject matter you enjoy. It will help open up a new dimension to your life that is going to bring rich rewards, creatively and financially. On the romance front, time away with a loved one will prove enlightening and reaffirm your commitment to each other.
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A holiday in Thailand! You could enjoy the breathtaking views and ultra-luxurious surroundings of Samui Sunset Pavilions in Koh Samui, Thailand. www.samuisunsetpavilions.com
The Essence of Style
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Email: zara.dh@nansgroup.com 119
THE COLUMN Lifestyle Lowdown gs Your monthly musin
with Rozan Ahmed.
H
ello. I'm in Riyadh. That's right. Saudi Arabia's capital city. On the final day of what has been a thoroughly successful tour across the Middle East. The objective: an Arabian excavation of sorts, with Mohammed Al Turki, Zac Tanjeloff and Michelle Rodriguez. During what was a ten-day whirlwind in Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and now Saudi Arabia, the Fast & Furious, Avatar and SWAT superstar was wonderfully exposed to the region's creative circles in music, fashion, lifestyle and history. First off, Ms Rodriguez took part in an exclusive shoot where she was introduced and dressed (head-to-toe) in local designers, including Darmaki, Tamara Al Gabbani, Ezra Santos, Sugar Vintage, Orkalia, Essa, Phirio and more. Truly a moment for Arabian fashion discovery, and celebration. Visit www.bougilife.blogspot.com for some of the behind the scenes footage. Then, not one, but two, DJ debuts (yes, that skill she has too), at Dubai's Cirque Du Soir and the Emirates Palaces' Etoiles. Sidebar: Tried Abu Dhabi's Hakassan for the first time. Almost better than London's. Not one to shy away from life-threatening activity (Michelle, not me), I was very nervously exposed to go-cart racing, sky diving, the world's fastest roller coaster, the world's tallest building, and a spot of seeing sharks swim RIGHT UNDERNEATH me. Not fun. Then there were visits to both Abu Dhabi and Bahrain's international circuits, with opportunity to drive on both tracks. That... was fun. Next up, an educational venture into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside the other Hollywood resident, Mohammed Al Turki, producer extraordinaire, philanthropist and popular personality as Saudi's proud film-making export. Greeted with hospitality beyond every possible measure, Saudi's stop encompassed three creatively charged days of historical perspective, desert treks, horses, golf, food (so much glorious food) and a refreshing splash of cutting edge fashion courtesy of RK Designs. All in all, an educationally rewarding
ki
Tur and beautiful Middle ed Al hamm o M , Eastern experience; guez u Dhabi Rodri b ichelle Ahmed in A M : forever indebted to our s e m n i t a z r o a &R Fast c oh so wonderful hosts! What I found to be particularly special throughout and about this excursion was the people, their stories, lives and perspectives. An impressive savoir flaire amongst Shoot ing gu ns: In many, young and the Sa udi de old, highlighting the sert misconceptions so regularly projected by mainstream media. Not only by their saying, but by their doing. I remembered the fundamental importance in always painting your own picture, never allowing anyone to do so on view As we your behalf. ylines: k s i a Dub Anyhoo. As the all Arabian schedule comes to a very fruitful end, I gear up for some exciting plans with Louis Vuitton, Cannes Film Festival 2012, and... most importantly, my birthday (or, Intern "birthmonth", ationa l pizz az, m since one has a eets lo cal glo preference for four ry celebratory weeks, as oppose to one day). Until next month, sending love...ď‚ž
Rozan is an international PR consultant, writer, speaker & youth empowerment advocate.Visit: www.rozanahmed.com Facebook: bougiface Twitter: @IamRozan
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