Glam april 2015 by Oryx Group of Magazines

Contents

24 CASUAL FRIDAYS

New ideas for a trusty pair of jeans that elevates and refreshes the idea of casual dressing.

42 HAUTE COUTURE

GLAM

QATAR'S NO. 1 FASHION MAGAZINE W W W.G L A M QATA R .CO M

APRIL 2015

From Jean Paul Gaultier’s asymmetry to Stephane Rolland’s sculptural gowns, this season is a medley of fine collections.

52 REGIONAL IDEAS Trends and key looks from this season’s best of regional labels.

VILLAGGIO MALL - VIP AREA - GATE 8 - 44643533

Contents 56 FALLING JASMINE

Carolina Herrera de Baez comes to Doha for the world preview of her inaugural jewellery collection.

60 S’UVIMOL

Fashion influencer Dalia Nsouli brings the world of luxury leather bags to the region.

70 FASHION FILM

Combining filmmaking and fashion, an all Qatar-based team narrates a personal journey through Fendi’s SS15 pieces.

82 AW2015

A first look at the emerging labels presenting their AW2015 collections at the recent New York Fashion Week.

94 S.ISHIRA

The country’s first perfume brand debuts to commercial success at the 2015 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.

GLAM

QATAR'S NO. 1 FASHION MAGAZINE APRIL 2015

ON THE COVER MODEL: DUNJA DUXI OUTFIT: HOUSE OF NOMAD PHOTOGRAPHER: ROCKY DAFNA

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SINDHU NAIR FASHION EDITOR DEBRINA ALIYAH DEPUTY EDITORS EZDHAR IBRAHIM ALI SRINIVASAN V L SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS ABIGAIL MATHIAS AYSWARYA MURTHY PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT ALTAMIRANO SUB EDITOR SHELLEY KNIPE

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

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VENKAT REDDY HANAN ABU SIAM AYUSH INDRAJITH MAHESHWAR REDDY B

FREDRICK ALPHONSO SAKALA A DEBRASS ASSISTANT MANAGER – MARKETING HASSAN REKKAB MATHEWS CHERIAN SONY VELLATT SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT DENZITA SEQUEIRA

SENIOR MANAGER – MARKETING

MANAGER – MARKETING

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PUBLISHER AND EDITOR–IN–CHIEF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Jessica Minh Anh transformed the Hudson River in New York into a 100-metre floating catwalk with guests seated facing the multi-faceted glass windows of the Bateaux New York while the boat cruised. The panoramic view from the giant glass boat showcased New York’s famous skyline and landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center. Watch the making of the J Spring Fashion Show 2015 on our Facebook paage.

EVENTS OF THE MONTH Kimono Fashion Fusion 19th April at 7pm The Grand Ballroom, The St Regis Doha Blending Japanese culture and Qatari couture, The St. Regis Doha presents ‘The Rites of Passage’ kimono show and design collaboration with Sckali Design & Angel Line Abaya. Kimono Master, Mrs Suemi Nishiwaki, will present a kimono show of traditional fashion for women through the ages. Asma Sckali and Safia Al Qahtani will unveil a collection of designs with heavy influences from Japanese culture. This is a free event. Call 4446 0000 or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com to reserve your seat as places are limited.

COMING UP

YOUSUF JASSEM AL DARWISH SANDEEP SEHGAL ALPANA ROY

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Our annual bridal issue comes in time for Spring with a dedicated look at big bridal trends, from designer gowns to bespoke shoes. Go behind the scenes of a Cartier love story that looks at the house’s legendary engagement rings and also take a look at a fun checklist to help you plan your big day.

Contributors Courtney Gerring Courtney was born and raised in the US and quickly learnt that her love for travel and adventure would take her far. She is a graduate of FIU in Miami, Florida, where she spent most of her time planning events and developing her communication skills. Courtney landed in Doha, followed by a stay in Italy, where she obtained an MBA in Design, Fashion, and Luxury Goods. Today, Courtney is the face of Per Lei Couture boutique and spends her time between NYC and Doha. A passionate PR and communications expert, she finds herself lucky to spend her days communicating about beautiful fashion with designers from all over the world.

Rocky Dafna Going undercover in the desert city of Doha is the talented Mr. Rocky, who has shot countless editorials for both international and local publications. His keen eye for body forms and photographic visuals helps bring to life our editorial this month, For enquiries on Rocky’s work, feel free to drop us a PM on GLAM’s Facebook page!

Mika Lombard Mika is not only an expert make-up artist and hair stylist, she is also a qualified beauty specialist. She is currently a tutor of make-up at Qatar International Beauty Academy. She has worked extensively on fashion shows, photo shoots and top theatre productions in Doha and Dubai.

YOUR VOICE ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM On our ongoing competition: Sherry Susan Rajan: Audi. .. I was there for the event. ....it was happening at the parking lot. One of our winners: Shaheen Shah Thanku soooooooooooo much. Answering another competition: Saqib Mumtaz awesome Delicate Falling Jasmine Collection.

Yousra Samir London-born and bred, Yousra has been living in Doha for eleven years and writing for nine years. She has written for various local magazine publications, and is the creator of one of Qatar’s first fashion blogs, Under Your Abaya (www. underyourabaya.blogspot.com), as well as the Social Media Coordinator for Fitness in Qatar (www.fitnessinqatar.com). Her latest project is Doha Scene (www.dohascene.tumblr.com), a retrospect on fun happenings in Doha. Next? Her first novel.

LETTERS Your current issue has a lot of info as usual. Was great to read about Urban Escapes and also the Qatari designer Waad. Brenda Yarvic Can you guys do a story on more men’s lines? Would be great to read about them too. M. Fareed

Waqas Farid Waqas Farid currently designs and implements exhibitions at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art as an Exhibitions Coordinator. In 2007 he received his bachelors in arts with a dual major in Philosophy and Political Science from Rutgers University. In 2010, Waqas Farid graduated from a specialised Masters in Fine Arts Program from Bard College and the International Center of Photography.

Stunning cover. Have been begging my better half to buy me some of these fascinating jewels. Anita Rose

G Talk Several weeks ago, at an art and design event, we found ourselves in conversation with a long-time resident of Qatar, who seemed genuinely intrigued that a fashion and creative movement actually exists in the country. Of course, our immediate reaction was to exult the names and works of talented creative pioneers – designers, photographers, and boutiques. Surely, this all rang a bell? But the realisation has dawned that, though so much great work is being done by different pockets within the creative community, there lacks a uniting voice in effectively communicating it to the people who live here. Sure, the power of social media is undeniable but the disposition of ‘exclusivity’ has kept many efforts extended only to the same audience over and over again. In developing a creative scene, isn’t it futile to just preach to the choir, whereas we should reach out to the larger community to gain grassroot support instead? There is indeed a flourishing fashion engagement happening in Doha and the past few weeks have seen a number of illustrious affairs with visitors such as Carolina Herrera de Baez, Valentino Garavani, Haider Ackermann and Christian Siriano, whom were all in the city for various occasions. Haider, the master of fashion silhouettes, attended the ‘Art For Tomorrow’ conference at the W Doha in a private capacity, and immersed himself in the emerging scene here. And let’s not forget the regional players, the multi-talented Ingie Chalhoub graced our shores with the opening of her label Ingie Paris within 51 East Lagoona Mall, while the dynamic Nadine Kanso of Bil Arabi presented her latest jewellery collaboration. We also celebrate new initiatives by local style influencers, like Dalia Nsouli, who is bringing the world of luxury leather, S’uvimol, to the region, and Karen Nicolet, who is premiering a short film that narrates a personal journey through Fendi’s Spring Summer 2015 collection. To those who didn’t know before, we hope within our pages, you will discover more to this city.

EDITOR’S PICK WE HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR DESIGNERS WHO GO BEYOND THE ORDINARY IN THEIR CREATIVE INTERPRETATIONS. BESSARION PRESENTED ITS AW2015 COLLECTION AT THE 30TH MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK IN RUSSIA, WITH MODELS VEILED IN FACE MASKS. BESARION RAZMADZE IS A GEORGIAN FASHION DESIGNER, BASED IN RUSSIA.

BUZZ GLAM / NEWS

APRIL 2015

BRIGHT AS THE SUN A TASTE OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA Summer beach vacations may still be months away, but the French luxury brand is already transporting beauty fans to the Mediterranean coast. The latest Chanel make-up line is inspired by the French Riviera of the 1920s, one of Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite destinations. Intense shades, bold eyes and sun-kissed cheeks set the tone as warm and glamorous. While the French brand’s Spring 2015 makeup collection placed the emphasis on the lips with explosive color, the new summer line focuses on the complexion, which takes on a seasonally appropriate golden glow, and on the eyes. This season, the Chanel Make-up Creation Studio is introducing a new must-have item: the Stylo Eyeshadow. Perfectly portable, the eyeshadow pen allows for precise application, and the formula leaves behind a cool sensation on the skin. The product is launching in five Courtesy Relaxnews

Mediterranean-inspired shades ranging from shimmery turquoise to olive green and gold-flecked pvowder pink. For those who never hit the beach without sunscreen, Chanel offers its Lumière d’Été illuminating powder compact as a way to achieve a sun-kissed glow. Pressed in the shape of Chanel’s signature camellia, the bronzing powder has a brightening effect, with gold shimmer particles and a satiny finish. The Méditerranée collection also includes new shades of Rouge Coco Shine (light pink with gold shimmer, copper brown, bright pink with gold and coral red) and a new Lèvres Scintillantes gloss color (bright pink with blue and red shimmer). Finally, there are also four new Le Vernis nail polishes (shimmery brown, turquoise blue, poppy red and violet). The makeup line will go on sale from May 5 at selected stores.

The crocodile brand has added a new reference to its L.12.12 men’s fragrance collection, named for the signature cotton piqué polo shirt. The new essence comes in a yellow version of the classic square bottle. Like the other scents in the line (Bleu - powerful, Rouge - Energetic, etc.), this new essence is associated with an adjective, optimistic, which informed its olfactory composition. Jaune opens with grapefruit and pink pepper notes, complemented by a hint of juicy green apple. Coriander, cypress, vetiver and amber notes bring depth to the essence. Of course, the flacon echoes those of the other references in the collection, in opaque glass with an embroidered crocodile calling to mind the famous polo designed by René Lacoste in 1920. The new fragrance will go on sale at perfume stores from March 23, with prices starting at QR 220 for the 50ml eau de toilette.

24 \ FASHION Designer Massimo Giorgetti greets the audience at the end of the show for fashion house MSGM at the women’s Fall / Winter 2015/16 Fashion Week in Milan on March 1st 2015. -AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN.

WHEELCHAIRS AND PROSTHETIC LIMBS AT TOKYO FASHION WEEK A Japanese designer challenged the accepted ideals of beauty at Tokyo Fashion Week, with an easy-to-wear collection unveiled on the catwalk by models who are blind, wear prosthetic limbs or use a wheelchair. In his unorthodox show for the “tenbo” brand, Takafumi Tsuruta chose a mix of disabled and able-bodied models to showcase his quirky designs, with several of them donning bright yellow wigs. “We are introducing something called ‘people’s design.’ The clothes are aimed at everyone in the world. I think it’s fashion’s responsibility to have trendy and easy-towear clothing,” Tsuruta said. Ami Sano, who was born with a rare disorder that left her without limbs except a left foot, said backstage before that she really didn’t dream she would end up modelling at fashion week. The 24-year-old appeared before the packed hall in her wheelchair, donning a white wedding dress, in the show’s moving finale. Braille-inspired designs Opening the show was the blind model Rina Akiyama, 27, who won a gold medal for swimming at the London 2012 Paralympics. Akiyama, who wore a dotted trapeze dress inspired by Braille and said it

was “very rare” for such a fashion event to take place in Japan, which is gearing up to the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Often criticised for their narrow choice of models, fashion weeks have lately taken small but significant steps towards greater diversity. Last month US actress Jamie Brewer, who has Down’s Syndrome, came down the runway in New York in an A-line black dress designed by Carrie Hammer. Hammer launched the ‘Role Models Not Runway Models’ campaign in 2014, choosing her models for their professional achievements, and brought the first woman in a wheelchair to the catwalk in New York. British model Jack Eyers also made history in February as the first male amputee to appear at New York’s fashion week, in creations by Italian designer Antonio Urzi which he later showcased in Milan. Two women with prosthetic legs recently modelled for Tsuruta in Tokyo, one of whom was 31-year-old Sayaka Murakami, who wore a stylish white shirt patterned with paper cranes. As Murakami prepares to compete in both sprint and long jump at the Rio Paralympic Games next year, she is hopeful the fashion industry, like the sporting world, will continue to champion inclusion.

MASSIMO GIORGETTI TO FILL PETER DUNDAS’S SHOES Italian designer Massimo Giorgetti has been named as the new creative director for the fashion house of Emilio Pucci. The news came one day after the announcement that former creative director of the brand, Peter Dundas, is moving on to Roberto Cavalli. Giorgetti will take up his new role at Emilio Pucci in April and showcase his first menswear collection for the brand in Milan this fall, reports Women’s Wear Daily. However, he will continue to manage his own successful label, MSGM.

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CASUAL FRIDAYS

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SAVE 1 Resin glasses, QR70, Pull & Bear, Villaggio Mall. ● 2 Geometric foulard, QR240, Massimo Dutti, Villaggio ● 3 Wide-legged trousers, QR160, Pull & Bear, Mall. ● 4 Boyfriend Jeans, QR587, Salsa, Lagoona Villaggio Mall. ● 5 Graphic cropped top, QR240, Salsa, Lagoona Mall. ● 6 Logo vest, QR213, Superdry, Lagoona Mall. Mall. ●

Casual Fridays take on a whole new meaning in this region we are not dressing down for work but going for a relaxed look to kick off the weekend. A trusty pair of denim is always key for a casual outfit, but we recommend spicing things up a little with funky silhouettes. The oversized boyfriend jeans makes for a good match with feminine tops and instantly ups the ‘cool factor’ without trying too hard. This Spring, go for tops in bright colours or blossom prints to ace the season’s obsession with everything floral. DEBRINA ALIYAH

SPLURGE 1 Sally sunglasses, QR2,485, Louis Vuitton, Villaggio ● 2 Thomas oversized stretch-cotton twill shorts, Mall. ● 3 Paisley Guipure QR1,731, Jil Sander, Net A Porter. ●

Lace Top, QR1,191, House of Holland, Net-A-Porter. 4 Denim-print boyfriend pants, QR2,874, Junya ● 5 Striped ribbed-knit silk Watanabe, Net-A-Porter. ● top, QR2,084, Dolce & Gabbana, Net A Porter.

GLAM / ON OUR

RADAR

APRIL 2015

AN EDIT OF THINGS THAT ARE HOT NOW

DOLCE & GABBANA X PRINTEMPS As part of Printemps’ 150th anniversary celebration, Dolce & Gabbana has collaborated with the French retailer to produce a special capsule collection that will be available exclusively at the department store. Taking cue from the anniversary’s floral theme that reflects the origins of Printemps, the collaboration features key looks from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring Summer collection that are updated with the pink prints.

COLIAC SPRING SUMMER 2015 Martina Grasselli first caught our eye at last year’s Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience with her decidedly directional and spunky Oxford shoes that are laced with metal bridges instead of the conventional shoelaces. Bright slip-ons and flatforms spruced with stones formed the rest of the SS15 collection, evoking a candy store vibe. “The jeweled shoes attracted so much interest that we received special mentions from Vogue Italy and AltaRoma,” Martina explains. The

designer founded the brand Coliac in 2009, as a costume jewellery collection that experiments with the use of different materials. “After a while, I decided to create a jeweled shoe, a Derby shoe with a feminine touch that could be worn at night and replace heels,” she says. “I used to think of shoes as a white canvas, and I try to embellish them with what I think I do better, jewellery!” A small selection is now available at Per Lei Couture, The Pearl – Qatar.

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THE AVENUE AT LAGOONA MALL The curtain has finally unveiled the longawaited conceptual store, The Avenue, on the first level of Lagoona Mall. Dedicated to fashion and accessories, The Avenue is home to many brands that are debuting in Qatar, including Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice and Olivia, Juicy

BELQUIS DEBUTS SS15 COLLECTION A brand new Qatar-based handbag brand, Belquis, launches its debut collection with an Italiancrafted edge. Designer Reem Salman set out to create a label that reflects her idea of the perfect bag: one that merges functionality and luxury, and encapsulates an effortless and timeless aesthetic. The collection is particularly restrained with its clean geometric silhouettes, and shows a focus on subtleties, like fine Italian leather, rich textures, refined hardware details and understated branding. “For women and handbags, it’s always a matter of love at first sight. That’s why I wanted to embody everything Belquis stands for and make a statement of our brand DNA with the very first collection,” she explains. Minimalist totes, holdall totes, and super sleek clutches are made in limited pieces, and are now available exclusively at www.belquis.com

Couture, Tory Burch, Versace Collection, Mulberry, and The Kooples. It will also be the home of the first ever Chanel Fine Jewellery boutique in the Middle East. Renowned British artist, Hatty Pedder, was commissioned to create unique illustrations that will adorn the space, as part of The Avenue’s new campaign.

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CHANTELLE’S SPORTS BRA LANVIN PEARLS Lanvin pays tribute to its founder Jeanne Lanvin, with an accessories collection crafted to include a favourite of Jeanne, pearls. Jeanne was often spotted wearing the sautoir – a necklace of three rows of pearls, while many of her cocktail dresses were embellished with pearls. Lanvin pairs the classicism of sumptuous pearls with geometric lines, structured on steel rods. Resolutely modern on chokers and long

necklaces, these jewels take the form of pearly abacus spheres. It is a fresh reinterpretation of the traditional pearl necklace, which also features on cuffs, rings and belts. This seabed jewel also embellishes pumps and ballerinas on the heel or delicately enhancing a grosgrain bow. The signature Lanvin Sugar bag also gets the pearl treatment with metal hand-stitched beads on soft lambskin leather.

As part of its Spring Summer 2015 collection, lingerie label Chantelle has launched its first-ever sports bra. Utilising the brand’s specialty in lingerie, the sports bra promises all the elements that are needed for maximum support during workouts. Available in three colours and made with soft breathable fabrics, the shape covers the full bust area with wide and padded straps. The bra also features a soft underwire to provide support - without discomfort. Available at Debenhams, City Centre for QR350.

POMELLATO IS MILANO Pomellato has interpreted the fashion soul of Milan with the creation of MILANO, the new collection aimed at the young, contemporary, and cosmopolitan woman. Inspired by the city’s two distinct voices - the artisan excellence and the innovative hub for art and design, Pomellato creates a collection that draws from a traditional

goldsmith theme but is updated with a contemporary language. Motifs such as gourmette and torchon inspire the precious elements in a collection made to be worn in different experimental styles. Double and single rings, in different textures and colours of gold, are designed to be mixed and matched to suit personal taste.

34 \ TRENDS FASHION KEY TO HOPE CAMPAIGN Dubai-based fashion label Meher & Riddhima, has launched the Key to Hope campaign to raise funds for Harmony House - a non-profit centre situated just outside of Delhi, India. Harmony House offers free education, food, medication, hygiene facilities and social services to women and children living in nearby slums. The non-profit community centre relies on in-kind donations and contributions to

FENDI’S SILVANA MANGANO CAPSULE COLLECTION Named after the iconic Italian actress, each piece of this travel-inspired capsule collection is reminiscent of Silvana Mangano’s wardrobe from her life and films. “Silvana Mangano’s innate beauty, natural elegance and sophistication have always been a great source of inspiration. Working together with her daughter, Veronica de Laurentiis, has been a unique experience, as she transmitted Silvana’s sense of beauty, passion and uniqueness that is

reflected in all the products. In addition, we are excited that part of the sales will benefit Veronica’s non-profit foundation that helps women that have gone through domestic violence. I love the idea of women helping other women,” says Silvia Venturini Fendi, Fendi’s creative director for accessories. A selection of two trolley cases, a large travel bag and a lucky bag charm will be available exclusively on NetA-Porter this month, with prices starting from QR482.

operate, something that is a constant strain on the charity. This year, Meher & Riddhima have designed a beautiful Key Dress and Key Top, made of pure silk crepe de chine with embroidered Keys and Swarovski crystals. Available in five vibrant colours, this collection is inspired by the concept of owning the key to someone’s heart. A quarter of the price of every piece sold will go to the home.

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Amal Clooney wearing a Paule Ka coat from the brand’s archive FW2003 collection.

Olivia Palermo carrying a CH Carolina Herrera Duchess handbag.

WHO WHAT WEAR

ON THE RED CARPET, OFF THE RUNWAY AND ON THE STREET, CELEBRITIES BRING THEIR STYLE GAME.

Alexa Chung wearing Prada SS15 while attending the brand’s FW15 presentation in Milan.

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Dakota Johnson wearing a Sonia Rykiel custom-made sequin dress with a marabout half-sweater at the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.

Emma Roberts carrying a Paule Ka Trapeze Bag. The bag is now available in stores in a variety of colours and materials.

Madonna wearing Philipp Plein on the Howard Stern Show.

Jay Z wears a Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 watch while Beyonce wears a Stella McCartney dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewellery at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

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Olivia Wilde in a floral ensemble from the H&M Conscious Exclusive collection.

Jessica Alba carrying the limited edition Louis Vuitton Iconoclast Monogram bag.

Rashida Jones wearing an Andrew GN ensemble with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch at the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Taylor Swift wearing a custom Roberto Cavalli Atelier gown at the BRIT Awards 2015.

Singer Jessie Ware wearing MIU MIU at the BRIT Awards 2015.

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DIORAMA SCENE Along with Raf Simons’ interpretation of the new Dior woman comes a new IT bag for the house, the Diorama. Highly functional and variedly versatile as a canvas for a myriad of decorative styles, the bag made its first appearance during the Spring Summer 2015 show. Drawing from a sharp architectural shape, the flap-style bag was inspired by the house’s Autumn Winter 2014 Haute Couture collection that emphasised florals and badge embroideries. Bringing together Dior’s leatherworking atelier’s technical skills with a contemporary urban spirit, the

new bag is a mélange of interesting elements. It mixes lambskin with a metallic chain strap, comes in classic or bold colours, and features a badgelike closure. The emblematic Dior motif covering has also undergone a bold reinterpretation: oversized, inset or ribbed, and the cannage has been reinvented to give a contemporary vibe. The varied versions, some with a clasp and some without, give the bag unique looks – a dream come true for die-hard bag collectors. Marion Cotillard is among the celebrities who have been strutting their Diorama around town.

SPRING’S COUTURE MOTHER NATURE AND FLOWERS ARE THE FOCAL POINTS FOR MANY HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTIONS THIS SEASON. GO BACK TO BASICS AND FIND INNER PEACE IN SUBTLE PALETTES AND PARED DOWN ACCESSORIES, THOUGH A FLOWER-CROWN IS NECESSARY.

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Kendall Jenner for Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a play on asymmetry, in the tailoring, materials and colours. Dresses are fitted on one side and flowing on the other, while a trench coat is offset by a large panel of tulle. There is even a bridal ensemble that is half dress, half pants. A few of the looks had a distinctly urban feel, often bordering on streetwear styles, as seen in the recurring brimmed caps, worn as chic accessories. There were also pantsuits and an overalls-style gown in a denim-effect fabric worn with a beekeeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helmet. Supermodel Naomi Campbell concluded the show with a bridal look: a sheer, ultra-short mini-dress covered in flowers and leaves.

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STÉPHANE ROLLAND It is about finding freedom for the body in the form of new silhouettes, especially ones that are floaty and weightless. In executing this, the designer has emphasised on materials - crinolines of transparent gauze embroidered with gypsophilas, latex or lacquered lace, complemented by the house classics such as jersey and gazar jumpsuits and cape dresses.

“Crepe is perfection. It flows on the body. It’s smooth as glass, and it’s very Cartesian,” Stéphane says. There was a crisp white jumpsuit with a cape back and wide diamante belt, a black draped bustier top that opens into a stiff sideways ruffle in the back, and tops that were totally sheer in the back, except for a strip of white leather running down the spine.

DIOR Raf Simons continues his narrative of past and present, which has been weaved through the last few seasons of both ready-to-wear and couture. Playing with contrasting volumes, trench coats are worn over embroidered mini-dresses while flared skirts made a strong showing. Colourful stripe motifs along with groovy geometric prints give life to jumpsuits, bodysuits

and dresses. Retro references lend a fun perspective through go-go style mini-dresses with skin-tight latex boots that go all the way up the thighs. The floral prints and embroidery continue, adorning pleated skirts and dresses that twirl with different coloured ribbons. On beauty, make-up was created and styled by Peter Philips, the creative and image director for

Dior Make-Up. He imagined a pure, luminous make-up that provides a soft match to the psychedelic inspiration of the collection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to create make-up that gives a sense of fluidity, clarity and appeasement. Like a calm moment, a pause in the midst of a collection, that displays an inspirational mix, rich with colours and materials,â&#x20AC;? Peter explains.

TRENDS / 49 ALEXIS MABILLE The collection is a ten-year anniversary commemoration for the designer, who decided that flowers were integral to the occasion. Large flower motifs and Alexis’ playful trademark bows take on extreme proportions on full-skirted red-carpet gowns and sheath dresses, while petal-like fabric folds and draping give silhouettes definition. Luscious hues of ultra-violet blue, red and fuchsia, go beyond the pieces and make appearances as hair extensions on the models. Dip dye, blue and pink streaked hair and feather extensions complete the vibrant mood of the collection.

ARMANI PRIVÉ A nod to nature and a sense of Zen come through in the soft palette of multiple shades of white, off-white, greens and blues. Giorgio Armani looks east and reflects on bamboo prints – a recurring motif throughout where leaves and stalks of the plant are printed on dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, cardigans, and even clutches and belts. Japanese tailoring, derived from traditional garments constructed in dreamy soft materials of silk and muslin, gives rise to pieces that are light and airy. The obi belt gives shape to the silhouette, tied in multiple different ways and worn either high around the waist or low at the hip.

CHANEL The midriff is the new cleavage, as Karl Lagerfeld spells it out in a collection of belly-baring looks evoking a hippy free-love wardrobe of the ‘60s. “It’s a kind of flower woman, I don’t want to say flower child of the 21st century,” he says. But beyond the spirit of the theme, there’s nothing bohemian about the construction and details – flower appliqués and complex embroidery set the tone for the signature Chanel jackets and skirts, though waistlines have been dramatically dropped to accommodate for the baring of the midriff. A few flouncy sheer dresses make an appearance and the finale wedding dress is a picture of simplicity with a box-tee top that is contrasted with a long, complex feather-flower embroidery train.

ATELIER VERSACE “Couture is like a laboratory, where you can explore ideas and clash materials with complete creative freedom. Experimentation and elegance is what couture means in the 21st century,” says Donatella Versace at the presentation. In this experiment, the house explores the cuts and curves of the body without a single straight line in construction. Exaggerated flared and tailored suits and jumpsuits, curve the body and hug the figure, while lean silk cady dresses with asymmetrical hems are accented by long curving cuts that reveal a leg-length slit. Embroidery takes centrestage with various abstract patterns embellished on nets with crystal and beading. There’s also a nod to the trending ‘emoji’ culture, with special ones created for this collection, which are embossed onto silk dresses, cropped bomber jackets and boots.

RAMI AL ALI Inspired by the decorative opulence of Japan’s iconic garment, the kimono, Rami explores how the simplicity of the silhouette is contrasted with lavish refinement. The refinement comes in the form of artistically-manipulated laser cut organza to create the effects of sequins and pearls. Dresses are sculpted from single sheets of fabric with no darts or cuts, mirroring the ancient art of origami through modern folding techniques. Peony flower embellishments offer traditional visual statements for the 15 piece collection where the main colour palette of gold, silver and champagne is contrasted with hints of black. It’s a play between purity and mystery, virtue and sensuality through the designer’s well-beloved signature of extravagant layers of light and heavyweight Italian lace with voluminous tulle.

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ELIE SAAB Extremely feminine as always, the silhouettes are long and the fabrics are lightweight and flowing. Waists are emphasised by the tailoring, an effect often underscored with thin belts in nearly the same shade as the garments underneath. With the exception of the shimmery black looks, the colours are soft and include ivory, eggshell, powder-pink, blue-grey and grey-green. The dresses have just enough shimmer, avoiding retro-glitter and remain extremely refined with beads, sequins and feathers to bring home the enchanted woodland theme. Lace and floral embroideries appear as the designer’s signature, while the finale wedding dress is a pastel rainbow affair. The dress shimmers from the shoulders to the end of the train, to create the effect of a multitude of miniature light bulbs.

RALPH & RUSSO Finding its theme from Botticelli’s Primavera and Poussin’s Realm of Flora, the collection named ‘Goddess of Spring’ brings diaphanous gowns and capes in jet black and midnight blue that cocoon the body. Sheaths of organza and voluminous cloud-like gazar are contrasted with fluid chiffons, while traditional thread embroidery intertwines with metallic resin print, and individual petal appliqué goes hand-in-hand with geometric pearl embroidery. The finale gown displays the house’s craftsmanship - a blush ombré number that combines traditional and modern adornment with crystals, pearls and silver thread.

SCHIAPARELLI After the departure of Marco Zanini, the house has yet to appoint a new creative director, hence a collection that is created as a collaborative effort from the entire Schiaparelli design team. Focusing on ample tailoring and fluid fabrics, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a particular emphasis on wide-legged pants with waists worn high, sometimes just above the chest. Schiaparelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA comes to life in the wide and prominent shoulders and prints that are abstract, including a blue pantsuit that is decorated with mirrors. An eccentric wedding gown closed the show - a trench-style mini-dress in glittery gold fabric, complete with a long train in the same material.

VALENTINO Two distinct influences form the collection, light and ethereal pieces representing romantic love, and sturdy pieces covered in elaborate motifs inspired by traditional Russian dress. Patterns play a major role in this line appearing often to resemble both traditional and modern art. In addition to the embroidered patterns inspired by traditional Eastern European dress, there are several looks with celestial motifs and gowns adorned with cursive text. Light and airy dresses and blouses are often worn under heavier knit pieces, while some of the light and flowing dresses are adorned with a heavier knit panel. Patterned ankle boots complete the almost peasant-like vibe.

TRENDS / 53 VIKTOR & ROLF The duo, inspired by the raw energy of Vincent van Gogh’s exuberant depiction of the rural countryside, presents beautiful “bouquet” pieces, combining abstract graphic volumes with organic elements. Flower print A-line baby doll dresses paired with straw hats and flip-flops, formed the basis for a bevy of colourful and sculptural looks. A surreal exploration of print with flower petals that seem to open up and escape the garments, transform 2D prints into 3D. Straw hats speared with sheaves of barley are matched with sandals made in matching printed fabric. The dramatic texture and feel of the collection can be attributed to the brand’s partnership with Dutch textile company Vlisco. The firm’s signature authentic batik-inspired “wax-dyeing & block printing” technique ensures a unique high quality print with craquelure indigo lines and intense vibrant colours on both sides of the cloth.

ZUHAIR MURAD Sparkling details of sequins, rhinestones and beads are sewn onto featherweight fabrics such as tulle and silk, which are often sheer. Evoking a sexy and sensual vibe, we are sure to see these pieces make an appearance on red carpets very soon. Plunging necklines are pared down with feminine details of tulle ruffles on shoulders and thin belts accentuate the waist. Flowers, a recurring motif this season, appear as 3D appliqués or delicate embroidered motifs. Aside from a vast assortment of dresses from fitted tea-length to voluminous princess-style gowns, the line includes a few pants, capes, bodysuits and peplum tops. The finale wedding gown is a voluminous ivory piece with a plunging neckline and a gigantic train, all covered in shimmery floral embroidery.

REGIONAL FOCUS

SPRING SUMMER 2015

Ingie Paris A collection designed for the after hours of a summer vacation by the seaside, prints of vibrant colours set the tone for the pieces. Alluding to some of Andy Warholâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings, an artist dear to designer Ingie Chalhoub, the prints come to life on silk organzas and crepe. Floral prints, manipulated through sizes and colour contrasts, is the main highlight in coral, shocking pink, red, and yellow shades. The labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark of embellishments comes to play through embroidered guipure lace work that details the dresses, along with the innovative use of plastic details for a modern touch. The use of the fabrics maintains the sensual yet elegant silhouette that Ingie is known for, and is especially appropriate for warm breezy nights on the Riviera, as envisioned by the designer.

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Dima Ayad We love the recurring camellia print in this collection, that at times resembles something of strength like the skin of a reptile. The celebration of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shapes and sizes, and the power of women, are the key inspirations in the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work since her debut collection in 2010. Fresh from winning the Grazia Style Award last year, Dima presents a collection that is meant to take you from day to night with just a quick change of accessories. Using a combination of gazar organza, jacquard and jersey, in fresh block colours including sunny yellow, lilac, silver, navy blue, and hints of nude undertones, the flowing pieces are clean and feminine. The silhouettes, designed to flatter most shapes, are a combination of voluminous skirts with matching fitted tops, as she reintroduces her signature crop with a twist.

Endemage Omani design duo, Endemage, draws inspiration from the beauty of Zanzibar, a country which was once part of the Sultanate of Oman. Designers Lubna and Nadia Zakwani brings the beautiful vibrant colours, prints, and fabrics of Zanzibar to life through off-shoulder pieces, ruffles, and flowing hemlines in a white, lilac and teal colour palette. Embellishments include pearl and lace embroidery of leaves and pineapples motifs with fabric choices of organza, net, and lace. The collection is a reflection on the meaning of the label’s name, ‘the merging of two’, in considering the cultural offerings of the two countries.

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House of Nomad House of Nomad goes back to school with a varsity-inspired collection featuring both womens and menswear that is reminiscent of our times in school. Designers Ahmed El-Sayed and Saleh Al-Banna continue their sports luxe direction, pulling inspiration from various high school figure-heads including popular cheerleaders to athletic jocks. Menswear pieces are composed of Judo men’s robes, basketball shorts and bomber jackets while the womenswear pieces include cheerleader skirts, and oversized basketball tops. The entire collection has been crafted with only one fabric, neoprene, the material that is having its moment in the fashion world. With muted beige, white and navy blue, the pieces feature the brand’s signature Nomad calligraphy as well as its new ‘N’ logo.

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A prolific friendship blossoms into a jewellery collaboration that evokes art and fashion. BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

WHEN FLOWER

BLOOMS

rillo Demo’s body of work is immediately recognisable through a consistent visual: one or several jasmine flowers that seemingly appear in random pattern. The Argentinean artist finds solace in the flower that reminds him of his childhood, often depicting it as falling pieces in his paintings. “The purity of a white jasmine, its discretion and ephemerality, lights up and perfumes every night and every morning - both in the Mediterranean and in the torrid South American summers,” Grillo explains. His art has found fans in many collectors and celebrities, and with Carolina Herrera de Báez, he has found a great friend too. At an exhibition in Madrid several years ago, the duo was introduced and Carolina took an interest in a jasmine-shaped amulet that Grillo was wearing. “It was from that encounter that the idea started shaping, united by friendship and the meaning of the jasmine in our lives,” he says. The collaboration, launched under the CH Carolina Herrera umbrella, is Carolina’s first foray into jewellery design and is aptly dedicated to her mother – the founder of the brand and for whom she was named after. “It is my mother’s favourite flower and essence. I remember her mixing jasmine and tuberose essential oils to create fragrances,” she explains. The ten-piece collection of earrings, a necklace, ring, bracelet, choker and a tiara, were exclusively previewed in the new CH Carolina Herrera boutique in Qatar, where Carolina made an appearance to introduce the

designs. “The collection is called ‘Falling Jasmine’ because the idea is that if we wear all ten pieces of the jewellery, it appears that jasmine flowers are falling from the head down to the hands,” she says. Why a jewellery collection? Carolina: I love jewels because they complete a look. They can make a day outfit appear more dressed up for the evening. One can play with jewels and that’s what this collection is all about -mixing and combining them to create the look that we feel like having on a specific day. Grillo: It is based on the idea that the jasmine flower can be recognised in our collection and be differentiated from the rest of the flowers that appear in the jewellery world. We wanted the jewels to specifically represent our idea of the jasmine, its whiteness, its sharp petals and the elegance of its movement - just like the jasmine flowers that fall in my paintings and that Carolina uses to create fragrances. What was the creative process like? Carolina: It has flowed very well. We know each other and we know what we like. Both of us are very detail-oriented. When ideas began to arise, we knew how to create a much larger collection. But we wanted to concentrate on ten pieces that could be easily combined. We wanted to put a part of ourselves into each one of the ten pieces.

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“It is my mother’s favourite flower and essence. I remember her mixing jasmine and tuberose essential oils to create fragrances.”

Grillo: While working surrounded by a garden full of jasmine in my home in Ibiza, Carolina and I were able to find the inspiration for this collection. We both admired each other’s work and share a passion for the jasmine flower, which made it easy to combine our sensitivity towards the art and the culture of design in which Carolina has always been immersed. We carried out different sketches on the canvas and little by little all our work gave fruit to a very special collection for us: Falling Jasmine.

What is your main source of inspiration? Carolina: My own experiences, my memories, my emotions, my travels and day-to-day life. In this collection, the jasmine flower inspired me. The garden in my home in Caracas was full of jasmine and I also thought about pieces that I would wear and how I would combine them. It was from this that the ten pieces came about. Grillo: The main source of my inspiration comes from everyday life and the desire to meet the unexpected, art in of all its manifestations, and specifically my commitment to nature, in this case, flowers and in particular, the jasmine flower.

What does this entry into the world of jewellery mean to you? Carolina: Up until now my work has mainly been focused on the creation of perfumes and specific collaborations in fashion. Falling Jasmine is a project in which I have been able to experiment in two worlds that inspire me: art and design. This has also been another step forward in my creative career by entering into the world of jewellery. How has collaborating with Grillo Demo been like? Carolina: It has been exactly like I had hoped: fun, inspirational and stimulating. I love Grillo’s vision. We talk about everything, we laugh a lot, we like the same things and the truth is that his “office” is full of jasmine. It’s a little piece of heaven in Ibiza. It is a very expansive collection. Why? Carolina: Falling Jasmine is the first jewellery collection that I’ve designed and for that reason it had to be full. As well as that, we came up with different jewellery designs in order to give greater versatility to the collection, so that each woman can combine them in whatever way she desires.

IT’S ALL

IN THE

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AS ACCESSORIES COME AND GO, THOSE WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL DEFINITELY STAND TO BE NOTICED. MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE IN THE ARAB MARKET IS S’UVIMOL, WHOSE BESPOKE BAGS ARE MADE WITH EXTREME CARE. DESIGNED WITH THE FINEST OF LEATHERS, EACH BAG IS MADE TO ORDER WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SKILL AND EXPERTISE.

BY ABIGAIL MATHIAS

ombining beauty and functionality in a chic and sophisticated way, S’uvimol bags come in a variety of tote, clutch and hobo styles as well as unique purses, wallets and cardholders. This is the first Thai Designer crocodile bag brand. It took form in 1950 with the legendary Utai Youngprapakorn, the owner of the worldfamous Samutprakarn crocodile farm and zoo. Utai was the first successful pioneer in crocodile breeding. In 1999, Patcharapimol Youngprapakorn and her siblings established another crocodile breeding farm, Golden Crocodile Agriculture (Thailand) Company Limited, mainly exporting leathers to TCIM and Heng Long, the world’s leading tanneries in France and Singapore, which supply to many high-end brands. With her exquisite knowledge of exotic leathers and her love for fashion, in 2011 Patcharapimol established a new crocodile and

Dalia Nsouli, S’uvimol Arabia - Exclusive Distributor for S’uvimol in Qatar and KSA.

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“To create a custom piece takes almost a month or two because each of our bags are handmade in Bangkok, and orders are placed chronologically, so there is a waiting list,” says Dalia. exotic leather bag brand, using her mother’s name “S’uvimol.” With a line of bespoke bags to choose from, the S’uvimol customers are extremely discerning. “Our bags cater to confident women who have a strong sense of fashion. The bags are very structured and colourfully loud, which is why they need confident women to carry them,” says Dalia Nsouli, S’uvimol Arabia Exclusive Distributor in Qatar and KSA. Since the brand uses its own breeding farm, they are able to legally export their products under a special licence. Some famous names in the region who own the bags include Alanoud Badr of Lady Fozaza, Sandra Hagelstam of 5inchandup and Araya Alberta Hargate of @chomismaterialgirl. “To create a custom piece takes almost a month or two because each of our bags are handmade in Bangkok, and orders are placed chronologically, so there is a waiting list,” says Dalia. Customers are assured of authenticity with a quality assurance card placed in every bag. The unique Square F designs are an ideal everyday accessory, with a single handle and detailed gold hardware, fashionistas make a statement with a bag that’s practical yet edgy. The Square

F in forest-green is a best seller. Demand in the Middle East is high and the brand hopes to meet it without decreasing quality. “Our bags are handmade from A to Z, and our skins are either sourced in-house or from the best farms around the world. We pride ourselves in the quality of our handbags and this is something which can never be compromised. This is why delivery time has increased from 3 weeks to up to 3 months, due to the increase in demand, because we won’t rush our staff in creating their craft,” she says. A range of square-shaped bags called My Sweet Box come in a variety of colours and sizes. Hip and sophisticated, the iconic tote style can be worn with the most simple or daring of outfits. “We hope to launch S’uvimol within a multi-brand boutique or department store by the end of 2015 in Doha, and hopefully as early as May in Saudi Arabia,” says Dalia.

S’uvimol Arabia products are available for bespoke private order only at suvimol@daralmanarat.com

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I BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

Precious gems get a vibrant and fun uplift in the colourful world of Suzanne Kalan.

f there was an award for the most hyped brand on social media at this year’s Doha Jewellery and Watches exhibition, it would be for Suzanne Kalan. An independent newcomer to the glittery event, the label quickly got the word out through Instagram, and visitors knew exactly what they were looking for when they finally met the designer, Suzanne herself. “It was the stackable bracelets. Photos of the pieces got shared quickly and everyone was a big fan,” she explains. Colourful variations of topaz stones interspersed with diamonds in 18-karat gold, form a flexible bangle that is easily worn without the conventional clasps. Stack on a few pieces and you have some serious arm candy to flex. The trend has been on a high for several seasons in this region, and Suzanne’s creations fit the profile perfectly; lightweight with a trendy versatile vibe. The bangles serve as perfect introduction to the label’s unconventional methods to fine jewellery. “We are known for colour, lots of colour,” she says. By experimenting and playing around with precious stones, Suzanne discovered the technique of cutting stones flat on both surfaces to create jewellery that emphasises texture. Setting the flat stones in a seemingly random burst, the Fireworks Ring came to life – an optical experience of a flat ring around the finger yet textural to the touch. The creation won Suzanne the coveted Best Diamonds Design award at the annual Las Vegas Couture Jewellery Show in 2014. “It was a great moment for me and this piece really defines my work because anyone in the know who sees it will immediately recognise it as a Suzanne Kalan piece,” she says. The Firework Ring is part of the Baguette Collection, one of the label’s most well-received. “The baguette diamonds form the setting around the stone in a very organic way,” she explains. The asymmetry of the setting changes the vibe of each individual stone, which makes for a refreshing and hip perspective in fine jewellery. In the Vitrine Collection, the designer emulates a looking glass through the centre stone, with the diamonds set behind the main piece, while the Antique Collection sees classic renditions given a contemporary touch. The designer’s versatility and penchant to experiment stems from the origins of the business, which started off as a fashion jewellery venture. It was very much a family affair; Suzanne’s husband was in the fine jewellery industry while her father ran a retail store. “I decided to make fashion jewellery with inexpensive materials like brass and crystal, and then it turned into sterling silver,” she reminisces. As she and her sister wore those initial pieces, people began enquiring about them. “One day, I was standing in front of a retail store and the owner came out and asked about the piece that I was wearing. He asked if he could order them and things really took off from there.” Suzanne’s next order came from a department store and she eventually progressed onto precious jewellery, which is now available in major stockists including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Dover Street Market. Almost three decades later, Suzanne’s daughter, Patile, is now part of the venture too. Patile designs Kalan by Suzanne Kalan, a collection that represents a modern twist to the basic design, at a more affordable price.

FEARLESSLY INNOVATIVE BY ABIGAIL MATHIAS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO KEEP A LUXURY BRAND ON TOP? COMMITMENT, COLLABORATION AND A LOT OF ZEST.

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o-founded by brothers Mario and Thorsten Eimuth in 2004, luxury fashion retailer Stylebop. com is one of today’s top luxury fashion E-commerce destinations. Offering a wide selection of menswear and womenswear across numerous categories including swimwear, lingerie, shoes, jewellery, bags and accessories, the site is currently home to over 250 brands and more than 15,000 products. The site’s fashion director, Leila Yavari, plays a key role in the world of buying and launching new designers on the retail platform. She has a masters degree from Berkeley, and a fearsome wardrobe to match. Her first brush with fashion came as a model while she was studying political science in California. She was mid-way through her PhD on Brechtian theatre when modelling took over. Leila was drawn to fashion from an early age. “I grew up with a very stylish mother and father who influenced me a great deal, but it wasn’t until later that I considered pursuing fashion as a career. I was modelling part-time while working towards my PhD, which ultimately led to travel, styling, and editorial work in Paris. I think that constantly trying clothes - noting how they fit and felt, how comfortable they were - allowed me to approach fashion in a critical way and think about it through a buyer’s eyes.” After penning her thoughts on the extent to which theatre can subvert censorship in Iran, she dedicated herself to fashion. Clothes have always been a preoccupation for Leila, who was born in Tehran but left shortly after the revolution and grew up in Los Angeles. In 2010 she took on the

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role of style director at the German luxury e-tailer at Stylebop. From Valentino, Balmain and Jil Sander, to Maison Martin Margiela, J.W. Anderson and Prabal Gurung, Stylebop.com delivers exquisite products to its customers around the globe. An online magazine, published three times per month, complements the product mix with editorials and features encompassing a dynamic mix of fashion, style and culture. “We’re constantly evolving. When it comes to anticipating our customers’ needs, we’ve always maintained a runway to reality approach. As the business has grown internationally, we’re speaking to an increasingly global audience. In turn, allowing us to offer our customers true luxury and exclusivity, as well introducing exciting new designers to our brand mix. It is this sense of newness and excitement that will continue to evolve the business into the future,” she says. Hot this season “The 70’s chic is probably SS15’s strongest trend, but a head-to-toe look might overwhelm some. I’d say choose one great accessory - a fringed handbag or a gladiator sandal, for example, or a single item, like a tunic top or maxi dress, can lend just the right amount of boho appeal without being too literal.” t isn’t always easy to gauge new talent says Leila, “Spotting great emerging talent is extremely important to me, and Marco de Vincenzo has been generating considerable buzz since his debut.” Stylebop.com began carrying his eponymous label this season. “A love of texture and eye for pattern is evident in his exquisitely detailed designs. I also love the bohotinged designs of Caravana and Hacienda Montaechristo, both based out of Tulum.” Working with leading designers is something many may dream of but few

“Spotting great emerging talent is extremely important to me, and Marco de Vincenzo has been generating considerable buzz since his debut.”

can pursue. Leila gives us the inside scoop. “Simone Rocha’s collaboration with J Brand this season was fantastic. Given their respective differences - romantic conceptual designer versus LA denim stalwart - the pairing initially seemed antithetical. But this collection really captured Rocha’s spirit and aesthetic - particularly her colour palette and penchant for sculptural silhouettes.” Prized possession The brand has just announced its partnership with Cash & Rocket and Valentino in anticipation of the organisation’s fourth-consecutive luxury car tour, championing female solidarity to empower women from all walks of life. In May, 70 accomplished women handpicked from the art, entertainment, fashion, and tech fields, will join Cash &

Rocket Founder and CEO Julie Brangstrup, Valentino co-Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, and of course Stylebop’s Leila Yavari, for a four-day fundraising tour benefitting impoverished women and children living in Africa. Leila says, “I have always been inspired by intrepid, fearless women. It is a pleasure and privilege to join Julie’s team on this amazing adventure. With the Cash & Rocket Fund, she has created an entirely new and innovative platform for bringing awareness to crucial global issues and charities - with the added bonus of bonding women from across the world who are leaders in their respective fields.” Driving 35 glossy red sports cars across the style capitals of London, Paris, Annecy, Milan, and Cannes, these spirited women will rev up for a series of events. Proceeds from this year’s tour will benefit OrphanAid Africa, a non-profit NGO aiding children living in orphanages in Ghana, Shine On Sierra Leone (a group focused on increasing access to all levels of education) and Sumbandila, whose vision it is to transform the lives of underprivileged children through educational scholarships and mentorship programs. Fully immersed in the world of luxury goods and accessories, Leila names the one thing in her closet that she will never part with. “It is a Chanel bag handed down to me by mother. It’s a true classic that also has sentimental value.” What’s her advice for those who want to get into the competitive world of fashion? “Whether you’re working as a buyer, an editor, a designer, or a businessperson, I think it’s crucial to think critically and realistically and take a long-term view. Work incredibly hard and make yourself indispensable to your colleagues and your superiors. If you’re more of a creative or an artist, partner with someone with strong analytical skills who complements your personality.”

OF LAND AND SEA BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

A SHORT FASHION FILM EXAMINES THE DIFFERENT TURNING POINTS IN OUR LIVES.

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the finale of the Fendi Spring Summer 2015 show, Karl Lagerfeld had the whole collection emerge again from the setting of Palazzo della Civilta archways. The elements of this dramatic closing formed the basis of colours, rhythm, and cinematic style for film director, Anthea Devotta, in her latest 2 minute short fashion film. Blogger Karen Nicolet takes centre stage as the character of a girl who is deciding whether to take a leap into the unknown or to fall back into the safety of familiarity. The narrative of the film is expressed through key pieces from Fendi’s current collection. “We took the sheer shirts and patent leather pieces from Milan’s catwalk to a sleepy coastal village, to figuratively express a unanimous human sentiment,” says Anthea. “All the scenes portray the girl standing on the seashore, the confluence between land and water. This recurring image exemplifies the idea of being caught between the past and the unknown seas of the future.” The feature, entitled Liminal, was filmed at Al Thakira port to the north of Doha. “The title was derived from the Latin word ‘limen’, which means threshold or initial stage of a process. We focus on this very fragile period of time during a period of transition, while figuratively moving from one’s current situation toward the future,” Karen explains. Capturing the serene and undeveloped beauty of Qatar’s natural landscape, the confluence of sea and land mirrors the shades and tones of Fendi’s wardrobe. The film opens in a sunrise scene with a black satin playsuit that mimics the origami shape and orchid motif which is the focus of the collection. To highlight the soft reds and pinks of Doha’s sunsets, a tulle skirt with pink horizontal stripes was paired with a strapless leather dress featuring laser-cut floral shapes. The transition into night was represented by a black and white suede jacket and skirt that catch the shimmer of the patent leather when shone upon by the lighthouse. A powder-blue feather halter dress caps the finale for the movie, to complement the dream-like sequence as the character ponders her future. “This collection has a very youthful spirit and that was translated with the character’s hopefulness and her ability to dream,” Karen says. The Qatar-based fashion and lifestyle blogger is the marketing manager of the Doha Film Institute, and this project has come as a natural progression in her push to develop creative content and stories. “I wanted to bring a new life to an editorial story, delving into the moving image instead of photography. It was important for me to tell a story with a universal message that will leave a lasting impact on people. That to me is what filmmaking is all about.” The film was produced entirely by a Qatar-based team including Thomas Hines as director of photography, Anthony Nicolet as production assistant, Carla Mallari as costume manager, Mika Lombard as hair and make-up specialist, Vincent Cover as music producer, and Abdul Jabbar Maki as editor. The feature will premiere this month on www.clumsychic.com

OUT OF THE BOX THE REGION’S BREAKTHROUGH DESIGNERS HIT THE ATHLEISURE TREND SPOT ON WITH DECISIVE SILHOUETTES THAT EXUDE POWER AND STRENGTH IN SPRING DRESSING. Photography: Rocky Dafna Model: Dunja Duxi Hair & Make-up: Mika Lombard Fashion Editor: Debrina Aliyah Shot at Crossfit Quwwa - the Crossfit facility of The Strongbox, West Bay. Reemami, Eddie Borgo, and Dima Ayad are available at Per Lei Couture boutique.

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Model wears Dress by Reemami Earrings by Eddie Borgo

Model wears Top and Tennis Skirt by Farah Mahmud Modelled with CF Quwwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coach Sally Bennett

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Model wears Dress by Dima Ayad CF Quwwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head coach Matt Bolton wears Robe Jacket and Sweatpants by House of Nomad

Model wears Varsity Jacket and Full Skirt by House of Nomad Modelled with CF Quwwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coach Jamie Thomas

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Model wears Tulip Skirt and Long Vest by The Kayys Jewellery by Eddie Borgo Modelled with CF Quwwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tim Nunan, Jamie Thomas and Matt Bolton

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FIRST LOOK AT

FALL 2015 BY COURTNEY GERRING

A PREVIEW OF EMERGING DESIGNERS AT NYFW.

Delpozo Infusing art into fashion, Delpozo presents another season of neon colours, inflated balloon sleeves and pleated floral adorned gowns. One of the most daring approaches was Josep Font’s take on outerwear. A stunning soft blue coat with a patchwork of abstract leather birds and leaves complemented by beautiful balloon sleeves and a red coat reminiscent of little red riding hood, captured the essence. “I was inspired by the colourful palette of Australian artist Rhys Lee. His use of colours, pastels and blush tones blended by darker strokes, were incorporated in the palette. While the contemporary Russian painter Andrey Remnev, which I discovered during one of my last trips to New York, inspired the woman I wanted to portray - a modern interpretation of the Pre-Raphaelite spirit,” Font says. Velvet plays a key role as Font experiments with this fabric by including three different iterations: technical velvet for daywear and in turtlenecks, silk velvet for tops, dresses and palazzo pants, and devoré velvet highlights the eveningwear. “I emphasised the silhouettes with a vertical volume creating a straight and structured column shape,” he explains.

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Katie Ermilio Katie is known for creating polished eveningwear pieces and in this collection, doesn’t disappoint, especially with the use of double-faced satin and bow details. She added a few casual pieces this time including a satin pinstriped skirt and dress in navy, and focused on looks that can transition from day to evening. It is a very clean, polished and sophisticated woman that the designer refers to for this collection. The use of solid primary colours, including red and navy blue were a hit, with lace details of wool, bright yellow and Swarovski pearls in midnight blue.

Honor Inspired by the forest and wilderness of upstate New York, the models emerged from a handmade tree surrounded by mushrooms. With décor of deers and toadstools, the focal piece was the Honor logo on the wall surrounded by more mushrooms. The set-up of the show was a reflection of the inspiration of the forest. Flower appliqués were seen on dresses with transparent fabrics, in patterns and colours that represent the outdoors. Coats, velvet dresses, maxi skirts, lace skirts, and wide-leg trousers came in shades of winter white, red, yellow and orchid purple. We love the multi-coloured tights.

Johanna Ortiz Inspired by “Origami”, where paper folding is an art form, the designer creates a balance between structured lines and fluidity. Ginkgo floral prints, plaids and embroideries give a start to a histrionic silhouette, which goes from ruffles and volumes to fabric manipulation, without losing its elegant simplicity. Diverse colours contrast in a subtle way, such as forest-green and intense baby-pink or a splash of cabernet. Pieces are structural with defined shapes, making it a collection for those who are willing to try something different.

Pamella Rolland

Noon by Noor It was an elegant and feminine affair with a focus on texture that plays with oversized shapes and unique textiles. Metallics, coats, bomber jackets, leather inserts, capes, and elongated gowns and skirts complete a city girl’s need from day to an evening affair. One of the futuristic looks was a masculine coat of silver foil with a gathered skirt and a boyfriend tee. There’s a slightly minimalist sense to the colour scheme that is complemented by patterns seen in oversized scattered jewels and camouflage butterflies.

The inspiration for this collection was drawn from 1970’s Paris, as depicted in Alicia Drake’s ‘The Beautiful Fall’. Pamella brings the glamorous world of designers, models and creative people in Paris to life, through distinctly Parisian elements including long coats, over-the-knee boots, and high slits. The evening gowns, in mysterious black and burgundy shades, really defined the effortless sense of style channelled through the collection. Pamella chose some key pieces that were less rigid, stepping outside of the norm with a striped charcoal and navy jumpsuit paired with lace-up detail.

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Vivienne Tam This collection is a highly appropriate juncture for Vivienne to delve into her heritage with the upcoming ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – an annual affair spearheaded by Anna Wintour. As one of the designers who will be exhibiting their works at the event, Vivienne explores the European impressions of China in the late 17th century with this collection. A few touches of Victorian influence were seen, but is given an urban take through leather skirts and sheer floral gowns. Innovative materials go hand-in-hand with chiffon, embroidery and sequins in colour palettes of tans and gold.

Jenny Packham Inspired by a trip to the Prado Museum in Madrid, Jenny Packham took inspiration from masterpieces depicting alluring and flirtatious scenes that can be seen in the works of 19th century artists. The collection channels the society woman - someone who is beautiful, confident and intriguing, and dresses in satin, feathers and velvet. True to the designer’s signature, red-carpet gowns filled the runway in shades of blue, emerald-green, and cocoa with a burst of red and orange. Exquisite fabrics of duchess satin, opulent velvet and delicate lace are embellished with oversized sequins and feathers. A gold metallic skirt paired with a sheer top makes our hit list.

ART & LIFE BY DEBRINA ALIYAH PHOTOS BY WAQAS FARID

A FIGURE OF STYLE AND GRACE, SNOW LEE MUSES ABOUT HER EFFORTS IN PROMOTING CULTURE, ART AND FASHION.

Cutting a minimalist silhouette, often in monochrome shades, Snow Lee is a stylish subtle presence at many of Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural events. The Chinese philanthropist and art patron has been in and out of Qatar over the past decade, immersed in efforts to promote cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Her endeavours are wellrecognised; she is currently the honourary chairwoman of the Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair, the chairwoman of the Asian Peace Prize Foundation and the vicechairwoman of the GCC Asian Industry Technology Innovation Alliance. A staunch supporter of regional artists, she was among the first influencers who promoted the Qatari fashion label, Wadha Al Hajri, and deeply appreciates the work of Ali Hassan and Fatma Al Shebani. Why have you chosen Doha as one of your many bases? I heard about Qatar through the international art market, and its increasingly important role among serious collectors. When I first visited Doha, I was touched by the peacefulness and the warm hospitality of its people. It is exciting to see how the country is being built from the ground and I greatly appreciate the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on the development of culture and sports too. The location is also very convenient for my travels, and there are a lot of opportunities from a business and creative angle. And on top of all, I love the weather!

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What do you most appreciate about the aesthetics of the Middle Eastern fashion designers? It is sleek and chic! These are straightforward aesthetics, yet rooted in thousands of years of tradition. I love the simple colours and lines, and the honest and clear designs. What do you think of the emerging art and culture scene here? The refinement of the Museum of Islamic Art’s collection always touches my soul. Qatar showed a great initiative in creating this unique collection and having I.M. Pei on board the project was a great mark to the cultural exchange concept that I am so passionate about. Qatar is also a great leader in creating awareness and promotion of arts and culture in the region. There are a lot of cross-cultural opportunities, and I have been spearheading many such efforts, including a recent one, where we highlighted UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. As the chairwoman of The Heritage of China Foundation, we introduced a glimpse of what we will work on in the future during the ‘Heritage of China’ Chinese New Year Gala Dinner that the Foundation organised in February this year. I am also currently setting up the Qatar China Culture and Commerce Friendship Association, which will further promote the arts between the two countries. Who are your favourite artists? Yan Pei-ming, a Chinese painter who lives in France. The big energetic brush strokes in his work reflect his great personality. He exhibited at the QMA gallery in 2012/2013. Su Xiaobai, a

“The refinement of the Museum of Islamic Art’s collection always touches my soul.” Chinese painter living between Shanghai and Germany. He has been involved with Gerhard Richter and has developed his own style in the Chinese traditional method of lacquer. Zhu Jinshi, a Chinese artist who lived in Germany and immersed himself in local modern abstract and conceptual art. He now combines the experience with his own heritage and works with a multitude of media. I love his paper boat and the great paint explosions on canvas that look like fireworks. Golnaz Fati, an Iranian painter who specialises in Persian calligraphy. Mehmet Ali Uysal, a Turkish artist who works with space as his canvas and brings us inside the art work to see things from his angle. Richard Serra, the American sculptor I fell in love with through his monumental East-West/West-East piece here in Qatar. I am also a big fan of the older masters including 19th-century Orientalist painters like Jean-Léon Gérôme, Osman Hamdi Bey, Ludwig Deutsch, François Bossuet, and David Roberts. These Western artists back then were already fascinated by the Middle East and the Far East, and pioneered the movement of cultural exchange.

AL ANEEQ WHERE THE BIG BOYS COME OUT TO PLAY

TOKYO MEN, ONE STEP AHEAD IN STYLE Feminine glamour may turn the most heads at fashion weeks in New York or Paris, but in Tokyo it is the style-conscious men who set the sartorial trends. From sharp futurism to wool-and-denim casuals, the finale of Tokyo Fashion Week put the spotlight largely on menswear, aiming to promote the most dynamic area of Japanese clothes design. “What happens here is probably the future of men’s fashion,” said Antonio Cristaudo from Pitti Immagine, a collection of fashion industry events in Italy. “There’s individuality, they want to be different,” he said. “It’s important for all the fashion world to see what’s happening in Japan.” Such innovation is nowhere more evident than on the

streets of Tokyo, from the vintage and skater styles of Urahara to the slick suits of the Marunouchi business district. With sharp tailoring and eye-catching accessories, from hats and bags to shiny shoes, the get-up of Tokyo gents is striking to the first-time visitor. “The menswear is just so much more exciting than womenswear here,” said Misha Janette, an American fashion journalist based in Tokyo, who suggested the tendency for women to cover up means their clothes could be “a bit shapeless”. For the men, meanwhile, “It’s ok to do your hair, be into fashion, use skincare,” Janette said. “They like to be proper in Japan.” Courtesy: Relaxnews

COMFORT KEEPERS Ciro is a fast-growing shoe brand available in Shoe Citi stores across the GCC. These trendy, fashionable and very durable shoes are aimed at those looking to impress. Bags, wallets, backpacks and belts are equally in demand. Visit the brand in Landmark Mall, to see the range of Ciro products.

EXTREMES An amber-drenched, woody oriental fragrance, Tom Ford Noir Extreme opens with a rich blend of heat and glowing citrus. A heady mix of nutmeg and mandarin oil, mixed with other elements, makes this fragrance the perfect complement to the man who is accustomed to making an extraordinary impression. At the heart of the fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core of the fragrance. An array of floral notes — rose absolute, jasmine accord and orange — also make up the fragrance.

WINNER TAKES ALL In 2013, Davidoff introduced The Game, an irresistible eau de toilette based on an original gin fizz accord, for a man who inspires admiration and confidence. The success of this new fragrance led to the creation The Game Intense, a powerful and addictive version of its forerunner. Today, The Brilliant Game opens a new chapter of The Game saga. Based on an exclusive Americano cocktail accord, it reveals a new facet of The Game’s universe. According to its creator Jacques Huclier, this perfume was inspired by “this incredible moment in a game when you feel confident, positive and victory is just a natural consequence.” Davidoff The Brilliant Game is a luminous, light-hearted and joyful reinterpretation.

THE SMELL OF VICTORY Precision, performance and elegance have always been cardinal virtues for watch-making legends Chopard. Since 1988, the company has supported the Mille Miglia race, celebrating each meeting through a limited edition ‘Mille Miglia’ watch. Last year, Chopard launched the Chopard 1000 Miglia perfume, a seductive and sophisticated fragrance that reflects the spirit of this unique event.

GLAM / BEAUTY

BOOTY APRIL 2015

OUR CURATED BOX FOR ALL YOUR BEAUTY SOLUTIONS.

THE HEAT IS ON Bobbi Brown and Kate Upton team up to bring us the Hot Collection, with this season’s must-have items for looking and feeling confident. Inspired by Kate’s hometown in Florida, this collection pairs subtle nudes with pops of head-turning colour. Housed in a sleek black compact with neon pink accents, this flirty palette features six totally wearable shades that flatter all skin tones. Layered or worn alone, the shades in the Hot Nudes Eye Palette create a variety of signature Bobbi looks—from subtle or sultry, to super smokey.

Sheer Lips Sheer lip colour is now available in three electric shades that deliver the perfect pop of colour with a beautiful, sheer payoff. The creamy and lightweight formula is comfortable on the lips, making it easier than ever to wear a daring colour.

Cheek Palettes This is a no-nonsense, natural-looking approach to highlighting the cheeks. Featuring two shades of blush and a pearlescent highlighter, this palette enhances cheeks for a healthy, lifted effect. To achieve Bobbi’s signature “just pinched” cheek look, dust the softer shade of blush onto your cheeks, and follow with a pop of brighter blush, applied just on the apples of the cheeks. Finish with the highlighter shade on top.

Art Stick Shade Extensions Gorgeous, creamy and moisturising, these super-hot Art Sticks are pure fun and pair perfectly with a nude eye. This long-lasting formula glides effortlessly onto the lips for a high-impact, creamy-matte finish.

SPRING MAKE UP This season’s hottest trend is going back to basics. The nude make up look never goes out of style and is more in focus than ever. It is natural, well-defined, subtle and flattering for all. IsaDora’s range of eye make-up are made up of a palette of delicate, basic colours from sand to dark brown. While lip colours in nude beige, soft peach and pink perfectly compliment the eyes. The look is completed with velvet matt, cream and satin soft foundation.

DAMAGE CONTROL The complaints are constant. Bad water makes our hair brittle and dry. Women in the Gulf region particularly suspect that poor quality tap water is standing in the way of having the healthy, beautiful, flowing hair. Many women even resort to rinsing their hair in bottled water to achieve healthy locks. To many celebrities and hair stylists this ritual is the standard of excellence for hair care in lieu of an alternative. TV personality and beauty guru, Joelle Mardinian says, “I’m always asked by my fans if tap water stops them from achieving their desired end look. To overcome this, I recommend that they rinse their hair with bottled water to add vibrancy and a better overall style.” However it’s expensive, messy, complicated, and sometimes, rather cold. The daily reality for most women is to rely on tap water to care for their hair even though they don’t see the results they want in the mirror. But why shouldn’t women have the hair they want no matter where or how they wash it? Many women and beauty experts believe that the water they wash their hair with may be damaging. The Pantene Hair Research Institute carried out a global study to better understand this belief. Their research revealed a surprising source of hair damage: excessive mineral impurities, specifically copper, present in tap water. Rooted In Innovation What seemed to be an easy problem to solve was a reminder that scientific research is rarely simple. While it seemed logical that damaging copper could simply be “washed” off of the hair with shampoo, it wasn’t the case. The Pantene Hair Research Institute discovered EDDS, the first ‘Damage Blocker’ technology, which blocks the copper content deposited on hair by tap water, acting like a shield so that the copper does not reach the hair and create further damage. The blockers minimise the erosion of hair’s vital proteins so that hair remains healthy, smooth and flowing. With continued use, copper-induced oxidative stress declines and hair’s proteins are better preserved. Beauty blogger Huda Kattan says, “After you wash your hair, you can instantly feel a change in the texture, it just feels hard and dry. I know that the quality and purity of water is a huge reason behind that. That’s why I absolutely love this new shampoo. Finally I can forget about using bottled water to rinse my hair.” TV presenter Diala Makki says, “Pantene shampoos with Damage Blockers give me the most beautiful, healthy hair I’ve been craving. Even if I wash my hair every day, tap water no longer stands in the way of achieving a flowing, beautiful style. I’m so convinced by the results that I won’t be rinsing with bottled water as a final step in my hair care regimen anymore.”

BUZZ GLAM / BEAUTY

APRIL 2015

FLAWLESS SKIN AT EVERY STEP It goes beyond preparing the skin for make-up, and can balance out any skin type to provide the perfect texture, making the skin smoother, more supple and glowing. The Skin Equalizer is an indispensable product in every woman’s and professional make-up artist’s makeup kit, which can be mixed and matched as you please for an instantly beautiful skin effect.

WORK OF ART The new Collistar make-up brand offers contrasting colours and has created a new cosmetic gem: Art Design lipstick. Outside, the aesthetic and simple precision of a metallic shell that is a play on the duality of platinum/gold, recalling the architectural lines of a modern-day totem. Inside, pulsating passion, with shades and textures that are both audacious and irresistible.

It calls to mind the works of the most skilled maestros of Italian design, which are based on immaculate volumes and proportions. When applied to the lips, the colours become full and saturated like a timeless masterpiece. The palette comprises 18 colours where subtle hues are mixed with other “cheekier”, highly sensual shades.

Courtesy: Relaxnews

Women always dream of make-up that enhances their skin without drawing attention to its flaws. Primer plays an important step in preparing the skin before applying foundation to have a perfect complexion and revive the skin’s glow. Experts in the primer category, Make Up Forever introduces new Step 1 Skin Equalizer that can transform any skin.

BETWEEN DARKNESS AND LIGHT globe. In 2012 the first flagship Christian Siriano store opened on Elizabeth Street in New York City, and in 2013 he was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The top notes of Silhouette - a combination of cassis, wet greens, and purple berries - were inspired by the bright and crisp fabrics Siriano often incorporates into his designs. Inspired by Siriano’s Spring Summer 2013 blue tulle dress, the fragrance unfolds in ethereal layers; delicate floating petals of jasmine, rose, and freesia create a sense of innocence and femininity with a fun, playful twist. The heart of the scent is light and whimsical, while the more masculine notes of woods and moss give it a fresh edge.

SAVING SKIN Skincare brand La Roche-Posay, has launched an international health campaign to combat skin cancer. The ‘Skinchecker’ campaign comprises two videos of 30 seconds and 60 seconds each that feature Dalmation dogs checking out each other’s spots. The campaign has already gone live in Australia, Mexico, Chili, Peru and Argentina and will be unveiled on French TV and in newspapers. The brand, owned by L’Oréal, has created a campaign featuring a practical five-step method to identify potential indications of skin cancer, and

the option to share information via social media. The brand has been running the ‘SOS - Save Our Skin’ campaign in the US for six years, but this is an attempt to tackle the issue globally. This isn’t the only group to be taking the issue of skin cancer seriously. In 2014 Sephora USA donated $690,000, (approximately over 2 million Qatari Riyals) to The Skin Cancer Foundation. The amount was raised through sales of its 2013 edition “Sun Safety Kit”, comprising a collection of SPF must-haves and sunless tanning favourites from top beauty brands.

Courtesy: Relaxnews

Celebrated designer Christian Siriano fêted the launch of Silhouette, his signature fragrance, in partnership with The Fragrance Group late last year. Siriano launched his eponymous fashion collection in 2008, following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. The Christian Siriano Collection is now shown each season at New York Fashion Week, and is presented in New York and Paris to retailers. Known for whimsical and show-stopping designs - from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses, to tailored sportswear, intricately detailed shoes and accessories - the collection can be found at department stores and speciality boutiques around the

AMBITION IN THE AIR BY ABIGAIL MATHIAS

QATAR’S FIRST PERFUME MAKERS LEAVE USERS SPELLBOUND WITH A HEADY SCENT.

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Ishira, made from finely selected and natural materials, is the brainchild of two Qatari entrepreneurs, Shiekha Al-Misnad and Noora Bu-Helaiqa. Perfumes in the region have evolved over time starting off with the ancient Egyptians who had comprehensive records of the aromas and qualities of essential oils they used. Those perfumes were the commodity of kings and were naturally oil-based. “With these luxury perfumes, we aim to bring back the golden era, where perfumes were regarded as pure delicacies. Luxury aficionados and perfume lovers are welltravelled so we offer luxury multicultural perfumes with the mix of the best scents from all over the world. All of our perfume creations are made in-house by the two of us,” says Noora. So what goes into these aromatic concoctions? S.Ishira Black is made with Spanish citrus, peach, French vanilla, sandalwood, Cambodian oud and amber. The White edition is with three kinds of musk, orchid and the Qatari ‘mimosa’. “While most brands usually outsource their production, we took on the challenge to develop our line from scratch to ensure that our perfumes are unique and different from what’s in the market,” Noora explains. The brand launched at the recent Doha Watches and Jewellery Exhibition (DJWE) and received support from a number of leading personalities including Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser, whom the duo call ‘their main inspiration’. The Prime Minister of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, also visited the brand, which made its glamorous debut in collaboration with legendary jewellery brand David Webb from New York. “We are very happy with the feedback and so far, we have achieved double the projected sales. We are also flattered that many clients returned to purchase more pieces during the event,” she says. The team is already at work creating new conceptual fragrances. Each perfume box comes with its own jewellery drawer to keep your most cherished jewellery and watches in, alongside the perfume. Noora adds, “Apart from the commercial line, we also offer an exclusive private service where we create custom-made perfumes for our clients. The team has already met two leading personalities and created a special perfume to suit each of the client’s individual style. This is then patented and attributed to them.”

NEW WAYS TO MOVE BY YOUSRA SAMIR FOR FITNESS IN QATAR.COM

IT IS A RETURN TO BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES AND THE USE OF OLD SCHOOL GYM MACHINES BUT USED IN A GROUP SETTING. READY, STEADY, SWEAT! 1 Treadmill Studios ●

These classes focus on high intensity interval training and precision running, mixing both speed and distance to push runners to their max without them burning out. Classes mix high and low inclines with fast and slow speeds which gets hearts pumping without injuring their knees. 2 Group Rowing ●

Group rowing consists of a high-intensity, low-impact combination of cardio and resistance training. Intervals of rowing are followed by mat workouts that exercise your core, shoulders, arms and legs. In a 50-minute session the average person burns around 1,000 calories. 3 Bodyweight Exercise ● Bodyweight exercise takes you back to basics: lunges, squats, push-ups, planks and jumps, all exercise moves that require

no equipment, and can be done just about anywhere, whether you are squatting in front of your TV, or planking on the sand at the beach. 4 Functional Fitness ●

Rather than isolating one muscle group, functional fitness training engages two or more muscle groups by performing actions that mimic everyday movements we make, like picking up a heavy bag of groceries off the floor, or placing something high up on a shelf. They also use fun, dynamic “playground” movements like jumping, climbing and crawling. These exercises improve your overall fitness, so that you find real-life situations like moving furniture or picking up a heavy box, surprisingly easier. 5 Aerial Yoga ●

Unleash your inner acrobat with aerial

yoga. Aerial or anti-gravity yoga takes yoga’s traditional floor poses into the air by hanging your body off a piece of silk cloth which is suspended from the ceiling like a hammock. The weightless poses, flips, spinning and swinging moves all help to stabilise and strengthen your core, and allow for deeper stretches while improving your flexibility. 6 Hot Barre ●

Barre classes use a ballet barre and pair with elements of dance, yoga and Pilates for a limb strengthening and stretching experience, and are now being run in rooms heated to a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The hot barre classes help you to release toxins and provide a much deeper stretch. 7 Recovery Workouts ●

Too much intense training can take its

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toll on your muscles - this is why people are balancing their high-impact workouts with recovery workouts using foam rollers, therapy balls and Swiss balls to stretch out their muscles to bring about self-myofascial release (SMR), getting rid of muscle tightness and pain. 8 Online Personal Training ●

Personal trainers send their clients complete eating and workout programmes over the Internet with instructional videos, and clients can choose when and where they perform the workout, with the equipment they have available to them. Clients then submit weekly food logs and can contact their personal trainer via email. Online personal training is cheaper, but requires more self-motivation. This is good for those who already know how to train themselves and just need an extra bit

of expertise, but if you are a beginner, having an actual personal trainer may be more beneficial to you. 9 CrossFit ●

CrossFit is a fitness regimen of constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. After a warm-up, CrossFitters begin their Workout of the Day, popularly known as the WOD. And every WOD is completely different. The types of exercises performed in CrossFit are ones you don’t see in a typical gym. It incorporates Olympic-style weightlifting and gymnastics. It also has something that normal gyms lack; a sense of community. 10 Fitness Apps ●

As we live in a digital world, it is no surprise to know that fitness apps will continue to grow in popularity in 2015.

In one month alone, 9 million women downloaded the Nike Running app. Fitness trackers and apps make it easy for everyone to log and track their workouts and calories on a daily basis. The most advanced fitness apps can track your every waking and sleeping moment. They provide inspiration, coaching, guidance and motivation, and many of them have online communities and social media platforms that put you in touch with other users too.

Fitness in Qatar (www.fitnessinqatar.com) is Qatar’s first and most comprehensive online fitness directory. A destination for fitness enthusiasts living and passing through Qatar, the website provides free access to hundreds of fitness classes being run across the country, as well as personal trainers, fitness instructors and coaches, and an online store for natural and organic products.

TALK GLAM / SHOP

APRIL 2015

HAPPY FEET

All set to take Spring/Summer 2015 by storm, Shoe Mart unveils its key to fashion success with the release of its latest ladies’ collection. Infusing modern energy and a touch of luxe, Shoe Mart’s new season’s releases are sure make it to the wardrobes of customers who wish to stay ahead of the fashion pack. The brand looks back to heeled beauties which will take centre stage this season. Dressy and extremely elegant, heels are an absolute must-have for chic Spring dressing. Wedges for the season come with a modern twist with exposed seams, strappy accents and jewelled embellishments. From block heels, stilettos, and platforms to flats and slip-ons, Shoe Mart’s Spring/Summer 2015 designs reflect a flair for the eclectic with its mixing, contrasting and combinations of textures. Floral prints, pearly delights and braided straps take on flats while bejeweled embellishments and suede contrasts along with cool nudes make for the comfiest block heels. Stilettos in extremely elegant designs are also major contenders for their versatility.

HANDYBAGS A bag is one of a woman’s most important accessories. The Juno range of handbags and wallets fits well with any outfit. Drawing inspiration from fashion trends across the world and created by a young ambitious team, Juno bags are all about detailing when it comes to this season’s style. Playful embellishments, statement trappings and grainy fabrics make it tricky to carry just one back home. From a range of subtle earthy colours to more dramatic reds and mustard, the collection is an easy choice for shoppers.

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RIGHT FOOT FORWARD This season Naturalizer has created a line that best represents the Naturalizer woman with trendsetting fashions. From clean and classic looks, to casual everyday wear, the brand has carefully chosen the top trends combined with the finest materials and details that will make every woman feel beautiful with every step she takes. For more than 85 years, Naturalizer has understood that a woman’s favourite shoe is the one that delivers both style and comfort.

EMBRACE THE SUN Nine West has launched a fresh collection with stunning blends of styles that embrace texture, proportion, silhouette and embellishments, perfect for a sun-kissed look. Drawing inspiration from the boardroom, the runway, and street style around the world, this season takes a wearable and firm approach to fashion’s imaginative and ever-changing landscape, with a focus on femininity and confidence. The collection re-imagines the modern woman’s life in the city, bringing new meaning to both style and comfort, along with new shapes and textures which help tell the story.

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ART FOR ARTS SAKE

MARKET GOODNESS Bringing an authentic Thai market experience to Doha’s residents is Isaan at the Grand Hyatt. You can hear the sounds of freshly-cut ingredients being tossed in woks, while other cooking stations prepare chicken satay and traditional Thai delights. This month Isaan celebrates Songkran, the New Year according to the Thai lunar calendar. The tradition is an example of beautiful Thai culture revealing the joy,

WORLD OF CURRIES Every Monday, Aramede Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Doha offers guests a chance to eat their way through Southeast and East Asia with different curries, salads, breads, dips, mains and desserts. The main stars of the evening are, of course, the curries - all expertly prepared by a team of chefs hailing from each region. The recipes are often those of their grandmothers and mothers, and are often the first dish they learned to cook while growing up. These chefs are inspired by their passion for creating something that tastes and looks delicious.

generosity, warmth and respect of Thai people. During Songkran, water and scents to convey love and amity to each other. The Grand Hyatt is celebrating this occasion on 12 April with a special event at Isaan from 7 to 11 pm featuring traditional Thai food which will be prepared in various live stations, accompanied by infused teas and soft beverages.

With the active patronage of art and culture by the royal family, it was only imperative that the country played host to a range of artists and architects at the three-day International New York Times ‘Art for Tomorrow’ conference, at the W Hotel. Organised under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Qatar. The conference reflected the growing international recognition for Qatar’s contribution to dialogue and progress through art, and showed Qatar Museums’ success in becoming a vibrant centre for the arts, culture and education. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa impressed the packed hall with her keynote address where she highlighted the importance of culture and its growth is being a direct reflection of the growth of the economy. While Qatar has been creating a local narrative that is diverse it also reminds each one of us who and what we are, she said. She called on regional cultural institutions to work together. “Art has no religion and comes in different variations,” she said. Over 500 senior leaders from the arts, public and private sectors, tourism experts, city planners and business developers were in attendance to discuss the changing dynamics of art and architecture, and their potential to transform people and places. Celebrated artist Jeff Koons talked about art being a culmination of life’s experiences, architect Zaha Hadid threw light on her projects and the inspiration she has drawn from nature in designing each of them, while Jean Nouvel explained how he incorporated elements of Islamic art into the Doha Tower.

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QELA LAUNCHES POP COLLECTION QATAR’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL HOMEGROWN LUXURY BRAND, QELA, RECENTLY CELEBRATED THE NEW SEASON AND ITS OWN EMERGING LABEL AT ITS BOUTIQUE AT THE PEARL, DOHA. In a ‘pop’ line to be presented for a short time only, QELA has recreated three favourites - Lulu, the luxury brand’s best-loved clutch, Sifa, its popular flat shoe, a smaller version of Elyah, its sought-after structured handbag - in a new range of vibrantly coloured skins representing a younger, fresher, more modern take on the iconic pieces. The event was graced by Sheikha Noor bint Hamad Al Thani, the official spokesperson and brand image V.P. for QELA, and was attended by some of QELA’s most loyal customers. The new versions are designed to appeal to fashion lovers who will appreciate the combination of discreetly stylish lines with the fresh, young vibe of QELA’s head-turning new pop-art palette: Lulu and Sifa are recreated in coral, poppy,

hibiscus, goldenrod, forest, azure, midnight and chrome. Sheikha Noor drew attention to the special appeal of the three chosen designs. “These iconic pieces were very well received by the local community – especially by fashion-savvy Qatari women, who maintain an undying passion for accessorising their abayas with bespoke handbags and shoes. Recreating Lulu, Sifa and Elyah in modern, pop-art, spring colours is a natural aspect of QELA’s quest to gratify the sophisticated, contemporary woman,” she said. The colourful new collection comes to life in Dahoury (near-luminous smooth calfskin) and Yani (soft nubuck), and all pieces are available with either silver or gold closures or other hardware.

MASTERCHEFS COOKING DEMONSTRATION Virgin Megastore and the Marriot recently cooked up a steamy special for Mother’s Day celebrations at Virgin’s Villaggio Mall store. Mariott’s Chinese chef, Xudong Zheng hosted a live cooking demo for visitors and there were loads of prizes for attendees. The chef demonstrated how to make chicken and shrimp dumplings using one of Virgin Megastores’ funky house products, the dumpling cube. Apart from the cooking there were lots of giveaway prizes for lucky mothers who attended the event. Prizes were also given away by Kitchen Aid. Thes included back, neck, and shoulder massages from the Marriot and brunch for 2 in Marriots’ famous weekend brunch. Kitchen Aid also gave away prizes.

104 \ AROUND TOWN

ALI BIN ALI OPENS FRETTE STORE The Ali Bin Ali Group recently announced the opening of Frette, the leading provider of luxury linens to the finest hotels and homes worldwide. The store will be housed at Qatar’s Lagoona Mall. Frette carries a superior range of Bed and Bath Collections, Home Décor, Clothing and Gifts for clientele with discerning taste. The upscale brand is popular for its class and quality. The Ali Bin Ali Group continues to be a partner of choice for many international brands of repute. Leila El Rajji, Brand Manager for Frette, said “The opening of a Frette store at Lagoona Mall is a continuation of our vision and commitment to bring the world’s best brands to Qatar. Frette serves a wide range of audiences and has over the years captured the loyalty of its customers for its elegance. The store at Lagoona Mall will carry Frette’s latest ranges from the Minimal Collection which is the finest representation of relaxation and understated elegance, right through to more opulent creations, which we are certain will be valued and appreciated by clients.” Frette has produced linens and home accessories since 1860. The brand employs skilled artisans to craft a range of products that have come to embody luxury, comfort and creativity. Frette’s bed linen can be found in many of the world’s most prestigious hotels, from Raffles to the Ritz, as well as in the most discerning private homes, yachts and aircrafts.

EXPRESS BEAUTY SERVICES Fashionistas gathered at the opening of AND Trading’s recent launch of the first branch of BD (Just Blow Dry). Situated at 20 La Croisette, The Pearl Qatar, BD is a one-of-a-kind salon that aims to cater to the busy women who wants to instantly have that glamorous look while doing her daily activities and for those with a very limited time to attend a very important business meetings or events.

With eight different styles to choose from to suit every occasion, these come at affordable prices and will require only a few minutes to do by BD’s expert hair stylists. Among these styles include: BD Volume, BD Straight, BD Updo and BD Waves. And to complete a fabulous look, BD also offers make-up services for parties, daytime and evening needs as well as a variety of nails services thru the well-known Nails brand.

SHOW STOPPERS Christos Costarellos Spring Summer 2015 Collection