Glam July / August 2012

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

what’s inside

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture F/W 2012/2013 Collection

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SPOTLIGHT

BEAUTY

STYLE SNAPSHOT

FASHION

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GLAM talks to Cirque du Soleil's Tanya Jacobs who has been manning the wardrobe of the colourful show 'Saltimbanco' since 2002.

From beach-ready to bombshell worthy silhouettes, Lynette Cowie, The Style Revivalist, explores the warm glow of dreamy holiday wear.

8 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Looking after your skin is really important; Kirsten McLachlan shows us how easy it can be with the knowledge of DIY beauty face masks.

The popular menswear trend is set to continue into winter.

In our fashion editorial, we show you how to nail it like one of the boys!

28 GLAM GUYS

We feel the men don't get enough attention, so this issue, we've dedicated a whole section to them covering fashion must-haves, style spots, and so much more!

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

what’s inside

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Chanel Haute Couture F/W 2012/13 Collection

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16

GLAM MEETS

SHOP TALK

AROUND TOWN

STARGAZING

Winner of the W Doha and VCUQ Fashion Award Mona Al Ansari is one to watch. GLAM caught up with her backstage of her exciting show to see what's in the pipeline for the talented designer.

We love supporting local projects, so we partnered with Lucia Lounge Salon for the launch of their fashion concept which aims to promote local talent.

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With Ramadan upon us, it won't be long before you start your Eid gift search. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up some glam gifts your loved ones will appreciate.

What have the stars got in store for you this month? Check out our horoscope section to find out!

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114 EXPERIENCE

Don't miss our glam experiences, from travelling around terrific Thailand to sampling seafood at Strata, we've had an interesting couple of months!

VOLUME 7

Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish Sandeep Sehgal Alpana Roy Ravi Raman

ISSUE 18

Publisher and Editor–in–Chief Chief executive executive vice president vice president

Sindhu Nair Editor orna ballout fashion & lifestyle correspondent Cassey Oliveira EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Laila Hawat Fashion Editors Melinda Keith

rob altamirano photographer

Art Director venkat reddy

Hanan Abu Siam Monica McGee Larry Weises

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORs

Ayush Indrajith MAHESHWAR REDDY B

nior GRAPHIC DESIGNER se GRAPHIC DESIGNER

nager – marketing ma assistant manager-marketing

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Marketing research & support executive

Pratap Chandran

ACCOUNTANT

Bikram Shrestha Arjun Timilsina Bhimal Rai

SR. DISTRIBUTION EXECUTIVE ISTRIBUTION SUPPORT D

Zulfikar Jiffry Chaturka Karandana thomas jose Hasan Rekkab emily landry

GLAM is a Woman Today presentation, published by Oryx Advertising Co. WLL. The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/or license holder.

All rights rest with Datalog media solutions. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any advertising contents carried in this publication.

Contact info@omsqatar.com, glam@omsqatar.com www.omsqatar.com/glam www.issuu.com/oryxmags www.facebook.com/glammagazine Call us: +974 44550983, 44672139, 44671178, 44667584 Fax: +974 44550982

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

Talk Ramadan Kareem!

Welcome to our biggest summer issue yet! Inside, we've paid a lot of attention to the boys, so make sure you pass this to your other half to brush up on fashion trends, grooming tips, find out the local summer hotspots at home and abroad, and much more!

Of course we've got lots of interesting things packed in for the girls too. Looking for Mr. Right? You'll find out that us gals have a lot of common things we look for in a man. Have you wondered who the style savvy men of Doha are? Well we've found five guys who were willing to dress up in their best attire, don't miss it!

We attended an amazing fashion show at W Doha showcasing unique designs from Qatari fashion designer Mona Al Ansari, and caught up with Mona behind the scenes to talk about her promising collection. She's definitely one to watch.

At the office, we've been pretty hectic attending various events at home and abroad. Check out our story on terrific Thailand exploring the best the city has to offer. Other exciting things we got to experience was Strata, the highest dining venue in Doha, and we also ventured to the uber chic eforea spa at the Hilton hotel to sample some of their treatments, ultimate bliss.

See you next month.

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BOUQuETS

BRICKBATS

talk back

Hi Glam, I am pretty new to Doha, arrived here a couple of months back. But I’m glad that the city is abuzz with so many activities. Fashion shows, exhibitions, networking events, parties, new restaurants on the block – my weekends are busy, and to top it all, your lovely magazine. I learnt about your magazine from a friend of mine, and now am totally hooked. Thank you Glam for a great issue every month!

Rebecca Taylor

Hey, Glam – your travel issue totally rocks! The fashion shoot inspired by some of the most fashionable cities was incredible. London is my favourite fashion capital too!

Thanks for the valuable tips in the holiday beauty countdown article. I will make sure to abide by them when I go on my summer break next month. Wishing all Glam readers a safe and happy summer!

Jishan Ahmed

Hello Glam, I think your travel issue was spot on. It was packed with some interesting articles on travel with a fashionable twist. I enjoyed reading your spa reviews, the treatments offered seem exciting. Will surely give them a try. I do hope you make reviews a regular feature in your magazine. It will be helpful for readers to know about the best spas and restaurants in town.

Fatma Ramani

Hi, I was glad to find a car review featured in Glam after so long. Driving a Ferrari on the streets of Italy – that’s one lucky journalist! I think it will be great if Glam features some cars that the women in Doha can take for a spin. Nowadays to see women drive is nothing new. Women are conscious when it comes to style, so I bet they would even want their cars to be as stylish as them. More cars please Glam!

Joanne Riley

Dear Glam, I am writing in to say how much I enjoy reading your magazine. It’s one of the best magazines in town. The June issue was fabulous just like every other issue. It’s good that you guys brought out a travel inspired issue now as many of us will be travelling this summer. The styling and beauty tips will definitely come in handy. I also love the interviews that you do too, very interesting!

Kim Adams

16 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

shop talk

Charming Pandora opens in Qatar

Jewellery enthusiasts will be delighted to know that it’s possible to view all those pretty Pandora charms as it opens its first store in Lagoona Mall.

The popular Denmark brand, founded in 1982, has won the world over with its hand-finished jewellery collections, especially its famous charm bracelets.

The store opening was combined with Pandora’s latest S/S Collection featuring hand-finished gold and silver jewellery. Pandora also launched its brand new necklace concept that allows for mixing and matching the elegant and stylish with the fresh and daring.

On this occasion, Darwish Holding’s Chairman Bader Al Darwish commented “We are delighted to introduce one of the world’s largest jewellery brands in Doha. With a focus on design, quality and individuality we are confident that Pandora will be very well received by the Qatari audience. This new celebrated milestone is in line with Darwish Holding’s strategy to bring into the country the world’s most renowned brand.”

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GL AM shop talk

Chloe Attitudes

In celebration of its historic 60-year contribution to fashion, the Maison Chloe is treating the public to its very first exhibition ‘Chloe Attitudes’, taking place at the Palais de Tokyo, in Paris.

Since 1952, its legacy of luxury pret-a-porter clothing has consistently defined how modern women live. The spectacular exhibition will give people an insight into Chloe’s spirit that spans seven decades.

From 29 September to 18 November, the public will get the opportunity to see an exhibition of excellence showcasing signature pieces from each of Chloe’s nine key designers.

The show takes a thematic path through Chloe’s creativity, pausing at its greatest moments in history – from the progressive founder Gaby Aghion to present creative director Claire Waight Keller.

Courtesy afprelaxnews.com

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 19

Parisian Style

Bring your home to life with opulently romantic furnishings from THE One that will help create a Parisian chic style. Fuse cream, girlie pinks and purples with plush textures, mirrored furniture and vintage accessories to achieve an effortlessly chic French-feeling boudoir – one of the hottest styles for the home this season.

To maximize the glamour, opt for vintage wallpaper featuring birds, a painted wood French dresser, and an antique mirror. Mohair throws and a fluffy rug soften this luxurious look even more, accessorising with vintageinspired tassels, trinket boxes and frames will help personalise the space.

3D effect Jeans from

Salsa

Jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple, and yes, we know how much trouble is involved in finding the perfect pair. However, Salsa has come up with a new ER-GO style, especially for the boys, which we think will go down a treat.

The latest jean offering is inspired by Ergonomics and the concept of freedom. The twisted seams of the jeans create a 3D effect, and what’s more, they’re super comfy and exude a young spirited feel.

Available in 3 different washes in straight or tapered cuts, we recommend you invest in these denim beauties pronto!

20 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM shop talk

Magical Designs Jennifer Lopez’s world tour “On the Floor”, coming to the Middle East in November, is brought to life with vibrant designs from maestro Zuhair Murad – the exclusive designer for the pop diva.

Murad has created a selection of eye-catching numbers for the tour including a feathered skirt, a jumpsuit, a cape, a bodysuit and several short dresses. Each piece contains a minimum of 2,000 sequins that sparkle with every move J.Lo makes on stage. Materials such as feathers and fringes have also been incorporated to highlight movements, and the bright colours glow with the stage lighting.

“It is always exciting to work for Jennifer.

She is open to every suggestion, which means there is no limit to my imagination. And having designed for her before, I now know her preferences, and create designs to enhance her beautiful curves,” Murad shared about working with the singer.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 21

GL AM gifts Victoria Beckham sunglasses from theoutnet.com

Burberry Whipstitch Bag

Faith Connexion from Net-a-Porter.com

Issa dress from Net-a-Porter.com

GLAM

GIFTS From Tod’s gold gomminos to Issa’s colour pop dress, we’ve selected the finest items for you to buy yourself or a loved one this Eid. Go on, you know you want to!

Compiled by Orna Ballout

Versace Mystique Hibiscus

Salvatore Ferragamo

Versace Gold Medusa Head Pochette Tod’s Gold Gomminos

Lanvin

Salvatore Ferragamo

22 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM gifts John Galliano

Givenchy from mrporter.com Versace

Salvatore Ferragamo

For

Him

Lanvin from mrporter.com

GLAM

GIFTS

Gap

Salvatore Ferragamo sunnies and Lanvin Rose Gold Cufflinks are among some of the sophisticated pieces that will help your man achieve effortless look-at-me style.

Compiled by Orna Ballout

Kenzo

24 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Lanvin

Carolina Herrera

Salvatore Ferragamo

Burst of colours, riot of fun

C

By Cassey Oliveira

irque du Soleil’s longest running touring show Saltimbanco wrapped up its Doha debut amidst much fanfare. While we gasped at the jaw dropping acrobats, laughed at the mime, and gawked at the juggling maestro, we also couldn’t help but notice the bright and playful costumes that the performers paraded on stage.

GLAM talks to Saltimbanco’s Head of Wardrobe Tanya Jacobs who has been manning the show’s colourful wardrobe since 2002.

What’s it like to be the Head of Wardrobe for the world’s most popular circus group, Cirque du Soleil?

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Saltimbanco’s Head of Wardrobe Tanya Jacobs

To be the Head of Wardrobe for Saltimbanco is a great adventure, there is always a lot to learn and see and I feel very lucky to be in a position that enables me to do that. Working and touring with Cirque du Soleil is a unique experience, to be part of something that brings colour and happiness to people is very fulfilling.

How did you go about creating a unique identity for each character of Saltimbanco? What’s the inspiration behind all those brightly coloured, eccentric and eclectic costumes?

The costumes were designed by Dominique Lemieux (Costume Designer). For the Baroque characters she was asked to reflect the different personalities of people in the costumes. The identity comes from the original artists; Dominique used the already existing personalities of the performers and found

aspects to exaggerate and come up with the costumes.

For example we have a character called Long Torse, which means “long torso”, and the costume is made to give the artist a longlooking torso. He has a long nose and with that of course comes the air of an aristocrat, so his costume is a decadent red suit with white collars and cuffs. His head piece as well as the nose, has a small yellow lace-covered top hat, so he is a very polite, well-educated show off.

Another character is called Delinquent, she has lots of colour and an almost graffiti look with a torn t-shirt. She wears her frayed overall/shorts that are bright pink on the inside and denim on the outside with the top part hanging down and tied with a bright red sash. Her make-up includes high eyebrows and pouty lips almost daring us to watch her, giving her a perpetual

GL AM SPOTLIGHT

expression of ‘Yeah what!’

You have often been quoted saying that the costumes form an integral part of the show.

What according to you makes them define the spirit of Saltimbanco?

In Saltimbanco the costumes are used as a thread linking the main aspects of the show together. The spirit of Saltimbanco is the universal story of life and awareness. The costumes represent the tangible states of awareness that we all pass through in our journey of life.

These start with the basic instincts of survival represented in the Lizard characters of the Chinese Poles act, to the safety group dynamics of the Vers Citadin or masked worms, they all have a basic colour, pink, yellow, green or blue, they all have simple hats and masks. These

elements keep them united in their gestures, costumes and as a group they are safe. The Baroque characters break free of this security to push their limits, they have little fear having found their strengths and recognition in the group. The make-up and costumes express their true characteristics with which they can interact with each other and gain respect, without having to conform. Finally the last act in the show is Bungees, the artists are flying high in the ceiling, in white and gold costumes, which represent a spiritual awakening.

If one looks closely at these characters, they represent the hidden personalities in all of us.

Which character do you relate to the most and why?

Good Question! I would choose Baroque Lutin, she has a mischievous spirit that is light and

What is Saltimbanco?

Saltimbanco is inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants. The show’s name comes from the Italian “saltare in banco,” which literally means “to jump on a bench” – features an international cast of 51 performers and musicians from more than 20 different countries. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 27

GL AM SPOTLIGHT

playful she moves quickly, she sees everything and decides what she wants to participate in.

How difficult was it to overplay and bring in the dramatic element as a fashion designer?

Studying fashion design gave me the skills to construct garments, have an eye for detail and understand different fabrics. We also did a lot of design briefs which meant thinking outside our comfort zone, this aspect of study has been enormously useful in my position as Head of Wardrobe for adaptability and improvisation.

I think many young designers are initially attracted to fashion by seeing the Haute Couture shows which are not much different to a stage performance. There is a lot more freedom on stage however as the focus is not so much on aesthetic beauty but evoking emotion and attracting attention. I believe there are some Fashion designers that still use these principles off stage as well.

What’s the best part of your job at the end of the day?

The best part of my job is hard to narrow down. I am lucky to be part of an amazing team who love what they do. I think the show represents a lightness of life that we miss in this day and age, the best part is knowing I help contribute to people seeing that this 28 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

magic is still available to us.

And what would be the most challenging part?

This would be reminding myself that this magic is available to me. Despite having an amazing and unique job it is easy to get caught up in the mundane aspects like the washing machine being broken, or having to be creative with how much space we have to set up or trying to locate a box of costumes that we lost in the last city.

Quirky facts about Saltimbanco costumes

“The costume for Rose Bon Bon (light, feminine and playful character played

by Veronique) is supposed to have the characteristics of a pineapple! Also the fitting of the costumes for the Chinese Poles artists instills the most amount of fear in them because we have to cut the ear holes when they are wearing it!”

Tanya’s usual work week

The week usually starts on a Tuesday (load in day) for us. We go to the arena where the technical staff has already been working all morning, they will show us the space and rooms we have to work in and then the wardrobe team, myself and three others, will start setting up.

Wednesday (the premiere day) is making sure all the costumes are washed, steamed, ironed, repaired, shoes painted and back in the road-cases, ready for the show that night.

Thursday for me is usually maintenance, costumes orders, make-up orders and ordering supplies.

Friday and Saturday are busy because we have two shows in a day.

Sunday is a load out day, so we get the costumes ready for the show then start packing up our road-cases during the show. After the show is done, we close the dressing room road cases and push them to the trucks. We then fly on to the next city and have the next Monday to explore!

(c)AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Slit shorts by Belgian designer Raf Simons during the men’s Spring/ Summer 2013 shows

Menswear Fashion Week Top Trends

(c)AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Paris: statement suits and skimpy shorts

Short shorts

While more approachable Bermuda styles prevailed at presentations from the likes of Junya Watanabe and Kris Van Assche, short shorts were the talk of the town during Paris Menswear Fashion Week. Models at British tailor Hardy Amies’s show dared to bare with turned-up shorts cut at the mid-thigh, while shorts at Raf Simons were cut high and even included brave slits.

Patchwork suits at the Thom Browne Spring/ Summer 2013 show

Statement suits Under the sea

After an underwater theme prevailed at last year’s Spring/Summer womenswear shows, the trend looks set to continue for gentlemen in Spring/Summer 2013 too.

Labels including Pierre Cardin, who was making his 90th birthday comeback on the official menswear calendar, favoured diving-inspired fabrics, while models at the John Galliano show took to the catwalk in shorts that appeared to be made from recycled fishing nets.

Fishing was a source of inspiration at the John Galliano men’s Spring/Summer 2013 presentation. (c)AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS GUILLOT

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From Junya Watanabe’s bold check suits to Thom Browne’s patchwork creations, there was little chance of seeing a classic tuxedo take to the runway during Paris Menswear Fashion Week. Whether via print, fabric or colour, suits had been designed to make a clear statement.

A model showcases the Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2013 menswear line.

GL AM guys (c)AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN

Milan:

(c)AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FAB

Male models looked like Roman gladiators at the Versace Spring/Summer 2013 menswear show.

colour blocking and sportswear

Wrestling was a key influence at the Versace Spring/Summer 2013 presentation, with male models taking to the runway in skimpy trunks and briefs underneath satin robes held in place with ornate wrestling belts. The sportswear aesthetic continued at labels including Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo.

London: (c) Christopher Raeburn

1920s dandy and military

A look from the Christopher Raeburn Spring/ Summer 2013 collection

A nightwear aesthetic was seen at the Etro Spring/ Summer 2013 menswear show.

Sportswear

Bedtime

Finally, last season’s pajama trend is here to stay, with Moschino sending male models down the runway in pink and blue cotton pajama fabric.

At Etro, models evoked the 19th century British dandy wearing silky dressing gown-inspired overcoats, baggy trousers and floaty tunic tops.

The Meadham Kirchhoff Spring/ Summer 2013 collection

Courtesy afprelaxnews.com

From head-to-toe green and cobalt suits at Gucci to yellow knits at Missoni and lime green pants at Burberry, there was an explosion of colour at Milan Menswear Fashion Week.

Salvatore Ferragamo and Etro also embraced vivid shades, while cardigans and matching sweaters at Jil Sander featured geometric colour block detailing.

(c) Meadham Kirchhoff

(c)AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI

Colour blocking

Military jackets

Feeling blue

When it came to casual wear, the prominence of the bomber looks set to continue for Spring 2013, with the likes of Nicole Farhi and Jonathan Saunders favouring the style.

All attention was on the classic parka jacket at Christopher Raeburn, a designer known for recycling military textiles. Highlights included a khaki nylon parka made from re-appropriated military sleeping bags, as well as sheer and a silver lami version of the coat.

In terms of colour, oranges and reds were prominent at many runway shows, but blue was ubiquitous at presentations ranging from Rake to Pringle of Scotland. Electric blue was the order of the day at Oliver Spencer, while a duck egg-blue trench coat stole the show at E Tautz. Meadham Kirchhoff, who recreated the aftermath of a wild party for their newly revived menswear line, opted for creations accessorised with blue hair and eyebrows.

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Hollywood’s

B e s

t

Dressed Men GLAM rounds up ten swoon-worthy male celebrities who top the charts when it comes to the red carpet and off duty looks

By Yousra Samir Zac Efron

High School Musical and Charlie St. Cloud star Zac Efron has grown into one sharp young man.

It is no wonder that Zac often sports a smirk on the red carpet, as he obviously knows how good he looks with his perfect hair and well-groomed three-piece suits, a look reminiscent of Old Hollywood actors such as Cary Grant. Off the red carpet and Zac often transforms himself into a boy, layering t-shirts under open plaid shirts and baseball jackets, topped off with a cap, jeans and sneakers. We prefer his red carpet look.

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GL AM guys

Henry Cavill

Up-and-coming blockbuster hero Henry Cavill, who stars in this year’s remake of Superman: Man of Steel, is a man who always gets it right when dressing for the occasion. While on the red carpet, Henry looks chiseled and polished while donning his three-piece Dunhill suits, and his off-duty look is casual and comfortable, opting for simple t-shirts and henleys with jeans and sneakers, topped off with a light leather jacket, perfect for when he is out-and-about or on long hour flights.

Brad Pitt

Brad may be approaching 50, but he still looks as good, if not better, than he did in his twenties. While we can’t deny that good genes play a part in Brad’s look, his effortless style on and off the red carpet means that he constantly tops the best dressed lists. While Brad always looks smart and well-dressed, he never looks overdone. The A-lister will often leave one of the buttons on his suit jacket or shirt undone, loosen his tie, or team a sharp black suit with tousled and slightly messy hair. Even when wearing a relatively ordinary outfit like faded jeans, sneakers and a long sleeved t-shirt layered under a sweater, Brad jazzes things up with a chic scarf and sunglasses.

Johnny Depp

Call him eccentric, but Johnny Depp’s eclectic sense of style is loved by women (and men) world-over. His look is that of part-rock part-pirate, and it’s a look which can only be described as pure Johnny Depp. His faithfulness to his individual sense of style is what charts him as one of the world’s best dressed male celebrities and also this year’s winner of the CFDA Style Icon award. Johnny favours waistcoats worn over shirts and jeans and often hits the red carpet in dapper three-piece suits. What makes Johnny special is his unique ability to accessorise. His outfits are offset by vintage leather belts and boots, leather cord and silver bracelets, numerous rings and fedora hats. He is often seen out and about with a chain watch hanging out of his waistcoat too.

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Ed Westwick

As Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl Ed dons printed suits with double-breasted pockets, purple shirts and silk ties with deeply parted hair, a look that matches his scathingly fierce (and snobby) character. However, off-screen Ed takes a more laid back approach to dressing, with blazers teamed with t-shirts and sneakers. Even on the occasions where Ed wears a wooly hat teamed with a cardi, he still manages to look cool with the addition of his trusty aviator sunglasses.

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Kanye West

The rapper and producer, who recently added fashion designer to his resume, once confessed that his love for fashion comes first before hip-hop.

When it comes to dressing, Kanye West throws all style rules out of the window, but his individuality, fashion-forwardness and knack for knowing what is cool has meant that Kanye’s look is mimicked by hip-hop loving males worldwide. Kanye is all about mixing and matching the smart with the casual and dressing with attitude. On any given day you could find Kanye wearing a polished white shirt, bow tie and black jacket with casual jeans and Timbalands.

Other style staples in Kanye’s wardrobe include long fur coats, satin baseball jackets and leopard print blazers. Kanye loves colour, spotted in everything from neon pink to lime green and electric blue, and is never without his extraordinary eyewear and gold bling. It’s clear that Kanye’s clothes are as controversial as his lyrics.

Will Smith

Long gone are Will Smith’s days as the Fresh Prince, wearing a baseball cap on sideways, along with oversized t-shirts and neoncoloured tracksuits. Today, the very much grown up Hollywood star dresses in a way which cannot be described in any other way than elegant. Will often hits the red carpet in well-tailored dark suits which he occasionally likes to jazz up with a printed shirt. On his days off, Will keeps things casual and youthful with t-shirts, sneakers and jeans or cargo pants which have just the right amount of baggy.

GL AM guys

Robert Pattinson

Despite the rumours that Twilight star Robert Pattinson literally stinks, time and time again he makes it onto best dressed lists. While his offduty style is definitely low-key, and he often looks like he has thrown on the first thing he could find in the morning, there is something that we can learn from Robert – he dresses for comfort, and still remains looking hot while doing it. But it isn’t his off-duty style that puts him on the best dressed list. When it comes to the red carpet, Rob really cleans up his act. Instead of your typical black suit, he opts for colour.

Take the two-button burgundy Gucci suit with a skinny grey tie that he wore to the L.A. premiere of Eclipse. While it may have looked cheap on your average man, Robert looked smart and the colour choice was interesting. The heart throb also has the knack of taking casual wear, like a plaid shirt and jeans, and transforming them into a look worthy of the red carpet, all with the simple addition of a smart blazer.

Jude Law

When it comes to dressing, this quintessentially British actor follows one of the most important rules in the style rulebook – he dresses for his age. As he approaches 40, Jude has bypassed the skinny jeans and tight leather trousers for a look which is more befitting of his age, yet at the same time youthful. The Alfie star nails the clean, tailored look with vintage jeans and trousers teamed with tailored jackets, v-neck sweaters and his favourite accessory, long scarves. When he had to grow a moustache and thick sideburns for his role as Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes, Jude altered his look, pairing corduroy jeans with snuggly sweaters, and a beanie or trilby hat, a look only Jude could pull off without looking like a grandpa. Another important style rule your man can learn from Jude is that everything he wears looks like it fits him perfectly because he always gets his clothes tailored at at Kilgour Tailors in London’s famous Savile Row.

Ryan Gosling

Man of the moment Ryan Gosling makes the top of the list because simply, he looks good in whatever he wears! The Gos knows two looks – smart and smart casual, and consistently looks polished. On the red carpet, Ryan never goes for the same suit twice, braving every colour on the spectrum from beige to blue. his attention to extra details, be it a velvet lapel, red socks, or white specks on his Italian leather shoes, keeps us intrigued as to what he is going to wear next.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 35

Some of the city’s fashion conscious guys put on their best threads for GLAM to showcase their different style personalities.

I chose shorts and a t-shirt for my casual look as its way too hot in Doha to wear long trousers during the day. I like to wear polo neck t-shirts, and if I’m not wearing flip flops, a pair of high tops always ‘funk’ up the look!

Man, you’ve got style!

Photography by Rob Altamirano Compiled by Orna Ballout

36 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM guys My ‘work’ look is quiet relaxed. I chose the G Star jeans because they’re slightly more stylish than plain jeans, and as Al Jazeera is a relaxed work place, we can dress less formal as long it’s neat. I love my grey jacket as it goes with everything. I bought the tan shoes for 14 euro in a sale years ago – best purchase I’ve made in a long time!

My party outfit is a pretty safe option, I don’t think you ever go wrong with a black shirt, which always looks clean, sharp and dapper. The boots are

by FLY and look good either tucked into jeans or over them. I enjoy wearing bright colours and patterned shirts too.

Gordon Hickey Age: 30 Nationality: Irish Job: Production Assistant on Live Programming at Al Jazeera English

What’s your fave wardrobe item?

My G star jeans because they work for all occasions.

How would you describe your style?

I probably dress a little younger than I should while still dressing quite ‘safe’. I love comfortable clothes.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

If I want to treat myself I go to The Gate Mall which has a good range of brands like Diesel.

However, on a weekly basis I usually shop at Splash in City Center – they have an amazing selection and are reasonable too.

What male celebrity do you think always dresses well?

It’s very cliche but it has to be David Beckham.

He dresses in formal wear when he needs to but can pull off casual looks too. His wardrobe is definitely one I’d like to mimic, if I had his money and his body!

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

I’m not really into high-end brands. I love more casual labels like Diesel, Energie, SuperDry and G Star. Firstly, they’re more affordable and secondly, they suit me more. I spent a lot of money on a pair of Armani jeans before because I wanted to dress smarter; sadly they sit at the bottom of the wardrobe because they don’t fit my style!

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 37

Since I was young, I’ve always had a huge interest in sport. I hit the gym almost every day, not only for a wellshaped body but to maintain a healthy life too.

Mousa Zeidan Age: 26 Nationality: Turkish Job/Workplace: Marketing & Events Co-ordinator at Katara

During my social outings (lunches, dinners, coffee and shisha), I prefer to wear something simple and comfortable. I like trendy summery colours that reflect my fun personality.

I wear formal attire to work as my job requires meeting clients and attending meetings.

What’s your fave wardrobe item?

Where are your favourite places to shop?

All my wardrobe items are special to me as I’m always shopping for unique pieces to fit my personality. To be precise I would have to say shoes, and they are carefully chosen depending on the occasion.

I like shopping in many places. For high-end brands, I would say Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Gucci. Zara and Massimo Dutti for casual wear and Body Action for sports wear.

How would you describe your style?

Smart casual; I like simple clothes, that when mixed together end up as a unique style. I strongly believe that the person is the one adding value to the clothes he’s wearing, rather than the clothes giving style to the person.

What male celebrity do you think always dresses well?

I would vote for Eric Bana. He’s always well dressed and is one of my favourite actors.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Marc Jacobs – I feel his style is a nice combination of simple and classic.

38 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM guys

I have this belief that one must always “dress to kill”. Unless of course you’re going to the gym, you know what I mean! You never know who’ll you meet or where you will be invited, so it’s always important to be presentable even if it’s just a normal or casual day.

The top and bottoms are contrasting each other making me look like a rock star, yet still maintaining a presentable look.

At a party, you have to bring something extra to be able to somehow steal the scene, which explains the thin low neck shirt which emphasises my physique.

Angel Mallari Age: 29 Nationality: Filipino Job: Photographer/ Businessman / Founder and President of The teAm Creation and Concepts

What’s your fave wardrobe item?

I can’t live without my suit/jacket, a plain white or black shirt, a tank top, and of course – my classic Chuck Taylors.

How would you describe your style?

My style is more Goth/Vampire with a twist.

Same style but I choose to wear colours rather than just plain black. I love the vampire style in movies such as Underworld, Blade and Twilight. I love how they carry their clothing; I just inject colour into it.

This is the type of outfit that I normally wear to work and meetings. I love vibrant colours because it gives a positive aura.

Being formal doesn’t mean dull. I love the fact that I can wear colours that other men don’t like or think we can carry. It makes me brave, stylish, and unique.

What male celebrity do you think always dresses well?

Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney always dress well.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

I don’t have anyone particular in mind. When I choose my style of clothing, I don’t really go for the designer. I normally check if it fits, and compliments my body and age. Then I consider something that will make me different, which gives me the sense of being stylish and unique.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

There are limited places in Doha. However, I normally get my stuff from Zara, Massimo Dutti, Armani, Hugo Boss, Guess, Levis, Salsa, River Island and H & M. JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 39

Being in such a sunny climate, I always pair my outwear with either a cap or shades that represent my personality. All of my caps are symbolic to me, illustrating the logo of my favourite sports team, hometown, label, or artist.

I love this white shirt because it has extra length in the back. I don’t tuck it in to show off that length, and it allows me to feel comfortable and in a party mood, while still looking classy enough to feel good in dressed up venues.

Nyk Schmalz Age: 26 Nationality: American Job: Multimedia Production Specialist at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

What’s your fave wardrobe item?

My black Prada boots. I have worn them all over the world, in every terrain and climate and they just keep breaking in better. This was the first item that really taught me the importance of high quality material. Prada’s leatherwork is incredible. These boots can be dressed up or down, I sometimes leave my laces untied to give a more casual look.

How would you describe your style?

Genius.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love boutiques and shops that aren’t mainstream. I shop for original pieces of clothing. I have a story or connection with

40 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

I am fortunate enough to be working in a casual environment that allows me to express my personality through my clothing. To look pulled together and comfortable, you only need two key items: a welltailored blazer and dark pants.

every item that I buy. I usually only buy one piece of clothing at a time and I don’t like having items that someone else can go out and purchase the next day.

What male celebrity do you think always dresses well?

Robert Downey Jr has a devil may care attitude because he’s bold with his fashion choices. He masterfully gives the impression that he makes little effort in putting himself together. But if you notice certain details about his style, you see how he’s thought through every piece he has thrown on.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Alexander McQueen.

GL AM guys

This type of outfit is something I’d wear traveling, to a casual lunch or early drink somewhere!

My party look is very relaxed, whenever I go to a party with friends I like to be laid back and destress from a busy week of formal wear!

Foued Mokrani Age :33 Nationality: Tunisian Job: Sales Account Manager Consolidated Gulf Company/ Part-time Personal Trainer/ Model (Trinity*)

* Trinity consists of a young, yet experienced team of dynamic professionals. Founded in 2006, Trinity manages a large database of over 600 experienced models, hostesses and stewards, and provides reliable services in model casting, casting organisation, online photography and video production.

Contact: www.trinityqatar.com and contact@ trinityqatar.com

I usually wear a suit to work to achieve an elegant and professional look.

What’s your fave wardrobe item?

Where are your favourite places to shop?

My favourite items are my old Diesel jeans, a Virgin white t-shirt and white pair of Converse.

I like shopping in Diesel, CK, Puma and DKNY; these brands are not too expensive and have pieces reflecting good taste and creativity.

How would you describe your style?

My style is quite relaxed, metrosexual, gangster, eccentric and very Mediterranean. I like simple and colourful easy things.

What male celebrity do you think always dresses well?

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Hugo Boss, because I’m big fan of simple and classy things, and I think the brand provides a great selection of colour – perfect for semi casual clothing.

Regarding the male celebrities who dressed well; I have theory if someone looks good and has a good body then everything suits him. If I have to pick one though it is Spanish football player Fernando Torres.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 41

What’s

your style, dude

By Cassey Oliveira

42 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

ryan gosling

Love them, hate them, but you can’t ignore them, not when they are making a splash on the style radar.

GLAM gets Doha’s best stylists to give a lowdown on what’s hot for MEN this summer, and what’s not.

GL AM GUYS

Sean Combs aka P.Diddy

Hottest summer trends: My favourite trends

for men this summer are the soft silhouettes, unlined jackets and low-rise trousers in linen, washed cotton and soft denim, suede Jackets, printed shirts, sweatshirts and trench coats, and last but not least – the always trendy chic sportswear.

Colours

this season are Navy, Azure, Lapis, Indigo, Orange, Yellow, Parrot Green and Berry.

Hot looks

would be rolled-up trousers and chinos. I love Giorgio Armani: bright tailoring, geometric prints and rolled-up trousers; J.Crew: green chinos; Michael Bastian: show opener NY FW SS12 the Red Baracuta Jacket; Michael Bastian: layers; and chic sports from Christopher Shannon and E Tautz.

Tips to stay stylish:

Cristiano Ronaldo

A good watch is a timeless piece, if you can invest in a good watch do it. My all time favourites are IWC Grande Complication watch, Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillion and the Lange and Sohne Tourbograph.

Avoid strictly tight or ill-fitting and worn out clothes.

Make sure when bending your pants cover your derriere.

Never ever wear socks with sandals

A classic sweater never dates;

looks amazing with chino shorts and smart casual shoes. I recommend Ralph Lauren Men’s Sweatshirts, J.CREW green chinos, Burberry Brit Classic shorts.

Wear classy shoes always.

I recommend Tod’s smart casual and formal, Salvatore Ferragamo classic, and Armani casual and formal.

Have a great hair cut,

Where to shop in Doha:

At The Pearl-Qatar, men can find a variety of shops to suit every style and wallet. Salvatore Ferragamo, Emporium Armani, Hugo Boss and Hugo Boss Orange, Diesel, Tru Trussardi, Harmont & Blaine, Canali, Santoni, Gianfranco Ferre, Hermhs, Ice Iceberg, John Galliano are some of my favourites. On my wish list: Dries Van Noten.

shaved or designed beard.

Have a professional analyse your face shape and take it from there.

Moisturise your face and body, get a manicure, remove excessive hair and wear an amazing perfume all the time.

A celebrity who gets his style right:

Fashion bloopers:

How do you like your man

Sean Combs aka P.Diddy, David Beckham, Ryan Gosling and Cristiano Ronaldo. They have the right choice of hair cut, shave and clothes.

Accessorise in style:

Sunglasses are a must; you should own at least two different styles/colours. I recommend something very glam and classy like Burberry – All black and Oliver Peoples – Titanium frames, polarised lenses sand-quartz.

Wear your age with style. Don’t get stuck in the past, the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s were great but are part of the past now and one should wear them only at dress-up parties.

to be dressed?

My man has impeccable taste, and is my inspiration as well as my best critic. He’s a casual Hugo Boss and a formal Armani.

GLAM YOUR IMAGE founded by Elisabete Reis, a certified Image Consultant and Stylist by the AIM (Academy of Image Mastery-Singapore) LII (London Image Institute-UK) BB (Body Beautiful-USA)and a Member of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International). To find out more follow Glam Your Image on Facebook, Twitter and LinkeIn.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 43

david beckham

Hottest summer trends:

Men of the Middle East can heave a sigh of relief as fashion trends this season are all about comfort in the heat. The designers have given summer 2012 a laid-back look. It’s also a style that can be translated into street fashion. All it takes to replicate the look is natural textiles, cool colours and soft tailoring.

The fabrics that reign supreme are linen, washed cotton and soft denim, in the subtle, sun-bleached neutral shades. For accent colours one can simply stick with the cool hues of pastels, or go with an eye popping bright, especially in the wide spectrum of Mediterranean-inspired blues.

In keeping with an easy chic mood, soft tailoring is key, in unlined jackets and low-rise trousers. Washed-out, fray-edged or crumpled scarves complete the relaxed look.

44 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Tips to stay stylish:

Keep shirts in top-notch condition. Check collars, cuffs and under arm areas for signs of wear and tear and discolouration. If any, donate them! Any short-sleeve shirts belong in the same donation pile.

Reassess the fit of your suits. Are they fitting as well as they should? If not, have them tailored or better yet invest in a new well-cut or bespoke suit.

Check the length of pants and ties. The erroneous lengths of both are common style faux pas made by men. The tie’s tip should just brush the top of your belt, while pants should be 1cm off the back of the floor when wearing shoes.

No comical prints or knitwear ties for the workplace. Keep them classic and regular in print.

Fashion bloopers:

This is dictated by personal preference, as just about anything goes in today’s fashion.

However, I would recommend that men over 20 avoid tattoos and jewellery, other than a single wrist bracelet, watch and wedding band. Russell Brand’s recently photographed yoga ensembles, and the anti-charm of Steven Tyler’s feminine hair and jewellery, are absolute no-nos.

Where to shop in Doha:

Ralph Lauren, Boggi and Massimo Dutti A celebrity who gets his style right:

One needs only to look at global magazines and online sites to find votes for ‘Best Dressed Men’, but these nominees and winners are often judged on how suave they look in their

GL AM GUYS

Zac Efron

tuxedos and other red carpet ensembles. Isn’t it perhaps easy to look one’s best for occasions such as those?

So my vote goes to men who wear more than an occasional high-end, bespoke suit. Take Colin Firth for instance. Behind his innate sense of style, both he and his wife, Livia, favour eco-conscious style choices that reach far beyond vanity.

Then there are men like David Beckham and

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp who continually surprise us with their unique daily wardrobe choices. Often communicating a blatant disregard for the conventional, they’re leading the fashion pack by being brave and daring enough with their reinvention of causal attire.

Last but not least, Zac Efron. He inspires us to lead a healthy lifestyle in diet and exercise, because let’s face it, what clothes wouldn’t look great on a body like his!

How do you like your man to be dressed?

I like mine to look masculine, but still possess a keen awareness for complimentary colours, shape and fit. I appreciate the finer detail such as double cuffed shirts, interesting jacket linings, colourful socks, well kept footwear, and classic, well cut suits. I especially like to see my man in his casual linen pants worn with a soft cotton shirt.

Aptly known as The Style Revivalist, Lynette Cowie assists the ladies of Doha in finding and developing their confidence through her innovative personal, wardrobe and shopping styling methods. For individual styling consultations visit www.lynettecowie.com

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 45

Givenchy

Wooden Sunglasses

Black & Gold

The boys never seem to fail with their eye wear collections. Black and gold is a good combination in men’s accessories,we like this pair from Dsquared2 Sunglasses 2012 collection.

Beat the heat

Printed Shirts

The all over printed tops are a perfect bridge between the t-shirt and casual shirt in S/S ‘12.

Jersey prints with collars are the new alternative to the classic polo shirt; the more colourful and bolder the print the better.

Dolce & Gabanna

Fight the heat this summer indulging in the latest summer trends, from bright hued garments to wooden sunglasses. GLAM rounds up the top men’s must-haves.

Linen and cotton sand-hued separates graced the Milan/ Paris catwalks lending the season an easy chic mood.

A perfect match to that Mediterranean tan, summer neutrals will be seen all over the GCC.

Gladiator Galore Shoes made for Flaunting

These Jeremy Scott shoes are the perfect pair to transition you from day to evening wear.

A mixture of colours allow you to mix and match your outfit. these shoes are made to stand out, so flaunt them.

46 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Bottega Veneta

Lanvin

Men’s Trends

Marlon Gobel

Sun Bleached Neutrals

Who would have thought that wooden sunglasses would be hot this summer! GLAM likes the Schwood Canby Sunglasses, the shape gives off a very retro Hollywood look

Release the gladiator in you and take your Mendoza sandals for a walk. Team with shorts, cropped pants or a thobe, and for the daring ones, go for bright coloured gladiators.

Nude with a Twist

Every man needs a pair of nude loafers. And this season Prada offers a range of nude loafers with a hint of colour; Perfect for a summer party.

Brights

Parrot greens, oranges and highlighter yellow contrasted with warm hues of berry are popular. A very easy trend to wear that can be mixed with knitwear or even leather.

GL AM guys

Dubai Designers

Dubai has always been known as the Middle Eastern hub for fashion, a place where people from all around the world flock to enjoy the city, the culture, the weather and of course the fashion. ahmed El Sayed caught up with two of Dubai ‘s promising talents to see what they’re bringing the fashion industry.

Wael Al Fatayri Buyer for Namshi.com

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Suhail Al Shukaili Founder of VELORUM Design & Tailoring When did you start your brand?

I started VELORUM Design & Tailoring in March 2012, it’ s a studio hub for young and upcoming designers to brand, produce and sell their collection. It’ s a mini boutique that features Emirati and Middle Eastern designers, and I’ m also working on my own ready to wear collection that will come out very soon.

I have always been into fashion. When I graduated, I scored a job in the biggest luxury fashion company in the Middle East as a fashion trainer. Currently, I am a womenswear buyer for Namshi.com, the leading online fashion retailer in the Middle East. I love women s clothing because it is like art: ever changing and evolving.

Do you think online boutiques are in demand in Dubai and the region?

What are the main obstacles you face as a local male fashion designer?

One of the obstacles that I face in Dubai is that there are few options when choosing fabrics and colours, so the designers have to change their idea according to what the textile market in Dubai offers every season.

Is there a certain trend that you notice from the customer orders that you receive. If so, is it because there is a lack of it in the Dubai market?

I noticed that there was a huge demand for blazers especially the ones with spikes, I think it’s because the market lacks the extreme avant garde designs and settle for more safe and basic colours. Arab and Western celebrities have been seen wearing avant garde blazers, and I think it’s time for our market to start embracing that.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see VELORUM becoming a popular brand in the region due to its support of young talents. I hope to expand from a mini boutique to a huge department store that features Emirati and Middle Eastern Designers.

I don’t trust my credit card with these sites. But how will I know it will fit me? What if I don’t like it? These are a few arguments that I face every time I talk about what I do. Our customer is still wary of online shopping, however I still believe it is the future of shopping. Our customer is curious to find cool and funky brands that are not available in the region. Their only hope is these online hubs which tend to source interesting brands that no one has heard of.

What obstacles do you face in terms of wanting to introduce more avant garde designers to this region?

As a buyer, there are a few challenges that come with the territory. I feel like I am shopping for everyone in the region: Arabs and expats. My personal taste influences my selection however doesn’t overtake it. In order for me to be successful, I have to be able to know what people want regardless of if I like it or not. Another challenge is stress: the buying business is defined by deadlines and this can be daunting.

Ahmed El Sayed is a Fashion Design graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar. Freelance stylist and founder of WhiteStain, a ready to wear clothing line based in the GCC www.whitestain.net.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 47

Sum

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Sty

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Versace S/S 2012

48 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

carolina herrera

S/S 2012

GL AM guys

John

Galliano

S/S 2012

Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2012

d2 S/S 2012 JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 49

GL AM guys

Terrific

Timepiece We’ve gathered some timeless classics that will keep you up in time with style.

Omega Ralph Lauren Longines Talos Tag Heuer Salvatore Ferragamo a. Lange & SÖhne

50 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GLAM’S

Drool List We all like a bit of eye candy every now and then, don’t we ladies? That is why GLAM has put together a list of men who have caught our eye one way or another! It’s okay, you can thank us later.

Compiled by Elysia Windrum

Ryan Gosling

Age: 32 Ontario, Canada Ryan Gosling is not just a pretty face, but a terrific actor too. Though his movie career started off with minor commercial success, his main claim to fame was starring alongside Rachel McAdams in the romantic drama The Notebook (2004) which remains the most commercially successful film of his career. In 2011, Gosling tried his hands in comedy for the first time in Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Steve Carell and Emma Stone.

It’s said that Ryan took cocktail-making classes at a Los Angeles bar for his role as a smooth-talking, super-hot, ladies’ man. But being the ideal ladies’ man that he is, we didn’t find the need for him to take any classes.

Glam says: We can’t stop crushing over him!

52 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM GUYS

Channing Tatum

Age: 32 Alabama, United States Tatum is an actor, producer and former model. After experiencing life as a fashion model, Tatum made his way into the acting world by appearing in an episode of CSI: Miami in 2004. Playing a lead role in the popular dance-based movie Step Up, Tatum tied the knot with his co-star Jenna Dewan – sorry ladies. Together, the married couple has produced a documentary named Earth Made of Glass.

Glam says: Phoar!

Christopher Chace Crawford

more commonly known as Chace Crawford Age: 26 Texas, United States Crawford is best known for his character Nate Archibald in the teenage series Gossip Girl. Since gaining fame through the series, the charmer has made several appearances in such television programs as Family Guy and recently starred in the romantic comedy What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

Glam says: Teen heartthrob!

Enrique Iglesias

Age: 37 Madrid, Spain Iglesias has established himself as a singer and songwriter globally and among the Hispanic and American community. Iglesias is arguably one of the most recognised Latin artists in the world of music. In August 2012, Iglesias is teaming up with diva Jennifer Lopez as they embark on a tour together across America.

Glam says: Iglesias, you are F-I-N-E!

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 53

George Clooney

Age: 51 Kentucky, United States Clooney has often been prized with the title ‘sexiest man alive,’ but who wouldn’t be if they looked this good at the age of 51?

Although Clooney is wellknown for this work as an actor, film director, producer and screenwriter, Clooney is also a man of humanitarianism.

Over the years, Clooney has been an advocate of the resolution for the War in Darfur and has been involved in raising funds for the Haiti earthquake and 9/11.

Glam says: Keep doin’ what you’re doing!

Chad Michael Murray

Age: 30 New York, United States Murray has been a teenage crush for over a decade, with his roles in the television series Dawson’s Creek (1998), Gilmore Girls (2000) and One Tree Hill (2003) in addition to his appearances in such movies as A Cinderella Story (2004). In 2011, Murray authored a book, titled Everlast. This year, Murray was given the leading male role in the new television series Scruples. Things seem to be looking good for actor Chad Michael Murray. We’re sure many young women are anticipating the airing of Scruples! Can we blame you?

Glam says: Teen addiction!

Gerard Butler

Age: 42 Scotland, United Kingdom Upon embarking on his career as an actor in the 90’s, Butler has found himself acting in an array of movies – from a small role in the James Bond sequel Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) to romantic comedies like The Ugly Truth (2009) and The Bounty Hunter (2010) and a number of action-filled movies that are currently under development, such as Thunder Run and Motor City.

Glam says: Butler’s Scottish accent is turning up the heat!

Orlando Bloom

Age: 35 England, United Kingdom The titles The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean arguably come to mind when we think of this talented star. With a tattoo of the word “nine” written on his wrist in the fictional Tengwar Elvish script, it seems that Bloom agrees. The fictional language, along with the tattoo’s meaning, is symbolic of his involvement in The Lord of the Rings. The other eight members of the Fellowship of the Ring also have the same tattoo. Everyone together now... Aww. Glam says: Diverse, daring devil!

54 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM GUYS Jason Statham

Age: 33 England, United Kingdom Salesman at a black market, Olympic Driver for the British National Team, fashion model, and, of course, an actor well established in the American market – Statham has certainly accomplished quite a lot in a short space of time. Statham’s love for gymnastics, martial arts and sports as a youngster, while idolising the iconic Bruce Lee, has led Statham to often produce his own stunts and fight scenes – Impressive.

Glam says: Masculinity at its finest!

Matthew McConaughey

Age: 42 Texas, United States Although McConaughey has been in the business for over a decade, the actor found firm success recently in his leading roles in romantic comedies such as The Wedding Planner, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and Fool’s Gold. In addition to his acting career, McConaughey founded the just keep (j.k) livin foundation in 2008, which aims to help children transform into healthy, focused adults through programs that teach the vitality of health, education and an active lifestyle. With his apparent compassion, and his love for being shirtless, we’re sorry to break it to you ladies but McConaughey finally tied the knot with long-term partner Camila Alves in June.

Glam says: Ah! That smile!

David Beckham

Age: 37 England, United Kingdom How can we not include the British midfielder? For the ladies, Beckham’s fame goes beyond the parameters of the football pitch. He certainly had heads turning and eyes popping as he posed in a pair of Calvin Klein briefs, and there’s more where that came from. With the release of H&M’s new bodywear collection in February with Beckham posing as the model, Becks’ saucy advertising days are not over just yet.

Glam says: What a hunk!

Will Smith

Age: 43 Pennsylvania, United States Smith has had great success in the music, film and television industry. His success all began with his well-known stage name The Fresh Prince, where Smith made his debut as a rap artist. In 2005, Smith was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for attending three premieres in just 24 hours – indeed, a record!

Glam says: He’s our legend!

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 55

Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of Dubai, also called “Fazza”

Age: 29 Hamdan is one of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s twenty-two children and the second eldest son. The prince is also commonly referred to as “Fazza,” the name that he publishes his poetry under, which tends to be romantic and patriotic in nature. Prince Hamdan is well-known for his passion for horse-riding as well as his poetry.

Glam says: Good looks and a good heart – two in one!

John Abraham

Age: 39 Mumbai, India For Abraham, it all began with modeling. Modeling in a number of music videos, as well as travelling to such cities as Hong Kong, New York and London, Abraham is one of the most successful models in India. Abraham further found fame when he hit the theatres. Although his first acting experience in the movie Jism (2003) didn’t do so well, Abraham became a Bollywood hero a year later when he was cast as the antihero in the movie Dhoom. This year, Abraham is working on his second movie as a producer. The Bollywood superstar is just raring to go!

Glam says: We need to take a breather over here!

Pharrell Williams

Age: 39 Virginia, United States Pharrell Williams is an American musician, producer and clothes designer. He is co-founder of the Billionaire Boys Club clothing line as well as Ice Cream Clothing. Williams is also a lead vocalist and drummer for Hip-Hop band N.E.R.D and is a member of the supergroup V.A. Playaz, along with such artists as Missy Elliott and Timbaland.

Glam says: Well-established hottie

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden

Age: 33 With a passion for sports and the outdoors, Prince Carl has our hearts racing when we learn that he has a car racing license and has been a participant in the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia series as well as a participant in the globe’s longest cross country ski race.

Glam says: Royal sporting hero!

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GL AM GUYS Cristiano Ronaldo

Age: 27 Portugal With a striking talent on the football field, coupled with a mischievous attitude and well-groomed appearance, Ronaldo has unanimously won the hearts of women all over the globe.

With the winger/ striker it seems to either be a love/hate relationship... but with that charm, we’re feeling the love side more.

Glam says: Sexy and he knows it!

Mohammed Marwan Ba’aseery, known as Iwan

Age: 31 Lebanon Starting out as songwriter, and then producing and singing his own songs, Iwan became a hit in the Arab world with his first single Oul Inshallah in 2003. Lebanese, Egyptian, Gulf dialect – Iwan seems to sing it all. Iwan has composed a number of songs for other artists, as well as his himself, and has also worked with such poets as Ameer Teeima and Salim Assaf. With a voice like that, and his ability to pull off Arabic songs in a number of languages... how can we not put Iwan in the “hot” limelight?

Glam says: Beautiful!

Tom Ford

Age: 50 Texas, United States Ford is most certainly known for his legendary work with premium fashion brand Gucci. Joining Gucci when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, Ford simultaneously worked his way up the company (going from designer to creative director) as the company saw a turnaround.

By the time Ford left the company in 2004, Gucci was, well, you tell us how successful it is today! Today, Ford’s independent brand Tom Ford stands strong – a definite hit in the accessory, beauty and menswear market.

Glam says: We like a man of success and style!

Lewis Hamilton

Age: 27 England, United Kingdom Beginning his driving career at the young age of eight, Hamilton has gone from winning the British Karting championship at the age of ten to being the 2008 Formula World Champion, his second season participating in the championship, along with many other successes. With a tendency to oversteer in order to control the car’s direction change, and frequently overtaking his competitors, Hamilton is famous for his aggressive, confident driving style. The young talent is currently participating in the 2012 Formula World Championship.

Glam says: Let’s go Hamilton, let’s go!

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 57

Men In

Style

From trendy sportswear to matching denims, the boys showcase some of the season's hottest threads.

GL AM guys Photographer: Rob Altamirano Models: Fadi Attieh and Emad Rohani Make-up: Debi Mendez Stylist: G Abdool Shoot coordination: Orna Ballout Location: St. Regis Doha

Paul & Shark (Salam)

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Jacket, Trousers and Shoes: Canali (Salam) Shirt: Givenchy (Salam) Scarf: Etro (UFC)

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Fadi (right) : Waistcoat: Galliano (Salam) Jeans: model's own Slippers, Bag and Bracelet: Givenchy (Salam)

GL AM guys

Emad: Waistcoat and Shirt: Galliano (Salam) Trousers and shoes: Canali (Salam)

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Shirt and Shoes: Versace (Salam) Jacket: Frankie Morello (Salam) Jeans: Etro (UFC) Shoes: Versace (Salam)

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Cardigan, Trousers, Jacket and Scarf: Etro (UFC) Shoes: Versace (Salam)

GL AM guys

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GL AM guys Make-up artist Debi Mendez showcasing her expertise

behind the scenes

Debi and G perfect the look in sync

Stylist G Abdool showing off the drop dead gorgeous items for the shoot

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Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Opal at the St. Regis Doha prepared a personalised ‘GLAM’ menu for us!

The charming restaurant surroundings and delectable cuisine made our lunch break lots of fun. Thank you Opal!

By men?

For the women

Is the fashion industry driven by male fashion designers? Do they know the fine art of dressing a woman better?

By DEBRINA ALIYAH

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GL AM guys

“My passion is designing for women and I love to see women in my creations.

Understanding the female form shapes better with time, however, you need to be avid about it.”

Lebanese fashion designer Abed Mahfouz

he backbone of the fashion industry lies in the voracious female appetite for ever changing trends and evolving styles that constantly keeps us on our fashionable toes. But while the industry is driven by womenswear, the design process is dominated by male creative directors – an intriguing debate that has plagued the industry in recent years. GLAM caught up with a few award-winning male fashion designers from the region who have gained international acclaim to hear their thoughts on dressing women, and more importantly, are they doing a better job at it?

Fashion powerhouses – Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Givenchy are all

currently being helmed by male designers who have achieved superstardom in their own right. Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Alber Elbaz, and Nicolas Ghesquihre are celebrated for their exquisite womenswear collections and idolised as the contemporary godfathers of fashion. At the CFDA awards – fashion’s Oscars – last year, 18 male designers took home awards compared to three female designers. If female designers are designing clothes for their own form, something that should inspire naturally, why are male designers becoming the preferred gender in terms of creative directorship? The handful of successful female designers in the industry JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 67

Qatar Luxury Group designer Juan Hernandez Daels

are mostly spearheading their own brands – Diane Von Furstenburg, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Miuccia Prada – rather than having been appointed to direct a fashion house.

Qatar Luxury Group designer Juan Hernandez Daels puts it, while the public sees male artistic directors at the forefront of a fashion house, it is the women who work behind the scenes to complete the final collections. “I think this is definitely a female dominated industry. If you enter a major Parisian fashion house, the designers behind the label are predominantly women. During my years at Antwerp Academy the majority of fashion students were women.

Fashion, inherently is perceived to be a woman’s establishment. However, the reason that explains why there are more men in any other work sector, equally applies to why there are more male designers in the industry.”

Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz agrees that the relationship between both genders brings out the best in fashion creations, “Without the 68 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

“I think this is definitely a female dominated industry.

If you enter a major Parisian fashion house, the designers behind the label are predominantly women.”

likes of Coco Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg and historic fashion icons Luisa Casati, Eleanora Duse and today’s Dolly Parton and Sarah Jessica Parker, where would fashion be

today? Male designers aspire to see a woman floating in their designs and embellishing herself with their creations which is why I believe male designers are increasing in numbers. Of course, one should not forget to mention the great talents of Paul Poiret, a man, who transformed the fashion silhouette to straight and slim in the late twentieth century; a silhouette that we still sense and see today.”

Conversely, designer to the stars Tony Ward strongly believes that no one knows how to dress a woman better than a man. The talented Lebanese designer whose couture creations are sought after by the likes of Giuliana Rancic, Ashanti, Mariah Carey and Carrie Underwood, feels that the touch of a man on the silhouette of a woman is key to creating perfect garments.

“Designing clothes for women is a very challenging task and it takes close observation and study of the female form to bring out the best by emphasising her beautiful assets.”

GL AM guys

Lebanese fashion designer Tony Ward

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

So does this ring true that the view of a woman through the eye of a man is perhaps the most attractive perception of all, resulting in them creating garments that brings out the best in female form? Both Ward and Mahfouz feels that while male designers do not necessarily have a better grasp of the female form than their female counterparts, it is the constant quest to understand and beautify the female form that gives them the extra edge “It all depends on how well you understand a woman’s figure and silhouette and how well you understand your fabrics and cuts to suit them to the various female figures. My passion is designing for women and I love to see women in my creations. Understanding the female form shapes better with time, however, you need to be avid about it,” Mahfouz explains.

Both Ward and Mahfouz are established couturiers whose designs revolve around lavish and luscious interpretations to

“Designing clothes for women is a very challenging task and it takes close observation and study of the female form to bring out the best by emphasising on her beautiful assets.” highlight the best of the female form. While they seek the special connection and spark with the seductive female body, new-age designers like Daels who create garments

with a cross-influence of both genders – straight jackets, square shoulders, shirts – puts it down to the science of ergonomics when designing for women.

“Being a male designer for a female clothing line, you tend to create a dynamic perspective of what you would like to see which is very different from what you would like to wear. It is purely based on aesthetics and function. Designing clothes for women is not very different from working in any other design industry, it is all essentially based on ergonomics,” Daels says.

But in the head of every designer is the ultimate woman – the muse, of which they all secretly dedicate their entire lifetime of work.

For Ward – a fulfilled, cheerful and full of life woman who embodies the ultimate form of beauty. For Mahfouz – the perfect woman who has the perfect proportions. And for Daels – a strong woman with a bold presence and daring sophistication.

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Androgyny in

Fashion

Pushing gender boundaries in fashion

By Yousra Samir

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GL AM guys

Andrej Pejic

T

he androgynous look, or “masculine” dressing, has been a source of interest and intrigue for several years now, both on and off the runway.

From designers like Calvin Klein and Stella McCartney putting female models in men’s tailored suits, to fashion bloggers and stylistas adding masculine elements to their outfits such as bow ties and suspenders, the fashion world seems intent on pushing gender boundaries when it comes to dressing. But there is a lot more to the androgynous look than raiding your boyfriend’s wardrobe, and it’s not just about dressing like a man. The word “androgyny” is derived from the Greek language in which “andro” means man and “gyn” means woman.

To be androgynous means to have both male and female characteristics, in appearance or in the way you dress. Some interpret it as pushing gender borders so that a woman would border on the line of looking masculine, or a man would border on the line of looking feminine. Others understand being androgynous as looking almost genderless, a sort of

The word “androgyny” is derived from the Greek language in which “andro” means man and “gyn” means woman. To be androgynous means to have both male and female characteristics, in appearance or in the way you dress.

Agyness Deyn

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Adam Lambert

ANNIE LENNOX

Androgynous dressing goes as far back as the 19th century when Victorian men, known as “dandies”, would wear ruffled shirts and velvet suits that nipped in at the waist

gender ambiguity if you will. Many view androgynous dressing as a way of not conforming to society’s expectations of how a male or female should dress. Some call it a sexual revolution, others a fashion rebellion.

Androgynous dressing goes as far back as the 19th century when Victorian men, known as “dandies”, would wear ruffled shirts and velvet suits that nipped in at the waist. In the early 20th century famous androgynous icons included Coco Chanel – who often wore her lovers’ clothes and designed the first trouser suit for women – and Old Hollywood starlet Marlene Dietrich – who often sported men’s hats, ties, trench coats and trousers. Yet what was distinct about both Coco and Marlene is that they did not go all-out masculine – they still wore pearls and their faces were still made up. It is this blend of the masculine and feminine that defined them as truly androgynous. Androgyny was re-introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s with pop and rock icons such as Grace Jones, Annie Lennox, Prince, Adam Ant and David Bowie making headlines and setting trends with their gender-blending style. Grace Jones and Annie Lennox had our minds bending with their cropped haircuts, strong jaw lines and tuxedos teamed with heavy makeup, while Prince, Adam Ant and David Bowie revived dandyism with the addition of black eye liner and even, a touch of eye shadow, blush and lipstick. Today’s androgynous icons include British model Agyness Deyn, international popstar Lady Gaga, American Idol star Adam Lambert and male supermodel-of-the-moment, Andrej Pejic. The Bosnian-born, Australian model, a favourite of French designer Jean Paul Gaultier who has him walking the catwalk for both his menswear and womenswear collections was mistaken for a girl when first scouted. You cannot fail a double-take when you see Pejic with his long blonde hair and extremely feminine features.

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Grace Jones

Adam Lambert

GL AM guys

Nail the look There was no lack of androgynous-looking outfits on the runway for Fall/ Winter 2012. Miu Miu’s collection of retro strong-shouldered, singlebreasted jackets and trousers in jewel colours were reminiscent of men’s suits in the 70s, while it was all about tuxedo jackets, boyish trousers and oversized sweaters at Emilio Pucci.

LADY GAGA

Remember the key to the androgynous look is to not go all-out masculine. Choose one or two masculine-inspired garments or accessories, for example a bow tie, suspenders, brogues, a tailored shirt, boyish trousers or a masculine-looking jacket, and keep the rest of your look feminine.

Keep to the gender-blending rule by looking for items which look both masculine and feminine, for example, a tailored shirt with ruffles or a print, a jacket with sequined details, or brogues embellished with glitter or a floral print.

Toughen up a flirty and feminine dress by adding a masculine-looking tailored jacket on top.

Soften up a sharply tailored trouser suit with an embellished clutch, earrings and heeled boots.

Create juxtaposition by teaming a flowy maxi skirt with a crisp tailored white shirt.

Want to brave a truly androgynous look? Try a tailored shirt tucked into city shorts or tapered trousers, teamed with a belt, bow tie, tailored blazer and brogues or loafers. Jazz up the outfit by choosing bold colours, or a shirt with a print, and add some jewellery or makeup to add that feminine touch.

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Blake Lively

California, United States Age: 24 Acting is in the Lively DNA. Taking up a small acting role in the movie Sandman (1998) directed by her father, Blake has followed in the footsteps of her parents and four older siblings. Most of us know Blake from her key role in the teen television series Gossip Girl, but with her blonde locks, stunning eyes AND profound beauty mark, the bombshell has most certainly won the eyes of many. She is the apple of mens’ eyes and the inspiration of many women. What more can we say?

Zhang Ziyi

GLAM’s Stunning

Stars

Womens’ beauty should always be admired!

What do you think fellas?

GLAM has done the hard work of narrowing down the beautiful, so now all you have to do is sit back, relax and take a glance at some of the finest female celebrities.

By Elysia Windrum and Rhea Mariam Kurien

Kim Kardashian

California, United States Age: 31 American socialite, model and businesswoman Kim Kardashian has certainly paved a path for her own success in the celebrity world, but with all said and done, the dark-haired beauty is arguably most famous for one thing – her curvy, buxom figure. Envied by women and adored by men, we couldn’t possibly dismiss the Kardashian from this list.

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(also referred to as Ziyi Zhang) Beijing, China Age: 33 The Chinese on-screen star has become notable in the Hollywood world and China alike and has been seen in such movies as Rush Hour 2, Memoirs of a Geisha and Love for Life.

In the past, Zhang has been labeled “China’s Gift to Hollywood.”

With her talent and beauty, we absolutely agree.

Adriana Lima

Age: 31 Bahia, Brazil The Brazilian supermodel is better known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret model. Ranked in a number of honorary lists, the model’s beauty and fabulous figure hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lima was most recently listed in Forbes’ “Celebrity 100” and “The World’s Most Powerful Latino Celebrities.” But the awarded supermodel hasn’t allowed fame to let her lose sight of what’s important. The devout Roman Catholic has said that she attends mass regularly. She also told GQ magazine that giving away one’s femininity to a man is strictly for after marriage, stating, “They [men] have to respect that this is my choice. If there’s no respect, that means they don’t want me.”

Beyonce Knowles

Texas, United States Age: 30 Where to start with the pop diva?

Beyonce has certainly made her mark in the music world from the early days of Destiny’s Child. Her debut album as a soloist rocketed its way to no. 1 on the billboards, winning multi-platinum certifications. Beyonce has also made history, as she is first African-American (and second woman) to win the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Songwriter of the Year Award. In spite of the diva’s strong success over the years, Beyonce has recently expressed that she now feels like she has a strong purpose in life and feels more beautiful than ever SINCE the birth of her daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

Scarlett Johansson

Eva longoria

Texas, United States Age: 37 The Desperate Housewives star claims to have been the ugly duckling when growing up and was the only one among her three sisters to have dark hair and eyes as well as darker skin – well, Longoria is living proof that good looks and beauty come with age, and we’re loving her Mexican roots.

New York, United States Age: 27 A celebrity who doesn’t starve herself (we’re sure you’re glad to hear that, men), likes to stay out of the limelight when it comes to personal life being in the press, and owns a pair of luscious lips like those... Scarlett Johansson, we bow down to you.

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Cheryl Cole

Newcastle upon Tyne, England Age: 29 Girls aloud... do you remember them?

Cole has done rather well for herself since the split of the British girl band with her work as a solo artist, judge on talent show X Factor and model for cosmetic company L’Oreal. Cole has also been labeled a “fashionista” in recent years. Living in a council estate and leaving school at the age of 16 to become a waitress, with few qualifications, Cole has undeniably done well for herself. We give you an extra thumbs-up for those looks and that style.

Megan Fox

Tennessee, United States Age: 26 We’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with Megan Fox over the years but now, one cannot deny that with her striking looks and elegant beauty, she has transformed from a mere model to a rising star and according to most men, the sexiest woman in the world. After memorably bursting onto the scene, the former Transformers eye candy left millions of viewers awestruck. Her career slowed down a bit in 2011 while the Transformers franchise continued on without her. But even so, Fox is the Tattooed bad girl we just can’t quit no matter how hard we try.

Eva Mendes

Ana Ivanovic

Florida, United States Age: 38 A fiercely independent actress who refuses to be pressed into a conventional mode or typecast, Eva Mendes was studying marketing in the late ‘90s when an agent stumbled across her photo while studying Mendes’s neighbor’s portfolio. A self proclaimed ‘girl’s girl’, Eva has always embraced her femininity. In 2011, she popped up in Fast Five and reminded us of her edginess after proving her comedic chops in 2010 with The Other Guys.

Isn’t that the type of woman every guy wants: tough and sexy one minute, fun and goofy the next?

Belgrade, Serbia Age: 24 The former world no. 1 Serbian tennis player is known for her aggressive style of play, and in June 2012 she was listed 14th on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. From picking up a racket at the age of 5, to competing as a professional since 2003, Ivanovic has collected herself 11 WTA Tour singles titles. She has also been considered by much of the press to be one of the sexiest athletes of today.

When in form, the tennis star’s forehand and strong serve are mighty tools on the court. Although Ivanovic hasn’t been in best form for some time, we know that skill and talent is just beneath the surface!

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Penelope Cruz

Madrid, Spain Age: 38 Mesmerising, talented and strong willed, she has made her way to be one of the most prominent Latin actresses in THE Hollywood film industry. Beyond her status as a well-known Hollywood actress, Penelope is actively involved in social causes. She once did A volunteer job in Uganda for two months in 1997, AND even donated all her salary she got from starring in The Hi-Lo Country (1998) to the children’s sanctuary run by Mother Teresa in Calcutta. This clearly points out all the beautiful qualities this actress retains – beauty in her looks, behavior and primarily, in her heart.

Mila Kunis

Bar Rafaeli

Israel Age 27 At a very young age, Bar Rafaeli attracted enormous amounts of attention for her stunning beauty and unbelievable ability to make men all around the world swoon! A sensation in print and on the catwalks in her native Israel, supermodel Bar Rafaeli gained Hollywood attention thanks to her well-publicised, off-camera relationship with Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio. This stunning supermodel with the downright perfect body has modeled for Sports Illustrated, Esquire and Victoria’s Secret in the past – which means we’ve all had ample opportunity to see what we’ve been missing out on these past few years!

Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union Age: 28 A petite actress with olive skin and pixie-like features, Russian born Mila Kunis became a breakout star on the FOX sitcom – That 70’s Show, playing spoiled daddy’s girl Jackie Burkhardt. After her 2010 make out scene with Natalie Portman in Black Swan, this daring actress kicked things up a notch in 2011. Not only did she extol the virtues of casual sex (Justin Timberlake) in Friends with Benefits, but she also dressed down a confrontational reporter in fluent Russian and made one lucky Marine’s year.

Jessica Alba

Caifornia, United States Age: 31 Jessica Alba is cited as one of the most interesting celebrities in Hollywood. Voted as 2006’s Most Desirable Woman, many would say she is the perfect package, combining beauty, sex appeal, charm, kindness and a slight sarcastic edge. The sultry actress has been kicking ass and making a name for herself since 2000, when she landed the lead role in James Cameron’s critically acclaimed sci-fi series – dark Angel, and now, her career shows no signs of slowing down!

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oogle "what do women look for in a man?" and you will get over 2 million results in 0.19 seconds. As well as being one of the most often Googled topics, it is the subject of interest time and time again in books, websites and women's magazines. Writers, bloggers, researchers and relationship experts claim that they know it all when it comes to what women are searching for in the male species, the secret to finding "Mr Right". But after having searched for Mr Right for the past eight years of my life, (and having failed miserably), I have started to question whether there really is a Mr Right? As a teenager I dreamt of Mr Arabian Dream, a twenty-something thobe-clad Arab man who would sweep me off my feet with romance and charm, and have a big house,

multiple cars, a housemaid and driver ready for me when we got married.

As I progressed from teenager to young woman, my expectations and the list of things I was looking for in a potential hubby changed drastically. And, shock horror, I came to the realisation that I was being too narrow-minded, concentrating on finding a man from a particular nationality, and that I might have to broaden my horizons. I have come to the point where any man who has a stable job, is not hideous to look at, is not a control freak, has the ability to take a joke and can be trusted not to lie more than Pinocchio is good enough for me.

We cannot deny that when it comes to looking for Mr Right, or any man in general, we women have different tastes – no woman conjures the same mental picture of their ideal bloke. When it comes to looking for a potential new beau, Rihanna wants a man who smells good, while in a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian proclaimed that age

Madonna looks for a man who connects with her kids

Looking for

Mr Right

"What do women look for in a man?" is the eternal question both women and men have asked themselves, and each other, for centuries.

But have we found the answer?

By Yousra Samir

78 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM guys is key and she is now on the hunt for an older man. Madonna claims that she looks for a man who can connect with her kids, although her string of toy boys over the past few years suggests that she has a thing for men who are young enough to be her sons! Yet, according to scientists and relationship experts, and even Her Majesty herself, in the end, women are all looking for the same things. While we have different perceptions of what is physically attractive in a man – some of us go for the well groomed Don Draper lookalike and others prefer a man with spectacles and a beard – it seems that when it comes to qualities and characteristics, we are more similar than we think.

Many of us are looking for a man that is financially responsible, somewhat confident, smart, funny, affectionate and reasonably attractive. While there will always be those women who are what society likes to call "gold diggers" – and proof of their existence comes in a Kanye West song – most of us are just looking for a man who is not stingy, but at the same time is wise enough not to drink away all his spare cash. With the worldwide economic recession far from over, we want a man who knows how to budget, because whether we like to admit it or not, with the lure of shoes and handbags at every street corner, we women are not always very thrifty when it comes to money.

We also want a man who is confident. By confident I mean a man who can hold his own and is able to tread that fine line between being a pushover and being so cocky you want to give him a slap on the face. You know what they say – you can find out how confident a man is from his handshake.

Being smart is another quality we all want in a man. A man who can hold an intelligent conversation that goes beyond last night's football match and what he ate for lunch.

A smart man is a man who has hobbies and interests in his life which he is passionate about. A good sense of humour is also important to many of us. Women love nothing better than a man who can make them laugh – a laid back man who can crack a good joke and make fun of himself or laugh at others taking the micky without getting a complex. But make sure he keeps the toilet humour and teenage pranks for the boys.

Not all of us are touchy-feely, sensitive and emotional beings, but all of us can agree that we prefer an affectionate man over a man who is unable to express his emotions. We are not asking for a man who will have us in a

Kim Kardashian thinks that age is key in a relationship

permanent hug, but just someone who is able to express how he feels about us through words, body language and touch. And I am sure we can all agree that we are looking for a man who does not confuse an act of affection for wanting to hop into the sack!

Last, but not least, we want someone who is reasonably attractive. Looks can be really important to some women and not as important to others. After all, if that particular man one day becomes your husband, his face is going to be the one you wake up to every morning for the rest of your life! What constitutes as good looking varies from woman to woman, some of

us like Bradley Cooper while some of us can't get enough of Paul Rudd, but one thing we can all agree on is that we are looking for a man who does not look like a complete mess. A man who knows how to put an outfit together, who can admit that he has a receding hairline or is going bald and does something about it, and keeps tabs on his facial and bodily hair. And a bit of moisturiser wouldn't harm either. All in all, for the majority of us, our lists of things that we look for in a man are realistic ones. Did I mention that he should be able to put up a book shelf, mend a broken pipe and fix the car engine too?

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GL AM guys

We asked you what you look for when it comes to Mr Right. Here are some of your replies.

Rajka Milanovic Galbraith Michella Marouni

Jewelry designer and owner of Michela Handcrafted Jewelry What I look for in a man: I look for personality as a main thing in a man. You need to be able to have something to chat about or something in common.

Attraction is very important as well – we should have chemistry between each other.

In a few words I would say that he must be smart, caring, outgoing, mature, sensitive, funny and most importantly, he should love me and accept me for who I am.

Family physician What you look for in a man changes so much as you progress from your 20's to 30's to 40's! I will preface this with saying that I am happily married and am no longer looking! But when I was "looking" so to speak it was a variety of factors. There had to be some physical attraction.

And then values and long term desires in life trumped any amount of attraction. I cut off several relationships with men who wanted to stay in the town I was training in (in Ohio) as I had no desire to spend the rest of my life in Ohio.

I wanted to travel the world and really live life.

Laura Finnerty Radio Programme Producer

What I look for in a man: I'm always attracted to a great mind. A man who seeks new experiences and enjoys good conversation. As I'm an active person, I find that naturally I'm attracted to men who play sports and enjoy physical activity. A man's fashion sense and style doesn't matter too much to me as long as they are comfortable in their own skin. However, I prefer men to be less interested in fashion than me. I'd hate to be out-styled by my partner or be told that I'm not hitting the mark with my clothing and appearance! I believe that you can judge a man by his shoes. (It's not the shoes themselves but their co-ordination with the outfit! It's not let me down so far...I'm usually right!)

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Sachinthya de Silva

Entrepreneur and owner of iCandy Online Jewelry What I look for in a man: He should be funny, but not a joker, be able to make me laugh but take on responsibility when needed and someone I don't need to worry about trusting, genuine and smart!

Let’s hear

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it for the boys

GL AM guys

It is important for men to look after their skin in the hot climate that we live in. Being exposed to constant heat and air conditioning can lead to skin dehydration, while being outside can lead to sun damage and sweating of the skin.

M

ost men are not interested in, or simply do not have time to follow a strict daily skincare routine, keeping it quick and simple. Here are a few pointers to keep your face looking and feeling handsome.

First of all, make sure you choose a range of products specifically designed for male skin that will help to combat the signs of aging but also keep excess oil production under control.

Cleanse

your skin every morning and evening. I would always recommend that you double-cleanse your skin. The first cleanse will help to remove surface dirt and grime and the second will help to deeper clean your skin and help to remove any excess oil and sweat that may get stuck in your pores which will lead to spots.

Moisturise

morning and evening after you cleanse. There are many moisturisers out there so try to pick one that is specific to your skin care needs. For

example if your skin is oily and congested try to opt for a matifying, oil controlling product; if you pick the wrong moisturiser then this can lead to more skin problems.

Research shows that men generally spend 40% more time outdoors leading to sun damage on your skin, make sure you wear SPF 15 or above

Manicures and pedicures Exfoliate

at least once a week but not on the same day as shaving, as this exfoliates your skin too. Try to leave 24-48 hours in between shaving and exfoliating.

Facial treatments

are important. If you have the time, you should definitely use a mask on your skin 2-3 times a week, also try to do this after you exfoliate.

Don’t forget your back!

Your back will sweat during the day and if you are in your car driving back and forth doing site visits, the sweat on your back is being pushed into your pores leading to breakouts. Make sure you cleanse your back thoroughly every night in the shower. You can try using a body brush for this, one with a long handle will work perfectly, this will help to minimise the risk of an uncomfortable breakout.

should also be a vital part of your grooming regime. Manicures usually take around 45 minutes and are well worth the time to keep your hands looking great for any important meetings.

For your feet, wearing open shoes can lead to very dry skin, regular pedicures will help to keep this under control and will make you feel more confident about exposing your feet.

If you wear closed shoes a lot this can lead to excessive sweating of the feet, which can also lead to infections; regular pedicures are a good way to make sure there is nothing untoward happening as infections on the feet are easy to get but hard to get rid of!

Professional shaving is beneficial to all men. Using correct shaving procedures will help to minimise the risk of ingrown hairs and shaving rashes, so treat yourself to a professional shave once in a while

Kirsten McLachlan is the Training Manager at AND Trading, ensuring all staff have up-to-date training on the newest , trendiest and highest quality services available in the market. She has been in the beauty industry for 12 years.Kirsten also manages the Nails Boutique Salon inside Zai Mall on Salwa Road where you can see her for appointments on request. She will write a regular column on skin, hair and nail care for GLAM. Join Nails Qatar on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nailsqatar e-mail: training@andtrading.net

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Do real

men practice

yoga 84 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM guys

S

tatistics show that as of 2008 (in the USA) 72.2% of yoga practitioners were women while 27.8% were men.

The percentage is a slight increase over 2005 statistics when men only made up 23% of practitioners. Why are there so few men in comparison to women, when the founders of yoga were men and yoga was primarily practiced by men in its beginnings? In fact in many instances, yoga was off limits to women.

The demographics seem to have reversed when the practice migrated from the Eastern part of the world to the West.

Though it’s been around thousands of years, yoga really only became known to much of the Western world in the 1960s. Unless you were living in the few areas where it began moving into communities, the limited exposure was usually via daytime TV that targeted stay-at-home mothers and housewives. Perhaps that’s why men came to believe it was only for women and predominantly something ‘real men’ didn’t do.

Times are slowly changing though and as the statistics show, more men are showing up in studios and gyms, rolling out their mats. On a local level here in Qatar, other than day time classes, most evening sessions are seeing larger numbers of male attendance. Why the increase?

Men are now seeing the benefits of yoga firsthand. It may be their wife/partner, or again a neighbor or colleague but they begin to notice someone’s increase in energy, better posture or weight loss.

Just by the increase in numbers practicing, men are learning of other men doing yoga. Whether it is a friend, neighbour or work colleague they are slowly coming to learn of others they can relate to, which makes it more acceptable and appealing.

Mainstream news is starting to write about yoga, often highlighting celebrities (such as Robert Downey Jr., Adam Levine or Sting) with stories of how yoga has changed their bodies and/or their lives. Or reports of how yoga has enhanced the performance of professional athletes like tennis player Andy Murray or footballer Ryan Giggs.

Men are now seeing the benefits of yoga firsthand. It may be their wife/partner, or again a neighbour or colleague, but they begin to notice someone’s increase in energy, better posture or weight loss. Or maybe it’s a noticeable drop in someone’s overall irritability, or they witness an ability to manage stress better at work or in life.

Gaining knowledge of the benefits of yoga through others or from the news, men who may be experiencing back pain or ongoing stress may finally decide to try yoga rather than keeping with alternatives that have not

been helping. After years of competitive sports, many men are at times left with injuries and are looking for an activity that has a low risk of injury and is more about strengthening and actually healing the body.

Or they realise they need to work on their range of motion, flexibility and strength to lead a healthy life, particularly as the years start to creep by.

Whatever the reason that brings men to yoga, as with anyone, it’s important to find the right style and teacher suited to their needs whether looking for a more relaxed style, or whether their desire is to pursue a rigorous, physically challenging style of practice.

There are added benefits of course other than just the physical aspects of a yoga practice. But often for men, even more so than for women, those discoveries are probably best left to investigate further along their journey. First, let’s work to provide positive role models, knowledge and accessibility to entice them to the mat.

So do real men practice yoga? I’m not so sure what makes for a ‘real man’, but I would say wise men practice yoga!

Jody Ryan (RYT) completed her Yoga Teacher Training in June 2011 and is currently teaching at Yama Yoga Studios (www.yamayogastudios.com). Being fairly new to yoga but older in life, she hopes to inspire those around her to dive deep into yoga and themselves no matter where they’re at along their journey.

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Bliss for Boys

Qatar’s

Hot Spots

With the country booming, there’s a lot more to do in bustling Qatar than one might think. GLAM rounds up some of the country’s hottest attractions for the boys to enjoy.

By Elysia Windrum

1

Six Senses Spa (Sharq Village & Spa) Take some time out for pampering yourself – you deserve it. Why not try a facial, back cleanse or a manicure? Sharq offers three special treatments just for men: Man’s Maintenance facial for all skin types. Options are 30/50/80 minutes at QR300/500/600 Men’s Cleansing Back – a treatment that cleanses and exfoliates the back, followed by a back massage and mask. Options are 30/50/80 minutes at QR300/500/600 Men’s Manicure for 30 minutes at QR250 Six Senses Spa also offers many more calming, traditional treatments.

Call 4425 6999 for more details.

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GL AM GUYS

2

InterContinental Hotel Spend a day at the pool bar with a fresh juice or cocktail in one hand and a bite to eat in the other! Situated right beside Doha’s largest freeform pool, the bar offers a wide range of ice-cold drinks and satisfying snacks like shawarma wraps. Enjoy the beach for a stroll, swim or even hire a boat.

Boat hire is available from 8-6 pm.

For more information call 4484 4444.

3

jones the grocer (The Gate Mall) The Australian franchise recently opened at The Gate shopping mall and is already gaining a reputation for its delicious cuisine. Make sure you visit this chic cafe for sandwiches, pastries, artisanal groceries, coffee and much more.

Call 4407 7175 for more information.

4

Doha Golf Club Spend the day on the 150-hectare 18 hole Championship Course or the 9 hole Academy Course if you just want a quick, casual game. Unwind after at the Oasis Member Lounge by grabbing a snack while overlooking the Championship Course (for members only), or at the Spikes Lounge, which is known for its fusion of being both upbeat and tranquil as it overlooks the greens.

For more information and membership details call 4496 0777

5

Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge (Katara) With its fine cuisine, pastries and distinctive shisha, Sukar Pasha is a recipe for complete satisfaction.

Embrace Turkish traditions as you dine in the surroundings of snug sofas, or enjoy Qatar’s horizon from the tranquil outdoor seating area. Complete your experience with one of Sukar Pasha’s four custom shisha blends.

For more details, call 4408 2002.

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6 7

Champions (Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel) The new American sports bar is popular among the men of Qatar.

With over 40 screens as well as private rooms, it’s the ultimate place to watch your favourite sports games. Lavish private rooms can be booked for a minimum consumption of QR 5,000.

For more information call 4419 6100

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8

Trader Vic’s (Hilton Hotel Doha) The newly opened franchise serves the finest Chinese, Japanese, Polynesian, Vietnamese, Thai, French, and Californian cuisine. As for the drinks, there are over 200 unique cocktails on the menu, all inspired by Mai Tai. Trader Vic’s offers an upbeat, sophisticated experience – one that must be tried by all.

Call 4423 3333 for more details.

Jazz Club (Oryx Rotana) The Jazz Club is Qatar’s first official jazz lounge. The five piece band play a variety of songs from blues to popular classics. The lounge opens at 7 pm with happy hour running until 9pm, what better way to start the night!

Unwind in your leather seat and soak in the jazz beats while enjoying a beverage and a bite to eat from the Asian inspired cuisine. We strongly recommend booking your table in advance though, as the lively room quickly fills up, particularly on weekends.

For information call 4402 3333.

GL AM GUYS

10

9

Katara Beach

Habanos (Ritz Carlton Doha) Enjoy puffing on a wide selection of premium cigars while listening to live entertainment and sipping on a signature cocktail. When ordering your first beverage, get a second one free at happy hour running Saturday to Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm. August 24 & September 24 get down to Habanos, where the team are holding cocktail classes. Learn some delicious recipes and show off your skills for the summer! Classes cost QR225.

Call 4484 8000 for more details.

Spend a day at Katara Beach enjoying the array of water sports activities, or just take a stroll and sunbathe on the private beach if you like. Water sports activities include: water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing, banana boat rides, knee boarding, parasailing, windsurfing and hobie cats (small sailing boats).

There are also lessons available in wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing and water Skiing for all the sports fanatics out there!

11

Market by Jean-Georges Brunch (W Hotel) If you haven’t experienced a Friday brunch at Market yet then you’re missing out! Enjoy the jazz band while indulging in your choice of International and Mediterranean cuisines for a price of QR 280, or QR320 with cocktails.

For reservations call 4453 5135.

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STYLE Sp ts With Fashion Week making its rounds and summer in full swing, it is definitely the season to be style conscious. With more and more cities emerging as strong fashion destinations around the world, we think it’s time to pack those bags and travel to breathtakingly beautiful places.

By Rhea Mariam Kuriena

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GL AM GUYS

p

aris continues to be the ultimate destination for the fashion conscious crowd.

The city is considered to be one of the most beautiful and exciting fashion havens. From high-end purchases to everyday necessities, Paris offers a huge bouquet for you to explore. Well-known for its high fashion and haute couture brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent, Paris leaves you wanting more. One place you shouldn’t miss out on is The Galeries Lafayette. The perfect shopper’s paradise for the fashion enthusiast, the store is fashioned around a middle-eastern bazaar and is situated close to Opera Garnier. The Champs Elysees is a prestigious avenue filled with exclusive items and shopping here would mean paying a few extra bucks for apparel and lifestyle brands including Zara, Gap and Sephora. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, Paris boasts numerous flea markets such as Le Village St. Paul and Les Puces – which happens to be the world’s biggest flea market. Shoppers can browse through anything from antiques and wall hangings to intricate jewellery, clothes and accessories. Department stores and outlet malls such as Les Quatre temps, Marques Avenue and Samaritaine do not fail to impress either. Paris is an absolute delight when it comes to classic designer wear. Boutiques like Colette, L’ Eclaireur and Christophe Lemaire stock up on designs by local upcoming designers as well as more established favorites. Authentic French designers to watch out for include John Galliano and Jean-Paul Gaultier, whose menswear designs are always bold, daring, unique and undeniably tasteful.

Though a purchase from these designers might leave a hole in your wallet, it is something that any fashion conscious man shouldn’t miss out on!

Jean-Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2013

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Raoul Autumn/Winter 2012

C

osmopolitan and polished, Singapore is one of South-East Asia’s most glamorous capitals, which serves as a shopper’s paradise. Already an established tourist spot, in recent years Singapore has also made an impact on the fashion scene with upcoming talented designers such as Ashley Isham and Jonathan Seow.

The pristine malls of Singapore groan under fashion heavyweights Chanel, Gucci, Burberry and many more. The most renowned shopping attraction in Singapore is Orchard Road – where mall after mall conjoin to take your shopping experience to a whole other level! High end malls like Ion and Takashimaya are filled with designer labels including Juicy Couture, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, La Perla and so on. Experience roadside shopping at its best at Little India and Chinatown Night Market.

Singapore’s own fashion scene has blossomed so vivaciously simply because of the fresh raw talent that has been bursting onto the scene in the past few years. If in Singapore, two established local labels that one shouldn’t miss are Raoul and Alldressedup.

Alldressedup is known for its sophisticated yet easy-to-wear style.

Raoul is well known for its menswear, which boasts classy, chic, straight off the runway looks. So men, if you’re looking for that timeless, unparalleled class and elegance in your wardrobe, Raoul is your haven.

N

GL AM GUYS

John Varatos Spring/Summer 2013

ew York has quite a few nicknames – including the Big Apple and the Empire State, but what rules this city unanimously is its incredible fashion and style. The city that never sleeps offers the latest trends, and with designers and department stores constantly upping each other, the city’s shopping districts have never looked so inviting!

When it comes to shopping in NYC, your options are all but limitless. Here you will find many of the world’s best stores, including Bloomingdales and Macy’s. One must also explore the countless Fifth Avenue Boutique shops such as Tiffany & Co., Henri Bendel, Bergdof Goodman and the quality leather goods store A. Testoni. You’ll also find iconic NYC specialty shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Century 21, fun open-air markets like the Green Flea Market and famous NYC toy stores like FAO Schwarz. When it comes to men’s fashion in New York, dynamic new fashion labels are invigorating New York’s menswear. In the past few years, a handful of talented young designers have founded clothing lines exclusively for men. Gone are the days when menswear took a backseat to women’s fashion. These designers provide the discerning shopper with distinct interpretations of the traditional male wardrobe.

One such local designer is John Varatos who creates updated versions of wardrobe staples – leather jackets, denim and tailored suiting – while at the same time, adding a hint of rock n’ roll edge to it. A definite must have on your shopping list when in New York, guys!

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Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2013

L

ondon’s fashion past has always been a vibrant one and the city continues to attract shoppers from all over the world. London is the ultimate shopping destination and it shows off its shopping hotspots with great enthusiasm, leaving us with various places where visitors can spend hours wandering from one store to the next. Shoppers are spoilt for choice when selecting an ideal place to shop around.

Oxford Street, often addressed as the heart of shopping in London, is a bustling area, home to more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores. Home to the legendary Selfridges, it also boasts famous stores including John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser. You will also find everything from H&M, Zara, and Primark to Gap and Topshop. If you’ve got money to splurge on the very best in designer clothes, then Bond Street and Mayfair are your saviours. Some of the best designer stores including Chanel, Burberry, Versace, Ferragamo, Miu Miu and Smythson line this street. Visit Knightsbridge and Brompton Road if you’re looking for prestigious brands and latest trends from the world’s fashion elite; best-known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols, you’ll also find a host of big-name designers on Sloane Street. Don’t forget to visit Westfield London, which is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe. Whether you want hip fashion, unique gifts or one-off handmade jewellery, Covent Garden is a great place to explore. Famous worldwide thanks to the movie of the same name, Notting Hill offers a wide array of boutiques selling vintage clothing, quirky gifts and so on. In terms of men’s fashion, it is the fastest growing sector in London, with men finally spending their money on fashion, and shopping like women! London boasts well established local designers such as Christopher Kane, Paul Smith and Jonathan Saunders who have taken menswear to a whole new level with their innovative designs, contemporary detailing and sharply- tailored outfits.

Ermenegildo Zegna Spring/Summer 2013

GL AM GUYS

Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2013

I

f you’re under the impression that Milan’s greatest attraction is Leonardo’s ‘Last Supper’, think again!

This sprawling metropolis is considered to be the fashion capital of the world. Modern, sophisticated and stylish, what’s not to love about this charming Italian city? Aptly known as the Mecca for fashion enthusiasts, this city provides fashionistas with endless options of the latest trends. When it comes to shopping in Italy, there are several reasons why Milan is the winner, handsdown.

First of all, Milan is home to dozens of top designers including Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada and Donatella Versace. And because there’s always the risk of the designers themselves dropping in to check on their own stores, the managers always look the part by having up-to-the-minute interiors, courteous sales assistants and the very best stock!

What’s more, many of the stores have features that you wont find anywhere but Milan – the largest Armani store in Via Manzoni is a definite must-see, the Prada store in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is the globe’s oldest, while Gianfranco Ferre’s boutique on Via Sant’ Andrea boasts an attached spa! Those who are looking for smaller, more alternative stores should probably head on out to the boutiques on Corso di Porta Ticinese, or the Brera area.

Men, if you’re looking for that perfect tuxedo or crisp tailored suit, look no further than Ermenegildo Zegna’s boutique on Via P. Verri 3. What began as a textile house in 1910 has now become synonymous with elegant menswear.

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Mona Al Ansari Upcoming local fashion designer Mona Al Ansari chats to GLAM at her first fashion show in the surroundings of W Doha

By Orna Ballout 96 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

'

ollowing a last minute decision to postpone her fashion show due to unforeseen circumstances, 31-year-old Qatari fashion designer Mona Al Ansari faced a slight problem. “We cancelled the first show because it was planned to take place the next day after the Villaggio tragedy.

After moving the date, it was difficult sourcing new models as most of them had exams and we didn’t have much time to rehearse.”

Despite the setback, Doha’s upcoming fashion talent delivered an excellent show in W Doha’s living room, featuring a selection of mesmerising must-have designs that are set to bring the designer a promising future.

Mona follows in the footsteps of Selina Farooqui as the second winner of the W Doha and VCUQ Fashion Award. With support from the trendy hotel, Mona will go on to design a collection inspired by the hotel, and get the opportunity to travel abroad to showcase her collection.

W Doha Hotel & Residences GM Safak Guvenc commented: “This is the first happening of the year we are hosting for designer Mona Al Ansari and we are really happy to see that it has been a tremendous success. Fashion is one of the W Brand's passion points which encourages us to continuously support up and coming young talented designers, such as Mona, in all the cities where W hotels are located.”

Chatting to GLAM behind the scenes, Mona shared her feelings. “I’m very excited about the show. I don’t know what people will think of my collection; maybe they’ll like it because it features trendy colours for the season and a lot of unusual shapes. I’m comfortable but I’m also nervous.”

Mona didn’t have anything to worry about, as ‘Edifice’, the name of the collection presented, was a real crowd pleaser. Mona’s studious background in both interior and fashion design influenced the name. “My collection is based

GL AM meets

on the shape of buildings, volume and unusual cuts. The name is a merge of my first and second major.”

Completing two degrees understandably took up a lot of the designer’s time, and her role as a wife and mother, at times, had to take a back seat. “My husband was such a huge support, most of my time was spent at the university and it was very difficult for me to manage my time; especially when I was in the senior year of fashion, because I needed to work on the mannequin and all the equipment was in the university.”

Quick Fire

wear classic things that are also unusual.

What unique things are you bringing to the fashion industry?

Do you face a lot of challenges as a fashion designer?

The unusual shapes of my designs are quite unique.

As the winner of the W Doha and VCUQ Fashion Award, I can’t present anything lower than my first collection. I have to always think about what the public will think of me, and keep challenging myself to do something better.

In your collection ‘Edifice’, do you have a fave piece?

I like the grey long sleeve dress. The neck has been created using wire which can be re-shaped and worn in many different styles.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is exactly like my collection. When I enter a place, I like to be the focal point. I like to

Tell us your future plans.

I’m going to create a second collection based on W Doha. For this, I need to go around the hotel and see what inspires me, in things such as the lights, furniture and colours. And of course it’s my dream to have my own store in the future.

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Jacket, Pants & Top: Zara Shoes: Massimo Dutti Watch and Ring: I am Belt: Bershka

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GL AM FASHIOn

Do It

Like a

Dude Channel boyish charm in tailored threads and minimal accessories, paying homage to the ever so popular masculine trend.

Photographer: Rob Altamirano Model: Isabella Haycock Hair & Make-up: Jenny Schoenmann (www.jennyschoenmann.com, www.beauty-doha.com) Styling: Maryann Agpay and Sameela Arshad, La Vedette Fashion and Image Consulting Shoot Coordination: Orna Ballout Location: The Venue

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Jacket: Massimo Dutti Top: Zara

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Jacket and Scarf: Pull & Bear Top: Bershka Shorts: Zara Hat: Pimkie

GL AM FASHIOn

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Scarf: Bershka Jacket and Top: Zara

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GL AM FASHIOn Jacket and Shorts: Zara Top: Bershka Watch: I am Sunglasses: Oakley (Oculis)

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Shirt, Top, Skirt and Shoes: Pull & Bear Belt: Bershka Necklace: MOA Bracelet: I am

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GL AM FASHIOn

Hair & makeup pro Jenny working hard before her baby break, best of luck Jenny!

The girls’ making last minute touches on model Isabella

behind the scenes

The team pose for a group shot at the uber glam new spa ‘The Venue’.

La Vedette’s stylist Maryann compiling looks for our masculine-inspired theme

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Poolside

Glamour Lynette Cowie, The Style Revivalist, dives into aquatic territory to shop for a sun-drenched wardrobe.

F

rom beach-ready to bombshell worthy silhouettes, it’s your time to shimmer and shine. There’s no better way to do this than under the warm glow of dreamy holiday wear!

Bi-annually, designers and models congregate to showcase high-end cruise collections, magically reworking classic Breton stripes and anchor prints, typically peppered with swimsuits. While enough to whet one’s

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appetite, let’s face it, these inter-seasonal collections don’t feverishly quench one’s personal style thirst.

So I advocate it’s time, for now at least, to ditch being a follower of the resort wear that adorns pony-poised models, and go for readily accessible pieces, worn by ‘real’ women with real curves. If planned for, the result will be an eclectic, interchangeable mix of body flattering, fun and affordable pieces. All in all, a star-studded cast for your holiday arsenal.

Where better to see these fashion freedoms than on the streets, beaches and poolside of ones’ holiday destinations? So open your eyes to their inspiration, embrace the vibrancy of cities and beaches, and be bold with your summertime buys.

Get your feet wet right here at home; take advantage of our sunbaked climate’s crosscultural resort wear. The super glamorous, body-conscious holiday wardrobe has never been more appealing, although take heed, a good dose of body confidence and selfacceptance is key to feeling beautiful.

While some of us can see ourselves in these ‘itsy, bitsie’ pieces, confidently joining the best of the beach-goers, shimmering over sundowner and partying with panache, these items can awaken body conscious insecurities, or all-out anxiety.

The confidence you can derive from your water-ready wardrobe has the potential to greatly enhance the enjoyment of your holiday.

GL AM STYLE SNAPSHOT

Water Babe & Day Tripper Make the summer holidays memorable with these interchangeable pieces for 4 hot holiday scenarios that exude glamour and comfort

Water Babe

Day Tripper

Beat the rays brilliantly.

Accessorize QR 262

Get a head start on holiday.

Accessorize QR 102

The omnipresent sunglasses.

Victoria’s Secret QR 465 Meet the sun’s rays in yellow.

Karen Millen QR 293

Styled for movement and fluidity.

Aftershock QR 679

Printed spells prefect this season.

Karen Millen QR 618

The essential lightweight carryall.

Vincci QR 209

Sizzle while wave slashing.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 656

Singularly spectacular.

Victoria’s Secret QR 225

Find comfort and style in a wedge.

Dune QR 399

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City Sightseer & Night Star

As easy to pack as to wear, lightweight and breathable, these casually elegant mix and match pieces are designed to look great with minimal fuss Night Star

City Sightseer

A cuff in brilliant blues.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 438

Have a second pair on hand.

Victoria’s Secret QR 465

Exude a subtle sexiness.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 1462

Cover with a lightweight jacket.

Karen Millen QR 618

This sleeveless top is city cool.

Karen Millen QR 260

Ideal in size and statement.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 656

Introduce some girlie texture.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 626

Add detail and texture.

BCBG MAXAZRIA QR 189

Versatile silver sandals.

Dune QR 249

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Flaunt wrist appeal.

Accessorize QR 36

Make a lasting impact.

Dune QR 799

GL AM STYLE SNAPSHOT

Ab crunches, thigh slim-downs and tush tightening aside, here are some styling tips to make your swimsuit do all the work!

Ample bum and thighs:

Opt for a higher cut leg, in a monochromatic dark neutral tone, and then bring attention to your smaller areas through bold colour, print or accessories. Definitely stay clear of boy shorts; while they offer more cover, the expanse of fabric, together with the low, horizontal line of the cut, makes one appear broader and shorter legged.

Stylist’s Little Black Book Victoria’s Secret +974 4421 5788 Accessorize +974 5560 2407 Dune +974 4487 8158 Aftershock +974 4486 9117 Karen Millen +974 4486 7752 BCBG MAXAZRIA +974 4487 9324

for added elongation.

Shopping and care tips Straight up and down:

Specialised tummy-controlled tankini and one-piece swimsuits are designed for torso tightening. Modesty is key, as there’s ample opportunity to expose and bring focus to one’s slimmer areas, such as legs, arms or decolletage.

Create some waistline curves with a cutout one-piece. Horizontal patterns on a bikini also give the elusion of more width on the bust and hips, thereby making the waist appear smaller by comparison. Avoid overly simplified designs and dark one-piece suits, which will further emphasise a static figure.

Big busts:

Fuller figured:

Select an underwire cup with either a bra-strap configuration or a dual, broader halter and back strap in a darker shade. Stay away from the strapless, non-wired bandeau style top, as their horizontal design line makes the chest appear broader, while offering little support.

Black is a natural concealer, while princess seaming and a low V or halter one-piece neckline will give shape and a well-fitting form.

Well-appointed vertical prints can offer added elongation.

Bouncing bellies:

Long and lean: Flatter fronts:

Bandeau and triangular tops look fabulous on women with smaller breasts, while the push-up halter offers enhanced cleavage. Padding and detailing like side rouching, ruffles and bows will also create the curves. Have fun with bright colours and eye-catching prints to make the bust appear fuller.

Petite:

Visually create length by choosing a swimsuit with a high cut leg in a solid colour or monochromatic tones, with minimal detail to distract the eye. Pair this with a long necklace

with a sheer silk tunic or kaftan. It’s sure to have you dreaming of St Tropez or the Bahamas.

For a quick solution to cover up try the ease of a sarong, ideal for those scorching days.

Bang-on-trend, shop for the elasticated high-low skirt. Its shaped hemline adds a dramatic touch.

Board short and cropped pants are practical, sporty options when taking long walks, denim being a firm favourite.

Blessed with a ‘bikini model’ figure, the sexy string bikini and brazilian style bikinis and swimsuits are winners. Be bold and daring in the selection of prints, embellishments and colours. Be sure to try neon this season!

Cover-ups:

Having spent time and effort in finding the most flattering swimsuit be sure to give your cover up just as much thought!

For all-out glamour, the crochet or lace slip dress, in this season’s favoured white, is the swiftest way to pull a holiday look together.

Add some sexy mystique to your swimwear

While swimsuits aren’t meant to last forever, innovative fibers are being developed for durability against the damaging effects of chlorine, suntan lotions and body oils. There are even fibers to help resist sagging and bagging. Heard of tan through swimsuits? This is an ideal solution for maintaining modesty without unsightly tan lines. When all is said and done though, it’s the care you offer your swimwear that will predict its longevity.

Ready to rinse:

Whether in an ocean, swimming pool or hot tub, salt, chlorine, and bromine compromise the fabric, so be sure to stand under a shower or rinse the swimsuit separately in cool or lukewarm tap water.

Heat hurts:

Don’t leave your swimsuit to dry in the sun, as this fades the colours and loosens the elasticity.

Opt for an older suit when going into a hot tub.

If machine washing, wash cold and hang to dry.

Never use a dryer or an iron.

Nicking fabric:

Avoid wearing any accessory with Velcro fastenings and sit on a towel when near rough pool edges and decks.

Most of all enjoy your holidays by being kind to your beautiful body!

Aptly known as The Style Revivalist, Lynette Cowie assists the ladies of Doha in finding and developing their confidence through her innovative personal, wardrobe and shopping styling methods. For individual styling consultations visit www.lynettecowie.com

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DIY

Beauty What’s not to like about by DIY face masks and facials?

They’re cheap, fast, easy to make, 100% natural, and they’re made up of simple foods you can find in almost any kitchen with ingredients containing proven skincare benefits.

So the next time you are in need of a facial mask, have a little look in your cupboards and see what you can come up with.

Here are a few hints and tips towards natural, homemade skincare.

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GL AM BEAUTY

R

emember that different skin types require different treatment. Although the homemade facial mask treatment is not as strong as a pharmaceutical one, you should know which ingredients to use for which type of skin.

Two of my favourite ingredients for masks are yoghurt and honey and here’s why...

Yoghurt contains high amounts of Lactic Acid, proven to be successful in refining pores, exfoliating the skin and stimulating collagen production. Unlike most other exfoliants that are harsh, it gently cleans the skin and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Plus, its thick and creamy texture lends a pastelike consistency that’s ideal for any face mask.

Honey is an all natural humectant – it retains water to help keep the skin soft and moisturised.

It also functions as an antimicrobial agent and can even be used to treat minor burns and cuts.

An anti-irritant, it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin. On top of it all, it makes a great binder for all the other ingredients in the mask.

paste. Spread over the face and leave on for 1015 minutes. Wash off with a warm washcloth and gently pat dry.

Tightening Mask

To create a simple tightening face mask add the white of one egg to plain yoghurt and whisk them together. Leave this on your skin for around 15 minutes for best results; if your skin is a little dry you can add some honey to this too!

No time?

If you don’t have time to make a mask but you have a special party to go to you can simply just use plain yogurt on your face too. All you have to do is wash your face with your regular cleanser, gently pat dry your skin and then apply some plain yoghurt for 15-20 minutes.

Regular application of an egg white mask shrinks skin pores thereby preventing accumulation of dirt in pores. It puts an end to pimple and acne breakouts Avocado Mask

Moisturisng Mask

For a quick and simple moisturising mask use 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1-2 tablespoons of cooked and cooled oatmeal.

Mix everything together until it forms a smooth

Avocados naturally contain a deep penetrating vegetable oil that is perfect for dry skin care.

Maybe the most important element of avocado is that it is a good source of potassium, which is known as the youth mineral, so it can help your skin maintain its healthy and beautiful glow.

All you need is:

1/2 ripe avocado, 1 Tablespoon natural honey, 1 Tablespoon natural yoghurt.

Mash the avocado with a fork until creamy, add the natural honey and yoghurt and stir it all together.

Wash your face gently with warm water and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the avocado face mask to your face and neck. Place cucumber slices over your eyes and relax. Allow the mask to set for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water, and again patting dry.

Don’t forget natural foods that will care for your eyes!

While you are relaxing with your homemade mask don’t forget to peel and slice two pieces of cucumber to place over your eyes. With natural gentle astringent properties, cucumber is the perfect addition to your face mask, as it cleans, nourishes hydrates and helps reduce circles underneath the eyes. Potatoes are also great for reducing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. The natural enzymes found in potatoes are a common ingredient in beauty products to help brighten the skin. If you have time then you can use the puree of one raw potato and apply it around your eye area, be careful not to get it into your eyes! Or as it’s quicker just simply cut 2 slices of potato and pop them over your eyes et voila, super bright and happy eyes.

Kirsten McLachlan is the Training Manager at AND Trading, ensuring all staff have up-to-date training on the newest , trendiest and highest quality services available in the market. She has been in the beauty industry for 12 years.Kirsten also manages the Nails Boutique Salon inside Zai Mall on Salwa Road where you can see her for appointments on request. She will write a regular column on skin, hair and nail care for GLAM. Join Nails Qatar on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nailsqatar e-mail: training@andtrading.net

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 111

VANIty

Compiled by CASSEY OLIVEIRA

CASE

01

Porefessional balm from Benefit Maybe you can't get rid of your pores completely, but you can now camouflage them with this silky, lightweight balm that provides translucent pore coverage for smoother all skin tones.

03

Glam says: Pore, no more!

02

04

Shimmer Cheek Glow from Bobbi Brown The very purpose of the Miami collection from Bobbi Brown is to pacify those who can't make it to Miami this summer. This sheer powder formula blends easily on your skin to impart a natural glow with soft shimmer – just like what you get after lazing around on the Miami beaches.

Glam says: Get the Miami glaze!

03

Effet 3D Max 8H gloss from Bourjois The juicy pomegranate makes its debut in a new range of incredibly fresh, glamorous and utterly delicious lip gloss colours. Bursting with smoothing and regenerating properties, this fruity extract ensures your lips are naturally more beautiful.

01

Glam says: Lip-smackingly good!

04

While we continue to battle facial discolouration, Clinique has come up with an "even better" solution. This new concealer is designed to help camouflage dark spots and cover under eye circles while its Vitamin C rich formula helps skin look radiant.

The best part is it's sweat-resistant, so don't worry about smudging.

Glam says: Farewell flaws!

05

Velvet Rose & Oud fragrance from Jo Malone The darkest of the damask rose is wrapped with smoky oud wood, spiked with clove and soaked in praline to create this deeply sensual scent.

Glam says: We're addicted!

06

05

Even Better Concealer from Clinique

Lady Cool fragrance from Dueto Parfums Finally a scent that defines the urban lady and celebrates her unique hip style. This perfume opens with a fresh floral and sweet scent then evolves into tenacious warm woody notes that are enriched with a pleasant musky scent.

Glam says: Stay cool, spray cool!

112 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

02

GL AM beauty Bronzing beauty emulsion from Lancaster 09

11

07

So you hate to go out in the sun, but secretly crave a bronzed look?

The tan adapt technology of this tan glow emulsion takes care of your dilemma. It comes with a specific combination of powders and pigments encapsulated in spherical beads, which on contact with the skin, burst open to release colour. Since it's an artificial tan, a shower is all that is needed to take it off.

Glam says: Have fun without the sun!

Radiance & Colour Care hair mask from L'occitane

06

08

Colour-treated hair requires extra attention; you have to nourish it with essential oils. This hair mask melts into the hair, enhances its shine and gives it an instant beauty boost. Your hair is protected too!

Glam says: Protect your mane!

Inoa 2 parts hair colour from L'Oreal Taking its ammonia-free hair colour a step further, L'Oreal offers all you colour freaks the INOA 2 parts – a permanent hair colour that has been activated by oil to maximise colour power while protecting the hair fibre, to give you incredibly stunning coloured tresses!

09

Glam says: Bless your tress!

Pure Custo Collector's edition perfume from Custo Barcelona

10

The dazzling metallised fabric of the bottle is as captivating as the lavish, seductive and addictive scent the bottle holds. A concoction of citrusy lemon, floral violets, exotic peppers, and sugary fruits laced with the evocative vanilla makes this scent irresistible.

07

Glam says: A spritz of seduction!

10

60 Seconds Nail Polish from Rimmel London

11

60 seconds... Yes, turn your nails from drab to fab in just a minute with this fast-drying nail paint that leaves your nails feeling pampered and protected beneath a smooth, chip-and scratch-resistant film of colour.

Isn't this yellow nail paint simply wow?

Glam says: Flash those nails!

Nail board from Sally Hansen Roughened nail edges don't look pretty. Get rid of them with this handy coarse nail board that works best even on hard, tough nails.

Glam says: It's time to trim!

08

12

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 113

12

Karl Lagerfeld launching Shu Uemura beauty line

K

arl Lagerfeld has collaborated with Japanese beauty giant Shu Uemura on a one-off beauty line set to go on sale internationally this November.

The Chanel creative director is well accustomed to the brand, having used Shu Uemura cosmetics to hand-colour his fashion sketches for over two decades.

The creator has now come up with a special holiday collection for the firm, which will be labeled Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura.

While specific details on the range have not yet been revealed, Karl Lagerfeld president Pier Paolo Righi recently said that the products will reflect the designer’s “iconic, ironic style.”

114 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Nicole Richie launching debut fragrance

t

aking steps to move ever further into the realms of lifestyle brand, reality star Nicole Richie has revealed details on her debut perfume – which will hit stores internationally beginning

this September.

The reality star-turned-designer’s first epony-

mous scent features notes ranging from blackberry and orange to sandalwood and patchouli.

It is inspired by the layers of scented oils and lotions she recalls her mother wearing when she was growing up.

“I have a very traditional Southern mom -- you never left the house without lotion,” Richie told WWD. “It wasn’t just a one-dimensional smell – there were many different layers.”

GL AM beauty

Spray tans may not be that safe after all

w

hile spray tans have been considered a safer alternative to tanning beds or basking in the sun, scientists are now warning that fake bronzing may be linked to serious health problems, including cancer.

The active chemical used in spray tans, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), can enter the lungs and is then absorbed into the bloodstream where it could damage DNA and cause tumors, according to a panel of medical experts who reviewed 10 scientific studies on DHA, according to American television broadcaster ABC News.

Scientists claim the chemical may make asthma

Nicolas Winding Refn and Blake Lively shooting the Gucci Premihre campaign

worse, as well as other lung problems such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to the report, while America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DHA’s use in self-tanning products back in the 1970s, that was before spray tanning, which presents the possibility of inhaling or ingesting the chemical – this holds true for both tanning salons and at-home aerosol spray tanning products. According to the FDA’s website: “The use of DHA in ‘tanning’ booths as an allover spray has not been approved by the FDA, since safety data to support this use has not been submitted to the agency for review and evaluation.”

Fifty Shades of Grey fragrance: novel set for beauty world domination

a

s film buffs continue to speculate over who might star in an upcoming adaptation of bestselling novel Fifty Shades of Grey, beauty junkies can look forward to an array of spin-off cosmetic merchandise based on the trilogy.

Penned by British writer E. L. James, the first book in the series became an international phenomenon in 2011, and subsequent titles Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed have caused just as much of a stir.

Fans of the trilogy can look forward to an eventual movie adaptation, although rather less predictably there will also be a beauty collection to look forward to, including perfume and other spin-off products.

‘Gossip Girl’ star Blake Lively latest Gucci face

g

ucci has announced that Gossip Girl star Blake Lively is its latest face, with the 24-year-old American actress to appear in the campaign for new scent Gucci Premiere.

Influenced by old Hollywood charm and inspired by the fashion house’s couture line of the same name, Gucci Premiere eau de parfum features top notes of bergamot and orange blossom, a heart of white flowers and musk, and base notes such as leather and wood.

While the scent is set to launch internationally this September, it will first hit the UK late July with exclusives at department stores Harrods and Selfridges.

(c) Gucci

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 115

Tales from Thailand

By Cassey Oliveira

i

t was only last August that we, like our other counterparts in Qatar, partook in the summer exodus ritual, trading four days of Qatar’s scorching summer for an exotic experience in Thailand. The memories of our time in Bangkok still run fresh in my mind, so when a media familiarisation trip, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, came along in June, I was not entirely sure if the country would fascinate me as much as it did as a first-timer.

But given it was an all-expenses-paid trip, and an opportunity to shove work aside for a week, would have hated myself if I said no. Moreover, apart from Bangkok, there were two places on my itinerary that I hadn’t visited yet – Chiang Mai and Khao Yai. Yes, I was definitely game.

After living in the Gulf for a long time, it’s hard to accept Monday as the start of the working

116 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

week. There we were, the weary bunch of journalists, stuck in the Monday morning traffic as our vehicle trudged its way to Hotel Pullman Bangkok King Power. In between winks of sleep, I spotted Bangkok’s famous taxis in bright and bold yellows, greens and pinks also stalled in traffic.

A lunch buffet on the River City cruise kept us reasonably full as we set out to visit the two famous temples of Bangkok. The Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, was founded in the 16th century, and is one of the

oldest temples in the city. The temple owes its popularity to the huge reclining Buddha statue stationed there which measures 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height – making it almost impossible to capture the entire statue through your camera lens in one shot.

Bangkok’s beautiful skyline is best viewed from the highest point of the Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, for which you have to brace yourself to climb the perilous steep steps that menacingly get steeper with altitude.

In between the two temple visits, we took the

The grand palace

GL AM EXPERIENCE

Shopping Spree Street-shopping has its own share of fun, and Bangkok spoils you with choice with the umpteen bazaars that seem to have sprung up from nowhere. Top picks would be the Chatuchak weekend market, Sapahn Phut market, Pratu Nam, Patpong night market and Siam Square.

Haggling with vendors is a must though.

0000

canal tour in a long-tail motor boat along the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi area. Now the waters are not exactly pristine, they are actually rather muddy. But it’s not the waters that serve the purpose of the canal tour, it’s seeing how life thrives in the stilt houses lining the river that makes the tour endearing. Our motor boat halted at a certain fish-feeding point. Offering food (chunks of bread) to fishe is supposed to bring good luck and good health.

I secretly hoped it would also bring in good weather as I grew tired of wiping sweat off my face.

Another spot to marvel at Thailand’s colourful heritage is Siam Niramat that stages one of the most spectacular shows in the country. Over 150 performers take you through the history of the kingdom of Siam, the civilisations it nurtured, its spiritual journey and joyous festivals, in a breath-taking performance complemented by stunning set designs and special effects. Since the show is held daily at eight in the evening, come a little early to relish the dinner buffet and do a quick tour of the Village of the Four Regions.

We begin a fresh new day in Bangkok with a visit to the city’s famous landmark – the Grand Palace. Established in 1782, the huge complex sprawls across an area of 218,000 square metres and consists of the royal residence and throne halls, several government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

The temple is a mix of Cambodian and Thai architecture and glistens with its gold-plated mosaic of square tiles. Guarding the monastery entrance are gigantic statues of mythological creatures. As you walk through the ordination hall, a series of mural painting on the walls JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 117

siam ocean world

Wat arun – the temple of the dawn

a show in progress at Siam Niramat

motor Boats on the Chao Phraya River

Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Village of the Four Regions at Siam Niramit

tell the story of the spiritual journey of Lord Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is actually carved from green jade, but a high priest who discovered the image mistook the green stone as for emerald and this is how the legend of the Emerald Buddha began.

While dodging camera flashes and swarms of tourists posing for pictures on our way 118 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

out, I realised that most of us get so caught up in this frenzy of clicking pictures that we tend to overlook the beauty of the temples and pagodas. I was happy it was my second visit to the city, as I could now revel better in the intricate details and craftsmanship of the enchanting stupas and pagodas that stood before me.

Wrapping up our spiritual enlightenment, we head back to a more modern day joint – the Siam Paragon mall. One can easily spend a day at Siam Paragon mall as it houses not just numerous chic outlet stores, restaurants, cafes, and a massive food court crammed with rich aromas, it also has the Madame Tussauds and the Siam Ocean World for entertainment.

GL AM EXPERIENCE the garden at Palio Khao-Yai Village mall

a shop at palio

a Sambar deer grazing at Khao Yai national park

animal feeding at Farm Chokchai

Khao Yai: A stay in quietude

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Bangkok behind, we took off on a three hour drive to the serene and picturesque district of Khao Yai. Our first stop – Farm Chockchai. The farm’s founder Dr Chokchai Bulakul is credited with bringing the popular cowboy legend to Khao Yai (also called the cowboy town) when he founded Farm Chokchai in 1957. The selfsufficient farm today rears over 3,000 heads of dairy cattle and produces and retails dairy products. The highlight of the farm visit is feeding the fuzzy inhabitants of the farm.

Calves, rabbits, camels and goats can’t wait to be fed.

Khao Yai’s next popular tourist destination is the Palio Khao-Yai Village mall – an Italian

style shopping village that consists of nearly 173 units including restaurants, coffee bars, and shops selling clothes, accessories and home dicor items. Even if shopping’s not on your mind, walk through the little cobbled pavements and admire the Italian theme of this ‘Little Italy’.

But the actual attraction of Khao Yai is its national park. Home to one of the last remaining monsoon forests in mainland Asia, the Khao Yai National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. I would advise you to tour during the day to spot some of the most magnificent beasts saunter through the park. A night safari would leave you spotting only a few deers, a porcupine and what we assumed to be a mongoose.

Where to stay The Greenery Resort is a four star resort located 2.5 kms from the Khao Yai National Park with tastefully designed decor that embodies the serenity of the place. An interactive swimming pool and the thrilling Life Park within the premises is guarantee fun for the whole family. The resort’s i-Chilli restaurant serves the best of Northern Thai cuisine, its signature dishes are its premium range of steaks and other foods cooked on pre-heated volcanic rock slabs.

For more information visit www.greeneryresort.com

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 119

a panoramic view of Chiang Mai from the Doi Suthep Temple

elephants being bathed at the Maesa Elephant Camp

the musical Fountain show at chiang mai night safari trams take you around the chiang mai night safari

120 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM EXPERIENCE

khantoke trays are a popular way of serving northern thai cuisine

water on onlookers was as much fun as watching them perform tricks with their mahouts. But what we were really excited for was the elephant ride. While sitting atop an elephant, my slipper embarrassingly slid off my foot only to be retrieved by another elephant walking behind. Good boy!

Chiang Mai: In the lap of culture

It takes a one-hour flight from Bangkok to reach the city of Chiang Mai – one of the largest and most culturally significant cities of Thailand, also regarded as the capital of Northern Thailand. Being surrounded by mountains, the temperatures are comparatively lower prompting many tourists to tour around on rented cycles.

We were glad to be put up at the plush Le Meridian hotel, more so because it is located in the “Night Bazaar” area. I needn’t say more.

Talking about night, one shouldn’t miss the Chiang Mai Night Safari. We were right in time for the spectacular musical Fountain show, soon after which we hopped onto a tram that toured for 75 minutes across three main zones of the safari. At each zone, you can feed deer, zebras and even the mighty giraffe that walk alongside the tram. Beware of their long, sloppy tongues though.

Our tryst with animals continued the next day at the Maesa Elephant Camp. Watching the tuskers bathe and playfully sprinkle

Thailand is known for its tantalising flavours and those of Northern Thailand are by far my favourite. We were treated to the delectable Northern Thai cuisine at Khum Khantoke where diners sit cross-legged on the floor and share the food from a khantoke tray.

Thai Massage The word “massage” often evokes a whole lot of trepidation among naive travellers to Thailand. Unless you choose to have one at the night bazaars, spas in Thailand offer highly professional massage services that leave you asking for more. The Oasis Spa in Chiang Mai is highly recommended for its exotic ambience and exceptional services.

It’s impossible to see the whole of Chiang Mai in a day or two. As a quick fix you could climb up to the uppermost level of the city’s most sacred temple, the Doi Suthep Temple.

A panoramic view of the city and the bordering countryside will take your breath away!

The Land of Smiles, as it’s fondly called, did manage to cast a magical spell on me the second time around...

Thailand simply doesn’t fail to amaze!

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 121

A whole new world of rejuvenation Glam checks out Doha’s

latest spa offering, eforea, at the Hilton Hotel

By Sindhu Nair

122 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

here is a lot of speculation when a new spa opens in Doha. How different it will be from the rest of the offerings, what treatments will be in focus are just some of the questions that run through our minds when we hear of any new spa openings. The same thoughts occurred as I made my way to the latest spa entrant in Hilton Doha, eforea. The 600-square-meter spa was supposed to be stunner, already boasting a fan following in the countries in which it has previously opened. “eforea: spa at Hilton Doha, the innovative

GL AM EXPERIENCE

global spa concept continues its rapid global expansion with the opening of its first location in the Middle East” said the media invite. The mystery was much more as the brand was quite new in the region.

All the way from the Americas was Tyra Lowman, Senior Director of Spa Brands, Hilton Hotels & Resorts to explain the brand concepts.

She explained how the iconic eforea elements made sure that the brand remains true to its roots through the design of the spa and its signature treatments.

“So if you are in an eforea spa in Dubai or New York you know where you are because of its distinctive features like the shower rooms, or even the colour pallette used, features that are uniform throughout all eforea,” she says.

A unique element to the spa in Doha, the first eforea location in the Middle East, is the extensive thermal lounge that includes a traditional sauna, two aroma steam experiences, a hydro pool and two experience showers with aroma and colour lighting.

While the features take off from the brand there is space for some cultural design elements to incorporate the country specific detail into the brand making it even more special. Like the Arabic patterns in the reception area along with the international brand stamp the blue butterflies that hang down from the ceiling.

“The eforea brand promise is to bring balance and wellness to the body and take guests on a transformative journey of the senses, helping them to emerge brighter, hence the brand’s signature icon – a butterfly freed from its cocoon,” says Tyra.

And key to the eforea journey at Hilton is a

The Men’s Journey eforea Signature Body Repair and De-Stress Face Treatment A complete body and face de-stressing treatment combines a warmed bamboo massage and a deep, slow muscle massage of legs, back and shoulders followed by a face cleanse, scrub and moisturising.

Also included is an amazing scalp massage that every man will love. This ultimate de-stress treatment will leave men feeling and looking totally relaxed. (90 minutes)

collection of customisable spa journeys and therapeutic approaches.

Explaining the treatments that are new to me, Tyra says, “Our Essentials Journey -- made up of powerful, technologically advanced treatments that show instant results; our Escape Journey -- a set of holistic experiences that integrate nourishing organic plant ingredients and traditional healing practices; and our Men’s Journey -- a collection of problem-solving, re-energising experiences designed especially for men. “ I opt for the eforea Signature Full Body Repair (The Essentials Journey). Tyra takes

me through the journey. “Welcome to our signature journey of the senses. This headto-toe health and sensory experience is synchronised to music. After a cup of herbal tea, we begin with an invigorating therapeutic mineral salt scrub infused with eforea signature oil to soothe muscles and release energy flow.

Enjoy our customised eforea head massage while the body is being massaged and wrapped.

Relax with a facial massage and reviving eye treatment with healing rose porphyr stones.

The journey ends with a warm foot treatment.

The total time for the treatment is 90 minutes.”

The treatment is as relaxing as it sounds though I don’t remember the details as I slipped into a deep relaxing siesta right in the middle of the treatment. What I do remember is the slightly warm scented oil and the music...

Explaining the science behind the relaxation, Tyra explains the products that are used.

“A central element of the eforea experience is a synergy of the world’s foremost spa experts, including Kerstin Florian, LI’TYA, VitaMan and Peter Thomas Roth, who also partnered with us to develop an inclusive in-room amenity collection for Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

While guests in Qatar and the Middle East region may not be familiar with these brands, each of them are highly popular on a global level and provide the premium quality our guests expect from Hilton,” she says.

One of the most popular treatments providing instant results is the K-Lift, Age Management System. This multi-phase approach combines Red LED Light, advanced Impulsed Microcurrent and a Transdermal Delivery System to achieve a smooth, lifted appearance.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 123

Sky Dining at

Strata

By Orna Ballout

124 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

Mesmerising views, fun beverages and scrumptious seafood is all on offer at Strata, Doha’s highest dining venue

GL AM EXPERIENCE

Caviar with umami oyster

Lime and coconut poached hamachi

SMOKED LOBSTER

An invitation to sample Strata was passed around my office before landing in my e-mail box; my colleagues are not seafood fans, and to be honest, neither am I. However, I’m always eager to try something new, so I took the opportunity to visit Strata.

Located on the 55th and 56th floor of InterContinental Doha The City, Strata is the highest dining venue and boasts some of the best views of Doha. I certainly can’t argue with that. The restaurant, split over two levels, with a dining area on the lower floor and uber chic bar on the second, really does showcase spectacular sights.

On arrival at the restaurant, myself and my two dining partners were ushered upstairs to the bar for a pre-meal tipple. The friendly servers were enthusiastic to give us the lowdown on some of the most exciting and popular drinks available. An interesting beverage menu pleases with a selection of classic and signature

beverages, alongside more entertaining offerings of ‘molecular’ refreshments, which are produced through foaming or smoking techniques. The drinks are on the steep side of the price spectrum, so if you’re on a budget, this is not the place for you.

After consuming delicious beverages and splendid views, we were escorted to our table.

The food menu offers a selection of three caviar and four oyster options, chilled ‘indulgence’ platters of hand-chosen seafood, accompanied with Chef’s sauces, salad and bread. We all opted for the Degustation Menu – a five course set menu which costs QR 700. Each course is served with a different type of vino, so the price is justified.

The first course presented was Caviar with umami oyster; it was tasty although I wasn’t keen on the ‘lemon foam’ which was generously coated over the portion. Up next was Herb butter poached tuna; as a tuna enthusiast this went down a real treat. This was followed by Lime and coconut poached hamachi; I liked the texture of the fish fused with vegetables and jelly, something different but delectable. The

Herb butter poached tuna

The Strata Compilation

fourth serving was Smoked lobster – I adored this, especially the presentation. The serving portions are small but filling. Each course is presented with a specific beverage that compliments the food, but we couldn’t drink quickly enough so by the time we had finished the meal we still had a table full of drinks to get through!

My favourite part of the meal came with the sweet finale – The Strata Compilation – which is apparently proving to be one of the restaurant's most popular options. The dessert platter contains a mix of mouthwatering offerings including Guanaja chocolate “millefeuille”, coconut chocolate “croquettes”, Araguani chocolate “crousti-fondant”, jivara creme brulee, Grue de cacao olive macaron and Chocolate cinnamon sorbet.

Strata is the perfect place if you’re after a fine dining experience. I’ll definitely go back to enjoy the views and clever cocktails, but I think I’ll stick to the lounge and leave the dining to the fish fans.

For more info visit www.intercontinental.com/dohathecity JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 125

Aroma

Contemporary Cuisine GLAM visited the Kempinski Residences & Suites to experience its fine Aroma.

By Seema Amin

126 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM EXPERIENCE

T

he 'Rushed for Time' business lunch at Aroma is perfect for a quick fine dining experience right in the middle of a busy work day. Located at Doha's tallest tower, the eatery recently scooped "Best contemporary European restaurant" at the Time Out Doha Awards, and is a great place for both business and pleasure.

Natural and modern surroundings give the place a relaxed ambience. For QR 90, the set three course lunch menu is a real steal. There are plenty of enticing options to choose from, and as the menu changes every three weeks, the variety will keep you coming back for more.

Friendly waiters are quick to come and serve a selection of delicious breads. My favourite is the pumpkin seed and cheese, but beware, it's very easy to get carried away with the unlimited offerings that you can dip into an array of tasty dips, so try not to stuff yourself!

I ordered stuffed sage chicken breast teamed with grape and radish salad for my appetiser. The bite size chicken was really delicious with beautiful

goat cheese melted on top with a hint of sage. The sweetness of the grapes balanced the acidity of the radish perfectly.

For mains, I opted for the sirloin steak, which was perfectly cooked medium rare, as I requested. The juicy, moist meat was served with salty, crispy potatoes, accompanied with a yummy sauce which reminded me of south Indian coconut chutney – it went so well with the potatoes, a match made in heaven!

A divine apricot strudel with home-made cinnamon ice-cream was my choice for dessert. I loved the combination of warm strudel and cool ice-cream, but would have preferred an extra scoop. Although I'm not a huge fan of candied fruit, the apricot compote served alongside it was lovely, and I managed to finish it all.

I finished the meal with a coffee, however, it was not the perfect cuppa as I like my coffee served hot and it was only warm. All in all, the lunch was amazing and you must make sure to visit Aroma this summer.

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 127

Girly

Paradise GLAM partners with Lucia Lounge Salon for the launch of their fashion concept

Lucia Lounge Salon, a newly opened boutique offering salon services alongside a fashion photography/dance studio, recently launched its latest fashion concept. GLAM, the official media partner, was present to meet the designers showcasing their fabulous fashion and accessories.

128 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

GL AM AROUND TOWN

Jewellery designer Archana Avinash started her handmade jewellery company Strings & Beads two years ago.

The designs have gained popularity among those looking for unique pieces. “All my pieces are made from precious or semi-precious stones. My main theme is to appreciate the nature of the stone itself,” Archana reveals.

American born Founder Eman Amnah Al Mushiri has been living in Doha for the past 19 years. With a background in interior design, nutrition, human development and hair dressing, Eman wanted to start a business incorporating elements from each.

“This is my long awaited baby. We offer services such as hair and make-up, waxing, manicures, pedicure and massages. There’s a coffee shop and lounge where people can come, chill out and browse the internet. And we have fashion photography/ dance studio, where we’ll be conducting photo shoots and dance classes. I’m also running Lucia Talent Agency which provides model and talent to companies.”

Eman’s original plan was to open a hair salon, yet she strived to create a place where women can relax and rejuvenate. “I feel that every woman is individual and has her own unique shape and character. Lucia helps you brighten it which is why our logo is: ‘Lucia illuminate from within.’

With numerous salons opening around the city, Eman considers that her professionalism and involvement in the company will set her apart. “I’m very involved in what I do, and make sure my workers are fully qualified with updated education.”

Aside from her business, Eman is a busy mum to three young kids. Her secret to success is time management and a good support system. “My husband is my number one support, and my family helps out a lot too.”

Guest designer Sabila Boodhonee was present to showcase her label ‘SAB Couture’.

On the inspiration for the latest collection, the Bahraini-based designer revealed: “It’s very retro. I was interested in the glamorous 40s and 50s style. The silouhettes are very feminine, and have a lot of ruffles, which is a big trend this season. The collection features a lot of tropical colours and glamorous designs.”

JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 129

GL AM stargazing Stargazing

What the stars foretell...

JENNIFER LOPEZ juLY 24, 1969, LEO Aries

Leo

enlighten you in ways you have never experienced. Keep

Get set for an exciting month, Aries! Its your time to

You seem to know exactly what you want but don’t let it

your social energy up. Things might just get brighter.

shine, whether at work or at home. Things are all in your

blind you from what the others need. Remember that this

favour. So make sure you make the right moves. All that

month when you’re out socialising with close friends. Be

Sagittarius

you’ve been craving for the past few months will finally

careful with your investments, emotional and otherwise.

Even though you seem happy with your career, looks like

begin to materialise. Now would be a great time for a

In this case, you might really want to do some investi-

it’s time for some change. This is the time to consider

little vacation. You’ve been working hard and it’s time

gation. Once you’ve felt out the situation, go for it! The

joining a group. How about a local book club? Or if you’re

to enjoy and go visit a new city or relax at the spa with

rewards might just surprise you.

more actively inclined, sign up with a tennis team or local running club. There are lots of diversions to occupy your

your old friends.

Taurus

Virgo

mind as well as your body. The real upside is that you’re

Looks like you’re going to be making all the important

likely to make some wonderful new friends. You will be so

Your poise and gracious nature serve you well, Taurus.

family decisions this month, dear Virgo. Those of you

happy that this happened that you won’t mind the time

The best thing you can do now is spend time around

considering moving or renovating can more easily come

or money you spent on it. Count your lucky blessings.

other people. Go party or attend a social gathering and

to a decision and an agreement with others. While disci-

meet people. It is bound to be a resounding success as

pline is required when it comes to managing your income,

Capricorn

you radiate warmth and energy and people respond in

increased benefits can come through others now. You

Venus will be in your sign for the first two days of the

kind. Allow everyone the pleasure of basking in your glow.

could experience a special improvement in your love life,

month. Several planets near the Capricorn during the first

Others find you easy to be around, even inspiring and

or a completely new one forming, as well as a sense of

half of the month will bring the desire to help others and

energising, and are attracted to your assertiveness and

renewal and invigoration with regards to your ability to

get involved in community initiatives.

courage.

express yourself spontaneously and creatively.

Gemini

Libra

You might feel like your life is a movie being shot in slow

Your positive mental energy is on the job and you’re mov-

and whip up a special event. Use the flash of inspiration

motion. Things are throttling down and you just might

ing into a very intuitive phase, right now. You can pick

to open doors and meet new people; anything that can

not be ready for it. If people are not thinking or acting

up on clues that go right over the heads of most other

help you to expand your range of possibilities. Make sure

as quickly as you want them to, you are going to have

people, which puts you in an optimal position to take con-

that your energy is open to new ventures. Chances of

to help them along. Gently shove the slow ones and tell

trol of a situation. There is a ton of good energy in your

meeting new people will open up new horizons.

them that they need to understand just what needs to

life right now; use it to get work done. You have the Midas

happen.

touch, Libra and this reflects in all spheres of life – be it

Pisces

work or your personal relationships. Give yourself plenty

Career matters will keep you busy this month. It’s also a

of space towards the end of the month – you’ll need it.

good time to analyse your work and try to improve your

Cancer Looks like you’ve got a positive start, Cancer! You are in

Aquarius Your planning skills are better than ever, so use that skill

skills. There may be increased contact with the public now,

an excellent place, both mentally and physically, and you

Scorpio

or you might experience an increased need to be heard

should enjoy every moment of it. If you haven’t planned a

New experiences will mark the beginning of a new jour-

and acknowledged for your intelligence, skills, capabilities,

dinner party in a while, then it’s high time you threw one

ney. If you don’t like it at first, just give it some time. Even-

and ideas. Your ability to grasp unusual subject matters

together. Casual is fine! Call up your friends and enjoy a

tually, as you explore this new dimension, you will learn to

and to intuitively understand what others are trying to say

great evening reconnecting and reliving those old times.

love it. An unexpected conversation with a stranger will

will win you some brownie points – and new friends!

130 / JULY - AUGUST 2012