RAGMAG The Mischievous Bride issue | April 2015 | issue #50 by RAGMAG Magazine

APRIL 2015

THE MISCHIEVOUS

MAZEN KHADDAJ FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE

MONICA BELLUCCI

BRIDE ISSUE

DOWN THE

AISLE

DO IT DIFFERENTLY

NOT SHAKEN OR STIRRED

LEBELIK

Q+A WITH LOUISE DOUMET

TONY WARD HUMBLE ABODE

THE

UNDRESS

CODE

MY DAY

MY WAY PHOTOSHOOT APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 1

2 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER Gina Gabriel El-Fady GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amal Sabsaby Selected images Shutterstock

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Marina Saliba PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lea El-Alam MARKETING LEAD Daniella Tayar ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Teddy Younes RESPONSIBLE MANAGER May Ziade PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY CHAMAS www.3achamas.com

w w w . r a g m a g . c o

Hana Alayan Jonathan Cainer Jonathan Dagher Leanne Elahmad Giles Hattersley Kaylyn Hlavaty Chris Lambert Melissa Tabeek Teddy Younes beirut.com

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Stephanie Saliba Media Representative RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan Tel: 09 916222 / 09 913 777 gina.gabriel@ragmaglive.com lea.elalam@ragmaglive.com

Distributor MMO Messageries du Moyen-Orient de la Presse et du Livre Sal

RAGMAGMagazine @RAGMAGMagazine

RAGMAG

@RAGMAGMagazine

Opinions expressed are based solely on personal opinion and experience, not reflective in any way of RAGMAG, a division of Raycon s.a.l.

Get the RAGMAG App on iTunes and Google Play APPLE

APRIL 2015

ANDROID

SUBSCRIBE TO RAGMAG PER ISSUE 10,000 LBP | 6 ISSUES 50,000 LBP | 10 ISSUES 100,000 LBP Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam +961 9 916 222 / 9 913 777 RAGMAG, Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel, Sahel Alma, Keserwan, Lebanon

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 3

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES MY DAY, MY WAY

TIARA PRINCESS

COPYCAT

READY, STEADY, GO

RAGMAG’S FASHION SHOOT BEJEWELED HAIR

REAL LIFE RUNWAY RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

132 DINA JSR

LAUNCHES THE SS2015 COLLECTION

CULTURE CLASH TONY WARD

MONICA BELLUCCI

MAZEN KHADDAJ

LEBELIK

MON AMOUR, MON AMI WALKING DOWN THE AISLE

WHY WEAR A CORSAGE

THE UNDRESS CODE

A DAY WITH STEPHANIE SALIBA NOT SHAKEN OR STIRRED FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE Q+A WITH LOUISE DOUMET

BREAK AWAY FROM TRADITION THE COLORFUL HISTORY

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

136 WHEN TWO BECOME ONE ADJUSTING TO MARRIED LIFE

4 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

MIND, BODY + SOUL BEAUTIFUL SKIN

GET INTO THE TREND

130

HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS

MIRROR MIRROR CHANEL

CHANEL

128 129

SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL SOUNDCHECK MUSIC WATCH OUT FILM

138

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY A SUCCULENT SPRING BRUNCH

OUT + ABOUT MADNESS IN BEIRUT

103

RAGGED EVENTS

118

TAKE ME WITH YOU BEYOND LONDON

THE 5 MUST FOODS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN 5 HOT AND EASY-TO-ACHIEVE HAIRSTYLES FOR SPRING ADVICE

ROUGE COCO SUBLIMAGE

RECIPES

THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 5

FOR OUR APRIL ISSUE WE CONTINUED TO TALK TO YOU VIA OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS- PINTEREST, TWITTER, FACEBOOK + INSTAGRAM. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION AND WE HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH US ONLINE

WANNA DOWNLOAD OUR APP? WE’RE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE ITUNES STORE AND ON GOOGLE PLAY SO GET DOWNLOADING

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND SCRIBBLE ON OUR WALL TO WIN, WRITE TO US AT PUBLISHER@RAGMAGLIVE.COM OR TWEET US ON TWITTER @RAGMAGMAGAZINE IF YOU’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A PIC WITH YOUR FAVORITE ISSUE, SEND IT OUR WAY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL! RAGMAG #ITSYOURMAGAZINE RAGMAG reserves the right to edit for clarity and content

6 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO KEEP IT UP! WE’RE SHOWING OFF SOME OF THE BEST IMAGES THAT OUR READERS SENT IN VIA EMAIL AND TWITTER. THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE READERS WHO SENT US TWEETS AND EMAILS OF THEIR COPIES OF RAGMAG.

www.ragmag.co www.issuu.com/RAGMAG RAGMAGMagazine APRIL 2015

RAGMAG

@RAGMAGMagazine www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 7 @RAGMAGMagazine

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With the Mischievous bride issue RAGMAG celebrates the independent and modern day bride. The bride that does things her way or no way! She comes along with a breath of fresh air and an attitude to adopt as one’s own. We would like to thank Roger and Alice Edde for their welcoming reception, Exotica for the beautiful flowers and L’Oreal for the exquisite makeup. The issue continues with the beautiful socialite and fashionista Stephanie Saliba, who is RAGMAG’s guest contributor, meeting Tony Ward, an interview with Monica Bellucci, a meeting with Mazen Khaddaj, and a QnA with the lovely Louise Doumet founder of the home of Lebanese Designers Lebe2lik. Look out for the launch of our new website. Coming Soon! With it we hope for a healthier, stronger and a brighter RAGMAG. Through the support from our readers we can only hope for the better. Keep sending your emails to publisher@ragmaglive.com and talk back to us @RAGMAGMagazine. We love hearing from you.

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher 8 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 9

CULTURE CLASH

Me Through The Eyes Of Tony Ward. I Am An Anchor, I Am A Fashionista, I Am A Blogger’ A Red Carpet Event -STEPHANIE SALIIBA

10 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

HUMBLE ABODE|A DAY WITH TONY WARD

HUMBLE ABODE

A DAY WITH TONY WARD BY STEPHANIE SALIBA

Tony Ward has rapidly become recognized as one of the top names in the world of fashion in Lebanon, the Middle East, the Golf and now throughout the world. RAGMAG had the pleasure to meet Tony Ward in person, spend some time with him, and get to know him.

Tony Ward was not always a born designer, and aiming to follow his dad’s footsteps; far from it! He could have been deviating from what is a natural transition, or he could have been blind to his creative side to please the parent. Why else would Tony Ward want to go to medical school? ‘I never imagined I would follow in my dad’s footsteps. I was brought up in this environment and it is funny how I only realized it late after I took my exams at university. My dad was against me going into the industry, so I had to do it on my own. Lanvin paid my fees as my dad was not speaking to me, and soon after I started working for Claude Montana who believed in my work. That was the turning point that helped structure my path that led me to today and I never looked back’.

Tony Ward reminisced on his work experience; working a long side some of the World’s legendary names in the fashion industry such as Claude Montana and Karl Lagerfeld and in fashion houses such as Dior, Chloe and Lanvin. Through his eyes that took him back to the beginning he continues to say “I have been taught amazingly by each and every one of them, and I have taken lifelong lessons, experiences and beautiful memories that have accompanied me through my working life. They each have passed on their strengths. I lived amazing moments”.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 11

CULTURE CLASH

Tony Ward came back to Lebanon in 1996, without a single regret. I am not sure what I expected as an answer when I asked him if he felt it was a mistake. I suppose, I might have thought that like most Lebanese he was filled with regrets due to the country’s political and economic issues and that these issues might be holding him back. Without a doubt or a blink of an eye did he hesitate to tell me ‘why should I regret it? Lebanon is the home of fashion; Lebanon loves fashion and is very open towards it. The country is filled with talented people that complete the industry. However, I repeat that though I decided to come back to Lebanon and make it home, my aim was and still is to conquer the world’.

LEBANON IS THE HOME OF FASHION; LEBANON LOVES FASHION AND IS VERY OPEN TOWARDS IT His philosophy to fashion, to who should be wearing it and the way they should be wearing it; is surprising to say the least and will shock many of you. It goes against what the average Lebanese woman thinks. I must admit that when I asked him of the type of woman that inspires his design, if she was strong or feminine, I honestly was expecting him to belt through a poetic stanza of that perfect woman. Instead, this is what I got: ‘Everything you see in a woman should inspire. A woman can have a perfect figure and be vulgar and disgusting in the way she carries herself and yet she can be voluptuous and round; and be a sight for soar eyes.’ Fashion to Tony should be something that makes a woman happy and comfortable, Fashion should bring out her personality and to the Lebanese woman ‘Fashion is like politics’ – only in Lebanon will a woman and politics be tied in the same sentence.

The Lebanese woman to Tony, dares to be different and takes fashion to another level. She gets bored easily so therefore she is challenging and there should be something new for her every six months without a doubt. Every collection to the house of Tony Ward speaks a different language and is inspired by a total woman – ‘every part of a woman speaks a language’. Still he is against a woman becoming a ‘fashion victim’, where fashion becomes only a trend. He believes that a woman should wear what suits her and what completes her; not necessarily a trend. Different aspects complete the average woman. This includes: her age, her body type, the occasion. Therefore Fashion to Tony presents a service, it is a ‘kind of art’ and in the industry it is short, it lasts six months from birth to passing on.

12 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

HUMBLE ABODE|A DAY WITH TONY WARD

Never in a million years did I expect Tony Ward to state his ‘office’ as his creative place, but then again if you think about it, when you’re constantly on the road, in a different country surely that is a logical answer. ‘I await my return to my atelier to work; I focus mostly in my office’. He continues to state the ‘mobile phone’ as his most disturbing vice - it is a can’t live with, and a can’t live without type of relationship. ‘I need my phone, and it is sickening how dependant we are on phones these days’. Tony Ward loves the fashion industry and finds it one of the most exciting fields to go into. He definitely advises the ‘fashion designer’ in you to follow his footsteps. His advice would be ‘Do a good job and enjoy the ride but always keep your head on your shoulders, ‘don’t get trapped in the industry, it is easy to lose yourself and become a victim to the work and the lifestyle’. He continues to live his life normal, enjoying the things he loves most like reading, swimming and playing basketball.

HE IS OF COURSE A DESIGNER AND AN ARTIST ABOVE ALL BUT WHAT I LOVED THE MOST IS THAT I WAS ALLOWED TO GO BEHIND THE SCENES AND GET A GLIMPSE OF THE TRUE TONY, THE TONY WARD THE HUMAN, THE HUSBAND, THE FATHER AND THE CITIZEN OF THIS NATION APRIL 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed going into the world of Tony Ward and getting to know him. He is of course a designer and an artist above all but what I loved the most is that I was allowed to go behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the true Tony, the Tony Ward the human, the husband, the father and the citizen of this nation. I am so happy to finally have an image to Tony Ward and I hope that I was successful in passing it on.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 13

CULTURE CLASH

NOT SHAKEN STIRRED OR INTERVIEW WITH MONICA BELLUCCI

THE SUNDAY TIMES / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE

BY GILES HATTERSLEY

14 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

NOT SHAKEN OR STIRRED | INTERVIEW WITH MONICA BELLUCCI

After five minutes with Monica Bellucci, it hits me: James Bond is in for a serious eyeopener. Later this year, the Italian sex bomb will take her place in 007 history as the oldest ever Bond girl, in the upcoming instalment, Spectre. She’s not wild about the label. “I am a Bond lady,” she purrs, sweeping her onyx mane over one shoulder so as to frame her face like a flawless madonna. Seriously, she is ridiculously perfect looking. Over coffee at the Charlotte Street hotel, on her day off from filming Bond at Pinewood, I could squeak out a tear just looking at her. At one point, she removes a foamy cappuccino moustache with her lower lip. I know, I know. It’s dreary boring on about the looks of the professionally attractive, so I’ll say this quickly and then shut up: Bellucci is the best-looking woman I have ever seen.

THE ITALIAN SEX BOMB WILL TAKE HER PLACE IN 007 HISTORY AS THE OLDEST EVER BOND GIRL, IN THE UPCOMING INSTALMENT, SPECTRE

BELLUCCI IS THE BESTLOOKING WOMAN I HAVE EVER SEEN

This isn’t what’s going to trip Bond up, though. It’s that, for the first time in almost five decades, the martini-loving swine is to have a love interest who could tick the same age box as him on a census. Bellucci is 50: four years older than Daniel Craig, and the only Bond girl to be older than her co-star since Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg in the 1960s. This bodes well. Or at least it should be less skincrawly than For Your Eyes Only, when poor Carole Bouquet had to coo, “Oh, James,” at Roger Moore, a man 30 years her senior (and they say Bond girls can’t act). Bellucci shouldn’t have a problem on that front, at least. Craig’s Bond is 30% grump, 70% inflatable sex doll, but she was still apprehensive when she got the tap on the shoulder.

APRIL 2015

“My agent called me and said, ‘Sam Mendes wants to see you for Bond,’ ” she says. She flew to London for dinner with the director, arriving at the restaurant confused. “I just blurted out, ‘I’m not a girl, I’m a woman. I’m a mature woman. Do I have to replace Judi Dench?’ He was laughing, and I was, like, ‘Why do you call me? I’m 50 years old. What am I going to do in James Bond?’ He said, ‘For the first time in history, James Bond is going to have a story with a mature woman. The concept is revolutionary.’

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 15

CULTURE CLASH

SHE CAN’T TALK PLOT DETAILS, OTHER THAN TO SAY SHE’S FILMING IN LONDON AND ROME 16 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

In person, she’s much more fun than you would think. For all those early years as a model, channelling Sicilian-mama hotness for Dolce & Gabbana, or doing the Hollywood thing in The Matrix Reloaded and marrying and divorcing the Eurostud Vincent Cassel, she has avoided plastic surgery and is a ringing endorsement for the ageing process. And, boy, can she chat. Is it true you have married an Azerbaijani billionaire in secret, I ask at one point, having read a scurrilous French rag’s report to this effect. “No,” she says, totally unbothered. Did you go engagement-ring shopping in Paris last Sunday? “No.” Does it drive you nuts when I ask you this sort of guff? “No, not really.” She shrugs. “I wake up in the morning, I prepare the breakfast, I take [my daughters] to school, we talk. I’m glamorous once a year, if I go to the tapis rouge — sorry, red carpet.” She won’t be at the Oscars tonight, but doesn’t mind the red carpet thing.

IN PERSON, SHE’S MUCH MORE FUN THAN YOU WOULD THINK She presented at the Baftas two weeks ago (sheathed in Morticia Addams black — amazing) and thinks it’s simply part of the job: “You play the princess, but life is different.”

TIZIANA FABI - AFP

She can’t talk plot details, other than to say she’s filming in London and Rome. Whatever the storyline, can you imagine a better choice? Penelope Cruz (a whippersnapper at 40) was rumoured to have the part, but for all her indecent glamour, Bellucci clinched it. Looks aside, her accent is wonderfully thick, like panna cotta that could do with another hour in the fridge. Italian friends tell me her pristine facade is humorously underpinned by a rural Umbrian upbringing that means she speaks in fabulously crude country-girl tones, giving her the Cheryl Cole effect. What a hoot.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

NOT SHAKEN OR STIRRED | INTERVIEW WITH MONICA BELLUCCI

Life was certainly different the year she was born. It was 1964, coincidentally the year Goldfinger was released. Bellucci, the only child of a lorry driver and a housewife, hails from a small town near the Umbrian/Tuscan border. Her father, Pasquale, recently told the press she was so captivating as a girl, it made life weird for her. “One day, I asked her why she didn’t want to be in the square with the others, and she said, ‘When I go in the piazza, everyone looks at me. The men look at me. The women look at me. All the kids from school. I feel ashamed.’ ”

HER FATHER, PASQUALE, RECENTLY TOLD THE PRESS SHE WAS SO CAPTIVATING AS A GIRL, IT MADE LIFE WEIRD FOR HER

Though she worked locally as a model as a teenager, the plan was to study law. She got into the university of Perugia, but within a year life went crazy. She met her bezzies, Domenico and Stefano (better known as Dolce & Gabbana) — then young men making it big — and was soon flying all over the world, being shot by Richard Avedon and hailed as the best thing to come out of Italy since sliced ciabatta. When Francis Ford Coppola saw a photograph of her and cast her in Dracula, she caught the acting bug. She has played Mary Magdalene for Mel Gibson, outraged Cannes in Irreversible, with its harrowing depiction of a rape, and shot with a clutch of auteurs, including Giuseppe Tornatore and Emir Kusturica. For many beauties, ageing is a freak-outinducing bummer, but Bellucci likes knocking on a bit. “We have to start to respect women getting older. The real you comes out, and you can see it in the face. I don’t want to be younger,” she says. “I don’t want to be 20. Not at all. I’ve been through that. I want to know my story. How am I going to deal with getting older? How am I going to deal with death? There’s no law. The normality for my age is to have a child who is 20, but my kids are 10 and four and a half. Each person has his own parcours [course], but there’s something strange in my life,” she says. “I had my first child at 40, my second child at 45, and I play a James Bond girl at 50.”

I DON’T WANT TO BE 20. NOT AT ALL. I’VE BEEN THROUGH THAT. I WANT TO KNOW MY STORY

THEREDLIST.COM

Having children sorted her out no end, she says. She had a starter marriage to a photographer in the early 1990s, but her principal relationship has been with the gorgeous French actor Cassel, a huge star in France, who played the terrifying ballet master in Black Swan. They were together for 18 years and have two daughters, Deva and Léonie. She worried she was too selfish to be a mother so left it late, but joyously describes the act of having children as “forgetting yourself”. Bellucci ceased microanalysing her own features as soon as they were born. “You wake up, go to the bathroom to clean your baby and you see yourself in the mirror only by coincidence,” she says happily.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 17

CULTURE CLASH

Cassel and Bellucci had a fab life by the sounds of it, darting between houses all over the world, including Rio. Sadly, they announced their divorce in 2013 by “mutual agreement”. “Now I’m in Paris again,” she says. “After Brazil, I had to make a choice between England, Italy and France, my three bases for 25 years. I chose Paris. My ex-husband, Vincent, is resident in Brazil, so when he comes to Paris, it’s easier for him to visit the children.” How is life post divorce? “It’s a change,” she says evenly. “We’re still in a good relation. When you’ve been through a story for 18 years, love is still there, even though the love gets transformed. I went through amazing moments with Vincent and those moments are going to stay forever. Because of that, I really want our relations to be beautiful.” She’s through with the blame game, at least. “We say in Italy, ‘We are two to dance the tango.’ Why a relationship is created, why a relationship is broken, is always the responsibility of two people. It is never one. You have to do things in an intelligent way, especially when you have kids.”

SHE HAS ADJUSTED TO LIFE AS A SINGLE MOTHER

IT DOESN’T MEAN TO BE A MODERN WOMAN YOU HAVE TO BECOME A MAN

Do we still place too much pressure on women to be hot? “I think it’s the history of women. My grandmother used to put on red lipstick to go to church,” she says, laughing. “The thing is, women today do this not just for men, but for the pleasure of themselves.” Are you a feminist? “Kind of,” she whispers, as if it’s a secret. “I have so much respect for the women who fight, who went on the streets for abortion rights. If we didn’t have those kinds of women, where would we be today?”

18 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

Obviously, she’s lucky in her own profession. “When I was breastfeeding, I could bring my kids on set. Most women can’t do that. It’s a man’s world. We give birth, we like to take care of the children, but our rhythm is not respected. To be equal it means that we have to become like men. We are not men,” she says firmly. “Today, women, when they get pregnant, they feel guilty. ‘What am I going to do with my job?’ They feel guilty about their own nature. Can you imagine?” she says, appalled. “It means society is really made by men and we have to change that.” And you can do this while being a Bond girl? She laughs. “To be glamorous is the right of women. It doesn’t mean to be a modern woman you have to become a man. You have the right to be glamorous and sexy. You can come with high heels and your femininity exposed, but...” she holds up a finger, “nobody has to touch you if you don’t want them to.” Bond, you’ve met your match.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

She has adjusted to life as a single mother. “Women today are so many things. Even the woman who works in the office — she puts on her high heels, a nice jacket, nice hair, and then she comes back in the evening and has to clean everything. To have equal rights is still a big job for women. They work, then they go home and they have to prepare a dinner and take care of the children. They do a double job.”

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 19

CILTURE CLASH

MAZEN KHADDAJ’S

EXTREMES

FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE BY MELISSA TABEEK PHOTOS BY MELISSA TABEEK + COURTESY OF MAZEN KHADDAJ

20 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

IN MAZEN KHADDAJ’S EXTREMES FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE

Mazen Khaddaj loves instability. For most people, uncertainty and chaos can cause stress. He is not most people. Khaddaj thrives off it, citing it as a vital element to his creative process. The 29-year-old artist, from the mountains of Aley, lives in the heart of Beirut, embracing the disorder. He lives life at full-speed, working long days at J. Walter Thompson advertising agency while still finding time to create. “What is happening in the region, artists need this instability. I quit meditation. Everything in my life is stressful. I work almost 12 hours a day at my advertising job, but this stress causes me to go to places where I can create and provide my inner satisfaction,” Khaddaj says hours before his second solo exhibition, The Middle State, opened at 392 Rmeil3 93 in Gemmayze. Khaddaj has been painting and sculpting since childhood, but he did not participate in his first exhibition until he was a teenage in 2002, as part of a painting collective in his native Aley. Since then, he has partaken in two other painting collective exhibitions, as well as had one solo show, “Bonds,” in April 2013.

APRIL 2015

The Middle State marks an evolution in the artist’s works to date. Inside the space, there are 29 paintings, mostly gouache but also some mixed media, and a small viewing booth, sectioned off with black curtains, each partition outfitted with a screen and headphones. Without the headphones, one only sees Khaddaj in black and white, silent and screaming, laughing, crying, or serenely standing. The exhibition also features two live performances. These consist of Khaddaj inviting strangers to come tell him stories while he was blindfolded. From their voice and tale, he will sketch them.

EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT AND PRECISE, FROM THE COLOR PIGMENTATION TO THE INTRICATE, HANDMADE MOLDS www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 21

CILTURE CLASH

22 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

IN MAZEN KHADDAJ’S EXTREMES FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE

After it is over, all are invited back to see what he came up with. This was the first time Khaddaj explored live and video performance, though one would never know from the quality of the content. “Excited!” Khaddaj exclaims when asked about how he felt doing his first video installation, continuing, “I was excited to do it. I didn’t feel like it was the first time. Performing for me, I never thought I could perform. This is edited film performance, I’m doing here what I can’t do in life. The live performances are very similar. There is a resemblance between the movies and the paintings. They are two different materials and mediums, yet you see the relation between them,” he says.

“I WAS EXCITED TO DO IT. I DIDN’T FEEL LIKE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME”

He points out that it grew organically with the help of Jennifer Haddad and Hayat Nabouh. Khaddaj painted the 29 pieces that make up The Middle State in 2013 and 2014. He finished the final one on New Year’s Eve. He had a margin in his mind of either 31 or 29, but when he painted his last one, he knew in his heart it was finished. When explaining his last painting, he talks about how he felt when the collection was done. “You’re in my kingdom. Your eyes are under my control. This is the whole feeling that I felt at the end of the exhibition,” he says. Each painting features abstract human forms embodying extremes and conflict, both which are prevalent and can easily be found in the city by anyone who lives or has visited Beirut. The idea of The Middle State embodies these radical opposites and invites viewers to think about where their red line is.

APRIL 2015

EACH PAINTING FEATURES ABSTRACT HUMAN FORMS EMBODYING EXTREMES AND CONFLICT, BOTH WHICH ARE PREVALENT AND CAN EASILY BE FOUND IN THE CITY BY ANYONE WHO LIVES OR HAS VISITED BEIRUT www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 23

CILTURE CLASH

“Each painting has a conflict between the two extremes.,” Khaddaj explains. “I say the Middle State, which is an exhibition that are the mixed feelings the Lebanese have about the current state. It is a war between extremes. This exhibition I showcase the extremes, leaving you to figure out your own middle state. Because everyone has a different Middle State. To me what is middle shouldn’t be middle to you, because it varies between persons and gender.”

MANY OF THE PAINTINGS ALSO HAVE THE ARABIC TITLE OF THE PIECE, THOUGH THIS WAS SOMETHING KHADDAJ EVOLVED AWAY FROM THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CREATING THE COLLECTION.

A piece begs introspection and a close look while thinking outside the box of what you are seeing. The bright, vivid colors and intricate Arabesque designs — used to reflect Lebanon’s culture and background — can be deceiving. Within the forms painted, there are other meanings that can be construed based on the belief set of the person viewing them. Many of the paintings also have the Arabic title of the piece, though this was something Khaddaj evolved away from through the process of creating the collection.

24 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

IN MAZEN KHADDAJ’S EXTREMES FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 25

CILTURE CLASH

26 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

IN MAZEN KHADDAJ’S EXTREMES FIND YOUR MIDDLE STATE

Khaddaj points to a painting that embodies this fusion. “It is either two men kissing or two men screaming. And their beards are Arabesque...It is this extreme that you only face in Beirut. This is what inspires me, living here in Beirut. Plus with the recent state that we’re living in, this extremism, either extreme religiousness or extreme openness, it is all these ideas that makes us feel not stable. It is as if we’re living in the country where you have your right hand in the East and your left hand in the West,” he says. But why the hidden meanings? “As I challenge myself with each and every painting, I want you to challenge yourself with each and every painting,” he replies with a smile.

MY OIL IS STILL BURNING AND IT WILL ALWAYS BURN AS LONG AS I’M WORKING WITH MY CREATIVITY Though Khaddaj covertly tackles taboo topics, he benefits from the overt beauty and bright colors he works with. This is something that has been helpful to Khaddaj in a society that while on the surface can seem open, can also be quite closed when it comes to addressing taboo topics. “[The immediate appearance of the paintings] makes it easier for people to own or accept them. Some people don’t accept them, yet there are paintings that they like. It’s a mixed feeling. But I’m painting for the sake of me. I’m not putting anyone’s opinion as a border in front of my creativity,” he says.

FOR KHADDAJ, HE PLANS TO KEEP ON EXPANDING HIS REPERTOIRE For Khaddaj, he plans to keep on expanding his repertoire. In his next solo exhibition, he says he will keep all the mediums he has, and add sculpture to it. There is only forward and more, forevermore, as long as he can still create. “My oil is still burning and it will always burn as long as I’m working with my creativity. I’m always afraid to be like someone else. I just want to be unique in my own way,” he says.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 27

CULTURE CLASH

28 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

LEBELIK

THERE IS NO CATCHIER THAN LEBELIK FOR AN ONLINE FASHION BOUTIQUE. FEW PEOPLE HAVE YET TO HEAR OF IT AND EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE WORLD SPECIALLY CREATED FOR LEBANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

Not long ago we discovered an online experience for Lebanese designers. I say experience because it is truly one of a kind from choosing, to purchasing, to packaging – did I forget to mention that one of the main attractions is the name LEBELIK! We randomly chose questions by our readers to get to know LEBE2LIK through the eyes of its founder and co owner, Louise Doumet.

Q: What lit the spark in you to start Lebe2lik? How did the idea come about? Lebelik was founded three years ago by my brother and I. The idea came while I was visiting him in NYC during his MBA. I was wearing a nice top and a pair of earrings from ‘Lebanese designer’. A friend of his “Do I have to come visit you to find these stuff?” My brother answered back: “No! Maybe we’ll create a the joke turned into reality with an e-commerce for Lebanese designers and that’s how our website was born.

Q: How did you decide on the name LEBE2LIK? Have you felt that the name has made a difference to your website? When we first came up with the idea, my brother and I wanted to choose a Lebanese name to accurately represent us. We wanted the name to be short, feminine, pretty, and attractive.

Q: How do you go about picking the designers? Or do they pick you? At the beginning it was me picking the designers I used to wear and felt a connection to their pieces. The product selection looked a bit like me. As we evolved, our policies evolved with us. We wanted to offer products with varied price range, while keeping an eye on the quality and the designer’s talent. Today we are a combination of my taste and those who chose to join our family at Lebelik.

Q: What is your motive, purely business or to show the outside world what Lebanon can do? Three weeks ago I was in a meeting, a guy asked me if I was a philanthropist so I smiled and said “maybe one day but for today we try to maintain a good business”. So obviously the idea behind such a concept is to show the world what Lebanon can do, but to be able to do so we all need to build a sustainable business to expand together, export our know-how, our culture and our art, so that hopefully one day we could all create a not-for-profit that will only focus on exporting the pretty side of our charmingly messy country.

APRIL 2015

Q: Have you ever refused a certain brand? If you have on what basis? Unfortunately yes. We like to work with designers that value consistency and that have something new to offer every season. The idea behind such a website is to always propose new stuff, cuts, materials and inspirations.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge to date as an entrepreneur? As a female? Once the work is done everything seems to be easy, so it’s difficult to ask me about challenges I have gone through. I actually can’t remember any of them but when I think about future challenges the list is super long. I see more the challenges in my business than the fact that I am a woman.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 29

CULTURE CLASH

Q: As a young entrepreneur, do you advise others to follow your footsteps? What pieces of advice would you give them? If I were to answer you, it means I feel that I have done no or little mistakes…So, No! However I would encourage them to do what they feel is right, follow their dreams and in a country where everything is related to “who did what and how did they do it”, I would try to convince them to have the strength to only care for the opinions of those who matter.

Q: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently? Today I’m very happy with what I have, so if I had to take my package all as is or leave it; I would have taken it exactly the way it is. Still, when looking back, I wish I was more of a geek back then and knew more about SEO’S, more about online marketing, I wish I was less afraid, I wish I did not over-pay some services. But I thank God I am surrounded by amazing people who taught me a lot about my business and theirs, and who opened my eyes on new ways to grow and improve.

Q: Has Lebe2lik reached its goal? Where do you see Lebe2lik in 10 years time? Today Lebelik is at a point better than what I had expected and worse than what I hope for. 10 years is a very long-time in E-commerce. I wish I could answer this question.

Q: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? I am lucky to have a very supportive family. I think it affected my family life as much as any other serious job would have affected it. It’s not because you start something on your own that things will change. But of course at the beginning it was difficult for me to separate the two, I would come back home and talk about Lebelik, our issues, my dreams for it and what happened. Today I am better at organizing myself and I don’t mix up both anymore.

Q: Outline your typical day? What are your working hours? I actually don’t have a typical day and don’t have working hours. I spend a lot of time out of the office to work with designers and prepare the photo-shoots. I try to do my part of the office-work at home in the late afternoons or alone on Sunday mornings. However some things are always repetitive. Every day I wake up thinking of my breakfast, I get stuck in traffic, I get criticized for having little or no battery on my phone, I see beautiful things, touch soft materials, think about our next photo-shoot and check Lebelik.com to add stuff on my to-do-list.

30 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

Q: What motivates you? Honestly? Wrapping boxes and having happy customers. I prefer wrapping the boxes myself. It is my favorite part of the day!

Q: How far are you willing to go to succeed? I am not one of those who would think, “As much as it takes”. I would do my best and work hard. But I won’t let my work jeopardize my life balance, health, love, family and the other things that matter.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

LEBELIK

Q: What is your greatest fear? My twin brother!

Q: Typical Scenario: A customer bought from your website and was not pleased with the goods. What options are available to him/her? A customer bought from your website, signed, opened the goods and they were faulty (you have to take him on trust) what would you do? The items can either be: 1- Returned and refunded 2- Returned and exchanged We refund or exchange all the items for any reason if they have not been worn and if they are in the same conditions as they have been sent. However if there’s a problem with the item or with our service – to date it has not happened, then we will deal with it. I have had great feedback about our customer care department and on our ability to deal with misunderstandings and unsatisfied clients. We usually trust the client, and now that I think of it, we have done well in doing so.

Q: Customer Service does not rank highly in Lebanon. What would you do to change things? How would you build a successful customer base? I think the most important thing about customer service is hiring people with good listening skills, good problem solving ideas and who have good intentions. A successful customer base, in my opinion, is having a high rate of returning customers. In order for that to happen one must listen to their ideas, cater to their needs and take into consideration their opinions while still being loyal to your brand and what it believes in.

Q: In your line of business, success is for the buyer to come back and become a customer. How do you build a successful customer base? What are your challenges as a female entrepreneur? It’s funny how you ask because the feedback we very often get is :“OH! You have a great service!” “Jessy is great” “Thank you Louise, its perfect”. Going back to the last 3 years I can honestly say that we have been doing our maximum to keep our customers happy, even though our customer base is still growing , but the customers we have today seem to be pleased since most of them came back and brought a big bulk of friends along! I have been asked this question several times, but I don’t see a challenge in being a female entrepreneur maybe because fashion is a “woman’s world” or maybe because I am lucky. But so far I haven’t noticed any challenges related to being a woman. What I find to be challenging is not mixing but between personal and company money. I used to make this mistake, of course for the advantage of Lebelik. Now I make sure it never happens again, even though sometimes I am tempted to.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 31

CULTURE CLASH

Q: Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to make Lebe2lik successful? I wish I knew and if I did, I would have shared it with you secretly over a coffee! But in general I think for a fashion e-commerce to be successful one needs: Hard work, to be surrounded by good people who take their job at heart, A clear picture and a long term, enough money for marketing - the more the better, a friendly shopping experience and an efficient customer care, brilliant and out of the box developers, a tough & brilliant partner, last but not least a little bit of faith and great luck.

Q: Who or what was your greatest inspiration? (If there is both please feel free to talk about them) What first inspired me when we launched Lebelik was for the label “Made in Lebanon” to be seen and appreciated in Lebanon and abroad as the “Made in Italy” is, with of course a Middle Eastern vision and a local touch. Who? 3 years after the launching, I started working very closely with Cyril Haji-Touma who gave me the energy and the confidence to relaunch lebelik. I find him inspiring, brilliant, fun, positive and motivating, and I love that he smiles when I share my dreams for Lebelik.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of Lebe2lik? I love our packaging and I am very happy when people order gifts from Lebelik. I love writing the love notes clients ask for, putting the colorful stars in the box along with the gift, wrapping the box, adding our tag, and waiting for the gift to reach its recipient.

Q: Is there another business similar to yours that you admire, and you hope for Lebe2lik to reach the same goal? I love Net-a-Porter, and hope for Lebelik to be the Lebanese version of it.

Q: In one word characterize Lebe2lik… If you had asked me this question 2 years ago I would have said “Me, Louise.” Today if I had 4 words I would say: The home of Lebanese design. But since I have only one I would hope you speak Arabic and say: Leb-elik - secretly hoping you would understand it as “the stylish Lebanon for you”.

32 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 33

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

RETHINK HAVING A MAN

GIVE YOU AWAY AT YOUR WEDDING BY WANDA MARIE THIBODEAUX

In weddings, brides typically have a man--usually their father, if he’s available and able--escort them to their groom. This custom is as widespread as bread in a bakery, but you might want to buck tradition if you’re about to tie the knot.

THE HEART OF THE TRADITION Although good exceptions certainly can be found, in most ancient cultures, women were considered to be second-class citizens. They usually could not, for example, hold a political office, control the money for a household or own property. In fact, laws or social constructs often dictated that women were property themselves, which men owned and, therefore, had the right to treat as they pleased. In this context, people usually assigned ownership to a woman’s father, but in cases where the father was not known or no longer living, a woman might have been seen as being under an uncle, brother, nephew or other close male relative. With men viewing women as property, and with women having few if any rights, changing ownership of a woman was a formal affair. When a woman got married, ownership moved from her father (or other male relative) to her husband. Fathers accompanied brides down the wedding aisle and gave them away not just to issue a blessing, but rather to publically demonstrate that they were transferring authority to the grooms. Even if your father and groom love you with all their heart and treat you like a queen, by going through this process, you’re sending a message of subservience rather than equality.

34 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

RETHINK HAVING A MAN GIVE YOU AWAY AT YOUR WEDDING

Fly solo. This option is best for women who are serious about sending a message that marriage doesn’t mean the end of independence or individuality. You might want to approach this choice with some caution if you’re shy, but if you want the attention normally put on a bride to reach the stratosphere, this could be the perfect way to go. Get a double greeting/blessing. Normally, the groom waits at the altar, but you also could have your parents and your groom’s parents all waiting for you. You could walk down the aisle with your groom, or you and your groom could enter the room from opposite directions. The parents then can provide a simple greeting or provide a formal blessing, but the idea is to show that both sets of parents approve of your union, and that you’re leaving their households to start your own. Having the parents join your hand with your groom’s hand can be particularly beautiful.

MARRIAGE DOESN’T MEAN THE END OF INDEPENDENCE OR INDIVIDUALITY The tradition of having a man walk a woman down the aisle stems from the centuries-old belief that women were second-class people who could be owned and exchanged as property by men. By shirking this part of your wedding ceremony and adopting a more equalitarian option for getting to the altar, you help put this idea to rest. Whatever you pick, the most important thing is for both you and your groom to be completely comfortable on your special day.

WHAT YOU CAN DO INSTEAD If you opt not to have a man walk you down the aisle, you still have plenty of options for beginning your wedding. You could consider any of the following for a more progressive, contemporary and womansupportive ceremony: Walk down the aisle with your groom. This option communicates the idea that you and your partner are already--and always will be--equals. You will lean on each other from the start of your marriage to the very end, coming to the altar in true partnership. This option is also easy logistically, as your father will not have to find his seat and you and your groom will be all set to go once you’re at the altar.

WALK DOWN THE AISLE WITH YOUR GROOM. THIS OPTION COMMUNICATES THE IDEA THAT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ARE ALREADY, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, EQUALS Have children escort you. With this choice, you still are more than welcome to honor a special boy and girl to bear the ring and scatter flowers. But if there are lots of wonderful kids in your life, they can walk with you. It’s not necessary for them all to hold your hand or be touching your arms. They just need to be old enough--and well behaved enough--to get you to the altar without being distracted. They can help straighten your train if necessary, and their presence is guaranteed to put a stamp of sweetness and innocence on your journey. This can be a particularly good option if you want to symbolize that your marriage marks the transition into new adult responsibilities and experiences, as the kids leave you once you’re at the altar.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 35

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

TULLE SKIRT: CHRISTOS COSTARELLOS at PIAFF BOUTIQUE SHIRT DRESS: BLACK LABEL at PIAFF BOUTIQUE NECKLACE: BULGARY MUSA RING: BULGARY HEADPIECE: SOMETHING BLUE BROOCHES: ALICE EDDE

36 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

70 PERFECT MY DAY,MINUTES MY WAY

MY DAY, MyWay PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS AOUN | STYLING BY NAYLA AOUN | MAKEUP BY ANNA FROM GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY AVAILABLE AT ABC DBAYEH- AISHTI DOWNTOWN- BHV CITYMALL | HAIR BY ROGER GABRIEL | MODEL CHRISTINE from NATHALY’S AGENCY | STYLES FROM INTIMISSIMI, CALZEDONIA, BCBG MAX AZRIA, PIAFF, SOMETHING BLUE, BULGARY THANK YOU ROGER AND ALICE EDDE FOR YOUR WARM RECEPTION A SPECIAL THANKS TO EXOTICA

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 37

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

HEAD CROWN: EXOTICA EARRINGS: BULGARY NECKLACE: BULGARY FLOWER RINGS: ALICE EDDE TOP: BCBG SKIRT: CLU at PIAFF BOUTIQUE SOCKS: STYLIST’S OWN

38 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

DRESS: FORTE-FORTE at PIAFF BOUTIQUE HAT: at PIAFF BOUTIQUE NECKLACE: BULGARY RING: BULGARY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 39

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

TOP: BCBG HEAD CROWN: EXOTICA NECKLACE: BULGARY

40 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 41

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

42 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

JUPON: SOMETHING BLUE BRA: INTIMISSIMI PANTIES: INTIMISSIMI BROOCH: ALICE EDDE

JACKET: ACNE STUDIO at PIAFF BOUTIQUE BRACELET: BULGARY RING: BULGARY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 43

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

44 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

HAT: at PIAFF BOUTIQUE FLOWER CROWN: EXOTICA DRESS: FORTE-FORTE at PIAFF BOUTIQUE PANTIES: INTIMISSIMI NECKLACE: BULGARY RING: BULGARY SANDALS: RUNDHOLZ

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 45

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

46 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

HEADPIECE: SOMETHING BLUE BROOCHES: ALICE EDDE NECKLACE: BULGARY

SHIRT DRESS: BLACK LABEL at PIAFF BOUTIQUE TULLE SKIRT: CHRISTOS COSTARELLOS at PIAFF BUOTIQUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 47

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

CLUTCH: ALICE EDDE RINGS: ALICE EDDE TOP: BCBG SKIRT: CLU at PIAFF BOUTIQUE HEAD CROWN: EXOTICA EARRINGS: BULGARY STOCKINGS: STYLIST’S OWN

48 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 49

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

50 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 51

52 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

PLEATED DRESS: BCBG VEIL: SOMETHING BLUE HEADPIECE: SOMETHING BLUE BOUQUET: EXOTICA EARRINGS: BULGARY

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 53

54 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

MY DAY, MY WAY

TOP: UMITUNAL at PIAFF BOUTIQUE SKIRT: BCBG HAT: at PIAFF BOUTIQUE VEIL: at PIAFF BOUTIQUE EARRINGS: ROSANTICA at PIAFF BOUTIQUE BOUQUET: EXOTICA

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 55

EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

TIARA PRINCESS rosantica poesia gold-tone pearl headband

eugenia kim stelle gold-tone and leather starfish headband

AURA by CAROLINA

56 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

valentino gold-tone headband

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

TIARA PRINCESS

ana khouri lina 18-karat gold diamond headband

maison michel alina knotted faux pearl headband

maison michel astrid faux pearl headband

jennifer behr frieda 22-karat gold headband

jennifer behr mara gunmetal-tone swarovski crystal hairslide

rosantica odalisca gold-tone freshwater pearl headpiece

jennifer behr grand laurel swarovski crystalembellished hair comb

maison michel edelweiss silk floral-embellished headband

jennifer behr margarite gold-plated headband

rosantica maria gold-dipped pearl headband

APRIL 2015

jennifer behr delicate vine swarovski crystalembellished headband

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 57

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

THE COLORFUL HISTORY

WHY WEAR A CORSAGE

A corsage is a flower or arrangement of flowers worn on the clothing or around the wrist. Such an item might appear innocent at first glance, but a brief look into the history of the corsage shows that its origins and symbolism are much stranger and more mysterious than its simple appearance suggests. The origin of the corsage is somewhat confused and controversial, with many different backgrounds claimed for this fashionable flower arrangement. Some claim the corsage began with an ancient Greek belief that flowers ward off evil spirits. Others claim ancient European fertility religions as the originators of the corsage. Yet others point to the ancient Aztec society, where warriors from different parties allegedly wore different

58 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

types of flowers during their sacred war games. Finally, some place the origin of the corsage at the dawn of human history, when Neanderthal and modern human burial practices first incorporated the use of flowers, presumably as a symbol of life and, possibly, of rebirth. More contemporary accounts look toward medieval Europe as the birthplace of the corsage. Certain accounts give the corsage a bloody history, beginning with the War of the Roses. This conflict occurred during the 1400s, when the English houses of York and Lancaster fought a gruesome internecine war for control of the British throne. The name “War of the Roses” refers to the white rose in the House of York’s heraldry, and the red rose in the heraldry of the House of Lancaster.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE COLORFUL HISTORY | WHY WEAR A CORSAGE

Allegedly, these wars began the practice of wearing boutonnieres – a corsage place through the buttonhole on the lapel of a jacket – with supporters donning the colored rose of the royal family they favored. Other accounts give an equally bloody history to the corsage, though its origin is in plague rather than warfare. These corsage historians say that the corsage is the descendant of the nosegay. A nosegay was a small bouquet worn by ladies in the bodice of gowns, attached to the wrist, or carried. In fact, the word “corsage” comes from a term for a lady’s bodice or, more specifically, for her cleavage. These corsage nosegays became popular during a time of plague and pestilence. Their purpose was twofold: on the one hand, ladies carried the flowers to dampen the smell of decay in the cities; on the other, many people believed that pleasant scents, such as of flowers, prevented the plague. However, the explanation for the practice of wearing scented flowers may be even simpler and less superstitious—after all, these were the days before the invention of deodorant.

MANY PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT PLEASANT SCENTS, SUCH AS OF FLOWERS, PREVENTED THE PLAGUE The lapel corsage or boutonniere is more associated with men, while the wrist corsage or bodice nosegay is associated with women. This flowery sex difference can be attributed in part to the different forms of European men’s and women’s clothing, where men’s clothing has traditionally been more likely to have lapels and buttonholes, and where bodices are exclusive to women’s clothing, which often also lack a convenient attachment point. Yet again, however, we can trace different histories for the popularity of male and female corsages. Corsage historians insist that the male boutonniere has a martial history, beginning with the British War of the Roses and continuing to this day with the red poppies worn by many British people on Armistice Day (Remembrance Day) and the primroses worn on former prime minister Benjamin Disraeli’s birthday.

The medieval corsage or nosegay for women experienced a popular resurgence in Victorian England, not due to plague this time but to a trend for communicating in “the language of flowers”. This romantic notion has its roots in popular folklore, and was immortalized in Ophelia’s monologue in William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Living in a restrictive culture where contact between the sexes was limited and where speech was governed by strict rules of propriety, young Victorian women and men created a richly symbolic way to communicate with each other called the Language of Flowers. In this “language”, hundreds of different flowers were assigned different meanings, from the overt (a red rose for passion), to the extremely specific and subtle (European sweetbriar, meaning “I wound to heal”).

VICTORIAN WOMEN AND MEN CREATED A RICHLY SYMBOLIC WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER CALLED THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Today corsages are popular at weddings and other formal occasions, and are de rigueur for American prom-going teenagers, where young men traditionally are required to present their dates with corsages that match their gowns. All of these flower-bedecked revelers can take pride in their continuation of a long, sometimes sordid, sometimes honorable history.

References: gardenguides.com/84908-history-corsages.html humanities-for-you.blogspot.com/2011/11/corsage-and-boutonniere-dark-history-of.html languageofflowers.com/ moumethodist.org/console/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/corsagehistory_FSCPEZMC.pdf

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 59

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

CERRUTI 1881 SS 2015

60 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

ESTEBAN CORTAZAR SS 2015

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 61

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

J. W. ANDERSON SS 2015

62 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

APRIL 2015

DSQUARED2 SS 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 63

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

JAMES LONG SS 2015

64 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

MANISH ARORA SS 2015

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 65

stella mccartney ss 2015

66 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

OCEAN BLUE andrea incontri ss 2015

kenneth jay lane gold-plated faux pearl ring

READY TO GO miu miu embellished cady mini dress

clu cotton and modal-blend silk top marc by marc jacobs don’t panic gold-tone necklace

adam lippes crepe straightleg pants victoria beckham striped cotton shirt dress

jennifer meyer necklace

HIPPIE SHAKE christopher kane guipure lace-appliquéd boyfriend jeans

burberry london polkadot fil coupé midi skirt

christian siriano ss 2015 band of outsiders cotton oxford boyfriend shirt iam by ileana makri earrings

maiyet amonet leather shoulder bag

ancient greek sandals ikaria leather wing sandals

3.1 phillip lim leather backpack

APRIL 2015

lucy choi london pumps

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 67

tracy reese ss 2015

68 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE KIMONO anna sui arcadia intarsia woolblend kimono

isabel marant goldplated bone earrings

BE RESERVED

bershka long floral print kimono

ralph lauren ss 2015

opening ceremony ethan textured crepe mini dress

THE GEISHA IN U

zara kimono sleeve belted coat

arme de l’amour set of two goldplated rings

totême havana crepe dress

CUTE N CALM maje venezuela belted cotton jacket

aurélie bidermann organic feathers gold necklace

anna sui jacquardtrimmed lace shorts

altuzarra ss 2015

valentino fringed leather espadrille wedge sandals

celine leather bag

APRIL 2015

msgm leathertrimmed printed canvas sandals

chloé elsie mini textured-leather shoulder bag

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 69

genny ss 2015

70 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

POLKA DOTS ileana makri 18-karat rose gold diamond earrings

preen by thornton bregazzi chiffon dress

arme de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;amour gold-plated ring

zara dot detail shirt dolce & gabbana ss 2015

saloni marie printed embossed taffeta top

DEFINE dolce & gabbana polka-dot cottonpoplin mini dress maison martin margiela gold and silverplated ring

kenzo polka-dot crepe tapered pants

A SPOT OF FASHION

roksanda ilincic paneled stretch-crepe midi skirt

GROOVY SPOTS

redvalentino polka-dot satin-twill shorts

sophia webster jessica watermelon patent-leather and pvc pumps

saint laurent ss 2015

geox sneakers, gs

jimmy choo shoulder bag

APRIL 2015

dolce & gabbana leather tote

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 71

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

READY, STEADY, GO! RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT. BY TEDDY YOUNES

White shoes: faux pas or no? It’s been one of the great fashion debate for years, rules dictated that white shoes are unsophisicated. Thanks to the likes of Paris Hilton and Mischa Barton, we can now say that white is back for summer 2015. It it a fashion success

COOL CHILD linda farrow round-frame gold-plated and elaphe sunglasses

zara text t-shirt

zara multicolored coat rag & bone the boyfriend denim shorts

chloé ellie gold-tone stone bracelet

GIANVITO ROSSI

sarah’s bag clutch me lebanon collage

72 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

leather pumps

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

READY, STEADY, GO! | RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

LOOKING SUAV!

vivienne westwood anglomania paradise printed stretchcotton drill skirt

maria black mono goldplated earrings

saint laurent monogramme small leather shoulder bag

equipment slim signature washed-silk top

erickson beamon faux pearl and swarovski crystal ring

LADY IN THE MAKING chloeĚ dafne d-frame acetate sunglasses alexander wang cutout-back stretch-crepe mini dress

rosantica set of two gold-dipped pearl hair pins

baja east printed waffle-knit cotton wrap

valentino va va voom printed leather shoulder bag

aureĚ lie bidermann lafayette goldplated cuff

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 73

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

alexander mcqueen crepe blazer

All in yellow is an easy way to win at summer fashion. The thing about yellow, is that it’s easy to the eye and you’re bound to get a compliment. Few people wear it, so be daring this summer and be one of the first to set a trend amongst your friends.

MOOD SWINGS

sarah’s bag clutch me kiss beaded

chan luu set of two gold-plated multi-stone beaded necklaces

carolina bucci twister set of three gold-plated bracelets

gianvito rossi denim ankle boots

M MISSONI

racer-back zigzag crochet-knit dress

74 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

READY, STEADY, GO! | RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

SHOWS CHARACTER stella mccartney beckett cork-effect shoulder bag eugenia kim stelle goldtone and leather starfish headband

acne studios roza stretch-canvas sandals

jennifer meyer 18-karat gold diamond earrings

SUN BATHING dina khalife the acrobats scarf yellow rolled

maison michel virginie rabbitfelt fedora

chloeĚ the marcie mini texturedleather shoulder bag

tomas maier leather sandals

APRIL 2015

repossi 18-karat rose gold ring

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 75

MIRROR, MIRROR

Wearing lipstick is like wearing high heels. The first steps can be intimidating. With ROUGE COCO, the application is intuitive, spontaneous and self-evident. It is easy to use and natural to wear, both day and night. In a meeting, on a date, for an escapade.

76 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

CHANEL

ROUGE COCO

GLIDING, SHINY, MELT-AWAY

THE COLOUR PALETTE

THE ROUGE COCO formula is entirely revamped for even more gentleness, comfort, radiance and melt-away quality. CHANEL Research elevated its high standards by uniting the expertise of its Sensorial Analysis Laboratory, Make-up Formulation Laboratory and Physical Expertise Laboratory. It studied the physical, sensory and emotional characteristics of lipstick to guide the formulation.

Reds, plums, pinks, rosewoods, beiges and oranges: ROUGE COCO comes in a new colour collection. All the shades are ultrasimple to wear, making every choice the right one. To ensure the success of this new collection, the ROUGE COCO pigments are extremely fine. Subtly balanced, they do not weigh down the formula and therefore do not dry out the lips. Colour remains comfortable and true, radiant and discreet.

ROUGE COCO SCARLETT

APRIL 2015

A COLOUR FOR EVERY WOMAN 29 shades in 6 colour palettes recall the circles of friends of Mademoiselle Chanel: her close companions, her friends, her loves, her muses... Each shade bears the name of those who were close to her and who called her Coco.

GABRIELLE

LOUISE

JEANNE

SARI DORE

ROUSSY

LEGENDE

ETIENNE

JEAN

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 77

MIRROR, MIRROR

CHANEL

SUBLIMAGE LA LOTION SUPREME ULTIMATE SKIN REGENERATION

The lotion is the indispensable skincare product in a woman’s daily beauty routine. With SUBLIMAGE La Lotion Suprême, CHANEL presents a new generation of lotions inspired by the high expectations of Asian women. They feature a unique formula developed with the utmost precision thanks to the expertise and know-how of the CHANEL Research laboratories in France and Japan. Their secret: a sophisticated water, custom-made by CHANEL Research, with powerful action to fuse into skin. ULTIMATE SKIN REGENERATION SUBLIMAGE SUBLIMAGE La Lotion Suprême is the essential prelude to the SUBLIMAGE beauty ritual. As the first skincare step, it re-balances skin to preserve the integrity of the barrier function. Formulated with a magnetic water complex, it is absorbed by the epidermis, where it diffuses the most prestigious active ingredients derived from Vanilla Planifolia. Perfectly moisturized, skin regains its suppleness, comfort, radiance and plumpness. It is ready to receive the skincare products applied afterwards.

LA PROTECTION UV

THE ESSENTIAL SKINCARE FOR WOMEN’S BEAUTY

Skin is subjected to the effects of time and the environment. Pollution and repeated sun exposure diminish its youthfulness and beauty. Day after day and all year long, it is constantly under attack by UVB rays on its surface and UVA rays deep within. These UV rays penetrate to the skin’s core and alter its cells. This latent damage gradually starts showing and then accumulates, causing significant changes. Collagen fibers break down, fibroblasts weaken and the extracellular matrix becomes disorganized. As a result, skin ages prematurely. It is dehydrated, lined, slackened and dull. Wrinkles and fine lines form, deepening over time and with each exposure to the sun. Dark spots appear.

78 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 79

MIRROR, MIRROR

Giorgio Armani reinvents a legendary fragrance. Introducing the profoundly sensual Acqua Di Giò Profumo, born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters. Creating an elusive trail, Acqua Di Giò Profumo reconciles the impossible: finding harmony in the contrast of a simple form and the complexity of a composition, between freshness and

80 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

opacity, from the darkest stone to the most crystalline blue of the sea. In the fusion of rocks and water, the power and perfection of nature is made tangible. A dry, incandescent nature, whose mineral essence vibrates against the skin. Woody, aromatic, aquatic: Acqua Di Giò Profumo is an intensely masculine fragrance.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

Delve into a Man’s Mind at MEN'S WORLD Exhibition

Advertorial

May 21st and 24th, 2015 at La Marina Joseph Khoury- Dbayeh

It is a universal truth that the best way to understand a man is to think like a man. Men have their own mindset, needs, interests, aspirations, not to mention dreams. In a nutshell, men have their own world. Stemming from that belief, FEW (Fairs & Exhibitions World), a newcomer in the event management arena, decided to dedicate an entire exhibition for men. Whether they are seeking simple apparel or aiming for a tad of sophistication, men can find it all at MEN'S WORLD Exhibition. Stretching over 3,500 sq.m. in the heart of La Marina Joseph Khoury Dbayeh, MEN'S WORLD Exhibition is the venue where men can explore a fascinating array of clothing, sports gear, high-tech equipment, cars, boats, and so much more, all within a laid-back, yet fun atmosphere.

The Company

Organized under patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and in partnership with SGBL bank, MEN'S WORLD Exhibition is the brainchild of FEW, an event management company run by a passionate team of media specialists. “We started FEW because we had great ideas for events with an innovative twist and we felt, with our media, advertising, sales and event management background and expertise in the field, we can make them happen,” states Lina Haj, FEW Managing Director. Indeed, the FEW team brings more than 15 years of experience to the event planning scene. They are dedicated, creative, and zealous about bringing forth events that are not just flawless, but memorable. From conception to execution, they work on the clock to make sure that any event will be forever imprinted in people’s minds.

Exhibitors Profile

The Venue

• Cars, ATV’s, motorcycles, watercrafts, marine and aviation products. • Wireless communications, high-tech electronics, cameras, home theaters and car audio equipment • Spas, pools, sports and fitness equipment, hiking and hunting gears • Health products, personal care furniture and home renovation ideas and products • Clothing, gadgets, watches and accessories • Financial institutions • Travel & Tourism

Needless to say, La Marina Dbayeh is renowned for its mesmerizing setting with the beautiful Mediterranean on one side and the long-stretched coast on the other. Brigitte Khoury, FEW Managing Partner, emphasizes, “From the onset, La Marina was our number one choice for this exhibition because we wanted an outdoor venue that has the charm of La Marina and the facilities to host an exhibition of this scale.” La Marina is also sought after for its glamorous ambiance where comfort blends with sophistication. For years, La Marina has become synonymous with top-notch events, including exhibitions, fashion shows, and concerts. Today, La Marina Dbayeh will be hosting yet another unique exhibition that is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors from Lebanon and the region to come and discover a “MEN'S WORLD.”

CONTACT US For more information, contact FEW sarl (Fairs & Exhibitions World) Tel +961 3 694891, +961 3 828083, +961 3 823447 E-mail: info@fewlb.com

The Concept

Inspired by international exhibitions with a similar theme, MEN'S WORLD Exhibition will take the Lebanese scene by storm with its unique concept and definitely spectacular venue. “MEN'S WORLD Exhibition is a new concept in Lebanon. We have seen exhibitions solely for boats or cars but today we are bringing together 150 exhibitors from various sectors under one umbrella,” explains Joelle Ghannam, one of FEW partners. Young and old will find in MEN'S WORLD Exhibition anything from clothes to sports apparel all the way to boats and luxury items. A VIP lounge is also made available to make sure that guests receive preferential treatment. But this is not all, entertainment galore awaits all visitors, including live bands, bike parades, and daily shows. APRIL 2015

Orga n i ze d

@mensworldexhib lb.linkedin.com/in/mensworldexhibition facebook.com/MensWorldExhibition @mensworldexhib

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 81

MIND, BODY + SOUL

THE FIVE

MUST FOODS

FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN Everyone knows that sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage, but sunscreen isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only way to have beautiful, glowing skin. The nutrients that you put into your body can help protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Here are some foods that can help you get amazing skin in no time.

82 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE FIVE MUST FOODS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

SEAFOOD

CORN

Seafood is packed full of healthy nutrients and amazing health benefits. In addition to helping you lose weight, seafood can also help you obtain flawless skin. Seafood contains DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been proven to protect the cell walls of your skin from UV rays. Oysters and salmon are the best options with the highest levels of fatty acids. Seafood also contains zinc, which prevents acne and new cell production. Try adding at least two servings of fish to your diet every week.

There’s a rumor that corn has no nutritional value, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This vegetable has loads of healthy benefits. Corn contains a carotenoid called lutein. This carotenoid aids your skin in blocking UV rays which are known to cause skin damage and even lead to cancer. Try adding more corn to your diet by incorporating it into salads or just by itself!

TEA Tea is a great replacement for sodas that are packed with sugar and chemicals. Tea also can help you have beautiful skin. Tea contains caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine kills damaged skin cells by blocking a certain protein that these damaged cells need to divide. Try replacing your daily sodas with a nice cup of tea to reap all of its health benefits.

TOMATOES Tomatoes are great on a sandwich, but there is more to tomatoes than just being a delicious fruit. Tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene. Several studies have shown that consuming lycopene for a few weeks can protect your skin. Tomatoes specifically protect your skin from sunburn. Zinc also aids in the removal of dead skin cells, which makes your skin glow. Try adding tomatoes to your diet through juice, salads, and sandwiches.

STRAWBERRIES Strawberries are more than a tasty treat; they are also great for your skin. These berries are packed with vitamin c. Vitamin C is known to treat wrinkles and dryness of the skin. Vitamin c is also linked to the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that allows the skin to stay firm and youthful looking. Try incorporating strawberries into your diet with smoothies, salads, or just by their selves.

APRIL 2015

There are many different ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, but it is best to work from the inside out. These foods not only provide your body with delicious nutrients, they also protect and restore your skin to its original brilliance. In addition to restoring your skin, these foods also protect you against skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 83

MIND, BODY + SOUL

GET INTO THE TREND WITH 5 HOT AND EASY-TO-ACHIEVE

HAIRSTYLES FOR SPRING

Beautiful hair is always in style. No matter what you wear, people will notice your hair - its color, how it frames your face and how healthy it looks. To make a great impression, at least from a superficial standpoint, make sure your hair looks good! You won’t be memorable, or you’ll be remembered for the wrong reasons, if you wear a hairstyle from the last decade. Just there are trends in clothing and shoes - hair style trends change. Here’s what’s trending upwards for spring 2015 hair styles.

84 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

RETURN OF THE CHIGNON When you want to look classy, a sleek little chignon hairstyle sets you apart. Whether you opt for a high, twisted chignon or a side-swept one, it’s a hairstyle that’s versatile enough to go almost anywhere - from a wedding to a job interview. The chignon is a hairstyle that originated in France, the world capital of style and good taste. Learn how to style your hair into a chignon and it will quickly become your “go to” hairstyle when you want to look impeccably groomed.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

HAIRSTYLES FOR SPRING

LONG HAIR IS BACK Did long hair ever really go out of style? Definitely not, but long, healthy locks will be making an even stronger statement in spring 2015. The best way to show off your long, voluminous tresses is to keep the style simple and unstructured. Think soft waves with lots of texture. When you tire of wearing your hair loose, grab a hair-friendly hairband or eye-catching barrette or ribbon or an outrageous hair accessory and pull your tresses back into a casual ponytail. Ponytails of all types are right in step with spring 2015 hair trends - sleek ponytails, casual ones, high ones and low ones. It’s a hassle-free way to get out the door quickly and still look stylish. As the weather grows warmer, you can’t beat a sassy little ponytail.

THE SLICKED BACK LOOK In contrast with the trend towards natural soft waves and lots of loose texture, “slicked back” hair that looks like you just got out of the shower is making a comeback. Just check out the models wearing this style on Paris runways. The look is “sleek and wet,” and it’s an easy one to achieve. Just apply hair gel to the front of your hair and comb it back. What could be simpler? Spring 2015 is also about simplicity, spending less time on your hair while still turning heads.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 85

MIND, BODY + SOUL

PARTED DOWN THE CENTER Remember Susan Day from the Partridge Family? She knew how to work a center part. She always had her hair long, straight and parted straight down the middle. Why not, if it works for you? It seems to be working this spring since it’s a look that’s filling runways. Symmetry, even when it comes to hair, is in. To pull off this look, make sure your hair is healthy. Split ends and broken strands will detract from the simplicity of this style.

SHORT HAIR? THE BOB RULES The “must have” short hair cut this spring is the bob and its many variations. Prefer a sleek bob or a fun, choppy one? They’re both in style this year. If the bob isn’t your style, but you still want it short, maybe you’re daring enough for the “boy cut,” as popularized by celebrities like Miley Cyrus. Either way, you’ll have hassle-free hair that’s perfect for warm weather.

THE TEXTURED BUN Another look that goes almost anywhere and is rising on the hairstyle trend-o-meter is the textured bun. Who wants a flat, boring bun? Texture adds fullness and makes it look like you have a ton of hair, even if you’re not blessed with a thick head of hair. This look is easy to create. Use a crimping iron to create crimps. Then spray the crimps with texturizing spray to hold them in place. Pull your hair back into a high ponytail and hold it in place with a hair band. Twist the ponytail until it coils around on itself and secure with pins. Voila! Casual sophistication.

The Bottom Line? You have lots of hairstyle options to choose from this spring, which one is for you?

86 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 87

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

THE UNDRESS CODE WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS BY MATT JUDD

88 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE UNDRESS CODE |WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

Swinging is booming – and research suggests it might save marriages. Matt Judd went to a couples-only hotel to meet the people who follow the undress code.

Early on a Friday evening, I’m sitting at a table of eight making small talk over sea bass with two seemingly ordinary couples. The first, twenty something scientists called Nicola and Chris, are all smiles and hold hands. They are from Sussex and, even though they’ve been together for nine years, they’re behaving like they’re still in the honeymoon period. They finish each other’s sentences, they allocate anecdotes, and they look longingly into each other’s eyes. What a lovely, sweet, innocent couple, him in his checked shirt, her in a flowing floral dress.

EVEN THOUGH THEY’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR NINE YEARS, THEY’RE BEHAVING LIKE THEY’RE STILL IN THE HONEYMOON PERIOD

ANOTHER HAS SHOELACES INSTEAD OF A SKIRT. HER HUSBAND APPEARS TO HAVE COME AS RETIRED ZORRO The second couple is a bit older and their smiles are less bubbly. This is not because they aren’t happy. It’s because Michael is a German IT consultant, Emily is a Chinese fashion graduate, and they met, for sure, at a sex club in London. It becomes immediately obvious that both of them would call a spade a spade. The restaurant itself is of the sort you would expect at a three-star resort in Lanzarote. There is an uneventful salad bar, a dessert section consisting primarily of squirty cream, and nine horrifically communal tables. Talking to strangers at dinner is any sane person’s idea of holiday hell. But here, in this dining room, everyone appears to be delighted to be talking to everyone else. There’s a hubbub, a definite hubbub.

APRIL 2015

That’s the first sign that things are different. That, and the fact that several women on the other tables appear to be wearing quite well revealing dresses. One of them is in a non-regulation French maid’s outfit. Another has shoelaces instead of a skirt. Her husband appears to have come as retired Zorro. Other than that, all perfectly ordinary. We talk about all the normal things you talk about at dinner. The weather, quantum physics, the weather, IT consultancy, what it’s like watching your wife having sex with someone else, the weather. It’s the sort of conversation you might have at any polite dinner party in Surrey. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Spice is a 67-bedroom, couples-only resort on an anonymous suburban block with no sea views and walls high enough to preserve immodesty. It charges five-star prices for threestar accommodation, but none of the clientele minds because they’re not here for the Egyptian-cotton thread count or chocolates on pillows. They’re here for something else.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 89

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

Arriving at the hotel two hours earlier, I had been braced for wall-to-wall orgies. It hadn’t helped that the taxi driver understood where I wanted to go only after I had mimed it, then grinned at me and Laura — the photographer — in his rear-view mirror all the way to the hotel. The signs at reception were troubling, too. A bowl of free condoms on the counter where mints and Hertz rental leaflets should have been. One rack of bikinis, one rack of X-rated lingerie. A glass cabinet of sex gels (Edge to delay men, Frenzy to encourage women — do not mix up). But now, here I was talking about particle physics over sea bass in a room full of almost fully clothed people. It was impossible to imagine that these people, these almost entirely fully clothed people, would spend the rest of the night playing swapsies.

At 10.15pm I discover how wrong I am. We have all moved into the adjacent nightclub. I am standing by the bar, looking, primarily, at the ceiling. James, the “animator”, or more specifically the man whose job it is to facilitate action, is lining up three couples on three mattresses in front of the DJ booth. Couples A and B are forty or fifty somethings already stripped down to their fetishy underwear. Couple C is nice, sweet Nicola and Chris, still in checks and floral, still people with whom I eat sea bass. “Start kissing,” orders James as the DJ, no doubt a master of irony, plays Enigma’s Return to Innocence. The three couples start kissing. “Only on the lips,” he says, because Couple B is doing something several bases naughtier. “Now, rock to the beat.” Oh God. My eyes. My poor eyes. “Undress each other.” James is like the leader of a cult, charismatic, camp, and in complete control of his disciples. “Slower,” he says, because as we’ve established, Couple B are already in their underwear and have no sense of pace.

90 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

“ONLY ON THE LIPS,” HE SAYS, BECAUSE COUPLE B IS DOING SOMETHING SEVERAL BASES NAUGHTIER “Get into a favourite position.” And that’s enough. You might be reading this on a train or in a library or at the Women’s Institute. You don’t need to imagine what I may never be able to unimagine. Except to say that Couple B are taking the “animation” far more seriously than Couple A, who are keeping it if not clean then at least more or less traditional. And nice, sweet Couple C are maintaining the evening’s piscatorial theme by doing things to each other with an inflatable shark.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE UNDRESS CODE |WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

For the finale, James tells couples A and C to join Couple B on the mattress in the middle, which they do without the slightest hesitation. Woman B lies on her back and I now feel like David Attenborough at a Hyena kill. Nicola the Sussex scientist has ended up at the top end, massaging Woman B’s temples. The rest of them are behaving like they haven’t eaten in months.

THIRD, I WONDER IF MY BOTTOM WOBBLES LIKE THAT WHEN IT’S UNDER DURESS The X-rated minutes pass and I consider several things. First, it’s strange to watch other people have an orgy in front of you, particularly when they are clearly enjoying the fact that people are watching them. Second, is it harder to tile a ceiling than a wall? Third, I wonder if my bottom wobbles like that when it’s under duress. Fourth, these people, even the ones with the wobbly bottoms, are very, very confident. Fifth, how come double knots on some shoes stay done up but on other shoes they don’t? Sixth, I need some fresh air. I go outside to examine the spa pool’s waterfiltration system, which, you’ll be relieved to hear, is significantly more powerful than your average spa pool water-filtration system. And then, because what happened in the bar was “just a bit of fun” and from 2am everyone tests the robustness of the filtration system, I go to bed with a book. Not because I’m taking moral sides, but because standing there, clothed, watching naked people have sex is… embarrassing.

NOT BECAUSE I’M TAKING MORAL SIDES, BUT BECAUSE STANDING THERE, CLOTHED, WATCHING NAKED PEOPLE HAVE SEX IS… EMBARRASSING Late the next morning, it’s raining and, at the behest of the Cult Leader, a small group of comparatively early risers is playing drinking games in the bar. One of the games involves a vodka luge, but there isn’t a luge, only breasts, backs and bottoms. After looking at the ceiling some more, I decide it’s time to get some answers. How does this whole thing work? Not mechanically. I’ve already seen enough of that. But emotionally? Mentally? Because this is no longer a niche lifestyle. It’s mainstream.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 91

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

According to Dr Curtis Bergstrand, who surveyed 1,092 swingers in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality (Volume 3), “swinging appears to make the vast majority of swingers’ marriages happier, and swingers rate happiness of their marriages and life satisfaction generally as higher than the non-swinging population”. Certainly, everyone at Spice seems to be having fun. Even the ones who aren’t at the luge. Couples walk around arm in arm, smiling and cuddling.

YOU CAN BE MORE OR LESS CERTAIN THAT SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A SWINGER

There are foot rubs and back rubs as far as the eye can see. I’m pretty sure that if I had done anything James had told me to do to anyone other than my wife last night, I wouldn’t be walking around with her arm-in-arm the next day. I’d be apologizing extensively to a locked door. “It was James, darling. He made me do it.” But these people are all very touchy-feely. “It’s all about communication,” says Tracy, one of the owners of the resort. “Communication and honesty. In the vanilla world [a common swinger term for the rest of us], you can’t say anything to your partner if you see someone you fancy. That’s what gets lost. In the lifestyle, my husband can see someone he likes and can tell me. Rather than walking on in silence. There’s no need to lie.”

BETWEEN 2% AND 4% OF MARRIED COUPLES IN THE USA ARE SWINGERS In 2005 the Kinsey Institute estimated that between 2% and 4% of married couples in the USA are swingers. If the proportion is the same in the UK, which, judging by the hyperbolic rise in swinger networks online, it is, then we’re talking between 250,000 and 500,000. Or the population of Oxford, conservatively, and Edinburgh, less conservatively. You can be more or less certain that someone you know is a swinger. The postman. The accountant. Your parents. Or, judging by the overwhelmingly British clientele here at Spice, your teachers and your high-ranking police officers. Besides the obvious, what are they getting that we aren’t?

92 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE UNDRESS CODE |WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

The lifestyle, by the way, is what swingers prefer to call swinging. It’s a broader term, summoning a sense of community rather than a sense purely of sex. The pursuit of honesty is a recurring explanation. Everyone fancies other people. Nobody tells their partners. This leads to lying. Lying leads to unhappiness, affairs and divorce. Honesty, on the other hand, leads to swinging leads to no affairs. In effect, they are reducing the risk of their partners having sex with other people by letting them have sex with other people. When I suggest this seems rather self-defeating, I get various responses. Michael, the matter-of-fact IT consultant, says love and sex reside in different compartments. “If my wife falls in love with someone else, then I think I would feel jealous.” But what if she enjoys it more with someone else? “It’s not the same,” Emily cuts in rather quickly. “It’s different.”

APRIL 2015

Another man who, out of gratuitous generosity, will remain anonymous, suggests it’s like the difference between a home-cooked supper made by the person you love and a Michelinstarred meal knocked up by Gordon Ramsay. While the latter might be amazing, the former means more. Try that logic on your loved one tonight and see how far it gets you. Dean, Tracy’s husband and Spice co-founder, has now joined us and he’s explaining how swingers hook up. “I have to like your wife,” he says, as I think for the 19th time today how glad I am that my wife declined to join me, “but not too much. She has to be an 8 out of 10 for me and you have to be an 8 out of 10 for Tracy.”

IT’S A BROADER TERM, SUMMONING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY RATHER THAN A SENSE PURELY OF SEX www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 93

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

I look at Tracy. She looks at me. “If it’s any higher, then it’s not allowed.” “So Dean never gets a 10 out of 10?” I ask Tracy. “Of course he does,” says Tracy, laughing down her champagne flute. “That’s me.” “Then,” says Dean, “I have to trust you and Tracy has to trust your wife, and vice versa.” It’s a wonder anything ever happens, I suggest. “It’s about one in five.” Then there are the rules of engagement, discussed at every stage to avoid jealousy. Tracy and Dean took three years of “soft play” before they lost their “L-plates”. Other degrees of intimacy might take longer to share. Kissing. Certain positions. Swapping rooms as well as partners. Tracy and Dean, it should be said, gave up swinging when they opened Spice. “We might have spent the night with a couple and the next day they’d be asking for a discount because of a leaking shower,” says Dean.

THEN THERE ARE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, DISCUSSED AT EVERY STAGE TO AVOID JEALOUSY At lunch in the communal dining room (tapas I won’t be writing home about), Michael and Emily are celebrating a morning “making erotic photography” with other guests. Nicola and Chris are prepared to share a little more of what brought them to swinging. “We had a difficult moment.” A difficult moment? They look at each other, allocating the anecdote. “There was someone else five years ago,” she says. “I respected you too much not to tell you,” he says. “I was very angry,” she says. “Yes, you were,” he says. “We split up, but I realised I couldn’t live without my best friend,” she says. “It took a long time to rebuild trust.”

“MAKING EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY” WITH OTHER GUESTS 94 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

And swinging was the answer? “I know he’s not going to be blinded by some pretty girl,” she says. “This was a long time ago. It’s so easy to get meta about it,” he says.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE UNDRESS CODE |WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

DOESN’T ANYONE JUST WANT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR HAVE A NAP OR NOT GIVE SOMEONE A MASSAGE? “Swingers are not wild,” says Peter. “We’re not animals. We have a lot of respect for people.”“There’s no obligation to have sex,” adds Jana. “Once you have had sex with 2,000 people, the sex is not different. It’s about the game,” says Mr 2,000. “It’s the same reason people go to a discotheque. For attractions. For a sexual experience.” Isn’t it just an excuse for men to have sex with other women without getting into trouble, I ask sexistly. “That’s how outsiders think. But it’s the women who make the decisions. It’s the women doing what they want.” Doesn’t it get boring, then?

The game, they say, is always different even if the sex isn’t. If they’re in France, everyone’s very forward. If they’re in England, everyone’s very polite and formal. “It takes time to break the ice, which we like.” Mr & Mrs 2000 don’t subscribe to Dean and Tracy’s 8-out-of-10 rule. That, for them, would suggest distrust. Instead, they explain what it is to be libertine, the ultimate stage of the Lifestyle. “You’re free,” says Jana. “You arrive at a club together and leave together, but what happens in between is entirely up to each of you.” “You become more open-minded,” says Peter, who then details an eye-watering list of adventurous experiences I won’t pass on. “Yes,” says Jana. “Remember the priest.” “He only told me afterwards.” “Ha.”

ONCE YOU HAVE HAD SEX WITH 2,000 PEOPLE, THE SEX IS NOT DIFFERENT. IT’S ABOUT THE GAME

In the afternoon the rain grows heavier, so everyone goes on a tour of the many and varied cultural sights of Lanzarote. That’s a lie. They all get naked in the spa pool. At this point, it feels quite relentless. Where do they get their stamina? Even with the herbal pills sold at reception (£15 a pop — “our guests swear by them”), doesn’t anyone just want to watch a movie or have a nap or not give someone a massage? Because I’m pretty much the only person in the resort with pubic hair, I sit clothed and alone under a canopy on a four-poster bed by reception, until a manager points out by way of small talk that he often arrives for work to find upwards of six people on the bed, “bottoms going up and down”. I retreat to the no-nudity restaurant for a coffee with Jana and Peter, who are, fabulously, here to collect a lifetime achievement accolade in the inaugural Spice Lifestyle Awards. They have spent the last 22 years tirelessly, selflessly travelling the world as international business consultants, promoting the virtues of polygamy as they go.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 95

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

By the end of the afternoon, I’m pretty much oblivious to naked people touching each other. It seems… normal. And while I’m not suggesting we all start swinging, it doesn’t feel as sordid as it should. I like these people. They’re summer-festival friendly. The swapping thing is pretty weird. It seems to require the conscious uncoupling of sex from emotion that might be a thing when you’re young and carefree but might not be when you’re a married OAP, like the chap over there with the walking stick.

On the other hand, at least they are open about what they want. And not judgmental or body conscious or jealous or repressed or all the things many “vanilla” couples find a way to becoming. It’s a Second Age of Aquarius, I write in my notebook. And then I cross it out again because it’s 10.30 pm and everyone has come out dressed as dirty superheroes, which shouldn’t be the Age of Anything. There are several Batmen and several crotchless Robins.

8 WHILE I’M NOT SUGGESTING WE ALL START SWINGING, IT DOESN’T FEEL AS SORDID AS IT SHOULD There are Wonderwomen, Suspenderwomen and, of course, Captain Lothario. (Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a man groping a woman young enough to be his daughter.) There is Not Nearly Invisible Enough Woman wearing a £6,000 silver belt and nothing else, and there’s me, Looking at Ceiling Man. Glad-ragged Jana and Peter have been presented with their gong (“this couple have been tireless in promoting our lifestyle”, says Dean with a completely straight face, “please put your hands together for…”) and now they’re the hot ticket of the night. I watch from my scaredy-cat corner. A man comes up and touches Jana’s arm. She doesn’t move it away. He touches it again. Still there. Then he smiles at Peter. Peter smiles back. Interest. Trust. Approval. And next will come The Conversation.

96 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

THE UNDRESS CODE |WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

“When you’re talking to a couple,” Dean had explained earlier, “you’re thinking about The Conversation.” The Conversation? “Yes, you’ll be having a conversation, waiting for The Conversation. That’s when you decide what’s going to happen.” I can’t tell if the foursome is having The Conversation or just having a conversation. I can’t have a conversation any more without wondering if I’m at risk of having The Conversation. I can’t have The Conversation because I haven’t got a wife with me or a codeword. Every couple has a codeword. It’s a subtle way to say stop doing that to that person, or stop having that person do that thing to you. Pickle, for example, is one word an English couple confided to me. Pickle. “Are you enjoying this, darling?” you might say. “Very much so, Pickle,” she might reply. And you’ll know you’ve crossed a line.

I CAN’T TELL IF THE FOURSOME IS HAVING THE CONVERSATION OR JUST HAVING A CONVERSATION

The next morning, I’m flying home, leaving the happier-than-the-rest-of-us lifestylers behind. It’s a relief. Not because of all the bonking. Because it’s been a perplexing weekend. My swinging friends made a strong case for the virtues of iniquity, but I’m suspicious of their happiness. It feels artificial. I get the impression that many of them spend a lot of time convincing themselves that everything is fine and dandy. Then again, I’m listening to the stag party two rows behind boasting about their conquests to each other and the rest of the plane.

APRIL 2015

MY SWINGING FRIENDS MADE A STRONG CASE FOR THE VIRTUES OF INIQUITY, BUT I’M SUSPICIOUS OF THEIR HAPPINESS This bird did this. This bird did that. And I know full well that not a word of their exploits will be breathed to their girlfriends, fiancées and wives waiting at home.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 97

OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT THINGS TO DO THIS APRIL!

JUST WHEN YOU’VE STARTED MENTALLY PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE AN ETERNITY OF HELLISH WINTER WEATHER, SPRING SHOWS UP AT OUR DOORSTEP AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IMMEDIATELY RUNS OUTSIDE HOLLERING AND SCREAMING AT THE SUN IN UTTER GRATITUDE. SO LET’S TURN OUR ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING THIS MONTH IN BEIRUT BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT TO GET AWESOME UP IN HERE.

HORECA 2015 Established in 1993, HORECA is the region’s largest annual meeting place for both the Hospitality and Food and Beverage Service Industries. Horeca is the region’s stage for new trends. It’s a unique opportunity for industry players to meet and compare ideas, discover market innovations and fire up their creativity. Celebrate Beirut’s festival of taste with food, fun and a slew of surprises. APRIL 20 TO APRIL 23 | BIEL, PORT OF BEIRUT DOWNTOWN | +9611995555

MASHROU’ LEILA AT O1NE Three amazing albums, a unique voice and a touching Folk Rock musical style have led them to become one of the most recognized bands in the region and even put them on the cover of Rolling Stone Middle East. Mark the date on your calendars: Mashrou’ Leila will perform their melancholic ballads and raucous anthems, surrounded by the enchanted world of 360 projection and 3D mapping at O1NE Beirut on April 4. APRIL 4 | 9:00 P.M. TO 11:30 P.M | EO1NE HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT, BEIRUT WATERFRONT, DOWNTOWN | +96170939191 | TICKETS BETWEEN 60,000 LL AND 120,000 LL

98 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

IRTIJAL EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Founded in 2000, Irtijal is presently the oldest music festival of the city of Beirut, and one of the longest standing international festivals of post-war Lebanon. Irtijal is organized by MILL, a non-profit association founded in 2000 by musicians Mazen Kerbaj and Sharif Sehnaoui, with the intent of promoting contemporary and experimental practices in music, and assisting projects that do not fit within the Lebanese mainstream, yet still present undeniable artistic value. APRIL 1 TO APRIL 6 | VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS BEIRUT | +96176952387 | +9611753010/1 | TICKETS WEEKDAYS: 25,000 LL, SUNDAYS: 30,000 LL, FESTIVAL PASS: 80,000 LL

ROCK CLIMBING COURSES If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, why not take up rock climbing this spring? Lebanon has a thriving rock climbing community and plenty of outdoor routes to try – provided you know what you are doing and have all your safety gear in tow. If you have never tackled the rocks before, Sports 4 Life is hosting a four-day rock climbing school this month for climbers of all levels to come and learn the ropes. APRIL 3 TO APRIL 6 | SPORTS 4 LIFE | +9611560 583 | +96103900865 | COST $320

MUSIC FESTIVAL AT O1NE For the first time in Lebanon, Music Festival, an ongoing party, will conquer O1NE Beirut with a mixture of tracks from Rnb, House, Oldies, Commercial to Deep House and more. It will twist your mind in an unforgettable night full of music from all around the globe. The Lineup includes: Dimix, Ed’n’ray, Yussef k, Mini b and more. APRIL 5 | 8:30PM TO 5:00AM | O1NE HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT, BEIRUT WATERFRONT, DOWNTOWN | 03.788.595 OR 70.957.621 | $55 INCLUDING OPEN BAR

APRIL 2015

MARCO COROLA LIVE AT THE TRAINSTATION The legendary Mix FM train station parties are back with the DJ who rocked it there last year. Marco Carola is one of House and Techno’s very few mega stars and he’s been filling the hottest clubs from city to city around the world: Miami, Ibiza, Berlin and more, mesmerizing crowds with his trademark groovy tech sound. See him live in Beirut on April 11. APRIL 11 | 9:00PM TO 6:00AM |MAR MIKHAEL TRAINSTATION, ARMENIA STREET, MAR MIKHAEL | 0096170999104

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 99

OUT + ABOUT

RED BULL PAPER WINGS What could be more fun than getting rewarded for your favorite childhood pastime? All you have to do is fold your best paper airplane, and make it fly as far and long as possible with the most awesome flight performance. You’re only a few folds away from making it to the Red Bull Paper Wings Final in Salzburg, Austria. APRIL 4 | 5:00PM TO 7:00PM | MAR MIKHAEL BUS STATION

WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE AT THE GRAND FACTORY Expect new songs off their upcoming album, some infamous covers, and special guests. The night will be warmed up by Ryan, and the good people from Subliminal will play you a closing DJ set. APRIL 2 | 8:00PM TO 1:00AM | THE GRAND FACTORY, AL REHBAN STREET, ABOVE SLEEP COMFORT, KARANTINA | +96170885882 | $20, INCLUDES ONE DRINK

JAMES ZABIELA LIVE IN BEIRUT Poliakov Vodka is bringing it all back as it proudly presents the first massive clubbing event in years featuring the tech wizard who has been unanimously recognized as “Technically the world’s best DJ,” James Zabiela. He’ll be performing alongside the daring, eclectic, innovative and acclaimed DJ/Producer Coyu and cutting edge techno virtuoso: Marco Bailey. Lebanon’s own iconic DJ 3elias will also hit the decks for a warmup session. APRIL 30 | 10:00PM TO 6:00AM | BIEL, PORT OF BEIRUT DOWNTOWN | +96103333503 | REGULAR: $40 WITH ONE POLIAKOV DRINK, VIP LOUNGE TABLES: $75 WITH TWO POLIAKOV DRINKS

100 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

METAL REVIVE AT CONCRETE 1994 Expect a night, full of Rock with the greatest rock bands in Beirut. The lineup includes: In Sanity, Thrashstorm, Blaakyum and InnerGuilt. APRIL 2 | 6:00PM TO 12:30AM | CONCRETE 1994, SIN EL FIL HIGHWAY | +96170985799 | $20 INCLUDING TWO DRINKS OR A BEER

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 101

102 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

RAGGED EVENTS

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 103

ALFA

ALFA CELEBRATES ITS 20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY IN AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENING FEBRUARY 2015, BIEL, BEIRUT

104 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 105

HARRY’S BAR UPSCALE ITALIAN RESTAURANT OPENING JANUARY 2015, HARRY’S BAR, SAIFI, BEIRUT

106 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 107

DERMAPRO DERMAPRO INTRODUCES ITS NEW CLINICS, DETOX & WELLNESS CENTER QUARTIER DES ARTS, SAIFI, BEIRUT

108 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 109

HEARTBEAT HEARTBEAT LAUNCHES THE “HEARTBEAT BOX” INITIATIVE FEBRUARY 2015, ABC MALL ASHRAFIEH, BEIRUT

110 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

BYBLOS BANK+MASTERCARD BYBLOS BANK AND MASTERCARD CELEBRATE “FLY TO THE SWISS ALPS” SUCCESS FEBRUARY 2015, BYBLOS BANK HEADQUARTERS, BEIRUT

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 111

BULGARI BVLGARI CELEBRATED FILM AND DIVAS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT AT THE 65TH BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 2015, METROPOLPARK BERLIN, GERMANY

112 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 113

MOE SHOUR SS15 COLLECTION LAUNCH

MOE SHOUR, DOWNTOWN, BEIRUT

114 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 115

MARCELLAM BRAND LAUNCHING PARTY

MARCH 2015, MARCELLAM’S ATELIER, HAZMIEH, BEIRUT

116 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 117

TAKE ME WITH YOU

BEYOND LONDON 10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM While just about everyone who has been to the United Kingdom for a holiday has been to London or to other popular tourist destinations such as Bath, Canterbury or York, relatively few get far off the beaten track and take the opportunity to visit the lesser known and often far more pleasant places. The UK is not just about big cities and the best known tourist sites - the country is also home to a vast range of other types of places to see from romantic, picture-perfect countryside villages to dramatic and ancient coastlines to the wild and remote reaches of the Scottish Highlands. If you are planning a trip to the UK, consider some of the following destinations.

118 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

BEYOND LONDON | 10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 119

TAKE ME WITH YOU TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): SUNSET AT DURDLE DOOR NATURAL LIMESTONE ARCH ON THE JURASSIC COAST NEAR LULWORTH IN DORSET ENGLAND UK EUROPE. DURDLE DOOR ON JURASSIC COAST IN DORSET, UK. THE MAIN STREET OF CASTLE COMBE VILLAGE IN WILTSHIRE.

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): NORFOLK WINDMILL IN REED BED AND FENLANDS COVERED IN SNOW WITH HEAVY SKIES. THE BRIDGE OF SIGH AT SAINT JOHN’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. PUNTS ON THE RIVER CAM CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND.

THE JURASSIC COAST Extending through the southern counties of Devon and Dorset along the English Channel, the Jurassic Coast is one of Britain’s most picturesque areas of natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast was formed some 180 million years ago, and it boasts some of the most dramatic cliffs and rock formations in the country. A large number of the earliest recognized dinosaur fossils were discovered in the region during the beginning of the nineteenth century. The 95 miles of coastline is the perfect place for a walk through geological history, thanks to its stunning scenery, beautiful long beaches and unspoiled nature. Some of the most popular towns along the coast include Exmouth, Weymouth and Lyme Regis.

THE JURASSIC COAST IS ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST PICTURESQUE AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY THE COTSWOLDS A region in south central England, the Cotswolds are best known for their picturesque villages built from unique Cotswold stone, a yellowish type of Jurassic limestone. The region has been designated by the British government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for almost fifty years. The most iconic of all villages in the region is Bibury, known for its charming honeycoloured stone houses, many of which date from the seventeenth century. Other villages and small market towns worth visiting in the region include Bourton-on-theWater, Chipping Norton and Tetbury. The Cotswolds are also home to beautiful rural landscapes of rolling hills and forests dotted with stately homes and gardens.

120 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

BEYOND LONDON | 10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

THE REGION HAS LONG BEEN POPULAR FOR BOATING, BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING THANKS TO ITS GREAT NATURAL BEAUTY AND RELATIVELY SPARSE POPULATION

THE NORFOLK BROADS Also referred to as the “Broads,” the Norfolk Broads is an area in the south of the East Anglian county of Norfolk consisting of many inland waterways, lakes, marshes and historic towns and villages. Some of the largest lakes include Breydon Water and Barton Broad. The region has long been popular for boating, bird watching and hiking thanks to its great natural beauty and relatively sparse population. Many people who visit the broads rent small yachts or motorboats with comfortable overnight accommodation for a few days. The Broads are ideal for family holidays or quiet getaways, and while there are no major towns in the area, there are many small, charming villages with classic English pubs and restaurants.

CAMBRIDGE The ancient city of Cambridge in the county of Cambridgeshire is best known for being one of Europe’s finest university towns. Cambridge’s history dates back to the twelfth century, and the university was founded in 1209 and remains one of the most respected universities in the world. With a population of about 124,000, the city is small and easily manageable on foot for the most part. Some of the most famous of the city’s landmarks are King’s College and the chapel, the Queen’s College, the Trinity College, the Backs Gardens and the Church of Great St. Mary’s. Popular activities include punting or rowing down some of the many waterways, and being such a popular student city as it is, there are a huge number of pubs and clubs.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 121

TAKE ME WITH YOU TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): DERWENTWATER LANDING STAGE, ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK. DERWENT WATER & DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN BACKDROP, LAKE DISTRICT UK. COLORFUL HOUSES AT PORTREE, ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND AT DAWN.

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): THE RAILWAY VIADUCT OVER THE RIVER NIDD AT KNARESBOROUGH. MYSTIC RING OF BRODGAR ON THE BEAUTIFUL ORKNEY ISLANDS.

THE LAKE DISTRICT The Lake District, located in north-western England, is one of the best known of all the national parks in the UK. The whole region lies within the county of Cumbria, and it is home to many hills, lakes and mountains. The Lake District is a perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors, and by far the most popular activity for holidaymakers coming to this region is hiking. Camping and boat trips are also popular things to do there. The Lake District is home to many small villages boasting fine examples of classic English pubs, and accommodation options range from youth hostels to camping grounds to comfortable hotels and guest houses, making it an ideal destination for a wide range of budgets.

THE LAKE DISTRICT IS A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

THE INNER HEBRIDES The Inner Hebrides are among the remotest areas of Great Britain, comprising the numerous islands just off the west coast of Scotland. The largest islands are Skye and Mull, while the islands further away from the coast are collectively referred to as the Outer Hebrides. The Inner Hebrides are known for their unspoiled natural beauty and remote castles and villages. One of the most famous landmarks in the region is the haunting Eilean Donan region, located on a small tidal island. The largest settlements on the islands include Portree, the administrative centre of Skye, and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Having been inhabited since the Bronze Age, the region is home to numerous historic sites spanning many eras.

122 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

BEYOND LONDON | 10 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

HARROGATE Harrogate is a charming spa town in the county of North Yorkshire, and much of its architecture dates back to the Victorian times when the town became a popular and upmarket resort. Harrogate is an extremely beautiful town known for its luxuriant gardens, health spas and its reputation as being one of the best places to live in the UK. For those seeking a more upmarket retreat in a place complete with quaint tearooms and pleasant parkland walks, Harrogate epitomizes the ideal of a classic English town. Harrogate also makes for a great base from which to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, a national park consisting of many river valleys and rolling landscape dotted with ancient ruined abbeys and villages.

ORKNEY ISLANDS Far away from the many densely populated areas of the United Kingdom are the remote and windswept Orkney Islands north of Scotland. With their harsh and lonely yet beautiful landscape, the Orkney Islands are steeped in history having been settled since Neolithic times. Orkney is also known for having one of the oldest and best preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe the ruins of Skara Brae, consisting of eight

APRIL 2015

THE ORKNEY ISLANDS ARE STEEPED IN HISTORY HAVING BEEN SETTLED SINCE NEOLITHIC TIMES houses, date back some five-thousand years. In spite of its great age, the site gives a wonderful insight into life in prehistoric Britain. Orkneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich and fascinating past has also seen it play a significant role in Viking history when it was settled by Vikings well over a thousand years ago.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 123

TAKE ME WITH YOU TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND. FAMOUS CASTELE OF LOCH NESS.

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY Located in the county of Antrim in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most important natural wonders of the UK, and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The Giant’s Causeway is a naturally occurring rock formation consisting of tens of thousands of basalt columns arising from the sea. It has become the most popular of Northern Ireland’s tourist attractions. Although there is a visitor’s centre with a souvenir shop, there are no charges to enter the area. Many people visit on a day trip from Belfast or a smaller town in the area, although there is a small inn offering accommodation in the immediate area. The region is also home to many seabirds, making it an ideal destination for bird watchers.

THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY IS A NATURALLY OCCURRING ROCK FORMATION CONSISTING OF TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BASALT COLUMNS ARISING FROM THE SEA

LOCH NESS Loch Ness is an enormous and extremely deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, and it is one of the most visited areas in Scotland largely thanks to the numerous alleged sightings over the years of the Loch Ness Monster. Although the Loch Ness Monster has turned into one of the biggest tourist gimmicks of all time, Loch Ness remains one of the most beautiful regions of Scotland, boasting rolling hills and wildernesses along with many important historic sites such as the lonely thirteenth century Urquhart Castle. One of the most popular places for tourists to stay is the charming village of Drumnadrochit where there are three hotels and several smaller inns and guesthouses.

124 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

E-mail: info@fewlb.com Facebook: Men's World Exhibition 2015

Organized by

APRIL 2015

Venue

Under the patronage of

In partnership with

Media partners

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 125

THE DEBATE: TO VACCINE OR NOT TO VACCINE?

The Center for Disease Control recommends children getting 28 doses of 10 vaccines for children for kids age 0 to six. Proponents say the vaccination is safe and one of the greatest health developments of the 20th century. They fix illnesses that include rubella, smallpox, polio and whopping cough. Opponents say a child’s immune system can deal with most infections and injecting children with strange ingredients can cause seizures, death and autism. One of the greatest fears among parents debating about giving their child the measles vaccine is the potential risk of Autism. Celebrity Jenny McCarthy is the well-known opponent against the vaccine because she believes her child contracted autism from the vaccine. Another argument opponents of vaccines use is that parents should have the choice to vaccinate their child. In the U.S., parents who want their child to go to public school must get a certain number of vaccinations before entering school. Many parents want the choice to vaccinate their child, but others say if parents don’t vaccinate their child, then diseases such as measles can spread. The debate to vaccinate or not to vaccinate will not go away anytime soon. If you have a child, do your research because both sides have viable arguments. RAGMAG’S VOTE NEEDS TO BE DONE

CAN MERKEL SAVE UKRAINE AND GREECE? Germany now dominates the negotiations and communications with Russia because German Chancellor, Angela Merkel says she could use her personal contacts with Russia to solve the Ukraine crisis. In Greece, an economic crisis is unraveling which is causing national damage and could soon cause an international financial crisis. Across the way, in Ukraine, a Russian invasion could lead to a European war that would encourage international intervention. The troubles in both Ukraine and Greece have one thing in common, Angela Merkel. Germany is the largest, richest economy in the Eurozone. German taxpayers support the European institutions that lend money to Greece. Germany has the upper hand, so when it decides to not let Greece change the terms of its bailout, everyone listens. In the case of Ukraine, since WWII, Germany has had no serious foreign policy. The Ukraine crisis started because Ukrainians wanted to draw

closer to the European Union. Germany weakened the EU so it now ignores it. Through its contacts, Germany could have created Western contacts for Ukraine—including the US, Britain, France and Poland. Now, Merkel flew to Russia to try out her contact with President Putin. The risks for Germany and everyone else is high. Greece’s financial crisis could end in disaster and Ukraine could spin out of control.

FIVE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING

126 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

RAGMAG’S VOTE IF YOU CAN, WHY NOT?

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

DEMANJO.COM

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

WHAT HAPPENS NOW WITH UK’S APPROVAL OF A 3-PARENT BABY? Just when two parents often have trouble deciding how to raise their child or children, the UK passed a law that would allow a 3-person-baby. It has become the first country to approve laws to allow the creation of babies from three people. The first baby could be born as early as 2016. Starting in March 2016 until August, the UK fertility regulator will develop and publish their licensing rules for performing a three person IVF. In early summer, the team at Newcastle will publish the final safety experiments demanded by the fertility regulator. By November 24, the clinics can apply to the regulator for a license and by the end of 2015, the first attempt could take place. Religious groups such as the Catholic and Anglican churches in England protest that such IVF is unethical and not legal according to EU laws. Health Minister Lord Howe says it will give families hope. The procedure is believed to have the potential to help as much as 2,500 women in the UK who are at risk for transmitting harmful DNA mutations to their child. RAGMAG’S VOTE LIKE 2 WASN’T COMPLICATED!

HOW DO EXTREMIST GROUPS RAISE MONEY? Just over a year ago, the extreme group known as the Islamic State was barely recognized by the international community and world leaders downplayed their impact and threats in the region and worldwide. However, fast forward to 2015 and this group expanded their control in Syria, Iraq and is now sprouting up supporters in many western countries such as Belgium, France and the U.S. According to a recent article by the BBC, the Islamic State is worth $2 billion from the sale of oil, taxes and tolls. The Afghan Taliban is worth $400 million from donors and the sale of drugs and AlShabab’s worth is at least $100 million. From kidnappings, Boko Haram is worth $10 million

and the worth of Al Nursa Front is unknown. Maintaining reliable and steady income is the key to these groups’ growth. In general, terrorist organization get their funding from two sources: internal funds generated by taxation of people, ransoms and trade and external funding from donors sympathetic to the cause. Funding is clearly the lifeblood of a terrorist organization because without it, they would not be able to purchase weapons and advance their cause. As the international community looks for ways to halt the growth of terrorists organizations around the world, one thing to look at is chain of financing. RAGMAG’S VOTE WASTED ENERGY

HOW DID APPLE COME WITH EMOJIS? We all love them. We all use them to enhance our cyber messages that would seem rather dull without them. Recently, Apple released a beta operating system to its testers that includes more diverse brown, black and yellow emojis. So how did Unicode, the association responsible for testing and setting the standards for the friendly, looking faces choose the skin tones? It’s based on a scale created in 1975 by Harvard dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick. He created skin categories based on how different skins react to varying degrees of UV rays. Even emojis have a history of white preference. There are six different types

APRIL 2015

that range from pale white skin that burns easily to deeply pigmented dark brown to black. On February 23rd, Apple confirmed that the emojis will be available in the next update. So next time you update your phone, your emojis will be more racially diverse to resemble the world we live in!

RAGMAG’S VOTE TWO THUMBS UP!

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 127

SOUNDCHECK

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

Drake If You’re Reading This, It Is Too Late Just when you thought only Beyonce could release an album without any warning or without a big media hype until its release, Drake pulled a Beyonce. Combining the qualities of a mix tape and a cookie cutter album, the 17 tracks released, produced by his loyal record label Cash Money are different that his previous records which are credited to his rise in fame. The former Toronto MC brings his fans a new taste of emotional openness, while still keeping the same laid back, freestyle sound of Drake. Compared to his other albums such as Nothing

Was the Same and 0 to 100, The Catch Up, some fans may say Drake isn’t as open emotionally, which may be hard for some to grasp—especially if you like the seductive tone Drake illuminates in each verse. In his song, “You & the 6”, Drake projects a softer, more vulnerable side to his fans. He has a one-sided, heartfelt conversation with the single mother who raised him. For the first time in his career, Drake isn’t trying to create songs for radio success, but rather creating something raw, authentic and down right honest.

Natalie Prass Natalie Prass If there was a synonym for the 25-year-old singer and songwriter, Natalie Prass’s new album, the words would be emotional baggage. Marked as the top ten artists to know in 2015 by Rolling Stones, music fans of all ages will resonate with her witty, love-gone-awry songs. For those who do not know Natalie Prass yet, fans probably would describe her as a representing the India confessional in the ranks of Sharon Van Etten and

Angel Olsen. Strings and horns weep along Prass’s melancholy tone. Living in Nashville, Prass brings a soulful, meaningful approach to her music that almost resemble an early Dolly Parton and Jenny Lewis. Prass’s album is full of relationship misunderstanding, personal struggles and earnest lovers. With her lovesick harmonies and lighter tone, Prass voice is comforting to any listener who is longing for reflection and truth.

Imagine Dragons Smoke and Mirrors Competing with their 2012 multiplatinum album, Night Visions, the group found a way to dominate the radio. Their biggest hit, “Radioactive” was a ballad of intensity and moaning. Like so many groups and artists that are popular among adolescences listening to the radio in the car, the anthems of Imagine Dragons do not resonate with all of us. For some who are skeptical about their next album, It resembles the blaring, dreary tone of the group Creed, which rocked the nineties.

In the song, “Gold”, lead singer Dan Reynolds sings with a sad tone. “First comes the blessing of all that you’ve dreamed, but then comes the curses of diamonds and rings, only at first did it have its appeal but now you can’t tell the false from the real who can you trust, who can you trust,” sounding a little bit like regret. The album combines self-pity, spirituality and the consequences of fame. To appreciate the new album, one has to already be an Imagine Dragons fan.

Jose Gonzalez Vestiges & Claws Swedish singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez’s new album Vestige & Claws is the third album from the 36-year-old artist. The same formula that was in his first solo album in 2007 remains in this album. His tracks appeared alongside the scenes of popular California drama, The O.C. Gonzalez selfproduced this album which gives a solitary tone to the album with the cello and flute on “The Forest”.

128 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

Gonzalez’s vocals are showcased as humbleness, yet powerful when accompanied with one of the various instruments represented throughout his album. “Every age has its turn Every branch of the tree has to learn to grow, find its way, Make the best of this short-lived stay.” His lyrics and album are refreshing and raw because he combines musical skills with singing talent.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

WATCHOUT

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

Fifty Shades of Grey

| 125 mins | Drama, Romance Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle

While the book was filled with sensual, sexy and jawdropping scenes. The movie was a rather dull, decorous affair. In the book, sex scenes between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele are erotic to say the least, and in the movie, sex scenes resemble something between a husband and wife in an average sitcom. The trilogy attracted over 100 million readers in over 52 languages, but that doesn’t mean the book was good. We have the story of a young, virginal English major and a highly successful 27-year-old billionaire who wants to save the world from hunger. However, he has one flaw. Christian likes sadistic, dominant behavior in the bedroom,

which leave Anastasia choked, tied up and spanked, repeatedly. While everyone has their fantasies, the movie does not bring them to light. Their growing relationship is filled with jet-setting vacations and indulgent gifts for her. Their onscreen romance leaves out full frontals, an abundance of sex toys and bedroom wounds, which all are required for a good romance novel that reflects some reality. Audiences around the world were anticipating and wanting a movie that included just that. Grandmothers are welcome to watch the polite, lack of nudity scenes. For now, scrap the movie as another example of how a book is better than the actual movie.

McFarland, USA

| 129 mins | Drama, Sport Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez

Noted as Disney’s inspirational sports drama, McFarland, USA is based on a true story of a 1987 cross country team from a predominately MexicanAmerican high school in California. The movie follows Jim White who finds himself hopping between jobs until he stumbles upon a Latino high school. He notices the exceptional running ability of his students. He forms a team that grows in friendship, talent and sportsmanship. Throughout the movie, Jim White, played by Kevin

Costner, is inspiring a group of students marginalized in their communities except when on the track. Resembling any sports drama such as Invincible, Remember the Titans or The Longest Yard, McFarland, USA is your classic movie that lifts the audience up with motivation and gratitude. Along the way, mile by mile, this movie takes the audience on a journey starting with hardship and little hope and brings them to a place where reality is fair and the future looks bright.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

| 129 mins | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Critics claim this film is a middle road between an Austin Powers parody and straight-up James Bond. Kingsman is a movie that is both action and comedy while breathing resemblances of reality and fiction. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson have a chemistry onscreen that brings this acclaimed comic book series to life. Gary Unwin, known as Eggsy had a father who secretly

worked for an organization and seemed like his life was going to be a short one or a long life behind bars. Spiffy agent, Harry Hart (Colin Firth) notices some potential in the youth and recruits him to train and possibly work in the secret service. Meanwhile, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) launches a plan to solve the problem of climate change by a massive worldwide killing spree.

Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson

Focus |

104 mins | Comedy, Crime, Drama Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro

“There are two kinds of people in this world, Hammers or Nails, you have to decide what you want to be,” are the closing lines of this upcoming film that include, I Am Legend star, Will Smith and Australian actress Margot Robbie. Smith stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of mishandling money, which later affects the rest of his career and love life, but before things get messy, he becomes romantically involved with a con artist Jess

APRIL 2015

(Margot Robbie). In the middle of the movie, Nicky breaks off their ties, but then three years later, they meet again and trouble ensues. Premiering on February 27th, Will Smith fanatics should see this action packed filmed that includes everything tempting: sex, money and drugs. The chemistry between the two in the trailer hopefully will translates into a seductive, sultry power struggle that will keep you wanting more.

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 129

MIND, BODY + SOUL

HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS I have been going out with a guy for a long time and I am happy to say that we have taken our relationship to another level. He is perfect in every way, a dream come true but there’s only one glitch, his ex passed away a couple of years ago. Her memory haunts us. Her pictures are all over his house and his room. I have no idea what to say to him. Jena, 25

DEAR JENA,

Oh Jena! You really believe your relationship is perfect. This is a major problem and sadly enough your boyfriend has not reached closure. He is not over her and unfortunately he has not moved on. We are not saying that you need to end it fast, but we are saying that this is not an issue that he will get over anytime soon. This will be the test of all tests that your relationship will need to endure. It will either make or break the both of you. To help him, first and foremost, he will need to seek professional help in grief counseling. You need help from a third party. Best of Luck Jena, please write in to tell us how things go. I am having major problems with my 16 year old boy. Not long ago if you were to ask me to describe my son I would have said he’s an angel! He was well brought up, well spoken, and respectful. However, if you are to ask me now I won’t be able to answer as I myself have lost hope and I am feeling he is a lost cause. I am beyond desperate and I don’t feel that I can carry on with him. He barely acknowledges us, our words mean nothing to him, and is purely vindictive. Rebecca, 45

DEAR REBECCA,

Rebecca, you are neither the first nor the last to experience a major shift in your teenager’s personality in these teenage years. I am not sure where we ever got the term “sweet sixteen” from because reality states that the age 16 is anything but sweet. I don’t have a perfect formula for this issue at hand. But it comes down to good old disciplinary actions such as grounding and removing all that is fun like Cellular Phones, IPad, computers, allowances, friends etc... away from them. You need to remind him that you are the parent not a friend which is the norm nowadays. At the end of the day you have a standard that you need him to be with nothing short of acceptable. Remember, you have the upper hand. Good luck with it all. A known fact is that these are the rough years but rest assured that in time you will have your angel back.

130 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

I have reached my limit in Lebanon. I used to criticize people that wanted to pack up and leave to other countries and not fight for the beauty of Lebanon. That’s it though, it’s a beautiful country and it stops there. The way of life is wrong, their politics is wrong, the way they see things is wrong. I am filled with anger and disgust now. I don’t want to go to work as I feel that there is no moving forward in this country. Marie-Claire, 24

DEAR MARIE-CLAIRE,

I am being bullied at work! I joined this firm 2 years ago and I have tried to get along with everyone and have tried my best to be helpful. Recently about 6 months ago, one of my colleagues went on maternity leave and in turn, her work load was shared amongst a few of us. She returned with pure vengeance instead of being grateful. I am not sure if she thought that we were after her job. It’s like we’re back to school but in our late 20s.

Marie-Claire, I feel your pain. Been there and done that numerous times. Yes Lebanon is a beautiful country and its beauty is not found anywhere else in the world. This is our home and heritage. If each one of us packs and leaves because we have had enough then who else will be left. Whose country will it become? To say that packing and leaving to a new country will not lead to the same frustration eventually. I can’t. You will get there again. Lebanon needs people like us that will stand up for what is wrong and lead by example to show other Lebanese how we need to be as a nation. I’m not talking about politics. I’m talking about common courtesy to your fellow man, lining up in a queue, a simple thank you when you allow someone in front of you in traffic.

Sam, 28

DEAR SAM,

Sam, this is an easy fix. This can all be fixed over a nice warm cup of tea. You just need to sit her down and genuinely ask her how she is. How her time away from work was. Find out how the baby is and how are they handling the new born in their life. Most probably you will find out that this is the issue. She might not be getting enough rest from a crying baby all night. But you will never know until you have an ice breaker like a cup of nice warm tea. Once she sees this from you she will know that you were genuinely helping out and not after her role. Being genuine with your approach is the key. Good luck with it. Keep us posted on the outcome.

SHE HAS MORE FUN WITH OTHERS THAN SHE DOES WITH ME §

I am unhappy in my marriage. I got married at the age of 22 and I am now feeling that it was a big mistake. When my parents were advising me I did not give their words the time of day. I insisted that I was mature and responsible enough. Not realizing that I had no clue what the world was all about. Now I want to split and run off. I have so much hatred for my wife, knowing full well that she is not the problem. Chris, 30

DEAR CHRIS,

Chris, all things happen for a reason. There is no point in regretting. You obviously know what you want, you’re just looking for approval. She has nothing to do with your problems so let her be, give her the respect she needs and let her go with nothing less than that. In all honesty, all we see here is a ‘spoilt brat’ who’s looking for a new toy. My normal approach would have been couple counseling, but with you Chris I feel it’s too late. You need to sort yourself out ASAP, before you do anymore damage to others.

APRIL 2015

TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL send your name, age, and email address to raggedproblems@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G participate.

| 131

EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

DINA JSR

LAUNCHES THE SS15 COLLECTION

After five capsule collections based on architects (Mario Botta, Santiago Calatrava, Zaha Hadid), that strongly reflect the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste for geometric constructions, the SS15 collection marks a return to the basics of the brand: angular lines, facet-

132 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

ted yokes, almost rigid materials, gemstone colors (jade green, cornelian orange, gold), the whole softened by blurred and see-through oriental veils and long silky textiles whick give moment and speed to the garment.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

DINA JSR | LAUNCHES THE SS15 COLLECTION

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 133

MASHROU’ LEILA Absolut is proud to announce a game-changing brand campaign, aiming to connect with the creative spirit in us all and to inspire artistic transformation around the world. Under the brand ethos Transform Today, Absolut is collaborating with Arab pop band Mashrou’ Leila, who have truly transformed themselves and their creative discipline. With Transform Today, Absolut stays true to its foundations, pushing the boundaries of contemporary culture to connect with the passions of a generation.

134 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

Q&A WITH ABSOLUTE Q: What is the Transform Today campaign all about? With Transform Today, we want to inspire people to make life happen and turn the everyday into something extraordinary. Everybody has the power to create his or her own future. Transform Today is a call to arms – a rallying cry for a generation of creativity to break free from the idea that anything is predetermined, and to create the future. The brand ethos manifests our belief that tomorrow is not a given, it’s for everyone to create.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

Q: Can you describe the concept behind the new campaign?

Q: What exactly will Mashrou’ Leila be doing with Absolut?

At Absolut, we have always believed in the transformative power of art. Following a long-standing tradition of creative collaborations, and to manifest our passion for transformation, we have collaborated with talented artists from across the globe who underwent both personal and artistic transformations. As such, we will be hosting a series of events that will allow participants and online users to experience the power of transformation first hand.

Mashrou’ Leila will open up their creative process to their audience online. So, fans will be given the opportunity to explore their own creative potential through the band and the brand.

Q: Why did you decide to collaborate Mashrou’ Leila for this initiative? In this campaign, we wanted to team up with the most influential and inspiring emerging artists from around the world – the ones who have taken risks and broken the boundaries around them, transforming themselves and their creative disciplines in the process. Mashrou’ Leila’s unique creative path perfectly embodies the message we want to convey.

IN THIS CAMPAIGN, WE WANTED TO TEAM UP WITH THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND INSPIRING EMERGING ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Q: Who are the other artists who have participated in the campaign so far? We have already engaged musician Woodkid and fashion designer Yiqing Yin from France and graphic artist Rafael Grampá from Brazil. Now, it’s Mashrou’ Leila’s turn in Lebanon.their own creative potential through the band and the brand.

Q: Young people and alcohol is a difficult issue in today’s public opinion. How do you prevent people from thinking that Transform Today means excessive drinking? As a brand, we target only men and women within the legal drinking age, and we hope our campaign appeals to that group of people. In all our campaign elements, we make sure to follow legislation and to inform consumers accordingly before they interact with us, e.g. before entering a website or watching a video. Additionally, the product itself does not play a major role in the campaign. There are three different stages in a creative process, inspiration, creation, and celebration. It is only during the celebration phase that the Absolut product is shared and consumed.

Q: What are you hoping to accomplish with this initiative? By collaborating with inspirational artists from different creative disciplines, we want our consumers to realize that they have the power to challenge the status quo to create their own future. With Transform Today, Absolut takes its daring spirit to the next level.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 135

MON AMOUR, MON AMI

WHEN TWO BECOME ONE ADJUSTING TO MARRIED LIFE BY BARBIE CARPENTER

Once the honeymoon has ended, the sparkling new china has been put away, and the thank-you notes have been sent, married life begins. Gone are the celebrations and grand, public proclamations of love. While you and your spouse will certainly enjoy a honeymoon period after you say “I do,” there will also be adjustments. Make your transition into married life a smooth one in a few simple ways.

136 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

Assess your finances. One of the biggest adjustments to married life is sharing money. You are assuming the expenses and purchases of your spouse. Understand your new financial situation by creating a budget. Evaluate what your joint income is and what bills you have to pay every month. Work as a team to identify what you will spend and what you will save. A clear understanding of your family’s finances will help you avoid squabbles over money.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

WHEN TWO BECOME ONE | ADJUSTING TO MARRIED LIFE

Accept each other’s quirks. Sure, you knew your spouse quite well before the wedding, but now that you’re married, you might find his or her formerly cute quirks to be annoying. Don’t dwell on these minor annoyances. You both have them, so learn to live with them.

Recognize that there is going to be a transition. Do not naively enter married life under the assumption that nothing will change. Your life does change, and if you’re prepared for that, it will be easier to handle. Most of the changes are for the better, and even the challenges are manageable if you enter it with a positive mindset.

DON’T DWELL ON THESE MINOR ANNOYANCES. YOU BOTH HAVE THEM, SO LEARN TO LIVE WITH THEM Keep lines of communication open. If something is bothering you, tell your spouse about it in a non-accusatory way. The habits you set early in your marriage impact your relationship for years to come. Establish an open dialogue with your spouse early, which promotes honesty and helps you address small problems before they turn into big ones. Keep the romance alive. Just because you are married doesn’t mean you have to settle into a boring routine. Have regular date nights, allowing you to forget about life’s stresses and enjoy each other. Small gestures that remind your spouse of your love can help keep the spark alive after you say “I do.”

Enjoy your new status of husband and wife. Do not dwell on any struggles you may face during the transitional few months after your big day. Instead, soak in the happiness of your married life, and go with the flow. Remember, as a couple, you can tackle anything.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 137

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

GET YOUR GROOVE BACK ON WITH A SUCCULENT

SPRING BRUNCH

138 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

GET YOUR GROOVE BACK ON WITH A SUCCULENT SPRING BRUNCH

CRUSTLESS SPINACH + MUSHROOM

QUICHE

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 6 COOKING TIME: 50 MINUTES LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 2 Tablespoon butter • 2 Cups sliced mushrooms • 2 cups reduced-fat sour cream • 4 Eggs • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream • 1 teaspoon onion powder • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon onion • ¼ teaspoon salt • 6 drops hot pepper sauce • ½ package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

METHOD

• Preheat oven to 175 degrees C • Grease a 10-inch pie dish • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir sliced mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes • Drain excess liquid, if necessary; set mushrooms aside • Place sour

cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and hot pepper sauce in a blender • blend until smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute • Pour egg mixture into a large bowl • Stir mushrooms, spinach, and Cheddar cheese into egg mixture • Pour into prepared pie dish • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the quiche comes out clean, about 45 minutes

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 1 HR 10 MIN SERVES 4 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • Tablespoons sesame seeds • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds • ½ cup white sugar • ½ cup olive oil • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar • ¼ teaspoon paprika • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon minced onion • 10 ounces fresh spinach – rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces • 1 quarter strawberries – cleaned, hulled and sliced • ¼ cup almonds, blanched and slivered

METHOD

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy

seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion • Cover, and chill for one hour • In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds • Pour dressing over salad, and toss • Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 139

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

SPINACH

LASAGNA PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 1 HR 30 MIN SERVES 8 LEVEL CHALLENGING

INGREDIENTS • 1 package spaghetti sauce mix • 1 tin tomato paste • 1 tin tomato sauce • 1 3/4 cups water • 2 eggs • 1 pint ricotta cheese • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese • 8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese • 8 lasagna noodles

METHOD

• Preheat oven to 175 degrees C • Lightly grease one 13x9 inch baking dish • In a medium saucepan, combine spaghetti sauce mix, tomato sauce, tomato paste and water • Bring to a boil over medium heat then remove from heat and let cool • In a medium

bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with the ricotta or cottage cheese, salt, spinach and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese • Spread one half cup tomato sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish • Place half the uncooked noodles over the sauce, spread with half the spinach mixture, half the mozzarella cheese, and half of the tomato sauce • Repeat layers, using remaining ingredients • Top with remaining Parmesan cheese • Cover dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for in the preheated oven 1 hour • Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving

140 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 141

ZODIAC FORECASTS FROM JONATHAN CAINER

April 2015 MARS ENTERS TAURUS IN APRIL, CAUSING THE COSMIC DRUMBEAT TO START PLAYING OUT A DIFFERENT RHYTHM. WE ALL MARCH TO THIS AND WE WILL ALL SOON NOTICE A MORE STEADY AND STABLE PATTERN. IT IS AS IF THE HEAVENS ARE ENCOURAGING US ALL TO SHOW GREATER COMMITMENT TO THE ISSUES AND PRINCIPLES THAT MEAN THE MOST TO US. MEANWHILE, THE LUNAR ECLIPSE, NEAR THE START OF THE MONTH, SPEAKS OF MANY FEELING A NEED TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS IN RELATIONSHIPS. THESE CAN NO LONGER BE GLIBLY IGNORED. BUT HEALING THOSE WOUNDS AND RESOLVING THOSE CONFLICTS WILL PROVE EASIER THAN WE FEAR.

TAURUS

KRISTEN STEWART

April 21 - May 21

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Hang out the flags! Mars is in Taurus and it will remain there all through April. That is the astrological equivalent of gaining a guard of honour. It is as if you are about to be accompanied, everywhere you go, by dedicated servants eager to do your bidding and willing to help you remove almost any obstacle that you find in your path. You don’t need advice about how to succeed, you just need a little warning about tact and diplomacy. Go gently, this month, on some of the more sensitive souls in your world. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

GEMINI

Have you ever dismantled a watch to see what makes it tick? Did it stop ticking once you put it back together? Are you these days inclined to think that if something ain’t broken, you shouldn’t try to fix it? That’s a fine philosophy but in your life, this month, something is broken. An arrangement or an understanding has been compromised for a while. Unless you make a concerted effort to mend it, nothing will change. But a powerful Lunar Eclipse, plus a rare square from Mars to Jupiter, is your cosmic promise of success.

May 22 - June 22 Has anyone told you lately, how attractive you are? Have you been the recipient of generous gestures? Have you even perhaps, been made an offer that you are not entirely sure you ought to refuse? Even if life has been disappointingly dry for some while, things will change this month as Venus enters Gemini. Here comes a deluge of appreciation and admiration. Your love life prospects are good and your financial outlook is enviable. Not every dream will come true in April but you will be well protected by a kindly cosmos.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

142 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

June 23 - July 23 April begins with a Lunar Eclipse. It doesn’t happen in your sign. You may or may not live in a place where this can be seen. But because you are a Cancerian, sensitive to the movements of the Moon, and well blessed with the gift of intuition, You will develop some impressive powers of insight and discrimination this month. They will guide you unerringly towards a series of long overdue lifestyle choices that help you to grow healthier and wealthier. Shake off resentment about a past disappointment. Embrace a brighter future.

July 24 - August 23 All this year so far, Jupiter has been in your sign but retrograde. It is as if you have been staring out through a window, looking at a bright sunny day. Yet the window won’t open and the door to the room is locked. You know that what you want is ‘out there’ and not far away. Yet one vital link is missing. You have somehow been unable to connect with a tantalising opportunity. In April, Jupiter changes direction, the window opens, as does the door. You finally see a viable route from here to a happier life.

August 24 - September 23 Zodiac forecasts are made out of words. There are times, in life, when it seems that words are nowhere near as powerful as numbers. If the numbers don’t add up - or they do but they make the wrong total, frustration soon ensues. If you face a problem this month, it is much more of a mathematical challenge than a literary one. It doesn’t much matter what you say, or what someone else says, the numbers must be juggled till the results make sense. The good news is that you will yet arrive at a satisfactory sum.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

September 24 - October 23 April begins with a Lunar Eclipse in your sign. That’s hopeful and encouraging. But you may not feel encouraged by the situation that you face this month. It is even possible that the eclipse may initially cause you more concern. How can that be good news? Because you need to take an option more seriously. You have an alternative. But each time you think about it, you can only see the pitfalls. Necessity is the mother of invention and the solution that you invent for yourself next, will have excellent consequences.

October 24 - November 22 They say that ‘all things are best in moderation’. Presumably, that includes moderation itself! There are times when it is sensible not to be too sensible - and we have to be brave and bold. A sharp alignment from Mars to Jupiter, speaks of your need to be decisive. You have lately seen several seemingly good reasons to avoid taking drastic or dramatic action. You are now becoming even more keenly conscious of the need to take a significant step. Try to restrict the risk, by all means, but don’t be fearful this month.

November 23 - December 21 How have you found time to read this forecast? Aren’t you overwhelmed with deadlines and tasks to complete? Perhaps this is one of the rare moments of peace and calm that you are likely to enjoy in April. So make the most of this and every other chance you get to reflect and review. There is plenty to do but does it really all need to be done? Only you have the power to let yourself off the hook. You are trying too hard to do too much. Relax and just do, instead, what is truly needed. That will be more than enough.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

December 22 - January 20 Do you want to be as hard as a nail or as soft as a sponge? You might reply ‘neither’. You should say ‘both’. You can’t eradicate the part of you that’s vulnerable. Nor would you want to. But you need to ensure that your more delicate emotions are protected within a case of cast iron. Only the chosen deserving few should ever have access to your deepest reservoir of kindness. April’s celestial challenge, is all about allowing your heart to guide you whilst keeping a threat at bay. You will find this all easier than you fear.

January 21 - February 19 Not all troubleshooters fly around solving impossible problems on behalf of business. Some operate locally and are motivated by more than money. Due to their subtle intervention, stressful confrontations are often avoided. You know what I mean by this for you are one of those rare individuals. On a good day, when the time is right, you can say and do things that defuse tension, heal wounds and promote the most positive progress. April offers you the opportunity to be angelic. Your reward maybe a kind of heaven.

February 20 - March 20 Are there words here? Perhaps you are just staring at a blank page, pretending that it says something. If so, you must be hearing a voice in your own mind. How does it think you should best conduct yourself in April, in order to attain the success you desire and the happiness you deserve? Does it agree that such a goal is feasible? If it does, you can keep listening to it this month and it will reliably lead you in the right direction. If not, listen to me and ignore all other imaginary, negative, messages. Have faith in your future.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 143

NEW + NOW

AIR ARABIA 2014 FULL YEAR NET PROFIT CLIMBS 30% TO AED 566 MILLION Air Arabia (PJSC), the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, announced today its financial results for the full year ending 31 December 2014, reflecting another year of continued growth and high levels of profitability. Air Arabia reported a record net profit for the full year ending December 31, 2014 of AED 566 million, up 30 per cent compared to AED 435 million for the same period last year. The airline’s turnover for the full year 2014 reached AED 3.7 billion, an increase of 17 per cent on 2013, driven by increased passenger numbers.

Air Arabia carried over 6.8 million passengers in 2014, 12 per cent more than last year. The average seat load factor – or passengers carried as a percentage of available seats – for the same period stood at an impressive 81 per cent. These results were announced following a meeting of the Board of Directors of Air Arabia, who have proposed a dividend distribution of 9 per cent of capital, which is equivalent to 9 fils per share. This proposal is subject to ratification by the shareholders of Air Arabia at the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting. Commenting on the results, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: “Our program of expansion into new markets combined with improved operational efficiencies has led to another year of sustained growth and profitability for the airline. The strong performance over the year is also testament to our focus on delivering outstanding quality and value to our customers.”

EUCERIN ATOPICONTROL BREAKS THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS – IN A GENTLE WAY Have you or your baby ever experienced Atopic Dermatitis symptoms? Eucerin® offers you the solution with the launch of the AtopiControl cleansing, caring and active range of products. The range includes the Eucerin® Acute Care Cream to use during acute phases and the Body Care Lotion, the Bath & Cleansing Oil and the Face Care Cream to use during symptom-free phases, all of which are gentle enough for use on sensitive baby skin. Collectively, these products reflect a unique, holistic approach which effectively alleviates symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. Up to five percent of the adult population and one in five to ten children around the world are Atopic Dermatitis sufferers where 90 percent of these people first experience this chronic, non-infectious skin disease before they reach the age of five.

144 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

NEW + NOW

BREITLING DEFEND RED BULL AIR RACE WORLD CHAMPION TITLE WITH TWO RACE TEAMS Fans of the Red Bull Air Race can enjoy double the excitement from Breitling this year, with the luxury Swiss watch brand announcing that it will support two planes in the championship for the first time ever. Defending champion Nigel Lamb will be joined by French ace François Le Vot in the skies above Abu Dhabi, UAE, this weekend, as the season opener gets underway at the destination arena on the Corniche on February 13th and 14th. Lamb and Le Vot, who is looking to turn his Aerobatic skills into air racing success, will battle it out during the thrilling two day, high-action aerial competition, as Breitling joins Red Bull as the only teams supporting more than one competitor in the main master-class. The Swiss brand is also demonstrating its commitment to developing young flying talent by supporting French pilot, Mika Brageot, in the Challenger Class series, which is designed to sculpt future world champions. Nigel Lamb joined the world’s fastest motor sport in 2005 and although this is François Le Vot’s first season, he is used to success at the highest level. As the World Aerobatic Champion, European Aerobatic Champion and the French National Champion, Le Vot is looking forward to seeing how he can adjust to low level, high speed racing and contribute more silverware to the Breitling racing team’s impressive array of accolades. Speaking from Abu Dhabi, Nigel Lamb, said; “It’s going to be a very interesting season. All the rules are designed to keep a level playing field so I don’t see any reason why anyone can’t get onto the podium.”

WINNING HEARTS AND AWARDS XE NAMED “MOST BEAUTIFUL CAR OF 2014” AT “FESTIVAL AUTOMOBILE INTERNATIONAL” Winning hearts and awards, Saad and Trad, the exclusive dealer of Jaguar in Lebanon announced that the Jaguar XE model,” was nominated the “Most Beautiful Car of 2014” at the 30th “Festival Automobile International” in Paris. The news came on the margins of a prominent ceremony, held recently in the French Capital, and gathering more than 700 VIPs from the industry as well as the media. Jaguar’s Designer Ian Callum received the award from the Festival’s officials, after the XE prevailed over the competition. The XE model was on display at the “Concept Car Exposition” zone of the “Festival Automobile International”, from January 28 until February 1, 2015 alongside 18 concept cars. The Jaguar XE registers now its second French award in 2014 after it received the “Best Production Car” by Auto Plus magazine and the French radio station “RTL” at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. Commenting on the news, Michel Trad, Director of Saad & Trad s.a.l. expressed his happiness with winning the award, saying it is another testament of Jaguar’s commitment towards providing its clients with awardwinning designs.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 145

NEW + NOW VOX CINEMAS VOX Cinemas Celebrate Another Successful Year in Lebanon Beirut, February 2, 2015: Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa, today announced that VOX Cinemas Lebanon, the country’s preferred cinema operator has enjoyed the highest attendance at any cinema in Lebanon in 2014, and is celebrating another successful year of achievements, cutting edge innovation and great moments shared with the community, in both Lebanon and the Middle East. With an aggressive growth plan, engaging cinematic concepts that exceed international standards, extensive dining choices and top class movie content, VOX Cinemas Lebanon has transformed the panorama of cinema in Beirut and across the region. All these have set new standards of cinematic entertainment, bringing a first-class cinema experience to movie fanatics. Cameron Mitchell, CEO of VOX Cinemas at Majid Al Futtaim - Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas stated, “In line with our corporate vision to create great moments for everyone everyday by providing premium cinemagoing experiences across the MENA Region, we recently announced a 200 million US dollar investment to develop 12 more cinemas in the Middle East: an emphatic growth strategy that will see over 200 screens across our circuit by the end of the year, making us the leading cinema with the largest market share in the Middle East.” VOX Cinemas Lebanon is dominating the cinema sector with 15 screens, and the highest location market share in the country, and the company is already planning renovations and enhancements to the City Centre Beirut location in 2015.

EVOLUTION OF LG’S CURVED SMARTPHONE UNVEILED AT CES 2015 LG G FLEX2 FEATURES DYNAMICALLY CURVED DESIGN OPTIMIZED WITH SHARPER DISPLAY, POWERFUL HARDWARE, INTUITIVE SOFTWARE LG Electronics (LG) continues to push the industry boundaries with the unveiling of the new G Flex2 at the 2015 International CES® in Las Vegas. The original G Flex earned positive reviews for its innovative design and outside-the-box thinking. One year later, the G Flex2 improves upon its predecessor in every way possible with a more advanced design, faster performance and most importantly, greater convenience. The LG G Flex2 boasts sleeker, more stylish curves and a powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor incorporated for the first time in a smartphone, with octa-core 64-bit capable CPUs for a nimbler and smoother performance. The phone’s ergonomic design brings the microphone closer to the mouth, for better sound pickup compared to conventional smartphones which allow much more outside noise to enter the phone through the microphone. Its 5.5-inch display gets a bump up to Full HD, while the updated software offers even more conveniences through all-new features such as Gesture View, Glance View, Gesture Shot and Fast Charge. The P-OLED display, which gives the G Flex2 its unique shape and durability, is even more precise than in the original G Flex.

146 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

The unique “Self Healing” back cover from the original G Flex carries over to the G Flex2 and is now faster and more effective than before. LG reduced the healing time from about three minutes to just within ten seconds at room temperature.

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE

T. GARGOUR & FILS UNVEILS THE MERCEDES-MAYBACH S-CLASS IN LEBANON STYLISH, EFFORTLESS SUPERIORITY COMBINED WITH TREND-SETTING EXCLUSIVITY T. Gargour & Fils have announced the launching of the MercedesMaybach S-Class in Lebanon. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach, from impressive spaciousness and elegant design to premium craftsmanship and extrovert luxury. At 5,453 mm long and with a wheelbase of 3,365 mm, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range is 20 cm larger in both dimensions than the S-Class Saloon with long wheelbase. Rear passengers benefit from this increased size as well as from standard equipment that includes executive seats on both left and right, innovative voice amplification and the extended rear trim elements with ambient lighting. In the rear, the Mercedes Maybach S-Class is also the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quietest production saloon vehicle. Mercedes-Maybach: a new sub-brand offering peerless exclusivity. Mercedes-Maybach vehicles epitomize peerless exclusivity. Some of the features that distinguish these vehicles from production models include extra spaciousness with lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualization. As a result, the vehicles fulfill the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide. Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is a sub-brand that in future will provide Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form.

APRIL 2015

www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 147

148 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE MISCHIEVOUS BRIDE ISSUE