Exploring Rasario’s
AW 2024-2025
Collection
Sizzling Beauty Essentials
In Her Shoes
Jehan Bin Shams
Ouiam El Hassani on Challenging Those Backto-School Jitters! What’s For Lunch: Easy Meal Preps for School Lunches
PEOPLE FOUNDER OF THE TRIATHLETE FACTORY Sumaya Hussain BAHRAIN-BASED ARTIST Sophia Noor
Rasario’s AW 24-25 collection is here and it is bringing back the glamour & sophistication of the 80s & 90s.
Rasario presents its Autumn/Winter 24-25 collection, a symphony of styles that rewinds the runway. This season celebrates the multifaceted woman, blending the power dressing of the 80s with the sleek sensuality of the 90s. Expect a dazzling explosion of colour, texture, and embellishment, meticulously crafted for the modern fashion icon.
Classic Rasario silhouettes like column and mermaid gowns take centre stage, reimagined with a 90s edge. Bold colours and statement pieces clash with clean lines and minimalist detailing. Think shimmering crystals, playful cutouts, and the brand’s signature bow detail, all designed to empower and transform.
Beyond decades, AW24-25 is a manifesto of fearless exploration featuring a mix of textures and silhouettes, with a vibrant colour palette that offers something for every mood. Luxurious fabrics drape and flow, juxtaposed with bold embellishments and clean lines. This collection rewrites the rules, empowering women to make a statement.
The AW24-25 collection delves into the archives, redefining the legacies of the 80s and 90s. Bold colours and statement pieces from the earlier era meet the clean lines and minimalist chic of the later one. The new line celebrates the modern woman’s multifaceted identity, a woman who can be both powerful and alluring. In this collection, it’s all about embracing daring choices and pushing boundaries through eyecatching designs and confident silhouettes.
Sumaya Hussain, founder of The Triathlete Factory (TTF), shares her passion for sports and children, detailing how she transformed her love for fitness into a thriving academy that shapes the lives of young athletes. Through resilience and community spirit, her centre is not just training kids for triathlons, but also instilling lifelong values. Edwin D’Souza shares her inspiring story.
As someone that has always led an active lifestyle, Sumaya Hussain’s move to inspire the younger generation was natural. Her earliest memory of fitness included participating in tennis matches, being a key player in basketball, and even taking up Kung Fu as a child. “In 2017, I started cycling and later took up running. By 2018, I was officially introduced to the world of triathlons as I began training for my first IRONMAN,” Sumaya reminisces.
The idea for The Triathlete Factory – which now has a lasting impact on young athletes – came to Sumaya during the pandemic. “While the entire world, including my kids, was locked at home, I was still able to run on roads, ride my bike, and swim in the sea. I noticed how bored my kids were, and the time I spent training sparked the idea of a triathlon academy. Then by January 2021, TTF was born.”
The main goal of TTF is to promote physical fitness, skill development, confidence and resilience among children while fostering
a supportive community. “The centre helps shape children’s habits and instills essential values through triathlon training,” she believes. “Besides learning how to swim, bike and run, the kids develop social interaction skills, resilience, perseverance, healthy lifestyle choices and confidence.”
TTF trains children between the ages of four and 15, tailoring programmes to suit different age groups, including Kids Level, Juniors and Teens. When asked about the ideal duration for children to prepare for a triathlon, Sumaya recommends, “A preparation period of eight to 12 weeks is ideal for most youth triathlons, depending on the child’s age, fitness level and the distance of the triathlon.”
“We have participated in over 40 races in Bahrain and Qatar, and in each race, we always had a podium representative. The beauty of the community forming at TTF is that it’s one big supportive family. The number of little friendships forming, even among parents who were inspired to take up sports is incredible,” she shares.
To keep children engaged and motivated, TTF employs a range of strategies. “Our coaches are wonderful they are engaging and fun. We’ve also created our mascot, Teddy F, and his little brothers. Everyone loves Teddy F, and we give him to spend a week with the star of the class. We also have cute stickers, circle time to emphasise good behaviour, and an annual TTF award ceremony,” Sumaya explained.
Sumaya’s focus on training children rather than adults is deeply rooted in her passion for working with kids. “I know how to connect with them. The children have improved physically and mentally, and the strength of this supportive community is priceless They are the beautiful future,” she says.
“I always dreamt of touching people’s lives and being a force of change. I am living my dream now, watching kids and families change their mindset and adopt sports as part of their lifestyle. Witnessing the transformation in their personalities is truly rewarding.”
Sophia Noor is captivating Bahrain’s art scene with her vibrant creations. Growing from early experiments with acrylics to mastering largescale oil paintings, the artist is now seeking to expand her artistic presence and explore new opportunities. Edwin D’Souza shares her story.
Sophia Noor is an Indian artist who was born and raised in Bahrain. At just 16, she is already making waves in the local art scene with her unique art which is characterised by bright colours and thick textures.
“I’ve always been drawn to the world of art and often showcase human faces or underwater creatures through my paintings. In fact, my first completed collection, titled Underwater, portrays them in vibrant and sometimes fantastical seascapes,” she says.
Speaking about her artistic journey, she shares that her passion
for art began at an early age. “My parents often tell me that I was involved in art since I was a toddler,” she says.
Her father and nanny were instrumental in teaching her the basics of human anatomy, nature and animals, while her mother provided further encouragement. “I’d dip plastic paint brushes into water and watch the colours change in art books or draw flowers and bees with my nanny,” she reminisces.
As she grew older, she honed her skills by watching YouTube tutorials and replicating the work of established artists. She also attended a short online course at the University of the Arts London, which helped her transition to painting on canvases by the time she turned nine. “I started with acrylics which were simple and only required water to thin them, unlike oil paints, which needed turpentine or paint thinner,” she explains.
“My early paintings were predominantly created with acrylics, but an art teacher encouraged me to try oil paints and highlighted its advantages.”
“For my first attempt with oils, I followed a Bob Ross tutorial which didn’t quite go as planned,
but I didn’t give up. After three years, I managed to switch to oil paints which I believe better suit my artistic goals,” she adds.
Today, her art is often created on large canvases which she chooses based on the impact she wants her compositions to have on the viewer. “I chose to paint on a larger scale to make up for the inexperience in my use of technique. Over time, I developed my ability to scale up efficiently through trial and error, starting with grid methods and later relying on my eye,” she explains.
Recently, Sophia completed an eyecatching painting of Buddha meditating underwater – a project that took over a year to finish. “I am currently a sixth-form student at the British School of Bahrain, and I’m considering pursuing fine arts at university, with institutions like Pratt Institute and RISD in mind. While I am exploring other career options, I dream of being featured in galleries worldwide and possibly opening my own atelier or studio,” she says cheerfully.
Sophia is currently working on a mural at Market Street, in Umm Al Hassam, and is planning a new collection that will stray
from her usual style while maintaining her signature bright colours. She plans to participate in several upcoming exhibitions in Bahrain once her new collection is complete.
As she continues to grow as an artist, she is actively seeking gallery opportunities in Bahrain to display her work and is open to painting murals to contribute to Bahrain’s art community.
To explore Sophia’s art, visit sophiafinearts.com
Taking care of your skin’s natural barrier is essential to achieve an ethereal glow. The Minimalist Ceramides Bisabolol Face Cream is a fantastic everyday moisturising cream with five ceramides that will restore and repair your skin’s natural barrier and prevent water loss.
Bisabolol is the perfect ally for very sensitive or dry skin. It has been proven to significantly reduce pro-inflammatory mediators after UV stress, efficiently suppress redness on UVdamaged skin, and soothe skin. It also contains Asiaticoside which helps soothe skin, and Aquaporin boosters for intense hydration. This product is best suited for normal to dry skin.
Available online at namshi.com and 6thstreet.com
Summer may be over, technically, but in reality, temperatures are still quite high. With heat and humidity, the need for great products that will protect your skin, a fresh fragrance and a sizzling hot pout are essential. Here are our top picks for September!
The eco-luxury skincare brand Clean Rebel is just what you need to nourish your skin after some particularly hot summer months. The brand’s Essence Exfoliating Paste is just what you need to smooth and detoxify your face. The Essence Exfoliating Paste is designed to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin.
Harnessing the exfoliating power of laser-rounded apricot kernel powder, this exfoliant provides a gentle yet effective treatment, removing dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more radiant complexion. The soothing properties of Organic Lavender Essential Oil calm the skin, reduce inflammation, and indulge your senses with aromatherapy for a spa-like experience. Remember to use gentle, circular motions when using any exfoliant!
Clean Rebel offers luxurious skincare products formulated with clean, highperformance ingredients, ushering in a new era of conscious beauty that benefits people, animals, and the planet. Each product is made with the finest food-grade organic and vegan oils, floral waters, and essences. To put your mind at ease, each product is also free from hormone disruptors, known carcinogens, and skin irritants. Available online at cleanrebel.com
Glow, correct and protect your skin with the RMS Beauty SuperNatural Serum Sunscreen.
This SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen is available in three ultra-sheer tints to keep your skin protected and looking fresh. More than just a protective sun lotion with Zinc, the SPF is powered by the brand’s radiance boosting GlowPlex, a nourishing blend of peptides including quinoa seed extract, niacinamide and pea extract to smooth, firm and brighten skin tone.
It’s the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
Available online at thesecretskin.com
Say hello to the season’s new must-have: the SHEGLAM Pout-Perfect Shimmer Lip Plumper! This bold, high-shine lip gloss stick promises to keep your lips juicy and moisturised all day long making your lips the centre of attention.
If you loved the OG Pout-Perfect Shine Plumper, you’re definitely going to like this bolder version! This solid lip gloss stick is jam-packed with micro-reflective glitter, delivering intense colour saturation for the juiciest lips ever. Formulated with nourishing coconut oil, this innovative gloss keeps your lips hydrated without any stickiness, so you can enjoy unmatched comfort and shine. The luxurious blend of ingredients creates irresistible shimmer – on top of the care your lips deserve. The collection features six shimmering shades, including three OG bestsellers now in shimmer versions and three brand-new hues. Capturing the essence of summer, Sepia Kiss is back as a medium nude brown with silver micro glitter; Pink Flamingo dazzles in vivid pink, coral and silver; and Gold Rush adds a touch of luxury to your look. The shimmering stars also include Sugar Crystal, First Crush, the playful Violet Fizz.
With the Pout-Perfect Shimmer Lip Plumper being easy-to-apply, it’s sure to end up in your bag for quick touch ups this season!
Available at leading beauty stores and online at sheglam.com
The leading Emirati fragrance brand, Azha Perfumes, has unveiled its latest collection: Emerald Nebula, inspired by the magic and grandeur of Middle East’s heritage.
Deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Arabian perfumery, AZHA Perfumes is founded by the third generation of perfumer brothers, Omeir and Talha Kalsekar. Named after the brightest star in ancient Egypt, Azha Perfumes crafts high-quality, culturally-resonant fragrances symbolising brilliance and aspiration.
The brand’s Emerald Nebula Collection features delicate florals, exotic woody ingredients and fresh and spicy notes designed to evoke cherished moments and lasting memories.
The new collection features four sensational fragrances for women, but if we had to go with just one it would have to be Ramshah. Perfect for floral fragrance lovers, Ramshah features a blend of vibrant floral notes with a rich vanilla base creating a luxurious oriental fragrance inspired by the mystique of Egypt. It’s just what you need this season!
Available online at azhaperfumes.com
For the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa is thrilled to announce its latest campaign, Audi From The BLU, offering esteemed guests an exceptional opportunity to win a brand-new Audi A3 2025.
As the first hotel in Bahrain to introduce an innovative initiative, this campaign is The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s way of showing its gratitude and appreciation to its loyal guests by providing them with a grand prize that reflects the hotel’s excellence in delivering memorable moments in every aspect of our services.
The ‘Audi From The BLU’ campaign is specially designed to elevate its guests’ experience during their visit to Bahrain and stay at the hotel. The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa commitment to the hospitality industry goes beyond just providing memorable stays; it is dedicated to making a creative and meaningful contribution to Bahrain’s tourism industry. Known for its exceptional hospitality, topnotch amenities, and services, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa is located in the heart of Manama, providing easy access to the area’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Marketing Manager, Zahra Ebrahim, indicates the significance of the ‘Audi From The BLU’ campaign and states: “Our role as a leading hotel goes beyond exceptional services. With the ‘Audi From The BLU’ campaign, we are demonstrating our innovative approach to hospitality and our dedication to creating memorable experiences. This initiative reflects the warmth and generosity of Bahraini culture and we aim to not only
provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for our guests but also an exciting chance to drive away in style!”
“We are keen to reshape the staycation concept, ensuring our guests enjoy excellent accommodations with the added excitement of potentially winning the grand prize. We are committed to boosting tourism and inviting both international visitors and locals to discover all that Bahrain has to offer,” she adds.
This campaign is set to run until December 2024, offering guests endless opportunities to enter the raffle throughout the year and increase their chances of winning the brand-new Audi A3 2025. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, a dream wedding or simply looking for a rejuvenating retreat, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel,
Residence & Spa provides the perfect destination for creating memorable moments and lasting memories.
To be eligible to enter the raffle draw, guests need to book a stay through radissonhotels.com, a health club membership, or a wedding package at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa with a minimum spend of BD100 until December 2024. The lucky winner will be selected randomly and announced in January 2025, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to every visit.
Start a new adventure today – with Audi From The BLU!
For more information on the raffle draw or to book your stay, be sure to follow @diplomatradissonblu on Instagram or call 17 531-666.
Wedding Book a Room Health Club Membership
Spend a minimum BD 100 to enter the draw and drive
Scan to learn more
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Ensuring your kids have a healthy, balanced meal for school can set them up for a day full of energy and focus. Having easy meal prep ideas makes it easy for you to plan ahead for your children and also have your kids on track when it comes to what they eat. Here are four easy meal prep ideas that are both nutritious and delicious.
These wraps are a perfect balance of protein, fibre, and veggies, making them a wholesome lunch option.
Ingredients:
● Whole wheat tortillas
● Grilled chicken breast (sliced)
● Sliced tomatoes
● Sliced onions
● Sliced cucumbers
● Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
● Hummus or guacamole
● A handful of spinach leaves or lettuce
Preparation:
1. Spread hummus or avocado on the tortilla.
2. Layer with chicken slices, veggies, and spinach.
3. Roll up the tortilla tightly, slice in half, and pack.
Teaching kids that they can indulge while keeping their meals healthy is essential. So, who says you can’t have pasta? This cold pasta salad is refreshing and packed with nutrients from various vegetables.
Ingredients:
● Whole grain pasta (conchiglie or fusilli works well)
● Cherry tomatoes (halved)
● Cucumber (sliced)
● Black olives (sliced or whole)
● Rocket leaves or baby spinach
● Cubed cheese (cheddar or feta)
● Olive oil and lemon juice (for dressing)
● Salt, pepper, chili flakes and dried oregano
Preparation:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the vegetables and cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
4. Toss everything together and pack in a container.
Who doesn’t love charcuterie boards? This easy lunch is a simple yet nutritious option that pairs lean protein, fresh fruit and a bit of indulgence with cheese and crackers.
Ingredients:
● Sliced turkey breast
● Sliced pepperoni
● Diced cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
● Whole grain crackers
● Pretzels
● Grapes
● Green olives
● A handful of mixed nuts
Preparation:
1. Assemble the sliced cold cuts and diced cheese. The sliced turkey could be paired with a light spread of onion jam for more flavour
2. Pair with a side of whole grain crackers, mixed nuts, grapes and olives.
3. Add sliced apples or pears for an extra serving of fruit.
In addition to these easy delicious and nutritious meals, remember, they are children and while instilling good eating habits and good nutrition is a major factor, you have to also take into account adding small fun bites. So, be sure to add something that you know they would enjoy alongside their meal while keeping with healthy eating habits.
Children tend to switch from one thing to another very quickly if they don’t find interest in something. Make sure to adapt each recipe from time to time. These delicious snacks are the
(Vegan-friendly!)
This colourful bento box is full of fibre, vitamins and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
● Tofu cubes
● Olive oil
● Chopped garlic
● Salt and pepper (to season)
● Carrot sticks
● Celery sticks
● Cherry tomatoes
● Cucumber slices
● Broccoli florets
● Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
● Whole grain pita bread (cut into triangles)
● A handful of mixed nuts (optional)
perfect addition for your kids for when hunger strikes between meals.
Quinoa Energy Balls: These can be made with cooked quinoa, almond butter, honey, chia seeds and dark chocolate chips. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate.
Greek Yogurt with Berries and Honey: A creamy snack with natural sweetness and a boost of probiotics.
Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: A balanced snack providing protein and whole grains.
1. Coat you pan with pomace olive oil and lightly sauté the garlic before adding the tofu. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until the tofu browns on the edges.
2. Arrange the veggies and tofu in a bento-style lunch box.
3. Add a generous serving of hummus for dipping.
4. Include pita bread triangles and a small portion of mixed nuts.
Homemade Trail Mix : Mix nuts, seeds, dried fruit and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a customisable snack.
Banana Oat Muffins: Wholesome muffins made with ripe bananas, oats and a touch of honey.
Cucumber Sandwiches: Layer thinly sliced cucumbers and cream cheese on whole grain bread for a refreshing snack.
Getting your kids back to school come September can be quite challenging. Parenting columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, shares her tried and tested tips and tricks for getting your kids out of vacation mode and back to school!
As the lazy days of summer wind down, the structured rhythm of the school year looms on the horizon. For many children, this transition is filled with excitement and anticipation. However, for others, the prospect of returning to the classroom can spark anxiety and worry. It’s important to recognise that these feelings are normal, but for some children, they can be overwhelming.
The transition from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured environment of school can be challenging for children of all ages. Younger children may experience separation anxiety, while older kids might grapple with academic pressures or social concerns. Recognising the signs of anxiety is essential. These can include changes in sleep patterns, irritability, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating or withdrawal from social activities.
Children of different ages experience back-to-school anxiety in unique ways. Younger children might exhibit clinginess, tantrums, or difficulty sleeping. Older children and adolescents may withdraw from social activities, experience academic decline or exhibit mood swings. Tailoring your approach to your child’s age is essential.
Here’s the approach you need to take depending on how old your child is:
3-6 years old: Focus on establishing routines, providing comfort objects and practicing gradual separations.
7-11 years old: Encourage open communication, build social skills and offer academic support.
12-18 years old: Prioritise active listening, independence and future-oriented conversations.
Regardless of your child’s age, creating a supportive and understanding environment at home is paramount. Encourage open communication by creating a safe space for your child to express their feelings without judgment. Practice active listening; validate their emotions and let them know you’re
there to support them. Building a sense of routine can also provide comfort and stability. Consistent bedtimes, mealtimes and daily schedules can help anchor children during this transitional period.
Involving your child in back-to-school preparations can help alleviate anxiety. Let them choose their backpack, lunchbox or school supplies. This sense of control and involvement can be empowering. If possible, for first- timers, visit the school together before the first day to familiarise them with the environment.
Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing stress. Encourage your child to engage in sports, dance or outdoor play. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness and yoga can also be beneficial. Establishing a healthy sleep routine, limiting screen time before bed, and ensuring a balanced diet contribute to overall well-being.
Creating a calming bedtime routine can significantly impact a child’s sleep quality and overall mood. Establish a relaxing presleep ritual, such as a warm bath, reading a calming story or gentle stretching.
Encourage participation in extracurricular activities or clubs that align with their interests, this way they can learn to build strong social connections, which is vital for their mental health. Role-playing social situations can help build confidence and communication skills. Teaching your child coping mechanisms can empower them to handle challenges. Encourage problemsolving, deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk. Building their resilience will benefit them not only during the back-toschool transition but throughout their lives.
Remember, patience and consistency are key when supporting a child with anxiety.
Celebrate small victories and acknowledge their efforts. By creating a nurturing and understanding environment, you can empower your child to overcome challenges and build resilience for the future.
If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, seeking professional help is essential. A child therapist can provide valuable guidance and support. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents face similar challenges, and there are resources available to help you and your child.
Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts as a parent and be open to trying different approaches. By understanding your child’s needs and providing a supportive environment, you can help them navigate the back-to-school transition with confidence and resilience.
The Woman This Month team is proud to announce that over 300 nominations were received for the first Woman Of The Year Awards.
Following an exciting campaign starting in March 2024, we are happy to announce that the firstever Woman Of The Year Awards has received over 300 nominations (of which 51 percent are Bahraini nationals) as of August 28. Nominations for the upcoming awards event, which will take place on December 2, are now officially closed.
As women, we often fail to recognise our own achievements. Hence, it was a joy for WTM to note that, as part of the nominations received, there were a significant number of self-nominations recorded across all five broad categories: Engineeering and Technical; Business and Financial; Artistic and Creative; Health, Hospitality, Education and Social; and Lifestyle and Media.
Previously, we had announced that the nomination period includes a vetting process carried out by
the Awards Review Committee along with Russell Bedford Assure Audit. Starting in August, ARC interviewed nominees as part of the process and were thrilled to hear the stories of inspiring women from all walks of life. Several interviewees were delighted to learn that the awards will recognise the efforts of women in Bahrain who have contributed in every way. This is precisely what Woman This Month’s initiative stands for – Celebrating Excellence.
The nominees will be shortlisted and announced in the October 2024 edition of Woman This Month, which will be launched at an exclusive event held on September 30. Following the announcements, voting for each category will begin.
We would like to thank our readers, and past and present residents of Bahrain for actively submitting their nominations.
Remember to visit womanoftheyearawards.com and to follow @womanthismonth on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.
Which do you prefer, fiction or non-fiction? Fiction.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird.
If you could watch one artist live in Bahrain, who would it be? Bob Marley.
What’s an achievement you’re proud of?
You’ve just won a million dinars in a lottery. What the first thing you do with the money?
This will sound boring, but invest it in stocks, put some into a trust, invest in property. Once that’s all done, TRAVEL EVERYWHERE!
Audi Bahrain Marketing Manager, Jehan Abdulaziz Bin Shams, is a driven woman with considerable work experience across UAE and Bahrain. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!
What’s your long-term professional goal?
To continue being a jack of all trades. I want to be able to say I’ve tried and succeeded in anything I’ve put my mind and soul into…
We hear you like boating. What sparked your interest in it?
I am an islander! I love being by the water! It just calms my overthinking mind down! But I don’t really know much about boating (funnily enough).
My career! Having graduated from the American University in Dubai and spending almost 12 years in the UAE from completing my higher education and then starting my career, gaining experience in different communication and/or marketing roles. And then moving back home to our little island where I continued that path. I take pride in my career and work ethic.
What’s your dream car? Audi SQ5 black with red interiors.
