Fashion features

CHIC MAMAS

FOR YOU

SPLURGE OR STEAL? Mother, Baby & Child reveals the best fashion finds and latest trends!

SPRING GARDENS Baldini brings florals to life at AED 3,950

Shoe Mart’s Elle bag butterflies flutter at AED 189

BEACH TIME Need a practical romper?

Promod’s denim outfit is only AED 269

THE LONG ROMPER

For a lighter fabric and more colour, go for Desigual’s at AED 459

74 | Mother, Baby and Child

FOR YOU

Trend Report

This season’s trends are all about femininity! Elegant simplicity sets the tone. Print, colour and texture are considered and interpreted through a strong seasonal edit, with a distinct awareness of the contemporary woman, allowing the quality of style and the nuance of design to take the forefront.

KURT GEIGER Suedes, fringes, hemp trims are all about putting on an earthy carefree vibe while platform rubber soles let you wander the rounds in comfort and style.

MARKRS & SPENCER

MODERN UTILITY LUXE TRAVELLER The flamboyance of colour and print underpin a confident aesthetic as the vividly dramatic meets the supremely luxurious.

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Sumptuously tactile fabrics in earthy palettes cut a modern, sculpted silhouette, offset with print detailing.

CHIC MAMAS

A relaxed, romantic mood sees blush tones and lucid textures infuse, as overt femininity is indulgently explored.

SOFT FOCUS

FOR YOU

ARMANI/SPA

T

hey say the simplest of answers is, most often, the right one.

Minimalism is an art, best understood by great minds who have adopted it religiously in belief of its value as a lifestyle. While Dubai’s appeal may lie in over-the-top creations and limitless luxury, Armani Spa – located within Armani Hotel – exudes effortlessness with an air of exclusivity from its Burj Khalifa address.

Armani Spa is not a world of its own – its beige-and-black interiors perfectly camouflage it within the hotel, assuring visitors with a seamless experience in continuation of its philosophy and service standards. Upon entering through its sliding doors, you are greeted by subtle sophistication, a sort of infinite tranquillity, as you are not able to see anything beyond the strong-angled design backdrop, softened with a strategically-placed powder pink flower line-up.

Following a warm welcome from the entire spa team, the Spa Manager briefed me on the ritual to come. Armani Spa does not like to present you with a menu, as they prefer a highly-personalised experience, customised to fit your needs, as the knowledgeable manager had so carefully explained. But if you need one, they have it, only if you must.

I filled in a form to indicate what I exactly had in mind, after which I was taken on a tour of the entire spa and its facilities. My belongings safe and sound inside a digitallylocked compartment, I proceeded to the treatment room. A mini apartment of its 80 | Mother, Baby and Child

own, the room, naturally very dimly lit, was an ode to relaxation in its utmost form.

After choosing my preferred essential oil (the jasmine-lover finally picked cedar wood), my therapist gave me a 90-minute massage. Originally only 80 minutes, it had been upgraded just to fulfil my requirements, and it did just that.

The luxurious Ritual Indulgence utilised the roughness of a muslin cloth to collect dead skin cells, leaving it soft and supple; based on ancient Asian massage healing traditions, the application of oil and herb aromatherapy mist and relieving pressure of hot herbal bags translated into heavenly

REVIEW

muscle relaxation in harmony with the leech lime, lemongrass, wild turmeric, tamarind and acacia scents.

After the wonderful experience and a shower right inside my treatment room, I headed to the Relaxation Room. Adjacent to additional facilities including the sauna, Laconium dry heat treatment room and the Acqua warm, freshwater haven, it felt like I had stepped right into the Residences, with airline-like branded chaise lounges and a fully-stocked kitchen counter.

Grabbing a towel, I then lounged by the pool, only a few steps away from the Spa. Overlooking the magnificence of Downtown Dubai, it was a small-butmighty installation. Not overly crowded, it is perfect for a mid-week break or a weekend me-time escapade. I was then able to make use of the toiletries, including an Armani perfume available upon request.

Armani Spa is much more than that; it is a complete, nourishing experience with plenty for the senses to savour on. Be prepared to spend the day there, or even more if you can, as you will most definitely feel like it.

Ritual Indulgence Tip: Make sure you have enough time to try everything they have to offer, and do not forget to check out the view right outside the Relaxation Room!

Time

Daily, 9 am to 10 pm

Includes

Foot ritual and head massage

Duration Price

80 minutes

AED 690 per person

CAREER

LOCALLY BEAUTIFUL

The cARTel The Dubai fashion scene is everything but emerging.

The second most popular place in the world to shop for fashion and luxury goods, the emirate has made no secret of its aspiration towards fashion leadership.

The coolest habitat for local talent and an international designers’ playground, it is no wonder the most creative of minds choose Dubai for their musings. May Barber certainly has, founding wearable art and concept store The cARTel, a destination for cutting edge, avant-garde fashion.

Located in Al Quoz, it is an exclusive platform for over 60 international designers to showcase and sell their work in an environment granting customers an all-around alternative and unique shopping experience.

Mother to 4-year-old Nay, May

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LOCALLY BEAUTIFUL

yy May and Beauty Entrepreneur Joelle Mardinian

speaks exclusively to Mother, Baby & Child on art and fashion’s biggest Dubai synergy, and motherhood’s most precious moments: Let us start at the very beginning, Al-Anood magazine, how did this idea come about and what has it achieved?

When I was in primary school, I was passionate about reading and writing. During this time, my mum would often take me to Library to read and learn further about the Arabic language, giving me a chance to explore what intrigued me then.

❝ ❝“Just in the way that our children are inspired

by us and we are the source of their strength, being their Mums and Dads, we also draw strength and inspiration from them; they are the light that illuminates our lives, and the source of our happiness.”

Once, I recall, while I was there, I met the writer Samiha Khrisy, and she loved my writing. I was no more than 12 years of age. Based on this experience, she decided to create a magazine for children, talking about their literature: “AlAnood” magazine was the first of my work as a child in the world of literature, philosophy and reading. y yTell us about the inspiration behind the cARTel; can art really be wearable?

The three things that make up a real triangle for me are architecture, art and fashion! In

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CAREER the midst of this triangle, or its centre, is the cartel. For me, they cannot separate – any of these three angles.

The cARTel is also designed in such a way that architecture is incorporated with the art and fashion which appear in the boutique. cARTel is not only a place, but rather, each piece is designed distinctively and presented in a unique and style which differentiates from the rest of the shops or boutiques. y yHow has being a mother influenced your view of art and fashion?

For me, the most beautiful role is that of a mother. We are all aware of the fact that women have many roles in this life, we wear more than one hat every single day, from a successful woman in business, to a housewife and a mother to wonderful children.

Just in the way that an architect stands for large-scale projects and other roles and positions, this perfectly highlights the extent of the power of women and the importance of their presence.

Being a mother has taught me patience, endurance, the ability to understand people around me and has also motivated me at the same.

This is what drove me to work more and learn to give more.

Just in the way that our children are inspired by us and we are the source of their strength, being their Mums and Dads, we also draw strength and inspiration from them; they are the light that illuminates our lives, and the source of our happiness.

As an artist and Business Manager of the Arts and Culture Portfolio of many artists, what is the one thing always say to inspire women?

I have a saying and I still believe 112 | Mother, Baby and Child

in it: “Be an example to yourself�.

Women are constantly being asked to prove themselves, whether at home or work. Therefore, every woman, whatever the work and life pressure around her may be, should set aside some time for herself. Whether at home, work or with friends, this is will enable her to accomplish, innovate and give more.

FOR YOU

MAMA FASHION POLICE Four Outfits, Three Mums OSCARS

2016 The Good, The Bad, and The (Kind-of) Ugly

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CHIC MAMAS

Nourhan Elgouhary The Fashionista

The v-cleave of the upper part is too open and the necklace all the way to her belly would have been better.

Neha Pandey The PR Songstress

The colour is superb and I like the cut, but the opening in the middle, she could have been a bit more mysterious.

Malika Erika Pace The Interior Designer

The colour is superb and I like the cut, but the opening in the middle, she could have been a bit more mysterious.

Mother, Baby and Child | 83

FOR YOU

Nourhan Elgouhary The Fashionista

With less embroidery, it would have been great, but with this look is not easy on the eyes and divides the body.

Neha Pandey The PR Songstress

Stunner outfit! However, the trail could have been done away with. I love the black and electric blue combination.

Overall, thumbs up!

Malika Erika Pace The Interior Designer This is stunning! Maybe because it is my favourite blonde? Let us admit, she does look great in this and the dress is beautiful! Classy, chic and very elegant.

84 | Mother, Baby and Child

CHIC MAMAS

Nourhan Elgouhary The Fashionista

This outfit is not a good fit for a pregnant woman, no way, it does not suit her body and the half-sleeve is just wrong.

Neha Pandey The PR Songstress

It is shapeless and looks like a bad fit, absolutely wrong for a red carpet. A bit of bump could have been flaunted.

Malika Erika Pace The Interior Designer

I do not like this; she is totally lost in that dress and it does not cheer her up for an upcoming motherhood! This is a bit ‘Kardashian style’, and a bit of colour and a better shape may have worked wonders!

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FOR YOU

Nourhan Elgouhary The Fashionista

This dress looks really nice as it is balanced, but the ruffles are a bit too much. It is a good look though, one of my favourites.

Neha Pandey The PR Songstress

This could be the star outfit and is very well-worn. Gorgeous and electrifying in blue! Love it!

Malika Erika Pace The Interior Designer

I am all about the blue hues and this lady looks gorgeous: the shape, colour, fit My favourite, love it!

Want to become part of The Mama Fashion Police?

Email our Editor on

dina.maaty@cpimediagroup.com

86 | Mother, Baby and Child

CAREER

THE ENTREPRENEURS Beauty Empires SHABANA KARIM Women have an eye for what is missing.

It could be a lily from a 50-flower bouquet, that little green dress from yesterday’s date night or baby’s little Pooh romper.

Back in 2002, Shabana felt that the beauty scene in the UAE was missing something.

Having just had a baby and worked for several years at the Higher Colleges of Technology teaching about businesses, she was a discerning (mama) customer.

Shabana then founded The Nail Spa (TNS), originally just dedicated to hand and feet services, with a flagship Mercato-Mall branch.

Since then, the beauty corner snowballed into an empire, with an additional brand, Marquee salons, under mother brand House of Enspa, which now operates 11 spas and salons. yy House of Enspa, this magnificent brand, what was the inspiration behind it?

The brand was built based my personal experience of: If something is worth doing, then it is worth 108 | Mother, Baby and Child

doing well while having fun at the same time Being content and happy and empowering everybody who interacts with us to feel the same yy You had a baby just before opening TNS – 14 years ago – how did you do it?

I believe in a place for every thought and every thought in its place. Us women can do it all and have it all. Babies are a blessing and bring happiness to everyone – and all they need is your undivided attention when you are with them. Find a good nanny, be close to her and make her your friend and guide, while you monitor her as you get busy setting up your business. yy What is your idea of success and how did you make sure your business reached that point?

Success is the feeling of satisfaction going home every night after a good day’s work – it is consistently achieving your goals. That is why it is very important to know your goals at the outset. yy Tell us about your employee’s children’s educational programmes, what was the aim behind such an initiative?

We have a programme called HOPE – Hope and Opportunity Programme for Education. I believe that education is the only tool which can be used to empower people. Our company policy is Empowerment to all who are associated with us – even the families of our coworkers. We offer financial help to a certain number our co-worker’s children every year.

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ISSUE 62 | MAY 2016

GETTING PREGNANT

The 5% that Will Change Your Life

FASHION MEETS

MOTHERHOOD

Cecile Reinaud on Designing for Royals, Rock Stars and Bringing KATE MIDDLETON’S DRESS to Dubai

Supported by:

FOR YOU

32 | MAY 2106 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

CHIC MAMAS

FIT FOR ROYALTY An interview with Seraphine Founder & Head Designer Cecile Reinaud

Some fashion moments were just meant to be glorious. One of those moments was when Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, stepped out for her first official family photo with Prince George five weeks after his birth in a knotted fuchsia dress.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2016 | 33

FOR YOU Accurately described by E! Entertainment Television: “the dress’ vivid purple colour was a fitting choice – the hue is associated with royalty, after all, as is the frock’s empire-waist detailing, which was perfect for chicly camouflaging a post-baby bump.”

The dress, which we later came to know was the fuchsia Jolene FrontKnot Dress by UK-based maternity fashion brand Seraphine, sold out within two hours thanks to its flattering silhouette and gorgeous feminine colour, which appealed to mothers around the globe.

The Seraphine story began back in 2002, with the opening of its flagship boutique on Kensington High Street. Providing stylish, high quality maternity fashion, Seraphine quickly became the go-to brand for trendy mumsto-be seeking beautiful maternity clothes.

yy Cecile with Sophie Ellis Bextor in a Seraphine dress

❝ ❝Being respected as a female boss hasn’t always come easy as I’ve often found it hard to get the balance right between being a friendly female boss and having people accept my authority.”

French designer Cecile Reinaud has drawn from her own Parisian heritage to create the chic designs. Having lived half of her life in London, she has also championed the spirit of British entrepreneurship and creativity.

Seraphine’s collections exude effortless Parisian chic, which has earned the brand a following of royals such as The Duchess of Cambridge and Zara Phillips and celebrity mothers including singer Gwen Stefani and actresses such as Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and Eva Mendes.

ThatOn occasion of Seraphine’s Dubai Festival City debut, Mother, Baby & Child speaks exclusively to Cecile about her family inspiration, 34 | MAY 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

CHIC MAMAS

secrets to maternity fashion and breathtakingly simple-yet-stunning pink dress. yyThat pink dress! Tell us everything about it: the story, inspiration and aftermath

Ah yes, the fuchsia knot-front maternity dress! This was the dress that Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge wore back in 2013.

It was simply amazing to see her

looking so good in our dress. She really conveyed a great message to other new mums, which is that you can still look stylish in your maternity clothes after your baby is born.

The dress is also good for nursing which was why Kate was wearing it. The photos went viral and made headlines around the world. The knot-front style has always been one of our top bestsellers, and since

The Duchess wore it, it has become iconic and signature to Seraphine. yyWhat is the hardest part of your job and why?

Being respected as a female boss hasn’t always come easy as I’ve often found it hard to get the balance right between being a friendly female boss and having people accept my authority. I also MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2016 | 35

FOR YOU travel a lot for work, visiting our international stores in Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Dubai. I love to travel, but it can be hard being away from my family. yyHow does being a mother influence your musings and creativity?

As a mother, I understand the amazing journey of pregnancy, and I know what women want out of their maternity clothes. Both of my pregnancies have proved to be amazing sources of inspiration and creativity.

I became pregnant with Lorenz, my eldest, during the first year after setting up Seraphine. It was an incredibly challenging time in my life because starting a business with a newborn in the picture was a bit overwhelming, but some of my most creative designs came out of that experience.

Then, when I was expecting Florian, my youngest, I had another surge of inspiration, and that was actually when I came up with the idea for ShoeTherapy, Seraphine’s sister company, which specialises in stylish ballerina flats proven to improve posture and reduce back pain. yyTell us about the ‘Bump Kit’; what was the idea behind it and how would it help a new mother’s wardrobe?

The Bump Kit is designed to be the perfect maternity starter kit to kickstart your new wardrobe. It includes four essential styles for pregnancy: a black skirt, black leggings, white vest and flattering LBD. The idea is to provide pregnancy staples that you can mix and match with fashion pieces and accessories from your regular wardrobe – it’s a must for every mum-to-be.

36 | MAY 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

❝ ❝I admire her equally both as a designer as well

as a business woman, and live by her mantra: ‘Keep your heels, head and standards high.”

yyWhat were some of your favourite pieces to be worn by celebrities and why?

Oh, it’s always a thrill to see famous mums-to-be looking glamorous in Seraphine maternity clothes. I always say we love to dress everyone from rock stars to royalty!

Last year, we created a special range of bespoke outfits for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, which she wore on numerous official royal engagements. Our Navy Pleated Maternity Dress is a royal

CHIC MAMAS favourite which has been worn by The Duchess of Cambridge, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Sofia of Sweden! yyYou are quite the authority on everything related to maternity fashion; give us your top tips.

THE DIANA COLLECTION

I always advise women to stick to their style! I’m a strong believer that you shouldn’t have to compromise on fashion just because you’re pregnant. It’s simply a case of adapting your signature look to suit your new shape.

So, if you usually opt for a nippedin waist, try highlighting your empire waistline with one of our famous knotted maternity dresses instead. If you can’t imagine life without your skinny jeans, then invest in a couple of pairs of stylish maternity jeans! With the help of some good quality maternity clothes, you’ll find that it’s easy to feel like your usual stylish self through pregnancy. yyWhat is the one secret of Parisian women, who are known to be the epitome of chic?

My idol is Coco Chanel. The most iconic Parisienne, she has revolutionised the fashion industry, freeing women of corsets and championing a looser, more comfortable silhouette. I admire her equally both as a designer as well as a business woman, and live by her mantra: ‘Keep your heels, head and standards high’.

There is one Parisian style secret I can reveal, and I can think of no better way of phrasing it than in Chanel’s original words: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”

The Diana Collection features the iconic Diana Pastel Tartan, woven in Scotland in memory of Diana, the Princess of Wales.

The pale blue-and-pink tartan lends itself particularly well to this luxurious and classic baby range, comprising the most adorable baby girl dresses, boys’ romper suits and cute accessories such as booties and hats.

Twelve per cent of Diana Collection sales are donated to support the Diana Award charity, which recognises young people who are working to transform their communities and lives of those around them and – a legacy of Princess Diana.

SERAPHINE IS NOW OPEN IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2016 | 37

PARENTING

COOL KIDS

The Perfect Excuse to Have Fun Under the Sun

OkaidiObaibi

The ‘Magic Tee’ collection for kids ages 3 to 14 presents a series of photo-chromatic motifs which react when exposed to sunlight, adding bursts of colour to the original design.

A collection of six different styles for boys and girls, the designs feature animal and natureinspired prints.

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Sctoch & Soda

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CHIC MAMAS

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THE JETSET DIARIES available on Vesmasina.com

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FOR YOU

THE SEASON'S MUST-HAVE DRESSES

Desigual

Vincci

ZARA

Gerard Darel

Vincci

Shoemart

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CHIC MAMAS

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Beyoncé’s debut Ivy Park collection

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CHIC MAMAS

AED da Can dy K 4 95 i

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AED 205

Pra

Do Women in the UAE Keep their Shopping Habits Private?

Desigual AED 200

Mothercare

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AED 195

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Sfera

AED 99

AED 199

Promod

A staggering 42% of women in the UAE tend to keep their shopping habits private – including how often they shop and how much they spend – from their family, friends and partners, according to a survey commissioned by fashion marketplace app Shedd.

NINA RICCI

80 ML AED 440

Vincci

AED 299

The survey also offered insights into the differing spending habits of UAE women across the Emirates. When comparing spending habits of women in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, residents of the capital were revealed to spend the largest percentage of their income on shopping, with almost one in five women spending 40% of their income or more on shopping each month, compared to 9% of Dubai shoppers.

In terms of attitudes towards sharing details of their shopping habits, one in ten women in Dubai kept how much they shop and how much they spent private from their families, friends and partners every time they shopped or ‘almost all the time’, compared to 4% of women in Abu Dhabi saying the same.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2016| 59 | 59 Mother, Baby and Child

CAREER

Dina Khalife The first look at Dina Khalife’s sketchbook gives it all away. Her colourful, happy strokes evoke the most beautiful of childhood memories, be they playing by the beach, running and giggling under the sunshine or smelling the fruity scents of a hot summer morning.

68 | MAY 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

LOCALLY BEAUTIFUL

H

er designs are nothing short of joyful. The newest SS’16 collection, Citrus, celebrates vivid hues with a clear longing for the oranges and yellows, the brightness of life.

Having just had a baby, Dina claims it has opened up a whole new world of creativity for her.

Here she speaks exclusively to Mother, Baby & Child about her new baby, life and inspiration. yyYou have just had a baby!

How has he helped your fashion musings?

Since I had my baby, I have been obsessing about stripes. Almost all of his outfits have them too, whether they are thick, thin, coloured, black, etc. I am also getting to discover new children’s clothing and furniture lines which are very inspiring. yyYour designs include many pregnancy-appropriate pieces; who is your muse? Any plans for a maternity line?

My collection houses easy-to-wear pieces characterised by joyful prints and comfort, also wearable during the first couple of months of a pregnancy. It mainly targets women who are looking for unique outfits which would make them stand out from the crowd. These are the women who appreciate delicate detailing and stylish clothes.

There is no plan for a maternity line soon, but who knows, maybe in the future there may be! yyTell us about the Citrus collection; what is the story behind this theme and what is your favourite piece?

The SS’16 collection is inspired by the bright colours and summery

moods of citrus fruit. Illustrations inspired by vintage depictions of lemon and orange trees were transformed into colourful patterns and motifs, and applied to maxi dresses, flowing kaftans and

stunning separates.

Alongside these sit unique culinary-inspired and graphic striped-straw patterns, applied to skirts and scarves. My favourite pieces include the blue-blossom MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2016 | 69

CAREER dress from the ready-to-wear collection and the lemon ring and bracelet from the jewellery line.

yyYou love accessories; why should women accessorise?

Accessories add colours and playfulness; they transform the entire outfit: you can wear the same outfit several times by playing with the accessories.

yyWhat is the single most important item a woman needs to own in her wardrobe?

MAKE YOUR OWN OUTFIT Dina’s Citrus collection is full of pops of fruity hues and fun summer patterns.

I like to have a beautifully-tailored dress which I can wear for both evening and day events. yyAny fashion advice for women who have just had a baby?

Each woman is different and each pregnancy is, too. My advice is to wear something that suits your body and is all-round comfortable.

LITTLE MISS LEMONADE Entrepreneurs are getting younger and younger these days.

Little Miss Lemonade, aka Sadene Tabari, is only 8 years old. Her parents came home and found her selling lemonade in their garden. She wanted to earn her own pocket money and not rely on her them.

Supporting her young entrepreneurial spirit, her father constructed a little popup shop, which will make its first retail appearance on May 19th at The Change Initiative.

Look out for Little Miss Sadene!

70 | MAY 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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sA Dres oes 190 Sh ED 69 A Hat

Shorts AED 119 Shoes AED 160

Okaidi Obaibi Dress AED 180 Hair Band AED 25

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2016 | 23

CAREER

AIISHA RAMADAN FOUNDER, AIISHA RAMADAN FASHION LABEL

Locally Beautiful Aiisha Ramadan is a UAE-based Lebanese fashion designer who launched her own clothing brand in 2006. Since then, she has won a number of prestigious awards including Young Designer of the Year by Swarovski.

yyAishwarya Rai in AIISHA RAMADAN

58 | JULY 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

LOCALLY BEAUTIFUL

The AIISHA RAMADAN label is the epitome of modern design.

The beautifully-crafted garments speak to women across the world.

Celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande have worn the label, which has garnered international popularity for its elegant, yet sultry look. yyYou have won many awards at a young age, how important is it to start young?

Just like babies who absorb everything at a young age, starting early in business allows the person to learn a lot more and gives them more time to build success. yyWhen was it as a child that you’ve decided you wanted to go into fashion design?

I was 5 years old, playing with my Barbie dolls and stitching their dresses. I was surrounded by boys all year long so the moment I was alone, I channelled my longing for girly activities into drawing and fashion. yyHow can mothers foresee their children’s future and foster their talents?

They need to stay alert to their children's behaviour, interests, questions and what they like to watch on TV or YouTube. I like to take the freedom approach: if my daughter wants to draw, I don't like to push her to draw inside the lines. I like her to be herself and be happy.

I also like to give her a basic introduction to a variety of activities like reading, swimming, dancing and more. Then, she gets to choose her favourite activity and I'm here to support her.

yy How are you encouraging your daughter to follow her dreams?

By being an example for her where no one gets to tell her she "should" do anything. She's growing up to see her mother following her dream with an unstoppable force. yyWhat is it that mothers forget to do when they start a business?

Take care of themselves. Rest from time to time and feel good from the inside out.

yyShraadha Kapoor in AIISHA RAMADAN

yyWhy have you chosen the UAE and what does it mean to you to become an entrepreneur here?

I was raised here and I consider myself lucky. The UAE has offered me a wide spectrum to be whoever I wanted to be. The lack of fashion direction back in the day has allowed me to have my own with no restrictions. yyTell us about your most proud “this celebrity wore my dress” moment.

Ah, several! Jennifer Lopez was massive, but dressing Charlize Theron was a dream come true.

yyCharlize Theron in AIISHA RAMADAN

yyYour designs focus on individuality, freedom of expression, self-acceptance and celebration; how can we celebrate motherhood?

Be proud of the human being that you have brought to this life and give them love every moment you get a chance. Nurture that bond between you and your child and understand that every single action you make will impact their lives and shape their personalities.

Hug them as much as you can, they're like little kittens depending on you, until you teach them to depend on themselves.

yyRaya Abirached in AIISHA RAMADAN

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2016 | 59

PARENTING

TOO COOL SCHOOL? A MOTHER ON ESTABLISHING A MEGA-BUSINESS, TAKING CARE OF 5 CHILDREN AND GOING BACK TO SCHOOL IN STYLE…

24 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

FAMILY & PARENTHOOD

MELIJOE.COM Founder

Nathalie-Christen Genty

A fashionista knows best. For a fashion lover like Nathalie, having her first baby just had to happen in style.

Dissatisfied with what was available in the market at the time, she set out to create her own fashionablycool children’s apparel website.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 25

PARENTING

F

our children later, the entrepreneur’s venture became synonymous with children’s fashion, an authority on junior apparel in the Parisian market.

Here, Mother, Baby & Child interviews Nathalie on making your children’s childhood as fashionable and colourful as possible – from a mother of five, entrepreneur and fashionista. yyMelijoe has come to life from your own experience as a mother. How would you advise mothers to use their own experiences and inspiration for business?

I think passion matters above all.

I can only speak for myself, but I have never launched a business just for the sake of it. I love fashion, and children’s fashion has a little something extra, emotionally; it is “cuter” and I find it very touching!

I love the products, trends and fabrics. Having five children myself, I also strongly believe in and know what I am talking about… yyWhat was the biggest disappointment you encountered in the world of children’s fashion which has led you to launch your own brand?

When I had my first child in 2003, I found that when I went shopping for my son, I was disappointed in most of the stores’ selection of clothing which was offered.

There were no destination sites for children’s shopping at the time and we launched with just a handful of brands I loved. Right away, I began to realise how rich the children’s fashion world was, with strong brands, great style and adultfashion inspirations.

Before I knew it, Melijoe became

26 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

❝ ❝ I would not have been a good

mum had I not felt fulfilled.❞

the online go-to for kids’ fashion.

Today, we feature over 100 of the best brands in children’s fashion, in nine languages! yyRaising five children in parallel with a business has got to be a challenging experience. How do you manage? Every mum wants to know…

I guess the biggest thing is finding a balance: I would not have been a good mum had I not felt fulfilled.

My husband lives in London during the week; we are all together as a family on weekends, but I always save an evening or sometimes a weekend, for just for the two of us.

The other factor is knowing how to be efficient. At work, I can do a million things at once without second thought and when I get home in the evening, I am 100% focused on my children -- no TV, smartphone or any other distractions, just quality family time. yy Your children have got to be the most fashionable, in and out of school, tell us about their

PARENTING fashion experience.

I have five children who have five very different personalities and so many different styles which they love! I like to blend brands that I love such as ChloĂŠ, Marc Jacobs and Gucci, but also Petit Bateau, Scotch & Soda, Kenzo and Little Eleven.

I test every brand and they love experimenting with their individual styles. yyBack-to-school fashion can get very dull. How can we make sure children do not get bored of their uniforms and look polished at all times?

We do not have uniforms in France, but I am certain that accessories (if allowed) can change an entire outfit!

FUN BITS French coffee or tea?

Tea!

Chic or cheap?

Always , even if it is with cheap items

chic

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

Favourite snack?

Pancakes

CMY

K

I love taking the children to their ’ classes ( for girls)

sports dance

I am passionate about my family and company (my sixth child),

Melijoe.

28 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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