Issue 69 - January 2015
Sacoor Brothers A Story of Elegance Featuring Musa’ed Al-mutairi
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JANUARY A
s we say goodbye to 2014 we look back on all the events that happened during this year; the good ones as well as the bad ones. We evaluate the different scenarios and make them a base to new decisions and resolutions we would like to apply in 2015. Looking back I can tell a lot has changed in my life, career and personality. I learnt so much from my experiences; some of these lessons will stay in the 2014 chapter of my life, while others will be carried with me through the upcoming years. Every ending is the start of a new beginning; and having said that I cannot wait till I start writing my first chapter of the new year; “January�. To new beginnings, decisions, accomplishments and of course mistakes; because we are prone to make them and most importantly learn from them. I am excited to see what this year holds for me and what cards will unfold throughout the days. A new chapter of 365 days will start now. As it is a blank page, it is up to us to write our story and take charge of this year in the way we choose. To our readers, happy holidays and I wish you a great start to the new year; may it be filled with nothing but the best for you! To the rest of the world.. Happy New Year! Until next time, Hind Nassar
Operations Manager
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 01-015
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76 100 A Word With THETALK 26. Areej Al-Kharafi 28. Batoul Hashim 78. Fahad 80. Matthias Breschan 82. Stanislas Rambaud 82. Mohammad Al-Robaian
Trend Alert 36. Vintage Elegance by Carven 45. LeatherWeather D.Y.I
57. Createyour own set of customized hair pins in 5 steps!
On The Cover 14. Sacoor Brothers: A Story of Elegance
Health
100. Why yoga?
Remember Her Face 76. Nick Bateman
Travel
110. A country of extreme contrasts Iceland
THETALK Street Styles 30. Kuwait Street Styles
Reviews
118. Restaurant Review 120. Book Reviews 122. Movie Reviews 123. Horoscopes
THETALK Inspiration 32. Military 34. Feather 10
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CONTENTS Published by :
Tel: (965) 2572 0810 Fax: (965) 2572 0860 email: thetalk@ph7-kw.com www.ph7-kw.com Editor-in-Chief NOUF AL-HAJRI Publisher ZEINA MOKADDAM
Audited Since 2011 by
Circulation: 10,000 Copies Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies Managing Editor SIMON BALSOM Senior Editor YASMINE BANDAR
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Features Editor INJY REFAIE Operations Manager - THETALK HIND NASSAR Creative Director LARA HOMSI Graphic Designer CHADI MOUFIED Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri Production Manager Nidal Al-Shaker Legal Consultant KHALED AL-KANDARI Press Agencies - Afp Interview - Viva Press (Uk) Images - Gallo-Getty Distribution Company: International Media Group Printed In Four Films
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Reproduction in whole or part of any matter appearing in TheTalk is prohibited by law without prior written approval of the publishers. Opinions expressed in TheTalk do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers and editorial staff of the magazine. The publishers do not hold out any guarantee as to its accuracy, neither do they indemnify any loss arising through use of the information.
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON: WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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on the COVER
Sacoor Brothers: A Story of Elegance With wide experience in the fashion sector and over
20 years in the market, Sacoor Brothers is a national brand that is known worldwide in the Men’s, Ladies’ and Boys’, footwear and accessories segments. It stands out for the quality of the materials, its excellent tailor-made service and assistance in shops. Sacoor Brothers now plays an important role in the fashion business and, over the years, has helped to catapult Portugal to an international level when it comes to trends and innovation.
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on the COVER
Sacoor Brothers: The Creation of Elegance The history of Sacoor Brothers is linked to the visionary spirit of its four founders, four brothers. A long cherished dream to create truly exquisite and wearable clothing with European elegance for men and women came to fruition with the opening of the first Sacoor Brothers store in Lisbon, Portugal two decades ago. 24 years on, Sacoor Brothers is now present in key markets around the world, bringing lifestyle apparel with European elegance –coupled with quality, design and value – and it’s now famous in store personalized service, from Lisbon to Kuala Lumpur. The greyhound, a symbol of poise, elegance and nobility, which you will notice on Sacoor Brothers apparel and as a figurine in store, is our emblem – a subtle representation of style. A key factor in the success of Sacoor Brothers lies in how it approaches the suit – as a true piece of art. Its distinct silhouette, two-button lapel and subtle details immediately set the modern achiever apart from the crowd. The perfect fit is pursued regardless of time constraints and complexity. It takes more than 40 hours of craftsmanship to create a Sacoor Brothers suit. As a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship, each suit – made from the finest fabrics – bears the Sacoor Brothers logo as a hallmark of its distinguished heritage. For tropical climates like Malaysia, Sacoor Brothers suits are specially crafted with a supple half-lining. This allows the wearer to feel cool, while maintaining a sharp, clean silhouette - a testament to their attention to detail. The spirit of craftsmanship is also apparent in the women’s collections. Our in-house tailors work tirelessly to contour a dress to fit a customer, like how artists pore over every curve on a sculpture. The appeal of Sacoor Brothers also lies in its unmatched offering of quality and personalization. For example, an impeccably tailored shirt would not be complete without the right buttons. At Sacoor Brothers, numerous button designs are tried until the perfect match is arrived at, bestowing the finishing touch to an already fine garment. Our shirts are further distinguished for their 16
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hand-sewn fused cuffs, ensuring a crisp and sharp look that provides a level of distinction like no other. The soul of a garment is often reflected in the fabric used. Sacoor Brothers chooses only the finest fabrics, exclusively hand-cut to ensure the highest level of precision. Whether its Egyptian Cotton or Royal Oxford, our customers are cocooned in refinement and comfort. All Sacoor Brothers shoes are made with materials that undergo a rigorous selection and quality control process. The manufacturing process of these shoes is artisanal, with special attention to detail. Since the beginning, Sacoor Brothers has always embraced sporting culture and casual-wear. In a category where principles of functionality and comfort are the usual, Sacoor Brothers goes beyond convention to bring their refined style and artistic
elegance to casual wear ensembles. A key highlight of each season is the Sacoor Brothers polo tee, worn by individuals who live by their own rules. Standing out with a larger lapel and logo than the usual, these details recognize a true connoisseur from a crowd of followers. From Lisbon to Kuala Lumpur, Sacoor Brothers invites you to experience their distinguished take on European elegance and craftsmanship in stores now. History of Sacoor Brothers The history of Sacoor Brothers is linked to the visionary spirit of its four founders, four brothers. A long cherished dream to create truly exquisite and wearable clothing with European elegance for men and women came to fruition with the opening of the first Sacoor Brothers store in Lisbon, Portugal two decades ago. 24 years on, Sacoor Brothers is
now present in key markets around the world, bringing lifestyle apparel with European elegance –coupled with quality, design and value – and it’s now famous in store personalized service, from Lisbon to Kuala Lumpur. Sacoor Brothers today is a premium brand, offering “defining” refinement, elegance, quality and design. Our philosophy is focused on our customer, in the quality of our boutiques, products, people, and most importantly, our service. We are a comprehensive brand, with collections for men, women and children available 360 mall, from classic to casual and sportswear ranges. Quality: Sacoor Brothers defines itself as a premium and cosmopolitan brand, offering extremely high-quality and elegant pieces, with a refined and distinctive design.
Personalization: Every client is unique and the Sacoor Brothers pieces they use in their daily lives can be just as special. Our promise of that special touch can be experienced with the addition of your own individual monogram to your selected pieces, designed and tailored to your specifications. Heritage: The importance of family and personal ties is vital to us. It all started with four brothers sharing one dream and one will. This is the true meaning of the insignia “Brothers”. Service: Sacoor Brothers is not just a clothes store. Refined taste and service within makes everyone comfortable and welcome. In larger boutiques such as Sacoor Brothers Pavilion KL, a piano player creates a smooth and relaxing ambience. Beverages are provided while you wait
for your selections to be measured or wrapped. Every store provides free tailoring for a near bespoke suiting experience. Each Sacoor Brothers boutique store has a very distinctive entity and a unique ambience. Customers walk into an environment that is not only aesthetically beautiful to the eye but also extremely comfort able and welcoming. Each store has been carefully designed to create a warm ‘coming home’ feeling. It’s like walking into a personal living room. The greyhound, a symbol of poise, elegance and nobility, which you will notice on Sacoor Brothers apparel and as a figurine in store, is our emblem – a subtle representation of style. This inherent understanding of the timeless nature of style is apparent in the offerings for men and WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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on the COVER
women from Sacoor Brothers. For men, neckties are hand-finished in Italy and woven from the finest silk, an instant classic to be cherished now and forever. The women’s signature line of shirts has two back collar buttons, providing a whimsical touch to this stylish wardrobe staple. From Lisbon to Kuwait, Sacoor Brothers invites you to experience their distinguished take on European elegance and craftsmanship in stores now. Hallmark Sacoor Brothers today is a premium brand, offering “defining” refinement, elegance, quality and design. Our philosophy is focused on our customers, in the quality of our boutiques, products, people, and most importantly, our services. All of which translate into glamour and lifestyle. Hence the association Sacoor Brothers has with worldwide celebrities. We are a comprehensive brand, with collections for Men, Women and Kids, offering collections from classical, to casual and sportswear. Sacoor Brothers dresses superstars Patrick Dempsey was the Hollywood superstar who was the face of Sacoor Brothers’ new Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, chosen for his versatility and charisma. With a career of over 25 years, the actor became the star of Sacoor’s world campaign, which was launched in Los Angeles. Better known as “McDreamy”, Dempsey is the charming and romantic ‘Dr Shepherd’ in the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. With almost 70 films in his career, Dempsey has worked with names as well-known and as diverse as John Turturro, John Malkovich, Ashley Judd, Julia Roberts and Hilary Swank. A real lover of life, the actor currently lives in Malibu, in California, with his wife Jillian and their three children, a girl aged 11and twin boys aged 6. Motorsport is one of his great passions and he often takes part in races such as the 24 hours of Les Mans and Daytona and he owns a GT class race team. He is also an avid collector of vintage cars and sports cars. Considered a charisma symbol and one of the most charming men in Hollywood, Patrick Dempsey was the highlight of Sacoor’s new campaign and shows off the quality of the items in the next collection coming to the shops. The elegance and sophistication the brand has accustomed us to have inspired the campaign
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concept - “Share” - and characterize a collection where the warm, soft and comfortable clothes enhance the elegance of the Men’s, Ladies’ and Boys’ lines, using quality raw materials and with tailor-made service. This association with Patrick Dempsey and the public figures in the brand campaigns was to ensure that Sacoor Brothers continued improving
its position, standing out for the excellence of its products and services. The best in the world on the Sacoor Brothers team Cristiano Ronaldo, the best footballer in the world, is Sacoor Brothers’ new world ambassador today. There are names that mark an era that stand out for their talent, their achievements, or
the legacy they leave to future generations. But there are also those who while doing all this, still manage to write their names in the history books, where they will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of those people. With his exceptional talent, allied to uncommon persistence and dedication, Cristiano Ronaldo will
bring creative and inspirational values to Sacoor Brothers that only a personality with such a strong identity and with one of the highest levels of world recognition can give. “I’m very happy with this work we are beginning now. Above all, I see myself in the brand’s values. Commitment, success, professionalism, constant improvement”, explained Cristiano Ronaldo, who
has just finished the photo shoot in Madrid for the Sacoor Brothers’ 2015 spring-summer collection. In existence for 25 years, Sacoor Brothers has grown by defining trends and innovating services and products. With a personality that consumers identify with, the brand represents elegance and sophistication and has a distinctive code that has made it a premium, across-the board brand.
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strike a pose
a dose of elegance!
Sacoor Brothers is an international “lifestyle” brand that offers new and different day-to-day styles. For those seeking style that will last for generations, attention to details, and comfortable materials, this brand is the perfect fit. The season’s favorite pieces according to Musa’ed Al-Mutairi in this month’s photo shoot are brought to you by Saccoor Brothers...
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A word with thetalk
Co-Owner of The
Other Project and Fortune Cookie Areej Al-Kharafi W
hen you meet a woman like Areej AlKharafi, you will touch upon the best qualities any successful woman possesses. To be able to start over several times in attempt to find your passion is not as easy as it sounds. I had a conversation with someone who sets a great example for determination and distinctiveness. Areej AlKharafi spoke decisions, career and winning choices in an interview with THETALK. What’s your horoscope? I’m a Leo. What did you study? I have a diploma in Accounting – very basic. How did you build your knowledge about everything else? Basically, what I’m working on currently is not related to accounting at all. When it comes to creativity and the approach towards retail, this is not something that can be taught at the university. Retail is a skill that you develop. I have a lot of friends who are within this environment. I’m the type who researches and asks a lot, I write down notes and learn every day. I made a lot of mistakes which I learnt from. All these things give you the knowledge. Being a university graduate, you cannot really fulfill all of the aspects of what it takes to run a successful business – you need to acquire most of them on your own. You need to research, do mistakes, ask people and learn to achieve what you want to achieve. How did accounting help? It helped me understand numbers better. For me, it was very important for me to evaluate my profits and losses and know exactly why they happen. I observed the performance of my stores through the reports and numbers I received. 26
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“Finding yourself happens when you excel at something you love” How did you come up with the concept of Fortune Cookie? I started over 3 to 4 times until I found myself. After graduating, the ultimate success was perhaps to build a career by joining a wellestablished company. I was suffocating when I was surrounded only by files and numbers and this was when I realized I was interested in interacting with customers instead. I worked at different departments and different places and still was not satisfied with what I was doing. I didn’t feel myself. I was doing the same every single day. Tell me more about starting over in order to find yourself in something? Finding yourself is not easy. You don’t just wake up in the morning and find yourself; you go through different stages until you reach that point. Each and every experience has taught me something about myself – first, I realized that I love people, the second thing I learnt was the need to build a career around something that I love. Finding yourself happens when you excel at something you love. What did you do when you realized that you needed to find what you love? I resigned and stayed at home. My sister was working on a university project and asked me if I could be of any help. We came up with an idea of establishing an online business that is mainly about a gift basket that can be filled with different items – mainly made of neon and funky colors for young girls. She presented the idea and it was a success. Next, we thought seriously about launching it for real. We got our fathers’ support for launching the website first, and then left us on our own. My father always taught us to acknowledge the value of money and to be independent. He taught us to feel it and know how to deal with it. The start was very basic and simple and we gradually were able to develop the idea into something bigger.
Looking back at this, how do you feel about the beginnings? I feel blessed because had I been older, the mistakes I have done in the past would not have helped me become who I am today. There is an advantage out of starting at a young age and with slow steps – you learn and move on. Mistakes at certain ages and at fast paces can be more critical. I learnt through the journey and was involved in every single detail, which makes my assessments of my business more credible today. I enjoyed the journey and I’m proud of what I have achieved. Are you an assertively decisive person? Yes. I rarely think twice because I kind of feel that everything is crystal clear around me. There are decisions that require thinking, on the other hand, there are decisions that cannot wait. Over-thinking may be costly sometimes because you lose important opportunities. What was the major milestone throughout your journey with your first store? It was when we closed the first store at Olympia and opened it at the Avenues. Space wise, our current location is much smaller than the one we had at Olympia, however, we focused more on the concept and the category of customers that we are catering to. What was the best decision you have taken? It was quitting my job and sitting at home – the very first step that pushed me to find what I love. I think it’s all about the personality. I love trying new things. I push myself into anything knowing that I might disconnect at anytime once I don’t find the passion. I’m still trying to find out more about myself – it is a never-ending process. Did you ever encounter a drop down when you felt like giving up? The challenges are big. Sometimes they are tough too. Sometimes the pressure is so hard that you have to take your time. It’s not that easy and you have to sit back and take your time because certain strategies do not apply on every situation. But when you love what you are doing, it feels so worth it. Let’s TALK about The Other Project new store? It is a more sophisticated concept. It has furniture, clothes and home accessories. It is a boutique
that is multi-branded store that is an extension for Fortune Cookie. We have so many ideas to make it more of a social store rather than a boring corporate store, including the marketing techniques that we plan to apply in order to make it alive. The store is supposed to TALK to customers. Does traveling inspire you? Oh, definitely! My stores have different concepts and interiors – you will not find anything similar in Kuwait. The credit goes to traveling because it gives me the right vibes and the ideas with a Kuwaiti twist that I usually add. It’s a risk and a way to present something new – not everyone will understand it but customers usually agree that it is different. What’s your favorite city in the world? London. It is where you get inspired by every single thing you spot – the street styles of men and women, graffiti, restaurants, stationary, the mismatching of shoes and bags with clothes– everything! Is there a country that you have not been to but would like to visit? Yes, Japan. They have whatever I like when it comes to clothing. Fashion wise, the structure they do in something as simple as a white shirt is different and unique. I like the way they use fashion and express themselves through fashion. What is your ultimate goal? To achieve balance and fulfill every mission I believe I should fulfill. I aspire to feel perfect. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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A word with thetalk
Cancer
survivor Batoul Hashim E
verything that happens helps you grow, even if it’s hard to see right now. While we might come to have a disbelief in our ability to get through hardships and survive life’s tough periods, there are people like Batoul Hashim who fought against cancer and won the battle.Yasmine Bandar met Batoul and discussed pain, hope and overcoming hardships. How did you feel when I contacted you and told that we were going to talk about your survival from cancer? It feels good to be able to talk to somebody about it. But more than anything, I really want to spread awareness about cancer.You only have this stigma about cancer that it is synonymous to death – it’s not. I’m a cancer survivor and there are several cancer survivors. Just like anything else in life, cancer is about surviving. We should stop treating it like death. It is a very serious disease but I have heard of people who stopped being around their friends who suffer from cancer, it makes me sad. It is just a disease. Should we blame people for linking cancer to death, considering that surviving cancer is a miracle? The problem with cancer is that there is very little awareness regarding it. The symptoms that are related to cancer are very normal. Take my case for example, I suffered from backache, headache and pain in my leg. These are not symptoms that we usually associate with cancer. Cancer is not limited to what we see in movies like extreme fatigue, puking blood or whatsoever. There are more than 200 types of cancer.
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Did you imagine you would suffer from such a disease one day? I didn’t expect it to be cancer because I simply thought I was too busy with my life to get sick – but it’s not true, there is a point where the body just gives up. It’s like when you are in the bathroom and someone else is knocking on the door, and as you ignore it, it gets louder and louder until you can’t hear anything else besides the knocking. That’s how it was with cancer, it gave me a light tap and it got stronger and stronger until I could not ignore it.
When were you diagnosed with cancer? How old were you? I was 26. It was last year. It was in August when I knew I had e-wing sarcoma type of cancer, my cancer was on my pelvic and I was in so much pain. What encouraged you to seek medical help? What happened was that the tumor had grown so big that it started to pressed my nerves, because of that compression, I started to get pain in my leg
and it was not a normal pain. I went to five doctors until I was diagnosed with cancer. It was like an electricity-like pain every minute of the day. You had no doubts it could be something serious, right? Not at all. How did you feel when you first received the news? To be completely honest with you, I just thought: “Ok, what’s next?” I believed the news immediately because the pain made sense to me. When I got cured, I volunteered at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, what we do there is we provide emotional support to cancer patients, so I have talked to a few cancer patients over there and I know how hard it is for everyone to deal with the disease. When I received the news, the pieces of the puzzle kind of clicked – the pain just made sense. Did you experience any emotional collapse at that stage? Not until I underwent my first chemo-therapy session. I completely collapsed; my body did not chemo-therapy well. I usually don’t take medicines at all, whenever I do, my body gets affected by medicines really fast. When I took my first chemotherapy, I got through every reaction of chemotherapy. My skin was bad, my hair started falling off and my whole body was weak. What was the worst part? I would be lying if I tell you nothing was hard. But the worst is losing control of your body; when you no longer know your body. If I tell you to raise your arm, you do it without thinking about it – chemotherapy takes that away from you. It was way beyond weakness; it was more of “the stranger in the mirror” kind of feeling. It is hard when you can’t recognize yourself. Is there history of cancer in your family? My grandmother had cancer but she got it right before she passed away. She had other issues too. But no, there is no history – not that I know of. Aside from treatment, what efforts have you put into defeating the disease? I’m a very calm person. It is very weird for me to have problems; I always solve other people’s problems. I used to stay alone often. There were times when I had to stay alone because of my
“Hardships are not the end of the road” immunity being sensitive to catching germs and viruses. There were times when a cancer patient would feel suicidal – if I jump now, my pain will be over. I might have had a similar thought but then realized that this cannot be the end. I don’t want to be anonymous when I die. If I die today, who will be the most affected, it’s not my Gucci bag or my Rolex, not my friends who will weep for some time and then deal with it, it’s going to be me who’s most affected. I realized I needed to do something and get out of this. What else gave you a push? My daughter, who was 3 years, used to utter words of motivation like: “When you get better mommy, you will carry me...” or “When you get better mommy...Your hair will grow” she never said “if”, it was always “when” and that “when” was what made me look forward to the future with a positive perspective. My husband was very supportive and loving throughout the journey too. Did you ever wonder “why me?” There is never a reason behind cancer. One may start to feel guilty for getting this disease, but as a matter of fact, it is never one’s fault. It is because of the society we live in; we tend to think that only people in movies can have cancer. It’s not true. Once it becomes a reality, there is no choice but to live through it. How to live through would be the right question. You make your own destiny. Did you picture the worst case scenario? Like if I die? Yes... Yes. If I die, I die. I was fine with that. I think we get too arrogant about our immortality in our minds thinking that death is just around the corner and that we will not get touched by it. We think cancer happens to other people, not us. It is not true— cancer can happen to anyone. Nothing about the thought of death made you weak? I actually thought if I am going to die, I don’t want to spend the last days miserable. Besides, I was very
sure that I was going to get through it. Do we “humans” take health for granted? Yes. We take everything for granted. Money, food, health... we get so arrogant about so many things. What did suffering teach you? Suffering taught me how to smile. It taught me the importance of being determined and positive. It also taught me compassion. I now look at myself as my favorite character of a novel. I have sense of detachment of what happened, yet, I have not forgotten what it had taught me. I don’t live in the past anymore, I realized that it is wrong to get stuck in the past that you stop enjoying the present. Who had the biggest imprint throughout this struggle? My husband, my daughter and my family. What’s more painful, emotional or physical pain? Both. They come hand in hand in many cases. Any important decisions that you have taken after the hardship was over? I decided to enjoy life. I think we get too serious in life that we find little problems focus on negative things. We forget to love and laugh and enjoy life’s pleasures. What message would you like to deliver to whoever will read this interview? Treat people the way you want to be treated and everyone will be happy. If you want to be treated like a princess or a prince, treat other people this way. If you want to be taken seriously, don’t joke about other people – have that compassion for others without making yourself subservient to them. What would make a small tip on how to perceive hardships and start over? Hardships are not the end of the road; it is the end when you want to make it the end. You will realize that life is more beautiful than what you saw at that point. When put your hands right in front of your hand, all you will see is your hands. When you take them away, you will realize there is a whole world.
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THETalk STREET STYLES
Kuwait
street styles
Time and time again we bring you Street Style inspirations from across the globe. However, we cannot steer away from the fashionable crowd here in Kuwait. Whether it is how they dress to work, lunch, events or parties, whichever the occasion, these trendsetters always look stylishly chic!
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THETALK inspiration
the street styles
Military
A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the season’s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting a new trend! 32
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Find Them At
Isabel Marant at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Ford Double Breasted Military Coat - Modaoperandi.com
Lavin at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Isabel Marant at NET-A-PORTER.COM. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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THETALK inspiration
the street styles
feather
A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the season’s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting a new trend!
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Find Them At
Oscar de la Renta at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Kenneth Jay Lane at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Rupert Sanderson at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Paul Andrew at NET-A-PORTER.COM
Marni Anthracite Wool Felt Skirt With Feather Trim - Modaoperandi.com WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Trend Alert
Vintage Elegance by
Carven
Carven’s Ready-to-Wear Fall Winter 2014 show featured a ton of great-looking forties-inspired clothes; designer Guillaume Henry sent out a poignant collection that was equal parts youthful and sophisticated. It was a return to the elegant French ingénue muse that was at the heart of Henry’s initial success with his revival of the Carven brand. Standouts here included belted wool jackets and coats with rolling collars, short skirts with revealed pleats to one side, and dresses bedazzled with this way/that way crystal arrows. Carven is located at The Avenues Mall.
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Marc Jacobs Louis Vuitton
Burberry Prorsum
Showy
Hermes
Shearling While we’ve been teased with a few spring days, winter is still coming! Now is that time of the year when we can bundle up in cozy overcoats. Check out this season’s shearling must-have pieces!
Burberry Prorsum Adam Lippes at net-a-porter
Kat Maconie at Alostoura
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Trend Alert
Winter
Looks
The Row
Layer up this season with warm and fuzzy outerwear. Fur-trimmed coats, casual jackets, and gilets look very chic with any kind of outfit. Make sure to have both the neutrals and brights covered in your wardrobe. Reed Krakoff
Balenciaga
Reed Krakoff MSGM
Moschino
Alaia Moschino
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Stella McCartney
Etro Alice & Olivia
McQ
Vintage Louis Vuitton
Sacai Jean Paul Gautier
McQ
Alexander McQueen
Chloe
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Trend Alert
Hermes Burberry Heritage Trench Coat
Anna dello Russo Prada Fur Coat
Burberry Prorsum
Belt Your Coat
Upgrade your winter outfits for the cold weather! Besides covering your chic outfit with a coat daily, chances are people see you in the same parka, trench coat and pea-coat over and over again! Dress up your coat with an accessory you already own: a belt. Simply cinch your jacket at the waist for a look that’s both flattering and fashionable. 40
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Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Burberry Prorsum
Burberry Prorsum Louis Vuitton
Pantone’s 2015 Color Trend: Marsala
Burberry Prorsum
This earthly rich red-brown hue has been spotted on many runways during Fashion Week and has been worn by celebrities such as Blake Lively and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. See how you work the shade into your wardrobe!
Burberry Prorsum Alaia from Alostoura Blake Lively in Gucci
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Gucci Celine
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Trend Alert Burberry Prorsum
CloseKnit
Celine
Chloe
One of the most prominent trends during Fashion Week was the comfortable, trendy, full look in wool as seen on Celine, Marc Jacobs, and Stella McCartney runways.
Stella McCartney Stella McCartney
Burberry Prorsum
Louis Vuitton
Helmut Lang at net-a-porter
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Goldmine
Burberry Prorsum
If you haven’t noticed, gold stole the spotlight on the runways this season. The gold rush trend was seen at Prada, Chloe, Moschino, and Kenzo.
Burberry Prorsum Burberry Prorsum tote
Kenzo Chloe
Prada
Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton
Burberry Prorsum
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Trend Alert Burberry Metallic
Clutched
This one versatile accessory fits any occasion and never goes out of style. Shop the clutches that define the season!
Prada
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton
Prada Miranda Kerr holding Louis Vuitton clutch
Gucci
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Burberry Military Red
Leather Weather It’s official: The bad girl look has gone mainstream! Leather always makes a statement. Shop those basic styles – from leather leggings to leather jackets – that are timeless as they are chic! 3.1 Phillip Lim from Alostoura
Louis Vuitton
Hermes
Poppy Delevingne’s leather leggings
Salvatore Ferragamo Burberry Prorsum
Prada City Calf Caramel
Burberry Prorsum
Louis Vuitton Cruise 15’
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Trend Alert
PRONOVIAS
HAS THE LATEST TRENDS TO FILL YOUR HOLIDAY LOOKS WITH CHRISTMAS SPARKLE
Jewelled dress with gemstone embroidery in the same colour.
Green empire line dress with a sheer layered sweetheart neckline in embroidered tulle with gemstone embroidery and a satin belt in the same colour.
Black, empire line dress in embroidered gauze with paillettes and a toning gauze belt. Strapless mermaid dress in mikado silk with guipure lace appliqués in the same colour.
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Jewelled dress in black with a V-neck. Gauze with gemstone embroidery in the same colour. Gauze, jewelled dress in gold with a V-neck with gemstone embroidery in the same colour.
With this special time of year drawing close, PRONOVIAS is presenting a selection of its marvellous designs, perfect choices for any celebration. All the dresses selected are from the new PRONOVIAS FIESTA 2015 collection.
with lace and jewelled details which make them a superbly elegant option for holiday events. These dresses, which are almost pieces of jewellery, come in shades like gold, silver and black, which all add an extra touch of glitter and glamour:
This Christmas, PRONOVIAS has some fabulous short dresses in beautiful fabrics, embroidered
Then there’s PRONOVIAS’ range of long, flowing dresses in gauze and tulle. With sheer layered
THETALK / January / 2015
necklines, they are sure to be a hit this Christmas. There are also some extremely fashionable dresses in mikado silk. This fabric is a favourite in the PRONOVIAS bridal range, but it is also marvellous for cocktail and evening dresses. Red, green and black are some of the new shades that the firm has selected for its long dresses for the festive season.
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Trend Alert
Shoe
love is true love
They say good shoes take you to good places; we agree and affirm that shoes give your appearance an entirely different twist. A pair of shoes that you will adore and not leave the shop without buying – how often does it happen? We share our favorite picks for the season’s hottest heels and flats from net-a-porter.com 48
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Santoni
Santoni
Santoni Santoni
Santoni
Tod’s
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Trend Alert
Santoni
Santoni
Santoni
Santoni
Santoni
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Tod’s
Tod’s Santoni
Tod’s
Tod’s
Santoni
Tod’s
Tod’s
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Trend Alert
BAG
Fever
You can never go wrong with the right purse. Whether you choose leather, embroidery, or fringe, the right purse will never cease to accessorize your whole outfit and give it an identity. This collection is an insight of the season’s most fabulous and chic pieces by net-a-porter.com to inspire your bag shopping. 52
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Salvatore Ferragamo
Tod’s
Tod’s
Salvatore Ferragamo
Santoni
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Trend Alert
Tod’s
Santoni
Tod’s
Tod’s
Tod’s
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Tod’s Tod’s
Coach
Coach
Tod’s
Coach WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Fashion feature
Fashion tricks
on how to look slimmer!
Over-sized knits As tempting as it is to be dressed in an outfit that shows your waist line, it is not an option when you don’t have a reason to show off your waist line. Longbaggy tops are the best way to show that you have got lean limbs.
We all go through a strange mood where we inexplicably feel fat. Even though the number on the scale might not have jumped higher, sometimes a girl feels bloated, heavy, or merely will find nothing in her closet that fits. Those who are aware of fashion tricks might enjoy a little advantage of knowing how to choose cloths that are flatter and cuts that hide the extra pounds, in addition to fabrics that can definitely make them look thinner. Below are outfits that can inspire you to hide your winter extra pounds.
Loose jackets Unlike tight and fitted jackets, loose jackets allow less exposure to your original waist line.
Over-sized coats The cold season is a plus point for those who appreciate coats. A statement coat with big, structured shoulders, and cropped-slim pants will do the slimming trick.
Circle skirts Pairing circle skirts with tighter tops or shirts and high heels hides large thighs and wide hips. High heels give the right height and the graceful walk in oversized skirts. 56
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Frat tuck your shirt in There is a good trick behind tucking your shirt the frat way in a way that can cover the extra pounds that you are in the process of reducing.
Nirvana Tying a plaid or a flimsy sweater around your waist can help direct the eye to the narrowness of hips. It can also tone in wide dresses and puts focus on the waist.
Long blazers Blazers are fabulous, especially a blazer that hits below the waist, jeans, and heels. It is a good way to feel less exposed. Heels, of course, are always necessary.
D.I.Y
Createyour own set of customized hair pins in 5 steps! Get as many bobby pins as your heart desires, tiny jewelry pliers, a thin wire that bends quite easily and create a unique set of hair pins that are customized to your own taste.
1
Place your object on the bumpy side of the pin, to get an idea of where it will attach.
2
Take the excess wire coming off of your shape, and start at one end of the bumpy side of your pin.
3
Wrap the wire as snugly as possible around and around the pin, until you get to where the pin folds.
5
4
You can cut off the excess wire now, and use your pliers to make sure any snaggy (technical term) parts of the wire are tucked in tightly. Fake flowers are also a great addition, if you happen to have any laying around.
Use your pliers to close the bobby pin. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Trend Alert
Rihanna wears ChopardAT the Clara
LioneL Foundation’s Diamond BalL Rihanna dazzled in Chopard while hosting and performing at her Clara Lionel Foundation’s First Annual Diamond Ball
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For the Red Carpet, Rihanna chose to wear Chopard’s rubellite and diamond necklace from the “Red Carpet” collection featuring a 123.24-carat pear shaped rubellite and 65.24-carats of diamonds set in platinum, diamond earrings from the “High Jewelry” collection featuring 1.41-carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold, a ruby bracelet from the “Red Carpet” collection featuring 20.38-carats of rubies set in 18K rose gold, a rubellite and ruby ring from the “Red Carpet” collection featuring one 49.64-carat rubellite, 3.20-carats of rubies, and 1.27-carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold, a tanzanite and rubellite ring from the “Precious Temptations” collection featuring one 7.42-carat tanzanite, one 5.88-carat rubellite, and 1.70-carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold, a diamond ring from the “High Jewelry” collection featuring 12.41-carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold, and a diamond ring from the “High Jewelry” collection featuring 2.16-carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold.
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Trend Alert
Discover the Dazzle of
Salvini Jewelry Salvini was first established in the Eighties as fine jewelry designed for the contemporary woman. The label comes from the heart of Valenza, considered to be the home of Italian and international top-end jewelry. Salvini comes from the Damiani family, and offers the same level of quality and craftsmanship. The creative flair of the designers who work on Salvini is evident from the careful selection of finest quality precious stones, which are then worked on and set by master goldsmiths. For the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2011, Salvini won the prestigious Diamond International Award for the limited edition collection engraved with the words “25°Salvini” and embellished with a tiny diamond.
Chignon
Atmosphere
Chignon
Salvini aims at creating high-end jewelry for the modern woman, who brings elegance and refinement to everyday life. The jewelry offers a modern take on the classics, creating a crossover of class and style embedded with traditional values to create a signature style.
My Light
My Light Bridal Ext Kolossal
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Piume Piume
The Segni collection by Salvini is a definite must-have from the brand’s repertoire. A symbol of all things feminine, the collection brings to life the emotions of a lady. The collection consists of pendants, chokers, rings, and earrings in the shape of a heart, four-leaf clover, butterfly, or cross. In order to match updated trends, the materials use a mix of styles like silver with mother-of-pearl and, unusually, a colored version with semi-precious stones in deep warm hues.
Daphne Elegance
Salvini’s vision for the ideal woman is effectively expressed by their choice of brand ambassador – Eva Longoria, of Desperate Housewives fame. Salvini considers her to be the perfect personification of the label’s values – a feminine, elegant, successful, and professional lady w ho is very deeply involved in noble charitable causes as well.
Piume
In Kuwait, Salvini is available at Al Ostoura’s fine jewelry store Al Ostoura Jewelry, Thuraya Mall.
Charade
Daphne Elegance
Daphne Elegance WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Trend Alert
Van Cleef & Arpels Van Cleef & Arpels hosts the “Enchanting Nature” exhibition at the Salhiya Mall
Renowned High Jewelry French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels graces the prestigious Salhiya Mall in Kuwait City. Positioned directly in front of Van Cleef & Arpels’ boutique, an extensive selection of High Jewelry and timepieces in a refined milieus unveiled. The exhibition offers a light and airy space for guests to mosey through free standing glass displays of jewelry and timepieces. This distinguished setting provides a charming experience; inviting clients to experience Van Cleef & Arpels’ treasures. Guests can enter
the Maison’s enchanting universe to discover the finest High Jewelry, Jewelry and Timepieces collections; each piece depicting a story. The Maison pays homage to the theme of Enchanting Nature which is ubiquitous throughout the boutique in Salhiya Mall. The world of Van Cleef & Arpels is represented through delicate flowers and flying beauties, a main source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels ever since its birth. This theme is enhanced by a highly colored palette of gems, reproducing the endless nuances of flora and fauna.
“The Enchanting Nature exhibition represents an unsurpassed craftsmanship, offering jewels and timepieces that tell stories and bring enchantment to life,” says Alban Belloir,Van Cleef & Arpels Managing Director Middle East and India. “Through this unique exhibition, exclusive to Salhiya Mall, we invite all those who love beauty, who are passionate or curious about jewelry and timepieces to discover the imaginary world of Van Cleef & Arpels.”
Collier Snowflake
Floral Socrate
Floral Socrate
Between the Finger Ring Cosmos, white gold, onyx, diamonds, diamond
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Snowflake Earclips
Zip Necklace
Between the Finger Ring Cosmos, pink gold, white mother-of-pearl diamonds, diamond center
Floral Socrate Zip Necklace transformable into bracelet
Lady Arpels Papillon Malachite
Floral Socrate
Floral Socrate
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Feel Beautiful
MY WANDERLUST By Charlotte Stockdale Wanderlust. The impulse to travel. Scents to take you away. Inspired by memories of faraway places, Jo Malone London Style Editor, Charlotte Stockdale takes us on her travels with her new Limited Edition Home Collection. The expansive Atlas mountains. Fragrant Mediterranean hillsides. Dusky Caribbean evenings. The Outback, rich and golden. Green box hedge in an English garden. The scent of home. Each wrapped in an atmospheric watercolour, taken from the British travel tradition of watercolour sketches. The spirit of place, captured. “Scent makes you want to explore a place or reminds you very distinctly of where you have been. Like music, it not only reminds you of where, but when you’ve been there too. It takes you back to a time in your life. Or it can be something that makes you want to go somewhere new.” Charlotte Stockdale Cardamom & Moroccan Rose Home Candle The foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Moroccan roses unfurl with their sumptuous honeyed spice. Glowing, aromatic cardamom. Freshened by the brightness of ginger. Chamomile, natural and earthy, accentuates voluptuous floral facets. Expansive, bright and opulent. Cardamom & Moroccan Rose Home Candle 200g Box Hedge Square Scent The clean, green scent of a newly clipped box hedge. Encasing flourishing borders in an English garden. Abundant and aromatic. Fresh cypress is entwined with crisp, fruity cassis and the earthy quality of galbanum. Leafy, lush and verdant. Box Hedge Square Scent
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Acacia & Honey Soap The hazy, golden warmth of the Australian beach. Sweet honey with lively ginger and the powdery, floral note of acacia. Encased in the almond aroma of tonka bean and the dry intensity of cedarwood. Smooth, rich and dulcet. Acacia & Honey Bath Soap Collection 2 x 100g Lime Basil & Mandarin Diffuser The scent of lime on a Caribbean breeze. This bright, revitalising citrus is blended with tart mandarin, the juicy sweetness of orange and zesty grapefruit. Wrapped in the addictive warmth of amberwood. This sophisticated balance of vibrant notes is given an unexpected twist of peppery basil and aromatic white thyme. Tantalizing, addictive and zesty. Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround™ Diffuser 165ml Limited Edition. Available from January 2015.
MIlly
Located on the Ground Floor, Arraya Center, Shuhada Street, Sharq, Kuwait. For information call +965 22997739
Feel Beautiful
The Natural Waves Spotted on the runways of Emilio Pucci, Narciso Rodriguez and Valentino, these waves seem to be most modern when matched with a center part and just the correct amount of curling.
est i d tren s ’ 5 1 20 s d tren r i a h e c n a l g in a
with the latest te a -d o -t p u ay u can st what son and how yo ngs this fashion along, but a se e th r fo in and of what’s winter bri r’s hair trends lors now that a start thinking u co ye f yo o ew r, n es ve d e o a th sh rn eaked into sider dark As seasons tu is? We have p ht want to con it r ig lo m u co o t Y a h s. d w hair tren rdless of your hair, rega h it w o d u yo can in for you! brought them Hair Buns One of the simplest solutions for styling secondday hair is to fasten them into a bun. A messy bun brings a casual twist to a gown whereas a polished Prada chignon or a braided Dolce & Gabbana bun adds elegance to a simple blouse and ripped jeans!
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g is major evening outin an r fo r n io pt best o Glossy lau created fo ist Guido Pa Sleek and r length, your o yl st pe ir e ty ha ’s èm ir at cr yle th h dry f your ha tail or long st your hair wit Regardless o k, blow dry lky-soft pony o si lo e irspray. The is th ha th er e e id in ev k and sh er to achi ee luster. Cons sl rd o g in In . us w s o ay flyaw ’s spring sh tune up hair Ralph Lauren the side then n o it rt pa s, hair product rious look! xu lu a is result
Herringbone Cage Braid Braids have been women’s best friends since unknown times, yet they never seem to lose their relevance or become any less popular. We are obsessed with this stunning hairstyle we saw at Suno’s Spring 2015 Fashion Show. Kérastase’s Odile Gilbert outdid himself with this creative caged herringbone braid.
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Feel Beautiful
May the wings of your eyeliner
always be even!
Do you wish you could copy make up artists’ eyeliner tricks? There are different eyeliner tricks and methods out there. Ladies, there are so many types of eyeliner that it has recently become hard to keep track of them. If you’re looking for eyeliner tricks to try out this winter, here are different eyeliner tricks from cat eyes to winged and smudged liner. Most critically, you must master the keys of applying eyeliner in a way that guarantees that both eyes will look the same. Don’t worry, practice in makeup is also key!
Cat Eyes The cat eye eyeliner trick is, of course, one of the most common trends out there – it’s dramatic, it’s sharp, and it’s edgy.You can spice it up by adding a sharper curve or even doing some color around it.
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Check other eyeliner tricks too!
Color It Up Eyeliner doesn’t always have to be black or brown. Actually, you could even get a little crazy and go with purple, blue or even pink.You can pair your eye shadow with your colored eyeliner and colored mascara too. It can make your eyes stand out!
Drop Eye You might not know what a ‘dropped eyeliner trick’ exactly is, it is actually when you apply liner to half of your bottom lid. It’s almost as if you are dropping the line off after halfway lining it. It gives more size to your eyes and it is stylish too.
Thick Eyeliner Another eyeliner trick that I love to do is thick – thick lines. Whether you are doing a cat eye or winged eyeliner, thick lines are very in right now! Plus, they can really make your lashes look that much thicker and fuller. Always begin with a thinner line at the beginning of your lid from your nose side.
Give Your Eyes Wings The winged eyeliner trick is all about the wing and all about the liner around your eyes. Winged liner is much different from the cat eye, as you don’t do the bottom lid with cat eyes, it’s all about the top. With winged liner, it’s about the bottom and the top. Perhaps the best way to do a winged eyeliner trick is to start with the wing and then, draw a line that connects the rest of the eye lid with the wing.
Smudge It If you are looking for an easy way to spice up your eyeliner, smudging it will do it! Just a quick little smudge to the outer edges or even to the bottom using your fingers or an eye shadow brush can really make all of the difference in the world on how beautiful your eyes look! Top it with some dust of brown or copper eye shadow and frost your lashes with heavy mascara.
Spread the Wings Open Now, this is a little more difficult to do than standard winged liner, but it’s so worth it. Open winged liner actually has a little opening at the end of the wing, giving the impression that the eyeliner is not connected. Give it a try, ladies!
Thin Liners This, by far, is the most common because it’s a great liner to keep it subtle and teasing. This look can be used for day time, night, and the office or anytime at all! You can also feel free to apply eye shadow of any color depending on your outfit.
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Feel Beautiful
Party Chic
Make An Entrance
Dinner with friends or a black tie affair, Bobbi’s Party Chic includes all the products needed to create holiday-ready looks. Inspired by the legendary American actress Lauren Bacall, this collection is a gorgeous combination of sexy, strong and confident. The look starts with skin, which has the subtlest warmed-by-the-fireside glow. To make eyes sparkle, it’s all about warm matte browns, golden metallic nudes and deep ambers for a rich, sultry effect and for lips it’s all about options – from soft beige gold to bold bordeaux. 70
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Limited Edition, Warm Glow Eye Palette Featuring nine decadent shades of soft nudes, gilded golds and scotch-inspired browns, this Warm Glow Eye Palette can be mixed and matched to create a look that is classic or sexy. Shades: Flesh Eye Shadow, Beige Eye Shadow, Golden Pink Metallic Eye Shadow, Bonfire Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, NEW Rose Metallic Eye Shadow, Gold Sparkle Eye Shadow,Velvet
Shade: Gold
Its silky, lightweight texture and mirror-like, reflective pearls leave skin with a subtle, warmedby-the-fireside glow. Sweep the Sheer Powder Brush across Highlight Powder and dust along the top of the cheekbones for a natural, lit-fromwithin glow. Available in 2 shades: Bronze Glow and Pink Glow
Bronze Metallic Eye Shadow, Golden Bronze Metallic Eye Shadow and Rich Caviar Eye Shadow Limited Edition, Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner Long-wearing, water-resistant and easy to apply, Bobbi’s award-winning gel liner –now in a rich golden brown – adds a touch of warmth to any winter eye look. It’s a holiday staple for creating long-wearing, stand out eyes. Shade: Black Scotch Limited Edition, High Light Powder This new, limited edition High Light Powder delivers a soft luminosity and buildable radiance.
Limited Edition, High Shimmer Lip Gloss A stunning combination of soft pink shimmer and non-stick shine for a sweet lip look that is brilliantly radiant. Shade: Bellini Limited Edition, Nail Polish The best complement to a dramatic red lip or a smokey eye, Bobbi’s rich red nail lacquers are the perfect accessory to your holiday look.
Limited Edition, Lip Color Inspired by Bobbi’s original Lip Color formula, these holiday classics are available in showstopping reds and rich nudes—the perfect winter season lip. Lip Colors come in an elegant gold case that’s so pretty it doesn’t require any wrapping. Apply straight from the tube for full coverage, or for extra precision, with a Lip Brush.
Available in 2 shades: Bordeaux and Cherry Tomato
Available in 4 shades: Bordeaux, Sultry Red, Malt Shimmer and Beige Gold Shimmer
Shade: Scotch
Limited Edition, Lip Gloss This rich red gloss gives lips a gorgeous, high-shine look that keep lips supple and soft. Shade: Scarlet Limited Edition, Glitter Lip Gloss Worn on its own or on top of your favorite holiday Lip Color, this dose of light-catching gold sparkle will instantly take your lip look from subtle to sexy.
Limited Edition, Shimmer Nail Polish Fun and festive, this glitter polish adds texture and a pretty touch of color, and can be layered over Bordeaux or Cherry Tomato Nail Polishes for added drama.
Makeup Lesson In conjunction with the launch of the Party Chic, Bobbi is offering complimentary the Look of Season Makeup Lesson with her expertly trained makeup artists at counter to show you how to glam up any special occasion look this holiday season. From a classic red lip to bold metallic eyes or shimmery accents, Bobbi’s Look of the Season Makeup Lesson is about making a woman feel her most glamorous. To book, simply visit www.bobbibrown-me.com to find a nearby store counter and call to schedule an appointment.
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Feel Beautiful
Berry
Lips for Winter
Although mascara and concealer are often sought out as the products women reach for to look more awake after sleepless nights, we’d add berry lipstick to our own list of makeup revivers! The right shade can make you appear radiant and energized. Get inspired by celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Emily Blunt and see how they do it!
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Chrissy Teigen
Emily Blunt
Lily Collins
Jessica Alba
Emma Watson
Bobbi Brown
THETALK / January / 2015
Burberry
New Year New Scent
With hundreds of new perfumes available, it can be overwhelming to choose a new signature fragrance. Now is the time to change up your scent just in time for the change of seasons!
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt The sea air mixes with salty spray and the mineral texture of sand and rock. Like the scent of driftwood, it has a natural and fresh sophistication. A complex combination of wood and the sea is at its core. The feeling is of free-spirited liberty and joy.
Prada Candy Florale The fragrance’s light airiness puts the sparkle in candy, followed by tender powdery notes that echo her spring-like grace. A final whisper of warmth and honey reflects Candy’s sensual essence.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Channeling Daisy’s easy charm and reverie, Daisy Dream embodies a new take on being youthful, spirited and romantic. Daisy Dream reflects Marc’s irresistible mix of intricate details, elegance and femininity.
Hermes Cuir D’ange This warm fragrance is a harmony of natural nuances, of leathers and touches that ask only to be caressed. At the first contact comes the suppleness of sandy pink Swift calfskin, paying homage to leather in its most natural state.
Givenchy Dahlia Divin Jasmine mixes with wood for an unexpectedly deep and sultry scent – perfect for a night out.
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Remember His Face
Nick
Bateman There are good-looking men and then,
there are good-looking men who are intelligent and successful. Actor, model, fourtime world champion martial artist Nick Bateman landed his first major acting role in Hobo With A Shotgun. Born in Burlington, Ontario on 18th November 1986, Nick desired be a Ninja Turtle and at the age of four his mom enrolled him in Goju Ryu Karate.
In 1998, Nick became a regional champion for karate and during this time he began acting and doing numerous television commercials. In 1999, his focus turned primarily to martial arts and he began to compete at the world level. His talents as a martial artist led him to his first world championship in 2003. He went on to win three more world titles. In 2003, at age 17, he was induced into the WKU Hall of Fame as competitor of the year. He has also won two Sport Martial Arts Viewers Choice Awards. He also began performing in televised martial arts events using weapons
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and doing choreographed fight scenes with a team called Sideswipe. He competed at the 2004 ESPN International Best of the Best Martial Arts competition where he placed second against 10 world champions. While competing at this event in Miami, a Model Universe competition was going on in the same venue. A friend jokingly signed him up to compete and he place fifth out of 100 models. It was at this Model Universe event that he met Calvin Klein and began a career as a model. During his modeling career he lived in Milan, as well as New York and Miami. In 2006, he moved to Vancouver, BC and enrolled in a business program at Capilano College. Upon graduation in 2008, he decided to move home to Burlington, where he opened his own karate school called Bateman Martial Arts Academy. While running the business, he continued to model and in 2009 he worked with top photographer Bruce Weber for the 2010/11 Abercrombie & Fitch campaign. Since then, Nick has added his new found passions for acting and producing, while still infusing karate and stunts in a number of acting roles. Nick’s Instagram account radiates Nick’s daily life and posts about his dog, his work and a lot of selfies. Good looks and a successful career lead to fame, don’t you agree? We strongly do.
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A word with thetalk
An artist
from Kuwait Fahad F
ahad is a unique blend of so many artistic elements, combined together to form a one-ofa-kind talent whose vision towards the future feeds his creativity. The journey of an artist is a long and rich one, bringing together the effort of conveying their talent into putting their philosophy and beliefs across in a beautiful work of art and Fahad is no exception. In an interview with THETALK, we got a glimpse of his work and future vision. Tell us about yourself. My name is Fahad; I’m an artist and a fashion designer from Kuwait. I have been active in this market since 2007, when I started my line which is called FFC which started as a collection for men. It’s a free fashion collection, I initially launched it in a store and it was a good start. I sold it within the first 10 days of its launch. I believe my designs are different and unique. What other interests do you have? Art in general. I have been so passionate about theatre and stage performance since I was young. I try to balance between my passion and the mindset of a business man.
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“My designs bond with the future” Where did it start? I joined Loyac which I believe was an experience that added a lot to my journey. The surprise was, I had to make decision in my life, staying at home and waiting for things to happen was not an option. I used to do interviews for Loyac magazine – I was also involved in the graphic design, social media and the dancing and acting club of Loyac. It was an amazing experience but I was always looking forward to what is next.
What about Fahad boutique? Fahad Boutique consists of three lines ranging in price and designs. The three lines are the FFC line, the F line and a line which I’m planning to launch; a very affordable funky line targeting dancers, yoga athletes and daring customers. The third line is the Fahad collection which is a plan that will be launched 2016. Fahad boutique will be a store that will consist of many designer brands from different parts of the world including my own designs.
When did you establish Fahad Boutique? I have standards when it comes to fashion, and I believe that anyone can do anything they want when they have the will. I had a passion for creating new designs that have a story behind them. When I went to London for the first time, I remember I was fascinated by brands. As I grew up, I began to understand fashion more and see it with a different perspective. I decided to launch my own style and it grew into catering to other people’s taste. The first couple of years were difficult because I had to get my hands on the keys of understanding fabrics as well as transferring ideas into drawings and from drawings into reality.
What about FFC? It is basically what I wear. I design the same piece for men and women and add a twist for it to distinguish it. It is more about quality that is affordable and easy to wear. The F line is more practical where you give yourself a sense of style at an affordable rate.
When you work on a design, do you choose the fabric first or do the design? As a designer, when I have a design in mind, it is important to know what works with what. I have come a long way learning from scratch and getting myself exposed to different sources of learning. What gave you the confidence to start your own line? I usually make huge leaps with caution and usually take my time studying them. When I launched my first collection and sold it, I asked the salesperson “who purchased it? And why?” at that point, I thought that I need to plan what’s next. I started with 20 pieces out of which 17 were sold in 10 days.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Nowhere! I think I initially studied the market and found that it is very typical and that nothing is different or unique about it. I decided to come up with something different and being involved in different types of art helps a lot. How do you describe your designs? My designs bond with the future – they do not reflect the past or the present but are wearable at the same time. Creativity is about looking ahead and capturing what you see there. My designs have a story behind them and are like an extension of one another. I have my own way of presenting my designs on the runway, with the help of a particular music and choreography that I design myself.
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A word with thetalk
the Rado DiaMaster Collection in Kuwait
RADO CEO Matthias Breschan
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oted for its use of scratch-proof materials, a field in which it is considered a pioneer, Rado produces about half a million watches a year. Rado differs from the traditional Swiss watch makers in that it leans towards innovative uses of high tech materials in distinct design. Rado has focused on pioneering the use of a number of materials that are unique within the watch making industry. On the launch of the DiaMaster collection, THETALK’s editor met Rado’s CEO, Mathhias Breschan. What is your general perception of Rado as a brand? I think Rado has a very unique and distinctive position in the watch industry because unlike other traditional swiss brands, Rado is a young brand; it does not go back to the 18th or 19th century, but it only existed since 1957. Rado’s focus was not the function of the watch as much as it was the housing of it. When you speak housing, you are talking about design and material and Rado was really able to become the market leader of bringing innovative designs and materials to the watch market. In terms of innovating, the limitations for innovation do not exist. Have you always been passionate about watches? Where do you think this passion comes from? It is very easy to get passionate about watches because you realize that the watch is not just a tool for time-telling, rather it’s the perfect accessory to make a personal statement and say something about yourself. It is very emotional, very sensitive and of course, it is something that is part of you because you are wearing it every day. It is extremely close to you. I think a watch is the perfect tool to express yourself. 80
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“A watch will always say something about your personality and feelings when you are quiet” What about the latest collection that was launched in Kuwait? We are presenting a new collection called DiaMaster that Rado used to manufacture in the 70’s and 80’s, by that time, the watch was called Streamliner but the traditional methods of ceramic production and construction did not allow Rado to make these geometries using ceramic. Today, using not only the black and white ceramic but also the platinum, gold, rose gold ceramics, we were able to bring back this watch from the past, but in a material that will maintain all its beauty even after being worn for many years. What distinguishes Rado from other brands? Our design and the way of using materials keep us absolutely unique in the watch market. I would recognize a Rado watch from far away while sitting with a group in a restaurant. The comfort of ceramic used in our watches makes the watch very comfortable to wear. How do you assess the brand’s performance in particular Kuwait and the GCC in general? Kuwait is our third market after the UAE and KSA. For us, it was extremely important to have a partner here like Behbehani because when we
made all the changes in styles we made sure to deliver this message to the consumer – to make sure that the consumer sees the changes through communication and marketing, in addition, to providing the right marketing environment in the point of sales and service. We believe Behbehani is the perfect partner to offer this here in Kuwait. Are you planning to open new stores in Kuwait? Yes, we are expanding our distribution, but we always aim to consider quality in such steps. Our objective now is not to make as many points of sales as possible, but to do it in a very qualitative and controlled way. Do you have plans for launching limited editions in certain regions? We do limited editions but not for specific regions. So, we do limited editions when they make sense in terms of marketing, for example, we are involved in tennis so we make tennis limited editions that cater to the purpose. We are involved in tennis because it is elegant and it is equally practised by men and women and we are a brand that caters equally to both genders. When we select celebrities to represent, we do not select them because they are famous, we choose
them because their personality fits the philosophy of the brand – it is only then that the message to the consumer is credible. Beside time-telling, what is the purpose of wearing a fine watch? What message does it convey? To say something about yourself. When you wear a diving watch, it does not mean that in two hours you will go scuba diving, or if you wear a pilot watch that you will be flying a helicopter, however, a watch will always say something about your personality and feelings when you are quiet. Being involved in creating timepieces, what is your definition of time? I think my personal challenge is with time, I need to make sure to continue to innovate and continue to push ourselves to permanently try to make things better. Of course, for Rado in particular, in terms of design, it is important to continue to innovate because the day you stop innovating, you start to kill the brand. This needs to be our driving factor for the upcoming 50 years; it is what made Rado strong for the past 50 years and it is what it takes to remain so for the upcoming 50 years. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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A word with thetalk
Baume & Mercier
launches Promesse Stanislas Rambaud T
he Promesse collection is an intensely delicate and timeless collection representing a true ode to femininity. A classic, precious watch conveying a strong emotional charge, Promesseis the recognizable descendant of a 1970s model from the Baume & Mercier museum collection. It offers today’s women an opportunity to discover how the originality of its timeless lines embodies a cherished Baume & Mercier tradition. THETALK’s editor met Stanislas Rambaud, Brand Manager of Baume and Mercier in the Middle East and India, and revealed the collection’s distinctiveness in a one-to-one interview.
Tell us more about the new collection. It’s called Promesse – it’s a completely new collection that is only dedicated to ladies and we are launching it this year. The main objective is to really offer additional watches to ladies to rebalance between men and women, and to reconnect with our female clients. I noticed that it is kind of inspired by vintage watches, is this true? The collection is inspired by one watch that we did in the 70’s. It is not the same collection or a reinterpretation, it is just an inspiration. We got inspired by the shape of the bezel. The challenge was to reinvent the round shape; we did not want to launch the round watch like the rest of the brands, but rather create an identity for this collection. The bezel, for instance, is an oval shape within the round shape – a combination of both shapes in one which gives a unique look for the watch and allows us to be creative with the metal. For example, there is room for the use of different kinds of material like gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond which makes it more feminine. 82
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“A watch is a part of you that can stay alive forever” A piece of jewelry tells a lot about a woman. What statement a woman wearing a watch from the Promesse collection is making? If we talk about the name of the collection, the name Promesse is a very strong one. Through this word, we actually try to translate all the value of Baume & Mercier. Our advertising campaign was titled “Life is about moments”. Through this campaign, we celebrate special and important moments in life, be it engagement, wedding, anniversary and child birth. The main idea is to make a promise to celebrate each moment in life. When you think of watches, do you consider a watch a piece of jewelry or a time-teller? I think what Baume & Mercier understood very early is the combination of both concepts. Men consider the mechanism of watches, while ladies buy watches because of the design more than the mechanism. I think this is what made us strongly connected to our female clients for more than 100 years, mainly understanding that in order to create watches for ladies we had to combine aspects with design. I noticed that simplicity is very dominant in this collection and that these watches can be paired with almost all kinds of outfits. Is this the philosophy behind this collection? It’s the philosophy of Baume & Mercier – it is a classic brand. If you look at the all of our watches, you will notice that they are classic. So, the idea today is to have a classic-precious watch. We also wanted to pay tribute to our heritage in jewelry watches where we had watches made with diamonds or mother-of-pearl while keeping the very classic aspect of the brand. Besides the creativity in combining oval and round shapes, what is unique about this collection? We have used steel and gold mainly as a material. We also used mother-of-pearl as well. We even added diamond to the watches; we made sure not to add too many details, so as not to spoil the simplicity of the watch.
What is the main philosophy of the brand? The philosophy of Baume & Mercier is to offer affordable products of the best value without compromising quality. The first thing we consider is quality and then the value of the product. It is really a perfect watch to enter the world of luxury. It is also the perfect gift because of the value of it. We are very strong in the gifting segment – we celebrate moments in life. Did you always have passion for watches or was it a career choice? I have always loved watches. I always had something for luxurious pieces because I appreciate quality. Back when I was in school, I used to dream of a job in the field of luxury products. I liked watches and started discovering watches when I was 18 years old when I got my first luxury watch. I decided to work in the field of watches. Watches became part of my DNA.
What do you tell someone with little interest in quality watches that it is important to possess one? A watch is a timeless piece and you do not have a lot of objects that are timeless. Most of the objects that you like you would want to throw them away after a year, unlike a luxury watch that you can keep forever. Brands like Baume & Mercier that create classic watches are usually associated with creating timeless objects. Their products can be kept and passed on. A watch is a part of you that can stay alive forever. Being in this field, what does time mean to you? That’s a good question. Time resembles moments that you remember. I would say “evolution” as well. Memories – I think you can symbolize a lot of memories through a watch. I remember the first watch I received from my parents. Time, for me, is a combination of moments, memories and evolution.
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Got the Time?
MEANTIME
IT’S His & Her TIME... Rendez-Vous By Jaeger-LeCoultre
A feminine and distinctly horological collection that meets all expectations Seduction is now exploring new paths through a beauty that is forged in step with time rather than in a battle against it. Shaped by this philosophy, the Rendez-Vous watch lends its unique nature to the role of embodying contemporary women. JaegerLeCoultre has chosen to endow the collection with all the innovations developed by the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. Each technical breakthrough and each astonishing function enriches the horological heart of this collection pervaded by an intensely refined aesthetic. The aesthetic of this collection forms a bridge between the hand-crafted expertise of the Grande Maison and its creative freedom. Perfect equilibrium is achieved when time has no hold on a watch. Delightfully expressive and immediately recognisable, each new Rendez-Vous watch has the power to both surprise and reassure the woman who discovers it. Rendez-Vous by Jaeger-LeCoultre, chosen by Sarah Gadon Canadian actress Sarah Gadon has been honoured at this year’s ‘Spotlight On’ presented by ELLE Canada, during the Whistler Film festival 84
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The Art of Enamelling Making enamel dials at A. Lange & Söhne
The art of enamelling has been around for about 3,500 years. Augustus the Strong, the Elector of Saxony, was a devotee of the technique. His court jeweller, Johann Melchior Dinglinger, created precious pieces in enamel, which are today on show in the Green Vault in Dresden’s Castle.
enamelled dial. It provides a perfect complement to the brilliance of the highly polished markers and matching hands in rhodium-plated gold. The black subsidiary dial in solid silver for the small seconds display is slightly sunk into the main dial. The recess for the tourbillon is finished with a costly, finely polished chamfer.
Enamelling was also very frequently used to make the dials for pocket watches. These days, there are very few experts skilled in this highly complicated process, so that enamelled dials are very rarely found in wristwatches.
The process of making an enamelled dial takes several days, during which the different steps have to be repeated again and again. The greatest challenge: absolute cleanliness, to prevent the inclusion of the smallest particle of dust or dirt, which would mar the smoothness of the structure. “Enamel is capricious, and can’t be hurried,” Lange’s enamel experts explain.
The LANGE 1 TOURBILLON HANDWERKSKUNST, presented in the last quarter of 2014, has a black
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Got the Time?
Longines Dedicated to Alpine Skiing
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To mark the 2014/2015 alpine skiing season, the Swiss watch brand is proud to present a new Conquest collection chronograph able to display time to one hundredth of a second: the Conquest 1/100th Alpine Skiing. A real tribute to Longines’ long tradition of producing trial timekeepers for alpine skiing, this steel chronograph meets the highest standards in precision for the sport and contains a unique movement that surpasses previous generations.
specially developed for sports that require an extremely high level of precision. The Conquest 1/100th series responds to the needs of athletes, professionals and sports fans besides many others, since it measures time at multiple intermediaries and has an intuitive analogue display that shows the time to one hundredth of a second using a separate hand. All of this is possible thanks to the latest generation of quartz movements developed exclusively for Longines by ETA.
Longines, a timekeeper for sporting performances since 1878, is launching a new line of chronographs
Since its debut in the alpine ski trials of 1933 at Chamonix, Longines has been faced with a
THETALK / January / 2015
number of challenges and has always succeeded in overcoming them to be able to comply with the highest standards of timekeeping for skiers’ performances. Each new innovation has allowed alpine skiers to enjoy a level of precision never witnessed before. However, this level of precision was always quickly surpassed given the brand’s infinite quest for perfection. Today, to mark the 2014/2015 alpine skiing season, Longines is unveiling a watch that is part of this fascinating technological evolution: the Conquest 1/100th Alpine Skiing, the black dial watch in the Conquest 1/100th series
Piaget
A Passion For Sculpting Gold And For Creative Boldness
Unusual shapes, vivid colours and rare materials: the Maison Piaget showed great creative daring during the 1960s and 70s through its interpretations of the free and non-conformist spirit typical of the era. This period of liberation was expressed by exploring the potential of unusual materials as well as new ways of wearing watches. Little by little, during these crazy years and thanks to these stand-out models featuring atypical designs, Piaget became the favourite brand of many celebrities and members of the international jet-set. Keenly aware of the sophisticated tastes and aesthetic expectations of these stellar clients, Mr.
Yves Piaget cultivated close ties with them, regularly organising prestigious events and paying them personal visits in order to introduce exceptional timepieces. Two models symbolising this period brimming with creativity are now being re-edited in versions embodying the same boldness so as to highlight their historical value: a jewellery watch and a men’s watch, both sculpted in gold and fitted with a hard-stone dial. Representing important landmarks in the legacy of the Maison, the Black Tie vintage inspiration and the traditional oval watch are reinterpreted in a spirit of contemporary elegance vividly reflecting Piaget’s signature aesthetic boldness. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Got the Time?
IDILLIO VALENTINE’S DAY A SPECIAL GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR LOVED ONE Salvatore Ferragamo Timepieces celebrates the special day for lovers with Idillio Valentine’s Day. The sophisticated style of this special edition is epitomised by the unique craftsmanship on a dial embellished still further by a diamond pavé. The feature that immediately catches the eye makes reference to Salvatore Ferragamo’s passion for experimenting with materials: the elegant mother-of-pearl dial with an inlay pattern and a shimmering texture resembling the scales of a fish.
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The finely-proportioned, 34 mm diameter case, with gold IP treatment, is embellished by cabochon-cut onyx stones set on the crown and lugs, setting off the red alligator-effect leather strap. The beating heart is a Swiss Made quartz movement. Idillio Valentine’s Day will be on sale from January 2015 in Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques, from authorised retailers and online at www. ferragamotimepieces.com.
Technical information: Case: IP gold - Ø 34 mm crown and lugs with black onyx cabochon stones Water resistance: 30 mt / 3 ATM Movement: quartz (RONDA 705) Swiss Made Dial: white mother of pearl, Sirena finish diamond pavé at 12 o’clock (ct. 0,09) luminescent hands Strap: red alligator print leather deployant buckle
de grisogono
The Grappoli Collection
As pure as snow in the winter, as brilliant as a gift of festive light, GRAPPOLI embraces grace and carries the joyful blessings and magic of the holiday season. A high jewellery miracle that fulfils each sense of life. Known for creations of exception and all the superlatives, de GRISOGONO has staked its story with record-breaking and rule-breaking haute couture and creative objects that have made their impression. Expressing a unique bond between its high jewellery and watchmaking knowhow and giving pride of place to spectacular gemstones,
exceptional cuts and state-of-the art setting techniques, de GRISOGONO knows how to bring extra soul and character to its jewellery timepieces. With magnificent generosity, GRAPPOLI is made up of 5 one-of-a-kind de GRISOGONO creations. Alongside the emeralds and white diamonds versions, precious unique compositions celebrate the colours of the rainbow. From dazzling and zesty orange sapphires to a splendid explosion of unparalleled and wiser blue sapphires, the bursting gemstones become more intimate and deeper with the highly desirable mauve-hue of the amethysts. Made of dazzling eternal white diamonds or dancing
amongst glamorous and mysterious emeralds, these creations move freely, and the articulated gems and sculpted gold sway with each move. With its highly-dense pave-setting technique, de GRISOGONO knows how to give stones their full and ultimate expression, thus making every single gemstone the true heart of each creation. Mastering the briolette-cut and its unique setting, de GRISOGONO gemstones appear magically floating in air. According to its motto: THE BEAUTY OF AUDACITY; de GRISOGONO excels in knowing how to elevate artistic creations into haute couture unique expressions. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Trend Alert
Burberry Prorsum satchel Lanvin
Kenzo
Graphic Prints
What’s captivating about prints is how eclectic and fresh they look. There are plenty of ways you can wear them! Check them out below!
Versace
Kenzo Burberry Prorsum
Lanvin
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Lanvin
Shades of Blue
An unexpected hit this season! A range of designers who don’t often show much in common all employed different shades of blue in their collections. Check out this color trend!
Burberry Prorsum
Hackett
Lanvin
Versace
Burberry Prorsum
Lanvin
Salvatore Ferragamo
Lanvin
Burberry Prorsum
Louis Vuitton Burberry Prorsum
Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Grooming
How to grow and groom the perfect beard Are you growing a beard but don’t wish to be mistaken for being homeless? Many years ago, growing a beard was easy. Men would just stop shaving. Where beard ended – chin, neck, or somewhere after the chest hair began was nobody’s concern. Now things are different. People tend to have jobs and fewer diseases, and beards require more tailoring. It helps to think of your face as a map, your beard an invading army. If you don’t control the front line, there is really no reason to stay in the fight. Stopped too close to the jawbone (line a), a beard makes you look uptight. It’s more the result of an appliqué than testosterone. Left to wander down your neck (line c), however, a beard invites comparisons to feral creatures or iconic communist firebrands. (If you have a job that involves neither timber nor rousing the proletariat, this is not a good thing.) The safest bet is the one-inch band just above your Adam’s apple (line b). Here you manage to have both a
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legitimate beard and something of a neck. You have just as good a grip on machismo and gravitas as you do on an employable future. Follow the following guidelines and you will be safe: To avoid itchiness, grow your beard out from a clippered finish rather than a shaved finish which leaves needle sharp ends to the hair. It will take you back a week or so but is far more comfortable Using an exfoliator up to three times a week will keep the skin healthy and remove the dead skin which is normally sheared away when shaving. Hair shampoo is too harsh for beard hair; use either a special beard shampoos and conditioners or your face wash at least once or twice a week.
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Thetalk Motors
Alfa Romeo 4C
The supercar arrives In Kuwait
Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and hand built at the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy, the 4C immediately brings to mind some iconic classic models that have left an important mark on the brand’s history, including the 1967 33 Stradale. Indeed, the designation 4C refers to Alfa Romeo’s great sporting tradition - in the 1930’s and 40’s the names 8C and 6C were used for cars fitted with the powerful eight cylinder and innovative six cylinder engines. Today these inspirations are all revived in the new
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compact supercar that is truly “The Alfa of Alfas.” Design layout and construction deliver the weight to power ratio of an authentic supercar (lower than 4 kg/hp) by minimising the weight rather than increasing the maximum power supplied by the engine in order to guarantee maximum agility and optimum performance. One of the lightest cars in the world - a true race against weight that led to the right mix of lightness and efficiency through the use of new solutions and materials and meticulously developed state-
of-the-art technologies inspired by Formula 1 and the aeronautics industry. Lightness and efficiency were also at the heart of some unforgettable Alfa Romeos developed in the past, such as the 1938 8C 2900 B Touring, a memorable Le Mans protagonist with its aluminium body, or 1952 1900 C52 “Flying Saucer,” which could reach 230kmh and weighed just 760 kg. “This captivating sports coupé with two bucket seats uses technologies and materials derived from the 8C Competizione - carbon, aluminium, rear-
it did with the 2010 Giulietta (the first vehicle ever to develop and adopt TCT transmission) and its interpretation of dynamism (the 2007 8C Competizione, produced in a limited edition of 500 was the fastest road car ever manufactured by Alfa Romeo). Special vehicles also require a special level of service, and MBMC’s determination to deliver exceptional customer service is a key pillar of the company’s guiding principles. “We continue to work hard to instil the mindset that the customer is king to every one of our employees, enabling us to deliver world-class customer service excellence and add real value to customer relationships,” said Bailey. wheel drive - and technologies from the latest Alfa Romeo models currently on the market, but thoroughly developed to enhance the sports appeal of this exciting new vehicle to the full,” said Bailey. “This is best demonstrated by the 4C’s new 1750 direct injection turbo petrol engine, aluminium block, sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and Alfa DNA selector with brand-new race mode.” With the captivating 4C, Alfa Romeo also demonstrates its approach to technology, just as
In addition to MBMC’s customer-centric approach in everything they do, the company is also constantly working to provide customers with new, innovative, high quality vehicles, all of which combine the very latest features and technology with eye catching style, driving performance, comfort and functionality. – Bespoke ordering on these vehicles is now available but for a strictly limited and first come first serve basis, with prices starting from KD 23,000.
What they say: “The much awaited Alfa Romeo 4C has arrived in Kuwait. Due to its limited availability, a small number of privileged individuals will be able to own an Alfa Romeo that draws on the true heritage of the brand. The units have taken a long time to arrive, and it is clear from seeing the first units in our facilities why it has taken time to create one of the finest Alfa Romeo supercars ever produced.” Oscar Rivoli, General Manager at MBMC. “This highly desirable compact supercar has been eagerly anticipated and longed for. We are delighted that our first shipment has been delivered and even more delighted to announce production of the second phase of vehicles to come from the Modena factory in Italy”. Andrew Bailey, FGA Brand Manager at MBMC. Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Anjari, one of the first VIPs to receive the launch edition Alfa Romeo 4C in Kuwait stated “The ride is extremely enjoyable and beyond comparison with any other Italian or European vehicle, the amazing harmony between the engine, transmission, cluster gauges, exhaust and body stability all together made this Alfa exceptional in a manner that is hard to describe.”
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Thetalk Motors
Lexus RC F
Lexus’s response to the BMW M4: the new RC F More high-performance coupé than out-and-out sports car, the RC F has no immediate forebear in the Lexus range, although it effectively succeeds the V8-engined IS F performance saloon of 2007. The company decided to sacrifice a bit of usability this time around for the sake of greater style and desirability. They probably also figured that the equity built up by the incredible LFA supercar would better sell coupés than it would saloons. But Lexus hasn’t simply lopped a couple of doors off an IS saloon and dropped in a 5.0-litre V8. The RC F shares only a very few mechanicals with the 96
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GS saloon. Its underbody is all steel, with hotstamped ultra-high strength sections used to add rigidity to the rocker panels and cabin pillars, and braces reinforcing the body-in-white in no fewer than five separate places. A 5.0-litre V8 engine will make the car one of only a few performance coupés left on the market that doesn’t use turbochargers. Making 471bhp, it’s an overhauled version of the IS F’s lump given new intake, exhaust, injection, cooling and lubrication systems, as well as lighter internals for a heady 7300rpm redline. Of the current crop of rival fast Germans from BMW’s M division, Audi’s Quattro
GmbH and Mercedes-AMG, only the higheroutput version of the new twin-turbo C63 will have more power. That power is deployed via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a paddleshift manual mode and full torque-converter lock-up in second through to eighth gears. Enhancing traction at the rear wheels is a standard Torsen limitedslip differential, although a much cleverer active torque-vectoring rear diff is available as an option. It is in fact a planetary gearset outputting to two multi-plate clutches, one on either side of the final
drive unit. Managed by electric actuators and a dedicated ECU, the system can route 100 per cent of engine torque to each individual rear wheel and can react to changing surface conditions within a thousandth of a second. After the likeable dynamic shambles that was the IS F, Lexus has gone all out to ensure that the RC F not only looks like a true hardcore piece of kit but also works like one. Those vents in the front wings really do feed air away from the 380mm front brakes, and there are some fairly aggressive settings for the front suspension and steering systems to make for a grippy and direct front end. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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Thetalk Motors
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Ashkanani powers to second in Race 2 of Round 2 98
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Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani recovered from a poor start to finish second in Race 2 of Round 2 of the region’s most professional racing series, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, at Dubai Autodrome. Former champion Clemens Schmid took the chequered flag ahead of Ashkanani and Emirati driver Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum of Skydive Dubai Falcons. After a disappointing start cost him valuable points in Race 1, Schmid made amends in Race 2 as he bolted off the line from second place on the grid and was ahead of pole qualifier Ashkanani as they approached turn one. As the race progressed the UAE-based
driver held off the speedy Kuwaiti throughout, despite Ashkanani proving he was able to match Schmid’s pace at every turn. Speaking after the race Zaid Ashkanani said, “I’m definitely happy with second. It wasn’t a great start from me at all so I’m delighted to have finished on the podium and picked up some points. It was a tough race for sure. I was closing on Clemens with each lap early on but I made a little mistake around the middle of the race which cost me a bit of time. I tried to make it up again but he was very quick and unfortunately I couldn’t create an opportunity
before the end of the race. Overall though it’s been a positive few days in Dubai the atmosphere has been great and I’ve been on the podium for every race so we’ve moving in the right direction. Now we have a break to rest and rebuild ahead of the next round but already I cannot wait to get back in the car for Round 3.” The region’s leading drivers will line-up in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup again as the star attractions at Losail International Circuit Autodrome for Race 1 and 2 of Round 3 on Friday and Saturday the 23rd and 24th of January.
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HEALTH
Why yoga?
An effective approach towards a healthy mind and a healthy body
Yoga is not just about standing on our head or bending in all sorts of contorted positions – it is the uniting of body, mind, and spirit, encouraging a full experience of the intricate relationship between them and how to bring this relationship into balance. Ultimately, yoga is about self-realization, true freedom, where the individual self merges into the universal self. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, various styles of yoga typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. Here are 7 yoga benefits that will definitely change your perspectives about yoga and what yoga does.
at certain postures, allowing yourself to take the right amount of oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.It encourages you to relax, slow your breath, and focus on the present.
It promotes flexibility Flexibility is one of the first and most obvious benefits of yoga. During your first class, you probably won’t be able to touch your toes, never mind do a backbend. But if you stick with it, you’ll notice a gradual loosening, and eventually, seemingly impossible poses will become possible.
Increases your blood flow Yoga gets your blood flowing. More specifically, the relaxation exercises you learn in yoga can help your circulation, especially in your hands and feet. Yoga also gets more oxygen to your cells, which function better as a result. Twisting poses are thought to wring out venous blood from internal organs and allow oxygenated blood to flow in once the twist is released.
It reminds you to breathe You will not realize that you in fact might be forgetting to breathe the way you should. Your yoga trainer will remind you to inhale and exhale
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It regulates your heart rate When you regularly get your heart rate into the aerobic range, you lower your risk of heart attack and can relieve depression. While not all yoga is aerobic, if you do it vigorously or take flow or Ashtanga classes, it can boost your heart rate into the aerobic range. But even yoga exercises that don’t get your heart rate up that high can improve cardiovascular conditioning.
It makes you happier Feeling sad? Sit in Lotus. Better yet, rise up into
a backbend or soar royally into King Dancer Pose. While it’s not as simple as that, one study found that a consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in the levels of monoamine oxidase. It improves your balance Practicing yoga regularly increases proprioception, which is the ability to feel what your body is doing and where it is in space. In other words, it improves balance. People with bad posture or dysfunctional movement patterns usually have poor proprioception, which has been linked to knee problems and back pain. Better balance could mean fewer falls. It founds a healthy lifestyle Move more, eat less—that’s the adage of many a dieter. Yoga can help on both fronts. A regular practice gets you moving and burns calories, and the spiritual and emotional dimensions of your practice may encourage you to address any eating and weight problems on a deeper level. Yoga may also inspire you to become a more conscious eater.
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THETALK destination
A country of extreme contrasts
Iceland
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Ever been to Iceland before? Iceland is a place where fire and ice
co-exist and where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A country where insular existence has spurred a rich and vibrant culture, where the vast, unspoiled nature lies at the doorsteps of a highly modern urban community. This place is where Europe meets America, in a quite literal, geological sense.
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THETALK destination
Iceland has a population of 325,671 and an area of 103,000 km2 (40,000 sq mi), making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. [7] The capital and largest city is Reykjavík; the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to two-thirds of the population. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The interior consists mainly of a plateau characterized by sand and lava fields, mountains and glaciers, while many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate despite high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle. Iceland’s unique nature, closely-knit population, and enterprising spirit have all contributed to a dynamic, original cultural scene. From the ancient sagas to award-winning films, Icelanders are a generally writing, acting, composing, designing, painting, sculpting, and all-round creating bunch. Many locals have “creative” professions and of those who don’t, many sing in a choir, play 104
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an instrument, write poetry, design clothing, knit, or have another vent for their creative energy. A small country by most measures, Iceland has a high standard of living, extensive political freedom, and has taken an active role in sustainable development and commitment to the environment. Through the centuries, Iceland has developed a unique tradition for storytelling and literature, beginning with the esteemed Icelandic Sagas of the tenth and eleventh century. In this fertile environment, Iceland has produced a number of talented writers including Nobel Prize laureate, Halldór Laxness (1955). It is no accident that Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, was the first nonEnglish speaking city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011. Museums around the country celebrate Iceland’s rich cultural heritage and tradition.
Where to go? Iceland offers a vast range of exciting activities, whether you want to gaze at the Northern Lights, hike across the highlands, see giant whales in their natural environment or relax in a hot spring. Some of the most exciting events are hiking, bird watching, swimming in pools and going to spas, whale watching, cycling, caving and skiing. Here are some of Iceland’s most splendid places that we think you must visit. Westfjords Flung out into the North Atlantic and almost set adrift from the rest of the country, the region known as the Westfjords is one of Iceland’s most spectacular. Sparsely populated, fantastically rugged, and isolated by its remote location and limited roads, the Westfjords is an outdoor adventurer’s dream destination. The landscape here is truly humbling, ranging
from soaring mountains and unfathomably deep and silent fjords to a tortuous coastline dotted with tiny fishing villages clinging doggedly to a traditional way of life.
birds mob the cliffs at Látrabjarg, waves lash the golden sands at Breiðavík, and craggy inlets and precipitous peaks vie for your attention at every turn.
To the north lies the uninhabited wilderness region of Hornstrandir, home to the 176-sq-km Drangajökull (925m), the last surviving icecap in the region. Abandoned by the last villagers in the 1950s, Hornstrandir is now one of the country’s premier hiking destinations. South of here lies the region’s largest town, the cosmopolitan oasis of Ísafjörður. A friendly, happening mini-metropolis, it’s the place to stock up and indulge before heading for the small villages that line the coast.
Give yourself plenty of time for a trip to the Westfjords. The roads around the coast weave in and out of fjords and over unpaved mountain passes pitted with giant potholes. The going is frustratingly slow at times, but the scenery is never short of breathtaking.
Unassuming, determined and often staunchly traditional, these smaller communities have suffered serious population decline in recent years. Many struggle to persuade their young people to stay and offer a warm welcome to the tourists who bring valuable income and energy to their quiet streets. Further south, nesting
Dettifoss Dettifoss is Europe’s largest waterfall. There is nothing contained or artificial here, no wooden boardwalks or viewing balconies installed to detract from nature. Clouds of spray can first be seen several kilometres away; from the car parks, visitors scramble over square blocks of grey lava, hearing the thunderous drumming before getting a glimpse of the falls. Some 500 cubic metres (17,700 cubic ft) of water spill over its ledges
every second: although it is just 44 metres (145ft) tall, the sheer hypnotic volume of the flow makes this arguably Iceland’s most awesome sight. Akureyri Akureyri stands strong as Iceland’s second city, but a Melbourne, Manchester or Montreal it is not. And how could it be? There are only just over 17,000 residents! It’s a wonder the city (which would be a ‘town’ in any other country) generates this much buzz. Expect cool cafes, gourmet restaurants and something of a latenight bustle – a far cry from other towns in rural Iceland. Akureyri nestles at the head of Iceland’s greatest fjord, at the base of snowcapped peaks, and across the city flowerboxes, trees and welltended gardens belie the location, just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle. With a lively summer festival season, some of Iceland’s best winter skiing, and a relaxed and easy attitude, it’s WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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THETALK destination
the natural base for exploring Eyjafjörður. Golden Circle Coming from Reykjavík, this is one of the most exciting bits of the southern coast, simply because of the suspense. Initially Rte 1 trundles through a flat, wide coastal plain, full of horse farms and greenhouses, before the landscape suddenly begins to spasm and grows jagged. Mountains thrust upwards on the inland side of the road and the first of the awesome glaciers appears. Public transport isn’t bad along the Ring Road, which is studded with interesting settlements: Hveragerði, famous for its geothermal fields and hot springs; Skógar, the leaping-off point for Þórsmörk, one of Iceland’s most popular hiking destinations; and Vík, surrounded by glaciers, vertiginous cliffs and black beaches. Treats lying off the Ring Road include the 106
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tiny fishing villages of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki; brooding volcano Hekla (the gateway to hell!); the great unpronounceable Eyjafjallajökull, site of the 2010 eruption; and farms and valleys rich with saga heritage.
Icelandic nature and weather can be challenging. Experience Iceland on Two Wheels
Beware that Iceland’s beautiful and rugged landscape also contains some difficulties for the driver. Drive carefully and monitor the weather forecast, especially during winter.
Travelling around Iceland on two wheels is both challenging and rewarding. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Iceland than from the saddle of your bicycle. But the weather is unpredictable and the distances you’ll need to cover can be long. Many bike enthusiasts come to Iceland to enjoy the Ring Road, the well-known highway number 1 that runs around the country. Others choose more difficult paths into the highlands, such as the beautiful trail across Kjölur. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Domestic airlines provide daily flights between Reykjavík and most major destinations. Iceland has no railways but bus companies cover the country with their network. There is also a number of ferry services connecting ports.There is an increasing number of visitors who use cycling as a means of transport, but it is always safe to observe that
Outside of urban areas, bike paths are uncommon, and cyclists will usually have to share the road with motor driven vehicles.You should expect hilly terrain and more than a few blind rises along Icelandic roads. The distances between urban areas are often considerable, so make sure you bring appropriate equipment for basic repairs
Getting around in Iceland is easy, but travelers should always take precaution. The car is the most common mode of transport and car rental agencies can be found in most major towns.
as well as extra tubes and tires. Maps, GPS and communication equipment is also important. Bring good protective clothing.You should anticipate both rain and wind during your trip, so make sure that the clothing is both warm and water resistant. Gloves are indispensable, as temperature can drop suddenly, particularly in higher altitudes. If you intend to travel into the highlands, be prepared to face gravel roads, as most of the roads in the Icelandic highlands are not paved. You should not travel alone in the Icelandic interior. In some cases, you can expect rivers that do not contain bridges. Do not attempt to cross them without taking proper safety measures. Fully equipped bikes with shock absorbers are probably a good idea as well. In addition, keep in mind that Icelandic nature is very delicate. Bikes can easily cause damage to the environment. Stay on path and if you need to cross a sensitive area, simply pick up the bike and carry it. Also, make sure someone has your travel plans in case of emergency. Writing your name in a guestbook is not just courtesy; it can be an important safety measure as well. Icelandic food – What’s basically cooking there? The basic diet has not changed too much since the Viking Age, though of course chefs have become more imaginative with preparations over the years. The mainstays include: lamb, skyr, potatoes, fish, and other seafood – a lot of seafood! And how could they not being surrounded by bountiful Arctic waters of cod, haddock, monkfish, herring, skate, lobster, and salmon. Lamb, that special flavor-boosting ingredient in their hot dogs, is one of the nation›s greatest points of culinary pride. Icelanders will tell you their lamb is better than any other lamb in the world, and it is really, really good! Probably because they let their sheep merrily roam free in the highlands and valleys to munch on grass and herbs before being corralled in the winter. The result of such a luxurious life is very tender meat with a gently gamey flavor. Potatoes, in general, are a staple vegetable in Iceland (and distilled for all that Brennivín). Because of Iceland›s long, harsh winters, their crop growth is very limited.
Icelanders love to have ice cream, all year. Visir. is asked 24 ice cream experts where the best ice cream can be found in the land of ice. The winner, by a big margin, is Brynjuís in Akureyri, North Iceland.As one expert has once put it: “The ice cream parlor Brynja in Akureyri is without a doubt a Mecca for ice cream lovers who love pure quality in perfect simplicity, no slush, just good ice cream.”
landscape and the creativity of the Icelandic people. It might just be right to decide to explore the forgotten beauty of Iceland to enjoy your vacation. Let Iceland be your inspiration.
Valdís, by the old harbor in Reykjavík, came second, by a very slim margin. Third was Ísbúð Vesturbæjar in the western part of the capital. Paradís placed fourth, located in eastern part of Reykjavík, and number five on the list was YO YO, a yoghurt ice cream parlor in Kópavogur.
Population: 318.452
Iceland is not a destination. It is an adventure. Travel to Iceland to experience the stunning Icelandic nature, the beauty of the rugged
Dialing code: +354
Fact Sheet Continent: Europe Time zone: UTC±00:00
Currency: 1 KD = 424.56 ISK (Icelandic Króna) Language: Icelandic – English – Danish Capital: Reykjavik
Climate: Cold oceanic
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Kuwait Exclusives
Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry by Trafalgar
As part of its ongoing partnership with The Recording Academy速, Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry hosted by Trafalgar was pleased to invite their guests to an exclusive night at Ora. Guests at the event had the opportunity to view the Gucci trunk show; and enjoy live music by Nada Sharak. 108
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Kuwait Exclusives
launch of the Rado DiaMaster Collection IN Al-Hamra Tower
Behbehani celebrates partnership with Rado
Behbehani Group, the exclusive agent for some of the most luxurious watch and jewelry brands, and one of the major retailers in Kuwait, announced their partnership with Rado at a launch event which took place at the Sky Lobby on the 55th floor of Al-Hamra Tower recently. A host of Behbehani executives and Rado representatives were in attendance, joined by VIP guests, media representatives, and watch enthusiasts 110
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to witness the launch of the Rado DiaMaster collection.
brand values and ethics, which we already share and protect.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ali Morad Behbehani, President of the Behbehani Group, noted “We are thrilled to be a part of this occasion, and to be working with one of the world’s most renowned and prestigious watch brands. The Behbehani Group prides itself on its existing array of exclusive partnerships and will do its best to uphold the Rado
Rado CEO Matthias Breschan added “This partnership exemplifies the potential we see in the Kuwaiti market. We are proud of this partnership which we believe is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Our shared goals will surely materialize into even greater ventures and we look forward to the future.”
Abdul Ghani Behbehani: The world’s oldest watchmaker will find tremendous interest in Kuwait Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani Debuts Kuwait’s First Vacheron Constantin Boutique
In its continuous efforts to provide the best for its customers, Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani Group, Kuwait’s exclusive and official distributor for a wide variety of luxury watches, announced its new partnership with Vacheron Constantin; the world’s oldest watchmaker. The company also debuted the brand’s first boutique in Kuwait at Salhiya Complex, where it will exhibit an impressive collection from this Swiss watchmaker,
which stands as a tribute to the heritage of watchmaking worldwide. On this occasion, Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani Group CEO, Mr. Abdul Ghani Behbehani expressed: “We are both extremely delighted and proud to have Vacheron Constantin join our portfolio of brands, and to have opened the doors of its first boutique in Kuwait.”
“We’re very adamant to offer the best and the most luxurious brands to our clients, and Vacheron Constantin is considered one of the world’s leading watchmaking brands. Anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and exquisite luxury understands the value of the brand. With this new launch, and the boutique’s debut, we believe that the world’s oldest watchmaker will find tremendous interest in Kuwait,” he added.
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Kuwait Exclusives
Ralph Lauren and Al Shouhra Trading Co celebration AT Ralph Lauren FEATURING historic automobiles
Ralph Lauren and Al Shouhra Trading Co, in association with Kuwait’s Historical,Vintage & Classic Car Museum, invited guests to a festive celebration of historic automobiles on Tuesday December 9th at the Ralph Lauren store at Prestige – The Avenues, Kuwait. The exclusive evening, held at the Ralph Lauren store, 112
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featured an exhibition of the museum’s finest vintage cars and a selection of exquisite amalgam models showcasing Ralph Lauren’s personal collection. Guests included HE Robert Tyson,The Australian Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Mathew Lodge, the Bristish Ambassador to Kuwait, and Mr Dao Lee,
Senior commercial officer of the American Embassy. Mr Mostapha Maksheed, Mr Zacharia Dashti, Mr Moath Al kandari, Mr Massod Behbehani, Mr & Mrs Abdulaziz Abul, Mr Mohamad Al-Qassar, Mr Rasheed Al Qassar, Mr & Mrs Elias Jabbour, Mr Fouad Seleem and Mr Ali Rujeeb were also present.
V-KOOL’s All-Women Racing Team makes history at GulfRun 2014
The first all-women racing team sponsored by V-KOOL
The V-KOOL RACING TEAM™ of 13 Kuwaiti women rocked the racing grounds in their maiden appearance alongside 18 experienced, all-male racing teams and finished the race to the amazement of the cheering fans. The all-women racing team, assembled for the first time in Kuwait and perhaps the GCC, exhibited patience, rigor and stamina in their very first competitive outing.
The V-KOOL RACING TEAM™ team was coached and managed by Mubarak Al Rumaidhi, the 2012 Kuwait Drifting Champion and a passionate motorsports professional. The team members led by Captain Najat Al-Sayegh included Aisha Al-Abdulkareem, Dali Al-Jassem, Dana Jabra, Fatima Al-Shaya, Haya Al-Eisa, Lulu Al-Sayegh, Noor Al-Sayegh, Rawya Al-Hajeri, Rabaa Al-Hajeri, Sara Al-Shaban, Suad Al-Fraih & Shaikha Al-Suraiya.
The team gave a scintillating performance with 2 individual members Sara Al-Shaban and Dalal AlJassem turning in outstanding record performances. Sara Al-Shaban rose up to the challenge and clocked the fastest lap ever by a woman earning the title of “Miss Gulf Run 2014”. She started the race for the V-KOOL RACING TEAM™ team and gained her team a comfortable position throughout her first stint of more than two hours.
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Kuwait Exclusives
Van Cleef & Arpels
hosts the “Enchanting Nature” exhibition at the Salhiya Mall
Renowned High Jewelry French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels graces the prestigious Salhiya Mall in Kuwait City. Positioned directly in front of Van Cleef & Arpels’ boutique, an extensive selection of High Jewelry and timepieces in a refined milieus unveiled.The exhibition offers a light and airy space for guests to mosey through free standing glass displays of jewelry and timepieces.
This distinguished setting provides a charming experience; inviting clients to experience Van Cleef & Arpels’ treasures. Guests can enter the Maison’s enchanting universe to discover the finest High Jewelry, Jewelry and Timepieces collections; each piece depicting a story.The Maison pays homage to the theme of Enchanting Nature which is ubiquitous
throughout the boutique in Salhiya Mall.The world of Van Cleef & Arpels is represented through delicate flowers and flying beauties, a main source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels ever since its birth. This theme is enhanced by a highly colored palette of gems, reproducing the endless nuances of flora and fauna.
Baume & Mercier
collaborates with partners Behbehani Group to launch Promesse in Kuwait
Life is all about special moments spent with the most significant people in our lives and Baume & Mercier have dedicated themselves to celebrating these cherished instances. As part of this promise to its valuable clientele, Baume & Mercier recently collaborated with its agents in Kuwait, prominent 114
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Retail Group, Morad Yusuf Behbehani to launch the Promesse collection, a complete female line that is full of beauty and promise. Held at the Veranda Restaurant in The Avenues Mall, the launch witnessed the attendance of select media and VIP guests who together discovered the
essence of the collection. A special showcase of the collection was held at the event and guests were invited to lock their precious moments onto the Promesse towers. Additionally, one lucky guest won themselves a sparkling timepiece from the collection.
HARRYS OF LONDON BESPOKE ATELIER AT 360 MALL IN KUWAIT
Luxury shoemaker and accessories brand Harrys of London showcased a bespoke atelier within the 360 Mall in Kuwait from the 26th to the 29th November 2014 inclusive. At this exclusive pop-up atelier 360 Mall clients were extended the opportunity to have
a personal consultation with a skilled Harrys of London Italian artisan to create one-of-a-kind handcoloured footwear to their exact specifications, and the exclusive opportunity to meet with the Harry of London creative director Kevin Martel.
With the opportunity to select from a collection of styles, from the ever-popular calf leather Downing Penny loafer to the luxurious Ostrich Dermot Penny loafer, Harrys of London had all the style bases covered.
“La Maison des Carres”
event at Hermes Boutique in Al Hamra Tower
Hermes launched the “La Maison des Carres”, the new only home of the silk collections at the Hermes boutique in Al Hamra Tower. The website is created to sit alongside the hermes.com website which opened in 2001. Step into the interactive world of lamaisondescarres. com, Hermès’ first dedicated virtual home for its
ebullient women’s silk collections. Like Alice exploring Wonderland, the visitor is may wander freely around the house, going wherever their whim leads; a journey which brings with it a myriad of happy surprises and encounters. “Both an online store offering an exceptionally
broad range of our collections, and a place of delightful, constantly evolving experiences, lamaisondescarres.com tells the story of Hermès silk in an entertaining and unconventional way,” explains Bali Barret, Artistic Director of the women’s universe at Hermès. Over six hundred models of silk squares, shawls, twillys, scarves and stoles are featured.
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Kuwait Exclusives
Cityscape Kuwait 2014 Closes To Industry Acclaim Enhancing the Industry Through an Unrivalled Experience
The inaugural Cityscape Kuwait, the premier real estate development and investment event in the State of Kuwait, has been a major boost to the real estate landscape in the country. With more than 65 real estate related exhibitors, the exhibition marked the industry with innovation and creativity showcasing the latest trends for high quality properties from around the world.
Over three action-packed days, numerous national and international visitors gathered at the exhibition to experience a real estate event with a quality never before seen in the country. Discussions about real estate investment, opportunities for joint ventures, and networking with ones peers were on the top of the agenda for those visiting the event.
Deep Marwaha/ Group Director of Informa Exhibitions, co-organizer of Cityscape Kuwait said:“ We are glad to provide the Kuwaiti real estate community and investors with an event that surpassed their expectations and raised the bar in terms of exhibitions in the country.
Dynamite blew the minds with the latest fashion trends During the opening of its Avenues store in Kuwait
Carrying on with its global expansion, Dynamite; the leading Canadian fashion retailer has finally reached Kuwait and launched its store in the Avenues mall in an opening ceremony that was attended by a huge welcoming crowd of media people and fashion icons as well as fashion savvies.
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Ensuring to engage the attendees in the exciting art of shopping, Dynamite Team organized an interactive styling competition where the fashion icons were asked to style a sketch model inspired by Dynamite spirit and hang it inside the store for the judging committee to choose the 2 best outfits and bestow the winners with Dynamite valuable
gifts. Adding to the glitter, Dynamite team chose the first winning sketch to be part of the Future marketing campaign as a token of appreciation to the loyal customers, and a proof of Dynamite commitment towards the fashion sense that lives in every diva.
International
NET-A-PORTER.COM HOSTS A DINNER
TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF ROSETTA GETTY’S DEBUT COLLECTION
NET-A-PORTER hosted a dinner to celebrate the launch of Rosetta Getty’s namesake collection on NET-A-PORTER.COM on Thursday November 20th at Rosetta Getty’s home in LA. Over 70 guests, including NET-A-PORTER Buying Manager
Sasha Sarokin, Global Head of Client Relations Lupe Puerta, and Style Editor Tracy Taylor, along with designer Rosetta Getty, Balthazar Getty, Demi Moore, Tallulah Willis, Scout Willis, Camilla Belle, Emile Hirsch, Will Peltz, Marisa Tomei, Sam Taylor
Johnson and Aaron Taylor Johnson, Alex Pettyfer, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Amanda Demme, Jacqui Getty, Patricia Arquette, Langley Fox, Rain Phoenix, Shiva Rose, Soleil Moon Frye
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Restaurant REVIEW
Cavalli Caffè
When fashion and dining come together Cavalli Caffè is the best place to
go for those who like to dine in a stylish and fashionable setting and welcome an experience defined by luxury. 118
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Located in the Grand Avenue, the Cavalli Caffè treasures the designer’s passion for sensuality and elegance, his everlasting quest for beauty and his renowned combinations of fine materials and iconic prints. My visit to Cavalli Caffè was a perfect dining experience with the chef’s choices of the best selling dishes, first with the Quinoa salad with assorted grilled vegetables, dressed in tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil. The second dish was baked breaded salmon sitting on creamy sauce that contains fresh thyme and cream butter, garnished by fresh baby spinach leaves. The cut of the salmon fish is a fine fresh one, seasoned and covered in bread crumbs. The dish is a bestselling item in the main course category on the menu and is worth trying. The third dish would make a perfect choice for the lovers of Raviolli – at Cavalli, we tasted Raviolli stuffed in finely chopped chicken and parme-
san, cooked in pink sauce. The secret behind the deliciousness of this dish is in the freshness of the dough, the smoky flavor of the chicken and the richness of the sauce. Risotto, the north Italian rice dish cooked in broth to a creamy consistency is also made with a lot of attention to flavor and quality at Cavalli, we tasted the new Risotto Pesto – a dish rich in flavor and fine ingredients like parmesan, pesto sauce potato, topped with fresh basil leaves and roasted pine seeds. There is a great consideration to detail in the creation and fulfillment of the place, decorated with unique elements created personally by Roberto Cavalli and inspired by the interior design present in his homes, his boutiques and his Cavalli Clubs where the textiles and elements of décor are carefully selected in order to convey the exclusivity and prestige of the Cavalli style. Conceived to stimulate and inspire every
moment of the day, the Cavalli Caffè offers an elegant and refined menu. From breakfast to dinner, from lunch to aperitif, from coffee break to after-dinner drinks, the Cavalli Caffè atmosphere enables its clients to savor different moments throughout their day in an intimate and classic setting where the cuisine proposes a wide range of traditional Italian products and flavors. Desserts, too, combine natural flavors and ingredients with rich and sophisticated presentation, such as their cheese cake, made with Ricotta cheese and strawberry topping. We also tasted Cavalli’s Zucotto – made of chocolate mousse, sponge cake and covered with Calbo chocolate. All deserts are garnished with edible flowers and some are sprinkled with gold powder. The new menu is to be launched this month, introducing new dishes worldwide that are worth trying. Cavalli Caffè is available in the Grand Avenue at the Avenues mall and will soon launch a new location in Kuwait. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM
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BOOK REVIEW
The season’s best selling Books So, Anyway... John Cleese likes to say that he found it easy to portray a businessman: “Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me.” But his modesty aside, this Monty Python and Fawlty Towers creator seems incapable of suppressing his genius. In this irresistible autobiography, he waltzes with planned pratfalls through a life filled with weird encounters, eccentric excursions, and interplay with future comic icons. So, Anyway... manages to be entertaining, illuminating, and a model of human candor.
True Love
Not That Kind of Girl At an age when many of us are still trying to figure out who we want to be, Lena Dunham was well on her way to becoming a star: creating a zeitgeist-defining television series, directing a feature film, and, most recently, penning this bestselling memoir. Just as remarkable as the breadth of her accomplishment here is the depth—no mere celebrity vanity project, these honest, revealing, deeply personal, and truly funny essays collect her thoughts on work, success, love, and friendship with the unfiltered honesty that has gained her respect in the industry and a legion of loyal fans. 120
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Jennifer López is a star on every continent and the most influential, successful Hispanic performer on the planet, but this multitalented entertainer is also a vulnerable woman whose private life has been scrutinized and even invaded for decades. In the diary that became True Love (Amor verdadero), she writes with palpable candor about the year of her first world tour, her divorce, and going out on her own with her beloved twins for the first time. A transformative personal story from an approachable icon.
Think Like a Freak One of its authors recently pretended that he and his co-author expected to sell only about eighty copies of Freakonomics; it sold more than four million. That and the comparable sales of Superfreakonomics make this book choice a sort of no-brainer, but it also brings up a related issue: The very popularity of these two bestsellers make their works easy targets for critiques. After all, the key to their works (definitely including this new one) is being counterintuitive and let’s face it, freeing ourselves from expectations isn’t always easy.
Hard Limit Erica has never been more ready to say I do. On the verge of making the ultimate commitment, she uncovers an unsettling chapter of Blake’s history. As she makes peace with her own past and the family who left her behind, she presses Blake to tear down the last walls between them. Determined to know the man he once was, she opens a door to a world beyond her wildest imagination-a world that has her questioning the limits of her own desires. As danger lurks and dark secrets come to light, will the past destroy their promise of forever?
41: A Portrait of My Father Forty-three men have served as President of the United States. Countless books have been written about them. But never before has a President told the story of his father, another President, through his own eyes and in his own words.This book shines new light on both the accomplished statesman and the warm, decent man known best by his family. In addition, George W. Bush discusses his father’s influence on him throughout his own life, from his childhood in West Texas to his early campaign trips with his father, and from his decision to go into politics to his own two-term Presidency.
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Movies
movies showing this month
Seventh Son
Taken 3
Wild Card
The Woman in Black 2 Angel of Death
Vice
Director Sergey Bodrov
Director Olivier Megaton
Director Will Gluck
Director Brian A Miller
Genre Action, Crime , Thriller
Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller
Cast Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Leilah de Meza.
Synopsis Bryan Mills, an Exgovernment operative is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed as he is tracked and pursued, Bryan Mills brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name.
Synopsis A recovering gambling addict finds work providing protection to his friends.
Cast: Julianne Moore, Kit Harington, Jeff Bridges
Genre Adventure, Family, Fantasy Synopsis Young Thomas is apprenticed to the local Spook to learn to fight evil spirits. His first great challenge comes when the powerful Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away.
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Cast: Liam Neeson , Maggie Grace , Famke Janssen
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Cast: Jason Statham , Michael Angarano
Director Tom Harper Genre Drama, Horror, Thriller Synopsis 40 years after the first haunting at Eel Marsh House, a group of children evacuated from WWII London arrive, awakening the house’s darkest inhabitant.
Cast Bruce Willis, Ambyr Childers, Thomas Jane.
Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Synopsis Bruce Willis stars in this Sci-Fi thriller about ultimate resort: VICE, where customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look like humans.
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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Horoscopes
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) When trees shed their leaves in autumn, do we regret and fear the loss? We know that, soon enough, things will get back round to how they were before. We ought to be comforted. We should see nature as the generous provider of signs that point to our own capacity for renewal and revival.Yet, because the cyclical nature of our own existence follows a more complex set of rules and rhythms than those simple seasons, we doubt if this will apply to us. What’s changing in your life now will yet change again.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) People like you who do well at their jobs tend to get repeatedly promoted until eventually; they find themselves in a post that they are incapable of coping with. There they remain for the rest of their working life whilst underlings strive to compensate for their boss’s inadequacies. Somewhere in your world now, something ridiculous and seemingly inexplicable is happening. Try to be philosophical.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Sometimes, all that’s needed is a conversation. A thousand thoughts can be flying around in the back of the mind where also a hundred worries may lurk. Few of us can manage to remain clear-headed on our own. If we talk to the wrong person, those ideas get even more jumbled up and the hopes start attaching themselves to the fears. But then one simple process of dialogue with a like-minded individual can bring us all the insight and understanding that we have been hoping for. Such an exchange is coming soon.
If you give all you’ve got to a goal, what else would you have left to give? The ability to be deeply determined and relentlessly committed is a luxury afforded only to a few. Most of us prefer to quit while we are ahead or to apply our energy to a process that demands somewhat less than 100 per cent. But we would be wrong to think that by running our engine at a lower rate of resolution, we will never get down the road. Don’t dismiss the progress you are currently making, just because it seems a little too slow. And, oh, happy birthday warrior!
ARIES (Mar. 21-April 20) This year is also pretty interesting for you when it comes to your work life and you’re transforming the goals you have in life, and going after powerful dreams.You have had no option other than to become a juggler, balancing various calls on your resources, leaving one base all but uncovered while you protect another - and hoping for the best. Now it begins to look as if the different paths that you have been struggling to follow all at once, all begin to converge upon a single destination. Believe in the new direction that your journey is starting to take and give it your all.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) For our first couple of years, nobody teaches us about caution. We are allowed to be outgoing. Then, our guides and guardians remember their duty to imbue us with a social conscience. ‘You mustn’t ever let anyone see you doing this,’ they say. Or, ‘That must always be kept private.’ We soon grasp the idea but perhaps we become a little confused about which side of the curtain some of our thoughts, feelings and even actions ought to be on. Today, you need to reveal something about yourself. There is no shame in that.
LIBRA
(Sept. 24-Oct. 23) If all we ever had to do was what we already knew how to do, how would any of us ever manage to progress? What would we learn? What would we gain? We can protest, as vociferously as we care to, that we have no desire to push the envelope or break beyond a boundary. But isn’t it an intrinsic and essential aspect of human nature to be ever in search of a fresh conquest or a new discovery? Life now seems to be placing hurdles before you. These are not insurmountable. But you may need to take a longer run-up.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Where are all the silver spoons kept? Might it be that back before you were born, when you were only a simple spirit, nobody advised you to requisition one of these? Does that explain why you missed out on inherited wealth or membership of some royal family? Ah, but there is more to luck than grace and favor. If you were born blessed with a sharp mind, you surely came to Earth with the equivalent of the entire cosmic cutlery draw. And you did. And you have. And it will yet work remarkably well for you today.
TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 21) The world, these days, appears to have gone health and safety crazy. A thousand and one activities that we all used to engage in with nary a second thought, must now be subjected to risk assessment. Whilst that may be a right and proper adjustment for some previous glaring omissions, it has left many of us unsure about whether we are capable of safely attempting even the simplest task. Consider the current reluctance to explore a somewhat groundbreaking solution to a problem. The greatest danger may be fear itself.
CANCER
(June 22-July 22) What if our own cupboards need clearing out, yet we find ourselves with no time to undertake such housekeeping because we are asked to help someone else with a similar project? Should we defend our own territory and declare our own requirements to be a priority? It may be that the very act of assisting another helps us to generate an appetite and enthusiasm for later tackling that challenge. Sometimes, when we help others, we help ourselves too. As you draw - or redraw - lines in your life, keep this possibility in mind.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Are you supposed to keep doing what you already do? You have come a long way down a road, would it not be strangely out of character and wildly counterproductive to just change direction and storm off in pursuit of some different destination now? Should the unusual possibility that now presents itself be seen as a dangerous diversion or embraced as a welcome (if somewhat belated) opportunity? The real challenging question that you may now need to answer is not, ‘What should I do?’ but, ‘What do I want?
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) ‘These boots are made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are going to walk all over you...’ So sang Nancy Sinatra as she asserted both the right to escape and then exact revenge upon an oppressor. This song may not be a literal fit with your situation today. If someone ever truly had the temerity to bully you, I’m sure you would soon put them in their place. But might there be a voice in the back of your own mind that is now demanding the impossible of you? Against that, a stand must be made.
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