Issue 70 february 2015 by TheTalk PH7

Issue 70 - February 2015

Baume & Mercier Watchmaking Heritage and Know-How since 1830

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February T

he month of love is finally here! February is filled with mixed emotions between the ones who have someone to share Valentine’s day with, the ones who do not, and those who do not believe in it or think of it as just another day. On a personal level,Valentine’s day in one of my favourite occasions. Many people tell me that it is not part of our traditions and cultures; that it belongs to the west and we should not celebrate it. Nonetheless, I still believe that it is a lovely and harmless concept for people to give love and feel appreciated. I will dedicate this letter to the ones who do not have a special other half to share this day with; because I would like them to know that they do not need someone in their lives to enjoy it.Valentine’s day is to celebrate true love with your other half, that’s true; but if you haven’t found that person yet, does it mean you sit at home and dwell over it? Of course NOT! Grab your sister, your brother or even your best friend and celebrate together. Family love is one of the purest forms of love, so is the love you have towards your best friends.You can always get each other flowers or a small gift or even gift yourself. As we need to spread more love in this world and it all starts from within, love yourself first and love the people around you. Find what is good in your life and love it. Define your goals and ambitions and love them.You do not need a special someone to celebrate love, when you have so many more things that evoke those feelings. “Love yourself first and everything else falls in line” – Lucille Ball. Happy Valentine’s day everyone! Until next issue, Hind Nassar

Operations Manager

THETALK /February / 2015

Sea Pro

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 02-015

64 66 A Word With THETALK 20. Ema Shah 66. Dr. Abdulaziz Abal & Dr. Lemia Shaban 70. Kevin Martel 72. Cristiano Ronaldo

D.Y.I

53. A Sweet Valentine’s Day Treat

Health

92. Look after your heart on Valentine’s Day too!

THETALK Street Styles 22. Kuwait Street Styles

Travel

94. Be in love with the place this year Bruges

THETALK Inspiration 26. Shades of blue 28. Stripe

Reviews

102. Restaurant Review 104. Book Reviews 106. Movie Reviews 107. Horoscopes

On The Cover 14. Baume & Mercier Remember Her Face 64. SoFia Vergara & Joe Manganiello

THETALK /February / 2015

Trend Alert 30. Colors of Spring by Alice + Olivia 39. Sensual Sheer

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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

BPA Audited from 2011 to 2013 Circulation: 10,000 Copies Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies Managing Editor SIMON BALSOM Senior Editor YASMINE BANDAR

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

72 12

THETALK /February / 2015

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. VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON: WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Women Secret

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on the COVER

Baume & Mercier

Watchmaking Heritage and Know-How since 1830 Baume & Mercier enjoys international recognition and is the seventh oldest Swiss watchmaking brand. Baume & Mercier, a family saga, has been making its mark on watchmaking history since its inception. It is committed to perpetuating this heritage and continuing to pass down this know-how to future generations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest qualityâ&#x20AC;?.

THETALK /February / 2015

Freehand sketches, Clifton 1830 model

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on the COVER

Frères Baume In 1830 the Baume family opened one of the first comptoirs horlogers (watch shops) in the Swiss Jura region in the village of Les Bois. “Frères Baume” soon became a major watch company, thanks to the commercial flair and rigorous industrial methods of the two brothers, LouisVictor and Joseph-Célestin Baume, who strictly followed their motto: “Accept only perfection. Only manufacture watches of the highest quality.” From the beginning, the objective of the “Frères Baume” company was to make high-quality traditional watches enriched by various technological breakthroughs of the era. The Baume family were equally innovative commercially, when one of the two brothers, Joseph-Célestin, set up a branch in London named “Baume Brothers”. Baume Brothers rapidly expanded throughout the British Empire, from India through Singapore and Burma to Africa, and even became a pioneer in selling watches in emerging markets such as Australia and New Zealand. By 1876, when the second generation took over, “Frères Baume” had already acquired a solid international reputation for its simple watches, chronographs and Grand Complication models, including minute repeaters, calendars and tourbillons.

THETALK /February / 2015

The company management was again shared by two brothers, sons of the co-founder, Louis-Victor. Alcide Baume was in charge of production in Les Bois, while Arthur Baume was based in London and handled international marketing. The company soon set up branches in Geneva, Switzerland and Philadelphia, in the United States. International distinctions Baume watches earned ever-growing success and recognition under the impetus of the second generation. The House distinguished itself at the national exhibitions and world fairs that began to be organized from the second half of the 19th century onwards, in Paris (1878 and 1889), Melbourne (1990 and 1895), Zurich and Amsterdam (1883), London (1885 and 1890) and Chicago (1893), winning ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals. Baume watches also set accuracy records in timekeeping competitions, and particularly the timing trials run by Kew Observatory near London. When the Baume company first competed in the Kew Teddington competition in 1885, three of its watches were ranked among the top seven, and the following year, four of them won awards. In 1892, Baume earned the highest score in the competition (91.9 points out of a 100) with a

split-second chronograph, an all-time record that remained unbeaten until over a decade later. Up to the early 20th century, the brand won a steady succession of prizes for its simple and complicated watches, all equipped with the most advanced technological features. In London, Arthur Baume became a leading figure in the United Kingdom. He was named a knight of the Legion of Honor, and later became an officer, and was twice decorated by French President Poincarré in person. The King of Belgium made him a Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II, and he was received at the official state dinner given in honor of the King of England, George V, and Queen Mary. A member of the Royal Geographical Society, Arthur Baume was appointed president of the British Horological Institute in London. Baume becomes Baume & Mercier The end of World War I in 1918 brought sweeping changes in industry, the arts, and society in general. Women’s emancipation led them to wear jewelry watches as brooches, long necklaces or on the wrist, a trend made possible by the miniaturization of watch movements. After proving its use in a military context, the wristwatch gradually took over from the pocket watch as the masculine timepiece of choice.

Linea Gold watch with “A notre chère enfant” (To our dear child) engraving, given to Mélina Baume, Baume & Mercier museum collection, 1869

Baume witnessed the emergence of a new generation, and the young William Baume, a great visionary and an accomplished watchmaker, was eager to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by the ebullient mood of the era. Having by then settled in Geneva, he decided to partner with a colorful figure named Tchereditchenko, who subsequently adopted his French mother’s family name and became known as Paul Mercier.

vision of contemporary watchmaking, and decided to join forces in 1918 to create Baume & Mercier. William Baume handled technical aspects, while Paul Mercier was in charge of design and the commercial side of the business. Together, they established a full-fledged watch manufacture in Geneva, making top-quality watches as well as movements that were exported to the United States.

Born in Odessa to a Russian father, Paul Mercier was a passionate and refined individual, a dedicated art-lover who spoke seven languages and was endowed with exceptional business acumen.

In 1919, barely a year after the company was set up, Baume & Mercier movements were awarded the “Poinçon de Genève” or Geneva Hallmark, the highest token of fine craftsmanship in watchmaking. A year and a half later, Baume & Mercier had become the watch brand producing the largest number of movements certified by this prestigious quality label.

Despite their very different yet complementary temperaments, the two men, shared the same

On March 21st 1921, the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic and Canton of Geneva awarded “Messrs Baume and Mercier, watchmakers in Geneva”, a diploma “certifying that their company ranks first in the number of pieces that received a hallmark at the official government office for voluntary testing of Geneva watches in 1920.” In 1924, Baume & Mercier appeared in the Davoine official watch industry directory, the benchmark register of watchmaking companies, as one of the four Geneva-based manufacturers alongside Patek Philippe,Vacheron Constantin and Haas Neveux. Focusing firmly on high-quality watchmaking combining technical excellence with a contemporary look, the company enjoyed swift success despite the major crises that hit the Swiss WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

on the COVER

watch industry in the early 1920s and after the 1929 stock market crash. Chronographs and Marquise The period between the late 1930s and the 1950s saw the baton being passed on to a strong new personality at the head of Baume & Mercier, the Count Constantin de Gorski. William Baume withdrew from the company in 1935 for health reasons, and Paul Mercier sold his shares in 1937 to the Ponti family,famous jewelers and goldsmiths from northern Italy. During the 1940s and throughout World War II, Baume & Mercier chronographs became watches of choice that are still highly sought-after collector’s items today. After the war, Baume & Mercier launched one of its most successful models: the Marquise. This 18

THETALK /February / 2015

jewelry watch, set in a “bangle” type bracelet, asserted itself as the leading post-war ladies’ model and remained a brand best-seller until the early 1960s. In 1952, Baume & Mercier acquired a new production facility for its chronographs by buying up the C.H. Meylan factory in the village of Le Brassus, in the Joux Valley.

brand, a positioning it continues to uphold. The brand also accentuated its avant-garde, innovative approach, especially during the 1970s. In 1971, Baume & Mercier was one of the first brands to adopt the new electronic tuningfork movements, forerunners of quartz, in its Tronosonic model.

PHI becomes the brand emblem In 1964, in order to reinforce it’s brand identity, Baume & Mercier chose the Greek symbol PHI as its new visual brand emblem. Considered since Antiquity to be the “golden section” representing perfect proportions, the PHI appeared from then on as the Baume & Mercier logo on all its watch dials. It was from this time onwards that Baume & Mercier acquired its status as an affordable luxury

In 1973, this was followed by the innovative Riviera model, one of the very first steel sports watches featuring an original twelve-sided design. The Riviera was to become Baume & Mercier’s bestseller and its flagship model for 20 years. In 1972, the brand caused a sensation in the field of ladies’ watches by introducing the Mimosa and Galaxie models, both of which won the Golden Rose at the Baden-Baden international watch and jewelry

Promesse

competition held in DĂźsseldorf, Germany â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most important contest of its kind at the time. In 1973, Baume & Mercier once again earned the supreme Golden Rose distinction for its splendid Stardust model featuring an onyx dial surrounded by 138 diamonds. The 1980s witnessed the global success of the Linea ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; model, and in 1988 the destiny of Baume & Mercier took a new turn when the luxury group that would later become Richemont bought up both Piaget and Baume & Mercier. Baume & Mercier: a prestigious maison owned by Richemont Baume & Mercier, appreciated for the elegance and timelessness of its creations by an international clientele, has been part of the

Richemont Group since 1988. With an average selling price of between US$2000 and $5000, its market segment places the brand in the affordable luxury watchmaking sector. A luxury whose purpose is to meet the expectations of a demanding and educated public, that enjoys products with real history, excellence in execution and a timeless design to keep them fresh for many years to come. These strong values, and the care taken to make each piece an item like no other by endowing each product with an enduring character, have positioned Baume & Mercier as one of the most popular brands when it comes to giving a gift full of meaning to celebrate a landmark occasion or an important moment in life.

If a watch is needed basically as a heritage item, a watch from the Baume & Mercier collection is seen as the timeless gift par excellence, because nothing else conveys the same values of reliability, accuracy and durability appreciated by the customers for whom every object carries a message. This ability to convey human values and emotions with strength is a characteristic that the House prides itself on. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

For the love of music Ema Shah W

ith strong passion, Ema started her career in 1996 with the goal of being part of the art movement as well as being an artist. Her passion led her to starting a Kuwaiti band called “Anthropology” and had presented her first performance by Gibran Khalil Gibran; directing and producing and playing roles in “The Prophet.” In 2012, Ema received her award for Rumba Solo Dance from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Jacksonville, Florida amongst many other awards locally and internationally. Ema is a Kuwaiti anthropologist, musician, singer, composer, dancer, pianist, guitarist, writer, puppeteer, theatrical and film actress, entertainer, and theater director.

Tell us about your style in music. It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I feel like singing pop, the next day I feel like singing a symphony, orchestra, jazz or even techno. Some singers stick to one style and never change it, I don’t think it is a problem, artists have different moods. How do mood swings affect your work? It inspires my performance but as an artist, I cannot decide not to sing, for example, merely because my mood does not allow it. Artists have 20

THETALK /February / 2015

Hair by: Roni Jallous

Who is Ema Shah? I’m a musician, a singer, an actress and a director. I began my journey in 1996. I established my group “Anthropology”, joining actors from different nationalities, with performances, spectacles and songs in different languages, including Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Spanish. I performed as a singer, pianist, composer and actress at various local and international events.

“Just like music awakens nations, love awakens the soul”

to be responsible and bear in mind that they hold a responsibility towards production companies as well as to their audience. But singing requires a certain state of mind, doesn’t it? True. However, a singer should be responsible and reliable too. Moodiness can ruin a career. Musicians and artists who have the will to perform despite their state of mind and those only can be relied on. What was the toughest time when you had to be on stage regardless of your state of mind? It was when my grandfather passed away and I had to perform a play. I do not think anyone had figured out that I was in grief. I loved my grandfather so much but I had to fulfill my duty towards my career and the audience. Your job is a tough one because you ought to entertain your audience regardless of how you feel.. Absolutely! As a matter of fact, artists’ only way to entertain themselves and get themselves out of depression is through art itself. They struggle like anyone else and have to put up with a lot of challenges in the business. There is a lot to deal with and only art can wash the gloominess away.

What is your latest project? The last was a video clip of a song called “Mashini Al Khetyara”. It has won 14 international prizes in different countries such as California, Ohaio, New York, Washington and was nominated in India, showcased in Sydney, Switzerland and England. I wrote the lyrics, composed the music and directed the music video. Another video clip is currently under process, it is called “Alleqini”. What’s your favorite instrument? I love all instruments. An instrument is as unique as a human voice – each has its special characteristic. Music is also a language, isn’t it? It is. An instrument can convey feelings – he who is not touched by music is not human. Music is a legacy made by man. I think: if music didn’t exist, what would express us better? Music can change nations and nation without art is a marginalized one.

was once playing music and a Chameleon pet was sleeping on the ground and I was amazed by its responsive attitude. It was sleeping but began to rise in attempt to pay more attention to the music played. The same theory applies to plants – it’s amazing what music can do to living creatures. How can love inspire a musician’s creativity? Relationships are vital in life – men and women complete each other. Love has the power of inspiring creativity. Just like music awakens nations, love awakens the soul. How do lovers feel music differently? Lovers relate music to memory, place and people. Music can be a story. Even single people develop feelings after to listening to music.

Have you ever imagined life without music? It would be a miserable life – I would rather die.

Why is love important? We, humans, have reached a level where we create methods for expressing ourselves. As a musician, I like to relate love to creativity because they both complete each other. While others may relate it to chemistry or physics, I think love is related to everything without exception.

Why? What is music capable of doing? Art can awaken the intellect and the feelings. I

What’s your favorite love song? Soon We’ll Be Found by Sia. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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!

THETALK /February / 2015

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THETalk STREET STYLES

Kuwait

street styles

THETALK /February / 2015

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THETALK inspiration

the street styles

shades of blue A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 with a new trend! 26

THETALK /February / 2015

Find Them At

Matthew Williamson at NET-APORTER.COM

3.1 Phillip Lim at NET-APORTER.COM

M Missoni at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Sophie Hulme at modaoperandi.com

M Missoni at NET-A-PORTER.COM

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THETALK inspiration

the street styles

stripe

A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 with a new trend!

THETALK /February / 2015

Find Them At

Vivienne Westwood at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham Band of Outsiders at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Roksanda Ilincic at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Victoria Beckham

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Trend Alert

Colors of Spring by

Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia’s Resort 2015 collection evokes images of faraway travels and pleasures. Inspired by the travelogue “One Special Summer”, the pieces retain the brand’s sweet vibe while exploring a whole new palette of colors. A-line skirts, matching separates, and full dresses formed the silhouettes. Prints included flowers and illustrations along with travel imagery. Alice + Olivia is located at The Avenues Mall.

THETALK /February / 2015

Orange is

the New Black Style up your wardrobe with vibrant orange this season! Not only will you stand out in a sea of black puffers in this flattering warm tone but it will instantly boost your mood.

Burberry

Chiara Ferragni holding a Hermes Maxi Kelly bag

Louis Vuitton

Hermes

Hermes Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton

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Trend Alert

Marc By Marc Jacobs Presents

Industrial Chic

Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier once again showed their fashion prowess at Marc By Marc Jacobs. An adventurous spirit prevailed with sporty and rugged looks. Inspired by the Mercury 13 group of women who were trained to be astronauts, the looks appeal to the outdoors spirit of the modern women. Webbed accents, parachute gear, and canvas separates hit the right notes in this collection. Marc By Marc Jacobs is located at The Avenues Mall and The Gate Mall.

THETALK /February / 2015

Retrospective Another trend that took hold in fashion week was the retro look. Designers at Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Burberry took on that trend!

Burberry Prorsum

Hermes Louis Vuitton

Prada Prada Spazzolato Nero

Gucci

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Trend Alert

Stella McCartney Available at Thuraya Mall

Modern

Stella McCartney Available at Thuraya Mall

Romance This Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, why not go for a more edgy and sharp look? Try a dress that has a vintage silhouette but modern elements like mesh and embellishments. Or simply go for a biker chic look in an unexpectedly feminine color like hot pink. For a more classic option, pick a sweet dress and go quirky with the accessories instead.

Marc Jacobs at Thuraya Mall and Al Ostoura The Avenues Mall

Stella McCartney Available at Thuraya Mall

Moschino Available at Thuraya MAll

Marc Jacobs Available at Thuraya Mall & Thuraya Mall

Stella McCartney Available at Thuraya Mall 34

THETALK /February / 2015

Balenciaga Available at Thuraya Mall

Moschino-Cheap and Chic Pomellato Available at Thuraya Mall at ThurayaMall

Damiani at Thuraya Mall & The Avenues Mall Damiani at Thuraya Mall & The Avenues Mall

Etro at Thuraya Mall Alice & Olivia at the Avenues Mall

Alice & Olivia at The Avenues Mall Antonio Marras at Thuraya Mall

Perks of Being

a Wallflower Marc Jacobs Available at The Avenues Mall & The Gate Mall

You know its spring when floral prints make their much-awaited appearance. This season flirty dresses and pleated skirts are in style. Explore different silhouettes and hemlines to suit the occasion. Ankle-strap sandals or funky flats make the perfect match. Stella McCartney at Thuraya Mall

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Trend Alert

Louis Vuitton

Lanvin

Dolce & Gabbana

flower

Burberry Prorsum Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton

Power

The concept of floral print has never looked so fresh; big and beautiful or minute and abstract, this spring season, flower power is boldly feminine and here to stay! 36

THETALK /February / 2015

Prada

Burberry

Kenzo

White Out

You can never go wrong with white! The look of white has been re-imagined in beautiful ways on the Spring/Summer 2015 runways of fashion houses such as Prada, Hermes, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Check them out below! Hermes

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Hermes Harley Viera Newton at the Burberry Prorsum SS15 Show WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

Louis Vuitton

Denimology

Burberry Prorsum

Denim makes its return to the Spring/Summer 2015 runway collections such as Gucci, Burberry, Prada, and Louis Vuitton! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been recreated in faded blues and a range of textured effects that can fit different styles. Take a look!

Kenzo Prada

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

THETALK /February / 2015

Louis Vuitton

Sensual Sheer

The go-to fabric for effortless chic! We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but notice the sheer garments on the Spring/Summer runways this season! These alluring pieces are definitely a hit! We spotted them at Burberry, Gucci and Hermes. Poppy Delevingne at the Burberry Prorsum show SS15

Gucci

Prada

Burberry Prorsum

Hermes

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Trend Alert

H&M SPORT

Get athletic this spring with functionality and style AT H&M SPORT! Spring is all about a new athleticism at H&M, pushing fitness to the maximum with functional and stylish pieces for your best ever sporting season. Layering is the key as the weather warms up, with technical fabrics and functional details to help with performance, whatever the sport of choice.

THETALK /February / 2015

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how often does it happen? We share our favorite picks for the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest heels and flats from net-a-porter.com 42

THETALK /February / 2015

Salvatore Ferragamo

Versace Salvatore Ferragamo

Todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Salvatore Ferragamo

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Trend Alert

Santoni

Salvatore Ferragamo

Santoni

Versace

THETALK /February / 2015

Santoni

Tod’s

Santoni

Tod’s

Santoni

Salvatore Ferragamo

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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 seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fabulous and chic pieces by net-a-porter.com to inspire your bag shopping. 46

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Salvatore Ferragamo

Coach

Salvatore Ferragamo Coach

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Trend Alert Versace

Salvatore Ferragamo

Todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Salvatore Ferragamo

Versace

THETALK /February / 2015

Coach Todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

Coach Salvatore Ferragamo

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Fashion feature

7 trends you need to say goodbye to in 2015!

The fashion wheel is forever moving forward â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this only means that there are quite a few trends that you need to leave behind in the past year. This year, we recommend a more balanced approach to fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a majority of classics, sprinkled with trend-driven pieces here are some 2014 that we need to say goodbye to! Goodbye #3 Jackets with contrast leather sleeves Goodbye#2 Plaid shirt around your waist

Goodbye #1 Mirrored-sunglasses Go for: Round sunglasses

Go for: A sweater tied around your shoulders to the side

Go for: A belted jacket

THETALK /February / 2015

Goodbye #5 Overlyshredded jeans

Goodbye #7 Sheer skirt with high-waisted underwear

Go for: A modern pair of flare jeans Goodbye# 6 Tulie skirt

Goodbye #4 Tab-Sleeve shirts

Go for: Apron skirt

Go for: High Slit

Go for: A collared shirt with the sleeves rolled high up past the elbow

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Fashion feature

Burberry Prorsum Womenswear

Spring/Summer 2015 Collection Burberry today previewed its Prorsum Womenswear Spring/Summer 2015 collection; live from its custom-built venue in London’s Kensington Gardens on Monday September 15th 2014. The collection, named ‘The Birds and The Bees’, includes bright book cover designs, oversize butterfly prints and hand-drawn honey bees, which were referenced on the hand-painted runway and illustrated on the transparent roof above the 1500 guests.

THETALK /February / 2015

British singer-songwriter and Burberry Acoustic musician James Bay performed the live soundtrack to the show. Guests included British models Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, who appear together in the current My Burberry fragrance campaign,

as well as photographer Mario Testino; actors Naomie Harris, Dakota Johnson,Vicki Zhao, Ko So Young, Gala Gordon, Jamie Campbell Bower, Anushka Sharma and Araya A. Hargate; musicians Paloma Faith, Rae Morris, Rhodes, and Joey Yung; model Amber Le Bon, media personalities Cat Deeley, Donna Air, Olivia Palermo, Raya Abirached, Elena Perminova and Harvey Weinstein.

D.I.Y

A Sweet

Valentine’s Day Treat

Valentine’s Day is coming up, you can surprise your loved ones and win their hearts through their stomach. How about crispy little hearts with jam inside them? These are the perfect little treats for your sweetheart, friends and even kids, sent along as a gift or served up alongside coffee.

1 Before starting, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Start by rolling out your dough until it’s smooth and even, roughly 1/4* thick. I always encourage making your own dough if you have the time. The flavor is incredible and it’s not nearly as difficult as people want you to believe. That said, in a pinch, you can absolutely buy ready-made pie dough and it will still be delicious! Once your dough is rolled out, use your cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you can. Recombine the scraps of dough and repeat until you have a whole bunch of little dough hearts.

Once you’ve licked your fingers, beat the egg with a splash of water. Using your fingertip or a pastry brush, run a bit of egg wash along the border of the crust of the heart.This creates a seal for the top crust. Once you’ve done that, start plopping the tops on the hearts, using a fork to pinch the edges together. (And making them so pretty in the process!)

You are going to use: Your favorite pie dough Flour for rolling dough 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 large egg, with a splash of water Cherry jam (or other filling of your choice – think jam, peanut butter or Nutella) Lollipop sticks Heart cookie cutter

Next up, spoon a bit of cherry jam or your filling of choice in the center of half of the hearts. (You’ll reserve half of the hearts as tops!) I like to load mine up as much as I can while still leaving a little border around the outside of the heart.

If you’d like to make these into pie pops, now is the time when you place a lollipop stick on each crust, pushing down with a bit of pressure so it kind of sticks into the dough without pushing through the other side.You can also skip this step if you’d rather just have little mini pies. The choice is totally yours!

Next up, give the top of each pie a light coating of the egg wash, to help them get golden and crispy while baking.Take a pinch of white sugar and dust each top and you’re ready for the oven! Bake for 20 – 30 minutes until they’re golden and delicious. I usually start checking mine at around the 15 minute mark, but find that they generally take at least 25 minutes to bake.

Voila! WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

de grisogono geneve Introducing Catene

Mr. Fawaz Gruosi plays with the quintessential, universal, archetypal jewel, the ring; the circle with no beginning or end, symbol of everlasting love, unity, eternity. Here, with characteristic panache, De Grisogono juggles lusciously rounded, perfectly proportioned rings of different sizes, in pink or white gold, some with sapphires, some with diamonds, a scattering of emeralds, others in diamond-studded black nano-ceramic, linking them in clusters, so that they jostle each other, joyfully, intertwined and intertangled, loop in loop. With its delicate musicality, the subtly moving creationsÂ proudly assert the jeweller taste for playfulness.The new series comprises luxuriant drop earrings and bouncing rings.

THETALK /February / 2015

Valentine’s

Prada

Gift Guide: Jewelry For jewelry lovers, a little adornment goes a long way. They know how a cocktail ring or a chic statement necklace can upgrade an outfit – after all, there is no such thing as too much jewelry! Check out our gift guide for this upcoming Valentine’s Day!

Ivanka Trump Athenee Prada ivanka Trump Metropolis Sol & Lune

Ivanka Trump Athenee

Hermes Hermes

Swarovski Voile Ring

Ivanka Trump Athenee

Ivanka Trump Metropolis Sol & Lune WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Foldover Anguille Burberry

Hermes Prada

Burberry

Prada donna bag Prada City Calf

Christian Louboutin Corafront 120 Patent Black

Our love is the greatest gift we can give each other. Gifts, too, are great. Don’t miss these Valentine’s picks that will help you gift your darling something she will adore. There are so many different ways of showing her love , and this is just one good way of doing so...

Versace

Prada

Versace

Louis Vuitton

Prada 56

THETALK /February / 2015

VAlentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Burberry check cashmere scarf

Burberry Burberry IPAD mini case

Hermes

VAlentine’s Day Gift Guide

Burberry GMT Automatic

for

HIM

Hermes

Burberry

Hermes

Valentine’s Day is the day you celebrate your feelings of affection for him. It is only right to do this with a special gift. If you’re looking for a gift for him, look no further than here. Check out our selection of the best Valentine’s Day gift guide to find the perfect present!

Louis Vuitton

Burberry polished leather brogues bordeaux

Louis Vuitton

Hermes

Louis Vuitton WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Feel Beautiful

Emma Stone

e k Ma t u C e h t

Chanel Iman

Anna Wintour

Kick off the New Year by giving your hair a stylish update! One of the trendiest looks for 2015 is the bouncy bob and a great haircut can change everything. Finding the right style can be incredibly empowering and can do wonders. Take a look and get inspired!

Kristen Stewart

Halle Berry 58

THETALK /February / 2015

Jourdan Dunn at Burberry Prorsum SS15 Runway

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Feel Beautiful

Special occasion make up

Transforming

a day face into an evening face Few women have the time or energy to clean their faces at the end of the workday and redo their makeup for a night out. Instead, they want a few quick tricks to make a simple transition from office to evening. Bobbi Brown believes that since lighting is often softer at night and the occasions are dressier, the idea is to make the face look a bit more dramatic than during the day. 1. Start with a touch of eye cream to smooth out existing concealer. Reapply as needed. 2. Apply foundation as needed to cover any blemishes and even out skin tone, especially around the nose.

6. Switch to a darker shade of lipstick. Red or burgundy will add drama to your look. Or try a sheer shade paired with a more dramatic eye.

3. Use a blush that is slightly brighter than the one used for a daytime look. Use it alone or as a pop of color just on the apple of the cheeks.

7. Add drama to eyes by sweeping on a darker shadow as a liner and applying plenty of black mascara. A smoky eye is always attractive for night looks. Applying white as a highlighter under the brow bone is also a great evening look.

4. If skin is showing on the neck and chest, make it glow with a light sweep of bronzing powder.

8. Spritz on a warm, sensual fragrance and put on a great pair of earrings.

5. Use shimmer on lips, eyes, or cheeks to make the face look dressed up. Warning: too much shimmer will look overdone, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use it on all three areas at the same time.

9. Try red lips with pink cheeks and minimal eye makeup 10. Pair shimmery bronzer with smoky brown eyes, bronze cheeks, and copper lips. Add shimmer to either lips or eyes, not both.

THETALK /February / 2015

11. Have fun with a bright pink or orange mouth, pale pink or apricot blush, and soft eye makeup with several coats of black mascara or false eyelashes. 12. For very special occasions, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to go all out. Cool colors such as white, platinum, gunmetal, and slate work on the eyes with black liner and individual false eyelashes, using pale pink with a hint of shimmer on the cheeks and soft beige or sandy pink gloss on the lips will look great. 13. Use an oil-control lotion on oily areas of the face to keep it shine-free.

Woo him with a blink

Tips, tricks and products that work

You certainly agree that eye makeup is never appealing or even complete without mascara. If you decide to avoid fake lashes for a more natural look and simply choose to go for products and tricks that will give them extra volume, we are sure that your lashes can add so much to your gorgeous blink – perhaps on a Valentine’s dinner this time… Read on! Tips 1. Curl your lashes. If you want long eyelashes, you can’t skip this step! Curling your lashes flips them upward, maximizing their full length. It’s like opening the window shades. 2. Apply lash fibers to your lashes before the mascara dries. These will attach to your lashes, thickening and lengthening at the same time. Try Japonesque Fast Lash Thickening Fibers.

smoother flow of mascara application and will prevent upper and lower lashes from sticking together. 4. Use a mascara that gives you both length and volume. We love L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes. 5. Try layering two different mascaras, a more lengthening one and a more volumizing one. Apply the lengthening one first.

3. Start with your lashes, one eye at a time. This will help you enjoy a Prepare Prime your face, eyes and lips. Fill in your brows, apply eye shadow and liner

Apply Hold mascara wand horizontally and brush mascara into top lashes from root to tips

Curl Use an eyelash curler to add curl to your lashes

Wiggle Move the brush left/right as you apply

Remove Scrape excess mascara onto the inner rim of tube

Get in position Tilt your head back and look down into a mirror

Repeat Apply second coat to top lashes immediately and allow it to dry

Reposition Look directly into the mirror

Finish Hold mascara wand vertically and coat your lower lashes with the tip of the brush

9 WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Feel Beautiful

Struck By Love The gift of Red Roses on Valentine’s Day The essence of modern romance, captured in a blend inspired by seven of the world’s most exquisite roses. With crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon. Heady and irresistible. Delicious at first, compelling to the last. Like love.

Tasting Notes Top: Lemon Heart: Scarlet Velvet Rose Base: Honeycomb

Bath & Body Works presents the Perfect Gift for a Loved One with the Launch of A Thousand Wishes! With February approaching, everyone starts thinking of a unique, loving gift for someone special. Bath & Body Works invites you to experience its sparkling new Signature Collection fragrance – A Thousand Wishes. With sparkling starfruit, crystal peonies and almond crème, each key note adds an element of vivaciousness and comfort to the scent. The elegant fragrance, combined with beautifully designed packaging, makes A Thousand Wishes the perfect

THETALK /February / 2015

gift for you and the people you love most. A beautiful sparkling box with a luxe bow makes this the perfect gift to impress someone special. Fragrance Notes: Top: Pink Prosecco, Sparkling Starfruit, Golden Quince Mid: Crystal Peonies, Purple Freesia Dry: Gilded Amber, Amaretto Crème, Sugared Sandalwood,Velvet Musk

INCENSE & CEDRAT Cologne Intense A New Cologne Intense Incense & Cedrat is the new addition to Cologne Intense, a collection defined by rich and rare ingredients.The fragrance was created by Master Perfumer, Marie Salamagne, using the scent of Omani incense, the most precious in the world. Produced for over six thousand years, it is harvested from the revered Boswellia sacra tree found in a swathe of land between ocean and desert, Dhofar. The harvest is passed down through generations. Twice a year the tree is incisedallowing resinous sap to seep out, dry and crystallise. In recent years, the Boswelia sacra has become increasingly threatened. So, for the first time in perfumery, we have used NaturePrint™ technology to recreate the scent of Omani incense. NaturePrint™ The pioneering use of NaturePrint™ technology has enabled us to capture the scent of Omani incense without harming the Boswellia sacra or its environment. Resinous incense tears are taken to the fragrance house to create an infusion and essential oil. These are then analysed in the laboratory in order to recreate the scent using natural ingredients, directed by a Master Perfumer. The Composition The distinctive warmth of incense is enriched by three layers of resins. Each one intensifies the character of the incense heart.

that played with the brightness of incense, its natural freshness, while embracing its inherent warmth and woodiness. Incense is multi-faceted. My challenge was to accentuate its many qualities and to tame its dark character.” – Marie Salamagne, Master Perfumer

The lemon and pepper notes of Elemi bring out a radiant freshness as the fragrance opens. Amber-like labdanum ciste highlights sensuality at the heart. Smooth, sweet benzoin accentuates an addictive richness at the base. As the resins unfurl, they are complemented by the brightness of cedrat. Aluminous citrus twist.

Fragrance Combining™ Omani people learn to layer scents from childhood. Women line their drawers with fresh jasmine and myrtle. Men infuse the silk tassel of their traditional dress with a favourite scent. Even clothing is infused with vapour collected from scented chips called bakhoor, before spraying on scent. The bakhoor is a way of expressing individuality, layering multiple scents according to your mood or the occasion. Similarly, Fragrance Combining™ is an intrinsic part of the Jo Malone London philosophy.

The Perfumer’s Challenge “For me, creating an incense fragrance for Jo Malone London meant a scent with a signature elegance and modernity. We wanted a fragrance

As with all of our fragrances, Incense & Cedrat has an elegantly simple construction. This means it can stand alone or be combined with other scents for a unique signature. With Oud &

Bergamot, for example, it creates a sophisticated, hypnotic woody fragrance. Or try it with Red Roses for a luxurious rose fragrance that’s spicy and sensual. History & Legend The Boswellia sacra is synonymous with progress. Its precious produce has driven the birth of global trade routes which emerged as long as six thousand years ago. Incense became so valuable in Europe that southern Arabia became known as Arabia Felix, “Arabia the Blessed.” Through history, incense has held a spiritual role. Burnt in ritual, its smoke was believed to connect the earthly being to the divine. The Roman emperor, Nero, burned an year’s harvest at the funeral of his favourite mistress. And it was the favourite scent of the Queen of Sheba. As Marie Salamagne notes, ‘Man has always had a special connection with incense. It is something used to find peace and energy.’

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Remember His & Her Face

The gorgeous couple SoFia Vergara & Joe Manganiello S ofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have only

been dating for a few months but the pair took their relationship to the next level when they got lately got engaged. The gorgeous couple then went away on a vacation together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over Labor Day weekend. The 42-year-old brunette bombshell and her 37-year-old flame spent ‘an amazing weekend’ at the luxurious Zoetry Casa Del Mar Los Cabos where they soaked up the sun while relaxing on at the beach resort.

Born December 28, 1976, Joe is an American actor, director, producer, and author. He played Flash Thompson in the original SpiderMan film series and had various recurring roles in television on ER, How I Met Your Mother, and One Tree Hill, before landing his breakout role as werewolf Alcide Herveaux on the HBOtelevision series True Blood. Manganiello has appeared in films such as Magic Mike, the film adaptation of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and Sabotage. In late 2013, he became a published author when his first book, Evolution, was released by Simon & Schuster›s Gallery Books. This charming man is active with several charities, including Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and he serves on the committee of The Art of Elysium. The Colombian-American actress, model and businesswoman said “yes” on Christmas day when Joe popped a proposal. The seriously hot pair went public with their relationship back in July 2014 and have since been photographed 64

THETALK /February / 2015

together at nearly every opportunity. SofiaÂ and Joe have yet to publicly announce the news, although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reported that she has been flaunting a diamond ring on her finger while on vacation. Sofia Vergara is one of the most attractive women in entertainment. So, when she got engaged to Joe Manganiello, one of the most handsome men in film and television, it only made sense that the media would lose their minds!

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

A different

shape of love

Dr. Abdulaziz Abal & Dr. Lemia Shaban

o most of us,Valentine’s Day is all about the wife or the husband. To Dr. Abdulaziz Abal, it is also about the love that parents have for their children and the love that teachers have for their students. Abdulaziz goes by two things in teaching – which are: love your students and also respect them and then everything else will happen; learning will happen. 66

THETALK /February / 2015

According to him, the information that you relay to the students is secondary; when you have a foundation of love and respect, the learning is just a natural progression. THETALK took pleasure in interviewing Dr. Abdulaziz Abal and his spouse Dr. Lemia Shaban in a combined interview exclusively this time. The couple sets a great example for family love, career love and academic success.

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Abdulaziz Abal, I’m an educational coach and I love teaching. What makes teaching an interesting thing to do? It is rewarding. Like parenting, teaching has a direct relationship with the future generations; you

“Remove love from the equation and that equation ceases to exist” influence those generations and touch their future. I teach Education at the American University of Kuwait, a subject in which I hold a PhD. Have you had previous experiences in teaching before? I have 15 years experience in teaching. I taught for 10 years in Kuwait and 5 years in Miami– I teach students how to learn and teach teachers how to teach. How would you describe experience as a professor? The most positive and fulfilling experience for me lies within the classroom and my interaction with my students. That being said, there are external challenges that have to be tackled which are a necessary part of the process which do not impede the overall satisfaction of the teaching element itself. What are the challenges in this field? Current assessment methods. I personally do not agree with assessment through exams, I believe we can assess students in different ways but we are forced to do so because it is the system. It is sad for me that I sometimes try to push students to their limits and try to educate them, but sometimes they ‘resist’ – they hold on to their beliefs that they cannot change. We all have to start somewhere and eventually progress or regress. It is especially trying for me to see students fail, whether it be a test, class or university altogether. The challenging part is the effort you put into it and getting minimal results whilst knowing full well the potential of the student(s) you are trying to reach; when you love something you put a lot of effort into it. What do your students appreciate about you? I think they appreciate the idea that I show them love and respect – this is my secret recipe.

Do you get good comments from them? All the time. What was the best? Anything that touched your heart? I have a lot that I keep them and never throw away. One was a message I received today from my student saying: “Hello professor, I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to be part of your class this semester. Without the opportunity you had given me at the beginning of the semester, I would have not been where I am today. Thank you very much”. I like to stay in touch with them, follow their success and see where they reach. I tend to keep those messages and letters and I get back to them on tough days as a reminder of my influence on my students. Did you have any teachers that you looked up to in the past? We call those ‘mentors’, really. During my school years, the answer is no. When I attended Kuwait University there were two or three who I admired and I’m still in contact with. During my PhD, there were a lot more because then the relationship is closer when you spend so much time and effort that you become like family with the professors. Did you enjoy being a student more than you enjoy being a professor? I enjoyed both because when you teach, you learn. So even though I was supposed to be learning as a student, when I’m teaching in the classroom, I learn from my students. I learn how to better develop myself and refine my teaching techniques for the

next semester. This allows me to then teach more effectively the next time, and so on. It is an iterative process. Did you choose to become a teacher or was it a coincidence? Becoming a teacher was not something that I wanted to do, as a matter of fact; my English teacher in high school tapped me on the shoulder one day and told me that I should follow in his footsteps. I laughed at him, but six years later, I ended up doing just that. Funnily enough I had originally wanted to become a computer engineer; as fate would have it I couldn’t get a scholarship. Meanwhile I registered at Kuwait University and was accepted among the English Literature candidates; I chose English Literature because I only had the choice to apply to the College of Arts. When I finished my bachelors, I wanted to go into Public Relations so I can travel around the world. My father encouraged me to join the Ministry of Education as an English teacher instead, so I joined and after two weeks of teaching English for second graders I decided that this was actually what I wanted to do. What life achievement has given you the biggest satisfaction so far? I think the biggest one in terms of my academic life is the PhD. I was not very satisfied with the Masters and even less so with the Bachelor Degree. In fact, I didn’t attend any of the graduation ceremonies except for my PhD. To me, that was the ultimate accomplishment. I quote the words of my father who is a professor too: “When you go to get a PhD, you don’t get a PhD in a certain discipline – you get a PhD in life”. In Miami, WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

remove love from the equation and that equation ceases to exist; you end up with nothing. It is the drive for everything, and it doesn’t discriminate between any aspect of your life. How does it serve us as humans? Again, it is the core of everything you do. For example, if you don’t have love in a family, it is going to fall apart. People misunderstand what love is especially in our culture. Working with students who have problems in school or problems at home, I deal a lot with their parents and their parents do a lot of things that they think is out of love. Love is not hitting your child because you are afraid they will become drug abusers for example, love sometimes is watching your child fall down and get back up again as opposed to thinking that as soon as your child falls, you run to them to pick them up. This is how love is misunderstood. Sometimes, showing a lot of love is not correct either.

Florida, I built my family as well as my PhD. It was very challenging because my wife was studying for her Doctorate too, we started a family there and we were alone. We tried to graduate at the same time, but I had to give up a semester in order to take care of the kids so she could graduate.

rest of the world and I started buying and selling for double or triple the price. I made money and as I made money I bought a classic car in the states, I sold all the money I had and replaced them with cars. So, now I have cars and I’m currently debating selling most of them as well.

How did you meet? We met in Kuwait and got engaged before doing our Masters. We were married shortly after and stayed in Kuwait for two years before heading to the USA to pursue our PhD, where we graduated 5 years and 2 children later.

What else? The place we are sitting in right now, the Reach educational center. It is my passion. It aims to fix the education in Kuwait and help teachers, parents and students. This is a place where we bring teachers, parents and students together and work with them for a better academic experience.

Besides teaching, what other interests do you have? I like collecting ‘things’. I have noticed that I have an intense passion for collecting things. Once I’m done, I sell them and replace them with other things. I started off when I went to the states by collecting currency from around the Gulf and the 68

THETALK /February / 2015

You obviously show a lot of love when it comes to doing what you do. In your opinion, how does emotions/love influence our lives? It is the drive that you need. If you don’t love something you will not have the passion for it. So,

How do emotions change the world into better or bitter? Here, we need to talk about emotional intelligence – we have many kinds of intelligences, one of them is the emotional; mostly how you function during highly strung situations. If a person gets frustrated, do they know how to deal with it? Or do they just cry and break things? The idea that I want to talk about is giving too much of something does not necessarily mean that it is a good thing. So, giving too much love doesn’t mean it is love. If you are doing too much of it, it can backfire. What do you think of Valentine’s Day? Do you agree that it is a celebration of love? No. my wife and I have come to a conclusion that we don’t need a day to be reminded. We don’t do the ‘exchanging gifts or flowers’. Personally, I like doing it on random days; I think showing up with flowers on a random day gives a way better effect than on Valentine’s Day. In a world where values seem to be falling, what, in your opinion, are we in need for mostly today? Balance — moderation is what we lack. Nowadays, if we do something more than we should, it backfires and gives the opposite effect. If we do it less, the same result. So, keep a balance with everything; religion, food, learning… everything.

Where do you aspire to be in future? If I have a few goals in line, one of them is writing several books. Another one is getting an addiitonal Masters degree. Ultimately, I would like to open my own school. My wife and I decided to retire early and travel the world together. Dr. Lemia Shaban is the wife of Dr. Abdulaziz Abal – a successful Kuwaiti assistant professor at Kuwait University where she teaches nutrition. She takes huge pride in being a mother of two adorable kids and a partner of an ambitious and supportive spouse. Lemia’s connection to nature is inspiring and so is her idea about love. Here is how the interview with this insightful lady went. Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m an assistant professor at Kuwait University where I teach nutrition to undergraduate and graduate students. My educational background began with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry, MSc in Public Health Nutrition (UK), a Ph.D. in Clinical Nutrition (USA), and a Registered Dietitian (USA). My passion for my profession stems from wanting to help people, whether it is through educating students, having a counseling session or changing a menu to optimize people’s knowledge and way of thinking about their eating habits. How did you become interested in nutrition? As part of my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, I took one class in nutrition and really liked it. I discovered that much of the science I was being taught in biochemistry became clearer when applied to nutrition. That class alone took me on a different path of interest. What do you think you would be doing if you did not take that one nutrition course? I would definitely have gone to medical school as I have always been fascinated by the human body and medicine. It is a common assumption in Kuwait that dietitians are primarily for weight loss treatment – which is not true. We have many dietitians who help sustain life through their medical understanding of nutrition. I am personally focused on disease states such as diabetes, cancer and gastro-intestinal problems, thereby bringing in my passion for medicine into nutrition.

What life achievement has given you the biggest satisfaction so far? Having children has given me the greatest sense of satisfaction. Knowing that I have had to learn as I go along, and continue to educate myself as a parent has been far more satisfying than going to graduate school, which although was a challenge, it was easier to achieve through perseverance and motivation unlike the unknown territory of being a parent. Besides being a university lecturer, what are your interests? I have a great love for sports and appreciate what physical activity can offer to improve the mental and physical state. Since childhood I have always been fascinated by unique gems with a love of vintage jewelry and design. I’m also interested in all forms of holistic health and healing. Talk to us a little about your nutrition principles. Do not underestimate the power of nature; fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruit - all extremely powerful antioxidants and essential for better health. Eat everything in moderation, and vary the diet as much as possible, minus fast food of course, which is the devil in disguise. They say food is the only thing that truly nurtures the body. What nurtures the soul? Kindness. Kindness comes in many forms and along with it comes love. I don’t feel a person can truly live happily without the element of kindness, either by giving it or receiving it.

In your opinion, how does emotions/ love influence our lives? The value of the love you feel for yourself affects every aspect of life and this influences emotions. If one’s core is not settled and content, and if there is a lack of self-worth, the decisions that are taken without deep reflection can be easily influenced by other people. They can turn out to be disappointing choices. Many times people also make erratic decisions based on immediate emotions and that in turn may have a negative effect on their lives, this may come into play with emotional eating. If we can look at ourselves and practice self-love everything falls into place and ultimately we can live a better life. What do you think of Valentine’s Day? Do you agree that it is a celebration of love that the world is in need of for today? I can understand how Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show attention to a loved one, but for me, the focus of fixating on one day in an entire year is a false sense of love. I believe compassion, kindness, and acceptance of differences is what the world is in need of today. Where do you aspire to be in future? In the distant future I can see myself having a simple life connected to nature, living off the land and being completely Wi-Fi free! Until that time arrives I have a million ideas and plans I would like to put into action. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

Harrys of London

Creative Director Kevin Martel

nown for their innovative approach to designing men’s footwear, Harrys of London combines artisan craftsmanship with the latest in footwear technology, balancing respect for tradition while embracing the future. Martel Kevin contributes nearly 20 years of knowledge and experience designing men’s footwear for iconic menswear designers. Martel’s unique design aesthetic and global sensibility is a result of a career formed in his native USA and followed by numerous years living and working in Italy and the UK. THETALK interviewed creative director, Kevin Martel, and asked him about his passion in designing shoes. When did you start designing shoes? Where did your passion for it come from? I started designing about 20 years ago. I got my first job designing for the American Brand Cole Haan and then went on to work for Ralph Lauran and Giorgio Armani. I studied Graphic Design and typography and never thought about shoes – but once I started, I became obsessed. I love the details and engineering required for footwear – it’s all about the details. How do you describe Harrys of London style? Harrys of London style is very classic, timeless quality – the technology that we use to build them is not visual – it’s cerebral. Style is about confidence, when you wear something that has quality and comfort you exude confidence. Who would you like to wear your shoes? Men who appreciate quality and design.

THETALK /February / 2015

“Style is about confidence” What can you tell us about the criteria of making new shoes? The criterion is quality. I usually start with a material, new leather, or a sole design idea, it has to be the best of the best. I spend a great deal of my time researching new materials and components, and I love the smell of good leather! What’s the most interesting part of designing footwear? Our customers… When I am in the stores and I meet our customers who tell me how much they love the shoes, many of them are collectors with 10, 20 or even thirty pairs in their wardrobe! That is really fulfilling to hear as a designer. What’s the most challenging part of it? The retail industry has become very discount oriented. When you are dedicated to quality it can make for a challenging environment. What are your biggest inspirations? I spend a great deal of my time in Italy working with amazing artisans and craftsmen who love what they do and the things they produce – I find them all inspiring. You have worked with several wellknown brands, how did your work evolve over the years? Every designer I have worked for over the years has taught me amazing things. America (Ralph Lauren) was a master class in marketing and building a strong brand – Italy (Giorgio Armani) is where it is all about making beautiful things – and it really refined my design perspective. London is my home and the home of classic menswear. I am humbled and inspired by the history around me every day. They say a pair of shoes defines a man’s sense of style, do you agree? For me, it’s all about the watch and the shoes, well… maybe just the shoes. What’s your motto? There is no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes.

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A word with thetalk

SACOOR BROTHERS

NEW WORLD AMBASSADOR Cristiano Ronaldo I

n the last 25 years, Sacoor Brothers has gone from strength to strength, representing elegance and sophistication through their premium collections. Their men, women and kids lines are very popular among celebrities in the world of fashion, cinema and television and their flagship boutiques in the Middle East are expanding year after year, with stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar. Sacoor Brothers, the lifestyle fashion brand that launched in 1989 its first boutique in Lisbon, has chosen Cristiano Ronaldo as their new face in order to bring creative and aspirational values to the fashion label. Cristiano Ronaldo spoke career, daily life and fashion in an exclusive interview with THETALK. You won the Golden Shoe and the Ballon d’Or in the same year. Would you say that 2014 was the best year for your individual career? Possibly, yes. Both individually and as a team player, it was probably my best year. But I think I’ve had similar years in Manchester and even in Real Madrid. That’s why I always make a positive assessment, both as a team player and individually. Maybe a bit more positive this year because we won the Champions League, the Super Copa... This might well be the best year in my career. What does the Ballon d’Or mean to you? It’s an individual trophy that every player dreams of winning one day. As you know, I won two awards and that makes it the culmination of a strong year, with a lot of hard work. In fact, it’s the seventh year that I’ve been in the top three in the world. And that makes me feel very proud. It’s a sign that I’ve had an extraordinary career and that makes me very happy. 72

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You’ve experienced many important moments in the history of football. Can you say which goal you scored was the most special? That’s a tough question. I’ve had a lot of happy years with my performance, both individually and as a team player. I’ve had lots of brilliant moments with regard to goals, and titles too, so it’s not easy to choose just one. So, what I usually say is that the most important goal is always the last one.

You are undoubtedly a committed player and you always try to set an example for others. Do you feel the burden of being a role model? I think you learn as you go. I’ve been very serious about my work since I was very young. And obviously, the events of recent years haven’t given me any greater responsibility because I always behave naturally. The fact that I’m always trying to be the best, on and off the pitch, is also very

important. I’ve always taken things very seriously, since I was very young, and that’s reflected in my career. Always being nominated, winning trophies for the club or individual awards, that’s the culmination of many years of dedication, hard work and professionalism and that makes me very happy. You like taking parts in charitable events whenever you can. Is that what being a star means? I think we can take advantage of the fact that we are public figures, loved by our fans. But, I hope they understand that you just can’t help everyone. In recent years, we’ve tried to help a lot of institutions. But, my opinion is that people who help don’t have to broadcast it. Showing solidarity makes me feel good and, as the saying goes: he who helps other is paid back twofold. And that has happened in my life. How do you imagine the end of your career? Would you like to be a coach? I was just saying to some friends yesterday that it’s a bit hard to hear people talking about the end of my career. It’s a situation which is still a good way off. I hope it will only come in 7 to 10 years, but I know it will depend a lot on my motivation. But, I really hope it is still a long way off… In career terms, how would you like to be remembered in thirty years from now? I want to be remembered as the best ever. I want to be up there with the best ever… That’s my aim and that’s what I’m building. Every year, I try to go further than before – and I’m not just talking about goals. In recent years, I’ve always improved. I’ve excelled myself and I want to keep doing that in the coming years. That’s why I’m convinced that I will be considered one of the best ever. How do you reconcile your personal daily life with your professional demands? Every day, I try to do whatever will benefit my performance. Obviously, it’s hard to reconcile some aspects, but I’ve learned to live with that

constraint. I’m sure that in a few years’ time, I’ll be able to enjoy everything I’ve achieved over time. What do you do in your free time? It depends on the time, on the day, on the situation. It’s very relative. I have time to be with my family, my girlfriend, my friends, my son. Having time for myself, my recuperation, is important too. Especially for doing the things I like most, like swimming, doing stretching exercises… At night, I like being with friends, going out, going to restaurants… Do you cook? No. I have people at home who cook better than me so I let them have the “opportunity”. What do you find really relaxing? Being able to feel at peace, at home, with friends, with my family. I like it when I don’t have to get up early to go training or to play a match. Your best holidays… Sunbathing… and eating! And going to Madeira, back to your roots, is that always a good holiday? Madeira brings back a lot of memories. It’s where my family is. Should men take care of their appearance? Not as much as women, but I think a little is important. Do you follow fashion trends or do you prefer your own style? I prefer my own style, but I’m not so obtuse as not to listen to other opinions.

What’s you favourite place to shop? On the Internet. What item or accessory can you not do without? Watch… trainers, blazer, belt…

Do you see yourself in the values of Sacoor Brothers? Of course I do. I’m happy that we’re starting this grand adventure together. Commitment, dedication, family, success, always wanting more, excelling yourself... Are these the values you see yourself in? Yes, definitely. I think we have to be part of the good things in life, family, friends, etc. For the third time, the Sacoor Brothers’ world ambassador was honoured at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony, an award presented to the best football player in the world. At the award ceremony, which recognises his exceptional talent and his achievements over the last year, the player wore an outfit by the Portuguese brand. In existence for 25 years, Sacoor Brothers has grown by defining trends and is now proud of its partnership with the most prestigious football player in the world, who perfectly personifies the values of the brand, congratulating him on yet another important milestone in his career. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Got the Time?

MEANTIME

IT’S His & Her TIME... IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN COUPLES PORTOFINO TIMEPIECES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Engineered for couples who know that Valentine’s day is all about time spent with their loved one.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style by exchanging the perfect gifts from IWC Schaffhausen. A union of grace and precision, the two different sets of couple watches from the brand’s Timeless Portofino collection make for the best gifts to indulge loved ones with. The coupled timepieces arrive in the form of the Portofino Midsize Automatic for her and Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days for him. The first set of timepieces are both in 18-carat red gold cases: the Portofino Midisize Automatic (IW458108) has a case set of 66 diamonds and a slate-colored dial. For the gents, the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (IW510104) comes with a dark brown alligator leather strap, an Ardoise dial and a transparent sapphireglass back. Together the couple are elegant adornments for the wrist. The second pair of timepieces are also a Portofino Midsize Automatic for her and a Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days for him, albeit these arrive in stainless-steel cases. , The case of the Portofino Midsize Automatic (IW458103) is set with 66 diamonds with a silver-plated dial and 74

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a dark brown alligator leather strap while the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (IW510103) comes with a dark-brown alligator strap and with the IWC-manufactured 59210 caliber (59000-calibre family) thus making the steely duo both cutting-edge and contemporary. The sets of couple timepieces are exclusively available at IWC Schaffhausen boutiques in the Dubai Mall and The Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining supreme precision with exclusive design. As an ecologically and socially responsible company, IWC is committed to sustainable production, supports institutions worldwide around the globe in their work with children and young people, and maintains partnerships with organizations dedicated to climate and environmental protection.

Time for tennis! with Rado Rado began the new year at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Lengnau, Switzerland. It’s the tournament with which Rado celebrated its return to the tennis world as a prelude to the 2012 season, and the brand is back as Official Timekeeper for the fourth consecutive year.The Mubadala World Tennis Championship which took place from 1st – 3rd January 2015 was the first tournament on Rado’s 2015 calendar and surely set the pace for the year ahead.

every second of every match with corner clocks in the shape of the sporty HyperChrome timepiece. These eyecatching corner clocks were to be seen in the corners at opposite ends of centre court.

Located in the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi this hard court tournament welcomes a line-up of the world’s top tennis players every year to compete in this memorable championship. Amongst these is Rado brand ambassador Andy Murray, who was back to compete for the trophy he won in 2009 during the first edition of the tournament. In its role as Official Timekeeper, Rado be timed

The official watch of this year’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship was the Rado HyperChrome Court Collection Automatic Chronograph in brilliant blue, a colour that recalls the tournament court surface. Made in matt black high-tech ceramic and fitted with a rubber strap, this is the ultimate sports watch, whether one is on the court or following the action from the stands.

Visitors also had the opportunity to find out more about the brand at the Rado booth where the tennis inspired Rado HyperChrome Court Collection models were on display amongst other high-tech ceramic marvels.

Rado and Tennis 2015 In 2015 Rado is the Official Timekeeper of the following tournaments: the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Abu Dhabi, UAE (1st – 3rd January), Aircel Chennai Open, India (5th – 11th January), the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, Acapulco, Mexico (23rd – 28th February) the Miami Open, USA (23rd March – 5th April), the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Stuttgart, Germany (18th – 26th April), the Sparta Prague Open, Prague, Czech Republic (May), the UniCredit Czech Open, Prost jov, zech Republic (June), the Aegon Classic, Birmingham, UK (15th – 21st June), the Aegon Championships, London, UK (15th – 21st June) the Aegon International, Eastbourne, UK (20th – 27th June), and the Swiss Indoors, Basel, Switzerland (24th October – 1st November).

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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

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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. 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.

Leda Valentine’s Day Edition Versace presents the exclusive Valentine’s Day edition of its iconic Leda watch. The rose gold IP case is set against a Versace red dial and strap – the vision of Valentine’s Day from artistic director Donatella Versace. The engraved, satinfinish Greek key design contrasted with the high-polished surface of the bezel, makes it immediately Versace from the very first glance.

The mother of pearl dial is set off by the alligator effect leather strap. A black cabochon crystal set on the crown accentuates the luxury of the watch, which has an accurate, reliable and rigorously Swiss Made movement at its heart. Leda Valentine’s Day Edition is the perfect passionate gift.

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Got the Time?

Piaget Perfection in Life Valentine’s Day. Romance is in the air with Piaget’s refined and elegant collections for both him and her. Timeless timepieces become an expression of love or a token of the most heartfelt affection for Valentine’s Day, and every day. Piaget Limelight Diamonds Designed for love, Limelight Diamonds timepieces combine the charm and beauty of solitaires with the art of fine watchmaking. With a case inspired by the shape of iconic diamond cuts, each piece is elegantly set with one carat of fine diamonds, making it shine with purity and clarity. A tribute to the magic of a precious moment in time, a memory born on Valentine’s Day today will last forever through the eternal quality of a diamond. Anchored in Piaget’s rich legacy, the emerald shape of the Limelight Diamonds watch finds inspiration in the traditional rectangular cut from Piaget’s fine jewellery collections. Crafted

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from white gold set with just over 1 carat of diamonds, its dial is delicately embellished with pavé diamonds. Graceful and refined, the radiance of the precious stones captures all the intensity of love. The eternal intensity of a solitaire diamond scintillates around a lover’s wrist. The horizontal oval of the case becomes an expression of elaborate artistry in jewellery, with its black lacquer dial contrasting with the great sparkle of the diamonds that surround it. Piaget Altiplano A gift for him, Altiplano embodies Piaget’s proud heritage as the master of ultra-thin watchmaking since 1957, bringing together virtuoso skills of its watchmakers to deliver timeless creations. The pure modern design of the thinnest watches hides a treasure of the greatest mechanical complexity: a technical feat signed by Piaget. Rewarding the love of a unique man, the thinnest

watch in the world in its category breaks all records with its breath-taking 3 mm movement. The Altiplano Date, houses the 1205P calibre, the world’s thinnest automatic movement with date.

This feat of horological virtuosity features an offset small seconds, and displays the date, while its 40 mm diameter case in white gold bears the signature codes of Piaget’s ultra-thin automatic models – off-centred indicators, a date window at 9 o’clock and a small seconds window at 5 o’clock. In this pink gold model, the greatest purity in design and the greatest mastery in watch movements come together seamlessly to create a gift to remember.

Promesse Time For two! For Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, you hope for the surprise that will fulfill an intimate promise. And there it is finally, right in front of you, preserved in its case. Only he could have gotten it for you. In an instant, it will adorn your wrist. The time of love now ticks by in unison with the beating of your heart. Promesse by Baume & Mercier is the most beautiful of these declarations: of life, the present moment and love. Always true. Forever sincere. You were drawn to the Promesse 30 mm in polished steel.You were seduced by its oval bezel set with 30 diamonds, the natural white mother of pearl dial, its refined drape decor detail, punctuated with Roman numerals and

indexes.You were irresistibly attracted by its contemporary allure where the oval bezel, the symbol of the movement, embraces the circle of femininity.You hesitated to buy it for yourself. He guessed and beat you to it. And now he lovingly fastens the Promesse 30 mm on your wrist with its polished steel bracelet. You could have also been drawn to the Promesse 34 mm. Be charmed by the iridescent harmony of its natural white mother of pearl bezel and the unconventional combination of the oval bezel with the round watch.You allow your wrist to be gently imprisoned by the links of the polished steel bracelet. The Promesse

34 mm, embellished with a subtle guillochĂŠ dial, drape decor detail, Roman numerals and set with eight diamonds, has all the trappings to seduce you. And what happens if you let yourself be tempted? Lovers are always insatiable! The true dress code of seduction, these new variations of the Promesse line are true to their word: timeless fantasy, elegant innovation, the bright light of an original design. Capture and seal the exceptional moment on this lovers day and choose to engrave the back of the case with a tender word or initials. Let the tempo of St Valentines be set by Baume & Mercier.

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Trend Alert

Downright Denim What a delight it is to see denim return as such a strong statement! This humble trend is fashion-forward, directional and totally surprising!

Prada SS15

Versace

Lanvin Burberry Prorsum SS15

Lanvin

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Louis Vuitton

Versace

Into the Dark

Louis Vuitton

Some designers were feeling downright moody this Spring/Summer 2015 fashion week, surprising showgoers with dark richly hued clothing. We saw this trend at Prada, Burberry and Hermes.

Hermes

Prada

Burberry Prorsum

Dolce & Gabbana

Louis Vuitton

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Grooming

A 2015’s hair trend for men The Pompadour is back!

There is no doubt that the Pompadour is the hairstyle of the year.You will see everywhere, with many styles and lengths. Who knew that a classic haircut would still survive the 21th century? Remember this style been a hit on 1950’s and early 1960’s with Elvis Presley, John Travolta, James Dean and others. With Rock ’n’ Roll been huge by that time, everyone wanted to look like these guys. Go Pompadour this Valentine’s looking like a charming celebrity from the 60’s!

you should plan on having four or five inches to get the pompadour just right.

The Cut A great looking pompadour starts with the right cut. Find a barber who you can trust with styling long hair.You may have a bit of trouble finding a barber who can do one well, so call around and ask. The hair should be trimmed very short on the sides and back. The length on top is a personal preference, but

Styling After washing your hair, use the towel to dry your hair. Next, using your brush and blow dryer (high heat, low air flow), dry the hair on top by directing the front up and back.You may not need to use a blow dryer, but the heat will help give you more height and set the style up.

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You will need You definitely need right products and tools. First, you will need a great pomade (for finer hair, go with a lighter pomade.You also need a blow dryer and a good brush. Optionally, you may also want to have a great hair spray on hand.

Classic 500

Shanavas: 97127678 Jo s e p h : 60783001

Rumbler 500

/kuwait Automotive Imports Company

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royalenfield.kuwait@kaico.net

THETALK /February / 2015

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Thetalk Motors

Audi’s Triple Triumph Awards for Audi at the What Car? Awards ceremony Reaffirming its status as an enduring What Car? favourite, the Audi TT in its recently launched, all-new form, has once again been crowned Coupé of the Year in the respected magazine’s annual awards. Equally importantly, two new variations on the theme of the A3, itself a winner of the overall Car of the Year Award in 2013, have also secured important category victories – the A3 Cabriolet dominates its class for a second successive year, and on its debut entry the new A3 Sportback 86

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e-tron plug-in hybrid proves its mettle by taking on and beating critically acclaimed EV contenders to the title of Electric Car of the Year. In its explanatory account covering the winning Audi models, the experienced judges on the What Car? editorial team dub the A3 Sportback e-tron a ‘no-brainer for business users’, refer to the A3 Cabriolet as ‘one of the best open-tops for driving thrills’ and describe the TT as a ‘fabulous

ownership proposition’, featuring ‘one of the finest cabins of any car’. The 2015 Coupe of the Year – specifically the TT 2.0 TFSI Sport - is the latest in a long line of Audi TTs favoured as What Car? winners, dating back to the revolutionary first generation car, which wowed the judges back in 2001. The TT has been nominated in every one of the past eight years, and has won the category outright in all but one.

l Audi TT named Coupé of the Year in the 2015 What Car? Awards l Plug-in hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron wins Electric Car of the Year l For the second consecutive year, the A3 Cabriolet secures the Convertible Car category l Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI ultra SE Executive and the A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI SE also commended as ‘best buys’ in their respective categories

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Thetalk Motors

BMW multiple award winner in 2014. Quality, sustainability, innovation

BMW concluded the year 2014, in every respect a successful one, with more than 50 national and international awards. The prize winners were chosen by juries comprising readers of trade magazines or by specialized journalists who selected the winners in various different topic areas and categories. The spectrum of distinctions ranges from awards for design, sustainability, sportiness and innovation to intelligent vehicle networking. The most important international prizes include the renowned “International Engine of the Year Award”, with the winner being determined by a

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specialized jury consisting of 82 car journalists from 34 countries. The 3-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology was declared winner of the coveted prize in its respective category for the fourth time now.

Studies” also honoured the BMW 3 Series GT and the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Concept with the “Good Design Award” The technological leadership of BMW ConnectedDrive in the area of assistance systems was verified by top rankings, both nationally and internationally.

The same jury twice awarded the BMW i3 the title “World Green Car of the Year”, also acknowledging its trendsetting design with the title “World Car Design of the Year”. The amalgamation of the “Chicago Athenaeum, Museum for Architecture and Design” and the “European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban

BMW received the “Euro NCAP Advanced Award” for the Pedestrian Warning feature with City Braking function, a driver assistant system that reduces the danger of collision with pedestrians in urban traffic. Moreover, the new BMW Laserlight technology was presented with the “Editorial Award for Technology 2014”, bestowed by the

AutoScout24 magazine within the framework of the Internet Auto Award, Europe’s biggest public Internet award for the automotive trade. Last but not least, the BMW i8 was voted “Top Gear Magazine’s Car of the Year” by the British cult journal “Top Gear”. In its appraisal, the magazine states that “the BMW i8 is a milestone in the annals of automotive history and a glorious statement for an exciting and positive future”. In Germany, readers of the trade magazine “auto, motor und sport” were among those who voted the BMW i3, the BMW 4 Series Coupe and the BMW 5 Series “Best Cars”.

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Thetalk Motors

Lexus Challenge Middle East Luxury Roadster

THETALK /February / 2015

The Los Angeles Auto Show hosted the world debut of the new Lexus LF-C2 concept, a 2+2 roadster design study that captures the key themes in a strong future style direction for Lexus. Introducing the LF-C2, Jeff Bracken, Lexus US Group Vice President and General Manager said: “This concept shows consumers around the world Lexus’s devotion to emotional designs and its passion for an exceptional driving experience.”

The concept is derived from a pure and simple sports coupe idea, with a highly styled 2+2 layout. Designed to give driver and passenger the best top-down driving experience, it has no roof or cabin covering of any kind. The exterior styling was influenced by the way surface shapes interact with different type of light. The designers created edges, planes and curves that allow LF-C2 to project a different character when

seen from different angles and in different lighting conditions. This approach, combined a layered paint process, results in a striking appearance and a progressive interpretation of an open-top luxury GT. The show car’s golden yellow finish has been created using a multi-layered paint process. A primer coat is followed by silver, a clear coat, then a yellow which reflects off the silver to create a brilliant lustre, followed by a top coat.

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HEALTH

Look after your heart on

Valentine’s Day too!

Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart and can probably make it beat for their love, but a proper diet and regular physical activity can be the key to a healthy heart that will be evident in your overall health cycle. This Valentine’s Day, indulge your sweetheart with a heart-healthy gift or date, but make sure to learn some important tips on how to carry a loving heart that is healthy too! Rather than tempting your partner with chocolates, consider a gift that has more permanence. Search for a poem that describes your feelings and write it on beautiful paper for a handmade Valentine. 92

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Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts. Bundle up and plan an active outing such as sledding, ice skating, gathering wood for a fire, or if you’re feeling adventurous, visit an indoor rock wall or go for a massage or yoga session If your children are having a Valentine’s Day party at their school or day care, instead of sending candies, consider mini-boxes of raisins, mini-bags of pretzels, pencils or stickers as tokens of their friendly affection. Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat. Take a date to a local cooking class to practice your

skills or learn a new technique. Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner at home using one of our heart-healthy recipes. If you go to a restaurant to celebrate, make sure to select the healthiest dishes on the menu. Go for grilled instead of fried, veggies on the side instead of fries and fresh juices instead of fizzy drinks. Give to one another by giving back. Ask a date to volunteer with you at a local charity. Giving back is a healthy habit that will boost your mood and beat stress.

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THETALK destination

Be in love with the place this year

Bruges

It is amazing how a place can mark the perfect memory for a couple in love. There

are places that make perfect destinations on certain occasions. For Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Bruges is the kind of city that everyone falls in love with. Majestic medieval buildings, cobbled-stone streets, lovely canals and charming cafes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they all blend beautifully to frame this Flemish postcard-perfect town in the northwest of Belgium.

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Bruges is ideal for many things, including culture, food and sightseeing, but most of all it is a smart choice for an exquisite romantic break.You can take a boat ride along its canals, explore its wonderful UNESCO-listed old center from an old-fashioned carriage or a hot air balloon, you can indulge your passion for chocolate in its refined chocolate shops, or you can simply wander its idyllic pedestrian streets. Whatever you do, you will most certainly fall under the spell of Bruges. Known as the ‘the Venice of the North’, this splendid medieval city is one of Belgium’s crown jewels. In no other European city the feel and the look of medieval times are as present as in this city close to the North Sea. Bruges is a town in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Relatively cosmopolitan and bourgeois given its compact size, it is one of the best preserved pre-motorized cities in Europe and offers the kind of charms rarely available elsewhere. Bruges is a postcard perfect stop on any tour of Europe. Today’s Bruges has a population of about 45,000 96

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people (the old center) or 120.000 people (center together with the suburbs). These numbers clearly show that Bruges is not a tiny miniature city, as it ranks, even today, amongst the important cities of Belgium. It is also the capital of the Belgian province of West-Flanders. A lot of people take day-trips from Brussels to Bruges, but there is so much to see here to fill only one day. The best way to visit Bruges is to spend at least one night in one of the many beautiful and cozy hotels. Later in the evening, Bruges returns back to its cozy and quiet ambiance. When one is lucky with the weather, a stroll through the tiny medieval streets can be an enchanting experience. Bruges is always beautiful, in the summertime as well as in the wintertime. Lucky visitors will never forget the city after they have seen it on a snowy December or January day. Bruges is unique, in the sense that the town’s authorities have done the utmost to preserve the medieval-looking image of the city. The 19th century neo-gothic style is more present than one should think. Because of these 19th century

renovations, some critics have put Bruges down as a ‘fake’ medieval city. Nevertheless, the combination of old, not so old and new fascinates everyone who first sets foot in Bruges. Culture The art connoisseur needs to spend a few weeks in Bruges, if not a month. Both the quantity and quality of museums are impossible to capture there, what follows are favorites and choice selections—by no means an exhaustion of what Bruges has to offer. The Groeninge Museum hosts a diverse collection of artworks, including ‘Flemish Primitive’ masterpieces as well as paintings completed by some of the most talented artists the world has ever known. Be sure to check out the Brusselmanses, Memlings, Jan and Jan van Eycks, and if you have time left over take a look at the Neo-classical, Realist, Symbolist, Modernist, and Flemish Expressionist offerings Groeninge possesses. St John’s Hospital and Memling museum, an

architectural jewel, contains numerous Memling panels and the internationally-renowned St. Ursula shrine. At the Basilica of the Holy-Blood is another museum that contains the Shine of the Precious Blood, the establishment’s focal point. Constructed in the 1600’s by John Crabbe, it contains about thirty kilograms of gold and silver and over a hundred precious stones. In addition, Holy Blood houses its own array of medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. Places to go Minnewater - Lake of Love Minnewaterpark is full of small canals. It is actually an artificial lake that helped flood control during medieval era, birds including some beautiful swans. Minnewater park means “The Lake of Love” in Dutch.You can definitely have beautiful photo shots in romantic corners before you start exploring the medieval old part of the town. Markt - Market Square This square has been the centre of Bruges life

for over 1000 years - buses, cyclists, horse drawn carriages rattle across the cobbles avoiding the many tourists. There has been a market here since 1958 and we came across the weekly Wednesday market on our visit to the town. The statue in the middle of the square honors two leaders of a Flemish revolt against the French provoked over a dispute over English wool. French militia clashed with Flemish militia on July 11, 1302 as a result of this near Kortrijk but the Flemings were the victors and the statue was raised in 1887 as commemoration of the battle. This is the square of shame - the only decent and honest eating place is Quick (a Belgian McDonalds) - the rest are dishonest café/ restaurant owners who are out to fleece tourists, Do NOT eat or drink at any establishment here (apart from Quick). Chocolate Museum If you are as obsessed with chocolate as I am, you will love this place. The museum – which is in one of the historic houses of Bruges – tells the story

of cocoa and chocolate over the centuries, and explains why Belgium has become renowned for its chocolate. The information is pretty extensive but always interesting. On the ground floor there is a display of chocolate sculptures which really show off the art of the chocolatier, and regular presentations showing how Belgian chocolates are made - hang around to the end as there are free samples! Town Hall and Crypt It’s a beautiful building that was built during 14th century. The façade is amazing (dates from 1376) and worth to stand there for some moments, check the statues too (counts of Flanders and biblical figures) but have in mind that those were added in 1960 replacing the damaged ones (from the French army a century before).You can go inside and check the interior too as it was open to the public. The town hall is still in use and many weddings are held there. While the reception is on the ground floor (with WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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a very friendly lady providing audio guides if you want) the impressive Gothic Hall is on the first floor.

admire the beautiful 17th century buildings that face the square; some of them are even older like a façade that goes back to 15th century.

Grote Markt Grote Markt (Market Square) is the main square in Bruges and its commercial heart since the Middle Ages as this was the place that the market was held.

Last but not least this is a starting point for horse drawn carriage that will take you through the city.

Although packed with hundreds of tourists you have to visit, this traffic free square as it is also a place that has numerous cafés and restaurants where you can have a break from a long walk across the town. Just in the middle of the square, you can see a large statue of Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breidel, both of them were guildsmen that led successfully the Flemish army against the French occupation in 1302 at the Battle of Golden Spurs where all the French soldiers died.You can also 98

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The English Theatre of Bruges The English Theatre of Bruges is located in the heart of Bruges in a very old cinema but with modern and comfortable facilities. The theatre is open all year round and provides English language theatrical productions of a wide variety - comedies, classics, musicals, cabaret, physical theatre, devised pieces, etc - with all tickets only 10 euros. It’s incredible value for money and will be a great night out during your visit to Bruges. All shows start at 8pm - leaving plenty of time for dinner and drinks before/after performances. The venue is just a two-minute walk from the Markt. It is open every night (except Mondays but including Bank Holiday Mondays).

Bruges Restaurants Bruges is popular among tourists as an attractive travel destination. Most come to take a boat ride on the canals, stroll around the old city, look at art and so forth. But Bruges also has a very well developed gastronomic culture that is guaranteed to delight any food lover. This selection compiles the top 10 cultural restaurants in Belgium’s most charming city. Cambrinus Cambrinus is not like any other eating-house. This cosy restaurant, which is only two steps away from the market place, offers more than 400 different beers. While enjoying a nice glass of beer, you can also try one of the many delicious and with great care prepared meals or snacks. All of this at a reasonable price. Perfect for an evening out with some friends! Arthies They are an “in-lounge” located in the centre of

Bruges. The restaurant’s slogan ‘The art of eating’ is translated in a fresh high-quality product served on an artistic way and brought to you in a no-rubbish atmosphere. In a nutshell: Great food in a special designed bistro for you to enjoy your evening. B-in The restaurant and lounge bar “B-in” is not only the perfect way of spending an unforgettable weekend. With their gastronomic chefs dining becomes an art in their restaurant. Their competence translates in both their snacks as their menu.

Fact Sheet Location: Belgium Languages: Dutch – German – French - English Currency: Euro Climate: Temperate – Very old during February Dial Code: +32 – Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 01:00 hour WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Kuwait Exclusives

Burgan Bank announces Winners of Al Thuraya Account Draw and Yawmi Account Quarterly Draw Winners’ announcement made during mega celebrations at the Avenues Mall

Burgan Bank announced Mr. EMAD ABDULRAZZAQ AHMAD ALFAHAD as the first winner of the Yawmi Quarterly draw and Mrs. SUBASHINI RUBIN THIYAGARAJAN as the Thuraya Account winner of Audi R8 during massive mega celebrations held at the Avenues – Grand Avenue on Thursday, 15 January 2015.

The event, which witnessed a large turnout of mall visitors, was hosted by the presenters of Marina FM radio, Ali Najem and Sazdel, who interacted with and entertained the audience. The event included the distribution of instant prizes and exciting international entertainment shows that engaged the audience. The event reached the peak of excitement

when the winners of the KD 125,000 and Audi R8 were announced. For customers wishing to win the KD 125,000 quarterly prize in Yawmi account, a minimum amount of KD 500 should be maintained for 2 months prior to draw date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will entitle customers to one chance of winning.

The launch of Q8 fashion Italy

featuring designers from kuwait and the gulf

Amongst festive events, Businessman Mr. Hamad Al Nasser launched the first branch of his Kuwaiti project Q8 Fashion Italy located near Plaza Mall in Hawali. People interested in Italian fashion and style attended the opening. The shop sells a variety of luxurious Italian clothes such as ACJ, Luci, Siste’s, 100

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More, Labluand Brums, etc. In addition, the shop supports and helps local freelance fashion designers in their small/medium projects by offering them space to display their designs with competitive prices.

The Marketing & Show Room Manager Mrs. Kifaya Nasser stated that Q ‪ 8 Fashion Italy has the potential to leave a mark in local and regional fashion industries, with a new vision from participating designers in Kuwait and the Gulf.

International

Longines Endurance Cup

HH Sheikh Hamdan wins the 2015 Endurance Cup Presented by Longines

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai & Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, won the 2015 HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines and hosted by the Dubai Equestrian Club at the Dubai International Endurance City. To further its long-term commitment with Meydan, Longines was once again the Presenting Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, which took place in Dubai on 10 January 2015. This impressive international event featured some of the top names from the world of

endurance riding competing over a distance of 160 km. The winner of the cup, HH Sheilkh Hamdan, received, along with the prestigious trophy, an elegant Longines watch, the Longines 24 Hours Single Push-Piece Chrono. This stainless steel chronograph watch piece of the Heritage Collection houses a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Its refined black dial displays hours in a 24 hours scale, minutes and small seconds at 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock and date. In addition, the total prize money for the winners of the Endurance Cup amounted to AED 9.6 million. Longines is a significant partner of endurance riding. Besides the renowned HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin

Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines since 2010, the Swiss watch brand is also the title partner of the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships, which will take place in 2016. The discipline shares Longinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; values of elegance, precision, reliability and a perfect mastery of technique. The passion of Longines for equestrian sports dates back to 1878, with the design of a chronograph featuring an engraved jockey and his mount. In 1912 the brand is partnering for the first time with an international show-jumping competition in Portugal. This passion continues today as, in addition to endurance riding, Longines is also committed in show jumping and horseracing. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Restaurant REVIEW

Triangle W

ith Valentine’s Day finally rolling around, there’s much more time to experience in the city’s best restaurants. Triangle has plans for you and your partner that includes not only good food but also an outdoor atmosphere that makes the perfect Valentine’s dinner even more perfect.

Located in the heart of Kuwait City, Triangle hosts a combination of Italian and American dishes in one menu, ranging between beverages, appetizers, main course and desserts. Our food tasting experience began with the Buffalo Shrimps that consists of large chunks of local shrimps, fried and tossed in hot buffalo sauce with a side dip of kitchen-made ranch sauce. Freshness is an important part of the restaurant which boasts kitchen-made sauces, triangleshaped burger ingredients and fresh pasta. The restaurant is famous for its triangle shaped mini burgers made with an extra dose of attention to ingredients and details, we tasted the amazing Heavy Mini Burger, made of beef burger, bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings and barbequeranch sauce, the Hongo Mini burger made of beef burger, Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms and caramelized onions. The fabulous Chick Burger was delicious – it contains a crispy cut of breaded chicken breast, cheddar cheese and the restaurant’s unique ranch sauce. 102

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Triangle’s Spaghetti with meatballs was delicious, the fresh stripes of flat Spaghetti were light enough to absorb the tomato sauce and give more room to the tastiness of the meatballs which are stuffed with at least three kinds of cheese rounded and cooked in tangy tomato sauce – this dish was a lip smacking one. On Valentine ’s Day, there is a confession to make about chocolate love – we all love Nutella! The chocolate and hazelnut spread has completely won our hearts, Triangle thought it was time to let Nutella know just how special we think it is. The Nutella Heaven was heavenly delicious. Triangle has a plan for couples for Valentine’s this year; the restaurant’s festive atmosphere will definitely include flowers and candles as part of the setting and perhaps a musical band if the weather allows. We love Triangle and we are sure that you will too! WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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BOOK REVIEW

The season’s best selling Books All the Bright Places Two troubled young people meet on the ledge of a bell tower and establish a relationship that changes them both. This scenario, as rendered by other authors, might play out in wooden, predictable ways, but in the hands of talented novelist Jennifer Niven (American Blonde;Velva Jean Learns to Fly), All The Bright Places unfolds as a gripping human drama about a boy and a girl pulling each other back from a brink. This absorbing fiction has become a viral favorite among pre-publication readers and is already slated to become a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!

Gateway to Freedom In the past, the works of historian Eric Foner (A Short History of Reconstruction; The Fiery Trial) have been hailed as “brilliant, important,” and “influential,” and have won him awards including a Pulitzer and a Bancroft Prize. With this narrative, he tackles perhaps his most elusive subject yet: the secret history of the New York Underground Railroad. Furtive by necessity, the abolitionist agents who aided fugitive slaves in their search for freedom operated in a city where even free blacks were prey to mercenary kidnappers intent on sending them south to become human chattel. Foner’s history brings us into the lives of real people experiencing hard struggles towards freedom. 104

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The Girl on the Train Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

Cold Cold Heart Dana Nolan was a promising young TV reporter until a notorious serial killer tried to add her to his list of victims. Nearly a year has passed since surviving her ordeal, but the physical, emotional, and psychological scars run deep. Struggling with the torment of post-traumatic stress syndrome, plagued by flashbacks and nightmares as dark as the heart of a killer, Dana returns to her hometown in an attempt to begin to put her life back together. But home doesn’t provide the comfort she expects.

Fifty Shades of Grey When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Leaving Before the Rains Come A child of the Rhodesian wars and daughter of two deeply complicated parents, Alexandra Fuller is no stranger to pain. But the disintegration of Fuller’s own marriage leaves her shattered. Looking to pick up the pieces of her life, she finally confronts the tough questions about her past, about the American man she married, and about the family she left behind in Africa. A breathtaking achievement, Leaving Before the Rains Come is a memoir of such grace and intelligence, filled with such wit and courage, that it could only have been written by Alexandra Fuller.

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Movies

movies showing this month

Jupiter Ascending Cast Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Mila Kunis,

Kingsman: The The SpongeBob Focus Project Secret Service Movie: Sponge Almanac Cast Out of Water Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Cast Samuel L. Jackson , Mark Hamill , Colin Firth

Cast Antonio Banderas , Clancy Brown , Thomas F. Wilson

Director Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski

Director Matthew Vaughn

Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Genre Action ,Adventure ,Comedy

Synopsis In the future, a young destitute human woman gets targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe, and begins her destiny to finish the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign.

Synopsis A veteran secret agent takes a young upstart under his Synopsis wing. SpongeBob goes on a quest to discover a stolen recipe that takes him to our dimension, our world, where he tangles with a pirate.

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Rodrigo Santoro.

Director Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Director Paul Tibbitt, Mike Mitchell

Genre Comedy , Crime , Drama

Genre Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Synopsis A veteran grifter takes a young, attractive woman under his wing, but things get complicated when they become romantically involved.

Cast Jonny Weston, Amy Landecker, Sofia BlackDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elia. Director Dean Israelite Genre Sci-Fi , Thriller Synopsis A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.

Horoscope Brought to you by

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)

Horoscopes

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will have to be especially careful to avoid starting a chain of events that may bring a negative outcome.Your lover will not be in her best mood right now, so you should not attempt to discuss any important questions with her.You should be patient and do not try to resolve problems in arguments. Use your charisma and diplomatic abilities, try to be as attentive as possible.You can overcome this complicated period with “minimal losses”, only if you will demonstrate your composure and will stoically stand against the blows of fate.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) Do not even hope for romance, even though it is evident that everything will happen during quite unusual circumstances. Be attentive and do not let Chiron stand in your way during the most special moment. Even if this treacherous celestial body chooses to display its mark right here, in the sphere of relationships, you will have enough energy to fight and win. The main thing is to believe in yourself and do not give up, no matter what. It is likely that you have lost a real opportunity more than once in the past, most likely because of your lack of decisiveness – you cannot let that happen now.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

There is a problem that has been worrying you for a long time now that will find its own resolution. It is likely that the resolution will be quite simple, but you were incapable of reaching it for a number of reasons, including stereotypical thinking. This will be a good lesson for you, one that will teach you to look at the world as it is and through a much wider lens than is dictated by the way you were raised or taught. Moreover, pay attention to your distant relatives. Some event will be connected with them that may change your plans in the future, while not radically, but sufficiently to introduce new variables.

You will finally be capable of reaching absolute harmony with your lover and will come to a set of conceptual resolutions that will fully satisfy you both.You understand this perfectly yourself, which is very important and will determine your further wellbeing. If you are alone, then be confident that you will certainly meet your second half in February. It is difficult to say how serious this relationship will get, however, it is evident that you will receive as much positivity as you can from its development.

ARIES (Mar. 21-April 20) February will be quite a positive time, despite the abundance of celestial bodies that will aim to turn the life of the leader of Fire to ashes. An insignificant level of support of the Sun combined with the positive emanations of the Moon, the planet-exalt of the Aries sign, will create a quality base for further development.Venus, however, which usually assumes the role of the planet responsible for the expulsion of this sign, in February will turn its face towards the Aries with a smile and will help them on the “love front”.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) In your relationships with your lover, you will have to learn something new, perhaps it will be a sudden or an original hobby on behalf of your second half. Just do not rush head first, even if all this is not something you like. Look at the situation, weigh the pros and cons. Maybe you are too biased and are commanded by a stereotypical mindset? Think about this and then make the final decisions after. Just be careful, as you are not all-powerful and something may not go according to plan.

LIBRA

(Sept. 24-Oct. 23) Even if you do not consider someone’s problem really worthwhile, this does not at all give you the right to make decisions for other people or to be biased towards them. You will be happy right now, but you should not give into the euphoria and dive head first into your happiness, losing touch with reality in the process. The result of such actions may be the loss of something small, but very important. Try to be as tender as possible in your relationship with your close ones.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) You will finally be capable of reaching absolute harmony with your lover and will come to a set of conceptual resolutions that will fully satisfy you both.You understand this perfectly yourself, which is very important and will determine your further wellbeing. If you are alone, then be confident that you will certainly meet your second half in February. It is difficult to say how serious this relationship will get, however, it is evident that you will receive as much positivity as you can from its development.

TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 21) The personal front will get personal and in February, it may surprise you with a sudden turn of events.You do not have to be afraid of the possibility of a life-defining choice suddenly arising before you. It may define your life, in part, but the thing is that not a single option will be fully negative.You will just have to choose what feels more right to your heart, a choice that will reflect your nature the most. Do not be afraid of a sudden separation, maybe it is for the best.

CANCER

(June 22-July 22) Your relationship with your lover will be as harmonious as possible and in any situation you will come to a resolution that will satisfy the both of you.You will not face conflict with close ones either, any your initiative will be interpreted in the precise way that you want. Pay special attention to those around you, to your close friends. It is likely that this month all of you will have to overcome some small challenge, the results of which will define your future together.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) In your relationship with your lover, you need to be more careful with what you wish for, or precisely how you implement what you desire. There is nothing worse than to offer a person something that they want to deny, but due to some certain circumstances must be forced to accept. Think about that, just put yourself into another person’s shoes. If you are alright and do not feel any repulsion, then you are doing right by your conscience and nothing is your fault.Yet you should be careful, do not take what you wish for as what it is.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) February will be quite a bright time for the Pisces. This is mostly concerning the interactions with friends, rather than with your lover or relatives. Towards the dawn of the second ten-day period, you will most likely face an important choice. One of your close friends will suddenly discover deeper feelings, which will turn out to be reciprocated. If you are not alone, then you may face some dilemma and you will have to solve it – here and now. There is no point in prolonging it and you know it. So be attentive and careful, think over everything and do not act hastily.

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I MPER I ALE

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