Issue 28/49 - March 2013 by TheTalk PH7

Issue 28/49 - March 2013

CELEBRATING WOMEN, MOTHERS AND OTHER HEROES

Big Bang Ferrari. UNICO column wheel chronograph movement, 72-hour power reserve. Entirely manufactured by Hublot. Titanium case and sapphire dial. Interchangeable black rubber straps with either black leather and black stitching or alcantara with red and black stitching. Limited edition of 1000.

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THETALK / March / 2013

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dear Trendsetters, Truly there is no love like a mother’s love. On February 14th, while I was celebrating the end of a project that I had been working so hard on for months, unknown to me my mother was admitted to the hospital for a cardiac. How did that happen? Simple. My mother chose not to tell me about her operation as she did not want to spoil my fun! How can you ever repay such unconditional love? What gift in the world can you buy to equal the gift of true love? If you are blessed to have a mother, Shower her with all that you can this season, and every season. Till next issue, Zeina Mokaddam

ZAINEB AL-MOSAWI

SIMON BALSOM

ALI SULTAN

NOUF AL-HAJRI

Women are incredible creatures. We are capable of loving and caring beyond words. when one strengthens her will and channels her ambition there is nothing she cannot accomplish. I am so happy to dedicate this issue to the magnificent women, mothers and their appreciators; the ones I hold close to my heart, our readers and especially my idol; Zeina Mokaddam, a true inspiration!

A woman is the beginning of everything. She is manifested in our genes, as we all carry at least on x chromosome in our gene pool. This issue is celebrating the gender that is a fighters, a counselors, a supporter, a teacher, a mother, a sister, and much more. Like a matryoshka doll you see on the cover, a woman has many layers and is never just a woman.

THETALK / March / 2013

It was the American author Harriet Beecher Stowe who, in the midnineteenth century, wrote that “women are the real architects of society”. A century later Lebanese philosopher Charles Malik declared that “the fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world”. Let us all be reminded on this International Women’s Day of the benefits to us all in empowering the women in our own lives.

When two fall in love they rise and become one. She and I on the other hand started off as one until the day came and we separated. That was the time our true love story began. Not only does she love and give unconditionally, she prays everyday asking God I’d go to heaven before she asks the same for herself. She is my love, my passion, my inspiration and my truest friend. Here’s to you mother.

CONTENTS

Contents

Local Features 18. Bodacious Bohemiah 52. Silence is Golden 84. Kuwait Exclusives

March 2013

Style Features 14. Empowering Women For Centuries 22. Street Styles 28. Ethereal Beauty 32. Her Closet 38. Her Style Icon 40. Her Season’s Trend 42. His Closet 48. His Style Icon 50. His Season’s Trend 109. Who Wore It Best

Brand Previews 56. Fashion Brand Previews 72. Watch Brand Previews 74. Car Previews

News

90. Celebrity News 92. Interesting News 94. Sports News

Beauty & Grooming 96. Yin & Yang

48 38

Health

98. Breast Cancer Awareness

Travel

100. Mother Nature at Her Best

Reviews

THETALK / March / 2013

104. 106. 107. 108.

Movie Reviews Restaurant Review Book Reviews Gadgets

Published by :

CONTENTS Tel: (965) 2572 0810 Fax: (965) 2572 0860 email: thetalk@ph7-kw.com www.ph7-kw.com Editor-in-Chief NOUF AL -HAJRI Publisher ZEINA MOKADDAM

Audited Since 2011 by

Circulation: 10,000 Copies Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies Managing Editor SIMON BALSOM Acting Managing Editor ALI SULTAN Senior Editor ZAINEB AL-MOSAWI Director Sales & Marketing ASSAAD NEMER Senior Marketing Executive HIND NASSAR

Marketing Executive SARA MASOUH

Creative Director LARA HOMSI

100

Cover Designer ALI SULTAN Graphic Designer CHADI MOUFIED Head of Photography KHALED AL- SALEH Creative Photographer ANDRE SHIRAZI Photographer KHALED SANDID Production Manager RAGHEED AL ANI

Legal Consultant KHALED AL-KANDARI Press Agencies - Afp Interview - Viva Press (Uk) Images - Gallo-Getty Distribution Company: International Media Group Printed In Four Films

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.

THETALK / March / 2013

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MAIN FEATURE

Empowering Women for Centuries Pierre Balmain

THETALK / March / 2013

With a completely different vision on

fashion, Pierre Balmain resurrected couture after the end of the World War Two. He initially studied to be an architect, yet the beauty of couture, Balmain often argued, was when it was brought to life on the human form. He believed “dressmaking is the architecture of movement.” His mission, as he saw it, was to beautify the world like an architect, and the relationship between architecture and couture was emphasized throughout Balmain’s career. He also believed “nothing is more important in a dress than its construction.” Pierre Balmain was born in St Jean de Maurienne, Savoie, in 1914. He revived French haute couture, which had been virtually shut down during the war. In the autumn of 1945, having studied under the greatest couturiers of the time, Molyneux and Lucien Lelong, he opened his own Couture house and set up business in the Rue François 1er. His female clientele flocked to see him and were delighted to discover the new image of woman that he had created. He toured the world giving lectures on the virtues of French fashion. He promoted the notion that French couture defined the ideal of elegance and refinement.

As a result of Balmain’s tours, he recognized the potential of the American market and opened a boutique in New York, offering his distinctly French fashions. The American author Gertrude Stein, a great friend of Pierre Balmain, enthusiastically greeted the arrival of the “New French Style” in her writings. The image soon to emerge was that of an active, vivacious, immaculate and elegant woman with a hint of insouciance; it was the birth of the “Jolie Madame”, who symbolized the 1950s to perfection. The couturier clothed numerous stars from within and outside France, including Brigitte Bardot, Marlène Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn, to name very few. Balmain was one of the few French couturiers of his generation to also design for the theatre, ballet, and cinema, as well as for royalty. He was commissioned by Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 1960 to design her wardrobe for her official visit to the United States. His main clientele were queens, princesses and starlets. The basic Balmain silhouette for day was slim, with evening being full-skirted. He was credited with the popularization of the shawl

as an accessory for both day and evening. Balmain also used fur as trim throughout his collections. He was also remembered for his exquisite use of embroidered fabrics for evening. In 1945 he opened his own fashion house, showing long bell-shaped skirts

MAIN FEATURE

strapless top. His talent as a designer lay in his ability to make simple, tailored suits as well as grand evening gowns, in the same slender, supple and elegant lines. The 1970s gave birth to the Ready-to-wear phenomenon, which secured a solid foothold in the market and which is currently producing some particularly satisfactory results with over 200 licenses.

with small waists - a line which later became popular as Dior’s New Look. In 1947 he launched a perfume and gave it his telephone number Elysees 64-83. The first ready-to-wear clothes by Balmain were availble in the USA, where he opened his first overseas boutique in 1951. His success in the USA has been attributed to the fact that he was able to translate French fashion into clothes for the American woman’s generally larger frame, without compromising style. Balmain designed many sportswear collections for this ready-to-wear market. During the 50’s, the “bouffant” skirt remained high fashion for evening wear, accompanied by the boned

THETALK / March / 2013

Balmain was noted as a designer for the international set. In addition to his couture work, Pierre Balmain’s designs were greatly in demand in Hollywood. Between 1951 and 1972, he designed costumes for 16 films, starring such stars as Vivien Leigh and Mae West. His elegance was also in demand for the off-screen clothes of Hollywood stars. He also designed for French films, including the famous film “God Created Woman” which introduced Brigitte Bardot to the world. Several designers worked under Pierre Balmain, who have gone on to become famous in their own names, including Gerard Pipart from 1948, Jean-Baptiste Caumont briefly, John Cavanagh from 1947 to 1951 and Karl Lagerfeld from 1955 to 1958. In 1964 Pierre Balmain wrote his autobiography, entitled “My Years and Seasons”. Today, his brand is still at the top of the fashion world and still strengthens the women that wear it. From the days after the war when women were shrugging off the images of the events that had happened, till now, the brand Balmain began continues on.

New Street: 22453927 :‫ • ال�شارع اجلديد‬Al-Bustan: 25713901 :‫ • الب�شتان‬Salmiya Souq: 25718224 :‫ • �شوق ال�شاملية‬Avenues: 22597727, 22597728 :‫اأڤنيوز‬ Behbehani Complex: 22406795, 22453863 :‫ • جممع بهبهاين‬Sharq Market: 22433770, 22433500 :‫ • �شوق �رشق‬Marina Mall: 22244839, 22244882 :‫مارينا مول‬ Al-Kout/Fahaheel: 23930338, 23930339 :‫ الفحيحيل‬/‫ • جممع الكوت‬Laila Gallery: 25719780/1 :‫ليـلى جاليــري‬

LOCAL DESIGN

Bodacious Bohemiah Yalda Golsharifi & Fajer Al-Awadhi

THETALK / March / 2013

he Los Angeles based brand Bohemiah has finally launched in Kuwait. We got a chance to find out more about the unique brand with the beautiful founders, Yalda Golsharifi and Fajer Al-Awadhi. Both mother’s to adorable little girls they tell us more about the brand, their incredible fashion sense and how they balance it all at such a young age. Yalda, originally Persian is a mother to Leila (Lilly) and Fajer, a Kuwaiti native is mother to little Talia (Tooli). Their Grandmothers were friends, so were their mothers and so are their daughters. Four generations of friendship. Bless! Lilly joined us at our office for the interview, we sat her down with some pens and a paper and we began…

up or down, whichever way you like knowing that it’ll be chic either way. Mixing the style of bohemian with a modern edge. How does it feel like to be mothers at such a young age? Fajer: It feels amazing, but time flies so fast with them, they grow up and you just want to hold on to every minute with them. I was just telling Yalda today the same thing about Lilly, from day one till now it’s crazy how fast she has grown up. It’s beautiful; overwhelming sometimes but in a great way.

try before I reject it, so I’ll go all the way in trying a look and if I’m not feeling it… on to the next but the look I tend to always fall back on is hippy-chic. Fajer: My style is very classic-chic. I like to try different ones now and then but more in a subtle way, I can never steer too far from the classic look. But my main priority is comfort! In the clothes, the way I mix and match them and how I feel wearing them. That to me is the most important. *Bohemiah seems to be a perfect combination between both of their styles.

How do you manage to fit in work while raising your daughters?

Do you pay attention to the trends that are out there?

Fajer: It is usually when Tooli is sleeping that all the brainstorming happens and phone calls to each other, planning and the creative processes come in at that time. Our husbands are use to it now, when the kids are asleep; it is down to business!

Yalda: Not really, unless it’s something I’ve liked anyway, or thought of trying before but that’s it, not into trends that much. Fajer: A lot of times the trends that are happening are already in our closets. We would wear them if we feel like it but not because it is a trend. *She turns and points at Yalda… Fajer: You are really good at forecasting trends! A lot of the time she will think of things and months later it is the new ‘IT’ thing. It happens to me sometimes but with Yalda it’s like all the time. Yalda: That happens right before I sleep though;

How did you start your line Bohemiah? Yalda: I have always been very experimentative with fashion, always loved it. I had a Boutique in LA but when I would order clothes for the store I would always think “if only it was like this, or like that” so I knew I would start a line sometime down the road. Fajer and I would always brainstorm together so we knew we would be doing something together. Fajer: Yeah, every time we’ve sat together we can’t help but discuss ideas and plans, I’m quite business minded and Yalda is very into fashion. It was inevitable that we start a line together, we just weren’t sure when and how. Yalda: We made a few pieces for ourselves and the feedback was so encouraging that in our spare time we started to make some pieces until we had enough to actually have a line. Fajer: From one idea to another, one step to another, everything came together very well. What made you decide to launch Bohemiah in Kuwait? Fajer: We live here, we are based here but it felt right to start in Los Angeles as a start-up. For now, in Kuwait, the brand is launched eventbased. We will be doing an event each month for our collection. We don’t want to rush with opening our boutique and we wanted to wait before launching officially but with the demand we had to start now. Who are your customers? Yalda: Our line is for the everyday modern woman. All are pieces; you can dress them

*At this point Lilly comes back with two drawings on separate papers and a lot more colouring pens than she was given. We’re not sure how she managed that! Lilly: This is for Tooliii! *Presenting a drawing. Cute! What do you think you have learnt from being a mother? Yalda: Honestly, I didn’t think I can handle being a mom, I was never that interactive with kids. It’s funny that the Vet for my Pomeranian, Vanilla, told me that having a dog is practice for having a baby and I laughed thinking what a weird comparison but it’s actually true! The responsibility, nurturing and fear over Vanilla actually prepared me for Leila. Of course on a completely different scale! Fajer: I have to add you definitely learnt to be patient. Yalda: Yes! Definitely, I am A Lot more patient. Fajer: I learnt a lot from Yalda having Lilly first and when I would doubt myself, she would always be there to reassure me as well. When you get reassured from someone who did it all herself and would research everything completely, you know you’re on the right track. Tell us more about your personal styles! Yalda: I definitely like to give every look a real

LOCAL DESIGN

it’s usually the things that pop-up in my head in bed that end up becoming a ‘thing’. Fashion is what you think of before you sleep? Yalda: *she giggles* yes, I can’t help it. *Lilly comes to point out her nail polish and how it is the same as her mother’s. Yalda: Just like mommy? Lilly: Yesss *She giggles (just as cute and sweetly as her mum) and runs off! That led to us going completely off topic and focusing on our rumbling tummies! We start talking about food and it was so reassuring to know that these girls love to eat! Real food too!

that have helped you to start Bohemiah? Yalda: Living in L.A for so long definitely helped me in many ways. My boutique there was a huge learning experience and being a director has been very useful for our photo shoots. Fajer: You’re a personal stylist as well! And you have modeled a lot. Yalda: Yeah, those things are just fun though. Fajer is amazing at event planning! Her wedding was the best in Kuwait ever! Everything she organizes turns out amazing! Fajer: I’m good at organizational things for sure. So when it comes to the technical parts in the process of our brand I excel. What are your plans for Bohemiah in the future?

Yalda: In L.A the ghetto Thai places are the best! Fajer: It is always either the really clean food or really dirty that hits the spot! After we have had some chocolate and green tea, we continue… What have been some of your past experiences

THETALK / March / 2013

Fajer: We have already invested so much time and energy that it is now a permanent staple in our lives. So we will be taking it all the way. We have started with events but eventually we will open a store, go online in this region and definitely expand a lot more in this part of the world as we are in the states and we will see from there.

Yalda: The ideas we have are really neverending. So with our patience and ambition we are enjoying every step and plan to do it all when the time is right. We can never settle for anything but the best! From the fabrics, tailoring, photo-shoots, models, locations and pretty much every detail, we won’t do anything unless it is perfect and feels right for us. The mothers and their daughters were so lovely! All are full of love, life and so much joy! We attended Bohemiah’s first event. Honestly, although we were extremely excited about our purchases we couldn’t help but wonder if we picked the best ones as we walked out. When wanting to put the pieces in our closets we knew they were special, in comparison to our street pieces, designer labels, whatever they were; the Bohemiah peplum belts, tops and headbands are in a league of their own. However, after wearing each piece alone in different ways, styles and outfits we are now sure that we were wrong when we walked away, we should have bought them all!

STREET STYLES

Bright Like a Diamond Actress Bella Thorne arrives at the premiere of Universal Pictures And Gold Circle Films’ ‘Pitch Perfect’ at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, California.

A model is seen as she walks the runway during the Lanvin Ready to Wear Spring Summer show during Paris Fashion Week at Jardin des Tuileries in Paris,

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow arrives at the Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, California.

Actress Amy Adams arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party hosted by Graydon Carter held at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood, California.

Actress Bella Thorne arrives at the premiere of DreamWorks Pictures’ ‘I Am Number Four’ at Village Theatre in Westwood, California.

Actress Blake Lively arrives at the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Green Lantern’ held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Actress Jane Fonda attends the ‘Madagascar 3 Europe’s Most Wanted’ Premiere during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

Actress Kirsten Dunst attends the ‘On The Road’ Premiere during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

THETALK / March / 2013

Actress Maria Menounos arrives at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles, California.

Actress Emily VanCamp arrives at the Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

Actress January Jones arrives at the Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

Actress Kate Bosworth arrives at ‘The Artist’s Museum Happening’ MOCA Los Angeles Gala held at MOCA Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Actress Milla Jovovich arrives at the Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California.

23 Actress Reese Witherspoon attends the ‘Mud’ Premiere during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

Actress Sofia Vergara arrives at the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘New Year’s Eve’ at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Actress Zana Marjanovic arrives at the ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ premiere held at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, California. Claire Forlani attends the annual garden party to commemorate the fundraising work of Raisa Gorbachev at Stud House, Hampton Court in London, England.

Sharlely Becker arrives for the de Grisogono dinner during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at the Eden Roc hotel in Antibes, France.

Gulnara Karimova attends the Diamonds Are Girls Best Friend event during the Annual Cannes Film Festival held at Nikki Beach in Cannes, France.

Mischa Barton attends amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at Hotel Du Cap in Antibes, France.

Model Naomi Campbell attends Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour show by Cirque du Soleil at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Natalia Vodianova arrives at the Love Ball at The Roundhouse in London, England.

Model Claudia Schiffer attends the ‘This Must Be The Place’ premiere during the Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

Actress Sharon Stone presents Damiani ‘Maji’ jewelry collection in Milan, Italy.

Svetlana Metkina attends the Diamonds Are Girls Best Friend event during the Annual Cannes Film Festival held Li Bingbing attends ‘The Tree Of Life’ premiere during the Annual Cannes Film at Nikki Beach in Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, Cannes, France. France.

STREET STYLES

Pearls of Wisdom A model walks the runway during the Chanel Spring Summer 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Grand Palais in Paris, France.

A model showcases designs by Chalk A model is seen during the Parco Next Next show during as she walks the A model stands on a runway at the Perry Audi Fashion Festival Singapore at Tent@ runway during Ellis Show during Olympus Fashion Week in Orchard on May 14, 2011 in Singapore. the Valentino the Theater at Bryant Park in New York City. SpringSummer Haute-Couture Actress Gaia Show as part of Bermani Amaral Paris Fashion Week attends the party of at Hotel Salomon the movie ‘Valentino de Rothschild in The Last Emperor’ Paris, France. held at Guggenheim Museum during the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.

Actress Jena Malone arrives at the premiere of ‘Sucker Punch’ at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Actress Joan Allen arrives at the Annual Critics’ Choice Awards held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California. Actress Jessica Chastain arrives at the Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

Actress Berenice Bejo arrives at the Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood,

Actress Ksenia Solo arrives at the ‘Black Swan’ closing night gala during AFI FEST presented by Audi held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Actress Sarah Drew arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Unknown’ at the Mann Village Theater in Westwood, California.

Actress Laura Haddock at the world film premiere of The Inbetweeners Movie at Vue West End in London, England.

THETALK / March / 2013

25 A model walks the runway during the Chanel Spring Summer 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Grand Palais in Paris, France.

Actress Zooey Deschanel arrives at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

Alicia Keys attends the Chanel Show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Grand Palais in Paris, France.

Lady Gaga attends the amfAR New York Gala cosponsored by M.A.C. Cosmetics to Kick Off Fall Fashion Week at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, New York.

Natalie Portman arrives at ‘No Strings Attached’ premiere at Regency Village Theater in Westwood, California.

Patricia Arquette attends the Creative Coalition’s Salute to Blue Star Families at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC.

Demi Lovato arrives at ‘The Autumn Party’ presented by ARCADE Boutique at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, California.

Model Natalia Vodianova attends ‘A Russian Fairy Tale’ Jewelry Launch Cocktail at Guerlain Boutique in Paris, France.

Peaches Geldof at the World Premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows at Trafalgar Square in London, England. Actress Bitsie Tulloch attends the Tribeca Film Festival and American Express LA reception held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

A closeup view of accessories is shown during the Olympus Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York City.

atmosphere at the H&M Harlem store grand reopening party in New York City.

Victoria Beckham attends ‘The Model as Muse Embodying Fashion’ Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

FASHION FEATURE

Ethereal Beauty Floral Decadance This season, every show has been an absolute gem. The presentations and exquisite tailoring made each runway a masterpiece. For Spring/ Summer 2013 we saw an underlying theme that has spread across the world of fashion and that is an ethereal beauty; a pureness within the depths of colours and fabrics. Elegant designs combined with graceful movements and strong artistic expression is a remembrance for us all of what we are capable of. Whether you create it, experience it or just appreciate it, we all have within us an everlasting energy and that is connected to all that is around us. Taking inspiration from that among us, we saw an indulgence with nature. Beginning with the rooted life; flowers, plants or at least plenty of references to them, in various forms, graced the catwalks. The love of this spirit resonated in most of the shows, as they always have in this season, however, this time, it was heavenly.

THETALK / March / 2013

FASHION FEATURE

Ethereal Beauty Gilded Butterfly An adorning of materials took garments above and beyond. The celebration of the ornate gave the premise of fantasy; lifting fashion to an extravagance of expression. With the intricate attire placed on the models, the styling of the hair, makeup, and most importantly, the cast expressions gave a perfect coalesce of a dominating energy. Although the energy seemed to be heavy and gravitational, there was an underlying of freedom. Breaking the mold of what is ordinary and the barrier between the mind and what is tangible, by materializing ideas through every tool and aspect of a runway show.

THETALK / March / 2013

FASHION FEATURE

Ethereal Beauty Tranquil Waters Nature prevailed in its most still of forms. The simple and serene levels of colour and presentation shifted the designs to a completely new level of modern. Taking the necessary basics and making them futuristic and giving way for us to tap into our own imagination as we look on at the composed palettes. As the Arcadian-like models took their steps, we became assured of the impact that fashion will continue to have. Whether subtle or tumultuous, we can be taken to different emotions, and the extremes of them, with this industry that magnifies the caliber in all that it seeks.

THETALK / March / 2013

HER CLOSET

lolita 1

3 6

7 9

10 13 12

8 1.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 2.Roberto Cavalli at Al-Ostoura 3.Paule Ka at Al-Ostoura 4.P.A.R.O.S.H at Al-Ostoura 5.H&M at Grand Avenue 6.Warehouse at Debenhams, The Avenues 7.Ted Baker at Al Hamra 8.Paule Ka at Al-Ostoura 9.See By Chloe at Al-Ostoura 10.New Look at The Avenues 11.Marc By Marc Jacobs at Al-Ostoura 12.Roberto Cavalli at Al-Ostoura 13.H&M at Grand Avenue 14.Melissa at Al-Ostoura 15.Emilio Pucci at Al-Ostoura 16.H&M at Grand Avenue 17.Oasis at The Avenues 18.Si Lolita at Al-Ostoura 19.Oasis at The Avenues 20.H&M at Grand Avenue 21.Warehouse at Debenhams, The Avenues 22.New Look at The Avenues 23.Love Moschino at Al-Ostoura 24.Casadei at Al-Ostoura 25.Chloe at Al-Ostoura

THETALK / March / 2013

HER CLOSET

the scarlet letter 2 1

13 11 1.Ted Baker at Al Hamra 2.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 3.New Look at The Avenues 4.H&M at Grand Avenue 5.Etro at Al-Ostoura 6.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 7.New Look at The Avenues 8.New Look at The Avenues 9.Etro at Al-Ostoura 10.McQ at AlOstoura 11.Jil Sander at Al-Ostoura 12.Marc by Marc Jacobs at Al-Ostoura 13.Gucci Guilty at Al-Ostoura 14.Stella McCartney at Al-Ostoura 15.New Look at The Avenues 16.New Look at The Avenues 17.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 18.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 19.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 20.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 21.H&M at Grand Avenue 22.Warehouse at Debenhams, The Avenues 23.Le Silla at Al-Ostoura 24.Casadei at Al-Ostoura 25.Vince Camuto at Al-Ostoura

THETALK / March / 2013

16 18

21 22

HER CLOSET

the secret garden 2 1

3 5

8 9

13 10

1.H&M at Grand Avenue 2.H&M at Grand Avenue 3.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 4.Louis Vuitton at Louis Vuitton, Salhiya 5.H&M at Grand Avenue 6.Roberto Cavalli at Al-Ostoura 7.Marc by Marc Jacobs at Al-Ostoura 8.H&M at Grand Avenue 9.Chloe at Al-Ostoura 10.MAWI at Harvey Nichols Kuwait 11.Emilio Pucci at Al-Ostoura 12.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues 13.Marc by Marc Jacobs at Al-Ostoura 14.Kristel Saint Martin at Al-Ostoura 15.H&M at Grand Avenue 16.Louis Vuitton at Louis Vuitton, Salhiya 17.H&M at Grand Avenue 18.Warehouse at Debenhams, The Avenues 19.H&M at Grand Avenue 20.Love Moschino at Al-Ostoura 21.MSGM at Al-Ostoura 22.H&M at Grand Avenue 23.Etro at Al-Ostoura 24.Coast at The Mall, The Avenues

THETALK / March / 2013

16 18

HER STYLE ICON

Motherly Love Bianca Balti

Bianca Balti is an Italian Supermodel. Absolute perfection, it is unbelievable that she never even intended to become an international model. She was a full-time web-design student when she first decided to strut her stuff on the catwalk in order to finance her spring break. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For one month, I wanted some work to pay for my holidays,â&#x20AC;? she says. Luckily for us and the fashion world, her one month experience in selling beauty products at the super-market turned into a thriving career in the modeling industry. It began in 2004 and still, at the age of twenty-nine she is in high demand and on-top of her great success she is first and foremost a single mother to the five year old angel, Matilde.

THETALK / March / 2013

Born in Lodi, Italy to an Italian father and

Azerbaijani mother, she thanks her parents for her humble upbringing, the same in which she uses to raise her daughter. A very hands-on mum, Bianca only recently hired a nanny to take her daughter to preschool so that she sleeps in on her days off. When asked if she has any hopes for her daughter Balti said “I have so many, too many but I don’t want to say! Then she will want to do the opposite” A self proclaimed jeans addict; Bianca wears jeans and t-shirts during the summer and jeans and sweaters during winter. It is only on occasions will the Italian beauty change up her outfit. Her fashion rule? Quality! She buys clothing with quality fabrics that last. Otherwise, she describes her style as boring, we completely disagree. Bianca Balti knows what suits her and when you wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and at your best, there really is nothing better. In her very limited free time, Bianca Balti likes to make her own clothing. Something she wouldn’t talk about much until she wore one of her own dresses to a Marc Jacobs show where he praised her design that she became quite proud of her clothe making skills. And with her incredibly full-plate she still has time to give a lot back; always giving to charity, hosting events for foundations and a committed advocate against violence on women. Besides her incredible fashion sense and many role-model attributes, we have to wonder how she stays so flawless and radiant. Her number one rule is to take her makeup off as soon as she is done for the day. ‘It’s been the best thing I’ve learnt since becoming a model, I never used to do it! You really notice a big difference in your skin!’ For her foundation ‘I love YSL Radiant Touch Foundation because of the amazing, easy to apply brush!’ and for those seductive pouty lips she shares the same not-so-secret lip plumping product as all models do, ‘I swear by Burts Bees lip balm and it’s super cheap!’ as for the lipstick she never leaves home without; ‘Chanel Lip Lacquer in Dragon – very flattering for my skin tone’ and lastly for her healthily shiny hair ‘I always buy John Frieda Brilliant Brunette shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair looking glossy.’ However, her favourite beauty secret of all is her daughter “she keeps me young, active and happy!”

HER SEASONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TREND

Cordially Corseted It began in the 19th century and the corset is still an absolute favourite. No matter what the season, a chance to have a seemingly smaller waist is always on a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish list. With one easy to wear piece of clothing and the hourglass look is achieved. Celebs show their interpretations of this trend. Although, some have taken it to the extreme as to wear training corsets to permanently alter their figure, tattoo a corset straight onto their body or even pierce one on. Yikes!

THETALK / March / 2013

HIS CLOSET

the Raven

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10 9 11

12 1.ACNE at mrporter.com 2.Luis Morais at mrporter.com 3.A.P.C. at mrporter.com 4.Givenchy at mrporter.com 5.Balmain at mrporter.com 6.Givenchy at mrporter.com 7.Ann Demeulemeester at mrporter.com 8.Raf Simons at mrporter.com 9.Maison Martin Margiela at mrporter.com 10.J.Crew at mrporter.com 11.Thom Browne at mrporter.com 12.Saint Laurent at mrporter.com 13.Abbeyhorn at mrporter.com 14.Lanvin at mrporter. com 15.Alexander McQueen at mrporter.com 16.A.P.C. at mrporter.com 17.Neil Barrett at mrporter.com 18.NN.07 at mrporter.com 19.ACNE at mrporter.com 20.Oliver Spencer at mrporter.com 21.Belstaff at mrporter.com 22.John Lobb at mrporter.com 23.Stubbs & Wootton at mrporter.com

THETALK / March / 2013

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18 17

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HIS CLOSET

the brothers grimm

3 2

6 7

9 8 11

14 15

1.Dolce & Gabbana at mrporter.com 2.Garrett Leight at mrporter.com 3.Dolce & Gabbana at mrporter.com 4.Burberry Prorsum at mrporter.com 5.Smythson at mrporter.com 6.Belstaff at mrporter.com 7.Balmain at mrporter.com 8.Balmain at mrporter.com 9.Givenchy at mrporter. com 10.Neil Barrett at mrporter.com 11.Jean Shop at mrporter.com 12.Mulberry at mrporter.com 13.Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories at mrporter.com 14.Visionaire at mrporter.com 15.Valextra at mrporter.com 16.Ann Demeulemeester at mrporter.com 17.Want Les Essentiels De La Vie at mrporter.com 18.PS By Paul Smith at mrporter.com 19.Todd Snyder at mrporter.com 20.PS By Paul Smith at mrporter.com 21.Givenchy at mrporter.com 22.ACNE at mrporter.com 23.Missoni at mrporter.com 24.J.Crew at mrporter.com 25.Balenciaga at mrporter.com 26.Maison Martin Margiela at mrporter.com

THETALK / March / 2013

17 16

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HIS CLOSET

the importance of Being earnest 3 1 2

1.Oliver Spencer at mrporter.com 2.Missoni at mrporter.com 3.Raf Simons at mrporter. com 4.Alexander McQueen at mrporter.com 5.Marni at mrporter.com 6.Canali at mrporter. com 7.Thom Browne at mrporter.com 8.Spencer Hart at mrporter.com 9.Thom Browne at mrporter.com 10.Alexander McQueen at mrporter.com 11.Visionaire at mrporter.com 12.Sunspel at mrporter.com 13.Gucci at mrporter.com 14.Selima Optique at mrporter.com 15.Missoni at mrporter.com 16.Marni at mrporter.com 17.Margaret Howell at mrporter.com 18.Derek Rose at mrporter.com 19.Pierre Hardy at mrporter.com

THETALK / March / 2013

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HIS STYLE ICON

Scintillatingly Stardust David Bowie

We can write a series of books about this incredible icon. There is just so much to say about the Brit. Where do we start? His permanently dilated pupil in one eye? His seriously wide range of vocals? His never-ending changing style? How every album he makes has a completely different theme? Or how he has managed to have a very successful twenty-one year (and counting) marriage to the Perfect Somali-American supermodel and an icon in her own right - Iman? His comment on the marriage, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You would think that a rock star being married to a super-model would be one of the greatest things in the world. It is.â&#x20AC;?

THETALK / March / 2013

An icon for over four decades David Bowie

is accomplished in Music, Fashion and in the Hollywood industry. He can play basically every instrument; he has acted in more than thirty roles and as himself in more than a hundred and thirty television and movie appearances, including the judge between Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller’s fashion walk-off in the movie Zoolander. He influenced fashion with every image he portrayed; beginning in 1972 with his androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust. “I re-invented my image so many times that I’m in denial that I was originally an overweight Korean woman.” From mullets to lightning bolts across his face; top magazines such as Vogue have had numerous editorials inspired by Bowie. Kate Moss channeled him in the British Vogue 2003 issue and repeated it again on the cover of Vogue Paris’s 2011 music issue. In fact, fashion was very heavily influenced by Bowie in 2011. References of his unique style were seen on the runways of designers such as Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, Richard Nicoll and Roland Mouret. Now sixty-six, David Bowie never thought he would pass the age of thirty since his life was overcome by drugs and at his lowest point at the age of twenty-eight his assistant at the time urged him to move out of Los Angeles. He took her advice and moved to Berlin and gained his life back. When he turned fifty he was asked what it felt like, he said “Fab. But, you know, I don’t feel fifty. I feel not a day over forty-nine. It’s incredible. I’m bouncy, I feel bouncy.” “I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.” The 1998 movie Velvet Goldmine was inspired by the icon, which stars Christian Bale, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the lead roles. “I’m looking for backing for an unauthorized auto-biography that I am writing. Hopefully, this will sell in such huge numbers that I will be able to sue myself for an extraordinary amount of money and finance the film version in which I will play everybody.” Throughout his career, he has sold an estimated 140 million albums. In the UK, he has been awarded nine Platinum album certifications, 11 Gold and eight Silver, and in the US, five Platinum and seven Gold certifications. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him 39th on their list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”, and 23rd on their list of the best singers of all time. In 2000 Bowie declined the royal honor of Commander of the British Empire (CBE), and then again in 2003 he turned down a knighthood. Why? We have no bloody idea. But then again, he is David Bowie.

HIS SEASONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TREND

Mad As a Hatter There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it, you need to be as mad as a hatter...or at least for us wearing a hat is just as good! They say fashion is an expression of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality, with a hat you can express so much more. Not only is it an extension but can transform your look entirely. Whether it is to look chic, smart, sporty or whatever it may be; hats are all the rage and we are just absolutely mad for them!

THETALK / March / 2013

LOCAL TALENT

Silence is Golden Ahmad Al-Rashid

THETALK / March / 2013

53 A Kuwaiti talent, Ahmad is very quiet and humble about his work. You wouldn’t think that such a shy person has had such great experience designing for big names. Having met Johnny Depp at a premiere in London, we couldn’t help but notice a resemblance in the way he speaks. His introverted personality gives way for his art which speaks for itself! When did you first start designing? I have always been designing as a hobby. Professionally I began two years ago. What was your first job? My first job was working at Kuwait Airways in Public Relations for five years; I left to become a freelance designer because I felt I wasn’t working in a field I was best at. I wasn’t using my creative skills. Freelance is very exciting because you don’t know where your next job will take you. So I am always doing something new and meeting new people, here in Kuwait and abroad. It is great. What are some of your most interesting jobs? I had a client in Brazil. That was very interesting. I’m very good at retouching, so I got approached to retouch models for photo shoots while I was in Dubai and it led me to work for great magazines such as Vogue Brazil and Cosmopolitan. Photoshopping Brazilian models? Tell us, did it take a lot of retouching? Are the models not as perfect as they seem? No they are! *He laughs as he notices our extreme disappointment. I’ve drawn on a Starbucks paper cup while having my morning coffee. I instagrammed the picture and just from that I got approached by many people to draw on different products. That is really great how there has become a simple platform to show what you can do and for people to actually take the initiative to approach you for it. We pat ourselves on the shoulder at this point for we have done the same for our last month’s talent.

We saw the amazing drawings you did on the pair of converse all stars, what made you think to draw on them? I was wearing a pair and saw the blank spaces and felt I wanted to draw on them. So I went ahead with the idea and posted a picture, not thinking to make a sale but then I got offers on them and ended up selling them to a lady in Bahrain, she told me that she has them on display and wouldn’t want to wear them in case

of them getting ruined, I was really awed by that, I did not expect that kind of reaction. What are some other projects you have worked on? So many, I designed for the bowling tournament in Dubai; for the airport in Kuwait and different local brands here and many brands in Brazil. I had a workshop here for those who like to design. Now I have requests from celebrities in

LOCAL TALENT

New York to design coffee mugs for them, that is quite exciting, my most exciting request is the one from Alessandra Ambrosio. Wow! That is amazing! When you are not designing, what do you like to do? I love biking! I’m an avid bike rider. That is my favourite thing to do when I’m not working. Do you find inspiration when riding your bike? No, biking is to completely clear my mind. I have my eye on a Bugatti Bike now. So that probably inspires me to work more. Your job seems to take you across the world, would you think of relocating to any of the cities? I’m always open to new experiences and opportunities, but I can’t imagine living away from home. I always need to travel to refresh my mind but to go to any of these places and actually live there, I’m not sure, you never know. His choices of unordinary items used as his canvases, his eagerness to always try new things and his excitement towards what he loves is truly inspirational. It was such a pleasure meeting Ahmad and we hope to see a lot more of him in person, as for his work; we already know we’ll be seeing much more in Kuwait and across the world!

THETALK / March / 2013

TACTILE TECHNOLOGY

chosen by Tony Parker – Professional Basketball Player Touch the screen to get the ultimate multisport watch experience with 11 functions including compass, chronograph split and lap.

IN TOUCH WITH YOUR TIME

compass

lap

split

Experience more at www.t-touch.com

FASHION BRAND

Pinko opened its first store in the Avenues phase (3). The amazing classy look of the shop speaks about itself. The Pinko product, the label has won a fine audience in major multibrand stores in Italy and worldwide. It is a strategic positioning where by presenting collections high in quality, fashion content and value the brand becomes a viable alternative to the big-name designers.

The Avenues - Phase Three - Tel:222 00 652 The Pinko line of ready-to-wear features a wide range of items which meet market needs throughout the year also by offering intermediate collections and reassortments. In addition, new entries and product substitutions help to keep customer interest continually piqued, so ensuring maximum performance of the retail location from precollection all the way to markdown seasons. To fulfill this project vision, Pinko makes the most of a highly structured team of designers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the true strongpoint of the company. In particular, every collection represents the efforts of autonomous groups who work under strict coordination and supervision so that the end result is perfectly smooth and harmonious from design, product and visual viewpoints. The Avenues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd Phase Tel: 22200652

THETALK / March / 2013

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung and Laura Bailey are NET-A-PORTER.COM’s latest cover stars The latest edition of NET-A-PORTER’s digital magazine under Editor-in-Chief Lucy Yeomans features British Fashion Council ambassadors - Poppy, Alexa and Laura – modelling new season pieces by London designers and talking about their coveted sartorial secrets. In an exclusive interview with NET-A-PORTER, fashion star Alexa Chung declares that, “Britain is the ONLY place that inspires my style” and that she admires, “how creative British people can be with their clothes while still being practical because of the weather – it makes for lots of interesting layering.” The Fashion Week show she’s most excited about is, “Henry Holland: the soundtrack is awesome and all my friends are there.”

Fashion Council as “pretty diverse, from building new relationships with designers to creating short fashion film projects or simply wearing up-and-coming labels to shows – which I love!” Her wardrobe essentials include Charlotte Olympia heels, Christopher Kane tees and Stella McCartney denim. And for evening? “I love a Jonathan Saunders printed blouse and skirt.”

Alexa cites Central Saint Martins graduate Simone Rocha as the one designer to watch for her, “Beautifully simple cuts and innovative use of fabric.” Alexa wore Simone’s designs to the British Fashion Awards last year where she picked up the British Style Award. The black dress will be available to buy on www. net-a-porter.com next month. Model and writer Laura Bailey also features in the digital magazine spread, describing her role as cultural ambassador for the British

Poppy Delevingne

Poppy. Alexa & Laura

Alexa Chung

Meanwhile model Poppy Delevingne’s favourite designers include Michael van der Ham for “his use of color and texture” and Matthew Williamson who has “flown the flag for British fashion for the past 15 years.” When asked if sister and model-of-the-moment, Cara, needs any advice, Poppy proclaims “Cara doesn’t need any words of wisdom; she was born striking a pose. When she was three, I was giving her a bath and she stood up with a sponge on her head and asked, “Who am I?” I replied, “Little Red Riding Hood?” She said, “No, I’m Claudia Schiffer.”

Laura Bailey

All the girls were phographed by Matt Irwin. All clothing worn is available at net-a-porter.com You can read more at net-a-porter.com/magazine

THETALK / March / 2013

59 BURBERRY TO OPEN FIRST FLAGSHIP STORE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Burberry is pleased to announce the opening of its first flagship store in the Middle East. Burberry Avenues store will be the largest Burberry store in the Middle East and the first store to carry the Burberry Beauty collection in the region. Store will reflect Burberry store design concept developed by Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey using British materials and themes throughout. Store features a 4x4 landscape Orion Screen and 82â&#x20AC;? LCD screen as well as a dedicated VIC area. Collections: Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London, Burberry Brit, Burberry Accessories.

BRAND PREVIEW & COMPETITION

jorge “fabel” pabon world renowned graffiti artist + spokesperson within urban culture Have the chance to meet him on March 30th at the CKOne Shock Street Edition event in Debenhams at The Avenues mall

Jorge “popmaster fabel” pabon was born and raised in spanish harlem, new york city, where at an early age, he developed his dance and choreography career at hip hop jams and clubs throughout the city. a pioneer of hip hop theater, fabel is co-founder of ghettoriginal productions, inc. with ghettoriginal, fabel co-authored, co-directed, and co-choreographed the first two hip hop musicals ever, “so! what happens now?” and “jam on the groove” (first official off-broadway hip hop musical). he has also toured internationally as a featured performer with “jam on the groove,” which was nominated for best choreography at the drama desk awards in 1996. along with fellow members of the rhythm technicians and the rock steady crew, he won the 1991 bessie award for choreography. fabel was the first american hip hop dancer to perform in cuba, in 1986 & 1988, with the dance company, ballet d‘angelo. fabel also gained world renown as a featured dancer in the hip hop cult classic movie, “beat street.” along with senior members of rock steady crew, fabel was an honoree at vh1’s 1st hip hop honors. he was a principle dancer and one of the artistic directors in rennie harris’s theatrical production, “legends of hip hop”. in 1999, fabel served as a consultant, moderator, panelist, and writer for the rock and roll hall of fame and museum’s exhibit and conference: “the hip hop nation: roots, rhyme and rage.” when this exhibit traveled to the brooklyn

THETALK / March / 2013

museum of art in september, 2000, fabel was invited to lecture, exhibit a vintage outfit and serve on the exhibit’s honorary committee. vintage hip hop outfits, owned by fabel were on display at the museum of the city of new york and experience music project in seattle, wa. visitors to e.m.p. were guided through the hip hop clothing exhibit by fabel’s voice detailing every aspect of the outfits displayed. he is the first hip hop dance instructor to be employed at nyu’s experimental theater wing and has taught a hip hop dance workshop

at the new school in new york city. as an adjunct professor, he also teaches movement at cap 21, part of nyu’s prestigious tisch school of the arts. fabel gives lectures, demonstrations, master classes, at leading u.s. colleges including yale, harvard, cornell, dartmouth and nyu, and participates in outreach programs and conferences internationally. in 2001, he addressed delegates at the united nation’s “hip hop conference for peace.” fabel has taught popping, locking and uprocking in various schools for the sports and arts

in school’s foundation. he has also been commissioned to teach dance workshops at such new york city institutions as henry street settlement, the dalton school and central park east one, among many others. fabel’s essays are featured in: joe conzo’s born in the bronx, martha cooper’s hip hop files, the nasty terrible t-kid 170, and, total chaos, edited by jeff chang. he offers lectures, demonstrations, master classes, and participates in outreach programs and conferences internationally. he is a historian of and activist within hip hop culture.

WIN!

tion. ro ote d in a deep urban tradi mmentar y. self-expression, art, social co age of the street. graffiti is the universal langu

the fragrance – for her

edgy – cool – confident

ck one shock street edition for her opens with an energetic mix of mandarin orange, bergamot and juicy plum. the intensity deepens with the delicious blend of berry caramel and liquid chocolate. the addictive signature finishes with sensual ambers enveloped in patchouli, sandalwood and musk.

floriental gourmand

top: mandarin orange, bergamot, touch of palm heart: berry caramel, liquid chocolate dry: sandalwood, amber, patchouli, musk

the fragrance – for him edgy – cool – confident

ck one shock street edition for him awakens the senses with a burst of refreshing mojito, watery cucumber, and sparkling citrus. the heart intrigues with aromatic spices, geranium, and an unexpected raspberry cocoa accord with a delicious combination of chocolate tonka, vanilla and creamy toffee for a lasting signature.

oriental gourmand

top: fresh mojito accord, watery cucumber, sparkling citrus heart: aromatic spices, geranium, raspberry cocoa accord dry: chocolate tonka, touch of vanilla, toffee

________________________ Which words best describes CK shock street edition? a) edgy, cool, confident b) classy, sophisticated c) fun, trendy

d) none of the above

7kw.com send your answers to: ttmarketing1@ph-

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

Harvey Nichols Kuwait Offers Complimentary Personal Shopping Service

Harvey Nichols Kuwait is offering a complimentary personal shopping service to enhance the luxury atmosphere and service standards of the store. The team is advising shoppers on style and the latest trends in the world of international fashion, and on how to choose outfits which perfectly fit their individual style. The store promises to make sure that shoppers get the advice of an experienced fashion expert who understands exactly what they want. But who is a personal shopper? A personal shopper is someone who assists customers in choosing the right look for them. They help to find the right clothing and accessories that really suit the style and personality of that customer. A personal shopper has to consider a lot of factors when advising, including the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle, colour preferences, as well as physical proportions. We all wish that shopping would be easy and simple: you make up your mind, know exactly what you are after, go into your favourite store and grab the piece you want. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. In reality, the choice is very wide, you have to experiment,

THETALK / March / 2013

and be open-minded. Sometimes, it is even not necessarily good when you know exactly what you want because you limit your choices. These are some of the reasons why you need someone who can guide you through the often tiring process of finding that perfect dress or business suit. It is absolutely crucial for a personal shopper to have a strong connection with the customer based on trust and efficiency, and that is exactly what Harvey Nichols Kuwait do. Middle Eastern customers, especially Kuwaitis, are well aware of the latest fashion trends, very fashion conscious and their brand awareness is very high, which makes the job of a personal shopper all the more difficult. They are also fashion forward and well-travelled around the world and respectful of their tradition at the same time. At Harvey Nichols Kuwait, a team of experienced personal shoppers are at hand to assist fashion-savvy customers in both Arabic and English. --Whether you are short of time and ideas, looking for that perfect outfit, or would just

like to refresh your wardrobe or revamp your style, Harvey Nichols Kuwait has a creative personal shopper team ready to assist you. Enjoy the personal shopping service in a friendly and private atmosphere, with complimentary beverages and refreshments. For your appointment with a Harvey Nichols Kuwait personal shopper, please call 2228 3008 or ask for one in person at Harvey Nichols Kuwait, Grand Avenue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Avenues.

ANYA Hindmarch Anya Hindmarch started designing bags in 1987 and in 1993 Anya opened her first store on London’s Walton Street. Through innovation and creativity the brand is now available in fifty seven stores worldwide. The AH collection is stocked in the world’s leading department stores and boutiques in Paris, Japan, and the US. The brand’s most recent achievement is its extension to the Middle East.

Despite its huge global success, the AH brand retains the appeal of a niche and exclusive brand. Anya’s bags appear regularly in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and many international publications and have been seen on the arms of many of the world’s most glamorous women such as The Duchess of Cambridge, Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Olivia Palermo, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller just to name a few. Moreover, Anya created the covetable gifts for attendees of the Oscar party as well as designing the official gift bag for the high profile BAFTA Film Awards. THE ICONIC EBURY The Ebury was one of Anya’s earliest creations. Designed in 1994, it has become one of the designer’s signature styles and was named after Ebury Street where Anya used to live. To celebrate the brands 10th anniversary Anya created the Bespoke Ebury allowing customers to have a handwritten secret message or drawing embossed inside the bag and to choose from a choice of calf or crocodile skin in a selection of colours along with a choice of hardware in gold or silver.

In 2009, the Bespoke Collection was launched and the Bespoke Ebury was developed to form a family incorporating a wallet, clutch and travel version of this eponymous style. In the SS13 collection the Ebury has been introduced in a softer style known as the Soft Ebury, which is completed with two straps, one in a contrast colour and one in a matching tone. This bag can also be personalised with handwritten messages, drawings and initials. A GCC EXCLUSIVE To commemorate the brand’s launch in Kuwait, Anya has created an exclusive collection. The limited edition Ebury bags, designed in Alligator skin, can be found exclusively at the Harvey Nichols store at the Avenues Mall in Kuwait. This collection exemplifies the exceptional quality, finest material, beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail that the Anya Hindmarch brand is known for. This limited edition Ebury comes with a unique serial number and a personal message from the designer herself. There are only three bags available in three opulent colours: Emerald, Satsuma and Plum.

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

Ted Baker Spring/Summer 13 Schooled in the world of old-fashioned manners and contemporary style, Ted’s SS13 collection mixes bright colours and bold prints with simple fabrics and smart silhouettes to teach a fashionable lesson in life. Ladies First…Ted has created a graceful and alluring womenswear collection this SS13, replete with feminine elegance that’s sure to make the grade. Weightless maxi dresses graze the floor in an array of colour and print, whilst the signature treasured orchid print shines with spring/summer sensuality. Ted’s vintage-inspired floral print takes the essence of a French wallpaper design of delicate posies, applied to an iconic dress, and the punchy Summer Bloom print – with unexpected acidic shots of lime and coral – brings 1950s day dresses and cute 1960s cropped canvas jackets right up to date.

This season, fresh printed denim ushers Ted’s prints into more unexpected areas, vibrant colours top the class with bursts of citrus lime and mandarin, and edgy combinations of fluro pink are paired back with pastel shades throughout.

THETALK / March / 2013

Ted Baker Spring/Summer 13 Schooled in the world of old-fashioned manners and contemporary style, Ted’s SS13 collection mixes bright colours and bold prints with simple fabrics and smart silhouettes to teach a fashionable lesson in life. No, after you…For Menswear, Ted’s created an assured, smart and eclectic collection designed to separate the (gentle)men from the boys this SS13. Inspired by quirky keepsakes rediscovered by Ted in his attic, the collection offers a symphony of colour and prints and includes a fine selection of lightweight pieces with smart linings not to mention inbuilt pocket squares on all blazers completing the look, every time. Chinos, denim and shorts are unpacked in a spectrum of bold colours (with the embroidered flamingo shorts and t-shirts a key print), whilst stripes and lively floral shirts teach a thing or two about dapper dress sense.

Knitwear includes Merino wool sweaters and summer Fairisle with fine gauge patterns which are both light and luxurious. Layering pieces such as shawl neck stripe cardigans, colour blocked polo t-shirts and bright neon sweaters stand out throughout.

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

Celebrate Love with Banana Republic A celebration of all we love, including style, Banana Republic has introduced a range that has pieces to please everyone. With bold color combinations, flawless fit, classics with a twist, the collection will surely turn heads.

A celebration of all we love, including style, Banana Republic has introduced a range that has pieces to please everyone. With bold color combinations, flawless fit, classics with a twist, the collection will surely turn heads. Boldly hued outerwear in Fire Red, Crimson Red or the Maui Rose; the fantastic fit and chic straight ankle silhouette of the Hampton Pant; or key pieces in soft pastel shades, women are sure to be spoiled for choice with this new collection. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to this collection thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available for women in colors such as Red Silk and Fuschia and make perfect gifts. For men who are pressed for time, Banana Republic introduces the Non-Iron Collection. Our wrinkle free shirts promise to help make a lasting impression while our impeccably tailored suits offer the perfect choice for those romantic dinner dates. Banana Republic brings modern, soulful, effortless style for both to men and women and offers a choice of collection ranging from apparel, handbags, fragrances and jewelry. Visit Banana Republic at The Avenues Mall and pick your favourite gifts to celebrate the season.

THETALK / March / 2013

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

Be Funky in New Crocs Retro Collection For old-school style that is as comfy as ever

The iconic CrocsTM clog has been recreated as a 70s-inspired track shoe that will let you walk in comfort and wear in style, whatever the occasion. These new designs will take you back to carefree days of college: perfect for fans of the original clog as well as a more fashion-conscious audience drawn to the funky vintage feel. Featuring a long-lasting rubber herringbone outsole for improved grip, CrocsTM Retro doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skip on the signature comfort of CrosliteTM material. The lightweight cushioning in all the Retro styles gives the shoes a sporty, performance driven feel.

THETALK / March / 2013

For the Crocs fan Perfect for those with a trendy, individual fashion sense, the CrocsTM Retro Clog is a new, funky version of the iconic clog which is exceptionally comfortable and a lot of fun. Alternatively, the CrocsTM Retro Flip Flop is a good-looking, sunny design that can be enjoyed by him and her throughout the summer. For the fashionable and fun female Practical and stylish, the funky CrocsTMRetro Slingback Flat is great for fun-loving women who want to look their best whilst getting on with their

action packed day. Mary, Mary quite extraordinary. The timeless CrocsTMRetro Mary Jane will have her walking in comfort and style whatever the occasion. For the little ones Give kids a slice of the fun too with the CrocsTMRetro Clog Kids, easy-on for little feet. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the retro look in her favorite Mary Jane style. CrocsTMRetro Mary Jane Girls is cute and comfortable for all day fun, whatever she wants to do.

kuwait kuwait kuwait

2530-9670/1 Discovery Mall: 2291-3631 Al-Kout Mall: 2393-0108 Marina Mall: 2224-4814 Sama Sulaibikhat: 2221-6086 Mubarkiya: 2246-1823 Liwan Mall: 2221-0127 Airport Mall: 2431-6334 Now in The Mall - The Avenues: 22200507

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

CHRISTIAN DIOR

“PRÉCIEUSES” ROSE RING Yellow gold, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and pink sapphires

“PRÉCIEUSES” TRÈFLE EARRINGS White gold, yellow gold, diamonds, emeralds and purple sapphires “MA BAGUE” RING Yellow gold, diamonds and fuchsia tourmaline

“PRÉCIEUSES” TRÈFLE NECKLACE White gold, diamonds, emeralds and yellow sapphires

“COFFRET DE VICTOIRE” EARRINGS White gold, diamonds, agate cameos and colour change garnets

“MA BAGUE” RING Yellow gold, diamonds and green-yellow tourmaline “PRÉCIEUSES” ROSE RING Yellow gold, diamonds and sapphire

“PRÉCIEUSES” TRÈFLE RING White gold, yellow gold, diamonds, emerald and purple sapphires

“MY DIOR” SMALL MODEL RING Yellow gold and diamonds “MY DIOR” SMALL MODEL RING White gold and diamonds

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“MY DIOR” SMALL MODEL RING Pink gold and diamonds

71 “PRÉCIEUSES” CHAMPÊTRE NECKLACE White gold, diamonds, fancy yellow diamonds, pink sapphires, yellow sapphires and emeralds

“CYGNE” RING White gold, diamonds and pink sapphires

“ROSE DIOR BAGATELLE” RING White gold, diamonds, emeralds and fancy pink diamonds

“ROSE DIOR BAGATELLE” RING White gold, diamonds, pink sapphires and tsavorite garnets

“MY DIOR” BRACELET Yellow gold and diamonds

“MY DIOR” BRACELET Pink gold and diamonds

“MY DIOR” BRACELET White gold and diamonds

“PRÉCIEUSES” CHAMPÊTRE EARRINGS Yellow gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, yellow sapphires, purple sapphires and pink sapphires

“PRÉCIEUSES” TRÈFLE RING White gold, diamonds and sapphire

“PRÉCIEUSES” CHAMPÊTRE RING Yellow gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, yellow sapphires and pink sapphires

“PRÉCIEUSES” TRÈFLE EARRINGS White gold, diamonds and sapphires

WATCH BRAND PREVIEWS

Ladymatic at fashion’s forefront with new vibrant dials

Enchanting shaded grey

Striking blue mother-of-pearl

Seductive purple

Unique pink mother-of-pearl

The fashion-forward design of the Ladymatic collection, paired with the innovative OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 within each of its timepieces, has become even more impossibly exquisite with the newest models featuring bold, attractive dials. Known for its captivating look, the Ladymatic has been a prestigious example of the brand’s style and invention since its launch in 2010. These striking OMEGA Ladymatic timepieces have a 34 mm polished stainless steel case with white, black or rose ceramic between the decorative wave and inner casebody. Each is

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presented on either a matching satin-brushed leather strap or a polished stainless steel bracelet. The dials, with their enchanting Supernova pattern, are made even more brilliant with 11 diamond-set indexes in facetted 18K white gold diamond-shaped holders, and there is a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The polished alpha-shaped minute, hour and seconds hands are crafted from 18K white gold and the minute and hour hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova. A domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment on both sides protects the evocative dials.

The “Brilliant Omega Cut” diamond found on the screw-in crown is complemented by the wearer’s choice of a dazzling bezel with diamonds arranged in a snow-set pattern, or the pure and elegant polished stainless steel bezel. The polished caseback of each stylish piece features a sapphire crystal, offering a clear view of the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 within. The Co-Axial escapement combined with OMEGA’s exclusive Si14 silicon balance spring offer such reliability that these officially certified chronometers are offered with a full four-year warranty.

Hamilton Watch Equips Next Generation of Action Hero in 20th Century Fox’s ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ With Signature Timepieces Behbehani Group and Hamilton held an exclusive premiere show of the latest Die Hard Movie, A Good Day to Die Hard , for their VIP clients and media representatives at Laila Gallery Cinema. Behbehani Group, the official agents for Hamilton brand in Kuwait embrace the campaign through several media channels to support the global marketing plan of the brand. Hamilton Watch once again shares the actionpacked spotlight with blockbuster action star Bruce Willis in 20th Century Fox’s A Good Day to Die Hard. In the film, the iconic brand introduces the modern Khaki X-Patrol and classic Jazzmaster Viewmatic wristwatches, two premium timepieces designed with Swiss precision and American spirit at heart for a sophisticated take on a typical Hamilton design. Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane, wore a Hamilton timepiece in the

previous Die Hard film, Live Free or Die Hard, and in its latest incarnation McClane and his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney), both wear Hamilton. Sharing the big screen, Jack brings bold bravado to his father’s familiar tough attitude and symbolizes the connection between Hamilton’s signature styling and modern mechanics. The Khaki X-Patrol features an advanced conversion table that provides units in both metric and imperial systems, making it a perfect timepiece for the father-andson team’s international adventures. The Jazzmaster Viewmatic combines Hamilton Watch’s classic design with modern functionality and equips the famous American hero with the sophistication to save the day. In A Good Day to Die Hard, Bruce Willis returns in his most iconic action role as John McClane – the “real” hero with the skills and attitude to always be the last man standing. After traveling to Moscow to help his estranged son, Jack, the take-no-prisoners cop finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. With the Russian underworld in pursuit, and battling a countdown to war, the two McClanes discover that their opposing methods make them unstoppable heroes. Jack’s Khaki X-Patrol matches modern mechanics with the unparalleled precision of his father’s Jazzmaster Viewmatic watch to bring Die Hard fans the best of both worlds. The pair saves the day while wearing Hamilton timepieces that together represent form, function and the unbeatable bond between a father and son. About Hamilton: For more than six decades Hamilton has attracted consumers and creative minds with eye-catching shapes, unique designs, and use of modern materials to create a collection and an iconic brand. Having appeared in countless Hollywood blockbusters, Hamilton has created a tradition of integrating its signature styles with epic

storylines from Stanley Kubrick’s futuristic 2001: A Space Odyssey to sci-fi stand-outs I Am Legend and the fan-favorite Men In Black trilogy. About 20th Century Fox: In partnership with Twentieth Century Fox, Hamilton will be executing a global marketing campaign for the theatrical release of A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD. The campaign’s creative - which includes print ads, point of sale, digital media, and in-cinema media – features Hamilton’s reliability and strength in tough situations, as action icon John McClane finds himself in Moscow in a race against the clock to stop an unexpected threat.

CAR PREVIEWS

Personalise your Ferrari with the Tailor-Made Programme Ferrari Tailor-Made is the exclusive new personalization programme from Maranello developed specifically for clients wishing to create a truly bespoke car that will be a clear expression of their own unique personalities and tastes. The client’s personal wishes and aspirations lie at the very heart of the Tailor-Made Programme. Owners are assisted and guided through the selection process by their own Personal Designer who is charged with guaranteeing that the resulting cars are both unique and consistent with the Ferrari brand and its tradition. Once the car’s details have been defined, the client can then track all of the various processes involved in its creation, right up until they take delivery. Naturally, they are very welcome to come to Maranello to pick up their car in person if they so wish. As soon as clients decide to be a part of the Tailor-Made programme, they are invited to Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy. There they will meet a team of specialised designers in

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a dedicated area that looks and feels very much like an haute couture studio with a huge array of samples of materials, treatments and colours to browse. The design team will then discuss the client’s vision and will translate that into detailed drawings covering every inch of the car starting from the colour of the exterior to the materials

used for the interior using a material scanner that will provide owners with a preview of the final result of the Ferrari of their dreams. Visit the Zayani Showroom in Al-Rai to discover more about the Tailor-Made Programme and Collections.

INTERIOR BRAND

We sat down with the incredibly charming,

sweet and humble Federico Pratesi. Head of the four- generations-old Italian linens firm and setting the mark for luxury, Pratesi has had the crème de la crème of stars resting their heads on the exquisite bed sheets and slipping themselves into the brands cashmere robes and slippers. Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, Stella McCartney, Anne Hathaway, Oprah, Angelina Jolie and even the notoriously picky Michael Jackson are just a few of Pratesi’s devoted clients and as all their clients become, they are also their dear friends. It is amazing how involved he seems in the brand. “You have to be” he says enthusiastically. “Otherwise the message gets lost.” “We are opening many new stores, but we don’t want to rush it. We do not want to compromise the quality over the demand. Everything needs to be aligned to our greatest potential. It is a very niche market.” Who are the majority of customers? The best are those who really appreciate the quality, the ones who understand the detail. I found that the people in Kuwait are SuperChic! Very refined and happy. Those are the majority usually. How are you enjoying your stay in Kuwait? Kuwait is a country you have to discover, so I wish I had more time here, I would love to come back for a much longer stay. Everything I have seen so far I love, especially the people. What is the main objective of Pratesi?

PRATESI AT THE PRESTIGE Federico Pratesi

To give the best service possible to our clientele. It is a store but it s also a place you want to shop in for your yachts and homes, your bedroom. Even for gifts, everything would be perfect and on time. Every year we come up with a new collection and we try to play with our fantasies and creativity and come out with a totally different collection year after year. Then our signature collection is classic, it is a very recognized collection. From the sweetest colour palettes and colour

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combinations to the strong, sharp and bright, we have them.

Besides the St. Regis what other hotel chains do you provide the line to?

Do you have a favourite colour for home detail?

Some of the Four Seasons, the Claridges in London and Oh so many!

Yes! Cherry Red. It should be in every home, whether a specific room or wall. Cherry red is a beautiful touch to any home. What would you recommend as a gift for mother’s day or woman’s day? A cashmere robe, a cashmere poncho or a fragrance would be nice. These things make a nice sweet gift; it is something intimate and extremely luxurious! You have expanded way past Pratesi stores, correct? Yes, we have been very lucky in our line for hotels. We provide the sheets for all the St. Regis Hotels in the United States. A lot of guests at the hotels would ask to purchase the sheets so we have commercialized the line and is available in certain places such as Bloomingdales. From the hotel line customers end up upgrading to the Pratesi Line, so we are very blessed.

A real family man, talking about his two children with so much love “kids are truly a blessing, they are alive, they are the best expression” he goes on to explain their unique characters, and his dreams for them. With a bright smile, we quickly learn that his heart is in his family business and truly in his family. “Yes, I am in love” We could have spent hours talking to Federico Pratesi. A gentleman in all sense of the word. He had so many fascinating things to tell us; details about the making of the sheets, accessories and the cashmere collection; remarkable places to visit and so much more. He also shared a very interesting experience: “There is a story, I was in New York at our store, and a very nice lady came in. I started helping her, then I was told by the manager that she use to be a taxi driver, she would reward herself with Pratesi sheets every year. So she would save

the money for a whole year. I asked her why Pratesi? She said ‘being a woman, a taxi driver in New York can be hell. It is my job which I do with passion. I would rather not splurge on anything except the best bed sheets so that no matter what I do during the day, when I sleep, I am queen.’ --- I think this is fantastic.” And so do we! Having first seen the Pratesi brand in Harrods London, we are incredibly lucky to have such a Prestigious store at the Prestige, The Avenues Mall.

INTERIOR BRAND PREVIEW

VERSACE PRESENTS THE NEW WALLPAPER COLLECTION Versace announces the new Wallpaper collection, highlighting the design aesthetics of the house and bringing the unique Versace lifestyle into everyday living.

The Wallpaper collection - launched at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, is the result of an important

Creamy Barocco, tone-in-tone floral scrolls in an exquisite satin structural mix.

partnership with AS Creation, a German landmark manufacturer of high quality wallpaper.

The most iconic Greek key, with its clear, straight-line meanders comes into a restrained tone-in-tone decors of the satin wallpapers in large formats, generating an extravagant, grandiose expressivity. Beside the Herald print sourced by the recent Versace Home collection, presents sumptuous floral scrolls adding an hint of romantic touch to a stylish home ambience.

The collection features 5 topic themes of Versace; the very recognizable Barocco motif is given new interpretations in three patterns: the Barocco Flowers, where the curlicues of Acanthus leaves match with an explosion of their own little flowers. The Barocco and Stripes, a playful juxtaposing of the blue-colored motif and the straight stripe decors. And the

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Donatella Versace says: I have always wanted to make my design aesthetics come alive in

peopleĂs homes. And it is has been exciting for me to see how the DNA of the house have been re-interpreted into this new wallpaper collection. The Versace wallpaper collection is available in all Versace Home boutiques and exclusive retailers worldwide.

BRAND PREVIEWS

Women’s Day Soap A fund raising soap to help build literacy centers

A joint-development project Every year, to mark International Women’s Day, www creates a soap dedicated to the women of Burkina Faso. For the past three years, this soap has been made by Burkinabe women who work in a traditional soap factory in the town of Leo. Thanks to the training provided by L’Occitane, these women are able to draw on the skills they have learned. Income generated from the production of these soaps is reinvested in new equipment. It also enables women to be more autonomous and help support their households. They can take care of their families more easily, feed their children and send them to school. They can even purchase a bicycle, for easier travel. 100% of profits from the sale of this soap will go to the L’Occitane Foundation to help build literacy centers for the women in Burkina Faso, working with the NGO Alde et Action, which has been a partner of the Foundation since 2009. Every soap sold pays for three bricks to help build a literacy center.

A gentle soap decorated with a traditional motif A gentle formula that contains an exceptional concentration of shea butter (52%) which is approved Ecocert Fair Trade*. The motif engraved into the soap was designed by the Burkinabe artist, Sougouri Sowadogo, whom Olivier Baussan met on one of his trips to Birkina Faso. The Women’s Day Soap will be available in L’Occitane stores across the region on March 7th

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BRAND PREVIEWS

JAMM to Host Exhibition of Bert Stern’s Photographs of Marilyn Monroe in Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates: JAMM, an independent art advisory, will host an exhibition of Bert Stern’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe, which will open on Monday 18th March 2013 at the JAMM art gallery located in Al Quoz, Dubai.

n late June 1962, just six weeks before Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death, Bert Stern took almost 2,600 photographs of the American star over three daily sessions at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles for the popular Vogue magazine; this photo shoot later became known as The Last Sitting. Stern’s photographs carry a rare sensual and human vibrancy. Never before had the star allowed a photographer such intimate access, and Stern’s camera captures a revealing, naked portrait of Marilyn the person – a fragile, lonely, flawed woman who would die tragically a few weeks later. “Marilyn Monroe was great, sexy, beautiful and funny- the perfect all American girl. I loved her. I am very excited to be having a show for the first time in the fabulous city of Dubai”, said Bert Stern. In front of the camera, Marilyn transformed into a chameleon, fully immersing herself into whatever role she was meant to play, be it a classic movie star dressed in a lavish fur coat, a pure, virginal character sheathed in an immaculate white veil or a true sex symbol wearing nothing but pearls or diamond necklaces, silk scarves or roses. The exhibition will feature twelve unique archival prints on paper and on canvas enhanced with crystals and jewels, which add new depth and energy to these iconic portraits of America’s most famous actress. “We are extremely pleased to present this small selection of Bert Stern’s unique prints of Marilyn Monroe from the series The Last Sitting. They are arguably the most celebrated, instantly recognizable images ever captured of Marilyn, who embodied – and still embodies – a certain ideal of feminine beauty, and whose image, 50 years after her tragic death, still influences contemporary style and fashion.

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Bert Stern’s images are iconic and what makes them special, besides the fact that they are the very last pictures ever taken of Marilyn, is the palpable intimacy and the complicity shared between the photographer and the model; in these pictures, Marilyn looks completely unfettered, approachable and more real. The hand-applied Swarovski crystals and jewels add an extra dimension and light to the photographs, rendering each print unique”, said Sheikha Lulu M. Al Sabah, Founder and Director of JAMM Art. The exhibition will also mark the launch of the new JAMM art gallery, situated in close proximity to Al-Serkal Avenue home to a number of Dubai’s leading contemporary art galleries. The Bert Stern exhibition will run from 18 March – 18 April 2013 at JAMM Art Gallery, Street 8,

Warehouse 11, Building 19, Al-Quoz 1, close to Al-Serkal Avenue. Telephone: Telephone: +971 50 2288134. E-mail: info@jamm-art.org Opening times: Saturday – Thursday, 11 am – 7 pm.

KUWAIT EXCLUSIVES

Al Ostoura Launches New Carven Boutique At The Avenues Mall Al Ostoura International Company celebrated the opening of the latest Carven boutique in Phase II of The Avenues Mall. The new store includes the brand new collection from the house of French luxury brand Carven. Carven was first launched in 1945 when Madame Carven set up an haute couture boutique at the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Over the decades, the brand enjoyed great international success. The storefront is designed with long glass panels that accentuate the stylish décor and also display the interior design to mall shoppers. The 108 square meter boutique is furnished in shades of black, white and grey. Natural oak wood finishing adds the signature touch of luxury to the design. The main display area of the store is covered with ceramic flooring that is made in France. One of the highlights of the store is the jewelry table, which shows off the stylish accessories available in the collection. There are two fitting rooms in the store, tastefully appointed for the comfort of the customers.

ANYA HINDMARCH POMP & PLEASURE Spring / Summer 2013 The SS13 Anya Hindmarch Pomp & Pleasure collection has an 18th Century influence with refined leathers sitting alongside bright prints of damask, silk moiré, Georgian illustrations and oil paintings, and ornate curtain tassels which have been recreated in leather and guilloche boxes. A sophisticated colour palette of Cream, Grey, Tan and Chocolate is accentuated by pops of Bluebell, Emerald, Coral, Mustard, Celadon Green and Fuchsia. Elegant shapes are designed to be worn in a modern way cross body with striking contrast colour straps. Hard clutches feature faceted sides inlaid with shagreen and huge leather tassels swing from bright pouches.

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Ted Baker Opens New Store in Prestigious Al Hamra Luxury Center Ted Baker is proud to announce the opening of another beautiful store on the 6thFebruary 2013 within Al Hamra, the prestigious mall in Kuwait City. Boasting a retail space of 1260sqft,the store interior has been specifically designed to celebrate the glorious days of the British film industry in the early 1950s. Ted is unveiling the store in a grand and luxurious manner with a dash of quirkiness - all in Ted’s true style. Eminent for his distinctive andindividual designin each store all over the world, once again this new store is no exception. On this occasion Ted is paying tribute to the history of the mall location whereit was once the site for the first cinema in Kuwait. Hanging film reels accentuate the whole storeand are finished off by a light box panel with artwork of film strips. Opulent details including a cream marble floor and extravagant bronze mirror panelshave been created to signify

theGolden Age when British filmsflourished. It was an era of creative explosion and Ted embodies that spirit through featuresinstalled in the store. Chevron carpet marks the decadent era, whilst theatre-like seating in the fitting rooms has nostalgic elements of the glamorous golden days. Vintage wall lights highlight the black and white pictures of British actors and actresses; a testament to the inspiring iconic individuals who helped shape thesuccess of the film industry. Finally…nothing is ever complete without paying attention to the smallest details. A cash desk filled with vintage cameras and theatre spot lights decorate the store perfectly and provide a unique backdrop to showcase Ted’s SS13 collections. The smartest collection of menswear, womenswear and accessories crafted to pass with flying colours.

KUWAIT EXCLUSIVES

Next Launches Spring Summer 2013 at The Avenues At a special in-store fashion preview held at 1st Avenue -The Avenues, the renowned UK fashion brand launched its exciting new looks and designs for Spring Summer 2013 showcasing its women’s, men’s and children’s ranges. About the collection The unveiled forward thinking women’s collection for SS13 mixes delicate blooms, graphic prints and structured lines. Texture is also key with lace, brocade and applique. Feminine softness in the form of delicate florals and tailoring in soft hues of cream, powder peach and mushroom with highlights of exotic pink provide a subtle hint that summer is on the way. Cute and traditional boucle suits and jackets are mixed with graphic Aztec

prints and peg leg trousers in metallic, black, gold and cream. Contrast collars and intricate cut out detail add charm and softness. The big trends on the SS13 catwalk are reflected in chic monochromes, electric blue and the softest of greys all in a no nonsense simple silhouette. Structured suiting, slick pencil skirts and dresses that will wow time and time again are either on trend striped, polka dot or decorated with a graphic floral print. Lace trimmed tops and blue denim shirts have all been roughed up slightly and are paired with printed flippy skirts and the skinniest of coloured jeans. Next celebrates men’s SS13 with an abundance of colour, print and pattern. Heritage and tradition are ever present and run throughout the collection which also has a serious modern edge allowing men of today to appear

BlackBerry Z10 launch celebrated at exclusive VIP event in Kuwait BlackBerry® hosted an exclusive VIP event in Kuwait in celebration of the BlackBerry® 10 platform and the recently launched BlackBerry® Z10 smartphone. The new BlackBerry Z10 is the first smartphone based on the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, giving customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. The BlackBerry Z10 smartphone is the fastest and most advanced BlackBerry smartphone yet, and offers customers a smarter experience

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that continuously adapts to their needs. By exclusive invitation only, the VIP red carpet event took place on the 13th of February at the Sahara Kuwait Resort, celebrating an evening of lifestyle and technology excellence. The event also showcased local Kuwaiti businesses and developers who have designed apps specifically for the BlackBerry 10 platform, including Kuwait News, Anghami, Apps2U, and Marina FM.

FOR THE LOVE OF KUWAIT: OCTIUM’SEXCLUSIVE JEWELRY SHOWCASE BY TALENTED KUWAITI DESIGNERS. KUWAIT - OCTIUM, The region’s leading and most sought after multi-brand jewelry boutique , presented the works of talented Kuwaiti designers for an exclusive showcase of designer jewelry under the theme “FOR THE LOVE OF KUWAIT” on Tuesday February 19th, 2013 at the luxurious Octium Boutique in 360 Mall, Kuwait. The event cyphers a theme around the National and Liberation days of Kuwait, binding in the subject and the jewelry presented as creative interpretations of the designer’s love and patriotism towards their beloved country. This event falls as the first occurrence of many future events at Octium, hosting local Kuwaiti jewelry designers under Octium’s International umbrella. The exclusive collections presented are creations designed by three gifted designers whom include: DANA NAFISI Jewelry by Dana Al Nafisi, NWN Designs by Nada Al Nafisi and TH’HABA Jewelry by AbarAlEbrahim. Each designer created pieces inspired by their love for Kuwait and creatively translated these beautiful, high end pieces through salient designs crafted with gold and diamonds.

La Martina, Spring/Summer 2013 collection Saddles, a dusty Polo Sport and a masculine vibe is still what you get the minute you set foot in La Martina’s warm and welcoming store. But one look around the shelves, on the racks and all the clothes displayed with utter perfection you’ll sense the smell of spring blossoming around! It’s the great 2013 S/S collection of bright green, yellow, red, blue and white colors mingled with the smell of genuine leather from the leather boots, leather saddles and leather handbags. Detailed Craftsmanship, Style and Sporty Chic are the words that describe the luxury casual wear and La Martina’s pieces of clothing for this season. Bright Polo shirts, comfortable blazers, classy cotton shirts and trousers all crafted with straight lines, numeric logos and sharp edges. The same applies on La Martina’s accessories, from women’s handbags, travel luggage and shoes. It’s all a continuation of just the right touch of masculine appeal to suit the taste of every strong woman and everyday gentleman. It’s the formula fitted to score the goal, being crafted with great attention to details, just the right fit for those who accept nothing but perfect, nothing but edgy and nothing but the highest standards out there.

FASHION BRAND PREVIEWS

CURVES KUWAIT Wishes you all the Health and Love Have you ever visited health clubs and did not find the most suitable club? Can you spend 30 minutes 3 times a week for the sake of healthy lifestyle and strengthen your body? Do you prefer working out in all women environment? Does it help you when other women cheer for you to finish your workout and reach your goal? If you answer all the questions yes, then Curves Club is the right fit for you. To share healthy living and love, visit any of our clubs from January 1st 2013 till February 28th 2013 and benefit from the exciting current offer. The offer includes %50 off from joining fees and the first 30 days are free, all this to help new member to lose weight in a unique method and strengthen you muscles, plus save money. Curves clubs all around the world are known for “NO MEN, NO MAKEUP AND NO MIRRORS” to provide comfort for all women to reach their goals. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity

through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to around 4 million women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With nearly 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. Curves in Kuwait is located in 6 convenient locations, Jabriya, Salmiya, Al-Sha’ab Albahri, Discovery Mall, Al-Bairaq Mall and Salwa. For more information on Curves Call (2226 1739) or visit www.CurvesME.com

Etam lingerie opens its first store in The Avenues. Since its creation in 1916, Etam keeps changing the world of lingerie and has become a reference for every woman, from mothers to daughters. You will discover high quality lingerie with a unic style as Etam benefits from over a century of corsetry know-how. Etam is the leading brand in Europe and benefits from a strong international development as it capitalizes on its glamourous French touch. With now 650 points of sale in 44 different countries, Etam lingerie sells 30 million pieces are each year.

45 millions of people visited Etam stores in 2011 and you will certainly appreciate the exceptional shopping experience as well as the modern concept of your new Etam lingerie store. Whether you are looking for comfortable cotton pyjamas, glamourous corsetry sets, cute accessories, sophisticated negligees or refined nightwear, you will surely enjoy Etam lingerie collections. A variety of shapes, materials, colors with modern and fashionable design combined with very feminine details to satisfy all its customers.

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midi dress KD 9

CELEBRITY NEWS

Kate Upton’s Trainer Defends Her ‘Porky’ Body All eyes have been on Kate Upton’s weight gain over the past year. She has incredible curves that all women want, however, she has been packing on the pounds and her lack of exercise has been inexcusable for a model that almost always has her clothes off. And for a model who was preparing to shoot the cover for the infamous Sports Illustrated, a magazine that is all about being toned and fit, she simply just did not make the cut for the magazine’s annual readers’. Although her trainer (since August) David Kirsch, a fitness and wellness expert defended her saying “I made it very clear to her, I love her curves and I wasn’t going to do anything to make her skinnier, It was about toning her legs, butt, abs, arms, and to really dial into the diet.” when he continued on to explain her fitness routine and constant detoxing, we couldn’t help but role our eyes. He is a trainer to many great bodied celebs, it’s surprising that he couldn’t get her to look at least above average. Nuff said!

Celeb

News

Rihanna Getting Disapprovals About Chris Brown From Katy & Fans Rihanna’s reunion with Chris Brown is reportedly coming between her and bestie Katy Perry. And when the chick dating John Mayer doesn’t approve of your boyfriend, that’s when you know it’s bad. If not having your best friend’s approval wasn’t bad enough; Rihanna scraped her knee dodging an energy drink bottle hurled at her by a fan. The unidentified man was apparently angry at her for getting back together with Chris Brown. She was leaving London’s Box nightclub after celebrating the launch of her River Island line with Cara Delevingne. With fans like these, who needs an abusive boyfriend? We have do add though! Doesn’t anyone else find it ridiculous that after both Rihanna and Chris Brown went Extremely public about their break-up to tabloids, on-air interviews and in their music to just turn around and release the song ‘Nobodys Business’? Hmmm… We love their music, but we’d like them to just stop talking about their relationship, whether good or bad. Since, as they said themselves “Ain’t nobodys business”.

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91 Matthew McConaughey to Launch His Own Clothing Line Called JKL, the menswear brand is an extension of his charity, the Just Keep Living Foundation, “dedicated to empowering high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices to become great men and women,” according to its website. Ten cents for every dollar in sales is going to the foundation. He helped develop the concepts. Certain pieces are waterrepellent or quick-drying, and some provide UV protection, which are probably among the actor’s priorities. “I like to be able to wear something that is appropriate for wherever the day takes me: to work, on a hike and then out to dinner. I like to take the formality out of the day’s schedule and be ready for any off-road detour.” In fact, he said, when he was brainstorming about what an apparel brand could represent, he jotted down notes. “One of the first things I had written down was ‘from the jungle to the opera.’ That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but that’s the idea.” But don’t expect to see his name on the brand’s clothing! “I want to be behind this, not in front of it. I’m the author, not the face or the definition.” Splendid!

Meet Bentley the Armani-dressed Model The second of Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book comes out very soon, but in the meantime, spreads from the ballet-themed issue have been trickling onto the Internet in dribs and drabs. The latest: an editorial featuring Bentley the monkey, who poses with dancers from the New York Ballet Collective. He is the cutest thing! And quite the attention grabbing model. We see a success story brewing! If you check out the CR website, you will see all different kinds of poses from the adorable primate. It took us some time before we could steer away from Bentley to notice the amazing talents from the NY Ballet Collective. We love the theme of this issue. We cannot wait till it’s out, can you?

INTERESTING NEWS

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes O Canada! How we truly love that country and yet another reason to love it so, is their annual march that is held in Toronto in support of women and the fight against violence towards them. Organized by the White Ribbon Campaign, they named the event “Walk a mile in her shoes” and that they do, and then some! Walking more than a mile (2 Kilometers) the event is joined by thousands of men, from businessmen, football players, Marine’s and more, all in high stilettos. The Campaign raised $150,000 last year; however, it is not only about raising funds but more so to promote the discussion and awareness. Kudos to the men who participated!

Hot

s c i Top

Astronauts’ breath-taking views of earth from space showing mysterious ring around Tehran. Astronauts from NASA and its international affiliate programs took awe-inspiring photos of our planet from outer space. The breath-taking photos show peculiar purple rings around Tehran, Iran as well as volcanoes, deserts, Caribbean islands and Northern Lights, among other incredible sights. The images were taken from the International Space Station and posted online by NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn, Canadian astronaut Chris Hatfield and their space colleagues. ‘The Earth has problem skin; one popped, the other didn’t,’ Hatfield jokingly wrote after uploading a volcano that had erupted next to one that had not. And of the spectacular rings around Tehran, Hatfield commented ‘If you give wind and sand enough time together, they create art’. Beautiful!

THETALK / March / 2013

93 Seven-Mile Long Mega-Pod of More Than 100,000 Dolphins Dolphins almost always travel in groups together called pods. From as little as 15 dolphins up to 200 can be seen swimming together. However, off the coast of San Diego, a tour boat of onlookers got to experience an event that has never happened before! More than a hundred-thousand were all swimming together across an estimated seven miles long and about five miles wide of oceanic waters. Dolphins are very social creatures; they stick together in small groups and a lot of times these groups come together, but never in this kind of magnitude. Interestingly, a similar occurrence happened with thousands of dolphins swimming together close to the same area around the same time last year. Still, never like this making it a truly remarkable event and very mysterious as experts cannot explain what has brought so many dolphins together.

Prada Shop in Marfa, Texas One place you don’t expect to see a designer store is literally in the middle of nowhere. Unless a fashion addict gets lost and delirious and instead of picturing a mirage of water they see Prada, we would never expect that there is a store in a desert. However Prada has done just that! Andy Warhol once famously predicted, “All department stores will become museums, and all museums will become department stores” – Prada certainly paid homage to Warhol’s words. They have no problem poking fun at themselves after incredible success worldwide and having their New York flagship store feature huge interior ramps, mannequins floating on varying levels of stairs and elaborate displays why not create such a statement in a desert in Marfa, Texas? Michael Elmgreen and Ignar Dragset, together with American architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello are those who created the store as an art project which is meant to stand as decaying art and as a piece of history for both fashion and Marfa and we love it!

SPORTS NEWS

Blend it like Beckham David Beckham has enrolled for French cookery lessons after moving to play in Paris. The football legend is thought to be having classes with the head chef at his plush five-star Le Bristol hotel.

“As for the language lessons, David hopes that he can at least get a basic grasp of French soon. The PSG team communicate on the pitch in French so it is an unofficial requirement that the players can speak it.

He has told ÉricFréchon – awarded three Michelin stars in 2009 – that he is particularly interested to learn about chicken and s eafood dishes.

“David picked up good Spanish in Madrid and even a bit of Italian when he was at AC Milan, so he is hoping he will get it.” Becks arrived in Paris last Tuesday to begin a five-month stay in the city.

When not training and playing with his new club Paris Saint-Germain, Becks, 37, will be busy in the kitchen preparing Gallic favourites like coq au vin, bouillabaisse and beef bourguignon. He is already a keen cook and is hoping to impress his wife Victoria by adding to his repertoire. The midfield ace is also learning to speak French, after PSG’s Sporting Director Leonardo warned him that he likes all his players to have a basic understanding. A source close to Becks said: “David is loving the French life and has decided he wants to immerse himself in it further by learning how to cook their meals.

He checked into the palatial Le Bristol, where he is staying in the KD7,000-per-night Imperial suite. It can accommodate 12 guests, has a sitting room, three bathrooms and a panoramic view of the French capital. The hotel is situated on the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which boasts boutiques such as Chanel, Hermès and Christian Louboutin.

Forest owner Fawaz al Hasawi pledges not to interfere Fawaz Al Hasawi says if he wanted to manage Nottingham Forest, he would have appointed himself – and pledged he would not interfere with Billy Davies. The Reds owner and chairman insists that, had he wanted to have an influence on the management of the club, he would have been foolish to appoint a ‘strong manager’ in the form of Davies. The tenures of both Sean O’Driscoll and Alex McLeish had both ended with suggestions the club’s hierarchy had attempted to influence the club’s policy on transfers and even team selection. But Al Hasawi dismissed this totally – and believes the appointment of Davies is proof he does not intend to meddle in team affairs. “This is not my way. If I wanted to be the man who made those decisions, I would be the manager,” said Al Hasawi.

THETALK / March / 2013

Rafael Nadal. Back, and winning again Rafael Nadal won his first title since last year’s French Open as he saw off David Nalbandian in straight sets in the final of the Brazil Open. The Spaniard, playing only his second tournament following a seven-month absence with a knee injury, beat Nalbandian 6-2 6-3 in Sao Paulo.Nadal broke twice in the first set and recovered from 3-0 down in the second to win in one hour and 18 minutes. He is next scheduled to play at the Mexican Open, starting on 25 February. The 11-time Grand Slam champion has chosen to return to action on the clay courts he favours, making the final in Chile last week before losing to world number 73 HoracioZeballos. And while his form remained some way short of his best in Sao Paulo, the 26-year-old was well satisfied at ending the week with his 51st tournament victory.”I’ll definitely enjoy this one because of all the problems that I’ve gone through with the knee,” said Nadal, who also won the Brazil title in 2005.

F1 2013 – What’s New? The 2013 season is the last time we’ll see the 2.4 litre V8 engines used, with 1.6 litre V6 engines making things a bit more eco-friendly in 2014. The current F1 cars then really are at the peak of their performance. The new Red Bull RB9 was described as an “evolution, not revolution” by F1 design genius Adrian Newey. Infiniti is now a title partner with Red Bull Racing, which means the signature blue of the car is now streaked with purple. It looks great close up, although we aren’t yet sure just how it will fare on our HD TVs. Ferrari’s F138 is on “another planet”, according to driver Massa when compared to last year’s car, so should present a decent challenge to Red Bull this season. The Mercedes car, which Hamilton will be driving, looks more ominous as the famous British driver has already crashed it during testing. All eyes will be on McLaren and Sergio Perez, who takes over from Hamilton. Button now appears to be lead driver, so will need to put in a better season than last year. Certainly the new McLaren car looks the part.

BEAUTY & GROOMING

Pamper - Ying DiorSnow UV Shield

Revlon PhotoReady™ 3D Volume Mascara provides lashes with instant volume and dimension using a formula that includes smooth gellants and flexible polymer technology. The innovative brush contains a lash accentuating tip so you reach every last lash - delivering high-volume and unprecedented dimension without flakes or clumps.

A genuine three-dimensional protection that is increasingly global and complete even in the most extreme conditions... In all latitudes, all climates and all seasons... There are no more obstacles to a beautifully transparent complexion.

Chanel Healthy Glow Palette Enriched with the Open Air Care Complex, the HEALTHY GLOW SHEER POWDER also offers SPF 15 protection and protection against UVA rays (PA++), making it perfectly adapted to everyday use in all seasons.

DIORSNOW ANTISPOT SERUM Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – Oil-Free

Dior has made a cutting-edge breakthrough in regulating the expression of genes that produce Filaggrin to help restore this molecule production to its optimal level wherever it is lacking. A world first that has given rise to the 1st intelligent Anti-Spot Serum by Dior able

This lightweight formula provides ideal protection from the sun’s harmful, damaging rays with broad spectrum SPF 20 UVB/UVA sunscreen. It also controls oil-breakthrough with hydration to prevent dryness and soften and ease fine, dry lines. Rimmel Match Perfection BB Cream

DiorSnow Extreme Cooling Gel Mask A genuine transparency accelerator… Dior presents a unique technology and texture: this mask, infused with Icelandic GlacialTM Water and T.E.C.TM, is capable of lowering the skin’s temperature by 4°C. Melanin production slows down and the action of the Diorsnow Whitening ingredients is boosted.

THETALK / March / 2013

The high tech formula lasts all day, and with its very natural coverage, skin always looks naturally flawless, never overdone! POW! Fight away the appearance of pores, shine and imperfections. THACK! Your skin stays moisturised and protected. POP! Like a true hero it also has the super strong L’Occitane Spring Cherry Eau de Toilette power of SPF 25 to help protect skin leaving it bright and feeling amazing. The scent of Spring Cherry perfumes the skin with fresh and floral notes. A vibrant duo of mandarin orange and blackcurrant; the pastoral poetry of cherry blossom mingling with magnolia and freesia and a graceful woody, musky base with a subtle hint of iris.

Grooming - Yang Phyto Phytopolleine Universal Elixir - Scalp Stimulant

Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer The emollient formula of this moisturizer provides lasting hydration to skin without oiliness or heaviness. Advanced natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals help visibly improve skin’s overall appearance.

This formula harnesses the natural powers of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon to instantly purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation. It is recommended for those suffering from an unbalanced scalp whether it is dry, oily, itchy, or irritated.

Lab Series Max LS Instant Eye Lift This cream works immediately to help tighten skin around the eye area and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crows feet. It dramatically helps to reduce the look of dark circles, too. This product is oil-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and formulated for all skin types.

Clinique Skin Supplies For Men – Dark Spot Corrector Formulated for men’s skin, this powerful serum works to reduce the appearance of sun spots, dark spots, and acne scars, resulting in even, more youthfullooking skin. In just 12 weeks, skin feels smoother with a significant improvement in dark spots, texture, and skintone, while ingrown hairs become less frequent and severe.

Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia Di Capri Body Lotion A symbol of the Italian Mediterranean and the island of Capri, this fragranced body lotion is sunny, relaxing, and carefree. In the air, hints of Italian citrus and the warm aroma of caramel blend together to create a pure moment of bliss, just like being on vacation.

Dior Micro-Purify Cleansing Gel Dior Homme Micro Purify Cleansing Gel penetrates deep down to clarify skin morning and evening. Very light exfoliating micro-particles push on the epidermal surface to stimulate cell renewal.

Dior Homme ** The Dior Homme Dermo System Collection is the first dermatological skincare system designed to preserve the youthful appearance of men’s skin. Created through close collaboration between the vision of its creator—Hedi Slimane from the Dior Innovation Center—and a scientific research center of international renown, Dior Homme Dermo System exemplifies the latest progress in dermatological technology.

Dior Dior Homme Bath and Body Collection The new men’s fragrance by Dior reinvents masculine luxury with classic yet clearly modern elegance. A unique powdery scent, built around masculine iris, with notes of lavender, amber, vetiver, and leather.

HEALTH

Breast Cancer Awareness and Self-Examination No body part worries women more than her breasts. Whether their too big, too small, not symmetrical. Throughout a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, the breasts go through more changes than one would dressing for a date. Changes in the breast can be temporary, benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous.

then with your hands on your hips as you tighten your chest, and then once more keeping your hands on your hips and bending forward. Step 2: Feel for Changes Lie down on your back with a pillow placed under your right shoulder, using the three middle fingers of your left hand check your right breast. Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin. Examine from your collarbone to your armpit. After circling follow an up and down pattern. Repeat the process with the pillow on under your left shoulder, using your right hand to examine the left breast. We recommend you repeat Step 2 once more whilst being soaped up! Keep track of what you feel and when. If you discover something, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic. Note where it is, the size, shape and tenderness. Also note where you are in your cycle. If it seems suspicious get it checked by a professional. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Other than self-examination: Know your family history. Talk to your doctor about any changes and worries you may have. Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at the age of twenty, and every year after the age of forty. Have a mammogram every year at age forty. The most important thing is to be on top of what is happening to your body, you need to know the ins and outs so that if there are any changes that are irregular, you can see a doctor and get checked immediately. Early detection can save your life. So the first step is the self-examination: After the age of twenty, examinations should be done around the same time every month.

THETALK / March / 2013

Preferably after your cycle, if you still menstruate. Step 1: Look for Changes Examine your breasts in front of a mirror and look for any visual changes in the size and colour, particularly the nipple and skin around it. Look at your breasts whilst you have your arms to your sides, then again with your arms over your head,

Make healthy lifestyle choices: Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise should be regular in your routine. Feed your body with all the nutrients that you can. Remember first there is prevention, with a healthy lifestyle and second is detection. Always be aware, one step ahead and a close relationship with your doctor for a happy, longer life.

14TH OF MARCH 2013 At: Gulf University for Science and Technology

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TRAVEL

Mother nature at her best March revolves around the celebrations of Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and world Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Being the beginning of everything a mother gives comfort, support and life. With spring and summer coming up it is the perfect season to explore exotic places and connect with the one mother, that we take for granted; nature. This month we are highlighting travel destinations that give you the opportunity to spend quality time with Mother Nature, away from traffic jams, smog and the city noise.

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Panama This small country located in the Americas neighboring Costa Rica in the north and Columbia in the south, is mainly known for its famous Panama Canal. This 48 mile long canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean makes Panama one of the world’s most important trading hotspots. But Panama has more on offer than this impressive landmark and a modern city, with skyscrapers shaping its costal line. Panama is a tropical country with tropical climate, where temperatures are between 25 degrees and 31 degrees centigrade all year long. Its rain forest is habitat to a variety of flora and found only found there. Whether in the forest or off the shorelines of Panama, there are endless possibilities to experience sights that are unique to this part of the world. From June to September it’s a perfect time to enjoy whale watching to witness the migration of the whales.

Mauritius

Tranquility, luxury and nature are the main assets of this southern African paradise island in the Indian ocean. Discovering nature through sports and outdoor activities is the main attraction of this remote island. Clear warm waters and white sandy beaches make tropical dreams come true on

Mauritius. After a day experiencing our world-famous water sports – most of which are offered on a complimentary basis to resort guest – enjoy an unparalleled view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean before heading to one of our trendy bars, restaurants and clubs, all of which buzz with life.

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TRAVEL

Blackforest This region in the southwest of Germany attracts tourists all year around. In summer you can enjoy the Black Forest’s great nature with its European flora and fauna. In summer boat owner and boating lovers enjoy their water activities on the Rhine and secluded lakes. A rich nature with countless routes awaits Hikers and mountain climbers to dive into nature’s hidden treasures. In winter skiers take the slopes of these mountains that transform for idyllic meadows to one of the world’s finest ski destinations. Where boats

cruise on lakes in summer, ice skaters carve the ice with their skates. Nature and luxury are the two elements interconnect in the Black Forest. For those looking to pamper themselves and enjoy arts and culture, the city of Baden Baden satisfy all your heart’s desires with Roman-Irish baths, 19th-century concert hall, casino and fresco-adorned Pump Room are much visited. A must see is also the gothic masterpiece Freiburg Cathedral and its famous Boys’ Choir in the city of Freiburg.

Kerala With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 5002700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia; an equable climate and a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife., waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer

THETALK / March / 2013

you a unique experience. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers. A trip through the numerous forests and hill stations in Kerala will take you to some of the best waterfalls and dams you have ever seen in your life. The water gurgling down the rocky precipices, framed by lush green foliage is a sight you would never want to miss.

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Byron Bay Endless skies, beaches and rivers are to be discovered in this small town in north eastern state of New South Wales, Australia. Famous for being a surfer’s paradise, Byron Bay has more to offer than beaches only. A laid back lifestyle and magnificent nature attract artists from all over the world and offers inspiration and a platform to express their ideas. Byron Bay is also known for its vivid nightlife with numerous restaurants and bars. But apart from the city live, there are many outdoor activities inviting you to explore the unique nature of this beautiful continent. Pay a visit to Tweed, the most biodiverse region in Australia, with five World Heritage-Listed

National Parks, over 37 kilometers of unspoiled beaches and a broad river linking the mountains to the sea. Or discover Kyogle’s spectacular natural beauty as the backdrop to a picturesque country town that is the absolute essence of the Australian rural character. Better yet why not discover the beauty of this part of the world from the bird-eye perspective by booking a hot air balloon ride. See Australia’s most spectacular scenery aloft in a hot-air balloon. Soaring majestically over the terrain you will be overcome by the beauty of the “rainbow region”.

Greenland

Greenland is the one place on this planet with the most unique nature, culture and climate. Being the closest country to the North Pole, Greenland is situated in the arctic ocean which means; icebergs. Sailing among icebergs is truly an experience of a lifetime. One can never stop gazing at the amazing shapes, some so powerful, others so graceful; ever changing as the angle alters as you sail by. The colours are enchanting - hues of blue and green glistening in the sun, or the pure white looming mysteriously against a grey morning fog. A dark round shadow bobbing in the waves is a seal watching you visit its waters. If you are lucky you may

sight whales such as minks, humpbacks and fins. Greenland is also a great place to witness northern lights. Of all naturally occurring heavenly phenomena, few come close to a night with a magnificent northern lights display. Northern Lights can be anything from a vague green mist to a complete firework, but always enough to make you stop and gaze into the vast sky. The Northern Lights can be scenery beyond imagination, when seen under the right circumstances. White, yellow, green and red, they sweep across the dark sky in a state of eternal, rapid flux. Source: travelandleisure.com

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REVIEWS

movies showing this month

March 7th

Oz the Great and Powerful

March 14th

Jack the Giant Slayer

The ancient war between humans and a race of giants when Jack, A carnival magician arrives in a a young farmhand fighting for fantasy land and must use his wits a kingdom and the love of a to stay ahead of three witches who princess, opens a gateway have plans for him. between the two worlds.

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March 22nd

March 28th

The Croods 3D

G.I Jo Retaliation

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world

The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.

N EXT POPCORN E H T U O F ACE Y E

Upload your photo on facebook.com/GCKuwait to become the next popcorn face Follow us on twitter @GC_Kuwait

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REVIEWS

Restaurant Review

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky enough to have the only Bubo outside of Spain right here in Kuwait! Extremely rich in flavor, light in density. The perfect desserts to indulge in without feeling heavy afterwards. The only problem you may face with Bubo is with being spoilt for choice. The array of delicious drinks, tapas, main courses and sides are all Very Spanish, with a great modern twist! Located behind Sheraton, on Abu Baker Al Seddiq Street in Al Ghunaim Tower.

THETALK / March / 2013

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Classics that made our Closets Lolita

Awe and exhilaration--along with heartbreak and mordant wit--abound in Lolita, Nabokov’s most famous and controversial novel, which tells the story of the aging Humbert’s obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hyper civilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America. Most of all, it is a meditation on love--love as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation.

The Secret Garden

Though Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote more than forty books, none remains so popular as her miraculous and magical masterpiece, The Secret Garden. Has any story ever dared to begin by calling its heroine, “the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen” and, just a few sentences later, “as tyrannical and selfish a little pig as ever lived?” Mary Lennox is the “little pig,” sent to Misselthwaite Manor, on the Yorkshire moors, to live with her uncle after her parent’s die of cholera. There she discovers her sickly cousin Colin, who is equally obnoxious and imperious. Both love no one because they have never been loved.

The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm They are the stories we’ve known since we were children. Rapunzel. Hansel and Gretel. Cinderella. Sleeping Beauty. But the works originally collected by the Brothers Grimm in the early 1800s are not necessarily the versions we heard before bedtime. They’re darker and often don’t end very happily— but they’re often far more interesting. Many of these tales begin with the familiar refrain of “once upon a time”—but they end with something unexpected and fascinating!

The Scarlet Letter

For nearly a century and a half, Hawthorne’s masterpiece has mesmerized readers and critics alike. One of the greatest American novels, its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, woven through a story of adultery in the early days of the Massachusetts Colony, are revealed with remarkable psychological penetration and understanding of the human heart.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you›ll go.” - Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

The Raven The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde was at once a family man and a homosexual outsider, a socialite, socialist, and Irish nationalist. His contradictions inspired him to ponder the roles and masks donned in conventional society, and his acute and wry insights are wonderfully displayed in this collection of his essential plays. Known not only for his brilliant, epigrammatic language, but also for his sense of theatrical design, color, and staging, Wilde created an enduring body of finely crafted works, whose delights and ironies still speak to modern audiences.

This anthology is a thorough introduction to classic literature for those who have not yet experienced these literary masterworks. For those who have known and loved these works in the past, this is an invitation to reunite with old friends in a fresh new format. From Shakespeare’s finesse to Oscar Wilde’s wit, this unique collection brings together works as diverse and influential as The Pilgrim’s Progress and Othello. As an anthology that invites readers to immerse themselves in the masterpieces of the literary giants, it is a must-have addition to any library. Source: amazon.com

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GADGETS

Wamli is a shopper’s paradise, with a little ‘geek’ thrown in. It’s an online hub that was born to indulge the instinctive need of enthusiasts to collect crazy-funky-cool products. Based in Dubai with easy delivery to Kuwait, it is a great site for gadget gifts; especially for this month! Here is our round-up:

GummyGoods Soap Red

Big Bloom

Relive your childhood gummy-bears’ filled days with this strawberry scented soap. Not For Consumption. As tempting as that may be!

The all-new transparent Big Bloom vase will greatly magnify any flower allowing you to see the fine intricacies of the flower in much greater detail. Whether it’s a rose you received from your loved one or a flower plucked from your garden…this vase knows how to make the best of it.

Wall of Champions Wall Champions is a coat-hanger which was born a footballer. A decorative item which is also useful, with a sporting, friendly spirit. The players from the classic Football table jump off and become a coat-hanger. Supplied in packaging which makes it a very original present.

Plamodel Camera Black – Do it Yourself Camera Learn the basic structure of the camera with this Do it yourself “Plastic camera” that once completed becomes an Analog Camera. This kit includes all the pieces of the camera, screwdriver and strap, in a nice packaging.

All these are available at wamli.com

THETALK / March / 2013

Stap Man Stapler Inspired by world’s most recognized video game – we don’t have to specify which one, do we? Put this cheery stap man stapler on your desk and turn it into a battle field. Make sure there’re enough of these around the office for a fullfledged contest. May the best stapler win!

Salt-Globe Salt Dispenser A salt dispenser in the form of an Eiffel Tower snow-globe. What’s not to love about it!

STYLE COMPETITION

Jaime King

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Lea Seydoux

65%

e r o W ho

35% ? t s e it B

We give Lea Seydoux props for wearing this sweet and whimsical Christian Dior Dress at the ‘Les Adieux a La Reine’ Parisian Premiere. However, seven months later, Jaime King basically showed Seydoux how it really should have been worn. Amplifying the dress’s whimsy, she accessorized with perfectly matched ballerina heels, a statement necklace and an adorable side ponytail that pulled everything together. We do love Seydoux’s makeup and slick hair, not for this dress though; and a belt on an already beltstitched dress? Mm… not so much.

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Brought to you by

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THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE Snake is the Yin to last year’s Dragon Yang. That said, Snake does not settle for mediocrity, either. We’re likely to see significant developments in the area of science and technology this year. Research and development are apt to flourish. This is a Water year as well, the element most closely associated with education and research, making 2013 a very special year for scientists and scholars. Snake is a positive sign, with energy that can help us face all of the challenges ahead of us. This is a perfect opportunity take advantage of this vibrant influence to improve our lives -- and our world!

ROOSTER

MONKEY

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, RELATIONSHIPS Love life is so- so in a snake year, not good, not bad. Best is to stay the course, this year is not really a good time for finding love or breaking up. Let important people into your inner circle and fun times will come easily. HEALTH - You have quite a few high points ahead of you this year. A good time to start your diet, but be sure to stay away from fatty food, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Get physically more active and add a little Omega 3 to your diet. WEALTH - Don’t take chances when it comes to money this year. You will be pulled towards serveral investment opportunities, but your best bet is to just pass and wait. Now more than every you need to do your due diligence and be careful who you work with.

THETALK / March / 2013

1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 RELATIONSHIPS Love can set you free just as much as it can hold you down. It’s up to you to decide. You have no problem drawing a little attention to yourself. Put on a show for a potential lover and they’re sure to be very appreciative of your efforts! HEALTH - For the most part, you are looking at a strong, solid year -- as long as you take care of yourself. Strange as it may sound, try to avoid bad air-quality areas. Prudent thinking is mandatory in 2013. Think twice when choosing between a salad and a steak! WEALTH - What do you want to do financially this year? Maybe it’s time to modernize your life a bit. If you have a little extra cash to spare, think about diversifying internationally. For instance, a beachside condo overseas could serve many purposes!

DOG

1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 RELATIONSHIPS Ah, love in the Year of the Snake. Be honest with that special someone. Snake is all about sincerity, but can slip into revenge as well. Profess your love. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I love you’ or ‘You’re special’ -- along with offering your beloved an exotic present. HEALTH - Too much change can be tough on the Dog, but in

this Year of the Snake you are equipped to handle it. Embrace it. Don’t overwork and stress yourself out, and if you are stressed out, treat yourself with a spa day to celebrate your success. WEALTH - While Snake is a pretty good year for you all around, you’d be wise to protect your assets. Take a deep look into your soul and separate the things you really need from the things you really want. If you are indecisive, just keep it simple.

PIG

1946, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 RELATIONSHIPS There’s a good chance you’ll be smitten with love this year. Enjoy it, just don’t get your hopes up too much. If you’re in a relationship, this is not a time to take risks. the Snake can be quite sensual, so lots of cuddling, hand holding, kissing and foreplay is encouraged! HEALTH - Be careful not to overindulge. Your wild, fun ride in 2012 is changing into a much more challenging one. Do your best to avoid stress. This year, Water is your key to maintaining good health. Drink enough of it and surround yourself in it’s peaceful ambiance. WEALTH - Take care of your finances this year. Your trusting heart can easily lead you astray under the influence of the Snake. It would be wise for you to do a double take when evaluating major financial decisions. Stay away from any major purchases.

RAT

1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 RELATIONSHIPS The Snake favors connecting with people on a mental level. You tend to know a lot of people of the opposite sex. However, how many of them do you let into your inner sanctum, oh Rat? If you want the help of the Snake this year, then you may want to let a select few people in. HEALTH - No need for major concern, but be aware that health issues could arise this year, but be kind to your kidneys. All in all, you shouldn’t have much to worry about this year as long as you take the standard precautions. Be well! WEALTH - The Snake year is not as auspicious as last year’s Dragon year for you, but there will still be some great opportunities for you. Be sure to pick your moments, and cash in on the intelligent investments you made during the Dragon year.

1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 RELATIONSHIPS - Don’t allow anything in the amour department discourage you this year, Ox. Find a new love or turn the one you have into heavenly bliss. Instead of shouldering the load of emotional weight, share those emotions with someone special and worthy of your love and friendship.

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HEALTH - If you let yourself indulge in the excesses of last year’s Dragon, this Year’s Water Snake will help you reign it all back in. Focus on weight management. Keep your mind stimulated and your body in shape so that you can take full advantage of what this year has to offer. Drink plenty of water. WEALTH - As one of the most ambitious signs of the Chinese zodiac, Snake is associated with making money. For you, that means this year is all about material gain and career success. For your job and your finances, be as focused and knowledgeable as you possibly can.

TIGER

1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 RELATIONSHIPS - This is not the time to let yourself be drawn into fights. If you don’t expect a lot out of this year, you won’t be disappointed. In general, however, just build on what you have and keep in mind that 2014 is going to be a whole lot better for you. Remember Tiger, you are a cat. Let the playfulness of your inner kitten come out. HEALTH - You may be prone to issues affecting nervous system -like stress from too many hours at the office. While you typically want to workout until you can’t anymore, this year you must stop and think about the consequences. Cerebral activities will likely be more beneficial than physical ones. Meditation time! WEALTH - If there were ever a year to protect your wealth, Tiger, the Snake is it. Don’t take any big risks and Don’t expect a financial windfall from previous investments either. It’s likely you’ll find yourself

in a holding pattern in 2013, but hang in there for 2014’s rewards!

RABBIT

1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 RELATIONSHIPS - The odds are in your favor to improve existing relationships and create new ones, so don’t be shy. Now is the time to walk down the red carpet and put on the Ritz. Bring your partner back to your exclusive love nest and give them all you’ve got. HEALTH - A Snake year influences your stomach and skin. Try to maintain a healthy diet, especially in the winter time when you’re prone to influenza and colds. During summer, protect your skin from the sun and dryness. To balance out any mental anxiety, try yoga or tai-chi. WEALTH - Luck is on your side this year, Rabbit! While business may not always be your preferred method of making money, some opportunities in the investment space may pay dividends for you. Think about how you can put your creative talents to work, and turn a buck or two.

DRAGON

1952, 1964, 1976, 1988,200 RELATIONSHIPS Don’t hold back this year, Dragon. The Snake likes to turn heads, and never let it be said that the Dragon isn’t up to being the star of the show. The problem will come in weeding out the few that you want to pay special attention to. You’re incapable of being too picky this year. Choose wisely! HEALTH - You probably had a wild ride last year, and that trend

continues. Put aside some time to relax in Year of the Snake. Don’t stress yourself out, and make sure you get enough sleep. Don’t let your mind race all night. Check your blood pressure an iron levels. WEALTH - Expect good things from a financial perspective this year, Dragon. If you made investments in any precious metals. now is a good time to reap the rewards. Your creative juices will flow freely in Year of the Snake.

SNAKE

1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 RELATIONSHIPS - The influence of your namesake year can actually be more of a hindrance than a help, but this can be overcome in the name of love. You can be a bit too mysterious. Utilize the Snake’s ability to charm and hypnotize people into wanting to discover more about you. HEALTH - Mental stimulation will surely not be an issue for you this year -- just make sure you balance it out. Stay physically engaged. If you find yourself physically limited, a 20-minute walk is enough to get your juices flowing. WEALTH - This year could be a bit of a roller-coaster ride financially for you. Do your best not to overthink your decisions. If you prefer, just kick back this year and put your money into a conservative investment vehicle. And if none of that seems right, indulge a little bit and buy something nice for yourself.

HORSE

1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 RELATIONSHIPS You’re a sign that likes to run free

and looks for wide open spaces. The Snake prefers more intimate places. Your urge to run and find greener pastures could be keeping you from experiencing the wonders of intimacy and a truly committed relationship. Take note: Love might truly set you free this year, oh lovely Horse! HEALTH - There could be a price to pay if you overwork yourself this year. The best thing you can do is schedule in enough sleep and rest. You should also be on guard for things that could affect your circulatory system and lower legs. WEALTH - A Snake year is definitely not the time for you to take chances with your money. Be very wary of anyone pitching you outlandish ideas. Things aren’t always what they seem.

SHEEP

1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 RELATIONSHIPS There is great potential for this to be an amazing year for you. Don’t hold back. Be aggressive when it comes to putting yourself in the right situation, then just go with the flow and let things happen. HEALTH - Maintaining a healthy diet is extra important for you in Year of the Snake. Eliminate sugar from your diet and add more vegetables and grains. Nature will be a great contributor to your well-being. Incorporate outdoor activity into your daily routine. WEALTH - Luck is on your side this year, though you may need to look past the usual suspects to take advantage of it. Be prepared to travel if necessary. The rewards will be worth it. Now is the time to buy something big, really big. Just make sure you use your head, and then 2013 is yours to enjoy.