The talk #103 may 2018

Issue 195 / May 2018

Shouag Hayat The Modern Bride Independent, Creative, Grounded

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content/ fashion/

jewelry & watches

Issue 195 / May 2018

Shouag Hayat The Modern BrideIndependent, Creative, Grounded

On the cover: Shouag Hayat Creative director: DoubleA Studio Photographer: Faisal Al Bisher May 2018

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health & beauty/

16. Behind the Veil 18. Classic Love 20. CH in Bloom 22. Christian Louboutin 24. Jimmy Choo Bridal 2018 26. Longchamp 28. Louis Vuitton 30. Net-a-Porter 34. Jimmy Choo 40. MOSCHINO [tv] H&M 42. Monki Occasional Wear 44. & Other Stories

60. Bridal Lux 62. Crowned 64. BOUCHERON 66. Van Cleef & Arpels 68. Messika

78. “Eye” Do! 80. Curls Fit for a Bride 82. Summer Garden Beauty 84. Fatima Naqi 88. Dr. Reza Nabavian 90. Health tip

art & design/

94. The all-new 2018 Navigator 106. Bottega Veneta 110. The Bed Shop

lifestyle/

138. Shouag Hayat 154. Events 158. Horoscopes

the team/ Editor-in-Chief Fawaz Al-Mutairi Publisher Zeina Mokaddam General Manager Chimene Ibrahim Fashion & Beauty Editor Rawan Qabazard Copy-Editor Anju Kakkar

Managing Editor Simon Balsom

Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri

Senior Graphic Designer Chadi Moufied

Circulation: 10,000 Copies

Legal Consultant Khaled Al-Kandari

Interview - Viva Press (Uk) Images - Gallo-Getty

BPA Audited from 2011 to 2013 Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies

Distribution Company: International Media Group Printed In Four Films

Press Agencies - Afp

Published by : Tel: (965) 2572 0810 Fax: (965) 2572 0860 email: info@ph7-kw.com www.ph7-kw.com

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. the talk - page 10

letter/ May is yet another beautiful month, a month that brings with itself the advent and opportunity to fill it with beautiful memories!

Starting with the obvious wedding season and trends. From classic cut dresses to choosing your veil, the ultimate guide for brides-to-be is right between your hands. From jewelry to makeup, read through and discover what kind of bride are you.

Like all months, May was named by ancient cultures. The Greeks called it May after their goddess of fertility, Maia; it is also said that this is the month when plants really start to grow. No wonder it is time for us to witness the birth of new love as couples take their vows.

The fashion world is in awe and we can’t be more excited over the news - Virgil Abloh has officially been named Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton menswear!

He will showcase his first collection at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. Also, check out the exclusive Off-White x Jimmy Choo Q&A. Our mesmerizing cover girl, Shouag Hayat is most definitely the ultimate modern bride. Giving advice for all you young brides out there, from the engagement to the wedding to the honeymoon! We know you can’t wait to read all about it…

With the first sighting of the new moon in mid-May, we will begin the Holy Month of Ramadan. From our team, we wish you and your family a very blessed and peaceful month.

Till next time, the talk Team

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MANA

HAAGEN DAZS

SHAKE SHACK

STARBUCKS Drive-Thru

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a pop-up venue hosting a variety of trendy F&B concepts in the region.

@MUROUJKW

www.themurouj.com the talk - page 13

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t r e n d s i n t e r v i e w s e d i t o r i a l s w a t c h e s the talk - page 15

fashion - trend

Behind the Veil The beauty of the veil is part of history itself. “Veils covering the hair and face became a symbolic reference to the purity of the bride thereafter.” Tradition has always been a huge factor when it comes to weddings, and the veil is present in many cultures and ceremonies.

Whether it’s trendy or classic, same as the dress, the veil should represent you and reflect your personality as a bride. Not the bridezilla phase though!

Nowadays brides are not restricting themselves from the classic veil. You can customize it to go with your dress whether it’s lace, Swarovski, tulle etc.

Choose the veil according to your hairstyle and have it fitted before-hand. If you’re adding an accessory to your hair, then go for something subtle to avoid the crowding with the veil. Choosing the length is also important, whether you want a short and flirty veil, or long to go with your ultra-long train is also a decision that you need to make! Also, try to avoid heavy fabrics so you can move flawlessly down the aisle.

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fashion - trend

Classic Love Your wedding dress is a story that should tell itself. Over the years we have seen a lot of bridal trends come and go. The fancy silhouettes, the sparkle extravaganza, and of course let’s not forget the never-ending train. However, all these trends have ascended from classic bridal gowns over the years. Whether worn by a celebrity or a member of a royal family, some gowns have gone down to be a part of history and have made the list as the most expensive and fancy ones.

When choosing your wedding gown, you should first look into the theme, the mood of your very own special day for inspiration, before looking into trends. It should be the dress that describes you, your personality, and how you present yourself to the world.

White is a given. Opting for another color would probably set you up for regret at some point in your life. But we are never saying no to pink!

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fashion - feature

CH in Bloom Spring/Summer 2018 Collection Spring is House of Herrera’s favorite season. Flowers have always been an essential part of print design and they’re also behind the inspiration of numerous collections.

Moreover, the jasmine flower has become an inherent symbol of the brand’s identity.

Three years ago, CH Carolina Herrera launched for the first time a capsule collection revolving around a print that celebrated spring: CH in Bloom. As time goes by, it has evolved and turned into one of the most expected collections of the year and a reason for celebration.

This year’s concept is inspired by a walk in a field full of wild flowers, gathering small bouquets which come together transforming the CH initials into an explosion of color and freshness.

A casual collection where light silk pieces are trimmed with contrasting grosgrain in navy blue and matched with shoes and accessories such as hats, scarves and hand fans.

Additionally, rubberizing is used in an innovative technique for prints on some of the brand’s most emblematic bags such as Andy, Inro and Shopping.

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Christian Louboutin Taking inspiration from the elegant and highly decorative style of the mid-18th century and under the influence of iconic and charming figures like Madame de Pompadour, favorite of King Louis XV, discover a whimsical collection of pastels, white and floral prints. Â The play of transparency takes a regal twist, with strass that seemingly float on the foot and transform women into modern day Cinderella; conjuring a feeling of transformation, which in turn invokes confidence, beauty and love.

Bold cage sandals and sexy gladiators get the full embellishment treatment and become fit for a modern Queen. An elegant statement of sophisticated design to mesmerize and capture the eye.

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Jimmy Choo Bridal 2018 With its extensive Bridal Collection and dedicated bridal services, Jimmy Choo has long been the goto shoe to accompany brides down the aisle on their special day.

For 2018, the Jimmy Choo Bridal Collection offers a wardrobe of beautiful styles underpinned by timeless and classic elegance, from ivory satin courts to the Hollywood glamour of Swarovski crystal embellished pumps, strappy single-soled metallic sandals to more fashion-forward seasonal designs.

Realised in a delicate colour scheme of dusty pink, ivory and champagne glitter, with an exquisite array of details including; ethereal feathers, flowers, Swarovski crystals, lace, beading and glitter finishes.

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Longchamp

An Urban Adventuress: Freja Beha Erichsen Explores Paris Longchamp’s inspiration for Summer 2018 is the urban adventuress – a stylish, liberated woman who doesn’t have to travel the world in search of new experiences, but instead chooses to explore her own city with fresh eyes.

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A perfect pick for the role is Danish supermodel Freja Beha Erichsen, who – in her second campaign as the face of Longchamp – is again photographed in Paris by Angelo Pennetta. The visuals, styled by Géraldine Saglio, show Freja Beha strolling across the Seine or chilling in the Luxembourg Gardens wearing key pieces from the Longchamp Summer 2018 ready-to-wear collection. A particular stand-out is the season’s star safari jacket, which is interpreted in a range of materials from canvas to velvet leather, and paired with a fringed and plaited leather skirt or butter-soft leather shorts.

Launched last season, the Mademoiselle Longchamp hobo bag in supple, perforated calfskin has already attained It-bag status, and Summer 2018 marks its appearance in a new mini format. There’s nothing mini about its impact, though, particularly in the bright orange shade carried

by Freja Beha in the ad campaign. Color is, of course, fundamental to Longchamp’s DNA – witness the new Madeleine, a graphic three-tone version of the ladylike structured bag, which taps into the current top-handle trend.

In addition to leather goods and ready-to-wear, the campaign features Longchamp’s new sunglasses collection, with a specific visual highlighting a chic oversize butterfly frame, which captures the relaxed, stylish mood of the season. the talk - page 27

fashion - feature

Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Virgil Abloh as its new Men’s Artistic Director, with immediate effect. His first show for Louis Vuitton will take place in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

Having followed with great interest Virgil’s ascent since he worked with me at Fendi in 2006, I am thrilled to see how his innate creativity and disruptive approach have made him so relevant, not just in the world of fashion but in popular culture today. His sensibility towards luxury and savoir-faire will be instrumental in taking Louis Vuitton’s menswear into the future” said Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman & CEO. “It is an honor for me to accept the position of Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the House are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times” stated Virgil Abloh.

Born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980, Virgil Abloh is an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, and designer. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Madison, he completed a Masters Degree in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in a curriculum founded by Mies van der Rohe. It was here that he learned not only about modernist design principles but also about the concept of multi-disciplinary working.

Virgil Abloh’s brand Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ was started in 2012 as an artwork titled “PYREX VISION.” In 2013, the brand premiered a seasonal men’s and women’s fashion label showing runway collections during Paris Fashion Week since 2015.

Abloh has also presented his work at major design institutions around the globe by the likes of Harvard Graduate School of Design, Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 2019 he will have a major exhibition of past and current work at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, Illinois.

In 2015, Virgil Abloh for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ is among the finalists of the LVMH Prize. He has been awarded various prizes, most recently winning the British Fashion Awards Urban Luxe Award and International Designer of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2017.

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NET-A-PORTER Bridal For the bride with a confident sense of style who doesn’t want to sacrifice fashion personality on her wedding day, NET-A-PORTER has curated an exceptional collection of stand out pieces that eschew bigskirt silhouettes in favor of a modern fashion statement.

Still redolent of romance, with a nod to tradition, the bridal assortment includes exquisitely tailored styles from Gabriela Hearst, The Row, Alexander McQueen, Temeperly London, Rime Arodaky, and Stella McCartney.

New and exclusive this season, Danielle Frankel is designed for the bride who does not adhere to convention, and London-based, Galvan, notable for their sensuous minimalist aesthetic, launch their first bridal collection exclusively with NET-A-PORTER.

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NET-A-PORTER Launches Ralph & Russo’s First ReadyTo-Wear Collection As Their Exclusive Online Retail Partner NET-A-PORTER launches haute couture brand, Ralph & Russo’s first Ready-to-Wear collection as their exclusive online retail partner. Over the past seven years, Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo have created the largest haute couture atelier in the world and gained international recognition for their breath-taking designs. For Spring Summer 2018 the British brand has produced its first ever Ready-to-Wear collection that retains the collection’s signature glamour and remains true to its couture DNA. Shown during London Fashion Week last September, the Ready-to-Wear collection represents a new and luxurious iteration of day to evening dressing. Launching on NET-A-PORTER with 18 pieces including accessories, the collection mixes day time chic with evening sophistication, reinterpreting traditional daywear with their signature high octane glamour. Blouses are presented in dusky rose with the traditional trench is elevated into a shimmering asymmetrical details; rose gold bonded silk crêpe version, featuring bespoke signature crested buttons and epaulettes.

Stand-out styles, evocative of the couture collection manifest in the form of a sheer, blush pink gown with hexagon netted lace, flared sleeves and fully encrusted with degradé crystal embroidery. Ralph & Russo’s celestial Eden pump are available in black patent and gold with ornamental filigree leaves spiraling up the heel recalling the beauty of a lost paradise, as if from an enchanted fairy-tale.

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fashion - interview

“Cool” Exaggerated Off-White x Jimmy Choo Collaboration What happens when American Designer, DJ and stylist Virgil Abloh and Creative Director of Jimmy Choo Sandra Choi collaborate? The catchphrase “cool” is redefined with personality and oomph! Making waves and shaking the fashion industry to think outside the boundaries of what is already defined and setting a new phenomenon of fashion exploration, this event sure did bring every ma jor model and celebrity to the intimate dinner celebrating the new Off-White x Jimmy Choo collaboration, dressed in Off-White glamour paired with unexpected footwear and plastic-y boots.

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A coincidental meet with Sandra in September 2016 in New York where Virgil was DJing for Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary event, instantly sparked a desire to create something new. Virgil: When we first met I did a scan cataloguing the brands she was wearing. Well, our brains are so astute. If you have synergy, it’s like, “What’s your taste? How do you finish a sentence?” Sandra: He’s a connoisseur in fashion! I was impressed by his fashion intuition, he instantly identified my plain cotton t-shirt as Comme des Garcons, this is when we started to talk about working together on a collaboration. I have so enjoyed Virgil saying, “I want the unexpected.”

Together they decided to make something both figurative and luxury. A collaboration that still has the identity of both the brands, and that was the key element.

Sandra: I want to surprise people. Make them ask “What kind of effusion, ultimate product are we going to come up with. Historically, Jimmy Choo has had very strong brand values; the glamour, the confidence. OffWhite™ is unpredictable. This collaboration is unpredictable and exciting.

Virgil: Who’s going to be our next Margiela? Who’s going to be the next Lagerfeld?” I was sitting in this chair and said, “Alright, I have to get up and make it.” There’s a generational need for designers to come up with a premise that’s actually valuable and surprising. I wanted the new it-heel.

The major move in my career is to catalogue what’s happening on the street and, hopefully, be given a position to do it within a house. Jimmy Choo is THE House of Shoes.

Virgil believes his contribution is, in a weird way, to be sort of punk but corporate at the same time, a refined aesthetic that’s sort of avant-garde; to make sure everything is beautiful, making sure the fine line between weird and beautiful is married seamlessly, and the designer thinks this is perfectly executed in the Off-White™ C/O Jimmy Choo pieces.

Sandra: We took risks on this collection. Like I said to Virgil, it reminded me of every single thing that is iconic for Jimmy Choo, but with a fresh attitude.

Virgil: Yes. We want to make something that doesn’t exist. Purely making Power more powerful.

LET’S TALK ABOUT DIANA SPECIFICALLY Virgil: I liked the idea of Diana as a muse. The point to this collection was to tell a story that an impactful figure like her is our living version of Cinderella. Make a shoe that gives that Princess feeling. “The New Glass Slipper”.

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When asked why Diana was considered culturally so relevant to a generation that wouldn’t even have been born or been children when she was around, both Virgil and Sandra agreed that Diana was and is still a role model and the whole premise of Off-White™ is asking the question “Who’s the new woman?”. The fact that now, there’s a new powerful independent woman that has a style. That she can wear jeans, not have to wear a suit that was made for a man. She is an individual that you can’t classify.

And Princess Diana is relevant explicitly now because she was ahead of her time. Clothing is your outward expression of what’s happening. So whatever facade that Diana lived in, she revealed through her clothing.

Diana was a royal grounded in reality. She was real, not a fairytale.

Diana has gained a considerable and impactful popularity amongst millennials. This is a tribute to Diana. It’s a celebration of her essence and style. In the same collection, there is a storytelling to a modern generation that doesn’t know and wasn’t there. Her charity work is also involved in the show. This collection is a modern version of all that Diana was and still is. There was a woman who was strong, powerful. Here’s fashion paying tribute to someone legendary. A collaboration to show that fairy tales can exist, that’s what Virgil said his role was, to make a shoe that inspires feeling, the plastic represents a modern day Cinderella pump, because that’s what it looks like in a realistic way.

And that’s how Diana became the muse.

Sandra: “Diana was naturally tall and she was really careful on how much height she wanted to wear for each occasion. In the early days, I remember her heels would be lower. As time went on she went a bit higher and higher to three and a half inches so in some sense, she was using the way that she dressed to actually communicate with the outside world.”

On summing up what this collection is for people that would wear it today, Virgil says, “It’s A to Z. It’s a live-picture. Well, the most in vogue thing used to be day to night. That was the older generation as I was coming into fashion. For me, it’s for real people. It’s like, “Hey what can you wear from the gym to going to a fancy dinner?” There are no boundaries.

Not shying away from defining who is the OFF-WHITE™ C/O JIMMY CHOO woman, according to Virgil: “They embody the confidence to respect their own style. They don’t necessarily go with trend and fashion.

They go with their own style”. Mentioning Beyoncé and Sarah Jessica Parker as well, not before he talks passionately about Prince Diana, for the confidence behind the personalities.

Sandra: “The confidence to be themselves”.

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fashion - interview

Virgil: On the street, the average girl going to work at her job. If she can find something that matches her confidence, that’s what fashion is. I think giving people products that enable them to show their true personality is my gift.

Fans and admirers of both brands will not be surprised by the influence of technology in this collaboration. Virgil informs us that most of the designing, inspiration, marking, reworking, redrawing and the array of throwing and bouncing ideas back and forth happened over WhatsApp, yup! Most of the design process was done, literally, across the globe, over different time zones.

Virgil: It’s not like the glory days of fashion, I think when you’re sitting in a room with an espresso and you have infinite time. My main motivation is that you use the phone as your new studio. It’s your camera, your network, your emails, your contact, your everything. Steve Jobs was like, “Hey I have a vision,” and their ethos for making product was humanity. It’s like every idea should sort of empower someone to be more creative.

Shoe lovers behold!

There’s The Lady Shoe, a shoe of the past reinterpreted in a modern way with a surprising twist; Victoria, with obvious references to tiaras (the work-in-progress name was TIARA), bringing the disappearing aura of the tiara to modern days.

Then there is the Anne, the most famous, representing something old & new, telling the story through the height, the heel shape alone speaks to a certain moment in time, can also be conservative at the same time; Claire, fragile, changing the aura of a room, extremely provocative, not something you’d see every day, but made with taste.

And then Sara, and like Virgil says, “you could walk on the Moon in those boots”, Sandra confirming a very specific padding resembling ski styles and warmth; casual and still sexy, the right kind of sexy; Mary a lady-like silhouette, focusing on the essence of celebrating the beautiful Choo and only the shoe, it’s a bow, exaggerated, preppy and extraordinary.

Rethinking the elements of comfort and style, this collaboration surely embraces the street more now in the design.

Sandra: Well, the street is there. You can’t ignore it for sure. You know what Jimmy Choo is, the glamour, the confidence, that high heel. But the story has evolved with the Jimmy Choo woman wanting and needing more choices but founded on the same principles of quality, design and confidence. I like to give her choices. This project has allowed us to play with our core DNA in ways that are authentic yet surprising, that provokes people to think, “Oh, they’re doing something different. That’s really interesting.” And I believe in experimenting when it is built on authenticity, it brings freshness and energy to the collection. the talk - page 38

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fashion - feature

MOSCHINO [tv] H&M

H&M Reveals Their Designer Collaboration with Moschino Through Instagram Live An Instagram live call from Gigi Hadid to her friend Jeremy Scott revealed: H&M’s next luxury designer collaboration is with MOSCHINO - the iconic Italian brand to which Jeremy Scott has injected a new pop energy since he became Creative Director in 2013. The collection, MOSCHINO [tv] H&M, will be available in selected H&M stores worldwide from November 8th.

The call, from Gigi Hadid to Jeremy Scott, was projected on digital screens at the annual MOSCHINO party in Coachella, California and live broadcasted on @hm surprising guests with the big news.

Jeremy and Gigi were dressed in the first looks from the MOSCHINO [tv] H&M collection, a collection full of the vitality, playfulness and humor that has made the label one of the most beloved in fashion today. For H&M, Jeremy Scott has designed new MOSCHINO collections for both women and men, as well as a full range of accessories and some extra surprises too.

“I am so excited about MOSCHINO [tv] H&M,” Scott said of the partnership. “My life’s work has been to connect with people through fashion, and with this collaboration I’ll be able to reach more of my fans than I’ve ever had the ability to do.”

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fashion - feature

Monki Occasional Wear Dress for the Occasion in Monki This season, Monki is going beyond that little black dress when launching this pastel dream of a pre-summer drop.

Blooms and brights are just right, and whether you’re looking for a jaw-dropping outfit for an evening gathering, a ghabga or fatoor, this feminine and classy collection has got you covered. It ranges from lovely knee-length dresses – perfect for this season – to fabulous floor-sweepers, flowy trousers and silky jumpsuits. Not to mention shoes and accessories. Let’s forget casual, shall we!

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& Other Stories It’s finally May. We are all running around Ramadan prepping for the beautiful month ahead of us.

A Ramadan-focused collection curated by & Other Stories will be available for you to grab before the Holy Month approaches. From gorgeous attire to beautiful accessories, we selected our favorite & Other Stories looks for Ramadan. All these looks and other amazing pieces are available at & Other Stories at Grand Avenue, The Avenues.

Getting ready for Ramadan has never been easier.

Art Direction and Styling by Adel Alansari / DOUBLEA.STUDIO Photography by Jalil Marvin the talk - page 44

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The Avenues - Phase 4 www.stories.com @andotherstories #storiesKuwait the talk - page 53

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& Other Stories The Modern Way to ear Boho Balance bohemian vibes with utilitarian accents this spring with & Other Stories’ latest Noveau Boho edit. Celebrate chic Parisian style with a collection of elegant silhouettes and delicate floral prints in a refreshing summer palette. The perfect accessory for spring, & Other Stories unveils two unique versions of the classic straw bag – a clean circular style as well as a playful fringed and woven variation, made for falling in love with this season. Keep it classy with a pair of statement black shoes – choose from stylish loafers or dainty pointed mules to complete the look.

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Denim for Days By Denim will forever be a big part of our wardrobes, and that’s not going to change any time soon. Perfect for the season, & Other Stories unveils a stunning range of denim essentials. Sport that effortlessly chic summer look with a pair of statement jeans – showcasing a unique range of cuts and styles, including cropped, flared, straight, culottes, mid-rise and high-waisted, you are sure to find your ‘dream denim’ at & Other Stories this summer. Style your look with delicate florals and accessories or go allout with one of the stunning denim jackets and kimonos. the talk - page 55

fashion - feature

Modest Fashion Meets Dreamy Florals Get summer ready as & Other Stories unveils a sophisticated range of modest outfits that are sure to make it straight to your wish list right away! With flowy silhouettes and delicate florals in warm summery hues, the collection exudes femininity and elegance through a selection of midi and maxi dresses, perfect for the season. No look is complete without statement accessories – choose from a range of contemporary jewelry styles, statement bags and stylish footwear to instantly upgrade your summer wardrobe.

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t r e n d s i n t e r v i e w s e d i t o r i a l s f e a t u r e s the talk - page 59

jewelry - trend

Bridal Lux Accessorizing is hard for brides as you’re looking for the perfect combination of ultra-chic and minimalism.

After you choose your dress, shoes, and veil, you have to pick out which jewelry pieces you will be adorning.

Whether it’s a vintage family heirloom or a fancy new diamond necklace, it has to blend well with the bridal look you are going for.

If you want to stick to a classic look, opt for diamond studs and a bare neck. If you’re ready to wow the crown, then go for something with rubies or emeralds for a pop of color. As for your hair, a diamond pin is a very cute look to go for especially if you’re not wearing a veil.

Or maybe it’s ready to get crowned? Read on!

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Crowned A crown fit for a queen. It’s your big day, your moment so why not put on a crown and call it your coronation?

A bit much? Well, you are the bride. If you choose to wear a crown on your wedding day, you should always pick your veil and hairstyle according to the crown you pick. If you choose to go with something heavy, you might want to opt for a tight bun and no veil. If you choose something soft and elegant, then a simple veil would just complete the look.

When choosing the style, be it gold, or diamonds, or stones, always let your makeup artist know. The makeup you apply and the shine of the crown will have to both be in sync. It’s your time to shine, your time to go all out, Farah Diba style!

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BOUCHERON Colored Diamonds Frédéric Boucheron, visionary designer and jeweler, founded a family dynasty, celebrated for its art of creation. His collections always displayed leading-edge forms, innovative techniques, and gemstones with character. This passion for rare and exceptional stones led him and his heirs after him - to travel the world and to forge ties with the world’s greatest stone traders in search of the most dazzling sparkles.

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For nearly 160 years, the workshops have maintained this tradition and focus on the emotions inspired by the stones. With innovation always a priority, the craftsmen and women of the first jeweler of Place VendĂ´me create extraordinary pieces set with characterful stones, unique in their kind. This passion is reflected in each of the High Jewelry collections.

You have to be born under a lucky star for the chance to hold a colored diamond in your hand one day, as they represent less than 0.1% of the world’s production of rough diamonds; they are the most coveted diamonds in the world. Take the Diamant Polaire ring as an example, this stone, with its unique color and shape, is a real treasure of nature.

Deep orange colored diamonds are among the rarest colored diamonds in the world, it is practically impossible to find any above 2 carats! the talk - page 65

jewelry - feature

Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole

The Frivole collection takes on a new feminine aesthetic, with an association of three miniature motifs. Recognizable for their heart-shaped petals, the oral bouquets adorn the neck and face with delicate overtones. These new creations pay tribute to the vitality of nature and its random character, here reflected in the composition of the designs.

Inspired by the central motif of the 8-flower Frivole ring, the 3-flower aesthetic creates an impression of delicacy and lightness, magnified by characteristic attention to detail. From a heart-shaped ear clip system to setting that highlights the sparkle of diamonds, the art of jewelers and stone-setters finds elegant expression within the Frivole collection.

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Messika

Bridal Jewelry Collection

By Keeping the Maison’s DNA, Valérie Messika re-imagines wedding jewelry as distinctly fashionable. The Maison brings its renowned innovative design to its take on wedding jewelry.

Faithful to her values, Valérie creates pieces burning of desire, where the gold setting is scarce in order to better highlight the precious stone. She conceives jewelry for all couples, which she gathers in two collections: Emotion and My Twin.

Emotion pays tribute to the romantic woman - the purity of a solitaire represents the perfect union with a loved one. Valérie reinterpreted this classic with a proper twist of the Maison. My Twin offers a new way to seal the love by playing with different diamond shapes: the pear, the emerald and the oval.

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watches - feature

Corum Golden Bridge Round 39 When the most famous caliber in watchmaking is adorned with High Jewelry lacework gem setting, the result sheds new light on the architecture of the baguette movement.

It will soon be 40 years old. But the best is yet to come. Beyond its men’s and women’s models, its manual or automatic winding, its vertical or horizontal structure, there is still no shortage of pages left to be written about the baguette movement. The Golden Bridge Round 39 is a perfect example.

It is probably one of the most daring High Jewelry creations, not only for Corum but for contemporary watchmaking. The Golden Bridge Round 39’s unique architecture features an exquisite interplay of shapes with its horizontal baguette movement and a half-moon on each side of a round 39 mm case. No fewer than six new High Jewelry versions have been unveiled. Together, they highlight five exceptional stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby, tsavorite and amethyst.

These stones are set in a genuine gold lacework that extends across the movement. Unlike most jewelry creations, with the Golden Bridge Round 39, light thus comes from within the piece. It illuminates the movement with glints of blue, green, red, purple and white. The baguette movement is the central element and core identity of any Golden Bridge, and the entire composition of the Round 39 model has been designed to showcase it once again.

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Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli SOTTOZERO warms up the sub zero snowscape The bite of icy air, the crunch of tires on hard-packed snow and the thrill of truly money can’t buy experiences was the exhilarating setting for the adrenalin-packed recent launch of the titanium-studded Excalibur Spider Pirelli SOTTOZERO™ at the Lamborghini Winter Accademia in Livigno, Italy.

Taking exciting high-octane exploits to unprecedented new levels and inspired by the avant-garde designs and technical mastery of both its partners – tire legend Pirelli on the one hand, and Lamborghini Squadra Corse on the other – Roger Dubuis has been offering red-hot performances in super-cold conditions this year.

Irresistible mutual attraction was the spark of the relationships Roger Dubuis – a brand with performance engraved in its very DNA – has ignited with Pirelli and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. All share common values encapsulating a radical R&D vision, the same flair for disruptive designs, superlative technical engineering, an attitude in sync with some of the most demanding clients the world has to offer, and extreme aesthetics.

Aside from the iconic Roger Dubuis skeleton double flying tourbillon, the unequivocal focus of the 47 mm Excalibur Spider Pirelli SOTTOZERO™ comes down to the latter. It is inspired by Pirelli’s legendary SOTTOZERO™ winter tires, which were the protagonists of the Lamborghini Winter Accademia. the talk - page 71

watches - feature

Longines Conquest V.H.P. Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games: A Tribute to Performance The Conquest V.H.P. represents a new achievement in the field of quartz, combining great precision, high technicality and a sporty look, marked by the brand’s unique elegance. Based on its many years of experience with quartz, Longines is revisiting a success story from the 80s. With the Conquest V.H.P. (Very High Precision), it is marking a return to a technology in which it was a pioneer and expert, particularly through its timekeeping activities.

The Conquest V.H.P. Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is equipped with an exclusive movement renowned for its high degree of precision for an analog watch (Âą 5 s/yr) and its ability to reset its hands after an impact or exposure to a magnetic field, using the GPD (gear position detection) system. These attractive features are likely responsible for its exceptional movement status, to which a very long battery life and a perpetual calendar must be added. In the true essence of Conquest, the ultimate sports line, this exceptional timepiece brings together high technicality and dynamic aesthetic. The Conquest V.H.P. has thus positioned itself as the standard-bearer of extreme precision.

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Girard-Perregaux

Laureato Skeleton Ceramic Girard-Perregaux is introducing its emblematic Laureato Skeleton model to the world of ceramics. Thus attired, the iconic Girard-Perregaux casual chic skeletonworked watch is also establishing itself in the world of black‌ while preserving the transparent side of its nature. While the Laureato Skeleton is thereby taking a walk on the dark side, solely with a view to further enhancing its charisma and its strong presence, it still allows light to flood through its exceptional open worked movement. The Laureato Skeleton Ceramic thereby once again demonstrates the strength and relevance of the Girard-Perregaux design, capable of multiple mutations through time in terms of both size and materials.

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watches - feature

Oris A Date with Bronze Oris has created a bronze version of its iconic Big Crown Pointer Date, a watch aimed at people with a unique sense of style Following on from the revival of the iconic Oris Big Crown Pointer Date comes a 36mm version of the watch cased in naturally ageing bronze. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date comes in a vintage size and gives fresh expression to one of Oris’s most historically important watches.

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date, on which the new bronze model is based, is more than a landmark in the company’s archive of inventive, high-performance watches. In the 1980s, it marked a watershed moment for the company when it was reintroduced to spearhead Oris’s mission to champion the eternal value of mechanical watchmaking in the face of the quartz revolution. With its smooth, round case and tapered lugs, coin-edged bezel, oversized crown, clear, functional dial, and central pointer hand indicating the date, it is one of Oris’s most recognized designs, and one of the most iconic pieces in all of watchmaking.

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The Rado True Thinline Nature Collection Inspired by Nature Realized by Rado The Rado True Thinline Nature Collection is a beautiful fusion of nature and innovation taking the essence of Rado, and blending elements of the natural world into its design. The fruits of a creative partnership with Grandi Giardini Italiani - an organization that promotes the rich heritage of grand Italian gardens - these additions to the True Thinline Collection celebrate the intersection between design and nature.

In our increasingly urbanized lives, great pleasure can be taken from experiencing the vibrant colors of nature. The Rado designers took the very best elements of the natural world and worked to incorporate this aesthetic into these new True Thinline models.

Whether it be the rich taupe brown of Earth, the deep midnight blue of Water, or the verdant green of Leaf, each color rejuvenates the eye like a walk through a beautiful garden leaving it refreshed and inspired. the talk - page 75

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b e a u t y

t r e n d s

r e v i e w s h e a l t h

t i p s the talk - page 77

beauty - trend

“Eye” Do! Everyone agrees, a flawless skin base is a must for flawless makeup application; the whole deal with primers, the perfect foundation, etc. It’s a given, find the perfect foundation shade beforehand and make sure to try it out in different lighting and at different hours before wearing it to a big event.

Now, let us focus on the part where everyone thinks ‘eyeliner’ is for everyone! It isn’t, and that was a shock in itself, even to us.

Talking eyes; not every makeup style or application suits every eye shape.

There are specific makeup tricks and techniques that suit different people, however, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to eye makeup. Each eye cut and shape needs to be dealt with differently from eyeshadow colors, to the thickness of the liner, to false lashes.

Be 100% sure of the look you’re going for prior to applying anything to the eye, test it out a few times prior, take a few selfies and make sure it photographs well. Work in that magic, take your time, don’t be scared to make mistakes, correct, continue. Apply your eye makeup before anything else on the face so you have no fears of messing up what is already done.

Boom, you are ready, walk in gracefully with a smile, batting your eyes and prepare to wow.

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beauty - trend

Curls Fit for a Bride We can’t say picking out the hairstyle for the big day is the most important decision, however, it surely is one of the huge ones. Last year it was all about the tight buns and bohemian flower crowns. This season we’re seeing a lot of loose waves and perfect curls. It all depends on your personal taste and dress, of course.

If you’re more of a carefree, natural, simple bride, we say you go for loose waves thrown back to show off your décolleté. However, if you want to go for a bit more extreme look, then you might want to opt for tight, perfect curls!

Choose the curling iron that suits the hairstyle you’re going for. There is always the option of accessorizing with hair pins or crowns.

We will say this too though, as a bride, be very careful opting for slicked back hairstyles for your big day; remember you’ll be showing your grandkids these pictures someday, and no-one wants to explain why grandma’s hair looked greasy because it was a trend back in 2018!

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beauty - feature

Summer Garden Beauty by & Other Stories Get that summer glow as & Other Stories unveils a fresh and flirty make-up line, perfect for the season. Elevate your natural beauty with a range of cruelty free make-up products that are sure to make it on your summer beauty wishlist.

Whether you are looking for everyday staples or evening essentials, the Summer Garden beauty edit has something for every mood and every occasion. The Jardiniére Roselle Blusher offers a subtle rosy tint for a naturallooking summertime glow, while the Olefin Beehive Eye Color Palette is a must have this season with four versatile neutral shades.

Add a pop of color with the velvet-finish Ultra Matte Lip Color – choose from three unique shades inspired by exotic flowers: Grenadine Fuchsia, Granité Guava & Bang Firebrick.

Embrace the season with one of the striking nail colors in brilliant summery hues – opt for a subtle Beehive Blast, a bold Seville Skyline, a bright Club Petals or a fun and quirky Berry Garden to complete your look.

Find this full look for the summer at & Other Stories Kuwait at Grand Avenue, The Avenue the talk - page 82

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beauty - interview

Fatima Naqi Makeup Artist

Bridal - Everyday Glamour - Makeup Academy - All under one roof!

FN Institute, a beauty salon and institute, was officially opened in 2011; a dream fulfilled by Fatima Naqi, a chance to showcase her skills acquired over time through experience and education, and an opportunity to assist upcoming makeup artists through training in her beauty institute.

Fatima Naqi has been a practicing makeup artist since 2004. Her beginnings started by studying at Al Jothen Academy in Kuwait and with Makeup Forever. She later acquired a Diploma from the Elite Makeup School located in Spain. In the year 2007, Fatima earned makeup certificates from The Jemma Kidd Makeup School in London and Beauty Base School. Additionally, she indulged in many one-on-one classes with several celebrity makeup artists in London. Fatima Naqi mastered the art airbrushing and was the first makeup artist in Kuwait to use the style of ‘airbrushed makeup’!

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beauty - interview

When did you fall in love with makeup?

I loved makeup from a very early age. I loved the makeup in music videos and movies, in the beginning my main inspiration was from television.

When did you start your career as a makeup artist, and how?

My career as a makeup artist began in 2004, with only friends and family. I had created a space for myself at home, a professional makeup room. Over time, as I established a larger audience and a strong base in Kuwait, that’s when I decided to start my own company.

Tell us about the makeup academy and your vision.

It was my dream to establish my very own makeup academy. A place to provide quality education and intensive training for the makeup artists-tobe, as well for makeup lovers themselves. My vision is to eventually expand to cover fashion shows and movies, and to extend this opportunity to my students as well.

Moving on to bridal makeup, how does it differ, for you as a make-up artist, from other special occasions’ makeup application?

Bridal makeup is relevantly different than normal makeup, different in the procedure and in the sense of the ‘feeling’ aspect that comes with the occasion. The application necessarily would be the same, however, there is always that extra touch, the special touch for the bride. The makeup has to, most importantly, be flawless as well as long lasting.

What are the top bridal makeup trends this season?

This season we’re seeing a lot of glossy lips on brides, a fresh and glowy look, a dewy face, and a lot of grays and metallics on the eyes. The main focus is mainly going to be on the lashes.

Do you offer Bridal Makeup Courses for aspiring makeup artists? Tell us more about that.

Yes, we do offer a 5 day bridal makeup course at the academy. It provides intensive training for the makeup artists who want to specialize particularly in bridal makeup. We aim to train them to be international makeup artists, for all kinds of brides in Kuwait, and outside Kuwait.

What is your personal go to makeup look, and how can our readers achieve it?

My focus is primarily on use highlight in spots that catch the light on the face, and contour the face further by concealing areas to bring more light to it. For example, the middle of forehead, the bridge of the nose, the upper line of the lips and the chin. Concealing under the eyes is a must!

Add blusher, a touch of mascara and lip liner on the lips for a long lasting finish. I personally do not use foundation on a daily basis, I prefer to conceal only where needed and it’s a very easy and fast look to achieve.

What are your top three favorite beauty products that you cannot live without?

Clinique concealer. NARS blusher and contouring kit. And, the Yves Saint Laurent mascara. the talk - page 86

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health - interview

Royale Hayat:

Dr. Reza Nabavian We have all heard about the famous Dr. Reza Nabavian and his amazing skills as a plastic surgeon. Dr. Reza is a well-known professor of plastic surgery at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles where he has served as the director of aesthetic surgery education. Dr. Reza has a private practice in Santa Monica. He is a visiting consultant and director of Cosmetic Center at Royale Hayat hospital. “One of the constants in my life has been movement and travel.” Born in the middle East, growing up in Italy, UK, and educated in USA, Dr. Reza has a deep understanding of aesthetics and cultural influences on style and beauty.

We had the pleasure of discussing common misconceptions and myths in plastic surgery. With so many surgical procedures and new technologies flooding the social media, it is really difficult to realize fact from fiction.

Dr. Reza shares his advice with us.

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What are your thoughts on liposuction?

Liposuction is a very effective procedure to shape and contour the body. But it is not a good solution to weight loss and it is not effective in tightening loose skin. Many of my patients in the Middle East wonder if performing liposuction on one of area of the body will cause other areas to become larger. This is not necessarily true. Liposuction results can maintain their excellence if the patient maintains reasonable weight. In fact, liposuction helps some patients to be more enthusiastic about fitness and healthy diet. However, if someone gains large amount of weight, some parts of the body can become larger.

The second myth about liposuction is the effect on skin tightening. Some surgical devices such as laser lipo or vasor are advertised to also cause skin tightening. However, the effect on skin tightening is very minimal.

Another point of confusion on liposuction is regarding non-surgical fat removal such as Coolsculpting. While Coolsculpting can have a small effect after many sessions on a small area, it is far from being a reliable and effective alternative to liposuction.

What are some patient concerns regarding breast implant surgeries?

Two areas of concern for patients are breast cancer and breast feeding. Several studies have determined that there is no correlation between silicone breast implants and primary breast cancer. However, I continue long term follow up of my patients to ensure proper screening and examination.

With regards to breast feeding, the risk to breastfeeding after implant surgery is very small. Milk production occurs in superficial breast tissue that is not disrupted by the implant.

Tummy tucks have been very popular in the region specially after multiple pregnancies and weight loss. How should women proceed to make decisions?

A common question people ask is whether they can get the tummy tuck at the time of their C-section. I would advise against it. The skin is looser because of hormonal changes during pregnancy and it takes 5-6 months before they are ready to have a tummy tuck procedure.

The other factor is the need for body contouring with the tummy tuck. The new technique in tummy tuck allows me to not only remove loose skin and repair the muscle but also to shape the body and the waist line.

We are seeing many new machines and technologies in the cosmetic surgery field promising the best results without having to undergo surgery. What should one consider before making a decision about these procedures?

While many new machines constantly enter the market, very few will in fact stand the test of time. In my estimation, no more than one or two out of ten machines will still be in use

Dr. Reza Nabavian MD Position: Consultant Plastic Surgeon Department: Plastic Surgery Qualifications: American Board of Plastic Surgery Board Certifications: Director of Asthetic Surgery - University of Southern California

after 2-3 years. Part of the problem are the indications and patient expectations.

Technologies such as radio frequency, ultra sound energy and lasers can improve skin quality and elasticity. However, they cannot tighten skin in someone who clearly needs surgery.

I recommend younger patients to take advantage of these new technologies to prevent or significantly delay the appearance of aging. You can choose these procedures using your own research plus the recommendation of a trusted plastic surgeon.

Where does the media come in the midst of all the myths?

Social media and the internet can be very helpful for patient education. But it also creates confusion and misconception. Sometimes people share information online that might seem common, but it does not address the specifics of the case.

Some Doctors take advantage of social media to falsely advertise their results and exploit patients trust. Surgeons can post before and after pictures using different magnification, lighting or angle to make impressive before and after photos. I tell my patients to study the pictures and the claims carefully. the talk - page 89

health - feature

Matcha Fever We all know the health benefits of green tea, and we all went all obsessive drinking a few cups a day and googling all about green tea capsules (which are really bad for your health!). Nowadays we’re hearing the word matcha a lot.

Matcha lattes. Matcha brownies. All matcha everything! What is it exactly?

Matcha is a green powdered tea that originates from Japan. The processing procedures are a bit different than other teas, that is what gives it its sweetness.

Also, the procedures increase the health benefits of matcha green tea. Some of the main benefits are: (1) High in antioxidants (2) Increases energy levels (3) Burn calories (4) Detoxifies the body (5) Good for the immune system, and many more!

Go ahead and grab a matcha frappe after breakfast.

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a r t i s t s

f o c u s

i n t e r v i e w s e d i t o r i a l s the talk - page 93

art&design - automotive

The all-new 2018 Navigator

Experience it all and more right here in Kuwait The all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator is not a car. It is a seamlessly pristine reflection of your lifestyle, preferences and habits. We believe that luxury extends far beyond material possessions. That is why the 2018 Navigator was augmented with intuitive features, luxurious accents and an exclusive collection of services. These liberating benefits are designed to uncomplicate your life and make each day effortless and empowering so that you can soak up every brilliant and wonderful moment along the way.

The all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator is not a sports drive; however, its twin-turbocharged 3.5L engine is capable of producing 450-horsepower, representing a number of firsts for Lincoln, including electronic control of a turbocharged engine and dual-point fuel injection. With the addition of a 10-speed transmission, drivers and passengers will experience a smooth and controlled ride with this impressive engine power plus the 10-speed transmission.

From the inside, the 2018 Navigator nears close to the line of bling with its stunning wood, leather and chrome-adorned surfaces. Seating up to seven passengers, the Navigator is optimized to deliver an immense level of comfort not to mention best-in-class second and third-row legroom.

Its versatile cabin features one-touch tilt-and-slide second-row seats and a power-reclining third row that show a unified approach to comfort, space and style for all. Enjoy best-in-class 1st-row shoulder and hip room with your choice of Comfort or Perfect Position seats. Inspired by private aircrafts, the class-leading 30-way adjustable Perfect Position front seats feature a patented comfort-carrier design that flexes around you. They also include heated and ventilated settings, plus Active Motion® massage functionality to help reduce muscle fatigue in your upper legs and lower back. Navigator is designed to be your relaxing respite – your new home away from home.

Photography by Faisal Al Bisher Art Direction and Styling by Adel Alansari / DOUBLEA.STUDIO Location: Al Hamra Business Tower - Murouj - Marina crescent the talk - page 94

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lifestyle - automotive

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art&design - automotive

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lifestyle - feature

LINCOLN ALGHANIM

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art&design - feature

Bottega Veneta Presenting Its Home Collection During Salone Del Mobile 2018 The new Bottega Veneta Home Collection, designed by Creative Director Tomas Maier, is presented during Salone del Mobile in Milan. While preserving its long-standing ideals of craftsmanship and a harmonious balance of texture, design and functionality, the collection features playful new finishes on iconic pieces and a brighter, more colorful palette. “I wanted to show something very different from what I did two years ago, which was muted and graphic” says Maier. “I like to give new ideas of how my client could create a living space.”

Maier also further develops his collaboration with Osanna Visconti di Modrone in new lighting pieces.

The Home Collection has organically evolved from Tomas Maier’s first design, a single bench he created alongside Bottega Veneta’s skilled artisans, in 2006.

Since then, the house has developed and presented full collections of furniture and home accessories, many of which are made with esteemed manufacturers such as Murano artisans for glassware, Koenigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin for porcelain and Poltrona Frau for seating.

In 2015, Bottega Veneta established a dedicated furniture Atelier in the Veneto region where the brand was founded. This year, the brand introduced a new retail home concept called The Apartment at the Maison store in New York.

The Apartment offers the biggest selection of Bottega Veneta furniture and home accessories in the United States, all displayed in a residential setting, complete with a curated selection of books and artwork.

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art&design - feature

The Bed Shop The Bed Shop is one of Kuwait’s leading stores, evidently when it comes to beds and beddings.

It was founded in the year 1995 and has been one of the top ever since.

The products found at The Bed Shop are distinctive and unique. In addition, they provide high standards of quality assurance.

Their customer service is absolutely unparalleled and praise-worthy.

Some brands that can be found at The Bed Shop are King Koil, Tempur, Yatsan, Colunex, Delix, Temprakon and Reverie.

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The Bedshop introduces it’s newly renovated showroom in Hawalli, in which a new line of home accessories have been added to it’s earlier stellar selection of products.

All photographed products are exclusively available in Kuwait at showrooms: Tilal Complex - Shuwaikh, Hamra Tower - Sharq, Madouh Complex – Hawally and Dalal Complex - Dajeej.

Contact: 22444160

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art&design - feature

Moua’ayada Collection

by Rita Moua’ayada Collection by Rita is a set of 4 plates with 4 distinctive, yet very similar designs, each having a different Moua’ayada message, but all written in Kufi Style, filling the outer edge of each plate in a very stylish and innovative design.

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Ramadan Kareem, Asakom min Awwadah, Kul Aaam Wa Antom Bi Kheir, and Eidkom Moubarak.

Four Moua’ayada messages written in Kufi Style, using luxurious Gold ink on off-white high quality porcelain, a combination which makes those plates timeless, ultra-chic, classic, and elegant.

The Kufi script used on those art pieces is the oldest calligraphic type of the Arabic script, derived from an old modified Nabatean script. The Kufic script was developed around the seventh century CE, where it was extensively and exclusively used to copy the Qur’an by the orders the Rashidien Caliph, Uthman bin Affan.

Square or geometric Kufic is a very simplified rectangular style of Kufic widely used for tiling. The Square Kufi or the Murabba’ Kufi is very popular these days, because the simple lines are very fitting in the modern decoration. The Kufi Murabba’ is absolutely straight with no decorative accents or curves shown. Due to this absolute rigidity, this type of script can be created using square tiles or bricks. It is popular in Iran and in Turkey, in the latter case, popular as a decoration and style on structures during the Ottoman Empire.

Designer and educator Rita Merheb, designed these plates with an ingenious and innovative technique, translating the rigidity and straight lines of Kufi to be reproduced in a perfectly proportionate rounded look. A technique that is very time consuming and requires a lot of patience and complicated calculations to get precise dimensions and proportions for the right design.

This collection is Rita’s latest personal project, of the many other projects that she works on whenever she has free time from her educational responsibilities.

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art&design - feature

Etro Home Interiors Etro launches its new line Home Interiors, developed in collaboration with Jumbo Group; an exclusive collection of home furnishings, with all the elements of Etro’s style and values, was presented for the first time at the 2018 Salone del Mobile di Milano, the international reference point for the furnishing and design sector.

The “Storia nomade” design is that which most closely reflects the heart of the brand, inspired by hints of journeys to foreign lands—a narrative in cashmere that reflects the exotic hues and patterns of India and East Asia. The full power of symbolic language is harnessed in the knowledgeable use of fabrics—bearers of mysterious meaning whose origins have been lost in the mists of me. A keystone of this design is paisley—a decorative motif from ancient Mesopotamia whose shape recalls date palm shoots and the birth of new life. This theme is evident in the line’s signature item: the Babel armchair—a refined piece of furniture whose lines are reminiscent of a portable travel chair, but whose substance is all about the luxury, prestige and beauty of oriental palaces—a veritable throne for would-be travelers and adventurers. This piece displays the playful irony of the brand—the voyage theme is enriched by a suitcase motif, symbolic of journeys to far-flung places that Etro holds dear.

An alternative but complementary interpretation is the second design, “Pattern overdose”, which is inspired by the psychedelic ’70s. The Summer of Love—a call for freedom, creativity and the discovery of self—is expressed in a profusion of intense colors and fantastical patterns.

The same themes are further explored in the “Paradossale” line, in which the soul of the brand is expressed in an erudite but ironic and surprising way. In this design, Etro’s elegance and spirit of innovation is interpreted with an extravagant and playful twist that is sure to delight those in the know.

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art&design - interview

Off-Script With Anna Rabinowicz at Tanagra, Kuwait.

With an eye for the unusual, a knack for pairing the unexpected and a desire to surprise, Anna Rabinowicz, the Creative Director of ANNA by RabLabs, brings to her customers, products that are meant to intrigue.

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art&design - interview

Initially set out to become a journalist just like her mother, Anna discovered her purpose in life when she visited the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi in Barcelona as a young student. Like Gaudi, she too wanted to create objects that cause visual intrigue, using materials that at a first glance might seem strange together but when considered carefully are indeed one-of-a-kind.

From its outset, ANNA, Ms. Rabinowicz’s eponymous brand has been consistent in establishing and refining the trademark style of the brand – an elevation of nature through design. The products thus created are an amalgamation of wood, semi-precious stones and precious metals like 24K gold and pure silver. A luxurious palette of ingredients married together to create distinctive shapes and styles.

The reason why Anna uses natural materials for her designs is a result of fond memories of the time spent with her father. “As a child I have visited countless gem and mineral shows with my father, where we would select stones that I would then come home, label and store carefully in a tiny chest of drawers.

Everything I create is seeped in those memories of my childhood,” said Anna.

As a designer Anna is also trying to make a statement through her work. “There is a great deal of strife in our world today, and when I think of creating designs that unite materials, I am also thinking of it as a way to unite people. These distinct materials represent all the different people in the world, who would go great together if only they made the effort to communicate with each other.”

Since its establishment, ANNA has made great effort in reaching out to different audiences, a result of which is her association with Tanagra. After careful consideration and almost a year of deliberation, Anna decided to combine forces with the team at Tanagra because she felt, like her, they too believed in the idea of family and togetherness. “Everyone at Tanagra works so well together. There is a certain kind of loyalty to the brand both amongst its employees and from its customers that is rare to find. I was confident that if I wanted to explore Middle East as a market, then Tanagra was not just the right choice but the only choice,” said Anna on why she chose to partner with them.

What has most surprised and delighted Anna about her experience with the Middle East audience is how receptive they have been of her brand. “There is so much enthusiasm for the brand, and that’s very exciting for me. I can feel this resonance from them. I think people in the Middle East really understand and appreciate luxury.”

As the creator of ANNA, what Ms. Robinowicz finds most rewarding is the connection people have with her brand. Spotting one of her creations in a real estate catalogue or receiving messages from friends about how their family loved her designs are a source of great joy to her. “Sometimes I hide behind columns at museum art deco stores just to see how a customer is going to react to my product,” admits Anna.

With a master’s degree from Stanford in Design and Engineering, Anna is completely in tune with not just the design process but also what goes into turning a design from an idea into reality. She has a keen interest in the intersection of science and art and a dream to someday build a house where she has created everything herself, from the door knobs, to the window frames and the interior design.

ANNA is the perfect brand for someone who likes to elevate their life experiences. Someone who likes to entertain as much as they like to make small gestures of appreciation for their family. An artist in her own right, Anna wants to make a positive impact in the world, to leave behind a legacy of Love. the talk - page 122

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art&design - interview

DEADPOOL 2 International Interview with Ryan Reynolds

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art&design - interview

At what point during or after the release of Deadpool did a sequel become a reality?

Well, we always hoped. Rhett [Reese], Paul [Wernick] and I have been friends for almost a decade now, so we were pitching ideas and stories and all kinds of stuff while we were shooting Deadpool.

But at that point, it was just sort of naïve pie-in-the-sky hopefulness. But in the weeks leading up to the release of the movie, it became evident that it was going to open to a number that would at least satisfy the studio to greenlight a second film. And then, of course, the opening weekend was just… I could only really describe it as bananas [The film opened in the US to over $132 million]. At that point, we started to work in earnest on drafting a new film.

That opening weekend must have been both a great feeling and also a kind of validation.

It was in part a validation. Certainly, it suggests that sometimes the long game pays off. It had been almost 11 years of my life, on and off, trying to get it made. And that opening… that sort of thing just never happens with a movie based on the budget we were working with, which was a fraction of the cost of most superhero films. Even Deadpool 2, it’s really still much lower than a normal, big-budget Marvel enterprise. So yes, it was a pretty special moment. It was also just nice to celebrate it with the whole team, Tim Miller included, who was the director of Deadpool. All of us just got this great moment to celebrate together and take a deep, deep long breath.

Were there any lessons learned from making the first film that informed the second?

Really, just being authentic. I think one of the reasons that Deadpool resonated so well with an audience was because it really was a labor of love. It was something that we made, to some degree, in a vacuum without a ton of interference or input and we felt free to explore that space and that “meta” space and break the fourth wall and have the kind of relationship with the audience that you wouldn’t normally get in any kind of movie, let alone a superhero film.

So more of that, then?

Yeah, we really wanted to go forward with the idea and the tenet that Deadpool is, in essence, owned by the fans. The fans are the ones that got it made in the first place and the fans are who we’re making the second one for. That’s our boss. Going into production on Deadpool 2, and certainly, in the writing process, it was those people we were making the movie for. And us of course. We have so much fun making it that I think it comes across in Deadpool 2, even more so than the first one, because this time we weren’t tasked with the often-difficult enterprises of telling an origin story, where much of what you’re doing is expositional. In Deadpool 2 we don’t need to explain where he’s come from and why he is the way he is as much. You can remind the audience of all those things just by the way he interacts with the people around him. So, in some ways, it was kind of easier in that regard.

Was there anything specific you hoped to achieve with this second film?

Well for us, it’s always about heart. The comedy part of the job is the fun, light, easy breezy part.

The part that’s really important is that Deadpool is not… well, he’s not a character that necessarily represents the woke male of 2018. He’s a dysfunctional, obnoxious fool who wants to be a better person. And I think coming from that place is more cinematic, and certainly a lot more fun because the mistakes Deadpool makes are somewhat hilarious and often times to the detriment of the people around him. One of the things that’s so much fun about playing this character is that he’s kind of an idiot.

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It’s fun to play the fool…

Well, playing a guy that is allowed to make mistakes and is allowed to sort of at times be offensive and say the wrong thing at the exact wrong moment gives you tremendous artistic liberty. And it’s nice that he doesn’t really beat himself up for it, because at the end of the day, his agenda is something that’s ultimately good. I mean, he inevitably wants to be better.

How does this film differ from the first?

If Deadpool was a love story, Deadpool 2 is a family film in part. And it might sound strange to say, but we took a lot of the story tenets from Pixar as inspiration for creating the Deadpool 2 storyline and its inevitable conclusion. We really wanted to have that same kind of feel that there is magic in the world and there is hope in the world. So, you sort of package all of that within this construct of this anarchist, this guy who is his own worst enemy and just gets in his own ways as much as humanly possible. And that creates a recipe for not just hilarity but also, weirdly, for drama. There’s something very emotional about Deadpool 2 that I think Deadpool hit at its core pretty well, but probably not as well as Deadpool 2 does. We really wanted to make sure that there was something grounded at its core and important – not necessarily important in terms of societal issues, but important for the characters. We always kind of follow that recipe I think and that’s been really good to us.

Pixar is not necessarily the first thing you think of with Deadpool…

No, we wouldn’t want you to think of Pixar! But we definitely had some of those beats. We love what they do with their characters and how there’s a plant/payoff for every character. And you try to make sure that every character has an arc no matter how small or big. That’s something that Pixar does very well and that’s something we were aiming for.

Has Deadpool changed at all since the last time we saw him?

Deadpool has grown to a certain degree in as much as he wants to have a family. I mean, he wants to have a place in this world where he isn’t just a solo act. And that’s something he even talks about in the movie. But at the same time, there’s a certain kind of hubris that he has and a certain kind of absent-minded ability to take his eye off the ball so to speak that creates chaos in his world.

And that’s what causes him to sort of spiral out of control in this particular film. And creates his need for family and his need for a place to be grounded more than ever. So… he has both grown and shrunk if I can say that. We can all get a little too comfortable sometimes with our place in this world and I think that’s what happens with Deadpool. And that leads to certain tragedies that compel him to make it right.

You have a screenplay credit on Deadpool 2. Was this a case of you did a lot on the last one too, but this time your input’s been formally noted? Or did it feel like you did more on this one?

No, I’d say it was about the same. The credit situation wasn’t really engineered by me as much as it was Rhett and Paul, and they just felt like we’re a team and we all did this together. And in certain respects, if I legally could give them an acting credit I would. Because they’re as much Deadpool on the screen as I am. It’s that kind of core group or core team that makes up the DNA of Deadpool.

Though certainly, Dave Leitch is a huge part of that as well. It’s funny. When movies succeed often the lead actor gets all the credit. And sometimes when movies fail the lead actor… also gets all the credit. And neither reading is really accurate. When Deadpool did what it did and, I think, surprised everybody in the industry, it was kind of easy, or even lazy, to suggest that I was the architect of that. But it was a team effort in every respect. I mean, almost every decision we make, we make the talk - page 130

together as a group. And right into marketing, even working with the marketing people over at Fox and that sort of thing. I mean, these are weekly meetings that happen and it’s a great deal of effort and energy that’s put forth to make things feel spur of the moment, last second, off the top of our heads etc. But it really is just a group effort. And it’s a group that I’m really proud to be a part of.

How easy was it for you, wearing three hats, so to speak, on this film – lead actor, writer, and producer? And does the film become an all-consuming project? Is it possible to have a life outside of the film with so much to deal with?

Er… I’ll answer just in sort of a random order, but no, I don’t have a life outside this film. It swallows my entire life whole. Any extra time that I think most actors would devote to other ideas or projects they were developing, I don’t really have that luxury. I’m really just focused exclusively on working on Deadpool. Any spare time I have is just for my family, and I make sure I carve time out to be with them. But as far as being a producer, an actor, and a writer, they all sort of blend into one. I know how to play Deadpool and I know how to put him on the screen. So on this second film, I’m often more focused on making sure that Cable has a proper introduction and is introduced to the audience in a way that best represents Cable from the comic books. And we always go to the source material to make sure that that happens. And then Domino, too, is somebody that we love and we think is really special. Zazie Beetz is a very, very special actor and so a lot of effort and time is spent on establishing these characters, and Colossus, The Kid, all these other new characters that we’re introducing in the movie.

So it’s all pretty full on and then I get sort of stuck in the muck and the mire of other things that aren’t necessarily as sexy, like how do we budget this action set piece in the movie so it falls within our budget and still leaves us room to do these other things that we want? To be honest, a lot of times it’s sneaking behind the studio’s back and shooting things that they haven’t necessarily approved, but we’ve kind of hidden in the budget for our own sake! And a lot of those scenes are in the movie, so it’s both terrifying and fun at the same time. It’s a labor of love but yeah, it literally chews my life whole and then blows bubbles with it for the entire process of pre-production right through post-production and mixing and all that good stuff.

Let’s talk about a couple of those new characters you mentioned, starting with Josh Brolin. What does he bring to the role and what did Cable bring to the film?

Well, Josh is basically 600 pounds of muscle in a 195-pound body. He comes with a gravitas, a presence, that is timeless. Which is ironic, considering his character is a time traveler… Cable brings a presence to the film that is really important because when you have Deadpool, who at his core and at his heart is a 16-year-old boy, you need an adult around. And that’s what Cable represents, even though Cable is morally flexible and certainly walks a tightrope between villain and hero throughout the movie. But then, everybody that goes on to be a part of X-Force is to some degree morally flexible and anarchic in a way.

That’s the Deadpool way…

Yes, I think that’s why Deadpool exists in the space it exists in – because all the other superheroes, unfortunately, or fortunately, are virtuous. And they have a kind of high ideal and a moral compass that is unwavering and strong and so they’re always destined to do the right thing. With these guys – Deadpool, Cable, Domino – we don’t know that they’re necessarily going to do the right moral thing. They’re going to do the thing that best suits their agenda.

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And Cable is particularly, fiercely, focused on his agenda.

Yes, he’s absolutely unblinking in his agenda. He has one purpose that he’s come back in time to achieve and that’s all he cares about. He doesn’t care who or what gets in his way. He’s going to achieve that goal even if it kills him or anyone else around him. So, it creates a kind of tension and a danger that a guy like Josh Brolin really brings in spades. And Josh is a somewhat dangerous kind of guy to be around in real life. Not like he’s up to no good, just that he’s a guy that has a real weight and a real presence. But he can also crack a joke with the best of them. A lot of people don’t realize that he has a background in improv, and he can go with the flow in a way. His character gets some huge laughs in the movie, but not at the expense of his character. He gets huge laughs because he’s so dry and so matter of fact. And really does represent the adult in the relationship between him and Deadpool. And it’s a lot of fun to see him spread his wings and fly.

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Let’s move on to Julian Dennison, who plays ‘The Kid’. What was your thinking there?

Well, I love Julian Dennison and he’s the only guy we met for this role. I’m friends with Taika Waititi and Taika created a film with him called Hunt for the Wilderpeople that was one of the best movies I think I’d ever seen. Julian is just at once both kind of dangerous and heartbreaking at the same time, and I don’t know why he has that ability or that superpower, but that’s just sort of what he does, whether he’s speaking or not speaking on camera. And we needed a character that was both dangerous and heartbreaking, one that creates a conflict for the audience. A character that is in over his head and is going down a path that is incredibly destructive, but at the same time we want the audience to feel empathy for him and we want someone, anyone, to save him. So he’s sort of the primary conflict between Cable and Deadpool. That’s where they’re at odds when it comes to this kid. So Julian had to hit a very precise point, a very small target, in this movie and he just did it over and over again. And we were really, really happy with everything that he did.

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What was your aim with bringing the character of Domino into the film?

We loved that Domino had probably the most difficult superpower to create cinematically. I mean, her superpower is controlling the laws of probability and luck. So basically, she’s lucky. And that’s a strange, difficult thing to put on screen in a palpable way. So we loved playing with that and the idea that Deadpool feels luck is not a superpower and it’s not really anything that you would need in a dangerous situation, excluding a vicious game of Pai gow. He kind of taunts her and she answers those calls with abject superpower. I mean, she’s just so much fun to watch, because a character that has faith or confidence that everything’s going to work out for her one way or another is actually incredibly cinematic to watch. She goes into some of the most dangerous situations like she’s Matthew McConaughey on his best day. Everything is just cool. Everything’s going to work out. Everything’s alright, you know? So her pulse never really quickens. And because of that, the contrast in those really scary, dire situations that happen in the film, she’s very, very watchable because she sort of feels like she’s in charge, even though she’s really only looking out for herself and her own interests. She shifts right into that perfect pocket of X-Force.

And what was your thought process behind casting Zazie for the role?

Zazie has just about every tool possible in the shed, so she can go any which way you need her to go in any given situation. I think we read with about 20 people for that role and every one of them was amazing. But when Zazie came in, we just knew immediately: “That’s Domino. It’s over, it’s done, we got her.” It was one of those great moments in casting when you feel like you just got one of the essential pieces of the puzzle in your film. And I think we’re going to see her really expand in X-Force. And the same with Cable. This movie’s meant to be just an introduction to those characters and yet they ended up playing so much more pivotal a role than we even anticipated early on in the script process.

Was the plan always to introduce X-Force in the second Deadpool film?

The main plan was to introduce Cable and Domino. And then as it evolved we thought, “Why not create a scenario in which a whole bunch of X-Force characters sort of show up?” And we use them in a very particular way. Many of them are characters that the audience already knows or is familiar with, which creates a lot of anticipation for the audience. We had a lot of fun with that.

We definitely had a ton of fun with Peter, which was quite last minute. We kind of threw in this character that looks like he just walked out of a middle management position at Kinko’s Copies and thrust him into this absolutely dangerous, utterly insane mercenary business. So we love that. We loved kind of getting to play with all these sorts of tropes and that sort of thing with the X-Force characters. And they’re so badass and they’re so much fun in the movie. And I can’t wait for audiences to drink them in.

Speaking of Peter, what made you think of Rob Delaney?

Rob Delaney has just always made me laugh. There’s actually something very subversive about him as a person too, so he kind of plays on this “I’m like any Dad in America” kind of thing. But there’s actually something very dark and twisted about him which is I think what makes him such a great standup comedian and this is one of the reasons that Rhett, Paul and I have always been such huge fans of his work on his show, Catastrophe. He’s really got something unique and I can’t wait to see Peter in future installments.

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With Deadpool 2 there’s a sense of universe building, kind of introducing the X-Force and the ‘Team Deadpool’ family. Are there any benefits or challenges, or opportunities, to working, however loosely, within this bigger universe of Fox/Marvel/X-Men/maybe Disney etc.?

Well, Deadpool is kind of an island unto himself in that world. He’s so meta and has an ability to have a direct line to the audience via fourth wall breaks or just commentary, it doesn’t necessarily push him into a sustainable position to be in the sandbox with all the other X-Men. But at the same time, it’s really a fun idea. So I do like that we always make sure that we’re working within the X Universe, but not necessarily playing by the X Universe rules. It’s an ability that’s unique to Deadpool. But with respect to all these other characters, I think down the line there’s room for some fun to be had with those guys. I mean, to do a Deadpool 3 movie would be difficult because in order to make the character work you have to take everything away from him. That’s what allows him to misbehave and puts him in a position where it’s palatable that he’s misbehaving and firing off at the mouth as much as he is. In the future, I’d love to see some team-ups or something.

A Deadpool-Gambit film would be a lot of fun to see and playing in the X Universe would be awesome. And then of course with the Disney merger, and whether it happens or not, I don’t know what that portends. I don’t know if that means that Deadpool will eventually be mingling with the likes of Iron Man or someone like that…

That’s kind of mind-boggling.

Yes, I mean, these are what we would call serious uptown problems. That would be a lot of fun for us and I think that would be a lot of fun for the audience. But who knows where it goes from here?

I just know that currently for us from here it’s X-Force. And X-Force puts Deadpool firmly into the ensemble category. And I think that that is exciting. It allows that character to spread his wings and fly in all the right ways. So I would assume that we’re going be working within the X-Force confines as opposed to just the X Universe or the Marvel world or anything like that. But who knows? One can dream…

So you’re thinking the next time we see Deadpool is unlikely to be in a Deadpool 3 film per se, but instead an ensemble movie?

Yeah, I would think that it’s gonna be X-Force or it may be unique adventures that are pair-ups – I’d like to see those because they’d be fun to write. And probably fun to create new tensions and different characters that have completely diametrically opposed ideas on how to function as a superhero and that sort of thing. Deadpool always works well in a kind of ‘down and dirty’ context.

I think he thrives in the sort of seedy underbelly of the world, as opposed to the planet-saving, shiny aspect that is often a part of those other universes like the Marvel Universe and that sort of thing. One of my favorite lines in Deadpool 2 is when Cable makes a remark about how in the future the Earth has been… ‘fucked into a coma’ is I believe what he says, that basically the planet is over, the apocalypse has happened. And Deadpool just kind of laughs and says, “Ah, planets...”

Like world saving and that kind of stuff just isn’t part of his thinking. He’s more concerned about the individual. I mean, Deadpool would put his life on the line for a kid, but I don’t know that Deadpool’s the guy that would step up and say, “We need to save Earth!”. Unless there was an entirely selfish motivation. So, there’s something fun about Deadpool because he plays sort of a countercultural aspect to that superhero world. And I’ve always loved that about him.

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Shouag Hayat

The Ultimate Definition of the Modern Bride When we think of the modern bride, we envision a bride with an intrigue for old world charm infused and overcome with the intrigue for cool glamour. She’s the epitome of all those things and more; Shouag Hayat is no doubt your ultimate modern bride.

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Shouag’s father is a diplomat, so during her younger years they moved around a lot. Born in London, moved back to Kuwait after 6 years, just for a year, before embracing another 5 years in Washington DC, then it was off to Paris for 2 years, and Bahrain next for 3 years. It was then that she decided she did not want to move to Germany and decided to stay back in Kuwait to finish her last 2 years of high school, graduating from The American School of Kuwait. After high school Shouag went on to San Francisco to obtain her Degree in Fashion Design and Visual Merchandising, completing her degree in Mexico City; then started pursuing a Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, then proceeded to Ottawa, Canada to complete it. A short stay later in Boston, Shouag soon moved back to Kuwait, finally read to settle down back home.

Shouag started her career in fashion at Al Yasra fashion, and loved it! Work became her backbone. It gave her the chance to explore and utilize her skills for visual merchandising in Kuwait. After a year and a half of hard work and beautiful memories she started working at a publication in Kuwait. Shouag grew into an independent woman making her way to the top of the creative industry.

“I’m very independent, I’ve always been the one who takes the lead and dives into unknown territory, I can’t be held back as I like challenges.” Speaking of her husband, she tells us, “he’s my support system above else and I am his. When you get married it shouldn’t be “oh this is the man that’s going to stop my life”, its “oh this is the partner that’s going to support me through everything I do.””

“I believe in equality, you need to be the woman that you are and maintain your personality and individuality, no matter what. Continue to do the things that you love and adore. Just realize that this is a positive addition to your life, your support system. He’s the person that is going to lift you up and put you on a pedestal, and you’re going to do the same for him. I believe men and women are equal, we have our strengths and weaknesses, but you complete each other, no one is better than the other, and that’s one thing I wish society could understand and embrace. Getting married is creating a union that’s going to help each other grow. Stay true to who you are, its love that’s going to conquer it all!”

How does it feel to be a newly married bride?

It feels great! Butterflies and tingly still; but to be honest it still hasn’t hit either of us. It feels like we’re playing house. It felt like the wedding happened so fast, like 5 minutes. It’s such a good feeling when wake up, and when you’re out the whole day, you know you’re coming home to each other, to know that he’s there at home for me.

What was the biggest surprise after marriage that you did not expect?

Well, there are a lot of surprises! One that I didn’t expect was that he was really neat and immaculate. I was very taken aback, I was like “is this going to be you for the next year and then you’re going to surprise me with a mess or is this going to be you for the rest of our lives? ‘cuz I love it!” I’m OCD hands down, I’m kind of a perfectionist, especially with work and timings. It was a good surprise!

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How does living as a married couple differ than the engagement period?

We were engaged for a little over a year which is not the norm in Kuwait. It was supposed to last 4 months but lasted much longer. It was good and relaxed in a way that it made you feel like you had more time. The engagement period is amazing but you’re still not totally comfortable because you’re still not going home together. It makes the biggest difference because your time is limited. We had to plan so much just to see each other.

Can you relate to the common rule “opposites attract”, if so, how?

Yes! Ok, so he’s very numerical and logical. I am too, but I’m more artsy, creative. I fall into the spectrum of the “artsy one” he falls into the spectrum of the “orderly one”, so it’s literally ‘opposites attract’. We complete each other. He’ll also try the things that he’s not used to with me, and I’ll try the things that I’m not used to with him. It feels like fluidity; we both interconnect into different realms that you’re not used to. So opposites really do attract. It works wonderfully for us! However, your ethical standards, values, and morals need to be the same.

About your wedding, how did the planning go and what was your inspiration behind the theme?

My wedding planner was my cousin Bibi Hayat, and even if she wasn’t my cousin I would still choose her to plan my wedding. Her style, and how she understands what you want, it’s brilliant. I have always been into fashion, art, and architecture, so Bibi knew what I wanted was something calm. I did not know what was happening honestly, all I was involved in were the blueprints and some of the table arrangements. Other than that I just told her to proceed with whatever she wants because I knew I was in good hands. I and Bibi chose the theme together, the main inspiration of the wedding was from a painting by Sabrina Garrasi that Bibi had found. It was stunning! My wedding dress was also very personal to me. All of my life I have migrated, like a bird, so my wedding dress was completed with little birds of pearls scattered around the dress and music notes. Also, the bottom part of the dress was decorated with the London Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco) connected with pearls.

What kind of bride are you?

A very calm and collected bride, but anxious sometimes over very the smallest of things. If there’s one piece of advice, I would give is “do you, no matter what anyone else tells you.” The walk in - that was the part that got me the most nervous, but an hour into the night I was changing into my converse and having the time of my life.

What advice would you give to newlyweds?

“Do you” is my number one advice. “Do good” to each other, and be good to each other! Stick to your daily routines and just incorporate with each other, and learn from each other. Be the balance of yin and yang. You have your own lives, it’s just about time management and knowing that this is “your person”, your go to. Above everyone else, your husband is your future life and support system, your best friend!

Last but not least, who gets more closet space? *laughs nervously* Me!

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lifestyle - automotive

BENTLEY Introducing Biometric Security Stowage in Bentayga Bentley is introducing capacitive fingerprint sensor technology with a secure stowage unit in the Bentayga – affording customers even greater peace of mind.

Developed by Bentley’s personal commissioning division, Mulliner, the fingerprint sensor technology has been applied to a high pressure die-cast aluminium secure stowage unit located in the cabin.

This discreet and unobtrusive locker creates the ideal place to stow valuables while at the beach, on the ski slope or utilising valet parking services.

With two USB ports and an auxiliary socket, it can also be used for connecting and charging mobile devices both inside and outside of the unit, enabling occupants to access Bentayga’s extensive infotainment technology, including Apple CarPlay.

Uday Senapati, Mulliner’s Head of Technical Operations, said: “The Mulliner Biometric Secure Stowage unit is hidden from view. We are incorporating the familiar capacitive fingerprint sensor technology from smartphones that can store multiple fingerprints, allowing the the user to control who accesses their valuables.

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lifestyle - automotive

Cadillac Introduces FirstEver XT4 All-new compact SUV delivers more for a new generation of luxury buyers At Cadillac House in Manhattan, Cadillac unveiled the firstever XT4, an all-new compact SUV tailored for the next generation of luxury customers.

Developed on an exclusive compact SUV architecture, Cadillac’s entry in the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies.

“The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen.

“And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”

Simple and sculpted lines draw the customer in and accentuate the XT4’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence. The interior is the Cadillac design aesthetic distilled: the thoughtful and artistic integration of technology and appealing style. The cabin is exceptionally refined, with expected segment-leading rear-seat spaciousness.

All models are driven by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine that features new efficiency-enhancing technologies including Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission with nextgeneration Electronic Precision Shift.

Cadillac also debuts its new global “Y” trim strategy on the XT4. Distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models build from the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. Specific content and styling cues tailor the Premium Luxury and Sport trims to different customer tastes and preferences. Cadillac will roll out this new trim strategy beginning with the XT4 and the 2019 CT6 top-of-range sedan.

Additional XT4 highlights include: Cadillac user experience with all-new rotary controller, smart chassis features including available twin-clutch, decoupling allwheel drive, and also available Active Sport Suspension featuring Continuous Damping Control and new electro-hydraulic braking assist.

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lifestyle - feature

A captivating Holy Month of Ramadan at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa As we await, with great anticipation, the first sightings of the new moon crescent marking the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa has orchestrated a variety of Ramadan offerings for its guests to enjoy with their family, friends and special ones.

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Renowned for its commitment to the local culture and creating unforgettable experiences, the hotel hosts the most memorable Ramadan experiences in Kuwait.

This year, the hospitality innovators have once again exceeded expectations with a stunning setting that truly captures the spirit of Ramadan.

The iconic Badriah, the largest pillar-less ballroom in Kuwait, has been transformed into a breathtaking Ramadan tent, providing a truly authentic setting for breaking your fast with family, friends and colleagues.

Special touches of tradition and culture are complemented by authentic dishes full of flavors. The expert team of culinary connoisseurs will be present to serve you from the full spectrum of live cooking stations featuring favorites and specialties, while the generous buffet offers the very best of international cuisine leaving you spoilt for choice.

On the other side of the luxurious resort lies another popular experience for Ramadan. Garden CafÊ’s tent has been extended to accommodate even more guests this year. The restaurant will be hosting Ghabga experiences under a specially decorated tent that will offer picturesque panoramic views on the scenic gardens.

Embracing the spirit of Ramadan is one thing but experiencing a Ramadan in ultimate luxurious hospitality at Jumeirah Beach Hotel & Spa is unforgettable.

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Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa welcomes new Executive and Pastry Chefs to its culinary team Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Pascal Etienne and Executive Pastry Chef Norbert Bataillard.

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General Manager, Savino Leone, said: “We are delighted to welcome the new chefs to our team. They will be the driving force to an already seasoned team of chefs and I am confident that with their expertise and extensive knowledge of the culinary field, they will further elevate the hotel’s award-winning cuisine and inspire the dining experiences of our local and international diners. They add a unique flair through their creativity and international experiences that our diners will surely relish and remember.”

Having worked globally as Executive Chef in renowned restaurants, Etienne spearheaded culinary teams in Intercontinental Muscat in Oman, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Mauritius, Swissotel Tallin in Estonia, Amanjena Resort & Spa in Morocco in addition to acquiring years of extensive gastronomic experience in his hometown Belgium. Chef Etienne will oversee and lead the culinary operations of the resort’s seven restaurants. He will be enriching the current menus with authentic flavors and artful presentations that highlight the freshness of the ingredients.

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A luxury five-star hotel retreat with two private beaches and excellent leisure facilities. It’s a place for you to lie back, relax and savor the moment.

With an idyllic location in Paradise Bay, The Mandarin Oriental offers a seductive blend of style, serenity and five-star comfort. With a range of gourmet restaurants, relaxing spa and choice of rooms, suites and villas, the unique resort is world-class.

An event was held at The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait to introduce and meet the developers of The Residences at the breathtaking Mandarin Oriential, Bodrum. A stunning resort overlooking the Aegean Sea, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is where dreams come true.

Introducing The Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

lifestyle - events

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Al Kout Mall is the latest addition to the large-scale Al Kout project and is interconnected to the rest of the six experiences. While there is a direct connection to the Al Kout Rotana hotel from the mall, a beautiful pedestrian bridge on the Mezzanine level connects to the modern Arabic-style Souq Al Kout with its iconic musical fountains.

From Souq Al Kout, visitors can enjoy a seamless journey through the rest of the diverse experiences including Nag’at Al Kout, Marsa Al Kout, and Sahel Al Kout.

Tamdeen Group opened Al Kout Mall to the public at 10:00 am, Monday April 16, 2018 as the latest addition to the Al Kout project, Kuwait’s Largest Waterfront Retail and Leisure Destination. Al Kout Mall is the latest dynamic development from Kuwait’s leading property developer, and the ultimate destination for shoppers, tourists and thrill-seekers from Kuwait and the region. In celebration of the opening, the Mall has organized a rich monthlong program of events, including international acrobatic shows from the UK, and an indoor hot air balloon experience for children for the first time in Kuwait.

Tamdeen Group opens Al Kout Mall: Largest shopping and entertainment destination in the South of Kuwait lifestyle - events

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Popular upscale furniture and housewares retailer West Elm recently expanded its footprint in Kuwait by opening its second store at Al Kout Mall, Fahaheel. The store opening will provide customers residing in Al Fahaheel and Ahmadi districts, the ease and convenience of shopping for their favorite furniture brand at the largest waterfront retail and leisure destination in Kuwait.

The new store, located in Al Kout Mall boasts over 9,000 square feet of retail space featuring furniture and home dĂŠcor in inspirational and artistic product and lifestyle displays designed to make shopping an easy and enjoyable experience. The store features a range of home furnishings from designers for every room in the home, including bedroom, living room, dining and outdoor furniture, bed and bath, tabletop and kitchenware, rugs, window dressings and decorative accessories.

West Elm designs reflect a variety of styles, mixing clean lines, natural textures and global accents to create authentic, affordable, and approachable designs for modern living. Their talented designers work closely each season with local and global artisans and independent collaborators to develop exclusive products that won’t be found anywhere else.

West Elm opens 2nd Kuwait store at Al Kout Mall

lifestyle - horoscopes

horoscopes Aries (Mar. 21-April 20)

Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)

Financial prosperity for Aries zodiac sign for the month of May 2018 will be awesome due to Venus. Professionally you will be working hard and will be pleased with the results. Married life will be pleasant with news of possible family expansion and singles might need to seek monetary support from their partners.

Taurus star sign will shine in their careers due to the influence of Venus.

Health will show improvement.

Financial situation will be better with the assistance from your partner.

Love life could face some problems during the latter part of May 2018.

Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23) Libra zodiac has to give equal importance to family and career in May 2018. Career growth depends on family assistance. There will be both romance and passion in love relationships. Health will be fantastic, but finances require the help of your partner.

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Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Jupiter will boost the financial income of Scorpio sun sign. You will also help others to make money.

Love life will be excellent with plenty of socializing. Career development will be remarkable. Health will cause some anxiety and can be improved by rest and detoxification.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Career progress of Gemini sun sign will be gradual and progressive. Mercury will help your communication skills. The Moon will influence your earnings and expenses. Love life will be exciting during the end of the month.

Mercury will help you to maintain your health.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Health prospects of Sagittarius star sign will be superb in May 2018.

Monetary situation will be very good during the first few weeks of the month. There will be problems on the career front. Life with your partner could be stormy and should be dealt with care.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Mars and the Moon will be instrumental in the upward progress of the career graph of Cancer zodiac.

The Moon will help you to keep up your health. Financial situation will be fabulous due to the various opportunities available. Love life will face some turbulence.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Though the financial prosperity of Capricorn zodiac sign will be good, speculations should be avoided. The Moon will keep the romance of couples alive for short intervals. Family will be behind the progress of your career growth.

Health and vitality show significant improvement.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Leo sun sign will flourish in professional life due to social connections. Health is showing some progress. Other people and Mercury will keep your financial express moving forward. Love life will be heavenly and passionate.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Family and psychological issues will dominate the life of Aquarius star sign. Financial progress depends on your efforts. Life with your spouse will be enjoyable. Health will improve after the 21st. Career is in the background this month.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) Virgo star sign will have a satisfactory career development in May 2018.

Your partner will contribute towards your monetary success. Social and love life will be highly enjoyable due to planetary influences. Health will be better during the end of the month.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Pisces sun sign will progress well in their careers in May 2018. Mars, Venus and Jupiter will help your financial growth. Retrograde of Mercury will bring turmoil in love relationships.

Health will be good and can be further improved by spiritual healing.

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