Issue 211 / March - April 2020
MARIAM JAFFAR Creating art with every cake
O N LY I N C I N E M A S APRIL 2020
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JA M E S B O N D ’ S CHOICE
SEAMASTER DIVER 300M 007 EDITION
OMEGA Boutique: Arcades, The Avenues (Phase 4): 2220 1286 I 360 Mall: 2530 9630. Available at selected the talk - page 3 Morad Yousuf Behbehani showrooms
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CONTACT US ON: @alothmanfashion alothmanfashion
the talk - page 9 A L O T H M A N F A S H I O N, M A R Y A M C O M P L E X , S A L E M A L M U B A R A K S T R E E T , S A L M I Y A , K U W A I T . T E L : ( + 9 6 5 ) 2 5 7 5 4 9 5 5 / 4
content/ MFW FW2020/ fashion/ alostoura talk/ arab designers/
Issue 211 / March - April 2020
cover story/ jewelry & watches/ talk the talk/
MARIAM JAFFAR Creating art with every cake
lifestyle/
On the cover: MARIAM JAFFAR (P. 62)
lifestyle moments/ the talk - page 10
16. Dolce&Gabbana 18. Gucci 22. Prada 26. Bottega Veneta 28. WHITE Milano x Maison ARTC 32. YSL Bags 40. Dolce & Gabbana 44. Gucci Spring Summer 2020 48. The Fashion Tale of Francesca Bianco 49. Meet Francesca Bianco 50. Bianco’s Favorite Day Look 52. Bianco’s Favorite Party Look 78. CARAT 64. Najat Alkandari’s fun and fearless footwear! 70. Who is Sabry Marouf? 74. CanvArt 62. Queen of Cakes Kuwait’s Mariam Jaffar – creating art with every cake she bakes 88. Boucheron 90. Mouawad 92. Égérie 96. Eat Like Mira! 98. Naz World 102. Sama Al Wasmi 106. Dar Shaikha 110. The Best Art Hotels 114. Ferrari Roma makes its Middle East debut 116. Trending on passionsarabia.com 124. horoscopes 130. Chart your Course with Lincoln’s all-new Corsair
CALIBER RM 07-01
RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUE KUWAIT SALHIYA COMPLEX, GROUND FLOOR +965 22277763
letter/ Dear readers, Spring… our most-beloved of the four seasons. As the days get longer and warmth returns to the sun, we look forward to the coming of lazy, hazy days of summer, and take the time to catch the sense of 2020 with the arrival of the latest spring looks in our favorite stores. We also share the low-down on some of the region’s most exciting designers. It’s also a time to look forward and learn what’s to come later in the year. London, Paris, and New York were a-buzz during each city’s fashion week. We saved ourselves for our favorite… Milan. Now an annual event for us, our Rosy Ajaka travelled to northern Italy and snagged a seat at all the main shows. The unfashionably early arrival of novel coronavirus to Milan did its best to disrupt this most stylish of weeks… although the only reported casualty was Giorgio Armani’s final show. To avoid crowds, Armani staged “closed event” that was live-streamed on social channels instead. Nonetheless, there were plenty of sartorial takeaways from Milan… we’ve curated our top looks from Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci and others in this issue. You can see more online at PassionsArabia.com Whatever the season, and whatever the pandemic, it’s always a good time for cake… right? Also in this issue, and on our cover, we meet Kuwait’s own Queen of Cakes, Mariam Jaffar - someone for whom mixing flour, eggs, sugar, and butter means a whole lot more than ‘making a cake’. Learn more with us… Until next issue, the talk Team
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F M W 2 2 FW 0 0
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fashion - presentation
Dolce&Gabbana Dolce & Gabbana prepared for the winter chill staging a Fall/Winter 2020 show featuring oversized chunky sweaters, woolly socks and furry slippers. Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid tribute to artisans and craftsmen with the collection titled Fatto A Mano (“Made by Hand�). Screens along the catwalk showed old black and white video of tailors, cobblers, leather cutters and knitters at work. Dolce & Gabbana dressed their models in comfy cardigans, knitted shorts and braclets, and thigh-high woolly socks. But glamour was also present in the form of sensual corset dresses and see-through skirts and shirts, with sparkle often added to black. Bags were big and often twofold. High-heeled shoes were paired with stockings or thick woolly socks. Laced-up boots of varied heights offered a more casual option for the Dolce & Gabbana woman. Feminine features and flowers were added to sharply tailored suits, with red roses also twirling around and above white shirts and dresses. Set to the songs of the late Amy Winehouse, the presentation featured a total of 121 looks by the hard-working design duo. the talk - page 16
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MFW - fashion show
Gucci Gucci surpassed itself as it opened Milan Fashion Week 2020. Having sent show invitations via WhatsApp – and with the all-important hashtag #GucciTheRitual unveiled – the label’s fans and acolytes showed up expecting a heightened experience. By the end of the night, no one left the Gucci Hub without a cinematic story to tell. More than just a side-show was the format of the show itself. Front and center were preshow models… robed, with hair and makeup preparation under way, they sat as invited guests watched as mascara was applied and hair was blown… to be finished with sparkles on bands and clips. Makeup completed, the models strode on to a circular (and soon-to-be-revolving) stage… and the room fell dark. As the curtain fell, robes fell too; and the dressers set to work as Alessandro Michele walked through his coterie of girls as guests (now taking on the role of voyeurs) watched on. As each model’s look was completed, they each faced the audience from the edge of the stage… their view was changing as the carousel revolved. With an overture of cinematic production throughout – thankfully far more Fellini than Zeigfeld – Gucci’s evening of filmic elements were as stunning as the fashion.
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MFW - fashion show
Prada
Photographed by Yousif Abdulsaid
Tools of glamour, uniforms of beauty. For Fall/Winter 2020, a consideration of the strength of women, an emphasis on an inherent authority found in that which is intrinsically feminine. Rather than a negation of identity, a celebration. The agency of women. Progenitorial raiments of glamour and beauty serve as an aesthetic shorthand for typical definitions of femininity - synonymous with a softness, a fragility, a sensuality. Here those qualities are championed to be challenged, their reflection in visual rhetoric surrendering the talk - page 22
examples combined deliberately to contradict, undermine and propose new meaning. Paradoxically, delicacy can define strength. Tactility and animation emphasize kinesthetic awareness: vents, layered fringes and deconstructed pleats reveal skin, and underscore locomotion. Movement is tied to the corporeal, to athleticism, hence to sportswear - the clothing of everyday, today. Here, that everyday is corrupted by glamour, forms and functions challenged, shifted from practical to aesthetic.
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Power can be found in pleasure: combinations of elements from this lexicon of glamour express command, even force. Strict tailleurs are countered in their juxtaposition with lingerie components; minaudières, mirrored compacts, purses and bijoux - mechanisms of female selfrepresentation - are cross-bred with utilitarian fabrications in nylon and metal, like functional tools. A symbol of women, flowers are a recurrent motif in varied application. The concept of the “fur coat” is exploded, imitated through shearling or fringe, its silhouette mirrored in padded nylon. Volume creates hourglass echoes of the eternal feminine, cinched at the waist. Actuality is heightened, a dreamlike state discovered in the quotidian. Colors are extreme, fabrications surreal in their incongruity. Throughout, nevertheless, there is an innate, palpable reality - a sense of the indomitability of humanity, of nature, of the continuation of life. Clothing mirrors the pluralism and complexity of female identities - of women embodying multiple ideas of the ‘self’, simultaneously. They defy any simplistic categorization - they reflect the everfluctuating rapport of women with their own identities.
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MFW - fashion show
Bottega Veneta With a rush of vitality and movement, Bottega Veneta’s Fall 2020 celebrates sublime evolution. Rooted in a new dimension, yet equally immersed in a dream. A poetic sensuality informs every piece. With the confidence of vulnerability and through pure self-expression, rich waxy palettes punctuate black depth; adding scarlet, lollipop, kiwi and chocolate.
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Elongated silhouettes stretch and cling offering the body luxurious comfort and warmth. Still, intrecciato continues to emerge, though disrupted by modernity – presenting a tension between tradition and innovation. Delicate heirlooms glint behind amplified fringes and perverse layers – creating a bizarre sense of lost and found. Hypnotic adornments melt and move beyond familiarity – at once personal, uplifting, and tender. What is Bottega Veneta for Fall 2020? It’s a captivating journey through daily life… a new elegance for every eventuality.
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MFW - fashion show
WHITE Milano x Maison ARTC Sustainability is the new core of fashion With over 500 brands in 4 locations, at the core of the Tortona fashion and design district, WHITE Milano is always a key reference point for womenswear during Milano Moda Donna. The year the trade show’s special guest was Moroccan designer Maison ARTC. Held throughout Milan’s fashion week, WHITE Milano was once again the go-to womenswear destination the talk - page 28
for insiders looking for the latest trends, thanks to an increasingly targeted brand mix, capable of updating a stores’ offer and speaking to the new generation of consumers. Every season WHITE selects a Special Guest, along with an exclusive project, capable of engaging both the press and the buyers. At the upcoming February edition, the special guest is designer Artsi Ifrach
with his brand Maison ARTC – fashion house with Moroccan roots. The designer showcased his collection through an installation and an event, which are going to illustrate the incredible imagery and culture of his territory. A powerful message under the banner of contemporary craftsmanship and recycling, zooming in on sustainability and multiculturalism. The designer makes exclusively unique pieces by sourcing and assembling vintage and handmade fabrics. Says Artsi: “Climate change and also a change in the fashion system. A new era has begun, an era in which responsibility, sustainability and creativity represent the future and the way to go. To me future also means going back. Our DNA – founded on the notion of a multicultural society – is our source of inspiration, our starting point to design and create our items. It is a way of preserving the past from the present and propelling it towards the future. We should all think different, but also design and produce in a different way, so as to act and make real, tangible change. MAISON ARTC recycles all that is old to bring it back to life. I am truly enthusiastic to be given the chance to showcase my work at WHITE in Milan with a special installation that illustrates my vision to an international audience”. the talk - page 29
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fashion - feature
Trending Now Fashion trends may come and go, but there are some items that remain timeless… no matter what. Ask us to pick one key staple that always remains close to hand and it would be a favorite accessory. Our current go-to? A YSL accessory!
Seen on the arms of celebrities, it-girls, and all the right people since the 1960s, with a YSL accessory you’re assured of being on-trend and timelessly classic at the same time. We’ve brought together our favorites for a special YSL accessory 101!
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MINI CASSANDRA TOP HANDLE: AED 8,150 KWD 740 the talk - page 33
BIANCA: AED 3,900 KWD 280 the talk - page 34
JAMIE 99: AED 14,400 KWD 1,185
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CASSANDRA FLAT AED 3,650 KWD 385 the talk - page 36
LOULOU MEDIUM: AED 8,400 KWD 695
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VINYLE ROUND CAMERA BAG: AED 4,800 KWD 395
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CROCO PRINT POUCH: AED 3,150 KWD 260
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fashion - feature
Dolce & Gabbana SS20 Campaign
Milan and Sicily, colours and black and white, modernity and tradition: opposites meet in the Women’s Spring Summer 2020 Advertising Campaign set in key Dolce&Gabbana locations that, with their diversified atmospheres and sceneries, are the background of the pictures.
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The main source of inspiration for Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana is presented alongside the city where everything began. Seen through the monochrome lens, the history and traditions of Sicily contrast with the brightness and colours of the pictures realized in Milan. Through the photographers’ camera, the campaign images reflect the differences and, at the same time, the common aspects of the two places. Shot in black and white by Salvo Alibrio, the ADV Campaign set in Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily, it recalls the island’s atmosphere, symbols and traditions. Enhanced by the depth of its frames and saturation of the twotone, Dolce&Gabbana’s DNA emerges from the ADV pictures infused with all the history and values that they recalls. Everyday life scenarios are associated with traditional moments of the town’s conviviality, becoming the suggestive background to the collection. Milan, the place where dreams became the talk - page 41
fashion - feature
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true. Shot in the streets of the city’s center by Branislav Simoncik, the ADV Campaign features a joyful and festive atmosphere. The capital of Italian fashion is the background to pictures characterized by an atmosphere of inclusivity and complicity: common people interact with models
in the worldwide renowned streets and squares of Milan. The bright and brilliant colours of the collection emphasize the smiles on the models faces, whose joy and lightheartedness become contagious to passers-by. the talk - page 43
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Never underestimate the power of a triplet Gucci Spring Summer 2020
Omnia tria divina sunt says the old adage. Even more so if the trio includes a horse. Is the longhaired, tailed equine a pet? A family member? A therapy aid? A nod to the enduring equestrian lineage in the Gucci DNA? Maybe all of the above, maybe none.
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One way or another, a horse features as the co-protagonist of the new Gucci advertising campaign. On the beach, in the kitchen, at the car wash, in the traffic jam, the horse is always there: getting a snack, swimming in the pool, washing shoes at the car wash, bringing the other two to destination and generally sharing moments with his or her‌ owners? There’s no owning in a relationship. The campaign is an exercise in warm-hearted ambiguity, an act of everyday surrealism, a celebration of the paradoxical. Creative Director Alessandro Michele likes to push boundaries, and this season entrusted quixotical director Yorgos Lanthimos to do so, visually. The narrative plot is ultimately left to the viewers to outline. Each eye, a path. Then again, horses are a symbol of freedom, and the Spring Summer 2020 Gucci show was all about the power of fashion to break the cage of rules with the self-determination of personal style. Their presence in the picture might just act as a reminder of that. However one looks at the campaign as a whole, there is no way to get to the point, and that is exactly the point, which makes for a libertarian message: truth and style are in the eye and in the ways of the beholder. the talk - page 45
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l t u A Os o ra A T L K
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The Fashion Tale of Francesca Bianco A concept piece by Al Ostoura For all of us who live and breathe fashion, we know that inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. Al Ostoura, Kuwait’s favorite high fashion multi-brand chain, seeks to shed light on the industry’s behind-the-scenes inspirations, those who have shaped and shifted the fashion industry every single day of their careers – sometimes without even realizing. A perfect example is this issue’s fashion tale, the story of a woman with an exquisite sense of style and direction: Francesca Bianco. Commercial Director, Personal Shopper, and Fashion Guru, Bianco has rubbed shoulders with some of the most prominent names in fashion, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Cedric Charlier, Antonio Marras and many others. In the words of the woman herself, this is Francesca Bianco as told through Al Ostoura.
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Meet Francesca Bianco
I was born in Italy in a home with a soul of creativity. I understood the language of fashion as soon as I learnt how to talk. My mother, Nikla, was my very first muse. She was liberal, unique in her choice of attire, evolving in sync with the designers of the times. With her charm and handmade hats, she was, as I will always imagine her, an absolute star. My father, an art dealer, only instilled what I already knew: the world of color and fabric was my destiny.
In 2004, I was approached by another group called AEFFE by Alberta Ferretti where I worked closely with the one and only Jean Paul Gaultier; a time of many inspiring stories and triumphs that spread over the course of over 12 years.
When I turned 18, I was launched directly into the heart of fashion as I started working at Callaghan, the collection by Romeo Gigli. That job became my very first love, and the place where I knew for certain that fashion and art are so deeply intertwined.
More recently, I collaborated with Paolo Rossello, the owner of P.A.R.O.S.H., the home of some of the most mature fashion creations, well-loved and celebrated worldwide.
After working at EMPORIO ARMANI for some time after that, I joined Zamasport in 1994 to become the vCommercial Director of Callaghan. I worked there for over 15 years throughout which the company witnessed tremendous success, producing and distributing for brands like Costume National, Helmut Lang, Romeo Gigli, Callaghan, Kathrine Hammett and later Gucci.
But no matter how much time passed, my entire being remained engrossed in fashion. So, I Kept my Commercial Director hat on, and went on to work closely with the incredible Cedric Charlier, Antonio Marras, and others.
In between projects, my beloved Italy, my home in Brazil and the rest of the world, I’m excited as to what the future may bring. But I know for sure, that if it’s in fashion, then it’s meant to be.
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Bianco’s Favorite Day Look ETRO “Every day is a good day for a dress and a headscarf. Prints add a hint of optimism to a busy work day.”
LOEWE “I absolutely love this jacket. Effortlessly chic, comfortable and perfect for a dynamic woman, hoping to gracefully seize the day. I would pair it with a long T-shirt that can hang nicely over a denim skirt.”
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Designed and written by Al Ostoura
EMILIO PUCCI
CHLOE
“I take my shopping outfits very seriously. I like to make a statement with a splash of color, and comfortable pastel shoes to match.”
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Bianco’s Favorite Party Look
“If I decide to take the town, I like long dresses with a vibrant color. This Alberta Ferreti dress is my current favorite.”
ALBERTA FERRETI
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Shop all the looks at Al Ostoura Thuraya Mall Designed and written by Al Ostoura
“Evenings at my home with a special guest or two usually call for a comfortable Alberta Ferreti statement dress, hiding a comfy pair of flipflops to match. Of course, no look is complete without the perfect handbag.”
CHLOE
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• What is one signature fashion item a woman shouldn’t live without? A signature, fits-everything, handbag.
LOEWE • If you could invite anyone to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be? Jean Paul Gaultier. Not only because he’s an icon in fashion, but also because he happens to be a very cool person.
CHLOE
• What would you wear to that dinner? A kaftan, without a doubt. So effortlessly chic, it always makes me feel free.
EMILIO PUCCI JONI MITCHELL • What is the best fashion trend or era of all time? For me, the best time in fashion was the 70s. That era continues to profoundly inspire modern-day designers such as Chloe, Stella McCartney, among others. That decade was beautifully bold and honest, and we can see that mirrored on the runway today. In fact, I can’t help but think of hippie chic Joni Mitchell. Her tie dye blouses, stunning golden hair and flowy kaftans were nothing short of iconic. And let’s not forget her guitar and almost always bare feet. If that isn’t memorable, I don’t know what is.
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STELLA MCCARTNEY ITALY
Here!
ISOLE EOLIE
ISSEY MIYAKE BRAZIL • If you had two weeks off, where would you travel to? I would definitely make my first stop in my house in Trancoso Bahia, Brazil. It’s a happy, chic, village in the middle of a forest. It’s conveniently surrounded by beautiful beaches and embellished with charming little restaurants and a delightful square called “Quadrado”. There you can meet people from all the world; artists, singers and actors like Angelina Jolie. The best time to visit would be in between January and April, as well as in the summer. My second stop would be in my very own Italy in Isole Eolie to experience the magical islands of Stromboli and Panarea! Stromboli has an active Volcano, and it’s full of energy and emotion. It’s not easy to get there, but once you arrive, you are in paradise. talk - page 55 Shop all the looks at Al Ostourathe Thuraya Mall Designed and written by Al Ostoura
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r A ab
e i n r D sg e s
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clothing line nËš1
from nothingness the talk - page 58
fromnothingness.net the talk - page 59
fashion - feature
CARAT
Italian craftsmanship with Kuwaiti flair
Created by Kuwaiti designer Fatmah Hussain, Carat is poised to be the new IT brand all the fashionable girls will be strutting in. The shoes are handcrafted in Italy under the best manufacturer and finished off with a signature synthetic ruby engraved on each pair – this is what defines CARAT.
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fashion - feature
CARAT understands and references long-lost elements of some of the most iconic women’s wardrobes in history which is translated to the brand using modern aesthetics. This inspiration captures a unique sense of couture that is uncompromising in style, comfort and material delivering an authentic luxury experience influenced by classics with a modern twist. CARAT heels are designed by skilled artisans and crafted using premium quality Italian leather incorporating semi-precious gemstones, creating pieces that are made to last long and impress. Designed with precision, CARAT provides timeless, cutting-edge and exclusive pieces for any occasion.
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fashion - interview
Na jat Alkandari’s fun and fearless footwear! NJ Symphony is a luxury footwear brand founded in 2017 by Na jat Alkandari, delivering seasonless designs with a cheeky artistic flair. Each new collection offers customers a curated selection of handcrafted shoes that are designed to inject personality into every woman’s wardrobe.
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fashion - interview
“At NJ Symphony, we believe in empowering women one step at a time. Our designs aim to support strong, independent women by giving them the confidence to walk into their most important occasions with comfort and unique style.” explains Najat. Comfort is at the forefront of NJ Symphony’s mission, ensuring all shoes are handcrafted out of high quality, luxury leathers made in Italy. The brand is also steadfast on creating pieces that reinforce the sartorial lens of trends and contemporary design. Currently, the first NJ Symphony collection consists of four original designs; Bibi, Dana, Warda, and Emme. The shoe inspired by Dana; the luxurious woman who dazzles everyone with her scarlet beauty is made from black suede. The shoe inspired by Bibi is customed in black laminated suede and has an unwavering mischievous energy about it. The shoe inspired by Warda; the dark artist is crafted in black patent leather and is designed for those creatively inclined. Finally, the shoe inspired by Emme is aimed at the sophisticated woman who seeks freedom of expression. Their signature sense of unruffled cool make these statement shoes truly one-of-a-kind. thetalk: Why shoes? What’s the back-story? Who, how, and why were you inspired? Najat Alkandari: I own a large closet full of shoes, and over the years I have become known for my beautiful collection. Every single shoe is special to me and holds a treasured memory. Through this love, I have developed a deep interest in design. It prompted me to start my own line of luxury footwear. I waited for the right moment to start. I’m an artist, I love art, I love drawing and I love analysing people and their personalities – I actually studied personality analysis, which is something that has been engrained in the brands DNA. tt: Tell us a little about your collection… perhaps you could describe the character of each style for us… NA: I’ve been inspired by many women in my life and some of whom have become muses for my designs. Having an interest in personality analysis, I have developed a curiosity with different characteristics and traits. My current collection consists of four signature designs inspired by people in my life. DANA: She’s the affluent woman who loves to wear heels and sits with her chin held high BIBI: She’s the bold, confident woman who commands attention WARDA: She is the eccentric artist who is extremely creative EMME: She is the woman longing for freedom and is on a path of self-discovery tt: And perhaps you could imagine for us the character of Nj Symphony’s customers… NA: The NJ Symphony woman is strong, bold, confident and playful the talk - page 66
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fashion - interview
tt: How would you describe your own style? NA: My style is more of a hybrid, I love to wear timeless classics but also inject my personality though more playful pieces. tt: How has your work evolved over the years? NA: NJ Symphony is still a fairly new brand, however, I’ve learnt to cater to many different types of women through my designs. Learning the tastes and style preferences of different people help me to diversify and open my brand to a larger international market. tt: What criteria do you use when designing a new shoe? NA: NJ Symphony is not like any other footwear brand; it’s an art form. Each shoe has its own unique story and personality that has inspired its design. I love how a pair of shoes can transform your mood and give you a newfound confidence. In our designs, comfort is paramount. It’s just as important as the aesthetics and what allows the wearer to feel and look her best, giving her the confidence to walk into her most important occasions with comfort and unique style. tt: Which design has given you most satisfaction, and why? NA: I can’t pinpoint just one design that has given me the most satisfaction because someone close to me has inspired each design; each piece holds something uniquely special. I love the creative freedom that comes with designing; it’s what makes it so exciting. tt: What fascinates you right now, what is feeding in to your work? NA: All women inspire me; they are my muses. I’m inspired by their confidence, femininity and posture. tt: Where do you work on your projects? NA: I do most of the designing in Kuwait and all the manufacturing in Marche, Italy. tt: Are there any materials you’d like to explore further? NA: Feathers currently fascinate me so I’m exploring ways in which I can include them in my next collection. tt: What is your personal motto? NA: Live life to the fullest and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. tt: What’s next on your agenda? NA: I’m working on an artistic piece that talks about the “swan girl”; she’s extremely elegant in her walk, smile and look. She’s very delicate. The final name will be chosen soon. It consists of one heel design, which is glittery, and another flat piece that incorporates feathers.
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fashion - feature
Who is Sabry Marouf? Sabry Marouf is a creative partnership working in hand bags and fine jewellery. From their East London studio and with their network of artisans in the UK, Italy, Spain and Egypt, Ahmed Sabry and Daki Marouf, London College of Fashion alumni, create modern day wearable artefacts that pay tribute to their heritage. Ancient Egypt combines with modern expression for a new kind of storytelling.
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fashion - feature
A question Sabry Marouf ask themselves is: “Where will our pieces be in 100 years’ time?” The notion of timeless, cherished objects distinguishes their philosophy. like treasures from a royal tomb, Sabry Marouf pieces have a feeling of being discovered. Beguiling and coded, their shape may come from an inverted mask, hieroglyph or the fortuitous scarab, an emblem of renewal and protection. Merging the latest processes with artisanal hand technique, Sabry Marouf pieces are a result of tireless research and development - A vision that the designers continue to pursue - Is to break out of the conventions. The bags are unique shapes within the tradition of traditional leather goods so the designs and processes required considerable development. Custom bioplastics have been developed to feel like rare materials such as Alabaster and rose quartz, and utilise sustainably sourced Acacia and Olive woods, the talk - page 72
whilst the bags feature bespoke hardware in recycled brass, handworked wood and sustainably sourced Italian leathers. In 2019, Sabry Marouf was the recipient of the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia prize, with a year long mentorship in collaboration with retailer MatchesFashion.com. The brand has most recently been chosen to show some of its key pieces at Vogue Italia’s 10th anniversary celebration alongside LVMH Prize winner Thebe Magugu and other designers such as JW Anderson. The designers are part of the latest cohort from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise ‘Fash-Tech Pioneer’ programme, which supports entrepreneurs who want to redefine the future of the industry. These timeless Sabry Marouf creations can be found at AlOthman Fashion Store in Salmiya.
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art & design - feature
CanvArt
Where art is written on canvas Kuwaiti entrepreneur Esraa Al-Shatti has made it her aim to add a touch of culture and art to our homes and offices‌ at the click of a button. In 2013 she launched CanvArt – the first online store in the GCC specializing in high quality prints on canvas.
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Initially, Esraa focussed only on the Kuwaiti market where, for Esraa, she found people who love art and with a passion for personalized and unique designs based on their taste, decoration and interior. Over the years, word spread, and her business has grown dramatically. Today she has clients from across the GCC, as well as in Europe and the United States. “We specialize in personalized and customized designs based on the client’s choice, and print works on canvas for a contemporary wall display”, Esraa explains. “We were the first business in Kuwait to offer the ‘mosaic designs’ that became our signature. This is a large picture composed of up to 170 images of the client’s choice. The idea is to give full freedom to our clients to choose whatever they like in terms of designs and taking their full privacy into consideration as well. The custom owns the copyright to their design – we never reproduce it – what they buy remains fully exclusive to them”.
What are your best-selling items? Our ‘mosaic design’ is our signature and best-selling. This is followed closely by the split design with its very artistic look in the creation of a modern wall. Arabic calligraphy designs are interesting and quite demanding too – these are selected by people who would like to create a family tree for their Diwan, as well as by others interested in Islamic Art. Last, but not least, is our total customization option – while not an individual design, it is always based on the client’s unique taste. Talk to us about your passion for art – what inspires you? The word inspiration itself inspires me. It is very hard to explain exactly what inspires me because I sometimes get inspired by nature, by art – in particular Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet - or even by seeing the success of other people.
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O R C VE
T S O R Y
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cover story - interview
Queen of Cakes
Kuwait’s Mariam Jaffar – creating art with every cake she bakes For Mariam Jaffar, owner of The Cake Shop in Kuwait’s industrial quarter of Shuwaikh, mixing flour, eggs, sugar, and butter means a whole lot more than ‘making a cake’. Since establishing her bake house in 2010 with husband Ahmed, ‘making cakes’ has become a constant source of pleasure and creativity. Aside from this, she and her team are able to fulfil even the most extravagant of her clients’ cake design wishes… at the click of a mouse! We had the great fortune to spend some time with Mariam at The Cake Shop, and learned more.
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It was a necessarily early start, after all, she owns The Cake Shop. We’d heard they sometimes work through the night. Luckily for us we were invited to meet Mariam after the sun had risen… but only just. “I’ve always been an early bird” she smiled as she greeted us. A graduate of fashion design and product management, her career move in to baking might not have been a natural one, but just think about it for a moment. What’s more fashionable than an on-trend cake design? “A cake is an event in itself”, she says, “and so, when our customers are planning birthdays, weddings, or any one of a number of social occasions, we pride ourselves in being invited to be part of their events”. Last month’s key events for Mariam and The Cake Shop were Valentine’s Day and Kuwait’s National Day. In March, she’s looking ahead to Mother’s Day on the 21st. In 2012, two years after opening her first cake shop, Mariam decided it wasn’t enough of a challenge for her, and allowed too small an inventory of classic cakes to enable her creativity to flourish. So, the decision was made to relocate to an industrial area, Shuwaikh, and to move in to a far bigger facility – her current customized production factory and a team comprising 50 staff. Since then, The Cake Shop has built its reputation on receiving orders in person and online in the widest variety of shapes, flavors, and designs - 3D cakes, bespoke cakes on demand - to meet and exceed customer’s requirements. From a cosy cake shop to full facility, she confesses she made life very difficult for herself, but relished the opportunity it has presented. “For sure, I’ve loved the challenged. Back then I decided I wanted to take cake production further, and still do!” The Cake Shop offers a delectable range of off-the-shelf cakes. The Cake Shop’s Classic cakes – for example carrot cakes, pumpkin cakes and traditional favorites including chocolate. Not all customers are individuals; “We have a busy corporate business too – banks and other large companies are regulars of ours. Our customization works perfectly for them – we once delivered 500 cupcakes, each individually decorated with the name or an employee!” “We also offer customized cakes,” Mariam adds, “3D cakes, movie characters, designs on trend. The world is moving at such a fast pace and the baking industry is playing its role in keeping up! We have new designs in our kitchen on a weekly basis,” she says. “The trend is currently for micro cakes! Small, customized cakes, around 15cm in diameter, they’re large enough for ten to twelve people. A few years back the trend was basically ‘the bigger the better’. Now the movement is for smaller cakes and greater personalization. TV and movie characters are very popular – the talk - page 80
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for example if there’s a new Disney movie, people will want this featured; when there’s a hot Netflix series, we are asked to put those on a cake. The sky is the limit with cake design today!” Visit The Cake Shop online at www.thecakeshop.com.kw and you can create your perfect cake using The Cake Shop’s easy step-by-step process. Simply follow the steps given, and at the end you can order your own custom designed cake. It really is as easy as the click of a mouse! “All our cakes a decorated by hand”, Mariam points out. “It requires a level of skill that simply cannot be replicated by any machine. For the dough and icing though, of course these are measured by hand but mixed by machine. The final touches to all of our cakes are always by hand though”. Mariam Jaffar Q&A What’s the most challenging order you’ve received? Every wedding! Everyone involved in a wedding is nervous. There’s always a mix of opinions, and our job is to satisfy the bride and her family on this most important of life’s days! What can’t you do with a cake? There’s almost nothing we cannot do! We’re creating architecture… not with concrete and steel but with fondant and icing. We’re always working closely with customers – discussing and evolving ideas. We’re fulfilling their cake-dreams! Everyone is health conscious these days. What’s going in to your cakes? We always go with the best ingredients. Quality is number one for us, always. We work with the best butter, the best flour, and anything we can’t get to the right standard locally, we import. What about food allergies? We’ve got those covered. We can create lactose-free, and gluten-free cakes. We always ask about allergies… and these can easily be accommodated. One thing to note though is that using alternate ingredients in these cases can result in a softer (and less ideal) sponge. This somewhat limit our creativity. We also offer vegan options. Ultimately though, customer often make a choice based on the tastes of their guests… they’re creating a cake for the guests more than for themselves! Most popular cake flavors? We get orders for a wide variety of flavors including matcha, cotton candy, and peanut butter, but traditional red velvet and chocolate are always at the top of our customers’ lists! What’s the lead time? As short as two to four hours! We have hundreds of cakes on our website that we can deliver in two to four hours. For some larger events, or where specific details of a cake might require more discussion and clarity, perhaps a customer will place their order a couple of days in advance. the talk - page 82
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Which other bakers do you admire? Obviously, there’s Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey. He’s probably better known to everyone as Cake Boss from the reality TV show. Like every successful trend-based service, today Mariam has two great salesmen… happy customers and social media! We often she her cakes taking pride of place in events one night, and appearing of social media feeds the next day. Ultimately though, for Mariam her passion makes her business personal. While orders are easily placed online, every day she’s in meetings with new clients at her production facility. “There are many ways to connect with us though,” she says. “either through our call center, online, or come and see us!” the talk - page 84
You can find The Cake Shop on the following platforms: Talabat; Trycarriage; Bilbayt; Festivity; plus online www.thecakeshop.com.kw Follow Mariam and her team on Instagram at @thecakeshop_kuwait the talk - page 85
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Boucheron
Haute Joaillerie Signature Under the expert eye of Claire Choisne, eight new Question Mark necklaces were added to Boucheron’s Signature High Jewelry collection in January 2020. The Question Mark necklace first appeared in the Parisian High Jewelry history at Boucheron in 1879. Here it is again, brought to light by its Creative Director, who wanted to put a personal take on this timeless icon to establish it as one of the Maison’s recognised and unmistakable signature creations. the talk - page 88
“The Boucheron style is above all a state of mind. In my opinion, it is captured perfectly by the Question Mark necklace, which I wanted to reinstate as one of Boucheron’s main signature pieces as soon as I arrived at the Maison. This necklace encapsulates the philosophy of a Maison that throughout its history has incorporated in its creations the ethos of innovation with a focus on emotion, and the beauty of expression with a focus on women’s freedom. Its modernity - designed to promote freedom of expression - seems to have defied time, which for me is the hallmark of High Jewelry. And above all, its technical sophistication, almost imperceptible and invisible, is totally oriented towards emotion.” Claire Choisne
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For Mouawad, love is a masterpiece Love In Mist - Diamond and sapphire suite With its joyful air of optimism, spring is the season synonymous with romance in full bloom. The Love in Mist diamond and sapphire suite is an ode to this season of love, when nature awakens from its wintry sleep and blossoms.
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Reminiscent of the airy foliage that surrounds the gentle, blue blooms of springtime, stunning cushion-shaped blue Burmese and Sri Lankan sapphires of 92.74, so captivating in their intensity, so vibrant with life, are intricately set at the heart of round, marquise, pear-shaped, and baguette diamonds totaling 187.65 carat. Designed with impossible intricacy and remarkable savoir-faire, this outstanding work of art stirs the emotions and captivates with its unworldly charm.
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watches - feature
ÉgÊrie
The new horological muse of Vacheron Constantin There are two distinctive realms in which craftsmanship, know-how and rarity would be nothing without passion, creativity and concern for details. Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture share this same vocation, continuously reinvented by the artisans working behind the scenes.
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gérie was born from the conjunction between these two fields of expertise. Haute Couture instilled a sophisticated style, subtly paired with the asymmetrical aesthetic faithfully perpetuating the Vacheron Constantin heritage. Imbued with this two-fold inspiration, the new Égérie collection weaves the face of watchmaking femininity according to Vacheron Constantin. A watch featuring a classic look “draped” with a mischievous touch reflecting today’s women: inspiring, independent and charismatic.
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Eat Like Mira! In every issue we turn to top Lebanese food consultant and medical and weight loss dietician Mira Khattar for the very best in dietary advice. You can also keep up to date with her latest advice and trends on THE TALK’s online platform at PassionsArabia.com This month… feeling bloated? Get rid of it!
Bloating is a major problem faced due to abdominal problems, excessive food or even some food allergies. Bloating and stomach gases are usually tied in with what and how you eat or drink. We already know that consumption of carbonated drinks should be reduced, and that eating slowly is a must! Here are a few additional, and simple, changes that will also help! 1- Papaya: We won’t find it all the time in the refrigerator, but it is readily available in just about every supermarket. Not everyone has given papaya a try yet, but it has a sweet taste, and its texture is similar to cantaloupe. What’s great about papaya is the enzymes it contains can aid digestion, and reduce bloating. 2- Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, yogurt is a digestive aid. Considered “friendly” bacteria that can really improve digestion, they may even help ease other digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drinking yogurt before bedtime is great advice! 3- Bananas: Potassium is the banana’s secret weapon when it comes to fighting bloating since it helps the body maintain normal sodium levels. Excess sodium is one of the primary causes of fluid retention that often causes bloating. 4- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter contains niacin which is beneficial for the digestive process… and improved digestion means that the likelihood of bloating is reduced! If you’re one of those people that loves peanut butter, two tablespoons a day should do the trick! 5- Watermelon: Surprisingly, drinking water helps reduce bloating by flushing excess sodium from the body. In addition to all that water, watermelon also boasts generous amounts of the talk - page 96
vitamin C and potassium, which helps prevent bloating by allowing less sodium to build-up in the first place! 6- Cucumber: Cucumbers are helpful in making the kidney function efficiently. The kidney helps eliminate uric acid from the body that can accumulate and promote bloating. There are a number of ways to work this vegetable into your diet, including as part of a salad, sandwiches or eating it alone. 7- Asparagus: Asparagus is beneficial for at least two reasons: it has a high water content which has a diuretic effect on the body, and it helps keep fluid retention under control. It also helps promote the growth of those beneficial probiotic microbes in the digestive tract! And last but not least… the cucumber water detox is a perfect way to flush out toxins and fight bloating. Simply mix one cucumber with two Litres of water, and steep overnight. Drink two glasses when you wake up in the morning, and another two before bedtime. Take my advice… a few simple dietary changes can reduce the chances that you’ll have to deal with the problem of bloating ever again! Follow Mira on Instagram at @eatlikemira and remember to keep up to date with her latest advice and trends on THE TALK’s online platform at PassionsArabia.com
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Naz World “I aspire to live consciously and gently and to express that ethos in my fashion choices; And so Naz came into being.” – Dalal Behbehani, Founder of Naz World.
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“Naz World”. “Naz Girls”. I’m pretty sure that if you’re in the social fashion scene here in little ol’ Kuwait, these two terms have passed your ears recently. I’ve discovered Naz a few days before they discovered me.. Yes, that’s quite literally how it went. I was invited to participate in a panel discussion about sustainable businesses for the future; and precisely 3 days before my panel, I sat there in my favorite café wondering what should I wear for the discussion. I was wracking my brain left and right trying to remember my sustainable options that I have stored in my wardrobe because… well… a girl gotta represent, ya know? And there it was: “Hello Zaina, we hear you were speaking at Kilmitain 3.0, we would love to sponsor your look for the evening if you’re interested.” Saviors. A Godsend. Ugh. Miracles do happen. I replied, quickly, excitedly, frantically… fan-girly… and just like that, I was at Naz Word HQ; in the closet of luxury rentals. I met Dalal, the founder, and we immediately became BFFs. She walked me through the looks but the instant I walked in; I knew what I wanted. I see you, Erdem. I see you, floral bell of the ball. I reached out to my match and told Dalal, “this is it.” Dalal: “Oh, are you going to a party after the panel?”
dren have reaffirmed the importance of productivity and purposeful work that validates my personal story to create a positive impact. I strived for more authenticity that I could no longer find in a corporate job; My career was not in technology or in fashion, but I am fully aware how in every step of my life I have purposefully consumed clothing as a way to express myself, my aspirations and my femininity. I aspire to live consciously and gently and to express that ethos in my fashion choices; And so Naz came into being. Renting luxury is aligned with my desires as a consumer, and I ultimately hope to provide an alternative choice to consuming luxury with high standards for sustainability and social responsibility.
Me: “No. I want to SHOW UP… you know?” She smirks, I smirk. She gets it. We both nod. It was the moment that was about to launch a very beautiful friendship. So, you could be asking yourself a lot of questions by now… well, as always, I come prepared. Here’s all that you need to know about Naz World. 1. Dalal, The Founder: Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Dalal Behbehani. A mother, daughter, wife, professional and an entrepreneur. After getting an MBA from INSEAD I worked in the finance sector, yet the best lessons I learned were in my parenthood journey. My three chil-
2. Why Rent? Renting is a healthy choice to satisfy our insatiable desire for newness. It offers a variety of options with flexibility and changing styles. It allows for the discovery of luxury fashion at accessible price points, and with little risks; “High Fashion, Low Risk”. Before, we had to try on an outfit in a 1 x 1 poorly lit changing room and decide within a few minutes if we are willing to invest a large portion of our monthly income on an outfit we will wear once or twice. Naz takes this a step further. We separate the trial from the investment decision. You can rent an outfit, enjoy it in an actual social setting, and if you decide it’s worth the investment, you pay the difference between the Retail price and the talk - page 99
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the rental price... and it’s yours! High priced classic items is where we see our members making that decision; for statement pieces, members are really enjoying the variety that comes with renting. 3. Where did the business idea come from? It›s a combination of personal and professional aspirations. I was always amazed by what fast fashion was able to offer consumers, and I used to enjoy showing off how I can mix and match high-street with high fashion. As I started learning about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and on humanity, I really changed my habits. Slowly, but surely. I started experimenting. I bought some inventory and participated in a pop-up. If I were to go by only the reactions during the three-day pop-up, I would have given up a long time ago. People were put off by the idea in the beginning. But funny enough, all those who were against renting, when an occasion, a trip or an event came up, they got in touch with Naz.... that›s when I knew that we were on the cusp of something really exciting. And So... I persevered. 4. Does this project have the environment’s wellbeing in mind? FRONT AND CENTER! a lot of our actions as consumers are not taken with the intent to contribute to the climate crisis but is rather driven by convenience, ease and accessible price points. Once we start realizing that our actions have an adverse impact, we have little option/choice to replace the accessibility and convenience that we have been used to. That’s why at Naz we always say that even if renting is not your thing, we hope that if you interact with Naz you walk away with more awareness and consume consciously. And no, you do not have to be 100% eco-friendly consumer. In fact, Naz is not in the business of resolving the manufacturing woes of the fashion system, but we are in the business of providing option and choice and to create a space for a more conscious consumer. If we all consume consciously, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future. 5. Have you found a market for this concept here in Kuwait: 100%. Women are warming up to this concept. Our members LOVE the choice and option, our typical member is Smart and Confident and is enjoying a carefully curated collection for different events. 6. Difficulties: 99%of it is difficulties... the normal woes of setting up businesses in Kuwait added to that the fact that entrepreneurial ventures are also inherently difficult and fraught with uncertainty. But we believe in what we are offering, we are reaffirmed with every member and potential member we interact with. the talk - page 100
7. What’s in the name “Naz”: a beautiful coquettish girl is described as Naz. She has the pride of knowing that she is loved no matter what. We believe we all deserve that. To be Loved, is to be Free. 8. Fears walking into the business: Where do I start? everything is scary. The most important thing is that you do not let the fear paralyze you. It should surge you into action. Work Hard, listen to your clients, trust your gut but also observe the data, follow your heart and no matter what happens; Keep at it. Persevere or Pivot, but always, always keep moving. 9. My Mantra when I go shopping: Consume Consciously. 11. Tips for Fashionista and influencers: oh god, I cannot disperse advice for a group of people who did an amazing job at disrupting conventional marketing. No doubt that Kuwaiti influencers have been on the forefront of the global changes. They created a full industry where they connect through their social platforms directly with consumers;
consumers not just of fashion but also of information. I have noticed that many influencers who are constantly creating content for their platforms one of their biggest paying point is the need to having different things to wear. Now they can come to us and we can give them great package deals. For their daily wear, Ramadan, evenings out and even for their trips. For the price of one outfit (which they will wear once, or at most twice) they can get 5-7 outfits. Once they use our services, we have found THEIR tips to us incredibly beneficial. the talk - page 101
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Sama Al Wasmi London Fashion Week Why it should be your Favorite Fashion Week London, an unequivocally cool and cultural city replete with the best of food, entertainment and sightseeing. But when it comes to the Industry, it’s Fashion Week is often overlooked. Not as commercial as its Parsian and New York counterparts, and without the established aristrocary of the Milanese designers, it’s the one unfortunately that buyers and sometimes have to forgo in lieu of time, writes Sama Al Wasmi.
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But to be honest, I have strived to go to every LFW I could because it is the most fashion forward of all its counterparts. The British Fashion Council strives to create an environment that encourages dialogue, with various fashion events geared towards connecting designers to buyers in a non-commercial way. Since we are taking the overwhelmingly exhausting commercial aspect of the week out, buyers get to truly understand the designer’s unique perspectives while the designers are able to listen intently and understand what the commercial needs of specific markets are. More importantly I should add, you get to do this all with London as your backdrop; so how can it NOT be your favorite of all the weeks? So here are my personal favorites… JW ANDERSON - Honestly, JW Anderson will always and forever “bring it.” Standing at the helm as creative director of both LOEWE and his own brand; there is no end to the exceptionally auteuristic creativity of his designs. This season he mixes fabrics (many custom) in the most luscious and voluminous way, creating dresses and separates that are as deliciously wearable as they are directional. I don’t stay this very often, but I literally want almost everything I saw going down the runway! Molly Goddard - I remember meeting Molly in a little showroom in London a few years back with her debut collection and its always refreshing to see how a designer has retained their style DNA but pushed their creativity into a commercial success. Amidst the signature tulle (this time juxtaposed with uber-wearable knits), I wonder what the future will look like for this young designer but for now I see a ton of young, creative KAWAI loving clients in her roster. Richard Quinn - Speaking of DNA, Richard Quinn did not stray too far from his signature prints and volume this AW20, in a collection he named “Working Class Couture”. Retaining the unique ability to mix patterns in silhouettes not for the faint of heart, Quinn has managed to delve deeper into his brand of design in this collection. Much in the same way Halpern dominated the wedding guest scene in Kuwait a few seasons back (WOOHOO sequins), we are seeing more and more how Quinn has managed to normalize the use of audacious print and volume in special occasion dressing and I for one am HERE for it.
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lifestyle
Dar Shaikha
Days out in Kuwait just took a turn for the better! Opening for the first time at the end of January, Dar Shaikha provides the ideal escape from the city in the creation of a pastoral idyll... with a natural health kick too! Kuwait Insight
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Located just about as far south in Kuwait as you can go - right down in the boonies of Wafra Dar Shaikha is a new farmer’s market / lakeside retreat... Set on grounds around a man-made lake, the venture sets out deliver a day’s fun (or a day’s chilling), as well as a venue for some one of the finest curations of epicurean delights in the country. Essential provisions for your store cupboard... including local produce (they have their own glasshouses - so you know everything is farm fresh!) and a bakery. Recognizing two things, a) the best place to buy produce is fresh from the farm and, b) Wafra is a bit of a lengthy drive from Kuwait City and most other urban centers, Dar Shaikha makes itself doubly worth the journey... Having stocked up on their tasteful delights, you can choose to spend the day lolling around in one of their private (and bookable, it’s essential!) cabanas... and with added enticement of sitting at the water’s edge (in the middle of the desert). Time outdoors is always well-spent at Dar Shaikha. Pick the cooler months of the year (right now is the perfect time), and anything from a gentle stroll to a vigorous power-walk will be your heartrate (and appetite!) up... but nothing raises it quite as much as tackling the ascent of the unique ‘Mount Aziz’ - a manmade hillock... perfect for scrambling up in order to secure the best view for miles around. the talk - page 107
lifestyle
Picnics and barbecues are very much the order of the day, every day. Or at least on the days Dar Shaikha opens to the publics - currently that’s 9am to 9pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If you have an interest in the source of your food - and we all should, right? - then Dar Shaikha is the place to go. Farm-to-table is overused marketing-speak in 2020, but in Dar Shaikha’s case it’s the perfect description... their food market uses products harvested almost a la minute! You really can’t get fresher... and where else are you going to get the opportunity to have watched your lunch grow? Great coffee too! Want to take a little bit more of Dar Shaikha home with you? They’ve got a glasshouse brimming full of beautiful plants and flowers ready for you to load up in the back of your car. Take a tour, and be inspired! Dar Shaikha is located in Wafra, around 110km from Kuwait City. But you’ll feel a million miles away once you get there. Follow them at @darshaikha to learn more. the talk - page 108
If you like your food fresh, natural, wholesome and clean, then Dar Shaikha is your go-to when it comes to filling your store cupboard... or simply for taking a day out and escaping the city.... the talk - page 109
lifestyle
The Best Art Hotels Sleep with a Warhol!
Want to mix your travel with a slice of culture? Feel the urge to get up close and personal with a Warhol, a Hirst, or a Toulouse-Lautrec? Check out our picks of some of the world’s greatest art-hotel experiences!
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1. The Merchant House, Bahrain. Alongside showcasing emerging talent from Bahrain and the Gulf region, The Merchant House is home to pieces by some of the world’s most revered artists. Spend the night here and you’ll be in the company of works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Gaugin, Chagall and Toulouse-Lautrec. The Signature Suite features a king bed, a generous kitchen, bathroom, dining, and lounge area.
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lifestyle
2. Mandarin Oriental, Milan Milan is synonymous with cutting edge design, style, and creativity. Mandarin oriental, Milan, is a masterpiece in all. The aesthetically adventurous will want to stay in the fanciful Fornasetti Suite, located on the second floor of the hotel (known as the ‘noble’ floor because of its high ceilings and abundant natural light.) The suite is a tribute to the Milanese luxury design brand. The sprawling one-bedroom suite pays homage to Milan-born designer’s love of whimsy, with Fornasetti originals at every turn-the living room, adorned with surrealist wallpaper and idiosyncratic furniture, is a particular standout. The suite offers a living room, bedroom, and a vast bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a Agape ‘Spoon XL’ bath. the talk - page 112
3. Mandarin Oriental, Paris The Art-Deco inspired address on the Rue St.Honore is as rich in history as it is in elegance. Feel like 1950’s film stars in the City of Love, as you recreate your version of moments immortalized in arty black and white tableaus of yore. These suites are flooded with natural light and filled with specifically commissioned artworks making them a favorite of fashionistas and gallerists who appreciate the finer things in life. The onebed suite features a living and dining area, dressing room and a balcony or terrace with sweeping panoramic city views.
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lifestyle - automotive
Ferrari Roma makes its Middle East debut The car epitomizing La Nuova Dolce Vita is showcased for the first time globally outside the eternal city
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Following its first global reveal during an exclusive event held in Italy’s iconic capital last November, the Ferrari Roma made its first appearance in the world during at a launch party held at Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, Dubai. With its distinctive flair and style, the car is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and ‘60s. The Ferrari Roma offers discerning clients the finesse and refinement that brings the concept of “la Dolce Vita” right up to date. the talk - page 115
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Trending on passionsarabia.com Taking a look at the latest stories to catch up on from the past month on the talk’s online home at passionsarabia.com. Follow us on Instagram @passions.arabia for your daily dose of style and inspiration, what’s trending, the Maisons and the Marques... along with stories of the passionate individuals who are making it happen.
Prada – Surreal Glamor From Milan Fashion Week. Tools of glamor, uniforms of beauty. For Fall/ Winter 2020, a consideration of the strength of women, an emphasis on an inherent authority found in that which is intrinsically feminine. Rather than a negation of identity, a celebration. The agency of women. passionsarabia.com/prada-surrealglamor
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KAGE’s Basma Abu Ghazaleh – setting sustainability goals For Spring/Summer 2020, KAGE revealed its pledge to work toward reducing their environmental footprint through the introduction of sustainable fabrics. This topical move is one that is extremely important to KAGE’s creative director Basma Abu Ghazaleh. passionsarabia.com/kages-basma-abughazaleh-setting-sustainability-goals
For Mouawad, love is a masterpiece With its joyful air of optimism, spring is the season synonymous with romance in full bloom. The Mouawad Love in Mist diamond and sapphire suite is an ode to this season of love, when nature awakens from its wintry sleep and blossoms. passionsarabia.com/for-mouawadlove-is-a-masterpiece
AlAnoud Al Sharekh – Social Activist Our first protagonist is Kuwait’s AlAnoud Al Sharekh – a researcher and academic of global standing, one with a particular interest in women’s rights. Highly valued for her opinions across a host of societal issues, here she speaks to our Simon Balsom – both as an activist, and a mother. passionsarabia.com/alanoud-al-sharekhsocial-activist
The Bespoke Event – Bibi Hayat
Milan Fashion Week – #GucciTheRitual
Thoughts in mind for that once in a lifetime event? Business launch ahead? Going as a guest? Parties and events aren’t what they used to be. Doing it right is more important than ever. And, more than ever, doing it right invariably means doing it with the right people. Right? Pick the best organiser, and your evening is going to go with a swing and, critically, shine the right light on you. The best organisers make the whole thing look easy, and the best that we know is Kuwait’s Bibi Hayat.
Gucci surpassed itself as it opened Milan Fashion Week 2020. Having sent show invitations via WhatApp – and with the all-important hashtag #GucciTheRitual unveiled – the label’s fans and acolytes showed up expecting a heightened experience. By the end of the night, no one left the Gucci Hub without a cinematic story to tell.
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WHITE Milano x Maison ARTC – Sustainability is the new core of fashion With over 500 brands in 4 locations, at the heart of the Tortona fashion and design district, WHITE Milano is always a key reference point for womenswear during Milano Moda Donna. This year the trade show’s special guest is Moroccan designer Maison ARTC. passionsarabia.com/white-milano-xmaison-artc-sustainability-is-the-newcore-of-fashion
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Royale Hayat hospital held the grand relaunch of their prestigious cosmetic center, now known as La Cosmetique Royale. It was previously known as CosmeSurge cosmetic center. La Cosmetique Royale offers a comprehensive range of procedures and services including Plastic surgery, Dermatology, Medical lasers treatments and Aesthetic Cosmetology. The team includes Dr. Reza Navavian, a world-renowned Consultant Plastic surgeon, with clinics in Los Angeles, Europe and here in Kuwait, and Dr. Gie Vandehult, a Swedish and German board-certified plastic surgeon, who has considerable experience in plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery and can provide an “exclusively female surgical team.� Providing a comprehensive range of both clinical and aesthetic dermatology at La Cosmetique Royale, Dr. Suraj Davies is a specialist dermatologist with a long experience in all aspects of Dermatology. Dr Suraj also runs a male wellness clinic, offering confidential advice and treatment for exclusively male-related issues. In addition to the plastic surgery, clinical and aesthetic dermatology, the clinic has highly experienced and qualified clinical aestheticians and Laser technicians providing a wide range of treatments of both the face and the body.
Grand re-launch for La Cosmetique Royale
lifestyle - events
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White is a world-renowned fashion trade-show since its very onset, fame as a springboard for brands, like an accelerator for consolidated fashion business. A not-to-be-missed event that, season after season, keeps coming up with new trends and proposals. A successful Italian and international brand mix of renowned and consolidated maisons, cutting-edge designers, emergent labels and front-line names are the undisputed protagonists of WHITE’s editions. Just prior to their end-February Milan dates, they dropped in on us. Follow @passions.arabia for seasonal updates!
WHITE Milano drops in on Kuwait
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According to Marcia Salzberg, Lincoln senior designer for color and materials, “A more traditional material, such as luxury wood trim, or a more modern take in the form of a wrapped aluminum mesh, may hold equal appeal for women. It’s where and how the material is applied, and its relationship to the colors and surfaces enveloping it that creates a holistic expression of quality women recognize and appreciate.”
For the visit, the full fleet of the Lincoln car was assembled… the Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus, and Continental. The aim of this visit was to engage Kuwaiti women in a Lincoln driving experience and to experience the Lincoln cars brand.
Lincoln Alghanim sponsored the first gathering of 2020 for the Zwaret Harem morning Iftar. As part of the ongoing Lincoln Harem Program, a specially curated guest list of Kuwaiti women were hosted for morning breakfast at Kuwait’s The Hub Café.
Lincoln Alghanim X Women
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The Corsair delivers a true luxury experience in the compact luxury SUV class. Featuring the latest technology and safety features, the Corsair is predicted to become the American marque’s best-selling automobile through 2020.
During a special event at Kuwait’s newly expanded 360 Mall, Lincoln Alghanim introduced the Lincoln Corsair 2020 – an all-new compact SUV. The pop-up Lincoln event delivered the new SUV front-and-center with visitors to one of the country’s leading malls.
The all-new Lincoln Corsair 2020 is officially unveiled
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lifestyle - horoscopes
horoscopes Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) During the first spring month Capricorn, should be alert. March sets some unexpected obstacles for you which could throw you off balance. It is best for you to focus on long-term career goals. In this area, you have a strong chance to succeed, perhaps in the form of a promotion.
Aries (Mar. 21-April 20) March will bring the spirit of personal transformation which will be reflected in all areas of your life. All illusions, that you have created during your lifetime, will start to fall apart, and so your life’s journey will seem much more clear to you. During this period, Aries will stand their ground firmly, and won’t let themself get swept away.
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Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Every Aquarius should expect that approaching March can bring her trouble in the field of relationships. At first glance, they can seem to be insolvable, but with hindsight you find that it was not as burning an issue as you thought. You find refuge mainly with your friends.
Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21) March will intensify your emotions, primarily the negative ones. In the heat of the moment, be cautious not to say anything that you could regret later. Everybody goes through a dark time from time to time, and if you fall into depression or anxiety, just know that this too shall pass. Taurus should start actively strengthening their mental health, as they won’t be in the best condition right now.
Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t plan anything this month, because you have quite a lot to do to keep a close watch on your present life. Pisces have lots of work and family events and that’s why they don’t have time for other activities. In March you should determine your priorities and accept the fact you can’t always get what you want.
Gemini (May 22-June 21) March will open doors to new activities on every corner. This month’s energy will bring, to the life of this air sign, a lot of new ideas on self-realization, whether it’s new hobbies or work opportunities. Gemini could just now discover activities that really fulfill them. Have you always wanted to learn to properly cook? Knit? Or start exercising? You will be good at pretty much anything, so go for it.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) March will liberate you from both work and emotional pressure. Cancer is starting to feel content, as well as some certainty in relationships. This period is amazing not only for strengthening family bonds. It’s also good to plan various trips and vacations you deserve that. Your emotions will be heightened, primarily the positive ones. Therefore, you will have a good time in the company of people and will look for cultural experiences as well.
Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23) With the coming spring, Libra can expect that her sexuality awakens. For singles, some passionate relationships come, while for a Libra in a long-term relationship, March brings a flurry of vitality. However, this spring month offers you well even in career. Vision of material profits causes you to be motivated more than ever before.
Leo (July 23-Aug 22) March turns your life upside down and you become successful again. Every Leo looks very self-confident. The single ones find great love. The stars wish you very long relationships and that’s a great time to make a big step forward in achieving your goals.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) March is a very fruitful period, which you were expecting for long time. Scorpio doesn’t have problems doing any work with absolute enthusiasm. His motivation is a strong desire for property, which Mars in Taurus brings him. Yes, money is nice thing, but don’t forget about your close friends and family.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) March will take place in the spirit of empathy, meaning you will seem very trustworthy to your surroundings. Speaking of family relationships, they will flourish beautifully - in this period, you will feel better in these circles than with your friends. Understanding is exactly what you’re looking for and in order to give it to others, you have to be getting it as well. If you’re in a relationship, your partner will be content too.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Every Sagittarius can expect a very social March. Your communication skills are high, which helps you to strengthen relationships in family and in love. The only thing, which could be a problem, is to communication with authorities. Be careful how you talk to your superiors, it could backfire badly.
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the team/ Editor-in-Chief Fawaz Al-Mutairi Publisher Zeina Mokaddam Operations Director Mishleen AlKazzi Sales Director Rosy Ajaka Creative Consultant Yousif Abdulsaid Contributors Mira Khattar Sama Al Wasmi Xeina AlMussalam
Managing Editor Simon Balsom
Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri
Senior Graphic Designer Chadi Moufied
Legal Consultant Khaled Al-Kandari
Articles can be accessed at passionsarabia.com
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.
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ALOTHMAN FASHION , MARYAM COMPLEX, SALEM AL MUBARAK STREET, SALMIYA, KUWAIT. TEL: (+965) 2575 4955/4
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i s y L fe t le
o e t M m n s
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Chart your Course with Lincoln’s all-new Corsair Better known for its bigger automobiles, Lincoln plans to rejuvenate the brand. Part of that plan involves the launch of the new Corsair - their smallest SUV and one which takes aim at other small luxury crossovers. Keeping that in mind, the designers and engineers have ensured that the Corsair maintains the marque’s reputation for building superb quality and luxurious cars with a spirited drive… this time, without breaking the bank! With an expressive aesthetic, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair embodies drama, depth and attraction through a freeform exterior of flowing, connected lines. Inspired by human beauty and movement, curvature is implemented into every aspect of the body to establish a stunning landscape of seductive form. Nestle down in the Corsair’s updated, plush, nicely dressed, and luxurious cabin. There are soft-touch surfaces, real wood trim, and an easy-to-use 8.0-inch touchscreen that tops a semi-floating center console layout. Looking for a luxury crossover that focuses on space, quiet driving dynamics, and a potent engine. The new Corsair ticks all the right boxes!
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The All-New 2020
AVIATOR
The All-New 2020 Corsair
Your Path AwaitsAlways Begin on a bright note
gets busy, escape to some peace and quiet in the Aviator. The serene, calm interior is equipped ovations and meticulously crafted for your driving ned styling talks persuasively of your polished ce for sophisticated, yet powerful performance. eloquent Lincoln Aviator for a drive at your m.
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Expressive from every angle, the all-new 2020 Lincoln Corsair combines spirited agility with responsive adaptability for an exciting ride. Each time you approach, Corsair greets you with a warm embrace. Lincoln Signature Lighting glows beneath the headlamps, while illuminated welcome mats and backlit door handles extend an invitation. Within the airy 5-passenger interior, luxurious amenities and serene quietness await. You’ll also enjoy unique elements like an illuminated Lincoln Star logo1 shining down on the center console, and beautiful chimes created exclusively for Lincoln by the world-renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Chart an exhilarating course for your future in Corsair.
The All-New
2020 Corsair Starting from
11,999
KD
Expressive from every angle, the all-new 2020 Lincoln Corsair combines spirited agility with responsive adaptability for an exciting ride. Each time you approach, Corsair greets you with a warm embrace. Lincoln Signature Lighting glows beneath the headlamps, while illuminated welcome mats and backlit door handles extend an invitation. Within the airy 5-passenger interior, luxurious amenities and serene quietness await. You’ll also enjoy unique elements like an illuminated Lincoln Star logo shining down on the center console, and beautiful chimes created exclusively for Lincoln by the world-renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Chart an exhilarating course for your future in Corsair.
The TheAll-New All-New 2020 Corsair Corsair Always Always Begin Begin on on a bright note note
Lincoln
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