Issue 93 / May 2017
The Loop of Promise
THE AVENUES
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PRESTIGE
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GROUND FLOOR NOW OPEN
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T E L . 00965 22200992
SERPENT BOHEME Lapis lazuli Long necklace
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content/ fashion/
16. Ruffled & Bloomed 18. Suit it up! 20. The Afterparty 22. Oscar de la Renta 26. Oscar de la Renta FW 17 28. Carolina Herrera 40. Jimmy Choo
jewelry & watches
54. The Loop of Promise 62. Great Snakes 64. Put a ring on it 66. Crowned 68. Piaget 70. Chopard Green Carpet Collection
health & beauty/
78. Chanel 82. All that glitters 84. Weight loss tips and tricks 86. Here to care, for you and yours
art & design/ lifestyle/
90. The Bedshop 94. Gustav Klimt
100. Halah El Sherbini 110. The Modern Couple’s Guide 112. My Porsche
On the cover: Korloff Mariage Grace Collection Bulgari Bridal Corona Collection Boucheron Pivoine Ring Piaget Possession Collection Photographed by Jalil Marvin Directed by Yousif Abdulsaid May 2017 the talk - page 8
122. Horoscopes
the team/ Editor-in-Chief Nouf Al-Ha jri Publisher Zeina Mokaddam General Manager Chimene Ibrahim Creative Director Yousif Abdulsaid Editorial Manager Aradhna Singh Fashion & Beauty Editor Rawan Qabazard Contributors Faisal Alshawa
Nasser Ashour
Farah Bishara
Senior Graphic Designer Chadi Moufied Managing Editor Simon Balsom
Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri
Production Manager Nidal Al-Shaker
Legal Consultant Khaled Al-Kandari
Circulation: 10,000 Copies
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: thetalk@ph7-kw.com www.ph7-kw.com WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.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/ This issue thetalk is all about the modern bride. With a complete guide on the latest bridal trends to what to rock at your after party, we bring a treasure trove of knowledge for our brides-to-be. While gowns and gala are important, we haven’t forgotten that a wedding is incomplete without the most important Loop of Promise, the wedding bands! Fairytale weddings are dreamy but this time we add a touch of modernism to update this age-old union of souls. After the wedding comes the happily-ever-after, something we know is not easy to achieve. To bring you closer to your fairytale ending, we bring you the modern couple’s guide, to help you find new ideas to bring back the spark in your marriage. Catch Social Influencers Ascia and Ahmad in a tell-all-interview of how they met, what they love about each other and how becoming parents has changed their life. So, are you ready to put a ring on it?
Until next issue, The Talk Team
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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
fashion - trend
Ruffled & Bloomed Bye bye plain white A-line dresses, it’s time to play around with designs and that’s exactly what design houses are giving us, a chance to play. From gorgeous floral applique at Oscar de la Renta to beautiful ruffles at Herrera, take a step out of your comfort zone on your big day. Brides nowadays have the option to pick and choose whatever trend they desire and can incorporate it into their wedding dress design. Fashion houses, Haute Couture and Alta Moda fashion shows have been showing us that there is no limit to how elaborate you can go. If you’re not into the whole Dolce floral extravaganza theme, you can also go for a gorgeous white ruffled number, or maybe a simple mermaid silhouette with a sheer cape. Whichever trend you choose to go with remember it’s your time to shine and go all out! Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Marchesa FW 17 the talk - page 17
fashion - trend
Suit it up! We’ve all read and watched Cinderella and how her fairy godmother transformed her rags into a gorgeous gown, but who said you need to be in a dress to meet your prince charming? On their big day when they choose to wed, girls usually opt for classic ballgowns or beautiful mermaid fitted dresses and then add a modern touch such as an accessory or a headpiece. Whatever happened to feminism? Suit it up and show him who’s boss starting from day one. Designers have tested the waters with jumpsuits and pantsuits before and it was a bewildering success. This season, designers such as Carolina Herrera have fulfilled the dreams of the modern bride by giving her the option of a gorgeous white pantsuit that will definitely make her stand out. Other designers such as Temperley London have also opted for a simpler option, the jumpsuit, for the low-key modern bride. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Gabriela Hearst Spring 2017 rtw
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fashion - trend
The Afterparty The bride said ‘I do’, and the groom’s eyes teared, and now what? We dance the night away! We all know the best part at weddings, after the buffet, is the reception or the afterparty. The DJ, the vibes, the people scouting (of course). Your aim as the bride should be to look your finest and here’s how: Short dresses are the go to this season for brides. If you have no time to change, we suggest you go for a dress that has a removable skirt. Less poof more dance maybe? If you’re not in a hurry, then go ahead and wow your guests with a full outfit change. Of course, we’ve all heard the famous Cher from Clueless say “You don’t understand! This is an Alaïa.” Surely, she had a point there. Alaïa dresses are the perfect afterparty choice. Stick to white, but maybe go for something flirty and fun such as a Delpozo asymmetrical dress. If you’re planning to stray away from the color white, go ahead and put on an Osman glitter gown that still screams bride! Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Azzedine Alaia spring 2009 lookbook photography Willy Vanderperre, stylist Joe McKenna, model Kasia Struss. the talk - page 21
fashion - designer focus
Oscar de la Renta When naming ma jor design houses related to bridal wear, Oscar de la Renta has engraved his name deeply within this area of fashion. Trained by Cristobal Balenciaga himself, having worked for the biggest names in fashion such as Balmain and Lanvin, this worldwide fame is not a surprise. Now his very own name is so within the same standards and his boutiques are lined up on the same streets as theirs. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Oscar de la Renta on the rooftop of his office building in New York, 1963 the talk - page 23
fashion - designer focus
Audrey Hepburn and Oscar de la Renta, at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards - 1988
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Born in the Dominican Republic, Oscar was the youngest out of seven. At the start of his studies, he was more interested in the line of art rather than fashion. He started to study painting in Spain while also drawing clothes as a side job for fashion houses. His first design job was for the U.S. Ambassador’s daughter in Spain. His wife loved the sketches she saw and ordered a custom-made gown for her daughter. Lucky daughter? No, lucky Oscar! After it appeared on the cover of a magazine his career in fashion was obviously about to take off, and he was so intrigued that he decided to start working under the famous Cristobal Balenciaga who was his mentor. In the year 1961, Oscar decided to say goodbye to Spain and head to Paris to work as a couture assistant at Lanvin. After working for Elizabeth Arden, and then later on Jane Derby, de la Renta was ready for the big leagues. He spent around eight years designing the haute couture collection for Balmain. It doesn’t get any better than this. Or does it? In the year 2006, the Oscar de la Renta brand started introducing bridal wear. From this year onwards, every bride’s dream upon engagement is to just try on an Oscar de la Renta bridal gown! From, classic cuts to modern silhouettes and gorgeous veils. What more would a bride want? Oscar’s name is always followed by “the award winning designer.” Why you might ask? One of his career’s highlights was in the year 2014 when the George W. Bush Presidential Center had an exhibition of Oscar’s designs for Mrs. Bush and
Oscar de la Renta fitting Beatrice Lodge - 1956
other First Ladies. Not only that, but he has dressed many celebrities from appearances to red carpets to weddings. Celebrities such as Katherine Heigl and Kate Bosworth have worn Oscar creations on their big days and they looked good rocking them! The name and brand is still everywhere and forever growing even after the passing of the great designer. Currently, Oscar de la Renta’s company is being run by his son-in-law and stepdaughter and we can’t deny that they’re certainly doing good by his name. the talk - page 25
fashion - feature
Oscar de la Renta FW 17
For those unacquainted with the gardens of Oscar and Annette de la Renta, the sprawling greenery of the late designer’s various homes mirrored neatly his unflagging eye when it came to design, too. This season, the studio team dreamed up a bridal offering inspired by all manner of flora.
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Three-dimensional blossoms fluttered atop the fitted bodice of a strapless sheath number, or tumbled down the front of a frothy tulle number, while elsewhere; blooming vines snaked along a full ball-skirted style. Even a minimalist bride could likely appreciate a long, trailing floral lace cape (particularly when styled back to a spare, strapless column gown). A richly embroidered, tailored coatdress worn atop a slip was particularly stunning—though for a more behindthe-scenes brand of wow factor, a high-low hem number took the cake: Its lush embellishments took De la Renta atelier workers, all told, about 180 hours to produce; the talk - page 27
fashion - feature
Carolina Herrera
Bridal SS17 Breathes Spring in Every Way On the occasion of her 35th business anniversary, Carolina Herrera strikes with a collection that stands out in every way. Not like any other, the SS17 is an enthralling mix between Carolina’s career highlights and a modern touch, a certain then and now, that recalls the blossoming season in every detail.
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fashion - feature
Reading between the lines and cuts of her dresses reveals the main inspiration behind this collection, which is no doubt “the woman of today”. It seems like in every one of her creations, Herrera tries to preserve her timeless style without nonetheless challenging it with a sophisticated, fashion-forward touch. Distinguished by the floral signature, most of Herrera’s bridal gowns are meticulously worked with beautiful flower motif appliqués and reembroidered lace layered over nude tulle. Even if used so many times, it’s amazing how this particular touch of floral highlights the effortless elegance and femininity that the designer tries to focus on. Combining exquisite fabrics with unique details and an unrivalled craftsmanship, Carolina’s spring collection explores romance like never before. Embracing timeless grace and Carolina’s everlasting classic flair, the 2017 collection imposes its simplicity in the most sophisticated way, mixing traditional with modern refinement, staying true to the house’s style while pleasing the woman of today. A closer look reveals the main highlights of the collection: a clean-cut strapless, oversized bows, transparent tulle, embroidered lace, floral appliqués, beaded illusion necklines and sleeves, plunging backs, and a whole lot of glamour. The wedding dress collection’s inspiration seems to stem as well from Herrera’s signature ready-to-wear styles, particularly her menswear collection, looking at the white blouse cut and the ivory silk crepe pant and top combination.
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fashion - feature
Effortless Freshness with Monique Lhuillier’s SS17 With a touch of modernity and a pinch of freshness, Lhuillier offers us an elegant bohemian kind of collection for Spring 2017 that is found exclusively at any Esposa branch. With flee-flowing and negligee dresses, she manages to link a contemporary feel to a time-honored happening.”I wanted to capture the feeling of being madly in love and someone who feels pure bliss,” says Monique Lhuillier and this is what she does exactly! For inspiration, she uses nothing else but the simple representation of a woman running through a garden.
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fashion - feature
Although the embroidered illusion sheaths prevail among the ’17 collection, there are also flower-patterned lace necks and deep V-necks among the dresses. When it comes to the lower part of the gowns, Lhuillier mixes various styles to make up her collection. From the original high-low midi dress to ombrÊgazar cummerbunds, and even an original jumpsuit with champagne tulle over skirt, we can definitely call it a rich and ample line for springtime. The ambiance of the collection is a blend of fluent silk dresses that seem very easy to wear and give a fresh effortless feel, and lingerie-inspired fabric that gives a sensual and alluring gaze. This look is beautifully adorned and given a vibrant touch by enjoyable 3D floral appliquÊs and is also amplified by the footwear collection promoting satin, gold glitter and even white silk sandals.
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fashion - feature
Marchesa FW 17
Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig took their classically beautiful Spring 2017 ready-to-wear collection and its Grecian goddess theme and translated it into their newest offering of bridal gowns
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“We felt it lent itself so well to bridal because every girl wants to feel like a goddess,” offered Chapman backstage. The resulting pieces were indeed deity-like; one gown with 3-D florals and embroidered tulle had a removable cape that dreamily elevated the piece, while a fit-andflare tulle style with frothy bishop sleeves nicely hugged the body. A shorter, drop-waist cloqué number would be a stellar fit for the more modern bride. The off-the-shoulder looks were standouts here. A tiered ball gown with horsehair detailing was headturning, while one confectionary number with a layered tulle skirt could make any bride feel just as divine as the designers’ inspiration.
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fashion - feature
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fashion - feature
Jimmy Choo Pre Fall 2017 Campaign Jimmy Choo unveils the Pre-Fall 2017 Women’s collection starring model SteffyArgelich. The summer-ready aesthetic of the collection is brought to life by photographer Theo Wenner with a series of images depicting the free spirited sentiment that runs through the collection. Contemporary styling is set against architectural grandeur reinforcing the beguiling contradictions at the heart of the collection; an assertive attitude blended with romance and a tough sensuality. The sun lit background enhances the colour palette of vintage rose, hot pinks, and assertive metallic studs. The video exudes the rebellious confidence of modern day rock ingénues balanced by a relaxed mood that sees the Jimmy Choo Woman engage in a playful game of cat and mouse with the story to be continued. “I wanted the new campaign to highlight the symmetry between the Jimmy Choo woman. The bold insouciance accompanied by a carefree attitude. The campaign and collection invite you to embrace a free-spirited aesthetic where there are no rules. The styles are not there to define you but enhance how you feel at that moment.” Sandra Choi, Creative Director.
Photographer: Theo Wenner / Model: SteffyArgelich / Styling: Sarah Richardson / Hair: Cyndia Harvey Make-up: Thomas De Kluyver / Art Direction: Trey Laird / Agency: Laird & Partners the talk - page 40
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fashion - feature
Summer Steps Everybody needs time to recharge their mind, body, and spirit – and what better than the renewed energy and optimism of Spring. A season when new things happen! Let’s do something unexpected, have some fun, and take comfort in the blue skies ahead at Cole Haan stores!
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You can find Cole Haan at The Avenues – The Mall & 360 Mall – Mezzanine Instagram: @colehaan.kw - Facebook: Cole Haan Kuwait Tel: 22249300 the talk - page 47
fashion - feature
ECCO INTRINSIC Modern Sneakers
This season the ECCO INTRINSIC collection expands to include the ECCO INTRINSIC TR, making the athleisure trend accessible to the modern man. The advanced design details of the ECCO INTRINSIC TR range cement the brand’s comfort credentials, whilst simultaneously breaking the boundaries of style. Now featuring a smart embossing detail the ECCO INTRINSIC TR is an edgy update to this sports luxe range.
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A mix of graphic black and white textiles, the updated range appeals to the man who likes to be comfortable and stylish throughout the day. A tribute to the simplicity and innate elegance of Danish design, that so many covet, the range makes a strong contemporary design statement. Available in four different styles to suit every personality, the ECCO INTRINSIC TR collection blends form and function to establish a range of reliable, comfortable, sneakers that won’t slow you down. Designed to ensure a natural range of motion, when coupled with the sneaker’s TPU/PU sole, the ECCO INTRINSIC TR provides an unbeatable level of comfort, function and superb grip. A highly wearable range that complements urban life, it consists of a low boot that has a perforated leather combination upper, a textile shoe that has its own supportive high-frequency grid and a sneaker that features a hard-working knitted sock to provide a snug comfortable fit - the whole collection can be relied on to offer optimal breathability and stability – all without compromising on durability and artfully contrasting textures.
You can find ECCO stores at (The Avenues Mall – Marina Mall – Mohallab Mall – Muthanna Mall – Kout Mall – Promenade Mall) For more information, please contact us on @eccoarabia the talk - page 49
fashion - feature
OTZ collection at Comfort Zone Kuwait Inspired by the design of the oldest shoe ever found, OTZ (ottzëë) is a modern comfort brand born on the beaches of Malibu, California The collection shows the brands dedication to the use of premium materials as is reflected in this season’s selections of Italian woven batik, stunning goat suede, perforated leathers, and woven camouflage. In the women’s range OTZ is introducing two new feminine silhouettes – The Semi and The Jazz – both inspired by movement and dance. OTZ men’s collection focuses on The Pilgrim, a lightweight sneaker featured in both a low and hi-top version.
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Alyasra Fashion launched ComfortZone in 2009 to meet our market’s growing demand for footwear that was both comfortable and fashionable. ComfortZone is a multi-brand footwear retail concept that features a portfolio of leading global brands, catering to discerning customers looking for comfort and quality, without compromising on style.
Available at Comfort Zone stores at The Avenues, Marina Mall, Al Bairaq Mall, Awtad Mall – Jahra and coops (Rawda, Shamiya, Keifan and Bayan) Contact us at 22249300 Follow us on Instagram: CZ_KW and Facebook: Comfort Zone Kuwait the talk - page 51
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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
jewelry - editorial
The Loop of Promise Photography by Jalil Marvin Art Directed by Yousif Abdulsaid
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Boucheron Pivoine Ring
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Bulgari Divissima Divas Dream the talk - page 56
Korloff Mariage Grace Collection / Piaget Possession Collection/ Bulgari Bridal Corona Collection / Boucheron Ava Ring
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jewelry - editorial
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Bulgari Bridal Corona Collection the talk - page 59
Korloff Mariage Grace Collection the talk - page 60
Piaget Possession Collection
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jewelry - feature
Great Snakes
Citrine and yellow gold
The Boucheron serpent slithers its way to the necks, ears and hands of jewellery aficionados, its languorous torpor spiked by a touch of glamorous nonchalance. A classic of the Parisian jewellery house since 1968, Serpent Boheme is defined abstractly by a drop-shaped design for the snake’s head, which is set with diamonds or coloured stones, grosgrain beading and the twisted chain motif that all jewellery aficionados have come to identify as a hallmark of Boucheron. Sculpted gold gives the serpent three-dimensional scales. The Boucheron Serpent Boheme has been enlivened with the use of transparent coloured hard stones. The pieces feature amethyst, citrine, onyx, white mother of pearl and lapis lazuli set on white, yellow and rose gold in a collection that also includes timepieces.
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Onyx and pink gold the talk - page 63
jewelry - feature
Put a ring on it For years and years the concept of the “wedding band” has been very simple and traditional, but still holds its importance in each of the bride’s and groom’s heart. However, we all know the importance of picking the right piece of jewelry for us girls especially if there’s a certain message behind that piece. Well, the message isn’t hidden here; it’s your other half putting a wedding band on your finger, but isn’t that the most important message? Known jewelers and fashion houses have reinvented the standard wedding band in many ways. Back in 2014, Maison Martin Margiela’s heritage line changed how people perceived the wedding band. Their collection was a twist on the traditional ring, it featured an incomplete circle which represented as Margiela stated, “A moment suspended in time between a first meeting and marriage. Unsoldered and free.” Whether you choose to go modern or traditional, your options are unlimited. Take a look at what suits your personality as a couple and choose accordingly. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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‘Héritage’ Fine Jewellery Collection By Maison Martin Margiela
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jewelry - trend
Crowned The hardest decision for a bride when deciding on what to wear is a veil or no veil? What if she wears the veil, updo or not? The only thing this season that isn’t questionable is should she have a headpiece or not. From the Spring Summer ’17 bridal runways, we notice the most beautiful headwear from flower crowns, to crystal headbands, to actual diamond crowns! Go all out, Farah Diba style, or go with something simpler such as a gorgeous hairpin on the side of your bun and you’ll still steal the show as the most fashionable bride. Try a simple updo with a gorgeous flower crown, or maybe some retro curls with a few hairpins on the side. Choose the style that suits your personality, and won’t cause you a hassle while you’re rocking away on the dancefloor. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Naeem Khan Bridal ss17 - Alyssa Greenberg the talk - page 67
jewelry - feature
Piaget
Unveils a new Piaget Possession collection high in colours For the first time, the jewellery collection welcomes ornamental stones
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Possession is more than a piece of jewellery, it is an intimate companion for today’s woman, an expression of who she is and her ally in every bold challenge she fearlessly takes on. The perfect marriage of gold and sparkling diamonds has been the trademark of this collection that first appeared over 25 years ago; today Possession welcomes five new bold colours to the assortment. A jewellery icon turns to colour The deep blue of lapis lazuli, the intense black of onyx, the vivid turquoise, the bright green of malachite and the vibrant red of carnelian, each lively shade bursts with energy for a boundless range of expression. A sphere of ornamental stone encircled by the iconic Possession ring hangs from a long gold sautoir necklace. The long chain can be wrapped around twice to create a shorter necklace, and the turning ring on the pendant is set with a single sparkling diamond to add a touch of preciousness to this special keepsake. The same coloured stone sphere wrapped with the Possession ring design is set along a delicate chain bracelet to become a seductive charm.
In a statement of style, the iconic Possession gold bangle is adorned with the rounded coloured stones at either end, accompanied by the turning ring of Possession set with a pavÊ of scintillating diamonds. Turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, carnelian or gold, six bold and vibrant stones to symbolize the different facets of a woman’s life, her personality and the many emotions she sets in motion along the way. Six colours. Six facets. Six emotions. For this collection, Piaget has chosen to offer women a palette of vibrant and intense colours to express different emotions and facets of their personality. All these colours represent feelings, attitudes and sentiments. The intense black, the vivid turquoise, the vibrant red, the bright green or the deep blue all convey spontaneity, positive energy, boldness, playfulness, radiance, style, charm, romance and every feeling a woman senses while she steps into her life and chooses who she wishes to be. Energizing, empowering and hypnotizing, with its turning rings, Possession continues to evoke a world where anything is possible, a world filled with colour, positivity and inspiration. the talk - page 69
jewelry - feature
Chopard Green Carpet Collection Ethics at the heart of aesthetics In 2016, Chopard unveiled a ma jor new step in its ‘Journey to Sustainable Luxury’ when for the first time it enriched its Green Carpet Collection of High Jewellery with responsibly mined emeralds. Today, iconic jewellery models in this collection are set with these precious green gems By adding coloured stones to its roadmap towards sustainable luxury, the Geneva-based Maison continues to blaze the trail and play a pioneering role in the jewellery industry.
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Meaningful jewellery “The Journey” begins at the very start of the production chain, with respectful sourcing of raw materials validated by Eco-Age. The ethically certified Fairmined gold from which the jewellery models are made comes from mining communities in South America supported by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM). Chopard was determined to put in place a lasting cooperative endeavour with these mines, laying the foundations for fair commercial exchange, thereby enabling local populations to achieve favourable economic and social development. Emerald ‘palms’ In 2014, Chopard enriched its Green Carpet Collection with a new jewellery set dressed in diamonds from a Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certified supplier, featuring a design inspired by the Palme d’or, the famous golden palm-leaf trophy that the Geneva-based House has for the past two decades been designing and crafting for the Cannes Film Festival. Responsibly sourced emeralds from Gemfields mines are now embellishing these iconic jewellery creations through a watch, a pair of earrings and a ring in ethical 18-carat white gold certified Fairmined. the talk - page 71
watches - feature
The iconic Rado Ceramica Watchmaker adds three new pieces to redesigned collection Swiss watchmaker Rado made waves last year with the relaunch of its iconic RadoCeramica collection. Teaming up with renowned industrial designer Konstantin Grcic, the brand updated its well-known, starkly geometric timepiece with a contemporary new look for the current zeitgeist. Now three new additions to the Ceramica family have arrived and are ready to make a bold impact on the wrist.
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Greyscale cool As the name indicates, the Ceramica is made from high-tech ceramic, a material favoured by luxury watchmakers for its incredible marriage of lightness and scratch resistance. The aesthetic properties of high-tech ceramic are no less impressive: An astonishing range of colours and finishes can be crafted from this futuristic material, which was first used in the medical and aerospace industries before Rado pioneered its use in watchmaking. High-tech ceramic is also hypoallergenic and adapts readily to the wearer’s body temperature, making it gentle and comfortable against the skin. Seven high-tech ceramic colours – black, white, plasma, grey, brown, green and blue – are now featured in Rado’s collections. The launch of the grey Ceramica marks the first time that this high-tech ceramic colour has been featured in the Ceramica family. Grey high-tech ceramic has debuted in the Ceramica collection with two finishes: a subtle, earthy sandblasted matt and a perfect high-gloss polish, a testament to the versatility of this remarkable material. For designer Konstantin Grcic, colour functions as a kind of coding: “Applied to an object, colour is both functional and emotional. For example, a black watch is perceived to be elegant, but also quite masculine, professional. A grey watch, in comparison, is less gender specific. The colour has a contemporary connotation. It feels younger, less classical.” For Rado, colour means not only something beautiful to behold but also represents the brand’s dedication to technical achievement and drive for innovation. the talk - page 73
watches - feature
Patek Philippe Calatrava Squelette Exceptionally transparent elegance As it turns 40, nothing spotlights the distinctiveness of the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240 movement as prominently as the skeletonized Calatrava that has been a part of Patek Philippe’s regular collection since 2008. As of 2017, the new Calatrava “Squelette� Ref. 5180/1R in 18K rose gold 5N showcases the extremely rare craft of skeletonization alongside magnificent engravings to imbue the elegant mechanism with enigmatic sensuousness. The aesthetic appeal and transparency with which the caliber 240 SQU keeps track of time makes it a miniature opus of kinetic art. The plate and bridges are pierced to the maximum extent possible to create a seductive view without compromising the reliability and functional integrity of the movement. More than a week of work is required to complete the elaborate skeletonization process. Then, the movement is entrusted to the hands of the engraver who further refines it with his artisanal skills. He invests more than 130 hours to decorate the remaining structures with vivid arabesques and volutes. In the end, the skeletonized movement chassis is plated with rose gold and then polished to match the case and bracelet. Now decidedly a work of art, the self-winding caliber 240 SQU is framed by a movement holder ring in 18K rose gold 5N. The ring itself is also skeletonized down to 12 spokes that serve as hour markers. The assembled movement is accommodated in a rose-gold Calatrava case that puts the focus on the heart of the watch. With its large-format sapphire crystal glass and display back, the case assures total transparency yet offers optimized protection and water resistance to 3 bar (30 meters). The watch is worn on a supple bracelet in 18K rose gold, safely secured with a foldover clasp.
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Zenith Chronomaster Collection Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition
At the occasion of the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, Zenith and Land Rover are celebrating their creative relationship by presenting a new Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition. The timepiece features a new elegant brushed grey dial with copper-toned details, and a new black rubber strap coated with black-toned perforated calfskin, inspired by ideas from both brands’ product design and engineering departments. A watch to embrace the heritage and strong credentials of two legends.
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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
beauty - feature
Chanel Cruise Collection 2017 LES INDISPENSABLES DE L’ÉTÉ is a luminous and glamorous makeup collection that distills Summer beauty down to its absolute essentials. It is makeup made effortless, focusing on bronzed, glowing skin and easy, understated flashes of color. Colors are inspired by natural landscapes. A palette of sun-baked earthy tones, from warm peachy nudes to intense deep bronzes, is punctuated by green accents and a delicate grey-blue, with glossy coral-pinks evoking a deep, majestic sunset. The textures are easy with delicate formulas that require only the lightest touch. Form follows function: the relaxed Summer vibe is echoed by easy, intuitive products.
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beauty - feature
THE FACE LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW LUMINOUS COLOUR takes healthy glow powder to a new level of radiance. It creates a subtle, natural veil over the skin, delicately lit with ultra-fine gold particles. In addition, mineral butters and beeswax give a softer ‘second skin’ glow. The result: radiant luminosity and a healthy bronzed glow in one easy touch. THE LIPS Lips shine with shades spanning a spectrum from sunrise to sunset. Choose the gleam: ROUGE COCO SHINE offers two beautifully glistening shades combining the glamour of a lipstick with the easiness of a gloss. Golden Sun, a modern, sunny peach, and Golden Sand, a warm intense nude. A trio of ROUGE COCO STYLO lip pens is the perfect Summer travel companions, with their nourishing formulation. Sépia offers Lucia Pica’s version of a summery statement mouth, an intense bronzey chocolate to add a touch of Summer glamour. Panorama is the perfect nude: a soft beige, while Esquisse is the perfect coral pink.
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beauty - trend
All that glitters We’ve all been obsessed with glitter at one point of our lives. Whether it was a glittery Barbie dress, a glittery pony, or a gorgeous M.A.C highlighter that goes by the name Soft & Gentle. It is time to relive the obsession as a bride. Forget about nudes, forget about smoky eyes, this season it’s all that glitters! We’ve seen it on runway models, now we’re seeing it on brides. Now that’s a trend we won’t forget. If you’re going all out, we suggest rose gold glitter on the eyelids. Too flashy? Then opt for a silver glitter liner instead of the usual black cat eye. Straying away from the eyes, a glittery lip is always a good idea. However, always keep the eyes simple if you choose to go with that. Lastly, as a bride, you have to keep glowing all night long. The best way to do that is to apply a strong highlighter to the high points of your face. Wherever the light hits, there should be a highlighter. Don’t forget to highlight those collar bones too! Get ready to shine through your night. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Shiatzy Chen ss 17
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health - feature
Weight loss tips and tricks Nutrition discussions appear to be at the crossroads for both fat and weight loss. There’s nothing in more demand than finding ways to lose weight. While my goal is to help you reach your desired goals, including weight, my philosophy revolves around allowing you to understand your body in order for you to lose weight the right way. With that being said, here are a few things to consider when going on your weight loss journey: Text by Faisal Alshawa
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Focus on what is being lost When it comes to weight loss, people tend to focus more on how much weight is being lost rather than what is being lost. Weight loss may result from fat and/or muscle loss. For me, losing weight the proper way means losing weight from fat, rather than muscle. Indeed, the last thing you want is to lose muscle! Increase your protein intake So, if you want to lose weight more from fat rather than muscle, how can you do so? The answer is to increase your protein intake. To lose weight, you need to put your body in a calorie deficit, meaning burning more calories than you’re actually taking in. Of course, when your body is in a calorie deficit, surely you may lose fat, but a loss of muscle is also contributing to that weight lost. To preserve your muscles, increase your daily protein intake. After all, that is one of the many purposes that protein serves to do. Include high-quality protein sources within your diet, including chicken, beef, fish, eggs and dairy products (i.e. milk and yogurt).
A piece of cake and diamond rings on a fork by Erika Dufour
You can’t outrun a bad diet Don’t solely rely on either nutrition or exercise to do the job for you – you need a good balance between proper nutrition and frequent exercise. Research has shown that effective weight loss occurs as a result of the combination of a good diet and regular exercise. Don’t think you can eat what you want because you’re exercising daily. And don’t assume you don’t need to exercise because you are eating well. It’s a combination of both that achieves weight loss. Eat nutrient dense food While on a calorie deficit, it may be easy for you to lose out on essential nutrients needed to keep your body running efficiently since you’re not consuming as much food. Given this, it is really important to think of the food content you are eating, more specifically consuming nutrient-dense food, or foods which are high in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber etc…This will help keep your immune system boosted during a period of time which may otherwise put your body in stress. There you have it, weight loss tips and tricks that will allow you to reach your desired weight goal in the most efficient manner possible. It’s so important to understand the mechanisms of how your body works. Doing so will give you the ability to properly manipulate your nutrition and other aspects of your lifestyle for the better. I know weight loss may be a frustrating journey, especially if you want to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. Believe me, though, all it takes is patience and understanding of what you need to do and you will most certainly get there.
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health - feature
Here to care, for you and yours Royale Hayat Hospital thinks ahead for the wellbeing of women, be it yours or that of those you love. At the forefront of groundbreaking technology, it is now the first hospital in Kuwait to bring the benefits of EVA™ – Enhancer of Vaginal Anatomy – to women of all age groups in the region. Royale Hayat hospital is happy to introduce “The first Cosmetic Gynaecology Unit” in Kuwait. The comfort of knowing we are in safe hands is both important and imperative, particularly when it is the most intimate parts of the body being treated. This is truly how the Royale Hayat experience is defined. Here, every woman is a priority and the best services are provided. EVA™ is the first device in the world that uses a combination of the exclusive technology VDR™ (Vaginal Dynamic Radiofrequency) as well as the RSS™ safety system, transforming the way care is administered to feminine areas of the body. With the assurance of zero recovery time, and non-invasive technology, EVA™ provides a safe and risk-free solution that women can trust. Not only are the sessions short, they are pain-free as well. The technology is recommended for several therapeutic treatments, which include but are not limited to: • • • •
the remodeling and tightening intimate areas of the female frame; the restoration of normal functioning and moisture; the rejuvenation, tightening and renewal of the surrounding skin; and the treatment of urinary stress incontinence.
Women no longer have to prolong the pain or discomfort that pregnancies, menopause, and time bring with them. With the technology and experience that Royale Hayat Hospital provides, a better life and a better mind that comes with good health can now be a reality for every woman in Kuwait.
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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
art & design - feature
The Bedshop Founded in 1995, Bedshop has grown into a leader in Kuwait’s beds & bedding products industry. Its unique blend of value, exceptional customer service and high-quality products are only a fraction of what this establishment offers clients. Bedshop is the sole distributor for a number of the world’s top brands including Tempur, KingKoil, Restonic, Yatsan, Colunex, Delis, Temprakon and Reverie. Photography by Jalil Marvin
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art & design - feature
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The Bed Shop mattresses allow you to address the combined needs for your health, comfort and well- being. The Bed Shop has a range of models with different firmness offering every customer a correct and relaxed posture. Support and Durability The composition and quality of the materials ensure that your spine is correctly supported throughout the mattress’s lifespan. The Bed Shop mattresses are extremely durable, making them a good investment. Fresh, Cool and Hypoallergenic Our mattresses allow air to circulate freely and the materials used are hypoallergenic. These characteristics promote a sleeping environment that is hygienic, safe and healthy, free from dust mites, allergies, heat and excessive perspiration.
All photographed products are exclusively available in Kuwait at showrooms: Tilal Complex - Shuwaikh, Madouh Complex – Hawally and Dalal Complex - Dajeej. Contact: 22444160 the talk - page 93
art & design - artist focus
Gustav Klimt Gustav Klimt was born with the artistic talents and did not wait to show them off. He attended the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts and studied architectural painting. Klimt had worked alongside his brothers and a friend for a few years as they all showed artistic growth. Being called the Company of Artists, a lot of people had reached out to them so publicity was not an issue for Klimt. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Gustav Klimt 1912
art & design - artist focus
Gustav began his career painting murals and ceilings and had received many merits because of his jobs well done. He became an honorary member of both the University of Munich and Vienna. After the death of his father and brother in 1892, his artistic style changed. He went for a different style which he called “Nuda Veritas” the naked truth. The name says it all. And that is why he is known as a symbolist painter. When art is being spoken of, Gustav Klimt is without doubt mentioned. The reason being, he was the first president of the Vienna Secession. This was the Union of Austrian Artists. It was an art movement formed in the year 1897. Their purpose was to explore artistic possibilities outside their traditions. They wanted to create new styles and this was what Gustav did. Klimt’s phase of merit and financial success was during the time where he created the paintings “Gold Leaf” and “Pallas Athene” where he actually used gold. In addition, the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer was the most famous at that time. Klimt was one of those few artists who did not discuss their ways or visions. His art spoke for him. In the year 1911, a very famous painting by the name “Death and Life” received first prize in the world exhibitions in Rome. Being number one in the world is not something people take for granted! That is why Klimt’s paintings have been priced very highly. In the year 2003, one of the paintings sold for approximately 30 million dollars. Another was sold for $33 million. Birch Forest (painted in the year 1903) went for 40 million. Now as for the famous portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, it went for $135 million which was even higher than Picasso’s “Boy with a Pipe”. Gustav’s work is distinguished by many things. One was the elegant gold colors. In addition, his symbolic attitude reflected on his paintings. They convey ideas and feelings that were going on in his mind at the time. His name will forever remain one of the biggest in the art world.
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Gustav Klimt, “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer” (1914-16), oil on canvas, private collection
Gustav Klimt, “Adele Bloch-Bauer’s Portrait” - 1907 the talk - page 97
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h o t e l s d e c o r
a u t o m o t i v e s r e s t a u r a n t s e v e n t s h o r o s c o p e s
lifestyle - interview
Halah El Sherbini
Group Chief Human Resources and Development Officer A Woman’s Imprint Halah El Sherbini has been a proud Burganer (employee of Burgan Bank Group) for more than five years. 20 years of diverse experience has positioned her to be the youngest female Kuwaiti Head of Human Resources and Development. Her heightened sense of structure and level of professionalism has led to a transformation of human resources management at Burgan Bank and has resulted in a shift in Burgan’s work culture. Halah has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certificate. A Certified Professional Trainer in over 35 training modules, Halah is also a SHL Certified Assessor. Ms. El Sherbini is the perfect example of an inspirational leader and has used her diverse background to strategically build the human resources capabilities at Burgan Bank Group. In Celebration of Burgan Bank’s 40th anniversary, we had the pleasure of having a sit down with Ms. El Sherbini to discuss her role in human resources management and how she is leading Burgan Bank Group’s human capital to success. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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lifestyle - interview
The role of HR has developed greatly over the years; tell us more about the responsibilities of your department. It would take me a whole day to describe how the Human Resources discipline has evolved throughout the years. In its earlier days, human resources departments used to function from a purely administrative position. Since the early 2000s, the transformation and evolution started and HR became no longer just administrative. On the contrary, it has evolved to become a crucial business partner with critical involvement in decisions at a strategic level. The successful management of the organisation’s most valuable asset, which is the core responsibility of HRD as a strategic partner, is what drives the organisation forward. I must explain what I mean and what our responsibilities are when I say that we are strategic partners because this is now a commonly used terminology. As strategic partners, we are responsible for the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness through focused workforce planning, talent development leading to solid succession planning, and cultivating a strong corporate culture all of which ultimately leads to the organisation’s success. That is our role in HR in a nutshell and it keeps on evolving with time. What was your vision and mission when you first joined Burgan Bank? It was to create and nurture a culture of integrity and best practices which would allow great innovation and progression. To become the employer of choice of a motivated, developed and recognised work force aiming at exemplary performance. What strategies have you adopted to achieve that vision and what were the elements that facilitated your mission. In addition, what obstacles did you encounter throughout your journey? Firstly, I assessed and identified the skills and potential of our existing staff and their proper fitments in their existing positions within the department. After we identified their skill set, we created an individualistic development strategy which nurtured and developed these individual skill sets through in house engagements and proper job fitments. That was our first mandate internally. When it came to growing our workforce through required hiring, I role model and uphold the values of the organization while firmly contributing and adding value. It is crucial that we hire employees that would blend in and add value to the organisation. In terms of obstacles, even though I won’t dwell on it, but being a female is always a challenge because of gender-related perceptions. It is not as much of an issue nowadays as it used to be, but it still exists. There is always a certain predetermined perceptions regarding your qualifications, limitations, and abilities as well as what you can and cannot do when you are a female in a leadership position. Working diligently towards changing such perceptions was the real challenge that was the real challenge. What impact does your department have on the employees, the bank’s culture, and the success of the bank? They are all interlinked. Human capital embodies the heart of all organizations. They are the main asset to any company, organization or institute. You cannot have an organization without employees, and you can’t properly develop and grow a work force without HR. As for our culture, the Bank is shaped by the values of its employees and what they aspire to and stand for. The performance of the Bank reflects those values and aspirations. Burgan Bank’s culture is derived from our work and performance standards. This is all shaped and crystallized through the successful management of HR as it is the backbone of any organization. Few Kuwaiti women head the HR departments of large companies, describe your career journey. Surprisingly, that’s true. My mentor was a gentleman. However, when it comes to the newly transformed HRD role as i explained earlier, the natural instincts of a female combined with her skills the talk - page 102
and knowledge constitute a better fit for how HR functions. Moreover, my journey throughout those 20 years was not strictly HR. It is highly diverse which adds more value to HR management. I started as a teller and I progressed in my career to become a relationship manager. My HR career started in the year 2001. How did the position and its responsibilities impact you personally? Greatly! I believe learning is a two-way street. HR has given me the opportunity to understand and apply this mind-set because of the nature of its work and the constant exposure to great individuals and teams. It is truly a humbling experience to learn from each other because it has nothing to do with position, hierarchy, or even age. It has to do with the extent to which the person is receptive, how they receive knowledge and what they are willing to do with it. This kind of mindset enables a person to grow at accelerated speed and if you work by this model, then the sky is the limit to what one may achieve. What impact do you feel your own leadership has had within the Bank? I would describe my leadership style as being empowering, innovative and inspiring. I like to lead by example; by being a role model that people can look up to and gain knowledge from. What do you feel is the highlight amongst your achievements - the thing that has satisfied you the most? When I see our employees evolving and growing, which directly contributes to the success of the organization, I truly feel a sense of heightened achievement and pride. I am also proud that we built long lasting relationships with our employees during our 40 years that are just as solid with those we built with our customers and all our stakeholders. When people speak about Burgan Bank, what are the things you hope they’re saying? And of you, how would you wish to hear them reflecting on your years at the bank? I would like them to say that we are an organization that upholds great values. The main ones would be integrity, trust, and honesty because that is truly what we stand for here at Burgan, a young organization that is progressive and innovative, we will always be different. Our story is that of transformation; a 40 year evolutionary journey to say the least. This transformation began with our people and continued to reflect on our performance and success. We are definitely an organization that is adaptive to change, that is transformational, and that is revolutionary. We have shifted from being a small local bank to being the most diverse Kuwaiti financial group and this is what we want to be remembered by. We are the future. the talk - page 103
fashion - interview
Ascia & Ahmad The Better Life Text by Rawan Qabazard - Photography by Jalil Marvin Creative Director Doublea Studio Wardrobe by Harvey Nichols Kuwait
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fashion - interview
Let’s start from the beginning. How did you meet? Ascia: We met through his sisters because I’m actually best friends with them, and I was always at their place… Ahmad: I used to see her all the time, we became friends. Best Friends. And then she became the mother of my children. What is the biggest lesson marriage has taught you? Ahmad: Patience, that’s the biggest one. Also, after having the kids I had to be even more patient. That’s the biggest lesson learnt. Ascia: Communication too. Just like non stop discussing every little detail. How has having kids changed your personal equation? Ahmad: It’s a little crazier now in the house, there’s more life to the house. If they changed us, I’d say they’ve changed us to the better because they made us less selfish and brought us together. We enjoy staying home and watching cartoons with the kids than going out to a mall. We’ve also matured with years. Ascia: It also made us fight for our marriage a little bit more. At the beginning of marriage, it’s always like “whatever if it doesn’t work out it doesn’t” but now when we fight, there’s so much more involved and it changes the way you argue and speak to one another. It changed our dynamic. You don’t want to be hurtful anymore, you want to solve
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the problem because there are so many more people involved. How do you keep your kids away from the Limelight given your celebrity status? Ascia: We try and separate the two a little bit. There is the public persona and our public life, and then there’s our private life and we don’t want our kids to know what we do as public people. We want them to be very separate because we don’t want them to feel the weight of people watching and the pressure of all this. How do you manage to make quality time for each other in amidst of all other responsibilities? Ahmad: For me and Ascia that has been our biggest problem, spending time with each other genuinely when work or friends are not involved. It’s still a working progress because of her working schedule and my schedule too. However, we try our best to have a date night once in a while. Ascia: It’s hard, like he said it’s a working progress! What are the qualities you most admire in your spouse? Ahmad: There are definitely a lot of things about Ascia that I love but if I would choose the main thing it would be her ability to be a leader. What she wants, she makes happen, and if she has it in her head she’ll make it happen no matter how hard it is, no matter what the circumstances are. That’s what I love about her and she encourages me in a lot of ways without even knowing.
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fashion - interview
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Ascia: For me, I would say, before we got married Ahmad wasn’t a very patient person. He was really quick to anger. The personal growth he went through, now he’s even more patient than I am myself and I never pictured that happening. Most of the time, he’s an even better parent than I am. When did you know that he/she was the one for you? Ascia: For me it was very early, the first month or two after we met. I knew that I was going to marry him. Ahmad: When she started being my best friend, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Is there anything you would want to change about your spouse? Ahmad: A lot. Just kidding! I would like her to be much more patient, but other than that there’s nothing I’d like to change. I love everything about her even her flaws, that’s what makes her, her right? Ascia: I think some perseverance in him. Sometimes in our job we have some long days and Ahmad reaches a point where he’s just too tired to go on, it shows on him but I know it’s something difficult to change. However, he does know how to manage his time, he knows when to stop and then when to pick up later. For me, I don’t so I work past tired.
In the world of hashtags, do you have any #couplegoals? Ascia: Dude. Stephan Curry and his wife Ayesha for sure! But personally for us, we’re just in life together. The reason why those two inspire me, is that they’ve been together for 15 years and they have two children and they’re massively successful but its almost like they were even before they were successful they haven’t changed. Their consistency inspires me. How do you describe a successful marriage? Ascia. Best friends! Transparency, especially about things that involve your lifestyle. For example, for me, Ahmad wanted to always travel with friends and not losing that was important to him. Ahmad: It’s just like best friends hanging out, that’s what keeps our marriage strong. Any advice for the newlyweds? Ascia: Yes. Living together during the first year sucks. If you go through that first year successfully then you’re good. Ahmad: Yes, I agree, There’s a lot of pushing and pulling, a lot of misunderstandings because of personality traits you didn’t discover before. Be her friend, that’s the key. Don’t live a double personality. Be the same person you are with your friends, and your wife.
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lifestyle - column
The Modern Couple’s Guide They say marriage is just two people constantly bickering and trying to decide on what to eat. We’re about to give you a few ideas to change that. Whether you’re a foodie, a health and fitness fanatic, or an art geek, there’s something for everyone! Take a look at what we have in store for you and enjoy these treasured moments with your loved one. Text by Rawan Qabazard
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Brunches Early risers or not, extended brunch hours during weekends makes it easy for everyone to catch brunch at the new it places. Saturday brunches at St. AlMakan, chill Fridays at Baker & Spice, or maybe grab some salted caramel French toast at Gia, a lot of options are out there for you to choose from. Pop ups Restaurant, fashion, and art popups are always happening around. From famous chefs’ cookouts to ultimate designer impromptu fashion shows to concerts at Al Shaheed park! Keep up with all the events on social media and keep your social calendar busy. Music nights at cafes New and upcoming artists are always popping up everywhere, and music nights at cafes are the place to be at these days. Good music, good coffee, and good ambience, that’s all you need for a lovely Wednesday night. Art Galleries At CAP, the Contemporary Art Platform, there are continuous art exhibitions going on and different artists. Whichever medium you’re into, whichever theme, there’s always something to keep you interested. In addition, why not attend workshops? The art scene is continuously growing and being part of that is truly an amazing experience. Outdoor workouts Jogging at Al Shaheed park, group workouts at local parks, and yoga on the beach. What’s better than burning calories on a cool spring night. Maybe grab a green juice post-jog. Gym hangouts Where is a better place to hang out if you’re a gym fanatic? The gym of course. Yoga centers and beach clubs all have cafes and hangout spots that are perfect for you and your loved one to gather around with good company and good vibes. JACC events Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (Kuwait’s opera house) is the place to be at. Other than the beautiful view and amazing choice of restaurants, there is something going on every week. From well-know poets, to artists such as Yanni, to Broadway shows such as Cats, it’s always interesting to see what’s going on over there. From sneakers to high heels, there’s an event or activity for every shoe choice you make. Experience new things, or relive new ones with your loved one.
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lifestyle - automotive
My Porsche “In the beginning, I looked around and could not find the car I’d been dreaming of: a small, lightweight sports car that uses energy efficiently. So, I decided to build it myself.” -FerryPorsche This quote gets to the heart of everything that makes Porsche what it is. As a brand, as a company and as an automotive manufacturer. It has been our ethos for more than 65 years, and it covers all the values that characterise of their work and their vehicles. It’s no wonder; therefore, that no-one can describe this better than the person who created the very first sports car to bear the Porsche name: Ferdinand Anton Ernst or Ferry Porsche, for short.
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His dream of the perfect sports car has always driven them throughout the company’s history, and they get closer to achieving it every day. With every concept, every development and every model. Along the way, they follow a plan, an ideal that unites them. They refer to it simply as the Porsche Principle. The underlying principle is to always get the most out of everything. From day one, Porsche have strived to translate performance into speed – and success – in the most intelligent way possible. It’s no longer all about horsepower, but more ideas per horsepower. This principle originates on the race track and is embodied in every single one of their cars. They call it “Intelligent Performance”. Panamera The all-new Porsche Panamera fuses two contrasting characteristics – the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury salon. The result is both power and comfort in equal measures. In its second generation, the revitalised Panamera was released in January 2017. Redeveloped from the ground up, modifications included the engine, transmission, chassis and overall design concept to make it a luxury performance icon. An ambitious sports car that also offers maximum cruising comfort, the Panamera model line features a vast range of options, spanning from the ultra-quick Turbo model all the way through to the environmentally sound E-Hybrid, a model that is growing in popularity within the region. A unique addition to the model line launching in late 2017, the Panamera Sport Turismo will offer an unmistakable design which stands out from the range due to the large tailgate and low loading edge at the rear.
718 Boxster The 718 Boxster is a mid engine, two-seater compact sports car with turbo at its heart. The sporty twodoor model, known as the roadster, is an open-top convertible, which has been a key model in the Porsche family since its introduction in 1996. Fast forward 11 years and the 718 Boxster has been joined by a fastback coupe version, the 718 Cayman, designed to bear many of the same technological and design elements as the Boxster, yet stands apart due to its defining hard top roof. The 718 model line is easily recognised by its signature Porsche silhouette and stylish design, which is capable of fitting in on the open roads, the race track and darting through the city centre. With an adjustable soft top and two generous luggage compartments, the sports car offers versatility for both daily use and comfortable journeys. Cayenne The Porsche Cayenne is the true sports car of the luxury SUV segment. It offers an unrivalled off-road performance without compromising on everyday practicality or comfort, an attribute that gives the model a unique edge. One of the best-selling models to date, and popular in the Middle East, the Cayenne is designed to provide ample space and comfort for the whole family while maintaining the brand’s sports car credentials. Offering an even more dynamic performance paired with a sharper design, the Cayenne is a model that is equally as efficient on winding roads and rugged terrain, as it is the daily commute or school run. the talk - page 113
lifestyle - automotive
Maserati New special edition GranTurismo Sport arrives in Kuwait Ziad Bou Chacra, Brand Manager of Maserati Kuwait said, “An important step was taken 60 years ago when Maserati manufactured its first Grand Touring car, the 3500 GT. We are proud to have 1 of 400 versions of the GranTurismo Sport in Kuwait. Only 400 special edition cars were produced world wide to celebrate the anniversary of one of our iconic cars. Everything is special about this edition starting from the 20” alloy Glossy Black finishing wheels to the interior stitching, it is a Maserati in every aspect and marked with a special logo to celebrate the 60th anniversary.”
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Maserati’s new special edition GranTurismo Sport has undergone thorough restyling and comprises a host of new technical features that further enhance its sporty nature in terms of performance and design – inside and out.
The powerful naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V8 engine can deliver a maximum power of 460 HP without penalising fuel consumption. The transmission includes MC Shift (6-speed electro-actuated gearbox, transaxle layout with longitudinal front engine, located behind the front axle) and MC Auto Shift (6-speed automatic gearbox, front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft and rear differential). The car is equipped with Sport Skyhook for the best sporty feeling combined to an uprated comfort. The new suspension set-up of the GranTurismo Sport has enhanced the dynamic behavior of the car for both transmission configurations. The GranTurismo Sport has five driving modes: Auto-Normal, AutoSport, Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport and I.C.E.
Discerning clients who want to experience Maserati’s special edition creation, can get a taste of the GranTurismo Sport at the Al Zayani Trading Co showroom in Kuwait. GranTurismo Sport is available in Rosso Italiano three-layer colour. With sporty handling and high-performance on one side, without compromising on elegance and passenger comfort on the other, GranTurismo Sport, without question, remains high-class.
Behind the MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new finishing in Glossy Black lies the equally impressive braking system of the new GranTurismo Sport, which employs Dual Cast brake system with drilled and ventilated discs. There is a Special Edition logo wheel center caps in a new finishing, matching the wheels in addition to a special edition logo on the Carbon fiber door sills. Other features include: Bianco The additional down force at the front Pregiato leather/Nero drilled improving the steering feeling and Alcantara interior with Grigio Ghiaccio the driving control at high speed is stitching; Trident logo stitched produced by the hood made entirely in Grigio Ghiaccio; Carbon/Nero in carbon fiber. The carbon fiber Alcantara steering wheel; Contrast hood, that is typical in body color is stitching in Grigio Ghiaccio on central exemplified by the presence of a front tunnel, central part of the dashboard, central air intake and two rear air vents. front and rear door panels; Black floor The internal part of the hood is still in mats with White piping; Carbon fiber matt carbon fiber with big pattern. interior trim and Dashboard in Black.
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Coinciding with the book launch of Select’s Maker Issue, the exhibition Select: The Maker Book Launch & Exhibition displays the individual interpretations of each Kuwaiti ‘Maker’: industrial designers, weavers, shoemakers, jewelry designers and others. Within this exhibition, L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels showcases a photography exhibition about the hidden world of the world of jewelry-making. Dhari Al Muawed, co-founder of Select, commented on the book; “The process of creating Select: The Maker Issue is an eye opener of Kuwait which made us conclude through the journey of creating this publication that -”Made in Kuwait” is no longer a rarity. It’s now a reason for nationalistic pride.”
L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels partners with Select -- an independent publishing agency – in staging an exhibition and book launch titled Select: The Maker, at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) gallery in Kuwait. In collaboration with L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, Select celebrates the launch of the contemporary annual coffee table book by spotlighting new concepts in the fields of art and design. This year’s issue of Select aims to shed light on the tactile process of making and producing. The book features narratives, images and products that stem from Kuwait, in addition to a photo-feature honoring the teachers and craftsmen at L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels.
L’ÉCOLE Van Cleef & Arpels’ partnership with Select Kuwait
lifestyle - events
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The Hermessence collection will be available exclusively at Harvey Nichols Kuwait.
From Novel Perfumes Terre d’Hermès, Jour d’Hermès and Voyage d’Hermès to the Novella Perfumes Garden Perfumes and Colognes, these olfactory stories are housed in the Perfume library. They liberate the imagination and lead the way into the world of Hermès. Sober and intense as Japanese haikus, the Poem Perfumes reinvent a precious and unusual aspect of nature, perfected by the inspired rewriting of a composer always eager to break new ground.
A haven of elegance, a hotbed of creativity and an oasis of luxury, Harvey Nichols has been cultivating its unique identity since its foundation. Its spaces define a new lifestyle that resonates perfectly with the spirit that has always inspired Hermès Perfumer. This new setting for the mosaic of Hermès fragrances creates a sense of awe at the products it reveals, one by one, as if turning the pages of a precious book.
The opening of a Hermès Perfumer concession in this creative, iconic place feels completely natural. Harvey Nichols, Kuwait; Hermès, Paris; two great names, two worlds, two capitals where the values of authenticity, exceptional quality and culture are closely intertwined with the pleasure of shopping.
Hermès Perfumer Concession … Now in Harvey Nichols Kuwait
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Commenting on the award, Mohammed Dawleh, Ferrari Brand Manager - Kuwait said: “Attaining an award from Ferrari requires a lot of work, effort, and attention to the finest details. Achieving one of the highest awards from Ferrari is certainly a great accomplishment that reflects the ideal relationship between Al Zayani and Ferrari on one side and with our customers on the other side”. Dawleh emphasized the support given to the whole team by Al Zayani’s top management represented by Nail Al Zayani,
Al Zayani Kuwait was awarded Best Ferrari Importer for 2016 among all the importers in the Middle East & India. This award is one of the most desirable honours as the operation in the MEAI region is highly competitive, and all importers are excellent in terms of the level of performance and service delivered across all aspects of the business.
Al Zayani Named Best Ferrari Importer in the Middle East & India Region
It’s worth noting that a year rarely passes without Al Zayani attaining an award from Ferrari. Al Zayani received nine awards over the last eight years, four of which are the “Best Ferrari Importer” award.
He added, “We at Al Zayani believe that delivering top-notch service is a key to our success, our renovated showroom and service centre which are equipped with the latest equipped and technology guarantee a unique experience for our guests and customers, we are also keen to have a well-trained team backed up by an experienced management team at every point of contact with our customers.”
the Managing Director, and Steve Brown, the Director of Automotive to always be top achievers in all parts of the business.
lifestyle - events
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Commenting on the launch of the new annual initiative, ALARGAN’s C Club Managing Director Abdullah Al Askari, commented “The exhibition is one of the many initiatives that we aim at C Club to host as part of the social club environment that we are creating for members to enjoy, complementing the wellbeing that we offer through health and fitness. We thank Fatina Al Sayed for curating such a beautiful exhibition and look forward to next year’s artworks.”
Inspired by the desire to highlight the growth and evolution of the arts community in Kuwait, TRA ART opened on 3rd April and presented select art pieces in different mediums from across the generations by 15 Kuwaiti artists including May Al Nouri, Thuraya Al Baksami, Abdul Rida Baqer, Mahmoud Ashkanani, Mohammad Ramadan, Shaimaa Ashkanani, Farah Behbehani, Mohammad Ali Sarkhou, Ibrahim Habib, Fahed Al Hajeri, AbdulRaheem Al Attiyah, Maitham Abdal and Najd Al Taher.
The C Club hosted its first annual TRA ART exhibition in a display of artworks combining genres and eclectic pieces by renowned Kuwaiti artists and curated by Fatina Al Sayed.
TRA ART Exhibition
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Kuwait’s Design Diwan hosted their latest diwaniya on 4th April the Visual Therapy Gallery. The topic for the session was ‘Art and Prejudice’, and presented a discussion about racism in the art world.
Art and Prejudice
lifestyle - events
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Artists: Abdulla Al Awadi, Abdulla Al Saab, Amani Al Thuwaini, Amira Behbehani, Aziz Bawatneh, Fareed Abdal, Farida Al Baqsami, Hamad Al Saab, Ibrahim Al Atiyah, Jassim Al Nashmi, Kawther Al Saffar, Loulwa Al Radwan, Ricardas Blazukas, Thuraya Al Baqsami, Navid Joobchiha, Noof Al Shekar, William Andersen, Wael Al Khars, Sheikha Fatima Al Sabah and Sheikha Khalid Al Sabah Artworks from: Ghadir Gallery Collection and Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah Collection.
This year, Artists for K’S PATH will also feature lifestyle items ranging from home décor to accessories, in addition to artwork from local and international artists, and select artworks from the collection of Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah. All the artworks and designs are curated by Sheikha Fatima M. Al Sabah, with all proceeds supporting our 300+ shelter animals and programs.
Now in its fourth year, Artists for K’S PATH 2017 is an annual art exhibition bringing together Kuwait’s renowned artists to support K’S PATH’s work in protecting animals and their habitats.
Artists for K’S PATH 2017
lifestyle - horoscopes
horoscopes Aries (Mar. 21-April 20)
Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The last tricky situation for a while will rear its head this month, and you’ll think: OH NO. And, in typical Aries style, your knee-jerk reaction will be to have a massive strop and shout the house down. Please don’t. If you let your emotions boil over it will make this ten times harder and, you know what, it’s not even that bad. It looks worse than it is. Take a breath, count to ten, and deal with it calmly
It’s time to let your ambitions off the leash and make something happen, of your own creation and skill. It’s time to manifest a long-held daydream, because The Star energy is with you this month. The Star is the tarot’s wish card, so we all sit up when it appears. There’s something on your mind which has remained in the watery realm of your imagination to date, it’s time to make it a reality.
No one gets bored faster than a Gemini, particularly when life calls for sensible, self sacrificing behaviour. ENOUGH OF THIS DRUDGERY. I hear you, but know that everything you’re sowing now will come to fruition later, a wonderful reaping of investments, new energy and rewards. So, keep going and working hard just a little while longer. Visualise the future gifts in what you’re laying down and securing now - see the potential.
Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You reached a bit of a plateau, a period of review and contemplation, because you’ve come a long way, you know. But where next? You’re feeling in the mood for doing something a bit unconventional and unexpected and why not, because The Star is with you this month. It’s the tarot’s wish card! The higher and further you aim, the better the outcome. Now is not a time to sit on your hands, but to stretch as far as you can towards what you truly desire.
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Last month you were plotting a mini rebellion, though the mood has softened a little. You’re feeling more creative, playful, innovative, interested in new social circles, fresh ideas and different surroundings to inspire you. Channel this curiosity and desire to innovate, especially if it means changes and improvements to your home, security or long term prospects. It’s a good time to lay new and different foundations for your future. Just know that your diversion into new territory won’t please everyone, so be prepared to be a bit diplomatic (dare I say secretive) about your emerging plans.
Romance could be knocking on your door this May - someone, you’ve long admired! And it will be a real whirlwind of dates and even travel. Let yourself be swept up in it all, because there’s nothing you enjoy more than a romantic adventure! Just be ready, as things progress, to be asked to make a call on whether this IS really what you want, or not. And please play nice and make that call. Don’t keep your partner in crime hanging, waiting for your reaction. Whatever you feel about them - make it known, and go on from there.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) There’s a relationship close to you which you thought you understood really well, and have some emotional investment in. It might be your parents, siblings, colleagues or friends, and it’s likely to be between an Earth male (Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus) and a Fire female (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius). NEWSFLASH: things are not how you thought they were. It might come as a bit of a shock, but move past that and take some time to reflect on your assumptions and judgments. A true life lesson lies hidden.
Leo (July 23-Aug 22) No-one throws down like a Leo. You were born ready for action, and if things slow down, you’ll go looking for stimulus. Sometimes this can lead you down old, familiar paths of bad behaviour, which you feel almost powerless to resist when the mood is on you. Here’s a new trick to try: instead of channelling your excess energy into self-destructive ‘partying’ and endless hangovers, aim for more positive self-restrained ‘celebrating’. Make it a summer of feeling good and taking pride in everyone you love.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)
You’ve recently survived a draining, no-win situation, and you might still feel twinges of loss or regret about how things turned out. Maybe it wasn’t fair, or right, or deserved… but the worst is over now. Don’t let your hurt feelings or wounded pride fester because if you CAN consciously turn a new page then a wonderful adventure is waiting for you. The Fool is the first card of the tarot and joins you this month, promising something new, about which you can feel optimistic, enthusiastic and inspired by again. Go all in.
The new opportunity we talked about in April is still taking shape. The Ace of Coins is here to promise a new beginning which will echo positively long into your future; the Seven of Cups to remind you to stay tuned in to the real world and pursue action, not daydreams and fantasies; the Knight of Swords arrives to bring you the determination, courage and force of will to make this HAPPEN.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) Better the devil you know. It’s something Virgos truly believe, but that belief can turn into a mental prison stopping you from making deep-seated, long lasting changes which would benefit your life. Inner anxieties and inhibitions can get projected externally into (imagined) barriers and obstacles, all designed to hold you in place. But this month there’s an opportunity to break free. Just one single trigger event, one insight, one change will set forth a whole momentum of forward progression.
Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) More good news this month because May = Love Fest for Pisceans! There’s an opportunity to join forces with someone you value, and go further faster together than you ever could alone. This introduces a new level of trust and mutual appreciation to the relationship it impacts. You know they’ve got your back, and it makes you so happy. Spread the good vibes by letting friends and family share in your prosperous, harmonious Piscean kingdom this month.
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