The Talk #74 - June 2015

Issue 74 - June 2015

Modern, Elegant and Contemporary

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THETALK /June / 2015

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June Fasten your seatbelts readers!

Summer holiday is right around the corner and it is time to take a break from your routine and workload to relax your minds, bodies and souls.

Whether it is a city or an island, nothing feels better than having the sunrays hit your face and embracing it in a carefree and worry free manner.

Personally, traveling is my escape that helps me stay sane in my hectic life.

I love to make memories all over the world and explore new cultures and traditions; I believe that traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

Go through our pages to know what are the latest trends to still look your best wherever your summer destination is and most importantly, do not forget your sun block. We have also included our best summer destinations for this year; if you have not visited any of them, 2015 is a great time to start marking some places off your bucket list.

Enjoy the read and have a safe flight!

Until next time, Hind Nassar

Operations Manager

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THETALK /June / 2015

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 06-015

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22 10 A Word With THETALK

22. Sheikha Majda Al Sabah

24. Hasan Hejazi

68. Abdulla Al Awadi On The Cover

14. BONIA Modern, Elegant

and Contemporary

Remember His Face

66. Kelly Gale THETALK Street Styles

26. Kuwait Street Styles THETALK Inspiration

30. White Lace Dresses

32. Wide-Leg Pants

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THETALK /June / 2015

Trend Alert

34.

36.

38.

42.

alice and olivia Styles for miles Etam M Missoni

D.Y.I

43. How to turn a washcloth into a travel kit!

Health

86. 7 Traveling with food allergies

Travel

88. Top 6 Destinations

Reviews

110. Restaurant Review 112. Book Reviews 114. Movie Reviews 115. Horoscopes

CONTENTS Published by :

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

BPA Audited from 2011 to 2013 Circulation: 10,000 Copies Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies Operations Manager - THETALK HIND NASSAR Senior Editor YASMINE BANDAR

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Managing Editor SIMON BALSOM Senior Graphic Designer CHADI MOUFIED Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri Editorial Photoghraphy Khaled Sandid Production Manager Nidal Al-Shaker Legal Consultant KHALED AL-KANDARI Press Agencies - Afp Interview - Viva Press (Uk) Images - Gallo-Getty Distribution Company: International Media Group Printed In Four Films

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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THETALK /June / 2015

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

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on the COVER

Modern, Elegant and Contemporary Established since 1974, BONIA, an international brand, has created a trademark legend in the leatherwear fashion, achieving many key milestones among the many accolades it receives. BONIA, the Italian inspiration, has been building its identity consistently and constantly, by emphasizing its three main keys in the brand at all time.

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THETALK /June / 2015

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on the COVER

BONIA products start from sourcing the best and finest quality leather, from Italy to the rest of Europe, where key management is personally immersed in each selection process.

Stringent sets of guidelines are followed for each and every batch of leather materials followed by our superior craftsmanship. Never a mere commercialized production; BONIA signature pieces require higher skills sets to produce the best quality products.Yet, BONIA has always delivered the elegant fashion style to its customers without failed.

From modest beginnings in Singapore in 1974, BONIA Corporation Berhad (BONIA) has grown to be one of Asia’s leading fashion retailers - designing, producing and distributing luxury leather goods, accessories, and footwear made with European styling, quality and craftsmanship.

With a network of over 1100 sales outlets and 140 standalone boutiques throughout the world including countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan,Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei, Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Group continues to develop its global presence by forging strong networks with key partners around the world.

In addition to its flagship fashion label, BONIA, the Group is also behind successful brands such as SemBONIA and Carlo Rino. Besides co-owned the brand Braun Buffel, it also holds the license to distribute international labels such as Valentino Rudy,The Savile Row Company,Enrico Coveri, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club,Renoma Paris,Renoma Café Gallery, Jeep, Austin Reed and Pierre Cardin.

Beauty that Never Fades Strolled along the picturesque old town where rows of heritage buildings stood proudly along the street, it reminds me of the quote from Audrey Hepburn- “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” Just like the beauty of heritage buildings that tells the glory of town, the elegance of monogram never fades since 350 BC. As we learn the beauty of heritage, we discover the charm of vintage.

As much as BONIA’s designers appreciate the classic elegance of monogram and delicacy of leather as well as the new ideas of modernistic

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THETALK /June / 2015

fashion, BONIA introduces you the new definition of eternal glamour with the fresh approach of its classic elegance - that’s Stefania handbags collection that has been highlighted in Celebrating Heritage.

Stefania denotes self-indulgent, creativity and victory as well as life exploration and enjoyment.

The origin of its name is alike with the desires of women. We discover the good old days in every history to enrich each episode that written on our ‘herstory’, taking a step at a time to reach the peak of life; yet still, we do not forget to spice up every page of our life with a touch of pizzazz and pleasure.

Made of the fine Sophia leather, Stefania handbags feature the monogram canvas and its vivid colors that resemble the joviality of spring and summer,

infusing a sense of youth in the classic patterns.

The feminine fuschia and passionate red that bears a resemblance of blossoming floral, the bright orange that reminds you of new sunrise, the intense lime that implies verdant green leaf, the calming blue that indicates the beauty of deep ocean, and the earthly khaki; BONIA reveals your glamourous chic with flashy colors.

Put yourself in the limelight with Stefania of Celebrating Heritage!

BONIA Miniature Animal Sonia Bags – The Dudu & Friends BONIA has launched its very first Miniature Animal Sonia Bags – The Dudu and Friends Collection.This limited edition animal miniature collection is the mini version of BONIA’S famous Sonia Bag collection. BONIA designer team

mentioned that this artisan bag collection comes with craft-inspired and neat patch-work. “We want to give lively characters in Dudu collection, which is why we decided to design all 9 of them differently, using colorful flowers, riverts and threads. It is, indeed, an artful package that’s full of cute animals in their own land, named as Duduland. Each of them has pop-culture eyes, tassels, a top handle and short leather strap,” explained the BONIA designer team.Comes with its own memorable box, this mini bag can fit in your little things such as: keys, coins, cosmetics and many little tiny things.

The miniature animals from Duduland Dudu is the male panda and also the husband of Huhu. He is being known as the wiseman and always give good advice to people. He is a strong, independent panda that understands the importance of balance in life and family. Everyone in Duduland respect Dudu.

Huhu is the female panda and also the wife of Dudu.

Being known of her carefree spirit, Huhu always enjoy meeting new people and like to help those who in need. She always listens to other’s problems and she will offer solutions to them. Huhu is the happy-go-lucky girl.

BB is the faithful Dog. He is the policeman in Duduland, always protect the community and give full protection. He remains loyal in his duty, to fight against all crimes in Duduland.You can trust on BB as he is loyal, faithful, honest and always fight injustice.

Lily is the social and brilliant chicken. She is always busy organizing events and gatherings, and enjoy meeting new friends.

She is good at singing as she has a sweet voice. Her dream is to become a singer when she grows up.

Yoyo is the wisdom owl.

He is a teacher in Duduland. Always attentive to details, and being one of the best teachers in town, Yoyo always teaches the students with patience and care.

Dede is the graceful deer.

She enjoys ballet dancing and often led troops of dancers as they cut a path through the forest. Everyone likes Dede as she is full of love, beauty and spirituality.

Nana is the amazing magician cat. She enjoys amuse others with her magic tricks on the street, for example, make things float in the air, or predict which card that you have in mind. Always being creative and think out-of-the-box, Nana is always magical, astonishing and entertaining.

Mei Mei is the adventurous goat. She always travels around the world all by herself. She is full of curiosity and always keen to explore the world to get the answers that she wants. Mei Mei also enjoys eating different kinds of food, as she has highly sensitive lips and tongue.

Qiqi is the social-friendly penguin. She works as a social worker in Duduland, provide appropriate advice and support to those who are having personal difficulties. Qiqi always encourages teamwork, social connection, unity, and she is able to communicate well within her social structure.

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on the COVER

Travel with Your Inner Child

As its name implies, Duduland Carnival is a special edition of BONIA. Inspired by the inner child and joy of one’s childhood, BONIA’s designers encase the fun and loving characters into your mirror cases . Hang the adorable mirror case on your favourite handbag and carry it everywhere you go to ‘jazz’ up your pizzazz fashion.

BONIA Spring/Summer 2015

City life is just like the kaleidoscope- the vividness of patterns resembles the urbanites as well as their lifestyles. Sitting by the sidewalk café, I sipped the aromatic coffee as I set my eyes on the groups of passerby; and I realised that I’m not the only one who’s having my morning coffee which act as energy booster for hectic morning. Almost every of us try to freshen up our every day in various ways- a dose of caffeine in the aromatic liquid, a newspaper to catch up with the latest news from every corner of the world and also a set of smart and chic outfit.

When you spend your day in the boutiques, do you catch yourself darting your eyes on clothes and accessories that neatly display on the rack?

You are aware that you’re looking for something new and suitable; yet still, wondering what should you pick from the many varieties that fill your sights? We’ve always wanted to feel fresh. But, what is the definition of fresh new looks?

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THETALK /June / 2015

As we are always one step ahead in the fashion society, BONIA Spring/Summer 2015 unleashed NUOVO. Nuovo is an Italian noun that brings the meaning of NEW and FRESH. BONIA’s designers introduce you the brand new concept for this brand new season of 2015, deciding to fresh you up with the new designs that painted with new colors, reminding you of the winsomeness and freshness of awaken warm seasons- spring and summer.

Handbag is one of the beauty essentials of woman; it is the soul of woman. Without a handbag, most of the woman might feel as lost and helpless as the wanderer in woods; a handbag is just like the vault of pirate king for the women, as the women keeps everything they wants to travel with in their handbag- be it useful or no.

To welcome the Spring/Summer 2015, BONIA’s designers painted the Valeria handbags collection into various colors that signify the joviality of spring and summer as well as the awakening of Earth.

Valeria indicates the meaning of valiant, changes, adventures and excitement. As the warm rays of sun snap us from dreamland, challenges are already on our adventurous exploration. Just

like the heroine equips herself with her greatest armour,Valeria collection provides the dual styles for you to carry- the two-rounded top handles and the comfortable alternative detachable shoulder strap.

A fun journey begins with a pair of shoes

“A woman carries her clothes, but it’s a shoe that carries a woman.” says Christian Louboutin, the French footwear designer. There is no surprise how a pair of exquisite shoes can boost up one’s confidence and happiness, as shoe is the heart and soul of one’s vogue; it is an adorable corset of your feet. Your beautiful attire isn’t perfect enough if its colour and style does not match up with your footwear.

Spring and summer is the nature way of saying let’s party to the humankind; on this humid season of 2015, BONIA unveils the magic of shoes, sparkling up the every step you take by dressing up your feet with the colours of tropical landscape. The variety of soft pastel colours and vibrant hues showcase

you a playful and youthful yet glamourous and sophisticated style with hints of feminine.

Inspired by the freshness of spring and summer, BONIA’s designers infuse the sense of youth and glamour with cooler and softer pastel

onto the classic heels, bringing your feet to a soothing escape from the hustle city. The mixture of bright colour and soft pastel loafers adds up a little fun onto your casual and stylish attires, embracing you with irresistible loveliness of the fresh new looks.

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on the COVER

BONIA Special Edition: The Sonia Bag Collection

of craftsmanship, quality, design and many other prospects,” said Sonia Sui.

As BONIA understands the busy lifestyle of a popular celebrity, Sonia Sui and BONIA’s designer team create a collection which reflects Sonia’s personalities which are socially active, being confident, practical and versatile.

The international brand ambassador of BONIA spent more than one month to design her very own unique bag, which made of genuine leather and a unique hatter shape. “My aim was to design a functional, versatile, and practical bag to cater all young modern urban ladies who are busy with their lifestyles, just like me,” she explained.

Sonia Sui is excited as this is her first design for branded bags as well!

“It is truly a great honour to represent a brand that is rich in its heritage and quality. In this leatherwear collection, it offers an opportunity for me to explore and experience the process 20

THETALK /June / 2015

Upon selection of bag’s shape, she chooses to have a special hatter trunk shape that requires a high craftsmanship and the collection is made of Sophia Leather. By adding on tassels accessories, this will show a more feminine side for the collection. Produced in three different sizes and six colorful choices (red, black, white, orange, yellow and blue), you can either take the bag with its one short handle or put it on your shoulder with its long leather strap.

Each BONIA Special Edition: The Sonia Bag is made of Sophia Leather. BONIA Sophia Leather is durable, strong and sustainable coated leather.

The process of pressing texture onto the leather creates special crossways patterns onto the leather. Since it has been given semi-gloss surface, Sophia leathers are easy to maintain and resistant to stains, scratches and water.

BONIA is located at The Gate Mall – Lower Ground.

Telephone number: 22056208 WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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A word with thetalk

Splendid art uncovered Sheikha Majda Al Sabah

A

lthough Sheikha Majda Al Sabah has been creative since childhood, it took her many years to listen to her creative soul as an artist and finally decide to show her art to the world. She considers art a fantasy and believes that there are no particular sources of inspiration that are exerted upon the mind of an artist as they are found everywhere at anytime.

Tell us about your passion towards art in general and “painting” in particular.

I see art in any beautiful object I lay my eyes on, and I always try to find out how it was made, a car, a piece of furniture, or even a simple cup, I admire beautiful things and I find joy in trying to create them. Paintings in particular have this distinctive effect on the painter and also on the viewer, a painting can talk to you, can change your mood, and if you try to go deep between the artist’s lines you can get his secret message.

What category do you put yourself in as an artist?

I consider myself a maximalist artist, I like to saturate an artwork with information, almost more than it can physically handle. I mostly use collages along with various mediums I can get my hands on.

Why maximalist while everyone else is going for minimalism?

We always work on simplifying our lives, but why should we simplify our dreams? I consider creating art like a dream, a fantasy, the more elaborate it is, the more vivid the dream becomes.

Do you remember your first interaction with art? When did you decide you wanted to paint?

My first paintings ever were in my high school years, they weren’t anything special, just experimenting and practicing the use brush strokes, then I was drawn away from that, and found myself going back to it again for just one reason, the silence when practicing the act of painting, I needed silence, it tames those thoughts flying in my brain, it organizes them.

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THETALK /June / 2015

“I see art in any beautiful object I lay my eyes on” How do you view the act of painting?

The process of creating an art piece brings answers to my endless questions in a very spontaneous way, those answers bring calmness and enlightenment, it is sort of like a meditation to me.

Why did you decide to showcase your artworks for the first time?

Simply because I believe I am ready! It took me 7 years to get to know everything I need to know about art, from modern art history to famous modern artists’ techniques and methods, I painted hundreds of paintings just to get things right and once this was achieved then it was time for it to be revealed.

Why didn’t you take the step of showcasing your art earlier?

Starting a family at a very young age along with my business involvement and social obligations drew me away from the process of finding myself through art but I always look at the bright side of things, and used my experienced mature mind as an advantage.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I am against the idea of dragging myself somewhere to get inspired, inspiration comes when your mind is encouraged, it can even come from that colorful bouquet on your coffee table.

What goes in your mind while creating an art piece?

As soon as I stroke the first move when starting a painting I feel that it’s responding to me, a deep conversation occurs, leading me to an unknown path, I enjoy that moment of not knowing where and how it will end.

Does traveling influence your work?

What is your favorite city?

Of course! The minute a person shifts places he subconsciously changes his reactions according to his surroundings, but you have to notice those feelings and acknowledge them to benefit from them. I highly notice it in New York City, the

amount of positive vibes I get from its streets is sensational.

What are some of your favorite art spots? Do you go to a lot of openings, museums, galleries, and other artists’ studios?

Whenever I leave the country to any city I always make sure I visit as much art museums and galleries as I can, it’s a soothing experience, a creativity boost, and a learning opportunity.

What can we expect to see from you next? Have you aligned more exhibitions so that the world may enjoy your art?

A solo show is the next move, I strongly believe it stretches the artist’s muscle, it allows you to present your work in its fullest context. I am in the process of creating a complete collection, the answers to the questions asked will draw my direction and I’m planning to showcase it in an unconventional way.

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A word with thetalk

EXCLUSIVELY AT Harvey NicholS ART AND FASHION DESIGNER Hasan Hejazi

H

asan Hejazi is an art and fashion designer who was born in Manchester , half English from his mother’s side and half Jordanian from his father’s side. Hejazi studied fine art and fashion and moved to London to complete his Masters at The London College of Fashion in 2008 and eventually started his brand in 2010.The famous eveningwear designer, in association with Coca Cola, will be displaying his designs exclusively at Harvey Nichols Kuwait.THETALK met Hasan Hejazi and asked him about this collaboration.

What inspires your designs?

Everything, sometimes it’s a woman I see in the street, sometimes a fabric or a vintage dress and sometimes photography, art and film. I am very visual so I love to just see things and store them in my mind like a photograph.

Tell us about your collaboration with Coca Cola?

The collaboration began earlier this year when I was asked to design a can for Coca Cola Light that would be for the Middle East. It was very exciting to be asked and I jumped at the chance straight away.The can will be available across the UAE, KSA and Kuwait.

Why did you call it #LOVELIFE? #LoveLife is the name of the campaign for Coca Cola Light, I interpreted my idea of the love of life into the design for my can.

What inspired the heart shape and the colors used in the design?

The heart shape and colors that I used were taken from a pendent that belonged to my mother. She sadly passed away but this is a treasure I always keep with me for protection and guidance. She loved the heart and also the color pink so I had to take my inspiration from this.

Do you have the urge to design or redesign ‘things’? What could they possibly be?

As a creative and visual person, I always analyze every kind of design and naturally I make adjustments in my head to think it should be changed in this way or

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THETALK /June / 2015

“I interpreted my idea of the love of life into the design for my can” Why did you choose to collaborate with Harvey Nichols to display your collection?

Harvey Nichols is the ultimate sense of Luxury and fashion in my eyes which is what I aspire my brand to portray.This made the collaboration a perfect match that I am very excited about.

that way. Naturally, I do this mostly with clothing but it also applies to other forms such as interiors or photography.

In your opinion, how far can a designer go with their designs in terms of creativity?

I think as a designer, you should be able to create anything you want as a creative person. I wouldn’t like to de restricted or defined to what I can or cannot design. I think it is a natural skill to design things that are creative but still appealing and wearable for women.

In your opinion, what kind of a lady would be drawn to this collection?

A lady who is confident, stylish, fun and powerful. She loves fashion and a sense of luxury.

What were the challenges you faced when designing a collection that is purely inspired by a can?

There weren’t any challenges at all; it was a very natural organic process.

What do you like mostly about this collection?

I like the shapes mostly as big skirts are something I have always wanted to include in my collection but never have before. I used fabrics that I hadn’t used before which was nice to experiment with.

Out of the collection, do you have a ‘favorite’ piece?

My favorite dress is the red “Sandy” dress. It has an element of the 1950’s because of the full skirt but it still feels modern because of the mesh panels and the buckles.

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THETalk STREET STYLES

Kuwait

street styles

Time and time again we bring you Street Style inspirations from across the globe.

However, we cannot steer away from the fashionable crowd here in Kuwait.

Whether it is how they dress to work, lunch, events or parties, whichever the occasion, these trendsetters always look stylishly chic!

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THETalk STREET STYLES

Kuwait

street styles

Time and time again we bring you Street Style inspirations from across the globe.

However, we cannot steer away from the fashionable crowd here in Kuwait.

Whether it is how they dress to work, lunch, events or parties, whichever the occasion, these trendsetters always look stylishly chic!

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WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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THETALK inspiration

the street styles White Lace Dresses A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the season’s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting with a new trend!

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Find Them At

Chloé at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Marchesa at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Dolce & Gabbana at NET-APORTER.COM

Valentino at polyvore.com

Maje at NET-A-PORTER.COM

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THETALK inspiration

the street styles Wide-Leg Pants A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the season’s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting with a new trend!

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Find Them At

Suno at NET-A-PORTER.COM.

Rosetta Getty at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Joseph at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Zeus + Dione at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Zeus + Dione at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Stella McCartney at NETA-PORTER.COM WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Trend Alert

alice and olivia

spring 2015 collection Stacey Bendet’s Spring 2015 collection for alice + olivia takes its inspiration from a visit to Versailles as Bendet reimagines the eighteenth century palace to be a modern art installation where fashion becomes the object to admire. Each item from the collection can stand on its own or at Stacey’s hand be mixed to create a modern romantic, girly rock and roll vibe.

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Trend Alert

Gucci

Eugenia Kim

Styles

for miles

The season is here again and you definitely want to look your best while you jet off for a vacation and even better while you are there. Packing for a trip is more exciting when travel wardrobe is all edgy and stylish. We picked some items that will inspire you to travel in style. Grab your cute carry-on, put on a cashmere scarf, and get ready to take off!

Balenciaga

Dolce & Gabbana Adam Lippes Gucci

Tod’s

Chloe Valentino 36

THETALK /June / 2015

Bottega Veneta Etro

Sensi Studio Gucci

Shourouk

Chloe

Tamara Mellon

Versace

Adidas

Dolce & Gabbana Madewell

Balmain Nike Christian Louboutin

Frame Denim WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Trend Alert

Etam

Summer Collection Our goal for this summer is for all women to feel sexy, comfortable and sexy with our swimwear and beachwear collections as never before. Stunning in a big variety of colors with super flattering cuts and always on trend.

Discover what makes you feel good: ∑ Gym to swim: sporty trend is rising. The mix of bright and black colors, crop tops, high- waisted swimsuits and monochrome elastic bands will make you feel the sexiest at the beach. ∑ The Wrap bra: the “must have” of this summer!

A multiway bra, in plain and patterns, padded and unpadded, that surrounds a body of a woman in a very daring result. Wrap yourself in one of many choices! ∑ Night Bath: maximal sophistication, glamour, jewelry inspiration, sequins, lurex and glitter...

Our night bathing suit in dark colors, with a lot of characters for the eedles sunsets at the beach. ∑ Beyond the boho: the bohemian style from the festivals in 70s never goes unnoticed. Its embroidery and flower essences in our dresses, tunics, sarongs... For your most romantic summer looks.

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THETALK /June / 2015

∑ Mix&Match Reversible: with our without foam, wired or unwired. Wide brief, with strips or sup er sexy brazilian brief. Infinite combinations for your perfect bikini. ∑ Swimwear with texture: crochet, scallops, fluffy... Fresh collections, easy to wear, femenine and very sweet. It’s the summer of textures!

Multistraps, bikinis, sweetheart necklines, brazilian briefs... And of course, many choices of sandals, Sorong towels, beach bags of all sizes, tunics, necklaces, bracelets... And our beackwear collection, , comfortable for relaxing days, long jumpsuits for summer dates, short jumpsuits in a wide range of hues, , garments matching the swimwear collections for a perfect total-look...

Enjoy with Women’secret a summer that you will love and that will love you back!

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Trend Alert

m missoni

SPRING SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION Both her own reality and the remarkable visions of mexico’s greatest woman painter permeate the m missoni collection for Spring/summer 2015. Primarily her visions, along with a feel for the amazingly rich and vibrant soul of the artist’s homeland, All in a keen interpretation (no penchant for folklore) making the most of the brand’s peerless expertise and signature style To accentuate the predominant sensation of lightness.

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D.I.Y

How to turn a washcloth

into a travel kit!

There isn’t an easier way than buying one – for sure, but there’s something about turning our favorite stuff into something great with even better purposes! Here’s the perfect way to store your toiletries while you travel, it rolls up so it doesn’t take up too much room in your suitcase, and it’s easy to make!

You will need: • A washcloth • 12”-18” of washable ribbon • Sewing machine or needle and thread

1

Start by folding the bottom of the washcloth up so that it’s about an inch or two below the top of the washcloth. Sew up both outside edges of the washcloth to make a large “pouch”. Then sew a few straight lines up the middle of the pouch to create smaller “pockets”.

2

Flip the washcloth over and attach the middle of the ribbon to one edge of the washcloth, about halfway up.

3

Flip the washcloth back over and fill the pockets with your toiletries!

4

And you’re done! When you’re ready to travel, roll the washcloth up and tie the ribbon around the middle to hold it closed, and you’re good to go!

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Trend Alert

Shoe

love is true love

They say good shoes take you to good places; we agree and affirm that shoes give your appearance an entirely different twist. A pair of shoes that you will adore and not leave the shop without buying – how often does it happen? We share our favorite picks for the season’s hottest heels and flats from net-a-porter.com 44

THETALK /June / 2015

Aqauazzura Altuzarra

Jimmy Choo

Gianvito Rossi Valentino

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Trend Alert

Jimmy Choo

Valentino

Givenchy

Sophia Webster Valentino

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THETALK /June / 2015

Versace

Sky Rivet Sling

Versace

Victoria Beckham

Versace Jimmy Choo

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Trend Alert

BAG

Fever

You can never go wrong with the right purse. Whether you choose leather, embroidery, or fringe, the right purse will never cease to accessorize your whole outfit and give it an identity.

This collection is an insight of the season’s most fabulous and chic pieces by net-a-porter.com to inspire your bag shopping.

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THETALK /June / 2015

AIGNER

FENDI

Balenciaga

FINDS

Coach

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Trend Alert Tory Burch

KENZO

Coach

Versace

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THETALK /June / 2015

Victoria Beckham

Versace

Coach

Victoria Beckham

Versace

Victoria Beckham

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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strike a pose

loulwa al-aslawi featuring dyrberg/kern Dyrberg/Kern is a brand that resonates with beauty and sensuality in the hearts and minds of women all around the world, making these alluring pieces an ideal choice for modern and confident women to express their style and beauty . Discover the sultry approach to style and sophistication in this edgy collection of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and watches shown off on the pretty, classy and stylish Loulwa Al-Aslawi.

Trinkets_insta

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strike a pose

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55

strike a pose

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strike a pose

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THETALK /June / 2015

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Feel Beautiful

The trendiest

haircuts of the season

Options can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to hair, which is why we’ve pared your cut options for the season ahead down to the coolest three: the asymmetrical bob, the bohemian “non-style” style and the boyish pixie. Here’s what you need to know and who’s doing them best.

Scarlett Johansson

Kristen Stewart

Amber Valletta

THE BOY CUT 60

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Miley Cyrus

Kaley Cuoco

The Look: Short (buzzed for the daring) on the sides and long and heavy on top, the versatile new pixie cut can go either bad girl or dream girl—see Scarlett Johansson as an example of the latter—depending on how you style it.

The Look: Long, grown-out layers and unfinished ends, seen here on model Anna Ewers, that say, “I thought about getting a trim months ago...but didn’t.”

Amber Heard

Anna Ewers

THE NONSTYLE

Jessica Hart

Behati Prinsloo

Nicole Kidman

Brooklyn Decker

Dianna Agron

THE ASYMMETRICAL

BOB

Rosamund Pike

The Look: Last year’s lob and bob trend continues, only now they’re parted deeply to the side for a slightly uneven, edgier effect, as seen on Nicole Kidman.

Rose Byrne WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Feel Beautiful

Look good on-the-go

10 travel makeup items you need and why

What can’t you live without? Which items are absolutely necessary for you? We believe that a traveler should be ready to rock cities all glammed up and pretty. In case you are preparing your makeup kit and wondering what the top ten products are – according to us and out of experience, we strongly recommend that you include these as you pack your holiday bags; we are also telling you why we think so! Read on.

Makeupforever Primer This amazing product prepares skin for your makeup routine with Step 1 Skin Equalizers. Address your skin concerns with this innovative makeup primer.

Perfect for balancing skin and achieving an ideal makeup result, it’s lightweight and creamy.

Clarins UV Plus Day Screen The high praise comes from consumers of all skin types. The price is expensive, but the fair-skinned will probably find it worth it. We recommend that you use it before applying your makeup or on naked skin on the beach.

Mac Studio Fix Foundation This foundation combines a natural matte finish and medium, buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. We like it because it is comfortable and long-lasting, it also helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a smoother, more flawless look and finish!

Urban Decay Naked Palette Naked proves that neutral is anything but boring, and this is the palette that revolutionized neutrals forever. Loaded with 12 bronze-hued shadows in an insane range of textures from the palest champagne to the darkest metallics, it’s all here. Whether you’re going for a laid-back, beachy vibe or black-tie drama, you name it!

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Mac Concealer The best concealer you could ever wear; it is the perfect solution for dark spots under eyes and all over the face. Our trick: apply few drops under your eyes and curl your lashes while they dry a bit by doing so, you ensure that the coverage is fine and even.

The two winners: Max Factor False Lash Effect & L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes Mascara Our top two mascaras are the best because they give you everything you look for in mascara. L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara has an anti-clump wiper to remove surplus mascara: no overload, no clumps. L’Oréal Paris’ biggest ever brush separates lashes for dramatic volume. Finally, opulent volume meets sleek definition! Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara doubles your lash size and leaves your lashes looking thicker.

Max Factor Bronzing Powder Having tried several bronzers, we can say that this is one of the best. Made for all skin types Max Factor Bronzing Powder is a soft textured powder that not only provides a natural skin tone but enhances the overall complexion of the skin with a tanned, healthy bronzed look as well.

Bobbi Brown Touch Up Palette Bobbi’s new Face Touch Up Palette is thoughtfully designed for anyone who wants to quickly and easily achieve a flawless complexion while onthe-go – it’s a portable skin perfector.

The Body Shop Beech Lip Liner If you are a nude lip product junkie, use this fantastic lip liner to help make your lips look fuller and help your lip color of the day from fading, all while looking natural and enhancing your already pigmented lips. This liner does all this and it goes with pretty much all colors and shades of lipstick and lip-gloss. We promise this will be your next favorite lip liner!

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Nude Lip Gloss This high-shine formula gives lips a sultry sheen for a fuller look. A swipe of Lip Gloss is the simplest way to instantly look pulled together.

5 Packing Tips

1. Keep a Travel Makeup List on your computer or in your email so you don’t have to think about what to take each time you are about to travel.

2. Put makeup that could break or leak into Ziploc bags. Not one large one but several smaller ones. That way if something does break

open you only have a few items to clean instead of your entire makeup stash.

3. To avoid blush and eye shadow breaking, place a cotton ball or cotton pad (whichever fits best) on top of your eye-shadows, blushes and palettes before snapping the lid closed.

4. On bottles of liquids, place a square of plastic wrap over the bottle opening and screw the lid back in place. This is a great way to eliminate spills.

5. Pack a dryer sheet in your suitcase. When you open your suitcase at your hotel your clothes will smell fresh and ready to go.

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Feel Beautiful

Skip the makeup

Drink plenty of water

Avoid salty airplane foods

Ideally, you want to let your skin breathe and forgo your makeup routine when you’re flying. Lack of moisture and travelling through time zones totally stresses out your skin, and you don’t want a bunch of foundation and powder layered over it if it freaks out. Being makeup-free also makes it easier to put your next step into practice.

Water is your friend. Drink lots of it before, during and after the flight. Really what we are saying is, drink lots of water all the time. Flying totally dehydrates you (the air is super-dry in the cabin), and water is absolutely crucial to rehydrating and having fabulous skin.

Salty snacks like peanuts and pretzels wreak havoc on the body and make you bloated (not to mention they probably contain MSG). We know they’re delicious, but dehydrated and bloated is not a good look for anybody.

THE BEST TRAVEL BEAUTY TIPS

Besides your favorite make up tools, you have a list of items that you should not board a plane without. So whether you’re flying across the region to visit the family, or jet-setting to the States, here are 10 tips you’ve got to follow when you fly.

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Dress comfortably

Double up on vitamins

Take an Omega-3 supplement

Your body and feet swell up at high altitudes, so while it’s tempting to dress like Ms. Beckham and look super-glam while travelling, we recommend rocking a more relaxed look - skin-tight leather is probably not your best choice.

Both the day before and the day of your flight, and load up on Vitamin C (buffered or EsterC are good choices to avoid tummy trouble) and zinc in addition to doubling your regular vitamins, in order to protect yourself from that nasty person’s germs.

Take three Omega-3 capsules twice a day on the day of the flight, and the same the next day. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, will help prevent blood clots and works magic on your skin.

THETALK /June / 2015

Remember her Face

Kelly Gale Kelly Gale is a professional fashion model from Sweden. Her mother is Indian and her father is Australian. She was already scouted at age 13 by Avenue Models in her hometown Gothenburg.

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Known for her runway and print work for Victoria’s Secret,Vivienne Tam, Tommy Hilfiger, and numerous other designers and fashion lines, she appeared in photo spreads for Elle,Vogue India, and Teen Vogue, among other fashion magazines.

Kelly has walked runways for Azzedine Alaia, Chanel, Monique Lhuillier, Tommy Hilfiger, Band of Outsiders, Narciso Rodriguez, Badgley Mischka, Vivienne Tam, Ralph Lauren, Christopher Kane, Reem Acra, Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Academy of Arts, Diane von Fürstenberg, Nanette

Lepore, L’Wren Scott, Thomas Tait, Houghton, Rag & Bone and Victoria’s Secret.

She appeared in editorials for Vogue India, Teen Vogue, Dedicate, Bon, Elle Sweden and Numéro China.

The gorgeous brunette is currently signed with Avenue Models in Gothenburg, Mikas Models in Stockholm, Model Team in Hamburg, Scoop Models in Copenhagen, DNA Models in New York, and with Viva Models in London and Paris.

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67

A word with thetalk

For the love of words Abdulla Al Awadi

A

Kuwaiti architect, artist and designer, Abdulla Al Awadi obtained a professional degree in Architecture and Photography and a Master in Urban Design and Town Planning at Miami University in Florida. A theatre enthusiast, Abdulla worked for three years as an assistant director, costume designer and makeup artist for Pangaea Productions in Miami, In Kuwait theatre; he is known as a costume designer and choreographer, having served as an assistant director and artistic adviser for Sulaiman AL Bassam Theatre.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a designer, in whatever context I am in. I currently teach at the college of Architecture at Kuwait University, and spend time doing event planning and design, and acting as an art advisor for several advertising agencies. Recently I have ventured in the world of digital art and product design.

What exhibitions have you participated in lately?

The recent exhibitions were three solo digital art exhibitions at Dar Al Funoon, and a collaboration jewelry exhibition for Bait lothan and the Sultan gallery; three reputable art venues in Kuwait. I participated in many group exhibitions locally and abroad as well and was one of the collaborators in 68

THETALK /June / 2015

the Kuwaiti pavilion in the Venice Biennale 2014.

I was part of exhibitions in Beirut, Paris and USA group exhibitors.

What is your academic background and how is it related to your designs?

My concentration in my university was symbolism and iconography – it was always in the back of my head and I always wanted to find out what words and symbols meant. This is what I believe was the sparkle of my journey as a designer. We are a nation that is known for its linguistics. I like the Quran, poems, songs and what they stand for and every single art that involves words.

Can you tell me about your experience with other artists?

The two most influential collaboration in my career were with Fareed Abdal and Abrar Al

Ebrahem, both friends and artists that have influenced the way I think and design I have contributed in Bashar Al-Shatti’s two albums as a co/photographer and art director. I was also a participant in the Watermill summer program with Robert Wilson during the summer program of 2010 and 2011.

Tell me more about your Roaming Patterns Collection.

Roaming Patterns is a collection of bags where the bags are messengers, spreading a message based on various patterns depicting either Kuwait prior to the discovery of oil or the post-modern Kuwait of the 60’s. In addition, there is a kaleidoscope composition of various images which could possibly be manifested when googling the word Kuwait.

“I like the Quran, poems and songs; what they stand for and every single art that involves words” Where does your inspiration come from?

Many of the cultural designs are inspired by the Kuwaiti movie “Bas Ya Bar- Enough, Oh Sea” which depicts the richness of the sea that can either be given or taken away from you. These designs are also available in scarves. The statements on the rest of the bags are allegories to traditional Kuwaiti songs. They can stand alone as reflections of behavioral or mental states, conversation starters, or even cues to start singing a song.

What about involving the Kuwaiti flag in your designs?

The Kuwait Collection would not be complete without paying homage to the old Kuwaiti flag design. By adding the female suffix ‘yah’ to the word Kuwait, we celebrate the women of our country.

What about the Adornments Collection?

People always like to choose outfits with words or symbols that represent them and their status, whether these were as permanent as a tattoo, or as transient as a fashionable garment. Sometimes chosen, sometimes imposed, this practice communicates the status or state of the owner as interpreted by the viewer. The Zeena Metal Collection focuses on this particular relationship by instigating a story that will, eventually and inevitably, lead to a conversation. By placing words charged with meanings and symbolism in precise locations of the body, the artist provides a platform for people to interact with each other or to start rumors for the matter. In these pieces, an Ayah or verse, is taken from the Holy Quran to become a standalone phrase on a piece of metal existing away from the context; a material representation of its holy counterpart.

Looking at a piece like this, what message is the viewer likely to perceive?

When encountering this collection, the viewer steers towards a piece that visually attracts him. Upon reading, he starts to understand the meaning, the viewer is intrigued. On the back of

each piece is the clue to unravel the full message.

With the number of the Ayah and name of the Sura, he is directed back to the source.

What theory did you envision when working the songs necklaces?

Although the necklaces appear heavy and durable, the words on the necklaces are delicate; romantic statements from classic Arabic love songs. They could be read as single statement or a cue to continue singing the song, like: “My heart is my guide” by Laila Murad, “We have loved and have been loved” by Mayyada El Hennawi, “Oh, what yearning can do” by Um Kalthoum from the song Beid Annak. Another part of the collection are cuff bracelets that are based on the idea of a singular word, whether it is “Hiyam”, the predicament of being lost in your beloved’s words or lost because of them, or “Gharam” a state that declares the beginning of a love story. One could also chose “Tamam” to express contentment of a job well done, perfection or just closure.

These declarations appear wrapped around your wrist or upper arm as a statement and constant reminder.

What do these words portray in particular?

Depending on how you read them, when worn singularly, these words could portray several states.

For example, “Helim” is dream but it could be also read as “Halem” meaning kind. “Elim” is knowledge or conscious, and when read as “Alam” it means flag, or if read as “Olem”, it means understood.

“Salim” is safe and at the same time is the root of the word “Salam”, meaning peace. When worn together, the ying-yang aspects of “Helim” and “Elim” may represent the duality of the conscious and subconscious, or the state of knowledge along with the dream state. The combination of “Alim” and “Salim” can be combined to state that knowledge is protection, while safety. Worn alone, each word is a combination of concept; however, together, the words further complement each other – creating a balanced visual composition that states that the wearer is firmly ensconced in dichotomous realms.

There seems to be an interesting story behind the Khamsa Collection, what do you think is unique about it?

In this part of the world, the symbol of the hand or “Khamsa” is traditionally used to ward off evil and protect the wearer. What’s unique in this collection is the fact that the hand is made out of flowers. We use “Khamsa” to protect us from evil. Protection doesn’t have to be aggressive – it can be anything delicate too (like a word, a prayer, or in this case flowers).

I did Kaftans with a very soft design of the “Khamsa” symbol. The army jackets, too, are embroidered with roses, peacocks and tribal designs of dragons.

Why did you include verses from the Holy Quran in your works?

The Holy Quran is a medium through which God is communicating with you. I took some “Ayat” and presented them as a statement that reflect an idea. I read the Quran and I am believer that if I need to practice something I need to read about it and I’m lucky to be part of a religious family who is, at the same time, very open minded. I think that we, as moderate Muslims have a responsibility to change the wrong impression that is conveyed about Islam.

Among your designs, do you have a favorite one?

I love all my pieces and actually wear them, but the one that touches me in particular is the one that says “so whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it” Surah Al-Zalzalah, Ayat 7-8. Encouraging us to do good and avoid evil no matter how small we perceive the deed to be.

How satisfied do you feel when you look at your designs?

As people walk away from my exhibition I feel that part of me is going with them and travelling all over the world keeping somebody warm, making them look good and that part of me starts a conversation or an argument with someone else.

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A word with thetalk

International pianist & music composer Zade Dirani

Z

ade Dirani is a Jordanian and American pianist and composer whose genre blending songs are inspired by Arabic, Latin, pop, and classical music.

He has performed before thousands around the world including Queen Elizabeth, Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, amongst others. Inspired by anthems of great film composers and natural beauty of his homeland Jordan, Zade creates epic cinematic music that unites and inspires people of all cultures. The Washington Times recognized him as “Jordan’s leading Cultural Ambassador (who) dedicates his music to building bridges of peace 70

THETALK /June / 2015

and tolerance. After his performance in Kuwait recently, THETALK interviewed the talented Zade Dirani.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a pianist and composer from Amman, Jordan that plays music to bring happiness to people. I released four albums that topped four different billboard charts for best selling albums in the United States, and performed before thousands including King Abdullah and Queen Rania, Queen Noor, Queen Elizabeth, The Dalai Lama, the Late

Nelson Mandela, and Laura Bush amongst others.

When did you know you had a passion for music?

Ever since I was a boy. I remember there were piano melodies being played around the house, especially my dad’s home office.

How did you decide you wanted a career in music?

It happened when I was 17 years old. I had to make a choice. Either I do architecture and work

“You can never go wrong once you follow your dreams” with my dad, or I go to the US to follow my dream of becoming a professional musician. I took a chance on my dream and I never looked back. If you follow your dreams, you can’t go wrong.

Who were the musicians who influenced you early on?

A number of musicians influenced me growing up, from different genres and different parts of the world. For example, I love the French singer / songwriter Jean Jaque Goldman and Charles Aznavour, I love Al Rahbani family, Fairouz, Um Kulthoum, Mohammad Abdel Wahab and the Canadian Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.

You have played in different countries; do you have a favorite to perform in?

Every city and every audience has their own unique taste.. It’s so hard to pick a favorite!

But performing back home in Amman, Jordan is

always a special treat. As you can imagine, Jordan is my extended family and its nice to perform among family.

Tell us more about your performance in tribute to President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth?

Those occasions were very special. I was invited

by Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania to give a special performance in London before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth during the official state visit. The tribute to President Nelson Mandela was organized by the United Nations Foundation and the Mosaic Foundation in Washington DC. It was a very special night because I got to perform before an incredible man who remains a tremendous inspiration.

Have you noticed any differences between audiences?

I don’t think there are much differences when it

comes to music appreciation. That’s the beauty about music, it’s the language of the world, the language of love that does not know any boundaries. But I think one thing that’s clear to me is that my Arab audience loves the up beat, energetic songs.

What matters to you as a pianist?

To bring people happiness through my melodies.

When you go on stage, do you set any goals for yourself?

My goal is to always be authentic, and honest in my performance… It’s about connecting hearts, audience and performer, strung together in a couple of beautiful moments.

Do you have rituals outside music?

I don’t have rituals in particular but I do try and remain active by going to the gym, swimming, traveling, and taking long walks with my dog.

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Got the Time?

MEANTIME

IT’S His & Her TIME...

The Patravi TravelTec II World time on your wrist For the tenth anniversary of the Patravi TravelTec line, Carl F. Bucherer unveils an impressive new member of the family: the Patravi TravelTec II. The unique combination of three-time zone display and chronograph now comes in a bold compact case.

Carl F. Bucherer’s outstanding Patravi TravelTec models have enthused watch lovers for ten years now. To mark this anniversary the new Patravi TravelTec II will take its place beside the Patravi TravelTec and Patravi TravelTec FourX. Technical excellence Chronometer-certified and water resistant to 100m, the technical sophistication of the Patravi TravelTec II is capable of meeting the most sophisticated demands. Its robust case, 47.4 mm in diameter, features a side-mounted sapphire glass window an essential feature of the Patravi TravelTec timepieces that reveals the built-in complication. It is a sophisticated component of the automatic caliber CFB 1901.1 that allows to simultaneously display three time zones in combination with a chronograph. This extraordinary manufacturing movement was developed in-house and is unique in the world.

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The right on time The robust and compact stainless steel case has bold, expressive contours, while the wellorganized face of the new Patravi TravelTec II is cleverly detailed – without sacrificing clarity.

This fast readability ensures you always read the right time.

Worldwide overview The nine applied hour indices on the dial identify the first time zone. An outer ring on the dial makes it possible to read the second time zone.

The hour digits for the third time zone appear clearly readable on the bezel.

The ample size of the three time zone display makes it enjoyably easy to switch one’s glance from one to the other.

The model’s characteristic Monopusher enables rapid, user-friendly switching between East and West travel directions with a single push of a button. Another special feature of the Patravi TravelTec II is that the date display can move forward and also even backward when changing the hour setting – an impressive horological feat.

Tissot Flamingo Flights of fancy Like the supremely elegant bird it is named after, the Tissot Flamingo is a triumph of design.

The flamingo is graceful on two thin legs, while the Tissot Flamingo has a wonderful fluidity as a result of its sleek and surprisingly slim attachments. As well as resembling the bird in design, it is also a thing of beauty, with displaced horns and an elegant aesthetic giving a jewellery effect that means it will add a hint of glamour to evening wear or a sophisticated touch to off-duty daytime attire.

Polished particulars The Tissot Flamingo features a stand-out dial with a luxuriously rich finish which remains pure thanks to the well thought-out simplicity of the design. It is complemented by a crown crafted from a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted to add a gleaming sheen. This piece is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down, with some versions accompanied by a dazzling mother-of-pearl dial. Set to be a classic, the Tissot Flamingo will attract admiration and accolades everywhere you go.

Features: Swiss-made Quartz movement Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal 316L stainless steel case Water resistant up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 m / 100 feet) Some versions with a mother-of-pearl dial Leather varnished strap with butterfly clasp or stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp

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Got the Time?

Tissot Bridgeport Mechanical Skeleton

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Tradition

Innovation

Tradition has always been cherished by Tissot and pocket watches are a part of it. Tissot’s heritage is showcased through these beautiful timepieces.

The Tissot Bridgeport Collection was therefore incomplete without the Tissot Bridgeport Mechanical Skeleton. Its Automatic family trait is recognised in the small flutes around the case which gives it an undeniable richness.

Tissot is an innovator by tradition. That part of the DNA is inevitable. Even though its heritage speaks out the loudest in the Tissot Bridgeport Mechanical Skeleton, Tissot’s innovation is definitely present. It is what makes it even more special. Indeed, this pocket watch is Tissot’s first savonette to bear a stunning skeleton movement at its core. It shows the inner beauty and the works that allows it to stand the test of time. This piece will not only please the watch enthusiasts but will also be the most fashionable accessory with its vintage style and great looks.

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Features . Swiss Made . Hand-wound mechanical movement . 316L stainless steel case with rose gold PVD coating option and see-through caseback . Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal . Water resistance up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft)

Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater The art of Horology in H major

by means of its very own channel: that of emotions.

The much hoped-for and eagerly anticipated new Minute Repeater model by Jaeger-LeCoultre showcases a mechanical automatic movement perfectly meeting the desires of numerous connoisseurs. This new creation joins the Master Grande Tradition line, the epitome of the 19th century pocket-watch tradition.

At Jaeger-LeCoultre, which has made the minute repeater one of its favourite themes, springing surprises and eliciting a moment of amazement followed by the joy of recognising a strong, pure and intense sound, is a genuine vocation.

The 39 mm-diameter Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater is entirely governed by the precepts of elegance and comfort, a sure sign of the strength exuded by a great classic.

Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Minute Repeater, a harmonious match Minute Repeaters that sound the time in a uniquely musical way hold a special place in the field of horological culture. They embody quintessential sophistication. Unlike certain other complications involving intricate and learned concepts, the minute repeater exercises a direct and generous seductive appeal. It captivates

Several manually-wound mechanical watches provided with a minute repeater ‫ط‬function have thus being created. But now, for the very first time in the history of the Master Grande Tradition line, this sophisticated complication is introduced in a version driven by a mechanical automatic movement. User friendliness is matched by the pleasure of admiring the finely crafted oscillating weight.

The crystal gong, a signature of the Manufacture A powerful, clear and melodious sound is the ultimate goal of every master watchmaker. Decades of research, combined with endless patience, are required to perform the tiny empirical, almost instinctive adjustments that are involved. The

acoustic quality of a chiming watch is above all based on the gongs, which are essential in producing the sound that is amplified and enriched by the case. These are the elements that endow the timepiece with its distinctive tone and character.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a crystal gong with a square section, made from a special secret alloy and machined all of a piece, thereby creating an extremely rich sound. In addition, the Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater is equipped with two patented trebuchet hammers that make a single and stronger strike on these crystal gongs whose heel is welded to the upper sapphire crystal. This ingenious device produces a loudspeaker effect that is the hallmark of the crystal gong.

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Trend Alert

I love you, Dad…

What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world, someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped him know that he’s the best there is, and that you hope you have inherited some of his wisdom and his strength? Father’s day is the day you may just want to send your father something he will love and as a token of love and appreciation of everything he is to you.

Givenchy

Lanvin

Diesel

Solo Loewe Cedro Bottega Veneta

Gucci Montblanc

Dunhill Burberry

Paul Smith

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Grooming

THE WORK TRIP

The way to impress the boss and snag that new account is with these all-business travel essentials, including the wrinkle-resistant traveler suit and shirts. PLus, some advice on how to pack like a pro!

TRAVEL TIP: Roll your socks and put them in your shoes to save space and keep the shape of your footwear intact.

TRAVEL TIP: A lightweight cashmere sweater is perfect for chilly airplane cabins... and makes for a comfy pillow in a pinch.

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TRAVEL TIP: There are travelers’ suit is built to resist wrinkles, but a well-tailored trench will also protect it from unexpetected showers and add an extra layer of sophistication.

The packing essentials

every man needs to know

A man’s packing list is not a lot different from a woman’s except that it’s easier. There is not as much nuance in what men wears and throw a blazer onto a guy wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and he looks great. So, here’s the men’s packing list.

l Shoes – two pairs total. one pair street shoes (or sandals) and one pair of dressier shoes. (Like above, if you need hiking boots, wear them on the plane.) Only bring shoes that have proven themselves comfortable.

l 1 dress shirts. l One blazer. (This is optional, of course, but really useful. Choose a light fabric). l Belt and tie (if you’re into that look).

l Pants / shorts – three pairs total.You know your style but one pair should not be jeans. l 4 t-shirts (make sure at least one of them is white to wear under a dress shirt). If you’re going some tropical or humid place, make sure that they are very light and pack more of them.

l Umbrella, scarf, gloves, rain pants, hat, vest, pair of sunglasses (depending on weather of your destinations). l Bathing suit. l Underwear, pajamas and socks.

l 1 golf shirt or casual shirt with a collar.

Packing Light Tips l Don’t pack the bulky things – wear them on the plane. l Follow carry-on rules according to your airline. Be really careful about the weight. Just because you can fit it into a carry-on does not mean they will let you on the plane with it. l Watch the restrictions on the size of bottle liquids and other items you are allowed to carry on board. l Be considerate of other passengers and don’t hog the overhead space.

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Thetalk Motors

Elegant in black

Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera Black Edition Porsche has created a special series of the 911 Carrera and Boxster: the Black Edition.

The combination of black paintwork and black interior emphasises the timeless, classy elegance of the sports car. The standard equipment on the 911 Carrera and Boxster Edition models includes Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, rain sensor, cruise control and Sport Design steering wheel.

The 911 Carrera Black Edition is based on the basic model with a 3.4 litre flat engine developing 350 hp. It is offered as coupĂŠ and convertible

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versions with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The special edition runs on 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels and the LED headlights, featuring the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), are part of the standard equipment. The black interior looks sophisticated. The driver and passenger sit on heated sports seats, and the standard BoseÂŽ Surround Sound System provides excellent sound quality. In addition, operating the 911 special edition is effortless due to the telephone module and Park Assist at front and rear, which includes a reversing camera.

The Boxster Black Edition is certainly no less

attractive. The mid-engine roadster is powered by the 2.7 litre flat engine with 265 hp. The colour concept remains consistent when it comes to the soft top and rollover protection bar, which are both in black. The wind deflector helps to avoid undesirable turbulence when the soft top is down. The 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels and the bi-xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) set distinctive highlights.

The driver and passenger can enjoy a higher level of personal comfort with the two-zone air conditioning and heated seats. The sound system in the Boxster Black Edition is the high-quality Sound Package Plus.

Thetalk Motors

Double Golf world premiere at Lake Wörthersee:

GTE Sport and GTI Clubsport propel the GT idea to the future For more than three decades, the south bank of Lake Wörthersee in Austria has, in the month of May, become the home for GTI fans from around the world. And it has long since become a tradition for Volkswagen – the inventor of the “GTI” – to bring along a very special automotive surprise for the up to 200,000 visitors on Ascension Day weekend in the form of a new concept car or a new production model.

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Lake Wörthersee GTI events with the double world premiere of two breathtaking Golf GT models planned for the near and medium-term future: the Golf GTI Clubsport and the Golf GTE Sport. As a concept car, the Golf GTE Sport with its carbon body, a completely new cockpit design, an “electric propshaft” and a powerful 295 kW / 400 PS plug-in hybrid drive shows what is possible when designers and engineers catapult the GT idea a long way into the future. By contrast, the Golf GTI Clubsport

from Volkswagen – also presented as a concept car – offers a glimpse at the 195 kW / 265 PS anniversary model which will mark the 40th birthday of the Golf GTI. The tuned and extensively individualised “Clubsport” will be introduced on the market in early 2016.

Golf GTE Sport • Plug-in hybrid sports car. With the Golf GTE Sport presented as a world premiere at the

legendary GTI event at Lake Wörthersee, Volkswagen is transferring the GT tradition to the future. The high-tech Golf that is largely made of carbon is powered by a total of three motors – combined in a plug-in hybrid drive with system power of 295 kW / 400 PS. The concept car breaks down traditional barriers between road and motorsport vehicles. Its progressive hybrid system in combination with the high-tech all-wheel drive, a lightweight body, optimum aerodynamic downforce, precision running gear based on the design of the current Golf GTE, a new motor racing cockpit (including visualisation of the racing line) and an unusual

seating concept (two monocoque-like interior areas) enable breathtaking performance on the racetrack. At the press of a button, however, the concept car is able to cover a distance of up to 50 kilometres on electric power alone and hence with zero emissions.

Golf GTI Clubsport • 40 years of “GTI” – the anniversary model.

Next year the Golf GTI will celebrate its 40th birthday. Volkswagen will mark this historic event with a progressive special edition: the new Golf GTI Clubsport. The inventor of the “GTI” is thus continuing the big tradition of GTI anniversary

models: exclusive special editions also marked the 20th, 25th, 30th, and 35th birthdays. On 14 May 2015, Volkswagen presented the Golf GTI Clubsport as a close-to-production concept car at Lake Wörthersee. With power output of 195 kW / 265 PS and approximately 10 per cent higher temporary peak output thanks to a boost function, the launch of the Golf GTI Clubsport as the most powerful GTI ever to enter series production is planned for early 2016. The anniversary model will not only enter the market with an extremely powerful engine, it will also have a customised interior and extensive body modifications.

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Thetalk Motors

McLAREN 675LT POWER, A BEAUTIFUL THING

The McLaren 675LT made its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’.

Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT will be the most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals.The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

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The car demonstrates a more aggressive look for the McLaren brand than has been seen before.

Styling cues run from the extended carbon fibre front splitter, through an extended door blade and additional cooling intake, to the circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, giving a hint to the performance available for the most powerful and lightest model in the McLaren Super Series. The active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake is 50 percent bigger than the one fitted to the 650S yet, due its carbon fibre structure, is actually lighter. This is just one of the enhancements that add up to a dry weight of just 1,230kg.

More than 50 percent of parts have been changed in the 3.8-litre V8 engine to deliver increased levels of power, torque and driveability.

Upgrades include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. These changes are so significant, that the engine unit receives a new, unique code – M838TL. The low weight, low inertia power unit produces, as the name suggests, a power output of 675PS and a power-to-weight ratio of 549PS per tonne.

The 675LT is as fully track-focused as it is road legal with around a third of parts modified to suit this purpose compared with the 650S Coupé and Spider that continue in production alongside it.

Yet, like its iconic predecessor, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, from which the LT name is derived, this is a car that is as exciting to look at as it is to drive. It also embodies the key attributes of the ‘Longtail’ ethos targeting light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

FIVE UNIQUE ‘BY McLAREN’ 675LT THEMES The 675LT is offered in five ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications, which includes four bespoke colours never previously offered: Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey are all newly formulated paint hues for the 675LT. The famous heritage McLaren Orange completes the themes unique to the model. Each of the five ‘By McLaren’ specifications is complemented within the stripped out interior with carefully selected materials and colours.

The purposeful driver-focused cabin of the 675LT gives even further indication of track potential. A pair of ultra lightweight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara® as standard and modelled on those in the McLaren P1™, provide comfort and support with no compromise on overall weight.

A subtle 675LT logo features on the headrest of each seat, and is also present on the rev counter. In a change to the other models in the Super Series, the air conditioning controls are now incorporated within the intuitive touchscreen infotainment system.

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HEALTH

Traveling with food

allergies

Hacks that actually will make your life easier It’s not easy when you are a foodie whose body reacts to certain kinds of food. It’s even worse when you are traveling. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, careful preparation will make your trip safe and enjoyable. As always, communication and planning ahead are key.

Pack snacks for travel days Whether you are driving or flying, the easiest way to relieve the worry of what to eat is to pack your own food. Either pack a second set of snacks or make a trip to a local grocery store the day before you head back. On road trips, stop for lunch or dinner at a grocery store so you can get the allergy-friendly foods you are used to eating.

Scout out restaurants ahead of time On road trips, check the availability of your favorite restaurants in the major towns along the way while planning your travel route. Plan stops in areas that have restaurants we are familiar with.

Ask if the restaurant offers an allergy-friendly or ask the waiters to help you find allergen-free food in the regular list of options.You can also talk to the chef about the ingredients that you are allergic to.

Inform your host of food allergies ahead of Time If you are traveling to visit family, they are likely aware of your food allergies. However, knowing someone has a food restriction and being prepared to avoid a particular food group are very different!

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or a few weeks ahead of time and discuss options for every meal you will share at their house.

Offer to do the shopping Allergy-friendly products, particularly gluten-free products, are often kept in a different area of the supermarket than their regular counterpart.You are used to finding them, but your host may not be. Offer to do the shopping yourself or go with your host to stock up for the time you are visiting.

If your diet requires expensive ingredients that your host is not used to using or buying, you may also want to consider paying for some or all of the groceries Offer to do the cooking Your host may not be comfortable cooking alternative meals, so offering to cook will ease stress for both of you.

Before you travel Ask your doctor to write prescriptions that you can carry with you. Learn the generic and brand names in the countries you’ll be visiting.

Ask for recommendations for restaurants, hotels, activities, etc. Does your allergist have other patients who have had good experiences at certain places?

Start planning early. Language barriers can be tough to deal with, but chances are there is someone who speaks English working at the hotel. With many Internet translation services available, email can be an effective way to correspond.

Bring non-perishable food that is safe for you to eat. Dried pasta and allergen-free snack bars are good options. Don’t assume that the same products manufactured in other countries will contain the same ingredients.

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THETALK DESTINATION

Milos, Greece

K

nown as the “Island of Colors� thanks to its jewel-colored waters and building painted in vivid primary tones, the horseshoe-shaped island of Milos floats serenely in the Aegean Sea. It was here that the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. Though she now holds court at the Louvre, Milos has other beauties to admire. There are dozens of beaches, all different colors and all different combinations of sand, stone and shell. Explore the ancient theater and windmills in Tripiti village, then cap off your day with a cinematic sunset.

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The Aeolian, Islands

The Amalfi Coast is unbeatable for its adorable towns tucked into craggy rocks, not to mention

the pasta, pasta, pasta, but it’s not the only show in town. For a more under-the-radar Italian experience, you can visit the UNESCO-protected Aeolian archipelago, a cluster of seven small islands where you will find gorgeous terra-cotta guesthouses, sweet Malvasia wine and miles of undisturbed. The balmy Mediterranean waters stay warm for swimming, even in December.

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THETALK DESTINATION

BILBAO

Madrid is known for its history and glamour, but the often-overlooked port city of Bilbao

is Spain’s capital of modern architecture. Besides Frank Gehry’s mind-blowing Guggenheim Museum, there’s the new Isozaki Atea, two dramatic 23-story glass residential towers designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Don’t forget the food! Bilbao is jam-packed with stellar dining options, from traditional Spanish pintxos to haute and modern international fare. Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis where more than a million people live. It is the centre of the economic-social development and the main factor of the modernization of the Bay of Biscay.

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Nicaragua

Largest but most sparsely populated of the Central American nations, Nicaragua borders

Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. It is slightly larger than New York State.

Nicaragua is mountainous in the west, with fertile valleys. Two big lakes, Nicaragua and Managua, are connected by the Tipitapa River. The Pacific coast is volcanic and very fertile. The swampy Caribbean coast is aptly called the “Mosquito Coast.�

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THETALK DESTINATION

Cuba

Cuba is among the most exciting islands in the Caribbean. Whereas other islands have one or

two major attractions: the beach, and one or two historic monuments. Whether you’re off to Trinidad, Havana, or touring around the country on an arranged group tour, there really is so much to see in Cuba. Right now is the time to visit, whilst Cuba still feels like stepping into a time warp. Cuba is an endlessly fascinating place. The archetypal tableau of revolutionary rhetoric, breathtaking beaches, classic cars gliding past faded colonial buildings and a population who dances on an endless ribbon of salsa, but for those prepared to dig beneath the dazzling surface, Cuba relinquishes so much more.

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Morocco

Whether you are hunting for magic carpets through the Souks in Marrakech or wondering the

old streets of Fez, there’s so much to discover in Morocco. You want culture? Tick. Experiences unlike anywhere else? Tick. Friendly Moroccans? Tick. Tourism in Morocco has sky rocketed in recent years, so be sure to jump on the bandwagon before it’s too late. Morocco is here to stay as one of the world’s most intriguing countries for travelers.

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strike a pose

Pack in style!

Segue Kuwait Packing bags for trips away involves decisions on what to take. But there’s another choice to make: what suitcase will accompany your travels? Our photo shoot for this month brings you two of luxury luggage brands to pick from

by Segue; bags that offer style, practicality and the desire to pack and fly.

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DRIVER COLLECTION (UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON)

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strike a pose MANHATTAN COLLECTION (CALVIN KLEIN

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SHAK 3 (UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON)

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strike a pose WIFI COLLECTION (UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON)

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SERVER COLLECTION (UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON)

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strike a pose

WIFI COLLECTION (UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON)

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Segue store address: SEGUE - Olympia Mall - level 1 Phone Number: +965 50985519 Instagram account: @seguekuwait Facebook account: Segue Kuwait WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

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Kuwait Exclusives

MILLY SPRING/SUMMER 2015 “KINETIC”

Michelle Smith, designer and founder of MILLY presented her Spring/Summer 2015 collection at Artbeam on Monday, September 8th 2014.

Drawing inspiration from the bold conceptual art of Dan Graham and John Baldessari, Smith constructs an energetic collection through luxurious, futuristic fabrics and cascading silhouettes.

The color spectrum of the collection, grounded in black and white, features kinetic bursts of saturated color. Cobalt, poppy, yellow and mint echo the palette favored by Baldessari. Complex textures and layered transparency are streamlined through minimal, sculptural shapes.

In a nod to Dan Graham, Smith’s set design using two-way mirrors create a provocative, immersive experience, reflecting the precise tailoring and refined draping throughout the collection.

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Harvey Nichols Kuwait showcases the best of local designers Kaftan Collection highlights local talent and creativity

Harvey Nichols Kuwait has underlined its commitment to promoting local design talent and creativity by hosting an exclusive preview and launch of kaftan collections from 14 renowned Kuwaiti designers at their store.

The event provided a unique platform for local kaftan designers to showcase their exquisite creations that highlighted the use of brilliant colors and ornate detailing in distant signature styles.

prominent in pieces from designers like Elegant by Laila,Vestiti,Yarn by M and By Nouma, while fresh colours and crisp styles defined the array of designs from kaftan creators Monera Al Mudhaf, BN Designs, Maison Chic, AlJawhara Designs and Atypik by Jihene Bin Jazia.

A blend of textures, prints and intricate detailing brings to life the season’s trends that are evident in pieces from designers Antikana, Montaha Couture, Lace Fashions, and I_love_dara3a and Sheen.

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Kuwait Exclusives

May al Noori

at Dar al Funoon

Kuwait gallery Dar al Funoon recently hosted the opening of artist May al Noori’s ‘Hawaa’ exhibition.

May Al Noori started painting during her childhood and at a later stage, when she decided to paint professionally, she sought the guidance of Tamam Al Aklal. In order to master the different media and techniques, Al Noori began taking workshops all over the world, and has had numerous solo exhibitions in the Gulf, Levant and North African countries. Her subjects are women in the modern world yearning for independence.

The exhibition continues through to 7th May at the gallery located at the Behbehani Compound, Al Watiyah.

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Brand Ambassador Abhishek Bachchan opens OMEGA Boutique in 360 Mall of Kuwait

OMEGA brand ambassador, the renowned Bollywood actor/producer Abhishek Bachchan, visited Kuwait city along with OMEGA’s Vice President and Head of International Sales, Raynald Aeschlimann. They participated in the official opening of Morad Yousuf Behbehani’s third monobrand OMEGA boutique at 360 Mall.

The GCC market is an important segment for OMEGA and the Kuwaiti watch connoisseurs contribute significantly to the success of the industry in the region. The Kuwait retail market has long been a favourite for manufacturers of upscale watches and high-end jewellery who have firmly set their sights on this oil-rich Northern Gulf state.

The Kuwaitis have a tradition and appreciation for luxury goods and have helped spur the growing interest in prestige watch brands.

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Kuwait Exclusives

Al Mulla and Behbehani Motor Company Launches The New 2015 Chrysler 300

With roots that include the breakthrough 1955 and 2005 models, the new 2015 Chrysler 300 - the big, bold American sedan with world-class levels of sophistication, craftsmanship and technology takes the nameplate’s style and sophistication to new levels, highlighting six decades of ambitious American ingenuity through iconic design proportions and inspired materials, world-class quality and craftsmanship, best-in-class 31 mpg (7.59 L/100km) highway fuel economy, plus classexclusive innovations - including a state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission (now standard on every model), all-new, segment-exclusive 7-inch (177.8mm) full colour driver information display (DID) and the newest generation Uconnect systems.

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Wahran Trading Company launches Solo Loewe Cedro for Men An olfactory creation with opposing bases

Wahran Trading Company represented by “Abdul Aziz Abu Shanab” has introduced Solo Loewe Cedro in an event which took place on May 19th, 2015 at Symphony Style Hotel. The event was attended by the local and Arab media representatives.

Solo Loewe Cedro Eau de Parfum The nobility of raw materials

inspired by wood, the finest of raw materials, with its unquestionable leading role in the worlds of art, architecture and contemporary design.

“Today’s luxury is being, rather than having” Enrique Loewe Lynch.

And so SOLO Loewe Cedro was born.

It’s been a while since Enrique Loewe Lynch said these words, which steer and guide a new modern legacy at Loewe where nature and sensory pleasure reign.

Perfumes Loewe has reinvented its legacy of fine craftsmanship based on a 168-year history, this time

A new concept of masculinity, based on SOLO Loewe and its ceaseless quest to find harmony in daily life, this time intoxicated by a natural instinct which marries routine life in the city with the magnetic draw of contact with nature.

A new Eau de Toilette that revolves around wood: the aroma, bottle, packaging and communication.

A robust, high quality material, both flexible and adaptable, which breathes life into a perfect balance of opposites.

A breathe of fresh air for the new SOLO Loewe Cedro man.

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Kuwait Exclusives

ONE WORLD ACTORS CENTRE PRESENTS ANTIGONE: THE ARABIAN TRAGEDY THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015

One World Actors Centre CIC is a not-forprofit organization whuch offers professional productions and performing arts and speech training to the community of Kuwait,The Middle East. Since the founding of the Centre the actors have produced productions such as the Middle East premier of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s EVITA (December 2014) and the Annual Shakespeare Festival supported by Academy Award Winner Dame Judi Dench.The Official Acting and Performance Trainers of presenters in Kuwait and Bahrain for the world tour of ‘1001 Inventions’ (sponsored by UNESCO), we performed at the exclusive UN ‘Year of Light’ 2015 commemoration during the exhibition at the Scientific Centre Kuwait and hosted the Emmy-Award Winner and Expressive Mime Artist Adam Darius for a week of intensive workshops for local artists at the Dar Al Athar al Islamiyyah in Yarmouk.

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THETALK /June / 2015

Shaping Facial Lift CLARINS

The first beauty workshop hosted by Clarins Middle East on creating the perfect complexion and contouring using skincare products was held at Lenotre, Gulf road in Kuwait while enjoying breakfast.

The attendees were lectured on the advantages of using Clarins products and got to examine the products and see the difference themselves, followed by lunch.

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Restaurant REVIEW

BAO kuwait steamed buns now in kuwait!

I

nspired by the Chinese pillowfluffy steamed buns, the menu of Bao Kuwait makes a new and unique entry in the Kuwaiti food industry. The owners of Triangle and Ridley’s Burger have decided to bring in town the taste of street food markets and restaurants where you can hunt down these sweet, fluffy buns only with a twist – the variety of the fillings are exotic and the flavor is absolutely faultless.

Located in Kuwait City, the place offers fabulous interior portraying circles as part of the restaurant’s concept – the round steamed bun.

We found the natural wooden seats and wall truly authentic and cozy to be surrounded with.

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The first dish served was the Quinoa Avocado salad which primarily consists of Quinoa seeds, avocado chunks topped with fried kale and fried beetroot stripes, dressed with balsamic vinegar – the salad is a combination of healthy ingredients and tasted absolutely great.

The second plate we tasted was the Pomelo Avocado salad, made of Pommelo pulps, cucumber, cabbage, crispy rice noodles, fried

edamame, red jalapeno, topped with roasted sesame seeds and tossed in soya-honey dressing.

The winner was the last salad: the Tenderloin Steak salad – a beautiful combination of green rocket leaves, oka, pomegranate seeds, topped with steak tenderloin and crispy sweet potato chips and dressed with Japanese mayo.

This salad is incredibly delicious – we totally recommend it!

The appetizer we tasted and fell in deep love with was the Chicken Drum Stick – fried boneless chicken thighs tossed in tamarind sauce, sprinkled with red jalapeno and roasted sesame seeds and cilantro – indeed hot but

bearable and mouth-watering!

Filled with shrimps, chicken or meat, the steamed buns are perfectly fluffy and enjoyable.

The Crispy Chicken Bao is made from fried chicken tossed Japanese wings mayo and topped with apple coleslaw. The combination of flavors between the fair sweetness of the bun and the tanginess of the filling is amazing.

The second bao that arrived was the Coconut Shrimp, the shrimps are coated with coconut bread crumbs and deep friend, topped with pickled cucumbers and fried shreds of carrots.

For those who enjoy beef, we highly recommend the Mexican Beef Bao and the Vail

Bao – the first is made from sauted minced beef, cheddar cheese sauce, topped with nacho crumbs, cilantro and sour cream sauce. The Vail Bao consists of vail tenderloins, mushroom sauce and topped with fried beetroot.

Last but not least, we were astonished by the dessert – a heavenly flavor that makes you give up your sweet tooth cravings once and for all; a fried cinnamon boa wrapping a rectangular chunk of in-house made ice cream, topped with caramel sauce and pretzel biscuits.

Bao is located in Kuwait City, Sharq, Khaled Bin Waleed street, opposite to Sharq police station roundabout. You can also follow the restaurant on instagram @Bao_kw.

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BOOK REVIEW

The season’s best selling Books The Daylight Marriage

When Hannah vanishes the morning after an explosive argument with her husband, Lovell, he must try to piece together what happened to his wife - and to their life together. While the police gather clues, the reader watches Hannah’s every move, as hastily made decisions prove irrevocable. With haunting intensity, a seamless balance of wit and heartbreak, and the emotional acuity that author Heidi Pitlor brings to every page, The Daylight Marriage is a riveting puzzle that mines the dark and delicate nature of a marriage and confronts our need to be truly seen by those who see us every day.

The Ice Twins: A Novel

Girl at War

Ana Juric was just 10 years old when she nearly drowned in a bloody baptism of gunfire during the Yugoslavian civil war. Somehow this resourceful Croatian child managed to survive the carnage and flee to the United States. In the following decade, she avoided talking about her early experiences with her boyfriend and schoolmates, but at some point, she realized that she could no longer escape those haunting memories herself. Finally, she returns alone to war-scarred Zagreb to piece together her past and the present of those she once loved. (P.S. Sara Novic’s debut novel has been praised by early readers for its “piercing clarity and devastating wit” and as “the work of someone far more mature than her years.”).

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A year after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia, dies in an accident, Angus and Sarah Moorcroft move to the tiny Scottish island Angus inherited from his grandmother, hoping to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. But when their surviving daughter, Kirstie, claims they have mistaken her identity - that she, in fact, is Lydia - heir world comes crashing down once again. As winter encroaches, Angus is forced to travel away from the island for work, Sarah is feeling isolated, and Kirstie (or is it Lydia?) is growing more disturbed.When a violent storm leaves Sarah and her daughter stranded, they are forced to confront what really happened on that fateful day.

In Real Life: My Journey to a Pixelated World

To his fans, Joey is that best friend who always captures the brighter side of life but also isn’t afraid to get real. In the pages of his first book, he opens up about his years of struggling with family hardships and troubles at school, with cruel bullying and the sting of rejection.

He tells of first loves and losses, embarrassing moments and surprising discoveries, loneliness, laughter, and lifechanging forks in the road, showing us the incalculable value of finally finding and following your true passion in this world.

Funny, warm-hearted, and inspiring, Joey Graceffa’s story is a welcome reminder that it’s not where you begin that matters, but where you end up.

My Fight / Your Fight

Marked by her signature charm, barbed wit, and undeniable power, Rousey’s account of the toughest fights of her life in and outside the Octagon reveals the painful loss of her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her judo training, her battles with love, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Earth.

Rousey shares hard-won lessons on how to be the best at what you do, including how to find fulfillment in the sacrifices, how to turn limitations into opportunities, and how to be the best on your worst day. Packed with raw emotion, drama, and wisdom this is an unforgettable book by one of the most remarkable women in the world.

In the Unlikely Event

Thirty-five years earlier, when Miri was fifteen, and in love for the first time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky, leaving a community reeling.

Against this backdrop of actual events in the early 1950s, when airline travel was new and exciting and everyone dreamed of going somewhere, Judy Blume imagines and weaves together a haunting story of three generations of families, friends, and strangers, whose lives are profoundly changed by these disasters. She paints a vivid portrait of a particular time and place - Nat King Cole singing “Unforgettable,” Elizabeth Taylor haircuts, young (and not-so-young) love, explosive friendships, A-bomb hysteria, rumors of Communist threat and a young journalist who makes his name reporting tragedy. Through it all, one generation reminds another that life goes on.

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Movies

movies showing this month

Jurassic World Insidious: Cast Chapter 3 Vincent D’Onofrio, Chris

Spy

Director Colin Trevorrow

Director Paul Feig

Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard,

Genre Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Synopsis: Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor’s interest, which backfires horribly.

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Cast Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson Director Leigh Whannell Genre Horror Synopsis: A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family that reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

Cast Jason Statham , Rose Byrne.

Genre Action , Comedy Synopsis: A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

Any Day

Entourage

Director Rustam Branaman

Director Doug Ellin

Genre Drama, Romance, Thriller

Genre Comedy

Cast Sean Bean, Kate Walsh.

Synopsis An ex-fighter finds redemption from his troubled past.

Cast Jessica Alba, Liam Neeson.

Synopsis: Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle, and Johnny, are back - and back in business with super agent-turnedstudio head Ari Gold.

Horoscope Brought to you by

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Horoscopes

ARIES (Mar. 21-April 20) One moment this month you would be enjoying peaceful tranquility that offers predictability and stability.You learn, over time, to accept and maintain balance between both this month.You’re entering a period that will demand more flexibility than you’re probably used to giving. Don’t fear an inability to be flexible and accommodating where both will be needed for now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 23) During the month the cosmos is focused now on gently encouraging you to assess how you prioritize what you do on a daily basis and identify ways of improving how you do it.You’re about to become even more effective where organizational matters are concerned. It’s time to do a few things differently for a change. Make hay while the sun shines.

Looming clouds are all around. Beware for this month time.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Some secrets related to you can remain buried or undetected for many years. If willing you may reveal some to your closest associates in life. Something you’d prefer was concealed could be rearing its head now. Another moment will bring volatility and unpredictability in your life soon.

You are capable of asking questions in ways that encourage specific responses.You know that steering conversations in certain ways will increase your chances of getting what you want. It is usually after the fact that the person responding realizes how your responses were engineered. Be responsive to someone keen to get you to respond in a particular way now.

PISCES

TAURUS

(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

(Apr. 21-May 21)

A sense of fairness prevailing in a certain area could be taking up much thinking time now. It doesn’t appear to be a case of someone missing out or going without but more to do with you being keen to ensure that what’s good for one person is good for another. There is no need though to enforce justice. It will come about on its own in its own time.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) It’s not easy though to bid farewell to what is familiar and comfortable. In an area of your world, possibly connected with home and family, winds of change are starting to become gusts. Something positive and necessary is coming but to receive it, you’re going to have to make space or do some reworks. Do so in the knowledge that you will gain something special.

LIBRA

(Sept. 24-Oct. 23) You are not impressed by the way your life is moving at present.You could find yourself becoming increasingly complacent in some ways through expecting innovative developments and the occasional miracle. The sky speaks now of you being impressed surprised and delighted in some way – and in that order, too!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Familiarity, they say, breeds contempt. Soon, you will be released from one you’ve been in for too long. Get out of your comfort zone and be prepared to take some hard risks in life. This is the only way to march ahead in life. Else you would be trampled upon by others who are overtaking you in the long race. Keep going Cap, do not be complacent.

During this month you would be able to question certain things that happen in your personal life.You have faith in the fact that family members know more about or are more capable of doing something than you are. Surely, they must look to you for guidance or inspiration. If you’re not receiving support in ways you wish you were, then ask for it. It’s possible you’re giving an impression of not needing it.

CANCER

(June 22-July 22) You appear now to be up against someone who sees you as inferior and someone who couldn’t possibly be as knowledgeable as they are.You’re about to prove them very wrong. The month holds great promises on your work front. There would be ample scope for finishing off long-pending tasks now. Finances might take a beating.

Keep calm; the month end shall bring in fresh inflow from all quarters.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Opportunities always bring change. Upheaval and potential insecurity you feel are attached to seizing an opportunity now or taking a risk could outweigh the benefits of what you’re considering doing. A decision about where you go from here’’ in an area of your world can’t be avoided but it can be seen as the very positive step forward that it is if you’re willing to see it as that.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) With little effort though, you would be able to get rid of the fears that have been haunting you for quite some time Fear, however, is holding you back in some way now. Something you’re afraid of is preventing you for attaining something very special. Do what you fear most and your fear will truly fade away. The month ahead promises good trends in your personal space.

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