Woman This Month - April 2013

Manama Ramli Mall • Bahrain City Centre

2 | April 2013 10 08 People 08 La’aleh Al-Aali: Contributing to the nation 10 Nabeela Al Qaseer: Moving up Fashion 14 Feature: Hottest trends of Spring/Summer 2013 34 Theme: Accessories of the season Beauty 42 News: The latest products in stores 44 Fragrances: Trace her scent 46 Tips: Runway make-up highlights Wedding Feature 51 Feature: Bridal must-haves and more 61 Online: The best wedding blog 64 20 Tips: How to look your best 66 10 Tips: Guests’ dos and don’ts 76 Travel: Surprising honeymoon ideas Wellbeing 82 Feature: Finding a balance 85 Column: Tackling a sensitive issue Parenting 88 Feature: Time to play 90 Column: Kids and food allergies Regulars 06 Letters: Tell us what you think of this issue 12 Campaign: The battle against obesity 80 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where? 94 Recipes: Fry it up! 102 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 104 WoMentality: Happily ever after? 88 contents | april 2013 April 2013, issue 122 This stunning wedding gown comes from LaZaro Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES April 2013 | Issue 122 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com woman this month APRIL 2013 ı SS13 HOT TRENDS — FASHION MASTER CLASS ı www.womanthismonth.com HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY ISSUE 122 SS13 Hot Trends Fashion Master Class Wedding Guide All You Need To Know Beauty Tips Summer Stunners Body & Soul Balancing Act More Than Play Creative Instincts www.womanthismonth.com 51 64 76

Sizes range from 38 up to 54 Bahrain City Centre 17172307

www.womanthismonth.com Welcome GUEST EDITOR's letter Every bride-to-be ought to have her own look book of great ideas to get going. Designers use inspiration boards to conceptualise new lines and products; brides can do the same by gathering visuals they love. With the wedding season in full swing, offers the jumpstart you need. From tips on how to look your best on the big day to pointers on wedding etiquette for guests, we’ve covered it all. Be inspired by our bridal gown gallery; pick a style that expresses who you are. We’ve also put together a selection of best buys, be it jewellery or cosmetics. For those of you who are tired of seeing staged shots that you can barely relate to, Tasneem AlSultan gives us a sneak peek at real weddings. You can also find all the contacts you may need for the perfect nuptial ceremony in our Pink Pages. Our travel section suggests three unusual honeymoon destinations for those who’d like to step outside the box. If these aren’t enough, have a look at our favourite wedding blog for more inspiration. Your wedding might be the greatest day of your life, but that doesn’t mean it should be the last time you feel like a princess. La’aleh Al-Aali and Nabeela Al Qaseer encourage women everywhere to take control of their lives, especially after marriage. To be a woman of power, you need to look the part. What better way is there to show that you’re on top of things than to nail the trends of the season from head to toe? Our fashion and beauty editor, Fernanda Langhammer, has rounded up the hottest trends from the Spring/Summer 2013 collections. With advice on how to get the look and featuring a range of statement pieces, she has put together a fashion feature that will both inspire and get you talking. In our parenting section we explain that there is much more to playing; it allows your child to fully explore themselves and to be creative. Finding the right balance between body and mind is the subject of our wellbeing feature. Plus, look for the QR code to download your very own copy of our exclusive Wedding Workbook. Inspire and be inspired! Elma Bartholomew Assistant Editor For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter @WomanThisMonthB responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman chairman & publisher George F Middleton publishing director David M Robertson editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles assistant editor Elma Bartholomew fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer contributors Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy george r vaughan James Claire staff writer Maryam A Toorani print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A REYES JR Dalal Al-Sabbagh media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media manager Randa Ghazi Howais farheen ahmed sales manager Mayukh Majumdar circulation FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI photography editor anil Ravi Shankar photographers Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS printing press Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner. For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] website: www.womanthismonth.com published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ, Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing, P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide Matrimonial Muse 5 April 2013 |

6 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com What’s the point? I believe a lot of readers out there (including me) have asked this question to themselves at some moment. We have come to that same situation and same feeling that you feel so bored, unsatisfied and confused that we don’t know where we are heading. We need change, if we don’t want things to stay as they are. If you are an outgoing person, try to have fun at home. Learn to cook a new dish. Bake a cake with your family. Watch a movie with your friends. If you are an introvert, try breaking out of your shell. Join a social organisation. Learn a new sport. Attend yoga classes. Living is a choice. As Coco Chanel said, “The best things in life are free; the second best are expensive.” Mary, by fax. Letters 64 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com Iwas thinking about my mother the other day after I got off the phone from our biweekly conversation. She asked me a question that I had no answer for and for the first time in decades the woman actually had me stumped. WoMentality By Hard-headed Woman “Somebody should tell us right from the start of our lives that we are dying. Then we might live life to the full every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now; there are only so many tomorrows.” - Pope Paul VI. “What is the point to life if waking up every day just brings about the same routine?” I considered my mother’s age of 72. I guess by then I’ll be asking the same. Old enough I thought, for some clarity. She really had me thinking, “What am I doing here?” In my late thirties, single and confused as can be, I find myself standing at a crossroad. In one direction lies a town called Old age and in the other the villages of Senility and Discontentment, where my parents reside. Are we here to find something — perfection, perhaps? Maybe it’s happiness, bliss and even nirvana? Or is this, what we are already living, really it? And then I took a flight, for vacation reasons. And suddenly I was surprised by life itself. At the wrong side of 30, not many things do that. Most of the trivialities in life have been experienced many times over. Of things that annoy me, one of the highest ranking is boarding an aircraft to find someone else in my assigned seating. I book a window because I want a window. So my trip to the Far East started badly when 8K was already occupied by another person. A show of both boarding passes proved that neither of us was at fault. I relinquished my seat to the lady already occupying it. Seating sorted, all happy, I proceeded to comfort myself when lady in my seat began to talk. This is the second thing that really ticks me off. Of all my flown miles, one thing I have never done is to talk to the person seated beside me even during what seemed like certain doom. We are merely seated beside each other by chance, not choice. Massive difference! At first I tried not to listen, but eventually and strangely I found myself intrigued, interested, amused and laughing along with her life story. The flight took six hours. I slept for one; we talked for five. On my bucket list, I had among my entries the feat of holding a conversation with a total stranger about nothing in particular. That box has now been checked. 8K is no longer a stranger, but a wonderful acquaintance. What is the point to all this? Well sometimes, stop and smell the roses. You never know when your life will come to a screaming halt, and unlike my mother, I can now answer her question. Vincent Van Gogh stated, “One must work and dare if one really wants to live.” Sometimes we may need a reminder. I just had mine on the aircraft. The world is full of amazing things and amazing people and if you shut yourself off you just never know what you’re missing out on. I’m only sorry I haven’t struck up conversations on every other flight I’ve been on. From now on I’ll chat like a parrot. What’s the Point? WRITE IN AND WIN This month’s star letter will win a dinner voucher for two from Sheraton Hotel Bahrain. To dine at the exquisite Soie Restaurant, send us your views and opinions on our April 2013 edition either by email to editor@womanthismonth. com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. Change is here Having a teen is no easy job. As clichéd as it sounds, there’s nothing that can prepare you for it. All we can do as parents are share our experiences, learn from our mistakes and hope for the best. I’m a frequent reader of WTM and I find the parenting features very helpful and often eye-opening. I had never really considered my parenting style to affect my child’s career choice. Dr Clare BeckettMcInroy has encouraged me to take a look at myself before I expect my boy to make a life-altering decision. It’s never too late to fix things or at least try to. I’ve been trying to better myself. It is unfair to expect my child to succeed in life when I don’t believe I’m doing the best that I can. The first step is to do something I’m passionate about instead of whining about my job on a daily basis. I want him to understand that growing up might be difficult, but that it comes with its own share of joys. And as my steps towards a line of business that I thoroughly enjoy might be difficult, I’m happy to be struggling for something I love. Progress might come with time, but he is so proud of me and that’s what matters. Khulood, by email. A new self This time in particular, while reading the February issue of WTM, I felt the article entitled ‘Tapping the inner genius’ was totally in sync with the changes I am seeing unfold in my life. The three areas touched upon by the article were just the areas I currently am working on, and focusing a lot of my energy on. Just like Manar Al Rayes, I’ve lately begun giving my gut feeling a serious position in my life. In my opinion one just cannot take it lightly and shrug it off. History is proof. The second new thing is yoga. I’ve been practising yoga now for a couple of months and I’m still a beginner and loving it. I am also working on putting myself together in terms of my wardrobe. Every girl needs a little bit of style. Many of us forget that we need to care for ourselves during our youth, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually too. I’m for sure saving this copy of WTM. Creative genius, by email. www.womanthismonth.com 15 February 2013 | People Tapping the Inner Genius It does not matter what influences we have been subjected to. It’s our unique approach to life and its challenges that really defines who we are. Creativity is a quality that we most often associate with the arts and artistic endeavours rather than anything else. It is only in recent times that creativity has been acknowledged in the sphere of business. Yet, most entrepreneurs will vouch for the fact that it was the thrill of creating something new and the joy of achieving it which keeps them going. We spoke to three young businesswomen in Bahrain to examine how they apply creativity in driving their business forward. Manar Al Rayes Fresh Perspective Manar Al Rayes believes in examining everything that’s happening in her field of interest before she can develop her own perspective of things. The 24-year-old brand manager of fashion accessories at Sharif Group handles such brands as Armani, Misaki, Crislu, Rochas, Pierre Cardin and Espirit on her own. Her brief involves travelling to international exhibitions where she orders jewellery, followed by stocking, pricing as well as marketing the collections for four A La Mode showrooms across the entire country. While there is no dearth of advice from the women in the family, especially her mother, Manar is always eager for client feedback and forever trying to learn about the changing tastes. She has now learnt to trust her “gut feeling” developed over the last two years, in bringing specific designs to Bahrain. Manar is now readying for the launch of the Cavalli line of jewellery on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. She’s trained her eyes on her newly opened store at Enma Mall in Riffa, where the top end accessory lines have been flying off the shelves. An enthusiastic ambassador of her brands, she habitually sports pieces from her latest collection, something that never fails to catch the eye of friends and acquaintances. Taking her brand promotions viral, Manar has an Instagram page, where she routinely uploads the latest jewellery lines. This business and finance graduate from the University of Bangor, Wales, is happy to divide her time between her twin passions — handling delicate jewellery by day and hard core martial arts by evening. “Through the practice of Taekwondo, I’ve developed a lot of confidence and discipline, essential attributes in my line of work. Of course, it is a great stress buster and helps me release all the negative energy,” says this petite black belt holder from Albanna Taekwondo Center. Manar uses platforms such as Jewellery Arabia for direct interaction with her clients and suppliers. | February 2013 www.womanthismonth.com 16 People Invoking a Higher Self Her high stress corporate job was leaving her drained, when a healing course with a reiki master suddenly opened up Weam Zabar’s horizons. As she started reiki healing for others, she discovered a world where she could relax while being on a daily job. Weam launched Namaste Bahrain, which she calls her ‘one-stop shop for holistic healing and self discovery’ in April 2011. “There are plenty of places offering physical relaxation in Bahrain. With Namaste, the idea was to create a sanctuary, a hideaway that one can leave feeling more centred and connected with oneself,” she says. Catering to the body as well as the mind, the centre offers a wide array of services with classes and workshops in yoga, reiki, art therapy, reflexology, pilates, hypnotherapy and gastric mind band therapy. Weam is bubbling with ideas for activities every month, devising a mix of workshops and retreats that appeal to various age groups. She’s flying in a yoga teacher from India for a workshop, while a meditation retreat slated for February in Sri Lanka has already been sold out. For Weam, meditation has been her key to creativity, the door between her inner and outer worlds. “All the great artists, writers and sculptors would attest that creativity flows not when they are thinking from their lower mind, but from their higher self,” she says. “As an entrepreneur, I learnt that I needed to change my orientation and mental habits before I could change the world around me. The outer world is a reflection of the inner one and I need to spend more time working on myself before I try to change things externally,” she adds. Weam now plans to affiliate her centre with the Yoga Alliance to turn it into a Yoga School where teachers can undertake certified yoga training. Weam Zabar www.womanthismonth.com 17 February 2013 | Envisioning Trends A self-confessed day dreamer, Zainab Al Alawi practises the art of tapping into a rich mental imagery when she’s looking for ideas. The 23-year-old fashion buyer and brand manager of the multi-brand boutique. Sacoche, derives her inspiration from music, art and travel. Also managing the Italian fashion label Balenciaga, Zainab has a job that most girls her age would envy. She keeps up with the latest fashion trends and upcoming designers by constantly travelling to fashion shows in Milan, Paris and London. “We showcase a hand-picked selection of creations from the leading designers, sourced directly from the runways of the fashin capitals of the world,” she says. Back in Bahrain, she visualises the display at her stores and advises clients on style and the latest trends. Two years into the job, her initial euphoria has now subsided and her perspective tinged with experience. “I realise that I cannot bring in whatever I like. I need to take into account the multicultural base of Bahrain, as well as the regional tastes and preferences,” she adds. However, the buying pattern has definitely changed since she joined the company. While Sacoche Boutique continues its association with high-end labels Zagliani, Nancy Gonzalez and Lana Marks, Zainab has opted to bring in the more affordable, but stylish and sophisticated labels such as M Missoni, Red Valentino and Issa London. She has launched her own website and announces the latest trends, colours and new collections through her page on Instagram and Twitter. Zainab studied fashion design at the Royal University for Women but concedes that her fashion inspiration remains her mother, Sausan. Zainab Al Alawi 48 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 49 March 2013 | Parenting Career Choice and Change As the world of work is changing, short term contracts are becoming more common. Changing careers a number of times have to be considered. Flexibility, communication skills, interpersonal skills and professionalism are all important too. There are strong links between career development and such factors as socioeconomic status, parents’ educational attainment and cultural background. However, there is a growing body of research related to the effects of family relationships and career success where close relationships provide experiences of security that promote exploration and risk taking. Early experiences are a basis for developing career self-efficacy and interests, as well as career goals and choices throughout life. So, how can your parenting styles, family functioning and interaction influence career development? The role of parenting styles Majority of theorists agree that early childhood experiences play a role in shaping career behaviour. It follows that parent-child relationships influence personality orientations and the development of psychological needs. Vocational interests and choices are some of the ways in which individuals try to satisfy those needs. The links between parenting styles and children achieving these needs are difficult to pinpoint but research evidence is emerging. Parenting styles are broad patterns of child rearing practices, values and behaviours. The authoritative style balances clear, high expectations with emotional support and recognition of children’s autonomy. Studies have associated this style with self-confidence, persistence, social competence, academic success and psychosocial development. Authoritative parents provide a warm family climate, set standards and promote independence, which result in more active career exploration on the part of children. Although authoritarian parenting is associated with school success, demands to conform and fulfil parents’ expectations regarding education and careers can cause a poor fit between the individual and the chosen career. Children with uninvolved parents sometimes struggle because they do not pursue interests that involve places and persons outside the family as easily. This makes it more difficult for children to develop self-knowledge and differentiate their own career goals from their parents’ goals. Family functioning and career development A more holistic way to look at this topic is to discuss the roles of the family. Overall family functioning, a broader notion that includes parenting style, includes such factors as support and guidance, positive or negative environmental influences and family members’ interaction styles. Family functioning has a greater influence on career development than either family structure (size, birth order, number of parents) or parents’ educational and occupational status. Parental support and guidance can include specific career/educational suggestions or choices, as well as experiences that support career development. These can be family holidays, provision of resources such as musical instruments and books as well as modelling of paid and unpaid work roles. On the other hand, lack of guidance and encouragement can lead to the inability to develop and pursue a specific career focus and can also take the form of disagreement, like when a parent pressures a child towards a particular career and may withdraw financial and emotional support for a career path they disagree with. For example, your child wants to study art and you want them to be a doctor. Family functioning also includes reactions to stressful circumstances by a child. For instance, making hasty, unreflective career choices in an attempt to flee or survive the family environment. On the other hand, life events can encourage learning that can shape a career direction. So, both significant others and critical incidents are all important in career decision making. Many people now move sideways in a company whilst continually developing skills and knowledge to stay employable. In this respect, what conscious and subconscious influences do you make as a parent in relation to your child’s career choice and development? Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy The four types of parenting styles are: • indulgent: more responsive than demanding; • authoritarian: highly demanding and directive but not responsive; • authoritative: both demanding and responsive; • uninvolved: low in responsiveness and demandingness. Parenting Styles The evidence shows that, to support career development, families should be: • well-organised • cohesive • expressive • transparent • trustworthy • able to seek ways to develop positively • sociable • democratic decision makers • positive towards individual development • emotional Career Development STAR LETTER Now Write Write Here

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8 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com People Widening Horizons Marriage need not necessarily be the end of the road to higher education for women. Indeed, as many women have discovered, it can be a stepping stone to higher aspirations and wider life goals. Many an ambitious wife will attest to the fact that integrating a career with family aspirations has now become realistic and possible. Far from being complacent with success, working women are increasingly turning to higher education in their quest for constant professional and personal growth. Two Bahraini career women pursuing higher education give us an insight into their endeavours in self-actualisation. Implementing Strategies La’aleh Al-Aali could pass off for a high school graduate. It comes as a surprise, when this petite 20- something reveals she is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Manchester, where she’s pursuing her PhD in the nationalisation strategies of GCC nations. La’aleh has always been ahead of her years. She was the youngest Bahraini in 2006 to win the Chevening Scholarship, which she used to pursue a master’s degree in human resources development (HRD). Back in Bahrain after earning a distinction, she found few organisations here work within the specialisation of HRD. “Organisations in Bahrain have approached personnel management as a service. The development of the workforce, which is at the core of HRD, hasn’t yet taken off in the Kingdom. If we’re to sustain the economy, we need to retain and develop educated nationals in the workforce,” she notes. La’aleh was implementing a performance management system for GPIC, an organisation she believes is a true model for HRD, when GPIC president Abdul Rahman Jawahery encouraged her to pursue this area further. “I’m now looking at HR from a wider perspective, more in the realm of government policy. I want to help devise a national solution in utilising resources. I hope to make a change in Bahrain with my participation in the capacity building process,” she says. Most Bahraini youngsters don’t have a mentor to advise them on a choice of career or higher education and education itself has failed to meet the market needs, she observes. Retaining young and educated Bahrainis is another challenge as they need employers who can trust them and develop their potential. “I think certain positions should be nationalised by law, because only a Bahraini understands the local mindset and the culture. A national can be an effective coach and mentor,” she says. Bahraini women too, need to contribute more to the economy, by being more active in their careers, rather than restricting themselves to certain sectors and certain working hours. “We need to sacrifice some years of our lives before we get into our comfort zone. Women should not compromise on their family or the organisation they work for, which is a second family. It’s likely that they’ll find a balance between these two homes,” she adds. As for herself, La’aleh concedes that she’s lucky to have an open-minded husband and parents, who have always backed her aspirations. “If it hadn’t been for my husband’s unstinted support, I might have pursued higher learning, but it would have been of the distance learning variety,” she says. La’aleh Al-Aali La’aleh Al-Aali

10 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com A Balancing Act Raised by a single mother as the fourth of seven siblings, Nabeela Al Qaseer’s story is that of high motivation and self-made accomplishment. She started working at the age of 19 in a secretarial post at BBK. “I worked until 2 in the afternoon and then took professional courses until 7pm at what was then Bahrain Polytechnic College. It was hard work, but I had to polish up my skills and training to move ahead professionally,” says Nabeela, now head of recruitment at BMI. She later joined ABN AMRO Bank, where, with her career still in doldrums, she decided to change track and switch to a banking clerk’s position before moving onto financial control, operations and client relationship management. Not entirely satisfied with her role, Nabeela sought a lateral transfer again in early 2002, this time into human resources management and this is where she found her true calling. In fact, so diligent was she in her role that she managed the entire HR funcation wih a single subordinate HR assistant during the bank’s rapid expansion in Bahrain. The full-time working mother of four has continued her professional development with a number of part-time courses. She’s now working towards the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification, where she aims to complete Level 5 before June this year. Nabeela’s experience is remarkable, not only on account of the professional risk taking, but in terms of the balance she has struck between her personal goals and her goals for her family. “Every time I sought a transfer, I was never afraid to start from scratch. Positions are not important to me; I care more for my contribution in the organisation as well as professional respect and team work,” she feels. When it comes to her children, Nabeela and her husband are determined to provide them the best of education. Her elder son and daughter hold professional qualifications from the UK, while her third daughter is pursuing her undergraduate degree there. “There was nobody to guide me, so I did the best I could. But we’ve established clear goals for our children and want them to achieve their full potential,” she notes. Nabeela’s role model remains her enterprising and open-minded mother, who raised seven children on her own as a young widow in Bahrain. “She had to take up tailoring to support us, but she never let us feel any sense of deprivation in our childhood. She took care of my children while my husband and I were busy establishing our respective careers. I can safely say that without her support, I would neither have achieved my personal goals nor the targets I set for my family,” she avers. Nabeela Al Qaseer

12 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com CampaignSlim Down and Live Healthy Bahrain has its fair share of the obese and overweight population, but none are more at risk than people whose Body Mass Index is 40 or higher, a condition that is termed ‘potentially life threatening’ by doctors. “Shrink your Waist, Grow your Health” is a weight loss project launched by Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) to specifically address this particular segment. Under the initiative, RBH will bring top Italian surgeons to the Kingdom, where they will be available for consultation and weight loss surgeries on a regular basis. “Through careful study of the GCC needs, we realised that obesity is a major social health issue that RBH, as a medical facility, should tackle,” says Ravi Preet, chief operating officer at RBH. The Italian team comprises Dr Emanuele Smrekar, a general surgeon and oncologist who specialises in bariatric surgery and Dr Giovanni Battista Ferrando a cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Bariatric surgery mainly involves either a gastric binding or a gastric bypass procedure. With a gastric bypass, the stomach is made much smaller causing it to fill up with small quantities of food, which means that the body absorbs fewer calories. Gastric banding involves fitting a band around the top of the stomach, which causes a feeling of fullness even with small amounts of food. Both surgeries are designed to be permanent, but only patients with life-threatening obesity, that is, those with a body mass index of over 40, are eligible for these procedures. Also part of the new weight loss project is RBH nutrition therapist and dietician Nada Jawahery who will assist in the recovery process, ensuring that patients follow the right diet and alter their nutrition practices after the surgery. CFar Medicals, an international medical recruiting and services provider, is bringing the Italian surgeons to Bahrain. The project was launched on February 21 with an open house, inviting patients to walk in for a health check-up and pose queries to doctors and dieticians before they register for treatment. The initiative has twin objectives, notes Haifa Naseeb, spokesperson for the project at RBH. “The first is to encourage weight loss as a solution not only to obesity, but for resolving all obesity-related diseases. Secondly, we understand that only patients with a BMI of 40 and above are eligible for weight loss surgery. Thus, we hope to encourage people who fall in the BMI range of 30 and above to adapt lifestyle changes and improve their health,” she says. By Simi Kamboj There’s no denying that obesity ranks among the top three health issues confronting the Kingdom today. A new weight loss initiative by Royal Bahrain Hospital offers a last resort for the dangerously obese.

BAHRAIN Bahrain City Centre 1668 6215, Seef Mall 1668 6225 DUBAI The Dubai Mall 04 339 8786, Mall of the Emirates 04 340 7120 Mirdiff City Centre 04 284 3634, Dubai Festival City 04 232 6185 Arabian Centre 04 4284 5267, Dubai Marina Mall 04 399 7068, Dubai Outlet Mall 04 425 5921 ABU DHABI Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall 02 645 0315, Fatouh Al Khair 02 634 5037, Dalma Mall AL AIN Bawadi Mall 03 784 0912, SHARJAH Sahara Center 06 531 8240 DOHA Landmark, KUWAIT The Avenues Mall, Souq Sharq SAUDI Rashid Mall, Red Sea Mall, Mall of Dahran, Basateen Mall

Fashion www.womanthismonth.com Spring Summer 2013 The wait is over. Woman This Month unveils our fashion guide for the season. We have narrowed down all the hottest trends to help you kick-start a shopping spree. Grab your marker and Post-It notes to highlight your favourites, from classic black and white outfits to exquisite patterns. At a Glance 16 Ethnic Urban 18 Fairytale Land 20 Colour Your World 22 Monochrome Mode 24 Multilayered Concepts 26 Sheer Fabrics 28 Striking Stripes 30 Tropical Nights 32 Covered in White 34 Eye-Catching Accessories 14 | April 2013 Roberto Cavalli

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16 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion The chic international traveller look is stepping out from the catwalk and making its way to the high street. The ethnic urban look mixes a tribal style with Japanese influences, African colours and cultural aspects from diverse places around the world. Kimonos and kaftans are versatile pieces to add to your wardrobe to become stylish beach wear or paired with heels, a fashionable frock for a night of clubbing. The new silhouette is sexy and expresses femininity. Fringed beads, tie-dye, raffia, handmade accessories, tribal patterns and an explosion of colours are the elements in this trip around the world. Tory Burch added this multicultural design to her new collection and Ralph Lauren’s collection tapped into Spanish influences. Mixing two or more styles from different cultures results in a unique look. The colourful designs are fun to wear and very expressive. You will look every bit the international explorer even if you never to venture out of the city. Ethnic Urban CHECK OUT THE DETAIL Mary Katrantzou Isabel Marant Vivienne Westwood Tory Burch Etro Dolce&Gabanna Dolce&Gabanna Gucci Saint Laurent Emilio Pucci Ralph Lauren

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick April 2013 | Get The Look Having a total ethnic look is not the point of this trend in your everyday dressing. The key is to add some pieces to bring colour and personality to your look. A big chunky necklace made of multiples beads or exotic feathers is a tribal accessory worth keeping. Put your wild picks together with a tame outfit to create a statement look. Marisota Monsoon Internacionale Asos H&M Bertie Peter Pilotto Missguided F&F River Island Mango 17 The hippie look is back with the revival of the tribal pattered rucksack. Use it as a fun accessory and not as the main attraction. Topshop

www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Delicate fabrics such as muslin and chiffon in dreamy soft colours take us to an enchanted world where fairies and princesses live happily ever after. Butterflies, bows, flowing pleats in pastel hues highlight this very feminine look. Luxury Italian fashion house, Blumarine took to the runway to create A Midsummer Night’s Dream with fluid dresses in soft shades. Nina Ricci and Chloe, with their well-known feminine style, opted for an appealing look for a daytime event or a romantic night out. In a long, medium or short length, sweetness is guaranteed. Delicate flowers with butterflies are the favourite elements to create a magic garden. The dreamy aura is mostly painted in light pink, blue and green. This season’s girly look is all about irregular cuts, volume and luminous fabric; a provocative touch can be achieved with lace or sheer fabric. Princesses don’t show off, they simply stand out in their own light. Fairytale Land Donna Karan Blumarine Christopher Kane Blugirl Giorgio Armani J Mendel Giambatista Valli Chole Nina Ricci Alberta Ferretti Chanel CHECK OUT THE DETAIL 18 | April 2013

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick Get The Look To incorporate the trend, choose soft hues and go flowery. For a total fairytale look, pick a girly dress, light pink shoes and copy Blumarine’s Blugirl hairstyles. You will be ready to jump into a princess story and find your enchanted prince.For a less serious look, pick a volume skirt or accessories for a modern love story. April 2013 | A flower necklace teamed with a white shirt is the perfect touch for subtle romance. L'Occitane Badgley Mischka at Saks Fifth Avenue Bottega Venetta Miss Selfridge Fenn Wright Manson Accessorize Louis Vuitton Agent Provocateur Next Jane Norman Coast 19

www.womanthismonth.com Fashion The longer days of spring and summer mean colours are brighter than ever. For this season, choose your favourite bold hue and get dressed. Reds, greens and blues come in Lego shades for a standout look. As high summer begs for fresh colours, WTM’s favourite options are pink, orange and yellow. The runway brought bold colours out in full force, sometimes mixed with white to tone it down, or in a fluorescent version. These delightful shades are perfect to wear on your summer vacation.. Ermanno Scervino and Nina Ricci opted for a one-colour look, with matching dresses, shoes and handbags; Stella McCartney mixed bold shades with soft hues giving a balanced look. The options are wide and the choice is yours! The indispensable colours in any kid’s crayon box and in your favourite bag of candy must be part of your wardrobe this season. Get bold and colour the streets. Colour Your World CHECK OUT THE DETAIL | April 2013 20 Osman Simone Rocha Ermanno Scervino Cedric Charlier Rami Al Ali Atelier Versace Gucci Fendi Chado Ralph Rucci Nina Ricci Stella McCartney

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick Get The Look April 2013 | Mix the three key colours: pink, orange and yellow, or find a key piece like these pair of trainers to show off your fashion style. When walking around big cities and entering offices you always find a range of blacks, greys, soft blues and white. Wearing colour is indeed a difficult mission for an everyday look, but in summer, make a special effort to celebrate these warm days. Karen Millen Steve Madden Asos Gap Coast Michael Kors Juicy Couture Laredoute Matalan Issa London at Etoile Oasis 21

22 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Just like true love, black and white have are an everlasting story. Opposites attract in this season’s return to basics. Although this colour match appears season after season, designers never tire of inserting a splash of yin and yang into their collections. Emporio Armani and Lanvin put the colours together in tops and dresses; Balenciaga and Celine created the monochrome effect matching black and white in separate pieces. For Lacoste, the inseparable shades appeared in patterns. No matter how it looks, black and white is an assertive look for all occasions. People say when you don’t know what to wear, just throw on something black and white and you will be ready to go. While this may be true, you can still update your wardrobe by going to your favourite store and picking a graphic or optical illusion top and matching it with a fluid pair of white trousers. The result will be sartorial elegance. Monochrome Mode Lanvin Y-3 Roland Mouret Viktor & Rolf Emporio Armani Lacoste Celine Balenciaga Dsquared2 Junya Watanabe Rachel Zoe CHECK OUT THE DETAIL

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick Get The Look Temperley at Saks Fifth Avenue M&Co Warehouse Jason Wu at Net-a-porter Karen Millen Topshop Debenhams Marks & Spencer Louis Vuitton Tod's The only rule for this season: be creative. Forget about black trousers and a white shirt or blouse, it is too obvious. Play with accessories. Instead of black pumps, go for white platform shoes. Try out this contemporary style for a timeless and safe choice. Austin Reed 23 April 2013 | This reinterpreted suit jacket is classy and could be your best companion for shopping days inside ‘cool’ malls.

24 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Mixing and matching colours is tough work and putting patterns together is almost an impossible mission, but a designer’s creative mind and skilled vision can make it a reality. Find inspiration, and a keen eye, by mixing colour combinations and patterns. Some safe fashion rules say that if you pick one patterned piece, then you must go simple and neutral with the other pieces. This season, some designers are saying the opposite: mix and match similar motifs or colours and go wild. At first you think this will never have a happy outcome. However, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten revealed in their fashion shows that it is possible, and that the look is actually unique and outstanding. You can carry off the look by wearing a dress or top with the patterns already mixed, or when layering different designs in shirts, skirts, jackets and accessories. Multilayered Concepts CHECK OUT THE DETAIL Proenza Schouler Preen Max Mara Dries Van Noten Alexandre McQueen Emilio Pucci Erdem Kenzo Hermes Marc by Marc Jacobs Antonio Marras

www.womanthismonth.com Get The Look For those who feel confident enough to put your creativity in action, layer similar patterns with colours of the same family to get a contemporary grunge style. However, if you are not sure about the final result but want to get into the trend, choose a piece with your favourite combination and rock it. See by Chloe Oasis George East House of Fraser Boohoo H&M Phase Eight Paul's Boutique Very Editor's Pick The chosen piece must be pleasing to the eye and the patterns must ‘talk’ to each other. This dress is like an impressionist painting with a mixture of delicate colours and soft patterns. Michael Van Der Ham at Net-a-porter 25 April 2013 |

26 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Designers have been playing with an abundance of sheer, now-you-see-itnow-you-don’t fabrics this season. Transparency is here to stay. This seethrough trend isn’t as full-on, bold or unwearable as in past collections. Sheer can be found everywhere, from unexpectedly suggestive cut outs to peeking out of the bottom of hems or layered over short skirts. From the gauzy detail at Victoria Beckham to the total translucent covers at Thakoon, it is safe to say a little bit more skin will be exposed this season. Moreover, designers have made it possible to wear most transparent clothes from straight off the runways. The see-through trend has also spread to accessories. Shoes and jewellery have gone plastic but are far from being tacky. Handbags must be very organized, since these are a must-have piece for the summer. Sheer Fabrics CHECK OUT THE DETAIL Diesel Black Gold Thakoon Reed Krakoff Calvin Klein Collection Victoria Beckham Valentino Givenchy Versus BCBG Max Azria Sportmax Anne Valerie Hash

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick Get The Look This demure skirt highlights the peek-a-boo side of the trend. While you are showing your legs, you are also hiding it, creating a mysterious allure. Helmut Lang Marisota Michael Kors Lacoste Nina Ricci Eucalyptus Penneys Boohoo Warehouse Fifty Plus Curvissa Transparency can be very classy if it is done right; however, too much can also be risky. There's a fine line between elegance and loosing control. Choose delicate blouses with see-through sleeves or a cocktail dress with sheer panelling to show a little skin. 27 April 2013 | Koton

28 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion Graphic patterns in two or more colours were all over the fashion shows and stripes were a favourite of designers. You will find them everywhere from fashion to home decor. The sailor look is easily incorporated into your wardrobe with striped jackets, dresses, tops, shorts and, even, trousers. Marc Jacobs spread the trend into both his brands, Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs; criss-cross lines were also the theme at Louis Vuitton where Jacobs is the creative director. Moschino, with its 1960s inspiration, and the fine cuts offered by Dior turned the sportive stripes into elegant and classy ways of wearing the trend. The runways opted for thick lines and two colours patterns, mostly vertical, but in stores you will find the trends combined. Bold or pastel colours mixed with all sorts of stripes, in all directions, is the way to embrace the trend and enjoy your sunny days with some flamboyance. Striking Stripes Paul Smith Tommy Hilfiger Moschino Marc Jacobs Michael Kors Dior Acne Issey Miyake Marc by Marc Jacobs Oscar de La Renta Haider Ackermann CHECK OUT THE DETAIL

www.womanthismonth.com Get The Look Striped patterns are easy to wear and usually worn on casual occasions; a pair of jeans with a striped top is a perfect outfit to go to the mall. This season, the popular print is also making its way into evening wear and elegant dresses that are made with fine fabrics. Crew Clothing Debenhams Bonprix Carolina Herrera Awear Dune River Island Gap Bonmarche Women's Secret Editor's Pick 29 April 2013 | Primark Vertical striped trousers are the new jeans this spring. The optical effect gives you longer legs; a good trick to grow a few centimetres.

30 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion This trend is all about looking fresh to battle hot and humid days. Flower and leaf patterns painted in natural colours, such as greens, browns, blues, oranges and yellows, offer an invigorating appearance to breeze through spring and summer. Nature is the inspiration for this trend allowing you to blend the forest, garden or ocean. Designers have injected their personal interpretation of nature that results in unique pieces. Kenzo and Missoni have a tradition of developing breathless prints; this time they looked to nature to create unique patterns. Kenzo explored the jungle, while Missoni introduced the sunset in the sky with green elements into their collection. Vivid prints in big or small sizes are also seen in accessories. If a total foliage look is too wild for your urban style, then small flowery details will put you in the mood of the season. Tropical Nights Kenzo Paul&Joe Marni Rodarte Mulberry Missoni Just Cavalli Leonard Moschino House of Holland Jean Charles de Castelbajac CHECK OUT THE DETAIL

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick You might imagine a tropical look in a scene by the sea, but this trend is also street smart. The foliage suit jacket, paired with your favourite jeans and white accessories, refreshes your look. For dresses, go for a colourful pattern with neutral shoes and handbags. Get The Look Bonprix Penneys Juicy Couture Zagliani at Etoile Mawi Urban Outfitters Marks & Spencer House of Fraser Fever CC 31 April 2013 | A tropical motif is the obvious print for your new swimsuit. Forget about colour blocking pieces and just get tanned in style.

32 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Fashion While winter is long gone, this summer is covered with a white hue typical of the season. Total off-white looks and no-colour accessories are the hottest picks for this trend. You can use it at the beach or take it to the office; it's a safe and fashionable choice this season. For sunny and hot days, like the ones experienced in the Middle East, white is a perfect pick. Light and sheer fabrics are a comfortable and suitable option for your everyday routine, with the added benefit of being completely in vogue. Mulberry, Chloe, Chalayan and many other fashion names took white seriously with at least one head-to-toe look presented in their respective fashion shows. The message is that less is more. This neutral colour has the flexibility to allow it to be paired with trendy rainbow shades; three cheers to this versatile and desirable hue! Covered in White CHECK OUT THE DETAIL AF Vandevorst Rag & Bone Rochas Yohji Yamamoto Chloe Stella McCartney Guy Laroche Chalayan Atelier Versace Trussardi Mulberry

www.womanthismonth.com Editor's Pick Get a loose pair of trousers with fitted top, high heel sandals and clutch all tinted in white for an unforgettable evening. The casual look is best with ballerina flats, cotton dresses and a sombrero hat. Get The Look CC Eucalyptus Mango Austin Reed Bhs Carolina Herrera Coach Valentino Hobbs Salvatore Ferragamo Perrelet 33 April 2013 | Keep your eyes protected and avoid wrinkles by wearing fashionably large sunglasses. And for the last time, yes you must select white coloured shades.

34 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com FashionEye-Catching Accessories are the best way to spice up your look. You can turn a daytime outfit into an evening gown just by adding the right details. We’ve selected the most wanted runway pieces for the season. Make your list! Au Naturel Natural materials such as shells, raffia and straw are leaving the seaside and hitting the streets. Natural pieces incorporated in designers’ creations offer a lighter feel to a look and are perfect choices for a casual and contemporary style. Dyed articles or natural items appear in handbags, shoes and jewellery. It is a way to say that summer is back in town. Striking Heels Charm lives in the details. Nowadays you can find shoes in many colours and a multitude of styles. What is a girl to do? Play with the heels. Wedges are full of details and attract everybody’s attention. Sculpted heels in different shapes and materials are all the rage! Donna Karan Donna Karan Emilio Pucci Dune Sophia Webster Anya Hindmarch at net-a- porter.com Tory Burch

www.womanthismonth.com 35 April 2013 | Accessories Funky Creations Fashion can be fun and creative with unusual accessories becoming unique style statements. Release your inner child with the sometimes unwearable offerings from the runways. Accessories are all about having fun! Flowing Fringe Cowboy-chic and fringe mania is mainstream this season; they are applied to handbags, shoes and necklaces and that’s exactly where they belong. The long strings give an extension to the accessories making them stand out. Let your accessories flow. Fendi Celine Charlotte Olympia Clutcht Accessorize Marios Schwab Versace Jimmy Choo Mango

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