WELLBEING Healthy Food Swaps HOMES Pretty in pink Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | FOOD | LOCAL ISSUES PEOPLE Words co-founder Eileen Abuhamad Celebrity chef Dima Al Sharif Tariq Jaberi On going organic DESIGNER FOCUS Noon By Noor April 2018 | Issue 182 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com TRAVEL Island Hopping FOOD Spotlight on a new venue BEAUTY Spring hair trends ALL THE HOTTEST RUNWAY TRENDS Fashion
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 2 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 [email protected]. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 6 Over to You 8 The Month in Focus 10 Hot Shots: Things that have piqued the editor’s interest this month FASHION 12 Pick of the month: Say It With Sparkles 15-27 Trends Report: Spring-Summer 2018 28-29 Designer Spotlight: Noon By Noor PEOPLE 32-33 Wafa Al Obaidat: Introducing the inaugural Women Power Summit 34-35 Eileen Abuhamad: On building a community space 36 Dima Al Shairf: The TV chef shares her inspirations 37 Julia Tovey: Talks affordable healthcare for all 38-39 Tariq Jaberi: The island's accessible organic farmer BEAUTY 40 Tips: Get Cheeky 42 Styling: Beat the heat for your hair 44-45 News: Latest products and happenings LIFESTYLE 48-49 Wellbeing: Healthy lifestyle swaps 50 Food: Chef's Special 51 Food: Review 52-53 Homes: Pinkspiration 57 Travel: Island Hopping 62 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 63 Horoscope: What's in store this month. 64 In Her Shoes: Ella Prakash 15 29 APRIL 34 36 20 58
P.O. Box: 584, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: +973 17291537 / 17727600, Email: [email protected] Intercol and Sheaffer congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain in keeping the spirit of motorsports alive through the F1 Grand Prix 2018. F9519 Inspired by creative minds for the ultimate writing experience. Make that memorable occasion even more special with the new Sheaffer® Ferrari Taranis.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 4 April is always a crazy busy month in office and it's all about fashion. Not only are we ooing and ahing over the revelations of the Autumn-Winter shows, but we're also putting together our big biannual fashion feature. Fernanda has been working harder than ever to bring you a record number of trends and I'm happy to say there's something to suite every taste, shape, age and budget. So, make sure you check out our pages before you do your holiday shopping. In this month's interview section, we have the pleasure of introducing the island's first ever Women Power Summit. We're partnering with organisers Obai & Hill to bring you all the information on this fab event, which is all about encouraging women into the workforce and helping them blossom and grow. I also spoke to Eileen Abuhamad about the ongoing development of Words Bookstore Cafe as a community hub. Celeb chef Dima Al Sharif answered some questions ahead of her visit to the island — and had so much to say that we've featured her full interview online at www.womanthismonth.com and, sticking with a foodie theme, Tariq Jaberi explained the concept behind his organic farm where people can pick their own veggies — now, that really is a welcome development. In the beauty section, you'll find tips from celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo and how to keep your hair looking great during hot weather — just right for us here as the mercury rises — and Apple gives you the lowdown on how to get a perfect sunkissed blush. This month's Chef's Special is also celebrity inspired with a student of Michelin-starred Oliver Glowig sharing his kitchen secrets. And lucky Behnaz got to try out the delisous fare at newly opened Miam restaurant — I'll be following her recommendations when I visit. As always, there's travel and homes and much, much more and we're still working on Woman This Month's new-look website, where you'll find regular competitions, news updates and more. Have a look and let me know what you think either on social media or write to [email protected]. chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics HATEM MONEM media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers EKATERINA ESPINASSE circulation and research ROANNA FERNANDES photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2017© 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 here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. 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 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain April 2018, Issue 182 On the cover: René Caovilla SS18 EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director Our month: Anne joined friends for a ladies' lunch at Coral Bay and Kat headed to the launch of Seven Concept.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com news 6 Letters I absolutely loved, loved, loved your wedding issue in March. You seemed to have thought of all the most important things, like the venue, make-up, and, of course, the dress! It makes me happy that you have featured dresses for all kinds of brides. Also, the checklist for every brideto-be before her big day is just perfect. I’m saving this issue for my sister, whose wedding is on the cards. Isabel, Seef It’s great that Woman This Month has shed light on bullying, which is sadly a very common happening in schools and peer groups. Kudos to the Naseem Foundation for taking up the cause and spreading awareness about the dangers of this socially unacceptable behaviour. Parents must be in tune with their children, especially adolescents, and pick up on the warning signs of them bullying or being bullied. After all, being on either side of the fence is dangerous. Tina, Hamala I have been doing my research on hair Botox but have got mixed reviews from others. I was a little sceptical as to whether it will damage my already stressed-out hair, like other chemical treatments. Thanks to Woman This Month’s article on what the procedure is all about, and where to go for it, I am confident it is the thing for me this summer. Vicky, Busaiteen Dubai-based modest fashion brand, Desert Cove, offers the modern modest woman the long-awaited opportunity to express herself in the latest trends without compromising her modest needs. The brand aims to bridge the gap between mainstream fashion and modesty, asserting both can be achieved beautifully. Every collection that Desert Cove features has an extraordinary amount of hard work behind it, from the valuable feedback of the customers to the complex trial and test method the founder, Mosika Zeid, undertakes with each design. Lawyer, entrepreneur and mother, Mosika, relocated to Dubai from her native Australia and found it difficult to find modest on-trend basics in the UAE. She realised there was a gap in the market and Desert Cove was born, revolving around a minimalist yet modern aesthetic. Having closed the show at Dubai Modest Fashion Week, the brand is now coming to Bahrain and will be available at the Milk Concept Store in Riyadat Mall, A'ali. To celebrate, readers have the chance to win two pieces from the latest collection. Keep an eye on our social media pages for details on how to participate. Win,Win,Win! Most Liked Post on Instagram Our contest to win a free gift from Al Hawaj attracted the highest number of likes, shares and comments. Most Liked Post on Facebook a video post wishing our fans a happy International Woman’s Day 2018 got highest number of views this month. Best Reaction on Twitter Woman This Month’s interview with Ines Kharrat got the highest impressions and clicks. We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at [email protected] Follow us on: Instagram: @womanthismonth Twitter: @WomanThisMonth Facebook: Woman This Month A First for America Tahera Rahman is ushering in a new era of broadcast journalism for Americans, showing that everyone deserves to be represented. The journalist, from Naperville, Illinois, is a news reporter for WHBF-TV. Tahera, 27, has vied for the on-air position for several years and, even after working at the station as a producer for two years, she was overlooked for the job. But not losing sight of her dream of stepping in front of the camera, Tahera persisted, even when a colleague told her America wasn’t ready for a hijabi TV reporter. Thankfully, she still applied and her reel proved to be the best of all the applicants. Tahera is now hoping that her talent and work will be the main story and not her headscarf. “I am where I belong. And you have to deal with it because this is my America, too,” she says. www.metro.co.uk # Trending What’s caught our eye in the news this month Doll Power Mattel, the maker of the everpopular Barbie, has announced the new ‘Inspiring Women’ Barbie collection. The move honours three historic women who have left their mark on the world. Amelia Earhart – the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Freida Kahlo – the famous artist and activist, and Katherine Johnson – a major pioneer in the field of mathematics who worked for NASA, all have their doll avatars now. The dolls are available for purchase. www.today.com
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com news 8 April in Focus There’s more on our radar this month than ever, with great events across the island. Popping Good Shopping There are not one, not two, but three pop-up events happening this month. The first is on April 7 when Bahrain Pop-Up Market returns, this time at Riffa Palms, with its usual selection of designer chic, artsy pieces and great food. Then on April 14 to 16 the Lokal Pop-Up Shop is at Oliveto, combining a curated collection of pieces from regional designers with great food. The last one for the month is Words Bookstore Café’s Ramadan Designer Atelier, on April 18 to 21, featuring beautiful pieces from brands such as Tiny Om and LeBonTon. We can already feel our credit cards cowering! A Bit of Bruno It is, of course, the month when the world’s biggest motor racing stars head to the Kingdom for the F1 and Formula One weekend brings with it parties across the island with international names laid on to entertain us. We’ll be heading to the Bruno Mars tribute act, Bran Maz and his band, at Coda Jazz Lounge. We had a sneak peek at some of the videos online and this guy could give the real thing a run for his money. From the sharp suits and slicked hair to the amazing voice, we can’t wait. Hope to see you there. Pet Expo It’s no secret that we at WTM love our pets. Cats, dogs, rocks; you name it and we’ll lavish loving attention on it. So, of course, we’ll be heading to Adhari Park on April 13 for this year’s big Pet Expo. There’ll be goodies for you and your furry friend, pet competitions, an expert discussion panel talking about the Kingdom’s stray problem, kids’ entertainment, a food corner, free grooming and vet checks and loads more. In fact, it’s the cat’s whiskers! Dining With Wolfgang We hear celeb chef Wolfgang Puck is a bit of a race fan, so it’s no surprise that he usually manages a visit to the island around this time of year to keep an eye on his restaurants CUT and re/Asian and, of course, check out a bit of F1 action. He’s hosting brunch at CUT on April 6 and on April 7 there’ll be an Asian barbecue outside on The Lawn at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay. Trust us, we’ve been to one of these before and it really is quite something. So, if you go along, don’t be surprised to meet us there tucking in to some seriously fabulous food and perhaps snapping a selfie with the great man himself. Beach Babes If, like us, you’re partial to a bit of fun in the sun, it’s time to dig out the bikini and head to Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa where they’ll be celebrating Spring Break with an awesome beach party featuring DJ Hanna. The Ukraine native holds the number 89 position in the Top100DJanes 2017 published by djanemag.com. She is the embodiment of positive energy, cheerfulness and sophisticated style and her technical and musical ability are guaranteed to get the beach jumping. Our Favourite Festival Trib Fest is back at Bahrain Rugby Football Club on April 27 with a whole host of talented folks flown out from the UK to sing, play and dance their way through 12 hours of non-stop music. From Freddie Mercury to the Brit Pop greats via glam rock and country, there’s sure to be something for every taste. And, of course, there’s always a great atmosphere at the Rugby Club fuelled by plentiful pitch-side grub and beverages. Shorts and flip-flops at the ready for a fab day out. Don’t forget the sun screen.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com news 10 HOT SHOTS FACEBOOK SHOCKER In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, I heard you can access all the data Facebook holds on you. All you need to do is go into settings and at the bottom of the general settings page there is a section where you can download your personal data from the platform. It’s a bit of a scary revelation! Beware, though. If you’re going to do this, make sure your laptop, or wherever you save it, is secure! Word of the Month Blatherskite. My personal favourite of the ones we’ve featured so far, it means “A person who talks at great length without making much sense.” We all know at least one, right? THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES MARK 2 A film about tennis greats Billie-Jean King and some guy, oh, OK, former world number one Bobby Riggs, Battle of the Sexes made good box office last year. Now it seems the BBC may have set itself up for a rematch with the revelation that it pays John McEnroe 10 times as much for Wimbledon coverage as Martina Navratilova. The Beeb has tried to dig itself out of this particular hole by arguing that McEnroe’s role is entirely different to that of the female former champ. That may well be the case but Navratilova has gone on record to say that her agent actually asked if there was a wage gap and was told “no”. After Carrie Gracie’s very public spat with the corporation earlier this year over her lack of parity with male colleagues, it seems the BBC has some way to go to restore its credibility in the equality stakes. And, as a publicly funded broadcaster, I’d say the UK government needs to step in and tell it, very emphatically, to get its house in order or risk losing licence payers’ cash. From the editor’s chair, Liz O’Reilly shares the things that have piqued her interest this month. BEHIND THE VEIL It seems that every month there is a new and momentous development to comment on from across the causeway. This month, it’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statement to CBS that: “The laws are very clear and stipulated in the laws of Sharia: that women wear decent, respectful clothing, like men. This, however, does not particularly specify a black abaya or a black head cover.” He went on to say: “The decision is entirely left for women [sic] to decide what type of decent and respectful attire she chooses to wear.” This is a big deal, and not just for Saudi women. Much of the Muslim world takes its guidance from Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain, for instance, local friends tell me the black clothing, now so common, was rarely seen before the opening of the causeway. They say Bahraini women’s traditional way of dressing was much more colourful. It would be lovely to see a return to this – if, of course, that is the woman’s choice. DOGGONE IT! I’m delighted to report Bahrain finally has something that has been missing from this little island and is much needed — a dog park. It was due to open as we went to press, so I can’t tell you too much about it but what I do know is that it’s at Bed and Biscuits and promises two large, grassed play areas (one for little dogs and one for the bigger guys) where our four-legged friends can have a good old run and romp. Regular readers will know that I’m a bit of a crazy dog lady, so, I’m looking forward to paying a visit and will report back in due course. POWER TO THE (FEMALE) PEOPLE I’m proud to tell you that we’re partnering with the Women’s Empowerment Summit that’s due to take place on the island over two days next month. There’ll be big-name speakers and around 500 women are expected to take advantage of a series of workshops, mentorship programmes, networking events, Q&A sessions and more, all aimed at encouraging women across all areas of business. It’s set to be a brilliant event, which I’m really looking forward to attending. Find out more in our interview with organiser Wafa Alobaidat, on page 32. Hope to see lots of you there.
www.womanthismonth.com 11 April 2018 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Ultimate India Festival Lulu Hypermarket Bahrain held its Ultimate India Festival in celebration of the Republic Day of India at its premises in Galleria Mall. Mamta, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & Juzer Kaleem & Binu Anand & Renu Saji & Gopi Renu, Charanjeet & Hetaksh bd 55 For more information, call: 17812000 Email: [email protected] or visit: www.bsh.com.bh Terms & Conditions Apply Juffair: Main Line: 17812000 Appointments: 17812222 Emergency: 17812111 Fax: 17812012 Email: [email protected] West Riffa: First floor, Bldg: 767, Road: 1221, Block: 912 Tel: 13381338 Clinics Manager: 32180821 Email: [email protected] Special Couples Fertility Screening Package Package Includes: • Free consultation with a fertility specialist • Hormone Panel (TSH, FSH, LH, E2 and Prolactin) • Complete Blood Count with Differential • Pelvic Ultrasound • Semen Analysis JO3901_BSH_Women_This_Month_Ad_125mmX191mm.indd 1 3/15/18 4:04 PM
BEST FOOT FORWARD FASHION | pick of the month Who says flatties can’t be sexy, sassy and fun? We’re loving these pumps from René Caovilla’s SS18 collection. Satin, pearls and sparkles combine with a chunky, gilt-edged heel and the latest pointy toe shape. All together it’s a package that forms the perfect spring shoe, with the added bonus of comfort! April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com Available at City Centre Bahrain and online at www.renecaovilla.com 12
www.womanthismonth.com 13 April 2018 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Zwemer Clinic Opening The American Mission Hospital held the opening ceremony of its Zwemer Clinic, dedicated to low income individuals, located within its premises. HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, governor of the Capital Governorate, HE Justin Siberell, US Ambassador, and other distinguished guests attended the event. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Ali & Delano Elize & Amaan Evelyn, Amour, Erin & Carmen Betty, Parvathy & Maria Rowena & Sandra Vinaya, Zakiya & Mithu Delano, Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Hisham, HE Justin Siberell, Julia, Dr Cheriyan & Josh Tara, Freeda & Treesa
14 April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Ladies Luncheon A ladies luncheon was held at Coral Bay. Anne, Sumaya & Anisa Sameera & Rebecca Ladies at lunch Kiki Roohi Hafidha Afternoon Tea Rashida hosted an afternoon tea get-together at her residence. Faye, Ratnani, Faikha, Rashida, Anne & Shohra Angela Monique HE Nor Huda Sameera Noraini Jameela Mariam Anne
SPRING SUMMER By Fernanda Langhammer The weather in the Middle East is a bit different from the rest of the world. While elsewhere everyone can’t wait for summer, we’re happy with our mild winter. We’re certainly blessed with plenty of sunny days, but those mild winters come with a price — extremely hot summers! To survive the season in style, hide from the heat in the cool mall corridors. Look for pastels, checks, bright shades, fringes, ruffles and pack your wardrobe with cute shorts. There are also a few other trends to look out for that might have stayed under your radar. Have fun shopping the new season and enjoy our shining sun! 2018 www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 FASHION | trends 15
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 16 Cotton Candy Pastels are a popular choice for spring and summer, so no surprises here. Many designers have opted for powdery shades to paint their creations this season. The cooler shades are their way to find some balance during melting hot weather. Beat the heat with an ice-blue handbag or dust off your lavender dress for a fresh look to enjoy the sunny days. Brands to look for: Nina Ricci, Bluemarine, Max Mara, Tod’s and Louis Vuitton. Top tip: To glam it up, bet on contrasts. A pale colour worn with black or a soft hue alongside a bold shade, such as red. Wear it well: Light shades can be worn from head to toe; team different tones of the same colour for a creative look. Pastels also work well when put togethe; think shades of blush paired with mint and baby pink. Alice & Olivia Max Mara Versace Blumarine Victoria Beckham Nina Ricci Bershka Next Salvatore Ferragamo H&M LOEWE
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 17 Sunny days are synonymous with colour, which is true with Crayola brights and rainbow effects. But this shade, spotted at many catwalk show,s lacks any pigment! They say white light is created by combining all colours in equal parts, so maybe they are there, somehow — and that’s why we love the pale shade so much. White Weather Giambattista Valli Michael Kors Collection Michael Kors Collection Nina Ricci Massimo Dutti Louis Vuitton Longchamp Simone Rocha Max Mara Elisabeta Franchi House of Holland Isabel Marant Brands to look for: Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Simone Rocha, Elisabeta Franchi and Michael Kors Collection. Top tip: Don’t let the season pass by without acquiring a light-weight white dress. Wear it day and night! Wear it well: White is actually the perfect hue to help beat the heat. Often made in organic materials, it is a neutral tone that goes with literally everything. And if you are on the heavier side and think that you should avoid it, you couldn’t be more wrong — use and abuse it when choosing your spring and summer outfits.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 18 Don’t put your checked printed clothes away just yet. As per our trend radar, the print is staying one more season. Not just a winter-only option anymore; designers have managed to adapt checks to perfection for bright sunny days using lighter or bolder colours and appealing vivid ginghams. This criss-cross motif is everywhere, from caps to socks. Check It Out Loewe Oasis Yours Hermes Zara Miu Miu Emporio Armani Balenciaga Versus Versace Sacai Fendi Brands to look for: Fendi, Emporio Armani, Loewe, Sacai and Hermes. Top tip: Look for funky tights like the ones from Fendi. They are pure joy and a clever statement when it comes to adopting the trend. Bershka Wear it well: We are in love with the idea of wearing checks with checks. You can try the same pattern in different pieces or different plaid elements paired together. Or even choose bags and shoes with the tartan motif.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 19 Showing some skin is what spring and summer are all about. The best way of doing it with class and style is with appealing sheer pieces. A see-through dress or top can set you in the right direction to achieve the look of the season. If you’re not a big fan of showing skin, just use the trend to expose your beautiful clothes with a translucent layer. It is all about what lies beneath. Going Gauzy Moncler Gamme Rouge Giambattista Valli YProject Dior Blumarine Miu Miu Givenchy Valentino New Look Lipsy Zara Brands to look for: Giambattista Valli, Miu Miu, Valentino, Dior and Blumarine. Top tip: To fully embrace the trend, reveal your cycling shorts or briefs under a long chiffon dress at your favourite summer destination. Wear it well: The trend transforms any nightgown into beautiful attire. However, you can also wear it for a dinner out or as a casual beach dress. Transparency can also be applied to accessories, the concept looks great in sandals and handbags. F&F
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 20 Wear it well: Don’t be afraid of putting many vibrant shades together, choose a linear long dress and pair it with colourful solid, but vivid accessories. When in doubt which shade to team with your lively dress, pick white and you’re good to go. Inspired by the colours of spring’s blossoming flowers, the fashion world displays a colourful palette. Designers entered the multicoloured universe of colouring pencils, crayons and rainbows to create their mood boards. Look for striped and vibrant fabric and prints to add a kaleidoscopic effect to your wardrobe. Sing a Rainbow Missoni Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Rahul Mishra Tory Burch Dolce & Gabbana Manish Arora Debenhams Jeremy Scott Tory Burch (2) Zara Rainbow manicure and makeup Brands to look for: Dolce&Gabbana, Missoni, Rahul Mishra, Tory Burch and Jeremy Scott. Top tip: Create the perfect summer outfit by painting your swimsuit and beach accessories in all colours of the spectrum. Tory Burch (1) Dune
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 21 Wear it well: The best way to own this trend is not to be afraid of tangles. The longer the fringes, the better. Whether in clothing pieces or accessories, you will strike a stylish pose with any fringed item. Layered is another great way to go. Think of Saint Laurent boots on the catwalk and unveil who is boss. Fringing is back! This time more sophisticated and empowered than ever. The flowing frills will have you swinging in style with the summer breeze. Applied to all sorts of garments, you’ll find plenty of different ways to adorn your clothes, from hanging threads and cords to fake feathers. Haberdashery, here we go! Dancing Ribbons Jacquemus Celine Calvin Klein Bottega Veneta Nina Ricci Oasis Dior Longchamp Miss Selfridge River Island Saint Laurent Saint Laurent Top tip: Choose a skirt or dress with a long fringed hem; they will sway beautifully with your walk for a mesmerising effect. Brands to look for: Calvin Klein, Celine, Bottega Veneta, Dior and Nina Ricci.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 22 Beach Ready It is that time of the year again when you dig into your wardrobe after your lost swimsuit and beach cover-ups. A good opportunity to invest in new pieces? Designers from all four fashion capitals agree that sunnier days are upon us and showed off their best garment ideas. Jacquemus Giorgio Armani Emilio Pucci Chanel Michael Kors Collection Missoni Bershka Versace Salvatore Ferragamo Brands to look for: Michael Kors Collection, Emilio Pucci, Chanel, Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo. Top tip: Invest in an extralarge-brimmed sun hat, like the ones seen at Missoni, Jacquemus and Giorgio Armani. MICHAEL Michael Kors Mulberry Wear it well: Swimsuits seem to be more popular than bikinis this season, so entrust your style to them. When you’re enjoying holidays at the beach or days by the pool, if you need to pop out, just throw a skirt or dress over your bathers and, à la catwalk, you’re more than ready to go. H&M
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 23 Extreme Sports Take this laid-back style to its ultimate conclusion. Not just stripes and neoprene materials, this season go full-on zipped, long-sleeved jumpsuits and football jerseys. Inspiration from non-conventional sports brings innovative ideas and high-tech textiles to our everyday wardrobes. Designers are really serious about athleisure this time around. Koche Isabel Marant YProject Dior Bottega Veneta Louis Vuitton.jpg Fenty X Puma 0000000000 Brands to look for: Fendi, Emporio Armani, Loewe, Chanel and Hermes. Top tip: It’s unlike me to say this, but do purchase a fashionable pair of trainers and sportive sunglasses; they’re the hot buys of the moment. Bershka Zara Stradivarius Moncler Gamme Rouge H&M Wear it well: With Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma becoming very popular you can expect your wardrobe to get more colourful and take on a strong sportive influence. Give some attention to brands that mix sportswear with fashion pieces. Or you can do it yourself by donning your customised team shirt and tailored trousers.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 24 Wear it well: Long tailored numbers look awesome when paired with suit blazers; opt for off-white or an earthy palette. For a more casual approach, choose a straight cut and team with a flowy blouse. For an edgy look, go for unusual structured shorts and have fun! Short Cut Trussardi Tom Ford Tod's Nina Ricci Miss Selfridge Mango COS Bershka Hermes 0000000000 Fendi Brands to look for: Nina Ricci, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Trussardi and Tom Ford. Top tip: Elevate your style status by finishing the look with highheeled sandals. Jaw-dropping and eye-catching moments will follow you everywhere. Saint Laurent It’s time to show off your legs! Forget miniskirts, the spotlight this season is on shorts and Bermudas. This boyish concept can offer a quick style fix for running your daily errands or as your partner in fashion crime for your most chic evenings. If you want to fully embrace the trend, pick cool cycling shorts and get ready to run the show.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 25 Weill New Look Wear it well: Get the best out this hue by pairing it with another summer shade — white. The duo makes a classic combination and won’t let you down when it comes to looking stylish and ready for any casual occasion. It’s a great choice for your workwear wardrobe during the hottest months of the year. Simple Ecru This colour actually goes by numerous names and comes in many slightly different tones. Look for beige, tan, camel, khaki, ochre, fawn, dust and very light brown (and maybe even more). This earthy hue is a versatile choice and goes way beyond basic trousers. Dresses, shorts and tops are the pieces to look out for this season. Loewe Michael Kors Collection Chloe Max Mara Celine Longchamp Valentino Alberta Ferretti Mila Schon COS Brands to look for: Max Mara, Chloe, Loewe, Mila Schon and Michael Kors Collection. Top tip: Collared shirts and blouses are must-have items in your wardrobe this season; opt for khaki tops with a white collar to rock the trend.
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trends 26 Top tip: Give some thought to tulle skirts and dresses; layer the fabric for an unexpected twist. Giambattista Valli Wear it well: If you are afraid of adding volume in the wrong place, opt for a cascading effect; it’s a trick that looks good on every body type. However, if you are intentionally looking to accentuate your bust, choose off-the-shoulder tops with the added flounces to create extra volume in the area. Ruffles and Flourishes Still in the lines of frills, but a bit more ostentatious, for another season these volume-adding elements hype up the feminine air of spring and summer pieces. Architectural ruffles build dramatic looks. Evening gowns go extra intense and basic tops are elevated by stiff and austere waves. Use them to frame your face or accentuate hips. David Koma Balmain Stella McCartney Off White Valentino Phillip Lim Koton New Look Bershka Lipsy Simply Be Brands to look for: Valentino, Off White, Balmain, David Koma and Stella McCartney.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 trends 27 Marni Wear it well: Mix and match patterns in vivid colours, choose 'off' silhouettes and quirky accessories. You can also select the best of each decade and put them together for an unconventional look. Another option is to pick just one wacky element and team it with your basic clothing for a very light version of the trend. Brands to look for: Dolce&Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Marni and Prada. Eccentric Nostalgia When I think of weird vintage clothes, a strange great-aunt comes to my mind (the most creative and interesting person in the family by far). Her house is unique; her clothes are loud and sometimes they don’t make much sense when combined, specially the way she pairs them together. Well, here’s your chance to explore her trunk and become the queen of loud vintage with a kooky twist. Dolce & Gabbana Bottega Veneta Marc Jacobs Gucci Gucci Prada Zara Debenhams H&M Stella McCartney Top tip: Opt for a remarkable accessory to complement your outfit, something like Dolce&Gabbana’s hand sunglasses. Max Mara
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | designer spotlight 28 NOON BY NOOR In the latest in our occasional series of designer spotlights, to tie in with the fashion trends edition, we shine a line on Bahraini cousins, Noor and Haya, who are putting the island on the fashion map in a big way. With an international following, Noon By Noor is a Bahrain-based womenswear label founded in 2008 by designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa. Cousins and friends since childhood, they studied in the US and, after graduating, returned to Bahrain to bring their vision to life. Founder, CEO and designer, Shaikha Noor holds a BA in fashion design and her unconventional career choice was driven by a life-long passion to translate her vision to paper and transform her artwork to life. Co-founder, COO and designer, Shaikha Haya, also has a degree in fashion design. Though her decision to take on fashion design came about at a later stage, her extensive travels throughout the world have led her to this innovative industry. Modern and effortless with a focus on striking prints and intricate embellishments, Noon By Noor’s refined aesthetic fuses understated luxury with playful femininity. It draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western influences, with an emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail. They have previously described the Noon By Noor woman as someone who “embodies the essence of nonchalant chic, is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks with her wardrobe whilst staying true to her own individual style”. The story so far To launch the brand internationally, an exclusive event was held in Los Angeles in July 2011. This was followed by a presentation in February 2012 during New York Fashion Week, where the designers displayed their Fall 2012 collection to editors, journalists and celebrity guests. In September 2012, Noon By Noor presented its Spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week. This landmark achievement marked the first ever GCC brand to be invited by IMG to present at New York Fashion Week. The brand has continued to show each season at NYFW with their most recent collection, Autumn-Winter 2018 being present last February. Noon By Noor can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain, By Symphony Dubai, Tryano Abu Dhabi, Harvey Nichols Riyadh, Le 66 Paris, Off White Boutique Montpellier, Peri A Los Angeles, Chegini Austria, Elizabeth Charles San Francisco, Azalea San Francisco and L'Appartement Moscow. Noon By Noor’s online boutique facilitates worldwide shipping.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 designer spotlight 29 Noon by Noor has been spotted on the likes of Catriona Balfe, Bella Hadid, Eva Longoria, Solange Knowles and Kate Mara, all pictured, as well as Jennifer Lopez, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, Anna Kendrick, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively and more. In 2012 Noon By Noor is the first ever GCC brand to be invited by IMG to present at New York Fashion Week. Elle.com named Noon By Noor as one of The Breakout Talents of 2013. The latest collection appeared in e.online’s slideshow of Best Looks at New York Fashion Week Winter 2018. The brand worked on its first collaboration with celeb favourite LA-based handbag brand Tyler Ellis on a 10-piece collection ranging in fabrics and exotic skins for their Spring-Summer 2018 runway show and a second collaboration featured in the Autumn-Winter 2018 show Highlights Noon By Noor SS-18
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com showcase 30 Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari Collection is here to capture the fever of the 'Big Race'. INTERCOL RACING POWER IN A PEN The excitement is building as F1 weekend approaches. A great way to join in the fun, either for yourself or a petrol-head pal, is with a memento commemorating the history of racing and its spirit; Sheaffer, one of the world’s leaders in luxury writing products, just happens to have the ideal gift in mind. Together with racing giant Scuderia Ferrari, the company presents the Scuderia Ferrari Collection by Sheaffer Writing Instruments. Consisting of four elements, each pen reflects the same profound passions, extraordinary talent and incredible expertise that drive the Scuderia Ferrari Racing Team. Each is created with the highest level of quality, proudly displaying the Scuderia Ferrari Shield and the world-renowned Sheaffer White Dot ®, a symbol of excellence. The four collections are the Ferrari Taranis, Ferrari 300, Ferrari 100 Intensity and Ferrari VFM. Under Ferrari Taranis comes F9519 which is available in Rosso Corsa style with chrome plate trim. Ferrari 300 offers both F9503, which is also offered in Rosso Corsa style with chrome plate trim, and F9518 which has a chequered flag-style engraving with gloss black finish and features chromeplate trim. Ferrari 100’s F9501 has the same trim as that of F9519 while F9506 is offered in tyre tread-style engraving and features a nickel plate trim. Lastly, under Ferrari VFM, is F9510 which is available in gloss yellow and features the same nickel plate trim of F9506. All mentioned models are available as ballpoints and fountain pens, come in luxury gift boxes and with one year limited warranty from Sheaffer. Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari products are exclusively distributed by International Agencies Co. Ltd (Intercol). Call 17 291-537 or 17 727-600 or email [email protected] Anniversary Celebration Bahrain Specialist Hospital celebrated its 15th anniversary at it premises in Juffair. Sheikh Mubarak Al Suweiket, Dr Kasim Ardati, Dr Najah R Al Zayani & Mafhooda Al Zayani xHaif & Ali Ardati Dr Abdul Kareem Al Azzawi Almira, Leena & Fawziya Huda, Majed K Ardati & Ali Hassan
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April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 32 How did the idea for the summit come about and why do you feel it is the right time to launch the Women Power Summit in Bahrain? A couple of years ago, I picked up a book called Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. This book changed my perspective on so many issues and gave me more insight into women’s roles in leadership. It made me notice that the higher you move up the ladder, the more you notice there are fewer women handling senior or C-level roles within an organisation. I started reading qualitative and quantitative research on how women can gain more leadership roles in the workplace, the importance of the impact of this on our society and how a domino effect can be created to include more women in leadership roles. Later, I started investigating and reading reports on the gender gap and I realised that this is a global issue. What interested me more was that these reports mentioned Bahrain ranked quite low in terms of the gender equality gap. So, even by just looking at the map and data, it is very easy to identify and conclude that there are just not enough women in those decision-making roles. I began to ask myself why this is happening while the rest of the world is moving towards a 50-50 quota by 2020, to include 50 per cent female representation across the management board. It’s time that we also become part of that conversation and figure out how to get more women into leadership roles. Of course, you can work with organisations to achieve that, but it’s also imperative to work with women to empower them and prepare them to take on these roles. How long has it taken to organise Women Power Summit? I have been taking mental notes about the summit for a couple of years now, but we are currently six months into its planning stage. We have a task force of 26 committed, diligent and empowered members handling different elements of the summit. Which speaker are you most excited about? And why? At the Women Power Summit, we currently have 95 speakers, moderators and participants lined up who are all very exciting! However, my notable picks are Najla Alshirawi, the CEO of SICO, as well as Noha Nabil, the media influencer, and many other more women who are travelling from all over the world to share their experiences in terms of gender diversity and gender inclusivity. Do you plan on making the Women Power Summit an annual event? Absolutely. Women Power Summit will definitely be an annual occurrence because I am very sure of its powerful impact and influence, and I want that to continue for years to come until we see development and results of our summit’s vision. Currently, the summit is powered by 'Imtiaz for Her' Bahrain’s first female credit financing and credit card which is a product of Bahrain Credit. And we already have sponsors lined up for the next three years. We also have an extensive list of strategic sponsors. Empowering for the Future Wafa Alobaidat, founder of Obai & Hill, explains what inspired her company to launch the Women Power Summit.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 interview 33 Has the Women Power Summit received a lot of support? Indeed it has, and I am very honoured and proud to receive tremendous support from organisations that support our vision such as The Domain Hotel and Spa, our hospitality sponsor, Alayam Group, as our media sponsor, TLT, as our transport partner, in addition to Caree,m too. Our list of sponsors continues to expand, and that’s further proof to show we have a lot of organisations rallying behind the Women Power Summit. Who is your target audience? Our target audience will obviously be women, and we welcome women from all industries such as tech, start-ups, students, family business owners, young professionals and any woman that comes with a flair for ambition and leadership. Also, language will not be a barrier as our agenda will cover programmes in both English and in Arabic. THE SUMMIT Obai & Hill is hosting Bahrain’s first Women Power Summit, the largest summit for women leaders in the region which will run over May 6 and 7. The Women Power Summit aims to be a successful, empowering and motivating event. Fifty women leaders will share their success, passion, creativity and energy to over 500 female guests from around the region. The Women Power Summit revolves around women driving change and championing their future. By gathering the next generation of curious creatives, thought leaders and tastemakers, the summit aims to spark conversations around women’s empowerment, motivation and supporting each other. The Women Power Summit also aims to showcase inspiring female entrepreneurs and investors as well as encouraging other women to be empowering, and to create a positive impact on community and society. Through this event, attendees will meet, network and learn with talented and inspiring women, and the event will include a wide range of workshops, panels, ignite talks, pitch competitions and mentoring sessions which will create new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Staff Party Daniele Décor and Atelier CL hosted its annual staff party at Al Bander Resort. Peace-building Art Exhibition Caravan organised a peace-building art exhibition, ‘In search of a Prophet’, at ArtBAB 2018. Rev Paul and Guise Claire, Chryssa & Paulina Employees at the resort CEO Stanislas Gastaldi and members of his team Lynne
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 34 FROM COFEE TO COMMUNITY Words, an airy, bright space in a small retail development just off the Budaiya Highway, is that rare thing: a coffee (and tea) shop where you’re never short of something to read. Downstairs is a café with book-lined walls and crafts, while upstairs is a well-stocked book shop catering to many an eclectic taste. But, what makes this place so special is not just the variety and quality of the books on offer but also the ever-growing range of activities and special events that are staged here. Which came almost as a surprise to Eileen and co-founder Rana Aljalahma.Eileen explains: “The idea came about through a sofa chat over a cup of coffee. Rana wanted to open a bookstore and I said: ‘You should combine it with a café and I’ll be your partner.’ From there it started flowing. Within six months we had the concept and the place; it took on a life of its own! “I wanted to do it because it’s not something that’s been seen here before. Coffee and books, they just go together.” Eileen had a background in retail, having had her own fashion shop, and Rana took a course in bookselling and with an empty shell, they were ready to start looking for stock with Rana taking care of children’s books and Eileen the adult section, both fiction and non-fiction. “We were ordering from the US and UK and it’s interesting to see where the books come from,” says Eileen. “Sometimes you’ll come across a book that’s not available through your distributor and you have to find it. When the boxes of stock arrive, it’s like Christmas, very exciting.” The pair go on their own personal preferences – Eileen’s love of cookbooks is clear to see – and the idea was for Words to be a boutique offering. “You can’t please everybody,” she says. “We simply don’t have the space.” From the beginning they had a monthly book club and, in 2012, Rana came up with the idea for a cookbook club – an idea she had seen in New York and which has recently become very popular in Europe. Each month they choose a cookbook, members then read it and come to the meeting with a recipe prepared for everyone to try. (This month’s is Plated Heirlooms by Dima Al Sharif.) From this small community-based action, things snowballed. Eileen explains: “All of a sudden we started getting approached by all sorts of interesting people. Chefs wanted to come and do book signings and cooking demonstrations, artists wanted to exhibit their work, people wanted to give talks and others wanted to hold popup shops. We also had moving screenings, including Wajda. [A Saudi Arabian film, written and directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. It was the first feature film shot entirely in From a chat over coffee to a thriving community facility, Words Bookstore Café has come a long way. Liz O’Reilly chatted to co-founder Eileen Abuhamad.
www.womanthismonth.com April 2018 interview 35 17th Birthday Party Deeptha Shetty celebrated her 17th birthday at Al Safir Tower and Hotel. Shantharam, Arif, Deeptha & Asha Advika & Yashvi Veena & Viditha Vijay, Veena, Viditha & Vishruth Yibali, Naveen, Ritwik & Rishik Saudi Arabia and the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director.] Again, it’s really interesting how things just fell into place.” For youngsters there are also regular story times on Saturdays when teachers come and read to them, helping foster the next generation of book lovers. And, recently, they’ve expanded to take over a vacant space opposite the café. Christening it More Words, it’s an open space which is used for all manner of things from pop-up shops to art exhibitions and workshops. There are also plans to invite chefs to do pop-up cafés there. “There is a lot of talent in Bahrain and it’s good to be able to showcase it, —entrepreneurs need support,” says Eileen. Black Anaar pop-up Story Time Dalia Sobra cooking class
April 2018 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 36 Your book, Plated Heirlooms, has been well received and recognised with an international award. What was the inspiration for the book? Do you have a Palestinian background yourself? Yes it has. I am so proud of my Plated Heirlooms. In fact it won three international awards apart from the 'Best In The World' title at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. It also won best cookbook in the UAE at the BBC Good Food Awards. So, yes, it has done well. However, to me all the awards are small in the face of the feedback I receive from readers. I just love how people received this book. Don’t forget it is a big – 500-page – book, which is not exactly the first choice for most readers. However, I have not once faced a challenge with promoting it. People love it, when they see it, they just love it. Then when they read it, they can’t get enough. I get messages from readers who bought it a while back who still get in touch and say they still go back to read it. That makes me so happy. I love how they really consider it a complete resource for Palestinian cuisine and cooking. How they tell me all the time that their cooking had tremendously improved ever since they started cooking my recipes and how everyone around them tells them that. What more can any one book do, really? People have connected with the story, with the food, with the information, and many felt reconnected and nostalgic… I really wanted that, for once, the real Palestinian persona would shine through and be seen despite all the fog caused by today’s circumstances. Dima will be at Words Bookstore Café on April 21. You’ve become known for organic produce and working with organic farmers. Why did you decide to take this route? Is it flavour, ethics or a bit of both? Both really. First of all, organic farming produces a way-superior quality. Organic farming, as we all know, is the healthiest type of farming, which means we do not risk our health when eating organic produce, as we do not ingest chemical cocktails that are proven harmful and cancerous to our bodies. Most importantly, though, is that organic farming cares for the environment, this earth that we live on and tend to take for granted. This is mainly why I choose organic produce, and support the organic farmers that work very hard to make this produce available for us. You know, it’s not exactly the easiest type of farming, nor is it the least risky. The Heritage Cook Dima Al Sharif, TV chef and author of the multi-award-winning Palestinian cookbook Plated Heirlooms, will be in Bahrain this month to demonstrate her art. Liz O’Reilly caught up with her before her visit. How did you first become involved in the culinary world? I was never a cook in my early adult life. I was always an eater though. I loved good food, quality food and savoured all food experiences I could get. I was very career oriented, and didn’t cook because I felt it was for home-makers who didn’t wish to work. Therefore, despite the many times my mum asked to teach me cooking, I always refused and felt it was “not for me”. It wasn’t until I had my first child that my mother gave me her whole collection of recipes – photocopied and some even handwritten. Months later, I took a look at those recipes and lost myself to four hours of reading! Only to realise that in those four hours I had experienced all types of emotions simply reading ingredients such as chopped onions, a cup of rice, a tablespoon of sugar, a handful of flour. Because those lines I read held in them so many memories from my childhood, and aromas of my parents’ home and foods I had with my grandmothers. By reading those recipes I connected with many events from my life and was reminded of aromas from my home. That was a lifechanging moment, because I realised then that food was way more than the mere cooking, the ingredients and techniques that create various dishes. I realised that food was a connection. It connects us to our roots, our lives and our heritage. This interview is abridged, due to space, but Dima had much more to say about organic farming, the research for her book and favourite recipes. Find the full text at www. womanthismonth.com
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