woman this month AUGUST 2012 ı SUMMER MEETS RAMADAN ı www.womanthismonth.com home subscribers copy www.womanthismonth.com Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES August 2012 | Issue 114 Animal Instincts Bold Statements Nine West Booted & Bagged Being Human Splashing Out Home Ideas Ramadan Accessories Maths for Kids Adding It Up ISSUE 114
2 | August 2012 | woman this month People 14 Maha Al Kawari: Building bridges Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: Animal instincts take over 10 Pick of the Month: Folli Follie jewellery collection 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene! 13 Online: Namshi.com says it is so! Fashion 16 Fashion Forward: Summer meets Ramadan 18 Celebrity Fashion: What the stars are wearing 20 Showcase: Nine West and Anne Klein 24 Kids: Keep them looking smart on their holidays Beauty 28 Beauty News: The latest products in stores 29 Fragrances: What’s attracting our attention! 30 Fragrances (Arabic): Scents for Ramadan Home 38 Feature: Accessorise your home for Ramadan Wellbeing 40 Feature: Shredding those summer pounds 43 Kiwi Fruit: Going for gold Parenting 44 Feature: Developing number skills 47 Column: Dr Jinan talks about Ramadan values Regulars 06 Write Here, Tell us what you think of this issue 27 Campaign: Making a splash 34 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where? 48 Travel: Off-beat vacations 50 Recipes: Traditional Middle-Eastern favourites 52 10 Tips: Travel planning made easy 54 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 55 Pink Pages: Guide to local stores and services 56 WoMentality: What we look for in our partner 14 40 16 44 21 contents | AUGUST 2012 August 2012, issue 114 Koton offers a refreshing summer collection! woman this month AUGUST 2012 ı SUMMER MEETS RAMADAN ı www.womanthismonth.com hoME SUbScRibERS copy www.womanthismonth.com Bahrain Edition bEAUTy | FAShioN | hoME | WELLbEiNG | pARENTiNG | LocAL iSSUES August 2012 | issue 114 Animal Instincts Bold Statements Nine West Booted & Bagged Being Human Splashing Out Home Ideas Ramadan Accessories Maths for Kids Adding It Up iSSUE 114
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4 | August 2012 | woman this month Welcome GUEST EDITOR's letter Can buying a T-shirt change your life? Perhaps not; it sure can change the lives of others, though, if you acquire one of the Being Human ‘tees’ from Splash outlets across the Kingdom. We find out more about the collection in our campaign. Meanwhile, we’ve been sniffing around for some amazing scents. From the latest in the designer collection to the best Arabic perfumes in town we have spotted a range of aromas to choose from. These make for some great gift ideas for Ramadan, just like our top finds of the month for fashion, beauty, skincare. We’ve covered it all. You will bump into a few tricks on how to accessorise your home during this festive season as well. However, preparing for Ramadan and Eid is more than just sprucing up your home. Regular columnist, Dr Jinan Darwish helps parents explain the concept of the Holy Month to their kids. Read on to find a shocking revelation about men’s shopping habits and what else is new in the retail scenario. Speaking of which, it looks like the tots and toddlers are spoilt for choice this summer. We take a look at what’s hot on the children’s fashion scene. For those looking to shed their vacation pounds, check out our wellbeing feature. While we’re on the subject of holidays, we have also put together a number of interesting offbeat destinations for travel ideas. Those suffering from wanderlust could also make use of our travel planning tips. That’s not all. We also had the privilege of speaking with Maha Al Kawari who has recently been given the reins to Bahrain Medical Society. Read on to find out what else is in store for you in our August issue. Ramadan Kareem! 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 editors ALISON COLDRIDGE Elma Bartholomew contributors Dr Claire McInroy george r vaughan James Claire staff writers Maryam A. Toorani KEERTHANA LOUIS print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A. REYES JR. Dalal Al-Sabbagh ROMEO SAN MIGUEL media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media executives ESKY Girmay May Mohammed 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 SOLACE Summer
6 | August 2012 | woman this month Letters All It Takes STAR LETTER Write Here Write Now 15 woman this month | July 2012 | Interview Feminists get a bad reputation. As a woman who often speaks openly about feminism, the eye-rolling and smirking that I am met with is more tiresome than troubling, but damaging nonetheless. Especially when it comes from another woman. Sure, too much of the same thing, whether it be impassioned speeches about women’s rights, campaigning outside of government buildings or a simple admission of support for the cause, might be boring or distasteful to some. But without it, where would we be? When we look at the working world, the fact is that, until we experience proper equality — the removal of the glass ceiling, no more pay gap and fair, merit-based opportunities — the feminist movement needs to remain active. However, feminism takes many forms. There are some that believe, probably misguidedly, that the only way to make a point is to shout it in somebody’s face. I myself am occasionally guilty of thinking that I need to make public declarations or take on an unnecessary challenge in the name of some greater good. There are others, though, who believe that many decisions, even small ones that go largely unnoticed, can contribute to a greater activism. I tracked down Suhair Al Ajjawi, one of Bahrain’s prominent businesswomen, to get her opinion on the subject. Suhair cuts an impressive figure. She’s been a senior manager at Ernst and Young, she did a stint as a director of corporate communications and she is currently responsible for developing the new retail marketing and sales department at the prestigious Al Salam bank. I ask Suhair about what she thinks being a career-woman means in the current climate. She acknowledges that, “Any type of work is challenging for a woman. Not only in the Arab world, but in the Western world too. I saw plenty of women being mistreated in the workplace in the UK.” This hasn’t stopped her in her tracks though. She challenges the misconception that all outspoken, driven Arab women get a tough time. “If you prove yourself here you can be the equal of a man,” she says, “As long as you work hard, doors are opened for you.” Suhair also dismisses the idea that culture and tradition in the Middle East are what hold women back. There is a sense, often in countries outside of the GCC, that the patriarchy engendered by the Muslim religion will stunt a woman’s ability to succeed in the working world. “It is true,” she explains, “that men can find it difficult to take instructions from a woman. Tradition, culture, religion, background and education have all played a part in this. But there is actually an advantage here.” “In the Arab world,” Suhair goes on, “the culture leads men to be more respectful when they speak to a woman and in the way that they treat her.” “Yes there are limits”, she admits, “The glass ceiling is still visible. There is a level that a woman finds it hard to go beyond. It depends where you work. I have to say, my superiors are very supportive. In order to succeed you need to have drive and ambition, but you also need to be supported by your superiors and managers. I have been very lucky in this regard.” Probably the most interesting thing that Suhair and I discuss is her opinion of what the modern feminist looks like. It is my belief that the current generation is still treading the pathway for those to come. We have to break new ground so that others can follow more easily. I ask her if she thinks it is important for women like her to be in the public eye — to be visibly working their way up the ladder in a big corporation as an example to others. Her answer isn’t quite what I expect. “I don’t care about showing myself to the world. When you do this, you do it for yourself,” she explains, “I have to satisfy myself and meet my own interests and prove things to myself. I do what I believe and what I enjoy and if the world sees, that’s fine.” “What is the use of doing something to make a point, if you are actually miserable about it?” she goes on. “We spend such long hours in our jobs; we sacrifice time seeing our families to do it. You have to love it or it doesn’t make sense.” The point that Suhair makes, I think, is that feminism, so far, may not have achieved total, unquestionable equality, but it has afforded women the luxury to choose the option that makes her most happy. Taking action and pursuing a career in finance, or any other predominantly male environment is great, if it is something that you are happy about and the idea that it might facilitate another woman’s career after yours is a great by-product. However, if you don’t like it, don’t do it just because you think you should. The feminist movement hasn’t fought all these years so that every woman can be the director of an international bank. It has existed so that women have the right to choose what they think they would enjoy; the career that would make them happy or the option that would most benefit them and the ones they love. Finally, I ask Suhair to offer some advice to other women looking to embark on a new career. “Have passion for the job that you choose. To succeed, you have to be competitive, dedicated and really knowledgeable — not just technical knowledge about the product or service you are involved with, but also general knowledge. You really have to love it. To grow and progress and achieve your goals, passion is the most important thing,” she says. “And don’t ever be ashamed or embarrassed to admit when you don’t know something and to ask others for help.” Do What You Love Women’s rights have come a long way in Bahrain. We still have some distance to cover before we reach equality, of course, but maybe some of us are going about it in the wrong way. Natasha Bird talks to Suhair Al Ajjawi about her approach to being a career woman. 14 | July 2012 | woman this month 29 woman this month | July 2012 | Showcase Fashion 7. The basic itinerary With the new collections in stores, it might be hard to choose the essentials. Invest in drawstring trousers, a kurta shirt, skirts, shorts, maxi dresses and capris (if you must). If it isn’t bright, it better be pastel. 8. Deceive Stash away your sleeveless tops for evenings alone to avoid nasty tans. A clever way to mask heavy upper arms is by draping them in a delicate chiffon scarf. It doesn’t hurt to look a little arty. 9. Whiter than white Please don’t be fooled by the idea that white makes you look bigger than you actually are. The secret to any good piece of clothing is to check if it fits well. There’s no better company for a shopaholic than a dressing room. 10. Activity-conscious attire Always consider the task at hand. If you intend to be quite active for the duration of the day, don’t choose something too long. You wouldn’t want to keep tripping over the hem. Add some pizzazz Summer gives you the opportunity to be playful with your outfit. Nothing distracts the eyes better from those dreaded “problem areas” than funky accessories. Dressing for Summer 20Tips: We’ve waited too long to shed those heavy layers of clothes in dull, dark tones. Bring out the dresses and flaunt the bright colours. It’s that time of the year when skin is in. WTM gives you the key to the perfect summer wardrobe. By Elma Bartholomew 11. All ears Nothing says “fun” like hoops. In fact, anything that dangles is good to go. We can’t have enough of bead fringe earrings this season. Fish out those disc earrings as well. 12. Up to the neck Flaunting your collar bone is a good enough reason to decide against wearing any sort of necklace or pendant. Then again, that’s the same reason you should want to wear them. Keep an eye out for your neckline when picking out chokers. Colour-block necklaces add freshness to monotonous clothing. 13. Wrist candy The chunkier, the better. Whether it’s bangles, bracelets or cuffs; it’s never too much. Get creative; mix them up. Your watch could use some company. 14. Stand tall Hemp wedges and wooden platform heels are life-savers. Cut-outs and peep-toes work well too. If you’d rather opt out of wearing heels, go crazy and pick up the neon jelly-strap flats that seem to be popping up everywhere now. 15. Complete the look The only layer you can be adding is a scarf. Silk and chiffon are winning fabrics. Accessorising is vital. We’re all for quirky rings. Don’t forget, a belt can give an unexpected twist to the simplest pieces. Turn down the heat It might be sizzling outside. That doesn’t mean you should raise the temperature indoors. Here are a few tips for appropriate ways to dress during summer at the office. 16. Smart casual Dressing down might be permitted closer to the weekend. However, it still needs to be appropriate for a work environment. Rule of thumb — no shorts, no ripped jeans, and definitely no flip-flops. 17. Environment-conscious clothing Keep an eye out for the culture of the city you work in. Most importantly, always have your job description in mind. Would you trust a client who met you in an ill-fitting t-shirt and a pair of old jeans? 18. The miracle fabric You don’t want to wear something too taut. A cotton-linen mix works better than 100 per cent linen. Cotton shirts and a one-button blazer should be just right. 19. Bottom line If they allow shorts in your organisation, the wise option is to be clear about the length. Wear them with pumps to elongate your legs. So as not to cut yourself in half, the petite can opt for shorts that fall right above your knee. Monochromatic colours or a pencil skirt work best with a dressy cotton top. 20. Preppy vs sloppy The idea behind “casual Thursdays” is to look relaxed yet pulled together. It’s never OK to wear a sweat shirt and sneakers to the office. Similarly, daisy dukes, stained garments, sagging jeans and flimsy rompers should stay at home (or be burnt). Dare to bare Being skin-sational can be a tricky business. The idea is to carefully tread the line between confidence and crassness. It is important to be tasteful. 1. Smack in the middle Midriffs are one thing that hardly ever goes out of style. A toned midsection shouldn’t be hidden away. However, for this look, the belly button is a no-no. 2. A fresh pair The runways have been flooded with bra tops this year. Prints go best with bright skirts. Feminise the sporty kinds with flared skirts. Follow the supermodels and feel light in a little white t-shirt and chambray shorts. 3. A bit here, a bit there For the shy amongst you, this look might not come too easily. A tie-front top works well; you can adjust the length so as not to reveal too much. Balance it out with high-waist slacks. Lolita tops are great this season. 4. Don’t give it all away Nothing turns heads like long limbs. If you’re unveiling a stretch of your leg, cover up on top. A short kaftan can turn you into a beach goddess. Pick dresses with thigh-high hems. Nothing is more subtle than unsheathed shoulders. Say hello to halters, peek-a-boo shoulders and cut-out tops. 5. Age before beauty Leave the hot pants for the youngsters, unless you have a classy blouse to go with it. If you’re thinking tight mini-skirts, pair it with a loose chemise. A belt at the waist gives shape to any outfit. Dressing smart It isn’t only about how you look; it’s about how you feel as well. Comfort plays a major role in choosing what to don in this sticky weather. 6. Material matters If your wardrobe doesn’t already have a section full of cottons, it’s time to go shopping. Don’t expect to survive the heat without lightweight fabrics. Synthetics shouldn’t find a way into your outfit any time soon. 28 | July 2012 | woman this month Rebecca Taylor Louis Vuitton Job versus Career I completely agree with Suhair Al Ajjawi’s approach to being a career woman. Many women have focused so much on their feministic views that they have managed to overlook the actual purpose of it all. The titles don’t really matter as long as you love what you’re doing. Your career doesn’t depend on your gender; it should depend on your passion towards your job. If you’re dedicated and efficient at what you do, no one is going to care if you’re a man or a woman. I am fortunate enough to come from a family where the women have worked for most of their life and with high designations, too. It isn’t an easy path, I must agree. Nonetheless, anything is possible if you believe it is. The key, as Suhair suggested, is to do what you love. Noor, by email. WRITE IN AND WIN This month’s star letter will win a BD25 online shopping voucher from Namshi.com. So, to get shopping send us your views and opinions on this month’s edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. Let me begin by saying that your tips for summer dressing couldn’t have come at a better time. In the cooler months, I couldn’t wait to get out of the ‘layered’ look. So, the summer months were more than welcome in my eyes, until I’d reached a fashion rut. Believe it or not, with a wardrobe full of new clothes, it still felt like I had run out of outfits. I hoped for winter to return sooner because, with layers, at least you had more items to mix up; or that’s what I thought until I found inspiration from your simple tricks to dressing for the season. I’ve even come up with a twist to your tip: If it isn’t white, it better be bright. Also, it is unbelievable how accessorising gives the same dress a new touch. Fatima, by email. Fashion Statement ‘Simple Solutions to Sensible Sleep’ is a simple and sensible piece of writing, but the practical application, when the recipient is not willing to oblige, is just plain difficult and irrational. I’m sure, the last sentence, “Remember you are not alone!” is consolation to many a parent who is trying hard to put their little one to sleep. Recently, I witnessed a five-year-old standing in front of her 18 month-old baby brother and singing the national anthem of a country! She should have sung it many times, as the rate of him closing his eyelids was very, very slow; millimetre by millimetre, you could say. Finally, maybe after two or three encores, the little one was fast asleep! Whether this was simple or sensible, I don’t really know. However, all I could see was the explicit expression of love of a little girl for her baby brother. Sidney, by email. 57 woman this month | July 2012 | Parenting Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy At some point, your children will have difficulty sleeping through the night. It will happen at different ages for different children, but there is usually some way you can help. Solutions to Sensible Sleep Simple M ost children struggle at some time or another with sleeping through the night. Of course, when infants are very young, they need to wake several times in the night to feed and be reassured that their parents are close. The need for reassurance does not always disappear at the same age for all children. Furthermore, during critical times — times of change or pressure — children can need that little bit of extra nurturing and help them get to sleep or return to sleep once they wake. The focus of this article is to help healthy children (and parents) overcome patterns of interrupted sleep. After about six months, unless your baby is ill or underweight, s/he is capable of sleeping through the night, most of the time. A regular sleep pattern can be interrupted during times of growth spurts, travelling and change. Children vary greatly in how much sleep they need, but by this age, most parents should also be returning to a good, uninterrupted sevenhour stretch of sleep too. Once you reach this milestone it feels marvellous, but before you do, the regularly interrupted nights will leave you feeling tired and irritable. Many children experience feelings that prevent them from sleeping through the night at least some of the time. Most parents do whatever they can to get their little ones back to sleep — allow them to cuddle in their bed, make sure they are fed and watered, check the room’s temperature and lighting, ensure the desired cuddly toy or blanket is in close to their child. For some babies and children, though, parents try for months to patiently accommodate their needs, followed by frustration and mounting stress because neither they nor their child can sleep through the night. It can get to a point where something has to change for survival. Children need us to respond to them As a parent, you want to help your child learn to go to sleep unaided, with sleeping through the night as your ultimate goal. However, there are so many books which give different advice, so it can be hard to decide which approach to take. These “experts” suggest such things as controlled crying or letting the child cry for a period of time to see if they return to sleep unaided and extending the time they are alone in his/her own bed or cot, without response from a parent. Many parents can't bear to do this. It doesn't sit well with their instinct to help and to be trustworthy when children need reassurance. On the other hand, some babies and children take to this method very quickly, even from the first night it is tried. Other “experts” believe that parents should respond every time a child cries. This is because children need to know that we will be there for them. And yet, many parents have gone through stages of returning to their child, hour after hour, when basic needs have been met and the child is just developing a dependency on their presence. The main message is that there is no right or wrong way. It’s about how you feel as a parent, whilst knowing that what you are doing is for the best for your child. Keep in mind that children who sleep well are usually less tired and happier during day, so whichever method works is probably the best. I will stay until you fall asleep An alternative and supportive way to handle a child’s sleep troubles is one that allows your child to get rid of the tension that wakes them, and allows you to help him recover and sleep peacefully. This is obviously easier when children can articulate what they want or need. It argues that when children can't sleep through the night (and there are no health or developmental issues), the cause is most likely some kind of emotional tension that bubbles up in the child's mind during sleep. Children’s tensions are relieved when an adult can stay close and listen to how the child feels. The crying and struggling that children do actually heals their fear and grief; it gets it out. Those feelings have sprung from some difficult or unresolved time, either recent or in the past. Sometimes a parent’s tiredness or impending work schedule impedes this method — often we just want them back to sleep as quickly as possible. Does this mean that, sometimes, parents work against the child's own instinct to get rid of bad feelings? If parents try to solve the problem quickly, by offering food or allowing the child to sleep with them, it can become a long-term issue — the pent up tension can become an issue if it is not dealt with directly. Healthy families in many cultures allow children to sleep with parents, but the good effects of sleeping close together can be negated if no-one sleeps well in that arrangement. Again, discovering what works for you and your family is most important here, as well as being consistent with your children. 56 | July 2012 | woman this month
Shopping Editor's Choice As the emails poured in this month, a steady flow of animal-related images kept appearing in my inbox. So, let those animal instincts take over and power-up your look with these intimidating yet stylish accessories. Carrera Y Carrera Circulos de Fuego dragon bracelet in yellow gold with brown diamonds Bird dress from Carolina Herrera SS12 collection 8 | August 2012 | woman this month Bvlgari Serpenti belt ST Dupont prestige lighter, for him! Massimo Dutti ring Jimmy Choo
10 | August 2012 | woman this month Shopping Why it was selected From chic rings and bracelets to chunky bangles and necklaces, these pieces exude elegance and originality. The fashionable accessories in this range are defined by unique designs, colours and materials. Inspired by the distinctive floral design, the Fiorissimo collection offers unmatched style, with pieces available in silver or plated in rose gold. What we like The key to the perfect summer look is solid colours and that is just what the 4F line encompasses. We’ve got our eye on the bracelet in particular. The crystal stones are available in four different colours — orange, white, purple and black. Unlocking the secret combination to your personal style guideline is the key range. You’ve got a variety of patterns to choose from like the Zebra, Happy Nugget and Heart4Heart styles. What else to look for The accessory collection is expanded by their popular line of polished handbags, purses and wallets. Sticking to the theme, they have even introduced a striking range of beach bags. Whether you’re prowling around for something classy or feminine, they’ve got it all. The bow clutches are equally tempting; the hues on offer will work perfectly well if you’re sporting a colour-block combo. Where to find it The Folli Follie outlet is located on the first floor at Bahrain City Centre. Call 17 178-631. Add some zing to your outfit with more subtle bling; this summer collection from Folli Follie caught our attention. Pick of the Month
P.O. Box 1 Manama, Bahrain Website: www.amh.org.bh E-mail: [email protected] Direct dial appointments: 1724 8110 or 1724 8121 Saar Medical and Dental Center Tel: +973 1779 0025 Fax: +973 1779 0052 Since 1903 American Mission Hospital has been caring for the community of Bahrain. Building from our heritage for your future! AMH specialities include: 24 Hour Urgent Care Dental Services Family Medicine Internal Medicine Specialty Clinics for Cardiology, Pulmonology, Neurology & Gastroenterology Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics: Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Neurology & Cardiology Dietary/Nutrition Audiology / Speech Therapy Dermatology Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) General, Laparoscopic & Keyhole Surgery Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Ophthalmology Orthopedics Physiotherapy Pain Management Comprehensive, in-house Laboratory Services Pharmacy Services X-ray (general, special & mammography), CT scan Ultrasound Breast Clinic Chest Clinic Diabetes Clinic with special Foot clinic Hypertension Clinic Well Woman Health Screening Well Baby Clinic Mental Health Clinic Sleep Study Center Smoking Cessation Clinic American Mission Hospital
12 | August 2012 | woman this month Retail Therapy Seef Mall Fantasy Challenge Not only will your summer at Seef Mall be filled with unbeatable sales and discounts, but kids will get to see their favourite cartoon and superhero characters come to life. The campaign will also run a series of games that could win you prizes such as TVs, iPhones, Gulf Air tickets, gift vouchers and even a two nights stay at Fraser Suites. Lakeland Want a quick but delicious savoury fix? Get yourself a Lakeland waffle maker and impress your family and friends with your ‘cooking’ skills. Mix the batter, pour into the machine and close the lid; in minutes you'll have six waffle sticks ready for dipping in sauces or decorating with sprinkles. Hermés Nothing says high-end living like Hermés; and a timeless Arceau Amazones pocket watch embodies the very essence of the luxury brand’s style. The piece is adorned with a centuries-old inspired miniature painting, and is a perfect gift for a loved one. Net-A-Porter.com Ladies, we have all been dreaming of the day we get to walk around town with a nice pair of the legendary Christian Louboutin red soled shoes. Well, why not spoil yourself this Eid? Add some glitz to your evenings out over Ramadan with these 6.5-inch crystal embellished suede-grey pumps, available online at Net-A-Porter.com. In a constant state of flux, the retail scene always has something happening; try these out for a little boost to the spirits. We couldn’t forget that school’s also out this month. Lost Paradise of Dilmun If you are running out of ideas to entertain your kids during their summer holidays, then a day out in the sun could be just what you’re looking for. Head down to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun for some good old-fashioned, splashing fun. You can cool down by the beach while your kids enjoy safe and exciting rides and activities. Science Centre Kids tend to get caught up in the summer routine of watching show after show. Why not give them a fun day out that could be useful? The Bahrain Science Centre offers games and workshops that are intertwined with scientific topics to give kids a learning experience. Head down for a holiday outing that could support your child’s academic advancement. Faces — Make-up case A good make-up case is always hard to find, especially one that stores, separates and organises all your beauty products. Lucky for us, Faces has a new case especially in their shops for Ramadan. Shopping
13 woman this month | August 2012 | Say It Isn’t So! When we first saw this float across our desk, we thought April 1 must have come around again. Seriously, it offends our natural instincts to believe men buy more shoes than us women. When online fashion and lifestyle destination, Namshi.com, decided to look into buying trends at their website they spotted some surprising trends emerging among GCC shoppers. Not the least of these was the fact that men buy more shoes online than women! “We have been surprised to see a number of preconceptions overturned as Namshi has expanded its operations across the GCC and Egypt,” said co-founder Louis Lebbos. “Men are buying more shoes than women and at the same time women on average spend double what men do on other items of clothing.” A blow for those who think coating anything in pink will make it more attractive to women is the fact that only 20 per cent of women prefer blue, with black and red being the other top colours this season. At the same time, men have plumped for blue, white and grey. “We’re starting to see regional trends emerging, too,” said Lebbos. “Swimwear is a very popular line in Egypt, while party dresses are popular in the United Arab Emirates. While Saudi and Kuwaiti buyers are focused on dresses and tops, Qatari shoppers are opting for much more traditional Arabian styles.” Namshi holds over 400 brands and stocks over 10,000 lines of shoes and apparel, offering free delivery and free returns across the GCC and Egypt. There are over 100,000 visitors to the site every day, which supports both English and Arabic. “Web technologies mean we can track shoppers’ preferences to deliver a faster, smarter and more enjoyable online experience for them,” he adds. “That’s important to us as our site is all about having a great experience. What’s more, with the ability to track traffic and capture trends, it means that, for the first time, analysis of shopper behaviour can truly reflect entire markets.” Online Trends For Bahrain, Namshi.com has identified these trends about our buying habits online: l Colours: for clothing, the top choice for women is blue; for men it is black. Black, pink and red are ranked second, third and fourth for women respectively. l Apparel: The top seller for women is dresses, followed by tops; for men it is tops and then shirts. l Shoes: Sneakers are at the top of the list for men, while women go for pumps and then sandals. It seems when it comes to high heels, ladies prefer to visit the local shopping mall. Our favoured colour for shoes is black. l Apparel size: Medium is the most popular size for women, while small is the most requested option for the guys. l Shoe size: For women it’s 38; for men it’s 44.
Interview Redemption Reaching out for | August 2012 | woman this month 14 If the medical profession in Bahrain ever needed an image makeover, now would be the time. Voted to the helm of Bahrain Medical Society in a historic election earlier this year, Maha Al Kawari speaks of her new undertaking to Simi Kamboj.
15 woman this month | August 2012 | Maha Al Kawari is well apprised of the responsibility that sits on her shoulders. This soft-spoken lady from Muharraq is the first woman ever to head Bahrain Medical Society (BMS), which has witnessed a revival of sorts after the election of a new board in April this year. Having served as a physician for over 18 years in the Kingdom, Maha is also no stranger to the damage done, both to her country and the medical fraternity in the wake of last year’s turmoil. While the dust may have settled somewhat, sectarian differences have come to the fore in almost every facet of Bahrain life. Nowhere, perhaps, is this polarisation more explicit than amongst Bahrain’s medical professionals. Their role during last year’s unrest has been heavily contested, with various groups offering different versions of what went on at the country’s only full-service hospital, the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) between February and April 2011. “Everyone is entitled to their political beliefs, but doctors need to rise above it,” she asserts. “There’s no room for politics in the medical profession; our political views cannot affect either our ethics or our dealings with the patients.” At many levels, the events in Bahrain, and especially at SMC, last year have shaken people’s faith in the medical profession. “In the light of what happened, we wished to see some good and capable hands steering the BMS so that the dignity of our profession can be restored,” she says. It was with this conviction that she joined the Loyalty to Profession group of physicians earlier this year to contest the BMS election. The turnout was impressive; over 670 of 860 registered members cast their ballot. It was the first time that expatriate doctors were allowed to be nominated as well. Notably, three of the seven BMS board members are now women, a small victory for female medical practitioners in the Kingdom. However, with around 200 members choosing to stay away from the society, the BMS board has no illusions about the job at hand. “We’re here for the sake of our profession. We want all medics to work together under the BMS banner. Discrimination has never been a part of our culture and we have to obey our code of ethics. We’re asking members who’re staying away to come back, open up their minds like mature adults and discuss any misgivings they have with us,” she says. Weekly text messages, Twitter updates and invitations are sent out to all members for meetings and workshops, regardless of whether they attend. On whether the society might initiate any action against ‘tainted’ doctors for their role last year, Maha is circumspect. “We have to let the judicial process run its course. After that, the BMS bylaws will decide on any further course of action,” she says. Born to serve Raised by a mother who truly believed in her daughter’s potential, Maha knew from her first day at school that she would take up the medical profession. It was no surprise to her family, when she graduated top of the class with distinction from Arabian Gulf University. Following her internship at the SMC and primary health care centres, she opted for family medicine. “I’ve always been a people’s person. I could never view patients from a cold and scientific viewpoint only; I’ve always empathised with them as a human being. As a family physician, I could be close to the community,” she says. It is perhaps this intense involvement in her work that has given her sleepless nights at times. Every physician with a conscience will lose sleep sometime or another worrying about some of their more difficult cases, she believes. Maha headed the Sitra Health Centre for seven years before she was promoted as regional medical officer in 2011. Since March last year, she’s been posted to the Ministry of Health’s public health division, where she’s in-charge of the non-communicable disease section. Much of her work involves rallying stakeholders to work together and raise awareness on health issues such as obesity, smoking, diabetes and hypertension within the community. As member of the GCC antismoking committee, she has hosted many events to highlight the dangers of smoking. The committee was behind enforcing the antismoking legislation, regulating sheesha smoking and devising media campaigns, as well as organising quitting treatment for tobacco addicts. Preventive action Maha is now involved in a new project to screen government employees across Bahrain for heart diseases. “Around 30 per cent of employees in the government sector will be covered in the first year of the programme. Later on, it may be expanded to the private sector. The idea behind screening people early is to prevent complications at a later stage and reduce spending on lifestyle diseases in the primary care,” she says. One of the most daunting challenges her ministry faces in the realm of public health involves influencing people to switch to healthier food habits. “It’s very easy to disparage junk food, but its popularity lies in convenience and economy. Health food, on the other hand, comes at a price. The healthier and more nutritious it is, the more expensive it gets, going beyond the reach for the majority of the population,” she observes. The matter cannot remain the sole domain of the health ministry, though, and the community as a whole needs to wake up to the concept of healthy eating. “These are habits that parents need to instil in their children from the very beginning. Instead of telling children what and what not to do, parents can best teach them through their example,” she believes. Building bridges Back at BMS, one of Maha’s top priorities now is to activate the society, which remained largely inert since it was dissolved last year. Various committees have been formed, in weekly meetings, to take charge of different projects, the foremost of which involves setting up a society website. The BMS is also working on an electronic library where member doctors will be able to access medical journals online. Another team is working on the society’s quarterly journal, which hasn’t been published for over a year now. Meanwhile, the board continues to lobby with the government for improving the professional conditions and living standards of medical practitioners in the Kingdom. “We’ve been seeking a change in cadre and revision in the salary structure of doctors,” she says. “We’d like the government to look into our petition for housing facilities. Besides, we need some assistance in the upgrade of our premises.” On behalf of the medical community, the BMS is fine-tuning its response to the government in formulating a draft law on medical malpractice. Another committee on international affairs will liaise with organisations abroad, including the foreign media, to improve the society’s image on the international stage. Maha concedes that it will take a long while to undo the damage, but she is resolved to stay the course. “We’ll keep trying to reach out to our physician friends who are staying away. We want them back with us. After all, we live in the same country; we can never remain separated,” she says. Joseph Tito
16 | August 2012 | woman this month Fashion Forward Summer meets the Holy Month of Ramadan this August; our selection for you reflects this contrast of the season. If you are going to invest in a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, then you might as well let everyone know it. From the Iris collection, this tan and suede nappa leather set of heels will have you standing tall. Flaunt It! There’s no chance you won’t get noticed with this 20th anniversary Artemis plumes python shoulder bag from Christian Louboutin, which you can acquire online from Net-A-Porter.com. Very stylish! The advent of the Holy Month does not mean that you have to forsake any sense of being yourself; this collection of Ramadan-inspired accessories from Juicy Couture will keep everyone happy. Attention Grabber No brand expresses the joys of summer like Desigual; full of colours and oozing the outdoor life, their dresses bring a breath of fresh air to any occasion. Summer Joy Ramadan Charms Fashion
17 woman this month | August 2012 | When it comes to needing a formal outfit, you can never go wrong with a smart dress from Dior. This little number keeps it formal, yet casual — a perfect balance. Perfect Balance RKaamr eaedma!n Wishes all its readers www.womanthismonth.com Summer is all about enjoying life, and some fruity additions to your box of trinkets, courtesy of Accessorize, does very nicely. Get Fruity
18 | August 2012 | woman this month Fashion Celebrities can take fashion to interesting levels. Woman This Month is here to showcase those who managed to reach the fashion finish line in one piece, and those who tripped along the way. are Wearing What theStars Vivian Hsu (Chanel) The Taiwanese actress wore a light green Chanel dress embroidered with sequins and feathers with matching diamonds and shoes. We appreciate feathered confections and this one definitely leaves us wanting more. Rooney Mara (Longchamp) We almost didn’t recognise her with long hair! While shooting in New York, Rooney Mara steps out with a leather bag from the 2012 Longchamp collection. Petra Nemcova (Salvatore Ferragamo) Wearing head-to-toe Salvatore Ferragamo, Petra looks beyond elegant. The entirely beaded evening dress paired with a mirror minaudière is simply breathtaking. We especially love her long loose curls. Selena Gomez (Versace) The actress’ sea-foam green neoprene cocktail dress from Versace is a great colour, but the pleated draping looks out of place on her petite figure.
19 woman this month | August 2012 | Kate Moss (CH) Inspired by Matryoshka dolls, Kate’s CH Carolina Herrera bag offers unlimited possibilities. The bag, in tattoo nappa leather, is available in five sizes and various colours, so you can tuck away your essentials with ease. MiRanda Kerr (Coach) Mum-on-the-go Miranda Kerr manages to hold it all together when she stepped out carrying the Coach classic city bag while in New York. The bright colour pops against her monochrome outfit, but where is baby Flynn? Miranda Cosgrove (Versus) The chic young actress chose a look from the Versus autumn collection to wear to the 14th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. The navy blue mini-dress with multi-straps is simple, but very flattering. Rosamund Pike (Bvlgari) At the Bvlgari Hotel opening in London, the actress turned up carrying a Bvlgari Monete minaudière in bronze iridescent karung skin. A lovely colour, but her glaringly white dress takes a bit of getting used to.
20 | August 2012 | woman this month Fashion Anne Klein: The Bag Let’s not forget the role accessories play in creating the ideal summer outfit; we’re sure that you will spot the perfect piece here. A pair of sling back wedges is a must-have this summer. There is just one thing that goes perfectly well with the trendy duo [DASH] a sailor-inspired tote. Boasting double handles with an eight-inch drop, the earthy tones in this Anne Klein creation make this the right purse for whatever your day has in store. An added advantage is that this beauty can find its way around the workplace just like it can at the beach. Call 16 686-204 (BCC) or 16 686-224 (Seef Mall).
21 woman this month | August 2012 | Anne Klein: The Shoe Whether you prefer flat pumps, wedges or sandals, this boutique has everything a girl could possibly want. Anne Klein is one of those brands with which you know you can never go wrong. Each new collection rustles up trendy styles that are ideal for the modern woman. The newest range steers you away from the neutral shades more often used and, instead, introduces you to a world of colour. Select from tomato red, bright yellow and pure white colours. Call 16 686-204 (BCC) or 16 686-224 (Seef Mall).
22 | August 2012 | woman this month Nine West: The Bags Treat yourself to a new look; ramp up your collection of bags with some of the glitz and glamour lining Nine West’s shelves. Every moment is the perfect moment to sparkle; the glittery knuckle clutch from Nine West’s latest collection is just the thing. Helping you stand out, this is a great piece for your evenings out. Pair them with matching shoes, also in the same line, and you’ll be the centre of attraction without doubt. The beach goddess look isn’t complete without a chic tote that can accommodate all your summer essentials in style. When they come in straw with large double handles, a zip pocket and a removable cosmetic case; there’s no turning back. Nine West has incorporated a range of strong hues in these classic handbags giving it a youthful touch. Going minimalist in respect of clothing doesn’t mean you need to settle for a monogrammed hobo or single-toned tote. Bring life to your outfit with the funky prints that this line sports this season. After all, summer is all about being full of life. You could also make a statement with their modish array of clutches. From the nautical-inspired pieces and python print frames to the natural woven style to floral fabrics, there is one thing that remains a constant — the burst of colours. Whether you are planning to go pretty in pink, blue or yellow or if you’re revisiting the bohemian trend, you’ll find just what you’re looking for on the shelves of Nine West at Bahrain City Centre, The Bahrain Mall and Seef Mall. Call 16 686-207 (BCC), 16 686-220 (Seef Mall) or 16 686-228 (The Bahrain Mall). Fashion
23 woman this month | August 2012 | Nine West: The Shoes Nothing says ‘summer’ like a lovely pair of wedges in bright colours or wicked prints. It’s time to let your feet do the talking. You don’t need an excuse to put some new shoes on and with the brand new collection on the shelves at Nine West, there’s just no time to think twice. The super-summery shades and the animal and floral prints add a playful twist to this fun range of footwear. From trendy flats to strappy sandals, these styles will make you stand out wherever you are. In this weather, if it’s sizzling, it’s perfect; the sunburnt palette that meets offbeat colour mixes is just right. The sun baked line looks best in the platform style. This is your chance to shine with the hottest eye-popping shades available. On the right vacation, going barefoot is overrated, especially when you can be flaunting muted metallic tints and snakeskin prints in casual wedges or seductive stilettos. It is the season to be thinking about the tropics, after all. Exotics are in! Whoever said a diamond is a girl’s best friend obviously did not have the perfect point-toe pumps. No matter what the height of your heel is, these go great with your skinny jeans and pencil skirt alike. Feeling blue? Do a bit of sole searching with every possible hue of the sea from azure to sapphire and indigo to turquoise. If you can’t find a way to rock your sailor hat, get preppy with the sea-inspired collection that doesn’t stray too far from the shore. Nine West also finds a way to help you stick to your colour-block theme with an extensive array of pretty pinks, graphic designs and a modern twist to the black and white style. Call 16 686-207 (BCC), 16 686-220 (Seef Mall) or 16 686-228 (Bahrain Mall).
Fashion Dressed to the Nines Kids should be happy as they get to rock some amazing outfits at the peak of summer. Just because they are children does not mean that they do not deserve some ‘fashion’ of their own. Pumpkin Patch 24 | August 2012 | woman this month
25 woman this month | August 2012 | Desigual takes quirky to a whole new level. Reflecting the energetic nature of your child, this brand has infused the magic of the cinema in its mini-sized line. Apart from its box officeinspired collection, it has also introduced their first swimwear range for kids. Koton’s kids’ collection hits off at a tangent to this style as they make little ladies and gentlemen out of their range this summer. They say enough to overly cute fashion trends. This is where you should be shopping for that prim and proper, crisp Sunday morning look. The line also boasts a number of casual, sporty and party pieces; but the dresses single-handedly steal the show. Bringing back the daintiness expected in children’s clothing is Monsoon Kids with some extremely beautiful and delicate party wear. The corsage dresses especially and their retrothemed beachwear are absolute stunners. The adorable themes from Pumpkin Patch will leave you wanting to grab them all. Meanwhile, Massimo Dutti sports a look that lies somewhere between a stunning diva and a Greek goddess. Freshness and colour are the essentials of the season. This is exactly what Carolina Herrera has incorporated into the children’s collection. Showcasing loose-fitting dresses, ever-present Bermuda shorts and overalls, the summer essential; this range has a touch of sailor styles. Who wouldn’t want to dress their child up in a Diane von Furstenberg creation? Head over to GAP Kids for exclusive pieces that reflect the brand’s relaxed style and the bold, personal style of the fashion icon. At the heart of the collection are vintage Diane von Furstenberg prints, including the instantly recognisable hibiscus and leaf motifs. Even the legendary wrap is re-invented with a child-like higher waist detail. We have fallen in love with the elegant white cotton eyelet style in the dress range that’s simply summerlicious! Koton Monsoon Kids GAP Desigual Massimo Dutti
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