www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition August/September 2017 | Issue 174 | BD1 / SR10 Roshini Daswani on being true to yourself of Bahrain Underground Music Movement LIFESTYLE BLOGGER DJ Katrin Love PARENTING HALA AL TURK EXCLUSIVE Back to School tips The teen star on new music and life in the spotlight Adult Options Tri training in Italy TRAVEL FOOD Jazzy dining
DELICIOUS IN ANY SHAPE لذيذ بجميع أشكاله تُصنع منتجات دجاج المزرعة من أجود أنواع الدجاج الذي يربى بصورة طبيعية، وتأتيكم في العديد من الأنواع والأحجام المُجهزة بطريقة توفر الوقت وتضمن لكم الاستمتاع بأشهى الوجبات المغذية والصحية في كل مرة تفتحون فيها عبوة دجاج المزرعة. Made from only the highest-quality of naturally-grown chicken, Farm Chicken’s products come in a variety of shapes and sizes, prepared for you in a way that saves your time, and ensuring that every meal becomes a source of health and nutrition each time you open the packaging.
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com 4 AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 74 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. 36 50 8 Over to You 10 The Month in Focus SHOPPING 14 Pick of the Month: The Right Shoes 16 Editor's Choice: Time of Your Life FASHION 20 Fashion Trend: Warm and Fuzzy 22 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass 26 Get the Look: White Out PEOPLE 30 Hala al Turk: Growing Up in the Spotlight 34 Roshini Daswani: Couture Chats 36 Katrin Love: Girl Power FEATURE BEAUTY 40-52 Words of wisdom, trends, treatments and the lastest news from the world of beauty LIFESTYLE 54-55 Wellbeing: First Aid 64 Food: Chef's Special 67 Food: Review 68-69 Homes: Purr Like a Sophisti-cat 72 Travel: Forza Italia 74 Travel: Adult Escapes FEATURE BACK TO SCHOOL 80-81 Products and tips for the return to the classroom PARENTING 83 Tech Kids: Online learning 84 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 85 Kids' Playground: First Class Plans 86 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 87 Horoscope: What to expect this month 88 Last Word: In Her Shoes – Gabrielle Angeli Sol of Al Areen Palace & Spa 16 85
www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 4 We're feeling hot, hot, hot. I'm sure it won't come as news to anyone that we're living through one of the hottest summers on record, so it feels a bit strange seeing all the autumn-winter fashions dropping into my inbox. However, it's a nice reminder that the cooler weather's not far away, so check out this month's fashion trend for a taste of what's to come. Our big feature this month takes a look at the world of beauty and, I must admit, some of the treatments unearthed by writer Puja Tiwari came as a shock even to me - fancy having your skin shaved anyone? No, me neither, but that's not to say I wouldn't try it if someone could guarantee to remove the wrinkles along with the shorn dermis! Our interview section this month includes an exclusive chat with singing sensation Hala al Turk - remember her as the sweet little girl with the big voice on Arabs Got Talent? Well, as you can see from our cover, she's all grown up and has plenty to say for herself. We also spoke to blogger Roshini Daswani, whose luxury lifestyle has left me feeling more than a little envious, and DJ Katrin Love, co-founder of the Bahrain Underground Music Movement. In travel Anastasia Ageeva takes us on an athletic journey through southern Italy, which sounds gorgeous but rather tiring, and, with the kids back at school, we take a look at some fabulous 'adult' destinations to consider if you're planning a late summer break - Bora Bora looks right up my street (though I'm not sure my bank manager would agree). Speaking of the new school term, we've got loads of tips to help the return to class go smoothly, from products to educational websites and non-uniform style ideas. And, of course, there's our usual round-up of news, upcoming events and your views. Plus, make sure you check out our website and social media pages for chances to win lots of great prizes throughout the month! chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA CHARLIE HOLDING PUJA TIWARI DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED circulation and research ROANNA FERNANDES photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, 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 August/September 2017, Issue 174 On the cover: Hala Al Turk www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition August/September 2017 | Issue 174 | BD1 / SR10 Roshini Daswani on being true to yourself of Bahrain Undergroung Music Movement LIFE STYLE BLOGGER DJ Katrin Love PARENTING HALA AL TURK EXCLUSIVE Back to School tips The teen star on new music and life in the spotlight Adult Options Tri training in Italy TRAVEL FOOD Jazzy dining 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: Farheen got up close with some fabulous gems at the Asia Jewellers launch and George and Anne enjoyed Roshini's graduation party.
YOUR LOOK YOUR STYLE OUR PASSION
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com news 8 # Trending What’s caught our eye in the news this month. Taylor Swift won a court proceeding where she accused a radio host of groping her right before a show in Denver. She won the requested one dollar and hopes to inspire victims of assault to seek justice. Cbsnews.com HIV researchers announced that a nine-year-old child from South Africa has been living with HIV in remission for almost nine years, without continuing the use of HIV drugs. The study adds to new but growing evidence that early treatment may bring the virus to undetectable levels and potentially lower the need for lifelong drug therapy. Time.com The nose-tickling olfactory notes of pungent herbs and spices give Figment by Amouage its alluring fragrance. The preliminary spicy fireworks step aside as floral hues take charge. Top notes are Sichuan pepper, saffron and gardenia; middle notes are tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, lily, ylang-ylang and cassia bourbon; base notes are orris, papyrus, incense and patchouli. For a chance to win a 100ml eau de parfum, worth almost BD120, keep an eye on our social media page to participate. On Facebook, our competition post to win the Little Black Box by Lifestyle got the highest likes, comments, and shares. On Instagram, the post about Sisters Phoebe and Sophie Middleton’s plans to cater to the island’s conscious chocoholics got the highest likes and comments. On twitter, the post on clean and healthy eating, an article from Woman This Month’s July issue got the highest number of hits. Your Shout I buy this magazine for two reasons - the cool giveaways in your competitions and the reading material. It is also a breath of fresh air to read about topics that pertain to women in Bahrain. Sure, I can pick up Vogue or Cosmopolitan for more saucy topics, but they won’t be able to fill me in on local issues and topics related to health, restaurants and beauty that are specific to this country. Keep up the good work. Layla Just putting out some food for thought for restaurants on the island. I wish the summer was pleasant enough for us to dine on the terrace or garden areas in restaurants. Why not cover the outdoors with temporary plexiglass gazebos and install a few ACs to emulate the lovely outdoor experience? When the cool weather sets in, remove the gazebo. Basmah Follow us on: Instagram: @woman_this_month Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB Facebook: Woman This Month We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at [email protected] Best Reaction on Twitter Most Liked Post on Instagram Most Liked Post on Facebook Win, Win, Win!
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com news 10 September in Focus Disney Princesses Girl Up The Walt Disney Company Middle East has debuted inspiring images of Jordanian schoolgirls as part of its global #dreambigprincess campaign. Renowned female photographers, including Banan Alawneh from Jordan, created inspiring images to kick-off a USD1 million fundraising effort for Girl Up the United Nations Foundation’s programme supporting adolescent girls’ leadership and empowerment. The photographic campaign is aimed at encouraging kids everywhere to dream big. Banan, who works across the Middle East and is based in Amman, Jordan, photoprofiled little girls from the Queen Rania Family and Child Center, to showcase their inspiring stories. Nineteen female photographers from fifteen countries have created a series of empowering images showcasing real-world girls and women, as part of Disney’s Dream Big, Princess initiative launched in 2016, which taps into the power of Disney Princess stories to inspire kids. Photographs will be shared on social media to help raise funds for Girl Up. As Breast Cancer Awareness month approaches, Think Pink is preparing for one of the biggest community engagement initiatives the Kingdom has ever seen #howfarforpink. Supporters will be making a world record attempt for the longest ribbon, using 20cm pieces of pink branded icheck ribbon, physically tied together by members of the community, to achieve two laps around the F1 track at Bahrain International Circuit with the aim of covering 10km! Think Pink spokeswoman Julie Sprakel says: “We have been thankful to have the support of our hosts, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and that of the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister for this event. “Bahrain Breast Cancer Society: Think Pink Bahrain will be launching its 2017 national campaign for breast cancer awareness with the support of Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and his team. “The community challenge will be to build the largest pink chain ribbon with pieces of ribbon tied together, to reach our goal. This would be the first national scale community initiative in the Kingdom, with both individuals and corporate entities participating together, raising awareness for breast cancer whilst also donating to Bahrain Breast Cancer Society. It is the team’s belief that this would heighten breast cancer awareness to another level in Bahrain and the GCC.” Supporting the drive has been the ever supportive team at MullenLowe MENA who came up with the catchy headline written with pink ribbons that are knotted together. The record attempt will take place on September 23 from 3pm and, as a variety of collaborative partnerships will be needed to help hold the ribbon to form the unbroken chain, Think Pink Bahrain is calling on societies and community groups to support this record. Parties interested in both sponsorship and or support can email registration@ thinkpinkbahrain.com stating how you would like to get involved and support. How far will you go for Pink? Prepare for the ultimate family experience with new spa treatments at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay – parentchild bonding sessions tailored to relaxation and indulgence. On arrival, kids from six to 15 years of age are treated to a customised spa robe as well a decadent welcome treat sure to satisfy a sweet craving. Children and parents are then introduced to the gift of touch, wellness and healing at The Spa. There are three packages to choose from which include side-by-side massages, a facial or an indulgent full-body treatments with special scrubs and lotions. Prices start at BD80 for 45 minutes. A Family Affair What’s on our radar this month? Record-Breaking Ribbon
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com showcase 12 In 1987, four members of the Indian Ladies Association came up with the idea of starting a play school for special needs children and, lo and behold, Sneha was born – a name meaning love. Since then, what began as an informal group has grown into a bustling, busy and vibrant school where children with special needs are lovingly nurtured, cared for and taught. The beauty of this centre is that it is, in the true sense, a melting pot where children from different nationalities and backgrounds are accepted, completely free of cost. Staffed by qualified teachers, alongside a group of dedicated volunteers, a typical day at Sneha is an eclectic mix of activities designed to stimulate the students’ minds and bodies in order to tap their full potential and challenge their abilities. The day begins with a prayer song, followed by other motivational songs. Simple exercises, scientifically designed to stimulate the metabolism, are followed by yoga. When it’s time for study, the students are split into classes according to their learning levels, aptitude and abilities. A prescribed syllabus, specially designed to suit individual requirements, includes functional literacy and numerical, social and self-help skills as well as arts and crafts. Each day is designed in such a way that there are different activities to look forward to; there are painting days, cooking days, singing and dancing days and games days. To stimulate motor skills and sharpen brain activity, the children are regularly given quizzes and puzzles to solve using a regularly updated stock of educational toys. As an institution that has changed the lives of hundreds of children celebrates its 30th anniversary, we take a look behind the scenes. INTERCOL A DAY IN THE LIFE Mrs Al Wazzan at a celebratory event A spokesman says: “At Sneha we believe that education should not be restricted to the four walls of the classroom and hence students are taken once a month on educational trips and outings. Students keenly look forward to these picnics where they get a chance to broaden their scope of learning and channel their excess energy.” Students receive vocational training and experts also train the volunteers and teachers. The youngsters are exposed to the joys of nature and the rhythm of life outside the centre. They are encouraged to explore their minds and feelings and transfer their thoughts to canvas with the paintings transformed into greetings cards. Sneha regularly holds exhibitions of the students’ work and the sale of the paintings and greeting cards helps pay towards the upkeep of the centre. Sneha’s costs are covered entirely through fund raising activities and events and donations from both private individuals and corporate bodies, such as Intercol. Lynne Al Wazzan, the company’s charity chairperson, has been a longterm supporter and champion of the centre. In celebration of the landmark 30th anniversary, the Sneha team has a powerpacked agenda spread over the entire year. There was a fun-filled family day for students and their loved ones earlier on in the year, which was attended by Mrs Al Wazzan, and the children also marked Green Day by planting seeds in painted pots they had made themselves. After the long summer break the youngsters will then be involved in several events - the Sneha Writing Competition, Sneha Sports Day, Sneha Art Exhibition and finally the Sneha Annual Day. The essay competition is scheduled to be held in September 2017 and various schools from Bahrain will be taking part. Next in line is the drawing competition for children from special needs schools, which will be held in October. An Assisted Art Painting Exhibition is scheduled for November 3, which will showcase and sell around 80 paintings, and the festivities will culminate with the Sneha Annual Day on December 7.
P.O. Box: 584, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: +973 17291537 / 17727600, Email: [email protected]
SHOPPING | pick of the month The Right Shoes Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” And we reckon these sparkling confections from the Karl Lagerfeld A/W 17 collection would definitely have met with the blonde bombshell’s approval. Kaiser Karl tugs at our heartstrings once again with vertiginous heels coupled with a chunky platform for comfort and lots and lots of glitter. What’s not to love? August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com 14 Available in Bahrain at Karl Lagerfeld, Bahrain City Centre, 17 112-715.
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SHOPPING | editor's choice 16 Time of Your Life Old Father Time, time on your side, time waits for no man – time, we’re obsessed with it! These days many of us check the time on our phones which, let’s face it, are never far away. But, in terms of style, a phone will never match up to a beautiful, craftsman-made watch. They may not be cheap but if you look at it as an investment, you’ll get your money’s worth over the years in terms of both reliability and undeniable class. Check out some of our favourites (Clockwise from top). Bubble by Corum – Leaf-style hands outlined in superluminova, mother of pearl face and truly exclusive with a limited edition of just 88 pieces. Gilda by Eberhard – Something a little different and Gaudiesque here with 11 and 5 picked out in red rather than the usual 12 and 6. Stardance Moonphase by Louis Moinet – An out-of-this-world experience, the moon is made from an authentic fragment of the Enstatite EH3 meteorite. Repetto Shine by Raymond Weil – Inspired by the world of ballet, the shine “Etoile” appears attired in the spirit of tulle and has two interchangeable straps crafted in Repetto leather. Charisma Twist by Saint Honore – A pretty watch with the added “twist” of an extra-long strap which forms a funky bracelet. Da Vinci with Moon Phase by IWC Schaffhausen - Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution to the common understanding of aesthetics during the Renaissance is honoured with an engraving of the “Flower of Life” on the back of this watch. Jade Lionfish by Ulysse Nardin – A unique Cloisonné enamel timepiece that takes into account your manicure with easy-to-adjust workings. Michael by Michael Kors – Lock up your wrist with this padlock inspired piece from the Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.
18 August / September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Asia Jewellers Reopening Asia Jewellers reopened its store at City Centre Bahrain. Sadiq & Majid Randa, Bindhya, Sadiq, Apple & Farheen Mukhtar, Zubair, Sadiq, Jamal & Salim Randa & Bindhya Independence Celebration Al Areen Palace & Spa hosted the Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, and wife Mamta to launch a week of celebrations marking Indian Independence Day. Ali, Anand Prakash, Anil & Madhu Iman, Gabrielle & Wafa Zaran & Aileen The ambassador with the Al Areen team
30% Discount on selected beverages SLICE OFF 50% Enjoy an enticing variety of culinary delights from around the world. Timing: 19:00hrs to 23:30hrs RIBS ON MONDAY Sunday to Tuesday THEME NIGHTS SUNDAY TO THURSDAY NIGHT WEDNESDAY SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY Brunch Every Friday enjoy our LIVE ENTERTAINMENT For reservations, please call 1736 0000 An exotic journey experience our Asian Delights BD 12.000* *Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 10% government levy 12:30hrs - 16:00hrs Additional BD 7.000* for selected beverages BD 16.500 * Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trend 20 Yes, we know we’re in the middle of the hottest summer in more than a hundred years but that doesn’t stop the autumn-winter collections dropping into our inboxes and it seems there’s one trend that can’t be ignored – the return of fur. From Teddy bear-style jackets to full-on yeti coats, via the subtlety of a classic collar, it’s there in all shapes and forms, colours and textures and, since the majority of the big houses long ago eschewed the use of the real thing, it’s a trend we can embrace. If you’re not travelling to cooler climes any time soon, adapt the trend with cuffs, wraps, key-rings and handbag decorations. WARM AND FUZZY DSquared2 Paul Smith Longchamp Bershka Replay Longchamp Kenzo
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | fashion forward 22 In collaboration with Soulwax and Michel Gaubert, fashion brand Loewe has launched a special summer musical track Close to Paradise. To further expand on the house’s revival collection with Paula’s Ibiza Boutique and celebrate the third edition of its annual summer shop in the island’s Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACE), the track Is an infectious summer anthem that transports listeners back to the wild nights of Ibiza in the seventies and eighties. Written and produced by Soulwax and curated by prolific sound director Michel Gaubert, the eclectic, escalating tempo is narrated by four local characters, providing four unique perspectives on the island’s esoteric allure. Digital downloads are available on iTunes and Spotify. FASHION COMPASSION Dsquared2 and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation united again for “Voices Of Haiti” in which young Haitian choristers from the foundation’s music project made their European debut at the inauguration of the Fondazione Zeffirelli in Florence. The project, which debuted last year in New York, provides opportunities for disadvantaged young Haitians to enhance and showcase their talent and the youngsters also performed for the “Teatro del Silenzio” in Bocelli’s birthplace Lajatico, Pisa. Designers Dean and Dan Caten created customised dresses and tuxedos saying: “We met these talented and passionate children for the first time last year in New York. It is such a blessing and a great pleasure to be part of this special journey again. “We created something that could emphasise the strength and the beauty of the Haitian singers. “Through their amazing singing, the young choristers spread pure love and joy and we are truly honoured to support this noble project once again.” WOOLY WINNERS Designers Antar-Agni and Bodice announced winners of the 2017/18 international Woolmark Prize Indian Subcontinent and The Middle East regional final. The judging panel included designers and members of the fashion media as well as industry insiders with Manish Malhotra of Esquire Middle East saying: “The International Woolmark Prize is always a great experience; the judging gets tougher every year as the quality of work from designers nominated keeps getting better. “Young designers are now expressing themselves through their work in a way like never before. While womenswear winner Bodice scored high on adaptability, commercial viability and creativity of the look, menswear winner Antar-Agni created something true to his belief. We are keen to see how these designs will be received in the global market.” The event has been a stepping stone for some big name talent, including Karl Lagerfeld, and the winners will now go through to the global final which takes place early next year. BACKSTAGE PASS Our take on what’s cool, trending and fashionable Shopping Goes Android The Luxury Closet (LC), the Middle East’s largest online luxury marketplace, has launched its first ever Android mobile app targeting the Middle East and US markets. The leading Dubai-based online fashion boutique hopes the new app, which features the company’s popular buy in instalments feature as well as access to a range of limited edition items, will bring its unique e-commerce concept to new markets in the Middle East and globally. Kunal Kapoor, CEO of The Luxury Closet, said the launch was a natural step for the company, given the success of its iOS app, which has witnessed “tremendous growth” since its launch in October last year. “Everything that can be done on web, can be done through our new Android app,” says Kapoor. STYLE SOUNDS
www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 23 The region’s style and culture was highlighted in the British capital with the launch of the London Arabia Art and Fashion Week. Alongside an exhibition featuring the works of regional artists, there was a fashion show curated by Faris Al-Shehri, founder of the Jeddahbased Saudi Fashion Council which supports Saudi fashion designers and assists international designers in their bid to explore the market. He told Arab News: “It is one of my goals to support Middle Eastern designers as a follow on from my work as fashion programme mentor on ‘Project Runway Middle East’. “Art and fashion are very important mediums for people to express themselves. I hope art and fashion will bring people closer together.” The show featured the designs of Moroccans Albert Oiknine and Safae Ibrahimi, Hanan Heidari from Tunisia and Corrie Nielsen from UK. H&M has announced its big secret: the next exclusive designer collaboration will be with Erdem, the London based must-have designer loved by celebrities and fashion insiders alike. And visionary film maker Baz Luhrmann will bring the collection to life through his unique storytelling. Erdem x H&M will be in stores in November. The designer has created a brand-new collection for women and, for the first time ever, a collection for men. Erdem believes in the power of beauty, exploring historical references and personal narratives in every piece he makes and this collection will reflect and reinterpret the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with the prints, textiles and delicate craftsmanship that have made his name. New Designer Collabo London Showcase STACK Lego Fans Event The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority launched the STACK Lego Fans event at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Yousef & Abdulla HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, HE Zayed Al Zayani & Anton Faisal & Talia Jamie, Julie & Ana Maria Hadeer, Zainab, Mariam & Prabha
24 August / September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Zubaida’s Birthday Lynne Alwazzan celebrated the birthday of her sister-in-law Zubaida with an evening for family and friends at Senor Paco’s. Ayesha, Haya, Sarah, Zamam, Zubaida, Lynne, Mahin, Aneisha & Nimfa The birthday cake from Le Chocolate Mahin, Aneisha & Nimfa Ayesha, Haya & Sarah Sleeping Beauty Play As part of the Bahrain Summer Festival, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, in collaboration with the US Embassy, presented the American classic children’s play, Sleeping Beauty, at the Cultural Hall. Performers on stage Shaikha Hala & HE William Roebuck Marjan & Majeed Claudia, Eva & Tim Trisha & Bijoy
www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 showcase 25 When it comes to dapper business suits for men and women, nothing comes close to customised tailoring. Bahrain has numerous shops that provide custom-made clothes, but one that is a cut above the rest is Yorks Tailors & Textile. Your search for the perfect fit and fall of formal garments ends at this shop that has served its loyal clientele for over a decade. This is thanks to the skilled team of tailors who not only create smart garments but are also tuned in to what the customer needs and expects. Yorks Tailors & Textile is a one-stop shop – you can choose from a wide range of premium fabrics according to your budget, material type, colour and design. The master outfitters will then measure you up, taking into account nuances like your body shape, posture and height, to sew clothing that is truly made just for you. The store, conveniently located in Manama Souq, includes a fitting room. This spells ultimate convenience, as clients can try on their piece and alterations can be made without the hassle of multiple commutes to and from the shop. If you find it difficult to get to the location, Yorks will come to your doorstep, so you can have the best bespoke clothing without leaving the comfort of home. The shop also accommodates international shipping and quick turn-around times. Call: 17 210-406. YORKS TAILORS & TEXTILE THE BEST FIT Great sartorial style makes for a favourable first impression. Cinch the deal with bespoke fashion from this tailoring boutique.
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | get the look 26 Spaghetti-strap jump suit, ba&sh ba-sh.com Twig earrings, Desigual 17 178-059. Round sun glasses, Michael Michael Kors 17 178-630. Twig necklace, Desigual 17 178-059. Unicorn clutch, Call It Spring 16 686-203. Metallic on white flat sandals, Shoe Express 17 178-959. This summer is shaping up to be the hottest on record, which means it’s the ideal time to dig out the palest shades and loosest garments for a style that’s both cool and elegant. Add pops of colour to keep the look interesting or go for all white with a bold red lip or the latest peeka-boo or unicorn hair. However you wear this look, match it with a healthy tan (fake, of course) and you can’t help but look chilled. WHITE OUT Simply Stylish An all-in-one might not seem like the perfect pick for not weather but, choose a loose fit and the lack of sweaty seams and pinching buttons may just make it your new weekend ‘go-to’. Add funky retro shades and some statement jewellery to avoid fading into the background. This cute unicorn clutch is our latest favourite thing, it matches the office lust-have hairdo. Desigual SS17 Aimee Song Alice + Olivia SS17
www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 FASHION | get the look 27 Watch with diamante bezel, Parfois 17 178-054. Sun glasses, Parfois 17 178-054. Blue round sun glasses, H&M 17 223-031. Orange box bag, Jimmy Choo 17 582-807. Blue two-tone bag, Michael Michael Kors, 17 178-630. Silver platform wedge sandals, Ballin farfetch.com Beautifully Boho A loose full-length dress will take you from beach or pool to bar (just make sure you have right bra to do it justice). Top it off with a cropped biker like this one or just a casual wrap around your shoulders for when the evenings get a little cooler. Clunky sandals are still hot on the catwalks for the coming season and something along these lines will ensure comfort as well as style. Finish your outfit with a touch of blingy arm candy. Classic Fun Daub classic shapes with bright painterly colours for a fun take on this all white look. A cut away top will allow you to show off toned arms but adding a jacket means you can always cover up if needed. Flats make for a comfy option but some serious arm candy from Jimmy Choo keeps this look edgy and interesting as does the addition of funky coloured shades. White print dress, Desigual 17 178-059. Cropped biker jacket, Bershka 17 172-303. Earrings, Parfois 17 178-054. Cutaway linen top, Longchamp longchamp.com Appliqued Kinza pumps, Aldo 17 179-245. White fitted pants, Purificacion Garcia purificaciongarcia.com Embroidered denim jacket, Desigual 17 178-059.
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com showcase 28 Yamaha digital pianos have a reputation for being the world’s largest and finest; so it comes as no surprise that there are many options to choose from. Clavinova is an innovative line-up that utilises state-of-the-art technology to achieve grand piano quality, emulating the touch and tone to make the transition from digital to acoustic piano a seamless and enjoyable one. The mid-range CLP-645 is a popular choice that offers an inviting experience perfect for players of all levels. In a grand piano, sound resonates throughout the body of the instrument producing a rich reverberation that envelops the listener. This is reproduced perfectly in the Clavinova range through enhanced Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM), which reproduces the complicated interaction of both string and soundboard resonance faithfully using a virtual musical instrument (physical modelling), and makes the sound more like a real acoustic piano. Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboards are created using unrivalled expertise and feature an escapement mechanism that reproduces the feel of an acoustic piano as it goes through the let-off and drop of the hammer when a key is played very softly. The action has been designed in such a way that the escapement is discernible only on the lightest keystrokes, similar to that of a grand piano. Yamaha’s advanced binaural sampling technology is now available on the Clavinova for the first time. It uses samples from the CFX concert grand piano – recorded with specialised microphones – to capture locational information and other nuances. Once you choose the Yamaha CFX Grand Voice and put headphones on, the binaural sampled sound is automatically ready and no additional settings are required. Now, with or without headphones, you can fully enjoy the concert experience at home. Call 17 225-513. AMBASSADOR STORES MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Get the latest and best range of musical equipment from this leading supplier. Interactive Theatre Café Amsterdam hosted Manama Theatre Club for an evening of improvisational theatre with opposing teams performing scenes and the audience rating their efforts. Mike, Said, Amy, Christopher, Huzaifa & Ahmed Manal, Huneeya, Shirin & Marya Dely & Nikita Sharni & Jamie Carnie & Ian
Tel: (973) 17225513 141, Government Avenue, P.O.Box 237, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 30 When did you first start singing? I started singing at a very young age. I was maybe four years old when I discovered that I could sing and that I love singing. And when did you first perform? Was it at family events or something grander? I was around four or five years old and I remember performing for family members and realising that they really enjoyed listening to me. You’ve come a long way since Arabs Got Talent. How did it feel to hit the international stage at such a young age? I loved it from the beginning. Of course there were times I would get anxious and nervous, like anyone else would when they first try something new and in front of a lot of people, but I definitely loved it. How have you coped with growing up in the spotlight? To be honest, it came very naturally to me. I feel I was born for it. I love the feeling of entertaining people and hearing them sing along with me. Arab’s Got Talent star Hala Al Turk has grown up in the public eye, known for her colourful life both on stage and off. Now, with a new record deal and a photoshoot that shows the more mature side of her nature, she tells WTM what’s in store for the future. Growing Up in the Spotlight You seem to have courted controversy a little and were, at one stage, labelled a ‘wild child’. Is that behind you now? I think people will always find ways to label me, whether I was wild or not. It’s part of human nature to label, especially when you’re in the spotlight. I don’t consider myself wild now; I’m just myself. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen reported about yourself? The craziest thing was hearing that I’m married and that my little brother is actually my son! I found that shocking! There was also a well-publicised custody battle which saw you going to live with your mother, despite petitioning the court that you would rather be with your dad. Are things all sorted out on the home front now and do you manage to maintain a relationship with both parents, particularly since your dad was so important in your early career? This specific topic is behind me now as I’ve opened a new chapter in my life. What happened, happened, and now its time to turn a new page. I love both my parents and I always wish them well. You’ve just re-signed with Platinum. What’s in store for the future? When can we expect to see new music from you? We are working on new music, for sure, and you will be hearing from me very soon. I will leave it as a surprise and keep everyone on their toes. I can say, however, that with this new Hala chapter comes a new flavour for my music as well. Do you write or collaborate on writing any of your own music – or is this something you would like to develop? No, I don’t write my own music but I would definitely love to. Perhaps in the next few years; you never know. It is something I’ve thought about for sure because I feel I have a lot to express through my music. Are there any plans to take the ‘Hala sound’ out of the region? Yes, for sure. That’s always an option and part of the plan. It all depends on timing and which markets would love my kind of music.
www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 PEOPLE | interview 31 The way she was You’ve also reportedly auditioned for a film role with Disney. Can you tell us more? Yes, I did. It was to play Jasmine in the Disney movie Aladdin. I really enjoyed the audition process but the role had already been taken by someone else. I’m sure I will have other opportunities to come. Do you still live in Bahrain, or manage to get back often? I still live in Bahrain. You recently performed a very popular free concert on the island. How did it feel to be on stage in front of a home crowd? I loved it because it’s my home and I love my fans. It’s a beautiful feeling entertaining on home ground. When will your Bahrain fans get another chance to see you? My Bahrain fans see me every day on the streets, in the malls and on social media. I always stay connected to them one way or another. As for concerts, that will be soon as well. Anything else you would like to add? Just a big thanks to all the fans that have • The young Bahraini singer got through to the finals on the popular TV show Arabs Got Talent in 2011, when she was just nine years old! • Her song Happy Happy, released in 2013, has had more than 100 million views on YouTube. • In March 2015 her dad suspended her Instagram account over slightly risqué posts. • In February 2016 she was nominated for Favourite Arab Act at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. • Her December 2016 video for Why I’m So Afraid has drawn comparisons with Rihanna. • In March this year she was among six artists to perform at a free Celebrate My Country event in Seef. She’s also played to packed crowds in Dubai. • To date she’s released 13 songs in a mixture of both Arabic and English. • Born on May 15, 2002, she is still only 15! HALA IN BRIEF been supporting me through everything. I appreciate and love them very much. They have been with me through the highs and lows and I’m very grateful to them. g
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com showcase 32 As part of its continuous efforts to provide the best and most innovative financial solutions, Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company has revealed its developed credit card – ‘Imtiaz for Her’. WTM met with brand managers Fatema Bastaki and Noor Al Saati to find out more. Can you start by telling us why you decided to develop a card for women? Bahrain Credit introduced its flagship Imtiaz credit card in late 2009 and, since then, we have seen our customers excited about the card and the benefits it provides. This inspired us to segment our cards based on gender needs. It is important to mention that this card has grown into a large-scale business over the years, and today we are proud to say that we have an excess of 60,000 cards and we are considered one of the top two credit card providers in the market. Our Imtiaz for Her platinum MasterCard came about after comprehensive research into women in Bahrain, including their purchasing power, habits, and empowerment. Accordingly, we have uniquely packaged the card for them in terms of its design, offers, and benefits in a way that other companies do not, which puts as in the lead when it comes to segmentation of cards based on gender. What differentiates the card from others? Imtiaz For Her has several significant features, starting with the design. The colour – Rose Gold – was selected to reflect the personality of modern females, along with pride and power. We believe that every customer must have There’s no doubt that women, both figuratively and literally, hold the purse strings. So it comes as no surprise that this leading company is now offering a credit card just for them. BAHRAIN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES COMPANY ESPECIALLY FOR LADIES CEO Dr. Adel Hubail, Brand Managers Noor Al Saati and Fatema Bastaki, Head of Credit and Marketing Fadhel Al Mahoozi Crowds at the launch at City Centre Bahrain a memorable experience when dealing with Bahrain Credit. Customers will receive the card in an elegantly designed box along with a pair of complimentary earrings. The cardholder will also enjoy exclusive discounts and offers from top merchants, in fields such as entertainment, dermatology, dental clinics, restaurants and hotels. Further, they will receive free airline miles with Gulf Air's Falcon Flyer programme. Is the card aimed at a specific type of customer? It is available for all women in the Kingdom. They can apply by visiting any branch, or by calling the company's hotline on 80 008-000. All features are available for main and supplementary credit card holders, and they will be developed and updated in a way that meets the needs and requirements of all female customers. How are you adding value to the merchants and will you add more brands to your offers? We deal with merchants as partners, that is why we personally handle the marketing and PR of all participating brands when it comes to their products and services to all our current customers, we aim to attract more customers to their shops or outlets and promote more sales. We look at these partnerships as a winwin situation for all sides, that is why we will continue to add more brands and offers on a monthly basis and cater the different needs to all women. Can you tell us more about the mobile application designed for the card? We successfully launched a specialised smartphone application – Imtiaz for Her – compatible for both iPhone and Android, which shows all the offers and discounts provided to female customers. The app will enable users to identify the offers based on their location, and will be the window for any suggestions. The company will support all merchants and partners by providing marketing support on social media, such as Instagram, @imtiazforher, and traditional media.
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August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 34 Roshini Daswani is the founder of thatgirlposh, a blog that chronicles her journey in fashion, lifestyle and travel to inspire women around the world. “I aim to provide a daily lookbook of outfit inspirations to women who simply don’t know what to wear, how to be on trend and try new silhouettes on an affordable budget,” she says. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Roshini graduated in graphic design from Central Saint Martins in London before moving to Bahrain to be with her husband in 2015. “My early experience involves work at a media agency, but I was always a fashion enthusiast at my core. So here I am in search of a way to make my mark in this new place, but also to discover myself in a new society. Her biggest challenge in Bahrain comes in upholding her voice for her website. WTM gets candid with a talented Bahrain-based blogger who is breaking down conventions with her superb styling inspiration. “Maintaining my style is essential for success, as is building relationships with the right brands. I don’t put anything out there that I don’t actually like or support. “So, sometimes having to politely pass on an opportunity so that I remain genuine to myself and my readers can be tricky. “A lot of people think that bloggers just receive free things all the time, but it’s actually a very curated and strategic alignment process,” she states. She created her online journal to solidify her love for styling and inspire viewers through photography, beauty and travel. “I’ve been blogging since the Xanga days, but at that time it was about my social life, “I would style myself in the latest outfits which I shopped for from America and the UK,” she says. Whether it be styling herself for parties, weddings, anniversaries or holidays, she enjoyed the concept of going along with the theme. “When in London, I found that I wanted to capture my style on the streets of the city, with this passion and search for a creative outlet, thatgirlposh was born,” Explains Roshini. When asked about what factors influence her personal style, she says: “My style is dependent on my mood. It can be anything from chic to modern, Bohemian to rocker. It is an evolving representation of my international background.” Roshini believes that fashion is a language of its own, one that communicates without barriers. “It is more than just clothes and accessories. It’s the way we walk, the way we smile, the sparkle in our eyes and our lifestyle. I use this as a medium to connect with myself and it gives me the power to converse to the world without having to speak.” For the summer, the blogger is particularly infatuated with the off-shoulder trend. “The neckline is definitely one that I am fond of. Shoulder-baring is sensual whilst still being subtle.” Her top beauty picks include the Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighter, Mac Kinda Sexy lipstick and the Mac Pro long wear concealer For aspiring bloggers, Roshini has a few words of advice: “Stay true to yourself and work with brands that are a reflection of your personality." Visit www.thatgirlposh.com or @thatgirlposh on Instagram Couture Chats
August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 36 Russian DJ Katrin Love has gained recognition for her infectious, foot-tapping electronic music and is now resident at one of the island’s popular five-star venues. Her affair with sound began in her teenage years when she chose to study digital music production and the piano. “After graduating in 2006, I started helping musicians in studio recordings while simultaneously hanging out with them at bigscale events to get a feel for the industry, “I never wanted to just be stuck in a studio. With some perseverance, I started performing live later that year,” explains Katrin. After touring within Russia, she decided to showcase her talent beyond its borders. “As much as I enjoyed playing in my country, the scope there is limited. I signed up for overseas tours and began exploring the world in 2008. “I played in the UAE, Morocco, Switzerland, France, Spain, Armenia, Cyprus, India, Egypt, Oman, Belarus, Greece and Monaco, to name a few.” She first visited Bahrain in 2010 as part of a Middle East tour, and instantly fell in love with the Kingdom. “The fun-loving atmosphere and vibrant This eminent female disc jockey gets candid about her ambitions and a collective she founded for local musical talent. Girl Power social life had me hooked. I bagged a couple of gigs and eventually a residency with a nightclub here. I consider the island as my home now,” says Katrin. When asked about her inspiration, she says: “The pleasure of creating and playing tunes for the people around me is what inspires me the most and motivates me to fulfilling my dreams.” Being a female in a male-dominated industry requires determination and courage, but Katrin is not one to back off. “It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in and be accepted for it. But Bahrain is great because everyone is helping each other to grow and take the nightlife forward. “Sometimes people still doubt if I am cut out to do a certain job because of my gender. But this is a common misconception widespread in all professions.” Katrin is the co-founder of the Bahrain Underground Music Movement (BUMM), a pioneer community that provides a platform for electronic music disc jockeys to showcase their tunes at various venues on a monthly basis. “The concept was created by DJ Mysterioo Arif and me to fill a gap. It is very challenging to run such a concept as local musicians hardly get any support, unlike in the West. “Surprisingly, the movement garnered significant attention as participants started to get recognised outside of the Kingdom through our projects.” For the future, Katrin is working to make BUMM an independent record label. She encourages aspiring artists to take the risk and follow their passion. “Ignore the negativity and continue doing what you love. Eventually, you will make it. Nine years ago I had to make the toughest decision of my life – to do what I love or get sucked into the daily grind of a mundane job. It took lots of hard work and sleepless nights, but I am proud of where I am and the road ahead only leads upwards,” she says. You can find Katrin at ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands. Her music is on Soundcloud at: dj-katrin-love 'The pleasure of creating and playing tunes for the people around me is what inspires me the most and motivates me to fulfilling my dreams'
38 August / September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Cake-cutting with Roshini’s friends Roya, Jameela & Deema Anne, Raja, Roshini, Shanthini & George Roshan & Roshini Graduation Party Roshini Raja Rahamathullah, student of British School of Bahrain from Kindergarden, celebrated her graduation party at the Sheraton Hotel which was graced by HRH Sheikha Thaijbha bint Salman Al Khalifa, Indian Ambassador HE Alok Kumar Sinha and wife Mamta. Roshini is heading towards Arizona State University in the US to do her graduation to study business data analytics. Sheraton Arabian Nights Sheraton Bahrain Hotel held an exclusive launch of its Arabian Nights at Al Safir restaurant. Christalyn & Bambie Zaheer & Kumar Shaz & Aniqa Ameena & Maryam Sameer & Abdulla Layal & Rami
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