Woman This Month - December 2014

2 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com DECEMBER 8 18 68 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 provided on page 4. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 53 40 SHOPPING 08 Editor’s Choice: Let it shine 10 Pick of the Month: Glitz the season 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene FASHION 14 Fashion Forward: Santa’s colours 16 Style Radar: What the stars are wearing 18 Get the Look: Back to black 20 Trend: Power struggles PEOPLE 40 Amal Al Mulla: Grand designs 44 Seema Haqiqi: A work of wax 45 Carmen Lauri: Jumping to success 46 Community: Breaking barriers in football BEAUTY 48 News: The latest products in the stores 53 5 Tips: Avoiding clown makeup LIFESTYLE 64 Column: Swollen problems 66 Wellbeing: Tipping the scales 68 Food: Have yourself a very foodie Christmas 76 Travel: New York, New York 78 Horoscope: What to expect this month 79 He says: Festive wisdom 80 She says: The perils of honey and bread

4 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com I don’t know about you but I’m smiling from ear to ear with this weather we’re having. While we haven’t quite reached boots weather yet, our jumpers can definitely see the light of day again! And on that note of change, I’ve stepped into the editor’s heels (well, I’m a loafers girl really) at Woman This Month and am having a ball putting the pages together. Being the month of keeping up appearances, we’ve got you covered on the wardrobe front with a hot line-up of ideas on how to add a touch of Christmas to your look. As we cover all the festive essentials, we chat with fashion designer, Amal Al Mulla about her latest fall/winter collection and how she, a barely-out-of-university designer, has already got Paris at her fingertips. As the year comes to a close, everything seems to mount up – festive gatherings go well into the night, work swamps your desk and the pressure of gift-giving becomes more of a burden than a happy occasion. But as James Claire shrewdly points out in ‘He Says’, people of all faiths should adopt a new philosophy for the season. Take the seven principles of Bushido and restore a pinch of peace into your life and step into the new year with a balanced outlook. Happy holidays! Georgie Bradley Editor responsible editor JUBRAN ABDULRAHMAN chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial consultant STAN SZECOWKA editor GEORGIE BRADLEY fashion and beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA DR JIHAN DARWISH GEORGE R VAUGHAN HANNA MOORE JAMES CLAIRE creative director ANDRE BIGG print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED RANDA GHAZI HOWAIS sales manager SANHITA KAR MARYA circulation FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI photography editor ANIL RAVI SHANKAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN 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 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 December 2014, issue 142 On the cover: A look from the fall/winter collection of Amal Al Mulla Follow us on: @woman_this_month @WomanThisMonthB Woman This Month EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide Normally I’m all about the Diane Keaton trouser look. But I’ve recently been won over by the pleated skirt business. Teaming it with an oversized grandpa cardigan might give you a ‘teacher’ vibe but if you funk it up with a pair of All Stars and hoop earrings, no one will be telling you off. Topshop F&F Dorothy Perkins

The perfect gifts for the Holidays! BathAndBodyWorksMiddleEast @bbwmena @bbwmena STORE LOCATIONS • City Centre Bahrain • Seef Mall Customer Service: 8000-1320

6 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Mariecris collects shopping vouchers worth BD25 from the team at Jawad Supermarket. letters STAR LETTER Your ‘Women of Influence’ feature on the topranking women of Standard Chartered last month was very encouraging and uplifting. Sometimes I hold myself back because I feel I can’t achieve the things that I want to but after reading the interview feature it made me realise that a lot of hard work and determination, along with patience, makes it all worthwhile. And I love the fact that these are strong-minded women who have not let any gender barriers come in the way of their success. Thank you WTM for focusing on these types of women. Marie I loved everything about November’s Woman This Month issue! The cover was fabulous and the contents were even more so. I have always been confused on how to pull off denim without conforming to the easy and generic T-shirt and trainers look. Now I can feel more feminine and understand how to accessorise and feel more ladylike with brightly coloured stilettos and handbags. I am also a new mum, hence the lack of fashion intelligence at the moment, therefore the baby milestone article really calmed my nerves as I can relate to it. I’m always on the lookout for helpful hints and tips from parents on parenting; now I know what signs WRITE IN AND WIN The star letter in the next issue will win a shopping voucher worth BD25 from Jawad Supermarket. To win this prize, send us your views on our December 2014 edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461. The winner will be selected at random. Please sign off with your full name, CPR number and telephone number. to look out for with my baby’s development and who to contact. Jenni Fillet and kale salad is my family’s new favourite dish now thanks to WTM! Fresh, flavoursome and filling - just what you need for the perfect evening meal, especially as it’s quick to prepare! After reading this, I decided that this weekend is my weekend and I will be treating myself, for the first time in a long time. So I am going to march straight over to Charles & Keith and la Vie en Rose and buy all of those absolutely stunning coloured bags, belts and underwear! I love what you said, and I too want to remember that I am ‘first and foremost’ a lady! Thank you Woman This Month! Rojan I have always had thin, curved eyebrows, and throughout my life that was always in fashion. A quick pluck and you were done, no filling them in and especially no eyebrow tinting! However within the past couple of years, I have noticed eyebrows have gotten thicker. This is why I loved your piece, ‘Easy on the Eyes’ as I want to know what shape, shade and length my eyebrows should be and this is the perfect opportunity to find out! Katie Write Here Write Now 44 November 2014 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 45 November 2014 The number of women in senior roles in the banking industry is on the rise. Bahrain’s home-grown talent is getting local and global recognition. How can women further push the boundaries? We speak to high-ranking women of Standard Chartered Bank — Bahrain. WOMEN OF INFLUENCE PEOPLE | interview by GEORGIE BRADLEY It was announced last month that Shaikha Tareef was appointed the new chief financial officer of Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain. Not only is this a flagship role, it is the first time a Bahraini woman has filled it. What does it take for a woman to climb the career ladder in Bahrain? THE ROLE OF EDUCATION One of the foundations to a successful career is a solid educational background. The notion of education has been disputed within a gender context in the past, but it seems women are at the forefront now. The country head of financial crime compliance at the bank, Alaa Al Hamad, says that her family insisted on education because she is a woman. “I was raised to believe that education is the pillar for a good future. We were focused on this; my father made sure that my sisters and I had the best education,” Alaa says. Similarly, Nouf Al Suwaidi, senior relationship manager of human resources, was brought up to value education. “I think it has to do with the way our parents were brought up. Back then, women weren’t given the same opportunities as men. Perhaps they felt that opportunities would be handed to my brothers, which is why they put me in a private school,” Nouf adds. Noora Al Nusuf, country head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing, says, “I think it’s all about how families view the role of women. There was a discussion in the past about whether women are their own enemy. To a certain extent, we could be because it’s what we teach our kids. We can teach our sons to respect women and that the role of women is important. It all starts at home.” WEST VS MIDDLE EAST Having had experience in both the UK and Bahrain, Shaikha has never felt the effects of discrimination in either country. Gender equality has been on the agenda in the West for decades; the presence of female empowerment in Bahrain is catching up. “I have never been told that I can’t do something because I am a woman,” she says. “The government stresses on the empowerment of women. You’ll find seminars taking place to increase the participation of women in both public and private bodies.” Greek expatriate Zoe Karali, who is the country head of legal and compliance at Standard Chartered Bank, felt accepted immediately upon arrival eight years ago. “I had never lived in the Middle East, but I felt comfortable as soon as I got here. There are capable women in senior positions in local and international banks in Bahrain. Coming from Europe, this is something that needs to be promoted outside the region,” Zoe says. SUPPORT SYSTEM Throughout their journey to the top, Standard Chartered Bank has supported these women in accomplishing their goals. “One of the main pillars is diversity and inclusion at the bank. Sometimes women can be complacent, but if you really push for what you want, you can get it. The reaction I get from people about me working in this position is one of amazement because I am a woman in an international bank,” says Nouf. “It’s all about how professional and engaging you are. I don’t think gender matters. Since I started working here and throughout my career, people really appreciate how the bank has promoted women. They value the way the bank runs its activities and strategies for women,” adds Dalal Abdulla, head of distribution — head of branches. PASSING ON THE TORCH This inclusion of women doesn’t just speak to the ethics of Standard Chartered Bank. Both local and international banks in Bahrain embrace women taking a pioneering leap to the top. How can women improve their confidence and ability to do so? Would a mentoring programme suffice? “Mentoring is one thing; it’s formal. Stories of successful women help inspire women. When my promotion was announced, women were saying that it is great news and that they know they can be in such a position too. It shows that if you work hard, you can get these strong roles,” says Shaika. “The government mentors women through the Supreme Council for Women. They host activities and the annual competition for the Shaikha Sabeeka Award. The nomination process is so rigorous. It is taken very seriously,” adds Alaa. “I was reading about organisations that have a high percentage of women in senior positions and how they have better shareholder returns as a result. I was proud to read that. When shareholder value has something to do with it, you know women are doing it right,” says Zoe. PIECES OF ADVICE In order to launch yourself into a fruitful career, the women of Standard Chartered Bank put success down to flexibility, goals and patience. Dalal: “Always look forward. Set a goal beyond the goal.” Zoe: “You need to be patient. It took me 10 years to be head of a department, but I needed those 10 years. You can have a lot of knowledge and qualifications, but experience is what makes you step back and have a good view of everything you have acquired. Don’t rush. Take it step by step — it’s a process.” Shaikha: “You need to be flexible. During life there are lots of hurdles; be adaptable and take on change.” g Alaa Al Hamad Dalal Abdulla Zoe Karali Shaikha Tareef Nouf Al Suwaidi Noora Al Nusuf 24 November 2014 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 25 November 2014 FASHION | 10 tips Buying jeans, no matter what size or shape you are, can be a soul-destroying and exhausting mission. Here are 10 tricks to matching a pair to your preferred style. WEARING OUT YOUR DENIM BOOT UP Boot-cut jeans are not always the first choice, but they are great for making your legs seem slimmer and longer. Use tunic tops and slim-fitting cardigans to maintain a long silhouette. Experience the ease of being able to pull off any shoe type with them. A TIGHT FIT Dark, bright and bold — any shade of skinny jeans guarantees you will look fabulous. Try them with boots and a grandpa jumper for fashion (and comfort). You get brownie points for wearing these beauties with a feminine top, and small pointed-toe heels. THINK STRAIGHT The conservative denims are great with a simple blouse, a thick woolly scarf and small-heeled boots. If it is a nice warm day, roll these straight-cut trousers up to your ankles and replace the boots with thin, brightly coloured heels to jazz up any outfit. FADE AWAY Mixing hues of nude in tops, scarves and shoes, with leather accessories will make you the centre of attention everywhere you go. For a night out, opt for pumps and a well-tailored jacket. Don’t forget to roll up the hems. MUM’S THE WORD New and trendy mommy jeans suit cropped tops, vintage and statement jumpers, and flannel shirts. Use high fashion accessories and chucky belts to determine a girly and curvy look. LET HER RIP! Rock the ripped jeans with statement coats and lace-up ankle boots. For a more stylish effect, opt for floral shirts or tuck in thin, oversized button shirts. AT A STRETCH Jeggings scream comfort and haVE an incredible fit, giving you hundreds of options for any look. Whether you choose the preppy boyfriend shirt, an oversized jumper, or a plain top overloaded with jewellery, these jeans are a must-have for any wardrobe. IN PRINT Prints are great for a sassy look, and combined with a neutral top, eye-catching flats or heels and a statement bag, you are guaranteed to look fabulous for all occasions. This fierce look is perfect if you don’t like wearing too much jewellery. HIGH FLYER These jeans are the best for giving you curves in all the right places. With a solid-colour blouse, you can unleash your inner ‘70s girl. Have it tucked in, half-tucked in or hanging loose. BOY OH BOY! For a chic look, try baggy jeans with a fitted crop top or band tee. If you fancy an extremely casual look, don’t be afraid to pair them with a loose, oversized button-down shirt. Sandals or thin statement shoes always look fabulous. by HANNAH MOORE 1 5 3 9 7 2 4 6 8 10

8 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SHOPPING | editor's choice All that glitters may not be gold but all that gleams sure does catch everyone’s attention. The metallic trend is one to embrace this festive season. Add a sparkly touch to your wardrobe and light up your cheery month. Matthew Williamson 1. Clutch: Miss Selfridge; 2. Earrings: Accessorize; 3. Cushion: Marks & Spencer; 4. Dress: Hobbs; 5. Skirt: Next; 6. Owl tea light holders: BHS; 7. Espresso cups: Debenhams; 8. Shoes: M&Co; SHINY MATTER 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5

10 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com The Rouge Louboutin nail colour, from designer Christian Louboutin’s enamel collection, has been given a glittering transformation. A strass-adorned version of the nail polish with 1,500 two-tone hand-applied crystals is now available for exclusive buyers. The high shine exaggerates the architectural shape of the bottle and illuminates the carmine hue. The sparkly lacquer is available worldwide in a limited quantity of 1,000 pieces. The desired enamel will be sold in selected Christian Louboutin boutiques and sites. At Christian Louboutin boutiques and concessions, customers can opt for an extra touch of a hunter green silk ribbon in a Japanese-inspired print. That extra detail gives the box a unique touch and is perfect for a gift. The velvet and black case embraces the luxury cosmetic, giving it a jewellery-like look. The two red leather and strass flowers were borrowed from the Pensamoi shoe – one of the eye-catching items of the brand’s autumn and winter 2014 collection. This isn’t the first time the fashion house has used these light-reflecting spots. The embellishment has become a signature feature on both the shoes and handbags. The shoe-master continues to make waves in the beauty world. And to celebrate Christmas in high style, an exciting limited edition has been launched. Holiday Glitz SHOPPING | pick of the month

Bahrain City Center 17112713 • Seef Mall 17112728 me.loccitane.com L’Occitane, dance into the season 52BD WORTH 70BD

www.womanthismonth.com This month we bring you the opening of a brand new store, plus specially crafted products and services for the holiday and wedding season. Enjoy the festivities! ONLINE SHOPPING NET-A-PORTER.COM launches Fantasy Gifts as part of The Holiday Shop. The service consists of five shopping experiences, designed to give a special treat to its customers. The products are an extra luxury to women all over the world looking for the advice and support of a personal shopper. SHOPPING | news RETAIL THERAPY November 2014 12 WEDDING BELLS Appy Couple in collaboration with Carolina Herrera debuts its Luxury Collection with seven template designs inspired by exclusive prints from the fashion house. The digital platform offers its services for engaged couples, so they can create their own wedding application and website. NEW IN TOWN The French brand TATI has arrived in the Kingdom. With a selection of fashion pieces for the entire family, the store also offers a bridal section, beauty products, home essentials and decor. Located on the first level of Bahrain City Centre, the outlet of 37,000 square feet provides a comfortable shopping experience with welcoming fitting rooms and competitive prices. HANDCRAFTED TREASURES The holiday season is upon us again and gifting ideas are very welcomed. For that special someone, Omega offers the Constellation Pluma watch in 18K red gold and stainless steel. The white mother-of-pearl dial is decorated with wavy lines resembling a feather. The wristwatch is a memory keeper for a feminine and strong woman. SEASON’S CELEBRATION Tommy Hilfiger launches its 2014 holiday collection and style guide. The advertising campaign features the Hilfiger family in a wintertime adventure. The pieces include your everyday wardrobe staples, eveningwear and holiday gifts. The collection is complemented by an A-Z guide with ideas on how to create a stylish outfit, hosting etiquette tips and festive recipes. December 2014

NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE : Bahrain City Center, Level 1 NESPRESSO CLUB : 80001999 NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE : Bahrain City Center, Level 1 NESPRESSO CLUB : 80001999 NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE : Bahrain City Center, Level 1 NESPRESSO CLUB : 80001999

14 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | fashion forward GET YOUR HO HO HO ON! Pay homage to Santa’s main look and paint your wardrobe in red, white and black. Mix and match the three colours for that extra festive twist with our selection of picks. COSY MATERIAL Christmas without a warm festive sweater shouldn’t exist! So dust off your ageold favourite or invest in a new sweater to hit the street. BHS has a selection of knitted and fitted pieces that allows you to create different styles. If paired with a leather skirt or jeans, plus a biker jacket, the rock and roll vibe will definitely be in the air. WINTER OPULENCE Versace’s luxury collection elevates the jingle bells inspiration to a whole new level. The velvety and fluffy materials transform the basic black and red into monarchy status. The knee-high boots work best with mini-dresses and long coats. Wearing your trench-coat as the statement piece is classy and chic. AND SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS Santa Claus’s face is a cute and fun pick for a playful look. These Marks & Spencer socks have rubbery dots on the sole, preventing the usual slippery discomfort of walking with normal socks. They will keep you warm and fuzzy as well as adding that fun element to your relaxing days at home. CHERRY ON TOP This MICHAEL Michael Kors carmine handbag is the it-accessory to bring out the Santainspired look for your black and white outfit. The colour element creates a focal point to the look, giving it extra oomph. The eye-catching element can also be replaced for red shoes or a jacket. Quilting is one of the strongest trends of the cold season, so incorporate it into your joyful look.

www.womanthismonth.com 15 December 2014 THE FLOWY EFFECT The palazzo trousers are both comfortable and fashionable at the same time. Leggy girls usually show off the style best. H&M give a sporty tone by adding the stripes on the side of the legs. The piece is casual and well teamed with heels. Boots are winter’s statement option – go for it! CLASSY GIRL With a red coat and black kneehigh boots, Mango pairs the winter essentials with a minidress for a chic effect. The printed dress introduces the white element and creates a harmonic way to put the colours together. A pair of skinny black trousers and a white top would also accomplish the look. You can opt for navy bottoms to add more contrast.

www.womanthismonth.com December 2014 16 FASHION | snaps Whether attending a red carpet event or just out and about, our favourite fashion icons know exactly how to rock casual and chic without any fuss. Check it out! Style Radar REESE WITHERSPOON The sporty pair of jeans and white top got a sparkle with the Salvatore Ferragamo calf-skin handbag. The burgundy piece adds the final touch to the look, giving it an appropriately ‘cold’ effect. Accessories can play a major role in an outfit, mainly when paired with casual clothing. ROSIE HUNTINGTONWHITELEY The British model and actress was spotted carrying a red Kurt Geiger London bowling bag while out in Hollywood, California. The outfit is a smart composition of an olive-green jacket, leather skirt and striped black and white top. The suede black boots and carmine handbag smartly complement the look.

www.womanthismonth.com 17 December 2014 ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO The supermodel wore a Versus Versace black cocktail dress to the grand opening of the Rimowa NYC store in New York City. The look is from Anthony Vaccarello X Versus Versace spring and summer 2015 collection. Despite not being out yet, it seems that we’ve seen it over and over again. The Greek detail is the eyecatching element in this bodycon LBD. KALEY CUOCO The female star of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory sported an LBD from the Paule Ka collection for her appearance at the Elle’s 21st Annual Women in Hollywood celebration held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Her pixie cut balances the long-sleeved simple dress really nicely. RINKO KIKUCHI The Japanese film actress opted for a Louis Vuitton dress to attend the Last Summer photo call during the Rome Festival. The chic simplicity of the gown relies on the impeccable cut and the unusual shade of yellow. The colour contrasted nicely with her dark hair too. Blonde and fair girls should avoid this kind of hue though. GUGU MBATHARAW Lanvin was the English actress’ pick to attend the screening of Beyond the Lights at the 50th Annual Chicago International Film Festival. The black silk-blend cocktail dress with the double-face bow detail is from the summer 2015 pre-collection. The cut is a good fit for her slim figure.

18 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com 1. Earrings: Dorothy Perkins 2. Dress: Tommy Hilfiger 3. Necklace: Chanel; 4. Watch: Karen Millen 5. Clutch: Bulgari 6. Stiletto: Louis Vuitton DRESS TO IMPRESS FASHION | get the look If your party demands formal attire, pick a long dress. However, opt for a contemporary cut and solid colour; this way you’ll let the accessories do all the work. A navy piece in fine material replaces the old and tired black option and embraces the winter mode. The star look is definitely the Chanel necklace which acts as a refined collar with a cascading effect. The burgundy touches add creativity and sophistication to the final composition. LONG CUT THE Jessica Chastain Jennifer Lawrence December is a month brimming with events. From parties to family gatherings and work events, your dress code needs some thought. Fernanda Langhammer has come up with ideas on how to adapt your look. 6 5 1 2 3 4

www.womanthismonth.com 19 December 2014 The same concept of contrasting colours is the key to this look. The black midi-skirt gets teamed with a fluorescent knitted top to embrace the trend. Flashing shades are an interesting way to escape from boring looks; let’s abuse the style while we can this winter. The vintage style can be easily conquered by adding a cloche hat. Black and white with a flourish of gold speaks super chic. The key to giving it that jaw-dropping effect is mixing and matching different textures. The lace jacket complements the silky top contrasting the faux leather skirt. The delicate sandals add the golden twist backed by the clutch and contrasts frilly detail. The pearls add the ladylike flair and should be placed under the top’s bow collar. The girly look is a spin on the classic work suit jacket and skirt. REVAMPED THE CLASSIC THE BLACK WIDOW 1. Lace jacket: Lipsy 2. Top: Hobbs 3. Skirt: Koton 4. Necklace: H&M 5. Clutch: Hoss Intropia 6. Sandals: Dune 1. Dress: F&F 2. Clutch: Next 3. Necklace: Aldo Accessories 4. Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors 5. Kimono: Mango 6. Boots: Santoni 5 4 1 2 3 6 1 2 4 5 6 3

20 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trend Chunky: Lanvin Skinny: Burberry Prorsum 1 5 3 10 8 7 6 2 4 9 12 1. Blue and leopard shoes: Dune; 2. Black, white and pink stilettos: Hoss Intropia; 3. Leopard ankle boots: Paule Ka; 4. Black heels: H&M; 5. Black peep-toe booties: Call It Spring; 6. Black mules: Santoni; 7. Blue pumps: Aldo Shoes; 8. Leopard scarpins: Mango; 9. Suede booties: Ralph Lauren; 10. Brown open toe heels: Salvatore Ferragamo; 11. Tan boots: Tommy Hilfiger; 12. Black laced shoes: Tory Burch. We’re all over skyscraper shoes this month. Whether you’re into skinny or chunky heels, you can run the world in these bad boys. SKINNY VS CHUNKY 11

22 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION STUNNING CASCADE BEAUTY A nice trick to get your outfit to pop out is to pick a jewellery set that brings the hue to the centre of attention. Therefore, if you have a gown with green details, this piece is the perfect match for it. BLUE VELVET The azure stone lays splendidly in the silver and zircon studs, giving a beautiful visual effect. The set is very feminine and its design makes a grand entrance when paired with a simple evening dress or luxurious gown. The ensemble is a spot on pick for blue-eyed women. GOLDEN LAVISH The most versatile ornament that can be paired with any traditional or evening gown is undoubtedly a golden piece. This opulent set stands-out with its shinny bits and harmonious design. If you want to speak sophistication, this is the ideal jewellery for you. LONG LASTING ROMANCE This pink set adds a dramatic vintage allure to your outfit. The contemporary pendant is a magnetic showstopper piece that is complemented by its matching ring and earrings. The enchanting jewellery has a romantic appeal and delicate soft lines.

www.womanthismonth.com 23 December 2014 BLINGS Call 17 179-863 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 581-588 (Seef Mall). The Holiday season has arrived and at A La Mode you’ll find the perfect gift for that special someone. Get bewildered with these memorable new pieces! STYLISH DETAIL These bangles complement a number of different styles and are easily worn for any occasion. Your daily wardrobe can benefit with the addition of an extra sparkle, while your nightgown gets a pop of modernity when paired with these striking pieces. PRINCESS TOUCH The pinkish gemstone gives a girly flair to this set. The jewellery is a perfect match for nude and pastel coloured dresses. The brightness of this ensemble steals the scene and transforms the look into pure glamour. SUMPTUOUS SURPRISE To add a focal point to your formal attire, pick an elegant pendant to conquer a minimal but outstanding look. The piece can also be an eye-catching accessory to complement your white shirt and dark denim trousers. To spice up the look, add a matching pair of earrings and a ring.

24 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com CHIC DENIM FASHION Spanish brand Punt Roma is a destination for women looking for classic garments with a contemporary twist. A wardrobe full of key pieces is every woman’s dream. At Punt Roma, you’ll find elegant dresses with matching jackets in fine fabric that can be worn at any special evening or work event. Black leather and lace are the textures to invest in. Colourful twin-sets and tailored trousers are also practical options for a multipurpose dresser. The brand has a selection of dark blue denims that can easily take a casual look to something more sophisticated. Large flower prints and winter solid hues like burgundy and bottle green are the best picks to stamp the tops. The attire gets a final touch with quilted coats and suit jackets following the same colour scheme. Feminine long-sleeved shirts are the option to replace the lightweight tops if you’re looking for a classic element. Accessories such as colour-blocking handbags, printed scarves and golden necklaces add the eye-catching detail to transform your basic denim. Call 17 172-307 (City Centre Bahrain)

26 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com COSMOPOLITAN MINIMALISM FASHION Casual street style gets transformed with Massimo Dutti’s latest interpretation. The brand’s autumn and winter collection brings an earthy palette combined with a linear structure.

www.womanthismonth.com 27 December 2014 The balanced relationship between urban and casual is the key to the brand’s latest collection. The influence of the men’s wardrobe is spotted in oversized coats, tailored trousers, Oxford shoes and warm outwear. The feminine touch finds its way through knitted sweaters, capes and fitted jackets. The harmonious interaction between the two styles is the brand’s main conception to the cold season. The colour composition brings red, beige, taupe, soft grey, ochre, indigo and burgundy in perfect symphony. A walk in the dark woods meets metropolis best expresses the mood of the hues. Gales check and camouflage are the selected prints for these natural shades along with high-street black, white and grey. The minimalist style presented by strong tailoring skills is one of the brand’s trademarks. Different trouser cuts, fitted shirts and coats are all constructed under the same concept of clean lines and a polished look. The brand brings a modern touch to the business dress code. The fabric selection speaks wintertime with fine materials such as wool, cashmere, leather, fur and nylon. Cosy sweaters are worn with comfy leggings for a day with the family while slouchy coats create the work look when paired with tailored trousers. The versatile pieces can be harmonised to create any style. The accessories give the final attitude to the desired look with elegant footwear, soft scarves, novelty handbags and classic belts. Call 17 583-230 (Seef Mall) or 17 172-325 (City Centre Bahrain).

28 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com MAKING A STATEMENT We all know that accessories dictate a look. They define the style and add extra oomph to any basic clothing. At Aldo Accessories you can find chunky necklaces for grand compositions or simple single bangles and rings for small appearances. You can get into rock ‘n’ roll mode with the addition of studded handbags and bracelets. For a more classic style, nude handbags paired with golden bracelets deliver a harmonious and stylish look. Clutches are the rising stars in the handbag world. Opt for different textures and creative designs if you want to stand out in the crowd with elegance. Adding some burgundy or navy pieces will help embody the cold season for your pastel wardrobe. The hue weds really well with white, beige, light pinks and blues. Explore the accessories’ universe to give a burst of energy to your faded look. Call 16 686-214 (City Centre Bahrain), 16 686-221 (Seef Mall), 16 686-233 (The Centre) or 16 686-231 (Isa Town Mall). Aldo Accessories is the right destination for women looking for fashionable or casual pieces to sparkle up their wardrobe. FASHION

30 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY WTM Fashion Show — Runway We were so thrilled to launch the inaugural Lincoln Woman This Month fashion show last month. The event saw a host of stunning autumn and winter collections worn by our beautiful models with all the right kinds of attitude. From backstage to the catwalk, to the launch of the new Lincoln MKC, the evening was packed with all round entertainment. Centrepoint Juwi's Boutique Kala Niketan Aeropostale Batool Dadabhai A La Mode

www.womanthismonth.com 31 December 2014 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY La Vie en Rose Monsoon Kenneth Cole Punt Roma Max Origem Tommy Hilfiger

32 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Lincoln MKC Unveiling Georgie The new Lincoln MKC Bara Models with the Lincoln MKC Farheen, Cynthia, Sanhita & Randa Amal Fauzia The Almoayyed family with the newly unveiled Lincoln MKC

www.womanthismonth.com 33 December 2014 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Faces Sandeep, Kadhim, Marise, the Almoayyed family & Charlie Bilal, Farheen & Mohammed Svetlana & Sari Pauline & the models Vicky Sofia & Yasser Shaun Manar & Batool Shelley Zainab & guests Nonie & Neville Dalia, Rehana & guest

34 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Rowena The Citibank team Natasha & Greg Mirne, Sandeep & guest Kunal, Sushant & Sachin Ian & Randa Salah Jamal Bharti Adnan, Nazia & Harsha Cynthia Sanjay & Kaizad Deepa, Polly. Georgina & Woojon team Faces

www.womanthismonth.com 35 December 2014 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY High Tea and Music Healing Session Zain Bahrain and Capital Club organised a high tea and music healing session in light of the Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lamees, Ruzaina, Pakiza, Aala & Neveen Eman & Shaima Mona & Marwa Noora & Olivia Eman, Nawal, Badriya & Zakiya Silvana & Maria Amal & Ameena Vicky, Safia & Zahra Eman, Fatema & Wigdal Aline & Lia Ruzaina & Aala Ghadir & Fatema Cristina & Tala Waheeda, Maryam & Fatema

36 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SLEEP TIGHT! The wintry weather is coming to town, so picking the right warmer to be your companion during the cold nights is an important task. At la Vie en Rose you’ll find a wide selection of pyjama sets, chemise, robe, footies and a fun range of night shirts. For girls with cold feet, soft materials are the best pick, especially if the piece goes over the feet. If you like the traditional pyjama sets, the brand has a selection of cute prints which can be found in different materials such as flannel and soft cotton. A slip top and a pair of trousers or shorts in light and comfortable material is a good pick – if the island’s winter cold doesn’t affect you that much. A selection of long or short robes and kimonos is also available and essential for those freezing mornings. Boots and sleepers are the enjoyable matching footwear for the season. Get warm and have sweet dreams with la Vie en Rose’s collection. Call 16 686-210 (City Centre Bahrain) With the cold breeze arriving in the Kingdom, it’s time to get warm! At la Vie en Rose you’ll find a selection of comfortable sleepwear that pleases all tastes. FASHION

www.womanthismonth.com 37 December 2014 The brand offers a wide selection of shoes, belts, handbags and more to compose different styles. The fashionable pieces have fine details made with high-quality materials. Every new collection is offered in an array of assorted designs and in different colours to please all tastes, following the fashion world’s most desirable trends. This season, the must-have piece is undoubtedly the clutch! In the past, the clutch was known to be an overly embellished small handbag, only to be revealed on special occasions. Nowadays, you will find it hitting the streets and becoming part of the everyday wear of women all over the globe. The extremely decorated items are still reserved for evening events, but during the day opt for contemporary creations. The small size is still a trademark and having them in different colours with cool details is the way to go. Some of them come with a practical string for you to easily carry during your busy day. At Charles & Keith, you’ll definitely find a piece to fall in love with. Call 16 686-206 (City Centre Bahrain), 16 686-226 (Seef Mall) or 16 686-230 (Isa Town Mall). Charles & Keith designs are well known in the accessory world. So embrace its trendy pieces to add an eye-catching element to your look. FASHION COMPACT CARRIER

38 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY The newly renovated Emax reopened to customers at the Oasis Muharraq. Emax Reopening at Oasis Joseph, Dinesh, Menon, Vikas & Akil Sunil, Amit, Mustafa & Diju xx Zuber & Bilal Ali & Sanjay Kunal, Amri & Sushant

40 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | cover story A CHIC ENCOUNTER Stepping into Amal Al Mulla’s four-monthold studio, you escape Riffa’s cacophonic grind and enter a sleek, uber-twee space with tactical translucent windows. “I want to be able to be in my own world here and don’t want the outside chaos to interfere with what I’m doing,” says a 23-year-old Amal. You forget the outside hive of activity until several cars grumble past all at once. Although I’m here to talk about her current fall/winter collection, her spring/summer collection for next year is neatly filed across two clothes stands. You can tell Amal is into her botanical chic; not only do her clothes have flowers spreading from sleeve to sleeve; the studio’s sofa is a fabric of flowers. “I want my clothes to have an organic feel. I’m very much inspired by nature and want it featured in my brand.” Amal’s designs are largely made out of a textile fabric called piña - pineapple fibre to us lay creatures. “Piña is a luxurious fabric, traditionally worn by the upper class at weddings in the Philippines. It comes in plain form, so I gave it a western twist with my embroidery for a contemporary feel. And I have dyed it too - piña comes in ecru (that colour between white and beige) but I wanted some black as well.” The studio is new and still evolving; besides the stands, Amal’s mood boards and mind maps are plastered on the walls. The concept of Amal’s brand is based on a trinity of thoughts: escapism, contrasts and nature. When Amal Al Mulla graduated from the Royal University for Women with a degree in fashion, she came out with her brand’s first collection. Just two years later, she's known in Paris. Georgie Bradley has tea and talks with the pint-sized fashion mogul.

www.womanthismonth.com 41 December 2014 “I make my collections based on how I feel in that particular moment; it’s kind of like a mindset. For the f/w collection it was about going to those very early days of winter, with a soft breeze and the last of the autumn blooms. The fabrics are very frosty. It’s got that raw and crispy feel you get at the start of winter. I keep thinking season to season - where am I going to take my girl?” referring to the story behind the collection and the girl who gets to be dressed in the pieces. There is a real narrative involved in her collection. As put in her promotional booklet: “She escapes within her senses, she escapes into the wild. Taken by a soft breeze, whispering, calling for a storm, hurrying to gather the last blooms, beauty she wants to keep.” There’s also a geometric dimension to Amal’s collections, one that highlights contrast and reminds me of my favourite Scandinavian high street brand, Cos. “My brand is all about contrasts, mainly my colour palettes, light versus dark; you can see there are a lot of contrasts in the fluidity and structure in my clothes. It’s an aesthetic that I am carrying through my brand. There are a lot of ‘versus’ in my brand: structure versus fluidity, transparency versus texture and detail.” For a region identified as traditional, but upcoming in modern development no less, how has the Middle East responded to these

42 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | cover story very Euro-centric clothes? “I have clients from all over the Middle East which is great because I want everyone in the region to be able to wear my clothes. I would say my orders mostly come from Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai,” she says. “I had a very Western outlook growing up. My family really exposed me to the arts and they always appreciated it and it gave me that open-minded mentality.” Amal is of both Bahraini and Filipino origin and has always been familiar with the ‘other side’ being the rest of the world. “As a family we have travelled a lot and it’s enhanced my experience as a designer.” The fact that her family cared for the arts made Amal want to pursue them in some form. “I fell for fashion during high school; I was obsessed with it and I knew what I wanted to do.” Having graduated from the Royal University for Women, where she studied fashion, Amal came out armed with a collection which was admittedly experimental. “Season after season I still love to experiment with every new collection and take it further than the rest.” And then Paris knocked on Amal’s door. “I took my s/s collection to a trade show in Paris and it was received really well. It was my first experience there, so I was worried about how things would turn out. I participated in an event called Zip Zone. During Paris

www.womanthismonth.com 43 December 2014 Fashion Week, there are a lot of trade shows that go on and designers showcase their collections. It’s where buyers and the media come and check out new collections from up-and-coming designers. It was a really good experience.” Now Amal is working towards the f/w 2015 collection. “I’m grasping inspiration from every direction, all the while sketching and sourcing fabrics.” She’s already got Paris under her belt, which some would see as a peak, but she assures me she’s just started out there. “To get further and make my brand worldwide it’s going to be through hard work.” But I think it’s already paid off.” Besides Spanish designer Joseph Delpozo being her firm inspiration, Project Runway is Amal’s go-to TV show for reality inspiration: “When I see how tough it gets in that world it makes me want to work even harder; it’s good for me to watch and learn from.” In a way, Amal is a one-woman band. She is on her own. “I don’t have a mentor who monitors what I do or gives me direction - it’s all down to me. It’s great though because I get to do what I love to do and have my own vision and ideas come to life.” No pressure then. g The fall/winter 2014 collection is available for orders and the spring/summer 2015 collection is available for pre-order. Visit www.amalalmulla.com

44 December 2014 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview foil. But that doesn’t stop the wafting scents from zapping your nostrils. She uses various fragrances based on the design of the candle, like roses – a favourite among the locals – jasmine, pinewood, coffee and cinnamon. The only part her children play in the process is adding the finishing touches: “My youngest girl likes to help me with chunk candles by adding in chunks of coloured wax into the moulds that are wicked and ready. She says “Mummy, sell this candle last because I want it at home!” Creating a candle from conception to the finished product can take a few days with up to seven hours of non-stop work, which is not always appreciated. “It’s very hard to sell my candles for the right price because the fact that they are handcrafted is not always valued.” The average candle costs BD20-25 in an attempt to keep profit margins low. “I want to be able to market these candles as a work of art,” she says. My Crafty Touch has appeared in fairs and has a growing following of customers on Instagram who can soon expect a candle book from Seema. “I’m planning to write a candle-making book in Arabic because it’s difficult to find any. I have lots of customers on Instagram who ask me about the methods and techniques to make candles, so I will include all the basic things you need to know to start a candle-making hobby or business. I’m also planning to give training courses to those interested.” Ultimately for Seema, candle making creates positive energy, “I used to be a high-tempered person but since I became a candle artist I started cooling down. It has restored peace in me.” g Visit My Crafty Touch on Instagram: @mycraftytouch or call +973 33712100. put them on special background paper and decorated them with embellishments until I realised it was not challenging enough for me. Although the use of tools and techniques helped me use more sophisticated ones needed for candle making.” Seema learnt how to make candles with the help of DVD tutorials, YouTube and books with more books. “There is so much information on the different types of wax, moulds, wicks, dyes and fragrances, it was overwhelming, but my passion and enthusiasm helped.” The chemistry of candle making was something Seema didn’t readily take to at first but understood its requisite part of the process. “You have to know the properties of wax because there are hazards in this line of work.” The workspace – her kitchen countertop – is part technical, part therapeutic. The scientific tools: a blow torch, scales, knives for carving, a thermometer and mould spray are lined in order of use while the candles in working progress are tucked underneath tin While the rest of her family are tucked in bed, Seema Haqiqi will be in her kitchen melting wax and carving candles through the night. “The kitchen is off limits for my children when I make candles: that’s why I wait till they are asleep,” she says. For the sake of getting in more hours with her children, Seema put her dream business – an event planning company, to bed. “When my youngest started school, I then had a chance to go down a more artistic route which I believe was a gift from God for all the time I gave to my children.” Before candle making took over her kitchen counter, Seema began scrapbooking as a morning timefiller, calling it My Crafty Touch. “I took photographs and After giving up her event planning business to spend more time with her children, Seema Haqiqi got creative. Georgie Bradley finds out how she went from scrapbooking to candle making for My Crafty Touch. WAX WORKS

www.womanthismonth.com 45 December 2014 of young people. They just want to lie around and watch TV all day but I hate doing nothing. I work at Bahrain Investors Center, an American company, from 10.30-5pm. I juggle all of this with a lot of patience.” But beyond the saddle, she’s got some unassuming passions and a possible Plan B. “In my spare time I sketch and draw” – which begs the question: Do you by any chance draw horses? “Yes I do! I mainly draw caricatures. I helped out at art galleries in Bahrain and when Pauline Estelle (a celebrated caricaturist from Poland) came to do a workshop I became friends with her and still keep in touch.” If that wasn’t a hidden enough hobby, Carmen is also quite the handyman. If you go to her house, chances are the table you prop your things on was made by her. “In the future I might consider becoming an interior designer. I have taken courses in England and always had an interest.” Somehow she finds the time to do all this. g of Bahrain. Bahrain is so homey: you settle easily.” You only have to know what time Carmen sets her alarm to know her commitment to being a jockey. “I’m on horseback by 4.15am. I take care of the horses (there are 600 horses at the club and Carmen is assigned to five) and make sure they’re all fed and happy.” By 9am Carmen’s work at the club is done. As she continues to takes me through her daily routine it’s clear she doesn’t like to sit still. “That’s a problem with a lot With a rude awakening at 3am, Carmen Lauri is up for the day. As she drives to the Rashid Equestrian & Horse Racing Club she undoubtedly shares the road with nighttime revellers who are ending their day – but she’s just beginning. Carmen, 20, was born and raised in Bahrain. She first started riding horses at the age of four and got round to competing at the age of 10. By the time she was 16, she became a dressage champion in Bahrain across many competitions in 2009 – “no one has been able to beat my points yet!” she confirms – giving rise to her racing career and her work at the club. Her love of horses is a family affair: “My mother was a rider. She was asked at 15 if she would be part of Sweden’s Olympic team. Even my brother is a show jumping champion in Bahrain.” After completing her education at the French School of Bahrain, Carmen went to a horse riding nirvana in Doncaster and did a 12-week course. “When I graduated the college placed me at Sir Mark Prescott’s Yard where I worked for a bit and then came back to Bahrain for the season. I also worked at David Simcock’s yard.” Carmen shares the same deep-rooted love for the island like most expats: “I always come back to Bahrain. Bahrain is home. I know I probably don’t have the same possibilities but I can’t get enough Carmen Lauri could pretty much ride horses before she could properly walk. A true expat of the island, the Anglo-Swede talks to Georgie Bradley about life as a jockey at the Rashid Equestrian & Horse Racing Club and other unlikely pursuits. HORSE POWER PEOPLE | interview

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