BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition woman this month DECEMBER 2016 ı THE FESTIVE ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com ISSUE 166 TRAVEL Our pick of the best Christmas Markets Red Alert, how to wear seasonal colours Stub It Out, ditch the evil weed FASHION WELLBEING Ideas to suit every taste and pocket 60 GREAT GIFTS December 2016 | Issue 166 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com
shine collection KATHERYN WINNICK RAYMOND WEIL’s brand ambassador Katheryn Winnick introduces the new dazzling shine collection. Feminine, elegant and sensual, this exclusive collection features a unique patented system of interchangeable bracelets. It is presented with two straps, a steel bracelet and a black satin strap. shine is a pure jewel for independent women who want their watch to be a part of every occasion. Join the discussion #RWKatherynWinnick
www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 2 DECEMBER 36 For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at [email protected]. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 6 Over To You 8 The Month in Focus SHOPPING 10 Pick of the Month: Put a Ring On It 12 Editor’s Choice: Santa's Coming to Town FASHION 14 Fashion Trend: The It Bag 16 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass 20 Get the Look: Lady in Red PEOPLE 23 Frances Stafford: Free-spirited Fashion 24 Mona Almoayyed: Leading the Way 26 Nada Kazim: Enriching Family Ties FEATURE GIFT GUIDE 34-39 Great gift ideas for the whole family FEATURE JEWELLERY 42 It's a Bling Thing BEAUTY 48 News: The latest products in the stores 50 Celeb Spot: Vanessa Moody LIFESTYLE 54 Wellbeing: Stub It Out 60 Food: Review Furn 62 Food: Review Cavalli Caffe 63 Food: Chef's Special 66 Homes: A Very Merry Affair 72 Travel: Festive Fare PARENTING 75 Fernanda Langhammer: Creative Gifting 76 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 77 Tech Kids: Cyber Christmas 78 Lamar Kanafani: Become a Spank-free Zone 79 Horoscope: What to expect this month 80 In Her Shoes: Nataliia Matskevych 62 12 39 23
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www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 4 December means my favourite time of the year is fast approaching and putting together this month’s issue has given me the ideal opportunity to indulge my, usually quite subdued, Christmas fever. To get you into the festive spirit, our Gift Guide showcases more than 60 great pressie ideas to cater for everyone from Great Aunt Flo to the neighbour’s cat. And we’ve also gone a bit Christmas crazy elsewhere with a fab selection of Yuletide markets in the travel pages, a whole range of fun Christmasthemed goodies from me in editor’s choice, seasonal style in Get the Look and Homes plus ideas to help parents make the most of the season. Our interviewees this month are a group of inspiring women. Mona Almoayyed chats to Apple Sharma about social conscience, breaking the glass ceiling and making the influential Forbes Middle East List of Most Influential Arab Women again. Nada Kazim gives Behnaz Sanjana the lowdown on the work of the Aisha Yateem Family Couselling Centre, which helps abused women. And designer Frances Stafford shows off items from her brand new label’s launch collection. For those looking to splash out over the coming weeks, you’ll find tips on buying gold and diamonds and in our food pages there are recipes to try and Puja Tiwari’s thoughts on a very chic new dining venue. In the wellbeing pages there are hints on giving up the evil weed, a subject close to my heart – as I write this I am almost five days smoke-free and feeling optimistic. And, as always, we have round-ups of the latest fashion, style and beauty news to keep you bang up to date. Hope you have as much fun reading our festive issue as we’ve had putting it together and wishing you a very, Merry Christmas from all at Woman This Month. chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY marketing & electronic media director DEEPA SIVA fashion & beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA PUJA TIWARI DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL LAMAR KANAFANI print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL GOPAL NAMBIAR media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED PEARLYN D MEHTA circulation KADAMBARI S photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2016© 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 2016, Issue 166 On the cover: The Festive Issue BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition woman this month DECEMBER 2016 ı THE FESTIVE ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com ISSUE 166 TRAVEL Our pick of the best Christmas Markets Red Alert, how to wear seasonal colours Stub It Out, ditch the evil weed FASHION WELLBEING Ideas to suit every taste and pocket 60 GREAT GIFTS December 2016 | Issue 166 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Our month: Marise and Pearlyn had fun at The Domain Hotel’s Breast Cancer Awareness event. Behnaz enjoyed meeting Joshua Ray Gooch at the Ambassador Stores performance. Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director
Contact For Appointment Awali 1775 6449 Juffair 17369 133 Amwaj 1603 1120 where everything is Better
news December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 6 OVER TO YOU #Black Swan. An event or occurrence that deviates beyond what is normally expected of a situation and that would be extremely difficult to predict. This term was popularised by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. Mr Taleb is a finance professor and former Wall Street trader. He took his title from the shock Europeans experienced when they discovered black swans in Australia. Until then, their data told them that all swans were white, so the discovery was unexpected. The term has been widely used to describe the election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States. “Donald Trump is the biggest unknown ever to take control of the White House.” www.politico.com #Nick Jablonka. An A-level student whose Christmas advert was widely mistaken for the festive John Lewis commercial, has been invited to visit the retailer. Nick made the video as part of his media coursework, uploading it to YouTube in June where it has now been watched by almost half a million people. www.standard.co.uk This month we’re giving three lucky readers the chance to win dinner for two at one of the restaurants at the gorgeous Al Areen Palace & Spa. Check out the Middle Eastern and global dishes at all-daydining venue Rimal or sample Khaleeji cuisine at the gold and purple bedecked Saffron with its fabulous views of the resort’s grand pools. Enjoy Asian specialities under the tented roof of Keizo or head for the newest offering, Roti Boti, for authentic Indian fare in a terraced garden setting. You’ve got to be in it to win it, so keep your eye on our social media channels for details. Win, Win, Win 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] What’s caught our eye in the news this month. # Trending Your Shout! WTM’s post about the current trends on the high street was the most liked tweet. The following #WTM post was favourited and retweeted on Twitter the most. Woman This Month’s Fitness First Middle East Contest engaged people the most on Facebook and received the highest number of likes and shares. The Most Liked Post on Facebook Beat The Slump by Behnaz Sanjana, content from Woman This Month online, was the post with highest engagement on Instagram The Most Liked Post on Instagram I loved the 'Homes & Gardens' feature in the November issue, particularly the interview with Zahra Abdul Malik. It sounds like she has had an interesting life and has put her study to good use in Bahrain Garden Club – you’ve almost convinced me to join. However, one thing I do take issue with is Liz O’Reilly’s list of the plants to grow here in Bahrain. I’ve tried for years to grow lavender and each time the leaves just go black and it dies off. I’ve been told by lots of people that it simply doesn’t grow here so Liz must have very green fingers, perhaps she’d like to come to my house and share her secret. Mina. Ed: I think I was just very lucky, I really didn’t do anything special but I suspect planting the lavender in a bed of basil gave the delicate plants some shade from the sun. I must admit, after a year, I am now seeing the dreaded black leaf you mention so I’ve cut the plants right back and am just hoping for the best. Congratulations on the 'Homes & Gardens' item in last month’s issue. Do you have any idea where I can buy the ice plants mentioned in the round-up of things that will grow here? I’ve often seen them in pots when out and about but have never managed to find them in the garden centres. Fatima. Ed: I actually tried to buy some this week and was told they are a summer flowering plant so not available at the moment. I guess it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes open when you’re at the garden centre. Got something you want to get off your chest? Congratulations, commiserations and remonstrations all welcome. We’ll carry the best one each week.
www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 8 DECEMBER IN FOCUS news What’s on our radar this month? Charity Champions There are more bargains to be had at two charity designer sales this month. Volunteers raising cash for the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre will be bringing out the best of the year’s donations for a boutique sale at Bahrain Rugby Club on December 2. And the latest Al Nahda Designer Sale runs from 9am-1pm from November 19 to December 3. This is a cause close to Woman This Month’s heart,with proceeds going to support abused women in Bahrain and goodies from the likes of Max Mara, Christian Dior and Amanda Wakley on offer. The event is at Bahrain Young Ladies Association, Building 96, Road 905, Gudaibiya 309. We’ll be heading to Al Riwaq Art Space on December 15 to support local rockers Belly of Paris who are performing as part of The Nest, the annual outdoor festival organised by the gallery which sees entertainers and vendors setting up in the pedestrian area of Adliya around Block 338. Events run until mid-December and there are usually concerts, street performers, great food and one-off arts and crafts to buy. It’s the perfect place to find quirky festive gifts. Bag a Bargain We truly love a bargain here at WTM, so we’re very excited to be able to tell you about the upcoming Ashraf’s sale, with up to 90 per cent off big name brands from across the group. Expect internationally known designers, perfumes, cosmetics and fashion all at knockdown prices, just in time for Christmas. The sale runs from 10am-9pm on December 8, 9 and 10 at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. National Day Extravaganza National Day means time off work and the opportunity to celebrate all things Bahraini with a fab festival at Bahrain International Circuit. Running over three days from December 14-17 there’ll be stalls, entertainment, live shows, rides and lots more including the Kingdom’s biggest fireworks display. Going Green As part of its Wyndham Green programme, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands will host a Green Awareness Day on Friday, December 2, from 9am-4pm with fun activities for kids and parents including a quiz and nature movie and nature and garbage handicraft booths. There’ll also be a garbage handicraft competition for which entries can be submitted at the hotel between November 28 and December 2 from 9am2pm. And, if all that conservation gives you an appetite, there’s 50 per cent off on brunch at Citrus All Day Dining. Christmas Crackers It’s that time of year when the hotels go all out to make us feel festive with reindeer, snow, gifts and, of course, gorgeously decorated Christmas trees. We love the abundance of tree lighting events that happen across the island, which really get the season off to a good start. Check out ART Rotana on December 3, The Diplomat Radisson Blu on December 6, Crowne Plaza on December 8, Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa on December 13 and lots of others throughout the month. Think mince pies, carols and Santa Claus and join in the fun to get ready for the big day. A Cultural Nest
showcase December 2016 9 www.womanthismonth.com The lineup of events for the festive season at this fivestar hotel is guaranteed to blow your baubles off. Welcome the festive season at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa by celebrating in style at the various venues within the property. Mark your calendars for the Christmas Tree lighting with over 5,000 twinkling adornments and the gingerbread house decoration competition in the lobby area on December 6. There will also be a special appearance from Santa Claus. The confections are for BD10++ with complimentary goodies, icing, and sweets. Enjoy a magnificent Christmas Eve dinner at Mondo Restaurant with smoked duck breast, scallops, slow cooked turkey roll, sea bass and a traditional log or pudding to end the repast. It is priced at BD29++ inclusive of selected beverages. Soak up the true joyful atmosphere with live entertainment at the Christmas brunch at the Grand Ambassador Ballroom on December 23 and 25 from noon to 4pm. This special outing is priced at BD34 with selected beverages. Kids under 12 eat at half price and those under six dine for free. Travel back in time with a swinging ‘60s soiree at the Havana Nightclub for New Year’s Eve. Sway to the hypnotic beats of the Cuban Yoel Soto band. It is priced at BD65 per person or BD55 if booked before December 15th. Room packages are available at very competitive rates. Call 39 945-208 or email: Info. [email protected] DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE AND SPA 'TIS THE SEASON! LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE Tuesday, 6th December 2016 Join us for an unforgettable start to the festive season Spend a day of Joy and let your children have fun with the Gingerbread House Decoration Competition for BD10++ Take part in our festive season activities from 4pm to 7pm For more information please call +973 39945208 [email protected] The.Diplomat.Radisson.Blu RBlu_Bahrain diplomatradissonblu
SHOPPING | pick of the month Put A Ring On It Available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers Call 17 534-444. These little beauties are just so festive, it would be almost rude not to. We suggest you leave the magazine open somewhere your significant other can spot it and hope Santa is watching. The rings are from the Capri collection from Italian brand Pomellato and feature ceramic molded into irregular cabochon beads with dashes of light provided by amethysts, rubies and other gems. www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 10
Our family has expanded, come and check out our new store! El Mercado, Janabiya El Mercado (+973) 17 739769 Nakheel (+973) 17 591181 Saar (+973) 17 739739 Amwaj (+973) 16 033773 Durrat (+973) 77 770001 Riffa (+973) 17 750006 Juffair (+973) 17 71816 Follow us on Alosra Supermarket Alosrasupermarket www.alosraonline.com
www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 12 SHOPPING | editor's choice SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN Christmas is just around the corner and shops are stocked with special décor and clothing for the occasion. Plan the end-of-year celebrations in advance to make the most of all the enchantment and festive feeling of the season. Golden sparkly boots, Dune 16 686-215. Sequinned skirt for girls, Next 17 172-050. Festive slipper socks, Lipsy London 17 179-385. Elf baby bodysuit, M&Co 17 582-110. Takeaway mug, Costa Coffee 17 369-109. Gingerbread man hanging decoration, Monsoon 17 179-704. Evans Christmas collection, 17 178-247. Cookie cutters, Laura Ashley 17 580-993. Red and transparent bauble, H&M 17 110-350. F&F Christmas collection, 17 162-120. Reindeer stocking, Marks & Spencer 17 211-309. Burgundy sandals, New Look 17 179-406. Dog sweater, Dorothy Perkins 17 110-366. Boys’ sweater, River Island 17 110-370. Santa cushion, Debenhams 17 110-378. Holiday mini pigment glitter kit, M.A.C. 17 110-368.
December 2016 14 FASHION | trend HOW TO WEAR IT? The 2016 autumn and winter bags are looking big! Ample satchels, shoppers, totes and backpacks are held in the hand, carried hugged to the hip, worn over the shoulder or across the body. Together with the oversized options, the ‘70s’ saddle doesn’t seem ready to leave its throne and is still on the shelves and catwalks. THE IT-BAG www.womanthismonth.com Black and olive green tote, Vincci 17 178-696. Caramel saddle bag, Pull & Bear 17 172-305. Black quilted backpack, ALDO 16 686-214. Balenciaga A/W 2016 show. Printed black shopper bag, Alexander McQueen at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Olive green with golden spike detail, Christian Louboutin at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Brown saddle shoulder bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors 17 178-630. Burgundy tote, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325. Navy handbag, Bally at Jashanmal 17 582-424. Burgundy backpack, Kate Spade at Jashanmal 17 582-424. Tobacco satchel, Nine West 17 179-260. Black backpack, Parfois 17 178-581. Gucci A/W 2016 show. Ice blue saddle bag, Shoe Express 17 178-959. Handbags are just like shoes, we can never seem to get enough of them! Besides being important to carry all the necessary bits and bobs, the bag is also an essential accessory to compose a look. We selected the arm- and hand-candy you should be carrying this season! Celine A/W 2016 show.
www.womanthismonth.com 15 December 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY David, Mohamed Kooheji & Andrew Coxon Nahed Al Shaikh & HE Fatima Kooheji Jenny & Sanjay Anniversary Celebration AJM Kooheji Group and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Bahrain celebrated their fifth year anniversary at their premises in Moda Mall. Nada Behnaz & Pearlyn Shashi, David & Rohit Reema Mohamed Kooheji , HE Simon Martin, Sophie & Sabah Almoayyed Khalid & Andrew Coxon OPENING SOON f@@£@JxE&°* f@£Db@~64(°* ¢~{g~zE AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL CLINIC NEW SAAR BASIC MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ENT Urgent Care Unit Internal Medicine Obstetrics/Gynecology Ophthalmology Pediatrics Pediatric Treatment Unit Psychiatry Pharmacy Radiology Laboratory Dermatology / Venereology General Practice Orthopedics Psychology Dental Physiotherapy www.amh.org.bh Manama: 17177711 Saar:17248102 Amwaj:17248100
December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 16 CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY In partnership with Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf, the fashion store Max inspires its customers with the second chapter of its campaign, ‘Fashion for Real People’. The idea behind the concept is to celebrate the importance of individuality, allowing each person to discover, embrace and express their own unique style. Much more than adopting the latest trend, Max is all about expressing one’s personality, creativity and emotions. To embody the idea, the Arab youth icon is captured in different moments of his daily life to show off his personal style. “The campaign is a movement that has touched millions of hearts through its inspirational message. I am delighted and privileged to be part of this journey that focuses on positivity and pride in selfexpression,” says Mohammed. FASHION | fashion forward CAMERA GLAM Michael Kors and Fujifilm announce a collaboration, the photography company’s first partnership with a fashion brand. The MICHAEL KORS x FUJIFILM INSTAX mini 70 instant film camera comes in a gold metallic colour that captures the jet-set Michael Kors aesthetic, with the brand logo printed on the front of the camera and the designer’s signature on the camera door. The photographic equipment features a sleek-design high-performance flash and a smart selfie mode. The collaboration was directly inspired by Michael Kors’‘Scout’ handbag collection, designed to emulate vintage camera bags.“Using instant photography has always been such an integral part of my creative process, whether it’s snapping photos of looks in preparation for the shows or taking behind-the-scenes shots. It provides the perfect combination of timeless, tangible photos with fast-paced glamour and modern technology,” says Michael Kors. COLLECTOR’S COLLECTION At the end of every year, Lacoste releases a ‘Holiday Collector’ edition, inviting artists to give their own interpretation to the brand’s iconic crocodile. For 2016, the graphic artist Jean-Paul Goude is in charge of the design of the logo applied on limited-edition items such as polo-shirts, bomber jackets, bags and clutches. The artist also designed the packaging and the advertising campaigns for Christmas. Jean-Paul Goude’s crocodile is a mix of his childhood in Africa, his love of dance and his fascination with the Bauhaus. BACKSTAGE PASS Our take on what’s cool, trending and fashionable. FASHION BOOK Written by Donatella Versace with Maria Luisa Frisa and Stefano Tonchi, Versace is an intimate visual history of the Italian fashion brand. This richly illustrated book is Donatella’s interpretation of the fashion house in the 21st century and her work as the curator and face of Versace. It includes exclusive contemporary and archival imagery from runway and backstage shots to behind-the-scenes images of the Versace Atelier. Original essays by fashion’s most authoritative voices accompany the visuals. The book features shots by Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel and Mario Testino among other important names in the world of fashion photography.
www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 17 THE IT GIRL The face of the American fashion model Gigi Hadid has been everywhere, from numerous catwalk shows and campaigns to collaborations with well-known brands. This autumn, she partners with Stuart Weitzman on an exclusive design for the brand – the Gigi Boot. The hiker-inspired high heel combat bootie was co-designed by the model and is inspired by her street style. The lace-up ankle-boot has a stacked heel, duo-toned laces and a detailed collar. Available in three versions, black soft croco-calf leather, iron specchio and copper glass. HOLIDAYS AHEAD The French fashion house KENZO created an exclusive capsule collection to celebrate the holidays and end-of-year festivities. It highlights some of the brand’s recognisable elements such as the tiger face, Kenzo Takada signature; and, to celebrate the launch of its new fragrance ‘KENZO world’, many of the pieces draw cues from the new perfume’s bottle. The Holiday jumpers feature golden embossed Ks and lurex detail for women as well as multiple tiger motifs for both men and women. Another print that covers dresses, bombers and accessories is the ‘all over the eye’ pattern.
showcase December 2016 18 www.womanthismonth.com Berry brights and boho boots are highlighted in the latest collection from this high street favourite. ALDO BEST FOOT FORWARD Season’s Greetings From geometric flats to chunky platforms, autumn/winter 16 at Aldo sees every variation in shoes and sandals cropping up in deep berry colours complemented by pastel pinks. As always, black is a staple that makes its presence felt across the range from strappy gladiators to fierce peep toe heels. Made for Walking The brand’s boot collection features a huge range of styles from smart, functional flats to jewel-coloured heels and over-the-knee styles, perfect for keeping toasty as the weather cools. Wear them with chunky tights and shorts to channel a festival vibe or cropped culottes to copy the latest catwalk look. Call City Centre Bahrain - 16 686-202, Seef Mall - 16 686-236
www.womanthismonth.com 19 December 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Store Opening Karl Lagerfield opened its new store in City Centre Bahrain. Zee, Mohammed & Rodolphe Khalid & Nancy Christine & Elena Nataliia & Rodolphe Abir & Fatema Aurore, Auriane & Alexandra Maha Milana & Mariana Fadi & Mohammed
December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 20 FASHION | get the look SCARLET & BROWN The two colours may not sound like a match, but they do create an interesting result, especially when complemented by a third colour such as navy or white. The long skirt is a statement piece for autumn days, it can be worn with sandals, but also looks really good with ankle or biker boots. A long-sleeved solid red top and earth tone accessories are the best pairings for a casual, but stylish, effect. LADY IN RED Carmin is one of the colours of the season with an extensive variation of tone to please us all. Be inspired by our looks to add this intense hue to your wardrobe and enjoy the last month of the year in style! Dual tone sunglasses, Salvatore Ferragamo at ferragamo.com. Embellished handbag, Aldo Accessories 16 686-214. Red cold shoulder top, M&Co 17 582-110. Large brown belt, Hobbs 17 581-078. White long skirt, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325. Striped sandals, M Missoni at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Emmy Rossum Hobbs AW 2016 Akris AW 2016
www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 21 BOLD BIKER The leather jacket is every girl’s cool wardrobe weapon, so how about painting it in bright red? It may not be an easy-to-wear piece, but it is certainly an eye-catching element for bold women. To create a youthful updated look, team it with a cropped checked top and boyfriend jeans. To add some drama, opt for a bucket handbag in a darker red tone and finalise the outfit with a cool pair of black boots. RED ALERT Want to be even bolder? Go for red from head to toe. This formula works best with more formal attire and is perfect for special events. To break the intensity of the hue, you can add some light with silver and shiny gem accents, which create a better effect than golden details. The trench-coat is the ultimate addition to the look for the ‘lady in red’ in you! Cropped checked top, Bershka 17 172-303. Leather bracelet, Alexander McQueen at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Bodycon dress, Lipsy London 17 179-385. Trench-coat, Zara 17 172-333. Chandelier earrings, Swarovski 17 179-646. Red baret-bag, CH Carolina Herrera 17 178-520. Tiffany T wrap ring, Tiffany & Co at NET-APORTER.com. High heeled shoes with crystal details, Charles & Keith 16 686-202. Red leather jacket, Pull & Bear 17 172-305. Black boots with stars, Dune London 16 686-215. Ripped boyfriend jeans, New Look 17 179-681. Burgundy bucket handbag, H&M 17 110-350.
showcase December 2016 22 www.womanthismonth.com This brand guarantees comfortable footwear that doesn’t compromise on style. HUSH PUPPIES AN AMERICAN LEGEND With over 17 million pairs of shoes sold every year in 150 countries, Hush Puppies is a global brand and a cultural icon offering shoes that both look and feel good. A division of Wolverine World Wide, it is the world's leading maker of casual, work and outdoor footwear. Relaxed and classic in design, Hush Puppies defines an individualistic, easygoing and fun outlook and yet its single obsession has been to create the customer’s “favourite pair of shoes,” inspired by the wonderful characteristics of the brand’s basset hound icon. Hush Puppies history is rooted in innovation, from inventing the first truly casual shoes to developing dozens of patented technologies. Whether it is worry-free suede which is water resistant, Zero G which is almost weightless, Bounce technology which reduces stress on your feet or the latest technology of wave reflex which provides extreme flexibility with immediate comfort, the brand’s latest offerings are ever more comfortable, lightweight and worry-free. Hush Puppies products are available in concept stores across Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman and the region. In the Kingdom they can also be found at Shoe Citi, the store whose motto is “Dedicated to making happy feet”. A spokesman says: “Our mission is to ensure that you walk out of our store with the perfect shoes that you love. We believe that nothing, but nothing, should come between you and your comfort and we know that shoes are crucial to this. We have a range of the world's most famous brand names with labels like Hush Puppies, CIRO, Soft Science, Wolverine, Skechers, Puma, FitFlop, NewBalance, Jansport, Clarks, Reebok, Nike, Converse, Fila, Crocs and more.” Call Hush Puppies 17 179-676.
December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 23 She’s uber chic, likeably quirky and designs clothing with the oomph factor intact. A breath of fresh air for the region’s fashion circuit, Frances Stafford’s Black Anaar brand is all about novel ideas that have their roots in heirloom values. From growing up in Alberta, Canada, working with the international art fraternity in Berlin, directing community art initiatives such as the BAB Market and museum projects for the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, to, very recently, launching her own fashion line with eclectic cultural influences, this art historian has come a long way and is raring to go further. So, why the name Black Anaar? Frances says the epics of yore mention Bahrain as the Garden of Paradise famed for its jewelled trees – most probably referring to the ubiquitous pomegranate which grows abundantly here. Pomegranate is ‘anaar’ in ancient languages such as Farsi, Urdu and Hindi. “And ‘black’, because it’s the favoured colour of the nightlife in Berlin and also a rare variety of pomegranate,” she says. Frances was smitten by fashion as a little girl. “It was one of my favourite pastimes. A fun afternoon would be going through my mother’s vintage clothing, noticing the differences in the fabrics, ribbons and cuts. I loved dressing myself. I was the freak at school; but a trendsetter too. I’d wear something weird and then a month later, the style would have caught on!” she says. Her studies of Canadian aborigines and Inuit cultures, combined with her UkrainianEnglish roots further fanned her love for myths attached to clothing, how dress and culture are so entwined and how clothes are symbolic of an idea or expression. While she directed the Little India project in Manama Souq, the idea for her own fashion label germinated. “I came to a point where I finally realised what I truly wanted to do. Being creative with fashion is my calling,” she says. Fascinated by the souq’s narrow alleys brimming with stories handed down the generations, she dug deep into the history of the island while foraging in the market for its treasure trove of fabrics. “I found tie-dye material sitting on the topmost shelves of a shop, unnoticed. It is thick and industrial, but also stretchy and really worked for something I had in mind,” she says. Much like the fabric she sources, the warp and weft of Frances’ inspiration is found in Bahrain. “Although Bahrain has over 6,000 years of history, it is this vibrant, young and blossoming place that I immediately fell in love with.” Her designs, many of which show her fondness for layering, have impressed fashionistas in Canada and Berlin. Her pieces are structured from woollen shawls, lissome Indian silk saris, velvets and other traditional materials. She has successfully introduced the flowing ‘chadors’, favoured mostly by older Middle Easterners, to Berlin. “Berlin is a melting pot of cultures where people are very receptive to alternative fashion. The idea of reusing and changing the old into something that is cool and contemporary is welcomed,” she says. Frances greatly values the local arts and wants to incorporate them into the everyday fashion scene. “For example, the weavers of Bani Jamra are the last family that still does weaving. So once they’re gone, the tradition is lost,” she says. Her plans for the future are to associate with more ecologically responsible, community-driven fashion. Commenting on her online label she says, “Every woman is a Black Anaar woman. It’s like opening your friend’s closet; you will be pulled towards something you like. It’s for women and men too; as many of my designs are unisex. These blurred lines make an interesting departure point for Black Anaar.” g Frances Stafford, whose fresh take on vintage weaves is currently creating waves in Bahrain and Berlin, spoke about and modelled a few of her pieces for WTM. Behnaz Sanjana joined in the fun. Frances Stafford Free-Spirited Fashion
December 2016 24 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview Mona with the Forbes award Charity donation to Al Areen wildlife park in 2015 Family Portrait - Mona, front row, third from left Mona, left, with her sisters Having paved the way for women’s empowerment for decades, managing director of YK Almoayyed & Sons, Mona has been a regular on the Forbes listings. Acknowledging her latest achievement of being number eight on the list this year, she still feels humbled by the whole experience. “For me, it is an honour to be included in the Forbes list,” she says. “I am happy for myself and for women in Bahrain to be exposed to an international and reliable organisation such as Forbes. Although Bahrain is a small country, there are many influential hard-working women.” Talking about what this means to her personally, she adds: “This inclusion, for me, is very important. I’ve always worked hard all my life since I finished university. My father really gave us confidence as women; he educated us the same way as our brothers. He always wanted us to work, and my husband is the same. He really believes in women having a career, so even my daughters are all working. So, to me, being recognised in this influential list, it gives me more enthusiasm to work harder and achieve more.” Coming from a family of business people, it was Setting an example for women all around the Gulf, Mona Almoayyed added another feather to her cap by making the Forbes Middle East List of Most Influential Arab Women, yet again. She talks to Apple Sharma about her recognition and charitable projects. Leading the Way Mona Almoayyed
December 2016 25 www.womanthismonth.com fairly easy for Mona to get established as a business woman, which she attributes to her father’s forward thinking. “My father really believed in including us in the business,” she explains. “Even in the summer holidays, he used to tell us to come and work in the office because he really didn’t want us to be idle.” Having studied business administration, Mona joined her father’s business in 1974, straight after university, in the accounts department. Although her father was openminded, he always felt girls, in the end, have to get married and raise children. But even after marriage and four babies, Mona worked parttime and went back full-time once her children started school. “I was working very hard; I took work back home and proved to my father that I was as good as the boys,” she says. Her hard work paid off and after two years she moved departments, from accounts to furniture. She travelled all over Europe, managed to improve sales and brought interesting brands such as Ligne Roset and many other famous furniture brands to Bahrain. After about 10 years, she was put in charge of the automobile division. Of her initial experience, she says: “It was difficult at the beginning because customers and employees didn’t like to talk to me – they preferred to talk to my brother. But I’m talking about the ’80s and ’90s. Now I think it’s getting much easier – people are used to women.” Of the challenges she faced, one of the biggest was being a woman in a male-oriented job. “Slowly, I felt that people were getting used to me because I am the type of person that, if you give me a problem, I don’t just talk to you and forget about it; I write it down and I really try to solve it. So the customers always like to come to me with their problems because they feel I can do something.” Managing an organisation of more than 1,000 people and 100 brands, Mona runs a tight ship with professional managers in each department. “We have an executive committee which meets once a month, all the managers report to the committee, and we take decisions,” she says. ”We also have an audit committee which is doing a very good job – examining all the risk factors, how to improve things and how to close loopholes for corruption.” The company’s HR committee looks after the employees and follows a performance management system to motivate and improve their positions. The quality committee ensures everything runs efficiently and effectively. “We also do a balance scorecard, which is a way to look at the four pillars of the business – profitability, customer satisfaction, innovation and training and the proper processes to run the business,” she adds. Mona is a big advocate of social work and gets her generous nature from her parents. “I really believe in charity, it comes from my father – he was a huge philanthropist and my mother as well, in her own way,” she says. “I remember when I was little; she used to stitch clothes for the old ladies in the neighbourhood. My grandmother used to do the same. So, all of our family cared about charity work and giving back to society. That’s why, once my father started his business, he used to allocate a small percentage of his profit to charity work, every year – that was the zakat in those days. Of course, now it’s become much bigger – we do the zakat and, on top of it, we do lots of projects for Bahrain because we feel that we have to give back to society. ”I feel we’ve done enough business and now I’d like to divert my attention to social work – try to benefit society and help people and unfortunate countries like Syria and Palestine, and wherever there are horrible stories.” The Yousif and Aysha Almoayyed Charity, named after Mona’s parents, is involved in various charitable projects, helping the government as well as people in need, from Bahrainis requiring medical assistance that cannot afford to be treated to helping students go to university. “One of the charities which I’m really proud of is in Al Areen – we are spending money to improve the garden in Al Areen. So many families go there, so we did the landscaping and made it beautiful – it’s called the bird park,” she explains. “Then, of course, we’re going to build a kidney dialysis centre for the government. For the blind, we bought five machines, and recently, we bought a machine for BD50,000 for sickle cell [patients] for changing their blood. Instead of staying in hospital overnight, they can do it in two hours with this machine. We gave it to Salmaniya Hospital.” At the end of the year, a percentage of the company’s profit is divided into medical, education and various other projects – big and small, including helping other NGOs (nongovernmental organisations). Mona is also the president of the Al Muntada Society, which was initiated in 2000. “It started off as an NGO for liberal thinking,” she says. “Bahrain needs people who can implement new things, it needs transparency, thinking out of the box, how to improve the country, so that’s how we started this society. Then in 2011, after the problems in Bahrain, we felt that Al Muntada was very important to bring people together.” With her term coming to an end soon, she has further plans to involve the younger generation with various programmes and activities. Having been the chairman of the Migrant Workers Protection Society for three terms, Mona managed to bring in donations from various organisations, and is still active in helping to improve the living conditions in the labour camps. With future plans of expansion in the Gulf, and personal goals of travelling the world with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren, Mona’s most important advice to women is to not give up, be consistent in their work and strike a balance between work and personal life. With her father being her greatest role model, along with the rest of her family, Mona is a true inspiration to other women dedicated to achieving their dreams. Meeting with the Crown Prince in 2012, when she was president of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society
December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 26 Under the aegis of the Bahrain Young Ladies Association, the Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre was started in March 2007 with the primary aim of providing protection to families, especially women, and offering ways to resolve conflicts. “The Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre guides women in social, psychological and legal spheres to better deal with, and overcome, their personal problems,” says Nada. “We have a qualified team of counsellors, psychologists and lawyers who specialise in women’s and familial issues, and are dedicated to helping anyone in need of practical advice. We also work closely with the Ministry of Social Affairs and hospitals in Bahrain.” She goes on to explain that the centre was the first of its kind in the Kingdom and has become a great source of support for abused Bahraini and expat women. It has seen 78 new cases in 2016 besides the 783 ongoing ones it already handles. The centre provides family counselling for women as well as one-on-one counselling for other adult family members. “This helps them to avoid deeper problems in their relationships at home and, if they are already in a fix, we help them come out of it,” she says. The social guidance, psychological and legal counselling units help individuals to find their own suitable solutions to overcome their problems. “We provide women with all the options that are available. We lay out the pros and cons of their actions and empower them to take their own decisions. They have to select their path ahead; we can only guide them to make the correct choice,” Nada says. Sometimes, in dire circumstances, when it is inevitable for a woman to seek legal recourse, the centre legally represents her at court and also bears the cost for it. “We also have a toll-free hotline, where women can call and receive immediate counselling,” says Nada. The centre conducts social, psychological and legal awareness programmes for people from all walks of life. “We hold seminars to inform women about their rights and responsibilities, as well as computer courses for housewives and exercise programmes like yoga, aerobics and self-defence to teach them how to reduce stress and cope with daily issues effectively. Our own volunteers and counsellors receive regular training to deal with and help distressed individuals. ” The centre also enables young people who are thinking of tying the knot to make informed choices and be well aware of the challenges that married life brings. “This readies them for what to expect and how to come out of difficult situations, to prevent scenarios like divorce and separation,” she says. Nada explains that the charity’s 20-strong committee, which includes members of the Yateem family, is responsible for raising funds to keep the centre running and providing essential services to those in a social quagmire. Talks are underway to start a shelter for women who need a temporary place to live, away from home. The committee annually holds many fundraising activities and Nada says: “There is a major event we are organising, which is the Al Nahda charity boutique. It is a sale of used as well as new clothes and other products that have been donated from all over Bahrain, starting on November 19 for 10 days in Gudaibiya. The entire committee and external volunteers are busy sorting and pricing the items for sale. All proceeds go towards the running costs of the centre.” Funds are also raised through a gala annual exhibition held at the Aisha Yateem Centre’s premises, where stalls are rented out to interested sellers. “It is a big event which raises money for helping women in need of our help and support,” says Nada. The committee also raises funds through monthly brunches for ladies, where women can get together for a good cause. g PEOPLE | interview Nada Kazim, current charity committee vice president of the Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre, tells Behnaz Sanjana how it helps ill-treated women to resume living with dignity. Enriching Family Ties Nada Kazim
28 December 2016 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Behnaz, Marise, Pearlyn, Minal & Deepa Emma & Fatima Frank & Hans Drew & Tanvi Pretty In Pink Woman This Month and VIE Lifestyle Lab organised a Pretty in Pink breast cancer awareness event at The Domain Hotel & Spa. Jing & Joana Nicolas May Rosalie & Juan Ayush & Neha Micheline, Esky, Michelle, Monika, Ehane & Bitsat Lilliane & Lin Bhavna & Maria Huda & Raeda Sian & Gillian Nicole Shahzalam, Rabab & Fatema
www.womanthismonth.com 29 December 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY AMH Golf America Mission Hospital held its 19th AMH Island Classic Charity golf tournament at the King’s private golf course. HE Saleh bin Hindi, Dr George Cheriyan & Mustafa Mohammed Championship Flight Winners with their prize courtesy of Fly Dubai AMH team 3rd Place Championship Flight winners Kuwait Finance House with Salwa Almoayyed C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Premier BTM Ad_christmas and new year_125mm x 191mm.pdf 1 11/16/16 8:49 AM
showcase December 2016 30 www.womanthismonth.com One of the island’s favourite supermarkets has opened its seventh branch bringing premium goods to Janabiya. BMMI MORE FRESH AND MORE FRIENDLY Alosra supermarket, the fresh and friendly subsidiary of the BMMI Group, officially opened its latest outlet in the Kingdom on November 1, in El Mercado Janabiya. The launch was marked by an event attended by senior government officials, VIPs, dignitaries, members of the El Mercado board of directors, First Bahrain Real Estate Development Co management, members of the BMMI board of directors and Alosra management. The newest Alosra outlet is the anchor supermarket of the impressive new neighbourhood market, El Mercado Janabiya, a project by First Bahrain Real Estate Development Co. The beautifully landscaped open-air retail centre features a mix of restaurants, cafes and shops and is built on an elevated platform, offering scenic southern views in a vehicle-free pedestrian environment. Alosra Janabiya is the seventh outlet for the supermarket in Bahrain, in addition to its store in Dhahran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This newest store is built following state-of-the-art standards, with unique interiors, product layout, fittings and offerings. This ensures that Alosra presents its customers with a new and elevated concept in retailing, based on the company’s extensive understanding and experience of the local and international markets. The new outlet features a fresh fruit and vegetable section, a butchery, a bakery and a wide range of organic products. Alosra Janabiya’s offerings were selected with the health and wellbeing of customers in mind. The outlet has introduced a fresh juice station and will offer a variety of freshly-ground, natural nut butters. All fruits and vegetables in the store are handpicked and sorted before being put on display. The bakery uses zero added sugar in all breads, in addition to all beef and lamb sold in the butchery being grass-fed. Furthermore, the store offers a large selection of vegan alternatives, dairy substitutes and non-dairy products and an array of gluten-free goods. Additionally, the store includes a greater range of chilled space, ensuring an expanded offering of chilled and dairy items from all around the globe. The new store will also include additional offerings in product ranges, with Alosra partaking in new food and beverages partnerships from local and international brands. “Alosra caters to a customer base of cultured, well-travelled and discerning individuals with experienced palates and varying tastes,” says Jaffar Al-Asfoor, BMMI vice president, Food Retailing and Production. “We know that our customers have very high expectations of us and we constantly encourage feedback from them regarding their wants and needs. We have identified that customers are expecting more health-conscious alternatives and Alosra Janabiya definitely delivers.” Valuing itself as a lifestyle partner to its customers, Alosra Janabiya also features innovative displays that aim to inspire. Customers will find a diverse number of exclusive recipes, displayed with the accompanying ingredients, as well as tips and advice on how to make the most of the products they purchase, all available in-store. Alosra Janabiya is open seven days a week, from 7am to 11pm. Call 17 739-769.
showcase December 2016 31 www.womanthismonth.com Supporting entrepreneurs to fulfill their business dreams is part of this bank’s role in Bahrain’s march towards progress. BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has been entrusted with the task of extending assistance to small and medium enterprises, self-employed professionals, agriculture, fisheries, taxi finance, education and specific employment-oriented enterprises promoted by Bahraini youth and women. It is a developmentfocused bank and, unlike other conventional commercial institutions, it undertakes exposure in high-risk financial segments. BDB also supports entrepreneurial segments considered necessary for adding value to the economy of the Kingdom. To encourage local youth to achieve their professional goals, BDB provides monetary aid for education either by way of conventional or Islamic finance. This is offered at a profit rate of four per cent to be used to cover the tuition fees. The minimum facility amount is BD3,000 and the maximum is BD20,000. Deserving enterprises can take advantage of the available conventional loans with 9.5-percent reducing interest rate, or Shari’a compliant financing at an interest rate of 5.5 per cent for a minimum amount of BD3,000 which is to be used to finance a specific asset or towards working capital with a comfortable repayment and grace period. Start-ups can also take advantage of BDB’s Tamkeen Finance for a minimum amount of BD5,000 at a minimum rate of 4.27 per cent, where 50 per cent of the interest is subsidised by Tamkeen. To fuel development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the bank offers financial aid at zero-per-cent interest. Letters of Credit, Letters of Guarantee, overdraft facilities and the ICT Finance Scheme are also available from the bank. Call 17 511-111 or visit www. bdb-bh.com. BDB is here to support your business ambition and continued success · Financing new business ideas · Comfortable Repayment · Comfortable Grace Period BDB group brings you several services that not only include Financing but also Advisory, Training and Incubation to help set up and expand your business. Call us on 17511111 or visit any of our branches. www.bdb-bh.com Bahrain Development Bank BDBbahrain BahrainDevelopmentBank Terms and Conditions Apply
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