Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES www.womanthismonth.com woman this month JULY 2014 ı THE RAMADAN ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com home subscribers copy ISSUE 137 Dar Naseem AlAndalos The mother-daughter duo launches a dazzling new collection Tanning 101: What you’ve been doing wrong Ramadan What to Wear What to Do Where to Go Summer Break: Holidaying with the family July 2014 | Issue 137 | BD1 / SR10
2 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com JULY 8 14 42 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. 54 32 Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: Summer mode 10 Pick of the Month: Louis Vuitton 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene Fashion 14 Fashion Forward: Season essentials 16 Style Radar: What the stars are wearing 18 Get the Look: Holiday vibes 20 Trend: All that glitters 21 Candid: In-house style People 32 Hayaa AlFadhel: Designing her future 34 Renata Santibanez: On faith and culture 36 Noor Azeemi: Music for the soul Ramadan special 50 Feature: What to wear 52 Feature: What to do 54 Recipes: Light meals Beauty 38 News: The latest products in the stores 40 Advice: Your questions answered 42 10 Tips: The perfect tan 44 5 Tips: Pack it up! BLIPPAR Cover: Behind the scenes footage 63 Offer: Win exciting prizes Lifestyle 64 Wellbeing: Labour pain management 66 Parenting: Asking the expert 68 Column: Hypertension in kids 69 Home: Cushion it up 70 Community: Instagram for a cause 78 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 79 He says: Job vs career 80 She says: Call to prayer
4 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com The Holy Month is upon us and we at Woman This Month have put together your guide to spend an eventful Ramadan in Bahrain. Whether it’s finding a great summer activity for your kids to partake in or deciding what to wear at the next Iftar party, we’ve got plenty of options put together fro you. We speak to Hayaa AlFadhel from Dar Naseem AlAndalos about her latest collection and its unique photo shoot. Simi had a chance to sit with Renata Santibanez from Discover Islam; they discuss how she discovered the religion and adopted it through the years. Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy gets parenting tips from her mother while she vacationed in Bahrain. Behnaz Sanjana spoke to experts across the island on the topic of labour pain management. You’ll be amazed by the alternative treatment that exists in the market. We’ve got your monthly dose of fashion and beauty from Fernanda Langhammer. Learn how to get the perfect tan without damaging your skin and find out what beauty essentials needs to make it to your travel kit. She’s also put together great outfit options for the season. Also, Ankita Mamgain has compiled three familyfriendly destinations for your summer break. So get planning — and packing! Blipp our cover page for exclusive footage on the new Hawar Resort and see what happened behind the scenes at our City Centre Bahrain Makeover photo shoot. Blipp our Offers page to win exciting prizes from Nespresso amd Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. Ramadan Kareem! Elma Bartholomew Editor responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman chairman & publisher George F Middleton publishing director David M Robertson editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles editor Elma Bartholomew fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer contributors ANKITA MAMGAIN behnaz sanjana Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy DR JIHAN DARWISH george r vaughan James Claire SIMI KAMBOJ creative director Maryam A Toorani print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A. REYES Jr. Dalal Al-Sabbagh 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 Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS printing press Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is 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 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain July 2014, issue 137 On the cover: A look from Dar Naseem AlAndalos' new collection Photographer: Loaiy Ramzi Follow us on: @woman_this_month @WomanThisMonthB Woman This Month eDitor’s NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide It looks like I’ll be spending the summer in kimonos. I can’t get enough of them! These pieces are on my wish list. M & Co Matalan Bhs Lipsy
Musicians Wardell and Lived In Summer White. facebook.com/gap
6 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com letters It’s raining men I’d like to congratulate the Woman This Month team on going out of the box with a man on the cover. The men’s special was a pleasant change to the issue. I’m happy to see the achievements Bahraini men have made internationally and locally. I loved the outfit on the cover; I took a trip to Boggi to find a gift for my husband. I think I’ll revisit it with him soon. I’d like to thank your fashion writers as well for the useful tips they give us. I try to mix and match my clothes to suit trends nowadays. I had never bothered before because I thought it was only meant for the fashion forward. Skipped a beat Thanks Behnaz Sanjana for bringing forth an issue that is not much written about. For women’s health, I am more used to reading articles on breast examination, Pap smear tests and tackling menopause. I am 45. My mother is 68; last year she suffered a heart attack. We were shocked as she had seemingly good health for years. We might like to believe that running around kids keeps the fat in check, but until we get proper tests done we can never be sure. The insights given by the experts were particularly helpful in understanding the various causes and precautions we need to take from now on with regards to her health and even my own. Dana My struggle I have tried almost every product and treatment under the sun to tame my wild, curly hair. From over the counter serums to expensive sessions in the salons, my hair has endured many hours under the iron just to look presentable. And this unfortunately has left them really brittle and lifeless. I have been waiting for a treatment that could infuse some life and energy into my hair and KeraStraight seems like a good option. Since its protein-based, I hope it would really help my case. Would it be possible to share some testimonials by some people who’ve used it? Jenny Not So Blue I am a big fan of Tiffany and am really delighted to see the new boutique here in Moda Mall. So far, their outlet in Bahrain was quite small with not much to offer, but they look quite serious with making this store at par with any other around the world. I actually even bought myself a little gift when I visited it and am already dropping hints to my husband for what I want for my birthday! Nadia Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES June 2014 | Issue 136 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com woman this month JUNE 2014 ı THE MEN’S ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY ISSUE 136 THE MEN’S ISSUE MOHAMED NAJEEB ALI MONFARADI YAZIN AL-IRHAYIM LAuRENt cAtHALA LATEST IN MEN’S FASHION GADGET UPDATE SAILOR SUMMER GRAPHIC DETAILS FASHION BEAUTY + + + WHAT’S IN THE BAG Write Here Write Now 68 June 2014 www.womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com 69 June 2014 The way a woman perceives her vital statistics should ideally change after a certain age. No, we aren’t referring to your hour-glass 36-24-36 body measurements. Your body mass index, cholesterol levels and blood pressure are numbers that are truly vital when it comes to keeping your heart healthy and pumping for long. A common misconception is that heart disease is a man’s illness. The American Heart Association cites cardiovascular disease claims far more women than cancer or any other serious ailments do. Read on to know more about this silent killer of women and how to keep it at bay. A WomAn’s HeArt: An overvieW Our Expert: Dr Saad Al Tamimi, consultant internist and cardiologist, Noor Specialist Hospital The female hormone, oestrogen, protects a woman against heart disease. However, when production of oestrogen dwindles after menopause, women are at great risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. They are usually characterised with arteriosclerosis and/or hypertension. “Arteriosclerosis is the process of thickening and hardening of arteries caused by deposition of cholesterol and calcium. Over time, these plaque deposits grow large enough to narrow the arteries, decreasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. If the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures with superimposed blood clots, the artery will be blocked, resulting in a heart attack,” explains Dr Saad. Besides the most obvious risk factors of heart disease, like high cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity, other factors play a bigger role in the development of heart disease in women. “Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly more in women than in men. Similarly, what we call the metabolic syndrome — the combination of abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and LiFestYLe | wellbeing Alive and Ticking by BEHNAZ SANJANA Medics have proclaimed heart disease to be the No. 1 killer of women the world over. Enough of thinking with our hearts; it’s time to start thinking for our hearts now. triglycerides — has a greater impact on women than men,” says Dr Saad. Other factors like depression, smoking and lack of physical activity all contribute to heart trouble in women. The symptoms of a heart attack between men and women greatly differ. Women may not experience the clichéd gripping chest pain associated with heart attacks. They are more likely to have symptoms such as discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen. There might also be shortness of breath, pain in the right arm, nausea/vomiting, sweating, dizziness and unusual fatigue. Prevention And mAnAgement Our Expert: Dr Amany Serag, consultant cardiologist, International Hospital Bahrain Although heart troubles are more likely to hit women after menopause, Dr Amany advocates taking preventive steps much earlier. “From the start, women must watch their weight and maintain an ideal body mass index of below 25. For this, the DASH lifestyle is imperative,” says Dr Amany. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan is a heart-healthy lifestyle plan centred on reaching and maintaining a healthy weight by reducing fat and salt intake, increasing regular exercise, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake. Along with making healthy dietary choices, regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy ticker. Any form of cardio goes a long way to keep the heart healthy; it could be as simple as brisk walking or swimming. “Exercising for 15 to 20 minutes every day is more beneficial than exercising for an hour per week,” Dr Amany explains. It is a myth that cardiovascular diseases are hereditary. Cases in women are on the rise due to lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diabetes and high levels of stress. In any case, women must consciously aim to maintain their BMI below 25, waist-to-hip ratio below 0.9, blood pressure below 120/180 and triglycerides below 150 as these are major risk factors for heart disease. “Women must take their health seriously. A lot of them say that they work a lot at home or walk in the mall, but that definitely does not count as exercise,” says Dr Amany. “Early diagnosis of heart troubles helps save lives. Even something as minor as jaw pain should not be ignored. It could be a warning sign to an underlying heart problem.” Secondary prevention comes into play for those already diagnosed with heart disease. Besides regular medical follow-ups and taking medications as prescribed, it is a must to inform the doctor of any new symptoms that may be experienced. The DASH plan should be followed, with a nutritious diet replete with natural foods and eliminating processed foods laden with saturated fats, sugar and salt. Smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided for secondary prevention. As part of their rehabilitation programme, heart patients must exercise regularly under the guidance of a physiotherapist, but steer clear of lifting weights, competitive sports and any strenuous physical activities. Dr Amany cautions against hormonal medications for women. Doctors do not prefer to prescribe oral contraceptives to women over 35 years with a family history of heart disease. Similarly, high doses of hormonal therapy taken to cope with menopause over a long time also increase the risk of heart problems. HeArt AttAck sos Our Expert: Dr DT Subhash, consultant cardiologist, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital During a heart attack, the lack of blood flow results in the death of heart muscles, rendering that particular area of the heart dysfunctional. “Immediate medical care is paramount for the victim. Every minute counts,” says Dr Subhash. “Symptoms should never be dismissed as indigestion out of doubt. It is worth getting them checked even if it is a false alarm.” It is imperative to remove the blockage from the artery and to re-establish the blood flow ideally within an hour of attack symptoms. The longer the time between the attack and treatment, the lesser the chances for the dead heart muscles to be restored. While waiting for medical aid, the administration of clot-busting medication, like aspirin, can be a potential life-saver and stave off irreparable heart damage. “Aspirin is a small, low-cost medicine, but it very effective in the event of a heart attack. High risk patients must have it at hand at all times,” the expert adds. Better knowledge and a few good changes can keep your heart feeling its very best. A common misconception is that heart disease is a man’s illness 52 June 2014 www.womanthismonth.com MEN | essentials There are some things that men can’t live without, especially when it comes to grooming and presentation! Gentlemen, here’s your checklist of must-haves! It’s a Man’s World! EvEry man nEEds a lEathEr wallEt! wE likE this onE from Pull & Bear. GrEy hair may bE sExy, but wrinklEs not so much! fiGht aGainst it, mainly around thE EyEs. floral boxErs? oh yEs! it’s summErtimE! Bershka has a sElEction of fun pattErns. MassiMo Dutti EmbracEs thE aviator trEnd in its nEw collEction. this dEnim cap from Next can bE an option for thosE whosE drEsscodE is not too sportivE. mEn must start carinG for thEir skin! a daily scrub can rEmovE impuritiEs and lEt thE facE brEathE. accEssoriEs complEmEnt a look; alDo has a widE sElEction of cool lEathEr and bEadEd bracElEts. formal EvEnts dEmand impEccablE cufflinks likE thEsE, which wE spottEd at Ch CaroliNa herrera. tEam your suit with thEsE colourful socks from toMMy hilfiger. aftEr scrubbinG your facE, don’t forGEt to apply a moisturisEr! Girls lovE soft skin! mEn can find spEcific products for thEm at Bath & BoDy Works. chEck out forEvEr midniGht, thE brand’s nEw fraGrancE for him. whEn wEarinG a black lEathEr bElt, opt for black shoEs. chEck out thE options at geox. www.womanthismonth.com 45 June 2014 Operated under Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Tiffany launched its brand-new boutique at Moda Mall last month. We speak to Laurent Cathala to gain insight on the store. InsIde the Blue Box by ELMA BARTHOLOMEW Laurent Cathala brings more than 15 years’ experience to his current role as Tiffany vice president of emerging markets. According to him, the opening of the boutique in the Jewellery Court in Moda Mall marks a new era for Tiffany & Co. in Bahrain and underscores the importance of the market to the brand’s regional growth strategy. With the legendary heritage of Tiffany & Co. reflected in the new store design and the extensive collections of fine and statement jewellery now available, they introduce an enriched Tiffany experience to Bahraini customers. We speak to him for more details on the outlet. Woman This Month (WTM): In an interview, you had mentioned that the only face that represented Tiffany was Audrey Hepburn after she starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Is it a coincidence that this outlet opened its doors on what would have been her 85th birthday? Laurent Cathala (LC): I’ll be very honest with you. It is a beautiful and fantastic coincidence. In fact, I think that this will be a lucky star for this amazing boutique that we have in Moda Mall. Today for us is a very important day; Bahrain has a new house — a Tiffany house! It’s your home where we are going to showcase amazing designs and craftsmanship. It’s where we are going to give an outstanding customer experience. So this is really a milestone for us in Bahrain and the region. WTM: What can our island expect from the new boutique? How is this store different from what we used to have? LC: First of all, they can expect the best of Tiffany. We are sitting in this beautiful and fantastic salon, which is breathtaking. You can see the different designs. You can see what we’ve put here to make it an outstanding place. You can see that the store today — the Tiffany Boutique — has nothing to do with what it used to be. This boutique is to the same standard of that in Dubai, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong. It’s to show you that Bahrain is treated as an equal. There’s no first or secondary market. You can expect the best of Tiffany here. WTM: Could you give us an idea about the collections in store? LC: Today we have completely refreshed the stock in Bahrain. So you’re going to see pieces that you are not used to seeing here and more extended collections. There are about 70 items, which were brought specifically from New York for this opening, which will stay for about two and a half weeks. Of course, we’re going to refresh the stock regularly. So for the customers in Bahrain, they’re going to have access to the newest products. Before, you needed to travel to see the new lines. Now we’re bringing them to you right here. WTM: What are your plans for the brand in the Middle East? LC: We are currently finishing the restructuring of the network. In a few months, all Tiffany boutiques in the Middle East will look like this. It is easily recognisable as a Tiffany house. We’re focusing a lot on refining our offerings in terms of product presentation and designs. Last but not the least, we focus on customer experience. It’s something we are obsessed with because their satisfaction is at the centre of our objectives. Whoever enters the Tiffany store, whether he or she is buying or not, should leave the store with a smile on their face. Blipp the cover or page 75 for an exclusive glimpse of the new Tiffany boutique at Moda Mall. WRITE IN AND WIN Three letters in the next issue will win a dinner voucher worth BD20 each from Nino's. To win this, send us your views on our July 2014 edition either by email to [email protected], by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO 20461. The winner will be selected at random. If yours is the star letter this month, please write to the same email address with your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number to claim your prize.
8 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SHOPPING | editor's choice The heat wave has arrived and it’s here to stay — for months! Although no one is keen on facing the scorching temperature, the good vibe that surrounds summer is what keeps us going. Besides, where else can you enjoy the pool at night? Embrace it! 8 Next It’s Finally Summer! 1. Swim towel: Bhs; 2. Men’s shirt: H&M; 3. Flip-flops: Nine West; 4. Beach bag: New Look; 5. Kaftan: F&F; 6. Nail lacquer: OPI; 7. Hat: Matalan; 8. Fan: Accessorize 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com shopping | pick of the month Louis Vuitton is a brand with a strong name. However, its monogram is more widely known and recognisable all over the world. To celebrate its success, LV launched a special project called ‘The Icon and The Iconoclasts’. The fashion house invited six renowned names to develop a personally inspired bag or piece of luggage, using the brand’s monogram. The creative group is composed by Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson and Rei Kawakubo. Exploring areas of art, architecture and design, this team created a unique collection that will reach selected stores in mid-October. The monogram utilising the initials of the brand was created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his late father, Louis Vuitton. As one of the first symbols of French modern designs, the pattern is composed of stylised flowers and letters, which are organised geometrically. Today, it is recognised globally as a signature of the brand. Many brands have transformed their logos and visuals; sometimes the trademark becomes bigger than the name itself. Iconic Monogram Christian Louboutin Frank Gehry Rei Kawakubo Karl Lagerfeld
www.womanthismonth.com Our selection this month is summer inspired. Warm days perfect items and style plus new shopping destinations are just waiting for you! Shop from Home Online shopping destinations are becoming more popular in the region. Zahr Art, based in Dubai, showcases emerging and established local and international designers. It is an online destination for those who love it when art and fashion get together. SHOPPING | news RETAIL THERAPY July 2014 12 Walking with Pleasure A comfortable pair of shoes is an essential item to pack for your holiday. Tod’s Gommimo is a stylish moccasin with 133 rubber pebbles, which deliver comfort and flexibility. The collection is available for men and women throughout the summer in all Tod’s boutiques. It Girl L’Oreal Professionnel unveils the brand’s ‘It Looks’ for the summer. They are inspired by the most important fashion shows, the world’s most photgographed celebrities and street style ambassadors. The four trendsetters picked to represent the concepts are Poppy Delevigne, Pixie Geldof, Malena Costa and Chen Ran. Colourful variety The Grohe Rainshower family provides everything you need to realise a superb shower experience on a daily basis. Whether it is a stylish hand spray, a complete shower system or a state-of-the-art head shower, this product line has the ideal solution for you. Feminine Celebration The Spanish brand Hoss Intropia is soon opening its doors at City Centre Bahrain. With contemporary designs, the brand targets women looking for original pieces made with exclusive materials for stylish everyday wear. A selection of innovative accessories is also available.
14 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | fashion forward Addicted to Denim Navy is a tricky colour to wear in summer. Gap makes it possible by mixing in light denim materials to its collection. Super-short shorts are replaced with longer versions in thinner materials, perfect for hot days. The contrasting colour on the waistband gives it a cool touch. Wardrobe Agents Summer is in full swing; we have ranked our favourite pieces of the season. Play it up (or down) with these six must-haves! Up High Schutz has a selection of fashionable wedges. Featuring cork, cords, lace, beads and braided leather, these are original and striking footwear options. This kind of heel is a great option for those who don’t wear high heels too often. Wedges are comfortable and give the wearer more balance. Leave Your Message If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a stylish sweater, blame the freezing air conditioner and get shopping! This Pull & Bear piece embraces the trend of expressing yourself through your clothing. Many brands have featured words and sentences in the spring and summer collections.
www.womanthismonth.com 15 July 2014 Frost Queen An all-white outfit only works if you mix and match different textures and volumes. This Tod’s runway look is an inspiration to explore the off-white effect without the outfit looking like it’s a uniform. Contrasting cuts, layers and fashionable accessories are elements to consider when putting this trend together. Glitz Up A simple diamond ring can make all the difference. This Malabar Gold & Diamonds piece can be worn with your everyday outfit and complement an evening gown. The elegance of the ring can be found in its minute details. Stylish Trousers Culottes are the most desired piece of the season; they are essentially long shorts made of light-weight material with a flowing effect. This patterned Topshop piece can be worn with flat sandals or wedges. A basic top complements the laid-back look.
www.womanthismonth.com July 2014 16 Karlie Kloss The Victoria’s Secret supermodel chose a black and white cocktail dress from Lanvin to attend the American Ballet Theatre 2014 Opening Night Spring Gala in New York City. She looks immaculate in this simple, chic outfit. The wide belt is responsible for this look’s success. FASHION | snaps Riley Keough Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter wore a Louis Vuitton dress to the amfAR 2014 Cinema Against AIDS Gala in France. The black and white structured gown fits her slim figure perfectly. The floral embroidery on the skirt is the attention-grabbing element of the attire. Celebrities have been keeping busy with gala events and film premieres. Whether they’re caught in minimal styles or rocking floral prints, these stars look fab! Style Radar
www.womanthismonth.com 17 July 2014 Karolina Kurkova The Met Gala 2014 had the designer Charles James as the theme, getting the invitees to think of structured, glamorous dresses. The Czech model opted for a jaw-dropping Marchesa number. We love it for its volume and for its realistic flower pattern. Zoe Saldana Zoe looked gorgeous in this Nina Ricci silk crepe gown at the Global Gift Gala 2014 in Paris. The slit gives a subtle chic touch to the dress; the summery prints stand out against the white background. Emmy Rossum Highlighting the floral concept, Emmy’s CH Carolina Herrera outfit helped her steal the show at the Met Gala 2014 in New York City. Big flowers and splashes of colour on a bed of yellow finalise the summery vibe that our style radar picked up this month. Nadja Auermann For the premiere of the movie Grace of Monaco at the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival, the German actor chose a Salvatore Ferragamo minaudière to pair with her Dolce & Gabbana floral dress. The romantic strapless gown is perfect to look ladylike.
18 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com 1. Hat: Dune; 2. Top: Pull & Bear; 3. Necklace: Aldo; 4. Handbag: Nine West; 5. Shorts: Bershka; 6. Sunglasses: Ferragamo; 7. Sandals: New Look Travel in Style FASHION | get the look by Fernanda Langhammer Lace, crochet and natural cotton are materials that seem to be made to be teamed up with a nice hat, coconut water and palm leaves. Their light-weight quality and laid-back style make these fabrics perfect for the beach. Opt for patterned shorts or easy-going denim to put this look together. Wide brim hats are no longer exclusive to the pool or beach. Our fashion radar tells us that they can take us anywhere; even the concrete runways of the city have welcomed this style. 4 3 5 6 7 1 2 VIBE BEACH Vanessa Hudgens Etro This month, we’ve selected three styles based on your holiday destination. If you’re stuck on the island, get inspired by the place you’d rather be spending summer in.
www.womanthismonth.com 19 July 2014 Off to the mountains? The weather and terrain make flat ankle boots your best companion; they protect your feet and keep you stylish. The mini light-weight dress in the olive shade creates a camouflage effect. The cowboy hat is a hot trend of the season; it’s the perfect accessory for an explorer. The tribal backpack is the cherry on top of this creative and casual look. A maxi skirt is the best pick for a cosmopolitan look. It talks of summer in the big city without losing the beach vibe. Choose cotton for a comfortable holiday. Synthetic materials keep the heat in your legs. Bright colours and patterns are funky options that are fitting for the season. Gladiator sandals complete the look. Modern tops and cool accessories will help you steer away from the hippie style. 1 1. Hat: Miss Selfridge; 2. Jacket: Gap; 3. Mini dress: Aeropostale; 4. Sunglasses: Matalan; 5. Boots: Aldo; 6. Backpack: Debenhams 3 4 5 1 2 6 6 COUNTRY 1. Top: Mango; 2. Earrings: Pierre Cardin at A La Mode; 3. Maxi skirt: Promod; 4. Cuff: Parfois; 5. Bag: Accessorize; 6. Sandals: Steve Madden 4 5 2 3 CITY MODE FLAIR
20 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trend 1. Diamond flower ring: Malabar Gold & Diamonds; 2. Bracelet: Chopard; 3. Necklace: Carrera y Carrera; 4. Nude watch: Salvatore Ferragamo; 5. Black-dial watch: Longines; 6. White watch: Fendi; 7. Satin finished steel watch: Baume & Mercier; 8. Red gold and stainless steel watch: Omega; 9. Golden cuff and ring: Chloe; 10. Black and gold ring: Gucci at MarkaVIP.com 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 Eye for Details Shine bright this Ramadan with carefully picked jewellery and accessories. Let your earrings, bracelets, pendants and watches steal the scene. 1 2 3 Fashion Editor's Pick!
www.womanthismonth.com 21 July 2014 FASHION | snaps WE SPY OFFICE STYLE Here’s a glimpse of what the Woman This Month team wears to work. At the headquarters, it’s always all about the details! Jumpsuit: Splash Blazer: Chica Boutique Bag: Bershka Sunglasses: Asos Watch: Kenneth Cole Shoes: BCBG Max Azria iPhone Case: Bershka Maryam Toorani Creative director Fernanda Langhammer Fashion and beauty editor Marise P Dos Santos Sales executive Sanhita Kar Marya, Marketing manager Blouse: New Look Skirt: Tory Burch Bag: Accessorize Sunglasses: Michael Kors Blouse: Karen Millen Skirt: Max Mara Belt: Redtag Brooch: Fuxico Shoes: Jimmy Choo Sunglasses: Parfois Bag: Dior Cardigan: Zara Dress: Splash Shoes: Twenty4 Earrings: Forever21 Watch: Chopard Cuff: Aldo
22 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com City Centre Bahrain style makeover Cheer in Style! The World Cup is the inspiration behind the first makeover partnership between Woman this Month and City Centre Bahrain. Here’s how you can get ready to cheer for your team! City Centre Bahrain offers a diverse selection of retail outlets set to please the most discerning customer. The mall is a one-stop destination to fulfil all your shopping needs. It is a place to reinvent your wardrobe and embrace your favourite style. And we’ve got the chance to give you a makeover in partnership with one of Bahrain’s favourite malls! The first theme of choice is football! With the World Cup finally upon us, all we can think of is to be equipped with our cheering gear to support our teams. The entire island has its eyes on the biggest football competition. To celebrate the FIFA fever, friends and family get together to catch the game live. So, you can’t be caught without the team jersey and face paint! Get inspired by our photo shoot at City Centre Bahrain to create your own style. Team spirit The boys sported a footballer look with jerseys and shorts from Nike, the most popular option for fans across the globe. Footwear was sponsored by The Athlete’s Foot. In the spirit of the theme, football shoes were provided to the boys and comfy red trainers completed the girl’s look. The official ball of the competition can also be found at the outlet. For girls, the jersey can be transformed into a dress, just like this Splash piece from Centrepoint. It is a very feminine and creative way to express your passion for the team you support. The store also offers funky accessories, flag-themed sunglasses, scarves and bracelets. Make-up from Inglot helps add the country’s colour to the look through painted nails and eye shadows. In this case, boys and girls got their faces painted in the teams’ colours. Before Nike Centrepoint Tristen Arsalan Pearl INGLOT THE ATHLETE'S FOOT Stylist Fernanda Langhammer Photographer NINA MOMMSEN
www.womanthismonth.com 23 July 2014 Goaaaaaal!!! The most fun thing to do this season is to get together with friends and watch the games. Get motivated by our friends: Arsalan representing Brazil, Tristen wearing France’s uniform and Pearl who joined the Spanish force. It’s your turn to flaunt your love for the game. Decorate your house, put together your best look (inspired by our makeover), have a bowl of popcorn and set the mood for a rollercoaster of emotions! You’re Next! You could be the next lucky winner to be featured in our makeover in the August 2014 issue. Send us an email to [email protected] or letter to PO 20461 (or a smoke signal) telling our fashion and beauty editor why you could use a style makeover. You could also tell us what you like best about City Centre Bahrain on Facebook.com/womanthismonth. Don’t miss your chance to get a free makeover and a voucher from City Centre Bahrain. After Behind the scenes For behind the scenes footage of this photo shoot, Blipp the cover.
24 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION Gap is a brand known for its casual and stylish clothing line. Add the easy-to-combine accessories to this equation and you’ve an exceptional summer collection to create your own fashionable look this season. EYE-CATCHERS Fun in the Sun Call 17 178-607 (Bahrain City Centre).
www.womanthismonth.com 25 July 2014 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Alosra Juffair Official Opening Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, BMMI held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the Alosra Supermarket in Juffair Abdulla Bu Hindi, HE Dr Hassan Fakhro & Mona Almoayyed at the ribbon cutting with BMMI officials Gordon Boyle, Ammar Al Hassan & Hameed Rahman Jaffar Al Asfoor & Abdulla Bu Hindi Khalid & Yusif Saif Shaikh Hamad & Shaikh Mohammed Mahmood, Shaikh Mohammed, Jaffar, Abdulla Bu Hindi & Abdulrahman
26 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION Sprouting Wings The collection called ‘Enchanted Wings’ features a mother-of-pearl butterfly set on Toscow’s signature colourful, sparkling crystals. The delicately hand-cut and crafted butterfly is set on pastel crystals and held together in rose gold plating. The design can be found in eight different pieces. Choose from two pendants, one in a full crystal dome and another in the shape of a circle. A necklace and a bracelet have the butterfly positioned sideways. Three earrings are available in different styles, like simple studs and long drops. The signature piece is a cocktail ring with the butterfly set on a large crystal dome. These new pieces are fresh and stylish, perfect for summer days. Toscow is based in Sydney and is Australia’s biggest opal jeweller of its kind. The company specialises in 18k fine jewellery with diamonds and pearls and boasts an array of crystals. Call 17 179-863 (Bahrain City Centre) or 17 581-588 (Seef Mall). Find the latest collection from Australian jewellery brand Toscow at A La Mode. The new pieces embrace the carefree spirit of a delicate butterfly.
www.womanthismonth.com 27 July 2014 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY A skate boarder in action Noor & Abdulla Jaywant & Mohammed Natalie & Razan Mahmood & Mehdi VANS Living Off The Wall The VANS Living Off the Wall - Middle East event was held at the Bahrain City Centre and showcased the talent of Bahrain's skate boarders & BMX bikers Max & Muhammed One of the BMX participants Jerry, Saif, AJ & Khalifa
28 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION
www.womanthismonth.com 29 July 2014 Brides of India Malabar Gold & Diamonds adds glitz and glam to the wedding season with detailed traditional collections for brides from different regions of the subcontinent. This jewellery chain promises precision in each of its ethnic creations, whether you are inspired by the temple designs of the South or by the intricate details of the North. Across all religions and cultures, the wedding day is the most celebrated event in a woman’s life. The bride is at the centre of the occasion. Hence, it is important for the bride to look her best and have the perfect jewellery for the most auspicious day of her life. Few things accentuate a bride’s beauty like a set of elegant jewellery; Malabar Gold & Diamonds focuses on creating pieces which reflect the wearer’s personality. As varied as its cultures, Indian bridal jewellery is an icon of grandeur all over the world. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is known for its stunning range of jewellery sets, customised for each community and region. Blending traditional elements with modern designs, it meets the expectations of every generation of customers. Boasting opulent pieces with brilliant diamonds and precious stones as well as chic sets of gold and platinum jewellery, Malabar Gold & Diamonds offers its extensive and unsurpassed designs and collections for today's bride. Call 17 006-916 (Gold City, Manama) or 17 007-916 (LuLu Hypermarket, Riffa). Malabar Gold & Diamonds celebrates the wedding season with traditional bridal collections inspired by different regions across India.
30 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Bahraini Women and Entrepreneurship Forum Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, the Bahraini Women & Entrepreneurship Forum and Exhibition was opened under the theme of “Women, Leadership, Distinction and Innovation”. The event was held at he Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa HE Dr Hassan Fakhro opens the forum with officials Faiza, Meead & Noor Nadia, Khulood & Huda Participants & guests at the event Izzat & Rhizlane Vicky, Nadia, Manal, Yasmin & Zainab Noor, Anisa, Fatima & Sarah Reshma & Vinny Liuzhen & Tosin Noor & Lonah Fayza & Cheryl
www.womanthismonth.com 31 July 2014 Romina Vecchi Coffee Morning Romina Vecchi, wife of HE Alberto Vecchi hosted a coffee morning at her residence. At the event, she presented a cheque to Shaikha Hind, president of the Children & Mothers Welfare Society from funds raised at the annual Embassies Bazaar Romina Vecchi presents the cheque to Shaikha Hind watched by guests & officials Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj, HE Alberto Vecchi & Jawad Y. Al Hawaj Mariam, Judith, Romina Vecchi, Mahfooda, Shaikha Hind, Raqia, Shaikha Mariam, HE Alberto Vecchi & Ameena BABY * KIDS madreandpadre 176 402 62
32 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com This mother-daughter duo is the designing team behind renowned brand Dar Naseem AlAndalos. We get an insider’s view on their haute couture line. A Fine Line PEOPLE | cover story by ELMA BARTHOLOMEW Twenty-two-year-old Bahraini designer Hayaa AlFadhel and her mother Nabila AlAissaoui has shaped a new breed of luxurious kaftans by blending Khaleeji and Moroccan design elements together. Dar Naseem AlAndalos is the result of practising attention to detail, embracing traditional handwork and creating modern designs. The brand, which is an established name in the Arab fashion industry, debuted in 2010 at the first Al-Abaa Exhibition. Their first haute couture collection was launched at The Bride Show at Abu Dhabi in 2012. Although it is a young name in the market, Dar Naseem AlAndalos has a lot to be proud of, including a show at London’s prestigious multi-brand store — Harrods. The unique designs have been preferred by regional celebrities like Mayssa Maghrabi, Lojain Omran, Nada Fadel, Sabrin Burshaid and Balqees Fathi. We speak to Hayaa AlFadhel about her latest collections and how they came about creating the brand. Woman This Month (WTM): Tell us about your new collection. Hayaa AlFadhel (HF): We did a lot of pieces during the whole year, particularly inspired by the royalty of Andalusia. This line is an exclusive collection of those luxurious pieces. The beauty of our designs is that they never go out of style. We’re focusing on creating just one haute couture line in a year. We’ve thus consciously delayed the promotion of our latest works. WTM: We hear there’s a story behind the photo shoot for the line. Can you tell us more? HF: We wanted a regal setting for our shoot; something that fits as the backdrop for our collection. We’ve been relying on fashion show shots; we wanted to do something editorial. Since we were going to Dubai for an interview, we chose to do our first haute couture shoot at Atlantis. The PR team took us on a tour of the venue. We saw a lot of locations, especially since we wanted to do something outdoor. My mother is inspired by the sea, which is evident in our turquoise pieces. She loves shades of blue; so we decided to have the sea as the backdrop. But then when they took us to the Royal Suite, we fell in love and we didn’t want to leave. We knew this was it. WTM: What’s it like working with your mother? HF: It’s fun! Yes it gets difficult sometimes. It’s not just my mom that I work with; there’s my dad too. He takes care of the management end of things; my mother handles the design part. I’m the creative side of the brand. We really depend on each other. Sometimes people ask us which piece is mine and which one was designed by my mother. The truth is there’s no such piece. We can’t design a garment unless we both decide on what we want to do with it. We fight a lot; it happens. (laughs) L to R: Hind Boumchamar, Nabila, Hayaa and Mayssa Maghrabi
www.womanthismonth.com 33 July 2014 WTM: How did Dar Naseem AlAndalos come into being? HF: My mother is Moroccan. So when she got married, her mother would send traditional kaftans for her. But the fully embellished and heavy pieces do not suit us in the Gulf. So she decided to design her own clothes and started small. However, she had to halt the project for a while. It was when I was about 16 years that we got involved into designing again. At first, it was a small boutique. By 2010, we were part of exhibitions and held fashion shows. My mother’s idea is to use Moroccan elements as its part of her heritage. I’m proud of it as well, but we want something more comfortable and suitable for the Gulf region. We didn’t like the four and five layers with big belts. In fact, my mother was the first to implement Moroccan work on Khaleeji abayas. She did a lot of different stuff and people liked it. WTM: Did you always have a calling for fashion? HF: my grandmother used to sew her own pieces. When my mother moved to Bahrain, she took sewing lessons as she was new to the country. However, she didn’t complete it as she was already ahead of the game. I remember her calling me her Barbie doll when I was around five years old. She would make my dresses. For her, it is instinct — designing comes from within. And I grew up in that atmosphere. I’d even go shopping with her for fabrics. I’ve always been interested in design, but I didn’t know where I fit in. when I got great grades, it seemed natural to go into architecture, which I enjoyed for the first two years as it was very artsy. Once things got technical, I realised that architecture wasn’t my thing. I get bored very easily. (laughs) In my teen years, I wasn’t into fashion at all. It came to me suddenly. When I started helping my mother, it was because I wanted to support her while she worked so hard on something she was passionate about. I would hang around the store all day; she would ask my opinions and take me to exhibitions. And before I knew it, I was into fashion! And now I’m studying it at Royal University for Women. WTM: Where do you get your fabrics from? HF: Resources in Bahrain are very limited, especially with fabrics. And we’re very picky. We have dealers who get stuff from Italy and France. My mother loves the dyeing and prints in India. We’ve just seen some luxurious fabrics from Turkey. Most of our lace is French. The silk is mostly Italian. We love French brocades; clearly we’re into luxurious materials. We have tried to settle for less, but we just couldn’t. (laughs) But the stitching happens in Bahrain. Initially, we’d cut pieces and send them to Morocco, but we weren’t happy with the results. My mother guides the team here with every single piece. They’re all stitched in our expanded studio in Riffa. WTM: What challenges have you faced on your way to success? HF: To be honest, we never realised how big the brand would get. The challenge was to get people to accept our work. People were not a fan of Moroccan work in Saudi; now our biggest market is Saudi. Most people had a mentality that it’s just a jalabiya. This is a couture line; it’s a dress. It’s cut as a dress and not as a jalabiya. Even in Dubai, women were used to traditional pieces. WTM: What do you consider as the best memory throughout your journey? HF: There are some celebrities that are now friends. That’s what I love. We have a good relationship with everyone; it’s not a business rapport. We hang out together. That beign said, I’d say the best memory is the first time I walked on a runway by myself. It was at the fashion show at Abu Dhabi in 2012. WTM: What are your plans for the recent future? HF: We’re working on creating our own prints and fabrics. Also, I’m working on creating my own line. I am very modern, so my read-to-wear collection is going to reflect that, but with hints of traditional elements. A lot of people are trying to do that, but what I have in mind is something very different. I’m hoping to launch by September. g Balqees Fathi
34 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Chile-born California-raised Renata Santibanez embraced Islam while she was at university in the United States. Thirty years on, she gives us an insight into a life lived by faith and the power of informed choices. Keeping the Faith PEOPLE | interview by SIMI KAMBOJ Having lived in Bahrain since 1984, Renata Santibanez has completely shed off her American accent. In a departure from the average Western lifestyle in Bahrain, she leads a simple life, raising her children (without employing house help) and devoting most of her free time to volunteer work. As many regulars at Discover Islam will attest, the manager of the organisation’s ladies’ section is an approachable woman known for her sympathetic ear and sound advice. When it comes to community work and charity, Renata’s altruism can see opportunities where most people can’t. We sit down with her to dwell into her perspective on Islam and its way of life. Woman This Month (WTM): How did you come across this path? Renata Santibanez (RS): I was in the eighth grade in California when they showed us a film at school about different religions. It was interesting because until that point, I hadn’t heard of any religion other than Christianity. Later at University, I came across Muslims for the first time and started wondering about the faith. Out of curiosity, I went to the library and read books on Islam. I realised that the more I read, the happier I became and read even more. I’m still reading today. WTM: What was the defining moment for you? RS: Well, there wasn’t really a dramatic moment that impelled me. I was studying books on Islam and found its principles very appealing. It was all about being good to the family and others, and about being kind to animals and the environment. Finally, I came across a book which said that those interested in becoming a Muslim have to read the testimony. I was in my twenties; I
www.womanthismonth.com 35 July 2014 wanted to do it and it felt right. So I read the testimony and that’s it. I have no regrets. WTM: What brought you to Bahrain? RS: I met my husband at university in California. He is Bahraini. We got married, finished our studies and moved here in 1984. You can say destiny played its part. WTM: When did you join Discover Islam? RS: After coming to Bahrain, I wanted to meet other ladies in order to share ideas and continue my educational goals as well as socialise. I found classes run by Bahraini ladies, which gave an introduction to the religion; this was in Discover Islam. Since then, I have been associated with this organisation. WTM: As a Western woman, was it hard for you to adapt to the changes in lifestyle, especially the mode of dress? RS: Not really, because it was my decision. Once you’ve taken a decision and if it’s an informed choice, you know what it entails. And then you adjust to the lifestyle naturally. I think my hardship lay in responding to so many people who kept asking me, ‘why’? (laughs) WTM: We’re coming to that. How did your family and friends respond to this move? RS: I was raised in a very cosmopolitan environment and my parents had friends all over the world. They told me, ‘If you’re making a decision that you know well and are happy with, it’s fine with us’. The Holy Quran says there’s no compulsion in matters of religion. Everybody has the right to their beliefs. WTM: What’s your role as manager at Discover Islam? RS: We provide information on Islam to anyone who asks for it, whether it’s through books, attending classes, people dropping in to ask questions, or queries over the phone or by email. I believe we offer a nurturing environment, where everyone is welcome, irrespective of faith. WTM: What are the chances of people converting to this faith after visiting your centres? RS: As Muslims, we believe that the issue of conversion is with the true one God alone. Yes, we can provide books, lessons and information on Islam, but in the end, each individual has the right to choose their belief. WTM: There is a worldwide debate on the issue of women wearing the hijab. What’s your take on this? RS: Modesty is important in any religion. Nuns of the Christian faith and other faiths observe it; even my late grandmother wore a veil to church. As Muslim women, we believe in dressing modestly in public. However, we also believe in personal freedom. As such, you can wear any colour and style of clothing so long as it adheres to the basic rules and guidelines. WTM: What do you think of the challenges that Muslims today, given the prejudice they face? RS: For me, the challenge lies in projecting the correct image of Islam when there are many misconceptions. One thing is clear: Islam has empowered women since the very beginning. Islamic history demonstrates the equality that women enjoyed — on a personal, community or national level. Therefore, it’s important for Muslims as well as people of other faiths to read and educate themselves about Islam. g Charity Bazaar Path to Paradise Quran study group
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