Woman This Month - May 2012

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4 | May 2012 | woman this month People 16 The Gift Of Education: Cynthia Gessling Interview 18 Discover a New World: Mala Kumar Talks the Joy of India 20 Find Your Potential: Alex Jelonek Turk Fashion 24 Fashion News Bulletins: All the Latest 26 What the Stars are Wearing: Celebrity Fashion 28 Wedding Battle: Cheap Vs Chic 30 Wedding Guests: Guide for those Attending 42 Rosa Clara: Spanish Dresses to Die For Weddings 40 Don’t Panic: 20 Tips for Planning the Big Day 44 Consumer Report: Weddings Uncovered Beauty 52 News: May Products 54 The Spring-Over: Habiba Gets a New Look 58 10 Tips: The Best Brows 60 Fragrances: Spring is in the Air Wellbeing 66 Feature: Organic is the Way Forward 70 Campaign: Embrace Diversity Parenting 72 Feature: Finding the Balance 75 Column: All the Tips Regulars 8 Write Here, Write Now 78 Recipes: Yummy May Treats 80 Travel: Great Getaways 86 Horoscope: May in the Stars 88 Columnist: No Throwaways 16 72 18 80 70 contents | may 2012 May 2012, issue 111 Habiba Al Mosawi, Modelling our Spring Summer Makeover. Clothes: Stradivarius and H&M. Makeup: Make Up Forever. Hair: Elie & Jean. Photo: Andrew Weaver. More details inside… woman this month MAY 2012 ı THE SPRING-OVER ı www.womanthismonth.com HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY ISSUE 111 Bahrain Edition BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES The Spring-Over Habiba gets a Fresh Look Marital Bliss The Weddings Issue Go Organic! Better your Wellbeing Perfect Brows Makeup How To MAY 2012 | Issue 111 www.womanthismonth.com 12 14

6 | May 2012 | woman this month Welcome EDITOR's letter Falling in love is easy for some, but there are others that wait a lifetime to meet someone with whom they feel that strong connection. So, when you do find the person you’ve been looking for, it is only natural that you would want to cement your tie to them forever. We are coming up to wedding season here in Bahrain. This means that brides everywhere will be dashing around trying to find the perfect dress, the venue with the most ambiance and the flower arrangements that perfectly co-ordinate with the bridal party’s outfits. All this organising can be very stressful, which is why Woman This Month would like to help you out, wherever possible. So, check out our wedding planner’s survival guides, have a look at our bridal fashion features and be sure to read our makeup and beauty tips. For those of you who don’t have weddings on the brain, we have a special makeover feature! One lucky reader was treated to a full-on Spring/Summer revamp, from makeup, to hair and clothing. We lead you through a step-by-step guide to the two different looks. As usual, we have all the regular parenting, food and wellbeing features. Everything you need to make May your makeover month! Natasha Bird Editor For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter @WomanThisMonthB responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman chairman & publisher George F Middleton publishing director David M Robertson editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles editor NATASHA BIRD contributors Dr Claire McInroy george r vaughan James Claire staff writers Elma Bartholomew Maryam A. Toorani ALISON COLDRIDGE print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics RODOLFO A. REYES JR. Dalal Al-Sabbagh media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media executives ESKY Girmay SHANI DAVEL sales manager Mayukh Majumdar circulation FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI photography editor anil Ravi Shankar photographers Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS printing press Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner. For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. bahrain office address Red House Marketing p.o. box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] website: www.womanthismonth.com published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ, Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing, P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide Wonderful Thing Love is a

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8 | May 2012 | woman this month Letters Fashion Fantastic STAR LETTER Write Here Write Now 9 woman this month | April 2012 | Interview both at the University of Western Sydney.” “I think my experience in Sydney was so important, for the education, but also for other reasons. Studying abroad means that you get to experience a different culture. Sydney is very cosmopolitan, so I met people from all over, which means that I now don’t have a problem being asked to work anywhere in the world. Women need education like this — it means that they learn to be independent, to think for themselves, to be stronger and to build up their individual personality.” “I see education as a bomb or a weapon against any obstacle in life. It gives you the ability to deal with all sorts of situations. Things might happen to us, but we won’t have to rely on someone else to support us, we can help ourselves out of problems and take responsibility for ourselves. It will also provide you with better relationships. Education gives you the ability to relate more and understand your partner better.” Listening to such strong words, it seemed only fitting to ask Reema if she had any further advice for other women looking to climb the career ladder. “Women should keep the faith and never give up”, she says. “I really believe that if a man can do a thing one time, we can do it again and again, ten times better. Of course it isn’t easy, especially in this part of the world, even though now it has become further developed, but if we believe in ourselves, we can do anything. People might say that I am overly positive, but it is because of this attitude that I have reached where I am.” Flying Female High By Natasha Bird She’s just been made one of only two UAE female country-wide managers for the prestigious Emirates airline and she shot up the ranks in record time. We spoke to Reema Al Marzooqi about what being a woman means for her career. Reema Al Marzooqi cuts an impressive figure. She is an intensely beautiful and feminine woman, which makes it even more striking when you walk into her office to see her sitting behind a large mahogany desk with her computer and all her paperwork around her. She is also a warm and welcoming woman, which makes talking to her about her role as Bahrain’s most senior permanent member of staff within the Bahrain section of the Emirates empire an interesting proposition. Her job comprises of overseeing everything that goes on in the Bahrain station in its entirety — including the sales and marketing, ticketing, legal and customer affairs divisions. So, as you can imagine, she has had to figure out just how to command the right level of respect and commitment from those around her. “It was a very challenging proposition”, Reema says of being offered her new role. Emirates is a leading and ever growing airline. Like many other companies, it has had a tough time dealing with the recent financial year, but this hasn’t stopped plans for expansion. Emirates bought around 50 new Boeing 777s during the Dubai air show and currently has has an impressive 69 A380 double-deckers on order, adding to their already large collection of passenger planes. Ten years ago, they only had one daily flight out of Bahrain, but that number has since shot up to 21 a week, making Reema’s job considerably more complicated. As one of only two UAE national female country managers, Reema is acutely aware of the difficulties of being a trail-blazer. “This is such a male-dominant field”, she says, “So I feel very proud to be a woman in this office. There are, of course, obstacles that I face where a man wouldn’t. Sometimes it is hard to be taken seriously. You cannot command respect and trust by force. I have needed to prove myself in order to gain the respect I require to do my job. I have carefully considered my targets and worked hard to achieve them, which means I can almost let the numbers speak for themselves.” The sense of needing to prove oneself, to show that women are just as capable, is probably one of the many reasons why Reema was the best candidate for the job. As she says, “As women, we do have the feeling that we have more to prove; there is more of a point to make. This means that we commit to working harder, being more organised, taking more responsibility.” There is an argument, though, that Reema’s concentrated need to prove something will mean that she has a tougher time than others might in the same position. “I try really hard never to complain”, she explains, “Because the moment that you do, there are people that will say, ‘Oh she is being spoilt’, or, ‘She is weak’ and they will blame it on your gender. It is for this reason that I have to be prepared to accept any challenge. If they want to move me to somewhere controversial or any country in general, I will say yes. I will go because I don’t want to show them that we cannot do it. We will go and we will make an example of ourselves.” “I got this position by working to the same standards as anyone else. I enrolled in the Management Outstation Training, which is rigorous. It is almost a two and a half year process, with training in a lot of different departments, because you will have to understand all of them to oversee them. There is a panel of senior Emirates employees to evaluate you every step of the way. You cannot move on if you do not meet their standards. You have to do presentations and pass tests.” “After this, you are offered a middle-management position somewhere, in order to prove that you can handle a station posting later on. Many people spend three or four years at this level, but I was offered the Bahrain country manager position after about eight months.” Like men and women all over the region are beginning to come to terms with, Reema is only too aware of the need to educate the Middle East’s female population. “I studied business administration at the American University of Sharjah and after this I decided to do two Masters: human resources with psychology and industrial relations, | April 2012 | woman this month 8 52 | April 2012 | woman this month 53 woman this month | April 2012 | 20 Tips Spring has finally arrived. Why not forget your home and wardrobe and concentrate on spring cleaning your career this year — it will make for a better you. By Alison Coldridge Spring Clean Your Career Tips: The application process 1. Perfect your CV. Here is where it all begins, the first impression that a company gets of you. Abide by the “less is more” strategy and be brief — a potential employer will spend just a few seconds glancing over your CV. 2. Apply less, follow up more. Be specific about what you want. It is tempting to just apply here, there and everywhere, but nine times out of ten you are more likely to succeed if you know what you want and are determined. 3. Company search, don’t job search. Within the field you envisage yourself working, research ten or twenty companies. This way you will be applying for the job you actually want, rather than something unrelated. 4. Network. Whether in person or virtually, networking is a crucial tool for obtaining a job. Sites such as Twitter are ideal for spotting new vacancies or developing a rapport with someone who can introduce you to the “right” person. 5. Get practicing. An interview is the first time your potential employer will see you, and they will notice everything. Remember; they will have to work with you every day so it’s mainly about likeability! 6. Volunteer. A lot of graduates today are getting their first job as a result of interning. Don’t count it out — it may not pay for a while, but this is a good way to get your foot in the door of your desired industry. 7. Don’t despair. A huge part of applying for jobs is being rejected, or worse, ignored. Remain positive and motivated so that you don’t lose your passion. Spruce up your existing job 8. Be proactive. Once you have carried out the same job for a considerable length of time, it is easy to become complacent. Consider how you can better your job, how you will get more from it and how you can progress. 9. Consider your dress code. Simply by altering your wardrobe you can let others know “I’m here to succeed!” Dress for the job you want, not just the one that you have. 10. Negotiate a pay rise. An increase in salary will always make you feel more worthy and will let you enjoy your free time more. Don’t be afraid to ask; it isn’t cheeky if you put in the hours, effort and show your progression. 11. Rub shoulders with the right people. Schedule lunches with industry-related people who can assist you professionally. They may be able to give you advice, introduce you to the right person or just ignite your passion for your work. 12. Freshen up your workspace. There is nothing worse than coming to work each day and looking at the same photos, the same peeling paint and the same messy desk. Monotony is dull so mix things up a bit. 13. Encourage teambuilding. You work with these people every day, so make an effort to get to know them better outside of work. Organise some events outside of the office environment for more informal interaction. 14. Further your learning. Take advantage of company sponsored training programmes and trips so that you can learn as much as possible. Many companies also run schemes to acquire further qualifications which will help you in other jobs. 15. Recognise your individual strength. Know your selling point and use it. Whatever your USP is, make sure your boss and colleagues know it too. It will show yourself and everyone that you are irreplaceable. The next step 16. Branch out. If your existing company has offices abroad, why not transfer there to work for a year. Cultural experience always looks great on your CV and you may discover you love your new home. 17. Strive for a promotion. You may have received pay rises over the years, but a promotion is a true mark of your achievements and value at your present workplace. 18. Befriend your boss. By this point in your career you should be in regular communication with your management team. Try to interact with them on a personal level so that they notice and remember you when higher positions pop up. 19. Follow your dreams. Is the field you work in satisfactory, or is it time for a change? It’s never too late to embark on a new career path — the average person works for 40 years, so make sure you enjoy whatever it is you do. 11. Brave it on your own. After years of experience in your profession you will find yourself capable of using your skills for your own gain. Consider taking a leap of faith and starting your own company; of course it has risks, but think of what is to gain. High Flying Female Reema Al Marzooqi is a great inspiration to women in the Middle East. I really enjoyed reading the article about her journey up the ranks of the Emirates Airline. I think it is really important to see stories like this, where women are gaining success in what might be a man’s industry. My sister recently moved to America and graduated university as a lawyer. Some of our family did not understand why she would make such a decision, but now that she has got her degree as a lawyer, we are all very proud of her. It shows that it does not have to be a “man’s world” any more. Women can be the rulers too. We just have to work hard to get there and to make a name for ourselves. Deena, by email. WRITE IN AND WIN Send your letter to editor@womanthismonth. com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461, Manama. The star letter will win an amazing BD75 worth of treatments or products from Dr Abeer’s Cosmoplastic Clinic. The winner can choose between either a set of nourishing creams, a facial treatment or an eye lightening treatment. Perfect for a bride-to-be! Hi WTM, I really appreciated your Career Spring Cleaning article this month. I’ve been looking to make a change in my employment — it is so easy to get stuck doing the same thing for years and years. After reading it, I actually decided to resign from my current employment. I have done the same job for six years in Bahrain and it was time for me to finish. I am now going to go back to Denmark to see my family and to re-train in a different job. So, thanks for helping me make the tough decision to go for it! Lise, by email. A New Career I was really bowled over with the fashion in the April issue of Woman This Month. The Spring/Summer trends feature was spot on. I particularly loved the “Pretty Pastels” pages — lots of really great items. I am definitely going to get one of those green Valentino bags. I have to say, my friends and I have seen a great improvement in the fashion pages over the last few months or so. The items on display have become much more fashion-forward and the design is really exciting. Well done Woman This Month team. We really like the new blog on the website too — now we can keep up to date more often. Debbie, by email. 16 | April 2012 | woman this month 17 woman this month | April 2012 | Bvlgari Massimo Dutti strappy sandals are more than chic. Fashion Pretty Pastels 1. Pastels are a delicate shade, which means they need a delicate approach when it comes to styling. For footwear, look for pale court shoes or simple sandals. Shoe boots and overly-fussy heels will detract from your ensemble. 2. A thin waist-belt in a complementary shade is a nice addition, but try to keep it pattern-free and make sure it doesn’t destroy the line of your top or dress. 3. In the spirit of librarianchic, cashmere cardigans, twin-sets and shortsleeved pullovers have suddenly crossed the fashion divide between naff and nice. Wear them while you can! So voraciously have we been lusting after the brights that we’ve begun to wholly neglect the paler colour palette. Well, now is your opportunity to redress the balance. Making use of the pastel spectrum has to have been the trend of the Spring/Summer runways. Everyone from Miu Miu to Calvin Klein, Lanvin to Tommy Hilfiger made pastels a feature of their collection. Whether it was matching twinsets, fifties-inspired shift dresses or something a little bit more avant-garde, a huge variety of pastel looks made their way down the runway. Here in the Woman This Month office, we have been cooing over the Phillip Lim collection — he has given a fantastically upbeat twist to last year’s minimalism. So, forget the colour clashes, ignore the crazy prints and head straight for something icy and pale. You don’t always have to make a loud statement in order to stand out. First Sight Seeing Stripes! MICRO TREND HOW TO WEAR Paul Smith Love at Pick Editor's Pales into maSSimo Dutti If you want to jazz up the pastel look a bit and pastel colourblocks aren’t enough for you, then give the pastel stripe a whirl. Diagonal, horizontal, vertical or slightly patterned; stripes will give your look a different dynamic. izaBel goulart Significance CAMEronDIAz MICHELLE obAMA JAYMA MAYS CeleBritY treNDSETTER houSe oF hollaND NiCole Farhi mulBerrY meaDham KirChhoFF JohN roCha PhilliP lim Mmh. Everybody loves a Bvlgari bag right? Especially in pastel coloured ostrich leather. Perfect for a springtime luncheon. miSS SelFriDge aSoS maSSimo Dutti ChriStiaN louBoutiN

10 | May 2012 | woman this month Shopping New This Month Head to the Beach Dior Massimo Dutti Coach Accessorize H&M L'Oreal Mexx

12 | May 2012 | woman this month Shopping Metal Love As we saw in last month’s issue, metallics are an important part of Spring/ Summer 2012. If you aren’t quite brave enough to pop on a pair of shiny silver trousers or a gold plated corset, give this a go instead. Pick a metallic accessory as an accent to your outfit. Jimmy Choo Anselm Reyle for Dior Massimo Dutti Donna Karan Mango Bvlgari Valentino Accessorize Salsa Marks and Spencer

14 | May 2012 | woman this month Shopping Colourblock Crazy Give the pastels a rest for five minutes and take a look at some of the amazing and fun colourblock items available in stores this month. Orange and red, blue and green, pink and violet…the choices are endless. Salvatore Ferragamo Massimo Dutti Jimmy Choo Dorothy Perkins Marks and Spencer Marni for H&M Dune Kenzo Gap

16 | May 2012 | woman this month Interview Lifetime Chance of a Natasha Bird speaks to Cynthia Gessling, acting director of The Crown Prince International Scholarship Programme (CPISP) about the amazing opportunities awaiting certain gifted Bahraini students.

17 woman this month | May 2012 | related to their education, accommodation, tickets and living expenses when abroad are covered by the programme. It all sounds so perfect; there must be a catch? Apparently not. According to Dr Gessling, HRH the Crown Prince simply wants to “give young Bahrainis a level playing field”, so that more will get the opportunity to “achieve academic and personal success.” There is something else behind the idea too. “He feels very strongly that his mission to foster and support these scholars, who will eventually give back greatly to their country, will reap great rewards for the Kingdom of Bahrain," says Dr Gessling. The CPISP not only provides its students with the valuable opportunity to study abroad up to postgraduate level, but also gives them the freedom of choice when it comes to their employment choices both inside and outside Bahrain. Many students have indeed scored themselves jobs and internships on distinguished international firms. The rich addition that gives to the capabilities of the programme's alumni makes them a valuable asset to the development of the nation, once they put their efforts into contributing to its growth. "The exposure to other cultures, experiences and ideas while taking pride in one's identity creates a strong source of inspiration for our students," says Dr Gessling. "Young women and men in the programme have demonstrated their commitment to success and achievement since the beginning of their undergraduate studies and are expected to continue doing so," she continues. Bahrain, being a progressive nation, has strong women women who have proven their independence and capabilities. But even with that, the cultural and social patterns are taken into consideration by the programme. There is active communication with all families, especially with those that may have concerns about their daughters being away from them. I asked Dr Gessling whether she had experienced any difficulties relating to this. "It is a family matter for some people, but of course we plan for this," she says. "We have developed a new leadership model and we have a section named ‘Going West’ which helps to prepare students for the potential changes. We coach the families, allowing them to understand that their children are safe and showing them how much they can benefit from the experience. Our female students are very strong and they do really well. We have girls now at NYU, Columbia, Harvard and all of these scholars are just incredibly interesting, very driven and personally motivated.” Finally, I asked Cynthia to spare a final thought for young Bahraini’s with big dreams. “Never give up on yourselves,” she says, “If you want something, you have to pursue it. When it comes to these scholars, it is their strong belief in themselves which has made them successful.” It goes without saying that higher education is important. There are, of course, ways of achieving success without it, but on the whole, heading off to university will be the making of a person. Studying for a degree trains you in discipline, working ethics and delayed gratification, while at the same time giving you the opportunity to integrate socially with people from other cultures and backgrounds. A lot of these benefits are made even more potent if, as many Bahrainis do, you opt to study abroad. An education overseas, however, can be very hard to come by. Most universities in America and Europe will charge a hefty premium for international applicants. There are often limited places for foreign students and you are also left with the task of finding suitable accommodation and budgeting for living expenses in a place that is unfamiliar to you. Imagine then, that there were a way to benefit from all the amazing things about studying abroad, without having to worry about any of the drawbacks. Cynthia Gessling explains that, for ten hardworking Bahraini students, this dream can become a reality. Now in its 13th year, the CPSIP has developed into one of the most superb opportunities in the Kingdom. Students from public and private schools submit their applications for the programme when they reach 11th grade. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 97 per cent. Sixty candidates are then selected, based on the results of the qualifying exam, to undergo a year-long educational enrichment programme, through which they are assessed. It covers critical thinking, leadership, S.A.T. preparation and more. Students benefit greatly from the programme even if they don't make it to the final ten, as it is a fantastic opportunity to learn and interact. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince likes an out of the box thinker," states Dr Gessling, "he doesn't want a cookie cutter scholar. He likes them to challenge the status quo and to voice an opinion in critical thinking, leadership and more." The final recipients are selected based on their GPAs, results of their IELTS and SATs and performance in the training programme and critical thinking course. The programme is of great benefit to all the candidates and is a great opportunity to interact and experience creative methods of thinking and evaluation. The selection process, including all student scores and grades, is reviewed by an independent auditing firm to ensure accuracy and transparency. The criteria by which the selection processes are carried out ensure equal opportunity and competitiveness for students from both genders and all schools. The programme attends to all details concerning the students from the selection process until they graduate. In addition to the assistance they are provided with in choosing from among the world's most prestigious universities, officals at the programme go to the length of making trips with the students to ensure that everything is in place for them. Costs

18 | May 2012 | woman this month Interview India Discovering Woman This Month sat down with Mala Kumar, wife to the Indian Ambassador in Bahrain and all-round India enthusiast, to talk about her plans to bring the culture and vibrancy of her home country to the people of Bahrain. Mala Kumar

19 woman this month | May 2012 | If Mala Kumar is anything to go by, a visit to India should become a must on everyone’s checklist. She is a wonderful combination of colour and energy and she speaks about her home country with real exuberance. “We have just got so much to offer in terms of art, music, dance, food, clothes and jewellery,” Mala exclaims, “India is an amazing country. The simply vast richness and heritage that we have is astonishing and I feel we should show it more and more. India is an emerging power — it is a ‘soft power’ as my husband would say.” In a bid to share India’s greatness, Mala, along with a couple of other India-enthusiasts, has embarked on a mission to showcase India in the Middle East. This mission is taking the form of a series of lavish events, collectively known as Irresistible India, designed to give guests a total immersion in Indian culture. Mala plans to start the series with a real bang. The first event, which will have just taken place when this magazine hits the shops, is a luxurious evening of food, music and dancing. Guests to the first Irresistible India gala will have dined on a sumptuous fourcourse meal, which blends traditional and modern Indian cuisine. They will also have had the opportunity to watch two exciting dance troupes — one a Rajisthani folk group and the other a Bollywood troupe from Mumbai. And finally, they will have danced the night away as DJ Benson from Dubai spun a mix of modern and Bollywood tunes. The main idea, according to Mala, is to allow people to discover the lesser known aspects of Indian culture. “People in Bahrain love Bollywood, which is great, of course. It is already so popular that it is what people think of when they think of India, but there is so much else too,” Mala explains. “The Indian cuisine that most of the restaurants in Bahrain serve is usually the butter chickens and the tandooris", she says, “but people should try something else. The food from other parts of India like Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh are very different. They use different spices and it would be nice for people to come and eat this and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this was also Indian’.” “After this first event,” says Mala, “who knows? I want to showcase the full extent of the culture of India. We are hoping to bring in contemporary art and then have some more traditional music too, with wellknown stalwarts in Indian music. We might bring in some stand-up comedians, theatre and perhaps have a culinary festival. I have big plans!” I asked Mala how the idea for Irresistible India came about and why it is so important to her to bring India to the people of Bahrain. “It all started with a private sari show that I did at home for the Jusoor programme, led by the wife of Bahrain's foreign minister, Shaikha Wesal. It was a gathering of prominent Bahraini ladies and diplomats' wives. It was to show them that saris are not just worn in one way and that, even though they are traditional dress, they can also be stylish and timeless. Many people didn’t know that there was a sari of nine yards. The Italian ambassador’s wife volunteered to have a sari draped on her in the traditional style. People were fascinated because they thought it was all stitched, but it’s not, it’s all folded and draped in a matter of minutes,” describes Mala. “After this event, I teamed up with Renuka from La Bonn V and Irwin Rego, because we share the same passion for our country and it became our joint venture to produce the Indian gala evening” It isn’t just this passion which has spurred Mala on to creating the Irresistible India series, though. She feels that the Middle East and India have a special bond, which shouldn’t go overlooked. “There is such a huge population of Indians in the Middle East, especially here. Bahrain has been strongly influenced by Indian culture for many centuries,” Mala explains. “Bahrainis eat a lot of Indian food, a lot of people are familiar now with the mainstream music of India. Bahrain imports a lot of textiles and embroidery from India — a lot of the kaftans that you see are actually made in India”. There is also a sense that India is inextricably tied to the progress in the Middle East. Mala agrees: “Indians have contributed a lot to the development of the Middle East. I think that Bahrain is one of the countries where Indians enjoy a lot of respect, for their intelligence, their work ethic and their contribution to the economy. It is my delight to strengthen this bond and this relationship.” We, as well as Mala, are very excited to see how the Irresistible India series develops. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events, because they are sure to be lavish, colourful, enlightening and a whole load of fun.

20 | May 2012 | woman this month People Alex’s new company, Affinity Consultancy, is based on the principles of psychometric testing. This is a practise through which a trained interpreter can gain an understanding of a person’s individual skill sets, abilities, personality and interests. The usefulness of these sorts of tests is threefold. Alex’s company is able to test for learning difficulties in children of a variety of ages. She is also able to assess the results carefully enough to advise career paths or useful study directions among adolescents. Thirdly, she has a selection of tests which can prove useful in a business environment — helping employers select the most appropriate candidate from a group of potential employees. Most interesting to us, though, is capacity in which she is able to help young people in Bahrain make important life decisions. As we are beginning to understand, job satisfaction is an incredibly important part of life. We spend years and years of our lives at work, so it makes no sense to be stuck doing something we don’t enjoy. “I have had two careers myself,” says Alex, “I trained as a music teacher, but I wasn’t sure it was quite the thing, so I had to look into something else.” “I want to help children to avoid making choices without any guidance,” she explains, “because it is true that we don’t have careers for life so much any more, but stopping something and starting all over again from the beginning, with the need for new education, can be a very expensive process. If you find a good path early on, you won’t have to.” The quality which sets Affinity Consultancy apart from many other companies using psychometrics testing is Alex’s very personal touch. “There are many schools who think they have appropriate guidance counselling and there are many companies who use psychometrics tests, but the schools often look at too many people at once and I am not convinced that many of these companies really take into consideration the particular environment they are testing in. The educational tests that I use are compared to norm groups in the USA and Europe, for example, as most will be, because it is very difficult to find tests that have been normed in the Middle East. So then it becomes really important to take this into consideration when you are assessing the results of the test.” “Within my practice I try to take all the environmental factors, such as the specific job market in Bahrain, and a person’s educational, family and medical history into consideration. I am trying to keep the business relatively small so that I can really concentrate on the individual and use my psychology background to develop a careful, personal assessment,” continues Alex. One of the most interesting things about Alex’s study of the Bahrain job market and the results of her psychometric testing so far, is that she is able to assess differences in gender. “Based on the cases I have worked on so far,” she says, “I believe there is a big change happening and that girls as well as boys are being well educated and are now able to have a wider choice of careers. A certain percentage of society here will always adhere to very traditional roles, but there is a cultural shift happening.” It is also part of Alex’s personal touch that she is able to take gender into consideration when offering her assessment. She talks to the parents and to young women about their expectations. It is certainly not a case of narrowing the spectrum of options from which girls can choose a career, but more about preparing women for the challenges they might face on their chosen path — a wise and useful part of Alex’s services, if you ask us. Visit www.affinityconsultancy.org. The Future’s Alex Jelonek Turk, at one time a trained music teacher, has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to a new cause — helping young people in Bahrain follow their dreams. Bright

The Children’s Academy Kingdom of Bahrain Affiliated with the prestigious Alpha Plus Group of independent schools in England. A specialist education provision provided by a team of skilled teachers and therapists. A caring and child-centred approach based upon successful practice in England and supported by an exciting learning environment with emphasis on promoting positive self esteem. A broad curriculum based upon the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum. Individual Education Plans tailored for the need of each pupil. A low teacher- pupil ratio facilitating an individualized approach to each child needs. Classrooms equipped and resourced to exceptional standards supported by the latest in educational technology, including interactive white boards and a PC for each pupil. A state of the art Sensory Room and a Soft Play area that are unique to the Gulf Region. A specialist developmental delay/autistic classroom. A unique private school for children with mild-to-moderate learning difficulties For more information: Call +973 176 13234 or visit website www.childrensacademybahrain.com Write to: [email protected]

22 | May 2012 | woman this month Fashion Fashion Forward Be on top of your fashion game this May by heeding some of our advice. We bring you some tips from the fashion frontline. Fashion Expert Want It These neon heeled Kurt Geiger platforms are more than on trend. What’s Hot Tom Binns’ ethnic inspired jewellery. Bright, bold and beautiful. Bin It Put away those winter boots right now! I don’t care how much you love them. Natasha Bird walks us through her May likes and dislikes. Neon accents are all over the place this season; whether it’s a neon plastic cuff, a neon bag or belt, or something even more exciting. These Casadei wedge heels with neon stripes would be a great way to jazz up a colourblock outfit. Hint of Neon Prints and patterns are on trend. If you really want to look like you are in the know though, you’ll have to get yourself something underwater themed. Starfish, shells and coral prints are what it’s all about. This Versace handbag in pretty pastels is to die for. Under the Sea As modelled here in the Alice + Olivia Spring/ Summer collection, floral is in and unusual lengths are the best way to go about modernising a somewhat perennial trend. The big hat and fluro-makeup add a certain Mad Men feel to the look, which adds even more appeal. Floral Midis

23 woman this month | May 2012 | There are a few very specific themes cropping up in the fashion world. One of them is the Spanish holiday trend. Whether its pineapple necklaces, palm tree prints or floral necklaces, it’s time to get out the maracas and join in the party. Check out this Blumarine runway look. Viva La Fiesta Gimmicks can be silly and twee, but you can’t escape them this season. Novelty sunglasses are literally everywhere. You can find everything from cute to completely ridiculous. These Lunettes purple hearts shades are a happy medium. Wear them with this season’s pastels. Get Gimmicky

24 | May 2012 | woman this month Fashion Fashion The world revolves at a faster pace in the fashion galaxy. We bring you some little nuggets of information about the latest goings on. As we all know, the wrong kind of allegation can ruin your career in the fashion world, ahem, Galliano. Well, it’s Alexander Wang’s turn to feel the heat. Some of his ex-employees have felt so strongly about their mistreatment under his fashion label that they have filed a case with the Queens County Supreme Court, claiming he violated New York labour laws with regards to overtime pay and minimum wage. The cry of “sweatshop conditions” has brought about troubled times for many a label, so let’s see if Wang’s line suffers the same setback. Is there anything that Lily Cole can’t do? The model, turned actress, who just received a double-first degree at the prestigious Cambridge University, has now turned her hand to something new…and she’s only 23! Lily has turned presenter for her very own television programme — Lily Cole’s Art Matters — which will see her investigating the methods and practices of some of her favourite artists. Dangerous Allegations The Cool Ms Cole DVF for Kids Apparently, according to one fashion superstar, it is never too early to kit out your kids with top notch threads. Diane Von Furstenberg has collaborated with Gap to produce her first children’s line. According to Ms Von Furstenberg: “The Minute a little girl is born, she is already the woman she will be. So to empower a little girl is to empower the woman she will become.” So, no more shopping in Mothercare for us then! Lily Cole Alexander Wang News Bulletins DVF

25 woman this month | May 2012 | RJ Cutler — director of the Anna Wintour biopic The September Issue — is supposedly going to sink his teeth into another fashion drama. This time, though, it will be a feature film much like The Devil Wears Prada. Based on a novel by Lee Tolloch, former editor of Australian Harper’s Bazaar, it will follow the life of a ditsy, but savvy door girl, whose love of fashion is so full-on that she names and talks to her favourite frocks! We’re sure many of you went a bit gooey over Natalie Portman’s red, vintage Dior Oscar gown. The deep ombre, the little black polka dots, teamed with the most delicate of diamonds; the look was simply exquisite, which is why we included it in our Star Style pages. Well, clearly someone thought even more highly of the look than we did, because Rare Vintage — the dealer from which Ms Portman borrowed the gown — put it on sale as soon as the Oscars was over. And it was snapped up for a whopping $50,000. It’s the first time that such a fashion mogul has been called upon to design the British Olympic kit. But seeing as this is a particularly important year for Team GB, the UK management has pulled out all the stops. Stella McCartney was charged with the task. It is shocking then, that after the unveiling of the kit a few weeks ago, there would be such a negative backlash. Stella has received a barrage of insults, claiming that she was wrong not to use more red in her designs as it is an important national colour. Possibly a bit unfair? The Devil’s Return Sorry Stella! Hanaa Ben Abdesslem How Much?! The Devil Wears Prada Natalie Portman Stella McCartney

are Wearing Mena Suvari Despite having a few annoying poses in her repertoire, she does have some chic frocks too. To the premiere of the latest American Pie film, she wore this Autumn 2011 dress by Christian Siriano and paired it with Giuseppe Zanotti black and silver pumps. Zoe Saldana At the 25 Most Powerful Stylists Luncheon in Beverley Hills, Saldana wore this quirky Alexis Mabille Spring 2012 couture dress. She accessorised with Jimmy Choo “Eros” heels and a Jimmy Choo clutch. We think this look is both beautiful and fashion-forward. What the Okay, it’s not an Oscars month, so there aren’t quite as many big dresses to feast your eyes on this month. Have no fear though; we’re always capable of finding some cool celebrity looks for you… Stars Natasha Bird Lily Collins As the Beautiful Snow White in her upcoming film, it is only fitting that Lily Collins, daughter of drum legend Phil, picked something elegant to complement her milky white complexion. Her Dolce & Gabbana dress did the trick perfectly. She also wore Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toes. Beyonce Knowles A glowing Beyonce Knowles debuted her post-baby figure in this blue Victoria Beckham number. Very brave of her to pick such a figure hugging design, but it looks great. She paired it with Lorraine Schwartz earrings and, not one, but two different Lanvin necklaces. Fashion 26 | May 2012 | woman this month

27 Diane Kruger Always on the ball when it comes to daring new designs, Kruger didn’t fail to impress in this gorgeous Jason Wu Autumn 2012. It’s a little bit oriental with a touch of matador and we think it’s great. Her black Gucci sandals were simple and chic and we like that her red clutch matches her lips. Rachel Bilson As Director for the Sunglasses Hut brand, Rachel Bilson was sure to turn a few heads on arrival at their Spring Styles celebration in Santa Monica, California. She chose a laidback, but cute look; pairing a black Vanessa Bruno blazer with Isabel Marant wide-legged trousers, a Chanel bag and ShoeMint heels. Elizabeth Banks Brave Ms Banks showed she’s not shy of a bit of colour in this orange Spring 2012 Elie Saab gown, worn to the Berlin premiere of The Hunger Games. Her styling was flawless, adding nothing too distracting that would detract focus from the dress. Karolina Kurkova Czech model Karolina stunned onlookers at the Gala Spa Awards in this gorgeous Elie Saab gown, complete with a matching green belt and sandals. We love the wiry gold cuff — it adds a certain modernity to the old Hollywood glamour. woman this month | May 2012 |

28 | May 2012 | woman this month Fashion Fashion Fight: Whether you’re rolling in millions or counting the pennies, nothing should stop you from looking like a dream on your big day. We’ve pitted the cash splashers against the thrifty shoppers and found you a selection of looks to suit your financial needs — which do you prefer? Wedding of Luxury Splurging the big bucks doesn’t always guarantee you a wedding of class and taste. There are some really expensive, really hideous meringue dresses out there. However, if you do have plenty to spend and you are knowledgeable enough about bridal trends and quality fabrics, you really can get the dress of your dreams! Valentino If traditional isn’t your style, there are some amazing, modern, chic styles available. This Valentino shift is effortlessly elegant and super fashionforward. Who said you had to go floorlength to stand out on your big day? Monique L’Huillier If you are a bit of a fan of the bling, Monique L’Huillier is the brand for you. She combines crystals and embellishments in a way that they make her dresses stand-out, but not overwhelming or tacky. This thigh split number is our favourite from her latest collection. Vera Wang Ms Wang, as we all know, is queen of the wedding world. Her latest bridal couture is no less mouth-wateringly beautiful than anything that has gone before it. If it is elegance, sophistication and femininity that you are after, look no further. We even love the tulle headpieces — they add a certain modernity to a classically gorgeous look. Accessories If you keep the dress fairly simple, you can afford to opt for some dramatic, shiny, opulent or bedazzling accessories. Vivienne Westwood Ms Westwood’s creations are always interesting. Her drapery and structure is infinitely feminine and perfect for wedding-day styles. You really couldn’t go wrong with this Vivienne gown. Versace Jimmy Choo Lanvin at Net-APorter.com

29 woman this month | May 2012 | Match Wedding The La Redoute In the world of catalogues, La Redoute has a certain edge over many of the others. As French brands often are, this one has elegant written all over it. There are a number of sophisticated, slim, drapey silhouettes available. Bebe Bebe might be at the upper-end of the high street, but it is a high-street brand nonetheless. Their new bridal collection has a range of fabrics, colours, cuts and designs — something for every fashion savvy bride-to-be. Accessories The high street is a fantastic place to do a comprehensive accessories bargain hunt. If you look hard enough you can easily find something that looks a lot more expensive than it really is. Oasis We absolutely LOVE this Oasis design. As quirky goes, a shorter wedding dress is a good attention-grabber. This one also happens to be delightfully minimalist and the cut-out back is a great touch. We’d get rid of the belt and add an embellished sash or an exaggerated waist-corsage. Wedding on a Shoestring Monsoon When it comes to dresses that suit a variety of shapes, Monsoon is a class apart. This off-white gown hugs a woman’s figure in all the right places. For those who don’t have millions to spend on your wedding get-up, there are some brilliant options to ensure that you look just as chic and just as classy as your richer counterparts. Accessorize Coast Marks and Spencer Monsoon

30 | May 2012 | woman this month Fashion Guest Chic Wedding Being the perfect wedding guest is tough. You want to look your best without upstaging the bride. Here’s our guide to wedding guest dressing… Daytime Celebration Weddings that take place during the day, particularly those which are outdoors, demand a slightly more relaxed and girly style. Elie Saab This is a great example of Summer daytime chic. The look is super girly, yet somehow also sophisticated. The scraped back hair is possibly what keeps it upmarket. Coast Coast specialises in evening and formal wear, so it’s no wonder they’ve got the Summer weddings in the bag. We like the embroidery detail and the soft ashy pink. Oasis If it really isn’t such a formal event, try this dress. The high neckline keeps it from being too casual, but the length and the polkadots make it a fun and flirty option. Elie Tahari Okay so this is actually an Autumn 2011 look, but we loved it so much we wanted to use it as inspiration. Definitely experiment with midi lengths and accessories. Accessories You can afford to be a little jazzy with your daytime accessories. Try a shiny print bag or some jangly bangles. Dune Jimmy Choo Mango Dior

31 woman this month | May 2012 | Oscar De La Renta This is the brand of choice among the celebrity ranks when it comes to evening gowns. The feathers and fur bolero give it the “wow” factor. Carolina Herrera For simple and sophisticated elegance, look no further than Carolina Herrera. There are a range of colours and cuts, each as chic as the last. Evening Ceremony Evening weddings in this part of the world signify a real dressing up opportunity. Floor length dresses are a must, as is a bit of bling. Accessories Whatever Olivia Palermo loves, so do we and she is currently brand ambassador for Carrera Y Carrera. Pick simple, shiny, sparkly accessories. Jason Wu Head to Net-a-Porter for the widest selection of couture gowns that you could need. Make a real statement with this Jason Wu design, but watch how you accessorise the look. Tesbuy Tesbuy.com is one of those sites that specialises in prom dresses and evening gowns. Although you do have to wade through the designs, there are some good ones in there. Actea Pendant. Carrera Y Carrera Afrodita Earrings. Carrera Y Carrera Oasis Donna Karan

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