May 2016 | Issue 159 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition MUMS MEET-UP Cooking with confidence Bridal Bonanza Dresses, make-up, gifts and more Rockin’ all over the world Wellbeing The eyes have it FOOD Chocolatey indulgence TRAVEL Parenting Building a blended brood Wedding wear for all occasions Fashion
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www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 2 MAY 65 For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at [email protected]. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 28 8 Diary 10 News: Hot Shots SHOPPING 14 Editor’s Choice: White Factor 16 Pick of the Month: Our Favourite Things FASHION 18 Trend: Blue Jeans 22 Fashion Forward: Shop Like a Fashionista 24 Get the Look: Guest List 26 Style Radar: What the stars are wearing PEOPLE 28 Hala Kaiksow: New star designer 29 Lamar Kanafani: Mental health advocate WEDDING FEATURE 32 Sara Al Salman: Words from a wedding planner 34 Dresses: Say Yes to the Dress 44 Make-up: Perfect looks for every skin tone BEAUTY 46 News: The latest products in the stores LIFESTYLE 52 Wellbeing: Say Eye 57 Parenting: Step by Step 58 Parenting: Dr Jinan on warts and verrucas 59 Parenting: Kids' Playground 61 Parenting: Mums’ Meet-up 62 Home: Moving house 64 Travel: Rockin' All Over the World 68 Food: Review 69 Food: Wedding Bites 70 Horoscope: What to expect this month 72 Last Word: In Her Shoes – Hina Mirza 63 14 46
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 4 The weather’s warming up and the wedding season is about to go into overdrive. Hotels have wedding fairs with many venues coming up with special offers to host the festivities. And, of course, we have our annual wedding feature including dresses, make-up, ideas for wedding favours, funky foods and a chat with wedding planner Sara Al Salman. This month we also talked to Hala Kaiksow, the young Bahraini designer who took London Fashion Week by storm, to find out her inspirations and future plans. And trailblazer Lamar Kanafani told us about her fight to get marriage and family therapy recognised as an official mental health discipline, making the field of counselling much safer for users. In our parenting section, Dr Jinan deals with the dreaded scourge of warts and, in keeping with our wedding theme, we take a look at expert advice on blending families for those tying the knot for the second time. You’ll also find details of this month’s Mums’ Meet-up – sadly, the dinosaurs have been postponed, for reasons beyond our control, but we’ve got another treat in store for May. In the wellbeing section Behnaz Sanjana gets the lowdown on eye care and Fitness First shares an inspiring weight loss case study while in travel, Ankita Mamgain takes her last virtual trip before heading to pastures new. Being a bit of a rock chick, it’s fitting that her final piece is a round-up of some of the world’s most awesome music festivals. As always we’ve got plenty of fashion and beauty and lots more besides. Enjoy the May issue and why not let us know what you think? Enjoy! Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY marketing & electronic media director DEEPA SIVA fashion & beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER assistant editor ANKITA MAMGAIN contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL creative director ANDRE BIGG print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media manager FARHEEN AHMED circulation KADAMBARI S photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2016© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] website: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain May 2016, Issue 159 On the cover: Oscar de la Renta May 2016 | Issue 159 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition MUMS MEET-UP Cooking with confidence Bridal Bonanza Dresses, make-up, gifts and more Rockin’ all over the world Wellbeing The eyes have it FOOD Chocolatey indulgence TRAVEL Parenting Building a blended brood Wedding wear for all occasions Fashion EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide Since we’re all about weddings this month, I’ve come up with a few pieces I’d be delighted to receive and there’s not a piece of dodgy kitchen equipment in sight. In search of the perfect gift, I headed to Tanagra at City Centre Bahrain and discovered some beauties that might even make me consider taking the plunge again. The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Mario Cioni vase Daum sculpture Rosenthal Versace Medusa platter
For the Perfect Summer Wedding Commemorate your special ceremony at the glorious Thuraya ballroom infused with contemporary arabesque design and state of the art technology to fulfil your every wish. For reservations or more information, please call +973 16000111 or email [email protected] P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, [email protected]
letters May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 6 Write Here Write Now Get in touch by email, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! Spring-Summer 2016 I subscribe to quite a few fashion magazines; some local ones, mostly international and would really like to congratulate WTM and especially Fernanda Langhammer on her brilliant coverage of trends, season after season. It’s always hard to get such a consolidated report and she spells it out really well with no ambiguity at all. What I personally like is the fact that along with runway images, we also get a glimpse of the collections of various high street brands that we might actually find in the stores in Bahrain or the region. Tanya. Taking Your Breath Away I always look forward to reading Dr Jinan’s insightful articles each month. Her piece on anaphylaxis was greatly informative especially for those parents who have small kids. It’s really hard to imagine how some of the most widely consumed foods such as peanuts and berries can be fatal if they cause a reaction. I understand alertness is important but it would be extremely helpful if at some point more information could be shared. Perhaps if there are any particular medical tests that can ascertain food allergies and what is the earliest age at which they can be conducted? I have a six-month old niece and I am extremely protective of her. Sabah. Checking In to Success What a beautifully written piece and thanks WTM for bringing to light the amazing story of Anne-Marie Dowling. We need to read and hear about more such women, especially if they made it to the top all by themselves. By reading more about her I realise that, although we do make our own destiny, it’s also not imperative to know from the very start where you want to go. I think about the amount of pressure young students have on them in order to succeed in life and, as parents and teachers, we don’t really give them a chance to enjoy the learning process or even let them explore their options. A lot of emphasis in laid on knowing your ‘ambition’ even before you start serious school. Through the article I can also see how humble Anna-Marie is and she does not want to shy away from the fact that she was not academically gifted. This is completely alien to me, someone who grew up in a very conventional Indian family where it’s a matter of great embarrassment for your family if you are an under performer in school. Archana. Four Seasons which was said to be perfect with its superb customer service, food and how beautiful it is there; Sofitel was described as romantic and La Fontaine as magical. When followers were asked what would be the perfect spot to have a wedding in Bahrain some of what they came back with included: Follow us on: Instagram: @woman_this_month Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB Facebook: Woman This Month WTM’s tweet about registering for our Kitchen Star cooking contest was the most favourited tweet. “It's your last day to register for the best cooking contest on the island #wtm #bahrain” The following #WTM post was favourited and retweeted most on Twitter. WTM’s post about Kitchen Star was the most liked post on Facebook. “Thank you to our sponsors for all the support and to the participants for their enthusiasm in making Woman This Month's Kitchen Star a brilliant day for all with cooking that's healthy and awesome fitness sessions... Citi, Jawad Supermarket, Nespresso, Intercol Canon Authorized Distributor, Canon Middle East, Microsoft Lumia, Moulinex Middle East, Bath & Body Works Middle East, Lifestyle, Capital Club-Bahrain, REPS Fitness Studios, Sharon Linde, Lakeland GCC, @intercol, Microsoft, @ khomes&kitchen #wtm #bahrain” The Most Liked Post on Facebook The most liked post on Instagram was a quote about women: “It is hard to be a woman; you must think like a man, act like a lady, look like a young girl and work like a horse.” The Most talked about picture on WTM’s Instagram Letter We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at [email protected]
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www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 8 SAVE THE DATE MAY From ways to progress professionally to summer beach parties, this month looks packed with of lots of action and here’s your guide to plan ahead. diary Art Exhibition The Domain Hotel and Spa, in association with UNESCO and the European Parliament, will host Summer Art, an exhibition that will run till the end of May. The display will feature paintings and sculptures by a number of talented European and Bahraini artists. Some of the artworks being displayed have been exhibited in prestigious museums such as The Louvre in Paris. Call 16 000-000. 5 THURSDAY Beat Beach Music Festival Beat Beach Music Festival returns with another event to remember this month. A massive space with futuristic designs and lights made specially for this night will be set up at Bahrain’s hottest beach at Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort. This edition of the event will have two dance floors and a massive line-up of DJs. The Main Stage will have the hottest DJs in town playing your favourite tunes from hip-hop and R&B to EDM. The Underground Room will be all about the hottest alternative house music and techno tunes. Call 66 302-112. 6 FRIDAY Oasis Training Centre is running two skills development programmes, in partnership with Chartwell Learning & Development UK, entitled Positive Power and Influence. The sessions run May 9-10 and May 11-12, which is a ladies only event and aims to address the different challenges women face in areas of professional leadership. Customised for the GCC, Oasis states: “Our association with Lean In challenges us to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what we can do. Let’s work together to create a more equal world!” Call 17 330-823. 9-12 MONDAY- THURSDAY Animania Bahrain 2016 Gear up gaming nerds as Animania Bahrain returns with another exhilarating edition of non-stop gaming and anime action. Started in 2010, the event has gained immense popularity in the region and is one of the most anticipated annual conventions in the country. The main feature will be gaming competitions and discussions between the gaming community in Bahrain and the GCC. Another attraction is the massive cos-play display where attendees dress up as their favourite characters from anime shows or video games and interact with other patrons. The convention will also feature an art gallery. Call 34 301-991. 13 FRIDAY Cirque Le Soir Drop in for Bushido’s seventh anniversary party that features DJ Albert-L. This fantastical circus-themed event promises a unique show as you'll be transported into a world of crazy costumes, magicians, clowns, sword-swallowers, fire-eaters, contortionists and stilt walkers among a host of other weird and wonderful entertainment. Iron your coat tails, dust off the top hat and prepare for a night like no other. Ladies’ entry is free till 10pm after which they will be charged BD10. Men pay BD15. Call 17 583-555. 27 FRIDAY Animania Women in business Novotel
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 10 OPRAH INBOUND? Could TV icon Oprah Winfrey be heading to Bahrain? The answer, apparently, is yes! Wellness guru Dr Deepak Chopra, who has worked with the talk show queen, was recently in the Kingdom for a workshop and organisers, the Bahrain Institute of Hospitality and Retail, revealed they are in discussions for Oprah to join him on his next visit, possibly as soon as November. Institute director Nigel Viegas said he and his team had been negotiating with Oprah for almost three years and they are currently suggesting she could speak on the issue of women’s empowerment, which is a hot topic in the region. He said the likelihood of her coming was as high as 90 per cent. NEWS | hot shots DESTINATION SHOPPING Connoisseurs of high-end style and trusted names synonymous with sophistication, need look no further than Tanagra in City Centre Bahrain for the finest gifts and accessories. From graduations to birthdays and, of course, weddings – if the occasion calls for a really special gift, this is the place to go for a refined and edited array of options. And for extra convenience the store also runs a wedding registry allowing guests to choose gifts across a wide price range whilst knowing they are picking something the bride and groom really want. New stars, new cars and the latest snippets from the world at large. THE CAR’S THE STAR There’s a new star in Bahrain’s motoring world with the arrival of the latest Porsche 911 at Behbehani Brothers. Now available in a range of model variants including coupe and cabriolet, the new 911 features entirely new turbocharged power units evolved from the racetrack to the road, as part of Porsche’s commitment to technology transfer. This gives the world's best-selling sports car a boost in performance alongside significantly improved fuel economy. On the exterior, the new 911 impresses with an evolutionary yet further sharpened design, while inside it features the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system delivering improved connectivity and controls. BOLLYWOOD BOUND Local youngster Suzi khan, aged six, is living the Bollywood dream after landing a plum role of superstar Salman khan’s daughter in his upcoming movie Sultan, one of the biggest movies of the year. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the blockbuster is scheduled for release over Eid. The schoolgirl beauty is a veteran in front of the camera having been modelling since she was just a year old with many shoots in Bahrain and Dubai. But this is her first Bollywood role and she and her family are hugely excited. BAHRAINI BITES THE BIG APPLE Bahrain Women Association president Dr Wajeeha AlBaharna took part in the 60th session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. The commission is part of the United Nations and this year’s main theme was 'Empowerment of women and sustainable development'. Dr Al-Baharna was among the speakers at the meeting organised by the global campaign for equal citizenship rights where she gave a presentation on the efforts of the national campaign for citizenship in the Kingdom which aims to amend the Nationality Law to ensure the right of Bahraini women in granting citizenship to their children.
12 May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Kitchen Star Season 2 Woman This Month held its second dazzling Kitchen Star cooking competition at the Capital Club. And the winner is: Team Gourment Crackers! Rosali, Farheen, Fabiana, Anne, George, chef Sylvester, Alessandra, chef Alexandra, Manal & chef Stephen Team Freezer Swap: Lia, Lisa, Iman & Nadine Team Foodie Fix: Valerie, Maria, Valeria & Ires The chefs with WTM and Nespresso Team Citibank Team Team Blend it like Beckham: Val, Beverley-Ann, Sarwat & Neetu Nepresso Team Alexandra, Stephen & Martin
www.womanthismonth.com 13 May 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Making cupcakes with the Lakeland Team Judges awarded at the event Makeover sessions at the event Al Rashid Group Team Ali & George REPS Fitness Team Woman This Month team Alison, George, Ratna, Nor Hayati, Kholi, Junghee, Charmaine, Anne & Tik Audience at the event Linda, Nicholas & Lynne Sharon performing a fitness routine Farheen, Edralyn, Bharti & Randa
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 14 SHOPPING | editor's choice WHITE FACTOR Monique Lhuillier 1. Top: Bershka; 2. Magazine holder: Laura Ashley; 3. Shorts: Mothercare; 4. Handbag: Stradivarius; 5. Flat shoes: Dune London; 6. Flower pen: Folli Follie; 7. Dress: COS; 8. Headphones: Bose; 9. Lamp: Debenhams; 10. Bathroom towels: BHS. It is brides’ month and, if the wedding is not ethnic, the most popular colour chosen by women for their special day is the traditional white. This neutral shade is a great choice to paint your everyday wear during the hot weather and a versatile shade for your home décor too. Classically beautiful! 8 9 10 1 3 7 5 4 2 6
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 16 SHOPPING | pick of the month The tradition is an old one, thought to have originated with European aristocrats who would hand out small trinket boxes of crystal or porcelain, often set with precious stones and containing sugary treats which, in those days, symbolised wealth since sugar was very expensive. As the price of sugar fell, the custom was taken up by less wealthy sectors of society with sugared almonds encased in net and A Few of Our Favourite Things Wedding favours are small gifts from the bride and groom given as a gesture of appreciation to guests at a wedding reception. ribbons becoming a common sight at the wedding table. These days, brides and grooms are often keen to give their guests something precious with which to remember the big day and Tanagra, at City Centre Bahrain, has a range of wedding favours that would delight any recipient. Delight your senses with scented pot pourri by Vetrart contained in hand-blown glass hearts or mini sacks. These look beautiful and are the perfect combination of sight and smell with a range of scents including white ginger, vanilla creme, mandarin, baby rose, almond milk, violet and lavender and more. From Bacarrat come deep red and beautiful clear turtle doves, the eternal symbol of peace and love. Their lower halves synthesise and then divide so they may gaze attentively at each other while their silhouettes interweave harmoniously, creating an appealing symmetry. Designed by Claus Harttung for Baccarat, the grace and beauty of these two birds is evoked through the precision of the craftsmanship, from their slender bills to the detailing on their splayed feathers. For something lighthearted, choose the Baccarat Papillon collection of lucky butterflies available in a range of colours including red, purple, clear, iridescent and even a Lucky Diamond option. If you’d like to give a gift that will be useful long after the wedding confetti has blown away, consider a votive. The Baccarat Eye collection, cut crystal in clear, red, grey, green, yellow or amethyst will have candlelight creating reflective sparkles. The spring collection from Bernardaud features a dome of delicately imprinted roses or from Villari opt for beautifully decorated boxes resembling gaily wrapped gifts and miniature cakes. A visit to Tanagra is like entering an Aladdin’s cave of delicious gifts and great pieces for the home. Call 17 179-570. Our gift to you! Receive a gift valued at 20BD when you spend 100BD or more* *Terms and conditions: To qualify for 20BD gift offer, the value of your transaction must total 100BD or more in a single transaction. If chosen gift is valued higher than 20BD, difference is to be paid by customer. Limit one offer per customer. Offer not valid on previously purchased merchandise or purchase of gift cards. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or redeemed for cash. Offer only valid at Tanagra City Centre Bahrain and expires on August 31, 2016. Voucher must be presented and surrendered to store staff. Tanagra reserves the right to extend, modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 18 FASHION | trend This fabric, created for miners’ uniforms, is very popular in the fashion world and once again a hot trend. This season denim flaunts its pure blue colour, sometimes a bit lighter or darker, but mostly in its original tone. Go for a full-on jeans look! 1. Jacket: Evans; 2. Sunglasses: Ray Ban at sunglasses shop; 3. Skirt: Stradivarius; 4. Handbag: Vincci. 5. Sandals: Matalan; 6. Long-sleeved playsuit: New Look; 7. Shoes: Topshop; 8. Playsuit: Bershka; 9. Top: Debenhams; 10. Shirt: Next. Betty Barclay Chloé BLUE JEANS 2 8 9 10 5 1 3 4 7 6
www.womanthismonth.com 19 May 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Charity Breakfast The Aisha Yateem Family Charity Counselling Centre held a charity breakfast under the patronage of HH Shaikha Thajiba bint Salman Al Khalifa. Raja & Khulood Sally & Isabella Paula & Rashida Najah, Ghanya & Rawia Amal, Leyla & Fouzia Amal, Joelle & Kiki Car Show The K Hotel in collaboration with the American Eagles Group (AEG) organised a Car & Bike Show at its premises in Juffair. The K Hotel receiving an award from AEG Hussain & Volker Irina & Anas Hussain & Mohammed Darios & Helena
showcase May 2016 20 www.womanthismonth.com STEPPING OUT Reworked details are seen on wedge sandals and heels while ‘70s-style daywear is updated with modern relevance using the allure of vintage accent detailing on mule loafers and buckle detail clogs. Go leisure retro with lace-up sneakers and smiley plimsolls. BAG LADY Mini backpacks feature small ruffle details, the ever-popular clutch takes on an Asian aesthetic with a knot detail and, for a child-like contrast, relive your golden years with video game-inspired cross-body bags and top handle box bags. EASY EXTRAS Take a trip down memory lane and find nostalgia merged with subculture street aesthetics in accessories from cat-eye glasses to funky-framed Wayfarer lookalikes to chunky bling and belts long-enough to allow the ‘80s-style wrap back. Spring 2016 takes on a bolder approach for the year as slightly mischievous elements are introduced while retaining a minimalistic identity. The idea of contemporary nostalgia is adapted to revive the mood of unforgotten eras that have strongly influenced fashion today. CHARLES & KEITH CONTEMPORARY NOSTALGIA Call 16 686-206 (City Centre Bahrain), 16 686-226 (Seef Mall), 16 686-230 (Isa Town Mall).
www.womanthismonth.com 21 May 2016 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Good France Gala Dinner HE Bernard Regnauld-Fabre, French Ambassador, hosted a Good France dinner at the French embassy residence. This initiative was launched by Laurent Fabius, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with Alain Ducasse, three-starred Michelin chef. The event’s dinner was prepared by chef Jean-Pierre Renaud from Al Bander hotel and the interior was adorned with luxurious pieces from Tanagra. Mohammed Akkaoui, George Middleton, HE Bernard Régnauld-Fabre, Patrick Chalhoub, Akram Miknas & HE Dhafer Al Umran Valerie & Rakia Jean Paul & Lina Farheen, Nataliia & Ankita Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa & Shaikha Fajer Sami Kikso, Abdulla Jamsheer & Farooq Almoayyed Mohammed, Hani & Jabbar
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 22 FASHION | fashion forward SHOP LIKE A FASHIONISTA Every month our favourite brands have amazing new pieces on their racks, meaning infinite options! WTM comes to the rescue with a selection of our favourite pieces that deserve a closer look. FLOWER POWER Nature’s most beautiful creation is an obvious inspiration for the spring and summer collections. Coach takes the concept to the extreme with 3D flowers all over its latest handbag. This unique item would look great with a white dress and orange heels at a yacht party or poolside bash. A TOUCH OF WHIMSY Playing with patterns and colours is a field mastered by just a few brands and Etro is definitely one of them. The new collection features dreamy summer dresses, perfect for the hot humid days and nights. Small flower motifs in a patchwork pattern transport the imagination to faraway lands and tales of princesses and dragons. PRINT IMPRESSIONS A patterned top in vibrant colours is one of those versatile pieces to have in your wardrobe that will add an edgy twist to plain black pants. This Manish Arora piece is a simple design with a unique stamp. It is available at Saks Fifth Avenue amongst other creations from this Indian designer who has conquered the fashion world with his colourful mix of ethnic and modern sketches. TIMEKEEPER Coupling the metallic trend with classic design, Esprit’s latest line is available at A La Mode stores around town. Rose gold tones are here to stay and this timeless wristwatch is a great pick to add that extra sparkle to your workwear or casual clobber. The watch also comes in silver and gold tones for those seeking a more traditional option.
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 23 ‘90S REVIVAL For those like me, who lived their golden teenage days in the nineties, seeing some of the decade’s most popular trends coming back to life is a delight. Grunge style, slipons and a sporty relaxed vibe with T-shirts and worn-out jean-jackets are just a few of the options making an appearance for the coming season. Saint Laurent took inspiration from the ‘90s to develop its SS2016 collection. ELECTRIFYING FOOTWEAR Jimmy Choo is a synonym of contemporary luxury and after The Sex and the City television series the brand became more popular than ever. This season’s metallic sandals are to die for. Coming in vibrant shades of yellow and blue or even in striking silver, they are the best match for your evening gown or an eye-catching element to add to stylish daywear. 124 th Lulu Hypermarket The ribbon-cutting ceremony Ronnie, Nanda & Jeff Talal Kanoo & Aziz Vineeth & Rahul Shibu Juzer Ebrahim & Shailkh Mohammed Vargees Kurian & Yousuf Ali Lulu Group International opened its 124th outlet at Galleria, Zinj, Bahrain. The new hypermarket was inaugurated by HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, in the presence of HE Zayed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Saifee Rupawala, Lulu Group CEO, Yousuf Ali, Lulu Group managing director, diginitaries and other top officials.
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 24 FASHION | get the look A very important invitee, the mum should wear a glamorous, age-appropriate outfit for her child’s special day. Dresses with a lace top applied on the upper part of the gown are a great way to add sophistication and also avoid a tight cut. Another tip here is to go for an option with at least a little bit of sleeve; it doesn’t have to be long, but some extra cloth covering the shoulders will look better than a sleeveless option. The colour can vary, just avoid black or white. Personal taste and the shades of the season are more important. Pale pink is a contemporary hue that looks great on any skin colour. Pick footwear with chunky heels and a round front for comfort – it will be a long day! THE BRIDE MOTHER OF BCBG Max Azria spring 2016 Kendall Jenner The bells are ringing in wedding season and we've put together three different looks to inspire your outfit for the big day. GUEST LIST 1. Watch: Esprit at A La Mode; 2. Earrings: Salvatore Ferragamo; 3. Clutch: Saint Laurent Paris at Saks Fifth Avenue; 4. Dress: Mango; 5. Bracelet: Montblanc; 6. Shoes: Dune London. Amal Clooney 6 5 2 3 4 1 (OR GROOM)
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 25 A variety of options are available here. Long gowns are only required if it’s an evening event in a fancy venue or requested on the invite. Knee-length dresses are the best pick when you don’t want to go wrong. We all know that black and white should be avoided; however, when together in graphic or flower patterns, they can transform the look into something contemporary and super trendy. Gold accessories go very well with each of the shades, so the metallic detail keeps working in this look. A dash of colour can add extra pizzazz when shopping for fascinators and footwear. There are two kinds of brides, the ones that dream of bridesmaids wearing exactly the same dresses and those who prefer that they wear different designs and colours. If you are in the first category, picking an outfit that goes well with most body shapes is something that will be appreciated by your best friends, sisters and cousins. This number from BHS is a good choice; the belt at the waistline helps to create a good silhouette and the pleatted skirt, besides being loose rather than tight to the body, is also a trendy element. The extra draped detail in the top helps to hide any extra curve in the tummy area. The dress is full of good tricks and romance inspired. HERE COMES THE BRIDESMAID THE STYLISH FRIEND 1. Bracelet: Cartier; 2. Earrings: Chopard; 3. Clutch: Paule Ka; 4. Ring: BVLGARI; 5. Sandals: Charlotte Olympia at The Outnet.com 6. Dress: BHS. 1. Bracelet: Celine; 2. Watch: Versace; 3. Earrings: Marks & Spencer; 4. Sandals: Santoni. 5. Fascinator: Debenhams; 6. Dress: CH Carolina Herrera.. 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 26 CHLOE PIRRIE The Scottish actress wore a navy sleeveless gown with sequin bodice from Hilfiger Collection to attend the 88th annual Academy Awards in support of her film Stutterer. The dress design is a safe choice which would be a great pick for wedding guests. In this number the eye-catching detail is in the graphic metallic top. If you go for a simple cut, opt for striking fabric or patterns. FASHION | snaps Big wedding to attend? Have a look at our celebrities’ gown choices for great ideas on outfits to help you celebrate the big day in style. Style Radar HEIDI KLUM The German model was beautiful in a look from the spring 2016 Atelier Versace runway at Vanity Fair’s 2016 Oscars Party. The strapless gown has black as its main shade, however the intricate blue beading which flowed into sheer black beaded fabric, is the perfect touch to lift the dark colour. Don’t forget, simple dress, jaw-dropping details!
www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 27 AMAL CLOONEY The human rights attorney and George Clooneys’ wife is a woman of style. To accompany her husband for the big première of his film Hail, Cesar! in Los Angeles, she chose a flirty floral Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress. The short gown is a summer pick for those ladies with long and toned legs, just like Amal. HOLLAND RODEN The star of MTV's teen drama Teen Wolf picked a royal blue jumpsuit from Christian Siriano to attend the 2016 Music Television Awards. The one-piece gown is a great alternative to the regular dress and a clever way of rocking a super fashionable look. The bare shoulders are a stylish detail in this number that will catch everyone’s attention. JANICE MAN Gucci has been dominating the red carpet lately. With creative pieces, the Italian fashion house is dressing many celebrities worldwide. This Pre Fall 2016 cerulean long-sleeve pleated gown with silver glitter tulle was the Best Supporting Actress nominee’s pick to show off her beauty at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards. A dress to be worn only by the most stylish girls in the ball room. LILY ALDRIDGE The off-the shoulder top is the ultimate trend this season and when paired with a pencil skirt, the look makes for an edgy special-event option. If you’re after a laidback look for the wedding reception, this is the one! Lily opted for this blouse and skirt from the Brock Collection and a pair of navy suede nudist sandals from Stuart Weitzman to attend the private luncheon to honour Hollywood’s triple threat Elizabeth Banks.
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 28 PEOPLE | interview Which school did you attend in Bahrain and have you always been artistically inclined? I was in Bayan most of my life, and transferred to Bahrain School for the last two years of high school. I've always been interested in making and working with my hands; I would knit, paint, sculpt from a very young age. How old were you when you first knew you wanted to go into fashion? When I was around eight years old, I fell in love with the world of fashion through my eternal style icon – my mom. I then learned to knit at the age of 10 from my grandmother. I love working and expressing myself with my hands, and I did art before I came into the world of fashion, so I’ve always been inclined to express myself through creative means. How long have you been designing? Since I was very young but in more of a professional context since 2012. I went to Marangoni in Paris to do an intensive fashion course after completing my BFA at the School of Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University in Boston. I then continued on to get my masters in fashion design at Polimoda in Italy mid last year, which is where I produced my first collection. What are your favourite materials to use? I love using materials in their raw state and also contrasting them with man-made materials. So, for instance, my knit coat is made from a chunky merino wool and the thoub under is made of latex with mother-ofpearl embroidery. I also am really interested in constructing my own textiles, so I did a lot of hand weaving. I love the human touch in textiles and garments; I think it's deeply lacking in clothing today because of the immense market of mass production. Who is the Hala woman, what’s her lifestyle like and how are your clothes designed to affect her? I think of my clothing as a woman's armor Hala Kaiksow, the 25-year-old Bahraini designer who was recently recognised at London Fashion Week, talks inspiration and armour for everyday living. Dressing For Battle for everyday living, which is why I like experimenting with hard and soft materials. They both protect her and give her an identity much like uniforms did in the early 1900s. From where do you find your inspiration? I draw inspiration from a lot of different cultures, traditions and histories. For this collection I took inspiration from historical workwear, as well as cultural garments, and tried to bring them into the modern context of dressing today. For instance, the jumpsuit in my collection started from the thoub il nashil pattern, which I developed into a jumpsuit and modernised by playing with materiality. You’re now living outside Bahrain, what are you up to? I am currently based in London; I'm interning for a company called Toogood. I really wanted to get a good understanding of how a clothing company works before I began my own line. You were recently recognised at London Fashion Week, that must have felt like a huge achievement. How will it affect your career? It was an amazing opportunity and platform to be a part of. I got to interact and connect with people from all over the world. The fact that I won the best designer award was just so humbling – to see people's understanding and reception of your work was so positive and accepting was extremely gratifying. What would you say to other young Bahrainis wanting to pursue this path? It’s not a glamorous job; it's a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. But it’s worth it when you see the end result and you can see how far your garments can travel on their own, without you even having to speak. I think fashion is a beautiful thing; a mixture of art and sculpture that is moving around the body and showing itself differently every day. g I think of my clothing as a woman's armor for everyday living, which is why I like experimenting with hard and soft materials Hala receiving her award at London Fashion Week
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 29 PEOPLE | interview With Lebanese, Italian and Brazilian heritage and brought up in Saudi Arabia before studying in Switzerland and the USA, Lamar is very definitely a citizen of the world. But what took her into such a specialised and, potentially, difficult field? She says: “Everyone grows up in a family that has its problems, no family is problem free. My inspiration to become a therapist came from a deep-seeded desire to see people happy... I think, ultimately, that is everyone’s desire.” After completing her master’s degree from the University of San Diego, California, in 2004, Lamar had already gained extensive training and supervision in the field, and moved to Bahrain to continue her practice. She approached the appropriate ministry in an attempt to solidify her registration, but says recognition of the marriage and family therapy profession as a legitimate practice in the mental health discipline was a long time coming. “At first I was met with a lot of resistance because it’s a relatively new profession in the Middle East and I think the field was misunderstood, and therefore, displaced as a ‘counselling’ or ‘life-coaching’ service.” Lamar explains that marriage and family therapy requires competency in the areas of assessment, diagnosis and a specific treatment plan based on diagnoses. In some cases, collaboration with physicians is necessary to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the person’s overall health care. “The mind and body are intricately connected, so it makes no sense to take care of one part and exclude the other. Likewise, the person and the family that person is a part of are also connected in complex ways; so to address a person’s issues while disregarding the very network they are intimately involved in also makes no sense,” she says. “I would like to give credit to Dr Mariam Al-Jalahma, the CEO of Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority for recognising the importance of legitimising the field and requiring practitioners to be licensed, which will mean proper qualifications and proper representation of one’s education and scopeof-practice!” In fact, until very recently there was no regulation, anyone with minimal or basic certificates could set up as a ‘counsellor’ or As of January 2016, those practicing in the mental health profession are required to be registered with the Ministry of Health. WTM spoke to Lamar Kanafani, the island’s first, and only, licensed marriage and family therapist, about her work and the battle to get the field officially recognised. Family Matters... ‘therapist,’ and call themselves as such. But marriage and family therapy is a very specific field of practice, requiring a higher-level university degree, extensive hours of supervised practice and a responsibility to stay up-to-date through continuing education. Underqualified people have been over-crediting themselves and over-representing their level of education and training; consequently, overpromising service benefits. Lamar says: “While this is highly unethical, deceptive and unprofessional, it is important to know that this, in fact, can do more harm than good to people seeking help at a desperate and vulnerable time in their lives. This is not something to be taken lightly. If there’s anything that doesn’t lie within my own training and scope-of-practice, I refer to or collaborate with the appropriate specialist or service.” Some of the most common problems Lamar deals with are depression, anxiety, marital discord, child behavioural concerns, child abuse and infidelity. She also works with teens living with eating disorders and cyber bullying. One of her passions lies in the area of parenting. She holds parenting courses and ongoing support groups throughout the school year. In terms of marital therapy, she adds: “Couples usually come in to see me very late, when their problems feel like they have spiralled out of control. Which makes fixing the marriage very challenging. So, it is much more effective to come in for help at an earlier stage. And if a marriage seems to be irreconcilable, we work towards ending the relationship with the minimum of damage. “It has been the understanding that seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist is the only helping avenue available. However, people have alternative options, and family therapy is one of them. Many presenting problems don’t need medication and are best dealt with through therapy and more natural remedies. Working towards change happens when a person gains a clearer understanding of their problem and what’s maintaining it.” Lamar regularly receives referrals from doctors, teachers and other professionals; and, now that the profession is properly regulated, she will be practising out of Royal Bahrain Hospital. To contact Lamar, call 36 009-665. Lamar Kanafani Children may need help
30 May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY The 2016 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix The most spectacular event of the year, the 2016 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, was held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. The awarding ceremony was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, Maher Al Musallam, Gulf Air Acting CEO, HE Hisham Al Jowder, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, and Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Motor Federation and Commission Internationale de Karting. The race was attended by top officials, celebrities, media and visitors from around the world. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, claims victory! Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 2nd place, Aldo Costa, Mercedes engineering director, Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, winner, & Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 3rd place Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, HE Hisham Al Jowder & Maher Al Musallam HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Bianca, Naimah, Nadine, Lavinia & Michaela Latifa, Heba, Manal, Sally, Mariam, Sarah, Aya, Mariam & Nada Beshara & Bashir Yasmeen & Lara Zubi & Kareena Maria, Ahmad, Guy & Toufic Yasmeen, Deema & Sophia Ashish, Sonali, Sonali & Vikas Nouf, Mirei, Mahmood Kooheji, Nadine & Rima HE Simon Martin & Sophie Karen, Nicole, Ian & Sophie
FEATURE | weddings With the arrival of spring, love is in the air. It’s wedding season and time for our annual feature on all things “I do”. Fashions come and go but the wedding dress is something you will cherish for a lifetime, check out our selection of the latest gowns, both traditional and with a twist. And, to make sure you look your best on your big day, we have a detailed guide to the best wedding make-up to suit all skin and hair types. From an insight with a wedding planner to a range of fabulous venues and gifts, if it concerns weddings, it’s in and, if your nuptials are sometime in the future, there’s even news of a rather special wedding event coming up next year. Once you’ve devoured the special feature, make sure to check out our pick of the month and food sections, where you’ll find even more wedding options. Tying the Knot www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 31
May 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 32 FEATURE | weddings wedding of their dreams in whatever budget they have,” says Sara. “I am not comfortable with the fact that, in the wedding industry, either you have to have a really huge budget or it just doesn’t happen.” Interestingly Sara has not had to deal with any ‘bridezillas’ so far, but she does make a quick mention about certain mothers who almost hijack the event and forget that it’s not about them. Her favourite venues in the island are La Fontaine centre of Contemporary Arts for its medieval castle-like environs and the Sofitel Ballroom for its exquisite interiors. For her, the first meeting with her clients is very important, as it forms the foundation for the relationship they’ll share for the next few months. “The first meeting is about trying to get a feel of the couple’s personality; I would like to know what they are really comfortable with. Trust is very important. It helps me to make the right choices and suggestions for the couple,” she adds. Sara advises to start at least six months in advance although she has produced events in three months as well. For her the most gratifying part of this tireless run-up to the big day comes only at the end. “It’s the priceless expression on a bride’s face when she walks into the venue that makes it all worth it,” she adds. A few months back I started reading Imogen Edwards-Jones’ Wedding Babylon. Based on true events, this book follows the life of a wedding planner for a week. Though extremely well written, it would always leave me feeling really exhausted and nervous so I stopped after a few chapters. I was only reading it; what about those who actually live it? Yes, wedding planning is one of the most nerve-wracking professions one could have, yet Sara Al Salman makes it look like a piece of cake. The extremely calm and soft-spoken 27-year-old reveals that the secret lies in planning ahead. “If you start planning in advance, it doesn’t demand that sort of toughness or nervous breakdowns,” she says, brushing aside the stereotypical, loud-speaker-carrying, frantic, commander-like image of a wedding planner popular fiction has painted for us. She studied architectural and interior design at university and says the precision it taught her is a gift in her line of work. “In architecture you have to be very planned. Every line, every millimetre counts and that kind of strong observation leads to being really well organised. “Of course I have my assistants that help with the following up but I don’t think you need to be very firm or authoritative.” A romantic at heart, Sara has loved attending weddings since childhood and was always interested in the world of design. Combining these two interests, she started crafting fairytale weddings for real life couples under her entrepreneurial venture Royal Weddings by Sara J. “Studying interior architecture gave me creative edge, in conceptualising and executing wedding and event planning. It helped me see and understand the different aspects of a space,” she adds. The first event she ever planned was her brother’s engagement in 2012, the success of which cemented her love for this career. While working at an interior design company after finishing university, a number of her projects were wedding events. Speaking about the current trends and what couples are looking for, she describes it as a bit of a mixed bag. There are many couples who prefer the safe route of going for Many girls dream of the perfect wedding from childhood. This month Ankita Mamgain meets a young entrepreneur whose job is to make this dream a reality. For Royal Beginnings something that she has done in the past and can produce pictures of. However, there are also a good number of those who want something bespoke and original. “I personally prefer to start the whole process of conceptualising from scratch for a couple. I’ve been lucky that most of our clients were willing to take a chance and had complete trust in me and the results were amazing,” Sara notes. The trends usually revolve around colour and with this year’s Pantone shades already out, she sees a lot of pastels in the weddings to come. A young professional with vibrant creativity, she strikes a balance between new and traditional. “It’s been a great learning process for me; when I put in place a traditional structure I learn about its significance and can relate it to my roots. And when you are doing something modern it’s a challenge to come up with something new and original every time.” The budget is one of the trickiest parts of her job, as starry-eyed couples come with celestial dreams but with a limited amount to spend. “My endeavour is to give them the Sara Al Salman
showcase www.womanthismonth.com May 2016 33 You don’t have to fly away from Bahrain for your fairytale wedding. Proudly standing like a regal fortress, Al Areen Palace & Spa offers an ideal spot for an enchanting ceremony within the Kingdom. A dream wedding destination, the property exudes understated charm and elegance throughout its sprawling 131,000sq/m and promises to make one of the most important moments in your life truly memorable. The hotel features 78 luxuriously appointed villas, which include 22 two-bedroom Royal villas and 56 onebedroom Desert Pool villas, each with its own private courtyard, swimming pool and jet-pool. The resort offers an extensive range of wedding and event facilities that include: five different indoor banquet venues of 1,228sq/m space including a pre-function area; an extensive open courtyard venue; and two restaurants that can be customised to host uniquely themed weddings and events. Assisted by a talented team of event specialists – the staff at Al Areen ensures that every detail of your wedding is planned and executed to perfection. The various venues offer a truly elegant and sophisticated atmosphere to host amazing weddings which are well complemented by the surroundings, the Arabian architecture of the property, the culinary skills of the chefs and attention to detail by the staff. Brides may want to check-in a bit early to pamper themselves in the world’s most extensive wellness facility and hydrotherapy garden at Al Areen Spa and at the salon. The resort also houses a health and wellness centre that offers up-to-date sporting and relaxation facilities. Al Areen Palace & Spa provides the perfect, romantic setting for your wedding reception, where you and your guests can celebrate amidst beautiful scenery and magnificent desert sunsets. Call 17 845-000. The luxurious premises of this landmark five-star property offer an inimitable experience that can match any exotic locale. AL AREEN PALACE & SPA A DREAM CELEBRATION
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