May 2017 | Issue 171 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition WEDDING BELLES 20-plus pages of • Dresses • Flowers • Hair and beauty A new spring menu Sumptuous cakes A car that thinks it’s a café FOOD Say “I do” in locations for lovers TRAVEL WELLBEING Mental health check-up Daisy Maalouf The bridal etiquette expert Homes Inspiration for home offices
©2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. A perfect wedding begins with a perfect venue to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Your wedding is another important milestone of your lives. The one milestone that deserves the perfect venue to celebrate it. That is how we understand your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Perfection awaits. ritzcarlton.com/bahrain Memories are the one gift you give to yourself.
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www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 2 MAY 50 For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at [email protected]. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 6 Over To You 8 The Month in Focus SHOPPING 12 Pick of the Month: Finishing Touches 14 Editor's Choice: Festival Chic FASHION 16 Trend: Statement Stripes 17 New Collection: Eco-consious style 16 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass PEOPLE 21 Daisy Maalouf: Perfectly Poised 22 Aliya Ahmad: Perceptions on Pottery 23 Sameera Al Balooshi: Making Dreams Come True WEDDING FEATURE 25-28 Wedding Belles: Dresses and style advice 29 Bridal Shower: A party with a difference 30 Hen Nights: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 34 Go Glam: Great salon packages 39 Decorative Ideas: Floral trends and alternatives 41 A Tale of Two Halfs: Ouiam's recipe for harmony BEAUTY 42 News: The latest products in the stores LIFESTYLE 44 Wellbeing: Matters of the Mind 46 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 50 Food: Spring Flavours 52 Food: Chef's Special 54 Homes: Working from home 57 Travel: Create Memories PARENTING 61 Tech Kids: Fun educational apps and gadgets 62 Kids' Playground: Gorgeous Guests 63 Horoscope: What to expect this month 64 In Her Shoes: Tess Valenzuela 57 16 14 21 26
REVEAL YOUR TRUE BEAUTY
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 4 When the weather gets warmer, our thoughts turn to love and, more specifically, to weddings. This month's magazine is all about the preparation for that joyous union. We've scoured hundreds of pictures from designers and high street to bring you the pick of the crop of this season's gorgoues wedding gowns - plus of a few of those that will be featured in next season's collections too. Once you've said yes to the dress, you'll want to think about flowers - and what to do if you're allergic to them! Then there are the issues of hair, beauty and make-up. Our big wedding feature covers these all-important considerations as well as highlighting some of the island's premier wedding venues. And, after months of planning, there's no doubt about it, every bride-to-be deserves to let her hair down on her hen night or bridal shower, so we've got some off-the-wall suggestions for those too. In the travel section, we look at three amazing wedding destinations and give some invaluable tips on what to do while you're there. And even the kids get in on the act with outfits to suit mini-guests. Sticking with the theme, our interviewees this month include a wedding planner and a bridal etiquette expert as well as artist Aliya Ahmad who was recognised at the 43rd Annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition and is keen to pass on her knowledge. Elsewhere in this month's mag, Behnaz Sanjana addresses the issue of mental health. Problems are all too common amongst women of all ages so we've highlighted the telltale signs of some of the most common conditions to look out for and there's expert advice on treatment which shows there really is light at the end of the tunnel. There's our usual round up of news from the world's of fashion and beauty and lots more besides. Happy reading! chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA PUJA TIWARI DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL JAYATH TEKI media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED circulation KADAMBARI S research assistant, sales and database coordinator ADITI PRASAD photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2017© 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 2017, Issue 171 On the cover: The Wedding Issue May 2017 | Issue 171 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition WEDDING BELLES 20-plus pages of • Dresses • Flowers • Hair and beauty A new spring menu Sumptuous cakes A car that thinks it’s a café FOOD Say “I do” in locations for lovers TRAVEL WELLBEING Mental health check-up Daisy Maalouf The bridal etiquette expert Homes Inspiration for home offices EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director Our month: Farheen joined the team at ARG for the launch of the Oasis Shopping Festival and we both popped into A La Mode to see the new Just Cavalli collection arrive.
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com news 6 Over to you # Trending What’s caught our eye in the news this month. #United Airlines. The US carrier sent the Internet into a meme frenzy after it forcibly disembarked passenger Dr David Dao from an overbooked flight. The Vietnamese doctor was severely manhandled and ended up bloody. Shares in the airline dropped massively and online wags went crazy taking the mickey. The one we liked the best wrapped Pepsi, United Airlines and Sean Spicer into one. Time.com #Bahrain GP. A visit to the marshals’ briefing on the morning of last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix provided the perfect insight into exactly why the event is justifiably proud of its marshalling team and their dedication. On arrival there was a live band playing music in one corner, slices of birthday cake being generously handed out in another, and so much enthusiasm amongst the 650 marshals present that the atmosphere seemed part briefing, part pre-race carnival. Most of these marshals had reported for duty at 5am, and many would work late into the evening - a clear illustration of the passion, pride and commitment they share. Reassuringly, when the marshals were called to order for the briefing, respectful silence quickly descended on the room as the business of the day got underway. Formula1.com Win, Win, Win! The spring season is the time when many major brands launch their new fragrances. For its latest offering, French brand L’Occitane went back to the very source of the beauty of Provence. It wanted to find the force that breathes life into plants – the very plants that become its precious ingredients. Every trail it followed led to the light. It seemed to shift, its colours pulsing and rippling. Three perfumers worked on the creation of Terre de Lumière: Calice Becker, Shyamala Maisondieu and Nadège Le Garlantezec. “It really was a journey for us. Each one brought her own world, her own emotions. This fragrance brings together, in perfect harmony, so many sensations that come from our experiences. That’s what gives it so many facets,” they say. The fragrance truly is akin to a breath of Provencal air in a bottle. For a chance to win the 90ml eau de parfum, worth almost BD40, keep an eye on our social media page to participate. On Facebook, our photo update to the April issue cover attracted the highest number of likes and comments. Our contest to win meal vouchers at K Hotel, got the highest engagement on Instagram. Our tweet about the Bahrain Food Festival received the greatest number of likes on Twitter. Your Shout I absolutely loved the dress on last month’s cover, can you tell me where it was from please? Jenna. Ed: You’ve got great taste Jenna, the dress is from the Jean Paul Gaultier SS17 collection. Thanks so much for letting us know about TDK Lingerie’s bra recycling initiative. I’ve got a cupboard full in good condition and was wondering what I could do with them. I’m sure lots of other readers will join me in saying a big “Well done” to Louise Wrankmore for coming up with this initiative, I shall certainly be heading in to see her in the near future. Fatima. I suffer dreadfully with insomnia so was really interested to read last month’s wellbeing feature. I’ve since sent off for a sleep tape from Amazon and put some lavender essential oil beside my bed. I can’t say I’m cured completely, but things are much better and I’m really hopeful that I’ll be able to sleep through the night soon as things are improving every night. One big help I’ve found is to leave my phone outside the bedroom and I’d urge other sufferers to do the same. Anne. Follow us on: Instagram: @woman_this_month Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB Facebook: Woman This Month We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at [email protected] Best Reaction on Twitter Most Liked Post on Instagram Most Liked Post on Facebook
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com news 8 What’s on our radar this month? May in Focus The date is set for the Royal Golf Club’s 2017 Ladies Captain Charity Golf Tournament in support of cancer patients at Salmaniya Hospital. Ladies Captain, Stacey Thomas, has invited all players to sign-up for the 18-hole Texas Scramble event, which takes place at 1pm on Saturday, May 12. It will be followed by a barbecue, auction and raffle boasting some great prizes, including golf packages at other Troon-managed properties and the chance to have dinner cooked in your home by club executive chef Paul Gindra. Time for Tee Festival Fun The party scene returns to Al Dar on May 5 with the Melodika festival celebrating a new age of music and art. Special guests, and headliners for the night, will be Matt Sassari and Jewel Kid, two fresh acts that have made a name for themselves in the techno scene with worldwide releases and gigs across the globe. There’ll also be appearances from six of the best known local DJs: Fawazo, Mazin Maskati, Daylomar, Hameed, Yus + Zone and Captain T. So, prepare to enjoy a smooth progression of underground music from ambient to deep, and finally techno till sunrise. But it’s not just about the music, Melodika will also have a market for local artists and fashion designers to showcase and sell their work. Expect to see graffiti, party merchandise, streetwear, and more. Names like Black Anar, FawazO INK, Exhale from Dubai, and many more. For more information call 66 767-375. Bag a Bargain You know how much we at Woman This Month love a bargain and we’re also pretty fond of our four-legged friends, so we’ll be making a beeline for the Boutique Sale, the twice-yearly offering of pre-loved designer and high-end high street goodies which raises money for the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue Centre. The event takes place at The Dilmun Club, from 11am-2pm on May 20 and entry is 500fils. If you’ve got any gently used items to donate, the ladies at the shop would be very happy to take them off your hands. Tie One On Think Pink Bahrain will be aiming to set the world’s longest ribbon chain record at Bahrain International Circuit on September 23. That means rather a lot of threading and tying of 20-inch-long pieces of ribbon, if you’d like to volunteer to help or sponsor email registration@ thinkpinkbahrain.com or see the Think Pink Facebook page for more information. Celebrate el Cinco May 5 is the day Mexicans, and their friends across the world, remember the historic Battle of Puebla. Various venues across the island will be putting on special events to celebrate. Casa Mexicana presents an evening with DJ Dos Mares and authentic eats from Mexican chef Romaldo Martinez and at Le Meridien, Bahrain City Centre, there’s a Mexican-themed brunch – get together a party of 10 and you’ll get a 20 per cent discount. There are likely to be plenty of other Cinco de Mayo celebrations, so keep your eye on our social media for details. There’s more festival fun as the Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort recreates the spirit of the well-known French Fête de la Musique. Make Music Bahrain is a one-day music festival, open to professional and amateur musicians, both local and expat, with all artists performing free simply with the aim of sharing their skills in a festive atmosphere. Past events have been great fun, so we’re looking forward to this. It’s taking place on May 12 from 4pm-10pm. If you’re a muso who’d like to take part, contact [email protected] Making Music
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com showcase 10 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is jazzing up the island’s summer party calendar with a scintillating ‘fly me to… St. Tropez beach party’, which will be hosted on May 4. It is being headlined by the hottest UK-based DJ, Natalie Brogan, who has shared the stage with the likes of superstar David Guetta. With a perfectly placed, breathtaking beach stretch, accommodating over 1,000 partygoers, the one-of-a-kind event kicks off with high-energy musical and dance performances by supporting acts at sundown, leading into an incredible set of house mixes by DJ Natalie Brogan. Tickets are priced at BD38 inclusive of five beverages and beach bites, running from 6pm onwards. Situated on Zallaq beach, Sofitel Bahrain is an exclusive resort that caters to both leisure and business travellers looking to unwind amidst views of the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. The French décor, teamed with traditional Bahraini flair, highlights this five-star property’s dedication to creating an exceptional haven from the bustling city. Known as Accor Hotels’ authentic luxury brand, the Sofitel chain blends local culture and French art de vivre to create magnificent moments for those seeking a uniquely elegant experience. The property features 262 luxurious rooms and suites, all boasting balconies with picturesque, panoramic views. SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA EXCELLENCE MAGNIFIED DJ Natalie Brogan An indulgent spa awaits you amid palms and pristine beaches. Savour speciality cuisines at Fiamma, Tapas, Pashawat, Wok and Saraya or catch up with loved ones or friends over drinks at Amber. A stunning ballroom and private island are ideal venues for hosting large corporate events and weddings. No matter what the occasion, Sofitel Bahrain is ever-ready to cater to all your requirements. The hotel has received the ‘recognition of excellence’ award from the leading hotel comparison website, Hotels Combined, placing it amongst the top three per cent of hotels worldwide that are rated through guest experience and feedback. The website conducted an extensive survey in Bahrain analysing thousands of guest reviews and ratings from hotels all across the Kingdom. The award recognises the commitment to excellence in hospitality that defines Sofitel Bahrain, evidenced by more than 5,000 reviews from guests and travel industry experts. Hotel manager Mehdi Hanayen says: “We are delighted and proud to receive this recognition from our guests and this exclusive award encourages us to continue delivering the best service levels in the industry to exceed our guests’ expectations.” The general manager of Hotels Combined Middle East and Europe, Amer Al Halabi, adds: “We are thrilled to be working with the best hotels in Bahrain and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq is certainly among them.” All over the world, Sofitel promises travellers contemporary accommodation with a skilful blend of local culture. Each address is distinctive, with its own 'cousu-main' service, stylish interior and inspired and creative cookery. The brand’s hotels are located in large cities such as Paris, London, Berlin, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Shanghai, or set against wonderful landscapes in destinations like Morocco, Egypt, Thailand and even French Polynesia. Accor Hotels is a world-leading travel and lifestyle group and digital innovator offering exceptional experiences in more than 4,100 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 3,000 of the finest private homes around the globe, operating in 95 countries. Call 17 636-363. This esteemed five-star property stands out at the forefront of entertainment as well as service excellence.
SHOPPING | pick of the month May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com 12 The Finishing Touch Available at Jimmy Choo, Al Aali Shopping Complex. Call 17 582-807. For the bride who wants to make a statement from head to toe – or the guest who just recognises a good thing when she sees it – these gorgeous Viola heels come from the master, Jimmy Choo. Sparkles? Check. Beads? Check. Feathers? Check. We really can’t think of anything else a girl could want on her wedding day… or any other day for that matter!
www.womanthismonth.com 13 May 2017 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY CH Lee & Sanjeev Tanvir, Rubel, CH Lee, Basil & Zaffer LG New AC Launch AJM Kooheji Group introduced LG’s latest family-friendly residential air conditioning (AC) solutions equipped with LG’s pioneering technological innovation known as inverter technology during a launch event at The Crowne Plaza Hotel. Abhishek, Eman & Ismail Marise, Sanjeev & Sanjay
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SHOPPING | editor's choice 14 Festival Chic If, like us, you’re planning your summer hols around how many bands you can cram into a 14-day break, then this is for you. Coachella was happening as we went to print and then there’s Glasto, Burning Man, Bennicasim, Loopallu and everything in between. We’ve sought out some of the summer’s best looks to help you party in style. Print playsuit, Ba&sh ba-sh.com Flower headband, Mango 17 179-718 Tasselled bag, Charles & Keith 17 179-307 Floral espadrilles, Longchamp longchamp.com Flash platform sandals, Ballin farfetch.com Funky backpack, Kitty Ca aliaexpress.com Sun Kissed Drops, Lancaster. Available at leading retailers Passport holder, Fly With Karl by Karl Lagerfeld 17 112-715 Coachella T-shirt, H&M 17 110-350 Tie-dye printed scarf, Desigual desigual.com Denim rara skirt, Desigual desigual.com
www.womanthismonth.com 15 May 2017 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Oasis Shopping Festival Al Rashid Group held its Oasis Shopping Festival 2017 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Russel, Harmeet, Ivan Styk, Kaizad & Sachin Roberto, Michelle & Maylyn Farheen & Kunal the big day Exclusive offers for a celebration to remember Your wedding celebration deserves to be an unforgettable occasion, where the very best memories are made to treasure. To help you realise your dreams, Movenpick Bahrain Hotel provides a series of offers that turn your big day into the perfect day, including a free honeymoon night at any Movenpick hotel and resort of your choice, with every 5000 USD you spend on your wedding.. Prices start from ++11 Dinar per person for weddings parties from Sunday to Wednesday and ++13 Dinar for weekend weddings. For more information please call 17460000 movenpick.com MHR_Bah_Wed-Ad_Layalina.indd 1 3/27/17 6:20 PM
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | trend 16 From high fashion to high street, stripes are definitely having a moment. But, with a little thought, they need not be dull. STATEMENT STRIPES Carolina Herrera SS 2017 Alice and Olivia SS 2017 WEAR IT WELL Stripes have never really gone away but this year’s model is also embracing pattern and the latest trend sees graphic, even cartoonish, embellishment bringing a touch of fun to this most corporate of patterns. Look out for graduated tees, touches of florals or even full-on tassels, such as on these Paule Ka pumps. If you’re feeling brave, style your verticallystriped skinnies with a cutaway swimsuit. Add an animal print bag to give the look extra character. Striped tee with floral detail, Salsa 17 172-320 Green cutaway swimsuit, Salsa 17 172-320 Mermaid print tee, Zadig & Voltaire zadig-et-voltaire.com Multi top, Weill markaholding.com Yellow striped tee, Lacoste 17 179-530 Monochrome skinnies, Scotch & Soda scotch-soda.com Deroniss multi striped bag, Call It Spring 16 686-203 Tassel multi flats, Paule Ka pauleka.com Striped wallet with floral detail, Desigual desigual.com Zebra striped mules, Mango 17 179-718 Painted horses tote, Cath Kidston 16 686-209
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 showcase 17 Using the hashtag #I AM SUSTAINABLILITY, Splash has come up with a sustainable collection of fashion-forward pieces for both men and women, which are made of sustainable materials, reflecting the brand’s promise to work in an environmentally friendly manner. Hitting the market with a major campaign, key pieces include drop-shoulder tees, torn denims, mandarin collar shirts and tonal stripe polos in colours such as cool greys, dry pinks, powder blues and washed whites. The collection is made with eco-friendly organic and recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel – a fabric regenerated from wood cellulose. The pieces have been dyed with environmentally conscious inks. Raza Beig, CEO Splash and ICONIC and director, Landmark Group, says: “I’m happy to see the advances in sustainable fabrics which we have used in our collection. Moving towards a more sustainable future with close to five million pieces to be launched each year, we have committed ourselves to environmental sustainability without compromising on style, trend and design.” This Middle East-born retailer is the first in the region to launch a sustainable collection marking its commitment to planet Earth. SPLASH FASHIONABLY ECO-FRIENDLY FAST FACTS • More than 600,000 ecodenims manufactured from organic cotton every season – 48 per cent climate impact reduced with zero per cent chemical pesticides used and 19 per cent less carbon emission as a result. • Fifteen per cent of the total cotton used in Splash garments is organic. • Water saved 3.3 million gallons. • Splash uses only FSC approved paper in all tags – 200 metric tons of plastic removed, equivalent to the weight of 100 SUVs. • More than 500,000 garments made from Tencel – fast growing, on low-grade land, less water needed. • Close to 500,000 garments made from natural fibres. • Significant reduction of marine debris. • 20,000 garments made from recycled plastic bottles – nine PET bottles produce enough fibre for an XL T-shirt. • Seventy per cent less energy needed for manufacturing from recycled materials.
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION | fashion forward 18 POSH TARGETS FASHION The unlikely marriage of Victoria Beckham, she of the eyewateringly-priced little black dress, and budget US retailer Target has proved a huge success. Pieces, priced between USD6 and USD70 flew out of stores and were reported to be changing hands for more than four times the retail price online. Mrs Beckham herself tweeted that she was overwhelmed at the response to the new line, which features women’s, girls’ and baby collections – her first foray into kids’ fashions, inspired by daughter Harper. D&G IN THE KITCHEN Can it be true? Be still our beating hearts. It seems Dolce & Gabbana are heading back into the kitchen. Following last year’s successful collaboration with SMEG to produce a fantastically decorated fridge; this time around the design duo have turned their attention to small appliances and come up with a range featuring blenders, mixers, coffee machines and more. Each sports the collection’s stylised, fun ‘Made in Italy’ branding and is adorned with quintessential Sicilian motifs such as horse-drawn carts and lemons. Unveiled at Milan Design Fair, the collection goes on sale towards the end of the year. British Vogue broke all the ‘rules’ with the appointment of Edward Enninful to the editor’s chair. The title’s first black editor and also the first male, Enninful, who takes over from 25-year veteran Alexandra Shulman, has a background in styling rather than journalism. But his fashion credentials are impeccable, having served as contributing fashion editor for both the US and Italian editions of Vogue. Meanwhile, after just two editions, Vogue Arabia parted company with launch editor Saudi Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. Confirming that she had been fired, she issued a statement saying: “I refused to compromise when I felt the publisher’s approach conflicted with the values which underpin our readers and the role of the editor-in-chief in meeting those values in a truly authentic way.” Her replacement is Manuel Arnaut, who is currently editor in chief of Architectural Digest Middle East. MODEST GOES MAINSTREAM Bahrain’s own Leenaz Design was in the British capital to fly the flag at the first London Modest Fashion Week by HauteElan.com. Showing abayas with touches of pastel and white alongside stylish long-sleeved top and legging combos and full body swimwear, the Riffa-based brand was among a number of regional representatives making their mark at the two-day event which attracted more than 3,000 visitors. Eman Al Sarraf, of Leenaz, told reporters: “It’s a milestone for us. We always wanted to be in London, it’s a great market to be in. This is the first fashion week we are attending in Europe. It will help familiarise people with the abayas.” BACKSTAGE PASS The latest news from the world of fashion All Change at Vogue
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 19 Designer Rocky S, who has dressed some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Akshay Kumar and Bipasha Basu, has launched a styling course, aimed at international students, in Dubai. The first course of its kind took place at fashion school FAD International Academy where Rocky S gave insights into the world of styling for movies, celebrities and editorial shoots. He says: “This course offers aspiring stylists a platform to foray into commercial styling for Bollywood and celebrities. It is crucial to appreciate and nurture promising talent and with this course we aim at shaping them to become industry professionals.” Post Dubai, the course is all set for its India launch in the first week of May at the FAD International Mumbai Campus. Design house Michael Kors has announced a new capsule of kaftans and handbags designed especially for the Middle East. Capturing the brand’s relaxed glamour and polished aesthetic, the collection showcases three unique kaftans in varying designs, including graphic leafprint and floral-embellished versions. Floral studded updates to the Ava, Selma and Ginny handbag groups complement the luxe Kaftans, creating the perfect elegant pairing for any Iftar gathering. These special styles are expected to be available in May at Michael Kors stores across the region. MK Presents ME Capsule Bollywood Style Heads to Dubai
20 May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Cocktail Party Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre held a cocktail party at its premises. Ninousha, Anna & Aisling Bermet, Viktoriya & Marina Mustafa & Basma Shahina, Anna & Jacqueline Ilias, Manoj, Vinoth, Jude & Hany
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 PEOPLE | interview 21 A model at 14 and a practising ballet dancer at 56, Daisy Maalouf is the epitome of grace and elegance. For the last 12 years, she has been training brides to bring out the best in themselves on their big day. Having learned under one of the best names in the modelling industry of the day, Daisy has worked in England and runs Daisy’s Modelling Group in Lebanon. She was also the youngest jurist on a television show – Best Tonight. Talking about her penchant for being ‘proper’ since she was a little girl, she says: “It was something I was born with. I always liked things being done correctly. I loved fashion and enjoyed being on a stage; so modelling came naturally to me.” For Daisy, becoming a bridal planner happened by chance. “I was helping a friend plan an Al Saud wedding, which was obviously taking place on a large scale. The bride’s mother requested me to give her daughter some additional pointers on how to carry and conduct herself, and my work was much appreciated. Thereafter I was called for her other daughter’s wedding and I gained recognition through word of mouth,” she says. Besides designing silverware for her own venture – Taramand – Daisy is a familiar name in the royal wedding circles of the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and now, Bahrain. She has formally studied the art of etiquette and has poured over numerous books on the subject. “Etiquette is all about knowing the right way of doing things, while adapting it to your own country and culture,” she says. She swings into action with the bride six days prior to the big day. “Physical training enables her to carry her shoulders correctly for good posture; then I teach her how to walk in her heels, manage her flowing dress and how to sit correctly. My brides are selfconfident, can walk beautifully, yet naturally, and are encouraged to be themselves,” she says. She also choreographs the weddings – training brides to walk on the catwalk, which is the culture in top-bracket Middle Eastern nuptials. Her three-day group classes in etiquette and posture are not limited to brides-to-be. “I teach ladies how to stand, sit, walk, shake hands correctly, introduce themselves, enter a room and carry themselves elegantly in casual and formal settings. They also learn how to host parties, how to talk and, more importantly, how to listen.” Daisy’s efforts to groom women have a higher intent than would first appear. “If I teach ladies who hold prominent positions in the community well, others will emulate them, and this will result in a better society – which is my aim, especially in the Arab world. Our women need to realise that they are not only about looks. The Middle Eastern woman is intellectual, well-mannered and able to hold her own, no matter where she is. Charisma comes with brains, not beauty alone.” Daisy also tackles a relevant social evil today – the smart phone. “Constantly looking into your phone takes away from your character. Look people in the eye and be present! I remind ladies to use their mobile only when needed,” she says. While Daisy is all for making a great first impression, she doesn’t endorse jumping on to the cosmetic bandwagon. She says: “Age with grace and dress accordingly. Why should I hide the lines on my face? They show my experiences, wisdom and achievements; this is who I am. Sadly, these days, most young girls are dolls, with blonde hair, big lips and no character. It is not going to make you any more appealing. Instead, focus on gaining knowledge in whatever interests you, no matter what your age. That is true beauty.” Daisy’s parting shot to any bride is: “Always choose to be yourself. Marriage is already a major life transition, so when you are stepping onto a new path, you should be able to recognise yourself in the mirror. Enhance your looks, but don’t lose your identity. Your dress and makeup should reflect you, and fit with your lifestyle. Fine-tune and improve, but stay true to yourself.” g Bridal planner Daisy Maalouf was recently in Bahrain for a high-profile wedding. She shared her vision for women worldwide with Behnaz Sanjana. Perfectly Poised Daisy Maalouf
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 22 Walking in to Aliya Ahmad’s home is like stepping into Bohemia; her living room is enhanced with many of her own quirky, yet poignant pieces. Aliya’s medium of expressing her creativity is through clay – firing it into forms and figures that she then paints with visions of the sights and scenes that inspire her. Originally from Lahore, this is Aliya’s second stint in Bahrain, after having lived in Dubai and Canada with her banker husband and their four children. Pottery became a creative outlet a long time ago, when she was a handson mum to small kids. A recent high point in her artistic journey was receiving the third prize at the 43rd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, which celebrates local artists. She says: “This year, expatriates were welcomed to participate, and the jury hailed from France and the UK. I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was an incredible surprise to have stood third from among so many seasoned artists.” Aliya heard about the competition just five days before the submission deadline. With no time to create something new, she turned in three existing artworks. Collectively, they took third place. Her piece ‘Tolerance’ was inspired by her last visit to Lahore with painted, turbaned male faces alongside a singular veiled female visage. Aliya fashioned it from a redundant piece of rolled-out clay, as a second thought to recycling it. A visit to the vivid bluewhite islands of Greece served as fodder for ‘Behind the Scenes’, another one of her winning creations; and the third, called ‘Nature and Nurture’, denotes flora, fauna and femininity. “My work is inspired by my surrounding and what it makes me feel. I love Picasso’s work, so you’ll see a lot of his influence in my paintings and figures. Earlier I would make threedimensional glazed objects with a definite structure, but now I have started painting on clay. The form of the piece doesn’t matter to me so much as drawing and detailing my ideas on it,” she reflects. This victory has earned Aliya repute as an artist to reckon with. She says gratefully: “It is very heartening to know that the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities takes initiatives to promote art here. The inclusion of non-Bahrainis this year was another step in that direction.” She holds pottery workshops in art galleries to familiarise people with the basic technique of working with clay, enabling them to leave with a few pieces of fired and glazed artwork. She also collaborates with interior design companies to create artworks for corporates and individuals. In addition she creates custom commissioned pieces. “People explain to me what they are looking for and I give them several options. We then discuss and finalise what makes them happy and I work on it. Each piece is individual, personal and hand-crafted by me. One of a kind,” she says. Aliya is currently busy building a body of work for her upcoming solo exhibition at one of the well-known art galleries on the island. Commenting on the guiding factor for each exhibit, she says: “I am working with several pieces at the same time. I start out with a general idea of what I want to make, but I go with the flow – and more often than not, the end result is a happy outcome.” g Aliya Ahmad’s passion for moulding clay has led to recognition at a prestigious national art challenge, firmly planting her on the Kingdom’s buzzing creative scene. Perceptions on Pottery Aliya Ahmad Tolerance Nature and Nurture Behind the Scenes
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 PEOPLE | interview 23 Tell us a little about yourself. What is your background and how long have you been a wedding planner at Crowne Plaza Bahrain? I was working as a reception supervisor at the hotel before I became a wedding coordinator. I’ve been doing it for two years now and I truly enjoy it. What inspired you to become a wedding planner? I enjoy working at Crowne Plaza as this is where I have broadened my experience, learnt new things and faced new challenges every day. I love the excitement that comes with planning a wedding and meeting the lovely couple full of hope, ready to start their new life together. Also, it’s a joy working with a highly knowledgeable team, providing our clients with the best possible service and advice. How long does it take to plan a wedding and what does it entail? It takes a year, sometimes six months, before the wedding date for the preparation. First, setting the budget is very important. Once that’s agreed upon, the next step is to find the right venue. When the venue and date are selected and confirmed, it’s time to begin selecting vendors, considering the whole wedding décor with full stage set-up, fresh flowers, chairs, beautiful cake and more. After the venue and vendors are booked and secured, we help our clients with everything else to make sure that their wedding will be as magical a day as they always envisioned. What's the biggest wedding you have organised so far? So far, the biggest wedding I’ve organised was with 500 guests, which was a successful and unforgettable one. Everything was done perfectly. What is the most challenging part of your job and the most rewarding? Proper budgeting for a wedding is a difficult task, particularly when weighing everyone’s expectations. As a wedding planner, my job is to make sure that the bride and groom get the best value for money. I tap into every contact I’ve made, and do everything I can to get a discount – that’s part of my job, after all. The couples have to make some difficult choices and remember weddings are emotional. My job is to figure out the best possible options that work within their budget. The most rewarding part is making our clients’ events a success – seeing them satisfied and pleased with the end result. Making them happy makes me happy. What is the one thing that most people spend their maximum wedding budget on? The wedding stage, as this is where the bride spends most of her time. Name three things that can make or break a great wedding party. If things have not been done at the right time – if the kosha [stage] wasn’t ready on time; the food is delayed; the DJ is having a problem with the music or any problem with the sound system; the bride is not ready on time – these are the things that can break a great wedding party. On the other hand, a nice venue, good food, great music, lovely wedding décor, fresh flowers, proper lighting, beautiful stage set-up and a happy couple can make the wedding amazingly perfect. You must have come across a few demanding clients. What has been the most outrageous request from a bride or groom? There have been times when the bride and the family have requested additional seats for extra guests during the wedding. This is a common thing that happens a lot but we always make it possible and sort out these kinds of issues so the wedding goes smoothly. What are your top tips for a good wedding? The best thing is to hire a wedding coordinator. If you have a wedding planner, you can save a great deal of money and time – they’re well organised and will eliminate your stress. A coordinator takes the problems away, and makes wedding planning a fun and enjoyable experience. Are you married? If yes, did you plan your own wedding or hire a wedding coordinator? Yes. My husband was the one who arranged everything for my wedding, which I find very sweet and loving. g Organising a wedding is a daunting task, but Sameera Al Balooshi makes it sound like a walk in the park. She gives WTM the nitty-gritty of being a wedding planner. Making Dreams Come True Sameera Al Balooshi
24 May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Latin Festival The K Hotel held a Latin-themed festival at its premises. Volker Manlowsky & Khaled Kanoo Vishwa. Reddy, Nitai & Nasir Regina & Volker Mandlowsky Ar & Art Duo Heather, Shannen & Mathias Just Cavalli Sharif Group opened Just Cavalli at A La Mode in Bahrain City Centre. Waleed Sharif, Manar, Massimo & Hassan Elena Waleed Sharif with Just Cavalli staff Alison, Liz, Farheen & Manar
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 FEATURE | weddings 25 It's the time of year when our thoughts turn to love, the season for saying "I do". Whether you're looking for inspiration for the special dress, ideas for your flowers, hair and beauty or fun options for the hen night or bridal shower, in the following pages, we've got it covered. Wedding Season
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com WEDDING SPECIAL | belles 26 Not for nothing has the phrase “she said yes to the dress” passed into popular parlance. A girl’s wedding day is the one time all eyes will be on her. If you’re planning your nuptials in the near future, make sure you’re ready for your close-up in our pick of this season’s best frocks. Wedding Belles Green Gown Beauty and the sensual world are at the heart of H&M’s Conscious Exclusive collection for 2017. Every piece is made from sustainable materials, including BIONIC – a polyester made of plastics recycled from shoreline waste. It is a premium collection made for special occasions, great for the wearer and for the planet. Challenge Traditions Inspired by the woman of today, Carolina Herrera's spring 2017 bridal collection explores romance and femininity in new forms. Combining simplicity with sophistication, effortless elegance with meticulous craftsmanship and modern refinement with timeless grace, it challenges traditional shapes while retaining the fairy-tale quality of the look in this Adeline ivory floral French lace strapless gown. Country Meets Couture Very British designer Jenny Packham chose a country-style setting to show her spring 2017 collection, but, though a few of the frocks looked at home among the hay bales, most featured the upmarket styling and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand, which is a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge. This Lyra style harks back to her vintage roots and would not look out of place at a Gatsbyesque party. Bridal Debut The first bridal collection from Lebanese design star Elie Saab is true to his ethos of ‘more is more’ with heavy embellishment, embroidery, lace, tulle and chiffon. However, the simplicity of a delicately edged veil and shapes such as this classic column, make the collection at the same time both showstopping and infinitely wearable.
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 belles | WEDDING SPECIAL 27 Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta and Zuhair Murad available at Esposa Dubai www.esposagroup.com On Trend This Gabrielle gown from Oscar de la Renta embraces the opaque trend seen on this season’s runways with its short underskirt, topped with layers of tulle giving a hint of skin but staying demure enough to be properly bridal (with just a little edge). The stunning sequin detailing gives the impression of raindrops cascading towards the skirt’s darling full hemline. Flower Power Ever innovative, the doyenne of wedding dress designers, Monique Lhuillier, took inspiration from nature for this season’s fresh and pretty collection. Describing the models as ‘nymphs’ at her spring-summer 17 show, soft silhouettes afforded a lighter touch than her usual fare with body-skimming sheaths and voluminous skirts adorned with delicate flowers. Pink Princess If you want to buck the ‘white dress’ trend slightly, without losing the princess look lots of little girls (and some big ones too) dream of, look out for a traditional style in a different colour. The Marchesa confection in softest pink with its tiers, ruffles and off-theshoulder neckline ticks all the boxes. Daring Drapery The barely there bodice on this creation from Zuhair Murad’s collection gives the impression of skin while the nipped in waist and full skirt, embroidered with delicate, sparkling flowers, maintain the vision of bridal modesty. This is a gown for the bride who wants to look the part at the same time as showing her individuality.
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com WEDDING SPECIAL | gowns 28 From your walk to the wedding hall, to the time you step into the limousine heading to the honeymoon suite, all eyes will be fixated on you. As a bride, you take an oath to look fabulous, so the back detail of your wedding gown needs to be just as breathtaking as the front. There are plenty of styles to choose from: Backless – a daring drop-back is always popular given its ability to add a sensual edge without compromising on sophistication. The plunge can be steep or modest, depending on your preference. Add bows, lace or beads to complement this minimalist choice. Variations include keyhole and cowl backs. Button up – Evoking vintage charm, buttonbacks give a dreamy, romantic feel. The most popular style features teeny-tiny buttons either to fasten the dress or have them sewn on for a hasslefree fit. Buttons can be simple or jewelled. Lace – One of the most versatile fabrics to work with and a favourite with couture designers for its delicate appearance. It can look sexy, chic, elegant, modest or all of the above depending on how it’s used. Lace backs have surged in popularity in the last five years and can be paired with different fabrics to add character to the gown. Variations include sheer with heavy or light embroidery. Lace-up corsets – Lace-up corsets cinch the waist and fit tightly, giving the illusion of an hourglass figure along with providing flexibility in terms of sizing. A lace panel can be tightened or left wider according to the bride’s body type, so there is no need to worry about the extra weight you gained during your bachelorette party. If you’re planning to be a winter bride, the autumn winter collections will soon be available. As always, the dresses conjure fairy-tale princesses but look out also for touches of bolder colour at Ines Di Santo, plunging necklines to offset the demure sleeves at Marchesa, and layers of netting over a basic column shape at Elie Saab. Let’s face it, you will be getting copious amounts of attention on your wedding day. Let’s face it, you will be getting copious amounts of attention on your wedding day. Looking Back A Taste of Things to Come Delicate flower-strewn layers, Elie Saab fall 17. Brielle by Ines Di Santo AW17, at Esposa Privé. Fairy-tale folds at Marchesa AW17, at Esposa Privé.
www.womanthismonth.com May 2017 bridal shower | WEDDING SPECIAL 29 What is a Lingerie Shower? First things first: What is a Lingerie Shower? It’s a party, much like a bridal shower, where friends of the bride get together and give her gifts of racy lingerie. The idea is to stock up her lingerie drawer for the honeymoon and sexy nights forever after! Planning for the party • Hold the party well in advance, because as it gets closer to the wedding, the bride will have other things to focus on. • Send out cheeky invites. Make sure all the guests know it’s a Lingerie Shower and to bring gifts accordingly. Ask the bride for her bra and panty size and include it with the invitations so presents are the right size. This is especially important since a lot of stores will not exchange or refund lingerie. • It’s best to have the Lingerie Shower in the comfort either the bride’s or a friend’s home. That way you can be yourselves and make all the naughty jokes you want! • Keep the guest list to the bride’s closest friends. She won’t want to be unwrapping sexy stuff in front of people she doesn’t know very well! Decoration and food • You can really have fun with decoration. Use lace ribbons, silk sashes, feathers and, of course, lingerie. Bridal Showers can be boring! If you know the bride-to-be has a good sense of humour, go ahead and spice things up with a Lingerie Shower instead, says Amy Vaya. Knickers to Nuptials • Hang up a clothes line with pegs. As she unwraps each item, have her hang it up. At the end, get her to pose with them all – it will make for a great picture. • Food should be sweet and sinful, just like the lingerie! Think chocolatecovered strawberries or cupcakes topped with icing bras. • Also think of fun games to play such as a naughty pass the parcel or pin the tail on the fireman! Other gift ideas Just because it’s a Lingerie Shower doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the box in terms of presents. How about a really cheeky pair of boxers for the groom-to-be, or perhaps gift cards, lotions, massage oils or candles? Ahmed, Nooriya & Alia Monika, Leyla & Maryam Zahra Charity Dinner Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands held a dinner for children under the Royal Charity Organization.
May 2017 www.womanthismonth.com WEDDING SPECIAL | hen nights 30 VISIT A WATER PARK Make a big splash before your big day. Spend a day at a water park and get an adrenaline rush from the slides or chill out in the lazy river. During the summer months head to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun. Tickets are BD17 per person, but you can get discounted ones at Géant Hypermarkets, Gulfmart Supermarkets and others. You can contact the water park for a special rate for large groups, which will also include meals and access to a VIP cabana where you can hang out with your girlfriends in style. Ladies’ Nights at the water park are expected to resume soon. In the winter, Wahooo! Water Park at City Centre Bahrain might be a better choice since it’s indoors and the pools are heated. Tickets are BD13 per person, but there’s a 20 per cent discount with a CrediMax credit card. Call ahead to make a large group booking, and they’ll offer you access to a private party room, which you can decorate in an appropriate theme, as well as meals. You can also hire a photographer to capture memories of the night. Ladies’ Night at Wahooo! is Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm. Lost Paradise of Dilmun www.lpodwaterpark.com Call 17 845-100. Wahooo: www.theplaymania.com/ wahooo Call 17 173-000. Sure, you could gather your girlfriends, don a tiara and veil and bar hop across the island, but if you’re looking for a more unique way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, check out Amy Vaya’s list of fun and original ideas for your Hen Night. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun GAME ON Head to Ozone at Sitra Mall where there’s a whole host of entertainment options to try. Play snooker or billiards, enter the PC game zone, go bowling or head to the island’s largest virtual reality zone. Split your party into teams and battle it out in the laser tag arena, which is guaranteed to get the competitive spirit flowing. Laser tag is BD3 for 15 minutes, billiards costs BD2, bowling is BD2.100 and virtual reality games start from BD2. Ozone: www.oz1.co/ Call 17 125-162. SING YOUR HEART OUT We said ‘girls just wanna have fun’ and what better way than channelling your inner Cindi Lauper with a night of karaoke chaos? You could head to one of the many bars offering singalong nights but we recommend Beijing Chinese restaurant in Adliya. There are private karaoke rooms, one which accommodates 15 people, and another for up to 40. There’s no charge for the rooms, but you must place a minimum order for BD100 worth of food and drinks for the smaller room and BD200 for the larger. The food is great and there is also the option of a BD18.900++ per person set menu, which includes unlimited drinks. Book a few days in advance, give them your own themed decoration, and get ready for a truly memorable night. Call 17 717-969. TAKE A BREAK For a fairly quick and easy getaway, make a short trip to Hawar Island. Rates at the Hawar Beach Hotel start at BD85 for two people, inclusive of boat transfers and meals. For large groups there’s the possibility of a discount and dinner can be served as a barbecue buffet on the beach for your bridal party. You can play water sports or swim, and the party in your room will no doubt get raucous at night. Think of it as one big awesome sleepover with all your favourite girls, just like you used to do when you were teenagers. Call 17 641-666. RACE TO THE FINISH Get in the driver’s seat for a real adrenaline rush at the BIC karting track. It’s sure to be an exhilarating time you and your friends will remember for years to come. Ask them to organise a mini-GP for you and a minimum of 10 friends. They will reserve the track for your bridal party for an hour and a half, give everyone a 10-minute practice session, and then you’ll race against your friends in nine-lap and 11-lap races. The cost starts at BD40 per person. Afterwards you can all relax in the shisha lounge and have a snack or head to the nearby Sofitel for dinner and/or drinks. BIC Karting Track www.bahraingp.com Call 17 451-745.
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