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www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 6 SEPTEMBER 78 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. 10 Over To You 12 The Month in Focus SHOPPING 14 Pick of the Month: Winged Heels 16 Editor’s Choice: High-end Lifestyle FASHION 18 Fashion Trend: Luxe Look 24 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass 26 Get the Look: Biker Bliss PEOPLE 40 Ramah Al Husseini : An emotional artist 42 Anastasia Ageeva: Businesswoman and tri-athlete FEATURE LUXURY 44 The Luxe List: Luxury island-style 48 Scent of Success: The latest high-end perfumes 52 Staycations: Lavish breaks without leaving the Kingdom BEAUTY 56 News: The latest products in the stores 61 Celeb Spot: Get Lilly's look LIFESTYLE 64 Wellbeing: Red Carpet Ready 72 Food: Chef's Special 77 Food: Review 78 Travel: Adventures in opulence 82 Home: Boutique Chic PARENTING 88 Tech Kids: Engaging Teens 90 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 92 Family Matters: Counsellor Lamar Kanafani 94 Kids’ Playground: Designer duds 95 Horoscope: What to expect this month 96 In Her Shoes: Tanvi Bhatia 46 16 77 42
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 8 So, this month we’re all about luxury, a subject close to my heart. When we started researching this feature, I was thinking fabulous holidays, red-soled shoes, high-end shopping and off-thescale dining but, while it’s true all of these are indeed luxurious, your responses when asked for your definition of luxury were eyeopening – you can see them on our new Over To You page. The question also got me thinking about my own definition of luxury, and recent events have made me realise one of the greatest luxuries in life is good health. It’s something we’re passionate about here at Woman This Month which is why it’s the theme for our next Mum’s Meet-up. Yes, our social events resume in September, after a break for the summer, and we’re kicking off the new season with a yoga and breathing workshop with May Awadah. You’ll also find those details on Over To You and we’re thinking of changing the name to WTM Meet-ups since we’d love to see as many of you as possible there, not just mums. Our interviewees this month are two women who use their passions and skills to give back. Puja Tiwari chatted to artist Ramah Al Husseini whose work challenges cultural norms (I really want the blindfolded Saudi man picture). She not only creates beautiful pieces for sale but also works with Dream Society, Super-Hope and Ayadi putting her talent where her heart is. We also caught up with Anastasia Ageeva (not literally, the woman runs triathlons!) to hear how she’s supporting the RCSI’s initiative Child Life. You’ll notice a new look in our Wellbeing section and we’ve expanded the dining pages to include information from lots of our favourite venues, we’d love to hear what you think about all the developments over the last few months. As always, we’ve got the latest news from the worlds of fashion and beauty and lots more besides, take us with you to the beach or poolside and enjoy a great read. chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY marketing & electronic media director DEEPA SIVA fashion & beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA PUJA TIWARI DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL LAMAR KANAFANI print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL GOPAL NAMBIAR media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED PEARLYN D MEHTA circulation KADAMBARI S photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2016© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] website: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain September 2016, Issue 163 On the cover: Ramah Al Husseini www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES Bahrain Edition ISSUE 163 woman this month SEPTEMBER 2016 ı THE LUXURY ISSUE ı www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 | Issue 163 | BD1 / SR10 RAMAH AL HUSSEINI INSPIRATIONS, EMOTIONS AND GIVING BACK Living it Luxe ALL THINGS LUXURY FROM SHOPPING TO STAYCATIONS PARENTING HOW TO DEAL WITH BULLYING TRAVEL THREE OF THE HOTTEST DESTINATIONS ON THE PLANET RECIPES TO RECREATE, NEW RESTAURANTS AND THE RETURN OF A FAVOURITE BRUNCH HOMES GETTING THE BOUTIQUE CHIC VIBE WELLBEING RED-CARPET TREATMENTS LOVED BY THE STARS FOOD EDITOR’S NOTE Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Our month: Behnaz and I checked out a rather large snake at City Centre Bahrain and Puja tried the yummy grub at new eatery Baguettes & More. Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director
news September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 10 OVER TO YOU The first of our new season of social events is also wellness-themed and this time it will be at a weekend, so everyone can attend. May Awadah of Art of Living will conduct a three-hour programme covering yoga, breathing techniques and meditation aimed at getting rid of accumulated stress. The event will take place at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Seef District and will be followed by complimentary healthy snacks at the stunning Japanese eatery Ruka. So, whether you’re a complete novice who’s always wanted to give yoga a go or a seasoned yoga veteran who’s interested in making new friends, make sure to put September 17, 3pm, in your diary and come along and join us. Please bring your own mat. If you’re planning to attend, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. Oympics Kenyan-born Ruth Jebet produced an astonishing piece of front running to win Bahrain's first Olympic gold when she claimed the women's 3000m steeplechase. Jebet timed an Asian record of 8min 59.75sec, missing out on the world record by less than a second. Reigning world champion Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi of Kenya took silver in 9:07.12, with American Emma Coburn claiming bronze (9:07.63). "I'm happy to be a gold medallist, it was my first attempt to have a medal and I'm happy," said Jebet. AFP It’s almost time for the weather to start cooling down, which means beach- and poolparty season is upon us. Now, of course we know that if you’ve got a beach and you’ve got a body, then you’ve got a beach body. But, in truth, how many of us wouldn’t feel better if we were a little fitter, and not just from an aesthetic point of view? To help with that goal, we’ve teamed up with Fitness First to give away two six-month memberships giving you access to the club’s massive cardio zone, exercise machines, supporting audio and visual entertainment, an extensive free weights area and many group exercises each week. To enter, you’ll need to head over to our social media platforms and follow the instructions. Bahrain Olympic competitors Sports Number of medals (at time of press) Win, Win, Win The month in numbers Follow us on: Instagram: @woman_this_month Twitter: @WomanThisMonthB Facebook: Woman This Month We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at [email protected] What’s caught our eye in the news this month. # Trending The most liked post on Instagram was also the beauty contest post of Pure Gold Collagen. The winner was Zainab Gadiwala. Your Comments WTM’s retweet of Lauren Conrad’s lavender cupcake was the most liked tweet The following #WTM post was favourited and retweeted on Twitter the most. “It’s time for a beauty contest for all of you. Like this, tag 5 friends & win! Gold Collagen” was the most liked and talked about post on Facebook 80 likes 76 comments The Most Liked Post on Facebook 2 35 4 Girly Get Together
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 12 SEPTEMBER IN FOCUS news What’s on our radar this month? In Love With Fashion One of the island’s favourite stores, and the Middle East’s largest high-street fashion retailer, is bringing in the big guns to get its brand message across. Splash has signed up Bollywood big names Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif as brand ambassadors. Living up to its brand philosophy of ‘In Love with Fashion’, Splash is well known for its trendy and fashionable collections with a broad appeal. The superstar pair will be featured in various campaigns across the region and, who knows, we may even get a visit. We all know the island is well served with the best ladies’ nights around, but what if you want to take along your significant other. The latest offering at Rasoi, the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s Indian eatery, offers a free bottle of grape chosen by the sommelier when you book a weekday dinner for two adults or more. Yum, yum pass the papadums. Lunch Love We popped along to the opening of the new BAM, which stands for Baguettes and More, in Juffair and were happy to discover it’s much more than just a sandwich shop! The menu includes freshly-baked white or brown baguettes, delicious tortilla wraps, healthy salads or melt-in-your-mouth jacket potatoes alongside an extensive range of drinks too with high quality coffee and speciality teas, decadent frappes and healthy smoothies. Just round the corner from our office and super tasty – a new favourite lunch venue is born. Grand Grapes Head For Hawar The long awaited relaunch of the Hawar Islands resort takes place this month, with bookings available from September 9, over the Eid break. Billing itself as ‘Your true nature retreat’ it seems management are keen to capitalise on the islands’ reputation as a wildlife haven which has a huge population of native and migratory birds as well as endangered oryx and ibex. Boat tours out into the local waters offer the chance to see dolphins and dugong too. We’re packing our bucket and spade. Bridget’s Back It’s another one of those film releases we’ve all been waiting for. Bridget Jones’s Baby sees our heroine back to singleton status, having broken up with Mark Darcy. Throwing herself into work; for once, Bridget has everything under control until she meets dashing American Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey). In an unlikely twist, Bridget finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch, she’s not sure which one is the father. McDreamy on the big screen, be still our beating hearts. A Touch of Silk International luxury brand, Amouage, has extended its product portfolio with the launch of a new collection of silk printed scarves in Bahrain. The beautiful, bespoke pieces have been designed in-house by the creative director Christopher Chong and crafted by one of the finest silk manufacturers and printers in Como, Italy, the home of the finest quality silk weaving and printing in the world. Amouage CEO David Crickmore says: “We have been working on the collection for over a year and to see it come to fruition is really exciting. We also intend to develop woven scarves and we have very high hopes that this launch will be the beginning of an entirely new category of business for us.”
SHOPPING | pick of the month Winged Heels Available at Saks Fifth Avenue priced BD324. Call 17 172-000. We defy you not to fall in love with these stunning sandals from Sophia Webster. The wings say angel, the colour says fallen – what’s not to like? www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 14
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 16 SHOPPING | editor's choice High-End Lifestyle Living life in luxury means being surrounded by comfort, limited editions and exclusive goods. From exquisite headphones to high-tech strollers, enjoying this lifestyle doesn’t come cheap. But if you’re in the mood to splurge, take a look at our lust list of indulgence! Napa leather rhinestone headphones with Swarovski crystals and pearls, Dolce & Gabbana (store.dolcegabbana. com). Origami stroller with thermometer and speedometer, 4moms (4moms.com) Dog carrier monogram canvas, Louis Vuitton (eu. louisvuitton. com). Pocket watch Henry Graves, Patek Philippe 17 520-055 (Bahrain Jewellery Centre). Embellished black dresses, Elie Saab (eliesaab.com). Diamond and gold set, Malabar Gold & Diamonds 17 006-916. Classic black leather jacket, Saint Laurent at NET-APORTER.com. Black ankle boots, Christian Louboutin at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Rolls Royce at Euromotors 17 750-750. Carlina sunglasses 18k edition, Chloé (chloe.com). Perfume Chanel no.5 le grand extrait, Chanel (chanel.com).
September 2016 18 FASHION | trend HOW TO WEAR IT? You can go for a black dress and golden accessories or opt for pieces that mix and match the two colours. The contrast of shades is the key here! Don’t dilute the drama and luxury of this duo by adding in any other colours. LUXE LOOK www.womanthismonth.com Reading glasses, Michael Kors 17 178-630. Earrings, Bershka 17 172-303. Lanvin SS2016. Sequinned top, Massimo Dutti 17 583-230. Long skirt, Camaieu 17 179-767. Watch, Esprit at A La Mode 17 179-863. Fringed handbag, Stella McCartney at Saks Fifth Avenue 17 172-000. Strap shoes, Topshop 17 110-369. Necklace with circles, Dorothy Perkins 17 110-366. Victorian boots, New Look 17 179-406. Sequinned belt, Parfois 17 178-054. Vanessa Paradis wearing Chanel. Embellished clutch, Ballin (ballinshoes.com.me). The best way to create a glamorous look with the pieces you have in your wardrobe is to combine black and gold. It never fails! Velvet waistcoast, Monsoon 17 179-704.
September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 20 PUMA has released the latest edition to its DISC footwear franchise, the futuristic looking metallic silver BMW X-CAT DISC. Designworks, a BMW Group subsidiary, teamed with PUMA to develop the special fabric applied over the metal chassis. Through this collaboration, Designworks led the creative process for the shoe, which has been inspired by the striking concept car. This shoe showcases PUMA’s reinvented DISC technology, which provides ultimate comfort and a snug fit, its makers say. The starting points for this project were the flexible, ergonomic and lightweight GINA material as well as PUMA’s reinvented, lighter and fasterworking DISC technology. Instead of using laces, this system works with a rotating disc that pulls internal wires to close and open the shoe. Using only one thin layer of super-light GINA material, the shoe wraps around the foot like a second skin. “With the X-CAT project, we wanted to unleash the innovative power of BMW and PUMA. We have transformed the essence of the shape-shifting GINA car into a streamlined and elegant shoe,” says Torsten Hochstetter, global creative director at PUMA. The X-CAT DISC combines lightweight design, adaptability and performance to create something special. In the spirit of GINA, the designers treated the foot as a kind of chassis and re-engineered the original automotive material to ensure it was breathable and sufficiently durable. Automotive design is immediately evident in the proportions that make the material shine – and in the simplicity that prevents it from competing with too many other design features. Fine, laser-cut perforations flow across the front of the X-CAT, underlining the impression of motion while adding ventilation. Another design cue taken from the original GINA concept is the functional aesthetic of revealing the underlying structure when tightening the shoe. The designers also re-thought the concept for the sole and the PUMA DISC, applying BMW engineering approaches to add greater precision. They viewed the sole as the engine of the foot, the driver of movement. This produced a unique design, which was inspired by interconnecting gears and integrates both engineered flexibility and interlinked stability. The BMW X-CAT DISC is now available in selected PUMA stores across the world. Call 17 750-750. showcase STEP TO IT! EURO MOTORS This innovative new trainer has been developed for style, performance and is sure to get your motor running.
22 September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Infiniti Launch Y K Almoayyed & Sons launched the all-new Infiniti Q30 at its showroom in Sitra Ahmed, Peter, Raed, Mona Almoayyed, Mohammed Almoayyed, Alok, Essam & Hassan Samar & Sarika Mirna, Faisal, Sreekumar & Sandeep Evingenia Lounge Opening The K Hotel held a grand opening ceremony for Kenza Lounge, at its premises in Juffair. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Lyric, Ace, Ash & Star Gerry & Edwin Rick Aragon & Cynthia Anette, Zee, Princes & Juni
Tel: (+973) 17828282, 1728230 Fax: (+973) 17828232 Building 63 Road 3302 Block 333 Manama Kingdom of Bahrain [email protected] www.ibnalnafees.com IbnAlNafees Ibn Al Nafees Call +973 17828278 to book your appointment Present the coupon when you visit the hospital and get a 15% Special offer A special offer for readers Valid from 1st September to 30th September 2016
September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 24 KENZO X H&M Since 2004, H&M has collaborated with designers to create exclusive pieces to be sold in their stores worldwide. This year, the French brand Kenzo, founded by the Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, is the chosen label. The collection bursts with print, colour and individuality – a trademark of the brand. The look-book images have been shot using a variety of artists, young creatives and influencers and the first looks have been released. The collection will be available at stores in November. FASHION | fashion forward HIGH END LIFESTYLE The Italian luxury fashion house, Salvatore Ferragamo, unveils its autumn and winter 2016-17 advertising campaign. The concept celebrates its Italianess, revelling in the splendour of life. The new collection mixes playfulness with the timeless values of its founder; the dedication of his life to the pursuit of luxury living. The campaign imagery was shot by photographer Craig McDean, who captured the spirit of a global traveller in his or her moment of leisure to showcase the elegant collection. EVERYDAY BAG Mulberry has introduced a new tote to its already wide collection of handbags.‘The Maple’ was created by the brand’s new creative designer, Johnny Coca. It features an open shopper-style top and its leather reinforced structure is made to carry heavy items such as laptops and magazines. The bag also has an external, detached pocket, to keep small essentials together.“A well-made tote that can be easily accessed and carry all the things you need day-to-day. The size was deliberately specified to fit A4 documents and laptops. The front pocket detaches and becomes a chic pouch for running out quickly for your morning coffee,” says Johnny. MODERN-DAY HEROES The designer Christian Louboutin, known for his desirable red-soled shoes, teamed up with the French E-concept store SportyHenri.com to support the Cuban national delegation at the 2016 Olympic Games in providing its nonperformance outfit. The clothes were created to be worn during formal occasions, in particular the closing ceremony. Cuban heritage and the athletes themselves were the source of inspiration and guidance to create the uniform visuals. BACKSTAGE PASS What’s cool, trending and fashionable
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 25 TO BE, OR NOT TO BE Every year in a limited edition collection distributed worldwide since 1992, the Montblanc Writers Edition pays tribute to the greatest icons of literary history.This time, Montblanc is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare.The design of the Writers Edition William Shakespeare is inspired by his plays, ranging from dark tragedies to light comedies. The black, red and white resin combinations recall the colours of the flags that were raised above his theatre – black for tragedies, red for historical dramas and white for comedies. The pieces are limited to 1597, in reference to the year his most important play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was first published. CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP The sports brand PUMA collaborates, for the first time, with the Dutch graphic designer Caroll Lynn aka Careaux for its autumn and winter 2016-17 collection. She is recognised globally for her 'girls meet street' style and digital artwork inspired by sneakers. The line brings colourful and optimistic motifs in feminine and romantic illustrations. She added her touch to classic PUMA footwear such as ‘The Suede’ and apparel pieces like bomber jackets and leggings. The result is a marriage between romance and sport.
September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 26 FASHION | get the look COLOUR TOUCH Leather jackets don’t have to be black; an array of colours are out there to be explored. The cut and style can be a bit rough and ‘bad boy’ inspired, but if you go for light blue or pale pink, you might consider creating a romantic look. Pleats are, again, a hot trend for the cold season, so go for a mid-length skirt with a sleeveless top and complete the look with an eyecatching jacket for a modern twist. Ladylike meets the road! BIKER BLISS The leather jacket is a mandatory item in all of our wardrobes during the colder weather – which is hopefully not too far away. It’s also a great piece for the transitional period when combined with light-weight fabrics. Be ready for super-stylish looks! Light blue jacket, Marks & Spencer 17 588-188. Top with stars, Stradivarius 17 172-306. White midlength skirt, Miss Selfridge 17 179-497. Rose gold watch, Esprit at A La Mode 17 179-854. Flat mule, Dune London 17 686-215. White handbag, Vincci 17 178-696. Chloe Autumn-Winter 2016 Olivia Wilde Poppy Delevingne
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 27 ROCK AND ROLL Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors (when you don’t live in the Middle East, but we certainly do know how to adapt any style) and music festivals are much anticipated happenings. Light-weight dresses paired with leather jackets are almost a uniform for concert-goers. Follow our tips and embrace this style for a touch of island fun. This could be the perfect outfit for a dinner date or a girls’ night out. REBEL REBEL The duo of skinny jeans and leather jacket couldn’t be left out of this fashion edit; however, don’t make it obvious! Opt for an embellished jacket to impress with boldness and creativity. The studs reinforce the rebellious, over-the-top style, so go easy with the accessories. A straightforward shoulder bag and T-shirt are the best complements. For footwear, wow your friends and family by choosing a powerful black stiletto. Round sunglasses, Karl Lagerfeld at karl.com. Black jacket, Lipsy 17 179-385. Skinny jeans, GAP 17 178-607. Earrings, Parfois 17 178-054. Studded jacket, Topshop 17 179-486. Shoulder bag, Marc Jacobs 17 172-000 (Saks Fifth Avenue). Fragile T-shirt, Zara 17 172-333. Black stiletto shoes, Paule Ka 17 131-208 (J Boutique). Shoulderduster earrings, Bershka 17 172-303. Quilted bucket handbag, New Look 17 179-406. Caramel shoes, MANGO 17 179-681. Printed dress, American Eagle Outfitters 17 009-278.
September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 28 Restaurant Opening Al Areen Palace & Spa held an opening ceremony for its new restaurant, Roti Boti, at its premises in Zallaq. HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, inaugurated the event in the presence of management, staff and guests. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Chef Das Simon, Kirk & Sumon Varsha, May & Fadel Shamima, Kamlesh, Gopika & Nalan Mamta, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, & Pierre The art of watchmaking is one that requires patience, refinement and high levels of skill. But for the true watchmaker, the challenge is greater when it comes to creating timepieces for sport; whether on land, in the sea or in the sky. Seiko made its first diving watch in 1965, and has since been the brand trusted by sportsmen and women around the world for its truly professional specifications. A year before this, Seiko announced itself on the world stage of sports timing technology, producing 1,278 reliable and highly accurate timing, scoring and display systems, thereby setting a new benchmark in industry standards. Now, Seiko presents the Prospex collection; an amalgamation of all its sports watch expertise on the wearer’s wrist. Ever since the brand took on the challenge of creating new technologies, new materials, new functions and display systems for the adrenaline-pumped world of sport, it has been a seasoned player in sport timekeeping. Today, Prospex is the latest expression of Seiko’s dedication to precision timing. Adventure sport knows no boundaries, and a timepiece is expected to keep up with the wearer’s will to push themself to the furthest limit. Whether gaining maximum velocity on land, defying gravity high above it or exploring the depths of the oceans, the Prospex watch will match step for step with the adventure sport enthusiast, being reliable in even the most adverse conditions. After all, Prospex is built to perform and last. Call 17 225-513. showcase This eminent watchmaking brand presents serious watches for serious sports; just what gets action enthusiasts ticking. AMBASSADOR STORES PERFECT TIMING
showcase September 2016 30 www.womanthismonth.com International leader in fashion footwear and accessories, Aldo, has come up with an autumn campaign that’s all about movement and visualising shoes as part of the whole look. The latest collections have names like New Victorian and Forward Thinking and include items such as scarves, hats and bags to bring the style statement together. Using top fashion photographer Mikael Jansson and stylist Alex White, the brand has created the #ALDOMOVESME social media programme which builds exciting momentum for the footwear and accessories leader. As the brand refreshes its visual approach for the autumn 2016 campaign, it also looks to engage the Aldo community with ‘likeable’ #ALDOcrew influencer-driven social content – cumulated by the campaign hashtag #ALDOMOVESME. Check out some of the styles and click on the campaign to see the full range. Call City Centre Bahrain 16 686-202, Seef Mall 16 686-236. This footwear specialist is taking to social media to get its brand message across for the latest collection. ALDO SOCIALLY FASHIONABLE Forward Thinking New Victorian Rock Steady
showcase September 2016 32 www.womanthismonth.com With names inspired by Copenhagen, the Danish city in which the brand’s latest promotional campaign was brought to life, Call It Spring has captured the autumnal mood with a range of boots, shoes and leisure footwear to delight both feet and wallets. High Heels and High Life Look out for cutaways, straps and towering heels in a range of after-dark wear that’s both delicate and daring. The softness of suede is married with bold colours for a fierce style that will make your shoes the star of your outfit. Kinky Boots Made for Walking The arrival of the cooler weather means the chance to bring out your boots but with over-the-knee looks, intricate lacing, straps and buckles, there’s no need to compromise on style. And the shoe/boot also makes a comeback for that transitional period. Hit the Streets Form and function combine in a selection of flats that make pounding the pavements a pleasure. Perfect for city break vacays or long days in the office, plaited leather, two-tone styling and plush finishing are the perfect partner to jeans and jackets for those cool autumn days. Call City Centre Bahrain 16 686-203, Bahrain Mall 16 686-219, Al Alawi 16 686-232, Seef Mall Muharraq 16 639-434. From dancing the night away to city walking, this brand’s latest collection has your feet covered for every occasion. CALL IT SPRING COVERING ALL BASES
showcase September 2016 34 www.womanthismonth.com Working towards a cleaner and greener environment, London-based Jeeves of Belgravia is using an exclusive dry-cleaning process which is non-toxic to the planet. GreenEarth Cleaning uses liquid silicone, which does not dirty the air, contaminate the soil or pollute the water. Dry-cleaning is a good option for tailored jackets, trousers, dresses and other speciality fabrics as it will not cause the distortion of the fibre often seen as shrinkage during wet washing. The traditional process relies on the use of petrochemicals as the medium to carry detergents and specific additives for the breaking up and suspension of stains. These include perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon, which are petroleum-based solvents. It is classified as a contaminant and likely carcinogen, and is carefully regulated, both in how it’s used and how it’s disposed of. GreenEarth Cleaning utilises an environmentally non-toxic silicone and non-ionic detergent chemistry that is the gentlest way to clean any fine garment. Unlike harsh petrochemical solvents used in other drycleaning processes, GreenEarth’s components can be disposed of safely and simply return to their natural elements of sand, trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide. The process is also less abrasive and gentler on clothes, proven to help protect against wear, shrinkage and colour fade. It’s perfect for cashmere, embellishments, suede and leather garments. It also is very light in weight and has a very low surface tension, allowing it to gently penetrate fabric fibres and rinse away dirt in a way that water cannot. Many garment technologists employed by the major retail clothing brands recommend GreenEarth versus traditional dry-cleaning for the care of their products. Furthermore, Jeeves is committed to minimising the production of waste through recovery, recycling and reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill. Liquid silicone is made from the same natural sand the earth has been creating for over six billion years, and is also used as a base in various shampoos and lotions. Its unique, chemically inert properties remove stains from fabric without touching the material. The Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute confirms that GreenEarth cleans as well as the industry standard detergents with no environmental concerns. In addition, the same tests show that with GreenEarth, you can clean a wider variety of speciality fabrics and trims. Jeeves is ensuring that there is no air, ground or water contamination, as is unfortunately a by-product of the other drycleaning systems available. Jeeves has outlets in Hamala and Riffa Views and will soon open a new branch in El Mercado Mall, Janabiyah and Zinj, near Akbari. New customers can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the services. Call 17 465-575. This esteemed garment care company looks after your clothes and the Earth by using an environmentally-friendly dry cleaning process. JEEVES CLEAN AND GREEN An official from GreenEarth demonstrating the cleaning process to the staff at Jeeves
September 2016 36 www.womanthismonth.com showcase Nothing says luxury quite like stand-out jewellery pieces whether worn together for maximum effect or separately to add glamour to a more casual outfit. Whatever your style, the gorgeously girly sets from A La Mode will match it perfectly. SHARIF GROUP SIMPLY STUNNING GORGEOUSLY GOLDEN No matter what colour or shape your gown, you will never go wrong with fabulous golden pieces embellished with sparkling stones. This opulent set includes stunning drop earrings and a statement necklace that will ensure all eyes are on you. GREEN ENVY This eye-catching set matches the colour of emeralds with multiple, glittering stones in a necklace, earrings and ring collection that will perfectly marry to your formal gown. Co-ordinate it with a green dress to enhance the stones, or use as an accent colour against black or purple. BEAUTIFUL BLUES The colour of the evening sky, these pieces evoke the classical beauty of Arabian nights. A set which manages to marry the traditional with contemporary combining deep blue with silver and zircon studs for a gorgeous effect to complement your special occasion wardrobe. PRINCESS PINK The ideal colour to mix and match with any outfit. Perfect for formal occasions, the delicate pink of the stones will pop against white or pale colours giving a fairy tale-effect but will also add spectacular sophistication to more sombre hues such as navy.
September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 38 Management and staff at the launch Haseen Cannon & Parry Peter, Abdulla & Naveen Kareem Jawad, Mohammed Al Musawi, Ali Al Aali & Abbas Nithyanandan & Charlie Ali & Shubbar Sreedhar JAC SUV Launch Jawad Business Group launched the new JAC SUV at the Jac Motors showroom in Segaya. showcase As much as large scale businesses are important to a country’s economic growth, so are small and medium enterprises and local, native industries. Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) is a stepping stone to success for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), self-employed professionals, agriculture, fisheries, education, specific employment-oriented enterprises promoted by Bahraini youth, women and other essential segments of society. By supporting such ventures the bank aims to add value to the economy of the Kingdom. The government has entrusted the bank with the crucial task of promoting investments in Bahrain, with the aim of diversifying the economic base, creating new employment opportunities for Bahrainis and contributing significantly to the overall socio-economic development of the Kingdom. BDB offers a wide range of distinctive financial and advisory services specifically designed to meet the special needs of SMEs. It provides education funding by way of Islamic finance with a flat profit rate of four per cent per annum with a comfortable repayment and grace period. BDB also offers Sharia-compliant Islamic financing with a flat profit rate of 5.5 per cent per annum. Conventional financing is also available at 9.5 per cent per annum with a reducing interest rate. BDB and Tamkeen Finance are available to fund a specific asset, such as plant or machinery, or as working capital loans with a comfortable repayment and grace period. Agricultural and fisheries loans are offered by BDB with zero per cent interest rate. Letters of Guarantee and Letters of Credit can also be provided. Call 17 511-111 or visit www. bdb-bh.com. Since its inception more than a quarter of a century ago, this bank has been helping Bahrain’s economy to augment and diversify. BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 40 When Art Meets Emotion When WTM went to meet artist Ramah Al Husseini, she was busy prepping for an imminent exhibition, with one of her works depicting a caricature of a jolly Saudi man appearing to be chattering on his phone with a floral blindfold on. “Growing up in Saudi, I saw how widespread it was for women to cover up, mostly to keep men’s thoughts pure. “This piece challenges that norm in a playful manner and portrays a man being blindfolded for a change, so they don’t have to witness anything to taint their notions,” says Ramah. As a child, she could be found at the back of the classroom, busy doodling away on anything and everything in front of her. Art has always been her forte, a space in which she could freely express her emotions and escape into a world of endless possibilities. The Saudi national with Palestinian origins also drew inspiration from her mother, a seasoned painter. This talent evolved into a passion, and Ramah went on to graduate with a degree in fine arts from the University of Concordia, Canada. “My work is best described as modern contemporary, with an Arabic influence. It can sometimes be minimalistic, but that depends on my mood and how I feel about the subject matter,” she explains. Her art truly takes form when she has an emotion attached to it. “I only paint about things I’m really passionate about, and if I have no personal feeling to what I’m painting, the result will usually come out terrible!” But she adds that emotions can be built from research. A classic example of this is her recent collaboration in an exhibition with a Japanese theme. “I delved into some information about the culture before beginning the collection, and then painted about elements that I loved and was intrigued by. I melded them with other elements from my own culture and created unique pieces with interesting stories.” Having found it difficult to work as an artist in Canada, she returned to the region and has since been a part of many exhibitions. She’s been involved with making recycled art for Coca- Cola, with proceeds going to the Dream Society, a charity that makes dreams come true for terminally ill children. She’s also created T-shirt and bag designs for Super-Hope, which helps children battling diseases such as cancer to develop a positive mental attitude, and has painted shoes for Ayadi relief, a Bahraini youthled relief organisation. “I do as much as I can to give back to the community and that is usually with a paintbrush or pencil,” she says. Asked to choose a favourite among her own works, Ramah’s eyes take on a glimmer as she explains: “One that lies close to my heart is from a solo, Palestinianthemed exhibition titled ‘come and have a taste’, from 2012. “Originally hailing from Palestine, but never having set foot there, I researched the culture and learned of their folk songs, traditions and dance.” The image is of a group of women sitting together, central from one end of the canvas to the other, hoping to create a never- ending line, clapping, singing and drumming to traditional folk songs that speak of freedom, peace and hope. Traditionally inspired shuttered windows run vertically beside a line of olive trees - denoting hope and growth, as well as the possibility of opportunity. “This painting tugs at my heart strings because it goes to show that even after all the pain and struggle, they still choose to sing together and hope for better,” says Ramah. She is part of the growing subculture of talented artists gaining momentum in the art scene and says: “A lot of artists and creatives have emerged; now it's just a matter of time for the general public to take note and begin to truly appreciate art. “Hopefully they start investing, not just purchasing, and offer more creative jobs while appreciating the effort and flair that is put into each created piece.” As advice to aspiring artists, Ramah encourages them to never give up, even if people don’t like their work. “As long as you take yourself seriously and commit to your work and passion, the rest will fall into place. Confidence is the key element,” she says. Looking to the future, she will be curating a solo exhibition in a few months. She also hopes to do an artist residency anywhere in the world, and is currently trying to build her skills with digital art. “Basically, I just want to keep doing what I do, what I love, and hope to advance in it,” she says. You can see some of her work at an upcoming exhibition on August 27 at Malja, or view her Instagram page: @alhusseiniramah This gifted artist spoke to Puja Tiwari about her unique, sentiment-inspired work as well as the growing creative community in Bahrain. PEOPLE | interview Originally hailing from Palestine, but never having set foot there, I researched the culture and learned of their folk songs, traditions and dance.
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September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 42 PEOPLE | interview Having learned about real estate from her mother, Anastasia Ageeva has been in the business for more than 12 years. She heard about the Kingdom’s developing market and decided to pursue both her love of travel and a dream of living by the sea in the sunshine. She’s now been specialising in the Amwaj area for more than seven years and has seen many changes. She says: “It’s a unique experience to see an area grow and develop before your eyes, and I have a special love for our islands, being a true Amwaji.” Dealing in all manner of properties, from luxury villas to studio apartments, she looks after both sales and rentals as well as project management. And she is so enthusiastic about the waterside development, the Russian national is promoting it as an investment destination to her fellow countrymen. She says: “I’m encouraging Russian investors to the Bahrain real estate market. I was fortunate to be part of a government delegation from Bahrain on a visit to St Petersburg, Russia [her home city] and we hosted a return visit of an official Russian government delegation to Bahrain in April. “My goal is to show my countrymen the economic strength of investing in Bahrain and promoting this island’s lifestyle, being one of the top-ranking countries worldwide for expatriates to live and conduct business. Naturally we will be looking at Amwaj Islands properties foremost! “Amwaj is a unique paradise on Earth where all nationalities are united under the warmth of the sun in Bahrain and can enjoy the beach and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf – everyone is equal and happy! That’s very special, isn’t it?” And when she is not busy helping people find their perfect homes, Anastasia can be found pounding the streets pursuing her other passion - triathlon. This sometime model is not afraid to get sweaty as she runs, swims and bikes. She explains: “I am a passionate long-distance triathlete – swim, bike, run – repeat – and enjoy my daily training on Amwaj Islands.” She even has her own Facebook page dedicated to sport and healthy living at https:// www.facebook.com/bahrainsportsmarketing. Asked what motivates her, the immediate response is: “Child life! If I save one, I win. My supporters and I donate to: http:// operationchildlife.com/ “The doctors from RCSI travelling to underdeveloped countries are my good friends. Countries like Tanzania, Vietnam and the like don’t have developed healthcare and the mission of Operation Childlife is to deliver professional healthcare available in European countries like Ireland free of charge and to operate on children who need help. They don’t get paid for doing this, in fact they pay for their own travel to save lives. So I am helping with donations which buy them a ticket to travel and save a child’s life. Every small contribution matters.” For the future Anastasia plans to combine two more of her passions – beauty and growing orchids. She says: “I will find the most exquisite property in a prime location and create my spa, of course! I love beauty and wellbeing and introducing people to the idea. Naturally, I’ll have an orchid garden around it for sure!” To contact Anastasia for marketing/selling/ renting your property please email your information to [email protected]. g TRI FOR LIFE Following dual passions sees this real estate professional attracting investors to the island at the same time as helping save lives. Anastasia Ageeva
September 2016 44 www.womanthismonth.com FEATURE | luxury RETAIL THERAPY We love fancy shoes and high-end labels, which is exactly what you get when you head to Al Aali Shopping Complex. Favourites here include internationals such as Moschino and various options on Armani, from jeans to juniors, alongside the home-grown design team of Noon by Noor, whose refined aesthetic fuses understated luxury with a playful femininity with the emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail. Here too you’ll find Trousseau which has truly sumptuous bed linens and an absolutely gorgeous selection of gifts (which you might just want to keep for yourself). If you’re looking for an even greater selection of designer goodies, Moda Mall is the place to go – it even bills itself as ‘Bahrain’s Luxury Shopping Destination’. The aisles are hushed and the shops often appear empty but, we’re reliably informed, the island’s great and good pay many a private visit to the likes of Emilio Pucci at J Boutique, Gucci, Hermes and more. If you’re connected, the staff will, apparently, even come to your home – shopping, without the shop, now that really would be luxury indeed! THE CAR’S THE STAR From wedding cars to racers, vehicles certainly make a huge style statement. A few obvious names spring to mind when we think of luxury motors – Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Bentley and, of course, James Bond’s much-loved Aston Martin. But, in this part of the world, it seems it’s all about the Bahrain-backed McLaren Automotive. The handcrafted sports car manufacturer has seen sales across its regional network up by 70 per cent in the first half of 2016 and that’s with a price tag of USD187,000! This month we’re all about luxury. What do you think of when you hear the word luxury? Fast cars and private yachts? Louboutin shoes, pampering at the spa with diamonds dripping from your wrists, or maybe the finest of fine-dining. Well, whatever it is, our little island certainly knows how to do the luxe lifestyle. Read on for ideas on indulgence. The Luxe List Noon by Noor
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 45 ALL THAT GLITTERS It wouldn’t be luxury if we didn’t mention jewellery and there are plenty of options. Moda Mall alone has almost 60 brands represented from the giants of De Beers and Tiffany, to local companies such as Kooheji Jewellery, a family owned and run business that is very much on a personal footing with both its international designers and customers. The Gold Souq might not sound particularly glamorous but figures show that in times of uncertainty, such as the world is currently witnessing with the UK leaving the European Union, the impending election in the USA and the much weakened oil price, gold is seen as a reliable investment. Its price has rallied this year and experts expect more of the same so, it’s not just pretty, it’s also a good investment. Some would say having a piece of jewellery custom made is the height of luxury. If you’re one of them, check out Harmony Jewellers in the Gold Souq where Hussain turns his hand to creating some really beautiful pieces. Of course, if you’re shopping for jewellery in Bahrain, you cannot ignore the island’s history as a pearl diving nation. Bahrain, in fact, bans the import of cultured pearls in a bid to preserve this heritage. To own a Bahraini pearl is really something quite special, particularly if you have dived for it yourself, which it’s possible to do from both Al Dar Islands and Amwaj Marina. Don’t fancy getting your toes wet? Mattar Jewelers, in Al Ali Shopping Complex, has been dealing in high-quality Bahraini pearls for more than 150 years. TIME ON YOUR HANDS Many people cite time itself as a luxury, and what better way to express that than with a gorgeous timepiece? If the world’s most expensive watch, the Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette, (pictured) is out of your price range, at its current valuation of around USD30 million, never fear, there are numerous beautiful, but slightly more affordable, items being released every year from the world’s top watchmakers. Check out Asia Jewellers for a great selection such as Panerai and Raymond Weil. SAILS IN THE SUNSET On an island surrounded by water, it’s surprising how few of us ever actually set foot on board a boat. But it’s also one of the top fantasies whenever people are asked their idea of luxury. And surprisingly, it doesn’t have to be that expensive. Biss Marine at Amwaj Marina has an impressive array of yachts which can be hired for anything from a couple of hours to a full day for fishing, cruising or visiting the surrounding islands. Dig out that Pucci bikini and channel your inner film star. And if you really do want to go for the luxury travel option, check out privatefly.com, which charters private jets out of both Bahrain International Airport and Shaikh Isa Airbase Airport. BAHRAIN BEAUTY “The allure of the pearl has captivated the Queen of Sheba, Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great, all of whom are said to have worn Bahraini pearls. Their fabulous lustre is to do with the combination of the sea's freshwater springs that give the island Kingdom its name – Bahrain means ‘two seas’ in Arabic – and its warm, shallow, highly saline water. Whatever rare alchemy creates these lustrous objects, then as now Bahraini pearls are widely believed to be the best in the world.” Katherine Bergen writing in the Wall Street Journal in 2010.
www.womanthismonth.com September 2016 46 DINING Bahrain now has more restaurants helmed by Michelinstarred chefs than ever before. Choose Indian at Rasoi by Vineet at the Gulf Hotel; Italian with a menu from Oliver Glowig at Primavera at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain; or head to the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay for three concepts from celebrity favourite Wolfgang Puck – Cut, re-Asian and Blue Moon Lounge. However, Bahrain also has its fair share of homegrown favourites such as Masso, by chef Susy Massetti, where you’re likely to find yourself rubbing shoulders with the VIP crowd, and Maki, a regional favourite that’s recently expanded onto the London market. And if you fancy good old-fashioned comfort food, but still want to impress someone, check out the Wow burger at Plums at the Ritz (right) – it’s Wagyu beef topped with fois gras and is apparently the island’s most expensive patty! A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND? This whopping 80-carat engagement ring popped up online recently prompting mixed reactions. Some raved over its size, beauty and clarity. But at an estimated price of USD15 million and almost the size of a woman’s finger, more pragmatic observers asked whether anyone would actually wear it. What do you think, let us know at editor@ womanthismonth.com. HEAVEN AT YOUR FEET “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe Shoes, of course, deserve their own very distinct mention. Where would we be without them? Apart from barefoot, we’d also be bereft of Carrie Bradshaw’s obsession and the accompanying humour – “Please sir, you can take my Fendi baguette, you can take my ring and watch but you can’t take my Manolo Blahniks.” We would have missed Naomi Campbell tumbling on the catwalk in a pair of Vivienne Westwood five-inch platforms. The joy would be leeched from window shopping and the world would be an altogether darker place. Even Hanibal Lecter recognised the importance of good shoes – “You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well-scrubbed, hustling rube with a little taste.” So perhaps shoes should not be considered a luxury. But, we all know there’s shoes and shoes. There are those we wear to work each day, perfectly serviceable and probably rather smart. And then there are those we merely visit and dream over. We know they will be uncomfortable because Christian Louboutin himself told us so – “I would hate for someone to look at my shoes and say, ‘Oh my God! They look so comfortable'.” And yet, should the opportunity arise, we would snap them up in a heartbeat – Manolos (left), Choos, Loubs, Kirkwoods and Rossis – we love them all and, in this case, a little luxury is surely a very good thing.
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