Ohlala! Qatar April 2012

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NEW YORK BEVERLY HILLS MONTREAL LONDON PARIS MADRID TOKYO DUBAI MANAMA KUWAIT CITY

DOHA 00974 4450 7082

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Editor-in-Chief

Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Transforming Fashion

Editor-in-ChiefKirsty Edwards-Harris

s sure as the seasons change, so does life along with them. We move with

the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs that every day brings. This is the only

certainty in life; that things will change. To gain peace of mind, it’s essential to

accept this fact — to acknowledge it, rather than fight against it. It is not the events

that happen to us which are important, but our reaction to them. This is the only factor that we have control over; we cannot control our circumstances, or other people for that matter, but we can make sure that we work happily with whatever comes our way, and most importantly, learn from our experiences. As Deepak Chopra says, “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” Browse our Wellbeing section every month for tips and advice on achieving inner peace, whether it be through fitness, spa therapy or tried and tested classes.

Change can really only be a good thing, and we should embrace it with open arms. It stops our lives from becoming stagnant and stale, and brings with it a new vibrancy — a fresh take on life — a sense of renewal, as do the new seasons’ collections for our wardrobes! Our Style pages give you the lowdown on what to wear to keep you looking cool as the weather heats up, and the Ohlala! Signature Fashion Shoot takes you through a selection of some of our most wanted looks for spring from the high-end boutiques. Plus, we meet a rising star on the Doha fashion scene, Waad Mohammed. This designer is set for big things — watch this space…

Speaking of change, at Ohlala! last month we said goodbye to Judith Jones as she set off an a new life adventure. “Thank you from the Ohlala! team for your dedication — we’ll miss you.”

And, this month we say hello to a new contributor, Lisa Travell, a regular on the Doha media scene. You’ll meet her in the Ohlala! Qatar Highlights as she attends all the fancy soirees out and about town.

Our much-loved scoop for this month is an exclusive Ohlala! interview with free-spirited African icon, Angelique Kidjo, a vibrant and soulful singer-songwriter who uses her stardom to empower others and promote world peace — truly an inspiration.

We have some exciting features in the pipeline for May, so be sure to pick up your next copy of Ohlala!

Spirit Rising — Angelique Kidjo Exclusive

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Often a popular trend on the catwalks, Monochrome is definitely in this season. Take inspiration from the runways and update your wardrobe with these new black and white ensembles.

BLACK & WhITE

It’s the nature of mankind that some individuals are born leaders and others are followers. Ideally, whichever genre we find ourselves in, it’s in our interest that we all complement each other. Judith Jones chats to Amal Al Mannai, Executive Director of the Social Development Centre (SDC) in Qatar, who actively utilises her role to heighten awareness of the fundamental needs of individuals and communities within society; directing her leadership to wherever it can provide the utmost benefit to others.

CULTIvATIng COMMUnITY SPIRIT

STYLE WOMAn In POWER

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A free-spirited African icon, Angelique Kidjo is a vibrant and soulful singer-songwriter who uses her stardom to empower others and promote world peace. Kirsty Edwards-harris catches up with her ahead of her performance at the Arad Fort, in Bahrain on April 11.

SPIRIT RISIng

CELEBRITY SCOOP

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18 Ohlala! I April 2012 I www.ohlala-magazine.com

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80FASHION FASHION INtervIew FOOdINg

Step into the alluring world of prestigious high fashion, as Ohlala! takes you on an enchanting journey through the Spring/Summer collections in the opulent boutiques of the fashion world.

Über CHIC

whilst attending the 2012 doha Jewellery exhibition, edward Smith sat down with Swiss watch industry iconoclast, Jean-Claude biver, CeO and Chairman of Hublot, to discover more about this luxury brand.

treNd-SettINg tHe tIme

who can resist a perfectly frosted cupcake? this month Lisa travell takes one for the team as she ventures forth on a sweet tooth quest at red velvet Cupcakery at Katara.

red veLvet

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Editor-in-Chief Kirsty Edwards-Harris

Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang

Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker

Art Director Syed Muhammed Raihan

Graphic & Web Designer Rashed Bindaina

Feature ContributorsGiovanni

Judith JonesLisa Travell

Mobeena InamRozan Ahmed

Sari Mabire

Fashion ContributorsSamar @ IGlow

May @ Pace e LuceWael & Pace e Luce

Photography ContributorsAbshar PK @ Creative Design

Fritsche ‘Chai’ Bautista @ Creative DesignGeorge Mathew

Jerome @ Creative Design

General ManagerHussein Zreik

Publishing DirectorEdward Smith

Regional Sales DirectorLaura Alvarez

Sales & Marketing DirectorLeslie Garduque

Sales & Marketing ManagersSari Mabire

Victoria Ferraris

Brand Development ManagerZara de Haldevang

Personal Assistant to the ChairmanAniyan Varghese

Sales & Distribution CoordinatorSheree Lou Cabonce

AccountantGigimon Thankachen

Distribution TeamJayapragash Ganesan

RajeshVenugopal KP

Office PersonnelAbdul Kadar

Publisher & ChairmanMubarak Bin Rashid AL Khalifa

Printing PressDar Al Sharq

Distribution

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Enquiries

Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] General: [email protected] Publishing: [email protected]

Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 (Qatar) +974 3308 3071Postal Address: Ohlala! Magazine, The Nans Group, P O BOX 30378, Budaiya, Kingdom of Bahrain

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this

publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing and all of its publications cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.


LANDMARK MALL / 4487 7801 VILLAGGIO MALL / 4413 5021

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April 2012 Issue # 10BAHRAIN BD2 UAE DHS20 QATAR QR20 KSA SR20 EUROPE EUR4

Spirit Rising

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The Dior Garden Party

Angelique Kidjo Exclusive

ÜBer ChICFashion Collections

hot off The Catwalk

STylISh TrenDS

An Ohlala! Fashion Soiree

Setting the mood... the artistry of hair diva driver does fashion

touch up we LOve Fendi, oh yes we do!

cover creditSCarol for Roberto CavalliImage by George Mathew I www.greyimage.com

Über chic


Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-HarrisFashion Styling Assistant I Sari MabireModel I CarolHair Stylist I Wael @ Pace e Luce I +973 1753 3600Hair Styling Assistant I May @ Pace e Luce I +973 1753 3600Makeup Artist I Samar Al Hiddi iGlow Cosmetics I +973 3334 0666Fashion I Bottega Veneta, Dana Cloaks, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Roberto CavalliCar I Lexus GS350 I +973 17737 773 I www.lexus.com.bhLocation I Moda Mall +973 1753 5140 I www.modabwtc.com I Facebook.com/modamall I Twitter.com/MODA_Mall

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well hello Qatar! I’ve just started writing for Ohlala! and hope to bring you an entertaining column packed full of Qatar’s finest

highlights over the coming months. I’ve lived in doha for over four years now, so I like to think my finger is on the pulse of what’s happening where and when!

this month I had the privilege of a fully inclusive stay at the moon Palace resort in mexico with some wonderful friends that generously decided to share their timeshare weeks. Although I had a fantastic time, it meant that I missed the mesmerising Calvin Harris at the InterContinental beach party. I understand it was an amazing performance that saw hundreds of doha’s music lovers kicking off their shoes and dancing on the sand to his many hits. Still, I’m intending to catch danny rampling live at the grand Hyatt when he’s in town; at least I can don my dancing shoes, as it’s a poolside performance!

march was of course the month we celebrated mother’s day. I was treated to a wonderful brunch; the perfect way to have a good time, for me, always involves no cooking! St Patrick’s day saw doha’s Irish contingent paint the town green for a day and, as ever, the infamous Irish ball took place; always a night of jubilant festivity that normally ends with me thinking I have acquired the ability to Irish dance! However, I didn’t go along this time as a few of our wonderful Irish friends left in 2011 and I’m still in mourning, plus they used to get us the very hard to come by tickets, maybe next year!

Still, it appears that the ball season is upon us, so not to be left out we attended the england v Scotland ball at the marriott and literally ‘had a ball’ dancing along with numerous kilt clad men! this ball is an annual tradition that celebrates the england v Scotland football match; a friendly competition organised with players selected from the Qatar International Amateur Football

League (QIAFL). this year england were the victors so there was much rejoicing from england fans as we rarely get the chance to celebrate any sporting victory!

The Wizard of Oz came to doha in march, bringing not only dorothy in her sparkly red shoes but even toto the dog. A production run by doha Players, and directed by the wonderful Angela walton, it was a complete success that had us booing the evil witch and chanting whilst clicking our heels, “there’s no place like home.” You just can’t beat live performances and we’re celebrating that they appear to be on the increase.

Of course, I couldn’t resist a visit to the diplomatic bazaar at Katara that took place in march. Shopping is always a pleasure, and with stands from across the globe at one location, who could resist a whirlwind, worldwide spree. Just time to sample some delicious cupcakes at red velvet — check out Ohlala!’s Fooding section for my article, and then onto the Pearl in time to catch the world Powerboat Championships. who says there’s nothing to do in doha?

this month we celebrate easter, one of my favourite times of year, when you can quite legitimately eat copious amounts of chocolate without an ounce of guilt, well maybe just a tad. diet starts next month… see you then! EngvScot ball

English Roses at the EngvScot ball

Wizard of Oz

The ColumnTh

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Diplomatic Bazaar


Lisa

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out and about town in Qatar

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Stop by to savor one of our signature recipes or contact us for special orders and catering services. Whatever your flavor, Red Velvet will surely satisfy your cupcake craving.

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S T Y L ETIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS

Your spring Wish List unveiled, style tips for catwalk trends, fashion icon spotlight, celebrity looks & a rising star in Doha's designer scene.

Stop by to savor one of our signature recipes or contact us for special orders and catering services. Whatever your flavor, Red Velvet will surely satisfy your cupcake craving.

Katara Valley of Cultures, Building 24, West Bay, Doha TEL: 974-4408 0700 FAX: 974-4408 1655

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diorissimo, the Couture handbag for daywear, was designed in a spirit of heritage and modernity to echo Christian dior’s vision, “A daytime bag must be simple and modern,” he used to say. Available in a range of colours and fabrics to suit every personality, it’s a “must-have” piece this season.

Available from Dior

Quintessential Dior2

the WiSh LiSt

the world traveller is a hot trend for this season and the runway collection of michael Kors drew heavily on this inspiration. If you want to turn heads, this eye-catching tribal necklace will definitely do the trick.

Available from Michael Kors

triBal inFluenCe1

ralph Lauren’s Spring Summer 2012 collection has had us literally swooning with its opulent range of fabrics and detailed embellishments, especially the very feminine 1920s inspired looks. this enchanting dress will certainly set you apart from the crowd.

Available from Ralph Lauren

GatsBy Glamour5

the epitome of prestigious elegance, this Serpenti watch is a modern take on the bulgari heritage collection, resulting in a sophisticated and charismatic new jewellery masterpiece. It features a diaphanous pink gold double wrap-around structure, clothed in jet-black or eggshell-white scales set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

Available from Bvlgari

siGnature serpent4

3 Casual ChiC

tod’s aims to provide timeless, chic and stylish items that are made in a way that combines ancient craft with technical innovation. these elegant and versatile, gold roman style sandals can be dressed up or down for day or night — a great luxury buy.

The Ohlala! team is buzzing with excitement over the striking, high-end pieces from the Spring Summer 2012 collections — totally gorgeous!

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Style


ImmorTaLISIngI r I Sinspired by the inimitable style of fashion innovator and doyenne of ethnic embellishment, iris Apfel, Jimmy choo has created the ultimate homage to the grande dame of idiosyncratic fashion.

Leading the way with the global traveller trend, Jimmy Choo weaves the tribal and ethnic literally and decoratively into

its Spring Summer 2012 collection with IrIS, thus awarding Iris Apfel fashion’s highest honour.

Creative directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway took inspiration from Apfel’s maximalist style and bold layering of tribal and ethnic jewellery. Hand-woven in leather macrame, the IrIS sandal is embellished with multi-coloured resin ornaments, an ode to the magpie style of the sandal’s namesake. the same multi-coloured cascade of resin and woven leather also appears in similar splendour on HOLLY a flat sandal and XArA, a fringed bag with woven wooden beads, a tassel of resin chip ornaments, and multi-coloured chain-link strap.

Along with her husband, Carl Apfel, Iris set up the textile firm Old world weavers reproducing antique fabrics. It

soon became a firm favourite with the elite, including nine Presidents at the whitehouse.

Known for her flamboyant dressing, Apfel’s witty and exuberantly original style was singled out by the Costume Institute of the metropolitan museum of Art who devoted an exhibition to her fashion style entitled, Rara Avis (Rare Bird): Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection.

recognition is coming late in life for nonagenarian fashion icon Apfel who has been described as, “New York’s latest fashion muse”, and recently had a range of makeup colours named after her by mAC Cosmetics. “Inspired by a rare bird who has always been ahead of her time, mAC presents a colour collection featuring lipsticks, beauty powder and eye shadows with as much flair and joie de vivre as the woman who helped create it... Iris Apfel.” She will also be the subject of a documentary by famed filmmaker Albert maysles.

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Style


BlackWhite

often a popular trend on the catwalks, Monochrome is definitely in this season. take inspiration from the runways and update your wardrobe with these new black and white ensembles.

Get the

Look Monochrome

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UnIqUE LOOKS Jason Wu with a fresh take on the trend.

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StYLe tip Combine classic

monochrome separates or jazz up the trend with black and white

prints.

Black & White

Accessories

From the cAtwAlk to the MAlls

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MOnOCHROME Emporio Armani's catwalk was predominantly stylish black and white looks.

CelebWatch

Style

genesis rodriguez makes a statement in head-to-toe Salvatore Ferragamo at the film premiere of Casa De Mi Padre, in the grauman's Chinese theatre in Los Angeles. the American Actress chose to wear a striking, long strapless printed silk dress with plunging neckline, cutout on the waist and side slit from the Spring Summer 12 Collection. She paired the dress with a pair of turquoise leather sandals, with teal suede ankle strap and gold details, also from the Spring Summer 2012 collection.image by Wireimage

the Actress/model, Olivia wilde takes on one of Spring Summer 2012’s dominant trends — the ethnic print — at tod’s signature collection launch at the Italian embassy in Paris. She chose to wear a bold, floor-length vintage Oscar de la renta gown and compliments the look by carrying a signature tod’s clutch in black — a striking combination.

olivia Wilde

Genesis r

odriguez

Your most wanted fashion icons strutting there stuff on the style pages of Ohlala! every month.


Sarah Jessica Parker was one of many celebrities who flocked to the opening of the Louis Vuitton — Marc Jacobs: The Exhibition in Paris following the Fall 2012 presentation. the American actress looks very summery in this floaty Louis vuitton Spring 2002 dress. the white maxi dress with a floral print on the hem of the skirt is teamed with a ribbon belt and a silver necklace — very boho Chic

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the lovely iItalian actress, Carolina Crescentini attended the 2012 golden graal Awards held at the Hotel bernini bristol in rome where she won best Actress for Cinema. She chose to wear a pastel silk crêpe moschino dress from the Spring Summer 2012 pre-collection. She accessorises with a stunning bulgari evening bag in gold satin with light gold metal mesh, also of the Spring Summer 2012 collection and a Serpenti steel watch. the cream heels help compensate for the length of the dress, but for a leggier look, opt for an above-the-knee dress.image by SGP

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Style


waad mohammed has talent and ambition, two traits essential to succeed in the competitive world

of fashion. At only 26 years-old she has already achieved what most women spend a lifetime fantasising about. Showcasing her latest collection from wAAd designs at ZAI boutique is also a dream come true for her. She describes how fashion has always been a part of her life, and she speaks candidly about her mother’s influence and inspiration, “I have always had an interest in fashion since I was a little girl. I had a thing for dressing up in my mum’s clothes; I thought that my mum was the most stylish person on the planet.” Now the tables have turned and it’s waad’s mother showcasing her

daughter’s newest creations. “my mum always wears my designs and she always has my business cards in her bag!” waad adds laughing.

Success has been quick to follow wAAd designs but it was the woman behind the fashion label that essentially determined her own future. “throughout college I was designing for myself, my friends and my family, then when I graduated from college and I was looking for a job, there was nothing out there. everyone wanted experience and I didn’t have experience, I was a fresh graduate.”

realising that no one was prepared to give her a much-needed break into the fashion world, she boldly took fate into her own hands. “I thought, why wait for someone to hire me; I hired myself and I started this business.”

RisingStardoha’s newest

fashion designer, Waad Mohammed, has set her aims high, and after meeting her, Ohlala! are likewise convinced that the sky’s the limit for this Qatari prodigy.

“I had a thing for dressing up in my mum’s clothes; I thought that my

mum was the most stylish person on

the planet.”

Waad Mohammed

Waad’s designs incorporate a range of outfits from abayas to evening dresses, all of which are elegantly stunning. One can’t help but covet a collection that manages to unite timeless classics with modern designs, and Waad’s unique sense of style is evident across the entire line, from the small hand embellishments on a gown, to the bold statement pieces. The fabrics vary from rich heavy satin to intricately woven lace, in a range of shades from pastel peach to vibrant blue. In fact, fabrics are the main influence in Waad’s designs. “If I see a fabric I know what I want it to look like, that’s how I work. Sometimes I work with sketches first and fabrics later, but I would rather work with fabrics first,” she explains.

This latest collection is fresh off the catwalk as Waad’s designs were showcased, and sponsored by, the W Hotel in March in an elaborate fashion show that took over three months to organise. The impressive array of sponsors behind the show is evidence in itself that Doha’s community think this designer is one worth watching.

Among those supporting WAAD Designs was Zoul Projects, the production company responsible for the forthcoming fashion week at the Pearl-Qatar and Glow American Salon and Spa. Hillary Kozma, owner of Glow comments, “We were delighted at Glow to be asked to do the hair and makeup for the fashion show. Waad is a rising star, and the clothing was opulent. It was fun watching Waad in her element and we look forward to future collaborations with this talented young lady!”

Waad’s business is already expanding and she acknowledges that the eyes of the world are on Doha at the moment. “With the 2022 World Cup, Doha is growing so rapidly you have to try and keep up, which is good! Qatar has changed so much and fashion is such a statement right now. People abroad now see abayas as something fascinating, they don’t see them as just this black cloth like they used to.”

It’s obvious that Waad’s vibrant personality and limitless ambition is set to take her places, maybe even to the fashion weeks of New York, London, Paris and Milan. In the meantime, Waad has other major plans, “I hope to have my own shop and to retail in every big store like Bloomingdales and Harrods.” Watch this space, or alternatively the catwalks, as WAAD Designs intends on going all the way to the top.

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Art & Culture

Award winning poet Patty Paine, talks to Lisa Travell about the inspiration behind her book The Sounding Machine, and the newly released Gathering the Tide: An Anthology of Contemporary Arabian Gulf Poetry — the largest ever published collection of translated Gulf region poetry.

Poetry in

Motion

atty Paine was born in New Jersey, USA, to a Korean mother and

an Italian-American father. Yet growing up among such a confusion

of cultures proved inspirational for Patty. Her colourful childhood fuelled

her creativity and culminated in her exquisite and expressive collection

of poems, which recently won the acclaimed, 2011 Accents Publishing International Poetry Book Contest.

The Sounding Machine touches on many personal issues and takes the reader on an emotional journey, painting a painful picture of Patty’s identity crisis as a child growing up in America and her mother’s battle with cancer. Patty elucidates, “Some of the poems are about working through having a mother who’s

“Being able to write these poems has helped me work through a lot of things; I think there was a necessity to get the story out. So for me this was almost like a memoir in poems.”


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Korean and a father who’s American; some really dealt with that chasm between cultures, and how different my life was becoming from my mother’s life, the tensions and conflicts, and even sometimes the funny experiences.”

Keen, as a child, to embrace the “American” way, Patty speaks candidly about those conflicts. “I remember being embarrassed when my friends would come over and there was octopus and kimchi in the refrigerator, they didn’t know what it was and I just wanted American food. I really just wanted to be all American and that was hard for my mother.”

It’s obvious that there were some difficult and turbulent times in Patty’s childhood, and in fact, writing The Sounding Machine served as a form of therapy. “Being able to write these poems has helped me work through a lot of things; I think there was a necessity to get the story out. So for me this was almost like a memoir in poems,” she clarifies.

Patty has been writing poetry for over 20 years and holds the positions of both Assistant Professor of English and Assistant Director of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar). Rather than distract or detract her from her poetry her role at VCUQatar has actually ignited her inspiration. “I am really lucky that VCU is a school of art and design, so it’s naturally a really inspiring place to be with all

the creativity. There is always a creative fervor going on here, and even if it’s not strictly writing, it’s in the air and I see a lot of things visually around the school that are inspiring.”

It was whilst teaching a poetry class at VCUQatar that this talented professor decided to collate and co-edit another poetry book, however this was one anthology that had never been undertaken before. Patty explains, “When I taught my first poetry class here at VCU I wanted to use poetry from the region and I couldn’t find a single anthology on poetry from the GCC region. So I told that to my students on the first day of class and they said, ‘why don’t you make one?’”

With support from the Qatar National Research Fund, nearly a hundred poets, translators and editors, and after three years of hard work, Gathering the Tide: An Anthology of Contemporary Arabian Gulf Poetry was born. It was launched last month at a two-day event that saw poets from across the region gather to and discuss read aloud their works. Patty is understandably proud to have been a part of such a huge undertaking. “It really expands the cannon of gulf poetry in translation in a major way. Before there were just a handful of poems that had been translated. What we wanted to do was dramatically increase the amount of gulf poetry you could have access to, if you could only read it in English, so we are really proud of that.”

Poetry is Patty’s passion but she is a woman of many talents and it’s obvious that her instant likeability, coupled with her infectious enthusiasm, means she was also born to teach. Doha, as a community, should feel lucky that despite all the directions her roots could have taken her, she chose to settle in Qatar.

Woman in Power


It’s the nature of mankind

that some individuals are

born leaders and others are

followers. Ideally, whichever

genre we find ourselves in,

it’s in our interest that we all

complement each other. Judith

Jones chats to Amal Al Mannai,

Executive Director of the Social

Development Centre (SDC) in

Qatar, who actively utilises her

role to heighten awareness of the

fundamental needs of individuals

and communities within society;

directing her leadership to

wherever it can provide the

utmost benefit to others.

CultivatingCommunity Spirit

“Believe in yourself, in your abilities; designate your career path and move forward to try and capture the required weapons, which include knowledge, experience, ambition and recognition.”

43

The Social Development Centre (SDC) is a non-profit social and development organisation that aims primarily to develop family and community capabilities in Qatar. SDC is a member of the Qatar Foundation (QF) for Education, Science and

Community Development, established under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.

Amal Al Mannai is extremely pro-active and heavily involved in many aspects of SDC which comprises of several committees and enterprises. Alongside her primary title of Executive Director, her undertakings are infinite, and include an assignment with QFs Speakers Bureau Program 2011 to 2012; steering committee member representing the social aspect of Pearl GTL Sustainable Development Advisory Committee of Qatar Shell; member of National Human Rights Committee of Qatar; Vice Chairperson of AFIF Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises and an award winning representative of the Civil Society in Qatar — to name but a few of her attributes… and with just 24 hours in a day like the rest of us.

Congratulations on your award for Female Civil Society Leader of the Year at the Third Annual Tawasul CSL Awards. What does acquiring such a prestigious accolade mean to you?Amal Al Mannai. Thank you. For me it’s a matter of, “To be or not to be.” My guidance is the magnificent words of our prophet, “A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; his youth, how he grew old; his wealth, whence he acquired it and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.” So it’s a matter of how to be effective and how to achieve this mission.

What was your initial ambition when setting out on your career path? A.M. Social work and community development is the passion to serve and to give. To serve mankind, my country, my people, and to extend this passion productively towards community development.

What qualifications did you gain along the way?A.M. I began my career in community development with a Baccalaureus degree from the University of Qatar. My passion motivated me to seek further knowledge and I gained a High Diploma in Management at London University before graduating from the American University in Beirut with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, followed by many training courses, conference workshops, lectures and certification. It’s important to accumulate experience by communication and exchange amongst similar organisations both regional and worldwide, such as the United Nations and our status as a member in the Social Economic Council.

What are your main responsibilities as Executive Director? Which personal qualities contribute to enabling you to fulfil this role productively?A.M. The role of Executive Director means that I am responsible for any success or failure. I am involved in many administrative areas and my managerial skills need to be unlimited, including planning, organising, controlling, supervising, communicating and more. I must be prepared for all probabilities. I think success is achieved by utilising one’s personal qualities. In the field of social and community work, such skills as awareness, communication, genuineness, to be broadly open-minded and devotion and belief are a must.

How do you manage to efficiently coordinate your work for SDC, countless other humanitarian activities and family life, without jeopardising any of them?A.M. I can’t say I triumph on that! It’s no surprise that work orientated women sacrifice a great deal in their social life due to their public responsibilities. However, I think what I’m doing falls into the same circle and everything flows towards the same target. I am however trying, yes I am trying to find some time for personal, social and family obligations.

What inspires you?A.M. Many things. The way I grew up, my family, my father, being a woman, being given the confidence of Her Highness and the Board of Trustees. Also society’s recognition and of course the output of collaborated efforts of SDC and QF upon society.

As an advocate for women and children’s rights, what do you further aim to achieve within these areas? How best can individuals in society contribute? A.M. I really thank God that as a State we have a good infrastructure to achieve righteousness. Although I’m very realistic. I know it’s just a matter of time because as we deal with change we must realise we are dealing with many unforeseen factors and complicated issues. For example, mentality, customs, norms, and history. It’s a long process that requires the collaboration of society as a whole.

What experiences from living and studying overseas have contributed to your overall outlook regarding Western and Arabic Values?A.M. From an early age I’ve been travelling outside of Qatar. Knowledge is an accumulation of what you see, hear, read and the contacts you make. For me the boundaries are clear. I am proud of and I love my Arabic language; it’s rich in sound. However, I also like to speak foreign languages because for me language is a tool and a means to learn. I feel values have no nationality, race, epoch or geography… peace is peace, honesty is honesty, courage is courage. They are constant and the same everywhere. However, traditions and behaviours can be Eastern or Western.

What advice would you give to women who may wish to follow a similar career path as you? What challenges might they come across?A.M. Believe and trust. Believe in yourself, in your abilities; designate your career path and move forward to try and capture the required weapons which include knowledge, experience, ambition and recognition. With trust, self esteem and a clear target, there are no challenges. Everything is affordable to climb the mountain.

How do you plan to accomplish any future aspirations you may have?A.M. I have many dreams, however, as I currently do not own my time, it’s difficult to declare my dream but I am looking forward to saying “Khalas,” everything is done. For now my routine is working for SDC.

How do you relax when not working? Do you enjoy any particular hobbies?A.M. I’m not sure if it’s part of my duties or a way of switching off, but I have to follow up on what is going on in the world by moving through the TV news channels. I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and sitting with my family.

Is there a particular motto that you live by which inspires you?A.M. Besides that which I mentioned before, I believe that, “The road to success is always under maintenance.”

Celebrity Scoop


SpiritRising

A free-spirited African icon, Angelique Kidjo is a vibrant and soulful singer-songwriter who uses her stardom to empower others and promote world peace. Kirsty Edwards-Harris catches up with her ahead of her performance at the Arad Fort, in Bahrain on April 11.

Celebrity Scoop


G r a m m y A w a r d -

winning artist and UNICEF

I n t e r n a t i o n a l G o o d w i l l

A m b a s s a d o r , Angelique Kidjo

embodies the life and soul of Africa,

expressing its rich, cultural heritage in her powerful songs with surging samba beats, sophisticated jazz harmonies and expressive sound blends driving West African grooves. Known for her charismatic stage performances, Angelique has a contagious joyful spirit, which can be glimpsed through the fiery sparkle in her eyes.

An inspiration in her own right, among Angelique’s claims to fame is being named in the top 50 African Icons by the BBC, one of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in the world by The Guardian, and Africa’s Premier Diva by Time Magazine. Living life to the fullest, she has also sung for Nelson Mendela, performed on stage at the Official Kick Off Concert of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and at the 2011 Nobel Prize Concert. More recently, Angelique Kidjo released a new live album, Spirit Rising.

What can the audience expect from Angelique’s performance in Bahrain during the Spring of Culture? “A lot of energy and dancing, singing and joy! Please be rested before you come because I want you all to participate in my show! I will play songs from my entire career…”

Blessed with a natural gift, Angelique has been singing for as long as she can remember. “I started singing at the age of six, when my mom pushed me on stage to replace a sick actor in her theatre company. I can safely say that my mom and dad discovered my talent!” she tells us.

Traditional African music has been a heavy influence on Angelique’s style, especially in her early, more formative years, although later on her musical influences became more diverse. “My brothers were bringing home all kinds of music. Indian tunes were also very popular in Benin. I used to listen to Oum Kalsoum too! Then I started to listen to Aretha Franklin, Myriam Makeba and Bella Bellow (a great singer from Togo) among others.”

Drawing inspiration from real life and the wiser sayings of her country, Angelique has no particular favourite message she is trying to convey in her songs. She explains, “My main goal is to touch people's souls and empower them. For me, music is a universal language with universal messages. I hope it touches every person that comes to my show. We are one humanity and we need to realise it!”

Angelique has performed across the globe, bringing with her the spirit of her country. Commenting on her experiences, she tells us, “Every concert is different. One thing I never do is to take the public for granted. I always do the best I can to carry the message of beauty and warmth from my continent.”

Collaborating with numerous international stars has been an exceptional experience for Angelique, and one she is very comfortable with due to the diversity of her musical tastes. “Every artist is unique but we're all at the service of the song. African music has inspired a lot of styles from Funk to Rock and Salsa; this is why every time I collaborate with someone, it is not hard, it comes naturally.”

However, Angelique freely admits that the music industry can be a cutthroat one, coming with its many challenges. “It's still not easy today to be a woman in the music business. Being African doesn't help either because of the clichés that people buy into. People think we have to create music that is very traditional and conservative,” which for Angelique couldn’t be further from the truth as she, “loves to experiment with new sounds and instruments!”

As a Grammy Award-winning artist who appreciates every tribute that has been bestowed upon her, Angelique is often in

the limelight, how does she cope with stardom? “By never taking anything for granted. It can all change any minute. I am always looking at the next project, never looking back.”

Angelique was given the honour of performing on stage at the 2011 Nobel Prize Concert with three female peace award winners and a host of international music stars — something that she will never forget. “You feel humbled and empowered at the same time. It also reinforced my belief in the power that each one of us has to make a difference, if we choose to. It shows the world that women can play a big role in the effort for Peace.”

Angelique has been depicted as an activist but she describes herself as, “somebody who cares for every

human being, especially for women and little girls because I don’t want our destiny to be decided by others.”

A role model to all women, Angelique values humility and being thankful for what you have in life. Giving back to society has a special place in Angelique’s heart, as she believes that you can only get out of life what you put into it. “Somebody in your life has given you the gift of life and education to become the person you are today. It is a big chance and you have to be grateful. It's a circle in life: if you don't give, you don't get anything, any love.”

Putting her fame to good use, not only is Angelique one of the founders of the Batonga Foundation for Girls Education in Africa, she is also a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador. “My role is to help advocate their efforts for children's rights all over

“My main goal is to touch people's souls

and empower them. For me, music is a universal language with universal

messages. I hope it touches every person that

comes to my show. We are one humanity and we

need to realise it!”

the world. I travel a lot, speak with leaders and meet children and mothers all over my continent and beyond: I was in Mexico recently visiting a centre for abused kids. We’re making progress!”

Breaking down barriers and cultural divides is also high on Angelique’s agenda. “We are one people living on one planet and we don't have the choice but to live together. Let's make it a pleasant and wonderful journey.” The best advice she has ever been given in this regard came from her grandmother. “I learned that you can't be loved and accepted by everybody and it goes both ways! You have to come to terms with the fact that some people won’t like your music…”

And if Angelique Kidjo were granted one wish? “To live in a world of peace where everyone will accept and embrace their cultural differences.”

“I always do the best I can to

carry the message of beauty and

warmth from my continent.”

47

Celebrity Scoop


“Women can play a big role in the effort for Peace.”

49

AngelIque KIdjO & AsA tAKe BAhrAIn By stOrm

On AprIl 11 At the ArAd FOrt, BAhrAIn


Fashion

Photographer I George Mathew I www.greyimage.com I +973 3320 8003Fashion Director I Kirsty Edwards-HarrisFashion Styling Assistant I Sari MabireModel I CarolHair Stylist I Wael @ Pace e Luce I +973 1753 3600Hair Styling Assistant I May @ Pace e Luce I +973 1753 3600Makeup Artist I Samar Al Hiddi iGlow Cosmetics I +973 3334 0666Fashion I Bottega Veneta, Dana Cloaks, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Roberto CavalliCar I Lexus GS350 I +973 17737 773 I www.lexus.com.bhLocation I Moda Mall +973 1753 5140 I www.modabwtc.com I Facebook.com/modamall I Twitter.com/MODA_Mall

Step into the alluring world of prestigious high fashion, as Ohlala! takes you on an enchanting journey through the Spring/Summer collections in the opulent boutiques of the fashion world.

Über Chic

Louis Vuitton

& Dana Cloaks

Carol carries a bag & wears jewellery by Louis Vuitton, dress & abaya by Dana Cloaks.

51


Fashion

Fendi

Left: Carol wears a dress, shoes, bag & jewellery, all by Fendi.Right: Carol wears a dress, fur waistcoat shoes, bag & jewellery, all by Fendi.


Fashion

55

Dolce & Gabbana

Left: Carol wears a dress, shoes & jewellery, all by Dolce Dolce & Gabbana. Right: Carol wears a jumpsuit, shoes & jewellery by Dolce & Gabbana.


Fashion

BottegaVeneta

57

Carol wears a dress, shoes, bag & jewellery by Bottega Veneta.

Roberto Cavalli

Left: Carol wears a dress, shoes & jewellery by Roberto Cavalli.Right: Carol wears a dress, shoes & jewellery, all by Roberto Cavalli.


Fashion

MarcJacobs

Carol wears a dress, shoes, bag & headpiece, all by Marc Jacobs.

Fashion


Fashion Interview


Mention the name Mulberry to any lady who delights in the subject of handbags and see her face light up. For decades, Mulberry has been synonymous with the most wanted accessories and more recently with a prestigious womenswear collection. Emma Hill, Creative Director and immensely talented lady behind the scenes at Mulberry, chats to Ohlala! about life at the helm of one of the world’s most iconic brands. Fortunately Emma never gets tired of talking handbags!

The BeautifulBag Lady

“The first designer handbag I ever owned was Mulberry! That’s

when my love affair with Mulberry

started, all those years ago.”

63

Fashion Interview

During her childhood whilst dressing up in her mother’s clothes, as all little girls love to do, Emma Hill first discovered her love for fashion. However, not all little girls grow up to head a design team as Creative Director for an

internationally renowned luxury label. “To be able to design and create both womenswear and accessories collections is a dream of mine. I’m so lucky to be able to do this at Mulberry,” says Emma.

Born in the UK, Emma followed her passion for fashion by studying art at Wimbledon School of Art before graduating from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication where she studied fashion. Upon graduating Emma landed a job at Burberry, which set the path for her foray into the world of designer labels and deluxe design, after which her CV establishes her rapid rise to designer elite.

During her stint with Burberry, New York was calling. Waving goodbye to London, Emma took her talent to the Big Apple and designed accessories for Liz Claiborne; there was no turning back as Emma took opportunities to design for Marc Jacobs, Gap, Temperley, Reiss, Marks and Spencer and Chloe before taking over the coveted role from Stuart Vevers as Creative Director of Mulberry in 2008. “I gained a lot of great experience from a lot of great places,” admits Emma.

What personal qualities does she feel helped contribute towards her success at Mulberry? “I joined with a very clear vision; it was important to me that we retain the DNA of the brand but deliver it with more confidence and personality. Having grown up with Mulberry I felt I understood what it could be and what an English brand should be.”

Despite her previous experience working at major fashion houses, it was still a little nerve racking joining Mulberry. “When I first joined Mulberry in 2008 the economy started to look gloomy, which was awful but also ironically perfect timing. As the markets collapsed the attitude towards superficial luxury went with it, consumers gravitated to brands with more authenticity, practicality and longer lasting value as well as products with personality and versatility,” claims Emma. Fortunately consumers didn’t stop buying luxury goods and

kept on investing in the well-crafted handbags that Mulberry are famous for.

Emma‘s love for the Mulberry label began long before her role as Creative Director. “The first designer handbag I ever owned was Mulberry! I used to walk past our first store in Gees Court, London and press myself up against the window drooling over the Black Scotch Grain Clipper, at the time I thought it was the epitome of luxury. I saved every penny I had and bought it… I had to have that bag! I was stopped in the street on so many occasions — that’s when my love affair with Mulberry started, all those years ago.”

Mulberry is celebrated for its seasonal themes that serve to inspire each new collection. Emma’s inspiration might come from a film, such as Fantastic Mr Fox, as seen throughout AW 2011. “It could be a film that my son has seen and loves, or it could be an old film from years ago that the team stumbles across! We often choose some images from photography books and other influences like natural elements, such as flowers, to help inspire the colour palette — put them all in the mixing pot and out comes the collection!”

The AW 2012 has been influenced by friendly monsters. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ collection was inspired by Maurice Sendak’s children’s book and later the film version. “We’ve used furry textures, earthy, natural tones and overlaying multiple print combinations. One of our best collections to date! We also took inspiration from Tim Walkers’ film, The Lost Explorer and


its ethereal styling. The late night adventures, vivid imaginations and world of the English boarding school girl are all there in the womenswear collection.”

Mulberry is a quintessentially British heritage brand, which is designed in the UK and where a proportion of the bags are made; an uncommon factor regarding luxury brands. “Of course, working for such great American houses has always been an influence in what I do. I’ve always said I was born in London but made in New York!” Emma relates, “I feel it’s quite simply the Britishness that people love; a draw towards a classically practical and put-together look — very British! We believe it’s really important to research and cater for an international market, but we also believe that it’s our Britishness that people want to buy into and we don’t want to dilute that. We’ve designed exclusive products for specific markets and each carry the heritage DNA

of the traditional Mulberry bag but have localised twists that resonate with a local market.”

Mulberry also has an exciting womenswear collection, although it’s the bags that are at the forefront. Emma tells us, “It’s understandable that the bags take centre stage; they have been hugely successful and they are always at the heart of what Mulberry does — we started as a leather goods company and we are proud of that, we never pretend otherwise.”

Does Emma ever get tired of talking handbags? “Never! Every season we introduce a new bag family to the Mulberry tree and we are very excited this season about the launch of our new girl, the Del Rey. We have a lot of fun revitalising the classics, which keep them forever evolving and the new collection of accessories for AW 2012 is in my opinion, the most exciting yet!

As far as juggling family life with a high profile career, Emma says, “Mulberry is my family! If I’m at home or at work — I’m always with family.”

Mulberry is available at 1, La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar.

65

“I feel it’s quite simply the Britishness that people love; a draw towards a classically

practical and put-together look — very British!”

Trend-Settingthe time

For those to whom this name does not resonate, Biver is the first to integrate a luxury brand into the world of football. In 2010 Hublot claimed the historic titles of first "Official Watch" and

"Official Timekeeper" for FIFA, after just having been chosen as the "Official Watch" of Formula 1 by Bernie Ecclestone. What a better venue than Doha, rising up as a global sports hub, to introduce some Hublot’s latest creations. Among the new models being launched this season is the impressive King Power Red Devil, which incorporates actual grass from the Trafford Stadium. Yes you read this correctly, actual blades of grass in the watch itself ! This creative masterpiece

reflects the philosophy behind Hublot: the fusion between watch making culture and cutting-edge technical developments, between the past and the future…

When asking Biver just how it is possible to have green grass inside the case, he explains, “It took Hublot six months of development to stabilise the plant material and its original colour — including against UV and temperature differences. The freeze-dried blades of grass were coated with a special transparent lacquer to secure them permanently.”

But really, having plants in a watch, does it have a concrete purpose and isn't it a bit futile? “The industry evolves through the years, from back in the late eighteenth century when watch making was more of a science of producing highly precise,

Whilst attending the 2012 Doha Jewellery exhibition, Edward Smith sat down with Swiss watch industry iconoclast, Jean-Claude Biver, CEO and Chairman of Hublot, to discover more about this luxury brand.

Ex

Cl

usi

vE

Fashion Interview


the time

ultra reliable timepieces, up to today, where the focus is more on the artistic aspect of the process. Art in the sense that it makes us dream and brings us up into the world of irrationality,” adds Biver, with his fiery enthusiasm.

Biver knows exactly what is talking about; he is a sort of guru of the modern horology who introduced some of the most innovative materials into the watch world such as carbon fibre, zirconium, magnesium and the revolutionary movement called UNICO, which places Hublot at the forefront of the modern watchmaking industry — this movement can be compared to the best possible engine to power a racing car.

With around 50 exclusive boutiques around the world, Hublot is moving fast. “People in the middle East are “watch conscious”. They

"People in the Middle-East are

‘watch conscious’.They like big

watches that look powerful."

67

Big Bang Tutti Frutti Caviar

King Power Red Devil

like big watches that look powerful. They always considered that watches express your status and personality and as a result they have a true appreciation for watches. The watch consciousness of these mature consumers makes the market quite vast with a need for constant creativity.”

Whilst sitting on the Almajeed jewellery pavilion — Hublot‘s Exclusive distributor in Qatar — it was time for me to ask the master watchmaker his opinion about the new edition of the Doha jewellery and watch exhibition. “The 2012 edition, attracts a large number of key figures and decision makers, which together with the value of goods exhibited, place this fair among the top five most important in the world. The Doha exhibition has become a MUST for the industry.”

"The Doha Jewellery and watch exhibition has become a MUST for the industry"

Fashion Interview


Mr Jacques Tedeschi, Mr Biver, Mr Ahmad Al Majed, Mr Yousseff Akeel & Mr Nasser Al Majed.

Brasserie time out doha 220x 142.indd 1 3/21/2012 4:33:24 PM

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Brasserie time out doha 220x 142.indd 1 3/21/2012 4:33:24 PM

Ruyan Add for March Syed.pdf 1 2/28/12 7:44 PM

B e au t yWHAT'S HOT AND NOT

The hottest new beauty products from the Spring Summer 2012 collections, plus exclusive beauty tips from Dior.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

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fash ion gourmet i n t e r i o r i ndus t r y ae r i a l p roduc t s. . . . .P H O T O G R A P H Y

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ohlala ad .indd 1 2/1/11 11:43 PMohlala ad .indd 1 6/2/11 5:21 PM

BeautyBuzz Quench Your Skin’s

ThirstChanel introduces two pleasurable skincare formulas to dress your skin every day, specially tailored to satisfy every desire, meet every need and suit every season. Both come with a fragrant bouquet of tenderness, perfectly matched to the fragile skin of the face. With Hydra Beauty Crème and Gel-Crème, glamour goes hand-in-hand with performance. The two formulas moisturise, protect against damage and pollution, and beautify skin every day, thanks to the very best of science and nature, captured in the two star active ingredients at the heart of Hydra Beauty.

Celebrating 30Inspired by 30 years of innovation and groundbreaking DNA Research, Estée Lauder unveils breakthrough results from the brand’s unprecedented Clinical and Sensory research on Advanced Night Repair conducted around the globe on over 500 women of all ages and ethnicities. Research included an Unprecedented 12 Month Clinical Study, which yielded extraordinary results proving women continued to experience a dramatic reduction over the 12 months in major signs of visible aging with use of Advanced Night Repair. As the anti-aging benefits continued to improve, skin looked smoother, younger, more radiant and healthy-looking, demonstrating why women around the world simply wouldn’t trust their skin to anything else. Now available in a special limited edition bottle.

Your Little SecretBobbi Brown's Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 gives skin a fresh, dewy and healthy looking glow. Over time, it also helps undo the visible signs of ageing, smoothing out lines while firming and lifting skin’s appearance. Consider it your little secret to perfect skin.

“The signature of

Chanel: a delicate, ultra-feminine, soothing

scent with vibrant, sparkling fruity notes and

the caress of woody, powdery white

musk.

DELICATE AURAVariation in the fresh air. Layers of chiffon in bright sunlight. Bare feet brushing long grass. The glow of dawn on the skin. Chloé's signature scent opens a new chapter in its story. An aura delicate as a breath of air. Like the original fragrance, this unique eau suggests rare elegance and surprising modernity.

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This foundation is a miracle — in one

product you get SPF, moisture and perfect coverage. It’s easy

to apply and instantly makes skin look

smooth and even.” Bobbi Brown.

“

”

“Free, spontaneous, radiant

femininity. Meet L'eau de Chloe”

Colour PlaySupreme pigmentation, maximum coverage and immediate seduction, Rouge Artist Intense marks the comeback of real lipstick with long-lasting hold. It is a collection of highly-pigmented lipsticks that deliver ultra intense colour. Its rich and creamy texture glides effortlessly on the lips, guaranteeing moisturising comfort. Available in 50 dazzling shades and three finishes (Matte, Satiny, Pearly), Rouge Artist Intense makes it possible for every woman to get a supremely glamorous smile for that wow effect. Fun, creative, edgy and definitely an art — let your creativity glow with Rouge Artist.

Beauty

Celebrate fantastic spring florals, as Ohlala! brings you beauty tips from Emmanuelle Geoffrey, Christian Dior’s Regional Pro Makeup Team Artist.

This spring, Dior breathes the scent of liberty and youth over bucolic spirits. A creation in pastel shades, invented by Tyen, is incarnated as a fantastic garden, where flashes of festive violet and floral

green exhilarate romantic hearts. This extremely light version of pure sophistication is presented in delicate, hand-finished pieces. Whether it be couture, jewellery or make-up, "Luxury accepts all the vagaries of the imagination," said Christian Dior. You are hereby invited to the Dior Garden Party.


GardenPartyE

mm

anue

lle G

eoffr

ey

Healthy glowing skin begins with a good skincare regiment. Start by cleansing the skin with Dior’s Instant Cleansing Water to get rid of impurities. Apply an even layer of One Essential Serum, and finish with a hydrating cream. Always be sure to remove all traces of makeup before going to sleep.H

EA

lTH

yG

lo

w

For a modern smokey eye, the new Spring Look plays with all tones of greens, from

garden to forest greens, enhanced with touches of purples and pinks. When

creating a smokey eye, begin by using a light, iridescent shade all over the lid.

This adds volume, relief, and fullness, which reflects light and enhances features.

Then apply the darker shadow on the crease and corner of the eye to make

them appear bigger and longer.

TH

E

sMo

kE

y E

yE

For a fresh look, sweep a thin layer of a medium shade from Dior’s Spring 5 Colour Eyeshadow, 5 Colour Garden Pastels for warm skin tones and 5 Color Garden Party for cool skin tones. Sweep Skinflash under the eye to instantly awaken the eye, and apply blush to the balls of the cheeks extending to the temples. Finish with a pink or coral based lipstick.

FR

EsH

FAC

ED

Use eye shadows shades that are the opposite of the natural eye colour, this will make the eyes stand out. Blue eyes look good in browns, green eyes with purples and brown eyes in blues and greens. Generally, women in the Middle East tend to have warmer skin tones, which are complimented with corals, blues, and brown colour eyeshadows. For women with cooler skin tones, shades that work best are pinks and purples.

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Finish the look with the new Diorshow New Look mascara for that “wow” effect. Diorshow New Look is a makeup revolution. For the first time ever all the tips and techniques of Dior fashion show makeup artists and skincare benefits are in one mascara. The nano bristles are perfect for ultimate precision when applying.

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A common mistake for correcting eyeshadow and mascara smudges is to use makeup remover, however

this may remove more makeup than expected.

Instead, take a small amount of foundation

(same shade as face) on a Q tip and remove the

smudge delicately.

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Always apply foundation by starting in the centre of the face and blending outwards. Remember to apply foundation under the eyes so there is no need to apply so much concealer afterwards. If using a concealer, make sure that it is not too light or it will give the eyes a “raccoon” effect in photographs.

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Wellbeing


To GymTo Gymor Not

okay, so you know keeping fit is good for getting that body you always wanted and also for your health and vitality but, and it’s a big but, you really just can’t face doing hours of monotonous exercises at the gym. what’s the solution? Ohlala! takes advice from certified strength and conditioning expert, Craig Bunting, Head Tutor at liA-Qatar, the first full-time Fitness Certification Academy in the Middle East.

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There are a lot of women who hate the gym and won’t go near it. It doesn’t matter that exercise is good for them. It’s kind of like the doctors and nurses you see smoking outside the hospital on a break. It’s not the smartest thing you can see them do, and not a good

image to be sending out to the people who see them.Add to that the social pressures that women often feel to meet

societies high demands of looking a certain way, and it’s plain to see that women are in a tough situation.

This is especially true when a person doesn’t feel comfortable using commercial gyms. I’ve known lots of women over the years in the exact same situation; for one reason or another they just don’t feel happy, but the fact remains that the pressure for women to look a certain way still exists, as well as the fact that they know all the health benfits that come with exercising.

wHAT is THE AnswER?Quite simply there is no quick fix for this. There are many trainers who would tell you to get over your fears, and get on with it. But for those who wouldn’t accept that, there are a few options that can be considered.

The most important thing you can do is never give up. Keep trying to find your ‘thing’. The thing that is going to help you feel good about yourself while you build the best body you can.

BuDDy uP Partner training is often the answer for women in this situation, as the company of a friend, or like-minded person, can spur you on to achieving your health and fitness goals. Social support has been quoted by some of the Fitness Industry’s top experts as being the number one key to a successful programme.

TAkE GRouP ClAssEs Group classes are great in many ways. They provide a fun and motivating environment for people to participate in, and a chance to meet and talk to people who are going through similar experiences as you. Choose something you find fun that will keep your interest up such as dance, martial arts or Kangoo Jumps.

HiRE A PERsonAl TRAinERSeveral factors must be considered, but this could be the perfect solution. Some people love the fact that they don’t need to leave their home where they feel safest and everything they need is close at hand. Providing you have the space to do some effective exercise, and some basic equipment you can easily get a good workout this way, and all with the expert supervision of a Qualified Personal Trainer who will be able to keep you motivated.

Join A TEAMGoing to the gym is not the only to keep fit, aside from the numerous varieties of fun group classes you can take, there are a myriad of sports you can do to keep you active. Think about netball, swimming, tennis, rollerblading, hockey, skiing/ snowboarding, ice-skating, or rock climbing.

Wellbeing


For a wonderful compliment to every slimming

goal, head down to the ozone Gym

and spa at la Cigale Hotel.

TheSlimmingexperieNce

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“While the experience is an invigorating one for the body and skin, you are also left with a relaxed feeling of wellbeing.”

When Ohlala! was invited to review the Ozone’s Slimming Treatment Package, we jumped at the chance — slimming benefits without toughing it out at the gym — what woman wouldn’t want to try this?

After discussing the treatment with our Therapist, we found out that the package enhances the ability to slim the entire body, but is most effective when combined with a healthy eating and fitness regime.

The guest is first treated to a special body scrub product, which aims to exfoliate and soften the skin, while acting as an anti-oxidant. The scrub, consisting of Dead Sea salt, apricot oil, flower petals and orange essential oils has a very appealing scent. Using very firm scrubbing movements, the therapist massages the mixture into the skin, making sure to pay attention to problem areas, such as knees, ankles and elbows. The process improves circulation and leaves the skin with a pleasant tingling sensation.

After showering, an invigorating slimming massage is then carried out which targets cellulite, breaking down fatty deposits in the tissue. You can definitely feel the effects of the massage,

and afterwards you are left with a feeling of wellbeing as endorphins are released into the body.

The special slimming body mask is a pleasant experience, as the cold paste of self-heating agents and guarana extracts is applied to the skin, immediately warming it. This activates the slimming process, promoting the elimination of toxins and relaxing the body. You are then left to rest for 20 minutes while the mixture works its magic.

An oil with lavender, lemon and geranium extracts is then gently massaged into the skin, which has a soothing, healing and relaxing effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing. Finally, target areas such as stomach and hips are treated to a slimming cream containing ingredients such as caffeine and citrus lemon. The cream assists in slimming and firming the skin, helping to diminish cellulite.

While the experience is an invigorating one for the body and skin, you are also left with a relaxed feeling of wellbeing. We would recommend having the treatment as an aid to slimming, along with your healthy eating and exercise plan, which the Ozone Spa will be able to assist you with.

TOP TIPCombine the Slimming Treatment

Package with the Anti Cellulite and Slimming Machine Treatment; a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment to reduce cellulite, drain, firm and relax the body in order to reshape the most

difficult fatty areas. While uncomfortable at first, within time it becomes a pleasant, almost

addictive experience due to the high amounts of endorphins released

into the body during the treatment.

VELVETRed

Fooding


Who can resist a perfectly frosted cupcake? This month Lisa Travell takes one for the team as she ventures forth on a sweet tooth quest at Red Velvet Cupcakery at Katara.

Cupcakes are making a

comeback, and it’s time to sample some of Doha’s

finest.

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Fooding


he small spongy ‘fairy cake’ of yesteryear has been reborn; gone are butterfly winged embellishments and sickly buttercream. Even the once trendy muffin has been tossed aside as cake cravings all over the world are satisfied with a more

perfectly formed and frosted counterpart; cupcakes are making a comeback, and it’s time to sample some of Doha’s finest.

Red Velvet Cupcakery at Katara; it even sounds delicious. It’s evident as you arrive what the main feature is on this menu, as glass topped cupcake

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Red Velvet is a fun cafe, a great

place to meet friends for a

sweet treat and a catch up.

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styled tables and cushioned red chairs flank the entrance to Red Velvet, beckoning us in to sample their sweet fares.

Once inside you are literally transported to cupcake heaven. Decorated in red and white, this trendy café even features a red sloping roof with strip lights representing a sprinkle topping. All around the walls are circular or oval backlit shelves showcasing all manner of cupcake paraphernalia, and the furniture here is identical, except that many cupcake style stools are aptly topped with soft red velvet. There’s even a small flowered courtyard area should you wish to enjoy a cupcake ‘alfresco’.

The cakes themselves are displayed in a glass cabinet in tempting rows of gooey goodness, and with eleven flavours on offer, there’s something for every cupcake connoisseur. Luckily I’m not alone in my sweet tooth quest, so calories and cakes can be shared in order to taste test more. I dive straight in and opt for Devil’s Food, and it proves to live up to its name. A sure fire hit for diehard chocoholics, this rich buttermilk cake is topped with a Valrhona bittersweet chocolate ganache. As if this glorious offering isn’t decadent enough, flakes of 24-karat gold leaf leave no one doubting that this is the cupcake dreams are made of.

My partner in crime is a peanut butter nut, so she predictably selects the Peanut Butter Cup. Moist and creamy this buttermilk delight has chocolate chips blended into its base and the peanut buttercream topping sports a slightly salty and sweet taste, which really works, and leaves us arguing over who gets to savour the last crumb.

Dying to try Red Velvet’s “signature whipped cream” we continue with Southern Belle. It’s a taste sensation; a light chocolate base topped with moreish cream cheese, which has been whipped until it’s light yet still deliciously creamy. This is one for those with a real sweet tooth as it’s even topped with granules of pretty pink sugar.

Pausing for a beverage before just one more enchanting treat, I partake in a perfectly frothed cappuccino and my partner chooses from the vast selection of teas, beautifully presented in an authentic wooden box. Fully refreshed, and in truth, completely full, we are still determined to finish with the Featured Flavour, which changes daily. Today’s offering is a coconut cupcake with a toasted marshmallow crown, although the lightest of all the cupcakes we sampled, its sticky topping proved too much and

defeated us both. Red Velvet is a fun café, a great place to meet friends for a sweet treat and a catch up, or take your children along and watch their eyes widen in wonder at the setting and their mouths open with hunger at these clever

creations. The only problem you will have is choosing which cakes to sample on your quest. May the force (to resist eating too many) be with you!

There’s even a small flowered courtyard area

should you wish to enjoy

a cupcake ‘alfresco’.

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RESERVATIONS: 4494 8888, www.fourseasons.com/dohaWHEN: Wednesdays. 7pm until 10.30pm

Afternoon teAWHere? tHe St. reGIS, DoHA

Astor Grill signature restaurant unveiled...

This is a very important month for the St. Regis Doha. As well as mark-ing its opening to the public, this also marks the arrival of some great new eating spots. What better way to discover this hotel than head down for the ultimate cup of traditional afternoon tea. Choose from the selection of 99 teas — the widest selection in the city — indulge in some finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and Easter macaroons in the Sarab Lounge while overlooking the gorgeous views. Also watch out for the hotel at the IWED event on April 4 to 7. Sarah Haywood, the inter-nationally renowned wedding planner, will be hosting an exclusive clinic in the week of the event.

Latino nights...

The Four Seasons is inviting its guests and friends to head down to the Churrasco nights on their private beach in a gorgeous Brazilian setting with even more delicious dishes. Friends and family can dine together over a selection of traditional cuts of chicken or beef, all cooked to per-fection and served from the traditional meat servers, the ‘passadors’. As well as an extensive salad buffet, you also get given a quirky custom on arrival. Each guest is given a two-coloured wooden coin. While the meat is carved, simply display the green to continue and the red to stop!

RESERVATIONS: 4446 0000, www.stregis.com/dohaWHEN: 3pm until 6pm

CHurrASCo on tHe BeACHWHere? tHe four SeASonS Hotel DoHA

Fooding


Dining Hot Spots

RESERVATIONS: 4419 6100, www.renaissancehotels.comWHEN: Mondays to Saturdays. 6.30pm until 11.30pm

ultImAte BrAzIlIAn experIenCeWHere? renAISSAnCe, DoHA CItY Center Hotel

Brazilian Churrascaria delights...

Despite the fact that The Renaissance Hotel has only been open for six months, this hotel now has eight dining venues offering delicious cui-sine to tantalise your taste buds. The newest addition, Ipanema, offers diners the authentic Brazilian culinary experience with its tasty offerings and new Brazilian band, Tocandira. Here you can really set your senses on fire with an assortment of sizzling meats, spicy Linguica, juicy Pican-ha, char-grilled chicken and lamb cooked on an open pit. There are also a variety of salads, sides and desserts, including the legendary Crème de Papaya.

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Majestic monuments have been the inspiration for myths, poetry and stories since time immemorial. Surrounded by an air of magical mystery and located in the city of Granada in Spain, the Alhambra is unquestionably a monumental masterpiece. Mobeena Inam explores…

Capital of the Muslim empire that ruled Spain for almost seven hundred years, Granada is no ordinary city. It is blessed with a rich history, the imposing Sierra Nevada mountain range and a glorious Mediterranean climate.

Granada is situated in the scenic province of Andalucia in Southern Spain and is easily accessible by air, train or car from most major Spanish towns and cities.

The Alhambra palace and fortress complex, majestically positioned with views of the mountains and the city, is located on a hill named Al Sabika. Now the most popular tourist attraction in Spain, and a World Heritage Listed site with UNESCO, it was built in the fourteenth century during the Nasrid dynasty as a residence for monarchs and castle to protect the Islamic empire. Named “Al Qalat al Hamra”, the red fortress, due to its red clay buildings, this is one of the best-preserved Arab palaces of its time and a specimen of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of what was once Islamic Spain.

Once past the long queues to the entrance (it’s definitely advisable to buy your tickets in advance!) one cannot help but

MajesticMystery


Travel

87

be impressed by this most exotic and elegant of buildings. Have your camera ready and brace yourself to behold the lavishly decorated walls with Arabic calligraphy and inscriptions, intricately carved alabaster ceilings, delicate wooden framework, richly coloured tiles and sleek marble floors. Who could resist gasping at such spectacular beauty, marveling at the perfect opulence of the detailed artwork? It certainly is amazing how painstakingly this was done more than five centuries ago, without the technological aids we take for granted today.

Elaborate, decorative motifs of exquisitely tasteful plasterwork adorn the arched ceilings, giving the effect of stalactites in a limestone cave, which you won’t be able to take your eyes off. Brightly coloured mosaic tiles decorate the walls, more comfortably, at eye-level.

Walking through the maze of halls and rooms in this palace — overlooking cobblestoned courtyards, lush gardens and the hills beyond — easily transports you to an imaginary world of Arabian Nights in a bygone but glorious era. The Patio of Lions is a magical courtyard with a centrepiece fountain of twelve lion statues, cascading water from jets in their mouths. This white marble fountain is one of the most important specimens of Muslim sculpture.

The Alhambra is actually a complex of buildings, towers, fortresses and courtyards, set amidst lush gardens with breathtaking views. Its beauty lies not only in the spectacular architecture and artwork adorning it, but equally in its strategic position on a hilltop overlooking the River Darro and the entire city of Granada. The Generalife garden is without doubt the highlight of this magical destination. Planned to perfection, it is full of flowers and cypress trees interspersed by angular ponds with flowing fountains. Such was the care taken in its design as a leisure retreat for the kings of Granada, that it was named “Jannah al Arife”, Heaven of the Architect, and this was later anglicised to Generalife. All in all, if anything could possibly justify boasting, then it would have to be a visit to the magnificent Alhambra!

Motoring

Ohlala! was invited to attend a thrilling Ferrari event at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, and who was the fortunate one to get behind the Ferrari California wheel? Your very own Diva Driver!

Ferrari — legend of the sports cars, exciting, exhilarating, super sexy, breathtaking, awesome and fantastically fast!

Diva Drives

Sari Mabire Diva Driver with Marc Gene F1 test driver


FERRARI CAlIFORNIA 2012My first taste of the Ferrari California was admiring the stunning exterior of the car, the sculpted and fluid lines; equally striking with the top up or down. On entering the car you are greeted by high quality leather interiors and a general feeling of lavish luxury, fitting for a Ferrari.

Next on our adventure was to be taken for a drive around the circuit by one of the Ferrari Corse Pilota instructors. That was a splendid introduction to the stunning Ms California but much more excitement was soon to follow. We continued with a lesson from the Ferrari instructors, showing us how to get the best performance out of the car, however getting into to the drivers seat of the absolutely gorgeous California was the moment I had been waiting for. First, adjust the seat and steering wheel to your liking and, according to the instructor, the best position to drive a super sports car is very close to the steering wheel — old granny style! That might come as a surprise to many, but sitting closer you have more control over the car.

After pressing the engine start button the rumble of the V8 under the bonnet gives you thrills in anticipation of the drive to come. The engine produces a whopping 483 hp (I say prancing horses!) and once you put your foot down on the pedal, it will take you from 0 to 100-kilometres per hour in 3.8-seconds! Whoohooo!

One can drive the California in an automatic mode but I opted to keep to the manual sport mode and learn from the experts. Attempting to keep everything in mind that the instructor had covered earlier, I set off around the circuit.

The California is just superb to drive, the handling is so smooth and precise, and the car is also extremely responsive to the driver’s commands. Changing gears with the paddle shifts is very easy, and overall the California is pure driving pleasure and

a lot of fun. You just want to keep driving, and hope that you have a 1000-kilometre road trip ahead of you.

I was also taken for a drive around the circuit by one of the Ferrari F1 test drivers, really excellent fun — and boy — did he make the driving look easy, all the while chatting about the way the Ferrari team works and the close relationship between the drivers and the development of the cars technology; implementing it from the F1 race cars to the street legal cars. Very interesting!

Next up was trying the California on the wet course, and that’s where I understood what stability and traction control really are. At first you drive the car in the comfort mode, which means that all the systems are activated. The twists and turns were effortless to tackle, and with the instructor urging me to accelerate in every turn, the car stayed true to the course and didn’t slip and slide at all — very impressive. With the sports mode there was a definite difference in the way the car behaved, with some sliding in the tight curves, but the car was still easy to handle. The last mode was with the CST completely off and that is when the driver’s skills — or lack of them — will come into full play. It was a lot of fun to drive in that mode and the car felt steady at all times, but I did manage to do a 360-degree spin at one of the turns… I guess I better stick to the comfort mode when driving in slippery conditions!

Now, off the circuit and into the real world: Is the Ferrari California suitable for normal life? Indeed it is. The California is at the same time a comfortable GT, and yet unmistakeably a Ferrari, a fantastic combination. Is it a car for women? Absolutely! But be warned, you will be forever fighting with your partner, and your dad, and your brother about who gets to drive it! Do I want one? Oh yes, please!

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Motoring Promotion


BMW 3 SERIESSince the launch of the BMW 3 Series back in 1975 the car has gone from strength to strength becoming the world’s best selling premium car having sold over 12.5 million cars over the years, and it continues to be the best selling model series for BMW globally with more than a quarter of all BMW’s sold being from the 3 Series.

Now in its sixth generation, what is new about the 3 Series? It is bigger, sportier and more dynamic, and it’s the first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury — three individual design personalities for the exterior and interior. It is easy to customise the car to your own personal preferences with a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants available.

The new powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette. Inside there is a noticeable increase in space, which means considerable benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.

BMW have always been experts in drive and chassis technology and this is demonstrated by the

agility and driving dynamics which are outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of three powerful engines: the 335i six-cylinder, the 328i and the 320i four-cylinder, all with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and TwinPower Turbo technology is available on all three engine options. BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment, offering more EfficientDynamics technology making the new 3 Series more economical and lower in pollutant emissions comparing to the previous model.

BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes the new Driving Experience Control switch with four driving programmes allowing the driver to select between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving. A new feature on the 3 Series is the ECO PRO mode, which helps the driver maximise fuel economy through learning their driving style, thereby enabling the driver to increase the distance the car can travel on each tank of fuel.

Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, there are features that give both the driver and the passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable. The new BMW 3 Series offers connectivity for mobile phones, and rear view cameras, which makes parking the car into tight spots very easy. Altogether the new BMW 3 Series reflects more pure driving pleasure.

For pure driving pleasure look no further than the new BMW 3 Series. Diva Driver Sari Mabire talks you through the bigger, sportier, more dynamic and luxurious car.

eleganTly dynamic

T + 9 7 4 4 4 6 9 4 5 0 0 | F + 9 7 4 4 4 6 9 4 9 0 0info@creat ivedesignqatar.com | www.creat ivedes ignqatar.comAziziyi, Salwa Road, Al Waab Showroom Building, 1st Floor Almana Motors

FILM & VIDEO PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION FACILITATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

3D ANIMATION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SALES | MARKET RESEARCH AND MYSTERY SHOPPING BRANDING & IDENTITY | ADVERTISING AND MEDIA BOOKING | MARKETING AND M E D I A C O N S U LT A N C Y | O N L I N E M A R K E T I N G / E - M A R K E T I N G

WEB DEVELOPMENT

BRANDING & GRAPHICS

Gadgets

Do you struggle to wake up every morning? Ok, so how about an alarm clock that you don’t want to throw across your room… say hello to Yung-Hsun Chen’s wonderful invention of a wake-up call that requires no batteries or wires. You simply just stick the clock to any glass window and the link solar panel lines on the back keep it charging all day long. Unhook it at night and use it as a nightlight and a clock. Once the dreaded alarm has gone off again, first thing, put it back in its charging pod. Brilliant? Absolutely!

The hello! SunShine! AlArm CloCk

GadgetGirl

Everyone is secretly a little bit of a gadget geek — here is just a pick of the best that every woman will find a use for…

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have surround sound in every room of the house, there is always an alternative product on the market that can fill the void. This little winner is just perfect for the tub. In the shape of a water lily (how appropriate!), the speaker by Lim Loren will sync with your smart phone so you can sit back in the bubbles listening to your favourite songs. The speaker also creates small ripples in the water to mimic sound waves — if you weren’t sold on that idea already!

The loTuS BAThTuB SpeAker

best for — some ‘you’ time

We have all been there, gone to write something very important down on a scrap piece of paper and then find that our whole bag is full of them… Well, let me introduce to you the Livescribe Smartpen. A pen that records everything you write and hear so you never miss a word. Not only that, but the software that comes with it saves your notes and recordings to your computer via Bluetooth so you can edit, save or share them whenever you like! This isn’t just a clever pen, this is a “must-have” that will never leave your fingertips.

The liveSCriBe SmArTpen

best for — never missinG a thinG

best for — those morninG blues

Zara de Haldevang Gadget aficionado


S H O P PI N GWHERE TO SHOP AND WHAT

Noudar’s Timeless Treasures

Clive Christian IMPERIAL MAJESTY perfume was launched at Pari Gallery, Lagoona Mall last Month

Imperial Majesty No 1 — a creation of British perfume house Clive Christian — is the world's most expensive scent, with just 10 units of its kind ever made.

Seven pieces were sold to anonymous perfume connoisseurs around the world at a price of US$340,000 (Dh1.2 million) each: one is on permanent display in Harrods of London, while another resides at Bergdorf Goodmans in New York.

"The piece on tour has been elevated to priceless status," says Victoria Christian, daughter of the fragrance and furniture design legend, "and it was be in Doha for the first time, as a celebration of our 10-year partnership with Paris Gallery."

In fact, the price has more to do with the rarity of the ingredients, which includes 50-year-old Indian sandalwood and Tahitian vanilla that takes six months to crystallise before it achieves the desired cherry-like spice. The creative process is equally unique, with a triple-extraction method used to derive the purest, long-lasting scent.

Recently, the first collection pieces were launched on the Al Fardan Jewellery stand at the Exhibition Centre. Do not miss the chance to become the proud owner of one of Noudar’s timeless treasures. A true work of craftsmanship!

Clive Christian THE world's most expensive perfume unveiled in Doha

Victoria Christian and Salman Abdul Rahim Ms. Noor Alfardan

Mr. Ali Alfardan

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HaPPeNINGSWHO WHAT WHEN WHERE

Happenings

ExHIBITIONS FROM VCU QATARApril 1 to 19WHY GO? With a large number of continuing exhibitions taking place throughout the month, you are almost spoilt for choice! April 1 to 19 is “The Beaded Prayers Project” at the Gallery at VCU Qatar. Launched in 1998, this is an international collaborative project to celebrate diversity and unity through art form. From April 1 to 11 is the “Retail Without Walls” at the Arab Museum of Modern Art. This is the chance to get a close look at new kiosk design projects that help encourage retail designers. April 19 is a date to mark down; this is the thirteenth annual Fashion Show, celebrating the work of students and designers. This event brings spectators from all over the region to admire the collections from aspiring fashion designers. Clothes galore? Yes please.

AprilIWED WEDDING SHOWApril 4 to 7WHY GO? Marking its fifth edition, this international and highly popular wedding show is set to take place at the Doha International Exhibition Centre. Launching with a “new identity”, this glamorous exhibition, accompanied this year with a live fashion show, is hoping to bring in visitors from all over the world. Georges Saliba, the COO of Qatar Expo, hopes the event will, “put Doha on the map as a fashion capital of the Middle East.” People will get the opportunity to sample unique, high-end products and services with international designers including Vera Wang and Robert Abi Nader as well as stylists such as Franck Provost. What could be better? Brides and grooms to be can organise their perfect wedding all in one place!

44652 02111

Doha International Exhibition Centre

www.qatar-expo.com

QATAR PHIlHARMONIC ORCHESTRAApril 4 to 21WHY GO? Calling all music lovers! The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has a jam-packed month. April 1 sees the ‘Music with Movies” Night at 7.30pm where clips from film classics will be projected on a screen throughout the duration of the music. April 4 is “Around the Arab World in 80 Minutes”, where violinist and composer Maias Alyamani and several of his colleagues will perform a selection of new music. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto will be performed on April 5 as part of the Thursday orchestral evening and Hassan Moataz El-Molla will be the soloist. Dmitri Kitajenko returns to conduct a blockbuster program on April 14 with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony and one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s last, great symphonies, the Linz. April 21 is a night of Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite alongside Qatari composer Haamed Naama’s Alnaham Voice.

4454 8193

The Opera House at Katara Cultural Village

www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar

www.qatar.vcu.edu

4402 0555


Happenings

Katara Cultural Villageapril 1 to 30WHY gO? This seems to be the month to catch some of the best artistic events in the country. The Katara Cultural Village is hosting a number of evenings, from theatrical performances of Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Drama Theatre (April 1 to 2) to a whole host of exhibitions. One of worthy note is the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois’s work. One of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, Louise unfortunately passed away two years ago and this month is one of her work’s first showcases. Consisting of 32 pieces spanning from sculptures, installation works, gouaches and fabric pieces, the work on show is just a small pick of her 1947 to 2009 collection and is dominated by dualities and polarities, active and passive and mixed genders.

4408 0000

Katara Art Center, Building 5, Katara

ww.katara.net

Peter FisKapril 15WHY gO? Said to be the world’s most inspiring Business Strategist and Marketing Guru, Peter Fisk is set to give an all-day seminar at the Renaissance Doha Hotel, where he will explore the challenges and opportunities for Qatar businesses, brands, leaders and marketers. With a focus on four major themes — winning, higher, faster, stronger — he will also introduce the necessity of the twenty-first century business toolkit, a “must-have” set of practical tools for making smarter ideas happen faster. The idea of the seminar is to help individuals visualise a greater future for their careers and businesses. This will be an extremely important event for any business woman, from CEOs to Consultants, Marketing Managers to Entrepreneurs, be sure to book your slot before they all get taken.

4436 4901

The Renaissance Doha Hotel

www.networkqatar.com/marketinggenius / [email protected]

MuseuM OF islaMiC art exHibitiOnsapril to JuneWHY gO? Although seeming a lengthy period of time, this particular exhibition, entitled “Gifts of the Sultan”, deserves enough time to be appreciated by everyone. 200 objects, many or which have never been showcased before, will be featured, all representing a rich variety of examples from the eighth-century to modern day. This exhibition is the third stop, with previous locations being in Los Angeles and Houston. Loans from major collections worldwide, such as Berlin, London and Istanbul, will all be open to the public. The exhibition is split into three sections: personal gifts, pious donations and state and diplomatic gifts. The museum is also planning an extensive education programme and workshops for all ages. Admission is QR25, students and children are admitted for free.

4422 4608

Museum of Islamic Art

[email protected]

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BuSINESSORolls-Royce collects Global and ReGional awaRdsRolls-Royce Motor Cars, the sole dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Qatar, recently won a whole string of laurels for its performance last year. The awards, that were presented during the Rolls-Royce World Dealers Conference, were held at New York’s Trump SoHo Hotel. The Conference is a yearly get together for all dealers of the ultra luxury brand in which strategies and successes of the past year are merited according to achievements. The automotive name was awarded two worldwide recognitions for Best After Sales Provider as well as Highest Total Bespoke Revenue Per Car. Regional wins included Best Accessories Performance as well as Chris Wiglinsky being named Sales Manager of the year for the Middle East region.

new audi a5 now available in QataR Calling the attention of all car lovers, especially those who have a soft spot for Audis, you can now get your hands on the refreshed A5 model series. Available in showrooms all over the country, the Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet models all set new standards for sportiness and efficiency. The new family also shows the ever-expanding portfolio for Audi’s commitment to creating better engines and systems, as well as their pledge to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing their CO2 emissions by up to 18 percent. The revised design gives a clear visual expression with a new high-gloss, black single-frame grille and bumper among others. Audi continues to be one of the best automotive names across the Middle East.

FiRst cheF’s table at the w doha hotelNew Executive Chef, Ramon Salto presented his first Chef ’s Table at the W Doha Hotel and Residences to a table of VIP guests including the Peruvian Ambassador, dignitaries from the French Embassy, the hotel’s General Manager, Safak Guvenc and the Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Wael Rashid. All of the guests were treated to Asian specialities, served up with a Spanish flair by the new Chef. Safak Guvenc stated, “We are delighted to have secured the services of Chef Ramon whose visionary cooking matches the contemporary view of the W Doha. Marrying the exotic to the classic, he has devised a stunning menu that was applauded by our guests, and which reflects the true flavours of the cuisine of the Spice Market.”

success FoR the PeaRl-QataR uiM PoweRboat GRand PRixSponsored by The Pearl-Qatar and organised by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), The Powerboat Grand Prix proved to be yet another top success this year. This event marked the kick off of the 2012 uIM Class 1 Powerboat Racing season. His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of QMSF staged the opening round of the Championship, where spectators could marvel at the boats first-hand as well as revel in the action taking place on the big screens inside the restaurants and cafes on the island. The uIM Powerboat circuit takes competitors around the globe with races in Norway, Italy and the uAE.

euRo MotoRs wins toP custoMeR satisFaction awaRd The official importer for Ferrari in Bahrain, Euro Motors, has been awarded with the top award of Best Customer Satisfaction in the region. Based on the results from a Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted through a series of interviews with Ferrari customers in the Middle East and Africa region during 2011, the award goes to show the increasing reputation of Euro Motors. The Customer Satisfaction Award was presented to Euro Motors at the Ferrari MEA Importers’ Meeting recently held in Doha. Ferrari is one of the world’s most popular names in the automotive world; it is no doubt that Euro Motors prides this award and aims to continue with its success.

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Sailing Arabia — The TourThe first leg of the yacht race, Sailing Arabia, concluded under moonlight at The Pearl-Qatar. The race then took on the longest and most challenging leg to Abu Dhabi covering 296 kilometres.


Anima Gallery and Lounge OpeningFull of VIPs and famous Qatari artists, such as Ali Hassan, Amal Al-Aathem and Yosef Ahmed, the Anima Gallery opening was a huge success where even Ivana Trump was one of the special guests. British Artist Jason Martin also made an appearance to witness the new addition to Qatar’s art scene.

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Calvin Harris at the InterContinental BeachWorldwide phenomenon Calvin Harris hit the beach of the InterContinental Hotel to put on an incredible set of his biggest songs. This event brought together a huge crowd, all obviously eager to party away to some of the best music to have come out in the last year.

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The Dhamiya International Art Exhibition

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A creative art exhibition showing the talented creations of nine students from Dhamiya’s Art Studio drew in an interested crowd at the Fraser Suites Doha Lobby. Artist Dhamiya Brandone also displayed 15 pieces of her inspiring creations.

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Loewe ‘Made to Order’ EventSpain’s most luxurious label launched their unique collection of Made To Order bags. Customers get to choose from many colours and skins to customise their own unique item. This is a great chance to turn some heads with some hot new designs.

This was truly an evening to remember as every woman had the opportunity to feel great about themselves while being treated to a manicure, hairstyle and makeover. Fashion advice was given by Patrese Essel from Shapes Image Consultant, coaching the women about their personal styles.

Express Yourself at ZAI


Thai Food FestivalThe Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel, in cooperation with the Thai Embassy, held a night filled with delicious Thai dishes. The recipes were all hand selected by the Chopstick’s chef and food was enjoyed all round.

Lebanese singer, Elissa, made an exclusive appearance at the fifth Jewellery Exhibition. Now the face of many brands, including being the Brand Ambassador of Corum Watches, Elissa is known worldwide for her talent.

Guest appearance of Elissa Khoury

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New Nissan Infiniti ShowroomInfiniti, one of the fastest growing Japanese luxury automotive brands in the region, opened the doors of its new showroom. Car lovers gathered to check out the new 2012 Infiniti FX, a model also seen at the Motorshow earlier this year.

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Horoscope

March 20 – april 19

april Happy Birthday Ms AriesSpring is very much in the air and heralds new beginnings for many of you this April. This month sees you finally acting rather than always threatening to act as you set the wheels of change into motion where a dream or idea is concerned. Your sign is often in two minds when it comes to most things — you cannot help it, this is just your nature — but as the month unfolds, reflection finally acts as the catalyst to inspire physical and constructive action. Get that planned or long talked about project off the drawing board and give it some legs! Feed the thought and you will be far from disappointed. On a more sober note, a sick relative could lead you to question your own efforts within the family and you might feel you should be contributing a little more. Just don’t allow your guilty conscience to get the better of you and force you to yell at the wrong person.

aries — at a glanceAries is the first sign of the Zodiac and is often associated with pioneers and the pioneer spirit. This makes them born leaders and solid performers, even under the most harrowing of situations. They are fearless and brave, if a little headstrong and will always fight for any cause they believe in. They are extremely forthright and outspoken and always enthusiastic. On the negative side they are restless and often hot-tempered if they do not get their own way. Also, whilst they make excellent leaders they are not such good followers and do not take orders well.

FaMOus ariansBette DavisChristian SlaterDiana RossEddie MurphyElton JohnFrancis Ford Coppola

Heath LedgerKate HudsonLeonardo Da VinciMariah CareyQuentin TarantinoSteve McQueen


taurus (april 20 – May 20)April comes filled with the promise of adventure and creative development as you decide to re-immerse yourself in a project that you have perhaps ignored for some time. Suddenly you will start to feel your imagination fire and a new energy put spark to the potential you know has always existed within you. Take heart from this

development since it could mean the start of great things — especially in the work place — where a significant but personally beneficial change is strongly indicated. On the home front, a planned holiday may take a surprise turn for the better when an unexpected discovery leads to a little more extra money in your pocket than you might have imagined.

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geMini (May 21 – June 20)April will see you reach an emotional peak in a relationship as you witness past hardships or troubles with a partner finally disperse for good and a new development emerge that brings the two of you closer than ever. The first steps down this road of “romantic promise” might not be

as easy as you first believed and you will both have to deal with some particularly deep soul searching and even one or two painful admissions. Still, you should accept the truth, for it will lead you beyond your current crop of difficulties and into a period of serenity and satisfaction. If you are planning a holiday of any kind, be sure to shop around — the first price might not be the best in this case, no matter how good an initial quote sounds.

CanCer (June 21 – July 22)Something weighs rather heavy on your mind this month and you might find yourself feeling slightly shackled or restricted by certain people close to you. Make sure you stamp your own authority on the situation bothering you most otherwise matters will quickly move out of your

hands! As it is, April does not look like arriving in the best fashion for you, with the early part of the month seeing you involved in a rather serious disagreement with a partner. Things will improve around the April 17 but only if you let the firmer side of your character to the fore, and allow it a little time to breathe. Overall you need to keep your head in the right place if you are to emerge unscathed.

leO (July 23 – august 22)April will prove to be a very good month for many of you and there is every indication that a trip overseas will leave you with some memorable moments to ponder over — especially in the area of relationships. You could find yourself encountering romance in a very unlikely setting

and some highly charged emotions might be set free in what promises to be a most enlightening period of your year. Work will also feature highly towards the end of the month, with a task you thought successfully completed returning to haunt you in the form of a loose end you overlooked. The blame may not be entirely yours but unless something exists in writing you should prepare to take the flack because the guilty party is unlikely to own up — even if you know who the person is!

VirgO (august 23 — september 22)Soul searching will be something you are engaged quite a lot in over the first few months of 2011 as the reality of your future becomes more apparent. It might seem initially daunting, but in the long run you will no doubt reap the rewards and by the

end of the year, not only will you be a very different person, you’ll also find yourself in a very different place to the one you start the year in. On a different note, a male dressed in blue will make his way into your life around the third bringing a smile to your face, but be careful not to trust everything he says until you have properly analysed the situation. Finally, your stand out month is September in matter of finance.

VirgO (august 23 — september 22)Curiosity killed the cat, or so the saying goes, but that may not be enough to dissuade you from following your nose a little farther than is advisable this month. Overhearing two relatives talking at a family gathering sees you getting the taste for gossip and you will soon be helpless to

resist the temptation of pursuing the subject matter further. Where you might come unstuck is with someone not willing to reveal what they know, leading you to be exposed for committing such unnecessary snooping. The best advice is simply stay away. Ignore or conveniently forget what you hear. You can’t always be in on everything no matter how much you try, so just accept that certain things are not for you to know. Otherwise, prepare to face the embarrassing consequences.

PisCes (February 19 – March 19)If you are hiding a secret from a loved one then brace yourself in April, as the truth is about to come out. In some respects, if you have the opportunity to reveal all before all is discovered, then do so; it will make life much easier in the long run. No one likes to be deceived, but they like

it even less if they discover the truth from someone else! April is also a time when tears will be shed over a disgruntled relative who strikes out unfairly against you over matters concerning money. Stand your ground, otherwise your feelings will be trampled over without a shadow of guilt. Finally, news from overseas could lead to an impromptu visit so make sure you have the space ready for extra visitors

aquarius (January 20 – February 18)The rocky road ahead in April twists and turns without much of a clear view and there will be more than a few surprises lurking beyond your field of vision. You may find that there is an avenue for change — perhaps in most cases for the better — in the work environment. As April is

typically a month that favours Aquarians because of their affinity with Aries, the omens are good for most of the choices you will be presented with and a contact in the office may help you reach your ambitions. If a relationship has been giving you cause for concern, then now is the time to seriously consider a clean break.

CaPriCOrn (Dec 22 – January 19)If you have been going through a difficult emotional time lately, then April offers you the chance to finally break free from the chains and reclaim your life once more. It could well be that you need a confidence booster and this may come in the form of an admirer, who has been waiting

in the wings for some time and is now ready to make a move. Even if you feel unsure about a proposal for dinner or some similar advance, put your uncertainty behind you and take the chance. You won’t regret it. For a few, it could even be the start of a much bigger event so there are a lot of positives to take from the situation.

sagittarius (nov 22 – Dec 21)The coming month sees you drawing into yourself and reflecting greatly on a past relationship that still features in your thoughts. Loved ones — a young girl in particular — also rest heavily on your mind and you are left questioning a financial decision you have made in relation to this area.

You may feel somewhat isolated from a partner’s activities in April and a moment put aside to remind those closest that you need attention will not go unheeded. A row over a missing garment will set your household into turmoil around the April 23 and you should think hard about laying down the law, if you are called upon to be judge and jury.

libra (september 23 – October 22)Something is coming Libra, something uncomfortable and not exactly what you are expecting but nevertheless, and quite regrettably, it has you in its sights. The last few months since the start of 2012 may have seemed disjointed and unpredictable and April is about to deliver the culmination of these events with some particularly turbulent episodes.

Firstly, an unforeseen re-shuffle at work will see your position change dramatically and even force you to believe that enough is finally enough. Also, a partner’s depressive mood swings could lead to conflict within a relationship and concerns at work are likely to make you less tolerant. If there is a good side to all of this, then it is simply that the remainder of the year promises much better and the scales will tilt a little more in your favour from May onwards. Positivity is definitely the order of the day!

sCOrPiO (October 23 – november 21)April is a good month if you have plans to visit the bank manager for a loan or seek to expand a business venture. However, put your intended plans together well because funds will only be given to the intelligent, thought out proposal. If you are considering a move of house, then get all

the advice you can find before even taking the first step. A potential pitfall is waiting for the unprepared! Any investments — especially those overseas — should be monitored and if the chance arises for a quick sale then take it. Red signals an argument over a clash of outfits and the number four rings a change in a working environment.

Another whirlwind month, in association with food poisoning. Which (let me tell you) decided to kick off whilst en route to the airport. There was no possible way for delay, and so, there I was. On a plane.

Crying. Borderline screaming. Wait for take-off. Then, scream. Staff take me to the first class section (where nobody was) so I could freely wail and beg for mercy without disturbing everyone else. As my insides turn into some kind of excruciating fireball. Five hours later, I'm whisked off the aircraft in a wheelchair. Taken to the emergency medical centre in Dubai's International airport. Put on a drip for a few hours. Escorted to my next destination. Bed ridden for three days. Straight back to work. One of the most painful experiences in the history of life. I exaggerate, not.

The cause? A salad. And not just any salad, but a salad from the fanciest of Nairobi restaurants. Indeed, the irony. I proudly spend most of my mealtime in smaller, wholly local spots (where the food's always exceptionally good), only for my stomach to witness its near end by a restaurant claiming 5-star excellence. Moral of the story: The rich can still be cheap.

Anyway, as you've probably gathered, I'm now in Dubai. Estelle was here, that was lovely. I had meetings, that wasn't as lovely. Michelle Rodriguez is on her way, which is great. We're about to visit Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which is greater. More on the Middle Eastern escapades, next month.

Before this Dubai stint, was Kenya. I had travelled to the East African gem (for a ninth time in 15 months), to attend uN Habitat's Youth 21 conference in partnership with the united Nations Development Program and the Norwegian Government. Four days of non-stop engagement with young global leaders from across every continent to essentially develop a terms of reference for the Secretary General's Advisor on "Youth". The post was created as part of the uN's decision to provide young people with an "official voice". I was impressed, truly. Emmanuel Jal opened the activity most powerfully, highlighting young people's front line relevance throughout history; most potently, through today's use of social media.

My only qualm (and you know, there's always a qualm) was the conference's literal omission of the arts. Young people's global influence is led primarily through creative

endeavours in music, fashion and other key entertainment facets. So, that was odd to me. As always, I expressed my opinion, and, as always, will continue to, with the utmost diplomacy — of course.

Pre-Nairobi was time wonderfully spent in non-other than the Kingdom of Bahrain. I...am.. .absolutely. . .ecstatic...to hear that Formula 1 is officially ready to go. Here's some even sweeter news: I'm sure you all recall bougi's best in Grand Prix e n t e r t a i n m e n t back in 2010...Well. That's pretty much ready to go also (go on, start dancing). Green Bar's amazing beauty products are now a part of Kempinski's Spa. Brilliant. My good friend Melissa Van Maasdyk's publication Street Smart Bahrain was beautifully launched and now available for all you Kingdom lovers to embrace and enjoy. Indeed, the air of entrepreneurship, creative sass and community uplift is alive and kicking, punching and rising. Winning. Yes, see you on the racetrack.

Rozan is an international PR consultant, writer, speaker & youth empowerment advocate. Visit: www.rozanahmed.com Facebook: bougiface Twitter: @IamRozan

Your monthly musings with Rozan Ahmed.

The Perfect Kind of City: Nairobi, Kenya

Street Smart Bahrain: The little book of everything,

has arrived

Global Pizzaz, local Glory: Green bar, at Bahrain's

Kempinski Hotel Spa.

Youth 21: Global platforms, youthful decisions, officially

considered.

liFestylelowdown

The Column


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Ohlala! Qatar April 2012

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