Avenue T Volume 2 Issue 38

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, January 31, 2015 | Volume 2, Issue 38

A kiss from a rose

Contents

AvenueT inside...

Editor

5

Riding in the Ritz

Editor’s note 8

Veranda gardens

Zafar Sobhan

Features Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Asst Magazine Editor

Mahmood Hossain

Avenue T team

Khan N Moushumi N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa

Contributors

Tahsin Momin Tasmia Momin Dina Sobhan Adila Hoque Agony Aunt

Photography Tasmia Momin

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

Shekhar Mondal

Advertising

Zia Ur Rahman

Production

Masum Billah

Circulation

Masud Kabir Pavel

Contact us

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

14

16

Splash of roses

Gardens of South Asia

2 TUNED SAG Red Carpet

12 TRENDING February’s favourite

3 TRY OUT Floral crown

13 Tailored Suave scents

4 TECH WhatsApp on desk

14 TEMPT There’s rose in the water

5 TIRES 2014 Maruti Suzuki Ritz

15 TICKET Beauty of Satori

6 TELL Stepping with cold feet

16 TRAVELOGUE Trip to the gardens

8 TUCKED IN Roses in bloom

18 TANTALISE Floral flavoured right

9 Take care Not so rosey

20 News

Dear Readers February rolls in with the smell of roses; romance is in the air. As the mercury rises and new buds bloom, all we can think of is roses this week.

Kicking off with our favourite looks from the SAG red carpet, we bring you some fresh ideas for a floral headband in Tryout.

If you’re planning to start your own Highgarden this year, we’ve got tips on how to take care of your roses.

Not all that is rosy is the picture of good health; we discuss bad blushes in Take Care.

Tempt celebrates the restorative powers of rosewater, while Trending is all roses in fashion. Not to be left out, Tailored talks about floral scents for men.

If European gardens are too far and too expensive for you, we’ve got something closer to home.

Finally, join us in the Trial Room as we talk flowers with the biggest names in the biz.

Have a rosy, delightful week!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Editor, Avenue T

10 TRIAL ROOM The floral boom

10 War of the roses This week Get into the mood for romance with some flowers in your hair

Sygmaz

Tootli

Ikebana

Model: Saudia Afrin Make-up and Styling: Anita Amreen Photo: Zia Uddin

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2 | Tuned celeb buzz

2015 SAG Red Carpet | Mahmood Hossain

One show after another and we cannot get enough of our favourite stars gracing the red carpet. Golden Globes are done and dusted so, naturally, we’ve chosen our top looks from the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards 2015.

1. We start off with the all-star of the red carpet Emma Stone, you’re not surprised.

We know. She was at her best in Dior Haute Couture with Repossi jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes

Jan 23-Feb 5

Chobi Mela VIII Venue: Daily Star - Bengal Arts Precinct

feb 4

2. Alright, alright, alright. Looks like Matthew McConaughey left his D&G gear at home and opted for Brioni alongside his beautiful wife Caimila Alves in Donna Karan Atelier, with Martin Katz jewels 3. One of our favourites and with that award winning smile, Julia Roberts brought the colour black alive in the custom Givenchy

4. Claire Danes was all kinds of prettiness in the Marc Jacobs number

5. TV veteran, Julia Louis-Dreyfus looked stunning in the Monique Lhuillier dress and Fred Leighton jewels 6. Street style bad ass, Justin Theroux and our favourite Rachel, Jennifer Aniston brought their “A-game” to the red carpet. The latter in vintage John Galliano dress and Fred Leighton jewels 7. The Mother of Dragons, Emilia Clarke was absolutely breathtaking in Donna Karan

Atelier. This is also a huge nod to the rest of the Game of Thrones cast who came to the show looking flawless 8. Can we give Emmy Rossum a separate award for looking divine? She wore that Armani Prive gown with those Cartier jewels as if she was born to don them 9. We’re going to take a few steps back and try to remember when Arial Winter grew up so damn fast. The ZAC Zac Posen dress, Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, with the spoton make-up and hair made her go from cute to drop dead gorgeous 10. Sheer elegance.

Enough said.

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture with Chopard jewels

event

International

Children’s

Film Festival Dhaka Textile and Garments Exhibition Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC)

Widely considered as the biggest film Festival in Bangladesh and also the one representing children on an international platform, this annual cinematic extravaganza kicked off for a week on January 24. The festival showcased movies made by and for children from around the world.

In addition there was a face to face workshop with the young directors conducted by Amitabh Reza and a seminar on forced child marriage.

Photos: Courtesy

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

Try Out |

3

diy

Blooming beauty Make your very own rose wreath

| Sabah Rahman Sure, the neighbourhood florist can easily make you a beautiful headpiece made out of fresh blossoms, but doing it yourself is super easy as well as fun. Why not whip up a few for the next bridal or baby shower you get an invite to?

You’ll need

• Fresh roses (mix and match the colours for a brighter effect) • Wire • Scissors • Green tape (available at hardware stores)

Step 1 Trim the rose stems until they are about 2 and a half inches Step 2 Now you can start making the base of the wreath. Cut the wire into two pieces and form a half circle with each. Holding both pieces together, check to see if they fit around your head.

Step 3 Secure the wire circle by binding the ends together with the green tape Step 4 Decide whether you want to attach a cluster of roses as opposed to single ones. If you want the clusters, pick a few smaller roses and tape them together. You’ll need about 10-14 clusters, depending on the size of your head.

Step 5 Start attaching the roses onto the wire circle, making sure they face the same direction. Secure tightly with your tape.

Step 6 Once you’ve covered the entire base, trim off any stems that stick out.

You’re done!

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4 | Tech apps

To the desktop WhatsApp wants a larger piece of the pie

| Mahmood Hossain It’s no secret that the hugely popular chatting application WhatsApp creates heavy traffic every day. Our smartphones don’t seem complete without it. The biggest news from the developers is that now the app will be available as a web client from Chrome and Android. Now, don’t you think that makes our lives a tad easier?

Whether it’s on your laptop or desktop, you’ll now have the same features in the desktop client as you do on your mobile phone. No more reaching for your phone every time someone chimes in a new message while you’re working on your computer.

How do you get this you ask?

First things first, your phone will need to stay connected to the web for the app to actually work. Get on your Chrome web browser and

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

head on over to web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code that shows up on your display. It’s that simple.

Unfortunately, iOS users will not be able to connect to the web client because of its limitations in the Apple platform. No worries though, they’ll be working with the folks at Apple to provide the service to all iOS users. It’ll make its way to plenty of households and offices seeing that this is one of the most successful chat applications of all time. While it may not possess every little detail we desire, over 600 million users don’t have much to complain about. Perhaps the application getting blocked by our government, but that’s not WhatsApp’s fault now is it?

This will lead to a new venture by the developers, as rumours continue about their voice-calling feature in the app. It’s a natural course in smartphone apps nowadays, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

What we might be anticipating is the endless battle between communication apps in the near future. This is WhatsApp and the gloves are off.

Tires | wheels

Road rage

2014 Maruti Suzuki Ritz A splendid compact providing outstanding performance

| Tahsin Momin Maruti Suzuki Ritz is a blend of absolute perfection in design, elegance and comfort. Both the interior and the exterior of the Ritz make it stand out from its rivals. What truly made the difference is not just only one aspect of the car but every inch of it.

Exterior

The Ritz has been designed as an urban ride keeping a modern look in mind. The front of the car is smooth, with the bonnet sleekly falling on to the front grille. On the other hand, the bold headlights add further dynamism to the front end. In contrary to the front, the sides boast higher brims, while being compact at the same time. The stylishly designed side windows and body along with the amazing contours flow towards the rear end of the car in a perfect harmony.

Interior

On the inside, the Ritz is very cosy and comfortable. It is without a doubt compact and yet it incorporates a whole state of the design in it. The seats in this Maruti are exceptionally comfortable, giving a completely relaxed ride to all the passengers. The dashboard has distinctly placed audio system, air conditioning control and progressively flowing down to blend in the gear shifter. The rev counter however has been placed on top of the dashboard for reasons that are beyond our understanding capabilities.

Although, the Ritz does boast excellent head room but the leg room for rear passengers is a bit tight.

Performance

Powering the Ritz is a 1.2-litre, Maruti K12 series engine paired up with a five-speed manual transmission.

The combined output is 85HP

5

at 6000rpm and torque of 113NM at 4500rpm. Conferred with BS IV emission, the Ritz performs extraordinarily on the road and gives an impressive fuel mileage as well.

The front MacPherson suspension and torsion beam rear suspension help keep the car steady and offer better road grip disregarding the height of the car.

Safety

The Ritz has to offer quite a lot on the safety front. It has standard features like dual front airbags, antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, which make it one of the safest cars on the road.

You also have the choice of picking up the optional front and rear fog lamps that enhance the visibility of the driver during bad weather and fuzzy times. It also features a computerised antitheft system which helps track the car’s whereabouts and it can also immobilise the engine in case the vehicle gets stolen.

To sum it up, the Maruti Suzuki Ritz is a perfect blend of perfection and precision. The car is absolutely ravishing, both on the inside and the outside. The performance is splendid and it has excellent fuel economy.

Hence, making it a complete and stylish family car in a compact size!

A not so “rosy” affair | Tausif Sanzum Every time your CNG or car is stuck in a jam near Bijoy Sarani, Farmgate or even the Gulshan circle, you are surrounded by young flower vendors. If you look at this from a commercial point of view, these kids hardly make any profit by selling those flowers. And from a humane point of view, kids, no more than 10 years of age, begging to sell flowers in the scorching heat is barbarous to say the least.

Also, this rose business is not as rosy if you look into the safety angle of it. The kids jeopardise their lives by selling flowers in some of the most dangerous roads in the country. Since they try to make a sell during traffic jams, they do not get off the roads as soon as the traffic light hits green. As such it acts as an added pressure on vehicle drivers to not run them over. As a chain reaction, this also adds to traffic jams.

While it is debatable if child labour should be permitted or not, these kids depend on selling these flowers to feed themselves on a daily basis. One feasible solution to this dilemma could be the installation of small booths sponsored by the government at regular intervals on the footpath where they can sell these flowers.

Available at:

Uttara Motors Ltd 102, Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh.

Phone: 8143372, 8144328, 8143713

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on our Facebook wall.

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6 | Tell drama mama Aries (MAR 21-APR 19)

This week is a very powerful one; you could either use it right to promote future goals, or waste it altogether procrastinating.

The stepmom

Photo: Big Stock

| Dina Sobhan

Q

I am a step-mother of three. My husband and I got married two years ago, after his ex-wife had passed away. I mean, it was taken for granted that we got married because his children needed a new mother, and I was okay with that. In fact, I have tried to do my best to be a good step-mother, but it hasn’t been working out very well. The girls hate me. I can’t have kids of my own, and I love them almost as if they were my own, but I can’t make them see that. Anyway, over the last few months, one of them has been acting a little strange. She stays out for longer hours with her friends, and comes home all fuzzy. She has become a lot more secretive, and I feel like something might be wrong. However, every time I try to bring it up she tells me I’m not her mother and complains to my husband about me “misbehaving” with them. And my husband buys it all. I genuinely care for her wellbeing but just can’t seem to do what’s right. Is there something I’m doing wrong?

A

This is a very difficult situation and I’m afraid there are no easy solutions. Have you ever sat down with your husband and told him that in order to raise his daughters as your own you would need his full support and cooperation? Moreover, have you ever sat down with the girls and told them that your intention was not to replace their mother but to take care of them to the best of your ability in her absence? Without your husband’s support, it will be impossible to ever discipline or “mother” his daughters, and without some degree of trust and respect from them, you will never be accepted as a parental figure. You should probably have a family meeting and get everything out in the open, including your concerns about their extracurricular activities. Once everybody is on the same page as to what your role as a parent is in the family, the easier it will be to enforce.little self love and self appreciation and the belief that you deserve better.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)

Your close relationships are in grave danger this week. Stay close to your family and friends to avoid any kind of mishaps.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20)

This week is the time for you to deal with all the issues you’ve been dodging lately. Finish all your chores and responsibilities on time.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

You are known for your ability to withhold happiness for your duties and responsibilities. However, set some time out for yourself and enjoy it, even if you have to go out of your way to do it.

Horoscope

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)

This week your main concern should be your family, so even if there’s a 100 problems at work or in the friend circle that you need to deal with, keep them on hold.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

Your workplace might be fraught with misinterpretations and unnecessary confrontations, so be careful. If you get tired, do not lash out. Take some time out to relax instead.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)

Because you have been so

Dina Sobhan is a free-lance writer, a part-time counsellor and a full-time mom

letters to Mars

Cold feet My girlfriend and I made plans to get married next year and everything has been going smoothly.

However, last month, she has had to confront some serious challenges in life. I’ve been there for her as much as I could, but this experience of ours called into question my feelings for her. I no longer feel like I love her like I thought I did, and maybe we’re not exactly completely compatible. I would call the wedding off, but our families are involved now and everyone is very happy we’re finally tying the knot. I don’t know how to break it to them. I don’t even know if I should be questioning this, after all this time.

What should I do about this dilemma?

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

Photo: Big Stock

Q

| Agony Aunt

A

I know that in our society, sometimes one has to do what is right for the family and disregard their own feelings, so that “people” will not talk. The couple has to be sacrificed as not to lose face. This is the right time to question the situation your feelings are not the same, you do not have the same enthusiasm, probably the thought of a life with your fiancee feels like carrying a stone around your neck. You are

lucky you realised those feelings on time.

No one deserves to be married to someone who does not want to be with her. Talk to your family, if they are understanding and considerate enough you can still call it off, but if they do not comply, and they blackmail you into believing you are selfish, do not consider their pain; remain strong in your belief that you do not want to make that lady unhappy and as a result make her family and friends unhappy

when they discovered the young lady is in a loveless marriage. Your family, if they love you, will be shocked at first, but they will support you nonetheless. If not, do not be rude to them, understand their point of view, but do what is right by you. Be kind and understanding to your fiancee and her family. People will take sides, let them.

Be strong in your belief. Let me know how it is going, what decision you finally take and how things turn out; this will help other readers who are in a similar situation, though no two situations are the same there is always a variant.

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

Tell | tease overworked with tension and workload in the last few months, you might find yourself craving some alone time. If possible, get away for a while this week.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)

After months of receiving criticism and negligence from some people, you might find them giving you assurance and motivation all of a sudden. Enjoy this good period because it is not going to last too long.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)

Let your hair down and rest. Enjoy a little seclusion. Your friends will be there for you to spend time with when you’re done recharging your batteries.

oroscope

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)

It looks like you might be in for a great deal of teamwork this week, so try to keep your dominant nature suppressed and let others take the lead.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19)

Impress your superiors. Give them the best you have, and make sure your work does not go unnoticed.

You will need their approval to go forward in whatever project you might want to be interested in.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

Enjoy your creative side. Take some time out of your regular chores to give your artistic side a little boost.

It will help you relax in times of great tension and rigidity.

Q

I married J two years ago.

Before getting married we were in a relationship for 7 years. Everything was going well, with the usual ups and downs but once we got married, J cheated on me.

It completely broke me and any trust I had in him. He apologised, cried and went to great lengths to gain back my trust. Although I do trust him, a big part of me cannot let go of what he has done. Even when we have any other fights, I can’t help but bring these things up. I want to forgive and forget but somehow what he did keeps coming back to me. Can I ever really shake it off?

Photo: Big Stock

Oopsy daisy Lingerie to your girlfriend could make you seem like a passionate lover or a douchelord, depending on at what stage of the relationship it’s been given A gift as simple as a rose to expensive diamond bling to your sweetie could make or break the deal, depending on what, how and when you’re giving it. If you spend too much too early in a relationship, you could come off as obsessed and clingy. On the flipside, spending too little could make you seem like a scrooge. Yes, it’s tricky business but fortunately we’re here to walk you through it all.

1-4 weeks You thought the first “date” went really well? Yeah right! She’s under the impression that it was just two friends hanging out. You decide to turn up at her doorstep the next day, straight up from Creepyville, with an expensive Gucci timepiece (that too covered in a wrapper with red hearts). Don’t blame us if she tries to escape through the ventilation shaft, we’ve warned you.

Before you consider getting your boo a present, you need to figure out where you want this relationship to go. Next, you need to be certain that they’re on the same page with you and it’s a relationship where gift giving is appropriate. Once you’ve cleared the air, stick to the cards and roses for now.

Anything more than that could seem like you’ve already decided what to name your youngsters.

1-4 months It’s been a while, you two have been

Looking back

7

| Khan N Moushumi testing the waters as well as your compatibility. Now is not the time to get frisky and buy her sexy lingerie, or to go all out with super meaningful and sentimental gifts just yet. Yes, we’re talking about those framed photos and mixed tapes. They could actually translate to overcommitment at this point, if not an ulterior motive. Gauge your beau’s response and tread carefully if you want to continue dating them.

Go easy-breezy with movie or concert tickets, or even comic books as of now.

5-10 months Things are starting to get serious and the two of you are inseparable at this stage. You know you’re on the brink of bona fide boyfriend/girlfriend status and hence there’s no harm in exchanging sweet and sappy gifts. Will it be a bad idea to invest in some jewellery now?

Heck no. Adding a seductive fragrance to his cologne collection will work just fine too.

1 year or longer It’s time to start investing in more practical and meaningful gifts. The longer you two are together, the easier it will be for you to pick up a gift for your sweetie. You overheard him complaining about his laptop charger not working properly? Go ahead and get him a new one. It goes to show you genuinely care and wins you those brownie points for being extra attentive.

letters to Venus

| Avenue T desk

A

What happened was surely very, very difficult for you.

What matters is that you two love each other enough to really work through the differences and try reinventing your marriage. Despite you two agreeing on working on your marriage, and you forgiving him for it, it seems that you still hold a grudge. Now that is something you need to work on.

If your grudge is affecting anyone, it’s you. You need to let go of the heaviness in your heart to allow yourself to move forward and start loving again. Try to give your husband a chance to redeem himself and let yourself trust him.

Just give it some time and be patient, eventually you will be able to forget and move on.

Photo: Big Stock

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8 | tucked In digs and finds

Bring the blossom home

decor

| Tausif Sanzum This week it’s flowers all the way.

How about you buy a few of these lovely vases for your freshly picked flowers? Just visit www.kaymu.com. bd and you’ll have a plethora of pots to choose from Colourful floral vases Price: Tk190 each

Ceramic Flower Vase Set Price: Tk130

Embossed Vase Price: Tk2,600

Rose up

the veranda A guide to your very own mini rose plantation

| Adila Hoque

Peacock Vase Price: Tk200

The upside with rose gardens is that they’re very low-maintenance once the first few months have passed.

Once the initial investment has been made, you will be free to enjoy your own little floral paradise year after year.

The first step is to choose a sunny spot to plant your roses. Roses tend

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

to thrive under the morning sun, so plant them in the east or south side of your house. Make sure you don’t place them where water tends to collect because that might lead to fungal infection, and your rose babies are not immune to those.

Next, you want to test the soil and make sure it’s not too acidic or alkaline. Even though most nurseries sell them at a proper pH, you may still want to confirm before putting them in a pot. Lime will lower your soil pH while sulphur should make it more alkaline. However, they should be used in moderation since high concentration could be lethal to the plants. Also, besides using lime or sulphur, you should add compost to your soil to make sure the plants have enough nutrients to last a while. Dig one foot below the surface to place your compost so the roots will have easy access to them. The peat moss is also known to improve drainage in clay soils and helps retain moisture without making it too soggy.

Select your roses, not just by

appearance, but also by their hardiness and resistance to disease. There are a lot of good roses you can find depending on the amount of effort you’re willing to put in. However, on the bright side, taking care of them is usually not a lot of work.

There are two types of roses you will find in nurseries - bare root and potted. Bare root roses need to be soaked in water overnight to rehydrate them, while the potted ones can be re-planted just by sliding them out of the container. Cut a hole around the plant and slide it out of the pot.

After you have planted your rose plants, it is time you understand the importance of keeping the ground moist. However, know that there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding this aspect of your expedition. It depends solely on your soil conditions.

Remember that the top of the soil dries out very fast, so you need to know what is going on in the deeper layers.

Fortify your plants. Use a slowreleasing nitrogen fertiliser, in the spring. Make sure not to use too much fertiliser, and use enough water to hydrate them so they don’t “burn out” in the summer. It is very important that you be careful with their proportions - do not let the fertiliser bag dictate how often you should do it.

Layer out some mulch over the ground to help your soil retain moisture, and it also gives your garden an attractive look. You may use shredded leaves or traditional wood.

Last, but not the least, do not prune your roses in the first year if you want them to live long and healthy.

Take care | health

The ugly truth of rosy cheeks

9

skin

Busting cellulite | Adila Hoque

Why some of you probably don’t need to pinch your cheeks | Adila Hoque Blushing is one of the many fight-or-flight responses generated by our sympathetic nervous system and its causes may vary from just a little extra chilli to scarlet fever. Yeah, you’re not feeling so attractive anymore, are you?

Generally, the most common causes include alcohol, spicy food, embarrassment, feelings of warmth, heavy exercise, and even a seasonal fever. However, there are times when it’s a sign of a more serious condition, and if you feel like you may be affected by any of the following symptoms, see a specialist as soon as you can.

Rosacea It’s a very common, but widely misunderstood skin condition that usually affects your facial skin.

Yes, it is quite unfortunate. Its causes are unknown and there is no permanent cure for this condition yet. There are four sub-types of rosacea, and they all have individual symptoms. However, some general symptoms include flare-ups near the nose, eyes and cheeks, and the marks can go away and come back repeatedly in cycles. Some of the other, more serious, symptoms include thickening of the skin on your nose and severe acne breakouts.

Most of the affected people usually get it in their early 20s. People who have a family history of rosacea are more likely to get it. Also, if you’re a woman, your chances of being diagnosed with R are higher.

Starting from Scarlett Johansson to your grandmother, many of us are victim to this horrible, ugly condition called cellulite. Skin that was once smooth turns into blotchy orange peel and we just don’t know what to do about it. And, obviously, doctors in our country have better things to deal with, so we’re kind of on our own with this.

You could use these simple tips and tricks to eat your way out of cellulite town:

Scarlet fever It is a bacterial infection that some people get after having strep throat. Unlike Rosacea, it usually happens to children from 5 to 15 years of age. Symptoms include a red rash on the body accompanied with a high fever and a sore throat.

Other symptoms include catching a cold, chills, nausea, swollen tonsils and red dots on a white tongue. Since this is a bacterial infection that affects your ENT, it is air-borne and can also spread by sharing the same cups and utensils. If you think your child might have the scarlet fever, see a doctor. You’ll be prescribed antibiotics to stop the infection, and warm soup should help with the symptoms. Also, you might want to hurry, because it is also linked to kidney diseases, rheumatic fever, and even arthritis.

Mastocytosis It is, luckily, a very rare disease that causes growth of mast cells in the body’s tissues. Mast cells fight infection by releasing chemicals called Histamine that make your blood vessels swell up, and also cause itchiness. Now there are various types of mastocytosis, but all of them have the same allergic symptoms, and this mass production of mast cells may be triggered by anything you might be allergic to, eg pollen. The redness usually goes away with the application of an appropriate antihistamine.

1. Oily fish - The oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which, as most of us know, are very good for the skin. The fatty acids are also known to reduce inflammation and boosting the cardiovascular and lymphatic system, therefore keeping cellulite at bay.

2. Green veggies - Dark green veggies are rich in an antioxidant called lutein, which helps the skin retain moisture and elasticity, and increases its lipid levels. It is also an excellent detox agent, so this should probably be first on your diet list against cellulite.

3. Turmeric - Turmeric is known to fight inflammation and toxins with exceptionally high levels of antioxidants. Go for a low-fat veg curry with turmeric, and you will start to see the miraculous effect in mere months.

4. Garlic - Another spice wellknown for its cholesterolfighting abilities is garlic. It improves the general health of your body, and also helps flush out the toxins to help prevent cellulite.

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10 | Trial room

War of The biggest contenders in the industry

Tootli

Tootli Rahman

The ultimate pioneer behind the blooming floral industry, Tootli Rahman is synonymous to class, elegance and sophistication. A leading event planner, fashion designer and a pioneer in garden landscaping, Tootli wears more than one hat. As a woman who is well versed in the art of a party, today we find out how it all began and where she sees the industry going from here.

You have been the pioneer behind turning weddings into custom soirees where floral artistry played a key part. Tell us how it all started.

Back in the day, weddings were a simple, homely affair. There weren’t any decorators, event managers or any need for a special kind of decor.

I started off with planning a friend’s wedding! It was at Sheraton Winter Garden and the possibilities of turning it into a magical setting were endless. I realised how beautifully a place can be transformed with a few personal touches. I used flowers for the first time and a colour co-ordinated shamiana.

It made a huge difference. That’s when I came up with the idea of a themed wedding, keeping flowers as the central element. At that time, they weren’t as widely available as they are today. However, there was a florist shop called Rosarium that had exquisite flowers. More people started requesting me to do themed weddings for them and all

Sigma Mehdi

of a sudden the industry started booming. From then onwards, the trend for theme weddings began and it was hard for me to keep up with the endless requests.

Despite your limited resources, how did you manage to put up such beautiful wedding extravaganzas?

At that time, as I said, there weren’t any decorators or event managers. I was the only one so I had to do most of the designing and implementing single-handedly. Also, there was no Internet then as there is now. I had to come up with everything by myself, from the stage décor to how I’d like to set up the tables. Since the demand for theme weddings was so high, there came a point where I had to do everything on my own from scratch. I expanded and got everything that was required for a wedding for 500. Even when it comes to fairy lights we see these days, I first saw them during a trip to Bangkok. I was absolutely enchanted! I came back and told my people here to recreate those using torch bulbs and we did. Fairy lights, candles and flowers – all of this added a magical effect to my events.

According to you, how has the floral industry evolved over time?

Well, now there are tonnes and tonnes of florists who bring in flowers from China and Bangkok.

Before, there was no need for it.

While people still prefer using

Sygmaz

Sigma Mehdi is the current undisputed queen of event planning and decor. Bringing a certain panache to each event, she is all about gifted imagination and sensational designs.

With her natural talent for décor and design, there really is no space that she cannot transform into a magical setting. She is all about breaking boundaries and she knows just how to make a lasting mark in the wedding world. We talked to the creative head and owner of Sygmaz and found out the secret to her unstoppable success.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

fresh flowers at weddings, I think nowadays they’re also moving towards other alternatives. Artificial silk flowers are beautiful – they’re so full and they look absolutely lovely when paired with fresh flowers. A common misconception is that they’re plastic, which they aren’t. I find it so wasteful and sad to spend lakhs and lakhs on fresh flowers only to throw them away the next day. This is one of the reasons why I have my own collection of silk flowers and I use them in combination with fresh flowers. They’re both reusable and absolutely beautiful.

Back in the day, you were the only event planner out there. Today we see many of them. What are your views on this suddenly booming industry?

I think the Internet has really opened up many avenues. It is so much easier to become an event planner now than it was back then.

You don’t really have to be that creative now, you can look things up on the Internet, make a few trips to China and Bangkok and quickly set up your own company. Having said that, the ones that succeed in this field are the ones who are creative, can think out of the box and know how to put ideas together.

Right now there are hundreds and hundreds of people in this industry and some of them are doing absolutely phenomenal work.

What attracted you to this industry?

To be honest, I never really had plans to be an event planner or a decorator.

I started off with other partners and we opened our floral boutique Ferns N’ Petals. Later on, I rebranded that to Sygmaz and went solo, and began my own company. When I got married in 2001 I decided to decorate my own event, and soon I began helping friends with their wedding décor. I felt naturally inclined towards the heady world of event planning and décor in particular.

Soon when I had other people request my services, I thought why not make this my primary focus? And that is how it really began.

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Trial room |

the roses | N Anita Amreen

Ikebana

Nilufar Farooq

As the owner of a floral boutique, how important are flower arrangements for your events?

While there certainly are trends that move away from flowers and towards other elements such as lighting, I think flowers remain central to my themes. For me, regardless of how I’m decorating a place, I really do think that our floral arrangements have been our core selling point. We haven’t moved away from the way we use our flowers. No matter which trends come and go, I think flowers are here to stay and they add a certain richness to an event.

From the very offset, Nilufar Farooq has made unconventional choices.

Her passion and love for flowers led her to pursue a degree in the art of Japanese flower arrangement from Ohara, Japan. Her creative genius helped her ideas grow, one pedal at a time, finally opening Ikebana, her very own floral boutique. Having won the Oustanding Woman in Business Award in 2007 for her entrepreneurship, she has made a prominent mark in the industry.

It’s been over 20 years since she started, from a small shop selling decorative flowers and plants, it is now one of the leading names in the industry, with a strong reputation for providing only the best of services. From event décor, to landscaping and waterscaping, Ikebana has it all covered. Today we talk to the pioneer behind the first floral boutique and how she drew inspiration from her surroundings.

How did you get into floral work?

I think my greatest inspiration came from family events. Around the late 60s most other people didn’t really have any decorative input into their events, let alone any flower arrangements. However, in our family, we always made an effort to use floral arrangements, or even backdrops. We loved the idea of Mughal style décor. I loved the art form so much that I went to Ohara

If there are three elements that can truly transform an event, what would they be?

Lights, fabric and style. Lights can absolutely transform a place. I like warm lighting and I love the use of spotlights. I use spotlights to highlight my décor and subdue the lighting in places that you don’t want to attract attention to. As for fabric, my personal preference is white. Not only does it make the room look bigger, but it looks very neat. I make it a point to ensure that my whites are pristine and flawless. Lastly, to truly bring an event together, you need your own personal touch, your very own style.

school to learn the art of flower arrangements and I came back to teach my people here. I taught for around 10 years, and in 1992 I started my first floral boutique in Dhanmondi called Ikebana. We sold bonsai plants, cactus or other small plants.

From only focusing on floral arrangements, you slowly stepped into event décor and planning. How did that happen?

I always had great ambition and big plans for Ikebana. Getting into event décor was my initial plan, but I built on my skills and resources and slowly stepped into the industry when I was totally confident of the direction in which we would be heading. At first we only did floral arrangements or bouquets and perhaps a few weddings here and there. Our first big break came in 1993 when Bangladesh hosted the SAARC summit. I realised Dhaka couldn’t meet the high demands for different kinds of flowers. That’s when I flew to Bangkok and got orchids. From then onwards I began getting flowers from abroad to meet the demand back in our country.

How have trends changed over time?

I personally think fresh flowers are always a beautiful part of an event’s décor. Although we are using

artificial flowers in conjunction with fresh ones, there will always be high demand for fresh flowers.

Before, there were just floral arrangements that were all the rage. However, nowadays, people want more than just that. Indian trends for concepts such as Mughal inspired backdrops or even stages that have a very grand Taj Mahal inspired presence are evident.

People are moving away from conventional floral focused stages to the ones that use hardboard and cork sheet to create an absolutely new concept.

Tell us a few differences you see in the industry from now and then.

Well, before as there weren’t too many of us in this business, there was a sense of camaraderie. There was no Internet so there was certain originality to everyone’s ideas. Nowadays, to me it seems that we’ve lost that sense of fun, that sense of unity. These days, weddings seem to be a competition of who can have the grandest event or who has the most expensive set up. It’s all about outdoing the rest and this has given way to tough competition among most of the leading names in this business.

What is the secret to your success?

To put it simply, I’d say it’s my hard work, supervision, constant monitoring, my relationship with others (namely PR) and most importantly my commitment.

I truly believe that it’s very important to stick to your word and promise.

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12 | Trending style session

with sabrina fatma ahmad

Spring bling 2015 The season’s hottest deets Winter’s had an interesting stay this year, but as February rolls up, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming season and all its fresh fashion.

fashion

La Vie en Rose Fashion celebrates February’s favourite flower

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad February is a wild month for the metropolitan Bangladeshi. With festivals and festivities both homegrown and imported flooding the calendar, it’s also the start of the year’s first fashion season. Whether it’s the romance of Valentine’s Day, or the sobriety of Ekushay, one thing is for sure, roses will be in huge demand all this month, and this applies for fashion too. Let’s take a look at all the places this gorgeous flower is making an appearance.

Am I earring right?

The international runways have been raving over the mismatched earring trend, even as tops and bottoms have gone back to being all matchy matchy. While this jewellery fad may not catch on for dawats and serious dos in the desh, it’s totally fine to experiment in a more casual context.

Those with multiple piercings can ease into the style by wearing different numbers of earrings in each ear. Or you could stick to the same metal and colour and just vary the pieces (stud in one ear, dangly in another). Team it with a blazer and some Chelsea boots over anything from a maxi dress to a jeans and tee ensemble, or even a mid-length kameez and culottes, and you’ve got a fashion do.

Bag in business Stow those discreet clutches away, the It bag is back! From eye popping colours (blue was a catwalk darling) to fancy finishes and daring details, this spring, the bag is taking centre stage. Your best bet is a mid-size tote with sturdy handles, for a look you can take from the boardroom to dinner out and still be stylish.

All about that brass Brass jewellery has been a staple of casual deshi attire, with stores like Aarong, Aranya, Piran and Deshal, to name a few, creating bold and innovative designs. This year, the rest of the world is taking notice, and brass is enjoying a moment of glory.

So dig out your old favourites, or splurge on a few new pieces and mix and match with casuals and fusion wear alike to stay fashion forward.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

Midnight garden One of the international pret-aporter trends of fall last year was for dark florals; plenty of Victorian style rose motifs against backdrops of navy, wine, and charcoal. These were popular in T-shirts, dresses, and leggings, and although the colours will be lightening up this spring, there’s no reason why each of these items cannot be mixed with something spring appropriate and worn through till summer.

Kashmir calling From Pink City to Metro Mall, from Uttara to Banani, you can’t walk into a shopping centre without seeing at least one store offering gorgeous Kashmiri shawls with their bold rose motifs. The bright colours and the intricate detailing make these shawls the perfect party accoutrement.

Lawn, chiffon and beyond Our love affair with Pakistani and desert-inspired styles of long, flowy kameezes continues to rage, as is evident in the abundance of such garments available at the local boutique houses. Some of our local houses, such as Yellow, have also begun to produce variations on these styles, and you can find some stunning lawn and chiffon numbers at their outlets. Bold florals, particularly roses and poppies figure prominently in the motifs, both as appliqué and print.

Extras And if you prefer your roses in accessory form, in addition to the fresh flowers which will soon start getting expensive around the second week of February, stores like Cats Eye

are now offering plush fabric roses as brooches and clip-ons. Most shopping malls around town also have mini fascinators and headbands with fabric floral wreaths.

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Tailored| his style

Street style

style session

with mahmood Hossain

Q

Follow these easy steps and you can be as killer as those walking the streets of Europe

| Mahmood Hossain The men’s fashion week kicks off just before Milan gets underway. It all starts in Florence, Italy during Pitti Uomo - a menswear trade show held twice a year. In other words, it’s the most important international event in menswear. It’s also famous for the impeccable style of the men (and women) walking the beautiful streets, travelling from one project to another. It’s as if the entire week is a fashion show at Pitti. They are the definition of sprezzatura. Don’t be intimidated, gentlemen. We’ve got some pointers for you to make the streets of Dhaka a stylish one.

Man made the money, money never made the man The same goes for clothes. The ideal way to look at your wardrobe is to have plenty to work with, which makes choosing a specific outfit much

easier. The key play here is not to over-think the process. Whatever you feel like wearing will dictate the ensemble from day to day. Hence the nonchalance in sprezzatura.

X factor There’s nothing really mysterious about wearing something that makes one hell of a statement. However, it does add a stylish flair. If you wear prescription glasses, you can easily up your optical game by trying out

new and bold frames for your lenses. If you’d rather stick with a solid black frame, and aren’t too comfortable with colourful ones, you can always try out different designs instead. Try on many pairs before one is perfectly suited for your face.

The same goes for every other accessory you wish to carry on.

Bracelets, card holders, cuff links, etc. While the rest of your clothes look uniform, one loud accessory will take the cake.

Put in the work Don’t ever be afraid to try out more and more colours. There may be plenty of occasions where you’ll miss the mark, but at least you’ll figure out what not to wear next time you head out. Not all of you can afford a personal stylist so it’s wise to try out something new in a small or closed circle of people you trust. Well, make sure they are mostly attractive women. They know a thing or two about style.

In my early 30s, I’ve became a huge fan of double breasted suits. I want to start wearing them but my friends say I’m too young to be wearing these types of suits. Is that true, how do I keep my youth in these suits I love so much?

Too young? Goodness gracious, there are young men out there slipping into their 20s that wear double breasted suits like a boss. Take a page from all those leading men in Hollywood on the red carpet events. You’ll keep your youth intact by making sure the suit fits like a comfortable glove. Remember snuggling is better than squeezing. When it comes to suits, you should never compromise on the sizing because fit is the number one rule to keep in mind. Just as long as your double breasted suit is tailored properly, creating a flattering silhouette, you’ll look boss no matter the age. Just make sure your posture and confidence are in the front line.

A

in fashion

Scent of a man

Winter or spring, here are some key fragrances that you’re man enough to wear

| Mahmood Hossain

Read carefully, floral scents are not just for women. Write that down.

Don’t forget that men were the first ones to rock heels, so don’t be alarmed by these masculine, floral fragrances.

No room for timidness, gentlemen; it’s all about confidence.

Acqua di Parma Colonia It’s been a classic for quite some time now with plenty of floral fragrances.

Bulgarian Damascene Rose is enough to seduce the senses. It’s natural and timeless when it comes to the aroma of Sicilian citrus fruits.

Notes: Bergamot, Citrus, Lemon, Bitter Orange, Sweet Orange, English Lavender, Bulgarian Damascene Rose, Verbena, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss.

Dior Eau Sauvage Eau de Toilette With just a hint of Jasmine, the overall scent has a subtle impact. Subtle it may be, it’s got a long lasting effect when applied with the right amount.

Notes: Lemon, Rosemary, Petit Grain, Basil, Water Jasmine, Vetiver.

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Vert Eau de Cologne Try saying that five times fast. Here is yet another classic and maybe not as well known as the others. It’s a teainspired scent that mixes in jasmine and violets. There is an incredible punch of freshness to this fragrance. It’s perfect for those warmer days.

Notes: Coriander, Orange Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Cardamom, Lemon; middle notes are Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley and Bulgarian Rose; base notes have Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Green Tea, precious Woods and Cedar.

Burberry Brit for Men Another popular classic in the lot, there’s a slight nonchalant strut to this scent let by the refined wild rose. It has that laid back yet celebrity status smell to it.

Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Ginger, Cardamom, Cedar, Nutmeg, Wild Rose; base notes have exotic Woods, Gray Amber, Tonka Bean and Patchouli.

Yes, we know a few of the fragrances out there are specifically for women.

However, some of them have the right tone to become a masculine scent so don’t be afraid to try these out a bit.

But we recommend that you stick to the trustworthy classics.

Q

A close friend of mine is celebrating her birthday soon. Is a complete velvet suit too much to wear for an evening out with friends?

It can be a bit too much, the reality is velvet blazers look amazing but only when paired with a different set of trousers. The idea behind this match is that you want your velvet jacket to take centre stage.

The entire outfit is built around the jacket. There’s no need to make things complicated either.

If you’ve got yourself a midnight blue velvet blazer, pair it with a white dress shirt and navy or black trousers. Although, if you really want to have a similar effect from head to toe, you can always try corduroys in a contrasting colour. Tread carefully though, you want to keep the colours balanced and clashing.

A

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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14 | Tempt beauty session

with sabah rahman

beauty

Everything’s coming up rosy Know why rose water is great for your skin

| Sabah Rahman We’re big fans of keeping things natural at Avenue T. Using rose water for skin and even hair care is nothing new as women have been doing it for centuries. If you haven’t jumped on the floral wagon yet, here is your chance to learn about some of the many benefits.

Q

I’ve been meaning to try heating my eye lash curler with a blow-dryer as I read somewhere that it really locks in the curl. I’m really scared that I’ll burn myself. Any tips?

Yes. You don’t need to take that route any longer.

Battery-operated, heated eye lash curlers now exist and are available in Dhaka. MK Electronics carries a few brands. Curl away without fear.

A

Q

Every time I use my fancy new eye-shadow brush, the powder ends up getting all around my eyes and sometimes even my face. Should I switch back to the old sponge applicator?

This one is really simple.

After dabbing your brush into the shadow, blow the excess off.

Tap that brush a few times if you have to. You could also hold a clean tissue under your eye. Sponge applicators are okay but the brush will always give you smoother results.

A

Q A

What goes on first? Concealer or foundation?

Foundation goes on first.

Wait a few minutes for it to set and then use concealer only on the spots where it’s needed.

Overdosing on this product will only make trouble spots more visible.

Tip: Mix the juice of one lemon with an equal quantity of rose water. Store in a spray bottle.

Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for half an hour before rinsing. See a dramatic reduction in acne scars within 2-3 weeks.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

it into a clean glass bottle and store in the fridge. Your concoction will be good to use for up to a week.

Make your own There may be no shortage of prepackaged rose water in the markets, but they are filled with additives that you don’t want on your precious skin.

Making your own is super simple.

Get some fresh roses and gently boil the petals in fresh water for about 20 minutes. Once the liquid cools, strain

Why it’s great Including rose water into your daily beauty regimen could reap a host of benefits for you. Plagued with irritated, sensitive skin? Rose water to the rescue! Splashing your face liberally with this wonder potion will help calm angry skin issues as well as deal with any unpleasant redness.

Roses also pack quite the natural antibacterial punch and using the water regularly will show those pimples the door. You don’t have to stop at your face. If you’ve just been through a waxing session that left you red

and bumpy, apply the tonic on the affected parts for immediate relief.

You can also use it as a final rinse for your hair as it soothes the scalp and glosses the strands. You get the point - rose water will fix anything that needs soothing.

Mix it up You can add a few drops of rose water into any of your favourite products.

From face wash to body lotion.

Pucker up Here is a super fun way to colour your pout. Use a food processor to make a paste of rose petals. Mix it with a bit of your favourite lip balm for a lip stain that just won’t quit.

15

Ticket|

All things fabulous

Satori, every shopper’s dream come true under one roof, is a must visit. Not only do they carry home accessories, but have also ventured out into shoes and bags. Owned by a family that refer to themselves as shopaholics, there is something for everyone, no matter what trends and designs you tend to lean towards. Go see for yourself when you can at Gulshan 2.

Address:

House 121-D Road 44 (2nd Fl) Gulshan Avenue Tel: (88-02) 882-7707, 0184-172-8674 https://www.facebook.com/satori.bd

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16 | travelogue

A small-budget Your budget won’t let you tour the exotic gardens in the West? Worry no more

| Adila Hoque Quite often we find ourselves wondering where to go for our next vacation, and many of us have to shut those dreams down because we can’t afford the pricey holidays. However, even if you can’t manage to fund a trip to Europe, there are some excellent affordable alternatives right here in your own continent. Go ahead, explore your options:

Nakhon Pathom Rose Garden, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

It is located just 30km to the south of Bangkok, and it comprises 75-acres of perfectly manicured grounds and a lake as its centre piece. This resort is your dream place for lazy evening strolls and family picnics and it has some extremely nice restaurants, and also offers cultural shows that include Thai boxing and sword fighting. There is an elephant show for children, and for adults the site has its own golf course and spa.

Sopha Botanical Gardens, Rayong, Thailand

The SBG has the widest range of trees and plants in all of Thailand. To top off its eclectic, historic beauty, it also has three traditional Thai homes that are said to be over 100 years old. The houses are furnished in ancient Thai style, with antiques that date back well into the last century. They are on exhibit alongside other antique porcelain.

Queen Sirikit Park, Chatuchak, Thailand

Compared to its competitors, Queen Sirikit Park is a lot smaller, cosier. Maybe that is what makes it so special. It covers an area of only 0.22 square kilometres. It was built in 1992 and named after Queen Sirikit to celebrate her 60th birthday. The garden features a lovely artificial pond, with fish and floating lotus everywhere.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

17

travelogue|

paradise

Government Botanical Garden, Ooty, India

This garden is situated in Udamangalam in Tamil Nadu, and it is popular for its famous collection of roses. It is said to be the largest rose garden in India, and there are approximately one hundred species of roses in this area alone. The total area covered by this garden is 22-hectares and also features thousands of exotic plants, herbs, shrubs and birds. It is not uncommon for one to come across colourful Nilgiri birds in the corners of this beautiful garden.

National Orchid Garden, Singapore

The National Orchid Gardens is located on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The landscape that comprises over three hectares of land consists of a playful combination of over 1000 species, 2000 hybrids and 600 hybrids on display. The distinctive feature about this garden is its colour scheme - the four zones (spring, summer, winter and fall) all have different colour codes depending on which season they are representing.

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18 | Tantalise recipe

Sweet rosy treats Two dessert items with delicate flowery notes

| Tasmia Momin For centuries, rose water has been used in food for flavour and aroma especially around this end of the hemisphere. This week we try out some of the simplest, yet divine dessert items involving rose water for that old-fashioned kick and flavour.

Photos: Tasmia Momin

Rose Panna Cotta Ingredients • • • • • • •

85g unflavoured gelatin powder (1 packet) 1½ cup full cream milk ½ cup yogurt 2-3tbsp sweetened condensed milk 1tbsp rose water 2-3 drops of red food colouring Handful of crushed cashew nuts

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

Method

• Soak the gelatin powder in a small amount of cold water until soft • In a saucepan heat the milk and add the gelatin powder • When the gelatin powder dissolves, add the sweetened condensed milk and stir • Remove from heat, add the rose water and stir well • Pour the mixture into a measuring mug by passing it through a sieve. This is done to get rid of any grains or undissolved gelatin powder.

• Pour 3/4th of the panna cotta mixture into your desired glass and immediately refrigerate • Meanwhile add 2 drops of red food colouring to the remaining 1/4th portions and stir to combine • After 5 minutes or so, take out the panna cottas and add the pink portions on top of it • Sprinkle some crushed cashew nuts on top • Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until set before serving

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Tantalise |

Rosewater and Almond Cookies Ingredients • • • • • • •

Method

1 cup all-purpose flour 2tbsp crushed almonds ½ cup granulated sugar ¼tsp baking powder ¼ cup butter 1tbsp rose water 3-4 drops of red food colouring

• In a bowl, combine flour, crushed almonds, sugar, and baking powder • Mix the rose water and red food colouring in a small bowl and pour it over the flour mixture • Add the melted butter and mix until it resembles a coarse meal • Place a small amount of dough in your palm and place an

almond inside. Make a dough ball by rolling it between your palms.

• Place them on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes at 180-degree Celsius • Let them cool on a wire rack for a while, and roll them over a bed of icing sugar

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20 | news Zeenat’s Valentine’s Day Collection Luxury fashion house Zeenat recently launched their latest Valentine’s Day collection. In addition, they offer to create custom-made dresses within the client’s budget. All products from Zeenat are unique and statement pieces. For more details contact Zeenat, Ava Nir, House-54 (Apartment1/B), Road11, Block- F, Banani, Dhaka, 02-9863043, 01818 818515. Facebook. com/zeenatboutique.

Galaxy A series in Bangladesh Samsung Mobile Bangladesh launches their latest and most stylish smartphones of Galaxy A series in the Bangladeshi market. The A5 and A3 boast a refined and trendy full metal unibody and powerful features. The Galaxy A Series carries Samsung’s slimmest smartphones to give users greater flexibility and convenience. The Galaxy A5 measures 6.7mm thin and Galaxy A3 comes at 6.9mm. Both devices feature a refined full metal unibody design that will come in a variety of colours such as black, white, gold and silver.

The super AMOLED display gives Galaxy A users a superior viewing experience. It delivers clearer images with deep contrast and better viewing angles for more vivid, colourful content in virtually any environment, even under bright sunlight. Both the Galaxy A5 and A3 are powered by a quad core 1.2GHz processor to deliver seamless multi-tasking and faster browsing experience while A5 has a 2GB RAM and A3 comes along with a 1GB RAM. For both the devices, internal memory can be extended up to 64GB. The Galaxy A5 is priced at Tk30,900 and Galaxy A3 at Tk25,900 and both of these devices will be available in the market by the end of January. Interested customers can call at 09612-300-300 to find more about Galaxy A Series or visit their nearest Samsung store.

Workshop for Dhaka Regency associates The management and associates of Dhaka Regency participated in a day long workshop on Customer Focused Service Excellence, organised jointly by ILO B-SEP Project and Ministry of Labor, Government of Bangladesh. A total of 33 participants from Dhaka Regency participated in this workshop that was conducted by Mr Francis De Silva, senior specialist, BSEP project of ILO. The workshop was supported by PATA Bangladesh Chapter, and later on certificates were distributed to the participants by Mr Shahid Hamid FIH, executive director of Dhaka Regency and Cezar Dragutan, chief technical advisor, BSEP Project, ILO Dhaka.

Housing Fair by Developers Forum Uttara

A three day long DFU Housing Fair-2015 started on January 29 at Uttara, under the initiative of Developers Forum Uttara (DFU). A press conference was held on January 24 regarding the fair where the fair committee convener Md Sydul Islam Badol, DFU president Md Rejoanul Hoque Reja, senior vice president K F M Rajiullah, general secretary Sharif Shantu, fair committee Ragib, Ahsan, Md Obaidullah Tarek and ward manager of the executive committee were all present.

The fair will continue till January 31 at the Isti Kutum Community Centre, Azampur Rabindra Sharoni, Sector 3, Uttara. A total of 38 housing companies are participating in the fair organised by DFU, where they will sell plots and flats at attractive discounts.

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, january 31, 2015

News |

21

Akhoni.com presents Love is in the Air

HATIL introduces modern kitchen cabinets at DITF If home is where the heart is, kitchens are clearly one of the vital organs that convert a house to a home. An eyecatching and neat kitchen can complement the look of the home. We spend a significant amount of time decorating other rooms but the kitchen is often ignored and unexplored. At the Dhaka Trade Fair 2015, HATIL is offering kitchen cabinets and accessories that have unique designs and are functionally and aesthetically appealing while maintaining the architectural integrity of the home. Their comprehensive gamut includes solid wooden and high gloss acrylic and UV finished engineered wood kitchen cabinets. Kitchen appliances such as decorative kitchen boxes, tall organiser units, pull out drawer units, cutlery trays, soft closing drawers and hydraulic hinges are all available at their booth.

As part of celebrating the very essence of love this Valentine’s Day, Akhoni.com, country’s leading e-commerce portal is arranging “Love is in the air” for the second year in a row in association with MasterCard.

From January 28 till February 12, participants making purchases on Akhoni. com worth Tk500 can share a message for their loved ones via video or regular posts on www. facebook.com/akhonioffers.

MasterCard cardholders will get the opportunity to surprise their loved ones by purchasing with their MasterCard and get limited edition T-shirts for free.

Like last year, the top 10 winners of the contest will be announced based on their Valentine wishes.

The entries will be screened by a panel of judges who would select the most romantic messages. Out of the 10 winners, one lucky winner along with his or her loved one will get the opportunity to view the Dhaka skyline via a thrilling helicopter ride. There will be additional exclusive prizes and gifts for other winners as well.

Chobi Mela VIII The eighth edition of Asia’s largest photography festival, Chobi Mela, was launched on January 23. The festival is organised every two years by Drik Picture Library Ltd and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.

On January 22, a press conference was held by the Chobi Mela secretariat at Drik’s rooftop. The conference was led by the festival director, Shahidul Alam; curators ASM Rezaur Rahman and Munem Wasif were also present along with guest curators Salauddin Ahmed, and architect Mahbubur Rahman, visual artist and a founder-trustee of Britto Arts Trust; participating renowned photographers of Chobi Mela VIII Kevin Bubriski from USA and Cristina Nuñez from Spain were also present at the press meet. Alam launched the Chobi Mela VIII catalogue on the occasion. The catalogue is available for sale from Drik Picture Library Ltd. The opening ceremony of Chobi Mela VIII took place on January 23, in the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The festival was inaugurated by the honourable president of Bangladesh, Md Abdul Hamid.

Also present at the ceremony was the honourable cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor; director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Liaquat Ali Lucky; Lens blog editor and photographer of the New York Times James Estrin and the director of photography of the Geo magazine, Ruth Eichhorn.

Chobi Mela VIII will be a two week long festival from January 23 till February 5 and it will take place across 11 venues. Apart from some of the best galleries in Dhaka, the exhibitions will also be showcased in a number of outdoor venues and historic landmarks including Bokultola, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy of Fine Arts and Beauty Boarding. The two-week long programme can be found in detail on www.chobimela.org.

Crescent unveiling its new showroom The official launching ceremony of Crescent Leather Products Ltd was recently held on the third level of Jamuna Future Park where they’ve unveiled a 20,000-sq ft lounge as their new exclusive showroom.

Founder director of Crescent Leather Products Ltd Rejia Begum inaugurated the exclusive showroom while the inauguration was graced by chairman of Crescent Leather MA Kader and chairman of Remix Footwear MA Aziz, as well as models and fashion icons Mehjabin and Aursha, noted actresses Bonnya Mirza, Shoshi, Nadia Ahmed and Tanvin Sweety, musician Maqsoodul Haque, actors Omar Sani and Anisur Rahman Milon, film-director Debashish Biswas and media personality Sharmin Lucky. Model-presenter Samia Afreen conducted the fun-packed gala evening.

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, january 3 1 , 20 1 5

22 | news Westin Dhaka introduces Nabab Nabab by Westin offers six small venues in two levels with ample natural lighting, a picturesque open garden and a beautiful open terrace.

It also offers a board room of 20 seats for corporate meetings. It has three adjoining rooms at the same level and two at a higher level providing the perfect setting for art exhibitions, and training and workshops.

All the facilities combined with impeccable services from The Westin Dhaka and its delectable array of food and beverages make it the most soght after, new meeting venue in the city.

Moving globalization of fashion A solo fashion photo exhibition titled “Moving globalization of fashion� by designer Walliuddin Ahmed Chowdhury will be organised at the Galerie zoom of Alliance Francaise de Dhaka from February 3 to 16. Media partners of the event are Dhaka Tribune and Groove and the inauguration of the exhibition (on Fenruary 3) will be graced by chief guests Tariq Anam, actor and director, and Nima Rahman, actress, as well as special guests Chanchal Mahmood, director of photography, CMP and Shaibal Saha, fashion and design consultant.