Ohlala! Bahrain September 2014

Bahrain

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Wedding guide

emma

Big-Day Plans Made Easy

stevens

The enchanted one cool

Cruisin’

Fall romance

The all-new Bentley

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September 2014 | Issue 118

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Editor’s Letter

Stylish Season As the weather begins to cool down, the fashion scene heats up with the new season’s collections hitting the boutiques. Ohlala! features fashion trends for the autumn-winter months for you to experiment with while you’re out and about shopping the malls. Our Haute Couture report on the Fall 2014 shows is a must-read to delight the senses, with our favourite looks hot off the runways.

Our signature fashion shoot presents funky, sophisticated looks from Saks Fifth Avenue’s new collection of chic pieces – definitely worth splashing your credit card on.

In our celebrity scoop this month, we chat with Emma Stevens, a charismatic singer, who hit the headlines with her debut album, Enchanted. We catch up with her on the release of her follow-up album, Waves, due to be released next month.

For more celebrity offerings turn to our beauty section for an exclusive Q&A with spokesmodel Carolyn Murphy, on Estée Lauder’s new Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Lipstick, as well as top tips and beauty tricks.

‘Til next time – Mwah!

Kirsty Edwards-Harris Editor-in-Chief

hot picks

Kooheji Jewellery

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Nina Ricci

Christian Louboutin

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CONTENTS

66 yes i do

Intimate or opulent, we give you a quick go-to wedding guide that is sure to suit your style.

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STYLE The Hot List Fashion of the Stars The Haute Report Little Black Book The Style Diaries

celebrity scoop 54 Emma Stevens: Enchanted BEAUTY 60 Beauty Buzz 62 Celebs’ Secrets 64 Get the Look OHLALA! rendezvous 76 Up and Up: The Entertainer’s Donna Benton MOTORING 82 Diva Drives CHIC EATS 70 Down To A ‘Tea’ 71 Come Dine with Me SOCIETY 86 Society Hotspots 90 Shot-On-Site 94 OBusiness

OHLALA! STARS 97 Happy Birthday Ms Virgo

THE COLUMN 98 What is Love? Security?

Fear of Loss?

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loe

Ch

Credits Publisher & Chairman John Hughes Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes

Publishing Director Edward Smith

Editor-in-Chief

Photography Contributor

Distribution

Kirsty Edwards-Harris

www.peoplescollective.com

Editor

Feature Contributors

Karina Lazarraga

Giovanni Lisa Speed Sophie Sana Alibux Paden R Vaughan

Bahrain – Al Hilal Qatar – Dar Al Sharq www.ohlala-magazine.com

contributingEDITOR Dina Kabbani

Editor-at-Large Ben Whittaker

Motoring Editor Tony Sidgwick

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Pallavi Ramesh

Creative Director Paula Leal

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

Graphic Designer

Cover Image Alice Temperley @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Business Development Manager Selma Carolina Jemouai

Administration Executive Roy Varghese

Accountants

Rashed Bin Daina

Gigimon Thankachen Praveen Alexander

Production & Distribution Manager

Distribution Team

Neil Mahmood

Jayapragash Ganesan Rajesh Abdul Kadar

Enquiries Editorial: editor@ohlala-magazine.com Advertising: carolina@ohlala-magazine.com General: admin@ohlala-magazine.com Telephone: (Bahrain) +973 1721 6099 Postal 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.

Website Designer & Developer Ammar Ali

Photographer Shobin Joseph

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FACES HAS ALWAYS BEEN WOJOOH your favorite beauty destination

www.ohlala-magazine.com www.wojooh.com

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STYLE

The Hot List With summer bidding adieu, it’s time for a wardrobe change.

These items are trending this season, so get set for a stylish new look!

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Dainty Delight

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Diamond is always at the core of Messika’s creations! This piece is of the Daria jewellery collection, which plays on the accumulation of graded barrettes with micro stone settings. The setting is completely concealed by a profusion of sparkling diamonds. The dazzling effect is accentuated by the extreme fluidity, where the exquisite articulated barrettes dance with light.

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Studded Beauty

The Venus line collection from Versace is a new generation of mini-format jewellery watches. The guilloché pattern embellishes not only the small dial, but both bezels, the larger of which is clad in a layer of coloured aluminium. Featuring a single pink topaz gemstone enclosed between two casings and bezels, it appears as if it’s floating in mid-air.

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Très Chic

The Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 handbag line marks a return to classic luxury: clean lines, an elegant palette, luxurious materials and rich details. The sophisticated purple small Incognito bag is crafted with graceful restraint and perfectly constructed details. Made of grainy calf leather, this one goes well with any casual look, may it be denims, skirts or short dresses!

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Attractive Style

Ralph Lauren’s Pre-Fall 2014 collection is ultra-sophisticated. This interesting ensemble, a plain grey sleeveless top with matching trousers and an outer knitwear with fur detailing is simply glam.

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style

The New

Neutral

Long-term investment buys have become a recent staple, where the fashion crowd is foregoing season ‘It’ pieces for something they can wear over and over again. Simplicity, longevity and quality are hallmarks of Mansur Gavriel, a brand that picked up on the resurgence of the timeless classic in this sleek leather number bound to be toted around endlessly this season.

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Style

Fashion of the Stars Add a few celebrity-approved staples to your wardrobe.

Here’s a sneak peek of beautiful looks spotted on your much-loved stars.

JESSICA ALBA

American actress Jessica Alba looks ravishing at the Comic-Con International in California, where she was present to promote her latest flick, ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’. Jessica dons a Tanya Taylor Spring 2014 black bandeau crop top, pairing it with Zimmermann Resort 2015 floral mesh-panel high-waist skirt. Completing the outfit are the fringed sandals from Kotur, which look très chic. She also carries a Tory Burch clutch and accessorises with Porter Lyons & Maria Black jewellery.

AMAL ALAMUDDIN

Lawyer Amal Alamuddin, also George Clooney’s fiancée, attends the third day of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London in a coral pencil skirt and matching cropped jacket from Paule Ka’s Spring-Summer 2014 collection. Amal adds glam to her style with Oscar de la Renta tropical pumps and a tan tote bag. She looks ravishing in this stylish outfit; an elegant choice for the occasion.

EMMA WATSON

British actress, Emma Watson, wows at the Christian Dior Haute Couture show at the Paris Fashion Week, making an eye-catching appearance on the front row wearing an asymmetric one-shoulder monochrome Dior Haute Couture creation. The unique dress includes a white underlay and sheer black spotted skirt. Continuing the colour theme, she dons a pair of white heels and a black clutch from the Parisian brand. Matching her quirky look, Emma accessorises with Eva Fehren cuff, Vita Fede earrings, and Selin Kent ring.

With minimal makeup and simple straight hair, Emma looks stunning!

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MY STORY, MY DESIGN

Birthday Gift

From my best friend I love Autumn

DISCOVER THE NEW AUTUMN COLLECTION Love & Guidance charm - as unique as you are.

Express your story and create your design at pandora.net BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE, Tel: +973 17 405 400 www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Christian Dior

Atelier Versace

Elie Saab

Giambattista Valli

Maison Martin Margiela Zuhair Murad Valentino

The Haute report We share with you our favourite looks from the Haute Couture Fall 2014 shows as we saw them on the runway; here are who we loved best!

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STYLE

ATELIER VERSACE Celebrating construction and de-construction by cleansing, removing fabric and playing with the sensuality of the female body, Donatella Versace proved once again that Haute Couture can be modernised.

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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Visiting the gardens of Alhambra, Giambattista Valli’s collection was a sweet ode to the eclecticism of both the Moorish and Spanish roots of the state. Skirts were pencil thin and below the knee, paired with crop tops and tanks; beautifully simple and not forced. A simple elegance entirely sublimated, fitting with Valli’s much loved workmanship.

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STYLE

CHRISTIAN DIOR This year’s show was a true testament as well as a

lesson in the history of Haute Couture. Divided into eight themes, the collection took us through a journey in fashion history lit up by techniques and modern savour faire, punctuated by the different historical periods.

VALENTINO Inspired by Pre-Raphaelite painters, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli brought back couture in its purest form.The duo sent off goddess gowns on the runway, with beautiful 21st century interpretations of 19th century Roman togas. Pairing them with gladiator sandals laced up to the knees, the dresses symbolised an air of youthfulness and ease, endearing to an Haute Couture collection. www.ohlala-magazine.com

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CHANEL

The Kaiser of fashion introduced us to his vision of the modern day woman, one that resembled Marie Antoinette but with a punk heart.There were coatdresses over shorts, jackets and skirts over shorts, plus jackets with padded shoulders and accentuated waistline.

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STYLE

Elie SAAB

ARMANI PRIVÉ

Taking inspiration from the Lady in Red, Giorgio Armani showed everyone that he really knew his way around the colour, sending off red vinyl strips studded with rhinestones and beautiful A-line jackets that swayed off the shoulders of his waif-like models.

Focusing on after-dark, Elie Saab produced a collection of tone-on-tone embroidered numbers guaranteed to be snatched up by Hollywood darlings for the season’s red carpet events. Our favourite was a sweeping ball gown in pink with tiny blue embroidery that really stood out.

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STYLE

A FOLKLORE TALE

Dolce & Gabbana

Peter Pilotto Esmie Vie

Peter Pilotto

Nina Ricci

Talbot Runhof Rodarte Escada Sport Olympia Le Tan

A sense of ethereal enchantment had designers looking to Little Red Riding Hood and Co. for a bit of whimsical charm for fall.

Nina Ricci

Sonia Rykiel Nina Ricci

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STYLE Saint Laurent

Gold stole the spotlight making us want to hit the dance floor in a flurry of metallic wonders.

Prada

o

hin

Equipment

YSL Dior Fine Jewellery

sc Mo

Natalie B Coleman

Roger Vivier

Chloe

Edie Parker

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STYLE

STAR WARS

Marc Jacobs

Calvin Klein Collection @ NET-A-PORTER.COM

A look to the stars and the space age is where every fashionista should be taking her intergalactic style pointers from. May the force be with us all!

One Teaspoon Talbot Runhof

Roger Vivier

Yumi

Preen by Thorton Bregazzi

Casadei

Mar c

Monki

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J. W. Anderson OHLALA!

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casa

Mia

A mother’s treat of

Italian savor

a full tailored italian menu served on your table starting BD 12.5++ per person

Terms and Conditions: - This offer is only valid on Thursdays - Only Applicable after a minimum of 4 guests

For information and reservations, please call 1771 3000 Fax: 1771 3040 • E-Mail: info@gulfhotelbahrain.com www.gulfhotelbahrain.com www.ohlala-magazine.com Follow us on:

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style

MISS OHLALA! No little girl starts out her life thinking that she wants to be the ‘side chick’, but somehow too many of us do grow up to be just that. In some cultures like France it is celebrated. Being a mistress is alluring, mutually beneficial and somewhat socially acceptable. In cultures in the Middle East it is even legal for a man to marry the other women (and throw in two extras to the mix as well.) And in some regions in China concubines still exist. So why is it that the thought of being someone’s ‘other woman’ makes me so sick in the stomach?

Living as an expat in a place like Bahrain, it is easy to become ‘the other woman’ without even knowing it. When I first moved here I met a girl who told me her serious boyfriend whom which she had moved in with, turned out to have a wife and kids back home. I also know a man who tells his wife back home that Bahrain is no place to raise a family, so he can pretend to be a bachelor and chase cabin crew every evening while she’s on the other side of the globe bringing up his children!

I have spent a lot of time laughing at these stories. How could she not realise that during her evening run every night, her boyfriend spent family time on Skype from the very same room they had shared so many intimate moments? And how funny I thought it was that my pseudo-bachelor friend had another bimbo on his arm each week. Heck I even helped him and painted the picture with him that he’s a single fun loving man. It all stops being funny when it happens to you.

We were seeing each other for months, and hid it for professional reasons. I didn’t think anything of the secrecy; I thought he was protecting me. Only recently did I fall upon evidence that he has a full-blown relationship back home, and it was all there on her 38

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Facebook. He sent her flowers last week!

Wait a minute? Did he propose?!

Devastated I am, but also feeling naïve and wondering how I missed all the signs.

The words “Bahrain is a lonely place, we can keep each other company while we are here…” are still echoing in my head.

The truth hits hard, when you realise you are merely a part of a temporary existence, where what you thought was your real life is somebody else’s makebelieve world. And however accidental it was that you got into this position, the conclusion is very much real. You have officially become ‘the other woman’.

The red flags are always there; we just choose to overlook them. Never think you’re immune to ‘bull’ because it happens to the best of us. If he wants to keep you a secret or if he limits his social media (if he only has one profile picture you may want to end it right now), well then honey, you may want to do some digging.

Tata for now, until next time.

Miss Ohlala!

Illustration By Vivienne Westwood

The escapades of a single 20-something girl...

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Bag 19.90 Shoes 19.90

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OMAN . QATAR . UAE . BAHRAIN

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Ramli Mall . Bahrain City Centre

STYLE

STYLE RESUME Name

Mariam Sallam

Profession

Communications manager, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

My style is

Fusing high street with high fashion

Top Brands

Prada, Alexander McQueen, H&M, Lipsy

Fail-safe pieces

Blazers, jeans, comfy heels

Shopping destination

LITTLE BLACK BOOK Alexander McQueen

What do you wear to feel confident?

I like androgynous pieces – in a smart-casual style in dark colours like blazers, jeans, simple accessories, perhaps with a colouful pair of shoes that pop.

Hong Kong

H&M

Work style Comfortable heels, smart unique dresses – professional with an edge.

Who is your fashion icon?

Jennifer Anniston and Lana Del Ray, as they always dress appropriately for their body shape and the occasion. They always look classy whether dressing up or down.

Must-buys Colour control foundation from The Face Shop online. It adjusts to your own skin tone and evens out blemishes. Also invest in a versatile, dainty necklace.

Signature scent?

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel for special occasions and Gucci for every day wear.

Colour Control

MAC

Top three handbag essentials?

I never leave home without mascara, a hairbrush and powder.

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Prada

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STYLE

ov sk i

Blogger Bio Name Muneera Bubshait

The Style Diaries Sw ar

Swarovski

Profession Graphic Artist Nationality Bahraini Blog www.arabbella.co.vu

Lifestyle Blogger Muneera Bubshait, expresses her love for fashion, beauty and social issues through her blog Arabbella. Let’s tiptoe into her world, for some inside information.

Tell us a little about your blog?

Arabbella is a space where my team and I express our lifestyle in terms of fashion, beauty, health and social issues that our readers may relate to. It is also like a support community where we generate interest for local and upcoming fashion designers, models, photographers and fashion icons by conducting fashion photo-shoots for them in collaboration with retail shops around the island.

Why blog?

The blog started as a hub where I expressed my thoughts on products and things I liked in more than 140 characters. But within time it became a source of confidence, having people follow me and encourage me from around the world, let alone my hometown.

Key pieces in your wardrobe BCBGMaxAzria flared skirts as they’re ultra feminine and easy to dress up or down and a dark colour could double as a night piece and a winter day piece. A Massimo Dutti denim button shirt is perfect for any outfit all year long and statement necklaces can never go wrong with these.

Zac Posen

All season fashion trend Leather accents give any outfit an edge and wearing a blazer with leather details during summer shows how much of a rebel you can be.

Your signature style Either for an event or a family lunch: a flared midi skirt, a fitted shirt, a statement necklace with a blazer or cardigan is my signature style!

Favorite fashion designer Zac Posen! His designs are always feminine and full of attitude, yet highly sophisticated. It’s rare that I find a piece from his designs that won’t suit my taste.

Style Stalker

Annada

Most coveted celebrity wardrobe Sarah Jessica-Parker! She always looks polished and refined off-duty, from pops of pink, to ladylike lengths, to a simple spaghetti-strap dress, she carries off any look with poise!

Fashion mantra Don’t underestimate the power of a little black dress! It’s a key piece in any wardrobe and accessorising it differently makes it look fresh every time.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

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Chloe

Favourite fashion brand BCBGMaxAzria hands down! Be it the detailing, fabrics or the stitching, it aces in all departments. I have pieces in my closet that are years old and no one would know because of its timeless quality. www.ohlala-magazine.com

get caught wearing the same thing

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Front Cover Dress Alice Temperley Long dawn shirt dress left Blouse Chloe . Skirt Chloe . Jacket Alice Temperley . Bag Chloe Baylee Bag . Ring Alexander McQueen Spiral Skull ring right Sweatshirt Stella McCartney Unicorn . Trousers Stella McCartney Cuff Circle trousers . Bag Balenciaga Classic mini city bag 48

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Fall Romance

A clever combination of romance and relevance makes up Saks Fifth Avenue’s collection for Fall-Winter 2014. Minimalistic silhouettes, clean lines and subtly dramatic constructs reconcile the grandeur of couture reinterpretations.

Styling Melek Yildirimtekin @simplewhitetee | Photography www.peoplescollective.co 33891198 Hair & Makeup Steve & Hala for Elie & Jean Hairdressing www.ejhair.com | the Ritz-Carlton, bahrain Hotel & spa 17580885 | Intercontinental regency bahrain 17227777 | Mövenpick 17460000 | Model Nadia De Hann | Allure Models, Dubai Fashion Saks Fifth Avenue, Bahrain | Location Café Amsterdam, Adliya, Bahrain

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Top Phillip Lim patchwork tweed tee Trousers Phillip Lim pants Bag Phillip Lim Pashli satchel accessories lvk feather pearl hand cuff,Alexander McQueen Spiral Skull ring 50

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Top Alexander McQueen Silk top Skirt Chloe long pleat skirt Accessories LVK rose enamel pinky ring www.ohlala-magazine.com

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Dress Alice Temperley Fleur dress Coat Chloe Bag Chloe Drew bag Ring Chloe Bianca ring, Alexander McQueen Skull ring 52

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Dress Balenciaga Scribble check dress Knitwear Phillip Lim Bag Chloe Baylee Satchel Ring Alexander McQueen Spiral & twin Skull ring www.ohlala-magazine.com

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CELEBRITY SCOOP

Emma Stevens enchanted

Emma Stevens hit the headlines with her debut album, Enchanted, and the radio-friendly hit, Riptide, which made iTunes single of the week. With the release of her follow-up album, Waves, due in October, Paden R Vaughan caught up with the charismatic singer on the eve of her new single release, Make My Day.

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T

he music industry moves in cycles. It mirrors the seasons in some respects with its changing trends and today’s audiences are perhaps more fickle than any that have preceded them. What is in vogue one week can quickly go out of fashion the next.

The internet has played a big part in making as well as breaking careers and the opportunity to reach audiences in new and innovative ways has certainly helped many gain exposure without the need for lucrative contracts or signing to a record label.

Emma Stevens started out on the road to her present career with a lot of ability and a head full of music that she felt compelled to share with the world and she made good use of all these facilities as a fledgling artist to achieve the success she enjoys today.

“Music has always been the focal point in my life.

I knew from an early age that it was what I wanted more than anything but I was level-headed enough to realise that talent alone isn’t always enough in 56

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such a competitive market place.”

Born in Guildford, England, Emma started playing guitar when she was three years of age, after watching her mother playing. “My mum was an amazing musician. She played Spanish guitar and the first time I saw her doing that I was smitten and just pestered her continuously to learn.” Emma’s parents soon realised that their daughter possessed a unique talent and encouraged her to learn piano and the cello. By the time she was six she had joined a youth orchestra and in her early teens she started writing songs.

“I used to write a lot of melodies on the piano by this time and I was really into writing poetry as well – I even had a poem published in a national competition – so combining my words with my music just seemed the natural thing to do.

“It probably seems an obvious thing to say but life shapes the songs I write and most of my

experiences are reflected in my music. When I was 17 I was dumped by my boyfriend at the time and that episode later became the inspiration for my song, How To Write A Love Song, which appeared on my first solo EP.” From 2006 to 2007, Emma attended the distinguished Academy of Contemporary Music and graduated with a Diploma in Guitar and Contemporary Performance.

After a period of writing, session gigs and national tours with the likes of Incubus, The Kooks and Feeder, Emma decided it was time to step out on her own and her biggest supporter towards this ambition was her mother, Tina.

“In early 2012 my mum was diagnosed with cancer but she tried as much as possible to deflect my focus away from her illness and on progressing my career. She played an active part in my development and everything about what www.ohlala-magazine.com

“I’m quite a spiritual person and very optimistic. I think it helps to be that way.

You see the world in a different light.”

For more information on Emma Stevens, visit her website at www.emmastevensmusic.com

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became my debut album, Enchanted, is built up from the fabric of my mum.

“She designed the cover artwork for all four of my EPs and when you put them together they formed the entire cover of Enchanted.”

Such was the aggressiveness of her mother’s illness that on March 26, 2012, Tina Stevens passed away.

“It was the saddest day of my life. For all her support, encouragement and love my mother never got to see the finished product although everything about it was inspired by her.”

The single, Riptide, went on to be a huge European success and provided her with the opportunity to tour in her own right in support of the new album.

“I love being on tour and engaging with my fans. It is the most amazing experience to see people touched by your music and have them tell you it makes a difference to their lives.”

As we speak I can see the enthusiasm and excitement in Emma so it came as no surprise to learn that she started her second album, which is due out later this year, only two weeks after she completed, Enchanted.

“The new album is entitled Waves and it reflects my emotions, events in my life and of course my huge love of the sea. The first single, Make My Day, was inspired by a friend’s break-up.

The video was huge fun to make and I actually did three different versions of it, with one filmed in a tiny light aircraft where I am playing guitar and singing thousands of feet in the air!”

So did she suffer any challenges or that dreaded “second-album” syndrome?

“Not at all. I’m quite a spiritual person and very optimistic. I think it helps to be that way. You see the world in a different light. I didn’t have any concerns about writing and if anything, my confidence was sky-high and the ideas just kept on coming!

“And as well as for myself I do it for my wonderful fans. To know that there are people out there who appreciate what you are doing and want you to do more of it is incredible! What could possibly be difficult about that?”

With such a focused outlook, does she have time to detach from her career?

“I don’t really see what I do as work so it never feels forced or challenging. However, I have other interests outside of music and my big passion is surfing. I love the sea. I also really love nature and just taking a walk in the woods keeps me grounded and makes me realise that life is multi-faceted and not just about one thing.

“As a Taurus I am pretty down to earth and I love to cook. Sushi and Italian food are some of my favourites.”

So what does bring her down? “I have a pet hate in that people today don’t really appreciate or use the English language as it should be used.

I guess technology has contributed to that – texting and tweeting have allowed language to evolve in a different direction to an extent – but it isn’t necessarily always a good thing. “I also wish I wasn’t so clumsy! I often break at least one thing a day but then no one is perfect I guess!”

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BEAUTY

Estée Lauder unleashes the ultimate object of a woman’s desire – introducing NEW Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick. Intensify lips with saturated colour. Sculpt with multi-faceted pigments. Hydrate with continuous moisturisation.

Pure luxury for lips housed in a new, ultrachic case.

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PurE Envy

As Estée Lauder introduces the new Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Lipstick, Ohlala! showcases an exclusive Q&A with spokesmodel Carolyn Murphy...

What is your favourite lipstick shade from the collection and why?

Carolyn Murphy. My favourite shade from the collection is the red I wore in the shoot, Envious.

Red is my go-to for events when I need to “dress up.” It’s classic. What is most appealing about Pure Color Envy and what makes it different from other “long-wear” lipsticks, is that it moisturises lips rather than drying them out, which is better for long days and nights. It also removes quickly without staining lips.

What kind of emotions do the shades in the collection evoke in you?

CM. When I wear the shade Envious, I feel strong, classic and confident. I also like Impassioned because it’s more coral, which has a passionate and sexy quality - great after a day at the beach in summer. Insolent Plum is an odd choice for me but when I wear it, I feel playful and bold. All of the Envy shades are great “pick me ups.”

What lipstick shade do you envy on other women and why?

CM. I envy the shade of burgundy on other

women, as I feel it’s too harsh on me. Looks great for photo shoots but in daily life, I feel a bit overdone. When I see a woman wearing a burgundy lip, I feel that she is daring and strong in her character.

What do you think is your most enviable characteristic?

CM. I’m not sure and a bit embarrassed to think of my “enviable characteristics.” If I had to choose, I think women might envy the illusion of a perfect and glamorous lifestyle. This is far from true! Maybe women envy my eye colour, lips or other physical aspects. The truth is, nobody is perfect but we can sure play up our attributes.

What do you think makes a woman enviable?

CM. I think what makes a woman enviable is an ability to “have it all”. Intelligence, confidence, manners, looks, and a sense of humour.

Physicality is what most people notice at first sight, but I think genuine confidence and intellect is most enviable.

How do you choose the lip colour you wear?

CM. I choose the lip colour I wear by my mood or occasion. If I am feeling “quiet” I stick with beige or lip tones. If I am feeling bold and playful, I choose red or bright pink.

If I am feeling feminine and seductive, I’ll go for berry or plum tones.

What does lipstick say about a woman?

CM. Lipstick says a lot about a woman. It says that she is not lazy and cares about her appearance, she is confident and playful. As with other makeup, it is a way to communicate creatively.

Do you have any tricks or tips for lipstick application that you’ve learned from being a model?

CM. I have learned a few tricks from makeup artists in applying lipsticks. One is that never have the lip color and eye shadow compete. It’s best to have one or the other. Before applying lipstick, put on thick lip balm and after a few minutes, do a sugar scrub or use a dry bath towel. When applying lipstick, you can make the lips appear larger by going outside the natural line of your lips. What I love about this lipstick collection is that you don’t need lip liner!

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Beauty

Luxuriant Lips

L’Oreal Paris ushers in a fashionable lip colour revolution with the fresh and exciting, Colour Riche Extraordinaire range of lipsticks. For the first time, precious micro-oils infused with rich pigments catch the light and act like a magnifying glass on colour and lips thereby fashioning the perfect lip surface and colour from within! This new generation product merges a more powerful colour than lipstick, more sophisticated gleam than gloss and more comfort than a balm.

Beauty Buzz Put on your shopping hat and treat yourself with some amazing essentials to add to your beauty regime.

THE PERFECT WEEKEND

Bath & Body Works’ new fragrance collection, Endless Weekend, transports you to the perfect weekend getaway. The collection includes the Triple Moisture Body Cream, Diamond Shimmer Mist and the new Wave & Shine Hair Mist. Try out their travel-size Daily Trios too.

The extra bonus?

It provides flawless wear that lasts for 12 hours.

Make a splash!

Sephora introduces its new

waterproof makeup range.The colour-adapt bronzer creates a customised bronzed effect for any skin tone. It also unifies and blurs imperfections with its micronised powder texture for easy and perfectly even application.

I’m Addicted!

Essie introduces the ‘Too Taboo Neon Collection 2014’ that celebrates stylish girls around the world struck by fashion fever. The Neon palette includes fuchsia, blue violet, aquamarine blue, lime, coral, berry hibiscus and blanc. Go on, be adventurous!

The difference is clear

Estée Lauder introduces ‘Clear Difference’, which is a highlyeffective, rapid-acting system that targets, treats and dramatically reduces blemishes, effectively yet gently.

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ALL NEW!

DARK KISS EAU DE PARFUM

Exclusively at

BathAndBodyWorksMiddleEast @bbwmena @bbwmena

www.ohlala-magazine.com

STORE LOCATIONS • Bahrain City Centre • Seef Mall Customer Service: 8000-1320

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Celebs’ Beauty Secrets

Check out the beauty mantras these celebs keep – try them for a dose of A-list appeal.

NICOLE KIDMAN

“I nourish my skin with Jurlique, as it contains concentrated quantities of specially processed herbs, vitamins and minerals to fight moisture loss and hold back the signs of ageing.”

MADONNA

“This deliciously rich holistic cleanser, used with the muslin cloth provided, gently lifts away impurities from the skin and removes dead skin cells for an enviable fresh-faced look.”

LUCY LIU

KYLIE MINOGUE

“When I was shooting a movie in Montreal, it was freezing. If you take a little bit of Aquaphor and dab it on your face, it keeps your skin looking fresh and the dryness vanishes. Perfect for winter!”

I prefer using herbal products for my hair; this one is an aromatherapeutic blend of natural plant and flower essences. It has a delicious fragrance and suits my hair well.”

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Get the

look SIMPLE YET STRIKING LOOK

Ashley Greene looks absolutely smokin’ hot. Her simple makeup enhances her gorgeous eyes. Try her look: a dark eye palette with long lashes, perfectly bronzed skin and nude glossy lips.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

1.

CY

1. Start with a foundation for an even base and smooth finish to your face, making sure it doesn’t look patchy. 2. Add some colour to your cheeks and put some rosy pink blusher on. 3. Get just a hint of glow with a nude powder highlighter. 4. To get the perfect eye makeup; which is the primary feature in this look, begin with shaping your brows with an eyebrow pencil. 5. For the eyeshadow, apply the lightest shade across the whole lid and then go in with the middle taupe to shape the socket line. Make sure to use black eyeliner after! 6. Add volume to your lashes, swipe some mascara and lash liner afterwards, to give you the false lash look with ease. 7. Top off your look with a sheer pink lip laquer and apply some gloss over it to get the perfect light pink shade like Ashley’s.

5.

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7.

2.

3.

4.

6.

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YES I do

For those in the throes of planning their big day, we bring you a sampling of our favourite finds.

Intimate or opulent, here’s a quick go-to-guide that is sure to suit your style.

aab

Mo n

Charlotte Olympia

Mulberry

Mich Kors ael

lli Monique Ihui

Burberry

iqu

e Ih

uil

lie

r

Monique Ih

er

uillier

Vera Wang

S Elie

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Michael Kors

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Dior

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WEDDINGS

Jewellery Ca r

oli na He r

re

ra

All eyes are on you on this day. Make sure to complete your wedding day look with the perfect jewellery.

Carolina Herrera

Pandora

Carolina Herrera

Tiffany & Co.

Carolina Herrera

Tiffany & Co.

Kooheji Jewellery

Tiffany & Co.

Pandora

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weddings

AL AREEN PALACE & SPA

For you and your loved one, only the best will do for your wedding. Celebrate your nuptial bliss at Al Areen Palace & Spa’s enchanting venues, that’s guaranteed to delight not only you and your partner, but also all the guests who will share in your very special day.

CALL: 1784 5000 or visit www.alareenpalace.com

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa

With spacious banqueting facilities, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa lets you host up to 600 guests. With our gracious personalised service, their team of experts ensures that every detail of your wedding is planned and executed with precision. With seamless service and sumptuous cuisine offerings, celebrating your nuptials here is guaranteed to be simply unforgettable.

CALL 1711 1999 or visit www.rameegrandbahrain.com

THE BIG DAY IS HERE!

Contemporary or traditional, these wedding venues will bear testament to your special day. Here are a few picks…

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Offering one of the most beautiful and elegant wedding settings, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain provides comprehensive wedding services.

Whether you’re planning in one of their breathtaking ballrooms, or on their outdoor terrace by the tropical garden and lagoon-style pool. The Al Dana Hall alone can seat up to 3,000 guests. For expert guidance, wedding coordinators will take care of the details to help make your dream wedding come true.

CALL 1771 3000 or visit www.gulfhotelbahrain.com

Heavenly Spa, The Westin Bahrain City Centre

The bride and groom can get pampered at The Westin’s ‘Time Together Package’. It includes a 15-minute steam treatment, a 30-minute body cleaning scrub, 30-minute body wrap, one-hour massage, a 45-minute rejuvenating couple’s appointment with a 45-minute Jacuzzi with refreshments. The ‘Romantic Day Package’ on one hand comes with a 15-minute foot-bath followed by a 15-minute steam, a 45-minute massage, a 45-minute facial, plus a 30-minute romantic bath in your very own Couple’s Spa Suite.

Call: 1717 1122 or email heavenlyspa.bahrain@starwoodhotels.com

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WEDDINGS

Here Comes the Bride’s Ride

When it comes to wedding types there are so many choices, ranging from the traditional right up to the outright wacky. And one of the factors that will influence those choices is the choice of carriage that the bride and groom leave the event in! We’ve outlined a few below…

The Rolls Royce

When it comes to wedding cars, there’s only one word for it: Phantom. Quite simply the most prestigious and luxurious limousines made in the world, having one of these parked outside your venue will always make a statement.

Why not go for the classic Phantoms? They might not have the technology and refinement of their more modern counterparts, they undoubtedly rival them for sheer elegance and character. Choose either the Phantom Mk III, IV or V - these are the models that really capture that classic British stateliness.

The Cadillac

If it’s classic Americana rather than British prestige you’re looking for, there are some fantastic offerings from the other side of the Atlantic too. For years, Cadillacs have been the name in American premium luxury. But it can’t just be any old Cadillac. It’s got to be a classic first generation (1960s-era) Cadillac De Ville cabrio. No other Cadillac before or since had that unforgettable combination of art-deco grandeur, tail fins and all, and sheer presence (almost six metres long and two metres wide!) that has made them a favourite for classic restoration limousines the world over.

The Stretched Limo

Pretty standard fare these days, a big American stretched limousine used to be the word in VIP motoring. However, now they seem more the carriage of choice from prom queens, stag and hen dos, and Vegas casino transfers. Most people would find a limousine a tad tacky for a wedding, but if this is what you really want, we have one piece of advice: go all out. et the biggest, brashest and flashiest one you can possibly find. We want a Hummer H2 so long you can get the entire wedding reception in there, and we want it with 30-inch chrome alloy wheels, disco lights and a mini bar, the works!

Unique Alternatives

The Horse-Drawn Carriage A truly classical option for a fairytale wedding. However, do consider a few drawbacks. First off, your distance is limited as to where you can go, so the reception venue must be close to the wedding venue. And, whilst horses are beautiful and majestic beasts, they will occasionally do beastly things all over the floor, which can dampen your special day. But it doesn’t seem to bother the British royal family, who use horse-drawn carriages for most State events, the recent royal wedding included, so if it's good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for you!

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The Yacht A unique aspect about living in the Gulf is always being within a short distance of the sea most of the time, a feature that many five-star hotels have taken advantage of by choosing a beachfront setting which often includes their very own marina. Examples that spring to mind immediately are The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Bahrain, and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, to name but two. And as these hotels offer ideal settings for a glamorous wedding, why not leave in mil ion-dollar style by chartering a yacht from the marina? The added benefit is that you could even take the wedding reception with you!

The Harley-Davidson Wedding This seems like an excessively trashy way to leave a wedding, but these days, it’s not just hairy ex-convicts who ride Harleys, but doctors, lawyers, bankers and the like, often ride in groups.

And, their wives often enjoy the lifestyle too. So, to ride away in a thundering procession of roaring two-stroke engines will definitely leave an impression! But there are obvious difficulties: a bride in a big, billowing wedding dress sitting on a vibrating combination of hot metal and rotating chains, plus a groom in top hat and tails, so it will take some sartorial compromises to pull it off! www.ohlala-magazine.com

We’re Here To Capture The Moments Along The Way.

A True Love Story Is A Journey That Never Ends‌

For more information visit us on www.edwintcg.com/blog or call on +973 33208003

Entrust your special day in the hands of an award winning wedding photography team.

Dedicated to capturing special moments, Edwin Tan and Greyimage provides you with innovative and timeless imagery of your dream wedding.

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chic eats

Down to a ‘Tea’

With charming staff, an extensive tea list and a vast array of pastries and snacks – it’s enough to tempt any dieter off the straight and narrow.

Welcome to the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s little gem.

T

ucked away on the mezzanine floor of the luxury hotel, the Tea Garden feels like a secret oasis.

An afternoon tea here is all about good taste: of the interior designers who have laid on an elegant (and yet informal) setting; of the soft music playing whose harmonies blend so well with the warm chatter of guests; of the sumptuous delicacies upon which you feast: the requisite finger sandwiches with smoked salmon, grilled vegetable, pumpernickel with cream cheese, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as cakes on a tiered cake stand.

If this is not enough, then the red velvet cake and chocolate cookies are a perfect finish. They may all be bite-size but we testify to the fact that they will satiate your appetite.

Their tea selection alone features a range of over 18 different black, green, white, redbush and herbal teas, as well freshly-brewed and icedcoffees and squeezed-on-order fresh juices.

Comfort food, high-fibre sandwiches and healthy salads are also on offer, and if you wish to have your very own creation, simply let your preferences be known and the staff are happy to oblige. You can even request to have an allvegetarian option.

The Tea Garden at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa makes it easy to indulge with their great value offerings. You can have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner here, and with plenty of tasty choices to snack on and a five-star venue that’s located in Seef ’s bustling shopping district, it’s definitely worth including as a decadent break when you’re in the area.

TOP TREAT: The Smoked Salmon Sandwich wins, while the Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad is wonderful – the cheese is delicate, the bread soft and freshly made.

BEST FOR: Quick catch-ups, light lunch & snacks, afternoon tea, business meetings & coffee mornings DAYS AND TIMES: Daily from 7am to 11pm; with Tea Garden promotions on from 4 to 6pm. Delivery service is available free of charge.

CALL: 1711 1999 72

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CHIC EATS

Come Dine with me A new and healthy dining option…

How to ‘Eat Well’

A new and healthydining option…

Le Meridien & The Westin Bahrain City Centre Saveur introduces you to The Westin’s ‘Feel Well’ philosophy, SuperFoodsRx. Delight in the buffet lunch with a choice of soup and salad from the gourmet salad gallery; or soup and main course; either for BD10 net. The third option: a lunch buffet for BD16 net lets you choose from the main course buffet, make your own salad and sandwich or indulge in the dessert buffet. Open for lunch from 1 to 4pm and from 7 to 11pm for dinner.

Meanwhile, the Friday Family Brunch at Baharat in Le Meridien, features a delicious

spread of international classics, modern fusions and delightfully fresh flavours. Cost is BD20++ with beverages, BD30++ with selected freeflow beverages. Kids aged six to 12 are half price and those below six eat for free.

RESERVATIONS: 1717 4401

Oktoberfest is on!

Entertainment & culinary delights…

Gulf Hotel Bahrain Revel in a new dining concept – ‘Casa Mia’ at La Pergola in the Gulf Hotel and taste an assortment of antipasti, followed by a variety of risotto, pasta and pizza, fish and meat main courses and classic Italian desserts. All dishes are served on your table. Minimum booking is for four persons. Casa Mia is available every Thursday and priced at BD12.5++. Spice up your weekend and enjoy great food combined with excellent live entertainment from the duo Chris and Toni at www.ohlala-magazine.com

Margarita Mexicana.

The Gulf Hotel is also hosting a grand Oktoberfest on September 25 and 26. Spend a lively evening with family and friends with entertainment by Lasterbacher Musikanten; the famous band coming to perform straight from Germany. Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere with a sumptuous buffet spread at BD23.5++ and an assortment of regular and premium spirits.

RESERVATIONS: 1771 3000 OHLALA!

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Rich Delicacies Sumptuous offerings Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa The Friday Brunch at Lemon Tree in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa features a delectable buffet spread of Middle Eastern favourites and classic dishes from around the world with live cooking stations. The offer includes a special buffet for kids and is priced at BD15++ for adult; half price for kids. Alternatively, you may want to try out Rialto, which fuses the flavours of the northern and southern cuisines of Italy. With emphasis on authentic recipes prepared by a team of expert chefs daily, you can also unwind with family and friends during BBQ Nights every Wednesday from 7pm to 11pm. For only 15++ (BD7++ for kids), price includes live entertainment and unlimited selected beverages.

RESERVATIONS: 1711 1999

Entertainment from Paul Adams Great food, great fun‌ Upstairs Downstairs Enjoy a weekend of fun, music, dance and celebration with Toddy Paul Adams, as he returns to Upstairs Downstairs to entertain guests with his outgoing persona and amazing vocals. Paul is all set to delight the crowd on September 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, in the evenings and he will specially perform during the brunch hours on September 18 and 26. Paul has come down all the way from Cape Town, to entertain guests with a mixture of African tunes, music and culture. Sample Upstairs Downstairs’ extensive new menu, which offers tantalising cuisine and a refreshing variety of fruits of the vine to tempt grape connoisseurs. Dance the night away with food and beverages at their best!

RESERVATIONS: 1771 3093 76

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Chic eats

Oh to be cool

Irresistible September deals…

The Domain Bahrain

Gather round with friends and explore your inner-foodie and music at The Domain Bahrain’s ‘Very Grown Up Brunch’ at Level34, every Friday from 12pm to 4pm, with prices starting from BD19++. Every Wednesday and Thursday, it’s an All-You-Can-Eat affair at the Sauvage BBQ Night. Try the finest beef short ribs, seasoned with the chef ’s special spices and slow-cooked to perfection with their signature BBQ sauce, all for BD12++. Get away from your desk and have lunch at Figs & Olives, their Italo-Lebanese casual eatery. Tuck into a two-course menu made of the freshest ingredients for BD 9++.

RESERVATIONS: 1600 0000

A feast for the senses Divine dining delights…

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Going Green

Start your weekend early with Thursday clubbing at the Mövenpick Hotel. Savour the salad bar, try Mediterranean light starters section, or stop by the fresh shrimps station to get your taste buds working.

A resident DJ puts you in the mood to party. The Thursday Night Brunch is BD22++ with unlimited beverages and is on from 7.30pm to 11pm at the Gallery Lobby Lounge.

RESERVATIONS: 1746 0017

Healthy salads promotion on…

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Revel in the Salad Promotion at Soie Chinese Restaurant in Sheraton Bahrain from Sunday to Friday between 7pm to 11.30pm. The delicious menu includes a variety of salads like, Mixed Beans and Bell Pepper Salad at BD3.9++, if you are a meat lover; try the Five Spice Chicken and Pea Shoot Salad for BD4.9++ or Thai Beef Salad at BD5.9++.

Seafood lovers can indulge in the Mermaid Special at BD6.9++.

RESERVATIONS: 1753 5353 or visit www.soiebahrain.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

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“ Oh, the doors that willl open when you have the right key”

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S M A R T P H O N E

A New Venue Worth Exploring

Great for business lunches & quick bites…

Swiss-Belhotel Seef

With panoramic city views and an outdoor terrace, the newly-opened hotel’s Swiss-Café is the perfect venue if you’re looking to book a Business lunch or if you wish to opt for casual dining. Also on offer is their American breakfast buffet with healthy options; the two-course buffet priced at BD7++ and an a la carte menu. Swiss Café is open daily from 6.30am to 11.30pm. If you’re in a rush and just need a quick bite, the trendy lobby café, Caffecino, offers healthy breakfast options and a selection of organic salads, open sandwiches and French pastries. Cakes are also available on order and it’s open 24 hours.

RESERVATIONS: 6631 0045

Dedicated to excellence Endless culinary delights…

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa

If you head to Nirvana on Fridays from 12noon to 3pm, you’ll find that ‘It’s Not a Brunch’. The experience lets you relish a choice of unlimited curries and grills along with bottomless house beverages for BD22++.

La Med restaurant on the other hand offers seafood lovers an wxquisite Seafood Night. Savour the ocean’s finest bounty from the buffet spread and live cooking stations. It’s priced at BD18++, every Thursday from 7 to 11pm.

RESERVATIONS: 1758 6499

Brand new dining spot!

Another stellar offering…

Royal Golf Club

The Royal Golf Club is opening their fourth dining outlet, Repartee, on September 15. The Repartee Lounge offers fine beverages and cigars, a light menu with Far Eastern flavours, in a cosy comfortable seating with superb views and an outdoor terrace. It’s open daily (5pm to midnight). The second annual Oktoberfest party takes place in the Majlis on October 3 from 8pm. Enjoy traditional German music, food and beverages, for BD21 net (Club Members) and BD26 net (visitors) with food and drinks plus two special German beverages.

Do book in advance.

RESERVATIONS: 1775 0777 80

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Chic Eats

Excellence on a plate

Guaranteed to please the palates…

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hotel

Bento Box

Light bites and other delights…

Bushido Looking for a healthy lunch option? Bushido offers a selection of Bento Box packages to choose from, each with a selection of sashimi/ sushi, vegetables, grilled meat and rice served with salad, miso soup, mixed fruits and green tea. Revel in this tempting menu with your colleagues or friends. The restaurant’s Bento Box packages are available during lunchtime daily for BD9 net.

RESERVATIONS: 1758 3555

Head to La Mer and savour their new menu specially developed by La Mer’s head chef and his team. Open for lunch from Thursday to Saturday, 12.30pm to 3pm, and dinner Monday to Sunday, 7 to 11pm. Weekends just got more interesting with Saraya’s Saturday Arabic Brunch concept featuring exquisite Arabian cuisine. Cost is BD18 net with beverages or BD22 net including house beverages. It’s on from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

RESERVATIONS: 1763 6363

A Gastronomic Extravaganza

15 Magical Moments are back…

Maki Get set for a magical ride with some delicious food delicacies. Indulge in Maki restaurant’s 15 Magical Moments Dinner.

Loyal fans of Maki as well as newbies alike will get to savour 15 samplings of their bestselling as well as new dishes. Bring the whole gang along and revel in the huge menu offering, which includes complimentary beverages. The 15 Magical Moments Dinner is on September 9 at BD15++ per person from 8.30pm onwards.

RESERVATIONS: 1752 2733

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Hypnotically Surreal WORDS BY KARINA LAZARRAGA

Paintings by Ella Prakash quietly yet powerfully invite you to live in a world of simple, pure beauty. Her colours are clear and bright, her scenes, moving and mesmerising.

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Ohlala! Rendezvous

E

lla’s work allows a lot of participation from a viewer, inviting them to draw from their own experiences, beckoning them irresistibly to enter the scene.

Ella describes her art as a way to express her perceptions, dreams and aspirations for women.

As women’s roles in society have been subject to double standards throughout time, she uses abstract figurative art to express and capture the beauty of women: “Positive feminism is what I explore. I want to depict women in my art, celebrating their positive strength and power that is beneficial not only for women but for society at large,” Ella shares.

“I believe that through art, we can challenge things, change things, improve things and make our own long-lasting contribution to society, leaving behind a humble legacy. The twenty-first century is about collaboration, joining forces, working more closely together, helping each other to achieve, develop, prosper and improve.

We learn all our life and we never stop evolving because if we do, we may as well be ‘dead’.”

The artist seems to be in a perpetually creative mode. Her last series ‘Palette of Emotions’ was a different venture altogether; while her most recent collection evokes the Cubist style, as she is very much inspired by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee: “Lately I’ve been working on a series of seamless cubic patterns with underlying various perspectives of women within transparent layers to capture their distinctive personality.

“My inspiration comes from within me and from my childhood,” she shares. “I am also inspired by artists who motivate my work. Inspiration is all around me – travels, family, connections.”

Her paintings are based on feminism via figurative expressions, so she starts “with sketches then I transfer them onto canvas most of the time.

What is created on the canvas does not necessarily need to be a copy or replica of the sketch, reason being that as I paint, my mood varies between intervals of my thought process.”

Ella strives to distill the lovely essence of her favoured subjects: “I mainly concentrate on lines, www.ohlala-magazine.com

“Positive feminism is what I explore.

I want to depict powerful and strong women in my art.” shapes and curves, with very limited colours to describe the patterns of figures. I don’t express any details on faces; my main focus is to create abstract pieces of art and to capture the inner beauty of a woman.”

Ella has to date exhibited her collections in Germany, India, UK and the US. Born and brought up in Bahrain, she has certainly come a long way. Ella was selected by Debut Contemporary in London, an awardwinning art incubator, which helps artists launch their careers in London and internationally. She has been showing there for a few months now and the Debut team are currently working on securing a solo exhibition in London in November 2014, which will mark Ella’s official launch in the London art scene. “I’m very excited about its prospects and what future holds for me and my artistic career,” she enthused.

With a worldview so filled with a simple love for, and serious desire to celebrate beauty, we don’t doubt that Ella’s artistic path will continue to be a successful one.

To contact the artist, call 3907 3299 or email info@ellagallery.com or visit www.ellagallery.com OHLALA!

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ohlala! rendezvous

Up and Up!

Fast growth and an ever-more-valuable brand are gratifying, but for Donna Benton, Founder and CEO of the Entertainer incentives company, nothing trumps passion.

WORDS BY KARINA LAZARRAGA

Fourteen years on and the Entertainer brand is as strong as ever and is now present in 15 countries and 40 destinations as of last count.

“That list is growing and business is very good,” beams Donna.

In 2012, the UAE-based Abraaj Group acquired a 50 percent stake in the multi-million dollar company. Quite an extraordinary feat for Donna who arrived in Dubai with just USD 3,000.

Established in Dubai in 2001, the Entertainer offers buy-one-get-one-free incentives at quality outlets in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, as well as countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. The company publishes annual products for each country market containing vouchers for restaurants, hotel stays, family and leisure activities, beauty and spa treatments. Just this year, the company launched its mobile app so the vouchers can be redeemed digitally at any outlet and is valid for use worldwide.

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she believes that, “You have to be a leader, not a follower. Also, you can’t over-analyse things as by the time you’re done analysing, others will be a step ahead of you already.”

So was there a moment when she thought if her business idea would ever work?

“No, not at all,” came her answer. “If you believe something, nothing can get in the way of you achieving your goals. Be prepared to work hard, have strong work ethic, and do a feasibility study – as ultimately, if it makes a profit then it’s a business, and if it doesn’t, it’s simply a hobby.”

So what’s it like working with her? “I would say I’m fair but firm. When I hire people, I don’t simply look at their CV as that doesn’t exactly tell you what a person is capable of doing. I look at someone’s character and try to envision how they

“Dreams can come true.If you work hard and really put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”

fit with our company values and what they could bring to the Entertainer as an employee. Most importantly, when it comes to new hires, I go with my gut instinct.

“Day to day, I have an open-door policy and I do my best to make it a fun environment for people to work in. I’m also very realistic and structured.”

Donna is wise to heed the lessons from the early days of the company: “There have been many mistakes when I was starting out, but I wouldn’t give up those mistakes as it has taught me many things. When you’re faced with hurdles, the best way is to think of a solution and not focus on the problem,” she shares.

If there’s one thing we can take from her success story, it’s that, “Dreams can come true. If you work hard and really put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. A woman can multi-task and still achieve 100 percent of everything and be successful at it.

The key to success is that you must have a good brand or concept, deliver results and be passionate.”

For more details on the Entertainer, visit www. theentertainerme.com

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Ohlala! Rendezvous

Fulfilling Lives It is possible that dreams can come true. The Dreams Society in Bahrain has proved this by providing charitable services to children who are affected with terminal illnesses and debilitating diseases. Ohlala! chats with the VicePresident of The Dreams Society, Aysha Fakhro, on what the charity aims to achieve.

Words by Sana Alibux

O

fficially founded in 2011, The Dreams Society has managed to stimulate the lives of the terminally ill children of Bahrain.

Aysha gushes about the children they have been able to help, “Children who are ill should have the same opportunity to experience joy and delight as others.” And this is precisely what this organisation provides.

The Dreams Society hosts an annual Ghabga event during Ramadan, and this year it was held on July 4, at the Ramee Grand Hotel. Amongst the entertainment was a live auction, a raffle draw, live band and a full buffet that was set out for Suhoor. This event brought out tremendous 86

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success from all the charity members and guests that participated in making dreams come true.

“The turnout of the event this year was spectacular – we had a sold-out event with 500 guests, and managed to raise approximately BD18,000. This is an amazing accomplishment for the charity and most especially for the livelihood of the children that matter the most.”

A story Aysha shares with us was one of the “Spiderkid – The Spiderman Dream” which came true after one child who was sick with leukemia showed a deep interest in Spiderman and the passion he had for being this character.

“We bought him an outfit and took him to Bahrain City Centre to see the Amazing

Spiderman movie, which was sponsored by the Bahrain Cinema Company,” Aysha tells us excitedly. “We enacted a scenario, just for him, to prove his Spiderman capabilities. We then arranged for a ‘burglar’ to come into the cinema and steal someone’s bag, then Spiderkid saved the day by going after him and getting the bag back!

It was momentous; everyone clapped for him.”

The charity behind these amazing success stories and the incredible children who are worth pushing boundaries for, conveys to Bahrain the necessity of giving back to our community.

“It is believed that hope, happiness and excitement helps a child through recovery. We trust you are as happy as we are to bring a smile to the faces of these children, and hope into their lives.”

The Dreams Society have also conducted a successful challenge called “30 Dreams in 30 days” and were able to achieve 28 dreams from the challenge held during Ramadan.

Anyone can become a member of The Dreams Society.

Email: aaefakhro@gmail.com; Instagram and Twitte: @DreamsSociety

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Bentley Continental GT V8 S

A weekend in a Bentley is always a memorable experience, but in the superb Continental GT V8 S, it’s something that you’ll remember until your final days…

Photography by Nick Langmead

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diva drives

W

hen the Bentley Continental GT was first released, way back in 2003, it boasted the mighty twin-turbo 6.0l W12 engine, but the ongoing trend towards greener technologies put pressure on Bentley to produce something a little more fuel-efficient.

So while that impressive W12 engine is still present in the Continental GT W12, GTC and GT Speed, Bentley are now offering the car with the slightly more ‘sensible’ 4.0l twinturbo V8, which can de-activate four-cylinders seamlessly under sedate cruising conditions to deliver an incredible 40 percent higher fuel efficiency over the W12.

This model in particular is the V8 S, which boasts an uprated engine, 521hp and 680Nm compared to the standard V8’s 500hp and 660Nm. Bentley have gone to great pains to present the V8 not as a compromise, but rather an alternative. There is still the kind of power that could send a rocket to the moon, and Bentley have decided to present the V8 S as a leaner and meaner machine that offers a more engaging drive than the more reserved GT W12. Whereas the W12 is about ultimate luxury, the V8 S is all about the experience.

They’ve tweaked the noise of the engine in such a way that, when you’re cruising along the motorway you don’t hear a thing, but when you hit the acceleration, you get the full benefit of that magnificent bellow from the twin-turbo V8.

And it’s ferociously fast, with a 0-100km/h time of www.ohlala-magazine.com

When you’re cruising you don’t hear a thing, but when you plant the acceleration, you get the full benefit of that magnificent bellow from the twin-turbo V8.

4.5 seconds and a top speed of 309km/h, which is incredible for a car that weighs over two tonnes!

The interior is, as you’d expect, the word in class and elegance, with lashings of soft padded leather everywhere, and we loved the chrome pushrod handles for the airflow from the AC. However, it does have its drawbacks. Even though it’s supposed to be more sensible, it still drinks the fuel. We put AED300 in it over the four days we had it, though that did include a trip to Al Ain and back, and much enthusiastic driving on Jebel Hafeet!

In addition, because of that long coupe shape it also has extremely long doors. This means that in a tight spot you can’t open them very far, making it awkward to get out of.

And finally, despite the huge 21-inch sports tyres, the rear-biased 60-40 split all-wheel-drive system and the lower ride height, you can still feel the two tonne weight of the car when you’re throwing it around bends. While the car does feel planted, and not jittery in any way, the everpresent wail of the tyres lets you know that they’re

really working hard to keep the big GT in check.

And yet, all its faults seem to make it more endearing rather than annoying, because they all define what it is. It’s big and heavy because it’s a super-luxury GT. It drinks the fuel because it’s massively powerful and refuses to compromise.

The Bentley is more than just the sum of its parts. It’s a way of life. You’re treated differently when you’re driving it, by other road users, and by the general public. When you leave a hotel, it’s parked right there in the driveway alongside the Ferraris and the Lamborghinis. Because that’s where it belongs.

It’s just… magnificent!

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diva drives

Petrolhead Pretty Our resident Diva Driver, Lisa Speed, is seriously considering becoming a racing driver. The reason is at the end of this column…

I

love Range Rovers. They’re big, brawny, muscular and ostentatious. And they’re also powerful, luxurious, prestigious and opulent. However, it’s the Range Rover Sport that really steals the show for me. Take the world’s most luxurious SUV and make it even sleeker and faster?

What’s not to like? Which is why I’m so excited about the brand’s most recent unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance (where else?) – the all-new Range Rover Sport SVR. It looks simply spectacular, and joy of joys, it still boasts that awesome 5.0l supercharged V8. When combined with a lighter chassis, this means that it will now hit 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, and top out at 260km/h. Just wow!

Every time this engine is released in a new model I say a little thank you prayer to the gods of speed and power, because it means that the company haven’t caved into the unrelenting pressures of eco-badgering and used a smaller turbo-charged engine instead. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there’s no replacement for displacement!

In other news, one of my favourite brands that I can’t afford, Rolls Royce, seem to be finding more and more people who CAN afford them these days, in Bahrain anyway! Since the beginning of this year the brand has sold over 50 percent more cars in the country than it did last year.

They say that this is because of their stunning new coupe, the Wraith, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s because the Wraith is now featured on the globally acclaimed Forza Motorsport 5 game on the X-Box One? The pester power of children is well documented, and the thought of daddy owning a car that they can drive in the game must have had many a spoilt million-heir dragging their beleaguered parents to the 90

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“It’s the Range Rover Sport that really steals the show for me. Take the world’s most luxurious SUV and make it even sleeker and faster?

What’s not to like?”

Rolls Royce showroom!

It does, however, fill my heart with unadulterated joy to know that I can drive the Wraith any time I want now… on my boyfriend’s games console. Whoopee…

And finally, the McLaren P1 GTR. There’s not really much to say about it – it’s a track car, so not really relevant to the likes of you and me. I only really mentioned it so that I could put THAT picture on the page! And now, ladies and whoever else reads these columns, if you don’t mind, I’m going to have a little quiet moment to myself…

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131, Sh. Salman Highway, Zinj P.O. Sh. BoxSalman 26332, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain 131, Highway, Zinj Tel: 238822; 17 238806 P.O.17 Box 26332,Fax: Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 17 238822; Fax: 17 238806

Authorized Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge & RAM Service: 17 Chrysler, 238186 / 187 Authorized Jeep, Dodge & RAM OHLALA! 91 Parts: 1717 238193 / 194 Service: 238186 / 187 Parts: 17 238193 / 194

diva drives Mini Cooper

Real-World Diva Drives Audi A5

Ohlala! talks to the true Diva Drivers of Bahrain, with this month featuring VIP flight attendant Aimee Odam, who hurtles around town in her sleek Audi A5 3.2l V6.

Ford Mustang

Rang Rover Sport

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So Aimee, where are you from, and what do you do?

I’m from Sydney, Australia. I’ve been in Bahrain for ten years now. I work as a flight attendant for a private airline.

And what was the first car you ever owned?

My first car was a 1982 Holden Commodore, a 5-litre fuelguzzling monster! However it was definitely a little too powerful for a 16-year-old, and after I wrote it off (coughs!) my parents decided to get me a more practical (and safer) Mitsubishi Colt 1.5-litre, four-cylinder hatchback! I was gutted though; I’d devoted a lot of time and money to that Holden!

What cars have you owned since then?

Since then I’ve been lucky enough to own a Mini Cooper Parklane which was a dream to drive, small and nippy with great handling, though difficult to fit luggage (a must in my line of work!). After that a BMW 320 Coupe, which was a beautiful car, but unfortunately not fast enough for me! Now I drive a 3.2-litre V6 Audi A5.

Why did you choose the Audi? What appealed to you about it?

I chose it initially because I really liked the headlights and body shape. It’s quick off the mark too, which is essential for me. I’m always in a rush and spend most of my day in my car so I love the sports option and the Bose stereo system.

Of all the cars you’ve owned, what was your favourite?

In a way I loved my old Holden Commodore the most. I used to slide it around gravel car parks with friends when I was a teenager. I have very fond memories of that car, blaring tunes and cruising to the beach in Oz. If you could have any car in the world, and money was no object, what would it be?

In general, I love old cars. Those classic body shapes send me wild! My favourite by a good mile is the 1967 Ford Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds. Either that or I’d be happy with the Range Rover Sport, because it’s everything I need right now in terms of comfort and practicality. Not to mention speed. Speed is most important!

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SOCIETY HOTSPOTS

If you want your event to be featured in Ohlala! Email us at editorial@ohlala-magazine .com

R & B sessions and Museland

September 4 & 19 (R&B Sessions) September 25 (Museland)

Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa WHY GO? R&B fans can enjoy fun

The All-New Magic Island

Open daily from 10am onwards

Seef Mall WHY GO? Seef Mall has re-opened Bahrain’s first indoor theme park - the new Magic Island offers a spectacle of underwater fun and adventure for young and old alike. It takes visitors on an unforgettable voyage across sea and land in six unique zones Marina Deck, Beach Sand, Rock Pool, Underwater, Caribbean Island and Haunted House. www.magic-island.com

evenings with entertainment by R&B artists.

September 4 sees international artist ‘Cupid’, beloved in the local market and known by the hit, ‘Cupid Shuffle’; whilst international R&B star VIC performs on September 19.

He is well known in the local market and is the author of huge club hits such as Wobble Baby, Twerk It, etc. Also, Ibrida partners with Museland Records to bring two GCC talents - Nikotin and The Relocators, both bands will perform on September 25.

Call 1711 1999

Paul Adams is back!

September 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26

Upstairs Downstairs WHY GO? Enjoy a weekend of fun,

Epic Night Out

September 12, 9pm onwards

Txoko, The Domain WHY GO? The Domain Bahrain and Trance Nation Bahrain is hosting an epic night out at Txoko. Trance Nation’s resident DJs and cofounders, DJ Ajoc, DJ Black and Sidney kicks off the night with some trance beats to set the mood for the main act by the famous DJ Gareth Weston. Free entry for ladies which includes welcome drinks. Gents pay BD10 for entry!

Call 1600 0000 94

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music, dance and celebration with Toddy Paul Adams, as he returns to Upstairs Downstairs to entertain guests with his outgoing persona and amazing vocals.

Paul is all set to delight the crowd on September 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, in the evenings and he will specially perform during the brunch hours on September 18 and 26. Paul has come down all the way from Cape Town, to entertain guests with a mixture of African tunes, music and culture. Dance the night away with food and beverages at its best!

Call 1771 3093

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SOCIETY

Raise your Paws and Claws for a Cause

September 27, 12pm onwards

Upstairs Downstairs WHY GO? An auction for a cause will be held at Upstairs Downstairs by the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). The restaurant will be offering brunch and entertainment by Toddy Paul Adams at BD20 including beverages.

Attendance at the brunch is optional and there is no charge to participate in the auction. There will be a lot of exciting items for people to bid on. All funds raised will go directly to the Animal Welfare Centre to care for abandoned and abused animals in Bahrain.

The brunch is from 12 to 4pm and the auction begins at 2pm.

Call 1771 3093

Oktoberfest

September 25 & 26

Gulf Hotel WHY GO? The Gulf Hotel is hosting a grand Oktoberfest so get ready to fill your mugs at this happening ale festival flowing with fresh lager. Spend a lively evening with family and friends with entertainment by Lasterbacher Musikanten; the famous band coming to perform straight from Germany. Revel in the fantastic atmosphere with a sumptuous buffet spread at BD23.5++ and an assortment of regular and premium spirits.

Call 1771 3000

Ohlala! exclusive

Toast around the world

Moulin Rouge

September 25

Bushido Lounge WHY GO? Bushido Lounge is getting ready to party Parisian style for this cheeky cabaret event.

The party arrives following recent renovations and a brand-new layout for Bushido, plus the launch of some brand new cocktails. DJ Ravin headlines the event, with live music also provided by The Ravan Project, and entertainment in the form of fire-shows and beautiful cabaret dancers. Moulin Rouge will surely have the dance floor showing off their can-can skills late into the night.

Call 1758 3555

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September 26 Trader Vic’s WHY GO? Celebrating 70 years of the Mai Tai drink, all guests are invited to join in a ‘Toast Around the World’ at Mai-Tai Lounge to honour this world-famous cocktail. On September 26, starting in Tokyo, Mai Tais will be raised high and the toast will continue at each Trader Vic’s location, until it ends in California where it all began, the Home of the Original Mai Tai! Guests at Trader Vic’s in Bahrain are invited to join this unique international celebration, making the toast at 9.45pm. To indulge Bahrain’s love for Instagram, special hashtags will be running for the evening’s toast, #TraderVics and #MaiTaiNation.

Call 1758 6555

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Society shot-on-site

Farewell party of French Ambassador

The Ambassador of France, Christian Testot and his wife Zeina Testot hosted a farewell party at the French Residence with many important guests and dignitaries. They are leaving Bahrain for another assignment.

Summer Festival

The Ministry of Culture inaugurated the Bahrain Summer Festival at the Bab Al Bahrain mall. The Bahrain Summer Festival had events catering to all age groups, from kids to elders and enjoys a tremendous footfall each year.

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Grand Opening of SwissBelhotel

The Swiss-Belhotel had its grand opening recently. This four-star hotel has classy amenities, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, a lobby cafe, all-day dining restaurant that opens onto the pool deck and terrace, swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms and business centre.

Welcome reception FOR Mövenpick’S COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

A dinner party invite for the Thursday Night Brunch was extended to important guests of the industry by the newly assigned communications manager, Mariam Sallam for Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain.

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Society shot-on-site

Baharat Independence Day Brunch

To celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day, Baharat in Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre hosted a unique brunch.

Varieties of Indian cuisine were served with entertainment for the guests.

DJ Karine Live at Ibrida International star DJ Karine rocked the spins with the top hits at Ibrida in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. She was a major crowd puller, with people dancing away and enjoying the evening. She was voted the best female DJ in 2012 and a regular at the Green Valley (considered by DJ MAG magazine as the best nightclub in the world).

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Grand launch of Kala Niketan - The Original

Iconic Indian brand Kala Niketan - The Original, had their grand store launch with Kubra Al Qaseer at the Kubra Al Qaseer Mall, Riffa. The evening was graced by Mala Kumar, The First Lady of the Indian community in Bahrain along with former Miss Italy & Shaima Rahimi from Bahrain TV.

Grand opening of Makeup manual store The popular makeup blogger; Mai Al Moayyed who created the blog The Makeup Manual launched her store at Segaya Plaza. It sells beauty products and also teaches its clients how to use it.

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Society

OBU˜ SINE˜ SS All the latest industry news from the luxury sector in the Middle East

JAWAD BUSINESS GROUP MARKS 56th YEAR AS DEPUTY CHAIR

Sheraton promotes Cristalyn Pastrana

Mövenpick visits UCO elder centre

Deputy Chairman, Abbas Hussain completed 56 years of association with the Jawad Business Group (JBG). He has been a strong influence and motivator in the positioning of JBG as a regional leader in the consumer, retail and hospitality industries. Hussain’s history runs parallel to the company, as it grew and reinforced its identity as one of the oldest and strongest domestic corporate brands in Bahrain.“Abbas has proven himself a genuine and innovative leader and a people’s person and we congratulate him on his stellar role in the company,” says Faisal Jawad, Chairman and CEO of JBG.

Cristalyn Pastrana has been promoted to director of marketing and communications.

Cristalyn joined Sheraton Bahrain Hotel in January 2012, as marketing communications manager. During the past two years, she implemented a truly remarkable marketing and public relations strategies and also focused on the digital marketing and social media that has resulted in Sheraton Bahrain Hotel winning multiple awards over the years. In this new role, Cristalyn will continue to oversee all aspects of marketing, public relations, branding, digital strategies and social media for Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

Mövenpick hotel sustainability and management team visited the UCO elder centre in Muharraq. A donation of a brand new LG fridge was made to UCO elder centre to support the centre’s needs and help increase the storage of fresh goods. General manager Daniel Kaan was present, along with the hotels head of departments, to present the gift to the centre. Also present during the visit was Dr. Salah Al deen al Ansari, member of the Board of Trustees and Reema Ahmed Shams, director of the centre. This visit is part of one of the biggest sustainability programs of Mövenpick Hotels and resorts in the field of social responsibility.

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Famous Leos Michael Jackson Beyonce Adam Sandler Kobe Bryant Cameron Diaz Jack Black Roald Dhal Idris Elba Salma Hayek Amy Winehouse

ohlala! stars

VIRGO

This month is quite a life changing one as you embarkpon a new adventure that will define you as an individual.iIt will mean a completely new environment and fresh challenges to face but in your unique way, you are sure to overcome them in the pursuit of your goals. On the family front there will be a rebuilding of a relationship that may have been strained over recent years and this new sense of bonding will make you realise what you have both been missing. At work, you mayfbe taking on new responsibilities and whilst it could put you under some pressure to start with, try and learn from the experience as it will benefit you later in the year. All in all this is a very good time for your sign –Jjust don’t forget to take into account a loved one’s needs as well as your own.

VIRGO At-a-Glance

Virgos are often seen as very independent and because of their intelligence are able to get anything they want done themselves, without the help of others. They are analytical, observant and helpful people who can be relied upon because of their precise nature. Others often look up to Virgo because they are straigh forward and take a logical approach to much of the world around them. This doesn’t mean they lack creativity, simply that they employ reason whenever they can. Emotionally they can often come across as being quite detached butOonce they let their guard down they are approachable and lovins.

On the negative side, they can sometimes appear sceptical and inflexible and it takes a lot of hard work to peel back the layers and really get to know them. Until that happens you might always feel you are on the outside looking in. Because they have strong opinions they also might come across as interfering but in truth they often only get involved because they want to help. They are great crusaders of the underdog and make excellent writers and journalists.

Perfectionists to the point of frustration on occasions, they are constantly driven to improve themselves and never have malicious intentions.

Libra

Your life is likely toeget better over the coming weeks as a new project you have been involved with really takes off and eases the burden you’ve been living with of late. Youill find that you have more free time and more opportunities to take advantage of so make sure you don’t waste what is laid out before you. On relationshies, some of you could meet a person at a forthcoming birthday gathering and feel like a special connection has been made. Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess but the matter is firmly in your own hands!

Scorpio

Money matters could weigh heavily on your mind this month as you prepare to feel the pinch of a work stream that suddenly and quite expectedly www.ohlala-magazine.com

Happy Birthday MsVirgo Giovanni reveals your destiny …

dries up before your very eyes. The best way to deal with this might be to consider diversifying your main business but it isn’t going to be easy and things could be a little tight on the purse strings up until the end of the year now. On the positive side, a young child will give you good reason to smile and feel proud whilst a relationship still in its infancy could spring a surprise that you would never had anticipated. A mixed bag then but nothing you can’t pull yourself through.

Sagittarius

A minor setback following a social engagement will see you having to reconsider proposed travel plans and this is likely to disappoint a few family members, although there is little you can do about it. Financial pressures will see you drawn towards one particular route and thereomay beyno other way around it. On the business front, you have seen a marked increase in the work being pushed your way and you may need to speak with a superior to have your role reassessed because you are doing a lot more than your original job description outlined.

Capricorn

It’s been a see-saw kind of time for you recently when it comes to a relationship and there is every indication things will probably continue in the same vein until the end of the year at the very least.

Part of the problem here for many of you is that your curreny partner is as headstrong and fixed as you are with their opinions and this leads to a number of clashes that could be avoided if one or preferably both of you simply put pride to one side and focused on what mattere. Until you do, it could be hard to make progress.

Aquarius

tThe last few months have been something of a learning curve and you have learnt things about yourself that you never realised before. Whether you feel a better person for the experience is another matter entirely but at least you will be able to look back on the situation in years to come and say you are wiser for it. On the relationship front you are feeling a little annoyed about a partner’s

behaviour concerning a responsibility that they initially committed to, but have since tried to leave in your “lap”. You need to put your foot down otherwise you’ll be left with the burden in the future and since it was never a one person job that could mean more work that you can cope with.

Pisces

A separation is on the cards as you suddenly discover a partner’s intentions were not all they first appeared to be and it’s going to make September a very difficult month to negotiate from an emotional perspective. You could find a relative’s words coming true and your most terrible fear becoming a reality as a consequence. The aftermath of the situation will leave you analysing all the sacrifices you have made and see you coming to terms with the impact over the coming months. You may even find that having cut off so many people to pursue a selfish aim will leave you with very few shoulders to rest your head on.

Aries

A month into a new project and things are progressing a lot better than you had imagined they would, leasing you feeling positive and buoyant about your future plans.yYou have invested a lot of time, effort and crucially money into this endeavour but you are on the right track and the long-term rewards are likely to go beyond even your expectations. A new environment will also see you embracing a more settled lifestyle and this will reflect well on a relationship that has been put under a great deal of strain by outside, negative influences.

Taurus

You’ve come through a troubled period over the last few weeks and emerged in relatively good shape, considering how stressful matters have been for you. A major investment plan is developing well and thereis a lot of positive movement in the general direction of anything to do with property for you. On the financial front you could find an unexpected windfall around the end of September sets you up well for the remainder

of the year. On the family front a lovesick relative could come to you looking for consolation and you should try to assist where possible. All in all, this will be a good time for you to take stock of your life and redefine your goals for the future.

Gemini

Foremost in your mind this month will be a health issue that has been bothering you for sometime now and to which you have finally been given some positive news concerning a solution.

However, it won’t all be quite plain sailing as there are a couple of issues that need to be ironed out with your physician, that sees you having to make a definitive choice over something important and potentially life-changing. Don’t try and shoulder the responsibility alonedand seek the advice of a loved one.iIt always helps to talk serious matters through with those closest to you.

CANCER

iIf any of you are planning home improvements or investments in new electrical appliance.,Tthere is every indication that any work to be done in the home should only be attempted by people you know you can trust – so the warning is to watch who you hire! A young child with a long-term illness could cause you a measure of concern and a trip to the doctors may be necessary due to a worsening conditioniIf unsure or unhappy with the advice youare given, look for a second opinion.

Leo

This month, you may find that most of the problems you have had to bear recently will all have finally passed you by. The world will have a much different face to present you as the year comes to a close and you will receive good news by post, bringing with it the opportunity for a great increase in financial fortunes. If a young child has any exams to take soon, they will pass them successfully and you should take the time out to make a fuss ofrthem. A partner’s back injury may need to be monitored, but by the month’s end, a solution will come from an unexpected source, soon making your troubled nights a thing of the past.

OHLALA! 105

The column

What is love?

Security?

Fear of loss?

Ohlala’s resident philosopher, Sophie, shares her musings on the illusions of perception…

anonymous

L

ove is used nearly everywhere, in newspapers, magazines, songs, movies, poetry, cooking, my king, my god, my country and probably many other places. I love my wife, I love my iphone, I love Facebook, I love my car, I love my boyfriend, but what does that really mean, could it mean you love a projection of your own imagination? Is love an idea? A construct? Is love tangible?

Many of us, seek security in our love, continuous confirmation. This need and search for security in a relationship invites insecurity; it is the demand to be safe to feel secure in a relationship, which inevitably creates some form of sorrow, jealousy, clinginess, fear, and unhealthy dependences and the need of an illusionary wholeness.

But is there love if each one in the relationship is seeking their own security? Do we know how to love? Because the latter is not love at all. Love is so loaded that we forget to ask our elves what love really is. If love is in our imagination that means it can be created and nurtured 106 OHLALA!

and grown depending on will, however it can also be and that is much easier to do, is to use love and twist it around and manipulate it for self gain, created out of insecurity in search of the illusion of security and the fear of loss.

I don’t want you to drive the car because I love you, I can’t live without you because I love you, I need you to say I love you. What this could mean is that you might love a projection of your own imagination of love and fear loss and are using love for it.

If love is an idea and construct, do we then own love? Do we posses love? Can we possess someone’s love, could love be a nominalisation? I mean can you physically give me love, is love sexuality, is a touch in itself love? How do we know we love someone? Is loving someone the same as loving your new Ferrari, your pet or your country?

Could there be another type of love, a spiritual, a divine love that is not corrupted as the previous mentioned one, how do we know it exists and how do we know which one we are using or feeling?

Love,

Sophie

Illusions of Perception

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