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Editor in Chief B US H R A J OMAA bjomaa@jgroup-me.com
EDITORIAL Editor CELINE A SS O U A D cassouad@promoprints-me.com
Beauty Editor NAY L A KUR D nkurd@promoprints-me.com
Junior Editor YASMIN H A R A K E yharake@promoprints-me.com
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INTERNS Z A HR A B AS MA NA NCY A BOU S H AKR A YARA KAZAN RAYA NE YOUSS EF
RESPONSIBLE MANAGER T H ER ĂˆS E MANS OUR
PRINT B Y B LOS P R IN T IN G
CONTRIBUTORS F IR AS CH EH AB ED D INE L AN A EL S AH ELY
U MAGA Z IN E J OR DA N Senior Editor LEEN AMMOUR I Art Director FARAH HA J TAS u.fashion@alfaridah.com.jo
EDITORIAL Managing Editor AYYOUB TAMS u.managingeditor@alfaridah.com.jo
u.artdirector@alfaridah.com.jo
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jewelry & Fashion Photographer L EVON P ELTE K I A N u.photographer@alfaridah.com.jo
Photo Editor DA N IA S N OB A R
FASHION, JEWELRY & BEAUTY Fashion Editor SA RAH S AUD I u.fashioneditor@alfaridah.com.jo
Beauty Editor TALA SUKHUN u.beautyeditor@alfaridah.com.jo
SOCIAL MEDIA Online Editor M A RIAM AKKAM
u.photoeditor@alfaridah.com.jo
Designer AH MAD AL IAH ua.designer@alfaridah.com.jo
CONTRIBUTORS JAWA N N A S AWA L H A L AIL A S WAIS S AB IN A EMR IT MEL AN IE B UTCH ER
u.onlineeditor@alfaridah.com.jo
INTERNS MOH AMMAD QAWAS MEH The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general information only. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Distributed by Messageries du Moyen Orient de la Presse et du Livre. Regular newsstand retail price 8,000 LBP
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P.O.Box 1223 Amman 11821 Jordan | Tel 00962 6 5630430
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U JEWELRY
READY, SET,
SHOP CHAIN REACTION K imberly McDonald's handmade body chain is a sultry yet sophisticated addon (whether you're catching some sun at the beach or out to dinner in a restaurant.) Wear it with your favorite bikini for a glamorous touch to a laid-back look, or show just a little glimpse of it under an LBD. Featuring diamond encrusted links, the 18-karat rose gold body decor is a mischievous alternative to your everyday jewelry. K i m berly body
McDonald
chain,
at
n e t- a- p o rt er.c om 22 ,930,000
L BP
July 2015
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U FASHION TREND SOLUTION
EYES WIDE SHUT Alexander Knox Aigner
Alberto Zambelli
Balenciaga
Chanel
Move aside, fitted tops and skinny jeans. Wide, structured tops are working the catwalk this summer, with loose-fitting trousers adding a whole new vibe to your wardrobe.
This season is all about being comfortable, so throw a cool cropped top on over your favourite pencil skirt for a fresh new addition to your summer staples.
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Photos courtesy of IMAXTREE
TOP OF THE CROPS
Balenciaga top, at brownsfashion.com 920,000 LBP
MORE OF
Elizabeth and James top, at net-a-porter.com 417,000 LBP
SHORT AND SWEET There are endless options when it comes to styling your statement crop top - the more structured it is, the more fun you can have! Play with a midi skirt and some hi-top sneakers to mix things up. Roksanda skirt, at net-a-porter.com 1,620,000 LBP
Victoria Beckham sunglasses, at lanecrawford.com 2,004,000 LBP
Photo courtesy of IMAXTREE
Backpack, at asos.com 75,000 LBP
Prabal Gurung top, at farfetch.com 743,000 LBP
Top, at warehouse.co.uk 81,000 LBP
Ash sneakers, at lanecrawford.com 444,000 LBP
Juicy Couture watch 218,000 LBP
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Derek Lam Celine
Dion Lee
Chicca Lualdi
Cangiari
We’ve made a little discovery this season, and here it is: for a relaxed feel and a chic boho appeal, fold away your jeans and invest in some loose, flowing trousers. Adam Lippes trousers, at farfetch.com 1,340,000 LBP
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Photos courtesy of IMAXTREE
IT’S THE OVERFLOW
MORE OF
Zara trousers 79,000 LBP
BOLD AND BRIGHT Colour-blocking is our go-to look for statement style, and it works all year round. Adapt your look with some oversized sunglasses and a bold top to welcome the summer sunshine. Viyella top, at johnlewis.com 137,000 LBP Phillip Lim sunglasses, at fwrd.com 380,000 LBP
Reiss trousers 346,000 LBP
Photo courtesy of IMAXTREE
Charlotte Olympia clutch, at net-a-porter.com 2,228,000 LBP
Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, at brownsfashion.com 1,384,000 LBP
Carolina Bucci bracelet, at brownsfashion.com 395,000 LBP
Malene Birger trousers, at net-a-porter.com 496,000 LBP
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U FASHION
STYLE FIX
Adidas by Stella McCartney bikini top, at net-a-porter.com 108,000 LBP
Sports luxe is a recurring trend that just keeps coming back. Low-maintenance and laid-back, these rebellious pieces are all about making a statement. DKNY jumpsuit, at net-a-porter.com 445,000 LBP
UNZIPPED Scuba = summer, right? Hit the beach in a fashionable way this season, blending effortlessly cool style with maximum comfort.
Adidas by Stella McCartney bikini briefs, at net-a-porter.com 89,000 LBP
Nike+ Fuel band (Price upon request)
Cap, at adidas.com (Price upon request)
LET IT BREATHE GAME ON
Take some inspiration from Rita Ora and keep it casual with a relaxed sports ensemble, teaming your outfit with your favourite go-to sneakers.
Give your sportswear a stylish update whilst staying comfortable with this Roberto Cavalli crop - perfect for under your gym staples.
Set of 2 Socks, at Pink 20,000 LBP Roberto Cavalli gym bra, at yoox.com 71,000 LBP
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ART ATTACK
STRAIGHT FROM THE INTO YOUR CLOSET, C O LO R- S P LAS HED 2N THAT GI VES LAI D- BA LUXURY . WE LO VE. 2ND FLOOR
Adidas shorts, at farfetch.com 60,000 LBP
RUNWA Y A N D MIMIC T H E D FLOOR L O O K CK SOME A D D E D
Norma Kamali guard, at net-a-porter.com 389,000 LBP
HEADING OUT
It's all in the accessories when it comes to athletic add-ons. Work up a sweat in an Under Armour headband, or add a tough edge to your look with some adidas gloves.
NEON, NE[OFF]
Sneakers have been on a mission to make a stand-out statement for some time now, so put your fashion foot forward with a shot of color for some serious street style.
Nike sneakers, at net-a-porter.com 302,000 LBP Under Armour headband, at thehut.com 16,000 LBP
Moreal London bag, at net-a-porter.com 1,112,000 LBP
Adidas by Stella McCartney gloves, at adidas.com Price upon request
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U JEWELRY
1
MISSONI
2
3
4
5
ZIG
ZAG
Up the attitude with some sharp jewelry for a cutting edge to your everyday look. 6
Photo courtesy of IMAXTREE
7
8
11
9 10
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1. Cachet London necklace, at johnlewis.com 113,000 LBP 2. Elizabeth and James necklace, at bergdorfgoodman.com 415,000 LBP 3. Gorjana Faryn ring, at bloomingdales.com 60,000 LBP 4. Jagga ring, at farfetch.com 4,634,000 LBP 5. Ring, at blingjewelry.com 30,000 LBP 6. Khai Khai ring, at therealreal.com 1,108,000 LBP 7. Bon Levy ring, at nordtrom.com 1,803,000 LBP 8. Ear cuff, at yoins.com 6,000 LBP 9. Jennifer Meyer earrings, at ylang23.com 2,188,000 LBP 10. Noir earrings, at saksof5th.com 44,000 LBP 11. Annelise Michelson choker, at avenue32.com 1,917,000 LBP
ANNA SUI
U JEWELRY AKRIS
Chaumet necklace
Louis Vuitton necklace
Piaget necklace Chopard necklace
GREEN WITH ENVY
Go green and give your jewelry a refreshing update this month. Summer is all about bold colours and venturing out of our comfort zones, so be daring and turn heads in the colour of the moment.
Chopard earrings
Chaumet ring
WHO, WHAT, WEAR
The newest jewelry trends, the names to know and the must-have pieces!
Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet
Dior ring
Dior ring
EDITOR’S PICK: Swarovski brooch
Photos courtesy of IMAXTREE
Eddie Borgo bracelet
Moukarzel ring
THE SHINING STAR
WHO: Scarlett Johansson WHAT: 2015 Academy Awards WEAR: Swarovski crystal embellished collar of earrings and necklace
Tiffany & CO ring
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U SPECIAL
T H E
I L L U S I O N I S T Creative Design & Styling TA M A R A M A H D I
Summer is here and we’re feeling playful at the U office. Whilst toying with our favourite summer accessories, we created something a little different for you to get your head – and hands – around.
UP THE AMP G o
b o l d
c o l o u r s s u n n i e s s ay s ,
with
a nd f or
“ h e l l o
bright
statement a
look
that
sunshi ne!”
Marni brogues 847,000 LBP. Le Specs shades 96,000 LBP. Gucci backpack 2,758,000 LBP. All at net-a-porter.com
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INTO THE BLUE Take inspo waves
some
from and
nautical royal
t h e
thi n k wit h
blues
a n d
monochrom e st rip es.
Anya Hindmarch bag 1,608,000 LBP. Marni bracelet 456,000 LBP. Nicholas Kirkwood flats 897,000 LBP. All at net-a-porter.com
SOMETHING SWEET Being a d venturous d o e sn’t y o u
have
l o u d.
o f
to
Opt
p a s t els a
mean
to
s ubtle
for give nod
a pproval
s o r b et
be
to
sha d es .
Giavito Rossi pumps 1,510,000 LBP. Missoni turban 253,000 LBP. 3.1 Philip Lim bag 1,053,000 LBP. All at net-a-porter.com
THROUGH THE MAZE Get
lost
in
a
playground of
all
things
exquisite twinkling and arm a
jewels
fabulous dĂŠcor
night
on
town.
Charlotte Olympia clutch 749,000 LBP. Lulu Frost earrings 379,000 LBP. Nicholas Kirkwood pumps 925,000 LBP. All at net-a-porter.com
with
for the
U FEATURE
NOT JUST DESSERTS By YASMIN HARAKE
A little girl with big dreams, Nisrine Abouchacra always knew she would pursue her love for cuisine and turn it into a career.
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Photography by PATRICK SAWAYA
B
usy creating healthy desserts that are pleasing to the eyes and lips, Nisrine invites us into her kitchen for a small taste of what’s to come. Nisrine Abouchacra’s interest in food and fascination with cooking started when she was a child, and she began experimenting in the kitchen upon hitting her teen years. “I’d always dreamed of working in the food and beverages field – whether in a hotel, kitchen or having my own little coffee shop or bakery,” she reveals. Moving to Montreal to continue her education at university, Nisrine opted for landscape architecture as a major but quickly realised her heart wasn’t in it. “I wanted to interact with people,” she says, “and what better way than to share the international language of food?” With this in mind, Nisrine traveled to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu, where she earned her diploma in pastry. After working in France for some time and meeting the owner of Kitchen Confidential - a naturally healthy restaurant in Beirut - at a rejuvenation retreat in India, she was ready to take on the role of managing and baking behind the scenes at the small, new start-up. Creating healthy, gluten-free recipes has enabled Nisrine to open people’s eyes to a new way of living – eating clean and using natural ingredients. “It’s not only a job,” she states. “It’s a lifestyle, and it’s who I've become.” When she isn't in the kitchen at work, Nisrine can be found just as occupied in her kitchen at home. She explains that to her, healthy eating is clean eating. “I try not to compromise the tastes and flavours, I’d rather enhance them with natural ingredients and substitute the bad with the good,” she says. With these clever alternatives in mind, we ask Nisrine to share some more inside information. 1. Enjoy your food! As long as you eat in a healthy way, and abide by achievable limits you set yourself, there’s no reason for you not to enjoy your meals. 2. One, two, three - stop! Don’t count your calories. It can be very misleading to check the nutritional information to measure your calorie intake – a "healthy" snack might have the same amount of calories as an apple, however the nutrients found in the apple might be much more beneficial to your health (with the snack likely filled with unnatural and artificial ingredients). 3. A little fat goes a long way. Try to introduce healthy fats into your diet if you haven’t already. Nuts and avocados are excellent sources for the good fats your body needs. 4. Swap the sugar. Try to replace sugar with unprocessed sugars and fruits, and bake gluten-free goods with non-hydrogenated, coldpressed oils. 5. Organic Vs. Processed. While higher-quality foods may require you to dig a little deeper into your wallet, the benefits of a healthy diet for the mind, body and soul make it worth every penny.
U FEATURE
Crab Salad
TAKING Shape Classic Chef Salad
Nicoise Salad
Chicken Iceberg Salad
Bresaola Salad
By YASMIN HARAKE
Who says that healthy can’t mean happy? In celebration of our shape issue, Yasmin Harake investigates Khass W Bass and reads between the lines – of the menu that is. The things we do for you.
B
eing a group of serious foodies here at the U office, lunchtime is probably our favourite time of day. Actually, it is our favourite time of day. Khass W Bass is one of our favourite go-to places for this exciting one-hour period and with fresh, healthy food delivered straight to our desks – well, it isn’t hard to see why. My personal favourite is the light grilled halloumi wrap and just thinking about it is making me hungry. With so many fast food outlets appearing on what seems like every street corner in Beirut, the concept of Khass W Bass was always clear. Delivering nutritious meals to students, employees and families alike has been their aim from day one. Given that the restaurant is yet to reach its first birthday, its success amongst the people of Beirut speaks for itself. Filling the gap between the inexpensive, unhealthy franchises and the overpriced, upscale restaurants, Khass W Bass is determined to make healthy food accessible to everyone by ensuring everything on the menu is affordable. So what is on the menu? Khass W Bass offers an extensive selection of sandwiches, salads, deserts and smoothies – meaning there is something for everyone. With ready-made options for those on the go, clients also have the opportunity to create their own customised salads and sandwiches, choosing everything from the meat to the dressing. Going that extra mile, Khass W Bass even has clients who have their customised options ready and saved under their names, meaning they can call and order their own, tailor-made meals as and when they please.
Smoked Salmon Cheese Sandwich
Mediterranean Shrimp Sandwich
There are three partners in the business; Zena Jaber, Ziad Hakim and Amal Daher. Amal explains where the initial idea for the company came from. “We were professionals living and working in Beirut and struggling to find healthy and filling options that exactly matched our taste buds. One of the partners lived in London for a year where she became addicted to a salad concept that allowed her to create her own salad from a variety of ingredients – and that’s where the inspiration came from.” Khass W Bass not only offers a fast delivery service, but a tranquil dining setting for walk-in clients to have their lunch in peace. Zena then adds, “we have a small, quiet terrace in the heart of busy Verdun,” Amal reveals. “It offers a relaxed atmosphere where clients can quickly disconnect from their busy schedules while enjoying their lunch break or afternoon coffee.” With everyday temptations making a healthy lifestyle difficult to maintain, Khass W Bass strives to diminish the negative stigmas that come with a balanced diet. For instance, swapping a burger for a whole meal wrap is a small step in the right direction; it tastes just as good (if not better) and has many nutritional benefits. Sign us up. The brand has no plans to slow down anytime soon, with Ziad telling us they are already working on new and exciting additions to the menu. With so much to choose from as it is, we can’t wait to see what happens next.
KwB Roast Beef Wrap
Lentil Wrap
KwB Chicken Sandwich July 2015
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