July/August 2014 | Issue # 184 w w w. b a za a r -m agazine.c om
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*اﻟﻜﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﺤﺪودة .ﺗﻄﺒﻖ اﻟﺸﺮوط وا ﺣﻜﺎم.
ت ــ ﻫـــ 2014 /1925/م
ﻣﻨﺘﻬﻰ اﻟﺮﻓﺎﻫﻴﺔ ﻣﻊ ﺑﺮﻧﺎﻣﺞ .Audi extra اﻧﻄﻠﻖ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻴﺎرة ﺟﺪﻳﺪة ﻣﻦ Audiﺧﻼل ﺷﻬﺮ رﻣﻀﺎن اﻟﻤﺒﺎرك وﺣﺘﻰ 15أﻏﺴﻄﺲ @ و اﺳﺘﻤﺘﻊ ﺑﻤﺰاﻳﺎ ﻣﺠﺰﻳﺔ ﻣﻊ .Audi ﺑﺎﻗﺔ ﺧﺪﻣﺔ ﻟﻤﺪة 5ﺳﻨﻮات ﻣﺠﺎﻧ ﺿﻤﺎن ﻟﻤﺪة 3ﺳﻨﻮات ﻣﺠﺎﻧ ﺧﺪﻣﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻄﺮﻳﻖ ﻟﻤﺪة 3ﺳﻨﻮات ﻣﺠﺎﻧ ﺗﺄﻣﻴﻦ ﺷﺎﻣﻞ ﻟﻤﺪة ﺳﻨﺔ ﻣﺠﺎﻧ ﺟﻬﺎز iPhone 5Sﻣﺠﺎﻧ ﺗﻔﻀﻞ ﺑﺰﻳﺎرة www.audi-kuwait.com/audiextra أو اﺗﺼﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ 1811118
15ﻳـﻮﻧﻴـﻮ 15 -أﻏﺴﻄــﺲ 2014
UDI
TRINK
KETS
CHILLI
BEANS
MONS
SOON
Inter IKEA Systems B. V. 2014
Everything you need for Ramadan
Sunday - Thursday 10am - 10pm * Friday and Saturday 10am - 11pm * www.IKEA.com.kw - 18 4040 8 facebook.com/ikeakuwait @ikeakuwait ikeakuwait
* Special store timing during the holy month of Ramadan
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EA KAVALKAD frying pan
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R AFTE BACKEID
I’m a person who lives by ‘to do’ lists. I have a list for work, a list for home, a list for the family, a list for official papers that need to be done, and of course a master list that simply reminds me to check all the lists that I have. Some might accuse me of being slightly OCD, but I prefer to think of it as being super organized. Besides, nothing teaches you to become that way as much as that one time you’re standing in the airport trying to leave Kuwait, and the man at the counter smugly telling you that your passport has expired and that you’re not going anywhere! Today’s work list indicated that it was that time of month again, whereby I needed to start writing the intro to the July issue of bazaar that you are reading right now. So much to say, but way too tired to put pen to paper (or is the correct phrase ‘to put fingers to keyboard’ nowadays?) namely because of the insane timings of the football games that have been keeping one up all night. It has by far been the best World Cup in recent memory, with brilliant results so far, and so many surprises that have knocked all predictions out of the park. As I write this, Spain is out, England is out, and at the same time, many other teams that you would never have guessed would do well like Costa Rica and Ghana are playing some amazing football! I am very tempted to predict the winner, but will resist and simply say that I sincerely hope it’s not one of the teams that usually wins, and instead is one of the teams that have never won it before. This issue of bazaar not only celebrates the Holy month of Ramadan, since we couldn’t possibly get through a summer issue without giving you some great tips to help you plan your summer travel endeavors. We start with the basics with an awesome Ramadan A to Z feature, and we also shed a light on the history of the iconic fanous or Ramadan lantern. The Holy month also brings together families and friends; ‘Tis the season, after all, of long evenings filled with Iftars, ghabgas, and sohour gatherings. Make sure to wow your guests with the help of Al-Hallab & Sons and their gorgeous traditional treats, or if you’re keen to celebrate outside the house, drop by after Iftar to the new restaurant in town everyone has been talking about – Abou El Sid – where you can eat legendary authentic Egyptian dishes just like your grandma used to make. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the statement pieces in DKNY’s Ramadan Capsule Collection so that you look your best during the Ramadan celebrations! Our truth or dare interviewee this month delivers the fun and whimsy of travel. Meet Fatima AlMattar (Toomzie) from @hello965 whose popular blog and Instagram account follows her travels and that of blogger Ahmed (aka Rotsu) as they explore the world giving you inspiration and helpful advice along the way. If you still haven’t planned your vacations make sure to read up about the gorgeous town of Ghent in Belgium, a marathon tour of Munich in Germany and one of our personal favorites: California. Speaking of touring the iconic golden state, we have given you an insider’s perspective on the best things to do in the southern region in part one of our two-part series—all you have to do is to read our bazaarite’s piece to find out more. Dreading packing? We even touch on the best ways to pack your suitcase! Yes, you’re welcome. Finally, make sure to check out our exclusive interviews this month. In our up close and personal section we meet the inspiring Sirdab Lab team, who are helping entrepreneurs, investors and startups in Kuwait to realize their dreams. We also caught up with Ahmed Alrashid, the Kuwaiti designer who, from small beginnings, designed a Starbucks cup and has gone on to create a buzz around the world. This is a combined July/August issue since we need a break too, so we’ll be back with our next issue of bazaar in September. Until then, have a great summer.
The bazaar team... Boss
Syndicates and Sources
Ahmed El-Adly
Fast Company Gizmodo LA Times MCT International MIT Review Slate The Japan News The Guardian/The Interview People Tribune Media Services USA Today Variety News Service Washington Post
Operations Rebecca Sweetman
Business Development Ihab Mokalled
Design Padmini Chandrasekaran
Staff Writer/Social Media Yasmine El Charif
Staff Writer Brook McClurg
Printing
Staff Writer/Online Media British Industries Amira Haroun Sarah O. Wali
Communications
for Printing and Packaging members of:
Hala Y. Sharara
Editor A. Al-Duaij
Contributing Writers Ashraf Abdalla Ayman Nassar Fatmah Al-Qadfan Loaay Ahmed Mike Campbell Purva Grover Reshmi Revi Shabana H. Shaikh Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg Zainab Mirza
w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are). No one likes to be dumped;
recycle me, please.
Photographers Amira Haroun Hassan Said Maryam Aljoaan Padmini Chandrasekaran Pari Ali Sarah O. Wali Zainab Mirza
Happy holidaying! Ahmed El-Adly
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THE MÜNCHEN MARATHON
TRUTH OR DARE
AHMED ALRASHID
RAMADAN A TO Z
GHENT
For Zainab Mirza, the idea of running a 10 KM race was laughable just a year before. Yet, she made it to the finish line inspired by a mother, best friends and two children. Read her personal account on achieving this incredible goal, and be inspired to follow your dream.
A few people understand the beauty of travel like Fatima AlMattar does. Founder of travel blog Hello965.com and all-things-wanderlust Instagram account @Hello965, she knows her travel destinations and revels in rediscovering a classic favorite in a new light. Take a plight of whimsy, and get to know her in Truth or Dare.
From Starbucks cups to Louis Vuitton bags, Ahmed Alrashid can turn anything into a priceless work of art using the simplest set of tools. The young Kuwaiti graphic designer is making a huge splash in the Arab world and abroad with his intricate designs and philosophy of art with a purpose.
It’s the month of prayers, the month of blessings. It’s the month of dinners and sohours and family gatherings. It’s that time of year when we give our thanks, and remember all of those in need. Here are all the things we love about Ramadan, something for every letter of the alphabet.
Get to know this medieval city with a vibrant, living heart. Ghent, also spelled as Gent, is Belgium’s 3rd largest city. You’ll get an awesome mélange of the Flanders region, picturesque town squares and Europe’s biggest festival that makes this special city the capital of culture. Read on, and book your tickets!
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#DKNYRAMADAN
RAMADAN WITH AL-HALLAB
This summer, prepare to fall in love with the #DKNYRamadan Collection. For DKNY’S first regionalized campaign, we see the Capsule Collection 2014 come to life with Middle Eastern beauties Yalda Golsharifi and Tamara Al Gabbani. Check out how the two fashionistas present wardrobe options that are perfectly suited for those mystical long Ramadan nights.
Everyone knows about this special place that hails from Lebanon’s port of Tripoli. Kasr El Helou, the palace of sweets, is now open in Kuwait just in time for Ramadan! We talk all things ashta, kenafeh, and traditional Arabic sweets with Shadi Al Samad, official owner and franchisee of Al-Hallab & Sons in Kuwait.
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MILLY
ARABS ABROAD
SIRDAB LAB
ABOU EL SID
VAPIANO
We get to know Milly’s contemporary atelier, Michelle Smith, in this month’s fashionality. By taking classic silhouettes to new and daring levels, Milly has become a choice staple in every fashionista’s wardrobe! Meet the wonderful Michelle, and check out her picks from Kuwait’s Milly Boutique.
From the busy streets of Cairo to the airy beach of Venice California, Rana Zeyada has created a style that transcends cultures and eras. With a knack for thrift shopping and an eye for unique match-ups Zeyada’s designs have made it from your computer screen to the big screen.
The good people at Sirdab Lab have concocted the perfect tools for investors, entrepreneurs and startups in Kuwait. Get to know the people behind one of Kuwait’s most innovative spaces that unlocks doors and unleashes your inner business potential that lies within; effectively making opportunity costs a thing of the past!
Legend has it that the great Abou El Sid hid his recipes in an old book somewhere in the Ottoman Empire after escaping the Sultan’s palace. Centuries later it was found, and an iconic restaurant was born in Cairo. Today, Abou El Sid has found a new home on the Arabian Gulf Road in our beloved K-town.
At Vapiano, good vibes and great food reign supreme. Located at The Avenues, this establishment’s ‘customize as you please’ policy and delectable Italian flavors are not to be missed. Talk with the ‘Vapianisti’ behind the Pasta, Pizza, Antipasti and Salad cooking stations, and make sure you leave room for dessert!
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bazaar connect Freedom to find us
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With a bilingual audience of both English and Arabic, we cover everything from what’s on, to the bizarre. We print and distribute 10,000 copies of bazaar every month; each issue is read by an average of 3 people, giving us a total readership of over 30,000. bazaar is published every month (except August), delivered free of charge to a large subscriber database, and distributed free of charge in all of the following locations: Cafés & Eateries
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Starbucks Outlets: - Adeliya - Airport Mall - Al Mowasat Hospital - Al Muhalab - Al Shaya Head Office - Al Zahra - Aliya & Ghalia Complex Andalouse Coop - AUK - Bairaq Mall - Baitak Tower - Behbehani Complex - Bida’a Complex - BMW Showroom - Daiya Co-op - Dar Al Awadi - Divonne, Abu Hasaniya - Fashion Way Salmiya - Hilton Resort - Jabriya - Jabriya Land - Kaifan - Khalifa Resort - Kout Mall - Marina Crescent - Marina Mall - Mishref - NBK - Nuzha Co-op - Plaza Hawalli - Rosa Castle - Salhiya - Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak - Salwa Co-op
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Scientific Center Seif Hospital Shaab Shamiya Co-op Sharq Co-op Sheikha Complex Sheikh Saed Al Abdullah Terminal Shuwaikh Zain Headquarters Souk Salmiya Souk Sharq The Avenues The Palms Hotel
Clinics & Hospitals
- Al Mubarakiya Dental Clinic - Egaila, Salmiya - Al Safat American Hospital - Boushahri Clinic - Dasman Diabetes Institute - Diet Care Center - International Clinic - Maidan Clinic - Fahaheel, Farwaniya, Hawalli, Sharq, Subah Al Salem - Kaizen - Salam Hospital - Seif Hospital - Soor Center - Taiba Clinic - The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
Hotels & Health Clubs -
Al Corniche Club Crowne Plaza – Farwaniya Hilton Kuwait Resort & Spa Holiday Inn – Salmiya, Sharq Inspire Pure Fitness
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Pilates & More - Salmiya, Mahboula Spaloon The Palms Beach Hotel The Yoga Center
Malls
Arraya - Haagen Dazs Marina Mall/Crescent - Casper & Gambini’s - Chocolate Bar - Johnny Rockets - P.Q. - Paul Souq Sharq - Starbucks - Haagen Dazs - Breadz The Avenues - Johnny Rockets - Paul - Starbucks Airport Mall - Starbucks Dar Al Awadi - I.O. Center Spoons - Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex - Starbucks
Sharq, Fahaheel - Brush Salon - Dar Al Funoon - Gallery Tilal - Jacques Dessange Salon, Shaab - Kuwait Airport Business Class Lounges - Landmark - Al Rai café, Fahaheel, Salmiya - London Limos - N Style Nail Lounge - Pink Moon Boutique - Sultan Gallery - That AlSalasil Bookstore - Airport, Marina, Salhiya, The Avenues - THE One - TIES Center - TXP Window Tints
Schools & Universities -
American University of Kuwait Australian College Kuwait Boxhill College BSK - British School of Kuwait Universal American School
Kuwait University -
Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks Starbucks
Khaldiya Adeliya Jabriya Shuwaikh
Stand Alones
- 4 Boutique - Alghanim Marine - Alghanim Showrooms - Al Rai, Shuweikh,
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what’s trending Ramadan highlights As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more. facebook.com/bazaarmagazine
what: @NatbakeswithLove info: We all love Nat’s treats, but don’t miss the Gergeaan Cake! editor’s note: Your next Iftar just got a lot sweeter.
twitter.com/bazaartweets
pinterest.com/bazaarmagazine
what: @Thesteps_kw info: Mallwalk at AlHamra Tower for Alhayatt Breast Cancer Foundation. editor’s note: They make recycling cool and we love it!
instagram.com/bazaargram
what: @Toga_kw info: A modern approach to traditional kaftans. editor’s note: Available in Shuwaikh Market.
START READING! Scan to read full digital issue. what: @Nagwah_kw info: More gorgeous kaftans for those long Ramadan nights. editor’s note: Pink + Lace + Kaftan = love.
what: @Samarish info: Samar Al-Mutawa’s hip accessories line. editor’s note: This Triple Razza necklace is a Ramadan must-have! 26
issuu.com/bazaarmagazine
what: @boxcenter info: We are loving their laser-cut Ramadan lanterns. editor’s note: Get yours today!
what: @ILoveCrumbs info: Try out their Sticky Toffee Cheesecake this Ramadan. editor’s note: A bazaar favorite for dessert.
what: @EcruOnline info: Our fave lifestyle brand’s new tropical Ramadan Collection. editor’s note: Perfect your Ramadan table with their fab accessories!
VW
truth or dare
WHEN IN DOUBT, VACATION Fatima AlMattar, Founder of travel blog hello965.com by bazaar staff
Some people fear getting lost while exploring a new city, while others rediscover themselves while strolling through an unfamiliar village. That’s the beauty of traveling somewhere completely new and unexpected. You stop by a random café in an unknown alleyway, and suddenly you’ve tasted the most spectacular cup of java that you’ve ever had in your life. It’s magical, isn’t it? Founder of travel blog and Instagram account hello965.com Fatima AlMattar, also known as Toomzie amongst her fellow bloggers and friends, not only shares in this sentiment, she lives this reality every time she travels. Fatima believes that traveling is enriching in so many different ways, and she especially loves it when she sees people’s eyes light up when they learn that she is from Kuwait, equally curious and excited to learn about our region. The website Hello965 first began as a hobby, where Fatima shared places she had visited, restaurants she liked along with Kuwait’s latest news. Deciding to focus on travel experiences, she approached coblogger Ahmed (AKA Rotsu), who equally shared her passion for travel, and asked him to join and be a part of Hello965 team and together they rebranded the website and focused on travel experiences to be shared with Kuwait’s local community and the world. They began last year and from there, we’ve observed website post upon Instagram post of wanderlusts that we’re anxiously looking toward visiting! Get to know Spain like never before, choose relaxing destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Koh Samui, Thailand, or dare to go Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town; an activity Fatima said was by far one of the craziest things that she’s ever attempted. When it comes to planning your travels, Fatima highly recommends that you do your research, and then live your own experience. She said, “It’s very important to do your research, know where to stay, the important things to do and so on, but never mimic someone else’s complete experience, always create your own. You’ll never forget it!” She also advises travelers to explore cities and countries with locals, as that makes the experience far more inspirational. Fatima also highly regards fellow blogger @AmaTraveller, and considers this blog as one of her favorites to follow. She also recommends @Badwar on Instagram, along with @MuradOsmann for inspirational travel destinations and amazing photography. When she’s not traveling, Fatima enjoys a very active lifestyle that includes sports that vary from squash to wakeboarding, as well as socializing with friends and family. While Fatima, along with 28
co-blogger Ahmed, hope to make hello965.com a travel reference for Kuwait and the region; she personally aims to see the world. How would your mother describe you in one word? Lively. How would you describe your mother in one word? Perfectionist. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? “Oh you’re from Kuwait? Do you really live in a tent?” What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? I’m more of a planner, but I do spontaneous things whenever the chance arises. I think one of the most spontaneous things I’ve ever done was agreeing to go on a Helicopter ride in South Africa. We were in Cape Town, and I received a text message from a friend asking if I’d want to go on a Helicopter ride in one hour. I said yes. What is your theme song? For now, I would say it’s “Let It Be” by The Beatles. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Entrepreneurship. Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? Playa del Carmen, Mexico, or I would definitely retire anywhere near beautiful Caribbean waters. What is the first famous quote that comes to mind? “Be the change that you wish to see in the
world.” – Mahatma Gandhi. What do you miss about your childhood? I miss how simple things were. I miss simplicity in my childhood. What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in? Leopard. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like the name Dana. I’d change it to Dana. Describe your handshake in one word? Firm. What is the toughest part of your character? Persistence. Who is your favorite historical figure? Mohandas K. Gandhi & Christopher Columbus. What in the world do you least desire? A world without connectivity. What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world a better place? Smiles and hugs. Why do you think most girls/guys like you? People tell me I bring positive vibes, so I’d say because of my positivity. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” Travel. For more information, visit hello965.com and follow Fatima on Instagram @hello965.
VERSACE
LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAYS The history of Ramadan’s Fanous by bazaar staff
There is a good chance that if you are Muslim, you already know all about the wonderful and ubiquitous traditional Ramadan lanterns that decorate many homes like lunar clockwork every year; and by contrast, if you are not, you would not know a Fanous from Fairouz if she was singing to you during Ramadan by the dim light of these holiday lanterns as you prepared for Eid al-Fitr. So, as a public service, this year’s Ramadan 101 class is all about letting your light shine. There are many different kinds of these lanterns: from brightly decorated plastic ones that play songs, to the more classical ones that are lit with a candle, from cheaply made to expensive and classy renditions, there are enough options for a little personal expression. While most are no larger than about 25 centimeters high, others can be enormous and elaborate constructions of 5 feet tall and greater. Still, no matter what they look like, they remain one of the main symbols of the Holy month that we all look forward to seeing. But, where did they come from, you might ask? While there is much speculation about the exact origin of the fanous, most generally focus on a start in Egypt that then spread to the rest of the Arab region. It is suggested that the present tradition of Ramadan lanterns dates from the rule of Saladin (1174-1193 AD). Lantern designs were copied from the Qanadil and Mishkat (lamps) of 30
Mosques. Some historians have also speculated that lanterns first appeared during the Fatimid caliphate in the year 968 when Fatimid leader Al-Muizz li-Din Allah entered Egypt on the 15th of Ramadan of that Islamic year dating 358 AH, where Egyptians greeted him with lamps and torches. Other sources deem that the lantern came about during the time of the Fatimid Caliph Al Hakim BiAmr Illah, who checked for the moon’s signature appearance that marks the beginning of the Holy month. Legend has it that he was joined by children who lit his path with lanterns chanting Ramadan’s songs. Regardless of what many historians, or the local folktale, might present, Egypt has always kept this tradition of Ramadan’s lanterns, or fanous even before the dawn of electricity in Egypt. As the daylight hours in Ramadan might be long and challenging, it has become quite the norm that day turns into night, where Cairo, along with the rest of the Muslim world, comes alive once the sun sets. From replenishing one’s groceries to prepare for next day’s Iftar, family visits to celebrate the Holy month, to congregating at mosques for the spiritual festivities, everyone stays up late during Ramadan. The evening is hence illuminated by the esoteric fanous. We see this in Egypt, where the youth gather to chant Ramadan’s ‘Wahawi Ya Wahawi’ songs, hoping to be rewarded with sweets at the end of their
vocal endeavors. We even see this in the rest of the Arab world, where children gather by homes lit by lanterns to signal the coming of the middle of Ramadan, chanting songs of Gergea’aan to be rewarded with yummy treats. Filmmaker John Feeney, who has lived in Cairo for more than 25 years, once wrote in Aramco World about the iconic Ramadan Fanous, stating that the practical use of the lanterns placed on the very tops of minarets once served to signal the departure of the sun’s rays. In doing so, the lanterns that shone brightly against the dimmed skies marked that it was finally time to break a long a day of fasting. The stories all lead to one notion: Although lanterns might serve to light the way in many cultures across the globe, there does exist a spiritual relationship between the Muslim world and the fanous that celebrates the departure of day and the arrival of night. One that, after all, has given children across centuries reasons to laud the arrival of the Holy month and more importantly to remind us of a season that only occurs once we’ve seen the markings of the moon. Ramadan’s Fawanees can be found everywhere this time of year. Please pick one up and send to the bazaar office. It is dark in here and management refuses to turn the lights on!
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up close and personal
SIRDAB LAB by bazaar staff
Meet the startup accelerators
You’re taking a leisurely stroll through the mall, only to stop stone cold in your tracks. You begin to stare at the genius pop-up clothing store selling that incredible blazer design that you doodled while you idly sat at your desk at work, only to regret not getting into the business of fashion any sooner. You walk away, putting yourself down for not taking that one step toward your ultimate dream. We tend to neglect our passions out of habit, hesitation and a mile-long list of reasons that is mainly headlined by fear of the unknown and insecurity in taking risks. The good people at Sirdab Lab, however, are here to put at an end to this mindless reluctance, pushing you to follow your passion and turn that design, idea, or life-changing innovation, into reality. Co-founded by Mona Al Mukhaizeem (CEO), Abdullah Al Hussainan (CIO), Ghalia Faraj (CBDO), Haider Al Mosawi (COO) and Abdullah Al Sayer (CSO), Sirdab Lab aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and build the best digital products and tech startups that they can. The format of Sirdab Lab is unlike many other consultancies, or startup accelerators, as a membership at Sirdab Lab unlocks a community of ambitious entrepreneurs, passionate mentors, and smart investors looking to fund promising startups. The lab’s second purpose aims to provide a space for entrepreneurs where they can work on their product, grow their business, and collaborate with other founders and talented individuals; offering an effective talent hub that is a common occurence at the Silicon Valley. Finally, Sirdab Lab also functions as a platform to support, inspire and educate through events, workshops and a variety of practical programs. Mona, the brainchild behind Sirdab Lab, used to work in private equity, and moved to San Francisco to pursue her MBA. Living in the Silicon Valley, internationally recognized as the hub of entrepreneurship, opened up Mona to a wealth of experiences. She said, “I fell in love with the passion that people had for what they were doing. CEOs, who are as young as 18 years old, already built and sold their company for millions and work on their second company. It was truly inspiring.” In working at two different startup accelerators, Mona saw the importance of creating this dynamic environment in Kuwait. Taking an initial idea to a product is no easy feat, it is a journey, and an accelerator surely ignites this endeavor. Mona also noticed that it was completely normal in the US for people to move from one accelerator to the other, 32
as it was a cultural norm that startups benefit from as many resources as possible. Based on these enlightening experiences, she wished to import this mindset, that combined both knowledge and passion, to Kuwait. Taking Mona’s vision, and transferring it from an idea to reality, nonetheless, required a totally different set of accelerators. That set being, or embodied by, the wonderful people who work by her side at Sirdab Lab. Chief Strategic Officer Abdullah Al Sayer was mentally prepared to start something similar in Kuwait. He said, “I was always excited by the idea, as I have been self-employed since 2007.” Haider, who was initially meant to come on board at Sirdab Lab as a user experience design mentor, was equally enticed by the idea, as he knew that it would help a complete generation of talented individuals who needed a simple push and mentorship. The COO said, “Anyone working in the entrepreneurial space needs something more comprehensive. The odd workshop here and there will not suffice. An accelerator program leans toward big picture thinking. The concept of Sirdab Lab integrates the expertise of the founders, along with a wide network of experienced individuals in the field of entrepreneurship, under one umbrella.” Ghalia, who heads up business development at Sirdab Lab, shared in Mona’s sentiments from her own experience. She said, “I worked at an accelerator upon graduating from my international masters program. The support system that startups receive here is minuscule compared to the scale available abroad. I love it because I feel that Kuwait needs a silicon-valley inspired environment.” Ghalia met Mona at Palo Alto, and her effective return to Kuwait to pursue what she loved to do, seemed like a natural decision. IT expert and CIO Abdullah Al Hussainan believes in the power of open source development and collaboration, an outlook to work that we barely see in Kuwait, and he said that Sirdab Lab is importing this perspective of sharing and collaborating to everything else that they aim to accomplish at this special space. Their strength as a team definitely compliments one another, where they not only guide entrepreneurs from their mistakes, but also from their successes. Anyone who walks through the doors of the urban yet laid back space will instantly feel an energetic aura that will get you straight to work. The team doesn’t actually carry out the work of a certain project; they rather serve to effectively accelerate the process of connecting an inspiring entrepreneur to do the work themselves, depending on their needs. User
experience design, where Haider is concerned, and android development will instantly interest Abdullah, for instance, and they could come on board as consultants. The team holistically consults on an entrepreneur’s project and idea, further nourishing their concept. Whether someone is looking for a financier for their idea, or they are at ground zero and have no business background, a nominal membership at Sirdab Lab will instantly connect you to a wide database of seasoned consultants besides the cofounders to help you with all of your
business needs and inquiries. Going beyond the accelerator concept, existing as a co-working space and a collaborative community provides the ultimate trifecta for young startups and even interested investors and entrepreneurs. “Existing as an accelerator,” Haider added, “is only part of the process.” This, in and of itself, separates Sirdab Lab as a space from other business consultancies. The Sirdab team are each qualified in a certain field, and they also ensure that continuous lectures by
experts in the field are constantly happening at the space. Virtual Skype sessions straight from the Silicon Valley could represent a typical round table discussion, or even a lecture by prominent inspiring individuals in Kuwait, are held at the space, to further the knowledge of young entrepreneurs. By becoming a Sirdab Lab member, you instantly join a network of professionals in the startup world from Silicon Valley & the MENA region. Members enjoy a wide array of benefits, besides being part of a one-of-akind innovative environment in Kuwait. As a
startup, you can even test your products or services with small groups of people. “Consider this as a live case study,” explained Abdullah Al Sayer. During an event, the crowd will instantly give their feedback to better further the idea. Not only will the group offer their advice, their exposure in seeing this process serves as a learning tool that educates them about the user experience involved with an emerging product or design. “I would rather teach someone to understand what I know as I apply it, rather than do the work for them.” Haider added. [continued...] 33
[...continued] The annual membership fee is astoundingly low, where KD 150 unlocks an endless list of benefits that vary from free access to informative lectures and events, a wide database of mentors, exclusive participation at a weekly Idea Night, session guides, and even discounts on working with affiliated trusted service providers. You can even rent a space or work station at Sirdab Lab, as the team offers different packages and passes that unlock access to all of their useful resources. A worthy point of mention is that Sirdab Lab is open to both Kuwaitis and Non-Kuwaitis. Abdullah Al Sayer explained, “For expats, finding real Kuwaiti investors can be challenging, and I feel that expats should not feel discouraged if they wish to start a business in Kuwait. It’s all about finding the right partner. I actually had a member whose idea was extremely undervalued by his partner, and they were effectively advised not to commit to this partnership. We helped them find real investors that weren’t out to dominate their idea.” It all boils down to this: Make the effort and do the work. Attend the events, network, test your product, and launch it effectively. All of these benefits are real experiences that are facilitated for entrepreneurs and start up owners at Sirdab Lab. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Ghalia: I tend to be overly impatient sometimes, but I’m working on it! Which living person do you most admire? Ghalia: I don’t have one specific person…I met many hard working entrepreneurs when I was working in the Valley (Silicon Valley) and they were the people I always admired for how smart they are and their work ethic. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Abdullah S: I’ll have to get back to you on that. Abdullah H: Tamam. Haider: “Wicked” for positive situations, “genius” for great suggestions/actions, and “deep” when things don’t go the way I expect or want them to. What is your most treasured possession? Ghalia: Probably my brain … it got me this far! What are your favorite words to live by? Ghalia: I’m just going to wing it. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Mona: A beach and good company. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Ghalia: Pre-conceived judgments that are usually wrong once you get to know the person you are speaking to. Which talent would you most like to have? Mona: I wish I knew how to play the drums! What is your greatest extravagance? Abdullah S: My Kids, electronics, cars and food is where most of my spending goes. What is your greatest fear? Abdullah S: Uncertainty. What is your most marked characteristic? Abdullah S: Never stop trying. Haider: Clear thinking. I can understand and simplify ideas very quickly. Mona: Haider does think clearly, but he sometimes overthinks things. (Just kidding!) Haider: Deep. 34
What is it that you most dislike? Abdullah H: Nothing really, I’m very easy going. What would you consider your greatest achievement? Abdullah H: I am in constant pursuit of learning and achieving more. If you could have any job, what would it be? Abdullah H: I would be a tech entrepreneur. Haider: I wouldn’t have a job, but would work on different projects, doing activities that I like for causes I believe in. I enjoy teaching/training, designing, developing, and writing. Projects that involve these activities bring
me joy, so I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a job for too long when there are exciting projects to work on. Where would you most like to live? Abdullah H: I like living in Kuwait. What do you most value in your friends? Ghalia: Their ability to bake me really good desserts. Sirdab Lab is located on the ground floor of Dasman Complex in Kuwait City. Visit www.sirdab-lab.com, call 9776 8939 for more information and follow them on Instagram @Sirdab_Lab.
CAVALLI
bazaar love/hate
CENSORSHIP by bazaar staff
This month we decided to talk about the evercontroversial topic of censorship. Sure, we all like to think we need free voices to speak our mind at any given time, but, the more I travel the world and hear what people actually have to say, the more I think we could do with a little more censorship. Perhaps there is such thing as too much freedom of speech? So with that said, here is our totally freewheeling, un-government sponsored version of all that there is to love and hate about censorship. #5 Internet Censorship – Ok, I will be the first to admit that sometimes I get the dreaded warning screen from my Internet provider that something I was trying to look at on the Internet has been blocked, and it is a little frustrating. Most of the time I even fill out their helpful little form, politely inquiring about what I was trying to look at (thanks guys – you’re the best!). I have to assume it is due to overly strict word association problems and not that I am looking at anything inappropriate. That said, it saves me from all the terrible drivel that is out there on the Internet, there is so much stuff 36
just looking to melt your mind. Keep in mind, there is finite space in there – don’t waste it. That said, if there is a negative to it, it must be that ........... ........................ and not to mention ............ and that ............................................. no matter how hard you try. #4 Television – Seriously, I love television, but some of it is really not very good. And when it comes to the kids sitting in front of it – which I do try to do for as long as it takes me to do my nails – I must admit there are some things it may be better that they don’t see. Still, it can be a problem that ....................................................... and not to mention ................................................ and that ............... – know what I mean? #3 Press – Sure, we would love to be able to say whatever we want over here at bazaar HQ, but let me be honest: you really don’t want to hear the first thing that comes out of our collective heads! We need to be censored. Really! That said, I suppose that the downside is that ................. ..................... when I am trying to .......... , not to mention ...................................... and that
.............. for everyone to see. #2 In the Streets – People around these parts certainly seem to feel free to tell you exactly what they think about you in the streets, but sometimes things would probably go a lot better if they were censored a little more. The only downside though is that ............ ...................................................... and you get the feeling that (not to mention .................. ) and that ..................... nobody can change. #1 Friends and Family – Okay, the good thing about a place as small as Kuwait is that you can stay tuned-in to what everybody you know is up to, the bad news is the same. First, a #TBT can be good every now and then, but perhaps there are some things you want to forget about. And when your family starts to ....................... about how you ................. every time you ...... it can be a real pain. Beyond that, what about ...................... ................................................................ It can all be a bit much to take. This Love/Hate message has ..................................... ............... been approved by all appropriate parties.
AAW
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• The Avenues Mall, T: 225 97 377 • Salmiya, T: 257 23 561 • Kuwait Intl. Airport, Departure, T: 243 10 177 • Kuwait Intl. Airport, Arrival, T: 243 32 159
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arabs abroad
VINTAGE IN VENICE BEACH Costume designer and blogger Rana Zeyada goes beyond trends by bazaar staff
Two years ago Rana Zeyada left her home in Cairo, Egypt to chase a long time dream in Los Angeles. The fashionista had hoped to pursue an education in fashion design, but found herself learning so much more on live sets and by working with professionals. She landed the role of wardrobe assistant for Camp X Ray, a motion picture staring Kristen Stewart that explores a friendship of a Guantanamo Bay prisoner and soldier, and now, as she says, “the world is my oyster.” Zeyada has always played dress up, and as a child was encouraged by her mother who used to help her tailor outfits for her dolls, and taught her how to successfully thrift and vintage shop. When she started working Zeyada saved all year to invest in traveling trips to scour vintage spots world wide for inspiration in unusual mixes. She created a style for herself that is influenced mainly by old cinema and theater. She is a huge advocate of thrifting, recycling and even making your own pieces, as long as it is inspiring to the wearer. “I believe each woman should develop and evolve their own style and not follow mainstream fashion and become brainwashed,” she said. “Wear what suits your body and lifestyle. Avoid branded trends, it’s a hoax!” In 2012 Zeyada landed in Los Angeles for the first time to explore schools and possibilities to pursue her dream. She landed a short term gig as a children’s theater costume designer, and became acutely aware of her unique approach to fashion. She decided to start a blog that was far beyond any girly fashion blogs. Her husband Hassan Said, an award winning photographer and filmmaker, started shooting pictures of her amazing ensembles and her blog ‘El Fabricator’ was born. Now a resident of the beach town of Venice, California, Zeyada’s blog is reflective of a comfortable style with a statement. She boldly pairs prints with polka dots to create a bohemian look that is brought to the present with a white blouse. Vintage black blazers are brought back to life with Levi’s jeans and a Michael Kors bag. Most often, you will find her in 40s and 50s dresses, and 70s bohemian pieces. No matter what era her inspiration is from, her styles are bound to turn heads of all ages. What is your favorite part of your job? Being able to advocate my style and inspire with a different sense as I get inspired every day. What are you working on currently? I am currently very focused on getting my blog off the ground in addition to designing and 38
Image courtesy: Hassan Said developing wardrobes for a couple of films that will be shot in the US and abroad. What do you find most different about life inside and outside the Arab world? I guess it’s the lack of diversity in the Arab world vs. meeting people from all walks of life who are trying to thrive and succeed together. What do you find most different about work inside and outside the Arab world? To put it in a simple perspective, if I were to start a fashion career in Egypt it would take a lifetime and more. In California I am finding hands-on experiences and I’m learning from welcoming professionals with years of experience in the industry. Where are you originally from? I was born and raised in Egypt. Where is most of your family? Egypt. What were the circumstances under which you/ your family left your home country? I left because I wanted to study fashion, and there is no major industry for it in Egypt, so I flew
to Los Angeles. Where else have you lived? Nowhere else. What is your favorite thing about where you live? The beach town life. What is the worst thing about where you live? Not having my family around for when I am down and need the support. Where will you eventually retire? It’s too early to decide. The world is my oyster! Finish this sentence: In a year from now I will be… Managing a successful blog that will inspire and connect with independent women all over the world. Finish this sentence: When I die, I will… Well….I’ll be gone.
To get in touch with Rana email her at elfabricatorblog@gmail.com or visit her blog at www.elfabricator.blogspot.com. Keep up to date with her news on Instagram @ranazeyada and Twitter @Elfabricatorblg.
MILLY
GROUND FLOOR, ARRAYA CENTER, AL SHUHADA STREET GATE, SHARQ TEL #22997739
bazaar goes dining
A LEGEND COMES TO THE GULF Egypt’s iconic Abou El Sid restaurant makes its debut in Kuwait by bazaar staff
Legend has it that in Fatimid Cairo there lived a poor and humble man that was known across the Ottoman Empire for his amazing dishes and generous hospitality. The sultan, dressed as a poor man, went to him and spent two days enjoying the culinary genius of Al-Sayyed (the master) Abou El Sid. When he returned to his palace he invited Abou El Sid to become the royal chef. At first, Abou El Sid was happy to be in the royal palace, and was honored by the Sultan’s invitation. He soon began to miss his humble origins though, and requested from the Sultan that he be allowed to go home. The Sultan put the secrets of his recipe as the price of his freedom. Abou El Sid refused, and after much struggle finally escaped the palace, compiled all of his recipes in a book and hid them in a safe place. Centuries later, the book was found and became the inspiration for Egypt’s most popular authentic restaurant, named after the incredible host and chef, Abou El Sid. Now, the recipes have made their way to 40
Kuwait’s Gulf Road, entrance to Green Island. While the story above may just be a legend, the hospitality and amazing food described are quite real, and hold true to Egypt’s tradition of incredible hospitality. From the moment you step through the iconic wooden doors, you are transported to a glamorous era of timeless music, exquisite taste and warmth. The walls are lined with paintings of iconic legends like Faten Hamama, Abdel Halim Hafez and of course, Abou El Sid himself, in the background the incredible show stopping voice of Um Kalthoum. You are seated on wide golden chairs similiar to those found in most classical Egyptian homes, or you can choose to sit on a deep burgundy velvet couch, either way it feels as if you have come to your favorite auntie’s house for a family gathering. The ambiance is one that the legend himself would have been proud of, but it is the food that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you are there for a hefty dinner or a light bite of mezzas,
the dining spread (sufra) at Abou El Sid will make any Egyptian grandmother proud. For those less adventurous there are the typical, but delicious, grape leaves, white cheese with tomatoes and bessara (a blended fava bean and coriander dip). You can also opt for the Abou El Sid Salad, a mixture of smoked eggplant, green peppers and tomatoes with a bit of vinegar and olive oil, or the lentil dip made with onions and garlic. One of our personal favorites was the traditional Kishk, made with caramelized onions, fried flour and dollops of yogurt to create a smooth texture, that makes for the perfect appetizer dip. If you are looking for something a little meatier to start with, try the kobeba, a minced meatball covered with cracked wheat. If you are feeling adventurous, and like a delicious tasting dish, the Mumbar is a must have. Only for the strong stomached, this is a traditional rice stuffed large intestine cooked in a tomato sauce. The lining is boiled long enough for it to be slightly chewy, and then sautéed quickly for
flavor, and is a delicious start to a meal. No matter what you choose, the salads are accompanied with a basket of fresh made traditional Egyptian bread, the backbone of the country’s cuisine. The hearty and thick pita-like bread is used as a utensil for delicious appetizers, or to make sure you get every drop of sauce from your main dish. Ask any Egyptian who is away from their mother what he or she misses most about her, and more often than not it will have something to do with her delicious home cooking. They’ll tell you of the amazing Bamya (okra), that she makes special with veal chunks and tomato sauce and just the right amount of spice from a chili pepper. Or Molokheyah (jew’s mallow) with white rice and roasted chicken that bursts with garlic and coriander and has that delicious hint of tomato sauce. They may regale you with tales of their mother’s Fattah dish, made with just the right amount of bread, rice and tomato sauce. Or recount late night eating Koshary, a pasta, rice and lentil dish topped with tomato
sauce and fried onion strips. Now, Egyptians can make new memories with these timeless dishes at Abou El Sid, with main dishes that take them back to childhood memories, and give everyone else the thrill of a meal made with boundless love. The chefs have also perfected favorites like Hamam, a stuffed pigeon that most people eat like a sandwich, then nibble on the meat around the tiny bones that burst with a medley of deep spices like coriander and cinnamon. If you want something more traditional try the veal chops on a bed of mixed rice. The juicy meat pieces are placed on a bed of rice made with raisins and nuts, and fried with onions and spices. For the eggplant lovers they have created the perfect Mesaka’a dish. The sliced eggplants stew in a tomato sauce with spicy peppers, whole tomatoes and minced meat. While it is served with a bowl of white Egyptian rice, it’s just as good with their fresh baked bread. At most restaurant reviews we would tell you to leave plenty of room for delicious desserts,
but at Abou El Sid desserts are light enough to share at the end of any meal. The rice pudding and Mahalabiya are cream custards (one with rice), which are cold and light without too much sugar. For the pumpkin fans their Kar Assaly is a delicious blend of pumpkins and raisins topped with a delicious cream, also served cold. If you have a little more room the Oum Ali is the perfect dessert of flaky dough immersed in a warm, sweet cream with nuts and raisins to top it. So, if you are looking for the tastes of Cairo that remind you of your childhood, or just want an authentic taste of Egypt, Abou El Sid is ready to host. Take an afternoon to bask in their incredible hospitality and enjoy the pleasures of a Sufra Masriyah (Egyptian dinner spread). Abou El Sid is located at the entrance of Green Island on the Arabian Gulf Road. For more information, call 2226 4525 or visit their website www.abouelsid.com. Follow them on Instagram @abouelsid_kw. 41
GHENT
EUROPE’S CULTURAL CAPITAL A medieval city with a vibrant, living heart by Shabana H. Shaikh
Ghent – also spelled as Gent – is Belgium’s 3rd largest city, falling in the Flanders region, where Flemish (akin to Dutch) is the spoken language. A 56-minute train ride will take you directly from Brussels Airport to Gent Sint-Pieters Station. A century ago, Ghent hosted the 1913 World Exhibition, for which they renovated most of their historical buildings and made additions to some existing ones – so that it looked even more medieval than it did during the MiddleAges! Much of that old-worldly charm can still be seen today. Picturesque town squares, remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, the Opera House and several colorful festivals 42
including, Europe’s biggest festival has earned Ghent a befitting moniker, “European capital of culture”. And I would have paid no attention to this city at all, if it weren’t for my friend residing in Ghent. Maryam, amongst many other things, is a cultural-host, an active couch-surfer, a good photographer, and knows the city as well as any true Gentenaar. Thanks to her, I was saved from falling into tourist-traps and enjoyed the true essence of Ghent in less than two days. Flemish Dinner and Ghent at Night ‘De Lieve’ is one of the few traditional places in Ghent serving Flemish food. Like many other
establishments, the place is a throwback in time, but with good food. You are given a handwritten menu in Dutch only, so you will need to ask the host for advice. We ordered mussels, and a bowl of the irresistible Belgian fries – neither of which you should miss. After dinner, we decided to walk through Ghent. The Graslei on the river Leie is the city’s most beautiful place, and seems like everyone in town comes here to chill. The view of the rows of historical buildings reflected in the river is mesmerizing. I am told Ghent turns into a visual spectacle during the Light Festival, which is held every three years, with their [continued...]
FRANKLIN MARSHALL
GHENT
[...continued] award-winning lighting plan. Heading further on, I was awestruck by the imposing medieval structure – Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen), a sight that is eerily breathtaking in the dark of the night and the only remaining medieval castle in the Flanders. It was soon evident that every building and nook in Ghent has a story. I was fascinated by the Little Toll House, the ‘narrowest house’ on the Graslei; the smallest pub,‘t Galgenhuisje, which means, and used to be, a gallows house; and a hole-in-the-wall jazz club, to name a few. I even spotted a string suspended overhead with several shoes dangling from it. Maryam explained that folks believe leaving your shoes behind will ensure your return to Ghent! Must see in Ghent Ghent has an endless list of places to see, but of course I could not visit them all. If time is sparse, and you are on your own, a free USE-IT (www.use-it.travel) map, well illustrated and packed with tips and trivia, comes very handy. 44
Most of the main attractions, are all within walking distance of each other. Belfort (Belfry) the medieval watchtower, with a dragon on the top, is Ghent’s proudest symbol of independence. St Bavo’s Catherdral – the Gothic structure is known for its famed masterpiece Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck bothers in 1432 and a Romanesque crypt below. Then there are quaint buildings like ‘t Toreken, a former guildhall with no stairs. Inhabitants originally used ladders, but it now has an elevator, albeit, the slowest in Belgium, to avoid any damage to the monument. A 13th century grim fortress – the Castle of Gerard the Devil, named after its legendary dark haired owner, Gerald Vilain, whose life is shrouded in mystery. The monumental St Michael’s Bridge gives you the most panoramic view of all the surrounding landmarks, and some great shots to put in the picture album. Beguinage of Ghent The Flanders region has thirteen Beguinage,
of which three are located in Ghent, and are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most beautiful and well-preserved is the Small Beguinage in Lange Violettestraat, founded in 1235. Like the others, the Beguinage has long lost its original function, and the last beguine of Ghent died in 2005. The red brick houses with white-washed front garden walls and little green gates are now leased to the local community. As per tradition, the place still opens from 6.30am to 10.00pm only. Belgian Waffle and Hot Chocolate An absolute must-have in Ghent is Belgian waffle and coffee at ‘Mokabon’ and a cup of hot chocolate at ‘Huize Colette’ – both are specialty houses. Mokabon is retro, and their warm waffles, sprinkled with icing sugar, are unforgettable. According to Maryam, and you will agree subsequently, Hiuze Colette co-owned by Ottelien and Aline, serves the most delicious cup of fresh hot chocolate in town. [continued...]
JUST CAVALLI
GHENT
[...continued] Tierenteyn Mustard Shop Tierenteyn (B-2, Groentenmarkt 3) mustard is renowned beyond Ghent and coveted by top chefs. The local mustard is traditionally prepared, and the recipe is a family secret. It is the most pungent mustard I have ever tasted, and their little jars make perfect souvenirs. Stroll through Werregarenstraat Werrengarenstraat would mean nothing to you, or even to the localities. Maryam, who I discovered has the coolest pick of places to show guests, of course knows where to find it. It’s actually an alley 46
called ‘Graffiti Street’, where street artists can legally let themselves go berserk with spray cans. Tourists, especially those who are artistically inclined, will love this colorful place, where pictures are ever-changing. Belgian Chocolate and Cuberdons Maryam recommended Van Hecke chocolaterie for the famous Belgian chocolates we all love. Cuberdons or neuzekes are quaint purple, sugary sweets shaped like little cones that have been around since 1870. I’m a little mortified to admit I didn’t taste them, but Cuberdons have a short shelf-life, so you can taste it only in Ghent.
Festivals of Ghent If all the medieval history was not enough to lure tourists, Ghent turns even more charismatic with its many festivals. Annual festivals include: the Jazz Festival (10-19 July); the popular Gentse Feesten (18-27 July) with over 2 million visitors in attendance; the Gent Festival of Flanders (13-27 September) when Ghent transforms into a musichaven; the Patersholfeesten held in the oldest quarter of the city in August; and then some more. You can find more information at www.visitgent.be. Photographs by Maryam Aljoaan.
MOSAIC
Salhiya Complex, Mezzanine 1, Gate 3, Shop 36, Tel: 22 99 64 35 info@mosaic-enterprises.com Instagram: @mosaickuwait www.shopmosaickuwait.com
COLOR YOUR ANYTHING
Ahmed Alrashid creates designs to personalize your everyday by bazaar staff
It was the morning of September 14, 2012 when Ahmed Alrashid bought a cup of Starbucks coffee that would change the course of his life. The iconic green twin tailed siren, a muse for the coffee giant for almost four decades, seemed to call on him to create in the white space that surrounded her. That night, compelled by the white, he posted a picture of the cup and a rainbow of a dozen permanent Sharpie markers with the question “should I draw on this?” The response was outstanding. 48
Emboldened by his followers he created a design that covered the cup’s entire white space. Circles, horticulture, stars and designer-wear come together in a gold and black design that captures the eye from afar, and keeps you interested with intense details as you get closer. The cup was a huge hit, and caught the attention of the Starbucks team in the Middle East when a friend mentioned one of their team members on the post. “Starbucks contacted me and said they wanted
to do it as a campaign,” he said. “They didn’t know what I would do. They thought they would all just get the cup with a flag on it and maybe a single landmark. I ended up drawing a lot more detail than they expected.” Instead, Alrashid added as much detail as possible from each country to create 10 works of art over the month. Every design was done on a paper cup, and had to be perfect from beginning to end, a difficult task when working with permanent
markers on a round surface. The Kuwait cup was drawn in the national colors and included major landmarks like the Kuwait towers, and the country name in beautiful calligraphy. The designs came easily to the 12-year graphic designer. Alrashid had always been interested in calligraphy and drawing and found he had a unique eye for colors. At first he worked on logos and campaigns. Posts on his private Instagram profile highlighted his corporate work, but he found that it
was impersonal and did little for those following him. “I wanted the people to react to the posts,” he said. “So I started doing the Good Morning posts, where I would design the simple words in unique ways. They loved it, and I was amazed at the response.” Soon after his success with Starbucks Alrashid decided to create a design on the popular Converse shoes. The plain white sneaker was transformed into a work of art comprised of intricate designs with a simple black marker. The originally priced 20 KD
shoes were sold at an auction for much higher, and Alrashid realized he had tapped into a huge market. “I felt that people really wanted to have unique items, things that no one has and no one can have,” he said. “The problem with Converse was that people complained it wasn’t their size, so it limited the market. So I said, why don’t I do Nespresso machines, that way anyone can use it.” His first design, a doodle using the UAE flag colors, was a huge hit. The auction was another smashing success. His designs were gaining international attention, and the companies had taken notice. He was booked for a shoecustomizing event at Levels in the UAE, where he sat with his personalized beats headphones and created art on all types of shoes. His Nespresso work gained him an event at 360 Mall, where he designed 15 machines that sold out even before the event began. During that time he also headed over to San Francisco for the HOW Design Live conference. He got to meet some of his biggest inspirations like the creator of Adobe Max logo, Jessica Walsh, and the senior designer for Coca-Cola and Vitamin Water, Alex Center, and show them his work. They were blown away. Center left him a message on his Instagram “Talking to you was inspiring to me. Please stay in touch! I wanna know everything you do forever!” Mike Peck, Starbucks Global Creative Director of Packaging was blown away by his Starbucks Middle East campaign. “These people don’t lie, they don’t sugar coat,” he said. “Peck asked me to do one (a personalized coffee cup) for him. There they respect good work, and want to sit and talk to you. So those that I had gone to hear from were interested enough to sit down and talk to me about my designs.” After his success with Levels, his confidence from the HOW Design conference, and his growing following, Alrashid decided to focus wholeheartedly on creating unique designs for companies, and on a personal basis. One of his most successful projects has been personalizing designer handbags, like Louis Vuitton. Alrashid has the uncanny ability to create a design that is reflective of the original designer, the owner and his own creative abilities. His own Bottega Veneta messenger bag has attracted comments like “I haven’t seen this style from them.” He has even personalized bags for supermodels like Brazilian Ana Beatriz Barros, most known for her work with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition and Guess? Alrashid’s designs have created a buzz around the world, and he is only just getting started. He hopes to inspire young designers to do the same, and tries to help any way he can through workshops and advice to his followers. While he is looking outside of Kuwait to learn more in his field, he hopes he will always create work that is loved and is an inspiration to others. To find out more information about Ahmed Alrashid or to inquire about a personalization, you can email: info@ahmedalrashid.com or you can follow him on Instagram @ahmadalrashid or Twitter @Ahmed_AlRashid. 49
inside/out
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER PLAYLIST 1 Side A: The Great Outside by bazaar staff
When it comes to summertime music there are two distinctly different ways to go: the first captures all the heat, hostility and newfound freedom of eternal youth having nonstop fun*. The other side – normally occurring late in the summer once your plans have not turned out as you wish – turns to love lost and the recollections of summers past (seriously, what was going on in the 80s that everybody was so sad about summer? Get over it!). So here is your summertime mix-tape. Put the first side on as your grand announcement to summer that you are about to own it**. Then, in the final weeks of summer, flip that tape right over and give yourself a good cry about going back to real life. Just don’t let us catch you playing those sad-sack shoe-gazing tracks before at least mid-August; we don’t want you bringing down the party! #5 Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran, 1958 Okay, now I must admit, the title of this alone 50
can suggest that it should be on the other side of this lil’ mixtape, but hear me out: from the infectious main guitar riff to the political angst of teenagers dismissed as too young to be important to society, this song has all the bite of a preteen who’s not allowed to go to the mall. This song screams –“let me outdoors, I’ve got a summer to get to!” #4 Summer Love – Justin Timberlake, 2007 Say what you will about this boy band alum but the ladies love him. And if the ladies love him, we want his music at our party. That is all there is to say about that. #3 California Gurls – Katy Perry (w/ Snoop Dogg), 2010 When the enigmatic miss Perry stole this song title from one of the best known Beach Boys songs in the book, I am sure she was told what a bad idea it was. The fact that this song quickly shot to #1 on the US charts- thanks in no small part to a smooth-as-ever assist from Snoop Dogg - is testament to her ability to keep the sugary-sweet pop music flowing all summer.
#2 School’s Out – Alice Cooper, 1972 Even if you don’t like a single thing about AC or his shock-rock persona, this is the unmistakable rock anthem of ALL summers! You are going to want to turn this up to 11, channel your inner school-kid and envision those doors bursting open for three months of freedom. Now that’s a summer song! #1 Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, 1991 “Daaarrrums Please!” – With this lighthearted start to an otherwise smoothed-out beat, the lovable Jazzy Jeff/ Fresh Prince combo finally struck a chord as mainstream crossovers in American society (right as their TV show was just beginning to reinforce the same). With their quaint tales of what summer relaxation means in their Philadelphia neighborhoods, we were all hooked. To this day, the start of this song FEELS like the penultimate arrival of summer: the crescendo of “ahhhhhhh’s” at its beginning beg for audible agreement that we have all arrived to the same summer party. [continued...]
FOSSIL
AVAI L AB L E AT
inside/out
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER PLAYLIST 2 Side B: The Sui-side! by bazaar staff
[...continued] #5 Suddenly Last Summer – The Motels 1983 With its classic 80s sound (and video to boot), this song about getting caught up in your mind with a summertime love (a reoccurring theme here) sounds like getting sung at with Confucius-like fortune cooking platitudes. Seriously, how is this lyric: “one summer never ends, one summer never begins…and then suddenly, last summer! Ahhhhh - what does it all mean? That said, it hooks you, so you should still listen to it. #4 A summer song – Chad and Jeremy, 1964 Now this might be the saddest conspicuouslyleast-cool song of all the recordings on here. I don’t mean that it’s super sad so much as just down on itself. This sounds like the 1960s are just sad about being there. Everything is soft kisses and laughable cares, melodic harmonies and strings that sway. You know this song, but the reason you don’t know you know it, is because it sounds like background music at your parents 50th wedding anniversary. End of the day, reluctantly, a good song still. #3 The Boys of Summer – Don Henley, 1984 Everyone loves to hate on Don Henley. I get it 52
– being earnest just isn’t in this year, but have you listened to the lyrics? Never has there been a man so bold as to say I will still love you after all the attractive summer boys have left town - now that’s love! Between the automated clap and the reverb kicked up in overdrive, this song has melancholy written all over it. With descriptions of the summer town after everyone goes home this is awesome summertime regret at it’s best. #2 Cruel Summer – Bananarama, 1983 When Ralph Machio first pulled his recently Miyagi-gifted 50s era convertible coupe into the Golf-n-fun Zone on Karate Kid it was to the beat of this sleeper hit. How could he possibly convince Elizabeth Shue that he was wrong? This song served as a repeating motif throughout the movie as Danielson was hiding from the Cobra Kai behind his big glasses. Before this song ever hit the big screen it was well crafted between a low-end synthesizer and high melodic xylophone riff. How can you hate on that? #1 Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams, 1984 Poor Bryan Adams is sitting around with
bleeding fingers talking about the good ol’ days when he once was a looker and was in a band! This song is all about the boy past his prime looking back to when life was good and he was cool. That said, the song is as infectious as the sore throat you get from yelling your little heart out on the dancefloor. A sad story perhaps, but hey - those were the best years of our life! *Please note that we have purposefully avoided all Beach Boys tracks, as they are too easy… ** Please also note that we have not overlooked Kid Rock’s All Summer Long on accident. Not only do we A) prefer not to include Kid Rock due to… um…everything Kid Rock-ish about him, but B) we liked this song better when it was Warren Zevon’s, Werewolves of London. Inside Out is your guide to all things topical in music. If you have a band, send us your tunes; if you have a YouTube page, send us a link; if you have a problem, please call the bazaar office and sing about it to whomever answers the phone!
PUMA
DKNY INTRODUCES THE
#DKNYRAMADAN CAPSULE COLLECTION 2014 This summer, prepare to fall in love with the #DKNYRamadan Collection. For DKNY’S first regionalized campaign, we see the Capsule Collection 2014 come to life with a Middle Eastern twist; effectively presenting wardrobe options that are perfectly suited for those mystical long Ramadan nights. Donna Karan popularized the concept of the capsule collection in 1985. Since then, Donna Karan continues to nurture the brand’s evolution by identifying the cultural sensibilities of DKNY’s global consumer market as well as reaching out to fashion forward communities on a more personalized level. In addition to the Ramadan Capsule campaign, the launch of the DKNY Middle East website fortifies their position in the regional market and in their ongoing plans for expansion. The summer capsule collection strikingly captures DKNY’s color palette and key looks for the season. It is cool, feminine and authentic – created for women that aspire to a more personalized style for the holy month of Ramadan. An exclusive photo shoot accompanying the DKNY Ramadan Capsule was shot in Dubai by the talented Emirati photographer Saeed Al Khalifa and was a spirited collaboration between leading New York stylists for DKNY and two social media sweethearts of the Middle East - Yalda Golsharifi and Tamara Al Gabbani. The bloggers selected their favorite items from the summer collection to create a unique set of looks for Ramadan. Their chosen styles collectively convey a fresh, urban style, synonymous with the brand’s identity. Outfits chosen included: shirt-dresses in gold fish orange and toffee, a navy blue jumpsuit as well as ultrastylish black and white pieces. The shoot beautifully captures the thematic quality and aesthetic vision of the collection with each individual look reflecting DKNY’s penchant for functionality, style and innovation. The accessories included trendy bags and clutches in a variation of bold and neutral colors, together with the striking urban inspired hair and makeup (hot red lips with winged eyeliner) further enhance the harmony between DKNY’s urban chic image and the region’s culture.
Check out #DKNYRamadan on Instagram for more of Yalda and Tamara! The DKNY Flagship store is located at 2nd Avenue—The Avenues. Please call 2259 7111 or visit www.dkny.com for more information. Follow DKNY’s latest updates on Instagram @AlYasra. 56
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bazaar health
NOW TRENDING: INTELLECTUAL FAKING by Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg
It’s never been so easy to pretend to know so much without actually knowing anything. – Karl Taro Greenfield (KTG)* The current insurgency/war in Iraq is being coordinated on [drumroll, please]…Facebook. Social media is under siege in many countries, but as fast as someone shuts down a source of information, another pops up. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and encrypted tunnels are utilized for underground websites to spring up every few seconds. Stemming the tide of information to and from an entire country is no longer a reality. Sure, Turkey might block Twitter for awhile, but even as the legal challenges to such an autocratic decision are filed, bright, determined, technically savvy people are finding a work-around, and still the information gets out there. Wherever “there” is. Bravo. I also see the other side of the flood of information. The people who talk like they know something but in fact, they’ve only read headlines, a news summary, or an abstract, and then proceed to talk about it as if they’ve actually know what they’re talking about. Therein lies the dark side of the flood of information readily available, literally at our fingertips. We pick topical, relevant bits from Facebook, Twitter or emailed news alerts, and then regurgitate them. Instead of watching “Mad Men” or the Super Bowl or the Oscars or a presidential debate, you can simply scroll through someone else’s live tweeting of it, or read the recaps the next day. Our cultural canon is becoming determined by whatever gets the most clicks. – KTG The overwhelming amount of information coming at us from everywhere makes it very difficult to discern what’s important, what needs attention, what can be ignored, and what is safe to be saved for later. Add to that the constant recommendations to read this or that book, see this or that movie, or attend this or that lecture; we can be completely undone by the sheer volume. I know this by the eye-watering stuff some of my Facebook peeps post. Less than 30 seconds’ worth of checking (hoax-slayer.com) would show that the latest rumor they’re about to post is a LIE. It’s a hoax, a Trojan, or a spam link designed to induce people to click, (thus demonstrating the viability of their profile) and *poof* they’re added to a “Likes” list in India to be sold to the highest bidder …aaaaaaand we ALL then get spammed with ads for Indian cars or real estate. That one bugs me, but my all-time aggravation is talking with people who have read seven lines of a news story, or the abstract of a best-selling book, 60
or the “Reader’s Digest version” of a non-fiction text, and then proceed to debate about the relative merit or deficiencies of the content. Whenever anyone, anywhere, mentions anything, we must pretend to know about it. Data has become our currency. – KTG I get that people today are afraid of appearing to be cultural cretins, disconnected from what’s trending on social media, but let’s get a grip here. Since when did it become a requirement to know everything? What happened to just saying, “I’ve not read that book. What was it that caught your attention? Tell me about it.” What brilliant conversations might happen from that starting point! I don’t have to pretend to be knowledgeable, my conversation partner gets to wax eloquent about something interesting, and the shared
moment has the potential to be significant. I might even decide the book/movie/text is worth my time to take in the whole enchilada. (It’s lunchtime. I’m hungry) Try it. Next time you have the opportunity, don’t pretend …invite the other person to tell you about it. *Check out Faking Cultural Literacy; Greenfield, Karl Taro; NY Times Opinion, May 24, 2104 P.S. From now on, check out those stupid rumors before you repost them on social media. Please. A Canadian psychologist traveling the world on a busman’s holiday, Dr. Susannah writes about anything that catches her attention. Bossy from birth, compassionate by choice, and funny by accident. You can visit: www.soorcenter.com or follow her on Twitter: @drsusannah.
SPRINKLES
AN OASIS OF GAMES E3 brings back the gaming excitement to 2014 by Ashraf Abdalla
It’s been a dry and unexciting year so far for gamers. The new console’s game catalog has been somewhat meager with only two must have releases. Thankfully, it is that time of year though. You know what I’m talking about, those glorious three days in L.A.’s expo center where all game makers show off what they’ve got in the works at the E3 Expo. This year did not disappoint, with a plethora of games on display to announce upcoming console exclusives, the expected and a few unexpected AAA titles, and a few indie surprises. Let’s start with Sony’s PS4 event, that stole the show with the longest and most impressive presentation. At this year’s E3 the most popular announcement was the trailer to the already teased and highly anticipated Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, which is being directed by the same people who worked on one of the best games of the last generation of consoles, the mind blowing The Last of Us. Sony had a few more surprises up their sleeve with DriveClub, the PS exclusive racing game, confirmed for an October release and is looking incredibly good with some of the best and most realistic weather effects to ever appear in a racing game. LittleBigPlanet 3 has been confirmed for release this November and this time Sackboy is going to get some new friends who’ll have their own personalities, abilities and style of play. This all came with the sad news that The Order 1886, Sony’s exclusive monster hunting game set in an alternate universe’s Victorian London has been pushed to early 2015. The most impressive game was No Man’s Sky, which will be debuting on the PS4. It’s a very ambitious space exploration simulator rife with dogfights, and heavy on exploration in an infinite (that’s right I said infinite) randomly generated universe. Players can swoop down into a planet, get out of their ship, walk around on a newly discovered world, discover new species before jumping back into their spaceship and rocketing out to the stars! Microsoft’s exclusive lineup was fairly disappointing, with only four notable callouts to be made. Crackdown is getting a sequel on Xbox One that is looking incredibly good, I can’t wait for that arcade super power secret agent romp in an open world city. Halo Master Chief Collection is coming this fall to Xbox One and will bring re-mastered editions of all the previous Halo releases. Also, Sunset Overdrive might bring an interesting twist to third person action games. Finally, Forza Horizon gets a sequel with incredible weather effects this fall. There were many AAA titles being showcased 62
this year, some of which are looking incredible. Mirror’s Edge’s reboot for the new gen consoles looks exciting but I am having mixed feelings about its clean minimalist look. Evolve has a release date on October 21st this year, and is looking even better. For those who don’t know, this great game is the labor of love from the great minds that brought us Left 4 Dead where 5 players are split into a group of 4 hunters, each a different archetype with its own unique abilities, and are out to take down a monster on an alien planet who evolves as he kills, feeds and levels up as the game progresses. Alien Isolation had several new gameplay sequences on show that really highlighted how this gorgeous survival horror game is going for the claustrophobic terror of the first Alien film by Ridley Scott. Destiny the game from the Halo creators, where players take on the roles of the guardians of the last city on Earth, is confirmed for release on September 9 and is shaping up to be one of the best co-op romps ever made. There were also the staple Mass Effect, Call of Duty, Battlefield and Dragon Age announcements. The game most fans have been clamoring for is Assassin’s Creed with its renewed emphasis on stealth, more freedom in how you approach missions and a long overdue method of climbing down. There’s also the not so surprising
announcements of a sequel to last year’s incredible Tomb Raider game titled Rise of the Tomb Raider and Fifa 15 which brings a host of new improvements visually and from a gameplay perspective. For me the most exciting games on show were the new Batman Arkham Knight with an even bigger Gotham City and in a first for the series the Batmobile that can turn into a omni directional tank. The geek in me is ecstatic about that, and I’m not quite sure how I’m going to manage to wait till early next year. I’m also really looking forward to 2015 releases like the amazing looking Star Wars Battlefront, the classic game of massive battles in the film. We can also finally expect The Division which has been constantly delayed in development but is looking better than ever, hopefully it will live up to its hype better than Watch Dogs did. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor a third person dishonored style game set in the Lord of the Rings universe is another game on my wishlist. Last but definitely not least the follow up to the amazing Far Cry 3, the unimaginatively titled Far Cry 4 will take us this November to another exotic locale to fight another maniac. This time under the guise of a despotic self proclaimed king in the Himalayas and, get this, you can tame an elephant and ride it! I can’t wait. Let’s hope I can get to the controller before my wife does.
MICHAEL KORS
VAPIANO
Chi va piano va sano e va lontano by bazaar staff
With over 120 Vapianos all over the world, we were overjoyed when we learned that the Italian concept opened its doors to local diners in Kuwait. Located at The Avenues, Vapiano thrives on the Italian proverb, “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano”. This translates to “If you have an easy-going and relaxed approach to life, you’ll live more healthily and longer”. This is what this establishment aims to deliver, an environment that allows people to meet to share their love of life and food in a relaxed setting that celebrates positive vibes and amazing quality. Prepare to fall in love with the long oak picnic tables, where conversations flow freely, and you can clearly see the magic happen behind all of the designated Pasta, Antipasti and Pizza stations. The design of the restaurant is uncomplicated at its core, and positively cosmopolitan. The constant action that is actually happening behind the cooking stations keeps you entertained, and the majestic branches of the grand olive tree positioned in the middle of the restaurant give you a sense of serenity. We absolutely loved all of the planted herbs throughout the restaurant, from 64
the commanding “Green Wall” of living plants, to the small pots of basil, oregano, thyme and even rosemary placed at each table, fresh for the picking. Large wooden panels placed over the cooking stations display entertaining information about Vapiano’s food, cooking, enjoying life and lifestyle, as well as referencing Kuwait City. Originally designed by internationally renowned Milanese architect Matteo Thun, Vapiano’s design is inspired by the simpler things in life: The love of eating, of freshness, and of preparation—all presented in a light, fresh and uncomplicated interior. The fun immediately begins as soon as you arrive at Vapiano, as your choice of pasta, pizzas, antipasti and salads can be ordered directly from the chefs at each individual cooking station located toward the back of the restaurant. You firstly receive your Vapiano card, and then once you’ve decided on your order, it is swiped. This technological method allows you to have full control of your meal. If you like that Penne All’Arrabiata extra spicy, for instance, ask the chef to pile on the chilis. Behind all of the cooking stations, row upon row of drinks are also available, such as tasty
Orangina and Arizona in a myriad of flavors. Once your order is ready, you pick up your tray and add additional condiments, cutlery and napkins to your dish. The stations include Antipasti and Salads for your starters, Pasta and Pizza for your main, and a separate café area for coffee and desserts. Amazingly, all of the dishes take an astounding 5-7 minutes to prepare, so long waits are a thing of the past at Vapiano. At the end of your meal, you can pay your bill with ease, as you know exactly what you ordered. It is Vapiano’s brand ethos that states, ‘Fresh tastes best.’ This is why all of their pasta sauces, let alone the many different types of pasta, are prepared in house, specifically inside the glassed-in Manifattura. The best part is that you can choose the type of pasta you desire with the various sauces that range from classic Italian, house specialties and even internationally inspired creations. If you’re unsure about which pasta to choose, then the expert chefs, or Vapianisti, behind the Pasta stations are there to help! We opted for the house specialty of Filetto Di Manzo E Rucola, tender beef fillet cooked to perfection with
the crunch of fresh vegetables and zesty rocket along with their recommendation of Campanelle. We even dared to venture, and tempted our palates with an Asian inspired rendition of Pollo Piccante that included tenderized chicken breast, pak choi and bell pepper! The Asian-infused Pappardelle is tossed in a gently spiced, heartwarming orangechili sauce. Otherwise, you can go for Scampi with Campanelle pasta or a classic Ravioli with rocket leaves. Vapiano’s flexibility and variety will instantly put you at ease, given that customization is a breeze and never a complicated matter. If you’re looking for a lighter option, choose from wholewheat spelt Spaghetti or Fusilli. If, like us, you’re in the mood for a pizza as a side for your pasta, then all you need to do is to head on over to the designated Pizza counter. Make your order then swipe your Vapiano card and you receive a funky buzzer that lets you know when it’s ready! Like everything else at this establishment, the pizza dough is prepared fresh from yeast, pine flour, pure water, a drizzle of plant oil along with a little sugar and sea salt. If you don’t believe us, then wait around and watch it happen right in front of your
own two eyes. The toppings are all customizable, but as with the Pasta selections, feel free to choose from classic Italian options like Margherita or Salame, house selections like the signature Vitello Tonnato, or internationally inspired flavors. Honestly, the Bruschetta Pizza was one of the best pizzas we’ve had in a long, long time! Its simplicity, tomatoes marinated in garlic and extra virgin olive oil with rocket, Grana Padano cheese on tomato sauce and mozzarella, makes it faultless. The pizza itself, expertly prepared to handle the toppings in a weightless manner, offered a surprise of textures and fresh aromatic flavors that included basil, zesty tomatoes and a gently spiced tomato sauce offset with the sharpness of the Padano cheese. On an international note, we absolutely loved the BBQ Chicken pizza, perfectly balanced with red onions and smoked choose, tomato sauce, mozzarella and bruschetta tomatoes. Every bite gave us that almost zingy barbecue flavor, and commands you to come back for a second, if not a third or fourth or fifth, slice. As with any dining experience, we always recommend that you leave room for a sweet nibble of dessert. If you’re especially tempted by cute
desserts prepared in mason jars and pretty glass cups, then come really hungry. We absolutely loved each and every dessert we tried, from the creamy goodness that is the Panna Cotta (you can choose this with or without a fruity strawberry coulis) to the addictive Crema Di Fragola, homemade mascarpone with fresh strawberries. More berry goodness waits for you, as the blueberry cheesecake is served up as a trifle, where layer upon layer of crunchy oatcakes, cream cheese and fruity blueberries make for a beautiful marriage of textures. They even have a dessert called Death By Chocolate, which for its name alone, scores high in our bazaar books. If you’re casually strolling through The Avenues, and found yourself wanting something sweet but didn’t wish to wait forever to find a table at your dessert location of choice, Vapiano’s layout and efficient concept allows you to directly head to the Café area and order your desserts, sans the wait! Satisfying sweet cravings in record time? Check! Vapiano is located on the second floor near The Mall area at The Avenues. For more information, please follow them on Instagram @VapianoKuwait. 65
ICONIC CALIFORNIA
A planning guide to Southern California by bazaar staff
Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Palm Springs Tram For so many reasons, California represents the best of what America has to offer for travellers. It is the combination of iconic imagery you have seen many times on TV combined with enough mystery to keep fresh discoveries at every turn; is the wild west at its best, still seen in small dusttowns that dot the deserts, abutting Beverly Hills sophistication; it is the remnants of miners who came out in search of prosperity over 100 years ago, and still home to the highest concentration of technological innovations that we see in the tech world today. And, it is the stop-you-in-yourtracks sort of beauty that keeps people coming back for more. As with California itself, this article is going to have to decide which things to talk about, there is no way to cover it all — it is simply too expansive. In this, the first in a two part series on California, 66
Gaslamp, San Diego
Huntington Beach we will divide the state into North and South, as this is typical to what most itineraries will entail (at least until they get that fancy high speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco going, something that despite being voted for, is quite unlikely to ever get off the ground). Without further adieu, here is your guide to Southern California. The Cities – Los Angeles is by far the most iconic of California cities, though most are often a bit surprised by its layout upon arrival. It is far more expansive and less concentrated than people imagine — which could mean a lot of miles on the famed LA freeways. Hollywood of course is a must visit, where you can see everything from the famed studios and sign itself, to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater, with all of its hand prints still lining the ground outside. If you are lucky enough, you may even catch a movie premier.
In recent years, the Staples center, where both the LA Kings hockey and Lakers basketball teams call home, has started a complete revitalization of the downtown areas. The art walk is worth a visit here, as is the alley – an insiders only alleyway area where you can find all the best in knock-off goods. In Orange County, expect a bunch of cities that all feel newer and less compact. For a true and happy median, the city of Long Beach — long the redheaded stepchild of LA and OC both — serves as a great example of big city meets beach life. It is also arguably what should have been Los Angeles proper, had the town been founded by the Dutch or English, rather than the Spanish. San Diego is also a ‘don’t miss’ on your agenda, with its close proximity to the US/ Mexico border, and Gaslamp district of restaurants and shopping downtown. Lastly, for those who don’t [continued...]
MERCEDES
Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Highway
Huntington Pier 68
[...continued] mind a little desert heat – a drive out to Palm Springs is a wonderful daytrip. This former playground to old Hollywood is an oasis of charm in the middle of the desert. You can also take a tram up to the top of a nearby mountain to go from sweltering heat, to snowcapped pictures in a matter of minutes. The Beaches – When most people plan to add beach to their vacation, they end up going to either Santa Monica or Malibu, due to their ease of use from close proximity to LA. These are certainly “good enough” beaches for most and should not necessarily be discounted. However, for the picturesque beach experience that most of you are thinking of, you are better off going a bit further south into Orange County. From Huntington Beach to San Clemente, you have town after town of unbelievable beach vistas, good surf break, and great sand. Beachside restaurants, piers, and hidden nooks all offer a variety of experiences. For a small town feel by the beach, check out Laguna Beach, for an Old California beach town, head to San Clemente, but for the classic, best surf and possibly to catch a giant surf contest — there is nothing better than Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City. Nature & the Quintessential – There are likely more iconic things to see here than almost anywhere else, from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain, for the amusement park junkies, to the fabled Santa Monica Pier, if you have ever seen a cool sunny outdoor scene on television, there is a good chance it is here. We recommend a drive down Pacific Coast Highway, with the best spots being from Malibu to Santa Monica or from Huntington Beach to Laguna (both referenced as North driving South) as these are the best combinations of driving with the top down where you can still see and be seen — like driving down Gulf Road with a much more relaxed vacationlike feel. Should you head inland, head inland to the Palm Spring desert and Joshua Tree, or up into the Big Bear Mountains. For those feeling especially adventurous, there is the often bragged about, locals only ‘California-triathlon’ to try. This is where you snowboard, skate, and surf, all in the same day. You will have to start either at the beach end with an early morning surf that ends with night-boarding in Big Bear, or work your trip the other way around, but with only a three hour drive separating these two natural wonders, this is one of the few places it can be achieved (hint: the skating or skateboarding portion happens anywhere in between). The most important thing on this list so far is how much is being left out. There is simply too much to see and talk about. You could spend weeks exploring every cove and small town and still not have seen it all. From the wineries of Santa Barbara and Temecula to the Catalina Islands, a southern California trip will not disappoint. You will have to at some point make hard decisions on which parts will have to be left out — there is simply too much beauty and outdoor activities to do here — a place to see and be seen, if ever there was one. Stay tuned for our next edition of California unmapped, where we travel to Northern California for the best of the best.
TONI AND GUY Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan
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MILLY
Michelle Smith, the contemporary atelier by bazaar staff
When it comes to modern fashion, MILLY founder and designer Michelle Smith successfully takes classic silhouettes to new and daring levels. Any given visit to the MILLY boutique at Arraya shopping center delivers on the promise of bold, progressive styles with a feminine edge. She is most definitely the contemporary atelier, blending Parisian tailoring techniques with American sportswear influences. Growing up with an unwavering desire to study fashion, Smith knew her calling and did everything in her power to pursue her dream career that led her to establish Milly more than a decade ago. She first earned a scholarship to the Moore College of Art and Design to study fashion illustration during high school until she merited a place at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology and while her parents helped with the tuition, she supported her expenses by landing a job at the 70
Hermés boutique in Manhattan. Smith considers this feat as her first stepping-stone toward the greater dream. She worked in retail, and helped Jackie Onassis buy a tie once. More importantly, Smith honed her skills and paid attention to quality and impeccable detail. Upon graduation, she wrote to the President of Hermés requesting an internship at the Paris headquarters. Her request was granted, making Michelle Smith the first American Hermés employee sent to work in Paris with the legendary fashion house. From there, she went to the ESMOD fashion institute, and found herself also interning for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Torrente and Christian Dior during her time there. Three years later, Smith returns to New York, possessing a wealth of skills that she acquired while living abroad, and founded MILLY in 2001. Since she embarked on her journey, Smith applies
her seasoned attention for detail, knowledge of luxurious cutting-edge fabrics as well as precise tailoring to grow MILLY into a cult favorite that is now recognized across the globe. Smith’s vision for a complete ready-to-wear collection was always there, which further expanded to include a wide range of categories such as MILLY handbags, small leather goods, Cabana swimwear and even MILLY minis – a dedicated collection for the little ones inspired by Smith’s daughter Sophia. Smith speaks to bazaar about her fashionable journey, and even highlights her favorite picks from the collections available in Kuwait. The Milly Boutique is located on the ground floor of Arraya Center in Sharq. Please call 2299 7739, or visit www.millyny.com for more information. Stay updated about Milly Kuwait’s latest collections on Instagram @MillyKuwait.
fashionality
DESIGNER INTERVIEW bazaar: When did you first become interested in fashion? Michelle Smith: I always knew I wanted to design – from the time I was a child, I would sketch fashion illustrations on the kitchen floor. My mother was very encouraging and brought up the idea of going to Paris for design school very early, which was something I worked towards. I later headed to NYC to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology – I supported myself by working at the Hermés boutique on Madison Avenue. bazaar: Why the name, MILLY? Michelle Smith: MILLY was my childhood nickname! bazaar: Does fashion ‘make’ the person or does the person ‘make’ fashion? Michelle Smith: I believe women know what they want – my customer takes fashion risks and looks for attainable luxury. Style is very personal – I love to see how my designs are mixed and matched on different people. That’s what makes fashion fun. bazaar: How would you describe MILLY’s style? Michelle Smith: The DNA of MILLY is advanced, bold, and feminine with an edge, with luxurious fabrics and vibrant prints and impeccable details. I use luxurious, cutting edge European fabrics in my collection, and I design many of my own prints – I place a great deal of emphasis on custom hardware as well – details are important to me. I travel to Spain, Italy and France myself to choose the fabrics for my collection. bazaar: What/Who inspires your designs for MILLY? Michelle Smith: My collection is constantly evolving – each season, the inspiration is different, but the DNA is the same – my designs are advanced, bold, and feminine with an edge, with luxurious fabrics and vibrant prints and impeccable details. bazaar: Can you tell us about MILLY’s Summer collection? Michelle Smith: My spring/summer collection is an ultramodern interpretation of traditionally feminine silhouettes. I used three-dimensional technical fabrics, layered transparency and architectural illusions. I was inspired by a trip I took to Hawaii and Japan and my collection reflects this – I created custom-made prints based on Hawaiian floral patterns and laser cutting techniques inspired by perforated Japanese architecture. bazaar: What does it take to become a style innovator? Michelle Smith: Indefatigable drive and talent. bazaar: What item of clothing (if any) do you wish that people wore more often? Michelle Smith: I’m a big believer in a statement jacket. It elevates every look. bazaar: To be stylish is to be fashionable. True or False and why? Michelle Smith: I think everyone has the ability to be stylish – it’s about letting your personal style shine through.
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A TROPICAL RAMADAN
(L–R) Deborah Di Fiore, Nur Kaoukji, Hussah Al Tamimi, Noor Al Sabah.
The Ecru ladies share their picks from their latest collection by bazaar staff I can still hear the propellers, flying me down to the rolling sea Taking me to a faraway land, where the balmy air plumps up my skin My eyes squint as I follow the flurry of emerald parrots in the azure sky The pulsating sounds of clarinets, excite in perfect rhythm and rhyme The lovely ladies drenched in flowers try to catch your eye, Enticed by poised gentlemen in their crisp bow ties. Oh take me back, take me back to the tropics
Nur, Hussah and Noor tell us all about their favorite picks from the ‘Take me to the tropics’ Collection: We have so many favorites! Our dip bowls are great, as they come with secret compartments that can hide ice to keep the dip fresh and a lid that can be turned over to be used as a plate; highly functional. We also love all our embroidered pieces made in collaboration with Sophia203 as they have such a precious feel to them. Our gem lights made in collaboration with Modest Genius are magical and give off such exciting shadows, we definitely couldn’t leave those out. We have many! Kitchen items: Our wooden eight pointed star chopping boards are definitely our favorite. They’re simple, functional, in our favorite star shape and age well. We love how wood organically ages. It gives the object more character with time. Prints: Nur: Citrus Print for its vibrant, vintage feel. Hussah: Barracuda Print, I find it to be light and elegant. Noor: Moon Palm Print, I find it romantic and fun, yet timeless. Gift items: Our iridescent yellow trumpet glasses are the perfect gift set. They’re extremely fine and light, and have a happy color that changes in the light. Everyone always needs a beautiful set of drinking glasses, so we would definitely pick those.
Cloche Large and Medium
Crescent Dip Bowl
Trumpet Glass and Brass Tray
Star Chopping board
Star Brass Tray Linen Tablecloths
For more information, you can head to their website: www.ecruonline.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @Ecruonline. 72
TAIBA
@taibamedicalspa
1808088
stylelights
FRENCH SECRETS A conversation with Jeff Pink, the American who gave us the French manicure! by Purva Grover
I am as anxious as a child on a visit to the dentist. This time around however, while I am confident that my teeth are sparkling clean, I am nervous about my nails. One hand-shake and he’d know, I think to myself minutes before meeting up with Jeff Pink. “I wish I’d worn gloves,” I sheepishly tell him as I shake hands with the man who gave women (the world) the French Manicure. He smiles, “Oh, I never judge. Every woman has her own style and I don’t intend to make anyone conscious about following theirs.” And that’s the secret behind the success of the man who invented a nail art form that has kept women happy for almost three decades now, and counting. Yes, the French Manicure could indeed be labelled as the first form of nail art. But did you know that Pink had initially christened it as the ‘Natural Nail Look?’ “I was on my return flight from Paris where I’d gone to showcase the look to the models and I thought to myself - why not call it the French Manicure? It had a better ring to it,” he recalls of the days from 1976. Interestingly, the French Manicure was more a need of the hour invention than a fashion idea. “A colleague from the film industry approached me to come up with a solution to save on both studio time and money. Back then, the fad was to match the nail paint color with the outfit, which meant a long process of applying-reapplying-drying the paint, sometimes even three times a day,” he says. And so, a look that gelled with every outfit, season and skin tone, was born. Pink says it first came to mind when he was thinking over the white pencil that women used in those days to color under the nails. “I thought of playing with the white paint and requested a nail paint company for one, they thought I had gone crazy,” he adds. Little did they know that the romance of the look being created would last forever! The look became a hit with movie and TV directors, models and actors and celebs who were seeking a versatile nail style to compliment an entire onset wardrobe. So, can we safely say that the 70s was all about the French Manicure? “It was in the 80s that the trend really picked on,” he says. Ask him to sum up the decades of nail fashion and he says, “70s was about the nail strengthener (he developed one called Romeo), 80s about the French Manicure, 90s about the pastel hues and 2000s about the neons.” And what lies ahead in the world of nails? “Nail care,” he sums it up in two words as he talks about the oil that one can use to strengthen the cuticles. He advises 74
Artist Francoise Nielly portrait of Jeff Pink created using ORLY nail lacquer colors. Francoise mixed her own pigments to match the lacquer shades. The finished portrait will be unveiled at an event at Cosmoprof Las Vegas in July. women with short nails to steer away from dark hues, shares how exposure to sun leads to better nail growth, and more. As the conversation draws to an end I can’t help but wonder if Pink, the man behind the leading Orly International, ever regrets putting his heart and soul into something (paints, gels, shimmers, topcoats, removers, cuticle care products and more) that he can’t flaunt? I point towards his little finger
painted in a hue of chirpy pink as I put forward the question. “Who says I don’t get a chance to do so? At night, I often try the shades on my hands, and at times I forget to remove them in the morning. Once, in the 70s, I walked into a supermarket with the nail paint on and got the sneers! I am talking of the time when men didn’t even wear a pink shirt so you could imagine the stir it created,” he laughs. “Oh, I don’t judge,” I smile back.
FOR HIGHSCHOOL
& BEYOND
Our Sleep & Study Loft has all you need to gear up for Summer fun or get ready for your next term! With lots of storage space for work or play, it’s guaranteed to take centre-stage in your room. Visit us now for stylish furniture, colorful accessories & more. Ask an associate about personalization and our free design services!
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THE AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF KUWAIT
ACK celebrates 10 successful years of graduating aspiring students in Kuwait by bazaar staff
Since opening its doors to prospective students in 2004, The Australian College of Kuwait has excelled in providing educational tools that empower and unleash endless career opportunities for Kuwait’s youth. Offering both Diplomas and Bachelor degrees in a myriad of fields, ACK has grown tremendously throughout the last ten years, where many of you who read this feature are proud ACK Alumni, having received the finest international higher education that Kuwait has to offer. For those of you who will be soon embarking on your college education, the Australian Vocational Education System is a fantastic solution for students searching for an experience that is not only enriching but also challenging, allowing you to be prepared for your future workplace. In this remarkable educational format, expect a system that specializes in providing a theoretical and practical approach to your studies that will definitely allow you to apply the knowledge 76
that you’ve earned to the workplace, giving you the best of both the academic and vocational worlds. With Bachelor degrees and Diplomas that vary from Engineering, Aviation to Business, to name a few, The Australian College of Kuwait ensures that your higher educational experience is unmatched by other institutions, giving you an unforgettable college experience. School of Aviation: If you’ve ever wondered about how aircrafts operate, or you’ve always had a genius design for a plane but don’t have the tools to make it a reality, then a career in the aerospace industry as an aircraft trainee or engineer is possible at ACK. If you choose to undertake a Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance and a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical or Electronics), you will surely gain a one of a kind educational experience where you not only learn all about aircrafts, you get to train with a real Boeing 737-200 aircraft, an integral training hangar, a variety
of training aids for on-aircraft practical training, an avionics laboratory, mechanical and sheet metal workshops and much more. Upon completing your diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and also whether you’ve opted to further that Diploma into a Bachelor’s in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or not, prospective students in this field are given the opportunity to join the local or international workforce with their hands-on experience that they’ve gained. An important point that is truly worthy of mention is that this experience isn’t available at other institutions, as ACK is associated with international leading organizations such as Lufthansa Technical Training (Germany), Kangan Institute (Australia) and the European Aviation Maintenance Training Committee (Netherland), the College is able to offer its students one of the finest curriculum in the field of Aviation. School of Business: Some scholars argue that whatever you learn
in business school will never be enough to prepare you for real-world dealings in the business world. Others deem that business skills are earned, and not taught. However, what is a true, tried and tested theory is that practice indeed makes perfect. You cannot be a savvy business person before you practice the basics! Earning an education in the field of business will empower you with the right tools to think critically, communicate effectively, utilize technology, develop problem-solving skills and behave with virtue and accountability. For that reason, the Diploma of Management provides students with the finest business management educational and practical knowledge to pursue professional managerial careers, and even the opportunity to further that diploma into a Bachelor in Management. With these educational tools, you will have the ability to confidently tackle even the most challenging of situations, prepping you for future career opportunities in supervisory and
administrative positions in the public and private sector. If you’re really interested in analyzing and learning about the art of marketing and understanding what factors encourage customers to buy and engage in trends, a Diploma of Marketing would be perfect for you. You would also have the option of pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Marketing, to delve deeper into the inner workings of the marketing world that are suited for different target markets, segments, products and much more. School of Engineering: If you have a vision for Kuwait’s urban landscape, then the School of Engineering at ACK aptly offers a unique and innovative curriculum that will effectively prepare you for modern engineering practices. Whether you see yourself bettering the country’s infrastructure needs or you have the vision and ambition to reshape Kuwait’s oil industry, the School of Engineering offers four types of programs that complement Kuwait’s infrastructure needs: Petroleum
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Control Engineering and Civil Engineering. Due to the importance of the oil and gas industry sector to Kuwait and the entire region, ACK is arming students with in depth theoretical knowledge, as well as competency-based training, teamwork and high work ethics that are a must in this dynamic field. As for Electronics & Control Engineering, this industry is known for its rapid changes thus, ACK provides the necessary skills and expertise to encounter future industry changes on a local level. Students are able to earn their engineering degrees safely knowing that the Private Universities Council of Kuwait accredits all of the Engineering programs at ACK. The Australian College of Kuwait is based in Mishref, for more information visit www.ack.edu.kw and fill in your application or call the Admissions & Registration Department on: 1828 255 ext.4018.FollowACK online on Facebook: ACKLive or Twitter and Instagram @ACK_Live. 77
bazaar movie night The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in July and August
TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION
PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE
A LONG WAY DOWN
Release Date: July 28 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Mark Wahlberg/Nicola Peltz/Jack Reynor
Release Date: July 28 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Cast: Dane Cook/Julie Bowen/Corri English
Release Date: July 28 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Comedy, Drama Cast: Imogen Poots/Aaron Paul/Rosamund Pike
Synopsis: It is the fourth instalment of the Transformers film series and stars Mark Wahlberg in the lead role. Age of Extinction takes place four years after the invasion of Chicago. An automobile mechanic and his daughter make a discovery that brings down the Autobots and Decepticons - and a paranoid government official. This is the first film in the series to feature an entirely new cast and the first to feature the Dinobots. Returning Transformers include Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Brains.
Synopsis: Adventure flies higher than ever before in this sequel to Disney’s Planes. When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.
Synopsis: Four lost souls - a disgraced TV presenter, a foul-mouthed teen, an isolated single mother and a solipsistic muso - decide to end their lives on the same night, New Year’s Eve. When this disillusioned quartet of strangers meet unintentionally at the same suicide hotspot, a London high-rise with the well-earned nickname Topper’s Tower, they mutually agree to call off their plans for six weeks, forming an unconventional, dysfunctional family, becoming media sensations as the Topper House Four and searching together for the reasons to keep on living.
JUPITER ASCENDING
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
LUCY
Release Date: August 7 Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Mila Kunis/Channing Tatum/Sean Bean
Release Date: August 7 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi Cast: Gary Oldman/Keri Russell/Andy Serkis
Release Date: August 14 Theaters: Grand Cinema and Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Thriller Cast: Scarlett Johansson/Analeigh Tipton/Morgan Freeman
Synopsis: Jupiter Ascending tells the story of Jupiter Jones, who from birth was told she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine, a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along – her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar (Andy Serkis) is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species. Directed by Matt Reeves, whose previous films include the Rise of the Planet of the Apes 3, and Cloverfield.
Synopsis: From La Femme Nikita and The Professional to The Fifth Element, writer/director Luc Besson has created some of the toughest, most memorable female action heroes in cinematic history. Now, Besson directs Scarlett Johansson in Lucy, an actionthriller that tracks a woman accidentally caught in a dark deal who turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. Angelina Jolie was originally cast in the role of Lucy, but dropped out and was replaced with Scarlett Johansson.
For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit: Cinescape: www.cinescape.com.kw or Facebook: Cinescape – Kuwait National Cinema Company, Cinescape Ramadan timings: 9.00pm to 2.00am. Grand Cinemas: kw.grandcinemas.com or Facebook: Grand Cinemas Kuwait. 78
*Above programs are subject to change without prior notice.
FANTASY WORLD
bazaar apps BRITISH AIRWAYS
KUWAIT PRAYER TIMES
ISSUU
DEERA
Want a solution to boredom whilst traveling? Issuu has just the answer. Experience millions of the world’s best magazines and catalogs, all for free, in Issuu’s beautifully crafted app for Android. Discover a world of meaningful content, created by over 1.5 million publishers around the globe. Turn millions of digital pages with the swipe of a finger. Stack collections of your favorite magazines and share them across social networks. Issuu’s smart content recommendation engine learns as you read and delivers a personalized and continuous stream of relevant and interesting magazines for you to browse. You can even read bazaar’s past issues – not that we are biased at all – but sounds awesome!
The app Deera, a non-profit initiative, works by giving users a chance to report any issues in public services and facilities in Kuwait. The way it works is simple, once you have downloaded the app, you snap a photo of the issue and upload it, select the nature of the problem along with the location, then Deera send the correct public services to fix it asap. According to reports around Kuwait, submitted problems have been fixed swiftly after using this app. Reportable complaints include waste issues, road complaints, sewage covers, trespassing on public property and service charge complaints. Available free for iPhones only or you can follow them on Instagram @deerakw
QUIZUP
AIRPNP
British Airways (BA) has seen an increase in the number of people booking via mobile devices and so they have recently launched their new smartphone app. The free app, compatible with both iPhone and Android is available from ba.com/apps. It makes it even easier for customers to manage every aspect of their booking, whether on the road, in the air or in the comfort of their homes. They can select seats, change their booking, manage their Executive Club accounts and check in online. The new app now makes it even easier for customers to use their mobile phone as their boarding pass.
QuizUp, the largest real-time trivia game ever, is ranked the #1 Trivia app on Google Play in 6 countries, including the US, Canada and India. Challenge your friends and connect with other players around the globe, go head to head with over 300,000 questions in over 500 topics ranging from ancient history to popular culture, and Name the Element to Finish the Lyrics, TV Shows, Books, Movies, Sports, Games, and Music. New topics are added every week so QuizUp will test your knowledge while keeping you entertained for hours on end!
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With us now into Ramadan, Kuwait PrayerTimes, by NEG3A LABS is a very helpful app. It brings you the daily prayer times for the five daily prayers plus sunrise times including notification alerts, for the use of Muslims based in Kuwait. The app comes in Arabic and English and now contains new designs and functions to make it more accurate and easier to use. It is based on the Al-Ojairi Calender, which has been officially set as the official prayer times for The State of Kuwait. Currently one of the most popular Android apps downloaded within Kuwait.
AirPnP - inspired by AirBnB, a service for renting out your property to travelers - said it offered a “legal alternative” to urinating in public. Here’s a new offering that helps users find bathrooms in crowded cities, or “entrepeeneurs” can post their own to be used for a fee. Added details include cleanliness and toilet paper thickness and users can also rate their “pee experience” so others will know if it is worth the fee. For anyone stuck in a city they don’t know and needing to use the bathroom this app can be gold! Currently available as optimized web app only.
SKAGEN available at
AIRDOG: DRONES Man’s best (flying) friend by bazaar staff
In case you missed it, 2014 has been the year of the drone. I don’t mean the top-secret military versions that you only hear about in covert operations, I mean, the personal-use, need it to take better selfies and deliver hamburgers while you sit on your couch, drone. Aside from Amazon recently announcing in the press that they were considering drone deliveries of packages, at least one San Francisco based company is already in the –ehem– “pilot” stage of delivering medications via drone using your smartphone. Yes, that is all happening, and if you don’t have one already you are behind the curve. The good news though, as with most technology-based items, they continue to grow less expensive as the market gets competitive. In walks AirDog – just in time! AirDog is a self-described easy-to-use, unique autonomous drone technology for sports enthusiasts. And like many of the other recent iterations by some of its more pricey competitors, it’s also GoPro compatible. They have started by launching a Kickstarter campaign that nearly doubled its goal in a short forty-day window. Largely considered a huge breakthrough in personal drone technology, the AirDog aims to take all of the guesswork out of piloting these amazing machines. They feature fully autonomous action, high-performance specifications, gyro stabilization, and a GoPro gimbal for mounting. The people behind the AirDog also note that no remote control skills are required to pilot it. To use it, you simply strap the programmable remote on your wrist or helmet and it is ready to follow you wherever you go. No remote control skills are necessary! AirDog fuses data from remote and processes it with clever algorithms. Takeoff and landing are completely autonomous, freeing you to focus on your performance. The AirDog has preset flight modes to ensure flawless experience in a wide variety of action sports like surfing, motocross, wakeboarding etc. It’s been dubbed “your airborne sidekick,” but with all of AirDog’s features, this is far more than just a flying companion. The AirDog expands versatility of GoPros, the pinnacle of sports videography perfection. Active gyro stabilization guarantees that video footage is absolutely stable, remarkably smooth, and always level with the horizon. With the financial boost from their recent successful Kickstarter campaign, AirDog will make it to production and into the hands of sports enthusiasts by November. The original price for campaign pledgers will be USD 995 – USD 1,195 (level of sponsorship depending). Designed by and for those passionate about action sports, it is foldable, fast, and tough; the drone can track and follow users and their trajectory, and capture every frame with ultra-stable accuracy. The AirDog has a 82
flight time of up to 15 minutes. Zipping along at 40 mph, AirDog can keep up with even the speediest of action sports. According to Edgars Rozentals, CEO and founder of Helico Aerospace Industries, “It took a year and countless caffeine-fueled hours, that were spent hacking intelligent flight code algorithms. The result is extremely intelligent simple to use drone technology for every action sports enthusiast out there. From its roots the Airdog was designed to serve and obey those pushing the boundaries in sports” says Rozentals, summing up just how advanced this product really is. Rozentals and the Helico team know what they’re talking about. As innovators in unmanned aerial
systems (UAS), the group has experience in creating industrial applications for the civil use of drone technology. Helico’s project list includes airframe technology, integrated onboard computers, operating systems, and cloud-computing infrastructure for unmanned systems. All that is to say, if you don’t have a drone yet, you should probably get one. I currently have mine writing this for me…in the cloud…literally (ok that’s not a thing, but it has to happen soon). Go to AirDog.com to see more information or view their Kickstarter video by searching for Airdog on Kickstarter.com.
SAFAT HOME
JIMMY CHOO INTRODUCES CHOO.08º WITH THE PRE-FALL 2014 COLLECTION
Jimmy Choo, the iconic luxury fashion brand, has created a new collection that addresses the ever changing modern woman and her increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Renowned for shoe designs, alongside handbags, small leather goods and accessories that simply make every woman’s heart race, the CHOO.08º comes as a new classification to complete the brand’s vision under Creative Director Sandra Choi. With Sandra Choi’s style aesthetic now spearheading the design, PreFall 14 heralds an evolving direction with a collection that speaks to the edgy spirit of the brand. 84
“I love feminine silhouettes, and Jimmy Choo has become synonymous with the iconic stiletto which we continue to reinterpret with every collection. I know, from my own busy life, and from speaking to other women, that we also crave that same glamour and attitude in shoes that we can run around in all day, which is why I created the CHOO.08º mood.” – Sandra Choi, Creative Director Originating from Sandra’s personal style aesthetic, CHOO.08º features a wardrobe of shoes such as Biker boots, brogues, smoking slippers and trainers all with the signature Jimmy Choo personality. The name CHOO.08º takes its inspiration
from the brand’s creative center in London. With the design studio positioned on the longitude of -0.08º, CHOO.08º refers to a new orientation, a shifting dynamic that pivots the alignment from that of the high heel to a new center of gravity, one with a greater sense of movement, freedom, and a new energy. This numerical reference codifies the inspiration in London and reaffirms the city’s dynamism as the heartbeat for this new aesthetic. CHOO.08º includes some of Jimmy Choo’s beloved styles, including the BIKER boot, DEMI, a slip-on skater shoe in matte black python or antique brushed gold finish, and WHEEL, the signature smoking slipper.
New for Pre-Fall is MARLIN a winklepicker Rocker boot with a contrasting center of snake detail, MACKAY, a chunky heeled T-bar shoe with zipper detailing, and HARLEY, an urban roper boot with a lustrous distressed finish. In addition to the styles featured as part of CHOO.08º, Pre-fall hits all the Jimmy Choo high notes with styles that reverberate with rock chic. Biker leather struts in peep-toe booties adorned with ankle straps that wind around the ankle or climb up the foot. ANOUK, the archetypal pointy stiletto works hard across the season in a myriad of colorways including a shaded black to tourmaline glitter that is
the perfect fusion of badass and ladylike style. Strappy sandals for the extrovert with places to go include signature styles like LANCE and XENIA, along with new TALI rendered in bold suede colors of jazzberry or streaked with sequins in gold and black. Handbags play to all sides with slouchy styles ANNA and ANNABEL, perfect carryalls to take the Jimmy Choo woman through her day. North/ South tote, RITA comes in a range of sumptuous suede’s and Tabasco tinted leopard that elevate the utilitarian shape to luxurious new dimensions. Day bags are smartened up with ALBA and AVA, rectilinear shapes emblazoned with concentric squares
in contrasting colors and textures, all of which may be worn cross body, over the shoulder or as a clutch. High evening is covered with glittering clutches and minaudières in sumptuous satin, strass and glitter.
Jimmy Choo is located at the The Avenues – Prestige, 1st floor (2220 0567), and 360 Mall (2530 9912). For more information, visit www.jimmychoo.com and follow their latest updates on Instagram through Al Yasra Fashion, @AlYasra. 85
bazaar techno Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ~ Arthur C. Clarke
THE DASH HEADPHONES
HOVERBAR 3
CUFF
Dash is the name given to a pair of wireless smart headphones currently making waves on Kickstarter. The project has already smashed through its targets and is set to reach a cool million very soon. What’s all the fuss about? These wireless in-ear headphones will not only put an end to your tangled wire woes, they’ll also measure your heart rate, body temperature, speed, number of steps and number of calories burned. Oh, and they play music pretty well, too. They’ll sit subtly in your ear, unlike other wearable headgear, such as Google Glass, and are waterproof to 1 meter.
Twelve South’s HoverBar is one of those accessories that seems bizarre until you use it for the first time, and then you understand just how useful it can be. Now the company has unveiled the HoverBar 3, retailing at USD 99.99 (KD 28). The HoverBar is a flexible arm for the iPad, a stylish way of de-cluttering your digital life, and with the Hoverbar 3 it fits all iPads including iPad (2nd - 4th generation), iPad mini and iPad Air. HoverBar 3 attaches to your kitchen cabinets or countertop, and attaches to your iMac using a sturdy, padded clamp. It now also includes a handy kickstand attachment.
Set for a fall 2014 release, Cuffs are wearable GPS bracelets that, when connected to other devices worn by loved ones, will vibrate when the wearer presses a button. For those nervous about walking home alone at night, Cuff’s new line of GPS-enabled jewelry can give you some piece of mind and alert friends and family to your exact location. The device is being marketed as a tool for both emergency situations and simple attention grabbing. Cuff’s appearance makes it unnoticeable as a smart device, instead looking like fashionable jewelry. You don’t need to replace any batteries, and the device will launch with compatible apps for both iOS and Android.
www.mashable.com
www.blessthisstuff.com
www.mashable.com
BLACKSOCKS SMARTER SOCKS
ADIDAS MICOACH SMART SOCCER BALL
GIGS 2 GO
BlackSocks.com has given socks RFID chips, a scanner, and an iPhone app, all so that you can … wait for it … sort your socks! With the chip, each of these socks connect to your smartphone through the BlackSocks app. After setup, your socks will forever be paired with only one other sock, helpful for the obsessive types who care about that sort of thing. The app will also keep track of how many washes your socks have experienced, as well as how many they have left before they aren’t so smart anymore. The socks cost USD 189 (KD 54) for a 10-pack and the scanner, and you can order them online. If you’re into wearable tech, this is James Bond territory.
Adidas has now launched a smart ball for football players. With an array of motion sensors featured inside, this new intelligent, kickable sphere can track a ton of data and send it right to your iOS device - Adidas hopes it will all be useful to help you improve certain skills during training. The miCoach smart ball, which has been in development for more than a year, uses your iPhone to show you exactly where and how hard it is being struck. You can also track the visual trajectory of the ball, and the exact impact points. The companion iOS app can also be used as a hub for you to plan your training and track improvements.
When you need to share files on-the-go, simply tear off a tab from this Gigs 2 Go pack. Each tab is a tiny thumb drive. Because Gigs 2 Go is inexpensive and made from recycled materials, you can feel comfortable leaving a tab with a friend or colleague. And you’ve still got more tabs, ready when you need them. It’s renewable, biodegradable, lightweight, cheap, and durable enough to ensure that each tab should last for many uses. It’s also waterproof and shockproof, so you won’t need a cap. Available in 1, 8, & 16GB capacity, they’ll slide right in to your wallet.
www.mashable.com
www.engadget.com
www.portableapps.com
86
MAJORICA
AUK’S 4TH ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST Congratulations to the winning entries! by bazaar staff
Fireside Catharsis “There’s absolutely nothing wrong,” I tell myself. Stifled emotions, quenched heart, In my mind, it falls apart As I put pen to paper, I deterge my soul, I am aware I am losing all control My encaged conscience begins to squeal I hear the voice inside me start to crescendo I quietly discover my ego ideal And my writing continues at a steady tempo My soul gleans freedom like a flailing Skydancer in the cold winter breeze; As I grasp that I’ve thoroughly purified My heart and soul with utmost ease. Submission by Mohanad El-Hawary
I sit beside the fire and think, Of all that I have seen, Of meadows, flowers and butterflies, In summers that have been, Of yellow leaves and gossamer, In autumns that there were, With morning mist and silver sun, And wind upon my hair. I sit beside the fire and think, Of how the world will be, When winter comes without a spring, That I shall ever see, For still here are so many things, That I have never seen, In every wood, in every spring, There is a different green. I sit before the fire and think, Of people long ago, And who will see a world, That I shall never know. Submission by Sidra Riaz
The American University of Kuwait celebrates originality and encourages its students to continuously push their creative boundaries via the highly anticipated Annual Writing Contest. Every academic year, students flock to the Writing Center at AUK for support. Yet, there are those who revel in the magic of the written word, losing time as they turn their thoughts into wonderful pieces of literature. Such talented individuals are given a platform to compete through the Annual Writing Contest. The 4th Annual Writing Contest was launched by the Writing Center at the American University 88
of Kuwait on February 23rd until March 30th. The Writing Center cultivates an environment of collaborative inquiry to improve students’ writing through the use of peer-revision strategies. They provide assistance to the students of AUK for a variety of writing assignments during any stage of the writing process. The competition was open for the student body at the university to submit their creative work that was original, unpublished, and not previously submitted as a class assignment. Students were given the option to submit poetry pieces, short stories or personal narratives/ reflections. On May 26th two winners were
announced: Mohanad El-Hawary and Sidra Riaz who were asked to claim their gifts from the Writing Center, including certificates and iPads (which were partially sponsored by the lovely people at Blink). Congratulations to both entrants, and we hope that you enjoy reading their poetry.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. For more information about AUK courses please visit www.auk.edu.kw or contact them on 180 2040 or 2224 8399 ext. 3148.
ABOU SID
SWEET TREATS ARE MADE OF THIS
Shadi Al Samad and his journey with Al-Hallab & Sons from Lebanon to Kuwait by bazaar staff
If you ever pay a visit to the Northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, rest assured that no local would let you leave the area without stopping by the old harbor to sample the delicacies freshly prepared by Abul Rahman Al-Hallab & Sons’ ‘Kasr El Helou’, or palace of sweets. Incomparably delicious, Tripoli might be renowned for its ancestral history and great Phoenician heritage, yet Al-Hallab & Sons remains as a pillar of Lebanese history and artisanal trade since its early beginnings in 1881, as well as an emblem for the finest and most prestigious oriental traditional sweets across all of Lebanon. Today, the palace of sweets is winning hearts of the local population, as avid fans and new addicts flock to The Avenues location to satisfy their cravings for authentic Lebanese desserts, just in time for the Holy month of Ramadan. Here to tell us all about the brand’s journey to Kuwait is Shadi Al-Samad, the official franchisee of Al-Hallab & Sons in Kuwait. Hi Shadi, Can you tell us about yourself? Hey Guys! I am a Managing Partner and founder of M2R GROUP, which was launched in 2008 with my 90
childhood friend Saad Al Hakim, and specializes in branding activities in shopping malls and interactive advertising. I am also the founder of Venacava Advertising agency, and eventually followed my dream to become the franchisee of Al-Hallab & Sons in Kuwait and Subway in northern Lebanon. I’ve always admired the Al-Hallab & Sons brand, and it has been a dream of mine to become their franchisee in Kuwait. When I’m not busy working, my main hobbies include Go-karting, football and traveling. Why did you choose Al-Hallab & Sons to bring to Kuwait? Since I was young, I’ve loved the concept and appreciated the brand. My personal attachment to the brand also stems from where I am originally from, Northern Lebanon, as that is also where Al-Hallab & Sons originates. The famous ‘Kasr el Helou’, or palace of sweets, was part of my childhood where my father used to take me as well as many other Lebanese families. They’ve always been known to produce the most prestigious and authentic oriental sweets. Because I also happened to be in direct contact with the Al-Hallab family, I saw an opportunity to export this brand to Kuwait. I worked tirelessly
on analyzing the market and its need for authentic oriental sweets and noticed that local Kuwaitis also knew and appreciate the brand. Making the decision was easy, and the adventure so far has been extremely rewarding, as my instinct told me that the brand would be a success in Kuwait. Can you tell us more about the brand’s history? Al-Hallab & Sons is a leading Lebanese brand for oriental sweets, and has grown to become one of Lebanon’s leading brands in the market. Its beginnings were quite small, with a small location in Tripoli, Northern Lebanon that grew into a fullyfledged catering business. Since I was a kid, I was raised loving this brand and I knew all of the delectable sweets they prepared. I studied the know-how of their presentation, the accuracy of the quality and taste as well as Al-Hallab’s creativity in packaging. All of these factors led me to venture into a new investment, and I naturally chose the Kuwaiti market, known for its customer’s highly sophisticated taste palates. I knew they would appreciate the true flavors of oriental sweets, just like me as I grew up learning all about Al-Hallab & Sons, and how the brand has always distinguished
itself from other oriental sweet shops in Lebanon in terms of product offering, taste and quality. There has always been a strong connection between Kuwait and Lebanon. Since Kuwaitis have a love for oriental sweets, especially Al-Hallab’s handmade sweets, I thought to myself, ‘why not bring Al-Hallab to Kuwait?’ Was this an easy task, or was it very challenging? What were the biggest difficulties you faced? It’s never an easy task, but the decision was easy. What I found to be the most challenging was to present Al-Hallab & Sons as it is in Lebanon, with all of its tiny details, ensuring that we are able to implement the brand’s attention to quality and taste, as well as the know-how of the presentation when it came to preparing and packing the sweets. What should customers expect at Al-Hallab & Sons? Our professional team will warmly welcome clients with traditional Lebanese hospitality. Customers can expect a freshly prepared range of oriental sweets, one that reflects Al-Hallab & Son’s premium reputation for making the finest traditional Lebanese desserts. This Ramadan, expect a mouthwatering cheese Knefe, which is
a hit amongst Kuwaitis and expats alike. We will soon be launching the Ashta line (Fresh cream), which is recognized as Al-Hallab & Son’s number one offering. All of this is demonstrated in the Kuwaiti traditional atmosphere with the traditional tea and the Arabian Dallah coffee. How are the traditional oriental sweets different at Al-Hallab & Sons from their competitors? Oriental sweets at Al-Hallab & Sons retain three exclusive characteristics that are also the brand’s unique selling points: A unique and inimitable taste, creative presentation across all of the product offerings, and consistent quality and flavor that has been around since the brand’s inception in 1881. What do you love the most about Al-Hallab & Sons? What are some of your favorite products? I practically love all of the ranges of sweets at Al-Hallab & Sons, but my favorites include the Knefe with Ashta, Baklawa and Maa’moul. However, I truly believe that every single product has its own signature flavor, and I am simply addicted to each and every type of oriental sweet. Can you tell us more about the Avenues location? I chose The Avenues because it is Kuwait’s
leading mall with its professional management and strength being under Mr. Mohammed Houmoud Al Shayaa, the number 1 business man in the region in terms of retail and dining choices as well as the high traffic the mall receives. We also opted for the Souq area specifically because of its traditional charm that fits in perfectly with Al-Hallab & Son’s identity. What are some of your future plans for Al-Hallab & Sons? I’m hoping to open a new location in Salmiya, or a similar residential area. I do feel very blessed, nonetheless, for the traffic that we have managed to create for Al-Hallab & Sons since we’ve launched the first location in The Avenues. One of our main goals, and my personal promise, is that we will have the ability to cater to every single house in Kuwait through our reliable delivery service. We are also now available in Al Rifai outlets which is another important step for our expansion plan. You can find Al-Hallab & Sons at The Souk at The Avenues. For more information, follow Al-Hallab & Sons in Kuwait on Instagram @hallabkw. For delivery orders, please call 2220 1881. 91
SOOR C
CENTER
PLAYING FOREVER
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” by Fatmah Al-Qadfan
I heard a large bird caw and flutter its wings, the hissing of a snake and a low ominous rumble. Thunder? Before I could be sure, a giant mosquito came at me with frightening determination. I ducked for cover and watched the monster buzz angrily. Drenched in sweat and thinking of my next move, I knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore. My classmates and I left the air conditioned classroom and magically transitioned into a humid rainforest in our Creative Drama class. At other times we would find ourselves at the Olympic Games, or thrust underwater exploring a sunken ship. The class was divided into four units starting with drama games and ending with puppetry. We were required to journal after each class and hand in detailed accounts to our professor. It was then when I discovered that playing is an essential part of life. That semester I learnt that food nourishes our body and exercise strengthens it, yet it’s play that challenges our mind and shapes our relationships. I am now halfway through my MA program in Drama Therapy at Kansas State University and I have held a couple of workshops in Kuwait to remind adults of the importance of play. If you’re wondering what Drama Therapy is, you’re not alone. Drama Therapy is still a relatively new field that uses drama processes, like role play, to resolve issues. It’s an active approach to therapy. Instead of sitting down and discussing a problem, therapist and client(s) get up on their feet and try different techniques. Drama Therapists work in many different settings including correctional facilities and rehabilitation centers, whereas others work in schools, at community centers or at private practices. Drama Therapy puts great emphasis on the importance of play and it has gotten me thinking and as such I hope that I have been reexamining my play history; when did I stop playing and why? My childhood was filled with make-believe, but as I grew older everything became more structured. I focused on organized sport and competitive games instead of hosting imaginary tea parties. It made more sense to focus on that which could be outwardly measured: math, science, reading books, writing essays, swimming more laps. It seemed that the jungle game that I created with my siblings, with its rapid rivers and slippery moss, wasn’t going to get me on the Honor’s List. It vanished overnight. Growing up I attended a “well-rounded” school that put a semi-serious effort in maintaining art programs. But even during those fun extracurricular activities (that were marketed as confidence-boosting, creativity-inducing, grade-improving), students had to abide by strict rules. The school punished kids who broke the rules with detention. This tells me that – on a subconscious level – educators know the 94
importance of playtime, so seizing those precious minutes that a child waits for all day is the ultimate punishment. Research shows that children behave better when they’ve had time to play because they get to expel energy, enter the classroom ready to absorb new information. Children who do not get enough playtime can be known to put on weight, develop health complications, or in extreme cases are diagnosed with attention deficiency. To this day, nothing compares to break-time at my school. We had an exquisite thirty-five minutes that lasted forever. I would start out with a game of You’re It by the football field; I didn’t care who was ‘it’ because I just wanted to run and feel the wind against my face. Then we would catch little grasshoppers and watch them wiggle in our palms before they hopped away. Afterwards I’d join a few girls who were playing hopscotch. I would eat, I would learn a new song, all in the span of thirty-five minutes! Those break times are now a distant memory. I can’t lose track of time anymore. Nowadays if I play a board game with friends I glance incessantly at my phone even if I have nothing else planned. Is precious time being wasted? Am I being lazy? I can
trace these habits right back to the school system that doled out scant minutes of playtime here and there, and took playtime away at a whim. My school rewarded me with certificates and trophies for taking more subjects than anyone else during high school. I was congratulated for having no time to play. From school to university to the workplace, I maintained an impossibly busy schedule and a never-ending stream of self-criticism. Drama Therapy has inspired me to break those habits. It’s the conviction that work and play are a dichotomy that leads to low self-esteem, and feelings of emptiness or listlessness. Those who play are seen as lazy, vacuous or immature, whereas workaholics are the successful achievers. They will rise to the top, they’re the future bosses. Or are they? What if we erase the shame that is associated with play by reintroducing adults to the joys and benefits of imaginative play? Without play the brain cannot handle stress efficiently, and emotional regulatory tasks that reside in the right prefrontal cortex will be affected. Play theorist, Stuart Brown, states, “when we stop playing, we start dying.” That is the urgency that I want to pass on to people. Play is not optional, it’s essential.
ACK
AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY WITH SHEAFFER Thuraya Al Baqsami for Sheaffer Pens by bazaar staff
Last month, Ghadir Gallery and Yacob Behbehani Sons Company launched an inspired joint tribute gallery exhibition that celebrates the relationship between the artist and Sheaffer pens, an event that is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Renowned artist and writer, Thuraya Al Baqsami, produced an astounding collection of artwork that features the use of the elusive Sheaffer pen. The exhibition arrived as Al Baqsami’s 61st exhibition to date, and marks a tribute to the world-famed manufacturer of writing instruments, particularly luxury fountain pens, which celebrated its 100th year in business in 2013. Mr. Brian Kenny, International Sales Manager at Sheaffer, recognizes the brand’s presence in the Middle East, specifically Kuwait. Sheaffer’s first official involvement with Kuwait came about around 1977 and even prior to that period when traders brought Sheaffer to the region, as was the case in many different countries. Handsome men clad in their dishdashas bearing the Sheaffer fountain pen attached to their pockets visualized the mark of Kuwait’s first businessmen and traders. This is a memory that even Al Baqsami vividly remembers, as she recalls her father’s Sheaffer bearing dishdasha with nostalgia, always wanting this mark of success herself. The first official distribution began with Halikias & Partner Company, who managed the business until the late 90’s and in 2008, the prestigious Yacob Behbehani Sons Company took on the Sheaffer appointment where Sheaffer continues to flourish today. As for Sheaffer’s history, Kenny told bazaar that the brand was first established on May 16, 1913 when the W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company was incorporated in Fort Madison, Iowa for $35,000. Its founder and President was Walter A. Sheaffer, a humble gentleman who formed an idea, tested it, staked his life savings, and against all odds created one of the most highly respected and honored organizations around the world. It was the invention of the lever-fill fountain pen in 1907 that ignited a dream and gave the W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company its favored position in the industry. Little did Walter know, his namesake company would become a worldwide symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation over the next one hundred years. Over the years Sheaffer has evolved, developed ranges and finishes in line with current trends and the needs of consumers while at the same time maintained some features that ensure people recognize a Sheaffer Pen. Kenny explained, “For example, the unique Inlaid Nib on our top ranges was first introduced in 1959 and remains a feature of our Legacy Heritage collection today. And of course, the iconic White Dot, first introduced in 1924, is still visible on Sheaffer pens today.” 96
Thuraya Al Baqsami’s memories with Sheaffer also began during her school years. When she excelled in the subject of art, her prize was a luxurious Sheaffer pen. When she was recently approached by Yacob Behbehani Sons Company with the idea of using Sheaffer products to create a collection of artworks, the personal history with the brand made the project all the more special. Al Baqsami is not only an artist but also a writer; she has published a number of books that have been translated to other languages, including French and Spanish. Throughout her career Al Baqsami has received many prestigious accolades, including an award in literature from the Almadina Culture Society in Madrid, Spain in 2006, and the “Prize for Art activities” from the European Union of Arts in Prague in 2001. If anything, the established artist deeply understands the spiritual relationship
between the artist and the pen, where she described that “Technology might dominate our modern world in many aspects, yet I feel that the connection made between an artist and the canvas is best conveyed by using a writing tool. The physical manifestation of inspiration through the use of pens, pencils, and in this case the wonderful collection of Sheaffer pens, led me to so many art pieces. I was able to explore shadows, etchings, motifs, and even calligraphy in so many new and unprecedented ways. It was such an exhilarating project, where inspiration never left me for a moment.” The commanding collection showcased the artist’s seasoned techniques that she has mastered throughout her life. Pen drawings, watercolors, prints, mixed media and many other techniques that Al Baqsami became recognized for in the art world graced the walls of Ghadir gallery. Sheaffer celebrated 100 years of business
in January of 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany, where the brand exhibited at the Paperworld trade show. Distributors visiting the fair as well as surviving members of the Sheaffer family that came from the USA, including John Sheaffer, grandson of founder Walter A Sheaffer, and Russell Sheaffer, his greatgrandson, attended this celebration. To coincide with the launch, Sheaffer also launched limited edition Fountain pens in celebration of the centennial. These included 46 Gold Fountain Pens, representing the age of Walter A Sheaffer when he founded the Sheaffer Pen Company, 516 Silver Fountain Pens, representing the date the company was founded (May 16th) and 1913 Legacy Fountain Pens, representing the year the company was founded. As part of the Sheaffer’s legacy, and Yacob Behbehani’s desire to constantly nurture Kuwait’s local and established artists, the exhibition at
Ghadir gallery came as a natural decision to both prestigious establishments. Al Baqsami was gifted an entire collection of pens before she set off on her artistic journey, one that she used extensively through different mediums. The final result is a record breaking collection of 70 art pieces, as Al Baqsami wished to laud the brands for their support by delivering a collection that stemmed from her emotion and relationship she shares with both established companies. In every art piece there lay a story, where the amount of art pieces, the quality and the expertise and use of Sheaffer pens in this collaboration is the first of its kind in the Middle East, let alone the world. Her favorite piece from the collection, titled ‘Memories’, was so emotional for the artist that she had to actually purchase it to add it to her own personal collection. She spoke of the painting with pride, and stated, “I
felt something new, serendipitous if you may, with the contrast presented in this painting. I also loved the ‘Behbehani Courtyard’ painting, that ties the story between Sheaffer and Yacob Behbehani Sons Company, where I used Sheaffer pens to illustrate the Middle Eastern motifs I love to include in my work.” Al Baqsami is currently working on two more projects, a book and an art piece; where both are due to enter final phases of completion in 2015. You can shop Sheaffer at Yacob Behbehani Boutique in Behbehani Complex (2240 3954) Baitak Tower (2225 7908) and Symphony Mall (2244 1614), as well as the Morad Behbehani Boutiques in Marina Mall (2224 4839), Al Kout Mall (2393 0338) and The Avenues (2259 7727). For more information about Yacob Behbehani Sons Co., follow them on Instagram @Behbehani1938. 97
B A
Abaya: Traditional robelike garment worn over clothes.
C F
Eid al-Fitr: Festival of breaking fast.
H K Konafah: A pastry made with phyllo dough and cheese (Middle East) 98
G
Ful (Foul)‌ fava beans cooked with garlic and spread on bread (North Africa) eaten at sohour.
Gergeaan: 15th day of Ramadan. Children dress up, go door to door to receive sweets, singing traditional songs.
Iftar: The meal eaten at dusk to break fast.
Jalebi: Deep-fried dough batter soaked in syrup. (Pakistan)
I
Hummus
D
Dates: What Muslims around the globe firstly consume to break a day of fasting.
Crescent moon: Symbolizes Ramadan.
E
Bamia Stew: Made with meat and okra (North Africa and the Middle East).
L
J
M Lentil soup
Maghrib: Prayer that takes place at dusk
Bejewelled dazzled Bejewelled and and dazzled
MILANO
nd
2 Avenue - The Avenues +965 24954 64039, The Mall - The Avenues +965 2228 3159, 2 Avenue - The Avenues +965 24954 64039, The Mall - The Avenues +965 2228 3159, Al Fanar Mall +965 2575 9311, Souq Sharq +965 2221 4821 Al Fanar Mall +965 2575 9311, Souq Sharq +965 2221 4821 nd
N
Ninth month of the Islamic Calendar.
O Om-ali: A warm cream with raisons and nuts. Traditional dessert during Ramadan.
P
Q
Peace: Muslims are encouraged to keep peace in their daily lives, even amongst their enemies.
R
Random Acts of Kindness: Popular during Ramadan, but in reality, always encouraged in Islam.
U
Quran
S V Vimto: favorite drink during Ramadan – especially in Kuwait!
Xalabya: Dessert of fried dough flavored with orange blossom water, coated with sesame seeds and honey (Egypt).
Yogurt: Perfect to break your fast.
100
Taraweh: Prayer
Sohour: Meal that you have prior to sunrise
Umrah: Pilgrimage to Mecca, that can be undertaken at any time of the year but is most common during Ramadan.
X
T
Y
W Water: Used to bathe prior to prayers
Z Zakat: the act of charitable giving to the less fortunate (often 2.5% of available money). Usually done more often during Ramadan. One of the 5 pillars of Islam.
FOSSIL 2
AVAILABLE AT
AN OLD FAVORITE IN A NEW LOCATION
Kababji’s latest branch brings our favorites to Marina Mall by bazaar staff
In early June Salem Al Mubarak Street had a special treat. Young men and women held brightly colored orange and green balloons as gifts to passersby. Red velvet ropes blocked off a square under the bright green lights along the white columns. A massive screen was set up in the corner, as everyone prepared for a much-anticipated event: the opening of Kababji’s latest location. The grand opening was covered by Marina FM and hosted by the well-known Osama Fouda. Throughout the night contests were run, and prizes were given to customers. Music kept the mood lively with a DJ who regaled their ears with Lebanese beats, and kicked off the location with 102
an amazing debkah performance. The Lebanese cuisine favorite has become a staple in Kuwait’s dining experience. This location is yet another place where food lovers can get the delicious franchise’s amazing collection of fresh dishes. With the opening of this new outlet the total number of Kababji branches in Kuwait has moved up to nine. These include four restaurants with dining facilities, which underline the commitment of Kout Food Group of Restaurants toward brand development and expansion. This new restaurant branch is yet another step in that direction, ensuring Kababji’s fine flavors, high quality and the best service. What was once a quick stop or delivery service,
has turned into a more refined and relaxed environment with shisha offerings to complement your meal, and large platters for your family nights out. This latest branch in the Marina Mall area is a perfect ending to an afternoon of shopping, a great stop for lunch in the work afternoons and an amazing evening meal. The new Kababji has already won accolades for its comfortable ambience, friendly staff and hospitable services. Yet, what took center stage opening night at the new location was the distinctive flavor we have all come to love. The restaurant is best known for its delicious dishes and authentic Lebanese grills, and has become famous for its
fresh, yet affordable meals. In Marina Mall customers have hailed the classics as favorites. The Shish Taouak is the same juicy and flavorful chicken breast, grilled to perfection that our tastebuds relish. The Grilled Veal fillet and Minced Meat Kabab are also huge hits in the new location. You can also enjoy delicious variations of Kabab at the restaurants. Favorites include Kabab Khashkhash (with garlic, herbs and spices served with grilled mashed tomatoes), Kabab Frangali (with tomatoes), Kabab Orfali (with green chili, tomatoes, aubergines and onion cubes). Yet, while grills and kabab are the main staple at Kababji, they have much more to offer. You can enjoy
Hommos, Moutabal, Warak Enab (grape leaves) and Fattoush. They also do a fantastic version of cheese Fatayer – which you can personalize by adding a little Hommos and Fattoush. There are a lot of fans who love the Kababji French fries – deliciously crunchy and never oily or soggy. This Ramadan, Kababji is keeping its same delicious menu and wonderful offerings. If you are looking for something to keep you going from sunrise to sunset, they are offering an amazing sohour tray. The tray includes two types of Fatayer, Labneh with olives or with cheese and Arrayes. Enjoy traditional Foul, Hommos and Labneh with a bit of traditional pita bread. For the Kaak lover,
their craving can be fixed with either just zaatar or another that includes halloum. There’s even six pieces of Karabeej to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you are headed there to break your fast, give yourself a boost for the up coming day or just looking to drop in for a delicious Lebanese snack, Kababji has something for everyone. Now, with their new location you can enjoy their delicious cuisine wherever you are in Kuwait. The new Kababji is located in Marina Mall, Salem Al Mubarak Street entrance. Call 1861 616 to find your nearest branch. Follow them on Facebook: KababjiKuwait or on Instagram @KABABJI_KUWAIT. 103
big boys toys Because grown men still need to play
LOTUS BELLE TENT
EQUUS BASS 770
DRACULA’S CASTLE FOR SALE
Lotus Belle are makers of beautiful handmade glamping tents, combining the best qualities of the bell tent and the yurt. Made from high-quality canvas the tents are waterproof and feature zipable mesh windows and mesh screens that make it virtually insect proof. The Tent is available in 13ft or in 16ft, and is customizable on request. You can attach a swamp cooler for the heat or a wood burning stove for the colder months. The tents are perfect for use as a guest-house in your garden, a yoga room, or for festivals like Burning Man.
Think of the Equus Bass 770 ($250,000/KD 70,000) as the perfect compromise between fastback muscle car beauty and power and the reliability and comfort of a modern ride. At first glance, it looks like they took all the best parts of Mustangs, Challengers, and Chargers and mashed them together to form this retro stunner — but this is a built-from-scratch machine that looks better than each of those cars on its own. It’s also powered by a 640 horsepower supercharged aluminum V8, giving it significantly more oomph than most other modern muscle cars coming out of Detroit (albeit at a significantly-higher price).
Perched high up in the misty mountains of the Transylvania region in Romania, Dracula’s castle sits vacant, awaiting its next brave occupant. Built in the 13th century & renovated in the early 90s, the landmark medieval castle was the home of Prince Vlad III of Wallachia, aka Vlad The Impaler, the blood thirsty tyrant who ordered deaths by impalement for 80,000 people during his 8 year reign. The Telegraph reported early May that the 57-room, 22-acre castle is on the market, with the sale handled by New York-based law firm Herzfeld and Rubin. The current owners are looking for a buyer who will continue their vision of maintaining and growing “the largest and most significant attraction in Romania.”
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www.werd.com
FENDER RECLAIMED WOOD STRATOCASTER AND TELECASTER GUITARS
AERO-X HOVERCRAFT
FLATEV TORTILLA MAKER
The tone of a guitar depends on the wood the body is made of. Denser and heavier woods mean deeper, richer guitar tones. And that’s why Fender has just released new versions of its iconic Stratocaster & Telecaster using reclaimed old growth timber; redwood & pine. The Reclaimed Eastern Pine Telecaster guitars have a distinctively rustic look and elegant charm, with a body fashioned from reclaimed pine originally used in 1868 in the construction of a dairy barn in the small rural community of Lake Odessa, Michigan. The knots, gashes, dings and other anomalies in the wood are left intact and unconcealed, so that no two guitars in this limited edition are identical, classic sound is guaranteed.
The Aero-X is a hovercraft that rides like a motorcycle. Californian company Aerofex is now taking down payments for the StarWars-like Aero-X hoverbike. Priced at $85,000/ KD24,000 the Aero-X certainly isn’t cheap, but if it actually comes to market as promised in 2017, I don’t think the price tag will be an issue for early adopters. The Aero-X, if it performs as advertised, will be capable of carrying up to 140 kilos (310 lbs), at an altitude of 3.7 meters (12 feet). An offroad, off-the-ground vehicle powered by a rotary engine, this 2-man craft flies up to 10-feet off the ground at 45 miles-per-hour and you can learn to fly it safely with just 2 days of training.
I know store-bought tortillas aren’t exactly a wallet vacuum, but if Flatev’s claims are to be trusted, this electric countertop tortilla churner requires zero skills to operate and spits out superior homemade Mexican discs of joy in less than a minute. Flatev uses pods to create its tortillas, filled with either flour- or corn-based dough which are expected to cost less than USD 1 each, and using them requires no more effort than dropping one into the Flatev and pushing start. The corn pods contain stoneground corn flour and water (that’s it) and flour, water, baking soda, and salt are in flour pods. The company plans to make them available in different flavors as well, such as Chili, Honey, and Cheese.
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ALGHANIM MARINE
MAS INTERNATIONAL
Interview with Marketing Manager, Mr. Abdullah Al Shehab by bazaar staff
The bazaar team sits down with Marketing Manager of MAS International, Mr. Abdullah Al Shehab, as he tells us all about the growth of one of Kuwait and the region’s most forward thinking real estate marketing company. Can you tell us more about MAS International? MAS International is a Kuwaiti Islamic Shariah compliant company specialized in offering innovative real estate marketing services. It was established in 2003 as a result of a unique alliance, between Munshaat Real Estate projects Company by 60% and Sokouk holding company by 40%. Since its outset, MAS International was keen on being close to its customers through its offices locally and internationally to cover their demands. The company was first founded to market the Zamzam Tower in Makkah, KSA, in offering an innovative form of Islamic Time Share holdings that are Shariah compliant. As opposed to regular timeshare programs, an Islamic timeshare entails that the tenant receives a confirmed time, space, and type of accommodation as well. For instance, you may choose to book a royal suite at Zamzam Tower and that is what you will receive regardless of how early you choose to book it. You may delay the usage of the space, and even invite others to utilize it, or rent it out for a return on your investment. From that point, the company’s infrastructure grew and we built a network of representatives throughout the entire region, and we began offering our customers complete ownership programs of properties throughout the region, distinguishing MAS international as a complete Real Estate Investment Advisory. Since the company’s inception, we have retained more than 16,000 clients worldwide that span from the US to East Asia. Our core operation today exists as a fullyfledged real estate marketing entity. What are the real estate projects that MAS International is involved with? We are involved in several projects in Turkey, KSA and Egypt. Perhaps one of the most recognized projects in Turkey is BatiSehir in Istanbul. This is not only the largest real estate project in Istanbul; it is by far the largest commercial construction project in all of Europe. BatiSehir will include a complete city, from tennis courts, hospitals, schools, health clubs to five star hotels and various accommodation types. How was 2013 for you on an operational level? As the company continued to grow in 2013, we’ve made it our strategy to always be present at regional and international Real Estate Exhibitions to communicate to the market that we have entered a global phase in our expansion. This shift towards an international phase for MAS International was truly visible in 2013. We focused our marketing efforts to showcase our growth to not only our existing clients, but to new and prospective clients at the same time. 106
Since I’ve joined the company, it was my focus to make it known to our clients that we have created a reliable and trusted network of offices across the region to make sure that we have a regional presence that reflects our growth, giving us a credible edge that is hard to find elsewhere in the market. Our work with BatiSehir reflects this remarkable growth, where we have sold 50 high-end units in less than a year to our sophisticated clientele. After BatiSehir MAS International also signed on to more projects that give our clients a variety of property options throughout all of Turkey. These include: Prestij Park, Istanbul, Prestij Modern, Bursa, Mia Thermal, Yalova, Trabzon Modern, Trabzon. We also most recently signed with two property projects in Cairo, Egypt. These include Hyde Park, New Cairo and October Park, 6th of October City. What are some of the key developments in 2014? This year, we officially became a member of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) member. This membership truly represents the growth of our company, as the international non-profit and independent association that adopts a set of strict and accurate standards designed to enhance and develop the transactions related to the purchase of international real estates, and applies
the best practices related to real estate activities in the international markets as reflected by the fact these AIPP member companies are viewed with the highest confidence. By joining AIPP, MAS International became one of the most trusted real estate marketing companies worldwide. We feel blessed to already operate at this remarkable level and with this membership; we further reassure our clients that they are served in the most transparent and credible manner. Now that we have passed the first half of 2014, can you tell us what lies ahead for MAS International? We are looking to further expand our property portfolio to soon offer real estate marketing solutions in Turkish coastal regions like Kusadasi and Bodrum. We are also studying opportunities in Europe, as the demand for property ownership and investment in these regions is always on the rise.
For further information, please visit their official website www.mas.net.kw or you can call 182 0111 and follow them on Instagram @MASINTC.
MAS
KD 21
KD 12 KD 8 KD 14
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
KD 11
Get Back to School this Fall with Heritage and Street Styles
American Eagle Outfitters launched its latest Back to School and Fall collection. As America’s Favorite Jeans Brand, the new collection stays grounded in jeans, with tops that are perfect for layering and give every wardrobe an updated on-trend look. New staples have been introduced to the collection, inspired by the street style.
KD 12
THE AEO GIRL: It’s all inspired by street classics for the AEO girl this season. Jogger pants, body–con skirts, foil appliqué graphics and electric printed beanies. Animal print and neon pops round out this fun on-trend capsule. Throwback styles rooted in heritage continue to be updated for Back to School with acid wash and colored denim all coming together in a 90s spin on heritage. Grounded in denim, AEO’s newest style, hi-rise jegging, is perfect for layering into our girls’ wardrobe for a modern stylish look. For a soft feel, pair the easy to wear florals, intricate lace tops and delicate lace dresses with back to basics borrowed from the boys such as destroyed boyfriend jeans and cargo elements. KD 15 108
THE AEO GUY: For the guys, brushed Navajo print wovens and new vintage denim take the AEO classics to new heights, with choices from the new collection. Rich colors infuse the collection with hints of deep navy blues, rich maroons, bold mustards, and smart emerald greens. Throwback styles in fresh new ways are seen with the colorblock polos offering a modern take on 90s dressing. Grounded in denim, these items are perfect for layering. The Street Style has inspired new staples with the new jogger pant, waxed denim jackets, updated trend graphics, and washed out plaids. KD 10.5
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American Eagle Outfitters is located at the 1st Avenue – The Avenues, The Mall – The Avenues, as well as Marina Mall. For further information please call 182 1212.
KD 17 109
bazaar fitness
STAYING STRONG AS YOU AGE by Mike Campbell
Several weeks ago I was visiting friends for a family lunch when I was stopped by the family driver. Philip, who is in his mid-60s, was curious to know what he should do to maintain his basic health and strength levels in regards to exercise. When I spoke to him he didn’t have any major motor coordination issues and was in good health, mashallah. So it got me thinking…we have been lucky enough to train the parents of several members here at Inspire Pure Fitness, some in their eighties, so I decided this month to briefly touch on possible areas to focus on in order to remain healthy as we grow older. Our bodies are an amazingly complex system of interconnected muscles, joints, fascia, ligaments, tendons and bones as well as other tissues and organs that work seamlessly and in synchronicity. If the body is this interconnected, then it makes sense to ensure that as we age, that we train as one unit, as training individual muscles may not always be the best solution. As we age, we tend to decrease our amount of muscle mass. With muscle loss, comes the reduction of strength and energy. Simple day-to-day tasks such as walking or carrying objects like our bags or groceries can become difficult. The process of aging affects us in many other ways. However, I have seen firsthand in over 17 years’ experience, the effect strength training has on improving one’s ability to age gracefully. Most injuries in the elderly tend to come from the result of a fall. By reducing the chances of falling and the injuries associated with them, you will lessen the time spent in hospitals where the majority of the elderly can become sick as they will then be immune-suppressed and in turn can pick up an infection. It is often not the fall that kills people, but the infection that follows from an injury. According to strength sensei Charles Poliquin, balance is a skill that if not learnt by age twelve, then the chances of improving it as an adult, are drastically slim. There are even motor learning experts in Canada – who study how our brains execute complex muscle movements – that believe balance must be trained before the age of four. Please note whilst reading this, balance is not core training. Now if you continue to strength-train throughout your life, then the chances of your balance decreasing are definitely less. With more muscle mass comes a better ability to move through the main movement patterns that humans should be expected to perform. It makes sense that if you can perform some type of pushup as you get older, then you have the ability to rebound from a fall. Remember every exercise can be regressed or 110
progressed. For example, an exercise such as a pushup can be performed from a standing position off a wall. The movement pattern of pushing is one of the primal movement patterns you should be able to perform. Movement training in older persons should focus on training movement patterns. Specifically the 5 primary movement patterns: Bend and Lift (Squatting), Single Leg Movements (Walking and Lunging), Pushing, Pulling and Rotation. Once a client is moving efficiently, we can then begin load training if required. Load training focuses on developing the earlier phases of training with the addition of external loads. The client’s goals will determine the length of development of the program design at this stage. There is a final phase which targets the performance aspect of training. This focuses on specific training to improve speed, agility, quickness, reactivity and power. In planning your training program you should expect your client to work through all the movement patterns in seven days. Remember that the pattern of movement of the limbs for walking, jogging or even sprinting is called a gait which requires pulling, pushing, lunging and
twisting motions to propel the body forward. Gait is perhaps the most frequently used of all the movement patterns because it is a combination of the primal movement patterns. Once these basics are mastered, then you can add jumping and crawling etc. to the training combinations. So, in summary, the ability to follow an appropriate strength training program as you age will assist you with building strength, maintaining bone density, improving balance, coordination, and mobility through increasing muscle and improving movement patterns, ultimately reducing your risk of falling and therefore maintaining your independence in performing activities of daily life. Look out for the Primal Movement Pattern classes for adults available soon at Inspire Pure Fitness – Al Bida’a, as well as Inspire at Sahara from September onwards.
Mike Campbell is the GM and Co Founder of Inspire Pure Fitness. For further information email: info@inspirekw.com or nooriya@inspirekw.com or you can visit www.inspirekw.com.
THE PACKING DILEMMA
5 ways to pack your suitcase way more efficiently by Andrew Tarantola
It doesn’t matter if you’re going away for a few nights or a fortnight, there’s no need to carry more matched luggage than Princess Vespa. With a bit of planning and these simple storage techniques, you’ll be able to pack your holiday’s worth of gear into a standard carry-on. Have a Day by Day Plan Over-packing for a trip is a rookie mistake, and a costly one at that; pack too much and your free carry-on will suddenly become a 20 KD checked bag. Remember, laundries exist in other towns, you can always run a load if you find yourself in a pinch. Or just buy a cheap pair of shorts or shirt at your destination to compensate for any under-packing mishaps. Plus, if your bag is bursting when you arrive, how are you going to bring all those sweet souvenirs back home, never mind that fabulous dress shopping?! A general rule of thumb for how much of what to bring follows, though you’ll want to adapt it depending on how formally you’ll need to dress: • Unmentionables: Do your mother proud and pack a clean pair of socks, undershirts, and underwear for every day. • Shirts or dresses: two fewer than the total number of days in the trip – wear the same outfit on the flight back as you did on the flight out, save two days worth of clothing. • Pants: a pair of jeans for every other day, slacks as needed. • Shoes: two pairs of casual shoes (ie a pair of sandals or flip flops and a pair of sneakers) and a pair of formal kicks. • Toiletries: Check security regulations for the countries’ airports you are going in and out of. Many require you to keep check-in toiletries in 112
travel-size bottles and pack them in a clear plastic bag. If you’re checking them with the rest of your gear, you won’t need the plastic bag but stick with the small bottles to conserve space nonetheless. Predict the Weather This should go without saying, but take a moment to check the weather forecast for your destination before you start shoving stuff into a suitcase. There is a nominal but bone-chilling difference between 25 degrees with clear skies and 25 degrees and raining, so make sure you are adequately prepared. Rolling vs Folding Once you’ve picked out what you’re going to wear, the real challenge begins: cramming it all into your luggage. There are two schools of thought when it comes to putting clothes into bags: folding and rolling. Folded clothes are less likely to wrinkle but take up more space. Conversely, rolled clothes will wrinkle if stored improperly but take up a fraction of the space as when folded. Of course, there’s nothing to say you can’t use both methods – which, actually, you should. Soft, wrinkle-resistant materials like knits, wool, and cotton can all be rolled without much worry – just make sure you keep the roll tight, since loose rolling will result in wrinkles, regardless of the material. Starched garments like collared shirts and dressier items should always be folded. The combination should be enough to let you cram everything in without looking like a mess at your destination. Get Packing Yes, there is in fact a right way to pack a bag. This is it: • Lay your suitcase flat on its back, fully opened. • Pack as many socks and undergarments into your shoes as will fit, then set the shoes in the
bottom of the bag. Congratulations! This is the first layer of luggage. • On top of your shoes, lay down a layer of heavier rolled items – jeans, sweaters, etc. – packing them in as tightly as they’ll go. This not only minimizes wasted space, it also prevents the rolls from coming undone during transit. • If you have any fragile items that aren’t being brought as carry-on, place them in the center of the bag on top of the heavy-roll layer to protect the items from breakage. • The next layer should consist of lighter rolled items like t-shirts and undergarments, also tightly packed to prevent unrolling. • On top of them, place your folded items. This will allow easy access to them upon arrival for unfolding and hanging. You can also place these items in a dry cleaner bag to help prevent wrinkling. • Any additional lightweight items – underwear, belts, socks, etc – should then be crammed into any available nook or cranny to help stabilize the packing. • Put your toiletry bag on top of the folded layer, then simply close the suitcase lid and you’re done. That was easier than getting into a pair of skinny jeans. The Return Trip Nobody wants to go through the hassle of finding and matching dirty socks on the last day of a vacation, and it’s not like your washing machine cares if what you feed it is wrinkled. Instead of wasting those last few hours in paradise (or Poughkeepsie), bring along a compressor bag (a bag which, with the help of a vacuum, compresses your clothes by removing the air). Just toss all your dirty clothes in (plus a dryer sheet to combat the stink) and compressor bags will reduce their content’s volume by up to 80 percent – leaving you with plenty of extra room for souvenirs, gifts and such. source: Gizmodo
MAIS ALGHANIM
THE BUTCHER’S CUT
The best cuts of meat, now available at The Sultan Center Al-Shaab by bazaar staff
Your favorite steaks from The Butcher’s Den are now available at The Butcher’s Cut in Sultan Center Al-Shaab. When renowned restaurateur Ahmed Al-Bader first opened the Butcher’s Den, he also envisioned making this concept more accessible to people so that they could enjoy the best cuts of meat within the comforts of their own homes. Also considered as one of our favorite food haunts for delicious steaks, the bazaar team was overcome with joy upon finding out that these premium, mouth-watering cuts of meat are now available for purchase at The Butcher’s Cut counter at The Sultan Center in Al-Shaab. You’ll find the pristine Butcher’s Cut counter decked out with the freshest cuts of meat, sourced from Australia, Argentina and the US. Behind the refrigerator, the black chalkboard showcases the different cuts of beef that are neatly packaged and labeled, all laid out in an organized and easyto-read manner. A simple glance at the different 114
meats will suffice, however, as the heavy marbling, specifically apparent in the many different Wagyu cuts, signifies the higher grades of beef. All of the packaging, reminiscent of the restaurant, The Butcher’s Den, will serve as a delicious reminder of an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant itself, evocative of a butcher shop, already boasts an astounding variety of meats sourced from different parts of the world. Today, you can find these specialty meats only at The Butcher’s Cut counter in Sultan Center in Al-Shaab or at the restaurant located in Al-Bida’a. Unlike other steakhouses, and in this case, butchers, you will find Australian Wagyu of varying grades (usually starting at Grade 8, 9 and above), Argentinian, Organic, USDA Certified Angus beef, and US beef from choice grade and super prime grades. The Butcher’s Cut also has a special assortment of
pre-marinated meats simply waiting for your innerchef’s direction once you reach your own kitchen. Think burgers, steaks and sausages to start with, and even fully marinated strip-loin and rib eye cuts or chicken skewers or thighs simply waiting to be roasted, grilled or braised—the options are endless. A new arrival to The Butcher’s Cut and The Butcher’s Den throng of specialty meats is the Australian kiwami, a rare and delicate type of Wagyu that is exceptionally tender and melts in the mouth. Considered as Australia’s finest Wagyu beef, kiwami delivers a combination of silky flavors, it is extremely juicy and tender, boasts a marbling grade of at least 9 and above and is also lauded for its fine presentation and texture. The science behind this beef is amazing; as it is derived from Wagyu pure bred and cross bred cattle of the finest Japanese pedigree. Although it is considered as
the most expensive, its marbling grade of 9 and above makes this purchase totally worth it. Both of the Australian Wagyu and kiwami beef available at The Butcher’s Cut come from livestock that are fed the finest grains, organic natural milks and cheeses and given the purest drinking water that comes from Australia’s Great Artesian Basin. They are also raised and cared for in a low stress environment, where they can completely remain relaxed and at ease. All of these processes assist in tenderizing the muscles of the animal, ensuring an incomparable delivery of juicy flavors after they are slaughtered. Customers at The Butcher’s Den have already become fans of this new arrival, and the expert butchers behind the counter at The Butcher’s Cut ensure us that we would soon follow suit upon sampling the kiwami. All of the meats at The
Butcher’s Cut are imported chilled, and not frozen. For that reason alone, expect the flavor experience to be completely elevated, as the meats will definitely retain their natural juices and texture. The good people at The Butcher’s Cut are now also offering a fully-fledged catering service, where their expert chefs and butchers will assist you with everything concerning your next barbecue, dinner party or gathering. They will help you with complete menu consulting that will vary depending on the size of the party, meat recommendations and also by providing the grilling equipment and staff at your event if necessary. You don’t even have to worry about cooking the beef because you can leisurely watch the expert chefs take command of the barbecue, making the service at The Butcher’s Cut unlike no other. You can choose from their wide assortment of uniquely marinated meats, or create
your own marinade mix to separate your menu from your peers. From burgers, sausages, steaks in their many varied cuts, to marinated chicken thighs, your next barbecue is ensured to be a smashing success with these extra-ordinary butchers. If you are a novice to the world of meats, The Butcher’s Cut will also help you in suggesting the best cuts for the type of meal that you will be preparing, best marinating techniques and recipes, along with recommendations on how to cook your meat. Special orders at The Butcher’s Cut are available upon request. All you need to do is visit their dedicated counter at The Sultan Center in Shaab or The Butcher’s Den restaurant in Al-Bida’a. For more information, please call 2226 3140 or follow The Sultan Center and The Butcher’s Den on Instagram @Sultan_Center and @Butchersden. 115
GOOGLE, YOU CAN DRIVE MY CAR
Cars with drivers will soon be like fish with bicycles. by Kevin Maney
Imagine a Thelma and Louise remake, circa 2030. Climax of the movie: Two women sit in a convertible facing the edge of the Grand Canyon. Police surge toward them from behind. Louise looks at the dashboard. “OK, Google Car—go!” The car does nothing. The police close in. A disembodied voice chirps from the car speakers, “I’m sorry, it is unsafe to proceed.” “Damn autonomous cars!” Thelma yells as she pulls a revolver and shoots the dashboard. Self-driving cars have become inevitable. In May, California’s Division of Motor Vehicles unveiled its first set of rules for autonomous vehicles. Google says its cars have driven more than 700,000 miles and tests show they can watch for pedestrians and other surprises as well as human drivers. Intel jumped in at the start of June, announcing its driverless car chip. Progress is coming fast and furious. When a radical new technology arrives, at first we tend to think of it as a modification of an existing technology. Put a motor on a four-wheel chassis and all you’ve got is a carriage that doesn’t require a horse, right? Television seemed like radio with pictures. Cellphones seemed like telephones that could move around. Yet in each case, the new item opened up possibilities no one expected. Cars led to suburbs and shopping malls. Cellphones became pocket computers that are changing dating, banking, eating and just about everything else. The first surge of autonomous vehicles probably won’t even carry humans. One of the most intense emerging battle zones in retail is same-day, nearly instant delivery – Wal-Mart and other brick-and-mortar retailers think they can fight Amazon by delivering orders from local stores in an hour or two. Amazon fired a shot back by saying it is working on delivery by drones that will land a package on your doorstep. But the idea of drone delivery is wishful thinking. “The laws of physics still apply,” says Paul Saffo of Foresight at Discern Analytics. He doesn’t see how drones could ever carry enough packages to make the economics work, not to mention all the other attending problems. Who’s liable if the family dog attacks a drone, or when a sudden rain makes drones short out and drop pizzas on unsuspecting pedestrians? What makes more sense for this upcoming battle? Autonomous vehicles built to drive up to your door with a package or food order and text you to come out and get it. To do that job, the vehicle doesn’t have to look like anything we’ve seen before. Throw out seats or headroom for a human. Make the things electric. Design something unique – maybe a cross between a U-Haul trailer and R2D2. In a couple of decades, they will be whizzing all over city streets. At the same time, Western societies are 116
aging. When people get too old, they have to stop driving, and by 2030, more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over 65. So they will all welcome a solution that gives the elderly cars that drive themselves. But why do a one-for-one replacement of regular cars for driverless cars? Robin Chase, founder of Zipcar, imagines a situation more like an ondemand autonomous car subscription service – the offspring of Uber and Zipcar. A fleet of such cars would be stationed all around town. You’d use your phone to call for the nearest one, which would pick you up within five minutes. The service wouldn’t take you cross-country, but it certainly would take you across town to the Old Country Buffet. There’s no reason for such vehicles to look anything like today’s cars. Most trips will involve taking one person a short distance, so maybe these cars will look like the new three-wheeled one-seater called Elio – minus the steering wheel. These services will change the way we think about personal transportation – instead of something to own, it will be something to subscribe to. Cars will go through the kind of shift music is going through now as it moves to subscription services: We used to own music, whether as LPs, CDs or MP3s, but soon we’re just going to rent it. All told, the most profound impact of autonomous cars and trucks could be the end of the very idea of a car or truck. Driving a car might become like riding a horse: something rich people do for fun on weekends. Chase believes that if we don’t think differently
about cars – if we just replace human-driven cars with computer-driven cars – it will turn into a nightmare. Today, cars stay parked on average 95 percent of the time. If everybody comes to own an autonomous car, a lot of people will send them out to run errands – send the car to pick up a kid or go get itself repaired. If that leads to the same number of cars per person and lowers the time an average car stays parked to even 90 percent, traffic would explode. In a subscription model, cars would be shared, vastly lowering the number of cars per person. A transformation of transportation will have all sorts of consequences. Some will be rough. The job of “driver” – whether of taxis or UPS trucks – could go the way of elevator operators and milkmen. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” will wind up being a song about a bygone era when you could actually sneak away in a car. Since a subscription car would always know where you are, the privacy of a car will be no more. It has always been a bad idea to put humans in control of 2,000 pounds of metal and glass hurtling down a sliver of pavement at 100 km per hour. In the U.S. alone, car crashes kill 33,000 people a year and suck USD 277 billion out of the economy, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In a world of autonomous, subscription-based Uber-Zip pod cars, nobody could drive off a cliff. The Thelma & Louise 2030 script would have to turn Brad Pitt into a nerdy coder who helps them override the Google Car programming with their smart earrings.
BAROUE
‘THAI’RED OF EATING THE SAME FIT MEALS? Ubon is your answer! by Reshmi Revi
My heart tends to perform this little skip that’s somewhat ethereal (and quite frankly, not of my personality) whenever anyone mentions Thailand to me. It was the summer of 2011 when I embarked on a month’s long travel at the Kingdom to hone my Muay Thai skills and subsequently fell in love with its people, culture and its cathartic lush green landscape. And the food, glorious food..! Thai cuisine like the rest of its Asian culinary brethren, comprises of exotic dishes set to tantalize and tease our tastebuds in seven primary classifications (well if we were to combine Eastern and Western taste categories of course); sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami (meaty), spicy and astringent (dry). Every spice and herb used in each dish tells a story, has a benefit, and works in beautiful unison with the rest of the ingredients to enhance its uniqueness and flavor profile. In Kuwait, I have to say, no one does Thai food better than Ubon. Tucked away in Ali Al Salim Street on the Ground Floor of Aljawhara Tower, Ubon is a contemporary Thai Bistro with both its executive and sous chefs hailing from the Ubon Ratchathani Province of North-Eastern Thailand. In short, it’s the real deal peeps. The eatery specializes in Thai cuisine, with special emphasis on noodles, rice and curries with its ingredients sourced directly from Thailand. Now from a health and fitness perspective, that last sentence alone screamed carbs, carbs and more carbs. However that is by no means the whole picture, my friend. The menu at Ubon features a myriad of dishes; appetizers, salads, soups, side dishes and sweet treats that are not only healthy, but big enough to share if you’re worried about portion control. Most notable favorites of mine here were: Green Papaya Salad Imagine slivers of crisp crunchy papaya mixed in with carrots and spring beans carefully prepared in a sweet and spicy Thai dressing. The salad was light and crispy with just the right amount of salad dressing (I don’t particularly enjoy it when my greens are drowning in dressing or a sauce of any kind, as it then becomes heavy and dredge-like). On a hot summer’s night, this salad is refreshing to chow down on. As green papaya is still a young fruit, this salad is full of essential nutrients. Papaya is known to promote digestive health, help regulate your blood pressure, and is full of antioxidants whilst bursting with vitamins C,E and A. Not only that, papaya is also low in calories. coming in at 39kcals per 100g. Grilled Beef Salad Also known as “Nam Tok,” this spicy salad is a simple yet hearty concoction of marinated strips of tenderloin beef tossed alongside a colorful array of peppers, coriander, white onions and fresh basil leaves. Again, I liked this immensely for a dish that’s laden with protein (especially beef), it didn’t seem heavy on the palate. Particularly good source of lean protein 118
(24g in every 85grams), this dish is great to have if you’re watching your figure. If you’re wanting to add muscle or a bit of lean mass, I’d recommend ordering this dish with Ubon’s Pineapple Fried Rice which is authentic as can be and not to mention oh-so-yummy! Sweet & Sour Duck In short, a Thai stirfry which offers oodles of veggies and duck in a sweet and sour sauce. As a foodie, cooking with duck meat can sometimes be a tricky experience, as the meat can either be very stringy or fatty (chefs worldwide generally tend to score the skin of the duck breast, cooking them in a pan skin-side down devoid of oil). What I liked about this dish was that it wasn’t oily or heavy. The meat was surprisingly lean, yet fork-tender. You should vary your protein sources and duck is a great option to have as it’s chockfull of vitamins B5, B12, zinc and selenium. Iced Lemongrass (Drink) On the beverage front, this iced drink is refreshing to have on a hot summery evening like the night we visited the restaurant. Reminiscent of my Thai travels, this thirst quencher had notes of simple syrup, fresh lime juice and lemongrass extract. Lemongrass is an Asian herb widely used in Asian cuisine (most notably curries). It looks like a hardier version of a spring onion, with a lemony-pungent fragrance, since it is super fibrous, one would need to extract the juice using a masticating juicer. The health benefits of lemongrass knows no boundaries. It’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, and it’s a great detoxifier, especially for your pancreas. If you’re really
trying to eat clean, I would recommend this to be a great alternative to having an actual dessert since this beverage is sweet in nature and thus satisfies your sugar cravings. Mango & Sticky Rice Ok, so truth be told, unlike my other dinner guests, I held out on having carbs (except for a lush spoonful or three of Ubon’s signature Pineapple Fried Rice) to try out this pièce de résistance. At any Thai restaurant, how does one hold out on mango and sticky rice?! I remember walking through the night markets of Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok with a little bowl laden with this number. Mangoes are a staple in Thailand and this dish is of culinary country pride. Better known as the “King of Fruits,” mangoes are full of antioxidant compounds that have been found to protect against certain cancers such as leukemia and prostate, rejuvenates your skin as it helps against acne, and balances out your pH levels as it contains tartaric, citric and malic acid, which is alkalizing. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed my Thai culinary experience at Ubon. The laidback loungeatmosphere coupled with its outdoor seating was unpretentious and intimate while its staff members, exuding charm and being most attentive, definitely reinforced Ubon’s theme of the night; letting its food shine in all its exotic spicy glory. Ubon Kuwait is located at Al Salhiya, Ali Al Salim Street, Aljawhara Tower on the Ground Floor. Phone: 2226 0848 or for delivery phone 2226 0787. For more information you can email info@ubonkw.com or visit their website www.ubonkw.com.
AL MUBARAKIYA
Salmiya: Al-Mubarakiya Building (Opp.AlHadi Hospital) Tel: 2563 0508/9
mubarakiyadental
www.mubarakiya-dc.com
mubarakiya_dc
mubarakiya_dental
Egaila: Awtad Mall Tel: 2384 6111/222
bazaar checks it out BRING THE MAGIC OF THE ORIENT TO YOUR HOUSE WITH SAFAT HOME’S ASIAN FUSION COLLECTION OF FURNITURE AND TABLEWARE. Following the successful launch of their solid wood heritage collection in spring, Safat Home have introduced for the first time, and exclusively to its showrooms, the Asian Fusion Collection, a new range characterized by sleek designs, subtle effects and simple forms. This new blend of east-meets-west, encompassing living room, dining, bedroom and accessories, as well as tableware and cushions, creates a yin-and-yang ambiance of subtlety and extravagance. The Asian Fusion Collection reinstates Safat Home’s unrivaled furniture reputation, and is part of their already growing portfolio of lifestyles. Also, thanks to its serenity and the Zen-like effect pouring out of every item and set, the collection stands out as being therapeutic and decoratively alluring. There are also arabic-speaking interior designers in both Safat Home showrooms to give you suggestions and advice for free. This all-new furniture line has acquired its name from the “fusion” of modern Asian décor and Western minimalism – elements that create a truly distinctive home environment where refinement and luxury live in unison through every design and centerpiece. Consider the handcrafted, geometrically clean decorative accessories, coordinating lanterns, tea light holders and bowls, their highly quality and expressive simplicity that lies behind every curve and subtle detail reflecting the heritage of handmade items. Also the artisan-handmade rugs, which were crafted by natural hemp fiber and authentic leather, and not to mention their natural color palette that works well in the high traffic areas of any home. And last, but certainly not least, the wide range of Chinese inspired tabletops, kitchen accessories and serving pieces, which were selected and developed collectively by Ching-He Haung, the internationally famous TV chef, foodie and cookery author. All of this and more can be found at any Safat Home, where the Fusion Asian Collection is gorgeously displayed. The Safat Home branch in Alrai welcomes you daily from 9:30AM to 12:00AM, and in Shuwaikh, near Alghanim’s Service Center, from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00AM to 10:00PM, and on Fridays from 2:00PM to 10:00PM, where they provide for you a friendly shopping environment and exceptional service, in addition to online shopping and ordering by phone. They also offer insurance and free delivery anywhere in Kuwait including a free assembly service by professional contractors, altogether ensuring you complete peace of mind. THE FASHION OF PHILANTHROPY AND THE PHILANTHROPY OF FASHION Tahir Sultan and Trafalgar Co. team up for charity Fashion today is slowly taking on a new trend, it is moving towards sustainability. Be it environmentally or from a humanitarian point of view. This new exhibition aims to breach the gap between the NGO and the world of fashion. Tahir Sultan works closely with the women of Mulana Village in Jaisalmer, and trains them to create the most vibrant, fun and covetable cushions and clothing. This program is run under the umbrella of ‘I Love Jaisalmer’ - a Non-Profit organization in India. Less than a year ago, they started with 10 women and now they have increased the program to 120, and it is still growing. They provide a livelihood for them by utilizing their skills in order to create these pieces. Tahir Sultan has teamed up with Trafalgar Company to help highlight the beautiful products and bring to light the talent in this region. Trafalgar have been extremely supportive in all the company’s fashion endeavors. The dolls are made by another set of women in Delhi, the idea being that they have different communities work on the same projects, thus allowing more employment to women. This exhibition showcases how fashion, philanthropy and interiors can all come together in an explosion of color and style. Most of the proceeds go towards helping the women.
CARVEN - SUMMER GARDEN Embrace the sweetly feminine floral vibe at Carven this season. Slim fits, flared dresses and skirts are finished in bright prints. Bags take on a bold version with structured satchels. The prints extend to footwear as well with chic printed espadrilles and wedges. Carven is located in The Avenues mall.
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BATH & BODY WORKS LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION French Lavender & Honey With Top Notes of Mandarin, Melon de Cavaillon, Blackberries, Violet Leaves, Mid Notes of French Lavender, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Nectarine de Provence, and Dry Notes of Honey, White Oak Musk, this Eau de Parfum gives you a more intense, longer-lasting aroma for the ultimate, most luxurious indulgence. The skin-loving formula comes in an Eau De Parfum (KD 17), a Moisturising Body Lotion (KD 5.75), a Shower Gel (KD 575) and a Splash (KD 7). Its key scent is a romantic bouquet of French lavender, nectarine de Provence and sun-kissed honey.
THE SULTAN CENTER ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF TSC NATURALS AT SULTAN CENTER, SHARQ The Sultan Center (TSC) recently inaugurated “TSC Naturals” as its first dedicated organic products store in Kuwait. Situated inside Sultan Center’s store in Souq Sharq, TSC Naturals promises customers a new shopping experience and a wide variety of organic, gluten-free, and healthy products. According to Makram Malaeb, TSC’s Director of International Buying “Customers at TSC Naturals will enjoy more than 2000 products sourced from various countries around the world like Italy, UK, US, and Australia. Our extensive range covers every category of products that our customers need and demand, like beauty care products, groceries, beverages, toys, bed linen, and cookware.” Malaeb concluded, “With our continuous aim to be the customer’s preferred choice, we are planning to introduce TSC Naturals across our stores in Kuwait and the region.” The Sultan Center Food Products Co. KSC (KSE: SULTAN) is a regional conglomerate in retail, restaurants, distribution, real estate, telecom, and security services with revenues over US$1 billion. Each week, more than 600 thousand customers visit the 63 stores and 21 restaurants in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon. For more information about The Sultan Center visit: www.sultan-center.com, or on Facebook or Twitter at sultan_center. PORSCHE CENTRE KUWAIT ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF THE ICONIC 911 TARGA The latest generation of the elegant 911 Targa has arrived at Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, with the legendary model boasting the classic Targa concept with highly advanced roof technology. The introduction of the modern classic in Kuwait marks the continued progression of the Porsche 911 family, as the new 911 Targa 4 and 4S models join the brand’s iconic product line-up. The new 911 Targa sees the timeless design of the original model from 1965 and the contemporary sportiness of the seventh 911 generation fused together in perfect synergy. Just like the original model, the new 911 Targa features the characteristic wide bar in place of the B-pillars, a movable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window with no C-pillar. But unlike the classic models, the roof segment on the new models can be opened and closed at the push of a button in just 19 seconds, as the fully automatic roof system stows the convertible top behind the rear seats, providing a real spectacle. The rear-weighted design of the Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive fitted as standard is a typical Porsche feature and can be identified by the arches of the rear axle which have each been widened by an additional 22 mm, with rear tyres that are each 10 mm wider. The drivetrain concept reflects the core traits of the new 911 Targa 4 models: sportiness, safety and comfort. The power from the flat-six engines is transmitted by a standard seven-speed manual transmission. An automatic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) is available as an option. As with its predecessors, the new Targa generation comes in two versions available exclusively with all-wheel drive. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-litre, 350 hp flat engine. When equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, this model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 282 km/h. The top model is the 911 Targa 4S, which delivers 400 hp from a displacement of 3.8 litres. This model reaches a top speed of 296 km/h and, when equipped with the PDK and Sport Chrono package, accelerates in just 4.4 seconds. Equipped with direct fuel injection, both engines are sporty high revving units and excel with exemplary fuel economy. To increase efficiency, they feature electrical system recuperation, map-controlled thermal management of the engine coolant and an auto stop/start function.
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bazaar explores THE BMW I8 ARRIVES IN KUWAIT The revolution of the sports car With its ultra-dynamic proportions, elegantly sporty lines, low-slung silhouette and futuristic design features, BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is causing a sensation on the roads, having gone on sale in Kuwait last month. Signaling the future of sustainable motoring, the BMW i8 combines the performance and appeal of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car. The BMW i8 was launched at an exclusive event by Ali Alghanim & Sons Automovie at the Prestige Ballroom, Prestige -The Avenues in Kuwait. Held on the 17th of June, the vehicle was introduced by Talal Alajmi, Showroom Manager, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive and Yousef Mustafa, Area Manager of BMW Group Middle East. The BMW i8 is the second model after the BMW i3, to be unveiled by BMW i, the company’s sub-brand focusing solely on developing sustainable products and services, helping affirm BMW Group’s leadership as the world’s most sustainable premium car company. Both the exterior and interior of the emotionally-led 2+2-seater embody a revolutionary, pioneering take on the Sheer Driving Pleasure for which BMW is renowned. The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design which includes sophisticated aerodynamics features, and environmentally friendly materials. It comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the world’s first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic. Powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in typical BMW sports car fashion, drives through the rear wheels – the BMW i8’s intelligent hybrid system also capitalizes on a potent electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels. When united, the dual motors (electric motor at the front and petrol engine at the rear) work in harmony enabling the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds while using just 2.1 liters of petrol per 100kms and emitting just 59g/km of emissions. The BMW i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37 kilometers - and the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving. Due to its light weight of just 1,485 kg, it provides a total drive range of more than 500 kilometers. A sports car character and the typical BMW driver orientation are both equally prominent in the design of the BMW i8. The front view of the BMW i8 exudes sporting ability in its purest form. Large front apron air intakes arranged over several levels generate a powerful feeling of depth. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. An all-embracing sustainability concept runs throughout the entire value chain of the BMW i8; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials; use of materials manufactured and treated in an environmentally friendly manner. The BMW i8 is the future of sports performance driving, offering unparalleled fuel efficiency in a light and lithe Coupé body that takes nothing away from the thrill of driving a thoroughbred performance car. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive is the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI and RollsRoyce automobiles in Kuwait. For more information visit www.ali-alghanim.net.
SWATCH Says goodbye to summer flings and makes way for cool-weather trends! Sun-dripped adventures that speckle the summer months fade away as Swatch celebrates the Fall-Winter Collection 2014 – an assortment of models that remind us to let color rule our world all year round. Glitzy styles flirt with starlight and daredevil patterns stand out from the norm in this brand new collection. A World In Colors kicks it off with funky color blocks and vibrant hues that play with shapes. The Classic theme is next to strut its stuff with dapper designs and a dash of retro. Winter takes over when sparkles come out to play with Let it Shine, born to be the center of attention with head-turning metallic glam. High-Lands Mix shouts from the top of its plaid-striped lungs that’s wild designs never go out of fashion. Fall-Winter Collection 2014 includes WORLD IN COLORS: COLOR MY LACQUERED (SUOS101), DIP IN COLOR (SUOP103) and COLOR PALETTE (SUOJ101); COLOR EXPLOSION (SUOV101), CHROMOGRAPH (SUSW404) and CHROMATIC WATER (SUUB401) and CLASSIC: BRUSHED EARTH (YCS4053), SPECIAL UNIT (YWB402) and THE CAPT (YGM7000).
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BUTCHER’S CUT
THE LAZY ART OF IMITATION by Ayman Nassar
More often than not, it is the simplest of comforts that radically transform into the most shocking of trends. Prehistoric cavemen fashioned the first wheel from stone. This simple creation set the stage for the modern day automobile as well as 90% of today’s technological advancement! Nowadays we have witnessed a great tragedy. It started off quite innocently in the 90s, and as time and tech progressed, it too took on a new form that plagues all written media, with people unable to flick the off switch and return to normal. What is this modern-day malady that plagues the teens of today and the youths of tomorrow you ask? It is the negative phenomena known as Text Speak, the annoying jargon that the new generation use to communicate amongst themselves as if speaking in code. They abbreviate words by slashing out their most crucial elements, you became u, your (and you’re) became ur, wait became w8 and good became gd, all in an effort to save their precious digits and opposable thumbs from moving slightly more in all directions. At first it appeared to be a trend of Generation Next, too busy to type properly, their brains too condensed with information to remember such a trivial thing as the alphabet, condemning vowels to an abrupt dismissal from their lexicons, and forcing other letters to undergo forced transformation to 124
numeric, adding further confusion to those already struggling with algebra and Roman Numerals. Sadly however, they are not to blame, for in truth they are victims as well. It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that I step up to the plate and take ownership of the fact that today’s generation has been permanently maimed by the comforts of their predecessors, ourselves! Where did we go wrong, you wonder? How did we throw a curveball at the English language in the 90s, forever altering the course of human history? The answer is simple - SMS. Short Message Service is the ability to say what you want in 160 characters or less, a.k.a. the original Tweet. Initially, SMS’s were meant to quickly inform the caller that the receiver was busy and would call back later. Pretty soon SMS replaced calls as the means of communication for our generation. Thus began our isolation as SMS sufficed for everything from greetings and wedding invitations to break ups. This was in the days prior to WhatsApp and mobile internet, whereas nowadays you can send an entire essay in the blink of an eye and with no impact on your expenditure whatsoever, back then the more you texted the less characters you got at the same price (remember the truncated messages?). From there, we began to abbreviate with reckless abandon! Words
butchered to mere shades of their former selves, barely recognizable but instantly understandable by our cohorts. Generation Next grew up not understanding the reason behind the abbreviation, and took it to be the next step in literary evolution, further slashing our already slashed vocabulary to an even more unrecognizable form of gobbledygook. There once was a science experiment with 5 monkeys in a cage and a banana on a ladder, every time a monkey would climb the ladder both, they and their friends below, would get doused with water, to the point where the others would prevent anyone from climbing by beating them senseless. One by one the monkeys were replaced, and the tradition was followed by those who did not understand why. The new generations are now those wet, miserable and definitely hungry monkeys! Thus we brought about the demise of the English language. Where will technological breakthroughs take us next? Much like the big framed glasses and bell pants are making a comeback, pretty soon we will once again return to how our ancestors used to communicate. We send videos to each other and revert to grunts and shrugs, because using words is just too mainstream and very taxing on the tongue, which is now upgraded to properly differentiate all 34 ice cream flavors of the future.
bazaar a la mode GAS – PREMIUM DENIM WEAR BRAND LAUNCHES NEW CONCEPT STORE IN THE AVENUES - KUWAIT GAS, the Italian premium apparel and denim brand, is set to enter the G.C.C. through a master franchise agreement with Apparel Group, the leading Dubai based fashion and accessories retail conglomerate. The brand’s entry into the GCC market is part of Grotto S.p.A. designs’ plan to expand its reach into the region. The franchise agreement is also another major collaboration for Apparel Group, whose prestigious portfolio of international brands, continue to grow and diversify. The Avenues mall in Kuwait hosted the opening of the first GAS store in the region. The outlet was inaugurated on 19th March in Kuwait City’s largest mall and will be followed by an additional 30 sales points across the GCC in the months to come. The design of the new store is based on the “ESSENSUAL” concept, the ideal mix of ‘essential’ and ‘sensual’. This term is used to sum up the brand’s overall philosophy, adding passion, warmth and an international flavor to the original GAS values: positivity, freshness and authenticity. The evolution of the concept into the store design stems from amplifying the distinctive spirit of the brand through the use of the retail space itself. It aims at creating a synergy with the brand through the use of unique elements designed to display GAS’ core fashion line in the most aesthetic way. On entering the store you will notice the striking mix of leather seating, glass, and Italian walnut counters. Iconic elements like the denim wall, underscores the fundamentals on which the brand was built. The store atmosphere is both welcoming and intimate, designed to enhance you shopping experience. The GAS brand has a 30-year-old history, with its beginnings in Chiuppano, Vicenza, Italy. Launched by Claudio Grotto, the GAS brand was born from a passion for individuality and creativity. GAS’s core range centers on denim from which the exciting collection revolves. The brand plans to continue its expansion plans to include European markets, Japan and emerging countries such as India, China and Russia. Today it operates sales in more than 56 countries with more than 3,000 stores.
BOGGI MILANO MARKS STORE REOPENING IN KUWAIT WITH AN ELEGANT EVENT Renowned Italian menswear brand, Boggi Milano recently reopened its newly renovated store in Kuwait’s premier shopping destination, The Avenues mall. The store reopening was celebrated with an elegant event. Attendees included select media from Kuwait, along with top management from leading retail company Azadea Group, who are credited with bringing the brand to the region. Brand Manager Robert Hamod welcomed the guests to the revamped store and reiterated the importance of the discerning Kuwaiti market in his speech. The refurbished store was decked out with cocktail tables and gracious flower arrangements on the special occasion. Beverages and canapés were passed around as guests mingled before they departed with a special goodie bag from Boggi Milano. Established in 1939, Boggi Milano is the prominent name in men’s fashion, both formal and casual. Dedicating themselves to their loyal clientele, Boggi Milano’s diverse collections and interesting events ensure that they are always on the minds of their beloved patrons.
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pastel Combinations The brand’s signature fun style was on display at the Spring /Summer 2014 show. Funky motifs like waves and flames were appliquéd on dresses, pants and even accessories. The silhouettes were comfortable, and materials like satin were in abundance. Chic espadrilles and uniquely shaped bags rounded out the collection. Marc By Marc Jacobs is located in The Avenues mall.
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“PANDORA” LAUNCHES SUMMER COLLECTION 2014 An exotic journey to a fun-filled and vibrant tropical paradise From relaxing azure waters and sandy shores to heady Arabian nights, PANDORA’s 2014 summer collection of fine jewelry showcases flamboyant colors, intriguing patterns and mystical motifs. A faraway tropical paradise comes to life in PANDORA’s bold and vibrant summer collection. Tapping into current trends for zesty colorways, ethnic patterns and 70s glamour, mosaic patterns, bold blooms and tropical motifs grace brightly colored charms crafted from silver, glass and enamel. Vibrant multi-string bracelets in zesty orange and dreamy turquoise are perfect to showcase on-trend embellishment for a season that sizzles ‘til sundown. World-renowned for its high quality and hand-finished jewelry at affordable prices, PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets modern jewelry made from genuine materials. PANDORA’s jewelry is sold in more than 70 countries across six continents through approximately 10,300 points of sale, including more than 1000 concept stores.
RALPH LAUREN PRESENTS THE GIANT RICKY BAG WORLD TOUR Kuwait - the first destination in The Middle East To celebrate the launch of the newest “Soft,” “Mini” and “Chain” variations on its iconic Ricky Bag, Ralph Lauren is proud to exhibit a spectacular “Giant Ricky Bag” at stores around the world. Taking cues from the Soft Ricky Bag, its beautifully crafted archetype, the Giant Ricky took a team of four expert artisans approximately one month to create. Echoing the supple silhouette and handwork throughout — from shaping to creasing to tacking — the Giant Ricky is beautifully outfitted with all of the Soft Ricky’s authentic details, from Italian-made leather construction to its key bell, grommets and functioning lock. Six feet tall and five feet wide, the Giant Ricky Bag is over four times the size of the Soft Ricky and weighs approximately 250 pounds. The exhibit traveled from Galeries Lafayette in Paris to the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Saint Germain and then onto the recently reopened Palais Galliera, the museum of fashion. After Paris, the Clementine Giant Ricky traveled to the Ralph Lauren flagship New Bond Street store in London before departing for the Maximilianstrasse store in Munich. The adventure of The Giant Ricky Bag finally arrives in Kuwait at Prestige – The Avenues - the first destination in the Middle East at Ralph Lauren stores.
TORY BURCH FALL 2014 “The inspiration starts with the armor my parents collected. The references are subtle, whether in the mix of textures (woven, quilted, pleated) or in the tapestry brocades and florals. The focus is on clean, strong silhouettes with bold embellishments. Accessories reflect the mood — belts with chain details, lace-up ghillie heels and muffs.” — Tory Burch. Tory Burch has always dreamed big, not just in business but also with collections that tell stories that come across cinematic. The designer whose collections are usually described as “preppy-bohemian luxe,” has veered into a more ornate zone. You can see this in the skirts composed of scales of leather and thigh-high woollen stockings and gillies, as well as her gilded gowns evoking Ophelia. Tory Burch has made a peculiar but beautiful peace with her family legacy.
THE AVENUES WELCOMES TRINKETS Al Yasra fashion, a regional fashion retailer with over 200 stores in Kuwait, UAE, Saudi, Iraq and Lebanon; is proud to introduce the opening of Trinkets in Phase 1 of The Avenues mall. Trinkets is the region’s leading fashion jewelry retailer, with the widest range and collections of high-fashion jewelry from Italian to International designers. Trinkets prides itself on tailoring to the authentic, young spirited, energetic, confident and modern customer. Therefore, in the store, you will find an array of cutting edge inspirational jewelry in classic, casual, and sporty styles that can be worn by people of all ages. For the fashion-conscious urban woman, Trinkets brings the latest and widest selection of designer fashion jewelry from global names like DKNY, Just Cavalli, Dyberg Kern, Nina Ricci and Aigner, to name a few. For the metropolitan trendy man, you will find tasteful designs by Emporio Armani, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Fossil. To keep up with the trend, store collections are updated on a monthly basis so that customers can enjoy a continuous chain to choose from. And with reasonable prices, it’s easy to keep coming back to buy a beautiful gift for yourself or someone important in your life. Trinkets stores can be found in many places in Kuwait, like The Avenues, Marina, Al Kout, Al Fanar, Al Muhallab and Bairaq malls. 127
Loaay's Two Cents Got business problems or challenges at work? With his Two Cents page, Loaay Ahmed shares his expertise in strategic management consulting to help managers, employees and entrepreneurs thrive.
Q
It’s been more than six years since we increased our prices. We want to go higher but we’re worried about our customers rejecting the new rates. How can we go about it?
Many landlords increase the rent after an agreed period is over. Courier and airline companies increase rates when oil prices go above a certain level. Production companies charge more for their tickets depending on the leading star of any given play. It happens everyday and we, the consumers, adapt if the rationale is believable and reasonable. Alternatively, we decline and leave the business if we don’t find the higher rates justifiable. If your only reason is that you want to make more money, then think again, because that might aggravate your customers and push them away if they can’t see the value for money. How do you feel as a customer when the same hotel that you stayed in a few months ago is now charging more for the same room and without any improvement in the service or experience? So how do you go about it? Think objectively about the reasons why moving your rates up is a must. Is it inflation, gas prices, recent employees salary increases or a combination of all that? Did you invest in a new technology or system that will enhance the customers experience one way or another? Once you pinpoint your reason(s) communicate with your customers using honesty and creativity in your approach to share why the increase is fair. A different approach is to show how you still deliver great value for money with the new rates. So remember: prices are worth increasing when you have a good reason. Otherwise, customers might feel used, taken advantage of or even that you’re twisting their arms. Then it’s a matter of time before your competitors send you ‘Thank You’ notes...and that’s just my two cents.
Q
We’re a small company with less than 40 employees. I can’t afford to spend money on everyone for training. Is it wrong if I attend training workshops alone and then train them on what I’ve learned?
Companies often set a budget for training, but they shouldn’t. Training workshops are only one way of learning. People learn in different ways. What companies need to do is to set a budget for employees’ development rather than training. When you think in development terms, you start to explore other ways for your employees to learn. Some people learn from reading. You could find out what publications are important to your employees who prefer a magazine or a book to attending a seminar and start your own business library. Many books and magazines are now available as a digital version so you can save the environment and shipping cost. Other people demand more visual material like videos. The Internet is filled with How-To material and interviews that are worth watching. If you know what areas each employee needs to develop – and you should – invest some of your time building a digital library on 128
YouTube by creating your own favorite lists. Employees can go to your channel and browse the selected material by topic. And if training workshops is the preferred method for you and other employees, consider rotating. If your budget allows for four workshops, attend one or two and send other employees. Make it a policy for the attendee to share the knowledge with other interested staff members within a week. This approach has three benefits: when you teach others the information sticks more in your head; other employees get to learn new content; and you show other employees that you’re serious about investing in them, not just yourself...and that’s just my two cents.
Q
Both retail branches we have are unprofitable and we’re running short on cash reserves. There’s a good opportunity to sell one branch. Should we use the money from selling one branch to fund running the other or should we sell both branches and close down? Often, we see a high turnover in local retail shops or even in International brand names brought to the market through agreements. When you sit with as many entrepreneurs as I have, you see a pattern in most but not all of them. The immediate reasons usually given about why the business is not doing well are, “The market is bad and the employees are not qualified.” As true as it may be, I don’t see it that way. If it’s the market, then do your homework and study the market and the potential profit and risk before starting the business. If it’s the employees, you’re the one who hired them. If you don’t know how to choose the right ones, seek assistance, but don’t throw money down the drain that way. Yes, in some cases, all you need is time to make it in retail so it’s fine to sell one branch to support the other. This, however, is conditional to seeing your figures on a continual rise even if you’re still not breaking even at the moment. If the figures are not showing any indication of steady growth and you’re not going to do something different operationally and/or marketing wise to change the current status, then most likely you’re just delaying the inevitable by using the extra cash to keep the doors open for a few more months before finding yourself where you are today, again. Anybody can open a shop. But it takes money, time, creativity, planning, effort, persistence, and patience to keep it successfully open...and that’s just my two cents. For Loaay Ahmed’s advice on business or work matters, send a short email to loaay@knightscapital.com. Regrettably, only the questions chosen for publishing will be answered. Loaay Ahmed is a management adviser and strategic expert. To learn more about Loaay and his consulting service, strategic business therapy, visit www.knightscapital.com.
SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
NOUKHAZA
bazaar investigates AFTER
BEFORE
AL CORNICHE HELPS BRIGHTEN THE LIVES OF SICK CHILDREN WITH HOSPITAL ROOM MAKEOVERS The Al Corniche, as part of their 2014 charitable efforts have taken on a monumental task, by joining forces with the NBK Children’s Cancer Hospital and, upon their request, renewed, refreshed and transformed each of the 52 rooms with a complete room makeover. The children visiting the hospital are extremely unwell and, on occasion, they are staying for many months at a time. It is for this reason that the Doctors, Ward Sisters and Nurses impressed on them the importance of creating a happy cheerful environment. The Al Corniche team have been overwhelmed with the generous support and interest that this project has raised so far. They want to especially thank their corporate contributors Behbhani Motors, Porsche Centre Kuwait, Toni & Guy, Agility, Massaleh, Taameer, Al Ahlea and Massaleh Media Box. They also want to acknowledge the very generous contributions from members Trevor and Shirley Bush, several other wellwishers who prefer to remain anonymous as well as the Al Corniche senior team who have personally invested in driving the project forward. That said, none of this would have been possible without the unfaltering support of their engineering team who have canceled holidays and volunteered on days off; putting their heart, soul and handiwork into ensuring each of the rooms were finished to an exceptionally high standard. After several events and charity days, including a day where 25% of the Club revenue went toward the redecoration efforts, they have already completed 10 rooms with 42 remaining. They believe that this project (with the many other ‘giving back projects’ currently in motion) and their ability to help, have become integral to our existence as a Club. If you would like to be a part of ‘Project Rainbow’ and make a difference to a child’s life, please contact pmenon@alcornicheclub.com to learn more about the sponsorship options available.
دار الشفاء كلينيك تستقبل وفدا من اإلعالميين والصحافيين إستقبلت دار الشفاء كلينيك وفدا من اإلعالميين والصحافيين في زيارة ميدانيه وذلك للتعرف على األقسام والخدمات التي تقدمها دار الشفاء كلينيك للمرضى .بدأت الزيارة بكلمه ألقاها د .بالل صقر المدير الطبي لدار الشفاء كلينيك رحب خاللها بالحضور وقال فيها « :افتتح مستشفى دار الشفاء دار الشفاء كلينيك عام 2010 بهدف توسيع خدماته الطبية وتقديم المزيد من الرعاية لمرضاه في الكويت ،وتتألف دار الشفاء كلينيك من عدة أقسام مختلفه يتخصص كل منها بتقديم الخدمات الطبية األفضل بإشراف أهم األطباء وأشهر الخبراء المقييمين والزائرين إلى جانب أحدث المعدات واألجهزة الطبية» .وأضاف« :نحن في دار الشفاء كلينيك ملتزمون بالعمل مع ًا بطرق مبتكره لتوفير إمكانية الوصول إلى خدمات الرعاية الصحية بإسلوب حريص ،متخصص ومسؤول إلى المجتمع ،ونظرا لما تتمتع به دار الشفاء كلينيك من موقع فريد تسهل على المرضى زيارتهم واإلطالله المميزه التي تمنحهم جو من الراحه والهدوء خالل الفحص وتلقي الخدمات التي تقدم لهم بسرعه وسهوله وبأعلى جودة» .عقب ذلك قام د .بالل صقر بجوله ميدانيه داخل دار الشفاء كلينيك بصحبة اإلعالميين والصحافيين ،حيث بدأت الجوله بتفقد مركز دار الشفاء لألسنان الذي يضم لفيف من اإلستشاريين واألخصائيين في طب األسنان ذوي الخبره والكفاءه والتي تشمل تخصصاتهم كافه فروع طب األسنان .حيث أوضح د .محمد السيد رئيس مركز دار الشفاء لألسنان أن المركز يقدم خدمات تركيب وزراعة األسنان الصناعية والثابتة والمتحركة بجميع حاالتها ،حشوات األسنان ،جميع حاالت عصب األسنان ،تقويم وتبيض األسنان باإلضافه إلى عالج أسنان األطفال بأحدث الوسائل العلمية وعالج األطفال تحت التخدير العام عند الحاجة وحاالت األطفال ذوي اإلحتياجات الخاصة أيضا .تال ذلك جوله في العديد من أقسام دار الشفاء كلينيك حيث حظى الوفد بلقاء أخصائية التغذية العالجية آيه سمارة والحاصلة على ماجستير في التغذية اإلكلينيكية أشارت خالله إلى كافه الخدمات التي تقدمها العيادة لمختلف الحاالت شاملة لجميع أنواع الحميات الغذائية لحاالت زيادة الوزن والسمنه ،مرضى السكري ،مرضى النقرس ،مرضى القلب والضغط المرتفع ،باإلضافه إلى حاالت التغذية خالل فترة الحمل والرضاعة وغيرها .تالها جوله في عيادة الجلدية والليزر وعيادة التجميل والتي تضم كادر طبي عالي الكفاءة من أطباء جلدية وتجميل وفنيين وخبراء في عالج البشره يقدمون أحدث ما توصلت إليه التكنولوجيا العالميه في مجال عالج البشرة والشعر والجراحات التجميلية .إختتمت الجوله بزيارة عيادة األمراض الباطنية التي تضم د .سمير الشمري استشاري األمراض الباطنية والغدد الصماء والحاصل على البورد األمريكي في استشارات األمراض الباطنية والبورد األمريكي والكندي في أمراض الغدد الصماء والهرمونات والسكري .يضم الفريق أيضا د .نوبل زكريا اختصاصي األمراض الباطنية باإلضافه إلى د .صالح العنزي استشاري األمراض الباطنية والجهاز الهضمي والحاصل على زمالة الكلية الملكية البريطانية والزمالة الكندية لألمراض الباطنية .وفي ختام الزيارة أضاف د .بالل صقر « :إلى جانب خدمات الصيدليه المتوفره لدينا ،فإننا نعمل على توفير خدمات التحاليل واألشعة داخل دار الشفاء كلينيك بأسرع وقت ممكن ليتمكن المريض من الحصول على كل الخدمات في مكان واحد دون أي عناء أو مشقة ،فراحة المريض والعناية به هي من أهم اولوياتنا في دار الشفاء كلينيك».
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THE MÜNCHEN 10KM MARATHON LAUF by Zainab Mirza
If someone had told me last year that I was capable of running a kilometer, let alone ten, I’d have laughed right in their face. But that was before I started running with the Q8FootSoldiers every Friday morning. While I had been running for a few months, I couldn’t seem to push myself enough to complete 10km and it was with trepidation that I registered for the 10km Lauf (run) of the Munich Marathon last October. Even though a trickle of self-doubt seeped into my consciousness like a noxious gas to the point where I told no one about my decision, the excitement grew with each passing day. This would be my first official run! The day before the race, I traversed the picturesque five-hour train journey from Prague to Munich’s main station and then took a tram to the Olympiapark to collect my race kit. The massive lush green park, with its rolling hills and lake, was an unexpected sight. The proceedings at the event arena were so well-organized that despite the thousands that signed up, there were no queues. Several companies were exhibiting and selling sporting goods, and there was a pasta party for runners to stock up on carbohydrates that would contribute to their strength and endurance for the marathon the next day. The day dawned bright and clear. The underground station was dotted with several dark pink race kits strung over the shoulders of commuters and the exhilaration escalated as I realized I was part of something huge. En route, I befriended two lovely German women who were also doing the 10km Lauf. Excitement was fever pitch as we walked as close as we could to the starting point amongst the 3,000 or so participants. I noticed jackets upon the cordons; apparently these were placed there by runners for charity. My breath fogged before me; it was 7 132
degrees Celsius. I wasn’t used to the chill, having begun my running journey in Kuwait’s sweltering heat, but it was definitely preferable. The gunshot finally echoed through the street, the smoke from the barrel rising above the heads of the runners. We were off! It had rained the night before, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from the deep blue of the sky, the autumn gold of the trees lining the path forming a stunning contrast against it. As if in agreement, my iPhone played Michael Bublé’s ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ to start off with. I could hear the synchronized thudding of feet pounding against the damp road over the music, as the route led us through the heart of the city. The sun bore down but the canopy formed by branches of trees on either side of the path never let us feel it. After about 2km, loud cheers and applause rose from around me as a runner flashed by in the opposite direction with a BMW in close pursuit. The car had a timer upon it: 17 minutes. He must have completed 5.5-6 kilometres. I was awestruck. Somehow, witnessing his incredible feat and the determination behind it motivated those present to go a bit faster, as evidenced by runners suddenly overtaking me! Water was handed out at the 4km mark in front of the majestic Siegestor or Victory Arch, where a bystander held a poster that said: Good luck random stranger! Grinning, I went on. Bands played music at certain locations, bolstering resolve. My knees implored me to stop as I approached the 8km mark but I silenced them while munching on a banana quarter handed to me by a volunteer. Just when my resolution began to waver, I noticed two little girls on the pavement holding their palms out to the runners. I high-fived them and felt a tingle of energy thrusting me forward. I’d never felt anything like it.
The final kilometer led into the Olympic Stadium. With a hundred meters to go, my iPhone very obligingly played my power song. Adrenaline pumped through me, eliminating the exhaustion. Fussy knees forgotten, I bolted towards the finish line, my spirit soaring as I noted the time displayed. I’d finished in 70 minutes, shaving 9 minutes off my predicted time. If it was possible for your heart to explode with joy and satisfaction, that would have been my moment. I had miles to go in terms of endurance and improving my pace, but this was a decent start. There were a few uplifting moments along the way. I spotted a young couple running with their two children, neither of which could have been older than twelve, and marvelled at their stamina. At one point, a woman went past me pushing her baby in a stroller. Later, I passed a woman running determinedly with a prosthetic leg. The most heartwarming was a man charging forth with another in a wheelchair. The runner had a paper pinned to his back with the words: Beste Freund. What makes people sign up for these events? For some, it’s steeling themselves to completing the challenge without chickening out due to the witnesses present. For others, it may be to share their passion with those that participate or encourage their friends and families to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Some might run to raise awareness or funds for a charitable cause, while an elite few for the glory and to officialize their triumphs. Whatever the underlying reason may be, it’s always yourself that you’re competing against. It is you that is defying the odds and shattering the limits the voices inside you may place upon you. There is no stronger contender. Visit www.muenchenmarathon.de/en/ to register for the Munich Marathon on October 12, 2014. Images courtesy of: Pari Ali and Zainab Mirza.
Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower at Olympic Park)
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JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS Guide to self-reinvention by Bruce Fretts
Seek Responsibility Louis-Dreyfus used her post-Seinfeld clout to secure producing roles on Old Christine and Veep. “It’s been crucial, from a creative point of view, to become a producer. I know a lot about producing television and films, so my experience has value. I need to go into a project with that kind of responsibility and authority. It’s a more expansive way of collaborating. And I am a control freak. A nice control freak.” Revel In Creative Freedom Veep’s Selena is often unlikable, which might have scared off a lesser actor. “I never worried about people being put off by my character’s hard edges. I love to have the creative latitude we have at HBO. It’s a great gift, so once I got it, I was just rolling around in it.” Keep Your Home Life Stable Being married to SNL costar Brad Hall for 26 years and having two kids together “is the most crucial element of my life,” she says. “It’s been what’s kept my instincts intact. If I didn’t have a grounded family, I don’t know where I’d be. I’d be hiding under a couch somewhere.” Don’t Obsess Over What Audiences Might Think If you simply try to please your show’s viewers, you’re unlikely to create great work (or actually please viewers). “Trying to figure that out is like a dog chasing its tail,” she says. “If you start to think about, ‘Who’s going to like this? Why are they going to like it? Are they going to hate it?’ you’re going to die on the vine. It’s the road to nowhere.”
The Seinfeld star has transformed herself into a peeved politico on HBO’s Veep. Below is her guide to successful self-reinvention. In the history of TV, has anybody been better at originating memorable characters than Julia LouisDreyfus? She’s the only actor to win Emmys for three different comedic roles: feisty urbanite Elaine Benes on Seinfeld, sardonic single mom Christine Campbell on The New Adventures of Old Christine, and wildly ambitious yet constantly frustrated Vice President Selina Meyer on Veep. She also earned raves and a Golden Globe nomination for her role as a befuddled divorcée in last year’s indie-movie sleeper Enough Said, and she currently stars in the short film Picture Paris. So it might surprise you that the actress’s first rule of reinvention is: Don’t even think about it. “I never go about a new project as if I’m trying to redefine myself,” she says. “I just like to work, and I’m excited by material I find challenging and – if it’s a comedy – exceptionally funny.” Still, Louis-Dreyfus has gleaned some lessons over a career marked by such impressive professional flexibility. 134
Go With Your Gut To stay creative, find people who can push you. “I love to work with different collaborators,” says Louis-Dreyfus. “Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts. Fortunately for me, that’s worked out. With [Veep writer-creator] Armando Ianucci and [Enough Said writer-director] Nicole Holofcener, both have very strong senses of humor, strong voices that aren’t derivative of other artists. Both of these people approach their work with earnestness and kindness and have no airs about them. There’s no bull**** attached.” Leave The Past Behind Louis-Dreyfus has never worried about living up to her best-known role. “People have asked about Elaine, ‘Do you feel burdened by the fact that you played this iconic character?’ My answer is, ‘Uh, it was an iconic character. Where’s the downside?’ It has opened doors. It’s up to me to prove I can work outside of that character. Sometimes that’s a formidable brick wall to push against, but I’m happy to push hard.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Some of Her Most Notable Roles: 1 Saturday Night Live (1982-1985) “After that point, I wasn’t going to do anything unless it was fun. SNL was a really hard place to work when I was there. Also I was incredibly inexperienced and naive. But that was a good lesson: No job is worth it unless it’s really a good time.” 2 Seinfeld (1990-1998) “I loved working in an ensemble led by the very strong voices of Larry [David] and Jerry [Seinfeld]. It was an exceptionally happy endeavor. Somehow, if it made us laugh, it was in the show. It was instinct, and that was a great thing.” 3 Watching Ellie (2002-2003) “It was ahead of its time. Nobody was doing that kind of single-camera work and [filming in] real time. A few years later it would have had a longer life. I’m proud that we pushed the envelope. It was a really good show with a superb cast.” 4 Veep (2012-Present) “I’m sorry to report that I’ve gotten feedback from actual politicians that it’s exceptionally realistic. I guess they’re responding to the very human, fairly raw, somewhat wicked, and very incompetent face we put on the world of politics.”
KITCHENAID
RINGLY
You’ll never miss a call by Margaret Rhodes
The latest in smart jewelry, Ringly vibrates and flashes colors when someone’s trying to reach you. Awesome or annoying? As the femme cousin of fitness trackers, “smart jewelry” is a product category gaining traction this year. It includes bracelets that monitor sun exposure and double as USB keys. The latest to join the ranks is Ringly, a ring with a set-in stone that’s linked to your phone and alerts you to incoming calls or texts. Ringly connects to your phone and vibrates or flashes when someone’s trying to reach you, so you won’t miss the call if your phone is buried deep in your purse. “I continued to miss calls and texts from my friends and family because my phone was in my purse, and I hated leaving it on the table during social outings,” Ringly founder Christina Mercando says. Prior to founding Ringly, Mercando was vice president of product at (Flickr co-founder) Caterina Fake’s Hunch, a social recommendation service that 136
eBay acquired in 2011. “I just kept looking at my rings and thinking, ‘I’ve got to be able to put technology in here that will let me solve the problem,’” she says. Inside each Ringly is a tiny circuit board that allows the ring to sync via Bluetooth to either an iOS or Android app. Whenever a text, call, calendar alert, or email comes in, Ringly vibrates (like a phone would). It can also react to push notifications from Instagram, Facebook, Vine, Snapchat, and more. All of this is customizable, down to the number of vibrations and the color of the stone, which could, for example, flash blue for your roommate and red for your partner. You can even set an alert for Uber where Ringly lets you know when your car’s arrived. The ring can last between two and three days on a single charge (depending on how popular you are) and charges when it’s placed in its box. Ringly’s Fall ring collection is crafted with 18K matte gold 3 micron plating using precious and semi-precious stones and comes in four colors: Stargaze - black oryx, Wine Bar - pink sapphire,
Daydream - rainbow moonstone and Into the Woods – emerald, to blend in to whatever other jewelry you might be wearing. There’s an easy argument to make against using Ringly: If the point of stashing your phone away is to be polite, then wouldn’t wearing your texts on your finger exacerbate the issue? Sure, maybe, probably. But if you’re the sort of person who cares about being polite, you probably aren’t terribly worried about missing a call or two, and you probably wouldn’t buy Ringly to begin with. Ringly’s appeal is its simplicity. Many other wearables are quite complicated. Until the actual iPhone of smartwatches hits the market (from Apple or otherwise), there’s space for simpler designs like this, which target user pain points. Ringly doesn’t aspire to be the Swiss Army knife of wrist-worn technology. It knows what it’s good at. Ringly is available on pre-order for USD 145 (KD 40) a pop on www.ringly.com.
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bazaar around town KUWAIT PARTICIPATES IN 14TH INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION OF LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA Represented by a team of 21 individuals engaged in areas of research, fabrication and image-making, Kuwait is participating for the second time in the Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s leading cultural institutions that aims to promote the latest trends in art and design. This year’s leading Architecture Exhibition will run from June-November in which Kuwait is a proud participant among other international pavilions. Commissioned by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), and supported by Real Estate Partner, United Real Estate Company (URC), the Kuwait Pavilion will address Architect, Rem Koolhaas’ overarching theme of 100 years of modernity (1914-2014). Acquiring Modernity will address the Exhibitions’ theme by investigating the arrival of modernity in Kuwait and its impact on local culture through buildings and projects commissioned by the state as ‘modern status symbols’. The pavilion will explore symbols of modernity in Kuwait’s architecture, with a special focus on Michel Ecochard’s Kuwait National Museum, designed in 1960 and completed in 1983. This year’s Kuwait Pavilion is supported by the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, and by its Real Estate Partner, United Real Estate Company. URC’s involvement in this initiative is in-line with its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy that supports youth-driven programs in areas of arts, culture, education, and design. For more information about the curator, participants and supporters, visit: www.acquiringmodernity.com and www.urc.com.kw/CSR/SitePages/Home.aspx EVERYONE JUST WANTS TO HAVE FUN... IN THE SUN! Make Bio-Oil your Summer Handbag Essential If you’re a sun-lover, allow us to introduce you to Bio-Oil for radiant, summer skin! Also, if you’re traveling light this summer, Bio-Oil is your key to simple packing. This multi-tasking product offers a myriad of beauty benefits to those jetting off to warm climates or spending time on the beaches of Kuwait: • Prolonging your tan • Soothing the burn • Fight the ageing effects of UV rays on the skin • Combats dry skin • TLC for your delicate décolletage • Improve skin all-the-way by improving the appearance of stretch marks and scars Built into a daily skin care routine, Bio-Oil can be applied all over the body, including the face. For best results apply twice daily for a minimum of three months. Bio-Oil contains no preservatives, is dermatologically tested, hypo-allergenic, non-acnegenic and suitable for all ages and skin types. Bio-Oil is available at local pharmacies: KD3.900 for 60mL and KD6.500 for 125mL JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA NAMED IN CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER’S 2014 HOT LIST Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel Resort & Spa, Kuwait’s idyllic resort, has been featured on the 2014 Hot List of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, a leading luxury travel magazine. The Hot List is the publication’s annual round-up of the most exciting hotel openings around the world and this year’s definitive guide includes 51 hotels. The luxurious landmark earned its place after scoring high marks on various criteria including service, design, location, food, amenities and the elusive ‘It-factor.’ Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa offers 407 elegantly appointed guest rooms that include 316 rooms and suites, 79 residential suites and 12 private and luxurious villas, alongside an impressive selection of six restaurants, cafés and lounges. The historical landmark also offers conference and banquet facilities that make it a perfect venue for meetings and events. A complete destination for business and leisure travelers in Kuwait, the luxurious beachfront development also provides the sought after Talise Spa, Sinbad’s Kids Club, Scene Teens Club, floodlit tennis court, two swimming pools and 200 metres of private beach, providing guests of all ages with fun activities. For bookings and enquiries, contact 222 69601 or email JMBreservations@jumeirah.com MR GREEK – LOCAL SUB-FRANCHISE AND EXCLUSIVE MASTER FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Canada’s number 1 Greek restaurant, Mr. Greek has a history of enduring success. It began in the 1980s and grew to become one of the most popular restaurants in Canada serving Greek, healthy, homemade food. In 1993 Mr. Greek began offering franchise opportunities for dine-in, take-away, delivery and catering services. By 2011 they reached over 30 branches and received countless awards as the “Best Greek Restaurant Chain’’ for 16 years in a row, “Best Greek Food” and “Favorite Family Restaurant.” In 2013 Mr. Greek began its international expansion outside Canada by signing with Thimar International Food Co, as a Master Franchisee for Kuwait, and launched its first location in Marina Mall in January 2014. Mr. Greek Restaurants – Kuwait held its first Franchise Discovery Day in May and announced the launch of its expansion plan in the GCC and MENA region. Now offering single and multiunit sub-franchise licenses in Kuwait and Exclusive Master Franchise licenses in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, with a full franchise support chain from the Regional Support Center in Kuwait. Contact them for the Franchise Application Form: franchising@mrgreek.com.kw or call 6001 4006. For more information visit www.mrgreek.com.kw. 138
نوفاك ديوكوفيتش يمثل العالمة التجارية بيجو في دورة روالند قاروس حصل خالل مسيرته.نوفاك ديوكوفيتش الصربي رمز التنس في جميع أنحاء العالم يحتل المرتبة الثانية في التصنيف العالمي لالعبي التنس المحترفين فاز بأربع بطوالت. في بطوالت رابطة محترفي كرة المضرب14 في دورات األساتذة و9 بطوالت من البطوالت األربع الكبرى4 لقب منها28 الرياضية على ليصبح أول العب يمثل2011 وبطولة أمريكا المفتوحة وبطولة ويمبلدون، وبطولتين في بطولة أستراليا المفتوحة،من البطوالت األربع الكبرى في الفردي لبطولة روالند30 شارك هذا العام كسفير للعالمة بيجو في الدورة.صربيا للفوز في البطوالت األربع الكبرى في الفردي ولقب أصغر العب في العصر المفتوح وتعليقا علي شراكته مع العالمة الفرنسية بيجو قال نوفاك. إنه العب يجسد تماما قيم العالمة بيجو من التميز والجاذبية والعاطفة.قاروس لكرة المضرب «أنا سعيد لتمثيل بيجو العالمة التي تجسد األناقة الفرنسية في التعبير عن فن معين من المعيشة والتي تعّد أعرق صناعة للسيارات في فرنسا والمعترف لتميز شكله. عاما» حيث تتجلى النتائج الفريدة للخبرات والمهارات التقنية العالية في التصميم200 بها في جميع أنحاء العالم وتاريخها الرائد الذي يعود إلى أالف نقطة10 بلدا و160 بيجو منتشرة في.وقد اختار ديوكوفيتش السيارة الرياضية الراقيةRCZ الخارجي وجاذبية تفاصيلها الدقيقة من الخارج واعتبارها إتصال وهي تجمع بين المعايير الصارمة واألفكار المبتكرة في كافة أنحاء العالم وقد رسخت شركة بيجو مكانتها بإعتبارها العالمة الفرنسية الرائدة في وتقدمت في جدول الترتيب العالمي لصانعي السيارات فحلت في المرتبة التاسعة مع200 كان عام احتفالها بعيدها ال2010 . تصنيع السيارات في العالم سيارة وتعتبر بيجو الشركة الوحيدة التي تقدم تشكيلة شاملة من المركبات التجارية والسيارات والدراجات النارية2142000مبيعات السيارات في العالم بلغت إلى جانب مجموعة واسعة من سيارات األعمال الشاقة علي غرار البيجو بوكسر والبيجو برتنار ذات التحمل القوي والمساحة،والسكوتر والدراجات الهوائية 1969 مؤخراكشفتالشركةالكويتيةإلستيرادالسيارات(الشايعوالصقر)الموزعالمعتمدلبيجوفيالكويتمنذ.الشاسعةلحملاألمتعةواإلستعماالتاليومية . أحدث إضافة إلى مجموعة بيجو2015 موديل2008 النقاب عن جديد بيجو كروس أوفر SALVATORE FERRAGAMO PRESENTS SIGNORINA ELEGANZA Elegance has always been a defining element of Salvatore Ferragamo creations. Full of grace and refinement, they are further enhanced by the impeccable taste for which the Florentine brand is famous worldwide. In tribute to this sophistication, Salvatore Ferragamo presents Signorina Eleganza, a luxurious fragrance that celebrates feminine grace and seduction. The fresh head notes of grapefruit and pear are a vivacious and stimulating introduction. Almond powder and golden osmanthus petals create a delicate yet intense heart, adding a touch of indulgent luxury. The base notes of patchouli and white leather create a dry-down effect that leaves a luscious, lingering scent on the skin. The range comes in a 30 ml, a 50 ml and a 100ml Eau de Parfum Spray.
STARBUCKS PRESENTS KUWAIT WITH NEW AND EXCLUSIVE FOOD RANGE Starbucks, the leading global coffee house, has launched a new and exclusive range of tasty salads and sandwiches across all its stores in Kuwait. The new range was inspired by Starbucks customers who were involved in the development process. With the exciting new food range, Starbucks is catering both to the health conscious and those who are looking for something sweet and inspiring. In addition to the traditional favourites of the existing collection, the revised range includes new sandwiches and salads, all made with the same passion Starbucks has for its coffee. Starbucks’ exclusive food range allows customers to enjoy a wide choice of delicious hot or cold food with high quality ingredients; guaranteed to nourish the body and soul at any time of the day. The new choices will offer customers visiting any of the Starbucks stores across Kuwait the taste of something real, simple, thoughtful and honest. These are the four passions with which all Starbucks food is made, to ensure that customers can enjoy the perfect meal with the perfect cup of Starbucks coffee. Starbucks is certain the new selection will delight customers and is looking forward to their feedback.
EXPRESS YOURSELF AT VISION EXPRESS In May customers of Vision Express were wowed with a “one of a kind” event held at The Avenues mall. The discerning clients who stopped by were amazed with the unique and pioneering activity which captivated them at the Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Kuwait’s premier shopping destination. Using this event, Vision Express aimed to engage their customers to express themselves. A picture can convey a thousand words and so everyone was encouraged to strike a pose and take a picture of themselves wearing this season’s trendsetting sunglasses. Whether it’s funky, stylish, sophisticated, classic or sporty, no matter what kind of look you are hoping to achieve, Vision Express has a pair of sunglasses to suit everybody. Customers can try on the latest collection by Vision Express from Vogue eyewear, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Ralph and DKNY, thereby expressing their own individual personality and charm. You can also up your fashion game with a classic vintage pair, embrace the sports trend, dial up the drama with a pair of glamorous poolside frames or go for something more exotic with some fabulous floral shades. Vision Express is situated in Grand Avenue – The Avenues (2228 3093), Marina Mall (2224 4772), Al Bairaq (2258 1952), Abdullah Al Burak Co-op (2345 9138), 2nd Avenue – The Avenues (2495 4649), Salwa Co-op (2564 8772) and Rawda Co-op (2256 0368). 139
bazaar music “Music can change the world because it can change people.” ~ Bono
WORLD PEACE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS
BEAUTIFUL GOODBYE by Richard Marx
by Jason Mraz
Morrissey is one of few iconic musicians making radical, counter-cultural work, and Harvest Records is proud to release his latest album July 15th. World Peace Is None Of Your Business explores the tragedy of human apathy in our turbulent, modern era. Morrissey’s career as a writer reaches new lyrical heights but maintains his signature humor, drama and emotional longing. The lead single off the album, “World Peace Is None of Your Business,” was released in May, accompanied by a music video featuring Morrissey performing the song in spoken word. Another single released called, “Earth Is the Loneliest Planet,” is now available to download. The video features a cameo by Pamela Anderson.
Beautiful Goodbye is the first album of new studio material from the singer/songwriter in six years. Every track on the album incorporates an orchestral element, and the recording of the tracks was, according to Marx, “a thrill beyond anything I’ve done in the studio, and singing these songs brought out what I believe are the most effortless vocals of my recording career, so far.” Having written and produced most of the tracks, Marx explained the album is more sensual and ethereal than previous albums and has various influences: “The songs on this album were influenced greatly by everyone from Sade to Bebel Gilberto to various EDM artists, to even Chopin.”
For his fifth studio album, Jason Mraz teamed up with his friends in the all-female folk group Raining Jane, and went acoustic. It’s these women, who Mraz says encouraged him to try a little tenderness on his new album, dubbed YES! and out July 15. Though he’s calling the release his “first acoustic album,” Mraz promises it packs a pretty big punch with eclectic instrumentation that includes cello, sitar, ukuleles and other small stringed instruments. Even though Mraz may have broadened his sound for this new one, he still stays true to the songwriter he’s always been. He has always found his sweet spot writing about love and his lead single, called “Love Someone,” is certainly no different.
by Morrissey
LAZARETTO
FUTUROLOGY
YES
PLATINUM
by Jack White
by Manic Street Preachers
by Miranda Lambert
Lazaretto is the second solo album by Jack White, released June 10, through White’s own label, Third Man Records. Songs on the album were inspired, in part, by short stories and plays written by White when he was 19 years old. He found the writings in his attic and reworked them into new lyrics. “Some of it’s garbage, and I sort of laughed while I was reading it,” he explained to Rolling Stone. “I was going to throw away a bunch of it, but I was just coming up with new styles of attacking songwriting for the album.” Pitchfork Media’s Stephen M. Deusner remarked: “Lazaretto makes all of his other projects sound a bit scrawny by comparison. It’s the densest, fullest, craziest, and most indulgent that White has sounded.”
Futurology is the twelfth studio album by Welsh alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers. Recorded partly in Hansa Studios where Bowie made Heroes, and said to be the counterpart to 2013’s stripped back Rewind The Film, as well as “the sound of the Manics at their very best - a record inspired by permanent revolution, modern art and Autobahns,” the Manics’ own echelons of greatness raise the bar even further. The album, released July 7, features contributions from Green Gartside, Nina Hoss, Cian Ciaran and Cate Le Bon. The first single ‘Walk Me To The Bridge’ was described by James Dean Bradfield as “an emotional European driving song with early Simple Minds synths and a Heroesesque Ebow guitar solo.”
Platinum is the fifth studio album by American country music artist Miranda Lambert, released in June, through RCA Records Nashville. Its lead single, “Automatic,” reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Lambert and Carrie Underwood debuted “Somethin’ Bad” on the 2014 Billboard Music Awards May 18. In The New York Times, Jon Caramanica gave a positive review of the album, commenting how the music contains “the most incisive songwriting in any genre,” which encompasses musical aspects that “are complex, self-confident and self-lacerating all at once, and most crucially, completely knowing and in on the joke.”
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source: www.amazon.com
STARBUCKS
bazaar books Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. ~ Jessamyn West
THE YOUNGS: THE BROTHERS WHO BUILT AC/DC
THE CUCKOO’S CALLING
LETTERS OF NOTE
by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
by Shaun Usher
by Jesse Fink
With sales of over 200 million albums, AC/DC is not just the biggest rock band in the world, it’s a family business built by three brothers: George, Malcolm, and Angus Young. And, as with any business, some people prospered while others got hurt along the way. The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC is unlike any AC/DC book you’ve read before. Less a biography, more a critical appreciation, it tells the story of the trio through 11 classic songs and reveals some of the secrets that went into their making. Important figures from AC/DC’s long way to the top open up for the very first time, while unsung heroes behind the band’s success are given the credit they are due. Accepted accounts of events are challenged while sensational details emerge to cast a whole new light on the band’s history, especially their early years with Atlantic Records. Former AC/DC members and musicians from bands such as Guns N’ Roses also give their take on the Youngs’ brand of magic. After 40 years, AC/DC might just have got the serious book it deserves. 142
After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office. Then John Bristow comes home to a tragic story: His sister, the legendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction and delusion known to man. You may think you know detectives, but you’ve never met one quite like Strike. You may think you know about the wealthy and famous, but you’ve never seen them under an investigation like this. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
While a good portion of history happened out in the open, allowing it to be preserved in the history books for everyone to read for generations, still more happened in the private correspondence of people who mattered. In Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience (brought to you by the creator of the blog by the same name) you’ll read letters spanning across centuries, from influential political leaders, authors, actors, murderers and more. Each one lends a unique insight into the major events of the time, whether they’re wars, cultural shifts, key moments or important discoveries. This epistolary compilation contains over 125 letters, detailing the personal thoughts of everyone from Jack the Ripper to Kurt Vonnegut. Entries include a transcript of the letter; a short contextual introduction; and, in some cases a facsimile of the letter itself. The artfulness of Shaun Usher’s eclectic arrangement creates a reading experience rich in discovery. Colorfully illustrated with photographs, portraits and relevant artworks, this handsome hardcover is a visual treat too.
THE SECRET WORLD OF OIL
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE
by Ken Silverstein
by Anthony Doerr
The oil industry provides the lifeblood of modern civilization, and bestselling books have been written about the industry and even individual companies in it, like ExxonMobil. But the modern oil industry is an amazingly shady meeting ground of fixers, gangsters, dictators, competing governments and multinational corporations and until now, no book has set out to tell the story of this largely hidden world. The global fleet of some 11,000 tankers – that has tripled during the past decade – moves approximately 2 billion metric tons of oil annually. And every stage of the route, from discovery to consumption, is tainted by corruption and violence, even if little of that is visible to the public. Based on trips to New York, Washington, Houston, London, Paris, Geneva, Phnom Penh, Dakar, Lagos, Baku and Moscow, among other far-flung locals, The Secret World of Oil includes up-close portraits of a shadowy Baku-based trader; a high-flying London fixer; and an oil dictator’s playboy son who has to choose one of his 11 luxury vehicles when he heads out to party in Los Angeles. This is both an entertaining global travelogue and a major work of investigative reporting.
A stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl named Marie-Laure, and a German orphan named Werner whose paths collide as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. When Marie-Laure is 12, the Nazis occupy Paris and she flees with her father to SaintMalo. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel. Meanwhile, in Germany, Werner grows up with his younger sister and enchanted by a crude radio he finds, he becomes an expert at fixing these crucial new instruments. His talent wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into SaintMalo, where his and her story’s converge. Deftly interweaving their lives, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing this is a magnificent and deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times).
source: www.amazon.com
HYPOXI
bazaar scopes what’s your sign?
LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22
If you are not involved in artistic, philosophical or religious work, you are missing an expansion of consciousness that will shape your future. If you’re not being challenged by new thought, new music or an entirely different environment, then you’re missing a life encounter. Regard the strange and different as educational. What are you doing? No matter what, just be reverent.
VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22
It’s most important this month to maintain structure and order with finances, both what comes in and what goes out. You also need to coordinate and listen carefully to what others are saying. A friend will have information for you and will speak to your deepest needs. There’s work ahead. You can do it. Just maintain a personal management strategy.
LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22
Balance is the key working model for the next few months. Balance between your thoughts and ideals, between work and love, self and other, the state of your physical body and your soul. Practice patience, tolerance and caution. Should you display coldness and pride or criticism of others, you’ll have trouble keeping your relations in harmony.
SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22
Some difficulty in relationships which has not been handled prior to now will surface, and what you found amusing won’t be anymore. Check if agreements between you and others are clear and discuss everything openly. Be practical, share your resources, look at struggles as evolutionary tests, and have the intention to love with ease and restfulness. This patience and focus will eventually be rewarded.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 21
Your idea of self will expand as the old, restricted self fades away and in its place comes higher mind qualities and new ideals. Joy will result from deep study, and a broader spiritual identity will emerge. Through this journey the extra focus on yourself will impact your friends and family in a very positive way.
CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 Instead of being at home you might feel impelled to go here, there, everywhere this month. You may be
seeking love or acceptance, or just for a new part of yourself. Regardless you will enjoy traveling and will learn a lot about yourself and others around you during this process. It is definitely a good month for self-reflection and reducing stress.
AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18
A challenge will arise this month from work and will be your opportunity to shine as it is right down your alley. Your colleagues may try to hinder you in the process, so don’t listen to their suggestion and go with your instincts in the office. If you ignore the politics, this month will end with some great career progression.
PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 20
Finances again. Difficult or good, you’ll have to handle them. This is a good month to set up some money management tools for you and your family. Education about money is a great tool to teach the younger generation who are currently taking your generosity for granted. By the end of this month you will all be going in a much better financial direction and therefore have a brighter future.
ARIES MAR 21 – APR 19
The way you express yourself may change over the next several months. Perhaps you want to relate to others but are finding it very difficult? Perhaps you’re creating controversy and don’t know why? This is a good experience for you to understand the valuable aspects of peacemaking. It begins with intentions of goodwill. Study courage.
CANCER
JUN 22 – JUL 22 “Usefulness” is the key word to consider when attracting situations and people to your life. It may be difficult to work harmoniously with others. A level of solitude is thus required. Does your work environment need to be more attractive and comforting? This is the month to sort out your affairs in the office and finally organize that desk.
TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20
You are being tremendously selfless. This is good. But it’s only exterior. Internally, you’re exhausted, tired of caring for others, need time for self, and wish others would be as charitable as you are. You think these thoughts are harmful? No, they’re truthful. Unresolved problems arise that are not pleasurable. You will endure if you concentrate on you for a change.
GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21
You are to assess your group activities, what you do with friends, and how to make yourself more agreeable with associates and business people. Also consider what you feel is lost by participating in group endeavors. Do you help everyone achieve their goals? Or are your goals the prime concern? Compromise gracefully and compassionately.
source: www.2014horoscope.com 144
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