whats inside

NOVEMBER 2012

Michael Kors
Resort 2013

30

FASHION

GLAM theme is all about the blast from the past and
how designers draw from history to derive the modern
day looks.

FASHIONISTA

GLAM throws the spotlight on the leading lady and

Twilight saga star, Kristen Stewart.

54

35

SPOTLIGHT

GLAM chats with Moza Jay to take a peek into her latest
collection of M Jay Designs and her experience of breaking
into international markets.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Eliane Antonias embarks on a three-month healthy

transformation for permanent healthy weight, energy and
vitality.

92

34

INTERVIEW

GLAM meets four Middle Eastern designers

who despite achieving international success
still remain true to their heritage.

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

whats inside

NOVEMBER 2012

Michael Kors
Resort 2013

52

64

STYLE FACTOR

F/W TRENDS

BRILLANT BOUTIQUE

Redefining Fashion

70

38

In this months column, fashion designer/stylist

Ahmed El Sayed talks to Zeina Abou Chaaban and
Ahmed Abou Chaaban, founders of Palestyle, for tips
to get style savvy for a social cause.
GLAM chats with Syrian designer Rami Al Ali as he
divulges some fashion gyan...

10 / NOVEMBER 2012

Sexy slim-fit trousers, chic baroque designs, romantic floralprinted garments and comfortable knitted sweaters are some
of the seasons top trends. Check out the trend contenders
and choose which one youll be following this F/W.
L.A.S fashion is all set to revolutionise fashion for the plussized women.

82

Fashion SHOOT

Fashion gets a blast from the past with

GLAMs old-meets-new photo-shoot at Al
Jasra Boutique Hotel, following the A/Ws
trend of regional designers incorporating hints
of heritage into their designs.

VOLUME 7

Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish

Sandeep Sehgal
Alpana Roy
Ravi Raman

ISSUE 21

Publisher and EditorinChief

Chief executive
executive vice president
vice president

Sindhu Nair
Editor
DebrinaAliyah Chief fashion correspondent
Cassey Oliveira senior correspondents
Ezdhar Ibrahim Ali
Rory Coen
ola diab CORRESPONDENT
rob altamirano photographer

senior Art Director
venkat reddy
Hanan Abu Siam

deputy art director

assista
nt art director
senior GRAPHIC DESIGNER

nior manager marketing

se
assistant managers - marketing
senior MEDIA CONSULTANT

Marketing research & support executive

Pratap Chandran

senior ACCOUNTANT

Bikram Shrestha
Arjun Timilsina
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S R. DISTRIBUTION EXECUTIVE
DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT

Ayush Indrajith
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GLAM is published by Oryx Advertising Co. WLL.

The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/or license holder.
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GL AM FASHIOnISTA

Talk
GLAM photo shoots are legendary. There is a buzz about them, not just among
the models and the stylists involved but they also create interest among our readers.
This month, GLAM focuses on the influence of heritage on contemporary design and
celebrating this unlikely yet factual amalgamation is our photo-shoot, Urban meets Nomad.
A quirky interpretation of age old concepts captured in a modern setting of Al Jasra, the
beautiful contemporary hotel within the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.
While the fashion editorial is all about minute details and celebrating the extravagances in fashion, the beauty editorial
is pure and simple, almost ethereal. Take a look and enjoy the pages of fashion and design coming together in our
November issue.
With this issue of GLAM, you can choose from one of the accessory trends that are featured inside, fresh off
the runway, get tips from our stylists and look at trends aggregated by our fashion experts. Read about
the next big collaboration of H& M, this time with the legendary Maison Martin Margiela and get a
peek into the collection.
GLAM celebrates its fifth birthday in December and to celebrate this we bring to
our readers a revamped, reinvented GLAM with pages that will inspire
and invigorate the fashionista in you!

FOLLOW US ON
www.twitter.com/glamqatar

www.facebook.com/glamqatar

www.glamqatar.tumblr.com

www.issuu.com/oryxmags

&

BOUQuETS

BRICKBATS

talk back

HELLO GLAM,
I just loved reading your story on Lady Fozaza. Its nice to know
about fashion thats available in this region. I didnt know about The
Vanity Room until I read about it and honestly, I didnt even know
that blazers are trendy right now, but after reading the article, Im
definitely heading to The Pearl to get myself a few blazers, especially
since winter is just around the corner.
Maryam Darwish

HI,
My fashion sense is usually different from others. Vintage has always been my sense
of style. Ahmeds column on Vintage Gems is especially helpful because I travel a lot
trying to find vintage clothes and accessories since I cant find much here in the Gulf.
Im definitely heading to Paris to do some shopping. Thanks for the help!
Claire Antoine

HELLO GLAM,
Your Dohas Style Set is great fun to read. I notice people have a unique fashion
sense in Qatar. I would often stop people and ask them where they bought what they
are wearing. Thank you for making it easier for me by featuring random individuals
who have an interesting eye for fashion.
Deema Sayed

DEAR GLAM,
Just wanted to say thank you for putting a spotlight on Gilan Pays! I have an
obsession with jewelry and Gilan Pays jewelry collection is one of my favorites. The
interview was amazing, from start to finish.
Karen Wolfe

GLAM,
Your October issue was really fun. I specifically enjoyed reading Vanity Feels No
Pain. Women now are looking for long-lasting beauty and theyre obviously looking
at science to do that. Great tips! I think Im going for laser hair removal and semipermanent make-up. Thanks for the help!
Reem Farouq

16 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM

Geo. Graham The Moon

from Graham is a truly
unique watch that
combines a flying
tourbillon with a highprecision retrograde
moon-phase perpetual
function, the cycle being
calculated on the Moons
exact synodic period for a
duration of 122 years.
www.graham-london.com

Feel chic in signature jacquard and

snakeskin fabrics, plush quilting,
luxury embellishments and warm
autumn hues mixed with feminine
colours as you carry a Paris Hilton
handbag from her new handbag
collection.
Paris Hiltons collection is available at
City Lifestyle, Asmakh Mall

lust list
Whatever look youre going for this season, be it a diva
like Paris Hilton or an ultra-glamourous look like the
Gossip Girls cast, this months lust list has it all for you.
Compiled by CASSEY OLIVEIRA

Capture the rush

of falling head
over heels with the
new Dream Angels
fragrance, Dream
Angels Glow, from
Victorias Secret. The
perfect fragrance
to channel the
changing seasons.
Victorias Secret
is available at
Landmark Mall

Get the ultra-glamorous look

with Sophies Closet, stocked
with collections of iconic
jewelry brands and rare vintage
treasures, full of rich reds, deep
greens and flashes of gold.
www.shopatsophiescloset.com
A sexy rock vibe sets the mood of Versaces
Autumn/Winter 2012-13. Leather, velvet
and rich satin are bound together with
silver chains and metal mesh, giving a new
metallic sheen to coats and dresses.
Versace is available at The Gate

18 / NOVEMBER 2012

Impeccable suits,
classic accessories:

elements of
the James Bond look
With the release of the latest James Bond film Skyfall, we celebrate one of
Britains most significant movie icons and offers aspiring 007s a guide to
emulating that trademark special agent style.
With a franchise spanning 23 films from the swinging sixties to the current
day there are an array of Bond looks to be inspired from the particularly
tight trunks sported by current star Daniel Craig in 2006s Casino Royale to
the original Bond Sean Connerys tailored tuxedos.

The Sandown hat by

Lock & Co. Hatters
(c)Sandown

Must-have accessories

If bespoke suits are a little outside your price range, accessories

can be a more affordable way to make a nod to Bonds iconic
aesthetic. Dedicated website, jamesbondlifestyle.com offers
plenty of tips for 007s in the making, including a guide to Bond
essentials such as suitcases, cufflinks and sunglasses.
Significant frames include the Persol 2672, worn by Pierce
Brosnan in Die Another Day, Calvin Klein 2007 shades, also
sported by Brosnan in The World is Not Enough, and Tom Ford
sunglasses, model TF108, worn by Daniel Craig in Quantum of
Solace.
Other key accessories Bond fans can still get their hands on
include the hat Connery wears in the first Bond movies. The
Sandown trilby model is still available at the original store,
Lock & Co. Hatters in London. Meanwhile, custom-made
hat company Baron California also offers a reproduction of
Connerys Dr. No trilby. For more details see
http://www.baronhats.com/JamesBond.htm.

The Conduit Cut suit by Anthony Sinclair

(c)Anthony Sinclair
Manicured suiting

According to fashion stylist Andre Austin, Connery is hands down the

best and most stylish of Bonds from over the years due to his classic
sophistication and well manicured suiting.
Good news for those looking to recreate Connerys classic look this year
the tailor behind the iconic Conduit Cut made famous by the actor in movies
such as Dr. No and Diamonds Are Forever has relaunched its bespoke tailoring
service.
It was in the late 1950s that British tailor Anthony Sinclair created the classic,
pared-down shape, which became known as the Conduit Cut. One of his
clients Terence Young, director of 1962s Dr. No, asked Sinclair to oversee the
creation of Bonds suave and classic style.
Under the creative control of British designer David Mason, Anthony Sinclair
is now reviving its founders signature philosophy to produce timeless
clothing for a new generation.
Aspiring Bonds will need to make an appointment to visit the labels London
store, although a range of neckties are also available for purchase online at
www.anthonysinclair.com.
20 / NOVEMBER 2012

Swimwear by Orlebar Brown

(c)Orlebar Brown
Essential swimwear

Finally, for any gentlemen preparing to take a vacation, Bond

emerging from the sea in his figure-hugging blue trunks in
Casino Royale will no doubt provide a source of inspiration.
These were made by luxury swimwear company La Perla as part
of its Spring/Summer 2006 collection; although men looking for
something a little more modest will be pleased to know that in
Skyfall, Daniel Craig is sporting a less revealing style by designer
swimwear label Orlebar Brown.
One of the first pictures from the film shows Bond by a
swimming pool in a sky-blue Setter style by the London label.
With their short length and tailored shape, the Setter style is
perfect for swimming in style and can be found at
http://www.orlebarbrown.com/.

GL AM NEWS BUZZ

Adidas dubs Justin Bieber its

official style icon

Justin Bieber for Adidas

(c)Adidas

After signing on stars such as Katy Perry and David Beckham, Adidas
has appointed pop star Justin Bieber as its style icon, for a two-year
partnership through 2014.
Bieber is in charge of inspiring his legions of fans with the brands teen
look by sporting his favourite NEO attire and making appearances for the
label through its major markets. In addition, Adidas will tap into Biebers
29 million Twitter followers and other social media outlets as he plugs
products he likes.
To mark the occasion, Bieber and Adidas NEO just launched a
competition in which fans can search for a pair of gold NEO high-tops
made just for Bieber on various websites for daily and weekly prizes or
the ultimate prize, winning the sneakers and an all-inclusive trip to meet
the pop star on his Believe tour in Miami. Clues will be posted daily on
NEOs Facebook page.
For more info, check out the Find My Gold Shoes challenge on facebook.
com/adidasneolabel and with the official hashtag #findmygoldshoes.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 21

Christian Louboutin heels are

seen on display as Saks Fifth Avenue
(c)AFP PHOTO/TIMOTHY A. CLARY

YSL draws line under

Louboutin red-sole shoe

feud

French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent drew a line under its legal
battle with Parisian footwear designer Christian Louboutin and his
iconic red-soled shoes. In a statement, it said it was taking steps to
close the book on the trademark dispute by asking the US District
Court in New York to dismiss its outstanding counterclaims against
Louboutin.
Yves Saint Laurent has decided to end what was left of the litigation
and refocus its energies on its business and its creative designs, said
the company, a unit of Frances PPR luxury goods conglomerate.
Louboutin is famous in high-fashion circles not only for dizzying
high-heel pumps, but also for their bright red lacquer soles that
make them instantly recognizable. When Yves Saint Laurent came
out with a so-called monochromatic shoe that was entirely red
from the leather uppers to the outer sole, Louboutin went to court,
arguing that red soles were his trademark.
In a September 5 ruling, the US Court of Appeals agreed up to a
point, saying red soles were entitled to trademark protection so
long as the rest of the shoe was another colour, such as black or
beige.
Shoes created entirely in one colour, like the Yves Saint Laurent
model at the heart of the dispute, were allowed, the court said.
The Court of Appeals ruling makes clear that the monochromatic
shoes that were challenged in the lawsuit do not infringe any
of Louboutins trademark rights, said Yves Saint Laurent in its
statement.
22 / NOVEMBER 2012

Jennifer Lawrence in a Dior dress

(c)Dior / Saskia Lawaks

Jennifer Lawrence named as

face of Miss Dior
Twenty-two-year-old Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence has been
signed by French fashion house Christian Dior as the new face of the Miss
Dior line of bags.
Hollywoods hottest young stars are getting snapped up to represent
Pariss oldest and best-known design houses. Mila Kunis is already a face
of the celebrated fashion brand, while Kristen Stewart signed a contract to
represent Balenciagas new Florabotanica scent earlier this year.
Speculation regarding the deal has been simmering ever since Lawrence
was seen at the Dior couture show in July. The elaborate presentation was
Dior creative director Raf Simons first collection for the brand.
Lawrence became the second youngest actress ever to be nominated for a
Best Actress Oscar at the 2010 Academy Awards, for her work on Winters
Bone, but it is perhaps 2012s The Hunger Games which has done the most to
make her a global megastar. The film, an adaptation of the best-selling teen
novel by Suzanne Collins, has made her the highest-grossing action heroine
of all time, the film topping $152.5 million in the three days following its
release in March, this year.

GL AM NEWS BUZZ

Qatar eyes
a stake in Versace

Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee (2L)

acknowledges applause from the public at the end of his
fashion show in New Delhi on August 12, 2012.
(c)AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT

A Qatari investment fund is looking to buy a stake

in the Italian luxury fashion house Gianni Versace
SpA, an Italian daily reported.
Mayhoola for Investments S.P.C., an investment
vehicle backed by a major private investor group
from Qatar, recently met with representatives from
the Italian government and Italian corporate world
to discuss the deal, Italys daily Il Messaggero said.
The plan would be to become a financial partner
in the fashion firm. According to Il Messaggero,
Versace is now looking to go public in about three
years time. Mayhoola is also known to have bought
luxury fashion brand Valentino in July, this year.
In the past, Qatar has bought from London luxury
store Harrods and luxury hotels in France. It was
also reported that the Qatar Investment Authority
had received just over a 1% stake in French luxurygoods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Dior has unveiled its latest web-documentary

starring Marion Cotillard.
(c)Dior / YouTube

Marion Cotillards
metamorphosis for

Dior

French fashion house Dior has released the third

part of a web documentary highlighting a photo
shoot for the Lady Dior handbag campaign with
Marion Cotillard.
The French Oscar-winner appears completely
transformed in the video, incarnating various
Christian Dior muses of the past, wearing iconic
pieces from the house.
The third part of this documentary details a photo
shoot starring Cotillard, including the makeup and
fitting sessions.
Previous parts of this documentary put the
spotlight on Diors ateliers, fitting and alteration
sessions.
Cotillard, the star of Inception, was chosen as
the face of the brands iconic luxury handbag
campaign back in 2008.
Watch the episode at
http://youtu.be/Di6zyCwrsWQ

Bollywood favourite pushes

sari revival

As the platform heeled-models sashay past

the flash of cameras to the sound of U2,
Sabyasachi Mukherjee surveys the progress
of his campaign to drag the sari from the
back of the closet onto the catwalk.
Too many women think of the sari as
something that is very backward and not
cool, the award-winning Indian designer
told AFP. I want to tell them: The sari is
beautiful, it is forgiving, it is unique, and it is
exotic to the whole world.
Mukherjees efforts to modernise the sari
by using unusual fabrics such as velvet
while maintaining its iconic silhouette is
fuelling a revival of the traditional drape.
Having first made a name for himself for his
mini-dresses, Mukherjee has more recently
devoted his efforts to designing pre-pleated

and easy-to-tie saris that are at the same

time exquisitely embroidered.
When I was young, I migrated to western
clothing, he recalled. It took me some
time to realise that this is what I wanted
to do, that I wanted to influence Indians to
go back to wearing Indian clothes.
Its the biggest mistake for Indian
designers to ignore the sari. Western
brands have so much more experience
with western clothing and they can pretty
much obliterate local competition as they
enter our market, he said.
Fashion industry observers say
Mukherjees success reflects an emerging
self-confidence among Indians who are
keen to hold on to their past while the
country undergoes significant change.

Courtesy afprelaxnews.com

NOVEMBER 2012 / 23

shop
talk

MUSIC AND FASHION

JOIN FORCES

H&M FALL

2012

Lana Del Rey, global singer and songwriter,

will be the face and voice of H&M this fall.
Lana will star in a print campaign shot by
Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin
and she will also sing a cover of Blue Velvet
in a full-length film shot by director Johan
Renck. Lana wears the best of H&Ms fashion
for the fall, from a pink angora blend sweater
to printed leggings, a tweed biker jacket and
a tweed figure-hugging faux leather trimmed
dress. The film is a fully-plotted music video
starring Lana as she sings Blue Velvet, which
is available to see in its entirety at hm.com
with edited versions used as a TV campaign.
Lana will also star in a second print campaign
later in the season, featuring the best of winter
fashion.

24 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM shop talk
FEMINITY AND HARMONY

MASSImO DUTTI FALL/

WINTER

2012-13

Goddess, the first collection of the new season from Massimo Dutti sees off whites and sundown sandy
neutrals complimented by shades of grey. The palette intensifies with highlights of coral and lime, then
gracefully grounded with the strength of black. Without sacrificing quality, Goddess explores touches
of newness with its texture-driven fabrics. Angora knits, shiny nylons and wool boucle's are paired with
wardrobe staples: classic jackets, coated denims and billowing blouses. Shimmering sequins, patent
leather metallic snake prints, quilted leather and touches of lurex are key to the collection. Oriental
inspired prints, lace and draping provide a sense of feminity and harmony together with colourful hats
and structured handbags.

26 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM shop talk
LEATHERMANIA

LACOSTE
FALL/
WINTER

2012-13
The collections sharp and sporty line with tapered red
legs allow for weightless layering with large egg-like
parkas enjoy a looser, rounder fall. In the same vein,
the loose knit wear multiplies textural effects and, with
androgynous subtlety, adding volume and relief to both
the mens and womens looks. Zippers are to be played
with. A hood morphs into a large collar and sleeves can
be split right up to the shoulder, creating the illusion of a
cardigan draped across the shoulders. As a tribute to the
30s, a trompe-loeil tweed print appears on silk or wool
voile. Ample calf-length skirts, made from cashmere or
silk, all belong to a comfortable and luxurious after-ski
wardrobe, and one not just consigned to the mountains.
A straight double-faced leather/Milano coat with raw
seams completes the new Lacoste womans wardrobe.

WILD AND MYSTERIOUS

MULBERRY
A/W

2012

Mulberry unlocks A/W 2012 at London Fashion Week,

unveiling its new season secret: a luxurious collection
inspired by wild things and mysterious expeditions
through faraway lands. On the catwalk models
including Alana Zimmer and Hanne Gaby showed
off Mulberrys most comprehensive collection of
womens wear yet was styled to reference fur textures,
mysterious prints, beautiful cuts and romantic layers
- silk, lace trim and voluminous soft fabrics all worked
together to create a contemporary take on vintage
womens wear silhouettes. The bags that accompanied
the clothes included versions of Mulberrys newest
icon, the Del Rey, inspired by the Old Hollywood
glamour and nostalgic beauty of American songstress
Lana Del Rey, who attended the show with her
namesake accessory in striking White Ostrich, made
especially for her.

28 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM shop talk

Golden expansion

Damas opens
newest store
in Qatar

Timeless
admiration

Swiss watchmaker and jeweler, Piaget have

announced prominent Arab singer, Yara,
as their brand ambassador for the Middle
East region. Piagets brand manager, JeanMarc Shammas added, Yaras understated
elegance, beauty and talent were simply a
perfect match with Piaget. We wanted an
ambassador that our audience in the Middle
East would be able to identify and share
similar values with.
With a natural blend of beauty and talent,
Yara effortlessly glams up the brands timeless
elegance!
30 / NOVEMBER 2012

The Middle Easts leading jewelery and watch

retailer, Damas, recently inaugurated its
newest store In the Lulu Al Khor Mall in Qatar.
We are very excited about the opening
of this store, and the further expansion of
Damas in Qatar, said Abdulla Meshal, GCC
Sales Manager, Damas. We have beautifully
designed the store for our clientele, and we
want them to feel comfortable when they come
to visit us. With 19 stores now in Qatar, Damas
is truly the leader when it comes to offering
the broadest selection of jewelery and watches
of the highest quality, at the best value for
money.
The new 22k store houses Damas most
popular collections including the Harmony,
Hayati, Farfasha, Solitaire, and Legacy
collections, amongst many others. Damas
newest collection, the Al Manthourah 2012
collection, which is a modern interpretation
of traditional Middle Eastern jewelery, is also
available in the store.
Its time to go bling, bling!

FENDI.COM

MARK RONSON

THE NEW FRAGRANCE FOR MEN

We
are
from
what
we
were
Fashion
gets a blast
from the
past
By DEBRINA ALIYAH

32 / NOVEMBER 2012

Syrian couturier Rami

Al Ali incorporated the
motifs of traditional
Arabian mashrabiya
windows into works
using modern
fabric manipulation
techniques laser cutting
stiffened fabric.

ho we are today
draws from who
we were before,
and significantly
shaping who
we will be in
the future. Profound and philosophical
something not usually associated with the
supposedly frivolous world of fashion but on an
intimate inspection, history is rewriting itself
on the pages of style.
A lot of what we see on the runway these
days are presumed to be newer, funkier,
edgier a product of new age designers who
are constantly working to bring cutting edge
trends and styles. But even in the most avantgarde of collections, there is always a hint of
the bygone days and a touch of the designers
origins and heritage. The recent revival of the
feminine silhouette with shapes of peplums,
tight bodice, fitted waist and the flared hip
lines has influenced much of the spring and
autumn collections of 2012. While modern
contemporary designers are the ones who are
bringing us the best of this trend these recent
seasons, it was really the legend Christian Dior
himself who pioneered the classic 'New Look'.
As a step forward in forgetting the harsh
days of war, Dior celebrated the female form
by producing clothes that truly embraced

GL AM THEME
Two designers, Elsa Schiarapelli and Miuccia
Prada from different eras and influenced by
different art movements find a meeting point in
'Impossible Conversations'.

the definition of femininity. The New Look

came and conquered in the late 40s, and
now designers have drawn from history in
revitalising the silhouette, perhaps to come
out of the gloomy global economic recession.
But even as Dior is hailed as the vanguard of
the New Look, femininity and presentation is
reminiscent of the Victorian and Belle Epoque
eras where women wore full skirts with
constricting corsets to achieve tiny waists. In
the works of the legend himself, he too seems
to have taken a cue from a bygone era.
In the often quirky and eccentric collections of
cult designers including Rei Kawakubo, Martin
Margiela, and Opening Ceremony, it is hard to
imagine that such futuristic creations might
be linked to the past. While history may not
be familiar with the bandaged mummy look
(Comme des Garcon Spring 2012 collection),
the sack tent dress and the oversized shapeless
dress forms favoured by these unconventional
designers has its roots in Cristobal Balenciagas
early creations. While Dior accentuated the
tiny waistlines post-war, Balenciaga focused on
straight fluid cuts creating an almost cocoonshape that envelopes the body. The design
that later came to be known as the sack dress,
was flattering to all body shapes and became a
pioneering alternative silhouette for a lot of the
cult designers in modern day.

Cristobal Balenciaga pioneered the

alternative silhouette The Tent Dress
that is much favoured by modern avant
garde designers including Maison
Martin Margiela.

NOVEMBER 2012 / 33

The New Look created

by Christian Dior postwar finds it modern
contemporary in many
runway collections of 2012
including this A/W 2012
look from Carolina Herrera.

And what could be better testament in

intertwining the influence of old and new
than this years biggest fashion exhibition at
the Metropolitan Museum of Art - Impossible
Conversations. Miuccia Prada and Elsa
Schiaparelli, two designers from two eras
were put side by side to examine the parallels
of design, craftsmanship, inspirations, shapes
and embellishments which were uncannily
similar. And even through vastly different
ideologies, Schiaparelli was much influenced
by Surrealism and Prada by Post-Modernism,
the designers arrived at meeting points at
different times in history.
Regional designers go for heritage
More evident in the creation of designers
from this region is the unmistakable influence
of the rich and mystical heritage of oldworld charms. The Arabesque elements of
grandeur and opulence are vividly present in
many new contemporary designs, something
that is proudly acclaimed by the designers
themselves. Doha-based designer Selina
Farooqui emphasises the creative process that
comes from her culture and past. We have
all grown up around tradition, and our past
definitely informs our future in everything,
from the way we live to the way we design. I
dont think we could design realistically for the
future if we didnt know what has been done
and was successful in the past.
34 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM THEME

A peek into Qatarbased designer Selina

Farooquis SS13 collection
which incorporates
influences of her heritage
and traditions.

In her upcoming spring/summer 2013

collection, Farooqui plays the perfect old
meets new theme in her textile choices. The
collection incorporates beautifully rich and
textural Indian silk brocades. These fabrics
have been used in India for centuries. However
I like to combine these traditional fabrics with
colours and silhouettes that are more modern
and trendy. In this particular collection, I
used a more relaxed and easy silhouette with
emphasis on light and refreshing pastel shades
which are very much on trend. This creates an
interesting yet subtle tension between the old
and new, a perfect balance where neither one
overpowers the other.
Syrian couturier Rami Al-Ali, in his intricate
and delicate works, incorporates subtle
hints of his heritage onto his pieces through
carefully thought out fabric manipulation
processes. Motifs and shapes drawn from
the visual experience of the Arab region like
traditional window designs are worked into
contemporary forms. Another significant
influence is the traditional jalabiya design
that has been reworked by many regional
designers into the now wildly popular kaftan
style. Big names like Sohad Acouri, Ezra

We have all grown up around tradition, and our

past definitely informs our future in everything,
from the way we live to the way we design. I dont
think we could design realistically for the future
if we didnt know what has been done and was
successful in the past.
Santos and Nariman Zeidan have put their
own touch of personalisation into the jalabiya
and presenting them into fun and flirty kaftans.
The tunic shirt that is a staple in many resort
collections also finds its roots in the humble
Pakistani salwar kameez. The straight cut
shirt-like garment that drops slightly over
the knees is part of a two-piece ensemble
that makes the traditional outfit. And as these
regional designers break into international
markets, the little bit of old heritage goes with
them into the future.
And as we enter the autumn/winter 2012
season, there is definitely a blast from the past

in what we will be fitting our wardrobe with.

This season is nearly a complete 1920s new
jazz age renaissance with luscious fabrics and
mysterious style persona. The coming of age
for fashion in the 'Roaring Twenties' entails
a new freedom in dressing for women with
many beginning to wear skirts and boyish
silhouettes. Fashion started being accessible
to women beyond the rich and privileged,
something not too different with the current
mushrooming of fast and cheap fashion trends.
And now, we are embracing this trend more
than ever, once again, referencing a past era in
modern creations.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 35

Fashion
ARABIAN
International

WITH

AN

FLAVOUR

GLAM meets four Middle Eastern designers

who despite achieving international
success still remain true to their heritage.

NOON BY NOOR

Noon By Noor designers, Shaikha Noor Al-Khalifa and

Shaikha Haya Al-Khalifa made their New York Fashion
(NYF) Week debut in September, presenting their Spring/
Summer 2013 collection to raving reviews from fashion
editors, buyers and celebrities alike. The show was
attended by a host of celebrities including Olivia Palermo,
Nicky Hilton and The Sartorialists Scott Schuman. It was
the first time a Gulf label took part in New York Fashion Week, placing Bahrain firmly on the
international fashion map. Showing at NYF Week was certainly a huge achievement for us.
It crowned our entry into the international fashion world, says Shaikha Noor. The positive
feedback we received was very humbling. We feel very proud and blessed to have been given
that opportunity, says Shaikha Haya. The designers are known for their timeless and sophisticated
design aesthetic, and their collections are usually composed of tailored separates in luxurious fabrics
adorned with lavish embellishments, which can be mixed and matched and taken from day to night.
After opening their first showroom in 2011 in the popular shopping district of Seef in Bahrain, the
designer duo went on to international success by launching their label at an event in Los Angeles,
which was attended by famous faces like Kim Kardashian and Lo Bosworth. Despite their success in
the United States, Shaikha Noor and Shaikha Haya have remained close to their Bahraini heritage.
Our label embraces a design element of East meets West, so we always incorporate something that
has inspired us from Bahrain or the region, says Shaikha Haya. Embellishments feature largely
throughout our collections, adding a touch of local influence. The colour palette of the Resort 2013
collection paid homage to Bahrain. Many of our silhouettes that we feature in each collection and
sometimes special fabrics we use are inspired from this region.
36 / NOVEMBER 2012

New York Fashion Week

By Yousra Samir

GL AM THEME

RAMI AL-ALI

Syrian-born designer and couturier Rami Al-Alis fashion journey has been paved on a
road of steady success, since his early beginnings as a university student who decided to
deviate from the normal path when choosing a graduation project for his degree in visual
communications, channeling the fine arts through a fashion show that left his professors
both astounded and impressed. To pursue his designing dreams, Rami left Damascus to
move to the United Arab Emirates, where he gained invaluable experience and a shining
reputation working for a number of prestigious fashion houses that ultimately culminated
in the creation of his own eponymous label in the year 2000.
A firm favourite with the glitterati and stars of the Middle East, Ramis first international
breakthrough was in 2009 when he presented his Spring/Summer couture collection
during Alta Roma Couture Week in Rome. After six consecutive couture shows in Rome,
Rami finally made his debut at Paris Couture Week in January 2012, showcasing his S/S
2012 couture collection along with the likes of Chanel, Dior and Giorgio Armani. From
day one, I always envisioned myself working in Paris, so the transition from Middle
Eastern designer to international designer was a career
path I had already laid out. It took a lot of hard work to
get there and ultimately it was the generous support of
the region that helped me get where I am today, explains
Rami.
Ramis feminine and elegant designs are favoured by both
women in the Middle East and the West, and the proof
is in the pudding, with celebrity fans including Middle
Eastern stars such as Yousra, Lateefa and Nawal, as well
as international stars such as Natasha Bedingfield, Ivana
Tump and Vanessa Mae. So how does Rami achieve such
universal appeal when it comes to his designs? I like to
incorporate my Eastern values through intricate detailing,
either with Arabesque patterns or beautiful embroidery.
I then blend this with the shapes and silhouettes of the
Western world to create my own signature look, he says.

S/S 2012
couture
collection
NOVEMBER 2012 / 37

New
York
Fashion
Week

GEORGES CHAKRA

One designer who has been raising Lebanons fashion profile for almost
three decades now is legendary Lebanese designer, Georges Chakra.
Loved and worn by Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren and Emily
Blunt, it seems that the A-list crowd cannot get enough of Georges'
elegant and elaborate gowns with their intricate back details. His designs
have quickly become a red carpet favourite. After earning his degree in
fashion design in Canada, Georges returned to his home city of Beirut at
the age of 22 where he founded his very first couture workshop in 1985.
The Georges Chakra brand was established in 1994 and in 2002, Georges
made his first big break into the international fashion scene when he
presented his first couture show during Paris Fashion Week, and he has
been showing his couture collections twice a year ever since. 2009 saw
the birth of his first ready-to-wear collection, Georges Chakra Edition,
which he showcased during New York Fashion Week.
For Georges, one of the most defining moments of his career was when
his designs were used in the Hollywood movie The Devil Wears Prada.
It was so gratifying when my Summer 05 couture collection was chosen
to be featured along with Valentinos in this movie, Georges recalls, I
received many phone calls from Lebanese living abroad, congratulating
me for raising Lebanons name so high on the fashion scene. There is no
doubt that you can see a bit of Lebanon in all his designs. My culture had
a huge influence on how I envision my designs, he says, As a country
that borders the Mediterranean, Lebanon is rich in deep colours and hues
of yellow and orange. Because of my Lebanese origin, I tend to favour
bold colours which are incorporated in many of my designs.

38 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM THEME

S/S 2010
collection

TOUJOURI

I think it is safe to say that when Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine stepped out in
two Toujouri kaftans for two concerts in the same night including the Lollapalooza festival in
the United States, it was a defining moment for the Qatar-based label. Toujouri, which means
treasure chest in Arabic, the fashion love child of Iraqi-born designer Lama El-Moatassem.
After graduating from Londons Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion, Lama
racked up an impressive resume by working for French fashion house Chloi and British designer
Matthew Williamson, where she learned both the design and business aspects of the fashion
industry. Toujouri made its first international debut in 2009 during Paris Fashion Week where
the label showcased its S/S 2010 collection and has been doing so ever since. Our mission from
day one was always to create an internationally credible brand with a Middle Eastern essence,
explains Lama and she was one of the first to do so.
Her designs could be described as Arabian jewels a mix of contemporary Western as well as
Middle Eastern styles and cuts which are all hand-stitched, hand-printed and hand-embroidered,
as well as embellished in a fashion which is reminiscent of vintage Arabian garments. And the
labels first flagship store in The Pearl-Qatar, which opened earlier this year, almost looks like
a treasure chest with its heavy traditional wooden doors. Some of the labels recent highlights
include creating a one-off Toujouri design using Swarovski Elements for Swarovski in London in
2010, and last summer Toujouri created a signature Princess Dress as part of the Londons V&A/
Harrods Ball Gown Exhibition to commemorate the Queens Jubilee. I think we still have some
way to go but were definitely making our mark on the international fashion scene, says Lama.
Toujouri is one of the select few Middle Eastern brands to be stocked in Harrods, Londons most
prestigious store.

NOVEMBER 2012 / 39

Redefining

Fashion
Size doesnt matter for L.A.S. Fashion
founder, Layla Asgar Al-Siyabi who is all set to
revolutinise fashion for the plus size women.
She talks to GLAM about her style voyage.
By Cassey Oliveira

ayla Asgar Al-Siyabi is not the

typical skinny, size-zero woman.
She loves her curves, prepares
the yummiest of food (especially
cupcakes) as part of the catering
business that she runs, and still carries off her
plus-size frame with oodles of style.
I love my curves, God has made me in a certain
way and I embrace that. I want all the other
women to feel the same about their body. Its
not about being a certain size; its about being
healthy for whatever size you are.
However, finding clothes her size was never an
easy task. I noticed that the clothes available
at stores never fell on my body in the right way
they were either too tight or too loose, she
says.
Dejected by what she came across in the
market, Layla began creating her own clothes
and now runs her own fashion label L.A.S
Fashion that caters to women of her size.
L.A.S Fashion is all about fashion for the
average-sized women not tall or skinny
models. I would like to create a ready-to-wear
line for curvy women, she dreams.
As curvy women, we can be fashionable and
carry style by highlighting our good features.
I play around with rich colours, prints and
textures when it comes to designing for the average-to-plus-size women.
At the end of the day, we are all beautiful in our own way, and any
well-made fashion piece that you are comfortable in will only bring out a
natural confidence in you.
Bringing ideas to life
Laylas fetish for fashion began when as a kid she would see her mum
stitch clothes for her. She was once gifted a mini sewing machine by her
40 / NOVEMBER 2012

father which she was hooked on to, stitching cute little dresses for her
Barbie dolls.
From there, I knew I used to love putting things together clothes,
accessories, shoes to create new looks, she says. At the age of
18, I started designing my own abayas for which I received a lot of
compliments from my friends who would ask me to design abayas for
them as well. There was this abaya shop that I used to frequent, and they
asked me to design abayas for them. They used to buy my designs, but I

GL AM THEME

never got credit for them. People wore my stuff

but never knew who I was. I used to feel bad
about it, and I realised it was time I go out and
do something about it.
With this she put herself together, enrolling
for a few courses in fashion designing to
understand the basics of fashion and set off to
launch her own brand L.A.S Fashion in April
this year. The brand offers customised abayas,
jalabiyas, dresses or separates, and shoes. In
fact, through her brand, Layla has brought
the much loved concept of mirror heels into
Qatar. This was a concept that I first came
across during my visit to Canada. I have given
it my own twist by adding other details to it
such as spikes, Swaroskvi and little Japanese
cabochons.
Another service that took off all of a sudden
was the L.A.S Makeovers. My friends told me
that I was good at putting looks together and
would request me to do their makeover. This
included hair, makeup, customised clothes and
shoes. Through word of mouth, I now have
clients who are interested in my makeover
services.
Merging two cultures
Originally from Bangladesh, Layla is married
to an Omani businessman and the couple is
happily settled in Qatar with two adorable kids.
I draw a lot of inspiration from my husbands
culture. The jalabiyas for example have Arabic
cuts while the fabric is from Bangladesh. I
think India and Bangladesh have some of
the most beautiful fabrics, she says. I love

designing jalabiyas because its here that I can

merge his Omani culture with my Bangladeshi
roots. It also gives me more space to be
creative.
Given the fact that in Qatar, expat women
outnumber khaleeji women, she tries to
incorporate a lot of modern trends into the
abayas for a wider mass appeal.
An abaya is like a black canvas. I like mixing
and matching bright colours to it, making
the abaya really pop. Leather collars,
embroidered sleeves, crepe or georgette
layers or printed silk Laylas abayas easily
stand out from the otherwise monochromatic
versions that women usually don.
I dont like to blend in, I would rather make
heads turn, she jokes.
However, her radical yet chic designs are
often met with dissent from older women
who consider it haraam to modify your abaya.
I have heard women grumble about how the
new generation takes the abaya to a whole
new level. According to her, the abaya
should serve the purpose, but you can always
acessorise to make it your own.
Apart from conservative mindsets, another
challenge that Layla faces is competition.
The fashion scene in Qatar is growing. Now
every other woman wants to be a designer,
she says. But what I really intend to create
is designer wear that is affordable, not
something exorbitantly priced... for women
who are bold, vibrant, sweet but with a mind
of their own and definitely classy. Women
who are just like me!

Quick takes:
Favourite pieces in your wardrobe: A
vintage bag from Souq, a Kenneth Cole wallet
and a Louis Vuitton bag that my husband gifted
me.
Designer labels you love: Balmain for
their power shoulders, Coco Chanel and D.A.S
Collection.
Stress busters: Spas, sketching, or a stroll in
the park with my family.
Inspiration: God is my biggest inspiration; He
is the most creative person.
Support: I receive full support from my family.
My dad is really proud of me. He tells me stick
to fashion and forget everything else. My kids
help me with my mood boards too.
Best shopping destination: The internet! I
shop from many sites like Gilt and MarkaVIP
to get good deals on some unique products.
Fashion advice:
Do: Always have a little black dress in your

closet. And accessorise.

Dont: If you are a plus size, avoid wearing

skin-tight clothes.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 41

The rising

stylist

Fatma Ghanem is the latest to hit

the fashion scene in Qatar with her
popular website fufistylist. She talks to
GLAM about the start of her career as
a budding stylist and abaya designer.
By Ola Diab

atma Ghanem walks into

the room in an Elie Saab
inspired abaya, carrying
a pink purse draped with
snake leather and wearing
6-inch nude-coloured
high heels. The 23-yearold Libyan fashion stylist
and abaya designer, brings
to Qatars fashion scene an
infusion of Libyan, Italian
and Middle Eastern
influences from her four years in Italy, three years in Qatar,
two years in UAE, and from her Libyan origins.
Fatma launched her first abaya collection in September
2012 that consisted of seven pieces, which were sold out in a
matter of weeks in Qatar and Libya.
Most artists have a moment of inspiration, which usually
drives them to pursue their dreams. For Fatma, that moment
was when she moved to Italy with her family. I was a kid at
that time but I used to go shopping with my mum or friends
and see the boutiques, she says with a smile. But what drove
her to design abayas was when she moved half way across
the world to the UAE, where she was first introduced to the
world of abayas. It was the first time I wore it or even knew
there was such a thing called an abaya, says Fatma. In Libya,
not many women wear abayas, after all.
After Italy, she moved back to Libya for two years where
she started helping out family and friends, who supported
her to take styling as a profession. When she moved to the
UAE, Fatma met with people in the fashion industry who
encouraged her to explore the world of fashion in greater
length and led her to creating her website, fufistylist. From
the website, people started emailing me and asking if I
could help style an outfit for them for a special event or help
change their look, she says. Qatar, however, is where the
serious business happened. I communicated with fashion
designers and gradually built on my profile, says Fatma. My
first break was with Fahad Al-Obaidly, the Qatari designer,
for whom I had to style the mens collection. This was new
for me. Prior to that, she helped College of North AtlanticQatar (CNA-Q) with a fashion show at Wanasa Night. Fatma
also has experience in
modelling, which she did
for Trinity Talent Agency
but now works for them as
a freelance stylist.
Fatma doesnt have
her own store yet so
her business is highly
dependent on her website
and social media sites like
Facebook and Twitter. Social media helps in promoting my
designs, she says. Also, it makes us aware of events here
in Doha and also connects us with designers and the latest
trends.
In Qatar, abaya designing is a booming business in the Gulf

My first break
was with Fahad AlObaidly, the Qatari
designer, for whom
I had to style the
mens collection.
This was new for me.

42 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM THEME

region as a whole therefore the competition

is high. Fatma concurs and says, There
are a lot of Qataris designing abayas, even
male designers, and all of them design
beautifully. As a stylist, however, Fatma
doesnt find theres competition because its
a limited field. Therefore, she finds herself
more successful as a stylist than as an abaya
designer in Qatar. In Libya, however, shes
more successful as an abaya designer than
as a stylist because the abaya is a new trend
in her home country. I try to give my 100%
to both, says Fatma. I like helping people
to look their best. I like to reflect their
personality, how they feel and help them
build confidence.
Fatma is juggling a lot in her life. She is a
graduate of Information Technology from
the CNA-Q and is pursuing her advanced
studies in web development for which
she attends classes all day, five times a
week. Its kind of hard, admits Fatma.
Sometimes, I run late to classes or skip
classes. But Im trying to be on track with
everything. I tell my instructors that I have
work to do, and theyre supportive. One
of the reasons why Fatma is studying web
development is to improve her website.
Fatma never actually studied fashion and
she thinks its unnecessary because she has
a natural talent. There are many famous
designers who didnt really study fashion,
says Fatma. If you have the talent and
passion and can put effort into it, youll do
well.
Being in the fashion industry, you have to

keep up with the latest

trends and thats exactly
what Fatma is doing. I
keep track of the latest
fashion magazines and
designers like Elie Saab.
Its important to build
my knowledge with the
latest in fashion-what
are the latest colours,
brands and everything.
In Qatar, the current
trend that Fatma
has observed among women is wearing
fluorescent colours. People here love
colours here especially flashy colours, says
Fatma. I see them without their abayas, and
theyre so fashionable and hip. The stylist
and abaya designer predicts that the winter
collections are going to have dark green and
maroon hues. Her next abaya collection,
which she plans to release by the end of
November, will also revolve around these
two colours.
Most peoples successes are driven by
holding on to a dream. Fatma has had
a successful journey so far and aspires
for much more. I want to have my own
signature in the fashion industry especially
in the Middle East, she says. Fatma has
plans to take her business offline and
setting up her own boutiques in Qatar, UAE
and Libya. Like many aspiring fashion
designers, her ultimate dream is to have
one of her collections on a runway in a New
York fashion show.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 43

44 / NOVEMBER 2012

URBAN
NOMAD

Just beyond the dusty steps of the age-old

cultural Souq Waqif lies the designed vision
of a sleek polished future. Al Jasra Boutique
Hotel is the modern embodiment of the city
engulfed in old world charms. In a city of
transient nomads moving between the old and
new, GLAM captures the potpourri fusion of old
traditions, cultures and modern aspirations.

GL AM FASHIOn
Mariana (left)
Sweater, Coat, Hat & Shoes (H&M)
Trouser (The Vanity Room)
Scarf (Matthew Williamson at Dados)
Scarf (Stylists Own)
Isabella (right)
Sweater, Pants & Belt (H&M)
Outer Cardigan (Selina Farooqui)
Shoes (House of Harlow 1960 at
The Vanity Room)
Clutch (Saraya at Dados)
Bracelets (Dana Jewelry)
Headpiece (Dauphine of NY at Dados)
Turban (Stylists Own)

Photography: Robert Altamirano

Second Photographer: Angel Mallari
Fashion Styling: Carla Mallari & Viera Fitria
Hair Styling: Eric Pascual & Pipo Corpuz of Frank Provost Salon
Make-Up: Debi Mendez
Models: Isabella Haycock & Mariana Tomaz
Concept: Debrina Aliyah
Venue: Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif

NOVEMBER 2012 / 45

Isabella (left)
Printed Top (Peter Pilotto
at The Closet)
Lace Skirt (Selina Farooqui)
Headpiece/Necklace (Sarah Reece)
Mariana (right)
Printed Dress (Peter Pilotto
at The Closet)
Faux Fur Jacket (H&M)
Hat (H&M)
Headpiece/Necklace (Sarah Reece)

46 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM FASHIOn

Dress (Mary Katrantzou

at The Closet)
Headpiece/Necklace
(Sarah Reece)
Shoes (H&M)

NOVEMBER 2012 / 47

Organza Abaya
(Hesa Al Falasi
at Texture)
Jacquard Dress
(Selina Farooqui)
Headpiece &
Earrings (Dados)
Rings (Dana Jewellery)

48 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM FASHIOn

Dress
(Saraya at Dados)
Pants
(Current Elliot at
The Vanity Room)
Blazer
(Warehouse)
Necklace & Ring
(Sarah Reece)
Headpiece
(Stylists Own)

NOVEMBER 2012 / 49

Isabella (left)
Top (Warehouse)
Skirt (Kage at Dados)
Waistcoat (Saraya at Dados)
Belt (Ella Stone at Dados)
Necklace (Dana Jewelry)
Headpiece (Dauphine of NY at Dados)
Hairpin (Misbehave at Dados)
Bangles (Isharya at Dados)
Bracelets & Rings (Dana Jewelry)

50 / NOVEMBER 2012

Marianna (right)
Sweater (Warehouse)
Palazzo (Camilla and Marc at
The Vanity Room)
Fur Waistcoat (Elizabeth & James at
The Vanity Room)
Necklace (Ranjana at The Vanity Room)
Turban (Stylists Own)
Bracelets & Rings (Sarah Reece)

NOVEMBER 2012 / 51

GL AM FASHIOn

Dress (Selina Farooqui)

Bisht (Dar Trtr at Texture)
Shoes (Layla Asgor Siyabi)
Beaded Rings and
Bracelet (Dana Jewelry)
Stone Ring (Sarah Reece)
Turban (Stylists Own)
Ornamental Headpiece
(Dados)

52 / NOVEMBER 2012

by her visit to Al Baqaa Refugee Camp in

Jordan and ever since that day decided to
create Palestyle which has become the regions
strongest social fashion brand, and with her
brother Ahmed joining as partner and the
Creative Director, Palestyle was able to grow
even further, expand its range of design and
take it to higher standards.
What do you love most about designing and
creating your own handbags?
It is the constant inspiration, social and
cultural element that we bring into our designs
with the challenge to make them look super
trendy and appealing to any cosmopolitan
women for a day or night look.

Palestyle: Bags of hope

Get style savvy

for a social cause
t is very hard to find designers in this
region who mix social awareness
with fashion, and stay true to it.
However, siblings Zeina Abou
Chaaban and Ahmed Abou Chaaban,
have taken Dubai and the region by
storm with their brand Palestyle in
terms of social media rankings and
exclusive collaborations with large department
stores in Dubai and across the region. From
helping and raising awareness about womens
plight in Palestine to helping grow olive trees,
54 / NOVEMBER 2012

be rest assured that when buying their items

you too are helping them achieve their social
awareness goals.
Ahmed and Zeina, talk about their vision,
accomplishments and their inspirations behind
their fabulous brand in an exclusive interview
with GLAM.
Tell us a little bit about the brand?
At Palestyle we are a team of two a brother
and sister. Zeina Abou Chaaban, Founder &
Managing Director of Palestyle, was inspired

What are some of your favourite materials to

create and work with?
When it comes to Zeina; she loves embroidery
and anything that is created by the hands of
the refugee women, whom we empower and
support. As you may know, Palestyle is a social
brand that supports refugee women in Jordan
and Lebanon, thus creating job opportunities
for the women that generate income and a
sense of achievement. In addition, a percentage
of all our sales go to social development
projects in refugee camps.
For Ahmed he loves anything that is bright
in colour and leather in texture. The duo
personally pick and choose their leathers
coming from Italy and Ahmed is overjoyed
seeing all those colours on the leather a
rollercoaster ride of fashion and flair.
How did you start designing handbags and what
have you learned over the course of being a
designer?
When Zeina started Palestyle, it was a full
fledged design line ranging from a hand
embroidered ready-to-wear line to accessories
and handbags. Ahmeds expertise comes in
leathers and handbags hence the concentration
on handbags grew with Palestyle and it became
a main line.

GL AM STYLE

How would you describe your look and aesthetic

and why? What audience does your collection
have a strong appeal to?
Palestyle stands unique in its ability to merge
trends with cultural aspects whether its
hand made embroidery, Arabic calligraphy
and cultural inspirations. We aim to embrace
the women of the globe as we believe that
every woman is unique, precious and worth
celebrating. Hence we celebrate women by
creating personal pieces that carry messages
of love and empowerment through the evident
Arabic calligraphy found on the bags. Palestyle
gives every woman the chance to make bold
fashion statements while promoting hope, love
and culture.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Who
are the regional handbag designers you admire?
Behind Palestyles glitz and glamour, we get
inspired by all the recent trends that we can
adopt into our designs in a Palestyled twist.
What are some of your accomplishments as
handbag designers?
Thats an interesting question!
Our accomplishments are on two levels: on a
social level since we were able to grow over
200 olive trees in Palestine through a campaign
we did with our clutches, where every clutch
we sold grows 15 trees and us empowering 100
refugee women so far. On a business level, it
would be getting our designs into the British

museum and on stars such as Eva Longoria,

Lilly Cole, Michelle Rodriguez and others.
Are there any upcoming projects you are
currently working on?
It is true that we are a very small team,
but we try to keep our news alive all year
long which led to us having one of the
regions highest Facebook followers with
over 10,000 fans who we cannot let down.
Hence, we are constantly working on new
projects and collaborations. The latest
would be launching in new locations around
the world and soon our mens line but thats
all what well say for now.
Where are your handbag collections currently
being sold? How can our readers follow and
find out more about your work?
Palestyle can be found all around the world
from Bloomingdales in Dubai Mall, S*uce &
Al Salam stores across the Emirates, Etoile
La Boutique Arabia in Jeddah, Blue Salon
& Mathaf in Doha to Pink Dust Boutique in
Jordan and The Royal Mansour in Morocco
while ending the tour in the UK through
our agent FashionCompassion.com and in
The British Museum. Also through our very
interactive Facebook Page : Palestyle Fashion
and our Twitter page :
@GetPalestyled. We love hearing from our
followers and we always make sure to get
them Palestyled one way or another.

Ahmed El Sayed is
a Fashion Design
graduate from Virginia
Commonwealth University
Qatar, freelance stylist and
founder of WhiteStain, a
ready to wear clothing line
based in the GCC
www.whitestain.net.

NOVEMBER 2012 / 55

Kristen Stewart

The Ice
Princess
As fans are
gearing up
to watch
the final
installment
of the
Twilight
saga that
premieres
midNovember
worldwide,
GLAM
throws the
spotlight on
the leading
lady
Kristen
Stewart.
56 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

he beloved Bella Swan...

No matter what film critics say, we dont
think any actress would have better
suited for the role of Bella Swan in the
widely-successful Twilight series than
the leading lady herself. Kristen Stewart,
with her incredibly pale complexion,
gorgeous looks, and an effortless blank
expression, has us believing she was born to play the love interest
of a ruggedly handsome vampire, Edward Cullen played by Robert
Pattinson.
Though Kristen has been nominated thrice for a Young Artist
Award in the past, for Panic Room (2002), Cold Creek Manor
(2003), and Into the Wild (2007) for which she took home the
award, her real shot at fame came with Twilight, the series that
turned the three main young leads into superstars instantly. Shes
even earned a top spot on Forbes list of Hollywoods highest paid
actresses for this year.
On her characters immense popularity, Kristen has been quoted
saying, This is a really unique situation. I get to play her (Bella)
for a really long time and thats also a serious indulgence and
something thats really lucky because I feel really sad when I lose
a character at the end of a short shoot, which is typically six weeks
on a small movie which is something Im used to. I dont see her as
being this, or its definitely, obviously, the one role thats put me in
this sort of epic position...
When you get set and youre doing a scene its always going to
be the same job. I really dont think about my career in terms of
planning it out and what this does for me. This was a part that I
just really wanted to play, and luckily I got to do it for a really long
time.
The final instalment, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2,
will see Bella join the Cullen clan as the red-eyed blood-sucking
vampire after hubby Edward turns her into one when she almost
died giving birth to their newborn in Part 1. Fans will not just see
her jumping from cliff to cliff in a flash of a second, but will also
enjoy watching a more glamorous Bella as she sheds her casual girlnext-door look to play a rather sophisticated vampire mother who
goes out and about to protect her child.
On her characters transformation, Kristen was quoted saying, To
me, Bella has always been emotionally honest and because of that,
sometimes unsteady, and desperate and stumbling. So, once she is
finally a vampire, it feels so good. But she is this very new, young
animal and is figuring out how to use the tools she has been given.
Its like a 12-year-old getting into a six-speed sports car and being
like, Whoa!

The forgiven lover

With the success of Twillight, the sizzling chemistry between the
onscreen lovers soon translated offscreen, and Kristen and Robert
became tinsel towns newest it couple in 2009. It was a smooth
sailing relationship until Kristen made headlines with her alleged
secret affair with her Snow White and the Huntsman married
director, Rupert Sanders. However, she was quick to issue a public
apology to her on and off-screen lover Robert, stating, This
momentary indiscretion has jeopardised the most important thing
in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I
NOVEMBER 2012 / 57

love him, Im so sorry.

After briefly parting ways, the couple are
reportedly back together with a bang and lets
hope the lovey-dovey twosome stay true to their
commitment.
The gawky beauty
The actress often comes across as a shy and
reserved celebrity, some even terming her
as socially awkward. During most of the talk
shows that she has been on, Kristen is often
spotted getting fidgety as she fumbles with her
answers, which body language experts claim
is a sign of someone who is very nervous
and insecure. Her recent live promotional
interview as the face of Balenciaga's fragrance
Florabotanica didnt go down quite well with
her fans who were disappointed with her
cutting short a 30-minute interview to just 15
minutes.
As a defence, Kristen was quoted saying, I
think that its awful when people misinterpret
my being uncomfortable as, like, I dont want
to be here. Its really the opposite. Im too
concerned...
I dont expect to seem cool to everyone; nor do
I want to be. I think thats the opposite of the
definition of cool. So I dont care at all.
Moreover, she also receives quite some
flak for not looking picture perfect and
confident during red carpet appearances or
in photographs. As blunt as she is, we loved
how Kristen slammed her critics in a recent
interview where she was quoted saying, If I
took perfect pictures all the time, the people
standing in the room with me, or on the carpet,
would think, What an actress! What a faker!
That thought embarrasses me so much that I
look like shit in half my photos. What matters
to me is that the people in the room leave and
say, She was cool. She had a good time. She
was honest.
The quirky fashionista
We bet Kristen never compromises on comfort,
no wonder we often spot her in a rock-chick
yet casual look. Skinny jeans, loose shirts and
a jacket, teamed with her favourite ConverseKristen carries even the most casual of clothes
with attitude.
On red carpets, she opts for a slightly more
glamorous look with dresses that show off her
well-toned, skinny legs. When it comes to shoes,
however, Kristen remains indecisive between
stilettos or her comfy sneakers. Its only Kristen
who is able to wear her trainers with the
choicest of dresses with such confidence!
58 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM FASHIOnISTA
GLAM gives
you the
Kristen Stewart
style tutorial:
For
wardrobe:

Chic meets cool!

For this look, team up this

pretty red lace dress from
Karen Millen with black
trainers from Lacoste.
Kristen Stewart at the 2009
MTV Movie Awards Arrivals.
Gibson Amphitheatre,
Universal City, CA.

Rock meets class!

For this look, try out printed

leggings from H&M, pale pink
shirt from Salsa and a smart
black overcoat from Mango.
Team it up with classy black
pumps from Versace.
Kristen Stewart at the On the
Road photocall during the
65th Cannes Film Festival,
France.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 59

GL AM FASHIOnISTA

For
MAKEUP:

I dont wear a lot of

makeup. Im a mascaraand-no-foundation type. If
I want a little more, Ill give
myself raccoon eyes with
black eye pencil. Thats it.
To get the K.Stew look, all that you need is the
new Black Tango collection from Make Up for
Ever.

1
2
3
4
5
6

Heres a step-by-step guide for racoon eyes:

60 / NOVEMBER 2012

Apply the black shade with

red highlights from the Black
Tango Palette, onto the eyelid
and blend with the appropriate
brush from the palette.
Then, apply the same shade at
the lower eyelid and blend with
the tip of the brush.
Apply the ivory shade from
the Black Tango Palette on the
brow bone under the eyebrows
to highlight.
For a more glamorous look,
apply False Eyelashes #156.
Apply Eyeliner along the lash
line to intensify the result
and to camouflage the false
eyelashes.
Apply the black Smoky Lash
Mascara to mix the natural
lashes with the false eyelashes
and achieve a more natural
result.
Apply the black Kohl Pencil
in the water line of the eyes to
give depth to the eyes.

The

ABCs

of

Lynette Cowie, The Style Revivalist, offers a

summary of the hottest jackets found in stores
this winter.

oha is getting cooler

which, for the fashion
and style savvy
shopper, means its
time to confidently
combine the seasons
finest selection of
jackets to complement an entire wardrobe.
For the majority of women though, this
seemingly complex piece of outerwear can
leave would-be shoppers baffled by the degree
of men-inspired features it flaunts. While
designs borrowed from the boys saturate
womens wear trends, its those with enough
feminine flair that warrant our attention.
To instill a calm state of reassurance in your
selection of winter jackets, lets take a look
at those that are timeless classics, others
are brilliantly bold and still more, that offer
a sporty seduction. All inspired by mens
tailoring but modernised for women who can
recognise a fabulous favourite!
62 / NOVEMBER 2012

A for Athletic
The Biker

To this day, the biker jacket bypasses all

niceties and taps straight into the wearers
inner rebelliousness! Its no wonder, having
launched its long-lasting status in 1950,
when iconically worn by Marlon Brando in
The Wild One.
Decades before the silver screen accelerated
the biker jackets popularity to stellar
heights, it was Irving Schott who, in 1928,
designed and sold his protective prototype
for under $6 at the Harley Davidson store in
New York.
While its purpose today is a far cry from
the one originally worn by petrol-head
enthusiasts nearly a century ago, the
unshakable image of the tangled and
untamed remains just as relevant. This
seasons interpretations of the biker jacket
with all its trappings of comfort, finds a
worthy place in our wardrobes.

The Puffer

The puffer jacket has been redirected

from the wardrobes of rappers, and the
generally boisterous youth, onto the backs of
sophisticated and shrewd selectors.
Those who appreciate its athletic form and
cushion-soft charm will be quick to replace
their regular parkas with a puffer this
winter. The toasty puffer also makes for a
more affordable and easy-care option when
competing against a slew of cashmere, leather
and wools.
The Varsity

Harvard University, best known for turning

out some great academic graduates, came up
magna cum laude in 1865 with its baseball
teams efforts!
Recognisable as the Letterman jacket,
Harvards baseball team custom designed
their team jackets with an H, to the front
chest. Competitiveness among the athletic
jocks quickly catapulted the popularity of this
jacket far beyond varsity grounds.
Celebrities like Mariah Carey, Katy Perry and
Rihanna have adopted the sporty outerwear
for their everyday lives. Songstress Taylor
Swift recently rocked a cool vintage feel in a
super modern way by wearing her Letterman
with colour-matched shorts, a simple white
t-shirt and lace-up flats. Top marks Taylor!
B for Bold
The Traditional

Theres nothing quite as liberating as

drumming to your own style beat. What
better way to do this than by drawing design
elements from your own cultural and ethnic
influences?
Across the seven continents of the world
comes a myriad of rich and vibrant authentic
styles. Selecting a jacket that portrays the
root of your cultural authenticity in style,

GL AM STYLE SNAPSHOT

Chic Severity
& Cool Serenity
The biker jacket can exude some serious naughtiness
and just as easily surrender to the feminine charms of
playfulness. The choice is yours!

Chic Severity

Cool Serenity
So softly woven
this sea-foam
coloured
biker jacket
encapsulates a
womans virtue of
gentleness and
fluid movement.
BCBGMAXAZRIA
QR925

This black
biker jacket
has just the
right amount
of detail to
complement any
ensemble! Karen
Millen QR1365

Long-sleeve
silk blouse,
BCBGMAXAZRIA
QR875

Jewel
embellished
mini dress.
Karen
Millen
QR1365

Full-length leggings.
BCBGMAXAZRIA QR676

Above-knee
length boots.
Karen Millen
QR2275

Bow detailed
ballerina flats.
Karen Millen
QR553

NOVEMBER 2012 / 63

Classically Cut &

Comfortably Casual
From being urban-friendly to offering countryside
comforts, the blazer can adapt to any occasion,
all year round!

Classically Cut

Comfortably Casual
The lustrous
textured
corduroy blazer
bolsters this
winters lighter
weight fabrics.
Karen Millen
QR1235

Long-sleeve
cotton shirt.
Karen Millen
QR644

Patterned
scarf.
Karen Millen
QR325

A cleverly
colour-paneled
blazer offers
a streamlined
silhouette
for perfect
proportion.
Karen Millen
QR1235

Maxi dress
with belt.
Karen Millen
QR1625

Slender fit
trousers.
Karen Millen
QR813

Satin sandal.
BCBGMAXAZRIA
QR970
Embroidered
sandals.
Karen Millen
QR910

64 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM STYLE SNAPSHOT

fabrication, handcraft or embellishment

gives your ensemble cultural expression and
creativity.
The result is the artistic innovation of
traditional folk apparel bearing some of the
globes most valued cultural treasures. So go
ahead, be brilliant and bold!
The Military

Salute or scorn it, the military trend is to

autumn what the nautical movement is to
spring an unwavering seasonal must-have.
This seasons military trend is evident in all
sorts of pieces, but none so bold and defined
as the military jacket.
From the ruggedness of bush-worn anoraks
to the military precision of clean-cut, smart
utilitarian features such as epaulets, doublebreasted and shiny-buttoned detail. Whether
you choose slouchy and casual or crisp and
sophisticated, the military-inspired trend will
give you high-ranking style.
The Maxi

The rise of oversize is whats been flaunted

this winter. Be advised when wearing these
generously cut cocoon-styled jackets, to
stylishly balance the jackets maxi silhouette
with a pair of skinny pants or a slim-fitting
dress then embrace the look confidently and
boldly.

C for Classic
The Blazer

Originally from the male wardrobe, the

term 'blazer' was taken from Cambridges
renowned rowing club, the Lady Margaret
Boat Club. Similarly, the double-breasted
version worn by todays women, are
descendant from those worn by the sailors
and marine-minded gentlemen in the mid
1800s.
Firmly grounded as a wardrobe staple,
todays blazers are revered by those who are
adventurous enough to wear it as a fail-proof
fashion accessory. Its an ideal piece that
complements any casual or formal outfit,
regardless of the season.
Incorporate this seasons hot trends like fauxleather sleeve detail, tweed fabrications or
simply transform its shape by belting it!
The Chanel

Coco Chanel revolutionised womens fashion

in the early 20th century by introducing
a looser, more comfortable silhouette
engendered once again by menswear.
The Chanel jacket today, identifiable by its
round neckline, single front opening and
cropped to waist-length, has maintained
timelessness throughout the decades. As
Karl Lagerfeld, Head Designer and Creative
Director of Chanel said, Some things never

go out of fashion in the world of fashion:

jeans, the white shirt and the Chanel jacket.
The Denim

Denims relaxed and timeless quality makes

this jacket a readily accessible and favourite
wardrobe must-have! Accurately portrayed as
the working class fabric, through the works of
1500-century art, denim was worn by beggars,
sailors and fishermen, then later by cowboys
and miners in the late 1800s.
Undoubtedly, we have Levi Strauss to
thank for making the denim jacket a prized
possession, as it began its journey to success
in the early 1920s.
Although we see denim continuously
transformed from light to dark, distressed to
pristine, solid to mottled, the classically cut
mid-bluejacket holds its own from one season
to another. This winter add a touch of bling
embellishment to shine all season long!
Armed with a clearer vision of your jacket
needs, all thats left to do is step outdoors
in your most-loved design and have fun
celebrating our cooler months!
Stylists Little Black Book

Karen Millen
+974 4486 7752 (Landmark Mall)
BCBG MAXAZRIA
+974 4487 9324 (Landmark Mall)

Aptly known as The Style Revivalist, Lynette Cowie assists the ladies
of Doha in finding and developing their confidence through her
innovative personal, wardrobe and shopping styling methods. For
individual styling consultations visit www.lynettecowie.com

NOVEMBER 2012 / 65

Stuck over
how to
complete
your
new season
outfit?
Choose
from one of
these
accessories
trends
fresh off
the runway.

Chic

extras

By Yousra Samir

66 / NOVEMBER 2012

Baroque Inspiration
Seen at: Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney

One of fall/winter 2012s biggest trends is

by no doubt inspired by the Baroque era,
and this trend is not just limited to clothes.
Models at Dolce & Gabbana were adorned in
magnificent pearl and gem encrusted head
pieces and chandelier earrings, carried heavily
embroidered tapestry bags and wore opulent
black suede over-the-knee boots embroidered
with Baroque style flower motifs in gilded
gold thread. Over at Stella McCartney, models
sported clutches that matched the Baroque
print on their outfits.

GL AM TRENDS

Luxe Fur Bags

Seen at: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Proenza
Schouler, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs

Whether you opt for faux fur or the real

deal, fur bags are the perfect winterwarming accessory. Designers either
went for closely cropped lamb fur known
as astrakhan or they went all-out with
shaggy long fur, a la the bright creations
at Louis Vuitton, and the colour palette
was not restricted to your typical white,
black and grey. Runways were dotted
with fur in two-tone colours, as well as
luxe jewel shades.

The Over-Sized Bag

Seen at: Victoria Beckham, Louis Vuitton,
ChloE, Burberry Prorsum and Marc by Marc
Jacobs

Patchwork Footwear
Seen at: Balenciaga, Jil Sander,
Fendi and Proenza Schouler

Just like a patchwork

quilt designers this season
have experimented with
their footwear collections
by pairing together the
unlikeliest of fabric
combinations, such as
crocodile skin, pony hide and
even tortoise shell teamed
with Italian and patent
leathers. So be bold and try
out heels, boots and heeled
loafers in an assortment of
clashing fabrics, prints and
colours.

The over-sized bag has been fashionable for

several seasons and this is a bag trend that
is going nowhere. Not only do we like our
bags roomy and practical (to fit in all those
unnecessary extras), but we like them chic
and thats possible with the exotic skins,
fur, embroidery, bold colours and luxe
fabrics on offer. This season the over-sized
bag typically came with short hand-held
handles, so make sure you dont weigh
yourself down with yours!

NOVEMBER 2012 / 67

The New Envelope Clutch

Seen at: Christian Dior, Stella McCartney,
Ciline and J crew

Designers are offering up clutches that could

double up as iPad cases, only way more chic in
exotic leathers, suede and snakeskin, as well as
luxe fur and shearling, in minimalistic shapes
with simple zip and strap details. Perfect for
the working girl.

Over-the-knee Boots
Seen at: Alexander McQueen,
Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana,
Altuzarra and Alexander Wang

There is no better way to keep your

legs fashionably covered and warm
than with knee-high or over-theknee boots, and this season there
is a boot for every trend, whether
they are black, leather, bondage
style boots to nail the Gothic trend
a la the ones at Altuzarra, fun fur
Alexander McQueen-style, or
equestrian-style fringed riding boots
as seen at Alexander Wang. This
fall/winter season, it is all about
boots with a high stiletto heel.
68 / NOVEMBER 2012

Detachable Collars
Seen at: Rodarte

A detachable collar is perhaps one of the most

versatile accessory trends out there with its
ability to transform any top, tee or dress. Keep
the look more glamour-puss than school girl
by opting for collars made from lace, or ones
embellished with studs, crystals, beads, pearls
or gems.

GL AM TRENDS

Sculptural Silver
Seen at: Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent,
Derek Lam, Alexander McQueen and
Lanvin

When it comes to fall/winter

jewellery trends, gold usually
comes out top, but this time around
designers have taken a liking to
polished and oxidised-looking
silver, with sculptural futuristic
silver necklaces and chokers at
Chanel and Alexander McQueen,
and heavy-looking silver chains at
Lanvin and Derek Lam.

Box Bags
Seen at: Christopher
Kane, Fendi and
Hermes

The bag shape of the

moment is geometric
and boxed. The
fashion crowd is
currently raving
about the Gothic
printed box clutches
at Christopher Kane,
and box bags with
small hand-held
handles at Fendi. For
a more classic look,
Hermes offers simple
orange leather box
bags with small
hand-held handles
and long shoulder
straps.

70s Platforms
Seen at: Miu Miu, Marni, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Derek Lam

The shoe silhouette of the season is the 70s platform with

retro style heel, in the form of three tone platform boots
at Miu Miu, strappy two tone heels at Marni, and MaryJanes at Prada and Derek Lam. Wear with retro style
printed trousers like the ones seen at Miu Miu.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 69

Mystery
underlines
the next
alliance
Maison Martin Margiela and H&M team pieces
to hit Doha stores on November 15, 2012

The intriguing collaboration

between one of the
fashion industrys most
mysterious names with
our much-loved retail
giant H&M got most of us
sitting up and fantasising
about the resulting collection. Maison Martin
Margiela has long been shrouded in mystery,
producing collection after collection of eclectic
yet widely-appealing clothes and never
revealing who they really are. Just as the much
anticipated pieces will be coming to H&M
stores on November 15, GLAM got a quick chat
with both MMM and the designer for H&M,
Margareta van Den Bosch.
The Collaboration with H&M

MMM: The collaboration with H&M is a series

of re-editions of Maison Martin Margiela
70 / NOVEMBER 2012

garments from various seasons since menswear

was first introduced in 1998. Each garment
features a special label stating from which
season it originated, meaning that each piece
acts like an archive of important moments
from our history. The garments chosen for
re-edition were carefully selected so that the
collection also consists of a complete wardrobe
to wear this winter.
Key Pieces in the Collection

MMM: As they are all re-editions from our

archives, they are all key pieces, covering
the major themes of the maison. There are
masculine shapes adjusted to the female
body with the narrow shouldered jacket or
the adjusted biker jacket; oversized clothing
is represented with the oversized pea coat
and blazer, as well as the adult-sized Dolly
cardigan. The processes of tailoring are
explored with the pattern cut jacket; the
ambiguity of trompe loeil is found in the
trompe loeil evening dress, the body with
integrated bra, and the invisible wedge pump.
And then there are garments which have
undergone transformation, such as the car
seat cover dress, the duvet coat, the opened-

GL AM TRENDS

What was it like collaborating with Maison

Martin Margiela? Are they very secretive?
It has been lovely collaborating with Maison
Martin Margiela. Although they may appear
secretive from the way they represent
themselves, they are actually all very friendly
people who love fashion and love working at
the Maison. They are very inspiring people to
work with, who always see the possibilities
in everything. They have a very positive, very
open attitude towards their work.

up trouser skirt, the sock sweater, as well as

accessories such as the candy clutch and the
glove purse.
The woman of Maison Martin Margiela

MMM: Maison Martin Margiela is for any

woman who wants to wear our clothes. Since
the maisons founding, we have wanted to
make clothing that is accessible to everyone,
regardless of age or lifestyle. We are very
happy that we have many customers from
different walks of life who have stayed loyal
to us, and who have built up a wardrobe of
our garments. We hope to reach many more
women with our collaboration with H&M.
The mystery of Maison Martin Margiela

MMM: We do exist indeed. Since the

very beginning, we have chosen to speak
collectively as a creative team, rather than as
one individual. The creative team is happy
for their designs and concepts to speak for
themselves.
Margareta Van Den Bosch who helms
the creative process at H&M talks
about the collaboration with MMM.

Why did you decide to collaborate with Maison

Martin Margiela?
Maison Martin Margiela is one of the most
important brands of the past three decades. Its
radical designs have gone on to influence all of
fashion, proving that their concepts and ideas
are always incredibly desirable and wearable.

Its an honour to have them collaborating with

H&M.
Whats special about this collaboration?
As with each of our designer collaborations,
we want to get the true essence of the brand,
so that our customers really feel like they are
entering into the labels world. We have had
collaborations which have looked to the past
before, but never one which has done specific
re-editions of some of their most famous
pieces. It really will be an incredible moment
to be able to buy re-editions of some of the
most important garments in recent fashion.

What will Maison Martin Margielas

womenswear bring to H&M?
The womens collection features some truly
extraordinary garments which are both
historical documents, and also feel so perfect
for fashion today. I love how an idea so simple
as the oversized blazer will look amazing
today worn with jeans and heels, while a
conceptual piece like the car seat cover dress is
so completely unique, and yet is also amazing
to wear. I cant wait to see how women around
the world will wear the collection in their own
way.
Stay tuned to our Twitter live updates @
GlamQatar from the launching day of the
collection on November 15 at H&M Villaggio.

What are your own feelings about Maison

Martin Margiela? Are you a fan of the brand?
I have loved Maison Martin Margiela since
its first shows in the late 1980s. Like everyone
who works in fashion, I have always been
excited, surprised, challenged and astounded
by their designs, and the scope of their ideas.
They have an incredible ability to keep coming
up with amazing new concepts each season.
I remember when so many of these garments
were first shown, and its so exciting that they
will be available once again with H&M.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 71

The
Middle
East
women
set
trends

GLAM chats with

Syrian designer
Rami Al Ali as he divulges
some fashion gyan...
By Sindhu Nair

ashion IS serious business. When this

statement comes from Rami Al Ali, a
designer who has been in the industry
for more than a decade and has seen
the regional fashion scenario mature,
you know it is time you changed your
perception. The Syrian designer was
in Doha for a trunk show and GLAM
was privy to an exclusive peek into his
collections as well as some private moments to catch up with the
designer who has made it through, with grit, determination and
oodles of talent, to the international fashion circuit.
Calm and poised, Rami is a self-made man who has seen it all in the
fashion sector. Yet the designer is inspired by the age-old designs that
metamorphose through his ingenuity in modern fabrics and avant
garde techniques in his latest collection. As he walks us through his
designs, his passion for clothes is undisguised and his knowledge of
the industry, vast.
I was influenced by the Baroque in this collection. The luxurious,
detailed, gold leafing, engraved work is reflected in my creations
though on a modern silhouette. Beginning with ethereal shades of
vintage silver and champagne, the palette warms to precious gold
and bronze, all which bestow a rich allure to the fabric. Vibrant
hues of fuchsia and purple further intensify the mood, lending a
vivacious energy to the line. Opulent textiles embody exquisiteness,
72 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM MEETS

with fabrics artfully manipulated to create new depths and character. To

lighten the heavy arty look, I have interpreted it with a modern structure,
blending the ancient classic with modern skills, he says.
A magnificent blend of tulle, lace, muslin, brocade and a unique metallic
tafta provide the tools for the distinctive silhouettes, points out Rami.
The Baroque-influences are apparent in the exclusive textures, intricate
detailing and exquisite embroidery.
Ornamental features form the heart of the collection, some in bold
emphasis while in others it is represented in subtle grace. Pencil-cut,
floor-sweeping gowns create extravagant structures beautifully tailored
to enhance the feminine contours, whilst shorter designs inspired by the
50s and 60s fully represent the new generation of couture.
Flashback time

Rami didnt opt for the fashion profession as a hobby nor as a lifetime
career. It all just fell in place, he reminisces.
During his studies at the College of Fine Arts, Damascus, where he
obtained a degree in Visual Communications, he explored his creative
pursuits excelling in subjects such as interior and graphic design and
later for his final graduation presentation he astounded his professors by
his portrayal of fine arts through fashion in a fashion show despite his
deviation from the assignment. All of these chapters were part of a bigger
plan in his life that eventually led him to his calling in fashion.
Later on and as a continuation of this, in 2000, brand Rami Al Ali was
founded in Dubai, a place which was chosen for its proximity to clients,
NOVEMBER 2012 / 73

GL AM MEETS

media, suppliers and buyers and for its central

location.
The only thing that I have missed in the
beginning would be a proper academic
education, as there were no proper fashion
academies in Syria to facilitate this. But I made
it all up by the experience, enough to build my
own brand, he says.
Starting with a regional clientele, Rami gained
an international audience.
The style of my work in the beginning was
more with a regional focus, but now, since I am
showing in Rome, we are speaking to a bigger
audience. We are speaking to the international
women, the clientele is wider.

Highlight:
Qatari clients: Qatari clients are more

collectors than just commercial buyers;

they are a very niche group.
To look out for: A pret-line to be
launched soon by Rami catering to a global
clientele than just regional.
One of Ramis fav: He hates to pick

out one particular dress or collection but

he reveals that his previous collection
inspired by Oriental paintings was
one of his fav and only because of the
background, he specifies.

Changing scenario

Speaking about his experience in the fashion

industry, Rami says, The fashion scene has
changed since I started. Twelve years ago it was
more regional, with a specific taste, but now
there is an international focus. There is more
exposure to latest trends, new styles; there
74 / NOVEMBER 2012

is also a give and take from the region to the

international scenario, and back.
The Middle Eastern fashion scene has changed
drastically, he says, as women from the region

know what they want, they are educated; they

not just follow trends, but set trends.
The earlier blind adulation and craze for brands
and brand names is slowly diminishing while
designs per se, be it from small boutique stores
or international names, is the craze, observes
Rami.
Debating on the waning importance of Haute
Couture, Rami feels that couture will never
fade out of style. But the modern woman does
not have time and needs something off the rack
and fast. Time factor is a major drawback for
couture, he says.
The modern women has no time, her schedule
is busy unlike her mother or grandmother who
still favour the couture. Designers approach to
the new client has changed to accommodate
this. The pret-line has changed to include works
that can be compared to couture.
While Rami is betting for couture as it is
undeniably essential for special events, he feels
that pret will take a bigger space in the fashion
scenario.

By DEBRINA ALIYAH

The

new-age
designer

76 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM INTERVIEW
Riding on the new
wave of digital
entrepreneurship,
Qatari fashion
designer Moza Jay
is one of the many
young budding
businesswomen in the country who has
successfully built their own mini-online
fashion empire. Working solely through
social media and word-of-mouth marketing,
M Jay Designs has garnered a loyal fan base
who buys out her designs within weeks of
release. We chat with Moza to take a peek
into her latest collection and her experience
of breaking into international markets.
Tell us about M Jay Designs.
M Jay Designs is basically my own style;
simple, elegant and most importantly
timeless. I had never intended to create a
fashion brand but the tugging feeling in my
heart continuously urged me to explore
this passion. It all revolves around the
concept of Less is More. I try to create
dresses that I believe will compliment
different body-types, and adhere to our
culture. When creating my pieces, I make
sure the design itself is timeless. So I
can assure you that my pieces will last in
your closet for a lifetime and will still be
fashionably relevant. We often work with
no more than two colours or two type of
fabrics in any piece in order to focus on the
design and craftsmanship. We feel that this
combination helps bring out the elegance in
our collection.
What are the inspirations behind your new
A/W 2012 Collection?
I always draw inspiration from the refined
works of legendary designers including
Coco Chanel, Valentino and Carolina
Herrera. These designers, in particular, are
icons that I am pursuing to define my brand
with. I love their works and their abilities
in channeling the true elegance of a woman
in their designs. The A/W 2012 collection
is inspired by the 50s, a time where capes
and long-sleeved dresses were fashionable.
For the campaign shoot, we wanted a very
natural and fun approach which was really
well-captured in the photos. I asked the
models to act as natural as possible without
posing and everyone on set was laughing
the whole time! These were the moments
that I wanted to present.

How is it like being a female entrepreneur in

the burgeoning fashion scene of Qatar?
I was worried at first but I was later
pleasantly surprised when I discovered that
many women were thrilled to find such a
style in the market. The fashion scene in
Qatar has revolved only around abayas and
traditional gowns for quite some time and
modern pieces were less sought after. This
gap was one of the reasons why I decided
to establish myself as a Qatari designer
specialising in contemporary collections.
You recently showed your collection in
London at a private event. How were your
designs received in that new market?
I had previously stocked my collection at Jo
LaMode Boutique (a multi-brand boutique
in Royal Plaza, Qatar) and it was very
well-received by clients. This prompted
the boutique to extend an invitation for me
to display a select few pieces in their trunk
show held in London. The trunk show in
London was an excellent opportunity and
great leaping stone for M Jay Designs to
grow and expand as a brand. We are now
crossing our fingers and waiting for positive
responses from international buyers who
attended the trunk show. Some big buyers
including Harrods and Net-A-Porter had
shown interest in our works and it was an
absolute honour.
You operate mainly via Instagram and
private viewings; do you think this is the
new form of marketing and business model?
How do you think this business model has an
advantage over traditional brick and mortar
models?
Every entrepreneur needs to study
their clients behaviours and tailor their
marketing programmes according to their
clients. For my generation, social media
platforms including Facebook, Twitter
and Instagram is a big part of our lives
and it makes it so easy for me to reach out
to them. These mediums are also instant.
I think this is a great movement and it
encourages entrepreneurs to explore and
build their businesses at a very low entry
cost.
M Jay Designs is available via these social
media channels
Instagram: @M_JayDesigns
WhatsApp and SMS: +97466100669
BBM: 21A917A7
NOVEMBER 2012 / 77

GL AM BEAUTY BUZZ
Brad Pitt and Joe Wright photographed by Sam TaylorWood on the set of the new Chanel N0. 5 film
(c)Sam Taylor-Wood copyright Chanel

Chanel

unveils NEW video

starring Brad Pitt

he French luxury
brands new ad,
filmed by Atonement
director Joe Wright,
is the first time a
man has starred
as the face of the
famous Chanel perfume No. 5.
In a new video available on the Chanel
site, Brad Pitt, lit in moody black and white
against a mottled wall, talks directly to the
camera: It is not a journey, every journey
ends, but we go on, Pitt explains, as if
speaking to an unseen woman. The world
turns and we turn with it, he intones, as
the camera moves to a picture of the earth
as seen from space, a bottle of Chanel No. 5
superimposed on top of it.
With a new brand tagline of inevitable,
the choice of Brad Pitt as the face of the
brand was obvious, according to Chanel,
as soon as the company had decided that
it would be a male face promoting the
celebrated scent, created by RussianFrench perfumer Ernest Beaux for
Gabrielle Coco Chanel in 1921.
A Chanel spokesperson said that it was a

78 / NOVEMBER 2012

Britney Spears reveals the Fantasy Twist ad

(c)Twitter/Britney Spears. All Rights Reserved
Chanel N05, created by Ernest
Beaux in 1921
(c)Chanel - Daniel Jouanneau Didier Roy

desire for renewal that made the brand

pick a man as the star of the latest publicity
campaign. Previous commercials have
featured Amelie actress Audrey Tautou,
Nicole Kidman directed by BazLuhrmann,
and Canadian model/actress Estella
Warren.
The director, Joe Wright, has worked
with Chanel before to film the Coco
Mademoiselle films with Keira Knightley.
Wright was given full creative freedom
and was inspired by the famous 1973
commercial shot by Helmut Newton
featuring French film icon Catherine
Deneuve, who also addresses the camera
directly, and explored her relationship
with the scent.
Watch the new ad here:
http://youtu.be/mGs4CjeJiJQ
http://www.chanel.com/

Britney
Spears in

Fantasy Twist
perfume ad

londe, brunette, Egyptian queen

or glamorous rock chick: in
the video advertising her new
fragrance, Fantasy Twist, Britney
Spears walks down a hotel lobby,
switching appearances as she
meets people.
These various personalities
translate to the duality of her new perfume Fantasy
Twist, combining two different perfumes, Fantasy
and Midnight Fantasy; each presented in a separate
flask a pink one for the day fragrance, a blue one
for the evening one the perfumes are united in a
bowl-shaped bottle.
Fantasy (with notes of jasmine, kiwi, white
chocolate and orchid) and Midnight Fantasy (musk
and dark cherry) can be used together or separately.
Watch the ad:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcDpoxvR4us

Armani Code Ultimate

by Giorgio Armani
(c)Giorgio Armani Parfums

Five mens
fragrances
for fall
Encounter by Calvin Klein
Encounter by Calvin Klein
(c)Calvin Klein

80 / NOVEMBER 2012

Calvin Klein is launching an explosive

fragrance for men only. Dubbed Encounter,
it was finetuned by parfumeurs Pierre Negrin
and Honorine Blanc. It opens up on notes
of tangerine, cardamom and rum, spiced up
with pepper, Egyptian jasmine, patchouli and
cognac extracts, before revealing subtle notes of
agarwood, Atlas cedar and musk.

Pour Homme by Dolce&Gabbana

(c)Dolce&Gabbana

with cedarwood and heliotrope, rounded up by a

vanilla-tonka bean cocktail.
Azzaro pour Homme Night Time by Azzaro

Sensuality and intensity are the words that

best describe Azzaros new mens fragrance.
Azzaro pour Homme Night Time, created
by parfumeurs Christophe Raynaud and
Michel Girard and promoted by Enrique
Iglesias, is a cocktail of bitter orange,
rhubarb, fern, black pepper and nutmeg.
Malt de Blaise Mautin by Blaise Mautin

Scotland was the main source of inspiration

for Blaise Mautins latest fragrance, with
notes of leather and whisky mixed with
citrus and bergamot and rounded up with
benzoin and ambrette seed extracts.

Armani Code Ultimate by Giorgio Armani

Pour Homme by Dolce&Gabbana

The Italian house decided to add some intensity

to its original Armani Code, which led to the
brand new Armani Code Ultimate. The creation
of parfumeur Antoine Maisondieu releases notes
of grapefruit, tangerine and star anise, spiced up

Dolce&Gabbanas new mens fragrance

evokes a Latin lover with its neroli base
revealing notes of tangerine, lavender, sage
and pepper, rounded out with notes of
tobacco, cedarwood and tonka bean.

GL AM BEAUTY BUZZ
GeneOnyx has launched an in-store
DNA testing kit in the UK for genetically
personalised skin care advice.
(c) geneOnyx

The Organic
Pharmacy

offers in-store
DNA testing for
skincare advice

Georgia May
Jagger to front

Just Cavalli fragrance

ick Jagger and Jerry Halls youngest daughter

has been named as the face of Roberto Cavallis
latest fragrance, which is yet to be unveiled.
The London-born beauty has already been
snapped up by Hudson Jeans, Madonnas
Material Girl line, Rimmel Makeup and
Sunglass Hut.
The Just Cavalli brand is very sexy, young and cool. Each
collection is very contemporary and colourful; it is clearly for the
younger generation who wants to have a trendy look. It is the
first fragrance that I have ever done, so it is a huge honour, said
Georgia May Jagger.
The couturier has described Jagger as a playful temptress.
Georgia is a talented fashion icon. Shes sexy and provocative.
Rock is in her DNA, said Frangoise Mariez, senior vice president
of marketing for European fragrances at Coty Prestige.
Georgia May Jagger joins Elisa Sednaoui, who stars in the
fragrance campaign for the brands Roberto Cavalli eau de
parfum. The glitzy photo-shoot was engineered by fashion
photographer Steven Klein while the video campaign by Johan
Renck featured a sultry-looking Sednaoui and a tiger in reference
to the wild side of the Cavalli fashion empire.

Courtesy afprelaxnews.com

ondering if that $100

pot of nightcream is
worth the splurge?
Now, customers at The
Organic Pharmacys
flagship store in London
can get their DNA tested
in order to determine
the best beauty products suited to their skin type.
British firm geneOnyx is launching the reportedly
first in-store DNA tests that give London shoppers
a helping hand choosing skincare products
genetically suited to their skin type, as well as
providing (perhaps scary) details about how
quickly their skin will age. The service requires
little more than a bit of spit from the customer and
some 30 minutes wait time while their DNA is
analysed in the store, without the hassle of sending
it off to a lab.
Once results are obtained, they are crossreferenced with geneOnyxs database of skincare
product ingredients. Then customers can be
advised which products theyll need to purchase to
achieve top results all for a price tag of QR1800
($495), that is, not including the products.
Our DNA determines when we start showing
the signs of aging and how quickly our skin ages,
says Margo Marrone, founder of The Organic
Pharmacy. The technological advances unique to
the geneOnyx system now mean that we can assess
how likely you are to age early and also your ability
to metabolise active anti-aging ingredients used in
our products.
NOVEMBER 2012 / 81

VANIty
CASE

02

01

VIVA LA JUICY LA FLEUR FRAGREANCE

FROM JUICY COUTURE
Iconic lifestyle brand Juicy Couture introduces Viva la Juicy La
Fleur, a new olfactive interpretation of the original best-selling
fragrance, Viva la Juicy. A permanent addition to the Viva
la Juicy collection, Viva la Juicy La Fleur is a sparkling floral
bouquet that reveals the softer, sheer side of the original Viva
la Juicy fragrance. A fresh interpretation, La Fleur embodies
modern femininity.

01

GLAM SAYS: Look good, smell good!

02

ROSE DARABIE LOR DU DESERT FROM

ARMANI
With notes of saffron, damask, rose extracts, patchouli, amber
and musk, the perfume combines exotic ingredients that are
reminiscent of the Middle East. The gold fluid inside the glass
bottle contains gold flakes, which create a shimmering glow on
your skin, leaving a delicious trail on the skin while wrapping it
in a subtle golden veil. For the space of a moment, the perfumed
imprint develops like a mist of fine gold reminiscent of the
bewitching and beguiling lament of the desert.
GLAM SAYS: Shimmer like gold!

03

SCENTS OF THE WORLD FROM

THE BODY SHOP
The Body Shop is introducing you to the Scents of the World,
consisting of five precious natural extracts from around the
world, blending them with 100% organic and community fair
trade alcohol. Each individual scent is evocative of different
aspects of the world; from the warm and tropical to the dewy
and fresh. Also in the collection is an eau de toilette, body mist,
perfume oil, bath and shower gel, and a body lotion to ensure a
complete experience of an exotic journey.
GLAM SAYS: Go international!

04

04

HIGH IMPACT EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA

FROM CLINIQUE
Cliniques new High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara gives you
lashes that are blown out in all directions for the most dramatic,
voluminous, glam-look in an instant. Say goodbye to midday
droop and hello to fuller and lusher lashes that stay longer!
GLAM SAYS: Turn up the volume!

82 / NOVEMBER 2012

03

GL AM beauty BOOTY
PURE COLOuR NAIL LACQUER FROM
ESTEE LAUDER AND TOM PECHEUX

05

05

Estee Lauder and creative makeup director, Tom Pecheux,

introduce new Pure Color Nail Lacquer, Beyond Black and Metal
Mania Collections. The two mini-shade statements evoke the
seduction, beauty and fantasy of the city of lights at night. Beyond
Black is defined by five deep, shades that saturate nails in rich and
dramatic color. Metal Mania dresses nails in glam glitters for a
modern metallic finish.
GLAM SAYS: Scratch in some drama!

LASH EXTENTSION SYSTEM FROM SEPHORA

Use 1-2 coats of the Activating Mascara Base and Top Coat to
create a base to adhere the weightless, Flexistretch Nylon Fibers.
Brush 1-2 coats of Flexistretch Nylon Fibers to build outrageous
length and volume. Focus the fibers where you want extra length
or volume. Finish off by sealing the Flexistretch Nylon Fibers with
1-2 coats of the ultra black activating Mascara to create better than
false lashes effect. This final coat surrounds each nylon-coated
lash, then melts and stretches the Flexistretch fibers into long,
thick, dramatic lashes.
07

GLAM SAYS: No more mess, no more complications!

WINTER LIPSTICK COLLECTION

FROM RIMMEL
06

06

07

Ultimate London girl Kate Moss returns to her collaboration with

Rimmel and introduces the New Winter Lipstick Collection by
Kate Moss. Forget the Midas touch, this fall its all about the Velvet
touch! I really wanted to create a lipstick that gives you a cool
matt finish, but with a beautifully rich intense colour. Like my
original range it had to be comfortable to wear. Comfort is key, the
trick to looking great is to feel great, says Moss.
GLAM SAYS: Work it the Kate Moss way!

GOLDEN STAR GIFT SET FROM

PACO RABANNE
Paco Rabanne reveals the Golden Star gift set, Lady Million
and 1 Million. Its a set of luxury, charming for the ladies and
gentlemen. Ladies, Lady Million consists of a scented gold pen set
off with pendants and an 80-ml Eau de Parfum. The pendant chain
is an ultra-feminine mini-accessory that enhances a bag, mobile
or make-up pouch. Gentlemen, 1 Million offers a 100-ml Eau de
Toilette paired with a luminous gold ingot that transforms into a
travel spray for any occasion.
GLAM SAYS: Go for the gold!
08

NOVEMBER 2012 / 83

08

Detailed
Perfection
Perfection is in the details and this fall, we see the rise
of perfection in beauty trends from the fine grains
of a caviar manicure to the subtle soft touches of a
feather hair extension. GLOW American Salons beauty
technicians show us their immaculate techniques in
crafting the most exquisite details.
Beauty Technicians: GLOW AMERICAN SALON - Victoria
Szemruk, Matilda van Breda & Hayley Huggins
Visual Director and Photographer: Bridget Radomski
Model: Judit Szalmas
Concept and Shoot Director: Debrina Aliyah
GLOW AMERICAN SALON
West Bay and Salwa Road
web: www.glowamericansalon.com
Phone: 4468-994, 4411-7652
84 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM BEAUTY

HD BROWS

The high-precision
procedure to transform
your eyebrows into the
perfect shape you crave.

GLOW: HD brows give

high definition and

structure to the face

EYELASH EXTENSIONS:

Fuss-free dramatic eyes

up to 6 weeks even as
you roll out of bed in
the morning.

GLOW: Absolutely,
positively, gorgeous
lash extensions- mile
long and sinfully thick

NOVEMBER 2012 / 85

SWAROVSKI
MANICURE

Intricate process
of putting on tiny
Swarovski crystals on
the nails

GLOW: Our stunning

sparkly Swarovski
nails are seriously
luxurious

86 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM BEAUTY

FEATHER HAIR
EXTENSIONS

Crafted from real feathers

to add the extra touch to
your hairstyle.

GLOW: Pretty feathers

add pops of color
without a permanent
commitment

NOVEMBER 2012 / 87

88 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM BEAUTY

CAVIAR MANICURE

Choose from the

multitude of colours
available and spice up
your ring finger with a
different shade.

GLOW: Abandon
boring with these
Caviar nails in bright
fondant colors

NOVEMBER 2012 / 89

GL AM BEAUTY

VELVET & STUDS

EMBELLISHMENTS

For both your hands

or feet, indulge in the
play of texture giving
your nails a whole new
dimension.

GLOW: The soft velvet

nails are dreamy while

the edgy yet elegant
studs are guaranteed
to turn heads!

90 / NOVEMBER 2012

Get ready for

winter

We are rejoicing as the weather is turning a little cooler finally! Cooler

weather means more time outdoors but it can also mean more winds
which can cause mayhem on your skin. As we adapt our wardrobe for the
chilly weather, we need to adapt our skincare routine too.
92 / NOVEMBER 2012

GL AM BEAUTY

uring summer, warm

temperature and higher
humidity levels increase the
amount of sweat that the body
produces and as a consequence our skin can
become more oily than usual.
Winter has the opposite effect on the skin; its
colder and drier than summer months and of
course, the humidity has all but gone. When
skin is exposed to the harsh winter weather, it
can take a beating, becoming excessively dry,
irritated and chapped. Moving indoors isnt any
better while constantly running heaters and
dehumidifiers sap every bit of moisture from
the air.
For the next few months you might need to
tailor your skin care routine just a little to
help maintain your beautiful glow, here are
a few tips to help you along the way.

Change your moisturiser. In the

summer, your skin can feel a little
oilier, but in winter your skin defiantly
becomes drier. This is due to less
moisture in the air and also wind against the
skin. Try to opt for a slightly creamier and
heavier option that will provide more intense
moisture to your skin. This will avoid any
chapping or itchiness and sensitivity. Although
swapping to a slightly heavier moisturiser
is great, keep your eye cream the same. The
thinner skin around the eye needs a lighter
approach to avoid the area looking puffy.
Note: There is a difference between dry skin
and dehydrated skin. Dry skin lacks in oils and
will look flaky; dehydrated skin lacks in water
and will have the appearance of having more
fine lines. So pick a product that suits your skin
type.
Apply sunscreen regularly because
youre just as likely to sunburn in the
winter as you are in summer and as
its cooler in Doha, its easier to sit
outside during daytime. Apply a sunscreen,
moisturiser or make-up with a minimum SPF

of 15. Be sure to protect lips by wearing lipstick

or lip balm with sun protection and try to stop
licking your lips.
Take shorter, warmer showers or
baths. Hot water strips away natural
oils as does staying submerged in
water. Adding moisturisers to bath
water helps but take care when exiting as the
bath tub will be slippery.
Note: Applying a body oil or moisturiser to wet
skin helps to lock in moisture. If you like to
soak in the bath, add nourishing body oil to the
water so you can relax in silky, calming water.
If you use a toner, reduce the number
of times you apply it after cleansing
and try to use toners with no or low
alcohol levels. Toners with alcohol
can strip the skin of its pH and natural oils.
Gently exfoliate using a washcloth
or scrub to remove dead skin cells,
this will also help to remove any
dry skin patches. Only do this 2-3
times per week and use a scrub with beads or
enzymes instead of grains as they wont scratch
the surface of your skin and remember to
moisturise afterwards!
Note: Try to give yourself a regular facial
massage. This will boost blood circulation
which will bring oxygen and nutrients to your
skin preventing it from looking dull and tired.
During the winter months you may
be wearing closed shoes and socks
or stockings more often so take full
advantage of this and apply a little
foot cream every day. The warmth inside
your shoes will help the cream penetrate into
your feet and will leave you with super soft
feet throughout the winter months. For an
extra warming effect, add on a paraffin wax
treatment to your regular pedicures. This
will warm the muscles and joints in your feet,
boosts circulation and the heat will help any

lotions that have been applied to soak deep into

the skin for a longer lasting pedicure.
Keep a hand cream in your handbag
or on your desk. Opt for a light nongreasy one that hydrates and nourishes
the skin. Your hands will quickly
become dry as a result of constant washing and
cooler temperatures.
Keep your hair healthy during
winters and try to avoid hot tongs and
straightening irons. Invest in a deep
conditioning hair mask that you can
use weekly and a hair oil to apply at the ends
daily to avoid splitting
Men, your skin needs care all year long, but
even more so during the cooler months,
here are some winter skin care tips that all
men should know.

Male skin is approximately 15% oilier

than a females, so if you change your
moisturiser in winter dont pick one
that is too heavy as your skin wont
become as dry as a female skin.
Dont use facial scrubs that contain rough
ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, or
other scratchy elements, as these can
aggravate and enlarge your pores
and even tear the skin. Be extra
gentle when exfoliating during the summer and
winter, as this is when skin is at its most fragile.
Try to shave less frequently in the
winter as the shaving routine can dry
and irritate the skin, leaving it more
exposed to cool winds.
Remember to care for your lips, drier
weather dries them out leaving them
chapped and sore so keep the lip
balm close by.
Take care of your skin and youll keep looking
gorgeous whatever the weather!

Kirsten McLachlan is the Training Manager at AND Trading, ensuring all

staff have up-to-date training on the newest , trendiest and highest quality
services available in the market. She has been in the beauty industry for 12
years.Kirsten also manages the Nails Boutique Salon inside Zai Mall on Salwa
Road where you can see her for appointments on request. She will write a
regular column on skin, hair and nail care for GLAM.
Join Nails Qatar on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nailsqatar
e-mail: training@andtrading.net

NOVEMBER 2012 / 93

The new

you
GLAM TRANSFORM
unleashes your inner
beauty through healthy
living and styling tips

When is the right time to make the

commitment to self-care? When you look
in the mirror and dont like what you see?
When your relationships are falling
apart?
For Eliane AntoniAs it was none of these.
She has a wonderful relationship with her
husband, is an attractive woman in her
20s and is well and happy.
However Eliane realised that the excess
weight she is carrying around was
weighing her down!
After years of trying different diets and
extreme exercises, Eliane was looking for
a different way of living her life. A way
that would result in permanent healthy
weight, energy and vitality.
GLAM Transform to the rescue.

liane has embarked on

a three-month healthy
transformation.
The aim to create a
healthy relationship with
food and heal her body
and also to look her best.
Each week Eliane will have health coaching
sessions with Nicole van Hattem of Art of
Abundant Living. These sessions will educate,
inspire and motivate her on how to create a
healthy lifestyle. In addition to these sessions
Yama Yoga will support her health journey
with complimentary yoga classes, while
Lynette Cowie, The Style Revivalist will give
her tips on styling. You can follow Elianes
story here in GLAM each month and by
following her on twitter: @ElianeJAntonios

94 / NOVEMBER 2012

Finding the right balance

Nicole:

Step 1:
Eliane and I spent a couple of hours going
through her health history, to really understand
her journey so far and to explore how the
programme would support her goals.

Step 2 :

We took a snap shot of her life at present by

recording a weeks worth of food, exercise and
lifestyle habits. Some quick and easy changes
were agreed. More water, less processed food,
eating regularly,consistent exercise, better
sleep patterns and slowing down.

GL AM HEALTH & FITNESS

BE HEALTHY:
Keep a food diary statistically you will have up to 30%
more weight changes when you keep a record and review it.
(download free food diary here: www.artofabundantliving.com)
Set goals be clear about what you want, by when and how you
are going to get there.
Get support having a health coach or sharing your journey with
friends, is a great way to get on track and stay on track. (find your
health coach here: www.artofabundantliving.com)
Thoughts thoughts become feelings. Feelings become actions.
Your actions create results. Change your thoughts and you
change your results.
You are made of food eat junk and you will have a junk body.
Eat food filled with energy and vitality and you will be filled with
energy and vitality
Take action good intentions and words are not enough. You
must act now and be consistent.

Step 3:
Clarifying goals. This is a key step. We wrote
down the results Eliane wanted by the end of
the three months, identified the resources she
already has and needs to obtain to get to her
goals, and got clear on what she is prepared to
do to achieve results.

Step 4:
Get organised. We all have 24 hours in a day.
The difference between those who reach their
goals and those that dont, is how they invest
their energies. Use a diary, plan the most
important actions into each day and week. If
you dont plan how you are going to use your
time, you lose time. Elianes main priorities for
last month were: work, food, exercise, family/
social life. Once youve planned your time,
share you plan with those who can support you
and help you stick to the plan.

Step 5:
Get moving. Eliane has been given a
pedometer to track how much she moves
her body in her normal work day the
results showe that on average her physical
activity is way below what her body needs
for basic health. We explored ways that
Eliane can move, such as dancing, walking,
basic mobility exercises that can be done in
the office or at home, and yoga. Yoga is a
fabulous first step on a healthy lifestyle plan,
with benefits, such as
stress and pain relief

Style your way

through
Lynette:

Its so inspiring to see a beautiful woman becoming

even more so through complementary styling. Ill be
showing Elaine how she can enjoy and appreciate her
body by working with her curves and complexion.
For effective styling results well focus on
accentuating Elaines best contours to create a
desirable hourglass silhouette. By wearing the most
complementary styles, Elaine will find comfort
in focusing on her most liked features, thereby
distracting from her perceived problem areas.
Colour also plays a vital role in uplifting Elaines
look and emotional well-being. Together we will
select vivid colours that enhance her complexion,
making her radiate confidence and a sense of
wellness.

better breathing
improved flexibility
increased strength
improved circulation
cardiovascular conditioning
and you get to spend time in a peaceful,
beautiful yoga studio!
(Tweet from Eliane: Had a gr8 yoga session this
morning.. Lots of breathing and balance)

Step 6:
We also reviewed Elianes most dominant
thought patterns and belief systems. By
becoming more aware of the patterns of
thoughts that were sabotaging her success,
such as I cant lose weight, I dont like
exercise, nothing works, I havent got
time, when Im angry or emotional I eat, she
began the process of changing the patterns.
(Tweet from Eliane:
Ever watched the pattern of your thinking? It
goes usually in a negative vicious circle that you
wanna break free from:
Today will be all about kicking negative
thoughts and embracing positive ones... arms
wide open and BREATHING!

Nicole van Hattem is the Founder &

Director of the Art of Abundant Living the only Corporate Wellness and Health
Coaching Company in Qatar.
www.artofabundantliving.com/
or call +974-55800395

Aptly known as The Style Revivalist, Lynette

Cowie assists the ladies of Doha in finding
and developing their confidence through
her innovative personal, wardrobe and
shopping styling methods. For individual
styling consultations visit
www.lynettecowie.com

Step 7:
Eliane is making permanent thought and
lifestyle changes that are going to support
her to be fit and fabulous for the rest of her
life. So, we covered some basics of how food
can change everything for the better. The
coming weeks will have a big focus on fabulous
food! Stay tuned!

Yama Yoga
www.yamayogastudios.com

NOVEMBER 2012 / 95

Moving forward is

essential...
But lets do so authentically

riving through the streets of

Doha we notice the contrast
between old and new.
Traditional and modern.
Though updated with
air conditioning, swanky
restaurants and 5-star
hotels, Souq Waqif has
preserved the traditional
look and feel of walking amidst small shops,
where haggling over prices is the expectation.
Contrasted to that is Msheireb where the
old has been bulldozed and wiped clean,
replaced with new structures complete in
the latest in design and green technologies;
a benchmark in modern, sustainable
architecture. With Qatars rapid growth its a
challenge maintaining traditions while moving
forward to become an economic and cultural
competitor on the world stage.
Within our families, the same can be true. The
push - pull of traditions, passed down from our
ancestors clashing with a younger generations
life with technology and cultural diversity
that comes with globalisation. Similarly, the
environment. Finding the balance between
our populations expansion into spaces that
were once wilderness and the need to preserve
our mother earth. This constant conflict
between old vs. new, traditional vs. modern
pervades almost every aspect of our life.
Ongoing debate among the yoga world is: do we
keep the old traditions, or move forward and
modernise the way yoga is both perceived and
practiced? Both sides provide value and so some
kind of balance needs to be found, similar to what
we do in our cities, families and environment.
How do we find that balance?
With an estimated 14 million practitioners in
North America alone, we can say that yoga has
become mainstream. In Doha, where classes
used to be available in only one studio and
occasionally in one or two hotels is now offered
throughout the city. Various styles, teachers,
times of day, womens classes, mens classes,
mums and babies, expectant mums, etc there

96 / NOVEMBER 2012

is a yoga class to suit everyones style and

preference. Many come to yoga with whats
considered a more modern approach. This,
according to most media, looks something like
A quick fix to a fab body by working my butt
off, in any venue or gym,with stylish clothing
all choreographed to some awesome music!
Many are looking for fitness, weight loss, ease in
their body. Some are trying to fix what is ailing
them, that perhaps the traditional medical route
cannot seem to help.
Yoga has many layers and depths to it and if
left only to the modern approach, the more
subtle and often most vital aspects of the
practice get left out. Or often, what people
expect to find in yoga and what they meet
there are very different. Over time, it is
through the mixing of mainstream modern
physical or asana practice, with the subtle
teachings of breath work, self-study, intense
focus and meditation that can really bring
about transformation.
And just like in our cities and families these
traditions were passed down first, by word of
mouth. Only later were any of the knowledge
and information written down, much later
developing into all kinds of new media forms
we find today. Although I appreciate some
learning can be done via my laptop, or I can
get my groove on in the studio with 40 other
people while listening to the latest music, it
is when my teacher provides that little extra,
gained from their own practice, wisdom and
experience that usually makes a difference.
This likely came from their teachers and the
teachers before them.
In keeping with tradition, at the start of a
traditional Ashtanga yoga class we begin by
saying all together, with gratitude,words that
honour the lineage of teachers who have come
before us. So while we move forward, not
always knowing where it will lead, we bring
authenticity to our practice by remembering,
honoring and respecting the past. Doing the
same might work well with everything else
around us, as well.

Jody Ryan (RYT) completed

her Yoga Teacher
Training in June 2011 and
is currently teaching at
Yama Yoga Studios (www.
yamayogastudios.com).
Being fairly new to yoga
but older in life, she hopes
to inspire those around her
to dive deep into yoga and
themselves no matter where
theyre at along their journey.

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