1. The month of October encourages women to make a
difference by thinking pink and focusing on the fight
against an enemy that we cannot see with our bare
eyes. It’s a month where women stand taller, speak
louder, fasten their pink ribbons and boldly say NO to
breast cancer and YES to life.
We are proud to say that we at Executive-Women are
putting our breast foot forward and getting our pink
on for the month of October. We vow to join the fight
and bring you compelling stories of women not just
surviving, but thriving after breast cancer, and ways
that you can easily join the cause and stay fashionable
at the same time.
Pink is my signature color, and this month’s positively
pink fashion and beauty edits show you how to flaunt
your pink and mix and match to keep up with the
hottest trends of this season.
On a more serious note, early detection saves lives,
so I’d like to encourage you to make a donation, no
matter how small, to the breast cancer fund of your
choice. Read on to find out what tried-and-tested
products donate a percentage of their profits towards
breast cancer research, and do your bit by making
some adorable purchases at the Pink Bazaar. There’s
nothing better than shopping, especially if it’s for
a good cause! Like Veronica Smulders, Managing
Director and franchise owner of Michèlle Belau
Middle East says, “Opportunities are scarce, so take
them when they present themselves.”
To anybody battling breast cancer, we urge you to
continue fighting with all your pink power and stay
courageous. You’re stronger than you think.
Stay Pretty in Pink!
/fashion editor’s note
50
•Chic‘nGlamorous•october2015•Chic‘nGlamorous
In this region, we love fragrance, and no look is
complete without a signature scent that will set
you apart from the crowd. Scent can be a rather
personal thing, since a fragrance that makes one
woman feel bold can make another woman gag.
However, we’re certain that everyone will love
this sensual Nina Ricci fragrance, which is an
empowering perfume for a woman in charge!
Pass by Wojooh stores to visit beauty specialists
who will help you find the right fragrance for you.
BEST BUY
Nina Ricci Fragrance
Dhs 450 / 80 ml
BY Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
Availableat:
Wojooh

2. 56 57
•Chic‘nGlamorous•May2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous•May2016
/the designer
Orchid was born in November 1989 in the United States
and has since also lived in Germany, Iran and the United
Arab Emirates. Experiencing such diverse surroundings
have given her an innovative, modern perspective on
design with a vast understanding of global cultures.
Raised with constant interaction with varying industries
and businesses, she was from a very young age exposed
to the importance of aesthetics and the power of visual
languages in various fields. Her design aesthetic is
described by peers as "direct yet experimental" and
"poetic" in her own words. Her projects often involve a
variety of conceptual and contextual styles while always
comprising a clean and contemporary feel and often
relating to nature, and the overall human experience.
Orchid is a self-taught fashion designer with a strong
interest in combining traditional techniques and
applications with a sophisticated outlook. An excellent
sketch and visual artist, Orchid has refined her
theoretical and practical knowledge in various fields of
design over the years with a BFA in Interior Design and
Luxury Brand Management Certificate from the London
College of Fashion.
Currently she is exploring Fashion Theory and Luxury
Marketing at New York University, researching the
evolving role of Fashion Systems and Fashion in the
visual branding of individual identities.
We met with the lovely Orchid at
Fashion Forward for a little chat
about her collection and here’s what
she had to say!
"The collection features a lot of separates as well as a
lot of pieces that are cocktail and evening wear. The
primary concept basically falls down the line of finding
confidence and reasons that are your own, and not
needing other people to validate you. Along the line we
researched mysticism which fell into surrealism, and
hence the elements of surrealism are embedded within
the collection."
OrkaliaA couture house and ready-to-wear brand based
in Dubai, ORKALIA's aesthetic represents timeless
elegance infused with modern sophistication. Driven
by the individuality of its distinguished clients
whose impeccable taste is reflected in the attention
to detail, ORKALIA prides itself with being at the
forefront of neo-couture, combining traditional
techniques with modern aesthetics and applications.
Interview Conducted by
Mahek Punjabi
/the designer
fashion f rwardBazaza
Interview Conducted by
Mahek Punjabi
Hussein Bazaza was born in Beirut, Lebanon on 18th
July 1990. Having developed an appreciation of all
artistic fields from an early age, including illustration and
photography, he enrolled at ESMOD Beirut to study for
a BA in Fashion Design and Pattern Making. During his
academic path, Hussein’s designs have been acknowledged
by several awards, including the Fashion Design Prize
(Prix De Stylisme) for his graduation project in June 2011.
Graduating from his BA in 2011, Bazaza continued with an
internship at Maison Rabih Kayrouz in Paris, and later worked
for Elie Saab as a junior designer in Beirut. Hussein was
invited to teach at ESMOD Beirut the Pattern Making course
for the fresh students. Bazaza’s first collection in 2012 mapped
out his signature style, and he was selected by the Starch
Foundation to launch his eponymous line of ready-to-wear.
Hussein is known for drawing inspirations, where every cut
reflects a different story, a personal emotion that creates a
one-of-a-kind experience: fashion with a soul! During his
career path, Hussein received the prestigious Elle Style Award
“Best Upcoming Middle East Designer” in December 2013,
unanimously voted by 44 global Elle editors. In October
2014, Hussein Bazaza partnered with IWC Schaffhausen to
exclusively showcase his Resort'15 collection with Adriana
Lima, as a guest of owner. In April 2015, Hussein was awarded
with the “Best Emerging Designer” for The Middle East
Fashion Awards 2015.
2015 ended on the high note for Hussein Bazaza, because right
after being selected as one of the winners "Who is on next
Dubai" by Vogue Italia, he was announced as the inaugural
winner of the Style.com/Arabia – DDFC Fashion Prize with
launch of his winning capsule collection on Farfetch.com in the
Spring 2016.
We had a chat with the charming Hussein
Bazaza at FFWD, and here’s what he revealed
about the inspiration behind his latest
collection!
"For my Fall 2016 collection, I was inspired by the story of
Sophia the Alchemist, who found the desirable formula for the
elixir of life and kept it as her secret to this day. Sophia became
immortal and lived through several ages, hiding both her
everlasting youth and the secret to her formula. The elixir of
life was hidden in a red apple she kept with her, which she truly
believed was the source of her happiness and satisfaction. She
dreamt, believed and lived her dream till the end. The message
of the collection is that by faithfully believing in something,
anything can be possible – youth, happiness and peace. For the
collection I used main characteristics of our brand, such as color
blocking, mixture of fabrics, and feminine dresses with lace and
embroidery."

3. 56 57
•Chic‘nGlamorous•december2015
•Chic‘nGlamorous•december2015
/the designer/the designer
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
Aiisha
Ramadan!
I n
C o n v e r s a t i o n
w i t h
A
IISHA RAMADAN
is a Lebanese fashion
designer based in the
United Arab Emirates,
who launched her own clothing brand
in 2006. She has won a number of
prestigious awards such as Young
Designer of the Year by Swarovski,
named one of 30 Most Awesome
Women in the Arab World in 2009 by
Arabian Woman Magazine and won
The Gr8! Women Achiever Awards
in 2011. The AIISHA RAMADAN
label is the epitome of modern design.
Celebrities such as Charlize Theron,
Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger,
Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton
have adopted the label, which has
gained international popularity for
its elegant, yet sultry look. Behind
each AIISHA RAMADAN collection
are the fruits of self-reflection, that
resulted in bridging Ramadan’s
passion for extravagant couture with
her own personal style, spontaneous
attitude and consistent love of life.
Couldyou pleasetell usa
littleaboutyour educational
background?
I majored in Fashion Design at the American
University in Dubai.
What pushedyouto develop
your own brand?
Sitting on the floor near my aunt’s tailoring
machine and picking up fabric scraps to make
dresses for my Barbie dolls was pretty much
the way I went into fashion design. Back
then I didn’t know about fashion design as a
profession, I only knew about tailors. When
I grew up a little, I realized that this is what
I’m meant to do. As I matured further, I knew
that I didn’t want to leave this world without
impacting millions of lives positively, and I
believe that this is the legacy that my fashion
brand is meant to carry on.
Which female icon perfectly
embodiesyour personal style,
andyour collections?
Sophia Loren is certainly the one as she’s
exotic yet elegant all at once. She’s embraces
her beauty and feminism in every way my
collections do. She is an empowered woman,
whose sophisticated charm, unconventional
beauty and confidence will be her legacy.
Canyou describethe experience
ofworkingwithAsilAttarasa
mentor?
Asil Attar is a woman with 20 years of
experience in the fashion world both
regionally and internationally and she is
one of few who believed in the Middle East
talent and has decided to showcase it to the
world. I’m very grateful to be one of those
talents that Asil has picked to invest in and
build their brands. Through her, the team
keeps growing and it’s thrilling to see, this
incredible army supporting us with their
sweat and passion. In short, Asil and her team
are my angels on this planet.
How doyou balanceyourwork
and family life?
I would say that it’s a challenge juggling
my day job and my brand, as well as my 17
months baby! My family takes on a lot and
supports me beyond measures giving me the
ability to move forward while being at peace
leaving my daughter in safe hands – with
them. In general, I work really hard but
because I enjoy it and I believe that if I won’t
do it now, when I’m young and mobile, when
will I do it?
Congratulations on being
the new face of beauty brand
Shisiedo Middle East.
Couldyou pleasetell usa little
aboutthat?
The first time I ever heard about Shiseido was
back in Lebanon, in the mountains where I
come from. One of my girl friends’ whose
mother I highly admired, used only Shiseido
– I was only 12.
Two decades later, I was re-introduced to
this amazing Japanese brand and the depth
of its heritage and scientific formulas got me
addicted to its products, both cosmetics and
makeup.
That love was mutual and so Shiseido, the
face of visionary cosmetics with a history of
more than 140 years, selected me to represent
their brand in the Middle East.
I’m completely honored to represent a
brand with such legacy and reputation for
excellence and creativity. We’re both in the
business of making women feel and look their
most beautiful. We both speak to women who
know exactly what they want. It’s a beautiful
match!
How doyou see fashion evolving
inthe Middle Eastern region in
the near future?
It has been growing slowly and the last
couple of years it started booming more and
more but with a lack of identity. Hopefully
with time, the public will become more
educated on the subject from a global point
of view, otherwise, we will never achieve
an identity that can make the Middle East
a fashion destination for locally based
designers.
What’s next forAiisha Ramadan?
I’m thrilled to continue the journey I started
in 2006 and which was redirected by my
mentor and manager Asil Attar and the team
at EST2014, into a more commercial one, yet
growing my DNA into an element that will
distinguish me in years to come. With a more
structured business strategy coupled with my
dreams, the sky is the limit.
Whatadvicewouldyou giveto
emergingyoung designers?
Invest in interning for your favorite designers.
Try to stay as long as possible to understand
more about the range building, the business
and operational sides. The one thing I regret
is not interning and as a result I had to spend
8 beautiful yet tougher years due to error
and trial. Why learn from your own mistakes
when you can learn from others?
What isyour favorite-
Fashion Icon: Linda Evangelista, among
many others.
Skin Product: Shiseido Future Solution
LX line has proven to be the premium of all
lines for me. That and Ultimune, its my hero!
Restaurant: Tortuga
City: Como, Italy
Jewelry: Dhamani
Accessory: Beautiful pieces I randomly
find in the vintage open markets in Italy.

4. 52 53
•Chic‘nGlamorous•February2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous•February2016
/fashion edit/fashion edit
Sacoor Brothers Blazer
1,450Dhs
Carolina Herrera
Printed Trousers
1,580Dhs
Price Upon Request
Repetto Loafers
Carolina Herrera
Stilettos
1,940Dhs
Elisabetta Franchi
Fringe Skirt
1,665Dhs
Elisabetta
Franchi Blouse
980Dhs
Carolina Herrera
Floral Skirt
2,870Dhs
Elisabetta Franchi
Off-Shoulder Dress
2,280Dhs
Elisabetta Franchi
Stilettos
2,695Dhs
Carolina Herrera Gown
5,560Dhs
Andrew GN Gown
at Saks Fifth Avenue
the
valentines
edit
Sandro Blouse
Repetto Sandals
Price Upon Request
Repetto Stilettos
Price Upon Request
Lanvin Hat
Price Upon Request
Lanvin Earrings
Price Upon Request
Price Upon RequestChopard Monaco
Handbag
Price Upon Request
Jaipur Gems
Bracelet
Price Upon Request
Morellato Drops
Bracelet
Price Upon Request
Morellato Drops
Ring
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request

5. /fashion
51
•Chic‘nGlamorous•september2015
Dhs 3,400
7 tips to style
your midi dress
style note
A midi dress is a dress that ends halfway between
the ankle and knee. Midi dresses are back in style,
but they’re often rather tricky to pull off! However,
if worn right, they can be flattering and make a bold
style statement.
1- Proportion is
Everything! Pick a dress
that is a little above mid- calf,
just below the knee, so that
the dress ends at a slimmer
part of your legs, making
you appear taller. Choosing
the right length can make
or break your outfit, so I
would suggest getting dresses
altered to your preferred
length and fit.
2- The Higher the
Better! Midi- dresses can
look extremely frumpy with
flats, so if you’re wearing
a midi, you can wear crazy
high heeled shoes to elongate
your legs!
3- Define your waist
with a belt to accentuate
and emphasize your curves.
4- Less is more - It’s
easy to go overboard with
printed midi- dresses, so
I would advise picking
something simple and
elegant, and going easy on
the accessories. The dresses
are a bold style statement on
their own, and you don’t need
much else to dress up your
midi dress!
5- Try pairing your
midi dress with a cropped
jacket to highlight your waist,
and avoid long jackets at all
costs.
6- Fitted is not
necessarily more
flattering- Feel free to
wear a flowing dress, as long
as it’s tailored to your shape,
and you’ve followed Tip #3
by styling it with a belt!
7- Confidence is key!
Ooze confidence when you
pull off your midi dress, and
you won’t have to think twice
about your hair, make- up or
shoes.
A common misconception
is that midi dresses suit
only certain types of people.
However, I disagree because
I think it’s all about finding
the style and length that best
suits your body type. Be
confident enough to rock
midi dress- you won’t know
how trendy you can look
until you try!
Happy Midi Dressing!
PauleKa–Fw2015-16TrendAlert#1

6. 54 55
•Chic‘nGlamorous•january2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous•january2016
/art of style /art of style
Beirut- born Joelle Mardinian is an influential,
award-winning beauty consultant, who has
made up the faces of A- List celebrities, and
is the TV host of MBC’s Joelle Show, and
founder and CEO of Clinica Joelle, Maison
de Joelle and Joelle Paris. Joelle is also the
ambassador of MaxFactor, Pantene and Fresh
Look. She is rightfully known as the Middle
Eastern Beauty Queen, whose aim is to provide
expert advice to solve beauty dilemmas, giving
every woman the right to feel beautiful and
confident in her own skin.
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
What is your daily skincare
and make up routine?
I’ve been using skin care all my life.
My mum introduced me to skin care
at the age of 14, and I’ve been blessed
with that advice, because today my
skin is clean and healthy. She’s always
been after me to cleanse, moisturize
and protect my skin and I’m really
glad about that, because today I look
at my face without makeup and I feel
very confident. I don’t have the fear
of going out without makeup because
I always take care of my skin. I even
take lots of videos and pictures on
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and
Snapchat without makeup.
I developed Joelle Paris four and a
half years ago, and it’s been available
on the market since a year. I’ve been
using it for the last two years and I’m
hooked! I’m also developing new
products to be released on the market.
I recently posted pictures of my new
mask that I’ve been using under
my eyes. It’s been a hectic month,
and these eye masks have really
been saving my skin! They will be
released soon under Joelle Paris. Most
Joelle
importantly, I always use sunblock and never
leave the house without it!
What are the most common
beauty mistakes that women
make, according to you, and
what makeup tips would you
give women dealing with the
UAE’s humid climate?
I think the most common mistake is applying
foundation that is much lighter than your
own skin color, or in some cases much
darker, making women end up orange tinted
faces. Matching your foundation to your
skin color is the most important.
Another mistake women make is drawing on
eyebrows too thick and dark, making it look
like stickers that have been placed on their
foreheads! Even if the eyebrows are thick,
they don’t have to be dark.
Given the humidity in Dubai, I would
recommend using very little foundation
with powder on top. Oil- free foundation is
preferable for oily skin.
Who is your fashion icon?
Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss
How did you branch away from
makeup to create your own
brand of sun protection creams
with Joelle Paris skincare?
That’s my passion, because my mum got me
used to using skin care from a young age.
Also, my husband hates to see my face with
makeup on. He always tells me that he
likes me natural, which is why he’s really
encouraged me to look after my skin even
more.
I came to realize that women in the
Middle East only spend 10% of
their entire beauty budget on skin
care, whereas it was completely
different when I lived in the UK,
since women there spend about
70% on skin care. I really
wanted to produce a line that’s
all about cleansing, hydrating,
and protection, and to make it
extremely simple for people to
use. Skin care interests me and
is of utmost importance to me.
How do you balance
your work, fitness
and family life, and
are your children
growing up to be
little fashionistas like
you?
My son is as far away from
fashion as he can be- he’s a
little scientist! He wins annual
children’s competitions, and
is also good at math. I’m more proud of my
intelligent son than I am of anything I’ve
achieved in my entire life.
My daughter Ella, however, is a real
fashionista! I have pictures of Ella in diapers
and she’s actually walking in my Louboutin
shoes. Like mother like daughter. Perhaps
beauty runs in her genes- she thinks she’s a
mermaid, she loves makeup, and she won’t
allow me to cut her hair at all. In her own
beauty kit she has Joelle Paris blow shine
spray, because she doesn’t like us to brush
her hair unless we spray that blow shine
on. It makes the brushing much smoother
and it smells amazing. Ella also loves
fashion- I remember a few incidents where I
wore beautiful dresses and Ella was in tears
because she wanted an identical dress in her
size.
I involve my children in my exercise routine
as much as I can during the weekend, and
they lead a very healthy active life. Bailey
trains with my personal coach, Mike, and
Ella does hip-hop, ballet, horse riding, tennis,
gymnastics, yoga and zumba. She has one or
two activities every week and both siblings
also play the piano together.
How do you overcome the
challenges you face in your
career?
The key is perhaps to not let stress get to you.
Things are not always rosy, and running a
business isn’t easy. Many people try and fail,
but to me, failure isn’t an option. I’m always
trying to look for the perfect team to be
around me, because I cannot do everything
on my own! I’m blessed to have a great team
in my office, salon and clinic. Success isn’t
easy, it needs dedication and a lot of personal
sacrifice.
What career plans do you have
for yourself in the near future?
I’m concentrating on releasing new and
incredible Joelle Paris products. I’m also
launching Clinica Joelle in Abu Dhabi, and
opening Maison de Joelle in Morocco. I
really want to concentrate on these three
businesses of mine, and try to grow them in a
healthy way. I want to maintain and improve
the quality level with every new branch we
open. I also want to maximize social media
usage, allowing my fans to see the real me,
the way I live and what I do.
I’ve always been very honest, on social
media platforms, and I even posted about
having my eyebrow hair transplant by a
doctor at Clinica Joelle. I wanted to share
that with my fans to let them know what
I’m doing, unlike a lot of celebrities who
deny surgeries or beauty treatments that they
undergo.
It’s not embarrassing or taboo, and I like
doing things that look natural, just like I do
for all the contestants in my show.
What advice would you give to
young female entrepreneurs?
They need to understand that if they really
want to be successful, it’s within their control
to make it happen. Each time I read an article
about someone successful, I see how hard
they work. Big athletes who make millions
from playing sports have to dedicate their
life to their career. They probably cannot
go out binging on food and go on holidays
anytime they want, and they exercise all the
time. It’s really hard to stay on top. Even
if you are a big name, you always have to
keep reinventing yourself. Before I became
a celebrity myself, I had worked with artists
such as Jamiroquai and Shakira, and I know
the sacrifice it’s taken them to get to where
they are now. They’re up sometimes at 4 in
the morning to do shows which start at 7,
and then they have a ton of media interviews
after that. Anyone in the limelight has to stay
dedicated to what they are doing. Even if
you’re a business person, you have to give it
all your time and effort.

7. 4
/beauty note
62 63
•Beauty•April2016
•Beauty•Beauty•April2016
Parfum
Divin de
Caudalie
50ml
Dhs 245
/beauty list
1
6 7
5L’Oréal PARIS
Revitalift Filler
Cream
Dhs 90
Lancaster
Sun Protection
Compact Powder
SPF 30
Dhs 165
NARS
Hanamachi
Kabuki Brush
Dhs 229
Revlon
ColorStay
Eyeshadow
Enchanted
Dhs 65
Guerlain
Meteorites Base
Dhs 320
2Aequo
Eric Favre
Aequo Serum
Wrinkle Filler
at Parisa Hair
& Beauty Salon
Dhs 300
RE-
view!
Products to Keep You
Glowing This April.7
3
Rana El-Eid, Partner &
Chief Wellness Advocate,
Author of "Think like
a Woman, act like an
Entrepreneur”
REview Conducted by Mahek Punjabi
I
recently visited Sunset Mall
in Jumeirah and couldn’t
resist checking out RE
Salon and Spa, located
right opposite the Taste of Fame
restaurant and ESMOD Fashion
Designers Incubator. My hair is
frizzy and I’m too lazy to ever
style it, which is why I decided to
go in for a straightening treatment.
It’s called Hair Relaxing, and
is very similar to the process of
Rebonding. With Rebonding,
you’re stuck with super flat
hair though, whereas with Hair
Relaxing, you can pick from
categories of how straight or wavy
you would like your hair to be.
This is perfect for people like me
who want to maintain their natural
curls, but eliminate the frizz!
A relaxing kit with shea butter,
sweet almond oil and a split end
complex was used, which provided
moisture to my hair, making it
smoother. I have medium-length
hair, and the process took a little
less than four hours. I know that
sounds like a ridiculously long
period of time, but really, if you
think about all the time it saves
styling hair in the morning, you’ll
realize that it’s so worth it.
I was asked not to wash my hair
for at least two days to make the
effect of the treatment last, but I
find it hard to cope with greasy
hair which is why I washed it the
very next morning! Regardless,
I’m loving the new, effortlessly
silky hair, and I can now easily
walk out the door without even
bothering to brush my hair. Bye-
bye bad hair days!
I’d recommend the RE-laxing
treatment for anyone with wavy
hair, or even straight hair which is
super frizzy. It will smoothen out
the frizz and make the hair more
soft, straight and manageable. The
straight hair is permanent, but
the overall effect wears out after
roughly six months, when your
natural wavy hair grows from the
roots.
I also tried the luxury eye contour
treatment which lasted about 30
minutes. It was like a mini-facial
that concentrated on the eyes
and helped resurface my skin,
and reduced puffiness around the
eyes. I would recommend this
treatment for people like me who
are constantly sleep deprived,
and have puffy eyes as a result.
Make sure you’re not wearing
contact lenses when you go for
your treatment though- I had to
put mine in a water bottle just to
preserve them!

8. 67
•ladolcevita•April2016
JLT’s
Hidden
Gem
TreatYourself
toaWinter
Experience in
Dubai!
I
had heard of cryofacials before- and the idea of cold
liquid nitrogen being blasted on my face horrified
me. However, Icequeen Wellness Spa in Jumeirah
Lake Towers has a more traditional (and less scary) form
of cryofacials. It’s not every day one gets an opportunity
to freeze their face while living in Dubai, which is why
I decided to put on a brave face (pun intended) and go
for it. The facial started off surprisingly normal, with
the beautician cleansing my face delicately, and then
toning it. Right after this, she dipped cotton into liquid
nitrogen, and moved it around my face. The sudden cold
blast of air came as a shock, because I had never before
experienced a treatment like this. It was like ice being
massaged on my face, but slightly colder, and I couldn’t
help but let out an embarrassing giggle. After the initial
brain-freeze wore off, I actually enjoyed the cooling
sensation on my skin. I could feel my pores tightening
up, and my skin becoming tighter. The influence of
low temperatures made my skin feel reborn. After the
cold nitrogen, a serum was massaged and applied on my
face, and it was a mildly tingly sensation as I adjusted
back to normal temperature. The beautician finally
applied a light moisturizer and advised me not to wash
my face for the next four hours, so that I would not ruin
the effect of the cyrofacial. I was also informed that the
treatment fills in fine lines and wrinkles, causing skin
to become more elastic over repeated use. Hours after
I left, I could still feel the tightness and smoothness in
my skin, although that wore off a little after I showered.
I fully intend on trying cyrofacial treatments again to
fully benefit from them over time. This was definitely
a unique experience that I’d recommend to anyone that
wants a refreshing change from standard facials.
N
eed a change of
scenery? Looking for
a weekend getaway,
a relaxing working space or a
romantic escape with your loved
ones? Discover the selection
of signature accommodation
packages at Khalidiya Palace
Rayhaan by Rotana! All
packages are at your disposable
and made to give you a truly
treasured time. If you are
thinking about a special treat
and wish to celebrate love
every day, the Romantic
Escape is your choice. Surprise
your soulmate with the most
unexpected dreamy escape
to Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan
by Rotana. All what you need
for this memorable occasion
is prepared. The breakfast in
bed, a 30 minutes relaxing
massage for two, a memorable
honeymoon amenities will be
set, all you need to do is check-
in and enjoy.
CLICK AND
ESCAPE
TO KHALIDIYA
PALACE RAYHAAN
BY ROTANA
2
3
REVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi

9. 72
•me,myself,&FLY!•April2016
W
hen I checked in, the friendly
staff informed me that Hilton Al
Ain is UAE’s first international
hotel, which was inaugurated in 1971 by
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, now
the president of UAE. The hotel has been
host to heads of states, dignitaries and various
celebrity figures, such as Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II and boxing legend Muhammed
Ali. Today, the hotel includes 132 rooms, 21
suites and 49 chalets. Hilton Al Ain offers a
wide variety of food and beverage options,
in addition to a full recreation, health and spa
area, fully-equipped business center, meeting
rooms and spacious venues for private and
corporate events. I’m too lazy to actually
work out, but I still went to check out the
newly renovated gym, which was large and
spacious with a lot of exercise machines.
Despite being a modern hotel, its old touches
are still visible, with cozy, narrow corridors
and an antique charm. Hilton Hotels &
Resorts is also a part of the award-winning
Hilton HHonors program, and Hilton
HHonors members have access to benefits
that are available exclusively through the
industry-leading Hilton HHonors app.
My room was cute and comfy with a nice
view of Al Ain’s roads. After checking in,
it was hard to choose from all the dining
options, but I finally settled on the lush
Makani Garden Café with live Arabic
entertainment and food. This lovely open-air
restaurant was the perfect place to enjoy a
quiet evening under the stars and relish the
best in traditional Arabic food and warm
tea. Despite not being much of a meat eater,
I couldn’t resist the delicious mixed grilled
delicacies.
The next morning, I booked a pre-breakfast
massage session. My therapist, Natasha, was
skilled and strong, and loosened all my tense
muscles, leaving me completely relaxed. I
had breakfast at Flavours, a restaurant with
a contemporary setting that brings together
a mix of traditional and urban features.
Patterns inspired from Bedouin jewelry and
Arabic calligraphy are featured across the
restaurant’s various areas and integrated into
simple textures with symbolic features of Al
Ain’s mountains. A juice bar and live cooking
stations with pancakes and waffles truly gave
me a great start to the day, after which I was
ready to check out and head to the next part of
my trip- Wadi Adventure.
Wadi Adventure is the Middle East's first
man made whitewater rafting, kayaking and
surfing facility, and I was so excited to finally
get an adrenaline rush! Hilton arranged for a
bus to drop us off at Wadi, only a 20 minute
drive away from the hotel, at the base of Jebel
Hafeet. There was an air park which looked
rather adventurous, but I decided to give that
a pass because of the sweltering afternoon
heat. I instead opted to go rafting, which was
incredibly fun, and an intense work-out. I
only wish I had selected the extreme level
of rafting instead of the medium, because
it would have been even more exciting and
vigorous!
After the rafting, I was intrigued to see people
wake boarding, which is basically surfing
while holding on to a suspended rope that
guides you. It looked simple enough but I
fell flat on my face within the first 5 seconds
of trying it, and realized that it requires
some level of balancing skills which I do not
possess. The instructor was nice enough to
let me try wake boarding without the board,
which meant that I just held on to the rope
and got dragged along the water! This was
the highlight of my day, and was so much
fun that I was really disappointed when I was
done with my turn. Wadi Adventure was an
experience of a lifetime, and the perfect end to
my weekend getaway at the lovely Hilton Al
Ain. I’d definitely recommend it as a fun way
to spend a few days in Al Ain and take a break
from the hectic working life.
I was initially under the impression that
there isn’t much to do in Al Ain, but I soon
came to realize that if you’re at Hilton Al
Ain, you’re thoroughly entertained and
spoilt for choice! The hotel is conveniently
located 5 minutes away from Al Ain Mall,
which makes it convenient to pick up things
you may have forgotten to pack.
The Perfect
Weekend
GetawayReview Conducted by
Mahek Punjabi

10. As you may already know by now, possibly due to being
bombarded by advertisements from card makers, candy
shops, florists and jewelers: February is the month to
celebrate love.
Although traditional gifts such as jewelry, stuffed toys,
flowers and chocolate are still exceedingly popular,
people have now turned more progressive with their
gifting ideas to make Valentine’s Day a memorable
experience. Purchasing clothing, accessories, books and
even electronics are now considered tokens of love.
As much as I think Valentine’s Day has turned into a
commercialized money-making business, I see nothing
wrong with a day dedicated to appreciating the special
people in your life. It doesn’t have to be all about
expensive gifts (although I’m sure they wouldn’t mind),
but it can just be about spending quality time with loved
ones. Ideally, these people should be appreciated every
day, but in the hustle bustle of life, expressing emotions
often takes a back seat.
In the shortest month of the year, full of love and
romance, we bring you fashion inspiration for date night,
as well as jewelry that adds a personal touch to your
outfit. I believe that no two people can wear the same
outfit or accessory quite the same way. Fashion can truly
reflect you, and there’s always a way to enhance your
personal style and stand out!
Valentine’s Day’s focus on romantic relationships can
often be a problem, and all the lovey-dovey couples can
make a lot of people want to gag. It would be better if it
were a more inclusive day of love, the way it was when
we were all kids. I’d suggest using this Valentine’s Day
to make sure your friends, family and special ones know
that they’re loved.
No matter where this Valentine’s Day takes you, I hope it
is filled with love.
/style note/fashion editor’s note
50
•Chic‘nGlamorous•February2016
51
•Chic‘nGlamorous•February2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous
The sensual and luminous salty vanilla blend is
amplified by sandalwood to truly awaken the
senses and form a bold Paco Rabanne signature.
Exhibiting the wings of victory, the case
displays the mythical character of Olympéa:
the feminine expression of triumph, reflected in
pale pink, pure white and pink gold tones.
BEST BUY
PACO RABANNE OLYMPÉA
80ML Dhs 395
50 ML Dhs 300
BY Mahek Punjabi
BY Mahek Punjabi
Peruvian fashion label dresses handmade
dolls using the remains of fabric to provide
housing and education for children.
Textile waste is
so last season!
M
ichèlle Belau, the renowned high-street Peruvian
fashion label, which operates more than 43 stores
in South America with a flagship store at City
Walk in Dubai, is using the remains of fabric left
from the production of each article of clothing to
dress a collection of exclusively hand-made dolls.
The dolls, each with its very own personality, style and character,
are sold in Michèlle Belau’s boutiques across South America to raise
funds for Fundades, an NGO that works to contribute to improving
the quality of life of vulnerable people, especially people with
disabilities, through the promotion and implementation of activities
and social projects related to health, education, work, sport, the
environment and helping the homeless.
According to Veronica Smulders, Managing Director, Michèlle Belau
Middle East, “We are very proud of our eco-friendly production cycle
which allows us to utilize textile waste to style our fashionable dolls,
who in return help us make a difference in the communities where we
are present. We are currently looking at the possibility of introducing
the dolls to our atelier in Dubai and supporting a local NGO.”
The brand sources 90% of its fabric from Europe and the remaining
10% from Peru. “When buying the fabrics, they are already destined
for a particular garment. We try to balance a good mix of fabrics
in each collection with 50% of them being natural fabrics such as
linen, cotton and silk,” reveals Smulders. 100% of Michèlle Belau’s
production is in Peru generating over 750 jobs.
Michèlle Belau was recognized as one of the best fashion stores in
the UAE last year and the brand’s exceptional ‘Personal Shopper’
experience was also rated to be one of the best in the city. Michèlle
Belau also introduced an online store to serve customers from across
the Middle East region. Browse through http://shop.michellebelau.ae

11. 65
•Beauty•February2016
This February, a workout phenomenon is launching in Dubai. Initially invented for rehabilitation and
physiotherapy, AquaFIT is today aimed for both workouts and overall wellbeing. The reasons for its tremendous
success are easy to understand. In addition to numerous undeniable health benefits, this product is now regarded as
the best form of remedy for cellulite eradication. Each machine has 16 hydro-massage jets for cellulite drainage,
which contributes to reshaping the lower body and abdominals. Every session equates to 3-4 regular work out
sessions within a similar time span and delivers purified and firm skin, thanks to the micro-peeling effect from the jet
power. Since the exercise is within a private chamber, elements of chromo-therapy can also be added via embedded
LED, making it a relaxing experience for the body and mind. The professional version, AquaFIT Pro, has a full
recycling and treatment system and is usable with sea water as well as tap water.
Executive-Women chats with Mr. Adel
Klioua, who brought the concept of
spa biking to the region.
Things you’re probably curious about
Background
I was born and raised in Algeria, and
moved to Austin in Texas at the age
of 22 for a Master’s degree. I ended
up staying 10 years, during which
my mindset turned entrepreneurial.
Innovation and entrepreneurship have
been part of my personal and business
life ever since.
AquaFIT: The Idea
I moved to Paris in 2008, where I got
married. By 2012, individual spa biking
became widely spread and increasingly
popular, and dedicated centers were
opening in almost every corner. I was
initially skeptical, thinking that it’s only
a trend phenomenon and many of these
small businesses franchise owners were
doomed to failure at a certain point.
How does AquaFit
contribute to reducing
cellulite?
AquaFIT is natural because you
burn calories by working out.
Your whole body gets fitter, so
the reduced cellulite is a long
term effect, because your body is
reshaping faster but in a healthy
way, ensuring good results.
During the AquaFIT session, the
resistance of the water makes you
work at least 3 times harder than
a regular treadmill, so you burn
even more calories. On average,
you burn 500 calories during a
30 minute session. Luckily, the
buoyancy characteristic of the water
makes you feel as if you’re working
less hard than you actually are,
because you are being helped by
the floatation and anti-gravity. You
are able to lift weights in water,
which you wouldn’t normally
be able to. 16 powerful jets
further activate blood circulation,
hydro-massaging the lower body,
soothing the fat tissue and firming
the skin via micro peeling. The
combinations of all these elements
contribute successfully, naturally
eradicating cellulite.
Are there any
precautions one must
take before using
AquaFit bikes?
None, AquaFIT is just a normal
work-out. One should always
check with a physician about their
condition in the same way they
would if considering engaging in
any healthy, physical activity. If for
any reason a user stops pedaling,
the water drains out automatically
for complete safety.
Is AquaFIT equivalent to
doing cardio, or should
other forms of exercise
be combined with the
use of AquaFit bikes for
best results?
AquaFIT is the combination of
three things- biking, aqua fitness
and hydro-massage (jacuzzi),
and the user reaps the benefits
of cardio and hydro therapy.
AquaFIT provides accelerated
results due to all the benefits
from the combination of different
applications. Commitment to a
healthy lifestyle would further
compliment the results of the
workout.
Where can the bikes be
purchased from?
AquaFIT is opening its first
dedicated center in Sunset Mall in
Jumeirah 3 in February 2016! Users
can visit and try individual spa
biking and make each drop count.
AquaFIT is also the exclusive GCC
distributor and anyone interested
in purchasing AquaFIT individual
spa bikes for commercial or
personal use can also approach our
sales consultants in Sunset Mall.
All the equipment is made upon
order therefore a buyer is able
to choose the color or any other
specifications.
/health note
64
•Beauty•February2016
AquaFITThe New Workout Phenomenon!
BY Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
My wife wanted to get in shape
after we were blessed with the birth
of our second daughter in 2013, so
she decided to try individual spa
biking. Within two months and a
couple of 30 minute sessions per
week, while following simple diet
discipline by slightly reducing her
meal portions, she had not only
lost an amazing amount of weight,
but transformed the shape of her
body! When we moved to Dubai in
2014, she started looking for similar
centers for individual spa biking.
However, it surprised us that
despite being a vibrant and health
conscious city, the concept of water
biking was unknown in Dubai.
From that point on, I decided to
bring the concept to the region. I
had researched and contacted all
manufacturers, and decided to work
with VitaBike a manufacturer based
in the region of Strasbourg. They
rank high in quality, and they are
manufactured in France. They are
the only manufacturer providing
an individual water treatment and
recycling after each session, which
means the water does not go to
waste but is cleaned up. It is also
the only product with the capacity of
720 liters, which is important for the
aqua fitness efficiency, because there
is more resistance and flexibility.
The product also has the fastest
filling and drainage time, which is
less than two minutes.
/health note

12. 56 57
•Chic‘nGlamorous•january2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous•january2016
/the designer/the designer
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
lady
fozaza•Voted one ofthe Best Dressed for Harpers Bazaar 2010
•Ahlan’s HOT 100 2011
• Grazia StyleAwards, Best Blogger nomination 2012
• EmiratesWoman oftheYearAwards,Visionaries
award nomination 2012
• Grazia StyleAwards, Best Local Designer 2012and 2013
A
lanoud Badr,
founder and
designer of Lady
Fozaza, is an
internationally-
acclaimed fashion designer,
consultant and stylist. She is one
of the most sought after fashion
figures in the Middle East. Born
to a Saudi father and a Lebanese
Mother, Alanoud began her
fashion journey when she first
studied Fashion Photography at
university. This led to her blog
that gave her a platform to voice
her thoughts on style and new
products.
Alanoud’s interest in fashion was
driven by her late aunt’s passion
and the want to keep her aunt’s
dream alive through her work.
Her online fashion boutique www.
fozaza.com was named after her
aunt where she sold exclusive
pieces from local, emerging talent
in the Middle East region. The
multi brand e-tailer grew to her
own fashion label which continues
growing, with Alanoud hoping to
develop the brand into her own
fashion house. The brand donates
a percentage of all earnings to
breast cancer awareness programs
each year.
Lady Fozaza, which launched
in 2011, is a fashion brand that
is heavily inspired by Alanoud’s
upbringing, lifestyle and
surroundings. The Lady Fozaza
fashion line is an exclusive
collection of statement blazers
that have been worn by celebrities
such as Lady Gaga, Kim and
Kourtney Kardashian, Vampire
Diaries actress Evan Rachel
Woods, Victoria Secret model
Karolina Kurkova and singer
Nancy Ajram, to name a few.
In August 2014, Alanoud launched
a limited edition collection of
Lady Fozaza Abayas to critical
acclaim in collaboration with
USH Boutique, and a month later,
she launched her own YouTube
channel, Fozaza TV, where she
leads her own reality TV show.
In December 2014, Alanoud
collaborated with L’azurde,
which saw the creation of the first
ever Lady Fozaza Jewelry line,
the ‘DREAM’ Collection.
Alanoud is based in Dubai, UAE
but spends the year travelling
throughout the region, working on
different fashion design projects
and collaborations, as well as her
own fashion line.
The Inside
Scoop:
What challenges haveyou faced
inyour careerasa fashion
designer?
Keeping up with trends and staying on top
of the game as a leader, and not a follower.
It’s hard to be two steps ahead in such a
demanding and evolving field.
How doyou see fashion evolving
inthe Middle Eastern region in
the near future?
It’s moving in the right direction and I hope
it doesn’t get sidetracked, because I do see a
future here for it, but its going to take a while
before others see and believe it.
What expansion plans doyou
have inthe near future?
So many going on that I prefer not to mention,
since it’s still in the early stages. Let’s just say
I’m not planning to stop at only clothes and
jewelry!
Whatadvicewouldyou giveto
emergingyoung designers?
Stay focused and never get influenced
by others. Designers need to stay true to
themselves and their designs, because it has
to have a personality so strong that it stands
out and becomes a trademark for their name.
That’s when they know they’ve made it, when
people can point it out from a distance.
Scent:
Celebrity
fashion icon:
Brand:
Restaurant:
City:
Jewelry:
Accessory:
Roberto Cavalli Essenza is the
perfect fit for me, because it’s a
yin and yang of scents. A little
bit of sweet and a little bit of
spicy, something I can relate to
in my personality.
I love Kate Moss’s effortless
boho chic rock look! Very much
embodies my personal style as
well as my collections.
Zadig and Voltaire
Jean Georges
Paris
My own line with L'AZURDE
Bags
Alanoud’s
favorites:

13. 52 53
•Chic‘nGlamorous•March2016
•Chic‘nGlamorous•March2016
/fashion edit/fashion edit
Like
Mother
Like
Daughter
Mini Melissa Shoes
510Dhs
Mischka Aoki Dress
5,350Dhs
Sandro Bag
1,490Dhs
Sandro Shoes
395Dhs
Sandro Dress
1,040Dhs
Ralph Lauren Gift Bag
355Dhs
David Charles Dress
1,650Dhs
Burberry Boots
655Dhs
Victor Mayer
Locket
80Dhs
Canella Hostal Couture
Modest Trousers
1,000Dhs
Longchamp Bag
2,010Dhs
Sandro Blouse
860DhsJimmy Choo Petite
Spazzolato
4,550Dhs
Fendi Shoes
1,000Dhs
Fendi Printed Dress
2,250Dhs
Dolce & Gabbana
School Bag
1,390Dhs
Fendi Sneakers
1,200Dhs
Fendi Shorts
750Dhs
Fendi Top
800Dhs
Aiisha Ramadan Dress
Price Upon Request
Longchamp Heels
Price Upon Request
Niharika Momtaz Bracelet
Price Upon Request
Carolina Herrera Dress
Price Upon Request
Swarovski Ring
Price Upon Request

14. 70
•me,myself,&FLY!•March2016•me,myself,&FLY!
Millennium
Plaza Hotel
DubaiHotel Review Conducted by
Mahek Punjabi
I
recently had
the pleasure of
spending a night
in a Superior
Room on the 45th floor
of Millenium Plaza
Hotel, located next to
Emirates Towers Metro
Station on Sheikh
Zayed Road. The
check-in process was
quick, which is always
great after a day of
travelling. When I got
to the room, I rushed
to the huge glass
windows, and stared in
awe at the spectacular
views overlooking
Sheikh Zayed Road,
Zabeel Palace and
Jumeirah Beach. I had
seen pictures of the
65-storey hotel’s views
before I got there, but
like most incredible
sights, photos can
never quite do it
justice.
My room also had a
32 inch flat-screen TV,
tea and coffee making
facilities and a safe,
which is pretty much
everything I needed!
What I loved most
about the room though,
was the bathtub with
a window next to it,
which connected it to
the bedroom, allowing
me to unwind in a hot
bath as I took in the
scenic views from the
high-rise tower.
Internet access is
very important to us
workaholics, and I
was relieved to find
free Wi-Fi in all public
areas, as well as in
the bedroom. Other
facilities of the hotel
include the Club
Lounge, Business
Center, Health Club
and Spa. I immensely
enjoyed basking in
the sun and enjoying
the infinity swimming
pool with unique views
of the Jumeirah Beach
and the Arabian Sea.
The hotel's four
restaurants and
café serve a variety
of cuisines from
International Buffet
to Local Emirati
Cuisine. Being a total
foodie, I just had to try
their buffets, and was
extremely impressed
with the delicious
spread of appetizers,
main courses and
desserts!
I would also
recommend Millenium
Plaza Hotel to
those looking for a
spectacular place
to hold meetings,
because the conference
facilities at the hotel
offer natural daylight,
state-of-the-art audio
and visual equipment,
and Wi-Fi internet,
making it an ideal
working environment
with a convenient
address.

15. 5
CH
Central Park
Fragrance, 100 ML
Dhs 405
1
4Gold Bar
Almond Face
Scrub
Dhs 120
Lancaster
Tan Preparer
Body Scrub,
200ML
Dhs 105
SALLY
HANSEN
S’teal the Show
Dhs 43
2Elizabeth
Arden
8 Hour Miracle Oil
Dhs 130
3
/beauty note
62 63
•Beauty•May2016
•Beauty•Beauty•May2016
/beauty list
Anton
Gevorkyan
I love mascara because it can instantly make
your eyes pop and make you look and feel
fresh. I struggle each time I have to buy
mascara though, because there are so many
different types, all with misleading names.
Revlon has made my mascara shopping much
simpler by launching a new collection of
mascaras created specifically to provide the
look a woman wants, without the confusing
product names and claims. With a clear
segmentation by benefit, and product names
that speak directly to the lash look, these new
mascara and brush combinations take the ‘it’s
complicated’ out of mascara shopping.
Dramatic Definition: I wore this
mascara to a party, and I loved the enticing,
bold and clump-free lash results! The
mascara had a special lash separator brush
with tiered bristles that defined and separated
my lashes quite nicely.
Ultra Volume: The lash plumping
brush ensured that this mascara gave my
lashes volume like never before! As much as
a loved the look, I wouldn’t wear it every day,
and I’d prefer to save it for special occasions.
Super Length: The tapered brush tip
made it easy to coat even my smallest lashes,
and I fell in love with the long, full set of
lashes.
Volume + Length Magnified:
This is my new favorite mascara for daily
wear, as it gives thick and full lashes, and
just one coat is enough to make your eyes
pop. Two coats would be needed for a more
glamorous and intense look though.
Ultimate All-in-One: I tend to layer
different mascaras in order to get volume
as well as length, but this game-changing
mascara put an end to that! As the new ‘holy
grail’ of mascaras, this all-in-one mascara
features all 5 lash transforming benefits, with
a power mini brush which makes it easy to
use.
Whether you desire a single lash benefit,
or lust for the one that does it all, I’d
recommend Revlon’s new mascara collection,
because it has a mascara and brush to suit
every lash preference. If you’re looking to
purchase the new Revlon Mascaras, they’re
available in Lifestyle, Max and Boots stores
in the UAE for Dhs 60.
Life is complicated, but
choosing the perfect
mascara shouldn’t be.
REVIEW CONDUCTED BY Mahek Punjabi
by Mahek Punjabi
MayMust-Haves
L’Oréal Middle East
HR Director
What is the L'Oréal
Middle East Share and
Care program and how
does it benefit the lives
of L'Oréal Middle East
employees?
The global L’Oreal Share & Care
program has two major ambitions.
Firstly, it aims to implement a
common social framework for all
L’Oréal employees worldwide in
these four areas: PROTECT - CARE
– BALANCE- ENJOY. Secondly,
it allows each country to become
a leader in social innovation by
implementing innovative and pertinent
social initiatives in every local market.
By maximizing these two dimensions
LOREAL will be able to recruit and
gain the loyalty of our talents, and
offer all employees a high-quality
working environment where they
can express their enthusiasm and
creativity.
We offer a wide range of the benefits
as a part of the Share and Care
program. For example, we offer a
top notch medical insurance to all
employees and their dependents.
Our life and disability assurance
provides a coverage of up to 48
months of employee’s salary. In our
office we have built the Zen room,
where employees can take a break in
their busy schedules and relax. We
have organized numerous company-
sponsored Sports teams, allowing
active employees to get fit, socialize
with colleagues outside of the
office and have fun. Other activities
carried out under the umbrella of
Share and Care program include
First Aid trainings, free vision tests,
Cancer Awareness week as well as
informative session and individual free
consultation on various topics, such as
managing a personal will in the UAE.
What does it mean for
L’Oréal Middle East
to win the Universum
Award for Best
Recruiter?
We are delighted to be recognized
by business students in this way here
in the Middle East. The team has
worked hard over the past year to
ensure that we are offering the best
experiences to candidates through our
internship and Management Trainee
Scheme. It is so important to us to
ensure that when graduates come to
work with us for a 6 month internship
we don’t just give them a peripheral
view of life in the corporate FMCG
world- we put them at the heart of the
business. At L’Oréal it is in our DNA
to give accountability and the freedom
to express your entrepreneurial spirit
at all levels of the organization and
this plays a large part in matching the
aspiration of the Millennials who are
attracted and join our business today.
At L’Oréal we believe in providing
thrilling careers and have been
spreading that message in the Middle
East for some time. We are working
hard to attract, nurture and develop
individuals who fit the culture, and
demonstrate a real sensitivity and
passion for Beauty. We want people
who are bold, daring and creative
with an innovative flair that thrive on
producing quality. We have a very
diverse team across the Middle East
and are proud of the values of our
business, so it is very rewarding to see
that students in the Middle East also
recognize this and see us as #1.
What is your motto to
live and work by?
I don’t have a motto to live by,
however, as a principle I try to focus
80% of my energy and attention to the
present moment, 10% on reflecting
and learning from the past and 10%
on planning for the future. This way
I focus on the only thing I have a
control over, which is the present
moment.

16. 54 55
•Chic‘nGlamorous•november2015
•Chic‘nGlamorous•november2015
/art of style /art of style
Modupe Omonze is a fashion designer and the Director of
Runway Dubai, a fashion promotional agency that focuses on
bringing together creative fashion designers and corporate brands.
In 2013, Modupe successfully launched the Annual Runway
Dubai Fashion show, an event packed with inspirational local
and international designers. Runway Dubai is held every
November at the Sofitel hotel on the Palm Jumeirah Island.
The Runway
Dubai Fashion
Show
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
Could you please
tell us about your
background?
I studied Mathematics in college
and after graduating, I went
back to study fashion design as
this is where my passion has
always been.
What obstacles do you
face while managing
Runway Dubai?
The biggest obstacle is finding
the right team. I understand that
team members have different
backgrounds and are all coming
together to deliver a common
vision. Once a homogeneous
team can be identified,
delivering a great show is
easily achieved. Another key
challenge, particularly here in
the UAE, is attracting funding
for fashion shows. There
is a slow-paced response in
terms of appreciation and
support for fashion events
through sponsorship by most
corporate brands, although
Dubai is a notable fashion
capital in the world and the
industry is growing at a very
fast pace. I am glad to see
that some organizations are
getting to understand the value
of sponsoring fashion shows
because everybody loves fashion
and it is one of the smartest ways
to be seen and heard.
Did being a fashion
designer influence
the way you organize
Runway Dubai?
Of course! As a fashion
designer, I participated in
a number of fashion shows
myself. I understand the joys
and challenges of a fashion
designer. This has been a
motivational experience
which drives how I organize
Runway Dubai. Runway
Dubai focuses on ensuring that
fashion designers are able to
achieve their goals and receive
well deserved exposure for
their creativity in a seamless
manner. I also ensure that as
a key objective, our attending
guests, patrons, designers and
sponsors are truly satisfied with
their experience on the Runway
Dubai Platform.
What can we expect
from the young,
emerging designers at
Runway Dubai’s fashion
show in November?
The young designers have been
given the task of creating three
garments: an evening look, a
traditional look and a corporate
look. It is interesting to see what
the young designers come up
with. I always look forward to
seeing the end product of their
sketches.
I have had a sneak peek of
some of their designs, and the
designers this year are very
competitive. Their aim is to
impress the judges with their
creativity, and I’m certain that
the guests at the show will
be quite pleased with their
collection. It is important to
see their dreams come alive on
the Runway Dubai platform.
The winner gets a chance to
join established designers the
following season, and the other
contestants experience the
advantage of the opportunities
given to them on the platform.
What advice can you
give to new female
entrepreneurs?
My advice to them is very
simple: Do not take no for an
answer, stick with your passion,
appreciate your weaknesses,
embrace your strengths and
most importantly, stay true to
yourself and always do what
you know best.

17. 56 57
•Chic‘nGlamorous•october2015
•Chic‘nGlamorous•october2015
/the designer/the designer
Can
youtell usa littleaboutyour
background?
I was born in London to Iranian parents,
and have lived in 4 different cities before
moving to Dubai at the age of 13.
What madeyou leantowards
designing clutches, despite
studying ready-to-wear
garmentsat ESMOD?
I like to call it a beautiful accident. I made
a prototype sample of a clutch for my
graduation collection. That sample got a
lot of attention; two months later we signed
a contract with Faux consultancy and the
brand officially started from there.
Whatwasthe inspiration
behindyour logo ofa beetle
mixedwitha dragonfly?
It’s the symbolic meaning of a dragonfly
that interests me. A Dragonfly represents
change in the perspective of self-realization.
Didyou expectto makean impact on
the international scene so soonafter
you graduated from ESMOD?
Not at all!
Doyou customize clutches, orarethey
all standard designs?
We started offering customizations a few months
ago in Arabic and English. The Arabic engraved
customizations have been very popular so far.
What isthe inspirationand behind
your designs,andwhat motivatesyou?
Doyou havea favorite clutch?
Each season is a different inspiration mostly from art
and my personal travels. My favorite clutch would
have to be the classic white marble. It’s one of my
first designs, a lot of work was put into it and I faced
a handful of obstacles being able to create it.
What isthe production process for
these clutches?
There’s a 32 step process for each clutch. For the
Marble and Birthstones the first step would be casting
the Resin sheet, which we do in the factory in Dubai.
What personaltouches doyouaddto
your clutches? Isthe glitter on most
ofthe clutchesa reflection ofyour
personality?
Definitely! I think all of my clutches are an extension
of my personality.
Towhat doyou oweyour success?
My mother
Whatareyour future business plans?
I’d like to expand the brand, but only step by step and
slowly.
Which celebritywouldyouwantto
wearyour clutches next?
Marion Cotillard
Youtravela lot. Doyou encounter
anything onyourtravelsthat inspire
your clutch collection?
Anything and everything, I’m literally a sponge when
I travel.
Foryour clutches,wouldyou rank
practicality orappearance higher?
Both; I aim to keep a balance between the two.
Whatare some ofthe challengesyou
faced beingayoung businesswoman?
From graduating to immediately becoming an
entrepreneur, every step was a challenge.
Doyou keep upwithand follow
trends, or doyou createyour own?
I feel like with accessories there is no trend. You just
need to create something practical and unique.
Howwouldyou describeyour sense of
style?
Minimal chic
What isyour mottoto live by,and
whatadvicewouldyou givetoyoung
emerging designers?
Love what you do.
“I’m bad, and that’s good. I will never be good,
and that’s not bad. There’s no one I’d rather be than
me” – Wreck-It Ralph
An exclusive interview
with the talented Lilian
Afshar, designer of
L’AFSHAR
The Must- Have
Accessory
Launched in 2014, it was no doubt L’AFSHAR was set to make an impact in
the global fashion scene. Inspired by her travels and experiences, designer
Lilian Afshar creates stunningly sophisticated box clutches with unexpected
marble patterns and captivating textures cleverly crafted in Dubai. It’s
come as no surprise that the exceptionally covetable accessory is worn by
the region’s leading style set and has been celebrated internationally by
the likes of Vogue.fr, Harper’s Bazaar, The Sartorialist and New York
Magazine. Now being stocked in stores across the world including
London, New York, Sydney, Texas, Georgia, the United Arab
Emirates, and Shanghai, it’s easy to see why L’AFSHAR is the new
must-have accessory. For more information, visit www.lafshar.com
and follow @lilianafshar on Instagram From
graduating to
immediately
becoming an
entrepreneur,
every step was a
challenge.
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor

18. Elemis
Pro Radiance
Illuminating Flash Balm
Pink Edition, with pretty
in pink mini tablet case
(Elemis is proud to
donate towards breast
cancer care)
Dhs 110
/beauty note
Tried-and-
TestedTips and Toes Haircut
TIPS AND TOES SUPPORTS
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
WITH A PINK BAZAAR
62 63
•Beauty•october2015
•Beauty•Beauty•october2015
BY Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
Tips and Toes offers a truly
rejuvenating sanctuary, where ladies
can pamper themselves in a friendly
and familiar environment. With
trademark touches at every turn,
including comfy chairs, zen massage
rooms and a range of its very own
long-lasting nail polish - Tips and Toes
is the ultimate beautifying hangout.
Their army of talented beauticians
enables Tips and Toes to take the art
of beautification to another level. Each
Tips and Toes offers a convenient
location where clients can indulge in all
the essential beauty treatments.
Despite seeing branches of Tips and
Toes all over Dubai, I only recently set
foot into the parlor’s Barsha branch
on Umm Suqeim street. I can often be
picky about my hair, and am guilty of
trying out different salons in order to
find a place I love. I think I found what
I was looking for at Tips and Toes.
The parlor was very spacious, yet
cosy, and the interiors were tranquil
and comforting. It was neat and tidy,
and the staff was welcoming and had
an enthusiastic energy. The parlor
area was behind the reception desk,
almost separated as another section, for
additional privacy.
My hairdresser was very professional
and I asked her for suggestions on what
haircut would suit me. Since my hair
was previously rebonded and is now
growing out, it’s wavy at the top and
flat at the bottom, which is why she
suggested that I opt for a layered cut
with long bangs. I obliged, and she
was very pleasant and skilled at her
job. She did not even force hairdresser-
client small talk, which was perfect
for me!
I think she did a great job with my hair,
because although I chose to leave it
long, it has more shape with this cut, as
opposed to my previous dull style. The
blow dry worked well with the cut, and
I was pleased with the overall look. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Tips
and Toes, the award-winning beauty salon and spa, is
thrilled to announce their Pink Bazaar for a month long
offering. Beauty lovers can delve into a world of fabulous
new purchases with profits from every Pink Bazaar sale
helping the fight against breast cancer. There is no better
time to indulge in a little retail therapy. Look out for the
exciting and un-missable Pink Bazaar in all their branches.
The variety of chic and playful themed fashion and
accessories items include the likes of stylish tank tops
and bracelets, colorful hair extensions, earrings and
necklaces with accents of the iconic pink ribbon. Pretty,
pink and perfectly pleasing! Guests of Tips and Toes can
also select additional pink products from an abundance
of wonderfully enticing delights; humorous car refreshers
shaped as the pink ribbon, charming key rings and
adorable mugs with inspirational quotes guiding beauty
addicts through the reflective month and many more
exciting goodies.
What girl doesn’t love shopping, better still when it’s for
a good cause!
Hair Stock
Flash Color
Pink
Bracelets
Breast Cancer
Awareness Bracelet
Pink Head Band
Dhs 25
Dhs 15
Dhs 56
6
9OPI
I Think in Pink
Dhs 49
4
Guerlain
Terracota Sunless Tinted
Self-Tanning Gel
Dhs 115
Must-
Haves!
Stay Pretty in Pink
with these October
2
/beauty list
1
5
Alila Living
Fresh Kiss Lip
Smack
Dhs 49
Christian
Louboutin
Rococotte Matte
Lipstick
Dhs 440
7
8
10
3
Rimmel
Oh My Gloss-Stay
My Rose #160
Dhs 42
Benefit
Push Up Liner
Dhs 125
Revlon
Highlighting Palette
in Bronze Glow
Dhs 56
BOURJOIS
Lash Machine open
Dhs 69
Kerastase
Résistance
Double Serum
Therapiste
Dhs 210

19. Time flies and summer vacation months pass
quicker than the rest. September has always
been my favorite month, since it’s my birthday
month and I’m pampered by friends and family
while I whine about getting older. For most
people, however, September is a dreaded month
since it officially marks the end of summer,
which means that the relaxing vacations are over,
and it’s time to go back to the daily grind of
work. The tans start to fade, and, since we live
in Dubai, we stop having humidity- related hair
disasters. In order to ease the transition back to
work, we’ve got you covered with our trendiest
wardrobe options and styling tips, to ensure that
you look and feel your best this September!
The sudden switch to early morning alarms can
leave you looking and feeling frazzled, but our
tried- and- tested make up products will wake
you up and leave you feeling fierce, with bright,
beautiful eyes, defined cheekbones and powerful
brows. No matter how stressful your schedule is,
we recommend that you don’t neglect your skin,
and take care of yourself with our recommended
scrubs and tinted SPF creams to protect your
skin from the harsh sun. Summer is almost over,
so try out some sweet summer scents and peachy
manicure shades while you’re at it!
This issue, we take a look at valuable lessons
and insights from a range of inspiring women,
and as celebrity stylist Kelly Lundberg says,
“Inspiration is the best form of motivation”!
Happy reading!
/fashion & beauty
50
•Chic‘nGlamorous•september2015•Chic‘nGlamorous
CHLOE DREW BAG
Make a bold statement with
this must-have Drew Bag
from the Chloe Fall-Winter
2015 Collection, which
captures the essence of a
strong yet soft femininity.
BEST BUY
Dhs 13,460
BY Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor
Availableat:
• The Dubai mall
• Etihad Towers,Abu Dhabi
• Chloe corner at Saks Bahrain
• Chloe boutique in Centria Mall, Riyadh
• Chloe boutique in El Khayyat, Jeddah
• Chloe boutique in The Pearl, Doha

20. 80
T
he talented students of the French
Fashion Institute recently presented
their creative new collections with
different themes in the presence of prestigious
jury members, press, bloggers, family and
friends at Wafi Mall. These creations were
also showcased worldwide live on the
internet, in collaboration with Not Just A
Label. ESMOD’s graduation show showcased
brilliant designs from talented, innovative
graduates, which is in line with the vision of
founders Tamara Hostal and Denis Ravizza,
who encourage and promote new and local
talent, to further improve Dubai’s reputation
as an international fashion hub. The bold
collections in addition to the elaborate use
of the double runway had the audiences
awestruck. This new generation of young
and vibrant fashion designers will be the
future of fashion labels that are “Made in
UAE”. ESMOD Dubai 2015 Jury members
were thrilled by the collections reviewed.
“Looking inward and supporting young talent
is imperative to the industry’s growth.” says
Katie Trotter, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Fashion
& Beauty Director, a member of this year’s
jury.
There were many interesting incidents at the
event, such as when Yalda Deghani, the trendy
designer with fierce pink hair, had a model
break- dancing on stage as he showcased her
garment, and when Rana Rabet showcased
her collection worn by adorable children,
and had a male model get on his knees on the
ramp and offer a female model flowers, as she
showcased her bridal wear.
My other personal favorites include Fatima
Salamat’s racing- themed collection, Shirley
D’mello’s feisty, rebellious garments, Freny
James‘ brilliant designs that brimmed with her
vibrant African culture, and Tanzila Antulay‘s
elegant, Indian themed collection.
Outstanding students awarded on the night
were Shirley D’mello, Fatima Salamat,
Mariko Yokoyama, Rabya Khan, Yalda
Deghani, Walaa Alaqra, Rana Rabet, Anastasia
Moiseenko, Tanzila Antulay and Zeina Halal.
The chairwoman of Islamic Fashion Design
Council and one of the jury members of the
show, Alia Khan, announced that IFDC and
ESMOD Dubai were partnering together to
launch their own global “iFash” week, which
focuses primarily on modest fashion! This
exciting news was well received by the young,
talented designers at the event, who are eager
for an opportunity to prove themselves.
The impressively professional make- up
for all the models was done by students
from ESMOD’s make- up classes, and all
the cosmetics were provided by Inglot. The
models’ hair was styled by Sisters Beauty
Lounge.
If you wish to purchase pieces from the
graduates’ collections, they are likely to soon
be available at ESMOD Designer Incubator
boutique in Sunset Mall on Jumeirah Beach
Road in Dubai.
To launch your career as fashion designer, join
ESMOD Dubai! esmod-dubai.com / +971 4
429 1228
ESMOD DUBAI
GRADUATE
FASHION SHOW 2015
16 VIBRANT COLLECTIONS BY FASHION STUDENTS!
BY
Assistant Editor

21. 27
•headoverheels•december2015
26
•headoverheels•december2015•headoverheels
DR. Nadera
Alborno
I
was lucky enough to be taught a computing course by Dr. Nadera AlBorno when I was a freshman at
the American University in Dubai, and now, three years later, it was an honor to interview her about her
current research about teaching students with disabilities. Dr. AlBorno is driven, and her passion for
what she does is infectious and truly inspiring! Dr. Nadera AlBorno joined the American University in Dubai
as a full time faculty in January 2014 in the School of Education, however she has been an active member
of the AUD community for the last 14 years as an adjunct faculty teaching computing courses. She was the
winner of the 2006-2007 Presidents’Award for Teaching Excellence in AUD. Her current research interest is
the development of inclusive education in the UAE, teacher education for inclusion, cultural dialogue and the
empowerment of people with disabilities through education and employment. Complementing this research
interest, Dr. Alborno also works with local communities to spread awareness regarding the rights of people
with disabilities, and has published a number of case studies addressing the challenges in the UAE context.
Could you please tell
me a little about your
background?
My first interest was computer science.
I was always very good with numbers
and math, and back then computers
were the new trend and I enjoyed it. I
went for my Masters degree in computer
science at Imperial College in the UK,
and then I worked in the computer and
banking sector and pursued a career in
systems analysis, project design and
programming. When I was working
there, I was good at training people at the
bank to use technology, so I was always
appointed to do that, not knowing that I’d
be good at teaching! When I moved to
Dubai, I looked for jobs in the computer
sector, but the full time hours were too
much. By coincidence I found out about
AUD and I met the president, and I was
invited to teach a class. They were very
happy, and I actually found the teacher
in me at AUD in 1999. I invested more
time in understanding about learning and
teaching strategies which lead to better
understanding. I then started to realize
that although I enjoyed delivering the
material, I enjoyed the students even
more!
About eight years ago, I decided to
further my studies and do a doctorate.
But this time, not computer science. I
wanted to know more about education.
I was very interested in special needs
which is why I went for my PHD
in special education at the British
University in Dubai.
What led you to become
interested in computer
science?
When I was 16 years old it was the trend
and I was always good at Math. But then
I found out that computer science has
little to do with Math.
Do you think there
are enough teaching
institutions in the UAE for
children with learning
disabilities?
I think children with special needs in the
UAE are still not well served. Definitely,
good efforts are being made and money
is being invested, but I think we are only
at the very beginning of a long journey.
Schools are starting to realize the need
to invest in supporting different learning
needs and that “one size DOES NOT fit
all”.
Furthermore, the UAE has stipulated a
policy of ‘School for All’ according to the
Federal Law 29/2006 which states that all
students with disabilities have the right
to be educated in mainstream classrooms
and supported by adequate services.
What challenges have you
faced as a researcher?
The main challenge is raising awareness
about the rights of children with
disabilities. As a researcher, I suggest
recommendations and speak with policy
makers and administrators in schools.
I believe that the Masters in Education
program at AUD is helping us not only
to spread awareness, but also preparing
teachers to become agents of change.
It is a transformative program, where
we teach teachers to open their minds
and hearts in addressing the needs of all
students.
How do you manage to
balance your work and
family life?
It is not easy! The load of work is
considerable and I am also interested in
carrying on my research, but I am well-
supported by my family, who believe in
my career. If you show your children
that you are learning just like them, you
build a culture of learning and mutual
support in your home. I am also well-
supported by my university, especially
the dean of the school of education who
helps me to balance the needs of both my
job and my family.
What pointers do you
need to keep in mind when
dealing with a multicultural
classroom?
In the program, we have students from
over 15 different cultural backgrounds!
So in a multicultural classroom we begin
by understanding ourselves not only as
teachers but also as human beings. We
recognize biases, stereotypes and ill-
informed beliefs, which leads us to face
them, deal with them and move forward.
The ultimate goal is to create a respectful
and safe environment where all students
can flourish and grow.
What advice would you
give to other women who
want to go into the field
of teaching children with
special needs?
First of all, we need to believe that
every child has the right to learn, and
providing whatever support a child needs
is not a matter of charity, it is their right
and it is justice. If you do not truly
believe in their right to education, you
cannot be successful in teaching them.
It’s a challenging career, but it is very
rewarding!
What is your motto in life?
Justice for all and equity. I strive for
that in every class, in every talk, and
every research study. Equity is different
from equality, because equality is giving
everybody the same thing, while equity is
giving each person what he or she needs.
Assistant Professor, School of Education, AUD
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY
Mahek Punjabi
Assistant Editor