EDITOR SINDHU NAIR

CHIEF FASHION CORRESPONDENT DEBRINA ALIYAH

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS ABIGAIL MATHIAS

EZDHAR IBRAHIM ALI

AYSWARYA MURTHY

PHOTOGRAPHER ROB ALTAMIRANO

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR VENKAT REDDY

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR HANAN ABU SIAM

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR AYUSH INDRAJITH

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MAHESHWAR REDDY B

SENIOR MANAGER MARKETING FREDRICK ALPHONSO

MANAGER MARKETING SAKALA A. DEBRASS

ASSISTANT MANAGER MARKETING THOMAS JOSE

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS HASAN REKKAB

LYDIA YOUSSEF

MARKETING RESEARCH & SUPPORT EXECUTIVE KANWAL BALUCH

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT PRATAP CHANDRAN

SENIOR DISTRIBUTION EXECUTIVE BIKRAM SHRESTHA

DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT ARJUN TIMILSINA

BHIMAL RAI

BASANTHA. P

PUBLISHER AND EDITORINCHIEF YOUSUF JASSEM AL DARWISH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE SANDEEP SEHGAL

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ALPANA ROY

VICE PRESIDENT RAVI RAMAN

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COMING UP

EVENTS OF THE MONTHMiami Fashion Week - Swim

17th 21st July 2014The Raleigh Hotel, Miami

Its right in the middle of the summer heat and what better time for the Swimwear edition of

fashion week featuring cult favourites including Clover Canyon and Wild Fox. Title

sponsor Mercedes Benz is also running a special Instagram competition this season with

the hashtag #MBFWSwimstagram to find the next big swimwear model. Check out the full

shows at mbfashionweek.com/Miami

Our bumper September issue comes rolling with runway reports of the most influential

collections of Autumn Winter 2014 the biggest trends, the hottest buys, and how to wear them! Also, an exclusive look into the

glorious house of Fendi, the fashion vanguards of fur. Image: MarquesAlmeida

AW14 (Daniel Sims, British Fashion Council).

G Talkur annual summer double issue in past years has often focused on the art of travelling, dedicated to the exodus of the majority expatriate population who take the opportunity to return home or to embark on worldly adventures. But as the stars align (or should we say the moon) this year, the Holy month of Ramadan and the much-looked forward to celebrations of Eid have kept many footed making these two months in Doha unprecedentedly more lively and vibrant than before. These festivities, as we all know now, call for a wardrobe change into the charming world of kaftans and jalabiyas, for which, befittingly, we have curated this issue.

This shift has not gone unnoticed by the international fashion industry, what with the growing influence of our market. DKNY launched their first ever regionalised capsule collection especially for Ramadan and have cleverly harnessed the power of social media with a campaign aptly called #DKNYRamadan. A hashtag is the easiest way to get the story out, and with two regional fashion bloggers, Yalda Golsharifi and Tamara Al-Gabbani as the face of the campaign, it is no wonder the brand has gained rocket traction this month. Check out the appropriately modest pieces worn by the bloggers in a special editorial shot by none other than Dubais favourite Saeed Al-Khalifa in our special feature.

But of course, regional labels like Amal Azhari and Isabella Ferrera come into the limelight for their colourful kaftans, while newcomer to Qatar, Rita Pateroni, offers dreamy feminine pieces for the balmy evenings of Eid. And in preparation for the new fall season in September, we posed the million-dollar question to two style experts, How do you find your own sense of Style? Access, update or reinvent the wheel completely as we move into the next fashion season. The rebirth comes not only on the outside but also of growth from within, as our cover girl Amanda Seyfried tells us about her road to independence and becoming a stronger woman.

From all of us at GLAM HQ, Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak!

EDITORS PICKTHE MUST-HAVE CLUTCH THIS YEAR IS THE COLLABORATIVE BRAINCHILD OF UAES ACCESSORIES BRAND LAFSHAR AND READY-TO-WEAR LABEL MADIYAH AL SHARQI. THE TWO EMERGING CREATIVES FROM THIS REGION MARRIED THEIR SIGNATURE AESTHETICS; MADIYAHS MUTED PINK AND CREAM SHADES AND LAFSHARS SIGNATURE LOGO OF A CROSS BETWEEN A SCARAB AND DRAGON FLY RESULTING IN A DUAL-COLOUR BOX CLUTCH THAT CAN BE WORN ON BOTH SIDES. AVAILABLE ON WWW.LAFSHAR.COM FOR QR2,025.

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SAVE

VSSPLURGE

SAVE1 Die-Cut backpack, QR195.2 Floral Print Top, QR115.3 Kimono with pockets, QR1254 Polo Tee, QR1255 Leather-look shorts, QR175 All items available from

Stradivarius, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall.

SPLURGE1 Maia leather shorts, QR3,366, Acne

Studios, Net A Porter. 2 Aliosha Backpack Carreaux Calf

Multicolor, QR10,372, Christian Louboutin, Villaggio Mall.

3 Mesh T-Shirt, QR2,081, Neil Barett, Net A Porter.

4 Carolina Kimono, QR1408, Rabens Saloner, Question-Air.com

5 Printed Cotton Blend Tee, QR563, Chloe boutique, Porto Arabia.

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The bells have rung and school is definitely out. Summer calls for a chance to get moving outdoors

whether in the mangroves of Qatar or the rustic streets of South East Asia. There has never been a more

fun time to be carrying a backpack without looking nerdy, with its revival on the catwalk in all colours and embellishments. Get tough in a pair of leather shorts

with this seasons sports-inspired tees that will keep you chic and comfortable even if you are hiking the hills. A dash of print and a kimono-cut outer piece will add a

touch of femininity to the hip look.

TOO

COOLFOR SCHOOL

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MONI & J

It has been a busy summer for Manar Laktineh and things have really just begun. The Kuwaiti designer behind the cult handbag brand Moni & J was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious 8th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards in New York. The labels signature piece, the Marshal Bag, competed in the Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design category. The bag was designed to elevate your daily outfit to the next level. We added metal epaulet parts to turn it from classic to edgy, she

explains. The bag grew so popular that it has been spotted on many of the regions fashion set. And while in the Big Apple, Moni & J won the love of the press and buyers with its cheeky yet functional offerings that get updated every season in new materials and colours. We are constantly

inspired by the beautiful things we see daily and of course designers with their own distinct touches like Alexander McQueen, Manar says. Moni &

J is now available at Per Lei Couture boutique, Porto Arabia.

AN EDIT OF THINGS THAT ARE HOT NOW

MESSIKA PARIS

Honouring her familys legacy, Valerie Messika set about establishing her own touch in the world of fine jewellery about a decade ago. Her venture, Messika Paris, has since grown to be a purveyor of

contemporary fine jewellery with a special focus on diamonds, an ode to the designers father, Andre Messika, who is one of the most respected

diamond dealers in the world. Valerie sets the essence of her brand of bringing a modern finish to highlight the innate beauty of quality

stones, like the innovative shapes of the Skinny Collection. Using unique arrangement of nano-springs, the diamond strands become flexible, allowing the pieces to adapt to the wearers individual comfort. The classic collar and chokers from this collection make for a refreshing

take because of their ability to adapt to the wearers neck. This season, Messika Paris also released the Faith collection to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan get yours from Ali bin Ali jewellery showrooms.

1 Front cover of the The Legendary Images book. 2 Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, 2012; Dress from the Fall 2012 Prt--Porter collection in the Hall of Mirrors at the Chteau de Versailles; Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. 3 Norman Parkinson, 1950; Mozart dress, SpringSummer 1950 Haute Couture collection, Verticale line; Copyright Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive. 4 Paolo Roversi, 2013; Silhouettes from the AutumnWinter 2013 Haute Couture collection; Paolo Roversi/Art+Commerce.5 Patrick Demarchelier, 2007; Jacket from the Ko-Ko-San silhouette, SpringSummer 2007 Haute Couture collection; Patrick Demarchelier.

DIOR: THE LEGENDARY IMAGES, GREAT PHOTOGRAPHERS

AND DIOR

After past exhibitions that examined the relationships of Dior with art, celebrities,

and cinema, the 2014 installment looks at the role of photographers in creating the vision of the house that contributes to its global success. The

exhibition focuses on the photographers eye, the resulting portraits of Diors

style and the construction of the Dior image in a selection of two hundred photographs accompanied by sixty

haute couture dresses. There are also archival documents that illustrate the

collaboration between the house and its artistic directors as well as more than

eighty stellar photographers from the mid 20th to the early 21st centuries. In the early post-war years, Richard Avedon,

Horst P. Horst and Clifford Coffin were among the first to establish the visual style of Dior, a style laterdeveloped by

the likes of Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton and more recently Patrick Demarchelier and Bruce Weber. The exhibition runs

until 21 September at the Christian Dior Museum in Normandy. A book of the

same name to immortalise the exhibition is also now available.

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JUDITH HOBBY CLOTHINGS BRAND NEW FUSION

Dubais favourite comfort casual label Judith Hobby Clothing has upped the ante with a new collection of accessories that are entirely environmentally friendly. The line,

called Fusion, features pieces that are made from natural and biodegradable material including bone, horn, wood, shell and brass. This unique selection of materials results in an interesting line of accessories that has a funky tribal vibe reminiscent of ancient times where these materials were first used across many cultures as symbols of power

and good fortune. As the materials all naturally sourced, each piece is unique with little natural imperfections that make it all so covetable as a one-of-a-kind piece. The line

starts from QR350 and is available from www.judithhobbyclothing.com

VALENTINO GARAVANI ROUGE ABSOLUTE SIGNATURE

This highly customisable collection has been all the rage this spring and the

fiery red theme continues into summer. The capsule collection of accessories

featuring the Valentino Red interlaced with scarlet and ruby red comprises of bags, shoes, small leather goods and

eyewear, all featuring three removable and customisable studs. Valentino has gone a

step further by offering twenty-six English letters and eight unique symbols that can

be purchased separately to be used to truly make the accessories your own. The collection is an extension of Valentinos dedication to craftsmanship all leather

goods are hand-finished. Valentino boutique is at Villaggio Mall.

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Fashions bad boy Philipp Plein has not only arrived in Qatar, but he has done in style by launching his

new boutique at the most prominent storefront view of the promenade of Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar. The designers eponymous label is well-known for its panache towards rock and roll aesthetics, anchored by its signature embellished skull design. Edgy and wildly modern collections aside, the label strives for something beyond just the clothes; We are all about

selling a lifestyle. Theres only so much innovation that can happen but it is the values of the Philipp Plein persona that are important, the designer

explains. And the essence is much embraced in the brands famous fashion week productions, which in the past have included performances by Rita Ora,

Grace Jones and Iggy Azalea. The performers themselves are women who have succeeded by

being unique, and Philipp likes to cast women of all shapes and sizes as his runway models. The vivacious spirit of his collections has been

well-received in Dubai despite the notions of a more conservative market and Philipp is confident that his new Qatar boutique will be successful. I have a lot of Middle Eastern clients who come to our stores

around the world when they travel. I think we live in such a global world now where styles and cultures

are interconnected and it is no longer appropriate to just categorise people according to where they live, Philipp says. The boutique, represented by Ali bin Ali Group, is located at La Croisette 6, Porto Arabia and

debuts with the AW2014 collection. DEBRINA ALIYAH

INPLEIN LANGUAGE

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ALL THE STYLE NOTES YOU NEED FOR A FASHIONABLY CHIC FESTIVE SEASON.THE

FACTOR

Make your Fendi 2Jours and 3Jours bag truly yours with the Fendi Style Me personalisation that is now available in Arabic especially for Ramadan and Eid. Drop by the boutique at Villaggio Mall and you can have your initials in Arabic done on the spot on any of the multi-coloured tags of your choice. For an extra touch of glamour, get your hands on one of the miniature mink pompoms to jazz up your bag.

Arushi Coutures Ramadan collection of kaftans hit the sweet notes with shades of greens in silk chiffon while the Jalabiyas collection goes luxurious with silk cashmere and Moroccan hand-dyed crepe. The crme de la crme piece from the collection is a unique kaftan made of cream French lace, perfect for Eid celebration itself.

Escape to faraway lands with destination-inspired scarves and cover-ups from Athena Procopiou. The London-based label specialises in soft-to-touch quality cashmere, cotton, silk and modal fabrics that are Italian-made. Shop the Muscat Nightfall kaftan and The Pilgrimage scarf on shop.athenaprocopiou.com

The Satin Gold Alligator Bracelet from Kenneth Jay Lane and the Petunia Pequeno Earrings from Italian label Dopodomani are all the statement pieces you need to finish your festive look. The bracelet is plated in 22karat gold while the earrings feature Swarovski crystals in a vintage charm. Get them from the online accessories portal, www.esswara.com

Bint Thani releases The 7+ Styles Turban collection which plays with the combinations of design, fabric and colour. The same turban can be created in seven different variants; matt versus shiny satin, and palette of colours including lime yellow and pale turquoise for a highly personalised head piece. Photos by Saeed Khalifa.

Feminine and flowing silhouettes from the Alice & Olivia summer pieces make for a great modern take on the kaftan and the jalabiya. A major plus point is the pop of colours that will peek out from under your abaya when you are walking down the street!

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Go all black to contrast your colourful festive dresses with Crucianis Black Block bags. A dark repertoire done in saffiano leather with enamel detailing, the bags come in variants including Standard Queen, Royal to the Marilyn bag, and the Princess.

Brighten up the abaya during Ramadan with dashes of polka dots a sure-fire way to put a smile on your face. Cult accessories brand Hogan released a capsule collection designed by stylist and editor Katie Grand called Love, featuring signature shapes from Hogan plastered with polka dots.

Reminiscent of prayer beads, the statement necklace piece and tasseled bracelets from Italian house Rosantica adds an Oriental element. All Rosantica pieces are handmade in their Milanese workshop using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. These pieces are available at Etoile boutique, Dubai.

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Fanilla Couture brings pop art to their latest tees, giving the Middle Eastern treatment to classic Renaissance paintings and highlighting the traditional women of the desert. Shop fanillacouture.tumblr.com for the casual optionduring Eid.

Heres an alternative to the hand henna the hand bracelet. Gaydamak, the pioneers of this very chic jewellery has just landed in the Middle East and their intricate motifs are sure to light up your hands for evening occasions.

These fun rainbow colour leather pieces make for good gifts for the young ones. Fresh from the newly introduced Lacoste leather collection for summer 2014, the range includes wallets, totes, gym bags and covers for tech gadgets.

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The ever classic Van Cleef Arpels jewellery house launches the Cosmos collection that explores the delicate influences of nature with blooming flowers. The pieces feature four heart-shaped petals motif in the materials of mother-of-pearl, pink gold, onyx and white gold.

One of the trendiest ways to stay modest this season is the ball gown skirt. Ingie Paris does a shimmering gold number for their pre-fall collection while Poca Poca goes for the stripey effect.

From their summer catwalk presentation, Valentino brings to life the Valentino Garavani Horoscope necklace collection which makes for personalised presents for different horoscope signs. The necklaces are in brass with satinized gold finishing. Valentino boutique is located Villaggio Mall.

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Buttery soft Aladdin slippers from Lanvin hit all the right spots especially when you are visiting friends and family during Eid. Available in various leathers, the sparkly gradient shades are part of the brands summer focus. Finish the look with a Kiss necklace to spread the festive cheer. Lanvin boutique is located Villaggio Mall.

Keep your hands lightweight and swap the bag for a clutch. As an extension of your outfit, accessorise with box-style pieces like the Kayu Katherine Shell Clutch and the Skalidi Leather and Wood Asymmetrical Clutch. The Kayu clutch features a mother of pearl effect with suede lining while the Skalidi number can be transformed into a cross body with a detachable bronze chain. Both the pieces are available from www.zahrart.com

QELA brings the traditional mashrabiya motif to their signature Lulu clutch and Nasheet wallet this summer. A perfect homage to the Qatari culture, these pieces make for great gifts.

Have some fun with the charms on your bracelet and mix it up every day of Ramadan with different combinations from Pandora. The brand has just released a mix of flamboyant colours, intriguing patterns and mystical motifs for a truly customisable look. Get them from Fifty One East at City Center Mall, Moderna at The Centre or the Pandora boutique at Lagoona Mall.

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TRENDING WITH EXPERIMENTATION

AMAL AZHARI

Vibrant and pulsating with life, the colours and prints on the Amal Azhari kaftans are so mesmerising we could hardly take our eyes off them. The pieces are perfect accompaniments this

season whether for celebrating the Holy Month and Eid or a beachside summer escapade. Marketing wiz turned designer Amal Azhari began making kaftans and bags in 2005 and quickly gained

success following her presentation at Paris Fashion Week the year after. As her collections debut in Qatar this season at Per Lei Couture boutique, we caught up with the designer on a 101 to her work.

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INSPIRATIONSAND DESIGN In my creations, I strive to fuse elements of civilizations and cultures from all around the globe. Everything I encounter inspires me in ways I cant explain. I look upon my family and home as the primary sources of inspiration, especially when I retire to do my study late into the night. I jot down all sorts of ideas and thoughts in my notepad which I keep close all the time. My latest collection, Wind, is inspired by the desert, the golden sands and dunes. It is a piece of art full of vivid eye-catching colors that reflect a spirit full of life and joy. It is a fusion between the bohemian style and an easy-going pattern, giving a feminine aura. Wind was mostly made of three types of fabrics with Indian designs, manufactured from cotton, silk and chiffon transparent fabrics.

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HISTORYEver since I was a child, I used to frequently head down to our family-owned sandy beach resort in north Lebanon, wearing puffy loose clothes, which earned me the nickname the tanned gypsy. The turning point in my career took place whilst I was attending an event in southern France, where I wore for the very first time, an abaya of my own design. I received compliments and praise which gave me the push I needed to actively start designing my own collection.

THE MIDDLE EASTERN MUSEMiddle Eastern women have a unique aura, an air that stands out from other women elsewhere. Arab women are stylish, love fashion, and always strive to better themselves. This sense of self-worth motivates me in designing pieces that reflect these characteristics. As a muse, the Arab woman inspires me to stay innovative, to constantly aim to raise the bar in my next collection.

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DKNY LAUNCHES THE BRANDS FIRST

REGIONALISED CAMPAIGN FOR SUMMER 2014 IN

CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MONTH. THE SUMMER CAPSULE

COLLECTION INCLUDES A SELECTION OF ITEMS

THAT REPRESENT DKNYS STRIKING

COLOR PALETTE AND KEY LOOKS FOR THE

SEASON.THE CAMPAIGN FEATURES MIDDLE EAST SOCIAL MEDIA ICONS,

YALDA GOLSHARIFI AND TAMARA AL GABBANI TO

FURTHER REACH OUT TO FASHION FORWARD COMMUNITIES IN THIS

REGION ON A MORE PERSONALISED LEVEL.

Photographer: Saeed Al KhalifaMakeup: Revlon Middle East

Hairstylist: Ricci Capricci Beauty Salon

RAMADANCAPSULE

COLLECTION

2014

DKNY

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DKNY boutique is locatedat Lagoona Mall.

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DETAILED HAND WOVEN EMBROIDERY AND THICK-SET FABRICS SET THE TONE FOR THE LAVISH COLLECTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN A STAPLE FROM THE LABEL ISABELLA FERRERA FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.The name evokes a Mediterranean charm representing the heritage of the labels designer Hania Nasreddin who has now finally decided to call Qatar home. Her collection has become a familiar go-to for elaborate and decorative kaftans and jalabiyas with the local fashion set every piece is unique with its handmade elements making it a keepsake piece for the next generation.

Inspirations I was inspired by old Hollywood looks from the 1930s and nature. Some of the pieces have a vintage feel, and some others have a fresh summery appeal. Having grown up in Tangier, Morocco - a picturesque town with rich colours of the ocean and nature made it easy to portray nature in my designs. Beauty is what influences my work. I think the key thing for me is to be able to see beauty, and I can see it in anything from nature, art, furniture; its pretty random.

Essence of the brand I first designed my own kaftan when I was twelve. I went with my mom to pick a fabric, and then I chose the style and embroidery. I never thought of it as designing; in fact I thought it was a pretty normal thing to do until people started asking me who made the kaftans I wore. The signature of the label is femininity, and originality. The pieces are delicate, worldly, and they are very hard to imitate. The fabric, the adornments of beads, lace, crystals, and motifs are from all over the world so I like to think that each kaftan is your little own piece of everywhere.

Heritage I am half Syrian, and a little bit of Eritrean and Saudi. I spent my childhood in Morocco. My nationality is Italian, I was born in Milan, and having lived there for a few years, I felt that I wanted to give the brand an Italian name. The kaftan is more or less an Eastern dress and I did not want to limit my dresses to a particular region. They are for everyone and I am from everywhere, so I wanted to give it a Western name to attract a broader audience and to represent who I am.

Design ProcessI have a small production, only one piece per style. Some pieces take up to three months to be made. They are all handmade, and there are up to seven people involved in the whole process. Then there are specialists who deal with embroidery (tarz), and others who deal with beading. The sfifa is handmade by a craftsman who only makes sfifas, and the belts are also made by a craftsman who specially makes belts. Its a lengthy, delicate process, and you can see the ardour on the pieces. All the pieces are made in Morocco, where they excel at this type of handiwork in a way like no other place in the world.

Isabella Ferrera is available at Jo La Mode boutique, Royal Plaza.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES

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Heralding the unmistakably treasured Florentine craftsmanship, the self-taught designer Ermanno Scervino brought forth a new touch to old couture, the sporty touch. Ermanno combined two of

his passions, the art of clothing and architecture to offer sporty couture styling based on traditional silhouettes resulting in a collection of evening jackets, and fitted corsets that are

elegant yet contemporary. His initial works the technique he applied to sportswear - were so well-received in Italy for it identified with the free-spirited and innovative needs of women at the time. After setting up a series of workshops to form his atelier, he has sought to imprint the Made

in Florence concept as an integral part of his brands DNA. The house presented their latest collection in Qatar to inaugurate the opening of its second Middle East boutique, that will focus

on both womenswear and kids collection. The Gulf countries are one of the most interesting markets for the Maison, says Toni Scervino, CEO of the Ermanno Scervino Group. They are looking for the authentic Made in Italy quality that we have never betrayed, in terms of both

materials and workmanship, and clearly also of style. We have a cultured, international clientele, thats why Doha is a crucial step in our retail expansion. Ermanno Scervino is represented by Ali

bin Ali Group and the new boutique is located at Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. DEBRINA ALIYAH

LA DOLCE VITA

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THEMANISH ARORAKALEIDOSCOPE

In the midst of the explosion of colours and candies that ran amok in the space at The Closet, the reigning factor was the unbelievably intricate and precise beading details of Manish Aroras work. The crme de la crme of the AW 2014 collection was the final piece on the runway during the presentation at Paris, a fully beaded fuchsia number featuring cascading red waves. It was

the star piece during the trunk show, of course, the modest silhouette a winner though definitely not shy in the colour department.

Introducing the fall collection to Qatar, a collection which can be best described as electrifying and sugar-high inducing (all puns intended), The Closet teamed up with Plush Events to recreate a Willy Wonka-worthy sugar wonderland. Candies designed from the ornaments and embellishments on Manish Aroras collection came to life, bringing a three-

BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

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dimensional experience of the designers work. In creating the collection, the designer had bought generous bags of candies as ground work. Combining the colourful and decadent world of sweets with the brands equally off-kilter aesthetics, the collection brims with wide-sleeved sweatshirts, baggy sweatpants, puffy cape coats, and generous full-skirts. The prints, of ice creams, chocolate bars, and candy canes, extend into a Christmas winter house and a fantasy space universe. There were Oriental touches a kimono neckline top and the ever-present obi-belt that has been given a puffy touch.

The finishing touches to the collection were our favourites, little gummy bear charms, cup cake ear muffs, cherry on the top beanies, and the cushiony soft high-top sneakers reminiscent of our childhood teddy soft toy. David Martinez from Blue Brush Studio worked his magic to create coiled candies on the models hair and mile-long rainbow eyelashes that fluttered happily at the trunk show. Special guest at the event, Kuwaiti celebrity beauty blogger Dala AlDoud was absolutely fascinated by the candy universe that Manish Arora had created for Fall. I really love the colours. It is kind of crazy but it is so covetable!

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THECHAMELEON

CITYWILL YOU EVER GET ENOUGH OF ISTANBUL AND ITS MYSTIC, WHEN EVERY PASSING DAY

HERALDS NEW DISCOVERIES THAT POINTS TO A DEEPER PAST? THE RELENTLESS HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS THAT

CONTINUES TO THIS DAY PROMISES MORE OBJECTS AND FINDS THAT DENOTES AN EVEN

OLDER CIVILIZATION IN THE CONTINENTS HISTORY THAN WE ALREADY KNOW. CHANGE HAS BEEN A SYNONYMOUS FACTOR FOR THE

CITY, AS IT SAW THE RISE AND FALL OF EMPIRES AND NOW A CONVERGENCE INTO A GLOBAL

MEETING POINT BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST.

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

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the Bosphorus Bridge that connects the two continents, like an invitation for lovers from two lands to meet, locals set up fishing lines as a daily after-work ritual. As they wait patiently for the catch of the day (if luck dictates), they banter and admire the strait while tourists throng the walkway with cameras and excited chatters. Istanbul is no stranger to the influx of travellers curious to see the glory of the Islamic empire that blended seamlessly into the Christian throne that they have taken over from. But with its evolving historical landscape and the rise of its own modern pop culture, the city beguiles visitors to return again and again. It is like drinking from a cup that never ends.

Go deep into the heart of Sufism the defining spiritual experience that is unique to Istanbul at the Hodja Pasha Dance Theater. Once a day, the theater opens its doors for visitors to experience the highly private Sema ceremony where men go through a spiritual ascent of mind through the physical act of whirling. It is a hypnotising sight and endears you to reflect internally on your own state of mind. A spiritual journey later, get familiar with the complex history of the Byzantine and the Ottoman through the many monuments that were built to awe, the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Basicilia Cistern. The city remains probably the only place in the world to soak in the glory of the Islamic civilization as the Topkapi Palace plays sentinel to the holy relics of Prophet Muhammad himself.

The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market offer a treat to the senses with a rainbow of colours, smells and tastes indulge in a Simit (Turkish bagel) and Pide (flatbread) as you mime sign language with street vendors to bring home Turkish delights and exotic tea concoctions. For a slice of the hip Turkish culture revolution, head on to Tunel and Karakoy for quaint cafes and local boutiques designed by local artists. The Istanbul Handicrafts Center, housed in a restored 17th Century madrasah (school), is a gem for its hand-painted silk, ceramics, porcelain and contemporary interpretation of ebru an age old Turkish art form of marbled paper. Stay stylish into the evening and get visual at 360, the much-lauded rooftop eatery with a complete view of the city that specialises in some delicious Kibbe meatballs.

For a final chance to soak in the magnificence of the city from the inside and out, head upwards to the Eyup district, a predominantly Muslim area that has long been used as a place of burial. The calmness that envelopes the elevated area makes for a quiet cup of Turkish coffee while you take in the almost bird's eye view of the Golden Horn at the boutique cafes on the hill.

On