Five stars for Audi A6 in US NCAP crash test

Hot off the press – Just thought I’ll share with you the latest news thats come in from Audi – The American crash test program US NCAP has awarded the current Audi A6 (combined consumption in l/100 km: 9.8 – 4.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 229 – 114) the maximum rating of five stars for crash safety. The results for adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, as well as in a rollover situation, make the current Audi A6 one of the safest cars in its category.

Audi A6/Standaufnahme

 

FELDA introduces new frozen products at Gulfood 2014

Felda Gulfood

Malaysia’s Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), the world’s most successful land development and resettlement agency, introduced new products at Gulfood 2014, to be marketed to major retailers in the UAE.

The products will be marketed under FELDA Best”, which was developed as the one brand to internationally market products made the FELDA settlers. The first range of products to be marketed internationally is a selection of Malaysian Traditional Frozen Food Products.

The launch was attended by Tan Sri Haji Mohd Isa Dato’ Haji Abdul Samad, the Chairman of FELDA Group and Y.Bhg. Datuk Faizoull Ahmad, Director General of FELDA. Both reiterated the importance of promoting frozen products made by SME’s in Malaysia and to meet the increased demand of Malaysian food products in the region.

Felda Gulfood 2014

The list of deliciously sweet and savoury food products available for export that will be promoted at Gulfood this year are Aloo Curry Puff, Sweet Potato Cake, Tapioca Cake, Doughnuts, Sambal Fried Bun, Red Bean Fried Bun and Aloo Fried Bun.

The officials also announced that they would be supplying three local fruits, pineapples, bananas and rock melons to local supermarkets they are currently  in talks with.

For visitors to the Gulfood 2014, FELDA’s stand located at Sheikh Rashid Hall, stand R-180 on the right of the entrance to the hall.

 

DIMENTION – Artworks by Ndue Pepa opens in Abu Dhabi

Shereen Shabnam Pepa Ndue

Couple of days ago I was able to meet and chat with well-known Albanian artist, Ndue Pepa during his 3 days visit to UAE. Pepa is represented in the UAE by Artissima Gallery and is showcasing his art collection ‘Dimension’ at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi until the 20th of February, 2014.

Born in Albania, Ndue Pepa’s art techniques are based on Albanian traditions that he has modernized with his unique artistic style. After exhibiting in Albania and Italy, art enthusiasts in the UAE will get a chance to view his work in Abu Dhabi.

Artissima _Pepa_ Shereen Shabnam

Ndue Pepa practices the philosophy of stylistic deformity through his eye retina photographs, which resembles the circle rotation spiral in a new stage and in a round cycle more advanced in time.

The paintings of artist Ndue Pepa is appreciated in many countries and have become part of art collections by followers of his style of work. The strength of Ndue Pepa lies in the use of rich vibrant colours that are expressive and composed fluidly in dynamic geometric movements that are energetic and celebrates both the creativity of the past and present.

Oros sure does smell nice

Oros.Pour.Femme Shereen Shabnam

Little diva and I are currently trying out a new fragrance from Oros, the high-end French fragrance brand. Oros, which means ‘Gold’ in Spanish, have used natural oils for a long-lasting scent and hand-decorated bottles with Swarovski elements – I have tried it for 2 weeks now and am loving it.

Oros pour femme for women is encased in handcrafted bottles with a dozen crystals that connote persona and sophistication for each month throughout the year, while the Swarovski stud on the cap imparts opulence as it’s the crowning glory.

Oros Pour Femme, is presented in a sleek graceful clear glass bottle. The scent is described as elegant, provocative and free-spirited, full of passion and emotion.

The scent combines floral elements with the glamorous sensuality of an Oros woman. It opens to sparkling notes of bergamot, pear and lily and reveals a sensuous floral combination of ylang-ylang, absolute tuberose and absolute jasmine. The dry-down of the scent combines white musk, patchouli and amber….it’s real nice!

Mystic Dreams from THE ONE

THE One Shereen Shabnam

Decidedly dramatic and darkly romantic, THE One’s Mystic Mélange boudoir look is the stuff that dreams are made of. Combining raven black, gorgeous gold and mystical purple hues with rich velvets, mixed patterns and Oriental touches, it oozes gothic glamour….a bit like what I would like my room to be.

To recreate this magically moody bedroom scene, set the stage for drama and romance with deep purple paisley wallpaper, before introducing the star of the show: a stunning gold velvet upholstered bed, dressed to the nines in charcoal, plum and beige. Accessorize with  luxurious satiny bedspreads in old gold and black and a pair of dog cushion covers, for a playful touch. Next up are the supporting acts in the form of strikingly graphic monochrome statement pieces like a handcrafted bone inlay side table and chest of drawers in addition to an upholstered box stool at the foot of the bed.

Finish dressing the set with an eclectic assortment of props ranging from a French Baroque-inspired table chandelier and weathered sunburst mirror, to a jet-black Chinese ginger jar, bejewelled perfume bottles and a gothic candlestick. Throw in an ornate crystal ball and you’re all set to drift off in style. Who knows where your dreams may take you?

The awesome team at THE ONE have put together a list of items you need to recreate the perfect boudoir:

Get the Look:

JAGGER gold velvet bed 180x200cm

DABKA bedspread 230x250cm

THIERRY Poncelet10 cushion cover 45×45

BOX stool 170x40cm

KANOR side table d50cm

KANOR 5-drawer chest

MILANO table lamp h74cm

SCENIC black ginger jar h64cm

FILIGREE picture frame 20X25CM

ROYAL candlestick h49cm

CRYSTAL ball deco h24cm

BURST mirror

Shereen Shabnam KANOR chest

Veronica Etro – Spring Summer 2014

Shereen Shabnam_ETRO_SS14

I was told by the awesome Dubai stylist, Seema Adnan earlier that I need to add some colour to my wardrobe. SO… I’m now looking into it and discovering some cool stuff. I’m looking the Spring Summer 2014 of Veronica Etro who presents her vision of deconstructed elegance, where the simplicity of dressing contrasts with the detail of handcraft. The collection is rooted in an undeniable ease and lines of formality and informality blur, allowing for a new,relaxed attitude to emerge.

While i don’t normally go for the look, I like that the clothing is showered in a rich layering of influences – from Etro’s own grandmother’s patterned book shelf and the exotic blooms of Indo-China to the precious metal work of the Ottoman Empire – that create depth and intrigue.

Etro’s unique assembly of places and times creates a voyage that is layered with exoticism, femininity and luxury, and that literally shines with summer’s optimism….looking at a few more clothes of what is in the new collection, I would say some of the pieces would work for different occasions, depending on the accessories and layers added.

Maryam Fashion Design

Shereen Shabnam

Above: one of the Maryam Fashion Design dresses

I saw some amazing dresses yesterday at the 15th Women’s Exhibition organised by a good friend of mine, Thoraya Al Awadhi at DWTC. The designer reiterates that each of her pieces are handmade with love in Dubai – Mariam Fashion Design fuses Eastern traditional wear with the latest trends in Western fashion and they were really colourful.

Each unique piece is designed for the modern, cosmopolitan woman. They design practical, yet feminine pieces that preserve the charm of the region’s old heritage. Check them out as the exhibition is open until 10pm today. There is a fashion show at 4pm as well!

Women’s Exhibition showcases exquisite products and services

Lily Valley

After a first tour of the 15th Women’s Exhibition, organised by Thoraya Al Awadhi, Founder and CEO of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies, I will be back there again with little diva for a thorough look through all the awesome stuff on sale. The event is highlighting exhibitors with interesting products and services under one roof until the 14th of December at Hall 6 of the Dubai World Trade Center.

The exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development of the United Arab Emirates.

This year’s exhibition has expanded to include fashion, jewellery, spas and wellness to travel agencies, financial services, medical supplies and health products in addition to many other sectors.

Exhibitors in fashion include Anna Mora & Brunella, a luxurious Spanish brand for women clothes since 1966 and Only Sugar, an eclectic brand with traditional clothes that stands out both in terms of looks and quality. Plus visitors can get unique pieces from the Love Style Agenda stand.

If you are looking to improve skin health, there are a number of products that would appeal to women of different ages, depending on the needs of their skin. Visitors can also watch live how a famous Italian artisan makes jewellery.

The Wellness Centre is another exhibitor speaking to women on the overall health and wellness options. If you love shoes, then visit the Gina stand or meet with Mizuki, a shoe designer from Japan to put some bling on your feet.

Media partners are supplying visitors with lifestyle magazines like Russian Emirates, Lifestyle as well as the newly launched Executive Women magazine from Neopromo.

The highly successful Women’s Exhibition serves as a platform to bring together interesting brands to showcase their products and services as well as create a networking opportunity for small and medium business from the region and abroad.

ISTANA presents elite and exquisite jewel collections from Mimí

ISTANA, a multi-brand jewellery retailer in the UAE, announces the arrival of Mimí, an Italian couture jewellery brand known for its audacious and bedazzling gem collections. Launched in 2000 in the fashion metropolis of Milan, Mimí’s collections amorously embody a woman’s venerable love for gems, alongside the expression of their self through jewellery.

Check out their new collection below:

Mimi Shereen Shabnam

15th Women’s Exhibition opens at Dubai World Trade Centre

Womens exhibition 1

The 15th Women’s Exhibition, organised by my dear friend and mentor, Thoraya Al Awadhi, Founder and CEO of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies will open at 10am today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development of the United Arab Emirates.

The exhibition is from the 11th to the 14th of December at Hall 6 of the Dubai World Trade Center.

The highly successful Women’s Exhibition serves as a platform to bring together seasoned businesswomen and women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services as well as create a networking opportunity for small and medium business from the region and abroad.

“We are delighted to host our exhibition, which has grown exponentially year by year at the Dubai World Trade Centre. We are commitment to our exhibitors by bringing to them a bigger venue in a strategic location with more support that helps them grow their business. We hope more entrepreneurs use this platform to create awareness of their products and services,” said Founder Thoraya.

This year’s exhibition has expanded to include fashion, jewellery, spas and wellness to travel agencies, financial services, medical supplies and health products in addition to many other sectors.