The Beauty Hall of Fame: The 6th Annual VIVA Beauty Awards Winners Announced

VIVA, the biggest selling women’s monthly glossy magazine across the GCC, announced the winners of the 6th VIVA Beauty Awards, during a glamorous ceremony held last night at the luxurious Fairmont The Palm. The event was hosted by the charming and witty television presenter Aishwarya Ajit, and the gorgeous Miss World Australia 2012 Jessica Kahawaty.

The winners were picked by thousands of passionate beauty consumers, who voted during the months of April and May to recognize the top brands and products in each of the 21 categories across skin care, hair care, make-up and fragrance, in the mass and prestige markets. The voting process was audited throughout by BPA Worldwide (Business Publications Audit of Circulations).

“We are delighted to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates the best beauty brands and products in the region and we are thrilled to have such an impressive range of brands inducted into our VIVA Beauty Awards hall of fame 2013”, said Anita Quade, Editor of VIVA magazine.

Over the years, the VIVA Beauty Awards badge has become a recognizable and sought-after token for beauty brands, given its standing for consumers’ choice.

In the prestige market, the highest accolades of the evening were received by Chanel, which came out a winner across 3 categories - best anti-aging, lipstick and nail varnish; and Clarins, which scooped the best face moisturiser and editor's choice cult classic awards.

The night’s other big winners included L'Oreal (best anti-ageing and best mascara) and Bourjois (best lipstick and best nail varnish), in the mass market.

“We are also glad to see that the beauty industry is holding strong, and that consumers in the Middle East are embracing new and innovative products that have emerged in recent years”, added Quade.

Beauty and personal care is a thriving market in the Middle East, across colour cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, skin care and spa, with an average monthly spend per capita of US$32 (8 times higher than the average global spend).

Created in 2006, the VIVA Beauty Awards have gone from strength to strength in boosting awareness about the breadth and depth of the beauty industry, from high-end prestige brands, to brands found in convenience and drug stores.

This year’s VIVA Beauty Awards were sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel, Sephora, Inglot, Fiji Water, Karen Millen, So Famous and Fairmont The Palm Dubai.

List of Viva Beauty Awards 2013 winners per category:

Prestige

Best Foundation: Dior Skin Nude Foundation

Best Perfume: Gucci Premiere

Best Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Mascara

Best Nail Varnish: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

Best Anti-Ageing Product: Chanel Sublimage La Creme

Best Hair Product: Kerastase Elixir Ultime Radiating & Beautifying Scented Oil

Best Face Moisturiser: Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream

Best Lipstick :Chanel Rouge Allure

Best Body Product: Kiehl's Creme De Corps

Editor's choice cult classic: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Mass

Best Foundation: Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation

Best Perfume: Eau De Lacoste

Best Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes

Best Nail Varnish: Bourjois SO Laque Glossy

Best Anti-Ageing Product: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10

Best Hair Product: Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Mask

Best Face Moisturiser: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Best Lipstick :Bourjois BB Gloss 5-in-1

Best Body Product: Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow

Editor's choice cult classic: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Editor’s Seal of Approval: Max Factor Clump Defy Volumising Mascara

Best Hair Salon: Pastels Salon

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR MIDDLE EAST EVENT AWARDS 2013

The companies working behind the scenes to provide the region with top events and exhibitions had their moment on stage last night (May 22) at the Middle East EVENT Awards 2013.

Flash Entertainment took home Best Music Event with Beats on the Beach; Corporate Games won Best Sporting Event for the Abu Dhabi Corporate Games; while The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature was named Best Festival.

Among other notable winners were the Qatar National Convention Centre, which was named Best Events Venue, and IIR Middle East, named Employer of the Year.

Overall, there were 20 categories covering all aspects of the events industry, including lighting, temporary structures, sound production and exhibition stand design.

Hosted at the JW Marriott Marquis, the awards were part of the Middle East EVENT Show. The exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 21-23 targeted event and entertainment sector suppliers.

In addition to learning more about the events industry, visitors took a look back at the region’s best events of 2012 at EVENT Central – brought to you by Desert River - where those in contention for the Middle East EVENT Awards showcased what made the events so successful. 

The full list of category winners is as follows:

Best Exhibition (Trade or Consumer): Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company – International Defence Exhibition and Conference – IDEX 2013

Best Event on a Budget: Action Impact – du Surprises

Best Special Event: Lighthouse Productions – Grewal - Sachdev Wedding Reception Armani Pavilion.

Best Meeting or Conference: WRG – COP18/CMP8 Conference

Best Corporate Product or Service Launch: mamemo productions – Inauguration of Khalifa Port

Best Music Event: Flash Entertainment – Beats on the Beach

Best Event Lighting Design: Avantgarde – ‘The Centre of Now’ New Years’ Eve Celebration

Best Arts and Culture: WRG on behalf of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority – Qasr Al Hosn Festival

Best Sporting Event: Corporate Games – Abu Dhabi Corporate Games

Best Festival: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Best Events Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre

Employer of the Year: IIR Middle East

Best Sound Production: Filmmaster MEA – 50^th Anniversary of the Constitution of Kuwait

Best Exhibition Stand Design: Projex – The Abu Dhabi Pavilion at the World Routes Development Forum

Best Event Design: RedFilo on behalf of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority – Summer in Abu Dhabi

Best Temporary Venue or Structure: Al Laith Event Services – Red Bull X-Fighters

Best Entertainment Production: G-Force Arts Production – Opening Ceremony of FAI World Parachuting Championships – The Mondial, Dubai 2012

Supplier of the Year: Delta Sound

Young Achiever: Abhiroop Sen

Outstanding Contribution to the Middle East Event Indstry: Pierre Marcout

Tripp Lite to unveil latest infrastructure solutions at DCD Converged Dubai

New product portfolio defines blueprint for smarter data centre management across the Middle East

Servers are the largest segment of the IT infrastructure market with revenue reaching US$1.54 billion (AED5.7 billion) in 2013 and US$1.69 billion (AED6.2 billion) in 2016 in Middle East

Tripp Lite, a world-leading manufacturer of power protection, connectivity and infrastructure solutions, has announced its participation in the annual DatacenterDynamics (DCD) Converged Dubai conference on May 27 in Madinat Jumeirah.
Vipin Sharma, Tripp Lite’s Vice-President for Middle East and Africa (MEA), said the yearly peer-led data centre conference and expo series has been an ideal platform for key IT decision makers in the region to network and discuss the current trends and issues affecting the industry.
“Some of the topics that the event will tackle include consolidations and increased efficiency in data centres, which is critical in this part of the world as more and more companies rely on data centers for continuous uptime. to this is achieved by increasing infrastructure effectiveness, improving IT systems performance, lowering carbon footprint and controling spending,” he said.
Sharma added that Tripp Lite’s broad spectrum of advanced technologies – including energy saving single- and 3-phase UPS systems, power distribution units (PDUs), KVM IP and Console server switches, surge suppressors, rack enclosures, cooling and cables – have been created to provide a holistic approach to data centre operation.
According to Gartner, the data centre market in MEA has been thriving in recent years, fuelled by increased construction of Tier 3 and Tier 4 data centres – especially in Saudi Arabia and UAE – and primarily driven by multi-national corporations (MNC), as well as regional collocation and hosting service providers.
Data centre consolidation, coupled with new data centre build outs, will also spur IT infrastructure growth. Servers are the largest segment of the IT infrastructure market with revenue reaching US$1.54 billion (AED5.7 billion) in 2013 and US$1.69 billion (AED6.2 billion) in 2016, the technology research company has predicted.
“Considering this, it is no surprise why data centre managers put premium on higher efficiency and consolidation in their data centres. We see huge opportunity to grow in this segment of the regional IT industry and our product portfolio puts us ahead of the competition,” said Sharma.

During the annual conference, Tripp Lite will also showcase their latest single-phase switched PDU (PDUMVR30HVNET), which has an individual outlet current monitoring system. It features the ability to turn on, turn off, cycle or lock out power to individual receptacles, as well as locally and remotely monitor each receptacle’s output power consumption. This makes it easier for network managers to properly balance their loads, thus lowering costs and preventing energy waste.

Pinko Summer Staples

Summer Staples!

Starring in the Pinko spring/summer 2013 collection is a woman who reinvents herself. A woman, who observes, selects, mixes and interprets. A woman familiar with virtues and vices, work and play, serious occasions and times to relax. A woman who lives in difficult times, it’s true, but who constantly wears a smile. And when she gets into gear she leaves all others behind

Lineup of Men’s Best! It’s The Luxury Closet

Lineup of Men’s Best! It’s The Luxury Closet

** Our Top May Picks For The Gents **

The Luxury Closet is your one-stop-shop to finding the ultimate designer item, at the perfect price. Dubai’s online fashion retailer where you can buy - and sell - authentic top couture designer items for up to 70% off its original price tag, has given you the chance to flaunt fashion with a multitude of choice! However, when it comes to shopping,  we know a man truly appreciates the easy approach!

For this very reason, you should look to The Luxury Closet for ease and expertise in choosing the ultimate Top Picks for men. It is shopping made simple!

A wallet is an essential designer item or gift for any man, so express yourself with Louis Vuitton and its Nomade Leather Mens Wallet (AED 1,130). This ultimate classic and minimalist style can be carried around and enjoyed for years to come. Crafted from timeless brown leather, the exterior features stitched trim and an embossed LV logo, with ten credit card slots and a single bill note pocket inside.

Or, if you want to flash your cash with something more eye-catching, look no further than the Alexander McQueen Blue Wallet (AED 765). This stunning yet functional blue wallet is crafted from patent leather in a striking shade of blue, detailed with a silver Alexander McQueen plate. This sleek wallet opens to reveal four credit card slots, a flap coin pocket and two bill note pockets.

Dress up a casual look with the chic Louis Vuitton Cream Suede Monte Carlo Driving Loafers (AED 1,640) in size 41. Tailored and crafted from beige suede, they are accented with a silver LV buckle, contrast stitching and square toe. The leather insoles feature a Louis Vuitton label, just oozing with style.

For an even more informal - yet fashionable - look, ditch your ordinary sneakers for these luxe Jimmy Choo White Motcombe Sneakers (AED1,430) in size 44.5. These lace up front sneakers are made from white leather with contrasting blue trim, and the look is finished with beige suede side trim and embossed croc leather straps. The padded insoles are lined with white leather featuring Jimmy Choo labels, just perfect for strolling or partying!

How about treating yourself - or your ties - to the Louis Vuitton Tie Carrier (AED 1,865)? This is a classic and distinguished must-have for a man travelling to a wedding or special event. Crafted from coated canvas with a Louis Vuitton leather tag, the interior is lined and features straps for holding ties and button snap pockets. Nothing would make a better gift for a man who wants to carry his ties in style!

The Luxury Closet guarantees the authenticity of every purchase, or a full refund including all shipping costs across the world. And remember, all items are pre-owned, giving you the opportunity not just to buy, but sell your own luxury items too.

So, take a peek at the Top Picks for men and open up The Luxury Closet.

For more information visit www.theluxurycloset.com and allow yourself to be tempted.

Pick from the Best! It’s The Luxury Closet

Pick from the Best! It’s The Luxury Closet

** Our Top May Picks For The Ladies **

You have heard about The Luxury Closet, haven’t you? Dubai’s online fashion retailer where you can buy - and sell - authentic top couture designer items for up to 70% off its original price tag! Maybe you have made the decision to buy... but, there are so many tempting pieces out there, you need to make sure the one you pick is the perfect one for you. How can you be sure?

Well, we have picked out the Top Picks for the month for you, so that you can make exactly the right decision when purchasing a designer beauty!

A bright dose of colour is needed in every wardrobe, so why not indulge in this stunning Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Red Alma MM (AED 7,650)? Crafted from red monogram Vernis leather, the exterior features a top zip closure, rolled double handles, a Louis Vuitton tag, gold-tone keys and a padlock. Its large open interior is lined with fine red canvas and features two patch pockets, perfect for any occasion and for carrying a lot or a little!

For the ultimate in classic designer chic, the Chanel Classic Beige Caviar Jumbo 2.55 Flap (AED 14,900) will make for a long-awaited addition to your wardrobe. The classic exterior is crafted from diamond quilted beige caviar leather that features a back pocket, a flap front closure with the iconic double ‘CC’ logo twist lock and a shoulder length silver chain strap. The twist lock opens to reveal a spacious interior that is lined with beige leather and is accented with a stitched CC logo and features two patch pockets. And there’s more, this delightful bag comes with an authenticity card and original box... Have you ever felt more classy?!

Another must-have of bags is a satchel. Why not sport one with the Yves Saint Laurent YSL Teal Leather Muse Handbag (AED 3,715). You’ll love wearing this perfectly coloured and functional YSL satchel during the daytime. This Dome shaped handbag is made from teal grained leather with a stitched ‘Y’ detailed front, gold and leather locket accent, gold ring sides, a leather key pouch, a double zip closure and flat handles.

What connoisseur can purchase a handbag without thinking about shoes too? Make a fashion statement with the one and only Jimmy Choo Vienna Platform Sandal Wedges Size 40.5 (AED 2,100). These eclectic style Vienna wedges from Jimmy Choo are fun and very boho chic! Featuring different kinds of leather and fabric straps, these size 40.5 wedges have back zip closures, gold pulls, suede tassel details and stacked beige and brown 13.5 CM wedge heels. The beige lined insoles feature Jimmy Choo London labels and they will be delivered to you in their original box.

Complete a casual look and add a girly sweet splash to your style by being delicate and dainty with these Tory Burch Tan ‘Shelby’ Ballerina Flats Size 37.5 (AED 940). Made from tan leather, they are accented with flower ornaments, Tory Burch’s signature logo, rounded toes and ruched sides. The insoles are lined with leather and feature Tory Burch logos. The Luxury Closet guarantees the authenticity of every purchase, or a full refund including all shipping costs across the world. And remember, all items are pre-owned, giving you the opportunity not just to buy, but sell your own luxury items too.

Take a peek at our Top Picks and open the online treasure chest that is The Luxury Closet.

For more information visit www.theluxurycloset.com and allow yourself to be tempted.

Middle East Events Companies To Join Forces in Face of International Competition

Firms servicing events and exhibitions urge collaboration to overcome misconceptions about their capacity to handle major projects  

The Middle East events industry is battling a “misconception” that internationally-based firms are superior at servicing major events.

Regional companies that supply events with human resources, creative ideas, technology and equipment are facing stiff competition for lucrative deals from European firms in particular.

Eyeing upcoming events in areas such as sport and entertainment, as well as the possibility of Dubai hosting the World Expo 2020, they urged event hosts to have faith in their capacity to handle large-scale projects and to support an emerging pool of GCC locals working in the industry.

The issue was raised at The Middle East EVENT Show 2013 during an ISES Panel Discussion entitled Believe in the Local Power of World Class Performance.

“There is misconception among clients that international event companies provide a superior level of quality to those based here,” said Adrian Bell, Executive Director at Action Impact, a leading live communications agency in the Middle East.

“It’s a hangover from the past and we have to work together to remove that misconception and encourage clients to keep their Dirhams within the UAE.”

Sam Katiela, Managing and Creative Director, Mamemo Productions, said events to mark the opening of projects including Louvre Abu Dhabi represent significant opportunities for UAE-based companies.

“We have to make sure we work together to host these large-scale future events,” he said. “Clients often think they’re opting on the safe side by hiring overseas companies. We have to educate them on what we’re capable of and prove that we can repay their trust.”

Jean-Charles Durand, Managing Partner at Electra Events & Exhibitions, a solutions provider for exhibitions and events with offices in the GCC, said the local industry must collaborate to take on European competitors and better communicate their competitive advantages, such as smoother logistics.

“We have reached a stage in the Middle East where the industry has reached international standards,” he said. “We have the ability to produce events that can compete with those overseas.”

Mike Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Showforce, a company with a strong Middle East presence that supplies event support staff and services, pointed to an emerging pool of GCC locals with the technical skills to work within the industry.

“Clients are still bringing expensive resources from outside the region, but the talent and skills are here,” he said.

The third edition of the Middle East EVENT Show is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 21-23.

The show is considered the most important networking event in the Middle East's event industry calendar, targeting event and entertainment sector suppliers in the region.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, made an unofficial visit to the first day of the show.

The show features three days of seminars, workshops and discussion groups in addition to an exhibition of event services such as lighting and sound, special effects, and temporary structures.

The seminars focused on topics such as strategies to better engage bloggers for events, how to manage crowd safely at events, and the economic impact of staging festivals and events. 

Ramadan Fashion arrives at ValleyDez

Ramadan 2013 Collections

Ramadan is around the corner and ValleyDez Fashion Boutique has already rolled out the new collections suitable for the holy month by local and regional designers such as Essa, Amira Haroon, Aswad, Meena Rose, Julea Domani, Ghaly, Khatoon, Sage & Amber, Coquette, Mochi, F9009, EL-J,  The Ahli’s, Tiraz, Tissage, and many more. The collections will be in store as of May 20th and throughout the Holy month of Ramadan.

 “The Ramadan collection this year at ValleyDez is even more diverse and carries a fresh take on Ramadan Fashion” says Ghalia Abbas Owner of Valleydez. “We’ve worked with very talented regional and local designers, some are new and some are quite established, to give everyone a little something extra this Ramadan. Expect to see unique collections that carry tradition with a trendy twist.”

Available at ValleyDez Sunset Mall.

For more updates follow the ValleyDez Blog for the latest on fashion. www.valleydezblog.com

BRILLIANT FATHER’S DAY COLLECTION NOW ON WWW.MODAOPERANDI.COM

Available for a limited time only on www.modaoperandi.com

BRILLIANT FATHER’S DAY COLLECTION NOW ON WWW.MODAOPERANDI.COM NOW
FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPPING

Available for purchase on www.modaoperandi.com ONLY until 2nd June 2013, 11 PM EDT

This father’s day, transform dear old dad into dapper dad with gentlemanly accouterments. Whether he’s a cinema buff, literature aficionado, or sartorial savant, this handsomely curated selection has something for every fatherly persuasion.

MOST NOTABLE GIFTS:
James Bond Book Set (all signed by Sean Connery or a Bond Girl)
Louis Vuitton Backgammon Set
Bathing suits from Glass NYC
Vintage Cufflinks from Tiffany
Vintage Books
Cartier Cigar Box
Art Deco Guitar
Framed Map of Long Island
Selection of Vintage Rolex watches with a pair of decorative straps

EVENTS INDUSTRY DEBATES MIDDLE EAST CARBON FOOTPRINT

Tackling the carbon footprint produced by events held in the Middle East sparked a lively debate at a professional sound and light industry summit in Dubai today (TUES).

During a panel discussion at PALME Middle East 2013, experts looked at whether the massive amount of energy needed to put on everything from spectacular launch parties to concerts and shows can be justified.

The Middle East is often cited as a region which needs to address its carbon footprint with reports stating it has doubled in the last 25-30- years. In some countries the footprint is said to be almost 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person.

The event industry is a significant energy consumer through the use of huge lighting rigs, large-scale sound equipment and temporary air conditioning units.

A.B Sonu, a respected lighting designer who works across the Middle East and India, believes those within the industry must look at bringing in the latest electric-powered technology.

 “There needs to be action on reducing carbon footprint as soon as possible,” he said.

“There is the problem of a lack of understanding in the region that new technology can do this - although cost is obviously a factor.

“The cost of diesel here is low so there is a reliance still on that for power which I suppose is at the centre of the issue here.

“And when it comes to major concerts there is a reluctance among some big rock groups to make a shift from what they are used to.”

Debate moderator Nige Holborough pointed to research which suggests the problem is not that significant.

“There is data that says if all the people who come to a big concert stayed at home they would actually consume as much power so is the carbon footprint from events in the Middle East really that problematic?”

A large concert produces a carbon footprint of several thousand tonnes but new technology can reduce it – especially through lighting.

During the debate a representative of Clay Paky, who make lighting equipment for the Middle East, said the latest designs could reduce this “by half”.

PALME Middle East, held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the annual gathering of the region’s professional sound and light industry and this year once again attracted exhibitors from across the region.

Running until the end of the week, visitors are able to look at the latest in everything from laser show technology to cutting-edge sound equipment.

Alongside PALME is the Middle East EVENT Show which brings together event leaders across three days.

This year record numbers of visitors are expected at the exhibitions and for the series of lectures and discussion panels.

On the agenda is the increasing importance of social media in attracting audiences, security and the type of events which can succeed in the Gulf market.