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40 radwa el sherbiny Uncovered... December 2020

ON THE COVER

40 radwa el sherbiny The Feminist T.V. Host Opens Up

48 The year’s best red carpet moments Arab Stars Who Dressed to the Nines

50 2020 christmas gift guide Presents for Your Favourite Women Enigma Classics

8 enigma buzz News & Reviews

features

14 2020 in retrospect Biggest Pop Culture Moments of the Year

26 Heba elsewedy A Passionate Philanthropist Changing Lives

28 Najwa najjar The Palestinian Filmmaker’s Political Films

50 32 Tintera ring in the 50 new year Exploring Egypt’s First A brag for Photography Gallery the bag 34 mother being Nour Emam Educating Girls About

The InTernaTIonal arab magazIne www.enIgma-mag.com December 2020 ThE UlTimaTE Their Bodies Radwa ChRiSTmaS El ShERbiny Gift Guide TV’s Tenacious Trailblazer 36 tasneem el-meshad 2020 s LE 30 / UK £3 REd CaRp’ET on the cover Art for Women, by Women momEnTS Cover Star: Radwa El Sherbiny Cover Design: Ehab Magdy 48 fierce female Photographer: Bilo Hussein white PhilanThroPisTs f ilmmakers Stylist: Saeed Ramzi christmas fashion arTisTs & auThors The © All Rights Reserved Reproduction of any material in eniGma Year of Women is strictly prohibited without the written 64 enigma essentials consent of the publisher

WELCOME TO

enigma / i’nigma e / n (pl. enigmas) a question, person, thing, circumstance, etc. that is difficult to understand; a mystery.

Connecting with the editor December 2020

people in her beloved Palestine. Also included, is a feature on two pioneering women, Zein Khalifa and Heba Farid, who opened the first photography gallery, Tintera, in Egypt. Another fascinating article spotlights artist Tasneem El-Meshad, whose art comes straight from the heart. Radwa El Sherbiny You will also enjoy reading about Nour Emam, another pioneer in the spotlight, hile 2020 had its share of ups and making a name on social media with her downs, it was a monumental year platform, Mother Being, focusing on for women in Egypt and around educating young women about their the world. In Egypt, 2020 saw the own bodies. Heba Elsewedy rise of the #MeToo movement and several great women made waves And, of course, it’s that time of Win their respective industries. We are pleased to year again for our annual Holiday have eniGma end the year with this special issue Gift Guide, as well as our celebrating successful and inspiring women in our ‘2020 in Retrospect’ feature, country and the region. highlighting the pop culture Najwa Najjar moments of the past year. In this special ‘Women’s’ issue, we feature some of And just for fun, we’ve our favourite female screenwriters, philanthropists, selected some favourite red- artists and more. The eniGma team put a lot of effort carpet celebrity moments of to pick some of the best women achievers in every the year in our ‘2020’s Red field. We have a diverse and remarkable handful of Carpet Moments’ feature. women for you to discover in the pages ahead... I hope you enjoy this The first of these is our gorgeous and bold cover star, special December issue T.V. host Radwa El Sherbiny. Radwa’s talk show, as you cosy up by the Heya We Bas (Only for Her), has grown exponentially fireplace during the in popularity over the past few years. She has become holidays. From all of us Nour Emam a feminist icon, connecting with women who feel at eniGma, we hope you Prince Harry she understands their frustrations, and threatening have a safe festive season & Duchess Meghan a few men along the way. eniGma’s Deputy CEO, and wish you a very merry and Omnia Zaied, got to interview El Sherbiny and to happy New Year! observe her behind the scenes for this eye-opening cover feature. My Best Regards, We also feature Heba Elsewedy, the well-known philanthropist and founder of the Ahl Masr Foundation, which focuses on helping burn victims in Egypt free of charge. Elsewedy also tirelessly helped the country in countless ways during the coronavirus pandemic. Check out our interview with Lopez Jennifer her to learn more about this remarkable woman and Yasmine I. Shihata Tasneem El-Meshad her many charitable deeds. Founder & Editor-in-Chief Zein Khalifa eniGma Magazine & Heba Farid We are also pleased to feature several trailblazing women, including award winning Palestinian Follow the Editor on filmmaker Najwa Najjar, whose beautiful films @YasmineShihata address the continued injustice inflicted on her YasmineShihata eniGma welcomes your comments and suggestions. To contact the editor: Tel.: +(202) 2736 7759 or 2738 2554 e-mail: [email protected] www.enigma-mag.com Enigma Magazine eniGmamagazine Rolex Amina Khalil @EnigmaMagazine

BUZZ Middle East People Are Talking About...

Mercedes-Benz is Most Valuable Luxury Automotive Brand For the fourth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz was once more recognised as one of the most desired brands worldwide. The car victoriously ranked eighth in this year’s “Best Global Brands.” It’s estimated brand value of 49,268 billion US dollars made it the only European company in the top ten. Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG, explained that their secret is theirvextraordinary product and brand experience.

Vacheron Constantin Launches New Abu Dhabi Racing & Strata Form New Educational Initiative In the Middle East Partnership Aiming to empower and inspire young Emirati women, Vacheron Constantin Abu Dhabi Racing & Strata Manufacturing, owned by Mubadala Investment introduced the ‘One of Not Many Mentorship Program’, a new educational Company, have agreed to form a strategic alliance to propel the UAE’s female initiative in collaboration with Zayed University. The program mirrors the spirit empowerment into the upper echelons of global motorsport. The Strata brand of Vacheron Constantin, faithfully perpetuating its proud heritage of know- will adorn Abu Dhabi Racing’s cars and drivers’ uniforms during official com- how, passion and creativity. Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, President of Zayed petitions. Both entities pledged to drive the female empowerment conversation University, commented that this is a huge initiative dedicated to Emirati women. across the UAE.

Rotana Media Group Joins Ora Developers Announces Launch of Shahid VIP Coveted Winter Festival MBC Group and Rotana Media Group, the two largest media companies in After a long break, leading real estate company Ora Developers announced the MENA region, are joining forces to bring Rotana’s TV channels to Shahid the reopening of ZED Park, with all needed safety measures. The festival will VIP, MBC Group’s subscription video on demand platform. The long-term provide a wide range of entertainment that includes carnival games, fireworks, partnership will allow Shahid VIP to expand its Arabic content offerings busker performances and a performance by the one and only Tamer Hosny. The through its best- in-class streaming services. The new offerings, include TV festival will be open Saturday till Wednesday from 2-10 pm, and Thursday and series, movies and music content that cater to audiences of all ages. Friday from 2pm - 12 am. Entry price is 150 EGP for adults and 100 for kids.

8 www.enigma-mag.com Abu Dhabi tourism sees positive signs of recovery Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture (DCT) and Tourism held a meeting to share the latest updates on tourism activity in the Emirates. The meeting announced positive signs of recovery such as an increase in airline bookings and higher hotel occupancy rates in the last quarter of the year. Plans to boost tourism even more were also announced. These include the implementation of cashless payment system and the development of bus routes for tourism sites. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director at DCT, stated that even during challenging periods, they are constantly working toward making Abu Dhabi an extraordinary destination.

Abdine Palace Hosts Um Kulthum Cairo Festival City Announces CFC Hologram Concert Club Project MBC Group brought back the “good old times” with two Umm Kulthum Cairo Festival City (CFC) has unveiled Al-Futtaim Group’s newest flagship concerts in Cairo’s Abdine Palace in November. The legendary singer project, CFC Club, during its participation in the 2020 edition of Cityscape, was presented on stage using hologram technology accompanied by a live Egypt’s biggest real estate exhibition. CFC also showcased “Oriana IV”, Aura oriental Takht. Producers of the show perfectly simulated the atmosphere of Apartments” and “The Podium” offices. CFC is considered the first of its kind Umm Kulthum’s historic live concerts giving the audience an extraordinary offering an all-inclusive real estate service; combining residential, administrative experience. and entertainment venues.

OSN unveils Plan to Transform the Tory Burch Opens New Boutique in Saudi Arab Entertainment Landscape Arabia OSN announced plans to double its investment in Arabic content in 2021 Tory Burch announced the opening of a new boutique at Mode Al Faisaliah with the launch of OSN Originals, a new content umbrella wholly dedicated to Mall in Riyadh. The new store extends the brand’s footprint in Saudi Arabia regionally produced content. Season three of A’adet Regala (Guy Talk) and Yalla beyond its boutiques in Jeddah, Al Khobar and Riyadh. This will be the 24th Neta’asha (Let’s Dine) form part of that new content. OSN Originals will support Tory Burch location in Middle East since it launched in Dubai in 2011. The regional producers and screenwriters by providing opportunities for them to store’s facade is distinguished by Tory Burch’s signature green awning and connect with audiences across OSN’s expansive network in over 20 countries. orange lacquer doors.

www.enigma-mag.com 9 BUZZ hot style pick! Earrings by Nina Runsdorf www.ninarunsdorf.com

Tony Ward Comes Back in Style Couture Designer Tony Ward skipped the last season to reassess Tommy Hilfiger’s Fall and realign, and has now returned with an exciting leap forward. 2020 Inclusivity and The iconic designer is back with his 2021 collection full of couture Diversity Campaign dresses and suits inspired by Bei- rut’s underground party scene. The Tommy Hilfiger announced its Fall 2020 collection features designs made Tommy Icons collection centered around for every type of party animal, in- the theme of ‘Moving Forward Together,’ viting people to party in style, when representing inclusivity and diversity. The the pandemic is over, of course! collection features a diverse cast that takes consumers on a journey of self-expression, while building on the brand’s history of pushing the boundaries of what the fashion December industry stands for. this month’ s pretty things

QUIRKY BUY Most Expensive Bag Shoes by Off-White in the World To www.off---white.com Save The Oceans The Italian brand Boarini Milanesi is launching the most expensive bag in the DUNHILL’s Man’s Best world, priced at seven million dollars, to raise awareness for the urgent need to Friend Collection protect our seas and to conduct cleaning operations. With the Covid-19 pandemic, Dunhill is introducing its 2020 Festive Campaign pollution in seas and oceans are threatened portraying the special bond between dogs and more than ever by non-biodegradable their owners. The campaign highlights how this plastics. This initiative is inspired by the bond became even stronger with owners spending personal story of one of the brand’s two longer periods of time at home during quarantine. founders: Matteo Rodolfo Milanesi. The The collection is inspired by the 1970s archive unique bag is dedicated to Milanesi’s father packaging and focuses on leather goods, footwear who was very concerned with preserving and accessories. the crystal clear waters of the oceans. 10 www.enigma-mag.com

Ariana in the House with Well-Positioned New Album BUZZ Another year, another new Ariana Entertainment Grande album. The pop sensation released her highly anticipated sixth album, Positions, after teasing it with a simple viral tweet only two weeks before its release. The music video for the first single and title track off the #1 album, featured Grande as the president of the United States. The song topped the Billboard charts and extended Grande’s record as the only artist in history to have five #1 debuts.

Wahda Keda Makes Its Debut at Cairo Inter- national Film Festival The 42nd annual Cairo International Film Festival is officially being held from 2-10 Lama Benetweled is Egypt’s Official December. Among the list of participating entry for the Oscars competition movies that were announced was Wahda Keda (About a Girl), directed by Marwan Nabil. The Lama Bentweled (When We Are Born), directed by Tamer Ezzat and written by movie stars Reham Abdel Ghafour, Salwa Nadine Shams is Egypt’s official entry in the competition for Best Foreign Film Othman, Mohammed Ali Rezq and Hazem at the 2021 Motion Picture Academy Awards. A warm blend of drama and Samir, and tells the story of a girl who goes romance, the story revolves around the lives of three people and showcases through life being judged by the people and how far people are willing to go for the ones they love. The movie, which society around her. includes some lovely songs that give a deep meaning to the film, stars Passant Shawky, Amir Eid and Amr Abed, among others.

Nemra Etnen is Egypt’s Number One Show The extraordinary series, Nemra Etnein (Number Two), started streaming on Shahid VIP last October; with one consistent theme, but a different story, best cast and director in every episode. The show gained popularity with its edgy stories tackling the idea that, without having any really bad intentions, there dressed always is a “second person” in every love story. The episodes so far have J.Lo is once again the starred Amr Youssef, Saba Mobarak, Arwa Gouda, Asser Yassin, Nelly Karim, star of the month belle of the ball in a dripping hot Balmain Nicolas Moawad, Sherine Reda, Maged Kedwany, Menna Shalaby, Ahmed Dua Lipa is bringing “new rules” to the music ensemble Malik and others. The episodes are directed by several prominent directors, scene with a hit album, hot collabs and 12 Gram- including Hady al-Bagoury, Hany Khalifa, Tamer Mohsen, Tariq al-Eryan, with my nominations! stories by Adam Abdelghaffar and screenplays by Mariam Naoum. 12 www.enigma-mag.com

feature Jaw Droppers

Egypt’s Me Too Movement The Kanye Collapse For way too long, sexual harassment in Egypt has been swept under the rug, with The world got a front row seat to Kanye’s bipolar manic episodes over the past victims fearing social rejection and harsh family reactions. As a result, victims have summer as his videos and tweets went viral for weeks. After bashing his wife, Kim rarely received justice for their traumatising incidents. Well, not until this past Kardashian, on stage at his first Presidential campaign event (not to mention just summer when an anonymous Instagram page completely reshaped the game for running for the Presidency in the first place as a publicity stunt), to revealing per- females all over the country. Social media has notably been the single driving force sonal information regarding the birth of their first child, as long as he continues behind the newfound confidence on victims’ and witness’ testimonies, and we are to refuse medications that may alleviate his manic behaviour, sadly we can expect hopeful we will see even more progress soon. more episodes to come in the near future.

Looking2020 back onin a Crazy Re Year Corona Craze It’s hard to believe how, at this time last year Corona was foreign to our ears. In many ways, the Covid-19 has truly reshaped our world. From how we greet our loved ones, to how we travel and shop, we are left to wonder if touch will become an actual taboo, a frightening act of the past. On the plus side, many of us have realised how much we took the time spent with our loved ones for granted, and moving forward, we are determined never to take any- thing for granted again. Brennifer Reunion A Royal Emancipation Finally, the reunion we have all been praying for! Jennifer Anis- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to leave ton and Brad Pitt’s long-awaited reconciliation at this year’s SAG the Palace for a “much simpler life” and to become awards reminded us how much we missed seeing the former financially independent. The couple revealed that couple together. Of course, leave it to the internet to over-excit- their decision was rooted in their battles with the me- dia and even the monarchy itself, and the constraints edly devise new fantasies that the two are getting back together, they had been feeling. Nonetheless, they managed to in a series of memes posted all over social media. The exes were stay in the spotlight by signing a multi-million dollar all smiles and laughs that night, and the world was loving every bit deal with Netflix. Markle also recently revealed hav- of their sweet moment backstage. 2020 did not seem so bad to ing gone through a miscarriage in the summer and us as we watched these two former lovebirds coexist in harmony. the pain and grief she experienced in silence. 14 www.enigma-mag.com B100 Wesh Nemra Etnein (100 Faces) Emily in Paris (The Other Thing) Tiger King

Leh Laa? (Why Not?) Paranormal Binge-Worthy Wonders Nancy’s Bad News One silver lining we all felt staying at home during the pandemic was being able to binge-watch Nancy Ajram, Lebanon’s princess of pop, experienced an alleged television series without worrying about negative comments from family and friends, since armed robbery in her luxury home in Lebanon and the intruder was everyone was doing that too! An added benefit was that we no longer had to invent excuses shot by Ajram’s husband, Fadi Al-Hashem. The surveillance record- for cancelling plans and just staying home. Regardless of what we thought of the storyline in ing of the incident was circulated across various channels on social Emily in Paris, could any of us really resist clicking on the next episode? Not to mention, our media, and led to an arrest warrant for Al-Hashem. While the world binging of the hit Egyptian series, Nemra Etnein (The Other Thing), Paranormal, Leih Laa is still in the dark on the outcome of this unfortunate case, all we can (Why Not?) and B100 Wesh (100 Faces), which were some of the most-viewed series online. do is pray for our beloved Nancy and her beautiful little girls.

It’s that time of year! We take you on a trip down memory lane for what has easily been one of the craziest years in trecent history.r 2020 certainlyospect had its fair share of downs, but there no doubt was a silver lining as well, in the valu- able lessons we learnt and the precious memories we cherish with each other. Here’s everything that happened in the world of pop culture over the past 12 months. Buckle up, because this is going to be one rollercoaster ride.

Jason Derulo Farouk El Gohary It’s TikTok

Kobe & Gianna Bryant Naya Rivera Time TikTok was truly at the fore- front of this stay-at-home Gone Too Soon phase. Earning increased This year definitely saw a monumental amount of downfalls, success and popularity in including the shocking deaths of some of our favourite ce- just a few short months, lebrities. From Glee’s Naya Rivera, Chadwick Boseman from there is no doubt this app Blank Panther and, of course, star athlete Kobe Bryant. The will continue to dominate the social landscape beyond world seemed to truly stop at the sudden death of Bryant 2020. We have sisters Charli and his daughter Gianna in a tragic plane crash earlier this and Dixie D’ Amelio, Ad- year. Not to mention the shocking suicide of Love Island UK’s dison Rae, Loren Gray and former host, Caroline Flack, which showed us people are Farouk El Gohary to thank Chadwick Boseman often not as happy as they seem on screen, and that mental for their skillful dance moves illness is a very real struggle. Addison Rae and popular slurs. www.enigma-mag.com 15 Fiery Feuds

Megan Fox Rose McGowan & Bryan Austin Green & Alissa Milano The ground doesn’t seem so “green” for this for- The Charmed-sisters argued on twitter over Ameri- mer couple. Megan Fox left her husband for rapper can politics, with Rose McGowan criticising the Machine Gun Kelly, publicly claiming she had found Democrats for “achieving nothing” and accusing her long-lost soulmate. Green threw some shade Democrat Alissa Milano, of making the Charmed set by showing his love for his number one priority – “toxic”. A Twitter war between the two ensued, their three boys – on Instagram, which seemed to with tweets full of hatred and bad words here and rub Fox the wrong way, brewing yet another social there becoming a trending topic with people taking media fight. one side or the other.

Megan Thee Stallion Donald Trump & Tory Lanez & Joe Biden Joe Biden won the White House This is one bizarre feud, because till this very in a feud like no other, needless to moment no one has a clue what really went say. Though Trump’s ego may be down. Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee bruised, a big chunk of the world is Stallion in the feet. In early July, this revelation finally rejoicing in the results of the took over social media. In November, Megan US presidential elections. The soon- unveiled her new album with the title of the to-be-Former President Donald first song being Shots Fired. Although his name Trump somewhat acknowledged his was not mentioned in the song, this set the defeat publicly for the first time on stage for the next episode of their feud. twitter, when he posted, “He won because the election was rigged.”

Britney & Jamie Spears Hany Shaker Wendy Williams Oops, it seems Britney can’t catch a break. After & Hamo Bika & Nene Leaks years of the #FreeBritney floating all over social me- dia, with fans speculating Spears is being taken ad- Love it or hate it, Mahraganat music is now consid- When TV host Wendy Williams threw shade to- vantage of by her father since her mental breakdown ered a music genre. Earlier this year, Hany Shaker, wards her frequent frenemy Nene Leaks. Leaks aired in 2007, Britney Spears lost her bid in court against Egypt’s head of the musicians’ guild, expressed the reasons she left Real Housewives of Atlanta and ex- her father. With her father continuing to claim that his outrage at the lyrics of these kind of songs and pressed her anger towards Williams, who, she siad, she was not yet ready to take full control over her banned Hamo Bika, as well as most other Mahra- was not her friend anymore. She also was not shy to estate, Britney vowed never to perform again. ganat singers, from performing anywhere in Egypt. throw some major disses down Williams’ way. 16 www.enigma-mag.com Squashed Beefs

Tamer Hosny Will Smith & Bassma Boussel & Janet Hubert The beloved Tamer Hosny set the record In what must be one of the longest beefs in pop straight and reconciled with his wife, Bassma culture, a nearly three-decade feud between Boussel, following her public Instagram an- Will Smith and his Fresh Prince aunt, Janet Hu- nouncement of their split. The Egyptian su- bert, came to an end after Smith invited Hubert perstar shared a message asking his wife to re- to make an appearance on the hit 90s’ sitcom consider. Quickly after, Bassma expressed her reunion special. regret with an “I Love You.”

Kim Kardashian & Tati West- Kourtney Kardashian brook & James Years of growing differences turned into a full- on fist fight between the OG Kardashian sis- Charles ters, Kim and Kourtney. Needless to say, it was After what may be one of televised. The bickering isn’t new to Keeping up 2019’s biggest public feuds, with the Kardashians fans, but when things got with Tati Westbrook and physical, we can’t deny our surprise. Eventu- James Charles posting videos ally, during a family trip, the sisters made-up and posts back and forth, the and became closer than ever. former friends called a cease- fire and reconciled.

Demi Lovato, Miley Ahmed ElSaka Kendall & Kylie Jenner Cyrus & Selena Gomez & Tamer Hosny After spending more than a month on bad terms, Miley Cyrus expressed her love for both Selena A surprising feud arose between the two celebrity following another major physical fight, this time Gomez and Demi Lovato; while former bes- friends over a misunderstanding regarding Hosny’s between the two mega-famous Jenner sisters, Ken- ties Lovato and Gomez aren’t yet reconciled. movie, El Feloos (Money), in which Sakka made a dall and Kylie finally made up. The sisters had pre- Cyrus made amends with both, separately, on cameo appearance. Sakka reached out to his long- viously had a couple of tense encounters, but this her mental health advocating-Instagram quar- time friend and Hosny made amends and their time it was crazily dramatic. The feud ended when antine series. fans were assured that all is well. Kendall reached out to make peace, and it paid off. www.enigma-mag.com 17 Santa’s Nice List Mona Zaki Smile Egyptian superstar and renowned actress Mona Zaki has proven to be the star of her generation, setting beautiful examples of suc- cess for females in the Arab world. In addition to her advocacy on important causes, such as covid charities and cyberbullying awareness campaigns, she just got presented with the Faten Hamama Award for Excellence at the opening ceremony of the Cairo International Film Festival, in recognition of her extensively astounding body of work. The Gen ‘Z’ Star One of the brightest celebrities of Gen-Z, Zendaya showcases her strength and radi- ance time and time again, elucidating how to use fashion to tell stories. Her ongoing fight against racial stereotypes, body-shaming and empowerment of young girls, coupled with her unique looks, make her one of the most notable of her generation. Let’s not forget her talent, earning her the Emmy for Best Drama Actress for Euphoria this year.

Holly Jolly Dolly Not only is Dolly Parton incredibly talented, but her charitable heart has earned her a spot on this year’s Nice list. Beside her support for underprivileged and subdued communities, as well as generous donations to the Bar- bara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and the Save the Music Foundation, the icon donated $1 million to a covid research at Vanderbilt University, which helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in early April.

Dearest Drew Zuhair Magic Successful American actress, Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair producer, director, author Murad put his skills into helping and talk show host (she his beloved homeland, Beirut, af- basically does it all), Drew ter the horrific explosion. Murad Barrymore made a whop- released a limited collection, un- ping five million dollar do- der the name of ‘Rising from the nation toward Tampa kid’s Ashes’ with all the profits direct- effort to stock libraries and ed towards victim relief. Murad’s animal shelters with recy- A-list Hollywood friends, such as cled goods. Perhaps, a rare J.Lo and Courtney Cox, as well example of one who uses as Arab icons, like Yousra and their success to do good Laila Eloui, took to social media and make others genuinely to promote the tees and hoodies. happy. Her new Drew Bar- Earlier this year, the designer de- rymore Show is nothing short buted his Spring/Summer Haute of authentic and honest, as Couture collection in Paris, rede- she urged us all this year to fining Ancient Egyptian themes in not be afraid of change - in the 21st century. every aspect of life. 18 www.enigma-mag.com Santa’s Naughty List Mischievous Malek Breakout star Ahmed Malek faces yet another lowkey controversy after his successful partici- pation in the fourth edition of Gouna Film Fes- tival. A video surfaced online of Malek allegedly shoplifting a certain gentlemen’s supply at a gas station. So, we guess all that fame usually comes with a price. Now, that’s no way to earn Santa’s gifts this year, Ahmed.

Lucifer Wears Lea Former Glee actress Samantha Ware recently re- vealed that Michele made her life a “living hell,” while working on the show, but that wasn’t even the half of it. In the midst of the controversy, many of Michele’s former colleagues from various productions have backed up the allegations, de- tailing the same attitude recounted by Ware, rec- ognising a pattern of negative on-set behaviour. However, the new-mum wearily apologised for her microaggressions on set, and perhaps Santa does have some room for forgiveness this year.

Ellen De-Generate The comedian and talk show host has been the subject of a lot of bad press this year. In late March, the Dutch beauty YouTuber Nikkie de Jager said that DeGeneres had been “cold and distant” during de Jager’s appear- ance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. It only got worse from there. Twitter threads popping up with stories about De- Generes being “one of the meanest people alive” quickly spread, accumulating more than 2,000 replies, several from her very own staff members. DeGeneres ended up giving a public apology; however, something just can’t be fixed – like this star’s now-broken image.

Hot-Headed Hadia She Just Keeps This year, the Egyptian influenc- Rowling er struck a nerve close to home Harry Potter author J.K. for many of women around the Rowling was the source of country. Refusing to use her plat- heavy backlash in early June form for promoting anti-sexual for highly controversial harassment campaigns, Ghaleb tweets she posted targeting stood by her choice, claiming she the transgender commu- prefers to only promote “fashion, nity. Many began tweeting travel and entrepreneurship,” to stop reading her books. disappointing and angering many Harry Potter stars Daniel of her fans. Considering the so- Radcliffe and Emma Wat- cial context by which this all took son, who played Hermi- place, it is no doubt she faced se- one Granger both released vere backlash from social media statements about Rowling’s users, and drastically lost a num- comments, defending the ber of followers. However, she trans community. Well, ended up taking her words back that couldn’t get any more and apologising. awkward. www.enigma-mag.com 19 advertorial Omar & Osman Zarkani BRING LUXURY TRAVEL TO EGYPT

With the global pandemic raging around us and people becoming fearful about flying, private jets have emerged as a great alternative to com- mercial flights to those who can afford them. This has not gone unnoticed by ZAS Group’s Executive Flights Direc- tor, Osman Zarkani, and his brother, Omar Zarkani, the Group’s Managing Director. Believing that the time was opportune, they recently launched the ZAS Jet Club which provides luxurious private jets with impeccable service on and off their flights to its members. eniGma’s Ezz Al-Turkey was pleased to meet the Zarkani brothers on one of their luxury private jets to chat about their recent venture and to find out why they think private flying is the way to go at this time

ow did the idea for start- ing ZAS Jet Club come about? Osman: It was a natural progression for us. ZAS started as an import export company for agricultural products, which later on be- came a cargo company and then eventually became a passenger trans- Hport company. Today, we are progressing into the field of private charter jets, consultancy and management. We realised that this is the right time of the market. We are pioneering for our services. A lot of people are this service in Egypt at the right starting to fear flying because of time, given the current economic the pandemic. They also fear being situation and the general environ- surrounded by a lot of people in ment. We are undertaking this crowded terminals. With our ser- marketing campaign to showcase vice, you have your private terminal what ZAS Jet Club is aiming to and you also have your private air- do; namely to provide charter craft, so you avoid all the conges- services, not only from Egyptian tion, and of course you get to fly airports but also internationally, whenever you want. You basically while catering to all travelling cli- choose your own flight time, your ents’ needs. menu and the people who fly with you. These are all the things that Omar: In addition to providing come along with flying in private the client with the right aircraft, jets! we provide all the services that go along with it; including all the ZAS Jet Club is entrusted with the logistics involved, starting with provision of private jet services to when the passengers leave their our clients. It covers all types of house to boarding the aircraft. aircraft, long range and mid-range, For example, one of the things and encompasses all related servic- we do is pick up luggage ahead of es. We have a fleet of 14 aircrafts of time. Passenger doesn’t have to all ranges and we cover all aspects worry about their luggage as it is

22 www.enigma-mag.com already in the aircraft when they board. We Tell us about the different types of cli- could bring his own medical team. also take care of all immigration and custom entele that you recieve... procedures beforehand. And we provide Osman: We have different types of clients Can you expand on the privileges that limousine services to and from the airport for our services. Of course, we get a lot of ZAS Jet Club members enjoy? upon departure and arrival, of course. We business people who have projects spread Omar: We have a portfolio for every mem- also arrange accommodation if needed. across the region. They are a big part of our ber who flies with us regularly. We study clientele, obviously, because they travel a the needs of every member so that we can Another important part of our services is lot and they require a specific standard for offer him services tailored to him. We get our tailored catering on board the aircraft. flying. to know a lot about the likes and dislikes We tailor our catering according to the pas- of each member, for example, what kind of sengers’ requests. They can choose from a However, we don’t like or want to limit food, what kind of entertainment, they like, menu that includes different cuisines, and ourselves to businessmen, private flying is etc. So when they fly, they can expect us to that ranges from seafood to an Arab or convenient for everyone, and every passen- serve them what they like to eat, at the time Egyptian breakfast. We are proud of our ger comes with a set of needs. We try to they like, and to provide them with the crew really wide range of choices. This is what cater to these needs and tailor the flight ex- they prefer to fly with, etc. makes our services at the high standard re- perience around the passenger. quired for VIP travel We compile and experiences. study all the data to make sure that every What challenges aspect of the flight is did you face as you tailored to the specif- started? ic client. This makes Omar: The main it so much easier to challenge was to pro- offer the client all vide a standard of the things that satisfy service that is very him. If a passenger high. It is very impor- is not a member of tant to have the right the ZAS Jet Club, we kind of staff who are take the time to get able to provide this to know him more. high standard of ser- vice. They have to go Osman: Another through a vigorous advantage to being a interview process, to ZAS member is our make sure that they “fly now and pay lat- are up to par with er” agreement with what ZAS represents. them. As a member, They should under- you don’t need to stand what it is to deal with financial is- fly private; and they sues before you take should know how to off. This relieves you deal with different of an important has- types of people, like sle before flying. passengers who are in a rush, or passen- “In addition to providing the client What can we gers who are stressed expect from ZAS in as they fly to an im- with the right aircraft, we provide all the next 10 years? portant meeting and Osman: The next don’t want to worry the services that go along with it” step we are preparing about anything else. for is aircraft Not to mention, we have passengers from management, because a lot of our clients Our staff are trained to understand the dif- the entertainment industry, who need to fly are potential buyers as well. Some of them ferent moods and situations our clients may private. We get a lot of famous singers and want to purchase their own aircraft but be in. We have a very diverse clientele, and actors flying to different events inside and don’t know where to start. We help them each passenger comes with his or her own outside Egypt. We also have high-worth in- by asking them questions like, ‘what type special situation. So, it is a challenge for the dividuals who fly privately for leisure. of flights are you planning?’ and ‘what staff to fully understand each client’s situa- destinations do you usually go to?’ If they tion. Another challenge we sometimes face Then, of course, we have ambulance air- fly within the region, we recommend a is when there is a flight delay that is not in crafts for people with a medical need to certain type of aircraft; and if they usually our hands. travel to another country in an emergency go on long flights, we recommend another or just for a medical service. These are very type. We will do all the management and If a passenger is not aware of the techni- important sort of flights that require their maintenance of their aircraft and supply cal issues that can happen, our staff needs own preparations. It’s important to provide them with a crew. We have decades of to be able to explain it to the passenger. aircrafts with equipment on board to serve expertise int his field and we can use that Staff should also have alternative solutions any type of medical case, as well as a doctor as an assett to help potential clients. We available for the passenger if a delay does on board to attend to the patient. The doc- are not just focusing on Egypt. Aviation is happen. tor could be provided by us, or the patient a global service.

www.enigma-mag.com 23 advertorial Sherif Eltaher Interior Design with Personality ith a degree in engi- this approach, Eltaher neering from Ain Shams wholeheartedly believes University and a project in the advantages of be- management diploma ing candid and open. from the U.S., Sherif “Social media removes Eltaher began his pro- the barrier between my Wfessional career as a contractor. However, client and me. Having given his artistic bent and natural creativity, people follow, not only he soon realised that this field was not the my work, but also my right one for him. His initial hesitancy to life, what I eat, do and switch careers was eventually overcome, in where I go, definitely no small part due to his father’s strong en- warms the client up to couragement, and in 2014, he pivoted from me, and creates a con- contracting to interior design, for which he nection between us. A turned out to be naturally gifted. Today, lot of other designers Eltaher is running his own successful design may disagree with this, firm, Eltaher Designs, boasting an impres- but it works very well sive roster of residential and commercial for me and my clients. projects in Cairo and the North Coast. I also don’t mind shar- ing my expertise with Shortly after his decision to switch profes- beginner designers. I sions, Eltaher got the opportunity to design like helping people,” he his first apartment and he put his all into explains. the challenge. “I wouldn’t have had a career in design if it wasn’t for my father. He was While his firm designs commer- the one who got me the first apartment I cial projects and office spaces, designed, and then it just grew from there. Eltaher prefers working on resi- Two years ago I started Sherif Eltaher De- dential projects, where he feels he signs, which became the full fledged design has more flexibility. “I prefer res- studio you know today. Before that, I was idential projects because they give just doing 3D designs,” Eltaher recounts. me more space for creativity and they don’t involve strict deadlines, Eltaher is known for his luxurious, chic and which can prevent me from exe- modern designs, while making sure they cuting everything that I may want don’t come over as ‘too much’. Adamant to include in my designs. Over about always using just enough of what is the past year, we completed a lot needed for each design, he is convinced of residential projects that we’re that luxurious and out of the box designs, proud of in Cairo and the North should still be easy on the eyes. “I like to Coast. They were some of our best give everything exactly what it needs, espe- work, for sure,” he exclaims. cially when designing a residence which will be someone’s home. I use just the necessary With three new residential pro- amount of material needed and don’t go jects underway in the North Coast overboard, otherwise the outcome will not at the moment, demand for Elta- be right,” he explains, adding, “I also make her’s designs, especially for holi- sure that my client’s personality shines day homes, continues to grow. through the home I design. I tailor each His design firm is also planning home to my client’s personality.” to expand beyond Egypt, first regionally then worldwide in the Interestingly, Eltaher likes to set himself future. Looking ahead, the talent- apart from other designers by sharing his ed designer says, “I really want us design process with others, including his to be a brand name, especially in clients. Taking advantage of social media the Middle East. I want to launch and his own outgoing and eccentric per- different branches, with our main sonality, he uses his platforms to show his headquarters remaining in Egypt. followers and clients how he goes about Egypt has some of the best inte- the stages of his designs, from beginning to rior designers in the world and I end, including personal aspects of his life in want to help them further their the process. While many of his peers and talent and give them better op- some of his own staff, are not convinced of portunities.”

20 www.enigma-mag.com

advertorial Estetica Dental Twin Brothers Perfecting Smiles Your teeth play a huge role in your self confidence, and Estética Dental is determined to make every one of their patients feel good about themselves. Founded by twin brothers Drs. Ayman Osman and Haytham Othman, Estética Dental is a comprehensive clinic that includes doctors specialising in all fields of dentistry. eniGma’s Ezz Al-Turkey visited the clinic in Heliopolis to find out more about its services, and to get to know more about the two doctors at its helm.

hen you competition,” explains first arrive Dr. Haytham. “We’ve at Estéti- learnt that photography ca Dental, and social media are W you will crucial for standing out be pleasantly surprised nowadays. Taking be- by its luxurious, beauti- fore and after pictures ful design, which is not with our phones is not standard fare for dental good enough anymore. clinics. The clinic’s at- We take professional mosphere is comforting pictures of our work so and reassuring, pro- people can see the true viding a calming space results in high quality for patients, especially when they come across those who normally fear our pages online. We going to the dentist. Dr. think that encourages Ayman and Dr. Hay- more people to come tham Osman’s friendly to Estética; because they demeanour also puts see the quality of our patients further at ease. work,” adds Dr. Ayman. The twin brothers, who Another big part of what are hard to tell apart, makes Estética Dental come from a family of different from other doctors and both grad- clinics is the number of uated with a bachelor’s cases they do for free. degree in dentistry spe- They are adamant about cialising in prostho- helping the less fortu- dontics from Medical nate and offering their School at Future Uni- services free of charge to versity in Egypt. In those can’t afford them. 2017, they started Es- While at the beginning, “We have the latest state-of-the-art technologies and equipment in order to provide the best quality of care for our patients” -Dr. Ayman Osman tética Dental together, with the aim of pro- Egypt, is a very competitive field, with a they were offering free dental care for pa- viding dental services at the highest quality large number of clinics and dentists enter- tients suffering from dental pain and dis- possible. “At the beginning, to demonstrate ing every year. This competition was one ease, they later decided to branch out and what we do, each of us would upload pic- of the main challenges for the twin dentists also offer cosmetic services free of charge. tures of his work on his social media ac- when they first graduated and decided to With both doctors specialising in the cos- counts,” Dr. Haytham recalls, adding, “One start their own clinic. They had to figure metic side of dentistry, they receive many of the first patients we had four years ago out how they would set themselves apart patients who just want a better smile but needed upper and lower veneers. When we from the rest without stepping on anyone’s can’t afford the needed procedure. “We posted those pictures, many people liked toes. “Of course, we faced some challeng- perform a lot of procedures free of charge, the results and began calling us. When we es in our journey. Competition in dentist- for those who can’t afford them,” says Dr. started adding more professional pictures of ry in Egypt is a big deal, as the number of Ayman. “Many of these patients are poor our results, more patients with many differ- dentists is always on the rise, and everyone teenage girls who want to get married but ent problems came to us because they liked wants to be at the same level. Therefore, to cannot because their teeth need a makeo- what they saw.” reach the level you aspire to as a dentist, to ver and they can’t afford it. The same thing be special and to earn a great reputation, also applies to some guys. We now each do It’s no secret that dentistry, especially in you have to exert more effort than your full dental makeovers for free to one patient

24 www.enigma-mag.com per month,” Dr. Haytham explains, adding, makes our work stand out. Unlike others, ties, like tennis and horse riding, and now as “Our younger doctors at the clinic some- from day one, we invested heavily in our lab adults, the two like to go kite surfing, which times work with us on these patients. This and it has become one of the best labs in they pursue when they are away from work. helps them get the training they need, under Egypt. That’s why we’re special, and that’s “We actually used to be professional tennis our supervision of course.” why people trust the quality in our work. players! After deciding to major in dentistry, We have the latest state-of-the-art technol- however, we focused only on that and aban- While the coronavirus pandemic has had an ogies and equipment in order to provide doned our tennis aspirations. To have rank- effect on most institutions and businesses, the best quality of care for our patients. It ings In tennis, you have to work out and train Dr. Ayman and Dr. Haytham have not let is what they deserve,” exclaims Dr. Ayman. every day, and we didn’t have time for that it impact Estética Dental. They introduced Not surprisingly, the twin brothers, who anymore. Lately, we started horse riding and maximum safety precautions and took all the have grown up together all the way through kite surfing. Hobbies are important because necessary steps to ensure the safety of their university, work very well together. They they relieve stress and eliminate negative en- patients and their ergy. After the week- staff, and as a re- Before Before end, we come back to sult, Estética Den- work in a good mood. tal continues to do This is definitely -re well. “During the flected in our work with first three months our patients,” says Dr. of the coronavirus, Ayman, as his brother we were taking Work by nods in agreement. emergency cases Dr. Haytham (root canals and While Estética Dental braces) only, even has come a long way though many peo- in the short three years ple were calling, since its founding, the wanting to beautify brothers are planning their teeth during to expand their Heliop- the free time they After After olis clinic to make it a had. But we stuck comprehensive dentist- to our decision to Before Before ry centre. While they limit our work to like the idea of opening emergencies, due other branches as well, to the pandemic. they are putting that Then, one step at on hold, because they a time, we began believe it is extreme- to accept more pa- Work by Dr. Ayman ly important for them tients while taking to be involved in every all the needed pre- minor and major detail, cautions, includ- and that would require ing sanitising and them to be physically wearing overshoes present at the new lo- and gloves all the cations. “In the long time. We also lim- term, we want to open ited the number After After more branches. How- of patients in the ever, not in the near clinic at the same future, because we like time. We went from taking six to work personally with our pa- to seven patients to taking only “We’re ready to do everything tients. We like to work on each three to four patients per day. case from A to Z, and we’re not Moreover, between each client, when it comes to quality” comfortable letting another doc- we have an hour dedicated to -Dr. Haytham Othman tor take over, unless it’s for care sanitising all tools and materi- that is not our specialty. So, for als before the next client. We also have a describe how, despite having completely now, I don’t think we have enough time to sterilisation company that comes to double different personalities, they have found a be present in multiple branches. As for the check and sanitise the clinic weekly, in order perfect balance between their two energies. near future, very soon, we will be upgrading to make it as safe as possible for everyone Growing up as twins, they have been insep- Estética Dental to turn it into a fully com- here,” explains Dr. Haytham. arable since birth, so when it came to their prehensive dental center, also located in He- professional life, it was natural for them to liopolis.” “We’re ready to do everything when it get along in that department as well. There comes to quality,” says Dr. Haytham, high- are no clashing egos involved when leading @drhaythamothman lighting the fact that Estética Dental spares Estética, and they don’t let any personal dis- @dr.haythamothman no expenses to achieve the highest quality. agreements get in the way of their work. @doctor.osman He stresses that it is extremely important @dr.ayman.osman for the clinic to offer the best of the best, It also helps that the brothers also continue Photography by Jaillan Sarhan especially in such a competitive and sensi- to share bonding leisure activities that in- tive field like dental health. “The quality of directly strengthen their work relationship. Address: 39, Horreya street, ground floor, Heliop- our laboratory is an important part of what Growing up, they shared hobbies and activi- olis, Cairo, Egypt.

www.enigma-mag.com 25 feature

Heba Elsewedy Helping Burn Victims and Much More Ahl Masr is one of the most important charitable foundations in Egypt dedicated to improving the health and well being of Egyptians. Founded by Ms. Heba Elsewedy, Ahl Masr is building the first hospital in Egypt devoted to treating burn victims, regardless of their ability to pay. Elsewedy has also impacted and helped save thousands of lives through her untiring efforts to make sure hospitals had the medical equipment and protective gear they need during the current pandemic. eniGma’s Ezz Al-Turkey caught up with Elsewedy at the Ahl Masr headquarters to learn more about the foundation’s work and its plans for the future. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

id you always have first seven hours of their injury, the urge to help and 60% of them die within the other people? first week. That is because there I always wanted to is no infection control for these D do something big cases. When you hear the stories and have an impact, but I never of these victims, you feel that imagined that I would have my there may be no other illness that own charity foundation/hospi- affects families the way burns do. tal helping this huge number of In most cases, the victims who re- people. I never had all this in main alive become handicapped mind, really. and continue to suffer.

How does it feel now, watch- Ahl Masr also offers psycho- ing all this happen? logical help for burn victims I’m so proud to be serving this cause. I realised then that we were able to help and their families. Tell us more about I’m so honoured and grateful to be doing people with bullet injuries, but we were that… something as important as this, and help- helpless when it came to burn victims, and A huge part of our program is to cure burn ing so many burn victims feel better, phys- they mostly ended up dying. The reason victims psychologically. We offer them and ically and mentally. I feel such satisfaction is that hospitals in Egypt are not properly their families psychological rehabilitation. when I can help someone. It also com- equipped to treat burn victims. I went on As we dig into victims’ cases, we discover forts me when I think that all the people I to do extensive research about burn victims the deeper causes at the toot of the prob- helped will pray for me when I die. in Egypt and found out that, somehow, this lems they face. For instance, we found out problem has been neglected. People don’t that a huge percentage of our patients are When did you decide to focus on help- know how to deal with burn victims and women and children who are victims of ing burn victims? there are not enough places in hospitals that violence. A huge part of the rehabilitation It started when I helped a lot of people deal with these victims. I found out that process is to teach the parents how to deal during the time of the 2011 revolution. almost 70% of burn victims die within the with their children.

26 www.enigma-mag.com Thankfully, we have success stories of chil- How did the pandemic affect Ahl Masr, dren who had passed through terrible expe- and how did you overcome its effects? riences. One example is a victim called Sal- 2020 gave us the honour to help our country ma, whose father threw acid at her. We have and our government deal with the pandem- successfully done thirty operations on Sal- ic. During COVID-19, we switched all our ma, and she’s doing well now. We also took capacities to help fight virus. We were able the opportunity of the visit by the Egyptian to provide respirators and intensive care celebrity, Mohamed Ramadan, to the hos- devices to all parts of the country to help pital, to give Salma some media training to treat victims of the virus. We also equipped help her get on the stage to tell her story. three quarantine buildings with the help of She also got to appear on television without my father’s organisation. Several banks also being ashamed of herself. Salma’s case is a helped us transform buildings into quaran- real success story. Another success story is tine hospitals. We also worked with facto- that of Basmallah, who came to us last Janu- ries to produce protective medical clothing ary. Basmallah was sitting in a barn with her and medical kits for doctors and nurses. cousin, when it was set on fire. She couldn’t This helped save the lives of up to 100,000 move her hands and her feet. At first, she doctors all over Cairo. We also helped pro- wouldn’t speak to us. However, now, after duce and distribute face shields, and suc- the physical rehabilitation and several op- cessfully increased their product lines. We erations, while Basmallah, is still handi- also motivated some Egyptian young people “I’m so honoured and grateful to be doing something as important as this” capped, she is better than before. We like to to produce protective clothing using nano- call her “Basma” because her smile spreads technology fabric, which is reusable for up happiness all over the place. Basmallah is a to 40 times. This helped us avoid the crisis fighter. She has dreams and about going on that Europe and America went through. We a plane to travel around the world. also succeeded in sponsoring cases in private hospitals. With the help of Maissa Azzab, we What’s the process if someone wants also secured the help of several designers, to seek your help? like Hany El-Beheiry, Sara Onsi and many monitor patients until they are stable. Last We can be contacted either through our more, to produce quarantine bed sheets. year we started an initiative called Human- website and social media, or by leaving the Volunteers helped us in their distribution ity Burn Free, with the United Nations and name of the patient and his status with our and packing. On another note, with the help we are now looking forward to organizing call center. We also get to know of cases of Elsewedy intelligence, we created an app an international day for burn victims to raise through referrals from acquaintances as well that tracks the materials needed by hospitals awareness, the same way it is done for breast as by our village development campaigns based on the number of patients they have. cancer and other terrible diseases and ill- which we do with our medical convoys. During the past four to five months our ef- nesses. I hope, one day, Ahl Masr becomes When a patient contacts the call center, the forts had a good impact on the fight against an umbrella that protects and helps all burn case is immediately transferred to our medi- the pandemic. victims, globally. cal team. Each case is cared for individually through operations and other techniques, Where would you like to see Ahl Masr How can people donate to your foun- until the patient is finally cured. They re- in 10 years? dation? build lost body parts and do operations like Definitely, I want Ahl Masr to have two more You can donate through our website on- cornea transplants. To treat burn victims a hospitals, one in the south of Egypt and one line, by SMS on 9899, through banks or real trauma center is needed. It has to have in the Delta. I also want us to have satellite and through our call center. We also send all the medical departments, so that it can clinics all over Cairo. We are already work- delegates to people’s houses to pick up do- perform all kinds of operations. ing on telemedicine, to enable our team to nations.

www.enigma-mag.com 27 feature Najwa Najjar MAKING FILMS FROM THE HEART Well known Palestinian filmmaker, Najwa Najjar, is an optimist at heart. Despite the bleak prospects of a solution that would guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people, Najjar is not giving up. She has made it her mission to use the power of film to expose the gross injustice of the Israeli occupation and its effect on the lives of ordinary Palestinians. In 2009, she wrote and directed her debut feature film,Pomegranates and Myrhh, which won critical acclaim and 10 international awards, and this year was nominated to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. eniGma’s Chairman, Samia Farid Shihata, got the chance to sit down with the Palestinian filmmaker to learn more about her remarkable journey in filmmaking. Here are some excerpts from the fascinating conversation.

an you give our welcoming. My mother was excited that readers a brief over- the house looked just like she remem- view of your person- bered it! That first film was really about al background and my own journey of understanding loss. how you got into The film also shows how Jaffa’s families filmmaking? were so cultured. Jaffa was the bride of C My mother was from Palestine. Jaffa in Palestine, and my father was a journalist who lived in both Palestine I did several other documentaries, then and Jordan. I was raised in a home with I made my first feature film, Pomegran- lots of music, art, writing and culture. tes and Myrhh, about a young Palestinian I went to high school in Europe and woman who was a dancer in a folklore then went to California, where I earned troupe in Jerusalem. Her young hus- a bachelor’s degree in Economics and band, a landowner, is arrested shortly Political Science. I later went to films after their marriage and suddenly, she school in Washington DC, where I met has to learn to take care of his land. my husband, who is from Jerusalem. A While in prison, her husband encour- major turning point in my life was when ages her to go back to dancing. As in I went to Palestine with my husband. It my other films, I tried to show images was always my dream to return to live of people in Arab societies that viewers in Jersusalem, but dreams become frag- don’t usually expect to see. I show the ments when nothing really changes on variety that can be found in Palestinian the ground; when every single day you society, and how life goes on, despite are faced with the injustice surround- the challenges. ing you and the realisation that Israelis “That first film was really couldn’t care less about it. This keeps about my own journey of Your film, Eyes of a Thief, was fueling my filmmaking more every day. nominated to the Academy Awards At first, I was documenting things, and understanding loss” for Best Foreign Language Film in now I’ve turned to feature films. 2014. Tell us about it. This film was huge for us, because we How did your journey in filmmak- were able to bring in the Arab world ing evolve? to Palestine. The lead star was Khaled I started with documentaries. The first Aboul Naga from Egypt, and it was also documentary was about my mother. I the Algerian singer Soad Massey’s act- took her to look for her house in Jaffa, ing debut. It was really a miracle that which she was forced to leave as a young everything fell in place. While we were girl with her family. As we walked the busy with pre-production in Palestine, streets of Jaffa, it all came back to her. Khaled was waiting for a long time in She recognised her home and rushed to Jordan for permission to come in. We knock at the door! A Palestinian fam- were taking a big risk, we didn’t know if ily was living there, and they were very he would be given permission.

28 www.enigma-mag.com How about your third film, How about support and coop- Bein El Janna wal Ard (Between eration from other countries? Heaven & Earth)? I really like to co-produce with Arab Bein el Janna wal Ard is a love story countries. I strongly believe that we about divorce. Again it is very much should make cinema in the Arab a personal journey to me, as well. world that is for us. Of course, I I wanted to understand this re- don’t mind having European co- ally ridiculous situation of injustice productions too. Don’t get me and how it is perpetuated. The idea wrong. What I mean is that we can started when a shop owner in Haifa cooperate in our region in different told me that his son had declined ways other than money. We can co- a scholarship to the famous film operate by bringing along interested school, Goldsmith, in London be- individuals, or, for example, instead cause he didn’t want to leave as he is of using a studio in Europe, we can a guardian of one of five Palestinian use a studio in Egypt and employ villages on the Lebanese border de- Egyptians. We need to restore hope stroyed by the Israelis. I looked for in our region. I’m happy that our the village on Google maps, and sure next movie, Christmas Stranger, is go- enough it wasn’t there. So my hus- ing to be with Egypt. band and I went on this 10-hour- journey, to look for it. We finally Tell us about your upcoming saw this church steeple, and he said, musical. “I think the village is up there!” We Doing a musical has been my dream. went up and found three young men I started writing it three years ago, and a young girl. They told us their then I stopped and then resumed story, which became the basis of the during quarantine. It’s a period film Bein el Janna wal Ard. It is about piece set in Alexandria. I picked Al- how we are divorced from each exandria, because when Europe was other; how Palestinians in the West destroying itself in WWI, Alexan- Bank, Jerusalem, Nasera, Haifa and dria was the most cosmopolitan city Gaza are being separated from one in the area. Having a cosmopolitan other. It tells their forgotten sto- city allows you to bring in the whole ries, and how the occupier is chang- region. We’ve already been meeting ing our history and substituting it with production designers, actors, with his own, in order to eliminate etc. With the right partners, we can our existence. In 1947, the Israelis make something spectacular. But it moved 750,000 Palestinians out and does need a budget. However, with brought in their place 600,000 Arab intelligence and proper prepara- Jews who were living in Egypt and in tion, it can be done. Preparation other Arab countries. They indoctri- is what has helped us make beau- nated them in camps to make them tiful movies in Palestine with small forget that they are Arabs. I went budgets. If you prepare really well, to meet the old Arab Jews who are then it makes life easy when you still around. They still speak and sing come into production. That’s the in Arabic, but their children and hope. grandchildren hate themselves be- cause of the prevalent hate for Arabs. Congratulations on your nomi- This is the sub story in the film. “I really like to nation as a writer at the Acad- co-produce with Arab emy of Motion Picture Arts and Do you get support from the Sciences. Does that mean you Palestinian authority and other countries” consider yourself a writer first, Palestinians? then a director? It’s very difficult for the Palestinian I am both. Everything starts with authority to help, because it has to the writing, which I love doing. I’m deal with so much already. We get a writer and then a director. I actu- support from Palestinians in another ally don’t mind directing somebody way. It means a lot to be Palestin- else’s screenplay, but the script ian when I go to set up at a location. has to absolutely touch my heart. People open their homes and their It would be fun to write or direct hearts to us. The love we receive is a series on TV, where you’ve got tremendous. With our connections millions of viewers. We often un- as Palestinians, we are able to work derestimate our TV audiences, but with much smaller budgets than they are smart and they are craving usual. That is a kind of support. smart stuff.

www.enigma-mag.com 29 advertorial

TROFurniture Out ofZO the Box Everyone furnishing a home knows how difficult it is to find pieces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful, and that fit your taste. Which is why the new furniture line, TROZO, launched by design house Shades, has not come a moment too soon. Launched by sisters, Nada and Nehal Mahmoud, TROZO started out as a line of customised furniture individually tailored to each client. Recently, the sisters also launched their own TROZO signature line designed and manufactured in house. When they showed their signature products at the recent Le Marche furniture fair, their amazing success came as a surprise, even to them. eniGma’s Ezz Al-Turkey sat down with the sisters to find out more about their new venture and the secret of their success.

ehal and Nada Mahmoud really worked together all our joined their father’s real estate lives. We are also still working development company fresh with our father. He put us on the out of graduation from uni- right path and helped us become versity. Nehal graduated with a what we are today. We owe a lot N degree in architecture from the to him,” says Nehal, who is two Faculty of Fine Arts, while Nada earned a years older than Nada. “When we degree in finance from the American Uni- were starting Shades, we saw how versity in Cairo. Soon after joining their well we complimented each other father’s company, they started their own and how we could use both of our Photography by Mostafa Serry interior design department within the expertises to achieve a common “We want to be a popular brand, while maintaining our identity and core” -Nada Mahmoud company, which they called Shades, dream,” adds Nada. in 2015. Shades offered both inte- By 2017, the sisters had realised rior design as well as architectural that they loved producing custom services. Nehal was the principal made pieces for their clients. Fur- designer handling the creative niture design and production was side, while Nada handled the a natural extension for them given business side. They were a the fact that their family aready perfect match, working had a factory producing high qual- very well together. “Being ity furniture for decades. So, they sisters, we’ve branched out and started TROZO, a showroom dedicated solely to furniture design and production. “We thought, why not customise and tailor furniture for clients? We used to do that sometimes with Shades, and we loved doing it. Once we had the idea, we imme- diately got to working on it,” says Nada. As soon as they started TROZO, the sisters also took the deci- sion to apply for Le Marche, the renowned yearly furniture exhibi- else didn’t understand the choice tion. While it was a big step for of colours,” Nehal adds. a pair of newcomers, they were fearless and determined. “I think While TROZO has something for we can both agree that this was everyone, their designs are more the most stressful time ever,” Ne- likely to click with younger cli- hal recalls, with a giggle. Her sis- ents. TROZO clearly belongs to ter adds, “It was super stressful to 2020, and that is clearly reflected prepare all the furniture on time, in their designs. The sisters are and going into this as beginners in quick to add that they offer much the industry was really scary.” more than their ready-made de- signs. Since a good part of what With the possibility of failure and they do is customised furniture, disappointment in the back of everyone can find what they their minds, the fear stayed with want. If a client has a particu- them until Le Marche’s opening lar design in mind, TROZO will day. Their dad made sure to sit make it happen. “People often them down to reassure them that come to us with a design they saw it was okay if they didn’t make any on the internet and we produce it deals at the fair. He stressed that for them. We do that a lot. This their participation alone was a service is definitely available,” great marketing opportunity and says Nada. a great promotion for TROZO. In truth, and to everyone’s amaze- While each sister has her own du- ment, their hard work paid off! ties at Shades and TROZO, having Their display booth turned out to worked together for so long, they be the most stacked of the whole sometimes do each other’s work. exhibition, and people were not Nada has discovered a new-found only browsing, but lining up to talent for designing and Nehal place orders for their furniture. has learned the ins and outs of “It was wild. People from other the finances. Both also give a lot firms were coming over and asking of credit to the rest of their de- us who we were. They all thought sign team, who work tirelessly at we were a huge brand name,” says creating the best designs possible. Nada smiling. “We ended up with Nada explains, “The two of us are 17 contracts on our pieces at Le really like yin yang at this point, Marche, which was bizarre and just we work together so well. It also so rewarding. We definitely left helps that we’re sisters, because feeling like we owned the world,” when we argue about work, we Nehal exclaims. go back to talking to each other “Being sisters, we’ve really very normally two minutes later.” What probably attracted Le worked together all out lives” Nehal adds, “We also have a great Marche customers to TROZO team, that is so dedicated and tal- was their unique sense of style, -Nehal Mahmoud ented. They don’t just design fur- which can be described as ‘out of niture, they test out the liveabil- the box’. TROZO furniture’s par- ity of the products and optimise ticular sense of style is captivating them to make them as comfort- to a lot of people, even though able as possible for the clients,” it does not necessarily click with remarks Nehal. everyone. The use of colours, and the way different styles are mor- The two sisters are proud that phed together to create something TROZO is a perfect blend of completely different, is TROZO’s quality and affordability. They strongest asset. TROZO has it all, remark that people are often from retro to classic to modern. shocked at how reasonable their Subtlety is also key at TROZO, prices are, given the high qual- as can be discerned in their retro ity of their furniture. That fact designs, which remind you of the is deliberate and very important style of previous eras, in a subtle to them. They want their furni- way. Recalling their experience ture to be of high quality and to at Le Marche, Nada recounts, be accessible, as well. Nada says “We had this peacock couch that in conclusion, “Our vision is for had people really confused. They TROZO and Shades to go hand in loved it and were perplexed by it hand together. We want them to at the same time!” recalls Nada. be parallel to each other and not “Yes, I remember one girl sat on it to clash. We want to be a popu- for about half an hour and didn’t lar brand, while maintaining our want to leave it; while someone identity and core.”

www.enigma-mag.com 31 feature Tintera Zein Khalifa & Heba Farid’s Pioneer Photography Gallery

Tintera is both a photography gallery and a photographic art consultancy, specialising in collection management, artist representation, as well as acquisition and sales of contemporary and historical photographs and collections. The established and emerging photographers chosen to exhibit in the gallery come from different cultural and educational backgrounds, representing Egypt’s rich and varied culture. eniGma’s Farah Alsharif sat down with the founders of Tintera, Zein Khalifa and Heba Farid, both photographers themselves, to learn more about the vision behind Tintera, and what the founders hope to achieve in the future.

ein Khalifa and Heba Farid, tographers to grow, and to spread aware- more than collections of beautiful pho- met a little before 2010 ness about the history of photography and tos,” says Farid. “We want the audience to and immediately bonded hopefully also help spread this art form,” view the art of photography as more than around their shared passion says Khalifa. just pretty photos, and to feel photographs for the art of photography. more deeply in their historical context. Nine years later, in 2019, While there are many art galleries in Cairo, Photography became a lot more impor- they joined forces to start Tintera is unique in its focus on photog- tant through the work of academics and Tintera, the first gallery in raphy. By providing a space for photogra- researchers, because photos document the ZEgypt devoted to photography. The gallery phers to exhibit, it helps elevate their work world as it has been like for the last 200 is located in Zamalek while Tintera’s main to the status of fine art and allows it to get years. Photography is not only there to “We want the audience to view the art as more than just pretty photos and to feel them more deeply in their historical context” office is in London. The motivation behind the appreciation it deserves. Its founders look at, but to read from and to view from the launch of their gallery stemmed from hope that, through the gallery, the work of many different aspects and in many differ- their realisation that it was hard to find a its artists will gain exposure to wider audi- ent contexts,” she adds. platform for self-expression through pho- ences, both inside and outside Egypt. They tography in Egypt. also are providing photographers from The photography gallery isn’t merely just abroad with the opportunity to come to empty walls, to Khalifa and Farid. it’s so “We have a dream of elevating photogra- Egypt and showcase their work at Tintera. much more than that. Choosing the art- phy in Egypt, since there aren’t enough ists that they work with is a very important facilities, materials or venues that under- “Photography museums are popular in a aspect of their work. They have exhibited stand that photography can be an expres- lot of cities. You can view original works the work of prominent artists, like Na- sion of controversial content and is not from the 1860s and 1890s up to the 1920s bil Boutros, a well-known and much ad- just a bunch of serene sights that please the as well as the artistic production behind it mired photographer who has been in this eye. Heba and I want to provide the right all. Photography is not just an industry, field for the past 40 years, Byron Dunno atmosphere for the community of pho- but also an art. But exhibitions are much whose “Edge of Giza” series captured the

32 www.enigma-mag.com environmental and cultural as- answers on the various aspects pect of Egypt, as well as Paul involved in photography. The Geday, Xenia Nikolskaya and founders of Tintera also hope many more. Each exhibiting some day to compile their own artist was chosen for a rea- historical collection of photo- son. Some artists use collage graphs, for people to see and in their work while others for admire whenever they desire. do montages. There are also Yet, they are cognisant of the artists who use hand paint to challenges, which are not just add an extra layer of informa- financial, involved in this huge tion, while some artists spend task. According to them, this months and years to come up will be a difficult undertaking with a single photo. Tintera and will require a huge dedica- is interested in showcasing all tion of time and effort. aspects of photography, the materials used, as well as the To Khalifa and Farid, both vision that explodes the stereo- working mothers, opening types of photography. their gallery meant that they could enjoy a ‘free’ working Khalifa and Farid also offer style that allows them to set career development for pho- their own desired parameters. tographic artists, to help them “Being our own bosses is such achieve their full potential. Last an advantage since working for October, they were excited to someone while being a mother participate for the first time and a caretaker as well is so dif- in an international photogra- ficult,” says Khalifa. Farid adds phy fair, Photo London, with that being totally in charge was a collection of work by differ- what enabled them to take the ent Egyptian artists. They were decision to close down the gal- even more excited when one of lery when the pandemic first their artists was presented with hit, because they felt there the Emerging Photographer of were bigger things at stake. the Year award. Tintera was the only Middle East based gal- Khalifa and Farid describe their lery there. The fair included work as doing the caretak- many big art dealers and buy- ing work for the artists. They ers and was extremely impor- provide a space for creativity tant in promoting the gallery. and pave the way for artists to “The gallery holds exhibitions be as wild and creative as they every few months. So it’s great wish to be, while the two of whenever we participate in them do all the technical stuff these fairs. Our long term goal that has absolutely nothing to is to be able to participate in as do with creativity. They admit many fairs as we possibly can, that, being mothers, their own “Taking the load off of the artists’ responsibilities to allow them to be creative is something that we wished we had when were younger” and more pop-ups in different creativity was eroded along the places. We really want people years as they prioritised the to grasp what we’re trying to needs of others. Farid elabo- do with this gallery,” they con- rates, “Motherhood doesn’t go clude. away. Taking the load off of the artists’ responsibilities to allow In addition to representing them to be creative is some- photographers and showcas- thing that we wished we had ing their work, Tintera is also when we were younger. That’s an art consultancy providing why we are happy now that we expert advice on museum and can provide that to other fellow preservation work and helping artists in the field of photogra- clients understand the pho- phy. We are happy to deal with tography world by providing the housework of creativity.”

www.enigma-mag.com 33 feature Mother Being Nour Emam’s Platform for Women’s Health Nour Emam, a certified maternal support practitioner (MSP, doula) and certified relationship and sex educator, always had a strong interest in womens’ health issues even while pur- suing her previous career in music production. It was after the birth of her toddler that she decided to study to become a doula and to create Mother Being, an educational online women’s health platform focused on providing information on the female body and dispelling the many misconceptions surrounding it. eniGma’s Tymour Gazayerli talked to Emam about her platform and its impact on women.

uring the birth of her daugh- relationship and sex educa- ter, Nour Emam underwent a tion after completing an- medically unnecessary C-Sec- other rigorous training pro- tion and was then separated gram. Emam launched her D from her newborn baby, only Mother Being page on Ins- allowed to see her for 20 minutes a day tagram in January 2020 and behind a glass barrier – never allowed to began routinely providing hold her in her arms. When it came time informed posts about vari- to go home, she was told that her baby had ous women’s health top- to remain in the hospital for observation ics, each based on at least Photography by S herif Youssef and she was to drop off breastmilk every a week’s worth of research. few hours while her baby remained there. Some of her posts, such as her educational misconceptions is that self-examination is a Her feeling of helplessness throughout this videos on the ‘hymen’ and ‘male circum- form of masturbation – no, it is not,” Emam difficult time was followed by her suffer- cision’, involved even considerably more insists. ing from postpartum depression and mild research than that. Then when the news PTSD which went undiagnosed for eight of a horrendous rape case by an AUC stu- In addition to easily accessible online con- months. It was that experience which mo- dent came to light several months ago, it tent, Mother Being also provides courses cre- tivated her to give up her career in music fueled a thirst for reliable information on ated by Emam on topics such as ‘PERIODS production in search of something that women’s experiences and concerns, and | Mastering Your Cycle’ and ‘THE BIRTH “There is a preconceived notion of shame that is deep-rooted in our cultural norms when it comes to certain areas of a woman’s body” would help her heal from and overcome interest in the Mother Being platform bal- CRASH COURSE,’ where she encourages her postpartum challenges. Sparked by an looned. One of the platform’s video posts both women and men to actively participate. early interest in gynecology, and fascinated went viral, and the number of its followers She often receives messages from men ask- by pregnancy and childbirth, Emam decid- grew at a rapid pace. ing how they can be more informed, aware ed to enter a field where she could support and supportive of their partners. In the birth other women and help them be better edu- The aim of Mother Being is the promotion course, Emam encourages fathers to always cated about themselves and their medical of wellness and health by providing detailed be involved. “An integral part of my own suc- options. science-based information and by encourag- cess has been my husband’s support. Rela- ing women to self-examine their bodies, to tionships are a team effort. They have evolved In September 2019, Emam joined a five- understand them and know when they are from that of a traditional breadwinner and month doula (MSP) online training pro- healthy and when they are not. “There is a housewife dynamic to an equal, interdepend- gram from Canada, one of the best and preconceived notion of shame that is deep- ent team effort. I am only able to do my work longest programs available in the field. rooted in our cultural norms when it comes because my husband and I found a balance Her MSP certification allows her to ac- to certain areas of a woman’s body, often our individual work and parenting. We truly company expecting mothers and couples compelling women to hide them, even from co-parent and share responsibilities at home as a trained companion and mental health themselves. There is a severe lack of aware- and towards our daughter,” says Emam, who supporter during their journey of preg- ness of the function and importance of these also stresses the importance of keeping these nancy and childbirth. By December 2020, areas, and the dangers associated with ne- courses affordable. “I want my services and she will have also obtained certification in glecting or trying to alter them. One of the information to be accessible and available to

34 www.enigma-mag.com as many people as possible. If I could bia, Qatar and Dubai. Of course, I secure funding, I’d love to offer these acknowledge that with larger audi- classes for free,” she adds. ences comes a larger responsibility to ensure that our content doesn’t trig- Mother Being also offers female- ger adverse reactions from too many only open discussions, such as on people,” says Emam. She also has ex- ‘The Pill, Pleasure & Power’, a safe pansion plans for Mother Being to be space for women to ask anything even more accessible, while develop- they want. Emam also plans to create ing it as a brand. “I will be removing male-only open discussions within my name and the platform will soon the coming year – a similar safe space be run by a team of people who of- for men where they can learn about fer accessible services for women and understanding women, their bodies, men,” she explains. She is also work- pleasure and sexuality in an open and ing with a company of young doctors judgment-free zone. “The aim is not promoting women-friendly health- to teach men sex-ed; it is rather a care solutions in clinics and hospitals. means for men to up their game and Her own contribution is in the areas their connection with their partner,” of pregnancy, birth and post-partum she explains. care.

Despite attracting a growing num- Looking to the future, Emam is de- ber of followers, Emam has expe- termined to continue challenging rienced a certain degree of public the status quo and delivering her disapproval and backlash, including message, which she sums up as fol- accusations of encouraging prom- lows, “You deserve to be properly iscuity and ignoring religion. While informed about the risks and con- most of her critics are male doctors sequences of what doctors present and medical students, they also in- to you. Demand better healthcare clude women. “As a culture, we have and do not settle for responses that a hard time separating religion from undermine your pain or suffering! fact. I think it’s time for this separa- Understand that there are alterna- tion to take place in society. These tives to what you’re being told. Do critics don’t understand that I’m not your research and don’t expect to encouraging anyone to act against be spoon-fed information. I never his or her religious belief. I simply formally learned things and I had to provide information, and it is up to rely heavily on the internet to figure you whether you explore it and learn things out. I am now creating cours- more about it for yourself or not. I es that can help you improve your do not say virginity doesn’t matter, I quality of life. The courses are for say hymens don’t matter – and yes, everyone, whether you’re a young there is a big difference,” Emam individual getting married, or even explains, adding, “Young women if you are a couple who have been “I will keep being loud until it is not loud anymore, but normal – until there are educational outlets for future couples and married partners” growing up have so many questions, married for ten years and are miser- and they deserve to be properly in- able because neither of you is able to formed.” connect with the other. The growing number of people interested in chal- While she realises it’s difficult for so- lenging the status quo, who are not ciety to change its norms, Emam is accepting being in the dark, compel encouraged that the new generation me to persevere. I will keep being is starting to challenge the status quo. loud until it is not loud anymore, She sees more young people seeking but normal – until there are edu- more information, refusing to settle cational outlets for future couples for the way things are without discus- and married partners, and until this sion. She believes that her audience, information becomes a routine part which consists of girls and women of the curricula in public and private aged 15 to 25, will be spearheading schools. My vision is that persever- the needed change in society’s per- ance is what’s going to really make ceptions. “I’m proud that my classes the change. If my work can be the now reach wider audiences from all reason that a future mother doesn’t walks of life throughout the region, go through what I did then it will all with participants from Saudi Ara- be worthwhile.”

www.enigma-mag.com 35 advertorial Tasneem El-Meshad artist with a message eniGma’s Tymour Gazayerli had an in-depth chat with artist Tasneem El-Meshad to learn about her rich artistic journey and the inspiration behind her most-notable and unique pieces of art.

s a child, Egyp- getting distracted by the contin- tian artist Tas- uous motion of the ceiling fan, neem El-Me- which drowned out the sudden shad, born and feeling of claustrophobia. I felt raised in the that the ceiling fan was saving UAE, excelled in me from the crowdedness of the allA things art-related. From ear- space around me. It created mo- ly on she knew that she wanted tion with the air flowing onto the to pursue art and was supported installation. I believe my painting in this decision by her family. would have felt incomplete had I When it was time for university, not included this within it,” she it was therefore natural that she explains. would move to Egypt to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cai- From that point on, El-Meshad ro. Recalling that time, El-Me- would incorporate the theme shad says, “I had a culture shock of the circular motoin of ceiling when I moved to Egypt. Coming fans and other similar figures into from the UAE, I had lived in a much of her work. Their motion bubble and wasn’t accustomed is a form of release, escape and to the local lifestyle here. While I freedom to her. “I disconnect was overwhelmed, it was the best and get into a meditative state thing that ever happened to me. whenever I see a ceiling fan or I got in touch with my identity as other similar moving object. It an Egyptian and this allowed me captivates me. Spiritually, this to better understand who I want- form of rotation and motion is ed to be.” also a form of meditation,” she adds. Recalling her early days in Egypt, El-Meshad recounts the warm Explaining how she needs to get hospitality she experienced when into a certain mood to create art, visiting less privileged communi- El-Meshad says, “Directing your ties, where she and her university thoughts and emotions to get in friends would go to catch their the mood is a decision, not an genuine local spirit in their sketch- event you wait for. You prepare for es. She would never forget one of it, but you cannot force yoursef to the times during Ramadan when get into it. I learnt this over time, she got carried away and was still as I got to better connect to my in- there when it was time to break the ner self,” adding, “Another thing I fast. The local people around her learned is that I like my art to have refused to let her leave without eat- a purpose, as opposed to being just ing with them, insisting that she had aesthetically pleasing. I am not criti- become part of their family after cising those who choose to just cre- going there so often. She recalls that ate a visually pleasing piece, I sim- experience with great fondness, es- ply prefer to create art with a story, pecially since their generosity was that conveys a message.” With that overwhelming despite their obvi- in mind, Meshad is keen to add ex- ously limited means. pression and character to her work more. In it, she superimposed old antique throughout the creative process. To do that Later in her academic studies, when work- items like an old-fashioned iron, typewriter, , she studies her subjects visually and in dif- ing on her university graduation project, sewing machine, all overlapping and filling ferent imaginative perspectives, even if the El-Meshad found inspiration in an unlikely the space, like all the things in her mind. painting in question is of still life. object, a ceiling fan! The ceiling fan went “The installation was set up in a vast hall on to be a vital part of her art throughout with high ceilings with a fan in the middle. Besides being an expressive artist, El-Me- her journey. Her graduation installation As I watched it I grew almost claustropho- shad values her role as a mentor as well. conveyed how crowded her mind was, filled bic at the sight of how busy it all was. But She has been teaching and mentoring art- with many thoughts, feelings, energies and then I looked up and found myself slowly ists over the years, helping them unlock

36 www.enigma-mag.com their own creative potential. “As an art teacher I don’t follow the guidelines set out by any textbook. Instead, I tailor concepts in a way that best triggers the creativity of every student,” she explains. After researching various educational approaches she decided that the most impactful, especially with younger generations, was the Montessori method of education, which she also uses with her own two young children. El-Meshad likes to say that art is like breakfast – you cannot, and should not, start your day without it. “Just like the first meal of the day jump starts your metabolism, art for breakfast jumpstarts your creative mind to constantly create

“I see art as being like a tree, sometimes we pick the fruit that hangs from the branches, and at other times we let that fruit ripen and fall down at the right time, at its own time, right into our hands” and look at things differently,” she insists. of books, signify- Her artwork also touches on many points ing the importance reminiscent of childhood, freedom and in- of education and nocence. “I believe we will never age as long self-enrichment as we are in touch with our inner child. If to achieving gen- we’re able to reach out to that inner child, der equality. “Men we’re going to be happy, balanced and at should appreciate peace. That is where inner peace, joy and their wives as the satisfaction will come from – we are the re- creators of whole- sults of our childhood,” she says. A paint- some energy with- ing of young girls jumping on a trampoline in their house- with their bodies and arms of resembling holds and towards a fan’s wings in a constant freeing motion, their families,” she brings to mind both the childhood feeling states. of freedom as well as her underlying theme of ceiling fans. Looking forward, El-Meshed an- El-Meshahed frequently also incorporates nounces that she is currently working on female strength and the power that comes very exciting things, but that she will be from unity among women. The importance taking her time working on them. She ex- of community and neighbours supporting plains, “To me, art is not as much about the one another is another theme that recurs in outcome as it is about the process. This is her work. Her especially powerful painting, something I learned over time, so I intend ‘Stories from my Neighbourhood,’ portrays to fully enjoy and learn from the process women as the overseers of the neighbour- of my upcoming exhibition, whenever that hood’s interconnected irrigation and pipes may be. I see art as being like a tree, some- system, which allows water, representing times we pick the fruit that hangs from the life, to flow throughout the community. branches, and at other times we let that Also recurring in her paintings is her de- fruit ripen and fall down at the right time, piction of men and women under a shelf at its own time, right into our hands.”

www.enigma-mag.com 37 feature Mirna El Helbawi

Writer or Influencer? Photography by Pola Salem Writers are often the unsung heroes behind our favourite content and it’s rare that an author becomes a recognisable celebrity the way actors and musicians do. With the advent of social media, however, Mirna El Helbawi, the witty Alexandrian author of two bestselling novels, is changing that with her popular blog. With over half a million followers on Instagram, the author of Mor Methl Al Qahwa, Helw Methl Al Chocola (Bitter Like Coffee, Sweet Like Chocolate) and Kundalini, has in fact become a recognisable influencer thanks to her blog fans and Instagram followers. eniGma’s Ezz Al-Turkey touched base with El Helbawi to discuss her thriving career and how she is handling her moment in the limelight.

rowing up, the Arab Journalism Award. Mirna El Hel- She did not, however, keep bawi was in writing at the magazine for love with read- long, even though she was ing and story- enjoying it. When she was telling, but she asked by a friend starting a did not catch radio station, NRJ Egypt, on to her talent to co-host their show, Men in writing un- Ta’ta’ Le Salam Allaikom til she reached (From Beginning to End), she adulthood. She started out with an online jumped at the opportunity blogG where she documented her every to discover another side of day thoughts and feelings, with friends journalism. “I had never and family as her main audience. Before thought about radio hosting before. It was think about it. It made me kind of anx- she knew it, more and more people were a completely new experience for me, and ious actually, to have people read my tuning in to her blog. Encouraged by her I loved it. However, writing remains my stories. But it paid off and the book did friends to make a career out of writing, she main passion because it gives you room to really well, which was just so crazy and so got a job at a weekly magazine in Cairo, say a lot more than you do on the radio. special.” When El Helbawi had showed while pursuing her studies at the Faculty On air, you have about a two minute sec- her book to the publisher, she was told “Writing remains my main passion because it gives you room to say a lot more than you do on the radio”

of Tourism & Hotel Management at Alex- tion between every song when you can ac- they would get back to her in three andria University. After eventually gradu- tually speak. That’s never enough time to months, so she waited anxiously for their ating with high honours, El Helbawi then say everything you want to say,” she con- call. Interestingly, it was not until one of moved to Cairo to continue working at the fesses. her Facebook posts went viral and caught magazine as a writer and editor. “Working the publisher’s attention, that they called in the magazine was amazing, despite be- In 2018, El Helbawi created quite a buzz her back to tell her they had decided to ing tough. Before that, I had never thought in the publishing world in Egypt with the publish her book! about becoming a writer even though I had release of her debut novel, Mor Methl Al always communicated my feelings through Qahwa, Helw Methl Al Chocola (Bitter Like Working on her second book, the writing. I used to write letters to everyone Coffee, Sweet Like Chocolate). Recalling the pressure on El Helbawi was stronger than when I didn’t know how to say things,” she book’s path to publication, El Helbawi ever. Naturally, expectations were very recalls. says, “I never thought I’d have a book high after the success of her first book. out. I had been writing these stories just Inspired by her passion for travelling Today, the once wide-eyed writer trying to for myself. It wasn’t until my friend read and discovering the world, she finally make it, has two bestselling novels under them and told me that I should publish released Kundalini this year. It was totally her belt after being shortlisted in 2016 for them as a book that I began to seriously different from her first book. “When

38 www.enigma-mag.com someone does something well cheering me on. It’s become and people like it, it’s hard easier to ignore the negativity for that person to stray away we sometimes get from peo- from that. However, I didn’t ple, because what we have is want to write the same book great. Yes, we occasionally fight twice. My first book was more and argue like all couples do. existential and kind of dark, But we never show that on so- while this one was definitely cial media,” she explains. more adventurous and exciting. I knew that it was a In public, El Helbawi is often risk to make this huge change, stopped for pictures with fans. but thankfully, the readers While some insist it’s because loved it and I’m so proud of of her social media presence as it,” she exclaims. an influencer, she begs to differ. “People sometimes tell me I’m While El Helbawi is no longer ‘just a social media influencer’. with NRJ, it was there that What they overlook, or refuse she met her fiancé, singer Mo- to understand, is that I don’t hamed Attia, who first rose to have all this success because of fame on Star Academy. El Hel- social media. I have it because bawi confesses that when she of the career I had before be- first interviewed him for her ing on social media. I worked show, she didn’t know who so hard for where I am today. he was. However, as she got There’s nothing wrong with be- to know him, she was cap- ing a social media influencer, tivated by his charm as well but that’s not what I am. At the as his witty personality, and end of the day, I’m a writer,” they became friends. Eventu- she explains confidently. ally, what started as friendship and mutual respect blossomed Just last month, El Helbawi into something more and they took to Instagram to announce recently announced their en- the idea for her third book, gagement, which created an- but she did not disclose too other buzz for El Helbawi on much about it. “Writing is social media. what makes me feel the hap- piest and free. This third book The happy couple are enjoy- will be real, like my previous ing posting videos and pictures books, but it won’t be a novel. together nearly every day, shar- That’s all I can say for now,” ing their happiness with their she giggles excitedly. followers. El Helbawi admits, however, that the increased “I’ve reached places I never attention on social media has thought I’d reach because I “There’s nothing wrong with being a social media influencer, but that’s not what I am. At the end of the day, I’m a writer” not been all smooth sailing. challenged my fears,” says El Having suffered from an anxi- Helbawi, in conclusion. “If I ety disorder, it took a lot of hadn’t challenged my anxiety, effort for her to tune out the I wouldn’t have published two negative comments to their books. If I hadn’t left Alexan- posts and to focus on the posi- dria, I wouldn’t have had this tive ones. Her loving fiance wonderful career. If I hadn’t gives her tremendous support joined radio, I wouldn’t have and helps keep her grounded. met Attia. I feel like everything “We’re very compatible be- I did really made my life what cause we both have the same it is at this moment. How- morals and believe in equality ever, no matter how famous I for everyone. He doesn’t have become or how much reach I that toxic masculinity in him. have on social media, I’ll still He’s extremely supportive of always feel like the girl next everything I do and he’s always door.”

www.enigma-mag.com 39 in the spotlight Radwa El Sherbiny She’s Every Woman At 35, Radwa El Sherbiny was standing in front of a mirror trying to remember the person she once was. That was the beginning of her rebellion; a rebellion against herself, against her marriage, and against a society that dictates how women should behave, how they should look and how they should be. Now, four years later, her life has changed dramatically. She has her own show on television, and she has become a force to be reckoned with. eniGma’s Deputy CEO Omnia Zaied sat down with El Sherbiny to learn about her journey of liberation and how, at 39, she has become the queen of women’s hearts.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT ON LOCATION AT STYLING Bilo Hussein Villa designed by Studio Five Saeed Ramzi Blazer, Shirt & Trousers by Versace available at EGO Necklace & Bracelets by GLAMOUR Jewellery adwa El Sherbiny recalls the of viewers. Female audiences, in particular, her first TV gig on El Mehwar, as a co-host day, after seven years of mar- were tuning in because they had finally found in a couple of episodes of a show. Also at her riage, when she looked at herself someone who talks to them rather than at mother’s insistence, in 2003 she joined 50 in the mirror and realised that them. “The show’s success didn’t happen participants in a training course for TV hosts she didn’t recognise the person overnight, however,” explains Mohamed El led by Antoine Kassabian, the famous Leba- she saw. She was not the person Halawani, Director of Heya We Bas adding, nese TV Specialist. She ended up as one of R she had always wanted to be; “It took a lot of hard work and it took a lot the top five and was offered a job at ART. At and she decided, then and there, that she from El Sherbiny herself to grow this much the time, it seemed as if life had it’s own plan would change the course her life had taken. and become this influential”. According to for her, a plan El Sherbiny insists she didn’t Amazingly, just four years later, her life has Wahdan, “If you remove El Sherbiny from want then. changed dramatically and she is now basking the show, and keep all the other elements, I in the amazing success of her own TV show, highly doubt it would succeed. Viewers love The very first time El Sherbiny was recording Heya We Bas (Only for Her), on the CBC Sofra her, they love the way she looks, they love her first show, Laialy ART (ART Nights), she channel. Mirroring the trials and tribulations the way she talks and listens to them.” Not had to repeat the intro 38 times, prompt- of every woman, whether it’s the homemak- surprisingly, Heya We Bas’ You Tube channel ing the show’s director to ask her if she was er struggling to raise her kids, the working won the Gold Creator Award for a women’s sure she really wanted to do this. While the woman juggling to find her life balance, or show in the Middle East with the most sub- answer to that question in her head was a the teenage girl excited to start her adult life, scribers. clear no, she is not one to accept defeat, so through her show, El Sherbiny has struck a she persisted and managed to keep her job chord with women of all walks of life and has A couple of months after we first met, I visit at ART and went on to host the popular won their hearts in the process. El Sherbiny on the set again to conduct the show, Propaganda TV for five years. At the interview. As I wait for my time with her, same time, she kept her job at the petroleum I first became intrigued with television talk I watch the powerhouse El Sherbiny as she company, got married and had her first child. host Radwa El Sherbiny when I started to no- runs the show, paying attention to every de- She then moved to El Hayat TV briefly, be- tice that she was repeatedly being tagged in tail, including removing a speck of dust she fore deciding to put her career on hold and social media posts about sexual harassment notices on the table and fixing her guests’ to focus on her family and take care for her cases. I became curious as to why women outfits and hair before they go live. During toddler. experiencing sexual harassment were trying commercial breaks, El Sherbiny suddenly to draw Radwa El Sherbiny’s attention. Why switches to ‘mummy’ mode, calling her kids After seven and half years of marriage, were they seeking her help, in particular? Af- at home and patiently listening to her daugh- two kids, and enormous weight gain, El ter much research, I was fascinated by what ter as she recites her lessons over the phone. Sherbiny, became unrecognisable, even I found out about her. A couple of months After the show, she huddles with her social to herself. She couldn’t bear it anymore. later, I was at CBC Sofra’s studios to agree media team to actively discuss which parts She walked out of her old life with her two with El Sherbiny’s team on a cover feature to share and what the titles for the segments children in hand, and never looked back. and shoot for our magazine. should be. Next, she confers with her team She insists that she has no regrets. “If I was “You are the result of what you have been through. If I hadn’t been through all that, I wouldn’t be here now” As I sat in the green room where the show’s about the coming episode of her show, guid- given the chance to go back in time, I would guests usually wait, I started chatting with a ing “her girls,” as she refers to her producers, do everything the same way. You are the lady who informed me that she had called El as they solve pending issues with her. result of what you have been through. If I Sherbiny on the air the week before and told hadn’t been through all that, I wouldn’t be her that she needed her help. El Sherbiny When she is finally sitting with me for our here now,” she says. called her after the show, and after listening interview, I get to see a whole other persona to her story, asked her to come in to meet than the one I had been watching for the past El Sherbiny recounts how, in the first couple her in person. “She does that all the time,” few hours. She is quite different from the of seasons of her show, Heya We Bas, which says Salma Wahdan, the producer of El fierce, strong, independent and seemingly catapulted her to fame after she almost gave Sherbiny’s show, Heya We Bas, adding, “She undefeated woman running her show. As up on herself, she shared her story with her follows up with way more cases off the air we chat, she comes through as “just another viewers. She tearfully explained how hard it and in person than she does publicly, hoping woman struggling to survive,” which is how was for her to decide to get a divorce. She to help as many women as she possibly can.” she describes herself. She tears up when she talked about her struggle as a single moth- remembers something painful, is delighted er, with no job and no money. She talked An hour later, El Sherbiny walks into the when I make a nice comment, and is not about how she lost 31 kilos and regained room where I’m still waiting, reaches out to afraid to make fun of herself. her self-confidence as a woman. She talked me with both hands, and says “Hi, I am Rad- about God’s will, which led her to where she wa.” She then turns to Wahdan and tells her, El Sherbiny’s journey to the top has not been is right now. “I call it God’s will, because I “Please make sure to stay in touch with that a steady or an easy one. Although her passion was desperate. I was in a lot of pain. I had lady. She will come here every two weeks un- as a young girl was to go into fashion design, knocked on all doors at the time, and there til she is better. She needs someone by her she followed her father’s wish and majored was nothing left for me to do. And then out side.” in media at university. However, rather than of nowhere, I got that call from CBC Sofra!” work in media after graduation, she landed she recalls, tearfully. Even after she shot the From that first encounter, I began to- un her first job at a petroleum company, asa promo of the show, she still didn’t believe it derstand why Heya We Bas, which airs live Learning and Development Regional Coordi- was happening. It wasn’t until the promo was at six pm from Thursday to Saturday, has nator. Her mother, nevertheless, kept push- aired that she stopped holding her breath. captured the minds and hearts of millions ing her to try her luck on TV and even got her Even now four years later, as she recounts

42 www.enigma-mag.com “I had knocked on all doors at the time, and there was nothing left for me to do. And then out of nowhere, I got that call from CBC Sofra!”

Blazer & T-shirt by Gucci available at EGO Necklace & Bracelets by GLAMOUR Jewellery Top by Giuseppe Di Morabito; Trousers by Solace London both available at EGO Earrings by Koukla by Yasmin Helal “Everyone has problems in their lives, but we choose how to deal with them. There is light after darkness. There is hope, and there is God” “Fame is scary, it really is. I don’t want to be a star. Stars are far away, and I am not far away from people. I am one of them”

Makeup by Dina Dimitry Hair by Alfred at Alfred & Mina Beauty Salon Fashion Assistant: Menna Hassan Fashion Directory: EGO: 46 A El Orouba St., Heliopolis, Cairo; Tel: +(2) 012 2993 3032 GLAMOUR Jewellery: Tel: +(2) 010 0882 2386 Koukla by Yasmin Helal: 27 Dimishk St., Dress by Rhea Costa available at EGO Mohandessin, Cairo; Tel: +(2) 010 0312 6668 Earrings & Bracelets by GLAMOUR Jewellery it all, she breathes with obvious relief, and en’s problems to heart so much, she may be adds, as she recalls how surprised she was with tears in her big green eyes, says, “it misunderstood. But it is who she is, she just when she went on a trip to a few Arab coun- passed!” really cares.” He adds that, apart from the tries in 2018 and was recognised everywhere. cases discussed on the show, they receive From the airport to the hotel to the streets, When the show started in 2017, it was a sim- numerous cases on their social media pages people stopped her to talk to her and take ple four-segment show dedicated to fashion and they spend hours solving them with El pictures. She also remembers how a friend and beauty. While it was not planned at the Sherbiny. “She doesn’t sleep,” says Wahdan, warned her not to let it get to her head be- time, opening up about her personal life on referring to El Sherbiny’s work ethic. “She is cause that would be the beginning of her fall. the air helped made the show the success it is on the phone with her team 24/7, whether “Till today, every morning I stand in front of today. It proved to be cathartic, not just for preparing for the next episodes or trying to the mirror and tell myself that even if people her, but for her viewers as well. “When I talk help a case. She is a perfectionist,” both El see me as something big, I am really just a about my personal life, it is to show women Halawani and Wahdan confirm. “She is both regular person. I do that every day to stop that I am not any different from them. Just loved and respected by her entire team. She fame from getting to me,” she says. because I am dressed up and in full makeup respects everyone, she listens, she gives cred- on TV, doesn’t mean that I didn’t go through it, she supports, she makes everyone want to El Sherbiny takes very seriously that her view- a lot, and still do. Everyone has problems in give her their best,” they add. ers consider her a role model, which adds to their lives, but we choose how to deal with the heavy responsibility she feels. “You have to them. There’s light after darkness. There’s El Sherbiny credits the success of Heya We understand and respect your audience, by put- hope, and there is God,” she explains. The Bas to her great dedicated team and the sup- ting yourself in your viewers’ shoes, no matter effect of that was magical. Viewers were con- port of CBC Sofra. She appreciates the hard their background, social status or educational necting with her, trusting her and loving her. work by all involved to make sure the show level. We receive a lot of controversial sto- remains on top. But she also plays a big part, ries from women, which we don’t share even The unexpected response of viewers to her “There was never a guest I haven’t researched though they would be trending on our pages personal story led to the decision to diver- before he came on the show. I study a lot for if we did. That’s because we don’t want to sify the content of the show and to start “Ask this show. I read a lot. I teach myself and I jeopardise our viewers’ trust by saying things Radwa”, the part where El Sherbiny answers take courses about the topics we deal with. I don’t believe should be said on TV. That is viewers’ questions and offers her opinion I look up my guests and watch their videos, not the success or fame we want for the show. “I am afraid of nothing. Whatever life throws my way, I am grateful. I made peace with myself” about personal problems, besides lighter is- and go through their social media accounts, To us, success is being able to maintain what sues like hair and makeup. El Sherbiny be- so as to be always prepared. But most impor- you do for a long time,” explains El Sherbiny. came a TV sensation and “Ask Radwa” was tantly I listen. When you learn how to really trending on all social media platforms. listen, you learn how to talk,” she says, as she And that is why women continue to open up celebrates her show’s fifth season. to her about all sort of problems in their life. Women were happy to finally find a woman But, while she looks at helping women as a on the air, expressing their point of view and Most times, success brings fame and fame of- blessing rather than a burden, she admits that taking their side. Some men were also happy ten brings trouble in its tow. With Heya We it does take its toll on her, especially when because she was educating their daughters Bas being one of the most viewed TV shows, the problems are extremely difficult to solve. and sisters on how they should be treated. El Sherbiny became very noticeable and her “Despite that, I have to admit that I find a lot Not surprisingly, others were angry that she words came under increasing scrutiny. Both of joy and peace in helping women. I believe was encouraging women to own their power, El Sherbiny and the show seem to get in hot that when you help people, the good you do and to never accept being disrespected, mis- water every now and then due to her sponta- will find its way back to you. I don’t think I treated or cheated on, no matter what their neity. Recently, this has been happening more will leave my daughters a lot of money, but situation was. El Sherbiny’s famous words, often. However, even before El Sherbiny de- I will leave them with the effect of my good “I will help you solve this problem,” and “I fends herself, her fans are always jumping to deeds. I hope that they will also want to help will personally get involved in this,” were her defense. That special connection between people, but I don’t want them to be like me, a source of comfort to women all over the her and her fans is proof that she ceased to because we get lost when we want to be like Middle East who felt she genuinely and truly be just another TV host to them. They con- anyone else. I want my daughters to become cared about them. “I believe in the power of sider her a role model and they are willing to their own role models, to be themselves and words. Words can push you forward or set support her the way she has been supporting to work on themselves.” you back. They can make you love life or they women for the past four years. can kill you. What comes from the heart goes Looking ahead to the future, El Sherbiny to the heart, that’s why women believe me. While El Sherbiny started her career al- says, “Yesterday belongs to yesterday, today I see myself in them and I tell them what I most 16 years ago, it is Heya We Bas that has is mine, and tomorrow is in God’s hands,” wish someone had told me. I help them the brought fame her way, perhaps a tad too fast. adding that while Heya We Bas is “her baby”, way I needed someone to help me. I talk “I hate fame,” says El Sherbiny. “Maybe it is and she hopes she can do it for as long as to younger viewers as if I am talking to my true that when you don’t chase something, she can, she can’t guarantee the future. “I daughters. Women are smart and they know it comes to you. I never wanted fame. I just am happy with whatever God brings my way. when someone is genuine and when they are wanted to have a job, make money to sup- I am afraid of nothing. I made peace with being fake. I have never been fake,” she says. port my family, and help women. That is all. myself by letting go of the past and looking “She really cares,” El Halawani confirms, Fame is scary, it really is. I don’t want to be ahead. It took a long time for me to learn adding, “Sometimes I tell her she needs to a star. Stars are far away, and I am not far how to let go. But the moment I did, and tone it down a bit because she takes wom- away from people. I am one of them,” she I forgave everyone, life opened up to me.”

www.enigma-mag.com 47 feature 2020’s Red Carpet Moments

Asser Yassin in Orange Laila Eloui Square and in Basil Soda Kenzy Abdullah in Temraza

Youssra Dorra in Amina Khalil in George Chakra Tony Ward in Sara Onsi

Despite the pandemic and the difficult times we endured in 2020, we still got the chance to see our favourite stars wow us on the red carpet. We are thankful for the Arab celebrities and their stylists who brightened our year with a much-needed jolt of glam and

Arwa Gouda in Sara Onsi

Ahmed Dawood in Orange Square Salma Abu Deif Tara Emad and Ola Roshdy Sherine Reda in Naeem Khan in Deana Shaaban in Soha Murad in Rami Kadi Khaled El Nabawy Hoda Eletreby Injy El Mokkaddem in Lia Stublla in Maison Farah Wali

Rogena in Hany Raya Abirached El Behairy & Ashraf Mariam El Khosht in Zuhair Murad Zaki in Concrete in Shahera Lasheen extravagance. To our delight, we got to enjoy red carpet displays of exquisite style by our favourite stars, dressed mostly by top Arab designers. Here is a roundup of some of 2020’s most glamorous fashion moments.

Ghada Adel Bushra in Alex Perry in Said Kobeisy

Ahmed Malek

Kinda Alloush Jamila Awad Menna Shalaby in Shahira Lasheen in Malak El Ezzawy in Azzi & Osta gift guide Christmas Gifts for There is absolutely nothing normal about this upcoming Christmas. For the first time in decades, many will be abstaining from large family gatherings and the Christmas morning rituals that follow. With everyone more or less in a general state of isolation over the past few months, this year’s Christmas Gift Guide is focused on the ‘must- BUNDT PEN BY NORDICWARE SATIN EYE MASK www.nordicware.com CANDLES BY ACQUA DI PARMA LUCE TOP BY KKW BY ASCENO www.kkwbeauty.com www.asceno.com www.acquadiparma.com

PYJAMA SET BY DEREK ROSE NELSON www.derek-rose.com

COZY KNIT PANTS SOCKS BY KKW BY OFF-WHITE www.kkwbeauty.com www.off---white.com

CHESS SET BY PURLING STONE www.purlinglondon.com The Lazy Lounger We often joke about being stressed in the fast-paced environment we live in, yet when we had to stay home because of the pandemic it took us time to adapt to the new pace of life forced upon us. Eventually, we took up new hobbies, searched for fun comfortable outfits to lounge in at home, and enjoyed little pleasures that made our homes warm and inviting. Now remember that image as you decide on the perfect gift for that special GRAND CRU person. How about a silky two-piece pyjama set, some fun sweatpants, or BY DOMAINE DE a lavender-scented candle? LA ROMANEE- CONTI m.romanee-conti CUSHION SWEATPANTS BY ANKE DRECHSEL BY GUCCI www.ankedrechsel.com www.gucci.com

DOUBLE SET BY GUCCI www.gucci.com

WOOL ANKLE BOOTS BY GUCCI www.gucci.com

ESPRESSO MACHINE KNIFE & BAMBOO DEVORE ROBE BY VENUS CENTURY SET BY ZWILLING J.A BY VERSACE www.espressoworldinc.com www.zwilling.com www.versace.com the Women You Love have’ styles discerned over social media over this period. We have categorised this year’s guide according to the trendy lifestyle features we’ve noted since COVID-19 struck our lives, while ensuring that all these gifts will be ones to remember.

CROP TOP LINE-UP LIGHTS BY BALMAIN BY FENDI www.balmain.com www.fendi.com

DOUBLE-SIDED MIRROR MINI DRESS BY SWAROVSKI BY OLIVIA ROSE www.swarovski.com SUNGLASSES www.oliviarosethelabel.com BY VALENTINO www.valentino.com

BELT BY VERSACE www.versace.com RING BY SHAY MINI SKIRT shayjewelry.com BY BALMAIN www.balmain.com The Influencer If it weren’t for the revival of Tiktok and other social media platforms forcing many of us to get on the bandwagon, would any of us really be ‘woke’ enough for the 21st century? Social media in general has already changed the world in a number of small ways especially during this roller coaster, also known as these past few months. From Air Jordans to selfie sticks, perfect lighting and mirrors, no social media influencer BEAUTY POWDER would exist without the help of some particularly unique BY GUCCI styles, which are great inspirations for some trendy www.gucci.com gifts for this festive season!

MASCARA BY DIOR www.dior.com PHONE GRIP BY THE TECH BAR thetechbarstore.com

WATCH BY TAG HEUER www.tagheuer.com

BAG BY CHANEL www.chanel.com

SELFIE STICK BIKINI TOP BY THE TECH BAR BY VERSACE thetechbarstore.com www.versace.com LIP MAX SET BY DIOR www.dior.com

BIKINI BOTTOMS BY VERSACE JORDAN www.versace.com BY DIORXAIR www.dior.com CAP BY PALM ANGELS www.palmangels.com BRACELET BY CARTIER www.cartier.com EYE MASSAGER BY FOREO SKIN REFINISHER www.foreo.com HEADBAND BY ESTEE LAUDER BY LELE SADOUGHI www.esteelauder.com www.lelesadoughi.com

FUR ROBE COAT SKIN CARE SET BY ALEXANDER WANG BY CHANEL www.alexanderwang.com www.chanel.com

VAPOR BRA BY ALO YOGA www.aloyoga.com HAIR CLIP BY CHANEL www.chanel.com

BODY CREAM LEGGINGS BY ALO YOGA BY DIOR www.aloyoga.com The Wellness Wizard www.dior.com Staying at home for months taught most of us a lesson we may not have focused on enough before, the importance of experiencing peace of mind. While relaxation mode may look different for each of us, we all strive for it everyday of our lives, even before these unprecedented times. Here are a few of the relaxing gifts that are sure to soothe and bring peace of mind to anyone on your list. Pick from jade rollers, skin care, and at-home massages in fuzzy robes for a dear family member, a good friend or that JADE QUARTZ ROLLER special person in your life. BY NOMEL www.nomelnomel.com FACIAL BEAUTY TOOL BY NURSE JAMIE www.nursejamie.com

SLIPPERS BY VERSACE HAIR MASQUE www.versace.com BY LEONOR GREYL www.leonorgreyl-usa.com

TRIPLE S TRAINERS CANDLE BY BALENCIAGA CREAM BY CHARLOTTE TILBURY BY ZAHA HADID www.balenciaga.com www.charlottetilbury.com www.zaha-hadid.com PERFUME BY FLORAIKU CHAIN NECKLACE www.floraiku.com BY VERSACE BLAZER BY GUCCI www.versace.com www.gucci.com DRESS BY BALMAIN LIPSTICK www.balmain.com BY YSL www.ysl.com

CLOCK BY JAEGER LECOULTRE www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

BELT BY LV OYSTER Perpetual www.louisvuitton.com BY ROLEX www.rolex.com the party planner PEN SET Zoom has forever transformed our world and changed the way we all view BY CARTIER our relationships. And, for many, alarm clocks became less relevant when www.cartier.com “getting up for work, or class” simply means moving from our beds to our desks. But at least we can still be fashionable from home. While it is true no one can see our bottom halves on Zoom, the upper half gives you a great opportunity to pick elegant gifts that will be noticeable. And even though they are not visible over Zoom, gifts that leave smelling sensational are always welcome.

MINI DRESS BY HALPERN www.halpernstudio.com LAMP BY SELETTI PERFUME BY YSL www.seletti.it www.ysl.com

DRESS BY BALMAIN www.balmain.com

HAIR CLIP BY CHANEL www.chanel.com

AUGMENTED PAPER BOOTS BY CASADEI BY MONTBLANC SHOULDER BAG BY PRADA www.casadei.com www.montblanc.com www.prada.com beauty now Chanel Les Beiges Eyeshadow Palette This palette offers five different shades with various textures to suit your every mood. It comes with a mirror, a Dermablend Intense foam-tip and brush to apply and Powder Camo Mattifying blend the colours smoothly over your Foundation eyelids. You can easily achieve a range This lightweight soft foundation rich with of chic looks for everyday occasions or hydrating ingredients feels like velvet and a dramatic bold smokey eye for that will give you full coverage. Its mattifying special evening. powder formula gives a youthful glow and a natural smooth look.

YSL Beauty Les Sahariennes Bronzing Stones For a luminous glow, the YSL richly pigmented beauty bronzer will give your skin an effortless natural looking radiance that will make you shine through the night. This longlasting silky-matte bronzer blends beautifully over any type of foundation. Bold

aThe People’s ChoiceBoss Awards were the perfect opportunity for iconicLi superstar and soulful ke singer Demi Lovato to show off her fiery makeup look. Here are some of the products you can use to get Lovato’s sexy look!

Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara is just L’Oréal’s Infallible Full Wear right for the ultimate Waterproof Concealer doe eye effect and the This concealer is made with a non-greasy and most lifted and curvy waterproof formula that provides maximum lashes. Not to men- coverage for under-eye circles, acne scars and tion, its asymmetrical Lancôme Blush Subtil in Keep Calm & Blush every facial imperfection. It is available in 20 and unique brush that Suitable for all types of skin tones, this is the perfect blush for eve- shades to fit different skin tones. When you grabs each lash and ryone. It will give more life to your skin while adding a shimmery haven’t had a good night’s sleep, L’Oréal’s curls it to magnifi- texture to your cheeks. Apply it in circular motion for the fresh and Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer cence! vibrant look you desire! will come to your rescue!

54 www.enigma-mag.com

Out & AboutLos Angeles

Ciara in Taraji P. Henson Balmain in Armani 2020 American Music Awards

The 2020 American Music Awards, hosted at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles featured exclusive world premiere performances as well as an opening number by host Taraji P. Henson, who pulled off 12 glamorous wardrobe changes during the night. The most memorable moment of the night was Justin Bieber’s powerfully touching opening performance Christian Serratos Megan Fox in of Lonely, with Benny Blanco on the piano. Bebe Rexha in Julien in Tom Ford Azzi & Osta Macdonald

Paris Hilton in Valdrin Sahiti

Doja Cat in Vivienne Jennifer Lopez Maluma in Becky G in Ralph Westwood in Balmain Dzojchen and Russo Out & Aboutworldwide

Anne-Marie Jade Thirlwall in Area Mini in Annakiki 2020 MTV European Music Awards

Originally planned to be held in Hungary, the 2020 MTV Alicia Keys European Music Awards kicked off virtually in view of Rita Ora in Moschino the Covid-19 pandemic. Stars zoomed in to present and in Giambattista Valli accept awards from different locations across the world.

Jade Thirlwall in Saint Laurent

Madison Beer in Bebe Rexha Perrie Vivienne Westwood in Christopher Kane in Act N ° 1 Out &santa About monica

Nina Parker Mario Lopez

2020 People’s Choice Awards The 2020 People’s Choice Awards hosted its 46th an- nual celebration at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica to honour the best in film, television and music. While the show was aired live on E! Only a few stars showed up on the carpet due to COVID precautions. Addison Rae in Bebe Rexha Demi Lovato Siena Montesano in Dsquared2 in Naeem Khan

Chirshell Stause Sofia Vergara in Tiffany Haddish in Jennifer Lopez in Brad Goreskki in Rita Vinieries Dolce & Gabbana Prabal Gurung Christian Siriano in Gucci Out & AboutCairo

Ms. Laura Elansary & Mr. Fares Eldeeb Ms. Diana Elansary, Mr. Fares Eldeeb & Ms. Abeer Elansary

Fares Eldeeb & Laura Elansary Tie the Knot

Fares Eldeeb and Laura Elansary were surrounded by friends and family at their glamourous wedding cer- emony held at the Kempinski Hotel in New Cairo. The happy couple and their guests danced through the night and enjoyed a performance by belly dancer Linda.

Ms. Diana Elansary & Mr. Sohail Elansary

Ms. Laura Elansary, Linda Ms. Jana Kara & Dr. & Mr. & Mrs. Yasser Selim & Mr. Fares Deeb Mrs. Mohamed Karara

Mr. Yasser Selim & Dr. Mohamed Karara, Mr. Mohamed Mr. & Mrs. Tamer Wagih Amin & Mr. Walid Samy Out & Aboutcairo

Ms. Laila Shoeir, Ms. Loulia Ismail Ms. Britt Boutros Ghali & Ms. Britt Boutros Ghali & Guests Britt Boutros-Ghali’s ‘Reflections’ Art Exhibit

November was a good year for art in Cairo. The ‘Reflections’ Art Exhibit by Norwegian/Egyptian artist Britt Boutros-Ghali, was held at the Picasso Art Gallery in Zamalek. The exhibit was attended by fellow artists, art lovers and friends who all expressed great admiration for the iconic artist who has a special place in Egypt’s art scene.

Dr. Ibrahim Ghazal & Ms. Monika Demouchelon Ms. Miral Mokhtar & Ms. Gigi Koreia

Ms. Mervat Momtaz, Ms. Nagwa Ibrahim & Mr. Ahmed Farid & Ms. Britt Boutros Ghali, Ms. Moushera Maaraba Ms. Yasmine Youssry Ms. Rasha Momtaz

Ms. Dina Madkour, Ms. Nagwa Ibrahim, Ms. Thoraya Fahmy, Ms. Britt Boutos Ghali Ms. Moushera Maaraba, Mr. Hesham & Ms. Dina Tatanaki Elghamry & Mr. Tymour Gazayerli Out & AboutCairo

Ms. Deena Fadel & guest

Dr. Farid Fadel, Ms. Julia Lassakova & Mr. Daniel Sajtak a Love Story by deena fadel

‘A Love Story’ is the name of the exhibit launched by artist Deena Fadel at Picasso Art Gallery in Zamalek. The event was attended by several celebrities and socialites who came to support the artist and get a glimpse of her paintings.

Guests

Ms. Reem Fadel, Dr. Khalil Ms. Mona Hosni Guests Fadel & Ms. Deena Fadel & Ms. Deena Fadel

Ms. Deena Fadel & guest Ms. Deena Fadel & guest Guests Out & Aboutcairo

Guests Mustafa Rabi’e’s Art Exhibition at Zamalek Mr. & Mrs. Fady Kharshoud Art Gallery

A special exhibit of paintings by visual artist Mustafa Rabi’e, together with sculptures by Nithan Doth, was held at the Zamalek Art Gallery last month. Art lovers who came from all over Cairo enjoyed Rabi’e’s colourful paintings and Doth’s dramatic sculptures.

Ms. Noha El Wakil, Mr. Mustafa Rabie Ms. Mahitab Oraby Ms. Hadeel Said & Ms. Menna Halawa Dr. Weaam Ali

Ms. Noura El Saady, Dr. Ingy El Hakim & Ms. Marwa Tawfik

Mr. Nithan Doth, Ms. Mahitab Oraby, Ms. Ghada Beshir, Dr. Safeya Elqabany Ms. Iman El Sayed & Ms. Dalia Gouda & Dr. Neveen Doth Out & Aboutcairo

Ms. Noura Mostafa, Mr. Tymour Gazayerli, Mr. Adham Abdelmoneim & Ms. Moushera Maaraba Adham Abdelmoneim’s ‘Faces’ Art Exhibit

Artist Adham Abdelmoneim launched his ‘Faces’ painting Ms. Mariam Abdelmoneim exhibit at the Motion Art Gallery in Zamalek. The fascinating & guest Ms. Sara Montasser, Ms. Jessie Abdelmoneim exhibition was enjoyed by many art afficionados who & guest expressed their appreciation for the artist’s work.

Ms. Mervat Magdy, Ms. Ingy El Hakim, Ms. Zeinab Magdy & Ms. Sherine El Hakim Guests

Out & Aboutcairo

Dr. & Mrs. Ashraf Sherif & Ms. Ingy Badr Ms. Noha Mustafa & Ms. Aya Zayed Mustafa Amar Takes the Stage of Smart Vision’s 2020 Expo

Pop star Mustafa Amar took to the stage at Hilton Heliopolis Hotel to perform his iconic hits during the closing ceremony of Mustafa Amar & Khaled Kamel the 2020 Smart Vision Investment Expo.

Ms. Iman El Sayed, Ms. Yasmine Ezz & Ms. Lilian William Ms. Ranya Elgendy & Ms. Suzy Ibrahim Ms. Rana Noman THE

Headband1 by Jennifer Behr WISH www.jenniferbehr.com 2 Mask by Michael NGO LIST www.michaelngo.us

Dress by Saint Laurent 3www.ysl.com 9

Earrings by Marchesa www.marchesa.com

Watch4 by Piaget www.piaget.com

Ring by Selim Mouzannar 5 www.selimmouzannar.com

Bag by Philipp Plein Shoes by Aquazzura Coat by Balmain www.plein.com www.aquazzura.com7 www.balmain.com 664 www.enigma-mag.com 8