Meet The Seven Inspiring Women From Our November Issue Of a&e Arabia

Lindsay Judge   |   01-11-2018

TALKING SUCCESS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND LUXURY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latifa Al Gurg

As the founder of fashion label Twisted Roots, Latifa Al Gurg looks into her mixed Emirati and Danish heritage for inspiration. Before becoming a designer, she actually trained as an electrical engineer and had a ten year career in the industry. In 2012 Latifa decided it was time for a change and created her own fashion label (Twisted Roots) with the idea of filling a gap in the market for locally produced modest wear. Latifa decided on the name Twisted Roots because of her mixed background, and her brand officially launched in 2015. A mum of three, she is inspired by her constant travelling and sees Twisted Roots as a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.

Luxury revolves around the small things that truly warm your heart

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

Turning my inspiration into reality. I love the process of researching new places and cultures and then developing this into something tangible. I also love that we are able to offer the same services to others.

 

What inspires you?

Travel and different cultures. You learn so much from exploring the world. Every place and person has something to offer which never fails to amaze me and inspires me to delve deeper.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

Layered, yet paired down. Casual with a touch of formality – and comfort is key!

 

What does success mean to you?

I believe that the concept of success is ever evolving and being redefined. It always revolves around growth and learning but it’s constantly changing and that’s what keeps it interesting.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

Preparation, determination and flexibility.

 

What is luxury for you?

Luxury for me revolves around the small things that truly warm your heart like snuggling up with a warm cup of hot cocoa when it’s freezing outside, or the warmth of the sun when you’re relaxing by the ocean. Luxury is also the things that remind you of those times. The trinkets you keep that are truly sentimental.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

A long necklace that will dress up the simplest of outfits.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

My experiences and memories. They are what drives me.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Legacy.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

The attention to detail and precision. These are key values to me.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

It’s subtle yet still makes a statement. A definition of femininity and truly beautiful.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

Experiencing somewhere or something new with my family. It’s always a momentous occasion that creates endless memories to enjoy.

 

Amna Al Habtoor

Amna Al Habtoor is the founder of fragrance brand Arcadia Perfumes. Growing up in the UAE, Anma began working for her father’s motorcar business before travelling to England to fulfil her passion of studying the art of fragrance-making at The Cotswold Perfumery in Cheltenham, England. The Emirati-born entrepreneur saw a gap in the market for a locally based luxury fragrance house and so Arcadia was born in 2017. Amna was inspired by her childhood, growing up in the Middle East – using many locally sourced spices and scents in the ingredients of her fragrances. Amna is a business woman but most importantly a mum, juggling her time between her fragrance brand and her family.

Luxury is not only in what you possess, but rather in things that are taken for granted, like time and each other.

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

I love looking back at the fondest moments in my life and capturing the nostalgia it brings to Arcadia’s fragrances. It amazes me when people tell me how the fragrances remind them of moments in their life.

 

What inspires you?

Arcadia is inspired by the memories of my late mother and certain moments and milestones in my life, especially related to my family. With scent being such a powerful trigger of emotions, I am able to reminisce meaningful moments with my loved ones and revisit them time and time again.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

I strive for simplicity and elegance in my style, while staying contemporary, modest and most importantly comfortable!

 

What does success mean to you?

Many often measure success solely on superficial metrics, but to me success is also happiness, love and pride in what you do.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

You need to have a strong support system from your family and friends. Patience and the ability and determination to overcome the toughest obstacles to achieve your passion.

 

What is luxury for you?

Luxury is elegance without arrogance, it’s in the details and craftsmanship of what you wear. But luxury is not only in what you possess, but rather in things that are taken for granted, like time and each other.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

I would definitely choose earrings. There’s never a time when I’m not wearing at least a pair of earrings.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

That would be my wedding ring. I’ve never taken it off since the day I got married.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Elegant.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

I’m a very artistic person and attentive to details, which is what Piaget is also known for. Their craftsmanship is undeniable and I would like to think the work I put into my fragrances reflects this.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

I think it’s absolutely breath-taking! It’s beautiful in its simplicity making it a perfect match for a day or night ensemble.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

To me it is when you wake up in the morning and realise all the things you were stressing about the day before don’t really matter. The “Sunny Side of Life” is when you remain optimistic despite the many hardships we all face in life.

 

 

Noora Hefzi

A Saudi Arabian fashion designer. She launched her namesake fashion label in 2005 and caters to independent boutiques around the world as well as private customers in the Middle East and beyond. Noora’s designs are modern but capture her Arabian heritage through prints and embroidery. Noora is her own muse as she wears her own designs and creates pieces that she loves. Aside from being an entrepreneur and designer, Noora is a mum to three children and lives with them and her husband in Dubai.

 

Passion for what you do is the first thing [that leads to success]

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

Being able to create. I love seeing how an idea can come to life. It’s also a special outlet for me where I get to enjoy and play with my personal style and make myself a new wardrobe each season whilst designing a collection. Also I love the fact that I’m my own boss.

 

What inspires you?

Being in my dressing room trying on clothes and creating new outfits. Going through stacks of old magazines from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. I’m also inspired by textured fabrics, gemstones and scents.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic, bold, glamourous and playful. I am also spontaneous and adventurous in my outfits, in the sense that I don’t plan them and I let the clothes inspire me on the day. I tend to use lots of accessories and jewellery to bring my outfits together.

 

What does success mean to you?

Being better than you were before, and achieving the goals that you set for yourself.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

Passion for what you do is the first thing that comes to mind. Then self-discipline time management and dedication.

 

What is luxury for you?

Anything that makes me feel pampered, spoilt, taken care of and relaxed.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

A stack of bracelets or bangles. I feel they can be worn with most dresses or outfits even if it’s a dress with big bell-sleeves.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

My time.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Whimsical.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

The Art Deco flare, glamour, elegance, simplicity, richness and femininity.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

It’s Art Deco meets mid-century with some old Hollywood glamour. It reminds me of the fifties classic style, with a modern take on it making it perfect for today’s woman.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

Travelling, horse riding and sunbathing at the beach.

 

 

Adalat Audeh Nakkash

Adalat Audeh Nakkash was the first Arab dietitian in the UAE. Originally from Jordan, Adalat moved to Dubai after graduating from AUB in Lebanon. She subsequently started the first dietary department in Rashid Hospital in 1977 and worked in the industry for forty years, heading up the department in many hospitals across Dubai and Sharjah. At the same time Adalat ran her own fashion business, bringing luxury fashion houses to the UAE for the first time and introducing them to Dubai’s top boutiques. Today Adalat is retired and spends much of her time with her family; she is a mother and grandmother of three. Adalat still works with private fashion clients and also dedicates her spare time to volunteering and working with causes that are close to her heart including the Friends of Cancer Patients charity, of which she is a founding member, The Lebanese American University of which she is a member of the Advisory Board, and ULYP, a charity that helps to provide education for young refugees in the Middle East.   

 

Success doesn’t mean money or possessions, it is achieving what you want to achieve.

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

Although what I do is diverse, I am a people’s person and I love working with people. My reward comes from giving. I believe above all that with giving we receive.

 

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me and give me ideas and energy to do something. It may come from a book, an art piece, a landscape or even an article I’m reading – it can be anything. I am also inspired by children. I believe in the saying “Don’t give them the fish, teach them how to catch the fish.” You have to encourage and empower them, and then let them make their own future.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

It must always be balanced and not too over the top. I like to wear neutral tones and pieces that are elegant and exclusive. For me, the most important thing is knowing what to wear at the right time.

 

What does success mean to you?

Whatever you do, you must enjoy doing it and have empathy towards others. You need intelligence, hard work and time management to get things done. Entrepreneurial spirt is essential to succeed. At the same time you need to have a goal and work towards achieving it. Success doesn’t mean money or possessions, it is achieving what you want to achieve.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

Having a goal and quality is very important – the quality of work and the quality of time spent on achieving your goals. Organisation and focus are important too and of course, you have to have values.

 

What is luxury for you?

Some people consider luxury as physical things but I think it is the intangible things rather than products, like living in a state of comfort and security. Luxury can also be the satisfaction you get when you get something you have worked towards.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

A watch.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

My children.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Statement.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

It’s balance. I like to be elegant and balanced and have things at the right time, right place and not over the top.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

I love the watch. It is very elegant and I particularly like it with the blue strap and dial.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

When you have peace of mind and you are relaxed and happy.

 

 

Balsam Al Khalil

Balsam Al Khalil is Chief Representative Officer at the Bank of Beirut in the UAE and Gulf region. Born in Lebanon, she spent her career in the corporate banking world, working her way up to the position she holds today. Balsam has a keen interest in business investments in the region, which is something she specialises in. As well as her day job, Balsam also studied Etiquette and Fashion Styling and Image Consultancy at London College of Fashion. She then became a certified Business Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant. Today she uses the knowledge she gained from this to write articles and books on manners and lifestyle. Her book Travel Etiquette is a guide for the modern traveller containing travel tips and advice.

 

Success means getting to where I want to be after very hard work.

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

As a banker – being available on the best and worst days for the clients. As an Etiquette expert and Image Consultant – improving the quality of lives of people.

 

What inspires you?

It could be anything. A flower, a poem, a book, children.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

Chic, classic but modern and practical.

 

What does success mean to you?

Success means getting to where I want to be after very hard work.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

Knowing what you want, making a decision, realising it without asking how and then getting there.

 

What is luxury for you?

Getting the things that I’ve worked really hard for.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

Earrings.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

My integrity.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Legacy.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

It has to be Georges-Édouard Piaget’s motto of “always do better than necessary.”

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

Elegance at its best.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

The Sunny Side of Life to me is spending time with my nieces and nephews.

 

Dr. Hala Fadli

Dr. Hala Fadli is an Iraqi Cosmetic Dermatologist based in the UAE. After training in the UK Dr Fadli opened her medical practice in the UAE, specialising in diseases of the skin, hair and nails, with an emphasis on facial cosmetic enhancement and complexion enrichment. Her primary goal is to enhance one’s appearance and treat the aging process so that people can look as good and as young as they feel. Her father is a well-known psychiatrist and her mother is a gynaecologist, both with their own clinics in Dubai. Her siblings are also doctors.

 

Success means the ability to achieve your goals in life.

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

What I love about my job as a cosmetic dermatologist is that I am able to put a smile on patients faces and increase their confidence, whether that’s by improving their skin condition or by a cosmetic procedure.

 

What inspires you?

My mother and my father are my inspiration. They are both doctors. I grew up watching them help patients and improve their health. I used to listen to their patient’s stories and all the respect and love they got from them. That’s the main reason why I became a doctor.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

Feminine, elegant and classic.

 

What does success mean to you?

Success means the ability to achieve your goals in life. As a doctor, my goals were to get the highest qualifications in the field of dermatology and set up a successful private practice.  Success also means that I am able to live how and where I want and to practice something that I am passionate about.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

Hard work and determination.

 

What is luxury for you?

The ability to travel wherever and whenever I want. Luxury means I am able to spend quality time with my loved ones and my best friends.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

A watch.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

My family and my work.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Colourful.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

We are both elegant, radiant and sophisticated.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

One of the most elegant watches in the world.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

The Sunny Side of Life for me is to be positive, optimistic, grateful and keep going.

 

 

Zainab Al Salih

Originally from Iraq, Zainab Al Salih is the Founder and Managing Director of Carousel Events. She and her team have put together some of the most exclusive and unique events and weddings in the region. Zainab left her career in the banking world and founded her company in order to follow her passion of making people happy. She is very hands on with her business and is always seen running around, organising the finest details.

 

The most valuable things in my life are not possessions but family.

 

What do you love the most about what you do?

We are lucky to be working on creating beauty and happiness and are blessed to be making lasting and beautiful memories.

 

What inspires you?

First and foremost my couples.  The love they share, the promise of a life together and the joy of the occasion.  I get a great deal of my inspiration from my travels, particularly summer in Italy – where there is so much genuine and authentic beauty.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

I have always loved an understated look. I focus on what looks good on me and try not to be too controlled by fashion trends. I am very particular about colours opting for solid and more neutral tones. I love a little black dress with a pair of nude pumps.

 

What does success mean to you?

Being happy, and making people happy.

 

What are the pillars in your opinion that lead to success?

A genuine passion for what you do, how you do it, why you do it and who you do it for.

 

What is luxury for you?

Luxury is a constantly evolving term and while years ago, it was associated with wealth, today luxury is more about the authenticity of the experience and the personalisation of it.

 

If you could choose one piece of jewellery what would it be?

A beautiful watch. I love how a practical and functional object can also be a beautiful piece of jewellery and it goes beyond mere vanity.

 

What is your most valuable possession?

The most valuable things in my life are not possessions but family. As for my most valuable possession, a ring given to me by my late and beloved grandmother, is by far more valuable to me than any expensive jewellery I may possess.

 

How would you describe Piaget in one word?

Timeless.

 

What do you think are the common codes between you and a brand like Piaget?

The endless pursuit of beauty and always being a part of people’s most cherished memories.

 

You are wearing the Limelight Gala watch – what do you think of this watch?

It’s a watch that represents me and my style, as much I represent it.  It is simple, yet elegant and it is timeless in its appeal and beauty.

 

Piaget is known for its “Sunny Side of Life” spirit in their communication – what is the Sunny Side of Life to you?

Sharing wonderful moments with my family, the laughter of my children and the smile of my husband. Also, the joy I share with my clients and their families every time we design and plan a wedding.

 

 

ALL JEWELLERY AND WATCHES BY PIAGET

Concept Creation: Lara Mansour Sawaya

Direction: Lindsay Judge and Charline Deek

Hair and Makeup: Bianca, Emma and Melanie at MMG Artists

Location: One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai