While the rest of the world shivers and sniffles, Abu Dhabi, as always, seems to be baking. Which for all the moaning we seem to do does have its positive points.
Take pastels, for example, one of the new season's most important trends that have recently undergone a huge revamp - hard to pull off in a snow cloud, yet positively carefree in the warm eastern winds we get here.
Pastels scare us a little. There is a sickly sweetness about bubble-gum shades of pretty pinks, sugar almond blues and powdery purples that turn away those who like to be taken a little more seriously. That need not be so - we simply need to learn how to toughen up accessories and add structure to our layering to de-feminise.
Forget the Nineties' take on pastels with the sugary pink frosted lip and instead look to Prada, which has come up with the rather wonderful and unusual combination of pale yellow and powder blue - soft and chalky in equal measure. Try cream, blush, soft turquoise, salmon pink or celery green - even try layering a mix for impact, as all will work as long as we get a little brave with the accessorising.
Jonathan Saunders sent models down the runway with a rock 'n' roll flicked eye that paid tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, and Prada paired the girlie tone with a rather harsh masculine hairstyle in order to offset the overtly feminine attire. Try accessorising with black, in a hard structured fabric such as patent to provide an air of the unexpected, or try mixing them with an intensified version of the same hue - pale pink becomes scarlet, powder blue becomes sky blue, et cetera.
Anything studded or silver will help, as will dark tights in an opposite colour to that of the spectrum, emulating a Sixties aesthetic. All of this, however, is not to say that pastels can't still be pretty; we simply need to challenge the classic take, something that will be much easier for those with dark hair for once, as pale pink and the brunette work beautifully.
If you are still plagued by the Nineties Clueless era, try adding a touch of pastel to your beauty routine instead. We saw pastel eyeshadows in shades of lavender, light blue and silver paired with thick, full and defined eyebrows and flushed cheeks head down the catwalks, so the trend will soon be hitting the make-up counters in the next few weeks.
Not to forget, of course, what lies ahead with the launch of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and its inspired 1920s pieces, such as the drop waist, seen for the first time in many seasons. So it seems, spring is well and truly on its way - albeit a spring that should be viewed through a pair of rose-tinted spectacles.
M-ometer
This week's high and lows
MARIA GRACHVOGEL We featured the London-based designer in our rooftop fashion shoot Cloud Atlas. Symphony now stocks her new collection.
CASH BODIES Why waste money on gyms when you can go for a free walk or cycle on the beach at this time of year?
GRAPHIC ADVERTISING Boater hats, black-and-white and two of the coolest Asian models of the moment. We couldn't love Emporio Armani's new ad campaign more.
AXE FOR WOMEN The cheesy teenage boy's go-to deodorant brand is introducing a women's fragrance.
NEW LAUNCH Saks Fifth Avenue recently added Lanvin Petite to their childrenswear department. Now you can match your little one at the next family 'do.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Business Insights
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More coverage from the Future Forum
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Pots for the Asian Qualifiers
Pot 1: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China
Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan
Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Maldives, Kuwait, Malaysia
Pot 5: Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka
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'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
more from Janine di Giovanni
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
Company%20Profile
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The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
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The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid