Japanese Pottery Exhibition at the Amricani Cultural Centre 4 Dec - Jan 2011

This seems like a very interesting event, the Japanese Embassy has partnered with Dar Al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) to present a Pottery Exhibition from December 4^th, 2011 to January 27^th, 2012 at Amricani Cultural Centerto mark the 50^th anniversary for the establishment of Japan-Kuwait diplomatic relations.

Japanese Pottery: The rising generation from traditional Japanese kilns introduces the works of a total of 35 artists active in seven major sites in Japan. Some carry on long traditions of pottery production while others seeking to create individualistic works exploring new forms. The exhibition focuses on "vessels" endeavoring to show how ceramic artists understand the function of vessels.

Details of the event:

Pottery Exhibition: 

Date & time: From Dec. 4th, 2011 to Jan. 27th, 2012

Opening Hours:  Monday - Thursday 9a.m. - 7p.m.
                              Friday and Saturday 2p.m. - 7p.m.
                              Sunday (closed)

Venue: Amricani Cultural Centre
(Old Amricani Hospital Building, on the Arabian Gulf Road next to National Assembly)

Pretty Little things for her - Guest editor

I had the pleasure of being invited to bloggers night at ‘Pretty Little things’ the event was in the comfy Villa Mini Boutiques. Walking in, I was impressed by the supper snacks arranged by Baking Tray on the left and the comfortable seating, warm heaters on the right, made a note to myself, have to absolutely take advantage of the organised set up.  Greeted by the event organised, exclusivity was asserted as our names were checked off a  list and we entered a world of sophisticated brands.  Dainty, posh pretty and elegant are the words that evolve around the brands.

Some of my favourites were:

 Silsil Ceramics-

Combining contemporary and traditional styles, these light as a feather items got me captivated..

Goji boutique

Tree of accessories was budding with unique necklaces, shiny braclets, dainty bags and elegant clutches.

The racks were also decorated with the warm winter clothes

The yard truly out did itself with the yard yards display, feels like you walking into one of the Covent Garden stores.  Found tons of useful homey accessories, fell in love with the traditional trays and the ‘oh so adorable’ plates and bowls.

May jewellery

Fell in love with the elegant simplicity of the accessories, having them custom made, choosing the letter desired and precious stone. The mens’ cufflinks are a ‘ to die for’ gift for him!

Baby B

Absolute cuteness! You just wana pinch the products cheeks! The items make adorable baby gifts as well as include many baby essentials. The simplistic yet pretty little things sold here make you cry out ‘I want’!

Green Bar

Last but far from least, was totally blown away by Green Bar, extremely popular in Bahrain, I was very impressed by the products being displayed. They resembled a merge between  l’occitane and Kiehl’s. I loved the aromatic scent of the products and the fresh and calm feeling they give.

Not only was this an exceptional visit, but I felt very much appreciated by the name tagged basket of goodies presented at the End.

*Guest editor

One of the 25 in crowd

Yousef wearing Raf Simons top and Raad Hourani leggings  

img; courtesy of yousef

The Kuwaiti based shop the number '4', was recently featured as one of the top destinations to visit in Kuwait in IN Magazine. As some of you may already know Yousef Al-Taher works in the marketing department and he was also featured in the magazine as one of the 25 'IN crowd' in the Middle East. Click here to watch a video of the other 24 winners.


 Well done Yousef ! In case you missed our great interview with the fashionisto, click HERE 

Hugh Jackman in Ferragamo

img: Getty

Spotted Hugh Jackman wearing Salvatore Ferragamo jacket at the Laughing Man Marketplace (the charitable café he owns) 

Adnan Z. Manjal: A fashion editor you should know

This week The Absolute Man got up close and a bit personal with Adnan Z.Manjal, the editorial director of SQUA.RE, the digital luxury guide website that has fashion enthusiasts and luxe nuts obsessed.

Here we sat down with the man behind the brand and got a peek to what ticks on his clock.

The Absolute Man is aware of your interest in psychology, how does your undertaking of that subject help you understand the fashion industry?

This simply helps by recognizing fads from timeless styles. But I guess everyone can recognize this as soon as they step into the fashion industry and pay attention. The psychology of the current trends in trying reach the market is what is interesting to observe right now. To see how brands are competing with each other using the latest technology, online and social networks and also with fast clothing retailers, all for the sake of keeping and converting new admirers.

What was your overall impression of fashion week? Who had the best menswear collection in your opinion? How would you approach it?

PRADA can do no wrong. What you see on the runway is the vision of the designer, but what one should do is pick and choose, what looks good on you, and add you our own individuality to the look.

'Out of reach out of mind’, 'A lot of good options, A lot of good choices' which better describes your outlook on online shopping?

I would say that the possibility to purchase from brands that are not available where one lives is a great opportunity for the consumer and the brand. But personally, I am still sceptical about purchasing shirts, pants and blazers on-line. You know how every brand has It’s own “fit”!

Aims and aspirations, what would be your next dream project?

Developing SQUA.RE to a wider, global audience as is what is happening right now. Sending SQUA.RE on the right path to become the number one source online for everything luxury.

What is your morning routine?

My 10KM (minimum) run, breakfast while checking the news online, and then heading to the office. While music, Twitter, Biotherm and Jo Malone products accompany these activities. And always keep a book to read in the car or in your bag.

You have a very big presence in social media, how do you keep your online presence afloat?

By always posting what is interesting to me. And trying to keep in touch whenever possible, especially when attending exhibitions, conferences, art fairs...

When you go on one of your runs, what's on your athletic playlist?

I have 200+ tracks on my running playlist. From Jamiroquai to Madonna, from Scissor Sisters to Lady Gaga, and a lot of funky House Music courtesy of the Freemasons and Shapeshifters.

When it comes to Hotels where is your favorite place to stay?

Browns London, I usually stay in St martins hotel, but few times I stayed at browns. It's the perfect location,a beautiful place and extremely comfortable. I don’t really look for design, It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic or minimalistic hotel. I look for amenities, service, location, and how comfortable the hotel is.  I never look for style, as I respect and appreciate the distinctiveness in design of each hotel.

Favorite places to eat?

I like to try a bit of everything. If I can choose a restaurant my all time favourity st. germain l’atelier (London) west street soho, Le Trois Garcons.

How does your fashion impact your travels?

Where I go influences how I pack. Destinations and season definitely influences my wardrobe. Whatever is timeless, so a white shirt.

How do you see fashion in a general sense, and its evolution?

Thought of it as an exclusive industry before whereas now they have to keep up. If brands do not keep up with social media, then they will die. The other thing, it connects between the brand and people, consumers in the market can follow real time line opinion. In terms of fashion, D&G they ask their followers what they would like to see.

In terms of Womenswear?

Wang – I think brands don’t want people to wear things straight from the runway, you look cut off from a magazine. You should mix and match. Mohammed Ashi, Kris Van Ash, his own line is beautiful, Raf Simons, I like SMALTO, classic timeless feel. Givenchy for both men and women. Absolutely.

Give us a quick rundown of your favorite labels to wear

The Kooples, ACNE and Rag & Bone Maison Martin Margiela, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Top Man, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith, SMALTO, H&M and Jil Sander.

If you could live in a movie, what movie would it be and why?

Definitely NOT “The Devil Wears Prada”! (it was a horrendous film in comparison with the moral of the original book).

Introducing The 247

 Volta joint ventured with a new shopping store that only just launched on the 24th of October, named The 247. 

Their brands include: Henrik Vibskov, Surface2Air, Folk, Hope, Marta Martino, Levi's made and crafted, Yuketen,THVM Atelier, Uniforms for the dedicated, Volta.


Some basic facts about The 247:
1. It's an Italian online store
2. It's a new project conceived at Twentyfourseven, an Italian group known at international level for its work of quality, research and selection of the sponsored brands.
3. It looks into emerging Italian brands


They have a men's look section - Mad Men

Photostory section, 'quit your job, start your own company' 

Coffee with section

If you shop before the end of October, you get a 15% discount

Versace for H&M

Here's a sneak peak on what to expect on November 17  - the Swedish brand H&M collaborates with Versace in making the below capsule collection. Expect studs, neon colors, cashmere, velvet trousers and tribal print. I am loving the black tuxedo jacket with the black and white prints.

Products shots: