MARCH 2023
Hasina Gori
EDITOR’S NOTE
Peace be with you.
Peace be with you,
Emotions! A strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.
Many of us have experienced a variety of emotions over the past month, but the people of Turkey and Syria in particular. In order to give back to those who have been most negatively impacted by the earthquake calamity, we at Covered Official have chosen to devote our time to assembling this issue. Hasina Gori has joined the team to discuss her experiences from when she covered the story for Salaamedia in the rubble-filled area in February of this year.
She was on ground when the second earthquake hit. We can only imagine the emotional trauma faced by everyone that was on ground in this devastating disaster! To all the support teams, doctors and relief aid sent, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may you be rewarded abundantly for your efforts.
So, how we handle our emotions is key to how we respond to the world and not everything can be a positive response, ever heard of toxic positivity? We dive into it in our wellness section with Khadijah Mia. To increase our serotonin levels we have some dynamic fashion for you to check out too.
So take some time out and enjoy the read!
Ramadan Mubarak for all those celebrating!
By Yesmien KT
CONTRIBUTIONS
Accentuate Your Look. Shine Bright
Accessories
FALL WINTER 2023/24 COLLECTION
Gianvito Rossi unveils a brand-new, daring Fall/Winter collection characterized by a seductive mystery. Playing with punk and gothic themes, the designer gives them a new level of refinement. The focus is on the boots: whether they are knee-high or over the knee, these styles highlight the delicate game of strength and sensuality that characterizes the entire collection. The collection is introduced with an outrageous black patent leather to-the-knee boot with a tall stiletto heel. A strong force is reflected in its simple, minimalist shape with a side zip-up detail. Platform pumps and dramatic d’Orsay heels made of patent leather are embellished with numerous front straps. Cut-out knee-high boots exude a seductive magnetism. The gladiator silhouette has a gothic twist thanks to large bands of black leather that frame the leg and a rear zip that extends up to the thigh. A seductive over-the-knee boot in soft suede features a diamond cut-out pattern that exposes the skin on the front, side, and rear. The essence of refined style.
By Farah Sheik
Get ready to elevate your jewellery game with the latest addition to Aubade Boutique, the stunning and sophisticated fine jewellery brand Sophie Bille Brahe. This Danish brand, founded by the talented designer Sophie Bille Brahe, brings a touch of Scandinavian style and minimalism to Aubade’s collection.
Launched in a Dubai boutique on February 22nd, Sophie Bille Brahe’s collection features delicate and elaborate pieces that are classic but interpreted through modernity. The brand’s iconic styles, such as “The Collier de Tennis” and “Peggy,” showcases Brahe’s passion for telling stories and draws inspiration from her background as a descendant of Tycho Brahe, a 16th-century astronomer.
The brand’s commitment to high-quality materials and attention to detail is evident from using leading quality diamonds to represent the stars and freshwater pearls to represent Earth’s connection to the moon. The result is a luxurious collection that symbolizes heavenly bodies.
To discover the latest addition to Aubade’s collection, visit the Aubade Boutique to see Sophie Bille Brahe’s stunning creations in person. Get ready to elevate your jewellery style with this luxurious and contemporary range.
CASADEI LAUNCHES ITSELF INTO THE FUTURE WITH ITS LATEST SPRING-SUMMER 2023 COLLECTION
With the new spring-summer 2023 collection, Casadei launches itself into the future. This Made in Italy shoe specialist looks to tomorrow, the same eyes that pay maniacal attention to quality and finishes, follow the company roots that have been based in San Mauro Pascoli since 1958. In the same place where the author of ‘Il fanciullino’ was born, the imagination of Cesare Casadei blossoms.
Tradition and experimentation, sexiness, psychedelia and avant-garde virtuosity come together in the Casadei summer. This opens with a psychedelic heel that is reminiscent of the curves of the famous chair by Danish designer Verner Panton: Casadei’s spring-summer 2023 inaugurates Elodie, a “landscape-shoe” among pumps, sandals and slingbacks characterized by an unprecedented handwritten 3D logo.
These shoes look like they come out of a Helmut Newton black & white photo, or from a seductive and feminine creation by Ellen Von Unwerth, with whom Casadei has established a close collabo- ration and friendship over the years.
Casadei’s spring-summer 2023 collection is synonymous with the braid on the Berenice upper, where garment-dyed vinyl is created using a modern take on the ancient technique of string threading, ready to hoist on the new cylindrical Cleo heel as on the sinuous rounded Luna wedge, entirely covered by the meticulous weaving of Hanoi vegan leather.
Subscribe now at only $10 / year to become a member of our Covered Magazine Community and start redeeming your benefits immediately. Receive VIP access to our events or workshops, as well as incredible vouchers to treat yourself all year.
Access Our Vouchers
KURT GEIGER LONDON LAUNCHES SS23 COLLECTION
Kurt Geiger London showcases a decadent trend duo for SS23. While ‘Some Like it Hot’ serves up a cocktail of colours, ‘New Romantics’ co- exists with a more delicate mix of macaron pastels. Fruit embellishment evokes Carmen Miranda energy, London vibrancy is reflected with bustling floral and scarf prints, and Soho’s rooftop-sunset is conveyed through glistening lurex fabrics and hot metallics. In contrast, ‘New Romantics’ offers a sugar-sweet colour palette crafted in lightweight tweeds, available in coordinating shoes and handbags, alongside new season handbags crafted in tactile crochets.
The ever-present multicolor remains iconic throughout all Kurt Geiger London SS23 collections. The signature ‘KENSINGTON’ staples, across both shoe and handbag collections, glide between decadent pale metallics, versus luxe sundown brights with a shot of leopard print. High summer welcomes the arrival of the new vinyl ‘SOUTHBANK’ tote, which is a poolside must, alongside a wardrobe of wedges – from the SHOREDITCH raffia style to colourful PIERRA multicolor, there’s a footnote for every summer soiree.
Kurt Geiger London is available in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and online at Bloomingdales.ae
FERRAGAMO PRESENTS THE BOLD & LUMINOUS DOUBLE GANCINI MINI
The two-dimensional Gancini motifs on the modular band of the Ferragamo Double Gancini Mini watch are completed in colorful enamel for a striking, dazzling appearance. The watch’s design is distinguished by the sleek lines of the rectangular case and the bracelet.
The new, lower size makes the accessory loose and cozy to wear.
A sophisticated play of light and contrasting hues is produced against the yellow or pink gold case by the white or black enamel finish that adorns the bracelet and dial. Four ornate microstuds serve as index markers, and the crown is embellished with the recognizable red cabochon found on all Ferragamo watches.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Case: rectangular, 13.5 x 20.5 mm – crown with red cabochon ● Movement: quartz 2H (Ronda 1032) – Swiss Made ● Dial: enamel with stud indexes ● Bracelet: stainless steel with double Gancini links decorated with enamel – butterfly buckle with double Gancini logo ● Water resistance: 30 meters
Here And Now: Embrace the Spirit of Ramadan with Bloomingdale’s Luxe Collection
By Farah Sheik
Bloomingdale’s has released their highly anticipated ‘Here and Now’ Ramadan 2023 Edit, a specially curated collection of clothing, accessories, and home decor that embraces the essence of today.
The ‘Here and Now’ is made with high-quality fabrics and calming colours from various brands. The collection includes a variety of colours, ranging from marsala and burgundy to sky blue and marigold, providing sophisticated style options. In addition, it features contemporary evening wear from Taller Marmo, Taira, La DoubleJ, and Acler. It also features beautifully embellished jewellery from Caroline Svedbom, Goossens, and Shourouk, as well as elaborate bags and shoes. Moreover, the collection includes home decor items such as cushions, rugs, and decorative pieces to add a sense of togetherness and panache to your Ramadan home.
A paragraph or a section of tBloomingdale’s ‘Here and Now’ Ramadan 2023 Edit captures the spirit of Ramadan through a visual story of celebration and togetherness. The collection is available online and in-store across the Middle East, so you can shop for stylish and comfortable pieces and embrace the essence of this special time with Bloomingdale’s luxe collection.
COVER STORY:
Türkiye Earthquake
REPORTER NOTEBOOK: ON THE GROUND TURKEY EARTHQUAKE
By Hasina Gori
Hasina is a broadcast journalist with almost two decades of experience. She spent the last decade at the Johannesburg newsroom of the SABC covering general news as well as legal and justice beat. Hasina is passionate about human rights issues, migration and gender based violence. From print to on-screen broadcasts, she is able to tell a captivating story. Last year she signed off from the field to solo travel. Currently she is freelancing creating a podcast and doci-series on social. Issues locally and abroad. Hasina solo-travelled to Turkiye for Salaamedia to cover the February 2023 earthquakes with her cell phone.
On the 6th of February 2023, when I watched the news unfold of the Turkiye and Syria earthquakes on my timeline and screens, I didn’t know that a few days later I would be ending my 5-month sabbatical from the newsroom to return to the field. Ahead of the trip, there was much deliberation and discussion on how to proceed, as much of the infrastructure, roads, and airports were not open. Accommodation and food were also scarce resources due to the extent of the damage.
Like everyone around the globe, I watched the clips of the earthquake hitting southern Turkey, my heart breaking as buildings crumbled to dust and the panic and aftermath ensued. The scenes of search and rescue workers scouring for those still alive I read the reports detailing the magnitude of the set of earthquakes, the distance of the impacts spanning countries, and the number of those affected, but until I landed in Gaziantep airport, in southern Turkiye it was all facts and words.
The two-hour flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep began with a prayer for the lives lost and those still missing in the region. The plane was mostly filled with those going to assist or families returning to help those affected. The somber mood followed to the arrival terminal, where luggage remained waiting to be collected from those that were stranded in the last week. The departures terminal in this small local airport was filled to maximum capacity as those who had family in other provinces were trying to leave.
Families carrying the little they could salvage from their homes filled the benches, hoping to get a ticket for the next evacuation flights. The airport had remained closed for three days after the earthquake, and many of the flights that had been coming in were those of aid and search and rescue officials. Exhaustion and fatigue could be seen around the terminal; even the restaurants had run out of stock, unable to cope with capacity. Turkish hospitality was still present despite the circumstances. In the afternoon, a community group set up a station handing out hot cups of chorba (soup) with bread. Trays of fruits were brought by others, and baklava, which the region is famous for, was shared. As the sun set and the winter temperatures brought a chill, more people entered the airport seeking refuge.
Every seat was filled with human bodies, covered in scarves and jackets, laying across each other or sleeping straight. Others gathered around their bags and laid themselves down to try to get some sleep. This was where I got my first eyewitness accounts of the devastation. Many were scared and traumatized as the tremors continued to shake the province, and the fear of their buildings collapsing was real. I spoke with aid organisations, search and rescue teams, and journalists who were leaving after being there for the first 72 hours after the earthquake. They described the scenes they experienced as if they were in a movie. When I left the airport 24 hours later, I went straight into the epicentre of the 7.5-magnitude quake, which was in Karamanmarash. Here in the late evening, the only sound one could hear was the loud machinery working through the crumbled brick and wire debris, hoping to find those that were still trapped beneath. Around these sites, the few that still remained sat around fires, trying to keep warm. In the darkness of the night, an old man and his son walked through the crushed bricks of where their home stood, looking for a family member that was in the home that morning with them.
They said it felt like a bomb had been dropped on them. Over the next ten days, I travelled to six of the ten affected provinces, totalling over 1300 km. From the epicentre, the next area was Nurdagi, a town in the Gaziantep province. Here, an excavator was bringing down buildings that were unsafe. A small glimpse into what experiencing the earthquake may have been like. In the yellow glow of the machine’s lights, I watched as the machine clawed into the facade of the building, the crashing of stone and cement and the rising of dust covering the area. Many survivors who shared their experiences described the morning as being a chaos of dust and snow as their foundations shook. The next morning, I woke up alongside the snow-covered mountains just outside Hatay province. Glimpses of more destruction could be seen the closer we got to the city. All the filling stations were deserted, and the few that were open were being used as restrooms. Shelves remained bare, with stocks either depleted or cleared in fear of looting. As we entered the city, some high-rise residential communities remained standing but were deserted. Most had cracks through the walls, chunks of the building missing, or completely collapsed on some floors. Here I got peeks into the lives that may have lived inside the brick and mortar structures. Going through the city, one got a full view of lounges, kitchens, bedrooms, and stores.
This day was heavy with grief as I went from community to community, watching people wait next to the search and rescue teams, praying for a miracle. Others had the hard task of identifying their loved ones who had passed. Temporary structures punctuated areas as people tried to gather basics and comfort each other. From the high rises in Hatay to the villages on the outskirts, I listened to people sharing their sadness and loss. Everyone had lost so much in the set of quakes that have been deemed the deadliest in the century. AFAD, the Turkish disaster management agency, has said over 1.3 million people were left homeless. Walking through the earthquake zones, one saw pieces of people left behind. Memories that people were unable to save or take with them as they left for safety In the debris, school books, novels, photographs, wedding dresses, collections of movies and CDs, and toys all coloured the grey rubble. In every community, those who stayed behind, not wanting to leave those that remained behind or with no means to evacuate, were housed in temporary shelters. The Turkish hospitality and international aid organisation all joined hands to ensure that there was food not just for the survivors but also for those assisting. From blankets to clothing, and something as minuscule as charging stations, everything was provided. Driving through some of the towns, all that is left behind is the rubble as most of the community left to seek refuge in cities or provinces away from the epicentre, which continued to experience seismic activity days after the initial hit.
On Valentine’s Day evening, I found myself in Elbistand; search and rescue had ceased here. All around were cordoned-off buildings that were uninhabited, and the fog was thick in the air. Speaking in the empty streets, one’s voice travelled bouncing across the darkened space. In the middle of the city centre, we found remnants of what would’ve been celebrations planned for the day and two elderly men sitting next to a fire. The Syrian man shared that most of those who were still here were staying in a hotel that was still standing. The south-east region of Turkey borders Syria and has absorbed the millions who have fled the civil unrest over the last decade.
The refugees were among those once again left destitute and having to rebuild a life. Continued driving through the night as the temperature moved steadily into the negatives. The morning I entered Malatya, snow had begun to coat most of the dwellings and rubble. We found the army out in the streets, ensuring that buildings were not looted and families did not attempt to enter again. It was day 9, and hopes of finding any survivors were dwindling. Members of the community walked around in a daze, still trying to process what had happened. The city centre had been most affected, with stores crushed. In one of the shopping areas, I met a family trying to salvage some of their stock from the store in hopes of rebuilding. As I continued traveling towards Diyarbakir, the snowy mountains stretched for kilometres. This area is mainly populated by Kurdish Turks. The city park had been converted into a temporary camp as some villages around the area had been affected. This area was the first where we heard a little laughter as the many children played on swings and attended a playschool set up by volunteers. The singing is a reminder of the usual sound of Turkiye. Back in Gaziantep, a historical castle that was a main tourist attraction was a casualty of the earthquake. At its foot, tents covered in plastic were set up, and the city square now became home for many from as far away as Adiyaman, which was kilometres away. Over the next few days, these camps started being removed, and the destitute were now searching for other sites, such as the stadiums, to find a place to keep warm. Across the region, the feeling of helplessness and fear was omnipresent. Many were still trying to survive the elements and had not yet had a chance to process or even grieve the mammoth loss they had endured. Two weeks after the first set of quakes, news of another quake shook the area.
I had already left for Istanbul but received panic messages from many I had met, reliving the trauma. One family I had met had just returned to their home for the first time in over a week, only for the foundation to shake once again. In Istanbul, the period of mourning could still be felt. Its usual sounds had now been replaced with a melancholy tune, and its ever-present buskers were now absent. A week after my return, another earthquake hit, and again the wound deepened for many. The full picture of the number of fatalities, buildings damaged, and those injured and left homeless is still unknown. As the country continues mourning, there is also hope and faith that the region will not be forgotten as it tries to grieve and heal collectively. I carry with me the stories of devastation that I witnessed, but also the resilience of the man who sat among the rubble reading a book, the mother comforting her daughter as they waited for a flight to evacuate, the man waiting for the bodies of his family members to give him a dignified burial, and the thousands who came together to assist. It was a reminder to me that life can completely change in seconds.
Hasina Gori is a freelance broadcast journalist, solo traveller, and storyteller. She was on assignment in Turkey for Salaamedia.
The Balance of the Soul, the Mind & the Body
Well-Being
Toxic Positivity
By Khadijah Mia
“So, being positive is always good, right?” Well, not exactly. Growing up, most of us have heard so many sentiments like… “It could be worse… don’t think about it… ok.” “Don’t be so negative… “Always look on the bright side… and smile more.” “Happiness is a choice… choose happiness now.” “Everything happens for a reason.”
Sometimes, you may feel sad, and sometimes, you may feel happy, and this is ok. We all experience emotions and need to “feel” through them in order to process them. Toxic positivity means having a “good vibes only” approach to life and disregarding any seemingly negative emotions. This denies people the authentic support they need to manage whatever they may be facing.
For example, after experiencing some type of loss, people might say that “everything happens for a reason.” While people will make such statements because they believe they are comforting the person, this is also a way of avoiding the other person’s pain. In the process, it denies the person the opportunity to express their feelings. This attitude of relentless optimism ignores or shames someone’s genuine negative feelings. People end up pushing themselves and each other to stay happy and upbeat in all situations, regardless of how they’re genuinely feeling. On the surface, encouraging people to stay positive can sound like a good idea.
But in reality, it’s actually counterproductive because it invalidates people’s emotions. By dismissing your own or someone else’s emotions, it can make one feel like their emotions aren’t “good enough” or that they need to be happier than they actually are. It is important to be mindful of how you interact with others when it comes to their emotions. Try offering words of kindness and understanding such as, “I’m listening.” “I’m here when you need me.” “That must be really challenging… would you like to share more… “How can I help?” “Failure is sometimes part of life’s journey… “Your feelings matter and are valid.”
It’s important to remember that feelings are valid and that everyone experiences a range of emotions in life. It’s okay to feel a variety of emotions, and it’s often healthier to acknowledge and work through these feelings rather than try to ignore them. That said, it’s not always easy to talk about difficult emotions. That’s why it’s so important to practice self-compassion and compassion toward others. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings—good, bad, or complicated—without judgement. It can also be beneficial to practice more healthy ways of expressing these emotions, such as… journaling, talking to a friend or engaging in a creative activity, going for a walk, meditating, praying, exercising, and taking deep breaths. If these methods of self-regulation are not effective, then please obtain professional help.
Most importantly, surround yourself with individuals who will lift your spirit and are nurturing towards your well-being. It is normal to feel stressed, worried, or even fearful. Don’t expect too much from yourself. Practice self-care and work on taking steps that can improve your wellbeing. Give yourself the permission to “feel” through your journey… by taking some deep breaths and pausing when you need to along the way. The illusion that positivity is the only “good” emotion is misleading. The whole spectrum of emotions is amazing. To experience life is to feel through it… and to be human like everyone else.
Khadijah Mia, MD: Enigma Human Capital Life & Business Coach Wellness Mentor Self-Mastery Expert Mobile: +27 828574446 E-mail: Khadijah@enigmahrc.co.za Instagram: @khadijah_enigma
Subscribe now at only $10 / year to become a member of our Covered Magazine Community and start redeeming your benefits immediately. Receive VIP access to our events or workshops, as well as incredible vouchers to treat yourself all year.
Access Our Vouchers
HOW TO COMBAT ACNE WITH CODEX LABS’ SHAANT COLLECTION
By Author Name
Codex Labs, the science-backed skincare brand that creates and formulates products that address different skincare needs, recently launched its third range – Shaant. Comprising of a collection of four breakthrough products, the range addressed oily and acne-prone skin concerns. Founder, Dr. Barbara Paldus, introduced this collection to help those struggling to find the right sustainable skincare products that aid in combating acne.
Acne is a common skin condition. Codex Labs is committed to offering the right products and recommends avoiding harsh skincare products with strong chemicals that can potentially irritate the skin and worsen acne.
The Shaant collection features four gentle, calming and soothing products to help combat acne.
The Shaant Balancing Foaming Cleanser is designed to control oiliness by cleansing the skin without stripping away moisture, while minimizing the size of pores. This helps to clear the skin and combat acne. Codex Labs’ Shaant Balancing Refining Toner is designed to balance the skin’s pH levels and refines the pores. This toner hydrates the skin while reducing the appearance of skin reddening. The Shaant Oil Control Cream is a moisturizing cream that is designed to control excess oil, mattifies the skin providing a smooth skin texture. The final product from the Shaant Collection is the Shaant Balancing Clay Mask which helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin, controls the oiliness, and exfoliates dead cells all while reducing the appearance of redness.
Codex Beauty Labs
The term Shaant means “peace” and “calm” in Hindi. The collection blends the best of Ayurvedic knowledge with plant stem cell biotechnology. The products have been formulated in partnership with Dr Raja Sivamani, an integrative dermatologist and certified Ayurvedic practitioner who takes a holistic approach to skin issues by merging modern science and western medicine.
Each product ensures optimal benefits in helping combat acne.
Explore the full range of Codex Labs products available to purchase on Powderbeauty.com
Shaant Balancing Foaming Cleanser – AED 130
Shaant Balancing Refining Toner – AED 185
Shaant Balancing Oil Control Cream – AED 185
Shaant Balancing Clay Mask – 150AED
Instagram: @codexbeauty
Create & Accentuate Your Look
Women’s Fashion
SAVANNA UNVEILS “ALL THINGS ROSES” KAFTAN COLLECTION
Savanna has unveiled the “All Things Roses” Ramadan Capsule Collection, featuring playful abstract three-dimensional rose designs. The collection is inspired by the eternal beauty and elegance of Roses, bringing in a classic and timeless element while maintaining a youthful aura. The 41 Rose Abaya, for example, features 3D rose details adorned at the skirt of the shimmery organdie material, exuding elegance and charm.
The Ramadan collection colour palette pays tribute to the calm and centred nature of the holy month, in pastel shades of peach, mint and sky blue.
The Persistence of Time: Bally’s Autumn/Winter 2023 Women’s Collection.
The collection, named “Persistence of Time,” which was on display in a historic Milanese home, assumes a colossal, cinematic allure. The senses are stimulated as models engage with the audience and clothing moves by in eerie scenes. Rhuigi Villaseor continues the discussion he started with his first appearance this season. It situates timeless Swiss elegance in the context of contemporary luxury, inspiring inquiries and gratifying aspiration. Villaseor’s collection, which is the consequence of him following his own intuition, is a study of intimacy discovered in flaw and the outcome of daring to dream. Persistence of Time plays with Villaseor’s relationship to Los Angeles and the Hollywood blockbuster clichés to further the unabashed splendor that he brings to Bally. His mission as a designer is to preserve the past while embracing the future.
His design strategy forgoes the transitory moment in favor of the entire movie in order to respect the past while looking to the future. The rich touch of leather, metallics, and knitwear, along with lashings of lace, convey a duality of strength and sensuality in both menswear and womenswear. This heightens the impression of everyday, everywhere feel-good drama. A sense of enterprise is evoked by expertly tailored tailoring, and the après-ski look, which is inspired by the classic alpine splendour of movie icons, matches this ambitious atmosphere. Oversized faux fur jackets and puffers quilted in vintage diamond matelassé are examples of statement outerwear. Handbags, shoes, and jewellery complete the sumptuous look and call for the main character’s attention.
The versatility of the collection’s thigh-high and ankle boots is reflected in the multidisciplinary design of the women’s Tilt Bag and the men’s Arkle Tote. Jewellery is audacious and unique, serving as both a decoration and a self-assured statement. Confidently exhibiting a collision of tradition with the brand’s new language, the graphism of allover logomania is celebrated with the Bally insignia, respectfully confirming the brand’s current era. The conversation starts in Leonardo da Vinci’s home, the Villa degli Atellani, which today houses the renowned Italian architect Piero Portaluppi’s creations. Leonardo da Vinci lived there while he painted The Last Supper. In a juxtaposition that feels both familiar and fresh, European heritage and the present are brought together by Mike Dean, the legendary Grammy Award-winning composer.
Africa Fashion Week Middle East (AFWME) is the first-ever African Fashion Week with Metaverse showrooms for five designers. The event featured panel discussions, workshops and runway shows, showcasing the essence of creativity, industrial craft and a unique portrayal of fashion genius. Established luxury fashion brands included Urban Zulu, Mantsho, Ntombi Couture, Kiza Bespoke, OMAAD and Caped Coast. Aser Levron, Co-Founder of AFWME, is proud to bring together such a wealth of talent and creativity under one roof and to share with audiences all the wonderful creations that exist in the African continent. OMAAD, Mantsho, and Cape Coast showcased their eco-friendly collections at DIFC’s Metaverse showroom.
The event included a workshop with Artist Motaz Khalil of Lines and Tones, and panel discussions on technology and innovation, sustainability, and cross-border opportunities. DIFC is committed to supporting the wider fashion eco-system and welcoming more local and international designers. AFWME and Fashion Foresight have launched showrooms in the Metaverse, providing a complete and immersive experience for African and Middle Eastern brands to explore new opportunities and revenue streams. AFWME’s Strategic Partner, Earth of One Eight, aims to introduce opportunities for brands to connect and immerse them into communities via pod solutions. This partnership has the potential to create a new era of sustainable and immersive fashion experience.
Africa Fashion Middle East (AFWME) is a Dubai based platform and the brainchild of a group of passionate African female entrepreneurs. It is aimed at breaking barriers to unlock the talents of Africa’s best creatives, while highlighting the historic trade connections between Africa and the Gulf Region. AFWME’s mission is to facilitate optimal exposure for African fashion designers and empower them to have access to structured resources that will help them flourish within the Middle Eastern regions and global markets.
Subscribe now at only $10 / year to become a member of our Covered Magazine Community and start redeeming your benefits immediately. Receive VIP access to our events or workshops, as well as incredible vouchers to treat yourself all year.
Access Our Vouchers
FENDI’s Autumn/Winter 2023 Womenswear Collection: Where Classicism Meets Rebellion
Kim Jones has added a touch of rebellion to classicism in FENDI’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection. Jones has transformed traditionally robust and functional clothing into more graceful forms. Fabrics are twisted in varying ways to make feminine, while retaining functional elements throughout.
Pieces such as boilersuits, aprons, and uniforms are given a feminine twist. Lace is used with shiny finishes, and details like peekaboo cut-outs add a delicate feel, while knee-high boots add a touch of character. Some items, like a classic mac coat, have hidden surprises like sequined linings; other pieces are made with draped fabric or fur accents. The style combines traditional and edgy, with unexpected details and contrasts.
With a nod to punk and DIY culture, the collection is deconstructed and luxurious; it is a tribute to FENDI’s history while remaining fashionable. The new FENDI Multi handbag is a testament to the brand’s functional accessibility, carrying a dual nature. The jewellery, designed by Delfina Delettrez Fendi, carries FENDI’s iconic logo, highlighting its integrity. This collection celebrates self-expression and individuality, pushing the boundaries of fashion and beauty.
Revealing the Hidden
Untold StorIES
The rubble-laden road to recovery
By Sumaya Mamdoo
It has been about a month since the deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and northwest Syria. The magnitude of which was a 7.8 on the Richter Scale. 2.4 million people have been displaced, 54 000 fatalities and millions more affected but how are the people of Türkiye and Syria rebuilding?
The levant, unfortunately, remains a volatile region whether there are manmade disasters in terms of political instability or natural like unfavourable climate. Türkiye, in specific, is prone to earthquakes given that it lies on the intersection of three tectonic plates: the Arabian, African, and Anatolian plates. This is the second largest earthquake the country has faced since 1688 and the last time the world had seen an earthquake with this many fatalities was the Haitian earthquake of 2010. The dust has settled but the rubble has not been removed and the people of Türkiye and Syria have a long way to go.
A “tent city” in Hatay, Türkiye’s southernmost province: Aksel Anıl
It took days to find survivors in the rubble but even more to find those who are still missing. This month has been filled with family members holding pictures outside of hospitals and graveyards to ask anyone if they have seen their missing loved ones. Being treated or as a corpse, it doesn’t matter because they just want answers. That’s the thing about disasters, a month or even years after the aid has left and houses have been rebuilt some families still are not complete. That is something no international organisation can help with.
Families lucky enough to have survived with all their members have nowhere to call home anymore. Many family businesses and homes that have been around for generations were destroyed. There are “tent cities” set up in the limited public areas that are around and families of four and more now live in small canvas tents with no electricity and heat in the middle of winter. While there are medical teams and psychologists who are trying their best to make these sites as safe a space as possible the fact is that in the aftermath of these disasters, the vulnerable in society will be made even more vulnerable. In other words; the women and children. While many people in Türkiye have opened up their homes to strangers, this is not always a good thing.
The Guardian tells the story of Alev Altun, a 25-year-old mother of two who lost her home in the disaster. Her ex-husband offered his home as a place of refuge. Ultimately who wouldn’t think that a comfortable home with someone you know, specifically the father of your children, would be safer and overall better than a refugee site? So, she took him up on the offer. In the middle of the night, he poured scalding hot water on her and said that she should feel lucky that he didn’t kill her. She remains in intensive care with bandages on her arms and face. After already losing her home during a natural disaster she was forced to flee an abusive home with her children again. Women remain at a disadvantage in society, and this is only exacerbated during disasters. Think of the number of women and girls in small, overcrowded spaces like refugee sites that have suddenly sprung up overnight. Food, warmth, and health are at the top of everybody’s priorities and in a country such as Türkiye, where they wrap up menstruation products in newspaper when you buy them to avoid the ”shame” of it, how are young girls and women able to access products now? Are they being raped or abused when standing in queues for food? The reality of this is probable. The aftermath is not just clearing the rubble or addressing PTSD it is also ensuring that women are safe.
On the brighter side, these “tent cities” are an actual safe place for the traumatised Turks. In Adana, a city in southern Türkiye, 17 tent cities have sprung up to help those affected by the earthquakes, they are set up in previously used public spaces like markets. People still rely on burning fires to keep warm in the cold winter although conditions are not safe for a fire. The queues for food also might take half a day but therapy and community are encouraged while people try to get back to normal. Adana remains a popular place for locals affected by the earthquakes to take refuge in. The city saw the collapse of 20 buildings but remains stable enough in terms of water supply, businesses, and transport operating at usual. Transport means that it is easier for aid to get in with countries such as Pakistan sending the first of 50 000 tents and supplies to the city. On 13 March, Occupied Palestine even sent out 20 000 sleeping bags to the people affected in Türkiye.
Psychologists in Adana are treating people for PTSD by encouraging them to go back to their homes for a short while or during the day to help them understand that life will return to normal. This proves difficult as survivors panic from just being in a high-rise building as it brings up the shaking feeling again. They favour the “tent cities” because they are close to the ground. These types of flats are not favoured anymore but due to the already worsening housing crisis many people cannot afford stand-alone houses and now with sources of income lost the future looks bleak.
Search for survivors under the rubble in Syria: Khaled Akacha
While president Tayyip Erodğan states that the rubble will be removed and houses rebuilt within a year, this seems unlikely and one of the reasons for that is that he is running for re-election this year. The country should have also been adequately prepared with earthquake-proof buildings given its place on the tectonic plates but under him, it was not. Another reason is that since 2022 Türkiye has been plunged into a housing crisis with inflation prices going up 85% and the housing market reflecting that. Millions of Turks cannot afford housing on minimum wage anymore and now at least more than a million people have lost their homes.
In the aftermath of the quakes, 130 people were arrested, specifically contractors, for approving and building structures that do not meet the regulation standards. 800 buildings in Adana that were not damaged are going to be demolished for not being structurally sound. The backlash is not only directed at the builders but also at the corruption that has run rampant under Erodğan’s administration.
While Syria has been hit even harder considering the internal displacement of people due to 12 years of war, there are some positives. The border crossing between Syria and Türkiye has been opened for people to travel through for the first time and people seeking refuge in Türkiye can now enter Syria and go back freely given that they do not stay in Syria for longer than 6 months.
This is something to marvel at as 40 000 Syrians have been able to go back to their homeland after being prevented to do so by Turkish law. A silver lining in all the dust is that refugees can be reunited with their families (previous law stated that Syrian refugees were not allowed to return to Syria and if they did, they would not be let back into Türkiye). Malak Khaznaz was not able to visit her mother’s grave for two years after she died and now, she can use this opportunity to say her final goodbyes. The quake-stricken provinces in Türkiye host the most Syrian refugees with most of them stating that the earthquakes remind them too much of the war with rubble and destruction around them and in that sense, it might be better to go home where the chances of reuniting with their extended families are higher.
One month on and the road to recovery is going to be a long process for the people affected. The disaster management of Türkiye has been called into action and the economic situation worsens. Syria must deal with the loss and repercussions of two disasters. The rebuilding of these two countries must be taken seriously with suitable arrangements made against such disasters. Relief and aid will be needed for a long time to manage the loss of the people. The Antakya church which is the oldest church in the world was destroyed but the symbols of the strong Ottoman empire remain everlasting, and Türkiye must look to its past to rebuild a better future after this disaster.
Grooming & Wardrobe for the Gents
Men’s Fashion
MUST-HAVE JW ANDERSON MENSWEAR LOOKS
VJW Anderson is excited to showcase its must-have looks from its SS23 Menswear Collection.
The collection showcases an uncompromising and defiant exploration of what makes a prescient selfie portrait. This is an iconic collection that needs to be viewed in a different way, especially from the top of a selfie stick. Jonathan Anderson’s must-have looks range from distressed denim to iconic hoodies and edgy leatherwear that perfectly complement the Spring season.
Whether you’re looking to add some edgy looks into your wardrobe or add essentials for the season, JW Anderson’s new collection has it all.
The Persistence of Time: Bally’s Spring/Summer 2023 mens Signature Collection Takes Us on a Cinematic Journey
By Farah Sheik
Get ready to embark on a metaphorical journey that will take you from the sunny beaches of Santa Monica to the snowy peaks of Sankt Moritz. The BALLY Spring/Summer 2023 collection, designed by Rhuigi Villaseñor, is a love letter to European opulence with an American flair. The result is a collection that exudes glamour as well as free-spiritedness. The collection brings Swiss elegance into the context of modernity. It plays with Villaseñor’s connections with Los Angeles and Hollywood, creating a heightened sense of everyday feel-good drama. Villaseñor also takes inspiration from the ease of sportswear and infuses it with a new sensuality and glamour that is sure to turn heads. Bold and unapologetic, the collection celebrates cinema, with historical nods abounding throughout.
Daywear and evening wear mix, with suits of silk velvet Tiger print for the bold, soft suede and calfskin, summery wool, and silky pyjamas that give an air of femininity and masculinity. The collection also combines metallics for that masculine feel.
The accessories are breathtaking, paying tribute to Swiss watches and toys. The footwear collection is equally impressive, containing sandals with heels and crystal and mesh boots, house slippers with the BALLY logo, and heeled Mary-Janes. Be swept away by the transatlantic spirit of this collection and experience the ultimate in luxury.
Versace celebrates Eid with a dedicated watch: VERSACE REGALIA
Versace releases a new Versace Regalia timepiece to celebrate Eid. The Versace logo features to both the lugs that frame in dark green with 3D La Greca design and 3D Medusa signature at 12 o’clock’s dial. A mesh band bracelet is offered in stainless-steel with slide buckle. The watch has a RONDA 762.3 Swiss Quartz 2 hands movement with an IP Yellow Gold 34 mm case.
Gift your loved ones this beautiful timepiece.
Available at Versace.com and authorized retailers.
Subscribe now at only $10 / year to become a member of our Covered Magazine Community and start redeeming your benefits immediately. Receive VIP access to our events or workshops, as well as incredible vouchers to treat yourself all year.
Access Our Vouchers
PERFECTION OF ITS CLASSIC ICONSIN SANTONI SS23 MEN’S COLLECTION
The men’s Santoni SS23 collection is a symbolic voyage that emphasizes individuality, independence, and a laid-back attitude. The predominant aspect is colour, which combines bright and vivid tones with subtle, subdued nuances. The colours of the leathers on display are Menta, Profondo, Primavera pink, Burro beige, and Arancio Santoni.
Your Ultimate Guide to What, Where & When
Reviews
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF ALFRESCO SEASON AT L’AMO BISTRO DEL MARE
The Upscale Italian Seafood Restaurant Brings the Culture and Southern Italian Charm to the Culinary Destination of Dubai
L’Amo Bistro del Mare, the upscale Italian seafood restaurant located at the Dubai Harbour welcomes guests with alfresco dining experiences this season. The perfect place to experience outdoor dining with friends and family with an exquisite menu and an inviting atmosphere, guests can enjoy a delicious meal and special beverages in the comfort of the open-air seating area. Equipped with comfortable seating, parasols for shade, and an outdoor bar, with a delicious selection of Italian dishes and drinks on the beautiful terrace, with stunning harbor views. Savour the flavors of the Mediterranean while enjoying the perfect weather over the water and make a night to remember.
From the fresh Plateau Royale, L’Amo Bistro del Mare’s famous Seafood platter that includes Italian red prawns, Italian violet prawns, langoustine, sea urchins, scallops and oysters, to the Seasonal Mushroom Risotto and Tagliolino Allo Scoglio which was recently listed amongst the top 8 luxurious pasta dishes by Gault & Millau, the venue offers something for all taste buds. Guests can also enjoy a night on the terrace for a variety of drinks with cocktails and mocktails.
Reservations are recommended, visit L’Amo Bistro Del Mare for a truly unforgettable experience.
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM and 06:00 PM – 11:30 PM Sat & Sun 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
For reservations, contact:
Phone: +971 4278 4800
Email: reservations@lamorestaurant.com
Address: Dubai Harbour Yacht Club
Subscribe now at only $10 / year to become a member of our Covered Magazine Community and start redeeming your benefits immediately. Receive VIP access to our events or workshops, as well as incredible vouchers to treat yourself all year.
Access Our Vouchers
ROSHNEE 55 Book Launch
CONTACT US
Fashion Foresight FZ LLC
HaiD3, Dubai
+971 56 6408959
HEAD OFFICE
Covered Magazine
10 Cinderella Street, Florida
Johannesburg
2092
South Africa
Tel: +27 82 448 8651
Fax: +27 11 837 9808
Business Hours
Monday – Friday 08:00am to 17:00pm
Saturday 08:00am to 13:00pm
