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GT – May 16-31 2017

Browsing
TV Series:

American Gods

American Gods debuted its pilot on 30th of April 2017, on the cable channel Starz to unanimously positive reviews. Based on the Hugo Award winning novel by Neil Gaiman, American Gods is straight up fantasy, but not of the Lord of the Rings variety—it’s dark, gritty and very modern. It follows the story of a man called Shadow who is trapped in a war between ancient gods, like Odin, and the newer models, such as Technology and Media. Shadow will travel across America encountering various deities from different cultures; all the while he unravels his own personal mystery involving the death of his wife. The pilot is promising, albeit bewildering at times, and leaves us wanting more.

Books:

Kohinoor
—William Dalrymple & Anita Anand

William Dalrymple and Anita Anand take on the mammoth task of sifting through fact and fiction in the history of the world’s most controversial gem; the Kohinoor. With more than five countries, including Pakistan, claiming ownership, this book is a timely reminder that the true history of this gem is far from the mythologised narrative most commonly associated with it.
We follow the, often times bloody journey of the Kohinoor from its first confirmed appearance in the Mughal court to its capture by Nader Shah who promptly carries it off to Persia (now Iran) after the massacre of thousands in Delhi. We then see it go to what is now Afghanistan in the care of Ahmed Shah Durrani, a trusted lieutenant of Nader Shah. It leaves the care of his family when a defeated Shah Shuja hands it over to the Punjab ruler Ranjeet Singh; his family loses their custody of the jewel when the British trick his 10 year old son into signing over Punjab and all its possessions to the British Crown in whose care it remains till this day.

The story of the Kohinoor, as relayed by Dalrymple and Anand, is a tale that is at once harrowing and fascinating as we see the toll this jewel takes on all who come in contact with it. It lends credence to the myth of the “cursed jewel” that is often attributed to the Kohinoor. In fact, to this day no British monarch since Queen Victoria has donned the crown containing the gem because of fear of the curse, but is reserved for the use of the Consort.

Music:

HOT 100

# Song Name Artist
1 That’s What I Like Bruno Mars
2 Shape Of You Ed Sheeran
3 Humble Kendrick Lamar
4 Despacito Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
5 Mask Off Future

 

Movies:

King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword

The legend of King Arthur has been immortalised in books, movies and TV series since time immemorial, but this summer Guy Ritchie is going to breathe new life into this legendary royal.

Starring Charlie Hunnam (of Sons Of Anarchy fame) in the title role, the story promises to be a unique take on the rise of Arthur from street urchin to the throne. The big baddy in this tale is Vortigern (Jude Law) the evil uncle who stole the throne after murdering Arthur’s parents.

Along with Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law, the cast includes Eric Bana, Astrid Beges-Frisbey, Djimon Hounsou, Poppy Delevingne and, as a special treat for all the ladies out there, David Beckham in a cameo role, playing a knight no less! The film is set to release on the 12th of May, 2017 and is sure to draw in the crowds.

1. Twinkle prose by twinkle khanna

Twinkle Khanna’s new book, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad is a great read! Available at Variety Books.

2. Maoon Magic Chapter 13

Loving these matching strappy heels and bag by Chapter 13. The maroon hue and embroidery is to die for!

3. Shimmering elegance by tabya

Tabya’s new Bridal collection is now available! Book your studio appointment at @0302 8429900 @Tabya_official www.facebook.com/tabyaOfficial

4. White hot summer by boho

We love everything that Boho does! This summery ensemble is a real winner.

1. Bye Bye Matte, Hello Gloss!

YES, enough of those patchy matte lips! This summer let’s break out of the rut and bring out those luminous bombshell pouts! It won’t only make your lips look more voluminous but attractive as well.

2. Natural Brows Are In

This summer let’s flaunt our natural brows and not draw those customized brow shapes. Brush through your brows and fill in the natural shape with which you’re blessed.

3. Minimal Contour

Yes, please. We all know how 2016 was ALL about a strong contour game. Well, this year let’s just give that a break and go for minimal contouring. After all, less is always more.

4. Keep all that drama for your lashes

Focus on the lashes this season ladies. Get your best mascaras out and go for those voluminous doll like lashes.

5. Coloured liners it is

Let’s skip the old school black liner and go for blues, purples, pinks, teal and emeralds this season.

What are the major beauty trends for Summer 2017?

Fresh, soft and light! Your skin should glow, not be overdone or over powdered.

What do you love most about makeup?

It gives you confidence and makes you look beautiful. It can hide your flaws and enhance your features all if done in the right way.

Biggest Summer makeup mistakes women make?

Most women use over the top shiny highlighters on their face. It’s hot and humid, so avoid that at all costs.

How do we avoid our concealer being exposed when we take flash camera photos?

This will happen when you use a wrong selection of concealer. Always match your skin and don’t go a shade lighter.

What lip and cheek colours should we opt for during warmer months?

Choose soft colours for sure. From MM makeup you can pick up beige or shell colour, which gives a very nice peachy finish.

What is your signature style and how does it set you apart from other makeup artists?

Defined eyebrows definitely not black, and a soft look is my signature style. I also use my MM makeup, which is of course different.

Easiest way to turn a day look into something that works for night?

You can try making lips dark and using a brush to make the eye socket a bit dramatic.

One thing that is on your bucket list?

Help Pakistan become a crime free country

FAVOURITE SUPER HERO?

Richard Gere

One thing you wish you did more?

Have more children

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Sashimi

You love the most…

My family

Describe yourself in three words?

Polite, kind and professional

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

My mom

If you could talk in your sleep what would you say?

I love my children

First thing you do when you wake up?

Recite my kalma

Favourite movie quote?

Chachi chichi gazab ho gaya (aunt the most fantastic occurrence has taken place)

If you could get anything for yourself what would you get?

More funds for Smile Again Foundation

Worst place to get stuck?

In traffic

Biggest addiction?

Chai

A song that would describe a relationship?

Jadon holi jeyi laina mera naa (When you take my name tenderly)

What does GT mean to you?

Good Times!

Photography: Arsalan Bilgrami of a.bilgrami studio

 

Omer Nabi, an owner of Studio O and leading furniture designer of Lahore, tells Fatima Sheikh how to make a space aesthetically pleasing and fully functional

How long have you been in this business?

Since 1996, I have been in this business for about 21 years. Doesn’t seem that long ago to me though.

How did you move from banking to interior design?

The transition from banking to interior designing came automatically to me. As a banker, I wasn’t enjoying my life because I have always been a creative person. I was 22 at that point and I had recently finished college so I started banking for a year. I found it to be very mundane and not at all challenging. We were moving into a new home so I wanted to design furniture for my room and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the process. I had a small window of opportunity because I was planning to go back to graduate school. So I made a small collection of furniture and accessories for an exhibition I had and I’ve never looked back. I started receiving projects instantly. In fact, I never returned to graduate school. Designing furniture became my lifeline.

How has your work evolved?

It has been constantly evolving. I started making furniture in my house and had an exhibition there. At that time wrought iron was trendy so I started designing it in ways no one else would. I had a vendor who would come to my house and work under the chikoo tree in my house, but my family objected. They suggested that I move to the garage, which was still a hassle for them due to late nights, loud sounds and increased number of vendors. Then, I rented a small premises. In 2000, I rented a premises, which became my showroom. We worked hard and business moved slowly and gradually, but I was recognized instantly. I was featured in Libas magazine.

“Form and function should be equally important.”
—Anonymous

What are your most favourite projects?

I have enjoyed doing a lot of projects. My current one is a four-star hotel in Multan called Ramada Multan. We are redoing that and all the living spaces are done but the lobby is left. It’s exciting and challenging because it is a running hotel and we cordon off a few spaces at a time. We have to design and complete it while it continues to run on a daily basis. It is coming to a close very soon and I am really looking forward to its completion.

One of the previous projects was an office building of Guard Group I designed, which was a leap for my work, because I am not an architect. I am currently rejuvenating a 150 year old property in Khaira Gali. I want to preserve it in a way that it doesn’t lose its essence and wisdom. I want to preserve its antiquity so the walls talk to us, as the saying goes, while giving the property an updated look and maximize its functionality.  I am extremely fortunate because I enjoy and get excited my work.

I am currently rejuvenating a 150 year old property in Khaira Gali. I want to preserve it in a way that it doesn’t lose its essence and wisdom. I want to preserve its antiquity so the walls talk to us, as the saying goes, while giving the property an updated look and maximize its functionality

Whose home or place of business would you love to design the most?

I can’t recall any names, but I would love to do the homes of someone who likes creatively done, minimalist spaces, the kind of space that you encounter in my studio. Something that is very sleek, modern, eclectic and brings out the personality of an individual. For instance, I would love to design for Armani. Interesting use of material, use of textures, but very clean and straight lined and of course with personal touches—overall muted and understated, that’s my style.

What are the latest trends in the market?

I feel that everything goes generally. It is very fashionable to use a lot of brass. I find myself being utterly attracted towards gold. Interesting use of different materials and textures is trendy. For instance, you see the use of brass with marble nowadays extensively, which means it is trending. Mixing eclectic things like modern things and interesting Oriental objects is great. It is how you combine materials to present something, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally accurate.

What inspires you?

For inspiration I do a lot of net surfing. I go once a year to the East, mostly Thailand, because I love the beach. I make at least one trip to the West and one to the Middle East, like Dubai. I love to travel in fact, I live to travel. It truly inspires and rejuvenates me. I do major research. I make it a point to visit the museums in Europe, skim through all the architecture, visits furniture stores and fancy hotels. Even meeting different personalities and walking around opens your horizons and is extremely inspirational for me and my work. I travel within Pakistan as well to places, like Skardu, etc. These places are mind blowing and I recently went in the thick of the cherry season. It was just brilliant.

What advice would you honour people with regarding their spaces?

I think that my biggest advice to people is that they should follow the mantra less is more. Don’t over stuff your homes and offices. Throw away the things you haven’t utilized within a year. Let go of things because people don’t like to let go of things. Don’t let the furniture and accessories overburden you. Give it away. Buy two things and give two things. Your space should reflect you and not the designer or anyone else. Add personal touches.

Do you follow spiritual factors before designing a space?

I certainly believe in energies and I do follow a bit of Feng Shui. I am not terribly spiritual but I am slightly superstitious and I don’t overdo it. I definitely believe your mirror should be in the right place because it reflects bad and good energy. Make sure your mirror doesn’t face your window or door. Follow this basic rule and you are good. I also believe that the less clutter you have in your space, the happier and focused you become. In fact, I just organised a bunch of clutter in my office before this interview.

What is your most precious and favourite piece in your office?

This paper weight in my office that my daughter made while she was in summer school. I am sure the teacher did half of the job but it is my favourite piece in my office.

Tell us about your fussiest client?

I find fussy clients to be challenging, because they cringe and cry about minute details, which makes my work even better. I would not like to take any names but I have had my fair share of fussy clients and still do. I take them as a challenge.

How are men and women different as clients? 

Generally, you might say women are fussier but some men can be equally fussy. On certain occasions I have experienced men being more into what they want resulting in fussy and finicky behaviour. As a general rule women are slightly harder to please but individually there are a lot of fussy men as well.

Describe yourself in 3 words. 

Meticulous, which comes as a subset of being Passionate

Focused

Honest

Describe your work in 3 words 

Minimal

Straight lined

Eclectic.

Anna Wintour in custom Chanel

Co-hosts & power couple, :
Tom Brady in tom ford & Gisele Bundchen in Stella Mccartney

Rihanna in Comme des Garçons

Zendaya in In Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda

Cassie & Sean Combs

Pharrell Williams (L) and Helen Lasichanh arrive for the Costume Institute Benefit on May 1, 2017, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. / AFP PHOTO / ANGELA WEISS (Photo credit should read ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images)

Pharrell williams with wife, Helen Lasichanh’s in Comme des Garcon as Teletubby Pho

Katy Perry in John Galliano for Maison martin margiela

Kendall Jenner in a bedazzled La Perla sheer net sheet dress

Bella Hadid in an Alexander Wang
bodystocking

Gigi Hadid’s asymmetrical Tommy Hilfiger look

Salma Hayek in Balenciaga boots

Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren gown with Balenciaga boots

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Actress Priyanka Chopra attends “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

Priyanka Chopra in Ralph lauren outerwear evening gown

Huma Abedin

Riz Ahmed

Mindy Kaling

Hasan Minhaj

Deepika padukone was not on theme in Tommy hilfiger

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Actress Kate Hudson attends “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

kate hudson in Stella mccatrney

Reese Witherspoon in mugler

Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock (8770824cn)
Katie Holmes
The Costume Institute Benefit celebrating the opening of Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between, Arrivals, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA – 01 May 2017

katie holmes in zac posen

Jennifer Lopez in maisonvalentino

zoey Deutch in tory burch

Felicity Jones in erdem

Tracee Ellis Ross in comme Des Garcons

Gwynth “Goop” Paltrow in Calvin Klein

Halley Berry all ruffles in Atelier Versace

Ashley Graham in H&M

Dakota Johnson in gucci

Ruby Rose in burberry

Cynthia Erivo in a Marie Antoinette inspired ensemble by Thom Browne with Ben Platt

Lena Dunham in a Victorian Elizabeth Kennedy gown

Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel

Rose Byrne is a vixen Princess in Ralph Lauren

Zoe Kravitz in custom Oscar de la Renta

Jourdan Dunn in H&M

Claires Danes Monse with Brit hubby hugh dancy

Laura Osnes in custom Christian Siriano

Lily Collins is a Goth ballerina in Giambattista Valli Couture

Janelle Monae is a black swan in Ralph Russo 

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Julianne Moore attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Julianne Moore is a flamingo in Calvin Klein By Appointment

Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively  in Atelier Versace

Sarah Paulson in prada

Rita Ora in Marchesa

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Kerry Washington attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Kerry Washington in a Michael Kors patchwork gown

Kim Kardashian in a virginal Vivienne Westwood peasant dress & NO jewellery

Halley Bennet in Dolce & Gabbana

Carly Steel sporting a futuristic headpiece in Christian Siriano

Stella Maxwell in a beaded fringe H&M dress

Thandie Newton in monse

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Selena Gomez and the Weeknd attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Selena gomez in Coach & the weekend

joe jonas in Custom H&M & GF Sophie Turner of GOT fame in Louis Vuitton

Brie Larson in Chanel

Fashion’s comeback kid, Celine Dion in Versace

Who? Ali Sethi  

Why? The popular crooner

is on trend in a velvet Nehru suit. The gleaming gold chain of his pocket watch, brass buttons

and silk pocket square contrasts with the plush maroon fabric

Who? Aroosa Rana

Why? Her clear PVC jacket goes with the neon decor of her party and makes her stand out

Who? hira hussain

Why? This is another a fun, standout look due to the colours, silhouette and unusual motifs

Who? Neelfor shahid

Why? The veteran designer is elegant in a flowing kameeze shalwar at the Hum Awards show, which was inundated by celebrities in ill fitting Western ensembles

Who? Maya Ali

Why? This pretty ingenue looks like a doll in her feminine frock

Who? Zahra Khan

Why? The restaurateur is showcasing her killer muscles in a simple strappy dress and gorgeous wedges

Recently at this year’s Met Gala in NYC, Serena Williams made an entrance in a tight emerald green Versace gown highlighting her almost full term pregnancy bump. With diamond and emerald earrings dripping from her ear lobes and a huge grin lighting up her face, she was positively glowing. The tennis champ came on the arm of her brand new fiancé, Reddit co- founder Alexis Ouhanian, who looked proud as punch to be with her. After a string of flopped romances, she is serenely happy with her 6’5″ “techie geek” because he lavishes her with love and attention. Here is how they met and love blossomed

Serena Jameka Williams was born in 1981 in a small Michigan town to Richard Williams and Oracene Price. Both her parents were divorced and had children from their first marriages. Her mother had three older daughters from a previous union while her father had six children from his ex-wife. The couple got married in 1979 after Venus was born and then had their youngest child Serena. The family moved to Compton, a rough, gang infested, primarily black, LA neigbourhood where Richard started taking tennis lessons from a coach fondly called Old Whiskey.  He got so taken up by the game that one day, after watching women’s professional tennis being played on TV, he decided that his two toddler daughters would also become tennis professionals. He methodically wrote up a 78-page plan, and started giving lessons to Venus and Serena when they were only four and three respectively at public tennis courts. He now advises that six is the right age for a child to start receiving tennis lessons. To ensure that the girls had sufficient time to dedicate to the sport, he home-schooled them. Both he and their mother coached the girls in addition to another Compton tennis coach also called Richard Williams who went on to found The Venus and Serena Williams Tennis/Tutorial Academy in Compton. When local professional tennis player Tony Chesta spotted Venus playing when she was nine, he was very impressed with her talent. Richard knew the girls needed access to better facilities.

Step 2 was the Williams’ family relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida when the girls were ten and nine so that they could attend the famed tennis academy of Rick Macci. Macci is a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional, and seven-time national coach of the year who has in his illustrious career trained a few number one ranked players, namely Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, besides the Williams sister of course. To have him agree to coach a youngster means that child shows exceptional skill and promise. He agreed to give both Venus and Serena additional coaching at his academy. At times, Macci and Williams did not see eye to eye, but the former empathized with their father understanding that he “treated his daughters like kids and allowed them to be little girls.”

But then, Williams stopped sending his daughters to national junior tennis tournaments after only a year when Serena turned 10 for two main reasons: firstly, he wanted them not to neglect their studies and, secondly, he had heard white parents talk about his daughters in a derogatory, racist manner during tournaments. Even though, at that time, Venus held a an astonishing 63–0 record on the United States Tennis Association junior tour and was ranked No. 1 among the under-12 players in Southern California, and Serena held a 46–3 record and was ranked number one among under-10 players in Florida. Then, in 1995 when Serena was in the ninth grade, their father pulled his girls completely out of Macci’s academy and took over all their coaching. When asked later why this happened and whether having followed the normal path of playing regularly on the junior circuit they would have become even better, Serena replied, “Everyone does different things. I think for Venus and I, we just attempted a different road, and it worked for us.”

With their father

The Williams family

Much discipline, sacrifice and work ethic later, the two sisters dominated the tennis world. Everyone has seen the Williams sisters’ powerful style of playing tennis, their bodies so strong and well built, they look almost super human. You can clearly hear the tennis ball as it’s whacked powerfully by the racket and the sinews of their long limbs glisten with perspiration in the sun. It is an indeed an impressive sight. Both the sisters are not only tennis champs but credited with ushering in a new era of power and athleticism on the women’s professional tennis tour. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has ranked Serena world number one in singles on seven occasions from 2002 to 2017. On her sixth time, she held the ranking for 186 consecutive weeks, tying the record set by Steffi Graff for the most consecutive weeks as world number one by a female tennis player. In total, Serena has been world number one for 318 weeks, which ranks her 3rd in the Open Era among female tennis players. Venus’ seven Grand Slam singles titles ties her twelfth on the all-time list, more than any other active female player except Serena.

With their mother

Some commentators and sports writers regard Serena as the greatest female tennis player of all time, having set many records. Her total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles marks the record for the most Major wins by a tennis player in the Open Era, and second on the all-time list. In fact, Serena is the only tennis player in history (man or woman) to have won singles titles at least six times in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, and the only player ever to have won two of the four Majors seven times each (seven Wimbledon titles and seven Australian Open titles). She is also the only tennis player to have won 10 Grand Slam singles titles in two separate decades. Impressively, she holds an all-time record for the most singles matches won at the Grand Slams (man or woman) with 316 matches.

The two sisters also make a formidable team playing doubles, having won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together; the pair is unbeaten in Grand Slam doubles finals. As a team, the Williams sisters have the third most women’s doubles grand slam titles. Both have won four Olympic gold medals each, one in women’s singles and three in women’s doubles, an all-time record that they share.

Celebrating her wins

The Williams sisters are hardly one dimensional, even authoring a book alongside writer Hilary Beard titled Venus & Serena: Serving From The Hip: 10 Rules For Living, Loving and Winning, which was published in 2005.  While elder sister Venus is worth $75 million and is dating a Cuban model, younger sister Serena is worth a whopping $150 million. Venus’ career has experienced setbacks due to injuries, but Serena is still going strong as the world’s highest paid female athlete in 2016, earning $28.9 million in prize money and endorsements. She is the three times winner of the prestigious Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award and was named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine in 2015. The two invested some of their millions into becoming minority owners of the Miami Dolphins in 2009 after purchasing a small stake in the team, becoming the first African-American women to hold any amount of ownership in an NFL franchise. Their home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is an hour’s drive from the Dolphins’ stadium.

Both the sisters love fashion and flaunt their unique sense of style on and off the court. Venus even got an associate degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. They have always bucked the trend of tennis whites by dressing in colourful and creative attire and have worn their hair long and flowing. Serena has even worn a black lycra catsuit at the US Open, while another time she wore a denim skirt and knee-high boots, which tournament officials made her replace for tennis shoes during matches. For one Wimbledon match, Serena turned up in a white trench coat despite the sunny weather. They two have also graced the runway for charity fundraising fashion shows. Serena has her own line of designer apparel Aneres (Serena backwards).

Besides these accomplishments, Serena has released her first solo autobiography entitled On the Line, following the 2009 US Open. And that’s not all, she is fluent in French, giving her on-court interviews at the French Open in French and knows some Spanish and Italian as well. In 2015, she became the first black female athlete to grace the cover of American Vogue. Close friends with Beyonce, she danced in her music video for her track Sorry on the hit album Lemonade after the director told her, “We would love for you to be in this particular song. It’s about strength and it’s about courage and that’s what we see you as.”

Serena’s personal life during her many career successes has been patchy with a string of broken romances. She dated many A-list stars from the world of film, music and sports. Her first high-profile relationship was in 2002 with football star Keyshawn Johnson, a decade her senior. The footballer was playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the time and had recently split with his first wife. Serena is notoriously reticent about her personal life and never confirmed her relationship. The two sports stars gave each other stability with Serena winning four straight Grand Slams for the first time in her career between 2002 and 2003 and Johnson leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory while they were dating. However, for some reason they called it quits.

In 2004, Serena dated movie director Brett Ratner for a period of two years. He was 12 years older than her and at the peak of his career at the time due to the success of the first two Rush Hour films. During their relationship, he directed the biggest grosser of his career X-Men: The Last Stand, which made $500 million worldwide, while Serena won just one Grand Slam in those two years. Then, she moved on with actor Jackie Long in 2007 who reportedly dumped the tennis star badly. She later blogged about the experience describing how he “disappeared for a week” before calling to break up with her just as she was falling in love with him. Next came the rapper Common with whom Serena spent two years. She was briefly linked to Amar’e Stoudemire, the New York Knicks power forward. Bulgarian tennis player and heartthrob Grigor Dimitrov was her next boyfriend, who left Serena for Maria Sharapova. Smarting from this, she fell in the arms of her tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Though the romantic relationship fizzled out, Mouratoglou has continued to be her coach and is credited with her incredible success over the past five years. In 2015, rumors flew thick and fast that Serena was dating musician Drake. This is around the time she met Alexis.

The two sisters are very keen on fashion

Alexis Kerry Ohanian, born in 1983, is two years younger than the tennis star. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Chris Ohanian, an Armenian-American whose grandparents came to the US as refugees fleeing the Armenian genocide, and German-born Anke, an au pair girl visiting NYC when she met Chris and overstayed her visa. After President Trump took over the White House, Alexis tweeted, “My father’s family were refugees & my mom was an undocumented immigrant. Without them, there’s no me & no @Reddit.”

Alexis attended Howard High School in a small Maryland town where he gave the student address for his graduating class in 2001. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2005 with degrees in commerce and history, Alexis and his college buddy Steve Huffman, a computer science major, pitched the idea of My Mobile Menureddit.com to Y Combinator that gives seed money to tech startups, many of which have gone on to become giants in the industry. Though the venture capital company passed on the idea, the two friends managed to impress the executives enough to encourage them to come up with a better idea that they could fund. The 22 year old fresh college grads came up with reddit.com, potentially the “front page of the Internet.” It was to go on to become huge!

Sinewy muscles

On a lighter note

Taking her bow after a successful fashion show at NY Fashion Week 2016

 The two friends moved to Boston and were only a month into development when tragedy struck. Alexis learned that his girlfriend had fallen five stories and was in a coma. Then his father called and told him that his mother had been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. Hence, under pressure, the partners decided to sell their fledgling company to publishing giant Condé Nast in 2006 for an undisclosed amount between 10–20 million dollars. Later, Huffman said that his decision to sell Reddit had been a mistake, and that the site’s phenomenal growth exceeded his expectations. Both continued to work closely with Reddit as members of its Board of Directors. When it became independent in 2015, they were asked to lead it full time. Huffman was appointed CEO of Reddit, while Ohanian became executive chairman It was recently valued at £407million and is reported to be the seventh biggest site in the U.S.

With pro footballer Keyshawn Johnson in 2002 at a Super Bowl after party in 2003, during her first Serena Slam 

An enterprising young man, in 2007, after he had sold Reddit, Ouhanian didn’t merely retire with his millions in the bank but started the social enterprise Breadpig an “uncorporation” that produces “geeky merchandise” and donates the proceeds to charity. He also launched the travel search website Hipmunk with Huffman in 2010 for which they now act as advisers. In addition, Alexis  Ohanian launched his company Das Kapital Capital in 2010, which focuses on startup investing, advising and consulting. Like Serena, he also published a book titled Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed in 2013, which ranked fourth on the Wall Street Journal’s best sellers list  in the Hardcover Business category and which he promoted thorough an intense five-month, 150-stop and 75-university tour. The same year, Ouhanian was featured as one of the “champions of innovation” in the 20th Anniversary issue of Wired. Ohanian served as a partner at the same firm that had first funded him Y Combinator and was named its “Ambassador to the East,” meeting with East Coast applicants, mentors and NYC founders. Forbes included him in the “30 Under 30” list as an important figure in the technology industry for two years running—2012 and 2013.

Known for his skill and expertise for spotting smart start up ideas, Ohanian was named in Crain’s “40 Under 40” list for business in 2015. Last year, he left Y Combinator with another partner there Gerry Tan to launch the third Initialized Capital, an early stage seed fund with over $160 million under management. Ouhanian was that year named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business.” Quite an achievement oriented young man of only 33.

With New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire in 2010

Grigor Dimitrov who left Serena for tennis rival Maria Sharapova 

With rumoured boyfriend in 2015 Drake

With coach & ex-bf Patrick Mouratoglou

The two powerhouses, Serena and Alexis first met each other by chance in Rome in May 2015, when she was there playing the clay court tournament ahead of the French Open. They kept their burgeoning relationship underground as is her wont. Though Drake was actually at Wimbledon in July cheering Serena on and celebrating her Wimbledon win with her, at the same time Alexis posted a picture of his laptop on Instagram, showing that he had woken up early to also cheer Serena on from afar. We don’t know if there was any overlapping, if Serena was keeping her options open or if Drake was just a friend. Regardless, Us Weekly tabloid reported in October that Serena took Aexis to her workout at the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics, where he called her “babe” and they “held hands.” He must be quite a confident young man to workout alongside a Williams sister. Perhaps she put him through his paces to see if he could keep up with her, as others clearly couldn’t.

In November of 2015, the undercover duo happened to get caught on surveillance camera having dinner in San Francisco (where he now resides) as a man knicked her phone off their table during the date. Superhero style she gave chase, managed to retrieve it and calmly resumed her dinner.

Alexis Ohanian made it big at only 22

“The Mayor of the Internet”

Over the past year, Alexis has regularly posted about being a Serena Williams’ fan cheering her on both on and off the court, but no one caught on. Last May, he posted her photo winning a tournament in Rome with the caption, “A year ago today, I became a tennis fan. One of the best decisions I ever made.” Two months later, he again posted about her historic win at the All England Club, writing: “Our queen stopped by center court today. So proud of you, @serenawilliams. 22 looks good on you. #Wimbledon.’”Not only did he support her after her loss at the US Open, afterwards he sat front row at her fashion show and posted he photo taking a bow on the runway with the caption, “‘Congrats on a great show @serenawilliams – so proud of you. Well on your way to dominating another industry. #NYFW #blurry.” Little did anyone realize that he was more than just a fan of the tennis superstar. What a supportive and kind boyfriend! Who wouldn’t want such a man in their life?!

A friend of Serena revealed to the press once the news finally got out that “They’ve never seen Serena this happy before with a man. It sounds cheesy, but it was love at first sight. They laugh non-stop and that really fuels their relationship. They are on the same page in life and are excited to start something great with each other.”

First date caught on camera

Celebrating Halloween 2016 together

They got engaged in Rome

Alexis it seems is quite the romantic. Last December, he flew Serena to Rome where they sat at the same table where they had first shared a meal together and popped the question. Later she told Gayle King at a TED business conference about what she felt at hearing his proposal, “I never felt pressure to get married, and I can’t say I’m the marrying type. I love my life. I love my freedom. I hear that kind of changes. I love my career, and I didn’t want anything to interfere with that. … When he proposed, I was almost angry. Not almost, I was angry because it was right in the middle of my training season and I thought, ‘I have to win the Australian Open.’ … I really wanted to pass Steffi Graf’s record.”

Revealing V-daygift from her fiance this year, a game

Serena and Alexis announced the news of their engagement where else but on their social media accounts. Accompanying a picture of them in Rome grinning with sheer joy as they hugged and she showed off a dazzling diamond engagement ring.

Serena posted a poem she wrote on Reddit, what else?

“I came home

A little late

Someone had a bag packed for me.

And a carriage awaited

Destination: Rome.

To escort me to my very own ‘charming’

Back to where our stars first collided.

And now it was full circle

At the same table we first met by chance.

This time he made it not by chance

But by choice.

‘Down on one knee

He said 4 words /And I said yes.’”

Alexis too shared his happy news on his Facebook page posting, “She said yes.”

After the engagement, the couple came out in the open. They rang in the New Year together in Auckland, New Zealand and were spotted boarding a helicopter to fly to Waiheke Island for a quick romantic getaway. She was in the tiniest Daisy Duke shorts, highlighting her muscular thighs.  Even though Alexis is very tall, Serena is no shorty standing at 5’9” and visually they go together as well.

Alexis was next seen cheering on his fiancée as she competed and won at the Australian Open and achieved her goal by surpassing Steffi Graf’s Grand Slam win tally and cement her status as the greatest of all time. And she did this while eight weeks pregnant!

Glamorous at the Met Gala 2017 this April

Serena posted her for Valentine’s gift from him, a $60 NES Classic Mini, which is a reimagining of the 8-bit video game console from 1983.“When you date a ‘techie’ you get these gifts,” she wrote and said she loved it. Even though, according to Forbes, her net worth was estimated at $150 million in 2016 and Ohanian’s at $4.5 million, approximately just 3 percent of hers, she demonstrated that it’s the thought that matters where gifts are concerned. The gift was probably an inside joke between the couple that finally he can beat her at a game because he could never beat her at tennis, and she appreciated his sense of spirit and humour.

When King remarked that she hadn’t expected Serena to end up “with a geek.” She joked back, “You can tell he’s into technology.”

Showing off her figure in a yellow bathing suit on Snapchat in a video where her baby bump was clearly visible, Serena accidentally leaked out news of her 20 week pregnancy on April 20th, a post she quickly deleted but by then the news had gone viral. Therefore, her representative had to confirm the pregnancy.

US Open Tennis representative posted congratulations: “Serena Williams will have a new pride and joy to hug and call her own soon! Congratulations on the exciting baby announcement!”

Happily ever after in an Instagram photo

Serena then shared a tribute to her unborn baby on her Instagram page, writing she “couldn’t wait to meet them. I can’t wait for you to join the players box next year. But most importantly, I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you…. once again today. On @alexisohanian bday from the world’s oldest number one to the world’s youngest number one. Your Mommy.” Clearly the driven athlete is planning to resume tennis after the birth and she’s already 35. That is quite the drive and ambition.

Currently, Serena is pondering over  whether she should relocate to San Francisco where Alexis currently resides, “That’s the question of the hour. I couldn’t be stuck in a more beautiful place,” she answered a question posed by Vogue’s Andrew Leon Talley at the Met Gala.

Looks like the statuesque, super high achieving couple has as good a chance of making it together as anyone else and we wish them all the luck!

Movie stars, Bilal Ashraf and Syra Shahroz are loveable both on screen and off. While they were busy promoting their upcoming flicks, Syra’s debut Chalay Thay Saath and Bilal’s much awaited action thriller Yalghaar, Sana Zehra catches up with them for a sizzling shoot at Zain Baig’s beautiful house. Their insane chemistry  together fogged up the camera lens!

Syra Shahroz

What do you find yourself doing a lot these days?

Syra: Extremely busy with promotions these days

What’s your current obsession?

Being healthy

What’s your favourite place to visit in the world?

Turkey

What’s something you own that you truly cherish?

Nooreh

Of all the hobbies in the world, what’s the one hobby you will never give up?

Reading

What makes you the angriest?

Lies

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Practical, patient and very loving

If you had a chance to play any Disney princess, who would that be?

Syra: I love all of them but Ariel from the Little Mermaid is one thing I’d like to be.

Who’s the most fashionable woman that you know?

My mother in law, Nabila and Ayesha Omer

What’s the one thing you can never live without?

Family

What’s a fashion trend that can never let you down?

Blue jeans and a white t shirt

What’s your favourite thing to eat?

Everything

Who do you look up to the most in life?

My mum

What’s the best piece of advice you have gotten from anyone?

I got it from my gynae and she said don’t listen to any horror stories what everyone is telling you because the only people who truly care about you is your mother, mother in law and your doctor. So don’t listen to anyone else!

What TV shows have you been watching these days?

The Crown

A fictional character you do want to spend the day with?

Gatsby

What’s the last movie that made you cry?

Sunshine

What’s the movie you can watch over and over again?

The Light Between Oceans

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can cook really well

What’s the best gift you have ever received?

Shahroz gave me a car, which I love

What’s the one thing people would be most surprised to know about you?

I have a temper

What’s the silliest nickname ever given to you?

My Phoopo calls me Rabri.

When do you feel most creative?

When I have no worries and have nothing to think about then I can focus. I think I am most creative when I am at work.

What’s your favorite song to play in the car?

Summer On You

What’s your favourite word of all time?

Oblivious

If you had to choose another career, what would you be doing?

I’d be a chef

Can you tell me a secret?

No because if I told you it won’t be a secret (laughs)

What’s the funniest thing you have ever read about yourself on the internet?

That I’m just a pretty face and I can’t act

What have you learned about being an actor?

You never really learn how to be a good actor I think it’s being your best and giving your best!

What movie made you want to be an actress?

I never really wanted to be an actress and I never really think I had it in me. If anything I really wanted to be a super hero.

What’s your favorite app?

Instagram

What does your bag say about you?

Convenience

If you could take only one thing to a desert island, what would that be?

Water

If you could trade bags with anyone for a day?

My friend Rabia

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day?

I like my life is pretty good

Leather or embellished?

Leather

Cash or card?

Cash

Minimalist or maximalist?

Minimalist

Always early or running late?

Running Late

Heels or flats?

Flats

Eyes or lips?

Eyes

Sweet or savoury?

Savoury

Style or function?

Style

Long hair or short hair?

Short

The biggest hit in your wardrobe?

Red jumpsuit—every time I wear it people tell me I should wear red more often

Any peculiar habits?

Unmentionable

If you could fit one human being in your bag, who would it be?

My child Nooreh.

Early mornings or late nights?

Late nights

Karachi or Lahore?

Karachi

Style or comfort?

Comfort

Backpack or handbag?

Backpack

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

No phone or no TV?

No phone

If you could only invite 3 people to your dream dinner party?

Palwasha, Shahroz and a friend.

Snapchat or Insta story?

Snapchat.

 

Bilal Ashraf

Acting, modeling or directing?

Acting

What’s your favorite place to hangout in Karachi?

Karachi Gymkhana

What’s the strangest thing you have done to prepare for a role?

I had to spend some time in jail

Can you describe for me a situation where you felt the most nervous?

When I was giving my BBC interview

If you had to be the best in the world at any sports, what would it be?

Cricket

If you can starr in or direct any movie in history, what would it be?

Any of the Bond Films

What’s the last song you listen to on your phone?

Song from my upcoming film Yalghaar

What’s your favorite band of all time?

Pink Floyd

How often do you wear suit?

When I need to

Favourite foreign city to visit?

London

What would you bring on a one day trip to Mars?

My running shoes

If you ever had a chance to play any super hero, who would that be?

Batman

What are you the most excited about in your life right now?

Yalghaar my upcoming film

If you can take acting class with anybody, who would it be?

Robert De Niro

What’s the biggest fear in life?

Failure

What’s your life’s motto?

Failure is not an option.

What’s your favourite fashion trend of all time?

Casualwear

What’s your advice to an aspiring actor?

Just believe in yourself

Any peculiar habits?

Snacking

Tie or no tie?

Tie

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day?

That’s a tough one! Probably Ronaldo

What movie made you want to be an actor?

Scent of a Woman

What’s your dream role?

To play a Bond villain.

Of all the hobbies in the world, what’s the one hobby you will never give up?

Sports

What makes you the angriest?

Lies

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Carefree, fun and loving

A fictional character you do want to spend the day with?

Lara Croft!

What’s the last movie that made you cry?

Janaan but not for reasons that it was a sad movie but because we all did so well

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can sculpt and paint

What’s the silliest nickname ever given to you?

Billu Babar

When do you feel most creative?

When I am sketching

What’s your favorite song to play in the car?

Comfortably Numb

If you had to choose another career, what would you be doing?

Visual effects director

What advice would you give to your 20-years old self?

Don’t waste time!

 

For this fortnight’s Style me up, Afshan shafi brings you the fun and flattering ensembles of Cabaret by Foha. Foha’s aesthetic is young and glam with a great deal of character thrown in. Bang on trend, she combines practicality with femininity in each of her pieces

Sara stuns in the tulle black dress. Complimented by an eye catching ring and just the right pair of earrings. This look is both classic and charming

This peach cotton top is a real statement piece. Flirty and girlish when paired with denim, this look is sure to turn heads. Layered necklaces add just the right touch to the whole outfit.

This plum ruffle skirt is trendy and easy to style. Combined with a black top, intricate choker and black heels, this look is sure to stun!

This is laidback luxury to a tee. The raw silk printed trousers are beautifully cut. The white collared shirt provides a vintage vibe and the statement necklace gives the whole look the right finish.

Mahlia S. Lone

Ow! The heat has really hit us and the constant power outages are not helping either. We have a photo shoot for you that will make you feel even hotter and more parched. Even though good looking, young movie stars Syra Shahroz and Bilal Ashraf haven’t been cast opposite each other in a movie as yet, their red hot chemistry fogged up the camera lens during the sizzling and smoking shoot. Casting directors take note.

On the other hand, recently the Hum Awards took place in Lahore and most of the celebs left us underwhelmed by their outfit choices. Apparently, many were scrambling to borrow outfits from fashion designers the night before the event and there was no time for fittings. Please, there is no compulsion to wear a “gown” unless it looks sleek and sophisticated. Wear Eastern attire instead of a lack luster Western creation that looks darzi made. The important thing is to look polished and presentable and that your ensemble is flattering for you. The Hum Showcase in Karachi just prior to this had lovely designer creations and, even in Lahore, I have seen stunning fashion produced by outstanding designers, so where is the disconnect?

Some would say that at this year’s Met Gala in NYC, many of the looks were too far out. Indeed they were, but they were on theme. It was fashion that made a statement: Art of In-between. It was in keeping with the experimental nature of Comme des Garcons’ avant garde designer, Rei Kawakubo’s play on structure and volume. The moral of the story is to take fashion risks, experiment, express yourself, don’t take fashion too seriously, but also keep the occasion and your own body in mind. Think about what you are portraying through your garb.

At the Gala, Serena Williams’ came with her internet genius fiancé in tow. No, he’s not a billionaire but she has amassed a fortune of $150 million through prize money and endorsements. However, he treats her like the Queen she is. Read their story in this issue.

Keep cool!

 

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