The Ramadhan home collection comprises crockery in white as well as bath and bedlinen in pastels, neutrals and the occasional bright print.
Fragrance highlights include the Opulence OUD Eau de parfum. Other scents recommended for Ramadhan include the Butterfly Garden series and the heliotrope-gingembre (ginger), jasmin-perle de the (jasmine tea) and tilleul-cidrat (lime-citron) perfumes.
Source: Al-Futtaim Group. Marks & Spencer has sweets galore for Ramadhan.
Marks & Spencer also has a range of gifts and hampers for Ramadhan. Look out for baskets filled with Belgian chocolate biscuits and truffles, salted caramelised nuts, Swiss chocolate discs and nut and fruit mendiants*.
*Mendiants are chocolate discs with fruits and nuts on top.
*Products are available in the Middle East. Availability in other countries is not guaranteed. Facebook pages for Marks & Spencer default to the visitor's country of origin.
Source: IKEA website. The Arab-inspired HEMMAFEST collection is made for Ramadhan family gatherings. The soft furnishings and crockery are meant to be mixed and matched.
The new Ramadhan collection from the Swedish home furnishing
retailer IKEA is all about the
tranquillity of Ramadhan, says the Al-Futtaim group. Also called the HEMMAFEST collection, it is inspired by Arabic art with prominent floral
patterns and aims to inspire everyone
to get together to celebrate with family and friends.
Ramadhan is a time for remembering and reviving traditions as well as spend quality time with loved ones, eat home-cooked food, and refresh home décor. The HEMMAFEST collection is well aligned with the spirit of Ramadhan and Eid with tableware and home
textiles that go perfectly with all kinds of gatherings.
HEMMAFEST cushions are ideal when all other seats
are taken, and designed to complement the cups, plates and
serving dishes in the collection. The collection is designed to be mixed and matched, from throws, curtains
and floor cushions to cups, bowls and serving plates.
Ramadhan meal promotions are now available at various IKEA stores.
KSA
IKEA has a Ramadan Combo of soup or salad, plus dessert and a main dish for SR19 for adults, and SR9 for kids. The restaurant opens for iftar and suhoor in Jeddah, but only for
suhoor in Riyadh and Dhahran. The combo offer consists of one dinner
plate + salad plate or soup bowl + dessert plate. Beverages are excluded
from the offer.
For Ramadhan, the IKEA Riyadh restaurant is open from 9pm to 3am daily; the IKEA Jeddah restaurant from 6.30pm to 3am daily, and the IKEA Dhahran restaurant from 8.30pm to 1.30am daily.
Kuwait
IKEA Kuwait has iftar specials from KD2.5 per dish. IKEA Kuwait restaurant Ramadhan timings are from 6pm to 12:30am.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the IKEA Special buffet
(Bufet Istimewa IKEA) costs RM40 per adult and is available till 21 June from 7pm to 9pm on
weekdays and 7pm to 10pm on weekends. Tickets may be purchased from the
IKEA restaurants in Malaysia or at the Swedish Food Markets. Each meal
is limited to 150 seats.
Qatar
Qatar has a Ramadhan menu comprising the dish of the day with salad, soup and soft drink for QR35.
IKEA Qatar Restaurant & Café Ramadhan hours are:
Sunday to Wednesday: iftar to 11pm
Thursday to Saturday: iftar to midnight
The
IKEA Qatar Bistro is open from
Sunday to Wednesday, noon to midnight. Takeways are available from noon
till iftar. From Thursdays to Saturdays the Bistro is open from 1pm to
1am, with takeaways available from 1pm till iftar.
Advertisement for IKEA's Raya buffet in Singapore.
Singapore
In Singapore, halal* supper deals are available from a very reasonable S$2. The IKEA Festive Buffet (Buffet Istimewa) is available at IKEA Tampines from 7pm to 10pm from 12 to 16 June, and 19 to 22 June. Adults eat for S$19.90 and children aged four to 12 pay S$9.90. Kids under four eat free. There is a maximum of 200 seatings. Seatings are first come, first served.
UAE
Dubai Festival City and Abu Dhabi - Yas Island in the UAE are both offering an iftar menu which provides a dish of the day with salad, soup and soft drink
for AED29
(IKEA Family Members). The usual price is AED35.
The IKEA restaurant at Dubai Festival City is open from:
Sunday to Wednesday from iftar to 10:30pm
Thursday to Saturday from iftar to 11:30pm.
The IKEA Dubai Festival City Bistro is open from:
Sunday to Wednesday from iftar to 11:30pm
Thursday to Saturday from iftar to midnight
Takeaways are available from 10am until iftar
The IKEA restaurant at Abu Dhabi Yas Island is open from:
Saturday to Wednesday from iftar to 11:30pm
Thursday and Friday from iftar to 12:30am
The IKEA Abu Dhabi Yas Island Bistro is open from:
Saturday to Wednesday from iftar to midnight
Thursday and Friday from iftar to 1am
Another ethnically-themed collection from IKEA is the limited edition JASSA collection, which offers colourful, eclectic furnishings and accesories with Southeast Asian flair
IKEA KSA Ramadhan timings**
Riyadh store:
Saturday to Thursday: 12.30pm to 2.30am
Friday: 2pm to 2.30am
Dhahran store:
Saturday to Thursday: noon to 2am
Friday: 1.30pm to 2am
Jeddah Al Salam mall store:
Saturday to Thursday: 1pm to 3am
Friday: 4.30pm to 3am
Jeddah Al Tahlyah store:
Sunday to Thursday: 1pm to 3am
Friday: 2:30pm to 3am
Saturday: 1pm to 3am
IKEA Kuwait Ramadhan timings
11am to 4pm, then 8pm to 1am
IKEA Qatar Ramadhan timings
Sunday to Wednesday: noon to midnight
Thursday and Saturday: noon to 1am
Friday: 1pm to 1am
IKEA Singapore Ramadhan timings
Opening hours extended till 12am on Fridays and Saturdays till 17 June
IKEA UAE Ramadhan timings
Dubai Festival City store:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 11pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to midnight
Swedish Food Market
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 11pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to midnight
Abu Dhabi Yas Island store:
Sunday to Wednesday: noon to midnight
Thursday to Saturday: noon to 1am
Swedish Food Market
Saturday to Wednesday: noon to midnight
Thursday and Friday: noon to 1am
Editor's comment: Not all products or offers may be available in your country. Check IKEA Facebook for more information. Facebook pages default automatically to the country of origin. The English IKEA websites for Indonesia, Jordan and Turkey did not display any Ramadhan promotions or timings at the time of writing.
*IKEA Singapore offers halal food at one of its outlets, the Tampines store.
**IKEA Ramadhan timings are sometimes different on different pages of the website. When in doubt, take the latest opening hours and the earliest closing hours as a guide.
Source: aab website. Banner for the Ramadan Collection.
Fashion marketplace aab has readied a Ramadhan collection full of flowing long silhouettes and silk hijabs. Inspired by art and architecture, the Ramadan Collection includes loose jumpsuits, abayas and kimonos in pastels and rich jewel tones.
The aab interface is particularly comprehensive. Mousing over pictures provides alternative looks for the clothing, and there are sections for details and care as well as suggestions on how to complete the look.
Aab, the name is derived from the Persian name for water. Aab garments that take into account simplicity, style and comfort and are designed to be interchangeable to create an entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening, weekday to weekend, season to season.
Pergas, the Singapore Islamic scholars and religious teachers association, is helping waste management efforts in Singapore with the Recycle@PERGAS app, which allows consumers to have their recyclables collected on demand.
Provided by the Sapphiro Group, the app supports the four official languages and allows home owners to book a collection time for recyclables within working hours, which are Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 5pm, islandwide.
Pergas is also using the app for the collection of used items for fund-raising. These will be collected by volunteers from Buana Trading wearing white Pergas t-shirts carrying the logo on the left part of the chest, and the word 'VOLUNTEER' at the back.
Created under the Cultural Heritage State Program on
behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan
Nazarbayev, the museum aims to be the hub for analysis, comparison,
reflection, discussion, and evaluation of statements on the historical and
cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.
The VCM is a project of the Asia-Europe Museum Network (ASEMUS) to foster mutual
understanding among people from diverse cultural backgrounds. By presenting a collection of Asian masterpieces through the web, the VCM provides an opportunity for everyone to
appreciate the arts, regardless of financial or geographical
circumstances, and promotes communication among
participating museums all around the world by introducing their collections online.
SHUKR Islamic Clothing, a producer of modest and Islamic clothing for Muslims, has recently announced its summer collection, which displays the beauty of Islam in different seasons.
Source: SHUKR International edition website. Summer dresses.
SHUKR serves people of all religions who find that their faith encourages them to dress modestly, without having to sacrifice style and beauty. Over the years, the brand has attracted a loyal customer base of people searching for long sleeved shirts, long dresses, abayas, skirts and wide leg jeans—which can be difficult to find in mainstream clothing stores. "We’re very proud to be an Islamic clothing provider, and it is our hope that our customers will be proud to be dressed Islamically as well,” said Anas Sillwood, Managing Partner of SHUKR.
In addition to a summer collection, SHUKR also provides different collections throughout the year – spring, fall, winter and Ramadan/Eid (holiday) included. Said Sillwood: "It’s a perfect way to help distinguish ourselves from competition and brand ourselves as a religious Islamic brand with a contemporary, relevant, and sophisticated air.”
Interested?
SHUKR's e-commerce store serves its customers through its three regional websites, for the US, UK, and the rest of the world (international). The Summer/Eid catalogue can be requested through the home page
Source: Melinda Looi blog. From left: Julian Hyde General Manager Reef Check, C wearing Lyrata from the emelxSerenaC collection, Iking wearing Longhorn in Pink from the emelxDaphneIking collection, Melinda Looi, the designer herself, wearing a Striped Shore Modern Jubah, Atilia wearing Pussilus in Purple from the emelxAtiliaHaron collection, and Aishah Sinclair wearing Stenella in Peach from the emelxAishahSinclair collection.
Emel by Melinda Looi has collaborated with six celebrities, collectively known as the Celebrities with Pet Projects or CLPTS, to produce this year's Raya collection, themed Colours of the Sea.Emel is Melinda Looi's annual charitable collection, for which part of the sales proceeds will go to a charity. The word 'emel' is derived from the word 'amal' (أمل), of Arabic origin. Amal means hope, expectation, and aspiration. In Malay, it means good deeds or charity.
The CLPTS ladies nominated the non-profit Reef Check Malaysia as the official charity. RM50,000 from sales proceeds will be donated for coral reef conservation. Reef Check partners with a global network of trained and certified EcoDiver volunteers to conduct annual Reef Check surveys that assess the health of reefs around the islands of Malaysia. Reef Check Malaysia also conducts education and awareness programmes, along with coral reef rehabilitation programmes.
The Malaysian celebrity designers for emel by CLPTS' Raya collection 2016 include Serena C, a TV host and emcee; Daphne Iking; singer, yoga instructor and entrepreneur Atilia Haron; radio announcer, TV host and fitness enthusiast Aishah
Sinclair; Sazzy Falak, a TV presenter and actress; and Dynas Mokhtar, a TV host, actress and avid diver.
Emel by Melinda Looi offers a range of ready-to-wear apparel collection ranging from the traditional baju Johor, baju Kedah and the ubiquitous baju kurung*,
to more modern, edgier pieces as well as some sophisticated evening
looks for dressier occasions, all of which will be priced affordably. Colours of the Sea is inspired by the beauty, colours and serenity of underwater
life and is characterised by exclusive prints, laces, fringes, beading and Melinda Looi's trademark bias-cut skirt. Many of the designs are inspired by baju kurung. The emelxSazzyFalak - Royal Star Blue Peplum Kurung, which has a peplum-style top with textured lace on the sleeves and hem plus a matching adjustable belt, and the emelxAishah Sinclair - Delphis, which is a baju kurung with a box-cut organza top that can be worn tucked in or out over an A-line skirt.
Source: Melinda Looi blog. Emel x SazzyFalak - Royal Star.The emelxSazzyFalak - Royal Star Blue Peplum Kurung has a peplum- style top with textured lace on the sleeves and hem. A matching adjustable belt is included.
Melinda Looi is also offering custom-made children's wear for Eid that can be modelled on the emel Raya collection.
Interested?
Visit the Melinda Looi Bangsar Showroom for bespoke children's outfits. All proceeds will go to Reef Check Malaysia. Call or text + 601 2875 0899 with enquiries.
*The traditional Malay baju kurung has a tunic top with a high neck and long sleeves worn over a matching ankle-length skirt.
This year, our CLPTS ladies nominated Reef Check Malaysia to be the official charity, where RM 50,000 from our sales proceeds will be donated to focus on coral reef conservation. Co-presented by La Cremeria, in support of Reef Check. Shop now at emel.my (link in bio), Zalora and Fashion Valet! #emelxCLPTS #emelbymelindalooi #ColoursOfTheSea #ColourfulRaya #emel2016 #raya2016 #emelxAishahSinclair #emelxAtiliaHaron #emelxDaphneIking #emelxDynasMokhtar #emelxSazzyFalak #emelxSerenaC #fashionshow #bajukurung #bajuraya
Source: al Sabah Collection, from the Google Cultural Institute. Captioned. 'Inscribed Royal Gemstone, 1,001 AD'. Rectangular emerald stone, w3.35 x h2.92 cm, inscribed with seven lines of 'naskhi' script from the Quran (2:255). View this item online.
The
al Sabah Collection, regarded by international authorities as one of a small handful of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. has 48 items available for viewing online via the Google Cultural Institute. The Collection was begun in 1975 when Sheikh Nasser Sabah
al Ahmed al Sabah purchased a
mid-14th century enamelled glass bottle from a London art gallery. Curated by Sheikh Nasser and his wife
Sheikha Hussah Sabah al Salem al Sabah, the Collection was moved in 1983 from Sheikh Nasser’s
private residence to a new location at the Kuwait National Museum. The building became known as Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah (DAI), and Sheikha Hussah became the organisation’s Director General. Since its inception in 1983, DAI has diversified from managing the loan of the al Sabah Collection of art from the Islamic world to the State of Kuwait to becoming an internationally-recognised cultural organisation.
The
Collection has now grown to more than 30,000 objects representing the full geographic and chronological range of the Islamic world, from Spain to China, from the 7th to 19th centuries. It features all aspects of art, including arms and armour, calligraphy, carpets
and textiles, ceramics, coins, ivory, jewellery, extraordinary manuscripts and
miniatures, metalwork, scientific instruments, stone and stucco, wood and glass. The Collection actively publishes volumes focused on
its holdings, organises special exhibitions, and loans objects to exhibitions elsewhere in the world. Interested? View the Suroor Asia blog post on the Google Cultural Institute and the Aan Collection
The Virtual Collection of Asian Masterpieces (VCM) has grown by five members in the past year, it was revealed at the annual meeting of the Trustees of the VCM at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore on 19 and 20 November, 2015.
Jointly led by Jos Takema, Project Manager of the National Museum of World Cultures in the Netherlands and Yun Hye Chung of the National Museum of Korea, the VCM now boasts 135 member museums from 35 countries and 183 new masterpieces for a total of 2,514 available online.
In December, the VCM introduced a new highlight on the Silk Road. A dedicated Silk Road button on the VCM Search for Masterpiec es page provides instant access to relevant masterpieces. Pictured is a folio from an 8th century large Quran from the collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum (copyright Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore), which turned up during the search.
According to the VCM, the museum acquired this folio in 1999. It is likely from a monumental Quran in Tashkent, Uzbekistan attributed to the Caliph Uthman (reign 644 to 656) and might have been carried along the Silk Route. The item has been carbon-dated, and there is a 68% probability of a date between 640 and 705 and 95% probability of a date between 595 and 855.
The VCM website development is sponsored by NAVER, Korea's top search portal. The VCM also began new social media initiatives on Facebook and Instagram this year.
The VCM was originally a project of ASEMUS - the Asia Europe Museum Network. It features online versions of masterpieces of Asian origin from the collections of contributing museums to promote mutual understanding and appreciation between peoples of various and different cultures. Each museum contributes a selection of 25 masterpieces from their own collections.
The Google Cultural Institute has placed images of artworks, collections and stories from around the world online so that they can be explored in detail and shared socially.
One such collection is the Opening Exhibition of the AAN Collection on the Google Cultural
Institute, Pakistan, Moment/Momentum – Contemporary Art From Pakistan, which debuted in April 2015. The exhibition focuses on the works of Modernist Zahoor-Ul-Akhlaque and the contemporary artists who followed his lead. The exhibition included the works of Ul-Akhlaque and the contemporary artworks of Shahzia Sikander, Imran Qureshi, Rashid Rana, Aisha Khalid, Naiza Khan and Faiza Butt.
Believed
to be the largest and most comprehensive collection of Pakistan visual
art to date, the AAN collection is a private collection of Asian art
primarily focused on Pakistani modern and contemporary art. The
collection consists of works ranging from third century Gandhara to contemporary artworks.
The title of the collection,
‘AAN’, is derived from an Urdu word (Aan) and literally means both
‘honour’ as well as ‘a moment’. The title also fits in well with the
acronym of the collectors names. The collection honours the tradition, creativity and ingenuity of
Pakistani artists.
There are sculptures, works on paper and
canvas, photographic works, video installations, light boxes and other
new media works in this collection. The largest work is Desperately
Seeking Paradise by Rashid Rana, a cubic sculpture which reaches over
ten feet in height, while the smallest works are Mughal miniatures
painted on ivory as well as contemporary miniatures by Ahsan Jamal which
are 3" in diameter.
According to the collectors,
“What makes it such a unique as well as robust collection is that the
works have been collected because we loved them and with a vision to
capture the art of those before us as well as of those artists who live
and work in this time. A snapshot of the time we exist in as well as a
nod to our past."
Guests now have access to more choices when making bookings on Etihad Airways’ website following the recent introduction of new online payment services.
The airline’s guests in the UAE can now book flights or ancillary services conveniently using Pay@home’s online payment option and have the cash collected from their nominated location within 24 hours.
Etihad Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to offer Pay@home, in cooperation with its payment partner, Payfort, which manages cash collection on behalf of the airline.
Pay@home offers a cash payment method enabling collection from homes - still a preferred payment option for many customers in the region.
Justin Warby, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Direct Sales, said: “In selecting additional payment methods for our guests, we took a very local approach. We wanted to give options which catered for the needs of our guests. The addition of Pay@home will make a significant difference to online bookings.
“With Pay@home, we now offer our guests in the UAE greater choice and flexibility when it comes to paying for the tickets they have booked online. This is part of our commitment to our guests to improve our service offering continuously.”
Interested?
Booking online can be done at www.etihad.com. When filling in the payment details, guests can choose “Home Cash Collection” as the payment method. Once they complete booking, guests will be contacted to confirm the address they have specified and a suitable time for the collection of payment. Courier teams will collect the payments and provide a receipt upon payment.
Pay@home purchases are available only if the reservation is made at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure and the payment is made within 24 hours at the location and time agreed for the collection. Fare price and availability may change or guests can request for the reservation to be cancelled.
The new payment options are only available for UAE Dirham (AED) transactions and for flights departing from Abu Dhabi, UAE. Future plans include expanding the Pay@home offering to other strategic markets of Etihad Airways.
Babyshop's Ramadan Collection 2015 is now in the stores, with the theme of 'warm colours'. The store, which offers clothing toys and furniture for children from newborns to teens of 16, also caters to mothers and moms-to-be. Babyshop carries brands like Disney, Ferrari and Fisher Price, and also has two in-house brands, Juniors and Giggles.
Interested? Babyshop stores can be found in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, KSA, Kuwait, Jordan, Pakistan, Lebanon and Yemen among other countries.
Source: OOH! website. Models are wearing outfits from the Kebaya Aviana family.
View the Raya 2015 collection from traditional ready-to-wear label OOH! online, catering to the contemporary local woman who is modern and worldly, yet possesses a touch of tradition and practical sensibility.
Crisp and sharp colours, graphic prints, and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of this three-year-old brand. The line features a mix of contemporary designs using fun pastel hues with traditional cuts and their signature intricate beading. All are original designs by the co-founders, Dr Wan Puspa Melati, Dawn Jeremiah and Joanne Ho-Lee, who believe that traditional ethnic wear has always been part of the Malaysian culture – worn not just by Malay women, but also among the Chinese, Indians, Punjabis and Eurasians as well, during special occasions, at work and at play.
The fabrics, materials and embellishments used are sourced locally and all over the region. The pieces are then designed in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and handcrafted both locally and around Southeast Asia. Each piece by the brand is sewn and beaded by traditional home tailors who are exceptional at their craft. OOH! is happy to play its part in providing part-time employment to these talented individuals, most of whom are single mothers or persons from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds.
There are seven designs in this year's Ramadan collection: three mother-daughter
baju kurungs, two mother-daughter kebayas, and two adult baju kurungs:
OOH! Kurung – contemporary
Prices for items in this range start from S$43.
Source: OOH! Baju Kurung Ava.
Baju Kurung Ava
Crafted out of pale pink and purple satin silk, this piece has embellishments and silver beading at the collar, cuffs and hem.
Baju Kurung Modern Juliana
Baju Kurung Modern Juliana possesses the classic silhouette, with vivid colours for a touch of modern. The top is hand-crafted from embossed cotton, while the turquoise skirt bottom opens up in the front.
OOH! Kurung – mother and daughter designs
For mothers who want something cute and stylish that they can wear with their little girls, three designs from the baju kurung modern line come with matching outfits for little ones. Toddlers aged two to six who want to be just like mummy can now look just like her with these matching sets:
Baju Kurung Mikaela
Featuring waffle-weave fabric with the brand’s signature dual-button front, the cream top is embellished with heavy beading on the collar, cuffs and hem. The figure-flattering mermaid skirt is also crafted out of the same fabric in cotton candy pink.
Baju Kurung Bree
Source: OOH! Baju Kurung Bree.
Staying true to the label's outlook on embellished baju kurungs using rich and vibrant colour combinations, this vermilion piece is of cotton crepe with distinct geometric patterns, plus gun metal embellishments on the collar, cuffs and hem. The charcoal grey skirt that accentuates the figure with a fishtail effect.
Baju Kurung Soraya
Baju Kurung Soraya is made of textured cotton in baby pink, with hand-beaded iridescent details on the collar, cuffs and hem. It comes with a baby blue textured cotton skirt which opens up in the front.
Prices for the adult and kids’ pieces are S$108 and S$58 respectively.
OOH! Kebaya – mother and daughter designs
The label has brought back the popular premium Balinese kebaya design. These are made of authentic Balinese lace and printed in soft and flowy batik. OOH! has created matching sets for mothers with little girls aged two to eight.
Source: OOH! Above: Kebaya
Zariah. Below: Instant white
hijab lily.
The signature kebaya top design has three-quarter sleeves, invisible hook fasteners, as well as full lining and zips for the flowy cotton sateen batik skirt. Prices for items in the entire collection range from S$58 for the girls' pieces to S$130 for the adult wear.
OOH! Hijab
Crafted out of comfortable lycra and cotton, these S$17 instant shawls are cooling, lightweight and feminine, with trinkets at the corners to weigh the ends down.
OOH! Jubah
The Hari Raya collection also includes lycra jubahs that are contemporary yet discreet. Heavily beaded around the neckline, these dresses come in six colours. Prices range from S$33 to S$40.
CH, a Carolina Herrera brand, has released Fall/Winter 2015 collections for both men and women. The Women’s Collection features reds, sky blues, and fuchsias which add a touch of color, while white and ivory contrast against a darker colour palette.
Evening looks figure in fine silks, lace and jacquard for ultimate femininity, with CH Carolina Herrera's signature details such as bows and ruffling.
The Men’s Collection sees navy blue, grey, and camel dominate, juxtaposed against pops of hunter green and bright blue. Tartan plaids and polka dots evoke a sense of playfulness while a nautical influence appears in striped tops and navy coats featuring gold buttons engraved with anchor motifs.
Sariayu Martha Tilaar has launched its latest colour palette, Sariayu Color Trend 2015 Inspirasi Papua the Color of Asia. The palette is inspired by nature and culture of Papua, particularly Raja Ampat Island, cendrawasih (the bird of paradise), and Papua wood carvings.
According the company, Papua deserves to be appreciated. One of the ways is through using its natural resources for Sariayu Martha Tilaar products. Red fruit, a native fruit from Papua, has been processed by Sariayu Martha Tilaar in collaboration with Surya University and included as a unique ingredient in Sariayu Color Trend 2015 Inspirasi Papua.
Products with the Papua palette can be viewed here.
The Rahmatan Lil 'Alamin Foundation (RLAF), in collaboration with mosques in Singapore, has kicked off a fund-raiser in aid of Syrian refugee children.
Part of an initial fund-raising effort in April this year, which netted S$240,000, was used to send relief in the form of food packages, hot food, medicines, clean water, school packages, and household items.
S$150,000 has been set aside for the establishment of a school for children of Syrian refugees in the border town of Kilis in Southeastern Turkey. "This school will help to restore some semblance of normality, sanity and confidence in the hearts and minds of the young children," the charity said in a statement. "To make this school project possible, we will need to raise at least S$350,000 for the building, facilities and equipment needed for the school."
Donation boxes marked Singapore Muslim Community’s Special Collection for School Project for Children of Syrian Refugees have been placed at all 68 mosques till 11 December 2014. Those who are not able to make their contribution at the mosque can also offer their donation in cash or by cheque. The cheque should be made payable to “RLAF” with the words Special Collection In Aid of Syrian Refugees written on its back. The cash and cheques can be delivered to the MUIS building at the Singapore Islamic Hub, No. 273, Braddell Road Singapore 579702. In addition, members of the community can also make their contributions online via www.muis.gov.sg/epayment/Donations.aspx.
The RLAF is working with Kimse Yok Mu, a Turkish humanitarian agency, and Aid to Syrian Refugees in Turkey (ASRIT) for the project. Kimse Yok Mu will provide the teaching staff, remuneration and all the utilities needed for the school. Registration of students has already begun.
Everyday Minerals (EM) was launched in 2006 when Founder Carina Menzies couldn't find the right simple, natural makeup on sale. The company is committed to finding the purest form of naturally sourced ingredients, and now sells all-natural, completely vegan, cruelty-free products that are handmade in Texas, with eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.
Source: Everyday Minerals blog.
Vegan makeup is makeup that does not use ingredients derived from animals, and which is not tested on animals. Many cosmetics companies now have vegan products or whole vegan lines, or like EM, may be completely vegan. In EM's case, the products do not contain any fillers or animal derived ingredients, so the company advises that its cosmetics and skincare products should be placed away from direct sunlight and heat, in a cool place.
EM recently launched a new line of eight neutral shades for the eyes called the “Oh, So Pretty” Collection! According to the EM blog, the palate of shades ranges from white to browns, as well as soft blue and yellow hues, and are designed to mix and match easily.
The eyeshadows are named after inspiring traits. A white, "almost peachy" colour is called She's Charismatic; a denim grayish blue is called She's Complete, while She's Freedom is a bronze medium brown.
There is a sale on (EM ships internationally), with the US$14 eyeshadows going for US$12, and the US$10 eyeshadows going for US$6.50. To see the She’s Powerful, She’s Desire, and She’s Creative eyeshadows from the Oh, So Pretty collection on a model, visit the blog post here.
For more vegan cosmetic products, visit PETA's suggestions of a dozen vegan makeup products under US$10, here.
Socially conscious fashion initiative emel by Melinda Looi has launched its Baju Raya (clothes for Eid) 2014 collection this month, including a capsule collection co-created by actress Diana Danielle.
Melinda Looi with Diana Danielle. Looi's emel by Melinda Looi has partnered with Volkswagen Group Malaysia to launch a “Safe and Stylish Balik Kampung” contest from 10 June – 10 July 2014. One lucky person stands to win a Volkswagen Polo Sedan in time for their balik kampung (return home) journey this Ramadhan. To participate, log on to http://bit.ly/emelxVW and fill out a survey. Contest forms are also available at all emel by Melinda Looi retail points of sale and selected Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia. The winner will be selected via random draw. No purchase is necessary to enter.
The brainchild of designer Melinda Looi, emel collaborates with local celebrities to promote the spirit of giving during Ramadhan. Looi invited Malaysian actress, model, TV host Diana Danielle to co-design "Diana Danielle x emel" (Diana Danielle for emel), a capsule collection of ladies’ Baju Raya inspired by the celebrity’s personal style of youthful, feminine elegance. A portion of sales proceeds from both collections will be channelled to the Institut Jantung Negara (IHN) Foundation, as nominated by Diana Danielle, to help needy heart patients.
"Children are our future. I believe it is our responsibility to care for them, even if they’re not our own. Diana and I are both mothers, so we feel strongly about contributing to a cause that provides assistance to children, especially because they cannot help themselves,” said Looi.
The design elements found in both collections are inspired by the Islamic art and architecture of the Alhambra, a UNESCO world heritage site in Spain. Reflecting traditional Islamic motifs of geometric patterns in bright colours, a key highlight of the emel by Melinda Looi 2014 and Diana Danielle x emel collections are several exclusively designed prints which were inspired by Islamic tiles, softened by floral illustrations and cut in fluid garment styles. There is also prominent use of embroidered lace, sparkling embellishments, and unusual trimmings to achieve a bold and structured yet feminine look.
Both collections are available in a variety of colours, cuts, designs and patterns in quality fabrics including crepe, cotton, and linen, duchess satin and jacquard. Emel by Melinda Looi 2014 features a day to night range of Baju Raya for ladies as well as Baju Melayu outfits for couples and families seeking co-ordinating outfits for Raya.
The two collections are sold online at ZALORA Malaysia, ZALORA Singapore, Fashion Valet, and emel by Melinda Looi’s official webstore. The clothes will be available in stores at the Melinda Looi Showroom, Parkson Pavilion and KLCC, as well as ShoesShoesShoes boutiques as well. Retail prices range from RM280 to RM480.
SHUKR Islamic Clothing has introduced its pre-Ramadan range, which features 'a burst of colour' and is meant to bring customers right through to Eid. The ladies' collection is designed with delicate details and slenderising silhouettes, while the men's collection balances "button up and casual".
Source: SHUKR Islamic Clothing website.
The company launched its spring/summer 2014 collection in April, featuring fabrics appropriate for warmer months, including tencel, cotton, rayon and linen.
"By using a variety of breathable and natural fibers, we are able to produce clothes that meet the requirements of Islamic modesty whilst still being comfortable and appropriate for the warmer months,” said Anas Sillwood, Managing Partner, SHUKR Islamic Clothing. "Our intelligent designs allow for full modesty whilst being both cool and breathable.”
SHUKR's customers are from all religions, and turn to the company for long sleeved shirts, long dresses, long skirts, and wide-legged jeans which may be difficult to find in mainstream clothing stores. The company has stockists in Australia, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
The company aspires to be a model Islamic business. SHUKR follows fair trade and ethical labour practices, produces clothing of the highest standards, and applies Islamic financial and investment principles, avoiding interest-based financing.
