This document discusses Scarlett Johansson's career as an actress and her expanding reach into fashion and music. It outlines her early roles and nominations that established her success in Hollywood. Designers Dolce and Gabbana chose Johansson as the face of their new cosmetics line because she has a subtle approach to fame and seems relatable despite her success. The collection aims to represent modern beauty through Scarlett's charm and appeal to women. While she promotes the brand, Johansson maintains her authenticity and is not simply a muse for the designers.

3. feature/psychology
the
PERFECTION
The occupation of just being female Doctor Alice Domar, author, psychologist
turned into being an A-grade mum, and executive director of the Domar Centre
wife and entrepreneur all at once, not to for Mind/Body Health in the United States,
mention the other things that one could has undertaken many studies into the health
classify themselves as in those few spare and happiness of women. In her new book,
MYTH
waking moments we have left in the day: Be Happy Without Being Perfect: How To
friend, chef, superwoman? Break Free From The Perfection Deception,
But when did wanting to have it all turn Dr Alice examines why women constantly
into a constant battle? When did we start feel the need to want to do well when it
to wake up in the morning and decide that comes to their job, family, friends, their
happiness was something that must be home, body and everything in between.
earned? Sure, it doesn’t grow on trees, but “After years of exposure to completely
do we really need the perfect partner, job, unrealistic expectations being passed off as
house or life to measure our own worth? attainable, we create an image of what we
should be, how our houses should look,
how we should raise our children, how we
should do our jobs,” she says. “We live in
a pretty flawed world – who can blame us
Are you trying to be the perfect wife? Mother? Employee? Friend? Shannon Wylie for wanting to make our little corner of it
discovers why the ‘Perfection Deception’ makes women miserable
perfect?” But how perfect is too perfect?
“I expect to be the Stacey Herbertson, an Australian fashion
best and be perfect at
marketing executive, struggles on a daily
basis with the idea of striving for that
everything I do. My
never-ending search for perfection, both in
and out of the office and home.
goals in life are to be “I expect to be the best and be perfect at
T
everything I do,” the 25-year-old says. “My
here are certain things
in life that remain successful, to look goals in life are to be successful, to look
perfect, be happy and to have it all.”
measures of happiness,
bringing that added
perfect, be happy and Between living the high life in fashion
and continuing further study, Stacey is
touch of perfection to
to have it all.” highly focused on securing the perfect life.
PhotogrAPhy by LindA rosewALL www.LindArosewALL.com
our everyday lives. “I go to extremes with exercising and under
From that fabulously fitting shoe, eating when it comes to looking perfect and
preferably high-tailing the name of Blahnik
or Choo, to the rock that says ‘I love you’,
today it seems we are all on the hunt for
that perfect piece of happiness.
But somewhere along the line, perhaps
between the 1950s housewife and the 1990s
power woman, women all around the world
developed a sense of wanting to have it all
and, in turn, made perfection more than
a measure of happiness – they made it a
measure of themselves as a person.
68 emirates woman August 2009 August 2009 emirates woman 69

4. feature/psychology
I spend all my money on the very best clothes and accessories to better than us. Then there is competition in the workplace where
make sure I look the best.”
The problem Stacey and many others face is the constant spiral
survival of the fittest is inevitable.”
It would seem that no matter which direction we take in life ALice domAr’s
of dissatisfaction that comes with being a perfectionist. “Whenever there is a constant battle to maintain our ideal circumstances. But tiPs for A
I don’t reach my expectations I become emotionally depressed,” she
says. “I avoid people, socialising and
with these choices come some very serious consequences.
The physical health of hAPPy ever
even going outside. In the past, my high perfectionists often leads to increased After
expectations of myself have also affected
my physical health. I became too skinny “In the past, my cortisol and stress hormones. These
are fine in small amounts and are Distortion: All-or-nothing thinking
and would often not eat for up to 10
days at a time.” high expectations designed to protect us. However,
over a long period of time, this
you look at everything in extremes so
that things are either good or bad, with
So how does she maintain not only
a hectic lifestyle, but perfectionist- of myself have self-induced stress is unhelpful and
will often contribute to weakened
nothing in between.
Example: if you find yourself in the
induced plans? “I often have long term
and short term goals, including daily also affected my i m m u n i t y. In t h e l o n g te r m ,
constant worry and unrelenting high
slowest line at the supermarket you say,
“i always pick the wrong line.”
goals that I write in a book,” she says.
“I read or refer to them all day if I need physical health. standards can lead to cardiovascular
problems, especially if someone can’t
Tell yourself: “how nice to have a
I became too
few minutes with nothing to do and
to so I stay on track with what I want keep up with the lifestyle they have nothing bothering me. i think i’ll read
skinny and would
to achieve. This can often distract me set for themselves. a magazine.”
from other things going on in my life “Trying to be too perfect shows
often not eat for up
and I become disinterested in anything that someone is unhappy with Distortion: Mental filter
but achieving my goals. I will never be themself or the things around them,” believing you have to be the best,
to 10 days at a time.”
happy until I am the best I can be.” says Dr Melanie. “It also shows a otherwise you’re a failure.
Ahlaam Ali, Lifestyle and Nutrition sense of not feeling in control so they Example: you miss one exercise
consultant at Powwer Living in Dubai, do things to supposedly give them class out of 10 and you criticise
knows first hand the extremes women that control. In the end, though, they yourself for not being able to stick
are willing to go to in their quest to combat being imperfect are never satisfied, never happy and have no idea how to live in the to a workout plan.
in a physical sense. “We get requests all the time from women moment. This often results in their quality of life going out the Tell yourself: “i’m doing great because
who want to look like Hollywood and Bollywood stars,” she says. window. They are like a mouse on a wheel but don’t know how to i made it to 90 per cent of my classes.”
“These are the women who constantly look for new methods of get off and appreciate the life that they do have.”
looking younger, thinner, sexier and prettier. They will try all the Kelly Grant, who set up home nine years ago in Bahrain, is Distortion: ‘Should’ statements
procedures and will be the first to trial them as well.” someone who is learning to adjust to a life that allows her to Putting too much onus on your abilities
But the endless drive for perfection extends a long way past work and enjoy her family. A full-time mother to son Noah, two, and managing realistic expectations.
physical appearance. Belinda Silling, 32, admits that her need to and daughter Jude, eleven months, wife, full-time student and Examples: you tell yourself: “i should
excel in every facet of her life has left her not only exhausted, but professional, she says, “I don’t have it all, but certainly want it. be able to keep the house looking
bitter. “I work in a very competitive industry,” says the graphic When I was pregnant with my daughter I didn’t get to complete my clean and neat all the time. it should
designer. “I know that I’m only as good as my last design, so I university course. I still berate myself over it because I would be so never be messy.”
spend every moment in the office trying to create something to much further along if I hadn’t [fallen pregnant].” Tell yourself: “maybe my house is
blow my bosses away. I feel personally insulted when someone else Behind the 31-year-old’s door there is a lot of planning, juggling messy, but at least it’s clean.”
is praised for their work and I read it as a message to me that I and serious time management. “I have a calendar on the kitchen
must work harder.” And things don’t get any easier when she signs wall with time limits for everything. My husband laughs at me, Distortion: Mind reading
off for the day. “I race home to have the children bathed before my but it works. Whenever I am cooking I am able to go over things Always thinking that the fault lies with
husband gets home,” the mother of three admits. “We have a maid, and work things out in my head, my plan of attack. It’s all about you, regardless of the situation.
but I know that my mother-in-law used to cook every night and I perspective; if you think you can’t do it, you won’t be able to.” Example: your partner, who’s usually
don’t want my husband to think I’m less than perfect as a wife. So, I Dr Alice says that whether women are striving for perfection very sociable after dinner, says he wants
do have dinner ready and on the table by the time he walks through in the home, at work, with friends, family or loved ones, there is a to be alone. you assume it’s because he
the door in the evening and I won’t cook the same thing twice.” certain stage of realisation. She says women need to know that “you is annoyed with you.
PhotogrAPhy by LindA rosewALL www.LindArosewALL.com
Even when dinner is served, Belinda laments, her day isn’t over. can be happier, yet it isn't always about being perfect”. Tell yourself: “i’ll ask him if we’re oK,
“While my husband is showering, I quickly phone my girlfriends to “You can take better care of yourself. You can feel healthier, and if he says yes, i’ll assume he’s upset
catch up on their days so they have no reason to think I’m anything more content, and more satisfied. These may sound like pie-in- about something that has nothing to do
less than the perfect friend.” And is she happy? “I’m sure I could be the-sky goals, but you can achieve them far more easily than you with me. i can’t assume that i’m the only
doing more,” she says. realise,” she advises. And how does she suggest we do this? “You person he gets annoyed with.”
The assumption that women need to be perfect often stems from can be happier by re-framing your expectations and embracing an
a common thread, Dr Melanie Schlatter from the Well Woman imperfect life. You can be happy without being perfect.” n
Clinic, Dubai, notes. She explains that women will often say that
what they are now is not good enough and not acceptable, so they Be Happy Without Being Perfect: How To Break Free From The
feel they have to do more, be more, have more. Perfection Deception by Dr Alice Domar is available at Kinokuniya
“From school where the pressure is on to get high grades, to Books, Dhs90. For more information on dealing with perfection contact
competing for a place at the right university, we gain a sense that Powwer Living, (04) 3411040 or Well Woman Clinic, (04) 3327117.
anything less than perfect is unacceptable,” says Dr Melanie. “We
have friends around us who have more than us or who we feel are
70 emirates woman August 2009 August 2009 emirates woman 71

5. 106 emirates woman October 2009 October 2009 emirates woman 107

6. o one seems to be able to get enough
of Scarlett Johansson. The New Yorker
who grew up in front of the camera and
cemented her name in the Hollywood
Hills is now more than ever making her
mark in show business and there aren’t
many who don’t want a piece of the
action. But don’t label her merely a movie
star with the usual cash cow qualities
just yet. While she may be the subject of
Woody Allen’s attention and an award
winning actress she has spread her glamorous reach to the world of
fashion and music, too. Starring as the face of Dolce & Gabbana’s new
make-up collection and honing her vocals as a blossoming musician,
Ms Johansson isn’t about to disappear behind the curtains, like many
a child star, anytime soon. With the spotlight firmly fixed on the
modern-day Marilyn, 24-year-old Scarlett is embracing her new found
success with a slow and steady salute to stardom.
Born November 22, 1984, to a Danish father and an American
mother, Scarlett was the third out of four siblings to take to the stage She speaks of being able to “capture all of women’s graces. That to
alongside her twin brother, Hunter. “I never struggled with trying to me, is what makes this campaign so special.” Domenico Dolce and
figure out what it was I wanted to do or what made the sparks go for Stefano Gabbana reflect on this though and identify why they choose
me. I always had that huge ‘laaa’ aspect to me.” And so Scarlett began Scarlett as the face of their new cosmetics collection.
her career aged nine in the feature film, North. While the movie “She is a simple and objective young woman and she has her feet well
didn’t skyrocket her career it certainly positioned her as one to watch. planted on the ground, maybe because her success did not come all of
In 1996, only two years after hitting the big screen, Scarlett earned a sudden, but she has built it up step by step. A little bit like it happened
herself a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead to us, we have never had a proper boom,” said Dolce & Gabbana.
Female in Manny & Lo. She had a few minor roles in If Lucy Fell, Aside from Scarlett’s subtle approach to fame and fortune the
Home Alone 3 and Fall before being nominated again in 1998 for designers identify this as being a perfect entry level for universal
the Most Promising Newcomer in The Horse Whisperer. Ghost World appeal. “Scarlett is a woman that women like. She is beautiful, but
was her next big hit in 2001 which saw her nominated for three Best not perfect, she is glamorous because of her job, but in her everyday
Supporting Actress Awards. It was Lost in Translation, which won life she could easily resemble your girl next door,” says Domenico.
the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, however, that cemented Stefano continues with, “that’s what we like about her. She interprets
her name as Hollywood hot property. The then 18-year-old, a role and she is very good at it, but at the same time she manages to
who played a 25-year-old opposite Bill Murray, took home the stay real.”
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Several critically The collection itself symbolises a characteristic charm of modern
acclaimed roles followed in Girl with a Pearl Earring, A Love Song make-up, striking and unforgettable. And from the campaign to the
for Bobby Long and Match Point which was her first lead role in a formulation of a brand, Scarlett screams success. “We have carefully
Woody Allen flick. Scarlett’s roles following The Nanny Diaries made chosen with whom we collaborate to develop the technical aspects
sure her reputation was rich with success. She went on to share the of the products, but choosing Scarlett was an instinctive choice,”
screen with Natalie Portman and Eric Bana in The Other Boleyn Girl, explains Stefano. While the men of the iconic label are undoubtedly
and Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz in Vicki Christina Barcelona, fans of the starlet, don’t be mistaken for thinking she is their muse.
before being cast in the all-star films He’s Just Not that Into You and “We do not have a muse. The time for muses is long gone,” says
IMAGE ROBERT BELLAMY
Iron Man 2. With 30 movies strongly secured under her fashionable Stefano. “As far as we are concerned, we loved her being a strong
belt and a bright future on the acting horizon this classic beauty woman with a very well-defined personality. She knows what she
refocused her attentions and took to testing the waters in other areas. wants, but she does not take herself too seriously.” Domenico
With an obvious sense of style and a face for fashion, Scarlett chimes “we immediately loved her being ironic as well as the way
took advantage of her ability to transform in front of the camera, she plays being a young diva. One day femme fatale, the day after
becoming the face of Dolce and Gabbana’s new cosmetics collection. she’s the girl next door.”
108 emirates woman October 2009 October 2009 emirates woman 109

7. Even Scarlett herself identifies with the importance of knowing From musical men to making noise of her own, Scarlett has
who you are as a woman and enveloping that essence. So she says extended her range of talents to include budding singer. Her debut
of being the face of Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up, “it’s album Anywhere I Lay My Head was released last year to mixed
a celebration of femininity. I enjoy being a girl. I like being feminine reviews and failed to make an impression on the music scene. The
and celebrating that part of myself. Some girls are uncomfortable collection of songs includes one original score and 10 covers of Tom
with being girls. They don’t know how to be in their bodies but that Waits tunes with guest vocals by a number of musicians including
was never for me.” Scarlett even goes so far as to say that women David Bowie. So what made Scarlett decide to leap into music? “I had
shouldn’t be scared of embracing being able to have fun doing all this golden opportunity to record and thought I would do maybe an
things girly. “I think some girls are afraid of make-up because they album of standards, because I’m not a songwriter. I’m a vocalist.”
don’t know how to apply it properly, so they just don’t wear it,” she Second time around she teamed up with Pete Yorn, an American pop
says. “I always tell my friends that if the make-up doesn’t look good, singer to release her second album titled Break Up, and it seems that
you can always just wash it off.” Josh Harnett was the catalyst for the album. The songs which were
Scarlett certainly knows the importance of relating to a brand and actually recorded in 2006 cast memories back on her time spent with
Dolce and Gabbana quite clearly saw this trait. “We wanted to capture the heart-throb. So with two albums under her belt the star reflects
the essence of the glamour of Hollywood and at the same time we on the projects and whether it would be worthwhile to idly continue
wanted to have a face with whom women could easily identify,” ambling down the music path. “I don’t think I’d do covers again,
said Domenico. “Elegant, sophisticated, beautiful.” The inspiration so it’d be a project that I have to dedicate myself to. I feel like that’s
is a mix of the modern Marilyn together with the Dolce&Gabbana something for the future.”
woman, who is glamourous, confident and somewhat sensual. With no signs of slowing down it seems inevitable that this
Scarlett seems to be oozing Marilyn-esque appeal of late. She’s highly talented musician, model and movie star is on track to
set to play the Hollywood star in My Week with Marilyn. While becoming the next iconic name in Hollywood. “No, being an icon
with those luscious lips, blonde bob, curvaceous body and blue eyes to me is something that comes from time and years, and I think
she may look a lot like Marilyn, does Scarlett relate to the famous I feel probably 50 years away from,” she pauses. “From being an icon.
actress? “Personally? No, no, no, no.” The film, which focuses on the Hopefully!”
making of The Prince and the Showgirl, will see Scarlett personify the
vulnerable Ms Monroe. This is perhaps why Scarlett doesn’t associate
with the actress herself, considering that off screen she is highly
confident and self-possesed, which she attributes to her upbringing.
“My mother is a very confident woman. She’s beautiful and she
always loved fixing herself up and wearing make-up and doing her
hair. I wanted to be like her. And since nobody made me feel self-
conscious, I was a confident kid.” Fortunately this allowed Scarlett
to maintain a semi-structured life off camera as well as maintaining
some form of normality at home. As far as Scarlett is concerned
this means keeping her private life private which recently caused
a media frenzy. After a whirlwind romance with Canadian actor Ryan
Reynolds, Scarlett tied the knot in September last year which set the
paparazzi and gossip queens’ tongues a-wagging. But as far as she is
concerned it is nobody else’s business. “I guess I try to be under the
radar. I’m not a flashy kind of person. I don’t walk around town in
five-inch heels, I try and live as normal a life as possible.” Which in
Scarlett’s eyes means not opening up about life and love as a celebrity.
In the past she has been linked with fellow actor Josh Hartnett
as well as Jack Antonoff. A member of the band Steel Train, Jack
is notoriously known for his song Better Love, which is about pining
for the actress. Rumours also surfaced about a relationship with
musician Justin Timberlake, after she starred as his love interest in
his What Goes Around Comes music video, but whom she refuses to
admit any romantic connection with.
110 emirates woman October 2009

14. BEAUTY Insider knowledge
Long live
beauty
Ever wondered how starlets
manage to always look red
carpet-ready? There are a
few long lasting tips that will
have you glowing for weeks.
We check out the experts in
the Middle East that can help
you fake it.
The seven-day glow
Being glamorously golden can be as much a part of a Luscious
celebrity’s CV as their acting credentials. All you have to
do is scan the red carpet. The best bit is you too can get
locks
a gorgeous glow that will set you in stead with the likes Ever wondered how Katrina Kaif,
of Jennifer Aniston. But don’t be mistaken for thinking Cheryl Cole or Heidi Klum always
any old faux tan will do the trick, one false decision and manage to have picture perfect hair in
you could very well be sporting the colour of a just the right shade? Maria Dowling
basketball. knows their secrets.
Straight from the US, Fantasy Tan is one of the A hairdresser for 21 years, Maria
original and leading spray tans on the market. The knows a thing or two about colour,
bronzing mist is so good it is contracted by Disney, Sony and she delivers every time. Working
and Universal Studios for their celebrities making it one Luminous skin from her salon in Dubai she continues
of the hottest spray tan products available. Introduced to transform the looks and lifestyles of
Hollywood blonde Kate Bosworth is known
to Pastels Salon, Dubai by Ferne Lategan, Fantasy Tan is women with colour and style. That is
to have one of the most luminous
leading the airbrushing trade in the city. “The difference if you can get in to see her. The rich
complexions in Tinseltown – always treading
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY ShANNON WYLIE AND ANITA quADE. PhOTOS: AfP PhOTO. gETTY IMAgES
is you can actually choose what colour you want. Most and famous of Dubai have her on
the red carpet with a flawless face.
fake tans are available in medium to dark but with speed dial and the fashion crowd wait
Everyone needs a helping hand when it
Fantasy Tan you can custom mix your own months for an appointment. But ask
comes to looking their best and the key is
colour,”she explains. Lasting around seven days, the anyone who’s been there, it is well
keeping skin in tip-top shape with regular
tan will be perfect for a light winter glow or a worth the wait.
visits to a skin professional.
bronzed beach beauty look, whatever the season. The beauty of a good colourist is
Many of the social set and Bollywood
Forget bottle sprays and while the hot summer sun that they can recreate your whole
stars have Dr Maria Khattar, from Dubai’s
may have retreated leaving a serious temptation to look to perfection and this season
Aesthetica Clinic, on speed dial. She is the
bake on the beach in the cooler light of day but in the colours of choice are blonde or
woman wonder acclaimed around town
fact the search for that perfect golden anything dark. If you’re not
for reviving dull complexions and turning
tan has stopped at Pastels. naturally these shades, it takes the
back the clock.
www.pastels-salon.com work of a master hairdresser to
She appraises a client’s age and skin
maintain. Although colours don’t
Month-long lashes type and devises a plan to get them
glowing, which can include treatments
fade as fast, you won’t end up with
rusty orange instead of that auburn
Perhaps the only real secret to longer, thicker and curlier lashes are false ones. Forget mascaras, including peels and mesotherapy to help
redness you so richly desired and
Hollywood’s most glamorous know how to do it properly with the least amount of hassle and fuss but maintain a natural lustre.
she’ll even match the correct shade
with maximum results. Think of Jennifer Lopez’s perfect batting lashes and Victoria Beckham’s For those who need a little more help
of colour to your face. But don’t be
stunning stare. It’s no wonder these women constantly look perfect. All they do is wake up and walk with problem skin including open pores
fooled into thinking that a fresh
out the door, with minimal make-up required. Voila. Yes, you can apply your own lashes, which leave and pigmentation, she recommends
dose of dye will fix all of your hair
clumps of glue stuck to your lids and that only last one occasion but why bother? It’s amazing the fractional resurfacing lasers.
dilemmas and have you looking like
difference false eyelashes can make to your appearance and Sisters Beauty Lounge in Dubai knows “I would recommend the Pixel xl by
Nicole Kidman. “Looking after your
how to make it happen. Their trained staff are able to create the lash factor you require. Not only does Alma lasers and RF Pixel which are a
hair and scalp is as important as
wearing false lashes open the eye, they also enhance your look from a washed out housewife to a prime treatment for acne scars,” she says
looking after your skin,” says Maria.
brazen beauty depending on the type of lash you get. While getting a helping hand from an
With winter encroaching and the tendency for hair to
Sisters Beauty Salon use Lash Perfect from the UK. The false eyelashes come in various colours and expert is ideal, Dr Maria says the basics of
dry out it is vital to give your locks the nutrients they require.
lengths to suit any individual eye shape and colour. Individual lashes are adhered to your original a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and
Coming highly recommended by Maria Dowling are the Kerastase In-
lashes and for six weeks you’ll have perfect bat-worthy lids. That and you’ll notice a significant proper hydration play a role in
salon treatments designed to nourish and moisturise your hair as is the
decrease in the time you need to spend applying make-up. For a dramatic look the full fit is used maintaining healthy, radiant looking 47
Panpuri Detox treatment which deeply cleanses and removes any build
starting at Dhs600 while a half fit starting at Dhs200 will ensure your lashes look skin as well. Contact Dr Maria at
up of products. Your locks will be forever preened and lush.
natural yet full of volume. www.aesthetica.com
www.mariadowling.com
www.sistersbeautylounge.com