Haute Secrets: Tala Samman

One of Dubai’s fashion guru’s is none other than Tala Samman. Born in Chicago but originally from Syria, Tala is a fashion consultant, editor and stylist and has worked for such names as Net-a-porter.com, ASOS.com and Galaxy chocolate. Her style blog, myfashdiary.com has been nominated in Ahlan! Magazine’s Best in Dubai awards, as well as the Marie Claire UK Blog and Twitter awards. Tala has worked with fashion designers such as Tom Ford and Halston and has also been featured in publications including The Guardian, Grazia UK and Grazia Middle East, Harpers Bazaar Arabia and Marie Claire Middle East. She was also listed as one of Dubai’s Hot 100 for 2011. Tala currently lives between London and Dubai.

Where were you born?

Illinois, USA

How long in Dubai:

I grew up in Dubai so I’ve been here on and off for most of my life.

Neighborhood:

Jumeirah

Occupation:

Fashion editor at style.com Arabia and write a daily updated lifestyle diary at myfashdiary.com

Favorite Restaurant:

Zuma

Best Sushi:

Sumo or Zuma

Best Ethnic Food:

Chinese at Noodle house

Best Italian:

La Petite Maison or Bice

Best place for late night dining:

Zaatar wa Zeit

Best dessert:

Cheesecake factory

Best place for a romantic date:

Outdoors at the Armani Hotel

Best Sunday brunch:

Al Qasr

All-around favorite spot in Dubai:

Jumeirah, I love anything in Jumeirah!

 If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?:

Armani Hotel

Favorite shopping venue/boutique:

S*uce, Symphony and Boutique1

Best place to buy watches and jewellery:

Accessories from s*uce

Favorite cultural event:

Art events

Best Aspect of Dubai:

The comfort and safety

Best Pizza:

Naked pizza

Best Lunch:

Circle cafe

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:

Old town