24 hours in the life of a serial shopper in Dubai

"Dubai is My New Hawaii" ("Dubai is my new Hawaii").The Instagram account of Paris Hiltonest is unequivocal: the princess of Beverly Hills swear by this city of the United Arab Emirates, which cultivates a pronounced taste for excess.She puts on her monogrammed luggage at least three times a year there and improvises there regularly in the city clubs, especially at the Cavalli Club.She's not the only one.With its extravagant real estate projects, its disproportionate beaches, its upscale boxes, its starred restaurants and its oversized malls, Dubai stands out as the new flashy socialities around the world.A clientele that luxury brands do not neglect, as their purchasing power can be colossal.

If many of them are content with a tourist getaway in this Mecca of ultra-luxe shopping, others have adopted Dubai year-round.This is the case of Lina Samman, of Syrian origin, who has lived in Dubai for twenty-two years.This sexy archilokeée quadra is a famous worldly worldly, renowned for its glamor look… exuberant.For a day, the young woman invites us to follow her life as a wealthy fashionista from the Middle East.

Fairy tale dressing room

The meeting is set at her house, in the chic suburbs of the city. Forget all the stereotypes of the western suburbs: here, no alleys bordered by little pavilions, but a maze of dusty streets ... and deserted. It reigns an atmosphere of a ghost town of the West West. The XXL villas are protected by imposing gates and hidden behind three meters high walls. On the other side of the wall: opulence. At Lina, three shiny displacements are proudly exhibited in front of her house. These are the two Ferrari and a Bentley that she carefully released for the occasion of her air -conditioned garage. "I thought you would like to see them," she said, "sheathed in a white Alaïa dress, perched on Chanel stilettos. The Yellow Ferrari belongs to me. The red is that of my husband. I use Bentley for official evenings, when I move with my driver. " The tone is set. "Maybe you prefer hummer?" He is parked on the other side of the house. »»

Inside the villa, two Philippine house employees are active against a background of marble and gilding."I knew it was going to be a question of fashion for this interview, so I brought all my iconic pieces to the reception lounge.»Émilie and Faith operate a real crossover, arms loaded with luxurious fabrics and accessories with large French houses.In the midst of the trinkets Bernardaud and Lalique, piled up the Louboutin pumps, the Birkin bags of Hermès, the Chanel jackets, the Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Dior dresses ... "Here, worldly life is intense, launches Lina.There is always a charity gala, an official dinner, an inauguration ... The long dress is generally required.The evenings are very dressed in Dubai.I like to feel feminine and glamorous, "she explains, putting on a Balmain shelf dress.

Spend free time

In this city of the Persian Gulf, the pools and gardens that surround the houses are simply part of the decorum. Temperatures climbing up to 45-48 degrees, each seek refuge rather in air-conditioned places. Lina regularly finds her friends, Golden Ladies like her, at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a 5-star, ideally placed between the beach and the luxury shops of the Walk, the seaside promenade. Depending on the mood, she benefits from it The private beach, the swimming pool, the spa, the gym or one of the sixteen restaurants. “My husband has his consulting agency. He has offices throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa, so he is often on the go. As for my two daughters, they study in London and left the house. I had to learn to occupy my free time. I often accompany my husband during his business trips and I go regularly to Paris. I am fortunate to be invited to Chanel, Dior and Nina Ricci parades that I would not miss for anything in the world. No doubt a privilege reserved for good customers! »»

Budget No Limit

Lina is participating in charitable organizations and… shopping."I know the Dubai Mall like my pocket!"We then measure the passion of this fashionista: with its some 1,100,000 square meters and 1,500 shops dispatched over four floors, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the world."Finally, I especially know the fashion avenue," says Lina.Fashion avenue?The equivalent of the Golden Triangle in Paris, entirely devoted to luxury shops: Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Hermès ..., none is missing.“Precisely, this evening, I am invited to a charity gala.I will wear a chloé dress, but I have to perfect my outfit.I am taking you !Direction the Dubai Mall behind the wheel of the Red Ferrari.On a crowded highway, where large displacements meet small luxury racing cars.

In the alleys of the Mall covered with a brand new red carpet, women in traditional Abaya meet other women rather followers of short denim."No culture shock here," smiles Lina.More than two hundred nationalities cohabited.Everyone has learned to respect each other's religions and customs.For Lina, there is no question of swapping her heels of 12 centimeters against ballerinas."I like to be elegant at every moment of the day.As evidenced by his impeccable make-up and his Hollywood brushing.The first stop will be for Chanel."It is a must.I scrutinize the new features.I often leave with a shopping bag.What is she looking for?"The favorite.I often head to classics.»»

While Lina is trying a pair of pumps at Christian Dior, Hayat Rizki, the boutique management assistant, analyzes local fashion habits: "The Dubaiote is different from the Parisian.Her purchasing power being colossal, she rarely looks at prices.She can offer herself beautiful things and dares to show it, unlike the Parisian who will be more cautious at the idea of exhibiting her exceptional pieces.Here, jewelry does not sleep in chests!»»

The style of the Dubai? " Glamour ! continues Hayat Rizki. Nothing is left to chance: the tones, the materials, the cuts ... It is chicissime twenty-four hours a day. »His cute sin? " The accessories ! She collects pumps, bags, sunglasses, but above all she only carries pieces from the current season. You will never see it buy a bag for the past season even if it is ultra-solid. "While adjusting her pair of pumps, Lina Nuance:" I'm starting to have enough of this race for it bag. Everyone ends up with the same arm bag ... From now on, I put on rarity. I only want ostrich or crocodile. It is with the rare skin that we stand out. I will be happy to bequeath these exceptional pieces to my daughters. »After warmly embraced each seller, Lina takes a break from Fauchon. "It's a ritual. I offer myself a little from France in the middle of a desert! »»

The cult of made in France

French luxury and its know-how remain a reference: “Paris is the fashion capital.Undeniably.All the iconic pieces of my wardrobe are made in France.When I am in Paris, I settle on the terrace of the avenue, avenue Montaigne, and I spend hours watching women wander on the sidewalks.They have an indisputable sense of style.They are chic and elegant with a little je-ne-sais-quoi in addition.»»

Before joining her neighborhoods, Lina made a last stop in the Nina Ricci store: "I am linked to this house," she said smiling.In 2010, I was chosen to play the brand's ambassadors in the Middle East.I was very flattered.The artistic director, Peter Copping, even created a bag that bears my name: Lina Bag!Consecration of consecrations for this fashion enthusiast."I do not abandon the local creators," continues Lina.My daughter keeps me posted regularly from the last designers to follow.»»

In the Samman family, the love of fashion is transmitted from mother to daughter.Tala, the eldest, is one of the stars bloggers of the Middle East."His blog, Myfashdiary.com, received a Dubai Award, and Tala is one of the hundred most prominent personalities in the city.I am very proud… ”The arms loaded with her purchases of the day, Lina joins her Ferrari.How much is the amount of its expenses?"I prefer not to talk about money ..." Some roar later, Lina disappears in a cloud of dust.

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