Because the UAE is so small, great events are within an hour’s driving distance. We went to Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience (more information) at the Dubai Mall, and got to meet stylists in person. The two stylists we met were Farah (Dress Code by Farah), a personal shopper, and Ascia (Hybrid in a Headpiece), a fashion blogger. Ascia helped popularize wearing hijab in a turban-style, and apparently fashion blogging is popular here. They gave us all a tour around Bloomingdale’s, a tutorial on wearing Ascia’s turban style of hijab, and had a short question and answer session for styling different items.

We actually got to have a personal discussion with Farah, and she was very open about her life. She is an image consultant, and focuses on helping men and women improve their image by first learning to love themselves, and only then by finding clothes. It was amazing to talk to her, and she was truly inspiring. She used to clean rich peoples’ houses to make money before creating a name for herself in the fashion industry.

The best part of the event was meeting a woman who came from an Average Joe background, and is now living the American dream. Except that she’s doing it in the Emirates, perhaps making it the Emirati dream? Plus, the event was free!