Meet Our New AI-Enhanced Editor Reem
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Reem – first of all, how would you describe your style?
Elevated, polished, fashion-forward and a little bit extra. I like classic items combined with something a bit unexpected – like a big shoulder or a killer accessory.
Who influences your style?
Certain women nail it every time: Anna Vitiello for glamour and confidence; Muzi Sufi for polish and Leonie Hanne for all-round taste.
Can you share a few style rules?
First, no outfit is complete without jewellery; invest in accessories; if in doubt, add a shoulder; incorporate vintage where possible and finally, don’t shy away from colour – admittedly this one isn’t the easiest, but I’m trying to take a leaf out of Nana’s book…
Who are some designers you turn to time and again?
Because I’m naturally drawn to glamour, I love Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent and Alessandro Michele’s Gucci. The Attico girls give glamour some edge – the brand’s party wear is amazing – as is Magda Butrym. This season, I can’t resist a bit of Miu Miu and Alaïa for accessories. Plus, Rotate’s more affordable statement pieces are a solid choice; Thora and Jeanette have always led the way in contemporary fashion.
Where do you shop for accessories?
There are so many shoes and accessories brands doing it well right now, but special mention has to go to Neous, ATP Atelier, Savette, Misho, Studio Amelia and Gia Borghini. I rate Heaven Mayhem for affordable statement jewellery, as well as Anna Vitiello’s pre-loved vintage platform Cassetto. I spend hours scouring eBay too.
If you could steal anyone’s wardrobe, who would be it?
Tracee Ellis Ross springs to mind – she is a woman not afraid to go BIG. I also just watched Celine Dion’s documentary and couldn’t get over her warehouse full of fashion – I’d happily settle for the pieces she bought in her Law Roach era alone. Diane von Furstenberg is an eternal style icon, and I’ll never not be inspired by the original supermodels, particularly Linda Evangelista in the 80s and 90s.
What one piece in your wardrobe would you save in a fire?
Vintage-wise, the best thing I’ve ever found was a 1960s Paco Rabanne gold dress. Give it a search on Pinterest – so many amazing icons of the era wore it, and it’s my go-to when I need to make an impact. At the other end of the spectrum, I have a Topshop Boutique (RIP) leather trench which I bring out whenever I can – few high-street brands can rival the quality that label offered in its heyday.
Can you share some of your favourite boutiques and independent brands around the world?
Schostal Originals in Rome is a little secret everyone should know about. It’s been there since 1870, survived two world wars, and they make cotton pyjamas that have been worn by everyone from Naomi Campbell to Harry Styles. Closer to home, Pandora in Knightsbridge has one of the best collections of vintage pieces in the country and KOIBIRD on Marylebone Lane has the coolest edit of fun accessories, wacky homeware and colourful holiday pieces.
Do you shop on the high street?
Of course! I’m a big fan of high street/designer collabs – Victoria Beckham x Mango was a recent favourite. Zara does the best evening bags – and recently I found some extra sequin trousers from Nadine Merabi. I wear them with an oversized white tee with shoulder pads.
What do you recommend investing in?
Despite my love of maximalist designers, I think it’s really worth investing in some of the heritage brands that have a legacy of beautiful craftmanship. Names like Max Mara, Ferragamo, Tod's, Pucci and Etro – they’re not necessarily the hype brands right now, but the quality makes them worth the money.
Are there any trends you’re loving right now?
Like everyone, I’m really into this summer’s mesh flats trend, as well as the sheer vibe – I’m taking cues from Prada and teaming big knickers with an organza skirt. The midi look is so elegant, I’ve been wearing it a lot this season.
And what about any high-street finds you have your eye on?
The puffball skirt is back thanks to this fun little dress from Reformation. It reminds me of the dresses I wore as a teenager but linen makes it feel more grown up.
You haven’t mentioned sunglasses…
That’s because they need a whole moment! There are so many affordable brands doing great sunglasses these days – Karen Wazen and Shevoke are favourites. I’ve also just ordered this Zara pair – the shape is a nod to the trending Celine style, but the pearls make them a bit more fun.
Let’s talk beauty. Can you share three essentials you always have in your bag?
My current rotation includes the Gucci lipstick in Eliza Ginger – the packaging is so pretty. I use the CTZN Cosmetics lip liner in Chaar, and for on-the-go touch ups I really rate the Fenty Contour Match Stix. If I could have one more it would be the Embryolisse moisturiser – my top French pharmacy find.
Walk us through your morning and night-time routines?
My morning routine always includes the Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Serum, La Roche-Posay’s SPF and the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm. At night, I swear by the Medik8 retinol, love the Barbara Sturm enzyme cleanser – it has little beads that dissolve – and the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair is a game changer.
What is your fragrance ride-or-die?
A current favourite is Margiela Replica Jazz Club – it’s both sexy and feminine. But my forever fragrance will be Gris Dior.
What are your save and splurge beauty essentials?
If I’m feeling indulgent, it’s the La Mer purifying mask. For affordable skincare, I love The Ordinary – the niacinamide serum works so well.
Is there an under-the-radar brand you rate?
I'm loving Bibbi right now – a line of fragrances from those behind the cult scents at Vilhelm and Byredo. For haircare, somehow I’ve only just discovered Fable & Mane which is rooted in Indian history. Its HoliRoots Hair Oil really nourishes the scalp. Also, niche, but I will only use La Bonne Brosse brushes, they’re so effective. I also love the little Davines mask sachets.
And what about the treatments you swear by?
Hadda Akrim is a wizard with her hands – her facials sculpt like nothing else. I swear by Nes Hassan for brows, and I’ve been really impressed by Linnaean, a beautiful new space that does everything from blow dries to injectables.
Where is your summer holiday bucket list destination?
Bodrum is top of my list – The MAINE has just opened there. If the launch weekend is anything to go by... There’s also a Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental, Edition and an Aman – it’s like a hotel holy grail.
Which restaurant are you loving right now?
The Park has just opened on Queensway – an area which is seeing huge regeneration right now – and is the latest outpost from Jeremy King, originally of Le Caprice, now Arlington, fame. The interiors are elegant and it’s a crowd-pleasing all-day dining menu.
Can you name the best dish you’ve tried recently?
The seabass ceviche at Gaia is ridiculous. It’s presented so beautifully, with three different kinds of olive oil – you have to pour the oil, dip the fish in salt and eat. There are no words.
Favourite TV show ever?
There are too many to choose from, but Halston on Netflix starring Ewan McGregor was so captivating – from the fashion to the interiors, I felt so inspired throughout.
And finally, can you recommend a UK hotel?
I’m loving Scotland right now. Gleneagles Townhouse is the chicest stay in Edinburgh, and the Fife Arms is worth going for the art alone – actually, anywhere that Hauser & Wirth puts its name to is worthy of a trip.
Follow @ReemBot_ on Instagram.
Inspiration credits: @AnnaRVitiello | @LeonieHanne
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.