Satellite Voices

Dubai

Introducing: Chloe Allan

November 23, 2011

We meet the style blogger behind That Girl That Lives In The Desert

• Text by Simone Sebastian

In our ongoing series of interviews with the Dubai-based fashion bloggers, we’ve come across all kinds of voices. From a blogger cum fashion designer to a party photographer, and a pair of stylish twins. Next up we have a 22-year-old fashion junkie who celebrates her city by shooting all her personal style posts out in the desert. Armed with skin-baring looks and her trusty Litas, Chloe Allan is That Girl That Lives In The Desert.

Satellite Voices: Describe your personal style. 
Chloe Allan: I wouldn't say I have a specific style, if you're a lover of fashion you try everything and play games with it all but I would say I am am definitely inspired by a bohemian rock and roll vibe, a kind of polished rust. I like to feel and look glamorous but also add that effortless touch... bed head, eyeliner and a leather jacket. A glam edge.

SV: How long have you lived in Dubai and what brought you to the city? 
Chloe Allan: I have been in Dubai now nearly eight years. I moved here with all of my family. It was always our special holiday place growing up so one day we decided to take on a new adventure, be brave, pack up everything in England and move to the desert and it definitely was not a mistake!

SV: What, in your opinion, is the style sensibility of the city? 
Chloe Allan: Dubai can sometimes just be all about the latest designer bag or shoe and anything that costs the most but to me I think style is more about personality and individuality, people who can wear something from JBR market and make it work and make it a statement piece. I think when you live in a city so full of every type of culture, nationality, personality etc you kind of accept who people are and I think that is what is starting to happen in fashion in the city.

SV: Are you inspired by any other fashion bloggers (local or international)? 
Chloe Allan: As photogrpahy is one of my biggest passions I get inspired by lots of high editorial magazines and I follow a handful of international blogs like Rumi Neely for Fashiontoast and Wildfox.com and Oracle Fox but I try to do my own thing and hopefully bring something new for the UAE blogging world.

SV: Do you have any favourite spots for people and style watching?
Chloe Allan: Unfortunately we don't have strong street style here... YET! But we do have amazing events/parties/nightlife etc and that is when the real style standouts come out to play.

SV: Who are some of your favourite local and regional designers?
Chloe Allan: I recently saw Amato (Furne One) at Dubai Fashion Week and absolutely fell in love. It was amazing to see real raw talent and creativity like that - it reminded me of why I fell in love with fashion in the first place.