Exclusive Interview With Dubai Based Fashion Blogger - Sabaatage | ewmoda
 

Exclusive Interview With Dubai Based Fashion And Beauty Blogger - Sabaatage By Saba

A look at the model/blogger's take on all things fashion and beauty!

Posted on

15 January 2017

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Exclusive Interview With Dubai Based Fashion Blogger

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba

Sabataage is a fashion and beauty blog launched by accomplished Dubai-based model Saba (AKA Sabaatage) who has been featured in campaigns for Etihad Airways, Colgate, Damas and Make Up For Ever to name a few. We caught up with the stunning model/blogger to find out her take on all things beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Tell us a little bit about your modelling and blogging journey in Dubai… how did it all begin?

Well, it all started with one shy audition for an Etihad Airways TV commercial, in 2008. I was selected for that commercial and, soon after that, the agency offered me to work with them. My very next shoot was for Colgate. I then started receiving modelling offers and had the pleasure to work with prestigious brands like Damas and Makeup Forever in that very first year!

What inspired you to start your blog? How do you make sure you stand out in a sea of bloggers that have emerged in Dubai recently?

For the past few years, I worked closely with many talented Emirati designers, modelling their beautiful collections. I loved their work but always wanted to style their pieces my own way. The fun I have styling out my own looks is priceless! So, this blog was born to showcase their beautiful designs and my styling skills.

To stand out, I keep my audience very specific. I don’t usually speak to everyone. I know my audience very well: I work with them; I also laugh with them. They are my clients but they are also my dear friends. I relate to them as much as they relate to me.

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba

We are huge fans of your Instagram page. Do you have any tips or tricks for achieving an aesthetically awesome Instagram page? Any social media tips?

Thank you. I am flattered! Well, I am a proud graduate of the American University of Dubai (AUD), where I studied Creative Advertising. This helped me immensely when planning and directing a consistent visual style across my social media.

For tips - having a unifying theme is always a good idea; keep consistency in your images and your words. If you edit your photos using filters, for example, make sure you always use the same filter.
Most importantly, PLEASE do NOT try to copy someone else’s style. It will show. You can get inspired but then put your own spin on it.

What was your biggest fashion faux pas?

Short and tight bodycon dresses are my personal faux pas: I learned that I look my best when I wear what I am comfortable in.

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba

If you could swap wardrobes with anyone in the world living today, who would it be and why?

Victoria Beckham - she keeps evolving her style but always manages to maintain a classy and timeless look at the same time. For me, she is the ultimate queen of style.

Do you have fashion rules that you follow when you put an outfit together? /What makes you decide that an outfit ‘works’?

I only have one rule and it is very strict.
Yes, my STRICT rule is to not follow any rules!! I love to experiment. I only know if an outfit works after I try it. Although I see it in my head, I never decide on it until I try all options available and experiment. I also make sure I have my hair and makeup done when trying outfits so that I know how exactly it looks.

Just think of it this way: style is about what works for an individual. It is personal. Don’t just follow trends blindly. Classics became classics because they work. Don’t dismiss that. Wear what makes you confident, what brings out the best version of you.

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba

What are your skincare must-haves/How do you have such flawless skin?

As much as I love wearing makeup every day, I also love taking my makeup off and cleansing my skin. I start with Neutrogena's Deep Clean Facial Cleanser and then I use cotton pads with my Bioderma's Sensibio H2O to remove any product residue on my skin. Then I apply vitamin E oil to my skin, my lashes and my eyebrows. After that, I apply Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Balance on my face and Intensive Eye Repair under my eyes. Finally, I put Vaseline lip therapy to my lips and, there, I’m done! Also, 3 times a week, I add 1 step before applying Vitamin E oil: I exfoliate with Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Exfoliating Wash.

What’s the biggest tip you have for anyone wanting to start a fashion/beauty blog?

I would say make sure you have a very specific target audience. Make sure you know them well and make sure you have something relevant to offer them. Never try to make everyone happy or have something to say to everyone. Pleasing everyone is impossible.

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba

Quick 10 with Sabaatage

1. 3 beauty products you cannot live without: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent, Mac lipstick in Honey Love.

2. Your favourite workout in Dubai: I work out at home, but if I want to workout outside, then it has to be doing Kung Fu with my personal trainer Sami Iskandar.

3. Your favourite local fashion brand: There are many local brands that I love; I simply can’t choose one.

4. If you had to wear one brand for the rest of your life, it would be: Lanvin

5. If you had to use one beauty brand for the rest of your life, it would be: Estee Lauder

6. One thing people don’t know about you: I’m no way near as serious as I look in my pictures.

7. One fashion/beauty trend you wish would go away: Invisible bra straps (Don’t do it!)

8. One fashion/beauty trend you can’t get enough of: Fashion: anything black, Beauty: nude lips and nude nails.

9. One thing you wouldn’t be caught dead in: Tattoos, print on print and pashminas!

10. One word to describe your personal style: It is a fusion of classy and funky. Funklassy. I should copyright that.

image credit: Sabaatage by Saba