We Meet An Instagram Star With Over 4 Million Followers
There are influencers and then there are influencers. Rawan Bin Hussain is the latter and while she might not (yet) be a household name here in the UK, she is big news in UAE, where she’s amassed a whopping 4 million and counting Instagram followers.
Rawan has been sharing her life on those little squares, creating content on fashion, beauty – there isn’t much this women doesn’t know about skincare and she rocks a great red lip – travel and homelife But she’s no vacuous influencer, she has brains and business savvy by the bucketload too. Brought up in Kuwait, Rawan is now based in Dubai with her husband and new baby girl Luna, but she knows London like it is home, having studied law at King’s College and the University of Westminster.
We chatted with Rawan to find out her secrets of the city, where she loves to eat out and gained some travel tips from a bonafide Instagram star…
You’ve just had a baby… congratulations! Tell us about becoming a mum for the first time?
Thank you, it’s an amazing, full-of-emotions experience but without a doubt worth the nine months wait.
You’re based in Dubai but spend a lot of time here in London. Describe your perfect day in the city?
I’m not really a breakfast person so I’d skip that and go straight for coffee in Belgravia, followed by the afternoon spent in Hyde Park. For a relaxed lunch or dinner I would keep it local with one of my favourites, Barrafina.
Where would you book for a special treat?
My favourite Italian in Chelsea, Scalini. Or Signor Sassi in Knightsbridge – they’ve both been around for years and have that really family, traditional vibe.
Where is best for a romantic date-night?
And what about brunch?
It would have to be the Japanese restaurant, Sumosan Twiga. There is one in Dubai too and they do the best sushi. If I’m going out in the evening with the girls, we’ll go to Sketch or STK.
Where would you book for a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday?
Mnky HSE is always really fun with DJs playing music and the South American-inspired food is divine.
Where is London’s coolest bar?
Mr Fogg’s – the interiors are quintessentially British and quirky.
Restaurants are struggling right now but what was the last place that really impressed you?
Charlie’s in Mayfair at the iconic Brown’s Hotel. The chef has a Michelin star and I don’t imagine it will be long before this place gets one too. I’m also desperate to try Amazonico – everyone’s talking about it.
What’s your favourite London hotel?
It has to be Claridge’s, there’s just a certain magic about Claridge’s isn’t there?
Where do you rate when it comes to spas?
The Sense Spa at the Rosewood hotel is divine.
The dish I order time and time again is either the salmon cheese roll at Novikov or the duck and pancakes, known as the Duck de Chine at Park Chinois. If you know, you know.
Where do you love to take the family?
It’s a bit of a treat but the afternoon tea at The Berkeley is amazing. The Prêt-à-Portea is a must for anyone who loves fashion, or indeed sweet treats!
Where is good to visit in London for the interiors alone?
The Lanesborough, The Ned and Rosewood.
Both Dubai and London are two of the best places to shop in the world. Where do you like to visit when you’re here?
I absolutely adore Joseph for womenswear and the fact that I can nip to Charbonnel et Walker for some truffles afterwards. For homeware, I love a mix of modern and vintage so I browse the local Notting Hill boutiques, Portobello Market and buy investment pieces from OKA and The Conran Shop.
We’re all feeling the impact of the global pandemic that’s happening but where is on your list for when you can travel again?
I would love to go to Sicily or back to my absolute favourite hotel in the world, The Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum Turkey. The views are unbelievable.
Let’s talk home, where are you favourite places in Dubai…
Favourite place to eat out?
Roberto’s & Cipriani.
Best for family friendly?
Atlantis and City Walk
Best brunch?
Nammos and Iris.
Chicest hotel?
Must-visit?
The fancy cinema at the Mall of Emirates has a great dining experience.