After weeks and months of careful planning, intercontinental emails, sky high stress levels and endless drama the weekend of the Haute Muse & Matches Fashion finally arrived. On Friday morning Iman and I were up at the crack of dawn and after a minor altercation with an extremely cranky Emirates chauffer and a misguided Starbucks stop, arrived at Heathrow Airport a mere 45 minutes behind schedule. Luckily we had just enough time to fit in a quick snoop around Chanel before locating our designers and commencing the first leg of what would be a very long and exhausting journey. One word of advice, avoid Dubai airport at ALL COSTS! It is huge and very, very confusing. Being the only one of our group travelling in economy I found myself wandering around the airport alone between flights, getting extremely lost in search of the smoking area and accidentally purchasing a £10 tuna sandwhich. But all thoughts of overpriced sarnies where instantly forgotten the second we arrived at our hotel. Sharq Village and Spa is renowned for being the ultimate in not-so-low-key luxury. Think multiple infinity pools, beachfront bars and 5 star cuisine from every corner of the world, not to mention THE most comfortable beds I have ever slept in.

Sharq Village & Spa Lobby

Sharq Village & Spa, pool numero uno

Sharq Village & Spa, beachfront infinity pool

Our first day in Doha was certainly a busy one. With photoshoots for Haute Muse Magazine AND Harpers Bazaar Arabia, inconveniently located at opposite ends of town, there was no time to make use of our hotels legendary Spa facilities.

behind-the-scenes action

Dress: Topshop Bag: Anya Hindmarch Shoes: Pretty Ballerina Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Iman Wore… Top & Trousers: Topshop Bag: Hermes Sandals: Stella McCartney Sunglasses: Gucci

Holly Fulton & Me

Iman, Me & Mary Katrantzou

Our meticulously planned itinerary went out the window straight after breakfast and come 6pm Iman and I had to make a high speed dash back to the hotel to get dolled up in our fresh-off-the-catwalk finest. Then it was time to head over the La Cigal Hotel’s “Le Crillon” ballroom where our lovely designers would be presenting their collections to the Middle Eastern royalty and their VIP guests. As soon as the clock struck 7pm, our magnificent surroundings were flooded with Burkhas and Birkins and the Haute Muse & Matches Fashion Event commenced.

Holly, Roksanda & Mary relaxing before the big night!

Once I recover from my long haul night flight back to London, there will be full details on the event itself! But for now, I hope you enjoyed these holiday-esque snaps.

Love Ella. X