Riyadh-born Tamtam began her professional music career in Los Angeles, establishing a solid artistic base in the electric city. The singer-songwriter’s most recent projects delve into her Arab and Western identities, embodying her bilingual pop music ethos.
What is your LA soundtrack?
It would be a roller-coaster of emotions, paired with the perfect car-ride playlist. Tracks would include “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey and “Saved” by Khalid.
Your favourite shopping destination?
I love shopping outdoors in LA, since the weather is basically perfect every day. My go-to spots are Westfield Century City, and walking all of Melrose, from Beverly Hills down to West Hollywood.
What’s your take on a hidden gem in the city?
I love walking from Abbot Kinney to the beach in Venice and watching the skateboarders. Their style, their dedication, their sense of freedom – it’s inspiring. Rent a bike or rollerblades and cruise the boardwalk, or bring your skateboard if you have one and skate it yourself. I also love the Deus Ex Machina coffee shop in Venice – especially if you’re into motorcycles. The Last Bookstore downtown is a must, and Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard is a cute and chilled-out local bookstore.
California-based labels you enjoy wearing?
I love Amiri, James Perse and Cherry. They’re all different, but very LA in their own ways.
Your most unforgettable LA moment?
One random weekday, I drove down Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. I grabbed a lobster sandwich from Broad Street Oyster Co, then ended up at Point Dume and saw dolphins playing in the ocean. It felt like a little love note from God!
Your favourite restaurant in LA and its best dish?
I can’t choose just one! Madeo’s bottarga pasta, the griddle cakes at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure and the raw tuna rice bowl at Croft Alley – their chocolate salted cookies are unreal.
What’s a must-visit non-touristic spot in LA?
All of Topanga Canyon – just go and explore. It’s magical if you keep your eyes open to it. Also, Highland Park – it’s a completely different energy, but equally special.
A souvenir from the City of Angels?
I can’t think of a souvenir I can physically hold – but LA gave me, and keeps giving me, a feeling I carry everywhere. It’s always in my heart. Hamdillah.
Abdullatef Alrashoudi grew up in North Riyadh and studied at Le Cordon Bleu before opening his own bakery and coffee shop in the Paris’s Marais district. Called LÂM, the bakehouse combines the savoir-faire of a French patisserie with an atypical Saudi twist.
What is your favourite Parisian patisserie?
The Paris-Brest – a ring of choux pastry filled with praliné mousseline cream and topped with toasted almonds and
powdered sugar.
A Parisian label or boutique you enjoy shopping at?
Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. , a beautifully curated vintage boutique full of hidden gems. The selection is ever-evolving, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability. I always find the best pieces there!
A hidden gem that you think more people should visit?
La Galerie Vivienne. Tucked away near Palais Royal, it’s one of Paris’s most magical covered passages, lined with beautiful mosaic floors. It’s full of little bookstores, vintage shops, and old-world cafés – a perfect place to wander and experience a quieter, more romantic side of Paris.
Your go-to spot in the city to sit back and relax?
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is where I go for picnics and long walks when I’m craving a bit of nature. It’s stunning and very lush.
Your favourite restaurant in Paris and its best dish?
Terra Pizza. They serve some of the best pizzas in the city, with a perfect balance of crispy crust and fresh, flavourful toppings.
A must-visit non-touristic spot in Paris?
Jardin Tino Rossi, a serene park along the Seine in the 5th arrondissement. In the warmer months, the space transforms into a vibrant dance venue, with locals gathering for salsa and tango.
A regular at Milan Fashion Week, MBC 1 Arabic television host and multi-entrepreneur Nada Baeshen has risen as an epitome of women’s empowerment in the region, striking an impressive balance between her career and family life.
Your favourite hotel in Milan?
Hotel Principe di Savoia. It’s timeless, luxurious and effortlessly elegant. The interiors feel like a perfect blend between classic Italian glamour and contemporary comfort, and the city’s fashion energy practically walks in with you.
What handbag and shoes will you be wearing while out and about?
A Gucci Jackie 1961 bag – it’s iconic, structured and versatile, just like the Milanese women. For shoes, a pair of Lucila Iotti strappy heels or sleek loafers, depending on the mood.
The best date-night spot in Milan?
Langosteria Cucina: it has a chic ambience, impeccable seafood and a crowd that looks like they just walked off a runway. It’s romantic without trying too hard.
A first-choice shopping destination in Milan?
10 Corso Como. It’s a blend of fashion, art, design and culture. You walk in for a pair of shoes and leave feeling like you’ve been somewhere between a concept gallery and a dream wardrobe.
Your go-to fashion style when exploring the city?
Tailored high-waisted trousers, a silky blouse tucked in just right, oversized sunglasses and comfortable-but-stylish flats. You dress for comfort, but never at the expense of style.
A token of remembrance you have from Milan?
A tiny vintage silver mirror I found at a flea market in Brera. It fits in my bag and every time I pull it out, it reminds me to look at myself with softness and style. Milan has that effect on you – it teaches you how to see yourself beautifully.
